Blaise didn't quite know how any of this had happened, if he was being really honest.
He was the cool, some might even use the word suave, guy that everyone wanted to be like, or everyone wanted to be with. He knew what he had and he wasn't afraid to flaunt it to the best of his abilities to get what he wanted.
He had never been punished for wanting more after all.
School had been a steep learning curve (not just academically) but nothing he hadn't been able to rise to the challenge of and he had finished that journey with perfect scores all around.
Except there was just one small hitch in his perfect plans, her.
Out of everyone he could possibly fall for, it had to be her. People threw themselves at him left, right and centre as they all wanted a piece of him. A chance to tear at him and get just a piece of what made him whole. But it had never been the only person he'd truly ever just wanted to hold, even if for just a moment.
He had always seen her frolicking around, to and fro, about the hallways with no shoes but instead wore brightly coloured socks that stood out against the dark stone floors. Her hair, so blonde it practically glowed in the darkness of the castle, always drew his eye towards her. She took no notice of his eyes on her and danced around as if she didn't know the beauty she expressed with every pirouette.
But she had never once taken any notice of him, why would she? She was carefree, wild and didn't have any need for him.
Luna was as close to perfection as the mortal form could achieve and he could only imagine being a part of her life.
So he admired from afar, always seemingly struck dumb whenever she was around; he was never able to get his foot out of his mouth and simply talk to her.
Except one day it all seemingly came to a head when she not only managed to fall into his arms after she tripped on a loose cobblestone, but she smiled in such a sweet way and invited him to walk the forest with her as thanks.
He was smitten that she had asked and he liked to hope that she felt the same way about him if the quick kisses and hidden blushes were anything to say about it.
But that all led up to now, where they were now on holiday together in Burano, his home town.
Blaise felt truly at peace in the village, as all around him the familiarity of the brightly coloured houses felt comforting and Luna, obviously, loved how every house shouted out their individuality to the world.
Luna had been awestruck by everything and he wanted to make it even more perfect for her. Blaise had wanted to show her more than just the bright exterior and show her his home.
They had lunch at a tiny out-of-the-way restaurant; Blaise had known the owners, who were part of some of his earliest, warmest childhood memories. They had greeted him at the door like an old family member returning home and were instantly besotted with Luna (much to his happiness).
There they feasted on stracciatella soup, homemade, made-to-order just for them, with a rich meat soup and silky egg strands that soaked up the flavours around it; the dish was not at all rubbery as so many imitations away from home were.
He'd watched with a warm heart as Luna spoke to everyone they crossed paths with as if she were greeting old friends. Her heart was so big and free, unburdened still, and he was so glad every time he remembered that she had chosen him to share her unconditional joy with.
He took her to breathe in the fresh air as they watched the comings and goings of the Venetian Lagoon, he'd bought her gelato on-demand to feast upon as they watched the day go by.
As more time ticked on he watched her, her hair marked her out as an angel amongst the locals and he was in awe of her every step.
He still felt tongue tied and starstruck, even now, although they'd been together close to three years, but he imagined that he wasn't the type who would take grace for granted and she was everything he would cling on to forever if she let him.
The afternoon rush was mainly over by the time she had finished her gelato and Blaise knew exactly where he wanted to take her. He knew she'd appreciate the care and artistry needed to create lace here and he wanted to see her witness that beauty.
They travelled hand in hand to one of the more hidden locations that were run by old family friends. He nodded his hellos to everyone as they stood out of the way and watched in muted reverence as they hand crafted the intricate patterns that were passed down generation to generation.
He watched as Luna took everything in with wide eyes and her lips parted slightly in amazement as she watched the rich culture he'd grown up around in action.
He didn't know how long the both stood there, hand in hand, until one of the ladies tied the last thread and stood with shaky knees before gesturing them over. They respectfully remained silent but neither of them had expected for her to hand over a delicately folded piece of lace to Luna.
He watched as Luna unfolded it gently with all the care in the world, as if any harsh movements might make the delicate lace unravel into thousands of pieces.
It was a veil; a handcrafted Burano lace veil.
Blaise blinked as he took in what he was seeing as Luna's face stared at the piece, captivated by it.
As if of its own accord his hand reached into his pocket and withdrew the ring he had been avoiding thinking of all day no matter how much it screamed in his subconscious.
Luna turned and Blaise dropped to one knee.
He held the ring out, his eyes wide and hopeful.
He smiled as she carefully put the lace aside before rushing into him and grabbing ahold of his face to kiss him.
She was an angel among the mortals and she had graced him with her time forevermore.