Nightmares [Dad!AU]
Okay I'm consumed by the "Primarch having kid" AU. You guys broke me and now I'm gonna write one for Magnus, where he comforts his kid!
Word count: 830 words.
Warnings: None, this is cute and wholesome fiC NOTHING BAD HAPPENS!!
(Y/N)’s small voice echoed inside the grand master bedroom. Their tiny head peeked through the heavy, ornate door, searching for their father. They found him seated at his desk, immersed in a book. The Crimson King—Magnus—preferred spending his quiet moments reading or exploring what he called “the Great Ocean.”
“Yes, my child?” Magnus turned his head, his crimson eyes softening at the sight of them shyly peeking into the room. “Why are you awake at this hour? I can sense your mind is unsettled.”
“I had a nightmare,” (Y/N) admitted, leaving the doorway and running toward him. They clung to his right leg, burying their face in his thigh. “I dreamed you were gone! You weren’t here with me! I don’t know why, but you disappeared, and I couldn’t find you!”
Magnus’s stern yet compassionate expression remained unchanged as he scooped his child into his arms, placing them gently on his lap. “And you’re afraid of losing me?”
Tears stained (Y/N)’s cheeks, and their lips quivered as they nestled against his neck. “Yes! I don’t want to lose you! Promise me you won’t leave! Promise you’ll stay with me!”
Magnus, known for his immense power and knowledge, was a figure (Y/N) always believed to be invincible. The idea of losing him had never crossed their mind before. But now, the fear of him vanishing—of their father leaving them behind—gnawed at their heart.
“(Y/N),” he said softly, his tone soothing. “I know exactly what will help calm you.”
He made a book float from his desk and held it as he carried (Y/N) to the bed. Sitting down, he began to weave a story using his powers, animating the scenes within the book.
The projection came to life, illuminating the room with a gentle glow. It began with a depiction of the universe’s creation—a grand explosion birthing a planet, and the early life that began to thrive on Prospero.
“Look at these little creatures,” Magnus said, pointing to the projection of strange, ancient animals. “They used to roam this planet long ago. Do you see how life flourished?”
The projection fast-forwarded, showing natural disasters, extinction events, and evolution. Magnus narrated as the creatures vanished, their remains transforming into dust and compost that nurtured new life.
“From death comes life,” he explained. “Nothing lasts forever. All things end, returning to dust. But from that dust, life always begins anew.”
(Y/N) watched as the scene shifted to a limping animal, weakened and dying. Its body eventually returned to the earth, feeding the plants around it.
“All is dust... in the end?” they asked, their voice trembling.
“Yes,” Magnus replied. “But from dust, comes life.”
He gently patted their head, noticing their eyes growing heavy. The soft glow of the projection was lulling them to sleep.
“But I don’t want you to turn to dust or go away,” (Y/N) murmured, their voice barely above a whisper.
Magnus smiled faintly, brushing a stray strand of their hair from their face. “You are strong, my child. Even if one day the universe collapses and the stars explode, taking me away, you will be okay. I believe in you.”
To reassure them, Magnus conjured another scene: a projection of himself as a small child.
“Is that... you?” (Y/N) asked, their curiosity momentarily keeping them awake.
“It is,” he said with a nod. “When I first arrived on this planet, I was just as small and confused as you. I knew my purpose, but I was alone. I didn’t know anyone, and no one knew me. Yet, I pushed forward. I learned, I grew, and I thrived.”
Magnus noticed them struggling to keep their eyes open, though they were mesmerized by the soft, glowing imagery.
“Did you ever miss your father? The Emperor?” they asked sleepily, correcting themselves.
“I did,” Magnus admitted. “Our communication was limited, but when we spoke, it felt wonderful. Still, I knew I couldn’t depend on him. The achievements here on Prospero were the result of my own hands, and the efforts of the people who live here. If I had stayed a sad child, lost in loneliness, I would not have accomplished anything.”
“But I’m not strong like you,” (Y/N) whispered, clutching his robe.
“Even when it feels like the world is ending, you will be okay,” Magnus reassured them, gently stroking their hair. He dimmed the projection, transforming it into a serene display of softly glowing stars sprinkled across the room. “And if tomorrow is my end, you will still be okay.”
(Y/N)’s small fingers held his hand as they finally drifted off to sleep.
Magnus watched them for a moment, then considered returning to his studies. But instead, he lay down beside them, pulling the blanket over them both.
He rarely indulged in moments like this, wanting (Y/N) to grow strong and independent. Yet tonight, they had been brave enough to seek his comfort, and he would be a good, loving father. Tonight, he would stay by their side to make them feel safe.