Also available on Ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54163753
“You look like you’re in a spot of bother.”
The smug, drawling voice caught you by surprise.
You looked around. Then up.
Sunlight behind the figure made it difficult to see, but you knew full well this was no angel you were looking at. No – this was a raven. And judging by the voice and size of those wings, not just any soldier, either.
No, you were looking at none other than the King of Kilvas himself.
“I- “ you said as you held up a hand to shade your eyes. “King Naesala?”
“The very same.” Purred his voice, and he descended with a casual flex of his wings until he was almost level with you.
You’d heard many tales about Naesala’s clever words and treacherous nature, but not just how damn handsome he was up close – dark hair that held a glint of royal blue in the sinking sunlight, a sharp-featured face and a knowing smirk lingering at the edges of his mouth.
If you weren’t currently stranded at the very top of a rock formation in the middle of the sea, you’d be appreciating it a lot more.
“Why are you out here?” you asked.
“Can’t a man enjoy surveying his kingdom from up high?” Naesala countered easily, sounding amused. “But more to the point, what are you doing here, miss thief? Wait, let me guess – you thought you’d check out some of the caves said to hold treasure on these beaches, and the tide came in unexpectedly while you were sneaking around. Am I right?”
“How did you know that?” you said in disbelief.
Naesala gave an artful little shrug, the leather jacket he wore creaking a bit with the movement.
“You wouldn’t be the first, sweetness. Plenty of pirates have drowned down there, thanks to being too greedy to mind their surroundings.”
“Ah.” You said uncomfortably, trying to keep your balance on the remaining tip of slippery rock that was still poking out above sea-level. Though who knew how long that would last?
“’Ah’ indeed.” Naesala smirked, and every beat of his wings seemed to be mocking you – he did not have to worry about such pedestrian things as getting caught adrift. “It would appear that some assistance may be required.”
Your eyes flickered over to him, heart thumping.
“You’d help me?” you asked, biting your lip.
“For a price, naturally.” Naesala said, examining his fingernails.
Naturally. Everyone in Tellius from Daein to Begnion knew that the King of Ravens didn’t do anything for free, not when dealing with laguz or with beorc.
Your heel slipped and you had to windmill your arms in the air to keep your balance, as if you couldn’t have looked any more ridiculous to him already.
“Yes,” you blurted out quickly, panic spurring you on. You didn’t have room to negotiate, and he knew it. “Please help me – I don’t have much money on me, but I can- “
“Oh, I can think of something else you could offer in lieu of pay.” Naesala drawled. His eyes slid over your frame and a slow, lazy smile that sparked heat in the pit of your belly spread across his handsome face. “I don’t just accept gold for my…service.”
He could not have made himself plainer if he’d taken a stick and drawn a picture for you in the sand. Rather than feeling offended at the suggestion, though, your skin was tingling from his weighted stare.
“Well, that sounds more than fair to me.” You heard yourself saying, your voice sounding far away to your ears. “Please help me.”
Naesala made a pleased sound and fluttered a little closer.
“Very good.” He hummed. “Hold steady now, there’s a good girl.”
Heat sizzled on your cheeks as Naesala wrapped a hand around your back and hooked the other in the crook of your knees. Your feet left their slippery perch and you found yourself clinging to his jacket as he gave a couple of firm beats of his wings and the churning sea receded beneath you. The thought of falling into that made your stomach lurch – you can swim but there’s no way you’d make it to shore from way out here.
“Relax, will you?” Naesala said, his voice reverberating in his chest. “It’s harder to carry someone all stiff with terror.”
His easy-going attitude would ordinarily be annoying, since fear of plunging to your death isn’t really something a bird laguz have to deal with, but somehow his casualness about the situation did make you feel a little less panicked – any minute now you’ll be safely back on land and all this would just be a bad memory caused by extremely poor decisions. You’re fine, you’re not going to drown. Everything will be okay.
Of course, there was still the small matter of payment…
You looked up at Naesala now, drinking in his features now that you didn’t have to worry about keeping your balance on wet rocks. With the dusky background behind him, his pale skin looked luminous as marble and the sharp planes of his jawline and cheekbones were very much a sight to behold. He also didn’t have that stuffy air to him that nobles often did – he wore his title with an informal ease and the fact he was easily carrying you in his arms like this felt like a ridiculously vivid dream. Would a man like this truly want what he seemed to be implying he did with an ordinary girl like you?
Still, you tried to enjoy the ride, leaning your head against his chest and listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.
“Enjoying the view, are you?” Naesala asked dryly, a smug smile on his face.
You laughed, a little embarrassed, but there was no point in pretending you weren’t admiring him.
“Well, it’s not every day one gets saved by a King. I thought I’d try to memorise the scene before we get back to shore.”
“Hah! No need for flattery, dear.” Naesala said, which was a bald-faced lie – he was practically preening. “We do have mirrors in Kilvas, you know.”
“Clearly.” You replied cheekily, which made him chuckle. It was a pleasant sound, a velvety note that gave you a peculiar warm feeling somewhere in the pit of your stomach.
Eventually, a Naesala glided down towards a cliff overlooking the sea, a forest swaying in the wind beyond that. His feet neatly touched down on lush green grass and he slowly set you down, making your you were firmly on the ground before he let go, and it struck you as an oddly gentlemanly gesture on his part.
“What is this place?” you asked him – it was windy up here but not unpleasantly so, though you would have appreciated anything after being stranded in the middle of the sea.
“Oh, these woodlands border a town nearby.” Naesala said, with a careless shrug. “But you’re out of reach of pirates and the sea up here, which I’m sure will be of some relief to you.”
“It is. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere near any beaches for a while.” You replied, with a shiver. Robbing noble homes carries its own risks, but at least fear of drowning or spending hours pouring sand out of your boots isn't one of them.
Now, though, Naesala was eyeing you with that same amused smile on his face and he tilts his head, the last remaining rays of light catching the blue of his eyes.
“Now. About that payment…”
~
It turns out that Naesala’s casualness as a king also extends to his conquests too.
Which is why you’re currently being fucked up against a tree, your legs wrapped around his narrow hips and arms flung around him.
Not exactly the most dignified of encounters you’d ever had, but you certainly weren’t complaining, especially given that about half an hour ago you were in a position where you were seriously concerned you were going to die. So, it’s liberating feeling so alive – Naesala was warm and receptive and very much real. You could feel bark scraping your lower back where your clothes were rucked up, he was leaving bites on your neck and collarbone and the wind stung your bare thighs and you didn’t care at all.
“Nn…fuck…N-Naesala…!” you spluttered out as his hips snapped forwards, hitting you somewhere deep in you and you let out a muffled squeal against his shoulder – he’d told you before he picked you up and started feverishly kissing you not to bother with ‘King’ or ‘Lord’.
“Mmph…” Naesala muttered back – it had been a while since he’d had the time to indulge in such, ah, carnal pleasures, what with all the hard work he was doing for his beloved country, but how could he resist a sweet thing like you? Oh, true, you had been in a position where you’d had no choice but to accept his help and, therefore, being in his debt, but if you had truly protested this method of payback, he would have been mollified with gold, so long as you could get a lot of it.
But this…well, this was a different kind of pleasure. "That's it…"
You then decided to do something you’d been wanting to do since Naesala first appeared in front of you – given what he was doing to you, you didn’t think he’d mind. But your hands snaked over his back, and you reached to touch his wings. It wasn't every day a normal human would get to do this to laguz royalty, and damn it, you wouldn't let it pass you by!
A little gasp left your mouth as your fingertips brushed ink-black feathers. They were so soft! Much softer than you had expected, and you ran a hand down it until you reached the spot where wing joined with Naesala’s shoulder blades, and you teasingly rubbed that spot sensuously with your fingertips.
The reaction was instant – Naesala’s feathers stood to attention like he’d received a lick of thunder magic and a lusty moan left his mouth that sent another jolt of heat down to your core.
“Ooh, you little minx…” Naesala gritted out. “Again.”
“Yes, sire.” You whispered teasingly in his ear, obeying his command eagerly. Naesala certainly could moan prettily when he felt like it, and you wanted to hear it again.
He paid you back for that by amping up the pace, and you cried out as he bounced you up and down the length of his cock, effortlessly holding you against the trunk of the tree, leaving you pinned like a butterfly. Not that you minded, being allowed to clench your thighs tightly around him and play with his lovely wings and listening to him growl and pant in your ear to your heart’s content. Throbbing was building up between your legs, Naesala’s hot breath fanning across your neck.
“You like this, don’t you?” Naesala’s voice said, a velvety purr contrasting with the rough pace he'd set. “You take risks and feel like a little God when they work out in your favour, and now you’re in the clear you like feeling this way, hmm? Riding the high for as long as you can, knowing any moment you could lose it all…”
How did he pin you down so accurately? He barely knew you, but perhaps Naesala was well-acquainted with the rush of being a thief, of not playing by the rules set out for you but playing by your own. It was true that checking out hidden coves on the beach was risky, since the pirates who may have hidden their treasure there wouldn’t have been pleased to find it missing, but you’d assumed it couldn’t be that dangerous.
You’d been swiftly proven wrong.
“Mm…yes…” you said, breathily, barely able to string together a coherent sentence anymore, though his question seemed to have been rhetorical.
“And now look at you…unable to do anything but take what I have to give you. Such a greedy girl~” he purred, nipping your neck. You groaned out loud – you were close, you could feel the pressure rising in you not unlike the waves below. You had to say, you were very impressed with the stamina of a laguz.
“N-Naesala…ahh…just a bit more, please…” you said in a whiny voice, so desperate for release you scarcely could think of much else. He chuckled at your pleading, though you knew he wasn’t far off himself, from how frantically he was rutting into you now, pressing you against the tree with enough force that you knew there’d be imprints of bark in your skin when he finally let you go.
“Oh, why not?” he said, with a throaty laugh. “I’m feeling generous today.”
The forest filled with the sound of muffled moans, with soft cries as you finally come, the endless movement and Naesala whispering words of encouragement in that buttery-smooth voice of his, the tone he used when he was persuading someone to trust him when they knew beyond all reasonable doubt he wasn’t to be trusted. It was astonishing sometimes how gullible people were, especially if you had a pretty face and sufficient charm.
Hot, blinding white pleasure flooded your body and you gripped Naesala so hard as you came that you were sure he was going to protest about you strangling him, but instead his wings trembled a moment like a tree about to shed its leaves, and there was a rush of heat between your legs as he shuddered against you.
For a moment you were both silent as you tried to get your breath back, and slowly Naesala lowered you to your feet, passing you a handkerchief he apparently kept in his pockets. You politely turned away from each other as you fixed yourself as best you could, though you limbs felt heavy and there was a light-headed fuzz swirling about in your head.
“Well,” you said, clothes all back where they were supposed to be, and you turned to Naesala with a rueful smile. “I suppose I’d better be off.”
“Oh? And where is it you’re headed?” Naesala asked, smoothing back his hair, fixing the few strands that had fallen in his face during his…prior activities.
“I’ll stop off at an inn somewhere, I suppose.” You said thoughtfully. “I have some friends in Begnion I can get in touch with- “
“Ah. That may pose a little problem,” Naesala said, looking very amused now, no sign of his earlier exertion on his face. His recovery time was certainly admirable. “You see, we’re a little more…southeast than that. It was closer to fly to.”
“You mean…this isn’t Begnion?” you said, in astonishment. You don’t know why you assumed it was, you hadn’t really been paying attention to which direction he was flying, you’d just been relieved to be heading back to dry land. You glanced back at the direction you’d come from, but the mainland was so far away that it was almost completely obscured by the evening mist in the distance.
Naesala laughed, actually throwing his head back.
“Oh, goddess, no. This is Kilvas, dear. I'd prefer not to go over there unless it's urgent. But if you’re worried about a hum- ah, beorc, setting foot on the island, don’t be. I guarantee you nobody will raise an objection if you’re my guest.”
“Your guest?” you said, blushing, which was ridiculous given what you’d been doing, but the thought of walking casually into a Kilvas village with the Raven King himself was a bit of an intimidating prospect. It wasn’t like you were visiting foreign nobility, after all. “Are you sure?”
“We get plenty of beorc merchant ships passing this way too, usually from Crimea.” Naesala explained, with a shrug. “My people are a little more open to doing business with beorc than the other bird tribes. It would be better for you to wait for one to take you back to the mainland, wouldn’t you say?”
You grinned, with a slightly shy nod. It was a perfectly sound proposal, after all, and since you’d been unsuccessful in finding any expensive treasure, you couldn’t afford to be picky about your accommodations.
“Come, it isn’t far.” Naesala said, turning to you with a smirk as he began to lead you through the woods towards the nearest village – no doubt they’d fall over themselves to attend to their king, he was usually out of the country on various business, so they’d be thrilled to see him. And why wouldn’t they be?
Naesala began walking, and then he glanced back at you.
“And, you know…I do believe there’s still some interest to collect for my generosity in saving you back there. But we can talk about that at a nice comfortable inn, hmm?”
Prompt: Naesala and summoner tease one another about who will confess first
Description: Somewhere along the line, you had come to view your time with Naesala (up in the sky, far from the comforting feel of the ground beneath you) as something... nice. You found yourself looking forward to the next time you got to fly, if only because it was a good excuse to spend more time with him.
Rating: sfw
Content warning: female reader (um that's it)
Word Count: 2980
Notes: Another commission for my beloved @furudolove! They wanted a continuation of their last Naesala com and who am I to deny them a happy ending? Both can be read as standalones I think but I'll link the first part <3
Part: One | Two
Summers sweet warmth had all but left Askr, leaving the evening cold and dark once more. Even fall, with its nostalgic winds and comforting crunch of leaves was just a memory now that winter had made its self welcome with snow and ice abound. Less daylight only seemed to bring more work, however, and with that you found that you were missing time you once got to spend with Naesala.
It was hard to come to terms with but… You loved spending time with him. You missed getting to fly with him, if only because it meant you got to be close with him, alone with him. There was simply no way around it… Somewhere along the line, you had fallen for King Kilvas. You suspected that he felt the same; despite the winter weather, despite all the work and chores and duties you had to attend to, he was always more that willing to take you in his arms and show you the grandeur of the world from the sky.
You could almost picture it now; the sight of the silent winter world below you and his welcoming blue gaze above you...
As much as you wanted that right now though, you had paperwork to do. So much paperwork. Much was already done, and yet there was more to do. Stacks upon stacks that had piled up because other things needed attending to quicker…
You can’t help but sigh, glancing up at the dark window and the dying embers of your fire. You must have been at this for a while if your fire was nearly out. Now that you were pulled from your work, you could actually feel the chill in the room too. You rub your weary eyes and groan as you stand. You prepare to toss some more logs on the embers before you hear a knock at the door. You turn in surprise and go to answer, but find that as you speak your voice doesn’t come. You blink and clear your throat to speak; before you can, the door opens.
“Naesala?” Your voice is cracked and horse, but that’s not the most concerning thing here.
“You’re awake?” He chuckled softly. “Well, this is awkward…” Despite saying that, he doesn’t seem too flustered as he welcomes himself into your room, closing the door beside him.
“What are you doing here?” Your voice slowly comes back to you, but there’s an undeniable grit to it.
“I usually wake up around this time to check on you.” He admits, looking to the side for a moment before back to you. “You’re usually asleep at your desk, with nothing but embers in your fireplace.” He huffs softly. “I’ve been putting you to bed and making sure you stay warm.” You blink in surprise at his admission, rubbing your tired eyes to make sure you weren’t dreaming.
“You have…?” You think you would remember being put to bed by him. Honestly though, you don’t remember going to bed lately. You always figured that you were just so tired that you forgot getting ready for bed. “For how long… and why?” You stare at him with tired eyes, and he sighs.
“Well if you really want to know…” It’s unlike him to be so quiet, so shy. Something is bothering him. “I missed our little evening excursions… I figured if I was waking up this early anyways, I may as well see if you were interested in going on one.”
“Early? What time is it?” You panic a moment, choosing to ignore (at least for the moment), everything else he said.
“It’s nearly 5 in the morning.” He chuckles at the look on your face. “Sun will be up soon, actually.” He muses.
“Oh man…” You shake your head, sitting on the edge of your bed. Naesala sits beside you, staying quiet a moment as you contemplate your actions as of late. Before long he inhales a deep breath, speaking softly to you.
“You need to stop overworking yourself, it’s not good for you.” An indignant huff leaves your lips at that, and you shake your head. Even if you had thoughts about being lectured by him, you choose instead to ignore them.
“I just don’t have enough time for everything I need to do.” A frown sets on your lips as you speak. “I hadn’t realized how hard I was pushing myself…” You curl your hands into the fabric of your bedspread, turning to Naesala and trying to shake the frown from your face. “Thank you for taking care of me. I’d probably be in even worse shape if you hadn’t been checking in on me like you have.” You admit sheepishly, eyes wandering from his own gaze as you speak.
“Don’t mention it.” Despite your embarrassment, his smile warms you up. You’re very happy he’s been looking after you, actually. It makes you think that maybe he might love you too. You’re not left long to indulge that thought though, as he speaks again. “Actually, if you wanted to make it up to me… Why don’t we go for that flight, see the sun rise together?” He suggests.
“Right this moment?” You shiver at the thought. Sure, your cloak was warm but it had to be colder up in the air then on the ground. It didn’t seem worth it; you reconsider, however as you see Naesala’s face fall and speak again, clearing your throat once more. “Well um… I mean if you keep me warm, I suppose it will be okay.” Naesala’s face lights up once more, and you can’t help but smile in return.
“You had me worried there for a second.” He laughs, but you can’t help but look at him confused. “Oh come on. Even this tired, you aren’t that dense. Why else would I be trying night after night to get some time alone with you?” You sputter a moment, thoughts reeling.
“And you didn’t try harder to get me alone then sneaking into my room every night?” You accuse right back. You stare at once another a moment before the two of you just end up giggling and laughing at one anothers antics.
“I want everything to be special. Is that so much to ask?” Your heart flutters as he says that. As he rises from your bed, he takes your hand, bringing you with him. “Now come on, we’ve got no time to waste.” He tugs you gently along, your heart pounding loudly in your chest. “If we miss this opportunity who knows the next time I can catch you awake this early.”
“Naesala, come on.” You say, if only because you can hardly think as he holds your hand. You instead laugh and smile as the two of you head outside to the cold. You stay close to him, welcoming both his warmth and his company.
“What, don’t act like you haven’t been waiting for this too.” His knowing grin has heat rising to your cheeks.
“Maybe I have. Or maybe I haven’t.” You hum in response, grinning right back at him. “I suppose there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there?” You saunter up to him and, acting far braver then you really feel, wrap your arms around his neck like you have to many times before. “Right now, I’m yours.” Your heart jumps in your throat as you speak the words. You wonder where all this courage is coming from as you look up at Naesala.
“Only for now?” Naesala chuckles as he brings his arms around your back and under your knees to support you. Your cuddled close to his chest now and it’s then you notice just how fast his heart is beating. It brings a mess of mixed emotions; comfort and joy, fear and anticipation. They dance around your stomach like butterflies in the spring. You can’t help but wonder what his pounding heart means for you. “Perhaps I’ll have to steal you away more often, then. I am a rather capable thief after all.” He grins at you and takes off into the air without hesitation.
You’ve never been able to get use to the sensation of getting into the air so you clutch yourself closer to him, unable to give a proper quip back. You can’t help but grow giddy as you feel the way his throat bobs, how his pace quickens more than it already was. Even with it the evidence piling up around you, you didn’t dare think that Naesala feels the same.
“Oh, are you?” You can’t help but want to egg him on, this electric feeling of teasing him, of being with him guiding your every move. “I’m not too sure about that one.” High up the air now, you begin to relax just a little. Content in knowing Naesala would keep you safe.
“Well, I’ve gone and stolen your heart, have I not?” He accuses boldly, still looking at the dark skyline ahead of the two of you. It sends a pang of anxiety and surprise through you and you somehow manage not to show that on your face, instead swallowing thickly as he speaks again. “You can’t hide how you feel from me, _____.”
“Says mister ‘I can only confess when the sun is rising’!” You counter. “In fact, I recall you saying you’ve come to my room for the past several nights just looking to get me alone to do such a thing!” You giggle softly.
“All I’m hearing is that you should have done so sooner, if you were so eager to be with me.” He shoots right back. You can see the grin playing on his lips, hear the wild beating of his heart.
“And all I hear is a man whose too afraid to confess first, instead hoping the lady in his arms might do it before him.” You laugh aloud, not meanly, but because you can hardly remain serious with such an argument at hand. “Tell me Naesala, are you scared you might get rejected?”
“I could ask you the same thing, dear summoner.” He spends you a pointed look. “You haven’t once made an attempt to confess to me, whereas I’ve spent all this time waiting for the perfect chance for you.” He counters but you can tell by his grin he’s teasing.
“If I were as lovesick as you seem to be the order would have fallen apart by now. Besides, seems to me you’ve had a grand time chasing me around for this.” You muse aloud. “I would hate to deny you the thrill of a chase.”
“Is that what this is?” He hums back. “If that’s the case then as far as prey goes, you’ve been caught rather easily.”
“Only if it’s you, Naesala.” You close your eyes in content. A moment of silence passes between the two of you, with only the sound of rushing wind and powerful wings to fill the space.
“Have my words made you fall silent dear summoner?” His voice is much more quite than the moment before. “I suppose that’s alright, our show is set to start soon anyways.”
“Is the sun rising already?” You peak an eye open. “I fear my exhaustion is catching up with me.” You stifle a yawn, making sure to cover your mouth as you do so. “That, or I’ve grown far too comfortable in your arms.”
“Is that truly a bad thing? To be held so close and comfortable by someone who holds you so dear?” His gaze is trained on the view of winter sun peaking over the mountains as he speaks.
“I suppose not. Not if it’s you.” You smile as you look that way as well. Your heart is fit to burst from it’s cage. You can feel anticipation well up inside you. Should you confess first? Or should you wait for him to find the right words to say?
You’re left to wonder as the two of you stay silent a long few minutes. Your feelings are full, overflowing even, and yet you can’t find it in you to speak, too afraid to ruin the moment. The sun doesn’t bring much warmth with it, and you find yourself moving closer to Naesala once more.
“This is quite the sight, though. Thank you for sharing it with me.” You swallow hard. It was now or never, say it aloud or--
“There’s something else I’d like to share, if that’s okay.” At the serious tone in his voice, you can’t help but look up at him. The morning light shone in his eyes is a far prettier sight then you were prepared for and you find yourself rather breathless as you reply.
“Of course.” You take a deep, fortifying breath.
“_____, my dear summoner…” His eyes narrow in a soft and dangerous way. You fear your heart may well burst from your chest.
“Naesala, my beloved…” You can’t help but cling closer to him in this moment. It’s just the two of you, so maybe, just maybe, you didn’t have to hide it any longer…
“I love you.” His voice is warm, his smile everything tender and kind in this world. He leans down, resting his forehead against yours.
“I love you too.” It feels so refreshing, so sweet to say. Wherein the moments before it felt so difficult, so scary and confusing, here and now with him it couldn’t be easier. The worlds flow from you as if you had said them to him a hundred times before. But, perhaps you had, in the way you clung so close to him or hid your face in his chest when the two of you took to the sky.
“Was that so hard?” He chuckles softly. You don’t even get annoyed with him, merely rolling your eyes in what can only be a loving way instead.
“I could say the same to you. Did everything go as planned?” You giggle, your noses brushing together as the two of you stay close in your precious world together.
“Mmm, not quite…” You can see mischief lingering in his gaze.
“Oh? How might I help you achieve them, then?” The corner of your lip upturns as well. Neither of you were very sly but it was still just as fun and exciting as the minutes before, dancing around your affections for one another. You suspect this would be quite common between the two of you, going forward.
Goodness, going forward? You really had just confessed to Naesala… and how right it felt.
“I think you know what to do…” He tilts his head to the side, and you pull him closer to you, tilting likewise and feeling his lips touch yours. The kiss is soft, sweet; he lingers on your lips and you find you don’t want to pull away either.
When the two of you part, it is like seeing one another anew. You have never loved him more than in this moment, have never been so charmed and so in awe of him. And he, too, has never loved you more; has never been so happy to have you in his arms, to be the man you have decided to share your sweet affection with…
“I love you Naesala.” You repeat for him, selfish in wanting him to hear him say the same to you once more.
“I love you too.” A soft laugh leave him after.
“Say it again.” You plead. “I’m afraid I’m already dreaming.” You admit sheepishly.
“I love you, I love you, I love you.” He is neither teasing nor conservative with his affections, freely sharing them with you in such a way to make your heart thump and cry in delight. “So long as you love me too, that is.”
“Of course, of course.” You laugh, so overcome with joy and love. “I adore you. Now that I’ve said it, I can’t seem to stop saying it.” You shake your head softly. “Forgive me my love.” Truly, it’s as if a switch has flipped in you.
“Perhaps I should get you to bed.” Naesala laughs as he speaks. “Though I can’t say I mind this side of you. It’s rather endearing.” You merely cling to him, closing your eyes and resting against his chest. His heart still beats fast. He may be as in much disbelief as you.
“Bed does sound nice…” You yawn once more. “But I want to stay with you now that you’ve taken me away from all my work and duties.”
“Ahh, but wouldn’t that be nice?” He laughs and you find him taking you away from the welcoming morning sun. “Rest is important though, dear summoner. Now more then ever I can’t have you pushing yourself too hard.”
“Suppose you’ll have to stay with me, to make sure I rest and don’t go back to doing my work.” You muse nonchalantly. You keep your eyes closed as you cuddle to him.
“I suppose so!” The joy in his voice so lovely to hear. “It would be a shame if you didn’t get the rest you needed, after all.” He evens his voice again as he speaks again.
“Mm hm…” You yawn once again, more than halfway back to sleep in his comfortable embrace. “If you let me go I’ll surly busy myself with reports and tactics and such things… best keep holding me even as we rest…” You mumble out.
“Of course. I’ll be sure you rest well, love.” You can’t stop smiling, even as you feel sleep coming to claim you. How funny, to think, you would come to love the sky because of how much you loved Naesala? You wouldn’t have it any other way, you supposed.
There was nowhere you’d rather be than in his arms, after all. Were that in the sky or otherwise-- so long as you were with Naesala.
Master List: Fire Emblem Path of Radiance/ Radiant Dawn
Ike: Day of Devotion Confession, Secret Spring: New Beginnings,“You’re actually kind of cute when you struggle like that.”, Ike helps the summoner deal with their depression,
Leanne: Confessing to a dense summoner,
Micaiah: “I’ll do whatever if takes if it means we get to be together.”, “Are you threatening me?”, yandere micaiah x reader @the fair, when I saw you last night, you looked beautiful...,
Multi: yandere Tibarn and Reyson “I won’t let you escape, Ike/Reader/Ranulf/Soren: getting summoner to join the polycule for the new year,
Naesala: “Now now, my dear, don’t make me take your love by force.”, cute flight shenanigans, part 2 of prev/welcome morning light,
Ranulf: day of devotion stuff,
Reyson: Made Just for You, “It’s you, you’re the one I want.”,
Soren: “U-um... will you be my valentine?”, not sfw; Late Night Texts, “I need to know you love me. Say it for me.”,
Tibarn: Soulmates; matching marks/tattoos,
Zelgius: Earning Love, Sometimes you’re just depressed bro, Not Quite Obsession, “Get behind me, I’ll deal with this.”, not sfw; when training takes a turn, A song from me to you, The summoner gets kidnapped and Zelgius is only capable of worry, “Promise me you’ll stay.”,
Description: You were trying to be non discreet in your avoidance of Naesla but all the same, he manages to find you and ask the one thing you really wish he wouldn’t. Somehow, he manages to convince you and you find yourself in the sky and at his mercy.
Content Warning: teasing, fear of heights uh... just, soft. Naesala being his usually self, ask to tag
Word Count: 2667
Notes: Commission for the lovely @furudolove! They wanted the above with Naesala and like a mad man I was able to write it in one day. I hope you guys enjoy reading as much as I did writing it! Another note; hate this title lolol
~*~
Spring was slowly starting to bleed into summer in Askr. Evenings that were once long and cold now clung to the sun, cloaking your dark evening patrols cloaked in the sweet orange of the setting sun. During the colder months, Heroes would often request to help during your patrols. It was hard to say no to them when you knew they were only worried about you, but you often missed the solitude that would come from walking the castle grounds by yourself. With the longer days, Heroes seemed content in knowing the sun would be your companion. Some, of course, still liked to join you (the kids, especially) and more often than not you would come across others training or enjoying the evening. The warm weather just made the experience overall more enjoyable for everyone.
With it, however, came a certain pestering raven who seemed more than delighted to bother you. Naesala, for all his helpfulness on that battlefield, proved himself rather annoying off it. With his pretty face, it caught you off guard when his saucy personality came out. Still, for the most part it seemed he just wanted you to have a little fun. You couldn’t blame him for that; rather, you wouldn’t if he weren’t so incessant about it. Recently, he had got it in his head that you and he should go for a ‘lovely’ evening flight.Still, you couldn’t help but disagree. So far, you had successfully managed to dissuade him from this without making it too obvious how terrified you were of heights. Still, you had a suspicion he knew and was just waiting for the right moment to act.
Which is why you were on your guard this particularly lovely night. The sun was just starting to set beyond the tree lines surrounding the Order of Heroes, and there was a certain energy in the air despite your apprehension. You had been careful to avoid Naesala (at least while outside) and now that your patrol route was coming to an end, you thought it would be okay to calm down a little.
Bad idea.
“Summoner! There you are!” You can’t help but cringe as you hear his voice call out. You look behind you to see Naesala strolling over with a smirk. You have no clue where he came from but you think to escape him quickly. Or at least keep walking until you make it indoors.
“Naesala,” you say coolly, not slowing down nor turning to face him. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” He wastes no time in jogging to your side. You sigh but walk alongside him nonetheless, letting him speak.
“Oh, just checking up on our darling Summoner. It can be dangerous around here when it gets dark out, you know.” He laughs a little as he speaks. “And we are still quite a ways from the castle. I figured you’d like a little company on your way back.”
“How thoughtful,” you say, casting him a glance. He’s all smirks, with a devious glint in his eyes. You make sure there’s a respectful distance between you two. Naesala does not. “But ultimately, not necessary. You know I can take care of myself.” You move forward confidently. Best not to show him any sort of weakness.
“Of course you can. But do you ever take a break?” He casts a glance to you in turn. Your head stays pointed forward and you try to keep an impasse. “Seriously, what are you going to do after this, more work?”
“Well I…” You falter and quiet up a little. “Maybe.” You huff. “Someone has to help the younger heroes get to bed…” Now, you stop in your tracks, Naesala a half step behind you. “What does it matter to you how I spend my time?” You counter, trying to ignore the heat you feel crawling up your face.
“You need to relax sometimes! Honestly, when was the last time you let someone else take care of you?” He quips back, leering at you.
“I…” You pause, taking a moment to think on it. “Okay, so maybe I don’t remember. Doesn’t mean I want anything you’re offering.” You look over your shoulder at him, frowning.
“Aww come on! It will be fun! I promise I’ll take real good care of you.” Naesala saunters up to your front and, with two hands takes one of your own. “I know you’re scared, but I wouldn’t dream of hurting you.” You try to keep your frown on your face but truthfully Naesala’s change of tune is getting to you. “The view from the sky is beautiful at this time of night, all I want is to share it with you.”
“Stop being so sweet.” You look away from his eyes, unwilling to be charmed more so that you already were. “It’s not because I don’t trust you, I just…” You feel anxiety pool in your stomach at the thought of being so high in the air. “I just—heights, they… scare me.” You finally admit aloud, looking pointedly at the ground.
“That’s so cute,” Naesala laughs, not making you feel much better about it. “I’ve seen you lead countless Heroes into battles that could make others turn and run. But it’s heights that make your blood turn cold?” His backhanded compliment has you flustered even more.
“It’s not like I can help it!” You cry, looking him in the eyes. “I, I just,” You frown and look away again. “I just don’t like them.” This time, Naesala doesn’t laugh as he gives your hand a gentle squeeze.
“Just give me a chance. Who knows, I might even help you over that little fear of yours.” Hesitantly, you look at him.
“You promise not to make fun of me?” You can’t help but pout as you speak. “And… if I ask to come back down, you’ll do it? No questions?” You lock eyes with him.
“Yes of course. Your safety is my top priority.” You can’t help the way your heart beats a little faster as he says that. “You won’t have anything to fear with me, anyways.” Ah, he just had to ruin it by being cocky.
“...Okay. Fine.” In the time you spent talking with Naesala, the sun has further descended beyond the horizon. Not much light remains outside, just enough to see by. “Just… be gentle? Don’t fly… too fast?” You grimace.
“Whatever you wish.” Again, with that devious glint in his eyes. His hands that were gently holding yours drop to his side as he moves beside you. “May I?” He asks. You nod and without much fuss, Naesala hoists you into his arms. You cling to his neck with both arms, and he supports you with one arm under your knees, and his other supporting your back. You have no doubt of his strength but it's still a marvel to see him hold you with such ease.
“Will you be able to fly while holding me?” You look past his face to his large, obsidian wings.
“What do you take me for? Of course.” His wings open wide under your gaze and with one powerful gust, you feel the two of you take off. You instinctively close your eyes and cling to him. You don’t care to know how high Naesala has taken the two of you. You think he’s stopped moving up at least but you don’t dare open your eyes to check. “Whoa, take it easy, you’re trembling.” You suppose you are, though you’re so scared you can’t feel your own violent shaking.
“I-I don’t think I wanna be up here anymore.” You don’t know how you got the words out so clearly. You can feel your throat seizing and your heartbeat going crazy. “Naesala, p-please take me down.” You hide your face in his chest. So close to him, you can feel the powerful seizing of his wings. It may have been something to marvel at, if fear wasn’t dictating your every move.
“Come now, we haven’t even been up here a minute! All I’ve done is bring us up.” Naesala’s grip on you doesn’t falter but he doesn’t seem to want to move. “Open your eyes, just for a moment.”
“I don’t think I’ll be doing any s-such thing, not until we, we reach the ground.” Your voice is a little muffled from how much you’ve smooshed yourself against him, but Naesala can’t help but indulge in your closeness.
“Aww come on, do it for me?” You can feel the hand wrapped around your shoulder rub it in a not so terrible way but it does little to comfort you now. “It’s not as bad as you think.”
“You say that but this is everyday for you!” You cry. “Just, please please please let me down.”
“Only once you’ve taken a look.” You can’t help but whimper as he says the words. “If not at the scenery, then at least look at me.” Again your heart is beating for a whole different reason. You know he won’t do as you ask until you’ve at least taken a look at him. “I’ve kept you safe, haven’t I?” Hesitantly, you peak your head from his chest and look up at Naesala. His blue eyes are trained on you and the barely dark sky framing him is just beginning to be dotted with stars. It makes for a beautiful site, one you don’t mind taking a moment to take in, wide eyes and all. Naesala, for his part, stays quiet and merely gazes right back at you, perhaps just as taken back. It’s a nice, quiet moment before he has to go and ruin it. “It's not all bad, is it?”
“I… guess not.” Bashful, and heart still beating a mile a minute you look away from his face, back at his chest. Still, the idea of looking at the ground far below you sends your stomach spinning.
“I’m going to start moving now, okay?” He says, doing just that.
“What?” You cling to him again. “N-no, wait!” Once more you close your eyes and hide against him, your tremors coming back with fervor. “P-please stop. It’s almost bearable if you don’t move.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” Naesala’s voice has gone soft as he speaks to you once more. “Keep your eyes on me, and it will all be okay. It won’t be long at all.” You hate to admit you trust him but it's enough to get you to open your eyes again. Naesala clouds your view of anything else and even as he smiles down at you, he knows where he’s going.
“When did you get so good at comforting people?” You accuse, still staying close to him. It’s almost not scary, at least, being in the air, but it's getting harder to keep looking at him without growing flustered. Naesala is at home, here in the night air. His hair whips behind him, powerful wings move in tandem, and he just looks so… alive with that happy look on his face. You don’t think you’ve ever seen him so energized, so full of life as he does now in the air. Suddenly, it hits you why he wanted to share this with you so much, why he was so insistent on getting you up in the air. This is something so special to him that he wanted to share… with you.
“Actually… wait.” Naesala notices the shift in your voice and looks at you with interest. “Could you um, stop a moment? I think I want to look down.”
“Oh?” His voice is dripping with curiosity. “Why the sudden change in tune?” Still, the smile on his face is so genuine.
“It just… hit me how special this must be to you.” You say softly. “And well I figured… you brought me up here to share that experience with me. It would be a shame if I didn’t at least try to take a look.” With how much your heartbeat had been picking up tonight, it was becoming your new norm.
“That’s great.” He looks away from you, glancing at where the two of you were. “We’ve actually made it to our destination, so once you’ve taken in the view, I can take you down.” You feel anticipation and relief swirl in you at those words. Still, after taking a longer than necessary deep breath, you turn away from Naesala (perhaps holding him a little tighter; he holds you closer in turn) and daring to peer to the world far below you. You still shake as you do, but you’re amazed to find the two of you above the Order of Heroes, with little torches of fire and the still barely there shapes of the inner garden below. You dare to look above where a sea of stars awaits, and for the first time, you actually take a moment to feel the sweet night air. Still, it all comes tumbling down with a feeling of dread. All too soon, you tuck your head back into Naesala’s chest, screwing your eyes shut.
“Let’s go down now, please.” Naesala says nothing, has no tease or quip as he takes the two of you down to the ground. You think you feel as the two of you hit the ground, but still you cling to him.
“We’ve made it to the ground, _____.” Rarely does he use your name. You open your eyes and sure enough, the innocent surroundings of the castle's inner garden greets you. You can hear the sounds of night once more and it soothes you. Carefully, Naesala sets you on the ground. You quickly cling to him again as you realize your legs aren’t quite ready to hold your own weight again. “Hey, easy there.” Now, he holds you steady by the hips, once more capturing your gaze. “So, was it as terrible as you imagined?” He teases.
“I wouldn’t do it again any time soon…” You laugh. “But… you were there, so it was okay.” Naesala only seems to puff up from your comment, lighting up in the cutest way.
“I’m glad.” As you feel the strength come back to your legs, you let go of his neck. His hands linger on your hips a moment longer before dropping as well. “Whenever you’re ready for another flight, I’m always available.” You can’t help but laugh.
“I… can’t say I’d hate it.” You smile at him, something warm and soft taking space inside you and filling you up. “So um, even if I was a little difficult, thank you, Naesala.” He seems a little dumbfounded after your words and, despite the softness of the situation, you feel a little smug at making him speechless, if only for a moment.
“Well…” This time, it’s his gaze that leaves yours. In the faint light of the torches, you think you see his cheeks darken. “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.” You smile, and Naesala finds his eyes naturally making their way back to yours. It’s silent an awkward moment, neither of you quite ready to leave the other's company but also unaware of how to keep things floating along. “Would you, um, like to help me finish up my last duty for the night?” You smile a little at him. He huffs, rolls his eyes a little but nonetheless that usual grin is back on his face.
“I suppose I could help out… You were putting the little ones to bed next, right?” You nodded happily and this time, as the two of you stroll together you can’t help but smile. You continue bantering with him, leading back to where the children were waiting for you to come and read them a story no doubt. Naesala’s presence would no doubt only lead to them getting even more rambunctious before bed but that was okay. You found that you wanted him there nonetheless because you really, truly didn’t want so sweet an evening to come to an end.
Description: He never failed to show up just when you thought you could get some work done…
Prompt: “Now now, my dear, don’t make me take your love by force.”
Rating: sfw
Word Count: 736
Notes: anon I gotta say I really relate to “hnggh”. Also did u know; I really have this “god Naesala is a smug bitch but I love him” mood towards him. Like he’s a hoe but like, I could hate him more. At least he’s not Shinon.
You felt cornered, though there was still decent space between the two of you. Naesala’s figure blocked the door, casually leaning against its frame and though he looked at peace, you felt you needed some escape. Yet everything seemed fine; Naesala wore his usual smirk and looked at ease, so perhaps everything was inside your head.
“Just the person I was looking for!” His eyes seemed to light up as he found you in you pile of book and papers and tactics.
“Who else would you find? These are my quarters, after all.” You tried to push down whatever odd feelings were trying to take over you. Naesala was your ally and a much-trusted one at that. Even if King Kilvas could be shifty at times, you knew it was only when it was in his (and those he cared for) best interest.
“Yes, I know,” He gave a casual roll of his eyes, and moved closer to you, closing much of the space that was giving you peace. You shifted due to nerves, and either Naesala didn’t notice or didn’t care. “It was urgent I find you in particular though, my dear Summoner, I’ve finally figured something out.” Now that you thought of it, you hadn’t seen him in such high spirits in a while, and it was refreshing. There was no need to be on edge when he seemed so happy.
“Oh, what’s that?” You could only watch him curiously as he moved to where you sat.
“Come on, up with you; this is very important stuff, and I’d like to see the look on your face when I told you.” You rolled your eyes at his antics but rose despite some part of you protesting not to.
“Okay, Naesala, what has you all excited?” You didn’t seem very impressed, crossing your arms and standing in such a way that all your weight was on one leg.
“Can’t you take this more seriously?” He laughed, and boldly cupped your face to your shock. “If you keep acting like that, I can’t make this much romantic, can I?”
“Pardon?” You flushed, eyes wide as you looked Naesala in the eyes.
“Why do you think I’m so excited?” He laughed, shaking his head. “I’ve come to confess to you, _____, I realized I love you.” His voice had gone soft, and your face had only grown more and more red with it.
“But… but I’m a Beorc,” you said weakly. “Naesala, not only are you a Laguz, you’re a King…” Your eyes cast to the ground a moment, that familiar feeling of wanting to run away coming back to you.
“So?” Came Naesala’s scoff. “If I cared about that, would I be here now telling you how much I love you?” He dropped your cheeks and picked up your hands. “Come now dear, I’d hate to have to take your love by force,” You knew it was a joke, but the leer in his blue eyes make you wonder a moment.
“You won’t have too, don’t worry…” You laughed gently but frowned. “I just worry, is all. But I do love you Naesala, don’t doubt that.” You held his cheek and stroked it gently. “Even if you can be too full of yourself.”
“That’s part of my charm though, isn’t it?” he was smiling wide now, laughing as well. “You love me because I’m so confident,” He added, daring to push the envelope.
“I love you for many reasons, though I can’t say that’s one of them.” You teased, taking your hand back, but not before booping him on the nose. He smiled and sighed in content, watching you.
“I really am lucky– I know I came in here all confident in fun but… there was a moment there where I was actually scared,” He laughed it off but you frowned.
“The Great King Kilvas, scared?” you mused, hand falling to rest ideally around his neck. “Well, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that because now, you’ve nothing to fear. I’ll be right here with you, for better or for worse.” You leaned in and pressed a kiss to a cheek. “So long as you do the same for me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of leaving,” His arms found way around your waist and a smile upon his face. “You’re stuck with me now, _____.” He pressed his forehead against yours. “And you’ll find I don’t like to share.”
