Purity in the Stars *Maleficent: Mistress of Evil- Udo Love Story*

Chapter Eleven: Star-Crossed Lovers

Udo stared at her like he'd seen a ghost.
The moonlight enveloped them; casting the two in a lovely light as the distant waves echoed against the Cavernous Nest like a faraway hymn.
Udo gapped at her, taking a step forward as he went to speak; and Yuna stopped him. She held a hand up to both silence him and halt his movements, her expression serious as she quirked a brow.
"No." She dropped her hand.
"I talk, you listen."
Udo froze, mouth snapping shut as he listened intently to Yuna; an unreadable expression settling on his features.
Yuna took a deep breath, and she closed her eyes. Her fingers came up to fiddle at her necklace; swallowing thickly as her mind finally formed everything she wanted to say.
It was now or never.
Yuna's sharp brown eyes opened, and a gentle smile settled on her face. Tears began to prickle at her irises, and Udo's eyes widened.
Burning with resolve, Yuna took a steady step forward; her voice sounding foreign to her,
"I wanted to... no, I needed to tell you that no matter what I'm doing; court herbalist or not, I'm thinking of you. Always." Yuna's eyes blurred with tears. "The time I spent in the Moors with you, was the happiest time of my entire life. If I could do it all over again, I would. I wouldn't regret anything." Her tears began to fall freely. "If being with the crown means leaving you, then I don't want it. I choose you, Udo. I'll keep choosing you, over and over and over again. Without any doubt, without any hesitation, with all of my heart; I'll keep choosing you."
Yuna wringed her hands as she took a breath.
"I remember everything. I know what we used to be, Udo." She nodded her head as she took another deep breath in, speaking slowly so that she could keep herself collected. "I remember you, I remember this cliff. I remember you confessing, I remember the kiss, I remember... well, I actually don't remember if we had sex or not, but I remember everything else." Yuna cleared her throat with red cheeks.
"Udo, you had your turn to confess; and this all scares me, and I feel like I can't breathe, but I'd like to try." Yuna motioned to the space before them. "Right here, right where you did it all those years ago. Right where it all started, and where I would like for it to begin again."
Udo could only stare at her in disbelief as Yuna swallowed, and released a shaky breath.
"These past few weeks, I realized a few things about myself. I realized them all on my own, and I believe that they come straight from the heart." She started. "First... I love you." Yuna's tears trailed down more, Udo blurring before her. "I do. I love you so much that it hurts; these past few weeks have been hard for me, because I wasn't able to be by your side." Yuna licked her lips, salty tears greeting her.
"I also realized that you're right; my past, even the parts I forgot about, still weigh heavily on me today. I felt broken for a very long time; but now I have so many spectacular friends and people in my life, I have been given opportunities I could only have dreamt of... I think slowly but surely, the pieces are all starting to finally reconnect themselves."
Yuna's fingernails dug crescents into the skin of her hand. "No matter how tonight ends, no matter what happens, I will always adore you to pieces with all of my pieces, that I'm working on putting together."
Yuna smiled through her tears.
"I'm so sorry Udo. I'm sorry you've had to be in pain all this time, I'm sorry you've had to suffer alone. I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere, I swear. You told Borra that it was your job to make sure I live the happiest life that there is to experience... and that life doesn't exist unless you're in it."
A sob tore from her throat.
"I love you, Udo. I'm sorry it took me five years and a month and a half to realize it; but now I know that I am completely devoted to you. You're my star, Udo..." She sniffled.
"So please let me be your heart again; forever this time. I don't care what anyone says, I don't care what anyone thinks; I'm never losing you again, Udo. Fey or not, you are my entire future... and I wouldn't have it any other way." She smiled.
"It's always been you, Udo. Since that day you saved me in the ocean and again when the sky's were red with iron. It's always been you."
Yuna finally breathed as her confession lingered in the air, Udo's mouth agape as he could only stare at the girl in a state of shock.
Yuna gulped, anxiety clinging to her like static. "Udo...?" She gently pressed. Udo's mouth slowly closed as he blinked, his eyes fluttering away from her.
Yuna could feel her heart sink. 'Right...'
"Ah, okay... that's alright." Through Yuna's sadness, her smile only slightly wavered. "I know it was a bit presumptuous of me to just drop in unannounced... I just really needed to see you again. I'm sorry."
Her voice cracked, and she turned on heels with a heavy feeling in her stomach.
She only made it two steps before she heard him run, a tight grip encircling her bicep as her senses were filled by his scent.
"Udo..?!" Yuna just barely managed to exclaim out before her face met the Fey's strong shoulder; his arms strong as they latched onto her. Yuna's eyes widened as the soft fabric rubbed at her cheek, and Udo shakily spoke,
"I must be dreaming."
Yuna attempted to pull away from Udo's shoulder, put his strong hand held her there.
"No. Please, don't look at me right now." His voice was wavering, and Yuna felt wet drops hit her back.
Her eyes widened. "Udo, are you...?"
The Fey's grip tightened on her. "I'm so happy right now." He breathed.
Yuna embraced Udo, gently guiding his face to the crook of her neck.
"It's okay. I'm here now." She whispered.
"Go ahead and cry... I'm never leaving again."
Yuna smiled as she held Udo's shaking form, the wetness on her neck growing as Udo finally let it all go. Yuna gently brought them to their knees, stroking through Udo's long platinum locks as he mumbled the same phrase over and over again,
"I'm so sorry...!"
Udo held her closer, and Yuna hushed him, simply letting the Fey quietly cry as she closed her eyes. Her own tears matched his, and Yuna let her eyes open to great moon that seemingly shone down proudly onto them; the stars twinkling like an excited symphony. Her smile grew.
A different sensation tickled at her neck, and Yuna shifted her sight down to see Udo placing a gentle kiss there. He slowly lifted his face from the junction of her neck and shoulder, and took her face in both of his hands. Yuna held her breath as Udo stared down at her, eyes still misty but oh so loving. She smiled; how had they been away from each other for so long? Her hands went up to match his, cradling his cheeks as she stroked them softly with her thumbs.
Udo simply studied her face for a long moment; looking at her like she was the most brilliant thing he'd ever seen. Yuna stared right back, and Udo finally was able to whisper,
"Now, how am I supposed to follow up to a confession like that?" His face broke into a smile, the smile that Yuna yearned to see again after weeks of being separated from the Fey.
She giggled at that, Udo's eyes softening as she did so. "Well you can certainly try." She replied coyly. Her giggles dispersed, and she stared back at Udo with her teary eyes. "I missed you."
Udo leaned forward to kiss away one of her falling tears, nimble fingers wiping at her damp cheeks.
"I missed you so much more. I'll... I'll never be able to apologize to you enough. I swear, Yuna, I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you-" His frantic chatter made Yuna hush him.
"Only if you really mean the rest of your life." She cut him off, brushing at the loose platinum hair that airily touched his forehead. Udo caught the hand, and firmly pressed his lips to it;
"I do." He whispered. Yuna's heart fluttered as his lips moved against her hand, and she couldn't help but to ask;
"Why Udo? Why did you do all of this?" She didn't want to sound angry; but she needed answers... she deserved answers. "It really hurt me, Udo..." Yuna's voice cracked, Udo's other hand that cradled her face catching more tears.
Udo immediately brought her face back to his chest, stroking her long tresses as he rocked her slightly. "There will never be a greater shame than that; knowing that I hurt you so will always be one of my deepest regrets." He responded softly, nuzzling into her dark locks. "I... I was scared Yuna. I have no other words; I did what I thought was right. I... I never wanted you to feel limited by me, I wanted you to be able to live your best life."
Yuna pulled away, her brows furrowed. "You're... you're so stupid!" She sighed out, Udo smiling under her reprimanding. "Limit me? I can only be my best self when I'm with you, Udo... Don't ever do anything like that again! This is your second time trying to get rid of me; will I have to wait another five years to finally make you mine?!" Her voice rose to a subtle shout, and Udo swiftly kissed her flushed cheeks.
"I could never get rid of you even if I wanted to; you're my entire reason, Yuna." His words instantly made her tension dissolve, and Yuna pouted at the Fey as he twirled a lock of her oxblood hair around his finger. "Please, forgive me?" He whispered, bringing the strands up to press his lips against them.
Well, how could she not when he asked it like that? The action made Yuna's cheeks flush more, and she gave him a curt nod. "You know you don't need to ask... I'll always forgive you." She said. "But... there's still a lot I want us to talk about. There's still so much I want to know about you, Udo..."
"And I'll tell you everything. Every single part of me that there is to have; I give all of it to you. I swear it, Yuna; I'm never leaving again." Udo hastily promised her, his entire being dripping with sincerity as he met her eyes without hesitation. Yuna's eyes softened, and she nodded her head once more; all of the confirmation that Udo needed.
"And I'm not leaving you ever again either." She smiled.
The statement made Udo's eyes light up, and he sighed out as he breathed in the sweet scent that her hair emitted, breathily asking;
"How did you remember? How did you know? Yuna, I'm still not sure that I'm not dreaming right now..." His voice threatened to break, and Yuna soothed him as she scooted closer; the hand that Udo used to cradle her cheek gently trailing down to her small waist.
Yuna grinned at him, and Udo could've fainted;
"Shrike helped me see that you were all I wanted, and Ini was able to perform a Divine Divination on me. Borra was able to collect one of your strands of hair when he came to see you... I saw everything. From the first time you rescued me, to us being reunited at Castle Ulstead to right now; I saw it all." Gingerly, and with butterflies in her stomach, Yuna mustered the courage to learn forward and press an inexperienced peck to Udo's brow. He sighed under the affection.
"You're not dreaming Udo; I'm right here." As if to prove her point, Yuna took his hand that was entangled in her hair and led it to her waist; the Dark Fey's strong hands steadying her center.
Udo's eyes widened, and he allowed his fingers to bunch in the fabric that resided there. "A Divine Divination?" Udo couldn't believe his ears. "Those three... they're really something else." He chuckled. "I'll make sure to give them my sincerest gratitude when we go back home."
Yuna's chest warmed. "I like it when you say that." She practically blurted out. "I... I like it when you make it sound like we share a home..." She heated with embarrassment, and Udo chuckled.
"Don't we though? Wherever you are is home, for me." He whispered. Swallowing thickly, Udo hesitantly brought up, "I won't leave, and I won't question you." He began, eyeing Yuna cautiously. "But... I don't want you to give up being a Court Herbalist, Yuna. No matter how much you mean to me, I can't let you sacrifice something like that-"
Yuna hushed him. "We'll worry about that later." She replied gently. "Right now... just let me enjoy this moment, please?"
Udo's eyes softened, and he heeded her request. "Alright." He whispered. Carefully, Udo maneuvered their position on the ground; fully sitting on the soft earth beneath him as he brought the girl to sit in his lap. Yuna felt nervous by the intimacy of the position; but she knew she could trust Udo, without a shadow of a doubt she could devote her whole being to the Fey.
Yuna sighed as she rested her head against Udo's shoulder, her eyes fluttering shut in contentment as he lazily raked his fingers along her back. Suddenly, Udo hugged her form closer and breathed;
"Finally, you're mine." He buried his face into her soft hair, and Yuna snuggled into him further.
"I'm yours." She whispered back, hearing a quiet sniffle come from the Fey. Yuna let her own tears begin to fall again as she chuckled, clutching Udo's robe in her hands. "Come on now, don't start crying again."
Udo nuzzled into her more. "I could say the same to you." He cheekily retorted.
Yuna giggled, and melted into his embrace as they basked in their happy cries; laughing at the other when they pulled back to get a good look at each other.
It was like all of the planets aligned; and the stars all pointed the way. It was so long in the making; they were so long in the making. It felt odd to put a label on it; and Yuna realized she was simply content with just calling Udo her's. All of the pain, the misunderstandings, the tribulations... it all led to Yuna being held tightly by the Fey she so desperately longed for, and she cried just a bit harder at the realization. The ocean sprayed them with it's salty greetings; a lovely compliment to the beautifully romantic serenade of stars that smiled down at the two as they embraced tightly on the cliff.
Yuna was sure that her necklace burned into her skin as a happy grin broke through her tears; a certain set of stars glimmering as she looked up at them with a warmth that finally reached her eyes;
'Are you guys seeing this? This is the man... er, Fey, who I think I'm going to grow old and grey with... Don't worry, he's wonderful to me; I wouldn't settle for anything less. Certainly you know that by now though, hm?' Yuna sighed, a gentle breeze sweeping by the couple.
'That's your way of giving your approval then? That's good enough for me." Yuna smiled.
Yuna could hear Udo gulped thickly as he pulled back ever so slightly; just enough so that he made eye contact with her.
"I'd like to say my piece now... if that's alright." He prompted. "I certainly can't let you outdo me in the love confessions department; trying to steal my thunder, hm?"
Yuna released a laugh, and the sound was like heaven to Udo's ears. She quieted down for him, and Udo stared down at her like she was gold as he spoke;
"I don't know what I ever did to deserve you. You're... gods Yuna, you're the most magnificent being I have ever laid my eyes on. Your heart is unlike anything I have ever known; your kindness, and your grit is something I will never take for granted. Despite everything you've been through... you're the most compassionate woman I've ever known. I can't believe you're finally mine; I don't know how you're even real..."
Yuna's cheeks were on fire, and she wondered how on earth it was humanly possible for her to be this happy.
Udo gently brought a hand to her face.
"In case there are still any misunderstandings or doubts in the air; I'll just say it as it is." Udo's eyes stared down at her so very sweetly, that Yuna couldn't help but cry. "You're my heart, Yuna. You complete me; you're my steady place. I know that our love story is unusual, I know that our past has odd circumstances behind it and I know that the journey of being a Dark Fey and human couple will have its bumps; but I don't give a damn. Yuna, I am so completely, hopelessly, irretrievably in love with you." Udo blinked back more of his own tears.
"I have been for five whole years now; and I'll never stop. There were moments where it was so painful; but I knew I had to hang on for you. I think somewhere, deep down in my soul, I knew that we'd find our way to each other again." Udo smiled. "And do you know what the best part of all of this was?"
Yuna's eyes lashes were wet as she stared up expectantly at the Fey, and Udo drew closer as he gently whispered, a sentence only for their ears to hear;
"I got to fall in love with you all over again."
Yuna felt her heart soar, and Udo smiled like a love struck idiot as he chuckled at the confession; cheeks reddened with pure joy.
His other hand came up to Yuna's face.
"It is truly by the most divine blessing," Udo's voice was soft, his slender fingers gently cradling Yuna's face. The Tundra Fae's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he stared into Yuna's dark eyes, smiling warmly at her. Yuna's mouth was agape as she stared up at the man, who stared down at her like she was some precious jewel, or a star shining in a dark night sky. A warmth spread throughout her chest, and she felt stray tears begin to streak down her cheeks. She did not trust her voice to speak. Udo chuckled, brushing them away with his thumbs. He placed his forehead onto Yuna's, conscious of his long horns, and closed his eyes.
"It is truly by the most divine blessing, that out of all the stars and cosmos, the fates led me to you."
The two's tears intermingled as Udo added with a happy laugh; "Again."
The two broke into laughter; their foreheads leaned against each other as they finally were able to liberate themselves. Udo's eyes fluttered open to meet his heart's, and he stated with so much adoration in his eyes;
"I love you."
Yuna sniffled, his breath tickling her face.
"I love you too." She nodded, another happy giggle escaping her as Udo simply melted. They basked in the mirth of it all, and Udo's eyes darkened as he closed what little space there was between them.
Yuna just barely registered what he was doing; eyes widening as she let out a short gasp, then felt Udo's lips lock onto her own.
For Yuna, it was like the whole universe was rapidly expanding and collapsing; a soft and involuntary mewl escaping her as she gripped onto Udo's robes like her life depended on it. It didn't matter that they must've done it many times before; the memories were unavailable to her, so as far as Yuna was concerned... this was her first kiss.
Yuna felt her anxiety tighten, but then it instantly dissolved away. Her widened eyes slowly shut to match Udo's, and her tight grip on him relaxed as she shakily brought her hands to his hair; Udo releasing an appreciative groan when her fingernails brushed into his scalp. His lips moved gently against hers and luckily; Yuna was quite the fast learner. She meekly began to reciprocate the kiss, and when she heard a soft noise echo from Udo, it encouraged her and boosted her confidence just enough to where they equally met each other's movements. Yuna finally stopped overthinking it; overthinking everything, really.
She simply lived in the moment, and she relished it completely.
For Udo, it was like someone had set off a million fireworks in his gut and all throughout his nervous system. Five years in the making, and he couldn't believe it; who taught Yuna how to kiss like that? Udo likes to think some part of her brain remembered his touch, and Yuna automatically responded to it based off of conditioning. Udo dreamed that one day he'd be able to hold her like this again, he prayed for it every time the sun rose and every time the moon phased. Yuna coming back into his life... Udo could only assume it was written in the very stars that they be together.
Udo felt like he could combust from happiness and sob with relief; had the Phoenix foresaw all of this? Was all of this a part of her grand scheme of things; was their time apart meant to remind Udo just how madly in love he was with the human in his arms? If it was... then it worked. Udo deepened the kiss; not able to help the smile breaking onto his face as his nose brushed against Yuna's. Udo would never question the plan that the stars had laid out for him again; for so long, he felt lost and like he was simply floating.
When that fateful day of red skies reunited them, Udo's world filled with color again. He just knew... somehow, the fates would allow him to finally be happy. They would allow them to finally be happy.
Their lips moved in unison, and Udo was cautious as he coyly nipped at the girl's bottom lip; not enough to bring her pain, but enough to signal for her to open up her mouth ever so slightly. He couldn't help the sound that tore from him; a mix of a groan and a moan as Yuna innocently mewled, their tongues finally meeting. Udo angled his head to deepen the kiss, and Yuna's heart pounded like a drum as their noises grew louder; Udo taking the lead as his tongue gently explored her mouth. Yuna followed suit, her movements unsure but bringing Udo all the satisfaction he could ever want as they greedily kissed over and over again; the perfect amount of pure infatuation and a hint of suggestiveness as Udo and Yuna's tongues softly massaged each other.
The pulled away slowly, slightly panting for air as their foreheads still rested against each other. Yuna's cheeks were a hot red, and her eyes were still half lidded; a mixture of the intensity from the kiss and her own embarrassment. Udo watched her softly, his own cheeks slightly flushed as he nuzzled their noses together in an Eskimo kiss. He kissed her small nose, and then went to kiss any available surface area of Yuna's face; showering her with soft and loving pecks as Yuna tried not to simply die from the affection.
Udo ended with a quick kiss to her lips, which still glistened from their previous exchange. He smiled so sweetly at her, and in a soft whisper he said,
"My heart; my Yuna."
Udo let out a surprised grunt as his back met the grassy floor; Yuna practically tackling the Fey as she hastily brought their lips together again.
The spurt of courage shocked Udo, but he kissed back just as excitedly anyways; holding her flush against his body. After all, could he really complain?
"Yours."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By the time the two had re-entered the Moors, the sun was just beginning to break through the trees. Udo carried Yuna's sleepy form securely in his arms as he touched down onto the forest's expansive field, adjusting her as he made the short trek to the almost forgotten cottage;
Their home.
Udo bent his head to kiss at her scrunched up brow, the girl desperately trying to fall asleep as her exhaustion finally caught up to her. Udo smiled, voice quiet so that he didn't disturb her; "You look cute when you do that."
Yuna buried her face deeper into his chest, grumbling. "I'm tired." She mumbled. "Wanna go home and sleep..."
Udo made a mental note as Yuna shifted in his arms that she felt much lighter than when he'd last carried her; The Fey promised himself that he'd make sure the girl ate plenty once they were back at the cottage. Two weeks away from each other had definitely seemed to take a toll on the both of them in different ways; and Udo would dote on her endlessly to make up for the way he'd left her so suddenly.
"I know. You can go to bed as soon as we get inside, alright?" The cottage's door was right in front of them now. Yuna groaned again, "Want you to come with me." She sighed.
Udo chuckled. "My oh my, looks like my heart is already awfully spoiled, hm?" He teased. Yuna seemed unbothered, head lulling as she lazily basked in Udo's warm arms.
"Your fault." Came her brief but coy response, and Udo grinned.
He wouldn't have it any other way.
Udo paused just as he was about to push the wooden door open with his foot, sending a brief glance at the girl in his arms as amusement sparkled in his sapphire irises. He heard muffled commotion within the cottage, "I do believe we have some company, Yuna."
The sentence made Yuna lift her head from his chest, her tired eyes trying to groggily adjust as Udo led them inside. They must've only made it about three steps into the warm cottage when Yuna heard scuffling, then a loud and pronounced,
"Welcome back!"
It startled Yuna, and she practically jumped out of Udo's hold as her eyes focused on the brilliantly grinning faces before her as she wobbled to her feet.
She quirked a confused brow, her strong desire for sleep not quite helping her understand the situation. "Guys...?"
Before Udo and Yuna stood their entourage; both Dark Feys and humans alike (well, one human and one crow). Maleficent, Borra, Ini and Shrike stood within the living room, wings outstretched and with small smiles on their faces. Aurora and Diaval stood in front of them with almost childlike grins as they rushed up to Yuna and threw her into their double embrace.
Yuna stumbled in their forceful charge, eyes wide as her senses were filled with excited cheering and smothering hugs. Yuna's hand came up to rest on either one's back, the two pulling away as she gave them a confused look.
"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you all doing here?" Her gaze cast from Aurora and Diaval to the Feys standing behind them; the warmth of their auras challenging the sunlight streaming into the home. A pleasant smell hit her nose, and Yuna's mouth watered; since when did they have all of this food in the cottage?
"Well, we need to celebrate, don't we?" Diaval winked.
"It's about time, you two!" Aurora joined in with her crow friend, the two staring almost teasingly at Yuna as knowing smirks grew on both of their faces.
Yuna released them and shot a look to Udo over her shoulder, the Fey meeting her gaze with a warm smile. He strode up to his heart, and placed a hand on the small of her back. Smoothly, Udo bent his head to whisper into the girl's ear;
"Celebrate us, love."
The words made Yuna's cheeks flush in understanding, Udo standing to his full height with a smile.
"Did you know about this?" She questioned him.
Udo shook his head, his eyes trained onto his Fey folk with a kind demeanor. "No." He answered. "But... I figured they'd do something along these lines. After all..." Yuna felt Udo's hand slip into hers gently, giving it a squeeze.
"It's a very big deal when a Fey finds their heart."
Yuna resisted the urge to tackle her Fey again in a flurry of kisses and adoring praises, instead deciding that squeezing his hand back just as tightly would suffice (For now. That had company for heaven's sake).
"Wow... Thank you all so much." Yuna breathed; was she really deserving of such wonderful friends?
Aurora opened up her mouth to say something again, her words dying out when a booming voice roared out;
"Out of my way! I want to see them!"
Aurora just barely managed to dodge Borra's massive tawny wings as he stormed past the girl, Diaval in tow as he protested with a groan.
Borra came to stand before the new couple with a fierce expression.
His eyes shot from Udo, then to Yuna, then back to Udo again. The two were silent as he observed them, and then Borra broke out into a cheeky grin.
"Atta boy, Udo!"
Borra was practically beaming as he stared down at a certain red and purple spot on Yuna's neck, and once she followed his line of sight, she blushed as a hand came up to cover it. "B-Borra c'mon..."
Aurora joined in with him, eyes wide as she poked at the skin with a giggle, "Oooooh a hickey? You're so naughty, Udo!"
Yuna burned brightly, her cheeks challenging the ripest of apples. She swatted away at Aurora's pointer finger, just as Diaval came up sneakily by Udo with a mischievous grin.
"He has one too! Udo has a hickey!" Diaval yanked away at the high necked robe that covered Udo's skin; a bright bruise matching Yuna's screaming loudly at the room's occupants. Udo's calm demeanor shattered, and Diaval was almost instantly knocked on the floor from the Fey's wings as Udo hastily pulled his collar back up with a scowl.
"Stupid crow...." He muttered, though it held no real venom.
Maleficent chuckled, prying her crow and daughter away from the couple with a coy smile; "My my, Yuna your meek outward appearance is awfully deceiving. Just what did you get up to last night Beastie?"
From the side, Ini nudged Shrike with a disapproving look.
"I told you they'd want alone time when they got back..." She whispered, only adding to Yuna's crushing desire to sink into the floor.
Shrike shrugged, watching the exchanges with a grin. "Well just think of it like dinner and a show. You think Yuna notices that the strap of her dress is falling off of her shoulder?"
Yuna knew Shrike did that on purpose; and no, she didn't notice. Yuna glared at the Jungle Fey, hastily tugging the sleeve up as the cluster around her and Udo only grew louder.
'Definitely not a boring welcome wagon.' Yuna thought with amusement. The sound of the door opening behind her welcomed in two more occupants, and a male's voice chuckled as he greeted out;
"Already swarming the new lovebirds? Come on guys, give them some space."
Yuna bit back a groan as she turned around, the bright smile of Philip greeting her and the rather disinterested face of Percival not far behind him. Did her boss really have to see her like this?
"Philip?" She quirked a brow at the barrel that Percival rolled into the cottage, Shrike cheering as he did so.
"Alright! Now we can get the party started; Philip brought us the expensive royal booze!" She exclaimed.
Yuna's eyes doubled in size. 'Just how many people know about me and Udo?!' She looked to Aurora, and quirked a brow. "So is it safe to assume that Udo and I can have half of the kingdom knowing about our relationship?"
Aurora raised her hands in defense, "This wasn't my doing! I was told by Maleficent that there was to be a party in celebration of you and Udo; I didn't even know you took off from the castle last night!"
Maleficent joined in. "And I was informed by Ini that Borra had told her that Shrike wanted to have a party for you and Udo coming together."
Shrike's turn; "And by default I had to tell Diaval; he's just as much a part of the group as everyone else!"
Yuna turned to stare deadpanned at the crow, and he sheepishly grinned.
"And I told many, many people." He confirmed, shrugging his apologies. "Only the people around the castle though! I haven't told anyone in town or the Moors. I couldn't help it, I was excited."
Yuna sighed as she shook her head. "What if everything went horribly wrong and we didn't get together? What would you all have done all day, just wait and stare at the front door for several hours?"
Borra grunted. "Simple. The backup plan was to force you two to get together, probably via life threatening situation to stimulate your deepest emotions, so either way we'd be having a party." He said it almost too nonchalantly, and Udo started laughing.
"You're absolutely mad." The Fey noted, stepping forward. He clapped a firm hand to Borra's shoulder, and dipped his head at him with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Borra. If you hadn't made me come to my senses... I probably would've never come around. I'm lucky to have you." Udo spoke softly. "I mean it. I have you to thank for all of this."
Borra seemed proud; and he clapped a hand onto Udo's shoulder to mirror his friend's position. "Yeah; don't you forget it." His face softened to what appeared to be a genuine smile, and Borra added in a much softer tone, "I'm happy for you, Udo. Let yourself be happy too."
Udo turned to look at Yuna, who watched the exchange warmly. His eyes glistened with nothing short of adoration, and he whispered back, "I will."
Udo nodded his head at Borra once more, releasing him as he worked his way to Ini and Shrike. Udo approached them with a playfully quirked brow and lips; eyeballing them as the two smirked.
"A Divination, hm? You've really outdone yourself, Ini." Udo began nonchalantly, causing the Desert Fey to smile.
"Right? Do I get a special spot in the wedding now? It is kind of by my own doing that you two are together now." Ini replied back just as teasingly, and Shrike added in;
"Hey now, don't forget that I'm the reason Yuna came back in the first place! I think that deserves some type of reward." She winked.
Udo gave his two friends the warmest of smiles, pulling both of them into an embrace.
"Thank you." It was simple, but it truly spoke volumes; and Ini and Shrike knew it.
"No thanks necessary." Ini patted his back.
"Yeah, just remember what wonderful friends we are for any future conflicts, alright?" Shrike whispered, sending a smile Yuna's way. "Hurt her and I'll hurt you."
Udo's smile grew, and he released the girls with a chuckle. "I'd never be able to. Certainly you know that." The four Feys broke into laughter, patting Udo's back and shooting teases his way as Udo grinned sillily.
Yuna watched the exchange, tired eyes sparkling as she watched the four friends reunite. 'Is it all really returning to how it used to be? Can Udo and I really be happy together?' Yuna smiled. 'Udo looks so content to be back with everyone; I know they missed him too.'
The contentment that washed over Yuna was one that was foreign to her; quelling her inner storms and making the colors in the room seem brighter.
'It really is a lucky life we were blessed with.'
The girl felt something be nudged into her hand, and she looked down to see a small plate of what she assumed was a rather delicious looking creamy pasta. Yuna accepted plate gratefully, looking up to where Aurora stood before her with her own plate.
"You're hungry, right? Come on, eat up."
Yuna smiled her thanks, looking to her side to also see Maleficent and Diaval approaching the pair. She giggled when she felt Diaval ruffle her hair, playfully nudging the man as a forkful of twisted pasta found its way to her lips.
"It's good to see you smiling again. You're practically glowing." Diaval noted, wiping at the corner of the girl's mouth. "You tell me if Udo's ever mean to you, alright? If he even yells at you one time, you tell me and I'll-" Diaval's eyes shone with a quiet fury as Maleficent hushed him, chuckling at her crow's over-protective nature.
"Hush now, Diaval. Yuna is more than capable of taking care of herself." Maleficent chided, and Yuna and Aurora giggled. "However, on that note..." The Dark Fey called across the room, snagging Udo's attention.
"Udo." She called. The Feys quieted as they faced the reincarnated Phoenix, and she smiled. "It goes without saying I have no objections to this covenant." Udo brightened just as Maleficent's smirk turned wicked. "However, should the little Beastie ever come to me with a broken heart... you will wake up underwater." No one had to question the mistress on how much she meant the threat, Philip leaning to whisper at the Tundra Fae;
"She means it too. She threatened the same thing to me when Aurora and I first started dating; I wouldn't recommend challenging it."
The room broke into laughter; the two kinds intermingling as finally, everything settled into place. For the time being, Udo and Yuna detached to give attention to their guests; a rather astonishing sight to see the humans and Feys interacting so easily and enjoyably.
Borra at some point had managed to drink too much of the ale that Percival had wheeled in, the head guard dismayed as the Fey challenged him rather aggressively to a drinking match (which he of course declined).  Ini and Diaval fell into a rather philosophical discussion over which dish laid out on the table was the best; Diaval becoming rather offended after the Desert Fae dismissed a sweet bread that the crow may or may not have assisted the chefs in baking. Shrike and Aurora giggled in a corner at how Borra harassed their poor guard; Borra soon turning his attention on the girls as he dragged them to where the waiting mugs of alcohol were on the table.
Udo, Philip and Maleficent were in a deep discussion over the coming weeks leading to the peace treaty, shooting ideas back and forth as Yuna bounced from person to person; her presence being highly demanded by everyone.
"You! Human! Drink with me, now!" Borra shoved a mug her way, and Yuna waved it off with a nervous smile.
"No thank you, Borra. I really can't handle my liquor all that well." Yuna tried to reason, but the Fey wasn't having it.
"Is that the thanks I get for getting you a husband? You would've died alone if I didn't intervene!"
It was just alcohol talking. Just the alcohol. Yuna reminded herself of this, and yet she still quirked an unamused brow at the man.
"I would've died just fine! I don't see you with a heart, now do I?" Yuna countered, and Borra stuttered at the quick comeback.
Philip laughed; "She's certainly got you there, Borra. Not very smooth with the ladies, are you?"
Borra glared. "I'm plenty smooth, I'll show you." Begrudgingly, and with a bit too much vigor, the Fey turned to Ini.
"Ini. I believe our features put together would make quite the handsome bunch of babes."
Borra crumpled to the ground as the Desert Fey's fist connected rather hard with his gut, her eyes casting down on him in disdain.
"In your wildest dreams, stupid boar." Ini looked almost offended.
Percival nudged at the Fey with his foot. "I believe that was a rejection." He noted none too sympathetically.
Borra glared up at the guard as he cradled his sore stomach, muttering out a "Shut up. Stupid human."
Yuna broke into laughter, tears gathering at her eyes as she wiped them. She looked up, and across the room her eyes met with Udo's own; staring at her softly. He smiled when their eyes met, mouthing a quiet "I love you."
Yuna's heart warmed, and she mouthed the phrase back just as Aurora rose a mug high into the air; exclaiming,
"To Udo and Yuna!"
The room's occupants repeated the cheer with excited hollers, the toast to the couple bringing Udo and Yuna into a happy laughter. Yuna's eyes scanned out over their friends, their newly found family, as she took a sip from one of the mugs containing the bitter ale. Udo followed suit, and Yuna's voice broke out among the crowd.
"Thank you all very much."
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The gathering of friends bled late into the night, and seeking refuge from the roaring laughter and drunken chatter, Yuna found herself outside of the cottage.
She rounded a corner, spotting the man she'd been searching for leaning against the cottage's wall; studying the stars intently as his profile made Yuna blush. Her Fey was quite handsome, after all.
"I thought I'd find you here." She called out, Udo looking to the approaching girl with a delicate expression.
"Great minds think alike." He responded, an arm going to slink around Yuna's waist as her shoulder met his. "Are you tired? I know you still haven't slept; I don't want you to fall ill."
Yuna shook her head as she leaned against Udo, smiling softly.
"I'm too scared to fall asleep. I don't want to wake up and realize this was all a dream."
Udo bent his head to press a kiss to her forehead, and Yuna sighed contently. "I can assure you it isn't. Would it make you feel better if I slept with you?" Yuna blushed at the innocent suggestion, sure that Udo could feel her warmth through his robes.
"M-Maybe." She replied quickly. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable anymore; it never occurred to me that Feys don't normally sleep in beds until I saw the best you'd built..." She recalled seeing the structure on the Cavernous Nest; blushing when Udo had explained to her that Fey's typically started nesting once they'd found their mates.
Udo brought her sluggish form closer to his frame so Yuna could lean further against him; chuckling into her hair. "And let you sleep in a bed of sticks and get splintered? Absolutely not." His tone became softer, and Yuna missed the way he looked at her as she started up at the clear stars gracing over the Moors. "I'm fine sleeping on a bed with you. It's not like it's impossible for Feys; it just takes us a moment to adjust because of our wings." Udo quickly added, "Of course, that's only if you want me to sleep with you. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
Yuna smiled at Udo's doting, her heart fluttering; "I'm perfectly fine with that." She whispered. "I want you by my at all times; maybe it's a bit selfish, but it's just how I feel." The girl confessed.
She felt Udo's lips press to the crown of her head, and he hummed. "Same for me."
The two fell into a content silence, the distant blaring of their friends echoing in the background as the hot summer air settled over the Moors and over the couple.
'Summer is already coming to an end, hm? It all went by so fast...' Yuna contemplated. 'I started this summer off just like I did all of the other ones, and now I'm ending it...' Yuna's gaze trailed up to Udo, and she smiled endearingly. '...I'm it so much more wonderfully than I could've ever dreamed.' Yuna pressed to her tip toes to place a gentle peck to the Fey's high cheekbones.
Udo purred under the affection, his fingers lazily dragging along her exposed arm.
It was weird how natural it all felt; they'd only officially became a couple less than a day ago, and yet Yuna already felt a level of comfort and ease amongst the Fey that she was sure could only come from a long term relationship. Everything was just simple when it came to Udo; and she loved that. Her gaze drifted up to the summer sky, her vulnerable feelings giving way to reminiscing about summer nights long since passed. It hit Yuna suddenly; the distinct smell of candy apples, food stalls, summer bonfires, the sounds of families laughing and the drizzling colors of vibrant fireworks...
"I think I want to hold a summer festival." Yuna stated suddenly, and Udo quirked a brow down at the girl.
The statement hit Yuna with a wave of realization, and she continued; "For the Peace Treaty, and to help Aurora with meshing the Moor folk and humans. We can have it at the end of summer; right before the peace treaty signing and the ball." The concept filled Yuna with a mixture of hope and excitement; finally, there was something she could do to help Aurora. Something that was dear to her heart; an old family tradition that she'd be able to share with her new family.
Yuna looked up to Udo unsurely, and Udo sought to kiss away the doubt that flashed across her face;
"Is that stupid? Do you think it's too much? I don't even know if I can plan it in time..."
"Certainly not." Udo immediately responded, happy to see the relief sink into Yuna. "I think that's wonderful, Yuna. Like the summer festivals you told me about on Miyagata, right?"
Yuna nodded, and Udo hugged her closer with both arms. "How could I ever think that's stupid? That sounds amazing! I'd love to see a piece of where you grew up..." Udo sounded genuinely excited, his eyes lighting up and Yuna's face broke into a grin. He brought a hand up to stroke at her cheek. "You have my full support, you always will. I must be honest that I'm a bit uninformed on the concepts of such a thing, but I'll help you however I can."
He held her so tenderly and his words were so sweet, that Yuna couldn't help but sigh into his touch. "Thank you..." She whispered out. "We're only two weeks away until the end of summer; I'm going to have so much on my plate trying to handle all of it."
Udo shook his head, "If it's important to you, then it's important to me too. Don't stress; you have my full support." Udo pressed a kiss to her tight brow. "Don't overthink please, it's not good for you."
How did he always know exactly how to make her feel better?
Yuna's eyes fluttered shut as his lips went to connect with hers in a sweet kiss, the girl rising to her top toes to meet him. It was a brief kiss, one that still painted the two of them in a red hue, and Udo sighed when they pulled apart.
"I still can't believe you're mine." He whispered. "Today has been so amazing; I made you my heart and we got to celebrate it with all of our friends. I can't believe this is real life."
Yuna laid her head on his chest, letting the Fey sway them softly. "Believe it. It's the start of many more wonderful things." She whispered.
Udo hummed as he laid his cheek onto the top of her head, the two embrace tightly despite the summer heat. The crunching of grass alerted the couple of the nearing Queen, and Yuna lifted her head from Udo just in time to see a blushing Aurora.
"Apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt the moment." She laughed, wincing when a particularly loud drunken cry from Shrike and Diaval pierced though the night air.
"It's alright." Udo responded, still keeping his hold on a red-faced Yuna. "Was there something you needed? Yuna and I just needed some fresh air for a moment; there's never anything fun about being the only sober one at a party." He chuckled.
Aurora groaned in agreement, approaching the two with a shake of her head. "You're telling me. I'll have to drag Philip back to the castle; even Maleficent is a bit tipsy!" She rolled her eyes.
Yuna giggled; "Well, certainly you could just stay here, right? It is your home, after all." The reminder, while Yuna meant it, shot a sharp pain to her chest. It only served to remind Yuna that her living arrangements with Udo in the early summer were only meant to be temporary; not permanent. She'd spend all of her days at the castle, hopefully being able to catch Udo in the Moors on one of her days off. Yuna had meant it when she told Udo that he meant more to her than the crown, but it didn't mean she necessarily wanted to give up her Court Herbalist position...
Yuna wondered if Udo knew what she was thinking as the Fey held her closer ever so slightly.
Aurora grinned rather sheepishly, and her eyes fluttered away from the couple. "Well, actually... that's what I wanted to talk to you about." She began.
Yuna quirked a brow, and Udo seemed easily as puzzled. The two released each other as Yuna turned to her friend, asking "What do you mean, Aurora?"
The smile never left Aurora's face as her gaze fell to the cottage, a welcoming light emitting from it and the sounds of their friend's laughter rattling the home. Aurora's gaze then fell to Udo and Yuna, and with a firm nod, she spoke;
"The cottage is yours, Yuna. You don't need to worry about living in the castle and away from Udo; you can stay right here."
The words practically took Yuna's breath away, and she was sure that if she could see Udo's face she would see his eyes just as wide as her own.
"P-Pardon?" Yuna swallowed. There wasn't any way she possibly heard that right, was there?
Aurora's smile grew. "You can live right here in the Moors, in this cottage, with Udo. You'll still retain your Court Herbalist position, you'll just have to report to the castle on your work days."
Yuna's eyes softened as she covered her grin with her hands, her feet bringing her forward to embrace the Queen. Aurora hugged her back, and Yuna asked; "Aurora, are you sure? This is your home, I don't want you to feel like you need to do this..."
Aurora pulled away from Yuna, her smile warm. "My home is in Castle Ulstead with Philip; your home is right here with Udo." She squeezed the girl's shoulders. "I'm doing this because I want to; I want all of this happiness for you, Yuna."
Udo came up behind Yuna, resting a hand on the herbalist's waist. "Aurora, you're too kind." Yuna could tell Udo was trying to contain just how joyful he was, his voice almost breaking. "Thank you, so much."
Yuna nodded her head rapidly. "I won't let you regret this decision. Thank you." She brought the Queen back into a hug. "I'll never forget what you, Diaval and Maleficent did for me. I'm so lucky that I jumped the castle walls that day; I'm so lucky I even stumbled upon Diaval in the alleyway by complete chance. I may have never met all of you if it wasn't for that."
Aurora chuckled. "Just make sure you put aside some time for a girl's day, alright? Don't think we're going to stop spending time together just because you're moving out!"
Yuna giggled. "Of course. I'll always want to spend time with you and Diaval; Maleficent too. You were all the first friends I made in Ulstead, after all..."
An endearing expression flashed on Aurora's face, Yuna's words bringing a quiet joy to her being. "You're my first friend ever; my closest one. I need to thank the gods that we met you."
The two's embrace tightened, and Udo watched the friends with a gentle shine in his blue eyes.
"Me too." Yuna whispered.
Aurora released her, giving her arms one last squeeze as she pulled away.
"We'll talk more later, alright? I'll let you two have some... alone time." She winked. Aurora was about to leave, when she perked up. "Oh! And I couldn't help but to overhear your idea for the integration of the humans and Feys..." Aurora smiled coyly.
"You have my entire support; I'll get the merchants and our tow hands on it right away. You're in charge of everything; you tell me what to do and I'll do it."
Aurora turned on her heel before Yuna could stutter out.
"Consider this all an early wedding present! I don't want to hear any objections!" Aurora called in a sing-song tone as she skipped back into the noisy cottage, a greeting from Ini sounding in her wake.
Yuna stared in disbelief after Aurora, mouth agape as even Udo seemed stunned.
"Well... it's certainly easy to see why you two are close friends. You both have quite a way with surprising people." He chuckled. Yuna blinked, shaking her head slowly as she laughed out.
"That girl. She's so unpredictable sometimes..." Yuna reddened. "Wait... just how much of that conversation did she hear?"
Udo's cold hand cupped her heated cheek, and he smiled down at her. "It doesn't matter. I'm not ashamed about anything I say to you."
Her blush deepened, and Udo went to rest his forehead against her own. "I'm so relived... I'm so happy you don't have to worry about leaving the crown."
His words made Yuna's expression soften, her hands coming to cradle his face. "Me too... I still would've chosen you, though." She gently reminded him.
Udo's skin felt hot against her own; "I never want you to have to sacrifice anything for me. It's my job to support you, isn't it? What kind of mate would I be to let you give your dream up?"
Yuna's stomach did a back flip at the term, and she nervously stuttered; "I-I really like you. You're always so considerate and encouraging, Udo. It makes me feel like I can do anything..."
Udo laughed, "Oh, I've been downgraded from "I love you." to "I really like you?" you wound me, Yuna." He kissed at her nose when she began to panic and attempted to correct herself, whispering out a sweet "You're so cute."
"I can't help it." Yuna's eyes met his shyly, the close proximity of their face still making her jittery despite the many kisses they'd already shared. "You make me nervous."
Udo's eyes widened just a tad at that, and his lips quirked. "You make me nervous too. Just looking at you is enough to make me burst into flames." He chuckled. His tone became more serious; "I always want you to feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. In case you forgot, I do love you." He whispered fiercely.
Yuna was still able to meet her star's gaze amidst her blushing, gently replying "I love you too." A sweet smile spread on her features. "We're home owners now; you sure you want to be roommates with me? I'm awfully messy."
Udo rolled his eyes at her teasing, pressing a kiss to her nose. "Something tells me I'll manage." He teased back. "I can't wait; I can't wait to finally show you off..."
Yuna gulped. "Yeah, me too." She whispered back, finally letting her head drop to Udo's shoulder. "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you."
Udo hummed his agreement, their friend's partying still echoing behind them.
"Let's go somewhere." He suddenly suggested, and Yuna quirked a brow. "Anywhere. We can even just go somewhere more quiet within the Moors."
"Wouldn't it be rude to leave our own party?" She questioned with a grin.
Udo shrugged, scooping his heart up to hold her. "I think they'll manage. Besides..." Udo's eyes were shining brightly as he looked after Yuna. "I was dying to not smother you with affection in there; and I'm not a very patient Fey. Now that you're mine... I want to spoil you rotten all the time." His sweet words made Yuna light up with mirth, and she giggled as she hugged Udo's neck; her legs kicking happily from where his strong arm held them.
"I could say the same thing." She pressed a soft kiss to the exposed skin on Udo's neck. "Yeah. Let's get out of here."
Udo's wings carried them high into sky; to destinations unknown as the two giggled like love struck idiots into the night.
Few wake up in the morning and consider that at any given point in the day, their entire destiny could change.
Such was a day for both Udo and Yuna.
The near future would bring about many challenges and revelations that neither party had foreseen; it would bring about familiar faces from the past, earth shattering discoveries and revelations. However... it also held some of the most beautiful days of their entire lives.
It was truly by the most divine blessings from the heavens that the star-crossed lovers found themselves back in each other's embrace, a cumulation of years of "what-ifs" and should have beens.
Udo and Yuna didn't know it at the time; but they had a pretty good idea... for they woke up that morning knowing that their destinies were in each other. In Yuna, Udo's heart; in Udo, Yuna's star.
"I love you."
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.... no I'm not crying (yes I am).
FINALLY. THE CHAPTER I HAVE WAITED MONTHS TO WRITE.
I REALLY hope you guys loved it and I didn't disappoint you, I know so many of you were anticipating this chapter!!!! I hope my readers were satisfied, and I hope you all LOVED IT.
Thank you guys so much for all of the support, and thank you so much for 4K. All of your support and love means the world to me, and I've really been blessed with the best readers.
I can't wait to keep writing this story, and I can't wait to write Udo and Yuna as a couple now. It's been a long time coming, and I hope you guys are excited for what's to come!
Thank you all so so much, and I'll see you soon in the next chapter. :)
~Akahana