🗱 Sara/Barnham

[alcobrawlic]

[ For all levels of shenanigans, there will probably be a picture here at some point CUT ME SOME SLACK IT'S LATE ]

Comments

proposal;

[moraled]

[It's as he's shoving his sword through the skull of the last of the vicious zwordar that had been plaguing the nearby fort that Barnham brings up the thought, nonchalant, though as deathly serious as ever:]

Perhaps we had ought to get married soon.

[Ah.]

[alcobrawlic]

[ Sara at least has the good grace to--

Not burst out laughing in his face, but if she'd been drinking, she probably would have spit it out, and that would have been a tremendous loss. For now, she just-- stares. ]

Huh?

[ WHY IS THIS WHAT HE THINKS OF AFTER STABBING A KILLER BIRD THING ]

[moraled]

...Ah. [Was that weird?

That might've been weird.

He...clears his throat, cleaning his sword.]

Apologies. It was on my mind.

[alcobrawlic]

A... pparently.

[ Uh. ]

Long enough for you to blurt that out right after monster-killing?

[moraled]

[WELL......]

... Yes. [Clearly.]

It is something I was very firmly considering for quite some time.

[alcobrawlic]

... Okay. Then let's... talk about this. Maybe sit down first?

[moraled]

[...]

Ah, yes. That would likely be best.

[Aha...]

Perhaps we should report the success of our mission first.

[alcobrawlic]

Proooobably best. Wow, normally I'm the impulsive one here.

[ this is honestly kind of cute. ]

[moraled]

... W-well...!!

[DON'T... LOOK AT HIM LIKE THAT....]

I suppose I have...more to say as well.

[But he started with that... it must be Big.]

[alcobrawlic]

... More? Got it, then let's report this quickly.

[ It shouldn't take long, and they have a room at the inn, which honestly isn't far from the guild branch... but apparently whatever else he has to say is pretty darn important, so Sara's more than a little curious.

... And flustered, but she's not ready to admit to it. ]

[moraled]

[... Yeah.

More.

It's fine.

Barnham is pretty quiet at that, remaining stoically, thoughtfully silent for the most part as they give their report and then return to the inn.............

And once they're settled in their room, Barnham still looks more thoughtful than anything, arms crossed and brow furrowed.

Speak, Barnham. Speak.]

[alcobrawlic]

[ Sara remains perched on the edge of the bed, fingers curled by her thighs, head tilted.

Okay, she knows Barnham likes to think things through (hence the surprise of him blurting out marriage talk), but-- ]

I'm all ears, you know.

[moraled]

[.. R-right.

A-ahem. He...startles a little, before he straightens. RIGHT.]

I...wish to speak with you about this as properly as we can.

[AHEM...]

Sara, would you consider marrying me? [WELL... that's romantic. Ish. Uh. Awkwardly--]

I... also did not anticipate speaking of this while we were on this trip, so I'm afraid I do not have the ring with me. [Oh.]

[alcobrawlic]

... Before I answer that, was killing monsters that much of a turn-on for you that you just had to say it?

[ give her a minute, this is how she copes. ]

[moraled]

That... that is not even remotely--!

[AGHHH]

It... it was simply on my mind the entire trek to said monsters and...

[He...couldn't hold back anymore.]

[alcobrawlic]

... I got it.

Honestly, that was my second question. You're really sure about this? You won't be able to regret it afterwards.

[moraled]

Of course I am sure.

[Barnham just quirks an eyebrow at that, settling.]

I'm very certain of this--but I will not push it on you, either, if you are not interested.

[alcobrawlic]

It's more like... [ her shoulders rise and fall in a helpless shrug. ] The Vice-Principal's been getting on my case for so long that I kept saying I wasn't going to get married out of spite. And it's true that I wasn't really ready to settle down....

But you're here. And if I had to tie myself to anybody, I'd want it to be you.

[moraled]

[... That's incredibly endearing, in Sara's own way. Barnham is quiet for a long moment, as if processing that--and then he smiles, a soft and somewhat tentative expression.]

I will not demand it now. If you are still not ready, if you would still like time.

But that... does make me incredibly happy to hear. [That eventually, at some point--she would want to be tied to him, in that manner, for life.]

I could not possibly ask for more than that. [But he's gonna.]

[alcobrawlic]

I mean, I still want a dramatic proposal to tease you about for years to come.

... But I think you're more than welcome to demand it now, if you're ready.

[ It's kind of funny to imagine the look on Neithardt's face, when he'll learn. ]

[moraled]

[Wow.

Barnham blinks at that--and then scoffs lightly under his breath.]

I shall grant you the most dramatic proposal you could wish for, should you truly wish it.

[Without hesitation!!]

But I can assure you--I am ready.

[alcobrawlic]

...

[ You know, thinking about it, Barnham has no qualms with being stupidly dramatic, so-- ]

Actually, this is plenty dramatic enough for me.

[ MIGHT AS WELL SPARE HERSELF THE EMBARRASSMENT. ]

[moraled]

[That's wise, honestly. Very, very wise.]

Very well then.

I will repeat myself once, simply and less dramatically than you are clearly concerned about:

[He lifts her hand in his own, gently brushing his lips against her knuckles.]

Lady Instructor and Bracer Sara Valestein, will you do me the honor of remaining by my side for the remainder of our lives?

[alcobrawlic]

[ ... Well. Slightly less embarrassing, still plenty dramatic by anyone else's standards. But Sara's always been at least a little endeared by it, and it makes her smile now. ]

I'm no longer an instructor, you know. But yes, Zacharias Barnham, I do believe you're officially stuck with me now.

[moraled]

Excellent.

[Honestly!! He's delighted by this, and it's plain on his face; his smile is broad and not at all subtle as he shifts to cup her cheek, leaning in for a kiss instead.

He's....

He's not done with dropping drama bombs yet, but first, a kiss.]