Chapter Text
“He asked you to join his ranks?” Fern plainly asked.
Fern looked at him, in her white ball gown post the Granat Ball. The two of them are side by side in the prince’s grand master bedroom sitting on the side of his bed. Ornate drapery surrounds them. Lamps so expensive Frieren could never afford to offer a warm light to see comfortably in the darkness. Stark didn’t have the time to fully process the night with the hustle and bustle. They were busy keeping up with appearances after all.
Stark left Graft from their conversation, ponderous and thinking. He was able to fully fluff out his hair and unbutton his many layers of dress shirts.
Finally, he was able to breathe and be free. However, his thoughts in his mind ran rampant.
Fern crossed paths with him while settling down for the night. Rather unusually, it seemed like she was looking for him. Her hair was down and pinned no more. She too was free.
Stark invited her into his bedroom. Of course, the butler and the maids would be appalled and scream if Stark pulled this during their month of etiquette training. But tonight is their last night. Who cares if he lets his friend in their room? He wants her company. They deserve to share their victory together.
Stark sighs while cocking his head towards one side, “I am no replacement for anyone’s son.”
Stark starts, “Being a noble and eating with no need for travel expenses is nice, but…” He grimaces slightly, “If I had said yes, I would need to play the role of his family forever.” Fern nods, intently listening to his words.
“Besides,” Stark looks up and smiles slightly, “I need to tell Master about our travels. I want to walk in his footsteps and show him what I’ve done.”
“Even though this month was hell, I’ve never done what a noble has done before until now,” Fern adds.
Stark turns to her, facing her. He groans, “I can’t believe they need different forks and spoons for food—for food!”
Fern pouts, “One of the maids slapped a donut out of my hand. The cruelty.”
Stark cracks a smile. “Also having a butler who is on you 24 hours, 7 days of the week to help train you was awful.”
Stark started counting on his fingers, “Horseback riding, reading, sitting, chivalry, eating, and dancing all needed him on my behind.”
Fern also cracks a smile. “Agreed. I think the only time a hands-on partner was really necessary was dancing.”
Dancing. There was so much focus on dancing. And Stark if he hadn’t asked Fern to dance, he wouldn’t have danced with anyone at all.
Most ladies there were 1) Wirt’s family (ew) or 2) women wildly outside his age range. Unlike Sein, Stark prefers women his age.
Stark started recalling the dance. They did great. He was really glad things came together as they did. Fern told him all about her tripping and falling during dance lessons. She must’ve been focusing really hard because at least in the beginning she didn’t look like she enjoyed the dance.
He could really only think staring at her now, how beautiful she looked. Her hair is fully down now. While she danced she had her hair tied up (which her hair never is while traveling with Frieren) and in a dress with golden embroidery. She was breathtaking.
Everyone was staring at them for sure. But Stark can’t help but think it was because Fern is an amazing dance partner.
Even now, Stark is staring at the said girl who stole the dance floor away.
“Stark-sama,” Fern says plainly, “it’s rude to stare.”
Stark blinks a couple of times, and then a couple of times more. He didn’t realize he was spacing out this much.
He shakes his head slightly. “Sorry Fern, I was thinking about…how beautiful you were dancing out there.”
Fern stares intently at him.
Stark starts to become flustered. “I-I mean how beautiful we were together. Since we trained so hard this past month.”
Fern continues to stare at him. She stares for a prolonged period of time and he kinda panics.
Oh no.
Maybe Stark said something wrong. Maybe he should’ve leaned fully into the compliment like from his chivalry lessons but he could really make her uncomfortable because girls are different than boys and Stark isn’t really good at the poetic stuff and if Fern goes into pouty mode then that means—
Fern reaches out her hand to brush Stark’s hair to see a little more of his scar. “Thank you,” Fern beams. “You worked very hard yourself, Stark-sama.”
Fern stares intently at the scar. Brushing a little hair further to see his eye she says, “Chivalry compliments you well.” Fern’s hand goes further, cupping his cheek in her hand, “but I like you better as you are.”
Oh my goddess, oh my goddess oh my goddess, oh my goddess, oh my goddess—oh my goddess.
Stark’s mind is screaming. Her hand is on your cheek and it’s nice and warm AHHHH???
Plus, oh my goddess? She likes me as I am. Thank goddess. Stark just acts. No think just act.
Stark leans his head into Fern’s hand, giving it a little nuzzle. Fern blinks rapidly at this.
Stark gently lifts his hand and wraps his fingers around hers on his cheek. Acting without foresight, he brings the tips of his fingers to his lips. He closes his eyes firmly and tightens his grip ever so slightly. He holds her tightly like a prayer.
His eyes are only closed for a few seconds and he opens his eyes. Fern’s entire face is completely flushed with red.
Stark assumes that she’s just like, really warm??? So he gently takes off the white and gold embroidered glove she has on. The sensation makes Fern gulp.
“S-Stark-sama…” Fern peeps. In a more princely way, Stark again wraps his hand around Fern’s fingers and brings them to his lips.
Without thinking, Stark gives her a sweet kiss on the hand.
It just felt right.
Stark, looking at her hand, looks into Fern’s eyes. Her lips are parted and quivering, her cheeks are still flushed.
Fern quickly takes her hand back. Stark snaps out of it. He realizes what he did.
Oh my goddess, fuck. Why wasn’t he thinking, she’s gonna get really mixed signals from this? They’re just friends in a bedroom together. Nothing more.
Fern says quietly, “I think I’ll take my leave Stark-sama.” She gathers her glove and she hurriedly heads for the door.
Stark goes after her. “Let me see you to your room, Fern!”
Fern stops midway through her tracks. “Fine.”
The two walk silently to Fern’s bedroom. It’s just as ornate as Stark’s room.
Hopefully, Stark didn’t make this awkward for their future travels.
Fern grabs the doorknob to close her door, she stops midway before shutting it.
“Stark-sama, I’m glad you’re going to be traveling with us and not staying forever.”
Fern smiles a tiny little Fern smile. “You’ll make Eisen-sama proud one day.”
“Goodnight,” as she blinks sweetly with tired eyes. The door is closed.
Stark turns to his room, pretty happy Fern was not bothered by his impulsivity.
He touches his fingers to his lips. He feels his face flushing.
She was just so beautiful and soft looking he couldn’t help it. The top of her hand was soft. His mind strayed towards how soft her lips could be.
Stark walks to his princely bedroom for the last time this evening.
Stark smiles looking up at the moon that night. He’s so glad that his companions like Fern who like him for him. For Stark.
He can’t thank his master enough for this incredible journey. He plops on his bed with a fist up to his lips. He can't help but smile as he settles down for the night.