EMBRACE || a violet evergarden fanfic #1

XVI

It was the night before we were to depart to the Rhododendron residence, with nowhere else to go, I made myself comfortable on the chair beside Gilbert's bed, trying to push out all the thoughts about what happened just hours ago between Dietfried and I.

I held on his hand, watching his unconscious expression as the seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours until the grandfather clock in the living room let out a loud announcement on that midnight has arrived.

You will wake up, you just need to stay strong, I'd pray continuously.

A light knock against the wooden door interrupted my non-official prayers, and I broke away my gaze from him. Akashi stood in the space between the open door and shook his head, "My Lady, you've been up all night. You should go rest before your departure tomorrow morning. I can stay with Gilbert."

"I'll be okay," I politely turned his request down, and managed a smile across my sore lips.

"A cup of water, perhaps?" He offered, and I had just begun to notice he had a glass of water in his hands as well. I flashed him a grateful smile, "Thanks, Akashi. I really appreciated it." I said.

He returned my smile, "Your welcome, my Lady."

"You know you can cut all the formalities when you're with me, Akashi," I told him after a sip of water from the glass and set it down on the bedside table gently - not wanting to disturb Gilbert.

His brows raised in amusement, "Really?"

"Yes, really," I let out a small laugh when I saw the corner of his lips curved upwards to a barest of a grin, "you don't have to address me as 'my Lady'. It makes me sound rather old."

He chuckled nervously, "I'll try, my Lady - erm, Violet." He corrected himself quickly as he had spoken, and I nodded in dismissal and he shut the door behind his wake. I could still hear his footsteps outside, though it was getting softer and more distant ; which means he has already left for the night.

Soon it was hours until the Sun and the Moon were to pass by each other and the Sun took its place and its rays shining down on me through the glassy windows.

"V? Master made me come get you," a soft voice said from behind the door as a light knock sounded against the wooden material. It didn't take long for me to guess who she was referring to.

I gave Gilbert one final look before rising from my place on the chair and letting out a little stretch as my bottom was aching unbearably and swung the door open to come face to face with Amber.

"You will take care of him while I'm gone, won't you?" I asked as I shut the door gently behind my wake.

She curtsied hastily, "I promise, V. But you really should get going. Master ... He doesn't like to wait," she told me in a whisper, "there're already clothes prepared for your trip to the Rhododendrons'. I've also packed everything inside your satchel. You're good to go."

"Thanks, Amber," I pulled her in for a hug.

"Come home safe." She whispered into my hair, and I nodded, before pulling away.

I made sure I waste no time when I reached my room and rushed to change my clothes. I also made sure to wear a cloak as it might be chilly on the trip. As soon as I'm ready, I swung the satchel across my shoulder and ran to meet the others in the courtyard, and I came facing an annoyed Dietfried.

"Took you long enough," he commented.