Tumblr X Reader

You've had so many chances (Riven)

The dim twilight was settling over Alfea, casting long shadows on the lake where you had once again decided to meet Riven. It was the eighth time you'd set up something together, hoping he would finally show up. You had dressed up, hands trembling as you tried to shake off the familiar feeling of disappointment creeping in with each passing minute. But as the hours dragged on, you couldn't deny it anymore. He wasn't coming. Again.

Your heart ached, the weight of another letdown sinking in deeper than the last. Despite how often this happened, you couldn't help but hope each time that maybe, just maybe, he'd finally show up and give you a reason to believe he cared as much as you did. You were starting to question everything — his feelings, his excuses, even your own worth. With a hollow sigh, you turned to leave, unaware that danger was just around the corner.

As you walked through the darkening woods, a shadow shifted behind you. Too late, you felt the chilling presence of a Burned One. It came at you with feral speed, claws slicing through the air. You fought back, landing one powerful blow that brought down one of the creatures, but another lurked nearby, attacking you before you could react. Pain flared, a claw digging deep into your side, your blood mingling with the forest floor as you struggled to stay conscious.

When your vision was beginning to blur, you heard footsteps, then a familiar voice. Sky's voice. Strong arms lifted you, and you fought to keep your eyes open, catching glimpses of his worried face as he carried you to Alfea's infirmary.

"Stay with me," Sky whispered. "Please, just... stay with me."

When you woke up, you were in Alfea's hospital room, body battered and heavy with exhaustion. The pain was there, throbbing with every heartbeat, a constant reminder of what had happened. You weren't alone, though. Riven was there, sitting in a chair by your bed, looking more broken than you'd ever seen him. He hadn't been there when you needed him — again. The disappointment and pain washed over you all over again, stronger this time.

"I'm sorry..." Riven's voice was low, raw. He looked at you with dark, guilty eyes. "I-I know I keep letting you down, but I didn't mean for it to happen again. I didn't know..."

You looked away, your chest tightening. "You never know, Riven. You never show up, you never even bother to tell me why. I risked everything to meet you there, to finally see you... and I almost died because I believed in you."

His face twisted, the weight of your words hitting him hard. He reached for your hand, but you pulled it back, unable to accept his touch, to pretend he hadn't hurt you time and time again.

"I know I can't change what happened," he whispered, eyes desperate. "But please... I swear, I care about you. I do. Just give me a chance to prove it."

"You've had so many chances," you replied, voice breaking. "You didn't show up because you don't care enough. And now? Now I'm here, fighting for my life, and all I can think about is how I was stupid enough to wait for you."

Riven's shoulders shook, and he pressed his hands to his face, clearly broken. But you didn't have the energy to console him — he was the one who'd let you down.

As you lay back, closing your eyes to shut out the sight of his guilt-ridden face, you could hear him whisper, voice choked with regret. "I won't forgive myself, not until you forgive me... even if that day never comes."

The pain in your heart was sharp, but for once, it felt like maybe he understood what he'd put you through.

4o