A Kindling, of Sorts (Revali x reader)

i wanted to

CONTENT WARNING:

Through most of this chapter there is alcohol use. Nothing like bad happens but uh yeah.

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It was a quiet night. The snow fell softly as you trudged forward through the cold. Before you stood the Flight Range, lit dimly in the night. You could spot Revali's shadow inside, pacing and flapping. You didn't really know what he was doing, but this was a public space! You could come and go as you wanted, when you wanted. Even if you had to sneak off to do this, but that's beside the point.

"I've brought gifts!" you announced as you reached to top of the ladder, voice ringing in the formerly silent air. Revali whipped around, bow raised as you announced yourself, clearly startled. Snickering, you raised a bottle to him. The stupid-fancy wine was heavy in your hand, sparkling in the light. You'd stolen it from the lieutenant a couple nights ago out of spite, and you'd been looking for the perfect opportunity to have it. It was quite a lot for only two people, but that was alright. Who said you needed to drink the whole thing?

The Champion lowered his weapon with an exasperated huff. "You've got to stop scaring me like that," he grumbled, snatching the wine from your hand as you began clamoring up. "Hm. A chardonnay?"

"Yeah, you would know the names of fancy wines," you teased as you heaved your sack up. "And I brought real food for you, no jerky tonight!"

Revali scoffed and set a bottle down on some chest with a dull thud. "Its really not that bad. You get used to it." You rolled your eyes, knowing full well that he would appreciate the change in menu. Probably.

With an excited grin, you began pulling out the wrapped containers you'd smuggled out of camp. It wasn't amazing food, you knew that very well, but it was better than what he was having. Plus, you snuck into town with what little rupees you'd gathered to get better ingredients. Revali looked on with interest as you opened each package. Roasted potatoes were in one, grilled salmon and greens were in another. In a smaller and more crude bundle were some mushrooms you'd foraged on your way over.

As you looked down at your little feast, you realized that it might not live up to your boasting. After all, you were no gourmet chef. In fact, you'd had to ask around for help when making most of this, and you had to do it all in secret. "Er— Behold," you declared dramatically, trying to shield yourself from potential embarrassment. "A succulent roast infused with fragrant greens, accompanied by crispy potatoes, and a medley of crisp, fresh mushrooms." You wore an admittedly fake smile as you looked over at the Champion, trying to survey his reaction to your mediocre cooking.

Revali stared blankly at the food before him and back at you, his cocky demeanor completely dissolved. He said nothing, only plopped down on the floor and began to eat. Like really eat. You blinked as he happily devoured every last bite with a foreign joy and sincerity. You shouldn't have doubted yourself, I guess.

He looked up at you between bites, as if he was asking to just eat the whole thing. With a smile, you waved him on and pushed the potatoes closer to him. The rito obliged, and before long, the entire meal had been been demolished. You almost laughed when he slumped in his seat, full and satisfied. "...I didn't realize you could cook."

"Oh, well, I had some help," you admitted with a shrug. "I just wanted to... celebrate our victory from the other day." Revali nodded as he settled back in, leaning back on his wing with a sigh. The warmth of the fire was a welcome familiarity in this little cabin. In fact, you were beginning to get a sense of deja vu. "Should we break out that wine?" the rito offered, breaking the short silence. You grabbed the bottle off the chest in response. The cork was really stuck in there. You pulled and pushed on the damn thing but it just wouldn't budge. Revali watched in silence, amused.