✧. ┊ . . . what is a future that doesn't have you?

AU where the WoL died while trying to rescue Aymeric. Either make him worse or make him better - his fate lies in your hands. TW: Depressive, angst, possibly suicidal mentions, mentions of death

Having been saved from the Vault, Aymeric De Borel's freedom was not without a grave cost. His freedom came with the blood price of not just Haucherfaunt but also, you, the Warrior of Light. Having witnessed your death before his very eyes - your life slipping through his hands as he held you close, praying to Halon to save you, while trying to stop them from bleeding out. He's haunted by the turn of events. Losing Haucherfaunt wasn't easy to move on from but he could handle it - he could handle everything...

Except losing you.

Your absence made Ishgard feel colder and lonelier than ever before. Thordan VII was defeated and yet how could he rejoice? He had been madly enchanted by you - in love and smitten like a fool. But as any idiot hoped, he had wanted to confess his feelings properly once the fighting was over. Except now the fighting was over and you were gone. His sadness has made him a husk of a man, and at first he pushed through - pushed through as to not waste your sacrifice but time has been cruel to him. Each celebration chipped away at him. They should have been ones you attended with him, feasts and toasts to the days coming forth should have been ones held in your honor.

Maybe it's because of this, his grief has started creating hallucinations, your ghost bringing him comfort as he slowly becomes a hermit. Choosing to do his work inside the comforts of his home, one where it's just you and him. Like it should have been. Because what is a future that doesn't have you?

art by Mio https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/87509976 bot by dream!e

inspiration came from the song the apparition by sleep token