#Zaros

[faeskiss]

zaros and earis kiss 2024 (I’m manifesting)

[xzhdjsj]

Beneath the Surface

Zaros x Siren Reader

Taking a dip with Zaros.

warnings: a pinch of suggestive content cuz yk sirens and all dat

I spent my weekend by a lake and being in the water DID NOT HELP THE PIRATE HYPERFIXATION. But I wanna spend more time on that so I'll leave it for later, and instead there's this! I hope you enjoy!😽💕

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

A sigh heaved from Zaros’ lungs, laden with the weight of his emotions, as he walked along the stone pathway with his arms folded behind him, kicking an innocent rock along the way. His mind swirled with a mix of frustration, a storm teetering on the edge of anger and resentment. Yet, how could he possibly hate you? Your mask may fool nobles and commoners alike, but beneath it, only he recognised the person you are- the person he fell in love with many years ago. The lingering possibility that he never actually fell out of that love burdened his heart and weighed heavily on his mind.

“Damn it!” he shouted into the darkness, voice echoing with the waves. With one final, forceful kick, he sent the abused stone sailing off the edge of the wooden dock and into the open sea. “Why must this be so difficult?”

His eyes followed the paths of the pebble, instantly regretting his decision to discard his lone companion for the night. Another exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he settled down onto the wooden structure bordering the land and sea. He slowly removed his footwear, placing them safely away from the edge, then let his legs hang from the dock, dipping his toes into the chilly water.

The gentle waves against his skin did little to sooth his troubled mind, far less than he'd expected. The pent-up frustration simmered under the surface, bubbling in his chest like a pot of boiling water. He inched closer to the edge, sinking his feet into the waves and tilting his head back until he was eye to eye with the moon.

“I don’t suppose you can offer any guidance,” he started, only to be met with silence. Zaros lets out a bitter laugh that carried with the wind. “I’m such a fool, aren’t I? So bewildered by my own emotions, that I opt to speak to you, a solitary body hanging in the night sky. Though, I suppose we have much in common, do we not?”

The moon offered no response, but its silence presence, a sentinel over the darkened lands. He lowered his head, moving his feet back and forth, toying with the currents.

Zaros sat at the edge of the dock, his gaze fixed on the way the waves crashed into his feet, then he heard it, a haunting melody carried in the night breeze. A voice, distant yet alluring, calling out his name in a soft, enchanting tone.

“Sarl Zaros…” the mysterious voice called, sending a shiver down his spine.

Startled, Zaros scanned the darkness around, searching for the source of the ethereal sound. The gentle cashes of the waves against the wooden deck, accompanied the voice once more as they called out to him.

“Zaros…” they sang.

“Who’s there?” he finally responded, curiosity evident in his voice.

This time there was no response, only the wispy howls of the wind and the waves below him. Zaros twisted his body, peering over his shoulders to find whoever decided it was a clever idea to prank him.

“Over here, silly.” The mystery voice appeared again, only this time right in front of him and his body swiftly spun around to find its owner.

From the depths of the sea, he saw them- a pair of luminous eyes, glowing like jewels under the moonlight. The glimmering stars on the water’s surface flicker and danced around the eyes observing him from a distance, but the shiny reflections could never rival their beauty.

His breath caught in his throat, and he quickly pulled his feet from the water, staggering backwards onto the dock.

“Who are you?” He shouted.

“Calm down,” you murmured, gliding through the water with ease as you approached him. “It’s just me.”

His eyes widen and his brows furrowed in confusion as the mysterious person revealed their face. “Earis?”

“My apologies, did I scare you?” You smiled.

Zaros hesitate to get closer, eyeing you in confusion. “What are you doing out here at this hour?” he questioned, refusing to acknowledge your question.

You laughed at his stubbornness, settling with the belief that no answer is just as good as an admission. “I could ask you the same question, Sarl Zaros.”

He grumbled uncomfortably, settling into a lotus position. “Then, why are you in the water?”

“It helps to ease my stress.” You admitted, giving him a content smile as you leaned back letting your hair flow with the currents, spreading out and framing you face like liquid silk. “Why don’t you join me?”

“Pardon me?” he shook his head.

“I said join me, you fool.” The hair clung to the skin of your shoulder as you reached out to him. “I don’t bite, unless of course, you want me to.”

“You’re oddly friendly tonight,” he narrowed his eyes, smirking at your proposal.

“I told you, the waves wash away all my worries.” Your body spun, hands elegantly moving just below the surface, “Now, come, join me.”

“Fine,” he accepted, rising to his feet.

You watched as he pulled his robe off his shoulders, then his shirt over his head. Your eyes were glued to his arms and the thin white vest covering his chest. His fingers worked on his pants, gripping the waistband but not pulling it down.

He looked up at you, “Enjoying watching me undress?”

You rolled your eyes, more annoyed at the grin plastered across his face than getting caught staring at his body. “Hurry up and get in.” You averted your gaze, turning to face away from him, and you heard him laugh behind you.

The disturbance of the gentle undulation of the waves around your body caught your attention, even with your eyes closed you could sense the subtle shift of the currents, informing you that Zaros was close. You turned around, face to face with the man who’s supposedly your ‘rival.’

“Are you satisfied?” he whispered.

 “Very,” you grinned, swimming around his body, “Doesn’t this feel better than just having your feet in the water?”

“I don’t like admitting when you’re right, but I’ll accept it this once.” He smiled, taking your hand and pulling you towards his body. “Are you still enthralled by my body, even though you can’t see it beneath the surface?”

“I think all that I can see right now is enough,” you hummed, inching closer to him.

“Is that so?” His hands trailed up your arm then settled onto your hips, his mischievous fingers moved upwards, then stopped abruptly. “You… you aren’t wearing a shirt?”

“No,” you began, taking his hand into yours and placing it on your chest. “I prefer to swim naked.”

Zaros swallowed hard, eyes swelling with desire as he gazed into yours.

“You’re doing this on purpose aren’t you?” his grip on your waist tightened, moving closer until you’re pressed against him. “Have you realised how much I want you?”

“I think you made it obvious enough.” You giggled.

In your eyes, Zaros sensed a sort of hunger, a craving that beckoned his lips onto yours, something that clouded his mind and made him act heedlessly. You pulled his hair backwards, trailing kisses up his neck. Zaros felt uneasy, especially when his leg attempted to curl around yours only to be met with a smooth scaly mass moving beneath the surface. As his feet brushed against the tail, your actions stopped. He was jolted to reality when you plunged into the water. The realisation of his mistake dawned on him, and he scrambled to reach the dock. He reached up to hold onto the wooden ladder, but the rung slipped from his fingers as he was pulled further out into the deep.

With one final, desperate gasp of air, and a sudden yank from the finger curled around his ankle, he was pulled under. The water closed around him, holding him in its deadly embrace as he grasped and clawed at the bubbles that escaped his stifled screams. The moonlit surface grew dimmer and dimmer as he succumbed to the suffocating darkness, his consciousness slipping away as he was pulled ever deeper into the abyss.

Zaros didn’t realise it, but he had been holding his breath. As his body jolted awake, he sucked in a deep breath, then another and another. He clutched his chest, cold sweat dripping from his forehead onto the blanket.

A dream, it was just a dream.

-

[buthigor]

What movie sir?

[claiestve]

𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐝 ꨄ Zaros

˜”* ❝𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙂𝙤𝙙, 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙨𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙖𝙮; 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙣❞

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: ᴅᴇᴀʀ ꜱᴇʀᴜʟʟᴀ,

⎯୨⎯ " " ⎯୧⎯

“Look at you, my Earis.”

You smiled at the compliment, knowing you looked ethereal. Even though it wasn’t the reason you were there, you still enjoyed picking out nice outfits. Give the people something to look at. People around you were stunned by your entrance, though, they weren’t the only ones. 

Giggling, you take your elegant steps forward to your rival. He looked astonished by you. That wasn’t new though. Zaros tends to give you your credit where it’s due, especially regarding your appearance. He may be bitter but never dishonest. 

“My Earis.” He takes a bow.

“My Zaros.” You tease. 

He smiles at your comment, looking you up and down. Zaros tends to try to make you nervous. It only works sometimes. 

“I must say, you look otherworldly.” 

You smile at his compliment. His compliments usually felt better than others because even though you two weren’t on the best of terms, you knew he meant his words. However, you weren’t like that. Not at all. Sometimes, you’d make it obvious that you were lying but sometimes you’d do whatever you could to sound truthful. 

“You look…” You started, “Okay.”

Zaros scoffed. He knew how you were whether it was teasing or genuinely being dishonest, he knew. And he couldn’t help but appreciate it a little. 

“Shall we?” He reached out his hand, waiting for you to take it. 

“I suppose we shall.”

This was a last-minute event. Everyone had been gathered together and invited to hear a speech from the two of you. It wasn’t originally in the plan but of course, Zaros suggested it. You were excited to speak your truth and to hear what Zaros had to say. However, at this point of the trials, you were less focused on winning. If anything, this had been teaching you something that extended beyond the throne. 

The trial before this was a dance. It was just a way to show off how well you could follow choreography and that you did. Although, that day brought you and Zaros closer to one another. In one of the portions, you didn’t dance with him but rather you brought other people who were watching into the dance and encouraged them to join in. It was truly beautiful. Zaros had even told you how much you’ve matured through the trials. 

However, rather than living in the past, you focused on the future. You smiled at the familiar faces of the people you danced with. You waved at people you used to ignore. It seemed you were becoming a new person that even the commoners could see themselves in. 

“And now, please welcome The Earis.”

You smiled at the introduction and stepped up. As you looked around, people seemed to be more excited about your appearance. They seemed like they wanted you there because they liked you. Not just because you belong here. 

As your speech went on, people would nod, smile, and cheer a little. It was like they already decided. A few times during your speech, you would glance at Zaros and instead of having an unfriendly glare, you would have a spark in your eyes that showed just how happy you truly were. 

It was like a scene from a movie as you talked about the things you’d like to improve, change, and keep. You felt like this was the most authentic you’ve vocally been with the people of Serulla. Of course, it couldn’t go on forever. You closed off your speech in a very sweet manner and left it at that. 

The people were given a few minutes of intermission to truly think about what you said and to let it sink in before the next speech. You were excited to hear what Zaros had to say. 

“And for our next speech,” The next introduction started. 

You felt your heart beating. You were nervous but you were also looking forward to this. 

“Hello, everyone. As you may know, my name is Zaros Atha’lin and I am competing with the Earis for rulership of Serulla. I have many things I would love to discuss but first, I’d like to draw some attention to you, my Earis.” He turns to you and smiles. 

However, it wasn’t the same smile you gave him. It wasn’t full of the same light and hint of love. No, it was dull and cynical. 

“I have seen the way you changed over time. I think everyone has seen it and is just as astonished as am I. However, it’s not that simple. My Earis, you still have so much to work on. Your smile cannot erase the years you spent lying about others. Your dancing cannot take back the harsh, cruel words you’ve muttered to people who love you. Your truths do not take away from your many lies.”

You looked around, staggered by the words coming from his mouth. You thought that the two of you had been getting along. You thought there was a genuine friendship rebuilding itself. 

“My Earis,” He initiates, “You look at me with endearment in your eyes yet you used to use those same eyes to look down on me. You smile at me with the same mouth you used to call me ‘Leech’. The people of Serulla do not know you. I know you. I know that deep down, you are bitter, savage, brutal, and heartless.”

Tearing up, you take another look around. This time, the audience looks more baffled than they did before. You felt that all this time you spent working on yourself had been for nothing. It didn’t matter how different your views were now. It didn’t matter if you were deemed the new ruler of Serulla because this would always follow you. It didn’t matter how much you’ve grown, you will always be an ungrateful brat. 

“You cannot change my mind and I will not let you change the minds of the people. They deserve to know the real you. The real, nasty, selfish, and spiteful you. At the end of the day, you will always be that to me and I will always be a so-called Leech to you.”

You couldn’t take the whispers and the stares as Zaros continued his speech. It was too much to take in. You never would’ve thought he would use this to bash you and humiliate you in front of everyone. 

But now, it all made sense. He did suggest this. 

“Leech.” You said under your breath before storming out. 

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

saurrr dont get mad at me for this okayyyy....

THE NEXT THING I WRITE WILL HAVE A VERY GOOD ENDING I SWEAR ON EVERYTHING

[chilliesillie]

Zaros Atha’lin ˚₊‧

˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ I Don’t Miss You at All - FINNEAS

“all but forgotten about those eyes,

a shade of green that if he’d seen

would make F. Scott Fitzgerald cry”

here’s the speedpaint if anyone wants it

[pocketisla]

earis' gambit

drew this before watching the latest i scheduled this weeks ago realized it did not post for some reason!!!

I listened to the latest one just now hehehhehehehe eeeeeeeeeee😔❤️😚💗🤸🏻‍♀️🙈

pls dont steal his answer for the debate earis they should defo rule together zaros will focus on the serullan peeps and earis will focus on external relations

like the earis i will write all these in my diary ugh all his pomposity!!!!!! ugh!!!!! 😠😠😠❤️

references r my favorite paintings + queens gambit:

[sakuverse]

i cant be the only person who listen to Saku's series to help sleep right

[zsakuva]

sakuuuu

I have a question that has been a stuck in my mind for quite a while about the palace The Earis lives in!

do you have an image in your mind or know how The palace looks? I’ve been interested in this for quite a while! I have been thinking like old fashion alike, nothing of the modern era, but I’m not 100% sure! I would love to know how it looks⚔️

have a great dayyyyy!

For Earis' palace, this is what I've always imagined. I can't find any images of what it would look like as a whole, but these are a few pictures that capture the interior, so the rest can be your imagination!

Grand, luxurious halls of marble and amazing intricacy:

Walkways around the palace with a wondrous view of Serulla (the left's design with the right's view kinda):

Beautiful, luscious gardens that is wrapped around some architecture:

The library with two storeys full of knowledge (not as big as the third picture, but that spacious):

I hope this helps!

[nanachozip]

top 3 most infuriating things in my life rn:

pollen allergy 

non-diagonalizable matrices

this mf:

i’ve never wanted to punch and kiss someone simultaneously before *sigh*

[zowsta]

How i feel when i ask saku a Zaros/noble trials related question knowing its gonna get met with smth like:”i cant tell u yet 😛”

(I still ask anyway)

[elyx-syl]

[faeskiss]

THE EPIPHANY

note: an AU fic where the trials don’t exist, zaros and earis are on good terms ( zaros is DOWN BAAAADDDD for the earis)

synopsis; The earis realises they are in love with zaros!

The weather outside is rather sweet, a bit sombre, Serullian rain is always beautiful, and you are it’s biggest admirer,everyone knows how much you adore the gloom of the skies and the soft chill of the air

You find yourself standing on the sheltered platform surrounding the royal garden, your head is resting on the pillar as you gape at the wondrous sight before you, your heart full and content

The flowers look vibrant and alluring, almost as if the droplets have replenished their colour, the leaves look alive with greenery, the same dazzling green that reminds you of Zaros’s eyes, his eyes, they feel safe, home, the remind you of home, you feel a soft wave of calm crash against your heart leaving you with a gentle smile

There are rumours, oh so many rumours of what people think is going on between the two of you

Many think you two are caught up in some secret affair; some are absolutely certain he’s madly in love with you, the latter belief began when you both were just teenagers

It would be nice to say, with full confidence of course that you don’t believe the rumours and you don’t, mostly don’t, the thing is, you’re not entirely convinced that the talk about him being in love with you is false

There’s been a noticeable shift in your relationship, the way he speaks to you is sweeter, whenever he meets your gaze you cannot help but notice his green eyes gleaming with a certain desperation..whenever he hugs you he makes sure to linger and his heartbeat feels faster, every time the two of you dance he pulls you closer, closer than ever before

No matter how hard you try, you can not forget the way he was flirting with you a few months ago, it was reckless, desperate and worst of all, it made your chest flutter, your heartbeat quick and made it immensely hard to focus on anything but the thought of his lips for the next few days, torture is an understatement to describe that experience

Much to your surprise the flirting didn’t stop there, it only grew more and more, every gaze, every word, every time your skin accidentally brushes against his, you can feel the tension consuming you whole, so much so you wonder that one day it might just kill you

“I knew I’d find you here”

A familiar voice creeps up at you, lost in your own daze, you failed to notice Zaros’s footsteps approaching you

“Hello Zaros!” you greet him with a cool smile trying your very best to hide your nerves

“Are you alright? You look a little-“ he asks

“I’m fine! it’s just a bit cold that’s all” you interrupt him

You give him an assured smile as if you weren’t absolutely losing your sanity over him a few moments ago

Suddenly you feel a warm cloth being draped over you, you turn to face him but he’s too busy enveloping you in his cape

“Zaros you didn’t need-“

“Shh, we don’t need the future eminence of Serulla catching a cold now do we my sweet, sweet Earis?” He hums in a hushed voice

There’s that devilish smile again and it doesn’t fail to bring a swarm of butterflies in your stomach that probably won’t leave any time soon

“So do you have a date to the charity ball next week?” He asks

“No, not yet” You reply

“Good” He smirks

“Why?” You add in an annoyed manner

A sudden gush of an icy breeze flows in your direction, your hair sways with the wind, leaving a few strands displaced

He steps closer in your direction and tucks a few strands of hair behind your ear as he says

“Because I’m taking you to the ball, so be ready” his voice is hushed and soft, his eyes gleam with that same desperation, the warmth of his touch reverberates through your entire body making your knees grow weak, and it’s all made worse by that feverishly flirty look on his face

That’s when the realisation hits you and you realise how deep your desire runs for him, you lied to yourself everyday hoping this feeling would go away, but it didn’t and it won’t, you finally realise that you’re in love with your best friend.

[xzhdjsj]

Brew Me a Cup

Zaros x Reader

Period comfort with Zaros

I know you guys wanted Dontis (AND I PROMISE I'LL FINISH IT BY THE END OF THIS WEEK!) but I really really REALLYYYYY miss Zaros☹️

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Being a member of an imperial family certainly had its privileges, but when you flip the coin, there are numerous drawbacks that could tarnish one's reputation in an instant. For example, a simply show of emotion, be it anger, the raise of an eyebrow or even a passing glance, is enough for talk to spread of an Earis who is "judgmental" or "snotty".

Even as you struggle in pain and discomfort, you still needed to keep the appearance of a put-together young heir. You sighed, battling the urge to dig your fingers into your stomach in agony. Despite feeling the way you do, your footsteps remain steady as you gracefully made your way through the palace hallways with a smile on your face. Breaking this facade even for a minute to cower over in pain would lead to many questioning your ability to govern Serulla in the future and ruin your chances of being the victor of the trials.

Luckily, you're well adjusted to it by now, having had to survive through years of masking the pain that comes with your period.

Originally, you wished to spend your afternoon in the library with your nose stuck in a book, but the pulsing pain in your abdomen wouldn't allow for such enjoyments. Defeated, you instead made your way back to your room, but not without interruption.

"My Earis, I didn’t expect to find you here." His smooth voice called out behind you.

You steps halt and your turn on your heels to face him. "Sarl Zaros. I don't see anything strange about my presence here. It is the way to my room, after all." You stated calmly, unamused and frankly too tired to indulge him at the moment.

"That's not what I meant. You're usually in the library at this time, are you-" he paused for a moment, dropping his worried expression to let his lips curl into a smirk. "Forget it. The less you study, the more likely I am to surpass you in the trials."

Your right hand digs into the fabric covering your thigh, scowling at the grin plastered to his face as he approached you.

"Listen Zaros," you whisper-shout, "My hormones are everywhere and my insides are fighting against their own body at the moment so, as much as I would love to continue this conversation- I would not- I'll be taking my leave now."

Promptly, you rushed a bow before walking away from a very surprised Zaros. Words failed to make it past his throat and his eyes wandered the floor for assistance- an unsual occurrence for the Sarl. Not that he needed words anyways, you were already far gone.

Back in your room, you threw your body onto the plush blankets and soft pillows groaning in displeasure as you held your stomach. Maybe a short nap would help ease your mind, and when you woke up the pain would be gone. It's seemed possible, right?

Wrong. You lay in bed for 15 minutes, then half an hour, then an entire hour and another hour, but sleep never came. The pain in your body was stubborn and didn't dissipate either. Slowly, you roll over, clutching a pillow to your body, only to be disturbed by a knock on your door. With a heaving sigh, you sat up at the edge of your bed.

"Come in"

The door gently opened, and a young woman with a tray pushed her head inside.

"My Earis, I have brought you some tea." She smiled kindly.

"Pardon? Tea? I didn't call for tea."

"Oh," she shook her head, "Actually, Sarl Zaros had the kitchen staff prepare this for you with some sort of herb he gathered."

"..."

There was no proper way to respond to that. Zaros sent you tea, some sort of special tea. How else should you respond than with silence?

"He actually wanted to prepare it himself, but the staff insisted they'd be able to make it on par with his standards." She beamed.

"Ah well uhm thank you." You say awkwardly as she placed the tray before you. "And give my thanks to the Sarl."

"Of course my Earis." The young lady bowed before leaving the room.

Inching towards the tray, you lifted the teacup to your nose and inhaled. It smells leafy, with a subtle hint of something sweet. It didn’t look the most appetizing either but something deep in your gut told you it was a good idea to drink it. Maybe it was the pain, but Zaros wouldn't openly poison you, right?

Your face contorted at the unfamiliar scent, but you took a sip anyways. It tasted just like it smelled and looked, leafy and like the colour brown. You could taste the honey used to sweeten the tea, that definitely helped you finish the cup without gagging.

You placed the tray onto a nearby table, before collapsing back onto your bed again. The pain still lingered, yet somehow theres was a soothing feeling in your chest and a warmth that spread into the rest of your body. It was calming at the very least.

Once again, you wrapped yourself into a blanket and closed your eyes. You were ready for the disappointing reality of not being able to fall asleep, but your eyes grew heavy and before you knew it, your subconscious had wandered off to the land of sleep.

Hours later your eyes opened, lazily blinking at the darkness that had taken over the outside world. Just how long did you fall asleep for? You roll out of bed, and immediately notice how much easier it was for you to move. The pain you felt early was almost completely gone, save for a dull ache that barely bothered you. Standing up and pulling a robe over your shoulder, you knew exactly what you had to do.

You made your way down the hall, in a much better mood now than you were earlier. You stopped at Zaros' door, hesitating to knock but the nagging thought of 'It's the right thing to do' made you do it anyways. You took a deep breath and knocked three times, then stood patiently awaiting an answer. It didn't take long for you to be face to face with Zaros for the second time that day.

"Zaros I uhm-" You stuttered.

"My Earis, how are you feeling?" He smiled, it was probably a struggle to not smile with the intent of teasing but he managed to look like he cared.

"Better." You responded, "I wanted to say thank you. That tea, it helped me calm down and fall asleep."

"I'm glad you were able to experience it's benefits."

"Right, yes. Well that's it I guess." You shuffled awkwardly, turning to leave.

"Would you like to come in?"

"Pardon?" You blinked at him, unsure if you heard correctly.

"Well you probably just woke up, and it'll be hard to fall asleep again easily. I don't mind keeping you company while you're still awake." His eyes shined with a sort of genuineness that you weren't used to.

"Oh that..." You looked at him in disbelief for a moment. "That would be wonderful, thank you."

-

[buthigor]

[claiestve]

𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 ꨄ Zaros

˜”* ❝'𝘾𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚, 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪'𝙙 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙨.❞

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴢᴀʀᴏꜱ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ᴛᴀʟᴋ.

⎯୨⎯ " " ⎯୧⎯

You were going on a walk to calm you down. The trials have stressed you out to a ton and you could not sit still. However, you wanted company. You knew how much he irritated and aggravated you with his little tantrums about how ‘spoiled’ you were but you couldn’t help but feel relaxed around him. He was the one person you could be yourself around. Even though your guard was always up, mask always on, he got to see a more truthful side to it. 

It didn’t take too long to find him as he visited his favorite areas. And there he was, reading in the grass. You couldn’t grasp how he felt so comfortable doing such and so openly, but it wasn’t time for you to judge, not now anyway. 

“I’m going for a walk to clear my head.” You say looking at him sternly. However, he seemed quite unbothered. He didn’t ask anything or say anything witty. He just sat there. 

“Have fun.”

“You don’t want to join me?” 

“Do you want me to?” He raised a brow, smirking. A stupid look that he always has on his face. It was utterly annoying but it did amuse you just a bit. 

You nodded to his ask and waited for him to get up. 

“You’re carrying the book around? Just leave it here.”

“I’d rather have it on me in case you try hurting me. Oddly, you would even want me to join you on this walk. Suspicious even. Are you planning on getting your competition out of the way early? That’s foul you know.” There he went with his blunt, arrogant, insufferable rants and accusations. 

You didn’t even care to indulge in him, you’d rather relish this peace. He must’ve noticed your unusual silence because he reciprocated it. Even though you were already a quieter person, often holding back, you’d snap back at him. 

“So, my Earis, what brings us here and on this stroll? You seem awfully peaceful and quiet today.” 

“Well,” You started hesitantly, “I know the trials have been utterly stressful, wouldn’t you agree?”

Zaros scoffed at your facade. He knew you weren’t as put together as you portrayed yourself to be. Unfortunately for him, you had no intention of arguing. 

“So you brought your rival on a stroll with you? That’s outright stupidity.”

“You’re free to leave, Zaros. You were invited to join me, not required.”

He stared at you in silence. Normally, he had a smart counterpoint but not this time. Not even one word no matter how bad he wanted to say it. For the first time, he was completely dumbfounded. 

“Apologies, I– the idea just confused me.”

You nodded in acceptance of his apology. Most of the time, you’d laugh at him for being so quickly flabbergasted; however, you didn’t have the energy for that. You didn’t have the energy to be as angry or snarky as you typically were. 

“But,” He started again, “You are very quiet today. Perhaps you want me to start the conversations?”

“That would be nice.”

“Ah, what am I most interested in asking you about today?”

“Please nothing that would make me feel guilty.”

The two of you laughed at that. It felt so odd but so right. After all, if a joke is funny, laugh. That was something you’ve taught him a long time ago. Around when you first met. Zaros wasn’t the best at expressing himself but you changed him completely. Whether that was a good or bad thing, you didn’t care enough to debate it. 

“Remember when we were learning how to skip rocks? Ah, you hated that. Always complaining about your hands being dirty and coming to me to help you clean them.”

“I remember that. I still loathe the filthiness of those rocks. I did turn to you a lot though, didn’t I?”

“Yes. Always going to me saying ‘Zaros, my hands are dirty again!’ I remember I would use my own clothes to wipe your hands and arms. I felt like your protector or some such.”

In a way, he kind of was. That’s how you used to see him. Oddly enough, that’s how he saw you too. 

He cleared his throat and walked closer to you, “That was when we were inseparable.”

You smiled at him, “The most free I've ever been.”

He looked at you in confusion. He knew you didn’t have the most freedom here but if anything, he thought you would enjoy it knowing your ‘standards’.

“You feel trapped here?”

“Not trapped, just very restricted.”

“Do you feel trapped right now?” Zaros asks, putting his hand on your shoulder, expecting you to push it off.

“No, not when I’m with you.”

You say as you keep his hand on your shoulder, enjoying his company. 

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

this was originally supposed to be an alex fic but... no! this was also going to go in so many different directions so it took me a minnn

[chilliesillie]

I JUST HAD AN IDEA

a “who did this to you?” with Zaros and Earis

just imagine AAAGHH just a smidge of affection from zaros could keep me going

LIKE WHAT IF EARIS GOT ATTACKED OR POISONED OR SMTH