(Thanks!)
Arabella’s head shot up. She looked to him in bewilderment and maybe even just a little bit of admiration. “I could? You wouldn’t care? You don’t think it’s silly?” She asked him, her eyes wide and happy.
Her expression fell at his bitter tone. She nodded softly and slid a little closer to him. She didn’t love him but she still wanted a bit of attention and love.
“My father seemed to think so. He hired all of my friends and drove off those I made for myself. I just turned out lonely.”
He smiled at her reaction. "Of course you can paint. Why would that be silly? It's not like I'm going to tell you what to do and what not to do."
He sighed. I feel like I should hug her… She probably wouldn't like that. "I'm sorry about that. At least you don't have to worry about that anymore, eh?" He chuckled and instinctively gently ruffled her hair a bit. That was a weird habit of his, no matter who it was, he would always pat their head to show his affection.
She felt her eyes prickle with tears threatening to fall. She bit her lip to keep from crying and slipped her hand into his. “Thank you… you don’t know how much that means to me.” She murmured softly, avoiding his gaze.
When he ruffled her hair she giggled softly, raising her eyes to look at his handsome face. “I won’t have to worry about it. I hope we can become at least friends. I don’t want to hate you.”
Mal was slightly confused by her reaction to him allowing her to paint. She probably wasn't allowed to do much.. he silently assumed. That's definitely going to change
Mal grinned at her. "Of course we can become friends." It's not exactly what he wanted, but he guessed it would have to do. He couldn't force anyone to love him.
Her grip tightened on his hand, a small and genuine smile making its way to her eyes. She sighed softly, glad to have the burden of being married to someone she hated off her chest. Of course she still slightly disliked him for agreeing to this arrangement. But she knew her emotions towards him wouldn’t change with just a few words.
Her eyes wandered the scenery, a soft sigh leaving her lips as she took her hand back. “You know Mal, you’re a lot less strict than my parents… you’ve let me do so much already and it’s only our honeymoon.” She murmured softly, blushing lightly and feeling a little sick at the idea of what normal couples did on their honeymoon. She didn’t want to bed with him.
"That's because I'm treating you like a human being, rather than a doll that I show off to everyone," he sighed. In truth, Mal knew how she was treated. Part of the reason why he agreed to marry her was so he could save her from that unhealthy lifestyle. But he wasn't about to go and admit that anytime soon.
He gave her a comforting smile and told her, "Feel free to do anything you wish. Except for getting a pet spider. That's the only thing I forbid." He chuckled softly.
Arabella looked away at his words and nodded. “Thank you… I don’t want to be a trophy wife…” she murmured softly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
He was so kind… she felt like she didn’t deserve this. “I won’t get a spider. I hate them.” She said with a soft laugh. “But I wouldn’t mind a cat or dog.”
Mal internally sighed with relief. If she did get a pet spider, he would have to live in a completely different house than her. The only time he liked spiders was when they were dead or out of sight. "It's your decision." He wanted to make her feel happy and protected. And most importantly, free.
“I’m kidding, we don’t have to get a pet.” She said with a bright, fake smile, her hand itching to take his again.
She didn’t love him but he provided attention and touch.
"If that is your wish," he smiled at her once more and glanced up at the sky. "What kind of things do you like to paint?"
“Mostly landscapes. And the stars. I love painting the stars…” she gazed up at the sky with glazed, happy eyes as she thought over her paintings. “I have a few that are coming with me when I move into your home… I will show them then.” She said softly, smiling at him and deciding to heck with it she wanted to hold his hand. So she did.
Mal's eyebrows slightly went up in surprise when she held his hand, but he didn't say anything. He held her hand back and tried not to let his smug grin be seen. "I'm sure that they look great!" He exclaimed. Mal had an appreciation for the effort behind the art. If something took hours to do and didn't look as great as it could have, he considered that to be better than a great looking 10 minute sketch.
Arabella shifted slightly so her jacket sleeve covered her free hand. She looked up at him again and hummed softly, acting a little childish as she balanced along a row of rocks and hummed a small tune. “I do love my art. To me it’s special.” Her eyes lit up.
“Especially all of my bigger canvases. I have some beautiful mountain ranges and wonderful sunsets painted!”
(How fast do we want them to fall for each other? XD)
(Ooooh, we could make it a slow burn and have it be all angsty. It's up to you! My character already kinda likes her, so it's up to you-)
Mal watched her act like an smol bean innocent child, and the way she spoke so passionately about art made him smile. How cute. He suppressed vocalizing his admiration for her. "I can't wait to see them."
(That’s what I was thinking to. Do we want it angsty or should they fall for each other rather quickly? I don’t mind at all I was just wondering.)
Arabella came alive when she was allowed to roam free. Her eyes traveled across the scenery, which filled her up with a joy unmeasured. She liked the outdoors… she loved the forests and trees and gardens… she loved the smell of fresh air and feeling of sun - and even rain - upon her fair skin. It was invigorating to her. For once her small, skeletal frame seemed strong and healthier.
She was a free bird who didn’t like to be cooped up. She didn’t like how her wings were clipped but she could still glide every now and then. She hoped Mal would let her out…
“I’m excited to show you them. Don’t be upset when they’re not good, however, I have had to teach myself how to paint…”
(Well I personally enjoy angst. A bit too much, but that's a whole different story. So that's my preference-)
"For me, art is about the effort." He smiled as if he were remembering a fond memory. "The hard work behind the art really shows you how hard the artist tried, and how determined they were." He leaned over a bit, so that his face was next to hers. "That's why I know your art will be good."
(I freaking love angst too!! Should we have some huge thing happen that forces them apart even more so than being forced into a marriage?! Like some sort of ‘scandal’ the news made up?)
She blushed and turned her face away from his. He was close enough she could smell his hair. It was wonderfully enchanting. She shivered and smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Mal, you are very kind.”
( Y E S )
He returned to his normal stance and smiled at her sincerely. "Of course, Arabella."
A gust of wind suddenly came over them, and a rather large storm cloud started to block out the sun. He frowned, wondering where the cloud came from. "We should head inside. It might rain…" He started to lead her indoors.
(Ahahaha so that’s a yes XD what should happen?)
She pulled her jacket around her small body and shuddered. The gust of wind was freezing. “As much as I love the rain and being out in it, I think you’re right…” she said softly, looking up at the sky as she turned to follow him. “Maybe we could check out the pool or hot tubs or something?” She offered softly, looking around.
(Maybe… Mal gets caught "cheating" on her?)
"They have both of those indoors," he grinned. "Did you pack a bathing suit?"
(Oooh I like the idea! It goes up in flames and Arabella had just barely started to like him. She sees this ‘cheating’ and it destroys their relationship.)
Arabella flashed him a cheeky grin. “Of course, Mal. I always bring a swimming suit with me places.” She joked with a small giggle. She did have her swim suit in her bag. She knew there was going to be at least some sort of hot tub or pool. There was probably a hot tub in their room she had yet to discover.
(How quick do we want this lil' scandal to blow up? Cause I could make it happen right now, heh-)
Mal's eyes lit up when she made her cute joke. He always had an intense admiration for witty and humorous people. He opened the door to their room, holding it open for her once more.
(Heck yeeee Let’s do it!!!)
Arabella thanked him and smiled around the room. It was warm and cozy. It was made for romance and comfort so it was no secret that the place was well decorated and lit beautifully.
Her eyes turned to him, admiring how well he seemed to fit in with the comfortable place. She was probably a stark contrast to it all.
(Also?? I highkey want to incorporate his sister into the story. Maybe she could be the one that Mal is "cheating" on with Arabella? But Mal doesn't want to admit that he has a sister because their father will do something or something like that? I've thought about this way too much.)
Mal's phone rang. He read who it was and looked up at Arabella, putting on a fake smile. "I should probably take this…. You get dressed. I'll be out in a second."
He went outside to the balcony and took his call.
(Oh heck yiis! How do have such amazing ideas!? That’s brilliant! Let’s do it!!)
She blinked lightly and tilted her head. “Oh, alright. I’ll be right here!” She said, slipping to the bathroom to change. Arabella pulled up her hair, deciding she was going to grow it out super long. She slipped on a nightgown and beamed at her reflection. She looked rather pretty at the moment. Even she had to admit that.
