Acotar oneshots

Amren + Varian

Rain trickled down the rooves, from yesterdays rain, despite the sky being clear. The cobblestones were lined in water and moss, slightly slippery, but mostly dry. The sun shone down on the streets, giving the chilly morning a delightful crispness.

Yesterday, the winter solstice was magical. The snow hadn't fallen this year, but rain had poured all day. Sitting in a circle around a roaring fire made it cozier than ever. Presents had been exchanged, smiles traded, hugs and kisses gifted.

Amren looked up at Varian. Yesterday, he had given her the jade earing that she wore now. Every time the sun caught them, it reflected rainbows onto the ground. 

Beside her, he smiled, glancing down at her. "Not much further now, Am." He said quietly. She raised an eyebrow. "You better mean it this time." She snapped, but a grin danced over her face. They had been walking for almost an hour. Slowly weaving through the streets of Velaris, taking in the gorgeous weather. 

Yesterday he had told her he had another gift for her. A bigger one. She told him he needn't, and that she was quite happy with her earings, but he insisted that she would love it.

So they had left the house at the break of dawn, tiptoeing down the creaky stairs of the townhouse, carful not to wake the hungover Illyrians that still slept. An hour later, they made their way up the steepest street of Velaris. The richest, decorated with her favorite jewel shops. It was the place she had spent the most time. At the very top of the hill, a beautiful cafe sat, right across from her favorite shop. She would make the trek up the hill, sit and drink at the cafe (that catered to her needs), then spend hours shopping the the little store across the road.

It had been called "The Hidden Gem" and it truly was. So small it was always looked over, but stocked the best accessories for the least money. The owner had always known her, and given her the best prices. 

When she returned after the war, she had gone up the hill. She had drunk coffee for the first time, chatted with her friends at the cafe. When she finally crossed the street, and opened the door to The Hidden Gem, she was greeted by dust, empty shelves and an overwhelming scent. 

The storeowner was dead at the register, unfound, uncared for. Her body rotten and eaten by bugs and insects. For the first time in centuries, Amren had cried. Truly cried. Her only true friend outside of the Inner circle, dead. 

She had lied down beside her friend, and cried herself to sleep. A day later, as the sun rose, Varian shook her awake. He sat there, beside her, as she cried into his shoulder. Amren had never told anyone else of it. No one needed to know.      

She hadn't been back since, until now. Her smile slowly slid of her face as they neared the crest of the hill. Varian glanced down at her, wrapping an arm around her, holding her tighter. The cafe neared, and as they stood in front of it, she refused to turn. To see that place.

"Amren." He said quietly.
She glanced up at him, but refused to look any further. She didn't want to cry, not again. Not when it had hurt so much the first time, she wanted to never cry again. 
"Amren, please, just look." He held her hand tightly. Finally, she swiveled. When she looked, her eyes immediately filled with tears. Tears of joy. 

There it sat, so clean, pretty. A new doormat, brand new, decorated with bright flowers. The shelves were filled to the brim with the finest jewelry, not a trace of dust or cobwebs. She neared the door, taking it all in. After a moment, she turned. "Who owns it now?" Her voice thick with tears. Varian said nothing. He just held out a tiny gold key.

~

She took slow steps in. The shelves rattled as she walked past, just as she remembered.  Suncatchers sent rainbows over the floor, the way her earrings did. Cozy, colorful carpets covered the floor. As she neared the counter, she turned. Varian smiled at her from the doorway, nodding slightly to the counter. She turned curiously. There, shining in the sunlight, sat a small plaque that read:

Beloved friend.

Amren smiled through her tears, turning back to Varian. "Thank you." She mumbled. He shook his head as he walked forward, and pulled her into his chest. "I love you Amren," He whispered. "And I will never stop loving you. I am so grateful to have met you. You are the most wonderful person I have ever been lucky enough to meet. Thank you." His tears landed in her hair, and she looked up to him. 

"I love you too."