I was scrolling through past asks and saw one about which ROs have slow-burn romances. I can't link it because anon ;-;
Anyway, who will have the "uh oh" moment when they realize they're in love? Definitely want this for MC if you're willing to write it
Please remember to take care of yourself.
Thanks for the ask. This is cute. I love the trope of oh... in stories, so will have it at some point as an option, absolutely if it fits in the moment. 😊
Darin has more of a 'huh...?' moment of realisation.
Kallas has the 'oh...' moment only after getting together, when it became real.
Hi, how are you? Just how do the ro's behave when crushing on someone?
I'm awesome, thanks! Spend last night in a friends 'baby shower' (I don't know if there's a word for it in English when it is for the non birthing parent) which was just sitting next to a bonfire, cooking and having a few drinks.
These came out kind of MC specific. Woops?
Darin
He refuses to acknowledge it, the guilt at his lingering eyes, the excuses for working late together when there's no need for it. The relief and comfort at having them by his side, at his back. Safe. He knows better, knows what hardship his affections could bring if made public, if people knew why he was so comfortable at having someone follow his every move. And still he relishes the moments he can just focus on one person, a brush of hands make his heart flutter and a scolding over his late hours make him hide a grin and keep teasing just to have more of the attention, to get back the giddy, happy, feeling that Darin thought he lost on the battlements years ago.
Kallas
She has a crush as subtle as the screech of a peacock. Kallas is nice most of the time but lately it’s soft smiles, delighted laughs and elaborate twirls of skirts when there are no others around. She starts requesting more exotic things to be delivered along with her meals, a fruit from her home that grows only a few a year, warm drinks more than she can drink during the coldest nights. It changes how something small, glittery, beautiful catches her eyes as she peruses the market and gets bought never to be seen on her person. It changes how she smiles at nothing, at dark corners and can be seen staring into nothingness in the evenings, dancing with no one. But she appears happier, more carefree than before so her ladies-in-waiting turn a blind eye to it all with a smile.
Hede
There are red circles climbing from the edges of Hede’s ears to their cheeks as they rush after a friend. After a friend whose smile has lately sent Hede’s heart skipping. And Hede can’t leave them alone, now. Needling, poking and prodding to get a reaction. Steal a dessert treat off of their plate and run away laughing while being chased. Peak, quality time spend together. And after, laying on grass, on the floor, on a rooftop when Hede’s fingers twitch and then touch, shoulders warm against the other’s and cheeks red has become the norm rather than the exception.
Ora
They have no time for crushes, Ora says as the others ask about the extra serving of small cakes they make sure to pack up.
I’m perfectly content with my work and duties, Ora snarls as they take a longer route to walk from the kitchens to where the living quarters are.
I don’t need help, they mutter as someone climbs up the ladder in the pantry for them, when everyone else is asleep. There’s tea and cakes, a new recipe that they want to make sure is serviceable and they need to test it on someone.
I’m going to the market as soon as the dawn brakes, Ora says to empty corners, and empty basket hanging from their arm. Would not mind an extra pair of hands. Doesn’t mind it at all when at the market, someone grabs the basket and puts their arm in it’s stead.
Thanks for the ask! this was fun to write. Hope you're doing great!
This is the last of these! There's a different one for F!Hede. The story is the same, the differences are similar to what I'll aim to write in the proper story when they are adults.
Hope you enjoy!
The sun is glaring down over you as the dirt road makes even breathing more difficult than simply walking should be. The fact that you're decked out in your full regalia of armor, weapons and cloak that are made for the cold and dark of the nights and sitting on rooftops isn't helping. The sweat pours down your forehead and your body, making your shirt stick into your back uncomfortably just makes all of it horrible. Traveling at all is the worst.
Hede is walking ahead of you, glancing around at the trees, the flowers and the few birds flying over you, chattering as if not at all bothered by it all. By the endless road and the scorching sun and the dust sticking in your throat.
But you are bothered and wonder for a moment if you should tackle your best friend and perhaps gag and bound him for the hottest hours just to get a slight sliver of comfort on the seemingly endless road.
You groan and kick a pebble, making it bounce on the dry road and hit Hede's calf.
He turns around, one pale eyebrow raised on an unusually pink washed face. His shoulder length hair turned into a bun so that his neck is exposed to the elements. You spot a droplet of sweat slowly cascading down and into the fabric of his shirt.
"What was that about?" He asks and you groan again, walking up until you are side by side and can lean against the willowy frame. He tries to give you a side hug but you shrug it off, not wanting anything to do with his sweaty armpits.
"It's hot and awful and the sun is not setting and how can anyone choose to be traveling at this hour?" You complain and Hede laughs at you. Because he’s a bastard. But he does take your travel pack from you and hoist it over his shoulder. The white linen shirt and simple pants rolled up to his knees, even with the dust of the road covering his legs, look much better choice than your armor. That you refused to leave behind. It's yours and you did earn it. (and you swore to protect him)
"Come on. I know a place where we can rest for a while. It has a nice cold stream and everything. So, you can complain and gather your strengths," Hede says and takes your hand starting to walk again. You follow with an affronted sigh.
"I could go on. It's just..." you glare up at the Sun. You wonder briefly if hissing at it would make it go away. Probably not. Would make Hede laugh.
You feel a tug at your hood as Hede tucks it over your head, shielding your face and eyes.
"I know. But this is not a life or death situation, we can take the time to enjoy walking and the sights."
"Even the Sun?"
"Even the Sun. It can grow on you. When you aren't wearing enough clothes to fill a wardrobe."
"Shut up," you mutter but are kind of glad that your smile can't be seen as you tuck your head to hide it under the hood. Hede's hand is warm, hot and sweaty in yours as you continue on for what seems to be an unreasonably long time.
Finally Hede tucks you away from the road, to a small grove protected by a hill and tall, luscious trees. It's a relief to get out from under the sun and you tuck your hood off, relishing in the shadows and the breeze that feels colder here than on the road.
You climb down the hill and turn towards the sounds of a river. The dirt and patches of grass from the roadside turn into pebbles covering the ground, all of them white and rounded by years. You walk around the last few trees and vines and a wall of cold air hits your face.
The scene takes your breath away for a moment or two. Clearer than any water you’ve ever seen streams lazily towards the sea, the river wide enough to almost be called a lake. The water coming down from the mountains you can spy in the distance. The white pebbles of the shore cover the river floor as well and you can see schools of small fish swim around like flashes of small rainbows.
You hear a thump behind you and as you turn Hede is taking off his gear, all of it. He winks at you and throws a boot to the safety of the trees.
“What? I’m taking a swim.” A reasonable idea if he didn’t waggle his eyebrows like that.
A great idea to you as well but by the time you’ve loosened your cloak and started on your belt there’s a white flash and Hede sprints, then jumps into the stream. You let out a slight curse, rescue yourself from the splash zone towards the trees and ignore the shrieks coming from behind you.
You don’t dawdle unnecessary in your undressing as the cold air wafting from the stream is as inviting as a fireplace during the winter storms. Still by the time you are ready to get in Hede’s lips are already blue and his teeth chattering. It does not make his beckoning hands any less enthusiastic. You know that look.
Suspicious now, you dip your toe in and swallow an undignified shriek. It’s like touching ice and as you yank your foot out you’re afraid it will crack off. Hede splashes over to you, crawling along the river bottom and laughing, while you try to count your remaining toes.
“I thought you wanted to get cooler?”
“That’s freezing, not cool,” you mutter but get back in. The colour of Hede’s lips and the shivering make sense now, even after just a few moments. He’s never been one to handle cold temperatures very long being a tall twig of a boy and then a man.
The water is cold enough to being painful, but you grit your teeth together and submerge completely. It’s better than carrying with the sweat of the road.
It gets better, refreshing even and you enjoy just enough to get cool and clean until you lose the feel of your toes. Hede is shivering alongside you as you get out and plop out on a large rock. Basking in the sun like a pair of lizards and laying side by side you start to feel drowsy.
Hede makes himself more comfortable by your side and your arms brush against each other before your fingers link together. “We could stay here forever,” Hede mumbles in a tone you remember from whispered conversations during the night. You hum back, the drowsiness turning into tiredness and you’re down for a nap. You feel a pair of lips on your temple.
“Sleep well.”
You wake up alone, in your bed, hours and days of travel from where you thought you were. Years away from when you saw Hede last.
The floor is cold when you stand up and brush the dreams away.
Hi!!! How much heartbreak will Hede and mc face when they meet again? mc is feeling guilty af, would avoid them at every turn thinking they don't want to see them and that they don't deserve to, lowkey afraid of Hede saying their friendship is over. mc is young and in love, lol.
Hi!!!
It will depend on things. There was two ways the chapter could have ended (codingwise, about 8 actual written ones and I think I need to add one more) so that will impact the reunion. I'm guessing you got the heart wrenching one 😆 Writing angst wasn't my goal but I do intend to write atleast one path for them thats more 'difficult'.
So... It depends on you? You can make up when you first meet (after conversations and it may come up again) or you can drag your feet about it and suffer for a bit longer.
The romances will be lockable at a clear point so you can have an ongoing feud with Hede and still romance them. (I'm already beating myself about it 'cause it will be so much extra writing. But I really want to write it so I'm not abandoning that path)
Thank you for the ask! And for the mindscape of your MC. It was interesting to read!
This is the last of these! There's a different one for M!Hede. The story is the same, the differences are similar to what I'll aim to write in the proper story when they are adults.
Hope you enjoy!
The sun is glaring down over you as the dirt road makes even breathing more difficult than simply walking should be. The fact that you're decked out in your full regalia of armor, weapons and cloak that are made for the cold and dark of the nights and sitting on rooftops isn't helping. The sweat pours down your forehead and your body, making your shirt stick into your back uncomfortably just makes all of it horrible. Traveling at all is the worst.
Hede is walking ahead of you, glancing around at the trees, the flowers and the few birds flying over you, chattering as if not at all bothered by it all. By the endless road and the scorching sun and the dust sticking in your throat.
But you are bothered and wonder for a moment if you should tackle your best friend and perhaps gag and bound her for the hottest hours just to get a slight sliver of comfort on the seemingly endless road.
You groan and kick a pebble, making it bounce on the dry road and hit Hede's calf.
She turns around, one pale eyebrow raised on an unusually pink washed face. Her long hair is done in her usual braids and then scooped up in a bun to leave a slender neck exposed and cooler. You spot a droplet of sweat slowly cascading down and into the fabric of her shirt.
"What was that about?" She asks and you groan again, walking up until you are side by side and can lean against the willowy frame. She lifts and arm to give you a side hug but you shrug it off, not wanting anything to do with her sweaty armpits.
"It's hot and awful and the Sun is not setting and how can anyone choose to be traveling at this hour?" You complain and Hede laughs at you. Because she’s a bastard. But she does take your travel pack from you and hoist it over her shoulder. The white linen shirt and simple utilitarian skirt, lifted up from one side, even with the dust of the road sticking to her legs looks much better choice than your armor. That you refused to leave behind. It's yours and you did earn it. (and you swore to protect her)
"Come on. I know a place where we can rest for a while. It has a nice cold stream and everything. So, you can complain and gather your strengths," Hede says and takes your hand starting the walk again. You follow with an affronted sigh.
"I could go on. It's just..." you glare up at the sun. You wonder briefly if hissing at it would make it go away. Probably not. Would make Hede laugh, though.
You feel a tug at your hood as Hede tucks it over your head, shielding your face and eyes.
"I know. But this is not a life-or-death situation, we can take the time to enjoy walking and the sights."
"Even the Sun?"
"Even the Sun. It can grow on you. When you aren't wearing enough clothes to fill a wardrobe."
"Shut up," you mutter but are kind of glad that your smile can't be seen as you tuck your head to hide it under the hood. Hede's hand is warm, hot and sweaty in yours as you continue on for what seems to be an unreasonably long time.
Finally Hede tucks you away from the road, to a small grove protected by a hill and tall, luscious trees. It's a relief to get out from under the Sun and you tuck your hood off, relishing in the shadows and the breeze that feels colder here than on the road.
You climb down the hill and turn towards the sounds of a river. The dirt and patches of grass from the roadside turn into pebbles covering the ground, all of them white and rounded by years. You walk around the last few trees and vines and a wall of cold air hits your face.
The scene takes your breath away for a moment or two. Clearer than any water you’ve ever seen streams lazily towards the sea, the river wide enough to almost be called a lake. The water coming down from the mountains you can spy in the distance. The white pebbles of the shore cover the river floor as well and you can see schools of small fish swim around like flashes of small rainbows.
You hear a thump behind you and as you turn Hede is taking off her gear, all of it. She winks at you and throws a boot to the safety of the trees.
“What? I’m taking a swim.” A reasonable idea if she didn’t waggle her eyebrows like that.
It sounds like a great idea to you as well but by the time you’ve loosened your cloak and started on your belt there’s a white flash and Hede sprints, then jumps into the stream. You let out a slight curse, rescue yourself from the splash zone towards the trees, ignoring the shrieks coming from behind you.
You don’t dawdle unnecessary in your undressing as the cold air wafting from the stream is as inviting as a fireplace during the winter storms. Still by the time you are ready to get in Hede’s lips are already blue and her teeth chattering. It does not make her beckoning hands any less enthusiastic. You know that look.
Suspicious now, you dip your toe in and swallow an undignified shriek. It’s like touching ice and as you yank your foot out you’re afraid it will crack off. Hede splashes over to you, crawling along the river bottom and laughing, while you try to count your remaining toes.
“I thought you wanted to get cooler?”
“That’s freezing, not cool,” you mutter but get back in. The colour of Hede’s lips and the shivering make sense now, even after just a few moments. She’s never been one to handle cold temperatures very long being a tall twig of a girl and then a woman of similar proportions.
The water is cold enough to being painful, but you grit your teeth together and submerge completely. It’s better than carrying with the sweat of the road.
It gets better, refreshing even and you enjoy just enough to get cool and clean until you lose the feel of your toes. Hede is shivering alongside you as you get out and plop out on a large rock. Basking in the sun like a pair of lizards and laying side by side you start to feel drowsy.
Hede makes herself more comfortable by your side and your arms brush against each other before your fingers link together. “We could stay here forever,” Hede mumbles in a tone you remember from whispered conversations during the night. You hum back, the drowsiness turning into tiredness and you’re down for a nap. A pair of lips caress your cheek.
“Sleep well.”
You wake up alone, in your bed, hours and days of travel from where you thought you were. Years away from when you saw Hede last.
The floor is cold when you stand up and brush the dreams away.
How will the RO's react to an MC who is dancing in the dark, only illuminated by the moonlight, then turning around and asking softly "dance with me?"
Soft times 💜
I’m starting to get worried tjat I’m writing just absolute syrupy fluff with zero substance. Don’t take me wrong, I adore these prompts and asks and I’ll happily write them but I don’t know how much fun they’ll be for you to continue reading in the future :D
Darin
“Don’t get mad at me when I step on your feet,” he says but takes your hand. It’s more of a shuffling of feet and holding each other close than the swirling done in the grand ballroom. Darin does indeed step on your toes, though he apologizes every time. You blame the lack of light as the moon paints everything in silvery light and his eyesight isn’t the best in the evenings under the best of circumstances. After minutes of slow turning around in each other's arms you glance at him. Darin’s eyes are closed and he’s smiling softly.
Kallas
Later, when you tease her under the covers for the night, she will deny how she had fallen into your arms with a giggle some would have deemed too girlish for her station if someone else had been in the room. You know how Kallas commands the dance floor during the official celebrations. Here and now, she twirls softly with you, moonlight making the whole moment feel ethereal. Like an unbelievable story from your childhood, dancing with a queen under the moonlight in a castle. You wonder how you look like to her, in your dark, dreary clothing, a white mask stark against it all, hanging from a belt. Does she look at you with the same adoration you have for her? Then again it’s dark, and the moonlight illuminates everything for you in a different light. It’s not daylight but it hasn’t mattered to you for years. The colours are muted, silvery but you see enough, see it clearly to lead and follow and twirl with Kallas and neither of you trip.
Hede
Hede is awkward but takes your hand and tries to smile, self deprecating.
“I’m not used to this,” Hede admits and for once does seem like an awkward teen he/she once was.
“Indulge me?” You tease as your fingers lace and you tug him/her closer. Hede does, and while your usual moments alone are rarely, if ever, slow or thoughtful something is different this time. Maybe it is how the world seems to slow down, that there are only the two of you and neither of you are needed at this moment. Maybe because you are adults now, and can take the moment to enjoy just being together, rather than be actively doing something with the other.
“We should do this again. It’s nice,” Hede confesses, lips against your ear, voice soft and sleepy. A success.
Ora
“Are you sure? It’s late…” Ora looks uncertain, then glances behind them to the door. Your hand drops with your smile.
“It’s okay. Some other time?” You swallow the disappointment and try to smile again. Ora works hard, it is late and it’s not them to entertain you when you are too wired up to do anything else, to go sleep with them in the cozy room Ora has claimed. A hint of your disappointment must show, your mask hanging uselessly at your side, because Ora takes a hurried step towards you.
“I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just..” they fidget with their hem until you take hold of their hand. Ora sighs and looks down, and not at you. A travesty. “It’s just that I don’t know how to dance?”
You can’t help but let out a little laugh. “Is that all?”
Affronted huff and then Ora is looking at you, the way you are used to. No nonsense and so sure of themselves.
“Not all of us had such a… rounded education you had!”
“Then let me teach you,” you grin, tug them gently closer, hands together and your free hand around their soft waist. “It’s not difficult. Just follow and I’ll make sure everything will go just fine.” You assure Ora, who sighs but does follow where you lead across the dark room.
“If I trip and break something I’m blaming you,” they mutter but there is a tugging smile on their full lips and their warm body stepping along willingly with you.
“If something happens to you, I’m blaming myself.” You confess in the dark.
How would the ros react to seeing the mc wearing their clothes? (In relationship stage ofc)
This is a lovely prompt and I'm sorry but I'm feeling a little weird and so if the answers are odd and confusing I'm sorry! 😭
I just hope it's not fever or sunstroke that would be just swell
Darin
Amused, warm feelings. If it’s winter or just cold and the item of clothing is a cloak, or something else to keep you warm inside the stone walls.
“You trying to steal more from me?” Darin asks and he doesn’t mind whatever your eye has caught inside his, annoyingly, full wardrobe.
“What have I ever stolen?”
Darin smirks and draws you in his arms. Presses your ear against his heart. Before he can say anything like the cheesy one liner that must be on the tip of his tongue, you punch him in the side.
In summary:
Doesn’t mind it. The opposite infact
especially sleepwear or the like (comparable to stealing t-shirts or smth to sleep in) makes your relationship seem more real, more ‘normal’ even if it’s anything but
Especially if you are smaller and drowning in his shirts. That's the best look. (you know why)
Kallas
Are you wearing the clothes properly? Kallas is very particular about her outfits and it would be such a waste for you to rip something while climbing, jumping or whatever it is you do when you jump out of the window. Clothes should also fit the purpose and body type of the wearer. So, will ask if you are lacking proper clothes and offer to go shopping with (or without you).
“We could have matching ones! Compliment each other in every way.” Her eyes get wide and she smiles when taking your hand. Almost vibrating with excitement.
“I’d let everyone else know how beautiful you are. It’s such a shame you have to hide every time you wear that drab outfit.” She eyes your ‘working’ outfit with distaste.
“Just..” you stop and think how to frase it, so it will not be so stupid, “something nice to wear when it’s just the two of us?” Kallas smiles, brighter than the sun and kisses your cheek softly.
“Anything you want, love.”
In summary:
Doesn’t mind it if you’re respectful of the clothes and their intended wear
Will absolutely get you matching stuff if that’s something you’d want (might still get you something)
Hede
You have shared most of your stuff through your childhood. When you get together romantically and share a room, all of your clothing is in piles and mixed with each other. Whose shirt was it in the beginning? Doesn’t matter, it’s shared property now. Hede (regardless of gender) is tall, thin with long limbs so if you have much difference in body type it will be either hilarious or sweet. Croptops and shirts past knees, anyone?
The only things that are still your own are your weapons, a box full of mementos etc, your armor/’uniform’. And your masks.
Ora
In summary:
*insert bugs bunny "ours" meme*
Takes a while to notice. They are so used to seeing themselves and everyone else in the most basic outfits of undyed linen and wool or the livery of the King. If you are sneaky and wash the things you could probably carry on wearing their clothes indefinitely. For someone who's really good at lists and organizing things for everyone else they are rather blind to those they trust. If you make a point of wearing it openly, maybe give a hint or two, Ora will blush and stammer something.
“Why do you need the feel to take mine? I’m sure your own clothes are much better anyway,” Ora looks at you, face stern but a blush covering their cheeks at your continued grinning. You loop your arms around their shoulders, bringing your noses together.
“It smells like you. It feels like you’re there hugging me even when you run around the place like it will fall for ruin if you don’t handle everything yourself.” You say and the blush stays but now Ora sneaks their arm around your waist, hugging you closer.
“I hope you take the clean ones at least.”
In summary:
Why are you stealing my clothes? That’s weird, there’s nothing unique about them.
Are you saying i’m smelly? No, ok. Good?
Oh, it’s a possessive thing? Carry on then and may I have something of yours as well?
