Can I ask you for #20 on the drabble prompts list 2 (electric boogaloo) for Em/David from ALSW please?? Love you 💕💕💕💕
u finally make me post ALSW fic - FINALLY
20. “Don’t try to fix me. I’m not broken.”
“I do not wantyou to try to fix me,” Embleton did not look at his captain as he said this,instead his gaze was held fast to the stars and the blackened clouds and thechurning sea that kept their vessel moving forward, “I am not broken, David. Iam not.”
The way hespoke, such sternness in his voice, it was directed towards David but at thesame time it was not. Maybe more to himself; a declaration of one’s state toone’s self.
The wind blewthrough Embleton’s hair, his curls long and utterly untamable by neither handnor brush. He gripped the railing of Serapis’top deck, jaw clenched as tightly as his fingers which were digging into therailing wood. David was overcome, to have Embleton speak to him like this – so openlybut so shut off at the same time, it filled him with a menagerie of feelingsbut pity could not be found amongst them.
“Whatever myfather has told you of me, whatever opinion you may have or come to have of me…I need you to understand this.” Embleton did not look at his captain, but hisvoice softened, “Please believe me when I say I am many things, but I am notbroken.”
The naturalist’sability to hold a grudge was fierce and endless. And David had, with Embleton’sallowance, begun to understand just how deeply the poison-edged sword of Sir FrancisHall was embedded within his son.
To hear thedesperation, though not audible in tone but to know it was there, David felt the plea in his heart. He understoodtoo well what Embleton was asking of him. Numerous times he had asked it ofAddie, and he had asked it of Caulderson before their tragedy. And yet, henever felt relieved of it.
Davidapproached the conversation cautiously, knowing the fickle and fiery nature ofhis counterpart. He stared at the stars just as Embleton did, and felt closerto him within a moment though their physical distance did not change.
“I neverthought you were broken, Embleton.”
Embleton’sbody stiffened in David’s peripheral, but still David kept from looking at him –knowing this vulnerability would make him flee if he was forced to look atDavid head on.
“You are manythings; that is true. You are… one of the most intelligent men I know. And oneof the most stubborn. And you are terribly beautiful and arrogant. But no, youare not broken.”
David slid ahand over the air atop the railing and set it firmly on Embleton’s. He couldfeel the tendons in the naturalist’s hand tighten, then slowly relax with therest of him.
since you did not give me a pairing i think i might do David and Embleton from A Land So Wild!!! (WHICH EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ BTW) ;3c
otp prompts~
3. Who accidentally wears the other’s hat one day?Embleton because he’s a disaster and because David let him borrow it one time so he’s just associated the hat with being able to wear it whenever he wants without thinking about if David might need it. Just grabs it and goes.
8. What would be their dream vacation?Definitely a coastal get away. Not a sailing trip but to somewhere close to/on the beach. They come home with a bag full of shells and feathers and wave worn rocks for Embleton to go through when they get back. David has sand in places no English gentleman can properly talk about. Embleton also gets sunburnt. But they have fun!!
14. What would their wedding look like?Totally funded for by Sir Francis Hall (though somewhat reluctantly). Nothing too lavish. Just something simple to say, “Yes we’re married” since Embleton isn’t into HUGE shows of affection. Also not too much attention since it would be David’s second marriage (mildly scandalous). Probably be attended by David’s friends, Lew, Carruthers, and some other fellows (GRIGGS DO NOT INTERACT, says Em)
