Ember X Wade oneshots

Ember's past

"Let's do things differently this time!"

...

Wade Ripple was known throughout the town of Rivertide for his fluid empathy and unwavering transparency. As a Water element, he possessed a unique ability to perceive emotions and intentions with remarkable clarity. This gift made him an invaluable member of the community, often sought out for his wisdom and compassion.

One brisk autumn evening, Wade found himself drawn to the crackling warmth of the Fireplace, a cozy tavern where townsfolk gathered to share stories and seek solace from the chill outside. The tavern was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of burning wood and hearty meals. Wade settled into a corner booth, his keen eyes scanning the room for any emotional undercurrents he might sense.

Across the room, he spotted Ember, a young woman with fiery red hair and a gentle demeanor. Wade had always sensed a quiet strength in Ember, a resilience that mirrored the flickering flames of the hearth. Tonight, however, something seemed amiss. Her usually bright eyes were clouded with a hint of sadness, her smile a touch more strained.

Curiosity piqued, Wade quietly observed as Ember conversed with her father, tending to the fire with practiced ease. There was a tenderness in their interactions, a mutual understanding born of shared hardships and unwavering love. Wade couldn't help but admire the bond between them, sensing the depth of Ember's devotion to her family.

As the night wore on and the tavern began to empty, Wade found himself lingering, drawn by an inexplicable pull to Ember's side. He approached her cautiously, mindful of her privacy yet unable to ignore the subtle waves of emotion emanating from her.

"Ember," Wade greeted softly, his voice carrying the gentle cadence of a flowing stream. "Is everything alright?"

Ember looked up, startled yet welcoming. Her eyes softened as she met Wade's gaze, recognizing the sincerity in his question. "Oh, Wade," she sighed, a faint smile gracing her lips. "It's nothing, really. Just...thinking about things."

Wade settled into the seat beside her, his presence offering silent reassurance. "Sometimes, talking about things can help," he offered gently. "If you ever feel like sharing."

Ember hesitated, weighing her words carefully. Wade's transparent nature had always made her feel understood, as though he could see through the walls she often erected around her heart. Tonight, she found herself longing to confide in someone who could truly empathize with her feelings.

"It's about my ex-boyfriend," Ember began slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were together for a few years, and I thought...I thought he understood me. But then things changed."

Wade listened intently, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight as Ember recounted her experiences. She spoke of moments tainted by subtle dismissals and hurtful remarks, of ambitions belittled and dreams overshadowed. Through it all, Wade remained a steadfast listener, his empathy flowing like a comforting embrace.

"I never realized how much it affected me," Ember admitted quietly, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her apron. "I felt alone, Wade. And I couldn't understand why someone who claimed to love me would make me feel that way."

Wade's heart ached for Ember, his own emotions mirroring the sorrow she described. He had witnessed firsthand the resilience and kindness that defined her character, and to hear of her pain struck a chord deep within him.

"You are not alone, Ember," Wade said earnestly, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. "And what you experienced—it's not a reflection of your worth. You are strong, and you deserve to be valued for who you are."

Ember looked at Wade, tears shimmering in her eyes. In that moment, she felt a profound sense of gratitude for his understanding and support. His words resonated within her, a soothing balm to the wounds left by past hurts.

"Thank you, Wade," Ember murmured softly, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Wade smiled warmly, his expression reflecting the quiet strength that defined him. "You don't have to face anything alone," he assured her. "We're all here for you, Ember. Always."

As the night deepened and the embers in the fireplace glowed brighter, Ember found herself opening up to Wade in a way she hadn't with anyone else. The warmth of the tavern and Wade's comforting presence encouraged her to share more about her past relationship and the struggles she had faced.

"It started out like any other relationship," Ember began, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and relief at finally expressing her feelings. "We were happy, or so I thought. But then little things started to change. He would make comments about my career ambitions, saying they were 'cute' but not really serious. He'd laugh off my ideas as if they weren't worth considering."

Wade listened intently, his eyes fixed on Ember's face as she spoke. He could feel the weight of her words, each one a testament to the emotional toll she had endured.

"It wasn't just about my ambitions," Ember continued, her voice gaining strength. "He would often dismiss my opinions in front of others, as if they were less valid simply because they came from me. And when I tried to talk to him about it, he would brush it off or turn it around on me, making me feel like I was being too sensitive or overreacting."

Wade's heart sank as he heard the pain in Ember's voice. He had sensed a quiet strength in her, a resilience that had weathered storms both seen and unseen. But to hear of the subtle yet corrosive effects of sexism on someone he cared for deeply struck a chord within him.

"I started to doubt myself," Ember admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I questioned whether I was asking for too much, whether I was expecting too much from a relationship. And then I began to feel alone, like I was fighting battles that no one else could see."

Wade reached out a hand and gently placed it over Ember's, offering silent support. "You are not alone, Ember," he said firmly, his voice unwavering. "What you experienced—it's not your fault. No one deserves to be treated that way, especially not someone as kind and strong as you."

Ember squeezed Wade's hand gratefully, drawing strength from his words. She had carried these feelings in silence for so long, afraid to burden others with her pain. But Wade's empathy and understanding gave her the courage to confront her past and acknowledge the depth of her emotions.

"I didn't realize how much it affected me until after we broke up," Ember confessed, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "I thought I would feel relieved, but instead, I felt a mix of sadness and anger. Sadness for what could have been, and anger at myself for not seeing the signs sooner."

Wade nodded sympathetically, his presence a steady anchor amidst the swirling currents of Ember's emotions. "It's natural to feel that way," he reassured her. "Healing takes time, and it's okay to give yourself that time. What matters now is that you recognize your worth and refuse to settle for anything less than genuine respect and understanding."

Ember let out a long breath, a weight lifting from her shoulders as she shared her story with Wade. In his presence, she felt a sense of acceptance and validation that she had been yearning for—a reminder that her experiences were valid and deserving of acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Wade," Ember murmured gratefully, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "For listening, for understanding. I don't know what I would have done without you tonight."

Wade smiled warmly, his own emotions mirrored in Ember's grateful expression. "You don't have to thank me," he replied gently. "I'm here for you, Ember. Always."

And as they sat together in the quiet sanctuary of the Fireplace, the fire crackling softly in the background, Ember felt a newfound sense of strength and resilience. Wade's unwavering support had illuminated a path forward, one where she could embrace her experiences with courage and compassion.

In that moment, Wade knew that their bond had deepened even further—a testament to the healing power of empathy and the enduring strength found in sharing one's vulnerabilities with those who care. Together, they would continue to navigate the complexities of life, their spirits intertwined like the flickering flames that danced before them, casting a warm glow over their shared journey.