Merlin stopped by, but he could not stay for long. His gift was a beautiful hairpin, something she could use to make her hairbun a bit more exciting, is what he told her with his impish smile.
Sadly they didn't see each other for long, as he departed for another appointment.
Another two days of work, and then the fated Christmas Eve arrived.
Her phone pings her a new message, it's the group chat with the other girl friends they put together to stay a bit more in tough.
14:06 Suzuka Ahhhhh you totes date him againnn????
14:07 Bradamante is that not a bit uncool were in our girls chat (・∀・)
14:07 Suzuka Girls matters we discuss together u forgot??
14:08 Bradamante kk ure right tell us more @ Arturia!!
Damn, in front of the other five girls in here? They haven't read the messages yet, but now not answering is not an option either.
14:10 Arturia Yeah Enkidu asked me and i said yes
14:10 Suzuka brave u go girl, gl out there *3*
14:11 Bradamante he just asked u? wow damn but now go do it right and be nice!!
She sent in a gif of a seal spinning around.
14:12 Bradamante look @ this when its not going well!! good luck seal ^_^
Arturia chuckles about this cute idea, before typing a quick answer.
14:13 Arturia gtg getting ready takes time and thx @Bradamante for this cutie
Suzuka also sends her best regards and wishes her luck for this date. Time to start by taking a shower and putting on make-up and her hair bun she always styles.
The new hairclip Merlin gifted her might be something for today.
The shower refreshes her, and calmed all her worries quickly. Arturia is putting on light make-up and slips into her favourite set of skirt and blazer. Classy, but not too much and not sending the wrong signals.
There is still an hour and a half left, so she sits down to read the cute Novel she started reading, and waits for time to pass by.
To her own surprise she is pretty calm and composed. Time to hammer in nails today and finish this.
As she got off the train, the streets are filled with a lot of people in the Christmas rush. Little sad for those who have to work until later this evening, that can't be with their loved ones today.
Just down the street, turn right and there already is the towering huge building for Vinci's Shopping Centre.
The lights are on and shine bright in contrast to the dark night sky. Everywhere are lights and christmas music plays. Arturia stuffs her hands into her coats pockets, and waits for him to arrive. Since she is a bit too early, she thinks a bit more about what to do. But the answers wont come easy.
There he is, this silhouette. The broad shoulders, tall slim figure and golden hair illuminated by the Christmas light. He doesn't look too cocky as usual too at this moment, somewhat tired.
“Let's go Arturia!” She tells herselves and walks towards his direction.
They stop in front of each other, waiting and breathing into the cold air little puffs.
It's like time is being frozen as they stand there, seeing each other in person after already an entire year has passed since the broken off engagement.
His red eyes inspect her from head to toe, not even hiding it.
“So, uhhh…” why is her voice so raspy right now! She can feel her cheeks getting a bit red. Flustered by one godly man in front of her the young woman used to love.
“Good you decided to show up today” he answered and avoids her eye contact as he is saying it, he sounds as usual very arrogant but seems to mean it honestly.
“Don't worry, it's alright. Enkidu told me everything and I think yes, we should talk about it. I wasn't very tactful.” Arturia admits her fault and finds her composure again. Together they walk into the mall. The giant tree she posted greets them once again, in his absolutely stunning yet too bright glory.
Gil just seems to fit in here quite good, his hair looks like gold as his battle armour does. Arturia catches herselves staring at him and quickly turns around. This is going already into a very different direction.
“I picked Chilis for tonight.” she tells him and directs him towards the restaurant.
As they sit down inside and put off their jackets, she can see a necklace hanging from his neck. Something round and small stands out from the shirt.
Is he still wearing that ring or is he putting on a show?
For today she has the small engagement ring box in her bag. Giving it back in case it doesn't work out was her plan for it.
The waiter takes their order, and then just silence between them. Unusual for him. But he quickly catches himself and puts up his usual “cool king face”.
“So, you decided to go on a date with me. Why? Has Enkidu convinced you so well?”
“You send him to me?” Arturia questions back.
“No, he did that without my knowledge. But still.”
His eyes pierce her through mind and body, leaving her defenseless.
“My friends gave me honest advice to try it again and sort out my feelings today. Here and now.”
“Ohhh, hmmm-...” Gilgamesh takes up the napkin and starts to fold it neatly.
“I have to admit I was.... not good. I'm sorry from my side.” Arturia finally said what she wanted to for so long.
The man looks up from his napkin foldings.
“Seriously? I should be the one being a bit more humble. But being me that is hard.” he chuckles and has his arrogant look on already. Damn, that's why it's so tough to get along with him. Never really caring for those around him as long as he gets what he wants, not minding consequences.
“See, we got that done. You are still cocky and I have moved on.” Maybe that comment sounded a bit too snarky.
“Honestly, I have been trying to better myself. I just….need to learn to step back a bit.”
Gilgamesh now has a different look on his face, more serious and as if he actually thought about what he said for long.
“Huh, really?” it slips her out of the mouth.
The young man's gaze falls on the napkin again.
“Alright, i'm trying to show here how serious I am. Give me another chance.” He doesn't say anything for a moment, then hesitantly adds “Please.”
What he did is something she is trying to forget, but him apologizing is at the same time out of and in his character weirdly.
He stands up, reaching out with one hand. On his palm is the small silver engagement ring he gave to her last year, but his one with her name carved in.
“I kept it all this time, and…” he really forced himself to press out the words, but it wasn't the bad type of it. He really tried to win her back.
“...Kept thinking about you and hope you give me another chance. And I promise to better check your feelings first before assuming things.”
Arturia just chuckles.
“You are like a trained puppy now, what happened?”
Gilgamesh is taken aback by her reaction, for a second his usual cocky self slips trough but he catches himself.
“Be my Woman! The only one I can think about! And i'm not going to say please again.” Definitely it's him speaking seriously.
“Alright, calm down you're making a scene!” With a red face she looks around the restaurant, where people already started looking.
Gilgamesh sits back down, the ring still in his hand.
“Okay...i…” Arturia breathes in and out slowly to stop her racing heart. His brazen attitude, him showing feelings so differently, probably thinking of her only as the great king, somehow managed to light up the feelings inside her again.
Underneath there is a calm man hidden, that seems to truly care for her.
“Okay. I take your offer. Slowly she takes out the ring out of her bag and shows it to him.
“Would you mind?!”
Gilgamesh laughs his usual loud laugh, then takes it and slips it back on her finger.
He kisses her back of her hand, and slowly let go of her hand. Where he touched her she still felt his warmth burning on her skin.
The food is being served, so they first eat, both a bit flustered. The entire air and feel of the conversation has changed.
Once they are done, Gilgamesh pays and they go outside next to each other. Slowly he takes her hand and presses it.
They are so close again, his touch leaving her feeling all fuzzy inside.
“I just…” she tries to say, but stops mid sentence.
“This time is the one chance i can give you. I still love you, this time we should talk about our problems more.” Gilgamesh slowly brushes a loose hair falling into her face aside.
“That's why i tried to learn that and consider your feelings. But it's obvious you have fallen for me the first second we met.”
Artoria glances at him, piercing him through.
“Actions speak louder than words for me usually. But so far i can really tell you are trying hard which is refreshing for such a personality like you.”
Gilgamesh stops softly touching her face and bows to her down, leaning really close to her face. She just let it happen, as he kissed her softly on her lips in front of the huge tree illuminating the entire mall.
When she kisses him back, he starts to peck her lips and deepen their kiss, coming closer and pushing her towards him by hugging her tight. He smells warm and exotic like cinnamon.
As she brushes through his soft hair, they diverge and look into each other's eyes, the giant tree watching over them.
This incredible feeling she had a long time ago for him has come back, now filling her chest with soft happiness.
Gilgamesh also seems very happy and self pleased. He then suddenly picks her up from the ground, in the middle of the mall.
“Hey, let me down! We are in public!” instantly her cheeks flush red. Gilgamesh laughs loud and carries her to one of the benches under the Christmas tree and puts her down. Arturia evens out her skirt wrinkles and shyly looks at his face.
The King's beautiful facial features shine in the light golden and soft, and his red eyes don't seem to pierce her trough anymore, but rather into her soul.
Grateful for the moment they come closer to each other again, to share another kiss underneath one really big Christmas tree. Time seems to be a non existing concept, as they sit close by each other, sharing one intimate love filled moment after a year of sadness and regret. Truly a Christmas miracle.
