Moments of Inspiration

by The Salty Isles

This "story" is a collection of ideas, concepts and deeper looks of the many characters I created over the years. I had when I was writing for another story. But due to circumstances, I couldn't make it into a story. So I decided to publish these scenes under this story—multiple verses, not all Smash-related. Don't read if you expect consistency in any form.

36. Anatomy of a Scene: Wes' OTPs

A/N: With how I'm churning these MoIs and Anatomy of a Scenes, I should focus more on my main stories instead. I mean, I'm also working on the final chapter of Yao Guai's Journey as I'm doing this. However, these don't take nearly as long, and people who follow or favorite me as an Author as opposed to my specific works have something to sink their teeth into.

We have Wes and his various options because our history has given him a lot. So, I have two, maybe three, depending on how I feel after the first two are finished. I will stick to the original concept and use the same scene setup with our two leading ladies.

We'll start with Cecilia.

Like many characters from the GBA Trilogy, Cecilia has the detriment of appearing in only one main entry as an important character. She was Roy's and Lilina's mentor figure in The Binding Blade. Much like to her and the same character's benefit, she left a sizable impression on the fanbase, myself included. I don't know how much about FE my editor knows, but Cecilia must've made a good impression on him since he chose both leading ladies for this edition of Anatomy. Maybe he can explain in his review. Cecilia is calm, patient, and strong-minded, on top of being insightful. In theory, she and Wes should meld like toast and butter.

Let's see how much chemistry the pair has.

It's unlike Cecilia to be this late, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm being stood up.

Maybe I misinterpreted the numerous conversations we had during the war with the Black Fang. I thought we were forming a tight-knit bond. But with how tardy she is, maybe it was just a waste of time, and Luphy was messing with me as he usually does when it comes to my love life.

I initially didn't even want to take Cecilia out. But the war's over, and everyone went their separate ways. I would've quickly found myself in front of an Elder Magic Tome, seeing how far I can push my newly acquired S Rank Proficiency. That would most likely end up with me being like my Uncles, empty husks for men. While that's a fate most Druids consign to, the people I grew bonds with aren't on board with that idea. Even Grandma, who's also a Druid. I suppose when you reach your 90s, you don't have to worry about that anymore.

I don't want to play with her as I just got over Magi's death. Most of the friends I've gained from the conflict told me that Cecilia was dying to know me on a more personal level. I tried telling them that I would be rushing things if I invited her out to Latasi for an evening on the town. My claims were shot down and dismissed. So the gist of it is, I've been forced to take Cecilia out.

It's not that Cecilia is hideous or anything, far from it. The Etrurian Valkryie is a beautiful woman, and I'd happily take her out in time. Yet, considering what I've done since the last time I had a close one die, they're not willing nor able to see what the future holds for me. But with her being absent, I guess she isn't interested while. Concluding that she did indeed stand me up, I turned to head back home.

"Wesley! Wait up!" A feminine voice called for me.

There she was, Cecilia of Etruria.

"Cecilia of Etruria." I greeted. "You certainly are masterful at making men wait. What could've possibly taken you this long?"

"My sincere apologies. I was at the library reading some historical texts. The Magic Council figured out I was here and requested my presence." She bowed as an apology. "They interrogated me for what felt like forever before letting me go."

"There's no need to apologize, Cecilia. I know firsthand how invasive the Magic Council can be. And I know that's going to increase now that I officially work under them. But now that you're here, we can finally go."

We ended up taking a leisure walk around Latasi's center. While it's colder than a Fimbulvetr Spell, the snow makes the city's epicenter a visual wonder.

"So, Cecilia. This is your first time in Latasi, right? How are you enjoying the Magic Oasis?"

"Latasi lives up to its alternative name. Magic Oasis is an apt description. I was losing myself in the library since the texts are numerous and rich in knowledge." She intertwined a hand with mine. "I can see why you spend so much time there."

"See? Everyone called me a lunatic when I said that I lose track of time whenever I'm there. Even if I'm reading something that has nothing to do with Elder Magic, the content is still valuable. But now that we're in times of peace, people feared that I'll perish if I fell back into old habits."

"Yes, Luphy and Yuki told me of your near-obsessive pursuit of power due to your first wife's death. But to have the man who ordered her death be Nergal was mental warfare on a level of depravity I've yet to see before or since. You should feel relieved that he's dead. It means that Magi has been avenged."

"Relieved isn't the word I'd use, Cecilia. The man ruined the lives of so many people, and for what? His death was too quick for my liking. But you can only prolong one's demise for so long. I'm just glad that part of my life is over."

"I'm truly sorry for your loss, Wesley. But you've allowed so many more people in your life since Magi's death. Lord Pent, Lady Louise, Lord Eliwood, Lord Hector, and yourself convinced the Reed Brothers and Ursula to join our company. Despite being in a dark place for a long time, the light pulled you back into its warm gaze. And you're better off for it," Cecilia reassured me with a smile.

"I agree wholeheartedly, Cecilia," I said while rubbing her knuckle softly. "I would also like to apologize."

"Apologize to me?" Her tone was laced with confusion. "What for?"

We stopped in the middle of the road. "When I finally got over Magi's death, I wasn't in the mood to rush into another relationship. If I'm honest with you, I did not want to take you out today. I felt like I needed some time to myself before seeing another. Yet, the others forced this on me. So, I'm sorry, Cecilia."

"No, I understand. Well, not completely since I'm fortunate enough to not have to go through what you did. However, I understand why you feel that way. And my being tardy probably intensified that feeling. We got along well whenever we conversed during the war, so I wanted to see if it could transfer to a time of peace. So you have no need to apologize to me. I'm just happy that you remained patient."

I shook my head with a light chuckle. "Cecilia, you're perfectly fine. Don't shift blame to yourself to make me feel better. What do you say we grab something to eat?"

"Absolutely, I haven't eaten anything since noon."

"Library?" I asked with a smile.

She giggled with a cute blush. "Yes."

Cecilia's more like me than I thought.

We arrived at a restaurant but had to wait without a reservation. Not that I minded. Cecilia was lovely to talk to, and the conversation grew deeper as time flew by.

"Ah, I didn't know Valkyries could use Light Magic," I remarked as we finally had a booth to ourselves.

"There was a recent breakthrough in Renvall, and when the Magic Council was told, they started distributing the news to the continent. I look forward to starting my journey of Light Magic. Were you feeling the same way when you received the news that Druids can learn Anima magic?"

"No, actually. Druids always could learn Anima Magic by the time I became one. The promotion automatically grants Druids a D Rank in the school," I explained. "The same can be said with Staves."

"Oh, I did not know that. Promoting to Druid grants a D Rank in Anima Magic and Staves automatically. That's something I'll have to remember if I ever decide to teach magic," Cecilia said as two glasses of wine were placed in front of us. We both took a glass.

"To you, Wesley," she toasted to me.

"To us, Cecilia," I corrected.

That caused her to smile. "Oh, of course, silly me."

We clinked our glasses. After conversing for a while longer, including when our food arrived, we left the restaurant. I walked Cecilia to the inn where she was staying, stopping outside the entryway.

"I had a wonderful time, Wesley. Spending time with you was very enjoyable. I hope we can do it again soon."

"I feel the same way, Cecilia. I look forward to it. I should let you inside since it's gotten colder. So..." I kissed her hand softly. "Until next time, Cecilia of Etruria."

In response to my kiss on her hand, Cecilia closed the distance gave me a long kiss on my cheek. "I'll be counting down the minutes, Wesley of Latasi."

She then went inside the inn. Well, that was more enjoyable than I thought. I should thank Yuki and Luphy next time I see them. Content with how the day went, I headed home before I could come down with hypothermia.

A far departure from the other Anatomy of a Scene as it's nowhere near as intense. Cecilia and Wes are similar in how they act and behave. Both are strong-minded, strong-willed, and are naturally gifted in their schools of magic. However, Cecilia is a calm contrast to Wes' silent, at times wrathful determination. They balance each other well and have great chemistry together. Though I didn't have faith in the pairing because of TLAD's original run, my editor has brought some of it back. So kudos to him.

Ursula is our next leading lady for this edition. A villainess normally, and a cold one at that, compared to Cecilia. Ursula and Wes together would give off power couple energy as opposed to a sneaky but compatible couple. As a villainess, Ursula demands perfection as she worships Sonia, who she perceives as perfect. As a turncoat, Ursula now sees the subtle abuse that Sonia dishes out to her. As a result, she'll join Eliwood's army. Ursula, like Cecilia, brings out Wes' personal traits well. But the manner in which she does it is different.

Let's see how.

It seems that I'm early for my meeting with my date. I wasn't expecting to get here first because she wants everything to be near perfection. She won't be long if I were to guess. To kill time, I pulled out a Tome to read. After gaining S Rank Proficiency in Elder Magic, I think it's time I start working on my Anima Magic Rank. Having a measly D Rank is satisfactory for me. But I don't like to read Anima Magic Tomes, so I hope she'll arrive soon.

To think I would be going on a date so soon.

I'm more surprised that she agreed. At first, I assumed she was too much of a perfectionist to pursue a relationship. Yet she seemed very eager to go out with me when I offered. It'll be a nice break since we started working for the Magic Council and the revived Black Fang. We're partners in the former and had many moments to talk during the war. Although those conversations weren't casual, primarily strategic discussions with the other mages. So this will be refreshing.

In reality, I'm still surprised she became a Black Fang turncoat and joined Eliwood and co. When she revealed that, what I told her held a bigger impact than she thought. And that she displayed an interest in me was somewhat confusing. With how our relationship began, nothing is too shocking to me anymore. I'm just glad I could reach her since she has a bright future now.

While reading, I heard the sound of heels from behind me, followed by two palms intertwined with my free hand and the one holding up the book I was reading. Her natural, sultry voice all but moaned in my ear with a hand over mine.

"I think you've read enough for today, Wesley."

My spine shivered slightly. I looked to my right and saw my date. Ursula, the Blue Crow, was mere inches from my face. Her face held that same eerie, lustful, but inviting smile. I respectfully created some distance while putting my book away, turning to greet her.

"Ursula." I bowed. "It's good to see you."

She chuckled at my action. "Always the gentleman, Wesley. It's good to see you as well, especially in this relaxed state of mind. It's always work behavior when we find ourselves alone. While I admire your professionalism, a moment where I can spend casual time with my partner felt like a far cry." She then pinched the sides of her dress and curtsied. "My apologies for being late. The Council kept piling me with work, and I had to put my foot down. Lest I wouldn't see you today. I can see why you despise them so."

There was a hint of bitterness in her tone, but Ursula calmed herself just as quickly. When her lips detached, she chuckled before wiping her pink lipstick smudge off with her hand. She then wrapped her arm around mine and boldly kissed my cheek as passerbys noticed, shocked at what they saw.

"I'm afraid that's all you'll be seeing from us today. Go back to what you were doing," Ursula silently but firmly commanded. The crowd then quickly dispersed. "The Latasians are more nosy than normal today. Shall we go for a walk?"

I chuckled at what just transpired. "You read my mind, Ursula. Let's go." We began trekking the streets. "Is this your first time in Latasi?"

"No, I've visited numerous times when I was still a Trobadour. The knowledge the Library houses is invaluable in the skills mages of all kinds need. It accelerated the speed I learned and helped me promote to Valkyrie faster. Much like it helped accelerate your Elder Magic proficiency, no?"

"It's hard to tell, considering I come from a family of powerful mages. My blood probably played the bigger role, though the library helped," I answered after briefly thinking about it.

"I agree after conversing many times with Ms. Lea. She's one of the most powerful Sages I've ever seen. While you're more powerful than your uncle, Canas is no slouch in his own right."

We continued walking through the snow filled city. Looking up and down at my date, I took in how beautiful she was and how she knew it. Although Ursula didn't flaunt it openly like a trophy wife would, she showed enough to earn second glances. Her general demeanor would make approaching very difficult.

Ursula picked up on my glances. "Hmmm. Stare at me any longer, Wesley; you'll poke a hole in my chest."

I blushed in embarrassment, gawking at her like some lovestruck child. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare like that. I'm just awestruck that you even agreed to go out with me today."

Ursula caressed my face, her signature smirk never dissipating. "Wow, I knew I was top shelf enough to garner the Nightmare of Latasi's attention. But to leave him speechless? I certainly didn't need the ego boost but will happily take it."

This woman has so much charisma; it's fatally infectious.

"But you're not the only one who's awestruck here," Ursula continued. "I find myself thinking about you a lot Wesley. All the way back to when you were a prisoner on the Dread Isle. I almost had to do a double-take when you asked me out. You have a hold on me that I can't even describe."

She closed in on me, centimeters apart, before our lips touched. Being a tease, Ursula backed up before lust took either of us over. I wasn't going to let her get away with that. I quickly closed the distance and landed a kiss on her cheek that lasted longer than hers. Ursula gasped when my lips made contact against her skin. When I separated, she gave me a slightly surprised look, her confident demeanor broken.

"Oh, that was bold of you, Wesley. I like this side of you." Ursula quickly regained her confidence, that smile burning brighter than before. We notice a small crowd pick up on what I just did, Ursula's face darkening a little. *Tch* "These people are starting to get on my nerves."

"As they are mine. Let's ignore them for now, Ursula." I pecked her cheek as we continued walking through Latasi's center.

"Are these people normally this nosy?"

"A little. It's most likely my fault. When Magi passed away, and everyone mourned her, many nobles started pitching their daughters to me for my family's riches from my previous marriage. Mom gave me permission to decide on those. I denied them all, which increased my tome proficiency. Then word started to spread. I gained some notoriety as someone who would rather be intimate with a book than a woman. Still, I had Luphy and Yuki, and thanks to the war, I have many more people I can call a friend. I'm surprised you didn't hear from Mom, at least. Our family has been the subject of controversy in Latasi. With how my father disowned me because I was going to be a Shaman as opposed to a Monk or Anima Mage."

"Yes, Ms. Lea told me of that. I never knew of your reasons for your infamy," Ursula remarked. "We both had dark chapters but have grown past them to the benefit of those around us. And it led me to meet someone as strong, wise, and handsome as yourself."

"Much like it allowed me to meet someone as stunning, intelligent, and similarly motivated as you. Out of all the turncoats, the others were most suspect of you due to you joining the Fang under Sonia."

"Oh, I noticed. Some of the others were very protective of you when I joined since you were still coping. They were concerned that I would just intensify your dark tendencies." Ursula then chuckled victoriously. "And I took great pleasure in silencing them all. Earning the approval of Ms. Lea was the highlight of it all. The rest then fell in line, much to my joy. Once they learned I was more like you than they would ever care to admit."

Ursula rubbed my chest lovingly, acquainting herself with my frame, albeit sneakily. Before she could further commit to whatever was in her mind, she cutely sneezed.

"Bless you, Ursula. Let's go inside where it's warm."

"Smart idea, Wesley."

Walking into a teahouse, we found a table and made our order.

"This is a cozy little settlement. I didn't know Latasi had teahouses," Ursula expressed her favorable opinion of the place I chose for our date. "I'm enjoying myself by the minute with you. And to think you almost didn't ask me out."

She rested a palm against her cheek while staring at me with her deep blue orbs. They slit slightly as her confident expression was ready to poke a hole into my very being.

"Now, who's staring, Ursula?"

Her following words let all the women know our standing. "I'm not apologizing, Wesley. I know the catch I have on my hands and don't plan on letting him go. And I could care less who stands in my way." Our drinks came. "The workers here are quick. I should familiarize myself with this store since I live here now."

We finished our drinks and were back outside, Ursula holding onto me tighter than before. "Any tighter, and you'll cut off the blood circulation in my arm."

"I see no problem with that and can take care of you if you fall sick. That way, I get more time with you away from prying eyes," she retaliated jokingly before hugging me. "Jokes aside, I really enjoyed myself with you tonight, Wesley."

"I enjoyed myself too, Ursula. Will you go out with me again?" I asked.

In response, and to my surprise, Ursula laughed. "You're truly too good for this world, Wesley. But I think..." She grew even more sultry and raspy. "We're past asking that. I've staked my claim and expressed my interest both privately and openly. As far as I know, we're together now." She pecked my lips. "And I'm not talking about our roles as partners for the Magic Council."

"Shame on me for asking, right?"

"Absolutely."

Ursula turned around, so her spine touched my chest, her hand caressing my face teasingly. "My mind is yours to pick, and my intelligence yours to use. My power is yours to destroy and slaughter those whom you deem worthy. And my body is yours too. I hope you feel the same way about me, Wesley. Lest this all be a colossal waste of our time."

"No, no, Ursula. Your claim is correct. And I can think of no other way to end this date than with this."

I craned her neck and gave Ursula a long, overdue kiss on the lips. Her response was to immediately return it and introduce her tongue into the equation. Her groans turned to moans as Ursula became hungry, arms wrapped tightly around my neck while pushing her body against mine. It's a wonder I didn't get an erection as her lips felt heavenly. We finally separated, and Ursula's confident demeanor was broken once again.

"Wow. That was divine, Wesley," she rasped.

"And you were just as heavenly." Again, another small crowd was watching us.

Ursula looked like she was ready to cast a spell with intent to at least harm. But I took control of the situation. "Would it kill you all to stop being so damn nosy and to give us some privacy!?" I protectively held my new girlfriend. "Go home!" They all dispersed instantly. "The nerve of them."

"At least you were civil. I wouldn't have been as courteous as a fire spell would've been slung at someone, I assure you," Ursula confirmed what her expression invited. "But you surely have the traits I look for in a lover. I hope this will last for a very long time."

"I have a feeling it will, Ursula. I'd be a fool to give you up."

"You certainly would be. But you're a smart man. How else would you land a woman like me?"

She gave me another kiss, not lasting as long as the first. Otherwise, we wouldn't be sleeping tonight.

Ursula backed away. "We should stop before we harbor too much lust. But what a glorious day that will be. Though I'm afraid your friends won't like that we're together."

If that wasn't an obvious truth, I don't know what is. "They can confront us about it should they have a problem." I immediately responded. "I'll happily defend my decision."

"As will I, lover." Ursula kissed me again, her hand fiddling with my belt. "Take me home."

"Of course. After you, dearest."

I like this pairing more than Cecilia.

Ursula has never been portrayed as an anti-heroine since that's what she would be as a turncoat. I never even knew what she sounded like until her debut in Heroes and recently learned that. I was pleasantly surprised, expecting her voice to be sophisticated like Karin from SF. Instead, Ursula's voice is low and raspy while maintaining elegant confidence. I can't remember the last time I was this happy to be wrong about something. I think I did good portraying Ursula differently from other bad girls who became anti-heroines. The regular play would make them flirt or flaunt their sex appeal. With Ursula, I feel like I switched it up nicely. Sure, the traits are still there, but others took the forefront - confidence, intelligence, or pettiness since she had those moments in Blazing Sword.

Usually, I would end this here, but I wanted to do a bonus scene with a woman I completely glossed over as another contender for Wes' OTPs. It won't be too long compared to the last two, but I wanted to do a snippet with this female character. That character is Katalina from the Granblue series. She's strong, humble, gorgeous, and is very selfless. All traits that mix well with Wes.

So here's the scene.

Enjoy.

The Knight's Ball.

Haven't been to one of these since I got married years ago. I received an invitation to come here from Percival and Katalina, but I don't see them anywhere. At least there are already people here. It would be incredibly awkward if the outsider got here first, even if he was formally invited. I moved toward one of the empty tables but was interrupted by one of the women that were already there.

"Sir Wesley. May I have a dance?"

Not wanting to be rude, I accepted as she led me to the center. The ball theme was ballroom dance. I haven't participated in this in years, but I found the pocket quick enough where my partner didn't notice.

"You are amazing, Sir Wesley. Were you taught?" the woman inquired.

"I was, by my mother. She told me that I'd be attending many of these when I grew up. I didn't think anything of it at the time," I answered bluntly.

As the song ended, I bowed to my partner in respect as she curtsied.

"Thank you, Sir Wesley. I enjoyed myself. Have a good night," she expressed her gratitude before walking off.

That wasn't so bad, and she didn't notice I was five years out of practice. It felt like reciting a Fire Spell how quickly I remembered. As I went to sit down, I got to thinking. I saw that woman when I walked with Percival and Katalina in town. She wasn't as bold then after asking me to dance with her. I also noticed some of the single male patrons giving me dirty looks. I brushed it off at the time since they were probably thinking of me as a foreigner. They automatically had negative thoughts. Yet the expressions transferred here and worsened when I was dancing with her.

Are they... jealous of me? No, it can't be. I wiped off the dust on my glasses. While doing so, I'm approached by another woman.

"Sir Wesley, I hope you don't mind. But may I have a dance with you?"

I'm getting the feeling that I'll be asked that a lot tonight. Still, not wanting to be rude, I accepted her offer and braced myself mentally for the inevitable repetition. How right I was. I was offered eight more dances before Percival showed up and saved me from another one by pulling me aside.

"My, my. I expected you to be popular, but not to this magnitude," Percival jovially commented. He scanned my outfit, a more formal version of a Druid's robes. "You look good. Katalina's not here yet?"

"I don't think so, Percival. If she is, then I didn't notice," I answered. "Wait, you watched me this whole time?"

The Emperor of Flame laughed heartily at my annoyance. "I truly meant to intervene earlier, but I wasn't expecting you to be such a good ballroom dancer. I was taken away by your skills. Some of the men were giving you contentious looks."

"What's their deal anyway? I also noticed that every woman who asked me to dance was who I saw while we traveled together."

"You couldn't tell? They're jealous."

"That I realized from the second dance I participated in. But what could they be jealous of is what I'm wracking my brain about."

"Of your station."

"The station of a foreigner."

"That makes it arguably worse. In the short time you've been here, you joined the Grandcypher, helped save the Archipelago with Gran and Djeeta. And thanks to Katalina, you were knighted to her rank because of your similarities. Save for your methods of combat and gender, of course. You and I are friends, are we not? That's why the men are jealous of you," Percival masterfully explained. "Katalina getting closer to us during her downtime isn't doing us any favors either. If I were to guess, she's the center of all this jealousy."

"How so?"

"She's almost always the talk of the footsoldiers, commenting on her one-of-a-kind beauty and caring nature. As a result, most deem her unapproachable. Yet here you come. Not only did you strike a conversation with her, Katalina also displayed a keen interest in you. To them, that might as well be a crime against humanity. As for the women, they look up to Katalina in every conceivable way, though they are too afraid to ask for guidance. It's a sad cycle of laziness and bitterness. I, for one, am glad you showed up in more ways than one. You broke the cycle even if you weren't aware," Percival explained.

"Then there's Lowain and his brothers," I joked as a response.

Percival picked up on it and laughed. "Oh, yes. Like you and I, he's an outlier. Lowain's not interested in her, and the feeling is mutual. So, Wes. What do you think of Katalina?"

"Huh? Where did that come from?"

"Nowhere in particular. This is the first conversation we've had since Katalina joined us on our travels. Getting to pick the brain of an outsider is rare to me."

"Katalina..." I began. "...Is a remarkable woman. She's wise, strong, beautiful. And... she's right behind me, isn't she?"

"Your perception never fails to impress," Katalina voiced before pecking my cheek.

I turned around to see her, and... oh, my. Katalina wore a modest silver dress with sky blue accents, matching heels, and wrist accessories that compliment her warm brown eyes and red earrings. She looked... stunning.

"Wow, Katalina. You look amazing," I said to the Knight.

She blushed at my compliment. "Thank you, Wes. You clean up nicely yourself."

"I know, right? I said the same thing myself," Percival added, gassing me up.

I softly took Katalina's hand to spin her around and see how her dress did a phenomenal at hugging her curves.

"Wes... Would you like to dance with me?" Katalina offered.

Had it been with anyone else, I probably would've respectfully declined. But with how gorgeous Katalina looked, I'd be a madman to decline.

Before I could accept her, Percival answered for me. "He'd love to. I should find a partner myself. Let's meet up afterward, and we'll get dressed to find some food."

Percival then made his way into the ballroom.

"I hope you don't need Percival to answer that, do you?"

"Of course not. I would love to dance with you, Katalina."

She smiled warmly before leading me into the ballroom. The song playing was a lot slower as we reached the floor and didn't go toward the center at my insistence since I've been there ten times already. We found a spot, and I bowed at my partner. Katalina curtsied and embraced me as we found an instant rhythm.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I wanted to impress you since we were getting along so well," Katalina murmured in my ear.

"You didn't have to go out of the way to impress me, Katalina. You would have looked lovely no matter what you decided to show up in."

"Still, when you said that you were a former noble, I felt like I had to step up my game."

"Nonsense. You've done more than enough to gain my attention. You heard what I said when Percival asked me about you. I meant every word that left my mouth."

"You are too kind. Where have you been, Wes?"

"What do you mean?"

"Where have you been all of my life? Why did it have to be an anomaly that brought us together?"

"If something as fortunate as meeting someone as remarkable as yourself is an anomaly, I hope I never face another tragedy again," I replied as a response.

I felt Katalinia's embrace tighten as we danced in silence for a few moments.

"So many eyes are on us. Especially the girls."

"They may have asked me for a dance before you arrived. Percival thinks they're all jealous of me."

"The men certainly are. I see their bitter, awestruck gazes. They all have laid lecherous eyes on me before but dare not act on them."

"And the women?"

"They're jealous of me. You probably didn't notice, but many women from the town were giving you second glances."

"I took note. This isn't my first rodeo when it comes to matters of women."

"Yes, you're a widow. I can't imagine the heartache you went through. But you're ok, right?"

"Don't worry, Katalina. The worst has long sinced passed. I'm used to having eyes on me, but this is becoming unsettling," I voiced quietly.

Katalina giggled. "Then let us fuel the fire."

"Are you serious?"

"Their opinions aren't going to change regardless. Come on."

She led me to the center, everyone else's eyes momentarily going away. Soon, they were back on us. Katalina suspected this. "Alright, we're the center of attention." She blushed. "Ready?"

"For what, Katalina?" I questioned.

Her blush became heavier. "This."

Katalina then threw all caution to the wind and kissed me. I felt my eyes bulge but pulled her closer to reciprocate the gesture. I've wanted this from the moment I saw Katalina. We separated momentarily and stared longingly at each other, the lighting fluctuating over Katalina's skin. Unanimously, we silently agreed to a second kiss, this one deeper than the last. Katalina's nipples started prodding my chest as she began moaning but low enough so only I could hear. I felt her hand caress my face as I traced my fingers across her spine. She started to dip, and I made sure Katalina didn't fall. We descended and slowly ascended back up, breaking away after standing upright again.

"Wes," Katalina whispered. "I love you."

"I love you too, Katalina," I said. "Let's get out of here."

"But, what of Percival?"

"He can find us later. I don't think we should stick around after what just transpired."

"Agreed."

I led her out of the building.

How was that?

I said this scene wouldn't be as long, and it turned out to be arguably the longest scene. While I don't know the lore of Granblue well, I really wanted to do this scene since I started following it. Katalina is a phenomenal woman and character who mixes with Wes perfectly. I enjoyed writing that scene. Guess I once again found a sleeper pairing in Wes and Katalina. Shucks.

Anyway, that's all for this edition. Let me know what you think with a PM or a Review, and I'll see you all soon.