rhysie11 - Tumblr blog

rhysie11 · 1 day ago

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OMG I am SO sorry!! I have been so busy helping my sisters getting settled in and just all this craziness! I promise I will check tumblr way more often! That being said, Aww! Thank you so much! I promise you inspire me to write just as much as I inspire you! I’m sorry that I am just seeing this now, but it brings me such joy to know I help you see how great your fanfic is! Hearing about your writing style gives me so many ideas going forward! I loved every single chapter, and it only gets better! I truly believe you are up there in top 3 of rhyiona writers! So if you feel like you should have done a few things differently, I definitely have my work cut out for me. You are amazing! And I hope you know just how much enjoyment and encouragement you bring!

And of course!! It is just a rough patch, and I am so sure you will be in a much better position so soon! The storm will surely blow over, and it will make you stronger because of it! I cannot wait until it does! Maybe we can bounce ideas off each other, and hopefully get some more cute fluff written about our two favorite vault hunters! I hope you’re able to respond soon! Again, sorry about the late reply. I will be sure to check my notifications way more frequently! I hope I can continue to inspire you as well! This truly is such a great discussion that I am glad I started! YOU are awesome too!!

And yay! I was hoping so! <3

Hey so I gotta ask! What got you back into tales? If you ever left lol. It’s just I LOVED tales back then but for some reason my saves keep corrupting and I got tired of dealing with it so I deleted it 💀 but I recently got back into it and I’ve been reading your fanfic and I’m loving it! It’s so true to their characters! For some reason I always felt Fiona was a better match for Rhys and that last scene with them in the vault was the nail in the coffin. What got you into it again? Because truly I have no idea why I did 😭

Firstly, it is so incredibly lovely to know that something I’ve written has brought someone else joy. Thank you so, so much! Life has been very rough for me lately, having me constantly busy and I probably will be for a while, so I don’t know when I’ll update and write anymore chapters after Chapter 15, but know I do plan on getting back into it whenever life slows down. Suddenly, I’m given this brief moment to check Tumblr as a break from reality, and upon doing so I saw this comment of yours! To receive a comment is truly so delightful. Seriously, thank you times a million<3 So, to answer what you’ve asked, well…

As years have flown by and life became more complex for me, I craved comfort in nostalgia, and how I’d typically get my fix of comforting nostalgia was from old narrative-driven video games. When I first got into Tales From The Borderlands, I believe it was when Jacksepticeye posted his gameplay footage for it. The year the game came out, I was twelve years old, so it feels really random how memories of the game’s existence hit me about a decade later. Now that you’ve asked, I’ve reflected, and I think it was stepping into being an English major that made me remember the game.

From indulging in narrative-driven video games at such a young age, I fell in love with the idea of storytelling and specifically that of creative writing. So, during my most recent semester at college, I finally decided to take an intro to fiction writing course that covered so many aspects of storytelling. The instructor would invite classmates and I to share examples of stories that applied certain narrative techniques, and that’s what really jogged to mind Tales From The Borderlands. I couldn’t stop bringing up the game numerous times. “Does anyone have an example of a piece of media that uses a type of plot structure we can discuss?” (Oh, well Tales From the Borderlands utilizes frame narrative structure.) “Let’s talk unreliable narrators” (Oh! Well, there are these two protagonists, Rhys and Fiona…) “Does anyone have an example of Chekhov’s gun?” (Felix’s gift to Sasha) “Given the twelve character archetypes we went over, pick one and give an example of it” (Gortys falls under The Child archetype, as she is hopeful yet naive…) In short, I believe this is how I got back into watching gameplay of Tales From The Borderlands. Analyzing and studying any beloved media of storytelling can teach a writer a lot about how to improve in the craft.

If I’m honest, I’ve never written fanfiction before, and I never thought I’d get into it. Fourteen year old me thought fanfiction was absolutely cringe and not worth getting into, either writing it or reading it. Twenty-two year old me, being very frustrated that romancing Rhys and Fiona was not an option, decided to indulge in reading a lot of Rhyiona fanfic to scratch the itch the game did not provide, and I quickly learned that there are so many incredibly talented writers that write incredible fanfic. Writers like @andaxay @admiralsweko @rin-bellatrix absolutely proved the pretentious mindset I had at fourteen was so very wrong, and such a joy it is to be proven wrong for something as silly as that.

Naturally, as to how I decided to start writing my own fanfic, reading the works of those fanfic writers and many more from ao3 have inspired me to give it a shot. Additionally, as someone who has stressed over original content she wants to put out someday, I wanted a break from getting so hung up on my original work’s rough patches of the writing process, while still practicing the craft of creative writing somehow. Thus, fanfiction just made sense to start exercising and honing in on narrative techniques while removing the pressure I have from time to time regarding my original stories. While writing fanfic, I could practice character voice vs narrator voice, flashbacks, narrative pacing, varying sentence structure in developing a writing style, etc. etc. I’m still learning as a writer, and always will be, so writing fanfic is such a fun way to go about my journey. And upon further research, I’ve found that many amazing writers have actually started practicing their craft by writing fanfiction. For example, Marissa Meyer (New York Times Bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles) started off writing Sailor Moon fanfic! It’s so cool to see other people’s writing journey, and now in my own writing journey, it’s so cool to have support like yours with me!

Thanks again for enjoying my content and for reaching out to me. I wish I could convey to you how much it means to me to have such a response. Again, my life has been really rough lately, so I am not exaggerating when I say this; seeing someone genuinely interested in anything I chose to write is so uplifting, and it truly made my night. You’re seriously so awesome! May your days be filled with traffic-free drives and the best breakfast foods ever served (Translation: May you have amazing blessings come your way!!! God bless you!!!)

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rhysie11 · 14 days ago

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What an amazing answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that out! It really does mean a lot that you would take the time to give such a detailed and well thought out response. Tbh I thought I was sending a direct message, but I can truly say that I am so glad it wasn’t! All the best rhyiona writers answering my question with such specific details?! That’s awesome! Thank you for extending my question to them as well! I know exactly what you mean about having that crave of scratching that itch that the game did not really provide, apart from the interested in someone else. Especially BL3 and the new tales game. Both were terribly disrespectful to the characters they spent 5 episodes flushing out. But honestly there are a few little parts here and there that could be interpreted as them flirting or hinting that they may be growing a fondness for each other beyond normal friendship. Especially in the beginning, Fiona and Rhys’ relationship is so complicated. It might have taken being kidnapped at gunpoint and dragged through the desert together for them to work out their rocky journey, but it gave them the opportunity to respect and truly understand each others mindset throughout their adventure even before meeting. If they were harboring even the slightest feelings for each other before being separated at Helios, it would have been the best place for them to realize it and have it slowly blossom into something more. Something Rhys definitely didn’t do with Sasha. It’s an amazing story and I would like to write a fanfic or something on rhyiona too! But just writing this response took me so long and I wouldn’t know where to start. Tbh that’s kinda why I asked you! So I could gain maybe a little motivation to try and join the lovely rhyiona writers here!

On another note, I’m really sorry to hear that life’s been rough on you lately.. Times are tough, especially recently and I hate to hear that it’s not going as well as it should be. Everything is temporary and I know life is going to slow down and feel way more manageable before you realize. I am extraordinarily excited to read more from you, and see the interesting prompts you come up with! I’ve been reading a chapter every night that I am able to, and nothing puts me to sleep like reading your great stories! I’d love to maybe think of some prompts for you to write of our 2 favorite vault hunters later on when you get less busy and are able to have more time to yourself! Who knows! Maybe I’ll even try to tackle some short one shots myself. You and everyone you mentioned are able to scratch that itch I have for Rhyiona content so well, and I hope to see more from each and every one of you! You are all super! @comma-tose @admiralsweko @plague-cure

Thank you so much for answering my question and for your beautiful insight! It was really cool being able to hear how each of you started into this community! I am super happy to contribute even the tiniest bit to this amazing community! I hope to contribute more soon. Thank you again for your time! I am grateful you appreciated my comments and that I was able to make your day! It means a whole lot to me with how much these stories help me. May your pillows forever remain cool, and your showers stay the perfect temperature the entire time! God bless you too! You all are awesome!

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rhysie11 · 16 days ago

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Show Me My Silver Lining (TFTBL Rhys/Fiona Fanfiction) - Chapter 14

SUMMARY: A fan-written continuation of the lives of the Atlas CEO and Pandoran Vault Hunter. Canon-aligned with TFTBL, but not with game 3. What happened after the vault? How does the beloved duo continue growing together? Rhyiona ship including slow burn, fluff, and banter. Enjoy!

(art made by using Canva)

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heads up: this chapter is a hurt/comfort one. u might get ahh emo

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Wounded

—Monday—

Late afternoon, Rhys stepped into the Purple Skag. He raised a brow, surprised at the new wooden flooring and repainted interior. Last he talked to Sasha, she mentioned how chipped and cracked the walls were, and that there were so many scuff marks on the floor, so she and August were planning on getting it all redone.

August nodded at Rhys from the counter, wiping some glasses with a dish rag. “‘Ten million dollars,’ what can we do for ya?”

“Hey. Place looks nice.” Rhys nodded back with a tired smile. “I’m, uh, actually looking for Fiona.”

August looked over his shoulder, calling, “Sasha!” Then to Rhys, “She’ll tell you.”

“…Thanks.” Rhys scratched the back of his head. He awkwardly stood for a moment, then took a seat at the bar. His elbows rested on the counter, and he shut his eyes. He knew August wasn’t one for small talk, at least not with anyone who wasn’t Sasha. Rhys could probably ask Sasha how their trip was if he wanted to.

With the swing of the back door, Sasha came out and stood behind the counter. “Whatcha need, babe?”

August grinned at the sight of her. “Your friend over here wants some info on Fiona.”

Sasha noticed Rhys and smiled with surprise. “Oh, hey! Long time no see.” She looked back to August. “Be nice to him. He’s our friend, not just my friend.”

“Eh. I greeted him when he walked in, and I didn’t strangle him on sight. That’s friendly enough,” August chuckled. Rhys gave an awkward laugh mostly out of discomfort. “Anyways, gotta sort out the new shipment on the booze. I’ll be back.”

The two lovebirds exchanged a kiss goodbye, then August walked out. After August left, Sasha took a turn at wiping the glasses and stood before Rhys.

“Nice to see you again.” Rhys smiled. “I’m glad August didn’t strangle me. Maybe he does consider me an actual friend.”

Sasha shook her head, grinning. “That’s just how August jokes. He doesn’t mind people as much as people think he does.” She tilted her head at Rhys. “I’d assume you’re here to catch up and ask me how the trip was if I didn’t know better.” Sasha began to smirk.

“Pff— what? I care about you, too. I’m not… only here for, uh.” Rhys averted his eyes. “For Fiona…”

“It’s okay, Rhys. I’m not even offended.” Sasha smiled and patted his arm. “I’m actually glad you really care about Fiona before anyone else. Especially right now…” Sasha shook her head, her smile fading. “I’m worried about her.”

Rhys frowned. “I wanted to ask you what happened. I’ve tried messaging her and she hasn’t answered. Do you know where she is, or should I try to give her space, or…?”

Sasha sighed, setting down the glass and rag. “I can’t tell you what’s going through her mind right now, even if I knew it all exactly. You and Vaughn got a bro-code; her and I got a sis-code. Besides, it’s better if you hear it from her.”

Rhys anxiously rubbed the back of his neck. “Could you at least tell me if I did something wrong?”

“Uhhh… nope. But I could tell you where she is.” Sasha gave a small smile. Rhys slouched a bit. “Seriously, you’re alright, Rhys. Fiona’s just… she’s processing things. All I know is that you should definitely be the one to be there for her right now.”

Rhys raised a brow. “Even though you’re her sister?”

“…This may or may not be something that is about you. So, yeah. You could annoy her enough to get her to start talking. I believe in you.”

Rhys sighed, mumbling, “So much for the reassurance.”

“You’ll be fine. Well, when it comes to talking to her, at least.” Sasha crossed her arms, frowning. ”’Cause here’s the thing: Fiona told me hours ago she was going on another run for some vault-hunt info. Little exploration north of the nearest canyon… I hope you brought your stun baton.”

…

With an address and a spare jeep Vaughn provided, Rhys drove out until he reached a run down, abandoned town. The sky had darkened, and specks of stars faintly began to appear, when he carefully walked through and looked at the many bust-opened walls and shattered windows. Rhys frowned, noticing some dead bandits lying around outside. They must’ve tried to jump her.

“C’mon, Fiona…” Rhys’s brows furrowed. His shoulders tensed. “Where are you?”

With a flashlight beaming from his robotic palm, the stun baton in the other, he held his breath while wind whistled through the creaky wooden boards of the buildings. Upon seeing a familiar hat on the ground outside one of the doorsteps, Rhys hastily made way.

As he opened the door, his breath hitched in his throat as his flashlight caught the glint of a gun aimed at him.

“Rhys?” Fiona blinked at him, lowering her roshambo.

Rhys gaped. ”Fiona— what happened?”

From the looks of it, the place used to be some sit-down spot. Rusty metal tables and chairs were littered about, some being tossed over to their sides. Fiona was seated at a small crooked table at the back wall, hair messied, and with dark circles under her eyes. Bloodied makeshift bandages wrapped around her right calf over her pant leg.

She weakly smiled at the sight of Rhys rushing to her with worry in his eyes. “A bandit got me. Weird, right?“ She winced. “It’s rare to find one who’s a good shot.”

“Come back to my place. Let me take care of you,” Rhys immediately said. There was no room for hesitation at the sight of her wounded like that; No other conclusion existed to him.

Bittersweet warmth filled Fiona. She shook her head, loving and hating it at the same time. “Rhys, I’m fine. You’ve got work tomorrow.” She frowned, considering the travel time to Pandora. “Wait, why weren’t you at work today?”

“I took some days off. I needed to come see you.” Her face dropped. “It’s okay. This is important.”

“You shouldn’t have done that.” She shook her head, chuckling. “Really, I’m fine.”

“Fiona, you’re bleeding.” His brows furrowed as she laughed.

“It’s bandaged, and I’m a big girl, Rhys. I’m all good.” She slowly stood, but as she stepped forward, she screamed. Rhys immediately caught her as she fell.

“No, you’re not!” Rhys said through gritted teeth. “Seriously, you can’t walk like that.”

“Pff, what are you gonna do?” She swayed a little. “It’s not like you can carry me.” Fiona giggled as deliriousness continued kicking in from the blood loss.

“Lean on me as you limp. Don’t put your weight on your bad leg. I-I’ll hold you steady. C’mon.” Rhys shook his head. “I’m taking you back to my apartment. I need to get you cleaned up properly— just, please, Fiona.”

“Mmm… hehe, okay.” Fiona weakly hugged his side as his arm wrapped around hers. Rhys heavily blushed as she nestled into him.

He sighed and muttered under his breath, “You’re making it so hard to be angry at you right now…”

“Good.” Fiona hummed, closing her eyes. “Since you make it so hard to be angry at you.”

Rhys frowned, but didn’t question it further as they started walking outside. First, get her taken care of. Then, talking.

Fiona, still delirious on losing a bit of blood, spoke softly, “You always smell good…”

Rhys let out a surprised laugh, raising a brow. “Yeah?” Suddenly, she buried her face against his neck, making him gasp. “Wh– F-Fiona!”

“Mmm… wish I’d get shot more often if it means I get to breathe you in like this.” She let out a shuddering sigh against his throat, and Rhys’s knees buckled. “You’re so good to me, Rhys,” she whispered. Rhys looked down at her, his heart racing, but her face stayed buried against him. “Why can’t I… h-ha..have… ” Fiona’s voice broke. She whimpered.

Rhys cupped the side of her face, meeting her sad gaze in the moonlight, her lips trembling. “Hey, hey…” He felt a sharp pang in his chest at the sight of her like this. “I don’t know what’s going on,” he said softly. “But I want to talk about it. I want to talk to you, Fiona. I want to stop whatever’s hurting you.”

She sniffled. Without being able to fully be on guard, a tear slipped down her cheek. “I hate how hard you’re making this for me,” she whispered. “You’re such a jerk. Why’d you have to… why…” She softly punched his chest with no real force behind it.

His insides twisted further, making him pull her into an embrace, wanting to just hold her, wanting to just take away her pain. “I don’t know what I did,” Rhys said hoarsely. “But I’m going to do everything I can to make things better. Please, Fiona. Let me take care of you.”

“Rhys…” Fiona hiccuped, and shut her eyes, trembling. She let herself enjoy his embrace, missing how it felt from so many months ago, secretly wanting to relive it over and over every night. “I’m so selfish…” she murmured.

“No, you’re not,” Rhys softly said against her hair. You’re everything to me, Fiona.

…

Back at his place, Fiona tiredly sprawled across his couch. One lamp casted dim lighting. It was some hours past midnight, and Rhys was cleaning off the coffee table from redoing her bandages. He’d grabbed scissors and cut the bloodied pant leg fabric just below her knee, knowing he’ll just have to buy her more clothes if she’d fuss about it later. He’d properly disinfected the wound, applied salve, and wrapped it cleanly, then gently helped Fiona readjust herself on the couch. She sleepily grumbled.

Rhys grabbed a blanket from his room, then tucked it over her. His heart melted at the sight of her resting under his care.

He sat down on the floor in front of the couch, running his hand through his hair, then flicked on his palm’s screen. “Just texted Sasha you’re alright. Now we gotta figure out what to eat,” he said, more to himself than to Fiona. “Any ideas on takeout?” He asked out loud, anyway. “I know a few places that are open twenty-four hours.”

He tiredly half smiled at the strands of hair that covered her face. Without thinking, he gently brushed it aside, and her eyes fluttered open. Rhys froze with his fingertips just touching her reddening cheek. “Sorry! Sorry, I uh—“ He pulled his hand away.

“What do you wanna eat?” She sluggishly asked. “I’m not really hungry.”

Rhys frowned. “Well, you still need food anyway. After what happened, you have to eat.”

“Ugh.” Fiona lightly scoffed. “So bossy.”

“Says you,” Rhys teased back. “Takes one to know one.”

”Mhm. Gotta boss you around,” she mumbled, pulling the blanket over her face. Her eyes shut again. “It’s fun.”

“Heh, yeah.” Rhys smiled tiredly. “Your sass is one of the things I really love about you…”

Fiona’s face reddened. She blinked beneath the blanket, unsure if she heard that right.

Rhys sighed, looking down at the floor. “I wish you knew how much you mean to me.” He sounded so disappointed. “I thought I was doing a good job. I thought I treated you well enough that you knew how special you are to me… I thought I made it clear that I… you… ” He shook his head as he mumbled to himself. “Damn it…”

Fiona felt her heart pound. Hope and hurt swirled in her chest. She felt dizzy at the thought of hoping that maybe… maybe…

“Rhys.” Fiona moved the blanket aside. She eyed him, frowning at how tired he looked. She stared at him as she struggled to figure out what to say exactly. “Rhys, I—“ She swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Rhys’s brows furrowed. “I messed up somehow.”

“No– Well, I don’t know. I’ve already forgiven you for what happened long ago. I’m just— I don’t know.” Fiona sighed, sitting up.

“Fiona, you should rest. We can talk about this more after you’re taken care of.”

“I am taken care of.” Fiona patted the spot beside her, insisting him to join.

Upon him sitting beside her, she snorted. “Ew, those socks.” His socks were bright red patterned with blue swirls. He laughed as she made sure to cover his feet as she tossed his share of the blanket over his lap.

They stared forward, silent for a moment. Rhys rubbed his face while Fiona glanced away, both trying to figure out where to start.

Rhys began. “I don’t want to make you talk about it if you don’t want to, but I’ve been worried about you. I can’t stop worrying about you after the way you left my office.”

“I know. I’m sorry about that,” Fiona said quietly. “And I should’ve responded to your messages. I told you I’d be there for you. I told you that I’d be there to support you—“

“Stop,” Rhys said gently, more so pleading her to than wanting to interrupt. “You’re wrong if you think you haven’t been there for me. You’re always looking out for others. For Sasha, of course. For Vaughn. For me. So please, don’t feel like you’ve fallen short somehow.” Rhys shook his head. “Right now, you’re the one who needs to be supported. So tell me what’s going on. Please.”

Fiona fidgeted with her sleeves, thinking. She exhaled slowly, then began, “Your old arm… Do you know the last time I saw it?”

Rhys frowned. “On Helios, I guess, before everything went down?”

She shook her head. She turned her face away from him, feeling her chest tightened. “I know you’re okay now,” she said quietly. “But knowing you more than I did back then, I think that’s why it hurts so much more now. T-to,” she choked on her thought. “To think that you were—” Her eyes teared up. “Your arm was all I had left of you, Rhys,” she whispered.

Rhys’s eyes widened as he recognized what she meant. “You saw my arm… after Helios crashed. The way I left it there...”

She met his gaze, glaring at him. “Yes.” Rhys’s hand went to reach for hers, but she jerked away. “No! No, you don’t get it, Rhys— I—“ She sharply inhaled. “I thought you were dead!” Shaking with both anger and pain, she couldn’t stop hot tears from streaming down her face. “For a year! I thought you were dead, and I couldn’t reach out because I kept—“

“Fiona—“ Rhys’s heart dropped to his stomach.

“I kept looking for you!” Fiona helplessly admitted, cupping a hand to her mouth as she choked from sobbing. “I couldn’t s-stop looking for you. It was… S’bad…”

Remorse gripped his chest. “We looked for you,” Sasha said to Rhys, when they had all reunited to save Gortys. “We really did.”

“And now y-you’re here, and you’re okay. S-so, I don’t know why I’m not. I’ve forgiven you for not reaching out. I could’ve reached out, too, if I wasn’t scared to just have one more thing to constantly look at, t-to just know you were alive. But if I messaged you, and then you never responded, then what?” She hiccuped. “I-I would’ve waited everyday, checking my ECHO until you would’ve. So if you were dead, I would’ve checked until the day I’d die.” She shook her head, struggling to breathe. “I don’t know why I’m hurting right now; You’re fine. This doesn’t make sense. I’m s-sorry…”

Rhys grabbed her hands, firmly taking them in his. He rested his forehead against hers, tears streaking his face, too, as he looked her in the eyes. “I’m the one who should be saying sorry,” he said firmly. “Not you. Not for this. You shouldn’t have to feel like hurting the way you do now about what happened back then is something to apologize for. I put you through this, Fiona,” he said, voice strained. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

Fiona shut her eyes as she struggled to calm her breathing.

“I’m here, Fiona. I’m here, right now, with you.” Rhys whispered, cupping her face with his human hand.

She leaned into his palm, and her eyes shut tighter. “W-why does it hurt more now? Why— why did you make me experience grief, and now I know you more than I ever had, and if you h-had died, I wouldn’t get to have what I’ve been having with you…”

More tears streaked down Rhys’s face as she shook. “I’m so sorry,” he kept saying. “I’m so sorry, Fiona.”

“You’re such a jerk. For making me think you were dead. And then getting me to live moments with you that I wouldn’t have if you were. ‘Cause you made me– y’made me–” You made me fall in love with you.

Rhys so badly wanted to pull her in again, but was overwhelmed with guilt. As if he shouldn’t be allowed to want to hold her. “If seeing me now hurts you—” He swallowed as his chest ached with dread. “We don’t have to keep hanging out. I know I messed up. I-I know, I—“

“No!” Fiona desperately lunged for him, wrapping her arms around his neck as if he were about to vanish in thin air. “Don’t leave again.”

Overtaken with yearning, Rhys hastily wrapped his arms around her in return. His arms were quickly displaced to wrap around her lower back as they leaned and shifted into laying on their sides, their bodies facing towards one another as the blanket fell to the floor. His chin tucked over her head, and their legs intertwined.

For a while, they laid on the couch, silently crying and clinging to one another, their chests aching and their throats tight. As they focused on one another’s body heat, they soothed each other in their embrace. At last, their breaths calmed, and the tangible comfort felt lulling.

“I’m not leaving you, Fiona,” Rhys declared softly. “I need you to know that I won’t. I won’t leave, unless you ever want me to.”

“I don’t want you to." She sniffled. "I don’t want to ever go back to living without you.” She snuggled into him further, and his face warmed.

His arms wrapped tighter around her. “You mean so much to me; I wouldn’t dare to even think about leaving you behind.”

Fiona’s stomach fluttered. “Rhys…”

“I had to see you again,” he said. “Remember?”

“Rhys…” Fiona felt herself come undone, melting at his words. “Don’t say that to me. Please.”

“Why?” He whispered. “I mean it, Fiona.”

“You don’t understand what you’re doing to me when you say that,” she desperately said, but Rhys closed his eyes, continuing.

“Did you know how much I love it when you tease me,” he murmured. “And your laugh. I love it when you snort-laugh.”

Fiona’s heart felt loud in her chest. She stayed silent, aiming to focus as she processed his words.

Trying to be brave, Rhys continued. “I love seeing how excited you are when you talk about books or vault-hunting… and how you're all badass with that tiny gun in your sleeve, and how you'd trash talk me when we’d do anything together… A-And your smile— Did you know you wear the cutest smile, even when you’re being a smartass? Heh, especially when you're being a smartass...”

Fiona gently pulled away. Her eyes widened at him. His eyes searched hers, and their faces flushed. “…You should see how cute you get when you’re excited,” she quietly admitted as her eyes shyly went to her fingers curled against his chest. “You’re such a dork about pancakes and silly nerd stuff… and I love trash talking you because your pout looks so good on you…” As she spoke, she focused on soothingly tracing circles with the tips of her fingers, but it only made Rhys’s heart beat louder. “Building your own arm is pretty badass… pff, y'know, you’re so smart sometimes it’s annoying.”

“…” Astounded, Rhys wore the shyest smile. “…I hope you’re not messing with me right now. I… heh... u-um…”

“I’m not, Rhys.” Fiona’s eyes softened. “I mean it.” She gently smoothed her hand over his shirt, firmly holding it against the thudding of his heart.

“I- u-um…” Rhys nervously chuckled, and Fiona melted as she recognized the effect she really had on him.

She gave a soft smile. “Continue,” she gently encouraged.

Smiling back, Rhys softly cleared his throat. “You’re so courageous. Clever, witty, and you just... You don’t understand how much you mean to me. You make me want to be better. You make me want to be someone you deserve.” Rhys shook his head. “I just can’t believe you’d think that ‘someone else’ could ever not be you.”

“Rhys...” Her heart skipped a beat. Her hand slightly pressed harder against his chest, feeling how real it all was, making sure that she wasn’t dreaming. “…You mean after all this time, it was me?”

“Yes. For the longest time, yes.” Rhys eyed her longingly. He subconsciously brought his face slightly closer to hers, furthering her blush. “I just want to take care of you, Fiona. I want to do more than just take you out to the city, or have dinner together. More than just staying up late talking, or tending wounds and trauma… I want to make you smile whenever you're down.”

“You do,” Fiona insisted. She couldn’t help but leaned closer. Rhys’s ears reddened even more as she found her fingers toying with locks of his hair, soft from loss gel. “When I struggled with the vault pendant. When it came to Felix.”

“I want to make you laugh the way you make me laugh,” he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Her stomach fluttered. “You do, Rhys.”

“You’re my silver lining, Fiona. Not just back then. At any moment I’m in trouble, you show me my silver lining, and it’s you. I just want to be that for you.”

“Rhys.” Fiona was breathless. “You already are that, to me.”

“I want to be the one who gets to make you happy in ways that… friends don’t,” Rhys finally said. “I don’t want to do this with anyone else. Wanting you so close to me. Wanting to hold you. I want to hold you so bad, I—“

Fiona teasingly brushed the tip of her nose against his. “Yeah?” She whispered. “I think about you holding me,” she helplessly admitted. “Every night.”

Rhys brushed his nose on hers back, their breaths mixed in with one another. “Fiona,” he whispered.

Nose brushing nose, breath on breath, they fell into a trance, studying each other’s eyes and lips up close. Warmth washed over them. Their bodies radiated with urgency to be closer.

“I love you, Fiona,” Rhys finally admitted. He had one hand still firmly held against her lower back, while his other hand tenderly traced the nape of her neck, making her shudder, before settling on caressing her cheek. “So tell me what you want from me.”

With her fingers in his hair, she softly grabbed a handful, making his breath catch in his throat. Their lips helplessly parted as Fiona finally breathed to him, “I love you, Rhys. Kiss me.”

Eagerly, their lips met and melted into one another. Trembling from the intensity of their intimate exploration, Rhys and Fiona got lost in one another, yet finally found what felt like shelter from being homesick for so long.

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writer's note: ahhh!!! should I keep going? I could end it here, but I'd love to write out more scenes of an established relationship between Rhys and Fiona. I could honestly do one-shots of them in an established relationship, or just keep adding on chapters here. what do you think? please let me know!

Also, thank you so much for reading my ongoing fanfic thus far! It means a lot that I can just write stuff like this and that others could enjoy it. Hehe, finally got that long awaited smooch, eh? Hoped this chapter's pacing didn't feel rushed. I might've gotten too emo to gauge that oops

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rhysie11 · 24 days ago

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Show Me My Silver Lining (TFTBL Rhys/Fiona Fanfiction) - Chapter 12

(art made by using Canva)

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CHAPTER TWELVE: Didn't Want it With Anyone Else

—Months Later —

At 1AM, Fiona still laid awake. Maybe Fiona was too excited to sleep. Of course she’d be excited— Sasha would be coming back home tomorrow after being away for forever. Traveling planets further and further away really did take a lot of time to travel back from. Fiona missed her like crazy. She couldn’t wait to see her, to catch up, and have their late-night sister sleepovers. She’d braid Sasha’s hair, and Sasha would paint her nails, as they’d share everything that’s been on their mind. But sharing what’s been on Fiona’s mind? Maybe Fiona was overwhelmed about that. Maybe that’s what also kept her awake because what was constantly on her mind… was Rhys.

The ceiling lights were off in the caravan, but Fiona left a string of lights on. The lights strung along the short wall space above her mattress, illuminating the photos on the underside of the top bunk in a soft yellow glow. Staring at the newest ones, she replayed all the moments she and Rhys had since they started hanging out one-on-one.

One was a photo from the night they played video games, in which Rhys was frantically dabbing at a huge spill of lasagna sauce on his work undershirt.

“Stop laughing and grab more napkins! This is serious!” He said, trying to suppress a smile as Fiona’s laughter flooded the room.

Another photo was a selfie of them from the Purple Skag. Rhys held the camera as he wore Fiona’s hat, mockingly pursing his lips, while Fiona was mid jump in tackling him from behind.

“AGH— Get off of me!”

“Not until you gimmie back my hat!”

“You’re just mad that I look good in it!”

“Hah, you wish!”

Rhys’s hand held the hat tightly atop his head as he tried to wrestle her off.

“Rhys, I will spit on you.”

“I’ve been spat on enough times that I am not afraid!” He challenged, then quirked a brow as he tried to tickle her. “Hah!! Hahah, you’re ticklish!!“

“Rhys!!!”

The selfie beside it was taken by Fiona. Her smirk was at the forefront of the picture, while in the background Rhys was struggling to climb the bottom of a rocky cliff. His lanky legs dangled awkwardly as though he was a cat hanging onto a branch.

“Rhys, say cheeeese~”

“My. Human arm,” he squeaked. “I can’t feel it—“

“C’mon, your height should be an advantage. Get better footholds, or throw yourself up with your robot arm!”

“You’re not helping!”

Another photo of them at crashed Helios taken by Vaughn. Wide shot, Rhys and Fiona were on opposite sides of knocked over cafeteria tables, holding finger guns to their chests.

“This is so stupid!” She laughed.

“Shh!! The immersion, Fiona! Now make the gun noises, or else it doesn’t count— Psh-pew-pew pew!!”

…

“So.” Sasha grinned, cracking open the bottle of Fiona’s signature teal nail polish. “Sounds like you two had tons of fun.”

Next to the bunk beds, the sisters sat on the floor. It was late evening of the next day. The two spent the day lounging at home, as Sasha obviously needed rest after all her travels, and Fiona bought ingredients ahead of time to make them homemade stew. The stew sat on the stovetop, cooking for the past few hours while Fiona had braided Sasha’s hair, and it filled the air with wafts of many savory spices and herbs. Mixed in with the strong scent of nail polish, it tickled Fiona’s nose.

Fiona shrugged. “Sure, hanging out with Rhys was fun,” she admitted as Sasha started painting. “But I’m glad you’re back. Now I can spend more time with you instead.”

“Mhm,” Sasha raised a brow, half grinning. “Because you’d only hang out with Rhys to temporarily replace me, right? And Rhys, specifically, when you could’ve hung out with Vaughn, or Athena, or any of the vault hunters?”

A blush spread across Fiona’s face. She sighed, looking away. “Sasha…” Fiona sat silently for a moment, then mustered some courage. “How did you know what you were feeling for August?”

Sasha paused mid-paint. Her eyes widened.

“I mean,” Fiona continued, staring at her nails. “We’ve never had time, growing up, to actually date people for real. We’ve ‘dated’ people for cons. Had kissed people or whatever. So how’d you know you actually wanted to do it for real when it came to August?”

“Huh.” Sasha blinked. She sat back with a small smile. “I seriously thought you’d never ask.” She tilted her head in thought, chuckling a bit as she continued painting. “Well, with August? We weren’t exactly romantic even when we first ‘dated,’ y’know? He actually drove me crazy when I first got to know him. Obviously, he wasn’t known to be from a friendly crowd. He had this ‘tough guy’ act. He’d go swinging at rude customers, and he was super cocky about that whole reputation. I found it really annoying.” Sasha finished one hand, then put aside the bottle of nail polish. She rested Fiona’s hand in hers as they waited for her nails to dry. “We’d chat at the bar. He’d remember my favorite drinks, which was nice, but y’know any bartender would for regulars. I didn’t want to feel too special about it. Wasn’t sure why I would care to even feel special when it came to him, but…” Sasha shook her head, then smiled wide in a way Fiona hadn’t seen before.

“But…?” Fiona curiously eyed her.

“Overtime, as I stayed around him, I started seeing sides to him that I didn’t mind. I didn’t know who his mom was– until, well y’know– but I’d notice how caring he was whenever he’d answer her calls. He’d have specific music he liked to hum to on the jukebox. I noticed him sway a little while wiping down the counters.” Sasha briefly closed her eyes, replaying the moments as she rambled. “Initially, I talked to him more for the sake of conning, but honestly? The more we talked, the more I found myself enjoying it. Learning things about his life. He loved dogs; he used to have a pit bull. He loved rock and metal. Hahah, actually, August wanted to join some band when he was a teenager.”

“Pff, what?” Fiona raised a brow, amused. A corner of her mouth went up. “No way.”

“Yeah,” Sasha laughed. “He did! He loved music. But I guess his mom had him toughen up quickly, so he had to skip some hobbies he would’ve gotten into… Anyways… I just,” Sasha shook her head. “I felt good just being around him. When he eventually asked me out, we’d spend more time together, and he proved he could actually be quite a gentleman. A gentleman who swore a lot, sure, and yeah, had his moments with the local thugs, but he looked out for me. He’d notice when I’m tired or feeling off. Even though I couldn’t share with him my life like he could to me at the time, he made it clear I was welcomed to. He’d serve my favorite food and drink from the bar, and would let me ramble about the latest guns I was into. Eventually I felt comfortable enough to let him know when he was getting too cocky or out of hand, and he’d respect me enough to hold back.” Sasha then frowned, looking down at the floor. “All of that… I didn’t realize how much it all meant to me, what we had, until after he found out I was part of that con… And I couldn’t have admitted to you how much it hurt even if I wanted to, since I didn’t even want to admit it to myself. But it really hurt. I knew he was angry with the betrayal, and secretly I was even angrier.” Sasha sighed. “I was angry with myself, but I wanted to pretend I didn’t care while searching for the Gortys project. I had to stay focused on our goals for us, so you and I could finally make it big time and be stable in our lives. There was no time to feel vulnerable and mopey…”

“Sasha…” Fiona squeezed her hand, feeling a pang in her chest. Fiona was supposed to look out for her little sister. She was supposed to be the one making sacrifices to take care of Sasha. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you about August. I’m sorry that…” I wasn’t sure if I would’ve been. And I’m your big sister.

Sasha shrugged, giving a sad smile. “I know. And to be fair, even if I admitted it to you and you got pissed, I’d get it. I know August isn’t exactly the definition of prince charming. He had a dangerous background and did a lot of bad things. He had a lot of issues he needed to resolve in different ways than what he was used to.”

“Still, though,” Fiona shook her head. “I wouldn’t have wanted you to face your hurt alone.”

“Hah, I couldn’t even fully face it myself for a while, so I didn’t exactly ‘face it alone.’ Can’t face something I didn’t want to admit was there, until it got too much and eventually I couldn’t turn away.” Sasha sighed again, shoulders slumped. Fiona leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her. Sasha hugged her back, and they stayed that way for a moment. Sasha then pulled away and patted Fiona’s arm. “I’m okay now, sis. Really.” She smiled again, genuinely, and Fiona smiled, too.

“I know,” Fiona said. “You’re all grown up. You can make your own decisions. As much as August still is a weird choice to me, I’m glad you told me about how you see him. I’m glad I could understand him better just to understand you better.”

“Wow.” Sasha exhaled a soft laugh. “I feel a weight coming off me I didn’t even know I had.”

“Yeah?” Fiona smiled. “Y’know, I felt like we were distant lately. I thought it was just from all the traveling you’ve been doing. Maybe I should’ve spent more time asking what’s been on your mind, how you feel and all about stuff I haven't really understood. I’m sorry I didn’t take the time to sooner.” She shook her head. Then chuckling, she admitted, “I’m still gonna say ‘gross’ though, every time August kisses you.”

Sasha laughed. “I’ll be sure to say ‘gross’ then, when you and Rhys kiss.”

“Uh–” Fiona’s face brightly reddened. “No– We’re not… I don’t know–”

“How I knew what I felt with August,” Sasha quickly cut in, “was because I thought about how I could’ve started my life over with anyone else, once I’d gotten the money. I could’ve had a clean slate. New life, all stable, no need for cons anymore. Could’ve tried to start something with someone without having to face my mess and without having to earn trust all over again after all my lies, but what I had with August? I didn’t want it with anyone else. I couldn’t have wanted it with anyone else, no matter how much I’d try to push it down. He made me want to face all of the messes we were in. Mistakes from my end and his. I wanted to go through it all, just to be with him again.” Sasha looked thoughtfully to Fiona. Fiona didn’t meet her eyes.

“I…” Fiona held her breath. Images flickered through her mind of those days spent in the desert on foot, kidnapped and forced to recollect everything with Rhys. After thinking he was dead for a year, and then he had the nerve to finally show all dolled-up. There he was, after all that time apart, and they went back and forth yelling at each other as they processed all their mistakes together. All the pain that was bottled up and sealed tight, crashing through the surface, coloring their faces in rage and bitterness. But deep down, Fiona was glad to see him. She would’ve rather been burning with anger towards him than grief. She hated being held at gunpoint while going through it all over again, but she would’ve if that was the only way to reconnect with him. Would she have done that for just anyone? And even if she only saw him as a friend?

Truth was, Fiona still thought about the night she and Rhys held each other. When they’d confide in one another about their nightmares. She replayed the way it felt to be held by him. Many sleepless nights, she’d bury her face in her pillow, pretending to relive that moment all over again. Rhys made her feel so safe and understood in ways she didn’t think she needed someone to, in ways she didn’t even know she could ever want.

“I didn’t want it with anyone else. I couldn’t have wanted it with anyone else, no matter how much I’d try to push it down,” Sasha said.

Fiona felt her heart ache. Because nobody else was Rhys. Rhys with his stupid smug grin when he’d tease her. Rhys with his ugly socks and his finger guns and his passion for hacking. The way he quirked a brow when Fiona would get confused about his high-tech life, and would be more than happy to teach her. The way Rhys’s eyes looked to her with worry when Felix stressed her out, and how Rhys’s fingers tentatively held her face when she’d accidentally gotten bruised. The way Rhys listened to her talk about her interests, the way he was happy to share his, too.

Fiona felt her stomach flutter. What she felt towards Rhys, she didn’t want with anyone else. She didn’t want to be playfully competitive with anyone else like they had— from arm wrestling, to racing under city lights and night skies, or video games. She didn’t want to sit and share thoughts like she did with him with anyone else— those all-nighters, chugging caffeine, or while bombing rakk nests. She especially couldn’t picture herself breaking in and waiting in anyone else’s home to have dinner together, for her to stay and comfort and share each other’s company after a long day at work.

“I had to see you again,” Rhys said.

Even now, she could hear his words echo in her mind, no matter how much she tried to pretend she didn’t. His voice when he said those words still made her heart pound rapidly against her ribcage as if it were about to shoot out of her chest. Those words, in his voice, made her feel overcome with warmth– absolute happiness– that she helplessly let devour her. She didn’t care for anyone else to say such a thing to her like Rhys did. She wanted it to be him who’d say that to her… And so it finally made sense why she demanded Rhys to stay away from Sasha back at the vault entrance, when she thought he liked Sasha. At the time, Fiona already saw Rhys as a great guy, better than August. So she didn’t understand why she told him to back off as a knee-jerk reaction. Reflecting on everything, it all clicked into place. Everything made sense because the truth was, she wanted him. Fiona wanted Rhys.

“I…” Fiona felt her mouth dry. Sasha sat patiently, squeezing her hand. Fiona took in a shuddering breath, closing her eyes as she realized how badly knee-deep she was in. “...I have feelings for Rhys.”

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writer's note: Finally, Fiona faces it! Heads-up, the slow burn ain't done burning slow quite yet >:) Hehe, hold tight! Btw, I wanted to write a bit more on Saugust. I hope you enjoyed it!

I think August would be a dog person. Do you see it, too?

Also, what instrument do you think August would've played if he ever gotten into it as a hobby? Just some fun ideas to ponder

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rhysie11 · 2 months ago

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Show Me My Silver Lining (TFTBL Rhys/Fiona Fanfiction) - Chapter 7

(art made by using Canva)

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CHAPTER SEVEN: I Miss You, Too

“This,” Rhys huffed, running beside Fiona, “Was not what I meant when I said we should walk off the food we just ate. This isn’t walking!”

“C’mon, it’s more fun this way!” Fiona beamed, slightly breathy, but not as out of breath as Rhys. “Thought you said you were stronger than me, Atlas. Keep up!”

They ran under the night sky and passed under many neon lights. The sound of sirens and traffic faintly followed from the distance as they headed back to the parking deck, cold air rushing at them as adrenaline flooded their bodies. Once the two entered the parking deck, they stopped to catch their breath.

“Y’know,” Rhys gasped for air. “I was gonna ask if you wanted to see more of the city after dinner, but now— hah… ah…”

Fiona smirked, cheerfully more in shape than Rhys. “That’s a great idea!”

“Hwa— Wait,” Rhys said, raising his hands up, but Fiona playfully shoved him as she spotted the stairwell.

“Look, there we go! Haha, race ya!” Fiona widely grinned, running to the stairs.

“You are unbelievable,” Rhys laughed, helplessly dashing after her. “Hey, no head start! Come back here!”

“You had a head start at the vault! We’re getting even!” She said over her shoulder.

Once they found themselves at the top of the parking deck, the lot vacant of cars but the sky full of stars, the two naturally wandered to the edge and rested their arms on the railing.

Promethea was really beautiful at night. Urban street lights flooded below them, of vehicles and neon signs and lamp posts lining endless sidewalks, and the lights from below seemed to climb to the sky through the windows of many grand, towering buildings.

“Wow,” Fiona said. She turned to Rhys as he finally managed to breathe steadily. “You good?”

Rhys shook his head, smiling. “I’m great, thanks. Even though you still hold the championship over running.”

“Mhm, and it’s gonna stay that way.” Fiona smirked.

Rhys laughed. “Yeah, I’m not gonna argue that.”

The two turned their gaze forward, continuing to take in all the lights.

“So,” Rhys said with a small chuckle. “You like the city? I uh, know it’s different from what you normally see.”

“I’m sure the crime rate here can’t beat Pandora’s,” she shrugged, smiling. “And this place really lacks rakks dive-bombing us, but yeah. I guess it’s pretty cool.” She chuckled. “It’s very pretty.”

“Hah, yeah,” Rhys said, but he wasn’t looking at the scenery.

“Hmm?” Fiona met his gaze, then noticed his ears turned red. “Oh. If it’s getting too cold out, we can head back down soon. I see you didn’t bring a jacket.”

“Huh? I’m not cold.”

Fiona tilted her head at him. “But your ears are red.”

“O-oh, they are? Ah, weird,” Rhys said, casting his eyes away while scratching the back of his neck. “But um, we don’t have to go back down soon. Um, not unless you want to,” he quickly added.

“I’m alright being here for a moment,” Fiona reassured, then paused. She recognized an unfavorable feeling flitting at the forefront of her mind, one that was getting louder the closer they neared the end of the week. She frowned, finally recognizing it was dread. Dread about their week ending, and she felt sad all of a sudden. When was the next time they were going to see each other?

“Um,” Rhys shut his eyes, shaking his head. “So, uh. Y’know how everyone’s been busy?” He peaked at Fiona, shifting from one foot to the other.

She blinked at him. “Uh, yeah…” She sighed. “I’ve noticed. I’ve only been able to call Sasha two times over the past month. I’ve been busy vault hunting on different planets while she’s been traveling others with August. Staying busy helps me, but…”

Rhys nodded. “You miss her.”

“Yeah.” Fiona chewed the inside of her cheek.

Rhys sighed. “I understand. I mean, I’m busy running Atlas while Vaughn’s running new establishments for the Children of Helios, but I still miss him, too. I uh,“ Rhys tapped his finger on the railing. “I kind of miss our group get-togethers. It was easier to make time to just see everyone at that point. Vaughn, Athena, Janey, the bots, August, Sasha and…” His cheeks slightly reddened. “Y’know. You.”

Fiona raised a brow. “Aww, it almost sounds like you miss me or something,” she teased.

“I- I do.” Rhys coyly admitted. “Miss you. I uh, I just… Yeah.”

Fiona’s eyes widened. He held her gaze, waiting for her to respond. “Oh…”

“Sorry! Sorry, was that— ah, I hope that wasn’t weird to say. You know what? I’m not sure why I said that all of a sudden,” Rhys rambled.

“Rhys.”

“Ah, hahah, anyways. You’ll be super busy, and I’ll be super busy, and that’ll be super cool.”

“Rhys—“

“It’s super cool! I don’t think about making time to see you or anything now that we don’t have the reason of just seeing each other at get-togethers.” Rhys cringed. “Why did I say that out loud?”

“Rhys!” Fiona huffed. He stared at her, finally wrenching his mouth shut, all flustered.

Fiona opened her mouth, then quickly shut it. She crossed her arms, then uncrossed them. “Rhys, I…” She pinched the bridge of her nose, then mustered a confession. “I miss you, too.”

Rhys’s brows raised. He stood silent as he processed her words. “Wait,” he said slowly. “Did I hear that right…?”

“Yes, you heard it right the first time,” Fiona scoffed. “You’re not gonna get me to say that again. But yeah.”

A dopey smile crossed Rhys’s face. “You miss me?”

“Nope. Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“All this time! All this time you missed my absolute mind-blowing intellect and awesome jokes and my suave style with top-tier fashionable socks—“

Fiona punched him in the shoulder, suppressing a smile. He still smirked while wincing.

“Don’t push it. Maybe I enjoy spending time with you, okay?“ She ended up admitting. Fiona shook her head, grinning though she felt her face getting warm. “But don’t go adding all those embellishments. You’ll ruin my street-cred while cultivating an ego I’ve been trying to knock down a peg or two.”

Rhys ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “Y’know,” he shyly glanced away from her again. “Even though all those sleep-deprived hours sucked… I didn’t know the next time we’d get to spend time together like we did this week. I didn’t know how to ask if you maybe even wanted me around when we weren’t just invited to be at the same place at the same time.”

Fiona’s eyes softened. “I thought you knew I actually had fun being around you.”

“I don’t know,” Rhys mumbled. “You’ve got so much going on for you. Doing amazing things. Being a badass adventurer, and then you come back and see me with our friends here and there, and I’m just, I don’t know.”

“Being a CEO and kickstarting an entire company from the ground is pretty badass, too. I’d wonder why you’d ever make time for me if it wasn’t otherwise for our friends.” Fiona shrugged. “Unless you enjoyed my creative trash talk when we’d play poker or other card games.”

Rhys rolled his eyes. “Hey, I beat you at poker.”

“Once. Out of the dozen times we’ve played.”

He pouted. She grinned.

“So,” Rhys cleared his throat. “Since it might be forever since the next group hangout, would you maybe want to hangout? Like, just us, doing whatever? You don’t have to help me chug coffee at four in the morning. We could, I don’t know. Figure out something.”

Fiona smiled. Relief settled in her shoulders as dread left the pit of her stomach. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Cool. Yeah, me too.” Rhys nodded, and warmth filled both of their chests as they finally acknowledged this.

Fiona tilted her head at him. Without much thought, she added, “Besides, the more time I spend with you, the sooner I could put a face to who you’re interested in, and you’ll never hear the end of it.”

She meant for it to be a lighthearted tease, but Rhys only blinked. “Huh?”

“Don’t think I’d forget,” Fiona continued. “Once I find out who this girl is, I’ll make sure she’s well informed of all your most embarrassing moments. And you won’t go a moment spared of my teasing. I've been curious about this since you told me about how you’re ’interested in someone else.’”

Rhys gulped. “Wh- Who do you think it is? Do you have any clue, I mean?”

“My deductive skills tell me it’s got to be someone you met in the business world while we spent a year out of touch. If it’s not Sasha, and I can’t see it being anyone else we both know, then yeah,” Fiona declared, snickering. But Fiona stopped once something crossed Rhys’s face. For supposedly being good at reading people, Fiona’s brows furrowed as she tried to decipher his expression. Some sort of confusion? Disappointment or relief? A mix of disappointment and relief? “You good?”

“Ah, y-yeah…” Rhys turned away. His shoulders slouched.

Suddenly struck with guilt, Fiona tugged at her hat. Why did she bring up the ’someone else’? It could’ve been just a nice moment between him and Fiona actually focusing on growing their friendship. Now she’d gone and made it weird.

Rhys cleared his throat. He turned to her again, mustering a smile. “So,” he crossed his arms. “You really don’t know?”

Fiona blinked. “Uh, no.”

Rhys raised an eyebrow at her. The corner of his mouth quirked up. “Well, I guess we’ll see how long it takes for you to find out.”

“Wait.” Fiona stared at him. “Is that a challenge?”

Rhys shrugged. “Maybe it is.”

Fiona tilted her head. He was strangely eager in his tone, and maybe a tinge of anxiousness bordering excitement? Still hard to understand what was going on exactly. What was with the sudden switch up? Fiona squinted. “You’re strange to read, y’know that?”

Rhys laughed. “Good. Then maybe I have nothing to worry about. Or uh, maybe something to worry about. We’ll see.”

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