So, here we have another story from AO3. I originally had this over there as a series of unrelated oneshots, which it is. Our lovely FF doesn't have the feature, so we're stuck with the chapter format but what's very important is: you totally don't have to read this in order if you choose. Actually, skip around and read whatever catches your attention! I subconsciously posted these based on a "chronological" timeline of the relationship stages especially in the earliest but I promise chronology isn't important here. I should also mention I'm rating the story T to accommodate for the stories being either general or teen audience depending. If some of these don't feel like they fit a T, that's why.
As to why I'm posting these here: my favorite thing now is this random piece of advice online by a total stranger saying "write what you want to see". It might not be popular, hell, you might be the only one who cares but maybe someone in the future will be grateful they aren't alone liking the thing.
Sometimes, I feel like the only person who ever looked at Graham and Valanice's relationship in classic King's Quest and thought it needed more substance. But I must not have been since the reboot devoted a whole chapter to that which I shamelessly consider the highlight of the game. I just love how it was portrayed regardless of Vee or Neese as Valanice. But I think I prefer Vee only slightly more because she and Graham's personalities don't come off as too similar at first, I think she would help him calm while he could encourage her to let her hair down. I think that's personal shipping preference talking.
Anyhow, I say all of this because I already have this feeling this is going to be a failure. Like, in general I've written quite a bit for King's Quest so far on both sites but I feel like I'm just doing something wrong and I have no way to know what that is. Sometimes I just don't want to feel like the weirdo who's writing for crap no one else cares about, you know? I don't think that's an isolated experience.
So, without any indication one way or the other if these stories are any good... Here you go. I feel like these were flops since almost no one seems interested but if you find something of value I appreciate it.
Always And Forever
Story 1: Slip Of The Tongue
(A King's Quest fanfiction typed entirely by The Chosen Storyteller)
Graham didn't intend for Wente and Bramble to meet Vee so early in the tour. He planned it out not really obsessively last night until three in the morning: the bakery was last due to those two meaning well but having skills to make people feel welcome and want to engage in friendly banter. Unfair advantage, but what can you do.
He hastily guided an amused Vee in the opposite direction but was halted at Bramble's cooing followed by eagerly alerting Wente they were making rounds. And within seconds, the plan crashed down. Graham had no choice but to follow behind Vee, hanging his head hoping this wouldn't be horrible.
But you know what? It wasn't horrible. Awkwardness on Graham's part managed to be patched up by Vee's composure as this wasn't the first time an older married couple he knew judging her quality. Which was a record she might have been the first to acquire. She was barely holding back chuckles from letting Wente hopelessly believe his wordplay could overpower hers, glowing and being at ease with the new faces and surroundings. Graham didn't doubt little hearts formed in his eyes, floating around while he was a willing victim to a lovesick trance.
And then it went wrong.
Eventually, Wente brought out some samples and he and Bramble awaited their potential future queen's taste test. If Vee was bothered by their hovering and gawking, she didn't give a sign. Graham feared missing the seat trying to join her at the table, but avoided that possible embarrassment-
Vee finished dabbing a hand towel to the slight trail of crumbs on her lips. She seemed to be slightly self-conscious about that, even tracing her lips with the tip of her tongue and he didn't know how his own hadn't knotted and landed in his throat like a rock watching.
"I know they're basic flavors, but I can't decide if I prefer vanilla or chocolate more." Vee admitted, now looking between everyone. "When I first sat down, I thought picking a favorite would be easy."
"Don't worry about choosing so soon Your Highness." Bramble told her with a motherly tone and tender eyes. "I suspect Graham will want to show you off as much as possible, so there will be more chances to return and make up your mind."
"You can even give us a list of your go-to choices; we'll whip up something more familiar next time!" Wente added, a fire in his eyes presumably imagining her tastes were refined and a thrilling challenge to attempt.
Collectively, all three formed a friendly and warm and fuzzy atmosphere the bakery was known for already... Just intensified. But Vee soon broke from it, trying to be dignified sliding her chair closer to Graham and holding back a cringe at the sound of it screeching all the way.
"You're more familiar with the menu, Graham." Vee said, folding her hands and resting her chin on them. She looked way too invested, so close. "Do you have a favorite?"
Novice question. The answer was automatic and ready to fire at any given moment. Even though his elbow he rested on the table slid like butter as he subconsciously moved a little closer, lost in her eyes.
"I love you."
You could hear the sugar crumbling inside bags all the way back in storage from the agonizing silence.
Everything was ruined.
How could he even face Vee for her to formally break up with him?
Could he live without his tongue? Think about it: what use was it when it only brought despair?
But then he'd never be able to taste again.
He had to think about it.
Graham slowly rose from the chair, slamming his palms on the table in the process. His shoulders heaved, he staggered when he was on his feet causing everyone to make small gasps like he'd collapse. And he did want to fall, actually. Strike his head on the table, never wake up again to face the consequences. But he could fix this, right? He turned to Vee swiftly and took her hand as she stared up at him in confusion. He had nothing left to lose, so-
"I won't take back what I said, here you go again: I love you, Vee. We've known that since we left the tower, so why should I be embarrassed to say it out loud? Timing? Who cares about timing? I don't. You should be able to tell someone how you feel anytime, right? Of course, that's healthy. So, I'm glad I said it, I'm glad I had this conversation with myself. Do you still want anything to do with me? I wish I get away from myself almost every day."
Wente and Bramble read the room once his rambling activated, claiming the currently unlit fire was getting away from them before rushing to tag team the oven.
Vee's eyes couldn't have been larger. Her eyebrows practically disappeared under her hair. The hand currently trapped in his clammier one had long gone limp. But she was so merciful to sit there until he finished, even if she probably willed death by embarrassment to take her out of this world.
Graham untwisted their fingers, unable to look at her eyes anymore. One of them had to flee, and his feet were prepped and fired up. He turned, felt a sharp tug on this shoulder and he made it even worse tripping with a yelp. Fortunately, he landed into Vee's arms in an indescribable position that would surely break his back while his yelp faded as their lips got around to connecting.
It ended just as quickly, leaving Graham dazed and desperately digging his toes into the floor with only a palm on the table to keep him from falling onto Vee. Just when he'd shut his eyes, instantly taken away to his dreamlike hidden world he was disconnected.
"It was just an accidental slip of the tongue, we're okay." Vee told him.
"Just an accident." Graham repeated, wanting the lesson to sink in.
He was pulled closer by Vee slid her hand down his arm, patting it comfortingly. She seemed to be turning as red as he must have been, contributing to her turning away and sitting as fake normal as possible at the table.
It sounded like Vee murmured something about love as well when he sat back down, but he couldn't trust his ears for his heartbeat drumming too loud at the moment.
