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Starlight Celebration was one of the most magical times of the year. Presents, delicious food and drink, and general merriment were celebrated by both common and noble folk alike, but arguably most important of all was the time spent with friends and loved ones. So when the Warrior of Light found herself somewhere on the edge of Coerthas one Starlight, shivering and miserable, she realized that merriment would have to wait a while.
“It’s a simple mission…we understand this wouldn't be something we would ask the Warrior of Light to do, but most of our men are on leave for the holidays…ill or injured…resources are already spread thin as it is…”
“Ugh, I knew I should've brought that extra pair of gloves,” the Warrior grumbled to no one in particular, rubbing her already-gloved hands together in a pathetic attempt to warm the frozen appendages.
“I already offered you mine, dear, but you refused,” a tall elezen chided gently, his light blue hair glowing in the fire that he stoked to keep alive, not even trying to hide the small smirk that graced his handsome face. “My offer still stands–,”
“I’m not taking your damn gloves, Haurchefant!” she retorted back quickly as she shot him a look most cross as he held his hands up in defeat. “Then your hands will freeze and they’ll get frostbitten and we’ll have to chop off all your fingers.”
Haurchefant snorted at the vivid imagery and handed the Warrior a steaming mug of tea, politely ignoring his friend’s pout.
“Here, this should help warm you up a bit,” he stated simply as she gripped the mug’s sides, instantly feeling some relief from the biting cold. She nodded her thanks as he settled back in his spot across from her by the fire, a comfortable silence falling upon the two as they relaxed from the day’s troubles.
When it was time to get some rest Haurchefant offered to take first watch much to her relief. After bidding him goodnight, she climbed into the makeshift tent and got herself as comfortable as one could when sleeping on frozen terrain, and tried to fall asleep. She willed slumber to take her, from counting karakuls to controlled breathing to straight up holding her breath until she almost passed out (which still didn’t work).
Haurchefant was taking stock of their supplies when a dark shadow fell over him, startling him enough to drop the pen he held. He whirled around with the closest object he could snatch up and brandished the metal ladle he used earlier for supper at an unimpressed Warrior of Light, wrapped up in both of their blankets.
“Wha-what is it?” Haurchefant huffed out as he sheepishly set the imposing ladle back in place with the other utensils. He cleared his throat in embarrassment as she spoke.
“I can’t sleep, it’s too cold,” she replied through chattered teeth as a bitingly cold gust of wind blew through to further prove her point. “See, even the Elements are mocking me.”
Haurchefant looked at his friend for a long moment before he crossed his arms over his broad chest in thought. They only had two thin blankets, and it seemed that she was already using them both. They couldn’t make a bigger fire or they’d put themselves at risk for predators or some other villain to meander into their camp. They could attempt to make a sort of snow hut, but that would take the entire night and much effort. The elezen racked his brain to think of a solution when an idea dawned on him, though he wasn’t sure how she would react.
“Well, there is one thing we could try if you’re amenable to the idea, of course,” he said slowly as the Warrior looked at him hopefully.
“Gods, please, I’m willing to try anything at this point!”
“We share body heat.” Haurchefant said before adding quickly, “Erm, n-not in a salacious manner, of course! It would strictly be professional between us, but I understand if you are not comfor–”
“Sure.”
Haurchefant blinked.
“Pardon?”
“Sure, that sounds good,” the Warrior repeated, her expression unchanged from the suggestion. “I trust you would not try any funny business, and I’m terribly cold and tired and have no other ideas on what to do.” She turned and began to trek back to the tent, before she paused to look back at him. “You coming or what?” That seemed to break Haurchefant out of his stupor as he tucked their supplies away and hurried after.
The two shuffled awkwardly into the small tent that was clearly designed for one occupant at a time, Haurchefant’s large frame taking up most of the space. She settled in front of Haurchefant and scooted backwards until her back was pressed against him and immediately felt some relief, though she hugged herself tighter after a particularly hard gust of wind slammed against the side of their tent. She peeked over her shoulder and shivered before asking.
“Um…can you put your arm over me? I-if you’re comfortable with that.” She swore she could hear him gasp slightly before she felt him nod, his chin resting above her head.
“O-of course,” Haurchefant replied before slowly draping his arm over her smaller form–the both of them trying desperately to ignore how perfectly his arm slotted over her waist, as well as their shivers were just from the cold.
They stayed like that for a while and though they both did indeed warm up, neither were able to sleep. The Warrior told herself that they were just friends and it was nothing more than two comrades battling the elements, with Haurchefant much the same.
It didn’t help that they had feelings for one another; all of Camp Dragonhead–hells, probably even Ishgard too by this point–knew of their mutual yearning, yet neither would move past flirting, both attentive to their own sworn duties. The Warrior couldn’t bear to bring Haurchefant into any more of her exploits, especially after he nearly lost his life protecting her at the steps of the Vault. Haurchefant was the Knight Commander responsible for the safety of those coming to and from Ishgard, a duty he upheld with unwavering commitment. No, they both had their own lives and roles to live out, and yet…
“Still haven’t fallen asleep, I take it?” Haurchefant stated more than asked, earning a tired sigh and nod from the woman in his arms. He sighed in response, feeling his heart sink to the pit of his stomach as he moved to get up, an apology already at his lips when the Warrior let out a startled yelp.
“W-wait! I didn’t mean that I am uncomfortable–quite the opposite, actually!” she managed to squeak out before hiding her face in his arm, confusing the elezen.
“Ah, I’m sorry?” He asked as she mumbled something incoherent into his arm. “I’m sorry, dear, I couldn’t understand that.” She paused before shifting under his arm a bit to uncover her mouth.
“I’m not uncomfortable, Haurche, I’m…I rather like this, actually,” she said, a slight tremble in her voice. When she didn’t get a reply, she wanted to shrink into herself when she remembered that this was Haurchefant Greystone she was talking to, that he was her friend, and even if he didn’t feel the same way about her, he deserved to at least know her feelings after all they have been through. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she took a deep breath and gripped his arm.
“I don’t just like this, but, I like you, Haurchefant. Ever since we’ve met, I knew my feelings for you. You’re strong, care so deeply for your men and all of Ishgard, and for anyone else in need. You took my friends and I in without question, you stood with us when we were accused of heresy, you nearly gave your bleeding life to keep me from harm for gods’ sake!
“We’ve gone through so much together and my affection for you only grew. It’s…selfish of me to feel this way knowing both of our duties, but…if you feel the same, then I…want to move past all the baseless flirting and give this a proper try, give us a try.”
Neither said a word and for a moment, the Warrior worried that she may have said something that irrevocably changed their relationship, that is until she felt Haurchefant’s other arm snake under her to pull her into a fierce hug.
“Oh, oh thank the Fury,” he laughed into her hair before giving her another squeeze as she rapidly tapped on his arm to loosen up and give her air. He apologized as he slackened his grip on her as she took in several deep gulps of air. When she gave a thumbs up that she was better, he smiled and immediately wrapped her into another bone-crushing hug.
“Many apologies, my friend,” he exclaimed after giving the Warrior a moment of respite, who turned and faced the elezen that beamed the most infectious smile.
“I uh, take it you feel the same?” she asked as he took her now warm hands into his, his expression turned serious.
“My dear, you have fought battles that a single person shouldn’t bear. You’ve saved all of Eorzea, freed Ishgard from a thousand-year war, fought to liberate lands far from your own and more, and I doubt the gods will let you rest any time soon. You’ve a beautiful and caring soul, and I would be lying if I said that my affections for you did not exist.”
Haurchefant raised a hand to cup the side of her face like it was the most delicate thing he’s ever touched, and looked at her with nothing but love and sincerity.
“I know not what the future holds, but I would be honored if you let me continue to be a part of yours.”
Her eyes widened at the confession but instead of freezing, she gently reached for his face and pulled him in for the sweetest kiss she’s had. She felt his lips smile against hers which brought about a few giggles between them before going in for another kiss, and another.
After a while, they rested their foreheads against one another and smiled, their hands intertwined and hearts full. They didn’t know what was in stake for the future, but they were willing to give love a shot, and that was enough for them.