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The foes who lurked in the tall grass were far from friendly, so you made your way through the vast fields with cautious steps. Of course you were more than capable of defending yourself if push came to shove, but you preferred to avoid confrontation if possible. You would kick yourself if you ended up tearing your new tunic, so you stuck to your stealthy approach.
It was the end of the lunar cycle, which meant you had some time off to do as you pleased and as usual you had decided to visit your friend Iji. He was a mysterious fellow who rarely talked about himself, but you preferred his company to anyone else's on this cursed continent. Many were afraid of him because of his size, but you knew he was very cautious in everything he did, especially when he was around you. Always scared to accidentally hurt you with his superior strength.
You appreciated that about him, his gentleness.
After about fifteen minutes of careful walking you spotted Iji's tall figure in the distance, looming over the landscape. He was sitting by his anvil as always, hammering away. As you approached, the sound of metal on metal got increasingly louder, then ceased suddenly when he noticed you heading towards him in the tall grass.
"My friend! It's good to see you." He told you warmly and you smiled.
"And you, Iji. How are you?"
He sighed as he placed his hammer on the ground next to the anvil, beckoning you closer.
"I've been worse, and better. Nothing out of the ordinary." He chuckled a little.
There was a smooth rock next to his anvil on which you always sat, so you lowered yourself onto it. "And you, how are you faring?"
"Not much different, I'm afraid. Although I suppose I should be grateful things aren't worse." You paused to arrange your clothes carefully, straightening out your tunic. "I've had a dreadful week, but seeing you improves my mood tenfold."
He huffed and you watched him wring his giant hands as if he was embarrassed.
"You shouldn't be wasting your precious time on an old fool like me… I'm sure there are others out there whose company you would enjoy just as much."
He had alluded to this sentiment many times in the past, and you always told him off as gently as possible, but sometimes you really wished he would finally understand that you didn't want to spend time with anyone else.
"Even if that were the truth I'd still rather be here with you than anyone else. You're my friend, Iji." You reached out to lay a hand on his arm. He probably barely felt your touch against his large body, but he seemed to relax a little nevertheless. You smiled. "Frankly, I'm a bit hurt, it almost seems like you don't want me here…"
"No!" He exclaimed, but quickly composed himself as you chuckled. "You know I value your company, please stay for as long as you like. I'm sorry for being so… doubtful. It's sometimes hard for me to imagine someone would genuinely like me."
"Iji, I-" You started, but he interrupted you with a shake of his head.
"Let's not speak of this anymore. I would like to hear about your time since we last spoke. How have you been?" He sounded almost exhausted, so you decided to let it go this time and told him about your work.
He listened attentively, asked questions now and then, and succeeded in making you feel better about the stressful weeks that laid behind you. Afterwards he told you of a weapon he had made recently, a large broadsword. He showed you his intricate sketches of the hilt and you traced the lines on the large page with your fingers.
"That's beautiful. I wish I had the funds to have you make something for me. Just something small, a dagger perhaps. Well, if you're able to make something that small at all." You both laughed, but Iji nodded.
"It would certainly be a challenge, but for you I would try with pleasure."
He closed his notebook and placed it back on his other side. It was strange to see his huge personal belongings next to any human-sized items, like the sword currently lying in the grass next to the notebook.
An icy gust of wind suddenly shook you from your thoughts. You pulled your cloak tighter around your shoulders, even as you shuddered.
"You are cold." Iji observed immediately and you smiled sheepishly.
"I should've worn my warm tunic, but I wanted to wear this new one instead." You explained. You couldn't see his face behind his helmet, but it seemed like he was observing you quietly for a moment.
"It suits you very well. Alas, it doesn't seem fit for this weather." He raised his hand slightly towards you. "May I?"
You nodded and his hand came to rest behind your back, cupping around you so you were protected from the wind. His hand gave off a pleasant warmth, so you immediately felt doubly comfortable.
"Thank you!"
He hummed in acknowledgement and the two of you fell back into your typically lighthearted conversation about your lives. After just a few minutes you ended up leaning comfortably into his hand and you heard the smile in his voice when he spoke next.
Hours later, when the sun began to set, you sighed heavily.
"I should be on my way if I want to make it home before nightfall." You said, trying to sound as neutral as possible even if you hated the thought of lying alone in your bed.
Of course Iji picked up on your unhappy tone of voice with ease.
"I suppose so, but are you alright? You don't usually hesitate to return home like this." He sounded genuinely worried, so you decided to tell him the truth.
"I've been suffering from dreadful nightmares these past weeks, and I'm afraid it'll happen again tonight."
"If you think it would help, you are most welcome to stay here, so I could watch over you, if you'd like." He offered and you felt your cheeks warm at his unconditional willingness to help you.
"That would be very kind of you, thank you. Are you sure you don't mind?"
You didn't want to burden him, although you were certain he would never feel burdened by you, the same way you would never feel burdened by him.
"I'm quite sure, yes. And I promise to wake you if you do end up having bad dreams." He told you as he was already gathering grass and a rough-hewn sack to turn into a makeshift bed for you.
"Oh, thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you." You mumbled shyly even as he shook his head.
"There's no need. It's what friends do, is it not?"
You smiled gratefully and began helping him set up the bed. A few minutes later you had placed it all next to him and sat down on top of it. He watched as you patted the surface to even out the bumps until you were satisfied. Finally, you laid down with a happy sigh.
"Good night, Iji."
"Good night and sweet dreams."
His hand came to rest next to you once more, undoubtedly an effort to provide you with warmth once again. You scooted a little closer so you could sling your arm across his hand, snuggling against it. You let out a yawn before you finally closed your eyes and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.
Iji watched you closely as you held onto him with your soft hands even as you slept. You were so small and gentle, but he knew not to underestimate you. There was a fire deep inside of you, and it burned brightly. Over the past few years of your acquaintance you had somehow spread that flame to him and now it grew bigger and brighter every time he was with you.
He knew it was foolish to feel this way, to let his old heart yearn for something he could not have. He had long since come to terms with it, but that didn't mean he wasn't savoring these moments with you.
Reaching over with his other hand, he carefully used two fingers to pull up your blanket, tucking you in tightly.
If only he could hold you in his arms instead… but this would do. Just being close to you like this was more than enough.