#also bear with me i've got plans for other companions as well | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

green-socks · 2 years

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Bear With Me

Pairing: Pero Tovar x F!reader

Summary: Pero was cursed when he was young, and now he lives cut off from everyone and everything. You enter his life unexpectedly - will he let you stay?

Words: 9.3k (I slipped)

Warnings: very AU, Pero turns into a literal bear. But nothing major really. Kinda sorta implied possibility of domestic violence? But nothing is ever explicitly said and nothing happens to anyone.

Notes: Oh man, I've been at this for weeks and now I'm ready to not look at it anymore. All born because one morning I saw a picture of a bear and thought "hey, looks kinda cuddly" and now we're here. Also inspired by Beorn from The Hobbit a bit. The title is my plea to you all lmao. I'm immensely grateful for @ickleronniekinsemotionalrange who is the loveliest and offered her knowledge of Spanish to help my duolingo-skipping ass. lly bby <3. Tagged the usuals plus those who asked/seemed interested.

MASTERLIST

You are lost. Terribly lost, and alone, stumbling through the woods, your only focus on putting one foot in front of the other and getting as far away as you can from what you left behind. Branches have cut into your face and hands, and they sting in the cold night air.

If you’re being honest, you hadn’t really planned this desperate escape very well at all, just seized the opportunity to run as soon as it came. You hadn’t packed clothes, just grabbed your traveling cloak and a little food for the journey. You have some coins, but a fat lot of good those would do if you lost yourself in the middle of nowhere with no inns or markets for miles. And there would be search parties, you knew that. This was all very unfitting and improper for a lady, and truthfully, that was the spiteful spark that kept you going.

That, and the thought of that horrible, vile, disgusting man your family was forcing you to marry. It would have been a good, beneficial match for both families, but you refused to throw your life away and sacrifice your happiness even for such a cause. Besides, you had always dreamed that getting a husband would be your ticket to something better, never really feeling loved or appreciated in your own home. Marrying some old idiot who treats other humans like garbage is not the way. You know the man is violent and cruel, and you do not want a part in that life.

So, you ran away and kept on running, and got lost, and now you're so very tired and cold and thirsty and scared. For some reason, you had thought it would be safer to walk in the woods rather than on the road at night, and in a way, you were right, because you have not seen another living creature bigger than a squirrel for hours. The problem is that in the darkness you had lost your way and were no longer at all sure of the direction nor the goal of your journey. In the darkness everything seems to be moving and staying still at the same time, creeping you out more and more the deeper you go. You think – hope – you were hallucinating when you saw a giant something moving beyond the trees some time ago.

Eventually, you don’t have any more strength to go on and you have no choice but to stop and rest for a while. Your last thought is that you would probably die and get eaten by a bear as you curl into a ball on the forest floor and pass out, the exhaustion overtaking you.

--------

Pero wakes up that following morning not long after daybreak, which is much earlier than he should like, to a very insistent goose honking at him and biting his ankles to wake him up. He opens his eyes just so he can glare at the goose.

“Qué quieres?” he grunts. “You know better than to come wake me this early.”

The goose doesn’t quit honking, and behind the noisy bird there’s also his trusted ewe.

Okay, they must really have something important to say if they both came to wake him up.

“What is it? Is someone hurt?”

The answer is clearly an affirmative, so he quickly moves to get up.

“Lead the way then.”

He is surprised, though, when his companions lead him farther into the forest, beyond his immediate garden, beyond all the stables and little lodgings for all his friends.

There are birds twittering around a lump lying on the ground, which Pero immediately recognizes as a human, not an animal. He had been aware of someone walking in the forest last night, but he had taken off in the other direction as stealthily as he could to not endanger the person and to protect himself from being seen as well.

He doesn’t know how long it has been since he has last been in contact with another human, but he’s sure it’s been several long years. He would rather keep all potential visitors far, far away from his cabin, but he can’t very well leave an innocent woman to die on his land. He would try to help her, as he helped all the creatures he found as best he could, though he has to admit he has never done that for a human before.

The woman seems to be unconscious, because she doesn’t stir at all even when he lifts her up in his arms. Pero makes his way back to his cabin, trailed by the animal company observing the situation. He lays her down on his bed before moving quickly to find some herbs that could help, as well as some food and water, hoping she’d stir sooner rather than later. He leaves the ewe in charge of the situation, knowing she will take the responsibility seriously.

--------

You wake up to sunlight filling your bedroom – only it isn’t your bedroom. Someone else’s bedroom entirely, in a house you don’t remember ever visiting.

You had flitted in and out of consciousness during the night. Day? How long have you been asleep for anyway? What day is it? What time is it? Your stomach growls, saying time to eat.

The room around you is unfamiliar, but the warm sunlight makes it feel welcoming and cozy. The bed is very large and quite comfortable with lovely blankets and pillows. There’s not much furniture though, only a cabinet on the far side from the bed, which you suspect holds clothes and such, and what looked like a basin, presumably for washing up.

New clothes have been laid out for you on the foot of the bed. You faintly remember hearing a man’s low voice a couple of times, and you think you maybe saw a sheep watching you at some point, but you probably dreamed that. Pulling on the clothes you notice that they are ridiculously large on you, the shirt much too broad in the shoulders and the sleeves far too long. You have to roll the sleeves several times to get your hand to peek out of them and tie the pants up with a string. The pants at the very least confirm that these are a man’s clothes, which alarms you just a little, because it seems you are alone in a house with at least one man, and seemingly no women.

Getting ready to leave the room, you are surprised to find a tray of food waiting for you outside the door. There is a fresh loaf of bread, cheese and butter, eggs, a flagon of water, a big pile of berries and fruits, and even a pastry! You come from a very wealthy family, and yet you could not have hoped for a better spread to sate your hunger. The man who lives here must be quite wealthy too, then, and it baffles you that such a man doesn’t seem to have even a maid in his house.

Not wanting to contemplate on that too hard now that you have food in front of you, you carry the tray back on the bed and tuck in with the fervor of a wild beast. Thank goodness there is no one to witness it.

After eating, you take another nap. The exhaustion of your runaway journey is still in your bones; muscles ache all over your body and your feet really hurt.

By now you can tell that the sunlight you had woken up to had been the last rays of the day rather than the first, so you deduce you must have slept all day rather than just the night. With the light dimming fast, you decide to leave exploring the house for tomorrow. You have not seen or heard anyone in the time you’ve been awake, but that’s okay. You’re still clearly being taken care of. Deciding you’ll go and introduce yourself first thing tomorrow morning, you lay down and quickly fall asleep again.

The next time you wake up you are sure that this time it really is morning. After sleeping for almost the entirety of yesterday, you’re now ready to face everything with new energy. The house still seems very quiet; the only thing you can hear is birds chirping outside.

There’s a breakfast tray again set for you just behind the door, filled with fresh food. Even the breakfasts at home couldn’t compare with this. You seriously consider offering to stay at the house as a maid just to be fed like this – of course, maids were usually not fed as good as the masters of the house or their guests. Plus, you hadn’t worked a day in your life, as you sadly remind yourself. What exactly had you imagined for your future when you ran away?

Shaking away that thought for now, you set out to find the people who live in the house – who had saved you!

It’s quiet, but there are soft rays of sunlight filling out the cabin, giving it a pleasant lively glow. You can imagine it glows at night too, based on the amount of beeswax candles all around the cabin. The house seems to be on one floor, but very large and open. It seems like a good sturdy home. Only the bedroom where you came from is behind a door, otherwise you can see everything in the open common space – a kitchen space for cooking, a strong-looking wooden table for eating, some comfortable looking mats and pillows to sit on around the corners. But there’s still no one else in sight.

You find it less odd now that there was no maid with the cabin being odd in other ways too. Hoping to find someone in the yard, you carefully step through the huge double doors to the still crisp morning air.

The first thing you see is different sizes of pens and houses for animals of all sorts. You see chickens, sheep (there really had been a sheep then), geese, cats, birds, pigs, and even a goat and a horse mulling about. Blinking in stunned surprise, you stand there observing the animal farm, who in turn don’t seem to pay you much mind. Only the sheep you had seen before looks to be staring you back.

“Where’s your owner?” you ask them at large, but mostly addressing the sheep – not that you expect it to really answer.

To your surprise, it’s not the ewe who answers you, but a goose, who honks and jerks his head in the direction of the stable.

“Th-thank you,” you answer the goose, still feeling rather unsure of whether you’re actually communicating with the animals or if you’re just overanalyzing their normal behavior.

But into the stable you go, cautiously peering in. There, in the stall that you assume belongs to the big black horse you saw, is a man curled up on a stack of hay, snoring faintly.

You inch closer, more curious still. Is he a farmhand asleep on the job?

Your foot accidentally trips on a bucket, and the clang startles the man awake.

“What now?” His question is a barely intelligible growl.

“Why are you sleeping there?” you return, not fazed by the grumpy, scruffy looking man.

The man seems only then to notice you’re there, and he sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, taking you in. He has a dark, curly mane of hair down to his shoulders with a scraggly beard to match, and a scar down his left eye that highlights his annoyed expression.

“You were sleeping in my bed, where else would I sleep,” he grumbles.

“Your bed? You own that cabin?”

“Sí.”

“I thought you were maybe a farmhand or a stableboy,” you try to say apologetically, but apparently fail.

“My friends don’t need anyone else but me here; they can take care of themselves,” he scowls.

“Your friends?”

The man throws out an impatient hand pointing through the open door to the yard where the animals seem to be listening in on your conversation.

“Oh, right!” You feel embarrassed now. “Well, I wanted to thank you for saving me” –he grunts in acknowledgement– “and for taking care of me,” you finish shyly. When he doesn’t answer, you continue, “How long was I sleeping? What day is it?”

“I don’t know.”

“How can you not know?”

“I have no need to know. Every day is the same. Mealtimes are the only time I need to keep.”

“But what about when you go to the market?”

“I don’t.”

“Really? Why not?”

“I have everything I need here.” He sounds like his patience is wearing thin on your questions. “What I would like to know is why you are here.”

“You brought me here! At least, I assume so...”

“Yes. But why were you passed out near my house?”

“I was lost. On my way,” you reply evasively.

“Where were you going?” he asks, frowning.

“I don’t know. I mean, I’m not going to tell you!” you correct hastily.

You realize that even though this man claims he never goes to town, he could easily be lying or joking or something, and if he were to blab to someone at a tavern that he had found a woman lost in the forest... Well, that wouldn’t be good for you. You doubt the search parties would even have given up so quickly, given the wealth of both families involved. They would search in the forest too; you were sure of it.

He looks at you suspiciously, scowling still more.

“Why do you live here in the middle of nowhere anyway?” you ask, trying to change the subject.

Apparently, that was a bad idea. His scowl deepens to previously unknown proportions.

“Y eso a ti qué te importa? That is none of your business.”

Right. Well, to be fair, you didn’t tell him what you were really doing in the forest either. Maybe you’re both hiding something. But he seems courteous enough, and someone who takes care of so many animals can’t be all bad. The man may not be the most pleasant host, but you also don’t feel threatened by him.

“You’re right, I’m sorry. I just wanted to thank you for helping me so much. And for letting me sleep in your only bed. That was very kind of you. You did not have to do that,” you say softly, hoping you can start on a better foot now.

This time his scowl is more of an embarrassed one, and seeing it makes the corners of your mouth twitch in a smile.

“It was no trouble. They did the most, I just stayed away,” he says gruffly, jerking his head in the direction of the animals.

“Oh? Did they also make my breakfast?” you tease. “You must have trained them well; their baking skills are sublime.”

He rolls his eyes at you but doesn’t say anything. The tips of his ears are a little red though.

“What’s your name?” you dare to ask him.

“Pero. Pero Tovar. And what should I call you, lady?” he asks as he finally stands up from his hay bed, coming to stand in front of you.

At that point you’re glad you don’t blurt out you can call me whatever you want to, sir, because the man is huge. Somehow you had not paid attention to his size when he had been sitting on the floor, a little farther from you in the shadows, but now you could well understand why his clothes were so ridiculously big on you.

He’s clearly a lot taller than you, taller than all the men you know, and the breadth of his shoulders is frankly breathtaking.

You somehow manage to stammer out your name, and he nods.

“You can stay here while you recover. Let me know when you are ready to leave,” he says, moving past you, signaling that the conversation was over.

“Thank you,” you squeak out after him.

It’s not that you want to overstay your welcome and seem like you’re using him, but you’re also not keen on leaving just yet. You have no clue as to where you want to go, how to get there, and what to do when you get there. There’s even a tiny voice in your head telling you to go back home and get the marriage thing over with – you certainly wouldn’t be the only woman in history forced to marry a horrible man for monetary gain.

But you tell that voice no. Not after all this. You wouldn’t want to admit defeat and submit to your fate like that. You don’t want to. So, you have no other choice but to just buckle up and move forward. Always move forward. Perhaps your host would be able to at least point you in the direction of the nearest town that isn’t your own, and you’d be able to travel on from there. It would be best if you could lay low for a while though, just to wait for the storm to pass…

You run after him, deciding on the spot to ask him if he would let you stay with him for a few days longer. You could repay and be of use somehow, right?

“Mr. Tovar!”

He freezes, looking over his shoulder at you. “Just Pero,” he says, sounding like he barely even recognizes his own name addressed like that.

“Oh, right, okay, Pero. It’s a great name!” You cringe, horrified at your talent at making conversation with him so far. Why did you blurt it out like that? The man looks even more confused now.

“Ahem. I was just wondering if you would maybe let me enjoy your hospitality a little longer,” you start tentatively. “Just for a few days, until I figure out where to go from here, then I’ll be out of your hair. And I can help around while I stay! I can help feed the animals and whatever else you need. I don’t have much experience, but I’m sure I could be useful!”

His frown is contemplative now, and you think it’s a good sign that he is at least bothering to consider the idea.

“I’ll even sleep in the stable, you can have your bed back,” you finish your speech with a final dash of earnest, pleading eyes.

“No.”

The small flame of hope in your chest dies like someone had just poured a bucket of water on it.

“You will have the bed.”

--------

Pero doesn’t know what made him say that.

Well, that’s not true. He’s fairly certain those beautiful eyes of yours had something to do with it. You looked like you might cry if he didn’t let you stay, and he wouldn’t have known how to deal with that at all. He just knows his friends are having a laugh at his expense behind his back right now.

“Really? You mean it?”

Pero would never admit it, but the smile and relief on your face make him feel all warm inside and solidify his choice.

“My horse wouldn’t want anyone else sleeping in his stall, it is better that way,” he says dismissively.

That is probably true, although it isn’t the whole truth. He has no use for the bed at nights anyway, so you might as well sleep there and stay out of harm’s way at the same time. If he ever sleeps at night it’s curled up on a nice patch of moss somewhere in the forest, but he knew for sure he wouldn’t sleep well until you were safely out of the woods. Until then the short naps in the stable would have to do. He wouldn’t put you at risk by staying here during the nights.

“So, what can I do to help?” you ask, pulling him away from his thoughts.

“I have no use for help,” is his automatic reply, because he has never needed any help and he certainly doesn’t expect his only guest ever to help.

“Please, I’m sure there’s something I could help with! I would feel bad just lying about while you work,” you insist.

“Bueno. I’ll show you how to take care of the chickens. Come.”

--------

The next couple of days pass quickly with you learning how to take care of the animals and the bees and the gardens and vegetable patches and the surrounding forest. In truth, there’s no way you could learn even a fraction of all that in just two days, but a tired Pero lets you follow him around and help wherever he thinks you can be useful. He doesn’t seem to mind that you have no previous knowledge of such labor whatsoever, which you are grateful for. And it’s giving you good experience for when you will try to find work later!

It’s surprisingly enjoyable, helping with all this work around his property. It’s making you feel like you have a purpose, even if it is only in this little bubble in the middle of the woods. You can see that Pero keeps himself busy and doesn’t have many moments of stillness. He feeds the animals, takes care of the gardens, plants new seeds, cooks and bakes for himself (and now you), gathers needed supplies and food from the forest, goes to fetch water, and tons of other things. You don’t know where he learned to do it all, because to you it seems like there is nothing he can’t do.

Somehow two days slip into five, but neither of you say anything about it. Instead, Pero is teaching you how to make bread. He had blushed very endearingly when you had praised the food he makes, especially his bread, and promised he could teach you how to do it, but also insisted that the good flavor came from the ingredients, not his skill.

On the seventh day Pero raises the question of your returning back where you came from. He suggests that he could help you find your way back, trace your steps, and even travel with you some of the way to make sure you don’t get lost again. In a slight panic you beg him to let you stay just a couple more days still. The truth is, you really don’t have a good enough excuse for staying anymore, but you also don’t want to leave. You feel good here. Facing the real world doesn’t sound appealing at all anymore. He acquiesces, but you can tell it’s a little begrudgingly. You feel bad for overstaying your welcome so rudely, but you hope you can repay him.

--------

Pero doesn’t understand why you still want to stay with him. It cannot be the company, so there must be some other reason for you wanting to continue staying here, he thinks.

That night, while you are safely sleeping inside, Pero goes on his usual nighttime patrol. Even though he has had to isolate himself, and he’s sure he would be chased away from every single one of the villages surrounding the forest, he still watches over them, often scaring away robbers and plunderers and the like that creep in the night. He never dares get too close to any human dwellings, though, opting to keep watch on the roads nearby instead. Doing these small deeds to help protect the villagers keeps giving him a sense of purpose. It’s his way of atoning for his past sins – he has hurt people, but now he can maybe save others from getting hurt. The irony of him protecting people from others while also protecting them from himself isn’t lost on him.

Unconsciously, his heavy legs carry him to the place where he found you days ago. He decides that tonight is as good a night as any to check on this part of the forest, and lumbers on, farther away from his own lands.

The night is dark, but in the distance, Pero can see small specks of light. It doesn’t take him long to figure out they are torches, and that there are several, which means there are also several people roaming the forest tonight. A gang of robbers? Mercenaries? Whoever they are, good people don’t usually stomp like that in a forest in the middle of the night – he should know. On top of that, the group is being annoyingly noisy. It sounds like they are purposefully making a racket. Why are they being so loud? What is their business here?

Pero decides to investigate and creeps closer, staying hidden in the shadows as best he can with his massive form. Soon he can make out what they are yelling, and what he hears chills his blood.

Your name. They are shouting your name, clearly looking for you.

Anger fills his body, his temper always so much worse when he’s like this, pulling primal, animal instincts out of him. You have endangered him! All these people are after you, and they could find himwhile they’re looking, and who knows what would happen to him then. He has so carefully stayed away and made his life as good as he can in complete isolation – safe – that he’s not ready to have it ripped away from him.

With the anger boiling his blood, it takes every ounce of self-control to not run straight back to his cabin and throw you out of his home at once. But he cannot, he must wait until morning. It would only make things worse to have you see him like this. He has no idea when he became this sentimental, but somewhere in the back of his mind he recognizes that he would rather not hurt you.

Letting out a furious roar to blow off some steam, he sets off running full pace in the opposite direction, away from the group of people, away from his home. His only glimmer of hope is that the search party could be so frightened at the sound of him that they give up searching for you, thinking that you’ve been eaten by a bear…

Your company had made him forget why he absolutely did not want any visitors. What a fool he has been, forgetting his own rules, thinking he was safe while an outsider lived in his house.

--------

The next day you wake up as usual and go fix yourself a breakfast. The breakfast trays had stopped coming when you were back on your feet, but you didn’t mind that. You’re happy to manage your own meals, enjoying a quiet moment by yourself in the morning before going to wake up Pero in the stall and starting the day’s chores.

Only this morning when you go to the stable, it’s empty. That’s strange. Pero hadn’t said he would be going anywhere last night, but then again, he probably wasn’t used to reporting his comings and goings to another person.

Still, you ask around from the animals if they have seen him but seem to get back a lot of shrugs and shaking heads. You try not to panic but worry still creeps in your heart. You have never been alone here without him, and suddenly it feels like a very different place. His presence fills the whole property in a way that you instantly miss now that he’s not present, doing the chores with you. You try to assure yourself he’ll be back soon – he would have said if he was gone longer, wouldn’t he? Maybe he had just expected you to still be asleep at this time.

By midday, Pero is still nowhere to be seen. It’s getting harder and harder to not worry about him. What if something happened and he’s hurt and alone somewhere in the forest, like you had been? You make a promise to yourself then and there to take his horse and go looking for him if he doesn’t come back very soon.

There’s noise behind you; the goose and sheep both yelling at something. The something turns out to be the man of the house, walking briskly toward you.

“Pero! I’m so relieved to see you! I thought you–.” Your voice dies away when you see the furious expression on his face. He is a veritable mountain of a man, and yet you’ve never seen him anything but gentle – okay, he’s a big grump, but never like this. Now he looks downright scary.

“Wha–"

“You didn’t tell me there were people looking for you,” he growls, and you feel your heart drop through your stomach. “There’s a whole party out there roaming this forest, and they were getting too close to my liking last night. So, you can now go back to them and take them away with you. I don’t want to see anyone around my cabin again.”

You couldn’t find your voice to speak, but Pero barreled on, “You have fooled me into letting you stay, and all this time you were putting me and my friends in danger by being here, leading those people to us. Vete. Never tell them where you were.”

“Pero, please believe me, I didn’t mean to do any of that! I will go, you are right, I have been a burden to you long enough, but I will not go back to those people. You can throw me to the wolves if you wish, but I am not going back there. They are the ones I was running from in the first place!” Your voice is watery, and your chest feels too tight, but you have to make him hear you out.

Pero doesn’t look any less thunderous, but at least he’s letting you talk.

“I’m– I’m sorry I didn’t tell you there would be people looking for me. I was so foolish; I didn’t realize how it could affect you. I promise I never meant to stay this long or come here at all, but I liked it here with you so much I didn’t want to leave! I never meant any harm to you or your friends, I swear,” you finish, needing him to believe you.

Long moments pass without either of you saying anything anymore. After a while you recognize that this is it and leave to pack your few possessions.

Alone in Pero’s bedroom, you let the tears fall. You feel stupid for not realizing hiding something like that would make Pero upset. Can you blame him? You had avoided all his questions about why you had been in the forest and where you came from. He had saved you and let you stay here out of the goodness of his heart, and you had just been selfish, liked the comfortable life. But it wasn’t your life – the whole point of this journey had been to find your own, not crash into somebody else’s.

Feeling like you have taken enough from him already, you don’t dare grab even a loaf of bread for the journey as you leave. Pero is outside the front door, leaning against the wall there with his arms crossed over his wide chest. He doesn’t look at you as you pass him and whisper a small goodbye.

You haven’t taken more than five steps when his gruff voice stops you.

“What were you running from?”

“What?”

“You said you were running from those people who are looking for you. Por qué?”

“Oh, Pero, never mind that now, it’s stup–”

“People don’t run away for stupid reasons.”

You pause. It almost sounds like he’s speaking from experience. Not for the first time you wonder about the story behind his choice to live out here all alone.

“I– Well, other people stay and suck it up. I couldn’t,” you try to explain.

“What do you mean?”

Pero is still looking extremely scowl-y, but at least he doesn’t radiate anger anymore.

“My family was making me marry a horrible, cruel man for money. I knew if I married him, I would be miserable for the rest of my days, living under his thumb, getting my soul crushed every day. The few times I met him it was clear he had no respect for me, or for other people in general. I won’t bore you with the details, but even now I know I made the right choice in leaving. And I know tons of other women live in a situation like that with no chance to change it. But I had a chance and took it.”

“And these people would take you back and force you?” he asks quietly.

“I believe so, yes. I would not want to take the risk of finding out if I’m right,” you answer firmly. “My father would not care, of that I am sure.”

Pero nods but doesn’t say anything else for a moment.

“It is.. dangerous if they come here. I want to keep them as far away from here as possible.”

“I understand, Pero. And I’m really sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.” You know he needs to protect himself – after all, that’s what you were doing as well. “If anything, I am happy you didn’t lead them to me straight away.”

Pero seems to think for a moment.

“What if I took something of yours and placed it far away from here, maybe on the side of a road? A piece of clothing, something they would know is yours. They could follow that false trail and not come back to this direction again.”

You are stunned. “You– You would do that for me? Truly?”

“You are safer that way,” Pero says like it’s no big deal.

--------

Later that night Pero takes a few chunks of fabric torn from your dress to a more distant part of the forest, sprinkling a false trail near a road that leads to the nearest bigger town in hopes of the searchers picking it up and thinking you were still traveling onward. You both reasoned that the searchers would mostly be interested in finding you alive, and that’s why fine combing a whole forest wouldn’t probably be their priority anyway. You were a little upset at basically losing your only dress but agreed with Pero that it was the best course of action.

After that, things settle down to the way they were before, only now the air around you is more relaxed. Pero knows more about you now and subsequently trusts you more, and he can feel himself starting to be quite comfortable around you. You’ve been thanking him over and over for letting you stay, and Pero is very pleased to have been able to help you, but he’s also feeling very conflicted. How long would it take until his secret comes out? It’s getting harder and harder to imagine saying goodbye to you, but he knows that must happen. He hopes you will leave soon to end this storm of emotions swirling inside him – and yet the last thing he wants is to see you go.

The routine continues, with you helping him take care of the animals and the gardens, and him teaching you to cook and mend things. He helps you to tailor some of his clothes to fit you better, since your dress was torn and his clothes are impractically large on you – though he secretly likes seeing you in his tunic, for some weird reason he can’t explain to himself. It makes his heart beat erratically when he sees the long sleeves fall way past your fingers as you wave your arms while talking, or when the fabric slips off your shoulder again, and how you huff in adorable annoyance when that happens.

In your company Pero starts feeling like a normal human again, and he lets himself even joke around you. He’s genuinely having fun with you, in a way he can’t ever remember having, although sometimes it still gets a little overwhelming for him. He’s been alone for so long it takes some adjusting to remember to take you into account in everything. Fortunately, you seem to understand this, and give him a lot of space to be by himself too.

Slowly he adjusts to your small touches, too. He wasn’t foreign to touch, he pets his friends every day, but it felt new to be on the receiving end of such touches from you. It started small with fleeting touches here and there, but with time you held his hand a little longer every time, and he felt all the tension leave his shoulders for those short blissful moments.

Before he knows it, a month has passed since you came to stay with him. He hasn’t kept count of days in a very long time, but since you came, he has. Pero finds himself enjoying your company more and more with each passing day, and it’s all the more painful at night when he’s reminded of what he really is, and why you could never stay – why you would never want to stay.

--------

Life with Pero is better than what you ever imagined you could find for yourself after running away. Much of it has to do with the lovely animals you’ve befriended, and the quiet, simple everyday routines. For someone who had never done any sort of physical labor in your life, you never could have guessed how fulfilling this life feels to you. But the biggest reason for your happiness is, of course, Pero. You enjoy his company, all the things you do together, and especially delight in the playful side of him he sometimes lets out along with his gorgeous dimple. And the care he shows for all living things, not just his own animals, speaks of his kindness and the love hiding under the intimidating exterior. More than a few times you’ve found yourself staring at his capable hands as he works around the yard, brushes the horse, kneads dough… On one warmer day he worked shirtless chopping firewood, and you had to leave to cool down for a couple of hours, because you’re certain the way you wanted to stare at his rippling muscles was in no way polite.

You had never seen or known anyone like him. You hadn’t thought him extraordinarily handsome when you first laid eyes on him, too distracted by everything else going on then, but you definitely noticed now. His ridiculously big and warm brown eyes drew you in, as well as the striking line of his nose, and the plush bottom lip you tried your hardest not to stare at every time he talked. He had even cut his hair some, showing you more of his beautiful face.

The truth is, you’re falling for the gentle giant, and that makes it almost impossible to imagine ever leaving his cabin to go build a life on your own. It would hurt to leave Pero, and you think you’d miss him, and this place, no matter where you’d go. You still try to remind yourself that just because you feel this way, doesn’t mean he does too.

But sometimes you think he might. For all his kindness, you don’t believe he’s letting you stay purely out of the goodness of his heart. You know he enjoys your company too, clear in the way he’s been opening up a little and relaxing around you more. He tells you stories of his past, and your heart feels full imagining Pero running around wild as a young boy. He tells you stories of how he learned so many things, from woodworking skills to new languages, and about the old man who had helped him get supplies when he was setting up the cabin here. It’s clear the man had been a great help to Pero and that it was painful for him to talk about the man who had passed away years ago now, and your heart breaks for him, but you hope to hear more someday.

Pero also does seem to get flustered and surprisingly bashful with you quite often, but you’re not sure if you can take all the credit for that with your gentle teasing – adjusting to company is probably still a lot for him at times.

Still, you feel that you are not completely deluded in thinking he might return your feelings. Daring to trust in that hope, to take the first step, is another issue entirely.

You’ve been gathering courage for a few days now to ask Pero to come join you in the bed at night. Not meaning to pressure him into anything more intimate, but just to get him out of sleeping in the stall with his horse. That cannot be good for his back. Besides, you feel bad for having stolen his only bed all for yourself, when said bed was easily big enough for the both of you to fit comfortably.

Alright, having his presence there would both comfort and exhilarate you a lot, and you wouldn’t mind if something were to happen at some point, but you truly don’t mean to push him to anything more at all. You know it’s not entirely appropriate, but really, who’s going to judge you here.

That evening you approach the subject with him.

“Pero, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Pero grunts, acknowledging you.

“I’ve been thinking… It’s really not fair for me to hog your bed all to myself and make you sleep out in the stable.”

“It is no trouble at all, chula.”

“And you still insist the horse doesn’t want anyone else sleeping in his stall but you?”

“He barely tolerates me,” Pero grumbles, shaking his head, but fondly.

“Right, so it doesn’t make sense for you to sleep there. I’ve been here for so long that I think we should just share the bed,” your voice gets quieter toward the end of your sentence, but Pero still hears you loud and clear. His head whips up from where he was whittling something, and he looks at you with his big brown eyes blown even wider.

“No, not like tha– I didn’t mean– I just meant there’s enough space for both of us,” you finish lamely, extremely flustered.

Pero just keeps staring at you with what you can only describe as a horrified expression on his face.

Well, this wasn’t going as you hoped. You’re mortified now, since Pero probably still thinks you’re propositioning him, and he clearly can’t think of much worse things than sleeping with you.

“No.”

“Come on, Pero, I meant just for sleeping only. It’s not that big of a deal. We don’t have to eve–“

“No. I would never do that,” he insists forcefully.

Your heart plummets in shame.

“Remember to lock the door. Descansa.” And with that Pero promptly marches out of the house without sparing you another glance.

You flinch as the door slams shut. You had honestly thought he might like you back, but clearly you were wrong if he won’t even entertain the notion of sharing the bedroom with you.

A little while later, as you’re trying to fall asleep in the bed that seems larger than ever now, you wrestle with feeling embarrassed, hurt, and guilty. Pero’s dismissal of the idea had been quite callous even for his grumpy self. The look in his eyes had spoken of more than just wanting to be a good, respectful host – he had looked positively disgusted by the thought. That hurt you. But you also realize that you may have pressured him too much. Maybe it’s all too much for him still. Maybe you should apologize?

All the emotional turmoil swirling inside you makes it impossible to fall asleep. You don’t even want to sleep with this between you, you want to talk it out. If Pero can’t bring himself to share with you, you’ll sleep in the stall and make him take the bed, at least for some nights. Besides, you’ve made good friends with the horse in your time here – how could Pero claim the stallion wouldn’t want you there.

Deciding to go find Pero right now, you make your way through the pitch-black darkness of the night to the stable, but he’s not there. Only the horse and everyone else sleeping in their own places like nothing’s amiss. Trying not to let panic take over, you rationalize that if all the animals are sleeping soundly, there is likely no need to worry. Pero probably told them he’d take a little walk to clear off his head after that disaster of a conversation and would be back shortly. You’ve learned not to worry about Pero alone in the forest too much, even at night. He knows these woods better than anyone, especially around his own cabin.

That still doesn’t mean you’ll go back to bed before he comes back. No, you need to see him return to be absolutely sure he is alright, and then you can talk.

After a moment, pacing around the stable gets tiring, so you settle down on a pile of hay in a corner. You’ll just rest here for a bit while you wait. Can’t be too long now.

You wake up hours later to Pero shaking you awake rather forcefully. Before you even get your eyes fully open, you can tell he’s mad. And in a different way than you have ever seen him before.

“What are you doing here?” he hisses, but at the same time lets go of you as if he just realized what he was doing.

Blinking your eyes to adjust to the light coming in through the door, you mumble tiredly, “I came looking for you, but you weren’t here, and I fell asleep waiting.”

“You– you slept here all night?!”

You haven’t heard Pero raise his voice before, but it seems that for some reason he doesn’t have control over his reactions at all right now.

“Yes, but it’s no big deal, I’m fin–“

“I have told you not to wander outside at night, haven’t I?” he growls, pacing around the stable.

You still don’t understand why he’s in such distress about this.

“Yes, but I didn’t wander, I came looking for you!” You’re starting to get a little annoyed now. “I didn’t want to go to bed after I made you upset. Why are you acting like a bear that’s been shot in the ass anyway?”

He stops pacing and glares at you.

“You could have been hurt,” he whispers.

Oh, is that what this is about?

“I’m sure you would have protected me if there had been any danger,” you try to placate him.

“NO, you don’t understand, I could have hurt you!” he yells, seeming beside himself.

“What are you talking about Pero?” You’re completely bewildered now. Hurt you? How? What?

“I can’t protect you from me,” he grits out, and he actually sounds like the mere thought is causing him immense pain.

“I know you wouldn’t hurt me Pero, that’s absurd!”

An impatient grunt. “No lo entiendes… You don’t know the true me, you don’t know what I am.”

“I know the things that matter, I know that you are a good man and that I love y–“

“Don’t. A monster is what I am,” he says weakly.

“That’s not true at all, Pero, I know it isn’t.” Tears swell in your eyes now. “Tell me what’s going on, please. Why are you saying these things?”

He’s quiet for a long time. “If I tell you, you’ll want to leave. It’s why you should leave.”

Your heart is in your throat, but you manage to stutter, “I– I won’t leave, I promise. I want to b-be with you Pero.”

“You shouldn’t. I will only cause you harm.”

--------

It took to hear you begging with tears in your eyes to make him finally relent. He had wanted to put off the inevitable, had wanted to keep his secret for a little while longer and not burst the bubble of happiness he had found with you. He knows he cannot keep you here with him, knows you will leave after you find out what he is despite what you may say now. He had just wanted to keep you looking at him with that joy and caring in your eyes he usually finds there instead of the disgust that will soon take over.

At least his companions have the grace to stay at a respectful distance while he’s about to lose yet another person he.. loves. There’s no denying either of those facts.

Pero sits down on the cool stable floor, not bearing to look at you when he speaks.

“I was cursed when I was barely seventeen. I don’t know how many years ago that was anymore. I had joined a mercenary gang not long before that. Everyone in my family had died by the time I was twelve, and I needed to find work. I had helped around here and there in my village, but I wanted more coin than those jobs could get me. So, I trained to fight, spent time with foreign people in foreign places, and I was finally allowed to join this group for good. It is not a noble profession but selling sword could get you work in many places, and I had nothing to lose.”

He takes a deep breath and continues, deciding to let it all out once and for all. Then it would be done.

“My first job with the gang was to assassinate a witch. A foolish idea, even with a group of seven men, but I was young and wanted to prove myself. I should have realized only an idiot would take on that job.”

“As soon as the witch came face to face with us, she started shouting out spells. The rest of the group abandoned the mission in an instant, running away in every direction. I was the only one standing there when the curse hit, frozen on the spot in terror. What a great warrior,” he chuckles self-deprecatingly.

“She cursed me to turn into a beast every night. During the day, I am mostly a normal human, although the curse made me larger than I was before. But at night I am a.. bear. A big one. When I turn, every sundown, I am still aware of who I am inside on some level. But it is harder. I get.. much more violent and rough. Angry and more impulsive. Wilder. It is difficult to remember my human parts in those moments. That is why I fear I might not be able to protect you from myself,” he admits the last part quietly.

Now whispering through a lump in his throat, he continues, ”When I turned the first time, I became very aggressive, and destroyed the whole camp. I could not control my rage against the people who had left me alone with the witch. Maybe I did not even want to. But afterwards, when I returned to my human body when the sun rose, I saw what I had done and fled. I was so ashamed.”

He takes a few deep breaths before continuing. “I found the most isolated place I could and built my cabin here. I did not want to live near people again. I did not want to cause any more fear and destruction. Even in my human form, they all stare at me. It is better to keep myself hidden and far away. I do not believe there is any cure.”

“But it is not all bad,” he says, the faintest smile curling his lips. “I have my companions, who all know what I am but have stayed with me. They know to stay out of my way when I change, and they help me. They provide for me, as I do for them.”

“Did the witch also give you your scar?” you whisper, and Pero startles – he had almost forgotten you were still listening.

He clears his throat. “No. That was not long after it though. One night I came across another bear. A real bear. And he recognized that I was.. different, so he attacked me. Once he realized I was no match for him, he let me flee without any larger injuries.”

“And– and the transformations? W-what is that like?”

“Painful. It’s sometimes exhausting, and I rarely sleep well as a bear. That is why I sleep long in the mornings.”

For the first time since sitting down Pero dares to glance at you. You’re looking at him with wide eyes, tear tracks down your face, but you seem calm. You’re not running away. Yet?

“Oh, Pero, I am so sorry,” you whisper.

He shrugs, not really knowing what to say now that he’s told all of his life story to you.

Suddenly he feels himself blushing, feeling embarrassed. That was a bit much to unload on you, wasn’t it?

“Perdón. I have– I have not spoken to anyone else in.. in years. About that or anything else. I have had to protect myself, and others from me.” He’s quiet again for a moment. “But now you understand why I said you would not want me if you knew what I really am.”

“Says who?” you ask, shuffling forward on your knees to sit in front of him. “I think I should get to decide for myself if I want you or not.”

Pero frowns at you, a little afraid of what you’ll say next.

--------

“I do want to be with you, Pero, nothing could change that,” you promise. “I think the real question is will you let me? Do you want to be with me too?”

“Pero claro que si,” he says gruffly. “But how can you want a man who cannot even share a bed with you?”

“I’m sure we can share it during the daytime, if we so wish,” you chuckle and wink.

Pero flushes again at your teasing, and it’s honestly so endearing you have to really try to contain your giggles, and instead continue hastily, “Besides, now that I know, I can help you out. Help with the work more, so that you can rest longer in the mornings. I will take care of you, like you have taken care of me.”

“Do– are you sure?”

“I love you, Pero. I don’t ever want to leave, if you will let me stay,” you say, reaching to carefully cup his face in your hand.

He presses his own large palm on top of your hand. “I do not want you to go, chula. Never did. I love you.” His words are quiet, but there’s a conviction behind them. “I promise I will keep you safe.”

“I know you will,” you smile.

Pero is openly staring at you with his large eyes that show every emotion – mainly a disbelieving adoration that warms your heart and soul.

You lean in closer to press soft but determined kisses on his forehead, nose, and cheeks, hoping that he will soon get used to you showering him with love. Pero has his eyes closed and his breathing is stunted, like he’s nervous. You are too, and yet somehow it also feels very easy now. When you finally make your way to his mouth, you press only a soft, sweet kiss on his plush lips. The kiss is unhurried and explorative, but also quite clumsy – neither of you have much experience in this matter. That’s alright though, you can take your time and figure it out together.

--------

For the two of you, life continues as normally as it ever is in the secluded cabin, happy and content, taking care of your animal friends and baking and tending the gardens. In time your bear-man even lets you see him as the bear for longer than just a quick flash from a distance, as he learns to be calm in your presence. After some time, on cold winter nights you sleep warm and cuddly with your big bear who is only gentle for you.

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tagsies: @writeforfandoms @starlightmornings @niki-xie @salome-c @littlemisspascal @deadhumourist @thepoisonofgod @leslie-lyman @hopeamarsu @a-reader-and-a-writer

#pero tovar x reader #pero tovar x you #pero tovar fanfiction #pero tovar #the great wall #pero tovar x f!reader

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nashibirne · 3 years

Text

Gimme Shelter - 5

Here comes chapter 5. Expect a little romance and fluff! Our protagonists even start to flirt 😏 I hope you enjoy the next part of their story! If so, please let me know and leave a comment, like or reblog. Thanks 💜

You can find parts 1 - 4 and my other fics on my masterlist

Pairing: Henry Cavill x OFC (Kat Spencer)

Words: ~3.3k

Summary: Henry has to deal with a personal crisis and he finds shelter with his old rugby mate Sam and his sister Kat. She used to be Henry’s best friend a very long time ago. Will they be able to become friends again or maybe even more?

Chapter 5: A walk on the coast path, a flirt and a sweet encounter

Warnings: RPF, mention of mental health issues

Unbeta'ed. English isn't my first language. Mistakes ahead and they're all mine.

Disclaimer: I don’t know the real Henry Cavill or anyone who's related to him in any way, this is pure fiction and nothing more

Credits: Pics for the moodboard from Pinterest. Face claims: Kat = Jennifer Connelly

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @artandotherdelights @notabronte @littlefreya @luclittlepond @eldarwen333 @meowpurrbooks @marantha @fadingkittenfun @liliumdream @enchantedbytomandhenry @greensleeves888 @witcherfan @margauxmargaux07 @radaofrivia @m07belzen

Ready? Let's go.

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Over the next few days Kat and Henry got closer and closer. They had long conversations almost every day that were so very helpful for both of them and they felt that the bond between them, this strong connection they had all these years ago and that had been cut off so abruptly, was rebuilding slowly. It was almost like back in the days. Kat and Henry against the rest of the world.

Kat helped Henry to sort out his thoughts, to make decisions and plans without taking responsibility away from him. She didn't make it easy for him by taking over control or telling him what to do. All she did was listen, sharing her view on things and giving him advice and she did it in a way that made it easy for Henry to see where he wanted to go with his life in the future. She didn't judge, she didn't criticize, she just gave him her opinion and support and that was all he was asking for.

On day 8 after the treehouse talk Henry was brooding over a text he wanted to publish. A statement for his fans, the media, the public in general but it wasn't so easy to get the tone right and to explain enough to make his latest actions relatable without giving up too much of his privacy. He closed his laptop with a sigh and rubbed his tired eyes when it knocked on the door.

"Come in." he said, hoping it was Kat and his wish came true.

"Hey." Kat greeted him with a bright smile and joined him at the kitchen table. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing." He shook his head. "I'm not very productive today."

"So maybe you need a distraction? What about a walk on the coast path? The weather is lovely and I'm really in need of some fresh air. Wanna join me?"

Kat flinched when Mr. Darcy jumped onto her lap out of the blue. "Heavens, Darce...you're gonna give me a heart attack one day." The cat ignored her fond scolding and curled up into a ball on her thighs, clearly demanding a bit of tender loving care that she gave him with an amused smile. "I haven't seen him downstairs in days."

"Cat got your tongue?" Kat stood up with a smirk and Henry was sure she was swaying her hips more than usual when she went to the door. "Come on, Cavill. Let's go."

Henry chuckled. "Yeah, it seems he's moved in with us. He sleeps with Kal in my bed every night. I think he's in love." Kat grinned. "Well, I can't blame him. Who wouldn't fall in love with a smart, sexy hunk and his furry companion." She gave him a flirtatious wink and now Henry was the one feeling like having a heart attack.

This was new. She'd never flirted with him before. All their banter was of friendly nature, sarcastic and funny but not flirty. He wanted to give her a witty answer, make a sexy remark but his mind went blank. All he was able to think about was how badly he wanted to touch and kiss her and so he opened his mouth but not a single word came out.

Kat's heart was racing when they left the house and walked down the road that led to the coast path side by side. It was obvious that her cheeky remark had caught him off guard but she wasn't sure if he considered her move good or bad. It had taken all her courage to try and flirt with him and his reaction left her a little clueless. It was not like she didn't know how to flirt. She did and she loved a sexy flirtatious banter. She wasn't shy and she also was aware of the fact that she was attractive but when it came to Henry everything was different. She turned into an insecure teenager again, helplessly in love and completely confused.

Just don't make the same mistakes again. Her thoughts wandered back to the night she'd spend with Eli after the city festival. When she went home with him she wanted to have sex with him, she really did but it didn't work. Whenever she closed her eyes and kissed him she saw Henry and the way he had looked at her when they were dancing slowly. Elijah soon noticed that something was off and he connected the dots quickly. He was very sweet and instead of being pissed he made coffee and they sat down and talked. Kat told him about her and Henry, all about their past, about Poppy, the heartbreak, her feelings for him, just everything. When she was finished Eli gave her a grin. "Well, I've been dumped for worse guys than Henry Cavill. I mean, even I wouldn't say no to him and I'm straight as fuck."

Kat chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Thank you for your understanding. I just don't know how to deal with my feelings. I don't even understand the nature of these feelings."

"The nature? You're falling for him again. And judging by the way he looked at you and the death stares he was giving me all night, I'd say he feels the same way." Eli shrugged as if it was as clear as day. "And you should really grasp at that second chance."

Kat sighed. "I don't know. What if he hurts me again?"

"You're not sixteen anymore. I'm sure he's learned his lesson and so have you. Just don't fuck it up this time, Kat."

"Excuse me? I didn't fuck it up back then." She looked at him flabbergasted.

"Come on, you know what I mean. Just don't make the same mistakes again." Eli took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Yeah, he was a total ass and treated you badly. He lied to you. I get that. But you never gave him a hint that you have feelings for him. You took him for granted, Kat. You thought he'd always be there for you exclusively, that you are the only girl in his life and that you could afford to keep him in the dark about your feelings. You had this romantic idea in your head. You and him, the ball, the romance, a dance, a kiss, a confession but you never even considered that he liked you too but moved on because you'd friendzoned him. Truth is you didn't dare to tell him that you're in love with him and it backfired and hit you hard."

Kat started to chew on her lip. "Yeah. Maybe you're right."

"And if I may add one thing. You're 38. You're beautiful and smart but you're still single. You said it yourself, none of the men you meet can live up to your expectations. You've never met 'the one'. What if Henry's been the one for you all along?"

And that was the question that was running around in her mind ever since Elijah had posed it. Was it possible? Was Henry the one for her?

"This way?" Henry's voice interrupted her thoughts. He pointed at a path that turned off to the left. "Yes." Kat smiled at him sheepishly and Henry gave her a funny look. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I was just lost in thought. Sorry."

"Thinking about hot hunks, huh?" He smirked and it was ridiculously sexy. Kat's heart jumped with joy when she realized that he was flirting back.

"More about their cute companions." Kat laughed out loud with relief and joy. "Come on, Kal." She clapped her hands and started to run down the path, the American Akita following close behind, wagging his tale with excitement. She looked back over her shoulder with a grin. "What are you waiting for, Hen. Are you afraid you can't keep up with me?"

"Don't try me." Henry laughed and ran after her, chasing her down the path, playfully imitating a roaring bear. Kat was surprisingly fast and he indeed had problems keeping up with her. He wasn't a sprinter, his body wasn't really made for running though he did it for cardio regularly. So he had stamina but he wasn't very fast. Kat on the other hand was agile and quick and she took the rocky path effortlessly, it was a treat for the eyes. He knew she liked trail running and her smooth motions showed him that she did this often. When he finally caught up with her she flashed him a smile and slowed down. They came to a halt, both panting and laughing at the same time. "We better walk now. I'm too old for running away from a man as fit as you." Kat bent her upper body down and supported herself with her hands on her knees. Henry grinned. "You're way too fast for me. You ran like a bat out of hell."

They both burst out laughing again for no real reason and it felt so good to be childish and just a little silly. Henry was so comfortable, so much like himself, when he was with her it made him feel whole again. She was the antidepressant he really needed.

"What about some climbing instead of running?"

"Climbing? Jesus, Kat, are you trying to wear me out?"

"Well, it's not really climbing. The trail is just a little rockier and steeper than the regular one." Kat pointed at a path that was overgrown and led upwards to what seemed to be a cliff.

"What's up there? A make-out spot?" He asked, grinning cheekily.

"Dream on." Kat raised an eyebrow and her smile was sexy and amused at the same time. "Just an amazing view on the bay from the top of the cliff."

"It's closed off." Henry looked at the chain that blocked the trail with a frown.

"Yes...but we can take it anyway. That's not a problem."

"The sign says 'no trespassing', Kat."

She sighed. "I know but this is more for the tourists. There have been some minor accidents. Someone broke his leg or something. So they closed it off...insurance stuff and such...you know how it is. It's nothing, I've been there many times."

Henry still wasn't convinced. "It can still be dangerous and what if we get caught?"

"Sorry." She mumbled avoiding his gaze.

Kat laughed. "No risk, no fun. Come on now, Pop." She froze before she blushed furiously.

"Pop, huh?" Henry's lips turned up into a mocking grin. Pop had been her nickname for him at school. Whenever he'd tried to tell her what to do or to keep her from doing things he considered too dangerous or simply inappropriate she had teased him with this name to make clear that he sounded like her father. And so he became Pop just like she became Kitty.

"No worries, Kat. I like the sound of it. Actually I get called daddy a lot these days." Her eyes met his and he wiggled his eyebrows with a teasing smirk. Kat's confidence was back and she gave him a lopsided grin and a wink before she climbed over the chain. "Well, I guess I better behave then...daddy."

20 minutes later they were sitting side by side on top of the cliff, Kal lying at Henry's feet and Kat hadn't promised too much. The view was spectacular. "That's fantastic, Kat."

"Yeah. It never ceases to amaze me, every time I come here, again and again."

They sat there in comfortable silence for a while, staring at the ocean. Kat's legs touched his and the physical closeness awoke the butterflies inside of him. He turned to her, admiring her pretty face. "Thanks for taking me here." She looked at him with a smile. "I knew you'd love it. I've been here many times thinking of you, wishing you were with me, like you're with me now." Her voice got weaker with every word and she bit her lip, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

Henry's heart started to race when he realized what her words meant. She had never stopped thinking about him just like he had never been able to forget her. He took her hand and pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles. She let it happen, she even closed her eyes. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than by your side, Kitty." He knew it was a bold move to call her that after her reaction the other day but she didn't seem to mind. "That's good to know, Pop."

She opened her eyes again and they shared a shy smile. Henry didn't let go of her hand, he even started to stroke it with his thumb tenderly. Kat's gaze fell on his lips and they both leaned in slowly. Their lips were just about to meet in a tender kiss when they heard suppressed giggles from behind. They turned around and saw two girls who were standing behind a rock, watching them. They were nine maybe ten years old and really cute. "Hey, you nosy little rascals. Are you observing us?" Henry scolded them playfully, laughing out loud and Kat couldn't help but join in.

"What about your dog? Don't you go to work?" Nelly asked.

"We were observing your dog. It looks like a bear." The taller girl said with a confident smile. She had beautiful, thick, red hair and reminded Kat very much of Anne Shirley from 'Anne with an E'. "What's your name?" she asked. "I'm Nelly and this is my bestie Laura." The other girl giggled again and waved at them but she didn't say a word. "Would you want to pet my dog? His name is Kal." Henry gave them an encouraging smile and they nodded eagerly. "Come on, Kal. Meet Nelly and Laura." Kal got up and greeted the girls like the friendly dog he just was and they kneeled down to stroke his soft fur.

"I want a dog too, but my parents say no." Laura said and she pouted her lips. "I'm sure they have good reasons." Henry explained. "A dog requires a lot of time." "Yeah. That's what my parents say. They don't have time for a dog because they both have to work." She rolled her big brown eyes, never stopping to pet Kal who enjoyed the love he received.

"Your parents are very reasonable . You wouldn't want your dog to be sad, would you?" "No." She shook her head vehemently. "Of course not." "See, but dogs are sad when they have to be alone all day." She nodded and sighed. "Oh, okay."

"I'm lucky. I can take Kal with me when I work." Henry gave her a bright smile but she seemed sceptical. "Really? Must be a very strange job, when you can bring your dog."

"It is a strange job, you're right, Nelly, but I love it anyway." And for the first time in months, he felt it. He loved his job and he was a lucky man.

After the sweet encounter with Nelly and Laura the intimate moment was ruined and the sexual tension was gone but Kat and Henry were still in a good mood and they went back home chatting lightheartedly.

"You were great with the girls. Did you never think about having kids?"

Henry gave Kat a surprised look.

"Of course I did. I'd love to have a bunch of children but I guess I'd need a woman first."

"I don't think there's a lack of women in your life."

"No, of course not. There were many of them but never the one to start a family with."

Now it was Kat who was surprised. "You have never been in a serious relationship? Never made plans to settle down? I'm sorry if this a stupid question but I've always avoided reading about your private life in the media…"

"It's not stupid at all. What you can read about my private life is mostly bullshit anyway." Henry let out a snort. "But no, I've never been really serious with a woman. I was engaged once but that was a very stupid idea. I was young and foolish…"

"But why? I mean, you're perfect husband material."

"Yeah, for gold diggers and attention whores." He rolled his eyes. "I don't know, it's always the same. I meet a woman, I fall fast and hard and after a few weeks I wake up from this romantic vision I had of her and me and there's nothing left...I lose interest or she gets bored with me and that's it. It has always been like this. I'm just not able to find a woman that completes me." He shrugged. "What about you? Why are you still single?"

Kat took a deep breath. "Pretty much the same actually. There have been a few men, short relationships, but it never lasted. All of them tried to turn me into something I'm not. A trophy wife, a housewife, a mistress…but none of them could make me feel at home with them."

"They must have been idiots. Why would anybody try to change you. You're great the way you are." Henry said, shaking his head in disbelief. "What about Jim?"

Kat smiled. "Jim was indeed different. We had a great time but after four years we grew apart. I was so young, 23, I wanted to travel, to see the world, he was 30 and wanted to settle down and start a family. That's why we broke up and it was the right thing to do. We're still friends and he has a great family now."

"Seems we were right when we were moping teenagers and said we're never going to find true and everlasting love. Do you remember? Kitty and Pop..the lonely heart club?"

"Of course. All these sad poems we wrote and you were so great at reciting them." Kat laughed softly at the memory. "God, we were so pathetic with our self-pity."

"Yeah, we were. But eventually you fell for Aaron."

"Love is a big word for what Poppy and I had in those 6 months we were together." Henry looked at his hands, his fingers were fumbling with the ring on his pinky. Guilt washed over him whenever he talked about Poppy in Kat's presence. "I guess I didn't even know what love is when I was with her. Maybe I still don't."

Kat cocked her head looking at him. Yes, after you broke my heart, was what she was thinking. "I did. He was my byronic hero. He saved me..." was what she was saying. "And you loved Poppy."

"You must have loved your girlfriends."

Henry shrugged. "I have but...I don't know…"

"You loved them and at the same time you knew they weren't the one. Something was always missing…."

Kat spoke out what he was thinking but couldn't express.

He looked at her, nodding his head. "Exactly."

"Yeah. Same here. Aren't we the lucky ones?" Kat gave him a sarcastic grin. "We should resurrect the lonely hearts club."

The way she tried to shrug off the topic all of the sudden showed him that it had gotten under her skin. Deep. He smirked and gave her a wink. "Count me in."

Kat looked at him with a frown. "Really? I was actually joking."

"Why not. Could be fun to take a stroll down memory lane."

"You're right. Let's do it. First meeting on Saturday night? At the woodhouse?"

"Sounds like a plan. I better start searching the internet for some sad, dramatic poems."

"And I'm going to compile a playlist."

"Deal." Henry offered Kat his hand for a handshake and she took it grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Deal."

❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇❇

tbc

#henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill #cavillry #henry cavill fandom #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill x ofc #henry cavill rpf #rpf #henry cavill slow burn #slow burn fic

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kuronanox · 3 years

Text

I can’t let go-Nozel

(Authors note: This may be angst or maybe not haha I've been in the mood! Also I've been a huge ass simp for Fuegoleon and Nozel! Help I can't like them both)

"I can't stand the sight of commoners talking to royals like it's their business." Nozel sneers in disgust as him, Fuegoleon and (Your Name) stood all side by side and watched the party go on in the ballroom.

"I'm basically a commoner!" (Your Name) tells Nozel with a grin as he rolled his eyes. She wore a regal dark green dress and her hair was curled elegantly. The shining gold around her neck and ears. She was definitely royalty to him.

"Adopted into royalty." He said in a matter of fact. "So it makes you royal." He adds ignoring the way she looked at him with amusement.

"You just won't admit you like a good for nothing commoner like me!" She stuck her tongue out and joined some of them into the dance floor.

"Always so harsh on your words." Fuegoleon chuckles as he watches the young teenage girl dance with some squad members.

Nozel shrugs as his braid moved along side with it. The two teens watched for a moment of silence before Fuegoleon broke the silence.

"I've been meaning to tell her about my feelings."

Nozel froze in his spot, his rival was interested in (Your Name). "Why does that matter to me." He plays it off and knits his brows growing bitter after each minute passes.

"I was just going to ask how you felt since she is technically a commoner... not that it matters to me." Fuegoleon adds with a smile of warmth staring at her as she smiled back at him with a grin and she slightly lost balanced but laughed it off.

Nozel felt jealous of how fond they were together. "I don't care what you do in your love life. It doesn't concern me."

Nozel was staring into space as he heard a knock on his office door. "Come in."

"Im sorry I needed advice." The Crimson Lion Captain says in a rush as he took a seat across from the desk. Fuegoleon looked as if he was sweating a ton and he didn't sleep that night.

"What is it?" Nozel sighs and signs off some papers he still hadn't finished.

"(Your Name) is back and I don't know what to do! I mean we've been together since we were 18 but I want to celebrate it! She's coming home after so many years!"

Nozel clutched his knees a bit and let go before rolling his eyes. "She should stay in that nonsense village and go live with those commoners she helps all the time." He adds with malice and a coldness that lingered in his heart.

Fuegoleon was silent before taking his leave. "I don't know why you are so bitter about her? Has she done you wrong in some way?"

"No." Nozel states and looks back up to his rival. "Many has done me wrong but I won't say to what it is... Now! I have a lot of paper work so if you wish to talk more nonsense to me I suggest to go to someone else."

"Well ...you are always welcome to visit her when she gets back." Fuegoleon invites Nozel before taking a leave.

"Nozel! Guess what?!" She cheerfully says to him as they walked around the kingdom doing small task for their captains.

"What is it?"

"Me and Fuegoleon are dating!"

He doesn't say a word and continues to walk, what could he say? Congratulations? I'm so happy for you? No he couldn't because that's not how he felt. As much as he despite the relationship he could never stoop so low to tell her how he felt now. It was to late.

"Are you happy?"

"Always!"

(Your Name) smelt the air of the Clover Kingdom and sighed in happiness. She was glad to be home again after being away for so long. After helping the less unfortunate and other villages she decided it was time to head home and be with the ones she loved.

Walking into the entrance of the the Crimson Lion base she spotted her favorite person in the world waiting with open arms.

She grinned as Fuegoleon looked back at her with longing eyes. She dropped her bags running towards his embrace. "I've missed you." (Your Name) whispers into his neck as he kissed her head. "I've missed you too love."

"It's been to long, I can't believe we lasted this long." She exclaimed as he picked up her bags from the floor. "I never doubted us." He tells her with a wink as they walked linked together into the base.

"(Your Name)!" Leopold yells running towards her with full speed and gives her a bear hug. She laughs and hugs the boy back. "You've grown little one!"

"Of course! I can't wait to show you how strong I've been!"

"I can't wait!" She says to him as he jumps excitingly like a little kid again. "Where's Mereoleona?" She adds.

"She wanted to come see you but you know she's doing Mereoleona things right now." Fuegoleon says slyly as they settled in.

Nozel frowned as he looked up to the Crimson Lion base. He really didn't want to see them together being all lovely dovey yet he missed her dearly. He was cold to her at times but he didn't know how to show he cared.

He wasn't surprised to see there was a spot saved for him at the table. They were close friends for a long time till she left to help the villages.

"Nozel!" She yells with excitement in her eyes as she rushed towards him and gave him a big hug. "I didn't know if you would show up!"

"Of course, I had to see this stupid girl after so many years away." He warmly smiled at her as she held his hands and grinned before showing him to his spot.

"I'm glad you came. She was asking for you." Fuegoleon tells Nozel with a happy smile. It was as if they were teenagers again.

"She really asked for me." He thought sadly with a warm feeling.

"I wrote letters but you never got back to me." She says as the banquet continued.

He hesitantly tried to say something before he made up a lie quickly. "I'm sorry, I don't think I ever got them."

It happened at the young age of 24 Nozel was starting to get tired of his endless emotions he felt for (Your Name). He was on a night walk to clear his thoughts when he heard familiar giggles from ahead of him.

"Stop! Someone might see us!" She tells Fuegoleon as he shakes his head, chuckles and grabs her waist to pull her closer. "Shh no one will, stop screaming then." He says as she gives him a small smirk.

"I didn't think Mr.Serious could loosen up a bit."

"Stop teasing." He blushes and kisses her cheek.

Nozel was fuming with anger as he watched the two interrupt his thoughts. He wanted to escape the two only to find them acting like children.

"Let's go home and finish this then." She tells Fuegoleon and he pouts a bit wanting to see the beautiful sky that night. Ignoring her statement he pulls her into a passionate kiss to which she returns before he nods and guides her back.

"Insufferable." Nozel says bitterly as he makes way back home with a heavy heart.

"Are you okay? You've been tightly holding your fork for a while." She calmly guides him back to reality. Nozel clears his throat and continues to eat. "I'm fine, I was just thinking about a new method to train my squad."

"Well me and Fuegoleon have exciting news! We might be trying for some kids now!"

"I get Nieces and Nephews! Woohoo I'm going to be the coolest uncle!" Leopold cheers as some fire comes off of him from excitement. "How many how many?!" He begged to know.

"As much as (Your Name) will let me have." Fuegoleon respectfully says giving her hand a light squeeze as she returned the favor.

Nozel stayed silent the whole time trying hard to be happy but nothing was working. "I just forgot I have to be up early tomorrow, I will take my leave. I give you my early congratulations." He says and walks off.

"I'll see you off." Fuegoleon says and walks side by side with Nozel. There was silence between the two and it was getting uncomfortable for the both of them to break it. "Why did you lie to her?"

"I didn't lie." Nozel grits his teeth and looks forward.

"I saw her letters on your desk before."

"Why do you care so much. We are adults now, I chose who I wish to contact." Nozel says sighing in expiratation.

"I only wish you told me how you felt about her before we got together." The older man says with guilty eyes. "I would never wish you pain even though you are my rival."

"I know you knew, I didn't think you'd bring it up."

Fuegoleon stops walking ahead and watches as Nozel silhouette disappears through the night. He truly never meant to hurt his friend and companion.

Dear Nozel,

It's been so long, I'm not sure if you have gotten my letters but I reassure you that when I get back things will go back to as when we were kids! I can't wait to go on adventures with everyone again unless I plan other things back home. The village side is beautiful, I only wished you could see it too. The grass is so green and the air is so fresh compared to the kingdom. I hope you've found someone by now, a girl that can handle that attitude of yours! Hmph I know you will make her the happiest she's ever been. Over protective, cold but caring and kind. The greatest treasure someone could have would be you Nozel. Lighten up a bit and let go. I'll see you soon.

Nozel sits on his desk reading all the letter she's ever sent him and sorrowfully burns them in his fire place. Her heart was too connected to another to see how much Nozel wanted her.

Maybe he could find someone, but you don't find love you just fall into it.

(Authors note: Angst? Also please leave some characters you would like me to write!)

#black clover #black clover oneshots #black clover x reader #nozel x reader #black clover nozel #nozel silva #black clover fuegoleon #fuegoleon vermillion #black clover imagines #yuki tabata

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random-blfan · 3 years

Text

Alsar 65: I'm Holding my Stomach

"Then, is this design okay?" (It’s a bit more like “Can you do this design?” )

"Oh, leave it to me! I'd like to change some things, so please drop by sometime."

The carpenter who was introduced by Ally-san seems to be a designer too, and when he told us what he wanted, he took notes and asked questions such as "What do you want to do here?" And "How many children's rooms do you want?" In regard to the arrangement of the rooms.

Thanks to that, I had lunch on the way, but today the rough floor plan was decided and we were also able to finish the draft up to the last detail.

"Then please!"

"Thank you"

"We’ll be back in a couple of days."

The carpenter sent us off and we left the store.

Now Fer-san is holding my left hand and Chris-san and Sig-san walk behind us while talking.

I’ve been thinking, when did it become a rule to always hold hands with at least one person?

They normally hold my hand and I don’t say anything and there’s no opportunity to refuse, well it's not like I hate it so it’s fine but…

"I didn't expect that it would take this long. It's already evening, so let's go home,okay?"

"Yes, but are children’s rooms that necessary ...?"

As I walked home, I looked up and listened to Fer-san, who said with a smiling face.

Children's rooms, 5 rooms ...

Me bearing that many children! ?? Is what I thought, though I was told that wasn’t a problem.

In the first place, it feels strange to talk about children even though we really haven’t talked about it in depth...

"Well, even if you don't give birth to that many,a storeroom would be useful, right? If you give birth to five children, we’ll be able to raise them, so don't worry?"

"Hmm ... that's right ... and the servant's room ..."

I was told it would be a good idea for there to be an extra room, and it was incorporated into the floor plan.

"Ren-chan isn't going to quit being an adventurer, right? Then you have to have a room for the person who will take care of the kids while you're away? It's essential for an adventurer with all your companions, so even if it’s small it’s necessary "

"Well, I understand that but ... I didn’t grow up in that kind of environment, so it feels strange ..."

I’ve been through a lot to become an adventurer, so I want to continue after getting married, I was told that if I couldn’t look after my child then there should be a room for a babysitter. I feel torn.

When I heard that, I thought I should quit being an adventurer for a while, but as a support magician who can support three people, I should be able to reduce the risk of injury and death by doing subjugations together, so I want to continue. So I agreed to make a servant room.

Malik would think! I don't feel like saying that …( I really didn’t get this one not even when my friend explained to me, but Ren is worried about Malik’s opinion on the matter it seems)

"Oh, I will move to that house two days after tomorrow, but I have some furniture, so I wonder if I can leave it as it is? I still don't know if it will fit the new house even if I buy some."

"Ah, but why not just renew the bed in the master bedroom? I think the bed there is too small for us and Ren-kun."

"When you say that, it's certainly impossible for four people. Okay, let’s go to the furniture store tomorrow?"

"It should be as big as possible, right?"

When the three of them talk, it becomes a conversation above me and it is difficult to get into it, so I usually just listen to it.

If there is no particular problem, I won’t try to interrupt them

Besides, they talk to me properly, and even now, Fer-san's is still holding my hand, so I don't feel like I'm out of the group, and it's fun to see the three of them having fun.

"Oh, I can see Malik's house. Today I have to give Ren-kun back to Malik."

"Is Malik already at home?"

"Well ... today his shift should end by evening, so I think it's about time for him to come back."

Yeah, I’m sure.

I have a table with his shifts because the shift changes every month, but I can't confirm it because I keep it at home.

"Let's say hello. He let you stay yesterday ..."

"Really? You think it wasn’t a problem letting cute Ren stay with you?"

"Fugu !?"

"Wow !? Malik-san!? Sig-san is falling! Please let go!"

I think it happened while Sig-san said that, pointing at the house, from behind, a hand extended to Sig-san's solid neck and wrapped around it as if squeezing.

I didn't notice him, but it seems that Malik-san is strangling Sig-san with all his might.

I ask him to let go immediately!

"Oh, I can't help it if it’s Ren's request. Fine."

"Goho ... haha ... Mari ... ku-san ..."

"Sig-san, are you okay !? Doesn’t your neck hurt? If it hurts should I use 「Heal」? "

Malik-san relaxed his grip and released Sig-san with a look that as if he couldn't help it.

I hurriedly approached Sig-san who was coughing violently while kneeling in place.He shook his head so it seems there’s no pain.

"It's okay. I wouldn't be as careless as to hurt him .... Anyway, you guys come in, also there’s something I need to say to Chris, okay?"

Malik-san, who is quietly angry and looks unpleasantly sullen, says to the three of them, but why does he want to talk to Chris-san?

But ... before that ...!

"Malik-san? Please apologize to Sig-san? It may have been bad to stay without permission, but it's terrible to go for his vulnerable neck from behind, understand?"

"Ah…"

It was fine because Sig-san has training, but an ordinary person would have been strangled in the blink of an eye, why did he strangle him anyway!

When I got angry with that in mind, my pout turned into a troubled expression, and I was scratching my head. ( My friend told me that while the “scratching my head” here can literally just be that it’s also used when someone is embarrassed or suffering)

"If you don't apologize, I won't make lunch for a while!"

"What!? ... I'm sorry."

"No…" (This no is more like “it’s fine...”)

This is the only way I can express my anger, so when I declared that, Malik-san made a terribly surprised face and immediately apologized. I reach my hand out to Sig-san who is crouching to help him stand up. (しゃがみ込む = to squat; to crouch down completely generally with face looking through knees)

It seems he really said "I look forward to Ren’s bento everyday" before.

"Hmm ... I'm home for now let’s go in ..."

Malik goes into the house while sighing so those three follow suit.

"Well, sit down"

As we enter the living room, we are asked to sit on the rug, so we do so obediently.

"Malik-san, yesterday I suddenly stayed somewhere else, I’m sorry ... were you angry because of that ...?"

"Ah ... well, Ren is an adult too? So it 's fine. The problem is Chris. If you want to contact me, please contact me directly.Because I wasn’t there at that time I was ridiculed as I had to rely on Hugo to pass the message !? "

"Eh…?"

He isn’t angry because of the overnight stay?

Eh, Chris-san, didn’t you contact him directly! ??

Thinking so, I look at Chris-san who is sitting next to me looking at Malik-san as if nothing happened.

"Eh ~? Malik wasn't there, but if you got home, wouldn't you be surprised if Ren wasn't there, I thought you would worry, so I asked them to pass on the message ~? Are you angry? "

It doesn't sound like Chris-san's way of speaking ...

Well, if he wasn't there at that time, it can’t be helped but ... What does he mean by ridicule?

"... Ku. That's right. You're not in the wrong. The problem is Hugo."

"Right?"

"I don't care about perfection ...? ...? He didn’t deserve to be strangled ..."

It seems that Malik-san admitted that Chris wasn't in the wrong, dropping his shoulders.

And poor Sig-san (愁傷様です=しゅうしょう = shuushou, my friend explained to me that this expression is used to when someone dies or the situation is just to pitiful)

"Hmm ... I can make tea. Malik-san hasn't eaten yet, right? I'll make something, so you three eat too and then please go home."

"Oh, yes"

Apparently that was all, so I decided to make dinner after brewing tea.

There should be various ingredients in the refrigerator, so I wonder if I should look inside and decide on the menu.

"Yes. Today is a simple grated pork rice bowl, miso soup, and salad."

"" "Itadakimasu" ""

Everyone seemed to like what I made and ate quickly.

The grated pork bowl is made by dropping daikon radish on top of boiled and sliced meat then adding seasonings such as soy sauce and lemon juice. It's a solid but refreshing taste, so it's perfect for hot summers. When I was in Japan, I used to make it in the summer.

"As expected, Ren's food is delicious .... Oh, that's right. You guys, do you intend to not take quests for a while? "

"It's really delicious, isn't it? I intend to accept something once I've moved to my temporary residence ..."

Malik-san, who was eating ravenously, says as he remembered.

The three of them said we’d look for a house and wouldn’t take quests for a week.

I wonder… if there’s something good to accept.

However, since I became B rank, it is one rank up and down.

In other words, it seems that you can only receive quests from A rank to C rank,I can't take the F rank Lulu leaf collection quest anymore.

"That’s good then, some quests arrived that only you can take, 3 solo quests and one for a party, If you can, why don't you take them? "

"We still have a month before we go to the royal capital .... I'll decide after returning to the guild and checking the contents of the quest. Can Ren do the party quest too?"

"Ah, yes"

Sig-san answers, mhh but a party quest...

What is it like?

Are solo quests impossible for me

I’ll have to go to the guild and take a look tomorrow...

The three returned to the guild after getting permission to stay when Malik-san isn’t at night.

TN: Poor Sig...

Ahh It's here ＼(￣▽￣)／ I actually finished translating yesterday at like 5 AM (Because who needs sleep… ) but I was waiting for my friend to reply to my messages and it’s hard because of the time difference.

The previous translator liked to put food pictures whenever Ren cooked and as a foodie and someone who loves cooking, I really liked that so I decided to do it too!

I hope you liked it, I really like translating and it is fun also I learn so many new things.

Take care and if you see typos, grammar errors or whatever feel free to tell me, I want to do my best but English isn’t my first language and I’m still learning japanese.

#Alsar translation #alsar #Alsar c65

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callmeunstable · 4 years

Text

Angels & Demons - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Characters: Reader, Godling, Savilla, Jaskier

Summary: After finding a friendin Jaskier their friendship get tested. Unsure of the danger ahead Alva tries her best to live in the village.

Warnings: Cursing, Blood, Death

Words: 2.000+

A/N: Hey! This is the fourth part of my fic. It took really long this time due to personal problems. I’m sorry but it probably will happen again. Thank you for you patience and enjoy!

Disclaimer: GIF’s and PNG’s are taken from Tumblr and are not mine! Credits to the creators!

Tags: @marvelbrat @charliestuff

Song:

“Did ya hear the rumors?”

“The folks are saying the Nilfgaards want to overrule Cintra.”

“That’s never been a secret, mate. Cintra will fall and we all know that.”

“Got to hell. Our Lioness is strong. Don’t ya ever doubt her skill.”

These were the latest accusations browsing around the village. Cintra, the kingdom Alva was currently staying, was about to fall. The men were right when they're saying that. Even Savilla was under tension these days. She said they could arrive any day by now.

The Lioness was the Queen of this state. Calanthe of Cintra, known also as the "Lioness of Cintra" and "Ard Rhena" called by the Elders. The mother of Pavetta, and grandmother of Ciri. She was known for her bravery and beauty. That is at least what she figured while serving in the tavern. She heard tons of rumors but couldn’t understand what that meant for her.

Sevilla had already started packing the most important goods and she collected all the money she received. Rarely spending anything except for once. She bought two horses. They weren’t expensive she said and necessary for traveling.

When the Nilfgaards want to overrule Cintra the will stop here. Their town was called Walen. It’s close to the capital of Cintra. Where the Queen and the King had their castle. It may be a small village but you will get everything you need in this town. Food, animals, tailors, and a blacksmith.

Overall this village was not a poorly town. It had more than enough money to keep everyone well fed through the winter, which was a rare thing in this century. They didn’t necessarily depend on other nearby villages. They made everything they could need by themselves. Sevilla already had a plan figured out. James was still living in his forest and promised to alert them directly if he’d see something unusual and he would try to save them some time. In the beginning, Alva didn’t understand why the had to take all these precautions until the mage explained it to her. The Nilfgaardian Army was strong and powerful. They raided villages, stole their good, and raped the women. Their goal was to overrule Cintra, which means they wouldn’t hesitate to torture the people living here to receive any information they would mark as useful.

It was horrible and disgusting but it was the way this world worked. You have to protect yourself because nobody else will.

The job at the tavern kept her busy. It was quite fun now that Jaskier decided to stay. She liked his singing and his humor, even if sometimes he’d get on her nerves. He was flirting with every woman he could come across and needless to say, it didn’t stay with flirting if the girl agreed.

Gladly Jaskier understood rather quickly not to tease Alva's patience because she didn’t care about the girly behavior this world was used to. She was quick with grabbing any nearby object and chasing the bard with it. Once or twice even with his lute.

She would consider them both as good friends, which is why she was asking the bard about his plans when the Niflgaards arrive. “They don’t scare me. I’m not scared of anything. I could even get some new stories to tell in my songs.”

The bard was sometimes naive but he assured Alva that he knew what was coming and that he will be prepared.

Another day another workday for Alva. It was all peaceful and quiet, especially in the mornings. She liked that shift a lot. But not today. She was the first server to enter and she quickly realized that. Dozens of mugs were laying on the floor, bear and gin spilled everywhere.

“Was there a party I don’t know about?” Alva let that question settle in the room, soon recognizing that no one was there to talk to.

“All right, fuck all of you then.”

“Why you gotta be so mean all the time?”

The mumbling sound of Jaskier's voice broke the silence and Alva spotted his hat in one of the corners of the room. The rest was hidden behind a barrel. He looked rather ruff. His Jacket was thrown on the chair beside him and his shirt was unbuttoned pretty far down. Thankfully he had his pants still on.

“Because you're sleeping quietly in your corner while I have to scrub the floor that you probably spilled you drink on.” Alva throws her bag at Jaskier, hitting him right in the belly.

“That was uncalled for. And to be exact it wasn’t only me. The men last night were enormously friendly and gave everyone a drink for free. Let me tell you it was fantastic.”

“Glad to hear you had a good time. Did you earn more than usual.”

“Probably. Can’t remember if I shall be completely honest.”

That sounded like typical Jaskier.

Alva grabbed some towels and a bucket, filling it with water and soap. She dipped one into the liquid and searched for her target. Jaskier was standing a few meters away. His back was facing her.

“Don’t you know that turning your back to someone is just plain rude.” And with these words, the towel was being thrown, right on Jaskier's head. But the bard didn’t seem to mind the wet cloth sitting on top of his head.

“What the hell are you doing Jaskier?” The girl made her way over to him, to take a look at the interesting thing Jaskier was concentrated on.

She didn’t like was she was seeing. Jaskier had opened her bag and grabbed one of her leather notebooks, Sevilla gave her exactly 3 of them, so she could keep track of this world and for anything else, Alva wanted to write down.

“You lied to me!” Jaskier let out an offended sigh. “You are a bard yourself and you didn’t tell me? I'm deeply offended, Alva.”

Alva tried to snatch the book out of his hands, unsuccessfully. “Jaskier, I will kick your ass! Give it back!” Jaskier was probably about 1 ½ head taller than Alva. That made it far more difficult.

“Why would I? These are amazing. Why did you hide them from me?”

“I’m not a bard Jaskier. I just like to write songs, get it?”

“You have to sing for me sometime or at least allow me to use some of your poetry.”

“For Christ's Sake Jaskier give me the book or I will kick you in your balls and that is a promise.”

Jaskier's shocked eyes stared her blank in the face. “No need to threaten me. But I've heard worse than that.” The bard still didn’t give the book back. Alva was struggling to get hold of his arm, that he held far up in the air.

“That’s so romantic. May I quote ‘I've been hiding for so long, these feelings they’re not gone, can I tell anyone?’ What a poet you are little girl.”

“Jaskier I’m begging you, please stop!” Alva knew what the next line read. And she knew in which time frame she was captured. This will not end well.

“Why this is adorable! ’Afraid of what they'll say, so I push them away. I'm acting so strange.’ Does someone have a crush on good ol’ Jaskier?”

“Jaskier you don’t want to read further trust me.” Alva stopped reaching for her journal. It wouldn’t change what would happen next, she was too small and Jaskier to stubborn.

“’ They're so pretty it hurts. I'm not talking 'bout boys, I'm talking 'bout’ … oh.” There it was. Would he hate her now? Was she about to be abandoned from this village? She had no idea what would happen next.

“I’m sorry, Alva. I didn’t me to intrude your privacy.” Jaskier looked ashamed. That was a surprising sight. He quietly closed the book and handed it to her. She grabbed it and stuffed it bag in her back.

“You’re not going to tell anyone, are you?”

“No, don’t be afraid. I don’t mind that. It’s just a bummer, I thought you had a swarm for myself. I guess I was wrong.” Jaskier let out a friendly laugh and scratched the back of his head.

“Wait, you don’t hate me?”

“Why would I? I mean I’m fond of women myself so why would I blame you? I’m just a little bit disappointed. I thought maybe I had a chance to win you over, at least for a night.”

Alva punched Jaskier softly in his side.

“You’re a douche. But if you want to know. I still think men are attractive. But in my opinion, women are as well. So why exactly decide?” Alva tried her best to explain Jaskier with the easiest way that she’s bisexual.

“Does that mean I still have a chance of winning you over?” Jaskier's typical smirk was setting and he wiggled with his eyebrows.

“Technically yes, but no thanks.”

“That was disappointing.”

The day went quietly after this. Alva was happy about the fact that Jaskier didn’t mind her sexuality at all. He was indeed a great friend. He kept it a secret as he promised. And he didn’t change one bit.

A couple of weeks later they were walking back from the village that was next to Walen. It was a one-day march but it didn’t bother them. Sevilla sent Alva to get herbs she ran out of and Jaskier gladly announced himself as her companion. He didn’t want her to get lost and a woman should never walk alone, in his opinion.

It was only about a half an hour walk left, they were just arriving in the forest of James when they saw black smoke rising from the direction they were heading. “What the hell?” Alva didn’t understand what that was supposed to be. It was new to her that the village people used smoke signals.

“That’s not good.” Jaskier started to run, Alva behind him. What’s happening? “Why are we running?”, called Alva so Jaskier was able to hear her through the cracking branches they were running over.

“I think Nilfgaard reached Walen! Hurry!”

Anxiety was crawling up her throat. This couldn’t be real. Sevilla warned her but she never took it that seriously. She thought this would never happen.

“Alva!” The familiar voice of James was ringing in her head. The Godling used this method a lot to talk to Alva without needing to be seen.

“What is happening, James?” “Nilfgaard raided the village not even ten minutes ago. You need to run away! Not in the direction of the village! It will be your death!” The Godling was panicking like a child. His voice sounded helpless.

“I have to make it. I need to see if Sevilla is okay. Can you shield us? I beg you, James.” Alva needed to flee with Sevilla, she was not going to leave her there. “I try my best. But there are too many. You won't have much time.”

“I don’t need long, just help us!”

In the far Sevilla's house came in sight. It looked like normal, only the pots and jar outside the house were broken.

“Be quiet. I saw some soldiers not far from here. It's Nilfgaard. We have to leave!” Jaskier was pushing her in a bush, trying to have at least a little bit of cover. Screams and cries became audible. Uncontrolled and painful.

“Sevilla had a plan. I need to get her. We have horses. You can come with us Jaskier. But I need to get Sevilla, do you understand?” Alva was determined.

She was not going to leave her. She was like a mother to her, all this time. She gave her a home when anyone else would have left her to die. The girl pushed the fabric of her dress aside, grabbing the hidden dagger.

“You are crazy! Going in there.”

“You will not stop me.”

“Alright then. Let’s go, you crazy girl. When we die, at least we’ll die together.”

They were slowly approaching the cottage. Trying to make out any sound.

“There is no one around you. You can enter.” James was back in her head. Alva didn’t hesitate anymore, breaking through the door.

It was horrifying. Everything was broken. All of the herbs were ripped out of their pots. All of their clothing was laying ripped on the floor. The fireplace was burning and tons of papers were stuffed into it.

But the worst thing was yet to come. Sevilla was laying on her stomach. The back part of an arrow was sticking out of her back.

“Sevilla!” The girl let out a shrieking scream. Jaskier quickly covered her mouth and held her in his arms.

The was so much blood. All of her clothes were colored in a dark red. She wasn’t moving anymore.

“Alva, you need to listen to me.” Jaskier was grabbing her face and trying to get her to focus. “I know this is hard but you have to grief later. She wouldn’t want you to die here. You told me she protected you, I understand. But we have to leave.”

Alva was frozen, not even noticing her tears falling to the floor. “I can't keep them away much longer Alva!” A panicked voice ripped her out of her trance state.

She wouldn’t want her to die. She has to live for her. “T- The rug. Under the rug.” Jaskier pushed the carpet aside and a hatch became visible.

Jaskier opened it and there were 6 bags stuffed together. Each of them grabbed three.

Alva was still looking at the corpse of Sevilla. She was lost in this world once again. No help to escape it.

“The horses! Where are they, Alva?” Jaskier started to panic like the girl.

“Behind the house in the shed.”

Both ran outside, with a last glance at the mage they left. The horses were still outside, visibly unsettled.

“Help me saddle them. Hurry up!” They fixed the straps and secured the bags. While doing that a not fell out of the pockets attached to the saddle. Quickly picking it up she stuffed it on the inside of her pants.

“You need to ride with this dress. Are you able to do that?” Jaskier wanted to make sure the girl stayed focused. It was the most important thing at the moment.

“N-no, I can't. B-but.” She held up her dagger and sliced the fabric of her legs. Ripping every single part of it off her body. Anger was building up in her body. “Stop that! We don’t have time for one of your outbreaks. Get up! Now!” Jaskier helped the girl on the horse and fastly climbed on the other one.

The horses picked up on speed. They could sense that they were in a dangerous situation. Alva looked back at the small village she called her home. But now she has to travel into the unknown with a bard my her side.

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