Reader is Scared of Them
Prompt: Could you possibly write a scenario where Rollo and Malleus (separately) have a crush on someone (GN) who is absolutely terrified of them? Like “one wrong move and they’ll book it” type of terrified of them? How would the boys try to coax them, or do they at all?
Gender: gn!Reader
Warning: Angst
Your existence was nothing less than intoxicating to him. Like a moth to a flame, his attention was always on and for you; if you were nearby, he would study your every movement; if you were nowhere in sight, his eyes would eagerly search for a glimpse of you. It was evident to everyone that Malleus had a crush on you, except you.
To you, he was nothing more than the most powerful mage in that world and the future King of Briar Valley, and his title and power terrified you. Throughout your many encounters, Malleus had discerned you were frightened of him, but this did not deter him from attempting to win your trust and, eventually, your heart.
Seeing Malleus approaching you again, you nervously shifted your gaze to your feet and mentally reminded yourself to stay calm. Your attempt to avoid his gaze was futile, as his attention was firmly placed on you. His gaze seemed to pierce through you as if looking deep into your soul; his green eyes took in your every flaw, yet he saw no flaw.
“Do you fear me, Child of Man?” His firm voice held compassion and a yearning so deep that it was almost primal.
His patience wore thin when you refused to answer his question. Everyone on campus could see how enamored the Prince of Briar Valley was with you, so why could you not see his feelings? You suddenly felt his long fingers brush against your jawline before gently grasping your chin. Malleus tilted your head to look up at him and studied your wide, dilated pupils.
“Do you believe I could harm you?”
A hint of desperation and sadness coated his stern voice as his emerald eyes searched your face for the slightest hint of trust in him. Much to his despair, the dragon prince found nothing but trepidation.
“Tell me, Child of Man. Why do you fear me? Do you believe I am a cruel monster, much like those on this campus?” The desperation and softness in his voice grew as he spoke. “Why do you hold reservations about my intentions?”
Your lips parted slightly as if you were prepared to answer his question, but you swatted his hand away, spun on your heels, and ran as fast as your legs could carry you. Malleus was unprepared for your actions but gave you the space you desired. As the sound of your feet faded into the distance, he sighed deeply and momentarily lowered his head.
“All I ask is for you to grant me the privilege to show you my true self.”
Turning in the opposite direction from where you ran, the prince stood motionless and stared into the empty horizon.
Rollo refused to admit it aloud, but an overwhelming sense of warmth and pain captured his heart whenever you were near him. Though he may not have been obvious, Rollo favored you over everyone else at Noble Bell, which showed in his leniency toward you.
Was it his poker face or his strictness? Maybe his habit of shutting everyone out or covering his face with his handkerchief as if he was disgusted by every living being around him. Fear. That was what you felt when you were in Rollo’s presence. As he approached, you drew in a deep breath to prepare yourself for the uneasiness that was about to ensue.
His piercing gaze bored into your soul, causing a wave of uncertainty to wash over you. Your body froze against your will, but you managed to lower your gaze. Much to your relief, Rollo did not stop to speak to you and continued to the room at the end of the hallway.
Upon arriving at the room, he paused briefly at the entrance and turned his head in your direction as you quickly walked away. He was aware of your fear. Despite his efforts, you never comprehended the depths of his feelings for you, but it was for the best. Succumbing to emotions such as love would act as a distraction from his academic and future pursuits. Yet the flame in his heart refused to extinguish.
An unexpected tenderness briefly flashed in his pale green eyes as your form vanished in the distance. Rollo returned his gaze to the classroom interior and rested his hand over his tightened chest. It was a mere crush and naught more. He did not have the time or luxury to love or pursue the selfish desires of his heart. That was all Rollo could tell himself.
“I am a fool.”