Archive of Our Own ^beta

This challenger is unlike any other Leshy has encountered. And you continue to make him feel a way he has not felt in a very long time. As though... Inscryption is not the only important thing in his life.

You're at his cabin early this morning just like he asked. Always so punctual, respectful of his time. He grabs one of his other cameras, double checking that he didn't grab that one.

No... That would have to wait for another time.

Regardless, he wanted to do something special. He's assigned the other Scrybes their own animals, and he wants to do the same for you. You're an important part of his life now, after all.

He had chosen the creatures for them, but he feels as though it would be more personal if you chose yours. Dare he say that it would be intimate in a way, for you to have such a close tie to his deck.

He can only hope that you'd understand, pick up on and return his feelings. Even if you don't, he'd still cherish the experience all the same.

He opens the door and you sit across from him at the table. What a familiar scenario.

"Challenger... You've shown your skill. And I'd say you've come far. Let us find an animal that embodies your spirit and you may leave your mark upon my deck."

You look so cute as you fidget with the hem of your shirt. Surely you're nervous, it's an honor to be asked to play such an important role. But it's only fair, you're just as important to him.

"It's early, the woods shall be teeming with wildlife. Maybe you'll choose something as delicate as a butterfly-"

"Leshy-"

No no no, you cannot interrupt. Especially not mid example, he's trying to set the scene.

"I wasn't finished. Or you could choose something as brutish and brash as a bear-"

"Leshy, wait-"

You're quite rude today. You're never like this. In fact, you're one of the few people who doesn't interrupt his long rambles. That's part of what he enjoys about you, always so thoughtful.

At least, you normally are.

"I'm almost done Challenger, have patience. Or perhaps a creature like a cougar, to demonstrate a nice balance between grace and brutality? Come now and we'll determine the creature, and later we can discuss the cost and power," he smiles at you as he finishes the spiel, resting on one of his hands.

He's imagined this moment for a while now, and if he's honest with himself, its been on his mind ever since the first game you played together. If the forest he described to you were to be reality, your hand entwined in his. The birds singing and rustling of animals in the brush.

If you were nervous from snapping twigs and sudden silence, would you turn to him for comfort? Would the warmth of a held hand turn into the warmth of a hug-

"Leshy, I'm sorry but I can't today. I'm busy, you know how it is, but I think I'm free tomorrow? I'm really grateful for the opportunity though, I know how important something like this is."

Your words smash that daydream to pieces, and he mumbles something akin to an agreement as he silently shows you to the door. It slams behind you and he locks it, putting his camera away.

Tomorrow, then... There's always tomorrow.