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Dragon!Reader x Hunters!Nordics – (Norway’s Ending: Neither)

Chapter 15: A Fate Worth Living For

The days went steadily along as you slowly recovered from your near death experience. You were healing slowly, but still a bit faster than most other people. The wounds did leave behind scars no matter what spell Lukas tried to cast over them, but honestly you didn’t mind them. Sure they might show up on your scales, some turning lighter or darker, but at least you were alive. A few battle scars didn’t bother you as much as it did everyone else.

Everyone took turns looking after you, changing your bandages until your wounds had closed over, and feeding you. All except Lukas, but you didn’t ask questions. Though you did want to know what was up with him. You didn’t like the feeding part, and after the first few days you finally forced them to let you feed yourself. You attempted to get out of bed a few times, only for Tino to somehow show up and force you to lay back down. You tried to convince him you were fine, but he wouldn’t have any of it.

So here you were, lying in bed and practically tucked into bed enough that you could barely move. You had a frown on your face as Tino brought in your dinner. Your mouth literally drooled at the smell of the stew.

Tino laughed at your funny expression, “Hungry, (Name)?”

You nodded and attempted to remove your arms from their confinement. No luck. Tino came to the side of the bed, and you knew what he was gonna try.

“Don’t even think about it Tino. I can feed myself. Now let me out of these blankets.”

“If I do that you’ll try to get up again.”

“It’s been about a week. I’m sure I’m fine to move around. Besides, I’ve dealt with worse before you guys came here,” you countered. You had actually gotten your right hand free, and now you were releasing you other hand. After it was undone, you quickly snatched up the bowl and spoon from Tino and proceeded to eat.

“So good~” you moaned as the hot stew melted in your mouth. This stew never got old no matter how many times you ate it. It was just that good.

The others watched you eat in silence, though Tino couldn’t help but giggle at your pleased smile. He was pleased that you were feeling much better, and that your wounds were healing up. Everyone was worried about you, however it was Lukas who was more worried than anyone else. Tino knew that Lukas blamed himself for letting you go when everyone told him it wasn’t. Lukas felt even worse when you came back gravely injured, and Tino heard him vow not to let to happen again. It had been three days after you woke up that Lukas had locked himself away in his tavern room. He didn’t even let Emil in when he called him ‘big brother’.

Something was up, and Tino knew you sensed something amiss too. Which is why he’s keeping such a close eye on you.

Emil and Matthias had come into the room…well more like Matthias came bursting into the room. You had jumped slightly, almost dropping your bowl in the process, as Matthias began talking loudly.

“Hey ya, everyone! How ya doing, (Name)? Still stuck in the bed?” The last part was a tease, causing you to glare at him.

“I’m doing fine, and if Tino wasn’t here I’d jump out of bed and strangle you.”

“Hahahaha! You sound just like Norge.”

That peaked your interest, “Now that you mention it, where is Lukas?”

“He’s locked himself up in his room, and won’t let anyone in,” Emil answered. “The tavern keeper said they deliver his food to him, but he doesn’t allow them in his room apparently.”

This worried you greatly. Something was either wrong or Lukas had a secret he didn’t want anyone to know about. Tino, who didn’t want you to strain yourself, put his hand on your shoulder. It was a very gentle touch as he knew both of your shoulder wounds were highly sore.

“Don’t worry, (Name). He’s probably still upset with himself about everything. He likes to dwell on things like this alone, so that he doesn’t worry us.”

“But he is worrying me,” you countered. “He’s been in that room since after I woke up. It’s not healthy and he’s doing the opposite and is making us worry more.”

Everyone was quiet until Matthias spoke up again, “Aww, let Norge stay in his room. He’s just gonna miss out on an awesome story night.”

“Story night?” everyone asked.

“Yeah, we can all tell awesome and heroic stories. Of course I doubt any of yours are as heroic as mine.”

You just rolled your eyes at him as he began to go on about his many adventures with the other hunters. He left out the dragon killing, probably knowing you wouldn’t like it very much. Hans and Rose even piped in to tell their own stories as well as Tino. This went late into the night until everyone had fallen asleep. It had been about 30 minutes or so since Tino fell asleep. You waited that long since you knew he was a light sleeper, and the moment he saw you get out of bed he’d be on you like a mother hen.

Ever so slowly you shifted yourself until your feet hit the cold wooden floor. Shivers went up your back at the contact, but you paid no mind. Your legs felt like they were numb at first since you hadn’t walked in about a good week or more. Taking hesitant steps, you made your way over to where your clothes were kept and grabbed something heavier. Your human body was still prone to the cold elements, so you wanted to stay warm.

After that was done and you put on your boots, you headed out of the house. The second you opened the door you were met with the chilly night air. Closing the door, you subconsciously hugged your coat closer to yourself as you made your way towards your favorite tree. You only wanted to spend a little time outside to at least get some fresh air. Being couped up in the home was getting far too stuffy for your liking.

Once you got to the tree, you summoned a small amount of flame to melt the snow around the base so you could sit without fear of getting wet. After that was done, you sat yourself down slowly to make sure you didn’t bump your shoulders. You gazed up at the stars as your mind, for the first time in a long while, focused on the present. All your adventures with the villagers and moments with the hunters. You carved these memories into your mind, so that when they left you’d always remember them.

Your ears perked up a bit as you began to hear crunching snow approaching from behind you. Glancing over your shoulder you saw Lukas walking up the hill. He held two cups in his hands, and whatever was in it was hot since you saw the steam rising from them.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in bed?” he asked blandly.

“I wanted some fresh air. Being couped up for that long would drive anyone crazy,” you chuckled.

He merely nodded his head in agreement, and proceeded to walk over to you.

Lukas handed you the cup of hot tea, careful not to spill any of it. Although, he seemed a little too careful in your opinion, but you brushed it off. You cupped your hands around the drink, ignoring the burning feeling on your palms. Being a dragon you didn’t feel the intense heat or cold, so sometimes it was a plus.

Lukas took a seat next to you and began drinking his own drink, which smelled bitter.

“What is that?” you inquired, nodding at the cup.

“Coffee,” taking another sip.

“Oh,” you mouth forming an ‘o’ as you blew on your tea.

Even after blowing on it a few times you still didn’t sip any of the tea. You were a bit focused on the stars more than anything. They seemed to shine a bit more brightly tonight, and you wanted to take in the sight. Lukas had begun to shift beside you impatiently. It was almost as if he was waiting for something to happen.

“Aren’t you going to drink your tea?” he asked, almost not being able to mask the slight annoyance in his voice.

“Of course. I’m just watching the stars.”

You brought the cup to your mouth, but right before the liquid touched your cold lips you stopped. You narrowed your eyes as you took a few deep sniffs of the drink. It was a very potent smell of (fav tea flavor), but there was something else in it. You couldn’t place your finger on it, but you knew this smell anywhere.

It smelled of magic.

You trusted Lukas fully, but this was something you wouldn’t ignore. You could feel Lukas watching you closely, so you glanced over to him. You had an accusing look in your eye, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Lukas?”

“Ja?”

“What did you put in this tea?”

“Just (fav tea). Why?”

“Do you mind explaining to me why I smell hints of magic in it?”

He paused, clearly he hadn’t thought you’d be able to smell whatever he had put into the drink. However, any nervousness he had vanished.

“It’s medicine to help you get better. I used my magic to create it.”

Your ears picked up something different though. His heart had begun to beat faster, indicating he was lying. That was a strike two in your book. You also knew he wouldn’t tell you, so…you did something you knew would get a reaction out of him. With one hand you held the tea away from you while the other you kept in your lap. Lukas watched you hesitantly, trying to figure out your plan. You then tipped the cup just enough so that a little of the liquid dropped to the floor.

Lukas went wide-eyed and lunged for the cup. You could see the fear in his eyes as you brought your hand up to stop him. It hurt your shoulders, but you ignored the stiff, biting pain. Your (e/c) eyes glowed as you used your dragon strength to hold him back. His eyes glared down at you as you glared right back.

“Now, I’ll ask again. What. Is. In. The. Tea?” you growled.

Lukas’ gaze faltered slightly, and you saw him swallow thickly as he became nervous. Not visually, of course, but you could sense it from him. He lowered his head to look at the ground, his arm losing its strength. He muttered something that you didn’t catch, which prompted you to ask him to speak up.

“It was supposed to turn you human.”

You froze in your place. Your muscles went solid, and your breathing stopped. Turn you human? Was that what he spent days on end for in his room?

“W-What?”

“I was trying to turn you human!” he shouted at you, finally making eye contact with you.

You continued to stare into those once dull, cold eyes that now held passion and warmth. For a man who never expressed what he was feeling, this must have been strange for him. This Lukas in front of you wasn’t the man you knew. He was almost desperate. But again, all you could ask was why.

“Why…Why do you want me to be human?” you asked. You listened intently for his answer. Not that you would consider it. A dragon to give up its wings was like asking for death’s embrace. To give up all freedom.

“I hate seeing you hurt because you are a dragon. Even after all this you will still be hunted and hurt. I can’t bare the thought of seeing you on the brink of death again!”

Now it was your turn to look at the ground. If that was his only reason for wanting you to be human, it was going to be enough. You wouldn’t give up your wings when you knew no matter what you’d always get hurt. Just like any other human who got hurt. It was inevitable.

“No,” you muttered, still not looking at him.

“Why?!” he snapped at you.

“You’re asking a dragon to give up what makes it a dragon. I’m not about to give up my wings and freedom, Lukas. Everyone gets hurt, no matter how it happens. My soul is tied to the skies, and I can’t even imagine living without it. Did you ever think to even ask me and give me a choice rather than force this onto me?”

“Didn’t you say you wished to be human? To live with them like a human?!”

“Aren’t I?”

“What?”

“What do you see before you right now?” you asked giving him a sad smile as tears built up in your eyes. “I live more days as a human than I do as a dragon, Lukas. Haven’t you noticed that? The only thing keeping me from being fully human are my eyes and my lifespan.”

He lowered his head again, attempting to fully take in your words. You were right in the fact that you spent most of your days as a human. You couldn’t control your lifespan though. He cared for you far too much to see you suffer after he had pasted away. He wanted to live and die with you. To be by your side forever if he could. Thinking now would be the best chance he would ever have, he let slip the three words that he held himself back from saying.

“Jeg elsker deg,” he whispered so softly that if you didn’t have good hearing you would have missed it.

Your eyes widened so much you thought they would fall out. You knew what those words meant, and they were words you had both feared and longed for. You heard it from the other villagers, but to hear it from someone you cared deeply for was a whole different situation.

You let go of him as you brought your hand down to your lap. The hand that had been holding the tea was brought down too. You held it in both hands as your head slowly lowered to look at it. Your heart was racing and your cheeks were a tint of pink. Lukas had been the first to find out your secret and ever since he has probably been the most worried about you. He truly did love and care about you.

“Please,” he whispered/begged. His hand had come up to your cheek to cup it in his glove covered hand.

He was gently trying to coax you to look up at him, but your head remained firmly down. You knew if you met his eyes that you would break down and give in. And against your better judgement, you looked up into his eyes. They held so much love and longing that you instantly melted, and tears trailed down your cheeks. Lukas quickly wiped them away and pulled you into a hug. You responded by burying your face into his chest.

Maybe this was another new beginning that fate decided to throw at you. However the question was whether or not you could endure it. Would you be able to live knowing you couldn’t shift and fly through the skies? Would you be able to live without being able to help and protect the village like you have always done? And if so who would protect the village in your place? So many questions…with little to no answers.

You knew the hunters would stay in this village. It was a gut feeling, but seeing as there were no more dragons besides you, they didn’t really need to travel around to hunt them anymore. They could live out their lives here in peace, and they wouldn’t have to worry about coin since you lived off the land.

“I-I love…you too, Lukas. But I…I just can’t,” you whimpered into his shirt as your sobs became audible.

His arms tightened around you as one slid up behind your neck to hold your head. He buried his face into your neck, but continued to stay silent. It was an intense silent moment, neither of you wanting to break it. He seemed to be thinking about something, but you didn’t know what it was. He then lifted his head up and pulled away to face you. You again looked into his deep eyes, noticing how they began to get closer to you.

Those eyes closed as his lips descended to yours, capturing them in a gentle, pure kiss. It was the first time you had ever been kissed this way, and you couldn’t help but instantly melt in his arms. His arms tightened their hold around you again to pull you closer to him. Your one free hand went up to cup his face as he proceeded to deepen the kiss. You could feel all the emotions he buried away pour into the kiss, and you began to kiss back just as deeply.

The kiss never got too heated, but that didn’t mean your need for oxygen went away. You both pulled apart, but kept your faces closer to each other. You didn’t want to part from him, and somehow it felt like something connected between you two. An unbreakable bond that couldn’t be torn apart.

Lukas slowly opened his eyes to look into your now open ones. He gazed intently at the serpentine slit of your pupils as something flashed through his eyes. You gve him a quesitoning look before he kissed you again, this time shorter, but never lacking the love and passion.

“I’ll make myself immortal…” he whispered to you breathlessly.

Your eyes widened in fear. If he did that he would never age, and those he loved would die before his eyes as he continued to live. Before you could utter a word he pressed a finger to your lips.

“I’ll make it so that when you die, I will die with you. Our fates will be intertwined.”

“B-But what about the others? What about your brother, and Tino, Berwald, and Matthias? You can’t just leave them all behind! They are your family!”

“And you are a part of our family now. My family. And I have no intention of leaving them behind. I will ask them if they want the spell cast on them as well. And we will both abide by it.”

You merely nodded as he pulled you up from your place. He then grabbed the tea from your hand, looked at it for a moment, and tossed the contents into the snow.

“Isn’t that a little dangerous? What if something else decides to consume that?” you asked him worriedly. Last thing you needed right now was a random bird or mammal eating the snow and becoming human.

“It should only work on dragons,” he stated simply. He then grabbed your hand and started to lead you towards the tavern.

You were slightly confused as to what he was doing, but let yourself be pulled by him. As you entered the tavern, you noticed that it quiet. Probably because it was so late and the fact that your village rarely got visitors. He then lead you to his room in the back of the building. It wasn’t too small, and neither was it too big. Two beds occupied the room next to each other while the left side was filled with plants and items of every sort.

Lukas let go of your hand and went over to pull out a specific book before placing it onto an unoccupied part of the desk. He then began to ground up various herbs while casting a spell here and there, making the mixture glow. He then held out his hand for you to grab, which you did without hesitation, but tried to pull it back a moment later with a hiss.

He had poked your finger with a needle, but didn’t let go of your wrist. He then collected the blood in a small vial and poured it into the mixture. This whole process confused you greatly as you watched him chant one final spell. The mixture combined into one solid green liquid as it settled in the bowl. Lukas then picked it up and turned to you, a look of determination in his eyes.

“Once I drink this the deed is done….are you sure you don’t wish to be human?” he asked one last time.

“I’m sure, but Lukas are you sure this is what you want? Dragons live for hundreds if not over a thousand years. Can you bare the pain of seeing those you care about disappear before your very eyes continuously?” you asked seriously.

He merely nodded before bringing the bowl’s contents to his lips and drinking the liquid. As soon as he drank the entire contents, he doubled over in pain. You ran to his side as you watched his body glow a reaction to whatever it was that was in the potion. You also felt a burning sensation arise in your chest as the seal was set. It lasted a few minutes, but once it was over Lukas was left with gasping breaths. He leaned into you and wrapped his arms around your shaking form as a genuine smile formed onto his lips.

“We are forever bond. And I will cherish and love you till the day we die,” he whispered lovingly to you. His words held so much more meaning than they usually did, and you felt like you could trust those words.

You nodded in agreement, “I promise to love too, Lukas. Until the end of our days and beyond them.”

You both fell asleep in each other’s arms after those words were said. You were both more than content about your chosen path, though a part of you was still unsure if it was the correct one.

Extended Ending~

In the days that followed, both you and Lukas had become extremely close. It was almost like the bond had a hand in it, but you knew it was because you had both finally told the other how you felt. You had never allowed yourself to become this close to anyone again in fear of losing them to time, but since you didn’t have to worry about that you felt no fear.

You had to practically force Lukas to tell the others what happened between you two and the spell. They were literally shocked at first at the mere mention of extending his life, but when found out his life was tied to yours they felt some relief. And after they were also given the option to continue living as the two of you did, they agreed to it. Emil’s answer was almost instant. He didn’t want to be separated from his brother. Tino and Berwald were hesitant at first, but the fact of living with the ones they had grown close forever won them over. Matthias of course was all for it and welcomed it completely.

That was about 10 years ago now.

Now you lived in content with Lukas as your husband. During this time Lukas had persuaded you into having a child with him, much to your hesitation. You had a son/daughter that was now 5 years old. He/She was entirely human save for their eyes that had a similar serpentine slit as you did. Whether or not they had a human’s or dragon’s life span was unknown, but whatever the outcome you knew they wouldn’t be alone.

The village life went on as normal, save for the occasional need for you to help with the hunting. John had named you and the hunters the official guardians of village’s traditions and history, knowing full well you would protect them with your lives. Rose and Hans had continued to support you through everything. Hans had made a perfect uncle, as well as Emil and the hunters, for your son/daughter. Rose played the big sister roll and helped take care of them. Rose and Hans had also come to finally figure out their feelings for one another as well, and they were now expecting their first child.

Everything seemed to be as fate had planned it to be. And you couldn’t have been more than happy with the results. You had your own family, and friends that would live with you till the end of your days.

Fate was as you had dreamed it to be.

The End~