nostalgiaaaaaa

[dotingly]

You needn't worry so much, Mundane. Really- thank you for giving me this opportunity for a little peace and quiet, too. Although I really should be getting back to the... But, um, it's hard to enjoy it when you're-

... Oh, really, there's nothing to fret about. If there is one thing I'm used to, it's acting on whims. I cannot say I've experienced it personally, but you can rest assured that I'm still a valid source on the topic. Having a husband and a little sister has given me all the experience I need, after all.

So don't fret. Just give it a try, and who knows what you might find? A book tightly shut is but a block of paper, you know.

Wouldn't want to waste a good story, would you?

Comments

[littleconqueror]

Hey, you put that really well, Daqiao! Maybe I should be having you talk to all of the soldiers before a big battle!

[He's kidding, of course. Even if she would be extra adorable in the process.]

[1/2] screams!!!!!!!!!

[dotingly]

[of course she lights up immediately, only barely managing to keep herself from throwing her arms around his neck when she runs over close enough to do so.]

Lord Sun Ce...!

[dotingly]

[but... ah, yes, calming down, now. with her hands carefully folded over her chest.] I... don't think I have the proper charisma for that.

Not to mention, I wouldn't want them to miss out on one of your dazzling speeches.

You should have heard the sound *I* made.

[littleconqueror]

[He places his hand gently on her shoulder, smiling broadly.] Really? You like them? Well, I never really was one for big speeches... but if you think they're good, well, that's good enough for me!

I can't remember what happened before I broke the sound barrier

[dotingly]

[she smiles, sheepish. yes, lord sun ce's speeches... less speeches than they were fighting, fiery words, really. but it runs in the family, she supposes.

not that they don't work just as well, though.

anyway, with a (mock?) gasp. ] Oh, that's no good.

Because my lord would always be in my good opinion, wouldn't he?

[littleconqueror]

Hey, if there's anyone I trust to tell me when I'm not doing what I should, it's you, Daqiao.

[His other hand moves to cup her cheek softly, a thumb stroking her cheek. His smile is a little more coy, his tone just a little gentler than before.]

And that's just another reason why I want to have you by my side forever.

[dotingly]

Then you have my word that I won't think to abuse such a privilege.

[teasing, but it's hard to play around for long when he's so kind, when the butterflies tickle where they're fluttering inside her chest.

she lifts her own hands, cradling his wrist with her fingers. and for once, she doesn't think much of formalities when she leans into his palm, beaming until the expression reaches high to the corners of her eyes.]

Another reason? Are you keeping a list, too?

[littleconqueror]

[And there's that gorgeous smile of hers. No matter what hardships he faced on the battlefield, no matter how exhausted he was after a long day, whenever he sees that smile, it fills his spirit with joy. Even if he only spends a minute apart from her, it seems like far too long once he sees her again.

He gazes down upon her tenderly, eyes glimmering with affection as the hand on her shoulder lowers downward to her waist. He shuffles a little closer to her, happy just to have her in his arms.]

You might say that. And that beautiful smile of yours is at the very top of it.

[dotingly]

[it's hard to be looked at, especially in the undisguised way he does at times. she almost half expects him to look away first, but after a few moments of peering up into his face, it proves too much for her and she drops her gaze, heat rising on her cheeks and around her ears.

still, the proximity is enough permission to be a little selfish. she skims her fingers over his wrist, down to his elbow, and then up his upper arm. it's not quite the hug she's still tempted to commit, but the little touches are enough when they remind her that it's his warmth right there beside her.]

M-my lord...if you say that, I won't be able to stop.

[littleconqueror]

[Sooner or later, if she doesn't flat out hug him, he'll do it for her. After all, he's certainly not afraid to show his affection for her, regardless of who might be watching.

Most people only see the spirited, energetic warrior in him, the one who lives for battle and never backs down from a challenge. But his wife is one of the few who brings out the part of him that lies underneath, the one who wants nothing more than to provide a safe land for his family and his friends.

His hand shifts from her cheek to under her chin, a thumb gently lifting her chin so that he can look into her eyes once more. They're also a big part of his list, right up there along with her smile.]

As long as it means you're happy, I think I can live with that.

[He can't help himself sometimes... she's just so cute when she blushes. Or does anything, really. But she's not just a pretty face, either; there's a quiet strength within her that she likely doesn't even know she has, and it's one of the things he loves the most about her.]

[dotingly]

[it's not quite embarrassment. it's a little... shocking, maybe? to be on the receiving end of his love and affectations. she's always given them to him in full and to have them returned is almost miraculous, dizzying whenever he throws her a smile or pats her shoulder.

but no matter how dizzy she is, she doesn't hesitate to follow his lead, lifting her face with perfect trust to his.]

If my happiness is what you wish, then know that you always have it in abundance when we're together.

[littleconqueror]

[That makes him glad to hear, and though he doesn't say as much, the little smile on his face says it for him. For a moment, he lets himself get lost in her gaze. His hand lowers from her chin, coming to rest on her shoulder before he gently pulls her in for that hug that she's been denying herself.

He's actually restraining himself back. He was so excited to see her that he probably could have picked her right up off of her feet. And it's still incredibly tempting. But he's mindful not to squeeze too tightly, strong arms wrapping her in a loving embrace. It lasts for several seconds before he loosens his hold on her, hands moving to her shoulders so he can look her in the eyes once more.]

So, do you know if your mun has any plans for you?

[There's a touch of concern in his voice, but for now, he's too relieved to see her to worry too much.]

[dotingly]

[it's much too short for her liking. his warmth is nice though, and for those few seconds, she pulls her arms around him, hands over his broad back in turn. she holds onto as much of him as she can, more than a little hesitant to relinquish him when he withdraws.

in the end, she withdraws as he does, lifting her fingers to her mouth in thought.]

Um... I don't really know, my lord.

To be honest, she didn't really think very much through-- just seeing you was a welcome surprise for both of us.

[littleconqueror]

[He nods, understanding what she means. He just got out of a particularly trying situation himself, but he's never been the type to dwell on his hardships. Instead, he's thankful for the chance to see his beloved wife for the first time in... well, far too long for his tastes.

For that reason, he's unwilling to break contact entirely. He wants to get every moment out of her that he can steal.]

My mun and I were thrilled to see you, too. I've missed you so much, Daqiao... but I never gave up hope that I'd get to see you again.

[He's not the type to get emotional, but for Daqiao, he's always made an exception.]

[dotingly]

... Did you wait very long?

[her head tilts inquisitively to the side as she leans up on her tip-toes just to reach him. it's bold for her, when she cups his face with both of her hands and smiles cheerfully up at him.] I'm sorry.

But wherever you may be, surely I'd find some way to come back to you, Ce.

[littleconqueror]

[It has been a long time, but it's not her fault. Or anyone's, for that matter. As much as he hated being apart from her, he'd rather look forward to the time he can spend with her than fret about what can't be changed.

He lets his hands move to hers, clasping them tenderly. There's so much he wants to do so much, to make up for lost time. But there'll be a time and place for all of that.]

Don't you worry about that. The important thing is that we're together now. And wherever your mun decides to take you, I want to be by your side.

[He smiles, leaning his head forward to rest it against hers.]

And who knows? Maybe we'll find your sister and Zhou Yu somewhere.