#hope yall have been feasting well since then

[feelo-fick]

[[ ROUGH TRANSCRIBED TRANSLATION OF RECORDED TRANSACTION BETWEEN TWO ENTITIES ]]

"You know, you're a lot smaller than I remember!Did you change something?"

"I believe you're the one changing here."

+ other doodles :D ahem, [[ TRANSLATIONS AND ORIGINAL DIALOGUE INCLUDED ]]

#hi so remember that one wip post #its done! whoopee! #very proud of this actually #it was my first try at good lineart and i think i did good! at least for someone who hasnt done it before #okay actual tags time #prohibited wish #prohibitedwish #prismo the wishmaster #scarab the god auditor #<- hes not so tiny anymore horray #yall really went crazy for one fourth of an unfinished drawing last time #hope yall have been feasting well since then

[kleem-o]

Solace: Levi x Reader

An au where you and Levi were childhood friends, trying to get by in the Underground. Canon au 

Wc: 2.3k

a/n: yoo its been a while lol anw, i really love this guy so here yall go<33 i really want to keep farlan and isabel alive here

The underground, a city whose air, if you can even call it that, is heavy with several stenches. Blood, smoke, dirt, death, and it was no different at a certain building in a little room. The room was dark, the only light illuminating the room was from outside which was covered by worn out curtains. The stench of death was terribly strong, flies, maggots and other insects seemed to gather at the bed on one side of the room, seemingly having a feast while a little boy was starving. A small and thin Levi sat at the corner of the room, mindlessly staring at the corpse of his mother, desensitized. The little boy has been staying in the horrid place since his mother passed, with no one to take care of the boy he starved, his body now resembling that of a skeleton, deprived of life. And that’s when he heard it.

He could hear muffled voices from outside the room that he did not dare to leave. He didn’t know if it was true, if after all these days someone would finally come into the room, into his life, was it alright for him to hope? Before sinking deeper into his thoughts, the door opened, not slowly, and not hurriedly either, it simply opened as if this was just an everyday occurrence, and considering the Underground, it just might be. Levi watched carefully as the man went to see his mother, and for a moment the man just stared at the lifeless woman on the bed. “Ya seem to have lost a lot of weight, Kuchel” the man said, not tearing his gaze away from the terror of the woman’s corpse, not even one second. Lost a little weight? That’s all you had to say? The little boy had a lot he wanted to say but could only muster up two words “She’s dead” The man looked at the boy as if it was his first time noticing him in the room, he looked awful, almost as dead as the woman. “And you? Are you alive?” The little boy remained silent, staring at him. “Woah, gimme a break, you understand me right? What’s your name?” After a few more seconds passed, the little boy finally gave in, still not fully trusting the man in front of him. “Levi… just levi.” Levi watched as the man leaned on the wall, slowly sliding down to sit on the floor.

“I see.. Kuchel, guess you’re right. It’s not even worth telling me your name… I’m Kenny, just Kenny”

The man fed him, clothed him, sheltered him, taught him. And Levi did his best to get all he could from this man, though he was with him, he always felt like Kenny would leave someday, that he shouldn’t get too complacent, he’ll leave too. Though Levi told himself that he didn’t care, a part of him aches when he thinks about it. “Hey brat, I’m gonna go somewhere, won’t return tonight. Help yourself to some food.” Kenny motioned to the counter that had bread, potatoes, and water. Of course he’d eat those, Levi thought, I earned those. All the food at the counter was either robbed by Levi, or bought by Levi using money he stole or earned. If there was something good about Kenny, it's that he was a good teacher. He taught Levi how to survive in the Underground, first he taught him how to hold a knife, how to swing it, and how to swing it at others. Kenny had Levi stay at a house that he said he “found” unoccupied. Levi didn’t question it. As long as he had a roof over his head, Levi was okay. A few moments after Kenny left, Levi decided to leave to go to the town center. Even though it was called the town center it was nothing more than a few stalls for food, clothes, and “medicine.” The people weren’t all that lively as well, most people were keeping to themselves. All that is, except for you.

After beating up a few thugs for trying to rob him, Levi decided to go home. Just as he was about to round the corner to his home, he felt a presence, someone was following him. He quickly turned to a secluded alleyway and sure enough, the person followed him. He got his knife ready and tackled the person to the ground getting ready to fight, Levi stopped when he heard a shrill scream. It was a little girl, well she looked younger, smaller than him. He stared at you with his cold gaze, not letting his shock be seen, but your next words gave his facade away “Hello! Can we live together?!” You gave him a toothy smile, and he saw that you were missing a tooth. You were wiggling and struggling under him, and that’s only when he noticed that he still has you pinned down. He stood up quickly, not bothering to help you up “Get lost. Don’t follow me.” And of course you didn’t listen, you kept following him till you both reached the house, and Levi in turn, did not stop you when you stepped inside his home. “Wooow! You have so many food!! This could last half a year!!” You say in excitement as your little legs rushed to get to the counter. Levi wondered what you meant, the food on the counter could clearly only last a few days at most. That’s when he noticed how thin you were, almost like him back then. He suddenly felt a pang in his heart, feeling guilty about how he tackled you to the ground earlier.

“Stop being noisy, kid.” 

“You’re a kid too!”

“Nuh uh, I’m already 10.”

“Well I’m 9!”

“You’re lying.”

“Am not!!”

You and Levi kept bickering like the little children you were, and for some reason Levi felt happy? He didn’t know why, but this felt so natural, like this is what kids were supposed to do, but he knew better, after all he was in the Underground. 

“uGH!! You’re so anuyin–”

“You mean annoying?”

Levi chuckled as you began stomping your feet in frustration. But just as quickly as you entered his life, you suddenly stopped. Levi didn’t want to admit it but he was a bit worried, just as he was about to speak up you suddenly got closer to him “Hey, what’s your name?” Your doe eyes did something to his heart that he could not explain, he must be sick from breathing the filthy air of the Underground, yeah that’s probably it. Levi looked hesitant though, should he tell you his name? What if someone sent you? What if it was someone he wronged before trying to get back at him? Everything Kenny taught him told him that he should just shoo you, but despite that his mouth opened 

“Levi.”

“Y/N! Nice to meet ya! Can I have some bread?!” You were pointing to the bread with stars in your eyes, and drooling in your mouth. Levi winced and nodded. To his surprise you just took a tiny piece of the bread to eat. “Thank ya! That’s so good!! It doesn’t have the stinky dark spots! Can I eat again tomorrow?!” You started to grab Levi’s hand and swing it while dancing a little silly dance. “Huh?? Aren’t you starving or something? Eat it all.” And for some reason you couldn’t process what Levi said, eat it all? You already did though. Levi took the bread and placed it near your mouth “Eat. You need it. You’re too thin.” After a few more silent moments, you bit the bread again, and slowly started to cry. Levi sighed and used his sleeves to wipe your tears.

You spent the day talking Levi’s ears off while eating bread on a rugged couch, he wondered how you have so much energy despite being so obviously malnourished. “Haha! Anyway Levi, how did you get this house?” Levi wiped a crumb on the corner of your mouth “It was unoccupied.” He stated simply. “Oh. ok! Can I live with you?” you had this innocent smile as if you weren’t aware at all about your surroundings, but Levi knew, he could only imagine what hardships you went through in the underground, he knows it must be hard being a little girl in this ugly place. “Sure. Make sure to clean up though.” Levi watched as you squealed in glee and continued eating. Levi noticed how despite being so talkative, you never really talked about yourself, it was always about him. Whatever, he thought, he shouldn’t get too attached to you too.

The following morning with you, Levi felt like an old man. Last night you followed him into the bathroom when he said he was gonna wash up, this resulted in him kicking you out the room and locking the door, while you just sat idly in front of the bathroom. He also told you to wash up because you were dirty from being tackled to the ground, he gave you some of his clothes to change in. When Levi was gonna head to bed, you followed him of course! After a lot of bickerings he finally let you sleep beside him, occasionally removing your arms from his waist. Although you both fell asleep hugging each other. And now he feels so tired while you keep talking about what the sky would look like. “I think the outside sky is color pink!! It’s my favorite color y’know–” You were cut off by him shoving a potato in your mouth.

Levi opted to stay at home today, not trusting himself if he could protect the two of you outside just yet. But you were still alive weren’t you? Surely you knew how to fight if you were still alive here. But Levi thought he would ask you about yourself some other time. That was until Kenny came back home. He opened the door wide and strided to the couch, lying down and covering his eyes with his arm. “Ugh, what a fucking day..” Levi just looked at Kenny, who seemed to be napping, and didn’t notice when you left his side to go to the unknown scary man. All of a sudden you jumped on the man’s chest and swung a pocket knife, aiming for his neck. Kenny got startled and immediately threw you to the ground, overcoming you with strength, as you hit your head hard on the floor. Levi’s eyes widened as he panicked “oi! Kenny, that's my friend.” You looked at Levi surprised as helped you up. “What the fuck?? You’re bringing some girl home now?? What, your little girlfriend?? She tried to kill me!” Levi went on a protective stance shielding you from Kenny as you stayed confused. “I thought you lived alone??” “I never said that.” A quiet oh left your mouth and that was your introduction to Kenny.

Now Kenny had two brats to take care of, everything he taught Levi, he taught you too. And to his surprise you were a fast learner, even faster than Levi. Just like that, 2 years passed. You both got used to eating together, working together, and sleeping together. Everywhere you went, Levi followed. Some of the old ladies even called Levi your little puppy, which only made you laugh and Levi annoyed. One day however, you weren’t with Levi. He was busy with work, and you didn’t ask what job it was but you wanted to go to town to buy some food. You rarely go out alone now that you have him, but your pride tells you that you’re smarter and stronger than him (not really). Just as you were looking at the stalls, someone grabbed your wrist, trying to pull you to an alleyway, but you were smarter now, better. You quickly used what Kenny had been teaching you, kicking him in the balls, and slashing his face with your knife as he bent down. 

“You little fucking bitch!” He swung at your face, which you easily avoided, but then his other hand pulled out a gun and shot your stomach. You fell down in agony, it has been a while since you felt this type of pain. Training with Levi, he would usually go easy on you, leaving only a few scratches at most, but this was the real deal. You stay still on the ground, your breathing shallow, as your consciousness slowly fades away.

Levi was on his way returning home when he saw a crowd of people gathering at the town center, he would usually carry on but this time something is telling him to go check it out. And that he did. He saw you, on the ground, bleeding, unconscious. His stomach dropped as his eyes widened, all he saw was red as he took the man hovering above you, slashing his knife at his chest and repeatedly stomping on his head. All he wanted was to kill that man. The crowd that gathered watched in horror as the 12 year old boy beat the man to death, his face barely recognizable as the boy kept punching, kicking, and stabbing him. He stopped when the man no longer responded to anything he did, he quickly got by your side crying, he carried you to patch you up in the safety of your home, ignoring the whispers and cheers of the crowd, but not the way Kenny walked away. He had a feeling that Kenny would not return.

Days have passed since then, Levi took care of your wound and nursed you back to health, something that Kenny had also taught the both of you. Levi knew that Kenny leaving must have affected you, but you chose not to show it, and he chose to keep quiet. At night as you both sleep Levi could feel you hugging his waist tight, as if you were scared that he’d leave too. But Levi has no intention of leaving you, in fact he was scared that you would leave him. Little did the both of you know, in this cruel world an invisible string had tied you to each other. As Levi closed his eyes, hugging you closer, he promised you that he would protect you. You were his salvation, his joy, his solace.

a/n: i want to continue this and save a lot of characters 😭 also should i start ao3

#levi x reader #levi x you #levi x y/n #levi ackerman #levi #levi aot #aot #snk #attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #kenny ackerman #x reader #childhood friends #levi ackerman x reader #levi drabble #aot fluff #levi snk #levi fluff

[assassinschaoticcreed]

Ok but what would you rank the boys in terms of alcohol tolerance (including Shay, Basim and Bayek if you know them well enough)

so Bayek is the only one out of those 3 that I don't know enough to rank. if I'm being honest I couldn't get into origins or odyssey. I keep telling myself I'm going to force myself into playing them but life has been busy. (Unity) & Syndicate was the last (what I consider) AC game. but since the whole Desmond thing the franchise has gone downhill. I'm waiting, hoping for Elijah to show up in the plot line soon 😭

the boys:

so obviously the ones who can hold their liquor the most is Edward, Arno & Jacob.

I'm gonna put Desmond & Ezio in the middle

then Altaïr & Connor as the light weights.

Basim (Mirage) when the game starts out hes like 17 or 18 and seemed very focused on the hidden ones and what they do, trying to impress them etc. I don't see him doing much drinking hence another light weight. plus from there on out when his training starts he's busy with all of that, and by the time his training is over he's straight into the main mission of finding the grandmasters. so i would put him with Altaïr & Connor.

Basim(Valhalla) since he's in his 30's (if I recall correctly) in this game I'd say he's had more down time as he's gotten older i know hytham is his pupil i honestly dont remember if and how many others there were and i dont even remember if hes a mentor or not at that point. i was too focused on the main storyline that Basim was not even part of my thought process until he was in the main missions. PLUS when you're living amongst the Raven Clan and knowing about their feasts and drinking competitions, I'd say he's on the higher end, just a little more than Desmond & Ezio.

Shay I'd put Shay in the middle with Desmond & Ezio. he just seems like the type of guy that can hold his liquor, but drink socially. but he also doesn't like to drink alone, he'd prefer to drink with friends/allies.

I say Altaïr & Connor as light weights since they take their roles so serious, like both of them have been focused on training growing up and they don't really converse with people either. they don't seem like the drinking type honestly. Altaïr was born and raised in the brotherhood while Connor started training when he was a teenager I think, he looked at like 16 or 17 to me tbh. but then again he has a large frame so he could have been younger.

idk if yall ever forgot when playing Unity when Arno was drunk, I would forget not to use Eagle Vision and about blinded myself while using it. I also felt bad for Arno, rip Arnos eyes and splitting skull.

#ac #assassins creed #ezio auditore #ezio auditore da firenze #desmond miles #ac desmond #arno dorian #arno victor dorian #altair ibn la'ahad #connor kenway #ratonhnhaké:ton #edward kenway #jacob frye #shay cormac #basim ibn ishaq #ac basim

[raspberryfingers]

A Lion in the Garden -Tywin Lannister x Reader- (Part 9)

Tywin & reader on their way to have fantastic dialogue with a Stark sibling😁🫶

Ok yeah so this chapter is for plot development outside of Tywin and reader because I simply did not want to kill Robb Stark off (and also because it would cause a lot of political complications for Tywin and reader later on, trust me I’ve laid in bed straining my brain over it for way too many nights)

So basically, Tywin isn’t in this chapter but YALL SHOULD STILL READ cuz 1. It’s shorter than usual, but 2. Because there’s some mentions of Tywin sprinkled in that definitely make me giggle to myself

Either way hopefully the dialogue in this chapter is good enough to make up for the lack of Tywin🫶

—————

To my great relief, the wedding feast and everything afterwards had gone smoothly. Of course, Loras had cried in my arms the next morning, but explained that he’d been able to get through it. It seemed that both he and Sansa were a bit nervous and awkward, but everything had been fine.

For Sansa Stark, things were more than fine now. The three of us, accompanied by Ser Elias and a few other guards, were only a few miles away from Robb Stark’s camp.

“Lady (Y/N)… what if- what if I can’t convince him?” Sansa asked nervously, riding beside Loras and I.

“Then nothing. We’re here to make our best effort, and if it doesn’t work then at least we tried,” I explained, knowing she was afraid. Success would’ve been an expectation had she been with Cersei and Joffrey.

“Are you excited to see your brother, Sansa?” Loras asked with a smile. Her face lit up, and yet still there was a hesitance. She must’ve felt that letting herself be happy prematurely would let her down.

“I- I am. It’s been more than a year since I’ve seen any of my family. Well, not that you two aren’t family, you are now, but-“

I laughed softly at how eager to please Sansa was.

“I know, sweet girl. It’s different, you don’t have to pretend. You’ve been stuck in Kings Landing since your father died, I can’t imagine. After that, I’d be quite happy to see my family too,” I told her, to which she nodded.

“And Sansa, if all goes well and your brother agrees to our plan, you and Loras will go back to Winterfell with him,” I revealed, watching her eyebrows raise in utter surprise.

“Truly?”

“Yes, my dear, truly.”

She merely smiled and looked over at Loras, who smiled at her in return.

“Lady (Y/N), up ahead,” Ser Elias alerted. Our group halted, and over the hill we could see the extent of Robb Stark’s army.

Gods, it was smaller than I’d ever imagined.

I turned around and motioned for the guards with us to raise the Tyrell flag higher, then clicked and spurred my horse.

As we rode into the camp, we were instantly stopped.

“Ay, who are you lot?” One soldier questioned. I merely smiled.

“My name is (Y/N) Tyrell, and that is my brother Loras Tyrell. Please inform Robb Stark that we have his sister Sansa with us, and that we wish to negotiate peace,” I announced, watching his and a few other jaws drop in utter shock. It did not take long for him to run, nor did it take long for Robb Stark to arrive.

My group had dismounted, and we watched Robb arrive on his horse, going as fast as one could within such a crowded space. Right behind him was his mother.

When they set eyes on Sansa, and Sansa set eyes on them, they ran to each other.

“Sansa!”

“Robb, mother!”

The group embraced, tears falling and smiles emerging. I watched the scene warmly and hoped that this family would get to stay together. But, at the end of it, politics were politics.

Robb pulled back first, clearly curious as to why his sister had been brought back to him for—as far as he was concerned—no reason at all.

“Lady (Y/N) Tyrell, I presume,” he said as he approached me. I nodded and reached out my hand, giving him a firm shake.

“And my brother, Ser Loras,” I said, introducing the two. Robb shook his hand as well, and then looked back at me.

“Though I want to thank you for bringing my sister back, at least for now, I’m certain there’s a motive behind it,” he said frankly, voice even and calm.

“There is, though not a malicious one. I was hoping we might all talk in your tent, Lord Stark. You can take our weapons and search us first if you wish,” I offered, to which he nodded and looked over at two of his own guards.

Loras and I handed over everything we had, and then walked behind Lord Stark as he guided us to his tent. Sansa and Lady Stark followed as well, clearly talking and grateful to be together again.

Inside Robb Stark’s tent, he motioned for the guards to leave, and offered us seats.

“Thank you, my lord. Consider bringing in Sansa, she is part of this discussion as well,” I mentioned, watching as he stopped one of the guards and passed the message along.

“My men said you were here to discuss peace, is that true?” He asked, pouring two glasses of wine.

“It is, though I fear you’re not going to like it, simply due to pride more than anything,” I reasoned, to which he sighed and sat down.

Sansa joined us in the tent, and awkwardly took a seat next to Loras.

“And what is it that you propose?” He asked, hands coming together in front of his face with his arms propped up on the arms of his chair.

“I propose that you take your men and march back to Winterfell, along with your sister and my brother. If you do this, the Tyrells and the Lannisters will stand down and let this damned war call itself done,” I said, watching his eyebrows raise as he pondered what I’d offered.

“Essentially, you’re asking me to abandon my cause for no reason,” he said plainly, and I could tell the idea annoyed him.

“Not for no reason. You get to take your sister home,” I told him, crossing my legs and leaning back in my chair.

“My sister’s already with me, why would I care about your terms when I could easily have the two of you murdered right here and right now, before you could even think about taking her back?” He questioned.

“Oh Robb please don’t. They’re not like the Lannisters, Lady (Y/N) is a good woman, and Ser Loras is unbelievably kind,” Sansa pleaded, seemingly worried for the man she’d recently married.

“I won’t, Sansa, don’t worry about it. I’m simply wondering why their offer matters when it’s a possibility,” he told her, looking over at Loras and I as he said it.

“Because- because I’ve already agreed to their terms,” Sansa said softly. Robb instantly turned his gaze back to her, somewhat shocked.

“What?”

“Robb- your numbers- your numbers are low and even if you had me now, the Lannisters would crush you eventually. And when they did, you’d all die and I’d just be taken back to King's Landing anyways. And so, I’ve agreed to go to Highgarden should you deny Lady (Y/N),” she said softly, eyes pleading and hoping that her brother would do the right thing.

Robb only scowled and leaned back in his chair, considering my offer.

“As long as that boy king who took my fathers head is on the throne, I will never stop fighting. Especially because you still have Arya,” he said bitterly.

“No they don’t, Robb. Arya hasn’t been seen since father died. She escaped, and the Lannisters have been lying,” Sansa revealed, watching the surprise settle into his face.

We all sat in silence for a moment, broken my own sigh.

“Loras, Sansa, could the two of you please let me talk with Lord Stark on my own?” I requested, watching them nod and rise, quickly leaving the tent with their arms intertwined.

“Quite bold of you, making my sister leave like that,” he said.

“It’s not bold of me, it’s necessary and quite polite. Why make her sit there and suffer through a conversation she’s not involved in? I forced my own brother out too, because he’s of no real political use,” I said honestly, to which Lord Stark gave a soft smile.

“The nightshade of the garden. When I was younger, my brother Jon and I would stay up talking about you. Both of us had heard stories, made bets about who would marry you,” he admitted, laughing softly. I couldn’t help but smile.

“And here we are, you’re happily married with a child on the way, and Jon Snow is a member of the night's watch,” I said, to which he nodded.

“Even then, I’d heard you had quite the sharp tongue. I suppose I’m about to find out, aren’t I?” He reckoned, sipping the wine from his own cup.

“Well, it mostly depends on how much convincing you take. And I will apologize in advance if I appear to be rude, I don’t mean it. I’ve truly got quite a lot of respect for you, Lord Stark, but I fear I can get quite passionate when trying to convince others. I’ve raised my voice at Tywin Lannister quite a few times, too,” I mentioned, watching his eyebrow raise.

“Then you must at least be reasonable, I don’t know how else you’d get away with that,” he joked, making me smile.

“It’s truly a miracle, Lord Stark.”

We stared at each other for a few moments, and he set his cup down.

“Well, we better get on with it. I’m not going to bother explaining why I don’t want to retreat back to Winterfell, you already understand all the implications,” he said, crossing his arms and waiting for my response.

“I do understand, especially because I myself would be hesitant to do so. But the reality of it is, you need to ask yourself why you began to fight this war in the first place,” I began, plotting out what I was going to say right then and there. Of course, I already knew what I specifically had to say, but it was always something that needed to take shape as I spoke.

“I went to war for my father, I wasn’t going to see him put in chains.”

“Of course, and once he was dead, why did you continue? For revenge? Perhaps, but in all honesty, it was for your sisters, wasn’t it? Well, here we are, bringing you Sansa and admitting that Arya hasn’t been seen since Ned Stark was slaughtered.” I forced him to consider that his true motive for being at war was no longer a concern.

“Exactly, he was slaughtered by the Lannisters. If I make peace, that means I’ve allowed that,” he shot back, to which I nodded.

“Of course, I understand the implications. But the truth of it is, he was murdered by Joffrey, nobody else. Your sister pleaded for them to have mercy on Ned, and even Cersei was in favor of that. You had Jaime, after all. It was only Joffrey,” I revealed, knowing that though Cersei could be impractical, she knew what killing Ned Stark would result in.

“Even so, he’s sitting on the iron throne. How can I allow that?”

“You must. Otherwise your army will be destroyed, and so will you and your family. That’s not a threat, merely a fact, and it’s the reason that I’m here,” I explained, casually sipping from my cup.

“You’re here because you’re empathetic? Be realistic, Lady (Y/N).”

“I am being realistic, Lord Stark. If you need further proof, allow me to give it. Only a few weeks before your sister married my brother, Tywin Lannister asked for my advice on something, do you want to know what that was?” I began, setting my cup down and leaning forward to show just how serious I was.

“Lord Tywin had received a letter from Walder Frey, explaining exactly how he planned to marry his daughter to your uncle. He also explained that, with Lord Tywin’s help, he wished to have your mother, wife, and unborn child slaughtered in front of you. And of course, you would not leave with your life either,” I revealed, watching a horrible realization settle inside of him. It had just clicked in his head, and he looked as if he was going to be sick.

“I could have easily encouraged Lord Tywin to take that opportunity, to end the war without a single doubt. It certainly would’ve saved both of our houses quite a bit of money. But I didn’t. I did not want to see an entire family slaughtered that way, nor did I want the entire north to forever distrust our two houses. And so, to save the lives of both you and all those you love, and to hopefully restore at least a fragile peace to the seven kingdoms, I’m here. I’m here, Lord Stark, humbly asking you to do the right thing and go home. This is not guaranteed to work, in fact it takes away the one thing we had to bargain with before. But it’s the right thing to do, and as your fathers son, I hoped you would appreciate that.”

“I do appreciate that, Lady (Y/N). My family means more to me than anything else in this world, and you saved our lives. But how do I know that they’re safe once I’ve gone back to Winterfell? What if Joffrey decides he wants us gone?” He asked, licking his lips anxiously. I could tell he was still shaken by what I’d just revealed.

“Lord Tywin rules, not Joffrey. But either way, I know that Joffrey isn’t going to be king much longer. I’ve been made aware that someone has certain intentions to murder him, and I’ve said nothing. Perhaps that makes me dishonorable, but if I’m honest, removing a sick human like Joffrey from the earth improves the lives of others. To me, that is honor,” I reasoned, again watching his eyes go wide.

“You’ve certainly managed to shock me, Lady (Y/N), and deep down I know you’re right. I fear I’ve ignored counsel one too many times, perhaps if I hadn’t this wouldn’t be necessary. But, here we are. I want to accept your terms, I truly do, but what will my men think? I’ve led them for far too long, let their sons and fathers die in battle. How am I supposed to tell them we’re turning around and going home after all that?” He asked with a sigh, clearly feeling quite defeated. I placed my hands on the table, looking at him with the utmost honesty in my face.

“By being honest with them. They know just as well as you do that funds and men are low, they know the odds are practically zero. They’re not dumb, Lord Stark, but they’ve been holding on for you. Most of those men want to go home to their wives and children, and want to harvest their crops in time for winter. They want to do exactly what you do, and now that your sister is back, perhaps it’s time we let this be. Let the dead bury the dead, Lord Stark. Your father is gone, and soon Joffrey will be too.”

I watched Robb contemplate all that I’d said, looking over at the military table beside us and sighing.

“I want to do it, Lady (Y/N), I truly do, but it’s hard.”

“I know it is. But at the end of the day, consider what’s best for the men serving you if nothing else.”

He nodded and rubbed his forehead.

“You know, the rumors don’t do you justice,” he said randomly.

“Rumors?”

“About you being persuasive. I had not a clue it would be so intense,” he admitted, hand coming to the back of his neck. I smiled.

“I told Lord Tywin this once, that people often mistaken nightshade as an innocent berry. They only realize it’s poisonous once it’s too late.”

“You speak with Tywin Lannister quite a lot, don’t you?”

“I believe he respects me quite a lot. In some ways, I think I keep him from getting too bored,” I said with a grin. Robb simply gave a small laugh.

“Just as my wife does with me.”

—————

“Men!”

Lord Stark had gathered his entire army, and stood before them now to announce what we’d discussed. At least, I hoped he would.

“I stand before you today to announce something important. Some of you might like it, some of you might not, but you’d better hear it from me,” he began, swallowing and watching their faces closely.

“Lady (Y/N) Tyrell, and her brother, Ser Loras Tyrell, have brought back my sister. They did this with the hopes that peace could be negotiated between us. After some discussion, I have agreed to it,” he revealed the reason for his speech, and the crowd immediately began to talk. Someone yelled ‘silence!’ after seeing that Robb wished to keep speaking.

“Like I said, some of you might not like that. I know most of you have lost sons, brothers, and fathers in the war. Well, I have too. And now that my sister is back, with no knowledge of where Arya is, the Stark family is as together as it can be. And for all of you, as my men, I want the same. I want to return you home to your wives and daughters, to let you harvest your crops before the upcoming winter. We’ve all fought long, and we’ve fought well, but there’s no point in getting any more of us killed. Our numbers are too small now, all of you know that just as well as I do. And now, one of the main things we were fighting for is with us. I know many of you want revenge on Joffrey for taking my fathers head. I did too. But you all knew my father, wept with me when he died. He wouldn’t have wanted any more of us to keep dying in an attempt to take Joffrey’s head. You named me King in the North, and you’ve all followed me with the utmost loyalty. I hope that you can appreciate me doing the honorable thing, rather than the prideful thing.”

There was silence for a moment, and then one man yelled ‘King in the North!’ and knelt before Robb. After him, it seemed as if they all fell like dominoes, chanting for the young man they were following. Robb smiled, clearly relieved that his men were not upset with him.

When it was all done, he came up to me.

“I feel I can thank you fully now, Lady (Y/N), for bringing my sister home,” he said, taking my hand between his.

“Of course, Lord Stark. And I’ll thank you for doing your best to restore a fragile peace to the realm. I don’t expect you to trust House Tyrell or House Lannister anytime soon, but I hope you will remember that I try my best to do the honorable thing. I hope that should another threat ever come for Westeros, you’ll join us as part of the seven kingdoms,” I said, smiling at him.

“Perhaps I’ll just say I won’t, it might give me another chance to be convinced by you,” he joked, laughing just as I was.

“Another thing, Lord Stark. Tyrion Lannister promised to return Ice once peace was made. I’ll carry this out and have it returned to your family,” I said, and he nodded.

“Thank you, Lady (Y/N). It’s much appreciated. And please, don’t worry about your brother. He’ll be freezing at first, but we’ve got the best coats and tunics to keep him as warm as possible. Over time, he’ll adjust. And I’m glad to say my sister seems quite happy with him,” he assured me, looking over at Loras and Sansa who were chatting and laughing together.

“It was not a love marriage, but I’m certain they will be great friends, and that is certainly better than most marriages in Westeros,” I remarked with a sigh.

“It certainly is. I certainly wish upon you the happiness that I’ve had in my marriage,” he said genuinely.

“Thank you, Lord Stark,” I replied with a nod, though I truthfully wanted to add ‘perhaps I will if Lord Tywin feels like remarrying anytime soon.’

We gave each other a mutual look of respect, and though I expected him to walk away, Lord Stark pulled me into a hug.

“Thank you so much, Lady (Y/N), for being the bravest person in all three houses and doing something unusual to end the war and bring peace in Westeros,” he whispered.

I merely smiled and hugged him back.

“Of course, Lord Stark. I was tired of all the men making stupid decisions.”

He chuckled at that, and pulled away.

“I’m certain I’ll see you again someday, Lady (Y/N).”

“I hope so, Lord Stark.”

With that, we parted ways. Ser Elias and I were set to go back on our own, and the rest of the guards that had accompanied us would stay with Loras and Sansa.

I cried after saying goodbye to Loras. I knew I’d see him again once Winterfell was completely rebuilt and prosperous again, but it still hurt. At the very least, I reassured myself in knowing that I would get to break the news to Tywin. I couldn’t wait to see his face when he realized I’d successfully talked Robb Stark into peace. I hoped he would pull me into his arms and tell me he was proud. Though I knew he wouldn’t, I wanted him to cup my face in his hands and kiss me.

But, even besides all that, I was proud of myself. I was proud to know that I’d been able to restore a family and at least partially restore the realm. It had not been Tywin, nor Robb, nor anybody else. It had been me.

TAGLIST:

@cheyxfu @lemonscoffee @groovy-lady

@ladysindar @vesta-ro @exo-nova @paola-carter

@prettykinkysoul @nothing2113

@fullmoonshadowwrites

#tywin lannister x reader #tywin x reader #tywin lannister #game of thrones x reader #game of thrones #robb stark #sansa stark #house tyrell #house lannister #a lion in the garden

[thotpuppy]

WIP Wednesday

tumblr hid my notifs so i only got one tag ping but i was tagged by @dear-massacre, @whimsicalmeerkat, and @lavender-lotion (the last of which is the one that actually pinged me lol)

I won't apologize but yall are getting Addabge Dmaddiage again, which FINALLY has a title!!!!

Trsikelion Reign: The Shepherd, the Lamb, and the Wolf

I MAY have shared that last time i talked abt it but idk. I am also YEARNING to do a cover for it even tho i only have 4 chapters written and the arranged marriage wedding hasn't even happened yet lolol oops! anyways! here's the snippet <3

This excerpt is still from chapter two:

The castle walls are abuzz with an infectious energy despite the tumultuous weather outside. The summer has been hot and humid, but the deepest reaches of the stone fortress are nice and cool. Of course, when there is a humid summer, there are plentiful storms. The sky is black as night, sconces lit in every hall to compensate for the poor lighting, and thunder rumbles deep. Stiles thinks, despite the excitement of his staff in preparing a send-off feast in his honor, the sky rather well reflects his mood. He’s angry, of course. Not just at his situation, but at himself for being angry about it. He’s known his entire life, or at least his life since he began to understand what it means to be an omega, that he would be married off to someone as a boon rather than a lover. He even has the advantage of being betrothed to a kingdom that harbors multiple lovers for their monarchs, and he has no doubt that, should it be needed, he can likely find if not true companionship then at least relief.  Nevertheless, he is more than disquieted over his situation.

I hope yall are even a PINCH as excited as i am for this behemoth to be born. i wanna share it so bad so bad so bad but i want to get ti finished first, especially because i might have to take a project hiatus right in the middle for the @sterekcollabang. I AM trying to get as much done as i can now so i MIGHT be able to post it before/during!

no pressure tags!! @wolfspurr @endwersed @just-another-busy-fangirl-writes @sugareey-makes-stuff @geekmom13 @foofsterwolf

#my writing #snippet #i keep forgetting what ive already posted and what i haven't akdgjkajdg

[apopcornkernel]

trick or treat!! 🎃🦇 (btw i loved hearing about the backstory/historical aspects of your fav wip, i’m not even in the hsr fandom but it’s so interesting)

THANK YOU <33333

(i know it's literally november 3 but shhhhh, all soul's was just yesterday it still counts—)

anyways!! the next fic i wanna talk about is... also jingfu 😭😭😭 this is embarrassing

presenting: ✨ jingfu vegas wedding ✨

there was a time i got back into asoiaf and jaime/brienne, and there's this subgenre of jb fics where they get quickly married on the quiet isle for one reason or another! and i just got obsessed with this type of wedding, and then i got to thinking about vegas weddings, and then i imagined jingfu drunk and giggly and happy and my gdocs stood NO chance

what's great about jingfu is, as i hope to never stop reminding my readers, is that they're chinese living in a chinese setting wifh chinese culture. so you can't just throw them into an actual vegas wedding situation—china has its own wedding ceremonies and the luofu must have its own technological advancements in that area too! so long story short i had a lot of fun brainstorming the wedding rituals and how it would mesh with the luofu, how people would even discover a wedding has taken place considering chinese weddings CAN technically be done without witnesses if you're feeling quirky enough (like maybe legally it's not allowed but ive seen cdramas where they do the same thing so like. me 🤝 cdramas; ignoring things for dramatic flair), and generally just trying to write their world vividly enough that it doesn't feel like Vague American Fantasy Spaceship #2432

i do think i kinda succeeded!! and even if i didn't, well, in my head i can clearly visualize it and in the end this is a fic for ME and not for yall, sorry but i come first when it comes to my fanfic :P

also i wrote my thoughts on the au while we were out with paternal relatives eating hotpot, so of course their drunken wedding feast is hotpot. i couldn't resist

It was strange to see the General and Master Diviner drinking, and even stranger to see them drinking like they were racing to their graves.

At least it would be. Extenuating circumstances, Dan Heng art thy name.

i also really like these lines i giggle everytime! because i ship jingfu but i also ship jingheng in the pathetic unrequited pining old man jing yuan kinda way.... its hilarious how down bad jing yuan still is for dan heng/dan feng and so since i needed a catalyst for the drinking i used dan heng hehe

also i researched chinese constellations for this because i needed more drunk activities and i figured i could do one of those "laying on the grass and pointing at the stars" except ofc it's the luofu so that's synthetic grass and false stars and their stars are also different and it would be very weird to mention ursa major or something! so i had to do research </3 i swear the things i do for my craft

i don't know how to end this.... i guess here's another excerpt HAHAHA

Jing Yuan, thanks be to Lan, had left behind some of his formal clothes at her residence, which meant the two of them did not have to sneak all the way back to Exalting Sanctum just to nab the appropriate garments. If they had not been drunk, the journey from the gardens to her quarters would not have taken so long. Unfortunately: they were. Unfortunately: Jing Yuan was enamored with every flower that passed him by, and Fu Xuan was busy counting the number of off-color stones in the cobbled path.

They did still make it there. Eventually.

In one of Fu Xuan’s many closets were the robes they’d worn to Qixi-jie—his a simple but elegant grey trimmed with white, and hers a dainty pink, complete with a round embroidered fan. Fu Xuan took Jing Yuan’s out, shoved it into his arms, and then shoved him out. He staggered out into the hallway, and then turned to blink at her, lost.

Fu Xuan rolled her eyes. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

“Oh,” Jing Yuan said. The light came back into his eyes. “Oh! Yes.”

Stupid, she thought, and closed the door. But apparently she’d said it out loud, because he yelled, muffled, “You’re the one marrying me!”

“I won’t if you don’t shut up!” Fu Xuan yelled back.

Immediate silence.

thank you for the ask again hehehe <3

#ask #hsr #jingfu #jing yuan #fu xuan #poppy speaks

[midoriyaizukustan-inactive]

"i love you," midoriya sighs, content, half of his face buried in the blanket, the other half facing todoroki.

there are bags under midoriya's eyes, most likely due to the hours of his most recent internship. they are even more pronounced than they would be, due to his paler-than-usual face. his hair is touselled both from wind and from running his hands through it. his lip is still healing from the split it suffered during training earlier in the day.

todoroki's breath still catches, because he can't help but think he looks so beautiful despite all that, especially with how the moonlight is beaming down on him, lighting him up gently.

as if midoriya needs any help being so bright anyway.

todoroki breaths out, before scooting closer. midoriya's eyes are still on him, lazily watching him all the while, and he smiles at todoroki as he moves, the one eye he can see crinkling in the corner.

todoroki does not swoon externally, but god, internally, his heart goes for an absolute loop.

now that he's closer, todoroki only hesitates a slight bit -- is it okay? am i really allowed... -- before he reaches out and combs a hand through midoriya's already ruffled hair.

midoriya closes his eyes then, humming appreciatively, and todoroki's heart squeezes.

todoroki opens his mouth, tries to say something, tries to return the sentiment, but-

...well, he's just...never been a very verbal person.

but he knows he feels the same. he knows he loves midoriya. he knows he loves midoriya like he knows the sky is blue, like he knows gravity is what holds him to the earth, like he now knows that his quirk is his alone.

he loves midoriya, is in love with him. todoroki wishes he could just say it.

as if sensing his thoughts, midoriya opens his eyes again. he still looks content, even more so with todoroki running his hands through his hair.

god, i'm so glad i can do this, todoroki thinks, losing his train of thought.

"what are you thinking about?" asks midoriya. his voice is quiet, patient. the look on his face when he's gazing at todoroki makes him feel so vulnerable, but in a second-handed sense more than first, because...

well, the look reminds him that just as todoroki knows he loves midoriya, he knows midoriya loves him as well.

"i feel the same way." todoroki says.

midoriya blinks for a moment, but then the sentence computes, and he beams at todoroki, leaning forward a bit. todoroki can see more than half of his face now.

"you mean it?" he asks, and todoroki knows he didn't say the actual words, but that doesn't seem to matter to midoriya. his heart squeezes once again.

"of course," todoroki whispers. the words are only for midoriya to hear.

midoriya looks like he's going to break his face with how wide he's smiling, and it just makes todoroki fall deeper in love.

"i- can i-" midoriya heaves out a giddy laugh. "i want to kiss you, but i'm smiling too hard to be able to."

todoroki smiles himself then as his heart lurches with adoration and fondness.

he's still running a hand through midoriya's hair absent-mindedly, but now, he stops, moving to cup midoriya's face instead.

he gazes into todoroki's eyes, the smile still on his face, eyes crinkled and full of fondness that todoroki can actually see.

todoroki leans forward and kisses his forehead, before moving to his nose, chin, cheek, temple -- any space on his face he can reach, really.

midoriya giggles at him, a small flush lighting up his face, and he smiles even wider if that was even possible.

"i love you," midoriya says again, his eyes shining suspiciously.

todoroki's heart squeezes again. instead of responding verbally, todoroki kisses his nose again.

midoriya lurches forward then, digging his head into todoroki's neck, tangling their legs together, curling around todoroki's torso like he inherently belongs there. as far as todoroki is concerned, he does.

todoroki doesn't know why he can't say it verbally. he hopes one day he'll be able to. but for now, midoriya can still read him like he always has. he knows, even if todoroki can't say it.

todoroki supposes actions always speak louder than words anyway, but still. he's just so...so glad that midoriya doesn't hold this against him at all.

midoriya hums, before kissing todoroki's shoulder. todoroki lets out a soft, small laugh before he moves his hand from the side of midoriya’s head and lifts his chin.

he's smiling still, but not as uncontrollably as before.

"can i kiss you?"

todoroki surprises himself with his own words, but midoriya just closes his eyes for a moment to compose himself as his smile widens once again, before he says, "yes, of course you can."

todoroki smiles himself then, and he knows the kiss is going to be fairly lackluster before even leaning in, considering neither of them can stop smiling enough, but it's easily todoroki's favorite kiss with midoriya yet.

they've only kissed a handful of times before this, but todoroki promises himself this certainly won't be the last.

the kiss is sweet and chaste, and their teeth end up knocking together because they can't stop smiling, just like todoroki predicted.

but midoriya laughs, brings his arms up to wrap around todoroki and cling to him, and offers him a quick kiss on the nose like todoroki had done earlier.

"what if that's how we say i love you?" midoriya asks, his voice low, his eyes bright. todorki's heart quickens. "just a kiss on the nose?"

todoroki can definitely get behind that.

he leans forward then, pressing quick kiss after quick kiss on midoriya's nose, trying to get him to understand-

midoriya laughs almost too loudly, his face flushing again. his eyes are shining so brightly and todoroki can't- his heart is literally going to start having palpitations soon.

todoroki offers him one last kiss on the nose shyly, and midoriya grins at him before offering todoroki the same treatment; chaste kiss after chaste kiss on his nose.

todoroki's heart burns to the point he’s almost concerned he’ll accidentally set off his quirk, due to how much adoration he has for midoriya, due to how much...

due to how much he loves him.

todoroki leans forward to kiss midoriya on the nose once more.

midoriya laughs, lets him, before he reaches a hand up to cup his face.

stroking a thumb along todoroki's cheek and scar, midoriya says, "i love you, todoroki-kun."

todoroki swallows thickly, lifting his own hand to hold onto midoriya's, before he hoarsely whispers out, "you can call me shouto."

midoriya blinks as he computes before another blinding smile takes over his face, and wow, todoroki should really invest in a pair of sunglasses if he's going to get to see that smile every day.

"you can call me izuku. please call me izuku," midoriya responds breathlessly, and todoroki can't-

he kisses midoriya's nose again, slotting their foreheads against each other.

having midoriya so close is a dream, todoroki thinks dazedly. his eyes are so green and bright and the intricacies of his iris leave him absolutely breathless. he can count his freckles this close, can smell the shampoo he uses. todoroki is absolutely nuts for this kind of affection, just being so close to one another.

"okay, izuku." he murmurs. midoriya's face flushes, a smile still on his face.

"can i kiss you, shouto?"

"yes." please.

midoriya leans up, and todoroki meets him halfway for another gentle kiss. this one is objectively better than the last; both are in control of their smiles this time, for instance, so no one is knocking their teeth. still, todoroki doesn’t know which one he favors. 

it's soft, and all todoroki can smell is midoriya, all he can see is midoriya, all he can taste is midoriya-

midoriya leans back, and todorki chases after him. midoriya laughs, his breath ghosting on todoroki's face, and god, he's never loved someone so much for simply breathing.

midoriya nevertheless complies with todoroki's request after his chuckles subside, kissing him back just as sweetly as before.

todoroki is in love with him. it’s all he can think about in this moment.

the kiss last longer than the previous one, but it's still too soon when they part once again.

todoroki leans up and kisses midoriya's nose in an effort to satisfy his need to just be close and affectionate with each other.

he can't say it verbally, for reasons todoroki is sure has to due with his traumatic upbringing, but he will be damned if he doesn't say it in every other way he can.

midoriya seems to understand all of that without todoroki needing to say it. he smiles at him, sleepily, softly. todoroki's heart aches with the overload of affection running through his system.

"izuku." todoroki doesn't truly have a reason to say it, but he just...he wants to get as used to the name in his mouth as possible.

"i love you too, shouto." midoriya says, his smile still there. todoroki doesn't know how he can handle it; his cheeks must hurt at this point, but then, being in pain has never stopped midoriya before...

todoroki buries his face into midoriya's hair, wrapping his arms around him, and midoriya, in turn, shuffles forward to rest his forehead against todoroki's neck.

i love you, todoroki thinks. the phrase is cycling through his system; his lungs breathe it, his neurons fire it, his veins fill with it.

i love you.

midoriya hums contently, the vibration of it echoing along todoroki's throat. he shivers but doesn't stop the small smile of his own that stretches across his face in response. 

i love you.

"goodnight, shouto."

todoroki squeezes midoriya gently, before saying, "goodnight, izuku."

i love you.

his heart does another giddy thump at saying midoriya's given name.

todoroki can feel the small exhausted-yet-excited chuckles midoriya lets out.

i love you so much.

i’m glad you understand that.

#i didnt know how to end this is it obvious #i couldve kept going. i really couldve. i was tempted to #but sadly i have an english assignment to do that ive been procrastinating on so bahh all well #anyway bc of the feast hori gave the tddk shippers in the latest chapter i needed to get my feelings out #what better way #than to write the softest thing ive ever written #this is seriously the cutest thing ive ever fuckign written no joke at all #ever since i got an actual style down for my own writing ive never rlly written fluff bc i just was never motivated for it #but now....ho ho ho #im so glad #this was so fun to write just some boys being so SOFT #fuck #yall my heart is bleeding i love these two so much #god this is so sappy i love it i personally am v proud of this #fuck i love them so much #this was only proofread once btw so if there are any mistakes thats why and i apologize #anyway i hope this makes yall as soft as it made me #i love my boys so much #c makes a word #c makes a fic #thats a rlly shitty writing tag but oh well LMAO #midoriya izuku #todoroki shouto #tododeku #btw theyre like in 3 year #and have already been dating for a while #yea #izuku midoriya #shouto todoroki #todoroki shoto

[watchmegetobsessed]

VALERIE - Part VI. (Harry Styles)

part 6 omg!!! ahh, these christmas chapters are my favs, i hope yall will like them asmuch as i do! as always, feedback is much appreciated!

word count: 4.1k

SERIES MASTERPOST

masterlist

“So how did you two exactly meet?” your dad asks over the dinner table. You are all sitting around the long pine table, the tremendous amount of food lining in the middle as the plates are going around, getting filled.

“Oh, um, we were set up, actually. It was all Rosa,” you admit with a soft chuckle, sharing a look with Marcus beside you. 

“I just thought they would be a good match, guess I was right,” Rosa grins, clearly satisfied with the work she’s done.

“What do you do for a living, Marcus?” Jeremy chimes in while helping Margaret cut her meat beside him. She is the youngest of the cousins, only five, but she can boss around anyone as if she was Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. 

“Oh, I work in sales. We had a project with Steven’s company, that’s where we met.”

“That sounds interesting,” Joe nods, but at the same time you hear Harry huff on the other end of the table. Looking in his way you see him with his eyes fixed on the plate. He hasn’t said a word since Marcus arrived and his silence is quite worrying if you’re being honest. You haven’t seen him be silent for this long ever, you’re afraid he might be plotting something. 

“It’s so weird that all four of us are here with a significant other this year. I remember when we were all just kids, running around in our backyard,” Etta sighs with a nostalgic smile.

Your eyes wander over to Harry, who is still relentlessly staring down at his plate, as if he wasn’t even there. 

“Yeah, now there are just two single people sitting at the table. Aunt Monica and Harry,” you say and his head finally snaps up, eyes meeting yours, but you can’t read them. 

“You’re single?” Lily asks Harry, leaning forward a little so she can see him since they are sitting on the same side of the table. 

“I, uhh--I am, yeah,” he nods, clearly uncomfortable he is being discussed all of a sudden.

“Would have sworn you have someone waiting for you at home.”

“No, it’s just me,” he shakes his head. “Maybe I could pair up with Aunt Monica so there wouldn’t be any single people,” he jokes, making everyone laugh at the table. Aunt Monica looks up from her plate and winks at Harry.

“I’ll leave my door open for the night,” she cheekily comments and Harry almost chokes on his wine as another round of laugh runs over the table.

“Monica, he is not a lonely soldier,” your mom tells her, but she just shrugs her shoulders grabbing her glass and downing the rest of her wine. Joe is quick to refill it for her, knowing well she was about to ask someone to do that for her. 

“Thanks for the offer though,” Harry nods shyly and you think it’s hilarious how his cheeks have turned red from a nasty comment your aunt made. 

His eyes find you again right when Marcus reaches over and squeezes your thigh gently under the table and you catch Harry’s grimace before you turn to your boyfriend and share a short peck on the lips. 

For your biggest surprise Harry doesn’t try to drop any nasty comments about you during dinner, not even after, when all adults gather in the living room while the kids leave to play video games in their room. Rosa is sitting on Harry’s thigh as he is supporting her back, letting her curiously look around in the room. You’re sitting on a loveseat with Marcus, curled up to his side and he has an arm around your shoulders. Occasionally you catch Harry’s eyes on the two of you, but you try to pay little attention to him and just enjoy the evening.

“I should get going soon,” Marcus tells you, checking the time. It’s past ten and he has to leave early in the morning.

“Why don’t you stay for the night?” Teresa asks when she sees the two of you getting up from the sofa.

“Oh, I didn’t want to bother too long, it’s my first time meeting you all, thought a dinner would be just enough,” Marcus chuckles and you bite into your bottom lip. Does he believe this or did he want to stay, but only tells this everyone because you didn’t invite him to stay the night? You’re not sure if you want to know the real answer...

“Silly, you don’t bother,” you mom huffs. “Isn’t it too late to drive home?”

“I’m fine, but thank you. I didn’t bring my stuff so I would have to leave extra early in the morning to make it in time. But thank you for having me, it was wonderful meeting you all.”

Marcus goes around and says his goodbye to everyone before the two of you head to the front door. 

“Drive safe, text me when you get home, alright?” you tell him as he throws his coat to the passenger seat before turning to face you. 

“Yeah. Have fun with your family and I’ll see you in a few days.” A genuine smile stretches across his face and it immediately triggers your guilt. He could have stayed the night avoiding to drive back to the city so late, but even now, standing out on the driveway you don’t feel like you want him to stay for longer. 

What you keep telling yourself is that it’s all because you haven’t been together that long and it would have been a too big of a step just yet. Seemingly Marcus is fine with your choice, but something is telling you that it bugs him deep inside. 

Leaning down he kisses you softly, a hand sliding to your waist and pulling you closer before you part your ways. Standing on the side you wave at him as he backs out of the driveway and disappears in the darkness of the woods. 

You stay out there for a little longer, the spicy coldness of the night feels numbing in a soothing way. Chewing on your bottom lip you contemplate if you’ve made the right choice by not inviting him to stay. You don’t find an answer for that before you head back inside.

Not much has changed since you left, but you notice that Valerie is back in Rosa’s hands and Harry is nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Harry?” you ask sitting on the ground next to your sister, eyes on Valerie as she is adorably babbling at you.

“He said he’s tired, went to bed.”

You look in his room’s way. That sounded like absolute bullshit, but you don’t have a right to question it. Maybe he truly was tired, he probably had to wake up quite early to pick you up and be here in time.

Nodding you reach for Valerie and take the little girl into your arms, making yourself busy with her.

***

Tossing once again in the bed you growl in annoyance. You haven’t gotten an ounce of sleep since you’ve come to bed hours ago. Turning to your side you tap on the screen of your phone and it shows you that it’s already past two in the morning. No position feels comfortable anymore and you’ve flipped your pillow way too many times, there are no cold side anymore. 

On cue, your stomach growls and you let out a sigh staring up at the ceiling. Maybe if you had a late night snack your body would finally relax and let you rest. Kicking the covers off you put on a pair of fuzzy socks and throw a hoodie on before heading out to the kitchen to find something you could feast on. 

You stop in your way surprised when you see that the lights are on in the kitchen and someone is clearly out there, probably with the same intention as you. Walking down the hallway you hear a plate getting placed on the kitchen island and soon enough the person starts eating, the fork meeting the plate.

Harry is sitting at the kitchen island in a plain white t-shirt and checkered pajama pants, a plate of mashed potatoes and meatloaf sitting in front of him. His head snaps up immediately when he hears that someone has joined him and you stop at the door.

“Hey,” you smile softly. “I see I’m not the only one having trouble with sleeping,” you chuckle shuffling your way to the fridge. 

“I don’t sleep too well at new places,” he admits, eyes following your frame as you pass by him before he turns his attention back to his plate. 

Grabbing the milk you are about to close the fridge when your eyes lay on the absurd amount of eggnog. Hesitantly you grab a bottle and take it out as well, thinking that a few sips might help you fall asleep easier. Then you grab the cookies the kids decorated this afternoon and sit on a stool next to Harry.

“Woah, in need of having some fun?” he chuckles seeing the eggnog and you just shrug your shoulders, pouring milk into a regular glass, then some eggnog into a smaller one in hopes you won’t go overboard with it. 

“I’m just… having a hard time falling asleep.”

“Empty bed?”

“What?” you ask taking a bite from a cookie.

“I mean, Marcus left. You must be used to sleeping next to him,” Harry explains and you look back at him with furrowed eyebrows. 

“Well, I do sleep better with someone next to me, but it’s not like I’ve done that a lot with Marcus,” you admit, turning your attention back to the cookies.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” you shrug, not really in the mood to get into it, because it’s a whole spiral that would bring you down into depths you definitely don’t want to talk about right now. 

“You haven’t slept with Marcus?” he asks, and you notice how it could mean two versions. Either he is only talking about just sleeping or he is nosily trying to find out if you’ve had sex with him.

“That is… none of your business,” you tell him with a soft chuckle. Harry holds his hands up innocently before returning to his plate. 

A few minutes pass by in silence, just your munching and Harry’s chewing breaking it. As you pour a little more eggnog to yourself Harry stands up from the stool upon finishing his food, and after putting his plate to the sink he gets a glass for himself and sits back, holding the glass in your way.

“Want to have some fun too?” you ask, but pour him some eggnog anyway.

“Might help me fall asleep too.”

“Sometimes I feel like mom is right saying that I have a drinking problem,” you snort finishing up your cookie.

“Don’t think that’s true,” Harry tells you with furrowed eyebrows. 

“Well, you have seen me drunk quite a few times, but it’s nice that you think it’s alright.”

“What’s wrong with having a few drinks occasionally? It’s not like you blackout every other day.”

“My mom would want me to never blackout in general, but I don’t seem to know my boundaries with alcohol,” you tell him with a sigh.

“Happens to everyone, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

“Thanks, but I’m sitting here at two in the morning, drinking eggnog for no specific reason, because it surely won’t help me sleep, so... Maybe there is some truth to it.”

Harry thinks to himself a little before pouring some more to himself and some into your glass as well.

“I literally just said that I should stop,” you say, giving him a puzzled look.

“It’s fine if you have a reason,” he answers with a cheeky smile. “We’re gonna play never have I ever.”

“Oh hell no!” you chuckle looking at him with wide eyes.

“What? Are you afraid I might find out something nasty about you?” he challenges you, clearly trying to push you to play. “I don’t think you can surprise me with anything.”

“Excuse me? That’s pretty hurtful you think I don’t have surprising secrets,” you say putting a hand to your chest. “I think I’m the one who can’t find out anything surprising about you.”

“Hah, we’ll see, Y/N. All you gotta do is play,” he smirks and you already know you’re fucked. Sighing you take your glass and look at him with a murderous look, but the corners of your mouth are curling up. “You can start, just so you see how generous I am.”

“Oh, what a gentleman,” you mock him. “Okay. Never have I ever… gotten into a physical fight,” you say and watch Harry raise his glass to his mouth, but at the same time you do the same, already sure he is gonna be shocked.

Just as you expected, he freezes seeing you take a sip from your eggnog.

“Alright, rule is that we gotta explain them, because there’s no way you’re leaving without telling me about who you got into a fight with,” he tells you pointing a finger at you, but then adds: “Fighting with your sister does not count, Y/N.”

“It wasn’t Rosa,” you chuckle. “I had a huge fight with my best friend in third grade and we somehow ended up kicking and punching each other in the middle of the gym in class. We were both sent to the principal’s office.”

“Who would have thought you were a feisty little kid!” Harry chuckles and you just shrug with a proud smile.

“See? I told you I can surprise you. Your turn.”

“Okay. Never have I ever had a threesome,” he easily says and brings his glass up to his mouth as you stay put this time.

“If you think I’m surprised, I’m not. It’s literally written on your forehead that you’re the kind who enjoys that kind of stuff,” you scoff.

“Oh, please. Don’t pretend like you haven’t even thought about having one.”

“I’m not admitting anything outside the game. You have to ask that next if you are that interested,” you smirk, but you’re certain your eyes give you away, because Harry is chuckling and shaking his head. “Never have I ever cheated on someone,” you say and watch Harry’s glass stay on the counter.

“I’m not that bad of a person.”

“Never said you are, I was just curious,” you shrug and nod at him letting him know it’s his turn again.

“Never have I ever had a crush on a teacher of mine.”

You both drink.

“My finance professor, junior year in college,” you inform him.

“English teacher, senior year in high school,” Harry replies and you are already picturing him sitting in the first row just to be close to her during class.

“Did you write poems to her too?”

“You said no questions outside the game!” he retorts laughing and you roll your eyes at him.

“Alright, I have thought about having a threesome before, now your turn, spill the tea!”

“I wrote a song about her,” he admits and you raise your eyebrows at him. “Even planned on showing it to her, but my friends talked me down, luckily.”

“It’s kinda sweet and romantic.”

“Yeah, and very inappropriate,” he adds chuckling. “Alright, enough of Miss Hastings, your turn.”

“Never have I ever stolen something.” You both raise your glass and you smile at him swallowing the alcohol. “Virginities do not count,” you tease him, earning a laugh.

���Still would have drank. I was a little kleptomaniac when I was a kid. Liked to steal small things in the store just to see if I would get caught.”

“And were you ever?”

“One time, yeah. My mom was so mad at me, I got grounded for a week, never stole anything again,” he admits chuckling. “What about you?”

“It wasn’t regular, but I definitely have stolen candies when I didn’t have enough money to pay.”

“What a rebel,” he teases you and you just smack his upper arm jokingly. “Never have I ever snuck out.” Only Harry drinks and you roll your eyes at him.

“Again, not surprising.”

“I just wanted to know if you have ever snuck out, chill,” he smirks. “Guess you were a saint.”

“Never have I ever said the wrong person’s name while having sex.” A devilish smile sits on your lips as you watch him drink while you do the same. You see his eyebrows rise over the glass.

“Nasty,” he huffs. “When did that happen?”

“First year of college. I was casually seeing a guy, but I wasn’t really over my last ex from high school and accidentally called him Ethan.”

“And what was his real name?”

“I don’t even remember,” you admit with a laugh, clearly feeling the alcohol slowly kicking in. Harry’s mouth hangs open before his expressions turn into that iconic ‘not bad’ face.

“Never have I ever had a wet dream about a friend of mine,” Harry asks and you feel your cheeks heating up right away, eyes snapping down at your glass. Unwillingly, but you drink as Harry does the same. “Who was it?”

“I’m not answering this one,” you shake your head. 

“Come on! I promise it’ll stay between us. Was it Steven?” he grins at you, clearly enjoying your embarrassment. “I bet it was Steven.”

“Shut up, it wasn’t!” you snap at him rolling your eyes.

“Okay, then who? I won’t sleep tonight if you don’t tell me!” he begs, but you shake your head stubbornly. “Do I know him?” Oh, all too well, you think to yourself. “Is it someone who was there at the bar last time?”

“Can we move past it?” you sigh painfully.

“No, no way. I’m not leaving you alone until you tell me!”

“It was you.”

The words slip out fast and a little quiet, but he hears them clear. His lips part, a truly stunned look pulls on his face and you just wish you didn’t say a word.

“Happy? Now you know,” you snap running a hand through your hair.

“Was I any good in your dream?” he then cheekily asks and you gasp at the nosy, nasty question.

“Now that I won’t answer.”

“I have to know if I did good!” he protests and you laugh.

“It wasn’t even you, well, not your real version, why does it matter?”

“I’m a maximalist, I have to know if my dream self did good,” he pushes further and you can’t believe this is really what you’re talking about.

“Jesus fucking Christ, it was good!” you admit throwing your hands into the air, giving up to keep anything to yourself. He is just too damn annoying and stubborn to ever have anything other than his way.

“If that makes you feel better, I’ve had a few about you as well,” he admits with a straight face and the heat is back in your cheeks immediately.

“A few?”

“I didn’t count, but yeah. And you were awesome, if you’re interested.”

“Thanks, but I was not,” you say with a meaningful look, but he just smirks at you. “You’re such a pig, Styles.”

“Says the girl who was probably moaning my name in her dreams.”

“If you keep talking about this, you’ll be the second person I get into a physical fight with,” you warn him and he chuckles, but takes the hint and finally moves on. 

You easily forget about time as you keep playing for quite long. Question after question, some shocking and surprising things come up, but there are some absolutely ridiculous facts too. You’re definitely over the line of being tipsy, but you’re not at the drunk state yet. 

Harry clearly enjoys asking questions that make you nervous, but you don’t shy away from risky questions either. By the time the bottle empties out you are both laughing on something he said, your eyes are teary and you gasp for air, holding onto the edge of the kitchen island.

“Oh fuck!” you breathe out when your gaze wanders over to the windows and you see that it’s starting to brighten out there. “The Sun is coming up, what time is it?” you slur, having a hard time to get off the stool and keep your balance at the same time. Harry fishes his phone out of his pocket and his eyes widen.

“It’s six in the morning!” he whisper-yells and you almost faint.

“Shit, mom is usually up around six thirty, she can’t find us here like this! Quickly, we have to clean up!”

Harry takes care of the empty eggnog bottle while you wash the dishes and then the two of you head back to your rooms, but you just really don’t want to go to bed alone. Alcohol tends to make you clingy and you need the presence of someone next to you.

“Harry,” you whisper as the two of you stop in the hallway.

“Hm?” he hums, looking back at you with glassy eyes.

“Can I… sleep at yours?” you shyly ask.

Part of you expects a smart comeback, something dirty, but he looks down at you for a long moment as if he is debating what he should say and you start to think he is about to reject you, but then he takes your hand and pulls you in the direction of his room.

“It’s strictly friendly, okay?” you tell him once the two of you are in his room and the door is closed behind you.

“Like the dream you had about me?” he cockily asks grinning at you and you’re quick to smack his hard chest, making him chuckle.

“Shut up! I just really don’t want to sleep alone.”

“Chill, it’s all good,” he chuckles and stepping to the nightstand he plugs his phone in to charge as you crawl up to the huge, comfortable bed.

Tugging a pillow under your head you turn your back against him, only hearing as he lies down next to you, tugging some of the cover off you since there’s only a big one. He shuffles a bit more until you both stop moving, but you still have your eyes open. 

Knowing that he is right there behind you irks your mind and the urge to cuddle to his side is stronger than you will to stay still. You want to feel his body heat, his touch, hear his heartbeat under your face as you curl up to his side. You are dying to listen to his steady breathing from up close and your self-control is slowly but surely dissolves. 

Before your rational side could talk you down, you find yourself turning around and snuggling to his side, a soft chuckle emitting from his lips.

“It’s totally friendly, wipe the satisfied grin off your stupid face,” you mumble as you lay your head to his shoulder, bringing a hand up to his chest. One of his arms curl around your shoulders as he stays silent, letting you snuggle up to him all you want. 

It’s even better than you remembered. Last time the two of you were like this, the morning ruined everything and it had a whole different antecedent than now. You can only hope history doesn’t repeat itself and you don’t have to go through the same embarrassment like last time.

“Y/N?” he whispers and your eyes open at his voice.

“Yeah?” There’s a short pause before he speaks up again.

“Do you really… think that… there was not much Etta was missing?”

You can’t stop yourself from smiling at how self-conscious he just sounded, still thinking about the joke you made in the car on your way here. For a split second you think about lying again, but it’s clearly been bothering him, so much he felt the need to ask after several rounds of eggnog.

“No. I was just joking,” you admit and he lets out a relieved sigh. “Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you really think I have a fat ass?” you ask referring back to the time the two of you encountered at the hospital when Valerie was born. You feel him huff as his hand on your shoulder squeezes you gently.

“You have a great ass, Y/N. The best I’ve ever seen.”

“Are you just exaggerating?” you ask, lifting your head up and narrowing your eyes at him in the dark.

“No,” he smiles. “Swear to my sister’s life it’s the truth.”

Knowing well he wouldn’t bring his sister into it if he wasn’t telling the truth, you put back down your head, finally closing your eyes.

“Good night, Harry,” you mumble, feeling yourself drifting to sleep.

“Good night, Pretty Eyes.”

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[fangorl-trash]

In the Dark

The Mandalorian x fem!Reader

Summary: you and din have an intimate bonding moment...in the dark.

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: SOFT. SHY. MANDO. uhh... slight mentions of a dark past, but it’s vague af, like not even warning worthy BUT JUST IN CASE LOL. curse words. there’s no smut, but if yall want a part 2, lemme know ;) if i forget anything, lemme know lol

A/N: first of all, this gif makes me FEEL things jfc wow i adore din. secondly, hi there lol! this is definitely a self-indulge piece lmao, but i hope you guys enjoy nonetheless! i can promise there are no season 2 spoilers, cause i’d like to think it takes place between the two seasons. aaaand this was all based off a brainrot hour i had (you can read it here, if you really want!) so...yeah lmao. Enjoy y’all! :)

The night before was just like any other night. Chuckles and giggles and stories whispered and shared back and forth. Hands itching to get closer, to connect wholeheartedly, but never having the courage to do so. The calm before tomorrow’s storm of bounty hunting.

A small, yellow-tinted light above the shared cot illuminated the two. She thought he looked like a guardian angel, the way it shone off of his armor dully. He thought she looked like a goddess, the soft light giving her a halo.

They were hopelessly in love.

Y/N and the Mandalorian. A dynamic duo, of sorts. Two different puzzle pieces from two different puzzle sets, yet they somehow fit together perfectly. She loved him for his tenacity, his fierceness in battle, and his big heart he only showed to her. He loved her for her kindness, her empathy, and the way her eyes sparkled when he came back to the ship after a long day.

They were hopelessly in love with one another, yet neither has said it. Maybe to both of them, saying it was not enough; the actions and moments shared between the two was what truly defined it all. The way he purchased antique books for her to read, because she mentioned it once. The way she grabbed extra blankets from the closet because he got cold at night easily.

The night before was just like any other night. It was calm and quiet and pleasant; almost too pleasant for Din’s liking. In the line of work of a Mandalorian, pleasant never lasted long. But Maker, he swore that time stopped when he saw you that next morning.

When he looked over to see your sleeping form, his breath hitched in his throat. The yellow light above you was dim, but showcased your features brightly and beautifully. You laid on your side, arm tucked under your ear and other hand laid at your side. Your hair fell over your forehead and cheeks.

You looked like a dream.

His gloved hand reached out and tucked a strand or two behind your ear, so he could see his beautiful girl. After all you’ve been through...you were still Y/N and Din. Din and Y/N.

A feeling of gratitude overcame him suddenly as he gazed upon your angelic form. You deserved everything good in this world. The prettiest of jewels, that sparkled in the starlight. The largest of feasts with your favorite intergalactic meals and beverages. Whatever novel that you craved to read next.

He would go to the ends of the galaxy for you. Anything to see that smile.

He prayed everything he did for you was enough, even if it was all so small and minute. You deserved so much better than what he was giving you.

His gratitude took a negative, insecure turn. He knew what you really wanted, what you really deserved that he couldn’t give you: physical love. He can’t kiss you. He can’t hold you. He can’t look in your eyes and tell you how much you meant to him.

He thought of himself as selfish. He wanted all of those things and more. He wanted to feel your lips against his. He wanted to look in your eyes, and your eyes only. He wanted to hold you close without beskar separating you. He wanted to feel your skin against his fingertips, because holy fuck, you just look so soft and so fucking warm.

With a soft sigh, his leather-clad fingertips brush down your cheek and over the curve of your arm. Dank farrik...what he would do to hold you. Hold you properly.

Something clicked in his brain all of a sudden. Why is he being such a pussy? He’s THE Mandalorian, for Maker’s sake. He knows just the solution.

~~~

That night, you dreamed of your past life. Before you met Din. Before you both met the Child. Though your dream wasn’t a nightmare, it was still dark and dull. You honestly couldn’t wait until it was all over.

And then you felt lips on the inside of your wrist. Slightly chapped and slightly wet, with small hairs tickling you as well. A gentle hold on your fingers. The kisses slowly trailed up the inside of your forearm, curving against your elbow before continuing their trek up the rest of your arm to your shoulder. It tickles, you thought, shifting under the stranger’s hold.

Your eyes fluttered open with a soft groan. A blanket of pitch black overwhelmed your vision. Panic struck your heart. What in the world is going on right now?

“Good morning,” a voice spoke, breath fanned across your exposed shoulder. Shy, but certain. A low grovel, but not due to a helmet’s voice amplifier.

“D...Din,” you mumbled, fingers grasping his tightly. Your heart skipped a beat at the feeling of...of him. “Wh-What...what’s going on? I-I can’t see.”

He took a pause. “I turned off the lights.” Another pause. “I just...wanted to...”

Even though his voice trailed off, you knew exactly what he wanted to say.

This was new territory for the both of you. Neither of you were scared, per say, but...nervous, cautious. Your voice and your actions matched how you felt. After you sat up and crossed your legs, you reached out with your vacant hand on bated breath. “M-May I?” You requested quietly, hesitatingly. Your eyes scanned about, but you couldn’t find him within the dark ahead of you, even though you were barely a foot apart.

You learned that in certain situations Din’s silence meant yes.

Your fingers made purchase with his bicep, but you backed away just as quickly as you touched him.

Okay, so maybe you were scared. Just a little.

You both sat there silently, slowly counting the moments before one of you made a move. The ship thrummed around you two, but the blacked out bunker was quiet overall. After the bounty hunter released a shallow breath, he lifted the hand that held yours, bringing it to his cheek with a Din-like grace and sureness. A smile stretched both of your lips at the feeling; the feeling of you actually touching. Wholeheartedly Connecting.

His stubble was a pleasant surprise. It felt scratchy under your soft fingertips, but it felt...it all felt like home. Your fingers cupped the back of his neck tenderly, your thumb brushing against his cheekbone. His own fingers brushed against your left upper arm and shoulder delicately, feeling your goosebumps rise slowly as he brushes against the strap of your tank top.

You shuffled a bit closer to Din, now in between his open and bent legs. You didn’t know you were holding your breath in until you let it out, shaky and soft. His own breath reached your forehead, delicate and quiet. Your other hand lifted up, hand finding its place on his chest. Once again, you were pleasantly surprised to touch his bare skin; soft and warm to the touch. Your fingertips yearned to travel, and before you could stop your curious thoughts, your middle and ring fingers brushed against a rough scar. It was a jagged, diagonal line, only about three inches in length. Dry, scabbed-over skin, a story untold. You suspected he had battle scars galore, but actually feeling one was...shocking.

The reality of this man’s career suddenly hit you like a shot from a blaster. This man...this man that you loved.

How many of these untold stories were near deaths? How many stories would have ended without Din back in your arms?

You swallowed the lump that formed in your throat before your fingers continued their journey, a confident spark behind their actions. They ventured across his beautiful canvas, blindingly mapping out the divets, marks, and bruises of his skin. Your hands gripped and caressed at his shoulders and arms, your fingers brushed against his cheeks and jaw. You could feel the rise and fall of his chest, and the banging of his heartbeat. You couldn’t help but smile at that. Other than the fingers on your arm, Din remained unmoving under your touch; if he was being honest, he had no clue what to do.

You finally smiled as you felt his hair, fisting tufts of it gently. It was coarse and curly, but you didn’t mind. “What color is it?” Your voice was hoarse, crackling softly in the dark room.

“Brown,” he said after a moment, a small smile of his own. His own fingers made their way up your arm, past your shoulder, and cupped the back of your neck like you did to him. His pointer finger rubbed back and forth in a small motion, a small habit the bounty hunter grew over the months. It was...very different, to feel you under his touch like this. He’s held your hand and stroked your hair and cupped the back of your neck tenderly, but..touching you this way was new territory for the Mandalorian. It was scary, in a way, especially for him.

He ventured on with a brave face.

His other hand found it’s way to your calf, slowly and carefully kneading the skin. You wondered if this was the first time he’s...he’s felt skin since he was a child. You wondered what he was thinking in the moment, if he thought you were beautiful or not. You dismissed those thoughts to the best of your ability. This was your moment, and you’ll be damned if your own brain ruined it. His hand cupped the back of your knee, his whole chest craning down to press a sweet peck to your knee cap. His eyes closed for a brief moment, embracing the feeling of your skin on his lips in the brief moment they were in contact. A shiver ran up your spine; now you remained unmoving, frozen solid by Din’s hot, pillowy lips against your skin. His hand then trailed up the outside of your thigh to your hip. He skirted over your cotton shorts to your waist, gently caressing...you.

He thought you felt enchanting under his touch. You were absolutely perfect. And he loved you so much.

Nerves pierced his heart. His small smile fell. He lifted his hand to cup your other cheek, both of his thumbs brushing along your cheekbones. Your hands stopped in their tracks, the nape of his neck under one palm and his right shoulder under the other. “Can I...may I...”

You didn’t let him finish. The way you leaned in was carefully calculated, nerves an underlying color of it all. Din sat straight-backed, unmoving once again. He was so scared to mess this up for you. I mean...your first kiss shared. He imagined how much that meant to you. It meant a lot to him, too.

You proceeded to lean forward until your lips were pressed against his as your eyes fluttered close. Just as quickly as you two connected, you were apart once again. A small and short kiss, a test for you both. Din leaned forward this time, without anymore hesitation, capturing your lips as he pulled your body into his.

You weren’t surprised Din’s first real kiss was going to be...well...Din-like. Methodical. Purposeful. Caring underneath all of the layers. You were surprised at the fact that Din’s first kiss felt...like destiny. Like this moment was written in prophecies years ago, and it’ll be written in history texts for years to come.

You were surprised because his lips moved against yours like he knew what he was doing.

Your arms found their way wound around his neck, and his wound around your waist. His kiss was patient and sweet and really fuckin’ good. His mustache tickled your top lip, but you didn’t mind one bit.

Right before he pulled away, his cheeks quirked into a smile against your lips before falling to their neutral state.

“I, um...” you began, eyes sparkling in the darkness. You wondered if his baby browns shone the same way, tracing your figure in the darkness. Even though you had so much to say, your voice became stuck, lodged deep in your throat. Tears sprung to your eyes.

He did this for you, didn’t he? He turned off the lights in your guys’ bunker. He took off his helmet. He...he kissed you. Dank farrik, he just kissed you. And he let you touch his hair and his face and...him.

Even though the pair of you weren’t doing anything particularly sexual, every bit of this moment that you shared in the dark felt more intimate and vulnerable than you could ever hope for, dream for, ask for.

The cotton in your mouth expanded slowly, ridding you silent and helpless in the arms of the man you loved. Of the man you would sacrifice everything for. Does he feel the same? Would he do the same for you? A tear tugged down the apple of your cheek as you buried your face into the crook of his neck, wrapping your arms around him tighter. You sniffled softly as his hands caressed your back and hips.

“What’s wrong, darling?” He questions, holding you close to his chest. His right hand rubbed small circles in your back and he sat patiently awaiting your response, but the cotton continued to expand into your mouth.

“I...I, uh...” You begged the cotton to be rid, you prayed for your tongue to move and say the words. The three words that have been dancing around the two of you day and night, for months now, being said over and over again in your mind.

Somehow, Din knew what you were going to say. He was positive you could hear his rapid heartbeat, but if you did, you didn’t show it. He craned his neck down and pressed a kiss to your forehead. Then, he leaned down to your ear and kissed your lobe, his breath hot against your skin. The lumps in your throat melted away.

“I love you,” you finally said.

The buzzing energy in the bunker seemed to still and quicken all at once. The humming you heard before silenced. Din pulled you closer to his chest, his arms tightening their grip around you. He didn’t say anything for awhile; you were sure he fell back asleep, leaving your confession unheard.

“I love you too,” he said.

You couldn’t see his eyes or his mouth forming the words. But you could feel his love, feel his dedication for you. Under his fingertips, in his arms. It was all love for you. Tears returned to your eyes. You hugged him even tighter, burying your face into his shoulder even more. Anything to bring him closer to you. Anything to feel him more.

The two of you stayed like that for what seemed like hours. You actually fell back asleep, filled with more content and love than ever before. Din put you back to bed quietly and carefully, tucking you under the wool blanket you pulled from the closet the night before. He lifted one hand to cup your cheek, craning his neck to plant a lingering kiss on your other.

For the first time in a long time, he didn’t want to get back in his armor. He wanted to lay here, beside you, mask off and lights on. He wanted to see your smile as his eyes reached yours. Responsibility tugged at his heart and his brain. He knew what he had to do, what he was born to do, even if he hated it in this very moment. This is the way.

When you woke up again, you were alone in a dimly lit bunker. A hefty sigh fell past your lips. Maybe it was all a dream. You touched your lips with the pad of your fingers as your eyes fluttered close. You thought to yourself, if it was a dream, then why did his lips feel so real?

You changed into your normal garb and climbed out of the bunker. After lacing up your boots, you climbed the ladder into the cockpit. Like every morning, the Mandalorian was at the helm and the Child was in his designated seat. Din pressed buttons and steered the Razor Crest stoically, and the youngling played with his small metal ball. You approached the child with a smile and a pat to his head, in which he gurgled and grinned at your touch.

You then walked over to the Mandalorian’s right side, boots slowly and softly padding against the metal floor. His head remains forward, even when you place your left hand on his shoulder. Cotton fills your mouth again. What are you even supposed to say?

It takes you a moment before words form on your tongue. “Thank you,” you say softly. “I...I care for you...a lot. I...I love you. And I appreciate you. Thank you.”

His head turns now, looking right at you. You wondered if his baby browns were looking into your eyes right now, calculating what to say and what to do. Din lifts his left, gloved hand to your cheek. Underneath the leather, you can feel his warm, delicate touch that you were able to feel this morning.

“Anything for you, my love.”

#athena writes #the mandalorian #mando #the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian x y/n #mando x reader #mando x y/n #star wars #din djarin #din djarin x reader #din djarin x y/n

[waiting4inspiration]

Tell Them (Ivar x Reader)

Summary: Ivar hasn’t seen you since you broke his heart, and seeing you again brings back painful memories. For you and for him. 

Warnings: angst (yall know I couldn’t resist), strong language, mentions of spying, heartbreaking, mentions of death, shorter than normal but I did write this when I was in hospital so... enjoy the heartache, Grammarly ain't working again...

Word Count: 2,011

A/n:  This was written for the lovely @saldelys​ and her One Year Celebration. My prompt is in bold ❤

Vikings Masterlist

He watches you walk behind the King on the other side of the banquet table before taking a seat beside him, an unreadable look on your face and the finest clothing Ivar’s ever seen you wear. It’s beyond anything he could have offered you even if he is the King of Kattegat. 

Wordlessly, you lift your gaze up to Ivar and he hopes to see that glimmer he had grown to love. A stupid mistake. Yet, your gaze is as cold as a frozen fjord and your lips don’t even move to give him a small, apologetic smile. 

It’s not until the King places his hand on the back of your neck, tightly gripping it as he chuckles. “I’m sure you remember my espionage, (Y/n),” the King speaks, holding onto your neck like a holding onto the collar of a dog. “Which is why you don’t have to explain why you are here, King Ivar. I already know.”

This old King sitting beside you, his hand slipping away from your neck knows that Ivar is here to bargain with an alliance and it’s all because of you. It’s because you told him. 

Knowing that makes Ivar’s eyes turn back to you, a dark look in them as if he wishes you would be struck down by Thor right now. You drop your head to avoid the gaze, but your lip and reach out to the cup of wine set out for you. “I understand you two have gotten close during her stay in your kingdom,” the old King speaks, hitting a nerve and making you tremble as you swallow a mouthful of wine. 

“Stop it,” you whisper, rolling the rim of the cup against your lower lip as if to hide that you were the one that spoke. 

Ivar rests his elbows on the table as he leans closer, laces his fingers together and narrows his eyes at you. “No, please. Why don’t you tell everyone in the room about what happened between us, (Y/n)?” Ivar hisses, making you flinch as you slowly look up at him, tentative and silently begging him not to do this. “I’m sure they would love to know everything.”

You slam your hands on the table, shaking it and making the cup you had placed close to the edge to fall and the wine in it stains the lower part of your skirt. You don’t care, you have plenty of beautiful dresses like this. “My heart broke that day just as much as yours did, Ivar,” you snap back, making him try to force down the smirk growing on his face.

This is why he did the exact opposite of what he was advised to do by his mother when he was still young. This is why he fell in love with you. 

He chuckles, drops his hands and rests his hands on the table as he licks his lower lip. “I didn’t think you have a heart,” he bites back, the room now having gone so silent you can hear a pin drop as everyone watches the interaction between you and Ivar. 

You stand back up straight and coldly glare at him, not smiling, not blinking. It’s like Ivar’s looking at a completely different person. “And yet, people would say the same thing about you,” you reply, wanting to have the last word but also to hurt him like he hurt you with his comment a few seconds ago. 

Then, you turn, whisper a faint apology to the King and storm out of the hall, hands clenching at your sides as you mutter to yourself. 

With the door being slammed behind you, the feast that will not have a positive outcome for Ivar continues as if nothing had happened. The old King sitting in the throne doesn’t even bother trying to reignite the bargain Ivar had come here for and it leaves Ivar in a dangerous place. 

Seeing you again after you had left - and broke his heart in the process - he’s caught in a wave of memories. He tries to block out those memories all this time, tried to be stronger but it was all for naught the moment he saw you walking into this fucking hall, in that fucking dress, looking like the fucking queen he wanted to make you. 

The memory of seeing you for the first time is enough to make him push himself off his seat, crutch in hand and turn to walk away without giving any excuse. And why should he? It is no one’s concern why he is upset. 

He doesn’t walk through the hallways like he normally would. No, he digs his crutch as deep into the ground as he can, takes as big and angry steps as he can, anything to get his mind off of the one memory that has decided to haunt him now. 

He thought you were a thrall. Most of the men in the room thought that and one of them tried their luck on you. When Ivar watched you effortlessly push the man to the ground, keeping him there with a foot on his throat, he was captured by you right away. 

And Aslaug had died recently, so something inside him wanted some kind of womanly comfort. So, he called you over when you let the man go with a warning and he made the mistake of letting you into his heart. 

Ivar slams the door of the chambers he will share with his brothers, walks a bit into the room before he stops and wipes his hand over his face. “Ivar.” Hearing your voice, timid and soft as how it would be when you would comfort him after he confesses everything makes his head snap towards the sound where he finds you sitting on the edge of one of the beds. 

“What do you want, (Y/n)? What more could you possibly want from me after everything you’ve done?” he snaps, turning his body towards you as you slowly stand with your hands folded in front of you. 

You always had a sense of regality to you, always carried yourself tall and proud after Ivar taught you how to be self-confident. He changed you into the woman you are now, and you have a feeling he regrets that. “You make as if I murdered your entire family and took away everything you ever loved,” you say, your voice not breaking, wavering or showing any kind of weakness. 

He chuckles darkly at how he remembers how strong of a queen he thought you would be. All he had to do was you to be his wife. “You did take away everything I ever loved,” he sneers, walking toward you when you stop. “When you broke my heart by disappearing, leaving nothing but a note to confess everything. You did even have the courage to tell it straight to my face,” he says, now standing close to you, his face close to yours that hangs slightly so you don’t have to look in his eyes. 

“If you want to call me a coward, Ivar, just do it,” you whisper, lifting your head to look up at him, showing him that there are tears in your eyes. “I’m not as strong as I appear to be. Like I said, my heart broke just as much as yours when I found out I had to come back home and give my report of everything I’ve learned about Kattegat, about your army. About you-”

“And I suppose you did just that.”

You shake your head, making his roll his eyes and move away from you. “I couldn’t tell them that I fell in love with you. I would have been killed. I couldn’t tell them that your weakness isn’t your legs but your heart,” you begin, turning as he starts to walk away from you. “I couldn’t tell them that Ivar the Boneless can in fact feel something other than anger and rage. I couldn’t tell them that when you laugh, it’s as if the Gods have cleared the sky to make the sun shine brightly.” He freezes, grips onto his crutch tightly as he glances down to the ground. 

“I couldn’t tell them that you’re just as an amazing lover as you are a strategist. I couldn’t tell them that you are not always strong and that you have times when you’re weak and only open yourself up to those close to you, those you trust,” you carry on, slowly walking forward as your hands fall to yours sides. “I couldn’t tell them that you loved me and that you would be weak when I left you otherwise they would have attacked you.”

You could go on about all the other things you couldn’t tell those that sent you to find out everything about Ivar and his kingdom, but you think for now, this will do. 

Ivar breathes heavily, his back facing you and his head hanging low. He shakes his head, making you stop in your tracks and pray to the Gods that he will forgive you, but you know that’s not likely to happen. “Do you remember what you told me when I told you about my mother’s death? The promise you made to me when I...was weak in front of you?” he questions, your heart sinking in your chest and your gaze dropping to the ground as you breathe out a shaky breath. 

You hoped he wouldn’t bring this up. Back at that precise time, you hadn’t fallen in love with him yet. Everything was still an act and you had to say what he wanted to hear so that he would trust you and open up to you even more. “Do you remember?” he asks again, this time more forceful and full of rage. 

Even though you know he can’t see it, you nod your head and quickly lift your hand to wipe away a tear. “I promised I would always be there for you,” you whisper, your heart breaking even more at your own words. 

An empty promise. One that was fated to destroy every connection with Ivar once it left your mouth. 

“I remember years ago, someone told me I should take caution when it comes to love,” Ivar speaks as he turns around to face you again, tears lining his eyes making it hard for you to hold his gaze. “You know who that was?”

You nod. You know well enough that it was Aslaug that told him that. His mother was worried that after she passed, no one would be there to guard his heart as she had done. So, she gave him that warning. But you know as well that the warning wasn’t in his mind as he mourned his mother’s death. That’s what made things easy to get close to him. 

“Tell them everything you kept secret. Tell them how weak I was. I am ready from anything they throw at me,” he sneers, walking towards you and he glares down coldly at you. “You breaking my heart has made me invincible. I will never love again because of you,” he grunts, his lips close to your ear before he moves to walk away. 

You keep your composure, close your eyes to keep your tears at bay as you listen to him walking away and toward the door. It isn’t until you hear it open and close that you let a sob escape your lips and fall to the ground as you lift a hand to hide your face as tears stream down your cheeks. 

When you were learning how to be a spy, the first thing they taught you was not to fall in love with your target. But when it came to Ivar, things were different. One mentor told you that although those are words of wisdom - not to fall in love - that sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants. 

But what does a broken heart do when it’s already broken the heart of the one it wants?

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#ivar #ivar the boneless #ivar x reader #ivar the boneless x reader #King Ivar #ivar ragnarsson #vikings ivar #ivar imagine #ivar lothbrok #vikings #vikings fanfic #vikings x reader #SalDeLysFirstYear

[yasuda-anis]

A Blessing for a Friend

One of my first released works for Anis, I wanted to give something to a friend of mine. To @writer-and-artist27​, Vy I’m glad to have met you and I love your stories. I hope we can keep being friends for a long time.

As for what I listened to while I wrote this it’s Wonderful Future or Prekasno Daleko. Just cause I really like it and the mood got me excited. May your future be bright.

The heavy smell of bread blew into Anis’ face, fogging her glasses in a few seconds. It seemed that despite all the enchantments that Medea and others had placed on them for protection and preventing them falling off, some things could just never be avoided.     Anis waited a few seconds for them to clear up, enjoying the rich scent of vanilla and almost drooling. But it was important that the last part be done right.

If she messed this up, the whole thing would lose more than half the impact. But the heat coming out of the oven was still intense enough that she hesitated reaching in, even with her gloves and apron.     “Need a hand there Master?” A cheerful voice called out behind her before a large heavy paw settled on her shoulder. It was a familiar feeling, but something she hadn’t felt for a while. 

“Thanks Tamamo,” Anis sighed as she stepped aside. “I’ve been out of the kitchen for a long time so-”     “No problem, no problem Master!” She grinned as her tail whapped her master gently. “I see you when you come to eat everyday so I do see you. But this is certainly something new.”

Back in the days of Chaldea… that was - never mind. When she had first arrived Tamamo had been there for her. Making sure she ate, making sure she had someone to talk to, and more importantly, being there for the warmth Anis had been missing. Back then, Anis would always stop by at least once a week to be with her- to talk, be pampered, spar, or just to get some motivation. It had been some time since Anis had come back to see her.     Cat had come to visit herself mainly. But that was enough of that.     “It’s a bit of a special occasion,” Anis confessed, breathing in the warmth from the tray Tamamo passed under her. “I really wanted to do something for her.”     The fresh pastry was then quickly flipped over into a small basket, the smell of vanilla a bit more muted now. Cat moved over to bring over the picnic basket and pack in plates, utensils and some drinks.     Anis put on her gloves- made out of materials she was sure a regular mage would kill her for- and reached into a small box to pull out small clay figurines. She then cut small holes into the pastry and inserted them, quickly closing up the holes with nata.     The figures had been a group effort between her, Medea, and Nito. Making them heat resistant and non toxic had been a bit trick, but according to Medea the materials were easy enough to come by.     “All ready here!” Tamamo saluted with feral glee. “Now! Quickly before that other cat burglar comes in!”     Anis had factored in anyone coming in to try and steal it. But even the best laid plans need to adapt quickly, she thought as she wrapped it up in cloth and shut it in the basket. But alas, the smell, however faint, still escaped the basket. She would have to hurry. Or else…

“I’m off then! I’ll be back later!” Aniis yelled as she started moving quickly to the door. She could run. But the chances she could trip weren’t her main concern. Gotta act natural. I have an important appointment! But too fast and they’ll catch on!

    Tamamo waved her away with a handkerchief, calling out all sorts of fun jokes at her. Anis waved back and went off the hallway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hallways of Novum Chaldea were packed. The early days of an empty Chaldea faded in the first months, and Anis was used to wandering both in her old Chaldea and in this one like a metro station.     Staff and servants moved in their flows- the main speed being kept except for a few who were assumed to just be beyond reprimand. Anis would normally be a patient walker, her pace easily adjusted to suit whoever she was walking with. Today though she wove and dashed through the flow, trying to minimize her impact by calling out warnings to those ahead.

Excuse me! 

Pardon me! 

Sorry! 

Hi! 

Sorry, a bit busy! 

No problem, just gotta go!

Not right now thanks!

Oops! You good? I’ll make it up to you later!

Sadly though, the kids had caught her. As she expected. The child servants were always on top of any delicious snacks and treats in the base before the other two threats of Jaguar, who would demand them, and Ibaraki, who would never bother to ask and just take it.     I lost 5 minutes to negotiations, but hopefully I can still make it on time! The kids had realized quickly what the occasion was, but demanded an equal treat and participation in one of their tea parties. Apparently, Mori was hosting this one as his first foray into western tea ceremony. 

But there it was! The door to Vy’s room! With one of her servants waiting out front as usual. Today it happened to be Emiya and Artoria, or Art as Vy called her. The pair had been chatting in front of the door before noting Anis, a bit winded, approached them.

“Hello there you two,” Anis panted, checking inside the basket to make sure nothing had spilled. “Is she back yet?”

Opening the basket had apparently been a mistake, since the culinary duo immediately caught onto what sort of treat Anis had brought and smiled. “She is not back yet, but if what you brought tastes as well as it smells I should believe my master will enjoy it,” Arotria smiled, her gentle gaze clearly showing her desire to try some as well.

“It’s been a while since I smelled something like this. Is that-” Emiya approached, starting to reach out to the basket.

Anis flinched back, covering the basket with her free hand. “Sorry about that, it’s best as a surprise ya know? Don’t worry though, it’s meant to be shared.”

Artoria nodded. “Indeed. You should learn to be patient like me. After all, Miss Anis has told us quite clearly it was meant as a surprise for all of us.”     A letter had gone out to Vy’s main servants last week, indicating that on her birthday, they should split into two teams- one to distract Vy, and one to stand guard and prepare the room. Anis had barely made it to the room before the deadline.

Anis held out the basket to Emiya, until he took it with both hands. “I’ll just leave this with yall then and head off after telling her-”

“Telling me what?” 

“YA!” Anis yelled and stomped her foot hard to prevent from accidentally swinging her elbow towards the voice. A very bad habit that had been the sad result of both martial arts training and poor nerves. 

“Eeep! I-I’m sorry Aqui! I didn’t mean to scare you like that…” Vy mumbled, wrapping her arms around herself. “It’s been a while since we saw each other, so-”

Anis breathed out, trying to relax. “It’s fine- fine” Anis breathed out again, her heart rate returning to normal. “Happy birthday Vy.”

She said it in the gentlest tone she had. Because it was her. One of the kindest souls she’d ever met, and deserved all the respect and charity the world had in return. Even Anis’ servants would treat her kindly and take time to chat with her from time to time. 

“Thankie Aqui,” she smiled back in the way that had made her so warm to all she met. “What's that? It smells delicious~” “Hold on there little sparrow,” Robin grinned as he put a hand on her shoulder, earning a small pout from her. “I think we should all go inside and get the full surprise right?” Anis nodded, glad to not disappoint. “We came up with a nice little thing for you Vy!” Anis smiled, something she wasn’t too familiar with, but she was glad her tone at least matched the mood. “I wanted to give you something as thanks for what you’ve given me and others here. And sorry to say, I won’t take no for an answer.” “Muuuu. This better not be something too big Anis.” _________________________

It was a simple affair. Anis had simply planned to leave the gift after explaining, but Achilles and Emiya had forced her to take a seat at the table. Apparently, she had a responsibility to see it through to the end.     The cake sat at the center of the table- a Rosca de Reyes, a delicious pastry in the shape of a round loop topped with concha sugar in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. There were also some fruits as well, but only on half of the cake since Anis didn’t care for them.

The main gift though was the act of cutting the cake, Anis explained. “See, this is technically a celebration cake that’s eaten either on christmas, or on the actual feast day in January,” Anis explained as she passed the knife to Vy on the opposite side of the table.

“Let me get that for you,” Robin said as he started to reach out for the knife only to have Anis give him the look she usually gave those who started deviating from the rules in board games.

“The main thing is cutting it, Robin, so she needs to choose what part she wants and cut it herself,” Anis explained, tapping the cake. “It’s not just a cake you know, it’s a game.”

Vy tilted her head and squinted at the cake. “A… game? Like, with rules?” 

“Not that kind of game,” Anis chuckled as she waited for Vy to grip the knife. “See, it’s about making choices and seeing if you get lucky.” Vy still looked a bit confused, but eventually started cutting into the Rosca, the rich smell leaking out with each cut.

Crshh!!

“W-what was that?!” Vy pulled the knife out and looked inside the cut. “Is there food inside too? But it was so hard?”

“Got one already?” Anis asked, a bit surprised at the game starting off so quickly. “I tried to mix up the placement, but with your good fortune it makes sense you’d hit it off on your first try. Make your next cut for now, okay? But only cut as much as you can eat.”

    So Vy, still a bit confused, cut again, and hit something she couldn’t cut again. The look on her face though was more of curiosity and interest though, which helped relax Anis a bit. She held out a small spatula and Robin took it to lift her piece out, pulling a bit hard to separate the piece, revealing-

“What the? Is that?” Robin asked, not entirely sure of what had just happened.The other servants were all mostly curious as well, leaning forward to see. 

A small blue bird’s head poked out from the left side of the slice, the rest of its body supposedly buried inside. On the right side though, was a small tile with a flower motif that fell onto the plate with a small clink.     Vy picked it up and looked it over. The small white ceramic tile was two sided- a lily on one side and a lotus on the other.

“Two prizes so far Vy! Congrats!” Anis clapped, excited to see the reactions of surprise. “The game is meant to be that each person has a chance to find a prize and get good luck! I kinda adjusted it though and just made plenty of small prizes so every one of y'all could get something. So please, go ahead and enjoy it.”

Vy and the other servants started to get excited and began to cut their own slices to find prizes. A large variety of small figures and decorated tiles came out- a miniature crystal horse, a golden chariot, a lion cub, a golden ram, even a miniature Fou! The cake wasa soon gone and the figures were gathered in front of the empty plates, with Vy enjoying the rising atmosphere.

She deserves it honestly. She’s been working hard to take care of so many people. I just gotta give back something. Anis knew how late Vy stayed up at times- both working and because of stress. She also knew from how Fujino treated her that there were obviously more details about her past that shouldn’t be approached. But the unconditional love her servants had for her… Honestly, it made her a bit jealous. But that was fine. She had her own servants she cared for and could rely on. And a fellow master who she could always count on to hear a lovely tune sung or performed. A wonderful flower that bloomed once in the ice and now again in the sea. 

Thank you for being born Vy. I’m glad to have been able to meet you. And more so that you could consider me a friend. May you overcome all your hardships, and keep  your kindness forever.

#mastersona Anis #A gift #my first long writing attempt! #Sorry I couldn't proofread it #I wanted it to be a surprise #I hope you like it though #Vy #Happy birthday

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tapestry 👑 X

Warnings: eventual dark elements (tags to be added as fic continues)

This is dark!(king)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: King Steven had a wandering eye but you never thought it would fall upon you.

This Chapter: The court celebrates the last hunt.

Note: Okay, so I called in today because of my anxiety at the suggestion of my boytoy and he told me to sleep in a bit. He’s not a doctor, but he’s got a PhD (pretty huge dick) so I have to listen. But I got this chapter done last night so y’all still get your fix, lol.

Also, I have to thank you guys, I really can’t thank you enough. I am in love with this fic and truly in your discussion of it bc yall seem as invested as I am and I just love all the possibilities and how these characters are turning out and it’s all been so much fun. So please, enjoy and remember that I love you (but I will not leave my wife for you, sorry).

(also open to new moodboards for the fic or even playlists for inspo if anyone’s interested. memes always welcome.)

I really hope you enjoy. 💋 You guys rock!

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply! Love ya!

You were never one to stand out among a crowd. Were it not for the sling around your shoulder, that would still be true. You suspected, without the king's interest, that would be even more true. But despite your simply cut gown, you could sense the eyes as you entered the hall.

The trestles were set with scarlet cloth and silver plates. You followed the other unwed ladies to the table opposite the lower lords. The king would sit at the high table with several favoured lords and ladies and those of the council not among them would sit along the next. 

You were surprised to spot your father along that group of men, though he did not wear the pin that the other counselors wore. He nodded at you from across the room as he took his seat. You were stopped before you could go behind the trestle by a servant in royal colours. The other ladies glanced over but quickly hid their curiosity.

“My lady,” The servant said. “You are to take the place of honour at the high table.”

“Pardon?” You stepped aside to let Joan pass behind you. 

“The king has declared you the Maiden of the Forest. You must take your proper seat,” The servant insisted. “If you would follow me, my lady.”

“Um,” You glanced to the ladies as they sat along the bench then to the table where your father sat. His eyes narrowed at you as he listened to Lord Callum. “Certainly. As you will.”

You waited for the servant to lead you. You climbed the short steps up to the dais that held the king’s table. Diana and Mable sat with their husbands, Anthony and Samuel, and Lord Barnes stood next to an empty chair to the right of the king’s. The royal couple themselves were upon a short platform that held them another half foot above their guests. 

The servant gestured towards Barnes. “Just down there, lady.” He explained. “With Lord Barnes.”

“Thank you,” You nodded to the man and he quickly departed for his other chores.

As you walked along the table, behind chairs both occupied and not, you stared at the king’s chair. The thought of spending the feast next to him filled you with dread. A blur of movement caught your eye and you found Lord Barnes awaiting you with a smile as you drew nearer.

“My lady,” He took your hand and bowed to kiss your hand dramatically. “The venerable Maiden of the Forest.”

“You mock me,” You accused. “Though I should wonder how a man in such a smock could find the gull to do so.”

“Oh but any silk not dull as stone would seem gauche next to your attire, my lady,” He quipped. “As a second daughter, I am certain you expected a convent but you’ve escaped the habit of yet.”

“I thought you the king’s man, not his jester,” You returned. He politely shifted the chair back for you to sit. “Though perhaps a fool’s cap would suit you better.”

“As much as a bolder shade would bring out your complexion, my lady,” He remarked as you sat. “Do you truly seek to deter the king or is this truly what you consider fashionable?”

“This is what an earl’s daughter can afford,” You said sharply. 

“If only half this court was as self-aware as you, my lady,” He sat beside you, “Perhaps then it would not be so turbulent.”

“Oh, if only,” You agreed.

“The sling, however, does brighten the look,” He added. “How does your shoulder fair?”

“Tender but not so insufferable as my company.”

You looked across the room. Rose was not among the ladies. You hadn’t seen her since before the hunt and heard even less of her. ‘I will see that she is dealt with’, those were the words the king had spoke. The promise he’d made to you though you could not untangle his meaning.

“Oh my lady, I do remember the scene in your chambers,” He intoned. “I am not the worst you must suffer.”

He grinned as you looked to him. Your retort was curtailed by the sound of a horn. You stood at the announcement of the king’s arrival and all bowed as he entered. He wore a rich green brocade slitted with gold silk. The queen’s dress was a similar shade though she did not bear the same poise. Her sharp eyes scanned the hall and fell on you. She pushed her shoulders back and averted her gaze with detest.

Barnes shifted on his feet and peeked over at you out of the corner of his eye. You raised your brows and shook your head. He was not so unconcerned as he pretended to be. The king and queen made their entrance to the blaring of the horn and ascended the dais as their subjects waited and watched.

You kept your head forward as they passed behind you and the queen’s skirts brushed against the legs of your chair. “Snake.” She snarled under her breath for you to hear. You struggled not to flinch at the word and listened as her heels clicked up the step to her perch.

“You handle it better than most.” Barnes whispered as the royal couple sat and their guests followed suit.

“What else can I do but bite my tongue and keep my eyes forward?” You returned as he reached for the decanter and filled his goblet. 

“Wine?” He offered but did not await your answer before he poured it in your cup. “And let me say, I’ve seen a dozen or so women in your position and they often resort to boasting, arrogance even.”

“In my position? And you think--”

“Oh, I know of your modesty,” He assured you as he sipped and servants appeared with platters and began to set them out between silver plates. “Though such restraint is almost unknown at this court. I suspect that’s why the king has remained so persistent.”

You drank from your cup and glanced over at the king. You worried he would overhear. He was entirely distracted by Eleanor’s whispers though barely entertained. He scowled as his eyes swept the ceiling and he huffed in response.

“He has persisted before, has he not?” You kept your voice low.

“A month, maybe two, and only after he obtained his prize.” He paused as a platter was set between you. “You only expedited Rose’s downfall but you didn’t cause it.”

“Is that your expectation? A month, maybe two for me?” You wondered. “It is not that I do not expect the same treatment, only that I’d hope to avoid the same end.”

“I don’t know what to expect,” He shrugged as he speared a slice of venison from the platter. “For so long as I’ve known the king, I’ve not quite seen him as I did in your chamber.”

“Surely he must’ve promised the same to other ladies.” You took a smaller piece and scooped some roasted veggies upon your plate.

“Jewels and fancy baubles only,” He said. “Eleanor is a princess herself, even without the marriage. What he intends is not so easily done as said.”

“And you think he truly means to do it?” You hovered your fork above your plate as you stared at him. Despite the edge of his tongue, he proved to be the most honest at court.

“I think he means to have you,” He cut into his venison, “And there is little that can stop him once he has his mind set.”

You looked to your plate and pushed a piece of potato around the silver. Your stomach knotted as you pondered cutting your meat with one hand.

“My lady,” A whisper distracted you. You looked over as the king leaned down. “I should ask after your health.”

“I am well,” You assured him. “My arm does not bother me so much but I must avoid straining it further.”

“Well enough to dance?” He ventured as his eyes lit up. “Being the Maiden of the Forest, it would be expected you take up the boards.”

“A dance.” You assured him, “But not many more. I fear the sling would make me far more ungainly than I already am.”

“A dance, a smile, I relish in all that you allow me, my lady,” His eyes flicked down for just a moment. “And what of the gifts I have given you?”

Your eyes rounded for a moment before you recalled the opal necklace still hidden in your trunk. “Oh, your highness, how forgetful I am. It has all been so hectic I’ve not even the thought to wear it, though it is the finest piece I’ve ever owned.”

“I should like that you would,” He reproached. “As a marker of my love for you.”

You looked down and nodded. “I will have to remind myself,” You said quietly. “I do forget myself so often.”

“Oh, but lady, do not punish yourself,” He said softly. “For I bear you no anger, I only wish to see you well.”

“And I do thank you for your concern,” You looked up at him. “It means very much.”

“I think of nothing else,” He assured you, “No one else.”

He bowed his head and sat up. The queen’s eyes glared across the room as she ignored her husband’s conversation with you. You sat back and took another drink. Barnes was smiling as he swallowed his mouthful.

“While I admire your grace, I know you are rather adept at rancor. Perhaps you would be best to prove the same to him.” He mused. “Oh, it might solve many problems should you speak with more than a lamb’s tongue.”

“I am honest--”

“Oh but you coat it in honey,” He interjected. “Our king is wise. Should you bite him once, he might just leave you alone.”

“And should he choose to swat me down instead?”

“Despite what you’ve known of him, he is not entirely irrational,” He said coolly. “Perhaps he might realize his wife is not so vile after all.”

“Perhaps,” You mulled as you prodded a slice of carrot, “Or perhaps it is too late for even that.”

👑

The night wore on. Your shoulder ached; from the tension, from the stiff chair, from your general discomfort. The king would lean down to speak to you every now and then and as he did, all in the hall would notice. Though they tried to be subtle, you did not miss their intrusive eyes.

Lord Barnes did not hide his awareness either. At times, he'd lean back and speak to the king around you. The queen's malice radiated from the other side of the king but she would not acknowledge her husband's obvious disregard.

When the meal came to an end, the horn sounded once more and the platters were cleared. Several courses had left guests joyous and half-drunk.

The king stood before the band could begin to pluck. He held a hand up as he waited for silence. His subjects hushed their chatter and looked to him. He smiled back, a beacon of kingly grace.

"And so we close another season. This marks the beginning of winter and the end of our most bountiful season." His voice carried easily across the hall. "As is tradition we must crown our Maiden of the Forest."

You gulped and looked to Barnes. He smirked at the king's words and scoffed. He leaned back and watched nonchalantly as Steven continued. A servant appeared at the wave of his hand.

"If you would, my lady," He nodded to you as he took a circlet of vines and petals from the servant.

You rose stiffly. He offered his free hand and you took it as he guided you up beside him. The queen kept her head high and you peered out across the hall. Your father was turned around in his chair watching proudly. The servant helped remove your cap.

"In the name of the hunt, I name you our Maiden of the Forest." The king announced as he placed the crown of flowers upon your head. "May you reign this night with grace and joy."

"Thank you, your highness, " Your voice was brittle as your head swayed.

"And to close the old season and open the new, let us dance." He declared. "Maiden, would you grant me your first dance?"

You nodded. At first, your throat was too tight to speak. The queen's hand was balled in a fist upon the table. "Yes, your highness," You managed, "If you can forgive my shortfalls, it is yours."

"Then let us dance!" He boomed.

For a moment, no one moved and then all at once, the band picked up and the nobles began to rise from the tables. They filtered out to the floor as the king led you behind the chairs and from the dais. Barnes did not rise and poured himself another cup.

The king pressed his palm to yours as you came to face each other. You felt awkward and unbalanced with your other arm in its sling. As he moved his feet, you shuffled around him. You hadn't thought your dancing could get worse.

"My lady, I am glad to see you well." He cooed. "I admit I was restless with worry for you."

"Your highness." You said curtly and looked around at the other dancers.

He was silent for a moment as you followed the music.

"Have I wronged you, my lady?" He asked.

"Have you? Oh, how can you not see what you do to me? This court reviles me due to your humiliation of the queen. Your declarations that would allude to adultery."

"My lady, I only mean to honour you and your virtue--"

"What you mean and what you have done are not the same. You would crown me with your wife at your side. You would overlook her for me. You would sully my virtue as you claim to protect it." You glanced over at Barnes as he remained at the table. He looked into his cup as he sloshed it around. "And I have treated you with nothing by reverence and yet you persist."

"I have promised you anon that the woman who claims herself as my wife is none such." He hissed. "But I must gather my evidence before I can make it known. Before I can right what is wrong."

"You promise me what you cannot give. You would rob me of my future for your present desire. Your highness, I cannot hold my tongue further and tolerate you as you are so blatant in your disregard." You pulled away from him. A little bite to warn him; to scare him away. "Your majesty I must return to my former chambers and return to you your gift accepted only under duress for I cannot demean myself for you any longer. Not so long as you sit in sin."

He reeled as if you had struck him. You stepped away as he stared at you, his nostrils flared as his eyes searched you. He lingered between fury and despair.

"My lady, you do mistreat me."

"The truth is not always painless, your highness," You said sternly. "And I do not wish to remain the victim of rumour." You lowered your hand. "It cannot be… good night, your highness. "

You bowed and spun on your heel so quickly you nearly slipped. You lifted your skirts to scurry between the bodies. Your flesh was afire as you fled into the corridor.

You took a breath and continued along the stone floor. You heard the door and looked back to the shadow that followed you. The king found you through the flicker of lanterns and turned to trail you. You rounded the corner as you picked up your feet. 

"My lady," He called after you as his boots echoed on the stone. "Please, do not run from me."

You moved as quickly as you could, the motion jolted your shoulder painfully. He was close as you reached the next corner and he caught your hand before you could evade him. He drew you to face him as he looked down at you.

"Why do you spurn me? Why do you accuse me of spite when all I've shown you is kindness?" He pleaded. His grip slid to your wrist and he squeezed. "Why do you delay me if you do not yearn for what I promise you?"

"You're hurting me," You gasped as his hold grew firmer. "Your highness."

"I give and I give and I give," He stepped closer until you were against the wall. "And you withhold yourself from me."

"You scare me," You breathed.  

"I promise you a union, a crown, and all you could desire and yet you reprimand me and let me suffer so," He was against you. He pressed his body to yours and you felt a hardness beneath his belt.

"And I have not pushed you. I have not violated you. I have waited." He ground his pelvis into you as he crushed your injured arm. "I have not taken you as I have dreamt. I have not come into your chambers as you sleep and taken what I desire." 

He let go of your wrist and grabbed your chin. He forced you to look at him. "Because, my lady, I have decided that I will have you. Not just as my mistress, but as my wife, my queen. Because I don't just want that treasure you hide beneath those skirts," He bent so that his breath was upon your face."I want everything you have because you would deny me of the one thing I asked. "

You gaped up at him and trembled. You winced as his weight pushed on your sore shoulder. He leaned in until his nose touched yours.

"And though, at this moment, I could gather your skirts and take you against this wall, I will not," He pushed his hips harder against you. "Because when I do take you, I will be certain that you shall never elude me again." 

He pressed his lips to yours as he held your jaw in place. You struggled as he seemed like to devour you. You were trapped against the stone; terrified and helpless. He pulled away slowly and rubbed along your cheek with his thumb. 

"My lady, remember my benevolence for my restraint frays." He growled. "Though in the end, my desire will not."

#Steve Rogers #tapestry #dark steve rogers #dark!steve rogers #dark steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x reader #dark!steve rogers x reader #series #au #Fic #medieval au #dark fic #dark!fic #mcu #marvel #captain america #bucky barnes x reader #Bucky Barnes

[talas-starlight]

Can i get a fluffy headcannon for suki x fem!reader? Since my birthday is coming up, I’d like to see what she would do for her girlfriend on her special day. I want all that soft shit if you need more specifics then you can just like message me bro - @simpinforsukka

A/N: Happy birthday!!! 🥳🥳 Omg omg I hope you had an amazing day and please accept my (awful) gift to you,,, YALL this is my first headcannon & request and omfg this was a lot harder than I expected HAHAHAHA BHRIDFVG ☠️ 🤣🤣 – also I think this is a bit longer than a normal headcannon is supposed to be??? & I think I low key did it wrong AHAHAHAH - I really don’t know my friens oop but i hope you like it! @simpinforsukka​ 💖💖💖

• OKIE so let’s establish something real quick,,

• You were not expecting anything on your birthday- well anything extravagant that is 

• Suki is super sweet and supportive of your passions, just as you are of hers, so generally in past years she would let you take the lead,, happily joining along just to make your day brighter 

• Yet of course this year,, she’s learnt quite a lot about your likes and dislikes from past years hence making the decision to take the lead 

• SO IMAGINE YOUR SURPRISE WHEN SHE ROCKS UP AT YOUR HOME INSTEAD OF YOU STEALING HER AWAY FROM ZUKO FOR THE DAY 

• Well actually, you weren’t really surprised more so discombobulated when you naturally woke up to her on top of you

• Arms wrapped securely around your waist 

• Head nestled into your neck, with her hair tickling your chin

• But you were able to fight the urge to freak out at the initial shock of finding someone in your bed fast asleep- as you soon realised it was your girlfriend 

• Yet you were unable to fight the happy tears welling up in your eyes 

• because even thougH zuko would ALWAYS be more than willing to allow suki to come visit you - you rarely woke up together in such a peaceful way 

• let alone on special occasions like birthdays 

• because tbh the guilt of taking her away from the duties she was so proud of doing always ate you up inside 

• ANYWAY, so suki being as skilled as she is, sensed your uneven breathing and woke up

• “Baby? What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?”

• Okok so now she was fussing over you and you tried to diffuse the situation 

• “No, I’m okay- yes suki I promise!! I’m just really happy you’re here”

• QUEUE THE 🥺🥺🥺 FROM SUKI 

• Realising why you were so happy, she squeezed her arms around you even tighter (but not tight enough to break ur ribs because I knoW she could) 

• *insert cute, slow & soft make out session because happiness and yoU BOTH DESERVE IT*

Okok now time for the proper festivities!!!

• So, after your wonderful reunion suki takes you on a lil trip/ game 

• NOW what this involves is that whatever age you’re turning is the number of things she has install for you for the day 

• Okie so foR the first item of the day she serves you your favourite cake for BREAKFAST because who cares about eating norms when its your birthday 

• And if you don’t like cake its your favourite celebratory meal 

• Following this she takes you to all of the places your love 

• if it involves travelling, she uses one of the fire nation hot balloons that she stole because she can

• So throughout the day she throws in some significant places/ activities that relate to the two of you 

• BECAUSE you’re with suki and you’re GUNNA have some places that make the both of you soft even if you’re not that much of an affectionate or sentimental type of person 

• And the ENTIRE day you’re just in awe realising how much your girl actually pays attention to what you love and what you care about 

• Like she’s a total SWEETHEART and a total BADASS but there are multiple points throughout the day where she just made you think 

• “is this really my life?” 

• Tbh you were already over yue that she came to your home while you were sleeping just so she could spend all of your special day with you 

• & you would’ve been more than content with just staying in bed all loved up 

• OKAY BUT SEE WHAT I DID THERE – OVER YUE??? OVER THE MOON???? I'm a comedic genius take it or leave it

• AND LET ME TELL YALL she one-upped herself with every single thing she did with you that day 

NOW FOR THE GRAND FINALE 

• Okay so you just finished your second last activity for the day, and you were genuinely wondering what she could possibly have planned for you with the last one 

• So, you were both taking a stroll through the woods and the sun has already set 

• Honestly you were a tiny bit concerned – like why does someone take their girlfriend into the woods, IN THE DARK

• But she was doing so well all day, you didn’t want to jump to conclusions

• And she leads you to an open field 

• Your jaw DROPS 

• you’re just like… “what is all of this?”

• before you in said field are dozens of lanterns, a giant fire pit with a LEGITIMATE FEAST on a GIANT wooden table 

• you have no idea how you’re supposed to consume all of that with just suki

• anyway, she fully LAUGHS AT YOU 

• “just wait my love”

• THEN OUT OF THE LITERAL SKY HERE COMES APPA WOOHOO 

• “Did you really think our friends would allow me to keep you all to myself on your special day?”

• now it was your turn to laugh

• so, when he lands ALL of your friends come running towards you

• you’re legit tackled into one giant hug as they all scream 

• “HAPPY BIRTHDAYYYYY!!!!!”

• Ngl tho sokka was the last one there because he got side-tracked staring at the food 

• You were so overwhelmed with happiness that you cried for the second time that day

• And then they cried because you were crying over how happy you were (yeS EVEN TOPH LET OUT A TEAR)

• Then eventually you all got over your tears and to sokkas relief you spoke out jokingly 

• “LET THE FEAST BEGIN!” 

• So, for the rest of the night, you joked, laughed, and cried (just a little bit more) with all of your best friends around you 

• But that didn’t stop you from turning to suki with a loving smile as multiple conversations broke out around the table a few hours into the night 

• “Thank you, my love, for everything.”

TAGLIST: I'm not guna put one here honestly because idk if anyone wants to be for stuff like this or if they only want to be tagged in my fire nations assassin series sooooo lmk if you do want to be added to other alta content & I'm scared ppl are guna get mad at me for tagging them in female character content LMAO AHAHHA 

also if you liked this and want to send in ur own request you're more than welcome just read the rules first please :)) rules are: here!

masterlist is: here!

#suki #suki x reader #suki x fem reader #suki x you #suki x y/n #avatar #avatar the last airbender #atla #sokka #appa #toph #karata #alta headcanon #aang #suki fluff #fluff #headcanon

[a-libra-writes]

SALT & SNOW - CHAPTER 3

Ships: Ned Stark x Reader, Brandon Stark x Reader

Summary: Ned returns to Winterfell from the Vale for a short visit with his family, while Y/N gets some disappointing news about her’s ... and just generally has a bad time. Hope yall like fluff.

Want to see your name in this fic? Use this fantastic extension for chrome!

✨🐺For mobile users, here’s my masterlist 🐺✨

For a time, Y/N felt guilty for how quickly the days began to pass and how she lost track of them. She always wrote to her mother and didn’t miss a letter, but sometimes the septa had to remind her, and sometimes she was so eager to write about what she was doing, she forgot to inquire after her family. She’d make it up by sending a lovely embroidery she was proud of, or a quick painting of some part in Winterfell she thought the boys would find interesting. They especially liked the ruined towers and horses, so she did her best to oblige them.

In the morning Lady Stark would give her a smile at breakfast, asking after her lessons like her mother did. Lord Stark was very different from her father and uncle, but he’d help her up on her horse if he was passing by, and he’d pat her head like they did. Even Brandon would have his moments of chivalry with her - between his immature japes - and of course, Lyanna and Benjen were her near constant companions. For as many days as she spent with just Lyanna, they were just as many days with Benjen joining them.

It was difficult to feel homesick in such happy circumstances, but Y/N would still feel it, especially at night when she’d awaken suddenly, hearing the wind hit against the window. She’d creep out of bed and open it, letting just a little cold air in, and her heart felt heavy when she smelled no salt in it, nor did she hear any waves in the distance. In the first weeks, that was enough to make a few tears run down her cheeks as she laid down to sleep.

She hadn’t cried from homesickness in some time, nor had she seen her family. It felt like it had been a very long time.

At dinner one evening, Y/N asked, “Lady Stark, how long has it been since I came to Winterfell?”

“It’s been nearly a year, perhaps a moon more.” Lady Stark said. She was still pale, but now Y/N was used to it. She often rested during the day, but always came to dinner. “Poor dear, you must want to see your family.”

“I do, but I’m happy to be here!” Y/N said quickly. “I love being at Winterfell.”

Lady Stark smiled. She patted Y/N’s cheek, and although the girl felt she was getting a bit old for that, the warm hand was comforting. “I do, too.”

“Couldn’t Y/N’s mother and father come to the feast this year?” Lyanna asked.

Lord Stark spoke like a man who had never lowered his voice for anything. “They will, don’t you girls worry about that. There’s someone else coming, though, someone you all will be very interested to see.”

Lady Stark grinned, and that got Brandon and Benjen’s attention. Brandon leaned in his seat impatiently. “Who?”

“Ned is coming home!” Lady Stark said, and immediately had to hush the outcry of happiness from the children and the teenager around her. She clapped her hands sharply. “Listen! He is only visiting, sweetlings, but he will stay for a fortnight. I asked Lord Arryn for it especially, since he is getting older, and will have to learn to travel during —”

Lyanna burst out. “He’s staying a whole fortnight?”

“Is he coming with some Vale knights? They have to show us how they fight in the South.” Brandon’s eyes had that fire Y/N noticed whenever he was sparring. He used real steel now. “I hope Lord Arryn taught Ned some interesting tricks.”

“Is the Baratheon boy coming too?” Benjen asked.

Her children clamored over one another. Lady Stark clapped again and sighed. “Enough! You can ask your questions when Ned gets here. If the gods are willing, he’ll be here a few days before the feast. I want you all to pray for his safe journey.”

Y/N, Lyanna and Benjen nodded obediently at this — neither of them neglected to visit the godswood each morning, even if Lyanna often yawned and fidgeted during the prayers — but Brandon decided to redirect his chattering to his father. Lately they were often together, and Y/N began to notice how much they resembled each other. Brandon wouldn’t stop growing, either, she overheard the maids sigh over how often they had to alter his clothing. He certainly ate like he was growing overnight.

Y/N felt much the same, even if much time had passed, although she did notice she could look over Benjen’s head now. Lyanna was still just a little taller, as usual, but the maids were also letting out their dresses … just not as often as Brandon’s tunics and trousers. Lyanna had begun to steal some of his old ones and roll up the pants legs to fit better, although her mother had become less patient with her blatant disregard of dresses.

They had gotten word from Jon Arryn when Ned left the Vale, and another one the day after he passed the Bloody Gate. A third raven was sent when he was within a day’s ride of Winterfell, and Lyanna was determined to stand vigil by the gate, as if she’d miss him completely if she wasn’t there to greet him. Benjen eventually got tired of the waiting, but it was easy for Y/N to wait patiently with her friend. She brought embroidery with her.

Lyanna leaned on Y/N as she looked down at the work. “Isn’t it boring? Doing the same thing again and again?”

“There isn’t much else for us to do. Don’t you ride to the same places on your horse?”

“It’s not the same thing at all!” Lyanna was aghast. “Well, it looks pretty. How do you know what a whale looks like?”

“My father showed me pictures in books, and they’re on my uncle’s maps. I’ve seen sharks and krakens, too.” Y/N would have embroidered those, but her uncle said krakens were cursed things, and a dainty, threaded shark didn’t match it’s fearsome reputation. Lyanna was going to say more, but both their heads snapped up as they heard the racket of horses and men.

“He’s here! He’s here!” She sprung up from the crate they were sitting on. Y/N shoved her work in her reticule and ran alongside her, although a Winterfell guard politely asked the girls to stand away from the gate while the horses came in.

Y/N expected a carriage and looked for one, but Lyanna pointed to one of the men on a horse — no, that wasn’t a grown man, but he wasn’t a boy, either. Y/N blinked once, then twice, and it was the soft grey eyes that hit her first. The rest of Ned followed behind that recognition. She couldn’t believe she had almost forgotten what he looked like, and that thought startled her. How could she forget those eyes?

He rode away from the small column and dismounted. Lyanna swung her arms around him at once. “Brother! You’re home!”

Ned was smiling, and it was such a good thing to see, but even better was how happy Lyanna was. Y/N’s heart swelled at the sight, knowing she missed Ned the most out of anyone, but then his grey eyes found hers. Y/N shivered, but not from the chill. She felt shy, which was silly, they’d met before, but …

Y/N looked down at her shoes and clasped her hands. She heard him step closer, and when she glanced up, those grey eyes were the first thing she saw.

She hastily looked elsewhere.

That’s how she noticed Benjen and Brandon heading toward them, looking just as excited as Lyanna. She knew Brandon had especially been wanting to see his brother again, maybe more than Lyanna. Y/N made room for them as the siblings made a little half-circle around their brother. It struck her how alike they all looked. They had their differences and little arguments, but they always protected one another.

Just like a pack.

“What are you doing?” Brandon asked her suddenly. Before Y/N could answer, the lordling took her hand and gently pulled her into the circle. “Ned, Y/N’s been living with us. You knew that, right? I almost wish they sent Lyanna to Whitetide.”

He didn’t have time to dodge the slap Lyanna gave the back of his head. Y/N watched Ned’s smile grow to a grin, and the sight of it made her stomach flip so much worse. It was best to stick to his eyes, or better, look at someone else. She was so distracted she hadn’t noticed that Brandon still had the light grip on her hand, even after Lyanna had hit him, and she carefully slipped out of it.

To Lyanna’s annoyance, Brandon was always taking Ned with him to go riding or practice in the training yard. As she and Y/N would cross the yard to etiquette lessons or worse - dancing - Lyanna would have a palpable impatience as she tried to get through the hours. Once they were finished, she’d sprint out to join her brothers, calling for Y/N to catch up. Sometimes it was annoying, but Y/N could understand. She was antsy to see her parents and Willam, and maybe even little Rickard, if they decided to bring him.

Y/N had a feeling Lyanna was going to change into riding clothes and saddle up her favorite horse, and once she was on a horse … Well, Y/N absolutely wasn’t going to gallop off with the speed and ferocity Lyanna  was used to.

She hadn’t even stepped outside for more than a few moments before she heard someone trying to catch up to her. She turned as Lady Stark caught up with her, her breathing a little more than strained. Y/N was worried about the color of her face, pale in spite of her quick gait. She had a letter in her hand.

“Y/N, sweetling,” She called, stopping to catch her breath. Y/N wasted no time in walking to her so Lady Stark didn’t have to go any further. Before the young girl could ask if she was alright, Lady Stark continued with some difficulty. “I’m so sorry, dear, I just received word from Whitetide. Your parents cannot come to the feast.”

Y/N forgot about Lady Stark’s pallor. She blinked. “What?”

“Your brothers and uncle are abed with terrible colds, and your parents are worried about bringing the sickness here. It wouldn’t be safe with the feast and my - my own health,” Lady Stark explained. “As soon as your brothers are feeling better, they can come here to see you.”

Y/N couldn’t remember Willam ever being sick, and she herself had only had a handful of colds in her life. Her uncle said the sea air was the best for one’s body. How could he be ill, too? Worry began to form in her stomach, especially with Lady Stark’s obvious fatigue right in front of her. “Are you ill too, Lady Stark? Are you going to have to leave?”

Why was she surprised by the questions? She must have noticed. “I am well enough to greet our guests and eat a few courses. It’s nothing you need worry about, Y/N. Why don’t you write a letter to your brothers and wish them well?”

Baby Rickon can’t read yet, and Willam is so stubborn about his letters. Y/N didn’t argue, though. She’d write to her mother and ask if they were going to be alright, as well as her uncle. She had these awful, anxious feelings biting at her stomach and pulling at her heart.

“They will recover quickly, I’m sure of it.” Lady Stark patted Y/N on the hair, and for once, the gesture bothered her. She felt like she wasn’t being told everything, like she was a child - she was nearly a woman (well, she would be once she flowered). Still, for all the time she spent at Winterfell, she felt she couldn’t possibly overstep her bounds like that.

So, she simply said, “I’ll go to the godswood and pray for their health.”

Lady Stark beamed in approval. She put the letter in her sleeve, excused herself, and slowly walked back into the keep. Y/N watched her go, recalling the straight, elegant poise the woman used to walk with. She decided to pray for Lady Stark, too.

“You don’t have to go to the feast if you aren’t feeling well.” Lyanna insisted. “I’ll stay with you.”

It was a sweet thing to say, because Y/N knew Lyanna had been looking forward to the event as much as her. As much as she wanted to stay in their shared room and sigh over the absence of her family, it wouldn’t do any good, and Lyanna would just be a bundle of energy, urging her every few minutes if she felt better and wanting to distract her. Here at the party, Y/N could glide along the feast hall, avoiding conversation easily, while Lyanna jumped to whatever took her attention. Expecting a she-wolf to be still was asking too much.

Y/N assured her friend, “Your mother has been making us practice our manners and courtesies for occasions like this. Besides, I think I smelled chocolate in the kitchen.”

“I did, too!” Lyanna grinned. “I haven’t had chocolate in so long! I wonder if they made it into a cake or a drink! Father said we’d have to wait and see. Oh, let me braid your hair. It’ll be easier.”

Y/N handed her the brush and sat patiently while Lyanna chattered about the different banners she saw at the gates. In the past year Lyanna had become very adept at styling braids, considering how often she tied her hair back for riding. When she was finished, Y/N helped lace up her gown, and turned around so Lyanna could do the same for her. It was a familiar routine now, and they walked to the feast hall with linked arms.

Y/N sat on the dais with the Starks, an honored place, and by now she was used to how her seafoam and white dress stuck out amongst the Starks’ shades of grey, white and black. Only Lyanna and her mother afforded splashes of pretty blues. From Y/N’s seat, she could gaze over the entire hall. It used to be uncomfortable to have guests glance at the clearly odd one out, but by now most knew her and her situation. More pressing to Y/N’s attention was the seat Ned occupied, usually reserved for Benjen.

The youngest Stark had no problem giving up his seat, Lord Stark was humored by his children all trying to shuffle their seats to talk to Ned. Brandon just had to lean forward or back to yell, so finally Lady Stark told her children to stop shouting over each other and go mingle with the guests.

Y/N wanted to talk to Ned, but it seemed everyone did. She kept trying to meet his grey eyes, and the few times she succeeded, she couldn’t look for long without becoming bashful. I feel so foolish. I should be more direct like Lyanna, but what would I even say? He must have seen so many amazing things at the Vale, I want to know what it was like ... 

Worse than her stupid thoughts was the loneliness that kept biting at her. Anytime she heard a young boy laugh, she turned, expecting Willam. Northern men drinking and arguing reminded her of her father and uncle, and the women gliding around with long, trailing hair was similar to her mother. Even now, she had no one to speak with. Ned, Brandon and Benjen were wandering off with the other lordlings, and Lyanna was chatting away with the Ryswell sisters.

Y/N figured she may as well join that conversation. Lyanna eagerly pulled her into the circle. “Barbrey, you’ve met Y/N, haven’t you?”

“Several months ago, but I didn’t have my sister with me.” Barbrey was a tall and pretty girl, three years older than them. Back then and now, she spoke to Y/N and Lyanna like equals. It helped she and Lyanna shared a love of riding, and Lyanna could talk over adults about that subject. She glanced to her younger sister. “Well, say hello.”

Her sister was slighter and paler, with dark hair that looked very soft. She was almost hiding behind Bethany. “Um. It’s good to meet you. My name is Lady Bethany.”

“It’s good to meet you. My name is Lady Y/N of House Caspian.” Y/N said, and Lyanna bowed with her. Instantly, Lyanna asked, “Do you ride, Bethany?”

“Oh, some… Barbrey’s been teaching me.”

“She’s getting there.” Barbrey smiled. She had honey-brown hair that was tied back, and dark eyes that Y/N rather liked. They wore simple dark red and brown gowns that were lightly trimmed with fur. Bethany was pointedly looking at Y/N’s own gown, decorating in swimming rays instead of galloping horses, and she shyly smiled when Y/N held up the sleeve so she could look closer.

“The white silk is so pretty,” She said softly. “When it’s with the green like that, it makes me think of a spring day.”

“Thank you, that is a pretty thing to say,” Y/N beamed. “I especially like how it matches the pearl my father —”

Her fingers froze as she touched her braid. The familiar, round pearl wasn’t there.

Bethany gave Y/N a questioning look, but Y/N didn’t notice. Her heart seized in her chest and panic spread through every inch of her body. Air left her lungs, and she released a very steady breath, desperately willing away the tears that instantly sprang to her eyes.

Barbrey and Lyanna had been discussing stallions the entire time, and weren’t paying the other two any mind. Bethany asked, “Um … Lady Y/N, are you well …?”

“I…” No. My pearl is gone. My pearl is gone. The pearl my father gave me, the silver strings aren’t even there — Did it fall? Did it break?

Y/N swallowed her racing thoughts and her words. She realized she had a death grip on her braid, and she lowered her hand. Instead, she gripped the sides of her skirts and attempted a curtsy. “Excuse me, I … I feel too warm.”

She quickly turned away from Bethany’s big, concerned eyes. Y/N tapped Lyanna on the shoulder. “I’m stepping out for a moment. It’s too hot.”

“Truly? But —”

Y/N swept past her.

Did Lyanna braid it into my hair? She must have, she always does, I showed her how to carefully tie the silver strings. She’d never be careless — we were talking, but she wasn’t that distracted — what if it’s on the dais? Or our room? Or … gods, what if it fell in the snow?

Y/N’s heart froze as she recalled how badly Lyanna wanted to walk through the open courtyard, even though Y/N warned her about dirtying their gowns. No, not the snow. Anything but that. Finding a pearl in the stone feast hall or our bedroom can be done, but an entire snowy courtyard at night …

She tried to fight the tears springing to her eyes, but as she replayed her memories, she couldn’t recall touching her braid or looking at it. All she could think about was the vast courtyard, and how quickly she and Lyanna ran through it. It was stupid, she should have secured the pearl before they left the bedroom, or better, not run at all. She never wore it while riding, she always carefully tucked it away at bedtime — she couldn’t lose it. She just couldn’t.

The tears were warm and she rubbed at her eyes, trying to stop them, but she couldn’t keep her sobs down. She retreated to an empty hall with large, lonely windows. It was completely dark out. It may not have been snowing, but servants and horses and men were moving through the courtyard from now to morning. Her pearl would be trampled on and buried.

It was bad enough she couldn’t hear the waves anymore, or chase after Willam or listen to her Uncle’s stories or sit with her parents by the hearth and fall asleep on her mother’s lap as they talked.

Y/N took in a deep breath, trying to just stop and decide what to do, but her thoughts were racing and fighting each other, none of them helpful. Her pounding heart froze all over again when she heard someone behind her.

“I’m fine,” Y/N blubbered before they could say anything, or before she even knew who it was. She looked up from her long sleeves and blinked several times, trying to see through her tears.

Two hands touched her shoulders, and she could feel their warmth through her silk gown. It would have made her flinch away if it wasn’t Ned standing before her. She blinked again, and before any more tears could run to her chin and drop on the floor, Ned wiped at her cheeks with the sleeve of his grey and black tunic.

“Lyanna said you hurried away. Did something happen?” He asked quietly. Y/N almost had to strain to hear him over her heart hammering in her chest and the blood rushing in her ears.

She wanted to tell him, but where could she start? It was all a jumble in her head. She felt lonely, angry, hopeless and foolish all at once. It should have been icing on the cake to have Ned find her like this, crying like a child over a lost bauble, but …

He was truly worried, and he carefully wiped the other side of her face. Y/N felt just a little better. She sniffled. “I lost my pearl.”

“The one you always wear?”

She nodded. “M-my father gave it to me. I … I don’t know where it could be. I thought about the courtyard, but it’s big, and has so much snow and mud, I can’t …”

The tears threatened to come again, and she clenched her eyes tight. The hand that remained on her shoulder squeezed her gently. What could he do? What could anyone do? Y/N hated the thought of everyone stopping everything to look for the pearl, though she’d gladly crawl through mud for it.

“I could find it myself,” Y/N said suddenly. “If I had a torch … I-I just need a torch and I’ll go looking…”

“There’s no need for that.” Ned shook his head. His hair was longer than she remembered, but it was the Northern way. She was glad the Eyrie didn’t change that. “I’ll take you back to your room, maybe it slipped out of your hair while you dressed.”

Y/N deflated. “I don’t think it’s there.”

“It doesn’t hurt to look. While you do that, I’ll ask the servants to look around the feast hall.”

“What about the courtyard?”

Ned glanced aside as he considered something, then said, “Search around your chambers and see if it’s there. I’ll worry about what’s outside.”

“But…” Y/N tried to argue, but she was tired, and she could only resist so much. She wanted to hope. She allowed Ned to hook his arm in her’s and escort her back to her room. She could hear distant revelry as they walked, and she asked, “Aren’t you  missing the feast? Won’t your father look for you?”

“Well …” Ned smiled bashfully. “I’m afraid he challenged Lord Umber to a drinking contest.”

“Oh.” Y/N recalled Lord Umber and his staggering height. “Oh dear.”

“Benjen will keep Brandon from joining, hopefully.” Ned stopped at her bedroom door and opened it, making a point not to look inside. “After you look, get some rest, Y/N. You shouldn’t fret.”

She was well beyond fretting. Y/N said, “If I end up finding it here, I’ll come and tell you. I don’t want the servants looking on my behalf, I … Maybe, I can help them look tomorrow? Or, I can do it myself… I don’t want to impose, it’s my mistake …”

As she trailed off, Ned gave her another one of those small smiles. He touched her shoulder again, and she appreciated the touch all over again. “If you do find it, you can come find me, but if not, you ought to sleep.”

Y/N wished him a goodnight, shut the door, and took a deep breath before tearing into the room. She pulled up the fur rugs, searched around the hearth, looked under the bed, around the vanity, into all the drawers, under the fur blankets, in her trunk … By the time she finished, she was sweating and muttering unladylike things as she pulled open her gown’s delicate lacings.

Y/N slipped into bed with her hair a mess and her heart still hammering painfully. She felt like there was a hole in her heart without the pearl, which was a silly and stupid thing to think of, but she kept feeling it. As she closed her eyes and touched her messy braid, she willed herself to sleep, just sleep. Silent tears fell on her pillow as she drifted off slowly.

She dreamed about warm sand between her toes, seagulls circling above her head, and a tall boy in a grey tunic pulling at her arm. At some point, the dream was interrupted by Lyanna’s voice, but that quickly faded. When she returned to that beach, it was night time, and all she could hear was waves crashing hard against the docks. This time, she was alone.

Y/N rolled onto her side and opened her bleary eyes to the window in front of her. The sky was lightening, but the sun wasn’t yet up. She so rarely woke up this early, but her sleep had been restless. She closed her eyes and snuggled back under the furs.

Tap tap. There was the noise again.

Again? When did I hear it the first time? Y/N sat up slightly, scanning the room with a little worry. Embers were crackling quietly in the hearth, almost extinguished, and Lyanna was snoozing softly beside her. There was no wind hitting the window, nor was there a bird outside of it …

Tap tap.

The door. Y/N hesitated, then pushed off the fur blanket and carefully slipped out of bed. She shivered as she pattered her way to the door. The servants didn’t knock if they were just stepping in to stoke the hearth. She carefully unlatched the door, opened it just a few inches, then threw it open once she saw the visitor.

“Ned!” Y/N at least had the state of mind to whisper, although it was still too loud. The older boy gestured for her to lower her voice, so she did. “What are you doing?”

Ned didn’t say anything, he just held out his hand. Even in the almost darkness, Y/N could make out a perfectly white, glittering object.

“Oh!” She threw her hands to her mouth, then quickly held the pearl. It was as cold as ice, and Ned’s hands were no warmer. She just noticed he was trembling. “Where did you —? How? Wait, how late is it?”

“Y-You mentioned th-the courtyard.” Ned sniffled. She stepped closer to him, over the threshold, and saw he had a thick cloak thrown over his clothes.

Y/N squinted, her eyes adjusting to the dark, and she reached for him. She grabbed hold of his arm, and from there, she took his hand. It seemed colder than the pearl, and she shivered. “Ned, you’re almost frozen!”

“I’m not that cold,” He mumbled, squeezing her hand and obviously relishing in the warmth. Their fingers entwined, and his body shook of its own volition. Y/N wanted to pull away, he was far too cold, but she held there for a few moments.

“Thank you so much. I… I can’t begin to thank you,” She said, trying to keep up the whispering, but the relief was too much. She clutched the pearl tight as she untangled from Ned’s hand and wrapped her arms around his chest. He was sixteen now, and far taller, so he bent down awkwardly to meet her. When he did, Y/N pressed her lips to his cold cheek. Ned shivered and jerked instantly.

He’s really in a terrible state! Y/N couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t have been out all night in that cold, could he? She pulled away and said, “You need to find a hearth, a blazing one, right away! Your blood is going to turn to ice!”

She couldn’t believe the soft laugh that came from him. She wouldn’t have blamed him if he warmed himself before finding her, or waited until the morning. What an irresponsible thing to do! Y/N impatiently pushed him. “Right now! You’ll catch your death!”

“F-frozen blood or death, which is it?” Ned teased, but he allowed himself to be pushed away. The slightest light was beginning to come in from the many windows that dotted the walls, and Y/N saw how his face was flushed pink, especially his nose and ears. His long hair was a mess in all directions too, just like his siblings after a long day of training or riding. She sighed.

“You Starks really are a bunch of wolves.”

“You seem to like it here,” Ned said, his voice raising above a whisper, yet still gentle. It was always so gentle. “Even if it’s a strange place for a ray.”

“It is different, but I do love Winterfell. And… ” Y/N searched for her words. She was still so sleepy, and so happy and grateful. She looked at the precious pearl in her hand, the silver strands strung through it glittering in what little light there was. “And you found the little piece of ocean I brought. I can’t thank you enough for that, Ned.”

His whole face looked dangerously red, and as adorable as his next sniffle was, Y/N thought of her ill brothers and grew worried. She gently pushed at him again, directing him to the opposite end of the hall. “Go back to your room! Change out of those clothes and get some sleep!”

He finally heeded her. They traded quick good nights (or rather, good mornings) and she watched him shuffle down the hall for just a few moments before returning to the open doorway. Y/N was pleased that Lyanna hadn’t stirred at all, and was mindful of the door’s creak as she closed it.

Her steps were light and a smile was stuck on her face. She could twirl around the room and start her morning routine, but no, she really ought to get a few more hours of sleep. Y/N climbed into bed and finally released her pearl from her iron grip. It had all but one of its silver strings, but she didn’t mind at all. Y/N gave it a kiss before setting it in an overturned seashell on her bedside table. The dreams were shorter this time, but they were full of Whitetide and her family.

At breakfast, Y/N and Lyanna were only joined by Benjen and Lady Stark. She thought just Ned would be absent, but apparently the drinking competition went a little too far. Neither Lord Stark nor his oldest son were terribly victorious, and Lady Stark had plenty to say on the subject as she irritably hacked through the sausage on her plate. Y/N glanced over at Lyanna, who was stabbing innocent slices of pork.

Lyanna asked, “Mother, could I ride with Barbrey and Bethany today? They’re leaving tomorrow.”

Lady Stark considered it. She seemed weary, as she often did. “Very well, but your usual lessons will continue the day after tomorrow. Y/N, will you be riding, too?”

Lyanna looked to her expectantly, but Y/N hedged. “Um … I’m still not feeling well from yesterday…”

“You did leave the feast early.” Lyanna frowned. “I tried to wake you last night, but you were fast asleep. Are you sick?”

“I had a stomachache.” The lie came easily. Ned must have not told anyone what he was doing, which Y/N was grateful for. “It still hurts a little, I don’t think I should ride.”

“Indeed not.” Lady Stark said. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice before, sweetling. I’ll have the maester brew you a peppermint and ginger tea, that always soothes me.”

Y/N nodded, trying not to grimace at the thought of the tea. “Thank you, Lady Stark.”

Having successfully escaped a terrifying riding session, Y/N decided to spend her time in one of the private sitting rooms meant only for the Starks and certain guests. She often retreated here when Winterfell became too bustling and full of strangers, and its large window had lighting that was perfect for sketching. She sat at the windowsill, watching the servants and guards go about their business below. There were about a dozen washerwomen cleaning, all sizes of buckets around them, all sorts of children and dogs running around them. Y/N studied the scene and began to sketch.

Lady Stark and the septa were further away at the hearth, stitching and talking quietly. She had been doing this often, staying indoors by the warmth of the fire, even when there were guests to check up on and entertain. Lord Stark and Brandon did most of that now, even if they could be … not the most diplomatic.

The door opened, but Y/N was too focused on her drawing to look up. She stayed at her task until she saw someone move in her peripheral vision, someone who … sniffled.

Y/N quickly looked up. “Oh, you’re finally awake.”

Ned smiled bashfully. His nose was still a bit red, and he had obvious circles under her eyes, and Y/N felt bad all over again. She set her sketchbook aside and patted the spot next to her on the window seat. Ned hesitated for a moment, then took it.

“It’s not that late,” He said, but then he looked out the window and blinked at the sky. “Or perhaps it is.”

“If it makes you feel better, I think Brandon is still abed.”

“He’s awake, and as sour as a wet cat.” Ned grinned. “Take my advice and whisper around him today.”

Y/N smiled and put her sketchbook back in her lap. Ned glanced over her shoulder, and while people watching her draw usually made her nervous, this wasn’t so bad. She really only shared her drawings with Lyanna and Benjen, but she felt Ned would like them, too. He watched her draw the tufts of fur on the dogs, the folds of the washerwoman’s clothes as they bent over their work, and the little sudsy bubbles in the buckets. She added little details, like flowers around their feet and a cat sitting up on one of the boxes.

They sat in a peaceful, easy silence. Ned fit in with the coziness of the room, and he seemed to enjoy it. He really did look tired, and even before last night, he’d been dragged around by his father and older brother and all the guests for days. A thought occurred to Y/N.

“You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?” She asked.

“I am.”

He didn’t seem happy about it, either. Y/N dated her drawing, then flipped to a new page. Several pages had been removed already, drawings she’d sent to her family to show them things she liked about Winterfell. An idea came to her, and before she could stop herself, she asked, “Could I write to you when you go back to the Eyrie?”

Ned blinked, and Y/N quickly added, “Only if I can. If you want to. Um, I write to my parents, and … sometimes I send them drawings…”

She tugged at her long sleeve and glanced away to the window.

“You would want to write to me?”

Y/N fiddled with her pencil. “I’d like to. I don’t get to see you as often, and um, the Vale is so far… I know you have the Baratheon lord, and Lord Arryn, and everyone in court, but …”

“I’d like you to — to write to me, and send whatever fancies you,” Ned said, stumbling and talking a little too quick. He hesitated again, trying to think about his words before speaking again. “The Eyrie is a great place, but I miss Winterfell.”

Y/N smiled, and now it was Ned’s turn to fiddle with his sleeve and look at the window, or his shoes, or anywhere else. Her eyes turned to the fire, where Lady Stark was staring right at her. It startled the both of them.

Lady Stark quickly caught the needle that fell from her hand. She tilted her head and raised her voice so they could hear her across the room. “What are you two plotting over there?”

“Could Y/N write to me?” “Could I write to Ned?”

They both stopped, fumbled their words, waiting for the other to speak first, but neither would budge. Lady Stark arched her eyebrows.

“Do you mean… when Ned returns to the Eyrie?” Before either could answer, Lady Stark quickly said, “Yes, yes you may! Y/N, you can draw those darling pictures you send to your parents.”

Y/N blushed from embarrassment. It felt a little silly when she said it that way, but she was glad Lady Stark agreed so easily. She looked delighted, in fact, and was much more animated than she had been recently. Ned’s cheeks were getting as red as his nose, and Y/N was glad she wasn’t the only one feeling a little embarrassed.

Y/N thought that she’d mention Lyanna could write more too, or the other two boys, as they rarely did, usually only adding a few words of encouragement to the end of Lord Stark’s letters. But she didn’t. Lady Stark instead turned to the septa, whispering something, forgetting her needlework entirely. The needle and thread fell to the floor.

There was an odd silence between Y/N and Ned now, neither of them sure of what to say. So, Y/N turned to the front of her sketchbook. “Um, do you want to see what I’ve drawn already? It’s mostly buildings and trees, but there’s some animals …”

Ned nodded, and even if he was just being polite, Y/N was glad. She felt like she’d improved quite a bit, so she started at the beginning and chatted about each piece. After several minutes, the comfort of the room returned, and it didn’t take long for them to lean against each other as Y/N turned the pages.

#game of thrones x reader #ned stark x reader #game of thrones #ned stark #salt & snow #libra fics

[gobletofweasleys]

What Could Have Been

Summary: The reader shows up at Godric's Hollow after Voldemort's attack on the Potters. 

Pairing: Sirius Black x Potter!Reader

Word Count: 1,793

A/N: So idek what this is, more of a general reimagining of the Potters’ death scene with a reader insert. I hope yall like it!

Main Masterlist

Word had spread around quick. Quicker even more so than usual, since it was such big news. The fact that the War was over and You-Know-Who was no more was an extremely shocking turn of events that no one had expected. And at the height of his power? When everyone was so sure that no one could beat him? That this was the end of Muggles, Muggle borns and Muggle lovers? Turns out, little Harry Potter had done what even the most powerful of wizards were incapable of doing; taken down the Dark Lord himself. 

The whole of the Wizarding World rejoiced, congregations of them partying and feasting all over the country. The only worry anyone had was maybe being too obvious in their celebrations. But nothing could get them down. They were too happy, too joyful about the end of a period of immense terror. 

You didn't feel an ounce of the happiness they did. 

The minute the news of the attack on Godric's Hollow had entered your ears, you knew exactly what had happened. Of course there was no certain way of knowing, it was mere speculation on your part, but deep down, you knew. You knew. Even as you Apparated into town, as you rushed down the empty streets, only minutes after the attack, as you moved down a quieter lane to a house you knew all too well, your insides collapsed. It wasn't even a house anymore. The roof was completely blown off. The windows were smoking. There were thuds as the walls around the place fell. 

You didn't care, you dashed straight inside. Your breaths were coming hard and fast, less because of the running and more because of the sense of impending doom. You could physically feel your heart as it pounded against your chest, it's rapid pace almost hurting you. Tears were already swarming in your eyes, and just past the front door, your dread was confirmed. 

James Potter lay on the foot of the staircase, motionless, eyes wide and face hard set. As the house around him flamed, his stare was pointed straight to where you were standing, yet he looked right through you. 

Your scream was loud and piercing, your legs nearly collapsing under you as you coiled in on yourself. Your hands clawed at your cheeks at the sight of your brother, more than dead, wandless, alone. 

You stumbled to where he lay, his name tearing from your throat. Your cry remained unanswered. You were conflicted, wanting to touch him but unable to. Wanting to feel him but not being able to bear the feel of his cold skin. His glasses, askew on his face and one of the lenses broken, seemed to be the only thing even slightly resembling what it was when James was alive. 

You had to refrain yourself, this wasn't the end. Your nephew, sweet, young Harry, was somewhere in this house, either alive or dead. From the stories you'd heard, he was alive, but you couldn't be sure. The trek up the cracking stairs was harder than expected. Your body didn't seem to want to cooperate. Your mind was swarming, half grieving the death of your brother, but the other half of your brain scrambling to concentrate, to find Harry, to find Lily. 

And you did find Lily, exactly the same way you'd found James. Your screams were quieter, but just as pained, having known this was exactly what you'd find. But you were quickly distracted, for your screams were followed by another sound in the room. The sound of a baby's crying. 

Your screams had broken Harry from his quiet state of apparent shock, since the boy had now began crying. His forehead was bleeding, his cheeks tear stained as you wobbled closer to him. Your hands immediately clutched him, pulling him into your chest. There was nothing usable in the house anymore, all the blankets burned or extremely dusty, so you just walked straight out, struggling to not look down as you walked over the dead bodies of your best friend and brother. Tears were again blurring your vision, your head spinning so fast you thought you would be sick. Your mind was reeling, numb, and the sounds of Harry's much quieter whimpering had dimmed out. 

The fresh, cold November air outside the house hit you like a solid wall as you stepped out, your trembling hands tugging at your cloak until Harry was covered by it too, shielded from the chill. You heard the purring and sputtering of an all too familiar motorbike engine, knowing exactly who had stopped in front of the house. Your legs no longer operated under you. You collapsed to the snowy ground, your nephew pressed tight to your chest as you finally cried. 

Sirius' voice was far away, asking you what had happened, panicked and shaking, reminding you of just minutes earlier, the dread that had drenched you completely. Your fiancé was feeling the same thing, except your current state more or less confirmed all his worst fears.

It took all of ten minutes for him to stumble out of the house again, crying audibly, hands tugging at his hair. He kept mumbling to himself, voice cracking, struggling to move across the snow-covered lawn. As he stopped a few feet from you, he finally spoke loud enough to be audible. 

"You know who did this." His voice was breathy and trembling. "We both know."

You knew, of course. You and Sirius were the only two people besides James who knew that Peter Pettigrew was the real secret keeper. He was the only one who could have betrayed James and Lily's location. You rocked back and forth where you sat, feeling the cold wetness seep into the backs of your legs, yet unable to stand. Sirius looked like he would collapse any moment too, face stained with soot from the house and his own tears.

"I'll kill him." His voice was dangerously low, shaking in his fury. "I'll skin that rat alive." And then he was walking to the motorbike. 

It broke you out of your stupor, and you struggled to get back on your feet, Harry's tiny body still held tight in your arms. 

"N-no." You choked out, stumbling forward to grab the back of Sirius' jacket. "You c-can't. Sirius, we need to get Harry out of h-here."

"Get off." He climbed over the motorcycle, face contorted with anger and hands gripping the handlebars tight as the engine roared to life. Harry had started crying again.

"Sirius!" A scream tore out of you, loud and unexpected enough to make him freeze, and for Harry's crying to increase in both volume and intensity. "Screw Pettigrew! Look at us!" 

You shook Harry, as if to prove a point. Sirius' eyes fell on the little tear stained face, the bleeding forehead, Harry's little hiccups. His eyes, so startlingly green, so much like his mother's, but his face, his hair, even at such a young age exactly like his father's. He was so much like James. A time where this fact elicited laughs and proud strutting from your brother, only made you cry harder and shudder now that your brother was dead. Dead and motionless on the floor of his house. Died trying to protect the two people he swore to love and care for his whole life. 

"You go after him now, you won't survive." You heaved out, trying to fight through your own hiccups. Your mind could barely string the words together, the struggle of it was making you dizzy. Your legs screamed at you to collapse again, but you held yourself up. Harry was starting to slip from your grip. You heaved him up again. "No one knows he's the secret keeper. They all think it's you."

It seemed to dawn on him then, the gravity of the situation. You were right. As of now, he was the prime suspect in his best friends' murders. He couldn't act on impulse. He couldn't be angry. 

"W-we need to keep our heads." You continued, trying your hardest to shun out every thought besides your shivering nephew. Mourning would have to wait. "Okay? S-Sirius, look at me." A shaky hand grabbed his face, pulling it up to look straight at you. His eyes were swimming with tears, his anger just lying under it, trying to do what he wanted to do the most. 

"He has to pay-" 

"And he will." Your voice cracked again. You rocked Harry a little, who had began screaming at this point. "He will. But we're his godparents." You indicated the boy you were holding. "He's priority. Please, Sirius. For J-James..."

The mere sound of his name was enough to make Sirius' face scrunch up. In the dim streetlight, he looked like a broken and lost little boy as he nodded and sniffled, scooting forward on the bike. You shakily climbed behind him, trying to shush the baby in your arms as much as you could. You didn't look back at the house, even though fresh tears sprouted from your eyes at the thought of leaving your brother and best friend in there, but Harry was getting so cold that his little fingers had paled, only a few minutes away from turning blue. He needed to be indoors again, and quick. 

The loud, booming sound of an "Oi!" stopped you and Sirius as a large man hobbled to where you were, eyes falling on Rubeus Hagrid. 

"P-Professor Dumbledore's orders!" He managed to get out, shocked eyes passing over the destroyed house before landing on the lump in your arms. "He wants Harry. Professor's orders."

On instinct, your arms tightened around your nephew, Sirius' back stiffened in front of you.

"No." You flat out replied. "H-he's my nephew. No, Hagrid. I'm not letting you take him from me. No!" You screamed as Hagrid drew nearer, shocking him to a stop. 

"Dumbledore wants my nephew, he'll have to get through me." You gritted. Deep inside, a small instinct told you that you were being very disrespectful towards the man who was your biggest ally. Never in your wildest dreams would you speak against Albus Dumbledore. But your mind had gone numb. The thought of anyone taking James' son from you, the only thing that was left of your brother, made panic seat itself so deep in you, you nearly launched off the bike to attack Hagrid. 

"Go tell him what I said." You gritted out instead. "He knows where to find me."

Sirius seemed to have taken your words to be final, as the bike roared again before taking off into the sky, one of your arms clutching his waist as the other held Harry James Potter tightly to your trembling chest… 

..................

Permanent Tags:

@fluffymadamina /  @sophiaxtorres​ / @jedi-in-hogwarts / @allknowingnerd / @accio-rogers / @gruffle1 /

Sirius Black:

@1800-fight-me /

#sirius black #sirius black x reader #sirius black fanfiction #james potter #lily potter #lily evan #harry potter #sister!potter #potter!reader #sirius black angst #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter au #sirius black x you #hagrid #tw: death #dumbledore #lily evans #godric's hollow #alternative ending #marauders era au

[pokemagines]

patience. (claude x reader)

anons asked: *slides $50* ...you got that good Claude x F!S/O sin? & “Claude…. going down on Byleth???” @grow-lithe: “okok I KNOW his bday just past but how bout some bday sin with our alpha deer boy? It’s cool if you’re not comfortable with that though, chief!”

a/n: okay !!! i relent i will write the forbidden claude s.mut!!! i’ve gotten so many other asks for this to so >;3 hope yall like !!  --mod touko

tw: light spoilers for the end of golden deer route and super vanilla spice ofc lmao

   claude had missed you for months, gone away to fulfill his dream of uniting the lands beyond fódlan's throat together in peace with fódlan. every day he thought of you, and those thoughts of returning home to you, accompanied with the realization that the dreams he had sought to bring into realization for so long were finally coming true, spurred him to keep going each day, to push himself farther than he thought possible. for his country, for your country, for you.

   and, when he heard that you were under attack, he knew it was the perfect timing to swoop in and save you, like you had done for him all those years ago.

   afterwards, he called for a giant celebration, announcing his promise to marry the ruler of fódlan, and together unite their two countries in peace. he had kissed you, then, the two of you covered in sweat, dirt, and blood but both so uncaring because you were finally together. it was such a blissful kiss, because you knew that no matter what happened from then on out, you could get through it together.

   but it wasn’t enough for him, it seemed. you had gotten cleaned up for the celebration, changing from your battle uniform to your much nicer, officer’s academy one. you smile as you realize it still has the golden deer pin on it claude had given you so long ago. oh how things have changed since then...

   the monastery's dining hall is just as loud and buzzing as it always is during celebrations. though you miss seeing all your old allies here -- no doubt hilda would be manipulating some of the drunker men into giving her money, raphael would be challenging ignatz to an eating competition while ignatz tries to politely tell him no, marianne and lysithea would be together in a corner while leonie tries to convince them to have a drink with her -- you know they’re happy where they are now. silently, you send up thanks to the goddess, one for protection and happiness for their new endeavors. 

   “don’t ever think i’ve ever seen you pray, teach.” claude’s teasing voice makes your eyes flutter open, a grin making its way on your face without even realizing it. “why are you watching from the shadows? don’t you want to join in the fun?”

   “of course i do i was just... thinking.” you turn to face him, brushing that one curl that never stays in its place out of his face. “parties are really more of your thing, anyways.” 

   “i’ve been here long enough,” he takes your hand, inspecting the ring that was on your finger with a smile, bringing your hand up to his lips and placing a kiss to your knuckles. “was looking for you most of the time, actually... i’ve missed you so much.” the way his voice gets low, eyes flickering up mischievously to meet your own makes you flush. he chuckles with satisfaction.

   “...want to take this party elsewhere?” you can only nod, as he scoops you up and leads you back to your room.

                                                    ——- ♫ ——-

   as soon as you’re back in your room, claude lays you down on his bed, his lips on yours in an instant. he’s wanted this, wanted you, for so long and now that he has you he’s not going to let you go. not now, not ever. 

   claude hovers over you, one hand intertwined with yours while the other tilts your chin up to have better access to your mouth. you tangle your fingers in his hair, lips moving against his fervently, passionately, letting every bit of longing you’ve felt in the past few months be known to him. he responds in kind, only breaking the kiss when he desperately needs air, each time placing a kiss to the hollow of your throat, sucking lightly. 

   “you don’t know how long i’ve waited for this, darling,” the way he says it, staring into your eyes with so much adoration makes a heat pool in your stomach. he’s missed you just as much as you’ve missed him, that is painfully clear as he starts to undo your coat, you see that his pants are starting to strain. “teach, can you--”

   “please, call me by my name.” your eyes meet his and he flusters. claude has never been shy, in fact you’ve only seen him blush a few times -- compared to the countless times he’s made you do so, but every time you feel a bit of a thrill. you’re the only one that makes him like this. “we’re engaged, i want to hear you say it.”

   “[name].” he says breathily, giving you one last lingering kiss before looking back up at you. “can i?” he motions towards your undershirt and you nod, giving the go for him to take it off with shaky hands. instinctively, you move to cover your breasts, but he catches your hands, placing a feather-light kiss in between them. “can’t believe i managed to win over a goddess like you... i almost don’t know if i can restrain myself.” 

   claude stands up, suddenly feeling hot and so he kicks off his boots and unbuttons his trousers, quickly taking them off. he wore only his white poet’s blouse and not his usual armor to the feast, he shrugs that off as well, crawling back on top of you once he’s freed himself. 

   “claude you’re...” you breathe, touching his arms, tracing your fingers along the lines of the muscles and then over his chest, feeling along all the scars that had been acquired from so many battles together. “stunning.” he shivers under your touch, placing a kiss to your forehead.

   “flattery won’t get you anywhere, princess.” he winks, before moving his mouth down to where he left off. you gasp in surprise as he sucks on one of your nipples, pulling his hair lightly to goad him on. it felt so good, and the way he looks up at you from his place at your chest made you want him even more. you hook a leg around his waist, pushing yourself up, and he groans against you as he feels your hips brush against his. he switches to your other breast, using the hand he wasn’t propping himself on to pinch and roll your other nipple.

   the way you say his name, breathless and so needy for you makes him go weak, his thigh falling in between your legs and rubbing against you in just the right ways. 

   “please, claude,” you swallow thickly, “i-i need you.” 

   that’s all he needs to hear. he gives you one last, deep kiss, moaning when you bite his bottom lip gently, before he moves down to your skirt. he pushes it up to where he has access to your clothed slit. claude rubs his fingers along it gently, chuckling when he feels how needy you are.

   “so wet just for me...” claude pulls down your soaked panties down to your ankles, and you kick them off somewhere, uncaring of anything else except feeling claude on you.

   claude throws one leg over his shoulder, giving him access to all of you. he places an experimental lick to your core, moaning when his tongue brushes over your clit. claude wasn’t as experienced in this type of thing as you’d think he was, but one thing he did know was how to observe others. every time you gripped your legs tighter around his face, called his name, or gripped his hair, he knew that was where to tease you more. his beard scratched pleasantly between your thighs, throwing your other leg over his shoulder.

   the sounds, both of his mouth against your wetness and you mewling encouragements his way made him grow all the more wanting to be inside you. but first he wanted to see you unravel with his mouth. claude had wound you up so much it was almost unbearable, the heat in your stomach threatening to snap with each movement of his tongue and noise he would make against your clit. your thoughts were incoherent, the praise you were giving him devolving into loud cries of his name. you feel one of his long fingers poke at your entrance, before he slowly enters it into you.

   you whine when his mouth leaves you, but in its place he curls one finger up inside you, hitting your sweet spot just right, and using his thumb to brush against your clit. he knows you’re more than wet enough to take two or three fingers, but instead he keeps repeating the motion of thrusting it in and out of you at a slow pace.

  “this all good, sweetheart?” his eyes darken at seeing you fall apart because of him. he’s tempted to put in another finger but seeing you whine for more goads him on more. he wanted to hear more of those sweet noises you made.

  “stop teasing,” claude laughs, kissing the inside of your thigh. he wanted to tease you forever, but he couldn’t ignore the heat in his stomach for much longer. it’d be embarrassing to finish before he even got to be inside you. he adds another finger, hooking them both up and for a moment you see stars. you’re so close... so close...

   he pulls his fingers out of you, replacing them with his tongue, dipping it into you core once more, before he moves his lips up to your clit and sucks hard. you cum harder than you have in your entire life for him, hips bucking frantically against his mouth and hand gripping his hair tightly. thankfully, now that you were staying in rhea’s old room, no one was around to hear you scream out his name. 

   claude gives you a minute to recover from your high, chest heaving as he moves back up to kiss you sweetly, tasting yourself on his lips. 

   “now you see why they say i have a silver tongue.” claude teases, and you groan, pushing his chest lightly. you prop yourself up on your elbows as he pulls his underwear down and rubs his dick against your wet entrance. he was painfully hard by now, he knew he wouldn’t last for long, not after waiting for this moment for so long. 

   “i love you,” his voice loses his playful lilt it usually has, and you pull him down into you for an open-mouthed, sloppy kiss. you didn’t care at this point, you just wanted him. 

   claude slowly enters you, pausing both so you could adjust to his size and so he could keep himself from cumming right then and there. you felt so good, so warm and tight, that he can’t think. he buries his face in your neck, intoxicated by sweet scent of lavender tea leaves and sweat, kissing and biting there as he grabs a hold of one of your hands to anchor himself. 

   you throw one leg over his waist so he can fit deeper inside of you, and claude lets out a helpless moan of your name, before he starts moving slowly. 

   his thrusts are slow and deep, he wants to make this moment last, he wants to remember how you feel, how you sound. claude knows he’ll have forever with you, but this moment is so special he wants to hang onto it forever. he hears your voice goading him on to go faster, and he obliges, moving his calloused fingers down to rub at your swollen clit, wanting to feel you finish around him.

   it doesn’t take long for him to build up your orgasm again, every place on your body was hypersensitive and flushed, and his thrusts matched with his sweet whines and stimulation of your clit makes you cum again, nails digging sharply into his back. 

   claude gasps, the pain of you scratching him combined with the feeling of you clench around him sends him over the edge, finishing deep inside of you. he collapses on top of you, heart racing as he pulls out, rolling over onto the other side of your bed.

   you both sit there quietly, catching your breath as the afterglow of sex washes over the both of you. you can feel his seed, hot and sticky between your legs, and so you move to get up, but a pair of arms catch you before you can go anywhere.

   “claude, let me go, i need to go clean up.” you can tell he’s close to exhaustion as his eyes flutter shut, holding you against his strong chest.

   “don’t think i’m ever gonna let you go again, [name].” 

#claude #claude (fire emblem) #claude von riegan #claude x reader #claude x byleth #spicy #fe16 #fe3h #fire emblem three houses #ficlet #imagine #x reader #x byleth #mod touko