(no subject)
Author: wolfraven80
Title: Moments
Fandom: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Character: Eirika (Seth/Eirika)
Rating: PG-13
A/N: Seth/Eirika Modern-Day AU (Takes place after events of Seven but works just fine as a stand-alone)
Link to Table
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Eight: Shower
They announced light showers for today- not the downpour we’re getting now. As the raindrops patter against our window, Seth picks at nearly invisible bits of lint on the sleeve of his tux. I’ve always loved how he looks in a tuxedo; I used to admire him at parties when he was there as part of the security staff. Now he’s my date. Hence his sudden case of nerves I suppose. I put my hand over his to still his fidgeting, and smile at him.
"Everything will be fine," I tell him. "I’ll have a cocktail, you have a scotch; we’ll eat some hors d’oeuvres and chat about the weather and the clean water project the evening is funding... and then we’ll drive you home. It’ll be fine."
"I know."
I wish he could stay over tonight like he usually does on the weekend. Even though it’s Friday he needs to check on things at his apartment- make sure nothing in his refrigerator has evolved into a sentient life form while he was staying at my place with his cold.
"How was your day?"
He groans and squeezes his eyes shut.
"Oh dear. I’m sorry I asked." I pat him on shoulder."I was thinking... Why don’t we go up to the cottage this weekend? We can get your stuff some other time. A couple of days away would be nice, don’t you think?"
"But the weather-"
I press my fingers to his lips. "We can stay inside and read or just watch movies. Anything. I just want to spend some time together before my trip." It’s already arranged. I’ll be leaving for France next Friday. I’d expected the month before our wedding to be hectic, but not like this. It’s like a shower of ill luck. How many things can go wrong all at once?
"All right," he says, putting his arm around me.
I lean my head against his shoulder. "We can light the fireplace," I whisper in his ear. His fingers trace slow circles on my arm and I find myself wishing we didn’t have to attend this dinner at all, that we could go home and do something far more interesting. It’s been over a week since we’ve made love- the longest time since we started dating- and I’m filled with a restless desire to run my hands through his hair, to undo the buttons of his shirt one at a time and press my lips against his skin.
The rain is coming down in torrents as we pull up to the convention centre where the gala is being held. The driver opens the door on Seth’s side, holding an umbrella that he then hands to Seth- who’s looking more nervous than ever, poor dear. I step out of the car under the cover of the umbrella clutched in Seth’s hand and take hold of his arm. He looks dazed as a small cluster of photographers, huddled beneath the awning over the entrance, snap a few hasty photographs.
We head in and begin mingling and trying to make our way to the bar. Seth is polite but reserved as I greet acquaintances, and he radiates tension- at least to me. To others he always looks cool and collected, but I recognise the stiffness of his stance, the set of his jaw. I’ve walked this world of galas and socialites and paparazzi all my life, while Seth has only ever skirted the edges, always watching but always outside- and glad of it. Anyone who thinks that he wanted my wealth, my lifestyle, is quite sadly misinformed.
After the first half hour (and a glass of scotch, sipped while I made small talk about the NASDAQ with a pair of businessmen visiting from the Los Angeles) he seems more relaxed. I’m enjoying a cosmopolitan, relishing the way the light shines through the scarlet liquid and thinking we just might be able to have a nice evening after all when something unexpected happens.
"Eirika! Why hello there!"
"Joshua? I didn’t know you were in town."
"I never could say no to a party." He grins in that roguish manner that so many of my friends find charming. Since his mother passed away he’s been head of Jehanna Enterprises out in California, but his hair is still long and I can see the tail end of his dragon tattoo poking out from under the cuff of his sleeve. Even in a suit he looks more like a rockstar than a businessman.
"Seth, this is Joshua Swaine, head of Jehanna Enterprises."
"Nice to finally meet you. I’ve been hearing about you for such a long while," Joshua says as they shake hands. "Incidentally, I think the two of you have met my girlfriend N-"
"Natasha?"
It’s only as Seth says it that I fully realize that the woman coming to join Joshua is Seth’s ex. I haven’t seen her in six or seven years. "Seth, Miss King... Hello."
Seth looks absolutely shocked and I don’t dare wonder what my own expression must be. For a moment the four of us stand there in utter silence. I have an image of a sign hanging over our heads with the word "awkward" written in huge red letters.
I clear my throat. "‘Eirika’ is fine,"I say, trying to smile. Is it terrible that I feel so uncomfortable, that I’m wondering what Seth’s thinking, whether he’s remembering what she looks like under that gown, what sort of sounds she made when they- I take a gulp of my cosmopolitan and try to banish that line of thought.
Joshua seems to be the only one not utterly mortified. He’s smiling, damn him. "I figured we’d run into each other eventually. Better to get this little reunion out of the way sooner rather than later, don’t you think?"
I roll my eyes. "Knowing you I’m surprised you didn’t just flip a coin."
"To be honest... I did," he says with a shrug. "Better now than at your wedding though, right?"
I stifle a groan. I really haven’t anything against Natasha, but the idea of having Seth’s ex-girlfriend at our wedding...
"Actually I won’t be able to make it," Natasha says. "I’m attending a medical conference that whole weekend. I do wish you both the best," she says, smiling. Relief sweeps through me and I feel hugely grateful to her.
"Thank you. So... how did you two meet?"
Joshua grins. "I was at a benefit for the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center and just happened to run into this splendid doctor who worked there."
Natasha’s expression as she looks at him is full of amusement and obvious affection and I’m grateful to see her so attached to Joshua, if only for rather selfish reasons. "I only agreed to a date the first time because I lost a wager to him." In my mind it’s unfathomable that anyone could have Seth and not want to keep him forever, but I’m just as happy that it’s not the case.
I’m relieved when another pair of guests comes over to talk to Joshua. We excuse ourselves as he introduces Natasha to them. Seth sags with relief once we’re away from them.
After the speeches about the project and the amount of money raised tonight and how many new wells that will translate to in water-starved countries, Seth and I make a discreet exit. It’s still pouring and he struggles with the umbrella. Once we’re in the car he groans and rubs his temples.
"You have a headache?"
"Mmm."
"Miss King?" I lean forward as the driver addresses me. "Are we headed to your home this evening or to Mister Knightly’s?"
"Mine," I reply.
"Eirika," Seth says in a low tone, "I’m too tired to-"
"Shh. I know. I just want you there with me." He nods and then closes his eyes and sighs. "I can’t believe we ran into Natasha."
A mirthless laugh slips out of him. "When it rains it pours."
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Seven: Picture
"Now wait a minute. Does a flush beat a straight or is it the other way around?"
I’m so glad we came out here. It’s been so relaxing, and after the hectic few weeks we’ve had (not to mention the hectic weeks ahead), it’s a welcome change to be able to spend time together without any distractions. Though why Seth decided to teach me to play poker of all things is a mystery
"Flush beats a straight," he replies, his left arm, wound about my waist, giving me a squeeze.
I lean back against his chest and enjoy the feel of his warmth seeping into me, closer and more comforting than the heat from the crackling fire in front of us. We have blankets and pillows heaped around us for later, but for now I’m content to sit in his arms.
"No peeking," I warn as I reach over his leg to uncover my face-down cards. Seven card stud is what he called it. "Okay, hit me."
He chuckles. "That’s for blackjack, darling," he says, nuzzling against my neck.
"Oh. Well... deal then."
He deals out the final card face down. He might have a straight. I’ve got three kings. We’re not placing bets, just going through the motions. He keeps his cards on the left, I, on the right so I don’t accidentally brush over his stitches- they’re still sore, like a large bruise, he said. It would be easier to play if we were facing each other, but I’m far too content just now to be practical.
"What do you have?" I ask him.
A sly smile curves his lips and for a moment I’m convinced he has a straight, but when he turns over his cards there’s nothing but a pair of twos. I flip over mine with my trio of kings. "So I win?"
"You do. You’re doing well. In no time at all we can graduate you to strip poker."
I laugh at this. "I knew you had to have some hidden agenda."
"Who said it was hidden?" His arms pull me close against him and he presses kisses along my jaw.
I sigh, utterly content, and reach for his hands, interlacing our fingers. Everything is so right, so perfect. It’s hard to believe how differently it could have turned out. "Seth?"
"Hmm?"
"Is this how you pictured your life?"
A soft laugh. "Certainly not." I turn to see his expression. He smiles at me. "I never thought I could have you, my darling."
"So what did you imagine?"
I feel his shoulders shrug against my back. "I assumed I would eventually find... someone... and marry her. Not Natasha," he adds and I flush because her name did cross my mind. "I don’t think either of us had that expectation. Neither one of us was willing to give up our careers."
I tilt my head to lean against his shoulder. Seth’s job is his whole life; I know that. He’s got no family of his own any longer, so my father took him under his wing and made sure he would have a place with our family. When we first started seeing each other, Seth had this silly idea in his head that Ephraim would fire him- but he was willing to take that risk even if, in his own mind anyway, it meant risking everything.
"I can’t believe she’s with Joshua," I say with a laugh. "Could she have picked anyone more different than you?"
"Short of Forde, probably not."
His breath is hot against my cheek and I turn and kiss him. I think it’s about time we put these blankets to good use.
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Six: Backyard
"Do you see the three stars there that form a triangle?" Seth, says, pointing up at the night sky.
"I... No I- Wait, yes. Yes, I see it."
"Those three are part of Cassiopeia." A thrill rushes through me and I can’t help but laugh.
I lean against the railing of the cottage’s back porch, smiling. "I’ve never been able to spot a constellation before." I glance over at him. Awash in moonlight, Seth looks like something out of a storybook: a forest spirit who’s taken on human form to woo a mortal woman, but who’ll shortly return to his native shape- perhaps a silver-winged hawk or a fleet-footed wolf- and disappear into the woods. "How do you know so much? Was it your dad?"
He nods. "When my mother was still alive, we used to go camping. He loved to talk about the stars. He saw the lunar landing when it was first broadcast and hated it."
"What? Why?"
"He said it took all the mystery out of it."
I’m surprised because it seems such a romantic way of seeing things and I never imagined Seth’s father as being anything but practical, much like Seth himself. But then Seth can be so wonderfully impractical about certain things that I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.
"I wish we could stay longer. It’s so beautiful."
"It was a good idea to come up here," he says and puts his arm around my shoulders.
I lean my head against him. "In less than a month we’ll be married..."
He chuckles. "And I’ll officially be your trophy husband."
My fingers dart under his jacket and reach for that spot along his ribs where he’s ticklish. He jumps and snags my hand. I was thrilled to discover that even Seth has a weakness.
Grinning, I lean into him and hug him. His arms wind themselves around me and I’m warm even in the nippy spring air.
Title: Moments
Fandom: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
Character: Eirika (Seth/Eirika)
Rating: PG-13
A/N: Seth/Eirika Modern-Day AU (Takes place after events of Seven but works just fine as a stand-alone)
Link to Table
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Eight: Shower
They announced light showers for today- not the downpour we’re getting now. As the raindrops patter against our window, Seth picks at nearly invisible bits of lint on the sleeve of his tux. I’ve always loved how he looks in a tuxedo; I used to admire him at parties when he was there as part of the security staff. Now he’s my date. Hence his sudden case of nerves I suppose. I put my hand over his to still his fidgeting, and smile at him.
"Everything will be fine," I tell him. "I’ll have a cocktail, you have a scotch; we’ll eat some hors d’oeuvres and chat about the weather and the clean water project the evening is funding... and then we’ll drive you home. It’ll be fine."
"I know."
I wish he could stay over tonight like he usually does on the weekend. Even though it’s Friday he needs to check on things at his apartment- make sure nothing in his refrigerator has evolved into a sentient life form while he was staying at my place with his cold.
"How was your day?"
He groans and squeezes his eyes shut.
"Oh dear. I’m sorry I asked." I pat him on shoulder."I was thinking... Why don’t we go up to the cottage this weekend? We can get your stuff some other time. A couple of days away would be nice, don’t you think?"
"But the weather-"
I press my fingers to his lips. "We can stay inside and read or just watch movies. Anything. I just want to spend some time together before my trip." It’s already arranged. I’ll be leaving for France next Friday. I’d expected the month before our wedding to be hectic, but not like this. It’s like a shower of ill luck. How many things can go wrong all at once?
"All right," he says, putting his arm around me.
I lean my head against his shoulder. "We can light the fireplace," I whisper in his ear. His fingers trace slow circles on my arm and I find myself wishing we didn’t have to attend this dinner at all, that we could go home and do something far more interesting. It’s been over a week since we’ve made love- the longest time since we started dating- and I’m filled with a restless desire to run my hands through his hair, to undo the buttons of his shirt one at a time and press my lips against his skin.
The rain is coming down in torrents as we pull up to the convention centre where the gala is being held. The driver opens the door on Seth’s side, holding an umbrella that he then hands to Seth- who’s looking more nervous than ever, poor dear. I step out of the car under the cover of the umbrella clutched in Seth’s hand and take hold of his arm. He looks dazed as a small cluster of photographers, huddled beneath the awning over the entrance, snap a few hasty photographs.
We head in and begin mingling and trying to make our way to the bar. Seth is polite but reserved as I greet acquaintances, and he radiates tension- at least to me. To others he always looks cool and collected, but I recognise the stiffness of his stance, the set of his jaw. I’ve walked this world of galas and socialites and paparazzi all my life, while Seth has only ever skirted the edges, always watching but always outside- and glad of it. Anyone who thinks that he wanted my wealth, my lifestyle, is quite sadly misinformed.
After the first half hour (and a glass of scotch, sipped while I made small talk about the NASDAQ with a pair of businessmen visiting from the Los Angeles) he seems more relaxed. I’m enjoying a cosmopolitan, relishing the way the light shines through the scarlet liquid and thinking we just might be able to have a nice evening after all when something unexpected happens.
"Eirika! Why hello there!"
"Joshua? I didn’t know you were in town."
"I never could say no to a party." He grins in that roguish manner that so many of my friends find charming. Since his mother passed away he’s been head of Jehanna Enterprises out in California, but his hair is still long and I can see the tail end of his dragon tattoo poking out from under the cuff of his sleeve. Even in a suit he looks more like a rockstar than a businessman.
"Seth, this is Joshua Swaine, head of Jehanna Enterprises."
"Nice to finally meet you. I’ve been hearing about you for such a long while," Joshua says as they shake hands. "Incidentally, I think the two of you have met my girlfriend N-"
"Natasha?"
It’s only as Seth says it that I fully realize that the woman coming to join Joshua is Seth’s ex. I haven’t seen her in six or seven years. "Seth, Miss King... Hello."
Seth looks absolutely shocked and I don’t dare wonder what my own expression must be. For a moment the four of us stand there in utter silence. I have an image of a sign hanging over our heads with the word "awkward" written in huge red letters.
I clear my throat. "‘Eirika’ is fine,"I say, trying to smile. Is it terrible that I feel so uncomfortable, that I’m wondering what Seth’s thinking, whether he’s remembering what she looks like under that gown, what sort of sounds she made when they- I take a gulp of my cosmopolitan and try to banish that line of thought.
Joshua seems to be the only one not utterly mortified. He’s smiling, damn him. "I figured we’d run into each other eventually. Better to get this little reunion out of the way sooner rather than later, don’t you think?"
I roll my eyes. "Knowing you I’m surprised you didn’t just flip a coin."
"To be honest... I did," he says with a shrug. "Better now than at your wedding though, right?"
I stifle a groan. I really haven’t anything against Natasha, but the idea of having Seth’s ex-girlfriend at our wedding...
"Actually I won’t be able to make it," Natasha says. "I’m attending a medical conference that whole weekend. I do wish you both the best," she says, smiling. Relief sweeps through me and I feel hugely grateful to her.
"Thank you. So... how did you two meet?"
Joshua grins. "I was at a benefit for the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center and just happened to run into this splendid doctor who worked there."
Natasha’s expression as she looks at him is full of amusement and obvious affection and I’m grateful to see her so attached to Joshua, if only for rather selfish reasons. "I only agreed to a date the first time because I lost a wager to him." In my mind it’s unfathomable that anyone could have Seth and not want to keep him forever, but I’m just as happy that it’s not the case.
I’m relieved when another pair of guests comes over to talk to Joshua. We excuse ourselves as he introduces Natasha to them. Seth sags with relief once we’re away from them.
After the speeches about the project and the amount of money raised tonight and how many new wells that will translate to in water-starved countries, Seth and I make a discreet exit. It’s still pouring and he struggles with the umbrella. Once we’re in the car he groans and rubs his temples.
"You have a headache?"
"Mmm."
"Miss King?" I lean forward as the driver addresses me. "Are we headed to your home this evening or to Mister Knightly’s?"
"Mine," I reply.
"Eirika," Seth says in a low tone, "I’m too tired to-"
"Shh. I know. I just want you there with me." He nods and then closes his eyes and sighs. "I can’t believe we ran into Natasha."
A mirthless laugh slips out of him. "When it rains it pours."
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Seven: Picture
"Now wait a minute. Does a flush beat a straight or is it the other way around?"
I’m so glad we came out here. It’s been so relaxing, and after the hectic few weeks we’ve had (not to mention the hectic weeks ahead), it’s a welcome change to be able to spend time together without any distractions. Though why Seth decided to teach me to play poker of all things is a mystery
"Flush beats a straight," he replies, his left arm, wound about my waist, giving me a squeeze.
I lean back against his chest and enjoy the feel of his warmth seeping into me, closer and more comforting than the heat from the crackling fire in front of us. We have blankets and pillows heaped around us for later, but for now I’m content to sit in his arms.
"No peeking," I warn as I reach over his leg to uncover my face-down cards. Seven card stud is what he called it. "Okay, hit me."
He chuckles. "That’s for blackjack, darling," he says, nuzzling against my neck.
"Oh. Well... deal then."
He deals out the final card face down. He might have a straight. I’ve got three kings. We’re not placing bets, just going through the motions. He keeps his cards on the left, I, on the right so I don’t accidentally brush over his stitches- they’re still sore, like a large bruise, he said. It would be easier to play if we were facing each other, but I’m far too content just now to be practical.
"What do you have?" I ask him.
A sly smile curves his lips and for a moment I’m convinced he has a straight, but when he turns over his cards there’s nothing but a pair of twos. I flip over mine with my trio of kings. "So I win?"
"You do. You’re doing well. In no time at all we can graduate you to strip poker."
I laugh at this. "I knew you had to have some hidden agenda."
"Who said it was hidden?" His arms pull me close against him and he presses kisses along my jaw.
I sigh, utterly content, and reach for his hands, interlacing our fingers. Everything is so right, so perfect. It’s hard to believe how differently it could have turned out. "Seth?"
"Hmm?"
"Is this how you pictured your life?"
A soft laugh. "Certainly not." I turn to see his expression. He smiles at me. "I never thought I could have you, my darling."
"So what did you imagine?"
I feel his shoulders shrug against my back. "I assumed I would eventually find... someone... and marry her. Not Natasha," he adds and I flush because her name did cross my mind. "I don’t think either of us had that expectation. Neither one of us was willing to give up our careers."
I tilt my head to lean against his shoulder. Seth’s job is his whole life; I know that. He’s got no family of his own any longer, so my father took him under his wing and made sure he would have a place with our family. When we first started seeing each other, Seth had this silly idea in his head that Ephraim would fire him- but he was willing to take that risk even if, in his own mind anyway, it meant risking everything.
"I can’t believe she’s with Joshua," I say with a laugh. "Could she have picked anyone more different than you?"
"Short of Forde, probably not."
His breath is hot against my cheek and I turn and kiss him. I think it’s about time we put these blankets to good use.
Also on ffnet here
Day Twenty-Six: Backyard
"Do you see the three stars there that form a triangle?" Seth, says, pointing up at the night sky.
"I... No I- Wait, yes. Yes, I see it."
"Those three are part of Cassiopeia." A thrill rushes through me and I can’t help but laugh.
I lean against the railing of the cottage’s back porch, smiling. "I’ve never been able to spot a constellation before." I glance over at him. Awash in moonlight, Seth looks like something out of a storybook: a forest spirit who’s taken on human form to woo a mortal woman, but who’ll shortly return to his native shape- perhaps a silver-winged hawk or a fleet-footed wolf- and disappear into the woods. "How do you know so much? Was it your dad?"
He nods. "When my mother was still alive, we used to go camping. He loved to talk about the stars. He saw the lunar landing when it was first broadcast and hated it."
"What? Why?"
"He said it took all the mystery out of it."
I’m surprised because it seems such a romantic way of seeing things and I never imagined Seth’s father as being anything but practical, much like Seth himself. But then Seth can be so wonderfully impractical about certain things that I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.
"I wish we could stay longer. It’s so beautiful."
"It was a good idea to come up here," he says and puts his arm around my shoulders.
I lean my head against him. "In less than a month we’ll be married..."
He chuckles. "And I’ll officially be your trophy husband."
My fingers dart under his jacket and reach for that spot along his ribs where he’s ticklish. He jumps and snags my hand. I was thrilled to discover that even Seth has a weakness.
Grinning, I lean into him and hug him. His arms wind themselves around me and I’m warm even in the nippy spring air.