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Sometimes, all you want is a hug. Maybe nothing really happened that day to bring about your downcast mood, but all you need is a little gesture of comfort to bring you back up — whether it was a peck on the cheek or a longing stare from a significant other...

In truth, today was like any other. Wandering the Somniel, purchasing and stocking up on items, polishing weapons, and a meal or two at the cafe. I'm one of Alcryst's retainers, so I made sure to repair a couple of his extra bows while he fought with the Divine Dragon.

I wasn't big on fighting, killing, murder. The whole prospect of cutting one's life short frightens me more than I'd like to admit. Honestly, I wasn't sure how Alcryst did it. Not that I don't have full faith in the Brodian prince, but he had low self-esteem and was constantly apologizing for every misstep — even if it wasn't his fault.

Alcryst also wasn't fond of the war, and that's what I first noticed about him when I was appointed one of his attendants. When we first spoke, he tripped over his words and stammered like it was the end of the world.

When the Divine Dragon appeared in Brodia's region, Alear — after a great many devastating events — convinced the two sons of Brodia's ruler, King Morion, to join him on his quest.

I, as the younger Brodian prince's escort, came along too. Now, the royals, along with princes and princesses from other countries, fight for a common cause. Since I detested battle, I was often left behind at the Divine One's fortress on holy grounds. Not that I minded how lucky I was to even stand here on sacred land, but I frequently get lonely.

However, I never once mentioned it.

It wasn't long before I saw less and less of Alcryst since he was always on important expeditions with the warriors Alear had collected.

His sudden absence in my life was irritating at first, but that initial agitation faded quickly into a strange kind of grief.

That grief plagued me day in and day out. When at last Alcryst returned on one of the longer adventures, the sight of his face filled me with an inexplicable and indescribable joy that made my eyes light up and a gasp leave my lips.

His deep scarlet eyes betrayed exhaustion. His midnight navy blue hair was cut unevenly but suited him perfectly. His ruffled and princely attire was the shade of crimson. The cloth matched his unique eye color. Even in the late afternoon sun, no, especially in the late afternoon sun, I couldn't take my eyes off him.

The moment he stepped back into the Somniel, my legs grew a mind of their own, following the directions of my only heart's desire, and racing up to Alrycts with zero hesitation. I exclaimed the only words that came to mind as I leaped into his arms. "I missed you!"

Alcryst stiffened at my touch, audibly sucking in a startled breath. "U-um... (Y/N)?"

I don't respond, but continue to embrace Alcryst, even though he was frozen with shock and didn't return the gesture. Thinking back on it, I suppose that was rather hasty of me, but I clung to him like I was a lost cause – the rest of the Divine Dragon's traveling party staring at me, dumbfounded.

"Alcryst..." I trailed off, unsure of what to say. Eventually, I step back with darting eyes and trembling lips.

Failing to meet Alcryst's gaze, I let my head hang low, cheeks a shade of bright red that signaled my immense embarrassment.

Just as I was going to make my escape, Alcryst spoke up. "I-I'm not sure if you'd actually want to, um... but, would you like to spend time with me? I, uh, know I've been gone a lot... um... sorry, that was a weird thing to say! N-never mind-"

"I'd love to. Let's meet up this evening, okay?" A genuine smile crossed my face, but I left before I could hear his response, I dashed away, my heart soaring.

In a few hours, the sun had finally begun to dip into the horizon. It was at that moment that I realized that I'd never set up a location for us to go to. I wasn't even sure what we were going to do, so I hadn't thought this through in the least.

If I was being perfectly honest, just chatting with him would be enough for me.

As I dawdle around the main area of the Somniel, a call reaches my ears. "(Y/N)!"

"Alcryst?" I whipped around to face him, my eyes instantly lighting up in joy.

He stands, wearing a much more casual outfit than the armored one he goes to battle in. The entire attire was made up of much softer fabric. It was clear he just took a quick shower and rushed to find me, for his hair had a soft shine to it in the evening light. Alcryst offers me a hand, saying, "Come with me."

"Where are we going?" I ask, slipping my hand into his.

"You'll see." A bit of a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. Alcryst guided me along, though the winding paths of the Somniel, through arched hedges and floral gardens.

With it being almost dark and all, the air calm, and the nervous glances from Alcryst... my mind couldn't help but think it was somewhat romantic. I immediately shook the thought away. I served Alcryst and his family, so it would be wrong to let my feelings get the best of me and get in the way of protecting him. Love is said to blind people. If that were to happen, things could only go south.

What if Alcryst wasn't even looking for a relationship right now?

"We're almost there, I promise," Alcryst assures me, reasonably misinterpreting my scrunched-up expression.

I merely nod, worried that if I spoke, my voice would waver.

In another brief minute, we came to a field of grass. I had no idea one was here, but I suppose the Somniel's impressive size was to blame for that. The land was evenly flat and enormous, with soft grass spread across it.

Not ten feet away from where I stood was a patchwork blanket and picnic basket, all laid out. My jaw drops, and my eyes stretch wide in astonishment as I take in the view, stunned.

"Won't you sit down?" Alcryst asks.

"Oh, of course!" I promptly plopped down on the blanket, kicking off my shoes and propping myself up with my arms. "This is amazing. Did you prepare all of this yourself?"

He settles down next to me. "Well, I had some help... Lapis and Citrinne were very eager. They probably made most of the food."

"Yeah?"

"Uh-huh,"

I already ran out of things to say. While I was incredibly enthusiastic about meeting up with him, I didn't have much planned at all. Luckily for me, Alcryst did.

"They also mentioned there will be shooting stars tonight." He says, turning his gaze to the dark night sky. Bright stars were sprinkled from one end of the sky to the other, and their soft illumination was our only source of light.

Only a minute or two passed before the first star shot across the sky in a bounding arc. Many more followed suit, seeming to plunge to the ground from the very sky overhead. It was a sight to behold, and with Alcryst at my side, I felt my heart would burst with pure happiness.

"I could watch these for hours." I sigh, not tearing my gaze from the sky's majestic show of nature's grandeur at its best.

"(Y/N)..." Alcryst doesn't even finish, but he pulls me to his chest and squeezes me tight in a hug. This time, I'm the one caught off guard, but instead of freezing up, I return to embrace.

I bury my head in his shoulder, hiding a shy smile.

"My family was never the touchy-feely type, seeing as they're the royals of the kingdom known for their tough, experienced warriors," Alcryst whispers, holding me closer. "I can hardly remember the last time I hugged someone, but..."

His words were barely audible, but heartfelt, and hit me harder than a punch in the gut. I can't even respond in my speechless state, but I melt into the hug further.

"I never want to let go."

I quickly inhale, then let it out slowly. "Then, let's watch the stars all night. Stargazing was a good idea." I position myself so we're both lying on the picnic blanket, stars looking down at us from above, but my arms are still around him, my head resting on his chest.

I knew a blush was visible on Alcryst's face, as my own cheeks were heating up. But the soothing presence of someone who cared about me enough to hold me like this made me eternally content.

Running my fingers through his silky strands of dark blue hair, I smile to myself, saying under my breath, just loud enough for him to hear, "Your hair is super soft just after you wash it."

"O-oh. Thanks, I guess." He pauses. "...You look really beautiful in the moonlight."

Unable to find a reasonable response, I merely smile slightly and turn back to the sky. Everything felt right in the world. The serene atmosphere, the warmth in my heart, and exchanged nervous smiles.

Out of the blue, Alcryst suddenly flinches. "Are you hungry? Should we eat? I forgot about the packed picnic!"

"Um, sure, if you want to," I say, snapped out of savoring the contentment that washed over me. I begin to deliberately sit up, disappointed, but Alcryst stops me.

"Don't get up — I'll do it." He insists, and I frown.

"Um, if you don't mind..." I exhale, settling back down on the patchwork blanket beneath me. "Do you mind if we stay like this a little longer? It's... really nice."

"Oh! Of course," he nods quickly.

I immediately cuddle up to his chest, soaking in his warmth. With the stars raining down around us, and the accents of love in the air, I was at pure peace.

After a brief moment, Alcryst speaks up. "Will you let me rub your back?"

"Yeah, that'd be nice." I jump to agree, then lay my head in his lap. He begins to gently trail his fingers up and down my spine, and then presses the palm of his hand to massage my entire back. It was bliss at its best. I whisper, "I love your hugs."

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Author's Note:

After S-supporting this softie, I had no choice but to write something about him! Alcryst is so sweet, despite his low self-esteem, and I love him!! Why in the world is there so limited fan art for him?!

Today's question: Who's your favorite Brodian character? This includes their retainers and such, by the way. For me — it almost goes without saying — is Alcryst! Oh, and Yunaka is great too!

See you later,
Lillian

Word count: 1865 words

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