「 Huntlea x Aria 」

Here's where I would warn about spoilers but no one but a Wattpad friend (who sadly left the app) read this because it was a fic I made out of spite for a character I made in Darkness Rises and because I was bored on my hiatus/not feeling well (it was either I was sick or on my period? I can't remember)...so yeah lol Read the book if you want a laugh because it's not great but it still holds a special place in my heart. But Darkness Rises the game? It's for mobile and it's so good.  No prior knowledge needed, it's a one-shot based off minor dialogue from the book that I decided would be cute to write. Pictures of the women are above. Also that book is #5 on the darkness rises tag for some reason, but not the point—Enjoy!

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Huntlea wrung her hands together nervously as she walked down the dirt path to the local tavern, her way only being lit by slowly dimming candles and fireflies.

It was kind of ironic to be fair. Though short in statute, Huntlea could kick quite a fight and was an excellent archer who battled demons and monsters every day to save the world.

And yet, she was terrified of going on a date with a shopkeeper (a very beautiful, tall and blonde shopkeeper).

Her friends, fellow adventurers, had assured her everything would be fine.

Then again, it was them who roped her into this.

Georgeanne, the tall, dark skinned and no-nonsense witch of the group, had called Aria—the shopkeeper—from across the town square with her big mouth to go on a date with Huntlea who immediately blushed furiously in indignation, ready to protest against this.

But then Aria blushed herself and had that bright, infectious smile she always wore on her face and nodded shyly saying she'd love to.

Huntlea chuckled at the memory, which did help her nerves a little.

Suddenly, on her trip down memory lane, Huntlea found herself at the tavern steps.

She looked up at the sign of the tavern with a gulp before taking a deep breath and opening the door with a creak and being swathed in a ray of light.

The tavern had never looked so empty in its entire existence, Huntlea imagined.

There were no rowdy patrons, no bards singing tales of woe, no burly bartenders to keep everyone in line.

But right now, there was just Aria sat at a middle table with two plates of what looked like some sort of pasta dish.

"Hi." She says sweetly, a beaming smile on her face upon seeing Huntlea enter.

Huntlea smiles back with less teeth and comes over to her date.

"To be honest...I'm kind of nervous. But also I'm glad Georgeanne and the others convinced me to do this." Huntlea explains as she takes off her bow, arrows and poncho to place them on her chair.

She tries not to think about the height disparity between her and Aria, who to the archer seems giant (problems with being a pixie among humans) as the human stands.

"I don't blame you. I was pretty nervous too. But I'm glad we are here together now. Are you hungry? I cooked something with the tavern chef's supervision."

"It smells delicious." Huntlea says, taking a moment to let the smell of the pasta waft through her nose before sitting down.

"So, how has your day been?" Aria asks as they sit down, making small talk.

"Eh," Huntlea shrugs, "you know, same old, same old. Life of a hero isn't as glamorous as it looks on the outside."

"Same for a shopkeeper." Aria replies, making them both laugh. "No, but my day was good. Got some new wares in for the shop. There were some beautiful items on sale at the market that I just had to buy! Oh, and there was this gorgeous sapphire ring that allows you to—"

Aria stops mid sentence, placing her hands in her lap and closing her mouth abruptly.

"I'm sorry," she apologizes sheepishly. "This is probably boring to you."

"What? No, no! Please go on! It's so much more interesting than hearing the grunts of orges all day!" Huntlea explains, making Aria laugh.

"Well, I'm glad to not bore you! Oh my! I forgot, would you like some red wine?"

"Oh...um...sure!" Huntlea says, hoping she doesn't sound too eager.

"How is everyone by the way? I feel like it's been a while since I've seen them." Aria asks once she's returned and gracefully pours two glasses.

"Well, Bellamira and Georgeanne are currently playing wingwomen for Aidan," Huntlea grimaced, "it's not going well."

"No?" Aria frowns.

"No." Huntlea parrots back. "I think Aidan should just ask the painter if he likes him himself. The worst the man can do is say no."

"Mm. Perhaps Aidan is afraid?"

"Of course he is. He's shy and gets flustered around pretty boys."

"So...like you with me?" Aria questions, titling her head to appear innocent, and Huntlea blushes, taken aback by the question.

"I—well—I walked into that one didn't I?"

Aria nods with a sheepish smile as she places her hand on top of Huntlea's on the table.

And Huntlea smiles at it. Because Aria's hand is comfortable and warm...and it just feels right.

"It's nice to just chat like this without the threat of the world at stake." Aria comments after a moment, taking a sip of her wine and not letting go of Huntlea's hand.

Huntlea beams and nods in agreement.

"Yeah...I agree." And squeezes Aria's hand in return.

They eat in silence for a while and chat about various things over the course of dinner.

Eventually, it's getting late.

Huntlea nor Aria want the night to end but the barkeep would eventually like his bar back and both are quite tired after the wonderful evening.

They walk in silence back to the castle where Huntlea stays, but it's not awkward. It's rather comfortable and Huntlea even takes the courage to Aria's hand (something that would be easy if she weren't so nervous).

"Well...this is me." Huntlea says once they arrive as though they both don't know what the castle gates look like.

Aria takes a moment to admire them all the same.

"Yes...so it is." Aria says, now turning her gaze down to Huntlea.

It's silent after that, neither of them moving. Huntlea glances between Aria's face and her lips but decides against it at the last minute.

"I enjoyed tonight...and thank you for walking me home." Aria gives her a knowing smile.

"Of course. Happy too. We should do this again."

"I agree." Huntlea replies as she gets through the gates and they shut behind her. She turns suddenly, wishing to say something to Aria, who waits patiently for her to speak.

"Um...I really like you. Goodnight, Aria."

"I really like you too. Goodnight Huntlea."

Huntlea watches as Aria leaves, waits til she disappears into the darkness before she starts walking towards the castle to return to her room.

The next morning, Aria pays the barkeep a generous sum for the renting of his bar and seems to be in a good mood all morning.

No one questions it (for truly they all know the truth).

Especially when Huntlea comes in the shop that afternoon, looking for a new bow which Aria gladly showcases with a warm smile.

And when Huntlea smiles back, everyone confirms their suspicions to be true.

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Final Notes

A lot more flowery prose in this chapter than I expected, I was reading stuff on the Picture of Dorian Gray a few days ago when I started writing this (don't question it—) so maybe that's to blame :')

ladyawesome45321 suggested I write a one-shot to get back into writing so kudos to her for the suggestion❤️ I figured this would be a good one since it doesn't require much thinking on my end (and you might like this one!)

Sometimes, you just need something to shut your brain off and that's exactly what this fic is <3

This game is a comfort for me but I haven't picked it up in a while. I've forgotten the game's lore so I don't even remember if Aria actually is her name or if I made it up—

(To be fair, this game is an RPG hack and slash/cosmetics type of game so story and lore aren't a priority. Also I kept mixing up my OCs names too whoops lol)

If you want to look up my OCs, they are in my OCs book "Helena" under the Brex Fang's Vengance section :)

BatgirlGeek❤️