#and Jaskier is still waiting for his winter wedding | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hirikka · 4 years

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Geralt has learned many things about Jaskier over the years: He is loud and annoying, loyal and stubborn; he has a knack for getting into trouble and for talking his way out of it; he has never been afraid of Geralt (even when he probably should have been), and he is married to a viscount. That last piece of information ends up being the most troublesome.

Or, five times that Geralt thought that Jaskier was married to Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove, and the time he (finally) realized they were the same person.

(read on AO3)

Geralt is not sure when he first heard the name Julian Alfred Pankratz. Jaskier talks about so many people that it is difficult to keep track. And that is putting aside the fact that for the first few months (or perhaps years) of knowing the bard, he tuned out most of what the man said. It hardly seemed important at the time, when he was sure that Jaskier would lose interest and flit away at any moment.

By the time he realizes that Jaskier is not planning to leave any time soon, he’s also missed any window where it is reasonable to ask who the people he mentions are. Most of them are fairly easy to figure out, once Geralt is paying attention. Classmates from Oxenfurt are frequently mentioned, and he almost never talks about any family members.

It’s Julian, though, who comes up the most. Not that often really, in the grand scheme of things, but he’s usually mentioned at least once a season. His relationship to Jaskier is the least obvious; at first, Geralt assumes that he is some sort of patron for Jaskier’s music, but that doesn’t quite seem right. It takes almost two years for him to figure it out; after all, Jaskier doesn’t act like a married man. But Geralt is sure that is what is happening, the only explanation that makes sense: Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove, is Jaskier’s husband.

“No taste for the arts,” Jaskier grumbles under his breath. “Completely absurd.”

“We can leave,” Geralt murmurs. He can get the information later, stop by to speak to the lord at some point when there isn’t a party happening. He would prefer that, to be honest, even if it would slow them down. He hates fancy parties like this, and Jaskier’s tendency to sulk for several hours when nobles don’t appreciate his music is a good excuse to leave and come back later.

Jaskier looks at Geralt and huffs. “No, you need the information. I can put my ego aside.”

“Hm.” Geralt isn’t sure where that leaves them.

The guard shifts, placing a hand on his sword as a reminder that Jaskier is not invited.

“Look for Julian Alfred Pankratz—” Jaskier says, turning his attention back to the guard “—Viscount de Lettenhove.”

The guard looks dubious for a moment, but he does check the list of invited guests, and after a moment, he gives a nod and steps out of their way.

Geralt follows Jaskier, trying to focus on the information he needs to get and not the unpleasant emotions that tend to well up every time Julian is mentioned.

iii

Geralt plants his feet, stalling the guards who are trying to move him away from the gathered crowd, and turns his attention to the man who had hired him—he had seemed at least somewhat sympathetic. “Please, get word to Jaskier. The bard. Let him know that—”

One of the guards shoves him forward, and he stumbles against the ropes tying him again.

“Wait.” The command is clear in the man's tone. The guards come to a stop as a tall man with dark hair steps through the crowd.

“Sir?” One of the guards holding Geralt asks.

“What’s going on here?” the man asks. He looks like a noble, wearing fine clothes and with the air of someone used to getting their way.

“The witcher was found sneaking into the city. Armed.”

“I was hired for a job,” Geralt growls. “How am I supposed to hunt without swords?”

The man looks at Geralt now. “Are you Geralt of Rivia?”

Geralt nods.

“Let him go,” the man instructs. The guards hesitate for a moment, but at a glare, they hastily release Geralt and reluctantly leave, fading into the crowd.

“Thank you,” Geralt says, rubbing at his wrists.

“Not to worry. I heard you mention Jaskier, and I knew I had to step in.”

“You know Jaskier?”

“I’m Ferrant de Lettenhove. Julian’s my cousin,” Ferrant says.

Geralt manages to keep his face impassive. He sincerely hopes that word of this doesn’t make it back to Julian—he can’t imagine the man being happy to have his spouse traveling with a witcher; no need for it to become worse by mentioning that he was almost arrested.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Ferrant asks. “So that you can conclude your job in the city?”

“It’s alright,” Geralt grunts. “Don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

“Not to worry.” Ferrant offers a small smile. “I’m the royal instigator; there are very few people with the authority to cause me trouble.”

Geralt hates the idea of being indebted to Julian, but he does need to finish this job, and he’s not particularly interested in getting into more legal trouble for being armed in the city.

Geralt is used to Jaskier wearing jewelry; the bard is like a magpie, constantly picking up new shiny trinkets to wear. This ring seems different, though. It is larger and more ornate, and a symbol on it indicates that it is a sigil ring. He’s fairly certain that Jaskier didn’t have it the year before, and now he seems to wear it every day.

“Where’d you get that ring?” Geralt asks.

“Hm?” Jaskier looks up from his lute, meeting Geralt’s gaze.

“The ring.” Geralt waves his hand towards the ring glittering in the firelight.

“It’s a Lettenhove family heirloom,” Jaskier says.

“Oh.” Geralt feels his heart sink. He’s never known Jaskier to wear a wedding band or anything else connecting him to his husband. He wonders what this means, if it suggests that they have gotten closer over the previous winter. “That’s nice.”

“Why the sudden interest?” Jaskier asks.

Geralt shrugs, making a noncommittal noise. Jaskier, used to him, just smiles and returns to practicing his lute.

Whatever the ring suggests, it isn’t that Jaskier is going to be more committed. More loyal to his husband. He still flirts just as much, still beds whatever pretty stranger catches his fancy.

Geralt cannot stop thinking about it and finds his gaze drawn to the ring at inopportune moments. This obvious reminder that Jaskier is bound to another, that no matter how far he might be willing to wander with Geralt, he is always going to return to someone else.

Geralt feels pleasantly light from the wine he’s drunk; it had been flowing freely at the festival they are attending, and the townsfolk were in a good enough mood between the holiday and Geralt’s successful hunt that they had been welcoming to Geralt. He’s found a spot on the outskirts of the town square and is leaning against a wall, watching Jaskier dance through the crowd of locals. He is bright and joyful, and Geralt feels warm and pleased.

“Geralt,” Jaskier says. He’s standing in front of Geralt now, still catching his breath and smiling so very wide. “Come and dance with him.”

“I don’t dance,” Geralt says without any of his usual heat.

“I’ll lead,” Jaskier says, taking his hand, and Geralt allows it, letting Jaskier pull him close and start leading him through the steps of the dance. Geralt thinks that he would allow Jaskier anything, and the thought does not scare him the way it once did.

“See? It’s not that hard,” Jaskier murmurs.

He is so very close, one hand clasping Geralt’s and the other resting on his shoulder. Geralt can feel the steady beat of Jaskier’s heart from where they are pressed together, and his senses are overwhelmed by Jaskier’s lavender and mint scent.

Jaskier sways in, somehow impossibly moving closer, and his eyes dart down to Geralt’s lips before returning to meet the witcher’s gaze. For a moment, Geralt thinks that he ought to finally give in, to let himself want and have. Then, Jaskier’s hand in his shifts and Geralt feels the touch of metal, and all at once, he remembers why he has never allowed himself to respond to Jaskier’s flirting. He steps back hastily, wrenching his hand away.

“Geralt?” Jaskier’s face is clouded in confusion, but Geralt’s eyes are drawn down to the signet ring on Jaskier’s hand. He turns and flees back to the inn, ignoring Jaskier’s confused call behind him.

He cannot acknowledge this want, no matter how much his heart aches. Jaskier would only ever be able to see Geralt as a dalliance, a flight of fancy; he cannot truly be Geralt’s, not in the way Geralt wishes him to be. Not when he is married. And Geralt knows himself, knows he is not strong enough to take that step, knowing that it would not mean the same thing to Jaskier that it would to him. It is better to keep Jaskier’s friendship and companionship. It has to be.

Geralt turns to Jaskier. It’s not the time for jokes, not when he feels like he’s been stabbed, but he understands what Jaskier is trying to do. He turns, intending to tell Jaskier to let him be, but then the light catches on Jaskier’s ring. On the ring that Julian gave to him, and suddenly Geralt’s own hurt is boiling over.

Julian knows that Jaskier will return to him, that no matter how far the bard wanders, he will come home, and Geralt is hit with a wave of jealousy. He craves that assurance—the certainty that someone will always come back. He thought he had that with Yennefer, but he lost her through his own actions. He doesn’t know why he thought it would end any differently; witchers are not made to have connections. Yennefer wants nothing to do with him, and Jaskier has a husband to return to, and Geralt has nothing but his swords and his horse and his anger.

He has spent so long suppressing his emotions, pretending they didn’t exist. Now, he is overwhelmed with sorrow and longing that feels impossible to push aside or ignore. So he lets it out in the only way he knows how: as rage. He turns on Jaskier and unleashes his fury, takes out his hurt on the only person who has chosen to remain with him. [He spits] cruel cutting remarks designed to cause the most damage possible.

Geralt stares out over the mountains and tries to force himself not to regret what he has just done. Tries to convince himself that it is better this way—if Jaskier isn’t loyal to the man he married, then it is only a matter of time before he leaves Geralt as well; better to have it over and done with.

He fails.

Yen smirks at him over the top of her wine glass, and Geralt feels his heart sink—this conversation had been going surprisingly well. Yen had forgiven him for the djinn bond, and, although she was no longer interested in a relationship with him, she does seem excited to help with Ciri; he thinks they can become friends. He’s content with that—he can see now that their relationship did neither of them any good. This smirk, though, means trouble, and he’s not sure he’s prepared for that.

“I saw Julian the other day,” Yen says.

Geralt glares at her.

“He’s in good health, seems to be doing well.”

“Hm.”

“Would you like to know where he is?” Yen prompts.

“Why would I want to know that?” Geralt growls.

For a moment Yennefer’s smug mask of indifference falls away, but she recovers quickly. “Just thought I’d make the offer.” She drains the wine glass and stands. “See you around, Geralt.” For a moment, she almost looks concerned about something, but then she has swept out of the room.

The scent of lilac and gooseberry lingers in the air as Geralt looks down at the table and wonders why Yen would have mentioned seeing Julian but not Jaskier. Had the bard mentioned their fight to her? Had he asked Yen not to tell Geralt where he was? Or, worse, had Jaskier not been at home with his husband? Geralt had managed to ease his worry for the bard by convincing himself that Jaskier was safe at his home, not wandering the countryside getting into trouble, but perhaps he was wrong to think that. Geralt grits his teeth and pushes the thoughts aside. He can’t let himself give in to panic now—not when he has Ciri to care for.

“You saved my life!” the knight gasps up at him. Geralt has a sinking feeling.

“Hm.”

“I—” the knight starts.

“It’s fine,” Geralt cuts him off. He’s not interested in claiming any kind of reward—he has enough trouble with one child surprise.

The knight blinks at him for a moment, assessing. “I understand. There’s a contract out for this monster; let me at least show you back to the estate so that you can collect the reward.”

“Hm.” Geralt is still worried that the man might press, insist on offering something in exchange for a perceived debt, but he and Ciri do need the coin; he hasn’t wanted to take jobs when it means leaving her alone. It had only been chance that had brought him to this man and the kikimora attacking him. “Fine.”

“Good.” The man smiles at Geralt without a hint of fear, and Geralt feels off-kilter for a moment. “Will you also accept my hospitality and stay for the night? I can give you food and a bed.”

Geralt hesitates. “I’m not… traveling alone.”

“Oh? Well your companion is welcome as well,” the man says. “My name is Kaz.”

He takes the extended hand. “Geralt.”

He catches the smallest hint of shock in the Kaz’ scent, but the man doesn’t say anything, so Geralt doesn’t worry about it. He leads the way back to the road where Ciri is waiting with Roach.

The man rubs his hand across the back of his head. “My horse spooked; she’s probably smart enough to make it home on her own, but we’ll have to walk.”

Geralt nods but doesn’t say anything until they reach the road. “Fiona, this is Kaz. We’re going to stay with him for the night.”

Ciri brightens considerably at the prospect of a warm bed.

“We’re close to the Lettenhove estate,” Kaz says. “We should be there in time for dinner.”

Geralt freezes, considers throwing himself onto Roach and riding as far away as he can before they lose the light. The last thing he wants is to finally be confronted with Julian. The possibility of seeing Jaskier again is something he has longed for and dreaded, but seeing him with his husband is unthinkable.

He has Ciri to think of, though, so he doesn’t give in to his own fear. He just follows Kaz and feels his stomach sink with every step.

Kaz is greeted warmly as they approach the estate, and Geralt revises his assessment; this man clearly holds a higher rank than his clothing suggests. Geralt and Ciri keep their hoods up as they move towards the castle, but he still sees curious gazes following them.

Once they are inside, Kaz summons a servant. “We’ll set you up in a guest room. Dinner is in half an hour, so you should have time for a bath before that, if you wish to warm up.” Kaz looks down at his own muddy clothes. “I know I do. Someone will be sent to get you for dinner.”

Geralt nods and lets the servant lead him and Ciri down a different hall, presumably to the guest wing. Part of him still wants to protest, but it is overpowered by how badly he wants to see Jaskier again. He knows it will likely hurt, but it is better to know that he is safe.

The dining hall that Geralt and Ciri are led to is small and intimate, although it is still richly decorated. Kaz is already at the table, along with a woman who bears a striking resemblance to Jaskier.

“Good sir witcher!” Kaz smiles as he stands. “And Fiona. This is my wife Estera.”

“Thank you for saving my idiot husband,” Estera says.

Geralt shifts, uncomfortable with the warm reception; it’s so different from what he is used to. He wonders what Jaskier could have possibly told these people to make them so open towards him.

A servant opens the door, and Geralt is briefly grateful for the distraction before the man announces: “The Viscount de Lettenhove.” Then his heart sinks, and he tries to brace himself to see the man Jaskier married.

The servant steps aside, and Jaskier steps into the room. His clothes are suited for the cold, but still show his flair for color—bright and vibrant against the more muted colors most people wear in winter. He is alone, and the door closes behind him. So where is the viscount? Although, Geralt supposes that Jaskier would technically share the title with his husband, so perhaps Julian won’t be joining them. He isn’t sure if he should be relieved or even more concerned.

“Geralt?” Jaskier’s voice is strangled, shocked. His scent tinges with something bitter.

Kaz glances between them, looking pleased. “I thought this was your witcher, Julek.”

“Kaz. What did you do?” Jaskier’s voice is cold, and he isn’t looking at Geralt any longer.

“He saved me from an arachas. I insisted he come collect the reward and stay for dinner. It’s nothing nefarious.”

Jaskier sighs. “I'll take my meal in my room.”

He turns and leaves. Geralt isn’t sure what is happening.

“Why is he leaving?” Kaz asks.

“You are a fool,” Estera says although she sounds fond. She leans past Kaz to look at Geralt. “You can still fix this.”

“Fix what?”

Estera snorts. “Honestly. Men. The fact that you broke his heart, witcher.”

“What?”

“If you don’t care for him, you can stay for the night and leave tomorrow and never see him again—“ she catches Geralt’s wince “—but since that isn’t what you want, you should probably go after him”

Geralt stands. “I'll be back,” he says to Ciri. He doesn’t ask about Julian, doesn’t ask about the comment about Jaskier’s broken heart. It feels vital to speak to Jaskier now, before any more time has passed.

He leaves the hall and follows Jaskier’s scent, trying not to think about why it seems to have soured or about the fact that, if Jaskier has gone to his rooms, there’s every chance that Geralt will be arriving to find Julian.

The room is easy enough to find, although it is not in the kind of grand hallway that Geralt would have expected for the viscount. He can hear Jaskier plucking at his lute—not in any tune, and Geralt is familiar enough with his habits to know he’s anxious. The room doesn't smell like anyone but Jaskier, so perhaps he and Julian don’t share chambers. At least that means he might be able to talk to Jaskier alone.

He hesitates a moment longer before he knocks on the door. He hears Jaskier sigh and the movement of fabric.

“Come in, Geralt.”

Geralt pushes the door open and steps into the room, suddenly feeling unsure of what he should do.

“I’m sorry that Kaz made you go to the formal dinner,” Jaskier says when it becomes clear that Geralt isn’t going to say anything. “If I had known, I would have stayed away.”

“Why?” Geralt asks. He doesn’t understand why Jaskier is hiding in his own home.

“Because you don’t want to see me?” Jaskier says slowly. “Your life’s one blessing and all that?”

Geralt grits his teeth. “I didn’t mean that.”

“No?” Jaskier’s voice is cold. “Then why say it?”

“Because of Julian!” Geralt snaps. It’s not the whole truth, but it is as much as he can admit to.

“What?” Jaskier asks. “I’m afraid you’ve lost me.”

Geralt forces himself to take a deep breath, trying to figure out a way to explain without revealing his own feelings for Jaskier in the process. “After Yennefer, it made me think of the way Julian might feel about—”

“Geralt,” Jaskier interrupts, “who do you think Julian is?”

Geralt frowns at him. “Your husband.”

Jaskier is completely frozen for a moment, and then he flops back into the bed and starts giggling. “How—” he tries to get himself under control “—how long have we known each other?”

“Hm.” Geralt knows that he’s missing something, but he doesn’t know what.

Jaskier sits up after a minute, managing to get his laughter under control. “Oh my dear witcher.” Jaskier sighs, but his scent has lost the sour notes. “I suppose I never formally introduced myself, did I?”

“Hm.”

“Julian Alfred Pankratz, Viscount de Lettenhove—” he sweeps into a formal bow “—at your service.”

“I… hm.” Geralt’s mind is racing, reassessing everything with this new piece of information.

Jaskier giggles again. “I can’t believe you thought I was married.”

Geralt frowns at him. It is possibly an expression that Jaskier would describe as pouting.

“I’m still not happy about what you said on the mountain,” Jaskier says, growing more serious.

“I am sorry,” Geralt says. “I shouldn’t have said it. No matter what I thought. It, hm. It wasn’t fair to you.”

Jaskier beams. “Apology accepted.” He pats Geralt on the shoulder. “See, that wasn’t so hard.” He moves to open the door.

“What are you doing?” Geralt asks.

“You look like you could use food, and I would like to meet your child surprise properly.”

Geralt steps closer before he can think better of it and catches Jaskier’s arm, pulling him away from the door.

“Geralt?” Jaskier asks.

Geralt pulls Jaskier closer and leans down to kiss him. Jaskier makes a pleased noise, wrapping his arms around Geralt’s waist and deepening the kiss—it feels like coming home.

After a moment, Jaskier pulls back slightly and narrows his eyes. “Did you ignore my flirting for twenty years because you thought I was married?”

“Hm,” Geralt says, meaning yes.

“Gods, you are such an idiot,” Jaskier says fondly.

#geraskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #witcher fic #witcher #idiots to lovers #misunderstandings #fics #my writing #my fics

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epiphany-of-a-madwoman · 3 years

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The Last Dragon | The Witcher

Chapter 16 | Steel for Humans

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x Targaryen!OC

Summary: Visenya Targaryen is the eldest and only surviving child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. When Robert Baratheon’s rebellion was won, instead of being slaughtered by the Mountain like her mother and siblings, she was saved by Ned Stark and taken as his ward. Years later, after she’s killed at the Red Wedding, she wakes up outside Blaviken. Now she finds her destiny intertwined with the White Wolf on her quest to go back home.

Warnings: Skeevy bandits being Skeevy bandits

Word Count: 7.5k

Note: Click here to read the previous chapters ♡ Also! My tag list is open!

He's looking at her again.

She can feel it; a shiver up her spine, the prickling feeling in the back of her mind to be alert for something, all telltale signs of his eyes on her. Every time she turns to meet his gaze, to try and decipher the whys and what's in his eyes, he looks away. And in the midst of all of her uncertainty, she's sure of at least one thing, he's still reeling from her confession, despite it being weeks since her name, her real name slipped from her lips. He doesn't say that he's still trying to piece together the puzzle, but he doesn't need to. She can see it in the way he carries himself around her, his lingering eyes and stumbling words.

More than a few times he's called her Jane, instinctively, if she were to have to guess. And each time she just simply raises a brow at him before he swiftly corrects himself, eyes wild and uncertain, unable to directly look into hers. She never gets mad or annoyed, the exact opposite, in fact. She's never seen this side of Geralt that resembles a fumbling boy who still isn't a man yet; all rosy cheeks and shy conversation. Normally Geralt is so put together, constantly in control of the situation, and yet, something as simple as a name change is all it takes to throw him off.

Another thing she's certain of is just how much she enjoys the way he says her name, the smooth Valyrian name effortlessly slipping past his lips. It's like a symphony, a sound not even the most renowned of bards could replicate. But she'd never tell him that.

She continues staring at her face in the old mirror, dust and cracks speckling across her reflection. But she looks past it, staring at her eyes that are like liquid gold, and her fair skin, nearly glowing in the dim light. She frowns, lines appearing around her mouth - lines that weren't always there. Under her eyes are small wrinkles, hidden by the dark circles from countless sleepless nights in the least ideal spots, but she can pick them out a mile away.

She's older, that much is obvious, but how much older is not.

She used to count each day, the wall near the bed in her old room in Blaviken covered in small little lines meant to represent every time she fell asleep. She stopped keeping track after the town burned to the ground. At first, it was too painful to think of anything beyond the basic necessities of her survival. But then time drifted away, things grew easier the longer she spent with Jaskier. She smiled more, laughed more, and felt lighter than she had in a long time. And now she finds herself in an odd position, unsure of how much older she is.

"Geralt." She doesn't remove her eyes from her reflection. He grunts, a sign that he's listening. Always a man of few words.

"How long has it been since Blaviken?" She hears a sharp intake of breath before it's released back into the air. It's silent a moment longer.

"You don't know?" Geralt asks, skepticism and disbelief abundant in his voice.

"No." She reaches a hand up, tracing the new scars that mare her face, they're faint, nothing more than a whisper on her face. To everyone else, they're only visible in the flicker of a candle at the right angle, but she's always aware of them.

"Fifteen years."

Her hand drops, limp at her side. She turns a flurry of hair and wind, facing Geralt with an odd expression on her face. She can't discern how to feel with that revelation. How is one supposed to react upon figuring out the fifteen years have passed, and they don't even know it? She wants to protest, to scream that he's lying to her, and demand that he tell her the truth, the real truth and not some practical joke. But the longer she thinks on it, her eyes resting on Geralt's stone face, the more it makes sense.

She thinks back to Winterfell, trying to remember the smells of her previous home. To remember how everything felt under her fingertips - whether it be in the warm castle or the icy cold. She tries to recall how everyone looked the last time she saw them, tried to visualize their exact heights in comparison to hers, to recall small imperfections that made them not smooth porcelain dolls. Only then, when she focuses so hard on doing just that, does she realize she can't even remember their faces. She can see their general shapes, her mind recognizing them as either Jon, Robb, or anyone else important enough to remember. But when she tries to zoom in and make their faces clearer, they're nothing but humanoid-like blurs.

Her face twitches, in discomfort or shock, she's not sure.

"Huh." It's the only thing she manages to say, unable to force her mind to think of another response or to form the words with her mouth. She's utterly frozen in place.

She almost allows her mind to wander, thinking of what may have happened to the rest of the Stark children. Would they have found peace and safety, or would they have blown away like leaves in the wind, desolated by monsters and grief? But she banishes the thoughts before they could form. What would be the point? All it would do is pull her into another bout of melancholy, the same suffering she was drowning in whilst hiding away in Blaviken. So she does what she's best at; she takes all unpleasant thoughts and ghosts and locks them into a little box in the back of her mind. Leaving it to collect dust until it's long forgotten.

"You didn't know that?" Geralt asks, breaking his statue-like posture to step closer to Visenya. She doesn't answer, she simply shakes her head, her breathing shaky and unsteady.

'Fifteen years.'

The number echoes in her mind, it's on repeat and she finds herself unable to escape it. He's silent, Geralt is always silent. But she welcomes it, more so now than ever.

Her fingers begin to count down as she counts up, the numbers hardly above the breaths she takes. She looks down at the ground, counting the grain in the wooden floors.

"21, 22, 23, 24…"

She pauses, finishing the math in her mind. She opens her mouth, cautiously.

"Thirty-five… I'm thirty-five years old now." It makes sense, her face appears much older than when she first arrived, the lines and crow's feet not just a result of poor living conditions and battle scars.

"Is that a bad thing?" Geralt asks. Visenya looks up at him. His facial expression remains much the same as before, but his eyes glow with a hint of curiosity. Not that he would ever admit to it if she ever called him out on it.

"No, I just-- never thought I'd make it this far," Visenya says, a sardonic grin pulling at her lips that looks more like a grimace than anything.

"With the life, you've had--" Geralt starts, his voice low and raspy, but Visenya cuts him off with a bout of laughter that sounds more like knives than bells. He closes his mouth, simply raising a brow at Visenya.

"You have no idea, Geralt of Rivia." She shakes her head, the grin-grimace hybrid still on her face, yet her eyes tell a different story. They're despondent and regretful, and Geralt can't understand why.

"Then perhaps you should tell me." Suddenly Visenya is no longer laughing. She stares at Geralt with a type of intensity he's never seen in her eyes before. And before he can bring himself to get used to it, to allow himself to sink in the new atmosphere that surrounds them, she dissolves it, eyes turning warm and mischievous once more.

"Give it another fifteen years, and maybe then," she says, feather-light laughter following her words. She turns once more, hair whipping behind her as she continues to stare at her reflection. Her hair is longer, reaching a few inches below her breasts. Her roots are slightly grown out, allowing a little bit of shining silver to peek through the mud brown. She still can't decide if she wants to continue dying it or not. But she tucks that thought away, not wanting to unpack everything that comes with those thoughts. Not after she just packed away unpleasant thoughts that are of a similar vein.

"Plus, I've told you more things than I've told anyone else, and still I feel as though I know nothing of you," Visenya says, turning around once more, moving away from the dingy mirror. This causes Geralt to laugh - it's rough and dark, the complete opposite of Visenya's. It causes shivers to rush up her spine and a fluttering sensation to form in her stomach.

She passes by him, a hand ghosting over his shoulder. She exits the room and Geralt swiftly follows. His footsteps are much heavier than hers; she's like a soft summer breeze while he's the terrifying winter winds that threaten to blow everything down.

They walk the length of the hall, down the winding staircase, and out of the inn where Roach is patiently waiting for them. Throughout their small journey, they maintained not only the same distance between one another but the same space.

She only pauses upon reaching Roach, a hand resting on the mare's side as she gently pets her. Visenya looks at Geralt, who now stands precisely two paces away from her - one pace closer than he had been five seconds ago.

"Fair is fair," she says, raising her brows. A grumble of a laugh escapes his mouth, so quiet it could almost be mistaken for the world itself shaking. His laughter causes his eyes to close for a brief second before he opens them once more.

"I can't argue with that. In exchange for what you've told me, I'll tell you about my first hunt. Does that sound like a fair bargain?" he asks, a certain lightness in his eyes that quickly disappears in the time it takes for her to blink and open her eyes again. She holds a hand out, and he places his own in it. They shake their hands, two times to be exact.

"Sounds like a deal to me."

oOo

"I'd only just left Kaer Morhen, a new Witcher who was naive enough to think I could save the world. I came across a gang of men who were about to rape a young girl, a few of them holding back the girl's father." Geralt says, his voice quiet and somber, but she could hear each word perfectly. They're both riding on Roach, with Visenya in front and Geralt's arms slung loosely around her as he holds Roach's reins. The mare doesn't need much guidance though, she just follows the winding road ahead of them, and neither Geralt nor Visenya corrects her.

"And then what happened," Visenya asks, resisting the urge to turn around and look at Geralt. He's so good at obscuring any emotion or feelings when he speaks, often opting to talk with a monotonous voice. While hilarious when dealing witty one-liners, it makes it near impossible to discern how he feels. His eyes on the other hand are a completely different story.

To most, they may seem as empty and dead as a poorly done painting, but Visenya can read him like an open book - spotting small flickers of different emotions. After all, Visenya often employs the same tactic to appear as cold and unfeeling as possible, it's only natural she sees through when others try to do it to her.

"I killed them, the bald man with the rotted teeth and all his friends. The girl's father fled right after--" Geralt says.

"And the girl?" Visenya says, unable to stop herself from interrupting him. When he promised her a tale of his first hunt, this isn't exactly what she expected, yet she finds herself enthralled none-the-less. A part of her wonders how different her history might've been if Geralt lived in Westeros. What would be different, if anything at all. She knows with complete certainty that the Geralt she knows would have no problem defeating the Mountain. But if Geralt lived in Westeros instead of here, he wouldn't be a Witcher. Which means he'd have none of the capabilities that make him superior to mortals. So her train of thought is moot and pointless.

But she can't help the twitch of a smirk on her lips as she imagines Geralt slicing the Mountain's head off his body; the cut clean and precise. And instead of a girl about to be raped by a slimy bandit, she sees the Mountain looming over her mother, and Geralt saving her just in time.

"What happened to the girl?" This time she doesn't fight the urge to turn and look at Geralt. She turns her head just enough to see the right side of his face. His eyes are far away, recalling memories that are probably lifetimes away. The mid-day sunlight aggressively shines onto his face, but it's deceiving in its harshness for it provides no warmth. The air is cold and icy, freezing dead leaves and small twigs into timeless statues that will melt when summer comes again.

"She was covered in the bald man's blood, but unharmed, not that you'd know that with how she reacted. When I approached her, she screamed, vomited, and then passed out," Geralt says. His tone remains even, not portraying any feelings.

She turns her head to face the road once more, her lips pursing in concentration.

Would her mother have reacted the same if Geralt swept into her chamber like an angel of death, white hair his halo, and the blade strapped to his back his judgment? Or would she have thanked him, tears streaming down her face as she held her screaming children?

"And how did that make you feel?" she asks, not daring to turn and look at him once more. She fears if he takes one look at her eyes, he'll see all the thoughts furiously swimming in the flames that dance in them. She can feel him shrug more than see it, the movement of his shoulders causing his arm to brush against her back.

"Like shit," he simply replies. Visenya scoffs, a grin pulling at the corner of her lips.

She opens her mouth, a witty quip on the tip of her tongue when she's cut off by a scream. It comes from her right, in the forest, but not so deeply hidden that the dying trees and frostbitten leaves muffle the noises. Her posture turns stiff like a board, the hairs on her body standing up straight.

"Did you--" she begins, only to be cut off by another scream, this one more guttural than the last, yet not beast-like in nature. Visenya turns, catching Geralt's eyes. He nods, acknowledging that the shouts aren't just in her head, the manifestation of deeply hidden thoughts resurfacing. He hears it too.

Without allowing a moment of hesitation or for her mind to catch up with her actions, she jumps off of Roach, unsheathing her blade. The dragon hilt is cold as ice, but soothing to the heat slowly rising in Visenya.

A loud thud follows only a moment later, signaling that Geralt is following her lead. She'd feel touched by his lack of protest when it comes to her charging headfirst into the unknown, but the situation is far too dangerous for any distractions, even if only for a brief second.

Blood rushing and heart pounding, she turns to ice as another scream echoes in their ears. It's closer this time, sounding as if someone is shouting while choking on their blood. Visenya's pace quickens, her heart racing faster as adrenaline floods her body in preparation for the potential fight that seems more likely than not as each second passes. The grip on her sword tightens as she clenches her jaw. Dozens of battle maneuvers and tactics fly through her mind, all the years of training; both in Winterfell and with Geralt blaring in her mind.

Another scream, this one deeper than the previous. Visenya picks up her pace again, eager for this confrontation to be over before it even begins. She glances behind and Geralt is right behind her, sword unsheathed and face battle-hardened.

For the fifth time, another scream rips through the trees, but now that they're closer, Visenya hears the rustling of what sounds like people running. The muffled noise of jeers and mocking voices trickle into her ears.

People, they're dealing with people, and not literal monsters. Though most times, people can be the worst type of monster there is.

With a deep breath that she quickly releases, Visenya reaches a handout, pushing away the branches that separate her and Geralt from the apparent attackers.

'The blood of the dragon is not afraid.'

The phrase enters her mind without thought. But instead of banishing it away, she embraces it. She imagines Queen Visenya beside her, a stern expression on her beautiful face, lips curling into a snarl that would perfectly mimic Vhaegar.

When she opens her eyes, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. A group of six or so humans wielding various types of weapons that were dripping with blood stand in the small clearing. The source of the screams quickly became clear; a small family of elves with blood dripping from various wounds. A male elf lays on his stomach, unmoving; meanwhile, a woman cowers in a corner, pressing her body against a tree, three children with her. The smallest of the three were huddled on either side of her as she attempted to soothe them, tears streaming down her bloodied face. Meanwhile, the oldest, only looking to be seven at the most, stands in front of her, the branch from a tree between his unsteady hands. He holds it as if it's a blade, determined to protect what remains of his family.

The humans are bandits and not very successful ones; with worn mismatched leather armor and blades that look seconds away from rusting. But they wear sneers on the face, showing rotted teeth and foul words. They snap their attention toward Visenya who enters first and watch her for a moment as she watches them, taking in the scene before her.

She expected the worst, but nothing could've prepared her for this. It's too familiar, too close to home. She feels her vision go red, blood pumping in her veins, and skin nearly burning.

"Look at this boys, no need to find a nearby brothel. Looks like our entertainment found us," one of the men says, a twisted smirk curling on his cracked and bleeding lips. Visenya's face contorts into a look of disgust. The other men around them laugh, cackles that sound more like screams than sounds of delight.

Visenya tightens her grip on the hilt of her sword, teeth grinding as she clenches her jaw tighter. She takes a single step forward.

"Pretty thing you are, and you look like a fighter. Good, I like it when they fight," the man continues, undisturbed or intimidated by Visenya.

"And I like it when bastards like you are six feet under. Lucky for me you will be, soon," Visenya says, her voice gravelly and harsh like a growl. She smiles, her mouth looking more like the snarl of a wolf that's moments away from attacking.

The man doesn't falter, instead, he barks out a laugh, pointing his finger at Visenya as he does.

"Funny," he says. He nods his head at a few of the men, turning his attention back to the elf and her children. "But be a dear and be quiet. I have some business to attend to." He lifts his blade and begins approaching the woman. The child holds his stick up high, about to try and defend his mother when the bandit just shoves him aside, knocking the kid on the ground. A loud crack resounds in the clearing as his small head collides with a protruding rock.

The elven woman screams, crawling to try and get as far away as possible, clutching her kids tighter against her. Tears stream down her face as vigorous as a waterfall. Dread fills Visenya, all her thoughts consumed by panic.

"No!" Visenya screams. She moves to charge him, but a grimy hand holds onto her, keeping her from running. She turns towards the man, and wildly swings her blade. It misses, but in dodging it, he loses enough of his footing that he lets go of her.

He goes to grab her again, but before he can try, a blade slices into his neck, causing blood to gush out of the wound before he drops to the ground. Visenya doesn't have to look to know it's Geralt, but she does anyway. A deep scowl is set on his face, eyes blazing in a way that's eerily similar to Visenya's. He growls, eyes assessing the scene before them. He glances at Visenya, then moves his eyes to the leader. Visenya nods, understanding the nonverbal cue.

Save the girl.

"A fucking Witcher!" The man spits out. He spits turning away from the elf, no longer able to ignore the threat right in front of him. "Just kill them both, I hear Witchers make good coin."

Then everything descends into chaos. The rest of the bandits charge Visenya and Geralt, but she pays them no mind. She nimbly dodges each one of their attacks, leaving them to Geralt. Her eyes stay on the leader, who's eyes rest solely on her as well. He grabs a second blade from the ground, ripping it from the hands of the dead elf. He strides towards her and she meets him halfway in a clash of blades and fury.

Their blades meet in a cross, the clang of metal ringing in her ears. She scowls as he snarls, spittle flying into her face.

She jumps back and pivots to his side. His gaze follows her, body turning as she does. Like a butcher cutting a pig, he hacks down at her. She parries it with her blade, pushing it away as if it's nothing more than an annoyance. His second one comes down a moment later and she dodges to the other side, the blade slicing through empty air. A third swing, his other hand comes down, this time towards her face. She crouches low to the ground as she brings her blade up to block the hit, using her lower position to steady her body as she pushes against him, both hands holding onto the hilt.

He presses down and she pushes upward, arms shaking from the exertion. She screams, the sound eerily similar to the roar of a dragon, moments before it decimates its enemies with its fiery wrath. With a burst of power, she shoots up, causing him to stumble back.

Right and left, she slashes her blade at him. His leather armor takes the brunt of the first hit, but the second one manages to piece into flesh. She snarls as he screeches in pain. Clammy hands begin to shakily smack against his belt, desperately looking for a blade to try and stick her with, but she doesn't give him the chance.

She kicks him in the abdomen. The force of it slamming his already weak body against a tree. There's a loud crack as his body makes contact, another howl of pain escaping his mouth.

"Stupid bit--"

Her blade stabs into his neck, stopping him mid-sentence. Blood pours out of his mouth, a gurgling sound replacing his scratchy voice.

"Fuck you," Visenya says. She then spits at him, the saliva landing on his chest and disappearing into the blood.

She sighs, the sounds of fighting die down, and she turns around. Geralt is standing in the center of the clearing, blood speckling his armor and dripping off his blades, but luckily none of the blood is his. Her tense shoulder loosens slightly, the adrenaline leaving with the threats. She tosses her blade to the side, making a mental note to clean it later.

Turning to her right, she sees the elven woman with her children still cowering in the corner, all three of her children around her, the eldest of them knocked out cold. Now that no threats are looming over them, Visenya allows herself a moment to inspect the three of them.

The mother looks to be middle age, with wheat blonde hair and pallid skin, her bones protruding in a way that the bones of someone well-nourished wouldn't. Her eyes are down and as large as a doe, the sparkle in them enhanced by salty tears.

The small girl looks nearly identical to her, her wheat hair in a messy braid that's falling apart. She clutches her mother's hand tighter, moving further into her the longer Visenya looks at her. The other boy is the complete opposite, with dark disheveled hair and blue eyes. His face is blotchy and wet from tears, but he doesn't seem to fully understand why. Staring at Visenya with blank curiosity rather than fear.

"Are you hurt?" Visenya asks, making a conscious effort to make her voice as light and harmless as possible. She takes a step forward, a branch breaking under her foot. The woman gasps, pressing herself further against the tree.

Visenya stops, holding her arms up, a nonverbal sign that she means peace. The woman doesn't relax, not that Visenya expects her to.

"You--you--you," the woman stutters, tears still streaming down her face, but not as frantically as they were moments ago.

"Saved you, yes," Visenya says, taking another step forward. The woman doesn't cower, but her fear doesn't lessen.

"I don't have coin," she says, her voice wavering in between her sobs. Visenya shrugs, a small smile curling on her lips.

"And I have more than enough," Visenya says. The woman continues to stare at her, not uttering a single word. It's like they're frozen in place, only the tears running down her cheeks and their shaking forms giving away that they're in fact real. Visenya feels her stomach twist itself into knots.

She should grab her blade and leave the clearing behind, get back on Roach with Geralt and ride off to the next destination. At the very least her conscience would be eased by the fact that they kept these band of idiots from hurting the woman and her children.

And yet…

A voice whispers in her ear to not, that she'd never stop thinking about this moment, wondering what became of them. Did they save them from these bandits only to get robbed and left for dead by the next group of pricks with pointy swords? She couldn't live with it, she realizes. Not if she doesn't do everything in her power to ensure they arrive home safely and alive… wherever home is. A sigh escapes her mouth, so quiet it could be mistaken for the wind.

"You have no reason to trust me, I get that, but at the very least I saved you from those pricks, so I can't be that bad, right?" Visenya asks, voice rougher and blunter than she intended for it to be. Internally she winces as the woman cowers for a brief second, but then slowly she nods her head.

"Right. Your son is injured, how serious, I'm not sure. I don't know, maybe you have some training in the art of healing, but if you're not, at the very least, I'm no stranger to minor injuries. I can help him," Visenya continues. The elven woman doesn't cower anymore, her rapid tears dwindling to a light drizzle rather than a heavy pour. She nods once more, and Visenya finds herself sighing in relief.

Without wasting another moment she takes a step forward, turning towards the child on the ground. She crouches beside him, his mother moving to be on his other side. Her shining eyes are sharp, watching Visenya with the likeness of a hawk watching its prey.

He looks to be a mixture of his mother and presumably his father. His hair is a dirty blonde, freckles dotting his tan skin. He's not nearly as frail as his other siblings, similar to how Jon, Robb, and Theon looked when they first started training in Winterfell. But he seems to have much less meat on his bones.

Visenya places her warm hands on his face, lifting his head and moving a hand to gently cradle his head. There's a large bruise blossoming on the right side of his forehead, but there's no blood or any other signs of injury. She places a hand on his heart, feeling it beat against her hand, then slides it to the side of his neck, feeling a pulse there as well.

"He didn't get hit with a weapon," the woman says, whether convincing herself of his safety or trying to feed Visenya information she isn't sure. Or it could be a mixture of both.

"No, but he took a hard fall, I've seen men twice his size get knocked on their heads and never get back up, and if they do, they're never the same. There's bleeding, but that doesn't mean he's completely safe," Visenya says, removing her hands from his body.

"Is there anything to be done?" she asks, picking his up and gently cradling his head in her lap.

"Other than wait and see when he wakes? No. As I said, I'm no healer, but I have a tea that can help ease his pain. He'll have a bad headache and sore body, that much is certain," Visenay says. She looks over at the two other children; a girl and a boy. They're young, that for certain, younger than the boy on the ground.

"How much?" the woman asks, not removing her eyes from her son. Visenya's brows furrow in confusion.

"How much what?"

"How much will I owe you for the herbs?" the woman asks again, looking Visenya directly in the eyes. Her tears are dry, but her eyes still shine from the residual dampness.

"Nothing. He needs it now more than I do. I can buy more when I reach the next town," Visenya says, keeping her face as pleasant as possible. The woman purses her lips, clearly in thought. Silence washes over them until it's broken by the woman.

"Thank you. Not many humans would show kindness to elves, much less two so well trained in fighting."

Visenya snorts, a smirk appearing on her face.

"One human and a mutant, actually. But you're welcome. What good is all the fighting talent in the world if you don't use it well," Visenya says, slowly standing from the ground? The woman's eyes follow her form as she stands to her full height. "Our horse is near the road. We can take you wherever home is, and make sure you get there safe."

The woman nods, adjusting her son in her arms so that he is lying across her lap. With Visenya's help, she stands from the ground, holding her son's bridal style. Her two other children stay close, hiding a bit behind her, each one with a hand attached to her dress. Visenya turns, eager to leave the clearing and forget any of this happened, but the woman stopped her.

"I've already lost Aldon, my husband. I could not lose my son too, I truly appreciate what you have and are doing for us."

"I wouldn't speak so soon," Geralt's gravelly voice enters the conversation. They both turn to see him kneeling beside the body, two fingers against his neck. "He's fading, but he hasn't died yet."

Visenya strides towards Geralt, the woman, still holding her son, hot on her trail while her two children stay in place, silently watching with wide eyes. Visenya sits beside Geralt as the woman nearly collapses on the other side of Aldon's body. She takes a hold of his hand, her grip so tight her fingers begin to turn white.

"Can we save him?" Visenya asks. Geralt grunts, gesturing with his head in the direction behind them. She nods, knowing what he's saying without having to physically say it. She stands and runs the way they came in. Her feet are heavy, beating into the soil and breaking any twigs or crunchy leaves. The world is a blur around her, wind rushing against her skin. They can save him, but only if Visenya can get the supplies back to Geralt in time.

Either by sheer dumb luck, or the gods truly have shown them favor, Roach is right where they left him. Visenya releases a heavy sigh as she beelines straight for her pack that hangs off of Roach.

"Good horse. I'm going to give you so many apples once we reach civilization," Visenya breathes out, untying her pack from his saddle. He neighs, happily it would seem. She smiles, patting his side a few times before turning and rushing into the forest once more.

Everyone is in the exact spots as when she left. Geralt is leaning over Aldon with his wife sitting on the other side of his body. She clutches his hand in hers, knuckles turning white from the tightness of her grip. Her lips are quivering with large eyes, her body shaking every few minutes, the stark contrast of Geralt. With thin lips, hard eyes, and unwavering hands as he cleans the wound to the best of his ability; he's the epitome of stone. Visenya runs towards them, tossing the bag at Geralt once she crosses halfway through the clearing. He catches it in his hand, flipping it open and rummaging through it. He pulls out various bottles; some with powders, liquids, herbs: both brushed and whole, and bandages.

Visenya slows her pace, moving around Aldon to sit beside his wife. She glances at Visenya for a moment before looking back at her husband. She;'s breathing heavily, the sharp intakes of breath sporadic. A hiccup escapes her mouth every few seconds, eyes on her husband, waiting and hoping for any signs of recovering. Hand on the grass, it moves over until it brushes against her free hand. She doesn't look away from her husband, but she takes Visenya's hand, her cold body instantly feeling warmer from Visenya's proximity. It provides comfort, a sense of reassurance that Geralt knows what he's doing. That her husband will make it out of the mess, and this day won't become a travesty that's burned in her mind.

Geralt works quickly, each minute passing in a blur. He tears strips of bandages off with his teeth, the tearing sound from it enough to keep Visenya from getting lost in her thoughts. He wipes away the blood with a cloth, pouring a liquid that smells suspiciously like alcohol over the wound. It hisses upon contact but the noise swiftly dissipates. He then grabs one of the vials that contain a thick liquid. It's amber, with various herbs and other ingredients slightly discoloring it. He packs it into the wound, laying down multiple thick layers of the poultice. He then lifts the torso of the man just enough to wrap his torso in bandages. With her only free hand, Visenya helps him keep the body off the ground, mutely watching Geralt work.

Finally, Geralt sighs, removing his hands from the body, the two of them gently lowering him to once again lay on the ground. Blood is no longer gushing from the wound on the side of his body, unable to seep through the dense layers above it.

"They were pricks, but luckily they weren't skilled pricks. He would've bled out, but it wasn't a fatal blow. When he wakes he'll be weak, but alive," Geralt mutters. Visenya sighs, eyes moving to the elven woman. She removes her hand from Visenya's grip, moving her child off of her lap. Visenya immediately places hands on the small boy, taking him from his mother and cradling him. The woman cries out in relief, hovering over Aldon's body and placing a hand on his cheek.

She looks down at the boy in her arms, noticing the way his eyes twitch under his lids. He's dreaming, it seems. And from the small grin on his face, it's a good one. A soft smile forms on Visenya's face, wide eyes watching the boy, her breathing matching his. A familiar tingling sensation runs up her spine. She glances up, seeing Geralt's gaze firmly on her. She smiles, and he returns it. They've done it, managed to save an innocent family, keeping them from being torn apart by stick bastards with pointy sticks. It's...nice.

"We probably shouldn't move him too much in fear of disturbing his wounds. How far are you from here?" Visenya asks, turning her attention back to the woman. She lifts her head, eyes moving from her husband to Visenya. They're wet with tears again, but not tears of sorrow or fear. This time they're from an overwhelming feeling of joy and hope she didn't have moments ago.

"It's a short distance, we live just on the outskirts of Brunwich," she says. Visenya nods, opening her mouth but Geralt speaks before her.

"We just left," Geralt says.

"And we can turn back around," Visenya interjects, looking at Geralt with a stony expression; lips in a firm line and eyes daring him to contradict her. She clutches the child closer to her, not willing to let them go just yet. They need to be safe and back home, and Visenya needs to see it with her own eyes. Otherwise, her consciousness will never be sated. And Geralt gleans this, causing a sigh to leave his lips, not bothering to start an argument he knows he wouldn't win.

"We can," he concedes, voice lacking any form of enthusiasm or conviction in his words.

"Excellent." Visenya returns her attention to the woman. "Since his injuries are the most delicate, your husband can ride on Roach, and you can ride with him. I can hold your son, but would your two other children be okay to walk? I'm not sure they'd fit on Roach."

"They won't. We should camp here for the day until he's conscious and well enough to ride," Geralt says. Visenya nods and looks at the woman for confirmation, who nods as well.

"In that case, I will get Roach," Visenya says. She begins to adjust the boy in her lap to give him back to his mother, but she stands from the ground.

"I'll come with you," she says. Visenya nods, standing from the ground as well. She walks around Aldon, to stand beside Geralt. She gestures with her chin down at the child. Geralt opens his arms, reluctantly. She places the boy in his arms, and turns, dusting off any dirt that clings to her armor. Visenya nods at her and the two of them exit the clearing.

The air around them is quiet. They neither speak nor acknowledge each other. Occasionally Visenya glances at her out of the corner of her eyes, and she catches the woman doing the same thing. It's almost like two wolves dancing around each other, trying to figure out how to approach the other. It isn't hostile, neither of them having any obvious tension. It's just….silent.

The woods are as gloomy as before; a cold chill sweeping through the air with dead trees and crunching leaves in shades of brown coloring their world. Yet everything somehow feels lighter, less dull, and grey. Visenya feels weightless, the adrenaline from the battle still lingering in her veins and the rush from saving innocent lives giving a small skip in her step.

"I am Amaria," the woman -- Amaria says, making the first move. Visenya nods, continuing to look straight ahead.

"I am Amaria," the woman, Amaria, says. Her voice is louder than she's heard it, yet the only other times she spoke was during great distress. There's a melodic tone to it, each word slightly flowing together like the lyrics of a song. Visenya nods her head, staring straight ahead.

"Visenya." Leaves crunch under her boots, matching the pace of her heart, and the distant song that lingers in the back of her mind. It's been too long since she's heard music - and not just the drunken yodeling of tavern goers. She misses music and singing that are enjoyable to listen to. She misses the small tunes and fumbling lyrics that Jaskier always sang throughout the days. Everything is too silent now, and she finds herself trying to fill the silence the way he did.

"That's a beautiful name," Amaria remarks, stepping over an overly large root. Visenya smiles, glancing over at her. She's only the second person to call her Visenya. It's relieving...finally able to take ownership of her own name once again.

"Thank you, it's a family name." Amaria nods, falling silent once more, and unlike moments prior, this silence is not an easy one. Nerves fill Visenya, the uncertainty of what to say - if she should say anything at all overwhelming. She mulls over it for another moment, before just opening her mouth and hoping to not offend.

"What are your children named?" Visenya asks.

"Rohir is my oldest at seven, he's the one you helped. Then there's Elana, she's only four and my youngest is Vyron, he's only two," Amaria says, a wide smile appearing on her face as she thinks about her children. Visenya watches her with keen eyes, a pang of envy stabbing into her, a piece of her longing to know the feeling of having a family that's all your own.

"They're beautiful," Visenya says, tightly nodding her head. She drums her fingers against the side of her leg.

"Do you have any?" Amaria asks. She's seemingly unaware or unconcerned by the awkward air that surrounds Visenya. But it's nothing new, she's never been the best with people. Constantly being around such loud people like Jaskier, or quiet and reclusive people like Geralt, she never notices. But now, walking in the forest alone with Amaria, she can't help but notice how extremely difficult something as simple as conversation is.

"No," Visenya says, crouching to avoid smacking into a low hanging group of branches. Amaria nods, and then sighs. Her face scrunches into discomfort; pursuing her lips with eyes that are narrowed slightly.

"Sorry, I should not have asked. I'm sure Witcher mutations make conceiving a child near impossible," she says, her voice sympathetic and apologetic. Absentmindedly Visenya nods, only a moment later, fully processing the words.

"Wait what?" Visenya stops in her tracks, turning to face Amaria. Her mouth is agape and eyes wide, ashen brows furrow in confusion with lines on her forehead. She continues a few steps before realizing Visenya is no longer walking with her. She stops as well, turning around and facing Visenya.

"You and the Witcher. Aren't you two..." Amaria trails off. Visenya's cheeks are bombarded with heat that makes her skin bright red. There's a funny feeling in her stomach, tingles rushing up her spine. The thought of her and Geralt together isn't unpleasant, and that's the worst part. She almost enjoys the idea. But she quickly sweeps that away, her and Geralt having children would be disastrous, not that he probably could.

"Geralt and I are not...together," Visenya says, tone more frantic than she intended.

"Oh, I just thought maybe…"

"Well, you thought wrong," Visenya says, the words harsher than she intended for it to be. She releases a sigh of frustration, watching Amaria jump, slowly taking one step back from Visenya. Quickly, she crumbles back into the scared rabbit she was when Visenya first saw her. The familiar look in her eyes quickly snaps Visenya out of her frustration. Guild replaces her bubbling temper, immediately dousing out any annoyance in her voice.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be so harsh," Visenya says. Amaria nods, frown curling into a small smile. "Please, forgive me."

"You are forgiven. I should not have made such assumptions," Amaria says. She steps closer towards Visenya, a non-verbal sign that she doesn't hold any fear for her. Visenya smiles at her, and the two of them continue walking once more. Silence cloaking them in its aura for the rest of their walk, neither speaking even upon reaching Roach and bringing his back to Geralt and her family.

oOo

Tags: If your name is crossed out, it means I wasn’t able to tag you.

#geralt of rivia fanfic #the witcher fanfiction #geralt fanfic #geralt of rivia #the witcher #the last dragon #house targaryen #targaryen!oc #Geralt #GAME OF THRONES CROSSOVER #the witcher crossover #geralt fanfiction

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thefishmongersdaughter · 4 years

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ESKEL/GERALT PFOMPT: Eskel is walking down a main road looking for a contact but catches Geralt's scent and desides "to follow it. Jaskier is with Geralt and is shocked how Geralt interacts with this unknown witcher. And Geralt is like "ya....Eskel and I are married. Have been for almost 80 years." #Extreamly Affectionate! Geralt #playful! Geralt #talkative! Geralt #shocked! Jaskier #sweet and soft! Eskel

[Yes!!! Let the Witchers have fun! Let them be s o f t:] The summer had been a particular long one, with oppressive sun and short, restless nights. Eskel hadn’t slept or eaten well in almost a week and he had exceptionally little patience for the wild goose-chase he’d been sent on by someone who insisted their teenager daughter had been snatched away by demons (and not, say, the boyfriend that Eskel could smell all over her room). Still, if he could find a drowner or something and drag it back to the farm, he’d get some easy coin.

But as he crossed over the man-made path of the woods, a familiar scent caught his attention. His gaze flicked up, following the path as far as his vision would allow; if he focused, he could hear voices...

Turning his footfalls to follow the path, he kept his posture low and walked slowly along the softer parts of the road. As he breached the hill, he caught sight of them; the White Wolf and his little bardic pet. Eskel had heard tales of the bard, both from townsfolk with an ear for music (who stupidly asked whether Eskel was the White Wolf Witcher in question), and from Geralt himself during the tortuously short rest of winter.

Geralt was shirtless, washing his jerkin in the stream as the bard, Jaskier, asked for his opinion on certain phrases for his song. Testing the wind, Eskel was pleased to find that he was downwind. Perfect for an ambush. He waited until Geralt’s back was turned, then tore through the woods as quickly as his legs would carry him, throwing himself bodily at the Witcher in the water.

There was a short cry of “Jaskier, my sword!” but it was too late. Eskel tackled Geralt and tumbled them both into the water, laughing as he watched Geralt’s expression shift from an intimidating snarl, to confusion, to joy. Eskel barely had time to gloat before Geralt had rolled them over and was trying to pin Eskel to the riverbank.

“You bastard! I could have cut you in two!” Geralt chided, leaning in to kiss him.

Eskel made a pleased sound against Geralt’s lips, slipping his arms around his partner. “Without your sword? I’d like to see you try.”

“You’re right, guess I’ll just have to try and split you in two some other way,” Geralt retorted, but his gaze tracked upwards and he froze. “Ah... right. No, Jaskier, it’s ok. Put the sword down.”

“Geralt... who is this?” Jaskier asked, his pretty blue eyes seeming to flick between Geralt’s bare chest, Eskel’s scars, Geralt’s face, Eskel’s hands. Smug, Eskel tightened his hold of Geralt and bit playfully at his left pec.

Geralt gasped and cupped Eskel’s cheeks in his palms, giving him a warning look. “This unruly menace is my husband.”

Silence followed for a full minute before Jaskier finally found his words.

“Your husband...”

“Eskel, this is Jaskier. He’s half the reason I bring coin home each winter,” Geralt continued as though this was completely common-place.

“You’re spending your summers with a younger man?” Eskel growled, teasing. “Guess I’ll just have to kill him and steal his fancy clothes.”

Geralt rolled his eyes and leaned in to steal another kiss, his fingertips stroking idly over Eskel’s chest. “At least have some dinner before you kill the bard,” Geralt offered, adjusting his weight so that he could stand and offer Eskel a hand. “I dunno, that ok with you, Bard?”

Jaskier nodded silently, then raised a finger in a ‘wait’ gesture. “On one condition,” he announced.

Eskel frowned, waiting to see what price the bard would demand of him to spend time with his husband.

“You have to tell me all about the wedding.”

#geralt of rivia #geralt x eskel #eskel #the witcher #Jaskier #fluff

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scoops-stevie-archive · 3 years

Text

⭐️axhiiles’ 2020 fic rec⭐️

there's a total of 178 fics in this bad boy and i blame it on 2020. my bookmarks look like a warzone.

part 1 // part 2 // part 3 // part 4

-all fics are in alphabetical order by title, not fandom

-please tell me if the links are broken/linked wrong

-smut is marked with **

as always, please leave a kudos and a comment on what you read, and reblog this to spread!

5 Times Kageyama Made Hinata Carry Him, and the One Time Kageyama Carried Hinata - 3.9k, single chapter author: bowlerhatfringe fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

Kageyama using Hinata as a chair/forcing him to carry him places. Hinata considers it strength training and loves it.

17 Birthdays and More - 12.3k, single chapter author: purple_anonymous fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

Bakugou had called all of them for an emergency meeting. Together. And Eijirou and the rest of the class are currently staring at him like they’ve entered some alternate universe where everything’s the same except Bakugou willingly called for an emergency meeting with the whole class of 3A.

Well, almost everyone.

That was also a surprise and another warning of the end times probably...

Because Izuku Midoriya wasn’t here as a result of Katsuki Bakugou’s stubborn pettiness even amidst a probable apocalypse prevented him from inviting his rival, no…

No, Midoriya wasn’t here because the meeting was about Izuku Midoriya.

Izuku Midoriya’s birthday, to be exact.

“What the..?” Eijirou said after a while, beginning to speak Bakugou’s language because everyone else was confused with a dash of fear into silence.

“What?” Bakugou drawled like they didn’t just enter the twilight zone. “Are you all deaf?”

Or, A Secret Relationship fic, a birthday fic that's months late and a fic that might make you feel a little too much, all wrapped up in one and narrated by Red Riot himself.

A Father’s Perspective - 9.6k, single chapter author: Kalira fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Sokka/Zukko

What Hakoda sees when he watches his son, from after his rescue from the Boiling Rock to beyond the end of the Great War.

A Forget-Me-Not Morning - 1k, single chapter author: charliebrdcherry fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Hank Anderson. Sorry – Lieutenant Anderson. Hard-boiled detective of age fifty-three that doesn’t get along with his colleagues at work or half of the neighborhood, yells at birds on the street to move out of the way when he’s driving and sends postcards to his next-door neighbor to tell him to keep his damn water hose off at night – no, a big goddamn softy at heart.

a house made a home - 1.2k, single chapter author: todorokitops fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Shigaraki Tomura/Dabi/Hawks

His eyes skip over their comfortable position, an excited smile quirking at his lips. “So I take it we’re cuddling today?”

Dabi shrugs, best as he can with Tomura still latched around his body. “Well, Handyman here decided to choose today to be more of a clingy bitch than usual, so it’s not like we got much choice.”

In which Tomura wants attention, and if that means he has to sit directly on Dabi's lap to get some, then so be it.

A Life of Bliss - 652, single chapter author: tobiosbae fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio

Hajime laughs when he hears Tobio yell, “Is it done yet?!” He answers back with a firm no. God, he thinks, I love that impatient idiot. He gets to work because he knows damn well that Tobio’s going to ask again, but it’s fine.

He loves Tobio, even though he’s an impatient piece of shit.

a long December - 7k, single chapter author: blackeyedblonde fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

If he’s meant to trust his gut, there’s no reason Sumo should’ve growled. The dog stands at his heels now, quiet but alert. Hank runs the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip, chapped as it already is in this weather, and tries not to sound too hopeful when he utters a name he hasn’t spoken in too many weeks to count.

“Connor?”

A Sick Day - 1.1k, single chapter author: fromneptune fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Azumane Asahi/Nishinoya Yuu

When Asahi catches a cold, Noya makes it his mission to nurse him back to health (while somehow failing to keep their relationship a secret from the rest of the team).

A Thoughtful Painting - 1.7k, single chapter author: cryscendo fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: Tom Nook/Redd

Redd considered himself a fine husband. But Tom Nook’s birthday isn’t something to be treated lightly.

a thousand diamonds - 5.4k, single chapter author: alekszova fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Connor/Gavin Reed

the boys go on their honey moon.

A Trip to the Museum - 2k, single chapter author: Tinyvocaloid fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: CJ/Flick

Flick and C.J.'s daughter discovers her calling.

About Time - 3.8k, single chapter author: zuotian fandom: Naruto pairing: Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai, Gaara/Rock Lee

While attending Gaara and Lee's wedding, Kakashi and Gai come to a shocking realization.

All I Want Is You - 1.6k, single chapter author: alec_rhee fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen/Windsor

Henry, your package has been delivered.

He’s been waiting weeks for this notification. Realistically, he knows it’s only been a week or so since he made this order, but he’s been waiting so impatiently for it to arrive and it seemed to take forever to get here.

He runs up the spiral staircase of their brownstone home, he knows Alex will be home any minute from class, but he just has to look at how it turned out. He sits on the chaise in the bedroom and tears the plastic sleeve and there it is: a bandana for his beagle, David. The material is super soft and is a combination of colors: red, white, and blue. The words on the bandana is in a classic cursive font. The words displayed on the piece of cloth make him feel giddy: Will you marry my daddy?

All the Stars Are Closer - 2.3k, single chapter author: Boxstorm fandom: The Witcher pairing: Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier

"Come with me to Oxenfurt," Jaskier had said, tucked up against Geralt's chest in the moments before their parting for the winter.

"I can't," Geralt had replied, tightening his arms where they wrapped around Jaskier's shoulders in silent apology.

"Just for a day or two," Jaskier had insisted, pulling back just enough to look Geralt in the eyes, and giving him that hopeful look that they both know Geralt is unable to deny, "Please."

The pass to Kaer Morhen would not remain open for much longer, but faced with Jaskier's bright blue eyes, pleading for something that Geralt could so easily give, he had relented.

Jaskier's smile as he'd been pulled in for a gentle, acquiescing kiss had been worth whatever he might find on a late return to Kaer Morhen this year.

All the ways to say I love you - multi-chaptered, complete author: imaginary_dragonling fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio

“And where do you think you’re going?”

Iwaizumi turns around in time to see Kageyama whip around like a started colt, guilt flashing across his face. The expression is fleeting, quick to disappear into the determined crease between Kageyama’s eyebrows, the familiar downturn of his lips.

Iwaizumi tries not to smile.

all you need - 901, single chapter author: mugengo fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Kaminari Denki/Kirishima Eijirou

Strangers question Denki’s relationship with Eijirou and Katsuki all the time. Sometimes he gets self-conscious about it and needs a little reassurance.

alula haunting - 3k, single chapter author: faorism fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Through a haze of crisp leaves and chill-bleached grass, Sakura finds her youngest playing with a familiar crow.

Always All of You - 1.9k, single chapter author: keilotus fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Oikawa Tooru/Ushijima Wakatoshi

Oikawa has a boyfriend. He just hasn't gotten round to telling anyone.

And He Finally Learned What Love and Kindness Meant - 10 work series, complete author: mushembra, Tamori fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Connor/Gavin Reed

Gavin finds it way too amusing that Connor has human needs, especially when he lets those needs go forgotten for too long. So he does what he does best; torments Connor in his time of desperation

But when the roles are reversed and Gavin finds himself bursting during a stakeout, all he expects is for karma to bite him in the ass

Turns out even he has the potential to be pleasantly surprised

TW: past child abuse, omorashi, PTSD flashbacks, dissociation, non-sexual age regression, implied child r*pe in a dream, Gavin is not okay but he’s getting there

Anderson - 419, single chapter author: Astrapod fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Connor/Gavin Reed

Gavin want’s something very specific from his marriage to Connor.

Are You Bored Yet? - 3.3k, single chapter author: lonelyghostie fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Kenma watches the sunset alone while walking home. No hand to hold on to. No teasings and laughter. No warmth and smiles.

No Kuroo Tetsurou to make his day.

At Camp - 5k, single chapter author: lunaloop fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou/Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Kenma doesn't know how to survive a week without Bokuto and Kuroo in Miyagi.

Attention Please - 957, single chapter author: Spring_Emerald fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Sawamura Daichi

‘Kuroo, stop,’ he mouthed.

That was the only response he would deign give Kuroo, at least that’s what he told himself. He glanced at Nekomata-sensei, who thankfully, was facing back, as he was writing something on the board, unaware that his very own captain was making a delinquent out of Daichi.

Kuroo had the nerve to smirk, before he mouthed ‘Make me,’ back at Daichi.

balance - 1.1k, single chapter author: tododoki fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

Shouto has found his balance in a world of extremities. He’s discovered a beautiful sense of security in Izuku, and he plans to never let it go.

Barbwire Heart - 1.8k, single chapter author: conorssock fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor/RK900/Gavin Reed

Gavin acts like this isn't serious and doesn't want to get attached. He's trying to play it off and jokes about it. But inside he wants a family. They are on a call and Gavin pushes Hank out the way and gets shot. Has to be looked after. Is on meds that make him share stuff and act all cuddly.

Beans Are Spilled - multi-chaptered, complete author: rubysilk98 fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Oikawa Tooru/Yamaguchi Tadashi

When Takeda-sensei said there's a practice match between Karasuno and Aoba Johsai, Yamaguchi couldn't help but wonder how shit is about to go down. Since he's been dating the captain of Seijoh secretly, he's determined to not let the cat out of the bag. But maybe he doesn't have to. Not when Oikawa himself had done it.

because baby you are all i want - 1.7k, single chapter author: lunoiere fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

There are a few rustling sounds before the voice that could make him melt and cocoon him in warmth is finally heard. “Izuku?”

“It’s me, Shoucchan.” Izuku feels relief fills him in a rush. “How are you feeling?”

“I miss you,” comes the immediate response.

Izuku’s heart feels full and aching all at once. “I miss you too.”

[Or Shouto is sick and Izuku is too far away to hug him better.]

Because team-work will get us farther - multi-chaptered, ongoing author: Lerya fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi/Uchiha Obito

A time travel fic, what if at the end of the 4th shinobi war, everyone not caught in the Tsukyomi gets blasted back to the past. What could possible go wrong when Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi wake up in their 12 and 28 year old bodies?

And even better, when Obito remembers everything and might just be able to persuade the Akatsuki to take a different path. Or even better, when the Bijuu wake up, with their Jinchuuriki alive and well, and with all the memories of their future self.

Only one thing will happen, the Jinchuuriki will band together, a group more tighter then even a Konoha team, with some surprising back up.

Beginning - multi-chaptered, complete author: Glare fandom: Star Wars pairing: NA

The fall of the Empire begins with a journal, clutched in the small hands of a six year-old girl.

Better Days - 1.2k, single chapter author: givemeunicorns fandom: Captain America pairing: Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers?Sam Wilson

They pile into Sam's car on a foggy Sunday morning, and hit the road as the sun climbed over the horizon. They kept off the interstate, stopped at mom and pop gas stations with a map spread out on the hood.

Birthday Breakfast - 1.2k, single chapter author: HMS_Chill fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen Windsor

It's Alex's birthday, and Henry is going to surprise him with breakfast in bed, and it's going to be beautiful and domestic and perfect.

Brekker’s Girls - 1.4k, single chapter author: wyrmsandrocs fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa/Nina Zenik

Kaz, Nina, and Inej sat together on a couch in the corner of the Crow Club. It had been the better part of a decade since the Ice Court Heist, (or the Heist Court, as Nina had named it,) and the three of them had found happiness with each other for most of that time. It was a lovely and all too rare occasion when both Nina and Inej were in Ketterdam for them all to be together, so they were enjoying watching what was a relatively slow night at the Club.

Brekker and his girls, and why not to call them that.

Bump - 5.4k, single chapter author: Blahhh, Feli_X fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor, RK900/Gavin Reed

Just fluffs of Mpreg Connor and Gavin getting baby fever after finding out

Canis Lupus Unfamiliaris - series, complete author: stabbitytuesday fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Matthias Helvar/Nina Zenik

"You fight beside each other, sleep on the same furs, your rations are your wolf's rations. He is not your pet. He is a warrior, like you, a brother."

Matthias Helvar is laid to rest.

cat’s cradle - 2.8k, single chapter author: earlgreylover98 fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: NA

There were a lot of things unexpected about Fire Lord Zuko’s reign; his kind heart, his benevolence, his love of the arts and the theatre especially, but the cats topped that list. The cats gravitated to the Fire Lord and no one knew how to react to that. He was like a magnet to them.

Or- the Royal Palace has a cat infestation and the cats really seems to love the Fire Lord. It's a mutual feeling.

Change of Atmosphere - 820, single chapter author: Wordlesslywriting fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Sawamura Daichi/Kinoshita Hisashi

It never hurt to change scenery once in awhile.

Chief - 3.7k, single chapter author: lovewillcomeandfindme fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Bato/Hakoda

Bato is running late, he was supposed to be at the beach hours ago. This didn't bother Hakoda in the least, why would he care if his closest companion decided to leave them behind for a woman, for a life Hakoda could never give him. He didn't care if he was late, that's why he was waiting on the beach for him at an unforgiving hour of the night.

Cleaning Up - 3.3k, single chapter author: romaneedsatoma fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kuroo Tetsurou

Hinata glanced at Kuroo as he started sweeping, watching the older teen sweeping the other half of the gym. Hinata moved closer to the net. Glanced up again. He went to the wall. Glanced up again. Swept the area under the net. Glanced up again and finally gave in. “Tetsurō?” Hinata said, purposefully using his given name. Within seconds, Kuroo was on him and peppering kisses across his face, making him squirm and let out a high pitched laugh.

---

or, in which hinata and kuroo are secretly dating, and make out for an hour instead of cleaning up the gym after a scrimmage.

Cloud 9 - 370, single chapter author:peenklemonade fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Hinata Shouyou

Just Kuroo being absolutely weak for his boyfriend, and really, who can blame him? Especially with all the good points he brings up.

Come Let Me Love You - 899, single chapter author: Beck17 fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

Henry always struggled to have a good night's sleep. Alex made it easier over the years they had been together, but little cries in the middle of the night always woke Henry.

A little glimpse into a future where Alex and Henry are doting fathers to a beautiful little girl.

Come What May - 1.2k, single chapter author: Faiktra fandom: Naruto pairing: Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai

Late Night Anxieties: Feat. Hatake Kakashi

Complimentary Colors - 1.6k, single chapter author: SaraBee fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

Orange and blue go together for a reason.

Daft Punk Is Playing At My House (My House) - 1.5k, single chapter author: lumbeam fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Connor listens to Hank's old music and finally understands.

Days and Nights We Lost to Weakness - 3.1k, single chapter author: Kirazalea fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Sokka/Zuko

Zuko never wanted to visit his father's cell again, but he needs to do it one more time. He's spent far too much of his life living in fear of the man that controlled his every decision and now he's finally ready to say something he should have said a long time ago.

dear mother - 1.6k, single chapter author: goldenthunderstorms fandom: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue pairing: Henry Montague/Percy Newton

Monty writes a different letter.

Dirty Hit - 6.7k, single chapter author: venvephe fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Four minutes left in the second period, Connor goes down to a bad hit. Head-collision-against-the-boards down. Not-getting-off-the-ice down. Blue-blood-pouring-out-his-nose down.

It’s when he’s shakily on his own skates, each arm slung over his teammates’ shoulders, that he thinks to look up and see the source of all the sudden noise. Something twists in his gut, something that has absolutely nothing to do with the injuries from that nasty hit.

It’s Hank. Of course it’s Hank.

Do You Realize? - 5k, single chapter author: beaniek4 fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Kaminari Denki

Bakugo wouldn’t consider himself to be overly protective of those he actually gave a shit about. But when Kaminari speed-walked past him with fresh tears spilling down his face, Bakugo couldn’t help the wave of protectiveness that coursed through his being.

Don’t Look Down - 4.3k, single chapter author: LessonsFromMoths fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Takeda Iitetsu/Ukai Kenshin

So wait...are Ukai and Takeda...a thing????

Aka, Ukai and Takeda are supposed to be just their coach and advisor but the team realizes, one-by-one, that they are in a romantic relationship.

electrify my heart - 2.4k, single chapter author: soullessfollower98 fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Sokka/Zuko

5 times that Sokka records Boyfriend Challenges for his TikTok, +1 time that Zuko does (or tries to, anyway).

entangled hands and skin - 2.3k, single chapter author: gochumilk fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

Hearing the familiar sound of their apartment door opening and Deku’s soft voice calling out “I’m home” immediately drags out a sigh of relief from Katsuki.

“Welcome home, nerd,” Katsuki says, deliberately clearing his throat when he realizes his voice comes out too softly.

(or quirkless katsuki pampers his pro hero boyfriend, deku)

Expense Report - 1.6k, single chapter author: Masu_Trout fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Fowler had a vaguely shell-shocked sort of look on his face. Hank knew it well; it was the same look he occasionally wore while staring in the mirror, on mornings when he couldn't stop thinking about just how goddamn weird his life had become these past few months.

Captain Fowler has some questions about Hank's expense account. Connor isn't helping.

Family Reunion - 2.8k, single chapter author: pynkk fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Dabi/Hawks, Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

“Who ate all the leftovers?”

Shouto looks towards the television and keeps his eye on it. “Who ate my brother's ass?” Natsuo burst out laughing and Izuku choked on his tea, coughing on it. Keigo took in a sharp breath before shutting the fridge door. “Alright.”

Five Plus One - 1.3k, single chapter author: Xachyn fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

Five times other people thought they were dating and one time Kageyama wondered if they were.

five times henry's competency turned alex on and the one time it turned him into a pile of romantic goo - 4.3k, single chapter author: helenblqckthorn fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

Alex has a fucking thing for competency. A competency kink, if he wants to be crude. And it just so happens that his boyfriend is one of the most competent men in England. Well, Alex, he thinks. You sure know how to pick ‘em.

Footprints in the Sand - 2k, single chapter author: stripeypirate fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

He stops walking when he reaches the ocean. The surf pounding steadily against the rocks echoes his heatbeat and the salty wind whispers his brother’s name. It reminds him of the day Obito told him the truth-wrapped-in-lies that sent him spinning down into depths darker than he’d thought possible. A good place to rebuild- no, build. Because to rebuild there must have been a foundation in the first place, and Sasuke has been realizing more with each passing day that his was rotten from the start.

So he sets up camp right there on the sand and spends the first night staring up at the stars, whose names he’s long forgotten.

forgetful- 2.2k, single chapter author: peachiami fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Kaminari Denki

Denki has been waiting for thirty minutes now. Eyes flying to his phone quite literally every two seconds, his leg bouncing up and down as he leaned his chin on his palm. Did Katsuki forget?

Fragile Trust - 2k, single chapter author: TheManOfManyFandoms fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: NA

Zuko doesn’t react well to fathers raising their voices. Hakoda learns this the hard way.

frilly pink apron - 2.9k, single chapter author: novrik fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

kuroo loves to be embarrassing. there's literally no other reason why he'd walk onto stream wearing nothing but a fucking frilly pink apron and sweats where you can see all of his goddamn upper body.

From Tokyo and Osaka, With Love - 8.2k, single chapter author: awkwardedgeworth fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou

He frowns at Bokuto, mouthing, "Did you break into the library building?"

"Hey!" Someone shines a flashlight in their direction, pacing furiously, "You can't be here after hours if you don't have an ID!"

Bokuto laughs nervously.

akaashi and his birthdays from 17-21, or five years' worth of birthdays spent with bokuto

Getting Even - 2.1k, single chapter author: Kalira fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

All grown up now and ninja in deadly earnest . . . the old Team Seven still dissolves into reckless playfulness in a fresh snow.

give them something to talk about - 1.8k, single chapter author: thelittlebirdthattoldyou fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru

“Huh. Oikawa is making his way over to the losing side of the court - is he planning to rub it in their faces? Maybe someone should stop him -”

“But he’s passing the players by entirely! And heading for -”

“Are we going to get a childhood besties reunion up in here?”

Iwaizumi and Oikawa's Olympics reunion, as told through the eyes of two excitable sportscasters.

Green Walls - 1.1k, single chapter author: romeoandjulietyouwish fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Jesper Fahey/Wylan Van Eck

Jesper finds Wylan sitting in the garden in the middle of the night.

Growing Pains - multi-chapter, complete author: callmecaramleh fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Sokka/Zuko, Bato/Hakoda

Sokka brings Zuko home to re-meet his dad.

hayloft - 836, single chapter author: sanguination fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

for all the boys who break their own hearts

TW: blood, depression, no self harm though

Heart of War - 1.6k, single chapter author: Naomida fandom: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey pairing: Alexios/Thaletas

The gods don't play by the rules.

Heaven in Me - 255 author: j_gabrielle fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

It hits Hank on a lazy Sunday morning.

his boyfriend - 816, single chapter author: bestboytsukki fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kageyama Tobio/Tsukishima Kei

tsukishima never really envisioned getting in bed with a particular raven haired boy in which, as a matter of fact, the boy whose guts and pride he hated, or so he thought.

home - 1.8k, single chapter author: getloud fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kageyama Tobio/Sugawara Koushi

“Tobio,” Koushi placed his hands by collar of Tobio’s hoodie. “It’s okay if you find yourself lost every once in a while.” Tobio’s breath hitched as he stared back at Koushi. “You can always come back home. I’ll always be here.” A small, weak smile spread on Koushi’s face.

Homecoming - 1.9k, single chapter author: castiel_ambrose fandom: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey pairing: Alexios/Thaletas

He was so engrossed he barely heard the man’s voice behind him until a hand accompanied it, hesitant but warm and calloused as it rested on his arm. “Alexios?”

Out of instinct Alexios spun around and grabbed the man’s wrist, bewildered but warning filled glare melting away to complete shock. “Thaletas?” He could scarcely breathe it out, eyes roving over the man in front of him before he was pulled into a tight hug, a hand thumping his shoulder. He was helpless to do anything but hug back, feeling the press of steel and leather against him. “Alexios, dear Gods, it’s wonderful to see you." --- Thaletas meets up with Alexios on his first journey home to Sparta

hope, coffee, and poetry - 2k, single chapter author: DizzyRedhead fandom: Check, Please! pairing: Chris Chow/Derek Nurse/William Poindexter

Nursey and Dex have a crush

how to make a setter blush - 8k, single chapter author: bokutochan fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou

“Alright, remember, the only unofficial rule that we officially follow is that we make no serious passes at Akaashi.” Kuroo makes clear. Everyone nods in agreement, even Ushijima. Kuroo winks at Bokuto. “After all, Bokuto needs as little competition as possible.” Bokuto squawks and Daichi holds him back again from doing something to Kuroo. “And, as always, the game is a complete secret, under no circumstances can Akaashi know about this. If Suga finds out you’ve been cheating, you’re on your own. Daichi won’t be there to stop him.” Kuroo smirks. He runs a hand through his hair, looking at the other four captains. “So,” He says finally. “Shall we begin?”

or the one where the five captains compete to make akaashi blush. that's it.

I don't need me - 4.8k, single chapter author: earlgreyson fandom: Kingsman pairing: Harry Hart/Merlin/Eggsy Unwin

There’s more that he wants than a soft blanket and a warm drink, but there’s not much Eggsy can do to meet those needs so he shoves them down. Hopes he can go see Mum and Daisy in the next few days and get some cuddles in with his favourite girl. There is an itch that has been hovering beneath his skin for as long as he can recall, and he knows that a quick snuggle with a struggling child is not going to relieve it. But there’s not much else in terms of an option, so Eggsy will take what he can get and be thankful for it. Eggsy returns from a mission to find himself confronted by Merlin and Harry. Now if he can only ask for what he needs.

I Want to Kiss You When You're Hard - 7.5k, single chapter author: Logsnake fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Kaminari Denki/Kirishima Eijirou

Denki had had a lot of crushes growing up, but none as strong as the one for Kirishima. The redhead was just so perfect, and while Denki knew his friend was way out of his league, he couldn't help but hope.

Of course, during a test Denki just had to over do it on his quirk, leaving him a stupid, incoherent mess right in front of said crush. Furthermore, to add icing to the cake, he had mumbled out 'I want to kiss when you're hard' to Kirishima without any context before running away in embarrassment.

Seriously, who had he offended in his past life?

(AKA: Denki's a gay mess, Kirishima is an oblivious, sexy rock, and all of their friends are just done.)

I Was Pledged to You, To You I Pledge Myself - 9.5k, single chapter author: anarchycox fandom: The Witcher pairing: Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier

When he is four, Jaskier escapes out his window to avoid a boring family dinner where his cousin was getting betrothed to someone. He just wanted to hear the frogs. Frogs sound neat.

That daring escape, and the rescue that it required changed his whole fate, because he was the one who ended up betrothed to a witcher - the plan to marry when he was 20. He didn't really care he got to hear the frogs croak, what did he care about this Geralt of Rivia?

As he grows up though, he ends up caring a great deal.

Scenes from Jaskier's life of meeting every witcher but his betrothed, until one day in a shitty tavern, he finally meets Geralt.

In sickness and in health - 4.9k, single chapter author: The_Crafty_Cracker fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

Izuku get's sick and Katsuki takes care of him...

Or well he would do if all the other extra's in his class stop intervening!

Also why the hell do they think that Glasses or worse, that bastard Todorki would be better at taking care of Deku then him?!

Iron and Flowers - 4.6k, single chapter author: Heronfem fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Yachi Hitoka spends an interesting week at the Shinzen training camp, and makes an unexpected friend.

Irregular Maintenance - 3.9k, single chapter author: ThatScottishShipper fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

When Connor gets hurt in the field, Hank reveals a secret talent of his... and Connor’s insecurities about being “just a machine” worsen.

It Was A Secret? - 1.7k, single chapter author: marcymoosh fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou, Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Akaashi and Bokuto didn't necessarily keep it a secret, they just didn't publicly announce it.

They didn't need to, right?

i'll be your shelter, i'll be your storm - 1.2k, single chapter author: raggirare fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Yamamoto Taketora/Daishou Suguru

Kisses are the best kind of medicine.

I'll Love You From Dusk Till Dawn - 2k, single chapter author: K_booklover98 fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: CJ/Flick

Flick hates having to sleep without C.J. Luckily for him, phones exist.

I'll See You This Weekend Right? - multi-chapter, complete author: JayLightnStrike fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Oikawa Tooru

It’s true that Oikawa has girls lining up to get a chance to even talk to him. And yet, he can’t stop thinking about that little ball of sunshine that follows Tobio-chan around. Hinata, on the other hand, just wants to know what spiking a toss from the Great King is like. The solution? Weekend practices!

.....This is a really bad idea and Oikawa knows it.

i’m secretly on your side - 2.5k, single chapter author: stellarisms fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

It’s impossible, Kageyama learns at fifteen years old, to figure out someone like Hinata.

I've Been Calling Your Name Into The Universe - 1.7k, single chapter author: KiwiTyTy fandom: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla pairing: Eivor/Hytham

Watching from across the table, Eivor’s breath caught in his chest; Hytham was beautiful. Eivor had known that for a long, in fact, he had first noticed him during their meeting in Norway. As full of distrust as that time had been, Eivor could not deny he had been slightly taken by the other man.

i've got a crush (on you) - 2.1k, single chapter author: allmywill fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed, Hank Anderson/Connor

Gavin’s got a nasty crush on Nines, which leads him to do something he’s never dreamt of doing: he seeks Hank and Connor for advice.

Kuroo, Kuro, Tetsurou, or love of my life? - 1.5k, single chapter author: no0emie fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

First time Kenma called his best friend Kuro, and one time he got tired of using that nickname.

Let’s Be Alone Together - 1.3k, single chapter author: BulletproofFurniture fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Hank has a bad day at work.

lions and men - 1.5k, single chapter author: lucio fandom: The Song of Achilles pairing: Achilles/Patroclus

Achilles finds out why Patroclus was so late to join him in Elysium, and he is not best pleased.

Little Crow - multi-chapter, complete author: vsulli fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey/Wylan Van Eck, Matthias Helvar/Nina Zenik

A lot of different people show up to the Slat looking for a job or just for solitude. The slat offered a home to grown men in trouble with the law and teenagers who have too many debts to pay. When the dregs open the door one day and see a cradle, offering only a note for explanation will their leader take the baby in or throw her back to let Ketterdam have it’s way with her?

aka a baby shows up at the Slat and everyone is Shook

Love: A Trait of Humanity - 944, single chapter author: Arrestzelle fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

During a snowy evening at home, Hank finds himself content when reading from one of his treasured books, with Connor keeping him company. Maybe Hank is getting a little soft. Maybe.

Love me, Hold Me, Never Let Me Go - 3.8k, single chapter author: K_Booklover98 fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: CJ/Flick

Sometimes Flick just needs some extra cuddles.

lover, be good to me - 3.2k, single chapter author: shadowhokage fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: Sokka/Zukko

Sokka has an affinity for pet names.

(Spoiler: It’s contagious.)

Lovesick - 6.1k, single chapter author: xmasmurdereve fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Connor is sick, Hank finds it extremely amusing.

lowkey - 2k, single chapter author: arxhabaki fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Miya Atsumu/Sakusa Kiyoomi

Atsumu kisses the jealousy (and the daylights) out of Kiyoomi.

Many Happy Returns - 1.8k, single chapter author: gottageekout fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

In which Connor is a champion at office birthday parties, but never actually decided on a birthday himself.

Midnight Escapade - 2.5k, single chapter author: kagezai fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru

“Careful, Tobio-chan! Wouldn’t want you falling onto that pretty face of yours.”

Oikawa smirked as he hoisted the raven haired boy up onto the roof of his house, gripping his shoulders tightly so he could step over the ledge safely to where the brunette was waiting.

Midnight Melancholy - 1k, single chapter author: Kalira fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Sometimes the dark memories and crimson-lit what-might-have-beens get to Sasuke, but at least he doesn't have to face them alone. (Or he wouldn't, if only he would stop slipping out of bed in the middle of the night to brood on his own. . .)

Molten Dreams of Amber - 7.7k, single chapter author: Bokeijis_Ig fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou

Training camp, a very sick Akaashi, a giant storm, no power, everyone is freaking out. . .

What could possibly go wrong?

My Funny Hunny - 2.3k, single chapter author: ThatScottishShipper fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Fill from the DBH Kink Meme from the anonymous prompt:

Hank/Connor, accidental pet name Connor accidentally calls Hank a pet name in the station. He then proceeds to cover himself by playing it off as a software bug, by referring to literally everyone in the precinct as ‘honey’, ‘baby’, ‘sugarplum’ etc.

Nijinsky, V. (1913) The Rite of Spring. [Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris. 29 May 1913.] - 16k, single chapter author: weekends fandom: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue pairing: Henry Montague/Percy Newton

Titled after the ballet that was received with a riot of projectile vegetables and French jeering, only to become the turning point for modernist music history. Don't worry, no one dances themselves to death in this fic — that's just one of Percy's assignments — but there is a great deal of irreverence involving a pen, a violin, and a cupcake on several occasions.

In short, Monty meets Percy at a cafe.

Not just harsh and mean. - 566, single chapter author: m3m3_qu33n fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

To most people, Katsuki Bakugo could be seen as harsh, mean, and easy to anger. But what most people didn’t know was how sweet and caring the blonde truly was. And only one person knew this kind side of him.

Odd Frog Out - 2.8k, single chapter author: Denois fandom: Check, Please! pairing: Chris Chow/Derek Nurse/William Poindexter, Chris Chow/Caitlin Farmer

Samwell is basically everything Will wanted it to be. There’s one little problem. That would be that his amazing, wonderful, best friends are also… well, they’re really hot. And sweet and kind and charming. And a good dancer (Nursey) and amazingly flexible (Chowder) and they’re both just everything Will could want in a boyfriend. But he’s not about to choose between them. So he says nothing. Then Nursey and Chowder start dating.

of naps and sunsets - 548, single chapter author: guysnatistired fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

it's rlly just hinata and kageyama being soft and cuddling for 500 words. being dumb gay bitches that are fucking *whipped* for each other.

Oh, Dearest - 1.7k, single chapter author: Greekgeekofmlp fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

Hinata absentmindedly brushed his hand by his eyes, a small frown etched on his lips, and his fingers went to wrangle through his orange curls. His eyes were glazed over, looking at the floor but not really seeing it. The expression looked so foreign on Hinata, and Tobio wanted nothing more than to wipe it away with just about anything.

"What's wrong, dumbass?"

"Kags," Hinata glanced at him, "Is there something wrong with me?"

Kageyama wasn't expecting that.

Or...

Hinata gets really self conscious about how he looks-- and it's not even about his height this time.

Good Boyfriend Kageyama TM does something about it.

Ol' Faithful - 3.6k, single chapter author: lentilchip fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Here's me projecting all my longing and fascination for dogs onto one Connor, model RK800. It gets a little Too Real© at one point but it's mostly marshmallow fluff.

One Thousand Springs - 3.3k, single chapter author: cresserendipity fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Chiharu wants his Papa to stop getting sad.

It just so happens that Kenma apparently makes Kuroo very very happy.

One year older - 782, single chapter author: Chibbers fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Connor/Gavin Reed

A relaxing night at home, with minor teasing.

Open up your heart - 1.2k, single chapter author: virosodi fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Connor sings to plants and Hank has a soft heart.

our little vignette - 705, single chapter author: Flowerparrish fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

“You better have a good reason for waking me up at the ass-crack of dawn.”

Parasite - multi-chaptered, complete author: Ghosty842 fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson & Connor

"Lieutenant Anderson?"

Hank jumped in his seat, spinning around to see who managed to sneak up on him. "Who wants to know?"

The young man in front of him had piercing brown eyes that instantly put him on edge for some reason. He looked like a regular alpha but there was something off about him. It took him a moment to realize it- He didn't have a scent.

"Hello Lieutenant Anderson, my name is Connor. I've been told we'll be working together."

---

Omegaverse AU where Connor is scentless

Patinoire - 1.1k, single chapter author: Charmsilver fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

It's winter in Paris an Henry and Alex are visiting on official state business. But that doesn't mean they can't have a romantic night together in the city of love.

Personal Touch - 2.6k, single chapter author: Svynakee fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

The new android equality laws means that Connor now gets paid. And he’s decided to treat himself with his new spending money: a little shopping date with his boyfriend Hank. There’s a whole new world opened up to Connor, freed from the restrictions of being CyberLife’s RK800 prototype. A world which includes android accessories that’ll add a bit of extra pizazz to his looks.

Too bad Hank’s too old school to appreciate it. Connor’s going to have a challenge, finding a look that pleases his grumpy lover.

Pieces - 1.8k, single chapter author: ceffeinefueledfeels fandom: Naruto pairing: Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai

Kakashi comes home from a mission, and just breaks. Of course, there's only one man who can pick up the pieces.

Play The Game - 1.2k, single chapter author: laurentknows fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

The papers get a little too much and Alex and Henry decide to play the game with them.

Please Don't Go, I Love You So - 3.4k, single chapter author: noahfics fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Kenma’s always known that there would be a time that his third-year boyfriend would be off to university, but that time was always far off. All too suddenly it became real, too abruptly and far too soon.

Pools of Gold - 1.1k, single chapter author: Cats_Obsession fandom: The Witcher pairing: Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier

On a recent visit to Oxenfurt University, Jaskier overhears his students discussing a poem he wrote long ago. Geralt would like to know what it's about; Jaskier shows him.

**Prism - multi-chaptered, complete author: HibiscusTea9 fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: Resident Rep/Walt

Adam’s move to a tropical island helps him come out of his shell. And the closet. And into the arms of half the village and a few visitors. This is a story about a resident rep who finds his island paradise and everything he was missing.

TW: referenced homophobia, depression, self-harm, sibling inc*st (wilbur/orville, 2 chapters that are not plot essential and easily skippable)

Pull Me In (Your Arms Again) - 1.7k, single chapter author: K_booklover98 fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: CJ/Flick

C.J. is in the middle of a stream, but that's when Flick needs him most.

Required Fields - 521, single chapter author: daisydiversions fandom: Letterkenny pairing: Jonesy/Reilly

Jonesy's got to fill out all these forms.

Roommates... Really? - 2.2k, single chapter author: Animillion fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Iawaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru

Kageyama was a weird person in general, so sleeping with his roomates just added on to the list. And yea, he feels left out at times. But they add him in more than he ever expected.

Rose Gardens and Fevered Dreams - 2.8k, single chapter author: Miss_TeaDDK fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

"Izuku gasps as he shoots up out of bed, and immediately groans at the bright light piercing the room.... Real life smacks him in the face immediately. He’s not a teen prince in a beautiful rose garden at a lovely fountain with cool air. That would be too merciful. Instead he’s 25, covered in sweat, and a pro-hero- and he’s sick as all hell."

Overwork has left the super-husbands with fevers, but it's okay! They're pros- they can handle it! Except they can't, because they're disasters. It's up to the best moms in the world to save the day!

Route - 1.8k, single chapter author: neraxx fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

"Close your mouth and pack your things," The raven-haired male commanded, brushing past Sakura as he entered her bedroom. "We're leaving in an hour."

(In which, there are break-ins.)

Salvage - multi-chaptered, ongoing author: MuffinLance fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender pairing: NA

Mid-Season-One Zuko is held ransom by Chief Hakoda. Ozai's replies to the Water Tribe's demands are A+ Parenting. Hakoda is… deeply concerned, for this son that isn't his, and who might be safer among enemies than with his own father.

Seasons - 2.4k, single chapter author: amuk fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Kakashi had almost made a betting pool for how long their marriage would last—the only thing everyone could agree on was that it would be Naruto’s fault.

Shall We Dance - 1.8k, single chapter author: HMS_Chill fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

Alex can dance. But Alex's dancing specialties are essentially limited to the Cupid Shuffle, the Cha-Cha Slide, and the Macarena. Henry has a whole different set of dancing skills, ones developed over centuries and passed down through royal bloodlines and crown-mandated childhood lessons. And, well, who wouldn't want to waltz with a prince?

Shining Bright - 2.9k, single chapter author: doylesmom fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

Shouto and Izuku get married

Show Me Going - 2.5k, single chapter author: ProneToRelapse fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Connor responds to an active shooter situation. Hank worries. Gavin attempts decent interaction.

show me the real you (I won't look away) - 1.6k, single chapter author: Imiaslavie fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

The word 'plastic' has always had a funny taste in his mouth. 'Plastic' is cheap cellphones and ugly Barbie dolls and that grey dirty thing in the bathroom that holds the soap.

Connor is none of these things.

When Hank looks at him, he thinks of porcelain.

Silly Arguments and kisses - 1.3k, single chapter author: akuarose fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Tsukishima Kei

Basically secret relationship with petty payback and silly arguments with kisses

Skin Care - 778, single chapter author: lisaluu fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

Bakugo has always had crystal clear skin. The girls want to know why.

Sleep Cycle - 551, single chapter author: Sassy_Dinosaur fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Androids don’t need to sleep per se. However, they can imitate human sleep cycles to better fit into a household. Like Connor.

Sleepless - 1.3k, single chapter author: viola_rae10 fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey/Wylan Van Eck

Despite the late, or early, rather, hour in the day, Kaz was awake. To calm his never-resting mind, he decides to wander around the Slat and check up on his associates.

sleepy chats - 620, single chapter author: loudwalls fandom: Merlin pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon

“i’m going to marry you one day.”

so hold me, lover - 472, single chapter author: xylene fandom: The Witcher pairing: Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier

just 400 words of jaskier loving geralt ft. affectionate geralt

Softly, Now, I Have You - 1.2k, single chapter author: ProneToRelapse fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Hank helps Connor indulge in something simple that, to him, means so much more than that.

Soothing - 2.2k, single chapter author: yeaka fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Connor knows Hank has trouble sleeping.

Speaking my Language - 2.3k, single chapter author: HMS_Chill fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry-Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

Prompt: "Alex always saying sweet things to Henry in Spanish but won't tell him what any of it means, and he's always google translating them and awe-ing at how cute Alex is and then like maybe he learns how to say something adorable to and says it to Alex and Alex just like melts or something"

Spring Secrets - 3.8k, single chapter author: DeathBelle fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Miya Atsumu/Suna Rintarou

They stared down at the city lights below, dotted along the sidewalks and blurring by with passing cars. There was another hotel right across the street, and although most of the windows were dark, a scattered few glowed. Osamu wondered if the people inside were sitting awake too.

“Osamu.”

He turned his head and Suna was there, waiting. His mouth found Osamu’s and his lips were a little cold. Suna kissed him, and Osamu forgot about the tournament, about winning, about everything. It didn’t seem as important here on the roof, holding Suna’s hand and sharing a wind-chilled kiss.

Suna pulled away, and Osamu said, “We should tell ‘em.”

Suna sighed and slouched a little further over the rail. “How about… after the tournament. After we win, we’ll tell them. Everyone will be so happy that they won’t care what we’re doing.”

“Okay,” said Osamu. “When they give us the trophy, I’m just gonna kiss ya right there in front of everybody. That’ll be us tellin’ ‘em.”

“I don’t believe you,” said Suna. There was a spark in his eyes, a little amused, a little daring. “Prove me wrong.”

stop the world - 433, single chapter author: NA fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Jesper Fahey/Wylan Van Eck

When Wylan smiled, Jesper felt like anything was possible.

Strawberries - 2.3k, single chapter author: Mushy fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime/Kageyama Tobio/Oikawa Tooru

What brought him here? To this rusty and run down park at - His phone screen illuminated his face as he checked the time - 2am? To be honest he didn't know, no one did. Hell, I don’t even know. Maybe it was something new, or perhaps something old. Maybe it was the fact that he had lived alone for the majority of his life with no solid parental figure. Maybe it was because the corner shop ran out of his favourite milk and that had pushed everything to the edge.

TW: depression, implied starvation, panic attacks

stray code - 4.k, single chapter author: sushicorps fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

In Connor’s mind, it is simple: Hank has Sumo. Connor? Connor has Bob.

“Connor, what the hell is th-...is that a roomba ?”

Summer Time - 4k, single chapter author: sailboatsupernova fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: Brewster/Blathers

"The way that he said it; 'I really am fine' made Brewster wonder just who he was trying to convince in the situation- the coffee brewer or himself."

When the museum workers plan on taking a trip to the beach some problems arise that need to be taken care of.

TW: body image issues

Summer, summer - 4.1k, single chapter author: Xachyn fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

Five minutes later, they shared a bag of candy between them as they walked. The bag was nestled in the basket of Hinata’s bicycle, and the sweets were every bit as lovely as they imagined it to be. Kageyama wondered if Hinata walked past the sweet shop with such pining in his eyes everyday, and was distracted by the way Hinata sucked on his fingers to get the sugar dust out.

Sunshine - 3.8k, single chapter author: a_perverted_squid fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: RK900/Gavin Reed, Hank Anderson/Connor

Cole had been sick for a while. It was the flu season and, unfortunately, he was one of the unlucky ones. He got better as time passed, but still wasn’t allowed outside. Connor asked Niles if would be so kind to look after him while he and Hank went out to deal with some personal business. Niles instantly agreed; he loved children. He loved Cole, no, he adored Cole.

take on me (take me on) - 1.6k, single chapter author: owilde fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

“It didn’t put on a show this morning?” Hank asked, nodding his head towards the coffee machine.“No.” Connor grinned. “I think it likes me.”“Likes you,” Hank echoed. “Okay. Whatever you say.”

that we may fall in love (every time we open up our eyes) - 3.6k, single chapter author: ningcore fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

“Uuuhg” Katsuki groans. Mina decides to step a little closer, to see what they are doing “but Deku…” he sounds like he’s pouting but that’s impossible, Bakubro only has two default facial expressions, frowning and grinning like a maniac.

Some of Katsuki's nicknames for Izuku. And also how other people see them

that's the way it should be - 2.6k, single chapter author: hanwritesstuff fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto

“Oh, sweetheart.” Inko lets go for a second, only to hug Shouto tight. “You were a member of this family the second you walked through that door.”

The Art of Subtlety - 3.6k, single chapter author: aresmisia_HQ fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio

It's not too bad, and Shouyou admits, there's a different kind of thrill being involved in a secret relationship. It's in the little, knowing smiles they give each other; Kageyama's lingering touches when he ruffles Shouyou's hair, fingers lightly tracing his ear when he retracts his hand; the constant roughhousing and bickering done mostly as an excuse to touch without raising suspicion; sleeping against each on bus rides, their hands linked and hidden out of sight under their jackets and bags. Once or twice, they get away with stealing small kisses when they're absolutely sure everyone is asleep.

Maybe they're not doing so well with the no touching or kissing rule but holding back has never been in their forte in the first place.

Keeping his romantic relationship with his supposed rival a secret has been a great struggle for Hinata, but Kageyama is there to help him through it. Or make it even more difficult.

The Bed (Where We Rest) - 3.1k, single chapter author: Brookelocks fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

The center of their bed is definitely the softest spot, it has the most give and seems to mold itself to your body. But that isn't what makes it his favorite spot, no, the best thing about being placed between Sakura and Naruto is the physical contact. The way that Naruto's chest is plastered to his back, the blondes nose pressed gently into Sasuke's neck, strong arms wound around his waist. The way that Sakura traces soft patterns across Sasuke's chest as she falls asleep, how her legs tangle with his beneath the covers, when she nuzzles into his shoulder while muttering softly, how her hair tickles his nose and he can faintly smell the floral shampoo that is just so Sakura. How he can feel Naruto's heart beating against his back, how he becomes aware of every breath Sakura takes as she exhales into his skin.

Just a bunch of little snippets about bed sharing.

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Hank and Connor go hiking and fall in love even more.

The Blessing of Anteros - 4k, single chapter author: softestpunk fandom: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey pairing: Alexios/Alkibiades

After the events surrounding the Olympics, Alexios and Alkibiades rest, recover, and reflect on what they mean to each other in the light of everything that happened.

The Lake House Revisited - Desert Night Mix - 9.9k, single chapter author: Losemyhead fandom: Red White & Royal Blue pairing: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor

Last time Alex and Henry came to the lake house, things went spectacularly bad for Alex. A year later, Alex and Henry spend five romantic days at the lake house and Alex has to sort through some unresolved issues. Also, June is bored and does something stupid.

the love that's settled in my soul - 1.1k, single chapter author: kuroozume fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Is there anything better than waking up next to the light of your life with the knowledge that you're happy, secure, and loved?

A day in the life of Kenma Kozume.

the mortality of patroclus - 397, single chapter author: necklace fandom: The Song of Achilles pairing: Achilles/Patroclus

(the stars laugh at him. pat is so drunk.)

The One With one kiss too many - 461, single chapter author: anotherbird fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Six months. They made if through six months without their co-workers knowing.

What a great time to make a stupid decision.

the pretty one - 4.7k, single chapter author: theformerone fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Kakashi is maybe ten seconds too late to redirect the assassination techniques.

Sakura leaps in between them because those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum.

The Sun and The Moon - 2k, single chapter author: akuarose fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Hinata Shouyou/Tsukishima Kei

A small look into Hinata's and Tsukishima's life.

The Words "I Love You" - 4.8k, single chapter author: sushihara_shuichi fandom: Boku no Hero Academia pairing: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku

A 5 + 1 Things documenting the five times Izuku told Katsuki “I love you” and the one time Katsuki said it back.

The Workings of Many - multi-chaptered, complete author: ShadowTrooper414 fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor/RK900/Gavin Reed

Nines's curiosity about Gavin's aggression towards Connor and Hank lead to him asking some questions. He comes up with a plan to get them to get along. It goes better than expected.

A series of connected HankVin1700 oneshots.

The Wraith is Here - 1.3k, single chapter author: stressedoutteenager fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa

Kaz and Inej meet for the first time after Inej has left on The Wraith.

There, I said it - 510, single chapter author: honorablementioned fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

“Do you want to go down to the court house later?”

Connor blinks, LED spinning yellow. “Is there something we need to do for work?”

“I just want to get married to you,” Hank says, casual and aloof.

Hank realizes something this morning. He wants to get married to Connor.

they're kinda clammy - 531, single chapter author: cruciifyme fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kageyama Tobio/Tsukishima Kei

For the prompt in my askbox on tumblr: "tsukikage - when they first hold hands"

This Wasn't the Plan - 5.3k, single chapter author: HomeForImaginaryFriends fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Kuroo Tetsurou/Sawamura Daichi

Kuroo is sick of the lies. All he wants to do is wear his wedding ring and go out on a date with his husband but nothing is ever that simple

Three Times the Charm - 3.4k, single chapter author: todxrxki fandom: Haikyuu!! pairing: Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Kotarou/Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou

Kodzuken #1 Fan @Kodzuken1Fan 3h hi all, has anyone noticed that kodzuken seems happier than usual in his recent videos?? it can’t just be me… do you think he’s had a change in his life recently?

Hina @kenmafan321 3h @Kodzuken1Fan Honestly I agree with you!! I think that Kodzuken might have a girlfriend though… or a boyfriend!! <3 / In which Kenma's viewers try to figure out whether he's dating Kuroo, Bokuto, or Akaashi... but are completely approaching the problem the wrong way.

To Have a Father That Doesn't Try to Kill You (Purposely) - 5.1k, single chapter author: QueenOfTheDorks fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker & Wylan Van Eck, Jesper Fahey, Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa

Before Wylan even realized it, he had begun to replace "Kaz" with "Dad".

(Or, five times Wylan thought of Kaz as a dad and the one time he actually called Kaz "Dad".)

Trial and Error - 4.4k, single chapter author: Majinie fandom: Hamilton pairing: Alexander Hamilton/John Laurens/Lafayette/Hercules Mulligan

“No, you don't get a say in this,” John snapped sharply, eyes flashing, “you don't get to play counsellor, you don't even wanna be in this relationship.”

Herc stared at him as though he'd been struck. “I'm sorry?”

The scowl etched into John's face deepened. “Oh please, don't give me that, you couldn't make it more obvious you're only here for Laf if you fucking tattooed it on your forehead.”

---

In which Alex attempts to ease Hercules into the world of polyamory, John is insecure and Herc is a little lost.

two lovers at dawn - 797, single chapter author: awkwardspaceturtle fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Just a normal morning in the Anderson household.

Underneath the Mistletoe Last Night - 2.7k, single chapter author: scp116 fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

Hank sneered, crossing his arms. “Why did I agree to be Santa again?” “Because you're perfect for it, you love Cole, and you love me.”

unique like that - 1.1k, single chapter author: hiinawarii fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Hank Anderson/Connor

“You’re rubbing on me like a cat,” Hank grumbles.

“Actually, Hank,” Connor starts, earning himself a groan as he chuckles against Hank’s neck, “cats rub on objects, animals, and humans as a way to spread their scents, as their scent glands are stored in the pockets of their cheeks.”

-or, hank and connor cuddle, discuss animal behavior, and get visited by an animal of their own.

Unofficially Official - 923, single chapter author: teacup_tyrant fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa

In which Kaz serves Inej some papers. All in the legal sense, of course.

Very Good Advice - 2.3k, single chapter author: AriMarris fandom: Star Wars pairing: Luke Skywalker/Han Solo

“Have you tried floating a pear? It worked on your mother.”

---

In which a young Luke Skywalker looks to his redeemed father for advice on how to woo one Han Solo.

Vigil - 2k, single chapter author: Artemicion fandom: Naruto pairing: Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai

Their roles are usually reversed. Frankly, Kakashi would rather it stay that way.

waiting for a sign - 2.7k, single chapter author: ShowMeAHero fandom: Star Wars pairing: Luke Skywalker/Han Solo

“Have you seen Mom anywhere?” Luke asks, leaning in his father’s office doorway.

“No, why?” Anakin replies, head bowed over his work. Luke sighs, blowing up harshly to displace the hair falling across his forehead.

“I need advice and Leia’s in an exam,” Luke says. He pushes off the doorway and says, “Never mind, I’ll just—”

“I can help you,” Anakin tells him.

want anybody else but you - 1.2k, single chapter author: rathalos fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Naruto is fifteen years old, and he is a new chūnin, and his teammates stand beside him on top of the head of the Yondaime Hokage, and they watch color bleed into and out of the sky and it's breaths taken in the middle of the night, it's the rise and fall of Sakura's chest as she draws in love and exhales peace, it's the slow, lazy blink of Sasuke's eyes when he's too sleepy to respond to anyone properly.

Warmth - 868, single chapter author: sentimentalscribe fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Jesper Fahey/Wylan Van Eck

A late-night reading session involving two very sleepy boys in love.

we are all just stars (that have people names) - 1.7k, single chapter author: willssoulace fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa

Kaz and Inej find a moment of peace and they decide to let down their defenses under a night full of stars.

We Will Be Ok - 1.1k, single chapter author: DragonTears717 fandom: Given pairing: Satou Mafuyu/Uenoyama Ritsuka

Uenoyama hates feeling secondary to someone. He had devoted so much time to the guitar and music so he wouldn’t have to feel secondary to anyone. Uenoyama also hates feeling worthless or useless.

Despite no longer being alive Yuki constantly makes him feel like that.

When Is a Man Deserving (of love)? - 6.1k, single chapter author: widdlewed fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

Sasuke doesn't believe he deserves love. Sakura and Naruto have something to say about that.

Wherever You Are - 1.8k, single chapter author: berryblonde fandom: Detroit: Become Human pairing: Connor/Gavin Reed

It was a cruel trick of fate for Connor to be so suddenly, unfairly, mercilessly ripped from him like this.

Wingless Flight - 4.3k, single chapter author: Brekkfast fandom: Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom pairing: Kaz Brekker/Inej Ghafa

Kaz goes to see Inej again, and offers to take her to the Suli carnival. They go see the Jackal, eat dumplings, and see the Suli acrobats!! Pure fluff!! And Kaz is a soft idiot and Inej keeps shaking her head at him.

worlds apart - 3.5k, single chapter author: reddnooks fandom: Pokemon pairing: Green/Red

Green visits Red on Mount Silver after eight years of not seeing him.

you got to be kitten me - 3.4k, single chapter author: probably fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

sasuke is bad at listening and good at playing with his food. naruto and sakura think its cute and endearing but also kind of gross.

you make me feel brand new (orbit) - 1.6k, single chapter author: rathalos fandom: Naruto pairing: Haruno Sakura/Uchiha Sasuke/Uzumaki Naruto

His next words go unspoken, but he knows that he doesn’t need to say them out loud for Naruto and Sakura to understand: “Here with you."

In which Sasuke returns to the village after two years of a much-needed break, and Naruto and Sakura are still the people he left behind. Stronger, maybe—surer, maybe—but still the same.

You're doing fine - 1.5k, single chapter author: Pastapooper fandom: Animal Crossing pairing: Apollo/Reader

Not being able to sleep because you're being kept up by anxiety and worries isn't fun. Apollo helps you feel better by showing you around town at 3 am.

#dbh #detroit become human #hannor #naruto #haikyuu!!#hq!!#the witcher #geraskier #six of crows #crooked kingdom #star wars #bnha #IT'S DONE #IT'S FINALLY DONE #ig tumblr has a problem with long posts now bc this was a bitch to format correctly #mine #fic rec

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frospino · 4 years

Text

To Learn About Life

Jaskier x fem!Reader (she/her pronouns)

Warnings: A tiny mention of a stabbing injury, mentions of sex.

Summary: Angst with positive ending. Jaskier has fallen in love with a Princess, and has to write a song for her wedding. He thinks about the meaning of True Love.

Word Count: 1.570

A/N: I loved Joey Batey’s interview about Netflix!Jaskier’s way of falling in love with people, and wanted to explore this idea a little. How does the concept of “true love” go together with this? It’s very angsty at first. It does not end with Jaskier crashing a wedding, but it ends on a positive note nontheless. I tried to play with usual conventions of “love = sex/marriage”, hopefully demonstrating that love is so much more - at least that was my intention with this story.

The problem with singing so much about True Love, Jaskier thought, was that when it actually did come along, you missed it. He had realised too late that True Love, the one love every hopeless romantic (and he did count himself among those) longed for, the one that would change your life forever, was nothing like the stories would make you believe. There was no fanfare, no fairies announcing She is the one; there was no moment when time stood still and made him understand the weight of his feelings. Instead, True Love came along in many little moments, moments you would miss if you blinked. It came as her laughter resounding through the clearing at night, with all the brilliance and gentleness of a stream sparkling in sunlight. It came as her curses when her mare refused to go another step, and they had to make camp in the middle of a field, holding on to the faint hope that it was too obvious a place for bandits to find. It came as questions of “Are you okay” and “Does this hurt” when he did get stabbed by bandits, and only a timely intervention of Geralt saved him from certain death. There were so many small moments, Jaskier thought, that seemed mundane or trivial or understood. That’s what friends do. She’s beautiful and kind, of course you would think like that. Honestly, this isn’t different from the other princesses you’ve seduced. This, too, will fade, as it always does. But it didn’t, and Jaskier wanted to say something, he really did, but then the Prince came along, and what should have been said long ago became unspeakable. He tuned his lute as the reminisced on his feelings. “I would not want anyone but my dearest friend to sing at my wedding,” she had said, and how could he have refused? His fingers ghosted over the strings, eliciting sad notes, happy notes, as he tried to capture the sound of her voice in his melody. The Prince was kind, and handsome, and noble; many things that Jaskier would have found attractive himself, once upon a time. But he had met his Princess, and his True Love, and he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to look at someone else that way. What song should he sing? Which chords and words would capture the feeling of True Love he so longed to convey, even though he knew their wedding was the last place to do so? In a great ballad, Jaskier thought, the story would go like this: When a noble and a bard meet, it is understood that their different social standing prevents them from ever pursuing something more than fleeting lust. But their eyes locked, and their hearts beat as one, and they knew; but they said nothing, denying themselves the feelings that were so obvious for everyone else. The Prince came along, and he asked for her hand—what a great catch, how wonderful for her family, both of their families, what a perfect match. She accepted, desperately waiting for Jaskier to jump up, to object, to steal her away in the middle of the night. But alas, she had accepted the Prince’s proposal, and the contracts were already in place; how could they ever live a life in peace? And the story goes on: The bard saddled the horses, only packing the most essential things, and the Princess agreed to live as a maid, relying on Jaskier’s songs to get them through the harsh summers and even harsher winters. But they had each other, nothing else mattered, it was True Love, after all. He would have to change his name, Jaskier thought; his travels with Geralt had made him too famous, and after all, there were many flowers left he could pick. How about Dandelion? Bright and yellow, growing everywhere but never seen for its beauty; he could make it work for himself, he thought. Or they could flee to Nilfgaard, which would soon span the entire continent anyway. They could hide there, in a small town in the countryside, and work on a farm; and at night, he would play in the local inn, with a beautiful name such as Rittersporn—he had overheard a traveller with a thick accent talk about a blue flower at the side of the road in such a way. He would become an entire field of flowers, Jaskier thought, if it meant he could stay with her. But Jaskier had seen the way she looked at the Prince. He had seen the shy glances between them, and the quiet laugh, hidden behind a gloved palm; he had seen the subtle touches and the way their pure love made Geralt sick. He had seen it all, and he knew: There was no obligation to her family that drove her to this, no quiet pleading for Jaskier to stand up and say something. There was only love between the two of them, and even if he had known the means to, he would not have destroyed it. No; theirs was a love to last and to nurture and to sing about, not a plot device in a dramatic tale of bravery. Another song about True Love, then; the one that made people say “Oh no, my drink was a little too strong”, as they covertly dry their eyes with handkerchiefs. Surely, he could weave his feelings into a sad melody—he knew how to capture an audience, and he knew very well how to portray himself as a victim of fate. He could tug at heartstrings, elicit quiet gasps of shock. He could make people remember their first love, the one they still think of fondly until that day, with a feeling of pleasurable pain, the one that was so long gone but still, once in a while, reminded you of what it means to be human. Yes; he would sing and be the heartfelt young man most nobles wanted to see in him. He would hug his lute as he brought the song to a crashing crescendo, his voice carrying sadness and regret. And then, he would find the one person in the room his performance had touched the most, the one hopeless romantic on a quest to find their own True Love; and he would suddenly appear next to them after the performance, and they would express their sincere condolences, and he would find himself a companion richer that night. He had done that many a time before, Jaskier thought. Abused True Love, reduced it to something to be performed, something to be used as a means for seduction. How very little he had understood it, then. He had thought himself such a brilliant bard, so empathetic, knowing everything there was to know about human emotions. Love, he had thought, was the feeling when an interesting person caught your eye, and they were a sparkling conversationalist, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to believe they were interested in more than bodily pleasures. Love was a game that made your heart beat fast, love was what made nobles fear you, for they knew how easily you could show them what their own lives were lacking. Love could be found everywhere, if only you allowed yourself to look at someone, truly look at them. And he supposed it was true: He had loved many people throughout his life, even if it was a love that only lasted until the next person came along. What he had been searching for, all this time, was someone who would appreciate his love, and made him stay. Someone who would also look at him, and finally see who he was. Someone who would know which questions to ask, and how to read his body language; someone who would write songs with him, for him, someone who would use the rhythm of his heart as a guiding beacon in their life. It was then, in that very moment, that Jaskier realised he had not just found, but received True Love. How foolish had he been, to think of True Love as something to own, something that could only be reduced to marriage and sex! Even if the Princess married someone else tomorrow, and even if she shared her body with the Prince only, and even though she had stopped travelling with him, she had seen and understood and known Jaskier. Still did. She knew to look for the words he didn’t say, and the songs he didn’t sing; he knew from Geralt that she asked about him, even when he didn’t come along. And if he really thought about it, then Geralt’s gruff way of looking after him, and Ciri’s childish endeavours to befriend him, all of that, too, was True Love. He smiled to himself as he struck the first chord of his new song. There was still so much to learn about life, and about what was true and what was not. He knew, then, that the song should be about gratefulness, and about the little gestures that seemed too mundane, and trivial, and understood, and the impact they could have on one’s life. When the Prince and the Princess said their vows and kissed and spoke promises of forever and always, Jaskier’s smile was radiant, for he had found True Love, and what more could a hopeless romantic want from his life?

#jaskier x reader #jaskier/reader #the witcher imagine #jaskier imagine #my writing

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bard-llama · 4 years

Text

5 Gifts from Family, 1 Vision of the Future, and 1 New Start (First 4 chapters)

Read on AO3

1. Calanthe

Pavetta knew that her mother was not terribly good at showing affection. She had grown up with her, after all, and of Calanthe’s many skills, gentleness was not one of them. Not that she didn’t try, but her mother was made for a world of swords and steel, not gentleness and affection.

So it was quite a surprise when, 3 days after her wedding, Pavetta walked into her champers to find her mother hanging lucky windchimes on the terrace. The lucky windchimes in question were an old Cintran tradition, thought to ward off evil and diseases and bring good luck.

Calanthe hated them.

Largely because of their shape. The windchimes were shaped like a winged phallus, with small bells hanging from it. This particular windchime even had a smaller phallus attached to the base of the main one, and a leg and tail, as if the main phallus were a beast that sprouted additional phalluses.

In fairness, her mother had definitely described penises as beasts when giving Pavetta the Talk.

“Mother?” Pavetta called, and Calanthe quickly turned to her, an odd look on her face. “What are you doing?”

It wasn’t often that Pavetta got to enjoy the queen looking awkward. Calanthe cleared her throat. “The baby is coming soon. We can use all the good luck we can get.”

Pavetta raised her eyebrow. “But you hate the lucky penis. Like, visceral hate. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you light wooden ones on fire because they’re a symbol of men.”

Calanthe coughed. “Right.” She shifted her weight and rolled her shoulders. Pavetta was honestly enjoying the reversal of their typical dynamic – usually Pavetta was the awkward one. “The knights swear by it,” her mother continued. “I think they need another hit on the head if they really think a flying dick keeps them safe from harm, but,” she shrugged, ”well, it can’t hurt, can it?”

Pavetta smiled softly and stepped forward to wrap her mother in a hug. Calanthe wasn’t wearing armor at the moment, which meant the hug wasn’t as uncomfortable as it could be, but her mother still stiffened in surprise before slowly wrapping her arms around Pavetta.

“Thank you,” Pavetta whispered.

“Don’t mention it.” Calanthe kissed the side of her head. “Really, don’t mention it. Eist will never shut up about it.”

Pavetta laughed. “Just wait until Uncle Jaskier sees it.”

The horror on Calanthe’s face bolstered Pavetta’s mood for the rest of the day.

2. Uncle Jaskier

“Is there a penis on your patio?” was the first thing Uncle Jaskier said when he arrived.

“It’s a good luck charm,” Pavetta responded and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. Uncle Jaskier and her mother had been friends since they were young, and even though Uncle Jaskier traveled regularly, he made time to stay with them in Cintra every winter.

Of course, this winter was special. This winter, Pavetta had gotten married to the man of her Destiny, and her mother had somehow fought her way into a real actual relationship with Eist. It had certainly taken them long enough.

The other unusual thing this winter was that Uncle Jaskier had brought a Witcher with him. A Witcher he’d made famous, in fact. Geralt of Rivia had been interesting to listen to during dinner, though Pavetta hadn’t spoken to him directly much. That would have to change, wouldn’t it? The Witcher was tied to her Destiny too now, after all. Tied to her child.

Pavetta’s hands came down to rest on her stomach. “So, what brings you here without your bodyguard?” Her smile was teasing, but she was genuinely curious. Not that her Uncle Jaskier didn’t spend time with her often, but they usually met in the gardens to read poetry and discuss literature.

“Ah, Geralt tried to run away, so I sicced him on rumors of a griffon in the forests to the west. He should be back by nightfall. Unless there really is a griffon, in which case, it might be tomorrow morning and he is also likely to be covered in viscera.”

Pavetta’s face scrunched in disgust and her stomach rolled. “Maybe we should talk about things that won’t make me vomit.”

“Ah, yeah, that would be good. Sit, sit” Uncle Jaskier smiled at her and ushered her into her reading chair. “So, I have something for you. I mean, not that you need luck or anything, but childbirth is scary and well, everything helps, right?”

He thrust his hand out and placed a small blue pendant into her hand. Pavetta stared down at the smooth glass and ran her thumb over the shape of an eye in the center of it. “What is it?”

He fidgeted with the fastenings on his doublet. “It’s a nazar amulet. It will protect you from the Evil Eye and any wishing you ill will. It’s–” Uncle Jaskier broke off abruptly and took a deep breath. “This was given to me by my parents. We, um...well, there’s a reason I call Cintra home and not that place. This is the only thing I kept of them, and I want you to have it. To protect you through your pregnancy and your new life with Duny.”

Pavetta felt her eyes welling with tears and threw herself at him, burying her face in his shoulder. His hand came up to pet through her hair soothingly.

“I know we ended up in a weird situation here,” Uncle Jaskier said. “With Geralt and the Child of Surprise and all. But I just wanted to – I dunno, make sure you had something? It’s silly.”

“It’s not.” Pavetta drew back to meet his eyes. “It’s sweet. But if it’s all you have of your family, don’t you want to keep it?”

Uncle Jaskier smiled at her, his eyes soft. “You’re my family, sweetheart. I know it’s safe with you, and I hope it keeps you safe.” He leaned forward to kiss her forehead and gathered her close to him again when she started to cry.

“Thank you, Uncle,” she whispered. She clenched her hand around the pendant and swore to herself that she would never lose it.

“Of course, love. Now, what do you say we head out to the garden and recite some poetry to the roses? Unlike your dear mother, they will actually appreciate it.

Pavetta’s laugh was wet but genuine. She took Uncle Jaskier’s hand and let him lead her out to the garden.

3. Geralt

Pavetta was reading a book of Aedirnian poetry when the knock came at her door. She was more than slightly surprised to see Geralt of Rivia on the other side. He looked decided out of place in the luxury of Court in his worn leathers.

“Please, come in,” Pavetta beckoned, leading him to the couch across from her reading chair. “Uncle Jaskier mentioned that you had gone out to hunt a griffon?”

Geralt blinked. “He did? I mean,” he cleared his throat. “Yeah, there was a griffon in the forest.” He shifted in his seat, and if she’d thought he looked out of place in the corridor, it was nothing to how he looked surrounded by the wealth of the Princess of Cintra’s room. “It um, well, Jaskier mentioned that he wanted to give you something for protection. And, well, I know I’m not – uh–”

Pavetta smiled. “We are connected now. I suppose that does make you family, of a sort. Besides, you’re Uncle Jaskier’s Witcher.”

He blinked at her, nonplussed. “Uh, I guess? Anyway, I figured a protection charm wasn’t a bad idea and well,” he held out his fist between them and opened it to reveal a necklace with a small pearl-like ball set in gold filigree. “It’s a bezoar. They’re said to have curative properties, but when I got the setting, I also got it enchanted.”

Pavetta picked it up by the chain – her schooling at told her what a bezoar was, thank you, and as sweet as this gift was, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to touch something that came out of an animal’s intestines.

“The charm isn’t super strong,” Geralt continued saying, “but it should serve you well for general protection.”

“Thank you,” Pavetta slipped the chain over her neck with only a moment of hesitation. And actually, against her green dress, it almost looked pearlescent in its gold setting.

Geralt shrugged. “I had to kill the griffon anyway.”

“The...griffon.” Pavetta blinked. “I didn’t know griffon’s formed bezoars. But um, thank you. It really is thoughtful.”

“Hmm,” he nodded at her and rose. “Well, I should leave you…”

“Wait,” Pavetta stood. “You’re connected to my baby by Destiny. I’d like to get to know you, if you don’t mind.”

Geralt sank back down, with some reluctance. “You really believe in Destiny?”

“Of course!” Pavetta said. “Duny and I – when we first saw each other, it truly felt like there was some force at play, some immediate connection. But it’s not just that – it’s…” She bit her lip, trying to think of how to describe it. “We have so much in common, Duny and I. And without Destiny, without the Law of Surprise, we never would have met. I think Destiny gave me a gift. And I think you will have that same gift with this child.” She rested her hand over her stomach. She hadn’t begun showing yet, but she would soon.

Geralt tilted his head, gazing at her consideringly. “I don’t believe in Destiny, but I like the way you think about it.”

She grinned. “Why don’t you have lunch with Duny and I? We’d both like to get to know you better, and I bet you have tons of embarrassing stories about Uncle Jaskier.”

A smile tugged up the corner of Geralt’s lips. “I definitely do. And I imagine you do, too.”

“Not as many as my mother, but plenty enough.” Pavetta gave him a conspiratorial wink and was rewarded with a huff of laughter. “Come, I was planning to dine on the terrace.”

She really should have expected his next question. “Why are there dick wind chimes?”

Pavetta laughed. “I’ll tell you the story while we wait for Duny.” He shrugged and sat down across from her at the patio dining table. “So, first you have to understand that it’s a very old tradition…”

4. Eist

Pavetta wasn’t expecting Eist to catch up to her after the court session ended. If anything, she might have thought he would stay behind with his new wife. Pavetta and Eist had never been close, but he was a very affable man, and she knew he made her mother feel soft in a way she’d never seen before. Still, most of Pavetta’s interactions with him prior to him becoming King of Cintra were during the negotiations for his nephew to marry her – which she had decidedly not been in favor of.

“Eist,” she nodded to him. “Is there anything the matter?”

“Does something need to be wrong for me to converse with a lovely young woman?” He grinned charmingly, and she felt a smile pulling at her lips. “Actually,” he said, “I wanted to give you something.”

That seemed to be a theme lately. She dearly hoped it wasn’t something from another animal. She was wearing the enchanted bezoar, of course, along with the nazar pendant Uncle Jaskier had given her. But that didn’t mean she had to like that the pretty stone actually came from a griffon’s intestines.

“You don’t need to– oh.” Pavetta felt her breath catch as Eist held out a crescent-shaped silver broach. She took it out of her hands and ran her fingers along the detailing. It had a triangle pattern that was interspersed with little groups of spheres and larger sphere groupings hanging off the edge.

“This is a lunula broach. It symbolizes fertility, happy life, and good luck.” Eist smiled at her. “This one was my sister’s. I had my nephew bring it to the Temple of Freya to get it blessed. That’s why it took me so long to give it to you, sorry.”

Pavetta shook her head, “you didn’t have to get me anything.” She looked up at him with watery eyes. “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

“Freya is the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, so a blessing from her priestess seemed fitting.” Eist shrugged.

Pavetta chuckled, though she could feel tears trailing down her face. She hadn’t really been sure how to act around Eist. He was her mother’s husband and King of her country, which technically made him family now. But she hadn’t expected him to embrace it so willingly, to do something so kind for her.

“I thought Islanders didn’t like to share their culture with continentals?”

“Yeah,” Eist reached out and brushed her tears away. “But Cintra and Skellige are closer allies now that ever. Besides, we’re family now. I’m well within my rights to bestow a treasure from my sister to you.”

She couldn’t not hug him after that. Pavetta slammed into him and he let out a startled huff, but wrapped his arms around her. Eist was soft and big and strong and she was pretty sure this was what a father’s embrace would feel like. She didn’t want it to end.

He stroked his hand through her hair. “I know it’s awkward for your mother to suddenly be married again, especially when we all expected things to go a different way. But I hope you and Duny have a long and happy life together.”

Pavetta squeezed him tighter. “You too,” she said. “I’m glad you and mother finally get to be happy.”

“Me too,” Eist’s voice was happier than he had ever sounded during the wedding negotiations. “Me too.”

They stayed like that, Pavetta wrapped snugly in his arms long enough that it should have been awkward, but it wasn’t. In fact, Pavetta thought, it felt like what she used to dream her family should feel like – warm and happy and loving.

Next chapter

Notes:

From Calanthe: Apparently Ancient Rome went nuts over flying dicks. Seriously, they were everywhere and they were said to ward off disease and the Evil Eye. Image

From Jaskier: Called Fatima or Nazar, the blue eye-shaped amulet is used throughout Middle Eastern and North African cultures and is believed to provide protection from the Evil Eye. Image

From Geralt: A bezoar is a small stone which forms in the stomachs or intestines of certain animals. It was used as a remedy against many diseases and prized for its curative powers. And yes, apparently people did set them in gold and wear them as protective amulets. Image

From Eist: A lunula is a crescent-shaped amulet representing the moon that symbolizes fertility, happy life and good luck. I specifically chose this as a Nordic amulet, but I believe other cultures have this as well. Image

#my fics #found family #geraskier #calanthe/eist #pavetta/duny #pavetta #queen calanthe #jaskier #geralt of rivia #eist tuirseach #the witcher #slight canon au because Geralt stayed in Cintra #episode related

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