Actions

Work Header

Rating:
Archive Warning:
Category:
Fandom:
Relationship:
Characters:
Additional Tags:
Language:
English
Stats:
Published:
2025-06-01
Completed:
2025-06-30
Words:
3,000
Chapters:
30/30
Comments:
236
Kudos:
60
Hits:
1,576

The Thousand Tables

Summary:

30 100-Word drabbles to celebrate the second anniversary of Final Fantasy XVI

Chapter 1: First Kiss

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“I've wanted this…wanted you for so long.”

Clive barely whispered the words, his lips a breath away from Jill's.

“I've wanted you too. For as long as I can remember, but I never felt worthy of standing by your side”.

Jill's eyes searched Clive's. For what she wasn't sure. But all she found was endless love, devotion, hope, understanding and a bit of regret. Regret over time lost, never to be gained again.

But it didn't matter. They where here now. Arm in arm. Skin on skin. His mouth fused to hers.

Heartbeat to heartbeat in their first kiss.

Notes:

Hello and welcome to my 30-Days of Cliji-madess.
I´m still in love with this game, with Clive and Jill, and their relationship (and will never not be).
And I thought to myself, why writing just one story for the anniversary when I can write 30 instead?
I love world-building and long dialogues, so cutting myself down to 100 words each time was really challenging, but I had so much fun writing these.
I just hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

Chapter 2: Final

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Jill softly closed the book and as Clive looked over to her, he could see the unshed tears in her eyes.

“Does it give them justice?” He has to know. He poured every ounce of his love in this. He wants to make them proud. They sacrificed everything for their cause, to save the world. The least he can do is make sure said world won't forget them.

“It's perfect”, her voice barely a whisper carried through their chambers. “Do you know what it will be called?”

Clive takes a deep breath. “Yes I do. Final Fantasy. By Joshua Rosfield”

Notes:

Clive wrote the book and no one can convince me otherwise D:

Chapter 3: Numb

Chapter Text

For the first days, maybe even weeks, Clive drifts in and out of consciousness.

He sometimes catches some stray words. He knows that Jill is always at his side. But the other thing he's aware of, is how numb his left hand feels. There's no warmth. No tickle. Just a weight that wasn't there before.

He knew that peace and freedom would have its price and that he, even as the perfect vessel, would have to pay it.

But laying here, hearing the voices of his loved ones, feeling the sun on his skin? He knew it was worth it.

Chapter 4: Broken Wings

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

There were many moments in Jill's life in which she couldn't decide if Shiva was a curse, like the Ironblood always said, or a blessing, like the Phoenix was treated in Rosaria.

But now, in this very moment, she knew that it wasn't Shiva who was the curse. It was her body. She was too weak to help, too weak to survive another prime.

She watched the man she loved, her brother in everything but blood and the crown prince of Sanbreque fly towards an unknown fate and she was left behind with her broken wings.

She could only pray.

Notes:

I still would have loved having Jill there for the ending. She was once again (looking at Rising Tide) played dirty.

Chapter 5: Melody

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The balcony facing the gardens of Rosalith castle was one of Jill's favorite spots in a place she couldn't call home.

Lost in thoughts of a life no longer hers, of people no longer walking besides her, she quietly hummed the melody her mother always sang to her. A melody of memories, of feelings, of love and warmth.

But as she heard footsteps approaching, not of the Archduke or the duchess, but of a certain Lord Marquess, Jill couldn't help but wonder and hoping, that maybe it's not always a place you can call home, but maybe a person too.

Notes:

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with this couple, (especially if you follow me on Instagram) and while I love their adult versions, it's so cute to write them when they were younger!

Chapter 6: Nostalgic

Chapter Text

The four of them walking under the moonlight on their way to Kanver, felt somewhat nostalgic.

Clive couldn't count the days that he helped Joshua to sneak away from his maids to meet outside with Jill and Torgal to be what their mother would never let them be. Just kids.

Sometimes they read a book together under the moonlight. Other times, Clive teaches them how to properly hold a sword and take a stance, but no matter what they did, they did it together.

Today wasn't so different from what they did back then. With Metia as their only witness.

Chapter 7: Heartbeat

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Clive could hear his heartbeat in his ears. He could feel the blood pumping through his entire body. He never felt this nervous, as in the moment the doors to the little chapel opened and he laid eyes on Jill.

His Jill.

He never felt the need to be nervous around her. Not doing their first kiss. Not doing their first time. She was his rock in the surf.

But seeing her now, in this beautiful white dress, on her way to becoming his wife, he was overwhelmed. As she finally stood beside him, he could hear her heartbeat too.

Notes:

Clive/Jill without some wedding fluff? Impossible. Next Question.

Chapter 8: Strange

Chapter Text

Jill woke up to an empty bed with Clive nowhere to be seen. It was a strange feeling.

In the first months since his return from Origin, Clive was having nightmares every night and only when he saw that Jill was safe in his arms was he able to come down. So that he was now missing from their bed was weird.

Jill got up and stepped out onto the balcony, there he was. Softly illuminated by the moonlight.

He turned around and softly smiled at her.

“For the first time, it was a nice dream and not a nightmare”.

Chapter 9: Bitter

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Founder, why is this so bitter? How can any of you actually enjoy this?” Joshua looked like he might be sick from just the one sip of ale he took.

“You're getting used to it, but until then, I keep this…safe for you”, Gav said while emptying the entire mug at once.

“The taste is the one thing, Brother…”

“But wait until you see Gav in action after he was having a few” Clive and Jill said almost simultaneously.

“That's what we are really enjoying,” Clive gestured to Gav who was already flirting with Charon, unsuccessfully, like every time

Notes:

Drunk Gav would totally flirt with Charon and she would make good money out of it.

Chapter 10: Afterlife

Notes:

The end of the "Where´s a Will" side-quest? With Elwin showing up? Urgh, my heart.

And now Logos is confirmed to be released in 2026? And Clive kept a journal? Again. Urgh, ny heart.

Chapter Text

After everything he's been through, with his own experience with so-called “Gods” Clive wasn't one to easily believe.

But as he sat here, at the grave of his father and brother, he suddenly believed in the afterlife. He could basically feel them around him, their love, their pride and how much they missed him, just as he was missing them. He missed them so much.

And when he got up and turned his back to their graves, he could swear that he saw their silhouettes from the corner of his eye. He knew that they would always watch over him.

Chapter 11: Daybreak

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Just with the first rays of light at Daybreak, Jill saw a figure laying in the sand near the waterline.
Her heart suddenly beat twice as hard. Could it be?

As she approached the figure, she could see his features. The unruly black hair, the sun kissed skin, the incredibly handsome scar on his cheek. The Rosarian red he wore with so much pride.

Her feet matched her heart and she ran as fast as she could, probably even faster, until she dropped down beside him and cradled his head in her lap.

He kept his promise. He came back.

Notes:

Clive survives and I die on that hill.

Chapter 12: Audience

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Clive never felt comfortable in front of an audience, be it in the throne room, the bailey or a ball in Rosaria his mother held in her own honor.

But here in Port Isolde, with uncle Byron as Madu at his side and Jill, Joshua and Torgal as his only audience? He felt not only comfortable, no, he liked playing the role of Sir Crandall on the mission to save Saint Sibylle. That he imagined his Saint Sibylle not with long blonde hair but short and silver hair?

Well, that was a secret that he would never share with anyone

Notes:

Uncle Byron is just the best.

Chapter 13: Wishing

Chapter Text

“Wishing upon a star?” Jill's voice was soft as she stepped out of the cave they seek shelter in.

Clive chuckled softly, turned around and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“I learned from the best. And seeing that you are Metia's favorite, I thought she might grant me a wish of my own.”

Jill could see the smirk in his voice.
“What did you wish for?”

“We are not supposed to tell...but now that I hold you in my arms and can do this…” he leaned down to gently kiss her “I think my wish was already granted.”

Chapter 14: Underneath

Chapter Text

If someone told Jill that the safest she would ever feel in her life would be like this, she would have called this person crazy.

But as it is, her laying naked underneath Clive, their bodies joined in every way possible, his weight on top of her with not a single patch of skin not touching and him kissing her, she truly felt safe and loved.

And as she opened her eyes, she found Clive already watching her with the same look in his eyes, she knew that he felt the same.

“I love you, Clive.”

“I love you, Jill.”

Chapter 15: Tomorrow

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

Clive didn't answer for a long moment, causing Jill to stop in her tracks to turn around to face him.

He let out a stuttering breath, letting his hand glide through his hair.

“I am. Should I succeed, I would be the youngest first shield in the history of Rosaria. I want to protect Joshua and the pressure of the title alone is immense, even without being so young.”

Jill smiled gently at him. “I get that." But remember, Joshua trusts you already with his life, just as I do. You will do brilliantly.

“Hopefully”

Notes:

We're already at the halfway point? Crazy how the month flies by.
Thank you all so much for your support ❤️ It means the world to me!

Chapter 16: Agony

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Clive couldn't help the groan he let out as their exiting “The final sting”. “This is pure and utter agony. They saw right through me and knew I wasn't who I said I was. By the flames, I'm the worst actor in the twins.”

Jill chuckled besides him, bumping his shoulder with her own. “You are a great actor Clive, but Byron was right, you are the worst liar in the twins.”

“Is the same isn't?”

“It's not! Remember when we all played scenes from our books? I believed everything you played. You made me love the books even more.”

Notes:

The scene with Natalie and Conrad was too funny.

Chapter 17: Return

Notes:

The amazing NightysWolf just posted the render that immediately came to my mind when I thought about modern Clive ❤️

 

Modern Clive

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

There she was, just like every Friday he came to the library to return the books and grab some new ones.

But tonight was different, tonight, he was going to be brave, just like all the characters he spent so much time with.
Tonight, he was going to ask Jill on a date.

He knew that the likelihood of her being interested in him was small, but he had to try.

But before he could even think about it, she was smiling at him, handing him a small piece of paper with her number written on it, winking at him.

Notes:

I promised modern universe in the tags, so I shall deliver modern universe :D

We all know this, but Clive would totally wear glasses in a modern setting but I ran out of words to include them.

Chapter 18: Hope

Chapter Text

Hope wasn't something Wyvern felt. It was foolish and would only get him killed. He learned early on in his new life, that he wasn't going to survive on positive feelings, revenge was what kept him going.

But in this moment, as he held Jill, his Jill, in his arms, unconscious but alive after thirteen years? He couldn't help the feeling of hope bubbling up in his chest.

Yes. Wyvern knew that hope was foolish, but Clive Rosfield didn't. He wanted to believe that he made the right call saving her, and deep down, he knew exactly that it was.

Chapter 19: Preparation

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“No matter how good we think our preparation is, there's always a risk for something to go wrong. You are sure that this is what you want?” Tarja's voice was firm but even she couldn't hide the nervousness radiating from her.

“I need to do this. If people see that I remove my brand, it will encourage them to do the same, and if I take onto Cid's role, it's necessary.”

“Okay, let's get started then.”

Clive let go of Jill's hand after giving it a quick but firm squeeze, before stepping into the infirmary, the door closing behind him.

Notes:

The scream Ben delivered in this scene? It broke my heart.

Chapter 20: Beautiful

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“You look beautiful today Jill.”

“Don't be silly Clive, I'm just wearing the same pants, skirts and top I did for the last five years.” Still, Jill couldn't help the small blush coloring her cheeks, even more so, when Clive hugged her from behind, his face hidden in the nape of her neck.

“It doesn't matter, you will always be the most beautiful and intelligent woman to me. And now that I have you, there's no need for me to hold back my thoughts anymore. We wasted so much time, I'm not going to waste just a single second more.”

Notes:

Local man is in love with his wife.
That's it. That's this promt.

Chapter 21: Lies

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“I'll be back. I promise”

Clive's words repeated in Jill's mind again and again and again. It's been over a week since he left for Origin and even if her heart refuses to believe, her mind can't stop thinking if he told her the first believable lies in his life. But he never lied to her, and he wouldn't start now.

So Jill pushed the thought aside and focused on the reports of their friends and allies coming in from all over Storm, they placed them strategically before Clive's departure and Jill would not be resting until she found him.

Notes:

I'm so sure, that the Hideaway and all their allies and friends prepared for a rescue mission after Origin.
So much so, that I wrote a fic on this topic.
If your interested, you can find it here
In darkness hope

Chapter 22: Happy Birthday

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Clive woke up to the soft sound of Jill's voice as she entered their bedroom with a tiny cake in her hand, a single candle lit on it.

“Happy birthday, my Star, make a wish.”

He blew the candle and briefly closed his eyes. He checked his phone and despite its only being a few minutes after midnight, there were already countless messages from his friends, the family he found in them and felt the love his mother always told him he would never receive. As he looked at Jill and her steel-gray eyes, he knew that he was loved.

Notes:

Happy second anniversary 🥳.
This needed to be a modern setting so Clive could get spammed by his friends :D

2 years already, time flies and I'm still so obsessed with this world♥️

I found amazing friends through this game and I couldn't be more grateful for them.
So special love to NightysWolf, BaneoftheWitchKing, and CholericDolphin <3
Team One Braincell!

Chapter 23: Hide

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“It's simple, really. You and Clive are going to hide and after counting down from one hundred, I'm going to find you.” Joshua grinned. “Come on Jill. You're our friend now, and friends play together. "Right, Clive?”

"Yes. And I'm really good at hiding, I can show you my favorite places Jill. See it as an opportunity to get to know the castle better.”

Jill still frowned. His Grace told her to befriend his sons and if being honest, Jill misses playing with other children.

“Okay”

Clive smiled before taking her hand in his and started running towards the castle.

Notes:

When Jill came to Rosalith, Joshua was 4, Jill 6 and Clive 9. They deserve some moments to be just normal children.

Chapter 24: Gone

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Jill was more asleep than awake as something cold and wet hit her face,but immediately woke up as she heard the quiet sobs Clive tried to hide on the top of her head.

She tried to sit up, to look at him, but she felt the slight shake of his head and his grip tightening on her.

“He's gone. I let him die.”

Jill swallowed down the lump in her throat.

“I know Clive. But you didn't let him die. You tried everything you could. It was Ultima.”

“But why doesn't it feel like it was him but me?”

Notes:

Sorry for the heartbreak :( But I promise it's the last one!

Chapter 25: Skies

Chapter Text

The second she opened her eyes after the little boat passed the glamor, it hit Jill.

“Clive, the skies. The skies clear. There's no Primogenesis here.” Her voice was laced with wonder. It's been only a few moons since the skies changed, but it felt like a lifetime.

“It's just as I remember the north. I'm home.” Before the first tear could roll down her cheeks, Clive was kneeling in front of her, gently brushing his finger over her skin.

“We are home, Jill.”

She crooked her head in question.

“You are my home. So your home is my home.”

Chapter 26: Heartache

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Clive was barely fifteen and it took him the entire ball to figure out what the heartache he felt as he watched Jill dancing with other nobles was trying to tell him.

Only as the last noble, some eighteen year old son of one of the high houses tried to bend down to kiss Jill's knuckles, it clicked into place.

He was jealous. He wanted to kiss her hand. And her cheek and her lips. He was jealous because he was in love with Jill Warrick.

He went over to her asking her to dance with him.

He loved her.

Notes:

A little bit of teenage jealousy can be cute!

Chapter 27: Fool

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Are you sure I'm not looking like a fool?” Clive turned around to take a look in the mirror from every possible angle.

“It's a Halloween costume. You don't look like a fool. You look dangerous. And hot. And yes, that pun was intended, my Star.”

“It's easy for you to say this. Your costume looks beautiful and you really look like Shiva came to life. But I look like the fire cousin of Godzilla.”

Jill snorted at this. She turned Clive around, took his face in her hand and kissed him gently.”

“Accept the truth. You're the best Ifrit.”

Notes:

I had, HAD to include the "Accept the Truth" line somehow ;)

Chapter 28: Words

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The words died on Clive's tongue as he stepped out of the bus. He imagined this moment at least once per hour for the past eight months and now he's here.
Jill is standing in front of him.
They chat and talk everyday for hours on end after meeting in a random dungeon in their favorite game, and now he's here in person.

“Hi” Jill waved a bit awkwardly.

“Hi” Clive responded equally blushed.

She came a bit closer to him.

“Can I hug you?”

He nodded and when she wrapped her arms around him, he knew he was home.

Notes:

My husband and I met online all the way back in 2007 (that sounds like we're super old. We're only 35 😂, although, it's our 18 anniversary this fall, so maybe we ARE old.) so I thought why not putting a bit of myself in here? Our first meeting was much more awkward though and not at all so smooth.

Chapter 29: Study

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

He always loved his father's study. He could spend hours here without ever getting bored and he was grateful that his father encouraged him to read as much as he liked as part of his education.

The epic tales of man and god were always his favorites, and now that he had a friend that loved reading just as much as him, if not even more? He enjoyed the time here even more.

So when Jill came back from the far end of the study, a new book in hand, he couldn't contain the bright smile he only gave her.

Notes:

Just one more chapter to go...

Chapter 30: Moongazing

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The hideaway was quiet this deep into the night, everyone asleep or in the tower keeping watch. But the silence felt so fragile, that Jill thought even whispering would be too loud.

So she adjusted her position, draping Clive's arms tight around her waist, snuggling into his chest, her head on his shoulder. She felt him dropping a kiss to her hair, before looking up again, just like she did.

Just sitting here with him, moongazing through the night, she almost felt like a normal woman. Without the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Just the two of them.

Notes:

30 days, 90 chapter (I wrote drabbles for my two favorite book series as well), 9000 words. I can't believe the month is over already.

It was such a fun time for me and I loved putting my silly little ideas up here every day.

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey and the feedback, comments, love and kudos. It means the world to me 🥰