Gowther x Reader || Phoenix Heart

Chapter 22 || Trick of the light

The two of you walk through the doors of the tavern, everything is dark until a lamp is lit revealing Ban. "So, how was your date?"

He's acting like a father who caught his daughter coming home after sneaking out. "It was fine dad." You mock.

Gowther leans over to your ear and whispers. "Y/n, that's Ban, not your dad."

You smile 'still the same old Gowther.' "I know Gowther don't worry, it was sarcasm."

He looks slightly embarrassed. "Oh right."

"Just wanted to make sure you made it back, alright." He's lying and you know it.

"You go on ahead Gowther I'll be up in a second." Gowther nods and goes upstairs as he's told. "So, you wanna hear about how it went?"

"No, why would I?" To anyone else except for maybe Elaine this would seem genuine but you know better.

You sit at the bar and rest your head in your arms. "It was nice, really nice." You reach into your shirt where you had tucked the charm. You pull it out, holding it in your fist for a few moments before opening it for Ban to see.

"Is that Gowther's placebo heart?" He ask lazily.

"Yeah, he gave it to me. Said he always wanted his heart to be close to mine." Your face warms at the memory.

"How cheesy."

"Oh yeah? I'd bet money that yours and Elaines private conversations are borderline sickening." Tucking it back into your shirt you stand, and start heading to the stairs. "Oh, and thank you by the way."

"For what?"

"You know what."  You make your way to your room, ready for bed. You're just pulling up your pyjama bottoms when there's a knock at your door. "Just a sec." 

You swing the door open to find Gowther. "Sorry, I didn't mean to rush you."

"Nah it's fine I was almost done anyway." You stand aside allowing him to come in.

When he doesn't make a move to come in you raise an eyebrow at him. "Actually, as much as I'd love to, Merlin needs to see you."

A heavy sigh leaves you. "Alright." You follow Gowther to merlins study. "Okay I'm here, what could you possibly need this late at night Merlin."

"Two things actually. First, here." She hands you Achilles. "Beetle and I have made it more heat resistant so you don't run the risk of damaging it in battle and now if it de-transforms it will go directly to the tether." She hands you a regular looking earring. "This is that tether."

"Alright." You put the tether on and then Achilles afterwards. "So what's the second thing?"

"Last night Gowther figured out why you've been having these nightmares, and they aren't natural. Have you by chance been seeing a hooded did figure in your dreams?"

"Yeah actually, why?"

"When Gowther was in your dream last night he was confronted by this man that he doesn't know."

You look to Gowther for confirmation, he gives you a small nod. "He said he manufactured your nightmares, he also mentioned... wanting something from you." He already knows the only question in your mind. "He didn't say what."

With that the question dies on your tongue leaving a sour taste in your mouth. It probably shows on your face because Gowther is quick to say something. "But don't worry, we'll figure this out." He cups your cheek turning your downward gaze up to him. "Together."

You place your hand over his. "Okay."

Merlin makes a face. "None of that in here." She begins to usher the both of you out with shooing motions.