Infinity| A Time After

|Peaking pt.2 1/2|

Double update!!

Short chapter focusing on wholesome family moment!

I wanted to put aside the whole "war" thing for a moment, to give some peace of mind.

Anywhore, ONWARDS!!!

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|Arthur's POV|

As Tess lays the babes down in their crib, they wiggle around in their sleep, finding comfort in being close to each other to the point of practically laying on top of one another. A sigh escapes Tess as she tries to re-situate them, only for Aria to scoot adorably back over to her brother, to lay against his arm.

"Inseparable even in sleep." She titters after giving up on trying to move the sleeping infants. Her hand lightly tracing over the chubby cheeks of our children, a motherly smile gracing her face. Chuckling at her playful exasperation, we walk back out of their nursery after a moment.

"Why have you never told me you could sing?" I asked as we sat on the couch with Tess laying her head in my lap. I could tell she is tired, with me being gone for a little less than half of the day and having to watch over both of our infants. Playing in her hair as she lets out another sigh, completely relaxing against me as I punch aether into her body to soothe her tense muscles.

"It's....embarrassing. Being a princess, there was more to learn than just being taught history and how to rule over a kingdom. I had to learn different things like proper etiquette, proper speech and even how to control the mood within a room. She had me learn how to sow, play instruments, elven dances and...to sing." She explains with a small, saddened smile. I could see tears filling her eyes as she sat up to wipe them away before they could fall.

"Tess.." I turn fully to face her, pulling her hands away from her face as more tears gathered in her eyes. I let go of her wrists, opting to wipe away the tears that finally fell, rolling down her cheeks. Pulling her closer, I plant kisses all over her face for every tear that fell until they stopped falling.

"I feel like I've taken them for granted. Complained and even fought with them at times, when the only thing they wanted was to keep me safe, and that got them killed a-and I nearly got you killed too." She hiccups while leaning into my hold, burying her face in my chest.

"And even in death they likely don't regret it. I know I don't. I never did, and never would. I know how much it hurts, Tess, but you cannot blame yourself for what happened. I know for a fact if I were in your shoes, I would've done the same." My tone gentle as I try to console her, pulling her closer as she quietly sobs in my hold. She says nothing else as we sat in the solitude of our room.

"They would be so proud of you."

"F-For what? I've done nothing.."

"Proud of how much their daughter has grown. Proud of how strong you have become, despite all the chaos that warranted others to loose hope. Proud of your stubborn nature that keeps you going. Proud of you being their daughter." I listed quietly as I kiss the crown of her head.

She moves to sit in my lap, hiding her face in the crook of my neck as my arms wrap around her tightly. Slowly, her body stopped trembling as her cries completely cease. Her arms coming up to settle over my shoulders, hands at the nape of my neck slowly traveling up into my hair. Neither of us move from our place in each other's arms, staying content where we are.

"I love you." Tess murmurs after a few moments come to pass. Her voice both soft and hoarse from her cries. Her fingers playing with my hair tie before pulling it, prompting my hair to fall loose around my neck, just above my shoulders.

"I love you too."

"..Your hair is getting longer." She says as she runs her fingers through my hair, combing through the white strands. She leans back, swiping my bangs away from my face before placing a chaste kiss to my lips.

"Mmm...I can cut it."

"Nooo. It looks good like this." She playfully whines lightly, giving me a small pout to try and persuade me to keep the length.

"It still needs to get trimmed just a little bit. My bangs are too long." I explain lightly.

"Then let your mother trim it. Last time you cut your own hair it came out choppy and uneven." She laughs at my incredulous expression before I morph it into an expression of fake hurt.

"Are you criticizing my cutting skills?"

"It would be criticizing if you had any hair cutting skill to criticize." She hums with a playful lit.

"Ouch. Why are you attacking me in such a way??" I sigh, pretending to be hurt by the statement as I elicit another laugh from her.

"I'm sorry~" She giggles while pulling me in. My entire body seemed to go lax as I lean into her kiss, opening up after she nips at my bottom lip. My hands slip down to her hips, rubbing circles into her curves as she deepens the kiss, melting me from the inside out.

"...what are you doing to me..?" I sigh as we break the kiss, resting my head on her shoulder. I suck in a deep breath as I try to slow the beat of my heart. It was uncomfortable...

In the best way possible.

"Loving you." She mutters gently in my ear before littering chaste kisses on my neck. I could feel my face heating up as my hold tightens once more, hands tracing over her waist, to her hips, down to her thighs.

"This kind of witchery should be illegal." Comes my muffled response, eliciting a beautiful song of giggles. Her fingers continue to comb through my hair as she rests her chin on my head.

"If this kind of 'witchery' became illegal, you wouldn't be able to enjoy it as much as you are, Art." She hums matter-of-factly.

God I love this woman.

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There you have it!

This is for all the lovesick puppies that wanted more wholesome moments.

Did you enjoy it?
Comment!

See you all soon~
(1,071 words)