Welcome to a short chapter, not my best work, but it was an idea I thought worth sharing. I hope you all enjoy this short and sweet chapter.
"Nautilus!"
Said metal giant turned around to see a young red-haired teen rushing towards him. Nautilus began to walk towards the growing Annie. Annie was wearing a school uniform, a standard white button-up and a dark grey skirt that went to her knees. Annie still had a purple backpack and Nautilus could see Tibber's stuffed arm sticking out of a pocket. Nautilus also noted fondly the crossed anchor and sword hairpin that he and Riven had gotten for Annie's 10th birthday. As always, Nautilus lowered to one knee and placed out his hand. Annie, with practice ease, jumped onto Nautilus's hand and ran up his arm and onto his shoulder. There she simply flopped down and leaned against Nautilus's head.
"Careful...Annie," Nautilus said standing up.
"I know you would catch me if I slipped, not that I think I would after all these years." Annie gave a cheeky grin that Nautilus couldn't see. Even so, Nautilus let out an exasperated sigh as he began walking along the beach. "So what are we doing today? A fancy meal? A big party? Do I finally get a car?" Annie asked.
Nautilus was silent as he continued his march. Annie just rolled her eyes as she laid down on Nautilus's shoulder. The duo continued on in silence until Nautilus turned inland into a heavily forested area. The path was just big enough for Nautilus to walk through without breaking any branches. Annie sat up to look around as soon as they entered the forest. The area being completely new to her. Before Annie could ask where they were going, the treeline fell away to reveal a nice stone and wood house. It was one story with a large pointed roof. There was a nice covered wood porch that had a few chairs and a porch swing.
Riven was sitting on the swing reading a book. She looked up and smiled seeing the unlikely duo. Setting her book on the swing, Riven stood up and head straight for Annie. Annie jumped off Nautilus's hand and jumped at Riven. Riven just grabbed the teen in a hug and twirled them both around until Annie's feet were touching the ground.
"And what have I told you about doing that Annie," Riven said trying to give Annie a scolding look.
"That you're getting old, and I should stop. However, your logic is flawed. As you are still young and able to take my flying hugs," Annie said looking up at Riven and giving a cheeky smile.
Nautilus let out a rumbling chuckle as Riven just sighed and pulled Annie back into a hug. The smile on her face ruining any image of anger. Annie eventually pulled away and looked at her two guardians.
"So what is this place? This house is really nice, are you moving here Riven?"
"No, I am not moving here, at least I wasn't planning to. No, this house is your birthday gift, from Nautilus and I too you." Riven said before leaning against Nautilus's leg.
Annie froze, her mouth wide open before she turned around to look at the house. She then turned to look back at Riven and Nautilus who both nodded at her.
"My own house? You can't be serious?"
"We are… You are... on the crisp… of your adulthood… Now it is time… for you to have a home… for yourself." Nautilus said.
"But, but what about you two? I have my own home, it's with you." Annie said as tears began to well up in her emerald eyes.
"Oh Annie," Riven said as she walked over to the younger girl and gave her a tight hug, "we will always be there for you silly. And we will most certainly come and visit you. But you today you turn 18, an adult in the eyes of the world. There is a time when every child must leave its nest. My dear sweet Annie, we see that time coming for you soon. We are not saying you have to move out immediately, but we wanted to make sure that you will always have a place that you can return to. We will always be a family Annie, no one can take that away."
"There is another gift... on the table." Nautilus interrupted.
Annie pulled away and wiped her eyes. She smiled before looking up at Nautilus, "It better be a set of keys to a car," Annie said before running towards the house. Riven and Nautilus shared a glance before the two ambled their way towards the house.
Annie opened the door and saw a manilla folder on the table. Annie picked it up and open it up, immediately her eyes began to tear up. She closed the folder before her tears could hit the papers inside. She turned around to see Riven standing in the doorway. She dropped the folder and rushed towards the warrior giving her a bone-crushing hug. Riven had a warm smile as she held Annie who was sobbing. Nautilus was on his knees peering underneath the porch. Annie eventually let go of Riven and ran towards Nautilus and hugged his head. Riven leaned against the door frame with a fond smile and eyes shining.
On the floor, sprawled out and forgotten laid the folder and its content. The paper that caused Annie's tears of joy shined, the official certificate of adoption of one Annie Hastur to Riven Zonte and Nautilus.
I hope you all enjoyed this, do leave a review telling me what you think.