So, You've been chosen again, Granger.

Granger: No surprise to that.

Alucard: He's the Author's favourite, Just look at the other marksmen. *Points*

Clint, Irithel & Miya ( They were my marksman mains before) : *crying as they've been replaced and I rarely use them*

Claude: Excuse me? What am I, A roach?!

No, A pain in the ass. I want my wallet back you Lil sh*t!

Context: Granger's tone-deaf so he can't understand music notes and Ruby's here to help him.

******************************************

"Now, This is the E minor then the E major.." Ruby explained while demonstrating the chords of a guitar in her hands. Granger needed a break from his violin and wanted to try out other musical instruments despite being tone-deaf. Although, He may have this condition that won't stop him as his passion for music is strong. He tried to get help from others but they declined, either their busy or because of his condition or because they just don't know how to play some instruments.

Ruby was his last resort and lucky for him, he was able to coincidentally bump into her. They encountered each other at a market where the maiden was just buying groceries. Granger had his doubts at first but asked anyway just to make sure. Ruby accepted his favour with a bright smile that made him pleased.

"I didn't know you play Guitar? Pretty good at it too." Granger complimented while strumming the chords the maiden taught him.

"Thanks. Well, No one asked me nor do I even show. I only play when I'm bored or when I'm stressed out." The maiden spoke while adjusting the strings of her guitar.

"If you're also wondering why I have two guitars, well, This one that I'm holding was gifted by my grandparents. And the one that you holding belongs to my grandfather, he and his buddies would usually hold a concert to entertain the neighbourhood. Good times too." Ruby continued but the male was quick to know what she'll say next and the aftermath of her expression.

"I see. This is also a remembrance of your deceased grandparents. As music makes you feel connected to them. I'm sorry Ruby." The maiden frowned vanished and replaced it with a smile.

"That's ok Granger, I didn't want to tell anyone that but it does help bring down the weight of the burden. Sorry to bother you with this unsettling story."

"I don't mind, I'll be your listener whenever you're ready to bring out other burdens. I'm not very good with communication but I'll do my best to comfort you the best way I can." The maiden smiled and 'thanked' him as the man's heart started to beat. As much as he didn't want to admit but he's been crushing on her since they had an encounter at Silvanna's grand birthday.

She was once one of the caterers that made an amazing buffet that everyone started to bombard her with compliments on her excellent cooking, Heck! Fanny proposed to her on making food in their household since his brother's cooking is shit. Tigreal was butthurt for that so he asked for some cooking lessons, only to never feed Fanny— much to her shock and begs.

"Let's take a break, for now, I need to cook lunch. Want any requests?" Ruby asked while the male just gave a small strum on the guitar.

"I'm fine with whatever you cook, though how about some mousse cake for dessert?" He answered, even to keep his posture cause he's blushing like an idiot right now.

" Ok, What flavour?"

"Chocolate."

"Alright, I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything." And with that, she left much to his relief. Granger gave off a small sigh while looking around, especially at the grandfather's guitar. It still looks brand new and very clean except for the small scratches but still usable. He guessed that Ruby's been taking care of their belongings carefully and neatly much to his admiration, falling in love all over again.

He looked at the guitar again with a small smile on his lips as he strummed the guitar. The male still didn't forget that his toned-deaf but his passion for music thought otherwise. What he doesn't know, is that he is performing well. He closed his eyes and envisioned himself playing this guitar on the outside of the hill and beside him was Ruby who was listening while eating a parfait and then 5 children running around. He was content with what he has now, a fully loving and joyful family and wished for an even greater future ahead of them.

While Ruby was cooking, she could hear Granger's melodies from the kitchen. It sounded awful at first but was soon turned into a soft melody, much to her surprise. She decided to check it out while waiting for the meat to boil. Upon approaching the room, she could hear the soft melodies and be hesitant to open the door though she was able to open it.

The maiden was shocked and amazed at the sightseeing. In front of her is Granger playing the guitar with his eyes closed while strumming the guitar, she guessed that he's envisioned something that would make such a wonderful tune. Ruby was the one who taught him that as it seemed to work. She was also blushing at how dashing he looked, sitting by the window as the sun illuminates on him— he's glowing!

She wanted to intervene but instead went back to the kitchen to finish cooking the food. She'll ask him later what he envisioned to make that soft melody. Her grandparents taught her a lot about music even playing various musical instruments. She gave a small laugh, recalling a certain memory of her grandparents arguing on what instrument she should play first.

—Flashback—

"Honey~I love you and all but Ruby should play the piano first! It was our daughter's favourite instrument!" Her grandmother argued with a vein-popping on her head with a twitching smile.

"Sorry dear but Ruby should play the guitar first! I mean, it's the reason why our daughter met her match!" Her grandfather argued back with the same expression as her grandmother.

They continued to argue with kid Ruby feeling overwhelmed on who's the side she should take. That's when a baker and a good friend of her grandparents arrived to deliver some parfaits, she looked so done with them competing with each other again for the attention of their granddaughter. The baker saw kid Ruby who was about to cry at the suffocating atmosphere decided to kid— take her out.

Needless to say, her grandparents sulked when they learned that Ruby chose the violin as her first instrument to play— taught by their baker friend who had a victory smirk. Oh, they were pissed off for that.

Eventually, Ruby was taught by all of her neighbours the instruments they were good at. There were even times when she would perform a concert in their neighbourhood, either in a solo, group or a duet with her grandparents.

(This will be part of her flashback lore 😎 I'll be making a book and it will be a Ruby Harem book, so stay tuned for that— It also contains some lores I added for her story)

—Flashback ends—

After finishing cooking, she went back to her room to call for Granger— who stopped playing for a while. Ruby entered the room to see Granger looking at the pictures in her room. She glanced at the male who was holding a picture frame, not that she minded anyways.

" That photo was my father during his youthful days. He lead a band and would hold concerts in his neighbourhood." Granger almost dropped the frame from shock when the maiden suddenly spoke. He apologized but Ruby took the blame first, saying that she should've done that in the first place.

" By the way, Lunch is ready. C'mon, don't want to eat them cold." Granger nodded his head and followed the maiden to the kitchen. Both of them sat down, opposite each other with Ruby in the front and him in front of her. They were eating silently at first but soon learned to communicate with each other with ease.

" Oh my gosh! Please tell me Harith did not just do that to Silvanna! That's so embarrassing... I feel bad for laughing at this!" Ruby said while trying to contain her laughter at one of Granger's stories during his duties as an executive Lightborn member.

"He did but Silvanna forgave him since he didn't mean it." The male said while having a small smile, he rarely showed it to anyone except to the people he cared for.

As lunch ended with them already full, Granger persisted in washing the dishes much to the persistence of the maiden too. Although, The male won 5 - 2 on the game of rock, paper, scissors— much to her dismay. Ruby then occupied herself by playing the violin instead, the first instrument she played when she was 6 thanks to their baker— Miss Luna.

At first, the tune was empty and melancholic but when she closed her eyes, the tune changed to somewhat calm and serene. She envisioned the happy moments she had in her past, and present and the possible future she wished was already in peace and no more war. The tune changed once she envisioned people's happiness and how enjoyable to see them smiling with no burden to carry.

This time, the tune changed again when she envisioned another scenario. It was a church, so white and clean. Did she look around to see a wedding scene? All of her friends were gathered around looking at her before she realized that she was the bride walking down the center aisle, they were all smiling especially someone beside her. Taking a glance to see Roger, walking with her to the altar. As they approach the front, she was blushing to see herself getting married by non-other than Granger. As the priest— Estes— finished his words with the couple finishing their vows, he then told the groom to lift the bride's veil.

" Even when we're getting married, you're still easily flustered." He joked in a low voice but was loud enough for the bride to hear.

"You're lucky I love you or I would've dumped you." Was mustered out, without thinking it was her talking. Granger gave a small smile and paid attention back to the priest. They have finally said their "I do's".

"I now pronounced you, Husband and Wife! You may now kiss the bride!" With that proclamation, Granger hoisted her up and kissed her much to everyone's enjoyment.

Ruby immediately opened her eyes with a blushing face. She wasn't expecting herself to envision that kind of stuff, especially with Granger as her husband. Truth be told, she did have a little crush on him but tossed them aside as she would focus more on her duties. Romance isn't her stuff even though she sometimes wishes she did live in some fairytale book.

Granger finally arrived inside to continue his lessons, much to Ruby's liveliness.

In the end, Granger has managed to play decent melodies to Ruby's teaching. They both bid farewell with Granger going back to the Moniyan Empire, leaving Ruby all alone again. Silence welcomed her as she slump down on the door and hugged her knees with a melancholic facade.

' Too lonely.' She said to herself while hugging herself tighter while closing her eye having a vision then hummed a melancholic tune.

——————

A few months have passed with Granger always visiting Ruby in his spare time for more musical lessons, much to either the maiden's delight or surprise as she didn't expect him to visit.

Although, she has gotten used to it at this point and did have fun.

After another a few months, Granger came back again in the winter. He entered the house while hanging some of his clothes on a rack beside the doorstep.

" Go and take a seat on the couch. Dinner's almost ready." The male nodded his head and did as told.

" So what brings you here? I thought you'd celebrate with the Lightborn Squad?" Ruby asked while giving him a mug of Hot Choco.

" We did but I left early as I can't stand them, especially Alucard." Giving out a hum while serving him some food that she cooked. The man mumbled out a 'thanks' and started to dig in since the maiden just finished eating.

" By the way, I came here to give you a present. Merry Christmas Ruby." said the male while presenting his gift to the maiden, who had a flushed face.

" Oh... Thank you." The maiden said as she accepted the gift. She then unwrapped the ribbon and opened the lid of the box.

Ruby looked at Granger, who had an unreadable expression though she could tell that he was nervous about what she would think of his gift. The maiden smiled even brighter that Granger was praising whatever God he knows, joyed on how she's happy with his gift.

Inside of the box was a golden bracelet filled with Ruby gems, the designs were beautifully carved and the gems were neatly arranged. The maiden then immediately hugged Granger by the waist, thanking him a lot before letting go to inspect the bracelet as if it was an artifact.

" Oh! I didn't get you anything! I'm sorry..." Guilt filled her when she realized it. She felt a pat on her that she looked up to see him doing it.

" There's no need, I am content in what I do or what I have." He said with full of sincerity and with a smile. However, the maiden persisted in wanting to gift him something.

" Hmm... Well, there is one thing I wanted for Christmas."

" What is it then?" Ruby asked, getting ready to go out and buy what he wanted.

" Please be my girlfriend."

.

.

.

.

.

" ...Eh? Pardon?"

Ruby fainted after that.

——————————

*** After 6 years ***

" Granger don't you dare," Ruby ordered while keeping her distance on her boyfriend, who was giving off a smirk while closing in as he took a step forward.

" Hmm~ And why is that?" Granger asked in a teasing tone as he took another step forward.

"Cause I'll kill you," she said while taking another step back, only to hit the wall behind her.

Ruby only took a second to look away, giving out a frightened face to see Granger already in front of her. She gulped then released a yelp when her boyfriend dragged her on their bed with him hovering above her, binding her limbs so she won't escape.

" Not again Granger! Please, I'm already sore after our 6th round!" She whined while giving out a pout. He only chuckled at her adorable reaction and was craving for more.

" I don't think that's going to happen, Lil Pup~" He cooed while blowing his hot breath near her ears, making them red and so is her face. She gave out a whimper and closed her eye for another impact, only to receive a kiss on her forehead and her limbs were released.

Ruby opened her eye to see Granger out of her while giving out a laugh which greatly annoyed her.

" You tease! I hate you!" She yelled out while grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him. Disappointed when she saw him dodge it. After laughing, he then approach her once again and sat beside her.

" Remember the bracelet I gave you six years ago on Christmas?" He suddenly asked while hugging his girlfriend by the waist which made her blush.

" Y- Yeah? What about it?"

" I want it back. " Ruby let out an 'eh' at the sudden request.

" W- Why?" She asked anxiously as her lips quivered when Granger had a serious face. Negativity filled her mind and her heart was aching. When asked again, He simply reply that he just wanted it back which did nothing much to soothe her anxiety. Ruby was going to cry as she gave the bracelet back to Granger and then waited for him to leave her. But that didn't happen, instead...

Granger got out of the bed and then knelt on one knee in front of her. He held out the bracelet in front of her, with a smile on his face that made her mind stop for a while. To her surprise, when Granger pushed a gem that was a button, two of the gems opened and inside showed something shining in the light. Ruby blinked multiple times that she was about to cry.

" Are you serious? This is happening right?" She asked, trying so hard to not believe what was happening even though she wanted it.

" Do I need to answer that, when you should be the one answering me, your call?" He said while bringing the bracelet close for her to see.

He wasn't kidding at all. Inside of the opened gems were two rings, both Rubies. She guessed that one is for her while the other one is her Granger. The negativity in her was gone, the tears in her eye were not pouring out and with a smile on her, she responded.

" Yes! Yes! I will!" Granger cheered that he hugged her tightly then hoist her up, yelling out that ' She's finally his' and so much more. Ruby could only giggle at the new personality he was showing. They both stared at each other and kissed each other on the lips.

" CONGRATULATIONS!" A lot of people cheered when Ruby and Granger kissed at the altar of their wedding. Both of them pulled away and then started running out of the church with everyone following behind. Outside of the church was a carriage waiting for them with Leomordbas their driver.

The newlyweds were about to enter, only to stop when the bride threw the bouquet into the maidens' area. Every maiden was surprised though reacted quickly to catch the bouquet. And in slow motion, it landed on someone's hand.

" Eh?" Was only the reaction when it touched its hands.

" Congratulations Ling! You're the next bride!" Wanwan cheered out making everyone either laugh or cheer as well. Ling was blushing as he eyed Ruby who only pointed at Wanwan— The Culprit, making him blush even more and growling at Wanwan for setting the bride up.

A hand was on his shoulder and to his surprise, he was met with someone smiling at him.

" You ready for our turn at the wedding?" Zilong spoke while giving a wink, making Ling faint. Luckily, Zilong caught him and carried him in his arms with a laugh. Everyone was in awe till their attention was back on the new couple, who entered the carriage and was waving at them to which they did the same.

As Leomord started its drive, the couple inside were hugging each other and then gave each other another kiss.

" Never thought that my vision would turn out to be a reality..." Ruby admitted as she was sitting on his lap. Granger gave out a hum in agreement as he knew what she meant or how did she envision it well.

———————

*** 8 Years later***

" Hahahaha! You can't catch me!" A boy yelled out while running away from someone who was chasing him. He had blonde hair and some black streaks on his frontal bangs, emerald eyes shining and fair skin.

" You cheater! Get back here!" A girl yelled out in anger, the one who's chasing the boy. She has the same appearance as the other boy she's chasing.

" Ooh~ Go get him, sis!" Another girl yelled out, encouraging the girl to give chase of the boy. She too had the same appearance as the other two though, unlike the other girl who had long hair, she has short hair.

" Ruth! Rueben! Runa! Let's go, Mom and Dad are calling for us!" Another girl yelled out to the three, making them follow to where their said parents are.

As soon as they arrived, they immediately sat down on the picnic mat once they spotted the food.

" Thank you, Raven. Well, Time to eat now kids!" Cheered their mom as they started to dig in.

After eating, the three went out to play again. Only this time, they brought their 2 other siblings while the parents stayed on the picnic mat.

" They've grown up so fast..." Ruby said as she leaned into Granger's side. The male was holding a guitar though was able to give his wife the attention she deserves. They watched as their eldest, Raven, was trying so hard to escape as she was more of a loner and who's done with everyone's shit.

Raven had the same hair colour as her father alongside his cold and serious demeanour, making Ruby snort at how uncanny the resemblance is. Next were Ruth, Rueben and Rena, who are triplets. Although unlike the eldest, their demeanour seemed to have gotten from their mother — Bright and lively. Lastly, is their youngest son who's the replica of them both combined and he is Garnet.

Garnet has red eyes, hence why he was given that name, his hair was mixed with black on the top and blonde on the bottom, and his personality is quite the same as both of them depending on his mood.

" How ironic..." Ruby looked at Granger who suddenly spoke while listening to the melody her husband was playing, giving out a hum as if questioning him about it.

" I've envisioned this before. It was the time when you first tutored me on playing the guitar."

" Oh." That is all she said but smiled and then kissed him on the cheek.

" I love you, Granger." Granger smiled as he grabbed her hands and placed them on his lips, kissing them, especially on her ring finger— the one with a literal ring on it.

" I love you too." Their moment was interrupted when they suddenly heard gagging noises and fake throw-ups. They turned to see their kids watching them.

" Eww~! Dad's being cheesy." The triplets said all together in a sing-a-long voice.

Raven didn't say anything nor gave any expression. The only thing that she did was cover their youngest's eyes from that scene. Ruby and Granger sighed and agreed to continue this later at home, in their bed.

Granger continued to play the guitar, closing his eyes as he envisioned something.

In his vision, he could see their children have all grown up and well-mannered. They became successful with their lives, having a family and all while he and Ruby turned old but satisfied as they raised them well. Holding each other's hands as the ring continues to glisten in their fingers as they awaited their deaths together.

Granger opened his eyes and coincidentally met up with Ruby.

" You envisioned that too huh?" Ruby smiled while intertwining their fingers together. Granger was stunned but returned the same expression, throwing off another 'I love you.

*** End Of Chapter***

Oh, lal- La~ Lmao.. 🤣

Yeesh... Took me a while for this.