20 for Lorenz? I'm one of the seven people in the world who genuinely likes Lorenz. He's underrated.
Pairing: Lorenx x reader
Prompt: I love you “as we huddle together, the storm raging outside”
Description: Late in the afternoon, the weather had still been nice so you invited Lorenz over for tea in your dorm, as you often did. However good company always had a way of distracting someone and by the time the evening came, so did a nasty storm. Unwilling to send him out in such weather, you’re left with no choice but to admit your fear to him...
Rating: sfw
Word Count: 1523
Notes: Shout out to me, who nearly forgot I had a wip for this and was ready to just start a whole new piece for it. Also, anon, I make up at least 5 of the people who adore him so like, you came to the right place. He’s my favorite 3 houses character! Another note, tumblr (or xkit) has this fun new feature that lets me see how long I’ve had a post in my drafts… I’ve had this as since February 11th? Anon I’m so sorry its been a hell of a year.
~*~
The trouble with having an outside dorm room meant that when the weather got especially rough (such as today) you really had no choice but to stay in your room. That was fine, however the weather came out of nowhere and you happened to have a guest over for tea; none other than Lorenz. Through your small window, the two of you could see the evening sun had been swallowed whole by the rough storm. Lorenz would be drenched if he went out in that but… your tea had all but cooled and it was well past time for him to be returning to his own chambers.
“I don’t even know where the time went…” You sighed, shaking your head softly. “I’m sorry Lorenz, had I noticed the storm earlier, I would have sent you on your way before it got so bad…” You frowned, listening to the gentle sound of pouring rain as you thought of what to do in this situation… It wouldn’t be long under it got worse, after all.
“It’s quite alright _____, in fact I should be the one apologizing for overstaying my welcome at this point.” He laughed and you quickly shook your head.
“N-no it’s alright! I was enjoying myself so much I hardly noticed the time passing, let alone the weather changing to something so unpleasant.” It was your turn to laugh now, the two of you giggling as you gathered yourselves. “I suppose you’re welcome to stay here with me until the storm passes or at least gets to a point where its not raining sideways.” You shook your head, plopping right down on your bed. While the tea and conversation had been wonderful, now that Lorenz was effectively trapped in your dorm with you, you couldn’t help but feel a little awkward with his presence. At least it was only raining bad for now but you couldn’t help but bite your lip; thunder was soon to follow and well… you weren’t the best with loud noises. They scared you to death! So while the sound of the rain pounding was comforting, and the flashes of lightening outside were amusing… the boom of thunder was most unwelcome.
“Thank you…” Lorenz was quick to frown, watching your body language shift as you looked out your small window to the storm only just beginning to rage outside. “Are you… alright though, _____? I can help but notice your mood seems to have dimmed…” He kept watch of you. For a moment, you didn’t respond, too focused on the weather outside. You twirled your hair worriedly before Lorenz repeated your name. “_____?”
“Hmm?” You jumped from your thoughts, looking to Lorenz’s concerned face. “I’m sorry… did you say something Lorenz?” You fiddled with your fingers now. It was obvious something had you worried, with the way you fidgeted under his worried gaze.
“I did. What has you so worried all the sudden?” You hated to make Lorenz frown but even more so you hated to admit to your fear. You knew him well enough by now that he wouldn’t tease you for it, of course but that didn’t stop the blooming feeling of embarrassment welling throughout your body.
“Ah… well…” You shivered hearing the thunder boom in the distance. Soon the brunt of the storm would be upon you and you would likely be a mess… “It’s a little silly… so I’m hesitant to say…” You looked up to Lorenz’s eyes once again, seeing they were nothing but soft and worried for you. You heaved a big sigh, looking down once again. “Well I just… I’m just afraid of loud noises, is all. With the storm in the distance like this, I’ll be okay but when the storm gets here, I’m afraid I’ll be little more than a shivering mess.” Having admitted this you couldn’t bring yourself to look at Lorenz anymore, choosing instead to watch your restless fingers as they curled the comforter under you.
“That’s nothing to be ashamed of.” To your surprise, Lorenz took a seat by you on your bed, his hand easily resting over yours. You know the action was to comfort you but you couldn’t help the heat that reached your cheeks. “Thank you for sharing with me, though, I’m sure it must have been hard to get that off your chest.”
“I-I mean… just a little…” You could feel your cheeks darken further with color. If Lorenz noticed, he paid it no mind.
“Well, I am here with you now, _____. If you would like, I wouldn’t mind comforting you when the time comes.” You finally willed yourself to meet his lavender gaze, feeling an odd mixture of relief and fluster upon seeing the genuine look on his face.
“I-I mean…” You squeaked, the flash of lighting quickly followed by crashing thunder. Lorenz pulled you closer to him, hiding your face in his chest. Already you were shaking, clinging to him to like he was your lifeline.
“Shh… It’s alright. I’m here with you.” His words were soft, whispered gently into your hair as he absentmindedly ran his fingers through it. The comforting gesture was appreciated as you rocked yourself (and Lorenz, too, as you were now in his arms).
“T-thank you… I, I just…” You sniffled, trying your best not to cry in front of him. “This must seem awfully silly, h-huh?” You cleared your throat, looking up into his gaze. “I’ve seen and experienced far worse things than this in battle… but I… I just can’t help it.” You laughed bitterly, cuddling closer to him in anticipation of the next boom of thunder. Sure enough, the sound crashed, likely somewhere on the monastery grounds just from the sheer volume it had. You jumped from your place, pulling Lorenz closer to you that you may have thought possible, all but curling into his lap. By now, you really were crying, hiccups bubbling in your throat.
“You know that’s nonsense _____…” Lorenz laid the both of you down on your bed, sure to cover you as protectively as he could. “You and I both know just how strong and brave you are… being scared of thunder doesn’t change that…” You sniffled loudly, looking to his face.
“You really think so? I’m, I’m not weak for being scared?” You couldn’t help but think how sweet Lorenz looked, holding you like this, like a lover would in one of your lower moments…
“Of course not. Everyone is scared of something.”
“Well… would you mind telling me what you’re afraid of, Lorenz?” Your voice was mumbled, as you had once again cuddled into his chest in an effort to muffle the sound of the world outside your room.
“Me? Well…” Lorenz paused for a moment, considering if he should say the truth. Of course, there were a great many things he feared-- but mainly, they revolved around you. He feared your rejection of him, of losing you, of you getting hurt… He feared he would be too cowardly to confess to you, even now, as he held you close and whispered only the sweetest of words into your ear… “I suppose… I’m scared of losing those I care about; scared that, for all I am… I may not be strong enough to protect them.” He watched as you glanced up at him, face stained with tears and eyes puffy and red.
“Well… I’ll help you with your fears too, then. You’re helping me get over mine… so, together, we can protect everyone. All of our friends, all of our allies… Surely together, we’ll be strong enough, right?” Lorenz noticed another boom of thunder in the distance-- you hadn’t even flinched, perhaps too caught up in this moment with him. He would be sure to remember it.
“...I would like that a great deal.” Lorenz closed his eyes, pulling you closer and laying his head next to yours. He spoke again, with his eyes still closed. “Allow me one selfish request then, ______?” You had closed your eyes too, the late hour, the good company, and the crying all coming together to tire you out.
“Of course Lorenz.” You yawned, snuggling closer to him.”
“Allow me to be the one to protect you-- from raging storms and powerful enemies. I love you too much to see you so scared.” He was surprised the words came out so clearly, the emotion building up in his chest nearly too much to bear. He couldn’t help but open his eyes to drink in your reaction, watching as you looked at him with wide eyes.
“You… love me?” You repeated softly, unsure if you heard the words right. The rain was still pounding harshly outside, after all…
“More than I know how to express.” He nodded earnestly.
“I… I love you too, Lorenz.” You smiled shyly. “I just… thank you. For everything. For staying with me, for helping me… All of it.”
“You need not worry about it. For you, I would do all this and more.” Boldly, he placed a sweet kiss on your forehead. “Now… get some rest. I’ll be here all night to protect you.”
