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shinyyanon · 3 months

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Reunion of Two Friends

Eden!Alkaid x Reader.

Notes: angst, one-sided pining, kinda sappy by the end, someone pls give eden Alkaid a hug pleASE.

Word count: 2.3k !

Thank you, @41lobsters and @crystalroosevelt for beta reading <3 ily guys.

Taglist: @food-lover9000 @godheimm @lovebrushed @xcerizex @nehamerchant123

The renewed city of Eden bustled with life; new shops met their grand openings, new towers and buildings reached the sky, and the sweet smell of flowers and fresh vegetation wafted in the air. Citizens got up at the crack of dawn, finishing their daily necessities and rushing off to work by the time the sun reached its peak. Just like them all, Alkaid went out to work. After his friend, the painter across the stars, blessed him with a new world – he pledged to never let his people down; to never let her down.

Alkaid took the responsibility to be the architectural engineer of the city. He spent most of his time working around the clock, catering to the town; creating a picture that was vividly similar to the city where he felt at peace – a city he once called home.

Alkaid took initiatives to build parks, gardens, and restaurants around the town. He even designed them with careful consideration, minding the efficiency and the opinions of others. And soon enough, the once abandoned, desolate mirage of a city had turned into a place abound with life–a shelter for the desperate and destitute; a true Eden among the parched sea of sand.

As Alkaid made his way through the crowded streets of Eden, many gentlemen and ladies greeted him politely. He greeted back with his signature gentle smile, sharing brief etiquette before continuing on his own way. Whilst walking down the stone pavement, he couldn't help but recall his previous days when he was feared by all; being the Master of Eden had him sequestering himself into a mansion at the edge of Green Island, where he’d let “guests” in, and no one out. The enigmatic character he had created for himself rendered him intimidating to the other NEOS.

He took a deep breath and looked forward, pushing his thoughts to the back of his head. The past was long gone, there was no need to worry about it. After all, he had the task to lead a new generation of Eden.

Upon reaching Oasis Park Avenue, he recognised a familiar face amidst the crowd. The image of his saviour under the sweet sunlight flooded into his vision; her white cardigan stood out against the black and grey coats of the citizens, and the red frills of her skirt blew softly in the mild wind. she adjusted her black beret on top of her head when she accidentally bumped onto a gentleman next to her. Hastily exchanging apologies, she continued forward, the awkward smile and soft shade of blush still lingering on her face.

“(Name)?” Alkaid called out, catching her attention – she noticed the light crease under Alkaid’s green eyes as he welcomed her, inviting her over with a well-known sincerity. “Is that really you?”

“I didn't expect you to come back…” Alkaid said, stepping towards her.

“I came to check how my old friend was doing.” She replied with a smile, looking up to meet his gaze. “And, of course, treat myself to a cup of his fragrant tea.”

Alkaid chuckled at her words. Despite being apart for so long, the painter girl didn't change one bit. She still had that distinct sense of innocence to her which allured Alkaid in their first meeting – yet, he knew very well she was the bravest person he'd ever been acquainted with.

“That can certainly be arranged,” Alkaid replied. He stopped in his tracks when the little painter held his arm. They used to walk around town holding each other's hands when Eden was under great threat. Alkaid had struck a deal with her; a deal of romance that only lasted for 3 days, just to please his own sanity. So, in spite of his uneasiness, Alkaid welcomed the feeling. “I’ve got a humble abode with a small garden at the entrance. And I designed it myself.”

She let out a small laugh. “Alright. And is it the same design as the house you had before?”

“You'll see for yourself.” Alkaid smiled. “So, shall we be on our way?”

“I'd love to but…” she looked at Alkaid with an eyebrow raised. “Don't you have to go to work or something?”

Ah, yes. His job… Alkaid was so engrossed with the idea of being visited by his beloved that he forgot that he had a job to do.

“Oh… well, that–”

“No, no,” the girl protested. “it's fine. You can go to work. I'll check around the town and see what’s going on. I'll even bring you a few snacks!”

“Thank you, but I do not need the snacks–”

“Consider it a treat!”

Alkaid blushed at the enthusiastic nature of the girl. How could he ever resist and say no to the sweet smile she showed him everytime she proposed something. “Alright, but… will you be alright?”

“I'll be fine,” she said, already excitedly walking down the street without him. “Besides, maybe I'll take my time and visit some art galleries? Are there any museums nearby?”

Alkaid sighed. “Alright, I'll accompany you to an art museum before taking my leave.”

Oh, this energetic girl would be the end of him.

***

Alkaid entered the premise of his mansion. Through the gate, into his garden. The fresh smell of roses and lilies welcomed him forward, inviting him into his own little paradise. His day went as usual – work, lunch with colleagues, and more work … nothing out of the ordinary.

He looked up, noticing his mansion glimmering under the warm sunlight of the afternoon. Sunlight glinted on the window panes, and rebounded onto the greenery nearby – from the tall pine trees to the bushes adorned with colourful flowers, and to the vines wrapped around the trellises, leading all the way to the entrance.

Alkaid got inside his abode, went up the stairs, and followed to the end of the hallway and into his room. And with a sigh, he took off his coat, closing the door behind him. He put the coat down on the bed, and allowed himself to fall on the soft mattress.

Oh, to relax on the bed after long a day of work – a satisfaction well-known by everyone. But, Alkaid couldn't stay there for long, he had his garden to attend to, as well as other things. Speaking of other things, where was his expected guest?

He hoped he didn't make her wait for too long. He dreaded the thought of her leaving; of her losing patience and going back to the stars, to her own universe – never to be seen again. She didn't forget about him ... did she?

“No, that,” Alkaid mumbled, mustering up his remaining strength to sit up on the bed. “That's not right. She would never forget about me,” Alkaid continued, running a hand through the blond locks of his hair. His words were left unanswered. And under the solemn light of the twilight, he felt even more isolated. “...right?”

***

And the evening proceeded leisurely. Alkaid tended to his garden, pruning the rose bushes to its perfect shape. He was meticulous with his moves; snipping the excess branches with utmost care. He did not mind the water droplets that hit his shirt, dampening its soft material. His mind was busy with other thoughts: especially thoughts about her. She hadn't returned yet, despite it being dark outside. Was she safe? She didn't get into trouble, did she? Alkaid hoped she was safe. He wished he could've been there with her – protecting her from the disasters of the world, just like what she had done for him.

Then a new thought bloomed as he moved around, towards the flower bed near the entrance: why did he expect her to come back? Did he still harbour the feelings he once had for her? No, that must be untrue, for the Prefect Luminary had taken away his emotions – used it as a bargaining chip, and he also took away the Master of Eden’s powers, eradicating the old Eden.

As Alkaid was about to move onto another batch of flowers, someone entered through the gate. It was her; hastily closing the gate before rushing towards the man. A bouquet in her hand.

“Sorry, I'm late, Alkaid!” She exclaimed, running over to him.

“It's alright,” Alkaid said, chuckling at her naivety. “Welcome to my garden.”

“Goodness, Alkaid, you wouldn't believe how many people I had to ask for your location,” she rambled on, without a rest to catch her breath. “I thought that-”

“Hold on. Didn't I tell you my address before leaving you at the museum?”

The painter girl fell silent after listening that. “I might've forgotten…”

Alkaid chuckled once again, shaking his head as he walked up the stairs, reaching the plateau. “Please, come inside and make yourself comfortable, (Name). I'll brew you a cup of tea.”

The girl followed him inside. Marvelling at the designs. The interior was the same as she had seen last time; the decorations, the flower embellished foyer, and the ever-so-familiar scent of flowers that reminded her of the past.

“It's the same as before…” she commented.

Alkaid smiled, acknowledging her comment, leading her towards the living room. The girl went in, and looked around the place a bit – what came to view first was the flowers decorating the furniture and sweet aroma that came with it. She took a seat on the couch. If she hadn't known better, she definitely would have commented how Alkaid’s mansion literally had the fragrance of a flower shop.

After a while, Alkaid brought her a cup of freshly brewed chamomile tea. It’s sweet aroma filled the air, and she enjoyed the tea wholeheartedly. Alkaid was surprised as she didn't hesitate this time, knowing the past ordeals they had shared, but he didn't bother saying them aloud. Instead, he only smiled and accompanied her.

His eyes then began to trail down to the bouquet she had brought with her. A quaint bouquet with freshly cut roses – white ones, to be precise. The ones he'd loved so ardently; symbolising purity and innocence – just a reminder of the person he was deep down. Along with the roses remained small forget-me-nots, standing out in the white palette of roses, painting the bouquet in small strokes of blue.

The painter girl noticed Alkaid staring at the bouquet. She put down the cup of tea on the teatable. “Oh, yeah– this is for you,” she said, handing the bouquet to Alkaid.

Alkaid took it, observing the flowers for a moment before smilling, uttering a small thank you.

If he remembered correctly, the forget-me-nots symbolise love and respect – reminding himself that the girl would never forget him; he would never get lost among her endless memories. Even though she had to travel across many worlds, make many voyages across the universe – she wouldn't dare forget him; it was an oath of remembrance.

“Thank you, (Name),” Alkaid said, smilling at the girl. “It looks amazing.”

***

After enjoying their evening tea, Alkaid proposed that they should stargaze together. And in spite of their differences, all the prototypes of Alkaid had their own fascination or connection with the stars. And the painter girl found that endearing, so she didn't refuse. Soon, they found themselves on the rooftop, looking at the stars, beyond their own little haven; over the Eden they shared.

“(Name)...” Alkaid began, “I wish you didn't need to leave.”

“Me too…” she replied, staring up at the sky dotted with stars. “I wouldn't dare leave my friend alone like this.”

Ah, yes… a friend. That's how she viewed him. Alkaid didn't mind though, she might have had other people who were interested in her, and she also reciprocated the feeling – it didn't bother him at all. Yet, why did his chest feel tight at the mere thought of another man holding her hand for eternity?

“Well, it is quite uneventful without you around,” Alkaid muttered under his breath, praying that his words never reached her ears. He didn't wish to be a bother; to be the reason for a strain in her relationship with whomever she was in love with.

“Really?” She turned to Alkaid. “I'll try to visit often, then. Just, not too often… or else, there’ll be consequences, I'm sure you understand.”

Yes, she didn't visit often and had to be cautious when travelling – it's to avoid the gaze of the Eternal Empire, lest they should try something heinous upon her as well.

“Yes, I understand,” Alkaid said, soothing himself. “But there's one thing I don't quite understand…”

“What is it?” she asked.

“... Nevermind.” Alkaid replied. His feelings for her could never be described with words. His fascination for her was something otherworldly. He would defy fate and go against the stars just to please her – and he was willing to take an oath to stay loyal to her, forever and ever.

But, he didn't want her to regret her decision. She was born a traveller, blessed with the power to cross the stars. Alkaid couldn't keep her with himself in his mansion no matter how hard he tried. So, he preferred to keep quiet.

“Let us enjoy this moment then.” she said, looking up at the sky again.

Alkaid looked at her hand. He didn't know why he thought of holding it suddenly – to interlace his fingers with hers and let the warmth of her palm flow into his. He inched his hand forwards, almost brushing his fingertips against hers. And yet, his fears held him back. He retracted his hand faster than he anticipated.

“Thank you for visiting me, (Name).” Alkaid mumbled. “I'm pleased to have you as my guest.”

And thus, they remained under the serene sky, watching the stars – thinking of a world where they could reside in peace without the barrier that was holding them apart.

#lovebrush chronicles x reader #lovebrush chronicles #lovebrush alkaid #alkaid mcgrath #lbc alkaid #eden alkaid #alkaid

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