Curate, connect, and discover
Summary: Two best friends in a dungeon. They might kiss.
Word Count: 2,236
Warnings: fluff, secret mutual pining, brief mention of dead husband, mention of kids, Chilchuck and Reader being besties, sneak peak into matchmaker Marcille
A/N: I was thinking of making this into a little mini series or adding the other parts to this draft when I have them. Let me know what you think and enjoy! Edited and Proofread
Y/n and Chilchuck have been best friends since forever.
Having grown up in the same village, the two of them spent most of their time together while they were young. Moreover as they grew older, so did their friendship; they had been the best man/maid of honor at each other's wedding, first ones there after the birth of their children and became the god parents to said children. They moved away from home and started the half-foot union together and began adventuring. It was very unusual for adventuring parties to get one without the other.
The two were thick as thieves. Always there for each other.
So when Chilchuck had been introduced to Laios’ forming party, it was no surprise when Y/n also signed a contract with them as well. Starting together and ending together, that is the way both half-foots worked. Always going where the other leads.
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Marcille’s favorite genre of books are romance. Where a princess gets swept off her feet by a prince and they fall madly in love. Or when two people are forced to go on an adventure together only to realize that they began to fall in love during the journey. She couldn’t get enough of them, which had caused her to strongly lightly project onto others, specifically the two half-foot party members that seem to be insanely close with one another.
It wasn’t hard to see the natural pull the two of them had with each other, or the instinct of making sure that one is safe after a battle with a monster within the dungeon. Marcille would catch glimpses of the two of them leaving when it came to getting water or heading off to the bathroom. Just always making sure the other is safe.
She knew they were friends beforehand, it wasn't hard to keep track of the infamous half-foot duo despite her not being the most well kept with rumors. She knew that they have history before forming the party. So as she watches them now, after deciding to go and rescue Falin, she knew it was much deeper than just friendship.
Marcille’s main focus is rescuing Falin; but if she said getting the two together wasn’t a separate focus on its own, then she’d be lying to herself.
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Chilchuck sat irritably on his bed roll, gaze locked onto the door for night watch. After spotting the mimic in the room over he knew something was going to happen. Mimics have never brought them luck before and it sure as hell wasn’t going to bring them luck now.
With an irritated huff, Chilchuck felt his stomach growl with hunger. “My stomach’s gone soft on me. I used to go two days without eating.” He reached for his water skin only to find it empty. Chilchuck huffed to himself, before instinctively reaching for Y/n’s water skin, knowing she wouldn’t mind. He lifted it up to drink but only a few drops came out, “We need more water.”
He rose to his feet with the water skins in hand. He turned towards Y/n, calling out her name. She groaned lightly, only shifting in the direction of his voice, Chilchuck huffed before reaching over and shaking her. Y/n groaned at the forced movement of her body. She turned her head, inhaling and exhaling deeply before speaking, “What is it hun’?”
Her words came out muffled and they were laced with sleep but it still rang loud and clear in Chilchuck’s ears. The softness of her voice and the endearing name was enough to make his face blush red. He’s heard her call her late husband that or her kids or even his kids, but never has it been directed towards him and not once did he feel like it needed to be, but his heart still fluttered; his face still flushed. Chilchuck stumbled over his words, “I-I’m going to get some more water.” It was only a simple sentence and yet it was still hard to get out, her half lid eyes seemed to be drawing him in. Almost like she wanted him to stay.
“Want me to come?” Y/n asked, lifting herself onto her elbows. Sleep clinging to her eyes. Chilchuck watched as she tried to fight it, but it looked like she was going to lose.
“Nah, I’ll be alright. It’s only in the next room.” He reassured her, he stood to complete his task. As he lifted himself, Chilchuck gently nudged her head with his hand, giving the indication for her to lay back down, “I’ll be back. Go to sleep.”
“Yell if you need, I’ll hear.” She replied, before allowing his nudge to force her to lay back down. Chilchuck watched as her breathing went even. He stepped out of the room, a single thought on his mind.
“She looked really pretty.”
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“Golly!”
Y/n shot up from her bed roll; the sound of a voice waking her from her sleep. She scanned the room only to find Chilchuck still gone. Panic swelled, causing Y/n to quickly make her way towards the door. In her haste, she disturbed Marcille causing her to wake. Marcille only had a moment to watch Y/n swing open the door to their makeshift room and take down the hall. The elven woman then looked around the room and noticed the missing Chilchuck. She quickly sprung up from her bed roll and woke up Laios to come and help. Y/n heard the loud thump of a box hitting the ground behind her. She spun on her feet and saw the previously opened room was locked with bars. She rushed to the door trying to find a way to unlock it from the outside, standing in front of the bars Y/n saw as Chilchuck pressed the last brick before the gate opened itself.
In his panic, Chilchuck didn’t register that Y/n was standing right in front of him nor did he slow his pace when he ran straight for her. Before Chilchuck could fully collide with Y/n, she quickly pulled the man into her once he was within reach, providing him a wider gap between the mimic and himself. Y/n watched as the metal bars slammed down onto the mimic's body, killing it. Y/n held tightly to the panting Chilchuck, just relieved that he was okay. She pulled back to assess him of any major damage, only to see the slight gash on his cheek.
“I told you to yell if you needed help.” she rushed out in false anger, seeing his new scar.
“I had it under control.” Chilchuck laughed, knowing if he was patient enough, Y/n would’ve come running. Y/n smiled warmly even her false anger dispelled, she knew that he would figure out a trap like that in no time.
The door to the room opened to reveal a sleepy Laios being dragged out by Marcille, her panicked expression matching the one Y/n had on seconds before, “I saw her run out like something was wrong! And Chilchuck isn’t in the room! He must be in trouble!” The small group looked over and saw the two half-foots conversing, Y/n taking off the pouch on her leg to reveal a couple of needles and thread, Chilchuck following suit.
Laios and Senshi stared at the dead mimic on the ground. “Whoa! You bagged a mimic! Nice going!”
Chilchuck groaned, sitting back as Marcille gave him a once over with her healing magic. “Thank you.”
Y/n shook her head in disbelief before assessing his green neck warmer. Seeing how much she can sew right now, before having to add more fabric to it. “I can sew most of it, but I’ll have to add some of the spare fabric I have.”
“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.” Chilchuck commented, happy he could keep it for one more day. Seeing his happy smile caused Y/n to share a smile of her own, his relaxed nature making her heart flutter. Knowing he was only this level of relaxed with the two of them, their small bubble yet to pop even with the rest of the party around them. Even with the small trickle of blood on his face, Y/n couldn’t stop the thought that passed through her head.
“He looks so pretty.”
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Marcille silently observed the interaction between the two half-feet. She always had a leading suspicion that they held some sort of feelings for each other, but seeing the way they’re acting almost like it was only the two of them within the dungeon, Marcille knew it wasn't her imagination.
She could see that the two of them held the other close to their hearts, but seeing how close would be the fun part.
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Y/n watched as everyone settled around, ready to eat the dinner provided for them. She was a couple stitches away before Chilchuck’s neck warmer was finished. Which was about the time everyone's portions began to be served. Chilchuck sat next to her, holding the other end of the neck warmer so she could sew it more easily.
Marcille continued to munch on her piece of the mimic before turning towards the duo, questioning them. “If you knew the mimic was in there, why didn’t you tell us?”
“Because I’ve had nothing but bad experiences with them. The last thing I wanted to do is deal with another one.” Chilchuck grumbled. He flicked his gaze towards Y/n only to see she had finished mending the fabric and was folding it up to place it next to his pillow. “Anyways, I made a lot of bad decisions.”
Y/n hummed in agreement, eating a piece of mimic as Chilchuck continued to talk. “The first was panicking thinking the mimic would eat the treasure insect.”
“But mimics don’t eat treasure insects. Treasure insects eat mimics.” Laios announced. His small explanation going over the irritated Chilchuck’s and the amused Y/n’s head. Chilchuck grumbled as Marcille tried to pat his head, only for Y/n to slap her hand away.
“You know he doesn’t like to be coddled.” She said simply. “It makes him feel like a kid.” She finished her plate of food and placed it down for it to be washed later. Marcille ignored her words and turned her attention towards Chilchuck.
“Tell me how old you are and I’ll never do it again.” Marcille compromised, “what happened to you today only happened because you wanted to be so secretive. Now come on and tell me how old you are.”
“Fine.” He grumbled. Hoping she’ll keep her word. Marcille’s eyes sparkled, before turning towards Y/n. Her face held an expecting look, almost like she was waiting for her to share the same details.
“What? You never asked my age. I would’ve told you if you just asked.” Y/n answers simply. It was true. She never hid anything about herself, like Chilchuck did. Just no one was interested enough to ask, or they didn’t think to ask since Chilchuck always refused to share anything and everyone always assumed that she was the same way.
“I’m turning 29 this year.” Chilchuck grumbled out, seeing Marcille’s eyes land on him expectantly.
She groaned at the information, expecting to hear an age older than the one she got. “Man you’re just a kid after all.”
“I thought you were way older than that.” Senshi said. Y/n laughed at their reactions, knowing that other races don’t fully understand half-feet life expectancy. Especially races with longer lives.
Marcille watched Y/n chuckle at the scene in front of her, before lighting up, “What about you Y/n? How old are you?” Marcille asked. Excited that she’ll get the answers to some of her questions.
“Me? I’m 30.” Y/n answered casually. Watching Marcille’s excitement withered slightly.
“Really? You guys are so young.” Marcille huffed, leaning back onto her hands looking at the ceiling.
“Okay then! How old are you guys! All other races look like kids to you ‘races with long lives’!!” Chilchuck shouted. Y/n laughed at Chilchuck’s faux anger. Knowing he was more irritated than actually upset.
“There, there, Chil, those lifers will never understand our day to day struggle.” Y/n joked, watching as Chilchuck fumed silently sitting down and crossing his arms. She thought that steam was going to pour out of his ears. “Come on guys, we should rest a little more before we start moving again. Especially since not everyone got a chance to sleep.”
Marcille watched closely as Chilchuck’s body seemed to instantly relax once Y/n began patting his shoulder and how Y/n’s touch lingered for a second more before she moved and began reassembling her bed roll closer to the new circle the group had formed.
The party grumbled in agreement before dimming down the fire and getting back into their bed rolls. Most fell back to sleep almost instantly. Y/n turned over, now face to face with Chilchuck. She reached out slightly and tapped his arm with her fist. Not enough to hurt, but enough to convey her displeasure with him, “Don’t go anywhere without me next time, got it?”
“Yeah I got it.” Chilchuck replied, tapping her arm in return. They two adults shared a smile before dozing off. Resting until they woke up naturally to continue moving down.
Summary: Chilchuck loves his wife, but he thinks she's too good for him.
Word Count: 1,944
Warnings: a little angsty, maybe ooc Chilchuck, half-foot reader, one curse word, fluff near the end
Within the half-foot community, everyone knows that Chilchuck Tims and Y/n L/n were meant to be. Both of their parents having lived close to each other, the once small children grew up together.
Playing tag as small children, turned into shy hand holding and blushy kisses. Chilchuck adored Y/n with all his heart, nothing could stop him from coming home to her, not even the dark dungeons he found himself in. While Y/n believed that Chilchuck was her whole world. Having loved him since they were kids, Y/n only wished for her Chil to come home safe and sound to her.
Their love continued to bloom throughout the years, having married young and created a family, the Tims couldn’t be happier.
Chilchuck loves his wife. He’d do anything for her, he’d do anything to keep her happy and smiling. Shining like the sun, even if it meant she’d shine with someone other than him.
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Y/n could tell that something was bothering her husband.
It didn’t take much, especially since he was so easy to read. She watched as his brows furrowed and his nose wrinkled. His lips were slightly downturned as well, completing his ‘mr grump face’.
With careful footsteps, Y/n approached the chair her husband was currently occupying. Once behind, she slid her arms around his shoulders and kissed the side of his head, “Good evening, Mr. Grump, would you happen to know if my husband was available.” Having felt the slump of his shoulders and hearing his defeated, albeit amused, sigh Y/n knew she temporarily soothed the twister of thoughts running through his mind.
“I’ll ring him in for you Mrs. Y/n.” the auburn haired man jokes, before turning his gaze to catch the loving eyes of his wife. “Hello sweetheart.”
She pecked his lips lovingly, “Hi lovie. Is something the matter? It’s been a while since the ‘grumpy face’ has come out.” Y/n voiced. A wife can’t help but be concerned for her husband, especially since he works dangerous jobs just for them.
“Everythings fine, just thinking about a request of some sort.” Chilchuck smiled tiredly. His mind has been reeling about what one of his party members asked. While departing from the dungeon, Moslie, had caught the small huff Chilchuck exclaimed about seeing his wife after so long.
It didn’t take much, to cause Chilchuck to rant and rave about his wife back home. The group laughed and poked at the pink faced half-foot. Making him swear he’ll bring her to the tavern to meet them. But after sobering up, Chilchuck didn’t want to follow through anymore. His work and his life were two separate things.
He wanted to keep them separate for as long as he could, but knowing that the moment he mentions it to Y/n, her radiant smile will kill all the courage to tell her nevermind and not have them meet at all.
“Anything I can shoulder with you.” Her sweet voice pierced through Chilchuck’s thoughts. Her nose nudged his cheek, her arms still loose around his neck. The phrase ‘with him’ caused his heart to stutter. Knowing that she’d carry his problems with him, knowing that she’d support him with anything. Knowing that she’d be at his side forever, made the decision harder and harder.
Chilchuck would be with her and carry everything with her until their skeletons turned to dust, which is why he wants to keep her all to himself.
Her smile alone makes the sun burn with envy. Anyone would be lucky to have her.
And he wanted to stay lucky.
But knowing that the smallest meeting with his party would cause even the stars to shine brighter with jealousy with how much she’d beam. Chilchuck had no other option but to lift his half of the world into her awaiting hands.
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Chilchuck sat silently at the table within the tavern. He watched as Y/n floated around, speaking excitedly with all members of the party. Even chatting with the wives that they’ve brought along. Her excitement almost made everything worth it.
Almost.
The auburn haired half-foot watched as his Y/n blushed red at something said to her. She then became bashful and her smile turned into something heart stopping. She looked away, before catching the eye of Chilchuck, then looking back again. A mutter of a response before Y/n excused herself for the conversation to talk with another member, luckily a woman this time.
Chilchuck watched with insecure eyes, feeling like his greatest nightmare was happening before him and all he could do was watch. He hated being a part of a scene. Having everyone stare at him, waiting for his next comeback or action. And within the full tavern, that was surely the outcome.
So he drank instead.
Not enough to get him hammered and stumbling but enough to where his wife would always choose him. Enough to quiet the insecurities just for a moment. Enough to trick himself into believing that he was enough for Y/n, that she would never leave. That she’d want to spend the rest of her life with him.
And it worked, until it didn’t. They always came back and it was getting harder to fight them.
So he let them win and kept drinking the night away.
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The walk back to their little home seemed much longer than necessary. Almost like all the paths taken have stretched themselves while two were away. Chilchuck walked the path silent. His head hung low, the alcohol continued to flow through his system.
The half-foot refused to look towards his wife, not wanting her to see his defeated expression. Chilchuck knew since childhood that Y/n was too good for him. That his grumpy and sour nature wasn’t worth her sticking around. He knew that he dulled her and just tonight, his thoughts were confirmed.
She practically glowed all throughout the night. Her bubbly nature was addicting enough, Chilchuck almost didn’t need a drop of alcohol for the night. But her glow, directed at all his party members, made him feel sick. Seeing her bounce and laugh joyously, seeing her blush and dance with them just told Chilchuck that she’d be happier with someone other than him.
How could she love a grump like him? How can she stay and wait for him for days on end? How could she simply be happy?
Chilchuck grumbled to himself, reaching the door of their home. The man made quick work with the lock and entered, leaving it open for his wife that was tailing right behind him.
Y/n walked through and saw as her husband grabbed one of the wine bottles stored in the cabinets, taking a large drink and sitting himself at the table. She watched as he grumbled with himself. As if he was in an argument of some kind.
His body language saying to leave him alone. That he wasn’t in the mood for any human interaction.
But she took a tentative step towards him anyway. She moved her body to lean against him anyway. She wrapped her arm around his head to keep him against her anyway. She wrapped her other arm over his shoulder anyway.
She held him anyway.
And she continued to hold him as he cried.
Chilchuck gripped onto Y/n’s arm, making it so she can’t let go. So she can’t leave. He wanted to push her off, tell her that he wasn’t good enough, break her heart so she could leave and be happy with someone else. Someone who’d make her shine and laugh and dance. Someone who can talk about his feelings. Someone who’d take her on dates everyday. Someone who’d give her flowers and tell her they love her everyday.
Someone who isn’t him.
“You deserve better than me, Y/n.” his voice came out meek. Like it was painful for him to even say the words in the first place. Y/n looked at Chilchuck with bewilderment, not believing he’d even say such a thing. All her love for him was ready to pour out, but the tightening grip on her arm silenced them.
“I’m a grumpy old man, who’s gone all the time. An old man that’s bitter and emotionless. I don’t even tell you I love you. I don’t bring you gifts or flowers. I never talk about work or anything else and you just met my co-workers after 2 years of me working with them.” Chilchuck ranted. His tears continued to fall, voice weavering between words. His hold still tight, no matter how much he believed he wasn’t enough for her, Chilchuck wanted her to stay right there, needed her to stay with him. “I’m a lousy husband and barely a good enough father. You don’t need someone like me holding you down.”
Y/n dipped her head down, lay her forehead against Chilchuck’s crown. She breathed deeply before speaking, “I no longer feel pretty. I’ve outgrown my gowns, and I feel fat. Our daughters prefer their father over me. I think I’m a terrible mother, and they don’t love me as much as they love you. I say home, waiting for my husband because he’s the only thing that makes me smile anymore. But even then, I don’t think I’m pretty enough for him.” She rose her head and turned his until they were meeting eye to eye. Y/n took in his slightly red nose, the tears within his eyes and the water path the previous ones made. Her gaze softened, tears of her own welling up in her eyes, her hand coming up to cup his face, wiping them away.
“But seeing the way he looked at me tonight. Like I’ve given him life, was enough to show me that he loves me as much as I love him.” She leaned down and rested their heads together. Chilchuck closed his eyes, taking in her warmth. “And god I love him so. His beautiful eyes and sweet smile. His warm embrace and powerful kisses. His grumpiness in the mornings, that always softens when I cuddle him. His loving words and sweet gestures. It makes me swoon every time. I love him dearly and deeply. And nothing could change that, nothing could make me stop loving you Chilchuck. Not when we were kids and definitely not now.
“I don’t need gifts or flowers. I don’t need you to tell me you love me all the time. I don’t need to know about work and I could’ve gone a whole lifetime without meeting your friends because all I need is you. You in my arms, your kisses on my lips, your life entangled with mine.”
Chilchuck slowly pulled away, looking into Y/n’s eyes. All he could see was love and adoration, like he hung the stars themselves.
“I love you Chilchuck Tims. And I know you love me. That’s all I need.”
Chilchuck crashed his lips to hers. Pulling her into a searing breathless kiss. Y/n kissed him back just as hard. Trying to suffocate all of his own insecurities to make them die with her love alone. Chilchuck pulled her onto his lap, holding her close as he continued to kiss her breathless.
Within this moment, Chilchuck believed himself stupid for wanting his beautiful wife to find someone else. Stupid to think that she’d even think of going anywhere without him.
Stupid to believe that she didn’t love him the way he loved her because at this moment he’s drowning within her love and he’d die right there.
Because loving her was lucky.
And he was fucking lucky.
chilchuck ‼️‼️‼️
i spent almost a month without drawing, now i think im a little rusty.... 😭😭