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We were 5 years old.
My mother introduced me to you. I was so happy to see you, despite seeing you for the first time. You peeked from behind Queen Ursa's dress, and my smile grew as I waved happily at you. Your warm brown hair that was tied back into a small ponytail and icy blue eyes stared at me before shyly waving, your snowy wings pinned behind your back as you quickly hid behind Queen Ursa again.
I knew from that day we would be best friends.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 10 years old.
Me and you were racing to the top of the tree. It was cold. Of course it was. We were in Rivendell. We raced to the tallest tree in the woods. I bet that I would reach the top before you, and your icy blue eyes shined with determination. And here we are, climbing branch after branch, giggling as snow lightly fell on our hair and clothes, our cold breaths being visible.
A snap and yell stopped me from progressing. I turned to watch you fall from the branch, tucking your wings in and your arms flail, despite trying to grab a branch. You don't make it, and you fall in the snowy ground, a cry of agony shooting from your throat.
I quickly slid down from the branch and landed softly on the snow, rushing to your side. I can see tears are running down your face, and I worry. You tell me your arm hurts, and that your body aches. Without thinking, I grab you and help you up. You lean against me and I start guiding us back to Rivendell.
You tell me thank you, I smile and nod.
I stayed by your side as the Medics fixed you up. I stayed by your side.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 15 years old.
You mumbled at me how you were fine and that I didn't have to come to Rivendell. I ignored you as I sat next to you on your bed. You told me I would get sick too if I didn't leave.
I refused to leave.
You called me an idiot. I laughed, responding back, I'm your best friend, of course I'm an idiot.
You smiled, and something twinge in my chest. I chose to ignore it as you closed your eyes and fell asleep again.
I stayed by your side.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 16 years old.
We are on the floor of your room, the silence so loud, I can feel you tremble. I held you close to my chest as you screamed and cried. Tears are running down your face. They are also running down mines. I can feel you punch my chest, harboring all anger and pain. I just held you, mumbling, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, over and over again. I didn't know what to do. I just held you, held you as you cried out curses and questions. You cried out, why couldn't it be me, why?!
I held back my response.
You stayed by my side as the funeral went on. I could feel your body tremble as the Priest went on about your parents death. Without thinking, I grabbed your hand, squeezing it as if to say, I'm here. I felt you squeeze my hand back, but it was weak.
That night, I stayed by your side as you cried yourself to sleep. Your coronation was in 5 days.
It wasn't enough time. It never was.
And yet, I stayed by your side.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 18 years old.
I was given the title King of Mythland. I saw you cheer and clap. You always looked amazing in any color. Red and gold suited you best, but I love your cyan and whites. I smiled at your direction and you smiled back, your eyes shining in the golden light of Mythland's Church. You always looked beautiful amazing in all the lights.
When the celebration came, you and I snuck off and told stories. We laughed at our conversations. We laid down on the grass and started to name constellations. We came up with our own after I gave up on trying to name them. We must have fallen asleep at some point, because when I opened my eyes, the sky was dark, but you were asleep, a soft and calm experience written on your shut eyes.
I stayed by your side.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 20 years old.
You told me you had a crush on another Emperor. It ignited something in my heart. It felt like I was being burned alive. Why? As you continued to gush about this crush, the fire in my heart started to grow, and soon I felt… jealous? I didn't know why. I asked who the lucky Emperor was, and you blushed a beautiful light pink.
The Cod Emperor, you mumbled out.
I ignored the way my chest felt like an arrow struck through. I teased you about it, trying to shove the jealousy raging in my heart. You laughed, shoving a pillow in my face, hiding your bright red face. It was cute.
It was cute.
It was cute—
Oh.
I… stayed by your side.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 24 years old.
The Elvin library. You brought me to it, saying that you wanted me to see it. You wanted to teach me Elvish, so that we could have secret conversations.
As you looked for a book, I asked you what happened between the Cod Emperor and you. I notice you laugh, turning to me and walking over, a book in your hands.
That was a lie, you told me.
What do you mean, I asked back.
Your hand caressed my cheek, and I leaned into it. You were so close. I could feel your heart thump.
I want you to stay by my side, you smiled.
It's a promise, I answered.
I leaned in and I kept that promise.
《《 × ♡ × 》》
We were 24 years old.
Your lips tasted like mint. Your hair was soft as snow. Your skin was a beautiful pale. Your eyes were shining like ice, they shined like ice as I broke away from the kiss. Your eyes were filled with love, and you smiled.
Was that okay, I asked you.
Better than okay, you answered back.
Kiss me again?
And I stayed by your side.