It had started as a quiet day in Ramshackle Dorm, the kind of peaceful lull Y/N rarely got to enjoy. She'd been sitting on the creaky couch, thumbing through a magazine, when there was a knock on the door. Curious, she opened it to find a deliveryman holding an ornate box.
"For Miss Y/N," he said, bowing slightly before handing her the package.
She blinked, thanking him as she brought the box inside. The craftsmanship alone was stunning: black lacquer with gold accents, and the unmistakable crest of Briar Valley subtly etched into the lid. Her heart skipped a beat—this was definitely from Malleus.
Carefully lifting the lid, she gasped. Inside, nestled in plush velvet, was an entire collection of lipsticks. The shades ranged from soft nudes to bold reds, shimmering golds, and deep, dramatic purples. A small envelope sat atop the arrangement, and she eagerly opened it to find Malleus' handwriting.
"My dearest Y/N,
Your beauty is unmatched, but I wished to give you something that might make you smile. I hope these shades bring you joy. I look forward to seeing how they suit you.
Yours eternally,
Malleus Draconia."
Y/N shook her head, laughing softly. Leave it to Malleus to turn a casual conversation about makeup into a grand, extravagant gesture. She had merely mentioned wanting to try a new lipstick or two the week before. Now, here she was, staring at what must be the entire collection.
A swirl of green flames appeared in the corner of the room, and Y/N wasn't even surprised anymore. Malleus materialized, his tall figure looming yet gentle, his gaze fixed on her with quiet anticipation.
"Ah, I see the delivery has arrived," he said, his lips quirking in a small smile. "Do you like them, my treasure?"
"Malleus," she began, setting the box on the table and turning to him with an exasperated yet amused expression. "This is way too much! You didn't have to buy every shade."
"But I could not choose," he said matter-of-factly, stepping closer. "Each color seemed worthy of you. How could I deny you the chance to have them all?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."
His expression softened as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I only wish to make you happy. Do they please you?"
"They're beautiful," she admitted, glancing back at the collection. Her fingers grazed the smooth, sleek tubes, and an idea sparked in her mind. A mischievous grin crept across her face.
"Malleus," she said, turning back to him. "Do you want to help me test them out?"
His brow furrowed slightly. "Test them? How so?"
Her grin widened as she picked up the first lipstick—a deep crimson—and twisted it open. "By letting me kiss you with each one, of course. That way, I can see how they look."
Malleus blinked, clearly caught off guard, but then a slow, amused smile spread across his lips. "If that is your wish, I would be honored to assist."
Y/N guided him to sit on the chair in front of her vanity, and he obeyed without hesitation, folding his hands in his lap like the ever-patient prince he was. She leaned forward, carefully applying the crimson shade to her lips, then turned to him with a playful glint in her eyes.
"Ready?"
"I have never been more ready," he said solemnly, though the corners of his mouth twitched with barely contained amusement.
Y/N leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, leaving a perfect crimson imprint against his pale skin. She pulled back to admire her work, biting her lip to stifle a laugh.
"Not bad," she mused. "But let's see how the others compare."
And so, she worked her way through the collection. A soft pink left a delicate touch on his other cheek, a bold orange added flair to his forehead, and a deep plum adorned his jawline. With each kiss, Malleus remained perfectly still, though his emerald eyes gleamed with adoration as he watched her.
"Your artistry is unparalleled," he said after the fifth kiss, his voice warm and teasing.
"Stop flattering me," she said, though her cheeks were tinged with pink. "I'm trying to focus."
By the time she reached the shimmering gold shade, Malleus' face was a masterpiece of colorful lip prints. His once-serious expression had softened into something almost boyish, his smile gentle and full of love.
Y/N leaned back to admire her handiwork, crossing her arms with a satisfied grin. "Well, what do you think? You're a walking lipstick catalog now."
He tilted his head, pretending to examine his reflection in the vanity mirror. "I believe this is the most I've ever been decorated. I shall wear your affection proudly."
Her laughter filled the room, and she leaned in one last time, pressing a kiss to his lips. This one wasn't for testing—it was just for him. When she pulled back, her lipstick smudged on his lips, his gaze softened even more, if that were possible.
"Thank you, Malleus," she said quietly. "For always making me feel special."
His hand reached up, cupping her cheek gently. "It is I who should thank you, my dearest. There is no treasure in this world more precious than your smile."
