#'the continents look like this; there are this many races; they looks like X Y and Z'

[featherymainffins]

Sci-fi worldbuilding is like a thing that really hates you and wants you dead

[miryum]

Foundling Villa- Chapter 3

Royal!Charles Leclerc x Reader. Princess Y/n is arranged to marry Prince Charles. There will be many ups and downs that the author hasn’t planned out yet, but read along to find out more! (Yes, I know that sounds super cheesy) Warnings per chapter. Hope you guys enjoy!

Warnings: mentions of sex, mentions of misogyny

ao3 link  next chapter>>

“What are our three takeaways?” True to his word, Lorenzo had sat his brothers down in a small library and given them a lesson on how to correctly please a girl. Charles would never admit it, but he learned a lot. Being a prince under the scrutiny of the court, he didn’t have a lot of time to fool around with girls. Lorenzo was the only Leclerc brother who had gone all the way; and that was only because he tied the knot. 

Arthur groaned, running a hand over his face. The poor boy had been scarred for life. “Aim for the neck like a wild animal you want to kill, wiggling is great, and you’re horse racing.”

“Charles?” Lorenzo waited for him to translate Arthur’s words into something not as sarcastic.

“The neck is a sensitive spot,” Charles rattled off. “Don’t discount your fingers… down there. And change paces and speed.”

“Exactly.” Lorenzo nodded. “Trust me, your wives will thank me.”

“I’m not married yet!” Charles exclaimed, standing and stalking out of the room. He rubbed his temples, wanting to erase the memory of the last hour. Lorenzo had pulled out old medical books with diagrams Charles wanted to forget. His mind unwillingly went to you. Would sex be all that Lorenzo said it was? 

As if he had wished you into existence, you rounded the corner in front of him, following a maid. Your head was bowed and you shuffled along, as if you were a child awaiting punishment. That is not how a future princess of Enza should look, Charles thought. 

He had spent the past days under the careful eye of his mother, the Queen inputting her opinions whenever she could. Admittedly, Pascale had made him see things from your perspective. Charles thought about what it would be like moving to Williams where he would be leaving his family and didn’t know anyone- not even his future bride. He knew of the misogyny that was still held over the women of this continent and couldn’t imagine what you must be feeling. Having to play the silent, passive type, without knowing what Charles was like. What if he quelled your ideas with a flick of his hand? Or if he was abusive? Or wouldn’t take no for an answer? 

Charles had shuddered at those thoughts. The simple prospect that you might mistake him for a vulgar and insensitive man baffled him. 

“Excuse me,” Charles stepped in front of the maid that was escorting you. “May I ask where you’re taking Princess Y/n?”

“Your Highness!” The maid dropped into a low curtsy. “Princess Y/n is scheduled for a dress fitting. The seamstresses have made her wedding gown and need to make sure it fits.”

“That sounds lovely.” Charles found you staring at him sceptically. You looked away when he caught your eye. “Would you mind if I accompanied you?”

The maid turned back to you. It wasn’t her place to agree or refuse. You were the princess, after all.

You nodded. “I wouldn’t mind.” Prince Charles held out his arm and you placed yours over his. “How are you?” you asked. 

“Not bad. I was just lectured by my brother, though, so I could be better.” 

“Oh? What about?” 

“Anatomy.” 

You chuckled. “Yes, I received the same lecture from my older sister. It’s a shame older siblings tend to be so direct.” 

“Indeed it is.” Prince Charles shifted topics, “my mother said she had a lovely brunch with you yesterday.” 

“As did I.” You smiled at the memory. “She’s a wonderful woman, Prince Charles. Very considerate and sweet.” Queen Pascale has asked you many questions about yourself and never once brought up the impending marriage. She made you feel human and not just another thing to be auctioned off for the sake of your kingdom. 

“Have you met my brothers?” Prince Charles asked.

“Have you met mine?” Your reply was harsh and quick. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. No, I haven’t had the chance to officially meet your brothers yet.”

“I’m sorry as well,” Charles sympathised for you. You were expected to conform to his kingdom whereas he had never set foot in yours. “But your siblings, they’re coming to the wedding?”

“My eldest brother, sister, and my youngest brother.”

“What of your other two sisters?” You were surprised he remembered you had two more siblings.

“Um,” you stumbled for the correct wording. “Their husbands are too busy.”

“Can’t they come alone?” Charles realised his mistake. Your sisters couldn’t travel without their husband’s permission. “I’m sorry,” he muttered. He promised himself that he would always allow you to do what you wanted. He wanted you to feel so safe and welcomed and loved that you didn’t even ask him for permission. 

“It’s alright.”

“Your Highness, my Lady,” the maid addressed you, pushing open a door. Prince Charles guided you through it and into an expansive room. Many seamstresses were running about, putting the finishing touches on gowns and robes and tunics for the wedding. Bundles of fabric were thrown about the place and practically every seamstress had pins sticking out of their hair to fix the clothes of the royal family. Tailor dummies were positioned around the room, each in front of a large mirror. You saw King Hervé, Queen Pascale, Prince Lorenzo, and Prince Arthur’s outfits. You didn’t see yours or Prince Charles’s. Once you and Prince Charles stepped in the room the hectic energy ceased in time for everyone to curtsy before returning to their task. 

“Princess Y/n!” A man called out to you. “My name is Esteban! Call me Este! I’m the head tailor for Enza. It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Charles hid a smile at Este’s enthusiasm.

“Hello Este!” You reached out and grabbed his hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Are these all your designs?”

“Yes, of course!” Este gestured around. “Do you like them?”

“They’re beautiful!” 

“Would you like to see yours?” Este couldn’t stop beaming. He was so excited to show you the gown he designed.

“Yes, please!” Something about Este radiated intoxicating energy and you loved it. You felt excited for the first time in a long while.

“Come on, stand here,” Este pushed you towards a small pedestal in front of a mirror. “Monica! Help the princess.”

A seamstress rushed over to you and started unbuttoning your dress. “Uh, pardon me,” you instinctively jerked away. “What are you doing?” Your gaze flickered to Prince Charles. His eyes were anywhere but you.

“I’m sorry, my Lady, but we need to make sure the dress fits.” She kept unbuttoning. “You may still keep your slip-on.” 

Soon you were reduced to nothing. Standing, literally, on a pedestal in front of everyone, you were only wearing a flimsy little linen chemise. Your arms were crossed in front of you and you were staring at your toes. 

“Are you sure Prince Charles should be here for this?” You asked, “Isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the wedding gown?”

“Nonsense!” Este waves you away. “It’ll give us a chance to make sure his suit fits as well. Go on up!” Este pushed Prince Charles onto the adjourning pedestal. “Take it off,” he demanded.

Prince Charles smiled sheepishly at you and started unbuttoning his tunic. You looked away when he started on his pants. Soon, both you and your future husband were dressed only in your undergarments and you still had three weeks until the wedding. 

“Princess Y/n,” Este dragged over a large swath of pink material. “I know we said a red dress, but I couldn’t let you have a wedding without a somewhat white dress. I would feel terrible. So, if you mix red and white, what do you get?” He didn’t wait for you to answer. “A lovely rose colour!” Este bunched the dress on the floor so you could step in. Once you did, a team of seamstresses swarmed you, hooking, buttoning, and tying everything into its correct place. “And don’t you worry, Prince Charles,” Este winked at the prince. “It’s much easier to get off than it is to put on.” Charles nodded, chuckling awkwardly.

“Wow…” Once the seamstresses stepped back proudly, you took yourself in. The dress was one of the softest, yet heaviest things you had ever worn. To account for Enza’s weather and the fact that you and Prince Charles would be paraded around town after the wedding, your sleeves were thin and airy. Paired with a sweetheart-neckline and a tight corset which exploded into a thick skirt, it was beautiful. Lace and small jewels cascaded down the gown. 

Charles let out a breath. He saw you admiring yourself in the mirror and smiled. You felt beautiful. He wanted you to feel beautiful more often. He liked your expression when you did. 

“It’s wonderful,” you told Este, grinning. “I didn’t think I would like it this much. But would it be possible to lose a layer of fabric? Enza is much warmer than Williams and I wouldn’t want to sweat.” The honesty surprised Charles. Once you arrived in Enza, Charles had quickly realised that you would conform your emotions to whatever others wanted. If you didn’t like the food at the dinner table, you would eat it anyway in fear of offending the cooks. It surprised Charles that you were openly asking for adjustments.

“Of course, Princess!” Este rushed to take notes. “And let’s take it in here, here, and see that stitch right there? I don’t love it.” He started directing the seamstresses who pulled out pins and did what Este commanded. “And Chelsea! Where’s Prince Charles’s outfit?”

Chelsea stopped sewing and swept up the cloth. She helped Charles climb into the royal mantle. The jacket was blue with golden threads stitched over it. Pressed white tunic and pants added to the wedding outfit and you could almost picture a crown on Prince Charles’ head, shining brightly. Chelsea clipped on a white and black cloak. He looked regal. Granted, he was a prince. He was always regal.

“You look good,” you commented. 

“As do you,” Charles wasn’t looking at the gown; he was looking at you.

You broke eye contact and asked Este, “is there anything else we can do for you?”

“No, this all looks beautiful!” Este said. “Let’s get you two undressed so we can make the final adjustments.”

You agreed, saying, “I may have to visit here more often. I adore these dresses you have,” you referenced other gowns that lined the walls. “And I would like to alter some of my existing outfits. Maybe get rid of some of the sleeves and layers?”

“Anytime, Princess! We would love to have you down here!” Este clapped excitedly. “Welcome to the Enza family!”

You took a deep breath. The Enza family. You needed to buy the Foundling Villa, and soon.

[imaginedreamwrite]

Can i have a cute drabble for hfy bucky x assistant reader. Plz they sound so cute . I just love this kind of trope.

The first time she had noticed him was when she brought some requisitions to the office for Steve to sign, she hadn’t meant to stare but she knew his story inside and out and there he was. Bucky Barnes who was Steve’s best friend was a beast, he was a brave and seasoned soldier. He was also sitting on the couch near your boss with a crooked grin and when he waved…

“I felt like such an idiot,” your conversation with Mrs. Rogers was long winded that night, when you had explained everything in great detail including squeaking like a wounded animal while he stared at you, “I ran away, like a child.”

“Bucky is a giant teddy bear, kind of a dolt, but a teddy bear nonetheless,” Queenie had rolled her eyes and laughed under her breath, “trust me, he probably found that interaction cute.”

“Cute?” You had questioned the Mrs., your eyebrows furrowed and your bottom lip drawn between your teeth. “You think so?”

Your next interaction with Bucky Barnes happened before one of the yearly reunions and parties where all The Avengers would be in the same place at once, the ones who had controlled their own continents and regions, would be coming to the Rogers’ estate. You had been given strict instructions that you were meant to have some time off for yourself after everything was handled, with the underlying hope that you would meet someone at the party.

You however had a hard time letting go of the job, and when you should have been enjoying the party like Mr. Rogers told you to, you had been hiding upstairs working. You were focused, you were driven to finish the task you had assigned yourself and had been so bound and determined to complete it that you had missed the sound of the door opening. Footsteps had been muffled on the carpet while you finished typing up a response for aid from one of the many organizations that requested it. You were nearly done when a soft hand had settled upon your own and a vibranium hand had closed the laptop you were using.

“You’re supposed to be downstairs enjoying yourself.” His lips were close to your ear, brushing against your flesh while goosebumps rose to your skin. He had laughed softly in your ear after you squeaked again and slowly turned to look at him with wide eyes and parted lips, you had surely looked like you were caught with your hand in the cookie jar, and had expected some kind of stern reprimand action.

“I was just….” you swallowed thickly and bit down on your bottom lip again, trapped between the desk and his chest with his arms on either side of you. “I was….”

“I won’t tell Steve if you won’t.” Bucky had grinned his eyes sparkling with amusement and you expected that to be the end of it however Bucky hd slowly pulled the chair back before he pulled you to your feet. “You look too good to be hiding upstairs.”

“I just-“ you had felt heat blooming in your belly, your heart racing. “Y-you think i look good?”

Bucky’s hand slid around to the small of your back where it had settled. He had cast his eyes on you, searching and studying your face while the corner of his lips twitched. “Besides, Steve isn’t the one you need to worry about.”

“I swear to God, Steve-!” It was Queenie’s voice coming toward the office, her irritation at something startling you. “They’re all idiots!”

“Why don’t you come back downstairs-“ Steve had called after her and you had pushed yourself against Bucky, shivering as his arms wrapped around your waist moments before the door opened.

“God, please tell me you’re not shoving your tongue down her throat.” Queenie’s eyes had narrowed, her lips pursing. “Did you really drag her up here to make-out?”

You had turned to look at Bucky, eyes wide again. Your heart felt like it was going to jump out of your chest and you had fought with your mind to find something to say.

“What are you doing here?” Bucky had asked Mrs. Rogers, subtly turning so you were briefly out of sight.

“Finding a gun so I can shoot what’s his nuts in the head.” Queenie had kicked off her heels, her muffled bare feet padding on the carpet as she crossed the room to the shelf by the window. “Oh you don’t have the credentials-“

“Mrs. Rogers,” Steve had waved Bucky and you out of the room, smirking at Bucky as you both passed, “you know how i feel about you using guns to dismember my council members…”

The door had closed behind the two of you, leaving you both in the hallway. Bucky had yet to let you go, he had kept his arm around your waist and stared down at you with that same bright look.

“Wanna skip the party and head to the back?” Bucky had offered an alternative, smiling charmingly down at you.

“Technically….I wouldn’t be breaking the rules set out for me.”

“I won’t tell Steve if you don’t.”

[nastybuckybarnes]

A Broken Fairytale  -  Twelve

Pairing: Prince!Bucky x Reader AU 

Summary: Sold by your mother, you work as a servant for the King and Queen of Acadia. The Prince, much to his initial dismay, takes a liking to you. When a wicked woman intervenes, your life is nothing more than a prison sentence. With a war on the horizon and a betrothal to a missing Princess that he can’t escape, Bucky is forced to be the Prince -and King- that his father wants. A pawn in a bigger game than the two of you realize. 

Warnings:  Fluff, Angst, injuries, Violence, Fluff

Word Count: 2K

A/N: Voila! Sorry for not updating this in like six months but here you go! She’s a little intense so enjoy 

~*~

“I gave you one job.”

The man swallows hard, face bloody and bruised and nearly unrecognizable.

“I almost had her. But the prince-” “You said you could do it! I paid you to get rid of the girl! Not send her back to her family on a silver platter!” She grabs the collar of his shirt, pointed edge of a blade at his throat.

“I-I’ll do it! I’ll get rid of her and I’ll get rid of anyone who gets in my way! I underestimated them once, but I won’t make the same mistake again! I swear to it!” The old woman glares at him, her eyes full of hatred.

“You have one more chance. If you fail I will make you wish you were in the hands of the King, for I will not be nearly as merciful as he.” Rumlow nods, stumbling back as soon as she releases him.

“Now go. I expect to hear news of their death before their wedding. If you fail you will regret it.”

~*~

“You look gorgeous, my daughter.” You turn around, smiling from ear to ear in your white gown.

“Thank you, mother.” She tilts your head up, her eyes on the fading scar on your cheek.

“A mark to show those who test you how strong you are,” She whispers, pressing a kiss to the mark.

Butterflies swarm in your belly as you hear the music playing from the throne room.

"Your Majesty, we are ready to begin,” Pepper says, smiling gently at your mother. She nods, tears in her eyes as she cups your cheeks.

“I always knew the day I gave my daughter away would come. I never thought I would have so little time between having you and losing you.” You nod, leaning your cheek into her hands.

“My daughter and my wife on my daughter’s wedding day. A day I had not thought I would get to see.” The two of you look to the voice, smiling when your father walks in.

“They are waiting for you, my dear. And then I am to walk my daughter down the aisle so soon after getting her back. How I wish we could have more time together.” You nod, a sad smile on your face as your mother hurries out of the room and to her spot in the throne room.

“I have no plans on leaving the kingdom soon. We will have time to reacquaint. But until then, we mustn’t leave them waiting.” He nods, offering you his arm. You take it gratefully, still uneasy wearing heels.

“There has not been a gathering this large in your lifetime. People from Kingdoms across the continent have come to see the union of the two kingdoms and the return of the Princess.” Your heart jumps at that information.

“Somehow that doesn't make me feel any better.” He chuckles, helping you down the stairs slowly.

Your dress is beyond extravagant. It’s an off-white colour with a thick layered skirt and a train that drags dangerously long behind you. The entire gown is covered in pearls and jewels, advertising the wealth of the kingdom. Atop your head rests a beautiful white tiara with large crystals decorating it.

You look exactly how royalty should.

With a bouquet of white roses held tightly in your grasp, you focus on your footsteps, trying your hardest to stay steady as the doors to the throne room get pushed open.

There’s a simultaneous gasp across the room, but you keep your eyes focused on the flowers in your grasp, grateful for the veil covering your face from view.

When your father stops walking, you finally look up, eyes finding the piercing blues of Prince James through the thin material of your veil.

He looks absolutely stunning in his royal colours, the lightness of his suit contrasting beautifully with the darkness of his royal sash. At his side hangs his sword, and on his head is a beautiful gold crown with different coloured jewels.

You curtsey low, your father bowing beside you, and James bows from in front of you before extending his hand. You take it without hesitation, handing your flowers to your father before stepping up in front of the thrones with James.

“Take care of my daughter, James. I have only just gotten her back.” The prince nods, a smile on his face as he gazes at you with nothing but admiration in his eyes.

With practiced grace, James flips your veil over your hair, his eyes alight with happiness.

“Together we are gathered here to witness the union of his Royal Highness Prince James Buchanan Barnes of Acadia, and Her Royal Highness Princess (Y/n) (Y/m/n) (Y/l/n) of Corona. In front of the Gods, each other, and your Kingdoms, you will be united as husband and wife, and King and Queen. Your Kingdoms will be together as one, as you will be.”

The priest smiles warmly at the two of you.

“We have waited many years to witness this union, and now, we listen as you speak your vows.” James clears his throat, turning for a moment to grab the two goblets and handing the empty one to you.

“With this hand, I will lift your sorrows.” He lifts his hand, using his free hand to lift yours.

“Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine.” He pours a tad of wine into your goblet. The two of you each take a sip then set the goblets down. Next, you each pick up a candle, having practiced this enough to know it forward and back.

“With this candle,” he lights his candle then touches the flame to the wick of yours. “I will light your way in darkness.”

You set the candles down, heart racing as he’s handed a gorgeous diamond ring.

“With this ring, I ask you to be mine.” He leans forward, taking your hand gently in his.

“I am yours.” A smile breaks across his face, and right as he’s sliding the ring onto your finger a fiery pain erupts in your shoulder, the force of it sending you tumbling to the ground.

There’s a collective gasp and then screams erupt.

“(Y/n)!” “Your Highness!” You peel your eyes open in time to see guards surrounding you and James, the brunet crouched in front of you with his eyes focused on your chest. You follow his gaze and your eyes nearly fall out of your head.

There’s an arrow stuck in your left shoulder. You look frantically at James and he shushes you, grabbing it by the end and snapping it in half, making it much shorter. You cry out in pain, thrashing against him, but he only murmurs apologies.

“Your Highnesses, we must leave.” You’re ushered to your feet and you suppress a cry of pain, grabbing onto your husband’s hand as the two of you are quickly brought out of the room.

“Someone call for a healer immediately. We have no idea if this has pierced something vital,” James barks as you all hurry through the halls.

“Men, take your posts and allow no one through,” Rhodey says, waiting until the guards have dispersed before pulling on a candelabra mounted on the wall.

The wall creaks open and you look at him in shock.

“Go all the way through. Only few know of this passage. There’s a safe room at the end that will have all the required medical tools you will need, as well as food and water. Answer no one and trust even fewer. When it is safe, myself or a trusted member of the king’s guard will come to fetch you.” You nod, looking at James. He nods as well and helps you through the small opening in the wall.

His hand is on the hilt of his sword, ready to fight anyone if need be.

You’ve got one hand pressed against the spot where the arrow remains, partly sticking out of you, half-broken off. Your vision starts to blur as blood seeps out of the wound.

“We’re almost there. Just hang on tight,” he murmurs, stopping in his tracks when he reaches the large wooden door.

He shoves it open and is quick to help you into the room and sit you on the bed. While he lights the candles, you press hard against your wound, taking deep breaths to try and steady yourself.

Warm hands are suddenly pulling yours away and you gasp, opening your eyes and looking at the culprit.

He smiles apologetically then lifts his hand. There’s the sound of tearing and then your gown is sliding down your chest, leaving you in only your satin slip.

“I must admit, this is not how I envisioned our wedding night,” you murmur, voice quivering slightly with fear and pain. He chuckles once, shaking his head.

“This may sting a bit, but I must do it.” You nod, closing your eyes tightly. He takes hold of the arrow and gives you only a moment to prepare before he's tearing it out of you.

You shout out in pain, tears stinging your eyes a the intense fire in your chest.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, pressing something hot against the wound. If you thought the ripping of the arrow was bad, this is ten times worse.

A scream tears its way out of your throat and you struggle to get away as he cauterizes the wound to the best of his abilities with you writhing in his grasp.

You’re tiptoeing on the edge of consciousness when he finally pulls it away, your shoulder aching and throbbing.

“I’m sorry, my darling.” You clench your jaw and nod, taking a few deep breaths to try and regain your composure.

“Someone means to kill me,” you whisper, the words tasting foul on your tongue.

James nods, holding your hands in between both of his.

“This union is being targeted yet again. It is no accident that so much has happened to attempt to prevent us from marrying.” His words ring with truths that you hadn’t considered, and he must see the shock on your face.

“I will discuss it with our fathers when it is safe to do so. Until then, you need your rest.” He helps you to lie down in the bed, being careful of your injured shoulder.

“You must swear to wake me as soon as there’s any news,” you demand, grabbing his hand tightly. He leans down and presses a gentle kiss to your knuckles.

“Of course. I swear I will.” You nod, satisfied with his answer, then allow yourself to relax into the pillows, your mind racing itself to sleep.

[sweetchup]

Three isn’t a Crowd

Request by @al-shayfield: could you please do a killua x gon x reader little picnic date? if not that’s okay :)

Type: Gon x reader x Killua

Au?: Poly Au. Normal.

Word Count: 3500+

Warnings: Polyamory, The boys are still kids but this is a kid type of date so it’s ok, Hisoka being Hisoka, bullying, cursing

“Ok! So let’s go through the list before we leave.” You mumble, putting the last of the utensils into the basket. The light from the morning sun shined through the windows and onto the backs of the two boys across the table from you. “Ok, so Sandwiches and chips?”

“Yes!!” Gon chirps in, “On the left.”

You checked that off and moved to the next Item. “Soda and cups?”

“Yeah.” Killua says, bouncing a tennis ball on the floor.

“Chocolate cake?”

“Ye—“ “Definitely!!”

Gon turns to glare at Killua causing the white hair boy to stop bouncing the ball. Oh here we go again. You just ignore them and continue on with your list.

“Hey why did you cut me off?” Gon whined at Killua, who scoffs.

“You were too slow.”

“W-well I think you are trying to impress (y/n).” Gon huffs, pouting a little. While they were arguing you had looked up and down the list and realized you were done and hadn’t forgotten anything. Throwing away the list, you put the red and white plaid picnic blanket on top and closed the basket.

“Hah?! Are you an idiot?” Killua mocks, poking the boy in the head, “If I wanna impress her I would do something like this.”

Killua jumps over the table and gives you a grin. Before you can even rebut, he lifts you easily up onto one of his arms, making it look practically effortless. With his other arm he grabs the basket.

“This is how you impress a girl,” Killua says, very proud of himself. Gon, stubborn, doesn’t back down.

“W-well I can do better!”

You sigh as Gon pulls you off of Killua. This could take a while but then again what did you expect accepting a date with these two idiots.

—————————

“How many times do I have to tell you two to be careful? Especially with (y/n).” Kurapika scolds the two boys in front of him. “You're glad Leorio and I stepped in before she got hurt.”

Killua tches, clearly over Kurapika’s Scolding. “Yeah, yeah whatever. Let’s go Gon, (Y/n).”

Killua holds one of your hands while Gon holds the other. They both drag you away from Leorio, who had previously been checking you for any injuries.

“Oh! Umm.. Bye Mr. Kurapika! Mr. Leorio! Thank you very much!” You shout. Your voice growing more and more faded as you're dragged away. The two men wave at the trio until the door shuts close. As soon as they do, Leorio turns to Kurapiks. A pout was on the man’s face.

“Aww come on Kurapika, it’s their first date. you shouldn’t be so hard on them.”

“Of course I do. I mean didn’t you see (y/n)?”

Leorio blinks and scrunches his eyebrows, thinking back. “Hmm… I don’t think I saw anything out of the ordinary about her?”

Kurapika sighs “Leorio you have to remember we are currently staying in the Yorbian Continent. It’s not illegal but it’s very uncommon for polyamory here. It’s not like we are in the Republic of Padokia or the Azian Continent where it is common.”

“Oh. So you mean...”

“Yes, not only is (Y/n) from York New, where it is uncommon, so she knows the amount of ridicule and abuse she could go through but we also have to think about the huge amount of Anti-poly people that are recorded here in this town.”

“Yeah and I’m guessing Gon and Killua probably don’t know about that?” Leorio says, leaning against the wall. He looks out the window and sees the three holding hands, walking in the direction of the busy center of town.

“Most likely” Kurapika sighs, looking at the three as well. “I just hope that no one gets hurt”

———————————

“Ok!!” You say excited. You were trying to hide your nervousness. Not only were you on your first date ever with two handsome boys and had also tried on a new dress but you were in the Yorbian Continent on a poly date; not the brightest decision but oh well. You aren’t going to let your worries stop you. You were going to have fun, “So on our way to the park I say we quickly stop by at some fun places!! Does that sound okay?”

The two boys could only nod their heads. It wasn’t them being rude, they just couldn’t talk. You looked so cute as you did a little spin at fun and by getting shy when asking them if it was ok.

You giggled, causing their hearts to jump. “Let’s go then!”

——⚡️—🌸—🥦——

“First stop, The diamond theater!!”

All three of you looked in awe as you looked around the building you just entered. It looked absolutely magical. With trees made out of actual gold and silver, colorful jeweled animals and diamond and glass mural walls.

“Oh wow Killua look at this!”

Killua looks over and sees you pointing at something in a book. “It says right here that this is the biggest location with some of the highest amounts of rare diamonds and fire opals. Even counting red diamonds.”

“Oh wow”

“Ack! Killua!” Gon shouts, sounding concerned and worried.

Killua turns away from you and soon freezes. Looking up from your manual you see three men next to Gon.

“There’s the other one. Me doesn’t recognize girl though” A short man with a skull neck cloth covering his face said. He gave off weird vibes when he looked at you.

“Hey boys! How are you doing?” A man with a long bun on top of his head said, “Oh? Who is this?”

“None of your business old man!!” Killua says, pulling you behind him as Gon moves to stand next to him. As they glared at the two men, you looked towards the third man. He seemed different from the other two especially since with no shirt on and a cross tattoo on his forehead.

Yet you also noticed his eyes were very blank and emotionless compared to the two. It kind of made you sad looking at him. You wished the stranger could be happy. Oh! you know what you would do!

“(Y/n)!!” Killua shouts, his stomach dropping as you walk up to Chrollo. He goes to grab you but is stopped by Nobunaga and Feitan.

You look up at the man. Kind of shy now that you realized he was much taller and probably much stronger than you.

“May I help you? Young lady?” Chrollo says, amused by the fact you just simply walked up to him. The leader of the phantom troupe.

“A-ah, yes! I was wondering what’s your favorite animal?” You say. Quickly, you looked back and saw Gon and Killua waving their hands frantically. Oh, maybe they are cheering you on.

“Hmmm… a spider” Chrollo says after a couple minutes of thinking.

What an interesting choice. Holding out your hands you take a breath before bubbles conjure up around the man. The bubbles slowly start to form cute little bubbly spiders of all sorts of colors which start bouncing on and about chrollo.

Chrollo lets out a small grin as he reaches out and pops one. The boys sigh in relief. Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as they thought. Chrollo suddenly kneels down to your height and pulls out a handprint book.

“So how does your Nen work, little miss?” Chrollo asks, putting a hand on your shoulder as you look untreated at the book.

“OH HELL NO!!” Killua shouts.

Killua quickly rushes in and grabs you from Chrollo. You looked confused as the two raced away as fast as they could from the scene. Chrollo chuckles as he watches them for a couple of seconds in amusement before standing back up.

“Not going after them Feitan?”

“No, me is.” Feitan grins wickedly up at Chrollo. “Me just giving them a head start. It’s fun that way.”

“Ok, but keep the little girl alive. She interests me.”

——⚡️—🌸—🥦——

“Ok so the Diamond theater didn’t work out….But this should! Ok so we are at…” Your voice trails off at the end as you are stunned at the scene in front of you.

“L-let go of me!! Illumi!!”

“Now why would I do that Killua? As your big brother I’m giving you a sign of affection, a hug. Mother told me it could work to get those silly thoughts out of your head. Though I would pref—“

First off, Killua was currently being hugged, well more like crushed to death, by a man. According to the man’s sentence he was Killua’s older brother? It was weird since they looked so different. You knew Killua was a Zoldyck so maybe they are half or step siblings? Or maybe his family is polyamorous too? Did the man just mention putting a needle into Killua? You had so many questions.

“Oh~~~ Gon!!!”

Now second, … what even was this? A clown like man was moaning over Gon trying to fight him. You think that was the easiest way to explain it so enough is said there.

You look down at your manual. You thought going to the biggest toy store in the world would be fun but you didn’t expect this. Those two men seemed to be having a blast, well of course at the price of Gon and Killua sanity.

“Hmm~~ who’s this?”

Looking back up you see the clown man is right in front of you. You hadn’t realized it now but… but…

“Wow! You are tall sir! Are you a model?” You say, your eyes sparkling. Your favorite shows of all time to watch were ‘Yorbian Next Top Model’ or ‘The Victor Secret Fashion Show’ so you always question handsome or beautiful people if they were models. Hey, you never know when you might accidentally meet one.

The red-haired man laughs and leans down to your height. “Oh aren’t you a sweetheart~~ I’m not, but I’m something even better, a transmitter~. Did you know my Nen, bungee gum, has the properties of both rubber and gum?”

You giggle as you see him using his Nen on a magic trick. “No, I didn’t know that. I think you would make a nice model though! You are very thin and muscular!”

“Well I’m thick and muscular in another area~~ Do you wanna—“ Hisoka is cut off as you see he is suddenly electrocuted. You see Killua still in the arms of the man (though his now long black hair is all poofy) , furious, as he pulls back his yo-yo. Gon quickly picks you and brings you away from Hisoka.

“Go to hell pervert!” Killua shouts as he kicks out of his brother gold. You three run away, again, Gon sticks his tongue out at Illumi as they leave.

“Oh. I want to talk to kill more” Illumi mumbles. He blank faces, even more than usual, as Hisoka lets out a very loud moan.

“Oh~~ Gon! Killua!!”

.

.

.

“Hey Gon. Killua. What’s that bright light over—“

“Don’t ask!!”

——⚡️—🌸—🥦——

“Ah we are down to our final place!”

“I hope this one goes well.” Killua grumbles.

“I’m sorry Killua. I wi—“

Killua cuts you off and squeezes your hand which he was holding. “Don’t apologize idiot, it wasn’t your fault. We just, for some reason, keep on bumping into the wrong people today.”

You feel another squeeze and look at Gon. “Yeah don’t worry (y/n)!!”

“Ok! So our final stop before the picnic is Lucy’s Celestial Palace!” You shout, as you three stop right in front of a crazy looking old factory building.

You give a reassuring squeeze to the boys about to walk into the star filled building. You would try your best to make sure they wouldn’t get recognized by any more—

“Gon! Killua!”

…or not…

“Oh Zushi! Master!” Gon shouts. Master? Oh! You turn around and see a boy and a man with glasses. He must be Master Wing! The one they told you taught them Nen! This couldn’t go bad.

“Hello boys! Oh and who are you young lady?”

“Oh! Nice to meet you I’m—“

“She’s (y/n), our girlfriend!” Gon shouts, cutting you off. You blush a bright red as Killua hits him over the head.

“Don’t cut her off, idiot.”

“Miss (y/n)” You looked up at Mister Wing, a serious look on his face. “If you don’t mind I would like to speak with Gon and Killua for a moment?”

“Y-yes of course”

You watch as Wing drags the two boys a little ways away. You wonder what he needed them for. You are snapped out of your thoughts quickly as you see Zushi turn to look at you before bowing. “Nice to meet you (y/n), Girlfriend of Gon and Killua. My name is Zushi. Osh!”

Still flustered, you turn and bow as well. “N-Nice to meet you as well Zushi!”

You two stop bowing and turn as you hear a loud hush from Wing. Gon’s face was red while Killua had a mischievous grin on his face.

“I wonder what master wanted from Killua and Gon.”

“Y-yeah. I wonder too.”

You two watch as Wing continues talking. Slowly but surely both of the boys faces are soon red as a tomato. How odd.

“AHH! WE DON’T NEED ALL THAT INFO.” Killua shouts walking back over to you. He blushes even more as he looks at you. Looking to the ground he takes your hand and drags you away. Gon follows slightly behind you guys, his face bright red, with steam coming out his ears. You couldn’t exactly hear what Gon was saying, only little bits like ‘how would that work’ and ‘that doesn’t make sense’.

You wanted to ask what Wing told them but decided against it.

—————————

“Finally we are here!!” Killua and Gon shout in unison, plopping on the grass. You giggle at the boy's silliness and put the basket under a tree.

As the two exhausted boys get some quick rest, you kneel down and the open the basket. You might as well get started while they calm down. Deciding to set the blanket up first, you pull it out. Holding two of the edges you fluff it out, letting the wind carry it for a bit, and finally laying it lightly down on the slightly dewy green grass. As you are about to set up the other stuff you hear the rustle and crunching of grass.

“Let me help you (y/n)!” Gon says, sticking his hands into the basket. He grabs a whole pile of stuff and starts wobbling over to the blanket. Almost dropping the chocolate cake several times, Killua would be so mad if Gon destroyed it.

“A-ah be careful Gon!”

“Don’t worry I got it!”

After getting everything set up, and thankfully Gon didn’t drop or break anything, you all sit down and finally have lunch. You take small bites of your freshly made sandwich as you watch the boys wolf down their food. It was kind of amazing at how fast they were able to eat and you kind of wonder who would win if it was a competition. Unless they were having one and you didn’t know it.

“Ah that was good~~” Gon says, laying on his back and patting his stomach. You laugh while Killua just rolls his eyes. Grabbing your pudding you go to take a bite of your dessert when you get an idea.

“Killua~” You singsongly say; holding the spoon up to the boy’s face, “Say ahh~”

Killua stutters to say something as he goes bright red. Flustered, he turns his head and lets out a small ‘idiot’ as he tries to compose himself.

“Oh come on Killua!” You whine, slightly pouting.

“I’ll have it (y/n)!” Gon says, quickly sprinting over and sitting in front of you. He opens his mouth wide and points to it causing you to giggle. You were about to feed him when Killua headbuts Gon and eats the pudding instead.

“Hey! What was that for!!” Gon shouts, holding the bump on his head.

“She offered it to me first, idiot!”

Gon was about to stand up and start something with Killua but you pull the boy back down, placing his head on your lap. You sigh as you run your fingers through the blushing boy’s hair; being extra careful in the area of the injury.

“You two need to stop fighting. For crying out loud you two are best friends! This isn’t a competition”

“Sorry (y/n)” They squeak out; clearly embarrassed.

“Now sit still so I can feed you two the rest of the pudding. Gon say ahh~~”

“Man what a little whore.”

You stop dead in your tracks as you hear that. Your hand slightly clenches around the spoon. You kind of expected something like this to happen but it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. You slightly lift your head to see a group of people, one of which had made a comment earlier.

“God how gross!”

“Poor boys, that girl is selfish and can’t pick between them.”

“Wow, only a kid and already likes two at once. What a shame.”

“(Y/n).” You shoot your head to Killua, who puts a hand on your cheek. As he pulls it away you see his hand is wet, you hadn’t realized you were crying.

“Hey!” Gon shouts; standing up and going to fight them. Killua quickly grabs Gon’s arm and stops him, Gon, angrily, spins around and tries to pull his arm away. “Let me go, Killua!! They insulted (y/n)!”

“You idiot. Look around.” Killua whisper-yells. Gon looks around at the other people at the park, who were also starring and muttering. Some of which knew Nen, had weapons or looked overall strong. “Leaving her here is bad. Taking her in the fight is also bad. You know her Nen isn’t made for close combat and she’s not exactly focused right now to do long ranged”

“Well we can’t do anything!”

“I know…,” Killua mutters. The two stand in silence for a while until Killua suddenly has an idea. “Wait... Come here, I have a plan”

As soon as Killua finishes whispering the plan in Gon’s ear the boy gives him a nod. “Understand?”

“Yeah”

The two suddenly turn to you and begin to put away the stuff. Your stomach drops, you felt bad that this day got ruined, it seemed nothing had gone right. Tears start to well up in your eyes. Man what a useless crybaby you are—

“(Y/n)” You look up from the ground at the call. Suddenly, your cheeks turn crimson as you feel something on each side of your cheek. Gon and Killua had each given you a kiss on your cheek, with Killua on your left and Gon on the right.

With you being absolutely flustered and steam coming out of your ears, you accidentally activate a Nen bubble around all three of you. Killua and Gon pull away, grinning at each as your brain is practically mush.

“Ready Gon?”

“Yeah!”

Gon and Killua jumped out of your protected bubble. Since you were practically a puddle you were unaware of the Chaos about to happen. Their plan to get back at the people who made you cry. The two fist bump before going off in opposite directions.

“Jan….Ken….Rock!!”

“Lightning Palm!!”

“RUNN!” “MY LEG!” “AHHHH!”

—————————

*pop*

You finally pop your bubble as you come to. But what in the world… happened? You must have missed a lot since the Park was practically destroyed, with trees cut down, people on the ground (some of which were twitching), and the ground uneven.

“(Y/n)!!” You look towards the sunset to see Gon and Killua running towards you, both laughing. As they stop in front of you, they turn to each other, grinning widely, giving each other a high five. This even confused you more, why in the world were they high fiving? Did they do this? Why did they destroy a perfectly good park? Wait, did they do this for—

“(Y/n)...” a voice whispers right next to your ear. You quickly turn and realize Killua had sneaked up on you while you were thinking. While frozen still, Killua leans in and gives you a kiss.

Though it was a small and light kiss, it definitely didn’t feel like one. Once your lips had locked a shock went through all the nerves of your body, causing you to shiver and clutch onto Killua’s shirt. On top of that, the kiss felt like Killua was putting in every bit of love into it. Almost like he was sharing a secret. Huh. A Transmitter’s kiss. You two slowly pull away and give each other a small smile. Killua silver hair blows in the wind under the shaded tree.

“My turn!!”

You quickly turned your head and felt lips crashing onto yours. Stumbling, you can’t hold Gon up and begin to fall back. The kiss was sudden and rushed. Definitely Gon was being impatient. Yet, it was nice. It was simple and straightforward. A very sweet and lovely kiss. Definitely a kiss from an enhancer.

As you're on your back, Gon pulls away and holds himself above you. The light from the sun shines upon him as he gives you a wide grin. You smile back at him until he is suddenly pulled off.

“You idiot!!” Killua shouts, “What did Kurapika say about not hurting her?!”

“I wasn’t!! You could've hurt her too when you sneaked up on her!!”

“I wouldn’t—“

You giggle as you watch the two argue, slightly brushing your fingers across your lips. Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all!

[stardustanthem]

red daisy inn | Geralt x Female reader | SMUT/ NSFW 18+

Description: Geralt is back from one of his adventures, quick to find you in the brothel you live in, just as he always does when he returns from killing monsters. This time though, it’s a bit different.

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x Reader (Y/N)

Warnings: let’s try some smut like 18+ !! oh and cuss words if you’re scared of those or what not

— • —

You pulled your clothing back over your body, fixing your hair as you adjusted on the bed. The man next to you settled into the bed beside you making no effort to move, which quite frankly pissed you off. He hadn’t even paid you, and he had forced you to keep busy for hours. He didn’t even have the damn equipment to keep you that long. He was just wasting your time, and now he was going to settle in and not pay you?

“Excuse me, sir, I’ll take what I’m owed now,” You speak confidently, rising to your feet. The man furrowed his brows with his eyes shut and draped an arm over his plump belly. You grimaced at the thought. You’d had many men, but lately you wished you could just see the one man that brought your meek and disappointing life a tinge of light. He hadn’t come to see you in months, and you almost wondered if he was even alive.

“I paid the brothel keeper. Your payment is with him,” The man grumbled. He rolled away from you onto his side and began snoring softly just as you thought to remark. You tied the hanging strings at the top of your loose fitting gown and grabbed your shawl trying to put it on you as neatly as possible for the next guest. You wanted to clear up the payment issue with Allard before pursuing more customers.

Storming down the steps in a hurry, your hair blowing behind you as you ran, you make it to the office at the front of the brothel just as Allard is locking up his office to leave for his upstairs apartment, “Allard! Allard please wait-”

“Good Gods, Y/N, what is it now? I’m headed home for the evening. Burne is outside of you’re having any altercations with your guest, now please.” You stumbled back as he pushed past you, nearly falling to the ground. You had managed to catch yourself.

The man in the room had kept you locked away to fuck, and fondle him for hours. Not to mention Allard probably didn’t even have a form of payment for you, and now Allard was leaving without listening to the issue at hand. For fucks sake, Burne wasn’t going to help, he slept out front half of the time. He wasn’t a guard, he was a sleeping giant that probably made more than you. Damn this place.

“What’s the matter, Y/N?” A soft voice spoke from behind you, placing a hand on your upper back and smoothing your hair out of your face, “Were you hurt?”

You looked up into a pair of brown eyes, her face framed but wavy red hair and felt relief, “No, Freya. I’m not hurt. That fat bastard won’t pay me what I am owed, said he paid Allard. Well now Allard has left and I don’t know if I even have money waiting for me in that damn chancery.” You weren’t going to cry, but by gods you were exhausted from the whole ordeal.

As a fallen woman in the brothel community, you had practicallt no rights. You’d just been part of the room that man paid for, nothing more, and it would be setting you back at least a day to make up for the time you had wasted. Freya knew how hard it had been for you lately with Geralt not having come back yet. She was your best friend and confidant. You whispered into the early hours of the morning about the days you would no longer live here and be free to roam the lands and live amongst the continent with the finest royalty. These were fantasies, and they kept Freya going for sure, but if you had to be honest... you’d trade everything to go with Geralt on his leave.

As if your thoughts had manifested your desires, you suddenly heard the pounding of horse hooves coming toward the ‘Red Daisy Inn’, and suddenly your heart swelled. It could be anyone, it was always possible it couldn’t be him, but just as your doubts started to settle in you saw him in the doorway dimly lit by candle light.

He had new cuts on his face, one strikingly long from just above his eyebrow to the middle of his cheek. His hair was an absolute mess, but he was just as handsome as you remembered. His eyes scanned the faces of the other girls among the hallway of the Inn until suddenly they landed on you. His eyes weren’t warm like they typically were, his leave had been much longer than it usually was, and by the animalistic darkness to his eyes you could tell it hadn’t been intentional.

You hadn’t even taken two steps forward before he had you scooped up into his arms, one hand at the back of your neck forcing you into the most hungry kiss he had ever given you. You tried to keep up with his assault but this was new to you, from him at least. You can’t deny you enjoyed it though, you felt your insides tingling with ecstasy at his mouth and it hadn’t even explored you yet.

He pulled away from you, shielding you into his chest as he turned to Freya, “My usual room, now,” he ordered at her staring down at her as she grabbed the key to the room at the top of the Inn from the key holder next to the door of Allards locked business room. He snatched it from her and threw you over his shoulder carrying you up the steps as quickly as his legs would carry him. He was ready to fuck the absolute hell out of you. He was practically foaming at the mouth in anticipation.

The door nearly broke off the hinges as he shoved it open. You fell to the bed as he dropped you, watching as he shut and locked the door behind him. Your body was in an absolutely overdrive of emotions. Your heart racing, your heat aching, but you were so excited to see the golden eyed hero. You reached for him, terrified that if he stayed near the door too long he might actually leave through it. You weren’t ready for that so soon. He was here, and you wanted to show him how much you missed him, just as he did you.

Geralt untied the strings on his pants and removed his shirt in the four short strides it took to get to the giant king sized bed in the middle of the room. Gawking wasn’t your typical behavior, but seeing his cock for the first time in months had you in a trance. He released a semi-audible growl and snapped his fingers at you, “My eyes are up here.” This in itself caused you to take your lower lip between your rows of teeth. You weren’t used to being this shy with him, but you just couldn’t help it. You wanted him, but you also wanted to bathe in your time together. You had missed him, terribly, but it was like a breath of fresh air to know he had missed you too.

The white wolf himself climbed onto the bed, on top of you, laying between your legs as he slipped your shawl out from under you and tossed it aside. You watched as he slowed his pace, untying the strings attached to the top of your gown. He pushed the opening in your gown on your chest open and pressed a gentle kiss there earning a whimper from you. Geralt felt himself hardening just from the sound itself. He wanted louder sounds from you, he craved them. His journey had been long, and he was going to have you in a puddle at his feet when he was done with you.

He sucked on the spot, making you release a sigh of content before he once again fell into his animal-like behavior. He nipped and groped every inch of free skin he could before yanking your gown over your head. He took in your bare figure before him. Nipples taught from the heat of the moment, legs wide open ready to take him in full stride, and the sheen of sweat across your body. He wanted to lick you clean.

So he did just that, starting with the mound between your legs. He placed gentle kisses from your knee to the center of your legs on both sides before dragging his wet tongue over your heat. You instinctively grabbed a fistful of his hair, arching your body into him as much as you could. This was the difference with Geralt. He made it about you just as much as it was about him. He sucked ever so slowly on your bundle of nerves, before slowly inserting a finger into your hole. He continued sucking as he slowly moved his fingers, making you more and more aroused by each stroke. If he could make you this happy with just his fingers and his mouth, imagine the rest.

He continued like this for what felt like forever, your stomach filling up with electricity and butterflies but just before you were pushed over the edge into oblivion, he pulled away from you. You stared up at him, knowing damn well he couldn’t take it any longer. He was ready to take you.

Geralt positioned his length at your entrance, glancing at you before slowly inching his way in. Your eyes rolled back slightly as your walls adjusted to the familiarity of it all and without warning he began aggressively pumping himself into you. He leaned down, biting your neck enough to cause slight pain but not enough to draw blood, grunting as he pounding his cock into you as quickly and as hard as he could.

The build up within your lower region was quick to burst as you screamed out his name in a state of euphoria. Geralt wasn’t finished with you though, just because he had made you cum once didn’t mean you couldn’t do it again, especially since he hadn’t. So he continued. He supported himself with one arm, removing his face from your neck as his amber eyes locked on yours. His free hand snuck its way down to your heat again, massaging as generously as he could the proximity of your bodies. You felt yourself building up again, Geralt’s intense gaze on you not helping in any way.

His amber eyes burned intensely into yours, stealing away to glance at your mouth before his mouth found yours again. You cupped his face in your hands, roughly kissing him in return just as you reached your second release, another moan pouring from your lips into his mouth. You could feel his cock twitch just as he bit your lip a little too harshly, drawing blood, he grunted heavily muttering a, “Fuck, Y/N,” before his movements stopped altogether. Like a gentleman, he moved to lay next to you, taking the time to catch his breath before helping you clean up.

You were speechless. Good Gods, say something. Anything, “I missed you an incredible amount, Geralt.” And just like that, your emotions came to a head and you find yourself sobbing quietly into his chest as he pulled you closer. The last few months had quite honestly been horrible, and Geralt being here now made you realize how awful they actually were.

Geralt caressed you softly, from the base of your neck to your lower back, one hand tangled in your hair. You’d never told him you had missed him before. This was new. It all felt so new, but it felt like the right thing to say. You felt him tuck a strand of hair behind your ear as his lips touched your lobe, “And I, you.” His voice was rough, but deliciously so. He pressed a few gentle kisses to your neck before pulling away from you, “I’ll draw a bath. Does that sound alright to you, Y/N?”

You wiped at your eyes and nose before sitting up and nodding, not meeting his eyes. He pressed a quick kiss to your forehead preparing a bath for the two of you as you let yourself be washed away in your thoughts, only to be brought to by Geralt scooping you out of bed and gently dropping you into the bath water. It was almost too hot, but with Geralt being who he was, you knew he had made the bath with himself in mind. As if on queue he settled into the giant bath across from you, leaning back against the side of the tub, “I’m sorry I was away so long.”

You voiced your fears finally to someone other than Freya and it felt relieving, “I thought you weren’t going to ever come back. I was scared you’d left me here to die.” You let yourself soak into the water, before moving closer to Geralt. His eyes remained closed as you quietly moved through the water.

“I wish I didn’t have to leave you here,” he murmured sounding almost tired. Understandable as he had just traveled such a distance and fucked the lights out of you... but, unapologetically, you didn’t want him to sleep yet. You slowly reached toward him, your hand almost hovering over his Witcher medallion before he snatched your hand in midair, his head moving so his eyes could stare into yours, “It’s safer for you here.”

You stared at him, furrowing your brows before shaking your head and pulling your hand back, “The monsters you face out there are the monsters I face in here every day. My way of life isn’t that of a Witcher but I see monsters too, Geralt. I’m tired of being here,” you pushed his hand away and moved your body over his, straddling his naked lap, “I am tired of being away from you.”

His eyes softened, the fire place across the room coloring the pair of you a mixture of orange and yellow. He placed a hand on your cheek before pulling you into him again, this time your head on his chest, his legs extending for you to sit comfortably on his lap, “I won’t leave you here ever again. I swear on Roach.”

You smile at the last part, lifting your head from his chest as he searches over your face, memorizing your smile. You bite your lip gently before touching his lips with your fingertips, “On Roach, huh? Sure she’d kick you halfway to Temeria for saying such filthy things.”

Geralt smirks softly, moving to sit up, holding you on his lap still, “I can show you a filthy thing or two.” He grins and brings your face back to his, crashing his lips on yours before tickling your sides playfully. You scream and laugh at his behavior as the two of you fall into a playful banter of splashing each other with the bath water.

[queenxxxsupreme]

I dont know if you write for x Male readers but would you be willing to write a geralt x male reader where the reader is a healer and has traveled with geralt for a bit and developed feelings for him and has a bad nightmare about geralt getting gravely injured and geralt calms him down? You can make it as fluffy or angsty as you like! (:

A/N: I’m sorry this took so long babe!! it’s fluffy with a little angst cause i can’t help it 

The fire crackled as you poked it with a stick. Jaskier sat across the fire from you, composing his newest song while the two of you waited for Geralt to return from his hunt. Jaskier was upset that Geralt refused to let the bard accompany him on this hunt. There was a group of ghouls feasting on a village when the sun went down. Geralt knew ghouls were unpredictable and often frenzied. He wasn’t entirely sure how many were in the pack but he didn’t want to chance there being too many, so Jaskier had to stay behind with you.

You sighed softly, putting the stick aside and bringing your hands up to rub your face. 

“You worry too much.”

Your hands fell from your face so you could look across the fire at him.

“Perhaps you don’t worry enough. Geralt isn’t immortal. He can be wounded and he can die.” 

You didn’t mean to snap. You were exhausted and in need of sleep. For the last week, sleep was something foreign to you. You couldn’t close your eyes without seeing someone you cared about-mostly the White Wolf-dying. It was so easy to see the witcher dying. His very job put his life on the line.

“I’m sorry, Jaskier.” You leaned forward with your elbows on your knees. “I’m just tired.”

“I worry about him too.” Jaskier spoke softly, turning his head to look at the thick forest to his left. “Just try to have faith that he’ll return in one peace. I don’t like being worried.”

“Neither do I, but sometimes I can’t help it.” Your eyes found the fire. 

Something rustled in the woods behind Jaskier. You lifted your head to see Geralt and Roach. The witcher was atop the mare, holding his side with one hand and the reins with his other. 

You stood to your feet, moving to help Geralt down. He was in pain and you could see that.

“Let me help you, Geralt.” You offered, pulling the reins from his hand. 

Being the stubborn man he was, he grunted. He got down from Roach but he landed heavily on his left leg. It gave out underneath him. You were quick to catch him, your hand grabbing his armor clad arm.

“Is he okay?” Jaskier was too afraid to approach you two. He didn’t like seeing Geralt hurt. 

“I’m fine.” The witcher muttered under his breath. You sighed softly, eyes flickering up to meet his gaze briefly. 

“Come sit. Take your armor off so I can start to treat your wounds.”

Geralt didn’t fight your words. He did his best to hide his limp but you could see it. 

Jaskier came to your side, taking Roach from you so he could tie her to a tree. You went to your bag to fetch the items you would need.

“Were you bit?” You asked over your shoulder.

“No.”

With your arms full of vials containing ointments and remedies, you walked around the fire to get to the witcher. 

You emptied the items on to the ground carefully. You knelt down in front of him, briefly looking over him as he finished untying his armor and tossed it aside. 

There was a large gash on the inside of his knee. 

You picked up an elixir and handed it to him. 

“This will help with the pain and calm your nerves.”

He hesitated to take the vial from you. 

You sighed softly, resting your hand on your knee.

“You still don’t trust me, do you?” You asked him quietly, looking up at him with softly furrowed brows. 

It had been eight months since you joined the bard and the witcher on their journey across the Continent. Right off the bat, Geralt had trouble trusting you. You would never be left alone with Jaskier if he could help it and Geralt would even refuse your help when he came back from hunts injured. You understood his reasoning. It was difficult to find trustworthy company. But you were a little hurt that he still had yet to put his trust in you.

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to. Actions speak louder than words.” You placed the vial aside and chose to tend to the wound on his inner thigh. “If I wanted to drug you, I had plenty of opportunities.”

“It’s not that, Y/N.” Geralt winced as you poured a liquid onto the wound that would cleanse it. “When I take that shit, I’m not at my best. If something were to attack us-,”

‘“Nothing is going to attack us, Geralt.” You cut him off, smiling softly. “We are safe here. And even if we weren’t, I can use my own sword and Jaskier…. He can sing the assailant to death.”

The faintest smile tugged at Geralt’s lips. Anyone else wouldn’t have been able to notice the display, but you did.

“That is rude!” The bard called from across the fire. You looked over to him, offering him a little smile.

Your eyes flickered back to Geralt. 

“It’d be nice if, for once, you just let me do what I’m supposed to.” You mockingly sighed, looking down to your supplies. “What good is a healer if you don’t use him properly?”

“M’fine.” He grunted. “I heal just fine.”

“Yes, but it’s quite painful leaving the wounds to just heal up on their own.” 

You placed your hand on his knee, your fingers feeling for any abnormalities beneath his trousers. 

“You were limping. What hurts?” You glanced up at him. Your fingers continued their journey from his knee down his shin and to his ankle. The second you touched his ankle, he jerked back and hissed. “I-I’m sorry, Geralt.” You apologized quietly, dropping your gaze to his ankle. “Can you move your ankle?”

Ever determined to mask his pain, he attempted to move his foot around. His lip curled back in a pained snarl. 

“I’ll take that as a no. You, my good witcher, have sprained your ankle.” You pulled a strip of cloth from your pile that would’ve been used for bandaging and instead chose to use it to wrap around his ankle. “With your healing rate, I’d say by morning you’ll be able to walk on it.”

You didn’t get much more time to evaluate the man. He stood to his feet and moved towards Roach. You sighed and looked to Jaskier. He shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head in disapproval. 

“We leave at dawn.” The witcher grumbled over his shoulder. 

You nodded your head as you gathered your items. 

“One of these days, I’d just appreciate it if he lets me do my job.” You muttered as you neared the bard. “I’ve never done anything to be untrustworthy.”

“Geralt’s just a stubborn old man.” Jaskier sighed. He knew very well the witcher could hear him. A deep grunt came from Geralt’s chest. “Don’t let him bother you.”

“If he won’t let me do what I am meant to do, then what use am I to you two?” You placed your things down in your bag then moved to sit next to Jaskier. 

“You keep me company.” Jaskier answered, smiling a little hesitantly. He wasn’t sure if that was the answer you wanted. 

You sighed, rubbing your palms together. 

***

It was dark and cold. You opened your eyes, finding yourself laying on your back. You brought your hand up to rub your face. You furrowed your brows together upon feeling something wet and sticky and warm on your face. You pulled your hand away from your face to look at your hand. 

Your stomach jumped to your throat at the sight of crimson blood on your skin. Concern filled eyes looked down to check over yourself. Were you injured?

As your eyes looked down to your boots, you saw Geralt laying just a few feet away from you. He was on his back with his sword resting on the dirt  by his right hand. 

“Geralt!” You called out his name as you scrambled to get to him. The gray tunic he wore had a massive blood stain on the front over his abdomen. Your hands hovered just over the wound as you assessed it. It was deep and cut through vital organs. There was no way he could survive this. 

“Geralt!” You cried his name, tears blurring your vision as you leaned your head down to check for a pulse. With him, you couldn’t feel his pulse on his neck like you could a normal person. His heart beat too slow and shallow. 

You could hear nothing over your own heavy breathing. 

You sat back, lifting your head from his chest. Blood trailed from the corner of his lips. His eyes were closed. 

“You killed him.” Jaskier’s voice caught your attention. You lifted your head to see him standing by Geralt’s feet. 

“Jask-,” You started to stand up but Jaskier stepped away from you, his eyes full of horror as he shook his head. His blue gaze flickered down. 

You followed his line of sight to find that you were holding a dagger in your hand. The blade was covered in blood, droplets dripping from the tip of the weapon. 

“You killed the White Wolf.”

Your hand trembled as you shook your head, releasing the dagger. 

“No! No! I-I didn’t-I didn’t-I’m supposed to save him!” You started to bring your hand up to cover your mouth but then you remembered blood tainted your fingers.��

Your heart hammered in your chest as you gazed down at your hand, fingers trembling. 

Geralt suddenly stood in front of you, golden eyes wide and fierce.

“You killed me.” He sputtered out, blood falling from his lips.

A hand on your shoulder made you jump awake. Panic ridden eyes found Geralt kneeling beside you. You sat up quickly, your hand reaching out for his arm. 

“Are-Are you-Are you-,”

“Take a breath, Y/N.” He cut you off. “Your heart is racing. Are you okay?”

You shook your head, unable to find your voice. Your mouth was dry and your throat itched. Tears threatened to fall from your eyes but you desperately bit them back.

Geralt was quiet, giving you time to calm down. Your hand on his arm tightened, fingers holding his bicep tightly. His brows were drawn together as he watched you. He could smell the fear rolling off of you in waves. Guilt tainted the fear. What did you do?

“It-It was so…. so real.” 

“You had a dream.” 

It wasn’t a question but you nodded your head. 

Your hand released his arm and you went to rub your face but stopped at the last minute. The blood was so real. How could your mind make something like that up? 

Geralt took note of the way you stared at your hands like you were waiting for something to happen to them. 

“What happened?” His deep, raspy voice was soft. 

You shook your head, swallowing the lump in your throat. 

“ I-I don’t…. I can’t….” You weren’t able to bring yourself to tell him. How could you tell him that you had a dream where you murdered him? What would he think? He already didn’t trust you. This would just give him more reason to not trust you. 

“You’re shaking.” He placed his hand over yours. 

Your frantic heart began to beat a little differently, maybe even skipping a beat. Your eyes focused on your lap, unable to look into his vibrant eyes. 

“I-I killed you.” You whispered. When you blinked, a couple tears fell from your eyes. “I killed you. There-There was blood everywhere.”

You expected him to pull his hand out of yours. 

But he didn’t. His thumb brushed over where your thumb met your hand. 

“What happened?”

“I don’t-I don’t know. Geralt, I would never- I couldn’t bring myself to-I wouldn’t ever think of-,”

“I know you wouldn’t.” He cut you off. His voice was gentle. You very rarely had the opportunity to hear him sound so kind. “When we sleep, our minds often make us see things or do things that we would never do.”

“I’m so sorry.” You sniffled. 

“Don’t apologize.”

Your eyes flickered down to see his wound on his thigh. 

“How do you feel?” You wiped your cheeks with the sleeve of your shirt. 

“Tired, but I will be fine.” He took a soft deep breath. “Thank you.”

In all the time that you’d known him, you never heard him say those words. They were hard to get from the witcher. His actions spoke louder than his words but right now, you couldn’t be more happy. 

“It’s my job.” You murmured. 

“I trust you.” He held your gaze, stealing your breath right from your lungs. “But the thought of…. of not being my best…. it makes me worry. Anything that you have me take messes with me. I can feel it. It throws me off. I’m not my best.”

“Sometimes you have to look after yourself before you look after anyone else.” You told him. 

He nodded his head softly, his gaze falling to where your hands met. 

“Without you…. Without Jaskier, I have nothing.”

Your heart raced in your chest and butterflies erupted in your stomach. A little smile tugged at your lips.

Taglist: @riviawitch3r​ @notyouraveragemochii​ @dev1lbella​ @rosyghosty​ @merendis​ @lalalalemonade11​ @wayward-dream​ @whatanicepanohthatsjustme​ @tshuuls​ @havenoffandoms​ @queen-sands​ @crazzyter​ @katiejmac​ @bucky-did-nothing-wrong​ @jennylovelyheart​ @stretchkingblog97​ @itsallyouhavegotinsideyourhead​ @hm-fck @mactho​ @msgeorgiarae​ @tragicmisfits @randomzxx​ @alwayshave-faith​ @rahdaleigh @lizliz3107 @turtlefordestiel​ @d14n4ol​ @asix122747483​ @minervalavender​ @agniavateira​ @hina-chans-stuff​ @dressed-up-heartbreak​ @persephonehemingway​ @bitterstar88​ @scarlettwitcher @ayamenimthiriel​ @romancebibliophilia​ @jessevans​ @xoxoarts​ @jocelynscloset

[aspiring-ginger]

Forget-Me-Not Ch.1 (Jaskier x Reader)

Summary: Y/n is a college student who stumbles into the world of the witcher. Part 1 of ???

Warnings: Depression, mental illness, swearing

Word count: 2,823

Pairing(s): Jaskier x fem!reader, platonic Geralt x fem!reader

A/N: Hi guys!! I’ve recently fallen deep into the witcher hell! Having read many modern girl in Thedas fics for dragon age, I figured I’d try my hand at a modern girl in the continent sort of fic! This is my first fic so I apologize for any errors. Feedback always appreciated! Enjoy!

Masterlist I Next I

You stood up from your spot on the bed with a stretch, wondering how long you’ve been caught up in your work this time. Final exams were coming up and you knew you needed to study quite a bit for that one damned class where the professor just hated your guts. You scoffed at your understatement.

“Hates the whole world and the concept of fun itself, more like”, you grumbled to yourself as you collected various notes and papers strewn about the blankets.

It was nearing the end of fall semester of your second year of college, so time was quickly ticking by until the time came for you to choose your major. You opted to go in undecided, with a plan to get as many generic classes over with first. Frankly, you still had no idea what to choose, and you thought it was ridiculous that you were expected to decide the fate of your whole adult career just based on a few classes. 

You checked the time, 1:47 am. Stuffing everything back into your backpack, you debated whether you should just call it a night and go to bed, or stay up for just a little bit longer doing something you enjoy before bed. You knew it was probably a good idea to go to sleep but you just couldn’t help that itch in your brain that needed some fun. Netflix released their newest series The Witcher which you were very excited for, and had gone and played all of the games in preparation and to get a feel for the world. Obviously you fell in love with the story and you couldn’t wait to watch the show, but you had shown some restraint and restricted yourself from watching any of it until after finals were done because, let’s be honest, you knew you would get sucked in and binge the whole entire thing instead of studying.

It wasn’t too late at night, there have definitely been much later nights this week, plus you had done such a good job actually studying instead of putting everything off until the last minute….. it wouldn’t hurt to watch just one episode, would it? You glanced around the room, noting that your roommate wasn’t there. Right. She said she was studying with her boyfriend and wouldn’t be home that night. “Studying”. You shrugged and changed into your pajamas, then hopped back into bed with a laugh. All your friends had been talking about this show and now you could actually participate in their conversations! You quickly settled in, switched on your tv, and started the first episode.

Your mind was absolutely racing. What a great way to end the season!! You’d been on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen to Tissaia and Yennefer, and your heart just melted at the sight of Geralt and Ciri finally meeting. You grabbed your phone to text your best friend all about it when- 

“Oh FUCK,” Your lock screen showed the time, 10:03 am. You missed your fucking 8 am class, the one you had just spent all that time studying for, because you did the exact fucking thing you promised yourself you wouldn’t do. Thankfully it was only a review day before the final, but it was the last review day before the final, and you still had questions on the material. You groaned and slumped down in your bed, burying your face into your pillow. 

’Such a fucking idiot, I cant believe this is fucking happening,’ you thought, tears of frustration welling up in your eyes, ’of course I would do this, this is just so me. Fucking stupid and dumb and worthless and-’

Your spiraling thoughts of self loathing were interrupted by your roommate opening the door and slipping into your shared room. You reluctantly picked up your head when you heard her call out your name with a sigh.

“Really (y/n)? You fall asleep studying again? You really should set an alarm or something, didn’t you miss your early class or whatever?” She asked as she plopped down on her bed, kicking off her shoes. “I know you were super stressed about studying this year but jeez- oh come on. Netflix? Really? What happened to ms ’I’m going to do such a good job studying this semester and kissing professor what’s his face’s ass so I get a good grade’?” She mocked.

Your cheeks burned as you tried to subtly wipe off the tears streaked down your face “Look I actually have been doing a better job at keeping up with my work and everything this semester, so I can stand to take a fucking break every once and awhile!” You huffed

Your roommate rolled her eyes and scoffed, “Seriously? Haven’t you missed like 15 classes or something? Just stop kidding yourself and accept that you’re just not going to get that good of a grade, dude. Plus can’t you just play the whole depression card and get like, an extended deadline or something? Pft, I wish I could have something like that. My life would be sooo much easier. Ugh. Whatever. I’m going to take a nap, I’m tired. If you need to cry go do it somewhere else or I will throw a pillow at you," 

You flipped her off and got out of bed. You still had 2 more classes to go to, and those review packets weren’t going to do themselves. You got ready with a sigh. It was going to be a long day.

You sat down on a bench outside, having just finished your last class of the day. It had been pretty miserable as you predicted, your brain just absolute mush after staying awake for so long. Your temper was definitely shorter, and you had snapped at your friends way more than you should have. You had just paused to take out your earbuds and put on some music for the walk back to your dorm, when you felt a pit settle at the bottom of your stomach. You knew you definitely needed sleep, but that wouldn’t explain your sudden feeling of unease. You sat up and glanced around you, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. It was only late afternoon but already dark out, and there weren’t many students around. You put your headphones in and adjusted your coat, trying to ignore that feeling and started your walk back home.

As you walked, you could have sworn you saw someone following you out of the corner of your eye, but each time you turned around there was nothing but the usual barren trees and dull leaves covering the sidewalk. You reassured yourself that if somebody actually was following you, you’d be able to hear them crunching the leaves behind you. Even though you were listening to your music. Right. Everything was fine.

You nervously fiddled with the straps of your backpack as you paused to double check behind you. Again, there was nothing there, but you still had that sinking feeling in your stomach and it had only been getting worse as you kept going. You felt the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, and you could’ve sworn you heard something rustle the leaves behind you- you whipped your head back around and there was still nothing. It then crossed your mind that even though it was dark, there definitely should be people around. Classes should be ending and students should be walking home, but there was no one. You began to pick up your pace, going into a nervous jog. Your building was almost in sight, just a few more minutes and then you’d be safe- a hot bolt of terror hit and you broke into a sprint. You didn’t dare look behind you as you ran, you didn’t even know why you were running but you had a feeling that you should. You felt hot breath against the back of your neck and something claw against your back. You pushed yourself to run faster, your blood pounding in your ears along with your music. 

Your feet stomped across the sidewalk, almost there you could almost see your dorm! These damn leaves were everywhere, so many that you couldn’t even make out where the sidewalk ended and the grass began. Your foot slipped, ankle rolling as you fell face first into the leaves. You scrambled back up and continued running, your headphones now hanging around your neck. You spat out leaves as you cursed, weaving between trees that began to slow you down. Wait. Trees? You glanced to where various classrooms and dorms should’ve been, now replaced with thick, dense trees on all sides. You still heard the- the thing, whatever it was, behind you. You felt it’s hot sickly breath on your neck. You could smell the rotting stench of decay and blood. You heard it’s ragged panting and inhuman whine. It’s claws swiped at your back once more, and you seethed in pain. Your ankle was on fire and you didn’t know how much further you could run. 

Suddenly you heard the distinct sound of metal clanging behind you, followed by a wet squelch. You turned your head to look, still running forward, daring to get a glimpse of what possibly could be chasing you. You caught a flash of silver and black and brown before you collided into a tree and everything went black.

You heard muffled conversation when you briefly regained consciousness. It was loud and rushed and sounded like arguing? You couldn’t make out any words so you tried to turn your head in the direction of the noise, but found that task much more difficult than you thought. You huffed at the fogginess of your mind and the shouting came to an abrupt stop. Though you couldn’t open your eyes, you felt the presence of someone in front of you. You heard a murmur of something you couldn’t quite catch- and you slipped back into a deeper sleep.

When you woke for the second time it was a lot quieter than the first. You could hear the crackle of a fire and the wind rustling through leaves above, and smell the smoke from the fire and the damp earth below. There was also a soft melody coming from somewhere to your left, chords plucked out on an instrument you couldn’t quite recognize. You could also hear the grating sound of metal on metal. Was someone sharpening a blade? You groaned as you tried to sit up. Though your body felt stiff and your head full of cotton balls, your muscles responded accordingly. The music came to a stop as you blinked awake.

"Uhh, Geralt? I think she’s awake now, for real. Could you please not use your witchery magic on our mysterious guest so we can actually, I dunno, talk to her? Ask her some questions? Instead of just rushing ahead with your steel or silver- oh alright then,” A voice called out, and you heard the crunch of footsteps coming towards you.

You looked to the source of the voice and found a brown haired man holding a funny looking guitar standing in front of a log near a campfire. You rubbed your eyes and realized no, that wasn’t a guitar but a mandolin? Lute? Some weird instrument, so he must’ve been the source of the music. He was dressed in a dark blue matching set of… some sort of renaissance costume? His jacket was undone and he wore a plain white shirt underneath, the top of which was unlaced so a few strands of chest hair poked out. His loose yet tight fitting pants were tucked into a pair of tall leather boots. He sure looked committed to his costume, even holding a quill in his other hand.

Your attention was quickly turned to the man approaching you. He had long silver hair, half pulled back, and was dressed in all black. His outfit matched the same renaissance theme as his friend, though less showy and more practical. His tight leather pants, rolled up sleeves, and very realistic looking sword were certainly eye catching, but what drew you in the most were his eyes. They were a bright golden color, and his irises had a slight curve to them that almost reminded you of a cat’s. You realized that they must be cosplayers who already have costumes from the new show. They were both very high quality, and the special attention to detail was amazing.

The Geralt cosplayer knelt down in front of you, his hand gripping your shoulder tight.

“Who are you and where did you come from?” He demanded with a very accurate impression of the Geralt voice.

“I-I uh,” you cleared your voice “My name is (y/n) and I’m from (hometown). I was just walking back from class to my dorm when this thing started chasing me and I was running and- wait, what happened to it? Where am I? And why the hell are you guys dressed like that what’s going on?! Is this some sort of prank or something? Or- or a photoshoot? I don’t understand,”

You tried to scooch back away from the strange man, but his grip stayed strong and he just narrowed his eyes. 

“Oh the Ekimmara? Geralt already delt with it, my lady, don’t you fret. You’re safe now with us,” The Jaskier lookalike piped up from his log.

The Geralt sighed, “Yes, the Ekimmara is dead. You reek of magic and your clothes are strange, yet I can sense that you’re not a mage. Who are you?”

You had to admit, their costumes were amazing and their impressions were flawless. They even looked strikingly similar to the real actors.

“Look I already told you. I was at school, something chased me, and I woke up here. I’m already having a shitty day with my classes and college bullshit, and I just want to go home. Your cosplays are very nice, but I really don’t have time for this,”

“College? As in Oxenfurt University? I’ll have you know I just graduated from there before running into Geralt here, but I can’t say I recognize you. Are you perhaps in more art and painting classes? Although I am, of course, a master of the seven arts- poetry and song are much more my strong suit,” The Jaskier said, walking up.

“Jaskier,” Geralt warned with a glare, removing his hand from your shoulder.

“Look I get it! You really have the characters down. Can I please just go home now?” You shifted away from Geralt. You realized you weren’t wearing your coat, instead it had been draped across you acting as a makeshift blanket as you sat on a bed roll.

“Characters? My lady, are you alright? See, Geralt? I told you to go easy with the axii nonsense, now she’s confused.” Jaskier exclaimed with a scoff.

Geralt narrowed his eyes at you and put his sword down. 

“What? I’m not confused!” You protested “You even have the Jaskier attitude down perfect. Can I go now? Or you at least tell me where we are?”

“You know my name? How do you know who I am, I haven’t even introduced myself yet! I know I’ve played at many of the local taverns, but I would’ve recognized a face so lovely as yours,” Jaskier tried to mask his unease with his usual flirtatious remarks.

Geralt held a hand up for Jaskier to stop talking “Who do you think we are, and what do you know of us?”

“Well that’s easy,” you scoffed. “You’re dressing up as Geralt of Rivia. You know witcher, white wolf, travelling with your best friend Jaskier. And then you would be Jaskier-or Dandelion but I think you’re aiming for more Jaskier.”

Jaskier looked stunned, while Geralt pressed further “Dressing up as?”

“Yes. Cosplaying, whatever term you want to use. And you’re doing a great job acting like them too, but you can cut it out now. It was cool, but now it’s just getting old." 

"So…you think we’re acting? Playing the roles of Geralt and myself? We’re not characters, we’re real. And I’m not his best friend. A friend definitely, but he would never admit it. What do you know us from?”

“The Witcher. The show, the games, the books. They’re super popular again. I think it’s even back on the charts for top selling fantasy or something." 

Geralt and Jaskier exchanged looks.

"Geralt, why don’t you show her something to prove that you’re the real deal. Something only a witcher could do?”

Geralt raised his hand and traced a symbol in the air. A small ball of flame appeared in his hand, which he stretched out towards you. You could feel the heat from the fire against your skin and you looked at the two men in shock.

“What the fuck?!”

[redwoodrroad]

How abouttt 30, 32, and 35? :3c @mystery-salad

omg I'm so sorry it took so long to answer this!!! once again, i saw this come in late at night and forgot to look into it after work today ;O; thank you so much though!!

30. Which Dragon’s corrupted area (like the brand, orr, etc) is the least pleasant to be in?

tbh primordus's minions are the most annoying to me because of constantly shooting fire, and you're burning for a while, and i think that's why i don't like the volcano regions (which is something i mentioned in a recent art post). a close second for me is orr because half those risen jackasses have immobilizing conditions and the other half have insane knockdown!! i think both are probably especially annoying to traverse both from an out of character perspective AND for scouts, the commander, and other people to get around from an IN-character perspective.

32. We’ve seen the unchained Risen in Siren’s Landing, and how some appear to have a limited intelligence and gather other Risen around them. How do you think Mordremoth’s and Kralkattorik’s minions fare after their masters’ demise?

so i think what's happening here is that when the absolute master creature dies, leftover small baddies will slowly congregate towards the next-largest creatures--which is why we're still seeing bigger baddies in these same regions + smaller baddies continue to be around these bigger baddies. i think this does not account for creatures like the claw of jormag or the mouth of mordremoth because these are specifically agents OF their respective dragons--the claw acts as jormag's hands, the mouth acts as mordremoth's... mouth.... to consume ley energy and Meat--and then also, of course, the eyes of zhaitan and the mouths of zhaitan. because of the nature of the game and events being recurring, these creatures existing for us as players doesn't go in line with what's happening in the universe, right, like the commander is never going to canonically fight another claw of jormag despite there being TWO metas about it. same goes for everything else that's "the X of Y dragon," you know?

but for creatures like..... the megadestroyer, say--this creature is still feasibly operating in mount maelstrom and drawing minions towards itself because it's not so much linked to primordus like other "x of y dragon"s are to their dragons, it's its own creature, and other minions maybe need something to lead them, something to focus their lingering animalistic natures towards.

what's especially interesting, and im glad i used primordus's minions as a related example, is that primordus's minions are so far the only ones without any humanoid minions. many other corruptions have tons of animalistic minions, but think of the icebrood, of sylvari-turned-mordrem, of risen that were originally mortal, living people of any race (other than sylvari), so..... i'd be curious to see what's going to happen to the icebrood and frost legion in particular because ryland really generated a sense of community among such a terrible group (and of course he did, not only from bangar's influence but from his own sense of charisma), many of whom BEING or BECOMING jormag's minions but we'll see what happens! ask me about charismatic leaders lol there's a lot there ive been thinking about. stuff that makes my sociologist brain VIBRATE

35. Many of you have made up splinter civilisations. Asura that stayed underground, Sylvari from different Trees, Charr cultures outside of the Legions and so on. This is a chance to share.

i'm sure splinter civilizations are everywhere!! i havent personally come up with headcanons, but i love running around and finding new areas where recognizable species have their own systems in place. remember how cool it was to run into the jungle hylek groups?? THAT'S a perfect example! humans have also split across tyria--we already visited humans in elona, now we're going off to visit humans in cantha; these are all splinter civilizations, and there are undoubtedly many more! we may even see norn ACROSS the shiverpeaks, who knows! there is a whole wide world in tyria, and i think every splinter civilization--whether canon or not--is valid and realistic

that said, I'm always especially invested in the secondary species like the hylek as i said, but also skritt, quaggan, grawl, even our bird friends and largos, and shit! there may be another sylvari tree out there we haven't seen yet. i know that one cave burned down but that doesn't mean there weren't other trees! mordremoth could have gotten busy on another continent, and we won't know about it until fucking malyck turns up on a boat and says something absurd like "hey i got lost on my way to the jungle but good news, i found six other trees on the other side of the world" and we'll all just be gobsmacked

[immortalbeigewizard]

The Big RWBY explainer:

OK So I’m going to try to take the lore and worldbuilding in RWBY and make it more clear because the writers in the beginning weren’t great at explaining the technical fantasy stuff in RWBY and I’m going to try to make a concise post that doesn’t spoil much. Although I’ll say right now spoiler warning for World of Remnant and some things in RWBY volumes 1&2.

Table of Contents:

1Geography, Kingdoms, the world, and political climate

2 history, faunus, and the mundane magic-y bits

3 grimm and huntsmen

4 meta stuff

1 The world:

So the land of RWBY is called the World of Remnant, that the “earth” that RWBY is in. 

It contains 4 “kingdoms” along with settlements outside of those kingdoms. I use kingdom in quotes bc kingdom is a bit of a misnomer because they’re more like city-states and don’t occupy too much land on their respective continents.  Each kingdom is on a different continent. 

One more thing: yes the moon is shattered (It wasn’t in the Red trailer because I think they added it later, but it is shattered) (they explain why later, but I’m not going to)

The Kingdom of Vale:

This kingdom contains the huntsman schools 

Signal: which is like a school for younger kids, we know that Yang graduated from Signal to go to Beacon

Beacon: the main school where the show takes place, the first year students start (usually) at age 17 (however they haven’t said how many years of school a huntsman has to go through until they graduate). It is located decently close to the city of Vale ( the only surviving city of the kingdom).

The city of Vale has a kind of contemporary/fantasy America feel to it (more in that it doesn’t scream any other culture than that it is trying to be American). 

The Kingdom of Mistral:

This kingdom has the huntsman school Haven which is a school that functions like Beacon and Sanctum which functions like Signal.

Mistral is on the largest continent and is said to frequently have bandit problems. They have a very east Asian feel to the kingdom in its architecture, clothes, and food. 

This kingdom has 2 cities Mistral and Argus. Haven is in Mistral (the city) and Sanctum is in Argus. 

Mistral has a bit of a tense relationship with the next kingdom, Atlas because of the complicated agreement with Argus. (If i say anymore it's a vol 6 spoiler so I’ll stop here).

The Kingdom of Atlas: 

The kingdom of Atlas has 2 cities, Atlas and Mantle. This is the only kingdom that has a military ( the other 3 don’t) and it also has its huntsman academies function as military academies. It’s very European in design, imperial European . This kingdom is on the tipping point of starting a war, and has peace on a razor’s edge. They have 1 known huntsman academy in Atlas.

Atlas used to be called the kingdom of Mantle, because Mantle used to be its capital ( look in the history section for an explanation).

The Kingdom of Vacuo:

This is the only kingdom that hasn’t shown up in the show yet, but it’s in the books. It’s a desert that has mostly migrating settlements. It’s government is a bit of a sham and the huntsman academy, Shade, is really in charge of keeping the peace. Atlas extracted many resources from Vacuo in the past in order to build its own kingdom, turning a lush jungle into a desert. More of a dangerous and unsafe place than Vale.

Other non kingdom places of note:

Vytal: An island off the coast of Vale, the treaty to end the Great War (see below) was signed here, and every 2 years the Vytal Festival takes place, a festival where cultures come together. Also students from the 4 elite huntsman schools (Beacon, Haven, Atlas,Shade) come together for a fun tournament. 

Menagerie: The island was given to the faunus (see below) as a sort of homeland for their contributions during The Great War, however many faunus see this as a slap in the face because the land is 2/3rds desert, leading to overcrowding in the inhabitable areas. 

Patch: A small island off the coast of Vale that Ruby and Yang live on. It is also where Signal is.

2 The History:

So this is going to talk about the history that the average citizen of Remnant would know and not the cool protagonist knowledge that team RWBY gets later.

The Great War: 

About 80 years before the start of the show the most memorable war apparently in the history of Remnant took place. The war starts like this: Political tensions were high, Vale and Vacuo were getting uncomfortable about Mantle and Mistral’s closeness, until one day Mantle decided to ban artistic expression and self expression. Mistral followed along as to not lose this alliance. Vale already wasn’t happy about how Mantle and Mistral treated their citizens, slavery included in that. But it wasn't until settlers from Mistral started fighting settlers from Vale on an unoccupied island that an actual war began. The TL;DR is that Mantle's ago was wounded so they still had a military, the other 3 kingdoms disbanded their militaries and set up huntsman academies, the in- canon reason everyone has a color name is because of the war (more on that in the meta section), this is the reason the Vytal festival exists, there is peace, they banned slavery, and the faunus rights movement starts soon after the war.

The Faunus: 

The faunus are a fantasy race of people that have an animal characteristic, like ears, tails, teeth, antlers, w/e

So the faunus are discriminated heavily (At least in the past, the only place in show present where there is still blatant discrimination would be Atlas/Mantle). The most common type of faunus would be mammal faunus (ex. cats, dogs, deer,) Some faunus are able to hide themselves in order to blend in with humans. The only faunus rights group mentioned in the show is the White Fang. They started off doing non violent actions like boycotts, but when their leader stepped down they became increasingly more violent. (This is actually explained decently well in the show so I’m going to leave it here because I’m trying to give the least amount of spoilers)

Aura:

Aura is a projection of one's soul. It sort of acts like a protective bubble, and functions like HP in a video game, you can’t get permanently injured (cuts, dismemberment ,die) if you have your aura up (the exception is in the white trailer because I don’t think they solidified this rule yet for the trailer). Your aura color is unique to the individual (or at least our main cast) and that is, essentially, your soul’s color. Not everyone has activated their aura (civilians and background characters) but if you have you may be able to access your Semblance.

Semblance:

It’s like your own personal superpower. Think like the X-men. Anyone can have any type of Semblance, but there are a few common varieties. Such as augmenters, cloners, and emitters, or absorbers. (these are all names I’ve come up with, but they kinda help make sense because RWBY has a lot of characters so you can’t remember everyones’ Semblances). Augmenters would be Semblances that change how much your body can do, like a speed enhancing Semblance. Cloners would be a Semblance that allows you to make copies of yourself ( or others). Emitters would be a Semblance that allows you to change the physical space, or someone's perception of physical space (ex. An illusion Semblance or a Magneto-style Semblance). And an absorber would be a Semblance that allowed you to absorb some kind of energy and redirect or use it in some way (like if there was a Semblance that allowed you to absorb damage and shoot it back at the person who fired). Again these are labels that I use and aren’t official, they just make it easier for me to remember because these are the most common types. (a quick clarification because I wasn’t sure if I said this already, but faunus have souls, they are able to produce an aura, and they can have a semblance, they are people. Aura = soul = people)

Dust:

So Aura and Semblances aren’t the only magic-y thing common in Remnant. The last thing on our list is Dust. Dust are magic crystals that contain elemental abilities( like how in the White trailer Weiss is able to strike the ground and summon ice). In RWBY these are most commonly seen as bright crystals and powder, but also are incorporated into the bullets the characters use (Any time a character shoots not a grenade or rocket launcher and there’s an explosion they were likely using combustion dust). This is most easily seen with Weiss because of how she uses dust. Dust can also be manipulated to make forms not found in nature (like fire or ice) into something like hard light dust (or it can make a force field). Dust can also be used in tandem with semblances (for example if there’s a cloner they may be able to make an exploding clone). It is also used for non combative reasons, such as running cars, trains, planes. Dust functions as the main source of power on Remnant everything from homes being heated with fire dust to machines being powered by electricity Dust. (The reason I refer to Aura, Semblances, and Dust as “magic-y” is because RWBY is very specific in saything they aren’t magic).

4 Grimm and Huntsman:

Grimm:

So, grimm are monsters made of darkness and shadow. They are basically just mindless hordes. They don’t eat, they aren’t animals, and they don’t really do much beyond wander around looking for humans (and faunus) to kill. They are drawn to negative human emotions, like fear, anger , and sadness. (that’s why Mistral and Mantle wanted to take away people’s expression, so they wouldn’t accidentally attract grimm(still not right tho)). Grimm are hunted and killed by Huntsman and Huntresses, people trained and taught how to fight and that’s their job. But the people of Remnant don’t know much about the origins or biology of grimm (I honestly think it's kinda like a virus thing where they aren’t alive but really look it and all they do is kill living things) Because they disappear after “death”. 

Huntsman and huntresses:

So, as I’ve kinda halfway explained throughout this thing; Huntsman and Huntresses are people who chose to (it's a trained profession) go out there and fight grimm, along with bandits and murderers or whatever (basically Remnant’s superheroes). They are trained at Huntsman academies, (listed above; Beacon, Haven, Atlas’, and Shade). They use their Aura and (usually) have access to a Semblance. Use Dust (usually) and are all around good people fighting for what's right (generally). 

5 Meta Stuff:

Alright this is where I put all of the stuff that isn’t canon to the world of Remnant, but is important to understand the story.

So, there are a few fairy tales that exist in Remnant that will come up in the story (You can easily find these online, RT published a book of them) One of them is a story about the gods of Remnant (the story itself doesn’t matter for my point) there are 2 of them and they are called The Brothers’ Grimm (Like the fairy tale writers) this is because every (important) character is an allusion to a fairy tale, mythological, or legendary figure.

For example, Ruby is Little Red Riding Hood. Some of them are obvious (ex Ruby) and some are not.

(I’ve noticed that there’s kind of a pattern; There’s characters who are just aesthetic allusions (ex Ruby) characters who are story allusions (spoiler Penny is Pinnochio), or characters who are both (Weiss and Blake), characters who have their own allusion, but pick up another due to their relationship with another character (Qrow and Raven), and characters who don’t look like they have an allusion, but theirs is revealed as a plot twist (I’m not giving an example here).

There’s stuff I’ve leaving out here that CRWBY doesn’t explain well right out of the gate, but this stuff is necessary in order to clearly understand at least volumes 1-2.

[aenwoedbeannaa]

Forest Fires | Geralt x Reader | Part 7

Summary: You and your Witcher companion arrive in Ellander, where you encounter a familiar face. Unfortunately, being behind walls for the first time in years brings back some overwhelming memories.

Word Count: 3,068

Warnings: Might be triggering for those with PTSD or trauma. Panic attack, flashbacks. Nothing super graphic.

A/N: As usual—sorry for the delay in this chapter. I have so many WIPs, but I promise not to leave y’all hanging. Hope you enjoy!

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6

If you enjoy my work and want to check out more of it, you can check out my masterlist, and if you’d like to be added to any of my taglists, comment or message me and I would be happy to add you 😊.

Forgotten Memories

For someone who has spent the past years not using magic, you are pleasantly surprised that the two of you emerge from the portal and into the very garden you’d seen in Geralt’s mind. More than a few girls, who you expect must be students, are standing frozen with their mouths agape.

You unwind your arms from around Geralt’s neck and take a couple steps away from him; you have only been here once before, and you are not entirely sure what sort of rules there are in a place like this. You never were one for religion. With magic, you hadn’t needed it. And after you ran away from your duties, you’d just assumed that even if there were gods or goddesses out there, they wouldn’t be looking down on you fondly.

The shocked silence of the temple garden is broken at last, by a familiar voice.

“Y/N?”

You turn your head to see someone you had not, if you were being honest, expected to see again during your lifetime.

“Yenna!”

The two of you rush to embrace one another; years of memories flooding your head and washing your mind full of pictures of Aretuza. Like so many others, Aretuza had been your first real home. Though at first, it seemed, the school was not much better than the cruel reality you faced outside of its walls. Tissia was a genius, but she could be cruel. Thankfully, it was not the same kind of cruelty you faced at the hands of your aunt and uncle who had taken you in after your parents died – that had been pointless and malicious. Tissia’s brand of cruelty was one meant to teach you something; to make you a better sorceress.

At one point, the school had been the only piece of the world that you had known, and seeing your old friend sends your mind in a whirl, back to the mind of a girl who knew nothing of the outside world until she was tossed out into it. Of course, you head ad been filled with images of going off to serve as a court mage, advising kings and queens. It had been an exciting prospect at the time – back when you still believed that rulers cared for their people; back when you believed that there was some good you could do advising one.

“You are quite possibly the last person I would have ever expected to see at the Temple of Melitele,” the raven-haired sorceress says matter-of-factly, but not rudely. That’s Yenna—blunt as always.

“I might say the same about you,” you say, corners of your lips twitching ever so slightly up.

“Everyone thought you were dead.” That statement hits you hard, as if you hadn’t wondered that. Still, you’d spent so long hidden out in the forest, always feeling as if you had to cover your tracks, keep your movements a secret – it was hard to think that people thought you were dead when you were constantly trying to hide from those who knew you were alive.

“Well, that had been the goal,” you admit. “After...” You trail off, not particularly wanting to recount your time in Nilfgaard. It had not been pleasant, but that went without saying. There was no need to relive it.

The raven-haired sorceress smiles wryly, “Believe me, I know.”

The two of you make eye contact for a brief moment that seems to stretch on far beyond the few seconds that it lasts. At Aretuza, you had seen one another as rivals – though no one could truly rival Yennefer. Now, there was a kinship between the two of you; two sorceresses who ran from their duties. You had not heard much of why Yennefer left, save the rumors that the queen and infant princess of Aedirn had perished because of her – but you did not believe those. Perhaps you had when you’d first heard them, but truth was, the aristocracy was cruel, not above killing one another for power.

Not above sending entire armies to sack an entire city and sending mages in to kidnap princesses.

Behind you, Geralt clears his throat, snapping you out of your reverie.

With your thoughts still somewhat muddled, you turn and extend your arm towards him. “Geralt of Rivia,” you introduce him yourself, “He’s a Witcher.”

Yennefer smirks, though there is a distance in her eyes that tells you she has not quite snapped from whatever thoughts and memories were flowing through her own mind.

“The famous White Wolf,” she says as she takes a couple of steps forward. “Mother Nenneke will be so pleased to know you’ve arrived at last.”

You raise an eyebrow, confused. He had not mentioned that he was expected here at the Temple. Though, the confusion written on his own face tells you that he had no idea, either.

“Iona the First,” Yennefer says matter-of-factly.

Geralt’s eyes light up as he acknowledges the name with a nod. You, on the other hand, have never heard the name, and only grow more confused.

“One of the priestesses here,” Geralt explains once he registers the befuddled look on your face. “She has certain... talents.”

“Even the temples have mages now?” you ask, still slightly bewildered. You’d never heard of such a thing. Though, you suppose you have been in hiding for quite a while, and before then, you’d had absolutely no interest in religion.

Yenna laughs, shaking her head and sending raven curls cascading about her shoulders. “Not a mage, no,” she says. “She has a gift. Goes into trances and teases out the future – or at least, possible futures. It’s really quite unsettling.”

“Sounds like it,” you mutter. This place is getting stranger by the moment, and being behind stone walls, no matter how expansive the open space within is, already has you feeling caged in like an animal at a market. Even worse, the Temple looks too much like a castle; like the castle you’d run from and like the castle you were ordered to take Cirilla from. That thought alone sets your heart racing.

Seeming to sense this, Geralt reaches out and places a hand under your elbow, steadying and reassuring. You are glad for it, given the fact that your hammering heart and racing thoughts were making your vision swim. Though, you suppose, it could also be residual effects of opening the portal after having used next to no magic in years. You remember the feeling quite well from your early days at Aretuza, when you’d leave a lesson so exhausted that you could hardly walk back to your room without falling over.

“Sorry,” you mumble, nearly tripping over your own feet when you try to shift your weight, but Geralt is there to support your weight, which seems to be growing heavier by the moment. “I’m just...” You trail off once more as you sway on your feet, prompting him to wrap his arm around you, allowing you to lean heavily against him.

“Opening the portal must have drained her,” Yenna says, her voice sounding quite far off, though you know she is only a few feet away from you. You are desperately trying to cling to consciousness. The last thing you want to do is show up here and look weak when this is supposed to be the beginning of some quest to find the girl. Right now, you are sure it seems that you are quite possibly the last sorceress on the entire Continent that anyone would want chasing after the Cintran princess.

Geralt, though his knowledge about magic is rather limited to the Witcher signs and some cursory knowledge that Visimir deemed necessary to his education, nods in agreement.

“She hasn’t used magic in years,” he explains while you struggle to keep your eyes open, “That portal was a first.”

“Well that’s one hell of a way to jump back into things,” Yennefer says. You can hear the smirk in her voice, and will yourself to smirk back. It certainly wasn’t the smartest way to go about it. Still, it wasn’t as if you had another choice. It could have taken weeks to travel here on foot or by horse, and it was clear that time was not something on your side – or at least it seemed that way. You just hope it is as safe here as Geralt claims it to be. A portal like that could easily serve as a thread for Nilfgaard to follow straight to you.

“Mother Nenekke has already arranged a room...” Yennefer trails off.

“One room is fine,” Geralt cuts in.

Yennefer nods, “Iola was able to track you, but she hadn’t seen anyone else in the trances.”

“Makes sense,” Geralt responds. You, however, have no idea how that makes sense exactly, but you are not in a place to ask questions. Thankfully, Geralt continues on, “She usually uses items connected to a person, and Nenneke wouldn’t have anything of hers.”

Yes, you suppose, that does make sense. That, and the fact that you have worked so hard these past years ensuring that you were about as untraceable and unfindable as possible. That could also have quite a lot to do with it. You just hope that this Mother Nenneke will not scoff at your presence. After all, if she is involved in this plot – or whatever it is – to retrieve the ashen-haired Child Surprise, she may think of you as the worst sort of scum.

Fear of that particular issue sets your heartrate speeding once more, which does nothing to help your current state. You feel as if your lungs are constricting, making it difficult to breathe. You slump against Geralt, unconsciously clawing at him as you attempt to regain your breath. He responds by scooping you up into his arms and nodding towards the Temple.

“Would be best to get her to the rooms so she can lie down,” he states.

“I’ll brew some tea that’ll help,” Yennefer adds quickly. “I trust you know your way around?”

Geralt mumbles a quick mhmm in agreement.

“It is, I believe, your usual room,” Yennefer states. You are drifting in and out of consiousness, and wonder momentarily exactly how many times Geralt has been here. It is, quite truthfully, the last place you’d expect a Witcher. Between yourself, Geralt, and Yennefer, is seems that Mother Nenneke keeps strange company indeed. You wonder how she hasn’t faced any sort of reparations from Termeria’s leaders. Though, perhaps they just as much interest in finding the girl as you three do – or possibly more, speaking from a political perspective.

“I... I’m sorry,” you choke out as the Witcher carries you through unfamiliar hallways, moving with the easy confidence of a person who feels himself to be at home in a place. “It’s just... magic, and the walls... I haven’t--”

“Shh,” Geralt cuts you off before you can continue on with your breathy sentences. “It only makes sense. No need to wear yourself out even more trying to explain.”

You would like to argue, but he is right. You don’t have the energy to spare between the incredible exhaustion caused by casting the first spell you’ve cased in years when you opened that portal and the panic that seems to have a vice grip on your throat. Truly, being behind walls is not something you enjoy.

It doesn’t take long for the Witcher to manage to make his way from the gardens all the way up to a set of rooms on the third or fourth floor – you've lost count. There is a large room with a desk, sitting area, and a large canopied bed, and you can see a door which you assume must lead to an adjoining bathroom. Despite the stone walls, you find that the room is bright and airy, thanks to several large windows that are open, letting sun filter in through billowing curtains.

Geralt carries you straight to the bed, setting you down gently on the cool sheets. Thanks to the open windows, the air smells of wood smoke at autumn, calming you as you force yourself to breathe in and out slowly, reminding yourself that you are not in Nilfgaard, and these are not the stone walls that surrounded you there. You are safe; at least that is what Geralt promised – and you are inclined to believe him. Still, you feel so incredibly useless lying here like this.

“I’m so sorry,” you apologize once again, “I just… It’s the magic, and the walls. I don’t like walls.”

Geralt sits next to you on the bed, stroking your hair in the way that he’s quickly learned calms your nerves. Yet, right now, you feel quite awful about it. You hadn’t wanted Geralt to see you like this. You hadn’t wanted him to know about this part of you – the part of you that is sometimes so gripped with fear; irrational fear of people and places that were far away, separated from you by time and distance. The woods had been safe for so long – it’d been easy to hide it from him there. But now… Things are quite different.

“In Nilfgaard, there were nothing but walls,” the words spill from you lips. “Nothing but walls, and…” you trail off, squeezing your eyes shut, wishing very much that you hadn’t spoken at all. The images flashing through your mind are all ones you’d kept locked away under lock and key, not allowing yourself to think about them, not wanting to relive these moments.

“Whatever happened in Nilfgaard,” Geralt speaks softly, still stroking your hair, “I promise you that I will never let it happen again.”

His voice sounds far off one more, thanks to the pounding of blood in your ears and spiraling thoughts, but you reach out and cling to his arm, attempting to anchor yourself, though you can’t manage to force out the words.

You are not reading his thoughts, nor would you have the strength to if you even tried. But, if you had been, you would have heard several rather graphic thoughts about how he’d like to hack whoever had done this to you – whoever had made you so afraid when you were perfectly safe here with him – to unrecognizable pieces. You’d also see, quite clearly, that he’d use his silver sword while doing so. After all, silver is for monsters.

Tears start to slip from your eyes thanks to a mixture of frustration and fear, making your turn your head to half burry your face in the soft pillow. It was bad enough letting him see you upset, it was even worse letting him see you cry, especially considering the years separating you from the things that you were crying about.

“It was a long time ago,” you mutter, “I… I shouldn’t be upset about it after all this time.” Your attempts at rationalizing yourself only serve to make you more frustrated. You are ashamed. Ashamed for things you had no control over, ashamed for things you should have been able to prevent, ashamed for everything. And yet, Geralt was still here, stroking your hair gently, yellow golden eyes fixed on you, face contorted in concern. He hadn’t known – couldn’t have known – that being behind walls would trigger this; all the fear and all of the buried memories forcing their way to the surface.

“Monsters do monstrous things,” Geralt is still speaking softly, his warm baritone drawing your out of your own head. “It’s not easy to forget things like that,” he continues, letting his hand slip down to your back, rubbing gentle circles across your skin. He says it with such conviction that you believe him, and it slows the thoughts spinning through your head.

“They… they were monsters,” you mutter. “The things they did.” You shudder involuntarily at the memory. To this day, you cannot forgive Aretuza for sending you there. You remember how your heart had fallen to your stomach when you’d learned where you’d be sent. It was no secret the way that they treated their mages in Nilfgaard. You were there to carry out orders and to be a glorified plaything. It wasn’t what you’d dreamed of all those years, no doubt about it.

Geralt is silent for a moment, giving you a moment to continue. “It was easy to forget about out there away from everything… I didn’t think that it would be this bad. I’m sorry, Geralt.”

“Stop apologizing,�� Geralt says, sounding stern for the first time, “Please, Y/N. It isn’t your fault.”

You don’t know why, but you find yourself sobbing at his words, a mixture of relief and anger. You’d spent so long pushing away the memories; so long telling yourself that it was all your fault.

“Listen, Huntress,” Geralt speaks again, “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I won’t.”

You continue to sob into the pillow as his palm rubs slow circles on your back. You don’t know what you did to deserve someone kind as the Witcher – someone that people described as a monster, but that had so little in common with the monsters you’ve encountered.

Silence stretches between the two of you as you slowly start to calm down.

“Thank you, Geralt,” you finally speak. “Just promise me, when we get to Ciri, you let me kill every one of those fuckers.”

Geralt smirks, leaning over to press a kiss to your hair. “I certainly won’t stop you, Huntress.”

For the first time since panic had overtaken you out in the garden, you smile.

A moment later, you hear the door open and the click of heels against the stone floors. You shift in bed so that you can look up to see Yennefer entering the room carrying a small saucer of steaming liquid, no doubt full of one of the calming elixirs you’d been taught to make at Aretuza.

You are about to open your mouth to apologize to her as well, but she speaks before you get the chance. “Drink this, sleep, and when you wake up, we’ll figure out a plan to get those pieces of shit.”

A knowing glance passes between the two of you, two sets of eyes flashing dangerously. “Sounds lovely,” you smirk. Perhaps revenge is petty, but you have to admit – it feels good to think about it. And, after all, a few casualties might be necessary to find Ciri.

***

Taglist: @dark-night-sky-99, @pantrashtic, @lilred254, @cilorawr, @blackravena @keithseabrook27, @danielarlington, @jesseswartzwelder@fairytale07 @divaroze, @evyiione, @salmonbutter, @godsaverosemary, @dontforgetthepieh  @little-miss-emmalie, @hookahpop @haru-ririchiyo; @unnamedmaincharacter @geeksareunique​ @lazilyscentedwerewolf​  @boogeywoogeywoogeywoogeywoogey​ @alwayshave-faith​ @stretchkingblog97​ @alienemilyyyy​ @hufflepupperino​ @curlyhairedandconfused​ @nikolanna​ @divineslipcast @p3nny4urth0ught5  @seninjakitey @boogeywoogeywoogeywoogeywoogey​

[justasparkwritings]

The 1: Well Enough Alone

Previous: Making It Count 

Pairing: Hoseok X Reader

Genre: Slice of Life / Angst / Strangers to Lovers / FWB

Rating: NC15

Word Count: 3.2K

Warnings: Swearing, Drinking, Mentions of Recreational Drug Use, Mentions of Consensual Sex

Summary: Hoseok returns to New York to make sense of the mess he’s made. 

Listen: the 1 by Taylor Swift

         The beginning of summer in New York was a mixture of heat and stench, the smells of the city rotting under the suns unrelenting gaze. Summer in the city was a mixture of absolute hell and immense pleasure, as rooftop parties, pool gatherings and air conditioning entangled themselves with the sweat and grime of the subway. It was your favorite season, sun dresses and eyelet shorts with chunky sandals and sunglass fashion was enough to tide you through until fall.

            It also meant that Hoseok would be returning, his first time back since your tryst in January. You decided to meet at the bar, and you hoped that you’d fall back into the ease and comfort of your first romantic escapade.

          You stepped into the bar, the summer sun illuminating the typically dark and dingy business. You turned your head, craning to see the brilliant smile of Hoseok, only to come up short.

           “Looking for someone?” A man said, arm slipping around your waist. You turned; eyes wide.

           “Hobi!” You called, wrapping your arms around him, pulling him to you. He laughed cheerfully and inhaled your shampoo, the scent bringing him back to whispers over tequila and scratches in the night. He held you tight, savoring the comfort of your familiarity.

           “I missed you, Y/N.”

           “I missed you, too,” You blushed as you pulled away from him.

           “Shall we?” He gestured towards the bar and you moved to take two seats in the corner, far from the growing crowd but close to the air conditioning. He left briefly to get drinks, and when he came back, he winked as he handed you your glass.

           “Manhattan Goes Hollywood,” He said, taking a sip, “not as good as yours.”

           “You remember that?”

           “I remember a lot of things,” He said. You blushed again. “Did you break our promise?”

           “My promise to you? No, I didn’t.” You said.

           “So tell me, what adventures did you go on?” Ho-Seok didn’t stop smiling.

           “I went to Rome,” You informed him.

           “No way,” He was surprised.

           “I did, I got lost and had to ask no less than five strangers in broken Italian how to get back to my hotel.”  

           “Did you go alone?”

           “My friends and I went, but we took a day to explore the sites we wanted to see, alone. Katie went to Verona, Emily went on an olive oil tour. I went to see the Saint Valentine skull and got lost.”

           “No!”

           “Yeah, it was awful, I had several panic attacks,” You sipped your drink, the alcohol warming your already too hot skin.

           “But you made it back,” Hoseok tipped his glass to you, humor in his eyes.

           “Yes, I made it back before dark, but barely,” You laughed, embarrassed at your blunder.

           “What else did you do?” He was egging you on, daring you to share wild escapades you’d had while he was touring, the ultimate adventure.

           “I took molly at a Kim Petras concert in Bushwick,” You were unsure how he’d respond to your foray into illicit drugs. In true Hoseok fashion, his shock came across in a raucous laugh.

           “You didn’t!”

           “I did, it was, euphoric,” You said.

           “I can imagine,” He responded, eyes veiled with an emotion you couldn’t recognize. “You didn’t text me though.”

           You bit your lip. There were unclear boundaries in your relationship, this cat and mouse, never sure what was okay and what wasn’t, putting things out into the universe to see what would stick, often coming up short as he crossed time zones and continents. By texting him, he meant purposefully seeking him out. Not the snapchats, drunken messages late at night or voice messages sent. Hoseok meant you hadn’t texted him or sought him out when you realized you’d be in Europe at the same time. He meant you didn’t reach out when you saw something that reminded you of him, or when you heard BTS in the speakers at Target. You’d written the texts, you’d almost hit send dozens of time, but each time you stopped yourself. Hoseok didn’t want a relationship. He wasn’t interested in settling down. It didn’t matter if you felt a connection to him, if your heart wanted his every day. He made it clear in January, no matter how many times you turned his words, his actions, over in your mind, you came to the same conclusion.  

           You were both playing the game, but only one of you could win.

           “I didn’t know you wanted me to,” You said, eyes unable to move from his.

           “I did,” He said.

           “You didn’t text either,” You reminded him.

           “I know,” He said, eyes darting to your lips.

           You stayed like that, unmoving, eyes trying to communicate what had happened in the months since you’d been in each other’s orbit.

           “You saved the voice messages,” You said.

           “So did you,” Hoseok countered. It was moot point. There was no upper hand.

           “Do you want to get out of here?” You asked, ice saturating your drink, the unrest in your body making you uncomfortable.

           “Your place?” He questioned.

           “You’re forward,” You forced a laugh, a poor attempt at breaking some of the tension.

           “We don’t have to-

           “I know,” You stood.

           “We can but, I’m happy just being,”

           “Together,” you finished.

           “Yes,” He nodded.

           You nodded in response before standing up and much like before, your hands found each other’s as you guided him back to the street. Hoseok looked left and right, before glancing down at you.

           “Are you trying to navigate us, or just being cute?”

           “Can’t I be both?”

           “Sure, Hoseok, sure,” You laughed again, guiding him down the familiar streets to your apartment. “How long are you here for?”

           “Four days,” He said.

           “Doing?”

           “A photo shoot, somethings for MTV, Today Summer Concert series,”

           “Holy fuck, how did I forget?” You stopped in the middle of the street, staring at Hoseok. “Friday, right?”

           “Yes,”

           “That’s so exciting! It’s going to be a fucking madhouse!” You were giddy, new BTS content? Yes, please.

           “I know, I’m excited,” He took your excitement and leveled up. Euphoria seeping through his chuckles.

           “How are the guys feeling?” You asked.

           “Good, excited to perform again,” He said, energy flowing freely between you.

           “It’s not like it’s been years since you performed.”

           “No, but you still miss it after a week or two off,” Ho-Seok said.

          Hoseok had a few weeks off… why didn’t he come to New York sooner? YOU’RE NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND, yelled the voices of Emily and Katie.

           “What are you going to perform?” You asked, pulling yourself back to him.

           “I can’t tell you that,” He laughed again.

           “Please?” You begged, bottom lip jutting out, eyes swelling.

           “What do I get in return?” Hoseok’s tone was teasing, you both knew he didn’t want anything from you.

           “What do you want?” You asked. You had reached your apartment, and as you walked up the two flights of stairs, Hobi thought about what exactly he was trying to get from you. He didn’t want anything, and yet, he felt like he wanted everything from you and with you. He had kept your voice messages and wouldn’t delete your voicemails. He had a file of screenshots of drunk texts you’d sent, confessions late at night… He couldn’t count the number of times he reached to text you… the phone calls and facetimes he’d said were an accident but were really his feeble attempt at reaching out to you. All he wanted was to talk to you, to tell you about the shows, to fly you to him, to talk to you, to be with you. But he couldn’t.

           “Come to the show on Friday,” He offered.

           “What?” Your heart stood still.

           “Come to the show, I’ll put you on the list.” He tried to brush it off like it was nothing, an innocent outing.

           “Hoseok, would the guys be okay with that? Is that allowed?” Your mind began to race with possibilities.

           “Why not? Yes, it’s allowed, we can hang out after,” He shrugged.

           “Okay,” You said hesitantly.

           “Yeah?” His smile was back.

           “Yeah!” You smiled.

           Hoseok pulled you to him, first in a hug, then his lips found yours. He missed the way you tasted, the way your fingers scrunched around his shirt, holding him to you by the thread count. He missed the sounds you made, the warmth he felt in your embrace. He’d missed you.

           Hoseok slipped out before you awoke, a kiss on your cheek and a note on your nightstand. He’d have management send a car for you on Friday morning and bring you to the Plaza to watch. You’d get brunch with the guys after, some secluded five-star restaurant that the team had arranged. You were impressed that he’d scribbled this much before 6AM, and more impressed that he’d found a sticky note in your clusterfuck of a desk.

           As you sat with your girlfriends the next day at lunch, you relegated your previous escapades.

           “He’s your international fuckbuddy,” Katie said, sipping on her espresso.

           “Isn’t that the best of all the worlds?” Emily asked.

           “I think?” You said, unconvinced.

           “You think? He fucks you when he’s in town, then it’s no strings attached the months he’s gone. What’s wrong with that?” Katie prodded.

           “Nothing’s wrong with it,” You said shrugging.

           “You’ve caught feelings,” Emily said.

           “I’m just not sure that that’s what this is,” You dipped your toe in the water of their judgement.

           “Does he call you when he’s gone?” Katie pressed.

           “Sometimes,”

           “And you text often?” Emily asked.

           “Often enough,” You said.

           “Aren’t you just strangers who fuck? I don’t understand this confusion,” Katie said, eyes narrowing.

           “I don’t know if that’s all it is,” You tried to explain.

           “What would give you an idea that you’re anything other than American pussy?” Katie asked.

           “The way he looks at me, and the things he’s says… He waxes poetic every time we’re together,” You told them.

           “To get you into bed?” Emily asked.

           “Why would an international idol fuck with me?” You questioned, more force behind your words than you’d intended.

           “You’re hot and intelligent?” Katie offered.

           “Beautiful and charismatic?” Emily added.

           “I just mean, he could be fucking anyone, right? But he’s sleeping with me on the off days he’s in New York. He says things… He doesn’t treat me like a fuck buddy,” You were growing flustered and upset. Couldn’t they understand what you were hinting at?

           “Other than only fucking you when he’s in town?” Katie laughed; disbelief written across her face.

           “And barely speaking to you otherwise?” Emily said, unlocking her phone to check her emails.

           “Never mind,” You rolled your eyes.

           “I’m just trying to understand-

           “I don’t want to talk about it,” You said, disappointment in your eyes.

           You’d shared almost every detail of your relationship with Ho-Seok. From how his hands felt on your body to the things he’d whispered to you as you laid in bed. They’d told you your relationship was nothing more than sex, that Ho-Seok was far too busy and important to want anything else from you.

           If you thought about it rationally, it made sense. But in your heart, as you looked into his eyes, or read his texts, or saw the number of missed facetime calls you shared, you knew it was more. There was something there in his gaze, in his words, in his kiss. Why else had he promised that you’d see one another again, the next time he was in New York?

           This was your mindset as you stepped out of the chauffeured car at the Today Show. The whir of the crew and BTS handlers buzzing as they prepped for the performance overwhelmed your senses as you were guided to where the men were.

           “Y/N!” Hoseok called, moving from a conversation with Namjoon to hug you. The men glanced at you, taking in your appearance as Ho-Seok spoke to you. “You’re here! It’s going to be so great.”

           Your smile faltered, you hadn’t expected a kiss, on the lips or cheek, but a brief hug? Hadn’t he been in your bed two nights ago, moaning your name, coming undone inside you? The prying eyes made you uncomfortable as you glanced around at the men trying to focus before their early show. The energy was electric, caffeine and adrenaline mixing with the vibe of an early summer morning in the greatest city in the world. It was intoxicating.

           “Guys, this is Y/N,” Hoseok called, looking at his six bandmates. “You can introduce yourselves later.”

           The men were guided to the stage, where they were introduced and began their performance. You’d never seen them this close, and were in awe of every note, every step, every movement. Ho-Seok commanded the stage, oozing talent and sex appeal as he led the group through routine after routine. You were equal parts amazed and so turned on. You recognized his hip thrust, the slight twerk of his ass, the furrow in his brow. His voice was gorgeous, clear and strong over the throngs of screaming ARMY. Who wouldn’t want something more with him?

           Your mind was hazy as they came off the stage, interview segments completed. Ho-Seok crashed into your arms, holding you tight.

           “You were so fucking good,” You said laughing. He laughed to, merriment filling the dressing room.

           “All for you,” He said, resting his sweaty forehead against yours.

           “Ew, you’re so sweaty,” You said.

           “That’s not what you said the other night when you were sticking to me.”

           “Two can play that game,” You replied, eyes squinting.

           “Oh?” He asked, daring you to say something in a room filled with his brothers.

           “Don’t think I didn’t notice your hips, or that furl of your brow,” Your words were hushed, an intimate conversation between lovers.

           “Mm, recognized them, eh?” He smirked before untangling himself from you. “Give us a bit, we’ll go to brunch.”

           “Okay,” You said, and you stood still, watching Ho-Seok walk towards the showers as his hand slowly slipped from yours.

           The other men moved around you, showering, changing, thanking staff and wrapping up their time at the Today Show. It was the highest viewed concert series, with the largest audience that the Today Show had seen since One Direction and BTS’ last foray in the summer heat.

           After thanking the hosts and signing a few merch items, BTS left, you in tow, to pile into a few vans headed for brunch. Ho-Seok insisted in taking a separate car, just the two of you, or at least it was until Jin decided he needed to chaperone.

          “Oh, yeah, I hear this place is good, I did some research,” Jin said as the car moved through Manhattan.

          “Mm, I’m starving,” Hoseok commented. His fingers were wound in yours, and your bodies were close together, shoulders touching.

          “Y/N, what are you going to get?” Jin asked.

          “Maybe eggs, but I’m kind of feeling waffles,”

          “And a mimosa,” Hoseok laughed.

          “Oh, bottomless,” You said giggling.

          “Mostly champagne,” Hoseok said.

          “With a drop of orange,” You added.

          “Your favorite,” He glanced at you, smile crinkling his eyes. He remembered.

          The three of you piled out of the car and were ushered quickly into the restaurant, Hoseok’s hand still in yours. As you sat down, Hoseok on your right, Namjoon on your left, you took in the Bangtan. Their striking beauty was blinding. How each of them had managed to find their way to Big Hit and stick it out was beyond you. There couldn’t possibly be anyone in the world more beautiful than them.  

           “Y/N, tell us, how is your friendship with J-Hope going?” Namjoon asked as he sipped on his Bloody Mary.

           “I’m impressed you stay friends with him,” Yoongi muttered.

           “I’m an excellent friend!” Hoseok exclaimed.

           “It’s going well, yeah, I’m glad we get to see each other when he’s in town,” You smiled at the men, hoping they won’t notice how flustered you’d become.  

           “He’s a good friend, always so optimistic,” Taehyung added.

           “Except when he’s blasting music, dancing at four thirty in the morning,” Yoongi commented.

           “It was one time!” Jungkook said, coming to his hyung’s defense.

           “Why were you even awake?” Jimin asked.

           “I was preparing for –

           “You barely slept,” Yoongi said, voice serious.

           “Nervous energy,” Hoseok responded.

           “The performance was amazing,” You interjected, noting the tension between the two men. “I love how you pull out your back catalogue for every performance.”

           “We fight about it, a lot,” Namjoon said.

           “Only because some of us are wrong,” Jimin said.

           “You’re just mad because –

           “Let’s not fight when we have a guest,” Namjoon interjected.

           “Yeah, we can fight on our flight to Brazil,” Jin said. “Plenty of hours to bicker,”

           “Y/N, do your other friends like Ho-Seok?” Taehyung asked.

           “Um, they’ve never met,”

           “They haven’t? But he spends so much time with you, talking to you, about you,” Jin rambled.

           “Um, yeah, it’s just never lined up,” You took a large swig of champagne, “I’m sure they’d like him.”

           “Unless he’s dancing at-

           “Shut up Yoongi!” Jimin said through laughs.

           “So Brazil, what will that be like?” You asked.

           As the boys launched into their excitement for returning to South America, you sat and lost track of your thoughts. How many times had they called you a friend, said they were glad Ho-Seok had a friend like you, wanted to become your friend. Friend.

          Is that what you were? You grew uncomfortable as the conversation lingered on, the men laughing and Namjoon translating quickly the funny things they were saying. Hoseok kept an arm around your shoulders, eating with his non dominant hand, just to hold you close. You felt no comfort in his gesture as your anxiety grew.

           “They think we’re friends?” You asked, Hoseok’s hand in yours as the car took off towards Brooklyn.

           “Yeah, aren’t we?” He countered.

           “I don’t know, do friends know what it’s like to be inside the other?” You scoffed.

           “Y/N,” He said, cocking his head toward the driver.

           “I’m just asking,” You responded.

           “Can we talk about this at your apartment?” He pleaded.

           “I’d prefer to talk about it now,” You turned to face him.

           “We’re friends,” He was treading lightly, you could hear it in the breath he put into the word ‘friends’.

           “Aren’t we more?” Your voice betrayed your cool demeanor.

           “I, I don’t think we can be,” Hoseok said.

           You turned to face forward, hand slowly slipping out of his. You made a list of every sad song you wanted to listen to as you drank the half open bottle of Prosecco in your fridge, tears inevitable. Ho-Seok didn’t say anything, didn’t try to bring you back to him. The gravitational pull had been severed and you both were spinning.

           “Thanks for uh, making sure I got home, and for letting me spend the day with you,” You said, unbuckling your seatbelt.

           “Of course, can I walk you up?” His eyes were sad.

           “No, I don’t think that’d be a good idea,” You said opening the door to the summer heat.

           “Y/N,” He was searching for you.

           “Hoseok, have a safe flight, okay?”

           He leaned in to place a kiss on your lips, but you turned, lips landing on your cheek. Getting out of the car, you didn’t look back.

           Why couldn’t you have left well enough alone?

Next: Never Gonna Grow

[crowleyellestair]

Air- Geralt Request

AN/// I’ve added/changed it a bit. I rewrote it couple times and decided to stick with this, as the others felt rushed to try and get to that specific conclusion in the readers intention at the bridge as it’s very heavy subject matter/ severe actions to take. It’s still very close to exactly what you asked, and I hope you like it all the same.  

This is for my pal @theichabbieclub

Warnings: Mention of Suicide/ At risk, fighting, Self-Battering, Hurt/Comfort

Angst with somewhat fixed ending

Geralt x reader

 The day had started out splendidly. Birds had been chirping, clothes had recently been washed, and they hadn’t been near a town to make a fool of herself. When one looked at Geralt, they knew instantly the strength and balance he had. When looking to Jaskier, people could watch as he practically glided wherever he went. Y/n, on the other hand, had been a clutz. Bright eyes and wide smiles were what people first saw when looking to her, but it didn’t take long till they realized how clumsy and awkward she truly was. It was known that when you grow older, your depth perception worsens, but it seemed like it was non-existent to begin with. It wasn’t uncommon for the woman to bring attention off the witcher because she had accidently ruined merchandise of a trader or a garden of a mother.

People would easily look past the witcher to scorn her, Y/n’s only defense being herself and Jaskier. It seemed that Geralt hadn’t really cared whether or not she was punished for actions that were truly accidents. Y/n had only found herself traveling with the men, as she knew Jaskier. Julian was someone she grew up with, being kicked out of the inheritance for insolence and clumsiness. Her family was certain she has been the only noble’s daughter to ever lose a title for not living up to basic noble expectations. Jaskier happily took her under his wing, despite the witcher’s hard denial.

What made the whole thing worse was her idolization for the White Wolf. His heart was massive, and it cared for those who certainly don’t deserve it, on top of the innocents who thought they could never have it. Both were convinced that his attitude was simply tough love. It had taken him years to finally admit that Jaskier was is friend, and they were optimistic that the same would happen with her.

Of course, as the day went on, it became abundantly clear that that hadn’t been the case. The trio had eventually made it to a town with a few contracts. They were pretty miscellaneous, but Geralt had taken them none the less. Jaskier had set up to play at the local tavern and Y/n tagged along. There wasn’t much income to the group that Y/n provided, but she was a hell of a card player. Gwent had taken off throughout the continent, and she easily beat the best player in every town. There had luckily been a few people willing to lose coin, and they set up a small tournament for that night. That was where everything went wrong.

Geralt had arranged to start the contracts at dawn the next day, and Jaskier was playing to his hearts content. Y/n had a large winning streak so far, but it seemed the other players couldn’t believe they were losing. And to a woman no less. A fight had broken out, and Geralt was forced to stop it before Y/n got hurt. The only problem with that was if word got out that dramatized the situation, he might lose the contracts. The trio moved up to their shared room, and it was were the real fight began.

“It was an accident, Geralt.” Jaskier gently set his lute in the case, his voice soft, as if trying to quell a riled animal.

“An accident?” Both the witcher and the woman asked in unison. Golden eyes snapped to hers and a brow flew to his hairline, daring her to explain.

“There was intent, but certainly not mine!” Y/n pleaded. She felt like she was in a time loop, this conversation being hatched over and over again. “It’s not my fault that they couldn’t handle losing.”

“Why were you playing them in the first place?”

“You know that’s how she contributes,” the bard snapped. His arms folded and stepped up to them both, the trio forming an angry triangle in the middle of the room.

“Right, because she can’t do anything else.” The witcher’s eyes widened a tick as he realized he had spoken out loud. He cursed himself as he looked to Y/n. Geralt was opening up after years of coercion from his friendly bard, but it seems it has been working too well. He couldn’t see anything written on her face, but the stench of molding lemons streamed throughout the room, giving away her pain.

“I’m sorry. You’ve said yourself that you can tell a lie. You know that I never mean what happens.” The bard’s hand reaches out to grab her shoulder, but she ducks under his arm, going for the door. “I’m going for a walk. Alone.” She could hear Jaskier start to yell the second she closed the door, but she tuned it out, and started walking.

 Geralt hadn’t meant what he said. Of course, he hadn’t meant what he said to the bard n the mountain either. It was something childish and petty that he had thought of simply because he was grumpy. Late morning, no breakfast that he’s grown accustomed to, wet socks and a grumpy Roach made for a bad attitude. Still, he shouldn’t be making excuses, as there was no reason to say it in the first place.

Finding her trail wasn’t hard as the stench lemon wafted through the air, leading him straight to her. What was worrisome was where he found her. There was a high-mounted bridge on the way into town due to the fast ravine that flowed under it. It was too fast and too deep season ‘round for any safe passage through it like many rivers or creeks found throughout the continent. There, sitting on the ledge, was Y/n.

Geralt’s heart sped to the pace of an average humans, and his mind began to race. Renfri started to scream at him, her voice rattling his brain.

“Y/n,” he cooed. He didn’t want to startle; a flinch could be enough to send her slipping without even having a chance to talk it through. He hadn’t even noticed the state she was in until she turned her head, big wet eyes, snot dripping and sobs wracking her whole body. Her shoulders hunched in, and each wave of tears made it harder for her to breath. “Please, listen.” His hand went out, like trying to sooth a frightened doe.

“Wha-?” Y/n couldn’t even finish a word, sobs forcing her to cough. She turned to look back out to the rushing water, stars still being reflected in the small white caps.

“Easy,” was accompanied by a couple steps in her direction. He was only two arm lengths away- too far to try ad snatch her from the air. He heard a scoff, and an arm lifted from the ledge to wipe the back of her hand against her nose. He started to feel his legs go numb, watching one of the limbs keeping her on the bridge being lifted off automatically giving him anxiety. Another small cough came from her when a fresh set of tears arose, the salt breaking out in the air. “Breath. You have to breath.” Her head snapped to him.

“I k-know that,” the lack of air making her lines choppy. It was starting to worry Geralt, as every second her body tried harder and harder to bring air in. He couldn’t do anything to help, however, until her feet were on the ground.

“Right. I was just reminding you.”

“I don’t n-need reminders, Geralt. I k-know you didn’t want me h-here, okay? But I’m n-not useless.”

“I didn’t mean that.” Another scoff could be heard.

“S-sure. You’re right, though. I’m -not made for the path, I guess. I’m n-not good enough for what I was born into either,” her least sentence driving more tears from her eyes. “There’s nothing left for me to do.”

“Sure there is,” his answer ripped through his body, the first word right on the heels of her last. “And you do belong with us.” A dark laugh erupted as she stood and began pacing the ledge. A sharp intake of breath invaded the witcher as she did.

“Oh, really?”

“I fight the monsters, Jaskier plays the music, and you bring the joy.” And he wasn’t lying. Besides the clumsiness, Y/n was full of light. She was like the moon, always reflecting the suns rays onto everyone’s world, even when in darkness. Sure, darkness befalls the moon, but there is always a shred of light within it. Even when Geralt or Jaskier can’t see her, her presence remains in the form of a caring, and loyal friend. If only the wolf knew how to express such thoughts.

“Joy doesn’t get us very far in life.”

“A dumb remark from someone who cares should constitute such drastic actions if a little joy doesn’t go very far.” Y/n stopped in place, a brow flying to her hairline. Her shoulders still shook, and she still couldn’t breathe, but he had her attention.

“What? What action? I c-can walk away if I want.” Now it was Geralt’s turn for confusion.

“Of course you can walk away. I meant,” his still outstretched hand waved in the ledge’s general direction. “Jumping.” She repeated the word, still confused until realization set in.

“You really think I would do that?” It also set in for Geralt. Perhaps she had simply been sitting.

“I didn’t- what if- how could I-?” So many questions brewed in his head, none of them fully making it out past his lips. Y/n gave another dark laugh, and jumped down in front of the witcher, her pointer finger jabbing his chest and her voice turning into a yell.

“A mean comment can’t push me to that, Geralt. I’m stronger than you think. How could I take your comment seriously if you have such a foolish train of thought!” She ran out of air by the end of it, the gasping, the jump and the yelling all being to much for her body. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, and she fell forward into him. Geralt clutched her tight, quickly wiping her face with his shirt and pushing the hair from it as well. He lifted her as though she were a bride and slowly made his way back to the inn, trying to think of all the ways to make it up to her.

[ladyideal]

This is Us Part 1

Pairing: Legolas x OC!Reader

Word Count: 2057

Warnings: Um arguing 

Summary: When the One Ring was found, it becomes a journey across Middle Earth to destroy it. Watch as the Fellowship is formed, and crossed the continent, where loyalty will be tested, and love blossomed. 

A/n: I decided to actually go forth with a series, and see how well I can write one. I will apologize ahead of time if any of the Elvish are wrong. I know it’s not exactly canon for the Valars to have kids, but where’s the fun if we follow canon? None, exactly. So here we are. I’ll eventually rewrite this one day lol.

Chapter 1 ~ Chapter 2 ~ Chapter 3

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

You grumbled as you lowered your bow, letting it fall slightly. The arrows had found their marks, but were nowhere close to the bullseye. With a sigh, you retrieved another arrow from your back, ready to resume practicing. 

"Mellon nin, what brings you here?" A familiar voice spoke from behind. 

You huffed, lowering your bow once more and pouting at him. "You're the one that said practice makes perfect. Plus, you know that I just started learning how to use one. Don't start telling me that I have to be good at it immediately."

It wasn't like you were forbidden to use your powers, but it was done out of necessity, for secrecy. As a child of both the Valar, Manwë and Varda, you were undoubtedly powerful. You'd watch the creation of Arda for some time, from watching the fight against Melkor to the peace where the elves were invited to live amongst the Valinor. Now under Sauron's reign of terror after so long, you had enough of the pain and suffering of Middle Earth dwellers, and came in favor of guiding them.

Legolas took a few steps forward, until his hands were wrapped around yours. You blushed as he righted your position. "Stand like this, and your bow up higher."

He had been the second elf to befriend you. You had made a home at Rivendell, and soon became the source of many rumors. You were fair, beautiful, even more breathtaking than other elves, but as clumsy as mankind. The elves there assumed you were a halfling, yet for the most part, you ignored the whispers and talks behind your back. Eventually, the rumors had reached Lord Elrond's ears. Knowing better than to dismiss them, he had made a visit. 

It was then that you admitted your true identity to the half elf, the first of Middle Earth's people. It didn't take long for the Lord of Rivendell to understand the meaning of why you were here, and swore that he would never let your name be known. Soon, he'd mentioned in his parting words before he left your home, Sauron would feel the shift of power.

Two weeks went by uneventfully until you met the prince of elves, son of Thranduil. It was a coincidental meeting down by the waterfall. There, you became friends with him. And as time passed, he became the second elf to have learned of who you were. It was him that suggested that you learned how to use weapons to better protect yourself. 

"This way?" You asked once he let go, turning away from him in an effort to hide the growing blush.

"Just like that," Legolas nodded, watching you train for a moment. "Y/N."

"Yes?" Your eyes still trained on the tree trunk that acted as your bullseye.

"Hir Elrond maquen-o cin." (Lord Elrond asks of you.)

"Mana ceri- cin foeg?" You frowned, turning to glance at him. (What do you mean?)

"Ho anír- cin na n- in i govanneth," Legolas stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder. "híril nín" (He wants you in the meeting, m'lady.)

"Am man." (For what? Why?)

He leveled a pointed gaze at you. 

You heaved a sigh, and nodded, understanding the underlying meaning in his words. "Where to?"

As Legolas entered the place where the council was going to be held, you lingered behind, tentatively taking slow steps in. You could see the dwarves, the Captain of Gondor, Boromir, Isildur's heir and Ranger of the North, Aragorn, a Ranger lady standing close to him, a hobbit, Lord Elrond, Glorfindel, and finally Gandalf all sitting in a circle. 

Instantly, both elves and the wizard snapped their heads to you, two in surprise. For a moment, the sun brightened warmly from behind you. You smiled at Elrond, nodded at Glorfindel, but grinned shyly at your parents' Maiar. You slid closer to Legolas anyways, turning your head back to Elrond when the half elf cleared his throat.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom."

He paused, turning to one of the Hobbits. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."

The Hobbit that sat beside Gandalf stood up, and took even steps to the pedestal. With a shaking hand, the ring was set upon the pedestal for all to see.

"So it's true," Boromir spoke, while everyone within the Council gazed upon it. Your features screwed into one of upset, and even scowled upon the small piece of jewelry. Sauron, was a follower of your uncle, Morgoth. The power in the ring was overshadowed by your own, yet the evil within it, repulsed you.

"In a dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. But in the West a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, 'Your doom is near at hand.'" The Captain of the White tower paced. "Isildur's Bane is found."

Without a second thought, he reached for the cursed ring. Gandalf, Elrond, and you exchanged concerned glances. 

"Boromir!" The half elf leapt out of his seat. 

Even the wizard himself was affected by the ring's power. Standing up and beginning to chant in the Black Speech, the ring echoed the harsh words. Thunder crackled loudly as the sky darkened. The Council stared around themselves in fear and confusion.

"Fárea!" You roared into the commotion, having had enough. (Enough!)

Cowed by your authority, the voice of the Ring eventually died away. People resumed their seats, horrified, Boromir amongst them. A few curious glances were thrown your way, but you ignored them.

"The Ring is altogether evil!" Gandalf spoke after a pointed silence. Giving the Captain of the White Tower a scathing look, he too took his seat again. 

"It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor," Boromir resumed, looking unperturbed. "Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

"You cannot wield it! None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master," The Ranger spoke for the first time, the other one holding him back.

"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir almost snorted.

You watched in surprise as Legolas stepped forward this time, briefly brushing his shoulder over yours. "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

"Aragorn? This… is Isildur's heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor."

Members of the Council widened their eyes at the realization, and turned to observe the Rangers. 

"Havo dad, Legolas," The mentioned Ranger replied in Elvish. (Sit down, Legolas.)

"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king." Boromir responded, almost childishly, but resumed his seat. 

Aragorn briefly frowned, but only relaxed when his companion placed a hand on his shoulder. 

"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it," The wizard spoke in the awkward silence.

"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed," The half elven agreed with a nod.

"Then what are we waiting for?" A dwarf spoke out. Grabbing his axe, he approached the pedestal. In one fell swoop, the axe clang against the metal and splintered apart, much to the surprise of many. In response, whispers in the black tongue issued forth from the Ring.

After watching Frodo wincing in pain, Elrond shook his head. "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Glóin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came."

"One of you must do this."

"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland. Riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!" Boromir exclaimed from his seat. 

Standing indignantly, Legolas shouted, "Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The Ring must be destroyed!"

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" Gimli returned in kind. 

"And if we fail, what then?! What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?!" Boromir continued, adding to the fuel.

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!" Gimli roared. "Never trust an Elf!"

With a shake of your head, you, Gandalf, and Elrond watched as the Council erupted into madness, each fighting the other to be the ring bearer. Through it all, you turned your gaze on the young hobbit as he gazed forlornly at it.

As the commotion continued, Gandalf thumped his staff on the ground, demanding silence. "Do you not understand that while we bicker amongst ourselves, Sauron's power grows?! None can escape it! You'll all be destroyed!"

Suddenly, flames encircled the ring, engulfing the surface. 

"I will take it!" Frodo yelled, hoping to gain attention from the other Council members. "I will take it!"

You raised an eyebrow at the hobbit, then caught Gandalf's gaze on you. You nodded in turn, and turned away as the wizard's eyes briefly closed shut before opening again. 

Making up his mind, he got to his feet and approached Frodo. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," He placed a reassuring hand on the hobbit's shoulder. 

"If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will," Aragorn knelt in front of the hobbit. "You have my sword."

Before you could stop Legolas, the prince of elves joined the center. "And you have my bow."

"And my axe!" Gimli glanced grimly at the elf in the front. 

Striding forward, Boromir joined the growing group. "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

You smiled to yourself, proud that everyone was coming together to fight the dark lord. 

"Heh!" Another hobbit jumped out from the bushes. "Mister Frodo is not goin' anywhere without me!"

"No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not," Elrond smiled, sounding more amused than annoyed."

"Wait! We are coming too!" A pair of hobbits emerged from the pillars they were hiding from. 

"Lord Elrond. I want to join," The second Ranger stepped forward, sounding more like a lady. "Someone will have to watch the company as much as possible, and watch Aragorn's back."

As the half elf agreed to each of the demands, you pushed to your feet and stood up nervously. As all eyes turned to you, you cleared your throat unnecessarily.

"I too would like to join," You spoke in determination. Your parents' Maiar locked eyes with yours, and soon became a stare off. However, he soon acquiesced with a nod. You turned to Elrond next, who only watched you for a moment. 

"Eleven companions. So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" The Lord of Rivendell announced. 

"Great! Where are we going?" One of the newer hobbits asked.

For a brief moment, you wondered if you joining the Fellowship would even be a good idea. It was a secret mission to Mordor, any wrongly placed action could end into disaster. However, it was too late. Turning to the West, you were assured as a warm wind blew through each strand of your hair, and for a brief moment, gently caressed your cheek.

Your father, Manwë would never admit that he was soft at heart. Your mother would though. For a moment, you were excited to be a part of the journey, knowing that both your parents would be watching over this endeavor.

Looks like you were now officially part of the Fellowship of the Ring. 

Permanent Tags: @asraime @mournthewicked Taglist is open!

[mikrowrites]

Boats, Best Friends, and Burgers

Shawn Mendes x Reader

A girl with walls up against boys meets a boy at a party who whisks her into his world. Maybe love isn’t a distraction after all.

Y/N never considered herself naive nor trusting. She prided herself on how she kept to herself and protected her heart, unlike her college roommate or her friends who would throw themselves at boys when they do much as smiled or grasped their hand. No, Y/N would not destroy herself like that.

She had college, a tiring feat that would absolutely be even more deteriorated with the addition of a boyfriend, and Y/N liked being by herself, it gave her a peace and quiet without obligations. Y/N did not need the distraction of a relationship at all.

But that damn boat party changed everything.

“Y/N!” Connor shouted through the kitchen, his voice laced with despiration and a hint of whining. “You can’t just rot away in your apartment forever!”

“Mmm, I can and will.” Y/N lashed back, taking another drink from her bottle of Gatorade. She and Connor had been friends since Pre-K, the boy seemingly insisting on filling some big brother role (ironic, since Y/N was two months older than him). “You know I don’t do parties.”

Connor scoffed, shaking his head. “It wouldn’t kill you to do one! I’m only back in LA for a week before tour starts again, I want to spend time with my best friend.”

“You can. With pizza. And a movie. On the couch. Not on some boat out on the bay with hormone-ridden girls and boys reeking of testosterone.” Y/N reasoned, Connor grasping Y/N’s arms.

“Please. Just this one party. We go for an hour, and if you want to leave we’ll leave.” He begged.

Y/N let out a flamboyant groan, pouting her lips. “Fine! Fine. One hour.”

Connor let out a whoop, throwing his fists in the air. Y/N shook her head, hoping she’d suddenly contract a case of tuberculosis or the bubonic plague, both of which, in her opinion, would be a far more pleasant ordeal than that party.

Hours later Connor dragged Y/N onto the boat, the loud music and squealing of drunken girls flooding her senses. She turned to Connor about to beg if they could leave, but he gave her a rather pointed look, silencing that suggestion.

Y/N was definitely not dressed for the occasion. Boys dressed in the ugliest Hawaiian shirts and swim trunks, girls in tiny skirts and booty shorts with crop tops or bikinis. Y/N merely wore a pair of bermuda shorts and a John Mayer concert shirt from the summer.

Y/N slowly pushed through the crowd with her extroverted best friend, Connor shouting out and walking over to some friends. Y/N looked around, the ideas of Jell-O shots and grinding circles quickly becoming rather unappealing to her.

She soon caught sight of paradise! Alas! A island amongst the turbulent throng of sexual desires and rising blood sugar. An empty corner, back at the end of the boat. Y/N made a beeline there, humming with satisfaction as she was separated from the rioting mess.

Y/N leaned her elbows on the railing and looked out at the pinkish sunset over the city, closing her eyes and inhaling the salty breeze.

“Oh, shit.”

Her eyes snapped open and Y/N turned, seeing a tall curly haired boy standing a few feet from her. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see this corner was taken.”

Y/N nodded. “Yup. I’ve been here fifteen minutes and I’m pretty sure by the twenty mark I might start twerking or doing body shots off the lifeguard.”

The boy laughed, his fingers figeting nervously. “Not if I beat you to suddenly ripping my shirt off and seducing five girls at once.”

It was Y/N’s turn to laugh, her mind sending off sirens and screaming RUN AWAY! but she just couldn’t.

“I’d rather jump first.” She sighed.

“Oh God, me too. I’m so sick of these people.” He gasped out, leaning on the railing next to her. “One more girl pulls at my hair again and I’m going to have a mental breakdown buzz cut.”

Y/N smiled, holding out her hand. “Y/N.”

“Shawn.” He grinned, encasing Y/N’s hand in his giant one, shaking it firmly. “Nice to have someone who has a BAC of 0.0.”

“Maybe not. Perhaps they sweat it all off and it fumes. Maybe it’s like a second hand high, we’re just second hand drunk.” Y/N mused.

“Maybe.” Shawn agreed. “How’d you even get here? If you mind me asking, since you obviously don’t want to be here.”

Y/N let out a scoff of laughter. “My idiot best friend. He dragged me here out of guilt. He travels a lot, we don’t see each other much. You?”

“Friend as well. I’m traveling a lot too, said we needed to “wind down” I guess. Fucking Brashier...” Shawn muttered.

Y/N turned to Shawn, raising her eyebrows. “Brashier? Did you say Brashier?”

“Yeah. Why?” Shawn questioned.

“Oh my gosh...” Y/N laughed. “Connor dragged you here too.”

Shawn stared at her in confusion for a moment before bursting into laughter. “No way! You’re THE Y/N! Connor talks about you all the time!”

“Only good things I suppose.” Y/N responded.

Shawn shrugged, Y/N laughing and slapping him lightly on the arm. “That must make you Shawn Mendes, international pop superstar. Very impressive.”

He smiled, leaning back against the railing. “I guess I am. And you’re the Y/N who fell of a two story roof.”

“He did not—I gonna kill him!” Y/N gasped, the two laughing.

The night drifted on, the sky dark and glistening with stars as the two talked for hours. Y/N remembered clearly writing her number on his wrist before Connor took her home, herself wanting to slap the smug grin off the boy’s face.

Texts with Shawn became phone calls and FaceTimes, and soon dates. Y/N was tripping and falling so fucking deep for him. They stayed in contact during his European tour, him practically begging her to come with him on his North American tour. “You’re my anchor!” He exclaimed over the phone, Y/N blushing insanely. “You keep me grounded.”

So the playful shoves became the interlacing of hands, the smack talk over games of Mariokart became sweet pecks on cheeks. Y/N took a gap year off to follow him across the continent, because if he had breaken down the walls she spent so long building he was worth it.

The North American tour had wrapped up after many months, Y/N and Shawn enjoying lunch together before he had to leave for Asia. They devoured their burgers, laughing and talking while they basked in the time they had left.

Y/N had just finished her pickle-ketchup-cheddar burger when Shawn smiled up at her.

“Y/N L/N, I think I’m in love with you.”

Y/N looked up in surprise, Shawn leaning over the table with a smile. “Y/N, I know I am in love with you. And I need you to know it.”

She felt her heart race, a grin gracing her features. “Shawn Mendes, you somehow got me to love you too. No other man can boast as much.”

He smiled so bright grasping her hand as he leaned over the table, running his fingers through her hair as he connected his lips with hers.

Y/N deepened into the kiss, wanting nothing more but to melt into him and never end the sweet euphoria clouding her brain.

But, with the disdain of suffocation, they pulled away gasping for air. Y/N leaned her forehead against his.

Shawn laughed. “Boats, best friends, and burgers.”

“Best way into a girl’s heart.” Y/N whispered, grinning before grabbing either side of his face and crashing her lips against his again.

[writemoment]

Sort Things Out

Writer: Ellie-Mae (Pen Name)

Part: 1/1

Summary: Y/n's nervous about transferring to Hogwarts from Ilvermorny. What house will she be sorted into and will she make any friends? Soon she meets the Baudelaire siblings and things begin to sort themselves out.

Pairing: Ravenclaw Klaus Baudelaire x Ravenclaw!Reader

Warnings/Rated:  WWoHP x ASOUE crossover, fluff and a little bit of anxiety. Overall wholesome fluff

Word Count: 3,128

A/N: Ah, It’s been such a long time!! Glad to be back and having internet! This is something I worked on eight (plus) months ago. Hope you enjoy! - Ellie-Mae

( Reader ) P.O.V.

Everything is so different.

Back at Ilvermorny, I at least knew people to help me settle my nerves. Now I'm on my own, searching the compartments on the Hogwarts Express for a spot to settle. It would be different if it were my first year, but it's my fourth. Not only that but I didn't even live on this continent until two months ago. I had been so upset at the prospect of halting my magical studies because of a big move. Then my professor mentioned Hogwarts and helped me transfer over. Though I know it's irrational, I'm still so shaken by the new experience of it all.

Finally finding an empty car, I sink down into the plush cushions with a sigh of relief. My nerves are still boiling beneath the surface, worries persistent. I push it to the back of my mind as I rummage through my book-bag to pull out the history of Hogwarts and read.

I must have gotten sucked into the material because I almost jump out of my skin when the door slides open. Clutching the hardback to my chest, as if that would protect my beating heart, I must look frantic and wide eyed.

"Sorry to startle you," the girl apologizes. Her hair is long and brown. I notice her locks are pushed back with a red and gold headband. Standing behind her is a boy with wire-rim glasses. His expression is of a curious gaze that I don't quite understand. I also spot his blue and silver tie, stripped in the same way as the girl's head accessory.

Shaking my head, I attempt to speak without stumbling. "No- don't be sorry! I just...wasn't paying attention." They both shuffle to the seats across from me after closing the door.

"I'm Violet Baudelaire," the girl introduces, "and this is my brother Klaus." The boy smiles at me shyly and I catch myself mirroring his actions. After introducing myself, Violet asks, "I haven't seen you around before. What house do you belong to?"

"I'm not sorted into a house at Hogwarts yet. I just moved here from America. Back at Ilvermorny I was a Pukwudgie, but I'm sure that doesn't mean anything here." I explain with a gentle, awkward smile. "What houses do you reside in?"

"violet is a Gryffindor and I'm a Ravenclaw," Klaus tells me, speaking up for the first time. "I've heard of Pukwudgies in my studies of magical creatures," he says with fascination. "They're said to be fiercely independent."

Nodding, I say, "That they are. The house best represents the hearts of wizards and witches. It also favors a lot of wonderful healers." The Baudelaire's seem intrigued by this. "What do your houses represent at Hogwarts?"

Klaus explains that Ravenclaw are eager to learn and expand their wisdom. Violet tells of daring, brave witches and wizards from Gryffindor filled with chivalry and bravery alike. There's also the loyal and kind Hufflepuff. "The last is Slytherin, the cunning lads they are." Klaus finishes.

The three of us speak and share a few laughs on our journey to the school. However, the closer we were to arriving, the quieter I became. "It's okay to be anxious, Y/n. You're going to fit in just fine, I can tell."

"I know you're right, Violet. I keep trying to remind myself that worrying means you suffer twice. It's always been a comforting thought." I tell them, inhaling deeply.

"Wise words from professor Scamander," Klaus says with admiration in his tone. It brings a smile to my face with an ease I was grateful for. "Besides, you've successfully made friends with us and we will help you through this."

There kindness relieves some of the pressure that has built up inside my stomach. As we pull up to the platform outside of Hogwarts, I say goodbye to my new friends as I join the first years- like instructed. I'm tall over their heads, which makes me stick out like sore thumb. There's a throb in my shoulder from a dull ache caused by being so tense. My lips are pulled taut as I force a smile at the younger curious eyes that linger on me.

Suddenly, a large man appears and gestures us to follow him on his way toward the castle. He says his name is Rubius Hagrid. His dark brown eyes peek at me through thick brows and he smiles kindly. With all first years gaze now focused on him, I no longer feel so different or alone.

The school grounds are extraordinary and it's difficult to take it all in. Finally, we are lead to the great hall where we patiently wait for Professor McGonagall to explain what's to come next. After the houses are explained, we crowed together as we await our names to be called from a long scroll of parchment.

One by one, all the first years get the sorting hat placed atop their heads before joining their proper tables. Then, last but not least, my turn arrives.

"We have a rarity with us tonight. A fourth year witch from America will now be sorted into her Hogwarts house." McGonagall's voice roams across the great hall, effectively silencing the whispers.

The professor steps forward, placing the old tattered hat upon my head. The sorting hat speaks through my different qualities, a simple voice in my head, as my eyes scan the tables of students. All eyes are watching me with anticipation...

Ah, you're a courageous one I see. Very good at standing up for what you believe to be right. You're also intelligent, very knowledgeable. Though, you do have a streak for mischief and adventure. Loyalty is a virtue that you seek in all you meet, indeed.

My eyes land on Klaus sitting in the middle-right of the Ravenclaw table. He watches me with bright eyes and a corner of his mouth is pulled in between his teeth as if he were nervous.

What a gift it is to find and observe. I know just where to put you....

"RAVENCLAW!"

Cheers erupt from the table as I make my way over. I sit a little ways away from Klaus as I'm greeted with smiles and congratulations. I look up at him and grin excitedly. I'm relieved to see him doing the same. This- yes, this is my new home.

*****

I didn't get much time to speak with Klaus after dinner. Violet came over to give me an excited squeeze before rushing away with her friends on their way to the Gryffindor common room. Then the prefect led the new students, which included me, to the astronomy tower. That's where the Ravenclaw common room resided.

After the anxious excitement of the day, I was more than happy to climb underneath the comforter and melt into the mattress. My eyes wandered over to my new school robes and blue/silver striped scarf at the end of my bed. I felt warm and content as I drifted to sleep.

The morning leaked through the windows as I dressed for the day. My clothes are accented with my house colors and my robes adorned with the Ravenclaw crest- matching the rest of my housemates. Some of the other students were already out of bed and roaming the common room while interacting with the other mates. With a final glance at my appearance, I descended the stairs.

The room is bursting with excited chatter and bustling students getting ready for the first day of classes. I scan the area and find Klaus entering from the boys staircase. "Good morning, Klaus!" I greet with enthusiasm.

"Morning, Y/n! How are you?" He asks, glancing at my new robes.

I tell him I'm doing just fine before launching into a discussion about classes. He tells me about the ones we share and says I even have a few in common with Violet. My excitement is basically bursting out of me at this point. How could it not be? Even as the day progresses and I make acquaintances with my fellow classmates, I remain with the Baudelaires. Though, in the end, Klaus and I spend the most time together.

I can't say for sure what it is but the interaction between us has become comfortable, although at times shy. It differs from our first encounter and I'm not quite certain as to why. The very idea of it makes my pulse race and my mind tick with curiosity. By the second week, I seem to catch myself seeking him out and finding relief at his witty smirks. As much as I adore my studies, I spend my free time letting Violet and Klaus entertain my interest with more knowledge about their lives. I especially love stories of their youngest sister, Sunny.

"I can tell she would like you, Y/n. As would our parents." Violet says with certainty. It fills my chest with an unexpected warmth, sending a toothy grin to stretch my cheeks. I was never really close to many, if anyone, at Ilvermorny. I never expected to feel such emotions or experience these things when coming to Hogwarts...

I glance up at Klaus and catch his gaze already trained on me. A light pink highlights his cheeks as he quickly adverts his eyes. All of this combined sends flutters through my abdomen and tingles across my skin. My involuntary reaction leaves my hands clammy and my mind racing.

Trust me, I've liked guys before but it was always a one-sided infatuation. An unrequited interest. I'm not sure how one would go about sharing that adoration, nevertheless if Klaus' behavior should be perceived as such. But if I can be certain of one thing it's that feelings change. They're unreliable and that, to be painfully honest, scares the life out of me.

I'm knocked back to reality as Hagrid approaches us with a greeting,"Hello there- Violet, Y/n and Klaus. What is it you're up to?" He towers over us and I've come to really adore the gatekeeper over the past weeks.

"Hello, Hagrid. We're just sharing memories and stories. And yourself?" I say, welcoming the interruption. Hopefully my thoughts don't leak out of me and plaster themselves across my face, tone or body language.

Hagrid bursts with a throaty chuckle, shrugging. "I was doing an errand for McGonagall when I spotted you lot. You all remind me of a group of three that used to roam these halls...Done a lot of good, they have."

His words have the feeling of dozens of memories flooding through them. Despite any explanation, I felt proud to be in the resemblance. By the way Violet straightens her back and Klaus pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, I can tell I'm not the only one.

"Say... I have some business to attend to in Diagon Alley this weekend, if you all would like to accompany me." Hagrid offers, seeming pleased with his idea.

Klaus and I accept but Violet declines. "I made other plans but you go enjoy yourselves." She says with a smile and a sly wink at her brother. I roll my eyes with a smirk before looking away, but not before I see a crimson blush dust Klaus' face. He's ridiculously cute when he's flustered. It's so different from his poised and logical side.

"Very well. I'll see you both at the front gates tomorrow." With our plans set and ready, Hagrid hurries away to finish his tasks. Left behind is our small gang of two flushed faces and a knowing look.

***

My fingers rake through the front of my hair, parting the strands to rest more on one side. The early rays of sun reflect off the mirror and illuminates my face, causing the corners of my eyes to wrinkle. Am I overthinking? I don't want to look like a fool. Maybe I'm trying too hard...

Shaking my head, I attempt to silence my sporadic thoughts. The Baudelaires have yet to see me in any casual clothing since we spend our days in uniforms. I want to be comfortable while looking nice. My pointless worries seem endless.

Finally deciding to just go with it, I make my way to the common room. Standing in the almost-vacant room is Klaus with a collared sweater and dark jeans. He must hear me approaching because his eyes snap to me before widening.

Klaus stands there for a moment, looking me over. His gaze leave goosebumps rising on my flesh and I shift at the sensation. I'm suddenly so very nervous and feeling self-conscious. "How do I look?" I ask, breaking the silence and his trance.

His mouth falls open and closed, struggling to find words. I've never seen him at a loss for conversation. "Different. Which is good. Not that you didn't look good before- I mean, you do! You did..." As his voice trails off and he nervously fidgets, I smile at him kindly.

"Thank you, Klaus."

Together we walk to meet Hagrid with an almost palpable nervousness between us. My feelings are pounding in my ears and I faintly recall trading a greeting with Hagrid before we're on our way to London. Once we arrive, things become a bit more relaxed as we wonder around with the gatekeeper. He and Klaus even begin an in-depth conversation on the studies of magical creatures. I watch the enthusiasm take over Klaus, animating his entire being. It makes me appreciate the raw form of him and I adore that.

Eventually, Hagrid has some strict Hogwarts matters to attend to and leaves after agreeing to meet up in a few hours. I smile at Klaus and he returns the gesture. "Do you want to, perhaps, grab some butterbeer?" Klaus asks.

Nodding in agreement, we weave our way through the crowds. However, the alley is thick with bodies rushing past and I lose my companion. "Klaus?" I call but I can't hear over the busy mixed with chatter. Panic starts to set in as I blindly push through with my arms out in front of me.

I don't know this area. I don't even know how to go about getting back to the castle if I were to lose them! Bodies slip past my fingers and I begin to feel sick. That's when I feel the warmth of another’s hand encasing mine. My instinct is to pull away but the grip is firm. Looking up, I see the familiar glasses protruding behind equally familiar ears. I tighten my fingers as I hold onto Klaus. He pulls me through and into the Leaky Cauldron.

The establishment isn't too crowded, which I'm immediately thankful for. Klaus is standing in front of me, hand still in my own and the other placed where my neck meets my shoulder. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" His voice is slightly high as I can hear the worry drenching every word. Seeing him here, in front of me, brings a wave of relief and I feel the emotions crash over me.

I shake my head because I can't breathe to use words. "Hey-come here," I lean into his embrace as he tells me to breathe. If the scare wasn't enough to trip the anxiety inside me, the embarrassment is what had pushed me over the edge. His warmth is soothing against my skin and I focus on the sound of his beating heart. "I'm here. You won't lose me."

My breathing slows to a steady pace but my heart continues to quickly thump in my chest. Once I've calmed, Klaus pulls back and looks at me. I feel awkward as I realize we're standing in the middle of the floor in an embrace. It must show on my face because I'm lead to an empty table. I remain quiet as he orders two butterbeers. All I can think about are his words and the fact that he continues to hold my hand, even now.

"I'm...I'm sorry for freaking out. I just got so overwhelmed- and I'm not quite familiar with these areas." I explain, feeling foolish for my behavior.

Klaus' brows furrow and he appears confused. "There is no reason to apologize. I understand and you were completely valid in your actions." I nod in a kind of thank-you motion before we fall silent.

We sit there in our own thoughts as two pints of creamy, brown liquid are placed between us. "Why are you so nice to me?" I blurt the question, completely baffled by his actions and what they may mean.

He seems to ponder this for a moment before looking into my eyes. With a deep inhale, he admits, "Because I like you, Y/n. A lot."

"Why?" I ask, astonished. I need to know what he saw in me.

Shaking his head with a smile, he says, "You're caring and smart. You accept what life has to offer. You throw your head back when you laugh and your nose crinkles when you smile. You tuck your bottom lip between your teeth when you're trying to hide how you're feeling...Above all, these things put together makes you who you are. I adore that person and it completely captivates me. It also puzzles me. There's so much to know about you and It's the greatest adventure I've come to learn."

I hadn't realized I was holding my breath until I released it. What he confessed, the way he's looking at me- everything. I realize that I feel the same. That I couldn't have said it more beautifully than he just has in that moment. "I like you, Klaus. I think I have for a while now." Admitting this feels as if I were filled with helium and I'm afraid I'll float away with this light feeling.

Klaus' eyes soften and a shy smile plays on his lips. Our butterbeer slowly dwindles as we speak of our lives in much more detail. It feels familiar and comfortable with added excitement of our new found emotions. It feels safe- like taking on the world with your best friend at your side. Because that's exactly what it is.

Before we know it, the time to meet back up with Hagid arrives. We pay for our drinks and stroll through the crowds. Our hands are intertwined and we exchange happy glances on the way, albeit shy. Hagrid comes into view and he flags us down. "You're a cheery bunch." He comments with a pointed look at our hands.

I feel my face flush but I'm not disappointed when I scan Klaus' features to see the light pink resting there. He squeezes my hand reassuringly and it washes a sense of calm over me. Underneath the pink of his face, he wears a proud and relaxed expression. It makes my stomach flip in a wonderful way.

There's so much that could happen as we head together, hand-in-hand, into the unknown future. Klaus promises that we will sort things out as they arise and I believe- I trust him. Hogwarts is my home in so many ways I hadn't known before. It will forever be the place where I found my family.

Me and the Baudelaires against the world.

Masterlist Here

A/N: Over a year ago I finished A Series Of Unfortunate Events and wrote these stories. I hope it’s not too bad...eh heh. Thank you to my 300+ followers that have remained during my absence! Xx - Ellie-Mae