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shibasaurusrex · 1 year

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𝐝𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐥𝐬

fandom : post! a plague tale requiem

ship / pairing : young adult! lucas x fem! reader

warnings : MAJOR spoilers for a plague tale requiem, anxiety, panic attacks, mentions of death, angst, fluff

word count : 5000

secondary image / graphic credit : @lesbianvamp thank you bby <33

description : after the de rune siblings, lucas, sophia && yourself had settled down into your new home, you realized that you were in love with lucas but weren’t certain if he felt the same way. years later, after having contained your feelings for so long, hugo pleads with you to take him to a nearby town festival, where a particular incident brings a surprising revelation to light.

A/N : set in 1354, 6 years after the end of requiem, so lucas is around 20 / 21, && hugo is around 11 / 12. everything canon wise is still exactly the same, ie. the count having tried to take hugo, emilie killing beatrice, && arno sacrificing himself, but obviously hugo doesn’t give in to the macula fully && managed to find a peaceful life with you, amicia, lucas && sophia at the de rune home in the mountains. written over the course of 4 days && i didn't even intend on writing this much but my brain literally wouldn't shut up lmao uibuibiubhk also someone pointed out that lucas looks like ethan nestor && i literally can't unsee it, so he's lucas' official adult face claim in my eyes :')) anway, i hope you all enjoy! <3

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“ this has got to be the most amazing thing i’ve ever seen! ”

you can’t help but to chuckle at hugo’s enthusiasm, a hand reaching down to gently ruffle his hair.

“ hugo, you’ve already said that at least three times today. ”

“ i have? but everything’s just so – oh goodness, look at that! ”

his fingers close around your wrist before giving a gentle tug, guiding you in the direction of whatever wonder he’s just laid eyes on. to most, this would simply be a joyous day at the town festival, filled with wonderful sounds, sights && smells – but to hugo de rune, it was something much more.

it was a miracle.

amicia had relayed the child’s tragic tale to you one night after he’d drifted off to sleep, obviously wishing to avoid burdening him with the memories of marseille, or for him to notice the tears welling up in her eyes as the three of you rested in the dwindling light of the nearby hearth. after so much tragedy && loss, it was no wonder that you’d all grown extremely close, the closest thing to some semblance of a family after the macula had dispensed its twisted design on the world. to you, they were family.

amicia. hugo. sophia. lucas.

lucas.

beatrice would have been proud of him, having studied for years to continue her legacy && to become one of the most renowned alchemists in all of provence. how he’d stood by her daughter without question in order to save her son’s life, hugo’s delighted yells being more than enough indication that his bravery had paid off immensely.

you were proud of him. more than proud –

“ Y/N, Y/N, come && look at this! ”

one minute, the atmosphere is merry, perfect even – the next, frantic && uncertain.

the grip around your wrist is now absent, a completely innocent act as the youngest de rune had clearly gotten carried away with his excitement, racing off to ogle at the marvels located amidst the sea of colour. except, your mind isn’t at all welcoming to such a rational train of thought, sheer panic beginning to take hold as you can already sense your throat tightening.

no, not now – please, not now –

joyous laughter shifts to undiscernible noise, drowned out by the thundering rhythm of your now racing heart whilst you futilely attempt to resist against the hysteria tormenting your psyche.

breathe dammit, breathe – he’s fine, absolutely fine –

yet as quickly as the reassurance comes, you find it being ejected away && instead replaced with deeply unpleasant outcomes.

pull yourself together, this isn’t what he needs –

your feet appear to have a mind of their own because before you even realize it, you’re already attempting to meander your way clumsily through the bustling crowds, hoping, praying for even a brief glimpse of the familiar green tunic. what would amicia say when she found out that you’d lost her baby brother? out there all alone, with the dreaded macula still coursing through his veins? oh lord, oh lord.

“ please, i need help! i’m looking for a boy, a boy of about eleven! ”

perhaps it’s the unwavering sound of the festivities, or your own laboured breathing, maybe even both, but no matter the case, your frantic pleas fall upon deaf ears, people clearly too engrossed in the event to even cast a bewildered look in your direction. in their eyes, they didn’t have time to deal with raving lunatics who threatened to spoil their day – yet your anxiety portrays a completely different picture as your back smacks against a cold stone wall.

hundreds of people, if not thousands, all with their piercing stares trained on you. you’re completely frozen to the spot now, your head spinning violently as you desperately fight back the growing wave of nausea. && just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, the laughter begins. it’s quiet at first, a few small sniggers here && there, but soon, the deafening sound bounces around inside of your skull, && you just want it to stop.

whether any noise manages to come from you as you open your mouth to cry out, you’re unsure, because all you can concentrate on is the chorus of jeers growing louder, && louder, && louder.

you can’t handle it any more.

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“ -- hear me? Y/N, please -- "

it’s quiet. the faint melody of bird song, && a voice that sounds so familiar, yet not – then again, you were still transitioning in && out of consciousness. groaning softly, you soon realize that there’s something plush positioned beneath your head, likely to cushion it from the hard cold ground below. what had happened? where were you? where was hugo?

hugo.

“ no hugo, wait - ! ”

apparently, deciding to try && sit abruptly up isn’t a good idea, as you’re soon wincing in pain before a gentle hand on your shoulder ushers you into laying back down. the surroundings begin to spin violently, so much so, that your stomach lurches && you have to fight back from emptying its contents.

“ Y/N, just please calm down, it’s alright! ”

you can’t help but to note how fraught with worry lucas’ tone is, && you feel a slight pang of guilt for being the cause of it, but there’s only one matter that consumes your mind entirely as your fingers weakly grasp the fabric of his sleeve.

“ hugo, where’s hugo? ”

“ he’s fine, i sent him to get some jasmine from the florist so i can help bring your heart rate back down – now please, stay still && try not to move, you need rest. ”

&& just like that, his reassurance fills you with more comfort than any plant ever could, your head retreating back down to nestle upon the comfort of your newfound pillow. it takes you a few seconds before you notice that the cloak usually draped around lucas’ shoulders is nowhere to be seen, your heart skipping a beat as his gaze carefully observes your face for any signs of additional discomfort.

the familiar sound of festivities starts to become more noticeable as the minutes pass && your grogginess begins to dwindle, albeit much quieter than before to your relief. in fact, there’s barely anyone else in the vicinity except for you && lucas, save for the few stragglers who had likely decided to depart for home prematurely. judging from the colours emblazoned across the sky, night would soon be drawing in, as a composition of fiery oranges && reds were beginning to bleed into the crisp shade of blue – a beautiful shade that was practically identical to lucas’ eyes. there’s a few more moments of silence before you carefully tilt your head in his direction, speaking softly in an attempt to conserve your strength.

“ lucas? ”

he seems almost in a trance whilst watching you, seemingly catching himself as you speak his name before quickly clearing his throat. if you hadn’t known any better, you’d say there was a faint blush spreading across his cheekbones.

“ yes Y/N? ”

“ what happened? ”

lucas hesitates for a moment as if he’s contemplating exactly what to say, && whilst you might believe that he’s trying not to alarm you, there’s more to it than that – he’s trying not to alarm himself. the sight of you hyperventilating && inconsolable is already lingering unwantedly in his mind, but regardless, he swallows && takes a deep breath before giving you an answer.

“ hugo said that when he found you, you couldn’t stop shaking && that you couldn’t hear him – you must have lost consciousness after that, so he helped me carry you here. ”

there’s a slight tremble in his voice that you notice almost immediately, but you decide not to question it. after all, it would surely be rude to impose on his state of mind when he’d gone to the trouble of ensuring that you were safe && well, although you can’t help but to wonder exactly why the question seems to unnerve him so much – especially when he doesn’t allow you time to reply by hastily reaching down to retrieve something from the contents of a pouch on his belt, && you notice that it’s a tiny silver flask as it glitters beautifully in the radiance of the sun.

“ here, drink this, it should help you feel better. ”

opening your mouth to ask another question, you don’t get the chance as lucas has already fastened an arm around you to assist you in sitting upwards, a soothing warmth exuding from him && making your stomach flutter with a strange, yet pleasant sensation. he’s so gentle && attentive with his touches, almost as if you’re made of glass && he’s terrified that one careless move will break you. his fingers gingerly bring the neck of the flask to your lips, && almost immediately, your nostrils are filled with the pungent scent of copper && honey. noticing your slight grimace, he has to bite back a chuckle, yet the same concern knitted within his brow persists regardless.

“ trust me, it tastes a lot better than it smells. ”

if it was anyone else trying to reassure you, then you wouldn’t exactly be filled with confidence, but lucas was a master of alchemy, so holding back the bile from rising in your throat, you trust in his words && swallow a particularly large mouthful of the liquid. true to his word, the sharp taste of lemon floods across your tongue, immediately eliminating the foulness that had pervaded your nostrils only seconds beforehand && lulling you into a welcome state of calm. of course, your inquisitiveness can’t suppress itself as you feebly smile up at him, becoming lost in his beautiful sapphire eyes.

“ lucas, that’s unbelievable – where did you get it? ”

“ actually, i – i brewed it myself. ”

there’s that familiar shade of pink again as he gives a sheepish smile of his own, a hand going to nervously scratch the back of his neck before he continues.

“ it’s quite simple really. i discovered it when i was trying to help amicia find some pain relief for her shoulder – just some honey, chamomile and burdock. the plants contain anti inflammatory properties, but it’s the honey that really makes a difference. see, honey dates back to as far as the ancient egyptians, && they knew that it could help soothe pain, which is why we have such vast knowledge of its medicinal properties today. of course, there’s still so much more potential for future discoveries, && i think that - ”

you’re surprised when he pauses mid-sentence, hesitating for a brief second before brushing a stray strand of chestnut hair from his eyes.

“ i – i’m rambling, aren’t i? ”

lucas was clearly so filled with joy when discussing his work, && his level of commitment to the subject was extremely endearing, almost adorable even. the fact that he was seemingly comfortable enough around you to bring up the said topic of conversation in such astounding detail genuinely melted your heart, so you can’t help but to shake your head in disagreement whilst offering him an encouraging smile.

“ it’s alright lucas, you don’t have to be ashamed. ”

you can make out a flicker of relief upon his features at your reassurance, && for a second, you find yourself wondering if he’s had the chance to talk so openly about his interests with anyone else. the thought soon fades however as his beautiful sapphire eyes focus so intently on your face, a smile of his own tugging at his lips before you feel your heart practically in your mouth at his reply.

“ it’s strange, really – it only tends to happen when i’m talking about the things i’m passionate about. ”

you’ve only just realized that his arm is still around you, with neither of you making any attempt to move from your current position. to think that not all that long ago, you’d been completely consumed with fear && panic, feeling as if everyone && everything that you’d ever loved would be lost forever. but now is the complete opposite, a pleasant warmth burning in your chest && making you feel as if you were ready to take on the entire world. there’s nothing but silence between you both for a few more seconds as you find yourselves smiling at one another, a silence that spoke a thousand words – except that silence doesn’t last, a familiar voice calling out amidst exhausted pants.

“ lucas, Y/N! ”

you barely have time to make out the hugo sized person before he practically throws himself onto you, arms fastening around your neck && cheek nestled against the silkiness of your hair as he embraces you tightly into a hug. there’s a slight twinge of pain from the initial contact, yet you manage to bite back a cry before wrapping your own arms around his much smaller frame, catching a brief glimpse of the basket loaded with flora that he’d been carrying moments beforehand.

“ Y/N, i’m so sorry that i ran off && left you – you could have gotten hurt && it’s all my fault. ”

“ hey, what matters is that you’re safe. but promise me you’ll never do that again, alright? ”

hugo hesitates for a moment before slowly pulling back from the embrace, one of his hands gently wiping his eyes as he nods. his attention soon turns back towards the wicker basket beside him, reaching down to grasp it before handing over the contents to lucas. taking it from the younger de rune, his eyes twinkle with relief as he smiles widely, evidently pleased with the yield that he requested.

“ this is more than enough hugo, thank you. ”

“ you’re welcome. but that’s not all, i got something else - ”

exchanging confused looks, both you && lucas are clearly oblivious to what he means until you catch sight of the beautiful sunny blossom sitting within the palm of his hand. you can vividly recall hugo telling you all about his memories of beatrice, how she’d educated him in botany alongside tirelessly searching for a cure to rid him of the macula forever. whilst he was indeed a special child, he deserved a normal life, free from being controlled by the disease inside of him && being able to truly appreciate the ‘ nice things ’ as he referred to them. amicia had often allowed him to braid them into her hair when he was younger, wearing it like a badge of honour – as a protector to the carrier.

whilst you’d always been able to identify even the most basic of flowers, hugo had been your own teacher, passing down his mother’s knowledge && his face practically lighting up as he’d shared stories of all the beautiful blossoms that he remembered from back home in guyenne. a symbol of rebellion almost against the hordes of rats that had delivered nothing but suffering && ruin – a reminder that no matter how dark the night, how turbulent the storm, there was always hope that lay deep within.

“ a daffodil. ”

there was no doubt that lucas also possessed a vast amount of knowledge in regards to botany, perhaps even more so than the young boy, considering the countless years that he’d spent studying under the watchful eye of his magistra. it honestly amazed you that not only could he name flowers that you’d never even laid eyes on before, but their medicinal qualities too, so it comes as no surprise that he’s able to recognize the sunshine coloured bud outstretched in hugo’s hand. he always had been intelligent. admirable. breathtaking.

“ used to treat chronic pain, && in rare cases, epilepsy. hm, not native to the area, meant to symbolise - ”

“ forgiveness. ”

it’s astonishing how your own voice && hugo’s chorus together in such perfect sync, alarming even, but it undoubtedly acts as further proof that you both share a beautiful && unique bond. proof that you would never allow anything to hurt him. ever.

“ i hope you like it. ”

his enthusiasm that had snatched you up into a hug only moments earlier is suddenly gone, instead replaced by a meek, almost timid demeanour whilst he fidgets idly with his hands. as if he was nervously seeking your approval. already, you can sense a lump in your throat && your eyes welling up with tears, completely touched by the innocent gesture but taking extreme care not to let your emotions out into the open – hugo was likely already anxious enough without having the weight of a major misunderstanding looming over his head. the momentary pause between you both must already be bothering him however, his tone frantic && clumsy as he peers up at you worriedly.

“ i asked the florist lady if she had some because it was for someone really special, && - ”

“ i don’t like it hugo. ”

you don’t have any time to register his expression as you’ve already pulled him back into your arms, but you can feel his posture stiffen as even lucas appears apprehensive from the brief glance that you manage to catch of him.

“ i love it. ”

&& in that moment when his arms gently weave about your neck in order to secure himself against you, when the tender petals of the gift brush delicately against your skin, everything is perfect. you truly adored hugo with all of your heart, && the very thought of him having to endure such unspeakable horrors to reach this point was honestly haunting – which is perhaps why your grip upon him tightens ever so slightly, cheek nestled comfortably against his chestnut brown locks whilst you can’t help but to contemplate on how the world was such a cruel place. he was just a child.

you don’t allow it intentionally – hell, you likely wouldn’t have even realized if not for the concern knitting lucas’ brow, but one of the tears that you’d been attempting to suppress manages to slowly trickle down onto your cheek. the happiness of the child in your arms however took priority over everything && anything else, so rather than putting his peace at risk even for a second, you quickly manage to brush away the bead of moisture against his hair && not a moment too soon, as his infectious smile greets you whilst he delicately places the daffodil into the safety of your lap.

“ you’re so thoughtful, thank you. ”

there’s a smile of your own in return before you purse your lips in thought for a brief moment, both lucas && hugo only being able to speculate exactly what you have in mind as the latter tilts his head to an inquisitive angle. an idle search into one of the pouches on your waist && a faint metallic clinking later, some of the contents are emptied out into his palm, the contrast of bronze && silvers twinkling beautifully in the sunlight like a regal kaleidoscope.

“ i’d like to thank the florist too, so do you think you’d be able to take this to her for me? ”

his fingers already curled around the collection of coins, hugo hesitates for a moment before reaching over to placed his balled up fist into your hand, clearly intending to return the payment as you’re now the one sporting a perplexed look.

“ she said she didn’t want any money for it, and as long as i gave it to that someone special, then that was enough payment. she also mentioned that daffodils were one of her favourites, because her husband always used to bring her some. ”

the obliviousness on the youngest de rune’s part to the true meaning behind her tale is almost endearing, && if you hadn’t have known any better, you could have swore that you caught a glimpse of lucas attempt to conceal a smirk behind his hand whilst you have to suppress a giggle yourself. surely, he’d come to come to understand in time as he grew older, as single every day that passed was a defiance against the macula, but for now, all he had to concern himself with was achieving what he’d already been deprived of for so long - living a normal && happy childhood.

“ well in that case, how about you keep it instead to buy yourself something nice? ”

there’s a brief moment of quiet whilst he studies your expression carefully, ensuring that you’re absolutely certain with the decision before he accepts the gift that you’ve just offered - && the sincerity that greets him is more than enough reason for him to deduce that that is indeed the case, that smile that practically melted your heart making a more than welcome appearance as hugo peers up at you with a newfound excitement.

“ i won’t let you down, i’m going to find the most amazing thing ever to bring home! ”

“ hugo? please try to stay in sight this time, hm? ”

lucas has likely already recognized his overwhelming eagerness to depart back into the maze of stalls in search of a souvenir, && sure enough, there’s a reassuring smile before he races off to investigate a nearby crafts stall – free to explore without any anxiety or worry. as a kid should be able to. to say that this wasn’t exactly the day that you’d planned was an understatement, but you don’t bother concerning yourself with such trivial matters for the moment, as everything is currently perfect as it is. the both of you sit in silence for a few minutes, yet it’s not at all uncomfortable, quite the opposite in fact. even if you were alongside lucas all day && neither of you exchanged a single word, you’d still feel as if you’d had the most engaging conversation, finding yourself becoming entranced by those beautiful eyes of his –

“ he really loves you, you know. ”

“ i – i’m sorry? ”

it goes without saying that the both of you understand the alternate implication of lucas’s statement, prompting that all too familiar shade to creep across the entirety of his face as he clears his throat nervously, && you too find yourself attempting to suppress a considerable blush. neither of you notice it for the time being, but there’s also the matter of the empty space between you both slowly diminishing since hugo’s departure, almost as if there’s a hidden yet powerful force at play to make you both desperately desire one another’s presence. with him, all of your concerns && worries were non-existent, or at least an obstacle that you could tackle together && emerge from upon the other side. lucas was your home, && you prayed with all of your heart && soul that he considered you the very same.

“ hugo, i mean – i’ve never seen him so frantic before. ”

repositioning yourself around to face him properly now, you can’t help but to note his unexpected shift in demeanour, his eyes having a certain solemnity about them whilst he swallows particularly hard – he spoke about hugo displaying panicked behaviour, but lucas himself, was he really shaken that severely too?

“ i was working on some texts detailing the history of the prima macula, when he came bounding in and pleaded with me to go with him as quickly as i could. naturally, imagine the fright he gave me – especially given the circumstances of what happened. ”

perhaps you were listening to him a little too intently, or it’s your head still rebelling against your prior state of unconsciousness, but whatever the case, you’ve only just come to the realization that lucas is now seated merely inches away from you, so much so, that you’re uncertain who the persistent rhythm of a pounding heart belongs to. you don’t know what to do, to say, to pour out all of your emotions && confess to him how he made you feel – except you don’t need to, because he’s already chosen to take the initiative first.

“ i – i think i understand. why he was so hysterical when he came to see me – because i know exactly what it’s like to worry about losing someone special. ”

if you didn’t have the slightest inclination of what to say before, you certainly don’t now, breath hitching in your throat && your heart threatening to practically implode. had he really just told you that? surely, the giddy sensation tugging within the pit of your stomach was indication enough in case you weren’t entirely convinced, as is the sheepish smile that lucas offers you whilst politely gesturing to your lap.

“ may i? ”

for a brief moment, you can’t help but to wonder exactly what he’s referring to, until a delicate golden shimmer provides a clue. what was it that he’d said? that daffodils were used as relief from both chronic pain && epilepsy, but that only generates more questions rather than answers. you didn’t have either of those, so perhaps he wished to study it more closely for one of his future endeavours. his fingers gently furl around the delicate blossom before scooping it up into his palm, taking extra care not to damage the fragile petals as he lifts it upwards. what was he – it’s only when his free hand lightly tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear that you realize his intention, && instinctively, you lean further into his touch whilst he gets to work on weaving the daffodil amongst your silky locks. a simple gesture but one that makes you fall in love with him all over again, as he makes you feel like the most beautiful woman in the entire world. && to lucas, you were.

the way he gapes at you in total awe after he leans back to observe his handiwork speaks absolute volumes, prompting you to take the initiative this time around by reaching down to take his hand into your own whilst his other caresses your cheek so tenderly. lucas had never really been a fighter, yet you can still detect the remnants of callouses over his fingers, a silent mark of the battle to prevent hugo from succumbing to the prima macula. && even though he’d probably dismiss the notion, a mark that he was a hero. if there was the opportunity to stop time at this very moment, then it was almost certain that you would without a doubt, everything being absolutely perfect as lucas leans closer to affectionately rest his temple against your own. you can’t help but to giggle at the sensation of his own hair lightly tickling your cheek, drawing a soft chuckle from him before he gently shakes the messy strands from his eyes.

“ it really suits you. ”

there’s that damned blush again at his compliment but you don’t overly concern yourself with it this time – in fact, you actually allow your emotions a little more leeway, not even realizing that you’ve leaned your head further forward for your lips to press softly against his cheek until it’s too late. you can’t help but to melt over how adorable lucas’ reaction is, his sapphire eyes blinking in amazement before a content noise sounds from within his throat. after all of the hardships && cruelty that the world had dealt, you both needed this – the chance to face a new day, together.

“ thank you lucas. ”

the soft chorus of songbirds from high on up, the sensation of lucas’ hair as it continues to softly caress your skin && the silent yet heartfelt smile shared between you both – nothing could make this moment any more perfect, or so you believe, as the second that he opens his mouth once again, you can already sense your heart melting.

“ so, i was wondering if – if you’d like to come back to the festival later once amicia gets back, just the two of us. ”

he seems proud of himself for speaking without any significant stutters, although he’d likely already forfeited the battle against attempting to suppress the reddening colour in his cheeks. not that you minded, quite the opposite in fact.

“ or if you prefer, we could both talk a walk? i know of a trail not far from here alongside a stream, && it’s home to some of the most beautiful flowers && wild life. oh, perhaps if we ventured out at night, we could go star gazing – yes, i could show you all of the constellations! there’s practically hundreds, but aquila has to be my favourite. i – i’d love for you to see it. maybe if there’s a first quarter moon tonight, then the cosmos will be in perfect alignment, && there might actually be a chance for it to - ”

“ lucas? ”

“ yes Y/N? ”

“ you’re rambling again. ”

“ ah! m – my apologies. ”

you feel a slight pang of guilt at the sight of the mortified expression upon lucas’ face, but the manner in which he became so flustered was too adorable to pass up, && you emit a playful giggle as reassurance that you’re only teasing him. thankfully, the sound appears to do the trick because those gorgeous sapphire hues peer up at you once again, a bashful smile tugging upon the corners of his lips whilst he slowly scratches the back of his neck. truth be told, you’re overjoyed at the prospect of spending a chapter of your life alongside your very own someone special, && as his arms gently wrap around you whilst your lips linger upon his cheek once again, you both know that this is the beginning of something truly beautiful.

“ so, tell me more about this aquila. ”