Feel free to drop by the ask box if you have questions or just want to chat or if you have some inspiration for me (in form of a prompt)
If it's a prompt, I feel most comfortable writing Zaveid centric stuff/ ToB or ToZ...
Ships: EiZavie, VanZavie ZaviThea and I'd be willing to try my hand on some short (and sweet) RokuVel, Edna x Laphicet, SorMik and RoseAli
What I won't write:
I... I'm not really sure, as long as it's not too extreme (extremely graphic stuff, though even there depending on the prompt I might be interested enough to give it a try) I think I'd at least consider it
As long as you don't request ships I don't vibe with ;)
Heads up, I will be as annoying as I can be here about my ToB longfic... Which I need to get back working on xD
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 3/?
Fandom: Tales of Berseria
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Eizen/Zaveid (Tales of Series), Van Aifread/Zaveid, Van Aifread/Zaveid/Eizen, Van Aifread & Zaveid, Eizen & Zaveid - Relationship, Edna & Eizen (Tales of Series), Van Aifread & Eizen, Velvet Crowe & Zaveid
Characters: Zaveid (Tales of Series), Eizen (Tales of Series), Van Aifread, Rokurou Rangetsu, Velvet Crowe
Additional Tags: Canon Rewrite, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Slow Burn, Malak Experimentation, Religion, Canon-Typical Violence, Fluff, from time to time, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, trying to stick close to canon, while simultanously letting it burn to the ground, anyone wants to make marshmellows?
Summary:
[Game start “Tales of Berseria”]
[Select Language]
[Japanese]
>[English]
[New Game]
>[New Game +]
[Continue]
[License]
[Downloadable Content]
[Grade Shop]
[✓][Storms of Renewal]
“Will allow you to start the game after a character’s fate has been altered.
This will cause the story to differentiate and even change in many ways. If the Story
is concluded while this is active, it can cause more additional content to appear, or
even change another story altogether as well.”
[Begin the game with these settings?]
>[Start Game]
[Cancel]
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/?
Fandom: Tales of Berseria
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Van Aifread/Zaveid, Eizen/Zaveid, Van Aifread/Zaveid/Eizen, Van Aifread & Eizen, Zaveid & Eizen, Van Aifread & Zaveid, Zaveid & Aifread Pirates, Aifread & Aifread Pirates, Eizen & Aifread Pirates
Characters: Zaveid, Van Aifread, Eizen, Aifread Pirates, Benwick
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, More tags to be added, Not Beta Read, Alternative Universe - Aifread Lives, Because Zaveid deserves 2 pirate boyfriends
Summary:
As the storms of the Aldina Plains have ended, the winds come to a halt, only occasionally rising up into a gentle breeze, and yet always this close to dying down for good. Yet neither the gentle embrace of the undying earth or unrelenting sea wish to see this come to pass.
Ok, so I have to ramble a little bit, to process a fact...and I literally have no one to ramble to so:
This...got longer than anticipated...huh...
I just think it's so weird that Zaveid would go through such lengths to safe Aifread and the other way around. Like those two were painted as complete strangers before that particular fight. Never having had a real interaction before and what not else. And how Eizen just...accepts it. That Aifread saved Zaveid at the cost of his own life. That Zaveid can keep Siegfried. That Zaveid wanted to save Aifread as much as Eizen wanted to. When he. Never. Before. Met. The. Man!
Like I've played ToB twice now, read the manga, and am right now hunting down the novel, so I can educate myself more on this world. And am in the process of trying to translate the perfect world guide and official guide (or whatever it's called)
Because I'm fixating on ToB, but that's besides the point.
The point is, that Zaveid is willing to go above and beyond for this literal stranger. You can't tell me he just 'accidentally' sabotages the Abbey to find a cure for Theodora. Or while searching for it. That whole thing has nothing to do with her. That's all because Aifread.
And while yes, he might feel a certain responsibility because Aifread freed him, which I will touch upon in a bit, it doesn't warrant...all of this. Zaveid's appearance in the main story is almost entirely based upon him wanting to save Aifread. Theodora comes barely up here and you only open that can of worms fully when you go into the side quest.
A side quest which also makes it abundantly clear. Zaveid isn't a hero. He isn't a perfectly good person. He also doesn't want to be, that much is clear as well. He's selfish, doing things for himself and the people he cares about. And that's ok! In fact you could even draw a lot of parallels between Zaveid and Artorius, but that's not today's topic.
Zaveid is a selfish man, who does selfish things. Looking for a cure for something deemed impossible because he doesn't want to lose his lover. Attacking a money carriage, with gald for who knows what, so he can give the money to his friends, to help them. Not kill the dragon (both of them, mind you) because he just can't bring himself to do it. Because he doesn't want to shoulder that burden. Alright maybe he can be some amount of selfless when it comes to kids. But that's about it. He's compassionate towards (traumatized) kids. Other than that, each of Zaveid's motivations are driven by pure selfishness.
Eizen needs to literally beat it into him that Theodora is gone, and even then he's still reluctant until the very last minute. Hell, with Eizen it's even worse!
So going above and beyond to save a dude he's never met? He could've pawned Siegfried off to Eizen after their first or second meeting and washed his hands of that responsibility. Could've went on to search for a cure for Theodora and not be further involved with Eizen and Aifread (and the main plot).
So this begs the question...why?
First let's look at the other side of the coin though.
Aifread.
Granted, we know almost nothing about him, and barely even meet the guy ourselves. Really only during his dying breath. The rest of knowledge surrounding him stems from what we are told by others. Eizen, Benwick, Dyle... Eizen and Benwick are absolutely loyal to him and Dyle is scared and only knows rumours.
So... Save to say whatever we do hear is somewhat based...but it'll have to do.
We know he is one of the four 'Pirate Kings' and that he had ties to the Baskervilles. And that the Bloodwings in Tabatha's own words still owed him something. Which is why she doesn't charge Eizen for information regarding Aifread.
From Dyle we hear the rumour that he's the most 'villainous, unrepentant' man out there. He's apparently 'strong like an ogre' too, something to keep in mind. Eizen also recognised him as incredibly strong and it's save to assume that Aifread handed Eizen's ass to him a few times.
Benwick describes him like the sea. Also something to keep in mind. From Eizen and Benwick though we also get the impression that Aifread had a strong sense of honour. For example, when Daemon Aifread takes Laphicet hostage, Eizen comments on it, as if that not something Aifread would usually do. But he's perfectly fine with taking Prince Percival 'hostage'. So hunting children is probably a no go for him.
So he's a bad man. A very bad man with a sense of honour and lines he won't cross.
But nonetheless a villain in the truest sense of the word. I mean, duh, he's a pirate. So why would such a man put the safety of a random malak above his own. He had him in a confused state and Melchior had made his presence known, most likely due to that fact. Aifread could have easily used Zaveid as a distraction and made a dashing escape himself. Would be on brand for a villainous pirate, wouldn't it? But he didn't.
He helped Zaveid escape and told him he was 'counting' on him. Something Eizen then confirms to us means that Aifread trusts Zaveid. Why though. They were strangers, weren't they? While dying Aifread not once looked at Zaveid. Not even as a daemon he seemed to have some sort of reaction to him. Though I suppose that could be attributed to the fact the he most likely was still somewhat trapped in whatever nightmarish illusion Melchior had him in.
And why not in his last words, take Siegfried from Zaveid again. Tell Eizen to take it back and keep it at least on the Van Eltia. It was his treasure after all. He doesn't. And Eizen accepts it without a word.
He specifically says in a Siegfried related skit afterwards that Zaveid is the new owner, so any knowledge concerning Siegfried should go to him.
So why? Why would Zaveid go above and beyond for a guy who'd he, with his then ideals would never get along with? Pirates kill after all. Zaveid hates killing at that point in time.
Why would Aifread not use a clear advantage to get his ass out of trouble, by using Zaveid as a bait, but instead help this malak he's met for the first time and tell him after just one fight, he trusts him? Why entrust him with Siegfried in the long run. Instead of his literal best friend, Eizen?
⚠️ going full theory mode from here on own, full on brain rot ⚠️
Aifread and Zaveid weren't strangers. At least not in the figurative sense. I mean if you read my fanfics you're now gonna bash your head into a wall, because I have not so subtly hinted that in two stories by now, but still. Without going into my head canons regarding this.
Aifread was reincarnated from someone Zaveid knew. And for better or worse, someone he was close to. And even worse. Aifread had his memories of that life to some extent. At least he had some 'vibes'. So at least subconsciously he recognised Zaveid as someone he knew. Someone he cared about. Someone he trusted and wanted to protect.
And Zaveid realized it along the way. Which was why he went so far for him. Because Aifread wasn't a stranger. Aifread was someone important to him. Someone he cared about. Which was also why he was so furious when Aifread was eventually killed. Think about it, Eizen was very obviously hit hard by Aifread's death as well. Yet Zaveid completely lashed out at him. And while it could have to do with the whole killing thing, it still was a bit shitty. Because how could he have known what's best for Aifread, what he would have wanted, when he barely knew him. Unless Zaveid was under the impression that he knew him as well. Or even better (or worse, however you look at it) felt like he had some sort of obligation to save him. Like aside from the whole 'he freed me from the Abbey's control' thing.
Conclusion: Zaveid realized, in some way or form, that Aifread was reincarnated from someone he knew. Someone he had cared about a lot in the past. Someone he had watched die. Maybe even the reason why he hates killing during ToB? Cause that's for sure never elaborated on. And thus he had the strong need to succeed in saving him. Maybe even because he hadn't been able to do so the first time around.
Next point, or rather speculation:
Remember how I said to keep those rumours about Aifread's strength in mind? While I won't go into too much detail, because if someone here reads my ToB canon-divergent long fic Storms of Renewal, this would be a spoiler, and also because then this would get even longer than it already is.
Aifread wasn't reincarnated from a human. His past life, the one Zaveid knew, was a malak. What kind? I don't know, my closest guess would be a water malak, cause...you know, getting compared to the sea, being a pirate and all. But that's just my personal headcanon. Doesn't diminish my theory that Aifread was a malak in his past life. Which in this life...makes him a bit special, thus his strength. But well, as I said I won't go into detail, because I've got one last point I wanna talk about.
Eizen.
Eizen doesn't bat an eyelash at Zaveid keeping Siegfried. He also takes it at face value that Zaveid wants to safe Aifread as much as he and the crew want to. (and if both Eizen and Zaveid had two braincells more they would have worked together to achieve that anyways...)
He doesn't even get mad when Zaveid goes ballistic on him after Aifread's death. He just accepts it. As if he...understands it?
And here comes in the part about Aifread having part of his past memories. Aifread talked about this with Eizen. Maybe they manifested as strange dreams or just sort of weird thoughts. Whatever. But he talked to Eizen about that. And after some time, Eizen pieced the little bits and pieces together. Realized probably even more than Zaveid, that those two knew each other. Not in Aifread's current life but in his past one. Which is the exact reason why Eizen is so lenient with Zaveid keeping Siegfried. And Zaveid going off on him. Which is why he to some extent trusts Zaveid as well to find Aifread, even while not really communicating that with him.
So yeah...that's the long winded rambling I needed to get out. Because it's still a hot second before I even start to breach that topic within my fanfic properly. And even longer since I'll go into some other things I'm currently still bottling up... XD
Anyone who read till here...why? Seriously...why XD
AU: Aifread Lives, Aifread as Zaveid's Vessel, Reincarnated Aifread (more of a hc but who cares XD)
—"We would all be more than happy if you would attend the celebrations. All three of you, mind you? So no skipping out, Zaveid! Promise?" —
Zaveid let out a long sigh as looked at the horizon. He had agreed in the end, yet he couldn't find himself regretting it more. It wasn't that he hated the Year's End Celebrations. He had loved to watch them from afar with Theodora. Just sitting outside, a bit away from Stonebury, and watching the people have their fun. Lighting up little fireworks and drinking their fill. Zaveid had even helped sometimes, with some artes, just to make the fireworks look prettier. But that had been from afar. Not in the middle of the trouble and everything.
And yet, he hadn't been able to bring himself to tell Aifread to say 'No' to Eleanor's letter. He wasn't even really sure why he was indulging her like this, but he just couldn't say no to it. It wouldn't even be many humans that would be able to see him. And yet, it would still be too much for him. The masses, the drinks, the music, and the voices. The volume of their chatter and singing and partying. Normally, all things Zaveid wasn't exactly bothered by. Except in Midgand the New Year's Celebrations were always, without a fault, accompanied by a huge, blazing fire. And whenever something like that was involved. Zaveid got nervous. And skittish. And irritable. And he would rather not lash out at anyone who didn't deserve it.
Zaveid let out another sigh, as Port Zekson got into view in the distance. They were a day too early. Even less reason they could get out of it now. For once, Zaveid had hoped that Eizen's curse would cause them to miss out on everything. For once, he had prayed that the Reaper's curse would put a stop to their plans. Yet, it had seemed as if the curse had decided to work against Zaveid. The weather during the travels had been perfect. Not too cold, but clear nonetheless. Evident by the thin blanket of snow coating Port Zekson's harbour. Zaveid looked up, watching the sky. And the weather would hold, he was sure of that much. Perfect conditions for the large fire in the town square of Loegres to be lit up.
"We can still feign some sort of accident, Zavi."
Zaveid flinched and turned around, looking right at Aifread's and Eizen's concerned looks. They had been eyeing him like this for a while now. At least when they hadn't been planning what they would get up to next. Giving him numerous opportunities to still say no and sail away from the entire celebration. The crew didn't care where they would get drunk for a night, and none of them cared for the fireworks. Yet, Zaveid didn't want to take this from them. Or rather, from Eizen. Meeting with Eleanor, Magilou and Rokurou. Going to see the kid together. Having friends, other friends, was doing him good after all. It was rare for all of them to come together like this.
Zaveid shook his head, leaning into Eizen's arms as he approached. He'd be able to deal with the hassle somehow. He would just need to stick close to Aifread, and everything would be fine. Who knows, maybe he'd even have some fun. He had wanted to drink with Rokurou one of these days.
"It's gonna be fine, you two. I'm a big boy, I can handle it," Zaveid mumbled.
Eizen wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer, while Aifread leaned next to them against the railing. Both of them regarding Zaveid with a more than worried look in their eyes. Aifread knew it would be hard for Zaveid to just brush it off like that. Both of them knew.
Initially, Aifread had wanted to sail south right now. On their way to the Far Continent again. So they could look at the ruin again, where he had found Siegfried. But this time together with Zaveid. Also to distract Zaveid. They would have still been close enough to Southgand to see the fireworks from the Van Eltia. And spend a calm, and nice evening with the crew on deck. Getting drunk, having their own little celebration. Until Eleanor's letter came. And Zaveid had made good points about going to Loegres instead. Departing south afterwards. Aifread and Eizen were still worried.
Zaveid smiled at Aifread, reaching out to take his hand. Intertwining their fingers, as Aifread stepped closer. He was happy that Eizen and Aifread cared about him like this. But just like they cared, he did as well.
"It reminds you of the facility, doesn't it?" Aifread asked.
He squeezed Zaveid's hand, as Zaveid nodded. It had been a shock when Aifread had revealed to them that through Melchior's torture he had remembered everything about one of his past lives. The most recent one. The one he had spent most of it at Zaveid's side. Being raised as the shield to the weapon Zaveid had been raised to be. Having to explain all that to Eizen had been a huge pain as well.
And after his death, Vale's death, when the facility had gone done, it had burned down in flames. Loud, crackling flames, explosions and all. All the while, Zaveid had run off alone. Though not without taking revenge on his captors. On most of them, at least. Those that had hidden too well for the others. So while he could handle fireworks, or fire individually, the combination of it brought all those thoughts back to his mind. Those images of the blood on his hand. He didn't regret his actions. Yet, he also didn't want to think about them.
Zaveid flinched when they heard a mana stone go off in the distance. All three of them looked towards Port Zekson, only to see someone having already tried out their fireworks. The means having got cheaper, after the people of Stonebury had started to trade the stone being found in Zamahl Grotto.
"Everything alright?" Eizen asked.
Zaveid nodded and chuckled. The celebrations weren't supposed to start until late the next day. And yet, it seemed the people of Port Zekson had already started their own little celebration. Maybe Zaveid could go and see how the people of Stonebury were preparing for it. Before they went to Loegres.
Zaveid already had the hunch that Aifread and Eizen planned to take him there anyway. After all, they could stay in his house for free. And while none of them doubted that Eleanor or Emperor Percival had arranged some sort of accommodations for them, that would be much more relaxing. Being able to sleep in a familiar bed.
"You think, they'd already start the celebrations early in Stonebury, if I told them Zaveid would love that?" Aifread asked.
Eizen and Zaveid turned to look at him, as he still looked at the harbour they were approaching. A grin on his face. A particularly mischievous one. Eizen sighed and shook his head, while Zaveid just rolled his eyes.
He looked at them with an expression that basically screamed, 'I mean it'. Zaveid would rather not, he'd try that out. While the people of Stonebury weren't particularly ones for religion and common traditions, he'd still like it if, they would be allowed to stick to that one.
"Please don't," Zaveid said.
"They just might," Eizen said at the same time.
Zaveid groaned at the way Aifread's grin widened. He really hoped Aifread would listen to him just this once. He didn't mean to bother the people in Stonebury because Eizen was right. They just might if Aifread mentioned Zaveid's name. Because they still would not pray to any Empyrean. Not as long as it was staying clear that Zaveid and Theodora had been the ones shielding the Plains and Stonebury for so many decades. And even, now with Theodora gone, Zaveid still did so.
And they did indeed.
Zaveid had been sceptical when Aifread had gone away alone in the Plain. Had told Eizen and Zaveid he would need to take care of something really quick. And then he had led them to Stonebury, festivities in full swing. The fire for the next day already prepared, yet they had the fireworks ready for this day. Because Aifread had to mention something about Zaveid to the mayor of Stonebury. And of course, they would make sure everything was comfortable for Zaveid whenever he came visiting the settlement turned village.
Though, Zaveid really couldn't find it in himself to complain. Not to Aifread, when he pulled him against himself, as they sat down. Not to anyone, really. Especially when Aifread was the only human he would be able to complain to. And Zaveid did enjoy the fireworks. Had always enjoyed them from a save distance in the past. He would definitely stop by shortly for the bonfire the next day as well. Just to stick around a bit, while Aifread and Eizen got piss drunk in Loegres.
Though right now, he was glad to enjoy the current celebrations in piece. Sandwiched between Aifread and Eizen, a cup of mulled wine in his hands, as he watched the joy of everyone around him.
Even if they had sparked a new tradition for years and decades to come in Stonebury like this. Zaveid couldn't find himself to mind, as he watched and even slightly contributed to the fireworks. And while Zaveid was watching the lights up in the sky, eyes wide and sparkling, Eizen and Aifread rather watched him, once again more than happy that they could spend time like this. A little bit shocked, as well, that another year had gone by, and Zaveid was still with them. Still kept choosing them, again and again.
From that day on, whenever they were close enough to Midgand, Aifread, Zaveid and Eizen would visit Stonebury without fail for the two days Year's End celebrations.
AN:
I wish everyone a happy new year, friends, and with this, we've come to the end here :)
See you around on other stories of mine~
Bye ;)
Zaveid was humming to himself, as he was putting some final touches on the big meal he had planned. The roast was in the oven, the stew was simmering, the dough for the dessert was prepped and just waiting for the roast to finish. The sides were as good as done as well, and everything should be perfectly set up. The only thing worrying Zaveid was the weather, but he hoped it would be fine. Hoped that his kids would be home on time, so they could all enjoy the next few days together. He wouldn't even have thought that the weather would take a turn for the worse. Or me probably would have objected a bit more strongly to Edna, Dezel and Silva meeting with their friends. But now they were out, and Zaveid could only hope.
He also wouldn't want them to get themselves in danger just to get back home. And it was storming outside. And slippery as hell. At least Eizen and Aifread were home. Zaveid looked over the food for a moment. He had been standing in the kitchen the entire day. Just to prepare it for everyone. To make sure everything was perfect. Only for some rotten weather to potentially screw it over for him. And while he knew that Aifread and Eizen could eat a lot, the meal he had been planning for weeks, and preparing the entire day, probably would be a bit too much for the three of them alone.
Zaveid took a deep breath and forced a smile on his face, as he went back to preparing the food. He was just worrying a bit too much. They would get home, and they would be all able to spend some nice time together. He just knew it. And then he could take turns, cuddling with Eizen and Aifread and Silva and Dezel and Edna. And they could play board games and video games together. And laugh together. Or watch movies and eat some snacks. Nothing would be able to ruin that for him. Not their actual first Christmas as a family. A thrown together family, but a family. Something Zaveid had been looking forward to, ever since Silva, Dezel and him had moved into a home with Eizen, Edna, and Aifread.
Thoughts set on the positive outcome of the evening, Zaveid lost himself in his task again. Finishing the preparations and listening for the door to open. So he would know when the kids were back. And if he needed to speed it up a little more. But most importantly, so he could be assured that the kids were home safe and sound. That was something Zaveid needed to know more than anything else right now.
Zaveid flinched as he was pulled out of his thoughts by a noise. Aifread had cleared his throat, stepping into the kitchen the moment Zaveid acknowledged him by looking over his shoulder. Though, he didn't even need to say anything. His expression was enough to tell Zaveid what was wrong.
"Kids are stuck at Rose's place. Brad just called. Guess it's just us three tonight, Zavi," he said.
Zaveid's smile fell as he deflated. Aifread stepped closer, pulling Zaveid into a hug. Eizen appeared in the doorway as well, a long sigh leaving his lips. Both of them had seen how excited Zaveid had been about preparing the food. This big meal he had wanted to share with his family. And now the weather was ruining it completely for them.
Zaveid looked back to the stew he was standing in front of. He let out a sigh and put on the finishing touches. He would not let this ruin his mood completely.
"Well, then at least set the table for the three of us, alright? We still need to eat," Zaveid said.
He forced a smile. Just so maybe he could keep his spirits up and keep his disappointment to a minimum. And next year, Zaveid would definitely make sure they all ate together.
The meal was spent in relative silence, Aifread and Eizen trying every so often to lighten the mood through any sort of topic. Zaveid mostly picked at his food. He couldn't deny that he had done a fantastic job. It still put him in a sullen mood that the kids weren't with them. After they were done with the main course, Eizen and Aifread put away what was left, so it could be warmed up again. So the kids would be able to at least enjoy some of it once they actually made it home. All the while, they shared a silent conversation, knowing they needed to do something to lift Zaveid's spirits again. Though both of them could really only come up with one particular solution.
Zaveid sighed as he waited for Aifread and Eizen to come back with their dessert. He knew he was being unfair to them. That he should be happy he wasn't all alone. He should at least try to make the best out of the rest of the evening. For them, at least. Aifread and Eizen did come back eventually, though not with dessert as Zaveid had anticipated. They looked at each other in what Zaveid knew was a silent conversation going on. Zaveid knew they were up to something.
"No room left for dessert?" he asked.
Eizen stayed in the doorway, while Aifread approached Zaveid. He smiled at him, before picking him up in his arms, holding him close. Zaveid stiffened in shock, before holding on to Aifread like his life depended on it. Without another word, he carried Zaveid away from the dining table and up the stairs.
"I see… I'm dessert, huh?" Zaveid asked.
Aifread kept quiet, just like Eizen did, as Zaveid was carried into their bedroom. The one the three of them shared most of the time. He leaned against Aifread, waiting for anything else to happen. Or rather, he knew what would happen, once he was with his back on the bed. Maybe a nice little distraction like this would even do him some good.
Though Zaveid was more than confused, when Aifread just laid him on the bed, and left the room again. Coming back with Eizen moments later, Aifread carrying his laptop and Eizen carrying the entire tray of baked apples he had prepared. Both of them taking a place on each of Zaveid's sides and making sure to basically trap him in-between them. Eizen was wrapping Zaveid in a blanket, just to keep him warm, pushing a mug with steaming hot tea into his hands, while Aifread set up his laptop, turning on some dumb romcom. Zaveid smiled to himself, cuddling into the blankets as well as altering between leaning against either Aifread or Eizen.
"We thought your homemade delicacies should be best enjoyed in the best atmosphere possible. And that was not a half empty table," Eizen whispered.
Zaveid chuckled and rolled his eyes, turning to place a kiss first on Eizen's and then on Aifread's lips, as he held his mug close to himself. He was more than sure that the entire dessert would be sacrificed to their evening. Zaveid had no problem about prepping another tray once the kids were back. His homemade dessert should be enjoyed fresh and in loving company, after all.
Zaveid watched as the crew talked among themselves. She knew enough about the gift giving traditions around this time of the year to smile at their antics. She hadn't though that the Aifread pirates would do that thing as well. Yet ultimately, they more than anyone else were probably happy that another year was nearing its end, and they still were alive and well. Zaveid turned her gaze towards the lights illuminating Reneed right now. Everyone within the settlement more than happy to still be alive. And to still have their family among them.
Or those who were missing someone, mourning and remembering that someone. Thinking about them forever more. Zaveid leaned more against the railing and let out a sigh. The main festivities weren't even among them yet. At least not how she remembered it from Stonebury. The way Theodora and her had always celebrated it with the villagers. Even if they hadn't been able to see them. Zaveid couldn't help herself but miss her at times like these. Even when it had been so many years already. Even when Zaveid had found love anew again. Found something she would be willing to call happiness.
Zaveid sighed and shook her head. It wouldn't do her well to get stuck in thoughts about the past. She would ask Aifread if they could dock in Zekson next, so she could go and visit Theodora's grave. Talk a little bit to her and tell her what she had been up to. And then Zaveid would need to visit Talliesin as well. Just to see how Ben, Saliph and the three rascals were doing.
Zaveid looked over her shoulder as two arms looped around her waist, a chin coming to rest on her shoulder. Staring right into eyes bluer than the sea itself. Deep and beautiful and yet sometimes shrouded in so much darkness. Zaveid leaned into Eizen's embrace and relaxed.
"What's gotten you so thoughtful, Zaveid?" he whispered.
Zaveid stayed silent for a moment, as she opened her eyes and looked over to the crew. Went back to watch their antics again, a warm smile on her face. She knew Eizen was following her gaze as well. Looking to see what she was watching with such a fond expression.
Aifread came practically out of nowhere, taking the place on Zaveid's other side. He just leaned against Zaveid for now. Though, Zaveid did immediately feel much warmer with those two by her side. Just like, her mournful thoughts were pushed back as well. She was grateful to have those two idiots. Even when it had been a hassle to actually be able to be with them. Or more so, a hassle to keep Aifread alive.
Zaveid looked down to her stomach, a large white scar gaping in the middle of it. Having gotten too infected before, it could have been healed properly. Leaving one more scar on her body to mar it with.
"Just watching the crew and their antics," Zaveid said.
Aifread chuckled and nodded, taking one of Zaveid's hand into his. While Eizen just leaned more against her back. Both of them bathing her in their warmth. Eizen's domain engulfing her like a comforting blanket. Aifread's and her connection through their pact as bound malak and vessel, pleasantly humming in the back of her mind.
Both of them leaned forward at the same time, pecking Zaveid on each cheek, at exactly the same time as well. Causing her to chuckled and lightly shake her head. Just like she had made so many wonderful memories with Theodora, she would make so much more wonderful memories with the two of them now.
"I hope you're alright with making a detour over Talliesin before we hit it off for Zekson," Aifread whispered.
Zaveid blinked at him, though she nodded. She had thought they would do that the other way around, actually. First go to Midgand and then to Eastgand. But she wouldn't oppose what Aifread was saying. She could first see the rascals, as well as Ben and Sal, and then give her prayers to Theodora.
"You see, a little bird reached out to me. Apparently they've got something for their honorary mom slash friend," Aifread added.
Zaveid's eyes widened at that. The whole implications of that sentence. She knew exactly who he meant. Arwell was the one who normally reached out to Aifread, whenever something came up. And he must have done so this time again as well. Just for her sake.
Her smile softened as she thought of the kids. All grown up by now, Foo and Burd having found partners and started their own families, and Arwell practically adopting kids left and right, calling them his students. Helping them grow into fine young men and women. Ben and Saliph having more than enough grandchildren to drown in sweet treats.
"I see. Alright, then let's do that," Zaveid said.
She knew that it had hit all of them hard, when Zaveid had finally revealed what actually had happened to Theodora. Through Aifread and a letter addressed to Ben and Sal. For she hadn't been able to shoulder that burden while the resonance would have still allowed her to actually talk to them face to face.
And yet they never had held it against her. Still regarded her as part of their family. And even without Theodora, her family had only grown and grown and grown in size. Zaveid was sure she would have loved every second of it. Even if it still might have meant having to share her with Zaveid's two idiot pirates for a little bit.
Aifread pulled her slightly closer to him. Not enough to warrant Eizen acting up, but enough that Zaveid could easily lean against him as well. Something she appreciated very much so. She already looked forward to arriving in Talliesin then. Even though she knew they would depart, Reneed earliest at dawn.
"Is there anything else you need?" Eizen asked.
Zaveid chuckled and looked back to the crew. She had half an inkling that the little gifts they were exchanging weren't entirely a self-taught idea as well. At least now that Eizen asked like that.
Though Zaveid couldn't really tell, what else she might want. She already had everything she could have. And to be able to be surrounded by those she loved and cherished and who loved and cherished her in turn, really was the perfect gift anyone could be able to give her.
"As long as I have you two, I really don't need anything else," she said.
Eizen and Aifread chuckled at that. There were things she wanted. To spend a long time with those two. To now have to miss them too soon. But right now, looking at the way Reneed was illuminated, and the crew having fun among themselves, she really couldn't think of a better gift.
Halloween(?) AU/ Vampire! Zaveid; Established VanZavi
"I'm home, Zavi~!"
Zaveid was sitting by the window, well in the shade he chose to hide himself in, as he watched the humans outside go about their tasks. His smile grew fonder as he heard Aifread's voice. The window he wasn't exactly facing the entrance way of his mansion, so he hadn't really seen him coming. Zaveid looked to the door, as Aifread walked in.
"Welcome back," he said.
Aifread walked over to him, still in his entire get up. Zaveid looked him up and down, glad that he had at least taken off his boots already. So at least he wouldn't have to scold him for that, it seemed.
Aifread leaned down, Zaveid meeting him halfway for a kiss, before he turned back to watch the humans. It was a beautiful day outside. Fresh white snow glistening in the day sun. Not a cloud in sight. And while the sun was blinding him a little bit, Zaveid ultimately couldn't find himself to mind.
"So, what are the humans out there up to right now?" he asked.
Zaveid listened as Aifread removed his hat. Afterwards, the rustling of the fabric told him he was removing his coat as well. Just before, he sat down behind Zaveid, wrapping his arms around him, pulling him back a little bit. Causing the small bit of his face which had been exposed to the sun to be shrouded in shadows again.
"Don't stay so close. Even if you're special, the sun still isn't good for you, Zavi," he whispered.
Zaveid hummed and leaned against Aifread. He raised a hand to his face, his own hand pleasantly cold against the slight burn his skin had already suffered. He hated how right Aifread was.
Furthermore, he was a special one, even amongst vampires. After all, the sun didn't really cause him more than a rather unpleasant sunburn and a headache if he was exposed to it for too long. But it still was hindering in the ways he was able to interact with the humans. Humans he had sworn himself to protect from any and all harm. After all, the village of Stonebury had been nothing but accommodating to him. And he had sworn to do the same for the entirety of his immortal life.
Zaveid smiled as he saw some of Aifread's crew join the villagers in their doings. Which had first been, bringing a large tree into the town centre. Perfectly visible from Zaveid's current seat, and then starting to decorate it. He wasn't exactly sure what kind of tradition this was, but he was enjoying it nonetheless.
"I'm not really sure, but they seem happy," Zaveid said.
He wasn't as well versed with human traditions as he probably should be. Considering that he had been living and protecting this settlement for a few decades now. But this was the first time that they had been done something like this. He supposed it had something to do with some of the young adults who had gone out into the world for a few years, and had come back recently.
Though Aifread didn't seem any wiser to the traditions as well. And he was out much more often these days than Zaveid. Zaveid was happy to stay put for a bit longer. His life was long enough. Having spent much of it either on the run or travelling, these recent decades of tranquillity had been nice. Though, Aifread wasn't one to be that interested in current human tradition. Not when it had been a human sorcerer having cursed him.
Zaveid looked back to him, only to see Aifread watching the humans, as well as those of his crew having joined the villagers, with a fond expression as well. Zaveid smiled as he watched him. He reached behind himself with one hand, pushing some hair back, before he scratched his scalp right behind his ears.
"Wolf again?" he asked.
Aifread looked at him, smile morphing more into a grin, as his ears twitched slightly, before laying flat against his head. Blending in perfectly with his messy, brown hair. He responded by snuggling his face into the crook of Zaveid's neck. He hummed in agreement and closed his eyes, as Zaveid scratched his scalp again, before retracting his hand.
"Wasn't feeling like sylphjay at the moment," he mumbled.
Zaveid chuckled and went back to watching the outside. Zaveid moved his hands to rest on Aifread's. Zaveid would be more than happy to stay like this for a lot longer. But at the same time he also knew that Aifread soon would want to go again. To travel with his crew and cause whatever mischief got into his mind. And he also wanted to find that human. Who had put both of them through so much misery. Who had been granted to use Zaveid as a lab rat for his own sick pleasure, and who had curse Aifread.
And while Zaveid had long since stopped wanting to meet him. Stopped wanting to know where he was and take his revenge, after meeting him, Aifread only had double the reason to want to take him down.
"What do you think they are up to?" Zaveid asked.
Aifread shook his head and mumbled something Zaveid couldn't quite catch. He knew the gist of it enough, though. He had absolutely no clue what was going on outside. Zaveid closed his eyes and relaxed against Aifread. He had been awake the entire night to fend off any daemonic beasts that had even dared try and close in on Stonebury. And now buried and his love's warmth and scent, Zaveid was more than ready to fall asleep.
At least for a little bit.
———<3———
"I see. Thanks, Benwick, you can go to sleep now," Aifread said.
"No prob, Captain. I guessed you two would be curious. Good night, then."
Zaveid's eyes fluttered open. His surroundings were dark, yet also not. He hadn't changed positions, though. Still on top of the cushioned windowsill, being held and leaning against Aifread. Enjoying his warmth and scent. He faintly heard steps moving away, and he woke up again. Zaveid raised his hands to his eyes to get rid of the last of sleep clinging to him.
He hadn't even planned to sleep for a long amount of time. Though it must have been a few hours, evident by his stomach demanding something to eat from him. His mind caught up with the voices he had heard as well. Aifread had talked to someone. Benwick…right…
"Do you need to leave again, Van?" he mumbled.
His voice was still slightly slurred by sleep as he tried to make sense of what he had heard before. Benwick was Aifread's second mate. The only one of Aifread's crew who would without a fail sleep in the mansion whenever they were in the settlement. Even if Zaveid always offered the possibility to all of them.
Aifread snuggled closer against Zaveid's back again, as Zaveid fully opened his eyes. Turning towards the window again. The night was illuminated by the large pine tree the villagers had been decorating all day. Candles and even some mana stones glowing brightly on it. Zaveid's eyes widened at the sight.
"Don't worry, I'll stay for a while, my heart," Aifread whispered.
Zaveid chuckled at that, though his eyes were still enticed by the glowing lights outside. Causing the normally scary night to become truly dreamlike. And in the middle of it that large tree.
"I asked Benwick to report what the villagers were up to," Aifread added.
Zaveid nodded and looked at him over his shoulder. He was waiting for Aifread to go on. Tell him what Benwick had said. Right, that kind of context would make sense to, with what snippets Zaveid had heard from the conversation.
Aifread chuckled, most likely at what he would call again, that childlike expression on Zaveid's face. He couldn't help it though. The villagers had looked so happy as they had decorated that tree. After he had drank something, he would definitely drag Aifread outside so they could have a closer look at the scenery.
"He said, the villagers talked about how in some other town it was a tradition to ward of evil spirits. A holy tree of sorts. The people here decorated it with protective charms, to protect their Lord Vampire, whenever he went out to keep them save," Aifread explained.
Zaveid's expression had darkened at the first half of the explanation. Before he probably had started to flush a bright red at the second half. He looked outside again at the tree, as a soft smile spread on his face. Again and again Zaveid noticed how much he adored those villagers. All of them. And he would continue to protect them. Because this village. This small, growing village, budding to become a town build for artistry and so much more.
He would need to see what he can to repay them for this. Even if he knew they would treat it as something natural, he owed those villagers as much as they owed him. Even if it had been decades, most of those elders, and their children, who by now had long grown into fine adults, were amongst those who hadn't driven him out when he had stranded at the borders of the village. Who had helped him move into his mansion for nothing more than a little bit initial protection from bandits who had roamed the lands. Bandits Zaveid had made quick work of. And then he had stayed. And he had kept protecting them. And they had accepted them.
"If you want we can put a little one of those in the study. Decorate it and such. I'm sure the villagers would love to know you want to honour this tradition as well. Want to help them establish it."
Zaveid flinched and looked at Aifread again, before his eyes widened at the idea. That would be the perfect thing to give them back. He would stay alive for centuries after those who occupied the village right now were long gone. He would see their children and their children grow up. And then he could pass this on. Cause it to form into a tradition passed on for generations upon generations.
He beamed at Aifread and quickly nodded his head. They probably wouldn't do that tonight, but he would do it first thing in the morning. Before the sun came up, he would go out and see if they could find a smaller tree outside. And then he would ask some of the villagers how they decorated it.
"I love that idea! Let's do that!" Zaveid said.
Aifread chuckled and placed a kiss against Zaveid's forehead. Zaveid tuned to look back outside, chuckling to himself to as he saw some kids running around outside. Playing around the tree. They turned towards him and waved at him, to which Zaveid just waved back, causing the children to laugh as they kept playing.
Just for a little while longer he would sit with Aifread. Then he could see if he still had enough… nutrients in storage, though Aifread would definitely insist that he take some from him. And then he would look at this sight from up close. The irony causing Zaveid to chuckle again.
This holy tree, decorated in honour of a Vampire. Illuminating the dark night in the brightest colour. A sight Zaveid hoped to see in many years to come as well.
Zaveid ran outside as fast as he could. He didn't know what Theodora wanted from him, but she rarely called out to him like that. And frankly, it was worrying him quite a bit. If anything happened to her, Zaveid would know what to do to about it. He wouldn't know how he would be able to live with himself like it.
"Thea! What's…wrong?" Zaveid asked.
He stayed on the threshold of their little cabin. Theodora was almost entirely at the back of his runic enchantment, keeping them save from wild animals. She was looking at the house, not even at him, but rather at everything else.
When she spotted him she quickly waved him over to herself. Theodora was dressed in her usual light dress, though at least she had thrown a jacket over. While Zaveid was opting for closing his own jacket for once. Looking at the temperatures. And the thick blanket of snow covering the ground.
"Our home looks like it came right out of a picture book," Theodora said.
Zaveid walked behind her, just so he would be able to hug her from behind. To see what she was seeing. And indeed he could see it. Their entire cabin covered in snow. Just like Theodora's little garden in front of the house. Covering everything in a fluffy looking, white blanket.
With the clear weather, everything was sparkling, reflecting the light in the most wonderful colours imaginable. Making it truly look like a sight right out of a fairy tale book. It was a peaceful sight.
"It does, doesn't it?" he whispered.
Theodora placed her hands over Zaveid's and leaned against him. It baffled Zaveid how much it must have snowed overnight. After all, it had been calm the entire morning so far. Or day, Zaveid wasn't really sure how long he had been coped up inside.
"Thankfully I managed to get the roof done in time. With that much snow, I wouldn't have known how to handle it," he said.
Zaveid laughed at that, though he was thankful. They already had been surprised by some small summer rainstorms a few months ago, leaving them thoroughly drenched because Zaveid had done something wrong while finishing up the roof of their home.
Theodora chuckled as well and nodded in return. Zaveid turned his eyes up to the sky, hoping the weather would hold up like that. It was a nice sight, and maybe Theodora and him could go on a nice little walk. Not today necessarily, but later. While it was still like this.
"That would have been a little bit awkward," Theodora said.
Zaveid nodded. He didn't even want to imagine that. So he wouldn't. He'd rather get lost in thoughts about how the Plains looked right now though. Or the settlement not far off. The settlers had started to decorate their homes with candles as well.
Yet one thought in particular came to Zaveid. It was the first winter they spend in the Aldina Plains were it really had gotten colder outside. Cold enough for snow to fall and even stay on the ground.
"And cold!" Zaveid said.
The last few years they had been fine in their cabin. And whenever that hadn't been enough they had made the track either to the Tintagel Ruins to the east, or found shelter a little bit closer within Zamahl Grotto. Even if that wasn't the nicest place to spend ones time in.
Theodora laughed and shook her head. She leaned her head back, so she could look up at Zaveid, a soft smile gracing her lips. Causing Zaveid to fall in love all over with her again. He couldn't even believe how lucky he must have been to have her love him like this. To be allowed to hold her like this.
"As if the cold bothers you so much. You're skin is almost always cold as ice," she said.
Her smile had turned a little bit more mischievous, as she nudged him a little bit. Arguably her clothing were much lighter than his was. His jacket was much thicker, even if he practically never wore anything beneath it. And her dressed were so light and flowy, surely that couldn't hold her warm for long.
Though Zaveid knew she didn't really need anything like that. Just like he had stopped actively feeling much of the cold. Which wasn't to say it didn't bother him immensely whenever it got too cold.
"Not true~! Not my fault you're a walking furnace, babe," he said.
Zaveid had often noticed how very rarely Theodora got cold. And how her skin was almost always incredibly warm. Which made it a delight to hold her whenever it got colder. Though for Zaveid it was always a delight to hold her, no matter the temperature.
Theodora chuckled and looked back to view the sight in front of them. Their little cabin in the snow, standing alone, only surrounded by tall rocks. Nicely hidden from plain sight. Yet looking more than inviting to the naked eye. Maybe the home of a nice fairy, or some gentle spirit. Zaveid supposed the second one wasn't too far off.
"It's a shame neither of us can capture this sight," Theodora lamented.
Zaveid sighed but nodded. It was a shame. Yet neither of them had any kind of talent with arts to capture this sight. So they would have to rely on in their memories of it. Treasure it, until they could find some way to capture it for a longer time. Preserve it through some way or form.
Though somehow, Zaveid liked these fleeting moments the most. Those moments he could remember forever and ever and ever. Those moments he could hold close to his heart and cherish them. Because it had only been the two of them at this time. And here in their home, the world was only theirs to see.
"Well we just have to hope that the weather is this nice next year as well?" he said.
Now that their home was wind and weatherproof, he wouldn't mind if it snowed like this again. Created their personal wonderland for them again. Just a beautiful place they could enjoy themselves together. A place perfect to capture the love they held for another.
"Who knows, maybe we can get someone to paint it for us," Zaveid added.
Not many malakhim passed through the Aldina Plains. It had been a while since Zaveid had seen another malak but Theodora, as well as Refin and Oisch, who lived within the Tintagel Ruins. Or close to it, at least. So the chances were slim, but it was never impossible.
Or maybe a human with enough resonance would come and. Zaveid could only imagine that those would love this region. Close to the centre of the world, without disturbing the peace of it too much. Brimming with life itself.
"Or we could see if we can get our hands on an Iris Gem. The Aldina Plains are full of earthpulse points," Theodora said.
Zaveid blinked down at her, as he registered her statement. Zaveid knew that at the temple she had grown up in, they had held onto some Iris Gems. Yet Zaveid himself had never seen one. Had only read about that phenomenon. Purest energy from the earthpulse, wherein some of the earthen historia was stored. Or could be stored through the right methods.
"Somewhere one surely is bound to show up," she added.
Her smile had taken on a more sheepish from. Zaveid smiled at her and placed a kiss on her forehead. Before she could look down and interpret his silence as judgement. As Zaveid knew, she often liked to do.
He couldn't say he wouldn't be incredibly interested in seeing one of those gems himself. And she had a point. A region like the Aldina Plains were predestined to bring forth something like that. With the many earthpulse rivers flowing through the lands, forming multiple points, big and small, spread across the entire area.
"Could be," Zaveid mumbled.
He didn't even know what they would need to look for. Though Theodora should know what they looked like. She had seen some before. Zaveid wondered what kind of events had been captured within those. But it would be a good solution to keep this moment, this sight recorded.
"Though pure, crystallised energy is hard to come by," Zaveid said.
Theodora sighed and nodded, pursing her lips in thought. Zaveid did his best, that being looking up to the sky, to not press a kiss onto her lips. Not when she was thinking about something. She would just scold him for distracting her like that. Even if she was incredibly cute like that.
"Maybe in the Grotto?" she asked.
Zaveid nodded and hummed in agreement. It would be worth a try. Zamahl Grotto spanned deep beneath the earth. Deep enough that Zaveid was sure no one knew the full extent of it. And the deeper a cave flowed, the closer it got to the earthpulse. And with that, the possibility of finding crystallised energy there got higher.
But the lower levels of Zamahl Grotto also were increasingly dangerous to everyone out there. Which was why Zaveid had made sure to seal off certain pathways. Either by destroying them completely, or through placing runes on them. Because he didn't want to know what kind of daemons lurked beneath there. And what kind of destruction they might be capable of.
"Worth a look at least," he said.
He would first look alone. Zaveid wouldn't want Theodora to get herself into such trouble. He didn't want her to get possibly hurt. And once he had secured a few routes, he would take her down there with him. So she could take a look for herself, and see if she could find something.
"For now, let's enjoy the view in front of us. So we can remember what it's supposed to look like," Zaveid said.
Right now Zamahl Grotto was more than unwelcoming though. So Zaveid would postpone that to a later date. Maybe once it got a little bit warmer outside again. When spring came around might be a good idea. And for that long they would need to preserve the memory they wanted to embed in the stone in their minds.
Theodora nodded and looked at the scenery again. Silent, enjoying every single second. Zaveid found himself listening to the nature surrounding them. The small breezes brushing against the stones. The snow taking in every other sounds. The occasional bird being singing in the distance. At least those that had stayed for the winter.
"Zaveid," Theodora said.
Her voice was barely above a whisper. The sound almost getting swallowed by the snow beneath them as well. Yet to Zaveid it was as clear as a day. As melodious as the most fine instrument out there.
"Thank you, again, for allowing me to see such beautiful sights," she said.
Their eyes met when Zaveid looked down at her again. For she had leaned her head back to look up at him again. Soft smile playing with her pinkish red lips. Blue eyes filled with nothing but love, as her blond hair, shining like the sun in the sky, fell past her shoulders.
"Together with you, my love," she added.
Zaveid's heart swelled at her words. He pressed her against himself a little bit more, and leaned over her. Just enough to press a soft, feathery kiss on her lips. Never enough to convey all his emotions to her. He would need to make sure she knew. She always knew how much he adored her. The Empyreans be damned, she was a goddess in her own right for him.
"Hey now, you made the decision to come with me," he said.
And while Zaveid knew it hadn't been an easy decision for her, he was more than happy that she had allowed him to whisk her away. That she had decided she wanted to see the world. And wanted to see it with him, no less. Zaveid was glad Theodora had decided she wanted to be with him.
"How could I have ever said no, to you, when you hold my heart true," Zaveid whispered.
Theodora's smile got wider at that, as she turned around in his arms and took his face into her hands. Pulling him down to place a kiss on his lips as well. A light, almost chaste kiss. One Zaveid almost fully melted into.
She pulled away from him too soon for his liking. Yet, he noticed that he was getting a little bit too cold as well. They should get back inside and not keep standing out there like this. Even as malakhim that couldn't be all too good for them. Theodora seemed to have come to the same conclusion as she moved out of his embrace, yet took his hand into hers.
"Let's go back inside," she said.
Zaveid nodded, though Theodora stopped the moment she had turned around. Gasping as she looked at the ground. Zaveid followed her eyes and chuckled at the sight. Well, that had to be expected, he supposed.
"Oh no! Our footsteps show," Theodora said.
Zaveid laughed at the matter-of-fact ness of her statement. They weren't light as feathers, after all, and the snow was rather soft as well. So it was to be expected that their footsteps to and from the cabin would show up in the snow.
Though, Zaveid could see why she would be concerned about this. After all, humans couldn't see them. And there were already enough rumours in the settlement about this small, cosy, cottage having appeared practically out of nowhere within the Plains. With some of the settles even going as far as to say it was divine help that brought their good harvests these past few years. Which wasn't so off, Zaveid supposed.
"Well, that will fuel the rumours in the settlement, I suppose," he said.
Zaveid took the lead now and slowly pulled Theodora behind himself. Should the humans think what they wanted. As long as they stayed peaceful, Zaveid couldn't find himself to care about it. No, he only wanted to think about his Theodora right now.
"Come on, I'll make us something hot to drink, and light a fire," Zaveid suggested.
Theodora nodded and walked by his side. Squeezing his hand as they retreated back into their little cabin, surrounded by their own personal winter wonderland.
Additional: Modern AU; Established Relationship; ....
crossposted on AO3
"No."
Zaveid looked back to his book, relaxing into Aifread's arms as he tried to find the place where he had stopped reading, when Eizen and Aifread had told him of their grand idea. For him the discussion was over with that, and he would go back to relaxing. He was too comfortable right now to get into any kind of arguments with them. Nestles between Aifread's legs, while he held Zaveid, legs comfortably placed on Eizen's lap.
"Aw, come on Zavi~. Pretty please?" Aifread whined.
He pulled Zaveid slightly more against himself, resting his head on Zaveid's shoulder. Eizen leaned forward to pluck the book out of Zaveid's hands, because for them the discussion was far from over. Mainly because it hadn't even started to be discussion just yet. And they would not let this go, until they talked about this properly.
The kitchen was his domain, so he got to have the final say in this. Not them. And he also would need to be the one to prepare the whole mess and clean it up in the end. Which he normally didn't mind doing, unless it was something so utterly useless as fondue.
Zaveid let out a long sigh, as Eizen took his book from his, placing it out of reach. He frowned at him, grumbling beneath his breath, how lucky Eizen was that Zaveid was to cosy to get up and get his book back. He knew he shouldn't have been fooled when those two had been quiet for too long. They had been scheming, in that silent way he still didn't know how to spot correctly.
"Fondue needs an unnecessary amount of preparation and takes forever. No," Zaveid said.
He had done it a few times in the past, and always discovered, without a doubt, that it wasn't for him. Not the variant with the oil, neither the one with the cheese. Eizen let out a sigh of his own, lightly caressing Zaveid's thigh with his hand. The one that wasn't holding his book out of Zaveid's reach.
"It's the atmosphere that counts Zaveid," he said.
Zaveid narrowed his eyes at him, before looking at Aifread over his shoulder. Aifread was looking at him with an attempt of the biggest puppy eyes Zaveid had ever seen. Probably having given up to reason with Zaveid before he even could have started.
Or simply having agreed with Eizen to leave the arguing to him. While Aifread would make sure to hold Zaveid in place, so he wouldn't be able to walk away from the topic. Not that Zaveid had any intention of walking away from a discussion that was already over for him anyway.
"So? We can get a nice and cosy atmosphere by spreading some blankets on the floor in front of the TV and cuddling," he said.
He had more ideas to get a pleasant and cosy atmosphere to settle between the three of them. And if they wanted to go for 'romantic dinner' atmosphere, neither Eizen nor Aifread would actually make Zaveid do the cooking. Or preparing in that case. They would reserve a table in their favourite, way to expensive for Zaveid's tastes, restaurant and take him there.
"Put on some cheesy Christmas movies and the setting is perfect," Zaveid added.
It would be the perfect evening for them. With the kids out, school on break, just relaxing with his two idiots. Just not having to worry about anything. Maybe ordering a pizza or something like that, or Zaveid prepping something in advance et viola.
And yet, Zaveid had tried that multiple times in the past. To get the three of them just to relax together. And it would always end up one way or another, with all three of them naked. Zaveid never complained. He couldn't, not when he loved the sex as much as the cosy cuddling. But sometimes those two did get a little bit too much.
"If you two could keep your hands to yourselves while cuddling, we also wouldn't always end up having sex, whenever I just want to relax," he said.
Ok, so maybe he was complaining a little bit. But just a tiny little bit. No matter how flirty he could get, he wasn't always in the mood for sex after all. Just like he knew that was the case for the two of them. Yet, somehow they always ended up doing it in the end.
Aifread gasped while Eizen shook his head letting out a sigh. Zaveid grinned and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He knew he was right, and he also knew they would either deny it, or blame him for being too 'seductive'.
"We can very well keep our hands to ourselves!" Aifread said.
Eizen glared at him, most likely because he had opened his mouth. Aifread was always easier to get to agree with him, after all. Zaveid looked at him over his shoulder again, grin softening into a smile. Maybe this would be worth a while for a little bit. It wasn't often that Zaveid found himself on the winning end of an argument with both of them. He would definitely enjoy this.
Zaveid leaned his head against Aifread, ignoring Eizen clearing his throat. He would not play their game according to their rules. He would play adhering to his own. And like that he would also win it. Hopefully, at least. And then he could go back to relaxing and reading, and cuddling, and drinking tea, until the kids screamed for dinner.
"Then why do we need to make fondue, to get into a nice atmosphere?" Zaveid asked.
Aifread's mouth snapped shut, as he found himself at the receiving end of Zaveid's attention. Zaveid uncrossed his arms, just to place one hand on one of Aifread's arms, surrounding his waist, and the other on Eizen's hand, which was still moving up and down his thigh.
Aifread looked up, absolutely trying to communicate with Eizen somehow. Knowing he had screwed up by reacting this impulsively. Zaveid chuckled and waited for him to come up with some kind of reasoning.
"Because it would be fun?" Aifread said.
Zaveid raised an eyebrow, resisting the urge to ask whether he was asking him a question or answering his. Additionally, he wouldn't do what Eizen definitely would have done and lecture Aifread that he shouldn't answer a question with another question.
Zaveid smiled to himself as he looked back at Eizen, who was still glaring at Aifread. Before long, he focused back on Zaveid, turning his hand around and squeezing Zaveid's hand lightly. A pleading expression back on his face.
"And we can't do that when Edna is around," he said.
Zaveid crooked his head to the side, waiting for the explanation. It absolutely wasn't like Eizen to exclude Edna from any kind of activity. Unless he really had caught on to the actual purpose of the proposal. Then he couldn't afford to have her there.
"As much as I hate to say it, she'd just get picky about the food," Eizen added.
Zaveid nodded and hummed. That was a valid concern with Edna. She was rather picky when it came to what she would and what she wouldn't eat. And then she would just get pouty when she didn't get her way in the end.
Unless sweets were involved. While she had preferences there, it wasn't like she would say no to anything else. And if they wanted to do this, to create a nice atmosphere, wouldn't it be nicer to include the kids as well? Zaveid certainly thought so.
"Chocolate fondue exists," he mused.
It would make even more of a mess than cheese fondue or fondue with oil, but if the kids really would want it, it would be a sacrifice he would be willing to make. He tended to be a bit more lenient with their kids than with his two idiots most of the time.
"As long as sweets are involved, all three kids would be game," Zaveid quickly added.
They definitely would be completely and utterly fascinated by that. Zaveid couldn't even recall when the last time had been that Dezel had made something like that, and Silva had never made fondue.
Eizen's eyes widened at the suggestion, while Aifread just let out a long sigh. Eizen really hadn't thought he would find a way to shut down his reasoning of excluding the kids, had he? Zaveid just grinned at him, as he clearly tried to think of something else. Zaveid could practically see the smoke rising from his hand.
"Well…but…you see-"
"But you two want to drink and later end up naked in bed with me. I know, because I know my two idiots the best," Zaveid interrupted Aifread.
He knew that was their end goal with this idea. Specifically to get him tipsy, because he liked to be a bit more adventurous with whatever they were doing in the bedroom, the more alcohol got involved. So they probably had something they wanted to try out, but were too embarrassed to ask him about it.
Aifread squeezed Zaveid lightly in his arms, placing his chin on Zaveid's shoulder again. Most certainly pouting at having been caught with his hands in the figurative cookie jar.
"Alright, caught us. But the fondue idea still sounds nice, Zavi," he said.
Eizen nodded and sighed, going back to letting his hand run up and down Zaveid's thigh. Looking down, a frown forming on his lips. He would get it out of them later what they wanted to try out. Simply because most of the time, he didn't actually mind whatever they wanted.
"True," Eizen mumbled.
Zaveid chuckled at that and shook his head. He knew both of them could be incredibly cute at times, but to actually see it again was something else. He just loved it so much at those times.
Zaveid closed his eyes and thought of a compromise. He didn't want to be that mean to them after all. And the idea did sound enjoyable, even if Zaveid didn't like it. His own addition to the idea would make for a great activity for all of them, actually.
"Alright, let's make a deal then. We make fondue with everyone. Chocolate fondue, as dessert after the Christmas dinner. In turn, I get my cuddly, cosy evening in front of the TV with only cuddling," he suggested.
Zaveid opened his eyes to see Eizen looking up at him again. Raising an eyebrow. That would be a win for Zaveid and one for the kids. Even if those didn't know of it yet. And Eizen and Aifread would get their fondue.
Even if that wasn't exactly what they had wanted in the first place, in the end. No, the fondue had been a means to an end for them from the beginning.
"And what do we get, love?" Eizen asked.
Zaveid shuddered at the pet name. Something Eizen knew to be effective on him. After all, Eizen and Aifread normally reserved those kinds of pet names for the bedroom, and the bedroom alone. Why he hadn't used that strategy on Zaveid earlier eluded him completely.
But he actually had thought of something to reward them with as well. After all, they had given him a good idea what to make for dessert after Christmas, without him having to stand in the kitchen for too long. He wanted to relax once in a while, after all.
"You two get to use the remaining chocolate in all the creative ways you can imagine the next day, when Edna, Silva and Dezel are at Alisha's place for their friend group's Christmas party," Zaveid said.
"Deal!"
He laughed as the answer came almost immediately, not even a full second after he had finished his own sentence. He had already seen how Eizen had looked over his shoulder at Aifread as he had still been talking about it. Zaveid did already grow curious what they would get up to in the end with those liberties.
"Perverts. Now let me get back to reading, alright?" Zaveid said,
Eizen nodded and gave him his book back, while he went back to his own book. Zaveid let himself completely relax again, as a slight anticipation settled in his stomach.
Additional: Resonant Aifread Pirates; Established EiZavi; slightly suggestive themes; Post Canon
crossposted on AO3 (just like every other day to, I just keep forgetting to mention it sometimes)
Zaveid stretched his back as he walked back into Eizen's cabin. Somehow he had become an integral part of the crew, without actually wanting to be part of the crew. He liked the Aifread Pirates, but something about the pirate lifestyle just wasn't for him. And yet he was living it rather naturally on the Van Eltia. Eizen was sitting on his desk, glasses on his nose, letter in hand.
"What's the matter?" Zaveid asked.
Zaveid looked over his shoulder, though didn't really read the contents of the letter Edna had sent him. He more just turned his head to look at Eizen. He had his brows furrowed, after all. Looking rather conflicted about something.
Eizen sighed and leaned back in the chair, placing the letter down on the desk again, as he looked at Zaveid. He adjusted his glasses on his nose, before he raised the same hand to push his hair back. Out of his face, making him look much more handsome than he already was.
"Edna. She asks for some variety with her palmiers," he said.
Zaveid nodded and leaned forward, letting his arms rest on the backrest of the chair, while he placed his chin on Eizen's shoulder. He still didn't see how that would be a problem, though.
"Because the days are getting colder on the mountain," Eizen added.
Zaveid blinked at Eizen before he looked back to the letter, and finally back to Eizen again. Thinking about what exactly he had said there just now. He could see Edna getting tired of eating the same palmiers every time, just like he couldn't see it.
But because the weather was getting colder? He knew that winter should be approaching on Eastgand. Or maybe it already was in full swing. It had been a while since he last had visited the rascals in Talliesin.
"What? How is that related?" Zaveid asked.
If it had been concerning something she was growing surrounding the mountain, to sustain herself, Zaveid could have understood that. But Edna didn't need to sustain herself through food in the first place, and Eizen was sending her everything she could possibly need. And the things she didn't have there, Zaveid provided her with, whenever he went and visited her on his trips to Eastgand.
Eizen raised an eyebrow, not elaborating on his sentence. As if it was perfectly clear how those two things were related. Maybe it was an earth malak thing, Zaveid concluded. He sighed and shook his head, deciding to not dwell too long on the issue. That would just result in a headache in the end.
"Alright, I won't pry, Eizen. Can't you just send her different ones then?" Zaveid asked.
He knew Eizen could be a hardass about things like that. But at the same time would that be the best solution Zaveid could come up with. Well, there was another solution he could come up with, but for now he would stick with that one.
Eizen let out a sigh and shook his head, picking up the letter again, looking down on it. Zaveid straightened his back again, stretching his arms over his head. He just wanted Eizen to be done with that. So they could spend some time together. He had been holed up in his cabin the entire time.
"No, I can't. She doesn't like any other ones," Eizen mumbled.
Zaveid hummed and nodded, frowning at the way his bones cracked slightly. He supposed that help in the storage cabin, he had offered, hadn't been all that good for his back in the end. But he liked being of help on the ship.
Which possibly was why the entire crew had got so used to him so fast. Except for the fact that he was effectively sleeping with the first mate, one of the two people in charge on the ship. It also had been an added bonus that he was getting along well with Benwick.
"Palmiers…" Zaveid mumbled.
He closed his eyes as he brought the pastry to the front of his head. It shouldn't be that unsimilar from Mille-Feuilles, he supposed. Maybe he could offer his help in the end, after all. Though seeing Eizen struggle like this to please Edna did fill him with some sort of satisfaction.
Zaveid just hoped it would one day be enough, to finally convince Eizen to get his ass up and visit her himself. To make sure she was alright and had everything she needed, and not only trust her word. Zaveid would watch a little longer, if she got more demanding. It could be her new strategy to get him to visit her.
"Yes, palmiers. Made from puff-"
"Zaveid. Would you get off of my lap? I am there for you in a moment," Eizen interrupted himself.
Zaveid had plopped down on Eizen's lap, partially because he wanted the attention to himself. Partially because he wanted Eizen to look at him, when he could make his suggestion. And lastly, partially because Zaveid liked sitting on Eizen's lap. Zaveid snatched the letter out of Eizen's hand, reading it over, to confirm what Eizen had already told him.
"Give that back!" Eizen growled.
Zaveid ignored him wholly and slapped his hand away when he wanted to grab it back. The little lady really got a little demanding in her latest letter. Something about it got Zaveid to smile. He could very well imagine that this was her latest strategy.
Zaveid leaned against Eizen, as he sighed and decided he wouldn't get his letter back anytime soon. Or at least until Zaveid was done with it. It wasn't like the contents contained any sort of secret. Zaveid and Eizen didn't really do secrets any more.
"What does she like? Like ingredient wise," Zaveid asked.
He scanned the letter again and again for any sort of preferences. Though, Eizen probably knew all of those by heart. Which Edna was aware of as well, so she didn't need to include them. She just needed to say the word, and Eizen would make it happen for her.
"I mean, she never complained about any of the sweets I made her, but what does she really like?" he added.
Zaveid never went to see Edna with empty hands. Always borrowing the kitchen of one of his rascals in Talliesin, whenever he wanted to visit her. So he could make something fresh. Or just getting the ingredients and making it fresh in her little home for her.
And so far, Edna had loved every single pastry or pudding or cake or whatever he had decided to treat her to that time. Never outright saying it, but just like Eizen, her gestures and reactions told him far more than words.
"What?"
Zaveid placed the letter down on the desk again, closing his eyes to think of what he would need. He didn't even register Eizen rather confused voice. He knew that Edna had no intolerance to any of the base ingredients. So just the flavour would be the key factor.
And obviously how he would achieve that. But maybe there also was a special something in those specific palmiers she just loved so much, which he would need to keep in mind. Some sort of ingredient he would need to add, to make her love his palmiers just the same way she loved the ones Eizen got her.
"Also, do you have a recipe, or do I need to go with trial and error," Zaveid added.
The puff pastry was easy enough to him by now. He would need to get the form right, though. And then of course, as he was already thinking about, the flavour. Zaveid knew the ones Eizen normally purchased were just sweet. Maybe with a dash of vanilla in there. But definitely nothing special.
Zaveid opened his eyes and looked at Eizen. They stared at each other for a moment, Eizen utterly confused, and Zaveid waiting for an answer. His question had been easy enough, he thought. To bake something, he would need to make sure he knew the recipe, the recipient liked the most. At least if there was one.
"I…huh?" Eizen got out.
Zaveid blinked at him, before he raised an eyebrow. Eizen was aware that he could just bake the palmiers himself, right? He certainly was aware that Zaveid was taking care of all the cooking whenever he was on the ship.
Zaveid started to rack his brain about that fact. Was he aware? Eizen didn't really keep track of any of his meals, so he most likely would live off of whiskey if not for Benwick and Zaveid occasionally forcing him to eat something substantial. But certainly he knew that Zaveid was the one making those meals. At least whenever he was on board. There could be no other way.
"Frankly, Eizen my beloved, I have been hurt for a while now that you would still buy palmiers for her, when you literally have me sleeping in your bed," Zaveid said.
It had been something he had been wondering about before. Why Eizen just didn't simply ask him for help. When they would talk about everything under the blue moon while cuddling anyway.
"Someone who learnt how to make sweets from two professional chefs," Zaveid mentioned.
That Zaveid was sure that Eizen must know. That he had learnt how to bake, and partially how to cook, from not one but two professional chefs. He knew that the whole group had met Ben, Saliph and their three rascals. Arwell had told him all about the 'scary, mean-looking, blond dude', after all.
Eizen raised an eyebrow, as he finally placed his arms around Zaveid. Pulling him closer, so he could properly rest against him. Making sure he wouldn't be able to slip off anytime soon. He was still very confused, though.
"Didn't Theodora learn how to cook from them?" Eizen asked.
Zaveid chuckled and nodded at that. So that was the issue. He really didn't know where Zaveid spend the majority of his time on board. Not that Zaveid could blame him, when he was either coped up in his cabin or on deck supervising everything going on. Or coordinating their next steps and destinations with Benwick.
It wasn't even that he was so wrong about his statement. It had been Theodora who had wanted to learn how to cook from Ben and Saliph. Zaveid had been happy to be the taste tester and look over their shoulders while they taught her.
"Yes, how to cook. Baking wasn't her strong suit, though. So all of then harassed me into learning it," he said.
Though with Theodora's incredibly sweet tooth, only being rivalled by Edna and Eizen's, he hadn't had any other choice but to learn how to prepare any sweet treat she could come up with. Or encounter in Stonebury. Or whatever Ben and Saliph would mention to her.
"So? Recipe?" Zaveid asked.
Eizen leaned back, starting to draw small patterns on Zaveid's back with his hand. Right, he had taken off his jacket, while helping Benwick feeding the sylphjays. Just so it wouldn't get dirty in the process. And Eizen's cabin, due to Eizen being a living furnace, was always pleasantly warm.
Though the motion did make Zaveid shudder. Not from cold but rather from the touch alone. He adjusted his position on Eizen's lap slightly. The grin on his face, telling Zaveid that Eizen was enjoying his reaction a little bit too much.
"I should have one," Eizen said.
He looked away shortly and closed his eyes. Thinking further, most likely. Yet, it already was a big help for Zaveid that he didn't need to go through trial and error. They didn't have that much time after all, before Edna would get impatient.
Zaveid pumped a hand in the air, grinning to both ears. To which Eizen just raised an amused eyebrow. Chocolate had been in the top five of his guesses, after all.
"Knew it!" Zaveid cheered.
Chocolate, Cinnamon, Strawberry, Apple-Cinnamon or Caramel. Zaveid knew Eizen would always go more for apple-cinnamon, which was the sole reason it had made it in there. But he was rather glad that Chocolate had made the cut. Working with chocolate was always fun for Zaveid. He let his arm fall down again, bringing both of them around Eizen's neck next.
"Then we're gonna need the ingredients. Wait with the reply for a few more days, alright?" he said.
Zaveid leaned his forehead against Eizen, smiling brightly as he placed a feathery kiss on Eizen's lips. One, Eizen wouldn't just let stand so easily, pulling Zaveid closer, as he let his hand glide down towards Zaveid's waistband.
———<3———
After two day in which Eizen hadn't seen a hair of Zaveid, with him slowly having started to contemplate going down there and dragging Zaveid away himself, Zaveid emerged from below deck, a bright, triumphant grin on his face. Definitely more than pleased with the result of what he had produced.
"Done!" he said.
The crew turned around to face him at once, various looks of amusement in their face. Eizen just let out a sigh at Zaveid's appearance. They were closing in more and more on Southgand, so he supposed he couldn't fault him for going around shirtless, or rather jacket-less in his case. That didn't mean he had to like it.
Especially with him having made quite a mess of himself. And if Eizen thought about it, which he really didn't want to, probably of the kitchen as well. He knew he should have seen that coming, and yet it somehow still came as a surprise to him.
"You have chocolate…everywhere," Eizen said.
Zaveid laughed and placed his hands on his hips. He grinned at Eizen, his eyes sparkling with mischief. And Eizen really wasn't exaggerating. Zaveid did have chocolate pretty much everywhere on his body. Most of it on his hands, and the least amount on his face, but there was a lot there.
All of it looking rather enticing to Eizen. It would be a waste to just let him wash that all off. Chocolate was expensive, after all, and Zaveid surely had given it his all to work with it. Zaveid's grin widened as he noticed Eizen's eyes roaming over his body.
"Wanna taste?" he asked.
Eizen's gaze snapped up to meet Zaveid's immediately. He sighed and cleared his throat before raising an eyebrow. Those of the crew who chimed in that they surely wouldn't mind, were shut up rather quickly by a glare. Much to Zaveid's amusement.
"I'm kidding! I mean, unless," Zaveid laughed.
He winked at Eizen, knowing that talk like this was practically forbidden in front of the crew. While each member of the Aifread Pirates knew about their relationship, it was still somewhat of an open secret. Mainly because Eizen didn't like to talk about things like that. And Zaveid didn't mind one bit.
Right now, that wasn't his main concern anyway. He needed Eizen's final verdict on the finished palmiers, to know if they were any good for Edna. Or if he would need to start from scratch again. Zaveid did like how they had ended up, but he couldn't be too sure, if they were any good. He walked forward and grabbed Eizen's hand, his grin mellowing down to a smile.
"Come on, taste one and give me your verdict!" he said.
Without waiting for an answer, he dragged Eizen below deck with him. Ignoring the laughter and teasing remarks from everyone up there. They all should know well enough that Zaveid had been holed up in the kitchen, so whatever he required Eizen for was waiting there, not the bedroom.
Zaveid was really, really hoping that Eizen would give him a passing grade for the palmiers. And that then ultimately little Edna would love them as well. He always liked it when those he cherished liked the sweets he made. Always loved making them happy that way.
"Tada~" he said, as he walked into the kitchen with Eizen.
He stepped aside and held his hand out towards a tray with two types of palmiers on them. Somewhere he put the chocolate already into the dough, and somewhere he just used it to decorate them. Not having been able to decide between either of the options, so going for both of them.
Eizen walked closer to the tray, raising an eyebrow. Zaveid stayed behind him, though, rocking on his feet, waiting for Eizen's judgement. He had cut two of them in half, so Eizen could taste them like this. And that was the exact one he was eyeing right now.
"They do look edible," he said.
Zaveid rolled his eyes and stuck out his tongue to Eizen. If they got a passing grade, he would need to make more anyway. And then he would make sure they looked even more appetising. So that Edna would already be able to tell how delicious they were only by looking at them.
"Meanie," Zaveid mumbled.
He lightly slapped Eizen's shoulder, causing him to chuckle. He did stare at the finished pastry for a little bit longer, before he first took the half in hand where Zaveid had incorporated the chocolate into the dough. Causing a darker colour and a richer taste of the overall palmier.
Zaveid started rocking on his heels again, waiting for Eizen to finish the half. He took his sweet time, making Zaveid wait for him to finish. Though once he did, he didn't say anything. He closed his eyes for a moment, before taking the second half. The dough itself having hints of vanilla and caramel worked into it, with the glazing being pure chocolate. Which was exactly why Zaveid had only coated the top half of it, so the flavour wouldn't be too overpowering.
After he had finished that one-off, he turned around to Zaveid, looking at him for a moment. Zaveid's eyes stayed at a little bit of chocolate, having gotten stuck on the corner of Eizen's mouth. Zaveid resolved to only tease Eizen with it, should he not give him a positive verdict. Without another word, though, Eizen pulled Zaveid flush against himself, pressing his lips against Zaveid's. The kiss, which had started all too suddenly, ended way too soon for Zaveid's liking.
"I love you," Eizen whispered against Zaveid's lips.
Zaveid looked at Eizen, surprised at the way his eyes had darkened. He let his tongue glide over his lips, tasting the chocolate from the palmier Eizen had eaten. And while it was a little bit too sweet for him, he supposed he could live with that. After all, both of them did like their sweets sweet.
"I mean it, I love you, Zaveid," Eizen repeated himself.
He pushed Zaveid backwards, effectively trapping him against another edge of the counter top. The change in the air fully visible at once. Just like the change in Eizen's behaviour. Zaveid really hadn't expected that something like this would be enough to get Eizen in the mood.
"Somehow that tastes even better," Eizen mumbled.
He pressed his lips against Zaveid's neck, where he had smeared some of the chocolate earlier by accident. He definitely had not meant to use this opportunity to seduce Eizen. When he had asked him earlier if he wanted a taste, he had mostly been joking.
Though it wasn't as if Zaveid would complain. Not with the way Eizen's eyes had darkened like this. Not when he was looking up at him, as if he wanted to eat him whole. Immediately, even if someone could walk in on them right here.
"We can try to put it…somewhere else as well," Zaveid suggested.
He let out a breathless moan, as Eizen licked a stripe of chocolate from his neck, planting his lips on the place where he stopped. Lightly sucking on Zaveid's skin, as he craned his neck.
Both of Eizen's hands held Zaveid in place, pressing him against the counter top. While one of his legs had found its way in between Zaveid's. Pressing rather uncomfortably against his crotch. Or comfortably, if Zaveid looked at it from another angle.
"You don't like sweets," Eizen muttered.
Zaveid nodded, sneaking his arms around Eizen's shoulders, only so he could let his hands glide into his hair. Slightly scraping his nails over Eizen's scalp, causing him to let out a low growl. A low and deep sound reverberating through Zaveid's skin, causing a shiver to run down his entire body.
No, Zaveid wasn't really a fan of sweets. He liked spices and bitterness more. Which wasn't to say he wouldn't pair either of those with sweets once in a while. Indulging in it, whether it be with Eizen or with Edna. But even if Eizen had never explicitly said anything, Zaveid knew he had a sweet tooth.
"But you certainly do, Eizen. Maybe you wanna see if it tastes even better put on some other part of me," Zaveid said.
He craned his neck more to the side, as his eyes fell onto the entire batches of unused chocolate he still had lying around. He definitely had gotten too much of that stuff. So why not put it to a very, very good use otherwise. He would still have enough to bake more than one or two more batches for Edna to enjoy.
Eizen chuckled as Zaveid squirmed lightly beneath his hands. And against his thigh, still pressing against his crotch. When his pants already did get so painfully tight at the moment. Purposefully teasing him, just for the fun of it.
"I like that idea," Eizen mumbled.
Zaveid closed his eyes as Eizen sank his teeth into the skin on his neck. Absolutely intending to leave a mark for everyone to see there. Most likely, having gotten a little bit more pissed off by the more suggestive comments, Zaveid had been receiving from the crew.
Even if they were all in good faith, and none of them would ever even get the idea to try to steal Zaveid from Eizen. Not that they could, when Zaveid was utterly and fully infatuated with his grumpy earth malak. As he opened his eyes, his gaze fell onto the palmiers again. Right…
"But first, verdict!" Zaveid said.
He grabbed Eizen's shoulders and pushed him away. Just enough to get him to snap back to reality. No matter how much Zaveid had been enjoying himself as well. They could continue this later. Right now, the sweet treats for Edna were important. Eizen could have his…treats later.
Remembering why he had been following Zaveid into the kitchen in the first place, Eizen looked over his shoulder, towards the pastries. He pursed his lips slightly, all the while keeping his grip on Zaveid's hips. Definitely intending to not postpone their activities for too much longer. He turned his head back to Zaveid, and brought his mouth to Zaveid's ear.
"Bake one more sheet each, and I'll make sure you can't walk for the next few days," Eizen whispered.
His breath hot against Zaveid's skin, causing him to flush down to his chest. The promise itself leaving him breathless, as his imagination started to run overdrive. Zaveid supposed that was the best possibly compliment he would be able to get from Eizen. And he was more than happy with it.
He didn't even know what had gotten Eizen in the mood like this, but Zaveid absolutely would need to find out for future references. And the promise was more than enticing.
"Fuck~ Deal~" Zaveid moaned.
Eizen had started to let his mouth and teeth glide over his neck again, pressing his leg, the one between Zaveid's legs, up higher. On the one hand didn't Zaveid want to let him go, on the other, he knew he had to. At least if he wanted to get those two batches done, Eizen had requested.
Eizen leaned back with a heavy sigh, looking at his handiwork on Zaveid's neck. Eyes staying momentarily on the chocolate still stuck on Zaveid's upper body. He licked his lips at the promise of more.
"Good, I need to keep coordinating with Benwick, be ready when I'm done," Eizen whispered against Zaveid's lips.
Without waiting for another response, he straightened his own clothes and left the kitchen. Leaving Zaveid with a raging hard on in his pants, while calculating exactly how long he would need to finish everything up.
Only to then prepare himself so Eizen could have his sweet treat.
Additional: Aifread Lives! AU; Established VanZavEizen
Tbh, I'm not really…idk satisfied with this. Like…I don't know, I didn't really have a vibe going on for the prompt, but still wanted to write something…so hopefully anyone else gets some enjoyment out of it :')
Zaveid had long reacted by the time Eizen or Aifread had even been able to notice a thing. How they could be so utterly idiotic, whenever they sailed north was something Zaveid had chosen to stop questioning. And then they would come whining to him. So by the time, the temperatures dropped surrounding them, and the icy shores of Northgand came into view, Zaveid was standing in the kitchen, a large pot of nice and warm chicken noodle soup almost at the ready. So the whole crew could enjoy some obviously. But also, so he could have an excuse to cuddle up with his two idiot pirates and just enjoy the warmth of the soup. And of them for some time.
And even if Aifread and Eizen always claimed that the cold wasn't affecting them as much as it did with everyone else on the ship. Zaveid knew they were lying. At least Aifread was lying. He would be able to buy it with Eizen, him having an abnormally high body temperature, even for a malak, but not Aifread. Not if Zaveid looked at the way he would chug even more rum to keep himself cosy. Not that anyone noticed.
Zaveid shook his head and hummed to himself, as he stirred his soup. No, he wouldn't let them get off the ship, at least for tonight. Because he had plans, and for once Zaveid wanted to be able to successfully cuddle with his two idiots in peace. Just enjoying a nice warm evening, while they all warmed up with a recipe he knew was good. It also wasn't often that he was able to make something nice for them like this. He liked to spoil them when he could. Just like he knew that the sentiment was the same on the other side.
"Whatcha making, handsome?"
Zaveid smiled and looked over his shoulder. Aifread was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, eyes going up the meet Zaveid's the moment Zaveid's head had turned around. Definitely having stared at his ass before. Not that Zaveid minded.
"Soup. For everyone, so we won't have to freeze to death," Zaveid said.
Aifread rolled his eyes and walked into the tiny kitchen. Or rather 'Zaveid's cabin' as the crew had started to jokingly call it. He got some bowls out, setting them aside, as well as a spoon. Before Zaveid could scold him, he had dipped it into the soup and taken a spoonful to try.
Zaveid sighed and just shook his head, adding some more seasoning, before he deemed it done. Now it would just have to sit on low heat for a little longer, so the flavours could all spread nicely and it would be done. And then they all could enjoy something nice while on the road. He knew the crew would definitely thank him for that.
"Nice~ I can think of other ways to warm us up though," Aifread said.
Zaveid rolled his eyes, and groaned as he heard an affirmative hum from the back. Of course those two would be on the same page with that kind of idea. Eizen had assumed Aifread's place in the doorway, watching the two of them. Nodding and grinning.
Zaveid shook his head and took his apron off, to put his jacket back on. Just so he wouldn't need to freeze to death. He would be able to compensate with mana, but he didn't really feel like it. Not when he didn't need to, no. And not when he had at least one living furnace around who would willingly cuddle the cold away.
"Well, then go ahead, though I distinctively remember you two telling me the last time you tried to hook up went horribly wrong. I'm not in the mood," Zaveid said.
Aifread frowned and moved to hug Zaveid from behind, while Eizen sighed and stepped closer. Looking over Zaveid's shoulder towards the large pot he had prepared for everyone.
Zaveid leaned against Aifread as Eizen leaned forward to press a kiss to his lips. Only for Aifread to turn his face towards him not even moments later to do the same, drawing both a satisfied and exasperated sigh from Zaveid's lips.
"I guess cuddling and enjoying something very, very delicious then it is for tonight, what do you say, Captain?" Eizen said.
Aifread nodded and hummed in agreement, snuggling his head into Zaveid's shoulder. Zaveid reached behind himself to turn the heat down on the soup, as he smiled at Eizen. He could make out some disappointment in his eyes, but also knew that they would never try to force him into something.
Maybe, just maybe, he would let them convince himself to allow them to let their hands wander. But first he wanted his cuddles in this cold weather, while they enjoyed a warm meal together. And then they could get their spice.
