#duma x reader

He paused in his regimen a moment, turning to face you with a smile. “Still, you possess it. I’m still looking forward to the day you face me in battle yourself.” He returned to what he was doing but you knew he was still attentively listening to what you had to say.

“But maybe the strength you see in me is something else-- there’s more to it than simply being the strongest.” You frowned a little and he paused, shaking his head.

“You sound like my sister… always going on about how it takes more than strength to rule a country.” He shook his head, though you could see the hint of a smile gracing his lips. “The two of you would get along well, I think.”

“Don’t you not get along with her, though?” You frowned a little. “I thought you liked me.”

“There are differences to you yet, Summoner.” Duma let of a chuckle and you let yourself smile again.

“But seriously Duma. I’d like you to consider it, okay?” Your voice had gone soft, and once again Duma was looking at you. He frowned a little but you continued speaking. “Try the find the strength in things other than power and see what other ways of ruling can lead to.”

“What? So my people may grow lazy and satisfied like those with Mila’s bounty?” He snarled the words out and you took a step back, not expecting the hostile tone. “You have earned my respect for the power you wield, Summoner but do not think you have earned my favor.” Duma stopped was he was doing and quickly left the room.

“I’m sorry!” You called after him, half jogging to keep up with his brisk pace. “I’m sorry if I upset you or attacked your ideals but… it would mean a lot to me if you considered it.” You slowed your pace, eventually coming to a stop as he continued on. You wondered if your words even reached him.

~*~

But oh, Duma was loathe to admit they did. The more time he spent around you, in this order of heroes seeing you lead them, changed him. He still prided himself in his power, built his strength in being able to protect his people and lead them in charge. You did things for his followers he could not, though. When they were hurt, you often volunteered yourself with their wounds. When the toil of war became too much for some to bear, there you were, with words so comforting those Heroes found it in themselves to continue the fight. And with all this, you were still so gifted a leader. Admittedly, it perplexed him how you could have such a show of strength only to turn around and act in such a fashion.

But perhaps it was he that was the one lacking; not the strength to protect but the ability to help those who find themselves week.

You were still a strange one, though, claiming that even people who don’t speak when they’re together can grow closer. Grow your bond with one another, as you called it.You were reading and Duma was trying to polish his armor but his thoughts always seemed to drift to you. “Tell me, Summoner, what is it you desire?” he asked suddenly, snapping your attention from your book.

“Beg pardon?” You placed your bookmark in, obviously too focused a moment before to properly hear him. Duma rolled his eyes a bit, you always did get absorbed into what you were doing.

“Why is it you work so hard for this Order of Heroes when these people are not your own? This is not the path you choose for yourself but you still diligently apply yourself to it. But don’t you desire more?” You paused a moment to ponder his words.

“I’ll admit when I first came here I was… hesitant. I didn’t think I was the right person for the job and I had no practice in what I was expected to do. But I’ve been here… two years now? And I’ve grown into the role. I feel like this is where I belong. If they weren’t before, these are my people now and I’m happy to serve and protect them.”

“Aptly said.” A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“That’s not to say I don’t have my moments. I wonder of my old life sometimes, the world I came from is far different than Askr or any of the other worlds I’ve visited…  But I’m needed here, far more than I was in the world I came from and for as long as I needed, I’ll choose to stay.”

“I’ve said before, I respect you for that, but still I wonder, don’t you want the power to defend? To protect those you care for with your own two hands?” He pondered.

“It would certainly be nice but I don’t think that’s the kind of thing I was made for.” You shook your head and smiled at him. “I see what you’re trying to do here Duma and I promise, I’m plenty okay with the strengths I have now. It's with those and my flaws, that I’m human.” He laughed openly, shaking his head.

“Very well, might I suggest a different sort of proposal then?” He moved closer until he was standing over you and your bed.

“Oh, what do you mean?” You were looking up at him, smile still on your face.

“I mean a life, together, with you always at my side.” You would be lying if you said you weren’t surprised now to see his towering form now kneeling before you, his hands reaching to hold yours in his. You were speechless, letting him continue to say what he would. “I was stubborn before; too blinded by my own ideals to see the wisdom in my sister's words and too caught up in my regrets to hear them again when you echoed them.” he closed his eyes and shook his head a little but opened them to speak to you once more. “With you, I can see the error of my ways and my thinking. You make me stronger, and for it, my people as well. I only ask that you give me the chance to make you stronger for it as well.” His smile was so genuine, you couldn’t help but place your free hand over your beating heart.

“Duma...” For a moment, all you could say was his name and feel the heat reaching your cheeks. Your words caught in your throat and you stammered. “Y-yeah, this certainly is a different sort of proposal altogether isn’t it?” Once more, Duma’s laugh met your ears again and you calmed a little at that. He really was serious about this, wasn’t he?

“It seems with my respect you gained my love as well.” You would expect him to be hesitant to say such a thing to a human such as yourself but it seemed your words really did reach him…

“I-I’m sorry if I seemed so shocked, this sort of thing doesn’t happen every day...” You laughed a little yourself but Duma lifted one of his hands and cradled your cheek in it.

“You need not rush with this answer, I’m well aware it's a lot to take in. But I thought I may as well put these feelings out there and let you know-- you have changed me, _____, and it is for the better.”

“You know, I think that’s the first time you’ve called me by name, and not just Summoner...” You laughed a little and leaned into his hand. “Duma I… I don’t think I need think on it. I accept. Nothing would make me happier than staying by your side.”