Baldur x Reader

Fifty

Tired, you let out a loud yawn while struggling to keep your eyes open.

Above, the stars shimmered and mixed with the light purple and orange of the sinking sun. Clouds chased soft shadows across the mountains and birds chirped.

With a soft chuckle, Baldur pushed you up a bit to be able to carry you properly on his back. A gentle smile lay on his face ever since the two of you had left the cave with the ponds.

"Sleep a little.", he said and breathed a gentle kiss to the side of your face. "It will take a while until we get time to rest."

Tired but unable to complain, you frowned.

"Where are we going anyways?", you asked while rubbing the sleep out of your eyes. "I want to stay awake."

"Why?"

"To see where we are going. And the landscape is so pretty. I've never seen something like this before."

He chuckled.

The vibration of his chest pressed against your heart and made it heat like crazy. The sound was enough to make you feel all warm and cozy inside.

Now that the curse was gone, he was starting to change. He was softer, more at ease. His laughter didn't sound like the ones of a maniac anymore. Instead, he seemed happy.

It felt like you met a totally new version of Baldur. A version that didn't just make your cheeks blush but also one that had nestled inside your heart.

A deep sigh escaped you.

"Huh?", he stopped. "What is it?"

For a moment, you let your eyes wander down the mountain, into the green valley with its crystal clear river and a lake.

The sound of singing leaves filled the silence as a soft breeze chased through the grass.

"I don't know...", you looked up and stroked through the strands of his hair to braid it. "I feel strange. I don't know how to describe it. Is it love? How does love feel like?"

"It feels great..."

Patiently, he waited until you were finished and then reached into his pocket to pull out a hand full of silver clips. He offered one to you.

"Squeeze it around the braid so it doesn't pop open.", he said.

With a hum, you did as he asked and braided a few more strands.

"You look quite handsome with these.", you chuckled and wrapped your arms around his neck again.

He tried to turn his head.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Like a viking."

A snort escaped him.

"Do you even know what a viking looks like?"

"No? But I'm sure you can show me one."

"Oh, they would absolutely tear you apart."

You shrugged and grinned.

"I have you to protect me.", you kissed him on the cheek.

The hair of his beard trickled your lips.

"Hm. Your curse is gone too, it seems. You'll have to learn how to protect yourself."

All of a sudden, something inside you pulled together. Disappointed, you frowned.

"Why?", you shifted in his grip and forced him to let you down. "Won't you protect me?"

With a soft sigh, he closed his eyes and shook his head.