Chapter Text
2 YEARS LATER
”And finally, can we all give a warm welcome to Simon Eriksson, our official elected speaker of this year’s graduating class.”
The crowd boomed with applause and stray whistles as Simon had stood up from his appointed seat and began walking to where the podium was set up.
He hadn’t changed so much physically in the past years, but you could tell he had matured. The subtle aging of his face, the larger amount of curls, the inch added to his height. The way he walked up to the podium, you could tell he was a bright, confident young adult.
The crowd fell silent as Simon had finished arranged his sheets of paper.
”Good afternoon, my fellow students, teachers and parents. I am very honoured to be standing here in front of you, not only as the representative of the graduating class of Hillerska, 2025… but as one of the first omegas to do so. Never, in the deep, rich history of this school, has an omega ever graduated… so I am lucky to share that title today.” Simon smiled, making sure to look around at the crowd, as if he were giving the speech to each and every one of them personally.
His voice was as clear as a crystal. He felt confident… he sounded confident too. It took a week of him pacing around his bedroom with Wille (who had successfully managed to sneak out and make his way to Simon’s house at the drop of a hat.
”My time at Hillerska could only be described as a rollercoaster. We’ve all had our ups and downs, some taking the hits of the lows a bit harder than others… but we’ve all come out the other side. We got through three whole years as a class group. Our achievements, both big and small, have brought us to this moment, and I couldn't be prouder to call you my classmates. As we move forward, remember that every challenge we faced and overcame has shaped us into the individuals we are today.”
A rupture of clapping stopped Simon. He smiled brightly as his entire year cheered him on.
”Whether you’re going straight to a university dorm room, or to straight into the barracks or even home to your bedroom to figure out what you want to with your life, I assure that you will all do so brilliantly as young adults. Graduation is not the be all or end all. It’s a minuscule part of the giant race known as adult life. Graduation is the starting point of that race, it should serve as a launch pad for us, to get ahead of each other, to do whatever it is our hearts desire.”
”Whether you’re going to look back on your time at Hillerska with praise or with shame… remember, you’ve overcame what is known as one of the hardest times in your life’s. You’ve overcome adversity all while managing to balance schoolwork and social life on top of it. I can only praise all of your hard work. I decided to keep this speech on the shorter end, as to not hold you all up from your celebrations that will be in place. Thank you all so much for listening and best wishes on your journey into adulthood.”
Once again, the crowd erupted into applause as Simon stood down from the podium. Not once did the applause cease until he managed to find his way back to his seat amongst all his peers who were cheering him on.
—
”You did so amazing Älskling.” Wille smiled as he placed a kiss on Simon’s forehead. Despite their obvious growth of maturity, Simon and Wille’s heights stayed at the same distance of eachother, meaning Wille could still give Simon forehead kisses comfortably without hurting his neck.
The two, Wille with a protective arm around Simon’s waist, had walked away from the ever growing crowd of graduates and their parents, finding a nice, quiet place at the side of the castle where they could be alone.
”Thank you, I was so nervous.” Simon replied.
Wille had stopped walking, disengaging his arm from Simon’s waist and stood in front of him. “I have something I want to give you.”
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small black box and before Simon had time to react, he’d opened it, revealing a small, gold but modest ring that was holding a beautiful white crystal.
Simon looked down at the ring. Then back at Wille, confused. “Simon… when I think about my future… I just- I can’t imagine you not in it… And, with us both having to be in Stolkholm for college I just…”
”Are you asking me to marry you?” Simon asked bluntly, still confused at Wille’s intentions. “No! No… it-it’s not an engagement ring…. It-it’s a promise ring.” Wille explained, shakily. “I don’t want to rush anything… So i thought a promise ring would be more appropriate… so that one day, if we do decide to get married.”
Simon was silent… which made Wille panic a bit. He couldn’t read Simon’s expression very well, but it looked very negative.
Everything was whirring around Simon’s head like old film tape. The pro’s were outweighing the con’s massively… there wasn’t a debate about that. Simon knew he wanted this, to have Wille all by himself, to wake up to a warm bed with a loving husband next to him… and possibly a few children too! But the constant threat that, if something were to happen to Erik… or if he simple didn’t want to become king… That Wille would have to step in to his place, which meant Simon couldn’t have a normal life ever again.
August was out of the question. Kristina wouldn’t even consider asking August if he would like become king if something were to happen to Erik and Wille shows no desire to be king… so there’d be no more monarchy.
But to Simon, love meant making sacrifices for your lover. Despite his strong opinions on the monarchy, that were expressed so openly to Wille, he believed if Wille really felt obliged to take the throne, Simon would stand beside him while doing so. And to whoever said ‘you can’t put a fire out from inside the house.’ Simon would simply tell them ‘Watch me.’
Simon looked up to Wille, looking seconds away from a panic attack… Simon always felt bad for Wille when he was in such a state.
”Ok. Ok, I-I accept the promise ring.”
Both of their faces lit up brightly, as Wille took the ring out of the box and placed it on Simon’s ring finger. “It’s… it’s so pretty on you.” Wille commented once it was on, a stray tear falling down his face.
”You’re crying….” Simon said softly, wiping the tear away with his thumb. “I-I’m just so happy…” Wille replied, bursting into happy tears.
Simon embraced his crying boyfriend. “Did you tell your parents… of Erik?”
”My mom and Erik know.” Wille replied, pulling away from the hug naturally while brushing the tears off his face. “Erik helped me pick out the ring… it’s a rainbow moonstone.”
”I love it so so much, Wille. When we do decide to get engaged, I’d like something similar, but not so flashy if you get me. I like simple rings that are sentimental to us. You don’t need to spend so much on me, i’d be happy with a piece of string.”
Wille chuckled, making a mental note of Simon’s request. “When.” Wille repeated. “You said when.”