Multifandom One-shots

155. Embers of Home - David x female reader (The Uglies)

The flames cracked softly, casting a warm, flickering glow over Y/N's face as she sat by the bonfire. The fire's glow painted her features in shades of amber, highlighting the colour in her eyes.

The night air was cool, and the distant sounds of the Smoke settling down for the evening drifted through the trees. But out here, by the fire, it was quiet—almost too quiet.

Y/N stared into the dancing flames, lost in thought. The warmth of the fire barely reached her as her mind wandered back to everything that had changed since she came here.

Without noticing, too deep in thoughts, someone neared her. She didn't hear the footsteps until they were nearly upon her. The soft crackle of leaves brought her back to the present, pulling her from her swirling thoughts. Startled, she glanced up, blinking in the direction of the sound.

David stood there, his silhouette framed by the dim light of the fire. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was unmistakable—calm, steady, like the forest itself.

"Sorry," he said quietly, his voice barely louder than the breeze. "Didn't mean to sneak up on you."

Y/N shook her head, offering a small, tired smile. "It's okay. I was... somewhere else." She gestured vaguely toward the flames, as if they had somehow pulled her away.

David took a step closer, the light catching his face now, revealing the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Mind if I sit?"

"Of course not." She scooted over slightly, making room for him next to her, though the gesture felt unnecessary in the wide open space of the clearing. Still, there was something reassuring about having him close.

David lowered himself onto the log beside her, the warmth of his body now adding to the fading heat of the fire. He poked at the fire with a nearby stick, sending a shower of sparks up into the night sky. His brow furrowed slightly, as if he were contemplating something. The flames danced in his eyes, making them even more inviting to stare into.

"You've been quiet lately," he said, finally breaking the silence.

Y/N shifted slightly, pulling her knees to her chest. "Just... thinking." Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper, as if saying the words aloud might make her thoughts feel too real.

"About what?" David asked, turning toward her, his gaze searching her face. He had a way of making her feel seen, even when she wasn't ready to be.

Her fingers traced idle patterns on the fabric of her pants before she spoke up, "Nothing really... Just about how my life has changed. I mean, before, all I ever wanted was to become pretty."

David's expression softened, and he turned fully to face her, concern etched across his features. "I get that. It's a big change," he replied, his voice gentle.

He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a moment too long. "But why would you ever want to be pretty when you already are?"

Y/N felt her breath hitch at his touch, lost for words. David's gaze held hers, an unspoken understanding passing between them. She realized that the city would never be her home. Neiter the Smoke... but David.

"You really think so?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper, vulnerable and exposed.

David's gaze didn't waver as he met her question. "I do," he affirmed softly, his sincerity grounding her in that moment. All he could see was the young lady who had captivated him since they first met in the fire by the deadly white flowers.

He didn't know why. However, he knew that she was the one.

The fire crackled softly between them, but Y/N barely felt its warmth anymore. All she could feel was the intensity of David's gaze, like he could see right through her—a part of her that she'd hidden for so long. Her heart pounded in her chest, a nervous flutter settling in her stomach.