The Sweetest Downfall

They never speak of marriage, of the laws that stand against them.

Serena, however, knows Layla is the one. The moment it settles in her heart, she starts to dig through old texts. She looks for loopholes. Opportunities.

There has to be a way.

She takes meetings with the brightest minds in Aldagar. She asks every man and woman who claims to be an expert in law or tradition.

They all come to a sobering consensus: nothing can be done under the current laws.

It is the "current" which captures her attention.

Laws can be changed. It requires effort and dedication. Fortunately, Serena has both. Right now, she and Layla still have time.

They've yet to speak of marriage, but if and when they do, Serena wants to be able to have that option. She wants to take Layla into her arms, smile, and whisper 'yes.'

Or even be the one who drops down to one knee. Because Layla is worth it.

She's the one.
 

~Layla likes to snuggle, but Serena hates excess heat. They may start the night cuddling, but eventually, Layla rolls into a blanket burrito, and Serena sprawls out on top of what’s left of the covers.

~Layla is the more sexually experienced of the two, with both male and female lovers in the past, but Serena is an eager study. She has only had female partners.

~Serena says ‘I love you’ first, a quiet confession during a tender moment. It’s several months later when Layla blurts it out in return, over a public lunch, and during an unfortunate, if not hilarious, lull in the dull roar of surrounding conversation.

~They have spent at least one nigh in every inn, bed and breakfast, or hostel in Aldagar. Some they have frequented enough that they have a favorite room.

~In the Spring, the peak of flower season, Layla snores. She also sneezes like a horse.

~Layla enjoys watching Serena apply her make up for official functions, but rejects wearing any herself. She doesn’t have the patience and refuses to let Serena’s handmaidens help her.

~Serena is a messy crier. It’s a good thing she doesn’t do so often, because her face turns splotchy, tears go everywhere, and her nose runs.

Layla is definitely the impulse buyer of the two. She knows how to manage her money, but she keeps what she calls “impulse coin” for the things here and there that catch her eye. Especially if shiny or new.
 

who draws in the dust on their cars

Serena. Bath fog in the mirrors. Frost on the windows. Dust on the desktop. She often idly draws designs with her fingertips while lost in thought.
 

who starts the snowball fights

Layla. Always Layla. She loves a good challenge, she loves to have fun, and even though Serena’s aim is better than hers, she can’t make a decent snowball, so they are evenly matched.
 

who throws away the directions to things

Layla. She thinks they can figure it out on their own. Just wing it. Serena prefers to have something to fall back on just in case, or you know, do it right the first time.
 

who puts up holiday décor

Both of them. Serena has a keen eye for interior design, another something she was raised to know, but Layla gets really excited for holidays and has set times when the decorations must go out to get them in the spirit.
 

who is more likely to forget to bathe

Layla. It’s less likely that she forgot to bathe, as it is she gets to the end of the day, realizes she hasn’t bathed yet, and is too tired to go through the effort of doing so and saves it for the next day. Or the day after that.
 

who gets more obsessed about things

I wouldn’t say obsessed is the right word, but once Serena gets focused on something important, there’s little that can deter or distract her.

who sings in the shower more often

Serena hums, but Layla sings, sometimes in tune, sometimes not. If they’re bathing together, and have the time, they might indulge in a duet or two.

who cries when someone dies in a movie

Definitely Layla. She tries to hide it, but she reacts first, thinks later. Serena’s been trained to keep her emotions in check, so she might feel like crying, but she’s good at putting on that stone face.

who wears the ugly holiday garb

Layla. She loves to find the ugliest thing she can possibly locate and wear it with pride. Especially if it’s comfortable. Plus, it makes Serena laugh.

who pays for the meals

They take turns, especially at first. Layla insisted upon it. Once they get married, though, the pull from a joint pot and pay together. And Serena is always a big tipper.

Serena. Layla’s too practical when it comes to strays, but Serena has a very big heart and still thinks she can save the world and everything in it.

who leaves the bathroom door open

If using the facilities, neither of them, at least not at first. If bathing, Layla. She hopes to entice Serena to join her.

who tells the ‘dad jokes’

Layla. She loves puns and bad jokes and silly things. Stuff that makes Serena laugh and give her a fond look.  

who wants kids more

Neither of them. Serena is hoping she can foist off the idea of heirs onto her brother, while Layla has enough nieces and nephews that she thinks she’s set for life.

who travels more

Layla. She’s at least been out of the city a few times thanks to being a member of the militia and Nolan’s Guard. Serena hopes to get out of the city soon. She wants to make diplomatic trips to both Aldagar and Ivaline to maintain friendly relations with their neighbors.