asra x fem! reader • apprentice

nine - love

-Asra's POV-

It still seemed very early in the morning when (Y/N) came in and urged me awake, saying that we were going to leave early that morning.
"Good morning," I greeted back. "Beautiful."
I admit I only said that to see the flustered look that overcame her face.
I got onto my feet and swung my jacket over my shoulders, and then my scarf.
She waited patiently for me as I got ready, and once I was ready I walked up to her. She was completely zoned out, a concentrated look on her face.
I took the chance and snuck a quick kiss on her cheek and her mind seemed to click back to reality, because she looked at me with her mouth slightly agape.
I walked out with her following, and went out the door to the inn.
"Good morning, (Y/N). Asra." Nadia greeted, from on top of a white horse with Valdemar behind her.
"I decided the two of you could ride in the carriage this time. We'll take turns." Nadia said, giving me and (Y/N) both a soft, sincere smile.
I caught Julian waving at (Y/N) idiotically, and she giggled and waved back.
Portia was in the front of the carriage, driving it.
"Ya know, I could do that, Portia." (Y/N) offered, but Portia shook her head sternly at her.
"No. Especially not after.." The handmaiden caught my eye and just finished her sentence by giving (Y/N) a light wink, and (Y/N) nodded in understanding, deciding not to argue with her.
I let (Y/N) get into the carriage before me, and sat beside her.
We heard Nadia let out a loud, alarming whistle, and then the sound of a bird chirping lowly. Jæger.
I opened my mouth, catching (Y/N)'s eyes, but she answered before I even got to ask.
"A memory. Hina." She explained, and I stiffened. I knew that look.
Regret. Loss.
I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around her and set her in my lap. I rested my chin on top of her head.
She cried and I wiped away her tears, my arms tightened lightly around her waist.
(Y/N) let out one final sniffle and rested her back against my chest, closing her eyes tightly shut.
"Oh, (Y/N)." I sighed, planting a light kiss on her forehead.
We both relaxed in this position for a while when we felt a bump in the road.

-(Y/N)'s POV-

I was relaxing, comfortable in Asra's arms when I felt our carriage go over a steep bump in the road.
The magical aura from where the bump sounded from drug me outside.
I untangled myself from Asra and hopped outside, pulling back the elegant curtains over the doors.
I saw a red fox with pink eyes curled up on the floor, it's leg covered in blood.
I cautiously held my hand out and the animal ran into my arms, and I cradled it in my arms and carried it back into the carriage.
I had to catch up to the carriage and jump inside of it, almost falling out.
I casually sat back down beside Asra with the fox in my lap.
I rested my hand on its wounded leg and held onto it gently but securely so that it didn't squirm out of my arms.
I closed my eyes and felt my magic surge through my arm all the way to my fingertips, like adrenaline.
I opened my eyes to see the fox's leg healed. It approached Asra's lap, sniffing him, but backed away, it's ears perked up as it collapsed on my lap and curled itself into a ball.
Faust peered over Asra's shoulder to examine the fox.
"Pet?" The snake questioned, and I looked hopefully at Asra, giving him puppy-dog eyes.
"Pleease let me keep it! I promise to take good care of it!" I begged, and he chuckled lightly.
"Sure. I mean, how could I say no to you." Asra winked, and I rested my head lightly on his shoulder, stroking the fox in my lap.
"What should we name him?" I asked innocently, motioning towards the fox.
"I dunno.. how about Luka. Uh, short for Lukavyy. The Russian translation of "sly"." He suggested, and I nodded.
"Luka sounds nice." I said, stroking the fox lightly with one hand.
I pushed myself upward and settled my face into the crook of Asra's neck, scooting over so I straddled his lap slightly.
He curled an arm around my waist to secure me on top of him and played with my hair with his other hand.
His curly hair tickled my jaw as I breathed in deeply, drinking in his wonderful, comforting aroma.
I wrapped my own arms around his waist so that we were both secured into each other. I was thankful that the seats were spacious.
I pressed my lips lightly against his jawline, giving him a gentle kiss.
Luka was still in my lap, trapped in between us, sleeping silently.
"Asra..." I muttered into his neck, and he made a humming sound in response.
"I'm sorry." I whimpered, burying my face in his shoulder.
I could suddenly hear the low blow of wind and the pitter-patter of raindrops on the top of the carriage.
"Sorry for what?" He asked softly, moving his hand upward to stroke my back.
"Hina... I shouldn't have ever trusted him.. let alone loved him." I sobbed, crying into his shoulder.
"Not this again.. (Y/N), baby, it wasn't your fault. There was no way you ever could've known." Asra comforted, stroking me.
Baby...
"But I could've done something.." I whimpered, and I felt him shake his head.
"It wouldn't have done much. This was not your fault. None of it was." He sighed, and I snuggled against him, crying gently.
"Pour toujours, je le promets." Asra whispered to me, speaking French fluently. His warm breath tickled my skin.