Disclaimer: I do not own Albert the Fifth Musketeer, or the characters. I also do not own the female in this fic as she is actually based off a real person.
Notes: Here is a new birthday fic for my friend bluefirevixon. I am so sorry that this is much later than expected! Writer's block can be very cruel at times...
This fic has been written with a change; I decided to try writing Albert's point of view this time around. Also, we don't know a lot about his family or his past in general, so what's written is headcanon with some assistance from the birthday girl.
This fic contains the romantic pairing of Albert x my friend, who for safety reasons will not have her name revealed in the story. Instead, Albert will address/refer to her as My Lady, Mon Amour (My Love) or Mon Cherie (My Dear). You have been informed.
The time has arrived; it is Mon Amour's birthday. I have made my best batch of spaghetti bolognese, one that only she will have the pleasure of tasting. I have squeezed enough juice to ensure it won't run out before the evening is through. The weather is pleasant enough, though I have also packed a blanket she can wrap around herself should the evening air become chilly. I have practised the song I plan to play for her so many times there is very little chance of any errors. Thankfully, I hadn't forgotten everything I had been taught.
Everything has been packed with care, and I've even come up with devices that can keep the food hot and the juice cold. I mount my mule and ride off to the Louvre, where I shall meet with her before we ride to the ideal location for us to have our twilight picnic. As I ride, I continue running through my mind the words I plan to say. Please allow me to say them clearly once the time arrives...
As we tend to, we ride in contented silence to the location I'd found to be appropriate for our picnic. Words weren't always required; just being in each other's presence can be more than enough.
Upon arrival, I dismount my mule and stroke his neck to thank him for carrying me here. I then step over to Mon Amour and offer assistance as she dismounts her horse. Once her feet are on the ground, I remove my hat while bowing before kissing the back of her hand. "Joyeaux anniversaire, Mon Amour. For this evening, I have prepared a picnic for us to share." I raise my eyes and notice the tender smile gracing her lips. My heart is soaring at the sight, but I cannot allow myself to be distracted. I quickly tend to laying out the picnic blanket and set the basket in the middle. I return to her side. "May I escort you to your picnic, My Lady?" She places her hand on mine and my thumb embraces her hand as we walk side-by-side in perfect step to the blanket. I do not remove my hand from hers until she is seated on the blanket, her legs tucked close to her body in a very lady-like manner. Before I have the chance to release her hand and move to my side of the blanket, I feel her free hand stroking my cheek tenderly. I smile gently as I lean forward, tilting my head slightly to the side so there is less chance of our noses bumping into each other as our lips meet. We share the tender kiss for a few seconds before it ends, and we gaze into each other's eyes. Her cheeks are tinged with pink; judging by the widening of her smile, mine have also coloured. "My Lady..." With reluctance, I release her hand as she lowers her other from my cheek. I step around the blanket until I am opposite her and sit down. "Would My Lady like some juice?" She responds with a nod as her melodic voice states an affirmative response. I shift closer to the basket and open it, reaching in and pulling out a container as well as two metal cups. The container feels like it is at moderate temperature, but due to the materials it is made of, the contents will be as cold as would be preferred. Thank goodness there was enough of a chill during the night over the previous days for me to be able to keep it cool enough.
I open the container and pour some of the contents into one of the cups. "I hope this is to your liking." I hand the cup to Mon Amour and watch as she accepts it, but does not have a sip. I pour some into the second cup. "My Lady, a toast to you. May this next year bring you just as many joys as I wish for your entire future." We bring the cups together once before taking a sip. I hear her let out a sound of satisfaction and feel pleased to know the juice is to her liking.
We have had two cups of juice each and it is now time to eat. I reach into the basket again and pull out two plates, two forks and a larger container. It is made of the same materials as the other, which allows the heat to stay in. I much rather serve her hot spaghetti bolognese; it tastes a lot better that way. I open the container and find myself smiling for two reasons. The first is that the steam wafting from the food shows it is just as hot as if I had just finished cooking it. The most important reason for my smile is seeing the subtle ecstacy on Mon Amour'sface upon the sight of the food I'd prepared. I will admit that I was surprised when she told me that spaghetti bolognese had become her favourite meal after tasting some I had brewed up mostly for ammunition. Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise.
As the thought came to mind, I had dished some onto the first plate and added a fork before handing it to her. I have finished dishing up my serving, and we're both eating; again sharing content silence. After we've finished eating, it will be time for the surprises.
I can't help but chuckle at the look on My Lady's face as I bring out my flute. Her eyes are wide and she has covered her open mouth with her hands. "Outside of my family, you are the first to hear this. Not even the other Musketeers know of this." I lift the flute to my lips, inhale deeply and exhale into the mouth hole. I begin playing the song I had practised for days leading to this evening. My eyes close so I can focus on the song, but I open them briefly to see Mon Amour sitting there with her eyes closed and a smile on her lips. I close my eyes again as I continue to put my feelings for her into the music I play.
I lower the flute and open my eyes as I hear gentle applause. She's still smiling, which brings a smile to my lips as I bow to her. "I am pleased you liked that." But, that is not the last surprise. I put my flute away before walking around the blanket once more so that I can once again be by her side. "My Lady, I have something I wish to ask of you, and pray that this will be what helps make this birthday one you'll forever keep as a cherished memory." I kneel before her and remove my hat before setting it on the grass beside me. I take her hand between my two and gaze into her eyes. I whisper her full name before I begin the speech I had planned. "Whenever I am with you, I am filled with such joy that words fail to express it. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and is endless like the sky. Having you in my life is a blessing, and I wish for our days together to be endless. I hold your heart just as you hold mine and it would make me the most fortunate man if we allow our hearts to intertwine. My Lady, Mon Amour...I wish to ask...would you grant me your hand in marriage? Would you grant us an eternity by each other's side? Will you be my wife? Will you marry me?" I notice conflicting emotions flitting across her face. "I have asked and been granted consent from Her Majesty and Captain de Treville to ask for your hand in marriage." The concern has left. My heart is racing as I await her response. "No matter what you say, I pledge unending love for you." I think I may be holding my breath. Am I shaking?
She opens her mouth and voices her response.
After-note: Okay, my friend. This is where I end the story, but the true conclusion is up to you. Please leave your response as a comment/review (depending on where you're reading this) if you want to.
For those who don't know, joyeaux anniversaire is how you say happy birthday in French. Please see the after-note in part one for the explanation of Mon Amour.
Right. Well, my friend. I hope you enjoyed reading this. I once again apologise for taking so long to get it done, though I guess better late than never, huh? Many happy returns!