Dismal Escapade

This is it

She stands within the field of flowers that are planted just for her. She bathes in the light provided by the sun and reflects off of it. Her swift and slow movements wave around in the air and her bare feet touch the cool ground and grass. She dances and sings, clueless of someone who watches her every day. 

He stands afar and gazes at her, always fascinated and interested by her moves. The fluttering blonde hair and violet-pinkish eyes, glowing constantly. He was captivated by her beauty and free-spirit. He also wanted to join but chose not to because it felt better to watch instead. 

After she catches him looking at her, she stops and smiles at her friend. He grins and walks toward her. 

Diana and Anastacius were together. 

- I never realized how hurt I was until I met you - 

A very bright day with flowers flying in the air, people cheering, and the bells ringing for the joy in the empire. It was certainly an important day for a couple to join together in harmony and as one.

It happened to be months after the two met and fell in love unexpectedly. Nobody knew that they would become so closed and begin to develop feelings for each other. Some were against it but others supported it especially the one who is going to join the pair together forever until death part them.

Anastacius stands at the altar, focused on fixing his cuff and looking around the room to make sure everything was flawless. He wanted this day to be over or even just walk out but he couldn't. He's an important figure for this wedding ceremony and so he had to stay until the very end.

The piano starts and the nervous feeling begins to erupt inside everyone's stomach especially the groom. Today is when the bride walks down the aisle in a beautiful gown and a bouquet, but not as attractive as her. All eyes on the shining goddess that walks down slowly.

Anastacius watches her slowly come closer gradually and they make eye-contact through her veil. She smiled and let out a soft giggle while he grinned and eyes softened.

'Today is the day she will stand here and finally marry....'

It felt as if they had just met yesterday. Time truly does flow fast and this day is the most unexpected news to Anastacius.

'To think it had become like this is truly... unforeseen and yet predictable' A smile could be seen but it wasn't a normal one. 'Would I be happy....'

Finally, she reached up to the steps and stood on the stage, standing next to Anastacius with a beaming smile and teary eyes. Happy to be with the one she loved.

'If I entered this hall with you instead?'

Claude took Diana's hand and grinned in content, looking at her with passionate eyes that were madly in love with her. She wished that she could keep eye-contact with her to-be-husband if it weren't for the tears blurring her vision.

It indeed is a happy day for them and a sad day for Anastacius, who is the recipient that will marry the two.

'... It really does make my heart... Hurt' His chest tightened as he looked at the two gazes at each other with loving eyes.

Ever since Claude and Diana met, nobody would've thought that they would become very closed. Anastacius noticed it but brushed it off no matter how much he hated it or felt bad. He ignored the unsettling feeling and continued to treat her as a friend while supporting the developing relationship that gradually turned romantic.

He never thought it would turn out like this nor grow to be fond of Diana. They were alike and he felt like himself around her. However, it did not stop her from falling for his brother.

It was already too late when he discovered his deep feelings for the angel that brought light into his world. A day of grief and regret would soon come and arrive when staying locked up in his office. Coming back stronger the next day only to be back in the same state that would entirely break his heart into pieces. Still, she was precious to him.

If only he knew earlier, then would have he treated her more than just a friend? 

If only he didn't ignore the envy, then would he have fought for her? 

If only he pretended not to care and confessed, then would she be in his arms? 

If only.... no, he couldn't fantasize anymore. That dream that he constantly thinks of is nothing more than a mere illusion to distract his pain. 

There's no point in reaching for her anyway when she belongs to someone else. A married woman soon to a person that he doesn't have to worry about because Anastacius knows. She is guaranteed to be happy with him for the rest of her life along with the empire. 

He gave up his throne and passed it on. It didn't make much of an impact other than outrage from the nobles but there's no time to think about that. Right now, today should be a joyful one. 

Claude, now the emperor, will be her husband and the one to make her happy forever. 

That makes Anastacius satisfied enough as he prepares himself to say the lines.

'... Although it is painful...'

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate..."

'At least I'll still be by your side as a friend...'

"Do you, Claude de Alger Obelia, take Diana as your humble wife from this...." Anastacius once again ignores the lump in his throat and looks at Claude whose eyes were focused on the bride in front of him.

'And see that face every day...'

"I do"

"And do you, Diana, take...."

"I do"

Responding without even breaking contact, Anastacius knew how deeply in love they were with each other and smiled greatly as he finished the lines.

'Now I know what it's like to love...'

He thought as he wished his first love goodbye and finally joined the two when they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Anastacius once again felt lonely in his world until he finally found someone to fill his empty void. 

End 

AN: Finally, it's done. This ship shall not sail happily.