Chapter 1: Confessions

AN: Hello, dears and Magnus Chase fans! It's been a while since I've read the books now, but I am still in love with the characters. It was such a marvellous adventure to be a part of and has triggered my interest in the Norse stories and pantheon even more. But I remember Blitzen and Hearthstone most fondly. That dwarf and elf were just perfect characters, so funny, dramatic and sometimes tragic, you just had to love them! And since I also love fairy tales, I can't get enough of them, I found their ending unsatisfactory and I love to read queer stories with a bit of tragedy in them (*cough* Song of Achilles! *cough*), I invented this little story. It's a mix of Blitzstone and Sleeping Beauty. I hope ya'll like it!

Blitzen, Hearthstone and the other characters from the books are by Rick Riordan and he has the rights to them, but I have a few fancy characters that are mine. I hope you'll like them as much as I do.

Have fun with this chapter!

Three years. They had been living together for three years. Blitzen, a dwarf, son of Freya and Hearthstone, an elf from Alfheim, born deaf. Every day they transitioned between the Chase Space and their small apartment above the dwarf's fashion shop, Blitzen's Best. For three years they had worked in tandem, gone on a myriad of adventures and faced their biggest fears together. All fears… except one.

Blitzen had avenged his father's death at the wicked claws of the Fenriswolf, had battled ghosts, giants and zombies. He had scared away a dragon, for Hel's sake and even faced down literal gods! He had almost lost his life twice and had earned his title as a hero, but… there was one thing that made Blitzen lie awake at night, petrified as if he were lying in bright sunlight instead.

The dwarf was in love with Hearthstone. He couldn't deny the utter adoration he felt whenever he saw the elf's eyes light up when Hearth was experimenting with his magic, how his heart fluttered when Hearth was complimenting his craftsmanship and how his whole body ached with worry and longing every time they were apart. How his hands wanted to touch the elf's silky white hair as he was sleeping beside him and how he caught himself staring at Hearth's lips rather than his hands more and more often. Blitzen wanted to tell him so badly but something stopped him every time. Either the timing wasn't right or he was rendered mute by the fear that it would destroy their deep natural friendship. So he stayed silent, choking on his feelings that roiled like burning lava in his chest. Until one day, he had stayed silent for too long…

Today was the day. Today he would tell him. Today he would finally be the happiest dwarf in history. Blitzen deeply breathed in and out to calm himself, smoothing over his clothes and hair for the umpteenth time in front of the mirror. "You're such a pussycat, Blitzen – sorry, mom... It's just three words, one sign, nothing more, you can do it," he muttered grimly to himself. When he was completely sure that every single thread in his silk shirt was in its right position and everything metallic on him was blinking like the most precious diamonds in Niflheim, Blitz had run out of excuses to hide in his room any longer and boldly stepped out of the door, trying hard to calm down his racing heart. He marched straight to Hearthstone's room, determined to come out of there feeling lighter than a feather. But when he pushed open the door to the elf's chambers, only emptiness greeted him.

For a few seconds, he just stood in the doorway without moving. The small pit of anxiety that he had managed to reign in came back with full force and the dwarf dug his perfectly manicured fingernails into the palm of his hand. "He could be anywhere. He could be with any of the team, watching them train. Or he could be on a mission with Odin. He could even be just on a quick toilet break, for Hel's sake. Stop fussing around, you coward!" he scolded himself. Fighting down his worry, he exhaled sharply and went to search for the elf. First, he paid the battlefield of the Hotel Valhalla a visit. Maybe Hearth was brushing up on his defensive spells. But the only people he saw were Halfborn and Mallory, engulfed in a fight that quite confirmed that everything was fair in love and war.

The next room he checked was Sam's, but she wasn't there. She surely was at school or on a mission to find fresh recruits. But no trace of Hearth… Still fighting down his rising worry, the dwarf made his way towards Magnus' room. When he opened his door, a roar like that of a wild beast told him that Alex was with him and that he had probably just interrupted something. He politely wanted to go away, but Magnus appeared at the do0r and asked him what he wanted. "Just wanted to check if you've seen Hearth around…" Blitz told. Unfortunately, the boy hadn't seen his friend either but tried to cheer him up. "Maybe he accidentally turned himself into a tree or something, hahaha!" he joked and patted his arm. Blitz forced a smile onto his face and went further down the corridor. He sent a prayer up to the gods that he would find the elf today before he knocked on the door of his last hope: TJ. He remembered that sometimes they hung out together to practice runes or play games. A moment later, TJ opened. He was casually dressed in navy sweatpants and a muscle shirt. "Hey, Blitz, what's up, man? Come inside," the boy greeted him cheerfully and the dwarf entered.

TJ had just been playing a videogame, which was on pause, a bowl of popcorn beside him. He motioned to the table with beanbags in his room and turning to a soda dispenser, asked: "Want some? The grape soda's pretty good." Although Blitz would have been happier with a fine wine or spirit right now, he just nodded and let himself sink into a beanbag. His friend returned with the drinks, handed him one and looked at him with a lopsided grin. "So, what led you to the humble abode of TJ the Great?" he asked. The dwarf sighed, took a sip of his soda and then confessed: "I'm looking for Hearthstone. I asked all of our team, looked everywhere, but I can't find him. By any chance, have you? I'm... just a little anxious."

TJ looked at him with something akin to compassion. He seemed to sense that what they had might just run a tad bit deeper for him. "Well, you're in luck, buddy. We were together just this morning; he was showing me some cool runes. But then this bracelet of his started to glow and he got stressed and he said he needed to go." Bracelet? Could it be? Blitzen felt his stomach cramp up. No, it couldn't be. "Did- did he mention where exactly he would go?" he wanted to make sure, unable to keep his voice from trembling. "Well, he mentioned some Inge needing his help? In Alfheim?" TJ helped out, "Are you alright, man?"

Blitzen was glad he was already sitting when he heard the news. Otherwise, he was sure his legs would have given out under him. Alfheim? Why in the Nine Realms would his sweet elf ever want to return to that godsforsaken place?! Where he had been shunned relentlessly because of his deafness, where his father had abused him, where his brother had died, where he never would fit in? His throat constricted and pain and jealousy fought in his chest. Where SHE was? He thought that they had agreed never to speak about Alfheim again and who waited for Hearth there. The rival for his affections, the one that turned all his dreams about him and Hearth together bitter and mixed with a touch of fear. The ingenious Hulder Inge…

Why?! Why had he returned? Why couldn't he have stayed here, where he was safe from sirens that could lure him away from his dwarf? The words he had wanted to say so badly this morning turned bitter and desperate in his mouth. He wanted to feel angry at Inge, he wanted to grab Hearthstone by the shoulders and physically drag him back to the safe happiness of the Chase Space and Hotel Yggdrasil, wanted to throw all caution to the wind and kiss him silly, kissing him way better than she could probably ever dream of! A sinister little voice whispered to him that he was probably unworthy anyway and that Hearth would never see him as more than a friend. Who would ever want a small dwarf who was only obsessed with fashion and was fixated on one deaf elf? There were way better choices and who was to say that Hearth's species even allowed such a union? And what if that confession of love would turn away Hearth from their friendship into disgust and hate? Just the thoughts of it made Blitzen want to curl up and sob. He wouldn't be able to bear it if that voice was right, it couldn't be… he wouldn't allow it.

Then he forced himself to take a few deep breaths. He firmly told the voice to shut up, that it was wrong for even insinuating that Hearthstone would do anything other than loving him, even if there was the chance that he didn't reciprocate his romantic feelings. Perhaps it wouldn't even be a mission that lasted longer than a day. Maybe his dear elf would be back in his personal space by evening. Blitz briefly closed his eyes and anchored himself with the vision of Hearth returning and them sharing a warm hug, not even anything particularly passionate, just strong and reassuring. He would wait. He'd wait for as long as he needed to so he could tell his elf the cherished words that he kept in his heart. He couldn't let fear and self-doubt destroy what he had been feeling for so long. The dwarf opened his eyes again and willing away the trembling of his hands, he nonchalantly said: "I'm fine, dear boy, I really am."

TJ looked at him concernedly for a moment longer, then he gave a lopsided grin and muttered: "Glad to hear it, man." Blitzen finished his drink and stood up, not wanting to bother the boy any longer. "Well, I'll be on my way then… The clothes don't make themselves. I'm sure Hearthstone will show up sooner or later. But you've been a great help, thank you so much. Have a nice rest of your day, TJ," he bid him goodbye. "Sure thing, Blitz. Come by any time you like. Make some nice clothes," the teen replied, pressing his shoulder. Blitzen waved and stepped out onto the corridor, closing the door. He heaved a deep sigh, the uneasiness not yet gone from his bones. "He will return soon, he will return soon, he will return soon…" he whispered under his breath. He had to confide in this. The dwarf left the Hotel Valhalla and walked brusquely toward his shop and home. Magnus was right, he would achieve nothing just worrying holes into his stomach. It was better to focus on what he could actually do. But despite all the mantras and reassurances, a gnawing feeling remained in his chest as Blitz went to sleep that night.

END CHAPTER 1

EN: Heeey! Look at that, Chapter 1 is ready to be read! Well, we all know that Blitzen is quite the worrier when it comes to his beloved Hearthstone. And we know that the feeling is mutual with Hearth, but does he really love him back as Blitz does? And how long will Blitz have to wait for him to return from Alfheim? We'll have to wait and see for Chapter 2, which will be a doozy, I can promise you!

Until then, tell your friends when you go on an interworldly adventure, lest they worry themselves to death. As always, likes and comments are very appreciated.

Kisses and cake,

Yuna McHill.