#emetwol
emetwol ♥
look at me
welcome home
oh my sweet Hades, always so sleepy
she loved to dance with me
she doesn’t want to admit that she missed him terribly (and he can see right through her)
good morning, hero
Emet: grmbl grmbl don’t go
wol: I’m getting breakfast for us, you cute buffoon
stay with me ♥
“Don’t call me by my title in bed, Hades”
“And here I thought you liked that” ♥
tired parents with their newly appointed royal menace
domestic Pendant moments <3
he likes to snuggle
back where it belongs, but not quite yet
Victory.
Summary: When Emet-Selch and the Warrior of Light go out with a neighborhood child to collect candy, he is unimpressed with Eorzean’s idea of horror.
Word Count:4964
“Is it really time for this already?” Emet-Selch asked as I set two pumpkins on the dining table. I hummed, sliding the pack from my shoulder.
“Yes,” I replied, a soft smile gracing my lips, peering down into the bag, examining the ingredients I had bought at the market. “But this year, you’re going to try another tradition, as well.” He raised a brow, crossing his arms across his chest. My grin widened as I attempted to hold back a chuckle.
“Am I now?”
“Oh yes.”
He huffed a laugh, averting his eyes to the side for a moment before shaking his head and took a few steps toward me, leaning one hip on the side of the table. His head dipped as he looked down. I opened the bag to him.
“Apples?” He clicked his tongue. “Don’t tell me we’re going to play that unsanitary game-”
I waved my hand to cut him off.
“No, no,” I interrupted. “We’re going to make candy coated apples.”
“Candy coated…,” he started, but trailed off before clicking his tongue. “Eorzea undoubtedly has many more traditions than Garlemald.” I hummed as I began pulling the fruit out, lining each one up on the table.
“That’s because Garlemald is boring ,” I stated, then turned the bag over, the caramels and individually wrapped hard candies tumbling out, spreading all across the surface of the table. “I bet it’s cold and dreary there on a good day. You celebrate the new year by jumping into frozen bodies of water, for Twelve’s sake.”
When I looked back to him, he had narrowed his eyes at me and I tilted my head with a coy smile.
“Am I wrong?”
He rolled his eyes.
“No,” he replied, begrudgingly. “You are not.”
I nodded knowingly, my smile softening as my eyes dropped and I began busying myself with folding the bag.
“Would it be so bad to add a little color to your life sometimes?”
After a moment, he sighed.
“I suppose it wouldn’t.”
With a hum, I tucked the fabric under my arm and began scooping the candy into my hands.
“Okay,” I said, motioning with my elbow to the remaining ingredients. “Grab the caramel.”
I started for the kitchen, and when I pushed the door open with my hip, I looked over my shoulder to him. He hadn’t moved, and was instead, standing with his arms crossed over his chest, his lips pursed.
“Well?” His gaze slid to mine. “Come on,” I urged. “I can’t promise that it will be fun , exactly, but…it’ll still be worth it.”
“Alright, alright,” he conceded, his arms dropping as he shrugged. “But it had better taste good.” I grinned brightly as he made his way to the table.
When we were both in the kitchen, I set him to work, gathering bowls and toppings and thick wooden sticks. While I began melting the candies, he put everything down on the island in the middle of the room and snapped, the apples appearing in the same formation on the counter in front of him.
“And now?” I turned away from the stove, placing myself at his side.
“The sticks,” I said as I picked up one of the fruits and twisted the stem off, then held my hand out. He reached for one and laid it in my palm. “You spear it through…” Gently, I slid the sharper end through the top, stepping about halfway through. “Not all the way through though, since the end is pointed.”
When the Ascian nodded his understanding, I went back to stirring.
“When you’re finished, get some parchment and lay it out across the counter.”
He hummed, confirming that he had heard me.
A few minutes later, I turned back as he was pouring the different toppings into the small glass bowls he had gathered. I set the two warm bowls between us.
“Ready?” I asked with a smile.
“I…suppose,” he said slowly, curiosity piquing in his tone.
“So,” I began, reaching for an apple. “You dip the apple in the coating…” I lowered the fruit into the red candy and slowly began spinning it to cover the entire thing, and as I let the excess drip back down into the bowl, I swiped my thumb across the bottom of the apple so that it wouldn’t stick to the paper as it cooled.
I debated wiping the candy on the edge of the bowl when an idea popped into my head, a sly smile spreading across my lips.
Before Emet-Selch could react, I reached to him as he leaned closer to me to watch, leaving a red residue on his nose. He straightened immediately, blinking in surprise. He raised his hand to his face, roughly wiping the candy off of his skin, then looked down at his glove with a displeased frown.
“I won’t abide you ruining my clothes, Warrior of Light.”
I clicked my tongue as I set the fruit down onto the parchment.
“Oh,please ,” I teased, a laugh in my voice. “Acting like you couldn’t just snap…” I reached for the bowl with crushed nuts, plucking a handful out. “And fix it.” I began sprinkling them over the coated apple. “You tell me to let go all the time, Ascian . Perhaps you should do the same.”
When I was finished, I heaved a sigh, crossing my arms over my chest and leaned one elbow on the island.
“Must you fight me every step of the way?” I asked and he raised a brow. “I’m only trying to…show you who I am besides the hero .” He surveyed me in silence for long moments before a small smile started creeping onto his mouth and he looked down.
“Indeed,” he answered me, finally.
My eyes followed as he began removing the gloves, the red smear still across the fingers of one. He set them off to the side before shrugging out of his overcoat, tossing it onto the small table on the other side of the room.
“You’re right,” he admitted as he unfastened the buttons on the cuffs of his tunic. He rolled his sleeves up to the elbow. “Now, which toppings go better with the caramel?”
I huffed a laugh, the grin returning to my face as I turned back, relaxing my eyes.
“I like the nuts with both,” I told him, motioning to the bowl I had just abandoned. “But a chocolate syrup drizzle is quite good, as well as the small marshmallows.”
Together, we began building our creations- candy coating with chocolate chips or brightly colored sprinkles, caramel with crushed cookies or shreds of coconut.
When he was busy with the last apple, I leaned on one elbow, chin in my palm as I watched.
“See?” I asked. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
He hummed as he set the fruit down onto the parchment, then looked down to me. With a chuckle, he shook his head.
“Whatever am I to do with you, my dear?” I furrowed my brow in confusion as he lifted one hand, swiping his thumb across my cheek. I stood straight as he pulled his hand back, caramel on the tip of his finger. I pouted my lips.
“Don’t make fun,” I replied with a click of my tongue and began to turn away. Without warning, his other arm went around my waist and he spun me back to face him, a quiet squeal of surprise escaping me. Holding me firmly against his front, his smile widened into a smirk as he lifted his hand to inspect the candy for a moment before he slipped it into his mouth, and licked it clean. I sucked a sharp breath in through my nose as his gaze locked with mine.
“No, hero,” he whispered as I swallowed hard, my cheeks beginning to heat up. When he removed his finger from his mouth, he lowered it to my chin, tilting it up towards him as he slowly lowered his head. I released an unsteady breath against his face, unable to look away, caught in the glittering gold of his eyes.
“It was not thatbad.”
Before I could respond, his head dipped down the rest of the way, pressing his mouth to mine. I tensed at the contact before relaxing into him, letting my eyes fall shut as I returned his affection.
His hand slid down my neck as his other arm tightened around me, deepening the kiss and forcing my mouth open with his tongue. A muffled whimper slipped from me as his danced with mine, the sweetness of the caramel still lingering. Both of my hands went to the sides of his face as I pressed myself harder into his body.
He hummed again, turning us so my back was facing the island. His hips pinned mine to the counter as he reached behind me with one arm, pushing the bowls with the leftover ingredients out of the way. When he was finished, his hands began exploring my body, sliding down my sides and over the curve of my backside before effortlessly lifting me up and onto the surface.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him back into me as my lips moved against his with fervor. His fingers began dragging up my skin, lifting my shirt with him before laying his palms flat against my back, relishing the shiver that ran through me.
“Enthusiastic, are we?” he said against my mouth.
My arms wrapped around his neck, one hand threading into his hair at the back of his head.
“Shut it,” I ordered. He breathed a laugh.
“As you wish, my sweet Warrior.”
My arms slipped from around him, reaching for the buttons of his tunic.
I had barely unfastened the top two before there was a knock. I clicked my tongue as he pulled away to look towards the front door, roughly turning his head back to me.
“Ignore it.” He shook his head, reaching behind him, coaxing me to loosen my legs.
“You’ll want to take this one,” he insisted and I pursed my lips, but released him.
“Fine,” I mumbled as he stepped away. I hopped off of the counter to make my way to the door but he grabbed me from behind, pulling me against him once more.
“No worries, hero,” he breathed into my ear, then nipped at the lobe. “You can guarantee we will finish this later. Perhaps…” There was a devilish grin on his lips when he pulled back. “With more caramel?”
I rolled my eyes, but was unable to keep the smile from my mouth.
“Alright, alright,” I chuckled, patting my hands on his arms. “Let me go.”
When he had, I hurried to the front door. I swung it open to find a young child, her back to me as she started to scurry off.
“Nellie?” I asked. Immediately, she perked up, spinning back around to face me with a toothy grin on her face, one of her front teeth missing.
“Youare home!” she exclaimed, bouncing towards me, wrapping her arms around my legs to hug me. I chuckled, kneeling down in front of her as she let go.
“Is your friend here too?” The girl asked as she peered around me and into the house.
“He’s here,” I replied, following her gaze over my shoulder. “Just in the-” The hinges of the kitchen door squealed as it opened and the Ascian stepped out, drying his hands on a towel.
“Ah, Nellie,” he said, inclining his head in greeting. I raised a brow and he shrugged one shoulder. “My fingers were sticky.” I huffed a laugh and rolled my eyes, but turned back to Nellie as he joined us.
“Sticky?” He chuckled as he crouched down next to me so he was at eye-level with her.
“Yes, we were making candy apples.”
Immediately, her eyes widened and she gasped.
“You can make those at home ?”
“Of course you can,” he replied.
“Momma buys them from the market already made,” she sighed. Emet-Selch hummed.
“Because she’s busy taking care of you and your siblings, I’ll bet.” She nodded. “Would you like to come in and have one? I very much doubt the both of us can eat them all by ourselves.”
“Really?” she asked, brightening with excitement. She whipped her head to me for permission. “Can I?”
“Of course you can.” I smiled, moving to stand, motioning for her to come inside. “You can even choose whichever one you want.”
She bounced excitedly over the threshold and into the house, a big toothy grin on her face that made both of us chuckle. I led her into the kitchen, but when she was not tall enough to see over the counter, Emet-Selch was kind enough to hold her up long enough to choose.
After a moment of surveying all of the different apples, she point to a candy coated one that had brightly colored chocolate chunks stuck to it.
“That one, please!
“Coming right up,” I said, quickly moving to grab three saucers from a cabinet. “And you?” I asked, tilting my head towards the Ascian, who hummed in consideration as he slid Nellie back to the floor.
“Caramel with peanuts,” he said. “Since you praise it so highly.” I breathed a laugh and nodded as he leaned in to press a soft kiss to my temple.
As I prepared our treats, he showed her to the dining table, and when I emerged, he had pulled up his chair next to hers, leaning in close to her.
“Would you like to see a magic trick?” he whispered conspiratorially as set the plates onto the wood. She nodded vigorously and he began making a dramatic show of rolling up his sleeves once more. I laughed and shook my head as I sat down on the girl’s other side. “Alright, what would you like to drink?”
“Mm,” she hummed as she thought. “Do you have any hot chocolate?”
“Ah,” he said. “The perfect drink on a cool autumn day. Are you ready?”
“Yes!” He lifted his hand into the air and I heard her inhale a deep breath in anticipation. He snapped his fingers and a steaming mug appeared on the table, the leftover small marshmallows floating on the surface of the liquid.
“Wow!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide and sparkling with wonder. The girl reached for it, hesitantly at first.
“Go ahead,” I urged as I sat down in the chair on her other side, pulling the cookie covered apple I’d chosen towards me. “He does this all the time.”
A few minutes later, Nellie was still finishing her drink as Emet-Selch sat back with a sigh.
“I concede,” he said. I leaned forward, my elbows on the table as I raised a brow. “Caramel apples are quite good.”
“You’ve never had one?” the girl asked, to which I chuckled.
“Do you know Garlemald?” I asked her. She thought for a moment, then nodded.
“The bad people?” My eyes flitted to the Ascian for a moment, who shrugged one shoulder.
“Well,” I began gently, turning towards her. “They can be bad, yes. They have not been very nice to our people. But…” I held my hand out to him. “Emet-Selch is from Garlemald. And he’s…” I huffed a laugh. “Well, he’s alright.”
“Oh,only alright am I?” he scoffed with faux indignance, crossing his arms over his chest. I grinned as I watched one corner of his mouth tug upwards.
“Anyway,” I continued, glancing back down to the girl. “Garlemald does not have many of the fun things we have here in Eorzea.”
She hummed, nodding thoughtfully as she tipped the mug of hot chocolate back. I sat back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other.
“So, what can we help you with, Nellie?” I asked. “I assume you came all this way in the cold for something.” She looked over the rim of her mug before setting it down, a sheepish smile on her face.
“Well…,” she started. “Momma told me not to bother you but…I was wondering if you wanted to come get candy with me tonight.”
“Are your siblings not going out this year?”
“They are,” she admitted, her eyes dropping to her lap and I exchanged a glance with Ascian.
“But they’re still mean to you, aren’t they?” She nodded shyly. I hummed, crossing my arms over my chest. She lifted her eyes to me, then to Emet-Selch.
“Well, we don’t have costumes,” I started. Immediately, she deflated, assuming that I was going to deny her. I sat forward, quickly, placing my hand on her shoulder, a soft smile spreading across my lips. “So it’s a good thing we have an amazing magician on our side, isn’t it?”
Confusion spread across her face for a moment before she sucked in a quick breath, sitting straight up in her seat.
“Really ?” My smile widened and I nodded.
“Of course,” I assured her. “We’d love to.” I could see her nearly vibrating with excitement. “Why don’t you tell me where you live and we’ll come pick you up tomorrow night?”
“Okay!”
A few minutes later, after I’d jotted down the address, she skipped out of the house.
The next day, we stood in my bedroom, debating what costumes he would conjure for us. I explained to him the various types of creatures the children tend to dress up as and he rubbed his chin while I spoke, examining me up and down.
“Ah,” he said, finally. I tilted my head as he snapped his fingers. His clothes twisted and changed- a white shirt with long, frilly sleeves, and a black and red vest that laced up. Long, black dress slacks and shiny riding boots. A dark cape sprouted from his shoulders, lined with red, high-collared and clasped in the front with a jeweled bat. And when he grinned, he flashed elongated fangs at me.
“Impressive,” I conceded. “And for me?”
“Yes, yes.”
With another snap, my clothes transformed too. I twisted around to face the full-length mirror to find…fur. A fluffy grey and white bodice, larger tufts over my chest and around my neck, imitating that of a…
“A wolf?” I asked, scrutinizing the short skirt. I saw him nod through the glass. I lifted my hand to touch the ears pinned to my head to find clawed paws on my hand. I looked down, finding similar boots on my feet. “Why?”
“There’s a very popular book on the Ninth shard,” he elucidated to me. “In which werewolves and vampires are mortal enemies. It is particularly popular with young girls around Ryne’s age.”
I placed my hands on my hips with a teasing grin.
“Andyou enjoyed these books meant for teenage girls?” He rolled his eyes, taking a step towards me.
“I did not deign to read them,” he shot back at me. “But they are well-known.” I hummed as he slid his arms through mine and around my waist.
“Mortal enemies, hm?” He leaned down, nuzzling his nose into the crook of my neck.
“Quite.” I breathed a laugh, leaning my cheek against his head for a moment before I pushed myself out of his arms.
“Come on, we’d better go get Nellie,” I said, catching his hand as I moved. The corner of his lips tugged upward and together we headed out.
When we arrived and explained what we were there for, the girl’s mother looked horrified.
“Oh, I do hope she didn’t bother you,” she sighed.
“Not at all,” Emet-Selch insisted.
“Really, it was our idea,” I interjected.
Finally, the woman conceded and went to go find her daughter. The Ascian looked at me curiously with a raised brow and I shrugged.
“A little white lie doesn’t hurt anyone.”
A minute later, Nellie emerged, dressed as a little red panda, her striped tail swaying wildly as hurried to meet us at the door. I reached for her hand, which she readily gave and hopped down the front steps.
“No worries,” Emet-Selch assured her mother. “She’s in safe hands.” The woman chuckled, reaching down to pat the girl on the head.
“With the Warrior of Light?” She mused. “I have no doubt.” With a smile, I inclined my head and a moment later we were on our way.
We walked the whole neighborhood before traversing to the subdivision, stopping at a particularly large house that had gone all-out on decorations.
Next to me the Ascian clicked his tongue as we came to a stop outside the gate. Nellie ran up the walkway to fetch her candy and I turned to him, leaning one arm against the wrought-iron fence as I raised a brow.
“Yes?”
“This ,” he started, motioning towards the decorated houses. “Is what you Eorzeans call horror ?” I huffed a laugh. “Your haunted house last year was passable, but these…obviously fake decorations…consider me disappointed.”
“Need I remind you this holiday is for children ?” I asked with a shake of my head. I turned back towards the yard, inspecting the large coffin decoration that took up a good portion of it. “Children are much easier-”
Suddenly, the lid popped open, a magicked skeleton springing out of it.
With a gasp of surprise, I jumped back into the Ascian. He scoffed as he helped steady me.
“Mediocre,” he said, simply. I rolled my eyes, but smiled as the girl returned. I pushed off of the fence and held my hand out to her. “When we get home, I’ll be sure to show you truehorror.”
“Hah,” I laughed as she slid her fingers into mine. It was his turn to raise a brow. “I’m the Warrior of Light , remember? I don’t get scared.”
His eye flicked to the scene behind us, an obvious hint. I clicked my tongue.
“Being startled isn’t the same as being scared.”
He pursed his lips, trying and failing to keep the amused expression from his face
”Okay, you’re on,” I scoffed. “Do your worst.”
An hour later, when the sun had fully set and the moon hovered high above us, we returned Nellie, and her large bag of candy, to her home. Her mother thanked us profusely for generously taking her with us and when we bid our goodnights, Emet-Selch opened a portal back to the house.
I stepped through and into my front room, then clasped my hands behind my back and turned, waiting for him.
“Alright, Ascian,” I challenged with a grin. “Show me this true horror.” He hummed as the portal closed, rubbing his chin with his gloved hand.
“Go get changed,” he instructed. “I’ll set everything up.”
With a nod, I rushed upstairs to go change into a pair of leggings and a thick, cable-knit sweater.
When I made it back down, tying my hair into a loose tail over one shoulder, I found him by the fireplace, wearing a pair of flannel pants and a form-fitting t-shirt. Upon his snap, a fire roared to life and the television returned to the mantle.
“A movie?”
He hummed, sliding his hand along the underside of the device to turn it on, then motioned to the large sofa. I walked around the end table, two mugs of steaming tea and a couple of glasses of water already laid out for us in preparation.
“Not based off of that vampire and werewolf book, I hope.”
He shot me a look and rolled his eyes, then sat on the cushion at the end, opening his arm for me to slide in next to him.
“How you vex me,” he sighed with exasperation. I giggled as I took my proffered place, tucking my legs in close, letting his body warm me.
“I was under the impression that you enjoyed it,” I teased as he rested his arm around my shoulders.
“Perhaps,” he said with a shake of his head. When he snapped, the lights dimmed and the show began to start. I looked up at him curiously.
“Scary movies have better effect in the dark,” he explained, lifting one of the mugs with his free hand. He handed it off to me, and I gratefully accepted, taking a sip while curling into his side, getting comfortable for the movie.
A short while later, however, I had abandoned the tea on the floor after nearly splashing it all over myself in response to a sudden jump-scare that I hadn’t anticipated.
As the story continued, I sat stock straight in my seat, bumps rising along my arms as the young girl in the movie, who had seemingly been possessed by some kind of supernatural entity, walked down the staircase in a spider-crawl, blood spilling out of her mouth.
“Alright, hero?”
“F-fine,” I said, though I was sure I wasn’t convincing. “It’s just…” I cleared my throat. “Not what I was expecting.” He chuckled from behind me, his hands winding around my waist to tug me back. With a sigh, I scooted back, attempting to make myself comfortable again.
When the movie had ended and the credits began rolling, I clicked my tongue, moving to stand. I turned to face him, putting my hands on my hips as he raised a brow.
“It wasn’t that bad,” I said. He chuckled and I rolled my eyes, bending down to pick up the mug I’d left on the floor. When I had straightened, I held my hand out to him, motioning for his.
“Would you like to watch another, hero?” He asked, setting the empty cup into my palm. “There are a plethora.” I hummed thoughtfully, glancing at the barely-illuminated chronometer.
“We could, I suppose. But I’m going to make some more tea first. Do you want any?”
“Mm…the cinnamon one.” With a nod, I headed back around the sofa and into the kitchen.
I poured the cold remnants of my own tea into the sink and set both mugs on the counter, then turned on the water, hanging the kettle from the faucet. When it was full, I set it on the stove and summoned a small ball of fire to my hand to light the burner, then tossed a couple of unused tea bags into the cups.
When I was finished, I sat on one of the stools at the island in the middle of the kitchen to wait.
After a minute or two, I took in the unusual quiet of the room. Even beyond, the living area seemed silent, though I knew he was out there. I peered around, the only light a dim lantern I kept on the wall above the sink so that I could see something , should I wander in in the middle of the night for a drink. I could feel my heartbeat pick up.
I shook my head quickly, huffing a laugh. I was being silly. It was merely a movie . A work of fiction.
Butperhaps his words held sometruth- Scary movies have better effect in the dark.
But a moment later, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end as a chill ran up my spine. I felt a brush against the skin of my neck and out of instinct, I whipped around and-
Punched Emet-Selch square in the face.
I quickly pulled my arm back, mouth dropping open in horror as he stumbled backwards, hand flying to his nose as blood began pouring out of it.
“Seven hells,” I cursed, panic coating my voice.
The Ascian clicked his tongue as he pulled his hand away to inspect his fingers.
“Was that really necessary, hero?”
“What were you doing?”
“Don’t just stand there, Warrior of Light,” he muttered in lieu of an answer, covering his nose once more. “Get a towel.”
I pursed my lips, but did as he requested, crossing to the other side of the kitchen and wrenching a drawer open.
When I approached him again, I tried to shove his hand out of the way.
“Let me see,” I ordered. He pressed his lips into a thin line as he glowered down at me.
“You’re not going to punch me again, are you?”
“You deserve it,” I said as he removed his hand at my continued insistence. “Sneaking up on me like that in a dark room.” I examined his face, one nostril still dripping blood, but not crooked or otherwise out of place. “Well, it doesn’t lookbroken.”
“ThankZodiark for that,” he mumbled. I shot him a look, but guided him to the stool I had just been sitting on, then hopped up on the one next to it.
“We just have to wait out the bleeding.” I leaned one elbow on the counter, my cheek in my palm as my other hand held the towel to his nose.
We sat in an annoyed silence for a few, long minutes before finally, I sighed, removing the bloody rag from his nose, gently wiping away any remnants to see if it had stopped. It was still red, but seemed dry.
“I concede,” I said quietly, trying to quell the tension between us.
“Hmm?”
“You scared me.” He huffed a laugh at my admission as I set the towel down on the surface of the island and gave him a half-hearted smile. “Sorry.”
“It’sfine , hero,” he assured me, reaching up to pat me on the cheek. “I’m sure I deserved it.” With a grin, he slid off of the stool and held his hand out to me. “Come. The next one is ready to go.”
I blew out a sigh of relief, twining my fingers with him.
“Alright,” I said. “This one had better be terrifying.”
“Not to worry, my dearest Warrior,” he replied. “I think I’ve chosen the perfectone.”
Summary: The Warrior of Light convinces Emet-Selch to go sunbathing with her. Things do not go as planned.
Word Count:4919
“Come on,” I urged, nudging Emet-Selch with my hip, holding one arm out to him, his swimming shorts hanging over it. He stood next to me, lips turned down as he stared out the window with his arms crossed over his chest. “We should take the chance to relax by the seaside and soak up some sun while it’s quiet.”
“It’shot , hero,” he muttered.
“It’s summer. It’s supposed to be.” I paused. “We’re by the water, though. There’s usually a breeze, right?”
“Whatpleasure is there to be had by just sitting out in the sun?”
“It’s good for you,” I pointed out. “It’s not healthy to be cooped up inside all the time.”
“Need I remind you that I have gone along with all of your whims during this trip?” he huffed. “Besides, I am an Ascian , if you’ve forgotten-”
“An Ascian with a body that is susceptible to sickness.”
His frown deepened, and when he didn’t respond, I hummed, lifting a finger to my mouth.
“We could take a picnic,” I suggested.
“And get sand in the food?” he shot back. “I think not.” I rolled my eyes, but leaned in front of him, trying to catch his eye. He looked down to me, his gaze following me but not locking with mine, the displeasure clear in his expression.
“You could bring a book and we could read together,” I continued, trying to make the outing I wanted to take more appealing to him. Instead, he clicked his tongue and turned away from me, obstinate until the end. “Or… we could go swimming when we get hot. The water will cool us off.” He pursed his lips.
“We don’t have to cabin for much longer,” I reminded him.
“I can extend the contract,” he offered. “We could stay for an indeterminate amount of time and go out again when it’s not as warm.” I hummed, but shook my head at his proposition.
“As much as I would enjoy continuing to stay secluded here with you, I want to be back home before The Rising,” I said as my smile drooped, eyes averting to the window again, my gut twisting at the thought.
“Not a fan of the celebration?” He looked over his shoulder, watching me out of the corner of his eye.
“Iusually help out with the preparations,” I explained. “But this year I just…wanted a year off, I guess. It’s…” I breathed a humorless laugh, gaze falling to the windowsill. “Not my favorite.” He nodded his head slowly. “Cartenau…and the battle…”
“I understand, hero,” he responded softly, his tense stance relaxing slightly.
“Besides,” I went on, trying to erase the sadness from my voice. “The beach will be packed again soon. The short time between the Faire and the Rising is the best time to go since everyone is busy tearing down one and setting up for the other.”
The Ascian inhaled deeply through his nose and I could tell his resolve was waning. I stepped up to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, folding them over his stomach.
“We don’t have to stay very long,” I pleaded again, pressing my chest to his back.
A moment later, he sighed.
“Fine, fine,” he quietly relented, laying his hands over mine. A small smile spread across my lips as I buried my face into the material of his shirt, rubbing my cheek along the fabric as I breathed him in. We stood in silence for a few long seconds before he tapped on my arm, coaxing me to release him.
When I had, he slid the shorts off of my arm and turned towards the bathing room to change.
“I never was able to deny you anything, was I?” he murmured as he stepped away from me, his voice so quiet I was barely able to discern the words.
While he was changing, I went into the kitchen to quickly toss together some semblance of lunch.
When he emerged again and we were ready to leave, I offered him a large woven hat to protect his face from the sun. He scoffed, waving me off with one hand as he reached for the doorknob with the other. I tried again.
“You don’t want-”
“I agreed to go out with you, Warrior of Light,” he began, cutting me off. “I did not agree to look ridiculous while doing it.” I hummed my displeasure, but placed the hat on my head instead.
“If you’re sure.” He shrugged his shoulders, then slid the basket I was standing next to into the bend on his elbow and reached for my hand. I grabbed the blanket I’d set on the chair by the front door, then let him pull me outside.
As we headed down the stone walkways, I took in the sight of the water, waves lapping against the sand in a steady, calming rhythm. On the wind, children’s laughter and screams of merriment made their way to us and next to me, I felt Emet-Selch finally begin to relax. One side of my mouth tilted upwards.
I had a feeling that once I had gotten him out he would probably enjoy himself.
And he did love kids.
When we arrived, he helped me down the stairs that led to the beach. The top layer of the sand was hot due to the sun, so I paused for a moment and dug my feet down into it. I closed my eyes and sighed, my hand sliding from his as I relished the coolness of the earth below.
When I opened them again, the Ascian stood only a few paces away, a small smile on his lips as he watched. I tilted my head.
“What?”
“You-” He breathed a laugh and shook his head. “You seem to enjoy a great many things, Warrior of Light, no matter how small they are.” He stepped up to me, the crook of his arm held out for me to take.
“Is there something wrong with that?” I asked as I slid my arm through his.
“It’s a shame, I suppose,” he answered, shoving his other hand into his pocket as we continued walking. He looked down at the sand we were kicking up, locks of his hair falling in front of his eyes as his grin widened. “That it took me appearing in your life for you to take advantage of it.”
My eyes widened, lips parting before I averted my eyes to the ground as well.
“I didn’t…” I pressed my lips together for a moment as my mind attempted to sort the words out. “I guess that…you’re the first person I’ve met who…” I trailed off, coming to a pause as the realization hit. He stopped as well, turning so that he was facing me.
“Who, what, hero?” he inquired, his voice soft. I could feel his eyes on me and I felt the tell-tale heat spreading across my cheeks as I laid my hand over my heart. His fingers found my chin, gently lifting my head until my gaze met his.
He examined my face slowly, patiently waiting for my response.
“You’re the first person to make me want to stop and…enjoy life,” I admitted after a moment. “So long as I get to enjoy it withyou.”
He raised his hand, moving it to cup the side of my face as a fond smile spread across his lips. His thumb stroked along the length of my cheekbone as I laid my hand on top of his, curling my fingers around his as I leaned into his touch.
“I know that…we aren’t supposed to get along,” I continued, closing my eyes as I nuzzled his palm. “But I’m glad we do. Glad that we could…” I breathed a soft laugh. “ Find common ground .”
He chuckled and I opened my eyes to look at him again, the amber of his eyes sparkling in the late-morning sun.
“Thank you,” I breathed.
“Whatever for?”
“Without you,” I began again. “I am afraid that…I would have continued being a slave to duty and…never got to experience this.”
The Ascian leaned forward then, placing a tender kiss on my forehead.
When he pulled away, his arm dropped, fingers threading through my own.
“Come on, hero,” he commanded. “Let’s go sunbathe .” I grinned and, with a nod, let him lead me towards the ideal resting spot on the beach.
We found a few other families had taken up residence, though it was, thankfully, not very busy. Adults sat under umbrellas, on top of towels and blankets they had laid out on the sand while their children played in the surf, gathering the wet sand into buckets of various sizes.
From what I could glean from their gleeful conversation was that they were wanting to collaborate and build the best sandcastle ever.
I smiled as I unfolded the blanket I’d been carrying. I handed one end of it to Emet-Selch as he set the basket on his arm in the sand and together we laid it out on top of the sand. I plucked the basket off the ground and set it on one corner of the cloth as he took a seat in the middle.
I kicked my sandals off to the side, then knelt next to it and lifted the lid so that I could start unpacking what I’d prepared, laying various covered dishes and a lidded pitcher of fruit juice on the surface of the blanket.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as he raised a brow and one side of my mouth tugged further upward as I shrugged.
“I know you said you didn’t want to bring food,” I began, reaching in again to pull out plates and utensils. “But I wanted to bring something since we haven’t had lunch yet.”
“Oh? And what did you make?”
“Nothing special,” I replied, spinning on my knees. I leaned over to pull the lids off of the containers. “I didn’t have very much time so I just threw some cold sandwiches together. Along with the leftover popoto salad from yesterday.”
“No dessert?” he teased me. “How unlike you, Warrior of Light.” I huffed a laugh, twisting back to the basket.
“Ah,” I started. “Me thinks you have been too hasty in your assumptions, Ascian .” I looked back at him as I pulled out the final bowl. I held it up, shaking it with a coy smile.
“Are you going to tell me what it is?”
“Mmm…,” I hummed, putting a finger to my lips in mock thought. “I shouldn’t …They were supposed to be a surprise, but…”
I lifted the top to peer inside, the expression on my face softening. With a content sigh, I set it on the ground and plucked a large rolanberry out of it. It was covered in chocolate, accented with small edible pearls and other tiny, brightly colored shapes made of sugar.
I showed it to him and watched as his eyes brightened.
“I went out early this morning while you were still asleep to find the best ones I could,” I told him, sheepishly. “And dipped them while I was making breakfast.” He grinned, leaning towards me, arm stretching out for the fruit.
“It looks-”
“Ah!” I pulled my arm back, out of his reach and he raised a brow again. “These are for after lunch.” I shook my head with faux exasperation as I went to place it back into the bowl.
Before I could, however, he quickly gripped my waist and pulled me back into him with a chuckle.
“Hey!” I whined as I came to a stop between his legs, the blanket beginning to bunch under us. “We will get sand in the food if you aren’t careful!”
He clicked his tongue in mock annoyance as he released my waist, one hand catching my wrist. He raised my hand to his lips and slid the rolanberry into his mouth, the hardened coating crunching as he bit into it. I tried to pull my hand away, but he held it in place. My breath caught in my throat as I watched him, a renewed fire spreading across my cheeks as he closed his lips around my fingers, tongue flicking against the tips, cleaning them of the partially melted chocolate that had clung to my skin.
When he had finished, he examined my expression, a smirk sliding onto his face.
“How easily flustered you are, my beloved hero.”
My mouth snapped shut with his words and I puffed out my cheeks in indignation, roughly jerking my wrist out of his grasp, and turned so that my back was to him. I sat up straight as I crossed my arms over my chest, a pout on my lips.
“Well, if you’re going to make fun of me, I’ll just sit-”
He laughed again and I felt the blanket move.
And then I was moving-
His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into his lap and holding me firmly so that I was unable to struggle as he began nuzzling the crook of my neck with his nose and laying the barest of kisses on my skin.
“Perhaps,” he breathed against me causing a shiver to run up my spine, a quiet whimper escaping me. “ That is something Ienjoy.”
I huffed and released a histrionic sigh, though I was unable to keep the smile from my lips as I rolled my eyes, relaxing in his embrace.
“Alright, alright,” I admonished with a giggle in my voice as he made his way up my neck, lightly nipping at my earlobe. I shrugged my shoulders up on instinct, waving my hand in his face. “Stop that. Let’s eat.”
With a breath of a laugh, his arms loosened around me, allowing me to sit up again and begin serving our lunch.
When the platters were emptied of food, I sighed, slumping back into Emet-Selch, my head in his lap, the straw hat on my head knocking askew.
“That was good,” I said, removing it entirely and placing it on the blanket next to us. He breathed a laugh, loosely wrapping his arms around my neck, laying his hands on my chest.
“Indeed, it was,” he admitted and I looked up at him with a grin, raising my hands to take his, wrapping my fingers around them. He squeezed them as he peered down at me with a soft smile gracing his lips. He leaned over further, catching my lips in a slow, tender kiss. With a soft hum, he pulled back again, sitting back on his hands, lifting his gaze towards the water, eyes sliding across the horizon before landing on the children, still attempting to build their castle.
He cocked his head to the side, thoughtfully.
“What is it?”
I followed his finger as he lifted an arm to point to them.
“They won’t get anywhere doing it like that,” he replied.
“Oh? Since when are you the expert on sandcastles?” He rolled his eyes.
“Basic physics, hero.” I raised a brow, looking back over to the kids. “The laws of gravity, for example…”
We watched as one of the towers they had been working on fell, crumbling into a pile of sand, followed by a cacophony of groans. He chuckled and leaned down to press a quick kiss to the tip of my nose before nudging me to sit up again.
With a quiet groan, he pushed himself to his feet and made his way over to the group.
“Would you all like some advice?” he asked loudly, making himself heard over their chatter as he placed his hands on his hips. They looked up at him in surprise, all conversation ceasing.
I shook my head as I laughed to myself, then crawled back to the basket to fish out the towels I had brought in case we decided to take a dip in the water, and a book I’d placed at the very bottom, then set our used tableware back inside.
When the blanket had been cleared, I put my hat back on my head and laid down on my stomach. I flipped the book open and began to read, occasionally looking up to check on my Ascian, who seemed to be having a perfectly grand time.
The kids sat patiently, listening intently, as he explained why their last sandcastle refused to hold.
And when they began building a new one under his careful eye, he got down on his knees in the sand to help, a wide smile on his face.
A while later, I’d grown bored of reading. In truth, I had not expected us to stay out very long, and so I neglected to bring more to do.
But Emet-Selch seemed to be content to stay, and so I flipped over on my back. I used the towels as a pillow and laid my hat over my face and chest to block out the sun, then rested my hands behind my head and began to doze.
Sometime later, however, I jolted awake to the sound of his voice calling me. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been out for, but I sat up, the hat tumbling to the ground as I attempted to blink the haze of sleep out of my eyes.
My brow furrowed from the light and I lifted my hand to shield my eyes as I peered out, looking for the Ascian.
What I found was a sandcastle taller than me.
I stood and made my way over to the children, who were standing around, beaming with pride at their creation.
“Wow,” I said as I circled around to the front, examining each tower and sculpted balcony- even a mote and drawbridge before coming to a stop next to Emet-Selch. “How long was I asleep?”
He hummed as his arm snaked around me, pulling me into his side. I raised a brow.
His skin felt…warmer than usual.
“Quite a while, I’d say,” he replied.
When I looked up at him, my eyes widened.
“Seven hells,” I gasped, stepping out of his grasp, one hand flying to my mouth in surprise.
His face was red.
He glanced away from the castle and down to me, both brows raised in inquiry.
“You-your face!” My eyes scanned the rest of his upper body as well- shoulders, arms, chest. All of it had been sunburnt. He looked down, following my gaze, inspecting his skin. “Doesn’t-doesn’t that hurt?”
He raised his eyes to mine again and shrugged.
“I suppose it burns a little.”
I huffed a humorless laugh.
“ A little ? Have you never been burned before?” He raised a hand to his chin as he hummed thoughtfully.
“Not that I can recall.” I shot him a look, crossing my arms over my chest. He rolled his eyes. “Many of my lifetimes have been spent as a spoiled, pampered royal, hero. Even as Solus on the frontlines, I was nearly always either in full soldier regalia or in a strategy tent.”
I heaved a sigh and looked towards the children, who were still marvelling at their work.
“Well, we should head back before it gets any worse.”
With a nod, he turned back to the kids to bid his goodbyes. I walked back to the blanket to start packing up the rest of our things. A moment later, there was a chorus of whines. He laughed as they crowded around him, begging him to stay just a while longer.
Despite myself, I could not keep the smile from my face as I folded the blanket and laid it over my arm, then bent down to get the basket.
When I was ready to go, I spun back around to find him heading towards me, waving back to them before huffing a laugh and twisting back to face forward, running the same hand through his hair.
I sighed through my nose, shaking my head as I watched him, noting the vibrance of his skin once more.
Twelve, it was so red it may as well be glowing.
We made our way back to the house and once we’d arrived, I paused in the foyer as I caught my reflection in the mirror that hung over a small, decorative table.
I twisted around, examining my own body. Even though I had used the hat as protection, there was a certain pink to my cheeks that was not usually there, and on my shoulders, too, that spread down my chest into a darker, redder hue, stopping at the waistband of my shorts. My thighs too-
I frowned, humming my distaste.
My back, thankfully, was not awful since I had slept face-up, but it still had somecolor…
“What’s wrong?” he asked as he passed me, sliding the blanket off my arm so that he could put it away.
“We’re going to be in for quite a night, I think.”
Over the course of the next few hours, Emet-Selch learned exactly what being sunburnt entailed, and he was exceedingly unhappy about it.
I kept myself busy, however, and when the sun had sunk below the horizon, I opened the window in our bedroom to let the cool breeze in, and took a seat at the day table next to it to continue reading my book.
After soaking himself in a cold bath, he wandered into the room, looking absolutely miserable. He slumped into the second chair with a sigh, limply leaning against the back as he gazed out at the stars.
Eventually, he groaned, and then I heard a thud.
I lifted my head from my book and peered across the table at him. The Ascian had leaned forward in his seat, his forehead pressed against the glass surface of the table.
“What?” I asked, looking back down at the place I had left off of.
“It hurts, hero,” he muttered. “How, in Zodiark’s name, did you manage not to get burned as badly?” I hummed with a shrug, turning the page.
“I tend to be out of doors often. Perhaps I don’t burn as easily. I was also wearing a hat.”
He moaned again and it took everything in me to keep from laughing at the theatricality of it all.
“That is not to say I am not in pain,” I continued. “I most certainly am.”
“And?”
“Unlike you, I am attempting to draw my thoughts away from it.”
He clicked his tongue in annoyance and sat back up, then leaned back against the chair and hissed when his skin came into contact with the metal.
“Surely you can do something to ease the pain, like you did with my wrist and my side,” I insisted.
“Healing and binding are very different,” he replied. “Binding an injury is easy, all I have to do is hold it in place. With your side, I bound the skin together long enough to stitch it together. This would require healing, which is…” He paused, jaw ticking.
“Not something you can do,” I finished for him.
“Regrettably,” he muttered. I chuckled.
“I suppose you will just have to live with it, then.” He clicked his tongue.
“This is the last time I let you choose our outing.”
“Idid offer you a hat,” I reminded him.
“You could have warned me this would have been the result”
“So I am to be your mother now as well?” I scoffed, roughly closing my book. “Would you have even listened?” When he didn’t answer, I shook my head as I huffed an angry laugh. I stood from my seat, then, the legs scraping on the wooden floor.
“I’m going to get a drink,” I announced, setting the book down onto the table with a sigh, trying to calm my frustration. “Do you need anything?”
An olive branch.
“Something to numb the pain would be nice,” he bit out. I clenched my jaw.
“If you’re going to continue to complain like a child, why don’t you do us both a favor and just go get a new body?”
Silence fell between us for long moments, and I thought I had offended him.
I blew out a long exhale, forcing the tension in my muscles to ease.
“I’m sorry,” I sighed. “I didn’t mean-”
“What a marvelous idea, Warrior of Light,” he said suddenly, shooting out of his chair. I took a step back in surprise, mouth dropping open. “Though, I am unsure how I did not think of this before.”
“I-”
“I shall return momentarily.”
“Wait-”
I blinked and he was gone.
What had just-
I hadn’t meant that-
There was a hum behind me moments later and I spun around to see him reappear in a cloud of purple and black smoke, wearing Solus’ full regalia, overcoat and all.
“Y-you-,” I stuttered, unable to form a full sentence, the panic pumping in my veins. “What did you- Who did you-”
He’d just- He’d gone and just taken over someone-
I could feel the horrified expression fall into place.
He looked up at me as he began sliding the gloves off of his hands, followed by the leather coat. He raised a brow as he examined my face, then furrowed in in confusion. A moment later a realization hit him and he breathed a laugh.
“Oh my dear hero,” he chuckled, taking a step towards me and I tensed. He tossed the gloves and coat on the table behind me and gently placed a hand on my neck in an attempt to comfort me. I flinched, hissing in pain as his palm made contact with my skin, the sensation causing my already raw skin to burn. His smile faltered and he quickly removed his hand.
“You have nothing to fear,” he insisted softly, lowering his hand to his side. “This is merely a clone.”
A clone. Right. Gaius had mentioned such a facility existed in Garlemald.
I blew a breath out my mouth, cheeks puffing out as I did, nodding my understanding. My shoulders slumped as my body relaxed.
“Okay,” I breathed. “Alright.” He nodded in return and I pursed my lips, crossing my arms over my chest as he busied himself with unbuttoning his long tunic. “But this is hardly fair.”
“Hm?”
“Well, I can’t just go and get myself a new body,” I shot at him, leaning heavily on one leg so my hip jutted out. “Now I’m the only one in pain.”
“Ah, yes,” he said, that infuriating smirk easily spreading across his lips. He slid the tunic off of his shoulders and let it flutter to the floor, then reached around me again, his hand delving into the lapel pocket of his coat. I stepped out of the way, watching with a raised brow.
When he pulled his arm back, there was a small metal tin in his hand.
“Me thinks you were too hasty in your assumptions, Warrior of Light ,” he teased, using my own words against me as he held it up for me to see. I squinted, leaning in to read the label, but was unable to recognize the language. I tilted my head in confusion.
“What is it?” I asked him as I straightened again. He chuckled quietly and popped the lid off so I could see inside.
A lotion of some kind?
Its scent wafted over to me- a mix of mint, aloe, and…something else I was unable to place.
“It’s a rub,” he explained, setting the top of the tin onto the table. “For those with burn injuries. It was infused with ice and healing magic.”
My lips parted in surprise. He let me lift it from his hand to take a closer look. I dipped my finger inside the tin, feeling the tingle of aether coursing through it.
“Is it from another shard?” He hummed his affirmation and a smile spread across my lips. “And you went all the way there in a matter of seconds to get this for me?”
“To be fair, I did not obtain it legally ,” he chuckled. “Simply reached my hand through the portal and…” He mimicked plucking the salve from where it sat in another world, taking it from my hands again. “But do not think I would leave my poor hero to suffer needlessly.”
He motioned with his head towards the bed and my grin widened as I spun on my heel, pulling my shirt over my head, then got into bed, lying face-down on my pillow so he could start with my back.
The mattress dipped with his weight, and I felt his legs straddle me.
“This will be cold,” he warned. I nodded my understanding.
And the moment the salve touched my skin, I sucked in a sharp breath.
Gods, that felt…
He spread it across my shoulders, rubbing it in with his thumbs, then placed his hands on either side of my head as he leaned over me, blowing a cold breath across the area.
A breathy moan slipped from me, a shiver running up my spine.
“How does it feel?”
“Amazing ,” I sighed, closing my eyes. He hummed again.
“Just remember, hero, our next outing will be my choice,” the Ascian said, amusement in his voice at my reaction.
And with how good his hands felt on my back as he rubbed the balm in, the healing magic infused within spreading across my skin, I couldn’t find it within myself to argue.
Summary: Emet-Selch rents a cabin in the Mist during the Moonfire Faire for him and the Warrior of Light to enjoy.
Word Count: 4220
“Wow,” I breathed as I looked out at the shore past the wall. High above me, the early afternoon sun shone warm and bright, wispy clouds dotting the vibrant blue of the sky. I raised one hand to shield my eyes as a breeze blew past, tugging at my hair, threatening to pull the tie right out. I breathed in the scent of the saltwater and sighed contentedly. “It’s so beautiful here. Perhaps I should move from the Beds to the Mist. Worth my while if I woke up tothis every morning.”
Emet-Selch stepped up next to me with a hum and leaned back against the brick half-wall that led to the small house we would be staying in.
“That may be true, Warrior of Light, but when winter comes around, living by the sea would be very windy and bitterly cold.” I shrugged my shoulders, then hoisted myself up onto the wall with a grunt and leaned forward, elbows on my thighs.
“Not with you here,” I replied, quietly. He didn’t respond, and I wasn’t even sure he’d heard me until I gave him a sidelong glance, noticing the fond smile tugging at his mouth as he continued watching the waves lap against the sand.
After several moments, a sly grin of my own curled my lips upward and I tilted my head, looking at him from the corner of my eye again.
“I can’t believe you rented this place for an entire week,” I teased, huffing a laugh. “For us. ” I turned to him, then, feigning concern, reaching out to press my palm to his forehead. “Are you feeling alright? Should I be worried?”
The Ascian clicked his tongue and twisted out of the way of my hand before pushing off of the wall to stand in front of me, hands on his hips.
“It can hardly be a surprise, hero,” he said with his usual hubris. “Surely I am allowed to do what I want when I see fit.” I raised a brow. He shot me a pointed look before leaning in and lifting the bag from my shoulder. He straightened again, a smirk on his mouth. “Why are you complaining when all you have to do is reap the benefits?”
When I rolled my eyes, the Ascian chuckled, reaching to affectionately pat my cheek, then headed into the small yard and up to the front door. With an amused shake of my head, I peered out at the beach once more before huffing a laugh, then hopped off of my spot on the wall and hurried after him, sliding my hand into his. He pushed the door open, revealing a beautifully furnished seaside cabin. I sucked in a breath, then excitedly tugged him around from room to room to check everything out.
Over the next few days, we relaxed and explored our surroundings. I had, of course, been to Limsa Lominsa many times- for my work, for my pleasure- but I’d never really taken him to see the sights the few instances we had found ourselves here over the last year.
And now seemed to be the perfect time since we would be vacationing here for the duration of the Moonfire Faire.
I dragged him from the hidden beaches to the most niche restaurants, to all the different clothing stores and to check out all of the fresh and region-specific produce to experiment with.
“What’s that?” I inquired as we began our trek back to our small cabin, motioning with my free hand towards the cloth bag he carried under his arm. He tightened his old on it.
“A surprise,” he answered simply, refusing to elaborate. Both eyebrows shot up and I gave him a devilish smile, opening my mouth to poke fun at him. “Ah!” He quickly raised his hand, clasping it over my mouth. “For later.”
“Oh, come on,” I whined, voice muffled by his palm. He shot me a look. “Tell me!” He bent down to my level and tilted his head.
“Where’s the fun in that, hero?”
I narrowed my eyes at him as he lowered his hand, a pout forming on my lips. Smug amusement filled his eyes as he watched my reaction. He leaned forward, nipping at my bottom lip as it jutted out, then straightened once more and turned away from me to continue on his way.
“Don’t look at me like that,” he began again. I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest as I felt heat seep into my face, a mixture of indignance and excitement lighting in my veins. I watched him walk forward a few paces. “I promise you’ll enjoy it. More than me, I venture.”
When he realized I was not with him, he paused, twisting to look back at me with a raised brow. “Aren’t you coming?”
“Why won’t you just tell me? You never tell me.” He leaned on one leg, clicking his tongue as he rested his free hand on his hip.
“A surprise is not a surprise if Ijusttell you, Warrior of Light.” He shrugged when I pursed my lips. “Perhaps I like watching you squirm,” he teased. I puffed my cheeks out, ready to argue, but he breathed a laugh and shook his head. “Or maybe I just enjoy seeing that look on your face when I do finally deign to show you.”
Immediately, the annoyance that had been building within me dissipated, my mouth parting as it was replaced with surprise. With a roll of his eyes, he sighed and held his hand out to me.
“Now, if you’re done being stubborn?” I pursed my lips, trying to hold back the smile. Eventually, I jogged forward to meet him, slipping my fingers between his and let him lead me back to the Mist.
When we reached the cottage, I went about putting our foodstuffs away as the Ascian went up to the bedroom to unpack…whatever he’d gotten while we were out.
By the time he’d returned to me a few minutes later, I’d laid out various types of fruits and juices on the island in the middle of the kitchen, along with several small molds for ice pops. He raised a brow, leaning his elbows on the counter.
“And what are you doing now?” he asked curiously as I plucked a knife out of a drawer.
“We’re going to make popsicles,” I replied without looking at him. Instead, I focused on slicing a few rolanberries.
“Oh,we are, are we?” I hummed and watched from the corner of my eye as he looked around the room. “I can’t help but notice, though, hero, we seem to be missing one key ingredient in this venture.”
“Which is?” I dropped the small slices into the bottom of a couple of the molds.
“An icebox?”
“Ah.” I nodded, thoughtfully before heaving a histrionic sigh and shrugging my shoulders. “I suppose you will have to freeze them yourself.” He huffed an incredulous laugh.
“And how do you intend to keep them frozen?” I shot him a pointed look and tilted my head.
“Surely you can enchant them to stay cold, Emet-Selch.” A smirk curled my mouth upward. “Almighty Ascian.” He clicked his tongue.
“You know, Warrior of Light,” he began, the tone of his voice astounded. “I may regret the surprise I bought for you.” I giggled and shook my head, then turned the knife around in my hand and held the handle out to him.
“Here,” I instructed. “Finish slicing these for me while I start on the apricots.” He sighed sharply out of his nose and took the utensil, then started to, begrudgingly, cut up the various fruits I pushed towards him so that I could peel and slice the apricots.
When we were finished, and everything had been assembled to my liking, he touched the tip of one finger to one of the containers and effortlessly cast his magic into it. I bent over the counter, watching with fascination as the rubber frosted over on the outside.
“All that fuss over something so simple,” I mused as he pulled his hand away, crossing both arms over his chest. He leaned one hip against the island and watched as I took the mold and squeezed one of the cups slightly.
“And your verdict?”
“Hard as ice,” I confirmed.
“So glad to live up to expectation,” he quipped, peering up at the chronometer on the wall. He slid his hand into mine as I gripped the stick to one of the pops and lifted it out. “Now, I suppose it’s time for your surprise.”
He pulled on my arm suddenly, a surprised squeak escaping me as I stumbled, and he tugged me upstairs to our room, where two outfits had been laid out on the bed.
I sucked on the popsicle as I inspected them both. Mine, I could only assume, was a swimming top paired with a long, light skirt with a flower print, thonged sandals, and a large, woven, straw sunhat.
I could not stop the smile that spread across my lips. He did love dressing me up, afterall.
Next to it, however, laid a pair of swimming shorts and a bright blue, button-down shirt with a similar print as the skirt.
My brows nearly shot off my face as I quickly looked up.
“You’re-” I huffed an amused laugh. “You’re going to wear this ? To the Faire?” I asked, motioning to his outfit with the ice pop in my hand.
“So it would seem,” he sighed. “I did say you would enjoy this more than me, did I not?” I hummed and tilted my head as I stuck the popsicle back into my mouth, examining him closely.
“Are you sure you’re not sick?” I asked after I’d removed the treat from between my lips once more, feigning concern. “Last year I had to nearly wrestle you into clothing like this. Now you’ve gone and bought it yourself.” He clicked his tongue at me, placing both hands on his hips.
“You’ve been insisting for that entireyear that I participate as it’s in the spirit of the holiday, hero,” he said, the exasperation clear in his voice. “And now that I’m willingly complying, you complain? Is there nothing I can do that will please you?”
“I’m not complaining-”
“You most certainly are.”
I snorted through my nose and in a swift motion, grabbed the shirt from the bed and flung it to him. He caught it easily and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Alright, fine. I’ll refrain from commenting on your actions as long as you actually go put it on.” He pursed his lips together and made no attempt to move, so I nodded towards the bathing room. “Go on then, let’s see it.”
He frowned, but a moment later conceded, snatching the shorts off of the mattress and heading for the hallway. I giggled softly as I watched him walk towards the door and out of the room.
While I waited for him to change, I sat on the bed, enjoying my popsicle. My eyes drifted to the outfit he’d gotten for me and I lifted the skirt into my lap, letting my fingers travel across the soft, thin material, tracing the patterns of the different flowers printed onto it.
Gods, he’d really gone all out.
Moments later, I heard his footsteps on the floor and I perked up. He re-entered the room, coming to a stop in front of me, both hands shoved into the pockets of his shorts.
I raised a brow as I inspected the outfit.
It certainly was something- buttoned up and tucked in at the waist. And the color…
“It’s…not bad ,” I concluded, pushing the skirt from my lap and sliding to my feet. He scoffed as I approached.
“And that means what, exactly?”
“It would look much better on you if it were black, first of all.”
Immediately, he snapped his fingers. Both pieces of clothing turned soot black. I tilted my head, bringing my hand to my lips in thought.
“Something’s still…” My eyes zeroed in on his waist. “Ah.” I held the half-eaten popsicle out to him. “Here.” The Ascian took it as I stepped up close to him. I began tugging the shirt out of the waistband of his pants and his body tensed.
“Hero, what are you-”
“Hush,” I said as I smoothed the material out over his shorts, then began unbuttoning it from the bottom. “Trust me.”
I slid my hands up, slowly unfastening each button, my fingers brushing against his skin. He sighed softly, his muscles relaxing at the feel of my touch. I grinned, letting my hands explore more of his torso when his shirt hung open in full.
He hummed his approval as I slid my arms under his shirt and around his back, laying my palms flat against his warm skin. He leaned down to meet me, winding one of his arms around my waist to pull me closer.
“Better?” he breathed as he lowered his face to mine, lips brushing against mine as he spoke.
“Much,” I replied, then pressed my mouth to his, tightening my hold on him.
His other hand went to the back of my head, easily gathering my hair over one shoulder.
And before I knew what was happening, he tugged my collar away from the base of my neck and dropped the popsicle into my shirt.
My eyes flew open and I squealed against his lips. I struggled to jump away, but he held me firmly against him as drops of the cold juice melted down my back, soaking my clothing. Multiple chills ran up my spine.
“Something-” The Ascian breathed a laugh, then cleared his throat as I continued to push against him. “Something the matter, Warrior of Light?”
“Not at all,” I answered, trying to keep my voice even- though it came out high-pitched, sounding more like a whine. His chest shook against me as I wiggled around, trying to loosen his hold on me. “Just let me-”
The arm that was still around my waist began travelling upward and, a moment later, what was left of the ice pop was crushed against my skin.
My back straightened, an audible, raspy gasp slipping from my mouth as a shiver of disgust at the mooshiness of the feeling shook my entire body, from the very tips of my fingers to the very depths of my core.
Finally he released me and I threw myself away from him.
“Hmm.” I looked over my shoulder to find him with his head tilted, hand raised to his chin as he observed the stained back of my shirt. “What a shame, my dearest hero.” He shrugged his shoulders, heaving a dramatic sigh. “I suppose you will just have to change as well.”
I pursed my lips and lifted the hem of my shirt with one hand, the other reaching for the slushy mess that was stuck to my back.
In a quick and fluid motion, I whirled back to him, flinging it towards him.
A split second before it made impact, I heard a sharp intake of breath- and then it splattered against his face.
My eyes widened, mouth hanging open as we stared at each other in a shocked silence.
And a moment later, unable to stop myself, I started laughing. It overtook my entire body and soon, I was doubled over, arms folded over my stomach, and tears forming in my eyes.
I peered up at Emet-Selch, watching me with one brow raised and arms crossed over his chest, his lips pressed together in a thin line as the ice pop slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the floor.
“Here,” I said as my giggling calmed. I straightened and lifted the soiled shirt over my head, then closed the distance between us. His eyes examined me as I began to clean the juice from his face with a clean spot of the cloth. He inhaled slowly through his nose. I thought he would be angry- or at least annoyed, but instead, he huffed out a laugh and caught my hand over his cheek, holding it in place.
“How beautiful you look,” he whispered, stroking his thumb along my knuckles. “When overtaken by such joy.” He closed his eyes, a soft smile on his lips. “What I would give to see it more often, hero.”
My lips parted in surprise as my gaze roved over his face and the tender expression he held on it. I searched for the words to respond but I…I had no idea what to say.
When he opened his eyes, he took in the look on my face, his smile widening. Before I could come up with a response, he leaned down, pressing his lips to mine for a single moment before pulling away again, taking the shirt from my hand and tossing it into the basket in the corner.
“The festivities will begin soon, my dear,” he said. I grinned and nodded, then turned back to the bed to change into my own outfit.
A quarter of a bell later, we were heading for the front door. The bag he’d hid our clothes in was waiting for us in a chair. I tilted my head in confusion.
“Just a little something for the children,” he answered my unasked question as he plucked it from its seat and tucked it under his arm.
By the time we reached the beach, the Faire was already in full-swing. The sun had begun to set, casting the water in it’s vibrant hues as festival-goers wandered about- playing games, sampling foods, even just relaxing in the sand.
We went from aisle to aisle doing much of the same. This year, however, much to my own personal amusement, he was actually able to scoop the goldfish into the cup. And just as I had done the last time we were here, he handed the pet off to a young child, who excitedly ran to tell his parents.
When we’d had our fill of the festivities, and the sun had gone down completely, leaving only the light of the moon and the paper lanterns to light our path, he gathered many of the children on the beach, where he finally revealed what he had brought: a large quantity of small fireworks for them to enjoy.
And once he had passed out a round sparklers, he instructed the children to spread out a little, then raised his hand.
“Ready?” he asked. I smiled widely as I glanced around the circle, watching as they nodded excitedly. I lifted my firework out in front of me.
A moment later, he snapped his fingers. The sparklers flared to life. A cacophony of surprised, awe-filled gasps sounded around me as the light danced along everyones’ faces, their eyes wide but entertained.
As they began playing- running around in the sand and creating letters in the air, Emet-Selch came to join me, his arm winding about my back. I leaned into him, letting my head rest against his chest as the kids’ joy filled the air. Even their parents seemed to be enjoying their antics.
“This was a wonderful idea,” I sighed contentedly. “They’re so happy.” He hummed.
“You’ll find I have many good ideas, hero,” he quipped, causing me to breath a laugh.
“You’re sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Indeed.” He paused for a moment when our sparklers had run their course. He lifted the stick from my hand. “And yet, I still have one more.” I looked up at him, curiosity piqued once more, but instead of answering me, he slid his arm around from around my waist and jogged back to the children, who were waiting for him expectantly.
He looked over his shoulder for a moment, a teasing grin on his face, before turning back to the others, ready to pass out another round. I rolled my eyes, crossing my hands over my chest, though I was unable to stop the smile that spread across my mouth as I watched the happiness in his expression.
A short while later, when all of the fireworks he’d brought had run out, he took my hand and we walked back to the cabin in a comfortable silence.
The main show would begin soon, he informed me. And he had something special set up so we could watch by ourselves, together.
When we arrived, I found a large hammock waiting for us in the yard, set up next to the small pool. Before I was able to comment, he dipped down and lifted me into his arms. A giggle escaped me as he leaned over to set me down onto the soft cloth, then carefully got on himself.
I took my hat off, letting it fall to the grass and rolled onto my side to face him as he made himself comfortable, one arm sliding under me, the other coming to rest on my waist.
“Comfortable?” he asked. I nodded as I examined his face in the moonlight.
“Perfect.” He smiled softly as he pulled me close, rubbing his nose against mine for a moment before pressing his forehead to mine. I closed my eyes with a quiet sight and raised one hand, laying it against his cheek as my thumb stroked along the bone “Thank you.”
He hummed, lifting his chin slightly to catch my lips with his. I accepted happily, letting my lips slowly move against his.
What felt like moments later, there was a bright light from beyond my eyelids, followed by a loud pop . I tore my mouth from his, eyes flying open. My heartrate spiked for a moment before I realized the big fireworks show had begun at last, just as he’d said.
Emet-Selch chuckled at my reaction and I blew out a relieved breath, moving to settle myself back into his arms, where I stayed for the remainder of the night, until the fireworks had long since ceased and I could no longer keep my eyes open.
Hero?
His soft voice danced along the edges of my mind, its intent to rouse me, no doubt, from my slumber.
But, I was warm. Comfortable. I had only just laid down to rest and I didn’t want to wake yet…
“Mmm…” I whined through closed lips, burrowing my face further into his chest. He breathed a laugh, one of his hands lifting from my waist and tucking a long lock of hair behind my ear.
“We fell asleep in the hammock,” he explained, quietly. I shook my head, unwilling to open my eyes. He hummed, dipping his head down to press a tender kiss to my temple. “It’s morning.”
Morning? Already?
“Idoncare ,” I mumbled, my words slurred from sleep. His chest shook with a silent chuckle. He shifted, the hammock swaying slightly as I let myself begin to drift off again.
In what felt like the next moment, I was flying in the air. My brow furrowed and I jolted awake less than half a second before the hammock was flipped upside down. I landed in a shockingly cold pool of water, soaking me immediately.
I sat up, inhaling a deep breath, my heart pounding quickly in my ears. The water flowed through my hair and down my face, dripping off the tips of my stands and my chin as I looked around for the Ascian who I had no doubt was responsible.
He stood by a corner of the pool, arms crossed over his chest as he watched with an immense amount of glee in his expression. When I glowered at him, he chuckled and bent at the waist, leaning over me.
“Awake now, Warrior of Light?”
My eyes narrowed and a smug grin appeared on his face.
“Good, let’s-”
Quickly, before he could react, my arms shot out of the water and wrapped around his neck. His eyes widened, face falling as I locked my gaze with him, mimicking his smirk before I tugged him down until he lost balance, tumbling into the shallow pool with me.
I wrestled him over until he was lying on his back in the water, my knees straddling his hips.
I hummed, tapping a finger to my chin as he sat up on his elbows so that his head was above the surface. He raised a curious brow. “For some reason, I feel like we’ve done this before…”
“Are you finished?” he asked, the exasperation clear in his voice. I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Are you?” I shot back at him. “You started it.” He stared up at me unblinking, and electric silence stretching between us as he debated his next course of action. Finally, he relented with a deep sigh.
“Oh, I suppose.” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “I am rather hungry.”
“Oh?” I asked, leaning down with an outstretched arm for him to take. When he had, I hoisted him up. “And what are you making for us today?”
He huffed a laugh, releasing my hand to wrap his arm around my shoulders and began leading me back to.
“Let’s see what we have inside first,” he insisted, then pushed open the door so we could enter.
