☆ 𝐊𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐱 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑 ☆

୨ shared shadows (ludwig x reader) ୧

ANGST & FLUFF & COMFORT ! ˚₊•
‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The grand ballroom was ablaze with shimmering lights and the melodic strains of music. Princess Peach had spared no expense in organizing a lavish party to celebrate the unity of the Mushroom Kingdom.

You stood by Ludwig's side, his arm wrapped securely around your waist. The soft fabric of his tailored suit brushed against your skin as you moved gracefully through the crowd, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the lively chatter and enchanting melodies.

Ludwig, the esteemed and enigmatic prince, had chosen you as his plus one for the evening. The two of you had been together for several years, your love growing stronger with each passing day. You relished these moments of togetherness, cherishing the opportunity to accompany him to such a prestigious event.

As the night wore on, the air became infused with an undercurrent of playfulness. Laughter echoed throughout the room, mingling with the elegant strains of the orchestra. In this atmosphere of revelry, you couldn't resist teasing Ludwig, determined to elicit a smile from his typically stoic countenance.

Your fingers danced along the fabric of his suit jacket, tracing delicate patterns as you leaned in, your lips grazing the shell of his ear. "You clean up quite nicely, Ludwig," you whispered, a hint of mischief lacing your voice. "I must admit, you've caught my eye tonight."

A subtle blush colored his cheeks, his usually composed demeanor momentarily faltering. A spark of amusement flickered in his eyes as he turned to face you, a faint smile gracing his lips.
"Is that so?" he responded, his voice carrying a note of playful skepticism.

Feeling emboldened by the atmosphere of the evening, your hand slipped from his waist to his thigh, a playful gesture that you thought would elicit a lighthearted reaction. But as your fingers made contact, a sudden stiffness gripped his body, his expression clouding with an uncharacteristic heaviness. Instantly, you knew something was off.

His gaze grew distant, as if transported to a place far beyond the gilded ballroom. Sensing that something had triggered a painful memory, you knew that it was crucial to give him the space and support he needed. In a hushed tone, he requested that you join him on the balcony, away from the prying eyes and the festive clamor.

The moonlight spilled over the sprawling balcony, casting a soft glow on the elegant banister. The cool night air embraced you both as you found a quiet corner to sit, the distant melody of the orchestra providing a gentle backdrop to your conversation.

"I'm sorry," you began softly, your voice laced with concern. "I didn't mean to bring up anything that upset you. I'm here to listen to anything, I promise. Do you want to talk about it?" Your heart was pounding in your chest. To say that you were scared was an understatement.

"It's a long story," Ludwig's voice resonated, barely above a whisper, as he stood by the balcony, his gloved finger gently tracing the intricate patterns on the banister. In that vulnerable moment, his usual mask of stoicism had dissolved, revealing a side of him that was rarely seen. Sensing his emotional turmoil, you placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering him a silent reminder that he was not alone.

Guilt gnawed at your insides, realizing that you had unintentionally broached a sensitive topic in such an insensitive manner. It hadn't occurred to you that his reluctance to discuss it might stem from deep discomfort. Determined to support him, you leaned on the banister alongside him, letting your forearms rest on its cool metal surface, which sent a shiver down your arms. Despite your efforts to lighten the mood with a smile, it faded quickly when you saw the weight of his sigh and the furrowing of his eyebrows, signs of his inner turmoil. The silence stretched between you, heavy and uncomfortable.