#aotrom

[dreamdragonkadia]

I love Xaden, I truly do. But my mind keeps turning—turning to just how fun of a partner Ridoc would be.

The inside jokes alone? Absolutely off the charts. You and Ridoc would be in the middle of a battle, dodging Venin attacks, and he'd crack a joke about how you still owe him five silvers from a bet you made last week. The worst part? Only your dragons would even come close to understanding half of what you two are saying. Everyone else? Helplessly confused.

And Aotrom? That little menace would probably tolerate you, but just barely. Like, he wouldn’t immediately set you on fire if you got too close, but he’d definitely give a warning growl. Maybe a singed sleeve here and there to keep you on your toes. Ridoc, of course, would think this is hilarious. “He likes you!” he’d say while you glare at him, brushing embers off your jacket.

You just know Ridoc would be the absolute worst with those “the sex is so good, they got me down lock and key” jokes. Casually leaning on the sparring ring, arms crossed, smug. “What can I say? I’d run, but they’ve got my heart—and my schedule—on lockdown.” You’d shove him off the ledge just to shut him up, and he’d laugh all the way down.

A relationship with Ridoc Gamlyn wouldn’t just be romance. It’d be trouble, comedy, and an ongoing battle of wits where neither of you truly wins—except for the fact that you’d be having the time of your life.

[justascrollingghost]

I’m not sure about you guys but during threshing I imagine that Ridoc spent hours wandering around trying to find his dragon but Aotrom actually found him within the first 5 minutes and just covertly followed him around for 3 hours thinking it was hilarious then eventually got bored and threw a branch at his head

[ridocgamlynenthusiast]

someone on tiktok said during threshing ridoc was wandering around screaming marco and aotrom finally replied polo and thats how they bonded and im CACKLING

[benz12313]

🥺👉👈 ridoc who falls head over heels in love with violets twin who is autistic and he's an absolute sweetheart to her, and helps her when she needs something and protects her.

Also their dragons are mated and aotrom is very over protective of her.

I had so much fun writing this. I hope this was written well. As a parent of an autistic child (diagnosed) and as someone who suspects herself and her other child are AuDHD but in the process of getting diagnosed, I really tried to represent this well. I also think in the Fourth Wing universe, at least in Basgaith, many mental differences are shunned or looked down upon, so I went that angle with this fic. Please give me feedback on how I did with this request. I also have some ideas for a part two so let me know if you'd like that! Thank you for your request though! I had a lot of fun working on it. :)

Own Worst Enemy - Ridoc x Sorrengail!Reader

Warnings: violence, death, dragon mate possessive behaviour

Word Count: 4,274

I sat quietly next to Violet, as she interacted with her- our friends. As much as they assured me that I was just as included as her, I’d never really felt that way. I wasn’t like her. I didn’t know what to say, what to do? Always feeling a little bit lost when the group was together, like I was one step behind, too busy analyzing everyone to add my own input into conversations. Sometimes it felt like they only put up with me because I was Violet’s twin, and not nearly as breakable as her. 

I was good with schoolwork and okay with challenges, at least good enough to hold my own and take minimal injuries; and my joints are stronger than hers, not popping and breaking under pressure. Perks of being a fraternal twin I guess. Our DNA isn’t identical. No, something else in me feels broken. Something deeper. More substantial. Something I never talked about with anyone, ever. 

Violet has asked before, in my moments of weakness, when everything is too much and I can’t hide. But I always am able to reign it back in then, hide it all behind a smile and recite lines I know will appease her worry. After all, the mask I wear protects me, especially growing up in a family where weakness isn’t tolerated. Even Dad, who saw straight through me. He expected me to reign it in too. Taught me in his own ways how to know what to say, how to make people look away, how to breathe when it was too much. Yet he still expected me to conform, to act like everything was okay. Like I wasn’t broken and weak minded. 

I was a good actress at least. Everyone just thought I was quiet and reserved. And they never looked too hard at me, letting me fall into the background. I preferred it that way, it was much easier.

Everyone, except Ridoc Gamlyn, of course. He was always right there. In my space, but somehow, I never minded it. Maybe because with Ridoc, it didn’t matter what I said, he just accepted it. When I missed an unwritten social rule, he just smiled and responded, somehow getting what I was trying to say instead of harping on how I said it. He was annoying at times, always a bit loud, but he could say or do whatever he felt like with no reservations, easily breaking through my walls like no other could. Not even my own sister. I was honestly a bit jealous. 

Ridoc wouldn’t let me fade either, prodding me to talk with him while the others were occupied in their own conversations. His voice usually quieter in those moments when he was trying to get me to reconnect, asking the oddest questions about whatever I was working on. It worked though, making my mind settle as I answered whatever he’d asked me, the casual back and forth grounding me, easing my anxiety over messing up. 

He could see me. Really see me, like nobody ever had. It didn’t take me long to understand though, as I quickly became interested in trying to figure him out. Nobody really saw him either. Seeing what he wanted them to see. The loud, boisterous, sexually overconfident man he let everyone see wasn’t all of him. He didn’t let them see his worry over schoolwork, or over whatever current obstacle we were being thrown as new riders (currently the gauntlet) or his disappointment when a night of fun never became anything more, even if his conquest came back, it was never more than for another round. It was such a carefully crafted act that nobody thought to ask questions, nobody seeing that there was even an act to catch. 

Nobody could see. But I could. And he knew I could, giving me a knowing smile in his moments of weakness, but I never knew what to say to make it better. I don’t really think he wanted any sympathy, hence the mask that mirrored my own. He interested me though, so completely different than the others. Even though that’s what he wanted, I could never truly look away. Not when he’d become my biggest source of safety in this death college. 

Always pushing me on the mat, giving me pointers on how to improve. Walking with me when I needed a moment, my body feeling restless. Talk about my books, even the smutty ones, maybe especially the smutty ones. He’d grin and let me talk for hours, sitting on his bed in the men’s dormitory as we talked quietly. He’d glare at any of the other men who looked at us too long, daring them to say something. To make one move towards me. None ever did. And he always listened, asking questions that actually made me think, or that would lead me to another tangent.

Ridoc Gamlyn was an enigma I could barely understand, so I too hung around. Maybe it was the same for him. Maybe we were both just trying to figure the other out, never quite getting there. Never quite understanding. But accepting. Always accepting. 

“I think, maybe you could bounce back and forth up the chimney. Your joints aren’t as weak as Violet’s so if you get enough speed and momentum…” He trailed off, as he watched me nudge my sausage across my plate. “Y/N?”

I met his warm brown eyes for a moment before my eyes quickly returned to my plate, torturing my sausage again. “I get what you’re saying. It’s worth a try.” It was presentation day, and this was my last try after all. Violet had told me her plan, but it wouldn’t work for me. If both of us pushed the rules like that, then one of us would definitely be disqualified. It was her plan, so I told her I’d already found another way. Lied through my teeth, but she’d let it go so it must’ve been convincing enough. 

“C’mon, you’ll make it.” He assured, like there was no possibility I wouldn’t. “After all, my best friend isn’t a weakling.”

The twisting in my gut wasn’t unfamiliar, it happened every time he mentioned us as being friends. Why? I wasn’t quite sure, and it was one of the few things I refused to ruminate on. I refused any negative emotion when it came to Ridoc, too afraid to let anything take hold and then let the emotions push away my only solace in this place. 

“Yeah.” I sighed. Then forced a smile as I met his gaze again, holding it this time. “Just want it to be over with.” 

He smiled, moving some hair out of my face, the annoying strand of hair that always refused to stay in my crown of braids. “I know you do. And you’re gonna kick ass, and then in two days, we’re gonna get dragons and be certified badasses.” He sent me a big grin and I sighed, looking away to hide the smile blooming on my lips. I speared the sausage on my fork and plopped it in my mouth, finishing my breakfast. 

“Yeah, yeah. Can’t get rid of me that easy.” I joked and with a quick glance from the corner of my gaze I saw his smile widen. 

“Exactly Sorrengail. You’re stuck with me. Forever.” I laughed, before standing, Ridoc quickly following me. “Besides, I haven’t heard about the end of that dark romance you’ve been reading. It’s just started getting good. And I won’t have the patience to read it myself if you go and die on me.”

“Glad to see I have some use.” I snorted at him, my body relaxing the moment we’d gotten to the hall. The noise of the cafeteria fading the further we got from it. Finally, I could actually hear myself think now. 

“Oh don’t be like that! You’re smarter than Violet, and that’s saying something.” He said and I rolled my eyes. 

“No, I just watch more than she does. It’s easier to put things together when I don’t have to worry about holding a conversation at the same time.” I countered and he chuckled, pinching my side and making me squirm away. I still giggled against my will though. “Plus the photographic memory helps.” I snorted out another laugh when he poked me again. “Stop that!” 

“Okay. Okay.” He relented, giving me a goofy grin and shoving his hands in his pockets. I knew that was the only way he’d be able to not touch me as he tried to honor my wishes. Ridoc never really could seem to keep his hands to himself when he was near me. Especially when he was nervous. “Don’t discount yourself though. You’re brilliant. Own it.”

“Shut it Gamlyn. I’ve got enough to worry about.” I sighed, taking in his expression before bumping his shoulder with my own. “Don’t need to worry about me okay? I won’t die today.” 

The anxiety in his eyes faded, replaced with all consuming warmth as I was stuck in his gaze. He opened the door ahead of us, not saying a thing. 

Ridoc’s POV

I held the door for her, warmth pulling at me as her gaze never faltered. I believed her, after all, it wasn’t often that she lied to me. In fact, she was usually unabashedly honest with me. A fact I was grateful for. She hid herself from the rest of our friends, her sister, but couldn’t hide from me. 

Her brilliant mind fascinated me, she was amazing in her own unique ways. How the others couldn’t see it was beyond me. She was definitely the strongest, and smartest of us. I just wish they could see that, that she could see that, just once. She finally rolled her eyes, moving through the door as her cheeks went pink and my chest swelled with pride. 

She was beautiful, in every way, and I'd been hopelessly pining after her since that first night when we’d been assigned to the same squad. When she’d finally met my gaze with those pretty y/e/c eyes of hers, catching me in a trance as she looked through me. Past my confident facade, straight to my core, past all the bullshit I wore like armor. But then she didn’t call me out like most would have, just cocked an eyebrow at me, and looked away. Like it was some secret that she was electing to keep for me. 

I’d been practically begging for her attention since, especially after I’d figured out that she was pretending too. That she hid herself, afraid of the inevitable rejection too. But she didn’t play pranks, pretend to be stupid and refuse any feelings too painful to address. No she refused everyone, never letting anybody too close to be able to hurt her. Only letting the rest of our friends close enough to see what she deemed the useful parts of herself, but never close enough for them to really see her. But she let me. And I knew it was because she saw our similarities. 

I was broken from my thoughts when we made it to the gauntlet, and fear seized my heart. As quickly as it’d taken over, it was gone because Y/N shoved my shoulder with hers again, sending me a bright smile. 

“We’ve got this Ridoc.” It was simple, yet wholly convincing. 

“We’ve got this.” I repeated, squeezing my hands into fists in my pockets to keep them still. To keep them from pulling her into my arms, and never letting go. 

Y/N’s POV

I made it. I fucking made it! Shock seized me as Ridoc’s bellows rang in my ears, not quite hearing it even though his words echoed through me. His arms were wrapped tightly around me, spinning me around as he held me in a bone crushing grip. He set me back on the ground but didn’t let go, burying his head in my shoulder. 

“You made it.” He whispered, and I nodded, tears pricking in the corner of my eyes as emotion flooded through me. Everything was suddenly too much as I hid my face in his chest. Breathe in. Out. In. Out. In. Out.

“I made it.” I whispered back, squeezing him from where my arms were wrapped around his neck. 

We made it through presentation as well. Though several of the less savory of our squad couldn’t say the same for themselves. None of the dragons really stood out to me, a hollow feeling in my chest as I walked off the flight field. I won’t be chosen. I knew none of those dragons would choose me, deep in my soul. I didn’t say anything though, not until I was sitting criss-cross with my back leaning on his pillows and headboard as I watched him sharpening his sword, talking about needing to be ready for threshing. 

“Did you-“ I paused when he quieted and glanced up at me, “Did you feel any of their approval?” I asked, voice barely above a whisper. 

“The dragons?” He asked, putting down the stone in his hand and setting the sword to the side. Damn him, he must’ve noticed my shift in mood, deciding to focus on me completely now. I nodded. He thought a moment, his face shifting into contemplation, a look I couldn’t help but find so handsome. “Not really. There was those greens that crowded your sister. But I was terrified of them. Maybe that brown one, towards the end, that was annoying the others? Rolling all around them. He was funny. But I don’t know, none of them really jumped out at me.”

He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off that brown. I remember following behind him, watching him as he had softly chuckled at the dragons antics. For him to have brought it up again…maybe he was just lying to me, or himself, but he’d definitely had a connection to that dragon. My heart dropped. 

He must’ve seen it too because he sighed, before crawling over and wrapping his arms around me as he pulled me into his side, and I leaned my head on his chest. “You are gonna get a dragon tomorrow. I just know it. Maybe your dragon just isn’t sure about you yet.”

“Comforting.” I snorted, voice devoid of emotion.

“Look, I know I haven’t convinced you, and you’ll be thinking some awful things about yourself now.” He paused, sighing and looking unsure of himself as he tried to find the right words to soothe me. Failing, but he’s cute, trying like that. “Just trust that I know, more than I’ve known anything that you will get a dragon tomorrow. If any of us deserves one, it’s you.”

The raw honesty in his voice made my heart race, and despite myself, his words gave me an inkling of hope. Hope that he was right. That there really was a dragon out there who could accept me, despite my shortcomings. Hope that a dragon would find me worthy. 

“Thanks Ridoc.” I mumbled, and hoped that he’d hold me just a little longer as I worked to pull myself back together. 

He did. 

Ridoc’s POV

I wandered the woods, my mind occupied with Y/N and her show of weakness last night. She never let the facade fall that completely before, she was scared. More scared than she’d been for the gauntlet. Afraid a dragon wouldn’t want her. I frowned as I hid behind a tree as a red passed by. I knew that one wasn’t mine, but luckily it either hadn’t noticed me or decided to spare me instead. 

I’d felt a tug all afternoon as I wandered the forest, coaxing me further and further inwards, where I knew that brown was waiting. I’d meant what I said last night, it’d only been once I’d left my friends that I felt the tug. But Y/N had caught what I hadn’t last night, in that way that only she does, already knowing the brown had intended on choosing me. 

I finally started moving again, lost thinking about Y/N. Too lost to notice the forest shifting in front of me, until a deep male voice rang through my head, ‘Oh come on! You didn’t even notice me!” 

I jumped back two feet, suddenly seeing two large golden eyes staring at me from a large brown swordtail that was hanging from a particularly large tree. A tree that still looked like it was about to buckle under the weight of him. 

“S-sorry.” I stuttered out. 

The brown jumped from the tree, landing on the ground and sending me staggering from the shockwaves. ‘I suppose I’ll forgive you. Only cause you’re so worried about her. Call me Aotrom, I’ll give you my full name later. You’re mine now.’ He sniffed at me as he circled me, before settling in front of me again, looking proud of himself. 

“You mean Sorrengail? Y/N?” I specified, remembering Violet was out here too. 

The dragon made a sound, that sounded suspiciously like a snort. ‘Who else? Your mate of course.’ 

My body froze as my mouth fell open in shock. “She’s not! We’re not-“ I shook my head. “She’s my friend.”

He tilted his head, looking confused. ‘Oh? I thought…’ He sounded confused too, thinking, before his face lit up again, tail wagging back and forth. ‘I see! Eve did say she thought you two hadn’t acted on it yet when I shared my memories with her. I guess she’s right!’

My mind was swimming. This-my dragon, Aotrom, was unlike any other dragon we’d learned about. That was for sure. And he thought me and Y/N were mates??? “Who’s Eve?” I finally let the words out and the dragon puffed his chest out as he straightened with obvious pride. 

‘My mate of course.’

Y/N POV

I kept a hand over my mouth as an orange slinked by, sniffing the air. I willed my traitorous heart to slow, afraid that the nasty looking dragon would hear my heartbeats and try to eat me. Eventually he slinked out of view, and I let out a small breath as I continued on my way.

I still felt that hollowness. No pull anywhere as I wandered around aimlessly. I’d run into a dozen different dragons now, and felt nothing from any of them. 

I silently wondered if Ridoc had found that brown swordtail. I wondered if Rhi and Violet had found theirs too. If Sawyer would finally get his own. If I would be forced to repeat the year as well, and start over next year. 

I paused when I heard a rustling in the bushes, but before I could hide, one of the other cadets strode out. It was one that hung by Barlow, not in his inner circle but itching to move his way in and appease the cruel man. He was tall and fit, definitely a foot taller than me. I palmed my daggers as he stared at me, cruel grin forming as he looked me up and down. 

“The quiet Sorrengail twin.” He hissed and I glared. 

“Won’t earn you any points with Barlow killing me.” By sheer will my voice was strong. 

“Oh, but it will weaken her, and Barlow will approve of that if he hasn’t killed her by the end of the day.” My heart raced at his words as I steeled myself for the fight ahead of me. He wasn’t backing down now. 

He ran four steps raising his sword and was about to swing when air rushed around me, and then suddenly he was lifted off the ground, a giant scorpion tail sticking out his back and through his chest. With a flick of the tail his body flew behind me. 

But I was frozen in fear. Standing in front of me was a dragon, with navy blue scales and bright green eyes narrowed on me, assessing. Waiting for what my response would be. It’s tail moved slowly now, curling around its body, which gave me some hope that this dragon didn’t plan on killing me. Yet at least. 

“Thank you.” I whispered, lowering my gaze as my thoughts went wild. There weren’t supposed to be any blues out here today. 

‘I came because my mate wished to take a rider, that’s all.’ Her voice was majestic, beautiful and commanding, filling my head and making my eyes snap back to hers. She was talking to me…but that meant… ‘Yes, Strategist, I agree with my mate’s assessment. You are worthy of being mine, despite your worries. He may have been selfish, having chosen his own already, but he had assured me that you would do me proud young warrior. Now, climb on, before I change my mind.’

She chuffed out a puff of air in my face and I chose not to argue and climb atop the small blue dragon. She wasn’t the smallest of the ones we’d seen during presentation, but she definitely wasn’t the largest, I noted as I climbed on top of her. 

She grumbled. ‘I am only 21!’ She hissed out the words irritated with my…thoughts. Great she can read my mind. ‘I will grow with time! I’ll be bigger than Aunt Sgaeyl even! Just you watch!’

So don’t mention her size. Noted. Wait, Sgaeyl? Riorson’s dragon??? 

‘My name is Eventhasil, but you may refer to me as Eve.” Then she was launching into the air not a second after I had thoroughly settled into the seat, ignoring my mental question of her lineage. I gripped her tightly with my thighs, hanging on for dear life. Once she leveled out, not jostling me at all anymore, I was able to actually enjoy the wind flowing through my hair. Joy flooded me and tears welled up again. I was actually chosen. 

‘That is a habit we will have to kill with prejudice. Your doubt in yourself is sickening.’ Though her words were harsh, I think that was supposed to be encouraging. 

‘What about your mate?’ I asked, changing the subject. ‘What’s he like? Who has he chosen?’ It would be nice to know exactly which cadet I’m now tied to for the rest of my life.

‘He approaches.’ She says simply, her voice going quiet as she speeds up, forcing me to hold tighter as a brown tried to catch up. Were they…racing? ‘Yes, and if Aotrom wins he’ll be insufferable. Hold tight.’ Determination laced her tone as she tightened her movements racing towards the flight field at top speed, easily outflying the brown as she flung her wings out at the last minute, landing quickly. I was nearly flung from my seat with the maneuver, but with luck and my muscles locking, I was able to hold on. The brown landed thirty seconds later, towering over Eve as he snapped at her face playfully. She snapped back at him, narrowly missing his neck as her tail swung behind us. 

But then another dragon landed on her other side and the brown lurched forward, growling low in his throat as he eyed the other male, his swordtail curling around Eve protectively.

She, however, sat calmly amidst his display of possessiveness. Almost…bored? 

‘Overpossessive male.’ She explained, irritation lacing her tone. ‘Male dragons are known to be volatile towards any potential threats in the first few years of establishing a mate bond. And Aotrom is very…determined to keep me as his.’ An obvious affection was laced in her last words. The other male backed away, submitting to Aotrom’s dominance and claim, eyes and head down as he moved out of range. Only when the male had moved a sufficient distance away and Aotrom relaxed, turning to his mate again did I see his rider. Ridoc. Holy shit! Ridoc!

Happiness bubbled within me. There was no one better to be tied to! Holy shit. And he looked unharmed, thank the gods. 

‘Go speak with him.’ Eve somehow sounded…teasing? ‘He’s relieved that Aotrom had told the truth when he told him that you were safe. As if I’d ever let harm come to what’s mine.’ She snorted at the last sentence and I laughed. 

‘I’m glad he’s okay too.’ I sent her way as I climbed down. 

The moment my feet hit the ground they lifted again, as Ridoc’s arms wrapped around me and swung me around. “We both got dragons! We’re both riders!” His voice was full of joy as he put me on my feet again. “We made it Y/N! We made it!” His hands moved to my cheeks, and I was frozen as euphoria took over his gaze, and then in a split second, his mouth was on mine. 

Moving, kissing, me. I slowly moved back holding onto the moment as my heart burst. My crush was kissing me. Tongue slipping into my mouth as he pulled me to him, pine and male and Ridoc taking over my senses completely as I lost myself in him. 

This moment was perfection. 

And then it was ruined, by Sawyer calling our names, obviously not able to really see us yet. Ridoc jumped back, looking panicked and my heart lurched. Did he not mean to do that? His eyes scanned mine as he backed up. 

“Talk later?” He asked, and I froze. He froze too, hands hovering over my waist. “Y/N? Talk later yeah?” 

I nodded, words catching in my throat as Eve growled in my mind. But she said nothing. 

“Yeah.” I whispered, putting on a smile as our friend greeted us. 

~ I'm taking requests as well, just submit them to my inbox and I'll get to them when I have time.

~ Want to be added to the tag list? Just comment or message me! :)

@xadenswhore @littlemissmelodie @jobroho @worldsanna @uneducatedraccoon @nicksolemnlyswears @binksbrewcrew

[lost-in-fictionn]

[readerramble]

Random thought:

Yeah, riders die when they lose their dragons. The bond breaking is just too much to survive. But I saw this reel about how fun Ridoc and Aotrom are together, and it hit me. If Ridoc ever passed, Aotrom would probably lose all his humor.

The soul-crushing grief of dragons who outlive their riders must be unbearable. Imagine what Sgaeyl went through when Xaden’s grandfather died. She had to keep going, but at what cost?

I don’t think the dragons as a whole get a lot of credit for their emotional endurance.

[whenwewereyoung97]

⚠️Mild OS Spoilers⚠️

Idk why but finding out that Aotrom is little more than a teenager makes me so happy.

[cabinyote]

I need Ridocs POV of the Threshing please, Rebecca, I'm on my knees BEGGING

[sankta-wraith]

They match each other’s freak

[saddleseatollie]

Aotrom and Ridoc having a prank war is everything to me.

Confirmation that Aotrom is just as much of a silly goofy guy as his rider.

[justascrollingghost]

Andarna: so why did we all choose our riders?

Sgaeyl: his strength, courage and loyalty to those he loves

Tairn: I do not need to explain my choices to you

Teine: she’s never been wrong in her whole life and neither have I

Feirge: her determination

Aotrom: he’s just really fucking funny!

[ridocgamlynenthusiast]

aotrom only being 22 is so so important to me

[open-at-the-close]

Tairn:

Andarna:

Aotrom:

[vvenus-child]

Where is Ridoc fanfiction?

I want something like he is infatuated with a medic that refuses to sleep with him because they are friends, but she completely adores him and Aotrom to the point even his dragon is confused by this human that is not afraid to talk to him and pet his leg like she is hugging a human friend

I want him losing his funny facade and maybe yelling at her for something silly like her telling him she has her eyes on some other rider and Aotrom is in the back like hehehehe you are fucked mate

[benz12313]

Love's Surprise Pt. 1 - Ridoc x Reader

{Images are not my own}

Summary: You and Ridoc have been dating for months now, and he's been missing all day. What could he possibly have planned for your first Valentine's Day together?

Warnings: fluff, that's it - just fluff

Part 2/2 - 🌶️

Author's Note: This ended up being WAY longer than I meant it to, and I can't wait to upload part two, which will get spicy. I hope you like part one though!

Word Count: 3,466

My back hurt from flight maneuvers this morning as Draka had decided that today was the perfect day to spring a new move on me…without informing me that they were doing so. I nearly lost my seat, but with grit, determination, and a healthy amount of luck I was able to keep it. However, I ended up with what felt like a massive bruise on my back from the moment where I nearly lost it. 

Chores at 5am this morning kicked my ass too, scrubbing floors as penance for a prank that my loving boyfriend dragged me into last minute. How should I have known that he’d cooked up something particularly nasty for Dain to run into? I thought he’d been clinging to me as per usual. 

But no. He’d been using me as an alibi, and gotten me roped into his punishment with him. If he wasn’t so cute, apologizing and promising to make it up to me later, I might’ve been mad at him. Damn Ridoc and his puppy dog eyes, always sweet-talking the anger right out of me. 

Speaking of the man, he’d been suspiciously missing all day. No flight maneuvers. No battle brief. No history. The last time I’d seen him was right after we’d finished scrubbing. He’d given me a chaste kiss and apologized again before dragging Sawyer off with him to “prepare something”. What that something was? No clue. Sawyer was back by battle brief, with no Ridoc in tow. 

At this point I didn’t really care either. It’s Friday. I was done for the week, and I wanted nothing more than to shower. Let the water run over my tired and aching muscles, maybe curl up with a good book after, and then go in my dorm and hide from the world. Maybe go find Ridoc. But if I knew my boyfriend, he’d find me long before I could find him, and with the distance he had today, it wouldn’t be long until he was seeking me out. 

Was I worried about what he was up to? Slightly. Was I more worried that he was about to drag me into another of his masterful pranks? Definitely. 

“Hey! Y/N!” Violet’s voice rang down the hall and I turned to see her jogging to catch up, a bright grin on her face as she made it to my side. “Xaden said that package came in! You know, the one you had me order a few weeks ago?” She winked conspiratorially and I blank-faced. Package? What package again? 

“Huh?” I asked, and her eyes widened as she finally took in my form. Mud up to my shins. Leathers looking dirty and ragged, definitely needing a fresh wash. Scratches on my hands, and back slumping as I tried to take the pressure off it. My hair was definitely a mess, and I felt like I could barely keep my eyes open. 

“Damn Y/L/N, are you…alright?” She asked, biting her lip and worry washing over her. 

“Yeah, just penance chores and Draka being difficult during flight training.” I sighed. 

‘You need to be prepared Brave One,’Draka’s voice echoed in my head, ‘It is for both of our sakes. The Silver One and Tairn demand worthy riders to follow them into battle.’

'I know. I know.’ I relented mentally. ‘Why did I have to be bonded to the one dragon with a case of hero worship?’  She chuffed mentally, and I had to fight off a smirk. 

“Think she’ll let up on you?” Violet asked and I raised an eyebrow at her and let out a chuckle. 

“Would Tairn let up on you?” I asked and she laughed. 

“Touché.” She relented. “But the package, you know what day it is right?” 

“Ugh? Friday?” I asked, suddenly feeling stupid. What day was it?

“Wow I guess Ridoc didn’t need to worry after all.” She laughed, and then shook her head. “It’s Valentine’s Day Y/N.” 

My eyes widened in shock and then suddenly, I really did feel stupid. How could I have forgotten, when that’s all Ridoc had talked about for the last two weeks! “Shit!” I hissed, shaking my head. “You said it arrived? Where?” I looked her over, but surely the package wouldn’t fit in her small pack. 

“Dropped it off in your room.” She said grinning wide again. “Figured it’d be easiest to leave it there for later.” She winked and I laughed. 

“Thanks Vi, you’re the best. Seriously.” I said, and she smiled wide. “Speaking of my boyfriend though, where’s he been off to today?”

“Oh is the Princess finally realizing her boyfriend is missing is she?” Sawyer asked teasingly as he merged into our slow pace, heading towards the dorms. 

“Shut up, you don’t have nickname privileges Sawyer.” I teased. “But yeah, know where he is?” 

“No clue, he ditched me after I dared to…oh how did he say it? ‘Impose upon his creative vision.’ ” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I told him you’d like it if he gave you a damn rock, but he wasn’t convinced.”

“You know how he is with her.” Violet chided, and I shook my head.

“Like a damn puppy?” Sawyer asked. 

“No, like he’s in love with her!” Rhiannon quipped, and I laughed, despite my heart lurching at the words. The words that we definitely hadn’t said to each other yet. 

“You don’t even know who we’re talking about.” I grumbled and Rhi laughed. 

“Puppy? That blush on your face? It’s obvious we’re talking about Ridoc here, c’mon.” She laughed at the incredulous look on my face. “Dude follows you around like you’re a divine being and you’ll grant him some immortal gift. There’s no possible way we could be talking about anyone else.” 

“Fine. Have any of you, other than Sawyer, seen my boyfriend?” I asked. 

“No, but I would get cleaned up though, I think he planned to have it all done by six.” Rhiannon said, but Sawyer shook his head. 

“Seven. The ugh-“ He side-glanced me, “Well, it was a little more difficult than originally planned. And Aotrom decided to take matters into his own hands, or claws I guess.” Sawyer chuckled and my eyes narrowed. 

“What does Aotrom have to do with it?” I asked, and all three of them blanched. 

“Please don’t ask. He’ll be pissed if we let it slip. He’s been planning this since you guys got together.” We got together six months ago? Just before threshing?! Sawyer groaned. “And he’ll blame it on me.”

“Because you’re the only one who was supposed to know, but then you came blabbing to us!” Violet teased and Sawyer groaned again. 

“Just…please don’t ask.” Sawyer begged and I laughed. 

“Whatever, I’m gonna go get ready for my date? I guess?” I said and they all nodded. 

“Date works.” They agreed, and I nodded, lifting my hand as a goodbye as I turned to enter my room. Closing the door behind me, I immediately saw the brown parcel containing the items I’d ordered and smiled. While some would have to wait for later, there were things I could definitely use right now. 

A few hours later and I was once again sitting in my room, waiting for Ridoc, who still had yet to show. Yet, not an ounce of me was worried, because it’s Ridoc. He’s probably the only person on this entire campus that I trust with 100% of my everything. The man could take my hand, tell me to jump off a cliff with him and all he would have to do to convince me would be to ask me to trust him. And I would. Gods, I really would. 

A sudden urgent knocking, or rather, pounding at the door dragged me from my thoughts, and I jumped up to get the door. I’d barely taken in the sight of Ridoc (his hair an absolute mess, what little exposed skin that was showing was covered in a thin sheet of sweat, and he was shaking), when he pulled me into the hallway and into his arms, squeezing me tightly into a hug and burying his head into my neck and littering kisses along the exposed skin. 

I giggled, and then moaned when he suddenly sucked a bit of skin between his teeth. “Ridoc stop it, we’re in the hall.” I whined as he pulled back, and I was nearly knocked off my feet by the look of absolute adoration he was giving me. 

“Sorry Princess, couldn’t help myself. By the way…Happy Valentine’s Day Y/N.” His grin made my heart stutter, then stop. So consuming, so warm, so..completely, Ridoc. 

“Happy Valen-AHH!” I screeched as he suddenly picked me up, spinning me around like he does anytime he gets too excited to contain himself. Which is often, and I’m definitely still not used to it. I groaned as the pain from the bruise that had indeed bloomed on my back hit, his grip a tad too tight on the sensitive skin. And why was he so fucking cold?!

He immediately stopped, letting me down and looking worried. I gave him a sheepish look. “Nothing big, got a bruise during flight practice today. Not your fault, you didn’t know.” 

“You sure you’re okay.” He looked worried for all of a moment before I nodded and then he was giving me a flirty wink and a panty soaking grin. “Good, because after what I’ve got planned for tonight I was reaaaally hoping we’d come back and have a little fun together.” He waggled his eyebrows as I giggled. Wait. Come back?

“Are we going somewhere?” I asked and he nodded excitedly. 

“I made a surprise for you.” He said, and I raised my eyebrows. 

“I assume that’s why you’re freezing and look like you’ve been working with your signet all day?” I asked and he nodded again. 

“But no more hints, Aotrom is excited and waiting for us.” I raised my eyebrows. “Yeah you heard that right Princess, Aotrom has decided to let you ride on him today…. and only today.” He looked like he added that bit on Aotrom’s request, as they were obviously conversing together now. “He’s as excited as I am though, he’s been helping me all day.”

“Let’s go before I start asking more questions.” His grin took my breath away as he leaned in. 

“Probably best.” He muttered, before sweeping me into an all-consuming kiss, that was entirely too inappropriate for the public hallway. I didn’t have the heart to stop him though, and I knew I never would. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘I’m sorry I ever doubted your flying skills!’ I thought at Draka, who snorted. 

‘Glad I finally get some recognition.’ Being so far away messed with me, even though they were still a five minute flight away, hunting in the mountains. 

‘Seriously, how does Ridoc deal with this?!’ 

‘Aotrom is a very…spirited dragon.’ They weren’t kidding, that’s for sure. The way Aotrom flew felt downright reckless compared to how Draka flew. I couldn’t tell if he was showing off or trying to kill me. ‘He wouldn’t dare endanger what’s mine.’ Draka hissed in my mind. If Ridoc wasn’t here I would have fallen off by now, that’s for sure. I wasn’t quite as certain he wasn’t trying to kill me. 

Ridoc’s grip on my hip though, rubbing little circles into my skin? Steadying me and holding me to his chest as his other hand gripped the pummel of his dragon? It had my heart racing for reasons other than his dragon’s reckless flying. Maybe his goal was to make me so grateful I was still alive that whatever he’d planned for me would seem amazing on principle. Whatever, I couldn’t really find myself caring. Just wanting to touch land as well as kiss Ridoc. I’d been yearning to put my lips back on his since back in the hallway where he’d kissed me like he was gonna take me, right then and there.

I kinda wished he had. 

But even with his dragon’s insane flying, the biting cold of the February air whipping through my hair, and my choice of clothing beneath my flight jacket making me question my choices; I felt undeniably warm and safe in the arms of the man I called my own. And I wanted to see what he’d spent so much time planning and then energy executing. He was tired, that much was obvious, but he was here, and my heart beat in my chest at the thought. He always sacrificed so much, just to see me smile. 

I wish I could tell him that I love him. It was the only thing I couldn’t get myself to say, though it’d been on the tip of my tongue for weeks. Irrational fear held me back, held my tongue, telling me it was too early, too soon, that I couldn’t possibly know that this is true love. A million different reasons to tell me to just keep my mouth shut. To hold those three words in, until the time was right. Whatever the fuck that means. 

Soon we were landing, Ridoc holding me tighter to him as we were jostled about, and then helping me down once we’d made dry land. Well, other than the snow, so I guess, mostly dry land. The snow crunched below our boots, but I hadn’t made it three steps before Ridoc covered my eyes with his hands. 

I chuckled, kind of expecting it. After all, Ridoc never did anything in halves. Full commitment kind of guy, whether it be a prank or a surprise, he always put in his best. 

“Okay Y/N, let me lead you through here, and then I’ll uncover your eyes, promise.” His voice was laced with childlike glee, as he held me steady towards whatever he wanted me to see. There was rushing water nearby, deafeningly loud, maybe a river? Or a waterfall? I couldn’t really tell. But that was my only hint other than when the air shifted, from biting cold with wind to…surprisingly warm. Not enough to strip my jacket or anything, but warm enough for my nose to stop tingling. 

It was only a few steps later when he let go, and my jaw dropped as I spun, trying to take everything in all at once. We were in a cave behind a…waterfall? That had to be right, but where running water should be, was a giant ice wall, shining and shimmering, but standing resolute and protecting the rest of the cave from the mist that should be pouring in. Good thing too because spread around the large space were a bunch of different torches, and the center of the room was a large ice bowl, with a roaring fire inside. And between the torches? Half a dozen life-size dragon figures. Not just any dragons…Iron Squad’s dragons. In astonishing detail, and shimmering differently than his normal ice figures did. Shock overcame me when realization hit. 

“You finally achieved permafrost?!” I asked whipping around to see him hanging by the cave’s entrance, smiling warmly at me. 

“I’ve only been working at it for the last month. Achieved it last night.” He said, and I smiled wider. 

“This control though! These are amazing babe!” I said and he chuckled walking forward, taking my hand and leading me around the backside of the fire, where I could now see a picnic basket, a large cushion big enough for both of us and a thick blanket. 

“The waterfall was the hardest part, and the outside has already melted.” He sighed, frowning slightly at the waterfall as my jaw dropped. 

“You froze the entire waterfall?!” I asked as he pulled me down into his lap. 

“You say that like I did something impossible.” He brushed me off but his self-satisfied smirk betrayed his act of playing coy. 

I brushed his messy curls out of his face, and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “Nothing seems to be impossible for you. I’ve definitely learned that in these last few months together. This is definitely repayment for chores this morning, and then some.” I giggled, looking around to see that he’d hung icicles from the ceiling as well, some as long pillars and then some as teardrops, all of them creating kaleidoscopes of light across the ceiling and walls. “Let me guess, Aotrom lit the fires.”

“And kept me warm. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to-“ He stopped, face going sheepish as he saw the pout and minor glare forming on my face. “Don’t give me that look, I promise I didn’t take it too far.”

“Just almost too far.” I accused and he chuckled nervously. 

“Riiight. Also this is just for Valentine’s, I still have to make up for chores.” He assured me, making me roll my eyes. 

I looked around again, my heart easing. “It really is beautiful.”

“Well you seem to love my ice so much, I figured I’d make a grand gesture. Plus s’mores!” He announced, opening the picnic basket, where chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers sat, as well as two metal rods. 

“Makes more sense now.” He gave me a confused look. “Why you enlisted Sawyer’s help.” His eyes darkened and I realized my mistake. “He didn’t say anything, I swear! I only asked him where you were because I saw you drag him off this morning.” 

“Hmm,” He paused before kissing my nose. “Fine, Sawyer is spared, just this once.”

I laughed and pulled out the sticks. “Let’s get roasting, yeah?”

“Anything you wish Love.” The word pounded through my head, and stopped my heart. It was new, and made my cheeks go crimson. But I definitely didn’t hate it, in fact, it had completely the opposite effect, making my stomach flip and my core go molten. 

“And I-I wish for s’mores.” I said, and if he noticed the effect it had on me, he hadn’t said a thing, just lifted up the marshmallows for me to load our sticks. 

We caught up over marshmallows and chocolate, and I gave him a rundown of my day. He licked off every stray bit of chocolate that happened to escape my mouth, and the third time it happened, he’d sent me into a giggling fit so violent, we’d both ended up on our backs laughing. He wrapped an arm around me, and I rested my head on his shoulder, and we stared up at the light dancing across the icicles. 

He’d been oddly silent for a while. In fact, this entire night he’d been much quieter than normal, and it was starting to concern me a bit. 

“I need to tell you something Y/N.” He whispered finally, and I turned to look at him but he tightened his hold on me. “Don’t. Keep looking at the lights while I muster up the courage here.”

He sounded nervous, which…honestly I’d never actually heard him nervous before. Even when Violet proposes some absurd plan. Even when he asked me to be his. He’d never sounded nervous. 

“Okay…can’t say you’re not putting me on edge here.” I whispered back but did what he asked, finding his hand and squeezing it for support. 

“I-I…it’s just…I’ve tried writing it out…practicing with Sawyer…and I lost myself in the details of all this because I didn’t…don’t know how to say it.” He whispered, emotion catching in his throat as realization hit me. I knew what he was about to say. Knew, only because I could suddenly feel it in every single chunk of ice around me. 

“I just wanna say-“ I cut him off. 

“I love you Ridoc.” I whispered. He froze. And then suddenly he was on top of me, laughing and looking so bewildered. 

“There is no WAY you just stole my thunder!!” He said, tickling me and making me squirm. “I fucking love you brat!”

“Well you were taking to long-“

“I’m sorry my confessions of love take too long for you!” He teased, tickling me until I could barely breath, only then did he stop. His mouth hovering above my own and eyes dancing with delight. “You really love me though?”

“Of course Ridoc,” I muttered, his mouth looking even more inviting as the words really sank in. He loves me too. “Even without all this, I already love you. Now…I still have my gift to give to you.” I whispered, brushing my lips across his, but pulling out of his reach when he tried to kiss me properly. “But, it’s back in my room.”

His eyes darkened. He smirked. Then he hummed, like he was thinking it over before speaking. “Okay love, let’s go see what you have cooked up then.”

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[spiritofdragonfire]

Gotta love this hilarious, ice-wielding dragon rider! 😂❄️🤎🔥🐲🏰

This is certainly the kind of stunt I could easily see Ridoc and his Brown Swordtail pulling if modern day technology existed in this fantasy world. I quite enjoyed seeing more of their unique and quirky bond in Onyx Storm~

•Onyx Storm is the 3rd book in The Empyrean Series written by author Rebecca Yarros

•Fanart of Ridoc Gamlyn was made by @booknuts_ on Instagram