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You turn your head to get the disinfectant to begin on the smaller scratches and cuts and when you turn back to Dick, he catches your lips with his own in a gentle kiss, hand coming up to cup your face. You melt into him for a minute, letting his warmth envelope you before reluctantly pulling away.

one of my favorite kinds of kisses omg i nearly squealed

first of all congrats on 2k !! my request would be dick grayson in a forbidden romance with "you're a horrible liar" TYSM I LOVE YOUR WRITING

thank u sm ur so sweet!! i’m so excited to be writing for dick grayson u have no ideawhsjwkdiekf here u go anon! 💌

dick grayson x reader + forbidden romance + “you’re a horrible liar”

➺ part of my 2k milestone writing game

“Hey, doc,” you hear Dick call from the doorway where he leans against the wall and watches you. Clad in his Nightwing suit, he smiles at you, very clearly tired from wherever he’s come from. You almost turn away, but you quickly realise that he’s leaning on the wall for support and the hand not holding his mask, is clutching his side. “You got time for another patient?”

“You’re hurt,” you mumble pointlessly, rushing over to help the vigilante off the wall and towards a chair. Trying to ignore the way your stomach twists at his wincing, you help him into a sitting position. “Take off your shirt.”

“Woah, you’ve never said that where other people can hear you before,” he chuckles, the movement making his laugh turn to wheezing. You hide your worry with a glare at his words and check the door to see if anyone overheard. Just to be safe, you go and shut it.

You’re pretty sure everyone is in their rooms or out, but working in a house full of vigilantes means you can never be too sure with security. The less you work at the hospital and the more you’ve started staying at Wayne Manor, the chances of your relationship with Dick have increased immensely.

You’re almost certain that Tim knows about you two. Either that, or he knows some other secret based on the weird, knowing smiles he keeps sending your way. You dread to think.

“How’d this happen?” you ask quietly, already getting to work on the stitches.

Dick looks at you, slightly conflicted with something before he speaks. “I, uh… there was this-” he cuts himself off, sighing and then taking a deep breath. “I tripped over a stray kitten trying not to step on its tail and one of the guys got me before I had the chance to recover.”

You really do try not to laugh, but the second you accidentally catch Dick’s eye when you go to reach for a bandage, you can’t help cracking a smile.

“And I assume the cat came out of there completely fine,” you tease, smoothing the bandage over the stitches.

“I swear I saw the smug bastard shake its head at me,” he says, completely serious until you dip your head and start laughing again, to which he responds with his own smile.

You turn your head to get the disinfectant to begin on the smaller scratches and cuts and when you turn back to Dick, he catches your lips with his own in a gentle kiss, hand coming up to cup your face. You melt into him for a minute, letting his warmth envelope you before reluctantly pulling away.

“Dick…” you sigh, avoiding his eyes to fiddle with the lid of the disinfectant bottle. All you want to do is continue kissing him, but the sneaking around has had you thinking recently. You’re here for your job and you know you’re in a position of trust and responsibility to Bruce and the others, including Dick. “I keep telling you we need to end this. And I mean it.”

Dick stays silent and after a couple beats, you look up, thinking that he’s upset with you. You find him smirking. “You’re a horrible liar, you know.”

“I’m serious, Grayson,” you say, trying to sound as firm as possible when he looks at you in the way that gets you all mushy inside. “I can’t do that to Bruce. He’s my employer, yeah. But more than anything he trusts me and I can’t mess this up.”

“Hm.” Dick doesn’t change his expression, continuing to look at you, eyes moving from your eyes to your lips and back and you wonder if he’s even listening to you. Tutting, you snap your fingers in his face, causing him to smirk even more. “Yeah… Bruce knows.”

You freeze, staring at Dick in utter shock. “He knows?”

“Since yesterday,” he nods, taking the disinfectant out of your hands to place it on the table. Holding your hands, he guides you forward so you’re standing snug between his legs, still unable to say much. “He doesn’t care, by the way. Just like I said he wouldn’t.”

“Really?” you ask in a whisper, not daring to sigh in relief just yet.

Dick just rolls his eyes and takes your face in his hands. “Yes. He still trusts you and still wants you working here, just like I said.”

You relax your shoulders, nodding. Then you punch him in the arm, making him groan. “Why didn’t you tell me straight away, you ass!”

“I was injured!” he exclaims, but his stupid grin is unwavering. “I still am, actually. That was a damn good punch, what the hell?”

“Jason showed me the other day,” you grumble, still frowning at Dick.

He shakes his head at you, completely unaffected by your glare as he swoops in for another quick kiss, knowing it’ll appease you, even momentarily. You don’t hesitate to respond, hands beginning to roam up his strong chest and into his hair. He pulls away with a contented smile. “I half-expected you to punch me again for kissing you.”

“Yeah, well. There’s more where that came from.”

#(never been kissed in my life) #i need dick grayson to come here and fix that #fic recs

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totally random reminder that marvel is being boycotted, thus the mcu is being boycotted too. and also they’ve cast like 4 israeli pro israel zionist actors in a row. in case you want to hype a certain trailer today idk.

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🇵🇸 Lama Jamous, nicknamed the youngest journalist in Palestine, has evacuated Gaza 💚

🔸Source: WearThePeace and @Lama_jamous9

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daily reminder that boycotting is not a moral stance but a political strategy, so the whole “there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism” argument is not the gotcha you think it is

you can refer to BDS if you’d like a list of companies to focus your efforts on. you can refer to this website if you’d like to become more conscientious about what you’re buying and check for brands/products to avoid.

*please note that i am a palestinian who has been boycotting my entire life. do not try to explain to me in the tags or reblogs or replies what a targeted boycott is or complain about giving up your comfort for something that you (incorrectly) believe does not make an impact. being quiet is free. exercise your right to remain silent today.

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6 random songs from my on repeat playlist:

all night - snow wife

eat me - 6arelyhuman

vì yêu cứ đâm đầu - min, đen, justatee

god complex - la rhonza

fall in lust - eden, jiselle

delectable - lindsxy mesenburg

no pressure tags @atlabeth @kodaiki :)

6 random songs from my 'On Repeat' Playlist

1. aerials - system of a down

2. hypnosis - sleep token

3. climbing up the walls - viscera

4. the jester's dance - in flames

5. cirice - ghost

6. how i fall apart - currents

tagged by @iite-cool (well vi tagged my main but i use this blog more LMAO) // no pressure tags: @whats-belay @stargirlrchive @oddityinthesky @tomiesdiet @dmitriene <33 mwah i love u all !!!

#lmaoo i still got the mention notif #it’s ok #i love music #haven’t done a tag game in so long tbh #tag game

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I feel I should specify when I talk about the vast majority of Israelis supporting this genocide it's not to call for violence of them or even to demonise them. It's to call attention to Israel having a genocidal education system which dehumanises Palestinians from the moment Israelis start school. Ilan Pappé did a study in 1994 of the Israeli education system and raised the alarm that it would raise a generation who are even worse than those who first colonised Palestine in 1948. We're seeing the truth of that now.

I raise this point because we're seeing this attempt by politicians and the media to claim that it's just Netanyahu who is to blame for this genocide and not a systematic problem that requires boycotting, divestments and sanctions to push them to correct. This lie is being pushed because they do not want to change the status quo which allows for Israel to steal Palestinian land and homes and keep Palestinians under military occupation.

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Hi Pookies I've been working on a Nikolai x Hunger Games fanfic for a while and wanted to give you a preview before we wrap up Modern Nikolai. Lemme know your thoughts :)

Quick Info for help: Reader is 22 in this, Nikolai is 25. District 2. Takes place in Catching Fire and a bit after.

The victors are going back in.

The victors are going back in.

      You lurch off Nikolai’s lap and dash to the bathroom, your dinner rising up in your throat. You're barely inside the room, barely on your knees, before you're retching into the toilet.

"'The tributes will be reaped from the existing pool of victors.'"

Your body shakes as you vomit, both from the force of the tears rising and from being sick. Momentarily you register Nikolai beside you, his warm body wrapping around yours, his lips against your hair in an attempt to give you comfort. I don’t want to go back, you think. I don’t want to relive the horror. There are many victors in the pool from District Two but the knowledge that it will undoubtedly be you chosen has you unhinged.

You remember, suddenly, when you volunteered at fifteen. You had been raised believing that you would bring glory to your district by competing but, after winning, you felt like you'd lost a piece of yourself. No sane person would feel good after slaughtering children. Children. Nikolai had been your mentor, then. At nineteen he had tried his best to put you back together, a shell of a girl, and afterwards he’d been the only person you'd trusted besides Coen. Coen. Your lover. Your closest friend. After he died, you trusted no one but Nikolai.

“I can’t.” You say.

“I know.” He murmurs over your gasping.

“It’s not—”

“I know.”

“It’s not fair.”

But nothing is fair, is it?

You turn suddenly and look at him. Your fingers grasp his face with enough force to bruise but he doesn’t flinch or move away--he never has. His eyes, that familiar, gorgeous blue, stay locked on yours. Your hands cup his cheeks and bring his forehead to yours, your eyes squeezing shut. Nikolai lets out a ragged breath and holds you against him, one arm flushing the vile concoction down the toilet before scooping you onto his lap. He runs his hands over your hair and holds you, just holds you, until you calm down.

“You know you’ll be picked, right?” He whispers, but of course you know. Nikolai has never been one to sugar-coat things and he won’t do it now, God bless him. “These games will most likely be rigged. They’ll pick you on purpose because of—” He stops, but he doesn’t need to finish. Warner. The victor who killed Coen only five years ago.

He’ll be there too, you know it.

“I know.” You mumble.

“I’ll volunteer.”

“No.”

“I won’t let you go in there without me. You—”

“Damn it, Nikolai, no.” You snap and shove off him, standing up. You snatch up your toothbrush and try to ignore him, your entire body trembling. Then you realize—he won’t have to volunteer. If it’s rigged like he’s suggesting, then he’ll be there automatically because you love him and the Capitol knows it. You make a strangled sound and bend halfway over, your toothbrush shaking inside your mouth.

“Y/N...” Nikolai murmurs as you finish, drying off the toothbrush. The tears on your face are warm and salty when you turn to him, your eyes meeting his.

“I wanted you to live. I wanted us to live.” You say, your voice hoarse. That's the deal, isn't it? You fight and kill, you degrade yourself, your sell parts of yourself you can never get back, only for what? To be sent back to the slaughterhouse? No. No.

“You know that this is because of Katniss.”

Your body tenses and the old feeling of hatred rises up from when you watched her games. Because of Cato. Because of Clove. Because of every tribute that died in that arena, whether it was her fault or not. You can remember how much you despised her after she and Peeta were allowed to survive their games, but you feel as though this punishment is crafted uniquely for her. Two victors won’t make it out alive, now. Besides—she’s just a kid. Who are you to blame her for saving the boy she loves?

“I would’ve done the same thing for you.” You say weakly and he knows you're referring to the berries.

“You mean Coen.”

“No.” Your voice comes out harsher than you thought it would and Nikolai’s eyebrows furrow. “I would. For—for both of you.”

He watches you for a moment before taking your face in his hands. When he kisses you, you immediately think about how this might be one of the last few kisses you can share. One of the last few times he'll make you feel like you're melting into him. Nikolai presses warm and soft, gentle, loving kisses to your mouth. He pulls away and tugs you against his chest, his hands gripping you tightly.

“The difference between Katniss and I,” he says, tone gentle, “is that I would’ve killed myself in that arena if it meant your survival.”

HAPPPPPYYY HUNGA GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMES

#i can only imagine the angst that will come from this #fic recs

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 ╭ ◜◝ ͡ ◝ ͡◜◝  ╮  (                      )  (        cock       )    (                  )      ╰     ͜      ╯                      O                    o                             °       〃∩　∧＿∧      ⊂⌒（ ´・ω・）       ｀ヽ_っ＿/￣￣￣/ 　           　   ＼/＿＿＿/ 

#LOL

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hellooo can i request a fluffy nikolai lantsov x reader fic where nikolai just showers the reader with love using all love languages - acts of service, etc. tysm & have a great day, sweets!💖

Love Languages

Nikolai Lantsov x reader

Warnings: you and Nikolai are married, and you're Queen of Ravka, suggestive bits, insecure!Nikolai, Nikolai’s father (mentioned), mention of having kids, pls pretend photos were a thing back then.

Word count: 2928

Grisha taglist: @tranquilitymoon @thefifthweasley @savannah-elliott @ateliefloresdaprimavera @fandomstuffff @all-art-is-quite-useless

. . .

1. Words of affirmation

"perhaps the king could-"

"the king is not needed right now"

"right, but maybe if he could-"

"could what, Admiral? confirm everything I'm already telling you? confirm what you've refused to accept? these battle plans are risky, too risky, and I wont send young men to their deaths"

ever since you took over your husbands job of discussing war strategies, Admiral Stravinsky had done nothing but argue and belittle you. he was of the firm belief that woman had no place in politics, and mentioned bringing Nikolai into every meeting you had with him.

"the king would be able to-"

"the king would agree with me! actually Admiral," you said his title with such venom he flinched, "the king would agree with me that you've done nothing but cause problems since you joined the council. I am your queen yet all you do is indirectly insult me or talk down to me as if i was a lesser woman. well, I'm not, and my decision, the right decision, is final."

the table was silent, processing your words. Admiral Stravinsky was open mouthed and red faced, looking absolutely baffled at a woman raising her voice at him. other advisors and military men sat at the table were looking everywhere except you. Tolya and Tamar didn't bother to hide their grins, enjoying Stravinsky being put in his place.

you took a deep breath, and straightened your posture. "the decision is final, we will not deploy these troops, and we will not participate in this battle. meeting dismissed, until further notice. thank you"

you stood and tried not to hurry as you left the room, the twins following closely behind. when the door closed and you three were alone in the corridor, you allowed yourself to slump against the wall and let out a rather unladylike groan.

"I shouldn't have lost my temper" you muttered, rubbing a hand over your face. 

"you had every right to, you put him in his place, he deserved it!" Tamar declared, putting a hand on your shoulder.

you sighed. "I'm exhausted, I'll see you both at dinner." you wanted, no, needed to see Nikolai.

upon entering his chambers, you saw your husband hunched over his desk, scribbling on parchment. while Nikolai may not always be the most mature, when he set his mind on work, he did it, and did it well.

he looked up when he heard the door open and close, a bright smile on his handsome face, which fell into one of concern when he saw your messy hair and miserable expression. he put out his arms, moving his chair out from the desk. you were silent as you sat on his lap, arms around his neck. you pushed your face into his shoulder, pulling him close to you. you sighed deeply, some of the stress leaving your body. 

Nikolai gently brushed some hair out of your face, and held you tightly by the waist. he let you sit in silence for a few minutes, both of you just basking in the luxury of being in love. 

“my love,“ he said softly, “how was the meeting?“

“terrible“ 

“why’s that?“

“I lost my temper, shouted at Admiral Stravinsky.“

“did he insult you? if he did-“

“he does not respect me. he rejects every suggestion, he scoffs when i suggest anything that isn’t war. he constantly asks for you, as if I am just a clueless woman who needs her husband’s guidance, as if I’m not the queen of Ravka.“

“why did you not mention this before, my darling? I could have-“

“if you attended a meeting he would have been kissing your boots, acting like an angel. sometimes I wonder if I’m good enough for the crown, for you...“ your voice drifted as you shared your insecurities. 

Nikolai was silent, his arms tightening around you. he reached up and cupped your jaw with his right hand, making you look at him. his eyes were serious, his gaze piercing. his usual light demeanour was gone, in its place was a more serious one. 

“do not ever question your worth, to me or to Ravka. you are an amazing queen, and the love of my life, and nothing will change that.“ his voice was low, and the way he was holding your waist set off butterflies in your stomach. 

you just nodded, leaning your forehead against his. his hand still gripped your jaw securely, and he tipped your chin upwards to face him again. 

“you are,“ he placed a kiss on the tip of your nose, “perfect.” he kissed your forehead. “brilliant.“ he kissed your cheek. “beautiful.“ he finally kissed your lips, a gentle yet firm kiss that left you reeling. “you are a strong, hardworking woman. you are a fighter before anything else, before you are my wife, or the queen. you are your own woman. and I’m honoured to be your husband.“

you kissed his lips softly. “yeah, you’re alright, I guess.”

you giggled at his offended expression, your past insecurities forgotten for the time being. 

. . .

2. Physical touch

“Nikolai!“ you giggled as he peppered your neck with kisses, feebly attempting to push him away, “we have to get up!”

Nikolai broke apart from your neck long enough to groan before going back to what he was doing, pressing kisses against every available inch of your skin. 

you had awoken early, the rays of the early morning sun and the sound of birds outside the window interrupting your sleep. you had meant to get out of bed and ready, to begin your day, but your husband had different plans, securing his arm around your waist tightly as soon as you began to move.

“you’re insatiable,“ you laugh, brushing his golden hair out of his face. your bodies were so close it was impossible to tell which limb belonged to who. 

you were on your back, Nikolai inbetween your legs, his hands holding your waist as he kissed you, your face, neck and chest, anywhere he could reach. he stared at you adoringly, his blue eyes bright as you stroked his hair.

“I’m a man in love my darling, besides, when you’re in my bed, how could I ever have enough of your kisses, hmm?“

“you’ll get plenty of kisses later, after we do our jobs,“ you retort, though you’re finding it difficult to deny him.

“yes, but later you won’t be as you are now,“ he trailed feather light kisses along your collarbone.

“and how’s that?“

“comfortable, relaxed, disheveled... naked,“ he replied cheekily, hands trailing down your sides, making you gasp. 

you playfully kneed him in the side. “bastard,” you replied fondly, wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling his chest to yours. “I like you in the morning too,” you mumbled into his hair, placing kissed on the top of his head.

“because of how naturally handsome I am?“

“no, and I’m not gonna tell you why now.“

“I’ll kiss you if you tell me“

“you’ll kiss me anyway, saints it’s hard to believe you’re king”

“please my love, tell me“

“you’ll laugh“

“I would never“

you shot him an unimpressed look and rolled your eyes at his cheeky grin. “you’re mine in the mornings, I don’t have to share you”

he furrowed his brows, “I’m always yours”

“when you’re here, you’re my Nik, when you step outside the door, you become Nikolai Lantsov, king of Ravka... it’s just nice to have you to myself“

his arms tightened around your waist. “I understand, you become a different person when you leave the room...”

the room was silent, both of you enjoying the feeling of skin on skin. you finally broke the silence after a few minutes.

“for the record, I like you naked too“

. . .

3. Acts of service

"can I do it?"

Nikolai's voice snapped you out of your thoughts, you were absentmindedly brushing your hair, taking it down from the braids it was in during the day, to go to sleep

"do what?" you set the brush down and turned to face him. he was shirtless, lying on his stomach on the bed, impatiently waiting for you to come to bed

"brush your hair, can i do it?"

"I mean... sure, if you want to"

he scrambles off the bed, a smile on his handsome face, hand outstretched for the brush. he settles behind you, winking at you when he catches your eye in the mirror, and starts separating your hair gently

"you dont have to be so careful love"

"I dont wanna hurt you though" he replied, brows furrowed, still separating your hair

"my hair is brushed enough, you wanna help me untie my corset?"

you'd never seen a face light up as fast as his did. Nikolai always helped untie your corset, partly because it meant you trusted him, partly because it meant seeing you naked. it was 50/50 mostly

you laughed at his eagerness and stood up from the chair. you slip off your dress, taking your time as he watched from where he sat on the bed

when it was just your corset and undergarments left, you stilled, allowing him to run his hands over your waist.

'just finding the strings' was his go-to excuse for running his hands around your waist and hips while untying the corset.

he slowly pulled the strings, relieving the pressure on your chest ever so slightly as he went. as the corset got looser, more skin was shown, and he placed light kisses on the back of your neck.

"I'm suspecting an ulterior motive," you mumble, as his hands remove the corset and begin removing your slip.

"what motive could I possibly have, besides wanting to be helpful by undressing my wife?"

"I think you're enjoying the undressing part more than the being helpful part"

he just shrugged, a loose smile on his lips, making no effort to deny it. when your slip fell to the ground, he began leaving kisses along your shoulder.

"cheeky bastard," you said fondly

"a helpful, cheeky bastard" was his only reply as you let him pull you towards the bed

. . .

4. Quality time

"should you not be, oh I don’t know, being the king?" you said, an eyebrow raised

Nikolai just tightened his grip on your hand, "I'm always the king, darling"

"should you not be somewhere making decisions, instead of wasting time here with me?"

the days that you weren't fulfilling your responsibilities as queen of Ravka, you spent in the palace gardens, among the greenhouses. you had made friends with all the gardeners, knowing each by name, and their spouse and children's names.

it was seen as unusual at first, Queen Tatiana Lantsov never associated with the staff unless forced to, but you made it your mission to be known as a woman of the people. one of the reasons Nikolai loved you as much as he did was because of how much everyone who met you couldn’t help but love you

but for whatever reason, Nikolai was not in whatever meeting he had scheduled, he was trailing along behind you in the gardens

"time with you is never wasted, my darling, time with you is time well spent," he lifted your joined hands and placed a kiss on your knuckles. “can a man not spend time with his wife when he wants to?”

you smiled softly, and kissed his cheek. “I love spending time with you, but you have responsibilities, and your advisors wont accept ‘i wanted to spend time with my wife’ as an excuse”

instead of a witty remark or sarcastic comment, he was silent, stroking his thumb against the back of your hand. you knew Nikolai, and that meant he was nervous, or worried about something.

you frowned, “Nik? you okay, my love?”

“I’m sorry“

“sorry for what?“ you took his other hand in yours, and pulled him close, searching his face for a hint of what was wrong.

“I haven’t been a good husband to you recently“

out of anything he could have said, that was the one you certainly never expected to hear from him. he refused to make eye contact, biting his lip, another tell that he was nervous.

“my darling, what in the saints are you talking about? you’re always-“

“I haven’t been there, we don’t spend time together anymore, only meals. I mean, you’re surprised I’m here with you instead of in a meeting, I’m sorry“

“oh my love,“ you breathed out, “I don’t ever want to hear you say that again, do you understand, never.“

“I haven’t-“

“you have been a wonderful husband since we got married, and a wonderful king, which isn’t an easy task, but you do it perfectly. everybody in the kingdom adores you, because you adore them.“

he still looked doubtful, but at least he wasn’t avoiding your eyes.

“think about your parents, your father never tried to listen to his people, he drank and ate his body weight. he favoured vulnerable maids instead of his wife, that is a bad king and husband, you are the complete opposite of him.”

your voice grew softer but didn’t waver, your words were true and he needed to know that. he looked into your eyes, he tried to hard to be strong, but sometimes even Nikolai Lantsov had bad days. 

“you are here, making an effort to spend time with me. you eat all meals with me, we share a bed yet you don’t presume anything of me, you are better than most husbands, and I’ll remind you everyday if I have to, once you know that I love you.“

his voice was soft. “do you... do you think I’ll be a good father, when the time comes?”

“I think you’ll be the best father a child could have. and I think that when it does happen, nobody will question how good of a husband, father and king you are.“ you placed a kiss on his lips, cupping his face with your hands. 

“your meeting should be over by now, will you come talk to the gardener with me? his sister just had a baby girl, and I want to ask how she is- why are you looking at me like that?“

an adoring smile was on his face, his natural confidence coming back. “I love you, lead the way”

. . .

5. Receiving gifts

“darling?“

“I’m here Nik, one second!“ you painstakingly carried a stack of books from one end of the bookshelf to the desk on the other end. huffing and pushing hair out of your face, you straightened your back and faced your amused husband

“you know that we have staff to carry them for you, yes?“

“oh shh, I enjoy it“

“did you just shush me?“ he replied incredulously, a grin forming

“perhaps i did“ you replied cheekily, sitting up on the desk, and he came and stood inbetween your legs. his hands were behind his back.

“you can’t shush a king, my love“

“no, but I can shush my husband, they cancel out. what’s behind your back?“

“a gift. for you”

“a gift? why?“

“well you’ll never know now, after how rude you were...“

you threw your head back and sighed, “my darling Nikolai, please please tell me what you have behind your back. please.”

“hmm... nope“

“my darling, handsome, charming husband, please tell me... or else you’re sleeping on the couch,“

his eyes widened in alarm, “you don’t mean that”

he only got a raised eyebrow in return

“fine, but only because you asked so nicely“ from behind his back he withdrew a red velvet box, bigger than a ring box, but too small to be a necklace.

you took it gently from him, and opened it. sitting in the box was a locket, it was about the length of of your pinky finger, and had simple but beautiful engravings on both sides. “it’s beautiful,” you whispered

you looked up at Nikolai, whose expression was soft, and gingerly opened the locket, not sure what you’ll find. it was empty, just space for two photographs and you looked up at him in confusion, not understanding

his cheeks were slightly pink, and he scratched the back of his neck. “I was thinking.. when we have kids... we could put photographs of them in it...”

you were silent for a moment and he clearly took your silence negatively, as he hastily tried to speak. “we don’t have to, it’s just an idea, i was just thinking that you might like to have-” he was cut off by you bringing him into a deep kiss, your arms wrapped around his neck, locket still clasped in your right fist. 

“you like it then?” was all he said when you drew away for air, pressing your forehead against his.

“I love it, and I love your idea, it’s perfect,“ you stood up and handed him the locket. “put it on me?”

you stood with your back to him as he clasped the chain around your neck. the locket hung level with your heart, which you felt was appropriate

“where did you get it, by the way?”

“oh, I had David make it, Genya helped with the design”

“we’re probably going to need him to make another one?”

“what? why?“

“there’s only room for two pictures, for our first two children. we’ll need another locket for our other ones, wouldn’t want them to feel left out“

 “how many children are you planning on having, my queen?”

“keep being a romantic bastard, my king, as many as you’ll give me“

#there has not been a day where i have not been utterly obsessed with this man #scREAMS #fic recs

[nghtwngs]

another idea! what about nikolai and y/n taking their kids on a little trip to ketterdam and the kids meet kaz and maybe a few other crows? and nikolai being the type of "go do whatever you want! have fun" parent. and y/n being the overprotective type???

One of Us

Nikolai Lantsov x Reader

Warnings: kissing, mentions of gambling/criminal activity.

Summary: You and Nikolai take your children to Ketterdam, the home you left years ago. 

Word count: 3133

Grisha Taglist: @thefifthweasley @savannah-elliott @ateliefloresdaprimavera @fandomstuffff @all-art-is-quite-useless @timeknightt @for-bebbanburg @mrs-brekker15 @the-abyss-gazed-back @aleksanderwh0r3 @staytrueblue

. . .

“Absolutely not.”

“Darling-”

“No. Nope. Not a chance in this life or the next.”

“It’ll be education-”

“We’re not bringing our children to Ketterdam, Nik, it's dangerous.”

“You grew up there!”

“Exactly! I know, firsthand, how dangerous it is for those who don’t know how to survive. Plus, I haven’t been there in years. I’m not the person I was then, Nik, and I don’t ever want to be that person again. Ever..” 

“Darling, nothing will happen, we’re simply bringing the princes of Ravka to see other parts of the world,” Nikolai soothed, laying on all the charm he possessed to convince you to agree to this plan.

“Why do you even need to go to Ketterdam anyways? What business could you possibly have with Kaz Brekker?” 

“He’s looking to make a deal, something about sugar, Zoya and David know more about it than I do.”

You rolled your eyes, but a smile played on your lips. “It won’t be what you’re expecting.” The nostalgia in your chest grew the more you spoke, perhaps you missed Ketterdam more than you realised.

“Look, Karolina will stay here, safe with your most trusted maid, Piotr will most likely stay with one of us at all times, he’s still shy around strangers, and Leo will be curious, but he’ll listen when we tell him to stay close.” To his credit, Nikolai knew of your worries, your urge to protect your children from everything and everyone. 

You raised an eyebrow at that last statement, and Nikolai winced slightly. ”Okay…we’ll make sure Leo listens, I promise.” At seven years old, your eldest son was more interested in exploring every nook and cranny of the castle than listening to his parents. Well, listening to Nikolai anyways, as young as Leo was he still knew the consequences of not listening to his mother.

Although you didn’t want to admit it, Nikolai’s reassurance did help settle your mind. Knowing that your baby girl would be safe in the palace, and far from any danger, and your little boy would be tucked in to your side brought you some comfort.

Nikolai looked at you hopefully, and you could see how badly he wanted this in his eyes. This was his opportunity to unite the two loves of his life; his family and the sea, and bring you all somewhere new. Well, new for them, not you.

You sighed, rubbing the space in between your eyebrows. “Fine. But if I think something is too dangerous, we leave. Deal?”

“Deal! Have I told you how beautiful you look?”

“Oh shut up,” your annoyance probably would have been more believable if you weren’t pulling him in for a kiss.

. . . 

“Piotr, you have to wear pants. No, you can’t- Piotr!” Wrangling young children into clothes as well as packing the necessary items for your voyage, was no easy task. But you were the Queen of Ravka, born in the dirt and grime of Ketterdam, flourishing into an adored ruler, nothing was impossible.

Except, apparently, persuading a four year old boy to get fully dressed.

Karolina, your perfect little girl was oblivious to her mother’s stress, chewing on her tiny fist and gurgling to herself in her bassinet, and each time you gave her a quick glance to make sure she’s okay, her blue eyes conveyed nothing but happiness. 

She was just like her father.

You would miss her dreadfully, having never spent more than a day apart from her, but you trusted your maids completely, as well as the extremely maternal Genya. She would stay comfortable and cared for the whole time, which also meant one less child to worry about.

“Piotr, please.”  

Perhaps sensing his beloved mama’s frustration, your son did eventually give up, and agreed to get dressed, although he pouted the whole time, much resembling his father as well.

You thought of Ketterdam as you dressed yourself, the cobblestoned streets, the leaning buildings, as much as you loved Ravka, home was home. You left Ketterdam as a teenager, left orphaned and hungry, to look for work in Ravka. You would have never thought you would end up here, a sapphire on your left ring finger and a crown on your head. It was no life for a child, dangerous, filthy, illegal, but still, a hole was left in your heart the day you left, remaining even years later.

You weren’t afraid for yourself, you could handle anything that place threw at you, but you had children now, people to worry about other than yourself.

They would be fine, it was only for a day. 

Just a day.

. . . 

All arrangements had been made before midday, your children and husband giddy as they raced onboard the ship. You, holding Karolina, and Zoya took your time behind them, well used to the beautiful vessel and their excitability. You would keep Karolina in your arms until the ship was set to sail, then pass her on to a maid. 

“Are you certain that you’re okay with this?” Zoya asked, straight to the point. You never had a sister, but Zoya was pretty close to being one, as well as Genya, of course. 

“Not entirely, but it’ll be fine, they’ll stay close to me and there’s no reason why we must meet Brekker as well.” Were you convincing her or yourself?

“That’s not what I’m asking, and you know that. How will you handle being back where you came from?” Curse Zoya’s uncanny ability to read your mind.

You sighed. “I was born in those streets, fought in them, bled in them, and I was always so sure that I’d die in them as well, before my life had even begun.” Zoya watched your eyes drift as you remembered your childhood. “And then I saw an opportunity to leave, and I took it. And now here I am.”

“Still not an answer.” You glared at your friend and she just smirked. 

“Ketterdam tore me down countless times, brought me to the brink of death before life had begun. But, it made me who I am today, taught me how to survive and how to adapt.” You never told anyone, but when you were learning to be Queen, you used many of the lessons learnt in Ketterdam to help you. Survival. Adaptation. Where and when to keep your mouth shut, and where and when to speak up. 

Zoya nodded, pleased with your answer. “You realise that you birthed three miniature Nikolais, right?” Up ahead, Piotr was on Nikolai’s shoulders while Leo battered a wooden sword against Nikolai’s iron one, play-fighting. The same identical smile on each of their faces, as well as on your baby girl’s own lips. When you stepped onboard and the wood creaked under your boot, Leo looked towards you, and Nikolai took the opportunity to grab him under the arms and tickle him, Piotr laughing as he gripped Nikolai’s golden hair in his fists to stay steady on his shoulders. If Nikolai was hurt by his son pulling his hair, he didn’t show it. 

“Mama! Help me!” Leo squealed in between laughter, as Nikolai’s relentless tickling didn’t cease. 

“I’ll see you later, everything will be fine, you’ll see.” Zoya squeezed your arm lightly before you parted ways. Zoya Nazyalensky was a godsend. 

Hands gripped your leg and you looked down, your youngest son grinning up at you. “Hi Mama!”

“Hi Piotr, are you excited?” An almighty crash came from nearby and you looked up to see a sheepish-looking Nikolai, and Leo, standing in front of something.. You put your hands on your hips, face stern, and Piotr giggled behind you. “What was that?”

“We…uhh… knocked over a barrel,” Nikolai said, scratching the back of his neck.

“We?”

“I. I knocked over a barrel.” 

You sighed and shook your head, looking down at your daughter, ”what are we going to do about them, hmm?” 

The ship began to sway, the final warning before it departed, and Piotr and Leo began to chatter excitedly to a crewmate, while Nikolai came up to you, smiling nervously.

“This better go well, or there will be consequences,” you threatened as he took Karolina out of your arms, stroking her chubby cheeks with his fingers. You and he both kissed her, before handing her to an awaiting maid, watching them go until they were off the dock.

“I would expect nothing less, my Queen.”

. . . 

The journey was not too strenuous, even after all the excitement of the opportunity to be on a ship, all three of your children fell asleep soon after the voyage began, nestled away in the cabin. You were content to leave them, leaning on the side of the ship, looking across the sea.

You swapped the usual gown for practical trousers and a shirt, with old and worn boots, the same boots you wore in Ketterdam as a teenager, and they felt like home. 

Arms snaked around your waist, and a kiss was laid on your shoulder. “Are you alright?” Nikolai.

You were silent, weighing and choosing your words carefully before speaking. “I argued against going back to Ketterdam… but I was always going to accept, even before any persuasion from you.” You could feel his eyes on you, heavy and unyielding. “Sometimes I… I miss it, I miss Ketterdam, I miss the danger and the dirty streets… because as much as I adore Ravka-”

“-it’s not home,” Nikolai finished your sentence.

“You are my home. The children are my home. The castle is where you all are and I love it for that reason, but when I left Ketterdam all those years ago, I guess I just never really moved on.”

Nikolai’s gaze softened and his hand intertwined with yours. “You’ve never told me any of this before…” his tone wasn’t accusatory, just stating a fact.

“I wasn't sure how to, without sounding ungrateful. I wouldn’t go back to Ketterdam permanently, or raise a family there. Honestly, I don’t think I’d have survived for this long if I had stayed. But still… going back feels like… healing. Does that sound silly?”

“Of course not. I’ve only ever lived in Ravka, so I can’t say I understand your homesickness, but if there's one thing I have always known about you, it is that there is not a selfish or ungrateful bone in your body. Ketterdam will always be part of you, just like Ravka.”

You didn’t reply, the two of you basking in the intimate silence between the two of you. 

“Captain!” a crew mate called and Nikolai turned, “we’ve arrived!”

. . .

“Leo! Hold your father’s hand please. One moan and you’re staying on this ship, understood?”

Your boys gazed around the harbour in awe, as did you, but for a different reason. They were excited, this was new and exciting and fun. For you, it was like stepping back in time. Absolutely nothing had changed. Merchants, traders, locals flitting back and forth doing their own business, no small talk or chit-chat, only business. Filthy children in rags ran in between the people, and for a second you saw the faces of your childhood friends in theirs, and a sense of deja vu washed over you. How many times had you ran along these streets, climbed on these walls, bumped into these people? 

You let a thought flood your mind and a smile broke out on your face. 

Home. You were home.

Two figures stood on the dock waiting for the ship. A short girl with dark skin and a black braid, and a taller boy with a slanted hat and a grin. No doubt Brekker’s companions. 

They spoke to Nikolai and Zoya, while you stood back with your children, but you could feel the girl’s gaze on you. You met it, and didn’t break it, forcing her to look away first, but not before nodding at you. She stayed quiet while the taller boy, introducing himself as Jesper Fahey, maintained a friendly conversation between himself and Leo, who seemed delighted to make a new friend, especially one who seemed just as mischievous as himself.

They brought you all down a narrow street, and you realised the further you went how familiar all these streets were, how your feet seemed to know which loose cobblestones to skip over, and which drain pipes to avoid, lest they drench your hair. Ketterdam certainly had not changed, and the thought comforted you. You all reached a dark building, a bar, although it was quiet, seemingly emptied for your arrival. A shame, you thought, yearning for the raucous laughter you hadn’t heard in so long. 

Perhaps, another time, there would be an opportunity to showcase the gambling skills you kept hidden from polite society.

You hadn’t been listening to the conversation at all, only when Piotr tugged on your arm did you actually tune in, to find your companions staring at you, but not unkindly.

Jesper repeated what he said. “If you’d rather keep them away from the business, I can get them something to eat, there’s a diner down the road, ‘The-”

“The Silver Fish, I know, that would be great, thank you.” You remembered the place, dirty walls and floors but a kind family, a rarity at the time. Perhaps their children ran it now? Well, they would be around your age now. Has it really been that long? Jesper looked at you curiously, but the girl, Inej, did not, whether it was out of politeness or a lack of surprise, you were not certain.

You had thought you would keep them with you at all times, and Nikolai was clearly surprised by your willingness to let them go with Jesper, but you felt safe about this decision. 

“We won’t be long, then we’ll follow, alright?” You told Leo and Piotr, Piotr seeming reluctant to leave his mother, but taking his elder brother’s hand.

Jesper got down on one knee in front of the boys. “Wanna see a cool card trick?” Well, that was pretty much sorted after that, and you, Nikolai, and Zoya stepped into Brekker’s office. It wasn’t what you expected, clean, tidy, well-lit, with a large oak desk, and several bookshelves and paintings adorning the walls. Stolen, no doubt, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to care. 

Immediately, you felt a set of eyes on you, on your clothes, the way your hair was tied back, your posture, and then your face. Kaz Brekker was younger than you expected, but then again people aged differently in circumstances like these. 

“Brekker.” Nikolai greeted, and as Brekker did not offer a hand to shake, neither did Nikolai. “Thank you for meeting me.”

“We each have something that the other wants. I would be a fool not to take the opportunity.” 

The negotiations began, and you did contribute, of course you did, but each time you spoke, his stare lasted longer. It was not predatory, more so gauging. 

The discussion ended quickly, both sides coming to a mutual agreement. The three of you stood, as did Brekker. “Where did Jesper take your children? I would have thought you’d feel unsafe about leaving them with a criminal.”

“Jesper is not a criminal. He brought them to the Silver Fish Diner.” You responded, “do the Caddels still own it? They’re good people.” 

He just nodded, dark eyes boring into your own. “You seem certain that Jesper is not a criminal. Why?” 

You stayed silent, and both Nikolai and Zoya stood awkwardly, not sure about their place in the conversation. “I’ve met criminals. He is not one of them.”

He just stared at you, this mysterious teenage boy with the world on his shoulders as well as at his fingertips. 

“Good day, Mr. Brekker.” And then you were gone down the hallway, Nikolai and Zoya at your heels.

“What was that?” Zoya demanded.

“A friendly conversation, couldn’t you tell?”

. . .

You had been right, the Caddel children you had grown up with did own the Silver Fish Diner now. Knowing that this piece of your life remained filled you with satisfaction. Leo and Piotr were engrossed in Jesper’s card tricks, and he seemed just as excited to be the centre of their attention as well. 

“I’m going for a walk,” you told Nikolai, whose hand rested in yours as you ate, and he looked at you unsurely. 

“Are you certain that is a good idea?”

“I know my way around, and I won’t be long, you’ll hardly notice I’m gone.”

He kissed you, “impossible.”

It was getting dark, passing figures reduced to mere shadows. Your black cloak and heavy boots allowed you to pass as one of them, as you walked the streets of your childhood. A wall you fell off once, and broke your wrist as a result. The alleyway where you had your first kiss, and the same alleyway where you punched the same boy, not too long afterwards. 

You were being followed. You knew who it was. And she knew that. Inej was Brekker’s Wraith, if she wanted to be silent, she would. You were supposed to hear her footsteps on the rooftops above you. You stopped when the footsteps did, and another noise came from the alley to your left. Footsteps and the sound of a cane hitting the ground. 

“Brekker, Inej,” you greeted, as Inej stood behind Kaz, leaning against the wall, a small smile on her face when you looked at her directly. “What can I do for you?”

“You’re from Ketterdam.” A statement, not a question.

“I am. You’ve done your research.”

“I have not, actually.” At your confusion, he continued. “I did not know much about you at all, only that you were the Queen of Ravka, presumably another entitled monarch.”

“What gave it away?”

“I witnessed you step off that ship, Y/L/N.”

Of course he knew your family name. Hearing it again after so many years, made your heart pang. 

His eyes scrutinised every move you made. “You smiled. People do not smile when they come to Ketterdam. Unless, of course, they are returning home after many years. You walk along these streets like you’ve spent your life on them, you wear boots made in the shoemakers along the river.”

“Seems like I am more transparent than I thought. Do you still presume me to be an entitled monarch, Mr Brekker?”

“No, Y/L/N. Would you like to know what I truly think you are?”

“Enlighten me.”

He smiled, a strange site on such a serious face. “One of us.” He turned on his heel, Inej following, nodding at you. 

You stood there for a second, processing what had just happened, before going back to the diner, to your awaiting family.

“Everything okay?” Nikolai asked, after kissing you for a few seconds longer than he needed to. 

You grinned. “Never better.”

#fic recs

[nghtwngs]

I drew cats from stardew valley :D

[nghtwngs]

Happy TDOV everyone transgenderism will win

[nghtwngs]

An important reminder for this Trans Day of Visibility: If you cannot be out and visible right now for any reason, whether for safety due to the increasingly dangerous legislation being passed or for other reasons, please remember that you are still here, you are still real, and you still matter.

[nghtwngs]

What game is this? Andor S01E12 Rix Road

#cassian andor #andor

[nghtwngs]

Please help the family of a non-verbal autistic child (who has been losing weight because he only eats certain kinds of food, largely unavailable during this time) leave Gaza!

[nghtwngs]

Golden Mornings

Relationship: Nikolai Lantsov x gender neutral reader

Warnings: lots of fluff, heated kisses, and happy Nikolai

Summary: Waking up in the arms of the King of Ravka is always special to you and you want to show him how much you adore him while he returns the sentiments in kind.

All writings belong to me @bakerstreethound​ (Do NOT claim, copy, repost, or translate my works to other sites. I only publish here and on A03 under the same username) 

Word Count: 828

A/N: Hello my lovelies. This is my first time writing & posting for the wonderful Nikolai Lantsov. I hope you enjoy it! It's been in my drafts a bit as I've been meaning to post but life got in the way. Regardless, comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated! Graphic by @firefly-graphics

Nikolai nuzzles closer to you, burying his face in your neck, inhaling your scent. You chuckle to yourself, eyes half drooped, resisting your brain’s internal alarm clock to get up and start the day. You continue to stroke his back, rubbing patterns trying to prolong the time you have before your duties demand the trajectory of the day. 

“Morning, love,” he murmurs. You tap his nose gently in response as he scrunches it, painting his face in childlike happiness. 

“Good morning moi tsar,” you grin in response, his eyes scrunched at the title you called him.

“It’s too early for this. What have I done to incur your wrath?” 

“Nothing at all my dear Sobachka.” You smile, pressing a kiss to his forehead and he smiles back softly, eyes glimmering in adoration.

Despite it all, despite the demon, you have accepted him for who he was and is, and on mornings like this, he has come to cherish being in the warmth and strength of your arms. It is where he belongs, and he wishes he found you, his true home sooner. 

Ravka may be his kingdom, but you are his alone - his to cherish and adore. 

You cup his face in your hand, thumb brushing along his lower lip, his gaze unwavering as his eyes take in the sight of you once more. It’s all he ever wants, the simplicity of waking up in your embrace, the golden sun illuminating your shared chambers with the promise of a new life, a new kingdom, and a thousand tomorrows on the horizon. 

“Did you find a blemish there, my love?” Nikolai’s cheeky trademark smirk flourishes along his face, a reminder of the boy he was, hidden under the man he��d become.

Your hands trace his lip with ease, the smile lingering on your lips blooming. “Even if there is a blemish, I’d adore you all the same, dear Nik.” 

His smile deepens, “Well, then,” he leans over you, pressing another gentle kiss to your lips while pulling you under him, his gaze transfixed, admiring your form. 

You squirm against him to no avail, his gaze not lingering from your lips, hands gripping you firmly, the sheet falling further down his torso. You whisper to yourself, an odd assortment of words you can’t recall, too enraptured by the sight before you. Your hands trace the outline of his chest, and you wrap your arms around him bringing him closer before peppering him with kisses, dragging your tongue over them. 

He groans in kind, determined not to fall, but he does. How can he not? He’s utterly yours. When your lips are determined to consume him whole, alternating between marking and kissing him, you smile, leaving a few marks over the faint trace of the bite marks you’d left the prior night. 

“See something you like, love?” Nikolai smirks, boyish glee lighting his eyes.

“Yes, in fact, I do. You’re absolutely wonderful and I cannot get enough of you.” You nuzzle his neck as one of his hands cups the nape of your neck, pulling you close as he adjusts himself on top of you after pulling you in for a proper kiss.

A kiss that melts your soul, warm like sunlight and honey, of the many days you wish to wake up to until your dying day. It pulls you in and you press yourself against him more, the feeling of his skin against yours the perfect sort of heat and warmth. 

You gently tug his hair, a soft gasp leaving his parted lips while he strokes your hair, leaning down to kiss you once more. Your hands reach around his neck while he pulls you close, his lips brushing your neck, pulling you on top of him, your laugh filling the empty space, music to his ears, the warm Ravkan sun shining further in through the windows, perfectly highlighting your features and your eyes. 

You squeeze your legs as you straddle him, steadying yourself before you gently tug his hair, a gasp parting from his lips, his blonde curls shimmering. You take a moment to enjoy the sight while you pepper kisses along his neck, biting and sucking in kind, his hands falling to your waist, squeezing tighter in response. 

He huffs in amusement, his hands squeezing your waist tighter before rolling himself on top of you once more littering your face and neck with kisses. 

“Nik!” You squealing, helplessly flailing beneath him. “That wasn’t fair!”

“I don’t recall us playing fair this lovely morning,” he quirks a brow, giving back to kiss your lips, capturing you in his warmth and light. It brings thoughts of waking up like this in the future when Ravka is finally safe, the scent of waffles wafting through the walls, followed by the sweet smell of syrup that Nina adores.

Moments like this you cherish for eternity and a lifetime, despite the war-torn nation bequeathed to a young king. You would rebuild. Together. 

******

#i long for him awwh #fic recs