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marvelmusing · 1 year

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In Another Life

Part Seventeen

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Reader

Summary: With the remains of the Fold vanquished, the people celebrate. Together, you and Aleksander work to establish peace in Ravka and a safe haven for your Grisha.

Warnings: canon level violence, allusions to sex, (the sex isn’t explicitly described but it’s happening), mentions of canon level treatment of Grisha (experimentation, forced servitude, drugging).

A/N: I’m tearing up writing this, but it’s been almost a full year since I first started writing for Aleksander and I’m so pleased that I’ve managed to actually finish this series. The majority of my motivation has come from all you lovely people who’ve been leaving your wonderful comments and reblogs, so I just want to say a huge thank you to you all and I really hope you like this ending.

My Masterlist • Series Masterlist

Your return to Os Alta is a spectacle.

People line the streets, waving and cheering, throwing paper confetti and flowers over your heads. You smile widely at Aleksander, and you can see in his eyes how much this moment means to him.

Despite the ache in your legs from riding all morning, the crowd’s enthusiasm fuels you, and you all but skip up the front steps of the Grand Palace for a meeting with the king.

Remembering the first time you had walked through these halls, anxiously waiting to meet the king that you were plotting to remove from power, you can’t help but compare it to today.

There’s no anxiety as you step through the door into the main hall, walking side by side with Aleksander, your friends flanking your procession as you stop at the foot of the dais to greet Nikolai with a bow.

There’s no crowd of people surrounding the dais, or lining the carpet that you stand on. It’s just Nikolai, with his guards posted at the doors and a few servants.

He seems happy to see you both, and immediately stands, moving down to stand in front of you both.

“Ravka owes you an unpayable debt.” Nikolai says, before he adds quietly, “As do I.”

You give him a knowing nod and smile.

“I wouldn’t say no to a knighthood.” You remark. The corner of his mouth twitches with a smirk.

“What about a sainthood?” Your eyes widen, and your expression drops in surprise. Nikolai nods between you and Aleksander. “For both of you.”

You can’t speak. A saint? You can’t imagine being worshiped as a saint. Having altars and portraits made for you, and people praying to you. Luckily, Aleksander responds for the two of you. He bows lightly.

“There would be no greater honour, Your Highness.”

In almost a year, you’ve gone from not even existing in this world, to becoming one of their saints.

“We have some other news as well.” Aleksander adds.

“Don’t tell me you finally proposed.” Nikolai remarks with a raised brow, his gaze dropping to your bare hand.

Behind you, Zoya stifles a laugh, and Aleksander’s face has gone strangely blank, as if he’s having trouble processing what Nikolai had just said.

“I’m so tempted to hit you right now.” You tell him with a small laugh.

“Not the face, please.” He teases, and you roll your eyes. Then his expression becomes more genuine. “What is your news?”

Glancing over at Aleksander, you find him already looking at you. When you raise a brow in questioning, he nods over to the window where a rather sad looking flower is struggling to bloom.

“Go on.” He encourages you softly.

Inhaling deeply, you nod, and walk over to towards the plant. Nikolai’s eyes follow you with curiosity.

On the journey through the countryside back to Os Alta, you had begun to test the scope of your new power with help from Aleksander. So far, you’ve been able to revive diseased or injured plants to a more healthy state.

Grisha do not conjure from nothing. A plant has to exist before you can manipulate it. But Aleksander believes that with some practice, you might be able to grow something from the smallest scrap of plant - a leaf or a petal.

Due to his belief and guidance, you feel able to tackle the plant sitting by the window in Nikolai’s throne room.

Living in the dry stuffy air of the Grand Palace has clearly taken a toll on the poor flower.

“Are you fond of this?” You ask Nikolai with a nervous smile as you gesture towards it. He raises a brow in amusement.

“Does it look like I’m fond of it?” He smirks, but then his expression softens slightly. “It’s my mother’s.”

“No pressure then.” You mumble.

Squeezing your dominant hand into a fist, you draw your power into your hands, curling your other hand around your fist. A tingle of excitement runs through you, which you channel into reviving the plant.

The dryness fades from the leaves, replacing it with a healthy green, and the withering buds open, allowing the blooms to flourish.

Nikolai’s eyes widen and you smile proudly, glancing over at Aleksander who regards you with a pleased expression. Your smile widens.

Immediately, Nikolai begins his questions, his mind filled with countless different possibilities of what your power can do. If you weren’t so tired from the journey, and longing to be home at the Little Palace, you would be eager to join in with him as usual. Instead, you shake your head at him.

“Can we do this some other time?”

He halts his words quickly, looking over you for a moment before he realises.

“You must be tired.” He says straightening, and you smile fondly. “And I have celebrations to oversee. I’ll send for you in a few days time.”

He takes your hand in his own.

“My offer still stands.”

You shake your head. Now that you can have Aleksander for eternity, you won’t let Nikolai marry for any reason other than love.

“My answer remains the same.” You tell him, leaning forward to press a kiss against his cheek. “You’re going to make someone very happy one day Nikolai.”

He nods with a small smile.

When you turn around, Zoya regards you with a raised brow, her eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. All the same, your cheeks flush with warmth.

“We’re friends.” You tell her, nodding towards Nikolai.

She smirks.

“I thought you said you’d never replace me.” She teases.

“And you are?” Nikolai remarks smoothly. She straightens, holding her chin high.

“Zoya Nazyalensky, moi tsar.” She bows lightly before she adds possessively. “The best friend.”

Nikolai grins before he teases,

“Self appointed?”

Zoya’s eyes burn, your own eyes widen, and for a moment you fear for Nikolai’s life.

“You’re both my friends.” You say quickly, hoping to avoid an incident. “And I’m sure the two of you can come to some sort of agreement.”

Zoya hums, unimpressed, and turns on her heel as the Grisha are excused from the king’s presence. Nikolai’s eyes sparkle with amusement as he watches her figure retreat.

A smile touches at your lips as you realise that perhaps Nikolai and Zoya will find a way into one another’s hearts on their own.

Your return to the Little Palace is no less eventful.

The servants prepare all manner of dishes and desserts for dinner, and you try a portion of almost everything. With the combination of travelling and using your power, you’re starving.

Aleksander helps to assemble your plate with spoonfuls of delicious food, and you do the same for him. When he invites you to try something from his plate, you do the same.

Lots of your Grisha are eager to see your new power, and you find that you can change the colours of a flower which impresses a small gaggle of children who all request their favourite colours and clap in delight when you oblige them.

Aleksander remains at your side for the rest of the afternoon, with a smile lingering on his lips as you use your gift.

A few Grisha retrieve their own instruments from their rooms, and begin to play all manner of different tunes from their hometowns. Regardless of whether the songs are familiar, most people join in on the fun, dancing and clapping along.

You and Aleksander watch as the Grisha celebrate, and you already know how much this means to him, to see his people finally able to celebrate something. Hopefully, it won’t be long before they are celebrating again, when the wars are over.

Aleksander has been more forthright with his touch throughout the afternoon. A hand on your back as he guides you through the crowd. His fingers entwined with yours as you sit after dinner. Occasionally he will knock his knee against yours to attract your attention to something.

As the sun begins to set, Aleksander leans closer to you as the two of you stand at one side of the room watching the dancers begin to prance along to a lively tune.

“Shall we retire for the evening?” He murmurs against your temple. Turning your head, you smile up at him, and nod.

Aleksander takes your hand as you weave through the crowd. The people surrounding you must see something in Aleksander’s expression that prevents them from approaching you, and soon you’re stepping out of the Domed Hall into the quiet corridor.

The sounds of people laughing and celebrating are muffled as the two of you begin to retreat.

You can’t hold back a surprised giggle as Aleksander sweeps you up into his arms, hooking one arm under your legs to carry you bridal style through the corridors of the Little Palace.

He walks down a very familiar hallway, and through a well known set of doors, into his bedroom.

Aleksander sets you down at the end of the bed, the same bed that, from the very first night, has always been yours as much as it is his. He takes your face between his hands and kisses you firmly, lips working against yours to steal the air from your lungs. But who needs air when you have Aleksander to sustain you?

“Sasha.” You breathe out in a gasp against his lips.

He pulls away, his eyes blown wide, filled with adoration and love as he stares at you, his beautiful lips parted as he smiles and his dark hair already ruffled by your hands.

He kisses you again, softer this time.

Aleksander’s hands settle at your waist, as you slide your own hands down from his hair, along his shoulders and over his chest. Hooking your fingers under the lapels of his kefta, you attempt to shift the garment from his body.

One of his hands curls around your wrist.

“Are you sure?”

Leaning closer to brush your lips delicately against his own, you smile softly and nod.

“I’m sure.”

Aleksander learns the language of your body in a startlingly short amount of time. He seems to know exactly where to kiss, to touch and tease, to draw out the most exquisite bursts of pleasure that shudder down your spine and linger like phantom touches over your skin.

He’s reverent with you, eyes filled with awe as he studies your every reaction, which brings a full bodied rush of blood to tingle underneath your skin.

There’s a look of pride on his face, every time a gasp or broken moan leaves your lips, and whenever you say his name he all but doubles his efforts to give you every ounce of pleasure that he knows you deserve.

Yet his touch is nothing compared to the sweet words that are murmured against your lips, or accompany the kisses he leaves along your neck.

“That’s it, my dearest love. Let me hear you.”

“Aleksander.” You whine, grasping tightly onto him.

He shushes you tenderly, linking your fingers together with both hands, pressing them against the mattress as he continues to kiss you, his body firm against yours.

“Relax, my love. I have you.”

He presses a kiss to your temple, and continues to murmur softly against your hairline.

“Let me take care of you, hm?” He reasons, trailing kisses along your jawline. “You’ve taken such good care of me, given me everything I’ve ever wanted. Let me look after you now.”

The guards posted outside his room learn Aleksander’s true name that night, a fact that you realise the next morning with a flush of embarrassment.

You bring the matter up not long after you wake in Aleksander’s arms. In response, he chuckles and you hide your warming face against his bare chest.

“I’m sorry, Sasha.” You mumble.

He hooks a finger under your chin and tilts your face up to meet his eyes.

“I can think of no better way of them hearing my name, than from your lips.”

He kisses you softly, and any worry you had quickly disappears.

»»---------------------►

A few days later, you receive a summons from Nikolai. That morning, you watch from the head of the bed as Aleksander finishes getting dressed. Much to your confusion, he had told you not to get ready yet.

It’s only when Genya appears at the door, with a clothing bag slung over her arm that you begin to suspect why Aleksander had asked you to wait.

She’s wearing a red kefta, cleaned and pressed to perfection, and you can see her pride as she wears it. With a knowing smirk, she asks if you’d like her to remove some of the marks along your throat, and your cheeks warm as you feel Aleksander’s eyes on you when you refuse her offer.

Then she places the clothing bag across your lap, and you frown at her.

She unzips it.

A black kefta, with green embroidery lining the hems. There’s a few small splashes of colour, soft dots of red, purple and blue - the three Grisha orders - that look like tiny flowers amongst the weaving green.

When you see the kefta, emotion wells in your throat, and can’t stop the flood of tears spilling down your cheeks. Aleksander sits down beside you, curling his arm around your waist, and you press the side of your face against his chest.

You reach for Genya’s hand.

“It’s perfect Genya. You should be very proud.”

She smiles, remarking smugly,

“I know.” But she curls her fingers around yours, squeezing softly with understanding, and you realise the double meaning to her words. I know how you feel.

Now you belong.

»»---------------------►

Nikolai appoints you as his royal advisor, and you journey with him and Aleksander to meet with the delegates from Shu Han when you demand a ceasefire between your countries.

In exchange for some of the lands often sought after during the Border Wars, Shu Han agrees to disband any experimentation facilities and instead turn their Grisha over to Ravka.

With an alliance finally formed between two countries known for their almost endless grievances, Fjerda is intimidated.

You and Aleksander work hard to establish a singular Ravkan army, where each regiment contains both the necessary Grisha and otkazat’sya to function more efficiently than ever before.

With healers allowed to work on former First Army soldiers, casualties are reduced by almost half. Fabrikators work on the army’s weaponry to combat the Fjerdan’s machine guns.

Nikolai’s father, Magnus Opjer, wanting to support his son and return to his former lover, gathers supporters for Ravka from within his own country. Nikolai and Aleksander strategise for long hours, well into the night, to orchestrate a Fjerdan coup.

With your new army pushing the frontlines further into Fjerda, and their own people turning on them, they can only hold out for so long.

The day the Fold was destroyed was named the day of Sankta Alina. The day the land of the Tula Valley was revived was the day of the Starless Saint.

The day Fjerda surrendered, and peace was established in Ravka, will be forever known as your saint’s day. The saint of hope, and plans well made.

In reparations, you demand the outlaw of jurda param, the drug that Fjerdan had used to enslave Grisha into creating their weapons. They free all Grisha held in captivity, and Ravka offers rehabilitation for them all. David creates an antidote that cures the addiction ailing the drugged Grisha.

Aleksander is both heartbroken and furious at the sheer number of Grisha that come seeking aid, especially when he sees the toll the drug has taken on so many women and children.

You’re almost as equally upset, pacing and fuming over the length of Nikolai’s study. He doesn’t say anything, allowing you to stew in your anger, and when Aleksander returns you both sit at Nikolai’s table and discuss the reparations.

Aleksander heeds your warnings. Fear will not last as a deterrent. As much as you want to, you can’t punish Fjerda too harshly. It will only cause a greater divide between your people, and will one day become a problem. A problem that you and Aleksander will have to deal with when it accumulates in a few hundred years.

You want this peace to last.

You want to enjoy your time with Aleksander, and for him to live without looking over his shoulder for once.

»»---------------------►

“You know you’re actually quite good at this.” Nikolai remarks as he spins you.

The ballroom at the Grand Palace is decorated with the blue and yellow Ravkan eagle, as well as the white flags of peace.

“I’m choosing to ignore the surprise in your voice, but I will say I’m quite offended.”

“Vasily said you were a poor dancer.” Your brows lift in surprise.

“That’s why he cancelled the engagement?” Nikolai laughs softly, shaking his head. Your expression shifts from feigning offence to something softer. “How is he doing?”

“Good, from what I hear in my mother’s letters. She’s been staying with him for the last few weeks, along with Magnus.”

You nod. Nikolai’s biological father had been instrumental for your victory against Fjerda, and he seemed to be quite happy living in Ravka, reunited with Nikolai’s mother.

The dance comes to an end, and you feel rather proud that you had seen it through with only a minor incident of fumbling with Nikolai’s hands after a spin. He takes your hand, steering the two of you towards the side of the room where you select a drink from a silver tray.

“You should ask Zoya for a dance.” You tell him, taking a sip from your glass. He raises a brow at you, before he glances over at Zoya.

“Is this some sort of subtle assassination plot?” He remarks, but he hasn’t taken his eyes from her.

She’s wearing a gown of deep summoners’ blue, with sparkling silver threads, and a selection of jewels adorning her hair. She already looks like a queen.

“I’m sure you would enjoy yourself. Trust me.”

Nikolai hums.

“Speaking things into existence again?”

“When aren’t I?”

He takes your hand once again, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before he nods. You bow with a smile as he steps away, and you watch him as he approaches Zoya.

She narrows her eyes at him, but she doesn’t seem annoyed. For a moment, you think her smirk seems almost fond. Then you’re distracted.

You sense Aleksander appearing beside you long before he makes his presence known.

“You’re scheming.” He accuses in a low voice filled with amusement as he presses a kiss against your temple. You look back at him, your eyes widened innocently.

“Scheming? Me?” A smirk tugs at your lips. “I would never.”

Aleksander hums knowingly and he smiles as his hands settle on your waist.

“Of course not, my love, do forgive me.”

You smile back at him, content to be in his arms for a quiet moment. He sways you both lightly to the sound of the music as another song begins, and you spot Zoya and Nikolai at the centre of the dance floor.

“Have you spoken to Alina?” You ask Aleksander. He raises a brow at you, before his eyes shift to filter over the faces in the crowd.

“I wasn’t aware she was here.” You nod.

“She and Mal have come over from Keramzin. The Duke died a few weeks ago, and left the orphanage to the townspeople. Alina and Mal have decided to run it.”

“That’s good of them.”

“Hopefully now there won’t be as many orphans though.” You reason and Aleksander hums thoughtfully.

“Regardless, there will always be children in need of a home.”

His fingers curl around yours, tilting your hand to show off the gold and black ring that sits shining on your finger.

This weekend, as people begin to recover from the festivities, you and Aleksander plan to pack up your horses and leave. Head towards the Tula Valley until you find the perfect spot. A remote field or a small clearing in the woods, somewhere peaceful where you can create a small garland of flowers to surround you both.

There, you’ll exchange your vows and rings. No priest, no guests. Just the two of you, together.

A blissful, sun soaked day, where he is finally yours, and you are his.

Afterwards, once you return to the capital, you’ll sign all the official papers and your friends will likely want to throw an elaborate party.

An excited smile breaks over your face, and Aleksander brings your hand to his lips to press a kiss against your knuckles, his own smile widening as he whispers,

“I can’t wait to marry you in every century.”

His words make you giddy.

“I’m sorry you had to see me be engaged to two other people before you.” You remark and Aleksander’s eyes sparkle with amusement. Then your expression softens, “But my heart has always been yours.”

His smile is bright as he looks at you.

There’s a lull in the atmosphere, as the music stops and people refresh themselves before the next dance. Aleksander’s hands leave your waist as he moves in stand in front of you. He turns, holding out a hand for you to take.

“Shall we?” He asks, tilting his head towards the dance floor. You nod.

As you’re walking through the crowd with Aleksander, you spot two familiar heartrenders. Fedoyr smiles widely at you both, and Ivan gives you a small nod as they walk by you, arm in arm.

Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Alina tugging playfully on Mal’s hand, urging him towards the dance floor. He’s shaking his head at her, but follows all the same with a smile on his face.

She catches your gaze as the two of them get into position several paces away from you and Aleksander. Your smile softens, and you give her a knowing nod. She smiles back. You’re glad she’s happy.

Nikolai winks when he catches your eye, and you raise your brows questioningly at Zoya when you realise they are having another dance together, to which she shrugs lightly with a smirk.

Finally your eyes meet Aleksander’s, as he settles a hand on your waist to pull you close.

Just like your very first dance together, every moment is perfect. Aleksander leads, and you follow his every step. When it comes to the dips and spins, you trust him to keep you secure in his arms.

When you turn, your back pressing against his chest for several steps, Aleksander’s hands are there, ready and waiting for when you return to face him.

The world around you fades away, even the music carrying you seems less important than being able to stare at the man before you, for as long as you like. Admiring the neat trim of his beard, his thick dark hair, soft lips and adoring eyes.

Aleksander’s eyes are all that matters, as they scour over your face, his smile widening when he observes your expression of happiness and contentment.

The first time he had laid those dark eyes on you, nerves and fear were the only emotions you could process. But despite it all, you had trusted him. You had trusted that he would see your knowledge of the future, and your hope for Ravka, as something valuable.

He had.

Through every terrifying and confusing moment of your journey, he had placed his trust in you to know what was coming. In return, he had been your refuge. Someone to teach you horse riding, to comfort you after nightmares. Someone to scheme and plot and share your thoughts with.

Even now, when you have no idea what the future will hold, Aleksander is still holding you as if you are the most precious thing in the world to him.

»»---------------------►

marvelmusing Tag List: @dreamlandcreations @blanchedelioncourt @idaofinfinity @slytherheign @ellooo0ooo @vixenofcourse @dumb-fawkin-bitch @jane-arthur

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BB Characters Tag List: @rachlovesactors @noortsshift @aikeia

#in another life au #aleksander morozova #aleksander morozova x reader #my love aleksander #the darkling #the darkling au #the darkling x reader #shadow and bone #shadow and bone au #shadow and bone x reader #in another life chapters

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sp0o0kylights · 5 months

Text

Steve Harrington was wearing a Hellfire t-shirt.

It was far too tight on him, the name of the club stretched wide over his chest. The sleeves dug into his biceps, making them pop even more than they usually did, and that was before he crossed his arms.

Worse?

It was short.

Which meant the damn shirt was constantly riding up to give everyone a nice show of the smattering of hair that trailed down past the band of Harrington's jeans.

The same hair that Eddie was determinedly not looking at.

“Henderson, a moment?” He crooked a finger, a smile on his face that was more feral than welcoming.

Rather than cower or even acknowledge that Eddie was two seconds away from murder, Dustin just gave him a gummy grin, all too pleased with himself and his scheme.

“Sure Eddie. Steve, don't just stand there, go help set the booth up!” Dustin gestured to Hellfire’s sad little table, crammed all the way in the back of the gym.

Jeff and Gareth both reacted to the suggestion like a rabid squirrel had been set upon them, nervously inching towards the other side of the booth as Harrington sighed and--shockingly--did as he was told.

‘What,’ Eddie thought angrily, ‘in the everloving fuck.’

“Do you guys mind if I set this down on the table?” Eddie heard Harrington ask as he stormed away, Dustin on his heel.

They wandered just around the corner, out of sight and hopefully, out of the fallen king’s hearing range.

Eddie wasn't sure if Harrington would try and white knight the very much deserved dressing down he was about to give.

Didn’t want to chance it, considering the downright weird relationship he had with Hellfire's freshmen.

(While he’d heard many a tale at his table regarding King Steve since the newest recruits had joined Hellfire, most of them dissolved into arguments without ever really going anywhere.

Best anyone could figure out was that Dustin and Lucas had a bad case of hero worship, while Mike owned a begrudging amount of respect that hailed from a series of misadventures.

The very same misadventures that, despite all protests to the contrary, was clearly some sort of babysitting gig for Harrington.)

Either way, plenty of the King’s court would have loved to take this opportunity to fuck with Hellfire.

Given that Henderson was absolutely too old to require a babysitter at fourteen, Eddie would bet his lunch money that was what Steve was here to do.

Something the club couldn’t afford since they were forever and always two seconds away from being stripped of club status and banned from school grounds.

“I would love to know what went through that all A’s brain of yours when I said,” Eddie whirled on Dustin when they were firmly in the clear, voice low and furious. “no Henderson, do not invite King Steve to help, he is an invading force and would ruin our peaceful kingdom!?”

He clasped his hands behind his back before leaning into Dustin’s face. “Because clearly whatever you heard wasn’t that.”

To Eddie’s continued frustration and confusion, Dustin did not treat this like the threat it was.

None of the freshmen had ever truly treated Eddie like a threat--had somehow skipped that part of the usual onboarding ritual entirely.

Eddie, town freak and drug dealer, who had cultivated his looks and craziness to such a degree that most everyone steered clear, wasn’t used to it.

Everyone had been afraid of him at some point in this shitty school. Jeff, Gareth, hell even half the staff--and that the dorky trio of fourteen year old's clearly thought this all was play-acting made his eye twitch.

Even if it was--maybe, sometimes--welcome.

“I know what you said, but I’m telling you I’m right.” Dustin argued immediately, and oh God, he was using that tone again.

A hand went up into the space between them and Eddie groaned aloud, knowing what was coming.

“First,” Dustin ticked a finger up, “Hellfire really needs the money. Even thirty dollars would get us new figures, but more than that, if we don’t fundraise, we can’t go to Gen Con!”

Dustin's eyes bored into Eddie’s, full of fire and conviction

“Yes,” Eddie said through gritted teeth, “but--”

“Second!” Dustin cut him off, and God the little shit even threw him a look while he did it, like Eddie was the one being ridiculous here!

“We had to fight just to get our table! Principal Higgins was in algebra today practically begging the mathletes to show up, but then tried to tell us we couldn't be here? That’s messed up!”

As if denying them a spot to fundraise was the worst thing that asshole had ever done.

Eddie sighed, breath blasting out of his mouth like a dragon’s.

“Because people think we’re freaks and satanists, Henderson. You don’t typically invite freaks and satanists to the school’s annual Holiday Bazaar. Especially not when all the local moms are paying to hawk their bullshit crafts and tupperware!”

It was more than that of course. The Hawkins High Holiday Bazaar was a tradition spanning several years now. Starting in the gym and spilling clear into the parking lot, everyone from local artists to even some local shops came to host a small table for the day, thus growing the event from a small school fundraiser to a Hawkins' “must-do.”

Half the fucking town was here to sell, and the other half was here to shop, which meant Principle Higgins had wanted Hellfire banned from the fucking premise.

Eddie had been forced to pull out one of his trump cards he’d been saving--blackmail on Higgins that related to the man’s not--so--legal addiction to Percocet that he relied on Reefer Rick for.

(And bless Rick, that hadn’t been the only tidbit he’d shared with Eddie about Higgins. That information, however, Eddie needed just so the asshat wouldn’t give him the boot from school entirely.)

The only reason Eddie had pulled it out to secure their rightful spot, was because of Gen Con.

It was Hellfire's White Whale, their grand adventure, and this was going to be his year to take his friends on one last epic quest to make memories of a lifetime surrounded by people who understood them.

Come hell or high water, Eddie was going to Gen Con--but being able to fundraise by selling wares and baked goods at the stupid Holiday Bazaar would go a long way to help.

Even if he had to listen to the band repeatedly play ear-bleeding renditions of Christmas songs.

“All the clubs get to have a table, and we’re a club!” Dustin continued, like it was that simple. “But you know, I get it. We look scary.”

He gestured down to his own Hellfire shirt, before gesturing towards Eddie’s entire outfit.

Like Eddie didn't know what he looked like, let alone that he'd made this outfit specifically to scare people away from him.

(And maybe add some rockstar flair to this dinky little hick town.)

“You know who doesn’t look scary?”

Dustin held out his hands and swiveled his body like he was presenting a prize instead of gesturing in the vague direction of;

“Steve!”

Eddie’s left eye twitched.

‘You can't kill him, you need his character for the campaign.’ He told himself firmly, even if he envisioned strangling Dustin like a chicken.

Cartoon squawking and all.

“The King isn’t going to help us fundraise, Dustin.” Eddie said, in an effort to break down why Harrington couldn't be here. “He's just going to cause us problems that we can’t afford to have.”

So many problems, half of which Eddie couldn't think of because if he did, he'd start spiraling.

“Really? Because as you keep saying, Steve used to be the King. People love him, Eddie! Mom’s love him.”

Eddie had pulled himself black up to his proper height a while ago, and now rocked back on his heels while he ran a hand down his face.

There was no getting through to Henderson when he was like this.

Not unless Eddie really lost it, and it was practically club lore that he only lost it when someone missed an important game.

One cannot keep a herd of sheep if their flock is terrified of them, after all.

(“Perhaps you’re just a giant fucking softie.” Tiff, one of Hellfire’s graduating members, told him once. “Honestly dude, I bet you throw up stuffing.”

“Shut up Tiffany, your choker is on backwards again.” He'd spat back, completely offended and not at all trying to distract from how true that was.)

“We can’t be satanic if Steve’s the one selling cookies!” Dustin finished doggedly.

“We’re not even selling cookies--that’s not the point!”” Eddie shook his head, hair flying. He was not going to be sidetracked, he wasn’t!

“Harrington is going to end up siding with all the moms about how we’re all wasting time with D&D, if he even spends the whole time at the table. Is that what you want?”

He stuck out a ringed finger, poking at Dustin’s chest.

“Every single person who comes by our table has to be convinced D&D is a writing and math based game. Good for the mind and souls of growing, impressionable children. A game that got a bad rep because of a few silly images.”

A pitch he and Tiff had come up with during the third or fourth time they had to convince an adult that no, just because their shirts had a dragon on it, didn’t mean they were summoning demons in the drama room.

“Harrington can’t do that because Harrington doesn’t even know how to play!”

This Eddie punctuated by throwing his hands in the air.

Given the startled look of the mother-daughter duo passing him by, clearly was louder than he’d intended--but screw it!

He was right!

Hellfire was in a precarious position to both fundraise and do a little damage control among the slightly smarter members of this shithole small town, and Harrington rolling his eyes and gossiping about how stupid it was would hinder that.

“Okay, first of all, Steve’s played D&D with me and he didn’t even kill his character.” Dustin said it like he was unveiling a smoking gun and not lying through his ass--which Eddie would absolutely be calling him on the second he was done talking.

Because King Steve? Play D&D?

'Ha!'

“And he’s not gonna say shit because we--me, and Lucas and even Mike!--asked him to help, and he helps when its serious. I know you have some weird grudge with him, but I’m telling you Eddie he’s our golden ticket to Gen Con!”

“You’re killing me. You are standing here, acting as a friend, when you are bringing a-- a dark force into the midst our of mission--” Eddie hissed, because he was losing the fucking fight and he knew it.

Dustin Henderson was not a man easily swayed.

Had never been, even when the odds were stacked against him (and Grant and Gareth were howling in his ear.)

The set of his shoulders and the glint of the little shithead’s eye meant Eddie wouldn’t be able to use him to oust Harrington--if he even could get him out without the dick causing a massive scene anyway.

As always when outgunned, Eddie flipped to dramatics.

“Betrayed! By my own chosen heir no less!” He moaned, pressing the back of his hand over his eyes as Dustin scoffed.

"Don’t be so dramatic! Steve will help, I promise! Just don’t be a dick to him.”

Conversation apparently over, Dustin turned around to head back to the table

Snidely, he added over his shoulder: “Plus we’ve all caught on to the heir thing Eddie. You tell everyone that so they do what you want.”

The dick.

“You’re too fucking smart for your own good. I’m gonna start feeding you paint chips to bring that IQ down.” Eddie muttered angrily as Dustin went back to their little table.

He gave himself a moment to get his shit together and stomp a foot like a child when Dustin was around the corner and thus couldn’t witness it, before following his wayward sheep back.

Could only pray to any deity listening that Henderson’s meddling didn’t blow up in Hellfire’s face.

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rosesofenvy · 3 months

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Golden Future AU Arc 2 Chapter 8 is posted!

Collab with @sha-biest

#rottmnt #rottmntfanfic #goldenfutureau #goldenfuture #sbrecollab #rottmnt leo #rottmnt donnie #rottmnt mikey #rottmnt raph #rottmnt krang #THIS IS THE BIG FIGHT GUYS #IT ENDS ONE WAY OR ANOTHER #Mikey is back too!!!#enjoy the art sha made #I absolutely devoured it #also apologies for the late chapter life has been life ing recently

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starlight-eclipsed · 2 months

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It is time to see if the heroes really would attack a friendly Dark.

Behold: my artwork for chapter 9 of LuckyLectio's fic A Dark Among the Lights on AO3. I know I say this every time, but I wholeheartedly recommend reading it.

This chapter grabbed me by the heart between the symbolism and execution, and I'm really really looking forward to where it goes from here ^-^

Link to the speedpaint since Tumblr made me post it separately.

#my art #dark link #lu time #lu warriors #lu legend #lu wind #lu hyrule #lu four #lu sky #lu wild #finally i am free from this #i stg i'm not gonna do another group shot for a while #if you see any mistakes no you don't #what are you talking about his dagger's just hidden #over 18hrs of my life was poured into this and if i reopen it i might not be able to escape again #that said i do love it and i'm excited for the next chapter #gonna go collapse now #adatl

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tinartss · 6 months

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on moving out

#for context i drew this during the paradise of providence event👍#repost of old art #kavetham #haikaveh #i still think abt kaveh moving out often #always a bit torn between it signifying him getting back on his feet + regaining confidence in himself #but like sometimes he's a bit of an unreliable narrator....remember when he was like #hm. the first thing i will do w the prize money is move out and then build another palace but ten times bigger! like oh...kaveh.....#plus he can sometimes be blind (purposefully or not) to what's actually good for him..bc we (and alhaitham LOL) know the significance of #him having a home that's not just a house and how full circle of a moment that is for him #its always interesting to consider that their living situation in itself is this in-between flux moment #though i think kaveh trying his best to escape this “chapter of his life” isn't necessarily the solution.....#i still don't know how tumblr works so if u have to go thru all my yapping in these tags to repost i am so sorry </3 #ok thats all thank u for coming to my ted talk

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voylitscope · 1 month

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CA: TWS Anniversary Ficlets

Daily ficlets for the CA: TWS 10th Anniversary Event @catws-anniversary. With Huge thanks to @sparkagrace and @cable-knit-sweater for running this wonderful event! 💞

In his bed, in the middle of the night, and all alone, Steve wakes up to visions of Bucky falling. Over and over. A recurring nightmare.

(A memory.)

Inside the walls of a museum, during dedicated daytime hours, surrounded by dozens of people, Steve watches Bucky smile. Over and over. A looped bit of film.

(A memory.)

On a lotta days, seeing those forever persevered few seconds of his life helps. There are days it's soothing — a concrete reminder he can hold on to. There are times he uses the bit of film to prove to himself that happy moments and better times were real.

But.

But on other days, watching that smile take shape is somehow more painful than waking up alone in his too-big bedroom with visions of Bucky falling behind his eyes. There are days when Steve watches and all he can think is about those happy moments being long gone. Times when all he can think is that'll he never see, or cause, that expression ever again.

There are days when it's like a repetitive stab to his heart.

But then, sometimes.

Sometimes, he stares at the looped footage, and he lets himself recall a hundred other smiles. Sometimes, his brain draws up images of mornings in Brooklyn and the way Bucky's smiling mouth had looked only inches from Steve's own face, and —

And that hurts, too.

But Steve replays it in his mind, anyway. Over and over again. A moment from long ago.

(A memory.)

(Ficlets Tumblr-exclusive until all are complete.)

#CATWS10 #SteveBucky #Stucky #Stucky fic #Stucky fanfic #my fic #my writing #(in my ideal life I'm also going to post a TWS anniversary event rec list #and another chapter of my WIP in the next few days)

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firyfox · 10 months

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Ochaco telling toga she wants to talk about love with her after she made a declaration of commitment to offering her blood to toga for life .. oh it's over for straight people

#should we declare July 4th as Togachaco day or should we make it the day the chapter is officially out #Ura really offered herself to another woman for life I can't believe this is real ...#togachaco #togachako #mha spoilers #mha 393 #ochako uraraka #toga himiko #original post

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rahabs · 2 months

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This Horror Which Bleeds [ read on A03 ]

He'd known, realistically, that Lilith was gone, and that she'd no intention of coming back. The knowledge didn't make Lucifer anymore prepared to find her mark engraved on the Radio Demon's soul.

Charlie asks her father to check in with Alastor after the hotel's reconstruction. In the process, Lucifer makes a discovery, and things get worse before they get better.

#radioapple #appleradio #Lucifer Morningstar #Alastor #Hazbin Hotel Alastor #Hazbin Hotel Lucifer #This fandom missed the opportunity to call this ship 'radiostar' truly #Anyway I meant to make and post this AGES ago when I first released the fic back in February #But I travelled to the USA for my best friend's wedding and then was busy writing other fics when I came back/getting back to work #In the interim I have been FLOORED by everyone's response to it? Like?#15+ years of writing fanfiction and I have never in my life gotten such a response so thank you SO SO MUCH everyone!#Please accept this little moodboard that I made for it #And by popular demand I WILL be continuing this fic. I think I finally have a little outline for at least another chapter or two!#(Or three or four or etc.)#my fics

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dailykugisaki · 4 months

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Day sixty-three | id in alt

A puppet and a witch.

#dailykugisaki #jjk #kugisaki nobara #mahito #jjk mahito #i Love havin to violently clarity who mahito is #ive never drawn this cursed bitch in ny life but making this thing do fucked up expressions is fun #update! ive been low-key concern looking at chapter 209-212 because......#dawg i think the merging is already Happening #AM I DELUSIONAL? DAWG IT MAY BE ALREADY HAPPENINH #WHAT THE FUCK DID THOSE BEAMS OF LIGHT MEAN??? UHHH??? UH?? ERM idk tho #i might be staring at the wrong shit but yknow #another update! its just the plans furthering lmao #though... i do think the merging should be able to at least start or something... it would be interesting to see #i fucking giggling tho bc in chapter... 244? i think the old guy with the katana says they could use cursed evergy to protect themselves #they completely disregard the people of japan and its FUNNY #but yknow who ACTUALLY has non sorcerer friends and cares for them insanely so? Kugisaki and fucking todo idk why not #i just wanna see what happens i wanna see how fucked up this is gonna be #also can maki fucking uh heavenly restriction herself out of the merger or is she fucked #im asking the REAL questions on my fucking daily Kugisaki account because this is the only way i can pick apart jjk with any kind of group

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transmasccofee · 9 months

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Ppl sometimes say that “oh theres no way the author intended for saiki to be trans” to discredit canon, which is funny bc it implies that Asou is an idiot who has no clue that Explicitly Writing Saiki As Afab And Making Him Say He Was Born A Girl would make him trans, meanwhile in reality there are at least two other canon trans characters

Even worse is when they say “stop projecting western concepts like transgenderism onto this manga, you’re whitewashing it!” meanwhile in reality there are at least two other canon trans cha

#the other is in one of the earlier chapters and im too lazy to find it but one of the teachers is a trans man #the second one really grinds my gears #Japan is not some no-homos land it is not another planet #the culture and way they talk about certain topics is somewhat different but no more than any other country #If you’re actually curious about trans shit in japan read “at 30 i realized i had no gender”#(even if you’re not you should read it cause it’s really good and some of the advice it gave was life changing for me)#transgender #saiki k

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standardlovers · 15 days

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no act more intimate than handing over a symbol of faith to give someone hope (and a connection to you)

#the sunshine court #tsc spoilers #jean moreau #renee walker #JEANRENEE MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE.#I DIDNT EVEN KNOW I LIKED JEANRENEE BUT GOD. RELIGION AS LOVE YOU GOT ME . THATS MY KRYPTONITE #ted talking #SHE GAVE HIM HER CROSS NECKLACE. SHE GAVE HIM THE RAINBOW. SHE GAVE HIM HOPE TO GO ON AND THE ABILITY TO LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN IT ALL #im only on chapter 6?? i think. so no spoilers on this post im still readin

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marvelmusing · 1 year

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In Another Life

Part Eleven

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Alternate Universe!Reader

Summary: Your near death experience has taken a toll on you, which forces Aleksander to come to a realisation.

Warnings: illness/fever (not graphic), nightmares, medicine consumption, very brief allusion to sex.

My Masterlist • Series Masterlist • Next Part

Sitting up in bed after hearing someone speak, you frown when you realise you’re in Aleksander’s room, aboard Sturmhond’s whaler. But something is different.

Alina had been the one to attract your attention, and she doesn’t look at you as she stares over at where Aleksander sits at your desk. Her hands are chained in iron, and for a moment you’re confused. Then you see the scars on Aleksander’s face.

“He’s gifted, I grant you, but no Grisha. He can never be your equal.” He says, looking straight at Alina as she stares back furiously.

“He’s my equal and more.” Aleksander’s expression is calm, but you can see the sadness in his eyes. He shakes his head.

“What kind of future would you have with him? He will live his short otkazat’sya life, and you will watch him die.”

“Shut up.” She snaps.

Everything Aleksander just said has a sickening feeling sinking into your stomach. He might be talking about Mal, but every word he’s said could apply to you as well. You don’t have a future with Aleksander. Not a long term one.

“I know what you feel when you’re with the tracker.”

For a moment, you think he looking right at you. Then Alina speaks, and he turns away.

“I doubt that.”

Aleksander stands and steps towards her. You desperately want to reach for him, but you’re frozen in place. They can’t see you. They can’t hear you.

“I know the truth in your heart. The loneliness. The growing knowledge of your own difference.” He leans in closer to her.

His next words are whispered lowly against her ear, but they still echo through your mind.

“There are no others like us, and that there never will be.”

“Nightmare?” A voice asks softly, as your eyes become accustomed to the low light of the fire illuminating the room.

Blinking a few times, you realise who is speaking to you.

“Aleksander?”

He nods, moving his chair closer so that he can reach for you, fingers tracing lightly over the side of your face.

“How are you feeling?”

When you try to move, the ache of your body protests, and you wince, slumping defeatedly back onto the pillow.

“Awful.”

“I’ll send for a healer.” He stands and crosses the room. Once the door is open, he leans his head through the gap and speaks quietly to someone.

Exhaustion tugs you back towards sleep, but you don’t want to return to your dreams, where Aleksander doesn’t care for you. Your eyes flutter closed despite your reluctance.

When you open them again briefly, Aleksander is back by your side. He cups your cheek tenderly in his hand, smoothing his thumb over your cheekbone.

“You and I are so alike.” He murmurs softly, a crease tugging at his brows. “Sometimes I forget, that you’re only mortal.”

Aleksander’s words from your dreams spin through your mind. No matter how alike you and him are, it won’t compare to Alina.

What hurts the most is that you feel it too. The ache in your chest, of your own loneliness. You will always be different from the other otkazat’sya.

“I wish I could.” You mumble, drifting back into sleep.

Your dreams are stilted and broken, snapshots of sounds, sights, and sensations, that rock you through the waves of unconsciousness and consciousness.

A healer says something about a fever, and encourages a worn looking Aleksander to allow you to ride it out. Your vision is blurry, but you see him running a hand through his already messy hair. Then he’s sitting beside you again. His hands are cool on your face, and you sink back into slumber.

The corridor leading to Aleksander’s rooms at the Little Palace is dark. How long had you been working in the library? You had found it strange that Aleksander wanted you to work there instead of with him in the war room like usual.

It’s only once you reach his bedroom that you understand why. Tears blur your vision as you knock on the door, prompting a ruffled looking Aleksander to open it and look down at you. His face is flushed, his lips pink and kiss swollen, and your heart shatters.

You can see into his rooms. Alina with the covers pulled up to shield her chest, bare shoulders and stag antlers proudly on display.

He smiles darkly, taking your face in his hands as you cry.

“Don’t worry.” He whispers softly, his cheek brushing against yours. “I’ll be certain you hear when I make her scream.”

A broken sob wakes you, and your aching body shakes as you cry. Aleksander helps you into a sitting position, rocking you against his chest as you cling to him.

Once your tears have slowed, he reaches for a glass sitting on your bedside table.

“You need to drink all of this for it to work.” He explains, holding the glass out for you to drink from.

Once your clouded mind realises he’s attempting to put you back to sleep, you try to pull away, more tears flooding down your cheeks.

“Please no, Sasha.” You beg pitifully, shaking your head which makes the room spin sickeningly.

His arm is firm around you, and you can hear the pain in his voice as he insists,

“You need to rest, my love.”

Your distressed mind doesn’t pick up on his term of endearment, and part of you believes you’re still dreaming. He’s never called you that before. Why would he start now?

“I don’t want to.” You cry. “Please don’t make me.”

He hushes you softly, smoothing your hair back from your face as he looks into your eyes.

“This should help with the nightmares.” He explains gently, trying to settle you.

Whilst you don’t want to risk another fitful night filled with the dreams and nightmares that haunt you, Aleksander wouldn’t lie to you. He would only give you something that he thought could help you. With a small nod of consent, you drink from the glass as he holds it up to your lips.

By the time you’re halfway through it, you’re almost asleep. Eyes fluttering closed, you slump against Aleksander’s body. But he keeps you awake, encouraging you to finish the drink with his hand cupping your jaw, and praising you with every last sip.

You sleep soundly that night.

After a few more days of regaining your strength, Aleksander seems to think that some fresh air will do you good. So, you stand near the bow of the ship, looking out pensively over the waves whilst Aleksander speaks with Sturmhond at the wheel.

“He’s in love with you. You know that right?” Zoya says airily as she stands beside you. Looking around in confusion, you frown at her.

“Who?”

“The General.” Your lips part, but you have no time to ask her anything, as she continues, “I know you have that whole thing going on with the Prince…”

“You mean an engagement?” She pulls a face, and you breathe out a weak laugh.

“I’m sure the General knows plenty of passageways to sneak into the Grand Palace.” She says rather pointedly, with raised brows and a smirk on her lips, to which you shake your head at her.

Glancing over at Aleksander, you see him standing beside Alina, and something in you twists. When you turn back to Zoya you miss the concerned expression marring his features as he looks over at you.

“What about Alina? You don’t think they’re meant to be?” You ask her.

“Why should they be?”

“They’re two halves of the same whole. Like calls to like.” She shrugs.

“But they’re opposites. Light and dark. After all, tidemakers and inferni don’t always get along.”

You pause to think over her words. What similarities do Aleksander and Alina truly have?

“She doesn’t like me.” Zoya remarks, and when you tilt your head in confusion she adds, “Alina.”

“That’s not true.” You say quickly. Honestly, you’re not sure what this version of Alina thinks of Zoya. A smile finally touches at your lips, and you fall back into your usual banter with Zoya as you remark, “What’s not to like?”

“I know.” She grins. “Clearly she has poor taste.”

“Clearly.”

There’s another pause, before Zoya says earnestly,

“But he does love you.” She scoffs a little. “I’m not sure which is worse - the longing stares when you’re around, or the puppy dog eyes when you’re not.”

“Zoya is right.” Fedoyr says, leaning his back against the railing as he stands on your other side with Ivan not far behind him. Zoya smirks.

“I could get used to hearing that.” She teases and he shoots her a look.

“Though I don’t know why you’re complaining. Us corporalki have to deal with his heart fluttering all the time.”

Ivan nods, before he’s weighing in on the discussion as well.

“Sickening.”

You breathe out a small laugh.

“Really?” You ask. Fedoyr nods,

“He’s looking at you right now.” You frown at him. None of you are looking over at Aleksander.

“How do you know?” He smiles softly.

“His heart gives him away.”

You want to ask Fedoyr something. But you’re worried that they will think you’re petty, or possessive. You’re also a little concerned about what his answer would be. Then Ivan speaks again,

“It doesn’t skip around Starkov.”

You look up at him sharply. Somehow, he had known what you wanted to ask. He holds your gaze and you can only nod.

Lost in your thoughts, you don’t notice the look exchanged between Zoya and Fedoyr. Or the figure dressed in black, approaching your small group.

They all greet Aleksander politely, before they conveniently decide to leave the two of you.

He searches your expression, trying to read whatever it is you’re thinking about. You hold a hand out towards him, and he takes it instantly. Stepping forward, you tug on his hand, pulling him closer as you press yourself against his chest.

“Is everything alright?” Aleksander asks. You nod against the fabric of his kefta, breathing in comforting lungfuls of his scent.

“Thank you for looking after me.” He rests his chin against the crown of your head.

“I have something for you.”

Frowning, you tilt your head up to look at his face. There’s a soft smile on his lips, though he looks a little nervous as he rummages through his pockets.

Then he pulls out a small velvet pouch. It’s black, with a delicate white ribbon tied at the opening. He hands it to you, and after a moment of admiring the luxurious fabric, you open it up.

“Aleksander.” You whisper softly in awe as you pull out the thin golden chain to reveal a delicate necklace.

Two small rings of gold hang from the centre of the chain. The outer one has carved edges to mimic the rays of the sun, and the second one encircles an iridescent pearl that shimmers in the light. The sun in eclipse. Aleksander’s symbol.

“Do you like it?” He asks in a small voice. You look up at him with wide eyes and an even wider smile.

“It’s beautiful. I love it.” He seems relieved by your reaction, and you wonder how much thought he put into the design and creation of the necklace. “Will you help me put it on?”

He nods, and you turn around as he takes the necklace from your hands. His fingers brush against the back of your neck as he fiddles with the clasp. Once it’s attached, he places his hands on your shoulders, turning you back around to face him.

With a smile on your face, you look down at the necklace, taking it in your hands to admire it. The metal isn’t as bright or shiny as regular gold.

“What’s it made of?” You ask. His smile widens as if he’s glad you’ve observed such a small detail.

“It’s an alloy of gold and Grisha steel which should, in theory, be indestructible.”

“And the pearl?”

“From my own collection. A rare variety from Novyi Zem.” He adjusts the chain of the necklace as it sits against your collarbone. “Which means that, as long as I have a durast, I will be able to find you. Wherever you are.”

Tears well in your eyes, and you purse your lips together, overwhelmed by the amount of detail Aleksander had included in his gift for you.

“I’ve come to a realisation.” He states softly and you nod, encouraging him to continue. “You’ve never hesitated to do what’s right for Ravka. Or for me. Unlike Alina.”

Your brows crease at his words.

“That’s not her fault. The world is a scary place when you don’t know what you’re doing.”

“Did you know what you were doing when you risked your life for the sea whip?” You pause, narrowing your eyes at him for a moment before you answer.

“Yes.” He tilts his head aside, a smile touching at the corner of his lips.

“I know when you’re lying to me.”

Amusement dances in your eyes, and you shake your head at him with a smile.

“What are you trying to tell me, Aleksander?”

“I want to apologise.” Your expression drops and confusion fills your eyes. He steps closer, taking your hands in his own. “I feel foolish. That it took almost losing you, twice, for me to realise that you are my equal, in every way that matters.”

“Aleksander-” Your whisper is interrupted by a shake of his head, and he continues,

“Ever since Alina arrived at the Little Palace, bringing the two of us together has always been an aspect of your plan. But you’ve failed to account for the fact that I don’t want Alina.”

He steps closer, dropping his forehead down to press against yours, and his eyes flutter closed for a few seconds, as if he were savouring your presence.

“I can’t love her.” He admits in a near whisper. “Because she isn’t you.”

A tear slides down your cheek. Everything you’ve ever wanted is standing right in front of you, and for a moment you’re terrified.

“Tell me you don’t feel the same.” He says softly, stepping back, and you frown. “And I will bury this, and allow you to seek happiness, wherever you may find it.”

Can he really not see how much he means to you? The comfort you receive, simply by being around him. The ease of conversation between the two of you, the way your thoughts often flow as one, not to mention the trust you have in him is unparalleled.

“I can’t.” You insist. His eyes widen, and he looks frighteningly uncertain as he begins to pull away. “I can’t tell you that I don’t feel the same.” A smile touches at your lips as you add, “Because you know when I’m lying.”

He breathes out a small laugh, and you smile fondly as he pulls you closer. Aleksander’s gaze drops down to watch your lips as he steps even closer, his forehead returning to its place pressed against yours.

“I want to kiss you.” He whispers.

A shiver runs down your spine, and you bite down on your lip to suppress the giddy smile threatening to consume you.

“I should probably remind you that I’m technically engaged.”

He tilts his head aside, exasperation touching his features as you deny him for such a reason.

“We both know you’re not going to marry that fool.” He states firmly, hooking a finger under your chin. His voice softens as he asks, “Would he make you happy?”

“Not like you do.”

The corner of his mouth quirks and triumph shines in his eyes as you hold tightly onto the collar of his kefta, pulling him into the last few inches between you. His nose brushes against yours, and every hair on your body is standing on edge with anticipation.

Then Aleksander kisses you.

A soft delicate brush of his lips against yours that has you sighing into his mouth. He tilts his head, pushing himself closer into the kiss, and you respond eagerly. Fingers curling through his dark locks, your nails scrape lightly over the nape of his neck, and you feel him shiver beneath your touch.

His hands run down your body, squeezing your waist firmly between his large palms, before he cups your face again. He holds you against his solid chest, muffling every sound you make, as his lips continue to explore yours leisurely, savouring every second.

When you withdraw from one another, the salty sea air fills your lungs as you take in a few shuddering gasps. Despite your breathlessness, the two of you are smiling brightly at one another.

Sliding your hands down his chest, you wrap your arms around his body and nuzzle your face into the hollow of his throat. The soft fur lining his kefta tickles your cheeks, as you press a soft kiss to his throat, where you can feel his pulse pounding beneath your lips.

He cups the back of your neck, tilting your head back up to face him, and he bends down to kiss you gently. Once, twice, three times. His nose brushing fondly against yours, and the smiles remaining on both of your faces. You could stay like this forever.

Then Aleksander straightens, and you frown.

“Yes, Ivan?” He asks, looking over to where the heartrender stands at a reasonable distance from the two of you. Behind him, a thrilled looking Zoya is grinning at you, and your cheeks warm.

“Os Kervo will be in sight within the next few minutes. Sturmhond wants to know where we’ll be docking.”

Aleksander nods.

He hooks a finger under your chin, pressing one last kiss tenderly against your lips. His smile is soft as he takes in every inch of your face, before he steps away, walking towards Ivan.

Zoya’s grin widens as she moves towards you, and you sigh.

“Don’t say I told you so.”

When her arm links around yours, the feigned annoyance drops from your face. The two of you beam at one another, and you grip tightly onto her arms as you breathe out a startled laugh, hardly believing what had just happened.

Unseen by either of you, Ivan and Fedoyr exchange a knowing look as they observe the reaction of their General’s heart in response to your laughter.

»»---------------------►

marvelmusing Tag List: @dreamlandcreations @blanchedelioncourt @idaofinfinity @slytherheign @ellooo0ooo @vixenofcourse @dumb-fawkin-bitch @jane-arthur

Aleksander M Tag List: @nyctophiliiiiaaa @jazmin2211

BB Characters Tag List: @rachlovesactors @noortsshift @aikeia

#in another life au #aleksander morozova #aleksander morozova x reader #the darkling #the darkling x reader #the darkling au #shadow and bone au #shadow and bone x reader #the darkling x you #the darkling x y/n #in another life chapters

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