They were as breathtaking as he remembered, but there was also something different about them. Reinhard gently opened his hand and watched the glowing light drift from his palm off into the night. Another firefly landed on the tip of his finger for a short respite. The memory of them often brought to mind sweltering hot nights in the dim light of his family's living quarters, shifting uncomfortably on the floor mat he shared with his siblings, all glistening in a light coat of perspiration as they prayed for some sort of relief from the unbearable heat. A few fireflies would always manage to get in each summer, and why they chose to spend their evenings in such a hot environment rather than outdoors always left him dumbfounded. However, their flickering lights always gave him something to focus on other than his discomfort.

The sea breeze in Rigbarth was a welcome change. He looked out at the night and took a deep breath of the fresh air, grateful for the coolness night brought. The combination of stars and fireflies left him spellbound as he stared up into the heavens.

"What a sight, indeed."

"And what might that be?" a coy voice called out to him.

Alice.

Blinking in surprise, Reinhard realized that his words could be taken out of context. The young woman emitted a nervous chuckle, rubbing her arm when he didn't reply immediately.

He felt the blood rush to his face. "Oh, my apologies! I was just observing…" His voice died off as he looked at her.

A set of emerald eyes were smiling at him as the breeze played at her ruffled hair. His focus traveled down her neck and shoulders before he tore his gaze away, chiding himself for his wandering eyes.

And it appears I'm still observing…

He turned back out toward the waves and the colorful sky. The insinuation that his manners were anything less than genteel left him reeling. Improper behavior could potentially reflect badly on the Capital, not to mention break the trust of the royal family, leaving him without employment and a means to send money home for his family to survive off of.

In a way, Alice was becoming increasingly dangerous to him. The fact that the mere thought of her often pulled his intense focus from his mission in Rigbarth left him a little scared, despite the fact that he found himself seeking her more and more often lately. And it wasn't solely because she was a reliable partner for combat.

Yes, she is dangerous.

He managed to steal another gaze at her. Her patient smile told him that they had all the time in the world for him to finish his musings. She looked out at the water, and he was grateful for the chance to steel himself.

"Well, that is to say… I was merely reflecting on the view we have of the sunset and fireflies this evening."

She stepped a little closer, joining him, relishing in the rosy hue the sky had taken on, the clouds above them bursts of plum and burgundy wine. A warm blinking glow caught her eye and she watched the fireflies drift into the night. The first stars were emerging and adorned the scene further, twinkling above them. She felt as if she were being allowed to witness a sacred miracle, watching the lights around them.

She wished that she could say that it felt familiar or nostalgic to her, or that it brought up some sort of story from her past, but it didn't. At the very least, she could say that they didn't bring up any bad memories; the sight of the fireflies' glow was surprising, but not upsetting. There were no childhood reveries of catching them in jars like Lucy had gushed about, or staring out at the night pensively like Randolph had mentioned. She tried her best to focus on making her own memories now.

"It's so magical…" Alice murmured in awe. "I understand now why people are excited to see them year after year."

There was no hint of sadness in her voice; at Reinhard's observation, she was more than content enjoying the moment.

Still turned up toward the heavens, she smiled, her eyes eagerly soaking it all in.

Her green eyes held the stars in them. They always had to some degree, at least as far as Reinhard could remember. After all, her cheeks were often ruddy from the hard work she did between patrolling and maintaining her farms, and she often had a bounce in her step as she greeted him along the cobblestone streets. Even on harder days – days where she pushed herself too hard attempting to clear the area of dangerous monsters, leaving him tending to her wounds and bruised ego, or even more difficult, the days on which she meditated on her amnesia and mourned the forgotten life she had lost, there was a glimmer of hope for the future.

It was after a particularly rough trip to the dungeon where he had dealt the finishing blow to a monster that left her staggered and open that she had presented him with a brand new sewing kit – far nicer than anything he had ever owned himself. A shiny thimble, various colors of quality thread, needles, and even a tape measure and embellished, sturdy pair of scissors in a small, elegant yet durable case. His throat had gone dry and his face pale.

"Alice, I couldn't possibly accept something so precious." His throat tightened at the thoughtful gift.

"I want you to have it," she replied softly. "You deserve to own something high quality, and we both know how much use you could get out of this. Besides," she added with a blush, "it's the least I could do for all of your help."

He couldn't stop himself from asking. "Is this because of what happened while we were out exploring? Because I would have helped you regard-"

His voice broke off as she shook her head, shyly averting her gaze for a moment. "I bought it a week ago, waiting for the right opportunity to give it to you."

That was when she had looked at him directly and he found himself stunned at those bright eyes.

"Is... it really okay?" As their eyes locked, Reinhard wasn't even sure if he was referring to the present.

"Yes. Please accept it." Again, he felt that perhaps more than a gift of a sewing kit was being offered.

He had surrendered to her, accepting the token with gratitude, although in his heart, he had felt a different kind of surrender that left him terrified and elated all at once.

Vulnerability – not a quality becoming of a knight.

Alice explained that she had taken an interest in sewing and Yuki had taught her some basics. Her first project had been a simple nightgown, but she was struggling with getting the fit right.

"I couldn't possibly face Yuki after all the hard work she put into teaching me – she'd be so disappointed having to repeat everything again," Alice had lamented, donning the boxy garment over her head. Even draped atop of her clothing, she was drowning in fabric.

Assuring her that it was unlikely such a kindly woman would do such a thing (Yuki and her husband often generously offered him leftover bread crusts), Reinhard was eager to offer Alice assistance in tailoring the garment. He recalled using a leftover portion of string to mark the width of her shoulders and length she desired. He had averted his eyes, passing the string to her with trembling hands, asking her to measure the bust and waist herself. He had been so flustered that he repeatedly ended up jugging his fingers with his needle, mentally cursing himself for such uncouth thoughts.

He had thought about that sewing lesson with the nightgown for days, weeks, months. Most of his sewing projects were simple repair jobs or repurposing the discarded flour and rice sacks from the various businesses in Rigbarth. But as Reinhard now looked at Alice admiring the sky and scenery with hungry eyes, he ached for the ability to be able to do more. To adorn her in the finest silks, chiffon, and lace. To see her twirling skirts puff out like the clouds above them. To hear her musical laughter ring out, finer than any skilled musician the string orchestra playing in the elaborate ballrooms in the royal court.

"The fireflies in the sky are not unlike the twinkling lights that decorated the ballroom of the castle," Reinhard spoke up.

Alice turned to meet him, her lips curling upward. "A castle… I wonder how grand it all was…"

"Extremely," he replied softly as their gazes returned to the sky. "The finest table dressings, food and drink from around the world, fresh seasonal flowers filling the hall with perfume… Dancers adorned in their finery – diamonds, emeralds, rare silks…"

"What did you wear?" Alice asked, her eyes sparkling like the gems he spoke of.

His lips turned into a proud smile. "Why, my uniform, of course. I had to be ready at a moment's notice to respond to any sort of threat to the royal family or their guests."

Her smile faded a bit. "Ah, so you didn't dance."

"Would it not prove to be difficult to be on guard while dancing?"

Still, she could recognize the wistfulness in his eyes. "It would have been nice to have gotten a chance to participate."

He shook his head, and even as he waved it off, she could hear the yearning in his voice. "T'was a high enough honor to attend such an event as a knight. To ask for more than that would break several protocols…"

She knew that there were certain boundaries that couldn't be crossed in his position, but she found herself balling up her hands into fists, regardless. "Those kind of protocols sound like more trouble than they're worth."

"I-I beg your pardon?" Widened eyes looked back at her, almost fearful for having heard such a sacrilegious declaration.

"Why shouldn't you be allowed to have fun at the ball, too?"

I can't blame her for not remembering a world where others wished each other harm, but doesn't a ranger also provide protection in a similar manner?

"I was on duty, Alice," he reminded her, a false cheeriness to his tone attempting to lighten the mood.

Her mind was filled with the wistfulness in his voice as he had reminded her that he had a lane to stay in – one that always seemed to be beneath everyone else. The words slipped out thoughtlessly. "You're always on duty, Reinhard."

There was an uncomfortable silence as they both struggled for the right thing to say. Speech returned to them at the same time.

"I didn't mean-"

"Alice, I'm-"

Another pause, and they spoke in unison.

"You go first."

"I insist." Reinhard braced himself, clasping his hands together and bowing his head slightly.

She was unable to read his expression and felt embarrassment and discomfort creep across her skin like a damp, heavy cloak. "I… I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean it that way. I know you're not always on duty. I just…" Alice's aching breast kept her from continuing, and that imaginary weight on her shoulders continued to bear down upon her. She paused to sigh, her breath causing her bangs to fly up in the gentle night air before falling back down on her forehead. She thought of his constant work and his humble dwelling space. There was always a smile on his face, but sometimes, it was a tired one. "You give so much of yourself to others. You should keep some. Keep some and enjoy it."

He looked slightly taken aback by her words. "But what am I if I'm not-?" Reinhard cut himself off, biting his lip. "I… I promise that I will reflect on your words. Thank you for understanding that I'm not always on duty." He couldn't keep the terse nature out of his tone.

She looked up at him, trying to catch the expression in his eyes. "That hurt you, didn't it?"

He lifted a hand, grazing several scars across his torso before awkwardly rubbing at the crook of his neck. "Y-yes, it did."

Alice felt that her words had cut in a similar manner to what caused the marks on his skin. Her voice shook with emotion. "I'm sorry."

He could see her eyes darting back and forth as she thought over their conversation, her shoulders shrinking back with guilt.

There was a small part of him that wanted to speak up. To say he wanted to be more, to do more for her than he could. To promise his heart to her. To admit that while he wasn't always on duty, there was a tiny voice inside him that cried for more time with Alice and perhaps… less time on duty. He yearned to confess how much he daydreamed of their adventures while mending clothing, and how many times he thought of her lovely face as he closed his eyes for the evening, wishing that she were still by his side.

Such thoughts aren't very genteel, and admitting them aloud would bring nothing but frustration on my part and possible disgust or embarrassment from her.

"It's quite alright, Alice."

His eyes reflected sincerity, but she couldn't help but hang her head in shame. "I need to think before I speak. The last thing I want to do is hurt you, Reinhard..."

He took her hands in his. "I forgive you, and I promise-"

A firefly hovered between them and landed on the tip of his nose for a moment before flitting away. They both burst into laughter.

"I probably would have scored extra points for that!" Reinhard's eyes lit up.

"Oh?" She was aware that the vibrant smile on his face was making her own cheeks hurt.

"When my siblings and I were young, we'd go out to catch fireflies and reward each other points if one landed on you."

Eager to try for herself, she looked around them. Another firefly flew past and Alice held out her finger for it to perch, but it continued. His voice brought her attention back to him.

"I promise I will try to allow more time for myself. Since you suggested it, perhaps you could show me how? I… rather enjoy your company."

Despite the beautiful scenery, his eyes were locked onto her. He was smiling, but she realized he was standing at attention, awaiting her direction, not unlike the way she imagined him expecting commands in the soldiers' barracks back at the castle.

"I enjoy your company, too," she returned, looking away shyly. She gazed out at the horizon. "I guess we could start with doing something fun."

"That seems a wise decision."

Her eyes flitted back toward him. "Well, I'm going to let you choose. If you could have anything in the world right now, what would it be?"

The breeze felt cool on his skin; Reinhard realized he was beginning to perspire as his heart pounded in his throat.

You.

He didn't dare speak it aloud. However, the fireflies danced around them, and he could feel his heart hammer even harder.

"A new memory – one we can create together."

"That seems like a good idea." She hoped her voice came off as casual, but she couldn't help but wonder if he could notice she was practically panting with excitement. "What kind of memory?"

He didn't hesitate. "A dance with you, Alice. Among the stars and fireflies. We'll have our own fine ball right here on the beach."

He was pleased to see her face flood with color. "Ah, I-I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'm not a very experienced dancer."

Her flustered face made him question his own expressions – was he mirroring her, as he was suspecting?

She's dangerous, but… I'm cautious. I can do this.

He offered her his hand. "I would be more than honored to show you how. May I have this dance, Princess?"

His fervent gaze, the silky tone in his voice – this was new.

But she found that she rather liked it.

She reflected for a moment on what he had called her. He never would have referred to Beatrice with that same inflection – it was a different kind of reverence. A very intimate one. Heart throbbing in her ears, she dared to meet his hooded eyes and found herself stumbling over her words.

"W-Well, I uh… I'll certainly try my best!"

"Place your hand atop of mine," he instructed. She complied, and he marveled a moment in how natural her touch felt. Her other hand moved to his bare shoulder and he was determined not to lose his nerve. Her flustered reactions weren't helping; he could feel her hands trembling. He placed a hand at her waist and she looked up at him, suddenly serene.

It was so easy to get lost in those friendly, warm eyes.

"So, we'll be leading with this foot…"

They moved together across the sand, the waves and insects of the night playing as their orchestra. Alice followed his lead, growing more comfortable as they repeated the movements. Fireflies encircled them, but her smile was brightest of all. She nearly tripped over her feet as she gazed in amazement of the scene around them.

"Ah, Alice… keep your eyes on me, okay?"

She hadn't meant to stare at the man that she found attractive from the day he moved into town, but she gulped, looking up to meet his face. Even in the dark, the excitement on her face was evident. "S-Sure thing!"

He gave her a gentle twirl and she moved with a little more gusto than she meant to, causing them to collide. They shared a shy giggle, but he didn't remove his arms from her.

"Alice," he breathed.

She looked up at him, lips parted. "Reinhard?"

Would one call this flirting with danger, as they say? I may be a knight, but I am still but a man.

Before he could think on it more, he spoke the words he longed to say. "Let's keep making new memories together, Alice." He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss against her knuckles.

Her mouth only remained ajar as her blush crept from her cheeks down to her shoulders. She steeled her brow and gained her own courage, lifting their joined hands once more and returning the favor.

"That's fine by me," she agreed with a murmur. She leaned into him and they embraced under the stars.

The fireflies continued their dance as the moon rose higher into the sky.

Author's Note: This piece has been a work in progress for a really long time, and I'm so satisfied to mark it as complete! I thought that Reinhard's beach event was so sweet and romantic and knew I had to write about it. Thank you so much for reading!