When Georg pulls Herbert aside, Alfred takes that moment to allow himself his nerves, a bit of panic, blue eyes darting around the room. The coven, hissing and twitching...it brings back memories. Difficult ones.
But then his eyes fall on Herbert.
And he's Sure, all over again, just like that.
He grins as he's spun, keeping in step with ease, watching as Georg begins his speech...but this time, he's not pretending to belong. He does belong, Herbert's hand soft where their fingers are laced together.
But then he is being signaled...and he draws a long, steadying breath, letting go, striding forward, shoulders back and head held high. It's time.
He can swear he feels a gentle hand at his back, softly shepherding him forward.
"Thank you," he murmurs to Georg...before turning on his heel, raising his voice to echo through the ballroom.
"One year ago, I stood in this room as what I thought was a stranger. One year ago, I was scared to death, walking among you and not knowing if I was going to make it out alive. One year ago, I was lost, and I didn't know what I needed to find. I thought I knew, but...I was wrong.
One year ago...I was found. And one year ago...was when I really saw the moonlight for the first time."
He turns towards Herbert, holding out his hand beckoning for him to come forward.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2022-02-18 03:17 am (UTC)And then, before he knows it - they're off.
When Georg pulls Herbert aside, Alfred takes that moment to allow himself his nerves, a bit of panic, blue eyes darting around the room. The coven, hissing and twitching...it brings back memories. Difficult ones.
But then his eyes fall on Herbert.
And he's Sure, all over again, just like that.
He grins as he's spun, keeping in step with ease, watching as Georg begins his speech...but this time, he's not pretending to belong. He does belong, Herbert's hand soft where their fingers are laced together.
But then he is being signaled...and he draws a long, steadying breath, letting go, striding forward, shoulders back and head held high. It's time.
He can swear he feels a gentle hand at his back, softly shepherding him forward.
"Thank you," he murmurs to Georg...before turning on his heel, raising his voice to echo through the ballroom.
"One year ago, I stood in this room as what I thought was a stranger. One year ago, I was scared to death, walking among you and not knowing if I was going to make it out alive. One year ago, I was lost, and I didn't know what I needed to find. I thought I knew, but...I was wrong.
One year ago...I was found. And one year ago...was when I really saw the moonlight for the first time."
He turns towards Herbert, holding out his hand beckoning for him to come forward.
"MY moonlight."