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Chapter Text

The last shot echoed across the endless pines of Valhalla. A clean hit-target down. Simo had landed it, of course. Again.

You lay on your back in the tall grass, goggles slipping off your head, rifle forgotten at your side.

"I think my soul just ran out of batteries" You groaned, dramatically stretching your limbs like a cartoon ragdoll "Simoooo… my legs are gone. I can’t feel my legs, I think I’m dying"

"You’re not" came the dry reply.

He was already walking past you, reloading his rifle with an almost mechanical grace. No wasted movement. No reaction. Pure Simo.

"But I feel like I am" You insisted, rolling onto your stomach and crawling a few inches "Training was brutal today. All those wind calculations… It’s too much for my one brain cell!"

"You missed eight shots"

"Seven!" You pouted "And that last one grazed the edge! That’s like a moral victory!"

He paused. Barely. Just enough to let the silence speak volumes.

Then You sat up, huffed, and reached both arms out toward him like a needy little kid "Piggyback, please. My knees are in Valhalla within Valhalla. Come on, White Death... gimme mercy"

He didn’t turn around. Just exhaled quietly—one of those long, resigned breaths that carried centuries of patience.

"You’re ridiculous"
"But adorable"

Another pause. You could feel his internal sigh before it even happened.
Then… he crouched, just slightly, without a word.
Your eyes lit up.

"You’re actually letting me...? Simo! Awwww, I knew you liked me!"

He ignored that and muttered "Hurry up before I change my mind"

You scrambled up on his back like a koala, grinning ear to ear “This is the best day ever. You’re surprisingly sturdy. Do you do deadlifts, or are you just naturally built like a Finnish fortress?”

No reply. Just silent steps, steady and calm.

“Hey, Simo?”
“…What”
“If I fall asleep back here, will you carry me all the way to the camp?”

A beat.

"If you start snoring, I’m dropping you"
“Fair deal!"

****

The trees whispered softly as Simo walked, each of his steps firm and perfectly placed, like he’d memorized every root and stone in Valhalla. On his back, You was swaying slightly, arms loosely hooked around his shoulders like a sleepy barnacle.

“This is kinda nice” You hummed “You're like a very serious, weaponized pack mule”
“I am not a mule”
“No, you’re right. You’re more like a... hm... a walking sniper tower. With glutes of iron. Not bad, White Death”

He didn’t even flinch.

“I think you enjoy carrying me” You teased. “Admit it. I weigh like, what, one pocket of ammo to you?”
“Two. You talk too much”
“Yeah, but it fills the silence. Otherwise you’d just be out here with your thoughts. I’ve seen your thoughts, Simo. They sound like wind whistling through empty rifle barrels”
“…That’s preferable to you narrating your imagination”
“Oh, you heard that?” You giggled. “Ahem... Simo Häyhä, the Cold-Hearted Hero, secretly carries his tiny, chaotic partner through the endless snow, learning what it means to feel again.......”
“Stop”
“Too late, already in my mind”

He kept walking, but you noticed something… his pace had slowed just a little, like he wasn’t in a hurry to get back.

You leaned my head against the side of his, resting my chin on his shoulder. “Y’know… you could’ve just told me no back there”
“I did. You didn’t listen”
“Yeah, but you gave me a piggyback anyway, that’s not nothing”

He stayed quiet, but then… quietly:
“You remind me of a rabbit I once fed in winter”
“Wait, what?”
“Small, no sense of self-preservation, ate too fast, slept in my coat”
“…That’s literally me...”
“Hm”

You both fell into a calm silence for a few moments. The trees thinned, and basecamp finally came into view—low barracks made of ancient wood and steel, flags fluttering in the wind, and faint voices drifting from inside. Warriors from every age sat around bonfires, trading tales of gods and battles.

“Okay” You said suddenly “New plan, we walk into camp like this, and you say ‘This is my sniper. There are many like them, but this one is mine’ Deal?”
“No”
“Say it in Finnish?”
“No”
“Can I at least wave at Thor like this?”
“…Don’t provoke Thor again”

You giggled and gave a lazy wave to a confused Valkyrie as you passed.

Simo just kept walking, silent, steady, and, somewhere deep inside, maybe a little amused.

****

Simo had reached the edge of basecamp. Warriors lounged nearby, some watching, others wisely ignoring the fact that the deadliest sniper to ever live currently had a childish goblin (you) clinging to his back like a lazy backpack.

He stopped walking. You felt the shift in his shoulder muscles. Uh-oh.

“Get off” he said flatly, You blinked.
“Excuse me?”
“You can walk. We’re here”
“But my legs are emotionally paralyzed” You whined, tightening your grip.
“This is character bonding, Simo. Don't you want to unlock our friendship arc?”
“I want you to walk”
“Just five more minutes.”
“No”
“Two?”
“No”
“Thirty seconds and a dramatic sigh?”

He finally turned his head just enough to glare at you from the corner of his eye. “You are the most exhausting battle partner I have ever had”

You smiled proudly. “Thank you”
“That wasn’t a compliment”
“Oh, I took it as one”

There was a heavy silence between both of you. He was clearly on the edge of snapping, or ghosting you entirely by disappearing into the pine woods for the next thousand years.

You sighed dramatically again. Then leaned forward, and gave him a small, quick peck on the back of his head.
Just a kiss-soft and silly-right below the edge of his white hood.

He froze.

Absolutely still. Like a hawk that had just seen something unexpected. Like a man who’d never, ever been kissed on the back of the head by a fellow sniper.

You whispered “That was a thank you”

“…For what?”

“For carrying me. And for not dropping me off a cliff, even though you probably wanted to. And for letting me be annoying at you all day”

He didn’t respond right away.

Then, finally “You’re lucky you’re light”

“And cute?”

He started walking again, without saying yes or no, just carrying you the last few steps toward the camp.

But You swear, You swear, his visible cheek were just a little pink.

****

It was supposed to be a peaceful day.

Simo had taken the long route back from the Shadowlands, and you-being the precious little goblin you are-had once again taken up residence on his back. Not because you legs didn’t work, mind you. Just because you liked the view.

He didn’t argue this time. He just carried you like you was part of his loadout.

And then… both of you passed through the garden.

Buddha was lounging beneath a blooming plum tree, his lollipop lazily turning between his fingers. He cracked one eye open, spotted two of you, and grinned so wide it could’ve cut clouds in half.

“Well, well” he drawled, sitting up “White Death turned into a White Steed?”

Simo didn’t stop walking.

Buddha stood and started walking beside both of you with a swagger, peering at you like you was a rare artifact.

“You cling like a backpack” he said to you with amusement. “Is this some kind of... tactical strategy? Emotional support sniper?”

“I’m a limited edition” You chirped proudly “Only one in Valhalla”

Buddha turned to Simo “Didn’t know you were into this kind of accessory”

Simo kept walking. Silent. Focused. Eyes forward.

“Come on” Buddha grinned, leaning in slightly “You can tell me... She cast a spell on you or something?”

“She talks until I give up” Simo said flatly.

You gasped “That’s not true. I also vibe until you give up”

Buddha howled with laughter, actually stumbling a little “You’re a menace! I like you!”

He flicked his lollipop toward Simo’s shoulder “You know… I’ve fought Demons, Gods, Tyrants… but I don’t think I could carry that kind of chaotic energy on my back and live”

“You wouldn’t make it ten minutes” Simo said.

Was that… humor?

You grinned and rested your head against him again.

“You like me though” you said softly, smug.

Simo didn’t respond.

But Buddha caught it. His smirk sharpened.

“Look at him-blushing. Oh my Gods, Simo’s actually blushing. You’re redder than a fresh kill in snow”

Simo walked faster.

Buddha giggled “Run, White Death! Run from your feelings!”

“Both of you are insufferable” Simo muttered.

But he didn’t drop you.

And Buddha, laughing the whole way, just followed behind, calling out “Hey! Can I get a ride too? What’s the weight limit on Sniper Express?!”

THE END

Chapter Text

The night was thick with the eerie silence of the arena, the darkened stone walls casting long shadows that stretched across the ground. Hades stood there, tall and imposing, his crimson eyes gleaming with an intensity that made even the torches flicker nervously in his presence. His long, silver-white hair flowed behind him like a ghostly trail, and his expression was as cold and unreadable as ever.

You, on the other hand, had absolutely no intention of letting the moment be as serious as it seemed. With a playful skip in your step, you walked right up to the god of the Underworld, who didn’t even acknowledge your approach at first.

"Hey, Hades" you called out, your voice light and teasing.

His sharp gaze turned to you, his expression still as stoic as a statue. “What is it now?” His voice was as low as the rumble of thunder, though it held a bit of curiosity.

You beamed up at him, holding back the grin threatening to spread across your face. “I’ve got a request” you said, tapping your chin like you were deep in thought. “But I bet you won’t say yes”

“Try me” he said, one eyebrow arched, clearly intrigued by your sudden shift in tone.

Here it came. With an exaggerated serious face, you looked up at him and said, “Can I get a piggyback ride?”

For a split second, there was complete silence. Then, without warning, Hades burst into laughter - a deep, hearty laugh that shook his entire frame. His booming laughter echoed through the still night, reverberating off the stone walls.

“You... a piggyback?” he managed between breaths, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, still chuckling. "You have some nerve"

You blinked, completely caught off guard by the sheer force of his amusement. His deep laughter rumbled through the air, filling the space with an almost contagious energy. For a moment, you couldn’t help but chuckle too. After all, it wasn’t every day you made a god laugh like that.

“I wasn’t expecting that” he said, still grinning. “But I suppose you’ve earned it, haven’t you?”

You nodded, trying to look serious despite the mischief dancing in your eyes. “Come on, Hades. Just once! How many times will you get to do something this ridiculous?”

Hades wiped the last of his laughter away, his face returning to its usual unreadable calm. But there was something different about him now - an air of warmth, a break from his usual solemnity.

“I’m doing this for the sheer absurdity of it” he said with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes, but it was there - just enough to keep you intrigued. He knelt down in front of you, shifting his posture as if preparing to lift you.

“Get on” he said, his voice quieter now, though the amusement still lingered in his tone.

You eagerly climbed onto his back, feeling his muscles shift under your weight. Despite his towering figure, he moved with effortless grace, carrying you with a calm that only a god like Hades could manage.

As you settled in, you couldn’t help but laugh. “This is probably the most fun I’ve had in a while”

Hades glanced over his shoulder, his eyes flickering with something that might have been a smirk. “Don’t get used to it” he warned, though his tone had softened.

And so, the mighty god of the Underworld, known for his stoicism and control, walked through the arena with you on his back, the absurdity of the situation lingering in the air like an unspoken joke.

****

Hades continued walking with that same unflinching stride, carrying you effortlessly on his back. The quiet of the arena seemed to swallow the sound of your footsteps, leaving only the faint echo of his own as the two of you wandered through the still night.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Hades broke it with a question, his deep voice cutting through the quiet like a knife. “So, how’s the view from up here?”

You blinked, glancing around the arena from your new perch. The vastness of it all seemed even more overwhelming from his height, but you were already used to his towering figure. Grinning, you leaned forward slightly, teasing, “It’s... a little less impressive than I thought, actually. Mostly just your back”

Hades didn’t react immediately, though you could feel his amusement rising in the way he carried you with slightly more purpose now. A moment later, he glanced up at the sky, still serious but with a subtle edge of playfulness. “I suppose it’s a bit underwhelming. But then again, you are rather small”

The words hit you, and your playful side couldn’t resist. “I’m not that short” you huffed, smacking his broad shoulder lightly in a playful jab.

Hades paused for a moment, clearly not expecting it, and then erupted into a deep, hearty laugh. His rich laughter echoed across the stone walls of the arena, a sound that was both rare and, to your surprise, utterly infectious.

“You are a shorty” he teased, still chuckling as the sound rumbled from his chest.

You crossed your arms and shot him an exaggerated pout. “You’re impossible” you muttered, though your lips betrayed you with a small smile.

Hades’ laughter subsided, but the faint smile tugging at his lips lingered. “I think you’ve forgotten” he said, his voice a little lighter than before, “I’m a God. I could carry you for hours if I wanted.”

“Yeah, but you wouldn’t” you shot back, tapping his shoulder again, this time with a touch more force. “You’re too dignified for that, aren’t you?”

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with amusement as they met yours. “Perhaps. But you seem to be more trouble than you're worth, little one”

“Shorty” you corrected with a mischievous grin, nudging him once more.

Hades rolled his eyes, but there was something in his gaze that made it clear he was enjoying himself more than he’d ever admit. “Fine... Shorty...”

And with that, the God of the Underworld - always serious, always calculated - had a moment of genuine joy, brought on by your persistent teasing and the absurdity of the situation.

****

The stillness of the night wrapped around the two of you as Hades continued to carry you through the arena. The torchlight flickered, casting long, wavering shadows across the stone floor. You were both lost in the ease of the moment, with playful banter and rare moments of lightness shared between the god of the Underworld and yourself. For once, the imposing god didn’t seem so untouchable.

But then, an unexpected voice sliced through the air, cutting into the rare peace.

“What do we have here?”

You and Hades froze at the familiar voice, both of you immediately recognizing the speaker. Slowly, Hades turned his head to the side, his light purple eyes narrowing slightly, and you felt a small twinge of unease as you saw the unmistakable figure in the distance. Poseidon, God of the seas, stood at the edge of the arena, looking at the two of you with a mixture of surprise and confusion.

Poseidon’s eyes widened as he took in the sight. His gaze flicked from you - casually perched on Hades’ back - to Hades, who looked as unflappable as ever, despite the absurdity of the situation. Poseidon’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“What is this?” Poseidon asked, his voice carrying a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “Hades... a piggyback ride?”

Hades didn’t answer immediately, his eyes remaining steady on the sea God. You, on the other hand, felt the need to tease. “Looks like Hades is just helping me out. Doesn’t hurt to have some fun every once in a while, right?”

Poseidon’s gaze shifted back to Hades, searching for any sign that this was some kind of joke. “You’re really... giving someone a piggyback ride?” He repeated, his tone laden with confusion. “You, of all gods?”

You grinned, leaning in closer to Hades' shoulder, lowering your voice dramatically. “He’s surprisingly good at it, though. I’ve never felt so safe”

Hades didn’t react to your comment but instead glanced at Poseidon with an unreadable expression. “What’s the issue, Poseidon?” he asked calmly, though there was an edge to his words. “Is this some sort of problem for you?”

Poseidon stood there for a moment, clearly unsure of how to respond. His confusion was evident on his face, as he looked from Hades to you, trying to piece together what he was witnessing. The idea of Hades, the unshakeable god of the Underworld, doing something so... ridiculous, was completely foreign to him.

“Wait” Poseidon said, shaking his head, still processing the absurdity of the scene. “You’re just carrying her around like this? Is this some sort of trick? Some... odd training exercise?”

You couldn’t help but laugh at the way Poseidon was trying to wrap his mind around it all. “It’s not a trick, Poseidon. Just a little fun”

Hades’ voice broke through, his tone almost bored, but there was a subtle hint of amusement. “If you don’t mind, Poseidon, I’d rather not explain myself to you. You’re free to go if you’re so troubled”

Poseidon’s confusion didn’t seem to fade as quickly as he’d hoped. He took a few steps forward, his arms still crossed over his chest. “I don’t get it. This is so... unlike you” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head again. “You’re... the God of the Underworld, and yet, here you are, indulging in something so... trivial”

You leaned forward from Hades’ back, adding, “Yeah, I mean, you should try it sometime. It’s kind of fun”

Poseidon’s eyes shot back to you, clearly surprised that you were so at ease with the situation. “What kind of fun is this?” His gaze returned to Hades, still baffled. “You’re really okay with this?”

Hades glanced at you briefly before looking back at Poseidon, his expression calm as ever. “You’re not exactly in a position to judge what I do with my time”

Poseidon, despite still looking completely confused, threw his hands up in surrender. “Fine. Whatever. I’m not going to figure this out, am I?”

You could barely hold back a laugh at how out of his element Poseidon seemed. “Probably not” you teased. “But hey, we’re having fun, so that’s what matters”

Poseidon sighed, shaking his head as he turned to leave, though his confusion still lingered. “I don’t know what to make of this... but I’ll let you two get on with it. This is... too much for me”

You watched him walk away, still shaking his head, but you couldn’t help but laugh. “Looks like you’ve left Poseidon speechless”

Hades, whose stoic expression never wavered, let out a quiet sigh. “I doubt he’ll ever understand”

“Well, I think it was fun” you said, nudging him playfully. “And you’re not so bad at this ‘carrying people’ thing. You should try it more often”

Hades remained silent for a moment, though you could sense a subtle shift in the air. As Poseidon’s confused footsteps faded into the distance, you could tell that, for all his cool exterior, Hades was actually enjoying the break from his usual responsibilities - even if it was just for a moment.

THE END

Chapter Text

The afternoon sun beat down on the high school sports grounds, where students were scattering after a grueling joint PE and sumo training session. You wiped the sweat from your brow, watching Raiden Tameemon - the school's special sumo trainer - laughing heartily with a group of first-years.

At nearly seven feet tall and built like a living fortress, Raiden was impossible to miss. His broad shoulders, solid muscle, and boyish grin were as much a part of the school as the creaky gym floors and faded banners. Despite his size and reputation, he had a way of putting everyone at ease - booming laughs, teasing jabs, and that sparkling glint in his eyes.

You shifted your weight, wincing. You had twisted your ankle during a demonstration earlier - a stupid mistake you hadn’t wanted to admit to anyone. But now it was swelling, and walking was becoming a real problem.

Raiden noticed immediately. He jogged over, each step like a small quake, crouching slightly to meet your gaze, worry flickering across his usually playful face.

"Oi, Sensei, you alright?" he asked, voice low and rough but genuinely concerned.

"I'm fine, Raiden-Sensei" you lied, attempting a step and immediately regretting it.

He frowned "Doesn’t look fine"

Before you could protest, Raiden bent down and - with frightening ease - hoisted you onto his back, your legs dangling helplessly.

"Raiden-Sensei!" you yelped, clutching onto his broad shoulders instinctively. His skin was warm and solid under your hands, muscles flexing lightly with every movement.

"Relax, you're lighter than a feather" he teased, flashing you a grin over his shoulder "Compared to some of the boys I train, you're nothing"

Students nearby giggled and whispered excitedly, but Raiden didn’t care. He carried you like it was the most natural thing in the world, his long strides making quick work of the distance back toward the school building.

"You know, you should lean on me more" he said, voice half-joking but with an undertone of sincerity "Not just when you bust your foot"

Your heart skipped a beat. You wondered if he realized how serious his words sounded.

"Thanks, Raiden" you murmured, realizing you didn't add "Sensei", pressing your forehead lightly against his broad back, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing.

He chuckled softly, shifting you slightly higher with one arm, effortlessly "Anytime, Sensei. After all, it's my job to carry the team... and you too, if you need it"

And for once, you didn’t mind relying on someone else, especially not someone like him.

****

Raiden’s massive frame practically filled the hallway as he carried you through the school building. Students stepped aside with a mixture of awe and amusement, but he didn’t seem to care about the attention. He was focused, one arm securely supporting you, the other effortlessly opening doors like they weighed nothing.

"You know, you're lucky" Raiden said, shooting you a quick grin over his shoulder "Most folks gotta win a tournament to get a piggyback from me"

You couldn't help but laugh despite yourself. His easy humor was contagious. Still, your ankle throbbed in protest, and you winced.

He felt it immediately. His grin softened "Hey, don’t push yourself. We're almost there"

The infirmary door creaked open under his hand. Inside, it was cool and quiet, the faint scent of antiseptic in the air. The school nurse, half-asleep at her desk, startled awake when she saw the two of you.

"What happened...?"

"Sensei here took a tumble" Raiden said lightly, kneeling carefully so you could slide off his back without putting pressure on your bad ankle. His hands lingered just long enough to steady you, warm and grounding.

The nurse hurried over with a wheelchair, fussing, but Raiden waved her off gently.

"I'll stay" he said, setting his large hands on his hips "Make sure she didn't try to run away."

You glared at him half-heartedly "I'm not running anywhere"

"Exactly" he said with a wink "Not with that ankle"

As the nurse began tending to you, Raiden grabbed a chair far too small for him and sat down nearby, elbows resting on his wide knees, watching you with a kind of patient protectiveness. He was normally all booming laughter and sharp teasing - but now, there was a different air about him. Quiet, attentive, almost... gentle.

You glanced at him as the nurse wrapped your ankle.

"You didn’t have to carry me, you know" you said, cheeks warm.

Raiden shrugged, his long hair falling into his face a little "I wanted to. You're important, yeah? Gotta take care of good people"

His smile was easy, but his eyes - deep and earnest - told you he meant every word.

You opened your mouth to reply, but words caught somewhere in your throat. Maybe it was the way he said it so naturally, like it wasn’t even a big deal. Maybe it was how safe you felt around someone so impossibly strong, yet so disarmingly soft.

"...Thank you, Raiden" you said finally, voice low.

He leaned back in the tiny chair with a satisfied smirk, crossing his huge arms over his chest.

"Anytime, Sensei" he said, voice like a promise. "You just say the word"

THE END

Chapter Text

The battle had ended hours ago. Smoke still curled from the shattered ground of the battlefield, now eerily silent. Broken stone, scorched earth, and traces of divine power lingered in the air.

In the middle of the wreckage, a small figure wandered, barefoot, trembling, her face streaked with ash and tears. A little girl, no older than six, calling out in a hoarse voice:

“Mommy? Mommy… where are you?”

Her voice echoed faintly, lost in the vast emptiness.

She stumbled over a fallen slab of stone and fell to her knees, tears brimming again. Just as she was about to cry, a shadow fell over her.

Massive. Still.

She looked up—and her breath caught.

It was Thor, the God of Thunder. Towering, crimson-haired, his eyes calm like the quiet before a storm. Mjölnir rested at his side, still sparking faintly. His expression unreadable.

The girl stared, frozen. Thor said nothing.

Then, without a word, he knelt. One massive hand extended and gently lifted her from the ground - effortlessly, with just one hand - as if she weighed nothing. His grip was firm but careful, like one holding a fragile leaf.

The girl clung to him in confusion but didn’t cry. His quiet presence felt… safe.

Thor walked through the rubble with long strides, his eyes scanning until he saw her-a woman, bruised and dirt-covered, frantic, calling out the same name.

“Sweetheart!”

“Mommy!”

Thor stopped a few feet away and lowered the child to the ground.

The little girl ran into her mother’s arms. They embraced tightly, both crying.

Then the girl turned around, wiping her tears, and looked at the red-haired god.

“Thank you, mister…”

But Thor didn’t respond. He simply looked at her for a second, no smile, no nod, then turned around.

Mjölnir hummed at his side as he walked away, silent as the sky before thunder.

****

Years passed.

The once-burning battlefield was now a quiet village rebuilt on the same land. Life had returned - fields green, laughter in the air, children running where gods once fought.

Among them was the girl, now fifteen. Tall for her age, with strong legs from running errands all day, and fire in her eyes. She had never forgotten that day. The day a God - The God - carried her to safety without a word. That silent strength stayed with her. It became her compass.

And today, The Thunder returned.

The villagers paused as the air grew heavy. Cattle stirred. Leaves trembled. A crack of lightning split the sky in the far mountains.

Then she saw him.

Thor.

Still as immense and quiet as she remembered. His red hair flowed in the wind. His eyes, storm-gray. He stood near the forest’s edge, as if waiting for something, or someone.

Her heart skipped.

She didn’t hesitate. She walked up to him, past the hesitant villagers, stopping a few feet away.

“…You probably don’t remember me” she said, voice steady but soft “Years ago, I was just a kid, lost after the battle. You carried me back to my mom… with one hand. You didn’t say anything. But you saved me”

Thor didn’t move at first. Then, slowly, his eyes met hers.

“You’ve grown” he said simply.

The first words he ever spoke to her.

She blinked, stunned, then smiled.

“I made a promise to myself” she said “To become strong enough that, if I ever saw you again, I wouldn’t just say thank you. I’d stand beside you. Or at least… not be a burden”

Thor looked at her quietly, then tilted his head ever so slightly.

“…You are not weak...”

Silence, and then...

"Prove it when we meet again..."

That was all. But for her, it was everything.

Then, like before, he turned and walked away - back into the misty woods, thunder trailing behind him.

But this time, She didn’t feel left behind.
She felt acknowledged.

THE END

Chapter Text

Nikola Tesla adjusted his goggles, sparks crackling from the strange contraption strapped to his back. His lab glowed with a pulsing blue light, coils buzzing and humming with raw energy. He turned to you, his eyes shining with excitement.

“I need your assistance!” he declared, dramatically pointing at you with a gloved hand “For science!”

You blinked “What kind of assistance?”

Tesla grinned “Simple. I need to test the stability and power conduction of my new Gravity Manipulation Harness under live weight. That means…” He crouched slightly and patted his back “…you’ll need to get on”

“Wait...? you want me to ride you? Like a piggyback?”

“Precisely!” he said, straightening with confidence “Fear not! You’ll be perfectly safe. Probably. Eighty percent. Perhaps seventy...”

You stared. He stared back, smiling wider. Eventually, you sighed, climbed onto his back, and wrapped your arms around his shoulders.

The moment your weight settled, Tesla let out a thrilled laugh “Ah! The additional load! I can feel the data flowing already!”

With a flick of a switch, the device roared to life, and suddenly you were both airborne, soaring through the lab. Tesla darted between coils and monitors with shocking speed, his balance uncannily stable even with you on his back.

You clung tighter, shouting over the wind “Are you sure this is safe?!”

Tesla laughed again, exhilarated “Science waits for no one! This is the path to truth!”

Eventually, the ride slowed, and Tesla gently landed. He looked over his shoulder, grin triumphant “How was that, my brave experimental partner?”

You were breathless, heart racing “Terrifying"

“Perfect!” he said, scribbling notes on a clipboard with one hand while still giving you a piggyback with the other.
“Next up, testing the harness underwater!”

You groaned “Do I get hazard pay for this?”

He tilted his head. “You get the honor of scientific immortality!” He added a wink "And my heart, of course..."

And just like that, he started marching toward the indoor pool, sparks flying in his wake, with you still hanging on.

****

“Ready?” Tesla asked, crouching again with that familiar, mad-scientist gleam in his eyes.

“No” you replied flatly, but climbed onto his back anyway.

He chuckled, flipping a switch on the side of his suit “Perfect answer”

The Gravity Harness roared to life, and the two of you blasted off through the lab, zipping between electrical coils like a jet-fueled backpack ride. You held on tight, squealing and laughing as wind rushed past your face.

“This is actually kinda fun...”

CLANK!!!

Tesla miscalculated a turn. His boot clipped a metal railing, and the next thing you knew, the world tilted sideways.

“Wait, wait, WAIT!”

THUMP!

You hit the floor with a soft crash, not painful but very, very embarrassing. Tesla landed a second later with all the grace of a malfunctioning drone.

Silence.

Then a sniffle.

Tesla blinked and turned. You sat there on the lab floor, tears welling up in your eyes, lips trembling.

“Y-You dropped me,” you choked out, loud sob escaping “You said this was for SCIENCE! I believed in you! Huaaaaa!”

Tesla froze, eyes wide in sheer panic.

“Oh no no no no... please don’t cry!” he stammered, rushing to your side “I can fix it! I’ll adjust the stabilizers, and reinforce the... wait, that’s not helpful right now... uh... uh...”

You sob louder. Tears were streaming now. “My butt hurts but also my heart…”

Tesla's face fell.

And then, with uncharacteristic gentleness, he reached out, cupped your cheeks, and leaned in.

He kissed your forehead softly.

It was quiet. Warm. A little shaky, but genuine.

“I’m sorry” he said, voice lower, calmer. “I never meant to hurt you. You’re far more precious than any experiment”

You stared up at him, wide-eyed and still teary. “Really?”

“I would let my lab explode before I let you fall again” he said with absolute seriousness. “…Though ideally, neither of those will happen”

You blinked.

Then burst into laughter through your tears.

Tesla sighed in relief, pulling you gently into a hug. “Crisis averted. Emotional data logged. And… I think I’m in love with my test subject”

You sniffed. “You owe me foods as compensations... And a helmet”

He grinned. “Deal.”

****

Tesla adjusted the straps on your shoulders with meticulous care “This, my dear assistant, is the Aetheric Emotion Amplifier 3.1! It translates strong feelings into visible energy waves”

You blinked “You made a machine that reacts to... feelings?”

“Yes!” he beamed, wires crackling around his gloves “And your emotional spectrum is uniquely reactive. Especially to - well - me, it seems”

Before you could react, he cupped your face, his fingers warm against your cheeks, and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

BOOM.

The machine behind you sparked violently, bursting into a rainbow arc of static. You screamed and stumbled backward, right off the platform.

THUD.

You hit the ground with a dramatic plop, eyes brimming with tears. “I.. hic.. I trusted you!!”

Tesla’s face fell. He rushed down, skidding beside you “No! No no... my precious assistant... test subject of my heart... I didn’t mean to let you fall!”

Your bottom lip quivered. “I think my heart broke before the amplifier did…”

Tesla leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to your forehead again “Then I shall personally reboot both, starting with this kiss”

Suddenly, a soft voice drifted from behind:

“How fascinating…”

You both turned.

Gondul stood by the door, serene as ever, a small smile tugging at her lips. Her long light blonde hair glowed under the lab light, and her soft eyes studied you two like a research paper.

“Lord Tesla” she said in her usual graceful tone “are you running live trials on intimate touch reactions again?”

Tesla straightened up with a sheepish laugh. “Ah, Gondul! Yes! And with remarkable success... well, aside from the fall. But look at the data spikes!”

He gestured at the console where heart rate graphs were climbing like a love-struck mountain range.

Gondul approached slowly, kneeling beside you.

“Are you hurt my Lady?” she asked softly.

You sniffled "Physically and emotionally…”

She nodded and looked at Tesla “Your approach needs fine-tuning. Next time, secure emotional support as well as physical elevation”

Tesla bowed like a chastised child. “Yes, yes, wise as ever”

Gondul gave you a small smile “Still... I think it’s sweet. The way you affect each other’s energy fields” She gently helped you sit up, then looked to Tesla “You may be the mind behind the machine, but she’s clearly its power source”

Tesla blinked “That... might be the most romantic scientific compliment I’ve ever heard”

Gondul stood up and bow “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I came to borrow a plasma stabilizer. Do continue your… ‘research’. Carefully”

As she left, you leaned against Tesla with a sigh. “So… what’s the next experiment?”

He grinned, tightening his hold on you protectively.

“Something soft. No falling. Just... stable, mutual affection testing”

You laughed softly “That sounds like the best experiment yet”

Chapter Text

“Come ooonnn! You’re totally limping!”

Anubis bounced on the balls of his feet in front of you, grinning ear to ear beneath his jackal mask, tail wagging excitedly. Yes, tail wagging.

“I am not limping” you said through gritted teeth, trying to walk past him like everything was fine. You were sore, yes, but you weren’t about to admit defeat. Not in front of the most hyperactive God of Death ever.

Anubis darted in front of you again, crouching low with his back to you “Piggyback time! Let’s go!”

“No way. I’m not getting carried like a sack of potatoes by a hyperactive jackal”

He gasped loudly and dramatically, ears perking and tail instantly freezing “Wha...? Hyperactive? Sack of potatoes?!”

You raised an eyebrow. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

He whirled around, standing tall and crossing his arms, tail drooping now “Wow. I offer my divine back - the back that carried souls to the afterlife, mind you - and you reject it? Reject me?”

“Anubis…”

He sniffed, turning away dramatically like he was in some tragic play. “Fine. Walk with your poor, aching mortal legs. Leave me, your loyal piggyback provider, alone in my sorrow”

He curled himself, making him look like a giant sulking ball.
You stared at his slumped shoulders. He even made a soft whimpering noise.

“…You’re really sulking right now, aren’t you?”

He peeked over his shoulder with big, sad puppy eyes (or jackal eyes?), tail barely twitching. “Just a little…”

You groaned and rubbed your face. “Okay, okay! You win! I’ll take the piggyback!”

“YES!!” He instantly perked up, tail wagging like crazy. He squatted again, hands reaching behind him. “Climb aboard! The Great Anubis is ready for liftoff!”

You climbed on with a resigned sigh, wrapping your arms loosely around his shoulders “If you drop me—”

“I’d never! You’re precious cargo!” he beamed, then took off at a light jog, your feet swinging a little.

You clung a bit tighter. “Hey! Slow down!”

He laughed, bounding forward with ease. “Too late! This jackal’s got energy for days!”

As ridiculous as it was… you couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips.

“…Thanks, Anubis”

“Anytime, partner!”

And just like that, your sore muscles didn’t feel so bad anymore - not with your overenthusiastic god of death carrying you like he was born for it.

****

You were starting to enjoy the ride.
Anubis was surprisingly smooth, and the rhythmic bounce of his steps was almost soothing, in a weird, adrenaline-fueled way.

Then you noticed his ears twitching with excitement.

“Hey” he said, voice bright “You hungry?”
“What? Right now?” You blinked.
“Yup!” he grinned “I packed snacks!”
“Wait, what kind of God brings snacks on a piggyback ride?!”
“This one!” With one arm still under your legs, he reached into a hidden pouch tied to his belt and pulled out...

“A granola bar?”
“A divine granola bar!” he declared proudly. “Handmade by Aphrodite. Extra energy! Want a bite?”

“You’re offering me snacks while carrying me?”

“Onboard service, baby!” he winked. “Five-star rating, please!”

You sighed, laughing as you leaned over his shoulder and took a bite. “...Okay, that’s actually good”

“Told ya! I’ve got dried mango too... Oh, wait, that’s Cerberus’s... never mind”

“Why do you have snacks for Cerberus?”

“Long story... Lots of barking...”

You rested your chin on his shoulder with a smile “You’re ridiculous”

“Ridiculously awesome” he replied, tossing you another snack “Catch!”

You did not catch.
The granola bar bonked off your forehead.

“…Close enough” Anubis chuckled.

****

You were finally adjusting to being on Anubis’s back — and then, of course, chaos struck.

“Yo, Anubis!” a voice rang out. You both turned.

Hermes zipped up beside you, his sandals barely touching the ground. “Piggyback racing now, huh? You challenging me?”

Anubis grinned, eyes gleaming. “Oh? Feeling brave, mailman?”

Hermes scoffed. “I’m literally The God of Gpeed”

“I’m The God of Death! Speed is no use if you trip and die!”

“…Did you just threaten me during a piggyback ride?” you whispered.

Anubis cracked his neck. “Hold on tight, sweetheart”

“Wait.... No...!!”

“3, 2, 1....GO!”

And just like that, you were flying.

Anubis bolted down the path, sprinting like a madman, with Hermes hot on his heels. Wind rushed past your face. Trees blurred. You screamed. Anubis laughed like this was the greatest day of his afterlife.

“ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!”

“NEVER! Just trying to win!”

Hermes zipped past you for a second, then Anubis swerved, leaped over a small boulder, and gained the lead again.

“You’re cheating!” Hermes shouted.

“It’s only cheating if you get caught!” Anubis howled back.

“ANUBIS!!” you yelled.

“What? You said no piggyback ride, but now you’re in the VIP Grand Prix Experience!”

“Let me off this crazy jackal!!”

“Only if I lose — and I never lose!"

****

It had been a few days since the “Great Piggyback Grand Prix,” and peace had finally returned to your legs, and your pride.

You were strolling through the gardens near the Valkyries’ quarters, enjoying the quiet breeze and pretending like nothing ever happened. Then…

A shadow passed behind you.

You froze.

“Don’t” you said without turning around.

A very familiar, energetic voice responded behind you.

“…Don’t what?”

You spun around. “Don’t sneak up on me again, Anubis”

He grinned, hands behind his back like he was innocent. “Me? Never”

His tail twitched.

Your eyes narrowed. “What’s behind your back?”

“Nothing”
“Anubis”
“…Snacks”
“You brought snacks again?!”
“For us!” he defended. “And also maybe… a little surprise”
“…What kind of surprise?”

Suddenly... too fast.... you were off the ground again.

“ANUBIS!”

“Gotchaaa~!”

He had you on his back before you could blink, practically dancing forward with you secured against him.

“This again?!” you yelped.

“Yup! My favorite mortal’s feet should never touch the ground,” he said proudly, tail wagging like crazy “You're officially under the Eternal Piggyback Protection Plan”

You smacked his shoulder lightly. “You are so annoying!”

“And yet, here you are, holding on again”

You tried to be mad. You really did. But his warmth, that stupid wiggly tail, and the joyful bounce in his step… it all made you smile.

“…You're lucky you're cute” you muttered.

He froze for a beat.

“…Wait, say that again?”
“What?”
“You called me cute!”
“I didn’t”
“YOU DID!”

THere he goes... Whimpering like a lost puppy...

You just smiling

“I WILL JUMP OFF”
“But you love it up here”
“…Shut up”

Anubis just laughed, bounding off with you once again.

And honestly?

You didn’t want to get down.

THE END

Chapter Text

"Ne, wanna ride on my back?"

You looked up from your spot under the tree, raising a brow. Okita Souji stood in front of you, grinning like a kid about to start trouble.

"Why would I?" you asked, suspicious.

He turned around and crouched without answering, patting his shoulder invitingly. "No reason. I just feel like giving you a piggyback. Come on. It'll be fun"

"You’re so random"

"And yet you're still hanging out with me" he shot back, glancing over his shoulder with a cheeky smile. “Which means part of you likes it”

You groaned, but your curiosity, and maybe the way the sun hit his tousled hair just right, got the better of you "Fine"

He lit up as you climbed onto his back. His hands hooked under your legs, and with no effort at all, he stood and started walking.

“See? Not bad, huh?” he said, shifting you into a more comfortable position “You fit back there perfectly. Like you belong there”

You scoffed “Smooth”
“I know” he beamed “It’s a talent”
He continue "You're heavy"
You smacked his head.
He just laugh "But i dont mind"
You rolled your eyes.

As he carried you through the quiet garden path, you rested your chin on his shoulder, catching the subtle scent of his clothes, like clean steel and early morning air.

“You’re warm” you murmured before you could stop yourself.

His step hitched for a second. Then, quieter than before, he said “Careful. If you keep saying stuff like that, I might get used to carrying you”

You smirked “Maybe I’ll let you”

Chapter Text

You should have known better.

“Come on! I’ve got four arms—this is practically a deluxe piggyback ride!” Shiva beamed at you, crouched down and patting his muscular back like a proud taxi.

You squinted “Are you sure about this? Last time you accidentally high-fived someone mid-carry and I nearly flew into a tree”

“Pfft... That was one time. I’ve improved!” he said, flexing dramatically with all four arms “I’m steady as a rock now. C’mon!”

You sighed “Fine. But if I end up airborne again, I’m suing”

You hopped on, gripping his shoulders. For a solid three seconds, everything was perfect. The wind in your hair, the slight bounce of each step, this felt like riding a majestic, overly enthusiastic god-horse.

Then he saw a butterfly.

“OH LOOK! A MONARCH!” Shiva gasped, swerving so fast you got whiplash. One arm tried to catch it mid-run, the others flailed for balance, and one somehow slapped a tree.

In slow motion, you felt your grip loosen.

“SHIVA!!!”

SPLAT...

You were on the ground.
Dignity? Gone.
Elbow? Scraped.
Mood? Absolutely betrayed.

Shiva stood over you, wide-eyed “I—I didn’t mean to yeet you!”

You groaned “You threw me like a sack of rice!”

He tried to help you up “I’ll make it up to you! I’ll carry you with two arms only! Like a bridal carry! Romantic and less chaotic!”

You glared “You’re banned! From piggybacking! For life!”

Since that day, anytime he crouched and said, “Just one more ride?”, you’d back away like he was offering a grenade.

Chapter Text

The sun filters through the towering trees, dappling the forest trail with golden light. The breeze is cool but carries the warmth of midday, brushing your cheeks as you walk beside Leonidas.

His footsteps are heavy but steady, like each one is punching the earth in quiet defiance. He walks a little ahead, the long red cape trailing behind him, swaying with his movements like a living flame.

You can’t help but admire how solid he looks in the sunlight, tall, bronze-almost-skinned, muscles carved like marble, and confidence practically oozing off of him like heat from a forge. He turns his head, catching you staring, and flashes you a grin that somehow feels like both a challenge and a tease.

“Tired already?” he says with a cocked brow.

"No" you lie, trying not to show how your legs ache from the long hike.

He squints at you knowingly "Don’t lie to a Spartan. We trained to spot weakness from a mile away"

You fold your arms, narrowing your eyes. "Then why even ask?"

Leonidas lets out a loud laugh that bounces through the trees "Because it’s more fun when you try to act tough"

Before you can shoot back a retort, he turns, crouches slightly, and pats his shoulder "Come on. Get on"

You blink "What?"

"Piggyback. Unless you want me to throw you over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes, which I’m more than happy to do"

You hesitate, but his expression is firm and challenging, like refusing would be a greater insult than any weakness. With a sigh (and maybe a secretly excited flutter in your chest), you step up and climb onto his back.

His hands grip under your thighs effortlessly, lifting you with a casual strength that makes your heart skip. His back is broad, impossibly warm, and you feel the tension in your own shoulders melt almost instantly. You're suddenly hyper-aware of every motion, his breathing, the subtle sway of his gait, the way his armor creaks slightly with each step.

"This okay?" he asks, voice softer now, no teasing.

You nod "Yeah. This is...nice"

He hums, pleased "Told you. Spartans are built for carrying the weight of others"

The silence that follows is peaceful. Birds sing overhead, and the occasional rustle of leaves fills the air like nature’s lullaby. You rest your cheek gently against his shoulder, closing your eyes for a moment. The rhythm of his steps is hypnotic.

"You’re not too heavy" he says suddenly. "Even if you were, I’d still carry you"

"Is that supposed to be sweet?" you murmur, peeking at him through half-lidded eyes.

"Damn right it is" he grunts "I don’t say it often, but... I like having you close"

Your heart flutters again, and you tighten your arms around his shoulders just a bit more. He doesn’t complain, in fact, he shifts his grip slightly to hold you more securely, like he’s afraid you’ll slip away if he lets go for even a second.

Time seems to slow. The trail, the trees, the breeze, it all blurs, because the only thing that matters is the feeling of being carried by him, grounded by his strength, protected by his presence.

No war
No pain
No pressure

Just this moment, this shared stillness, where your heartbeat syncs with his.

Eventually, he speaks again, quieter this time.

"If you ever get tired of walking through this world... I’ll carry you the rest of the way"

You don’t answer with words. You don’t need to. Your arms tighten just a little more, and you feel him smile against the wind.

And for the rest of the afternoon, he doesn’t let you down once.

Chapter Text

The trail leading up Mount Tenkai was steep, littered with jagged stones and twisting roots. You had insisted on following Susano’o, claiming you wouldn’t fall behind. And for a while, you didn’t. Not until you reached a slope where the path gave way to sheer stubborn earth.

You huffed and paused, trying not to show fatigue, but of course, he noticed.

Susano’o stopped ahead of you, his broad shoulders facing the golden dusk. He didn’t turn around right away.

"You’re slow" His voice, low and flat, lacked any malice, just stating a fact, as usual.

You narrowed your eyes "I'm pacing myself"

A beat. Then he turned, expression unreadable behind his narrowed eyes and stern face "You're going to ruin the view for me if I have to keep waiting"

You blinked "You could always go ahead"

"Hmph" He crouched down without warning, back to you "Get on"

"…What?"
"I’m not repeating myself"
"…Seriously?"
"Don’t make me force you up"

You stared.
Susano’o, the terrifying "Godslayer" was offering..
No...
Demanding...
You to climb onto his back.
And by the set of his jaw, he wasn’t joking.

"I’m not hurt" you said, still processing.

"If you were, I wouldn’t be offering" he snapped, glancing over his shoulder "You can walk if you want, but I’ll be at the summit before you take ten steps. And I’d rather not spend the next hour listening to you stumble"

You climbed on, more to spite his smugness than out of actual exhaustion. His back was solid, heat radiating through the rough fabric of his robes. With surprising ease, he rose and began walking again, faster than before.

"…You’re enjoying this" you muttered.

"I don’t carry just anyone" he replied "Consider it an honor"

You rolled your eyes, but your grip around his shoulders tightened a little, just for balance.

Yeah
Maybe it was an honor
But you’d never admit that out loud

****

The higher Susano’o climbed, the quieter the world became.

The wind had softened, brushing through the trees like whispers of some ancient language only the gods understood. From this height, even the sprawling city below looked small, fleeting.
Insignificant.

But Susano’o moved like it didn’t matter. Like the world could collapse behind him and he wouldn’t flinch, as long as he had already made up his mind.

And right now, his mind had apparently decided to carry you up the whole damn mountain.

You weren’t even tired anymore. Not physically, anyway. But wrapped around his back like this, with your chin grazing the side of his neck and the steady rhythm of his stride lulling you into something too soft to be called simply comfort… well. It did something strange to your heartbeat.

"Do you do this often?" you asked, mostly to cut the silence "Give piggybacks to the people you call slow?"

"No" he said immediately.

You waited, expecting a smug add-on like ‘You’re lucky’ or ‘You’re not people.’ But nothing came.

"…Then why me?"

He didn’t answer.

Just when you were about to tease him for clamming up, his voice came, quiet, low, almost thoughtful.

"You don’t complain"

That made you blink "What?"

"You don’t whine. You struggle, but you keep going. You get mad, but you don’t give up" His shoulders shifted as he adjusted you slightly higher, his grip secure beneath your knees "That’s rare. Even among gods"

You swallowed hard. That wasn’t something he would say lightly.

"I wasn’t going to let you fall behind" he added, like it was obvious "You’re the one who insists on following me everywhere. I’m just… letting you keep up"

"By carrying me?"

He exhaled through his nose "By honoring you"

You snorted "Right. How noble of you"

There was a beat of silence before you both started laughing, his being more of a low chuckle, rare and rough, the kind of sound you’d only ever heard in battle or when he was dangerously amused. But now it was warm.
Earthy.
Real.

Eventually, you reached a clearing near the summit. The trees opened to a wide view of the world below, bathed in amber light, the horizon dipped in gold and purple.

Susano’o crouched and let you slide off gently.

You stood behind him, arms still tingling from where they had looped around his neck.

He stared out at the view, arms crossed, expression unreadable again. Then, as if thinking aloud "You weigh less than I expected"

You smirked "That’s your way of saying I’m light on my feet?"

"No. That’s my way of saying you could’ve gone farther"

You rolled your eyes "You’re impossible"

But then he glanced at you , just slightly, just enough "And you’re stubborn. You won’t say what you feel, even when it’s obvious"

"…Oh?" You tilted your head "What do you think I feel?"

"I don’t know" he said simply “But I know what I feel"

He paused.

And then, his voice came steady. Calm. Serious as always, but softer.

"I love you"

The words were dropped like stones into still water, no drama, no buildup. Just the truth. Laid bare. Offered, like the way he offered his back earlier, with quiet certainty.

You froze, caught between breath and heartbeat.

And then, he glanced forward again, not waiting for a reply.

"Whether it’s carrying you, fighting you, or just standing beside you, doesn’t matter. I love it"

You didn’t answer right away.

Because maybe he meant he loved giving you a piggyback.

Maybe he meant something else entirely.

But with the sun dipping behind the peaks and Susano’o standing beside you like an unshakable force of nature, you didn’t need to know exactly which it was.

Not yet.

THE END

Chapter Text

You only stubbed your toe.

On a cloud, no less.

It wasn’t even dramatic, just a soft "thud" followed by a polite "ow" But apparently, in Eden, this counts as a full-blown medical emergency.

Eve gasps like she just watched you fall off a mountain "You’re limping!"

"I’m not limping" you say, definitely limping.

"She’s limping" Eve mutters to Adam. "Adam! Do something! She’s limping!"

He glances at your foot, then at you, then back at the apple in his hand, then back at you again. He takes a bite, chews slowly, then, without a word, turns around and crouches down.

"Get on" he says.

You blink "Get on?"

"A parent should take care of their child" he adds calmly, like you didn’t just say that you’re a fully functional, independent adult.

"I’m not your..."

"You stubbed your toe on air" Eve interjects, placing a hand on her hip "And you’ve been surviving off pomegranate juice and mild sarcasm. You need parenting"

"Seriously, I’m fine..."

Adam doesn’t even wait. He just reaches back, grabs you by the waist, and lifts you up like you're a sack of holy potatoes.

"ADAM!"

You're on his back before you can blink, arms instinctively wrapping around his shoulders, legs dangling uselessly behind you. The worst part? It's actually... comfortable. Stupid broad shoulders. Stupid warmth. Stupid faint smell of apples and sunshine.

“EVE!” you raised your voice to Eve.

"I’m obeying orders" he replies with a faint smile.

Eve walks beside the two of you, humming contentedly "See? Look how much happier she is. This is what family looks like"

You bury your face in Adam’s shoulder to hide your blush "This is what embarrassment looks like"

But it’s hard to stay mad. Adam’s pace is steady, each step so smooth it feels like floating. He doesn't say much, but he doesn’t have to. The silence is warm with him. Safe.

"..You really think I’m like your kid?" you ask after a while, your voice quiet.

Eve looks at you with soft eyes, a little sad but still smiling "Not like. You are"

"But I’m not even ..." you say "Not really. I’m just… here. With you"

Adam tilts his head back slightly "You’re with us. That’s enough" While Eve is patting your head cheerfully.

There’s a pause. You don’t know why it makes your chest feel funny. Maybe it’s the way they says it... so sure. Like they are accepted you into this odd little garden family without question.

Maybe it’s the part of you that never really had a place before.

"...I’m really heavy, you know" you murmur, trying to lighten the mood.

"You're really not" Adam replies instantly.

Eve snorts "He once carried a tree for fun. You’re like a very soft stick"

"Gee, thanks"

Adam suddenly bounces you slightly higher on his back, and you squeak in surprise.

"See? Light as a leaf" he says, and now he’s definitely teasing you.

You rest your chin on his shoulder, one hand hold Eve's hand, watching the clouds drift by. It’s peaceful. Almost too peaceful.

"You know this is going to be super awkward when someone from Valhalla sees us, right?" you mutter.

Eve hums "They’ll live"

"And if they laugh?"

Adam murmurs "I’ll carry you faster"

You chuckle. Eve does too. And for a moment, the three of you just… are. A strange little family in a garden that shouldn’t exist. A child who isn’t really theirs, carried on the back of the world’s first man, surrounded by sunlight and affection and second chances.

Eventually, your eyes grow heavy. Adam doesn’t comment on it. He just shifts his grip so you won’t fall. Eve reaches up and tucks a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

And just before you drift off, you hear her whisper :

"You’re home now"

It’s funny.

You never knew being taken care of could feel like this.

Bittersweet. But warm.

And somehow... right.

Chapter Text

It started with a bet.

A ridiculous, meaningless bet, just the way Loki liked them.

You’d been lounging in the courtyard of Valhalla, the sky a perfect shade of purple-orange, when Loki flopped beside you with a grin that spelled trouble.

"Let’s make it interesting" he said, twirling a coin between his fingers "If I win, I get a wish. Anything I want"

You eyed him, suspicious "And if I win?"

"I’ll carry you around on my back like royalty"

You raised an eyebrow "That’s not even remotely fair"

He smirked "I never said it was. That’s what makes it fun"

You agreed anyway.

The game? Something trivial : how many times you could flip a coin and catch it in a row.

You were decent.
He was a god of mischief.
The outcome should’ve been obvious.

But on the third round, the coin slipped through his fingers. It hit the ground with a soft clink, and he pouted dramatically.

"Oh no" he drawled, placing a hand to his chest like a tragic actor "Looks like you win"

"You let me win"

"Did I?" His eyes glinted "Or are you just that good?"

He crouched down in front of you, shoulders presented like a throne.

"Up you go"

You climbed on reluctantly, arms wrapped around his neck, the scent of something strange and wild clinging to him : smoke, metal, rain. Loki’s fingers gripped your thighs with practiced ease as he began to walk through the golden halls.

"You know" you murmured "You’re really bad at pretending to lose"

"And yet" he said over his shoulder "You’re still the one blushing on my back"

Your silence made him chuckle.

****

---Days Later---

You were the one to suggest the next game.

"You sure you want to risk another piggyback?" Loki asked, amused, dangling a playing card between his fingers.

"I won last time" you replied "Maybe I’ll win again"

"Maybe" he echoed with a smirk.

This time it was card guessing : guess the suit, win the round. A 50/50 chance.

And still...
You lost...
Every round...

You narrowed your eyes at the final card. "You rigged this"

He leaned in close, lips curved like a crescent moon "Of course I did. But not the way you think..."

"What way, then?"

"The way where you think you lost"

Before you could even answer, he turned around again, crouching.

"What are you doing?"

"I won, remember? That means you should be giving me a ride" He looked over his shoulder, grin wicked "But I suppose I like the view from here better"

You sighed, but your heart skipped as you climbed onto his back again.

He carried you without complaint, like you weighed nothing, strolling lazily through the halls of the gods.

"Why do you keep giving me piggybacks even when I lose?" you asked quietly, resting your chin on his shoulder.

His voice was softer than usual "Because when you’re up here, you’re not looking away from me"

You froze.
That wasn’t a tease.
Not really.

And then he added, light and playful "Plus, your thighs are excellent armrests"

There it was.

"You’re impossible"

"I’m Loki"

****

---Weeks Later---

The bets became routine. An excuse, really. Some days you won. Some days you definitely didn’t. But no matter the outcome, the ending was the same...

His back.
Your arms.
That soft grin you tried not to think about too hard.

Until one day, you asked him.

"Why do you really do it?"

"Do what?" he said, carrying you through a garden full of stars.

"Let me win. Or lose. Whatever it is you’re doing"

He was quiet for once.

Then, without looking back, he said, "Because I like carrying you. And not just physically"

Your fingers gripped his shoulder tighter, startled.

He glanced over his shoulder, smile more tender than usual "But don’t worry, Little Gambler. Next time, we’ll raise the stakes"

"What’s next?" you asked, voice breathless.

Loki winked "Next time, loser has to confess something they’ve been hiding"

And just like that, he walked off with you on his back, his warmth against yours, your heartbeat betraying everything you hadn’t said yet.

Chapter Text

You should’ve known better than to challenge a sugar-obsessed god with a permanent smug grin. But no, you had to open your mouth.

“If I win, you carry me for an hour. If you win, I carry you”

Buddha quirks a brow, casually sucking on a lollipop like he’s got all eternity to waste. “You sure about that, cupcake?”

You nod with the confidence.

Three seconds later, you’re dangling over Buddha’s back like a sack of potatoes with dignity issues. Turns out, Buddha has inhuman reflexes, overwhelming charisma, and an unfair addiction to scissors in rock-paper-scissors.

“Whoops” he chirps, adjusting you over his shoulder “Guess I gotta carry your sorry ass now. Man, I hate winning”

“You seem thrilled” you mutter, clinging for dear life as he strolls off — barefoot, of course.

The first ten minutes are tolerable. He walks with the ease of someone who’s transcended the need for leg day. But then you realize he’s stopping every five steps to pick up some kind of snack.

He buys cotton candy. Doesn’t offer you any. Just shoves the whole thing in his mouth, still somehow talking.

“Mmmph... You know what’d make this better?” he mumbles “If you were heavier. Like, 200 pounds heavier. This is barely cardio”

“I’m trying not to be a burden” you growl, gripping his shoulders.

“No... no... you are a burden” he corrects sweetly, licking sugar off his fingers “But a light one. Which is kind of disappointing, honestly”

You briefly consider sliding off and making a break for it, but then he starts spinning. Just — casually twirling in circles. With you on his back.

“I call this move the Sugar Whirl” he grins.

“BUDDHA! I’M GONNA PUKE!”

He stops “Then I’ll carry your regret too”

You hate him. But also, you kind of love him. Because five minutes later, you’re sitting at a food stand, still on his back, and he’s ordering six different desserts.

“For both of us?” you ask, hopeful.

“Pfft... no... You can have a crumb” he snorts. “The rest’s mine. This body runs on sugar and vibes”

A little girl passes by and whispers to her mom “Mommy, is that man carrying a tired gremlin?”

You want to protest, but Buddha just turns around and bows dramatically. “Yes, this is my emotional support gremlin. Say hi...”

You wave
Resigned
Defeated
Slightly sticky from cotton candy contact.

He continues the piggyback ride with unholy joy, giving you commentary about every person you pass.

“Look at that guy’s sandals. I had better ones in the 4th century”

“Why does that dog look like Zeus?”

“Do you think I could win a pie-eating contest while carrying you? Wait, let’s try...”

By the end of the hour, your legs are numb, your pride is dead, and Buddha’s holding a popsicle in one hand and a churro in the other, like some kind of snack samurai.

He finally lets you down — gently, which is suspicious.

You glare “Happy now?”

He grins “I was happy the moment I saw your ‘I got tricked by a smug candy hoarder’ face. Priceless...”

Then he pats your head like you’re some kind of traumatized pet and struts away, humming.

You vow revenge.

Eventually.

After you recover from being sugar-ambushed by a barefoot god with zero shame and infinite snacks.

Chapter Text

You weren’t exactly sure how it happened.

One moment, you were walking with Beelzebub through the vast gardens of the underworld, silent, brooding, majestic in his gloom.

And the next, you had stubbed your toe on a demon-sized root and dramatically declared “That’s it... I can’t go on, leave me here to rot”

Beelzebub, in his usual deadpan tone, had sighed as if centuries of suffering were weighing down his very soul “It’s only been a kilometer” he muttered.

You clutched your ankle like a medieval damsel in distress “I’ve endured too much. My legs are giving up, the pain is... wait... have you ever had a stubbed toe, Beelzebub? No? Then don’t judge me”

He stared at you blankly “I was experimented on by fallen gods”

“And I stepped on a rock the size of a raisin! We’re not so different, you and I”

For reasons even Beelzebub himself would never be able to articulate, he crouched before you “Get on”

Your eyes lit up like a child on Christmas “You’re giving me a piggyback ride?!”

“No... I am transporting a loud, dramatic organism to prevent further auditory suffering”

You didn’t hesitate, you climbed onto his back with the excitement of someone about to be knighted “HYAAH! Onward, my cursed steed!”

He stood up slowly
Gracefully
Regretfully.

With the wind blowing through your hair and your legs flopping off his sides like saddlebags, you threw your arms out and screamed “I’m the Queen of Helheim!”

Beelzebub said nothing. But his shoulders twitched ever so slightly, as if resisting the urge to yeet you into the astral plane.

****

---One hour later---

“Why do you even have this garden?” you asked as he trudged through a hedge maze that suspiciously smelled like rotten licorice.

“For experiments”
“Oh. Like botanical research?”
“No... I see which plants scream the longest when set on fire”
“Are you joking?”
“Maybe...”

You shivered a little, but not from fear, but from the sheer absurdity that you, a mortal potato of a person, were being carried around on the back of the most terrifying necromancer in all of Valhalla like a toddler in need of nap time.

****

Then came the moment.

The garden opened up into a flat clearing where various gods and warriors had gathered for tea.
Why? No one knew.
Maybe Zeus had started a “forced bonding” club.

Ares was trying to balance a teacup on his helmet.
Poseidon was brooding, again.
Buddha was eating all the cookies.

And then in you came.

Perched majestically on Beelzebub’s back like an entitled parasite.

Everyone went dead silent.

Loki nearly dropped his cup “Oh… my… God...”

“Are you giving people piggyback rides now, Bug-boy?” Hades arched a brow with a twitch of amusement.

Beelzebub, to his credit, did not drop you, he simply said “She stubbed her toe”

Ares looked at his own bleeding knuckles. “Where’s my piggyback ride then?!”

Buddha smirked, nudging you with a cookie “You must be some kind of VIP”

“I am!” you declared proudly. “Very Immature Passenger”

Even Thor cracked the tiniest smirk.

Beelzebub’s eye twitched “If one more person comments, I will unleash a plague of apocalyptic magnitude”

You gave him a light pat on the head like he was your noble warhorse “Shhh... Don’t be grumpy, i’m your emotional support goblin”

He considered walking into a hedge and never coming out.

***

---Later, back in his lab---

“You’re heavy” he grumbled, pouring some arcane liquid into a glowing beaker.

You flopped onto his couch dramatically “You’re just weak, maybe I should be giving you a piggyback next time”

He turned, slowly, with the look of a man who had seen too much “Try it”

You blinked “Wait... What?”

“Come on, let’s see if you can lift me. If you succeed, I will carry you again. If you fail… you owe me your soul”

“Wait wait wait, no one said anything about souls...”

But it was too late, Beelzebub had already started to crouch again.

You sighed.
You tried.
You got approximately two inches off the ground before you collapsed, groaning, under the weight of one eldritch goth wizard.

“I think I broke my spine” you wheezed.

Beelzebub, still lying on top of you, said flatly “You did this to yourself”

****

---Later---

You’re back on his back again.

“I knew this would happen” he muttered.

You hummed “That’s because you love me”

“I tolerate you”

“That’s close enough”

And with that, the underworld’s darkest force continued on... carrying one human disaster like a weirdly affectionate backpack.

Somewhere, flies wept in confusion.

THE END

Chapter Text

You were beginning to suspect that Jack planned everything just a little too perfectly.

Tea time at his manor wasn’t simply a matter of sitting down with a pot and a few biscuits. No. Tea time was a grand, theatrical affair. The curtains drawn just enough for diffused light to glint off polished silver spoons, the tea brewed with clockwork precision, and the snacks arranged like a painting, each strawberry placed like a gemstone on delicate china.

A soft string quartet played from a nearby gramophone, the music lilting like petals falling through fog. Jack insisted it set the mood. You suspected it was also to cover the occasional creak of floorboards, no doubt some strange invention shifting beneath the floor.

And then there was Jack.

“Dearest...” he said, in that lilting, velvety voice “Would you prefer the lavender scones or the honey cakes today?”

You eyed both trays suspiciously.

“The lavender scones don’t have poison in them, right?”

He gasped, feigning injury, one gloved hand over his chest “Would I dare harm my precious guest at teatime?”

You raised a brow “That’s not a no”

He chuckled, the laugh curled like fog through the room, refined, amused, always laced with something you could never quite read.

The fire crackled gently beside you both, casting warm golden light along the mahogany bookshelves. You caught sight of a book left open beside a knife with jam still on it, you didn't dare ask.

Despite your teasing, you felt at ease in his manor. Strange, considering your host was none other than the infamous Jack the Ripper, but he never treated you like prey. If anything, you often felt like a cherished doll, one he admired from across the room and handled with absurd care.

Sometimes you caught him watching you, not with lust or hunger, but like he was trying to commit every line of your face to memory.

As if he thought the moment might vanish.

Still, the floor-to-ceiling windows made the whole tea room feel a bit like a stage.

The moment you stood up to reach for a biscuit, your foot caught the edge of the rug, and you yelped, half tripping, half spinning into a graceless flail.

Strong arms caught you from behind.

“Ah-ah, my dear” Jack whispered, lifting you as easily as if you weighed nothing “Careful... I’ve only just gotten the blood out of that rug...”

You thumped his chest lightly “I’m fine, drama queen”

“I am simply cautious” He set you down gently... No, wait, he didn’t, he held on.

In fact, his hands found their way under your thighs in one swoop and hoisted you onto his back.

“Wha... Jack!?”

“You tripped. And thus, you are now in my care until further notice” He took a few steps around the tea room with you clinging to him, the smooth silk of his cravat brushing against your fingers “Consider this medical treatment”

“This is a piggyback ride”
“A regal piggyback ride.”

He spun slightly on his heel like a dramatic ballroom dancer, parading you past the teacups with theatrical grace “Would milady like a tour of her tea kingdom?”

You couldn’t help it, you laughed, arms winding around his neck “You’re ridiculous”

“Indeed... But I do believe this is an excellent view, no?” He turned slightly, letting you peek over his shoulder.

From this height, you could see the entire room, the gilded teapot, the tray of jam, the sinister glint in his monocle as he turned to the mirror.

And far off in the corner, a stack of folded white napkins shaped into roses. You had no doubt Jack had done that too. Probably at midnight, with candlelight, and dramatic muttering.

“Admit it...” he said, pausing in front of the glass “We make a rather charming pair...”

You rolled your eyes, but your face betrayed you, you were smiling.

Jack caught your reflection before you did. “There it is” he said softly “That rare, precious thing. Your joy, i dare say, it’s more beautiful than any gemstone I’ve stolen.”

You snorted “Flatter me more and I might forgive you for this embarrassment”

“My dear, if embarrassment is the price of your laughter, I would wear a jester’s hat and juggle knives”
“Don’t tempt yourself. You probably have a jester hat in a drawer somewhere”
“I do, actually”

He carried you over to the velvet couch by the fire, then gently let you slide off his back and into the cushions.

Before you could even think of sitting up, he draped a shawl over your shoulders and placed a cup of tea into your hands.

He knelt briefly beside you, his fingers grazing yours for a moment too long. The heat in his gaze softened, something quiet, vulnerable.

“Rest, dove” he said, smoothing your hair with gloved fingers “I’ll fetch the honey cakes, and no more walking on your own until I declare the floor safe”

You narrowed your eyes at him “You’re treating me like an invalid”

“Correction... I am treating you like royalty, there is a difference”

He turned with a flourish, coat tails sweeping like the final note of a symphony.

As he left the room to retrieve more sweets, you sipped your tea and leaned back, heat from the fireplace seeping into your bones.

A low fog began to roll along the base of the windows... London’s ever-loyal shroud.

The tea was sweet
So was the company
And honestly?
You didn’t mind the piggyback at all.

Chapter Text

You didn’t expect him to actually offer. Not Apollo, the golden, boastful God of the Sun. The one who walks like the world revolves around him. Because, well, in his mind, it might as well do just that.

And yet, here you are, arms wrapped loosely around his neck, legs resting along his sides, and his warm hands gripping your thighs firmly to keep you balanced as he carries you on his back like you weigh nothing at all.

“How are you feeling up there, Little Moon?” he calls over his shoulder, voice smooth like sun-warmed honey, and you can hear the smirk in it “Enjoying the altitude? I am rather tall”

You roll your eyes, even though he can’t see “You’re not that tall, you know”

“You wound me” he says, faux offense layered in every syllable “You’re lucky I’m divine, or your sarcasm would have turned me to stone”

“I thought that was Medusa’s job”

Apollo laughs, a soft, golden sound that rumbles through his back and into your chest. It's not often you get to hear him genuinely amused like that. Most of the time, it’s grand posturing, arrogance cloaked in theatrical confidence. But now... he seems content, relaxed.

The sun is beginning to set, casting everything in amber hues. You rest your cheek against his shoulder, letting your eyes drift closed for a second as he continues walking down the winding trail through the golden fields. He’d insisted on showing you his “favorite secret place” somewhere mortals couldn’t see from afar.

“Why are you doing this?” you murmur after a moment.

He doesn’t answer right away. His steps slow slightly, though, and you feel the shift in his shoulders.

“Because you’re tired” he says finally.

You blink “That’s it?”

“That’s not enough?” He glances over his shoulder just enough that you can catch the edge of his smile, so blindingly confident, yet there’s something else behind it. A flicker of sincerity that Apollo rarely lets show without a veil of showmanship.

“Well, yeah... It’s just... unlike you...”

His chuckle is softer this time, almost like a hum “You mortals think I don’t care about anything but myself”

You hesitate, then answer honestly “You make it very easy to think that ”

“Touché...”

He keeps walking, back strong, posture elegant as always, like carrying you is effortless.

Honestly, it probably is.
He’s a god, after all.
Still, something about this feels incredibly human.
The rhythm of his steps.
The occasional sway.
The warmth of his back.

“You know” he says casually “I don’t carry just anyone”

“I feel so honored” you deadpan.

“You should” There’s that grin again “But really, it’s only fair. I did invite you all the way out here”

“You didn’t say it would be a two-hour hike uphill!”

He laughs again, louder this time “That’s the spirit. Come on... just a little further. You’re going to love the view”

You hum softly, not arguing. His steps crunch gently over the grass, the air growing cooler as the sun dips lower behind the hills. You can feel the warmth of his divine aura even now, his body like a sunlit hearth beneath your hands.

Despite his ego, he’s steady, safe.

And then, finally, he stops.

“We’re here...”

He lowers himself slightly, signaling you to slide off. You do so carefully, feet meeting the earth as you gaze ahead.

And you gasp.

You’re on a cliffside that overlooks a vast sea of clouds, soft and pink and golden under the last rays of the sun. The horizon stretches endlessly, painted in layers of fire and dusk. It’s silent, peaceful.

“Wow...”

Apollo stands beside you, arms crossed, chin tilted slightly upward as he watches your expression “I told you. Nothing less than divine ”

You glance up at him “It’s... really... beautiful...”

He looks down at you now, his usual smirk tempered with something gentler “I like to come here when I’m tired of the noise, even a god needs quiet sometimes”

You’re surprised by that. But maybe you shouldn’t be. Apollo shines so brightly all the time, always performing, always admired, maybe the silence is the only place where he gets to be just himself.

“Thank you for bringing me...” you say softly.

He shrugs, but there’s the faintest pink touch on his cheeks “Well, don’t get used to being carried like royalty. That was a one-time honor”

You raise an eyebrow.

“Uh-huh”
“I mean it”
“Sure you do.”
“Mortals are so ungrateful”

He clicks his tongue.

But you just grin, and after a beat, he grins back. The golden sun behind him makes him look almost too radiant to look at directly, light in godly form, arrogance and affection wrapped into one celestial being.

“I was thinking...” he says, plopping down onto a sun-warmed rock nearby and patting the spot beside him “Next time, I’ll bring ambrosia and wine. Make it a proper date...”

You blink “A date?”

He smirks “Unless you’d rather call it a divine appointment”

You sit beside him, legs dangling off the edge, breeze in your hair “You’re awfully confident”

“I’m Apollo...” he says as if that answers everything. And in a way, it kind of does.

You glance at him, catching the glint in his eyes. There’s mischief there, as always, but underneath it, warmth. He may carry himself like the world’s gift, but today, he carried you. And not out of duty or drama but because he wanted to.

“You’re not as selfish as you pretend to be” you murmur.

His smirk falters for a second “Careful, that almost sounded like a compliment”

“Maybe it was”

He stares at you for a long moment. And then, so subtle you almost miss it, he leans in slightly. Not enough to touch, just enough to exist closer. The sun brushes across both of your shoulders, setting slow behind the clouds.

“Stay a little longer” he says, voice low now, almost reverent “Let the world wait”

You nod.

Because for once, it feels like the sun itself isn’t chasing time, it’s pausing here with you.

And Apollo, God of Light and Pride, sits beside you, no audience needed.

Just you.

Chapter Text

The sunlight filters through the thick foliage overhead, dappling the stone path beneath your feet with patches of gold and green. It’s warmer than you expected, and the faint smell of jasmine follows you as the breeze curls past your cheek.

You tug at the collar of your shirt and sigh, casting a half-hearted glance behind you.

"Are you sure this shortcut exists?" you call out.

Qin Shi Huang doesn’t even slow down.

His hands are behind his back, posture straight despite the slope, walking like the earth itself adjusts for his stride. His long golden robes swish at his ankles, and his confident voice cuts through the quiet woods like a blade wrapped in velvet.

"You doubt the directions of a King?"

“Not a King” you tease, panting a little “An Emperor... There’s a difference, apparently...”

He chuckles without turning “Hao... You’ve been listening...”

The dirt path curves up the hill again, and your legs feel like lead. The peaceful stroll you’d imagined when he invited you to see the hidden spring temple has turned into a mildly uphill hike. And while he doesn’t seem to be breaking a sweat, your breathing has definitely gotten heavier.

Maybe you should’ve skipped the second helping of rice at breakfast, or the third.

He stops suddenly and turns, his golden eyes scanning your flushed face. A breeze lifts his dark bangs, and his gaze narrows ever so slightly in thought.

“You’re tired...”

It’s not a question.

You open your mouth to deny it, but he steps toward you with purpose.

“I am not”

He crouches.

Just crouches right there, in the middle of the path, robes spreading around his knees like silk waves. His arms stretch behind him without looking.

“Get on...”

You blink “What?”

“A piggyback” he says, glancing back over his shoulder “Is that not what you call it?”

Your jaw open and close “You... you’re not serious”

“Moumantai... You doubt my strength?” His tone is teasing, his smirk unmistakably proud “I’ve carried entire nations on these shoulders. You, i think, will be no problem at all”

You sputter “That’s not! That’s not what I meant, I just... What if someone sees you?”

He raises an eyebrow “Then they will see their Emperor choosing to carry someone dear to him, and they will understand”

Your heart stutters.

He says it so matter-of-factly.
Like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Not dramatic.
Not flirtatious.
Just the truth
Plainly spoken.

You fidget “I can walk...”

He tilts his head, amusement flickering in his eyes “You can... But I would rather you ride...”

“Why?”

"Because I asked you to come with me" he says, as if it's obvious “Because I enjoy your company more when you’re not gasping like a dying fish”

“Hey!!!”

“And...” he adds, his voice softening like melting amber “Because I wish to make the journey more comfortable for you”

Your breath catches again.

His words carry a weight that hushes your protests. They’re too genuine to argue with, too gentle to deflect.

So you shuffle forward awkwardly, heart thudding, and hesitantly place your hands on his shoulders. He reaches back without looking and hooks his arms under your thighs with ease, lifting you in one smooth, solid motion.

You yelp “Wait, wait!!!”

Too late.

He stands tall, and you’re suddenly higher off the ground than expected. His shoulders are broad beneath your palms, steady as a stone bridge. The scent of his robes, tea leaves and faint sandalwood, wraps around you.

Qin glances up at you over his shoulder with a smirk “Comfortable?”

“Uhh...” You grip tighter “Define comfortable?”

He hums “Hao... Then we’re off”

And with that, the emperor begins walking again, this time with you on his back.

****

At first, it’s embarrassing. You try to hold yourself stiffly, hovering slightly to keep from fully leaning on him. But that only lasts a few minutes before your arms tire, and your cheek finds its way to his shoulder without asking your permission.

“You’re warm”

“Better than cold” he says “Though I must say, you are lighter than I expected”

“Liar” you mumble “You just have insane strength”

He shrugs lightly, adjusting you with ease “True. But still, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You worry about being a burden, don’t you?”

You pause “A little”

“I noticed” he says quietly “You have that look”

You blink, surprised “What look?”

He’s silent a moment, as if thinking.

“The kind that apologizes just for existing”

Your breath catches.

“It’s a habit” he continues “I’ve seen it before. Among my people, in the eyes of those who forgot how to be held without fear of falling. But you’re not a burden, least of all to me”

You go very still.

“Qin...”

He stops walking. Not abruptly, but gently. As if he sensed you needed the pause.

He shifts slightly to glance back at you again, although his eyes is covered, you knew his gaze are soft.

“Moumantai... Let yourself rest” he says.

You lower your gaze, throat tight. You hadn’t expected him to say it so simply, to see through you so easily. You’ve spent so long being strong for others,laughing off your pain, masking exhaustion with cheer. But here, with him... it’s like you don’t need to pretend.

Your arms slide more securely around his shoulders “Okay”

****

The path leads through a grove of cherry trees in bloom. As Qin walks, petals drift down like snowflakes, catching in his hair and yours. He doesn’t brush them off, content to let them rest.

For a while, the only sound is the rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of his boots on gravel. Your breathing evens out. He hums an unfamiliar tune, something ancient, something regal and slow.

It feels like a dream.

You press your forehead lightly to the nape of his neck “You’re spoiling me”

He snorts “That’s the idea”

“But why?”

His voice is soft, almost amused “Do I need a reason to be kind?”

You think about it “Most people seem to.”

“I am not most people” he replies, smug “I am Qin Shi Huang”

You laugh “You never miss a chance to say that, huh?”

“Of course not... It would be a disservice to history...”

You roll your eyes, but you’re smiling.

****

When he finally reaches the top of the hill, the hidden temple comes into view, an old wooden structure tucked among moss-covered stones and wildflowers, half-forgotten by time but glowing in the sunlight.

He kneels and lets you slide off gently.

You wobble a little when your feet touch the ground, legs slightly numb, but he steadies you with a hand at your back.

“I hope my service was satisfactory” he says, mock-formal.

You look up at him, this tall, impossible man with starlight in his eyes and the patience to carry you up a mountain without a single complaint.

You smile, cheeks warm.

“You were perfect”

He bows slightly “Hao...”

“Thank you” you add, quieter.

Qin tilts his head.

Then, slowly, deliberately, he reaches out—and flicks a cherry blossom petal from your hair.

“Moumantai” he says.

“I did it”
“Did what?”
“Brought you here smiling”

You blink, startled.

He steps past you, toward the temple steps, robes swaying behind him like a cape “Come” he calls over his shoulder. “There’s tea inside”

You stare after him, heart full and knees weak.

This man... really doesn’t know how not to be dramatic.

You chase after him anyway.

****

Later, as you sip warm tea inside the temple, with the scent of wood and blossoms all around, you glance at him across the table.

He sits with one leg folded, arm draped over his knee, golden eyes watching the breeze through the paper doors. At peace.

“You give piggybacks often?” you ask, teasing.

He smirks “Only to those I favor”

Your face heats. You quickly take another sip of tea to hide it.

He leans forward slightly “I would carry you again, you know”

You blink “I’m fine now, though”

“Moumantai... I didn’t mean because you’re tired”

You nearly choke.
He doesn’t elaborate.
Just sips his tea.
Eyes twinkling.

And you sit there, flustered and red-faced, wondering how you got here, halfway up a mountain, falling harder than you ever meant to.

Not just from the hike.

But from the way he sees you.

And carries you without ever making you feel small.

Chapter Text

It all started with a flex.

You’d merely been standing on the far end of the training field, minding your business. You weren’t even close to Zeus. You were across the entire damn courtyard, just trying to find a quiet corner for your break.

Then you heard it.

“BEHOLD!!” Zeus roared “THE FULL GLORY OF MY FLEX ZONE!!”

You turned your head, just a peek,and the last thing you saw was him puffing up, his muscles ballooning, crackling with divine pressure like a living earthquake.

And then...

Boom...

****

You wake up groggy and confused, head resting against something firm. No, rock hard. It smells like sandalwood, thunder, and old-man sweat.

“Oh-ho! You’re finally awake, little one!”

You blink up groggily. The world sways beneath you.

Wait.
No.
You’re the one swaying.
You’re on Zeus’s back.

“WHAT...!?”

“Shhh... shhh...” He actually shushes you, patting your knee like a fussy grandfather. “You took quite the tumble, sprout. Don’t wiggle too much, you’ll fall and bonk your head again”

You gape “You KNOCKED me out!”

“A tragic accident caused by the majesty of my divine body” Zeus says proudly “Your tiny mortal form just wasn’t ready for the sheer glory of Muscle Level Three.”

Your eye twitches.

“But don’t you worry!” he continues, merrily bouncing you on his back like you’re a five-year-old “Grandpa Zeus is gonna make it all better! Snacks, sweets, and maybe a plushie if you behave...”

“I’m not a child!” you hiss.

He gasps dramatically “You sure? Look at you! You’re practically weightless! I could throw you like a pillow!”

“DO NOT”

He chuckles deeply and ignores your protests “When I saw your little body go flying... Hoo! I haven’t panicked that hard since I sneezed Hermes into a river. I thought, ‘That poor lil bean is gonna need sugar and some cuddles’ So here we are!”

“Put me down!” you say, kicking your feet against his sides.

But all Zeus does is hum. Like he’s carrying his grandkid to the candy store.

****

Soon, you arrive at Valhalla Plaza.

The most crowded, most public area in the realm.

You cover your face in horror as gods, humans, valkyries, and even talking animals stop and stare.

Zeus, meanwhile, beams like a proud dad at a talent show.

“Look who woke up from their nap!” he announces loudly “My sweet lil knockout!”

Someone gasps.

“Zeus is carrying a mortal??”

“Is she… okay?!”

“Another victim of Zeus' muscle flexing”

You want to die.

Zeus stops in front of a ridiculously bright snack stall, the kind that looks like it sells sugar to children and unicorns.

The vendor, a plump goddess in a frilly apron, clasps her hands “Ooooh! Lord Zeus, you brought your grandchild today!”

“I’m not...!”

Zeus ignores you completely “Yup! Got a little boo-boo thanks to my ultra-flex. So now we need all your fluffiest sweets!”

The vendor leans forward, cooing at you “Aww, poor thing! Did Grandpa Zeus knock you flying?”

“I’m going to bite someone” you mutter darkly.

“You hear that?” Zeus tells the vendor proudly “Fiesty! Just like I was at their age”

You groan “How OLD do you think I am?!”

He grins at you over his shoulder “Mmm… emotionally? Six...”

Before you can scream, the vendor hands over a mountain of treats, cotton candy, mochi, rainbow popcorn, caramel-filled buns, and even a sugar-dripping pastry shaped like a thunderbolt.

“Eat up!” Zeus says, setting you gently on a bench like you’re fragile porcelain. He squats beside you, arms folded with a twinkle in his eye “Food always cheers up my little hatchlings ”

“Hatchling!?” you choke.

He plucks a candy and gently presses it into your hand “Now now, don’t pout. Open up. Say ahhh!”

“I am not...!”

He makes airplane noises.
Airplane noises.
“Here comes the thunderbolt, zoom zoom!”

You sit there, stunned, holding the candy while people passing by snicker and whisper.

Zeus notices your face and gives you a genuine smile “Hey. I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. That muscle burst was meant for a divine punch dummy, not some adorable little bean watching from across the courtyard”

You blink. He sounds sincere under all the grandpa dramatics.

“I… guess I appreciate the effort...” you mumble, nibbling on the candy.

“That’s the spirit!” he says, ruffling your hair like you’re seven “Now eat up, sweet pea. Sugar helps the brain recover.”

You shoot him a glare, but you’re already halfway through the mochi.

****

After ten minutes and way too many sweets, you’re lying on the bench, full to the brim, head in a daze. Zeus plops down beside you, patting your head.

“Look at you. So sleepy” he chuckles “You’ve got sugar coma"

You swat his hand away, but he’s already standing.

“Alright, sugarbean” he says. “Time to take you home before you melt”

“Zeus, I can walk!”

He lifts you into another piggyback, again. You groan.

“Zeus!!”

He starts walking.

“Nope! You’re still under divine watch. Grandpa’s orders”

“I don’t have a grandpa!”

“You do now”

You groan into his back again. You don’t have the energy to fight him anymore. The sweets were too strong. Your blood sugar’s making you sleepy.

He hums a gentle tune as he carries you through Valhalla’s golden streets.

“You know” he says softly “mortal or not… You’ve got guts. Not many people stick around when I go full flex”

“That’s ‘cause normal people run” you mutter.

He chuckles “But you didn’t. Even from across the way, I saw you watching. Little curious bean. You remind me of a much younger Hermes. Always poking his nose in god business”

You blink sleepily against his back. “So… I’m a nosy toddler now?”

Zeus grins “The cutest one in the realms.”

You sigh. Maybe… maybe being treated like a child isn’t so bad.

Especially when it comes with unlimited snacks.

And a piggyback from the strongest god in existence.

You let yourself close your eyes.

Just this once.

Chapter Text

The clamor of the arena had long since dulled to a distant hum, the kind of muffled thunder that rolled lazily over Valhalla’s sprawling streets.

Match day had ended hours ago.

The grand gates still stood open, though most of the crowd had already dispersed, Gods to their lofty estates, humans to their temporary lodgings. Only a scattering of vendors remained, their voices rising faintly with promises of hot dumplings or cups of sake.

Your legs ached, the tiles under your boots seemed to stretch endlessly, the walkway leading away from the arena longer than you remembered. You hadn’t done anything today, but somehow you’d been roped into helping Kojiro Sasaki with post-bout errands.

You glanced to the side.

There he was, strolling with his hands folded loosely behind his head, shoulders relaxed, expression light. The faintest smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, the kind that looked almost permanent on him. It was hard to tell if he was thinking about something clever to say or if this was just how his face rested.

“You look like a man who didn’t just fight for his life against a God two days ago” you muttered, remembering his match with Poseidon.

He tilted his head toward you without breaking stride “What can I say? My legs are still in fine working order. Yours, however...” His gaze dropped briefly to your uneven steps, the slight drag in your pace “You’re walking like a tired old merchant”

“I am not.....”

“A...ah...” he interrupted, holding up one hand as if calling a halt in a duel “Don’t tell me your pride’s gonna keep you from admitting it, i can hear your boots scuffing from here”

Your brow twitched “Maybe because you’re walking so slowly I’m having to shorten my stride”

He gave a chuckle that was more breath than sound, amused but not buying it. The two of you continued in comfortable silence for another minute before he spoke again offhandedly, but with that particular glint in his eye that meant he’d been brewing something.

“You know...” Kojiro began “There’s a solution for this....”

“For what...?”

“This...” He gestured lazily toward your legs, then, before you could react, he bent his knees slightly and tipped forward in a crouch. One hand braced on his knee, the other waved you forward “Get on...”

You blinked at him “Excuse me??”

“Piggyback” he said, as if the word were obvious and natural in the middle of the path “I’ll carry you back, you’ll save your poor legs from collapsing before we even reach the lodging”

You stared “We’re in Valhalla, surrounded by gods and warriors, and you want to give me a piggyback like we’re children playing in the yard???”

He grinned, eyes narrowing with amusement “You say that like I care what the gods think, besides.......” He leaned forward even more, tilting his head back to look at you upside-down “I bet you haven’t had a piggyback in a long time, might be fun”

“I don’t need....”

“You don’t need to... No...” he interrupted again, voice mild but firm “But I’m offering, and.......” he added with a sly curve of his lips “I promise not to drop you”

It was ridiculous.

Entirely ridiculous.

You opened your mouth to refuse again, but the faint ache in your calves pulsed like a reminder. He was watching you with that unhurried patience, like a man who already knew the outcome of the match and was simply letting it play out.

With a sigh, you stepped forward “If anyone asks, i was forced into this”

“Mm... I’ll tell them you begged me for it” he said lightly, crouching lower to let you hook your arms over his shoulders.

You climbed on, careful not to put all your weight too suddenly, but Kojiro stood easily, the movement smooth and without strain. His hands settled firmly at the backs of your thighs, not intrusive, but steady in a way that made you acutely aware of the warmth of his palms through the fabric.

“There...” he said, starting forward with a leisurely stride “Like carrying a feather....”

“I’m not that light...” you muttered.

“You are to me” His voice was casual, almost lazy, but the words lingered longer than you expected.

The street’s lanterns cast soft pools of golden light across the cobblestones. From this height, you could see over the heads of the few remaining passersby. A group of minor gods glanced curiously your way, one raising a brow, but Kojiro didn’t spare them a glance. His gait was steady, unhurried, as though he could walk like this for hours.

“You’re enjoying this...” you accused.

He gave a low hum of agreement “Mm... Not every day I get to carry a comrade like a victorious prize”

“Prize?”

“You’ve helped me enough these past few days. Consider this... is... my way of returning the favor. Though.......” He tilted his head slightly toward you, his voice dropping just enough to be heard only between the two of you “It’s also a good excuse to keep you close”

Heat pricked at your ears, you were glad he couldn’t see your face from this angle “You really say things like that so easily, don’t you?”

He chuckled again, the sound vibrating faintly through his back “I only say what I mean”

The night air was cool, brushing against your cheeks, but his back was warm beneath you. You could feel the subtle shift of his muscles as he walked, the easy roll of his shoulders, the rhythmic sway that made the ride surprisingly comfortable. It was absurd how quickly you relaxed, arms draped loosely over him, chin nearly resting on his shoulder.

He spoke again after a stretch of quiet “You trust me not to drop you, right?”

“I wouldn’t have gotten on if I didn’t”

A smile curved his voice “Good! I trust you too, you know”

The words were simple, but they settled in your chest with unexpected weight. You were suddenly very aware of how steady his grip was, how he adjusted every few steps to keep you balanced without even thinking about it.

“You’re surprisingly careful” you murmured.

“I’m always careful” he replied easily “In a fight, with my blade... and with the things I carry...”

Something in the way he said it made you think he wasn’t just talking about the piggyback.

By the time you reached the quieter side streets near the human lodgings, the world felt muted. Only the soft scuff of Kojiro’s sandals and the occasional rustle of his clothing filled the air. The lantern light painted his profile in warm tones, his eyes half-lidded but sharp, as though still taking in every detail of the path ahead.

He stopped suddenly “Hold on!”

Before you could ask why, he adjusted his grip, hooking his arms under your knees and lifting you slightly higher. The movement brought your chest flush against his back for a moment, your breath catching at the sudden closeness.

“Better?” he asked, tone light, as though nothing had happened.

You managed a noncommittal hum, though your pulse had quickened.

When the lodging came into sight, you felt a faint, inexplicable pang, you weren’t ready for the ride to end. Kojiro slowed as if sensing it, his head tilting slightly.

“You’re quieter now” he observed “Tired?”

“Not really...” You hesitated, then added “Just... It’s nice... Being like this...”

There was a brief pause, then his voice came, softer than before “Yeah... It is...”

He carried you up the steps without setting you down, only lowering you gently once you were inside the threshold. His hands lingered a fraction longer than necessary at your sides before he stepped back.

“See? Not so ridiculous after all”

You met his gaze. The smirk was still there, but his eyes held something warmer, quieter.

“Thank you” you said.

He gave a small shrug, as though it were nothing “Anytime... Though next time, I might not wait for an excuse”

And with that, he turned toward the hallway, leaving you standing there with your heart doing far too much for what had supposedly been a playful gesture.

Chapter Text

The grass was soft under your feet, tickling your ankles as you ran. Golden sunlight streamed through the clouds of heaven, warming your face as laughter echoed in the wide-open field.

“You can’t catch me, Zerofuku!” you called over your shoulder, spinning mid-run to look at him.

“Wait! That’s not fair! You said you’d count to five!” Zerofuku’s voice followed with an innocent whine, his little feet pattering quickly as he chased after you, his white hair bounced with every step, a few flower petals clinging to it from the earlier part of the day when the two of you had rolled around in the meadow.

You were both out of breath within minutes, collapsing into the grass with a shared sigh. Zerofuku flopped beside you, arms splayed like a starfish, his cheeks red from running, his chest heaving in short puffs.

“That’s three wins for me” you said smugly, grinning as you nudged him with your shoulder.

Zerofuku huffed dramatically “Only because I tripped on that root last time! And you cheated the round before that!”

“You didn’t trip, you slipped because you tried to show off with that cartwheel”

He pouted, turning his head to glare at you, though it looked more like a puffed-up squirrel than anything intimidating “I was trying to impress you...”

That quiet confession made your heart soften, you reached over and brushed a flower petal from his hair “You don’t have to do tricks to impress me... I already like you, dummy”

His face lit up immediately, that radiant smile you adored stretching across his face. The sky seemed a little brighter when Zerofuku smiled like that.

****

The breeze picked up, brushing the tall grass around you in slow, dancing waves, you closed your eyes for a moment, breathing in the peace of the afternoon.

“Wanna keep going?” he asked, lifting himself on his elbows “Are you tired?”

“I could go for a bit more” you admitted, then chuckled “Though my legs feel like jelly from all that running”

Zerofuku blinked, then suddenly sat upright, eyes sparkling “I have an idea!!”

“Hmm?”

He turned toward you, his small hands resting on his knees “I’ll carry you! Piggyback!”

You stared at him, unsure if he was serious “You’ll carry me?”

He nodded rapidly “Yup! You always run so fast and jump around and let me win games sometimes, so this time, i’ll do something for you!” His voice was firm, filled with that innocent determination unique to children “Let me do it! I’m strong!”

You stifled a laugh “But you’re so tiny...”

He puffed his cheeks “I can! Just trust me!”

You tilted your head, amused “Alright... Alright... If you're sure...”

“Come on, up you go!” He turned around and crouched slightly, arms behind him “I’ll be careful... Promise...”

You gently climbed onto his back, careful not to put your full weight all at once. But to your surprise, he adjusted with surprising balance, gripping your legs as he stood up slowly “See! Not that heavy at all!”

“Okay, okay! I’m impressed” you said with a small laugh, resting your chin on top of his head “You’re really doing it”

Zerofuku took a few tentative steps through the field, huffing dramatically on purpose as if carrying a grand burden.

“You’re such a good steed” you teased.

“I’m a heroic unicorn!” he declared proudly “Galloping through the plains of heaven with my best friend!”

“Oh wow, my ride has lore” you giggled.

Zerofuku grinned “The unicorn only carries those pure of heart”

“And strong of leg” you added.

He nodded solemnly “And fond of sweets”

You both burst out laughing.

****

The two of you wandered the field that way, him carrying you with short, careful steps, you resting your cheek against his soft hair, arms loosely around his shoulders.

You pointed things out along the way “That tree looks like it’s waving”

Zerofuku turned slightly to look “Maybe it is! Maybe it’s saying hi!”

You passed a little creek, and he tiptoed over the stones carefully while holding you “Whoa, it’s slippery” he mumbled.

“You okay?”

He gave a big nod “Mm-hmm! You’re not heavy, it’s just... the rocks are like little traitors”

You chuckled “Poor unicorn”

“I will endure” he said with fake gravity “for my honored passenger”

Once you were back on flat grass, he sighed dramatically again “Whew. Quest completed!”

“You want to rest?”

“No!” he said quickly “I want to keep carrying you. You feel warm, it’s nice”

You fell silent at that.

The way he said it, so matter-of-fact, so honest, made your heart ache in that quiet way you got whenever he reminded you how deeply he felt things.

He really wanted to be helpful. Not because you needed it, but because he wanted to feel close to you, wanted to make someone happy.

“Hey...” you murmured after a while “Do you ever get tired of being the one who gives so much?”

He blinked “What do you mean?”

“You always try to take people’s sadness, you give and give and give”

Zerofuku tilted his head, walking a little slower now “But that’s what I’m supposed to do. If I don’t, who will?”

You rested your forehead against his “You don’t have to carry everything by yourself”

“Then let me carry you, just for now” he whispered “Let me feel like I can make you happy too”

The words stayed between you like a quiet secret.

****

Eventually, he lowered himself to the grass, letting you slide off gently. The sun was beginning to dip low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the hill. Zerofuku lay beside you again, arms behind his head, gazing up at the clouds.

“That was fun” he said.

“Yeah” you agreed “It really was”

A pause.

“Do you think I’ll always be like this?” he asked suddenly “You know... Me...”

You turned to look at him “You mean kind?”

He nodded “Or... happy...”

You watched his expression. He was still smiling, but there was a flicker of worry in his eyes, like some small part of him feared the kindness wouldn’t be enough. That one day, the sadness he swallowed might swallow him.

You reached out and held his hand.

“I think as long as you have someone to share it with” you said softly “you’ll always find your way back”

He looked at you, really looked, and his small hand squeezed yours back.

“Then I’ll stay close” he whispered “So I never forget”

****

That night, before parting ways, he tugged at your sleeve one last time.

“Next time...” he said with that bright, innocent smile “I’ll carry you again”

You grinned “Looking forward to it, my unicorn steed”

He giggled, then dashed off into the starlit field, white hair glowing in the moonlight.

You stood there, watching him go, thinking that...

Even the smallest shoulders can carry the biggest hearts.

Chapter Text

The first time you saw Chìtù aka The Famed Red Hare, it was like staring into a living flame.

Its mane shimmered under the sunlight, each flick of its head throwing sparks into the air as if it had been born from fire itself.
No wonder the warriors whispered about it as the “horse that devours the wind”
Its muscles rippled like molten bronze, hooves digging into the earth with a rhythm that sounded almost like war drums. Every breath it exhaled steamed like smoke from a battlefield, and the sheer power radiating from its frame made you feel both awe and fear in equal measure.

You’d been watching from the training yard for some time now, unable to look away from Lu Bu as he brushed down the magnificent creature.

His crimson hair tied loosely, his armor glinting, every motion of his hand steady and powerful.
He was a sight that made the air feel heavier, as if the world itself paused when he moved. His touch, though roughened by countless battles, was gentle on the beast’s coat, showing a surprising patience that contradicted his legend as the fierce warrior of unmatched might.
There was something so strangely human in the way he treated his horse firm, but reverent.
Almost like the horse was his equal, not his possession, the only living being who could truly keep up with him.

“Staring again...?” his voice broke your trance.
It was deep, textured with amusement and confidence, carrying that commanding tone that always made people freeze before realizing he wasn’t angry.
You flinched slightly, caught red-handed “Just... admiring...” Your voice came out softer than you intended, and you instantly cursed yourself for sounding like some tongue-tied admirer.

His gaze that sharp as a blade, yet unreadable, lingered on you.
Those red eyes, the color of dusk over blood, studied you with that unshakable calm of a predator deciding whether to laugh or strike. Then, to your surprise, the corner of his mouth curved up in faint amusement “Do you want to ride him?”

You froze “W... What? No, I mean... yes, but...” Your heart stuttered, and the heat rose up your neck as you stumbled over your own words. Why did his tone make it sound like both a challenge and an invitation?

He chuckled, that low, rich sound that sent shivers down your spine “Then do it...” It wasn’t a suggestion, it was a command that promised both danger and thrill.

Before you could even question your own sanity, you found yourself standing before the great beast.

The Red Hare pawed the ground, his breath snorting like smoke from a dragon.
Each exhale sent a tremor through your chest, and the ground seemed to pulse beneath his hooves.

His gaze met yours, unblinking, proud.
You almost felt as though the horse could see right through you, weighing your worth, your courage, your spirit.

“Go on...” Lu Bu said from behind you, arms crossed “He’ll know if you hesitate....” There was no mockery in his tone, only certainty as though he already knew the outcome but wanted to see how hard you’d fight it.

Easy for him to say.
Still, you reached for the reins and swung one leg over, heart pounding in your ears.
The saddle felt unfamiliar beneath you, heavier, like it belonged to a creature that refused to be tamed.
For a moment, a single, triumphant moment, you felt steady atop the legendary horse of China’s fiercest warrior.
You could almost imagine yourself as a warrior beside him, defying gods and fate alike.

Then Red Hare moved.

Not just moved.

Bolted.

The air cracked as his hooves launched from the ground, and your scream caught in your throat. The world became a blur of dust and sky as you clung for dear life, the wind slashing your face. Every muscle in your arms screamed in protest as you tried to stay upright, but the beast had no master’s patience for your struggle. You tried to pull the reins, to calm him, but the beast had no intention of obeying anyone but his master. Each tug was met with more resistance, a wild defiance that burned hotter than fire. Your shout was lost in the thunder of hooves...

And then you were flying....

Not gracefully.
Not heroically.
Just... flying.

Your stomach lurched as the world flipped, and a moment later straight into a pile of hay with an undignified thud. Hay exploded around you, the dry stalks scratching your cheeks as you landed in a heap of mortified exhaustion.

You lay there for a moment, dazed, staring at the sky while the world spun.
Your ears rang, your pride shattered, and yet, somehow, the sky had never looked clearer. Somewhere above the ringing in your ears, you heard deep, unrestrained laughter.

“Impressive...” Lu Bu said as his shadow fell over you “You lasted longer than most”
You turned your head slightly to see him looming above, arms folded, that amused smirk carved across his lips.
His laughter still lingered in the air, a sound as warm as it was mocking.

You groaned “Glad to hear it” you muttered, voice muffled by hay. You could taste the faint bitterness of straw and humiliation.

He crouched down beside you, one arm resting on his knee, smirk never fading “Red Hare doesn’t take to anyone easily, he’s wild like his master...” His tone carried that same quiet pride, the one that said he knew exactly what he was and didn’t need to prove it.

You shot him a glare, brushing straw from your hair “Then maybe you should’ve warned me he bites” The sarcasm rolled off your tongue like armor for your bruised ego.

“I did...” he said simply, tilting his head “You just didn’t listen...” The look in his eyes made your retort die before it reached your lips, he wasn’t wrong, you hadn’t listened.

You couldn’t tell if he was teasing you or genuinely amused, but his eyes softened a little as he looked at you, a glimmer of something almost fond.
It was subtle, fleeting, like warmth from a dying campfire, but it made your pulse skip nonetheless.

Then, with an effortless motion, he turned around and crouched low, his back facing you “Come”

You blinked “Huh?” The word slipped out instinctively, you weren’t sure if you heard him right.

“You wanted to ride, didn’t you?” He threw a glance over his shoulder, his voice low “You can’t ride him, ride me instead” Your breath hitched at the suggestive weight of his tone, though you knew he didn’t mean it that way

Your face burned instantly “L... Lu Bu!!!!” The way his name came out of your mouth, flustered and breathless, only made him smirk wider.

He didn’t wait for your protest. His patience was not known to last long, after all “You’ll move faster this way” His tone softened slightly, though his pride still colored every word “I won’t throw you off” Somehow, that reassurance only made your heart beat faster.

You hesitated, biting your lip, but his back was steady, broad. You’d never realized how much presence one man could have until now. Even kneeling, Lu Bu seemed carved from power and confidence.
So you sighed, swallowed your embarrassment, and climbed onto his back.

His armor was cool under your palms, yet the warmth of his body radiated through it, steady and grounding.

Without another word, he stood, effortlessly supporting your weight.
The motion was so smooth you barely bounced; it was like being lifted by a force of nature itself. His stride was smooth, confident.

“You’re lighter than I thought” he muttered.
His voice rumbled beneath you, and you could feel it through his back, low and calm.

You rolled your eyes, even though he couldn’t see “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” You tried to sound annoyed, but your lips curved before you could stop them.

“Consider it one” he said, the faintest chuckle beneath his breath.

The wind brushed past as he carried you across the training grounds. Red Hare following at a measured pace now, calm only under Lu Bu’s gaze. Even the beast’s earlier fury seemed to dissolve, as if reassured by its master’s composure.
You could feel the movement of his muscles beneath you, the raw strength restrained in each step.

Every motion reminded you exactly who he was, a warrior born for war, a man molded by battle yet capable of unexpected gentleness.

It was different from the wild ride before. There was control here, stability, safety. Something inside you loosened, tension you hadn’t noticed melting away with every step he took.

After a long silence, you murmured “You didn’t have to do this” Your voice was small, almost swallowed by the sound of the wind.

He shrugged, the motion rippling under your hands “You fell because you wanted to test yourself, that’s something I respect.”
There was no mockery, no condescension, just quiet truth.

You blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. For someone who lived for battle, his sense of honor ran deeper than you’d realized.

He paused, then added almost offhandedly “Besides, I don’t let people fall twice”
The words hit you harder than you expected, heavy, protective, and startlingly kind.

Your chest tightened, not from embarrassment, but something else. Something deeper.
Maybe trust.
Maybe admiration.
Maybe something you weren’t ready to name.

When he finally stopped, he crouched again to let you down.
You slid off gently, your feet meeting the ground once more.
The moment you did, he turned slightly, his crimson eyes meeting yours.

A small smirk returned to his lips “Next time, hold tighter”

Your breath hitched “Next time?”

You weren’t sure whether to be terrified or thrilled.

He tilted his head toward Red Hare “If you’re brave enough to try again”

Even his teasing carried that strange respect he only gave to warriors. You couldn’t help but grin “I will” The answer came from somewhere deep, prideful, certain, and reckless.

He gave a low, amused hum “Good... I’d expect nothing less”

And for a fleeting heartbeat, you saw something like approval flicker behind his eyes, the kind a warrior gives to an equal.

And as he turned away, sunlight gleaming off his armor, his horse snorting beside him.

You realized that falling off Red Hare wasn’t such a bad thing after all.

Because it led to something better.

A ride you wouldn’t forget.

Chapter Text

The halls of Valhalla always echoed with arrogance. Colossal pillars towered over the endless corridors, each decorated with murals of gods who had long since crowned themselves as rulers of all existence. Their cold eyes peered down at you as if you had trespassed into sacred waters not meant for mortal touch.

And in the center of that suffocating aura walked the one god who embodied those waters, Poseidon the Tyrant of the Seas.

His presence was heavy. Every stride of his bare feet across the marble rang with contempt, the trident balanced with ease in his hand as if it weighed less than a feather. Mortals cowered at his gaze. Even some gods did not dare approach him. His silence was not calm, it was suffocating, a deep, crushing pressure like the ocean trench.

You walked alongside him, though not without difficulty.

The last match had left you battered. Not in the obvious way, your legs still carried you, but your side throbbed with sharp, stabbing pain. A fractured rib, maybe two. Each breath scraped your lungs like shards of glass. You had tried to hide it by standing tall, moving as if nothing was wrong, but Poseidon’s golden eyes did not miss such things.

Your knees buckled once, just for a moment, when a spasm of pain shot through your chest. You caught yourself against the wall, teeth clenched.

“Tch...” His tongue clicked sharply. His voice carried like a blade dragged across marble “Pathetic...”

You straightened, forcing your breath steady “It’s nothing, i can walk”

Golden eyes narrowed. He loomed over you, trident glinting as though it too shared his disdain “Your body betrays you, the sea does not tolerate weakness”

You wanted to snap back, to tell him you weren’t weak, but the truth pressed against your lungs with every breath. Speaking only hurt more.

Poseidon exhaled, though it wasn’t a sigh, gods like him didn’t sigh. It was irritation, the kind reserved for things beneath him. And yet, in the next moment, he did something that made your heart stop.

He turned his back to you.
Straight.
Unyielding.
Proud.

“Climb”

You blinked, stunned “What...?”

“Your movements are an eyesore, i will not allow my path to be slowed by your incompetence. Climb...” His voice was cold, sharp. However there was an unspoken command beneath it, a demand for obedience.

You hesitated. Poseidon... offering his back?

No.
Not offering.
Ordering.
It wasn’t kindness.
It was pride.

To him, watching you stumble was offensive.

Still, your ribs ached with every breath. Pride could only carry you so far. Slowly, awkwardly, you placed your hands on his shoulders. His skin was cold, like the surface of the sea before a storm. The moment your weight shifted onto him, Poseidon bent slightly, enough for you to settle on his back. His long, white hair brushed against your cheek as you leaned forward.

He rose effortlessly. Your weight was nothing to him, less than nothing. His steps resumed, steady, unbroken.

You expected silence, but the quiet pressed harder now. You could feel the breadth of his back beneath you, the solid strength in his shoulders, the way his muscles shifted with each precise stride. For someone so cold, so untouchable, he carried you as if it was natural.

“Do not mistake this for mercy” he said at last, his voice deep, echoing in the vast corridor “The ocean has no mercy, isimply refuse to allow myself to be hindered”

You almost smiled despite the ache in your ribs. That was Poseidon, incapable of admitting care, so he wrapped it in scorn.

Your voice was quiet, strained but teasing “Then I should thank your pride instead”

He stiffened, just slightly “Hmph... Insolent mortal”

But he didn’t drop you, his grip beneath your thighs tightened, securing you firmly against him. You could feel the coolness of his aura seeping through your skin, calming the pain little by little.

Minutes passed like that, his footsteps echoing in the corridor. Gods and valkyries who passed by froze in shock at the sight: Poseidon, the Sea God, carrying a mortal on his back. None dared comment. The sheer absurdity was unthinkable. And yet, Poseidon’s expression didn’t waver, his golden eyes forward, his face carved in stone.

Still, you noticed. The way his jaw was set tighter than usual. The way his shoulders, though unyielding, moved with more care than before. He was aware of your injury. He was moving in a way that minimized the jostling, even if he’d never admit it.

“Poseidon...” you whispered after a while. Your head rested lightly against his shoulder, exhaustion weighing you down “Why... are you doing this? Really?”

His answer came without hesitation.

“Because you are mine”

The words sank into you like the deepest current. His voice carried no warmth, only certainty. To Poseidon, everything in his domain was his, the seas, the creatures, the currents, the mortals foolish enough to tread in his waters. But there was something heavier in those words. A weight that went beyond ownership.

Your chest tightened, but not from the injury this time.

“That doesn’t sound so bad” you murmured, eyes drifting shut.

A silence followed. Long enough that you thought he wouldn’t reply. But then, in the faintest undertone, so quiet it could have been the ocean itself speaking, came his words “Do not die, i will not permit it...”

The words weren’t soft. They were iron. A command. Yet beneath them, hidden like a current beneath the surface, was something else. Something Poseidon himself might not have wanted to name.

You smiled faintly against his shoulder. Your body ached, but your heart felt strangely steady.

The corridors stretched on endlessly, yet the journey felt shorter than it should. Perhaps because you could feel every heartbeat, every breath of the god beneath you.

When at last he reached the private chambers reserved for the gods, Poseidon did not set you down immediately. He stood still for a moment, his back straight, your weight resting against him. It was as though he lingered in the moment despite himself.

Then, with deliberate care, he lowered you onto a marble bench. His golden eyes swept over you, sharp, assessing.

“You will recover” he said simply, as though it were not a hope but a decree.

You nodded “Because you’ll make sure of it?”

His gaze cut into yours, cold as ever. But for a fleeting second, the corners of his eyes softened, so slight you almost doubted it was real.

“Do not test my patience...” he murmured, turning away.

Yet even as he left, trident in hand, his voice carried back to you, a low tide pulling at your heart “The sea does not carry what it intends to abandon”

And in that moment, you realized...

Poseidon may never cloak his care in warmth. He may never admit tenderness outright. But in his silence, in his pride, in the very act of carrying you through Valhalla’s endless halls... you had glimpsed the ocean’s true depth.

Not mercy.
Not kindness.
Something rarer.

Poseidon....