and-then-we-were-too - Tumblr blog

and-then-we-were-too · 6 months ago

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I am in LOVE with the Erend that calls her “darlin’” 🥺

Getting Fuzzy

Pairing: Ereloy (Aloy/Erend)

Characters: Aloy, Erend, Beta, others mentioned

Warnings: not spoiler free, post hzd, mildly possessive behavior (but Aloy is okay with it)

Words: 3366

Happy Ereloy Day!!

Ao3 link Masterlist

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It’s been a long time since Aloy felt like she could call a place home. Even the Sacred Lands was a bit of a stretch because she was never welcomed by her tribe. The Nora and their obsession with others left Aloy almost completely alone. The closest thing she would have even considered home was Rost. But Aloy lost that too.

Then she stumbled across the Base.

A safe haven where Aloy can relax. Unwind from the immense stress of her life’s mission for once. What’s even better, her friends are there too. It’s still amazing to the huntress that she has friends in the first place. Growing up an outcast really did a number on her in terms of social skills. With all of the love and work from her companions, Aloy is catching up pretty quickly.

It’s great that she has people in her life that care about her as much as she does them.

Her friends, who all have their own tribes—their own homes—have made the Base their home and hers. Nothing can quite compare to how it feels after a long mission to come back to smiling faces waiting for her.

GAIA, with all of her knowledge, ready to help her companions learn as painlessly as possible. All the plants and flowers Zo has brought helps to fill the space with so much life. Kotallo is always willing to spar or talk strategy to ensure everyone is ready for what’s coming. Even Alva has taken lessons from the Tenakth, her sponge-like tenacity for knowledge is starting to catch on with fighting rather than running. The kind smile of sense of familiarity is always there with Varl. Sylens is…well, he’s there. Being greeted by Beta is something special. Having family waiting with welcome arms is so heartwarming.

Of all her friends, none of their greetings quite compares to Erend. To the feeling of coming home to him. The Oseram is a constant that Aloy never knew she’d need. Not with the way they first started. All it took was one mission with him, and everything changed. Then she found him in the Daunt and even more changed. Feelings bloomed in Aloy’s chest like her heart was a field of flowers—blossoming for the strong, goofy Oseram that truly showed her what it means for a person to feel like home.

He showed Aloy what it feels like when your heart chooses your person. Because when it comes down to it, he is. Erend is her person. Even if he has no idea Aloy feels that way.

It’s common knowledge at this point that Aloy is exceptionally strong. For fuck’s sake, Aloy has fought and army of Deathbringers, Sentinels, and the literal Prime Sentinel. But ask her to talk about her feelings, or Forge forbid confess them, suddenly Aloy forgets every word she’s ever known.

Every time Erend flirts with her, Aloy clams up as though he’s never done it before.

Aloy would love nothing more than to flirt back. Make the Oseram turn the same shade of red he makes her. If only she wasn’t so nervous. Erend could be staying in her room with her, holding her while she sleeps. Instead, he falls asleep on the bench. Occasionally, he makes his way to his shared space with Kotallo, but that’s pretty rare. What she wouldn’t give to fall asleep in his arms.

She would bet good shards that he’s a fantastic snuggler.

Climbing up the ledge outside the Base, Aloy can’t help but smile at the thought while she warms her hands at the campfire before stepping inside. Before Nemesis gets here, she should really figure out if she’s right. Provided Aloy can find the courage to ask, that is. For now, she will have to live with her imagination; one day, it’ll become reality.

“Aloy, you’re back.” Beta smiles at the counter. “How’d it go with Morlund?”

As nice as it is to see her sister, Aloy can’t help the way her heart drops a bit not seeing Erend sitting by the Strike table. “Well, we got shot out of the sky, then attacked by the Stormbird that did it. So that was…eventful.” Her brows furrow. “Where is everyone?” It seems like Beta is the only one here, it’s awfully quiet.

Her sister taps her Focus off, sliding a plate of seasoned meat and greens her way. “Kotallo and Alva are sparring by the river.” Beta pops one of the cubes in her mouth, encouraging Aloy to share with her.

Aloy removes her gloves, grabbing the offered food and the flavor immediately explodes in her mouth. Her sister doesn’t cook, or rather can’t, so- her heart hammers in her chest. Is Erend here? Did she miss him? No one but him and Kotallo add this much spice to their food and the latter isn’t even here.

“Sylens is with GAIA trying to formulate a plan for Nemesis,” Beta continues.

Aloy clears her throat, trying her best to sound nonchalant, asking, “And Erend?”

“Right here, Aloy.” the deep voice startles her.

Aloy nearly chokes on a piece of lettuce when she turns to see him. Having just come from the shower, Erend has only his thin, brown trousers on. Droplets of water still clings to his chest as he pulls on a clean shirt, which didn’t stop Aloy from catching a glimpse of his tattoos or the short hairs peppering his torso. Her throat constricts tightly, not even allowing Aloy air to breathe.

“Miss me, Darlin’?” Erend teases, sitting on the stool beside her.

“Um,” Aloy mumbles. Or at least, she thinks she does. To be fair, she isn’t so sure her mouth even opened. Her brain broke momentarily seeing him with his shirt off. That’s never happened before. In fact, she’s been very careful to make sure it hasn’t happened.

Beta giggles, saving her from having to formulate a response. “We definitely missed your cooking,” her sister notes, eating more of the meat. “Varl and Zo went out hunting and foraging for more. Supplies are getting low.”

“Oh.” Aloy’s shoulders slump. “I would have hunted for something on my way back had I known.”

Erend throws his arm over her shoulder. “Ah, don’t feel bad about it. They offered. Besides,” the Oseram winks at her, “I think they wanted to spend some time alone. They deserve that much after everything, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Aloy agrees, unconsciously leaning into his arm. She imagines Zo would want as much time with Varl as possible after Gemini.

It’s silent for a moment before Beta pipes up. “Right! Well, I’m going to go check on GAIA and Sylens. Make sure he’s not running her ragged.”

Aloys goes to get up from her stool, “I’ll come with you.” If Sylens has figured out anything of substance, she should know about it.

“No!” Beta throws her hands out. Erend looks just as confused by the outburst. “Um, I mean.” Her sister slides the plate closer to them. “Eat! I’m sure you’re both hungry from your travels. Eat, if there’s something important, I’ll come get you.” Beta smiles and scampers off.

“Okay,” Aloy draws out the word, slinking back to her seat. “That was weird,” she says, hesitantly grabbing more of the vegetables. She’s been living off of quick game and stew, so food that has an actual crunch is a nice welcome.

"Hey," Erend chuckles, "If it means I don't have to deal with Mr. High Horse, I'll take it." They both pause and share a similar look of trying to hold back a smile. But they break, bursting into laughter, the sound warming Aloy's heart. The Oseram collects himself, still holding a grin, "Man, I missed you, Aloy." He squeezes the arm around her, brushing her face against the side of his head.

"I missed you, too." Aloy allows herself to say. She did and he said it first, so it's not like it gives anything away, you can miss a friend. "Though you're getting kind of fuzzy on me." She reached up, giggling, ruffling his mohawk. "Pretty soon it won't be a mohawk anymore."

Aloy freezes.

She's never touched his hair before. It feels just as soft as it looks, carding delicately through her fingers. Her face burns scarlet and she drops her hand with a chuckle. Grabbing a piece of meat so it looks like she didn't yank her hand away.

If he noticed, Erend doesn't comment on it. Just rubs the back of his head. "Yeah, I know." The Oseram turns a bit to look at her better, giving Aloy a better look at the steel blue eyes that haunt her dreams. "With Asera and helping out at Hidden Ember I haven't had a chance to cut it."

"I could do it for you." Aloy suggests before she can stop the words.

Why? Why did she just do that? One simple touch to his hair and her brain shorts out. Offering to do something for Erend that some would consider an act of intimacy. She's two seconds away from finding a Burrower hole to crawl into. Aloy’s stomach is on a warpath, threatening to upheave everything she’d just put inside of it as anxiety and possibly embarrassment bubbles to the surface. Her fingers twitch against her thigh as Aloy tries to rid herself from the sweat on her palms.

Why?

"Really?" Erend’s face lights up. He always seems so surprised when people offer to help him."You'd do that for me? Since Ersa, I've been doing it myself. Can never tell if I get the back or not." He sighs, averting his gaze back towards the nearly empty plate. As much as Erend tries to hide them, his emotions are clear in the slight slump of his shoulders and the way his face falls. His body saying more than his mouth could, or rather would.

Aloy softens instantly—putty at his feet. All because of sweet puppy eyes and a cute grin. "Yeah." She tries to sound as nonchalant as possible. "I used to do it for Rost all the time,” she points to the side of her head, “he had these stripes that I had to precisely shave." Aloy shrugs, "I'm sure I can manage a clean slate."

The Oseram beams. "Whenever you get a minute, just let me know."

His smile is infectious, and despite the emotional tornado inside of her, one curls around Aloy's own mouth. "I have a minute right now." She leans in, like they're sharing a secret. "Maybe even two."

Erend chuckles, "Two? She likes me." He grins. A sexy curve of his mouth that ignites Aloy's insides with blaze.

That will honestly never get old to her, or him by the sound of it.

"Come on." Aloy gets up from her seat. "Let's go."

Erend gets up, still smiling. "Lead the way," he says, gesturing for her to walk ahead.

He's not incredibly taller than her. But those few inches when Erend stands at his full height? This close? Hits Aloy all the right ways and never ceases to make her blush.

Turning to hide the red hue singing her freckles, Aloy heads for the shower room. Probably best to let all the hair just go down the drain. If the Old Ones did one thing right, it was plumbing and electricity. They made do with fires and lights made from sparkers in place of electricity. Metal bins- or tubs, if you're lucky enough to be at the palace in Meridian- and streams aren't terrible for bathing, but water pressure is amazing.

Aloy didn't notice that the Oseram grabbed his wooden chair on the way until he set it down under a spigot in the middle of the wall.

And then he kills her—right where she fucking stands.

Erend reaches behind his head and yanks his shirt off. One second he's in a shirt, then in the time it takes Aloy to blink, she's staring at the Oseram's chest. The intricate, bold black lines covering his biceps and most of his chest. Even the soft hairs on his torso do very little in obscuring the designs on his tattoos. For a painful moment, Aloy isn’t even blinking.

Fucking- Aloy nearly short circuits. The Nora chokes on her own saliva, having to cough to clear her throat.

"You okay, Darlin'?" Erend asks with a smirk, balling up his shirt and sitting on the chair. Legs slightly spread, leaning over with one hand on his knee.

Can someone kill you twice? Aloy wonders, trying to regain control over her breathing and erratic heart.

"Yeah! Fine." Aloy squeaks, coughing one more time for good measure. "Just a tickle." She gestures to her throat. "Do you have any balm? Or oil?" Water would work fine, but she remembers how much easier the blade slides when there's something slick.

"On the sink in the other room."

Aloy nods, stepping out to not only grab the items, but to calm down. It's just Erend, for Forge's sake. Shit, she's even cursing like him now. Okay. Okay! Okay. It's fine, she can totally do this. She takes a deep breath, picking up the clean blade and the small jar, heading back to the shower room.

"Ready?" Aloy asks, handing him the knife.

He nods, so she pours a generous amount into her hands, giving the jar to the Oseram too. It isn't until she's lathering the oil on her hands that Aloy realizes she'll be rubbing his scalp. The Nora takes a deep breath before just going for it. Massaging the oil into all the small hairs. It smells minty and smoky at the same time, must be something he picked up from the Tenakth in the desert.

Erend sighs, shoulders deflating, almost whispering. "That feels nice."

"Good," she says. Meaning it too. Her fluttering heart aside, Aloy is happy to take care of Erend. Not only being the captain of the Vanguard, without Ersa, he probably hasn't felt like this in a while.

So she quickly rinses her hands off, not wanting the blade to slip from her fingers. Filled with determination for this to be relaxing for him. Show him that he's worth relaxation and affection. That he has worth period. Something Aloy thinks Erend forgets a lot.

Getting the blade back, Aloys gets started, carefully dragging the knife across his skin. As the hair is shaved away, Aloy rinses it off, continuing her work. One hand rests on his broad shoulder as she makes her way to the side of his head.

Erend's hand comes up to cover hers, gently rubbing his thumb along the Nora's knuckles. "Thanks for doing this." He drops his hand. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome." Her voice comes out much more casual than she feels. A novelty if you ask her, inside she's screaming. If Aloy wasn't holding something sharp near his head, she would have flinched. "Do you—" She moves her hand to the side of his face so she can do his temple. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all." Erend leans into her hand.

Aloy carefully holds his face, moving it the way she needs and returning to her task. When she moves the blade away to rinse it, Erend grabs her hand again, slowly bringing it to his lips. Kissing her fingers softly.

She's going to combust. Erend doesn’t do this. Sure, he’s thrown some flirtatious comments her way or has hugged Aloy for a bit longer than anyone else. But never, not once, has Erend put his mouth anywhere near her. The closest he’s ever come was whispering a joke in her ear about Kotallo having a crush on Alva when everyone was in the Base one night. Aloy is cold and hot at the same time and simply doesn’t know what to do with herself.

Aloy isn’t sure how to react. She wants to ask Erend what he’s doing, what this means. But all her brain can process is the way his mouth feels on her fingers, sending her stomach into another round of flip flopping. There’s no denying that Aloy likes it, if only she could find her voice. Or her body, Aloy feels like she’s watching this happen from afar rather than being in it.

"I'm really glad you're back." Erend asks, his voice full of relief, but so quiet. As if he’s afraid that if he talks too loud, the dark thought in his head would come to fruition. Something Aloy herself has done on multiple occasions.

"What?" Aloy asks on autopilot, her mouth supplying a question while her mind tries to recover from her hand being kissed. Because in truth, she didn’t fully hear what he’d said.

"You sent out a call with your Focus when you were with Morlund." Erend explains, kissing her knuckles again. "I watched you fall out of the sky. It cut out for a minute, just to see you being attacked by a Stormbird when it came back online." The Oseram shakes his head, giving her a third kiss. “Scared the shit out of me. I haven’t felt that since—” He sighs.

The last time she thought she was dead.

“Since Gemini.” Aloy whispers, her heart aching from the memory.

Where they temporarily lost Beta and almost Varl too.

Erend only nods, squeezing her hand.

Aloy gently shakes his head. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’m gonna bother you for a long time.”

But he doesn’t chuckle at her humorous tone like usual. Instead, still holding her hand, Erend turns his head, looking at her with incredibly soft eyes. “You mean it? Aloy, I—” He pinches his mouth closed, like he’s torn with what to say. “Fire and spit, I’m just gonna say it. Aloy, I’m in love with you. Have been for a while now. I don’t know if you—”

There’s zero thought or hesitancy, Aloy leans down and kisses him. She is bold in all things except this. Romance, kissing, she’s seen it before, but it’s nothing Aloy has done herself. But Erend is sweet and he said he loves her, so she can push her anxiety to the side for the sake of making sure he knows that his feelings are absolutely reciprocated.

Erend is stunned for a second, but his arms wrap around her waist, pulling Aloy into his lap. He groans low in the back of his throat, licking along her bottom lip. When Aloy doesn't react immediately—surprise still coursing through her veins—Erend squeezes her ass. Making Aloy gasp, allowing his tongue to slip into her mouth.

Aloy's heart is going off the rails in her chest. She's making out with Erend. Something she never thought would happen because she was stuck in her head. Too scared to admit her feelings because she didn’t know how to express them. But here she is, in Erend's lap with his tongue exploring her mouth and his facial hair tickling her cheeks.

She breaks off the kiss for the sake of breathing. Gasping for air, hooded hazel eyes marvel at the red staining the Oseram's cheeks. "I'm sorry I worried you," Aloy says, her free hand stroking the short hairs on his chest. Toned with a layer of softness that makes her mouth water.

"It's okay." Erend curls his hand in the back of her hair, bringing their lips together again. "You're mine now." He grinds her against him. "That means I will go with you from now on. I won’t have to worry about wondering what’s happening on a random Stormbird attack, because I’ll be right there helping you take it down. I know you can take care of yourself, but I'd like to keep an extra eye on my woman, if she’ll let me."

"I love you too." Aloy smiles, tenderly cupping his cheek, knowing that's what he's trying to say. “I’d be more than happy for you to join me on my missions. Now," she quickly says, before she can distract herself even more. "Let's finish your hair. Then we can continue."

Erend gives her one last peck, "Whatever you say, Darlin'."

#horizon forbidden west #hzd erend #aloy x erend #ereloy #ereloy fic #erend x aloy

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