Do You Ever Feel Lonely? (Nadia X Reader)

Loneliness

A/N: Hello! This story was supposed to have only one chapter, but I couldn't help it. It's originally from AO3, and the first chapter was published in 2019. The reader doesn't have a specified gender, so it's for everyone! I accept requests in order to turn this story into some sort of comfort, a sanctuary for those who suffer from issues in everyday life. If you have any ideas, send me a message or just leave a comment! I hope you'll enjoy it!

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Tossing and turning around, these are the only things you did until midnight as your mind decided to keep you up with a little bit of overthinking. Finding sleeping hard to come by, you allowed yourself to slid down the sheets from your tired body and wandered out of your room to the hallways of Vesuvia's magnificent palace.

Maybe some fresh air could help to clear out your mind and drift to the madness of sleep. Walking down the hallways, you met no one, not even a single soul or goat ghost. You stepped into the veranda and sat down in one of the puffy chairs, staring at the sky and all of the stars above your head. And then, the bitter feeling hit you. Hard.

You've always been lonely, as long as you can remember, even when you were living with Asra in the shop. The sun-kissed magician never stayed home for too long, always going on journeys and leaving you behind to keep the shop alive and going. And now you are living in a huge palace, surrounded by all the luxury Vesuvia's Countess can afford, the staff members serving every single one of your needs, spoiling you. 

But something else is missing. Or someone. Maybe just a friend, perhaps a lover. Someone who understands you and accepts you the way you are. That's funny because you already have someone particular in mind. But can you really fall in love with someone like her? Is it acceptable to love the Countess of Vesuvia?

Maybe it's not. She's a beautiful royalty, and you are just a poor little magician with missing memories. Still, you can barely stop thinking about her.

And just as you finish your thought, you hear her sweet voice entering your ears, sending chills down your spine. "Y/N? What are you doing here at this hour?"

You turn your head, facing the beautiful goddess in front of you. "Milady! I could ask the same thing from you." You stand up, then Nadia gestures for you to sit back down. She seats herself in the other chair.

"I couldn't sleep, Y/N. It's such a shame, a waste of time. We barely have time to rest, and then I just can't sleep."

You looked into her tired crimson eyes; the tone of her voice was stressful. She must have so many things to do these days, but somehow, you understand her. Your gaze turned back to the sky. You didn't mean to, but you said it out loud: "Do you ever feel lonely?"

Nadia blinked a few times, feeling surprised by your question. "Pardon me, Y/N?"

"I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to say it out loud. I hope you don't mind it."

"It's just a strange question to ask. But I guess it's okay, yet I'm not quite sure about what do you mean by that."

"I just..." You took a deep breath, then looked down, feeling the heat on your cheeks appear. "It's so lonely here. You have tons of people who are ready to serve you anytime, yet you have no one to share a light conversation with, laughter, normal things. Forgive me, milady, but this is not healthy. I know how it feels like. Maybe not entirely, but before I came here, I spent most of my life alone in the shop. Or what I remember from it."

Her eyes widened from the shocking facts. Is she angry at you? Should you go and pack your things? Then her expression changes to something more bitter. "You are right."

"What?"

"Everything you said is true, Y/N. I am lonely, and I don't know what to do to change that." There's a slight blush on her face, maybe she's embarrassed. Expressing feelings was never really her thing. "Tell me, Y/N. Why do you keep asking me these questions? Others wouldn't dare to do it."

"Because I prefer treating you like a person, not as a countess."

"And I appreciate it." Her lips are curved into a slight smile, and she looks kindly at you. Maybe you don't have to pack your things yet. The beautiful Countess stood up, leaning on the edge of the veranda. You do the same.

"I'm glad, milady."

"What are you thinking about now?" She turns her head to look at you, a new kind of spark and curiosity in her crimson eyes. This is your chance now; you can finally show her that you are interested in her. 

You dare to place your hand on hers, her skin soft and warm under yours as you give it a slight squeeze. You can already feel the butterflies gathering in your stomach. "We don't have to be alone anymore."