Identity V Oneshots

The Little Explorer - Explorer x Any!Reader (M4A Romance)

Ever since you were a child, you believed in fairytales. It wasn't just childlike wonder that lead you down that path, though. Your grandfather always told you stories about the creatures of the wood, who could do all sorts of amazing things and choose to help or hinder the humans they came across. Even as you grew older, your beliefs held strong, even when you were made fun of at school or told off for refusing the reality that adults wanted you accept. Your world was filled with magic, and you wouldn't give it up for the universe.

Your favorite stories were the ones about tiny people. From fairies and gnomes to leprechauns and elves, you always wanted to find a little person yourself. You didn't want to make them do things for you or grant your wishes. No, you just wanted them to be your friend, to share their secrets with you so you could share your secrets with them. And if you could prove their existence, maybe you wouldn't be such an outcast anymore.

Nobody understood your love, nobody but a gruff explorer named Kurt Frank. He was a man taken away from the rest of the world, labeled as delusional. He was never delusional when he talked with you, though. He told you stories that nobody else believed of his various escapades. You weren't sure if they were true or not, but you wanted to believe, and so you tried. He may have exaggerated just a bit, but everybody did that. The core of his stories were something you could consider as the truth, even if nobody else could.

Every weekend, you would travel down to where Kurt was kept and sat with him, talking about the mythology you both loved so much. Sometimes, you brought along books to read. Other times, you brought snacks that you could share while he entertained you with his recounts of adventure.

As you grew closer, you found yourself falling for the former explorer. Of course, he was oblivious. Your friendship was based on similar experiences and interests, and that's what you both always focused on. He was so focused, in fact, that he didn't notice when you'd gaze at him with admiration. He didn't noticed when your face would get pink if he brushed against your arm. He didn't notice all the times you'd almost spilled out a love confession, only to keep quiet at the last minute, unwilling to possibly ruin your friendship.

Then, it was his birthday, and you knew it was time to fess up. Kurt knew and understood you better than anyone ever did and ever would. The two of you were like peas in a pod and saw each other every single week. Besides, he wasn't the type of person to be cruel or awkward about a rejection. You figured he would give a brief no and go on with his stories, and even if it broke your heart, you would keep the friendship forever.

You dressed in a loose-fitted, cotton romper and carried with you a picnic basket filled with goodies. You made sure you had his favorite snacks, a stack of new books, and a letter with the words from your heart. You came along to the familiar tree Kurt always sat under. He was holding a journal and writing something, undoubtedly another story that he'd remembered. "Happy birthday, Kurt," You blurted out, pushing the basket his way. Polite as ever, the explorer put his journal down and began rifling through the package. Finally, he found the letter. You began inching away, flustered and scared to hear what he would say. Then, he smiled, and he opened his arms for a hug.