Your embers on my silk.

Warning, this story contains content unsuitable for minors. By continuing to read on, you confirm that you are above the age of 18.

A little under a month since G’raha Tia was awoken on the Source after bringing Elidibus’ plans to an end in the First, Jade & G’raha wade on a duo expedition through Coerthas after reports of potential voidsent activity in the rocky peaks had been passed onto the Scions, a powerful snowstorm forces them to make camp in a small cave.

Chapter I: Moments like those

The faint sound of tinder clicking echoed softly in the darkness. The howling winds of the snowstorm outside were a distant, muted roar-barely more than a whisper this deep within the cave.

Each step forward crunched lightly over the rocky ground, the footsteps gradually growing softer as they ventured further in.

Then the walking stopped. A few sharp flicks of the lighter broke the quiet.

“Damned thing…”

A pause. Silence again, save for the storm’s hush. Then more insistent clicking, the lighter sputtering weak sparks that died before they lived.

Jade sighed through her nose, quiet but full of resignation. One last try-click. A soft flame finally came to life. Weak, but enough. She smiled to herself, small and satisfied, the flickering glow lighting just enough of her face to see the relief in her expression.

She bit off her snow glove with her teeth and cupped her bare hand around the flame, sheltering it as she looked around the cave. Still too dark. Still too quiet. Just the low cry of the wind and the tiny heartbeat of fire between her fingers.

Behind her, G’raha finally broke the silence, pulling down his hood and shrugging off his backpack.

“This should suffice as shelter from the storm. I’ll prepare a fire for your little companion there.”

“Little companion?”

She arched a brow, teasing as she turned to glance at him.

“There’s a ‘Little Sun’ joke in there somewhere.”

She murmured, half to herself, as she traced her gaze along the cave walls.

“Little Sun?”

He echoed with curiosity. She paused, then looked back over her shoulder with a shrug.

“Oh yeah… it’s a long story. Met two Au’Ra once-guess you had to be there.”

He knelt beside the half-built firepit, stacking the last of the logs with practiced hands.

“Well… we do appear to be stranded here for the evening, so…”

He gestured toward the small pile with a boyish grin.

“… I believe we’ve ample time for long stories.”

Her shrug dropped into something softer, almost a smile, as she knelt to light the fire. It caught quickly, the warmth spreading through the cave in flickering gold as shadows danced up the stone walls. It was small, but surprisingly roomy. One might even say it was cosy.

She ran a gloved finger along a slim crevice in the rock, her voice soft.

“You never got snow in the First, did you?”

Her eyes wandered, taking in the space with slow appreciation.

“Alas, no. Not once, A shame, really. The children would’ve loved it.”

“Yeah… that’s kinda sad, actually-”

A yawn cut her sentence short, pulling a tear to the corner of her eye.

“Hm… I don’t think I could have said better myself. Let’s get some rest.”

He reached for the bedroll lashed to the side of his pack.

“I’ll get yours out too.”

She offered a sleepy little “Thank you,” muffled by another yawn, and sat on a rock to wipe the tear from her cheek. Her gaze lingered on him as he worked-how his fingers trembled ever so slightly, how deliberate he was with every fold.

She thought about the feelings that had been weighing on her for weeks now. This odd limbo of being so close to someone and yet not quite reaching them. The way his questions always made her smile. The way he always seemed nervous around her-like he was hiding something, or maybe just trying too hard not to say something.

Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the day Y’shtola had pulled her aside.

Ishgard had sent word that aid-reports had been coming in about possible voidsent activity. Nothing really that special, nothing the Scions couldn’t handle. But the moment that stuck with her was when Y’shtola, with a barely hidden smile, had added:

“And maybe you should take the former Exarch with you too.”

At the time, Jade hadn’t thought twice about it. G’raha had lit up like a boy given his first real adventure, already halfway out the door before she’d even said yes.

But now… now she remembered the way Y’shtola had looked at her. That little smirk. The way her voice dipped in that very particular way.

Her heart skipped, and her cheeks flushed with the sudden warmth of realisation.

“Y’shtola set us up…?”

The words left her lips in a murmur-barely louder than a breath.

G’raha looked up from the bedrolls, brows lifting slightly. “Hm?”

She blinked, startled, and waved a hand with an awkward chuckle.

“Nothing. Just… thinking out loud.”

He tilted his head, gaze lingering with quiet curiosity before returning to the bedding.

“Well, whatever it was-it sounded like a mystery worth solving.”

She doesn’t respond right away. Just lets the crackle of the fire fill the space instead, her eyes fixed on the gentle way the flames reflected in the walls-like dancing ghosts, flickering and fading into stone.

She finally lowers herself onto her bedroll, slowly, careful not to disturb the calm they’ve settled into. It’s a cosy sort of quiet. One she’s afraid to break, even if a thousand thoughts press at the back of her throat.

Across the fire, G’raha does the same, setting his pack aside before sitting down, legs crossed, hands folded in his lap. He leans slightly forward, letting the warmth kiss his cheeks. He’s uncharacteristically still.

“You’re rather quiet tonight,” he says after a moment, voice low but not uncomfortable. “That… feels rather rare.”

She hums. A soft, noncommittal sound. Not quite confirmation. Not quite deflection.

“Long day.”

“Fair,” he says with a gentle nod, then after a pause- “You know, I think I prefer this to the tower.”

That catches her attention. She lifts her gaze to meet his, eyes narrowing slightly.

“What? You? Preferring a frozen cave to the Crystal Tower?”

He chuckles, shoulders rising in a loose shrug.

“The tower’s quiet, yes. Grand. Familiar. But it doesn’t come with company like this.”

Her breath stills just a little. Not enough to notice, maybe-but she notices.

He goes on, rubbing the back of his neck in that charming, slightly awkward way he always does when he’s feeling too honest.

“It’s… nice. Being out here. With you. Like this.”

She should say something. She knows she should say something. But all she manages is a small smile and averted eyes, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

A moment passes. Then another. It’s comfortable, in its own way-this silence filled with things neither of them have found the courage to name.

Eventually, she shifts a little closer to the fire, laying back against the bedroll and folding her hands beneath her head.

“You ever think about it?” she asks quietly. “How weird this all is?”

“Hmm… Define ‘weird.’”

“This.” Her eyes stay fixed on the ceiling. “You. Me. The fact that not too long ago, you were… something impossible.”

He’s quiet for a beat longer than she expects. Then:

“I think about that more than I’d like to admit.”

The fire crackles. Wind howls somewhere outside, distant and harmless. The heat between them, however, lingers far too close to ignore.

“Do you regret it?”

He doesn’t answer immediately. And when he does, his voice is softer-barely above a whisper.

“Truth be told, only when I think you might.”

She opens her mouth to say something-to assure him, to tease him, to do something-but nothing quite makes it past the lump in her throat.

Instead, she reaches for her blanket, pulling it up just a little.

“Come closer.”

He blinks. “I-what?”

“Just to share warmth,” she says quickly, suddenly flustered. “You said it yourself-it’s freezing out here.”

A pause. Then a smile spreads slowly across his face-genuine, warm, a little flustered in return.

“Right. Just for warmth.”

He shifts over, careful and gentle, laying beside her beneath the flickering firelight. Not touching. Not yet.

But close enough.

They lay in a companionable silence, both facing the fire, close enough that their shoulders almost brush. Almost.

Jade lets her gaze settle on the dancing flames again, but she’s not really looking at them. Not anymore. Her focus drifts-to the quiet sound of his breathing, the gentle rise and fall of his chest. The way his presence beside her is grounding in a way she hadn’t expected. Comforting, even.

“You’re not what I expected, you know.”

Her voice is quiet, barely above the crackle of the fire, but it cuts through the stillness all the same.

“Oh?”

His tone is light, but curious.

“Back when you were just a story, something from the Crystal Tower, I had this idea in my head.”

She shifts, eyes tracing the uneven ceiling above them.

“I thought you’d be… untouchable, I suppose. Mysterious. All powerful, wrapped up in old magicks and grand speeches.”

“You’ve omitted admirably modest.”

She snorts, a soft laugh escaping her before she can stop it.

“See, that’s exactly what I mean.”

“What? You did say I was unexpected.”

His smile is audible, even if she’s not looking at him.

“You’re not mysterious. You’re just… kind. Dorky. Too curious for your own good.”

A pause. Then, quieter:

“…And I think that’s better.”

He doesn’t respond right away. Just lets the words settle between them, as the warmth of the fire does its quiet work.

“I was afraid, in honesty.” he says eventually. “That if I ever came back to the Source… I’d be something rather unrecognisable. Someone a bit too broken perhaps. That maybe the friends I’d want closest to me wouldn’t see myself in me anymore, or for that matter have want to know me.”

She turns her head slightly, just enough to look at him. He’s staring into the fire, brows drawn-not sad, exactly, but thoughtful.

“You’re not broken, G’raha.”

Her voice is steady. Certain.

“You’re just… changed. Like the rest of us.”

She hesitates, then reaches out without really thinking, placing her hand near his-just close enough that when she shifts again, her fingers brush his.

A small, accidental touch.

But it sends a ripple through both of them.

He freezes-not pulling away, not leaning in, just… still. Their fingers remain where they are, barely touching.

She could move. Could pretend it didn’t happen. But she doesn’t.

Neither does he.

Instead, after a few long heartbeats, he turns his hand palm-up-offering, not asking.

She slowly curls her fingers into his.

Their hands rest between them, quiet and warm.

No grand speeches. No tragic magic. Just two people, breathing in sync beneath the watch of firelight and falling snow outside.

Their hands stay joined between them, fingers curled together in the space where firelight flickers and silence says more than words could.

Jade doesn’t move. She barely even breathes.

The warmth of his palm against hers is delicate-tentative-but somehow more steadying than any battlefield she’s ever stood on. She hadn’t realised just how long it had been since she let someone be close like this. Maybe she never had.

“You’re trembling,” he says softly, not as an accusation-just an observation.

She swallows. It’s not from the cold.

“Sorry,” she murmurs, and makes no move to pull away. “Guess I just… forgot what this feels like.”

There’s a pause. The kind that holds meaning. The kind where breath and silence and shared space are heavier than any words.

“To not be alone?”

His voice is gentle. Too gentle. It cuts deeper than he probably meant it to.

“To be allowed this,” she says quietly. “To… want it.”

He turns onto his side, facing her more fully now. Not pushing. Just being there.

“You’ve dedicated so much of your life carrying other people’s hopes, to protecting them,” he says. “As much as I know how close you hold those dear to you, I can’t help but wonder how often anyone’s ever asked what you’ve truly needed.”

She blinks at that. The answer comes too quickly, too plainly.

“They don’t. Not really.”

“Then… Allow me be the first.”

His fingers shift just slightly, thumb brushing over the back of her hand-reassuring. Present.

“Tell me, Jade, what is it you need?”

The question sits in her chest like a heartbeat she didn’t know she’d been waiting for.

“I don’t know.”

And she means it. She wants to say “less pressure.” Or “to stop being the Warrior of Light for one night.” Or “to believe I won’t lose someone again.”

Instead, she breathes out slowly, eyes falling closed.

“I think… I just need someone to see me. Not what I do. Not who I am in battle. Just… me.”

He doesn’t answer right away. Doesn’t need to.

The fire crackles softly beside them, but all she hears is the gentle shift of blankets as he inches just a little closer-close enough that their foreheads almost touch. Still not touching beyond their hands, but she can feel the warmth of him, the way his breath slows to match hers.

“I see you,” he says quietly. “And I adore what I see.”

It’s not flirtation. Not this time.

It’s something much softer. Braver.

She bites her lip, not to stop a smile, but to stop the swell of emotion from rising too fast. She nods, just once, and lets herself hold onto his hand a little tighter.

The wind howls again outside-but it feels impossibly far away now.

And for the first time in a long time, Jade doesn’t feel like the world is asking something of her.

She just feels held.

Chapter II: The bliss of you

The fire had burned low sometime in the early hours of the morning, now reduced to a bed of glowing embers casting faint golden light along the stone walls. The howling outside had softened to a restless whisper, but the snow still fell steady-thick, heavy, stubborn. It wasn’t safe to leave yet. Not for a while.

Jade stirred first, eyes blinking open slowly as she adjusted to the dim light. It took her a moment to remember where she was-why she was warm.

And then she felt it.

His hand. Still in hers.

Their fingers had stayed locked together through the night. G’raha’s grip was loose now, relaxed in sleep, but undeniably still there. His breathing was slow, steady, and peaceful in a way she rarely got to see. He looked so different like this-unguarded. Almost boyish.

She let herself watch him for just a moment longer.

Then she moved.

Slowly, carefully, she started to slip her hand away-but his fingers tightened ever so slightly, like some unconscious part of him refused to let go.

Her heart caught in her throat.

“You’re awake,” he murmured, voice gravelly and thick with sleep.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

He blinked his eyes open, squinting at the dim light, then offered a sleepy smile.

“Don’t worry, I’m not complaining.”

She flushed, heat crawling up her neck. She sat up a little too fast, brushing her hair back and pulling her blanket tighter around her shoulders. Her back to him now.

“Goodness, the storm hasn’t let up at all.”

He sat up slowly behind her, stretching out his arms with a soft groan. She didn’t look back, but she could feel his eyes on her.

“Thank you,” he said quietly.

She turned, brows knitting in confusion.

“For what?”

“For trusting me.”

She didn’t answer right away. Just held his gaze for a moment longer than she meant to. Then looked away.

“Trust is something I… have struggled with, it does not come to me that easily.”

“It’s okay, I know.”

A beat of silence. Not cold. Not uncomfortable. Just… delicate.

She cleared her throat.

“I’ll get the fire going again.”

She reached for her glove and the half-empty tinderbox, grateful for something to do, but her hands betrayed her-trembling just enough to fumble the flint.

He was already beside her before she could try again.

“Allow me.”

Their fingers brushed again as he took the tools from her, and she froze-but this time, she didn’t pull away.

He worked quietly, efficiently, the fire sparking back to life within moments. The light returned to the cave in warm, flickering gold, and she felt its warmth seep into her again-but it wasn’t the same as the night before.

Nothing was.

He looked up at her as he fed another log into the flame.

“We should probably stay here a while longer. Allow the snow time to settle.”

“Yeah,” she said, pulling the blanket tighter around her again. “We are definitely not going anywhere in that.”

He nodded, then hesitated. Like he wanted to say something else. She noticed it-of course she did. She’d spent the last month reading every twitch in his face like it was a riddle meant just for her.

“G’raha…?”

“I… don’t want things to be weird.”

She blinked.

“Weird?”

“After last night.”

Her throat tightened. She dropped her eyes to the fire.

“It’s not weird,” she said, softly. “Not unless we make it weird.”

“So… are we okay?”

She looked up at him, offered a small, warm smile.

“Yeah, G’raha. We’re okay.”

And they were.

Not perfect. Not defined. But okay.

The kind of okay that meant something new had started. Quietly. Gently.

And with the snow still falling just outside the mouth of the cave, neither of them was in a hurry to define it too soon.

As the flames grew stronger again, warmth returning to their small, sheltered world, G’raha dusted off his knees and rose from the fireside. Jade watched quietly, pretending to fix her blanket while he moved to sit beside her again. Close, but careful.

“Well,” she began softly, almost playful despite the lingering tension, she offers a gentle smile “I suppose there are worse places to be stuck.”

He chuckled, eyes softening as he settled himself comfortably beside her. They sat side by side, backs against the stone wall, shoulders brushing softly every time either of them shifted.

Quiet filled the space for a little while, warm and unhurried, Jade traced small patterns into the fabric of her blanket, thoughts swirling quietly. Eventually, curiosity got the better of her.

“Tell me something,” she began, glancing sideways at him. “Did you ever think about… what it would be like, coming back from the First? What you’d do, I mean. After everything.”

He considered her question for a moment, thoughtful as ever, then slowly nodded.

“I did. Quite often, in fact. Though my thoughts were usually of simple pleasures, but I must admit I had given up on ever realising them one day.”

“Like what?”

He smiled wistfully, eyes drifting toward the ceiling.

“Travel the wider world, sample new foods, relish in more peaceful mornings. Truly experiencing life, rather than endlessly fighting to preserve it.”

Her breath caught slightly at the softness of his voice. She understood exactly what he meant. That kind of simple, ordinary life-it was so far away sometimes, almost impossible to imagine.

She shifted, turning to face him a little more openly.

“That sounds lovely,” she said quietly.

“Indeed, it does.” He met her eyes again, expression gentle. “What about you? If it could have been different… what would you have chosen for yourself?”

She let her gaze drop, suddenly shy. Vulnerable.

“I never thought I’d be anything but alone,” she admitted softly, fingers nervously picking at the edge of her blanket. “So I always just imagined the small things too. A small house to truly call home. Flowers in a garden… a family.”

Her cheeks warmed a little, though she wasn’t sure if it was embarrassment or something deeper.

“It’s silly, maybe.”

He was quiet for just a moment too long. Then, softly:

“It isn’t silly in the slightest.”

When she looked back up, the quiet intensity of her gaze held her completely.

“You would make a truly wonderful mother,” he said gently, sincerity warm in his voice.

Her heart fluttered sharply, heat blooming through her chest. She dropped her gaze again, laughing softly though the sudden nervousness that bubbled up.

“What makes you say that?”

He leaned just a fraction closer, nudging her shoulder lightly with his.

“Because I know you.” A gentle pause, his voice softer still. “You care more deeply than anyone else I’ve yet to encounter. You never give yourself proper credit, yet everyone around you feels uniquely… cherished.”

The word hung between them, warm and rich, heavy with something unspoken. She wallowed hard, but couldn’t quite hide the way her eyes softened, the way her voice dipped lower as she responded.

“You’re dangerously good at that.”

“At what, precisely?”

She glanced up through her lashes, a playful glint behind her shy smile.

“Saying exactly the right thing.”

He laughed quietly, almost bashfully.

“Only in your presence, it would seem.”

Their eyes caught again, lingering. Neither moved. Neither dared to.

Finally, G’raha spoke again, voice barely more than a whisper.

“Jade?”

“Yes?”

His eyes drifted briefly toward her lips, but he quickly refocused, cheeks faintly flushed in the firelight.

“I find myself rather grateful we’re stranded here together.”

Her heart squeezed softly at the quiet confession. She leaned in, their shoulders pressing lightly together, the simplest of touches suddenly feeling unbearably intimate.

“Me too.”

They stayed like that, side by side, neither brave enough to move closer-but neither willing to pull away.

The soft silence stretched gently between them, punctuated only by the crackling of the fire and the muffled howling of the snow drifting outside. Jade stole another glance at G’raha, heart fluttering a little at how peaceful everything seemed in this quiet space they’d carved out, away from the world.

He caught her watching, and his ears twitched slightly, pink spreading across his cheeks in a shy, charming wave. He ducked his head, laughing softly, embarrassed.

“Forgive me. I-I appear to have lost my train of thought.”

She smiled warmly, the sight of his bashful expression making her own pulse quicken. It was endearing, watching the former Exarch-someone once so powerful, who became the symbol of hope for an entire nation-become so utterly flustered simply from her gaze.

“Thinking about something important?” she teased gently, nudging him with her shoulder.

He hesitated, eyes flickering toward her briefly, then back to the fire.

“Perhaps… too important. My thoughts… wandered back to the First, truth be told.”

His voice grew quieter, almost reluctant, and Jade felt something in her chest squeeze softly. She turned slightly toward him, giving him silent encouragement to continue.

He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly.

“I’m sure you recall the day well… the day you thwarted Vauthry at the peak of Mt. Gulg, past those white gates. My plan-what I had intended to do.”

The tension shifted immediately, growing heavier, more sincere. Jade instinctively reached out, fingers gently brushing against his arm.

“You meant to sacrifice yourself me,” she murmured softly. “For all of us.”

He nodded slowly, still looking away, clearly carrying a weight he’d never fully set down.

“I believed it was the only path available to me. I was certain my sacrifice would be the greatest kindness I could offer you.” He paused, voice softer, trembling just slightly with sincerity. “Yet now… now I understand how terribly cruel it was, forcing you to watch, giving you no choice, concealing my true intentions until the very last moment.”

He finally looked at her again, vulnerability pooling in the crimson of his eyes.

“It pains me deeply that I bought you hurt, even with the best of intentions.”

She swallowed past the tightness forming in her throat, feeling a small, tender ache at the honesty in his voice. Without thinking, her fingers slid down, finding his and gently lacing through them.

“I know, but you don’t have to carry that alone, G’raha.”

He stared at their intertwined hands, blinking slowly as if he was afraid to disturb this delicate moment.

“I feared you’d resent me,” he admitted softly. “That after all was said and done you’d wonder ‘why’ and never know the real answer, and carry that hurt forever. Yet here you are, beside me, offering more kindness than I likely deserve.”

She shook her head softly, thumb brushing gently across his knuckles.

“G’raha… please, never think that. I don’t resent you. How could I?” Her voice trembled slightly with emotion. “You’re here now. That’s what matters. And… I’m glad you’re here.”

His breath hitched slightly, and he squeezed her hand in quiet reassurance, a faint smile returning to his lips.

“And I, you. More than I dare express.”

A quiet, slightly awkward pause settled between them. He cleared his throat gently, his voice shy again, tinged with embarrassment as he glanced at her sideways.

“Ah-do forgive me. I’m… not usually so candid.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head.

“You don’t have to apologise, I like it.”

His ears twitched and perked up, betraying his blush. But once his eyes held hers with a bravery that hadn’t been there before-a newfound confidence, wrapped in gentle sincerity.

“Truly?”

She smiled shyly, heart pounding against her ribs, heat warming her cheeks.

“Truly.”

The silence returned once more, warmer this time. Their eyes lingered on each other, neither wanting to pull away first.

“Jade,” he whispered after a moment, softer than ever.

“Yes?”

“I fear I’m becoming rather selfish. It’s… difficult not to want more of this. More of you.”

Her breath hitched, and she felt the gentle tug of longing deep within her chest.

“Maybe,” she admitted softly, voice barely above a whisper, “maybe I feel a little selfish too.”

He slowly, carefully leaned closer, their faces mere inches apart now, eyes searching hers for permission-never assuming, always gentle.

“Perhaps,” he murmured, voice shaking ever so slightly, “it would be acceptable for both of us to be selfish, just this once?”

Her heart stilled at the quiet courage in his words, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to pause alongside it. She could feel the gentle warmth of his breath ghosting over her lips, and suddenly, nothing mattered more than this-more than him, and her, and the delicate thread of longing connecting them in this small pocket of peace.

“Just this once,” she whispered back, giving the permission he sought.

Slowly, tenderly, he closed the final inches between them, brushing his lips against hers in a touch feather-light and achingly careful, as if he were afraid she might vanish at the slightest pressure.

A soft gasp escaped her as her fingers gently curled into the fabric of his sleeve, holding him there, urging him closer. Emboldened, he pressed forward just slightly, deepening the kiss-still gentle, but growing undeniably passionate. Every hesitation fell away, replaced ny the purest sense of certainty Jade had ever known.

The warmth of his hand softly cupped her cheek, thumb tracing gently along her jawline. Her pulse quickened beneath his fingertips, as she leaned into his touch eagerly, eyes closed-savouring the sweet intimacy of the moment.

When they parted, just enough to breathe, their foreheads remained pressed softly together, their eyes closed, lingering in the warmth they’d discovered.

“I’ve wanted to do that far longer than I care to admit,” he whispered, his voice a gentle confession between breaths.

She smiled, leaning in to brush her lips softly against his once more, a promise and a reassurance all at once.

“Then let’s not waste any more time then.”

Outside, the storm continued to rage on, but here, inside their cosy sanctuary, there was only warmth, only certainty.

Only them.

Chapter III: Passion is an ember

“I feared we’d never have this chance,” she whispered, voice trembling slightly with emotion. “That day, when your body began to fully crystallise in the tower… I felt like my entire world was shattering.”

G’raha-still gentling cupping her cheek-brushed his thumb softly beneath her eye, wiping away a tear she hadn’t realised had fallen.

“I had long prepared to accept my fate,” he said, voice low but filled with sincerity. “Yet, even then, the thought of leaving you behind… it was excruciating,” his face scrunched ever so slightly, teeth gritted. “knowing that my fates, were left to a gamble now, a position I put you all in.”

She leaned deeper into his touch, raising her own hand up to cover his.

“But it worked,” she murmured softly, barely above a whisper. “And we came back-we all did, and you’re here now, with me. Alive. And nothing else matters.”

Their lips met again, gentler at first, a silent promise exchanged with every tender brush. Gradually, that tenderness bloomed into something stronger, warmer, deeper-a passionate reaffirmation of life, survival, love. Jade’s fingers curled into his robes, pulling him closer, needing him near.

G’raha responded immediately, shifting carefully until she found herself laying back against the bedroll, his weight settling comfortably above her. Their breaths mingled warmly as the kisses grew heated, his mouth exploring her jawline, her throat, every kiss lighting a new spark across her skin.

Jade gasped softly as his slow advances began to move further down her neck, her tail flicking instinctively, brushing up along his thigh. She felt him shiver, heard the quiet, breathless laugh he gave against her neck.

“Sensitive?” He whispered warmly, a playful note hidden within the soft rasp of his voice.

She blushed fiercely, her ears flattening shyly against her hair.

“Maybe a little.” She admitted quietly. His fingers gently wandered along her side, sending shivers cascading through her body.

“I shall take the upmost care.”, he whispered against her lips before claiming another deep kiss.

G’raha’s fingers traced lightly along the edge of Jade’s robe, the fabric soft and delicate beneath his touch. His eyes sought hers, asking silent permission and she nodded softly, lips parting in quiet anticipation as the rosey redness in her cheeks continued to rise further to the surface. Carefully, he slipped the robe from her shoulders, letting it fall gently around her, revealing the smooth curves of her shoulders and chest. She shrunk into herself naturally, never having allowed herself to be so vulnerable infront of anyone before, her eyes wandered every so slightly upwards to meet with his once more as if seeking validation, reassurance.

His breath caught as his gaze roamed over her exposed skin, drinking in the beautiful detail. His reaction prompted her to smile and relax-lowering her gaze forward, and she slowly reached for him in return, carefully undoing the clasp of his robes, sliding the garment down his strong arms until it pooled around him, leaving him bare-chested before her, the firelight casting a gentle shadow along his muscles.

G’raha’s eyes softened, and he reached out slowly, fingertips tracing a delicate line down her collarbone to the top of her chest. He paused for a brief moment at her bra, their gazes locking again. With tender care, he reached around her, unfastening the clasp, sliding it slowly away and freeing her chest to the warm glow of the flame.

Hands explored lovingly, slowly-discovering and memorising every curve and contour. His hands brushed softly along her breasts, as he teased around the sensitive peaks of her nipples, making them stiffen beneath his careful tough. His mouth followed, warm lips capturing one nipple, his tongue flicking softly, drawing out a trembling gasp from deep wthin her chest.

Jade’s body arched instinctively toward him in eager anticipation. Her hands explored his body in return, tracing over firm muscle and smooth skin-continuing a pursuit downwards until she reached a hard length, and wrapped her fingers around it, feeling him pulse eagerly in her palm. G’raha shuddered softly, breath catching against her breast as she stroked him slowly, lovingly.

Their eyes met again, heavy-lidded with desire, as she teased him. G’raha interrupted her movements with his own, drifting his hand downward with reverent care, sliding along her waist and hips before settling on the waistband of her underwear. Their gaze held, unspoken words exchanged with gentle smiles. She slowly laid backwards, resting her back against the bedding, gliding her fingers along his legs on her way down. Slowly, tenderly, he peeled the delicate fabric down her hips and thighs, his fingers following the motion with gentle reverence. She allowed her legs to flow like water alongside him as he brought her underwear past her shins and then over her feet.

Jade trembled ever so slightly, she’d never placed so much trust in any one person until now. She felt deeply vulnerable, yet profoundly safe as G’raha’s fingertips slid between her thighs, gently caressing the soft folds of her vagina, already slick with desire. A soft gasp pierced the silence as it slipped from her lips at the intimate touch. She pushed her upperbody up on her elbows, her chest laid completely bare, her eyes filled with longing.

“G’raha,” she whispered, “I want you-I want all of you.”

He maintained locked eyes, his face as red as hers-taken aback ever so slightly by the eagerness in her tone, he returned the passion.

“And you shall have me, always.”

She whimpered his name again, voice thick with need, and G’raha responded instantly, positioning himself above her, his eyes filled with adoration and desire. Slowly, carefully, he pressed the tip of his penis against her entrance, holding her gaze, savouring every moment as he entered her inch by exquisite inch. Jade moaned softly, overwhelmed by the deep, intimate sensation, her body yielding to him eagerly, feeling every deepening thrust sending waves of heat and pleasure coursing through her.

Their bodies moved together slowly at first, each gentle thrust deepening their connection, passion building steadily. They found their rhythm effortlessly, hips rolling in perfect unison, hearts beating as one. Jade’s fingertips tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, her breaths hot against his lips as he learned downward to kiss her deeply.

Pleasure surged and rose, their movements becoming more urgent, the air filled with breathless whispers and passionate declarations. he shifted his hips slightly, changing the angle to stroke even deeper within her. Hitting that perfect spot made her cry out softly, her body tightening around him.

At the peak of their passion, Jade’s tail brushed and pushed against his thigh, urging him deeper still, her nails digging into the skin of his back. She felt herself tighten sharply, pleasure radiating from her core as she climaxed, gasping his name in ecstasy. G’raha followed moments later, his body trembling as he released deep within her-breathing her name with sapped strength against her neck.

Wrapped tightly in each other’s embrace, their breathing slowed gradually, hearts beating in unison.

“I am yours, Jade, for as long as you would have me.” he whispered.

She smiled softly as she held him closer, her mouth parted still ever so slightly as her breathing continued to calm.

“Then stay forever,” she whispered back, her voice filled with gentle certainty.

He matched her smile and leaned in for one more passionate kiss that held for many a moment, their movements and rhythm slowed and their lips finally parted quietly. They looked into each others eyes and then both simply started to share a small, intimate laugh as they slowly returned to their senses. G’raha moved off of her and stood up and she propped her back up again slowly, drained of all her energy and looked around, at her, utterly embarrassed by the mess.

“Ah… allow me.” G’raha affirms as he’s putting his underwear back on.

He moves towards his backpack and reaches in, retrieving a soft towel. With tender care, he began to help, carefully wiping away the gentle mess they’d made, his movements filled with quiet affection. Jade watched him with flushed cheeks still, still overwhelmed by the warmth and intimacy they’d just shared. She bit her lower lip, emotions suddenly swelling within her chest, tears welling in her eyes.

Seeing this, G’raha paused immediately, concern flickering across his face.

“Jade, are you alright? Did I-?”

She shook her head quickly, smiling despite the tears now streaming gently down her cheeks.

“No, no, it’s just-I can’t quite describe it, really. I’m happy, G’raha. I’m really happy.”

He brushed her tears away with his thumb, his expression tender.

“I am glad. Truly.”

“I love you,” she whispered, voice brimming with heartfelt sincerity, her arms wrapping around him, pulling him close, buying her face into his peck. “You’re the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

Her muffled words brought warmth to G’raha, it bloomed across his cheeks, embarrassment and joy mingling as he wrapped his arms gently around her in return.

“I-I’m deeply honoured you think so,” he murmured shyly, pressing a soft kiss in to her hair. “I love you too, Jade, with all my heart.”

She slowly moves her head back from his chest, and lifts her gaze upward, tears still falling from her eyes. Every word she means to utter is painted across both of her beautiful sapphire-blue eyes, every thought and emotion bouncing off the reflection of the tears that wet them.

They move to lay down, side by side, their fingers gently interlacing in comfortable silence-hearts still fluttering softly.

After a moment, Jade closes her eyes and shifts to her back, gazing thoughtfully at the uneven ceiling of the cave.

“You know,” she began quietly, sniffling to herself as the tears began to subside. “I never got to say it, but you did an amazing job as the Exarch.”

He chuckled softly, but she continued.

“You really did. I admired you, everybody did. Even if you didn’t always see it in yourself.”

He nudged her shoulder lightly with his own.

“Perhaps I hid my anxieties better than I imagined.”

She laughed ever so gently, continuing to reminisce about her time in the First-friends made, battles fought, moments shared, lessons learnt. Gradually her voice grew quieter, softer, trailing off until she slipped unknowingly into gently slumber.

“Jade?” G’raha asked softly, awaiting an answer that didn’t come. “… Jade?”

He turned his head curiously, only to find her fast asleep, curled adorably to her side, breathing lightly and murmuring something unintelligible beneath her breath. He felt a smile spread across his lips as her admired her tranquility. Carefully, slowly, he rose onto his knees and gently pulled the blanket over her, softly tucking her in. With a quiet motion he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She smiled softly in her sleep, fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket as she curled comfortably into its warmth.

Standing slowly, he moved to the fire, placing another log atop the gently burning embers to sustain the warmth. He turned to see the snowstorm still ravage on through the top of the stepwell out of the cave. Silently thanking it, he returned to Jade’s side and slid carefully beneath the blanket beside her, wrapping an arm gently around her waist and settling close.

“Of all the worlds, all the timelines, all the shards to exist,” he whispered softly into the silence, his voice full of quiet gratitude, “I am eternally thankful that I was allowed to share this one with you.”

Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to slowly drift toward sleep, comforted by her warmth and the gentle, steady rhythm of her breathing beside him.

Chapter IV: My soul is your silk

Jade stirred gently as the first soft rays of dawn filtered quietly into the cave, illuminating the rocky walls with a gentle glow. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, groggy and disorientated. She gently leaned forward and stretched both her arms high into the air, tilting her head to stretch her neck before letting out a deep but quiet yawn. She took a moment to recall where she was and everything that had transpired. Beside her, G’raha remained sound asleep, his breathing deep and steady.

As she looked over to him the memories of the previous day rushed back vividly to her-the tenderness, the passion, all of those declarations made in the heat of the moment-and warmth spread across her cheeks. Her heart fluttered quietly as she gazed affectionately at him, a soft smile crossing her lips.

Carefully, she eased herself out of the bed, mindful not to disturb him. She found her clothing and tried to dress as silently as possible. Once dressed, she returned to sit gently beside him on the bedroll, reaching out to brush a stray lock of crimson hair away from his peaceful face with as much care as she could muster.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, ever so quietly. “For everything.”

Her fingers continued to play with his hair for just a quiet moment longer before she paused, before noticing how utterly silent it was. The snow storm had finally subsided outside. She slowly rose to her feet once more and crept toward the mouth of the cave, seeing for herself that the snowstorm had been replaced with the soft tranquility of a quiet morning, though the snow left behind was thick, the weather itself was completely peaceful.

Behind her, G’raha stirred, groaning softly in sleepy confusion. She turned at the sound, smiling warming.

“Ah, good morning sleepyhead,” she teased, moving back towards him as he propped himself up onto an elbow, blinking the sleep from his eyes. “It seems the storm’s finally given up.”

“Oh, it has?” he responded, voice rather hoarse from sleep, a warm smile gracing his groggy face as he regarded her fondly. “I trust you slept well?”

Jade chuckled softly, that now-familiar warmth flooding her face once more.

“Better than I have in years actually.”

G’raha rose slowly, stretching slightly before reaching for his clothing.

“Well, I’m very glad to hear it.” he murmured.

As he stood up to get dressed, they continued to speak about the prior night, and began to gather their belongings, packing them away among the soft remarks and gentle laughter, sharing kisses and playful hugs. Once everything was ready, they shared one final hug and carried their full backpacks to the exit, but Jade paused-glancing back one final time.

She smiled to herself, realising with quiet wonder how much had truly changed for her within the walls of this humble cave. She took a deep breath and turned back towards G’raha, who was already outside, scouting the landscape for a plan of action. She walked up and hugged him from behind.

“Well,” she said, with a soft and playful tone, giving him an affectionate smile, “we’ve a voidsent to find or not find. Shall we?”

He nodded warmly, as they both stepped out into the fresh snow.

“Aye, let’s carry on.”