Pure bliss.

Nozel couldn't find any other words that could perfectly describe what he felt right now. Just holding Vanessa in his arms while at first the moon shined on them and now the first sunlight coming with the dawn.

This new happiness was so overwhelming, Nozel had feared it was all really just a dream. That it would fade away, so he had refused to fall asleep, much to Vanessas amusement. But of course, in the end, Nozel couldn't fight against the sweet breath of slumber and eventually falling asleep.

Only to wake up with Vanessa still in his arms and realize that their embrace from last night hadn't been a dream, but had actually been very real.

Nozel never would have thought that after leaving him with his father, Vanessa would have secretly stayed and then even follow him back to the Silva Palace, right in his room. He couldn't forget the immense surprise he had when he saw her on his balcony knocking against the french window. In the end, he was grateful she came, like a guardian angel, that she was there for him.

He was grateful to not only be in love but also to love such a wonderful woman. The situation they were in wasn't really ideal, but right now, Nozel couldn't care less about it. He was too much in heaven right now to even worry just a bit.

How strange. For the first time since his mother died, he didn't regretted something. What a foreign feeling, but certainly not disagreeable.

Shifting a bit to have better look at Vanessa sleeping right next to him, Nozel felt his heart racing at this sight. She was so beautiful, in every way. So peaceful when she was asleep, so calm and gorgeous…

Nozel sighed as he fell down back to the pillows, holding her closer. It was too late now. The moment they kissed for the first time and even more since they slept together, he knew that he couldn't pull through his original plan anymore. Sacrificing himself into an arranged marriage to assure freedom for his siblings.

As long as he wasn't in a relationship, as long as his heart wasn't taken, as long as he wasn't in love or at least, as long as he only loved someone in a courtly way, it had been possible. But now, it wasn't possible anymore.

A kiss, a night together, and now he would rather die in celibacy than spending his whole life with a woman that wasn't Vanessa.

Which didn't meant that he would now sacrifice his siblings into a loveless, arranged marriage. This was still out of the question. The only difference was it now, it wasn't an option anymore for him as well.

Had that been the solution from the start? The answer to everything?

All of a sudden, it felt so much easier to just accept that duty wasn't everything, that happiness was something he deserved. Nozel admitted that he still wasn't really convinced about this, but the thought didn't hurt as much. Not with Vanessa in his arms. Would this means that once she leaves, it would hurt a lot again?

Maybe yes, maybe no.

But Nozel still refused to let Vanessa go. He had to, eventually. They both had a life outside of this room, outside of this bed. But this life outside could still wait for a while. Nozel didn't want to lose any second he could spend like this with Vanessa.

He haven't realized it before or rather, he had been too afraid to realize it, but… Vanessa did him good, making miracles with him. During all those years since he lost his mother, it was like he had been trapped in a dark and cold, endless winter. A thick fog, not letting any light piercing through. A labyrinth who refused to let him out.

But Vanessa came into his life and changed his cold, melting it away. She was a thread leading him out of the labyrinth through ways he never considered before. A light piercing through the fog, making him see the sun again.

Vanessa was a rose that bloomed in his cold and endless winter.

All Nozel hoped for now is that he could be the same for her as well. Vanessa gave him so much, he wanted to give her just as much in return.

He felt his lover shifting in his arms. Vanessa was waking up.

Nozel was glad that she did it on her own. She was sleeping so peacefully, it should be considered a crime to wake her up.

He heard her yawn in the most adorable way and felt her turn in his arms. He could see her mesmerizing eyes open slowly and her lips giving him a tired but happy smile.

"Morning there, handsome."

"Good morning, Vanessa."

Nozel kissed her softly on the lips and could have jumped in joy when she kissed him back.

This kiss was just soft. But even though they shared more passioned kisses during the last night, it was still lighten a fire stronger than Mereoleonas in his entire body.

As the kiss ended, Vanessa cuddled to him, lying her head on his chest. Nozel couldn't help but hold her closer to him, one hand running through her rosewood curls. Just as soft as satin…

Everything seemed so peaceful right now. One could say even perfect. Nozel didn't want it to stop. Deep down, he still thought he didn't deserved it, but for the first time since his mother passed away, he quieted that unsettling feeling.

Besides, it didn't quite felt like a sweet happiness he didn't deserve, more like something so precious he would fight to protect it.

"We maybe need to leave this bed eventually," Vanessa said after a while, but didn't make any movement to leave his arms.

"I don't want to."

"Aww, you're so cute when you sound like a pouting child."

Nozel blushed at her teasing. Like always. But seriously, he saw naked in every way possible last night and yet, he was still blushing around her? This was a bit irritating, but Vanessa always loved when he blushed and just for that, Nozel couldn't hold back.

"When I came to you last evening to comfort you, I admit that this wasn't what I have in mind," Vanessa said softly, drawing patterns on his chest with her fingers.

"Do you regret it?" Nozel asked suddenly. He had to ask. Her answer could either made him happy or break his heart, but her feelings were way more important to him than his own.

"I don't. Not one bit," she whispered while nuzzling his neck. Immense relief washed over him.

"Do you regret our night, sugar?"

"I'm not in the capacity to manage the impossible."

"So, it's impossible for you to regret the night we shared? Aw, which woman wouldn't love to hear that the next morning."

Nozel blushed again as he realized how corny what he just said sounded. But Vanessa didn't seem to mind. She was teasing him, yes. But she also looked like she was touched by his words.

"Nozel… What will we do now?" Vanessa asked suddenly, her voice more serious. He never got to see that side of her often and was always fascinated when he could witness it.

She was asking a good question, though. They had to think about their next steps eventually, whatever those might be.

"It's going to be complicated."

"Oh, yes, that I know already. Your father won't be so happy about this unexpected turn in his game, right?"

Good Heavens, he actually forgot about his father! Nozels mind had just been filled entirely with Vanessa, her kisses, her touches and their magical night that he completely forgot Lac Silva, his threats and his manipulative deal.

How ironic, in a way. Lac thought that Nozel and Vanessa were already sleeping together, but they had their first time after that despicable encounter. His father certainly didn't planned that and what he believed the Black Bull witch to be for his son had been wrong from the start.

Lac Silva making a mistake. Nozel would have found it ironic if he didn't know his father enough to suspect him being able to turn a mistake into an advantage.

But…

"I don't care about what he wants."

"Bravo, handsome! Finally some rebellion on your side! But I still think that we shouldn't take our situation lightly, right?"

"You're correct. It's not only my father who is a hurdle on this path. It's also a lot of royals and nobles who think little of me as well of people outside of their circles… like witches. The whole royal system, my position, our different statuses, there are many hurdles. But… When I said that it will be complicated, it's because I… I have no intention to throw away what we have."

And because I love you.

Should he have told her those three precious words before taking her in his bed? Nozel hadn't thought about it, he just went the flow of the passion last night and it still felt so right that he couldn't regret it, despite the situation.

"That's actually cute of you, silver stud," Vanessa answered with a happy smile. "It would be a waste to throw away what we have, glad we agree on this. Nozel… I wanted to ask you something that's a bit delicate."

Nozel flinched a bit, but still nodded, inviting her to continue.

"If you were already betrothed right now… Would you have gave in and slept with me?"

"… No…"

Nozel was afraid his answer would hurt Vanessa, but he also couldn't lie to her. He just couldn't.

"And if I would have been together with someone right now, would you still have tried to make a move on me?"

"No."

To Nozels surprise, Vanessa smiled so brightly at his answer, looking incredibly happy. She snuggled to him, peppering kisses on his neck.

"I'm happy about it. Loyalty seems pretty rare within nobles and royals from what learned lately… But yours is incredible. I think this is one of the things about you I love the most."

Alright, he didn't excepted this. That she would consider this as loyalty and loving him for that.

Vanessa was really an incredible woman.

Comfortable silence settled between them and Nozel felt himself calm down again. Each of his worries seemed to fade away. His father, royalty, the nobles… Everything seemed so blurry right now, so far away.

If only it could stay like this forever.

A little grumble disturbed the current peace, but it was more amusing than anything. Nozel couldn't help but ask with a grin, "Was this your stomach?"

"Yeah… Sorry, that's not really sexy, isn't it?"

"You're hungry? It's not too late for breakfast."

"Normally, around this time, I'm either still asleep and having a hangover or having breakfast with the Bulls."

"Oh."

Nozel haven't thought about that. Not only was he himself late for the first time for work – and even stranger, he didn't mind – but the Black Bulls might be worried to not see Vanessa this morning. How could he have forgotten that?

Vanessa might have heard his thoughts, as she started giggling and poked his cheek. "Don't worry, Little Eagle. As I told you, I often sleep in the whole morning due to being drunk and having a hangover. It happens often."

"That's not very reassuring, you should start drinking a bit less."

"You're so cute when you're concerned about me."

Was there an occasion when she didn't find him cute? Nozel clearly had no idea how to take this kind of compliment. All he knew was that Vanessa genuinely meant them and never put malice in it. Maybe it was enough to know that.

"What about you, captain of the Silver Eagles? Shouldn't be of to work for a while now?"

"I… The squad will not crumble just because I'm not there for one morning."

Nozel couldn't believe he actually said that.

Vanessa apparently couldn't either, as she burst into laughter.

"Gosh, it always took me some persuasion to come hang out with me and now, you seem so chill about not going to work for once!"

"I have a good reason to stay here."

"Oh, and what reason would that be?"

"You."

The word came out of his mouth before Nozel could even think about it. He blushed again, also because Vanessas cheeks went beet red as well. But at the same time, she was smiling so brightly.

Just like a rose bloomed in winter…

"Did you just flirt with me, handsome eagle?"

"Well… I…"

"No need to be embarrassed, it's so adorable."

Nozel wasn't so sure about that, but Vanessa didn't let him any time to overthink her words. She rolled on top of him and started kissing passionately.

If there was something new Nozel had learn last night, it was that he was unable to think properly when Vanessa was kissing him. It was useless to even consider to try, so he just closed his eyes and kissed her back, putting his arms around her hips and waist to hold her more firmly.

He couldn't tell how long they made out, but he didn't care. Pure bliss again… For someone who hadn't felt it for almost two decades, he felt himself now kinda overwhelmed by it. Not that he complained, as he had the most beautiful woman he knew in his arms.

Others might disagree, of course, but for him she was. Nozel break the kiss just to look up to her. Those rosewood curls, falling like a waterfall on her shoulders, those eyes shining like amethysts, her delicate traits, that skin looking like the finest porcelain and feeling silk, just everything…

"See anything you like?" Vanessa asked with a cheeky smile, sitting up and practically exposing… everything. From her collarbone to her breasts, down to her belly and… well, everything. Nozel blushed one more time, it happened so often this morning.

"Come on, silver stud, there's nothing you haven't seen already last night," Vanessa laughed, trying out a seductive pose. Which wasn't really easy, as she was still sitting on top of him.

"Oops."

Indeed, she fall backwards on the mattress. Nozel jumped up immediately and bowed down on her.

"Are you alright?"

"Honestly, how can I get hurt? This mattress is neither too hard nor too soft, but just right," Vanessa laughed as she lied more comfortably and stretched herself, just like a cat. She was very cat-like sometimes and her famous Fate-Spell came even in the shape of a cat.

Maybe cats were her favourite animals, he wondered, as he sit next to her and started to caress her cheek softly. Vanessa hummed at the gesture, enjoying it with her eyes closed. Adorable and beautiful at the same time…

"Do you like cats?"

"Oh, yes, they're actually my favourite animals. But well, cats and witches always go well together."

"Oh?"

"Yep. I don't know if it's common knowledge, but we witches have the particularity to fuss over very specific animals. Cats of course, especially black ones. But also all kind of owls, frogs and toads, wolves and foxes too in some cases, spiders and bats, not to forget ravens and crows. The Witch Queen is really fond of those."

Vanessa smiled, but like every time she talked about the Witch Queen, there was that sad glimmer in her eyes and even though Nozel had no idea what exactly happened between them, his heart couldn't help but to bleed for Vanessa. Whatever her past was back in the Witch Forest, she suffered. One of the reasons why Nozel hold back his questions about the Forest most of the time.

But he also wanted to know more about her, her past and her roots. He wanted to know her past pain, so he could comfort her, like she did with his. He also wanted to know more about witches and their cultures because despite the sad glimmer, she still seemed to love and to share anything witch-related. He saw it when she was making her potions, sometimes telling him about the plants she used or some steps of the preparation. And now, what kind of animals witches tend to like.

"Dorothy loves owls the most."

"Not surprised about that, owls and dreams actually can go pretty well together. I like owls too, but not as much as cats and it's more one specific kind of owls."

"Oh, which ones?"

"Barn owls. I find them extremely beautiful, with their fluffy feathers, especially the babies, and their adorable heart-shaped faces. Also, it is said that barn owls stay true to their mates. No idea if it's true or not, but I like to think it is, because I find this really romantic."

"True to their mates… Just like eagles, actually."

"Nice. I bet eagles are your favourite animals… captain of the Silver Eagles."

Nozel chuckled softly at her teasing. "It is pretty easy, I'll admit. But yes, I like eagles the most. Not only because of my squad, though. My mother loved them as well and there are many aspects about eagles I admire in general."

"Hm, you have something of an eagle, sometimes. The best eagle things, though."

"Thank you."

How simple and beautiful it seems, together on the bed like this and just talking about the most simple things, like their favourite animals.

If this was what love was supposed to be, then arranged marriages were the biggest hypocrisy in history. At least, in Nozels books.

Leaning down, he started to press soft kisses on her neck, right on her pulse. He could felt beat under his lips, proving that her heart was right now beating just as strong as his own. Vanessa let out some contented sigh before she suddenly started to giggle.

"What is wrong?"

"Nothing, honey, nothing at all. It's just your Silva braid clip that's tickling me."

Nozel sat up and moved his hand towards his hair. Oh, right. He had forgotten his braid. In fact, he couldn't even recall that he or Vanessa had undone it last night. Which was understandable, their minds had been filled with others details.

Which would mean… Nozel closed his eyes, realizing he made love to Vanessa while he still had his braid on. How many times did that Silva emblem tickled her during their embrace.

"I'm sorry…"

"Oh, there's no need to apologize, I love your iconic braid."

Vanessa sat back up, just in front of him. She let one hand slowly run through his hair, while caressing his hair with the other.

"It doesn't look like, but your hair is actually very soft, just like silk. Almost like Noelle's. But the same silver shade."

"The hair colour is a family heirloom and it's probably the dominant gene. All four of us have the same hair colour, so it might be true."

"And the texture?"

"Nebra and Solid got most from our father, Noelle came entirely after our mother. I'm the only who's hair ended up being a perfect mix from my parents."

"And not only the hair, it seems. Not that I complain, you're really handsome."

Despite the blush, Nozel felt himself felt with pride at her compliment.

While she continued to play with his hair, Vanessa added, "It might be soft as silk, but still full. You wouldn't have such an iconic braid if this wasn't the case. How did you get the idea for such a hairstyle anyway?"

"That idea wasn't from originally, but from my mother."

Nozel was surprised his answer came over his lips this easily. He never ever talked about the story behind his braid, as the memories bound to it were happy and sad altogether, each of them hurting. But this time it wasn't as painful… Because of Vanessa. Just her because he loved her and because she was the most understanding person he ever met.

Besides, he already told her about his curse. What would it change to tell her this secret as well?

"In fact, my mother had somehow a weakness for complicated hairstyles, only that she didn't have the right hair texture for it. Most of the time, she accepted her fate, but I remember that she was still upset about it sometimes."

"Really? But she had such beautiful hair, if Noelle got it from her!"

"She did, but she hated that everything she could afford with were more simple hairstyles. When I was little boy, she even complained once that every time she tried to wear braids, they would look like rat tails. At least, that's what she believed."

Vanessa chuckled, asking him, "So, in that case she loved that you had such fuller hair."

"She did. One day, she wanted to give me a new hairstyle personally. That's how I got my braid for the first time. I hated it at first, but my mother loved it, even more so when she realized it had an eagle touch. She thought I looked good."

"And when did you changed your mind?"

Nozel sighed. Now came the sadder part of this story.

"It was right after she died. I didn't hate it anymore, as it reminded me of her. And the Silva emblem I use to hold my braid together… It is very similar to the tombstone at my mother's grave. So, having it every time in front of my face, it was like a reminder for me… for everything."

"Oh… I didn't know it had such a sad background."

"Of course you couldn't. It's not like I bragged about it in the first place."

"Now I feel bad for the few times I've made fun of it."

"Do you really think I would blame you for that? I know first-hand that most people would make fun out of this frontal braid. And as I told you, I hated it at first."

"But that braid doesn't look ridiculous on you! And I like it now, it's cute."

His braid, cute? That would be the first time someone ever called his hairstyle cute and Nozel had no idea how to take this compliment.

Vanessa moved his braid to the side and kissed his forehead, letting her lips lingering on his skin. Her soft and warm lips…

"I promise I will never make fun of your braid ever again."

"You really don't need to make such a promise, trust me."

"I still make it."

Nozel hugged Vanessa tightly. She really didn't need to make such a promise, but it was still touching. Her kindness was incredible. She was incredible.

"You're warm," she whispered after a while, snuggling up, her face in the crook of his neck. He felt her warm breath with each word she said.

"I'm usually considered cold."

"No, you're warm. Like a rose blooming in winter."

Nozel chuckled. This was exactly what she was for him. It was amusing that she described him as such as well.

"You smell good too. But not like a rose. You must love lavender."

"I do."

"I didn't know that lavender was considered a fitting perfume for royalty and nobility."

"It isn't. Lavender is considered a commoners plant. But we always had flowers considered unfitting of royalty in our flower garden. They are still beautiful, despite what the nobles believe. And I always loved the scent of lavender, it's so fresh and calm."

"Hm, you're right about that."

Nozel couldn't help but dive his nose in her curls and smell deeply her sweet scent. "But you do smell like roses, which are considered to be the queen of flowers."

"Oh, so that's why they must be considered fitting for royalty and nobility. That's funny, because my rosewater is rather from the cheap kind."

"I couldn't tell. But I'm not the biggest expert on perfumes. It's just that now, I can't smell roses without thinking about you."

"Aw, that's sweet. I love to be connected with roses by my handsome lover."

Lover…

This was what he was for her. And what she was for him. They were lovers.

There was still a lot left unspoken in their young relationship, which was still difficult to define. He hadn't even confessed his love for her yet and he still had no idea if it was too late or not. He really had no idea about how romantic relationships work, except in novels and this didn't count.

But Nozel liked the term of lovers. It was simple and true and beautiful. Vanessa wasn't his mistress and he would rather throw his royal status away a hundred times before he ever would refer to her as such.

Always a lover, never a mistress.

Vanessa kissed him softly and Nozel could swear that he lost all sense of time entirely. Would it always be like this when Vanessa kissed him?

"Are you hungry? I will order some breakfast if you want, the servants can bring it in my room. I never took breakfast in my chamber, though, but I took some meals here before."

"I accept your offer, handsome eagle prince. But later… I'm hungry for something else right now."

Vanessa gave him a seductive smile before she sat between his leg in a very specific way. After their passionate night, Nozel understood what she was up to.

Logically speaking, this could be considered as a bad idea. They were both already very late to work, to their duties as Magic Knights. It might be not such a big of an issue for Vanessa, as she was a Black Bull and this squad was way more free on that matter. But Nozel was the captain of the Silver Eagles, he couldn't turn his back on his squad. He always had a lot of work to do and he had to get at least a cup of coffee before he would go, because without coffee he couldn't work as properly as he wanted.

But Nozel didn't care. His mind was clouded with love for this woman and lust, and even the last wake parts of his mind told him to stay with Vanessa. What was his duty compared to the woman in his arms? What was his position as a head of a royal house compared to Vanessa with all her joy and light?

It was too late. He might didn't deserve this happiness and bliss, but he would be damned if he didn't hold onto it.

So, Nozel kissed Vanessa again, soft but still with all the passion he was able to give her. He barely noticed how he entered her, making them both one again, as it felt so natural. As if it was always meant to be.

Vanessa rubbed her nose against his as they started to move, the sunlight shining through his windows, falling on them. Nozel forgot everything except her, only Vanessa was important to him in this very moment.

Well, he needed to make the Prickly Queen understand how he felt. And as fast as possible, because the more he hesitated, the more Yami was about to lose his mind.

Okay, this was a familiar feeling since he came back from Spade. But now, he actually knew the reason why Charlotte had that damned effect on him. And now that he finally knew the reason, the feeling just went stronger every day. He couldn't even properly focus when he was taking a dump and Yami decided to take a gamble break, because it was very probable that he would lose any bet and game as long as he haven't made his feelings clear to Charlotte.

So, this was an urgent thing to do for many reasons.

Yesterday, Kaiser told him to be himself for a confession, to feel it how it was the best for himself and also for Prickly Queen. Which was honestly an excellent advice, it was difficult to get something better than what Purple Moustache Grandpa gave him. But of course it was way easier said than done. Yami had no romantic relationship experience of any kind and the flings back from his most lonely months didn't count. He regretted that he haven't asked Kaiser how he confessed to his wife, just to have some kind of idea.

Not to mention that Yami suffered from a heavy hangover from yesterday. The Black Bulls had a party to celebrate the big announcement that was the news of Luck being Prickly Queens little brother. At least, this story took a happy ending. Charlotte left in the morning, but it was clear how happy she was to have less of a burden on her shoulders and to embrace her role of a big sister. As for Luck, he was more than excited to have an older sister, even more someone as strong as Prickly Queen. It wasn't a surprise honestly that he took it well, but Yami was still relieved about it.

Even though Luck seemed to have new to attack him specifically since yesterday. He tried to attack him when he came back from the Purple Orcas, four or five times during the party and two times today already. The first woke him up and the second had just been like five minutes ago.

Maybe it was Lucks excitement to have a sister that gave him a new level of motivation for fights. Yeah, it was probably that. But it was still one heck of a pain in the ass, he needed to tell Luck to calm down a bit.

Anyways, it had been a really nice party. All the Bulls had been more than surprised about this revelation, but of course his brats were happy for Charlotte and Luck. And of course there had been a party. Heck, even Nacht showed up. Only shortly, of course, he left again soon after, but still staid long enough to conclude that Charlotte and Luck had a good sibling bond. They just needed to stop being so excited or serious about battles. Typical Nacht. At least, he's a bit more open than before.

They only one who hadn't been present for the party was Vanessa. Which was honestly weird enough to be noticed. She was the biggest party animal out of the Black Bulls and never once missed a party, even if she had no idea that there was one.

But well, it also wasn't the first time Vanessa spend an entire night drinking her soul out at some bars, only to come back the next day, so there was still nothing to worry about. Except that she wasn't there for breakfast, which pissed Charmy off a bit but well, it probably just meant that Vanessa had really good drinks last night.

Yami would have loved to talk to Charlotte before she left, because of all those unspoken tension between them and his feelings. But well, that stupid hangover came in the way and now, he needed to make his aching head work to find out how and when and what he could do and say and organize to talk about this matter with his Prickly Queen.

Okay, a headache wasn't helping him to make it fast right now, but it's better if it meant he could surpass his limits right now.

"Luck, stop attacking me or I tell your sister about it!"

"Can do it, Magna, then we're both fighting you! That be so cool!"

"NO, THAT'S NOT COOL!"

"Hey, someone wants to work out with me, since we're all here!"

"You're the only one who loves to work out, stupid Dorksta! And you don't need to scream like that!"

"But you're screaming too, Noelle."

"Water Magic: Water Ball!"

"AAAAHHHH!"

"How nice to have my friends here today."

"Yes… that's… true…"

"Um, does someone know who is on patrol duty today…"

"Who cares about patrol duty, Finral? I need to write a letter to Marie and I can't fucking concentrate with all of this messy noises!"

"D-Don't yell, G-Gauche… It's em-embarassing to have so-so much n-noises…EEEK!"

"Damnit Zora! Didn't you hear that I need to write a letter to my angel? So stop throwing rainbow stinkbugs at Grey, she's already enough on edge like that!"

"Geez, it's not my fault I'm bored. You all just won't shut up your nonsense and sadly I can't have a real proper banter since Noelles bitchy sister won't visit today."

"Don't call my sister like that, Zora, Nebra is not a bitch!"

"But she is, your little majesty."

"I'm hungry, la."

"WOULD YOU ALL SHUT UP, YOU BRATS! I CAN'T CONCENTRATE OVER HERE WITH ALL OF YOUR SCREAMING!"

Everyone immediately went silent. Well except Asta, who mumbled to himself, "And yet, he screamed to loudest."

"What was that, you stupid brats?"

"Nothing, captain Yami, sir, nothing I swear! Um… what do you need to concentrate upon?"

"Doesn't concern you, but the Prickly Queen, so shut up."

Of course Yami refused to tell any of his squad that he wanted to confess his love to Charlotte Roselei, captain of the Blue Rose squad and Lucks older sister of all people. It sounded really corny in his mind already and that wasn't how he wanted to sound towards those brats. Even more that here were some who would never let him hear the end of it.

It was even too early to tell them anyway. He wasn't even together yet with Charlotte, so why telling his brats even first? If they started dating, he would prefer to have some private time before he would let the Black Bulls come after them, after the revelation.

And who knows if Luck won't go all overprotective over his older sister, even against him, his own captain? It was clear as crystal that Luck already adored Charlotte and would fight anyone who would disrespect her one way or another, giving him more reason to beat up people.

Luck was already looking at him very cautious at the mention of his sister. And Yami noticed as well that Gordon and Finral immediately shared glances as they heard the nickname he always gave Charlotte.

"Oh, is it because of the Blue Rose's party for tomorrow?" Asta asked innocently.

Ah, yes, there was that too. Charlotte wanted to announce the news of her younger half-brother to her squad as well. And since the Black Bulls had a party for the Sibling Revelation, it was decided that Luck would also have a party with the Blue Roses, to also meet his sister's squad.

Honestly, Yami had no doubt that Prickly Queen's girls would all end up fussing over Luck and adore him immediately. Well, except maybe the Boulder Girl who worshipped Charlotte, Sol or whatever her name was. But since Luck was her captains brother, she might make an exception for him.

But that party also meant that would need to wait a bit longer before he could find some time to confess to Charlotte. Or maybe not?

"No, it has nothing to do with her own party for Luck. Just some captain stuff."

"Ah."

Yami could read from the Ki's that half of the people present didn't buy his excuse. Of course not, why would he care about captain duties with other captains all of a sudden? Especially Gauche Finral, Zora and Noelle seemed really suspicious about his statement. But even if it wasn't true, somehow their unbelief still pissed him off.

"Listen, just because I delegate some stuff doesn't mean that- OUCH, LUCK, STOP TRYING TO ATTACK ME AT ONCE!"

"I hope you won't hurt my sister's feelings, captain Yami."

"Yeah, hopefully not, she is really nice and doesn't deserve that."

"She always defends us when you take us by the head!"

"She loves my food, la."

"And we finally have someone to have proper talks and who has her head right on her shoulder since she started to visit."

Geez, they really seemed to like Charlotte a lot since she started to visit and even more since they know she's Luck sister, given how they immediately took her defence, just in case. Well, on one hand it meant that his brats would be supportive if he got together with Charlotte. But on the other hand, it also meant that he really needed to not screw this up, because if he did, then not only the Blue Roses would be after him, but also his own squad.

"Hello, you snookums! Did I miss anything since yesterday?"

Everyone turned their heads towards the door as Vanessa entered, finally blessing them with her presence since yesterday. She let her broom against a wall and put lots of shopping bags on one of the tables and was just her normal daily self.

But still, something was different. Vanessas Ki felt a bit changed. She seemed more radiant somehow and especially giddy. Not when she was drunk, more like she was… in love somehow?

Okay, what was wrong with people falling in love or denying their feelings left and right after Spade? Asta was still determined to marry some nun, Noelle was acting more weird around him, Gauche and Grey were dancing around each other in an irritating way, Zora seemed weirdly excited when Noelles sister showed up, Hard Nose was happily dating one of the rare girls in his squad, Finral got married, Braids did catch feelings as well, Vanessa was clearly too giddy to be just drunk and even Yami himself had to deal with his own feelings for the Prickly Queen of all people!

Was it like a disease or something? What if his other brats lose their hearts as well to the most random people or his captain colleagues who were still single? Kaiser didn't count, he was happily married since decades and he actually didn't got on Yamis nerves with his love for his wife, thankfully.

But the rest? That was starting to piss him off. He already have enough to deal with his own feelings, he didn't need to witness everyone around him catching the After-Spade-Love Disease as well. Couldn't they wait after he got settled with Charlotte before falling in love, please?

Gosh, was he this much on edge with his own love for Prickly Queen that he couldn't be happy for others falling in love as well, especially his own brats?

While he followed his contradictory thoughts, he vaguely heard the other Black Bulls telling the great revelation from yesterday and the party that came afterwards, both which Vanessa missed.

She didn't seemed to be very pissed of by that, though. Weird, Yami would have thought that Vanessa would be very upset to have missed a party. What kind of night did she had that she wasn't angry that the others had a party without her?

On the contrary, she seemed very surprised but even more happy to learn about who Lucks sister was and even congratulated him for having a new older sister beside herself.

"The captain of the Blue Roses is a really amazing person, you're really lucky, Luck. When you see her tomorrow, please tell her that I'm also very happy for her."

"Will do, Vanessa!"

"Vanessa, why weren't you there for breakfast?" Charmy asked in a very serious tone, that made her look comical and adorable with her tiny height.

"Oh, let's say I was very busy last night. And also this morning, to be fair." Vanessa didn't sound sorry or even scared, more like extremely happy. "But don't worry, Charmy, I already ate."

"Breakfast or lunch?"

"Both. Or rather, a brunch, which is both breakfast and lunch."

"Okay."

This seems enough for Charmy, as she walked away, mumbling something about a strawberry cream with some vanilla sprinkles as a treat for some kind of painter, whatever she meant with that.

But the rest of the Black Bulls didn't seem wanting to let Vanessa get away that easily. Well, his brats never got the occasion to ever tease Vanessa, maybe this time they could turn tables for a short time.

"But seriously, Vanessa, where were you? I already told you that you should stop go drinking so much on your own, it's not healthy!"

"Exactly what Noelle said!"

"Noelle, Finral, I love you both, but you should stop worrying this much about me, honestly. I haven't drunk that much since we came back from Spade, remember? Besides, be honest… do I look or act like I'm drunk?"

"No…"

"See? I wasn't bar-hopping, cutie pies!"

"Still doesn't tell us what you were really doing last night and this morning, wino."

"Shut up, Zora. But since you're all so ecstatic to know except Charmy and captain Yami, well… I was spending night and morning with my lover."

Silence.

Vanessa giggled.

More silence.

"WHAAAATTT?"

"Um, Vanessa, could you please repeat the last word?"

"What the fuck?"

"And what exactly did you do with your lover last night and this morning?"

"Why wouldn't you drink wine with your lover?"

"You have a lover?"

"Don't talk all at once, you brats, I still need to concentrate over here," Yami groaned and the chitter-chatter went some level down in terms of sound.

"What do you mean with lover, wino?" Gauche asked in frustration. "A lover like a fantasy or a lover like person."

"Oh, my lover is very much a real person, Gauche, no need to be all that suspicious. And if you don't believe me, look at this," Vanessa giggled, pointing teasingly somewhere at her neck.

The Bulls went silent for a moment, until Nero commented very calmly, "This looks like a hickey."

"A HICKEY?"

Greys and Noelles shriek echoed through the room, making Yami consider to destroy a wall for good measure, just to finally have peace and to concentrate properly on how to confess to Charlotte the best way possible.

"You mean, you and that lover person already…"

"Don't be so shy, Finral, you're married since, like, three months or so, right?"

"He is but you are not!"

"Noelle, sweetie, in which century do you think we live, honestly?"

That was true, Noelle was maybe even more prude than her braided brother. And Charlotte… yeah, concentration on the confession to the Prickly Queen was in order.

"But… you… I… hickey… are you serious?"

"Honestly, Noelle, if you react like this to me sleeping with my lover, how will you react to my lover's identity?"

"VANESSA!"

"Wait, Vanessa, so you won't tell us who your lover is?"

"No, Asta. At least not yet. I have many reasons to keep it a secret for now, And one of them is our cute little stammering princess here. But that's a simple reasons, others are more complicated."

"H-Having a-a secret l-lover… This is so em-embarassing!"

"Calm down, Grey, it's Vanessa who got a secret lover, not you."

"Exactly, Gauche. And Grey, you sweet snookums, if having a secret lover is so embarassing for you, which I can understand, don't forget that Gauche is right over here."

"Vanessa!"

Well, still no turned tables then. It won't be today that his brats would be able to tease Vanessa back.

"Wait!" Finral suddenly exclaimed. "That sewing box you got almost two months ago… Was it from the very same person?"

"Yes, it was."

"Wait! So that means you have a secret lover since two months and you never said anything?"

"Not exactly, Magna. We spend time together for months, but only became lovers… let's say very recently through very specific circumstances. And I don't regret it, my lover is such a god in bed…"

A god in bed, huh? Vanessas lover couldn't be Bird Braid then. Weird though, why did he immediately thought of Bird Braid of all people? Because he's in love too? Well, whatever, it's not like Nozel and Vanessa would ever interact in any way, after all.

Unlike Charlotte and himself… Damn it, he really needed to concentrate on his confession.

"VANESSA!"

"What? It's true, why should I lie. And he's not only a god in bed, he's also a true gentleman. He let me take a look on his novels and I could even borrow some of his favourite to read. It's a good way to know more about each other, apparently. Oh, and he told me such beautiful, romantic things without even trying. He was embarrassed afterwards, once he realized what he said, which was so cute."

Really wasn't Bird Braid, why would he be a bookworm and a romantic?

"Um… what did he told you?"

"Oh, before I left, he told me that I was like rose, a vibrant rose that bloomed in his cold winter. I know it's corny, don't snicker, Zora. At least, it comes from the heart and my lover meant every word of it. Even though he blushed just after, he didn't took it back."

Yeah, that sounded corny and certainly was for everyone.

Except when it came to Prickly Queen…

It was weird in a way, because Yami was neither a poet or a romantic. But that image of a vibrant rose blooming in the middle of a cold winter… In his eyes, it fit Charlotte so well. Wasn't she a bit that kind of rose for him as well? She always had been special to him, in so many ways. Just like a rose blooming in winter.

Her beauty that attracted him like no other woman in the whole world, her sweet voice when she was caring, her harshness just like thorns, her unique Ki he was still totally unable to understand, probably due to his feelings for her…

Charlotte Roselei was special to him and he was losing his mind because of her, but he would be damned to even consider this her fault. Because it wasn't. It was just his love for her and his frustration at himself for not having realized it for so long. Yami hated being called stupid by anyone, even himself. But he had to admit that he had been incredibly stupid when it came to Charlotte.

A rose in winter. That's how special and unique she was for him. And he needed to tell her that once and for all. He didn't care if it might be too fast and overwhelming, since he just realized and accepted he was in love with her. But he had been so stupid for way too long and patience wasn't really always his strength anyways. He needed to tell her soon, so that this tension would finally be behind them.

If she loved him in return, but according to Kaiser, she did. He had no reason to doubt the Purple Moustache Grandpa and if he started to doubt, to have fears, Yami knew that he would never surpass his limits.

Looking back at his brats, he saw most of them totally shocked – or perfectly calm in Neros case – about what Vanessa told them, while she just left them, grabbed her shopping bags and went to her room with somehow dancing steps. She was really happy and definitely in love, according to her Ki.

Yami admittedly envied her a bit for being this happily in love and together with her significant other. While he was still here, ruminating over his Prickly Queen. Even worse, Vanessa apparently already slept with her lover.

All Yami had was some fantasies he suddenly got after realizing his feelings for Charlotte, some fantasies that came at night and which he forced himself to ignore. Because he couldn't have that yet while he still haven't confessed to Prickly Queen and even though he wanted her scaringly impatiently the more the time passed, she deserved to be so much more than a night fantasy. He needed first to confess and get together with her before they could have that.

This was what he needed to get over first.

Well, Yami made his decision in the end. Since he was so impatient about Charlotte on many things, he needed to use that impatience in a positive way and confess to her as soon as he could.

He would do it tomorrow, when the Blue Roses had their party for Luck. He would come to their base, meet Prickly Queen alone and… Well, afterwards he didn't know, but Yami decided to just go with his guts. It had always helped him pretty well in the past, except for the bets.

Yami just hoped he would also do it right for her.