#arvio

Fang

The two of you sit quietly under the stars, sitting in the little field of flowers. A beautiful space. The same space where the two of you had your first kiss. But tonight, you let something out … well everything. And he listens. Hanging onto to each and every word so that you will never have to repeat a word.

“I am … here to talk to … if you need to.” He may not talk much, he may not give much advice, but he will listen. This you know. But you apologize for bringing up such a topic. “No … I understand.” Of course he does, you know all about him. This is why you’re apologizing. “No. If you bottle it up too much … It’s better to let it out. This is what I’m here for. For you.”

He can’t help but to feel a little rage, it reminds him of his own family. His father, stepmother, and stepbrother. It’s not the same exact situation but he can still sympathize. But the mild rage, how dare fate do this to you.

You ask how he handles his own past with his family, “you.” He says with no hesitation. “You are my family now. There are scars that can’t be healed.” You remind yourself of his back … “But our past is the past right? We learn. We carve our future together.” Now he grabs your hand, tightly as though he will never let go. Almost imprinting himself on you. “I will not let anything break us.” He means it.

In response, you lay your head on his shoulder, still feeling a bit guilty laying everything one him just like that, “don’t”. As though he’s reading your mind. “I want you to come to me. It makes me … happy to know you trust me.”

He grips your hand tightly, “please don’t stop coming to me. Wheather it bad or good. … If it’s you—I want to hear it all.”

All you can think of is all he has been through—but he’s here now, holding you, talking more … His mother would be proud … How you wish you met her. Just then—you swear you saw a shooting star. Sitting up. “I saw it too,” Fang smiles.

“Make a wish~.” X—who is sitting on top of the nearby rock—says in a womanly voice, overlooking the both of you.”

You close your eyes tightly and make a wish. Once open, you look at Fang, a msall but meaningful smile on his face, “one day I’ll tell you.” Not to press further, you grab his arm and nuzzle your head into it. So warm. So safe.

X knows Fang enough to know what he wishes for. Something with and for you. The bird looks at the two of you. Two people who had unfair circumstances but was lucky enough to find each other. After a while, X turns to you, in a voice that only Fang would fondly remember, “thank you.”

Qi

Some time ago, Qi asked you to help clean the Research Lab, but actually, he just wants you close. Both of you know it. Yet the two of you decided to keep a bit private from the “meddling townspeople” (his words not yours). So, every few days, you are “tasked” to clean the Research Center.

It all happened one day. A couple of weeks ago, you got a letter from Highwind from your childhood friend Nia, unfortunately, she started talking about a subject you rather not repeat out loud, or in your head. You left Highwind for a reason. But you also didn’t tell her, so it’s not her fault either to bringing it up.

You tried to focus on your work, ignoring your feelings ... but day after day it grew and it grew. The more you tried to push it down and away, the stronger it grew. Then today, you broke a relic. Holding the broken piece, tears start to well up. Qi, having heard the crash, runs down. “What is the mat--,” but sees your face. “It’s … alright, we can fix it—well you can you’re a builder after all.” Fix it … Now the tears flood through.

Qi’s eyes are about to burst out. Not knowing what to do. He thinks to himself, what would Mint do? Take a nap of course. No that’s not right. He slowly places a hand on your back. His name leaves his mouth, “what’s wrong?”

But you shake your head, you don’t want to trouble him. “No, no, I insist.” He grabs a chair, and whilst holding your hand, guides you to it. Seeing your tears, he hands you a blank piece of paper, “no that won’t do.” Rushing off to get tissues. He comes back.

Now you let out everything, in detail, in excruciating detail … He says no word, but makes you tea. One, two glasses. Once done, an hour or two later (you lost track), you look up at him, eyes still swollen. “Do you … feel better?” You hesitate, examining your feelings (Qi rubbed off on you). With a nod, you say that you do.

Once you leave, Qi stares at the door pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, biting his lip, “this won’t do …” before leaving in the opposite door.

A few days later:

Your talk with Qi actually felt good. The … uneasiness is still there a bit. But it was nice to vent it out. Right now, having just finished a commission for Amirah, you wipe your hands, onto the next one. But as you are about pass Mi-an’s house, you notice two figures in the shadow between her and Qi’s Research Center.

“Here, I had these books sent from Atara.” Qi immediately starts to skim through with Grace looking at the titles alone. “But director, I gotta ask … why?”

“Why? Must you know?”

“Hey I mean it’s your business but—” Grace’s spy senses were tingling. She knew you were there watching … and she also knew the budding romance between the two of you. With a smile and a nod, “you know what Director, never mind. If you need anything else—”. She turns her head slightly—in your direction—and loud enough so that you can hear clearly, “Or anyone to talk to—we can share some drinks at the Blue Moon. You’re among friends after all.”

“That won’t be necessary.” She looks back at him. “But I do thank you Grace. This will help my … research immensely.” His head dips a bit, eyes widen before running off, dropping one of the books and attempting to hastily pick it up.

Aw he’s so nervous. Grace thinks to herself. It’s almost cute … almost. She makes her way back to her job at the Blue Moon, ignoring you hiding behind Mi-an’s house.

It’s another “cleaning” day. So you make your way in your boyfriends laboratory. Upon the sight before you, he apparently had one of those mad scientist nights.

His workspace, a mess, books every where. You stack the books in that new bookcase you installed just a couple of weeks before. Yet … as you organize the books, there are barley no robotics, no biology, almost nothing of the scientific nature. You look over at his chest, all of his usual are there. No, these books … psychological … and dating? “How to talk to people you love?” That’s a tittle!?

You stack the books, absent mindlessly dusting them as you peer to his notes—which are always surprisingly neat and meticulous. Behind a few pages of his normal scientific ramblings—oh no he’s making another robotic suit—you find some other notes … Notes from those books. Then notes … on you.

A quick head shake pulls you back as you read about what you spoke to him about the other day after your talk. He lists “possible triggers” and what to talk about and what not to. How to listen. There are one, two, three pages on just you. On the last page, he writes his conclusion. Just as you are about to read it--

“Oh? … Oh.” You turn to see him, nervously pushing up his glasses. “I um … I apologize. I just … I just don’t know how to handle this.” Your shoulders drop but he notices, his hands push forward as though to reach you, his voice loud, “NO! No! I mean. I can handle you. I can handle what this is … between us. But … Conversations with people has always eluded me. So,with you, I want to make sure I do this right. Make sure my emotions and words come out … appropriately.”

“I don’t want to offend you nor have you relive any terrible memories that doesn’t need to be revisited …” He sighs and shrugs, not knowing that there is a small smile growing on your lips. He is growing, he’s making an effort. But this, all these notes—you understand, this is the only way he knows how to approach something like this is to research it from a scientific standpoint.

You grab his hands and explain that it’s okay. You’re grateful for him to respect your feelings but this is more than logic—sometimes someone has to use their heart and feelings. Just being there is enough.

With a gulp and once again, pushing those frames up the bridge of his nose, “Communication is key then. So, know that I may … fail at times and I hope that you will be able to correct me. Be content knowing that I will always learn. That is a guarantee. But also know … You are not and will never be a burden to me.”

The two of you walk to the Blue Moon, but you feel something wrap around your wrist and slides into your hand. It’s Qi, he wraps his hand into yours. At first you pull away, what if they see. “Let them,” he pushes the door open to where Grace immediately greets the two of you. As she leads you to your seats, you hear the of the patrons.

Cooper, with his family, “finally that boy took her out—I was beginning to wonder what the—” he continues on as Elise sticks napkins in her ears. Mabel smiles at you fondly, and you back.

You even hear Owen to Burgess, “took them long enough huh?”

“Do you think--,” his chipmunk cheeks redden even more, “I should plant some flowers … Owen, what’s good flowers for a wedding?”

So, apparently everyone knew …

Dinner was nice. You and Qi talk about the comic book you found in the ruins. Tomorrow, you’re going back in—he is slightly upset, saying he’s going to research some armor. Then he reminisces about that time the two of you were stuck in that one ruin.

Later, at the bar, you sit chatting with Grace, but you look over to notice Qi standing at the fireplace. In his hands, he holds the papers, he looks them over briefly before tossing them into the fire. For some reason, he does so … confidently. Normally he would never throw out anything he written—”you may need it later”, he would say. But now, he’s choosing to follow his heart, trusting you to trust him. Even Grace is smiling.

In the coming days—even years she never brings up anything, instead, she waits patiently. And Qi, eventually your husband, keeps the books, combining both logic and heart, even researching techniques to help you if need be. Eventually, as you go back for a “cleaning” day, you walk in on Qi, who is at his worktable, mouth moving a mile a minute, as he shows your child the basics of robotics. He looks over and the moment he sees your face, “oh look who’s here.”

When the child sees you, they squeal and runs to grab you by the hand pulling you to the table. “Come on now, show Mummy what we’ve been making.”

Arvio

It’s a few days before your wedding and now you’re leaning over your mailbox, holding a letter from your parent. Life is stressful enough but this—you did not need, horrible memories flooding in. a Rehash of events you wished to forget … You came to Sandrock to start over. But—”hey there” a light but ever so sweet peck graces your cheek. “What’cha you doing?”

You turn to see Arvio, the lucky man whom you will wed in just a few days. His smile, from to ear, drops as soon as he sees your face, “what’s wrong, what’s the matter,” but you shake your head, it’s nothing.

But he insists, gently grabbing your arm, ”please, tell me.”

He says your name, so perfectly as though it was always meant to leave his lips, just his lips, “if we are to marry, how can I call myself your husband if you can’t come to me for your problems. Come, I have time now.” But his business … “It will wait later, come”, he shows himself into your house (well soon to be his house as well but …).

There you finally relay your past. He sists there, both hands clasped together to his chin. Listening to each and every word. When you cry, he hastly wipes away your tears. He even makes you tea whilst still listening as he repeats the end of each sentence. He does not rush you, he does not interrupt you or talk over you. He just listens.

Once done, you feel good. But apologizing for not saying it sooner. Yet you voice concern about the future.

“Listen my love, the future … we don’t know. The past, though sometimes it can bring back some … not so pleasant memories. What we have is the present. And in the present, we have each other.” He grabs your hand. “Know that your feelings are valid my dear. I know all too well that life is not fair, but together—” It hits him like lightning. A thought on how to better explain to you.

“Wait! You’re a builder! So, I tell you in builder terms!” He stands up and clears his throat. “You may be a builder. But together, we will build a foundation so that nothing is broken ever again. When in doubt,” he points to the picture of Arvio on the wall … of just Arvio—when did he put that there, “know that this face loves you and you know where to find this handsome devil if you need him.” For a moment you look at the picture just as Arvio poses right in front of it amusing you.

“That’s the way! As the great doctor Fang used to say, laughing is the best cure.” Your eyebrow twitches. No, he did NOT say that—especially to Arvio. But it goes away as he gently places a hand behind your head and kisses your forehead, lingering a bit longer than usual. “Remember, you are not alone. You have me. You have Amirah. And you have everyone in Sandrock.”

You lean into him feeling his warmth. Easing any pain left within you. With a tap, you explain that you’re much better now, promising him that if you need him—you’ll find him.

Grabbing his shoulder bag, and saying goodbye with a smile. “Just think of it, in a few days, I’ll be married to the most beautiful, smart, witty woman in the Free Cities—nay! The world. What a lucky man I am!

A few days, it’s your wedding day. Your last day waking up as a single woman. Just as your hand is about to grasp open the front door, a knock. Surprised, you open it seeing Amirah. “Good morning!” She wobbles with her hands grasped behind her. “I hope you don’t mind if I walk with you to the church?” You happily agree and the two of you make your way through Sandrock and up to the church, she reminisces about her time with you, meeting you, you helping her out with her business, and helping her brother grow into an adult.

“No-one can underestimate your influence on not only this town, but my brother as well. I am proud to call you my friend …,” finally you both reach the church, “and even prouder to call you my sister.” She rummages in her pocket. “I prefer to make larger items, but I made you this.” She takes out a necklace with a clay oval pendent dyes a beautiful blue. “They say a bride should wear something old, something new, and something blue. Consider this all three … Do you mind?” You shake your head, and she walks behind you, gently moving any hair.

As she ties, “clay is old, the pendent itself is new … and very blue.” A giggle before coming around to see you and adjusting your hair back in place. “As for burrowed, you can wear my earrings.” She clips them on. “Lovely. Alright then. I’ll head in. Once you hear the music, come in.” She grabs your both of your hands tightly before rushing in.

You stay by the door waiting for the music, gazing down to see that pendant. A symbol … of a start of something new. The past will always be the past but now here with that charming shopkeeper with the dazzling smile you met that faithful day … As he said, you’re a builder, and even though you built many things alone, it was always the group projects, where you built with the help of others be it Mi-an, Qi, or anyone … it was the most satisfying, and strongest.

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Anything. I mean anything. He'd follow you around all day, right on your heels, if it was possible. Just being in the presence of his lover is his favorite thing. Go on picnics or cuddle in bed, either way he's as happy as can be.

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

Everything. It may seem like a cop-out, but he truly adores every inch of his lover, inside and out. He's memorized every little detail of their face and personality.

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

His first instinct is to hold them close and protectively, if it helps. He'll want to whisper assurances to them and get them grounded fast. However, he won't do it if his partner says it'll make it worse. Instead, he'll try his best to communicate so he can meet their needs as best he can.

D reams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

He wants nothing more than to grow old together with his beloved, Light willing, no matter what is thrown their way. If that can happen, he'll have the most perfect future he could dream of.

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

He likes to take the lead, but appreciates when his partner matches his energy.

F ight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

For better or worse, Arvio is willing to forgive his lover for nearly anything. Take that how you will, but know that Amirah is not that forgiving over people who badly hurt her baby brother.

He's not one to raise his voice or, Light forbid, his hand during a fight. In fact, he's consistently the one trying to calm things down and find a middle ground. He always tries to right his wrongs and be a better person, so he's very quick to apologize when he needs to. It takes a lot a lot a LOT to get him so mad he actually starts yelling back, so it's unlikely to ever get to that point.

G ratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

He thanks the Light every day that they're in his life. He notices every little thing his lover does to help him out or make his day a little brighter, and it makes him fall deeper in love every time.

H onesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

He is an open book to them. He doesn't want to hide a single bit of himself from them, or keep anything from them. He'd prefer it if his lover did the same, but is understanding if opening up is harder for them than it is for him.

I nspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

I think his in-game character arc peaks with this concept, so I have nothing to add. He's always willing to grow and change and improve himself for his partner.

J ealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

He's not one to easily get jealous of his lover's friends and family. In fact, he's far more likely to get jealous of your work. He'll get a little pouty, so give him a little extra cuddles and kisses that day. He'll also get jealous if someone tries flirting with you in front of him. He immediately latches to your side and turns his affection up to 100 so there's no doubt he belongs to you.

K iss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

He's a very good kisser. He has just the right amount of sweetness, passion, and adoration to make each little peck or long smooch feel like fireworks. The first kiss was gentle and brief, but not too short.

L ove Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

We've all seen the masquerade. ♡ No notes.

M arriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose? What would the marriage be like?

He wants nothing more than to be a wonderfully devoted husband. Hell, he'd even become a house husband if he didn't have a business to run. Loves doting on his spouse and bringing them things like flowers and sweets he knows they love. Always eagerly does his share of the housework.

N icknames - What do they call their s/o?

Honey, baby, angel, sweetheart, gorgeous, my love, my gem, my jewel, beloved, precious, sweetie, sunshine, lovely, etc etc he has pet names for days.

O n Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

He's somehow even more happy and cheerful than usual when he's in love. He also hums and smiles to himself a lot more while he cleans and dusts around his shop. And bless poor Amirah, who has to deal with her little brother's constant gushing.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

No one could ever say it's not obvious you're a couple. He always wants a hand in yours or an arm around you. He wants to sneak quick little kisses to you ever now and again, no matter where you are. He's always gushing and swooning over you to anyone who will listen... or won't listen. He just wants to talk about how much he loves you.

Q uirk - Some random ability they have that's beneficial in a relationship.

He's almost always able to intuit when you need something and get it to you in a timely manner. You won't even need to ask most of the time, he'll just randomly show up with whatever you need at the moment. Call it his merchant's intuition.

R omance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

What wouldn't he do to make his partner happy? He throws a suprise dance for you, brings you breakfast for a week at the expense of his own health and wellbeing, and only stops (if you don't ask him to) because its interfering with his ability to bring you breakfast in the first place. You could use him as a human footrest and he'd probably still be elated (don't actually do that). He's the cheesiest, most sincere man in Sandrock, and he'd stop at nothing to make you happy.

S upport - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

He's their number one hype man. He is willing to do anything for them and their goals. Just say the word and he's on it.

T hrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice out your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

He enjoys the domestic bliss of routine, but still finds joy in doing something new with you. He also likes surprising you with gifts and special dates on occasion.

U nderstanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

He knows his partner like the back of his hand or a second skin. He tries his best to be in tune with their emotions and give them whatever kind of support they need if they're stressed or depressed. He's always willing to listen and hold them during the tough times.

V alue - How important is the relationship to them? What is it’s worth in comparison to other things in their life?

Arvio is always willing to do anything for the people he loves. He loves his family above all else, and whether or not you're wearing matching rings, you're family to him. You're placed on a pedestal above all else, and to disappoint you or make you cry would be a grievous sin.

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

Likes to hold you and hum little songs. He can't help it, his soul is just too happy that you're his and he's yours.

X OXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

CEO of cuddle time right here. Like I said, he'd be attached to you at all times if possible. Good luck trying to get up to pee in the middle of the night with the vice grip he has on you. And be thankful he doesn't wear lipstick, because you'd be covered in stains constantly if he did.

Y earning - How will they cope when they're missing their partner?

Badly. He copes badly. He's a bit despondent and a little snippy. He feels like part of him is missing, and he can't wait to have his better half back in his arms again. He does his best to distract himself with his work, but it doesn't always work.

Z eal - Are they willing to go to great lenghts for the relationship? If so, what kind of?