Arcana One Shots

Rᴀɪɴsᴛᴏʀᴍ [Muriel X M.R]

Art: tumbral: @kriartist

I knocked on the heavy wooden door of the small hut. I waited, but couldn't hear anything. I knocked again. "Hello? Is anyone home? Please, let me in!" My voice sounded desparate. The rain storm was getting stronger and all I could feel was the cold. I was in such luck that I picked the worst day possible to go out and look for berries. I pressed my forehead against the old wood and started trembling. My clothes were already completely wet and my body was starting to cool down too. One last time, I hit my fist against the door. "..Please.." I felt myself falling as my legs had given out. But just then the door swung open and a hulking figure caught me. His arms were strong and I clung to them with all that was left of my strength. His warmth made me slip into darkness, but at least I felt safe.
-Some time later-
I woke up to someone fidgeting around with my leg. When I looked down, I saw a big figure bandaging up my knee. I moved my leg a little and he shot his head up, startled by my sudden movement. His eyes were aware and alert, watching me as if I would attack him at any moment. I tried to strike up a conversation so I spoke up. "Uhm.. Thanks for saving my life. I'm Y/N." I tried to be nice so I introduced myself and thanked him. He actually did save me probably. I could have died out there by catching a cold, or worse, been eaten by wild animals. The man shrugged and finished bandaging my knee." You scraped your knee, I put some medicine on it." He simply said and got up. He walked over to the fireplace and crouched down to a fur ball on the ground. I held myself up with my elbows and looked at what he was petting. The thing moved and looked up at me. A pair of glowing green eyes met mine and they immediately softened. The black wolf got up and trotted my way, tail wagging. The man looked surprised as I weaved my hand through its soft fur. The wolf snuggled against my cheek and I chuckled. "She's cute!" I exclaimed and he furrowed his brows. "She's usually not this friendly." He said as he got up and sat down at the kitchen table. I shrugged. "I have my ways with animals. I understand them in a way."
I stated and he nodded, silently. "I understand. Some people are closer to nature than others." He said and I nodded vigurously. "Exactly. I hate it when the people from Vesuvia talk ill of the wild life in the woods. I think it's unique. Every land has its own set of animals and plants. We should treasure them." I said as I stared at the ceiling. I sighed and tried sitting up, but something stopped me. I wasn't wearing clothes, so I covered my crotch area immediately with the fur blankets. "Oh.. Uhm sorry.." I felt my cheeks burn a little and looked at the stranger. "Oh.. Right, you know my name, it would be just as fair if I knew yours." I said and he looked at the floor with a dark expression. "You wouldn't remember anyway.." He mumbled and I furrowed my brows. "My memory is just fine, I believe. Now tell me. I can't possibly sit here in your hut, butt naked without knowing your name." I smiled as I saw how his cheeks turned a dark shade of red. "Uh.. I-it's Muriel." He finally said with a scoff and I nodded. "Well, thanks again Muriel. Without you I wouldn't have made it."

-Le time skip-
I was strolling through the forest gathering some ingredients. Something about the situation felt soo familiar, but I shrugged it off as I ventured deeper into the woods. Suddenly, thunder could be heard right above me. I looked up, startled, and rain started pouring down. Great. I thought, as I started to hurry through the forest, dodging trees and bushes. "Where... ?" I mumbled to myself as I couldn't find the route back out of the woods. I ran and ran, until finally I saw a small wooden hut in the distance. I stopped in front of the door and knocked on it. "Hello? Is anyone home? Please, let me in!" My voice sounded desparate. The rain storm was getting stronger and all I could feel was the cold. The door opened immediately and a man pulled me inside. The warmth hit me in an instant and the smell of myrrth was in the air. As I opened my eyes to look at the person, a sudden realization hit me. I was confused, a lot. Suddenly he grabbed my hand, turned it around and pressed myrrth onto it, rubbing it into my palm. After a few seconds I felt a slight headache and teared up. "Muriel! Shit... How long have I been away?" I asked my friend and he sighed. "Only two days, don't worry. But keep your myrrth rations under control." He said and I nodded. "Yeah, I'm so stupid. I should never forget about that!" Muriel sat down at his table and shook his head in confusion. "Why is it so important? Nothing will change if you forget me. I'm just a friend, there are many more." He said and I put a hand on his shoulder, making him turn to face me. "That's not true. You're much more than a friend to me!" I splurted it out before thinking. I immediately clasped my mouth shut with my other hand, a more confused expression forming on the older male's face. "What do you mean?" I blushed and Murial just stared at me. I tried averting his gaze. How could I possibly save this situation? I don't want him to throw me out. Or not want to be friends anymore. I don't want to destroy what I have with him. My thoughts raced as I felt a hand on my shoulder. This time Muriel was trying to make me look at him. Which was the first time since I knew him. "Y/N I won't force you to tell me, just know you can tell me anything." He said and let go of my shoulder. I immediately grasped his hand and looked him in the eyes. "Muriel, I... I'm scared." I said, putting my feelings on display for him. "What do you mean?" He asked and I sighed. I sat down in front of him, still not letting go of his hand. "W-would you answer me a question?" I asked him shyly and he nodded. "W-what gender do you prefer? Romantically?" I put all my self esteem into that question and Muriel's face lit up in a shade of pink. "U-uhm... I.." He stuttered and I sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to bother... You don't have to answer, I was just-" "It's fine. I.. like people by their personality." He said and I blushed. "M-Muriel, I.." I couldn't. I was too scared. I got up, about to run away out the door and disappear, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. Out of nowhere, I could feel his lips on mine and I immediately melted into the kiss. It was light, but hot. We parted and blushes formed on both of our cheeks. "I.. I fancy you more than anyone though.." Muriel said while staring at the ground furiously and I couldn't help but grin. "Me too! Oh Muriel, you don't know how happy you're making me right now!" I exclaimed as I hugged him tightly. He smiled slightly and hugged me back, stroking my back softly.