Chapter Text
The conclusion of war brought with it many changes, for human and fae alike.
Mizi — now armed with the support of the most powerful and influential noble families in Anakt, as well as the majority of the population — made quick work of her coronation, speeding the process along and soon assuming her position as monarch.
The first change made with her in power was the establishment of a brand new peace treaty, human Queen and fae King agreeing on renewed and detailed pledges to ensure a respectful and equal coexistence between inhabitants.
With this goal in mind, Mizi and Ivan also created a scholarship program, encouraging bright and gifted students to further their education in the neighboring Kingdom, this in hopes of promoting cultural exchange and the understanding between species.
The disintegration of the Holy Order was, unsurprisingly, quick to follow Mizi’s ascension to power. Hectic and cumbersome of a process as it had been, the Queen refused to budge until those responsible for the experimentation on fae and magical creatures were imprisoned, and all noble families found to harbor ill-intent towards those of fae blood were also promptly stripped of their titles.
New anti-discrimination laws were speedily instated, and Mizi happily joined forces with Blocell’s forest guard, allocating manpower and funds of her own to promote the detention and sanction of anyone caught involved in poaching.
Sua was granted residency and the title of Duchess within Anakt after her contributions during the war, seamlessly working alongside the new monarch. Her duties ranged from aiding with the implementation of public security changes, as well as coordinating cultural exchange programs established with Blocell.
A year into her reign, Queen Mizi of Anakt officially took her hand in marriage. Surrounded by friends and found family, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows in celebration of their love.
The situation in Blocell had been, comparatively, easy to handle. Ivan focused most efforts and resources into providing aid to the relocated settlements, as well as restoring the forest to its state before the damage sustained during the war.
With Sua now gone and the magical corps left unattended, Luka kept his promise and took over its supervision as an official general, monitored closely by the Demon King himself. More surprising than the seraph's gradual integration into the castle's small staff, however, was the fact that Luka and Ivan ended up growing rather close somewhere along the line.
Till and Hyuna had been far from thrilled, but Hyun Woo's enthusiasm surrounding the entire situation made their unhappiness slowly fizzle away.
New commerce routes between Kingdoms were also established, making use of both human and fae means to decrease costs and promote trade between nations. This measure also allowed for an increase in job offers intended to aid the slum’s inhabitants, as well as a considerable reduction in Anakt’s medical supply deficit.
On a more personal note, the human Queen and fae King reached two additional agreements: they would exchange weekly letters to keep up regardless of how busy they were, and they would all gather for dinner once a month.
Two years have passed since the war’s conclusion, and tonight happens to be one of said dinner reunions. This month, the gathering is held at the Blocell castle, with everyone gathered at the living room for pos-dinner drinks and celebration.
Ivan pours Sua another glass of wine, catching up with one another after a hectic month full of winter preparations. Neither the Demon King or the witch will admit to it, but after years of living together and developing a sibling-like dynamic, missing the other seems to come rather naturally, and the two wind up engaged in conversation during every gathering.
Dark eyes glance around the living room, drinking in the sight of Dewey, Isaac and Hyun Woo gathered around on the carpet, a rather lively match of poker underway. His gaze shifts once more, eyebrow rising at the peculiar sight.
Hyuna, Luka and Mizi huddle together on the biggest couch, conversation held in hushed mumbles and quiet giggles. Something about seeing those three together like this is both a pleasant surprise and a mildly unsettling occurrence.
Mizi had been, by far, Luka's harshest critic after the war, with the Queen often showing her displeasure rather blatantly.
The passage of years have slowly chipped away at her hatred, however, and whatever it is they're currently discussing seems to be interesting enough for them to exchange knowing smirks and amused looks. Before Ivan can question it further, a thought springs up.
“Where’s Till?”
Sua takes a sip from her beverage. “I believe he went outside. Something about needing fresh air.”
“Fresh is an understatement,” the King chuckles.
“You should bring him another coat before he catches a cold,” the witch hums, giving him a gentle push.
“Alright, I’ll be right back.” He stands from the couch and collects a winter coat, heading directly for what he knows to be the Hero’s favorite balcony.
Till’s decision to stay in Blocell hadn’t been particularly shocking, and the elf integrated himself rather easily. After his experience taking over Ivan’s position during the war, as well as his help with evacuation and strategy planning, the Hero winded up becoming the King’s right hand man of sorts.
The Demon King still remembers being quite amused at the silvernette’s insistence to take on half of the paperwork duties, also stepping in to coordinate the restoration processes, as well as the new commerce route and the forest’s protection logistics.
Winters in Blocell are equal parts unforgiving and beautiful. Ivan is greeted by light snowfall and a chilly breeze when he steps outside, eyes scanning over the balcony until they land upon a familiar silhouette.
Till leans against the railing, eyes glued to the night sky, nose and ears rosy from the cold and snowflakes clinging onto silver hair and lashes. No matter how much time passes, Ivan still finds himself mesmerized by the sight of him.
“Till.”
The elf stiffens for a moment, turning around to face him. “Geez, what have I told you about scaring me like that? Make some noise or something!”
The Demon King laughs softly, bridging the distance to wrap a thick coat around the shorter man. “I doubt you would’ve heard me anyways,” he muses, reaching to hold both his hands and warm them up, “A penny for your thoughts? You’re freezing, Starlight.”
Till hums, cheeks rosy and seafoam eyes meeting black and crimson ones as he speaks, “I was just… y’know, thinking about the past two years, or whatever…”
His habit of mumbling and rambling when embarrassed, Ivan would argue, is endlessly endearing. Something about the Hero fidgeting but still pushing through in an attempt to keep their promise of better communication makes the dragon fae’s heart swell.
“Hm,” the ravenette encourages him to continue, curious as to what has managed to pull at the elf’s heartstrings. He’s been distracted and clumsy for the past two or so days, the weather reflecting his inner turmoil, so him finally opening up is a huge relief.
Till sucks in a breath. “I’m going to talk and you’re not allowed to make fun of me, ‘kay?”
“How could I dare?” An innocent smile.
“You always do!”
“Fine, I’ll be very quiet and serious tonight.”
The Hero shoots him a condemning glare, and Ivan has to fight the urge to kiss him silly right then and there.
“I’ve just been thinking about our relationship and stuff.”
The Demon King swears he feels his heart stop for a moment, suddenly on high alert. He keeps his expression meticulously blank and listens.
“We’ve been through a lot… ever since I got to Blocell, and during the war, too,” he gives Ivan’s hands a gentle squeeze, “When you got hurt, your recovery, the war ending… I’ve been looking back on it for a while now, and I realized some stuff.”
“Okay…?” Ivan breathes out with difficulty, anxiety bubbling up.
“I realized I love you. I mean, I knew that already, you know, but this is different,” Till’s face visibly grows warm, teal eyes struggling to maintain eye contact as embarrassment settles.
The ravenette blinks before his lips purse in a poor attempt to contain laughter. “I– I’m glad you’ve reached this conclusion after two years together, my heart. I love you too,” he snickers.
The elf bristles, face now burning up. “Don’t laugh!”
“But you’re so cute,” he moves a hand to muffle giggles, “I can’t believe we’ve been sharing a bed before you had this realization.”
“I’m trying to get somewhere, jackass!” Is the discontented hiss, “I mean I love you. In the way that being around you makes life feel better, to the point where I can’t imagine it without you. The kind that is confusing, because I like even your annoying habits– fuck, I even think the way you fold the corners of book pages is cute??”
Ivan blinks owlishly at the outburst, feeling heat crawl up his own face this time. “You used to hate that, though?”
“I know! But I think it’s cute , and I like the stupid little stars you doodle on the notes you leave me, and my morning doesn’t feel right if you wake up before me,” a mixture of determination and nervousness flashes in his eyes, hands pulling away from Ivan’s own, “S-so.”
The ravenette feels dizzy as he watches Till retrieve a small velvet box from one of his pockets, hands shaky and fumbling with it for a second before finally opening it to reveal matching silver bands, delicate gemstones embedded into each one.
“So,” his voice cracks a little with anxiety, and Ivan swears there’s nobody quite as cute as the man before him, “Will you marry me?”
There’s no need to look in the mirror, Ivan is certain they’re both equally red on the face. He is, however, a bit surprised when his voice fails him momentarily.
“Of course,” he manages, feeling the inexplicable urge to hide away. Instead, he reaches to cup Till’s hands around the box, tugging him closer, “Of course I’ll marry you. I adore you.”
The elf blinks before his eyes turn glassy, eyebrows furrowing in a last ditch effort to fight back tears, “Okay… Good.”
And he’s so awkward and adorable, Ivan can’t help but laugh and pull him into a kiss. He brushes silver hair and ignores the way his heart runs a marathon behind his ribs. “Don’t cry, silly.”
“Shut up, you’re crying too,” Till mumbles against his lips, pulling him into another kiss. The Demon King finally takes note of the sting of his eyes, smile widening. Seems the elf’s emotions are contagious.
“I love you, Starlight.”
“Love you too, Vanya.”
When the two of them head back inside, skin freezing and both certain to catch a cold by the following morning, Till triumphantly lifts Ivan’s hand to show everyone the ring on his finger. It hits the ravenette, amongst tearful congratulations and loud cheers, that everyone had been in on the surprise.
The wedding is held the following year, and Ivan is happy to report his husband does, in fact, shed a few tears. He will not confirm or deny shedding a few of his own.