Chapter Text
It is the day after her graduation that Malleus proposes to Yuu, an act of discipline not many thought he'd be capable of. Kalim had rented a grand space for the congratulations party, with rooms to sleep in on the third floor. And though he was clearly vibrating with the desire to ask the entire night, the dragon prince held his tongue. "We are here to celebrate the last of our original circle finally stepping out of the isolated world of Night Raven. Even I know it would be uncouth to hijack such a celebration for personal reasons." The next morning however, all such restraint is gone.
Malleus makes no sweeping gestures, no grand declarations. He knows he does not need to. He simply waits for his Intended to awaken. She rubs her eyes, stretches, yawns, and turns to him with the same twinkle in her gaze she's had for the last four years. A look of pure devotion and the highest regard. A look he's always returned to her tenfold.
"Marry me?"
"Of course."
And that's all they need. Later Malleus will present her with a ring lined with gems of her favorite colors. Later they will go downstairs for breakfast and wait to see who notices. It will be Rook first, who's been staring at Yuu's hands since the night before, waiting for the jewelry to manifest. Shockingly, he'll keep his observation to himself, curious to see in what order the others will become aware of the change, and who will say something about it first.
The tweels will catch on next, and they'll whisper to Azul, who'll nudge Jamil, who will say nothing to Kalim. Vil will see their little spectacle and come to the right conclusion without needing to look, but he'll do so anyway to make sure the ring is flattering. Epel will follow his gaze and then nod to Jack, who will pull the idiot trio aside to inform them quietly. Ortho will overhear him anyway and send a text to Idia, who will smirk and approach Riddle, intent on collecting his bet money. Ruggie will pick up on the exchange and turn to Leona for the same reason, who will grumble loud enough that Cater will notice. He'll just barely hold back a squeal that Trey and Kalim will hear, prompting them to look. Kalim will whoop out a, "it happened!" to alert the former Diasomnia boys that everyone else is caught up. Finally, Silver and Lilia will unfurl their "congrats on the engagement" banner while Sebek conjures some mini fireworks. Malleus will laugh that deep bellow he only sounds out when he's overjoyed, and Yuu will sigh and roll her eyes good naturedly at her friends' and lovers' antics.
But all of that is for later. In this moment the couple are still in bed, foreheads pressed together and smiles smitten, as they enjoy what promises to be the last bit of peace they'll have for a long while.