my husband suddenly became love"sick"?! ft. phainon
got the collective ideas from my post! ty yall <333 basically regressor au bc he lowkey fumbled in the past lifetime (and you died) so he pulled the uno reverse card and highkey turned back the time
WARNING/S: yandere, obsessive behavior, implied drugging at the end
An orphan who was famously able to pass guard training within a single day. He quickly rose through the ranks before becoming the youngest Captain of the Guard in the history of the kingdom. There are rumors about his past and his powers, including that he was raised by dragons. Since an incident the year prior, he has been assigned as the princess's personal guard.
๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ
The princess of Natlan, famous for her wit and relatively short temper. She denies every opportunity to meet a prince for marriage, despite her parents' protests. Those who work in the castle know her as a kind person, but Kinich tends to bring out her darker side. Though she is committed to her kingdom, she often wishes she knew more practical skills due to her spoiled upbringing.
๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ'๐ฆ ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐
This is a universe of my own creation, comprised of several mini-stories featuring the two main characters in no particular order (though I might write a full-fic involving them one day!). The masterlist includes one-shots already written, as well as drabbles in progress. There is no real schedule for release of drabbles in-progress (though I may hold polls occasionally to gauge interest, or you can leave an ask to let me know which ones you're interested in!), so please join the taglist if you want to stay updated!
Join the taglist here!taglist on hold due to tumblr bug not allowing me to tag more than 5 people per post (unless someone knows a fix lol)
โฃ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ - the princess fakes sick to avoid the ball, and Kinich (surprisingly) helps
โฃ ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข ๐ก๐ข๐ง ๐ฆ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ฌ - Kinich takes charge when the Abyss attacks
โฃ ๐๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐ค๐จ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฆ - there's only one bed.
โฃ ๐'๐จ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ช, ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ - when the princess is injured, Kinich reveals his true power
โฃ ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ง - a prince from another nation shows interest in the princess, and Kinich is less than amused
โฃ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ช๐๐ฌ - for the first time, Kinich actually escorts the princess to the ball
โฃ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐, ๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ช๐ฆ ๐ช๐๐๐ - you and Kinich argue, and true feelings are revealed
โฃ ๐๐๐ช๐๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ช๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ - Kinich teaches the princess to fight
โฃ ๐๐ก ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง - after a series of unfortunate events, Kinich and the princess are forced to camp in the woods for the night during a rainstorm
genre/warnings. pixelprincess!au (princess!reader x knight!kinich), one bed trope, princess is nervous to sleep alone with a man (who isn't)
summary.
after a long journey, kinich and the princess finally turn in for the night at an unfamiliar inn. the only problem? there's only one bed.
author's note. i'm finishing this at like 5am so if there's any errors i'll look over it/fix it when i wake up LOL. for now, please scream and cry about knight!kinich with me. reblogs/interaction highly appreciated!!
As a princess born and raised in the land of Pyro, youโre accustomed to heatโthrive in it, even. Itโs one of the reasons you dread trips like these so much. Foreign nations, even those with the mildest of temperatures, tend to feel a bit too chilly for your taste. Your father often jokes that you could withstand the heat of the Sacred Flame itself.
At the moment, though, you wouldnโt mind cracking open a window or two, even in the dead of winter.
The journey here had been difficult enough, boring as it was. Kinich had threatened to leave you alone in the woods a few times if you kept poking at him, but it was all you could do to not fall asleep. Attending foreign dinners always resulted in long journeys like these, though you know how important it is to maintain close relations with allied countries.
A few bumps in the road made this trek especially long, howeverโa number of bandits and blocked off paths added an irritating amount of time to your travel, until you and Kinich decided to rest for the night before heading home tomorrow. It had been difficult to even find a placeโmost inns had been full by this time, but youโd been fortunate to find one with a single open room.
A single, open room containing a single, solitary bed.
That aside, itโs a nice enough room, really. The dark mahogany furniture is carved with intricate nature-like patterns, flowers and leaves that crawl up the legs of the chairs and the foot of the bed. The whole place smells pleasantly of teakwoodโa scent that, for better or worse, you tend to attribute to Kinich.
Your knight sits in front of the darkened fireplace, fiddling with a flint until it strikes with a small flame, then enkindles the rest of the wood. A flushing warmth instantly permeates the room. Usually, you would thank him for his effortsโhe knows how cold you getโbut now, you feel a thin sweat forming at your brow.
Kinich stands, brushing off his hands and admiring the firelight. The lighter strands of his hair glow in its radiance. โThat should last us for a bit.โ
He tugs at the clasp of his cloak, pulling the garment off and tossing it onto the chair in the corner of the room. Itโs a thick fur with ornate green and gold trim; youโd given it to him as a gift during the Winter Festival a year ago. You let your eyes follow the motion, watching the dark cloth drape over the furnitureโsomehow, you feel too awkward to look at your companion right now. He glances at you, as if wondering what youโre doing just standing there, but doesnโt comment on it.
โActually, Iโm a bit warm,โ you say, thumbing at the edges of your sleeves. Kinich raises a brow, genuinely concerned.
โ...Itโs wintertime,โ he says, an obvious statement that seems to ask what the hell is wrong with you.
โYeah, and Iโm warm,โ you retort, arms crossed. He looks at you, then looks at the fire, then looks at you again.
โAlright, but if you get cold later, donโt come crying to me,โ he says, kneeling down again. Then, under his breath, he mutters, โthough I have a feeling you will anyway.โ
He toys with the kindling for a bit longer, until the raging flames die into smaller embers and the room cools down. As much as he gives you a hard time, he prioritizes your comfort as much as he possibly can.ย
With the temperature now taken care of, there is still one other source of discomfort in the room, you think, glancing back toward the bed. It looks temptingly comfortable, with thick sheets and fluffy pillows, but you canโt fathom sleeping in it at the moment.ย
โYou realize that we canโt sleep here, right?โ you say, staring down at your feet.
The dark-haired knight is busy rummaging through his rucksack, only half paying attention to what youโre saying.
โI donโt see why not. The bed is big enough.โ
Heโs right; itโs a king-size, and the two of you would have no problem fitting. Still, the thought of sleeping in a bed with him makes your face warm in a way that canโt be blamed on the fire.
โ...Thereโs only one,โ you manage.
Kinich looks up at you, deadpan. โAn astute observation. Maybe youโll be able to count to three by next year.โ
โYou littleโโ
The nervousness turns to irritation at his nonchalanceโhonestly, the thought of sharing a bed with a man you arenโt married to seems a bit inappropriate. And though you wonโt admit it, youโre a bit offended that he doesnโt seem even slightly nervous to sleep with you. Kinich isnโt a nervous person by nature, thatโs true; it takes quite a bit to get him to show any sort of strong emotion. But a small part of you is disappointed that he doesnโt seem to care about the situation at all.
โYou realize itโs just us, right?โ you say, urging him toward the root of the issue. Even just stating that fact makes an anxious lump form in your throat.
Kinich considers your words for a moment, pausing his ministrations, before meeting your gaze directly.
โIโm not going to do anything to you,โ he says, raising a brow.ย
The implication makes your face heat up, and you find it almost worse that he had addressed the elephant in the room.
โItโs not that!โ you argue hastily. Kinich seems unbothered by your protests, fiddling with the intricate straps of his armor and the laces of his boots. He works about removing them in a fashion thatโs so robotic that youโre sure he mustโve done this millions of times.ย
โWhat is it then?โ he retorts, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. โDo you snore?โ
โI do notโโ
โSleep talk?โ
โNo, itโs justโโ
โSleepwalk?โ
โNo! Butโโ
โGreat,โ Kinich decides, clapping his hands together as if to end the discussion. Rising to his feet, he gestures to the bed, even going so far as to pull the blankets back invitingly. โThen sleep.โ
Itโs hard for you to win against him, especially at times like theseโtruth be told, you actually are quite tired. With a huff, you begrudgingly climb into bed, nearly hanging off the edge with the ample space you leave.
Kinich doesnโt join you yet; heโs still fixing his clothes and tidying his other belongings. He takes good care of his things, youโve noticed, almost neat to a fault. Thereโs a strict routine he follows during the night; before bed, he always takes special care to maintain his weapon.
You watch as he oils and sharpens his blade, brow furrowed in concentration. Heโs always been very particular about the thing, as if it was an extension of himself, as long as you've known him. His movements are notably precise and intricate, and overwhelmingly gentle. Lost in watching him, you just about jump out of your skin when his eyes suddenly flicker to you.ย
โYou know, most people rest with their eyes closed,โ he hums, amused at having caught you in the act.
โYouโre annoying,โ you mumble, sinking deeper into the pillows to hide your embarrassment.
He shakes his head. โAnd youโre supposed to be sleeping. So I guess no oneโs happy.โ
You pull the blanket up until it brushes your chin. You donโt need it; your skin feels like itโs on fire, but somehow it feels too vulnerable to be uncovered right now.ย
โYouโre telling me you donโt feel weird about this? At all?โ
He sets the sword aside and finally removes the last of his armor, simply left in his training tunic and loose pants. The shirt is tighter than you remember, you think briefly. You force yourself to look away.
โShould I?โ he asks, brushing off his clothes. โAre you going to do something to me?โ
The corner of his lip twitches, and you nearly roll your eyesโhe amuses himself way too much.
โNo!โ
โThen weโll make a deal. I wonโt do anything to you if you donโt do anything to me. Then, weโll both peacefully sleep so that I donโt have to deal with your crankiness in the morning.โ
Irritatingly, heโs right about that too. The two of you will have to head out early if you want to make it home for your lessons, as well as Kinichโs other guard duties. And, truthfully, you donโt tend to be a morning personโitโs all Kinich can do to even wake you up on time.
You huff, shutting your eyes. โFine.โ
โOh?โ You can hear the mirth in his voice, and it only makes your irritation grow. โSo you were planning on doing somethinโโ
โI wasnโt!โ
Kinich doesnโt say anything more, likely sensing that youโre on the precipice of genuine frustrationโhe always knows your exact limits, even when you donโt say so.ย
For a few minutes, you really do try to sleep. But your heart is still pounding, and as much as you try to ignore it, it threatens to burst out of your chest. You reason that you would feel this way no matter who you were sharing a bed withโitโs just not a feeling that youโre used to. Itโs certainly not because itโs Kinich.
You imagine him sleeping beside you, and your fists tighten until your nails form crescent-shaped imprints in your palms.
Definitely not because itโs Kinich.
Your stomach turns as you listen to your companion move around the room, organizing his things. Everything about him is so calm and quiet, including his footstepsโtheyโre barely a whisper across the floor. The anticipation nearly swallows you whole, and you wait for something to happenโthe blankets to pull back, or even a dip in the mattress.
For several long, torturous minutes, nothing happens at all. In fact, you canโt even hear Kinich anymore, not even a single breath.
Did he leave the room?ย
Gathering your courage, you silently will yourself to open your eyes, afraid of what youโll see. It takes you a bit, too absorbed in the awkwardness, and three silent mental countdowns later, your eyes finally snap open. Instantly, you discover two things:
Kinich is not in bed with you.
Kinich is nowhere near you at all.
Instead, the knight is sitting across the room, back against the door, head leaned back and both eyes shut. His greatsword lays across his lap, fingers already curled around the gripโheโs always ready, as usual.ย
โWhat the hell?โ
You donโt mean for it to come out so loud or so aggressive, but your hand is too late to clamp over your mouth.
Kinich cracks one eye open, fixing you with a lazy stare.
โI thought you said you donโt sleep talk,โ he murmurs, voice thick with exhaustion.
โI donโtโforget it, what are you doing over there?โ
He sighs, pulling a knee to his chest and resting his chin on top. He looks much softer like this, in training clothes and lacking his headbandโthe curtain of his hair parts a bit as he leans over, and you catch a glimpse of the scar there. Itโs thin and silver, barely peeking from his forehead.
โUnless I was mistaken, you seemed uncomfortable with the prospect of sharing a bed with me. I may not have been raised a prince, but even I wouldnโt force something like that on a lady.โ
Your teeth sink into your lip. The explanation makes you feel stupid and guilty at the same time. Stupid, because youโre really not sure what youโre even afraid of if Kinich climbs into bed with you. Guilty, because youโd been so argumentative with him, even when he was trying to respect your wishes.
Thereโs three beats of silence.
โI changed my mind,โ you manage to squeak out.
โYou donโt have to,โ he says, tracing the blade of his sword. An expected answer. โIโm fine sleeping here, really.โ
And you know he really would beโheโs certainly slept in worse places. But something about him sleeping there while you warm up under thick blankets leaves a rotten taste in your mouth.
โWell, Iโm cold now,โ you say, shifting under the covers, โso can you come sleep?โ
He looks unconvinced by your plea, head tilted. โWerenโt you the one who said it was too warm?โ
You pout in reply. โI changed my miโโ
โโchanged your mind, yeah, yeah, I get it.โ
Kinich rises to his feet, slow and steady. He seems more tired than he lets on, likely the result of the events from earlierโhe had been the one to deal with the bandits, after all. You merely watch as he strides toward you.
โJust remember, youโre the one who offered,โ he warns, crossing to the other side of the bed. โSo donโt kick me in your sleep.โ
You donโt say anything at all, firmly fixated on staring at the wallโyou donโt think you could stand to look at him right now. When the sheets get pulled back, you suck in a breath.
To your embarrassment, something warm draws up from your quick-beating heart as Kinich lies down behind you. You chalk it up to natural human reactionโyouโve never shared a bed with someone like this, after all. Heโs gentle as he lays down, the mattress barely reacting to his movement. You squeeze your eyes shut as he adjusts, shifting the blankets and pillows, hoping he wonโt sense your overwhelming nervousness.
โThis okay?โ
You chance a look in his direction. His eyes are half-lidded, heavy with sleep, but they seem to pierce right through you. Heโs being very particular about the distance between youโclose enough that you can feel a bit of his warmth, but far enough that none of your limbs are touching.
This is fine, you think to yourself, drawing in a long, slow breath. This is totally fine.
You nod meekly, and Kinich sighs, shuffling into a more comfortable position as you turn away.
โGood,โ he murmurs, warm breath pooling at the back of your neck. It makes you shiver, somehow both relaxed and on-edge, even as he curls slightly closer to you. โGo to sleep then, Princess.โ
Heโll be awake for a while, you know. He never goes to sleep before you doโeven once you do, itโll probably be another half an hour before he follows suit. The thought leaves you hyper-aware of his every breath.
So, for the next fifteen minutes, you lie awake, hopelessly thinking of the man laying next to you. And, for the next fifteen minutes, he lies awake too. Your mind grows foggy, begging for rest, but you still feel something tugging at your chest. You wonder if Kinich feels the same way.
โKinich?โ you finally whisper.
Thereโs a pause, like heโs deciding whether to reply seriously or to scold you for not sleeping. His voice comes out hoarse, a deep rumble from his chest.
โYes, Princess?โ
A yawn crawls out of your throat.
โ...are you warm enough tooโฆ?โ
Your voice trails off as you finally succumb to the clutches of sleep. Kinich listens as your breathing turns to an even rhythm, calm and serene. For once, heโs glad that youโre not looking at himโif you did, you would see the way his skin is flushed a deep red, from his ears to his neck.
โYeah,โ he murmurs, letting his eyes flutter shut. โI am.โ
kinich and the princess have known about each other for a long time, but itโs only recently that theyโve really talked a lot and become close (since kinich became your guard)
kinich is a bit more open in this universe because although he grew up an orphan, he was recruited into the guard earlier and taken care of by his fellow trainees and the castle staff. heโs still pretty serious and deadpan at his core but he has a bit of silly in him tooย
the maids especially used to dote on him a lot. they would coo about how beautiful his eyes are and sneak him cakes and sweets from the kitchen
kinich and the princess actually had one key interaction when they were children that she doesnโt remember
the princess came down with a bad illness and had to stay in her room for about a week. kinich was assigned guard right outside her room, but she never saw him. still, they used to talk a lot during that week through her door, and she never quite figured out who her temporary friend was.
princess used to be *very* spoiled and she knows this. kinich is one of the only people who knocks her down a peg, and he also taught her how to do a lot of practical things (i.e. cleaning, cooking, weaving)ย
kinich takes his shirt off by grabbing the back of his collar and pulling it over his head (idk if iโm describing this well, but the image in my head is INSANE).ย
once they actually get together, kinich is the type to kiss the princessโs tears away when she cries (iโm going to scream)
kinich secretly has always known he loved the princess in some capacity, maybe since the day he was inducted as her guard (he looked up into her eyes, knelt before her, and felt something burst in his chest). he doesnโt feel like he deserves her love in return and feels so committed to his duty that he wonโt do anything about it.
kinich isnโt afraid of dying, but heโs afraid of leaving the princess alone. itโs the reason why he insists on teaching her so many practical things like fightingโhe doesnโt trust anyone else to protect her like he can.
thereโs a yearly tournament among the guards (and any citizens that want to enter) that is held to win the royalsโ favor. kinich is required to participate due to his position, but he tries a lot harder than he lets onโsomething about letting another guard winย kind of irritates him. he wins your ribbon as a prize, a sign of your personal favor, and keeps it on him at all times. he claims itโs just to prove that you owe him.
kinich is a TERROR in the capital marketplace. sellers love him and hate himโheโs fair, but he barters like HELL. you, on the other hand, are any easy target. you will pay pretty much any price they name, and this irritates kinich greatly.
kinich is in charge of training newer recruits to the guard, and older members will warn them not to mention the princess in front of him. last time someone said something disrespectful about her, kinich had them running laps until the sun came up.
most mornings, kinich trains at sunrise. the princess will come out to join him sometimes, either to just lay down in the grass and talk, or to bring out a picnic
many princesses from other nations are attracted to kinich, but he does not return the sentimentโwhenever one tries to talk to him, he acts extremely dry and boring on purpose until they lose interest.
kinich has a lot of piercings, but they're not always optimal to fight inโon days when he expects a battle, he wears a pair of studs that the princess gifted him
the castle maids have a running bet on how long it will take you and kinich to get married. sometimes they try to push it along by telling kinich you're looking for him when you aren't, just to pull the two of you together. the pot is over one million Mora, and at some point, the queen joins as well.
๏ธดINFO : aventurine x reader, fluff, angst if you squint, churin is implied to do shady stuff for a living, the usage of doll and princess as an endearment
๏ธดSYNOPSIS : in which aventurine is your friendly neighborhood spiderman, and your classmate...
aventurine hadn't just tangled with the interastral peace corporation tonightโhe'd been dragged through the dirt by them. or at least, it felt that way. every inch of his body throbbed in testament to their relentless fighting. still, he held on to a smirk, as cocky as ever, as he stumbled towards his dingy apartment.ย
then he crashed. not the graceful dive through his own window that he'd initially intended, but a full-body slam through a neighboring one. glass shattered, raining down like startled confetti and adding more cuts to his already battered bodyโnot fun.ย
"well, well, what do we have here?" he forced a grin, ignoring the way his muscles screamed. instead, his eyes landed on you, his startled classmate, now staring wide-eyed at the city's friendly neighborhood spiderman hanging upside-down from your ceiling.ย
"don't even think aboutโ" words caught in his throat. this was bad. he guarded his identity with more fervor than some guarded state secrets. carelessness like this could spell disaster.ย
"i wouldn't dream of it!" you held your hands up, a mix of alarm warring on your face as he dripped blood on your clean bedroom floor. "um, are you okay though? because that looked incredibly unpleasant. and get off my ceiling please."
"just peachy, sweetheart." his usual flippancy was edged with a strain he hoped you wouldn't notice. "don't need your pity."
the mask of the carefree hero was a second skin, but beneath it, exhaustion threatened to drown him. you saw something, a flicker of pain in his eyes and the way his normally playful grin youโve grown used to see in class had tightened.ย
"hey, how about we get you out of those tights and take a look at those bruises?" your voice was soft, laced with a concern that made his chest tighten for reasons beyond the fight.ย
before his usual defenses could kick in, he found himself sitting on your couch, ridiculously domestic for the guy who was known as a vigilante. the first-aid kit you brought seemed more like a child's tea party set compared to the injuries he sported, deisgned only for small cuts and burns. but your touch... it was careful, surprisingly tender for someone who, by all rights, should be freaking out right now. and you made work with what little first aid kit you have on hand, not for banged-up heroes.
"you get yourself into a lot of trouble, don't you?" your fingers tracing the edge of a nasty cut on his arm were light and ticklish, preventing him from succumbing to his bodyโs injuries.
"keeps life interesting," he deflected, the ever-present grin faltering slightly. the truth was far uglier โย the shady deals to keep his family afloat, the constant fear of exposure, the ache of loneliness that even saving the day couldn't quite erase.
that night became the start of something. your apartment became a sanctuary for aventurine after every fight. you, with your warm smiles and soft voice, lulled him into unfamiliar safety. his visits were stolen moments of peace amidst the chaos that is his life. you mended wounds, offered quiet company, and never pried too deeply into the secrets lurking behind his laughter.
then came your birthday. classmates showered you with attention, with gifts overflowing your desk. aventurine waltzed in late and messed up as usual, yet he was always the very picture of nonchalance with a hint of mischief in his grin. โmorning, doll,โ was all he said before he slumped to his seat.
ย a pang of something like disappointment needled at you. you thoughtโฆwell, you weren't even sure what you expected. a greeting. that was all you wanted, but aventurine merely went on with his day, teasing you like usual. he wasnโt obligated to, of course. but his greeting was the only thing that wouldโve mattered and make your day.
in a blink of an eye, night came.
you looked at the clockโฆmidnight is creeping in, and no text or even a call from aventurine. you let out one last disappointed sigh before ultimately settling on the bed in your pajamas. then, your notifications blared, with it came a familiar tap at your window. "ready for a birthday adventure, princess?" his voice held a teasing lilt that sent a familiar shiver down your spine.
before you could reply, you were wrapped in his arms, the world tilting as he leapt skyward. wind whistled, laughter bubbled in your throatโhe did remember! and for once, the city lights felt magical rather than lonesome. he landed atop a skyscraper with practiced ease, a dazzling grin still fixed on his face.
"happy birthday, doll." a flick of his wrist and the night sky erupted in color. fireworks painted fleeting constellations, just for you. spectacular, and yetโฆ intimate.
"this isโฆ" words seemed to vanish in the glittering night.ย
"don't get too mushy on me, yeah?" he gave a cocky smirk, the teasing mask back in place, but you saw the faint flush to his cheeks, akin to embarrassment perhaps. aventurine, the boy who traded in bravado, who hid his vulnerability with extravagant gestures, had given you the most precious gift: a glimpse of kakavasha that aventurine so heavily guarded.
foreword: wil contain spoilers, aventurine's real name, pet names (doll, etc), bittersweet romance, his past and more. this is written in a letter style + a small scenario and this masterlist helps in keeping track of each letter.
aventurine x reader!
โ WORDS I CAN'T SAY, I WRITE TO YOU โ
aventurine had always been a charmer, his words captivating, deceptive, tempting. but when it comes to you, all of it crumbles, and the words of love so unfamiliar to his tongue, he writes to you instead.
to you,
โโ โธthis is the second spring since weโve last seen each other. the words i cannot express, iโm writing to you.
โโ โธi dream of lazy mornings and evenings filled with your teasing. i miss your stupid grin and the way you toss your hair out of your eyes when you're thinking. come home soon, kakavasha.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ (max feat. huh yun-jin of le sserafim)
let's get married in vegas
we don't need guest list
i don't wanna think too much
let's get matching tattoos
i don't wanna think it through
baby, I'm so stupid in love
book a flight to paris only one way
what'd you think about sharing our last name?
let's get straight to "i do"
i don't wanna think it through
baby, I'm so stupid in love
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
aventurine stood at the doorway, the gloom that hung over him highlighted by the moonlight. his eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were clouded with exhaustion, his body slumped with a weariness that went beyond the physical.
the moment he staggered through the familiar doorway, every fiber of your being screamed his name. but the words died in your throat, replaced by a gasp as he collapsed into your arms. his grip was so tight, almost frantic, like a drowning man clinging to a lifeline. for one terrifying moment, you feared you held nothing more than the ghost of the man you loved.
"aventurine," you finally choked out, your voice shaky, "are you okay?"
he made a choked sound that might have been a laugh, but his eyes - usually bright with mischief - held only shadows. "depends. are you going to yell at me?"
anger sparked, bright and hot, but blanked just as quickly under a surge of worry. "are you injured? can i get you something?" you rattled off, tracing the wrinkle of his furrowed brow, the way his shoulders sagged with exhaustion.
he shook his head, burying his face in the crook of your neck. his next words were barely a whisper, laced with a familiar vulnerability. "just... hold me for a little while."
you did, sinking to the floor with him, wrapping yourself around his trembling frame. his familiar scent, mixed with sweat and blood, was a harsh reminder of the ordeal he'd endured. he had always shielded you from his true battles, from the real risks he took. now, those risks were undeniable, bleeding out of his usual bravado.
minutes stretched into eternity. you didn't speak, simply held him. gradually, the tension in his body began to ease, replaced by an exhaustion that made him lean all his weight on you. it was then you noticed the subtle tremble in his breathing, the way he kept one hand tucked deliberately behind his back. he always did this when putting up a front, in front of his opponents, sat in front of mountains of chips, cards stacked high, risks in every bet.
high risk, high return. all in. the phrases he always mutter under his breath once irked you. with no regards to his life, it made you fear that he'd one day leave you, that he'd just vanish. masking his fears with his left hand clutched tightly behind his back, aventurine lived life on the edge, unable to put his trust in his luck, much less believe in himself.
"aventurine," you murmured, gently pulling back, "your other hand..."
he stiffened, the usual cockiness abruptly gone. before he could evade your gaze, you captured his wrist, tugging his hand into view. his fingers were clenched - tightly, painfully so. you carefully pried them open, gasping softly at the sight of the simple silver ring nestled in his palm.
"what...?" your voice faltered, a mixture of confusion, joy, and a flicker of hurt. you'd waited so long, endured so much uncertainty, radio silence broken only by his haunting absence.
"marry me," he blurted out, the words raw and unfamiliar. clutched tight within his fist was the simple ring, simple and lacking the usual shallow glamor of diamonds, a silent offering of everything he couldn't yet put into words. "it's another gamble at life, i know," he added, the cocky smirk returning, a fragile shield against the vulnerability he'd just revealed. "but the odds of you saying yes seem pretty damn good..."
"idiot," you said softly, tracing the outline of his trembling fist, "would it kill you to ask me normally?"
mistaking your words for anger and rejection, aventurine flinched. he had pondered over it for a long time, thought of you when he watched you sleep peacefully, and even when he was out facing death. and he realized then while in penacony, that if there was something he can't leave nor let go, it's you. "i...i mean it. marry me, i swear i'm serious. don't let me go, don't leave, i swear i'll-"
"silly," you hushed, a finger on his lips. "don't hide your hand. this isn't one of your big bets, not one where you'd lose, because my answer to you will always be yes."
relief washed over his face, so intense it made your heart ache. his eyes, when he met yours, brimmed with unspoken emotion. he leaned forward, burying his face in your hair.
"i went somewhere so far, somewhere so dark... i nearly didn't make it back," he confessed, voice rough with emotion. you shivered at his tone, the bleak despair etched into his words.
"you came back," you whispered, cupping his face and tilting his chin up. "that's all that matters."
he kissed you then, with a desperation that stole your breath away. it wasn't the soft, playful kisses you were used to. this was raw, desperate, filled with a hunger that took your breath away. his hands sought purchase in your hair, against your skin, as if seeking reassurance you were real, that this wasn't some dream conjured by a lonely, weary mind.
you responded with the same pent-up intensity, fingers tightening in his shirt, needing that tangible proof he was back, he was safe. there'd be time for questions later. for now, just the heady scent of him, the rasp of his breath against your skin, it was enough.
breaking away, he leaned his forehead against yours. "penacony was...." he faltered, the usual confidence in his voice cracking. "you, this..." his gaze swept over you, over the safe haven of his penthouse that you made a home for him to return to, "you kept me going. the thought of you, i held onto it like a lifeline."
tears welled up in your eyes. so many nights spent staring at your ceiling, the deafening silence with his absence driving you insane. you brushed his unruly hair away from his brow, his warmth a reassuring presence.
"i love you kakavasha," you said, the words thick with emotion, "and i'm so, so glad you're home."
he closed his eyes, a kiss pressed to each tear that fell down your face. "you deserve better than this," he murmured, voice barely a whisper.
"i deserve you." you were firm, leaving no room for argument. aventurine...kakavasha โ your kakavasha, was many things - reckless, calculating, infuriatingly difficult at times. but he was yours. he's here, he's alive, and he had chosen you. right now, with a ring he slipped into your finger, this was more than enough.
โโ โธi know you're working hard in penacony, that everything rides on this daring gamble of yours. did it work? did you win? or are you still playing that dangerous high-stakes game? my worry grows with each passing day. i can't pretend it's easy, waiting without a hint of when this will end. so, if you find a moment to breathe, just send me a quick text. let me know you're alright. hurry home soon, won't you? i have so much to tell you, but it will sound sweeter with you here, beside me, and your hand entwined in mine.
love, y/n
the phone screen dimmed, the call going unanswered again. straight to voicemail. three missed calls in the last hour, texts were left unread. this was the norm for the past few weeks now, and worry gnawed at your gut, intensifying at each unanswered call.
aventurine always found a way to reply, even with just a quick emoji or a rushed message. this silence felt wrong, alien. yet there was nothing to do but wait.
his eyes meet yours, the usual cocky smirk plastered on his lips as he promised, "i'll win this, and i'll come back. and iโll ask you something important, but until then, wait for me." you had seen the slight tremble in his left hand, clenched out of sight behind his back. he tried to play it cool, but you knew. you always knew when the bravado masked a flicker of uncertainty.
something to ask? he seemed nervous, but you didnโt have time to ask then as he swooped you in by the waist, lips meeting yours for a kiss, bearing an intensity that bordered on desperation, devouring your questions...acting as if this was the last.
"liar," you whispered into the empty room. he always promised. yet, here you were, waiting for an echo in the silence, hoping this time wouldn't be different, that this was not a gamble he'd lost. the thought made your throat tighten. even so, you'd wait. because as infuriating and reckless as aventurine could be, you knew he always found his way back to you.
but you wake up to another morning, bed empty and cold.
i'll be there, behind you who walks alone
singing till the end, this song will be endless
take a big breath
for you who forgot how to cry aloud... i'll sing
โโ โธthere are nights when i see it in your eyes โ that flicker of darkness, when you revisit those old wounds. it breaks my heart to see you doubting yourself, picking apart the scars that are a part of you. know this, aventurine โ when you hurt, i hurt too. but i wonโt turn away. in this tangled mess, iโll be with you, choose you over someone easy to love, every single time.
love, y/n
aventurine jolted awake, another nightmare clinging to his senses like a shroud. the sheets felt damp with cold sweat, the familiar tremble in his hands a stark reminder of the horrors his mind relived each night.
the bedside lamp cast a warm glow onto the remnants of his untouched glass of wine. the sight of the deep red liquid sent a wave of nausea through him. too similar, too much of a reminder of another shade of red, the one that had stained the sand, the one he could taste at the back of his throat, even years later.
he stumbled toward the bathroom, desperate to rid himself of the phantom taste. in the mirror, his eyes met the reflection of the commodity code on his neck. a permanent brand of his past as a slave. a reminder of a time when he was merely worth 60 tanba, and aventurine believes that didnโt change. despite all the luxury, he was still bought by a few, measly coins.
he sank to the floor, breath rasping in his chest. doubt gnawed at his resolve. how could he deserve someone like you? you, who woke night after night to his restless stirrings, who held him without question, who saw past the facade he so carefully maintained. your patience, your warmth, was something aventurine thought he would never feel again the moment his remaining family died.
he wasn't enough. how could he be, when his past clung to him like a stain, his nightsโand sometimes, even daysโa torment he dragged you into? he should be protecting you, not becoming a burden you bore without complaint.
a sluggish arm wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him into a loose embrace. you mumbled sleepily, voice thick with concern, "itโs okay, donโt hide. with me, youโre a blessing, not a burden.โ
he could only nod, burying his face in the crook of your neck. you were always like this, you didn't pry, didn't demand a story he didnโt want to relive, didnโt grow tired of him. slumped together on the cold bathroom floor, you held him, a silent pillar of strength. your quiet understanding was something he didnโt know he needed, when all he received was judgement and contempt.
coming back to the love we share
the heartโs homing Instinct
being hurt, hurting you,
itโs still fine
when i say โiโve come homeโ
i want to hear you say โwelcome backโ
โโ โธi can't help but smile when i think about that day you told me about your favorite part of the day. that moment when you walk through the door, kicking off your shoes, and yell, "i'm home!" and i, without a second thought, reply, "welcome home." it's a simple exchange, but it holds so much meaning. it's a reminder that no matter where life takes us, no matter the challenges we face, we always have a place to return to.
so, kakavasha, whenever you're feeling lost or alone, just remember that you have a place to call home. a place where you're always welcome. i'll always be here to greet you, "welcome home."
love, y/n
you heard the familiar click of the lock even before he flung the door open. seconds later, a whirlwind of expensive fabric and barely contained energy barreled into the apartment. shoes were kicked off haphazardly, his designer hat left abandoned on the floor. aventurine stumbled into your waiting arms, his usually neat suit rumpled, buttons half-undone.ย ย
he buried his face into the crook of your neck, muttering a muffled, "'m home."ย
with his usual precision replaced by a hurried exhaustion, he waited for your reply as if it were the most important thing in the world. you grinned mischievously, tilting your head with a simple nod.
a low whine escaped him, and he twisted into an impossible position to pout at you. "c'mon now, don't tease," his voice took on a childish lilt, so at odds with the ruthless image he cultivated with the IPC.ย ย
you laughed, finally relenting, "welcome home, aventurine."ย
relief instantly washed over his face, a tension you hadn't even noticed easing from his shoulders. in this moment, stripped of his charisma and calculated lies, there was just a man seeking a haven, finding solace in a simple, familiar ritual. and just like always, you provided that soft place for him to land. but a faint grumble rumbled in his chest once he realized what you just called him.
"that's it?" he mumbled, a playful glint in his eyes despite the weariness. "no kakavasha today?"
kakavasha. the name aventurine loathed from anyone else's lips, a harsh reminder of a past he'd rather leave buried. but from you, it alway rolled off so sweetly, containing a bond shared only between you two.
a smile curved your lips. "alright, alright, you big cat," you conceded, leaning in to brush your lips against his ear. "welcome home, kakavasha."
the playful glint in his eyes softened, a flicker of raw vulnerability that sent a warm rush through you. in that unguarded moment, you saw not the interastral peace corporation's fake, charming agent, but the man you knew and loved.
if you are weak,
iโll show you my weakness
if youโre pretending to be strong,
iโll gently embrace your weakness
donโt leave me all alone
i wonโt leave you all alone
โโ โธi know there are days when the mask seems suffocating, and the smile you wear too brittle. i see it crack, so don't hide it from me. let me share the weight, even if it's just for a little while. you don't have to be strong all the time. let yourself be vulnerable, let those walls down โ just with me. and I'm not going anywhere.
the scars, the past thatโs smeared with blood... they're a part of you, the part of you that i also love. so let yourself fall apart for a little while. i'll be here, ready to catch you.
love, y/n
the smell of stale liquor clung to the air, blending with the familiar musk of aventurine's scent. he lay sprawled on the sofa, a half-empty bottle beside him, his usually composed features twisted in sleep. you knew these nights. the ones where the ghosts of his past caught up with him, dragging him back and not letting him go.
a whimper cut through the silence, so soft you might've missed it. aventurine's brows furrowed, his hands clenched into fists. you knelt beside him, the urge to reach out, to soothe, almost overwhelming. he was so good at burying it all beneath a mask of composed indifference, but in sleep, it all faded away, bearing his real fears.
his eyes shot open, the familiar panic flaring before he recognized you. a forced smile stretched across his face, a brittle mask replacing the brief vulnerability. "long night?" he rasped out, the casual tone, an attempt to brush everything he deemed as unsightlyโhis fears, his weaknesses, his insecurities.
you frowned, unable to mirror his false cheer. "kakavasha..." your voice was soft, though scolding, as you call his name. his real name. a name others tried to bury, and with it his origins as an avgin. "don't pretend with me. you donโt have to talk, just let me hold you. iโm here, always."ย
you wouldn't force him to speak, wouldn't demand he reopen old wounds that even now seemed to persist. but your hand found his, a silent promise. that you were there, a steady anchor to the raging storm in his mind. and if he ever chose to stop running, if he decided to turn and face those ghosts, you'd face them with him.
โโ โธyou know those quiet mornings? the ones where the world seems to sleep in, birds barely chirping, and the sunlight seeps in gently. it's days like these, wrapped in your sweatshirt, coffee mug in hand, that make the whole world fade away. it's not about anything fancy or grand, just the softness of your messy hair, the way you grumble softly in your sleep, the promise of another day together. every day with you, even the ones filled with worries and whispered threats, feels worth going for. you're my quiet harbor, my safe space in the storm. and...maybe it's just a wishful thinking of mine, but let's keep at it, until we're old and grey.
love, y/n
aventurine groaned as the loud ringtone of his phone shattered the peace of the bedroom. annoyance flickered in his eyes before hardening into his usual detached mask. you watched as he negotiated, voice sharp and persuasive. a few minutes later, he tossed the phone aside, an unexpected smile playing on his lips.
"apparently, i'm off duty for a few hours," he announced, surprise lacing his voice. it wasn't everyday a stoneheart isn't needed, aventurine can't help but think of his worth once again. on the bright side, more time with you.
uncertainty flickered in his eyes. this unplanned pause, an unscheduled time filled with nothing, seemed to disorient him. "so...fancy brunch date?" he offered tentatively, a hint of his usual charm returning.
but something about his stiff posture, the hesitation in his voice, made you laugh. instead of reaching for your clothes, you flopped back onto the bed, beckoning him to join you. "let's just stay here," you said, tracing lazy circles on his bare shoulder.
the tension left his body, replaced by surprise, then a slow grin. aventurine settled beside you, a low rumble of contentment replacing his usual guardedness. the birds chirping outside seemed to grow louder, the dappled sunlight on his face a simple, perfect picture. his hand found yours, fingers intertwining.
his hair was still a mess from sleep, eyes hooded. and as your fingers trailed through the soft strands, he let out a sigh that was almost a purr. you paused, and he whined, a low, playful sound that made you grin. this sleepy, unguarded version of aventurine was rare and precious.
"maybe...maybe we don't need fancy things all the time," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper. you nodded, warmth blooming in your chest at the shared realization. somehow, this lazy morning felt more meaningful than any extravagant date to fancy restaurants.
a sudden thought of the future flashed in your mind-of mornings like this, simple and stolen. no missions, no threats, just the two of you existing with nothing but time on your hands. it was a future far removed from the dangerous life he led, but for the first time, you and aventurine entertained the thought.
i said i liked you, but i lied
i love you, i didn't want to hurt you
but i love you, so love me all day long
i want to look back together
and laugh about this song
โโ โธyou always talk about the dark parts, the scars, the past... but never about the way you make me laugh, or how you listen when i talk about my day, how you look at me as if i am everything to you. i know the world hasn't been kind to you. i know it's hard to believe that anyone could love all that you are, the scars and the secrets. but i do. thank you for sharing even a tiny piece of your guarded heart with me. and even when you're so broken, you love me wholly, and for that, thank you.
love, y/n
your head pounded in time with the obnoxious ticking of the bedside clock. you've been downed by a flu, turning your body into one giant ache. through feverish eyes, you saw aventurine hovering, concern etched into the lines of his normally unreadable face. even exhausted from another grueling day at the IPC, he patiently changed the compress on your forehead and helped you force down another dose of bitter medicine.
a wave of tenderness flooded through you, washing away some of the misery. vulnerability doesn't always come easy, but with his hand gently smoothing back your hair, the words were already on your lips.
"hey, you know..." you began, a slight tremor in your voice, "i kinda like you." it was a pathetic attempt of the grand confessions you wanted to make.
aventurine's eyes flickered open, a flash of amusement replacing the weariness. "just kinda?" he teased, a wry smile playing on his lips.
the heat that flooded your cheeks had nothing to do with the fever. it was probably the cold, or the medicine you took, that was making you a tad bit too bold than usual. "okay, fine," you grumbled, turning your face into the pillow, facing away from him. "maybe i kinda...a lot...love you."
silence fell, broken only by your uneven breaths. the weight on the bed shifted as aventurine moved closer. a cool hand found yours, squeezing it lightly. when you finally mustered the courage to peek at him, his eyes held a quiet warmth you'd rarely seen, a kind of vulnerability he only shows to you.
"well," he said with a soft chuckle, "i guess that kinda... a lot... works for me too."
the awkwardness lifted, replaced by a sense of gentle relief. even fever-ridden and miserable, this moment felt perfect - a testament to the messy, beautiful thing growing between you despite all the odds stacked against it.
โโ โธcontrary to your belief, its you who shaped love for me. before you, love was just a word to me.
love is the abundance of patience, the willingness to stay up late just so i can see you safe from dangerous missions, the constant worrying, the fear that it may end all too soon. love is learning to balance out our differences, alike yet different, different yet alike. love is learning to see the world through your eyes, trying to understand the complexities you carry.
you are my definition of love, aventurine. a love that's fragile and bittersweet, but a love that is worth a dime. it isn't something out of a fairy tale. but it is dazzling, raw, imperfect...much like you.
love, y/n
aventurine's laughter was brittle, echoing off the bare walls of the too-expensive penthouse. it was a practiced sound, hollow despite the expensive liquor warming his insides. the almost-fight hung heavy in the air - his careless words, your voice taut with anger, echoing in the deafening silence.
he'd come home with blood staining his shirt and a forced smile that didn't reach his eyes, brushing off his near-death as mere nothing. the tension, always simmering under the surface, had ignited into something raw and ugly. all that doubt, the ever-present belief that he was undeserving, spilled out. the barrage of self-loathing was aimed to himself, but somehow, it always ended up hurting both of you.
you watched the familiar spiral, his carefully constructed facade threatening to crumble. he knew it was a low blow, pushing your most vulnerable buttons, testing the limits of what your love could withstand. maybe it was even a twisted attempt to make you leave, to spare you from the wreckage he knew he would bring. or his desperation, of wanting to hear you say you'll stay, that you won't vanish just like those he held dear, that for all he is worth, you don't hate him - he faces enough of that everyday.
but still he believes he's ready, waiting for you to walk away. after all, who in their right mind would choose this? choose him?
your anger flared. this time, you would not back down. "no," the word shot out before you could stop it, "i am not giving this up." your voice cracked, but you pushed on. "you think because all these...these scars, these burdens, mean you don't deserve happiness? that i deserve...a what? someone better? i don't want 'better', i want you. i don't want an easy love, i want yours."
his eyes, usually guarded, flickered with surprise. you held his gaze, refusing to let him look away. this fragile, imperfect love that you'd built together, it might break at times. but you'd rebuild it a thousand times if you had to. because love wasn't just the good parts. it was also the fights, the tears, the insecurities, the burdens. and this was a love you would never trade for anything remotely better. you'll both make it better.
