#sciel x reader

notes. i havent beaten the game yet... but who cares lol take this. enjoy it. take this lil short and sweet thing. happy new year <3 this was gonna have verso in it bc the idea did come from me thinking abt angst for him but i couldn't figure out how to word it so it was scrapped.

premise. you paint a picture of your lover.

includes. lune, sciel, and gustave.

warnings. spoilers for the game. gn!reader, vague canon, established relationship, fluff and angst, not proofread.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤdivider credit: dividers-are-us.

LUNE — is an artist at heart as well, though she's more drawn to music than the canvas. Still, art is something the two of you were able to bond over, even with all the worry of what tomorrow might bring (and what it might not). She knew you loved to paint, and she was always happy to encourage that passion of yours. When you brought up wanting to paint a portrait of her, she'd been... thrilled, maybe? A little nervous, for sure.

But she'd always thought about writing a song for you, so you wanting to paint a portrait of her was basically the same thing in her mind. You didn't ask her to pose for you, you wanted her in her natural element. She found that it'd be a little difficult to act natural, knowing you wanted to paint her, but the easy work around was just you not telling her when you were going to actually paint her.

And when you showed her the final results, she was absolutely blown away. It's just a simple thing; Lune caught up in her own little world, taking notes of the expedition by the camp's fire. The canvas was small, and she could tell there was so much you wanted to do with the piece, had you the canvas and paint to spare. But she doesn't care about the size. She's more than happy with the small portrait.

And THERE'S NOTHING FOR LUNE AND SCIEL for x READER.. like bruh

Since I'm out of town, imma replay the game when I get home and DO IT MYSELF!!! (hopefully)

Sciel (from Expedition 33) x Fem! Reader

CW: Death, angst, bit of spice

WC: 1.8k+

A/N: Not my typical stuff I write to celebrate New Year's, but I figured I'd let you guys read this before it goes to my other accounts. Hope you enjoy!

"You're up early."

She was leaning up against the balcony door frame, mug in hand, steam swirling up, and her gaze set on the monolith with the big number 34 on it. Today was the day. The Gommage. Those who were 34 are already deceased. Those who were 33 are next. That was me. I was one year older than her. We met when we were in our late twenties and have stayed together since. We never married. Even though we wanted to, we never did. We knew our fate.

She turned and a small smile formed on her lips, but it soon disappeared. Her head spun back around to face the monolith in the distance. Where the Paintress sat.

"Today's the day," she said.

"It is," I walked up beside her, resting my head on her shoulder.

"We have twenty four hours until you're," she stopped herself. "What do you want to do? Today is your day."

I peered outside to see there were rose petals littering the ground. Those who were next in the Gommage wore their outfits so they stood out from the normal people, the people who had years left to live, and the expeditioners. Some were solemn, others had some smiles on their faces. Others were drunk to the point the alcohol could kill them before they were erased away from existence. Others, well, others were ushered into homes with their loved ones, their partners. I had twenty four hours with Sciel. I was going to spend them with her until it was time.

"We should just stay in for the day."

"You don't want to say goodbye to the others? Gustave? Lune? Not even Maelle?"

"Ok, you got me with Maelle," I chuckled.

She was like our adopted daughter. She lost her parents to the Gommage. Gustave was also like a family figure to her. She didn't know what kind of figure, but he was of importance to her, just like how we were. Whenever she needed girl advice she'd come to us. Whenever she needed advice on fighting and on the project she was doing with Lune, she went to Gustave. She went to all four of us, actually. We were like her family. A family she is slowly losing. I will leave her behind in twenty four hours. Gustave, Lune, and Sciel will leave her in about a year. When that 33 turns into a 32.

"Come on, we should at least see her before you," she stopped herself again.

"I know it's hard for you," I said.

"We've been together since we were almost twenty seven."

"And those were the best damn six years of my life, Sciel," I said.

"We could have married, had a child."

"And then what?" I asked. "Leave him or her without parents? Who would raise a child? There's no one over the age of 34 anymore to look after a kid. Those who are left, those who remain, are barely old enough to look after themselves without someone. Look at Maelle. She has to rely on us, others because her parents are dead."

Sciel nodded, "Ok, maybe not have kids. But we could have at least married."

"Sciel," I placed my hand on her arm. "I wanted to. A year after we were dating, I wanted to go out and buy the most beautiful ring I could find. But I didn't."

"Why's that?"

I never told her what I had planned. That I had planned on asking her to marry me, to spend what little years we had together. But I knew in the end, I'd leave her. She'd be gone the year after me. It felt like it wasn't worth the hassle of being official when we knew deep down, if we had as much time as others, we would have married. We would have had kids.

"It just felt in vain to go through all of that knowing what the end was for us."

"Death comes for us all in the end."

"I know, but I just didn't want to get married, spend x amount of years together, and then die."

"I understand where you're coming from," she whispered.

"Believe me, Sciel," I stepped in front of her. "If I could marry you right now, without the hassle, without the papers, I would."

She chuckled and set her mug down, "Then why don't you? For this day only, we're married."

I smiled and got down on one knee, taking her hands in mine.

"Sciel, the minute I saw you swing that scythe in training, I knew you were the one for me," I chuckled. "You're strong, beautiful, and one hell of a fighter. I will always love and admire that about you. Even after death. Will you do the great honor and be my wife?"

"Yes, Y/N. A thousand times, yes," she smiled widely.

I stood up and pulled her in for a kiss. Which turned into a few pecks here and there before she turned it into a slow, sensual make out. It was full of heat and desire. She led me to the counter, in which she mumbled 'jump' against my lips.

I hopped onto the counter and her hands wrapped around my waist, the pads of her fingers running up and down my night shirt. My hands dug into her hair, making her already messy hair into more of a mess. Her one hand slipped between us and down my pajama pants and past the hem of my undergarments.

"Sciel," I breathed against her lips.

"Let me take care of you."

Her lips kissed at my neck and I tilted my head back, my mouth opening slightly as some moans came out. Her lips trailed from my neck to my collarbone, her fingers making their way to where I needed her to be.

"Sciel," I whispered.

"I got you, Y/N."

Right as we were about to get things even more heated, the bell rang, signaling that today was the day of the Gommage. Both of us sighed as the once silent streets started to grow louder. Kids were yelling and screaming, adults were trying to get them to settle down. It became more lively now.

"Fuck," I whispered.

"What a way to ruin a moment," Sciel laughed as she removed her hand.

"I didn't tell you to stop."

"No, you didn't. But we should at least move away from the balcony door.

"True, true," I hopped down from the counter and was led upstairs into our bedroom.

Once everything was said and done, the two of us sat in the bath for a bit, holding each other close, whispering sweet nothings to one another. When we dried off and I put on my outfit for the Gommage, I met Sciel downstairs, waiting for me. We were going to see Maelle for a little bit before we came back here to be with one another. She had her expedition outfit on, which might I say, she looked amazing in it. I sauntered up to her and pressed a kiss to her lips.

"It's a crime I'm only going to see this today," I chuckled.

"Why? You like it?"

"I do," my eyes trailed down to where it exposed her stomach. There was a scar on her right side.

"Gawk later," she grabbed my hand. "Maelle is waiting for us."

We left our shared apartment and headed into the streets. Others greeted us as we got closer and closer to the harbor. I hated how many people there were, but Sciel knew this is where Maelle would be. Since she was going to be here with Gustave later.

"Maelle!" Sciel called out to her.

She turned, smiled, and waved at us. We made our way over to her as Sciel pulled her into a hug.

"It's good to see you," Maelle said as she pulled away.

"Someone didn't want to see anyone today," Sciel eyed me.

"What?" I shrugged, laughing. "I get to spend my last day however I want to."

"And you didn't want to say goodbye?" Maelle poked at my arm. "Shame."

"When I said your name, she switched her tune."

Maelle smiled sadly at me. She pulled me in for another hug. I hugged her tightly and it didn't take long until both of us were crying.

"I don't want you to go," Maelle whispered.

"I know, Maelle, but we can't stop the Gommage."

"We will," Sciel placed her hand on my shoulder. "Expedition 33 will be the ones to stop the future Gommage."

"And protect the ones who come after," Maelle said.

"I'm counting on you guys," I whispered.

We spent a bit more time with Maelle, walking around the harbor, revisiting places Sciel and I loved to go to. When Gustave didn't arrive, Maelle went in search for him. The two of us returned to the apartment to where Sciel and I walked down memory lane. From the moment I laid eyes on her, to our first date, and to the many photos she had taken of where it was the two of us.

As the last few hours were ticking down, the two of us were on the couch together. I was snuggled up against Sciel with my head on her shoulder. Our hands were intertwined with one another's and we were just listening to the noise outside.

"If we had longer, what would you have done?" Sciel asked.

"Definitely marry you."

She giggled, "Aside from that."

"Just live. Live with you, with the others. Live until I took my last breath, naturally."

"Naturally," Sciel repeated.

"The Gommage, it's not natural."

"And yet we celebrate it like it is."

"There has to be something more to it."

"We will figure it out."

I looked up at Sciel and she looked down at me.

"I know you will. Because when one falls," I whispered.

"We continue."

I smiled and pressed my forehead against hers.

"I'm always going to be with you, Sciel. No matter what."

"I know," she tried to hold back a sob.

I reached up and placed my hand on her cheek, "One last time."

"Of course," she said and placed her lips against mine.

I could feel it. Right then and there. I lost all feeling in my limbs. Soon, there was a draft behind me that wasn't always there. I pulled away slightly and opened my eyes. The last thing I wanted to see was Sciel. Her eyes fluttered open and that was it.

"You holding up alright?" Gustave came over to me, sitting beside me.

It was one hell of a journey from Lumiere to the continent. The majority of the expedition was killed by the man on the beach. Thankfully the Gestrals welcomed me. It was a miracle that the others had found me. And that they were alive.

"I-I'm alright."

"I didn't see you at the harbor."

"I was with Y/N. In private."

"Oh," he whispered.

"This doesn't get any easier," I said.

"I know it doesn't. But we must move on. We must get to the Paintress. She's always going to be with you, Sciel."

"I know," I reached up and clutched a necklace.

Sciel x Fem! Reader CW: N/A WC: 1.9k+

It all felt surreal. Being here with her, laughing, smiling, holding her hand. Being able to call her mine. It all felt like this moment was going to end, but I refused to let it. I wanted to hold onto this moment for as long as we could. But she'll be leaving for the continent tomorrow with the expedition. While she should be with the others getting prepared, here she is, with me, in my apartment that should have been ours. I just hope that one day it will be ours.

"Hey, you should be getting some sleep," I said as Sciel reached over for the wine bottle.

"What? I can't indulge a bit tonight before we head out?"

"You can, but," I eyed at how half empty, or half full, the bottle was. "We both drank a lot."

"I know," she slowly poured the wine into the glass.

"Alright. You know your body better than anyone else."

"You're the second person for that," she sipped the wine.

I almost spat out my wine as she said that.

"Sciel!" I scolded.

She just chuckled before taking a sip.

"I meant that as you know your limit better than anyone."

"I know. I just love seeing you flustered."

"Could be the alcohol, too."

"Could be that," she set her cup down. "But I know how you are."

She leaned close to me and pressed her lips against mine. I smiled and kissed her back, pecking her lips a few more times before she pinned me to the couch.

The morning sun slowly came up and made its way through my window. My eyes slowly blinked open. Sciel was in front of me and my face was buried into her bare back. I just smiled and kissed her shoulder blade before I pressed my forehead against her spine. My eyes got heavy once more and I found myself drifting back to sleep.

"Y/N."

"Y/N."

I opened my eyes and found that my entire surrounding was black. I patted myself down and found I was in my nightclothes. My head slowly lifted and I found a man in front of me. He had a cane and wore some homey clothes. His hair was white and his beard was gray with some white in it.

"R-Renoir?"

"It's time for you to wake up, my dear."

"H-How did you?"

He raised his cane and set it down. It didn't even look like he set it down hard, but the sound of it echoed in the abyss we were in. I froze.

"No more questions, dear. You need to wake up. Now."

"P-Please, give me more time."

"You don't have any more time. You need to leave."

"Please, Renoir."

He raised his cane and set it down, the sound echoing louder this time.

"Do not make me do it myself."

I slowly nodded, "A-Alright."

I laid down in the abyss and closed my eyes. My hands pressed down on the ground and I forced myself up. What felt like an invisible force field prevented me from sitting up with ease. It was like I was trying to push myself out of water but the surface tension was that of something thicker and heavier. My eyes opened and I was face to face with a painting. I took a deep breath and reoriented myself for a moment before I turned to find Renoir. He was frozen in time, paint around his eyes. It was just him. Aline wasn't there. Alicia wasn't there either. Wait. Alicia. Where is Alicia? I remember her coming into the canvas. Do the others know?

"Ah," Renoir took a deep breath as his stiff body became more fluid. He turned and smiled, the paint clearing from around his eyes.

"There you are. Clea is waiting for you."

"R-Right."

"Go on."

I eyed the canvas before I left and headed towards the library. As I entered the library, Clea was sitting at a stool with a canvas in front of her. She turned her head and a smile formed on her face. She looked like Sciel. Maybe that was the reason why I ended up falling in love with her. But Clea, she wasn't Sciel. Sciel was so different from Clea. In terms of personality and how she holds herself, how people see her. Sure they might look similar, but there was something about Sciel. I don't know. Maybe it was because I was in the canvas for too long. Shit! What is going to happen to her whenever she wakes up?

As soon as she saw the state I was in, her smile disappeared. She let out a sigh as she put down her paint and brush. She wiped the wet paint from her hands with a rag and made her way towards me.

"Papa made you leave?"

"Yeah."

"It's a wonderful world in there, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"I don't blame you for not wanting to leave. It's so different from here," she eyed the library.

I nodded. She walked towards me and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"Something wrong?" she asked.

"It's just that."

"You met someone else."

I nodded.

"I don't blame you," she walked past me. "Not only were we married due to a peace treaty between The Painters and The Writers, it just felt--"

"Forced?"

"Yeah," she whispered. "Yeah it felt forced."

"Well, I did actually fall in love with you, Clea. Until I went into the painting."

"They did have a way with the people in that world."

"Don't get me wrong, Clea, you're a wonderful woman. You're talented, brilliant, beautiful," I smiled, my heart fluttering for just a moment, but flew away. "But you're not--"

"Her."

"You saw?"

"I popped in occasionally to check in on Papa and Maman. Same with Alicia. I came across you and that's when I found out," she sighed.

"Sciel."

"What drew you to her?"

"Her passion, her drive, her enthusiasm. Just everything--"

"I wasn't?" Clea asked.

"Everything I could have wanted. A relationship that didn't feel like it was forced. That I wasn't there for some greater purpose."

"I understand."

"I-I'm sorry, Clea."

She reached down and took my hand.

"Hey," she whispered. "You remember the day we met?"

"Yes," I chuckled.

The arranged marriage between Clea and I didn't go as planned. It was supposed to be arranged between a male relative of mine, but Clea hadn't come out yet. So whenever he came into the room, Clea stood up and announced she had a confession to make. And that was when she announced she was into women. I tried so hard not to laugh at everyone's expressions to the point where Clea saw me almost dying. She started to laugh and I began to laugh. Afterwards, we were the ones to have an arranged marriage.

"It was when I slowly started to fall in love with you," I spoke softly.

She reached up with her other hand and brushed my cheek with the back of her fingers.

"If you want to be with her," she started.

"Clea, please."

"Listen to me, Y/N. If you want to be with her, be with her."

"What about you? The treaty? Renoir will just come back to get me."

"I will think of something. Don't worry. I will try to stall him as much as I can."

"But if they succeed in their expedition, they'll live a long time."

"I know. I want you to live a long time with someone you want to love. Not someone you were forced to love."

"Clea," some tears started to form in my eyes.

She pulled me into her. I wrapped my arms tightly around her. Even if I hadn't loved her like I loved Sciel, she was still kind and gentle towards me.

"Can I ask you one thing before we do this?" she pulled away.

"Yeah."

"Will you write for me? One last time?"

"As long as you paint for me."

"Of course," she grabbed my hand once more and raised it to her face. She pressed a sweet kiss to my knuckles before we sat in our chairs in the library.

She pulled out a new canvas and I pulled out a typewriter. There was only one thing though: I couldn't take this painting into the world with me. I'll never be able to see it. But Clea, she'll have the last thing I wrote for her forever. But I couldn't think that now.

Once we were finished, I handed what I wrote for her in an envelope. She didn't reveal the painting she had made.

"How will I see it?" I asked.

"There's a way," she said.

"Do you know how?"

"I do."

"Will you tell me?"

She chuckled, "Once you're in there, I will come find you."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"How will I know its you?"

"You'll know. Now go. While Papa is still talking with Maman."

I leaned towards her and kissed her one last time. She led me to where the canvas was.

"I'll try to hide you in this world if Papa tries to get back into the canvas."

"Thanks."

I took one look at the painting and I slowly started to step back into the world of Lumiere.

"There you are."

I lifted my head up and found Clea standing in front of me.

"Clea."

"Seems you've made yourself a home here."

"Yeah."

"Where is she?"

"She's on the expedition."

"Right. To go after the Paintress. Did you at least see her before she left?"

"I did. I got there right in time."

"Good. Come with me. I want to show you something."

I followed her towards a secluded area of Lumiere. A paint brush materialized from thin air. She waved it in the air and a door appeared before us. It opened up and the interior was that of the manor.

"Whoa," I awed.

Clea stepped into the manor and held out her hand. I took it and she led me towards the library.

"I knew you weren't going to be able to take the painting with you. So I managed to recreate a version in this world."

"Did you read what I wrote?"

"No. I wanted to do this together."

"Then how did you bring that into this world?"

"I have my ways," she smirked.

"Ah, I see. A Dessendre secret."

We stopped and I stood before a canvas that was covered up. She grabbed the cover and removed it. It was a close up shot of two hands being held together at the pinky. The background was a field of roses with a sunset. However, when I looked closer, both of the pinkies were cracking, like the paint was flaking off. Clea took out the envelope and opened it up.

"Do you want me to read it aloud?"

"If you want to."

She cleared her throat before holding it up.

"Painted

One simple stroke of a brush And colors have appeared, Creating what seems to be A world of imagination. Anything could become something When it came from nothing.

A faint cry in the wind Carries on for miles and miles. Although no one hears it Or they choose to, but do not react.

All but you did. You opened your eyes, Your mind, Your heart, To this cry.

Holding it close in your hands, Your heart, You decide to lift the brush And paint once more.

Paint a life Where this cry Would turn into laughter Into a smile.

But in return, That cry never leaves."

The two of us look at one another and for the first time, at least I had seen with my own eyes, that Clea was crying.

"You always had a way with words," she said.

"And you had a way with colors."

"I love you, Y/N," Clea tried not to cry. "You don't have to say it back."

"I loved you."

She slowly nodded, "Go to her."

The doors to the manor closed, then reopened. Outside was her and the others. They turned as the door, to them, appeared from nowhere. I turned and my heart fluttered as I saw Sciel before me. However, she had a look of confusion more so than relief.

Sciel x Fem! Reader CW: Blood WC: 1.3k+

"Wow, look at them go," Maelle smiled as she watched Lune and Sciel spar against one another. "One day, I'm going to be just like them!"

"Maybe when you're able to wield a sword," I chuckled and rubbed her head, messing up her hair.

"Hey!" she playfully shoved me away.

"You're only ten, Maelle. What would Gustave think about you wanting to fight so early?"

"Didn't he start around my age?"

"Yes, but," there was no excuse for me.

"Exactly."

"I'm technically your guardian," I said. "And I say--"

I looked down at her and she was giving me that look. A look a child gives their mother or father when they want something. Most of the time the parents give in, other times the parent stands their ground. But with Maelle, well, she was different. When her parents died, I was the only closest person they knew. The other family members had died due to the Gommage or through previous expeditions. So it fell onto my shoulders to take care of Maelle. Do we have our moments? What family doesn't. Sure it may not be the typical family relationship, but she views me as the older sister she never had. And she was the younger sister I always wanted. 

"Let me talk to Gustave," I sighed.

She smiled and jumped happily. I couldn't take on the responsibility alone. And Gustave was another close friend to her family. So the two of us helped guide her.

"Thank you," she hugged me.

"You're welcome," I hugged her back.

"So," she pulled away from me. "When are you going to make a move on her?"

"On who?"

"Sciel," Maelle said a bit too loudly.

"Shh, Maelle!" I hissed, which caused her to chuckle. Kids. I swear. 

"When are you?"

"I-I don't know," I sighed.

"She's a good person for you, you know."

"I-I know," I sighed.

"Better than your previous girlfriend."

"We don't talk about her, alright. She's moved on. I've moved on."

"Then say something to her," Maelle gestured towards Sciel, who was taking a rest now.

"Fine," I said and walked over to her.

"Hey, Sciel," I greeted her.

"Hey, Y/N," she smiled and stood up, wiping some sweat from her forehead.

"You and Lune were really intense there," I said.

"Yeah. Sometimes I wish she'd be a little bit easier on me," she turned around to shout at Lune.

"It's not my fault you're rusty."

"One year," Sciel held up her index finger. "I hadn't trained for one year."

"Mind if I give it a shot?" I asked.

Sciel turned and nodded her head, "Yeah. Sure. I know you're also training to be on a future expedition."

"Yeah."

"How far have you got into your training?"

"We're actually using real weapons. Although dull."

"Those are the worst," Sciel sighed. "It's like trying to cut with a dull knife. It does more damage than a sharp one. Let's raise the stakes now, shall we?"

"A-Are you ok with that?"

"I was the one who suggested it. Are you ok with it?"

"Y-Yeah."

Sciel grabbed her scythe and I grabbed my weapon of choice. Maelle stood beside Lune as they were watching our sparring battle. It was probably for the best in case one of us wounds one another. Which I hope that isn't the case.

"Are you sure you should be using your actual weapons?" Lune asked.

"We'll be fine," Sciel said.

"Be careful," Maelle called out to us.

The two of us stared down one another, trying to figure out what kind of a move we'd make. Sciel moved to the left just a bit, calculating the first strike.

"Come on, Sciel," I chuckled. "Make the first move."

"Only when you do," she smirked.

Was the smirk one of those confident ones in battle? Or did she know? We were very close friends. We did a lot together and she'd even help me look after Maelle. Maelle even joked that we were like her mothers. Sciel laughed it off, but I couldn't tell if she was brushing it off or if she actually saw it that way. Saw me like how I see her.

"Y/N!" Maelle called out to me.

I picked my head up right as Sciel was about to attack. Auto pilot turned on in my brain and I swung upwards, getting Sciel right in the stomach. She landed on the ground, not even attempting to hit me back.

"Sciel!"

I rushed to her side as she fell onto the ground. A large wound was on the right side of her stomach. Lune and Maelle rushed over to the two of us.

"Shit, shit, shit," I whispered. "I-I'm so sorry, Sciel."

"Hey, hey, it's fine," she grunted as she moved herself into a sitting position.

"It's not fine. I hurt you," tears started to form in my eyes.

"It's training. It was my dumb idea to use our actual weapons. I'll pay the price for it."

"Stay with me, Sciel," I said.

Her breathing was getting heavier as the blood was constantly flowing. It wasn't going to stop.

"Sciel, lay down," I said.

She did just that, "E-Everything is getting foggy."

"Maelle, go get Gustave. Now!"

Maelle rushed off to where Gustave was. Lune grabbed a nearby rag and helped me apply pressure to the wound.

"Y/N," Sciel whispered.

"Stay with me, Sciel. Gustave is going to be here soon."

"Nice strike," she smiled at me.

"Now isn't the time for this, Sciel."

"But, it's true," her breathing was getting uneven. "If only--"

"If only what?"

"If only..."

"Sciel, hey, hey," I lightly smacked her cheek. "Stay awake now. You were saying 'if only'."

"If only you had..."

"Sciel? Sciel!"

"She's going to pull through," Lune sat down beside me.

"Good," I said. "I don't know what I would do if I accidentally killed her."

"Sciel is tough. She's a hard one to put down."

I shook my head, "I wouldn't forgive myself if she died."

"Something seems is bothering you. Aside from the fact that you almost killed Sciel."

"I-I don't know how to tell her, Lune."

"Tell her what?"

"How I feel about her."

Lune let out a small laugh before it turned into a chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

"I think Sciel should tell you."

I stood up and headed towards her room. I knocked on the door before I entered. Maelle was sitting with her.

"A moment, Maelle? Please."

She nodded and left the room, closing the door. I walked over and sat down beside her.

"I'm sorry about earlier."

"You hit hard, I'll tell you that," she smiled.

I laughed, "It was just auto pilot that kicked in."

"You seemed distracted while we were sparring."

"For those five minutes."

"And yet you were distracted. More so than normal. What's going on?"

"What were you going to say? Before you passed out due to the blood loss?"

"If only you had made the first move."

"W-What does that me--"

She cut me off as she leaned over and placed her lips lightly against mine. My eyes slowly widened before they fluttered closed. I reached up and placed my hand on her cheek. I kissed her back. She pulled away after a few moments and both of us smiled at one another.

"Y-You knew?"

"About what?"

"My feelings."

"No."

"T-Then how," I was stumbling over my words.

"I just decided to make the first move, regardless if you had feelings or not," Sciel said.

"So you just jumped right in?"

"Yeah."

My jaw dropped before I started to laugh. I reached over and playfully punched her in the shoulder.

"Sciel!"

She laughed, but soon winced because of her injury.

"I had an inkling you liked me. It was the small things that I noticed. Every time you'd glance my way and then quickly look at something else before I caught you. The way the back of your hand brushed up against mine when we walked together. You didn't do it to anyone else. To how you shook nervously anytime we were alone."

"So you just went off of a feeling?"

"Yeah. Turns out, I was right."

I smiled and pressed another kiss to her lips.

"How are you holding up?" "The doctor's said I'll be ok. I just need time to heal. It's going to leave one hell of a scar."

"A scar I caused."

"A scar that we will laugh over in a few years."

"Yeah," my eyes went from hers and down to the bandages.

"Hey, look at me."

I did as she said.

"Don't blame yourself for this," Sciel said.

"It's kind of hard to."

"It was my dumb idea to use real weapons. You were just acting based on your training."

"We're both to blame here."

"I can settle with that. Knowing you, you won't agree to me taking the blame."

"Because both of us are to blame here."

"I'm glad my stupid idea helped us come together."

I chuckled, "The only good idea you've ever had."

"Hey!"

I laughed and she shook her head.

"Thank you," she said. "For helping me."

Sciel x Fem! Reader

CW: Some angst

WC: 1.3k+

"You're eventually going to tell her, right?" Lune asked me.

"I-I might," I said.

"You better."

"Why's that?"

"She's talking to someone and she seems to be pretty head over heels."

"What?"

"Yeah."

"W-Who is this person?"

"His name is Pierre."

"I-I do recall her talking about him. Briefly, though."

"Well, seems they're hitting it off pretty well."

My heart sank. If only I had the courage, and balls, to tell Sciel my feelings for her. However, it was the same mindset most people have. I didn't want to ruin the friendship I already have with her. I didn't want to make things awkward between the two of us. But this has eaten at me for so long that even Sophie, whom I have rarely spoken to, knows. I think Maelle told her. It's obvious, though. And I think Sciel was maybe waiting for me to say something or she didn't know either. It doesn't matter now. She was already swooning over this guy. I'd feel like an ass telling her now while she may start a relationship with him.

"Look, they're coming over."

"Lune, I-I don't think I can do this," I stood up.

"I'll vouch for you."

"Thank you. I owe you."

I was quickly walking away as Sciel approached with Pierre behind her.

"Where's Y/N going?" she asked.

"She's not feeling well. So she's going to head home for the day."

"Feel better, Y/N!" Sciel called out to me.

I just waved and kept on walking.

"Who's that?" Pierre asked.

"One of my best friends," Sciel responded.

I could hear how happy she sounded when she told Pierre that. It is true. We became fast friends and inseparable. Wherever one went, the other followed. We were called one another's shadow. And we were always up to some mischief. They were right, though, since we've been together since we were teens. And of course with knowing our lives were going to be short anyway, might as well have some fun while it lasts.

I headed inside my apartment and closed the door. There were photos upon photos on the wall of Sciel and I, along with the others. My personal favorite is a sequence of Maelle and I making funny faces. Sciel comes along and joins in. Lune walks by and Maelle drags her in, followed by Gustave. Soon, all of us were making funny faces. It was a fun day since Maelle was feeling down as her parents' Gommage was coming. I head upstairs and lay down on my bed, closing my eyes.

A week has passed and I have avoided Sciel as much as I could. There would be times where she'd come knocking on my door, making sure I was alright. I'd fake cough and tell her I'm still not feeling any better. Maelle and Lune would visit with some soup to make it seem I was still sick to Sciel.

"You're just gonna run away from her?" Lune asked as she stirred her soup.

"Might as well. It's a ways away, but you'll be training for your expedition. It'll take up a lot of your time and we probably won't see each other as often."

"You can't run away from this, Y/N," Maelle said.

"And do what, Maelle? Tell her I've been in love with her ever since we met? Tell her that she should leave the guy she's with and be with me? I could never do that to her. She seems happy."

"She's not happy knowing you're pushing her away. And she can't understand why," Lune said.

"Did she tell you?"

"She asked me why you were avoiding basically everyone, her specifically."

"What did you tell her?"

"That you'll come to her in time."

"Better sooner rather than later, Y/N," Maelle said.

"I-I don't know."

"What have you been doing since you holed yourself up here?" Lune asked.

"Suppressing my feelings."

"That's not good, Y/N," they both said.

"I am trying to let my feelings fade for her, try to make them platonic instead of romantic."

"Indifference almost," Maelle said.

"Yeah. But without not ever wanting to see or speak to her. Because I don't know what I would do. It's making me physically sick not talking to her."

"Then talk to her!" they both scolded me.

"Y/N, this isn't healthy. You need to talk to her! Now!"

"Ok! Ok! Where is she?"

"The harbor."

I got up, quickly changed, and headed out of the apartment. I walked down to the harbor and found Sciel was there with some of the kids. My heart dropped into my stomach as I got closer and closer to her. My hands were in my pockets and were sweating like crazy. She picked her head up, caught my gaze, and smiled. A smile I haven't seen in a week. She ushered the kids away as she walked towards me.

"H-Hey, Sc--"

I was cutoff as she hugged me tightly.

"Feeling better?"

"Y-Yeah," I hugged her back.

"I was so worried," she sighed. "I'm glad Lune and Maelle were able to take care of you. But," she pulled away and found my eyes, a curious look in hers. "Why wouldn't you let me near you? Why were you avoiding me?"

"T-There's been something I've been meaning to tell you, Sciel."

"Go on."

"Ever since we were teenagers and met one another, ever since we hung out nearly almost every day, getting up to who knows what," I chuckled, which made her chuckle.

"I think the shenanigans that resulted in us getting caught was your fault, by the way. But go on."

"I started to realize that I loved you. In a platonic sense yet, but," I stopped short.

"In a romantic sense," she finished my sentence.

"Yes," I said shyly.

"Y/N," she reached over and grabbed my hand. "I always felt there was something more between us, but," she shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"I'm too late, aren't I?"

She nodded, "I apologize, Y/N. Pierre and I are dating."

I nodded and pulled her into a hug, "I'm happy for you."

"Don't lie. To yourself and to me."

"No, truly. I am. I am happy you're happy. I am happy that someone was able to tell you their feelings in a timely manner," I chuckled.

"This doesn't change anything, Y/N. I hope you know that."

"I know. I-I just," I took in a deep breath, trying not to let this sob out of my throat.

"I understand," she pulled away and I avoided her gaze. "I'll see you around?"

"Yeah," I whispered and spun on my heels.

I made my way back to the apartment, head down as tears slid down my face. Once I reached my apartment, only Maelle was there waiting for me. I think she knew how things were going to go since there were tissues waiting for me.

"I'm sorry, Y/N," Maelle said.

"Thanks, Maelle."

"Do you wish to be alone?"

"Yes."

She nodded and left. I locked the door behind her and went upstairs. I flopped down onto my bed and sobbed for the rest of the night. When my eyes became heavy and puffy, they closed on me and I found myself drifting off to sleep.

My eyes slowly blinked open to find the sun was casting through the window. The curtains were drawn back to let the sunlight in. The window was raised just a crack to let in the fresh air. It was a summer morning as the heat was already increasing. The buzzing of the insects could be heard and the cries of the birds signaled me to wake up. I stretched and got up. My eyes were still blurry with sleep as I made my way through my apartment. I headed downstairs, the sweet smell of a homemade breakfast flooded my senses. If I wasn't already awake, I was now.

"Morning sleepy head," a familiar voice rang out.

My eyes traveled to where the voice had come from. Standing by the stove was a woman, brown hair that was tied into a messy bun with some strands framing the side of her face. A scar ran across her nose and her hazel eyes glimmered as the sun danced behind her.

"Morning," I mumbled and made my way over to her.

She leaned towards me and pressed a kiss to my lips.

"Hungry?"

"Yeah."

"Good. I made you your favorite."