Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lenore had had a rough day; she and Inara had fought over something small. I am ready to rest and see my siblings.

However, returning to her room, the door is cracked. Slowing, she approached it cautiously, unsure who would be in her space. Eye’s gazing through the crack, she inhales, trying to withhold the frustration and the laughter at the scene she sees.

A small blue toddler, surrounded by piles of clothing, is nearly swallowed by a pink dress that Lenore never wears. Struggling to pull it off and over her small horns, Synnove moves to grab a tunic shirt. Lenore covers her mouth, hiding a smile.

Synnove slips into it, small hands drifting down the fabric, eyes wide with joy. Lenore watches as her sister slowly and meticulously tests most of her clothing. A blue dress that clashed with her skin, a green shirt that would still be a dress on her, and her attempt to pull on a pair of pants with no luck.

Lenore should be mad, her clothes strung across her room, drawers pulled open by tiny hands. But the Joy that dances across Synnove’s face makes the work they are both going to do all worth it.

It’s quite a while before Synnove twirls, eyes finally catching her sister in the door. Her little cheeks flush mauve, holding the yellow dress to her face.

Lenore smiles at her, “Were you having fun, little blue bird?”

Eyes wide, little blue horns bob as she nods, unsure of her sister’s reaction. She crosses the room to crouch down, eyes bright and soft.

“I’m sorry–” Synnove’s lip wobbles before a gentle hand rests on her little shoulder.

“It’s okay, my love. I’m not mad,” She smiles at the little girl, “You look good in my clothes.”

Light glistens in her eyes as Synnove’s face brightens, “I do?”

Lenore laughs, picking her baby sister up and swinging her around. The tinkling laughter of the blue haired Issarki fills the room, lifting her into the air

“Yes, You look really good in my clothes.” She pulls her sister in giving her a strong hug.

Her sister’s small arms wrap around her neck, holding her close. “Nore?”

“Yes, little blue bird?”

“Can you help me put these away?”

Laughter rings out as she nods, “Of course, Little bird, we will do it together.”

Chapter Text

Aelys is giddy, her first 'unaccompanied' trip to see Maravix is here. It had taken much pleading and logic to allow her mother to send her without an entire bodyguard team. But with Garavellir coming with her, Alara had relented, worry still in her eyes but like mother, like daughter, Aelys is persistent.

Garavellir smiles at her from across the train car, nose deep in his book. She watched the landscape blur past them as they traverse the world. It had been months since either of them had seen their sister. The energy builds with each kilometre closer to the mountains.

Arriving was easier than boarding, both of them carrying the small bags for a short stay. Heads on a swivel, it doesn’t take them long to spot Maravix.

Her eyes, green of sea glass, lights up as she takes in them. Aelys runs, ready to be collected into her sister’s strong hold.

“Hello Aely—” Maravix’s warm smile disappears from Aelys’ view as she buries her face in her sister’s sweater. She can feel her strong arms wrap around her, holding her close as she rests her chin against her head.

Maravix looks to Garavellir, his signature grin a little watery returning her own.

“Hey Mare, it’s good to see you,” he moves closer, letting Aelys have her time but Maravix is having none of that.

“Get in here,” she grabs his arm, pulling him to join, “I missed you guys.”

The siblings enjoy the closeness, hearts beating in sync as they hold each other. Maravix is reluctant to let them go, savouring their warmth. They break apart, smiles contagious between them.

“How was the trip?” her voice steady in contrast to the water glistening at the corners of her eyes. Aelys and Garavellir look between them, not mentioning the wet they can see, instead launching into how their travel here was.

“The train trip was fine, getting to it was very hard,” Aelys grimaces as her phone buzzes with the chime they all know too well, “That is likely Mam, asking if we got here safe.”

Maravix shakes her head while Garaviller’s phone makes the same sound. He pulls it from his pocket, responding quickly like the good son he is. His sister chuckled before moving on.

“Shall we get to the monastery? We still have a bit of travel.”

With that, they all abscond to the massive stone structure that had been Maravix’s home for the last year. Maravix guides them both through the space to the guest quarters.

“This is where you will be, dinner will be in about an hour so I'd suggest you rest and get ready,” Maravix smiles, gesturing to the space. Garavellir disappears into his room without another word.

Aelys catches Maravix’s arm when she starts to turn, “Wait, I have something for you.”

Her sister blinks, following Aelys into her room for a moment. Aelys sets her bag on her bed.

“You brought me something?” Her question teases her. Aelys shoots her a glare and Maravix’s laugh fills the rooms. Aelys pauses looking for her present as she had missed that laugh. Relishing in the laugh for a moment, she pulls it out of her bag.

“This reminded me of you,” Handing her sister a box, wrapped in plain paper, Aelys cannot help but feel giddy. Maravix raises an eyebrow, accepting the gift with a soft smile.

Unwrapping it, she finds a book, bound in leather and seemingly old. Her fingers glide over the cover, caressing the spine as she reads it.

Maravix’s eyes shoot up to her sister, mouth parted and eyes wide.

“How did you? Where did you find this?”

Before her eyes, her sister’s joy settles into her body, youth spreading as she marvels at the book.

“Well, you know I like going to used book stores,” Aelys says slowly, expecting the ribbing that normally comes with that phrase. When it doesn’t come, she continues, “ I went to a new one and I found it. I know you were looking for the first version of the “Hydras: The Art of using every part” but I thought this would do–”

She does not finish that sentence as her face is pulled into her sister’s sweater yet again. Aelys can feel her sister, trying and failing to contain a sob, swallowing hard.

“Mare? Did I do something wrong–”

Pulling back sharply, Green eyes meet yellow, “No, not at all.”

Joy radiates off of her sister and Aelys wants nothing more than to bask in it.

“Thank you.”

They exchange smiles, unaltered and unrestrained happiness.The moment passes as they both just enjoy this moment.

Releasing her sister from her embrace, Maravix smiles at Aelys again, “I’ll be back in an hour to collect you for dinner, they are on time.”

Aelys nods, emotion still holding her throat. Her sister presses a kiss to her forehead, their silent I love you.

Aelys swallows hard, smiling as her sister leaves. Going to turn, a blue mop of hair peaks out at the end of the hallway catches her gaze. She can see the pop of white in this person's face, a wide smile that grows as her sister draws closer to them. Her shoulders release as a tall man steps fully into the hall, waiting for Maravix it would seem.

Curious, I will have to ask about that.

Chapter Text

Snow is new for Dulcamara. She knew that travelling to the Imperium during this time of the year would likely mean cold weather. However, this massive storm was nothing she would have ever expected.

Though she wouldn’t complain, she’d been invited into the palace, housed by her Imperial Majesty’s favourite lady. Rushing through the courtyard, snow crunching beneath her boots as the flurries pick up. Glittering white swirls around them as they pass through the arches, winds battering them blocked a little bit.

“Are your storms normally like this?” She asks Rafa as they hurry through the corridor, Rafa in the lead.

Her blonde hair is dusted with flecks of soft snow, delicate like a crown. Dulcamara finds her hand reaching to touch it, to remove the dusting, to feel her hair. Catching herself, she brushes some flakes from her shoulder, snow melting on her skin.

Rafa jumps a little bit, and Dulcamara pulls away. “I’m sorry, I was just…” Trailing off, Dulcamara can see Rafa smile timidly.

Rafa’s question is soft, eyes searching, “You were just?”

She can feel the heat spreading over her cheeks, feeling like she was caught.

“I was just brushing some snow off, wouldn’t want you to get cold,” She wants to cram the words back into her mouth at how silly they sound. To her surprise, Rafa smiles at her.

“Well, thank you, but we should keep going; otherwise, you are going to end up covered in it.”

Dulcamara nods, not trusting her tongue around Rafa, at the amusement that graces her face, making her want to brush the snow off her lashes. Her blue eyes warm as she offers her hand.

“We should get moving?” Rafa asks, a bit of mauve under her eyes. Dulcamara swallows, looking at the delicate hand reaching for hers. Am I allowed to take the happiness from this?

Not letting herself overthink it, she slips her hand into Rafa’s, warm and comforting in a way she hadn’t expected. Rafa blinks, seemingly shocked for but a moment before she moves, pulling her into the corridor.

Dulcamara follows, keeping pace as they quickly approach the guest quarters. Rafa brings them to a stop, eyes warm and blue.

“Your hands are cool. Are you okay?” Dulcamara finds her other hand in Rafa’s, holding her hands together like in prayer.

Her breath hitches, warmth surrounding her hands. The soft skin of Rafa’s palms stutter her heart.

“Better now?” Rafa’s voice is soft, eyes wider than she has seen before.

Dulcamara’s mouth is dry, eyes tracking for any deceit, an agenda or a trick. Finding nothing, she nods, licking her lips, “Yes, much.”

Rafa’s eyes trace her lips, pulling more pink from her cheeks.

“Good, your hands are warm.” The whispered word made her realize how close they were, how all they had to do was close the distance.

Eyes locked, hands held, Dulcamara chooses her interest.

Lips brushing lips, gentle and slow, the softest press before pulling away. She watches Rafa’s eyes blink open, hazy but interested.

“Was that okay?” A soft question answered with another pressing of lips.

Chapter Text

The student lounge is silent, something Aelys was appreciating in this late night study session. The windows are dark, nearly pitch black so she can see herself in them. It’s that distorted view that allows her to see the person standing in the doorway. Startled, her head snaps up to the door.

Sal’s easy-going smile isn’t on his face like normal. Her brow furrows in concern, her voice soft, “Sal? You okay?”

His head shakes at her question, eyes refocusing. The smile she expects is half hearted, energy missing from him.

“I…” He doesn’t seem to have the words, trying to explain what he is feeling. When he doesn’t answer any further, she puts her books back on the table and crosses to him.

“Sal?” Asking as she approaches so as not to spook him, “How can I help? You don’t have to tell me but you seem to need something?”

His eyes take her in, noticing the concern written on her face. Swallowing, he asks for what he needs.

“I just want to relax in your arms,” He murmurs, softer than she’s heard in a long time. Aelys inhales, nodding without a second thought. Her hands move to take hold of his wrist. He lets her guide him to the small couch in the room, having him sit first. He plops down on the cushions. She settles against the corner, opening her arms to offer him a place to rest.

Shifting, he moves, head setting on her shoulder as he rests against her. She shifts, allowing him to put more of his weight on her. They are quiet for a long while, just accepting the comfort that they both seem to need. Sal shifts, moving to look up at her.

“Thank you.”

She nods a hand moving to his hair, grazing her fingers through his hair.

“Any time.”

Chapter Text

Aelys had been surprised at how well she had gotten along with her roommate when they had first met in year one. Her interaction with her and her sister had been rocky at first, Lenore’s eyes untrusting but steady and Synnove’s happy face had been a mirror to Aelys and Maravix as they had moved in.

Quickly the four of them had become friends. An easy ebb and flow of the womenship between all of them had been building. The choice for them to live together off campus for the final two years of both Aelys and Synnnove’s university.

It had been working so entirely well, Lenore and Maravix kept each other busy with engaging debates while the younger sisters studied.

This week, it was the Aelys and Synnoves' time to get the groceries; Lenore had specifically told them to stick to the list. However, the other three share a look, one that shows they all know there will be more than the list.

Synnove and Aelys have a system; they wonder, talking and strolling through. They grab each of their favourites. They are so at ease with each other, comfortable in a way she has never been before.

The trip is quick, completed effectively even though they add additional luxuries. Clearing the check out, they both hoist the bags as they walk out the supermarket door.

“Let’s go home” Synnove smiles, evidently stronger than Aelys.

Aelys cannot help the words that slip from her lips, eyes downcast, “I’m already home.”

Synnove’s eyes brighten as she reaches for Aelys’ free hand, “You are home to me too, Aelys.”

Chapter Text

The warm air of summer settles between the three of them. A blanket settled across the tiles of the roof, settled are two green haired and one golden haired individuals, eyes drawn to the sky.

Mio vibrates with anticipation, eye darting from the sky to Caska, from Caska to Lücan and back again.

“When is it happening? You said it should be happening.” Her voice peaks, gaze searches the sky for what they had promised.

“Mio,” Caska laughs, shaking her head as they watch the sky, “The meteor shower will happen, you just have to have a little patience.”

It is at that last sentence that Caska and Lücan share a look before quietly withholding their laughter. Mio, too busy looking at the darkening sky, turns to find her two favourite people sharing a moment.

The corner of her eye catches a flash across the sky.

“LOOK!” she screams, watching in awe as dozens of meteors, streaks of white light brighten up the sky overhead.

All three pairs of eyes trace the skies, marveling in the beauty of this natural event.

Mio jumps, bottled excitement exploding out of her, “Make a wish!”

Caska stares at the sky as she makes her wish. Lücan is looking at Caska, her soft smile returning his gaze. His hand closest to her lays bare, a silent offering should she want it. Her hand slips into his. The rooftop is quiet for a while before Mio turns back to both of them.

“That was so beautiful!” Mio beams, joy clear.

Caska returns her focus to Mio, “ What did you wish for?” Lücan laughs, squeezing Caska’s hand, “you cannot ask someone that, they cannot tell you otherwise it won’t come true.”

Mio grins, eyes as bright as the sky above, “I don't need to tell you, my wish was already granted.”

Chapter Text

Maravix is arms deep in a pumpkin, silently cursing herself for agreeing to help her niece make jack-o-lanterns. Why did I say that we could get the pumpkin, why not just the turnip like how it actually started out with?

Aly smiles her big toothy grin at her, eyes brought with joy as her aunt scoops out yet another spoonful of pumpkin seeds.

“Are we done yet, auntie M? I wanna carve the pumpkin,” her little hands grab her arm, eyebrows raised at her.

“Soon, Aly, I promise, I am almost done.” Pulling the last two scoops out of the pumpkin, she stops to take a moment, smiling at her niece.

Aly looks up at her, excitement brimming as Maravix hands her the pumpkin,”Okay, it’s good to go, now you can take it to Auntie Lys and your dad, they’ll help you cut it.”

Taking the pumpkin very carefully, Aly walks quickly out of the kitchen, “Lys, I need help!”

Watching her niece go, she turns to find a blue haired man leaning at the doorway, a soft smile on his face. She stops, her hands still covered in pumpkin innards before she moves quickly to the sink. Washing her hands, she takes a moment to breathe.

She can feel him watching her, a soft smile accompanies the pink blooming in her cheeks. The sound of his footsteps has her turning to find him closer. The look in his eye is soft, a gentle glimmer of humour.

“What?” She asks playfully, finishing washing the strings of pumpkin in her hands. She turns to dry her hands on the closest towel.

He moves closer, “ohh nothing, just looking at you.”

Her pink blooms full into a shade of mauve, looking down and scrunching her nose.

“While I’m covered in Pumpkin guts? Why? Who would–”

His hands move to settle on her hips, pulling her close. Her eyes fly to meet his gaze, watching him lock their vision.

“I could just stare at you forever.” His words so sincere that she tries to bury her face in his chest.

“Jean-Baptiste,” She whispers, cheeks aflame with his compliment.

A finger traces her jaw after a moment, lifting her to look at him, “I mean it.”

“I know you do,” she swallows.

He smiles, “Then believe it.”

She nods, eyes wide as she softly returns the smile, “Okay.”

With that, he closes the distance between her, kissing her lips with practised ease. Her hands settle on his shoulders, leaning into him. They both savour the moment, pulling back only a small distance before his arms wrap around her.

“Are you guys coming to…” Garavellir pauses at the entrance, looking over them with a similar joy to that of his daughters. “Are you coming to join the carving? I saved a turnip for you.”

Turning to look at her brother, Jean-Bapiste does not release her, just waits for her to answer.

“We will be out in a moment, thanks for checking.”

Beaming at his sister, he nods, “Sounds good, Mare.”

When her brother leaves, Maravix finds herself still held, turning to look at him. He says nothing, just smiles at her before pressing a soft kiss to her hair. They stand there for a while longer, just enjoying each other's company before returning to the festivities, hand in hand.