Hehe wanna hear about the time Emmeline traumatized her brother?
Okay so when Noctis and Emmeline were about eight or nine years old, Noct did something to really piss her off. Idk like steal her stuffed bear or spread some silly rumor around the school or something. Instead of tattling or fighting, she got even. Noct was one of those kids who LOVED the tooth fairy (mainly because free money) and made a huge deal out of putting his tooth out and staying up to see her. When he lost his next tooth, Emmy made a fucking plan. She swiped his tooth after he passed out, then smeared glitter and ketchup/paint/some red substance all over his pillow and sheets. This little shit even put tiny red footprint streaks leading away from his pillow and a bloody dollar bill on the floor. Noct woke up the next morning and lost. his. shit. I’m talking screaming and sobbing, crying for their dad, the whole nine yards. Poor kid was inconsolable, convinced the tooth fairy was murdered trying to take his tooth. Meanwhile Emmy is sitting in her bed across the room like “oh no,,,, this is terrible,,,,” but on the inside she’s fucking dying. She’s putting on the puppy dog eyes and acting all innocent but Regis automatically knew it was her (dad instinct and he’s used to his kids being idiots). Whoo boy, Emmy got grounded for like a month and it took Noct a while to forgive her. As adults they’re both over it and laugh about it with the guys (and they’re all a little concerned about how unhinged she was)
mdni | getting this out at lightning speed because I’m excited
“Wake me up if you need anything.”
Anything?
It was such a kind sentiment that he’d be there for you even in the dead of night. What could you possibly need at 3 am after Vessel’s fallen asleep? Why would you need to creep down the dark hallway, whisper his name, and do your damndest to not scare him?
Anything.
That is the furthest thing from your mind as you make your coffee. Everything feels horrible. When was the last time you slept more than 4 or 5 hours? You can only imagine how you look right now. Bedhead still partially in a bun, smeared eyeliner, oversized tee. There was something cozy about it at least. Things could be worse. No one was judging you for your appearance or insomnia. Although, maybe if they did you’d be more inclined to get your shit together. You’ve practically zoned out when the coffee maker beeps and the front door opens.
“Morning, you,” Vessel says, taking off his tank top. He’s clearly just been on a run, and from the looks of it, it was a good one. It was unfair how the sunshine seemed to follow him as he chugged his water. At this point it seemed rude to not stare at how the sweat clung to his chest like he was oiled up for a photshoot.
“Hey,” you croaked. Congratulations, you said your first word today. “Good run?”
“Heh, yeah. It’s nice out. You should get some fresh air.”
Vessel casually reached across you to get a paper towel, boxing you in against the counter. He had a sense of personal space but only in a lap dog sort of way. Your roommate standing less than six inches from you as he wiped his brow and neck was no different than a Great Dane plopping its lower half on your lap and the rest on the floor. A giant baby.
“You want some coffee?”
“Eh,” Vessel shrugs, a boyish grin across his face.
“Uh huh, sure. You’re off coffee, aren’t you? More of a green tea guy? More for me,” you tease, pushing past him to get your mug down from the shelf. As you stand up on your tip toes, Vessel’s wide hand presses to your lower back. Gentle. Firm.
“I got you. Go sit down,” he says softly.
Grumbling a little, you sit at the island as Ves pours coffee for the both of you. There’s something so pure about him. Even the way he holds your favorite mug after pouring the creamer in makes your tummy flood with butterflies. What would it feel like to have your blushed cheeks cupped by his hands? You forgot to thank him when he places the mug in front of you. And you definitely kept forgetting to because of how he leaned in front of you. Taking in every inch of you. But not for pleasure.
“Please wake me up the next time you can’t sleep. I’m serious.”
You wanted to dismiss his concern. And you hated paternal it felt. But you were too sleep deprived to come up with something that would make him back off. If anything, he’d double down.
“Ok. Will do,” you reply with a polite but defeated expression.
“That’s what I like to hear.”
Adding to the list of things that are incredibly unfair: how effortless sweet he is. Gentle. It actually makes you feel guilty for staring him down as he takes another big drink from his bottle. A little dribble of water goes down his chin to his bobbling throat. How long could you follow that little droplet until Vessel noticed? The dip of his sternum? Fuck if you were lucky it would get closer and closer to his belly button but it barely gets past his Adam’s Apple before he wipes it. How entertained you were is lost on him, though.
Vessel was smart. No, really, he was. Book smart. Music smart. But when it came to girls and social cues, he was a little dense. Even if he wasn’t sex on legs you still wouldn’t mind him walking around shirtless after a run, but Christ alive he had no idea the effect he had on people. One time at a gig he took his shirt off and at least three girls and two dudes ran into something as you both passed. But he didn’t notice.
Sometimes you wondered if you noticed simply because you were a people watcher by nature. Or was it because you wanted to see if people were checking him out? And if that was the case, why did you care? Vessel could defend himself easy, so it’s not like when a guy friend would be like “oh you know I’m just making sure no one’s trying to fuck with you.” The next obvious reason would be because you were jealous. How boring! Ooh moody insomniac girl has a big old stupid crush on her quiet clueless puppy-boy roommate? Get real. But when you’re typing away as you work from home, those feelings creep up more often than you’d like to admit.
The day goes on as normal. Work gets done, you don’t feel as shitty as when you got up, and finally it’s time to couch rot until bedtime. When Netflix asks “Are you still watching…” Vessel lets out a yawn and stretches in such a way that you want to say “ooooh BIIIIG stretch.” He’d probably like that, but you refrain. You don’t know him quite like that but you wish you did.
“Calling it?”
“Hmm. Yeah, I guess. You should, too, you know,” he says patting your knee.
Your stomach churns. That anxiety about laying down just to toss and turn. “Hey Ves,”
“Hmm?”
“You know when you tell me to wake you up if I need something or can’t sleep…wh-why do you say that? I mean…it’s kind but…what are you…offering, I guess? Like if I can’t sleep, why should I wake you up?”
Vessel looks to the opposite wall, seemingly deep in thought. Before he replies he takes a breath like he’s stopping himself from saying something. “Just doesn’t seem right for you to be lonely like that.”
“Who said I was lonely?” You ask with a small smile. What a sweetheart.
“You don’t have to say it.”
There’s no come back for that. God, are you really about to have this conversation?
“Listen, Ves, I…yeah you’re right. It is lonely. And I guess I’d feel guilty about waking you up just to be miserable with me.”
“Oh! I wouldn’t be miserable,” he says with a bit too much enthusiasm. “I’d keep you company. Surely there’s something that helps you sleep, right?”
“Well…”
“If it’s weed or something like that…listen,” he puts his hand to his heart, “I am discreet and nonjudgmental as.”
“God,” you hide your face, “I wish it was that. It’s far more embarrassing.”
“I promise I won’t judge you. In fact, look, I’ll hide my face too. It’s like confessional,” he teases.
Well. Here goes nothing.
“My last boyfriend ate me out when I couldn’t sleep. Worked like a charm.” You blurt out.
Vessel snorts and looks up at you, moving your hands from your face. “That’s it?”
“Damn alright, yes. No reason to laugh, jerk.”
“No…I’m just saying…that’s nothing.”Why is he shrugging like that? Why does he look like he’s about to stand up? WHY is he standing up and stretching out his hand?! “Come on then.”
“Uhhh what? Ves…no…no…I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“Good, because you’re not asking; I’m offering.”
You stare up at him, completely floored. On one hand you’re screaming “LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO” and on the other you’re wondering this is a joke. By the time you’re in your bedroom and you notice the bulge in Vessel’s joggers, you know it’s not a joke.
“Alright, hop up,” he says as he sits on his knees at the foot of your bed, “let’s see what we can do.”
Cautiously you sit back against your pillows, legs spread and bent at the knee. Without missing a beat Ves comes forward rubs his hands up your legs. “Uhm…”
“Hmmm?”
“Judgement-free zone, right?”
Vessel lifts his eyebrow. “At this point I’d certainly hope not.”
“Heh…right. Uhm…you uh…you have my permission to…”
Can his eyebrow get any higher. “Yes?
“To do…like…anything.”
Vessel’s grin lights you up inside out. “Happy to hear that. I have no problem suffocating if it means you get some sleep.”
“Hah…” you chuckle nervously as you help him slip off your shorts and panties, “a little trade off?”
“‘Trade off’ infers that someone’s compromising.” Vessel places a few firm kisses to your inner thighs, groaning as he breathes you in. “Everyone in this scenario wins.”
You can’t help but whimper. He wants this so bad. And you’re finally giving in to how bad you’ve wanted him. Your body melts under his warm touch…how nice it is to feel someone else. It’s second nature to place your hand over his as it kneads your tummy.
“That’s it…let me take it from here.”
At the risk of sounding cliche, you have to admit that his kisses are truly something else. Each peck teasing around your slit and clit feels like a little nibble. Like he’s trying to pace himself with a big dessert.
“You like fingers, too?”
“Mm,” you murmur but your brain is fuzzy. “At…at least two, yeah.”
“Mmm bet you mean inside. How about on your clit?” He whispers as two fingers rub either side of your folds. “Like that…is that good?”
“Fuck….Ves!”
Your pussy clenches. It’s like you’ve never been touched before.
“I know, it feels good, doesn’t it? Such a pretty pussy…and you’re letting me play with it? That’s a sweet girl…” he purrs. The hand you rested on his now grips his wrist. It’s impossible to look away from his sweet doe eyes even though a little part of you feels painfully awkward. But it’s so worth it to see his eyes roll back when he tastes you for the first time. That look alone drives you insane and could feel weeks worth of fantasies alone.
Ves takes his time but soon starts a little suction-y technique you’ve only had the privilege of experiencing once or twice, so you feel it’s only right to show him just how much you like it. Soon your shame is gone, which is great for Vessel too because it means you’re grinding into his face in a way that makes him groan and whimper against your clit.
It had never come up in conversation before but he had always hoped it would come to this. Every time he offered to be with you one sleepless nights it was a cry for your companionship. Warmth. Love. Was that a bit much? If it was, he didn’t really care. Only thing he cared about was the vice grip your sweet pussy had on his fingers and the glorious feeling of your nails on his scalp. He could sleep right here. Fuck. How were you this responsive? Like Ves knows he’s good but this constant feedback was going to his head.
“Mmm yes….mmm that’s so good. Such a good boy…you’re so good for me…” you coo in broken moans and whispers.
Oh there it is. That was all he needed to start grinding into the mattress. “Good boy.” He’s never been called that before but now it’s all he wants. Fuck what does he have to do to hear it again? His technique gets a little sloppy as his hips grind down hard and desperately. The suction he had on your clit waivers because he can’t stop moaning. He’d never tell you this but hearing himself is getting him off just as much as you pulling his hair and whimpering for him.
Meanwhile, you have no concept of if you’ve cum or not. Quite frankly you don’t care because Vessel is proving himself to be a certified real one. The second you felt the tiniest bit self conscious about bringing his face even closer, he nodded and went harder.
“You love this…don’t you, sweetheart?” You ask as you brush his hair back a little. “Are you a good boy?”
Vessel nods up with sweet glassy eyes. His face all red from excitement. Soon he’s just humping your comforter and letting you grind it out on his face.
If you could put this in a gel cap, you’d have the world’s most powerful sleeping pill.
You wake up a little later than usual, but it’s Saturday, so who gives a fuck? You roll over feeling a little groggy but it’s pleasant. Life actually doesn’t feel like a giant floating anvil.
And there’s sweetie pie Vessel, clinging to one of your throw pillows. You give him a forehead kiss and a little squeeze, making him stir.
“Grrrrrmmmmm what time s’it?” He grumbles and hides his face behind the pillow.
“Don’t tell me you have a hard time waking up.”
“I do!” He whines. “Almost as hard a time as you have falling asleep.”
You tip toe your fingers down his chest to his underwear. “Does this help?”
Naturally he rolls to his back and pulls out his already hard cock. “Doesn’t hurt.”
It would be cruel to not give back to this sweet boy. You haven’t done this in a while but he doesn’t seem to mind your starts and stops. He’s just happy to be here, you can tell.
Vessel wraps his hand around the back of your neck, then your shoulder. Anything to feel your skin as you lay across him throating his cock. His left hand tangles in your hair as the other travels down, rubbing your back and cupping your ass. He’s in absolute awe of you right now…so much so he can’t even make words. Last night you told him what a good boy he was…how he could be your puppy if he really wanted and that he made you cum on his pretty face so much…but he couldn’t even match your eloquence. Just loud, desperate groans. You want to tease him so badly. Clearly he feels submissive with you and the urge to tease him about making whiny little bitch sounds is right there but it’s not worth it. Not when he sounds like he’s on the verge of joyful tears as you find your pace. He was all yours now, and you were his. What would you do without each other? All you two knew is that you’d do anything.
— Perfume samples, lipstick shades, and a boyfriend who thinks everything looks good on you.
A short fanfic for the lovely @altarofaching!
The perfume section was, apparently, the most important place in the entire store. At least, that's what Vessel had gathered from the last twenty minutes.
"Okay, smell this one."
He obediently leaned down as you held a little paper tester beneath his nose. "It smells nice."
You narrowed your eyes. "That's what you said about the last one."
"It also smelled nice."
"You're terrible at this," you said, but a smile tugged at your lips despite yourself.
"Am I?" He tilted his head to the side and looked down at you.
"Yes." You grabbed another bottle from the display and sprayed it onto a fresh strip. "Try this one."
Again, he leaned down without complaint. His large hand remained occupied with your shopping basket, already overflowing with things you'd picked up throughout the afternoon. A sweater, a candle, three pairs of cute fuzzy socks, a notebook you absolutely didn't need, and whatever else had caught your attention.
"Hm," he hummed thoughtfully.
Your eyes widened. "Oh? You have an opinion?"
"This one smells like something you'd wear."
Your heart immediately melted, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he grinned at you.
"I like this one." You turned the glass perfume bottle in your hand, reading the label.
"Found the winner, then?"
A laugh escaped you, and you nodded, gently placing the glass perfume bottle into the shopping basket your boyfriend carried.
Eventually, you wandered away from the perfume displays and toward the makeup section. Vessel followed faithfully, watching closely as you picked up a lipstick, trying to seem more interested.
"What about this color?" You took the cap off the lipstick and held it out to him.
He eyed it for a moment, pretending to inspect the product. "It looks pretty."
"Really?" you asked, staring at him for a long moment before he looked back at you.
"I mean..." His shoulders lifted slightly. "You'll be the one wearing it, so yeah, I think it's pretty."
The butterflies in your stomach were getting ridiculous, and you couldn't fight the cheesy smile that crossed your face before swiftly plucking the lipstick from his hand, putting the cap back on, and tossing it into the shopping basket.
A few minutes later, after testing entirely too many products, you finally settled on a handful of things and headed toward the register. The cashier scanned your items quickly, and when she was done, you unzipped your purse and reached for your wallet, but a hand settled gently over yours.
You looked up. "Vess."
"I've got it."
You didn't even have a chance to argue because he'd already pulled out his card, and while the cashier bagged your items, you stood beside him, trying and failing not to smile.
When everything was bagged, Vessel naturally took them, all of them, including the ones you reached for.
"I can carry something," you protested.
"You are carrying something," he affirmed and reached over with his free hand, intertwining your fingers with his.
You squeezed his fingers as his thumb brushed over your knuckles, and Vessel glanced down at you. "Finished shopping?"
You looked toward the rest of the mall, then back at him. "...Maybe."
A quiet groan left him, but without a single complaint, he adjusted the bags in his hand and followed wherever you wanted to go next.
The rain tapped against the apartment windows in a steady, almost hypnotic rhythm. Outside, London was submerged in that melancholy gray that seemed to last for entire weeks during winter.
Inside, the heater worked without rest. Even so, you were freezing.
"This isn't normal." Sitting on the couch, you pulled the blanket up to your nose. "It's eighteen degrees in here."
"Exactly." Vessel said without even looking at you. His focus was interely on his video game. "Eighteen. That's not cold."
"Not for you."
"For any functional human being."
You shot him an indignant look.
He smiled. That smile. The smile that always appeared seconds before he said something unbearable.
"Maybe you're dying."
"Thank you."
"I'm just considering possibilities."
"You're horrible."
"And you love me."
You rolled your eyes. He returned his attention to the tv.
Thirty seconds later, you completely abandoned whatever dignity you had left and crossed the couch to press yourself against him.
Vessel didn't look. He didn't need to. His arm simply opened to receive you, as if that movement had already been rehearsed a thousand times.
You settled against his chest. It helped. A little.
"Still cold."
"Impressive."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
He kept playing.
You narrowed your eyes.
"You're not going to do anything?"
"Seems like I'm already doing something."
"That's the bare minimum."
Finally, he paused the game. With irritating calm. And then looked at you.
"What exactly is your expectation here?"
"I don't know."
"Do you want me to turn on another heater?"
"No."
"Make hot chocolate?"
"No."
"Buy you a coat?"
"No."
He tilted his head slightly.
"So you want me to fix it."
Your silence was answer enough and the corner of his mouth curved upward.
"I see."
Before you could respond, he pulled you closer. Much closer. One arm wrapped around your waist, the other slid behind your shoulders, holding you completely against him. The warmth came almost immediately. His chest was absurdly warm. His hands too. And the familiar scent of cologne made everything worse.
Or better. Definitely better.
You sighed.
"See?"
His voice vibrated beneath your cheek.
"Problem solved."
"You're way too pleased with yourself."
"Because I'm right."
You grumbled something unintelligible.
He laughed.
Low. Satisfied. The kind of laugh that always made your stomach do a little flip.
For a few minutes, the apartment remained silent. Just the rain. The heater. His breathing. You were almost dozing off when you felt fingers absentmindedly slide along your arm. Up. Down. Drawing invisible patterns across your skin.
Lazy. Affectionate. Dangerously pleasant.
"Better?"
"A little."
"Lie."
"Maybe."
"You were shivering."
"You're exaggerating."
"You were."
You lifted your face to look at him.
Big mistake. Because he was already looking at you. Only a few inches away. That calm expression. That complete attention, as if there were nothing else in the world worth looking at except you.
Your heart sped up immediately. His seemed to notice. Of course it did. It always noticed.
A slow smile appeared on his lips.
"Ah."
You narrowed your eyes.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"What?"
"Nothing."
It definitely wasn't nothing. You knew that look. Knew it far too well.
"You're thinking something stupid."
"Me?"
"You."
He feigned indignation.
"I'm just happy you're not cold anymore."
"Liar."
"Maybe a little."
You tried to pull away. He didn't let you. The arm around your waist tightened slightly. Just enough. Just to remind you that he could.
His smile widened.
"Besides..." His voice came out lower. "If every time you're cold you come looking for shelter here..."
His dark eyes dropped briefly to your lips before returning to yours.
"...I think winter just became my favorite season."
And then, satisfied with himself, he simply leaned his head back against the couch and went back to his game. Leaving you completely speechless. Which, apparently, had been exactly the plan.
hi!! first of all, thanks for doing all this work, i appreciate you so much!!
i'm wondering if you can answer this: does simon only smile once in the whole movie? the only time i can recall is after he spits on the light to activate it
Simon Smiling Compilation
All the times I've caught Simon smiling during my scene scrapes. :)
Laughing at the audacity of these fucking people:
Smiling at the fruits of his own good idea:
Thinking about wanting to live:
Manic-smiling while backing up, trying to chase the radio static:
Smiling at the depth meter going up:
Getting a cocky grin while joking about being fucked:
Looking back at the Eel while she dangles hope like a turkey leg on a string:
Celebrating getting the power back on:
He only smiles when he's trying to be a smart ass, or when something works out in his favor. Simon looks for reasons to celebrate to himself whenever possible. He appreciates the little things! You kind of have to, in his situation.
You didn’t move right away this time. Just looked at him, a flicker of curiosity, and something warmer, settling behind your eyes.
“What?”
“Closer,” he repeated, softer now, but with that quiet insistence you were starting to recognize.
Your breath hitched almost imperceptibly as you stepped into him, stopping just between his knees.
“Okay…”
His gaze lingered on your face for a second… then dropped. Slow. Deliberate.
“Give me your hand.”
There was something in the way he said it - low, almost distracted - that made your pulse quicken. Still, you let him take your hand, your fingers relaxing into his.
“Ves… what are you...”
He didn’t answer. Just guided you, steady, unhurried, until your palm rested against him.
“Feel it.”
Your brows pulled together slightly, confusion flickering across your face as you focused on the contact.
Nothing.
You looked back up at him, questioning, a faint crease forming between your brows.
His lips twitched.
“Kiss me.”
You leaned in, soft at first, just a brush of lips, careful, searching. A quiet breath left him, almost a hum.
“For real.”
The way he said it… it sent a small shiver down your spine. This time, you didn’t hesitate.
Your hand slid beneath the fabric of his cloak, fingers threading tightening on his shoulder as you pulled him into you, your lips pressing into his with more intention, more weight. The kiss deepened naturally, slowly opening, your bodies shifting closer without you even noticing.
And then you felt it. Subtle at first… a change beneath your hand. How he was hardening under your touch.
Your breath caught against his mouth.
He exhaled into the kiss, low and uneven, like he’d been waiting for that exact moment. His hand slid to your waist, fingers tightening just slightly as your lips parted from his.
You stayed close. Too close. Your forehead almost touching his.
“See?” he murmured, voice rougher now, softer in a different way.
Heat flooded your cheeks instantly, your eyes dropping for a second before lifting back to his.
But you didn’t pull your hand away. If anything… your fingers shifted slightly, testing, feeling the way his body responded.
That did something to him.
You saw it. A flicker in his eyes. Darker. Heavier. His grip on your waist tightened just a fraction more.
“Careful…” he whispered, not really a warning. More like… a confession.
And the way he looked at you then... like you had just discovered exactly how much power you had over him. It made your heart stutter in your chest.
He still smelled like the stage. Even after the shower. You were back at the hotel room. The adrenaline had faded, but it had left his body restless.
He was lying on his back, shirtless, just sweatpants on, his breathing heavier than someone who claimed to be “fine.”
You were on your side, propped up on your elbow, your fingers moving slowly through his hair.
Silence. Only the hum of the air conditioner while your fingers slid down to the nape of his neck.
“You cried tonight.” It wasn’t an accusation. It was a statement.
He didn’t open his eyes. “I do that sometimes.”
The answer came too casual. Your fingers didn’t stop.
“It isn’t ‘sometimes.’”
Silence again. His jaw tensed. Small. Almost imperceptible. “It is part of it.”
You tilted your head slightly. “Part of what?”
He exhaled through his nose. “The music. The release. It built up.”
That word: built. Accumulation.
You moved your hand to his temple, your thumb tracing a slow, careful stroke. “Was it just the music?”
Now he opened his eyes. Not to look at you. To look at the ceiling. He took a few seconds before answering.
“Does it scare you?” The question shifted everything.
“What?”
“Seeing me like that.” His voice was lower now. No stage. No reverb. You moved closer, your body sliding nearer to his.
“No.”
He turned his head slightly toward you.
“Most people think I am faking it. A few think is devotion. Or whatever they wanted to call it.”
A faint crooked smile.
“Sometimes it's just… too much inside.”
The word lingered in the air.
You kept playing with his hair, but slower now. “You don’t have to hold everything with me.”
He went quiet. His chest rose. Fell. “I wasn’t trying to hold anything.”
But the answer had come too quickly. You leaned closer, your forehead resting gently against his.
“You always feel so light with me… that sometimes it seems like you are performing stability.”
That made him swallow. It wasn’t an accusation. It was care. He closed his eyes.
“If I let it all out… it isn’t pretty.”
“I don’t need it to be pretty.”
A long silence. The kind that isn’t empty, it's chosen. He finally turned onto his side, facing you. His hand came up to your wrist, holding it gently, as if he needed to confirm you were still there.
“I don’t want to bleed on you.”
The words came out raw. No humor. No mask. You brushed your thumb along his cheek.
“You do it on stage.”
He let out a small, almost embarrassed breath of a laugh. “Exactly.”
There it was. On stage, he bled and the crowd applauded. In bed, if he bled, maybe you would leave.
You moved even closer.
“I saw you tonight. Not just the Sleep Token's frontman. You.”
He looked at you as if he were deciding whether he believed that.
“And you are still here.”
“Of course I am.”
His hand slid to your waist. Not possessive. Not urgent. Just… anchoring. “I didn’t cry because I was breaking.”
“Then why?”
He hesitated. “Because sometimes it is the only place I allow myself to.”
It landed heavy. You didn’t answer with words. You just pulled him into your chest, your hand returning to his hair.
He didn’t resist. But he didn’t collapse either. He just stayed there. Breathing. And for the first time that night, completely quiet.
The rain tapped against the apartment windows in a steady, almost hypnotic rhythm. Outside, London was submerged in that melancholy gray that seemed to last for entire weeks during winter.
Inside, the heater worked without rest. Even so, you were freezing.
"This isn't normal." Sitting on the couch, you pulled the blanket up to your nose. "It's eighteen degrees in here."
"Exactly." Vessel said without even looking at you. His focus was interely on his video game. "Eighteen. That's not cold."
"Not for you."
"For any functional human being."
You shot him an indignant look.
He smiled. That smile. The smile that always appeared seconds before he said something unbearable.
"Maybe you're dying."
"Thank you."
"I'm just considering possibilities."
"You're horrible."
"And you love me."
You rolled your eyes. He returned his attention to the tv.
Thirty seconds later, you completely abandoned whatever dignity you had left and crossed the couch to press yourself against him.
Vessel didn't look. He didn't need to. His arm simply opened to receive you, as if that movement had already been rehearsed a thousand times.
You settled against his chest. It helped. A little.
"Still cold."
"Impressive."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
He kept playing.
You narrowed your eyes.
"You're not going to do anything?"
"Seems like I'm already doing something."
"That's the bare minimum."
Finally, he paused the game. With irritating calm. And then looked at you.
"What exactly is your expectation here?"
"I don't know."
"Do you want me to turn on another heater?"
"No."
"Make hot chocolate?"
"No."
"Buy you a coat?"
"No."
He tilted his head slightly.
"So you want me to fix it."
Your silence was answer enough and the corner of his mouth curved upward.
"I see."
Before you could respond, he pulled you closer. Much closer. One arm wrapped around your waist, the other slid behind your shoulders, holding you completely against him. The warmth came almost immediately. His chest was absurdly warm. His hands too. And the familiar scent of cologne made everything worse.
Or better. Definitely better.
You sighed.
"See?"
His voice vibrated beneath your cheek.
"Problem solved."
"You're way too pleased with yourself."
"Because I'm right."
You grumbled something unintelligible.
He laughed.
Low. Satisfied. The kind of laugh that always made your stomach do a little flip.
For a few minutes, the apartment remained silent. Just the rain. The heater. His breathing. You were almost dozing off when you felt fingers absentmindedly slide along your arm. Up. Down. Drawing invisible patterns across your skin.
Lazy. Affectionate. Dangerously pleasant.
"Better?"
"A little."
"Lie."
"Maybe."
"You were shivering."
"You're exaggerating."
"You were."
You lifted your face to look at him.
Big mistake. Because he was already looking at you. Only a few inches away. That calm expression. That complete attention, as if there were nothing else in the world worth looking at except you.
Your heart sped up immediately. His seemed to notice. Of course it did. It always noticed.
A slow smile appeared on his lips.
"Ah."
You narrowed your eyes.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"What?"
"Nothing."
It definitely wasn't nothing. You knew that look. Knew it far too well.
"You're thinking something stupid."
"Me?"
"You."
He feigned indignation.
"I'm just happy you're not cold anymore."
"Liar."
"Maybe a little."
You tried to pull away. He didn't let you. The arm around your waist tightened slightly. Just enough. Just to remind you that he could.
His smile widened.
"Besides..." His voice came out lower. "If every time you're cold you come looking for shelter here..."
His dark eyes dropped briefly to your lips before returning to yours.
"...I think winter just became my favorite season."
And then, satisfied with himself, he simply leaned his head back against the couch and went back to his game. Leaving you completely speechless. Which, apparently, had been exactly the plan.
Pairings: Aloy x reader (romantic), Aloy x Erend (platonic), Aloy x the boys (platonic), Aloy x Zo (platonic), reader x Erend (platonic), reader x the boys (strangers), reader x Zo (platonic), Erend x the boys (strangers), Erend x Zo (platonic)
Type of fic: Fluff, Comedy
Warnings: Spoilers for Horizon Forbidden West
Summary: With you away Aloy certainly became… different and Erend is the punching bag and she had little time to catch up with Zo... after everything that happened. When you came back Aloy took you out on a suprise, but you have no idea what it is.
Ps: If you wouldn’t know when the Las Vegas in Horizon is, I put a map with it marked below the whole fic. Also I feel like Aloy would have some attatchment issues.
———————
It had been months since Aloy proposed to you, an unforgettable moment under the stars. You were both adventurers, but there was something grounding in that shared promise of a future together. However, the weeks that followed had been tough, especially after you left to help Alva with the Quen tribe. Aloy, used to long stints alone, now found herself longing for your presence in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
At first, she threw herself into her usual responsibilities. Whether it was helping with the Tenakth, investigating Old World ruins, or meeting with the various tribes, Aloy was always busy. But as the days stretched into weeks, she couldn’t shake the growing loneliness that gnawed at her, a familiar feeling she hadn’t felt in years. Being alone was something she used to excel at, something she needed to survive, but now… she missed you more than anything.
And poor Erend. He had become the unfortunate recipient of her frustration. The usually cheerful and brash Oseram warrior had noticed Aloy’s mood shift almost immediately. What started as casual grumbling about missing you turned into frequent complaints during every meal.
“I’m tellin’ ya, Aloy, I’ve never seen you like this. You’re, like, whiny now,” Erend teased during one of his drinking sessions, taking a swig from his mug.
Aloy shot him a glare. “I’m not whiny, Erend. I’m just… tired of being alone, okay?”
He chuckled. “Sure, whatever you say. But I swear, if you don’t stop talking about her, I’m gonna lose it. You’ve been complaining for weeks.”
The fourth week without you hit the hardest. Aloy found herself staring out over the horizon more often than not, counting down the days until you would finally return. She even caught herself snapping at her focus a couple of times for not giving her an accurate estimate of your travel time.
When you finally arrived back at the base, tired but relieved, you barely had a moment to catch your breath before you were enveloped in a tight hug from behind. Aloy had been working on something in the main room, but the second she heard your familiar footsteps echo through the corridor, she halted.
“Missed you,” she whispered against your ear, her grip around your waist firm but gentle.
You leaned into her embrace, smiling. “Missed you too, Aloy.”
Just as the two of you were about to lose yourselves in each other’s company, Erend strolled in, arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his face. “About damn time. Please, for the love of all the tribes, take her and go. I’ve had to listen to nothing but Aloy whining about you being gone for weeks,” he groaned dramatically.
You stifled a laugh, turning to look at Aloy, who stood with her hands on her hips, refusing to admit any of this had happened. She shot a glare at Erend, her cheeks reddening.
“Erend…” Aloy began, clearly trying to find some kind of comeback.
Erend waved a hand dismissively. “No need to explain, Aloy. I get it. Now, get outta here. You two need some time away, and I need some peace and quiet.”
You laughed softly, shaking your head at the dynamic between them, but you appreciated the sentiment behind his words.
In your shared room, the familiar warmth of the place made the weariness of your travels hit you all at once. Aloy, sensing your fatigue, pulled you into bed, immediately curling up next to you on her side, with you tucked safely against her chest. Her arms wrapped around you protectively, and you felt her chin rest gently on top of your head.
“Just rest,” she whispered, her voice soft, as if the sound might break the peaceful moment.
You didn’t need any convincing. The long weeks away and the exhaustion from the journey back finally caught up with you. With Aloy holding you so close, you drifted off to sleep almost instantly, your breathing steady and peaceful.
Aloy, however, couldn’t sleep. She lay still, watching your chest rise and fall as you slept in her arms. The memories of her childhood loneliness crept into her mind, but now, they felt distant. She wasn’t alone anymore. You were here. You were her fiancée. A small, almost shy smile crept onto her lips at the thought.
Once she was sure you were deeply asleep, she carefully slipped out of bed. Moving quietly, she stepped into the main room and found Zo, who was also awake and working on something at her station.
Zo looked up when Aloy entered, a knowing smile on her face. “Can’t sleep?” she asked.
Aloy shook her head. “I figured I’d help out a bit. Thought you might need a hand.”
Zo chuckled softly, resting her hand on her pregnant belly. “I won’t say no to that. But something tells me you’re not here just to help.”
Aloy leaned against the table, glancing at Zo. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Zo. How’s everything going with you and the baby?”
Zo’s smile softened as she spoke about the newest member of the tribe. “It’s been a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. Things have been peaceful. How about you? Anything new since I last saw you?”
Aloy hesitated for a moment, but then a small smile crept onto her face. “Actually… Y/N and I are engaged now.”
Zo’s face lit up with joy. “Aloy! That’s wonderful news! I had no idea!” she exclaimed, placing a hand on Aloy’s arm in excitement.
“Yeah,” Aloy nodded, her expression softening. “It’s been… amazing. But I’ve missed her these past weeks. She came back today, and it feels like things are finally right again.”
Zo’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “I’m so glad for you both. Do you have plans for tomorrow? We could all go somewhere together.”
Aloy chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Actually, I’ve got a little surprise planned for her. It might take the whole day, but… I think it’ll be worth it.”
Zo raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. “A surprise? Well, whatever it is, I’m sure she’ll love it.”
“I hope so,” Aloy said with a smirk. “I’ve been planning it for a while now.”
When Aloy returned to your shared room, you were in the process of changing into something more comfortable. You had just slipped out of your shirt when you suddenly felt a familiar pair of hands on your bare hips. You let out a small gasp, startled, before realizing it was Aloy.
She pressed a soft kiss to your shoulder, then your neck, her breath warm against your skin. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” she whispered in a low, teasing voice.
You turned your head slightly to look at her, raising an eyebrow. “A surprise, huh? Your surprises are always… interesting.”
Aloy grinned but said nothing, stepping back to let you finish getting dressed. Once you were ready, you followed her outside without hesitation, curious about what she had planned.
Aloy mounted her Charger and then reached out for your hand. “It’s a long ride,” she said, helping you up onto the same Charger with her. You settled in front of her, leaning back against her chest as her arms wrapped around your waist.
The ride was peaceful. The rhythmic movements of the Charger lulled you into a sense of calm, and after about an hour and a half, you found yourself dozing off in Aloy’s arms.
When you finally arrived at your destination, Aloy gently shook you awake. “We’re here,” she said softly, helping you down from the Charger.
You blinked sleepily, taking in your surroundings. “Where are we?” you asked, glancing around.
“This,” Aloy said with a soft smile, “is old Las Vegas. I’ve wanted to bring you here for a while now.”
She led you into a large, wooden building, where you were greeted by Abadund and Stemmur. Aloy exchanged a few words with her friends, and soon you found yourself sitting on a balcony with Aloy by your side, watching as the Embers projected their dazzling light show across the sky.
You rested your head on Aloy’s shoulder, mesmerized by the shifting colors and shapes. “It’s beautiful,” you murmured.
Aloy smiled, watching you as the lights reflected off your engagement ring. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted to do something special for you.”
You squeezed her hand gently, your heart swelling with love. “You always do.”
As the Embers danced in the sky, the two of you sat in comfortable silence, content in each other’s presence. Aloy had taken you on countless adventures, but this one, sitting together under the Embers, felt like one of the most special yet.
