#let me hug cayde 6 please !

[astral-veil]

she been at it for a good hour

[the11tailedwrites]

Day 9: Polaroid

Character(s): Shiro-4, Cayde-6 (mentioned), Andal Brask (mentioned), Lord Saladin

Shiro-4 discovers an old picture he, Andal and Cayde took with a pre-golden age camera they had found, Saladin is there to pick up the pieces when Shiro breaks.

It had been months. Months since The Guardian returned to the Vanguard with Cayde-6’s corpse. Shiro-4 had been trying to pretend that it didn’t hurt. It seemed…easier somehow. He was good, he was fine. Everything was fine.

Until he found the picture.

The pre-golden age camera they had found on a mission still worked. Cayde had laughed about how its durability was a perfect symbol for humanity. It was his idea to take a picture of all three of them with it. The film had poor quality at first and they had all been disappointed. Then their faces began to appear, slow at first, but it was there. Cayde had laughed once the film fully developed. All three of them, grinning, no care in the world and their ghosts hovering at their shoulder, posing for the camera with their guardians.

Shiro gripped the picture tight. This wasn’t the real original one, only a copy. Cayde had the real one. He had had it with him when he died. He always carried it around with him.

Shiro sobbed and fell to his knees, clutching the picture tight against his chest. He sobbed and wailed as months long worth of tears and pain spilled out. He couldn’t breathe, his eyes were too blurry with tears and he swore his wails were so loud they would alert anyone nearby that something was wrong. He couldn’t stop. He wanted to stop. Somebody please, help. He wanted to stop.

“Shiro?! Shiro are you alright?” cried a familiar voice.

Shiro blinked fiercely until his tear filled eyes were clear enough to see Lord Saladin, on his knees, face knitted in concern. The wolves, ever at his side, cocked their heads at him, letting out soft worried whines.

“I-I’m so-sorry,” sobbed Shiro, “Ma-make it it st-stop!”

Saladin gently lifted up Shiro’s face as the wolves trotted over and plopped down beside Shiro, laying their heads on his lap. Saladin pulled Shiro into a fierce hug.

“Just cry, Shiro,” mumbled Saladin, right by his ear, “You have ignored how you felt about Cayde’s death for too long. Just let it out,”

And Shiro did. He sobbed and wailed in Saladin’s arms, comforted by the Iron Lord and by the wolves always at his side. Eventually, he wore himself out and fell asleep and so Saladin picked him up and carried him into the temple, his wolves trotting at his heels. Suzume floated out from where she had been hiding.

“Thank you for alerting me,” said Saladin

“I’ve never seen him like that before,” whispered Suzume, hovering over her guardian, “I’ll admit, it scared me at first,”

“He likes to keep things bundled up, huh?” said Saladin

“You have no idea,” muttered Suzume

Saladin placed Shiro on his bed and the wolves wasted no time hoping up and laying down on top of him. Saladin smiled softly. It seemed the wolves were very worried for one of their pack mates.

“Keep an eye on him, yeah?” he said to one of the wolves

He lifted his head and barked in understanding before laying his head back down on Shiro’s chest. Suzume flew back into her guardian’s light as Saladin left the room.

[thefangirlthatwaited]

New Light (Chapter 21) A Destiny Origin Story

Cayde-6 x Guardian

“Ruby? Ruby, please, can you hear me?” This time, it was Cayde, I heard, but neither Sky nor Phoenix reacted. He was using a private channel for me. Before I could reply, the comms cut again. Dammit. Cayde sounded distraught—more than he did with Tevis.  I needed to get back to the Tower, more now than ever, to show Cayde I was alright.

After what felt like forever, we emerged from Crota’s temple and were back at the Hellmouth. 

“Ruby? Ruby? Can you hear me?” I sighed in relief when I heard Cayde coming through the comm-link loud and clear. 

“I’m here, Cayde. We’re out of the Temple.” Phoenix and Sky look at me confused. Crap, they didn’t know I had a private channel with Cayde open. 

“Good, let me connect with the rest of your team.” There was a pause as I heard buttons in the background. “Phoenix, Sky, you there?” 

“We’re here,” Sky replied. 

“Good. Get yourselves back to the Tower.” 

“On our way,” I assured him, then we called our ships over and headed home. 

When we reached the Tower, I saw Iroh, Finely, and Scarlet waiting along with Cayde and Eris. The moment we stepped onto the Hangar, we were pulled into hugs. Scarlet hugged Phoenix, Finely hugged his sister, and Iroh hugged me. In the hug with Iroh, I noticed Cayde’s faceplate furrow, clearly upset about something. 

“You guys had us worried. When we came to talk to Cayde about the next mission, we heard him and Eris panicking about you. You said it would be a simple mission.” Iroh said, and I pulled out of the hug, laughing nervously. 

“Yeah. Turns out it wasn’t,” 

Iroh sighed but smiled. “I’m glad you’re okay.” 

“Are you three off on your mission?” I asked, looking around and seeing that Cayde disappeared. 

“Yea. Just wanted to make sure you three were alright.” 

“Thanks, Iroh. Good luck on your mission.” He nodded, then followed Finely and Scarlet.

“Guardians. I’m glad you’re alright. I’ve given the crystals you’ve collected to your team. They will get essences of Crota’s soul to infuse into them. For now, you three need to rest. I’ll call upon you when it’s time.” I nodded to Eris, wanting to find Cayde.

“Ruby, where are you going?” Phoenix asked as I made my way out of the Hangar in the opposite direction of them. 

“I need to talk to Cayde, and he took off. I’ll talk to you guys later.” I waved them off before anything more could be said. I spent most of my time looking for Cayde with no luck. I checked the Vanguard hall, his office, and even his apartment. Each was void of his presence.

Frustrated, I head to the crucible to cool down. I didn’t know why Cayde acted like that and then took off. We weren’t together. He made it clear we never can be. Shaxx put me with a team for a match of control, and I began to work out my frustrations. I felt guilty for the Guardians on the other team. They didn’t do anything to me, but I shot them down one by one as they came after me. After two matches, in which my team won, I left. 

It was time to finish off Oryx. I join the rest of my time back in the command centre as we await our next step. “Good job, all of you. We have three crystals with Crota’s essence; with that, we can get three of you into the rupture,” Eris explained. My team looked at each other, surprised that only three of us could go in. I expected this. I also expected the fight that occurred next. I shouldn’t say fight. It was more of an argument. I sat back and stayed quiet as I watched the rest of the team argue about who would be better off going in. 

“This is the great fireteam?” Cayde whispered to me. I rolled my eyes, not turning to face him. 

“We have our days.” I retorted. 

“Ruby-” he continued, but I walked back towards my team. 

“Enough!” I yelled, and they all stopped and turned toward me. “I know we all want to go, but this time, we can’t. And since we can’t decide for ourselves, we should let Zavala, Cayde, and Ikora pick. One from each class should go.” My team stared at me but nodded in agreement.

Full Chapter on Ao3

[the-artistic-bee]

whoops forgot to put tags 🧍

uh yeah

cayde-6 ❤️💕💖✨💖💫💘💞💖💗🌸✨💖💫💘💞💖💞💖🌸💕💞💖💘💫🌸✨✨💕💫💖💘💞💗💫🌸✨💕✨💖

[stinkygremlinwarlock]

How about a head canon of Cayde-6 with an affectionate fem s/o? ~🐱

Cayde-6 With Affectionate S/O, coming right up!

Cayde-6:

- Honestly, he is so happy. He’s lost quite a bit in life and he always ends up being the one to cheer everyone up, so you are his safe space.

- You’re just always so sweet and kind, and your smile... He’d die for your smile. Again that is.

- Will always try and treat you to something you like but if you are down for it he’d love to cook something with you. Even if you are bad at cooking, he is worse, but he just would love to spend that time with you.

- It’s a battle of the cuddles. He’s affectionate. You’re affectionate. People place bets to see who can surprise cuddle who more often. It’s a messy ordeal. You end up knocking eachother down sometimes in a tackle hug.

- If you two are lying in bed, and he gets up to go do work, and you just gently mumble his name through a sleepy grogginess or gently hug on his hand, he will instantly drop next to you and say something like “Well since you forced me to and absolutely won’t let me leave.” as an excuse to stay with you.

- You wrap your arms and legs around him at that point and kiss his face all over.

- Please leave lipstick stains on his face. Even if you normally don’t wear it it’s just a delight for him. He loves showing you off to fellow guardians.

- You officially become the other parental unit of his thousands of hunter children. They will visit you and call you mother/father/preferred term. They would all die for you cause your just so nice!!!

- You two have a very healthy relationship and are very wholesome together.

[phantomwarrior12]

Bedtime

This bed is far too large and far too cold to sleep in alone.

The Young Wolf rolls onto her back with a soft huff. Tonight is the first time she's been home in weeks and she's trying - more so failing - to sleep without him there beside her.

It's his bed, after all. The most comfortable thing she usually gets to sleep on - but the mattress isn't what makes it comfortable. No, it's only warm and soft when he's in it. Without him, she tosses and turns and can't get warm. Granted, she spends most nights sleeping in the cockpit of her ship, or on the cold, damp ground, but when she's home, she needs him.

And where is he?

Going over Crucible matches at nearly three a.m. in the morning. She'll never get any sleep at this rate and by the Traveler, she needs it. So, she resigns herself. She heaves a deep sigh, throwing the blankets off and swings her feet onto the floor. She's so tired. She doesn't want to get up, but Lord Shaxx does not answer his commlink this late.

She tugs on her boots, halfheartedly tying them before trudging toward the door. The journey to the courtyard is long and she dreads every flight of stairs. Realistically, she could have her Ghost just transmat her there, but - perhaps using this trek through the Tower will be enough to persuade him to abandon the matches and standings and just come to bed.

His head doesn't even lift as she approaches. She's certain he hears her, for he knows her stride well enough to identify her in a moment's notice. And, of course, Arcite remains the ever vigilant sentinel when the Titan gets enthralled with replays. He does sit up a little straighter when her hands trail down along the fur around his neck, locking together over his chest as she leans her head against his, closing her eyes.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping, my little Hunter?" He asks softly. Surely he's aware of the hour given how quietly he's speaking - so why is he here and not in bed?

"Can't." She mumbles out as one of his massive hands gently covers both of hers easily over his chest.

"Why not?"

She grumbles under her breath as she straightens and moves around to his side, drawing his gaze upward just before she slings a leg over his thighs and slides onto his lap. His arms find their way around her frame, hugging her tightly as her head lays against his chest.

"You need me there, don't you?" He chuckles softly, rubbing soothing circles along her spine.

She can only nod as she fixates on every little detail. The way he's holding her. The tenderness of his touch. The distinct Shaxx warmth that chases away the chill in her bones.

To hell with the bed, she could fall asleep right here.

"I'll be along soon, I promise--"

She shakes her head, burying her face in his neck, "Now." It's muffled but she knows he heard her.

"Guardian--" he tries to protest but she pulls back, gazing up at him with the most pathetic look she can muster.

"Please?"

She can see the war within him. The reluctance to abandon his work,  but her before him? It's an impossible decision, and yet, she knows what he'll pick every time - if for no other reason than to spend one of the fleeting evenings she's actually in the Tower at her side.

At last, he heaves a sigh. "Alright. You win."

She grins, lurching forward to throw her arms around his neck and hug him but he catches her with two hands planted firmly on her waist.

"Let me finish this one thing and then we'll go to bed. Alright?"

She nods and he relents, allowing her to wrap her arms around his neck. One of his hands shifts to her lower back to hug her back as the other occupies itself with the console before him. She wants his full attention, but something tells her she won't be able to press her luck any further tonight - unless...

She shifts her head slightly, gingerly undoing the clasp that secures the wrap around his neck. If he notices, he doesn't react, just continues to skim the screen as fingers deftly work the material away from his throat.

That he does notice.

"Behave." He chides and it strikes a nerve.

She narrows her eyes at him, slouching against his chest with a soft huff. She trails a finger along a deep ridged slash along the right side of his chest plate, her head propped against the fur scarf - if she could call it that. He finds it amusing, she has no idea what to actually call the damned thing. It attaches to a necklace, so by all rights, it's a necklace and yet? It keeps his neck warm, so more so a scarf? A scarf necklace? Neck-scarf-lace?

Traveler, she needs to go to sleep.

How much longer is this going to take? Her hip is starting to ache from sitting like this - sometimes wide Titan hips aren't all they're cracked up to be. But when she shifts, when she tries to climb off his lap, he tugs her back and her brows draw together in confusion as she looks up at him.

His gaze never leaves the screen and that annoys her more than anything else.

"I thought you were going to wait for me." There's a teasing lilt in his voice, rubbing her back gently.

"Cockpit is starting to sound like a better option," she retorts and that captures his attention.

She doesn't often get snarky, least of all with him. But she is tired and desperately wants to sleep. So, beneath the Titan's gaze, she tilts her head, summoning as much defiance and indignance as she can muster at this hour before she answers with a curt, "What?"

He stares at her for a long, weighted moment and she shifts again, the dull ache becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

And then he laughs. A deep, truly entertained laugh that chips away at her cranky resolve. It's her favorite sound and the ache in her hip ebbs from her mind as she stares up at him with a sort of adoring, dazed smile.

"Time for bed, my little Hunter. Seems you've reached you're breaking point for tonight." He chuckles, carefully sliding his chair back, setting her on the ground for the briefest of moments before scooping her back up in his arms once he's upright.

She wants to make some snide remark about it being about time, but she is where she wants to be - in his arms, headed to bed.

She doesn't quite remember the walk back, her eyes already closed and her head resting on his chest. At some point, he lays her on the bed, gently disentangling her fingers from around his necklace before moving off to presumably change for bed. Just before she opens her eyes to see where he is in the darkened room, he slides in beside her, tugging her into his arms and a small smile plays at the corner of her mouth.

"Goodnight, my little Hunter," he murmurs, the words rumbling through his chest and she can finally drift off.

Goodnight, my Titan.

----------------------

 Taglists are open! Send an ask/leave a comment to be added!

Forevers: @halo-2 @reaped-winnower @genken64 @sugarcoated44 @cayde-6 Shaxx's Guardians: @ataraxia101 @squirrel-stars @rain-wolf

[kyloxmoegi1993]

Back at my shit again with a thirst trap conversation me and @aislinavalbane had earlier this afternoon. She actually inspired me to write this little short. Please enjoy.

*Start*

It had been almost 9 months since Lacie had a very deep conversation with not only Cayde but the other Vanguard members as well. The conversation had entailed of her having a child with Cayde. Since Guardians were infertile and Cayde was an EXO naturally conceiving a child was nearly impossible but they came up with a solution after clearing several tests, and clearing not only Lacie's schedule but lightening Cayde's as well. Now here she sat in their apartment rubbing her very swollen belly after being artificially inseminated and very close monitoring to ensure the fetus would stay attached to her uterine wall. She was the first guardian to ever have a successful pregnancy even though it was through AI.

Looking at the clock she pouted and kept rubbing her belly feeling the baby kick.

"Daddy is running late with our ramen again little one."

As if on cue, Cayde came stumbling in and kicked the door shut with his foot holding two bags and his hood slid off his head as he panted.

"I am so sorry princess. There was a wait at the ramen shop and then I wanted to get you some of your favorite pastries and I needed more oils to give you a leg and foot rub later on."

Lacie looked at him and felt tears sting her eyes at how thoughtful he was and couldn't even be mad at him for being late anymore which freaked him out even more. Unfortunately, her pregnancy hadn't been an easy one and she had been very emotional and Cayde took it like a champ but she still felt awful about it which made her cry harder.

"Fuck baby don't cry. I don't know what I did but I can fix it. Come on. Shit. Sundance help me out here...."

Sundance and Lacie's ghost Moondancer came out and looked at him with their own looks of sympathy since they had no face. Lacie sniffled and blew her nose with the tissue Cayde offered her and clung to him nuzzling his chest.

"You're just so thoughtful..."

Cayde let a smirk slip and held his wife gently and kissed her forehead.

"And here I thought you married me for my devilish good looks and charming personality."

He felt her shoulders move and knew she was quietly laughing.

"There's my girl. Shhhh. How about we eat this delicious food I brought home and afterwards I'll run you a nice hot lavender scented bath and then give you a foot massage. Sound good?"

Lacie nodded and sniffled again gripping the leather strap going across his chest and pulled him down for a kiss moaning quietly when his cool metal lips pressed against her warm plush lips.

Making a low growling sound Cayde pinned her to the wall and she pulled back panting and he hooked his finger under her chin making her look at him.

"Keep that up kitten and food and the bath will be forgoed until further notice."

Giggling, Lacie hugged him and helped him unbox the ramen and they sat down on their couch and she snuggled up to him as he put on an old western tv show.

"This good babe?"

"Mmmm whatever you want is good with me. I've got the man I love and my favorite food. I'm happy."

Breaking apart his chopsticks he dug into his ramen with her and actually saw the baby move and laid his hand on the spot where it moved.

"Does someone like spicy ramen? Still have to be gentle with mommy kiddo."

Rubbing her belly he smiled when the baby kicked again and he gently kissed the side of Lacie's forehead.

"You know....I found out the gender today...if you wanna know."

He looked down at her as she absentmindedly rubbed his bare chest.

"Is it a girl?"

Lacie's eyes shot up to him surprise and shock flickering through her light blue orbs.

"How did you know?"

Shrugging Cayde pushed some of her hair behind her ear gently.

"I just guessed. So I'm going to have two girls to look after now huh? This should be... interesting."

Lacie stared at him for a minute and grabbed his horn and shook his head.

"Liar. You looked in my file before you came home. You're not that good at guessing."

"Ow. Ow. Ow. Baby watch the horn. My beautiful beautiful horn."

Placing her ramen on the table she then moved and straddled him cupping his cheeks.

"If you'd like...I can take care of that beautiful horn of yours in our bedroom...and we can forgo the bath for awhile."

Bringing his hands onto her hips he leaned up.

"Lead the way my queen."

Making their way to the bedroom, giggling like lovesick teenagers they gently jumped on the bed and entered a heavy make out session that ended in passionate lovemaking.

*3 years later*

"Alright sweetheart, so put this here and cover it up and now we wait for uncle zavala to come in and let the magic happen."

Hoisting his dark haired little princess on his waist he watched her blue eyes look around in wonder and curiosity.

"Hey hey Avalyn sweetheart. You're killing daddy's arm kid. Lean back. Oh! Here comes uncle zavala remember play it cool."

"Unca Zava!"

On cue the blue titan vanguard walked in with Lacie trailing not too far behind him seeming to be speaking with another guardian. Zavala smiled softly looking at Avalyn and how much of a father figure cayde had grown into since her birth. Not thinking about checking for any pranks he loved some papers just to have a cream filled pie smash into his face.

Cayde and Avalyn busted out laughing and Lacie stood in horror beside zavala and shit daggers at her husband.

Zavala wiped his face off and looked at Cayde.

"And here I was thinking about how parenthood had changed you for the better."

Cayde took deep breaths and kept laughing being careful of where Avalyn was and adjusted how he was holding her.

"Sorry zavala that was just too perfect. You should know better."

"And Cayde-6 you should know better than to be teaching our daughter things like this." Lacie piped in still shooting daggers at him.

Avalyn moved and hugged Cayde's neck making no eye contact with Lacie knowing her and her daddy were in trouble.

"Aw come on babe we were just- yup alright. Taking Avalyn and myself home. Say bye to everyone princess."

Lacie tucked her gun away which she had just threatened him with and watched her little girl kiss zavala and ikora's cheeks as cayde walked out of the meeting room.

"I'm so sorry Zavala. I'll speak with him when I get home."

"it's alright. I should have known that it isn't Cayde if he's not pulling some kind of prank on me."

Sighing he looked at Lacie and offered her a small smile, "Finish whatever you're doing and go on home. Spend the rest of the day with them. She'll only be that small for a short time longer."

Looking at him she fought back tears and nodded.

"Thank you..."

With that Lacie went to work and finished all her reports from the last few missions she had done and she saw it was well after dinnertime and she walked into the home her and cayde shared and she smelled tomato soup and saw a mess in Avalyn's high chair but did not see them. Getting a bit worried she called out quietly for them and then heard cayde's voice and she peeked into Avalyn's room and saw cayde reading her a story and Avalyn fast asleep in his arms. Crossing her arms and leaning against the doorway she watched until he knew for sure Avalyn was asleep and then gently picked her up and laid her down in her crib and met Lacie in the doorway and gently closed the door stepping into the hallway.

"Welcome back...I know I'm still in trouble so I'm gonna go clean up..."

Starting to walk away Cayde grunted in surprise when Lacie grabbed his hand and stopped him. She then proceeded to press herself against him and leaned up kissing him passionately. Pulling back for air she looked at him with bedroom eyes and headed down the hall to their bedroom and beckoned him with her finger. Confused but very much aroused he followed her into the bedroom and shut the door.

"I'm not mad anymore....seeing you be such an amazing father just now though....that was very very hot...."

Cayde watched her slowly undo her armor and raised an eyebrow at her.

"So lemme get this straight...my reading a story to our daughter....has gotten you all hot and bothered?"

Nodding she laid back in bed in her bra and underwear and held her arms out for him.

"What if I also said....I'm going to clean the kitchen and take the trash out too?"

Crawling over her he watched for her reaction and she proceeded to wrap her legs around his waist.

"Keep talking like that and you will be one happy EXO."

Leaning down and nuzzling her he chuckled.

"Fuck I love you baby."

"I love you too....daddy six."

His eyes widened and he growled taking her undergarments off and for the next several hours ravished her senseless until she couldn't handle anymore.

[caydesgirl-uldrensprincess]

Forbidden || Chapter Four: The Ball

(FINALLY!! I have it out!)

--------

A/N: Cinderella warning???

"So, your date is an Awoken Warlock, a light-bearer?" Jolyon asked, surprised by the fact that the Prince even did such a thing.

"I did it so Mara would get off my back," Uldren stated, adjusting the formal suit jacket he was wearing.

It was a half-truth. Yes, he did it to get Mara off his back, but he also wanted to get to know Isabelle more. He wasn't going to tell Jolyon or his sister that. The Prince put on his cufflinks and nodded to the Crow. Both men left Uldren's quarters and went to the ballroom of the Palace. They met Mara just outside the doors. She wore a beautiful purple gown that flowed gracefully down her figure.

"You look dashing, brother," Mara said, as she linked arms with Uldren.

They entered the ballroom, which was crowded with Reef-Born and Guardians on either side.



"Her Majesty, Queen Mara Sov," The Guard announced, causing the crowd to quiet down, "and her twin brother, Prince Uldren!"

The Prince scanned the crowd to see if he could spot Isabelle. But the crowd itself was to thick to see anyone properly. As he and Mara descend the stairs and arrived at the bottom, Uldren bowed to his sister and parted ways with her. He entered the crowd of guests. He found the Vanguard, maybe Ikora Rey would have an idea of where her most trusted Warlock could be.

Uldren cleared his throat, grabbing their attention, "I was wondering where I could find my date, Isabelle Brigham?"

"She's out on the balcony, she wanted fresh air and somewhere not too crowded," Answered a Huntress with curled blue hair and icy blue eyes, clinging to the arm of Hunter Vanguard Cayde-6. She was probably the famous Chloe Brask, daughter to the late Hunter Vanguard Andal Brask.

He nodded, bowed, and went to the balcony on the other side of the ballroom. Uldren saw Isabelle gazing up at the night sky, her hands resting lightly on the railing. She was breathtaking. Her normally loose, half-shaved, bubble gum pink hair was in a beautiful pleated braid over her right shoulder. The moonlight made her pale blue skin glow, making her sapphire eyes pop. The dress she wore was stunning, the bodice hugging her sides in all the right places. The dress itself was pink with a beautiful white lace design. The thin straps stopped before they even reach her shoulders. The neckline dipped down into a V just under her sternum, letting the swell of her breasts show just a tad bit. The skirt was long and flowed out, flowers decorating the bottom of it.

"You look beautiful, Isabelle," The Prince complimented, causing the Warlock to snap her attention from the stars to him.

She blushed a light purple, "You look equally handsome, your Grace."

Isabelle curtsied. Uldren bowed and took her hand, placing a light kiss on it. He felt her tense for a second then relax. "Care to join me inside and get a refreshment?" Uldren asked, offering his arm to the Awoken woman.

"I'd love too," Isabelle answered, linking her arm with his.

Uldren guided her inside the ballroom. A waiter came by and The Prince picked up two champagne glasses, handing one to Isabelle. She took it and thanked him quietly.

"Can I have your attention?" Came Mara's voice from the front of the ballroom.

Conversations ceased and everything became quiet.

"Thank you, as you know I invited you for a splendid evening and a chance to make new allies with the Traveler's Chosen," The Queen stated, "I hope this alliance will bring peace and prosperity to our people!"

The crowd clapped and conversation resumed. A chorus of string instruments started to play, Reef-Born and Guardians who knew how to waltz joined in.

"Care to dance?" Uldren asked, setting the now two empty champagne glasses on a waiters tray as he passed by them.

Isabelle nodded, shyly looking down at her feet, "I'd love too, Uldren, but I'm not a graceful dancer."

"Then just follow my lead," The Prince said, walking into the middle of the dance floor.

He placed one hand on Isabelle's waist and the other held her hand. Uldren stepped back, prompting the Awoken woman to step forward. Slowly, surely, The Prince had taught Isabelle how to waltz. Halfway through the instrumental 'La Valse de L'Amour', Uldren twirled his date around, then held her by the waist again.

"They're all looking at you," The Warlock said, noticing that everyone stopped dancing to the music, creating a space for her and Uldren to dance.

"Believe me, they're all looking at you," Uldren, a smile gracing his lips. 

They continued to dance, gliding around the room. Uldren realized he liked the smile that adorned Isabelle's face. The crowd awed as The Prince lift Isabelle up and spun her around, before setting her down gently. Gracefully, Uldren dipped his date and pulled her up again, spinning her around yet again, the layers of her dresses skirt swirled and frilled about.

People started to dance again as the music continued. As the music drew to a close, Uldren bowed to Isabelle as she curtsied. He then offered his arm again. "Would you like me to take you somewhere more, er, private?" He asked.

"Yes, that sounds wonderful," Isabelle smiled.

Uldren returned the smile and took Isabelle out of the crowded ballroom and down several corridors and stairwells. He led her out of the palace and onto the grounds, taking a left away from the ball.

"Isn't Mara going to notice your absence?" Isabelle asked as they walked down a cemented path.

"No, I doubt she would even know I'm gone," Uldren muttered, "Besides I wanted to bring you somewhere I never took anyone else, not even Mara."

"Okay."

The Prince stopped in front of a white gate. He opened it and stepped aside, "Ladies first." The warlock chuckled, smiling as she stepped through the gate. He heard her gasp and she turned to him.

"It's beautiful!"

Uldren had taken Isabelle to a private section of the palace's garden. The flowers all around were exotic and had a bioluminescence glow to them. In the middle of the garden was a beautiful white swing that hung from a tree with bioluminescence leaves. The Prince took Isabelle gently by the hand and led her over to the swing.

"Please," He said, offering the awoken woman a seat.

"I shouldn't," Isabelle replied shyly.

"You should."

"No, I shouldn't!"

"Should!"

"Shouldn't!"

"No, you should," Uldren chuckled

"I will," Isabelle smiled and sat down, as the Prince stood behind her grabbing hold of the white ropes on either side of the swing.

"May I?" He offered.

"Please," Isabelle replied, looking up at the Prince.

��He gently pushed her and the swing, letting it glide out and come back to him. He repeated this process a few more times as the Warlock let out a small giggle, making Uldren's heart flutter at the sight. Suddenly, Isabelle's shoe fell off and landed a few inches away. Uldren moved in front of her and picking up the rose gold heel.

"It's made of gold?" He stated, examining the shoe

"And why not?" Isabelle shot back.

"Allow me," Uldren moved to place the shoe on Isabelle's foot.

"Thank you," The Warlock offered him her foot and he gently slid it on.

"So, tell me who you are," The Prince said.

"Well, for starters, I like books," Isabelle answered, a purplish blush dusting her cheeks.

"What kind of books are you into?"

"It varies from moment to moment, I read dystopia, other times I read literature or romance, sometimes the occasional historical fiction," She stated, "I know, it sounds boring."

"No, it's intriguing, any other things that interest you?" He continued.

The Warlock thought for a moment. "I also enjoy theatre, artwork, the outdoors, the weather in autumn, and sweets," She replied, "what about you?"

"Thrill and adventure," Uldren answered.

"Why that in particular?"

"Because I want to be a hero my people can look to."

"Is that all? Interests, I mean?" Isabelle asked.

"Please my sister, I guess, though she always seems to be disappointed by everything I do," The Prince replied, casting his gaze from Isabelle to the side.

"I'm sorry to hear that, that's bloody awful."

"Don't be, I'm used to it by now," Uldren stated.

"Besides trying to please your sister and being a hero, who are you really, Prince Uldren?"

"If I told you, would you still want to know me?"

"Yes," Isabelle replied.

The Prince gazed into her sapphire eyes, they were so close. He didn't realize how close they were until they were inchesapart. His eyes darted down to Isabelle's full lips. They looked so plump and soft. He wondered what they would feel like on his own. Isabelle apparently had the same idea as she also lean closer. Their lips were only centimeters away.. Uldren closed his eyes awaiting her kiss when something interrupted them.

"Isabelle, the Vanguard is leaving." Came a voice.

Uldren jumped back, spotting Isabelle's ghost. The moment was ruined. 

"Oh, I'll be there momentarily," The Warlock replied, standing up from the swing.

The ghost bobbed once before disappearing. Uldren stood up and straightened his formal attire. He took Isabelle's hand and kissed the back of it.

"Until next time," He said.

"Next time?"

"Yes, I would very much like to get to know you better,"

"You have a mobile?" Isabelle asked.

"Yes," The Prince answered.

"Then send me a text,  if you want to talk."

After exstanging numbers. Uldren bid goodbye to the guardian. He went back to his quarters, where he found Jolyon waiting for him.

"You were no where to be seen after the first waltz," The crow said.

"That's because I spent the night wondering the place grounds having a pleasant conversation with my date," Uldren replied, entering his bedroom.

"That is surprising coming from your mouth."

"Really, how so?" The Prince started to take his blazer off.

"Well, for starters, you had a date this time," Jolyon stated.

"People change," Uldren replied, dressed in only his slacks.

"Is this change good or bad? Because if you fall for her, you know its not..."

"Not what, Jol?"

"Permitted."

The Prince rolled his eyes, "I'm going to bed. Meet me in the courtyard tomorrow morning and I'll explain what the plan is then,"

Jolyon nodded and left. Uldren sighed. He knew it wasn't permitted. Isabelle wasn't a royal, she was a guardian and that made the things even more complicated. With another sigh, The Price laid on his bed, hands behind his head, thinking about what lies in store for him

[testingcheatsenabletrue]

My One, My Only, My Guardian... [pt.1]

[pt.2]

------------------

The wind whistled as it blew through the crumbling remains of the abandoned Golden Age town. Debris drifted across the ground, rattling faintly until it tumbled into a piece of rubble and stopped. What a sorry place to return to. I’ve been searching across the solar system for my Risen, I’ve checked every place I could and then checked again, again, and again, but I haven’t found them anywhere. This place? I’d been here so many times. Hundreds, thousands of times.

My first instinct is to say this is perhaps the 8th time I’ve been here, but in reality, it’s been so much more than that. Like. So much more. One thing was for certain, though: this time was probably the last, if the distant rumbles of Fallen salvage ships were anything to go by. Traveling alone and defenseless was never the safest bet, but it’s the only one I’ve been able to make for a while now.

I used to be in a little group of Ghosts, a pack if you will. Right off the bat, the lot of us decided safety in numbers was just about the only safety we’d get in our quest for our Risen. The first five of us to leave our pack found their Risen shortly after we started. Since then, we’ve gradually shed members while traveling. Out of the original twenty or so, eight had found their Risen, three were killed, and all the rest have given up.

All the rest, except for me. And I’ll be honest: if I don’t find my Risen here and now... I’m probably going to join them, one way or another.

Speaking of this place… I don’t know why I keep coming back here. It was the first place I tried looking. It has some sort of… feeling, within the earth itself, that I can’t describe. I can’t shake the sense that my other half is here, somewhere in the city.

I’ve often wondered what they would be like. I hoped that they’d be like Saint-14, or Cayde-6. Strong, funny, good-hearted. I sure hope they’re an exo. Then we’d have something in common, and I wouldn’t have to worry about healing them from environmental damage. I hear that’s really hard to deal with.

I always imagined them being a protector, a Titan, someone who put themselves before others. A gentle titan.. who gives really warm hugs. Or a cool hunter, with really warm coats! Just. Warm. And kind, soft. Someone who’d be nice to be held by.

I pass by a scraggly old tree that seemed to wave to me on my way to the abandoned construction site, giving me pause. I liked that tree. I named it something funny a couple hundred years ago. Like… Paul, or something. Paul sounds about right. Oh, I remember when Paul was just a little sapling – I thought it was a flower, at first. So small.

“Hi Paul.”

I continued on, unsteady from the wind, scanning rubble as I went. I circled the construction site. Once. Twice. Three times. Four.

I was forced to stop and hide as a Fallen ship roared overhead. I hid under a clump of weeds, close to the ground in hopes I wouldn’t be detected. I’ll admit… I panicked a bit and dug myself a ways into the finer bits of rubble. It was habit! Usually I’m not lucky enough to be stuck in a place with weeds. And I watched this crab.. thing… hide by burying itself in sand, so of course I do that now.

Wouldn’t have to if I had a Risen…

Oh, I really hope I can find mine. We’ll be two peas in a pod, my Risen and I, and I’ll never have to be scared and alone ever again…

I’ll be scared and with a friend, instead.

Or… different than a friend. I wouldn’t say more, but something other than a friend. Nothing more, nothing less, just… different.

We can travel the world together. Heck, the solar system. We’ll see beautiful things together… sunsets, oceans, ancient forests, glaciers. On this planet, or others. I always wanted to show my Risen all the pretty places I’ve been. I’ll pick my Risen flowers! Don’t know how, what with… not having hands… but I’ll find a way. For my Risen! And they’ll keep me safe and warm and hold me close…

I snuck a peak outside my hiding spot, shimmying across the ground slightly to get a better view of the sky. I sure didn’t hear any Fallen ships anymore, but you can never be too sure. Something felt funny. Like the ‘its-just-around-the-corner’ kind of funny. Except that corner was… the… the pile of gravel I’m currently hiding on. What? Another peak around and I was up in the air, squinting at the pile of rubble. I have it a closer look.

What I assumed was just another hill of rubble seemed to closer resemble a remarkably large pile of gravel that, over the years, was compacted into more solidified chunks. Grass was trying to grow over it, but it seemed like it was too dense for anything other than the roughest of weeds to deal with. It also seemed to have a lot of erosion going on… I could have sworn this pile was taller last time I was here. But I also thought it was rubble for… my whole life, really, so I could be wrong.

I gave the pile a quick scan.

Yep. Signs of erosion, rainfall. And…

I’m sorry, is that a body? Under this pile of gravel? But it’s huge! Like a small hill. How could a body be-

You know what, I’ve seen weirder places for a body to be.

I gave the spot another scan, this time trying to isolate the body. I could barely keep still. I always get like this during a candidate scan, but this time, in the place I always had a hunch about? This was beyond exciting.

Female. Exo… exo! Oh, please let this be my risen, please let this be my risen…

Frantically, I looked around. There has to be some way I can recover the body, get a better scan result. Wait, I was in a construction yard! I could use one of those, uhm, big dig machines. I’m not sure what they called them in the Golden Age. I dubbed them scoopers. ‘Cause.. they can scoop… things, I guess? That seems like it was their intended purpose, with the big bucket ends. The air buzzed as I zipped over to the nearest scooper. I could get one of these running. Easy peasy, even if they were old, rusted, hadn’t been used since the collapse…

If I could keep myself steady.

Just… flip a switch here, wrestle with some old engines there, give it a spiritual kick, and…

Well. Not this one.

I went over to another one, did the same. Not that one.

Third one, same attempt. It sputtered to life. It jittered and stopped, coughing at any chance it could, but it probably would do the trick.

I was so excited. This was it. This was my Risen. It had to be! I always knew she was here, I just knew it, I knew it! Screw you, that one really mean Ghost who said I would never find my Risen! Look who’s laughing now! Not you! What was your name? Barold? Bensen? Bob?

No, wait, it doesn’t matter. You gave up! I didn’t! And look who’s found their Risen. Me! Ghost!

I need to get a name sometime. My Risen can give it to me! Oh, I hope it’s really cute.. or cool. I can be cool. Yeah, I need a cool name. Like Jack. Or- or- Fin… bar.

I’m not good with names.

Oh, wait, my Risen, right!

I halted the scooper and peaked to the pile. It was very compact, but it wasn’t like it was cemented together. I just needed to be gentle, so I don’t hurt my Risen. Not that she can feel it, she’s kindof. Really dead. But still! First impressions. Not sure if she’ll remember this when I wake her up. I carefully started to nudge the gravel hill, testing the surface before I began digging into it. The old machinery struggled, but it was a good sport about it.

Digging took a lot longer than I expected, though mostly due to the scooper. Poor thing was old and tired. It’d been years since it last worked like this. Eventually, I uncovered my Risen. I used the machine to pick her up by the torso, move her out to the open where it would be easier to wake her up, and set her down. Carefully. Gently. Be nice! She’d do the same for me, if the situation were flipped.

Surely…

I rested the scooper’s arm down on the ground and turned it off.

“There you go, buddy. Sleep well. Thank you.”

I flew towards my Risen, my path more a wobbly spring than a straight line. I was so excited; I can’t contain it. This was it. I could feel it. She was the one! My one. My only. My Risen.

Another scan.

Female. Exo. Not sure what she used to be, her clothes didn’t match what I expected a Golden Age construction worker to have. It was a suit, of sorts, and thick jacket. Very official. Almost a military style.

But the Golden Age was a time of peace…

Whatever. They were remarkably well preserved, but even then, they were worn and dull. They were also not well situated, giving her an almost disheveled look despite the formality of the actual clothes themselves. I couldn’t tell if that was from the scooper or not.

She was a bit rusted, with excessive damage to her face. It was nearly completely caved in.

Is.. is she recoverable? Please…

My shell shuttered. She was. She just was. I could feel it. She was the one, my one, I could do this…

What would I say… what will I say? I’ve been searching so long, you’d think I’d have thought of this by now, but… all I’ve ever thought of is the life I would have with my Risen, not how it would start.

Vast oversight, Ghost.

Well. What was she like? What will she be like when I wake her?

Another scan!

Female. Exo. She’s very sound, cognitively. No corruption, mutation of any kind. Not like those on the moon. Certain. Convicted. Dedicated. Stubborn, maybe? Last few memories don’t sit well with me, though. The emotions… anger, fear, the kind of fear that makes you sick, sadness, loneliness, fear again… then cold. That’s the last thing. Fear and cold.

But she’s the one. She’s my Risen. 

She won’t be lonely with me around.

I shivered again. This was it. This was it.

It all happened in what felt like a single second. I saw the spark, burning bright as the sun. It had a grandness to it, like an explosion that you couldn’t tear your eyes away from, despite its danger. Its intrigue, its glory, the terrifying awe and dreadful, humbling drum of your core as the shockwave hit you head-on. The Light came pouring down like rainfall, coalescing into a beam that was as instant and deafening as a thunderclap on a sunny day.

In a moment, it was there, and in a moment, it had gone.

I did it. She was here.

My Risen laid on the ground in front of me, looking to the sky with tired eyes, blinking slowly. I hovered above her, placing myself front and center.

“Eyes up, Guardian,” I breathed.

The seconds crawled by like hours as she gazed up at me, her expression not giving a thing away. What would she say? How did she feel? I couldn’t wait to hear-

��Five more minutes.”

She rolled over and went to sleep.

…

Well, that was anticlimactic.

[fireteam-dauntless]

A Tale of Two Guardians XXV

Chapter 25 : Reevaluation  Part 1 of the Destined series  masterlist

word count : 2.0K tag list : @mail-me-a-snail @basically-nacl @shins-wife @speed-boop​

I woke in my apartment.  I felt better; more relaxed, more awake.  I was expected to appear before the Vanguard this morning at eight o’clock.  I glanced at my clock, it was right before 6.  Sunrise would be coming soon, so I rolled out of bed and got into the shower.  The hot water felt glorious on my skin and the tension in my body was slowly releasing.  I wasn’t looking forward to seeing the Vanguard today.  I’m sure Zavala was going to be furious, and he would probably be pushing for me to be suspended, or even put on lockdown, until I could correct my behavior.  Maybe even Ikora would agree with him, I’ve been way out of line.  I was so personally invested in this mission that my judgement was clouded.  The only one who might oppose would be Cayde, since I’ve been on the team with Skinner and Maverick.  The only reason Ikora might oppose is because I’m one of the few Stormcallers left.

I stepped out of the shower and dried off my body, then wrapped myself in a bathrobe.  I dried my hair with a towel as I walked downstairs.  I rounded the corner into the kitchen, and turned on a pot of coffee.

“Oh, you’re awake.”  I whipped around at the sound of the voice and thrust my hands forward, a Thunderstrike erupted out of my palms and flashed across the room.  A small yelp of pain followed, as well as a dense thud.  “Agh!  What was that for?!”

My eyes widened when I realized it was Maverick.  He was clutching onto his shoulder as his Ghost appeared.  I looked at Dawn as she appeared beside me.  “Why didn’t you tell me he was here!”  I hissed at her, then went over to Maverick and helped him stand up.  “Mav, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t know you were here.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,”  he said as his Ghost started healing him.  “I’m just glad you’re awake.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.  Did you stay here the whole time?  How long have I been out?”

“It’s been about two days since I brought you home.  I stayed in case Zavala tried to send any of his Bounty Hunters in here.  He did once, but they didn’t even get a foot in the door.  I didn’t let them.”

“I—thank you, mon cherie, for staying here.  Do you need anything?”  I asked as I stood and looked around the living room.  The files were piled neatly on the table, my mug that I shattered had been cleaned up and thrown away.  Anything that I had knocked over in my fit of rage was picked up or tossed if it was broken.  I walked over to the burned painting and gently ran my fingers over the scorched edges.  I couldn’t believe I had destroyed it, and I felt tears burning in my eyes.  “I wish I could change things…” I whispered quietly.

“I know,” he said.  “But you were justified.  I guess I can understand that… that you hated me in the moment.”

“But still… this feels so wrong.  I’ve never destroyed any of my pieces like this.”  I walked away from it and into the kitchen, Maverick right behind me.  I pulled down a new mug and poured myself a cup of coffee.  After taking a couple sips, I sighed.  “Maverick… there’s so much I didn’t know about you.  Why, why did you feel like you had to hide from me?”

There was a long pause when I turned to him.  He was looking at the ground, like he was ashamed.  “Angel… You have to understand, there’s a lot about me that I didn’t want you to know.  When people know who I am, when they know me only for what I’ve done and accomplished, they change.  I… I didn’t want you to change.  To be honest, I fell in love with the blissfully unaware Warlock that I met at the entrance to the Vault.  I just wanted to feel like a normal Guardian again.”  

I felt my cheeks flush and I looked down at the floor.  I felt guilty for looking in the file now.  “I should have just asked you…” I murmured softly.  

He laughed softly.  “In your defense, you did.”  When I didn’t respond, Maverick smoothed a hand over my hair and gently lifted my chin.  “Genesis, this isn’t your fault.  I should have told you sooner, I know, but I didn’t want you to leave our team if you knew.”

“I understand, Mav,” I said quietly.  “But… I need to get ready.  The Vanguard is expecting me within the hour.”  I watched the expression on his face shift, almost like he was worried or scared.  “Hey….” I smiled gently and placed my hand on his arm.  “I’m not going to let them love me away.  Everything’s going to be fine.”

I placed my mug down and went upstairs to get suited up.  I slipped on my Nerigal Savant III set that I had gotten from Ikora, and went back downstairs.  “Maverick, go get Skinner and just wait for me.  I’ll be back soon.”  As we walked out of my apartment, Maverick caught my hand and stopped me before I could get away.

“Angel…”

“Mon cherie,” I said softly.  “I promise you, everything is going to be fine, okay?” 

He paused a moment before he sighed and nodded. “Okay.”

I smiled and kissed him softly.  His hand squeezed mine tightly.  When we parted, I gave him a reassuring smile, and went on my way towards the Tower.

“You know you can’t actually keep that promise, right?”  My Ghost said once we were out of earshot.  I nodded in acknowledgement as I carried my helmet in my left hand, and ran my fingers through my hair. But I didn’t want to believe in the possibility of getting locked up again.  I had to perish the thought.

————— 

“Genesis Page, do you understand the gravity of your actions?”  Zavala’s voice was hard and stern.  

I stood before the Vanguard, my helmet placed on the table in front of me.  I avoided eye contact with the Vanguard Commander.  I already explained to him why I disappeared, why I snuck into the Archives, and why I decided to come back.  “Commander, I already explained to you everything.  I know I acted rashly and completely on impulse and my emotions.  And I know that after our unauthorized mission to Phobos, I asked you to give me a chance to prove myself.  I know where I stand, and I know my position isn’t good.  But Commander, please, you must understand—”  I looked up and met his harsh gaze, and he interrupted me before I could continue to defend myself.

“You should be put under lockdown,” Zavala warned, his voice low and cautionary. “Guardian, you are out of control.”

“Genesis is right, Zavala,”  Ikora interrupted.  “She knows she was wrong to act as she did, which not many will admit.  I believe that she should go back into the field after a few days, perhaps.  There is still much she doesn’t know about Maverick and Conor’s mission to kill Crota.”

“Genesis, you left the Tower with nothing but your helmet and a hand cannon,”  Cayde-6 said.  He was staring at me with a mix of admiration and maybe worry.  “You could very well have died.  But you survived on your own on Venus.  And yeah, she screwed up,” he turned to Zavala, “but she’s capable enough to continue.  She should go back into the field, her fireteam needs her to complete this mission.”

“And now that she knows the truth of Crota’s death,” Eris said from the side of the room,  “she is better equipped to carry out this mission to end the Taken King.”

“Enough!”  Zavala shouted and slammed a fist on the table.  I winced and looked down again.  “Genesis, you must be put under lockdown.  We let you go once, but we can’t make the same mistake again.”  

“Zavala, please, if you would just listen—!”

He held up a hand to silence me, then typed in a code on the table.  Two of the Bounty Hunters that I passed on my way inside walked in behind me.  

No, I thought to myself.  Not today.  

Arc energy surged through my core, straight through my arms, legs, and mind.  I cast my Stormtrance and looked over at the Bounty Hunters, who backed off, but still kept their weapons trained on me.  I turned back towards the Vanguard.  They all had backed away from the table, but Ikora was smiling proudly and Cayde was grinning, like he was antsy to see what was happening next.  Zavala was the only one who looked angry that I cast my super inside of the Tower.  Before he could react or say a thing, I blinked directly in front of him, my eyes white with the Arc energy that was flowing through my body.

“Go ahead, Commander,” I taunted.  “Lock me up.  Try.  But I am no use to the Vanguard or to my team if I am on lock down.”

I heard the door burst open behind me, both Skinner and Maverick had rushed inside, ready to defend me.  I turned to look at them and they both stopped in place.  I had this under control.  Skinner nodded and placed a hand on Mav’s shoulder, but they both were grinning.  I turned back to Zavala once the Arc Light around me faded.  He simply stared at me in disbelief.  But I didn’t touch him.  His bounty hunters couldn’t do anything, since I didn’t attack anyone.  After a moment of tense silence, Zavala sighed.

“Your temper needs to be brought under control, Guardian.”

“I am in complete control of my emotions and my Light, Commander.”

He walked away from me and over to Ikora, and they spoke quietly for a moment.  I glanced at my Fireteam with a faint smile on my lips.  I was glad they had my back, even if I didn’t need it.

“Yes… Very well…” Zavala turned back to me, almost looking disappointed.  “Genesis, you will be able to return to the field after a few days to… cool off.  Take this time to learn more about your Fireteam.  Be ready to return to the field in 72 hours.  Dismissed.”

The Vanguard all left the room, followed by the bounty hunters.  I looked at Maverick and Skinner, and walked over to him.  I smiled at Mav.  “See?  I told you everything would be fine.”

Skinner laughed maniacally.  “You should have seen the look on Zavala’s face!  The only other person who’s stood up to Zavala like that had been Metal Man over here!”

Maverick hugged me tightly.  “Good.  I say we all go drinking before we sit down and talk about the team’s history.  This is a victory for all of us.  Especially you.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you confront someone like that, especially not the Vanguard,” Skinner added as we walked out of the room.

“Well,” I said and wrapped one arm around each of their shoulders.  “What can I say?  I have a family to fight for.”

Maverick leaned down to my ear.  His mouth brushed gently against the shell of my ear and my cheeks lit up pink with blush.  “I’m proud of you, Angel,”  he said quietly, so quietly that Skinner didn’t even hear him.

I smiled softly as we entered the Plaza and Skinner hit the button for the Elevator down to the City.  “Thank you,” I whispered back.

[guardiansnotebook]

Nightmare Cayde-6 x Reader

Becoming a Guardian was the best thing that had ever happened to you. Protecting the universe was always exciting. And, you had made so many friends during your adventures. But, there was a downside. You often had hellish nightmares. They were bad at first, not allowing you to sleep. But after awhile, you managed to get a four to six hours of sleep every night.

Tonight's nightmare, though, was not one that was easy to forget.

In your nightmare, you had been assigned to hunting down a small group of bandits out in the EDZ. Zavala said that it was going to be quick and easy. You gathered your weapons and flew to the location of the bandit camp. After scouting the area, you took out your hand cannon and advanced on the group. You quickly took out the snipers and rolled behind a rock as the rest of the bandits shot at you. After reloading, you activated your Golden Gun and took out the remaining bandits. Or so you thought.

A few bandits returned from a run and saw you taking out their group. You hadn't noticed them when they arrived, and they easily cornered you. They demanded you surrender, which you did, but you quickly sent out an SOS. You threw down all your weapons and put your hands up.

The bandits rushed towards you and tied your hands behind your back. They whispered about selling you to some Guardian hunter and threw you against a rocky wall in their camp. You groaned in pain and just sat there, knowing someone was going to come to your aid soon.

And indeed, someone did. A ship flew over the camp and as it did, a certain Hunter Vanguard appeared in front of everyone.

The bandits freaked out upon seeing Cayde. They quickly pulled out their auto rifles and shot him.

"Hey (Y/N)~! I got your distress signal and I'm here to rescue you!" Cayde shouted heroically as he dove for cover.

"Thank god! I was getting bored!" You called back. You heard Cayde chuckle and poke out from behind a tree to shoot the enemies. The few bandits remaining began to run away, trying to escape their death. But, Cayde quickly shot them down before they could get too fair.

He came out from behind his hiding spot and jogged over to you.

"Don't worry princess, your knight is here!" He said when he got to you. He helped you stand up and untied your wrists.

"Thanks Cayde." You said which stretching. Cayde winked.

"Alrighty lets head back to the Tower. I, sadly, have more paperwork to do." He whined. You laughed and bent down to grab your weapons. When you stood back up, your eyes widened.

"Cayde! GET DOWN!" You screamed. Cayde turned to see what was behind him. There, was an injured bandit with a hand gun pointed straight at him. A shot rang through the air and the next thing you knew, Cayde was on the ground.

"No!" You yelled, running to him. But, you couldn't reach him. The distance between you two kept growing. Cayde groaned in pain and kept calling for you, while you shouted his name back. You heard menacing laugh in the distance before you tripped. You fell and screamed as the world slowly grew black.

---

You jolted awake. Your breathing was wild and you were covered in sweat. Ghost appeared next to you.

"(Y/N)? Are you alright?" Ghost asked. He floated towards you and nuzzled your neck. You pulled him into a small hug and tried to calm your breathing.

"I... just had a nightmare." You whispered to Ghost. It made a sound of acknowledgment and pressed himself tighter into the hug. This lasted for awhile until you fully calmed down and got up. You needed some air. Quickly changing into a casual outfit, you wandered outside.

You walked to the courtyard of the Tower and leaned in the rails to look over the city. A breeze blew through your hair and you exhaled, the nightmare was still weighing on you. It felt so realistic. Losing someone so close to you, someone you loved, was something you always feared.

You shuddered after recalling the dream again. You needed to see Cayde. Make sure he was alive and safe. You turned and sprinted to his room to find the exo. You passed a few Guardians who were sitting around chatting, probably unable to sleep too. You reached his door, and paused. You didn't want to wake him, but you needed to see him. After knocking a few times and getting no answer, your heart sank. Your Light flickered in sadness. Ghost appeared after feeling your distress.

"Hey, maybe he's in his usual spot in the hanger?" He said. You nodded slowly before jogging to the hanger.

Upon reaching the area, you let out a huge sigh of relief. There was Cayde, leaning over a map on his desk. Sundance was floating next to him and when she saw you, she bumped the exo.

"Hm? What is it buddy?" He asked. He looked at his Ghost and turned his head to follow her gaze. His eyes brightened up when he was you.

"(Y/N)! What brings you..." He trailed off upon seeing the state you were in. He could sense how dim your Light was, indicating that something was seriously wrong. He made his way over to you and checked you for any injuries. When he finished, his bright blue eyes met yours. His face took on a worried look when he saw leftover tear marks.

"What happened (Y/N)?" he whispered while taking your hand. You looked down and quickly broke into tears again. Cayde gently took you into his arms and held you close as you cried. He was warm and you easily melted into his arms. You gripped onto him as if he was going to vanish into thin air if you didn't. Cayde whispered soothing words into your ear, reminding you that the two of you were safe. Sundance and your Ghost floated near, watching your and Cayde's Light intertwine. After what seemed like years, you let go of him and dried your face. Cayde stepped back and put his hands on his hips.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened?" He asked. He grabbed a nearby chair and sat down. You stood in front of him and took a breath. Sundance settled down in Cayde's lap and your Ghost rested on your shoulder.

"I just... had a really bad nightmare." You said quietly. Cayde nodded.

"What happened in it?" He said. You lowered your head and shook it. You did not want to share what you saw. Cayde grunted as he stood up. He grabbed your arm and slowly traced little circle on your skin with his thumb.

"Come on, (Y/N). Please tell me." He pleaded. You looked into his eyes. He was sad and extremely worried about you. You nodded.

"It started off fine. I was on an easy mission. Then, things got out of hand. I needed help and you showed up to help me. You saved me but then..." You gulped and Cayde rubbed your arm, encouraging you to go on.

"And then, you got shot... I tried to run to you, b-but I couldn't get to you... It was terrible. And it felt so real."

Cayde hummed and took a step back. You looked up at him with watery eyes. He placed a hand on your cheek and lightly wiped your eyes. You leaned into his touch.

"Well, that was pretty awful. I can't believe I died in such a stupid way." Cayde said while laughing quietly. You giggled a little too. Cayde smiled and took you in his arms again. You blushed when he placed his forehead against yours.

"But, I'm here (Y/N). And I'm not going anywhere. I have to protect the galaxy, you know. And, I would never leave you alone."

You looked up at him and tightened your hug. Cayde chuckled and squeezed you back. Sundance and Ghost looked happily at each other, as your Light had been restored to its usual brightness.

You went to move away from the hug, but Cayde tightened his hold. You gave him a questioning look before he pecked your forehead. Your face blew up into a huge blush and hid in his chest. Cayde laughed.

"Thank you for helping me feel better, Cayde." You said, still hiding.

"Anytime (Y/N). I'm always here for my favorite Guardian."

After hearing that, you drew all your courage and got up on your tiptoes. You pressed your lips to Cayde's faceplates. His blue eyes widen, and his face began to heat up. After a second, he responded to your kiss and pressed against your lips. You guys shared a long kiss before pulling apart.

Your face was all red and Cayde's temperature had risen pretty high. You giggled at the embarrassed exo. Sundance also laughed at her Guardian. Cayde gave her a semi-mean glare before turning back to you.

"Alright, well, how about I treat you to some late night ramen?" Cayde asked after he recovered from embarrassment. You nodded happily. Cayde took your hand in his and the two of you strolled to the courtyard to eat.

Your Ghosts followed behind, happy to see their Guardians' Light brighter than it had been ever before.

[xcayde6]

Before you read: these are only snippets out of my upcoming Cayde stories. Please pay attention to the ratings and warnings, have in mind that English isn't my native language and don't be mad at me in case publishing takes a while. I'm the slowest writer ever.

ONESHOTS Title: ? 2 exos 1 girl? Idk yet Pairing: Cayde-6 x female reader/Clovis Bray's daughter x Shiro-4 Rating: Explicit Warnings: knife-play, gun-play, humiliation kink, very smutty, watch your panties

—  a boring company anniversary takes a sudden turn when your two exo bodyguards pay you back after teasing them for so long

“Are you two going to eye fuck me all night or are you going to do something about it?” The two exos approach and surround me slowly. Their optics eyeing me like men starving, making me feel like I'm their trapped mouse. Which is ironic because they're my bodyguards who are supposed to protect me, to make me feel safe. But right now I feel neither.

I realize there's no use in defending myself. I was so drunk that I barely could stand up straight and also very tiny compared to these taller exos, human minds turned into ruthless war machines.

“Got you. You're screwed now.” Cayde quickly puts his hand around my throat and slams me against Shiro's body. I feel something hard pressed up against my butt. “Is that your gun or are you excited to see me?”, I can't help but chuckle. “It's definitely not my gun.” “Look at that little tease.”, Cayde snaps icy, his aqua blue optics glowing even colder. His voice sounds deeper and huskier than usual and makes me shiver. “You're going to regret that, babe.” His gloved hand is curling tighter around my neck and my alcohol dazed vision gets blurry. “Me and my friend share everything. Even you. Now move.” Somewhere in my delirious state, with the barrel of Cayde's Ace of Spades filling my mouth, the two exos jerk me to my bedroom. My body is betraying me with arousal, but I'm so nervous and excited. I want them. I want them to have me. I just can't help it. *** Title: ???? Pairing: Cayde-6 x female reader/Clovis Bray's daughter Rating: Explicit ⬆️— without Shiro version of the fic above for anon ***

Title: #1 Crush Pairing: Cayde-6 x female reader Rating: Explicit — your bodyguard Cayde caughts you right in the act thinking of him I thrust my fingers into me in a faster in a punishing pace, feeling so close to the edge, imagining how his cock slams into me, without mercy and tearing my insides apart. „Oh Cayde... Fuck me... Fuck me harder...”, I whimper to myself, encouraging the handsome robot in my imagination. A not unfamiliar chuckle makes me freeze in my movements. “We can arrange that.” My bodyguard was standing in the door. Arms crossed, a amused grin forming his mouth-plates. He enjoyed my one-woman-show like a man starving. This was real, not another projection of my imagination to get off to. He's real and he's walking up to me, something intimating in his slow movements. My attempt to pull down my skirt over the exposed wetness between my legs is cut off by his hands pinning mine down on the desk behind my back. “Soo...” He speaks up, leaning over to me, as his aqua-blue optics study my face interested. “Did I fuck you good?”, he whispers in such a husky voice that it sends a cold shiver through my sweaty, heated body. Before I can even get a proper sentence out he cuts me off with a chuckle again. “Hush! Of course I did.”, he answers his own question overconfident and leans in so close to me that his spiky horn bumps my forehead softly. “But I'm gonna give you the real thing...” *** Title: Dressed up to undress Pairing: Cayde-6 x female reader Rating: Explicit —  Your bodyguard Cayde takes you to The Last City and you claim him as your boyfriend for a day. „Being your boyfriend today? Huh. I'll tell your dad that this costs extra.”, he responds sarcastic, shaking his head in disbelief. „Oh Cayde...”, I snuggle up on his arm and look at the attractive exo, admiring his unique profile. „I know I'm the best job you've ever had.” Cayde looks back at me, a little smile forming his blue metal plate lips, reflecting the sun light. „Got it's moments.”, he mutters under his breath, winking at me. „So... Where are you taking me, my handsome boyfriend?” He seems to be comfortable in his new role and puts his arm around my shoulder, tugging me closer to his body. „Anywhere you want, my beautiful, pain in the ass girlfriend.” *** Title: I will steal you back Pairing: OC x Shiro-4 other characters: Cayde-6 (mentioned), Andal Brask (mentioned), Colonel, Saladin's “mascots” Rating: Explicit Warning: Shiro saying a lot “lady” in his angelic voice — grieving over a lover and friend seems so much easier together. Cayde's stash box jumped open. [Shiro-4.] The exo and the blonde freezed in their movements, when a not unfamiliar voice echoed through the hangar. “Cayde?”, the young widow whispered with tears in her eyes when she recognized her dead husbands voice. Shiro pulled the sobbing blonde gently into his arms and buried his face into her hair. “Shh... I'm here, Feena.”, he whispered softly, his hands running over her back to soothe her somehow. [Hey pal. Long time no see. When you hear this, I'm dead. I got killed, or you killed me. I wouldn't even blame you after our last conversation. Anyway. Congratulations, you get the vanguard gig. Stop. Stop. Stop. Listen. Before you start yelling, consider this. You don't have to freeze off your robo ass at the tempel anymore and... you'll be around my Queen Of Hearts. You're welcome. I may be an idiot, but I'm not stupid. I know you love my girl as well, and she loves you too. So... I'm not big on goodbye scenes, but please take care of my queen. She made me happy and I want her to be happy. I want you happy, too, my man. See you.] Shiro and Feena sat there for a while in front of the stash box, holding each other tight, while Cayde's voice and words lingered heavy in the cold air. For the very last time. *** Title: The Last City (Destcember #2) Pairing: OC x Cayde-6 other characters: Amanda Holliday, Petra Venj, Shiro-4, Zavala Rating: mention of suicide attempt — a princess and exo find purpose in life again after saving a little girl and each other. “Feena! Cayde!” Little Amanda ran over to the blonde and the exo, clinging to their legs like her life depended on it. “You two were gone when I woke up! I was so scared!”, she cried out, hugging both of them tighter. Feena looked down at the little girl and gently ran her fingers through her curly blonde hair with a sad smile. How should she tell her that her parents died last night? The thought of it shattered her aching heart into thousands of pieces, she was afraid that Cayde and Amanda could hear it. Cayde saw that Feena was struggling and knelt down to Amanda's level, his aqua blue optics glowing warm. “Sorry, sweetie. Feena didn't feel good and needed fresh air. We would never leave you alone, sweetheart. Never.”, he assured softly and hugged her tight. Feena watched these two and quickly wiped away tears streaming her eyes. She didn't want to show weakness in front of them. They needed her. And she needed them. “Cayde's right.”, she blurted out briefly. “Yes. It's me and my girls now. Unless you're afraid of me, Amandy.” “I'm not afraid of you! You look so cool! Like a badass unicorn!”, she yelled excited. “Did you just call me unicorn?! I used to be a soldier!”, he spat back playfully offended, making Amanda even more giggle. God, her little laugh was heartwarming. Feena was so thankful for Cayde being able to make this little one laugh again, after all the horrible things that she's been through. He was wonderful. “I wanna touch your horn! Please!” The little blonde girl jumped into Cayde’s arm and her big blue eyes glowed with excitement when her little fingers explored that spiky, blue horn attached on top of his head.The exo held her tight in his arm and couldn't help but chuckle. “Smooth right? Amazing.” He turned to Feena with a wink and a grin formed his lip plates. “You wanna touch my beautiful, beautiful horn too, princess? “Let's rest for tonight.”, Feena suggested, before pressing a soft kiss on Cayde’s horn and Amanda’s cheek. She only knew them for a few hours, after a really terribly incident, but these two already meant anything to her. When the little family walked back to the shelter, all of them felt a moment of happiness and hope again, even though The Last City was in ruins and Cayde couldn't shut up about Amanda calling him a unicorn. *** Title: All I Want For Christmas Is You Pairing: Cayde-6 x female reader Rating: Explicit — Cayde hates Christmas and you're trying to get him into the mood with cookies, movies, cuddles, Last Christmas from Wham and more... „Merry Christmas, Caydie.” I hear a deep chuckle roar through his torso, as he turns around and puts his arms around me in return. I moan softly against his chest with a smile. His warmth and the familiar scent of leather and gunpowder was infatuating. „Hey beautiful.”, he greets me softly, his aqua blue optics looking me up and down in my sexy Santa dress. Another chuckle escapes his throat, the orange lights in the back of his throat flickering. „You look... ridiculous.”, he scoffs tender, pinching the fuzzy bobble of my Santa hat with his finger. I push him away from me, lift my dress up slightly and turn around slowly. „Your eyes say something different, my vanguard...”, I whisper seductively, looking over my shoulder and winking at him. He forcefully grabs a fistful of my dress and pulls me back to his body. „I mean it. Ridiculous.”, he repeats in a mocked tone. God, I loved it when this exo was a sassy. „But, but... I wear this for you...”, I whimper, turning away from him, starting to act out the most dramatic fake crying in the history of fake cries. „You hate it. I wanted to look pretty for our date.”, I sob and pretend to rub my eyes. „No, no, no... sweetie. You look stunning. I just hate Chr-”, I hear him awkwardly stutter behind my back, but I quickly turn around and laugh at his dumb but overall adorable helpless face. „Ha! Got you! You should see your stupid face!” I press a sweet kiss on his cold metal chin and take his hand. ”Now come on, we're late for the Christmas market at the Bazaar, Grumpy.”, I sąy and pull him with me out of his beloved Hangar. Cayde follows me more or less unwillingly and sighs. „I swear, if I hear Last Christmas one more time I'm gonna blow something up.”, he mutters under his breath and I can't help but smirk at him. „Can't lie, I would love to see that.” He chuckles, the orange lights behind his mouth-plates outlining a smirk back at me. „A girl after my own heart.”, he praises and gently puts his warm cloak around my bare back and shoulders. **** FULL STORIES (might be published on archiveofourown too) Title: In debt to love Pairing: Cayde-6 x OC other characters: Clovis Bray, Shiro-4 Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Romance Rating: Explicit Warnings: veeeery smutty, graphic violence, self-harm, ... — „... and hearts for this girl I guard. She's the best debt I've ever had.” Cayde is paying off his debt by guarding Coco Bray, the daughter of the man who ruined his life and turned him exo. Now or never. Swiftly and suddenly Coco closed her fingers around the handle of Cayde's gun and she pulled, knowing full well that she was taking a risk. Cayde quickly opened his optics as he felt her hand on his waist and his Ace of Spades being pulled from the holster, but it was already too late. The girl pushed and kicked the exo off her body with all the strength left in her weakened body and pointed the gun at him with a sweet smile, her face was a mixture of triumph and surprise. She finally had the upper hand. “Thanks for the ride, handsome. Any last words?” Cayde stared stunned at the pinkish haired girl pointing his own gun at him, but still he couldn't help but chuckle. A pretty girl with a pretty gun. His Ace Of Spades never suited anyone better. He should've known that something like this would happen, after all the things he heard about her. “You literally kick ass. Just a girl after my own heart, sweetheart.” He was completely at the her mercy, but decided to play along and raised his hands. “I'm impressed, I really hate so say this, doll. However, you won't do it.”, he gave back amused, before shoving her back on the ground again with his elbow, bending over her small frame. “If you blow a hole through my head, you better pray that I won't get fixed and come back at you, cause...”, he leans in closer to her, the muzzle of his own gun pressed upon his chest and his horn gently poking her forehead. “I'm gonna hurt you... make you cry... and fuck you into a coma.”, he hissed, sounding threatening and cheerful at the same time. She wouldn't shoot him, Cayde knew that. He hoped that. After all they've been through already, she wouldn't. She couldn't. The Ace Of Spades was shaking in Coco's hands. Her green eyes lost that glint of achievement and were replaced with the feeling of unshed tears beginning to blur her vision. If she really wanted to escape, she actually had to shoot him. Coco lifted her gaze and locked her eyes with his optics, her lips formed a sad smile, as her hands clasped tighter around the grip of his gun, her finger hovering over the trigger, that would decide her fate. His fate. “Please don't make me like you, Cayde-6.” “Isn't it too late, Coco Bray?” **** Title: Queen Of Hearts Pairing: Cayde-6 x OC other characters: Uldren Sov, Andal Brask (mentioned),... Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Adventure Rating: Explicit Warnings: suicide attempt, physical abuse — Cayde saves and kidnaps a princess, but she saves him too. Feena listened intently to every word Cayde was saying. She didn't know why, but she was intrigued by him. Just his voice alone was making her feel calm. “You're crazy.”, she said forcefully as she turned back towards the depth. “I am, but with all due respect, princess. I'm not the one who wants to jump off this castle.” His aqua blue optics stared at her and his mechanic heart broke for this girl. He blamed himself that he never noticed that she suffered in silence. Suffered so much that she wanted to end her life. “Please, give me your hand, princess. I don't know what happened to you, but I swear, I'll protect you better from now on.” Cayde reached out his gloved hand to her carefully, as not to frighten her. Feena looked down at his outstretched hand and she was surprised by her instinct to reach out and touch him. She slowly turned around to him and they both immediately locked eyes and optics. He felt his heart instantly stop when he looked into her green eyes and it shocked him that she was looking at him in the same way. “Phew,” he said relieved as he squeezed her soft, cold hand. “I'm Cayde-6.” “Princess Feena Brask.”, she breathlessly introduced herself as well. “I know damn well who you are.”, he chuckled, causing her to smile. That smile. He didn't know how long he was on duty in this castle, but he never saw her smile. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. Cayde looked at her in amazement when he finally saw life sparkle in her always so sad and empty eyes. Her long blonde hair was tickling his face plates and the scent was intoxicating. “I got you.” He gripped onto her waist as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he lifted her up over the railing, feeling like his body was electrocuted in the most gentle way touching her. She was one slip away from death just second ago and he saved her. She was safe. Her heels clicked as they touched the ground, but her legs gave out on her and he was able to catch her before she hit the ground. He held her body close to his, their faces just inches apart. “Are you alright?”, he asked concerned, as he felt her chest rise and fall against his armor. “Never felt better.”, she said as her hands clung to his shoulders. Feena took a moment to take in Cayde's metallic features and felt her heart flutter, feeling so warm and safe in his embrace. Something she never felt before. “Who hurt you, my queen? I'm gonna kill anyone who hurt you. Anyone.” ______________________________________________________________ *changes/improvements possible. Soo... Which one is your fave? Do you wanna get tagged when I publish these? Are you interested in the playlist I listen to when I write these? Let me know anything and feel welcome to like and reblog if you’re interested in these beauties. xo

[the-artistic-bee]

CAYDE-6 MY BELOVED ROBOT DUMBASS HUBBY ❤️❤️

please I relate to him too much,, I cried at his funeral I

I just wanted to hug him right then and there before he passed

I wanted to be there for him before he could’ve died

I wish I was there to save him from dying

PLEASE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH I CRIED TOO MUCH WHEN HE DIED AND I WAS AT HIS FUNERAL I- 

[caydesnickers]

6 is Bad Company

    “I'm bad company… You wouldn't want me around. I was born with a cannon in my hands,” Cayde said lowly and looked away.

    Unlike his usual charming self, he turned dark and closed off. All when I had confessed that I love him. I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore. But, of course, how could I think a guardian, let alone a vanguard to take interest in a person with no light? I'm not like Hawthorne either… Whatever his answer would be, I thought I could take it.

    “That doesn’t matter to me, 6. I'm sure you know it doesn't especially by now. Not after all this time!”

    “I didn’t think. I didn't think our feelings would go so far. We started out for fun, nothing serious. Yet, now that you…” he shakes his head and turns around.

    “Our? 6, look at me. Please.”

    “I’m not sure if we can go through this. If I can go through this, I think it's best of we go our separate ways for a while ” he pulls his hoodie over head.

    “What do you mean? Is it because I'm not a Guardian? Would it make a difference?”

    He didn't answer.

    “Cayde-6! Talk to me, you can't just say you have feelings for me but say you want nothing to do with me. You can't just leave me like that.”

    “Cayde!”

    “Yes! It would make all the difference! You know I can never die! I've been around longer than you can fathom! You'll only be around for a few more decades and then you'll be gone from me forever! I can hardly even think about when the time comes without feeling like I'm losing my whole world with every passing second! How do you think I will feel next if we go through with this?” He turned and looks at me accusingly.

    I too, hadn't thought through this much… I guess I had been living in the moment, not even taking in consideration what Cayde must go through if we were to be together.

    “I'm sorry, I just… I was only thinking of myself,” my voice quivered then. My feelings betraying me, I felt my eyes begin to tear up.

    That was my cue to leave.

    “I'm sorry, forget about all this, please?” I didn't wait for an answer and try to leave. But this hunter used his teleportation.

    “hey, hey, don't cry. It's ok…” he places his both of his hands on the sides of my face, leaning in for something I never thought he would.

    Touching his forehead against mine and turning off his optics, an Exo's equivalent to a kiss. I reveled in his proximity, not wanting him anywhere else. He turned them back on and smiled sadly as he wiped my tears away.

    “Come here,” he pulls me into a hug. “I didn't choose this life, you know this. I wouldn't change it either, I love being a hunter, a vanguard and to have you be a part of everything I do would be amazing. But it's too dangerous, for both of us. I’d be putting you in danger, and I can't always be around to protect you. If you were to fall in the wrong hands I don't know what I would do…”

    “Saving me would be a good start!” I chuckle in his embrace and held him closer.

    “Yes, of course it would be! I was referring to not know what I would do to whoever took you from me, they better pray they’ll see Starside once I'm through with them.”

    I sigh and nuzzle his chest, “So, is there a slight chance for there to be an us?”

    “My destiny is to protect everyone underneath the rising sun, nothing was ever said about a side quest.”

    “Tch! I'm a side quest?” I pulled out of his embrace and gave him a stern look.

    He laughs, “No! No, I'm just joking. You're underneath the sun aren't you? I'm just going to have to keep a closer eye on you. Extra close.”

    He raised his eyebrow plates up and down while he smirks.

    “You know what, forget it. If you're going to be like this I never should have confessed.”

    “Hey now, I'm sorry. I'll keep the jokes at bay, for now at least. Let's not waste the time that we have together, shall we?” he places his forehead against mine again and when he pulled away, I give him a kiss of my own.

    “Alright then, 6.”

    “Let's get ramen to celebrate!”

    He wasn't bad company, not at all. I knew his work and accepted it with him.

    He was born with a cannon in his hands, and with it he'll make his final stand.

    Everyone will know his name.

    But only I know, that he threw away the sun for me.

[thedistantstorm]

Keep On Rising (Until The Sky Knows Your Name) 10

Found Family | Zavala is Tower Dad | Father-Daughter Relationship | Childhood Trauma and Recovery | Canon-Typical Violence | Amputation

A story about how an orphaned Amanda Holliday comes to belong in the Last Safe City and the family she finds along the way.

(Or, the story of how Commander Zavala finds himself responsible for one Amanda Holliday.)

Chapters: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09

This time: Zavala calls in a favor, Amanda meets Eva.

-/

There are obstacles, road blocks… challenges, to any objective.

He is not a man who allows himself to stray from the task at hand, except when necessary. This isn’t technically necessary - not to him - but he knows that the consequences of not following through will outweigh the repercussions of missing three minutes of faction banter.

Really, no matter how long the three heads argue, the outcome will still be the same. Lakshimi has the funding for her project and will proceed with her objective, paying Hideo to produce the weapons she requires, leaving Arach Jalal licking his wounds because if he wants new ships, he’ll only have the meager support of the Vanguard’s budget - and only if he plays nicely. 

For a man who consistently says whatever thought crosses his mind without any situational awareness, it’s a rather unpleasant deal. To Zavala, he’d rather they skip that part, and forego the carrying on leading up to it.

He’d made a promise this morning. Foolishly. He presumed nothing large would come up, Ikora was on duty tonight, she could handle anything short of a large-scale attack on the City, and this meeting was supposed to adjourn at least three hours earlier. He knew better than to assume.

What were you going to do? Shiori asks silently between them while Jalal throws his tantrum in the direction of Lakshimi-2. She knows you come when you’re able. 

Maintaining his look of inscrutable stoicism, he answers in kind. She was looking forward to this. I never speak so specifically on purpose, and now…

It was going to happen eventually, She replies through their link. And honestly, you’re going to have to get used to it, if this is ever going to work. There’s a pause. And I think that’s the part you’re more worried about, if you ask me.

Shiori. Though it’s not particularly audible, the Ghost understands his tone immediately. It’s the tired one he uses with Cayde-6, most of the time.

So, if you’re not going to make it, you’re going to have to think of an alternative. Someone else who might not be in this meeting and would be free. Someone who’s good with kids, easy to get along with, won’t pepper Amanda with questions…

Shiori.

What?

Zavala’s only physical reaction is a small part of his lips, a practiced glance at the ceiling. Around him, the room carries on, oblivious to their conversation. See if Eva is free. Please.

-/

The nurses try to get her to eat. They bring her both dinner choices from the hospital’s cafeteria, make offers of ice cream and sweet treats. She doesn’t want any of it. Zavala promised he’d bring them both dinner. He never makes promises, but he always follows through. Maybe something happened.

She asks the nurses, but they simply sigh and tell her that he’d likely gotten busy. He was very important, didn’t she know?

Of course she did. Anytime she asked him for something it was always in that way that suggested maybe he could, that he didn’t have to. She knew eventually it would all run out, everything did. She’d have to go back to the orphanage and it would be back to one day every few months. If she was lucky, she might see him for an hour or two. 

But she could enjoy it while it lasted, she thought. He was the one who asked her this time, not the other way around. She knew he would come through. He always did.

So, when the door to her room slides open very tentatively, she freezes. That isn't Zavala, she knows it instantly. Her eyes darken, narrowing in distrust on the newcomer and the bag in her arms.

"Hello, dear," The woman says in a heavily accented voice. She lingers in the doorway, holding up the bag. A look of momentary confusion twists her lips into something concerned, but it's there and gone. "Zavala sent me. He was worried you might be getting hungry. He's been stuck in a meeting all evening and isn't sure when it will end." She looks at Amanda's face, not her stump. And she seems pretty nice, Amanda supposes, but she still doesn't trust her.

The woman steps into the room, her brown hair glinting with a hint of gray under the fluorescent lighting. "May I?"

She nods. "Will he come after?" And then, nose scrunching, she asks, "And, uh, who are you, anyway?"

A laugh comes in reply. The woman sets aside the tray of untouched hospital good, pulling out rice and beans in a clear container and a few opaque containers that look like meats. The girl stares in rapt surprise.

"My name is Eva. Eva Levante." She sets to arranging the contents of the containers onto a plate - a real one, not the plastic ones the hospital uses. "I know he promised you something from one of his favorite restaurants, but between you and me, I think he likes my cooking better."

Amanda swallows hard. "Smells real good," She concedes in a whisper. "Do," She looks to Eva, "Do ya think he'll come after his meetin'?"

That makes Eva pause. "Oh, don't you worry, my dear. He'll come see you as soon as he's done. He seemed very upset that he hadn't been able to make it on time." She hands the child a fork. "I brought him some dinner as well," She smiles, winking, "He works too hard. Someone has to keep an eye on him." 

When Zavala arrives hours later, Eva is reading. It's nearly eleven, and it's apparent that he is bone tired, but he slips in quietly and offers her a grateful nod.

"She just drifted off about half an hour ago. Tried to hold out as long as she could, but the pain started to get to her. She didn't want them to knock her out before you got here."

"She's stubborn," He answers gently. "Thank you. Truly, I-"

"Yer here," Amanda calls, woozy, blinking her eyes to fight off the effects of the narcotics. Her hands reach toward him and he smiles, taking the few steps to her bedside, leaning down, and letting her hug him. Returning it, even, with a very gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry I'm late," He whispers, but she's shaking her head into his chest.

"'S ok," She drawls. "Jus' wanted ta see you."

He hears Eva rise sharply behind him and it strikes him immediately. This is - he detangles himself from Amanda, who blinks in hazy confusion - how this must be a difficult thing for her to walk into blindly.

"M's Eva?"

The well-dressed woman pauses, halfway to letting herself out. Zavala looks at her back, sees her fists clenched and his heart feels like it's breaking. Of course. He should have thought this through. He knew what she'd been through, this was asking so much of her.

"Thanks fer sittin' with me," Amanda slurs sleepily. "An' dinner, too. Wus' nice."

Eva nods, tilting her head so that only the side of her face is visible, shadowed in the yellow lights. "I'll come visit again, my dear," She says. "Get some rest."

"Eva."

"Don't worry about me, Zavala. It's alright." She turns all the way back, giving him a watery smile. Her voice is thick with emotion, and it guilts him terribly. "You call me any time she needs."

"Thank you," He answers, hoarsely.

"She lost people, too," Amanda murmurs a little later, her breaths so slow and even it's as though she's already asleep. He hums in agreement, knowing she'll be out like a light soon enough. She probably won’t even remember it. "She's still nice though."

"She is," Zavala agrees. “Would you mind if she came back?”

“Nah,” She hums, breathing heavier. Zavala pulls up the blankets she’s mussed in her attempt to sit up and greet him, tucking her in before taking up his usual spot beside her bed for the night. “Like yer friend.”

-/

Eva is waiting for him in the Plaza the following afternoon.

“You didn’t have to send me flowers,” She chides, hands on her hips. “It was was not a big deal.”

“You helped me, yet it upset you,” He answers. They fall into step rather easily, their destination determined by time of day. “That was not my intent.”

“There is not a mean bone in your body, Zavala. It was just surprising.” She gives him a knowing smile. “I would not have taken you to be so… indulgent.”

The Commander coughs politely, almost bashful. “Neither would I,” He admits.

“She’s a special girl.” Eva presses, and Zavala nods in agreement, almost too subtle to notice. 

Eva chances another glance his way, a wistful smile on her face. “Something tells me this isn’t just a random act of kindness. You look conflicted. Tell Eva what you are thinking.”

“It’s all right,” Zavala answers. “I don’t-”

“Amanda told me you’ve been sitting with her every evening since she was injured. And those bags under your eyes confirm it. You are not sleeping, Commander. You’re going to drive your Ghost crazy not taking care of yourself.” She wags a finger at him. Eva might be the only person in the City who has the gall.

“I’m fine.”

His Ghost flickers into the cradle made by their shoulders as they walk side by side. Eva might be shorter than Zavala, but Shiori finds a happy medium between the two of them. “I told him he needs to get used to this. It’s an adjustment phase.”

The Tower vendor stops moving. “Really,” She sounds rather elated, the opposite of what Zavala is expecting. He’d been preparing for bittersweet. He turns and evaluates her to make sure the conversation isn’t upsetting her, as the situation had last night. “You wish to take the child in? She did not seem to think-”

“I’m considering it,” Zavala admits, quietly. “I have not made any definitive plans as of yet.”

Eva hums, continuing on, passing him by. She catches his elbow, squeezing the unarmored part above it. “I think that would be wonderful,” She gushes.

Zavala blows out a controlled breath, sighing, “I have no idea where to begin.”

“No one ever does, Zavala.” Eva smiles at him proudly. Her endorsement is nearly tangible. “You learn from them as much as they learn from you.”

[khaosgaming22]

Catching Up Part 1 (fluff warning :3)

Ken woke up and looked at the alarm clock, it read 6:00, still pretty early. He turned over to go back to sleep and saw someone else laying next to him. Tears of joy rained from his face, it wasn’t a dream, what happened yesterday happened. Aleina was back. He knew that he probably shouldn’t wake her but he couldn’t help himself, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck lightly. To his surprise she kept sleeping for a bit, then he glanced over and saw her ivy green eyes. She looked down at his arm across her and rolled over.

“Hi there cutie...” She mumbled to him rubbing her eyes. He smiled and pressed his lips to hers.

“Thought you’d be all out of energy after yesterday.” She said smirking. He blushed a bit at that but the shade faded soon after.

“So... you’re back.” He said and she looked at him confused.

“Course I am silly! I’m right here aren’t I?” He nodded.

“It’s just... a part of me thought it was a dream... you’ve been gone for so long...” It was hard for her to understand, she layed in silence for a while trying to comprehend the amount of time that had passed.

“Well... if it was a dream would you feel this?” She wrapped her legs around his and kissed his neck moving upward to his mouth.

“Guess not.” He said smiling awkwardly.

“You haven’t had a girlfriend since I died have you?” She said giggling and Ken shook his head.

“I can tell. Well I’m here now so I can teach you everything again.” She kissed his cheek.

“I’ve got a lot to show you too, music, shows, new locations oh, and new paths guardians have found.” She arched an eyebrow.

“Like what? Let me rephrase, what for Hunters?” Ken moved her hair out of her face.

“Let’s get some clothes on and I’ll show you.”

~

The two of them sat together watching the sunrise on Ken’s porch; Aleina laid her head on his shoulder and he remembered back to the last time they were together like this. The day everything changed between them, the day Ken was chosen to fight for the Last City, the day he became a guardian. But now none of that mattered, Aleina was back and she was the same as him.

“So what do you wanna show me first?” She asked looking up at him.

“Well... you like music right?” He said turning his head to meet her eyes. She nodded.

“Who do ya think you got it from?” She said laughing. He laughed with her for a minute and got up, she looked at him a little sad.

“I’ll be right back hang on.” She pouted and gave him puppy eyes.

“Hurry back... you’re not the only one who missed us...” He kissed her forehead and smiled before racing off inside. He came back after a bit with his phone and an old guitar, the base was a tan wood with an almost golden intricate design where the strings went over the hole. She looked at it and almost started crying.

“Oh my god.... you still have it?” He gave it to her and sat back down on the swing.

“I kept everything you had.” She looked at him arching an eyebrow.

“I find that adorable but at the same time a little creepy...” She said tuning the guitar.

“Not anything weird! Just y’know, the important stuff like this.” She stopped tuning for a second.

“Do you have my paintings?” He nodded and she leaned on him again. “I love you so much.”

“Some of them are hanging up in my hideouts, some are here some are in my closet where I kept a few other things.” She went back to tuning the guitar and he flipped through his playlist to find Imagine Dragons’ Night Visions album.

“What in the world? Where’d you find that?” He laughed a bit.

“I dug it up ages ago, along with a ton of other Golden Age stuff. Malcom left behind lots of old notes about where he thought old cities and towns were and most of the time he was dead on.” She looked impressed and tapped one song that she found interesting.

“Cha Ching (Till We Grow Older) huh, alright then.” The song began to play and she tried to sing along with the chorus. The song ended and she tapped it again to try again. She tried a few more times and eventually got it.

“God I missed your voice...” He said after she got it right.

“What about you? You used to play those drums of yours along with me.” She looked at a few other songs on his playlist.

“Still have those too, just haven’t played in a while since Booms and Blooms broke up.” She looked at him confused.

“Booms and Blooms was a band I started with some friends. I’ll show you them later, but they’re ancestors of Malcoms old fireteam.” He looked at the sunrise.

“So he’s gone... isn’t he...” He nodded slowly and she wiped a tear away.

“He died probably a few decades after you did. I’ll show you his grave when festival comes around.” She held back more tears and moved closer to him. He put his arms around her and waited until she stopped crying.

“He gave his weapon to me... when I eventually found his will.” She rubbed her last tears away in his shoulder.

“Along with some modification suggestions, lemme tell you, it packs a punch.” She looked up at him and smiled a bit.

“Think I can try shooting it?” He laughed and nodded.

“Sure thing. But first we gotta do the boring stuff, y’know Tower, Vanguard lecture, Big Blue...” She giggled at that.

“Well at least we get to see Caydey.” He looked off at the sun and his smile faded away. She could tell something was wrong.

“Cayde... he’s gone too baby....” She looked at him half sad half surprised. Malcom was one thing but Cayde? He was Hunter Vanguard and had been for a long time, how could he have died she wondered. As if he read her mind he answered.

“Cayde was out on a patrol with a guardian in the Prison of Elders in the Tangled Shore and... Uldren Sov shot him after his Scorned Barons took out Sundance...” This time she was the one that brought him closer to her to hug.

“Sundance was my best friend...” A voice said behind them. Aleina and Ken turned to see Citra looking as sad as them, Ghosts couldn’t cry but if they could she probably would’ve been covered in water from tears. Aleina pulled her closer to them and gave her a hug.

“Heh, you always did like Ghosts didn’t you?” She nodded and gave Citra a kiss on her shell.

“Chase and I have a.... complex relationship...” Chase transmatted behind him right on cue.

“You can say that again... and would you PLEASE get me out of this inane makeshift shell of yours.” Chase was almost naked save for a small life preserver around him.

“Yeah yeah... actually festival is coming up soon and if I’m lucky Tess will have the perfect one.” Ken said smirking which didn’t make Chase feel any better.

“Why must you torture the poor babies?” Aleina asked still hugging Citra. Ken rolled his eyes and motioned for Chase to come over.

“I do have to admit it’s kinda cute.” Citra said giggling.

“I will GLADLY trade it for yours.” Chase shot back still peeved.

“Nu uh. No Ghost of mine is wearing a shell they got from Zavala.” Ken said crossing his arms. “I’ll get you your new one soon just be patient.”

“Speaking of Zavala... class selection time!” Citra singsonged cheerfully.

Lore Books are coming don’t worry! Just waiting for a certain tentacle faced Agent of the Nine to give me a certain exotic....