~ Chromatober 2024 ~

Day 14: Jewelry/Beauty

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Series: Rainbow Quest

AU: Solace Abridged

Characters: Light

Angst Level: FLUFF.

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"Here you go, Light. Just as you ordered." My heart skipped a beat as the jeweler set the box on the table. I quickly open it to check the contents and feel my breath leave me. They were... far beyond what I had imagined.

Within the box, nestled amongst wool padding, was several pieces of jewelry. An elaborate silver chain with the symbol of the Red Kingdom intermixed with the sign of the colorless guard, and inlaid with beautiful rubies and diamonds. Along with it was an intricate gold chain that had several more rubies and diamonds hanging off of it. Lastly, a silver and gold cuff bracelet with intricate carvings. Amongst those carvings on the cuff lay the words I had uttered to him that night with my heart aflight.

"Thank you so much, Blacksmith Orange. Here. I brought the other half of the payment as we agreed upon," I say as I dig out the money pouch from my pocket in my armor. A sly smile crosses my old friend's face as he shakes his head. "Now Light, aren't you about being honest and all? Why are you lying about the payment?" I pause in confusion, not knowing what he meant.

The Steve just chuckles and shakes his head. "Just take your order. I don't need any more money." I feel my confusion sit on my chest and shake my head. "But I don't want to short you, Blacksmith Orange-"

"You aren't, I assure you, Light. Now you just run along. Alright?" With a look, the ash-covered steve makes a hand for me to shoo. I bite the inside of my lip. He was kind... But I really couldn't. I paid half for his service. It was only right I pay for the other half now. "I really shouldn't go without reimbursing you. Please. I insist for your work. It is too much time and effort for me to simply take this without paying the full price."

I set the pouch down with a clank and the steve simply sighs. "Light," He shifts to lay his calloused hand on top on mine I had set on the counter. "I can tell that whoever you made this for, is someone you deeply care about. The attention to details and materials you chose, they weren't random. They were thought out. Knowing that you are going to give this to somebody who is going to smile like the sun is rising upon a new day, is all the payment I need. I'd rather see you happy, old friend. Money isn't an issue for me right now."

His eyes settle on mine and I sigh, knowing I wasn't going to change this stubborn steve's mind. "Ok ok. Fine..." A small chuckle escapes me. "... Yet the moment you need any help financially, consider the rest of this as my due. Ok? You aren't talking me out of that, Blacksmith Orange." He just laughs and shakes his head with an eyeroll. "Fine fine, Light. We are agreed."

Taking the money pouch to tuck back inside my armor, I tuck the pouch in neatly, before I cover back up the box, then tuck it under my arm. "Thank you again, Blacksmith Orange," I say, prompting him to return me a nod. "See you around, Light."

With that, I turned to walk out the door, my mind racing about my gift. Was... Was it over excessive? I mean- It was simply just a year anniversary. Perhaps I should have gone with something simpler? Maybe something more practical? No no no- I settled on this months ago. I wasn't going to not give it to him now. This was my gift to him. I wasn't going to scrap it last second and wait another four years.

Yet... I can't help but feel my heart race. It wasn't from fear or excitement like before... It was... Happiness. I felt- giddy- at the thought. My mind was racing from the thought of seeing his eyes light up at the sight of my gift to him. Just... his happiness... was my bliss.

I could stare into his eyes all day and hold him within my arms as if the passage of time was irrelevant to us both. Just... his head on my chest... feeling his soft sighs... the way he wrapped his arms around me... I just was enamored with it all.

What made my heart leap the most was the beauty of seeing him smile... his eyes lighting up as he explains a topic to me... Light's ambassador. I could truly live every day of my life with him and not regret a single one.

A wistful sigh escapes me as I have walked far enough away from the shop, before I quickly teleport to the Red Kingdom. Well... I'd have to hide this package. But luckily I knew Time had a few tips for me on that one, so I'd just ask him. I make my way up to the familiar home and nod to the guard at duty, before I open the door.

The smell of fresh potatoes and berries alongside greens and other wonderful aromas greets my nose as I step inside, closing the door behind me. "Oh, Hey Light!" The semi-chipper voice greets me as I look to see Sabre sitting at the table and Time was cooking in the kitchen. I nod to both of my friends with a smile.

"Hey Sabre. Hey Time."