@lyra-angel-81194 Here is Cheval's story!
You're Done For the Day
You're a rider who works for the Scriveners. Basically, you are the one in charge of preparing everything from quests to supplies to whatever they really need. Swamped from all the work but refusing to quit, Cheval sees this as his moment to step in.
Cheval x F! Reader
The sun had already dipped below the horizon by the time Cheval found you.
You were still sitting at the wooden table outside, underneath a Scrivener's tent, shoulders hunched, papers scattered everywhere—quest notes, supply lists, scribbled plans for tomorrow’s hunt. A lantern flickered beside you, barely keeping the growing darkness at bay.
And you looked exhausted.
You were a rider, but one aligned closely with the Scriveners. It was your job to prepare quests and outings and so forth all while doing your own quests while also taking care of your monstie. You volunteered for the work, but you got way in over your head.
Cheval didn’t say anything at first. He just watched from a short distance, arms crossed, noticing the way your hand trembled slightly as you tried to write, the way you kept rereading the same line over and over.
You didn’t even notice him.
That alone told him enough.
“…You’re still working?”
You startled, nearly dropping your pen. “Cheval? I—yeah, just finishing a few things.”
He stepped closer, amber gaze flicking over the mess of papers. “You said that this morning.”
You forced a small laugh. “Well, there’s just been a lot to handle. If I don’t get ahead of it now, tomorrow’s going to be worse, and—”
Your voice trailed off when he gently took the pen from your hand.
“Hey—Cheval—”
“You’re done for today.”
The firmness in his tone caught you off guard. Cheval was normally easy to give in to you. When he issued a command, you knew he meant business. You've been his girlfriend long enough to know when he was being serious.
“I can’t just stop,” you protested weakly. “There’s still—”
“Nothing here is more important than you. Especially if you are collapsing from exhaustion.”
You blinked.
Cheval sighed softly, his expression easing. “You haven’t taken a proper break all day, have you?”
“…I was busy.”
“That’s not an answer.”
You looked away.
He didn’t push further. Instead, he gathered the papers into a neat stack and set them aside, out of your reach.
“Cheval—”
Before you could argue again, he reached for your hand.
Your breath caught slightly as his fingers laced with yours—warm, steady and grounding. You forget the kind of power that this man could hold over you.
“Come on.”
“…Where?”
“Bed.”
Your face warmed. “You can’t just—”
“I can,” he interrupted calmly, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his eyes. “And I am.”
Too tired to keep fighting, you let him pull you to your feet.
Your legs wobbled a little.
Cheval noticed instantly.
His grip tightened, and without a word, he shifted closer—close enough that your shoulder brushed his chest as he guided you toward the tent that the two of you shared. Rathi and your monstie both raised their heads at your arrival.
“You’re running yourself into the ground,” he murmured, his hand lightly touching your lower back.
“I just wanted to make sure everything was ready…”
“I know.”
That softness in his voice made something in your chest ache.
Once inside, he didn’t give you time to second-guess anything. He sat down first, then gently tugged you with him until you were practically collapsing against his side.
You didn’t resist this time.
The moment you settled, the exhaustion hit you all at once.
“…I didn’t realize I was this tired." You admitted quietly.
Cheval huffed softly. “That’s usually how it works.”
You let your head fall against his shoulder. All the stress from all your work caused you just collapse.
For a second, neither of you moved.
Then his arm slipped around you, pulling you just a little closer.
“Rest." He said while gently stroking your hair.
“I will… just for a minute.” You muttered against his chest.
“You said that earlier too.” He deadpanned.
“…This time I mean it.”
A faint smile touched his lips.
Your eyes were already closing.
Cheval adjusted the blanket around you both, making sure you were warm before letting his hand settle gently against your back. His thumb traced slow, absent circles—steady and calming. It started to lull you to sleep, and you nuzzled deeper into his chest. He shifted a bit, and his red hair tickled your skin.
“You don’t have to do everything alone." He murmured.
Half-asleep, you mumbled, “I know… but it’s easier when I do.”
“…Not if it hurts you.”
Your fingers curled lightly into his shirt.
“Stay?” you whispered.
His answer was immediate.
“You know I’m not going anywhere.”
That was the last thing you heard before sleep finally claimed you.
Cheval stayed exactly as he promised—quiet, steady, holding you close while the lantern outside flickered out and the night settled in.
And for once, you rested without worry.
