#Aiden DESERVES this happiness!!

[aiza-luna]

WATCH DOGS UNDERWORLD: The Fox and the Hound.

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"This is who we are, you and I. Two wounded animals. Who, in the mids of the hurt, managed to crawl to each other..."

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PEOPLE LOOK AT THIS!!! LOOK!! LOOK AT THIS DRAWING MADE BY MY HOMIE "Anonyamato" ON INSTAGRAM!! 🥹🫶🏽

The link to her account, go check her out: https://www.instagram.com/anonyamato?igsh=MjhzcjFpbW5ta2Vw

SHE DREW MY BELOVED SHIP AIDROWA!! (Aiden x Morowa) our favorite Irish Vigilante from Chicago and his Ghanaian Hitwoman partner (soon lover) from New York City!! 🦊🐶

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Yes I'm a pathetic fangirl for them bc I love, love, LOVE their romance!! They live in my mind rant free!! Look at how gorgeous they are together!! 🥹🥹🥹

There is nothing much to add except: THEM YOUR HONOR, ONLY THEM!! 😭😭😭🩵🩵🩵

I couldn't help but post this drawing, hope you guys enjoy it! 🙏🏽🩵

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[vanisa-ray]

GUYS.

I WAS TODAY YEARS OLD

WHEN I FOUND OUT

THAT SCHOOL BUS GRAVEYARD

IS GETTING A TV SHOW!

[iamumbra195]

Do you ever think about how Ben chose not to speak ever again?

About how he probably tried to sing over and over again when he was all by himself, hoping that one day his voice wouldn't break in such a horrible way when singing a song he used to love before finally giving up because he couldn't stand the sound of his voice anymore?

About how he lost his outlet for stress so he fell into a depression that festered into a rage, all-consuming yet never filling that hole left in his heart?

About how he'd lost his way after being forced to realize letting his anger consume him would have consequences on the people he cared about?

About how he probably felt so alone when his parents sent him to live with his aunt and uncle, thinking his parents had given up on him despite them trying to tell him they were doing it for his own good?

About how he'd found a guiding light in the darkness, a purpose in following Aiden-- someone who was reckless and lived life like there was no tomorrow, someone he knew would always have his back, protecting him just as he did them, someone who would fill the stifling silence with mindless chatter?

About how he's managed to still be so overwhelmingly kind and gentle despite everything he'd gone through?

Because I do.

[marshalllir]

After all these years of prayers and sacrifices, have we finally been given a live lieutenant Rowe, and even with a gun?

🥹❤️‍🩹

[dicktat]

June bride season

[krenia]

"Finally it charged time to transfer the Marie piece and finish all the shipart—"

*random Aiden 30 minute [something] instead appearing*

[a-vicious-faithless-angel]

Ok ok so just like alright um so yall I just ok alright,,,hear me out... Now I'm honestly debating on posting this simply cuz,,,,idfk I got anxiety n shit even tho.....I should honestly not care anyway not the point.

These guys....as lovers [Mind blown ik] I have so many thoughts...Like I already talked about their relationships with each other but I wanna go into different detail yknow? Like all together, I think these guys do really love each other, they've grown to really care and give a shit since they just have each other [Sorry I will never not mention how they only have each other yall] When I think of them as a whole its just a bundle of platonic dudes happily together <3 Who learn to be close with each other, that rely on that closeness as a source of comfort...God the thoughts...

But, honestly I dont even remember what prompted to put 2 n 2 together but I've thought a lot about Woods + Hackett as well as Dauda + Bishop [Idk if my last gtfo post was kinda telling or the post with just Bishop n Dauda] Anyway those 2 kinda plagued my mind, of course I think of all of them and or the other relationships but I just,,,,kinda wanna talk about that stuff yknow?

Woods n Hackett....gosh theyre so silly to me, I could go into my headcanons n everything another time [cuz some of those hcs hng ideas behind them hi yall] They're....not soft lovers but in their own way they are...Call it enemies to friends to lovers whatever you want I don't think they started off entirely liking each other, Hacketts sarcastic remarks kinda being.....a little jarring considering where they where! However like the rest of them, you grow used to it, expecting it. I believe Hackett was the 1 to really express his feelings n ask, Woods agreeing despite some internal thoughts [Hi] When I think of them, I think of them seeking each other, fighting away isolation. I think of tracing of skin, tenderly with rough calloused hands. I think of hidden kisses, hidden from the others, not out of fear but Woods preferring the privacy when he shows his affection. Theres the hesitation of being more intimate, of whispering those words, its been so long.

Dauda n Bishop are really interesting to me simply because I believe Bishop didn't develop and tried to push away those feelings at first but boy! You ain't leaving any of them for awhile! Better get used to this! No lol but seriously, there was already distrust and general distance he tried to put between himself and the others but after awhile, after all of those rundowns,,,slowly you open up, you lower that wall and let some people in. But someone more intimate like that? Fucking terrifying, big no no, nuhuh nope! He cares, and he will express his care in.....ways [aka sometimes being an ass!] But when I think of it, there's a lot of unknown, unfamiliar territory, almost like he's crossing a boundary, alas Dauda's a patient man who loves this pragmatic bald British boyfriend! He's patient with affection, allowing Bishop to go and test the waters. Holding hands, cupping faces, soft whispers shared when alone, of encouragement, of love, of hope.

When I think of them I think of "its been so long since I've last felt this/done this" Trust in someone they barely know, yet feel like they've known for years now. ...<3 Do I think the others will catch each other doing this? Yes absolutely. Do I think sometimes they joke about it n give them a hard time? Absolutely you know it; you cannot tell me Bishop would be getting on Hackett n Woods on a mission cuz they're off in another room being the worlds most quietest queers right then

[harukaluvr]

I HATE U

[aiza-luna]

OP YOU'RE NOT INVITED TO MY WATCH DOGS THEMED PARTY-

They could be a happy family

[cutielando]

runaway bride | charles leclerc

synopsis: in which he saves you from making a mistake

a/n: based on this request!

my masterlist

The soft music echoed through the church hall, making you let out a deep breath.

There you stood, in front of the huge double oak doors, waiting for the moment to finally walk down the aisle and marry Aiden, your boyfriend of 2 years.

After you had broken up with Charles, you didn't think you would ever find the same kind of love again. The bond that you shared with the Monegasque was something so strong and beautiful, you thought it was for life.

Then, you met Aiden.

He was sweet, kind, understanding, loving. He was an incredible guy, a guy who took care of you, who respected you and who made sure you were safe and taken care of.

However, deep into your heart, you knew the truth that nobody could ever change: he wasn't Charles.

He didn't make you feel the same things that Charles could, he didn't make you feel alive, like every fiber of your being was on fire, he wasn't as passionate and intense as Charles was.

He was just...Aiden.

But you felt comfort that you hadn't felt in a long time, which was the primary reason why you had accepted his proposal. He offered you safety, offered you comfort and stability.

You would learn how to truly love him down the line.

Or so you tried to convince yourself whenever you would get cold feet about going through with the wedding.

"Are you ready?" your father's voice suddenly pulled you back to reality, the oak doors now open, the entire hall looking at the two of you.

You smiled tightly and nodded, looping your arm through his as you slowly started walking towards the aisle.

Watching all the guests around you, a sort of guilt settled deep inside of your gut.

All these people, all of your families having gathered here today to watch you and Aiden get married, watching you supposedly seal your fate and look to a 'happy' future with him.

Not knowing that, deep inside, you knew it was anything but that.

Upon reaching the altar, your father gave you away to Aiden, who took your hand and helped you up the steps.

"You look beautiful" he whispered, his eyes twinkling.

You smiled, trying to make it look as natural as possible.

He didn't deserve this, you knew that. He deserved to be getting married to someone who truly loved him, who wanted him just as much as he wanted you.

But that person wasn't you, and it was probably very selfish of you to go through with the wedding while knowing that your heart belonged to someone else.

What choice did you have, though?

All of these people, your entire families, waiting for this day for months. Aiden, finally happy to have found his one true love.

How could you possibly ruin that?

"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the wedding of Y/N Y/LN and Aiden Becker" the bishop started, prompting the entire wedding hall to sit down and listen with eager.

You didn't hear anything else after that, your feelings all over the place as you looked anywhere but Aiden's eyes.

The church was silent, all oblivious to the internal turmoil you were having before their eyes. Your mother couldn't keep her eyes off of you, and once you had made eye contact with her, you could have sworn that she nodded slightly, a look of understanding in her eyes.

She knew, probably better than anyone, about your conflicting feelings for both Aiden and Charles. She knew how hard it was for you when you and Charles broke up, and she knew that Aiden would never measure up to the way Charles made you feel. She was your mother, after all. She knew you better than anyone.

Out of the corner of your eye, suddenly, you saw movement at the far end of the room, right by the big oak doors you had walked through mere moments before.

Your heart started beating out of your chest as you saw who it was.

Him.

He was standing there in a clad black Ferrari suit, his hands in his pockets, not moving an inch.

Your eyes widened slightly, fixated on his figure standing a mere few feet away from you. He didn't make any move to walk closer, to actually enter the church hall.

He just stood there, his eyes widening in awe as he took you in, tears slowly welling up in his eyes.

Your stomach was in shambles as you couldn't tear your eyes away from him. He was just as beautiful as you had remembered, his eyes just as kind as they used to be.

All kinds of emotions were running through you, making your head spin and your nerves go into overdrive.

Why did he do this? Why did he show up on what was supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Why did he have to show up at your wedding?

Maybe because he knew you would leave Aiden behind and run to him, you thought to yourself.

"Y/N? Is everything okay?" the priest's voice suddenly made you whip your head around.

The entire hall was staring at you, Aiden looked concerned and was looking at you with a worried expression, and nobody had seemed to have seen Charles standing right outside the doors.

"I, um, I..." you croaked, not being able to find your words.

You looked around once again, Charles' figure giving you a sad smile before he slowly began to retreat, up until he was now out of sight.

Desperately searching for a sign on what to do, your eyes gravitated towards your mother, hoping you would be able to communicate with her through your eyes.

And there she was, smiling subtly at you, her eyes sparkling as she gave you a very tiny nod.

That was all the confirmation that you had needed.

You looked back at Aiden, who had an expression like he knew exactly what was about to happen and he knew it had been a long time coming.

"I'm so sorry, Aiden" you whispered, slowly letting go of his hands before you sprinted out of the church hall, leaving behind you dozens of shocked guests.

You quickly ran out of the church, bursting through the front doors and stepping out into the warm summer day.

And then, there he was.

Leaning against his car right in front of the church, his hands crossed against his chest.

And he was smiling.

For a little while, neither of you knew what to say. You had just left your future husband at the altar for him, and he had just shown up at his ex-girlfriend's wedding.

What could a person even say in this situation?

"What are you doing here?" that was the best you could muster up, your voice not louder than a soft whisper.

Charles could only imagine how you must be feeling.

Years after you guys broke up, on the happiest day of your new life, he decides to show up. He knew it was going to be a very long shot, and he was aware that it was extremely rude of him to be showing up at your wedding.

But he couldn't help himself.

He couldn't bear the thought of ever seeing you married to someone else, someone who wasn't him.

Just like he couldn't bear not being with you any longer.

"I couldn't let you go through with the wedding" he said, his expression now somber.

He knew he was already pushing his luck, but he had already ruined your wedding. What more harm could he do?

Dozens of emotions were cursing through your veins, some of which you couldn't even identify.

Hurt? Anger? Disbelief? Disappointment in yourself? Longing for what you once had with Charles? Guilt over a thrown-away future with a great man?

But even in the midst of all the confusing emotions, there was one that stood out between the sea of doubt, clear like a new day.

Your unwavering love for Charles.

A feeling that has not changed from the beginning.

"Why now?" you whispered, your shoulders sagging in defeat.

There was no point in trying to act like you weren't so glad to see him, like your heart wasn't beating out of your chest as you stood in front of him, like you weren't dying to be in his arms after such a long time.

Charles sighed and pushed himself off the car, taking a few steps closer to you until he was almost chest-to-chest with you.

Your breath hitched as you felt the warmth of his body against yours for the first time in years. You had missed it so much, so much more than you had ever admitted to yourself.

"I've spent the past couple of years kicking myself for making the mistake of pushing you away from me. I've never forgiven myself for the way our relationship ended, and I don't think I'll ever be able to put into words just how sorry I am. The moment I found out you were marrying someone else, I couldn't not do anything. I know I sound selfish, and I know it's not fair of me to barge in like this, but if there was even a tiny chance that you might still feel the same way about me, I had to take it" he said, and as you stared into his eyes, you couldn't see even a sign of dishonesty.

He was being real, he was being brutally honest, probably more honest than he had ever been with you before.

And he was completely right, which was probably the worst thing about the whole situation. He was right, you did still love him just as deeply as you had before. And deep down, you probably had hoped that he would show up and save you from making a mistake by marrying Aiden.

"You've always had a flair for the dramatic, you know" you said, hoping the joke would lighten up the atmosphere.

Charles chuckled, nodding his head. He looked up at you again, his eyes sparkling with a sliver of hope.

"Do you want to go somewhere quiet and talk about this?" he asked, a deeper, hidden meaning planted behind his words.

You drew in a breath, but didn't feel any pain or heaviness in your chest. All you felt was peace, peace and love for the man standing right before you.

"Yeah, I'd like that" you said, smiling before giving him your hand, which he gladly took.

And that's how you found yourself sitting in the passenger seat of his Ferrari, his hand tightly holding onto yours, driving away from the church and ceremony that was supposed to change your life.

But why change it when you had everything you had ever wanted for, right in this car?

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[coolprettyleo]

be in my heart? - will smith

wc: 1.2k

tw: depression, anxiety, family angst? therapy, episodes, mental health, etc?

will smith x oc celebrini sister!

this is me trying au

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lola's summer had been going fine. she would never admit it out loud, but she was finally seeing a therapist who was actually helping her work through her dark thoughts.

she was prescribed anti-depressants, and they had definitely helped with her mood, but she had reason to think a certain curly-haired blonde was also contributing to her overall newfound happiness.

the two had been texting, calling, and facetiming any time either of them had the chance, and the girl wasn't in any way complaining. he had been making her feel things she hadn't felt in a long time, making her realize she had been longing for that feeling.

she was currently sitting at dinner with her parents and brothers as she texted will with pink cheeks and a cheesy smile, occasionally letting out little giggles at the stupid videos he would send the girl. her brothers looked at each other with knowing eyes before smirking.

"lola," aiden said in a sing-song tone as she let out a 'hmm', eyes still glued to her phone.

"who are you texting" their little sister, charlie, smirked, joining in on the teasing.

"no one. stop looking at my phone," she said moodily, pushing her sister's head away. and finally putting her phone down.

"a little birdy told me something a few days ago." macklin smiled. her father looked between the siblings hoping to gosh they wouldn't set his daughter off.

"shut up," she said with a glare, picking up on the fact he had somehow heard of her and will.

had he been telling people?

maybe it was all some kind of joke.

her insecurities began to creep up and claw at her skin, quickly.

"c'mon, it's not bad, but imagine my surprise when I had to hear it from a stranger at the combine" he kept teasing while her sibling snickered, while lola glared.

"boys, stop bothering your sister" her father let out. knowing it wasn't long till they set her off.

"lola, how's it going with you and will?" her mother asked cluelessly asked when she came back from the bathroom. the siblings letting out laughs and 'there it is' while the girl turned pink.

"good" she mumbled playing with the bread

"that's wonderful; I have a feeling about that boy; I like him," her mother said as she took a bite out of the bread.

"me too. lola's not as mean anymore," her little brother joked as her family nodded and laughed, not knowing the spiral that little comment was about to send his oldest sister to.

lola looked at her brother with furrowed eyebrows as she excused herself and basically sprinted to the nearest bathroom. she locked the door before taking a good, long, and hard look in the mirror. seeing nothing but a shell of the person she used to be. the person her siblings used to know. the girl who would hang out with them, drive them places, and play video games, was no longer there; instead, it was a heartless bitch, and they knew and saw that.

in no way did she ever think about how they must have felt. she thought back to every time she unknowingly probably hurt their feelings. when she told charlie 'hell no' to the idea of a sleepover at her new apartment. or that time she couldn't get herself out of bed and missed RJ's sixth-grade promotion that he begged her to go to, or when she refused to fly to boston to see her brothers when they moved away. all those things added up, and it was no wonder they had deemed her mean. she deserved it.

she sniffled as she saw a call from will incoming. she cleared up her voice before answering.

"hello?" she tried her best to sound fine.

"lo? are you okay?" will say right away, hearing the shakiness in her voice.

"not really," she answered with a sniffle as she saw that will was trying to facetime her.

"what happened?" he asked worriedly. the two had been texting for weeks now, and he had finally got the girl to open up to him, so he knew she went through episodes; he just didn't think he could ever get used to seeing them.

"it's literally stupid-"

"it's not stupid if it's making you cry," he told her as she sighed.

"i'm at dinner with my family, and you know how family is. they're nosy. they started asking about you and they said something that really hurt my feelings, and now I'm crying in the bathroom"

"about me? do they not like me?" he said feeling a bit insecure.

"no, it's not you. they love you-- it's just RJ made a joke and said that ever since we've been like a thing, I haven't been as mean. and I know he only meant it as a joke, but it really hurt my feelings but I mean, I deserve it-" she sniffled, looking away from the camera.

"don't say that. you're not mean-" he stopped the girl

"compared to the old me, i am," she said

"there's no 'old me,' lola; people grow up and evolve. and if anything they know you better than anyone, they understand you're not okay all the time-"

"I don't think RJ and charlie do. they're younger they wouldn't understand it-"

"you're not giving them enough credit. from the stories you've told me they sound pretty smart," he said as she sighed.

"i feel like you always know what to say," she said

"i try," he said with a cheeky smile that made the girl giggle.

"this is embarrassing. I look like shit," she said, realizing her eyes were puffy and red.

"you're beautiful, and if I have to spend every hour in the world telling you that till it's engraved in your mind, I will," he said as lola turned a light shade of pink.

"stop," she said, covering her face as she heard will chuckle.

"i'm really excited for next week," she said dreamily as she stared into the phone. will and his family were planning to visit san jose, to scout apartments and that meant a reunion for the two growing lovebirds.

"me too. you have to take me to all your favorite spots" he said as she nodded.

she was cut off when she heard her mother's voice come from the other side of the door.

"lola honey, are you in there?"

"i'll call you later. bye beautiful," will said as she waved goodbye to him before hanging up.

she stood up and opened the door to see her mother's worried face.

"i'm sorry if we bothered you, i can have the car take you home, or even back to your apartment if you want to be alone-" her mother was cut off as lola threw her arms around her.

"I love you, mom. I'm sorry," she said softly as her mother hugged her back.

"sorry for what?" she asked concernedly

"just, for everything. i know i'm not the easiest to deal with, and for that I'm just sorry" she said as her mother shook her head

"you were never something i had to 'deal' with. I love you, and I just want you to be okay," she told her daughter before squeezing her again.

"me too," she said into her mother's neck. promising herself to change her ways. hoping to god he'd help her accomplish that promise.

[percyweasleyapologist]

500 Followers Event!! (Intro Post)

first of all, I just want to say that 500 followers is insane and im so so so thankful for each and every one of you <3

So yeah, i wanted to do something to celebrate this because I think the last one I did was awhile back at 200 and i'm super happy about this and just thought y'all deserved it :3

Rules:

You can do as many as you want

PLEASE send each thing in separate asks!

try to send the whole question if possible!! (its just easier for me to not have to go back and check <3)

for moots you don't have to tell me about yourself if we already talk!!

Ends on February 28 :)

Followers + Mutuals (for moots you don't need to tell me about yourself unless you want to)

☕ — tell me about yourself and I'll assign you an aesthetic

🩵 — tell me a bit about yourself and I'll ship you (platonically or romantically) with a character from one of my fandoms (see intro post)

🪼 — tell me a bit about yourself and I'll give you an animal you remind me of!

📜— ask me anything about myself, literally anything, and I'll answer!

🖋️ — Give me a character/ship/group and I'll give you a head canon that I have for it!

🌌 — I make you a moodboard for a character/ship (platonic or romantic)/group!

🫧 — A color that you/your blog/your character/ship reminds me off!

🪬 — I assign you a greek god/ godess that you/your blog/character remind me off

🕰 — Tell me about yourself and I'll assign u a character from one of my fandoms (check intro post)

🌊 — Tell me about yourself and I'll assign you a flower <3

Mutuals Only

🌃 — I'll make you a moodboard based on how I see you!

🦕 — I tell you my favourite things about you!

💿 — I'll give you 5 songs you remind me of!

🗝 — I'll tell you a very specific thing that you remind me of

🎞 — I'll make a Pinterest board for you ship/character/group of choice!! (this one may take a bit, so please be patient)

tagging some moots bc I love you all <3:

@callmesel @sarkylittlemonster @yesiamprocrastinating @grimst4rs @perciver4ever @that-bitch-kat3 @enervapotter @ablique @postsbycass @incurably-cynical @weasleywood @superheroboybnd @bisexual-biohazard5 @rn-107 @aeoneskova @williswhellis @starsarestories @birdiebirday @nourinzz @cch3rrybomb @klarolinexluv @meeko101209 @starving-marauder-lover @clodyghost @starkayezer @printershorts @mikalilys @sspadfoot @aceofspades42 @elisedonut @guess1mjustheren0w @chocoochino @bibeantransbean @moonandstarshangoutinbars @aidens-ocean-galaxy @ashstillalive @xenointhewild @sadnappo @lesbian-disaster-tm @lirenthenonlyrist @cepheusafterdusk @mairon-goth-minion @vulcajes @perciverthoughts @in-a-different-timeline @equippedtolove @icrytomyownpoetry @danaris112 @caffinated-gatekeeper @blueberry0409 @residentdisaster

[intersexfairy]

trans people, especially transmascs in the US, if you are triggered by violence and transphobia... do yourself a favor now and blacklist the terms "audrey hale," "aiden hale," "nashville," and "shooting" on every platform you can. do not look at the posts or articles. don't. it's okay to not know. there are others who can know about this without harming/endangering their health.

to those who already know and aren't okay. i know you're scared; i am too, and the feeling will pass. you're not alone. you deserve a happy, safe, joyous life, and there will always be people fighting for you, even when you can't see them or hear them or know them. please be gentle with yourself, and know your wellbeing comes first. do something comforting, talk to a friend, eat something yummy. breathe. sleep. you got this.

[ryanclaremont]

the start of firsts.

Ryan's unpacked more than she thought she would, in fact, there's only two boxes left out of the pile that was stacked in the corner. She's still poking around, looking for an apartment but things got side tracked with how busy work as been. The club has been doing fantastic and with that means a bit more time spent making sure they have what they need to keep it going. Ryan doesn't mind, she never does, to put her all into something she cares about... for people for cares about.

But there's a pleasant surprise with Rowan coming to spend the night as Aiden is going on a date. That really sparks interest for Ryan, curious about this kindergarten teacher and how she's opened up Aiden again. He deserves it, he deserves that happiness and while it's incredibly early, she hopes it works out to something.

"I'm here!" Rowan calls and Ryan laughs softly as she finishes braiding her hair. She can hear small footsteps roaming around, then Aiden's voice telling Rowan to take off his wet shoes.

[outcastpack]

The photographer and that damn Cocky Model

(A sorta enemies to lovers)

Liam Dunbar couldn't stand this job with a passion, having to work with Theo damn Raeken. He hated that the guy didn't take anything seriously and somehow always looked good in his photos, no matter how many times he purposely ruined the shoot.

The cocky smirk, the teasing smiles. The frame perfect clothing, and the abs showcased on the shirtless pictures. The captivating colour changing green eyes.

He hated that his best work was of Theo.

He couldn't wait for this job to be over and be out of Theo’s life. Now, if only he could stop jumping into bed with the teasing prick.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST TEALENTED ARTIST I KNOW AND GUY I SHARE ONE OF THREE BRAINCELLS @de-constructmybones I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING DAY AIDEN AND STAY THE AMAZING PERSON YOU ARE

This wasn't exactly matching what I had mentioned yesterday, BUT I hope you like it anyway. (Not my best work, and may redo this later for the better quality yall deserve)

[shy-urban-hobbit]

Have some Aiden & Kid!Jaskier interaction!!

"It's you!"

Aiden turned his attention towards where Jaskier was sat by the fire alongside the wolves, the bard's face a strange mixture of disbelief and elation, as was his scent. Aiden crinkled his nose slightly as he fought back the urge to sneeze or cough at the unfamiliar combination being directed at him.

"Yeah, it's me. Happy to see you too?" Aiden ventured, despite the fact that it couldn't have been more than an hour since they'd last seen each other. Aiden had gone back out into the courtyard after dinner to run some drills, despite the harsh weather, and get rid of the excess energy he could already feel building up. Vesemir was gracious enough to refer to it as 'extra training' and not act like it was a necessity if they all wanted Aiden to avoid getting so restless he literally started climbing the walls.

"No! I mean...I didn't realise before now until I saw you silhouetted like that with your swords and everything, but it's you!"

Aiden suddenly found himself with a limpet of a bard hanging off him, determined to cling despite the rainwater which now soaked both of them.

"Jaskier, I-"

"Oh right. You probably don't remember, what am I saying, of course you don't - Jaskier you fucking idiot. It's been thirty years, no doubt you've lost count of how many humans you've dealt with in the meantime. But-"

"Jaskier." Lambert huffed out from where he was dozing on the fur which acted as a hearth rug, not even bothering to open his eyes, "Let Aiden go dry off and then maybe some context to go with your twittering, Birdie."

By the time Aiden returned, Jaskier's excitement was enough that even the Wolves were giving him their full attention as he re-entered the main hall. Eskel and Geralt's books lay abandoned on a side table while a now awake Lambert was sat leaning against the wall by the hearth. He pulled Aiden down to sit next to him, the fire hot stone through his thick, wool shirt creating a pleasant warmth against his back.

"Alright then." Jaskier started from where he was sat cross legged in one of the old armchairs, leaning forwards as he once again addressed Aiden directly, "Before I start, do you remember anything about a night in Lettenhove thirty years ago. At the Viscount's estate."

Aiden shook his head, although something about this was starting to niggle the back of his mind.

"Name of Panktratz. Little boy, around six years old?" Jaskier continued, eyes growing sadder as it became clear this memory was potentially very one-sided, "Somehow convinced you to-"

He wasn't sure if it was the name or the wide-eyed look the man was throwing him, but Aiden felt something suddenly tumble into place. "Wait, I do remember that night!"

Aiden fought back a growl as he took in the various toys littering the floor, the miniature four poster bed...whose occupant was an even smaller lump under the covers.

That son of a bitch! That slimy twat had hired him to 'take care' of his nephew so he'd be next in line for the title instead, implying the whole time that his relative wasn't exactly deserving of the title. Aiden had accepted the job - what difference did the inner squabblings of Nobility make to him afterall.

In hindsight he probably should have asked more questions but he didn't have a copper coin to his name and this guy had paid upfront; enough for him to be able to eat regularly and maintain his gear for the foreseeable. He started planning after his employer graciously provided him with a blueprint of the estate and pointed out the targets rooms. He'd failed to mention however, that said target looked to be scarcely old enough to wield that wooden sword properly, nevermind any degree of power.

Fuck it. He should stay as far away from this potential mess as possible. It was bad enough when their employers pointed the finger of blame at them when they assassinated an adult, but a child? That was a complication none of them needed. Mind made up, he turned to climb back out of the window (which had been concerningly easy to coax open from the other side), making sure hood and mask were still firmly in place.

"Hello."

Aiden froze. Speaking of complications....

Rookie mistake! He'd been so caught up in everything else he'd forgotten to keep one ear focused on the other heartbeat in the room. He ran through possible scenarios: he could do what he'd been paid to do, but now the kid was awake there was every chance he'd scream and alert the house before Aiden could even lift a finger. Same potential problem if he tried to leave. He could always cast somne...

"You're a Witcher aren't you? I can see the shape of your swords!" Aiden's nose twitched at the boys scent. Strange. Even through the cloth covering the lower half of his face he could tell the boy didn't smell afraid. He smelled excited, happy even?

"I know all about Witchers. You keep us safe from monsters. Is that why you're here, is there a monster in my room?" The small voice turned slightly fretful as a faint whiff of fear started to sour the air - yet more strangeness in the fact that it was due to imagined monsters rather than him.

Aiden dared to turn and look, something about this child's initial boldness piquing his curiousity (who the hell starts questioning a stranger in their room instead of screaming the place down?). A small boy stared back at him with large eyes as he clutched the soft looking sheets to him like a shield as he curled up in the centre of the bed. "My Uncle Desmond says that monsters like to come out at night and eat little boys. I don't like him. He's mean."

Aiden gave a bittersweet smile at the pout he could see on the little face.

'Oh. You have no idea just how mean, kid.' He thought to himself.

"No, no monsters here. Go back to sleep."

The boys pout turned into a frown, "You didn't even look."

"Because I don't need to."

"Please, Mister Witcher." His bottom lip wobbled in a practiced tremble as his eyes grew even bigger.

Aiden bit back another smile. Kid was good, he'd give him that. Such audacity deserved some sort of reward.

"Alright. One very quick monster check, then you go to sleep. Deal?"

The boy nodded enthusiastically, "My name's Julian, by the way."

"I don't care."

"...are you going to tell me yours?"

"No."

"Can I see your swords?"

"No."

"How about your-"

"How about no talking until we make absolutely sure there's nothing waiting in your wardrobe?"

Turns out the only monstrous thing in Julian's wardrobe was a few hideous combinations of frills and lace. Behind the curtains yielded nothing, as did underneath the bed.

"Ok. Now you hold up your end of the deal and go to sleep."

Julian scowled at him in response from where he was now stood up on the feather mattress to watch rather than huddled under the sheets, arms crossed expectantly.

"What?"

"You're supposed to say sweet dreams."

Aiden blinked at him before replying "Sweet dreams." Monotonously.

"Tuck me in?"

Aiden cast the sign for somne, Julian's body flopping down before he'd even finished. Cheeky little fuck would've been wanting a lullaby next. Still, it wouldn't do for him to get cold, there was no fireplace in this room after all. He grabbed the quilt from the bottom of the bed, not bothering to straighten it as it fell haphazardly over the small body before doing what he should have done thirty minutes ago and taking his leave back through the window.

"I told my parents about you the next morning. They didn't believe me of course. Said it was probably just a dream and that if there had been a Witcher in my room I'd be dead. Although, I suppose that explains why my Uncle Desmond looked apoplectic when I came down to breakfast. I never knew he'd hired you to, you know." He flicked a hand across his neck in a throat cutting motion. "Why didn't you by the way? Not that I'm saying I wish you had or anything. I was a human child, you could've killed me multiple times as easily as scratching an itch but you didn't. Why?"

Aiden's features settled into a frown, "Oh trust me, if your Uncle had waited ten more years it probably would've been a very different outcome. As it is, once I had all the facts, I just decided against accepting a contract on a kid. The one who offered me the contract however..."

Jaskiers eyebrows shot up as he shuffled further forwards, "Are you saying you offed my uncle? He did just sort of... disappear."

"Not exactly. I merely broke back in and left evidence of what he'd planned somewhere I knew the current Viscount would find it. What he chose to do with that I had no involvement in. If he just so happened to be on the lookout for an assassin and I was coincidentally still in the area, well...no Witcher is ever going to turn down such well paying jobs so close together."

Jaskier laughed, causing the wolves to look at him in shock, "Oh don't look like that. I didn't learn the extent of it until I was older but besides trying to murder me he was an absolute cock. Definitely not somebody you'd want in charge of anything!"

"The ones that desperate for power usually aren't." Eskel mused, Lambert raised his cup in agreement.

"You know, I'm so happy that Geralt ended up being the Witcher I ran into in Posada. But when I started out from Oxenfurt, I was actually looking for you."

Aiden straightened up in slight surprise, "Why?"

"Because I wanted to do this." Jaskier got down on the floor and once again wrapped his arms around Aiden, the Witcher returning the hug this time.

"Thanks." Jaskier muttered, "For humouring a scared, probably irritating as hell, little boy."

Aiden tightened his hold slightly, "You're welcome, Julian."