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damn-stark · 11 months

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Chapter 8 Chateau

Chapter 8 of Moonlight

A/N- Y/N and young Rhaenyra would’ve been the bestest of friends.

Warning- Swearing, angst, FLUFF, talks of blood, death, miscarriage, pregnancy, LONG CHAPTER.

Pairing- Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!fem-reader, Cregan Stark x Velaryon!fem-reader

Episode- 1x08-1x09

(If you want to be tagged let me know)

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“…and he said to me, well you’re sort of beautiful. So I look at him confused.” You gossip with Rhaena and Baela about a memory from your years in Winterfell. “I'm like, I'm either one or the other, tell me if I should be offended or touched.”

Rhaena giggles and leans in closer to you. “What did he say?”

You grab onto the edge of the dinner table and lean in between the both of them to whisper. “He went on to throw up on himself,” you grumble while Baela and Rhaena complain in disgust.

“But! The next day he said the same thing to another girl, so,” you snicker, “my friends and I grabbed him after he blacked out and lay him in front of Astraea. When he woke up he shit his pants in front of all the ladies he had been hitting on.”

The three of you burst out laughing at your story, causing Jacaerys to shove himself between Baela and you. “What’s so funny?” He asks.

You part your lips to answer, but Baela cuts him off. “Lady business.”

You peer back at him and snicker.

“Well,” he counters nonchalantly and begins to smirk. “I suppose I won’t share what I just told Lucerys.”

Your curiosity piques and without an ounce of hesitation you look back at him, noticing him looking all smug.

However, before he can even try and continue, the hall doors open and guards carrying your grandfather in a chair walk in, silencing the chatter that filled the room and making everyone, including you, who was sitting down to stand up in respect of the King's arrival.

“Tell us later,” you whisper to your brother.

He leans over and counters. “As long as you tell me what you shared.”

You meet his gaze from the corner of your eyes and nod in agreement. You then focus back on the King getting carried to his spot around the table, and only go to your spot beside Aemond once the King is placed in the middle of the table.

“How good it is,” your grandfather interjects in his raspy voice. “To see you all tonight…together.” He finishes saying and takes a moment to examine everyone gathered around the table.

“Prayer before we begin?” Alicent cuts in and asks her husband, the King.

He looks over at her and nod. “Yes,” he whispers.

You sigh and clasp your hands together over the table, you don’t close your eyes like Alicent and her family do. Even if you do follow the Old Gods, you don’t much pray to them over dinner, or make it your entire personality like Alicent with her New Gods, but out of respect you stay quiet and listen to her.

“May the Mother smile down on the gathering with love. May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for too long.”

You drop your head and shake your head at her comment.

Now who’s fault is this strain exactly? Your mother was nothing but patient the years she lived here with you and your siblings, the boys only messed around with another because they were just children messing around. The only reason you don’t like Aegon is because he’s a creep with the ladies. But the hostility? The name calling? That was all her, Alicent.

So please can she stop acting?

“…And to Vaemond Velaryon, May the gods give him rest.”

Okay, now that time has passed you have to admit even if you don’t want to…what Daemon did to him was…well deserved. You won't praise the man, but it was impressive. After the disgust and horror passed of course.

“This is an occasion for celebration, it seems,” your grandfather adds, pulling your gaze back over the table—“My grandsons, Jace and Luke will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena.”

You smile at the newly betrothed and reach over for your goblet.

“Further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young Princes…and their betrothed.”

A grin spreads on your lips and you don’t fret to raise your cup to them all.

“Hear, hear!” Daemon exclaims.

As you take a sip from your wine you reach over and interlace your fingers with Aemond’s. He immediately glances over and puts his goblet down to lean over to press a kiss on the side of your head, making you smile and tighten your hold around his.

“Let us toast as well Prince Lucerys,” the King adds. “The future Lord of the Tides.”

You raise your cup again and this time you exclaim. “Hear, hear!”

Lucerys gaze finds you and a thankful smile shows on his lips before he snaps his gaze to Rhaena.

“You’ll be great,” she compliments him, making you smile softly with joy that she is so kind to him. He deserves someone as kind as she is.

“It both gladdens my heart…” your grandfather keeps speaking, this time he’s on his feet. “And fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world…yet grown so distant from each other…in the years past.”

You swallow thickly and begin to caress the back of Aemond’s hand with your thumb.

At the feeling his eyes fall on you, you can feel them linger as you watch with hesitation while your grandfather begins to take his mask off.

You’ve seen him without it on a few times, but seeing the muscles of his cheek stick out still brings you goosebumps. Not his eye socket though, Aemond and him and share that similarity, you’ve helped Aemond clean his fleshy eye socket before, but the flesh on your grandfathers cheek is not the same.

“My old face…is no longer a handsome one…if it indeed ever was. But tonight,” he mutters. “I wish you to see me…as I am. Not just a King…but your father. Your brother. Your husband…and your grandsire. Who may not, it seems…walk for much longer among you.”

You let out a deep breath and avert your gaze to avoid having them cloud with tears. Aemond notices and pulls your hand to his lap to hold your hand with the both of his.

“Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts,” he goes on and slams his cane against the floor. “The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances, if not for the sake of the crown…then for the sake of this old man, who loves you all so dearly.” He lets out a heavy breath and sits back down, letting your mother abruptly stand up with her goblet in the air.

“I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen,” your mother interjects, catching you off guard. “I love my father, but I must admit that no one has stood…more loyally by his side than his good wife. She has tended to him with…unfailing devotion, love and honor. And for that she has my gratitude…and my apology.”

You grab your goblet again and take a small drink.

“I also would like to add,” your mother says a bit softer this time, and with a smile she directs at you. “How thankful I am to my daughter y/n, and Prince Aemond, you have made me a grandmother…”

You smile brightly and share your glee with Aemond.

“…I am thankful for that everyday. To Aerion, may he continue to grow and be happy.”

“Hear, hear,” Alicent says quietly, whilst Aemond, you and everyone around the table takes a drink.

“I will also like to add,” Alicent continues to say. “That your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess. We are both mothers…and we love our children. We have more in common than we sometimes allow.” She then stands and raises her goblet. “I raise my cup to you…and to your house. You will make a fine Queen.”

You bring your cup to your lips and take the last sip of wine before you stand up as well, causing one of your hands to slip off Aemond’s. “I would like to toast to my mother and family, 6 six years was far too long and I'm glad to see you all again. I missed you all…And to my brothers.” You smile, whilst a servant refills your goblet. “And Rhaena and Baela. May you share a loving and fruitful marriage.” You sit back down and take a drink the same time your family does too.

Silence falls after that, letting you reach over to grab some fruit from the trays. When you sit back down and plop a grape on your mouth, suddenly Jacaerys slams his hands on the table and gets up, pulling the attention of everyone and bringing a deafening silence to the table.

You raise your eyebrow and squint your gaze in confusion, but Jacaerys just clears his throat and only provides you with more confusion.

Albeit that quickly washes away as Aemond stands up and stares your brother down.

“Aemond,” you whisper and take his hand.

Said man keeps his glare on Jacaerys, adding tension to the table. You follow his line of gaze and watch your brother playfully hit Aegon's arm before raising his cup and meeting your husband's gaze.

“To Prince Aegon and Prince Aemond…”

You swallow thickly and look up at Aemond again to plead. “<Aemond, my love, please.>”

Aemond blinks and meets your gaze briefly before looking back at Jacaerys, and sighing as he slowly sits back down to just listen.

“We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends, and allies. To you and your family's good health, dear uncles.” Jacaerys raises his cup, followed by Baela.

The awkward tension doesn't leave but you slowly drink to that while you wrap your hand around Aemond’s arm.

“To you as well,” Aegon adds awkwardly.

Now you want this to come to an end before things turn bad. Aemond already seems more upset than he already was, he pulls his arm from under your grasp and you know it’s because you were trying to stop him from overreacting.

You howbeit don’t take offense to his petty act, you find it funny and immediately put your hand over his again. Aemond slowly drags his eye to the side, and you slowly do the same and shoot him a playful smirk.

He sighs and looks away to take his hand away again, but you pull it down and rub his hand against your thigh before you lean close to his ear to whisper cockily. “You can be upset all you want, it makes for a more entertaining night.”

The corner of Aemond’s lips twitch to a smile, but he doesn’t let it show in front of the others.

“Just a little longer, okay?” You assure him and then press a kiss on his cheek before you look to your other side as Helaena gets up too.

“I would like to toast to Baela and Rhaena,” Helaena says. “They’ll be married soon. It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you…”

Aemond grips onto your thigh before you both share awkward glances due to his sister's speech.

“…except sometimes when he’s drunk.”

Scattered laughs spread around the table, but you just blink and glare over at Aegon.

“Let us have some music,” your grandfather brings an end to the toast, letting you turn to face Aemond.

“So I thought,” you tell him, gaining his full attention. “If my family doesn’t end up staying long, after Aerion and I come back from Dragonstone, we go to the vacation house. Present Aerion to the countryside, just be alone and have calm nights, hm?” You press.

Nevertheless, Aemond’s attention drifts behind you rather quickly, you follow his line of gaze and look back, noticing Jacaerys and Helaena starting to dance.

“Aw,” you grin. “How adorable.”

Aemond hums dryly, letting you know he didn't like it one bit, so you block his line of gaze and distract him. “So what do you say? After I come back, we take a nice trip?”

“All right,” he agrees with his gaze holding yours.

You beam at him and steal a kiss from his lips before you face the table again.

Yet just before you can grab food, a shadow gets cast over you, and Aemond’s grip on your thigh tightens.

“Sister,” you recognize Lucerys say, making you look over at him standing beside your chair with his hand out. “Would you like to dance?” He asks and slides his gaze to Aemond at your other side to shoot him a small smirk. “If that’s okay of course.”

Even if it is for some stupid game to annoy Aemond, you gladly take your brother's hand and don’t even ask Aemond for permission because Lucerys is your little brother. You don’t need permission to dance with him.

However, as you do follow Lucerys out to the floor you do feel Aemond’s gaze on you. When you come to a brief stop and grab your brother's hands, you do look back and see exactly that, Aemond watching Lucerys and you carefully, as if your brother was going to suddenly just steal you or something.

Just to assure Aemond of his ridiculous concern you offer him a soft smile before you begin to follow Lucerys’s lead.

“You’ve come a long way from dancing on my feet,” you tell Lucerys as you pull apart and continue to dance. “I’m impressed.”

“There’s not much to do at Dragonstone,” he comments whilst you both hook your arms around each others and spin slowly to the beat. “Besides mother made us take lessons.”

You giggle. “Well, you’ll make your future wife very happy. It’s always impressive when a man is a willing dance partner.”

“Is it?” Lucerys asks.

You nod. “It is. It’s a way to a woman’s heart. For some anyway.”

He snickers and glances back at Rhaena before he meets your gaze. “What’s the other?”

You grin in awe. “Attention,” you let him know. “Listening. Affection and humor.”

Lucerys hums softly before you link arms again and begin spinning slowly once more.

“Dragonstone wasn’t the same without you,” he says again. “We missed you.”

You hold his gaze and offer him a sweeter smile. “I missed you. I’m happy you haven’t changed. Don’t let anyone change you.” You proceed to grab hands and dance around Helaena and Jacaerys before you turn back to back and lift your arms up, and then pull away and turn to face each other again.

However, before you can continue you both come to a slow stop as you catch your grandfather getting carried out. You watch him be taken away, you hear him groan in pain and feel pity that he can’t be the man he once was.

At least he got to witness a part of this dinner with all his family.

Nevertheless, after he is taken out of the room, the roasted pig is brought in so you don’t continue to dance, instead you point to the table. “Let’s go eat some dinner, hm?”

Lucerys nods before laughing as he walks you to your chair. “You sound like mother.”

You flash him a simple happy smile before you take your seat beside Aemond once again and watch your brother return to his seat across the table. And now that you are seated, Aemond fixes his chair to the way it was before.

“I’m still here,” you tease him and take his hand once more. “But if you were so worried you should’ve danced with me.”

Aemond hums, making you snicker before you change the subject.

“Later, I have something I want to give you. It…took me a long while to perfect, but I think you’ll like it.”

Aemond blinks before turning his head to face you with confusion and curiosity. “What is it?” He asks.

You shrug sweetly and bat your lashes. “Just have to wait and see. Or I’ll tell you now if you dance with me?” You press and smirk. “Hm?”

Aemond looks at the dance floor that Jacaerys and Helaena still occupy before meeting your gaze and letting out a deep sigh. “Fine.”

You blink in surprise and pull back. “Really?” You ask him now. “You’ll dance with me?”

Aemond nods. “I will.”

You beam at him with awe and excitement, but…just as you stand up, and before you can pull him up, his gaze drifts away for a second, only a few moments, but it’s long enough for him to catch something that pisses him off and has him ripping his arm from your grasp to slam his hand on the table and cutting off all noise that traveled within.

“Final tribute,” he interjects. “To the health of my nephews.”

Your smile fades completely. Instead you begin to nervously bite the inside of your cheek.

“Jace,” Aemond names. “Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…” he takes a long pause as he stares Lucerys down again.

“Aemond,” you warn without an ounce of softness in your tone this time.

But of course he ignores you.

“Hm,” he hums. “Strong.”

You clench your jaw and fill with anger. Not because he dared to say that to them, there’s no need fueling those comments, it’s that he dared to ruin this supper. That he couldn’t just hold it in and silently just glare and hate. That’s what you’re doing with Daemon.

“Aemond,” his mother attempts to stop him too.

“Come,” Aemond continues and ignores Alicent as well. “Let us drain our cups to these three…strong boys.”

“I dare you to say that again,” Jacaerys snaps at him angrily.

“Why?” Aemond counters and faces him with his cup raised. “‘Twas only a compliment.” He breaks away from his spot and passes you to stride to Jacaerys. “Do you not think yourself strong?”

You know Jacaerys has a short temper, you know Aemond doesn’t hold back, so you slowly follow after him and try to plead again. “Aemond, please stop.”

Yet now rather than ending up being hit after trying to stop a fight, Jacaerys swings his fist across Aemond’s face.

However, it doesn’t seem to affect Aemond as much, he doesn’t even drop his wine or sway. It’s impressive, it impresses you, but now wasn’t the time. Besides as Jacaerys and Aemond confront each other, from the corner of your eye you catch Aegon slam Lucerys face in the table.

Now rather than staying put and trying to plead, as if triggered by your brothers pain and the anger Aemond made you feel, you charge at Aegon without hesitation and quickly slam your hand on the back of his head and clutch a chunk of hair. You then grab his shoulder and shove him back harshly.

When Aegon finds his footing he looks at you bewildered, but that expression is quickly wiped away as you then proceed to swing your right fist across his face harshly, causing him to stumble back.

“Try that again,” you snap at Aegon.

Guards head over to you to try and stop you, but before they can try and touch you a threatening “don’t,” is snapped at them.

You quickly dart your gaze to the side and see Daemon stop by you, challenging the guards with his glare alone. They don’t dare move to you now, nor do they hold Aegon back. Not like he made any attempt to hit back, he just holds his cheek in complete surprise.

When he catches your gaze he pulls his hand away. That’s when you notice a small bleeding cut under his eye that you had made.

You should feel bad, but you don’t, you actually feel proud that you managed to hurt him. Besides Aegon doesn’t seem at all affected, he notices the blood and begins to chuckle before he walks away.

You scoff and roll your eyes, catching the guards failing to hold Jacaerys back now.

“…Though it seems my nephews aren’t so proud of there’s!” You now hear Aemond exclaim as strides back to Jacaerys.

You turn completely to face the scene, but before you can even think of getting in between them, your mothers hand falls on your wrist, stopping you.

“Wait! Wait!” Daemon interjects and strides over nonchalantly between both young men, having the both of them stop in their attempts to continue fighting. He then proceeds to face Jacaerys, and walks him back without the need to say anything.

“Go to your quarters,” your mother orders your brothers and cousins behind you. “All of you. Now.”

You glance over your shoulder and watch them all leave. When they’re gone you focus back on Aemond, seeing him hold Daemon’s glare in silence.

You tighten your hold around your mothers and watch them both carefully, readying yourself in case either snapped, but Aemond then hums and walks away, bringing the entire supper to a tragic end.

“If you still wish to accompany us to Dragonstone, my Sweet,” your mother interjects. “Pack what you need, we’re leaving.”

You watch Aemond leave out the hall before you face your mother and nod in comprehension. “I will. I’ll see you in a bit then?”

She nods, letting you let her go and leave the hall after Aemond. Yet you don’t pick up your pace to catch up to him, you stay in your own pace behind him, trying to calm yourself down before walking in your shared quarters. But ultimately failing when you are in the privacy of your chambers.

You don’t speak to another right away though. You let a tension fill the room since Vanessa walks in only a few minutes later.

“Pack for a week's worth,” you let her know as you walk to your closet. “We won’t stay long. And after that please, put Wolf in his crate, we'll take him too. And then take Aerion, we’ll ride with my mother and…dare I say it…my step-father.” You sigh deeply.

“Right away, Princess,” Vanessa says and walks up behind you to take the gowns you were picking out from your hands. “Should I pack riding outfits?”

“Hm.” You step back and briefly glance at her. “Yes, just two.”

Vanessa nods, but she then stops what she’s doing and meets your gaze. “I can do it. I know you well, I won’t be long.”

You share a soft laugh before you let her do her job. Yet now you return to the tension, but! He never looks bothered by any of it! You can be upset at one another and he always looks nonchalant and it irks you! You want him to be mad at you, you want him to react, not just sit there and brood in front of the fire.

“Whatever it is you want to say,” Aemond suddenly makes you jump. “Say it. You’ll bleed if you bite your tongue any harder.”

You clasp your hands together and slowly begin to just fiddle with your hands as you begin pacing with your mouth shut. Vanessa is still here, and you don’t want to have an audience.

“Unless you want to leave upset,” he adds and keeps looking at the fire.

When you don’t respond, he presses and finally peers back at you. “Hm?”

You stop your pacing behind him and let out a frustrated breath, but don’t start just yet, you wait. Only until Vanessa is out and no longer in the hall you start and give him what he wants.

“Why did you do it?” You mutter out.

Aemond remains as he is as he answers. “I didn’t do anything, I gave a toast, your brother—”

“No,” you cut him off and storm around him to stand in front of him so he can see your anger. “No don’t…bullshit me Aemond. Seven hells, you antagonized them.”

Aemond finally meets your gaze, and you deepen your scowl.

“He hit me first,” he spats but in a very collected manner. “Or are you choosing not to see that?”

You shake your head. “I’m not siding with either of you. It was stupid that he hit you, and it was stupid of you to provoke him.”

Aemond blinks in surprise and finally chooses to slowly stand to his given his height as if trying to intimidate you, but you aren’t at all affected.

“I try to be understanding, I always have,” you continue to argue and step back as he steps forward. “I never try to take sides or try to tell you how to feel, but when you provoke them I can’t help but get mad at you. I told you to wait it out, just for dinner, but…” you sigh and shake your head. “You can’t even do that.”

“He hit me first, what did you want me to do?” He argues and takes a step towards you again, this time you stay put, this time you’re the one nonchalant. And finally you get a reaction you want. Your calm demeanor pisses him off, you can tell by the way he clenches his jaw, flares his nose and curls his thin lips.

“You hit Aegon, do you see me remarking on that?” He spats.

You scoff. “I don’t give a shit about Aegon. Your brother is a bad guy, he deserved it.”

“Did I?” He cuts in bluntly.

“No,” you quickly assure him. “No. But I wanted you to just listen. To me. I told you to sit through it. I didn’t say get over it, but you started it.” You swallow thickly and turn away to avoid shedding angry tears. “If you have so much hatred for my brothers…then how can you honestly love me?” You ask completely vulnerable.

“You aren’t the same as them,” he assures you as he grabs your shoulders.

You want to say it, say what he’s thinking. A bastard, but you can’t, so you bite your tongue and watch the flames.

“You never have been,” Aemond continues. “You’ve never been cruel to me, not when we were kids. You never laughed at me because of what I lacked. Even when I lost my eye and people looked at me with disgust, you never scrunched your nose. As we got older you still pick me.”

…well…

“That’s why I love you,” he says and turns you around before he lifts your head with his knuckle. “Forgive me for upsetting you. I won’t apologize for what I did, I would be lying if I did.”

You scoff and roll your eyes.

“But,” he adds and cups your face. “I am sorry for upsetting you.”

You hum and glance at his lips after those words left his mouth.

“Say you forgive me. I don’t want to leave things like this.”

You draw in a deep breath and touch his chest. “Just,” you breathe out. “Please stop provoking them. Stop with the snide comments. It’s okay to still be upset, I…could never understand what you feel, I could never ask you to forgive him, them. But please for me…for Aerion, just leave them alone. You are better than that, Aemond. I know it. You have a good heart, you always have.”

Aemond’s gaze softens and he immediately presses his forehead against yours, letting you then cup his cheeks and slide your hands to the back of his head.

“I’m sorry too,” you add. “I shouldn't have gotten so angry at you.”

Aemond shakes his head and assures you softly. “There’s no need for apologies, not from you.”

You flash him a gri, and then gently press your lips against his. He doesn’t kiss you back right away, he savors the taste of your kiss and when you’re about to pull back he pulls you back in.

The kiss is slow and gentle, neither of you try to rush anything, you let your affection for each other control you. All you know is that you were going to be late meeting your mother and the rest.

“I…” you say between the slow kisses. “I’m not bleeding. It was a false alarm. We can do this. I want you, so I can remember how you felt when I’m alone.”

Aemond chuckles softly and meets your gaze with a smirk. “I wouldn't have cared if you were.”

You mirror his gesture and before long those slow and sweet kisses turn rougher. Neither of you take long to rip each others clothes off your bodies, you don’t prolong what you both want and don’t bother to go to bed. You start on the couch he was sitting on before and end up finishing on the ground in front of the fire with you on top of him.

“I will never get tired of this,” you murmur as you caress his chest and lose your gaze on the ground. “This is better than flying.”

Aemond chuckles. “I have to admit it is.”

You smile and press a kiss on his chest before you slide your chin to the side, and rest it on his chest so you can look him in the eye. “Once we move to Dragonstone, you will get tired of me.”

Aemond scoffs. “I never could. Never.”

You offer him a soft smile before you sit up and grab his shoulders. “That’s right! My present!” You giggle and then slide off him to run to the chest in your room. Aemond sits up and watches your naked body with a smirk and a craving for more.

“Since we did get married so suddenly I couldn’t have this made before, but…” you trail off to pull out a long sheathed weapon. “…I do have it now. That’s what counts.” You turn around and show off the sheathed sword. “This is for you my love.” You rush back to him, but he meets you halfway so you wouldn't have to carry it all the way to him. “I do hope you like it. And any adjustments you may need, let the smith know.”

Aemond takes the sheathed weapon from you with hesitance as if he doesn’t believe you’re being honest.

“Come on,” you encourage him. “Open it.”

Aemond takes a moment and looks at you first with awe before he unwraps the pommel first, showing off a dragon's head that is shaped like Vhagar.

You can’t contain your excitement and point at the gems where the eyes are meant to be. “Tiny green emeralds for the eyes because your dragon is green,” you grin and shake his arm. “Go on, reveal the blade!”

Aemond drops his gaze and can’t hide his grin as he unsheathes the long blade that glimmered brightly against the fires light.

“Now,” you add as you wrap your arms around his neck to admire the silver blade mixed with the dark metal that is Valyrian steel. “I know it isn't fully Valyrian Steel, but…I used my chain necklace to mix some in. Now you’ll always carry a bit of me with you, even when we’re apart.” You look at him and admire him tracing the dark metal elegantly swirled in the blade with his finger.

“Do you like it?” You whisper.

Aemond lifts his gaze and then proceeds to put the sword down before turning around to face you with a sweet and soft smile that he only let you see. He looks at you with so much love that you can’t help but fall in love.

“I love it,” he says before he kisses you. Yet it doesn’t last long because he pulls back and whispers against your lips. “I love you.”

You smile softly with awe and don’t hesitate to repeat those words that once tasted bitter when you spoke them to him. “I love you too. Now and forever.” You mean your words of affection. Truly.

“Now and forever,” he repeats.

With one more kiss from his lips you then quickly dress yourself and fix what was messed up. Before leaving to meet with your mother to leave King's Landing, you have Aerion brought it in. “Now my sweet boy,” you tell him. “Say goodbye to your father.”

Aerion eyes fill with tears and his pout trembles.

“You’ll sleep again soon enough,” Aemond assures the cranky baby. “I’ll see you in a week's time.” He presses a kiss on Aerion’s head of curls, and caresses his head one more time before he gives you attention. “Send a Raven if anything happens. I’ll write to you later.”

You nod and steal one more kiss, you linger in each other's taste before you pull away and force yourself to leave before you change your mind and stay with Aemond.

Once you finally meet up with your family to leave, Jacaerys groans. “What took you so long?” He complains.

You shoot him a glare and shake your head. “Don’t worry about it.” Since your mother is already waiting in the carriage you quickly climb in with Aerion and apologize to her only once you’re sat down. You completely ignore Daemon.

“Sorry,” you breathe out. “We can leave now.”

The carriage door closes behind Lucerys and both of your brothers squeeze in with you….Even if there’s more space in this moving carriage beside your mother, or quite literally on the same bench.

“Come on little prince,” Jacaerys says and reaches over to take Aerion from you.

Aerion albeit frowns at him and looks away from him.

“Oh, I see,” Jacaerys comments and hits his hands on his thighs. “He takes after his father then.”

You scoff and shake your head. “No,” you counter quickly and smile at your baby boy. “He just got woken up from his slumber. He’s just cranky. Aren’t you? But after he gets his sleep then he’ll let you carry him.” You lift Aerion up to get him comfortable, but before you can cradle him in your arms, your mother interjects.

“Give him here, I can put him to sleep.”

“Okay,” you whisper happily and hand her Aerion.

You expect him to cry or try to reach out for you, but his eyes just water for a moment before he exhales deeply and gets comfortable in your mother's arms.

“He just didn’t like you,” Lucerys teases Jacaerys. “It’s a you thing.”

You snicker and both Lucerys and you nudge him.

“Sure,” Jacaerys grumbles and rolls his eyes. “Anyway!” He hits his thighs. “Let’s change the subject to what I heard happen tonight.”

They heard Aemond and you making love?

Couldn’t be, they're not on the same floor—seven hells. Your balcony door was open though….

“I heard you punched Aegon.”

Oh, oh! Good. That was scary for a moment.

“Yes she did,” Lucerys cuts in with excitement. “That ring of hers cut him.”

You begin to smirk. “He deserved it,” you say smugly. “But I can’t brag…he’s a weak fighter. You can even take him,” you playfully jab at Jacaerys.

Your brother shoots you a pointed look, and Lucerys snickers.

“How did you learn to hit like that?” Daemon interrupts, causing your amusement to flicker with annoyance and distaste—“the swing seemed practiced.”

“From lurking in the shadows like a creep,” Jacaerys blurts to try and get back at you.

You just roll your eyes and push him away. You didn’t want to answer, but your mother was here, she also awaited your answer with Aerion falling asleep in her arms, so as to not upset her, you spare one glance at Daemon and reply.

“I learned when I was young…Since I’m a Princess I wasn’t allowed to train like the boys, so,” you sigh and smirk at him. “I watched everything they did and taught myself to do it better.”

A proud smile tugs on your mothers lips, and even if you don’t want to notice, a smirk flashes on Daemon’s lips.

“Besides,” you add and grin brightly. “Ser Harwin always said that nothing is more powerful than a strong right hook. He taught me how to throw a punch.”

“We’ll see how good you are with a sword,” Jacaerys taunts you, pulling your attention to him.

“Yeah,” you give in to his offer smugly. “We’ll see.”

——

*A DAY LATER. DRAGONSTONE*

Everyday at King’s Landing can never measure up to this very moment with your family. You’ve missed it, all of the chaos, the comfortable atmosphere, even if you have your differences with Daemon, his presence doesn’t bother you as much—you don’t let it bother you as much anyway.

At King’s Landing with Aemond’s family it’s always so awkward, they’re never together as one. They spend breakfasts apart, dinners are hardly eaten together and there’s always some kind of uncomfortable tension. It’s why you just spend time alone with Aemond and Aerion, being with the Queen, her father and the other kids is awkward. Besides, no one at King’s Landing besides Vanessa knows how to style your hair.

“Higher. Raise your blade higher!” Jacaerys scolds Lucerys.

“Mother,” you break your silence and look away from your brothers sparring to mindlessly watch the sand.

She hums in response, letting you continue.

“In our family history…” you pause and blink to glance over at Rhaena playing with Aerion. “Has there ever been Targaryen’s who may be…immune to fire?”

There has to be an answer for the stuff you’ve noticed. A small mention in your history books.

“Hm, not that I can recall,” she responds and reaches down to pick up a golden cuff from your palm to put it on your hair. “We are known to tolerate heat more than an average person can, but no, there hasn’t been any fire immune Targaryen’s recorded. If there had been we would have known, right?”

Nothing but more questions.

“That’s right,” you agree softly and return your gaze to your brothers.

“Why?” She asks and leans closer to you. “Any particular reason?”

You debate telling her what you have been discovering lately, but…you can’t tell her what you aren’t sure of yet. What if you’re just crazy? Or perhaps have a higher tolerance than anyone that has come before you. You need to learn more before you can tell her or anyone else.

“Just curious,” you simply avoid the truth.

Your mother huffs softly and reaches down to grab the last golden cuff from your palm. “You may want to ask Daemon about questions like those, he knows a lot more than I do. He spends a lot of time reading about our history.”

She’s attempting to try and have her husband and you bond again. She started the moment you climbed on the ship to come here.

You hum even if you know you won’t attempt shit, you just need her to be assured.

“Princess Y/N,” the maester interjects, pulling the attention of all four of you seated on the sand. “A raven came to you from King’s Landing.”

You immediately smile knowing who it’s from and quickly push yourself to your feet to gently take it from his hand. “Thank you, Maester.” You turn away from him and sit back down to read what Aemond wrote.

“Y/N, love, I write to you urgently to command you to return home at once.

Aemond.”

“Oh,” Baela says teasingly. “A raven from your beloved. What does he say?”

You blink repeatedly in confusion, finding his urgency concerning. Yet you don’t feel rushed to return home to him. You just arrived at Dragonstone. Besides, what if he’s just being difficult because of his indifferences with your family? Pft. He can wait.

“He just misses me,” you say with a smile and roll the scroll back to tuck in the bracelet cuff around your bicep. “He can stay missing me for a week.”

Baela snickers.

“I'm glad you can bring out something in him,” your mother interjects. “Gods know how much Alicent poisons them.”

You mindlessly begin to fiddle with your ring around your finger. “You really think so?” You ask.

“Yes, I saw it, the way he looked at you. The eyes never lie.”

The corner of your lips tug to a soft flattered smile.

“You!” Jacaerys exclaims.

You lift your gaze and see he’s now suddenly pointing at you.

“Come spar against me,” he continues and lowers his arm. “You keep saying you’re good, but I have yet to see it. Your words mean nothing unless you show us.”

You share an amused look with Baela before you shrug nonchalantly. “I’m not so sure now. I wouldn’t want to hurt your ego in front of your betrothed. Just…believe me and leave it at that, dear brother.” You cross your leg over there and lean back on your hands.

“Then you’re not good,” he counters smugly. “Challenge me now, show me you are this great swordsman and I will shut up about it. Or don’t and I will annoy you forever.”

You scoff and quip, “you already do annoy me. But,” you sigh and sit up. “Fine, only so you’ll shut up about it.” As you pass by Lucerys you motion him to give you his sparring sword.

“You won’t change?” Jacaerys points to your gown.

You shake your head. “Don’t need to. I can beat you with it on.” You shoot him a smirk and stride to stand across from him on the sand. “I won’t go easy just so you know. I will play by your training rules though just so you won’t get hurt.”

“As if,” he grumbles while he fixes his grip around his blade.

You roll your shoulders back and shift your feet the way Aemond stands, you then narrow your gaze on your brother and wait for his first move.

Thankfully, he grows impatient right away so he comes charging at you first. When he gets close he swings at your neck, but you duck and then spin around him quickly.

Jacaerys catches your move and tries to move to face you, but you then claw your hand on his shoulder and use your other hand to grip his arm to shove him down.

Rather than staying down, Jacaerys quickly pushes himself up and thrusts his sword at your side, but you quickly block him and then use your leg to kick him back. You then shoot him a smug grin and wait again.

When he comes at you now, he swings down but you avert his blade by turning to the side. That makes him mad albeit so he uses his anger to keep swinging, but you just keep swerving his swings.

“Fight back,” he growls.

You click your tongue. “Fight better,” you counter and do as he says this time, you charge at him and swing swing up. Jacaerys brings his sword to block you, but you trick him and end up spinning around him, managing to hit his arm harsly with your blade before you face his back.

Your brother hisses and grabs his arm. This time you don’t let him move, you kick him down to the sand, and proceed to stride over to him to flip him around and point your sword at his throat.

“What do I win?” You ask cockily.

Jacaerys huffs out in annoyance and throws his sword aside, letting you do the same and offer him your hand.

“Come on, get up,” you say.

Your brother sighs deeply, he seems to hesitate, but he ends up taking your hand and lets you help him back to his feet.

“You did good,” you compliment in a less teasing manner. “A lot better than six years ago that’s for sure.”

Jacaerys snatches his hand away from yours and glances behind you, you follow his line of gaze and catch Daemon is now watching, but you ignore him and notice your mothers smile as she holds Aerion now.

“You…did good too,” Jacaerys redirects quietly.

You giggle and shove past him to pick up the sword from the ground.

“You did good, Princess,” Daemon interjects, causing your smile to fade. “But you can do better.”

His footsteps hit the sandy surface, they approach you. When he stops near you his shadow cast over you, and your anger breaks out of that little box you wanted to contain it in for the purpose of this trip to go well.

“I don’t need your help,” you snap at him and don’t fret to meet his gaze with a burning glare.

You would have snapped at him, call him a murderer, but you don’t have evidence and you still don’t want to ruin this trip, so you just clench your jaw and stab the sword in the sand before you shove past him and stomp over to your son.

“Y/N,” your mother tries to talk to you, but you just gently take Aerion from her since your anger is not at her.

“Come on baby, let’s get you inside,” you whisper to your baby boy and then storm away.

“Y/N,” your mother calls out for you desperately, but you ignore her. And instead of going inside like you said, you take a detour to the hill by the castle when you catch Astraea resting.

“<Hello, girl,>” you greet the dragon as you press your forehead against her jaw.

Astraea growls softly and leans against you, making you smile softly.

“Do you want to feel her?” You ask Aerion, and then grab his little hand to press it against Astrea’s purple scales.

Aerion grins brightly and kicks his feet, he tries to laugh, but he can’t do so just yet so he just gapes like a fish.

“<Goodgirl.>” You assure your dragon in High Valyrian.

Footsteps then approach and you instantly feel your joy begin to fade. Albeit when you check who’s approaching you’re relieved to see it’s just your brothers.

“I won’t apologize,” you mutter, knowing that your mother probably sent them to address your snap. “I just need time.” You say as you turn to drag yourself down to the ground beside your dragon's head.

“We aren’t here you tell you to apologize,” Jacaerys interjects as both him and Lucerys slow down to a stop before you and Aerion. “Nor do I think Daemon cares if you do.”

You turn Aerion around so he can face you, and begin making faces at him so he can smile.

“We've come to tell you that we understand,” Lucerys adds, “your anger and distance.”

You keep a lighthearted expression for Aerion’s sake, but your voice tells your anger and sadness. “How can you do it? Look at him in the eye everyday after what he did?” You can’t help but ask.

They’re old now, they grasp things better, they understand a lot more than before, they must suspect what you do.

“What did he do?” Lucerys asks innocently.

Yet you don’t hold back for his sake. “Kill father to marry mother.”

“Your father,” Jacaerys deadpans. “Laenor was only your father.”

You snap your head to the side and look at him with a narrowed gaze. “Does that matter? He still raised you, he was still there and Daemon took him away. So how can you do it? Because I can’t…look him in the eye without thinking of father, without wanting to kill him.”

Jacaerys and Lucerys share a brief look before they sit with you. They remain silent for a while, most likely trying to find what to say to try and ease the pain you express to them for the first time.

“I can’t say I haven’t thought about that,” Jacaerys says softly. “I don’t trust Daemon, but there’s nothing we can do about theories y/n. We have no evidence, and he…makes mother happy.”

You sigh deeply, and look down at Aerion watching you. “I know,” you whisper and look up at the sky to avoid crying. “I just have to suck it up. But…you don’t think I’m mad for holding that against him right?” You look at both of your brothers and wait.

Lucerys meets your gaze and slowly shakes his head. “No, we—I understand why you’re angry, and it’s okay. You can be mad at him all you want.”

You hold his gaze before you share a soft admiring grin. “You've really grown up huh?”

Lucerys scoffs softly. “It’s been six years.”

You nod slowly in comprehension and glance down at Aerion with a soft smile before you glance at your brothers. “Thank you for coming up to talk to me.”

Lucerys offers you a soft smile, and Jacaerys averts his gaze and interjects. “We stand with you, sister. We need you to know that.” He slowly lowers his gaze and locks his eyes on you. “On this matter, and all the others you may face.”

Lucerys nods in agreement, making your eyes fill with happy tears. “Thank you,” you mewl.

“Don’t cry,” Jacaerys mumbles uncomfortably.

You laugh and shake your head. “I won’t.” You wipe away a stray tear and hide your face by looking down at Aerion putting a strand of your hair in his mouth. “Just let me enjoy this moment.”

At least now you know you don’t stand alone in the anger against Daemon.

——

*THE NEXT DAY*

The difference between Jacaerys and Lucerys fighting style is that Lucerys is a bit too gentle, too slow, and Jacaerys is too angry and doesn’t try to be tactical. Jacaerys puts up a fight unlike Lucerys, who leaves himself too open.

It’s why you find a way to shove his dominant hand before you raise your leg and kick him back on the sand.

“Lucerys,” you breathe out slowly.

Said boy groans and manages to hastily push himself up. “I know,” he grumbles in disappointment.

You walk over to him and grab his arm to help him to his feet. “You left yourself too open,” you point out his mistakes you caught. “Don’t think too much about it either, or else your enemy will get you a lot faster.”

Lucerys nods in comprehension.

You offer him a small smile and pat his shoulder. “You did better this time though.” You assure him and walk past him.

“You are speaking to him too gently,” Jacaerys scolds you as he takes your spot across Lucerys. “He won’t get any better that way.”

You shrug and spin around as you walk past him. “He won’t learn anything if you’re mean either,” you counter and plop yourself on the sand to watch Jacaerys spar against Lucerys now.

Once again Jacaerys is too aggressive, and Lucerys is too slow to catch up to his brother. It’s almost too hard to watch, you hate seeing Lucerys get hurt, but you watch for his sake so you can teach him his mistakes in ways Jacaerys is too impatient to do.

“What. Was. That?” Jacaerys spats as he shoves Lucerys to the ground.

“I'm sorry,” Lucerys grunts.

“You might go easier on him, my Prince,” an older Kingsguard knight interjects as he walks to your brothers. “So he can learn what you’re trying to teach.”

You hum in agreement.

“Your lady mother needs to see you!” The sound of your grandmother's voice carries out through the wind, stealing everyone’s attention. “The three of you!”

You had seen Meleys arrive not so long ago, but her armor isn’t something you expected her to be wearing. Should it be concerning?

“Is everything all right?” You ask your grandmother once you reach her under the cave.

Your grandmother Rhaenys, lets out a deep sigh and points to where the castle is. “Go she needs you.”

This does not help anything whatsoever.

“All—”

“Have you received any news from your husband?” She cuts you off.

You blink in confusion and answer quietly. “No. Just a raven to demand me back home…why?”

She simply holds your gaze and answers nonchalantly. “I’m sure your mother will explain. Now go, all three of you.”

You share a concerned look with your brothers before you do as she says and return to the castle. Once there you look out for anything suspicious, but Dragonstone is usually quiet, there’s nothing out of the ordinary.

That is not until you begin to approach your mothers chambers, because as soon as you get close you hear grunts and cries of pain echoing out. When you make it inside her room you instantly freeze as you notice she’s in a birthing gown, bathed in sweat, and grabbing onto her waist to ease what she can.

“Mother?” Jacaerys calls out because you can’t.

“Fuck,” your mother groans.

The babe isn’t meant to come out yet.

“Princess,” Maester Gerardys calls out to your mother distracted by her pain.

When she slowly turns to face your brothers, you climb down the stone stairs and approach Jacaerys side to fall under her gaze as well.

“Your grandsire, King Viserys, has passed,” she announces, making you gasp.

“V-Viserys?” Lucerys repeats in disbelief, whilst you try to progress the tragic news.

Is that why—Aemond knew didn't he? That’s why he wanted you home only a day after you left. He knew and he didn’t say.

“The Greens have repudiated the succession,” your mother adds what was beginning to come across your mind. “And claimed the Iron Throne.”

The maester leaves hastily, and more grief piles on you, making it hard to breathe properly.

“Aegon has been crowned King.”

That drunk, rapist with no sense of any kind of responsibility?

“What is to be done about it?” Jacaerys asks what ran through your mind.

“Nothing yet,” your mother says.

“Where is Daemon?”

“I don’t know,” your mothers voice quivers. “Gone to madness.” She shakes her head. “Gone to plot his war.”

“Leave daemon with me,” Jacaerys cuts in and turns on his heels to storm off, taking Lucerys with him. But you stay there frozen to your spot, trying to wrap your mind around your grandfather's death and Aemond’s betrayel.

“Jace,” your mother calls out. But he doesn’t stop—“Jacaerys!”

You blink and slowly look at the entrance and watch him stop and turn to face your mother.

“Whatever claim remains to me,” she says through her pain. “You are now its heir. Naught is to be done but by my command.”

Jacaerys nods stiffly and lingers there for a few more seconds before he walks to do as he had thrown out moments go, and you….you look back at your mother and feel your heart sink.

Whatever grief and anger you feel over the news, you shove that aside for now and rush to her side. “I’m here,” you assure her as she begins grunting and crouching down. “I’m here.” You grab her arm and hook it around your neck. “We should try sitting down, or laying,” you suggest.

Your mother shakes her head and clutches onto your shoulder as another wave of pain hits her.

What could you do to ease her pain? What can you do to make her feel more comfortable at this very moment?

She cries and groans, she paces mindlessly trying to relieve herself of the pain, but the babe refuses to come out. You’ve been through the pain of birth now, you know how much it hurts to have someone come out of your own body. You’ve seen it once after Cregan’s late lady wife suffered through it for hours, but at this very moment, as your mother suffers through an early labor is still something you can’t comprehend, something you can’t find words for.

No matter how much you plead to let her ladies-in-waiting help her, she refuses, she refuses water, or letting you lay her down. All you can do is walk with her, hold her as she pushes, hear her as the pain seems to become worse. She even calls out for Daemon, probably so he can comfort her, or so she can give him orders, but he never comes.

Not like that surprises you. Not because of how you think he might be, but because he is a man. Men aren’t usually a part of labor, Cregan wasn’t there for his wife, Aemond only came to you after you asked for him; you were so afraid you were going to die and your mother didn’t catch you in labor like she wanted to, so all you wanted then was Aemond.

You can’t lie and say Cregan didn’t come to mind, he always had a way to comfort you with so much ease. He didn’t struggle like Aemond did, but you never let his name slip when you were on your birthing bed. And when Aemond was there you were grateful that he was and that he found it in himself to try as best as he could.

So maybe that’s all you can do now too, try your best for your mother.

You rub her back, and move her hair behind her shoulder so it isn’t bothering her. You let her squeeze your hand as hard she wants, and never let her go. There comes a point through her painful pushing that she finally lets you drag her down to the ground, but you can hear her cries are full of much more heightened pain, and the blood that stained the bottom half of her body became much more.

“Princess let us help you,” her handmaiden, Elinda asks. But your mother doesn’t even pay them any attention.

“Get out!” She bellows as she lifts up her gown. “Get out!”

“Princess please.”

You slide your mothers arm off your body and crawl forward to help her, but she pushes away from you.

“Mother,” you beg between tears you try your hardest to fight away.

“Let us help you,” Elinda continues to press.

Your mother reaches out for your hand, and you quickly return to her side and let her clutch onto you as she screams out louder while she pushes out harder.

Now, however, with this push blood pours out from her, surrounding your feet and staining the sheer white gown you put over your black training jumpsuit. You want to help her pull the babe out, but she refuses your help and pulls out the baby herself with a long and painful cry.

The moment the baby girl comes out, that pain that riddled her body seems to ease, but the grief that hits her upon seeing the babe is probably worse than her pain.

The babe is so small, her bones are clearly prominent against her skin. There’s bumps you can’t identify poking out of her head, her skin is…scaly, unlike anything you’ve seen on a human child. It looked like a dragons skin. Yet throughout all that observation, you still search for a sign of life, you wait to see your baby sister's chest move…but her eyes never open, and a cry never fills the room.

It’s so deafeningly quiet now, your mother doesn’t cry anymore and the handmaidens don’t plead to help. And the baby, little Visenya is so still, so incredibly still.

There’s nothing you can do now but be there and cradle your mother as she cradles Visenya’s body.

You don’t say anything, quiet tears stream out of your eyes; tears brought by your own grandfather's death, by the betrayal jabbing your heart, and by your sister's death before she could even take her own breath. You press a gentle kiss on the side of your mothers head and let her press her head against yours as she sits there.

Who knows how much time passed before you moved, but even then your mind is moving too fast to grasp anything at all. It feels like you’re outside of your body just watching it move throughout the castle halls.

And funny enough, the only person you want to comfort you is Aemond; the man who helped his brother usurp your mothers throne. You want him with you, hugging you and telling you that it will all be fine, you want him with you. Flying home even crosses your mind, you want to run into his arms and let him hold you, you want to breathe in his charming scent. Tell him that you’re not really mad at him for what Aegon did, you know the influence his mother holds, that poisoned him at a young age.

You don’t blame him for Aegon’s coronation, you’re just upset that he didn’t say anything. You wouldn't side with the Greens, not only because Aegon makes a terrible ruler, but because your mother is the true heir, your grandfather deemed it that way, he never declared otherwise, his word is law and they broke it.

So much for following the rules.

Alas, Aemond can’t be here, and you can’t leave. Your mother needs you, and…if it’s a war that will break out then you will fight for the right side.

So after a short bath and a change of clothes, you and your three brothers walk out and join your mother and Daemon for the funeral on a stoney hill. Other people stand behind your mother and Daemon too; the other residents who live here, a couple of workers, your cousins of course, and your grandmother stands behind the crowd watching the pyre burn.

The moment is quiet, deafening so. You can even hear the flames from where you stand. The only noise that breaks through the grieving silence is the sound of swords unsheathing as a knight of the Kingsguard, not a part of the three that were already here walks up the hill.

“I mean no harm, brothers,” the man announces before he takes his helmet off.

Since you stand to the side it’s hard to identify who he is, but before curiosity can kill you, you step forward.

That’s when you see that it’s one of the twins, Ser Eryyk. He kneels before your mother and takes out…your grandfather's golden crown from his satchel.

“I swore to ward the Queen,” he doesn’t wait to interject loudly and with confidence. “With all my strength, and give my blood for hers….”

You gasp softly in disbelief, but you can’t help your small proud smile from forming on your face.

It’s good that someone wasn’t afraid to break away from the man who calls himself King, that someone is loyal to your mother; the true Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

“I shall take no wife,” Ser Eryyk continues to say his oath. “Hold no lands…father no children. I shall guard her secrets…obey her commands, ride at her side and defend her name and honor.”

You look to your mother and watch Daemon approach her with the crown. You watch with pride and glee as he sits the golden crown over her head before he kneels before her.

She seems a bit in shock that she’s getting crowned, but when it seems to pass you catch her eyes lift to the crowd as they kneel before her and declare their loyalty. Her eyes then slide to where you and your brothers are, and they proceed to bend the knee too. When her eyes then lock with yours, you shoot her a small proud smile before you lift your skirt and bend the knee before your Queen; you make your choice between sides clear now at this very moment to her and everyone else.

She is your Queen from now and until the end.

——

*LATER*

As mad as you want to be with Aemond, you can’t hold anything against him. He is not King, he probably helped his brother climb those steps, he is loyal to his family as you are to yours, but he holds little respect for Aegon. So if the war were to end now at this very moment you'd go back to as you were, you wouldn't care if he picked his side against you…

Yet….what you’d give to leave it all now at this very moment, escape all this chaos, this grief and only come back when it’s all finished.

Escaping your problems isn’t ideal, it’s better to face them head on, but wouldn’t it be marvelous to leave with that ship you're watching sailing away.

“I wonder where it’s going,” you murmur to Aerion cradled in your arms. “I saw them take in hundreds of boxes.”

Aerion takes a long blink before he rubs his eyes and yawns.

You smile softly and carsss his little cheek, “fine, fine,” you whisper. “I’ll let you sleep. Sorry.”

Aerion snuggles against you, letting you gently rock him and sing him a quiet lullaby in High Valyrian. As usual he falls asleep quickly with the sound of the lullaby’s gentle tune—Your mother used to sing it to your brothers, and to you too, but you don’t recall.

Now that Aerion is asleep though you’re left alone watching the ship become smaller and smaller as it keeps sailing into the never ending sky.

“Naath,” a husky voice startles you and forces you to stop singing. “The ship is going to Naath.”

Seven hells!

You slowly look back and just see the same lurker, the Queensguard Knight your mother assigned as your sworn protector in case team green dared to come and take you and Aerion.

“You asked—well, uh, you wondered out loud, and I didn’t want to leave you wondering…” he trails off and clears his throat. “Sorry…forgive me, Princess.” He lowers his blue eyes to the sand and steps back.

You don’t know whether to find his interruption annoying, or his stammering amusing; in all your life around Kingsguard, you’ve never met a knight get tongue tied like he did, or grow a tint of red like he does. It’s honestly a bit…cute—well he’s the exception.

Who would’ve guessed such a buff man can blush.

“What are they exporting?” You ask and decide not to let his interruption bother you. Not when you have more questions. “Do you know?”

Ser Jason Waters, the appointed Knight, slowly lifts his gaze and blinks in surprise, but he exhales slowly and then looks at the horizon. “I don’t know what they export from Dragonstone, but I do know that those fine sailors bring back silk. Like the one you wear—Not that I know you wear silk, I just assume because you’re a, you know, a princess...”

You blink repeatedly in disbelief, but you can’t help your amused smile from tugging on your lips. “I’ve heard of Naath,” you interject and look back at the ship, but it’s not over the water anymore, it’s gone from your eyesight.

It feels like your chance to leave left with it too.

“It’s the most terrifyingly beautiful place to exist.” You grin softly.

“Oh, yes,” he says and snaps your gaze back to him with flickering curiosity. “The waters are the deepest blue, shimmering when the sun hits it, which is all day. Every corner of the island is a lucious green. And the people…they’re just as beautiful.”

You twist around and face him. “You’ve been?” You ask and feel your curiosity grow, like a burning flame getting sparked to life.

Ser Jason shakes his head. “Passed by it, but we didn’t step off. We,” he chuckles softly. “We were too afraid to catch the butterfly fever.”

You hum softly and hold his twinkling blue eyes, noticing now for the first time that he wears a large thin scar right across his face; from the corner of his forehead and all the way across to the corner of his jawline, it adds to his exterior intimidation.

Now that he’s spoken to you he isn’t as intimidating though, a bit awkward, but not so intimidating.

“Why?” You ask softly. “I mean why did you travel so far and end up back here? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Ser Jason exhales deeply. “I left because I felt trapped,” he reveals, stealing every single ounce of your attention and the breath in your very lungs.

“By my poverty, by my work I hated, by the people that I hated even more. Everyday felt the same since I was a boy, so…after my mother passed I left. She wanted to know the world you see...” he pauses and his eyes begin to gleam with tears.

“So in her honor, to escape my prison, I left with the man who had watched out for me my whole life,” he continues and sniffles, but doesn’t let those tears shed. “We saw what we could of the world…and I ended back at Westeros because…” he scoffs and looks at the ground. “I heard my father was here too, he was on a long trip before, so I was curious to know who the man was.”

You hum softly and grow even more curious, but you don’t press that far, instead you ask a simple question. “Disappointed or…” you trail off and let him answer, but he looks at you and waits for you to finish. He doesn’t understand.

“Were you disappointed by who your father turned out to be, or surprised?” You explain with a small teasing smile.

“Oh,” he mouths and then responds to the wind. “I wasn’t disappointed, I couldn’t be because my mother worked in the Street of Silk. But I was sort of taken back…he’s a man with a lot of power, you see,” he shares and glances at the castle in the distance before he leans towards you as if he didn’t want someone else to hear. “A terrifying man with a terrifying name. I knew who he was before because my mother told me, but he didn’t scare me until I saw him face to face.”

You hum in comprehension, and even if you’re curious as to know who this terrifying man is, you don’t think it’s your place to ask such a personal question. You leave your mind to imagine who this powerful Lord might be.

Maybe one of the Lannister twins? Lord Jason Lannister? The knight's name is Jason too.

No, this man’s hair isn’t so blond, it’s lighter, it seems almost white under the light. Hm.

There’s too many possibilities to guess right.

“Tell me Ser what else have you seen?” You ask and change the subject back to his travels so you wouldn't dare ask who the mystery lord was. Because you would and he’d have no choice but to answer.

Ser Jason smiles rather than looking annoyed by your question. “Vaes Dothrak, well, I was forced to go there after a group of them raided a town we were staying at. That’s how I got this,” he points to his scar. “A Dothraki Screamer struck me across the face with his blade, caused me to black out and took me to Vaes Dothrak. It’s beautiful, the people are a bit frightening,” he admits, “but their culture is unique and interesting.”

You look at him with a wide-eyed wonder and hang onto every word. Once again after a long time of being at peace, as you hear his stories of his grand adventures, you feel like the girl wanting more out of life. Your dreams seem to flicker back to life as the burning curiosity grows.

“I’ve been to the Summer Isles and that’s where I got this…” he trails off and pulls out something from a pocket that you can’t see because he hides it in his fist.

“The rarest pearl in this world,” he adds, and breaks away from his spot to approach you and show off an orange-peach colored pearl you have never seen in your life until now.

“You know why?” He asks as he lifts his gaze off the pearl, and watches you admiring the pearl in his hand.

“No,” you whisper in awe to the precious stone. “Why?” You ask enthusiastically.

Ser Jason turns the pearl in his fingers and responds in his husky voice. “A Melo pearl, or also known as the Dragon pearl is rare because unlike the other pearls grown in mussels or snails, the snail that made this took decades to grow it to this size. Here.” He points to the pearl.

You carefully slide one hand away from Aerion and gently take the pearl from Ser Jason’s hold. “How did you find it?” You ask as you feel the soft stone in your fingers, and watch as the pearl gleams as if it has burning flames trapped under its glazed surface.

“Killed a man for it.”

You find nothing wrong with his answer, but he quickly laughs and shakes his head.

“No, no, I didn't kill anyone, I,” he laughs nervously, “I found it on the beach.”

You lift your gaze and meet his with a soft smile. “It’s beautiful.” You push the pearl back to him, but he pushes your hand back to you.

“Keep it, Princess,” he says.

Your smile slowly fades and you quickly shake your head. “I cannot. It’s your treasure,” you argue and shove it back to him.

Albeit Ser Jason is stubborn and pushes your hand back to you. “Keep it, please. Consider a gift for uh, well—you’re the first person to ask about my travels who actually seems interested. Besides, you'll have more use for it than me.”

You hesitate to do as he says; but you’ll be here all day if you don’t, or you’ll get mad because of his refusal, either or.

“Well the world is truly a mystery to me,” you interject as you secure the pearl in your hand. “You’d think a princess with a dragon would be able to see the marvels this world holds, but…” you scoff and glance at Aerion sleeping away. “I’m more of a prisoner…”

There it is again, that feeling that plagued you once before. The gold bars that once surrounded you are closing down on you again.

“That’s why I am glad I’m a man and a bastard.” He says a bit smugly, but he seems to catch what came out of his mouth and quickly looks terrified by what he said. “Not to discredit what you—”

You laugh softly, catching him off guard. “No, I understand completely. When I was young I wished to be a boy so I could train with my brothers and get what they did, but now I’m grateful to be a woman.” You smile at him.

Ser Jason tilts his head and his fearful gaze turns soft and curious. “Why so?” He probes curisoly, getting you excited that he expresses such excitement.

“Well—”

“Y/N!” The sound of your name called out cuts you off and forces you to look away from the knight who has gotten too close to you.

And just your damn luck, it’s Jacaerys. He’s always been way too overprotective. Like if he’s not your younger brother.

“The meeting is going to take place soon!” He shouts out so as to not walk all the way to you.

You sigh and nod, his gaze drifts to the knight and you see his gaze narrow. Ser Jason knew his stand so as soon he heard your brother, he had stepped back, but it was far too late Jacaerys had caught his approximaty.

“Come on now!”

You roll your eyes and try to push yourself up, but you struggle considering you’re carrying your son in your arms. “Could you help me?” You ask the knight.

Ser Jason glances over at your brother first before he retakes those steps back to you and wraps his hands around your arms.

“You’ll have to tell me more about your travels soon,” you mutter to him while he pulls you to your feet without any sort of strain.

Rather than pulling away right away, Ser Jason meets your gaze as you both stand close to one another. “Whatever you say, Princess—”

“No,” you cut him off with a soft smirk. “As a…friend. Like we were now.”

Ser Jason lets out a deep breath and his lips tug to a small smile. “All right,” he assures you.

You flash him a grin and hold his gaze for a second longer, realizing now how handsome this man is, he has this sort of…alluring beauty to him that captivates you now as he stands so close with his hands still around your arms.

“Good,” you whisper and pull away to catch up to Jacaerys.

“What were you doing?” He spats at you right away without bothering to look back at the man that tows behind you like a shadow.

You shrug. “Brooding and talking to Ser Jason. Can I not do that?”

Jacaerys shakes his head. “No,” he deadpans. “You cannot.”

You roll your eyes and peer back at Ser Jason to shoot him an assuring look, and mouth. “Don’t worry about it.” You then wink.

“I'm surprised your husband isn’t knocking down the castle walls demanding your return,” Jacaerys inputs, turning your attention back to him.

“He’s smarter than that,” you actually praise him. “If he’s forced to, he'll wait for the right moment and take me by force, other than that he’ll keep pleading for my return, send demands, but he won’t come himself.”

“Well he can definitely try,” Jacaerys grumbles.

As much as you have love for your brother, he’d never beat Aemond in any way, but it’s the thought that counts.

Alas, when you make it inside you return Aerion to his chambers and have Ser Jason guard him just in case while you attend a meeting.

And much to your surprise you could attend it without being a cupbearer. Aegon’s court would never allow that.

“Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen,” Daemon announces while your mother enters the hall with four guards firmly around her. “First of Her Name. Queen of the Andals, and the Rhoynar and the First Men. Lady of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”

You bow your head after he finishes, like everyone else in the room.

“Your Grace.” Daemon addresses her.

You lift your head and watch her approach the table shaped like Westeros map, but then quickly stop as Rhaena approaches her with a goblet.

“Wine, my Queen.”

You see your mother hesitate before she takes the goblet from Rhaena. “Thank you, Rhaena. Come,” she points to the table.

When she passes by Baela, she motions her over as well, letting her fall right by your side as you stand by your mothers when she reaches the table.

However when she does reach the table she stands in silence, you look over at her out of curiosity, thinking that maybe she’s taking in the markers on the map, but her gaze is taking in everyone around the table first before she finally breaks the silence.

“What is our standing?” She asks.

“We have a hundred crossbowmen, and 300 men-at-arms,” Daemon shares confidently. “Dragonstone is relatively easy to defend, but as an instrument of conquest. Our army leaves a lot to be desired. I sent word to my loyal men in the City Watch. I’ll have some support there, but I cannot speak for numbers.”

He speaks with so much ease, it honestly makes you feel some sort of confidence even if your numbers aren’t impressive.

He’d never hear that from you though. Pft.

“We already have declarations from Celtigar and Staunton,” the Maester cuts in. “Massey, Darklyn, Bar Emmon.”

Not much.

“My lady mother was an Arryn,” your mother interjects as you watch Jacaerys place markers on your curtain allies. “The Vale will not turn cloak against their own kin.”

“Riverrun was always a close friend to your fathers, Your Grace,” the Maester points out. “With Prince Daemon’s acquiescence, I already sent ravens to Lord Grover.”

Oh by Daemon’s acquiescence? Who gave him permission to do such matters? Your mother when she was in labor?

“Lord Grover is fickle and easily swayed,” your mother argues, “he’ll need to be convinced of the strength of our position, and that we will support him should it come to war.”

You lift your gaze off the table and drag your eyes to Daemon, knowing her comment was directed at him.

“I’m going to treat with him myself,” Daemon says and keeps his gaze on your mother. When you glance back at her she holds his gaze as if challenging him, arguing over what he did while she was abed.

“What of Storm’s End and Winterfell?” Lord Darklyn asks, snapping your attention to him at the mere reminder of Cregan.

He’d never betray his oath, he’s a Stark, and he’s simply Cregan, he’s loyal, you can swear by that. And well he would also never go against you. Regardless of how things are between him and you currently.

“There has never lived a Stark who forgot an oath,” Lord Bartimos defends Lord Stark. “And with House Stark, the North follows.”

You smirk faintly at the table and mindlessly begin to fiddle with the orange pearl you still have in your hand.

“Lord Borros Baratheon will need to be reminded of his fathers promises,” your mother inputs, causing a knight to put a marker over Winterfell, while Jacaerys puts one down too.

“What news from Driftmark?” Your mother asks your grandmother, turning everyone’s attention to her.

“Lord Corlys sails for Dragonstone.”

“To declare for his Queen,” Daemon assumes, boldly at that.

“The Velaryon fleet is my husbands yoke,” your grandmother counters. “He decides where they sail.”

You scoff smugly and pass a glare to Daemon before looking at the table.

“We shall pray for both you and your husband's support,” your mother says. “Just as we prayed nightly for the Sea Snake’s return to good health. There is no port on the Narrow Sea that would dare to make an enemy of the Velaryon fleet.” She turns and drifts the subject away to a different point. “And our enemies?”

“We have no friends among the Lannisters,” Daemon says. “Tyland has served the Hand too long to turn against him. And Otto Hightower needs the Lannister fleet.”

“Without the Lannisters, we are not like to find any allies west of the Golden Tooth.”

“No,” Daemon quickly agrees before ducking his head and continuing. “The Riverlands are essential, Your Grace.”

“Pray forgive my bluntness, Your Grace,” a Lord cuts in, “but talk of men is moot. Your cause owns a power that has not been seen in this world since the days of Old Valyria. Dragons.”

You pick up your gaze and stop rolling the pearl in between your fingers. “The Greens have dragons as well,” you remind the Lord. “Old dragons.”

“They have three adults,” Daemon keeps cutting in. “By my count. We have Syrax, Caraxes, and Meleys. Your daughter has Astraea, and your sons have Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes.”

Tyraxes? He’s a baby and too small, as well as Joffrey. He can’t possibly want little Joffrey fighting against three old and experienced dragons.

“Baela has Moondancer.”

“Daemon,” your mother argues. “None of our dragons have been to war.”

Without addressing that comment Daemon keeps going about more dragons. “There are also unclaimed dragons. Seasmoke still resides on Driftmark. Vermithor and Silverwing dwell on the Dragonmount, still riderless. Then there are the three wild dragons, all of whom nest here.”

“And who is to ride them?” Your mother asks what you’re thinking.

“Dragonstone has 14 to their 4. I also have a score of eggs incubating in the Dragonmount.”

And what good will that do? Does he want his toddler sons, and your infant son to control hatchlings? Tsk, please.

“Now,” Daemon continues as he grabs a marker. “We need a place to gather. A toehold large enough to house a sizable host.” He places the marker down and without as much as counseling the Queen he shares his plan. “Here, at Harrenhal. We cut off the west, surround King’s Landing with the dragons and we can have every Green head mounted on spikes before the fucking moon turns.”

You swallow thickly and once again begin to nervously fiddle with the pearl Ser Jason gave you.

“Your Grace,” Ser Eryyk interjects as he strides over. “A ship has been sighted offshore, a lone galleon, flying a banner of three headed green dragon.”

The Greens.

“Alert the watchtowers,” once again Daemon gives commands as if he’s King or hand of the Queen. He’s nothing but the simple Prince Consort—“sight the skies.” He takes his sword and storms out, leaving your mother behind.

“Mother,” you say and turn to face her.

“Stay here,” she commands right away while she turns to face you. “Where’s Ser Jason?”

“Guarding Aerion,” you answer hoping your nerves wouldn’t show.

She nods stiffly. “All right…go to your chambers and take Aerion. I doubt there will be any sort of force, but we need to be assured.”

You sigh deeply and don’t fight her commands, she leaves and you do as she asks. You wait for her and watch the skies for Vhagar, but as expected he doesn’t show, your mother returns and does share the list of commands given by Lord Otto. And amongst those demands are the release of Aerion and you, as if you were captive here with your mother.

It was ultimately up to you, she gave you that choice to return to King’s Landing, but you didn’t need to debate your choice, staying with her was the right choice. Even if it means going against Aemond.

He won’t come with Vhagar and demand your return though, of that you’re sure; they’d never let him even if he wanted to, so that’s not what worries you now. It’s your mother debating some kind of terms for peace. Sure no one wants her to see dragons go to war and destroy what comes in their path, but they stole her throne, they didn’t say the King passed, she needs to retaliate in some way to display her power.

You agree with Daemon on that much.

——

*SOMETIME LATER*

“You’re meant to be a sailor are you not?” You tease Ser Jason. “Well Polaris is…” you trail off and turn on your heels to point at the North Star, follow it and Winterfell eventually crosses your path. “There. The shiniest star.”

Ser Jason follows what you point to and mumbles. “I knew that.”

You scoff lightheartedly and shrug smugly. “It’s easy to mistake it for the Brave Man’s torching star.”

Ser Jason picks up his head, and you feel his gaze fall on you as you come to a stop in front of the shore. “Who taught you?” He asks.

“My father,” you share with a smile as you watch the sky. “I couldn’t be a sailor like him, but my dragon isn’t all knowing, so he taught us how to read the stars himself.” You blink and meet his gaze. “What’s your favorite place you’ve sailed to?”

Ser Jason exhales deeply and loses his gaze on the calm waters. “Home. No matter where I went, no place felt like home until I returned to Westeros.”

You hum softly and can’t help your intrigued smile. “You spent so much time wanting to leave that…”

“I didn’t know what I had until I left,” he finishes for you. “Yes.”

You drop your gaze to the ground and feel your smile falter. “I felt that way for a while, when I was sent to Winterfell, but then I met someone there who helped me. When I returned to King’s Landing, the feeling was always in the back of my head. Now,” you feign a laugh. “I’m afraid I’m right back where I started….wishing for more out of everything I already have.”

“Then leave,” Ser Jason says bluntly, catching your breath by surprise. No one has ever actually said that to you before, it’s always get over it or be content with what you already have.

“You are not an heir, you’re a simple princess with no burdens,” he adds. “As I see it you can leave, you're just afraid. Fear is our worst enemy.”

You part your lips but nothing comes out but a small breath. You just stare at him in disbelief, he saw right through you, more than anyone ever has.

“I mean I'm only talking by experience,” he corrects himself in your silence. “Not that we share the same experience, you’re royalty, I was a commoner, but fear…well I don’t know if you’re scared…” he trails off and clears his throat. “I was only assuming, sorry.”

You avert your gaze and slowly shake your head. “I knew what you meant, Ser,” you mumble. “Maybe I am afraid, but my duties are far more important than my dreams. This upcoming war is too. So all I can do is inhale and shove it all back, and exhale and be content with what I have.” You offer him a feigned smile and continue slowly heading back inside the castle with him now right beside you instead of behind you.

“I respect that too,” he admits.

You look over at him and offer him a genuine soft smile. Ser Jason’s gaze lowers, you watch his eyes fall to your lips before he meets your gaze and mirrors the soft gesture.

You shouldn’t have but you lingered there for a moment until a gentle breeze hit you and snapped you out of your stupor. Yet just as you were heading towards the castle a little prince comes storming out of the cave.

“Y/N, again!” Jacaerys scolds you. “This is the third time mother has sent me to come fetch you.”

You roll your eyes and skip over to hook your arm around his and lead him to the castle. “Relax, brother, I was just walking and catching some air.”

“In the skies,” he spats. “You were flying on Astraea all morning. Mother told you to keep out of the skies. Have you even gone to see Lord Corlys? He’s here you know.”

You nod. “I know, but he was asleep. I was waiting until he woke up to visit him.”

“Well,” Jacaerys scolds. “Now you have to wait until after the meeting. Mother is expecting you.”

You sigh. “I know, I know, I’m sorry.”

“You said you wanted to be a part of this,” Jacaerys continues to use that stern voice on you. “Well be a part of it.”

When you enter that hall though you’re consumed by the chaos you just wanted a small escape from. Everyone is talking over one another, pacing around the table and shouting ideas.

It doesn’t come to a stop until Ser Erryk cuts them all off with a booming announcement. “The Lord of the Tides, Lord Corlys Velaryon…”

You lift your gaze and notice the named man on top of the stairs with a cane and a bandage around his neck. It’s an odd sight seeing such a man wounded, but it’s the reality of war. He’s lucky he even lived.

“…and his wife, the Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.”

You clasp your hands in front of you and begin to roll the orange pearl in your hand once again as you watch him, your grandmother, and your cousins trailing behind them walk down the stairs so formally.

“My lords,” your grandfather greets the men around the table when he’s down the stairs.

“Lord Corlys,” your mother greets the Lord. “It brings much relief to see you hale and healthy again.”

“I’m very sorry about your father, Princess,” he says, “he was a good man.” He then turns and faces the painted table to look around at all the faces gathered around. “Where is Daemon?” He asks.

“There were other concerns which demanded the Prince’s attention,” your mother responds.

Your grandfather simply hums and passes your mother without as much as bowing, or addressing her as her proper title; Queen. He just walks past her as if she’s another one of the men.

“Your declared allies?” He points out to the few golden markers.

Your mother nods and approaches the table once more. “Yes.”

“Too few to win a war for the throne.

Your mother spares him a quick glance before countering. “Well, we would also hope to have the support of houses Arryn, Baratheon, and Stark.”

“Hope…” your grandfather cuts in. “Is the fools ally.”

You stop fiddling with the pearl and lock eyes with your mother before she returns her gaze to Lord Corlys and hardens it. “Both Arryn and Baratheon share blood with my house. But all of them swore oaths to me.”

“As did House Hightower,” your grandfather points out. “If I remember.”

“As did you, Lord Corlys,” your mother redirects with some spite that makes you proud.

Said man stays quiet for a moment, he looks back at you, your brothers standing by you, and your cousins standing by their betrothed for a brief second before focusing back on your mother.

“Your fathers realm…” your grandfather interjects loudly. “Was one of justice and honor. Our houses are bound by common blood and common cause. This Hightower treason cannot stand.” He makes clear as he proceeds to fix his stance. “You have the full support of our fleet and house. Your Grace.”

Finally.

You can’t help but share a small, faint smile at the sound of his words. Knowing the man he is, and how it’s rumored his son died, you didn’t think he’d bend the knee to your mother, but he did. Thank the gods.

“You honor me Lord Corlys,” your mother thanks him with a much softer look. “Princess Rhaenys.” She says behind her. “But,” she once again addresses the crowd. “As I said to my bannermen. “I made a promise to my father to hold the realm strong and united. If war is first, stroke is to fall, it will not be by my hand.”

“You do not mean to act?” Your grandfather questions.

“Taking caution,” your mother clarifies. “Does mot mean standing fast. I wish to know who my allies are before I send them to war.”

Your proud smile for your mother widens at the sound of her determination.

“The consequence of my…near demsie in the Stepstones…is that we now control them,” your grandfather announces, “I took care to fully garrison the territory this time. A total blockade of the shipping lanes will be in place in days, if not already. The tiarchy has been routed. The Narrow Sea is ours. If we…further seal the Gullet,” your grandfather points to the areas on the map. “We can cut off all seaborne travel and trade to King’s Landing.”

“I shall take Meleys and patrol the Gullet myself.” Your grandmother volunteers herself, seeming to surprise your mother that she did not need to command her, that it was out of her free will.

“When we drain the Narrow Sea,” Lord Bartimos interjects. “We can surround King’s Landing. Lay siege to the Red Keep and force the Greens surrender.”

It’s easier said then done isn’t it? Aemond has the biggest dragon who has seen and been a part of war. Aegon, you must admit, has a good bond with Sunfyre, and Daeron…well you don’t know him well, but his dragon can be as impressive. You’ll have to deal with them first.

“If we are to have enough swords to surround King’s Landing,” your mother inputs. “We must secure the support of Winterfell, the Eyrie, and Storm’s End.”

“I’ll prepare the ravens, Your Grace,” the maester assures her, albeit you aren’t convinced by that or sitting at home.

“No,” you interject loudly, “we should bare those messages. In my five years at Winterfell, I grew to befriend Lord Stark, and know Winterfell well, I’m sure I can speak to him and gain his support. Besides, dragons can fly faster than ravens and they’re more convincing. Send us.”

Sure you said that you needed to leave Cregan alone, but this is war, he is a loyal man but if it’s sides he needs to choose, he might sway easier to yours if you speak to him.

“The Princess is right,” your grandfather supports your suggestion, surprisingly enough. “Your Grace.”

Your mother holds your gaze and her eyes soften. She lingers in silence as she watches you before she gives her answer. “Very well. Prince Jacaerys and Princess Y/N will fly North….”

You and your brother share a brief proud look before focusing back. Sure you meant to go to Cregan by yourself, but Jacaerys might help calm your temptations.

“First to the Eyrie to see my mothers cousin, the Lady Jeyne Arryn,” your mother adds. “And then to Winterfell to treat Lord Cregan Stark for the support of the North. Prince Lucerys will fly south to Storm’s End and treat Lord Borros Baratheon. We must remind these Lords of the oaths they swore. And,” your mother exhales. “The cost of breaking them.”

You smirk proudly and nod in agreement.

——

*LATER*

“We’ll just go on a small trip,” you tell baby Aerion. “Your uncle Jacaerys, you and me.”

Aerion breathes out loudly and his blue eyes seem to search the room with a sad frown. He’s been…upset it seems today, he’s been crying more than usual, and squirming around in your arms. It frightened you at first but it then hit you, he misses Aemond.

This the longest he’s gone without being with him, and Aerion loves his father. He must be so confused as to why he hasn’t seen him, felt his warmth or smelled his scent.

But as much as you want to cure your son's longing, he needs to wait a bit longer.

“We’ll see your father soon,” you assure Aerion. “I swear. After we return from Winterfell.”

Aerion simply blinks, making you smile at him.

“Y/N?” You hear your mother call from the entrance.

You turn around and face her with a smile. “Mother,” you greet. “I’m sorry I just came to pick up Aerion.”

Your mother blinks in confusion. “Pick up? Why ever so?”

You swallow thickly and sigh. “If the Greens find out I left him here all alone, I’m sure someone will come and take him. I can’t risk that.”

Your mother nods and then breaks away from the entrance to reach you and grab your hand. “My sweet, leave Aerion here, we will protect him. You won’t take long but with the way things are it’s too dangerous for him to accompany you.” She cups your cheek and caresses it gently.

“Nothing will happen to that child,” another voice cuts in, pulling both yours and your mothers gaze back to the entrance. That’s when you see Daemon with his face covered in smoke, and his hair all messy. “Rest easy princess, we will watch over the little prince.”

You don’t like him, but you do know of his reputation, he’s fierce and he’s been…loyal to your mother, out of everyone here there’s no else you’d trust more with the protection of Aerion.

Yet you still meet your mothers gaze to press for her reassurance.

“We swear it,” she comforts you softly.

You let out a deep breath and nod slowly before you look down at Aerion with sadness. “I’ll return to you my boy. Soon. I promise.” You lean down and press a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Aerion reaches out to grab your face, so you let him touch your cheeks.

You giggle and then can’t help but snuggle him against you. “Oh, I love you. I’ll see you soon.” Before you decide not to leave or sob you place him back in his cradle and walk out with a heavy heart.

For however long you’ll be gone is the longest you’ll be without Aerion since he was born. When he was first born even being apart from him for just a couple minutes pained you, and now? You’ll be gone for days, you’ll probably die.

Yet the promise of seeing Cregan does excite you even if it shouldn’t. Even after the promise you made yourself. How will he react when he sees you?

It hasn’t been long since you stopped writing to him, he probably hasn’t grown concerned as to why he hasn’t gotten a response from you, but will he know of your attempts?

You did write back with short sentences last time in attempts to stop yourself from talking to him, so will he know? Will he be upset?

Hopefully not.

Alas, before you could attempt leaving Dragonstone to be one mile closer to Cregan, your mother asked to speak to your brothers and you first before your departure.

“It’s been said that as Targaryens, we are closer to gods than to men,” your mother says. “The Iron Throne puts us a touch closer, perhaps. But, if we are to serve the Seven Kingdoms…we must answer to their gods. If you take this errand, you go as messengers…not as warriors.” She shakes her head. “You must take no part in any fighting. Swear it to me now, under the eyes of the Seven.”

Ser Eryyk brings forth the holy book of the Seven, and Lucerys has no hesitation to respect your mothers wishes. “I swear it,” he assures her.

Jacaerys and you hesitate albeit.

Only you don’t hesitate because of any objections to her demands, it’s just why those gods?

You don’t have faith in the New Gods, but if it’s what she wants.

“I swear,” you assure your mother after Lucerys, leaving Jacaerys.He hesitates for a moment longer, but he then leans in and presses his hand on the book.

“I swear it.”

The book is then pulled away, letting your mother continue with the matter at hand. “Cregan Stark is,” she says, making your breath falter. “Closer to your age than to mine. I would hope, that as men you can find some common interest. And well, as friends,” she shifts her attention to you. “You’d find no trouble.” She finishes and hands Jacaerys the messages.

“Yes, your Grace,” you assure her confidently.

Her attention than slowly drifts to Lucerys and her gaze softens at the obviously worried look on your little brothers face.

“Storm’s End is a short flight from here,” she assures him softly. “You have Baratheon blood from your grandmother Rhaenys. And…Lord Borros is an eternally proud man. He’ll be honored to host a Prince of the Realm and his dragon.” She hands Lucerys the scroll and holds onto his hand a bit longer. “I expect you will receive a very warm welcome.”

Lucerys nods. “Yes mother—y-your Grace.”

You share a teasing smile with Jacaerys at the sound of your brother's stammer. When he returns to your side albeit you caress his shoulder to assure his concerns.

“Go to it then,” your mother orders softly.

You offer her one last smile before you head to where your dragons await for all of you. However, before you can climb on Astraea’s back, you also assure Lucerys.

“You’ll be back before us, so see you after we return, hm?”

Lucerys glances at Jacaerys and then at you and nods softly.

You shoot him a grin and pat his shoulder.

“You be careful too,” he redirects.

You scoff softly and walk back to Astraea. “Always, baby brother,” you counter sweetly.

Now when you turn to face your dragon you can’t help but fill with excitement to see Cregan again. You shouldn’t, but you can’t help it.

A/N- Ser Jason does not have his fathers rizz

Tagged- @namelesslosers @stargaryenx @chainsawsangel @lauftivy @winxschester @cloudroomblog @llarue @padsdarlg @sofietargaryen @gracielikegrapes @dreaming-of-the-reality @itzelpeyton

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tinykuroshitsujipics · 2 months

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#Kuroshitsuji #black butler #grelle sutcliff #grelle sutcliffe #chapter 8

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ramonag-if · 4 months

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Chapter 8 Release Dates

I hope everyone is having a lovely Christmas Eve 🎄 Testing is quickly drawing to a close in Chapter 8, so I wanted to let you know the release dates in advance.

25 December 2023: Patrons of Cyre Tier and up;

28 December 2023: Patrons of the Nomad Tier;

1 January 2024: Public Release.

Please note that Chapter 8 will be the last chapter update for the public demo. Further chapters will be released only to my Patrons and the full game will be for sale on Steam and itch.io when it is completed.

If you would like to support me, consider joining my Patreon for early access to chapters, sneak peeks of scenes and upcoming chapters, bonus side stories and the ocassional smutty side story as voted for by Patrons.

I hope you have a wonderful and joyous holiday and if you're a Scrooge like me, I hope you get to stuff your dislike of Christmas with lots of good food instead 😄

#crown of exile #update schedule #chapter 8 #december 2023

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manga-meow · 5 months

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#My Happy Marriage #chapter 8 #flowers #shoujo #manga #manga cap #my edits #monochrome #mangacap #manga panel #popular

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steddieas-shegoes · 1 year

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Chapter 8

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7

or read on ao3 here: Call Me Sunshine, Send Me To Space

-------------------

As much as Steve didn’t want to leave Eddie’s lap, he knew they both needed to eat and they needed to talk before going any further.

Steve thought about the food he’d left at his apartment, and shot a quick text to Robin to let her know he would be staying with Eddie tonight. That he was doing better, but they had a lot to talk about so it didn’t happen again.

She responded while he was busy throwing together some sandwiches: a thumbs up emoji and a picture of her eating his burger.

He rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help but smile. He was relieved that she understood his feelings, and he knew her worry was reasonable, especially since he had a lot of the same concerns.

“Need any help, sunshine?”

Eddie came into the kitchen with the blanket wrapped around him.

Steve could tell he still wasn’t 100%, proof being the fact that he was shivering under the blanket, a smile not quite reaching his eyes the way Steve loved.

Oh, did he love it, him.

He placed a sandwich in Eddie’s hand, kissing him on the cheek quickly before pulling away to finish his own.

“Eat. You probably didn’t have lunch, did you?”

“No.”

“So, eat.”

Eddie listened.

Steve ate his sandwich in silence, sneaking glances at Eddie once in a while to make sure he ate it all and wasn’t dropping again.

He looked tired.

Steve took in his puffy, red eyes, the slump to his shoulders, the shake of his hands as he brought the sandwich up to take a bite.

He’d dropped hard.

Steve needed to make sure that never happened again. They both did.

“So you’ve dropped before?”

Damn Steve, that’s not how you ask that question. Maybe let the man finish his sandwich first.

But Eddie smiled patiently at him, just like he always did when Steve’s mouth worked faster than his brain.

“Yeah. Do you wanna hear about them?”

“I think I need to.”

Eddie moved closer, shoving the last bite of his sandwich into his face so he could open his arms and wrap the blanket around both of them.

Steve giggled and kissed Eddie’s jaw.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. But I can tell you’re curious so I’ll tell you.” Eddie sighed. “The first time was when I was brand new to everything. My boyfriend at the time was interested in it, so I researched it, thought I knew what I was doing. He had me slap his face a few times while he was tied up. He had to safeword out. I dropped immediately. Neither of us were prepared properly. Chrissy just about murdered us both.”

“How bad was that drop?”

“Kind of like this one. But it was worse in a way because neither of us knew what to do. I was stuck in the drop for almost a day before he called Chrissy.”

“Is Chrissy…into this?”

Eddie smirked down at Steve and kissed his nose.

“Yeah. She’s a dom. Somewhat professionally, actually. Starbucks is her side hustle. I keep telling her she could go full time with this, but she’s worried about not having a backup.”

And that kind of blew Steve’s mind. Chrissy did not seem like the type. Then again, Steve wasn’t sure he seemed like the type to fall to his knees if Eddie asked, hands behind his back, but here he was.

Now he was thinking about that instead of their very serious conversation. Shit. Focus.

As if he could tell what Steve was thinking, and at this point maybe he could, Eddie smirked at him and nudged his nose against Steve’s, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

“Stay focused, sweet thing.”

Well, that made it harder and Steve was pretty sure Eddie knew that.

“The other time?”

Eddie’s smile dropped and he bit his lip nervously, suddenly avoiding eye contact with Steve.

“It was my own fault. I went into a scene with someone I’d only slept with once, we weren’t even dating. He insisted he would be fine as long as we used a safeword, and said he had no hard limits except for body fluids, so I went along with it. Turns out he really liked getting smacked around. He asked me to choke him and I did, I mean it’s one of the things I like to do usually so I figured why not. He didn’t tell me that he was a severe asthmatic, which is something you should definitely disclose before you get involved with any type of breathplay by the way, and on the third go he blacked out. He woke up within a few seconds, but the thing that was worse was that I was the one who safeworded out after that. He wanted to keep going and didn’t understand why I didn’t want to. He left and I dropped because I wasn’t able to really do any type of aftercare for either of us and he wouldn’t answer my texts or calls. That one was pretty bad, but Chrissy helped.”

Steve’s heart broke.

Someone had taken advantage of Eddie’s willingness to provide whatever they wanted, and still pushed him after he reached his limit, then abandoned him when he needed them. He couldn’t imagine doing something like that to him.

“I’m sorry that happened, baby,” Steve said as he leaned his head against Eddie’s shoulder, letting his lips rest against the side of his neck. “And I’m sorry it happened with me. How can I make sure it doesn’t happen again?”

Eddie kissed his temple before answering.

“The main thing for me is aftercare. Even when the scene goes perfectly, I need that cool down to take care of you, which helps take care of me. We haven’t done anything that intense yet, but I think everything we do will be intense. That’s why we need to set our boundaries early.”

Steve nodded against his shoulder. It made sense; A part of Steve was nervous though.

He didn’t know what his boundaries were. He didn’t even know what his options were.

“I can hear you thinking, sunshine. Talk to me,” Eddie said as he gently tugged on Steve’s hair to get him to look at him.

“I just don’t know what I like, I guess. I don’t know what I don’t like. I don’t even know what to try.”

He probably should feel more ashamed that he’d gone this far in his life without even knowing he could go to subspace.

But this was about more than his own feelings about himself. This was to protect Eddie, himself, and whatever type of relationship they were going to have.

“You don’t have to know everything, sunshine. We’re gonna take things slow. Even if you knew exactly what you liked, we would take things slow. I’ve learned my lesson not to rush into this stuff. You’re too important to me to mess this up.”

Steve knew he was blushing, was pretty much always blushing around Eddie at this point, but he refused to look away from him.

“I liked what we’ve done so far. I know I like you taking care of me. I like being able to do what you ask me to do.”

“I like all of that, too. Do you wanna hear more of what I like? Maybe that will help you figure out what you like.”

Steve was curious, but he was also worried. What if he didn’t like what Eddie liked? What if he didn’t like anything and Eddie got bored and found someone else to do everything with?

“Stevie. Look at me.”

Steve did.

“You don’t have to like everything I like. It would be nice to share some things, but not everything is for everyone. I’m not gonna just abandon you because of you not liking some stuff.”

Steve didn’t know how he did that, the mind reading thing, but it was getting a little creepy.

“What do you like?”

“Other than what we’ve already talked about and done, I like giving pain in small doses. Spanking, slapping, bruises, biting, that’s all good when it’s only a little at a time. I like overstimulation which can be painful for subs and if you’ve never done that before, that’s something we would have to work up to. Setting rules and punishment when they aren’t followed. Cockwarming comes in handy for that. Mild, and I mean mild, degradation. The occasional slut or whore, nothing else, and only when it fits the scene. I like using blindfolds and ropes sometimes, but not a lot. Anything that’s taking care of you like handfeeding, massages, washing your hair. All of that stuff makes me feel good, like I’m providing you what you need, and like I’m keeping you safe.”

Steve didn’t even know where to begin.

He wasn’t even entirely sure what cockwarming was, though he could guess, and if he was right, he wanted to do that as soon as possible.

Eddie was watching him, waiting for a reaction of some kind.

Steve was still processing it all.

His stomach swooped when he started to think about Eddie punishing him, tying him up, leaving him in bed while he did whatever else he needed to do, leaving Steve to think about what he did wrong and beg for any touch, for forgiveness, for Eddie.

Jesus, that sounded good.

It must have shown on his face how good it sounded, because Eddie was leaning in to whisper in his ear.

“Hear something you like, sweet thing?”

“Mhm. I think so.”

But to Steve’s dismay, Eddie pulled away, though he was smiling his real smile at him.

“We can’t do anything tonight, sunshine. I’m sorry. But I’d like to know what sounded good to you,” Eddie said with a too-satisfied smile.

He knew what he was doing. Steve fucking loved it.

“Uhhhh…all of it? I mean the slapping might end up being a no. And like I don’t -” Steve took a deep breath. He could be honest. He could do this. “I don’t think I would wanna be called like, stupid or anything? Like, if you were gonna call me stuff, I just don’t think I could handle that.”

Eddie’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded.

“I would never call you stupid to begin with. I’m not into that kind of degrading. But can I ask why you wouldn’t want that?”

Steve could do this. He could give a little to Eddie. Eddie already proved he wouldn’t run at the first sign of Steve’s problems.

But it was hard to talk about his parents. It was hard to admit that they weren’t good, that they were the root of a lot of his problems, that without the life he led now, he would have been a totally different and broken person.

“My dad used to call me stupid a lot. When I was little, it was always ‘are you fucking stupid?’ if I brought home bad grades. When I got older, it was ‘how can you be so stupid?’ when I didn’t make the choices he wanted me to make. And when I finally cut them out of my life, his response was that I was ‘too fucking stupid to be his son anyways.’ So. I guess that one just hits different.”

Eddie looked like he was going to cry and there was no way in hell Steve would be able to handle it if he did.

He leaned in to kiss Eddie softly, hopefully distracting him from what he just admitted.

He should’ve known Eddie wouldn’t let it go.

He pulled away after only a couple of seconds, cupping Steve’s cheeks in his hands and letting the blanket drop from around them.

“I’m so sorry, Stevie. I’m so fucking sorry.” He shook his head sadly. “You deserved better than that. You aren’t stupid. You’re brilliant. You’re incredible. You make a difference to the people who matter. You mean the world to me. You understand me?”

Steve was not gonna cry. He wasn’t.

But the tears did fall.

“Sweetheart, come here,” Eddie said as he pulled Steve against his chest, hand holding the back of his head as tightly as he could. “You are the furthest thing from stupid. I need you to say it to me.”

Steve couldn’t.

He wanted to. He knew Eddie believed that.

But Steve didn’t believe it.

“Say it to me, sweet thing.”

And because Steve was a good listener and wanted to make Eddie proud, he did.

“‘M not stupid.”

“A little louder.”

“I’m not stupid.”

“Good boy.”

Steve should’ve known that would happen, just like he should’ve been able to hold back the whimper he let out and he should’ve been able to control the tears falling faster down his cheeks.

He should’ve.

But he couldn’t.

And Eddie didn’t make him feel like he had to.

And that’s what it all boiled down to.

“I want to try all of that with you. Can we try?”

Eddie, for once, seemed to lose control of his emotions. Either that, or Steve was hearing things.

He could’ve sworn he heard a tiny choked sound leave Eddie’s mouth before it was on his.

It wasn’t quite as hot and heavy as it had been on the couch, but it still left him breathless as Eddie licked into his mouth.

He let him.

He wanted him everywhere.

He wanted to be so surrounded by Eddie that he couldn’t find where he ended and Eddie began.

He wanted to be able to feel every breath Eddie took and every breath he let out.

And it felt like Eddie wanted the same from Steve.

When Eddie pulled away, he rested his forehead against Steve’s and panted against his mouth.

“We can try anything you want, sunshine. But we’re going slow and you need your own safeword or we’re using the traffic light system.”

“Like red for stop?”

“Yellow for taking a break. Green for good.”

“So if I said you kissing me like that is green…”

Eddie smirked and leaned in to give him another kiss.

“Then you can have as many as you want.”

So Steve took as many as he could get away with until Eddie insisted that they needed to go to bed.

He was exhausted and Steve was starting to feel drained from the day’s events.

It was easy to follow a routine together.

Change into pajamas. Brush teeth next to each other. Take turns washing their faces. Get into bed.

Eddie curled around Steve’s back so perfectly, it felt like they were different phases of the moon, completing a bit more of the final picture together than they ever could alone.

Steve didn’t even remember closing his eyes, but he remembered the way it felt to have Eddie’s lips against his ear telling him he was perfect.

————————————

If Steve could have stayed in bed all day with Eddie, he would’ve.

But he had to work and Eddie had a couple appointments, and he knew he needed to get home to Robin.

“You should come to my place tonight.”

Eddie looked at him over his cup of coffee, if it can even be called that at this point with how much cream and sugar he put in it, with a smirk.

“Oh I should?”

“Yeah, you should,” Steve smirked at him. “I want to have you in my bed for a change.”

“And you want Robin to see I’m not fucking crazy.”

“That’s a bonus, yeah.”

If Robin could just see them together, have Eddie around for a bit to understand that he was amazing, maybe she would be a bit less hesitant. Their talk had helped a lot, he could tell, but he knew it was still out of character for him. He needed to show her why.

And it would help him come to terms with the fact that he was head over heels in love with a man he just met.

Hopefully.

“I should be done with my last appointment by 7 if you want me to come straight there?”

“Please.”

Eddie walked over and kissed him once on the lips.

“Text your address and I’ll be there.”

Steve did. Eddie was.

————————————

It was fun having Eddie and Robin together.

Steve was nervous about it until they both just stared at each other, looked at Steve, then back at each other with matching grins.

“Nice to put a face to the guy who convinced Steve to abandon his abandonment issues.”

“Hey!” Steve yelled.

“Nice to put a face to the best friend who thought I wanted to murder him.”

“Hey!” Steve yelled again.

But they were both laughing and Steve loved having them both laughing. The two most important people in his life were already getting along.

It was too soon to know for sure, but it seemed like Robin was giving him a look of approval.

Eddie brought dinner, subs from his favorite deli, so they all sat at the table to eat.

“We aren’t usually this formal, so you must be incredibly special to our Steve,” Robin teased.

Steve blushed, looking down at his lap.

“Our refurbished table from a street corner isn’t exactly formal, Robs,” Steve muttered.

Eddie rested his hand on Steve’s knee, squeezing to get his attention back at the table.

“Certainly more formal than the bar in my kitchen. This is nice, though.”

He was right. It was nice.

The whole dinner was nice; Robin and Eddie talking about everything from being nerds in high school to growing up queer in small towns to their jobs.

Steve listened and watched mostly, occasionally providing some stories from college that Robin refused to admit were true. If Steve’s thoughts seemed to wander, Eddie’s hand would squeeze his thigh and bring him back.

When Steve was little, he pictured a life like this.

Maybe then it was his hand on a woman’s knee, and maybe he was living in a house instead of an apartment, but maybe it wasn’t the people or the things. Maybe it was this feeling.

This feeling that he was alive.

That he was being loved.

That’s all he’s ever wanted.

He thought he could survive with just Robin. She loved him, he loved her. Neither of them would ever be without the other, even if Robin managed to find someone to marry.

But now that he had Eddie, there was no way he could go without.

Hopefully he’d never have to.

————————————

Robin was acting weird after dinner.

Suspicious, even.

Steve pulled her into the kitchen to ask about it while Eddie went to the bathroom.

“Why are you being weird? Dinner was good, wasn’t it? You like Eddie?”

“That’s so many questions, Steve.”

“Answer them.”

“I’m not being weird. Dinner was good. I like Eddie a lot.”

“You are being weird! Like you’re hiding something.”

And now she looked even more like she was hiding something. She wouldn’t make eye contact and she kept trying to find something to do with her hands, which she only did when she was nervous.

“Robin. Please.”

She sighed, but she gave in.

“I’ve slept with Chrissy.”

Of all the fucking things he expected her to possibly say, that wasn’t even close to being one of them.

“You what?”

Maybe he misheard her. He hoped he misheard her.

“Steve.” She stomped her foot and whined. “Don’t make me say it again.”

“No. You have to because I thought you said you slept with Chrissy.”

“Yeah because I did!”

This wasn’t good. He couldn’t place why exactly at the moment, but he knew it was bad and Eddie couldn’t find out.

But then if Chrissy was a good friend of his like he’d said she was, she’d probably tell him.

Oh god.

“When?”

“When we started training together at work! It was a long time ago. She uh…helped me with some stuff. You know.”

Steve did know and he sure wish he didn’t.

He heard Eddie walking back towards them from the bathroom and did his best to not look like he was panicking.

He failed.

Eddie took one look at his face and rushed to him, quickly running his hands down his face and neck to figure out what could be wrong.

“What is it? Are you hurt? What happened?”

“Eds, I’m fine.”

“No you’re not.”

“He’s worried that you’ll find out I slept with Chrissy. But it was so long ago! I barely even see her at work anymore so I don’t even remember it happened most of the time!”

Eddie glanced at Robin, then looked back at Steve.

Then it seemed to hit him.

“Wait. You’re theRobin?”

“Uh.”

“Oh my god. Chrissy was fuckin’ obsessed with you. She was ready to propose to you after one time.”

Robin had never blushed like this.

Steve didn’t even know Robin was into sex.

She was so touch-averse, she didn’t even like dancing with people at the club usually. As far as Steve knew, she was actually a virgin and planned to keep it that way.

“Wait, really?”

Eddie nodded, still watching Steve.

“Yeah. She told me she’d never been with someone who responded so well.”

“Okay! Well! Thank you for that!”

Robin was backing out of the room and Steve was sort of endeared that someone managed to get Robin out of her shell.

“So anyway! Chrissy invited me over so…”

“Oh my god.”

Steve facepalmed as Eddie cackled.

“Will you be back tonight?” Steve asked through his fingers, kind of hoping she’d say no, but also not wanting to think about what it meant if she said no.

Eddie’s thumb was brushing across the skin of his hip bone. How did it get under his shirt? When did it get under his shirt?

“No, you guys have the apartment to yourselves. Keep it in your room, I’m begging you.”

Steve was both relieved and suddenly very stressed that Robin and Chrissy would end up in a messy situation that would leave Steve and Eddie in a messy situation.

But Eddie’s thumb on his hip was keeping him centered, grounded.

“Robin? Be careful with Chrissy. She acts tough, but she’s pretty sensitive when it comes to people she cares about.”

Steve could see Robin tense, but he decided not to comment on it. He’d let her work it out herself. She was letting him do the same, after all.

“I will,” she finally responded to Eddie.

Steve ignored the backpack she already had packed and ready to go, choosing to give her a smile as she left to let her know he supported her. She’d see his nerves right through it, but he tried.

————————————

“Have you thought any more about a safeword?”

Steve was laying back with his head against Eddie’s chest on the couch, watching a movie.

Well, a movie was on. Steve was too busy playing with Eddie’s fingers to notice anything happening in it.

They were just so nice.

“Sunshine?”

Oh, right. He asked a question.

“I think I like the colors. I’m worried I’ll forget the word.”

He felt Eddie nod against the top of his head.

“We can do that. But if you change your mind, tell me.”

Steve hummed in acknowledgement, but it was comforting to not have to say anything.

Eddie let him play with his fingers silently, running his fingers over the rings he wore, tracing along the sides up into his hand where a tattoo covered the back of it.

He laced his fingers with Eddie’s, pulling his hand up to kiss the back of it and letting his lips rest there longer than necessary.

He couldn’t help it, he loved Eddie’s hands.

He left small kisses along each finger, one at a time, taking his time to appreciate how beautiful every part of Eddie was.

“You can suck on them, sweet thing,” Eddie said softly against his ear.

Steve wasn’t even aware that’s what he wanted to do until Eddie mentioned it, but yet again, he knew exactly what he needed before he even knew himself.

He slowly wrapped his lips around the tip of Eddie’s index finger, just letting it rest there until he was sure Eddie was okay with it.

“The whole thing, sunshine.”

Steve sucked his whole finger into his mouth. He couldn’t help the moan he let out at the way Eddie crooked his finger just slightly, pushing down on his tongue and making him open his mouth wider.

“Good boy. Want another?”

Steve nodded.

Of course he wanted more. He always wanted more of Eddie, whatever Eddie would give him whenever he could get it.

Eddie slipped a second finger into his mouth as he moved down to kiss Steve’s neck.

“That’s it, sweetheart. Get them nice and wet for me,” Eddie said against his skin, sucking a bruise in a place that probably couldn’t be hidden and Steve couldn’t care less.

If he could see proof that he’d had Eddie around him, on him, in him, then he would be able to get through any time spent away from him.

He could feel his heart slowing down, his mind emptying of any thoughts that weren’t Eddie, his body going completely slack against the couch and the man behind him.

Steve had never done this before, but he treated it like he would any blowjob. No teeth, change up the rhythm, keep it wet but not too wet.

It was easy to get lost in it, easy to lose himself.

He groaned when he felt Eddie add a third finger.

Eddie was pushing in and out now, Steve’s mouth gone mostly slack at the feeling of Eddie taking control.

It was everything he needed, everything he wanted, and still not enough.

“More,” he tried to say around Eddie’s fingers. It didn’t sound like a word to him, but Eddie must have understood what he was trying to say because suddenly he was pushing his fingers as far back into Steve’s mouth as he could go.

Steve gagged at first, more from the surprise than anything. Eddie moaned behind him.

“So good for me. Taking everything I give you like you were made to, sweet thing,” Eddie said as he brought his other hand to the front of Steve’s jeans.

Steve was hard and he could feel that Eddie was too. Whatever they were going to do next, Steve hoped it would end with both of them making a mess.

A mess he wanted to clean up.

Eddie was unbuttoning his jeans, pulling the zipper down, trying to push them down with one hand while Steve continued to lick and suck his fingers. He helped a bit by lifting his hips, surprised when he pulled his boxers down with his pants.

“You want them all the way off?”

Steve shook his head. He didn’t want to stop sucking on Eddie’s fingers or get up. He didn’t want to stop this until he had no choice.

He heard Eddie chuckle against his neck.

“Gonna need my fingers for this, sunshine.”

Steve shook his head, sucking them in further so Eddie couldn’t pull them away.

“C’mon now, be a good boy. I have plans for you.”

Steve was drifting, he could tell. He knew they were barely even doing anything, he knew it was ridiculous to already feel so far from his body, but he leaned into it. If Eddie was going to be able to bring him to the edge like this every time, he wanted to enjoy it every time.

He trusted that Eddie would always keep him from falling too fast or too hard.

But the words Eddie spoke excited him. His plans would be something new, Steve could just tell.

“Wanna hear what I’m gonna do to you?”

Steve shivered. Eddie’s voice had shifted into something new, something that left Steve anticipating every move he made with a mix of nerves and excitement.

“I’m gonna use these fingers,” Eddie wiggled the fingers in Steve’s mouth as he spoke, causing him to moan again. “To touch you. I’m gonna run them up and down your cock until you don’t think you can take any more, and then you will. Wanna know why?”

“Mhm,” Steve managed to get out around his fingers.

“Because you’re gonna be my good boy and not come until I tell you to.”

If Steve wasn’t still somewhat in control of his body, he probably would have finished right then, no touching needed.

Eddie’s voice, his words, his fingers now moving in and out of Steve’s mouth on their own, all made Steve feel like he was ready to fly away. He whimpered around his fingers as they left his mouth.

Eddie took his time, which was maddening, but probably a good thing since Steve was so close to the edge already.

“Color?”

“Green.”

“Good boy. Gonna check in a lot, but you need to tell me if that changes.”

“Yes, sir.”

Oh.

Oh shit.

What the fuck?

He was no longer on the edge of anything but panic, his body rigid and his heart rate rapidly rising as he thought about the repercussions of what he just said.

He knew some doms were into that, probably a lot of them, even. But he had no idea if Eddie was. They hadn’t talked about it. He didn’t even think they had to. He didn’t know he was even okay with it, let alone into it.

But his cock was dripping. He could feel it.

Despite his panic, he was harder than ever.

And so was Eddie.

“Is that what you wanna call me when we’re doing this, sunshine?”

Eddie’s voice was back to soft and calm, probably sensing his panic just from the way his breath had hitched and hadn’t quite gone back to normal yet.

Did he want that? Was this just a one off? An accident?

Maybe so. Or maybe the fact that he was picturing other circumstances where he was calling Eddie sir and enjoying it meant it was more than that.

He nodded, feeling his face flush hot.

“You’re perfect, sweet thing. So perfect.”

Steve felt his body relax one muscle at a time, his head falling back against Eddie’s shoulder.

Eddie’s left hand drifted, finding the bottom of Steve’s shirt and rucking it up so it wouldn’t get too messy. His fingers found his happy trail, gently running his nails down to below his waistline.

Steve’s breath hitched.

Eddie let out a low laugh.

“Awfully impatient aren’t you? Am I not giving you what you need?”

Steve knew he could say no. But then Eddie might not give him what he needs at all. That’s the type of game they were playing, and that’s not what Steve wanted, not today.

He’d been picturing this too often for the amount of time he knew Eddie, and he wasn’t about to ruin it by being impatient.

Eddie would give him what he needed if he was patient.

He could do that.

“Want your fingers,” Steve mumbled, unsure of how much he could get away with begging for before Eddie pulled away.

Maybe he wouldn’t pull away at all.

Maybe he liked when Steve begged.

“You have my fingers already, sweetheart.”

And technically, yeah, he did.

He had Eddie’s fingers tracing patterns along his stomach, his waistline, his hip.

But they weren’t the fingers he had in his mouth a minute ago. They weren’t on his cock. They were purposely avoiding it actually.

Steve whined.

“Use your words, sweet thing. I can’t know what you want if you don’t tell me.”

That was a fucking lie; Eddie knew exactly what he wanted and was doing this on purpose.

“Touch me.”

“I am touching you. Is there somewhere else you want me to touch you?”

Steve couldn’t focus on the words he needed to say.

They were right there, he was ready to say them, but his tongue felt heavy in his mouth. The air in his lungs was being used for keeping him alive only at this point.

“You want me to guess?”

Steve nodded furiously. Yes, if he guessed, he’d get there.

He’d be able to feel Eddie’s fingers, maybe his whole hand, around his cock.

“Maybe you want them on your thighs?”

Eddie’s fingers ghosted over his thighs. Steve’s thighs had always been sensitive, but no one really touched him there, no one had ever kissed him there, and he wasn’t sure how much he could take before it became enough to get him off.

“That feel good, sweet thing?”

“Mhm.”

Steve’s vision was getting blurry around the edges. If he were standing, or recently concussed, he’d probably be worried.

But he recognized what this was, and he welcomed it. He wanted to let himself float away in Eddie’s arms.

“But that isn’t what you want, is it?”

“No, sir.”

“I didn’t think so,” Eddie said as his fingers trailed back up to his chest, grazing over a nipple.

Steve’s nipples were sensitive, too.

No one had bothered to learn that about him before.

He let out a high-pitched moan, bucking his hips up into the empty air at the feeling of Eddie’s thumb rubbing circles around his nipple.

“You could come from just this, couldn’t you?”

Steve didn’t know. He would love to find out someday. Today was not that day though.

“Dunno.”

“We’ll give it a shot soon, how ‘bout that?”

“Please.”

Steve’s head was fuzzy. He didn’t know where to focus his thoughts or his vision. His eyes were getting heavy, not like he was tired, more like he couldn’t put the energy into focusing on anything.

So he didn’t.

He let his eyes close and let Eddie do what he wanted.

“That’s it, sunshine. Let me take care of you. You’re so good for me.”

Steve felt his cock jump at the praise, but couldn’t be bothered to open his eyes or say anything in response. He was too content.

Eddie’s fingers fluttered back down to his waist, but the fingers that were in his mouth before were tracing his lips, silently asking for entrance back inside.

Steve let him in, moaning at the taste, at the way Eddie pushed down hard enough to make his jaw ache.

He sucked on them, letting his tongue get between them to wet them more.

Much too soon but somehow not soon enough, Eddie withdrew his fingers. Without any warning, he brushed them along the sides of Steve’s hard length, barely putting any pressure into the touch.

That didn’t matter though.

Steve bucked his hips up, unable to contain the shock of pleasure at the touch.

But the fingers were gone again, and Steve didn’t know what he did wrong. He needed Eddie’s fingers on him.

“Please, please touch me,” Steve whimpered pitifully.

“You have to stay still or I won’t. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

He was slurring his words like he’d drunk an entire bottle of vodka, but Eddie understood him. He thought maybe Eddie would understand him even if he couldn’t speak at all.

“Good boy. You stay still for me just like that. Color?”

“Green.”

Steve did stay still. He tried, at least.

He fought every urge to buck up when Eddie’s entire hand wrapped around him, the wet fingers and precum mixing together to make an easy glide as his hand worked up and down slowly.

He was moving so slowly, taking his time feeling every inch of Steve, every vein. Noticing every spot that made Steve sigh or moan, every spot that made his cock weep more precum than he thought possible.

And Steve let him. He didn’t protest. He stayed still like he was asked to, like a good boy.

That’s all he wanted to be. He wanted to be Eddie’s good boy.

Eddie was moving faster, his hand making obscene wet noises every time he collected more precum from his leaking tip.

Steve let himself move just a little. Just enough to add some resistance to Eddie’s movements, causing friction in a way he desperately needed.

Eddie’s hand froze.

Fuck, he wasn’t supposed to notice.

Then his fingers were squeezing the base of his cock, emphasizing Eddie’s point about not being allowed to finish if he couldn’t sit still.

“Mmm…please more,” Steve wasn’t even sure what he was saying at this point, he just knew he had to ask. He couldn’t let this be prolonged much longer, he’d go crazy.

“So close aren’t you, sweet thing?”

“Mhm. Close,” Steve was never this good at holding back.

He was decent in bed, he knew that. He always made sure the other person finished first, always gave more than he got, never asked for more.

But that was before he knew he could feel like this, before he knew someone would give him everything without having to ask.

“You wanna cum for me? Make us messy?”

Steve nodded, unable to make any noise that wasn’t a moan or whine.

“Turn around. Wanna see how beautiful you look.”

Steve could barely move. His whole body felt numb in the best way, except where Eddie’s hands were touching. Those parts were on fire, sending heat to all of his limbs.

“Help?”

He could ask for help, Eddie would let him. Eddie wouldn’t think he was stupid for asking. He wanted him to ask for things. That’s what he’d said earlier.

Eddie gripped his waist and lifted him so Eddie could switch spots.

Steve was lying back on the couch now, looking up at Eddie with wonder in his eyes.

He was so strong, so capable, so much more than Steve could’ve imagined. He bit his own hand when he realized he’d almost said the thought he shouldn’t have been having yet.

I love you.

He thought it for the next minute on a loop as Eddie unbuttoned his own jeans and slid them down enough to get his own cock out.

Then he was everywhere.

He was above him, but he was also next to him as his hair fell along the sides of their faces.

His hand was around both of their cocks, Eddie’s hand barely able to fit around them both, but making sure Steve had the most contact.

“Want you to look at me, sweetheart. Need to see your sunshine,” Eddie groaned as his hands worked them both furiously.

His knuckles kept brushing against Steve’s stomach, his breath was hot against Steve’s lips despite the few inches of space between them.

They were both breathing as heavy as each other, both too far gone to care.

“Do it. Cum for me.”

Eddie didn’t even need to finish his sentence before Steve’s release was hitting his stomach and shirt. He could feel Eddie’s release hitting his stomach too, and they both groaned.

Eddie’s lips were on his before he could even catch his breath, his teeth biting at his lips and tongue.

“Can’t get enough of you, sunshine,” he said against Steve’s lips, drawing in a sharp breath when Steve whined against him.

“Want you always,” Steve said back, barely even awake enough to realize what he was saying.

He didn’t know if he was drifting so far he couldn’t hear Eddie’s response or if Eddie just didn’t give one, but the next thing he knew, a warm washcloth was wiping his stomach, his shirt bunched up under his chin.

“Eds,” Steve muttered, voice raspy from all of the moaning and whining he’d just done.

He’d be embarrassed about it if he thought Eddie didn’t like it, but he knew he did.

“Right here, sweetheart. Doing okay?”

“Mhm, want you.”

Eddie let out a laugh.

“You just had me.”

“Want you here.”

Steve scooted against the back of the couch, turning on his side to make room for Eddie, who seemed to give in rather quickly and joined him.

Steve immediately rolled half of himself onto Eddie, a heavy sigh let out when he could feel and hear his heartbeat under him.

Eddie’s arms wrapped around his back, pulling him against him as tight as he possibly could.

“Did so good for me. Did you like it?”

“Loved it.”

Steve was exhausted and still couldn’t quite focus on the conversation, but Eddie seemed to realize that.

He kissed the top of his head.

“Robin’s gonna kill us.”

“Hm?”

“She said to keep it in your room.”

“Don’t care.”

Eddie laughed quietly, the movement jostling Steve a little.

“Sleep?”

“You can sleep, sunshine.”

“You too?”

“I will. Just rest, Stevie.”

“Mkay.” Steve settled further into Eddie. “Love you.”

He was asleep before he could think about what he said or hear what Eddie said back.

Chapter 9

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#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #robin buckley #chrissy cunningham #platonic stobin #buckingham #tattoo artist eddie munson #guidance counselor steve harrington #soft dom eddie munson #sub steve harrington #call me sunshine send me to space #chapter 8 #ao3fic

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spyxfamilysmol · 11 months

Text

#spy x family #sxf #sxf smol #donovan desmond #damian desmond #loid forger #anya forger #chapter 8

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kodared · 1 year

Text

☆ Welcome home Neighbor~! ☆

----------

Human Reader x Welcome Home!

Wally never came.

Word Count: 4,475 Out of 24,900

----------

Howdy smiled at you from the Kitchen as he watched you practically inhale the cupcake as you sat on your cot. He still found it odd how you ate, but he made no comment about it. He was just happy to see you in a better mood.

He remembered how anxious you were to be here, not to mention the night terrors that seemed to be plaguing your mind. He turned to walk upstairs to his Office, planning on placing a few orders before he went to sleep.

He didn't like seeing you sleep on the thin cot every night, he saw how practically sobbed in comfort when he set you to rest on his yesterday night.

…He would have to put in a special request to have another bed installed,

After eating the cupcake Poppy made for you, you've come to the realization that you need to bake with her before you leave to get her recipes.

You watched as Howdy walked to his Office, getting up to set the plate in the dishwasher. You decided to go to sleep early tonight, you needed all the rest you could get after today.

You made yourself comfortable in your cot, curling yourself under the big green blanket Howdy gave you to sleep with. The warm light coming from the lamp in the corner practically lulls you to sleep as your eyes drooped.

You were thankful for everything everyone has done for you. If you weren't so worried about your family at home, you may have even considered staying.

…But the idea of being forced to be happy was not exactly something you wanted.

—-----------

Sleeping was not something that came easy to you, even when you were home.

Often times you would have to take melatonin or some other generic brand of sleeping medication, but alas Howdys store contained none. You've looked.

So here you were, tossing and turning as the Green blanket tangled around your legs. Howdy had long since reserved himself to his room to sleep, you had almost fallen asleep too before being awoken by a strange dream.

Visions of the warehouse pranced across your vision as you recalled your dream. Red wires hung from the old and battered rafters of the Studio as they swung with intent to grasp you.

The painful burning from your ankles kicked up as you opened your eyes, not remembering when you shut them to begin with.

You don't remember hurting your ankle, but you learned your lesson from yesterday, you weren't going to the bathroom to check in the middle of the night.

With a heavy sigh, you pressed your palms into your eyes, trying to will yourself to sleep. You were desperate for it to be morning already.

Howdys old clock had also stopped working sometime last night, the room was eerily silent now that it lacked the ticking and chiming from it.

You thought about knocking on Howdys door to join him and sleep in his room, but you didn't want to disturb him again. You weren't a child who needed comfort, you were older than 12, and you could sleep alone.

You pulled your pillow out from under your head, instead using it to curl against it as if it was a prized plush. The pillow gave you comfort in the darkroom as you closed your eyes again, trying desperately to forget the dream.

——————

Howdy was the first to wake, he yawned as he sat up in his bed, the springs squeaking making him wince. He didn't want to wake you if you were still asleep, so he carefully climbed out of the bed, making his way out of his bedroom.

The sight he saw as he clicked on the lamp as quietly as he could made him smile.

You had at some point in the night curled against the pillow he had given you instead of using it for your head. Your hair was an absolute mess and the blanket that was once covering you was kicked off.

Howdy moved as quietly as possible to move and pull the blanket back over you, with great care he did so. You grumbled something in your sleep before pulling it over your shoulders, with a stifled laugh he decided to let you sleep in.

Howdy walked upstairs into his Office, mulling over his thoughts as he got ready for the day. He knew he had to get you home, but a small part of him wished you could stay.

He knew you had a family at home, he reminded himself of this every day.

… But, a small part of him wondered, if you were really happy with your life at home, would you have wound up here?

—---------------

You rolled on your back as you wiped the sleep from your eyes. The lamp in the corner was on signaling that Howdy was already up, and more than likely running the shop.

Kicking the blanket off and standing, you walked to the kitchen that was connected to the living room you slept in currently, your eyes catching sight of a note.

You picked up the small note and it read,

‘Y/N, I've left some extra cupcakes in the fridge, feel free to eat some for breakfast!

I'll be in the shop, - Howdy :)’

You couldn't help but smile at the heartfelt note Howdy left you before setting it down and searching the fridge for the delicious pastry.

Howdy reminded you of your dad in more ways than one, as you ate the cupcake you planned for the day ahead.

Hopefully, Wally will have talked to Frank so you could talk to him today, you needed to find a way home. As comforting as Howdy and the others where you didn't belong here.

Especially if Home was going to attempt to wipe your memories.

Washing your hands in the sink, you made your way to pick out an outfit for the day, mulling over the dwindling options given to you by Sally.

…One new clothing item caught your eye, however, an item that was not there before.

Picking it up carefully, you noticed it looked to be a hand-sewn striped shirt, one similar to what Howdy wore every day.

While you may not remember receiving it, there was no doubt in your mind Howdy had influenced Sally to make it for you. You picked it up and began walking to the bathroom, eager to see how it looked on you.

As you got dressed in the bathroom, you decided to investigate the pain that was overtaking your ankle, the sight made you breathless.

There were two thin scratches wrapped around both ankles. The bleeding seemed to have stopped, but no doubt the injuries looked irritated.

With a heavy wince, you washed the wounds with soap in the sink and continued to get dressed.

After getting dressed and tidying yourself up for the day, your hand still found itself smoothing over a few tangles that had developed in the night. You would definitely need to go by Wallys to grab your own hairbrush.

Thinking about the spa day, you were reminded of how confused Julie and Eddie must have been at your outburst. Granted, you don't know if Julie saw or not, but you know you did leave her alone with Home.

You shook your head as you opened the bathroom door and walked out into Howdys shop. You saw Howdy chatting with Eddie as he held various boxes.

Eddie was the first to see you, waving his hand enthusiastically as you smiled and walked towards the two.

“Y/N! Good to see ya’ up Dragonfly”

Howdy walked over to you and used one of his spare hands to smooth down the back of your hair that had stubbornly stuck up. Howdy had a fond smile on his face before moving to put the boxes away.

Eddie was quick to speak up in Howdys absence, his face holding worry as he spoke,

“Hey Y/N! You feelin’ better than yesterday?”

You remembered how Eddie had basically seen the whole thing, your face flushing in embarrassment,

“Haha, yeah, sorry if I gave you a scare Eddie!”

Eddie smiled as he shuffled through his Mailbag, speaking as he sifted around in the comically large bag.

“Don't worry about it! I gotta say, I've never’ seen anyone run faster than me in a long time!”

You laughed at Eddie's joke, you had heard around Town how Eddie never stopped running, you personally had even witnessed it when he was delivering to Barnabys yesterday.

“Anywho, Home wanted me to deliver this letter!”

…What.

Your shock must have been evident on your face because Eddie smiled and continued speaking.

“Sometimes Wally writes for Home so they can talk to their Neighbors! Cute huh?”

…Cute was not the word you would use to describe that.

Not wanting to be rude, you took the Letter from Eddie, and sure enough it was Signed in Crayon and addressed to you.

“…Thanks Eddie, I'll read it tonight.”

You gave Eddie a smile before stuffing the letter in your pocket, surprised it fit without much restraint.

… Didn't you have something in your pocket before?

Eddie gasped in shock as he checked his Watch,

“Sorry to cut our Conversation short! I'm runnin’ late to Ms.Poppy’s! Till next time Y/N, Bye Howdy!”

You watched as Eddie practically shot out of Howdys shop, tripping once or twice on the way out. The poor guy could really use a break it seemed.

“Ah wait..! Eddie, you forgot your..!”

Howdy quickly walked back into the Shop from the Office, stopping his sentence short as he saw Eddie had already left.

“..Coffee, that boy never stops running….”

You couldn't help but giggle at Howdy's sigh and the way he deflated at Eddie not taking his Coffee. Howdy set the extra mug on the counter before idly cleaning the counter.

You walked up to Howdy, hoping to tell him your plans for the day before you head out.

Howdy looked up from the counter as you approached with a fond smile.

“I see you found the new shirt Sally made ya’!”

Howdy placed the rag he was using to clean the counter down, opting to fold his lower hands on the counter as he chatted with you.

“…What do ya think of it by the way? Does it fit alright?”

You smiled at Howdy as you noticed his light embarrassment, he definitely requested Sally to make it for you.

“It fits like a glove Howd’s! I'm about to head off to Franks soon, so I might run by Sally’s to tell her how much I like it!”

Howdy gave you a closed eye smile before speaking,

“I'm sure she would appreciate that!”

“Well I better be off to Franks, don't wanna keep him waiting! See ya Howdy! I'll be back before Dinner..!”

As you walked out the doors of Howdys shop, Howdy couldn't help but notice your slight limp as you left.

———————-

The walk to Franks was short, and you couldn't help but walk faster than normal at the sight of Home.

You walked up to knock on Frank's door, and as you did you could hear multiple things inside clatter to the ground, before finally hearing footsteps approaching the door.

Once the door opened you saw a very disheveled Frank, who looked shocked to see you.

“…Hello. I was not expecting you.”

Ah.. it seems you forgot to even ask Wally if he had talked to Frank. Oh well,

“Sorry! I completely forgot Wally was supposed to ask if you wanted to talk with us..!”

The familiar feeling of anxiety bubbled up in your chest as Frank watched you desperately come up with excuses before he held a hand up.

“It's quite Alright. I don't mind the Company, However, if you want Wally to be included as well we should get him.”

A feeling of dread overtook your system as you made the connection of where he could be.

“…is there any chance he's not with Home right now..?”

Frank thought for a minute, tapping his foot in thought.

“It is About a 95% chance he is with Home.”

…great.

Taking a deep breath you braced yourself to turn and walk to Home by yourself, but to your shock Frank followed you, shutting his door behind him.

“…You have Anxiety. I'll come with you,”

It seemed Frank could read you like an open book, you felt relieved to have his company though. You would much rather walk with Frank than walk alone.

You and Frank approached Home, with you hiding slightly behind Frank. Home squeaked its shutters in hello to the both of you before Frank spoke,

“Hello Home, Could we speak to Wally?”

Home didn't respond for a minute as they stared at you, your hairs standing on end before Wally stepped out. His outfit was tidy and his hair was perfectly styled. Seemed he was doing a lot better than yesterday too,

“y/n! frank! good to see you both,”

Wally folded his hands behind his back as he walked out, his pleasant smile still across his face.

“Good to see you too Wally,”

You stepped in front of Frank to speak to him, feeling a chill go down your spine now that you were in clear view of Home.

“Are you ready to go have our chat with Frank that we talked about yesterday..?”

You danced around the subject of the talk, knowing Home could most definitely hear you. Wally looked confused, his hand going to tap at his forehead as he thought,

“hmm, well i sure am sorry y/n! i must have forgotten!”

Your blood ran cold as Wally confessed he had forgotten. Looking behind him you saw Homes eyes look at you as they squeaked the door.

“sorry neighbors! i simply must continue my painting with home!”

Wally pivoted on his foot and walked smoothly into his Home, you turned to look at Frank in confusion, he looked equally perplexed.

As Wally raised his hand to wave, you could see faint stitching on the inside of his cardigan. Before you could stop Wally the door shut behind him, leaving you and Frank alone with Home.

You stared into the deep pools that were Homes eyes. Your blood that once ran cold felt warmer, you felt a sense of comfort coming from Home…

…Why were you so afraid before?

“... C'mon Y/N, ill talk to Wally later,”

Frank grabbed ahold of your shoulder, giving it a squeeze as you turned to look at him. Regaining your senses you could feel the burning in your ankles sizzling in discomfort.

Frank looked worried before grabbing ahold of your wrist and walking slowly away from Home, he could tell something was wrong, and he was determined to understand what.

—-------------

By the time the both of you returned to Franks, Eddie had returned home for the night, and the poor man practically collapsed onto Frank's living room couch before he was covered by one of Frank's blankets.

Frank smiled fondly at Eddie before pulling the blanket to his shoulders and taking his hat, he pointed down the hall to where you saw a door labeled,

“Franks Studio”

The sign was clearly handmade, with splotches of Paint on the paper and a small butterfly drawn in crayon.

“Go ahead and go to my Studio, I'll meet you in a minute. Make yourself comfortable, Don't touch my bugs.”

You nodded as Frank walked into the kitchen that was connected to the Living room, quickly making your way to the Studio, taking great care to be as quiet as possible so you didn't wake Eddie.

Entering Franks Studio you saw a wide variety of Butterflies on Plaques and various other species of bugs. He also had a wide selection of plants, some hanging from the ceiling as their large leafs cascaded down.

The room was comfortable, he had a desk in the center with two chairs, you sat in the one across from where you assumed he worked and sat idly.

It didn't take long for Frank to return, he was holding a small tray containing a cup of water and what appeared to be tea.

“I don't know if humans like Tea so I got you water.”

You smiled at Frank as he handed you the water, taking it politely.

“Thank you Frank, I appreciate it,”

He sat across from you, the large Leather chair squeaking as he set his tea down before speaking, his hands resting on the desk.

“Don't mention it. Now what did you wish to discuss?”

Your anxiety bubbled into your chest as you realized how crazy you were about to sound. The situation already had your head spinning before you even began talking.

You moved to take a sip of the water Frank had given you, holding the cold glass in your hand as you steady your thoughts.

“...I need to find a way to get Home, and Wally thought you would be the best person to help,”

Frank thought for a moment before he copied your movements, he seemed to be trying to make you more comfortable with speaking.

“Well to do that I need to understand how you got here. What was the last you remember seeing?”

“That's where I'm worried about you freaking out, Just.. look.”

You set down your water as you reached in your jacket, shuffling around for the few papers from when you had first arrived, only to find…

…They were not there anymore.

Panic rose in your chest as you looked through every last pocket but to no avail. The papers from the Warehouse you once held so securely had vanished as if they never existed.

“I.. What... They were right here..!”

Frank looked confused as you still patted down your pockets, the only thing crinkling being the Letter from Home.

“Frank. You have to believe me. I had papers from when I first arrived, and they were these.. These Headlines..!”

You became more panicked as you tried to speak, your breath becoming labored as your nails dug into your palms.

Frank stood from his chair to put a hand on your back, patting you lightly to ground you.

“I believe you. Do you think you misplaced them?”

“No... No Frank you don't understand. Where I'm from you were all puppets, but not sentient, you had a show.”

“...What..?”

“You had a show, it was called Welcome Home, and that Show had a Studio.. Which i broke into, but that's beside the point..!”

You turned to look at Frank, somehow his frown looked worse than usual. His eyebrow rose in interest.

“Howdy! I showed Howdy! We need to go to him..!”

You stood quickly, startling Frank as he rose his hands as he tried to silence your yelling,

“Shh! Eddie is sleeping..!”

You sheepishly blushed as you quickly quieted down, Frank looked relieved to see you stopped yelling.

“Now, We can go to Howdys, We must be back quickly though, It will be night soon and I have a very strict routine.”

You nodded as Frank led the way out of his Studio, motioning for you to follow. You both walked to Howdys with little talking, your nails still dug into your palm as you limped alongside Frank.

You both entered Howdys shop, the chimes on the door clattering alerting the familiar bug that he had a customer as he emerged from his Office.

“Y/N an Frank..! Good to see you both,”

You limped as quickly as you could up to the counter Howdy was currently behind, a look of determination in your eyes as you spoke.

“Howdy, you remember the Headlines I showed you, Right?”

Howdys expression looked pained for a second, and you felt bad for bringing up the memory of the Headlines, but you pressed on anyways.

“..Yes, I remember them Y/N, clear as day..”

Frank looked shocked, it seemed he did not fully believe you to the extent of the headline's importance.

“Could you tell me what they said?”

Frank walked forward to be beside you, his eyes clearly showing interest.

“...Why don't we go to my Office, wouldn't want anyone else hearin’ and givin’ em a fright,”

Howdy held the Office door open for you and Frank, You stood anxiously as Howdy shut the Office door, beginning to speak to you and Frank.

“Now, Whatcha wanna know Frank..?”

Howdy smiled calmly at Frank, his pleasant demeanor never ceasing even when he was stressed himself.

“Well, where were they found? What were you doing before you got the Headlines Y/N?”

You fidgeted as you thought, your hands picking at loose skin that had culminated near your nails.

“I was in the Studio, and no one was there until I heard footsteps, and I panicked and picked them up as I left... But I collapsed and I guess woke up here,”

Frank thought for a moment, moving to speak until Howdy rose his hand and put himself into the conversation.

“I know you’ve mentioned you broke into places before, but what were you doing in the Studio to begin with Y/N..?”

You knew Howdys tone wasn't accusatory, but somewhere in your anxious mind you couldn't help but feel like a child being scolded.

“...My friends dared me to do it... It's not the first time I've broken into a place, but this is definitely the first time I've woken up in a different world,”

Trying to calm yourself you let out an airy chuckle after you spoke, one of your hands moving to do a little jazz-hand motion. It helped you calm down a little, but Howdy and Frank weren't laughing that's for sure,

Looking up at Howdy he seemed upset, his eyebrows furrowed as he frowned slightly, you don't know what you did to upset him but now you were even more anxious.

“Well... That certainly explains some things, What was the last thing you felt before you came here? Any feelings of dread or panic?”

Frank interrupted your thoughts as he moved in front of Howdy, this was suddenly feeling like an interrogation, but you pressed your nails into your palms and kept going.

“I felt eyes. There were so many eyes, and I felt dizzy like my brain was swirling.”

Taking a moment to press your hands into your pockets, you felt the letter Home had sent you. Suddenly another thought passed your mind,

“Oh, Wally told me you all knew of Homes mind washing thing, what's the deal with that?”

You pulled out the letter from Home again idly examining it as you spoke before Frank spoke up with concern laced in his voice,

“It's certainly something we have grown to get used to. However if Home is doing this to you it certainly needs to be looked into. You are not like us Y/N, We don't know the extent of damage it could do to your psyche.”

Howdys head snapped up from the spot on the floor that he was looking at, the anger that was once manifesting inside of him dissipating as he began to speak with concern.

“Is that why you were so frazzled yesterday? What did Home do?”

Howdy stepped in front of Frank as you immediately backpedaled.

“Home didn't do anything..! It was just something I was worried about, that's all,”

You looked at Frank, he seemed to be looking outside the window before turning to both you and Howdy,

“It's getting late. I must be heading home, I'll talk to you later Y/N, Expect me tomorrow for a visit.”

…And there goes your saving grace.

Frank quickly left, Howdy didn't even say goodbye to him with how focused he was on you.

“...Really Howdy im fine, Home didn't do anything yet,”

Howdy left the room, walking into the bathroom before emerging after a few minutes with a small metal box, it had a recognizable Plus sign on the front. Most definitely a first-aid kit.

“You were limping earlier, yknow for someone who Sneaks into a lot of places your sure not good at lyin’ Firefly”

Howdy grabbed ahold of your wrist with his lower hand, gently pulling for you to follow him to the front of the store. He sat you down on his stool behind the counter as he kneeled down across from you.

You laughed internally at the parallels of this to a few days ago when you kicked him,

“Now, What happened..?”

Howdy rolled up your pant leg and as he saw your wound, his hands stuttered to a stop as he gasped, he looked shocked.

“Really Howdy its nothin’, i probably got it from… uh… Well, I don't know where, but Home surely wouldn't have done this... Right..?”

Howdys face was all you needed to see before you understood home most definitely did this.

He took a deep breath, composing himself. Before opening the first-aid kit, pulling out a few pieces of torn cloth.

Your brain screamed panic, only to realize he was wrapping it around your ankle, instead of sewing it.

“...By the way I've been meanin’ to ask, what's the red stuff..?”

Howdy was focusing on wrapping your ankles as you looked down at him, shocked to hear he had no understanding of blood.

You opened the letter Home sent you as you explained it the best you could to him,

“It's kinda like.. Stuffing? I think you guys have stuffing at least, but it's like that but liquid, and it keeps me alive. If I run out of it I die,”

Howdy hummed as he acknowledge what you were saying, the pleasant pressure from the fabric giving you comfort from the pain that was once overtaking your ankle.

The letter Home sent you contained a yellow paper, and as you unfolded it, Howdy stood and looked at your hands, seemed he was interested to see what Home wrote too.

You read the Letter in your head,

‘I hoPe yoURe SetTLInG iN welL! : ) ‘

- HoMe

….Hmm okay, well that totally wasn't creepy!

From the botched spelling to the crayon swirls that overtook the paper, your brain screamed discomfort. Seemed Home was trying to get on your good side, for whatever reason.

You folded the paper back and shoved it into your pocket. Making a mental note to yourself to throw it out later.

“Ill go ahead and get dinner started, Try to be careful on your ankles!”

Howdy ruffled your hair before he turned to walk downstairs to the kitchen, you made yourself comfortable at the counter once again.

Since Howdy was gone you threw the letter away in the trashcan under the counter. And as you stood to flip Howdys sign to “Closed”.

You swore you could see swirls in the clouds outside.

-------------

Hope you all Enjoyed! ʕง•ᴥ•ʔง

As always here's my Ao3 for anyone who would like it!

Had lots of fun writing this one!!

#howdy pillar #welcome home #wally darling #welcome home neighbor #howdy pillar x reader #frank frankly #frank frankly x reader #eddie dear #WHN #chapter 8 #wally darling x reader #home moment #uh oh !!

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