#Fourth Wing

[ineednewdaggers]

...Is it just me or does this actually scream Sawyer? (and possibly mutters Garrick as well?)

*guy who is very clearly going through. something* oh yknow. just a little tired haha

[rosalynnart]

Xaden x Violet's height difference, you're welcome 😏

[fourth-wing-stories]

Breaking Point

Pairing: Ridoc x reader

Summary: RSC training goes hard on you and Ridoc is forced to watch.

Masterlist

The cold metal chair creaked as you were chained beside Ridoc, your wrists bound tightly to the arms of the seat. It was supposed to be another day of training—Basgiath’s brutal test to see if you can endure torture—but your heart pounded in your chest. You glanced at Ridoc, who was already looking at you with a small, playful smirk.

“Hey, at least we’re getting some quality time together, right?” he joked, his usual grin plastered on his face, trying to keep things light. “Just you, me, and a couple of sadists. Romantic, really.”

Despite the situation, a weak smile tugged at your lips. Ridoc’s jokes always had a way of easing the tension, no matter how dire things got. You knew he was trying to keep you calm, and for a moment, it worked. He leaned back casually in his chair, as though he wasn’t bound, his carefree attitude on full display.

“So,” Ridoc said, his voice light, “what’s the odds on me walking out of here with all my teeth intact? I give it, 50-50.” he said with a laugh.

“Gamlyn,” one of the cadets sneered, stepping forward, ignoring his banter. “You won’t be laughing for long.”

“So cliche,” Ridoc muttered. He glanced at me again, this time with a rolling his eyes.

The first punch came without warning, aimed square at his jaw. Ridoc rolled with the hit, groaning theatrically. “Nice. Is that all you’ve got? You know if you rotate your body more, you can get more power.”

I couldn’t help the small, breathless laugh that escaped me. He was always trying to make light of things, even now.

The cadets exchanged looks, clearly annoyed at how unaffected he seemed. But Ridoc wasn’t their only target today. I saw one of them shift their attention to me, a slow, malicious grin spreading across their face.

“Maybe we need to change tactics with this one,” one of them said, looking at Ridoc then his eyes landing on me.

“Maybe��Gamlyn needs a little more motivation.”

Before I could react, a heavy blow landed against my side, knocking the wind out of me. I gasped, struggling to stay upright, the pain radiating through my ribs.

Ridoc’s smile faltered. “Hey, come on,” he called out, his voice tight. “That’s low."

Ridoc's eyes flickered to you, his grin slipping slightly. “You good over there? You want me to tell them to ease up? I mean, I’ve seen you take worse hits, but I don’t want to bruise that pretty face.”

The cadets ignored him, hitting me again. This time, it was harder, and I could barely breathe. I saw Ridoc’s hands grip the arms of his chair, his knuckles white.

“Cut it out,” he growled, his voice losing the playful edge. “I mean it. Stop.”

The cadet’s eyes gleamed with sadistic satisfaction as they watched you suffer. “Looks like your partner here doesn’t enjoy the show,” one of them sneered, glancing over at Ridoc. “Not so funny now, is it?”

A fist connected with my stomach, and I doubled over, the pain blinding. I could hear Ridoc shouting, but everything was starting to blur. His voice sounded distant, like it was underwater.

“Stop hurting her! Leave her alone, damn it!” His desperation was clear now, all the joking gone. He was losing control, and I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us.

But the cadets just laughed, pleased with themselves. “What’s wrong, Gamlyn? You can take a beating, but not her?”

Another hit, and everything went black.

---

When I came to, the world felt distant, hazy. My body ached all over, but it was the sharp, rhythmic pain in my ribs that brought me back to reality. I blinked, my eyes struggling to focus on the unfamiliar ceiling above me. It took a few moments before I realized I was in a hospital bed.

I shifted slightly, groaning from the effort. That’s when I noticed a warm pressure on my hand.

I turned my head and saw Ridoc slumped in the chair beside me, fast asleep. His head rested against the back of the chair, his hand tightly wrapped around mine, like he’d been holding on for dear life. There was no sign of the cocky, grinning guy I was used to. Instead, he looked exhausted, his face pale and drawn.

I stared at him, my heart swelling with a mixture of emotions—relief, gratitude, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite name. Despite everything, he hadn’t left my side.

I squeezed his hand gently, and he stirred, blinking awake. The moment his eyes met mine, the tension in his body seemed to melt away.

“You’re awake,” he said softly, his voice rough with exhaustion. He leaned forward, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “I was so worried…”

I gave him a small, tired smile. “Took you long enough to stop joking around.”

Ridoc let out a breath that was almost a laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, they weren’t exactly giving me much to work with.” His expression darkened as he remembered. “I’m sorry… I tried to stop them.”

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “You couldn’t have done anything.”

He swallowed, his grip on my hand tightening. “I hate that they used you to get to me. That’s… it’s not okay. You shouldn’t have been hurt because of me.”

I shifted slightly, grimacing from the pain, but I managed to reach up and touch his arm. “I’ll be okay, Ridoc. You’re here now.”

He nodded, though the guilt didn’t leave his eyes. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against our joined hands. “I swear, I’ll never let anyone do that to you again.”

In that moment, I could see past the joking mask he always wore—the cocky front he used to hide the fact that he cared too much. And I realized just how much he cared.

[court-of-secrets]

i love fourth wing couples because if Xaden woke up in the middle of the night to Violet dragging a dead body into their room he’d be like “Baby don’t even worry, you go shower off/ go back to bed, I’ll deal with the body.”

And if Dain woke up in the middle of the night to Sloane dragging a body into their room he’d be like “Really?” and then she would give him a look and start to deal with it but he’d sigh and be like, “No baby I’ll deal with it but you’re gonna sit on the bed and think about what you’ve done.”

[protectionelainsquad]

Tairn and Andarna.

[mysterylilycheeta]

Xaden: What am I supposed to do whilst you’re gone? Violet: What do you usually do when I’m gone? Xaden: …wait for you to come back.

[incorrect-fourthwing]

Xaden: I do what I want.

Garrick: I’m calling Violet.

Xaden: Wait no-

[curawrites]

Not So Casual Distraction

Xaden Rirorson x Fem!Reader

Warnings: slight Iron Flame spoilers, smut, unprotected sex, cream pie, fingering, p in v sex, cursing, a slightly toxic relationship between Xaden and Violet.

Note: Heyyyyyyyyy… it’s been a year- but I’m back with new inspiration! I’m currently reading Onyx Storm and I miss the Iron Flame days 😭💚

Being stationed at Samara wasn’t as smooth going as Xaden had hoped.

He knew that he and Garrick would have to work from the ground up again, gain their comrade’s trust in them, make them see past their rebellion relics.. but fuck was it frustrating.

He hated being looked down upon as just a meager new lieutenant. At Basigath he had worked so hard to climb the ranks and gain respect as a wing leader.

It didn’t help that his relationship with Violet was going to shit. He couldn’t help keeping secrets, he has big responsibilities leading a revolution, knowledge and intelligence of major importance that couldn’t be trusted in the hands of someone still at Basigath.

They hadn’t even been together for a that long for Dunne’s sake, why the fuck would he divulge all his secrets and traumatic memories to her. She’d only get mad at him again for keeping such things from her and the cycle would just continue.

The mating bond just made things harder, Xaden was tied to her for the rest of his life whether he liked it or not, and he had to see her at least every weekend so their dragons could fuck and leave them to deal with simmering sexual tension that would not be healthy to act on.

All this pent up frustration was wearing on him. He became more brutal and harsh in sparring and he became extremely reckless and impulsive on patrols, resulting in him frequently injuring himself.

Xaden just needed an outlit to pour his frustrations into, but drowning himself in sparring and training wasn’t working like it usually did. He needed something more.

That something being you, apparently.

When he arrived at Samara he recognized you almost immediately. You had been his wing leader during his first year at Basigath, and one of his first hook ups at the college. It felt strange seeing you again, a good sort of strange. You’ve changed in the years since Xaden had last seen you, you were more mature, and even more gorgeous than he remembered, and still ever so tempting like you were three years ago.

Xaden stayed away from you for the most part. The feelings that were brought on from seeing you again were uncomfortable and Xaden didn’t feel like unpacking them, already having enough shit to deal with. He wanted to try to fix things with Violet anyways.

But it seemed Loial had other plans for him..

Xaden angrily dismounted Sgaeyl. Rage radiating off of him in waves. Sgaeyl wasnt very pleased with him. He had left Basigath mid Saturday after arriving Friday. Xaden couldn’t care less that he cut the visit short, Violet would be here next weekend anyway and she could stay here as much as she liked.

Fucking Violet Sorrengail.

All Xaden had wanted to do was have a quiet weekend with her after the fucking week he’s had. But no they needed to argue about the same thing they always did. He’d had enough by noon and decided to fuck right back off to Samara.

Xaden angrily entered the base, he really needed a shower and a meal.

Once bathed, he walked into the lieutenant’s common space, a scowl etched on his face.

“You’re back early.” You commented from the arm chair you were sat on.

Xaden tensed, a bit startled, “Mhm.” He hummed dismissively.

“I’m taking your visit didn’t go so well then, sorry about that.” You glanced up from your book to look at him. Noticing his tenseness you ended it there, deciding to not pry any further.

Xaden didn’t reply, focusing on making himself something to eat.

He sat in the middle of the couch and ate. No one spoke for a long while, the silence stretching comfortably.

After a while you set your book to the side and got up, only to return with two flasks.

“Here. You look like you need a drink.” You hand him one of the metallic flasks.

He takes it hesitantly, “Thanks, had a rough week.” He grunted as he took a sip.

“Tell me about it.” You scoff knowingly as you sat back down, taking a swig out of your own flask.

The more you chatted and caught up, the more you drank, finishing the flasks and each having two cups of ale on top.

The alcohol seemed to have loosened Xaden up more than he had intended and he soon found himself slamming you against the door to your barracks.

His hands roamed the expanse of your body as he made out with you. Grasping at the plumpness of your ass and breasts, he just couldn’t get enough of your right now.

You kissed him with equal fervour, nipping at his lips earning slap to your ass. Your hands tangled themself in the curls of his hair as you held onto him tightly.

Xaden pulled away from your lips to attack your neck. Sucking and nipping marks all over the untouched flesh.

“Fuck Xay..~” you panted as his hands wandered into your shorts, rubbing tight circles on your clit.

He kissed you again, slipping two fingers into your sopping pussy.

“Oh gods..~ don’t stop!~” you moaned as his fingers prodded at your sweet spot.

“Fuck..~” he groaned, “Taking my fingers so fucking well~” he praised enjoying the squelching noises your pussy made.

Your eyes rolled back and your cheeks flushed even more as your climax hit you in waves.

“Such a good fucking girl~” Xaden smirked to himself. “Making me so fucking hard~” he groaned as you began palming his erection.

“Made me feel so good Xay~” you say breathily, looking up at him with sultry half lidded eyes.

“Fuck- I need you now.~” he ripped your shorts down your legs and hastily pulled your tang top over your head.

He threw you onto your bed before hastily taking off his shirt and pants.

“Get on your fucking hands knees~” he growled, crawling onto your bed.

Gods that made you pussy flutter in anticipation.

You obliged his request happily, settling on your hands and knees with your back slightly arched.

Xaden’s mouth watered at the sight. Your pretty wet pussy spread perfectly and aching for his cock. He smacked your ass before forcing you to arch further, until your breasts touched the mattress

“Please Xaden just fuck me already~” you whined wiggling your hips while looking back at him over your shoulder.

Something in him just snapped and he roughly grabbed your hips and sheathed himself inside you.

“Oh my.. fuck you feel so fucking good~” he muttered as he began thrusting.

It wasn’t long before Xaden lost himself in your tight slick walls. All of his pent up stress, and anger was leaving his body as he pounded into you. Pinning your hands by your head and sucking hickeys all over your neck and back.

Your barrack was filled with the sound of skin slapping skin, your moans and Xaden’s grunts of pleasure.

“Oh my gods Xay!~ I’m cumming!~” you gasp out before your orgasm rocks your entire being.

Your vision blanked and all you could see were stars.

“Shit- your so.. fucking tight~” he grunted, your walls were practically milking him for everything he had.

“Please cum in me..~” you whine weakly, “wanna feel you..~” you don’t even finish your thought as Xaden was pushed over the edge.

“Ahh..~” he moaned quietly as he spilt inside of you.

For a while all that could be heard were both of your heavy breathing.

Eventually Xaden pulled out and silently watched his cum spill out of your spent pussy.

He got out of your bed and found a rag to clean you up with.

“Thanks..” you muttered tiredly, cheeks still flushed from the alcohol and the sex.

“S’no problem..” he shrugged as he threw the rag into your laundry.

Xaden flopped next to you on your bed and silently stared at you. His mind was reeling, did he just really do that with you, again? Why did it have to feel so good? Why was he still here in your bed?

Once you finally drifted off, he tore his gaze away and stared at the ceiling.

“It seems you’ve had a good evening..” Sgaeyl said bitterly through their bond.

“Shut it..” Xaden ran his hands over his face, he needed to pull himself together.

“I hope you know that the next time you see Tairn’s rider, you’ll have a lot of explaining to do..” Sgaeyl tutted “Your shield’s weren’t exactly the stablest tonight.”

Great. Just his fucking luck..

[godcomplexrat]

MY SHAYLAAAA😭😭

This shit was beautiful fr

Xaden Riorson x Reader - The Same as Seven Years Ago

masterlist!

Xaden Riorson was thirteen when he fell in love with Y/n L/n. 

She was the daughter of one of his father’s friends—one of the other great houses of Tyrrendor. And while he, Garrick, and Bodhi would run around swinging wooden swords at each other, she would sit at the piano in the great hall and play.  

Xaden sat beside her, his wooden sword clutched in his hands as though it might lend him courage. She didn’t look at him, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun bled into the snow-peaked mountains, a riot of orange and pink hues that reminded him of the way her laughter sounded: soft, warm, and utterly consuming. 

“You’re always watching the sunset,” he muttered, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. 

Y/n glanced at him, her head tilted slightly, an innocent smile curving her lips. “And you’re always swinging that sword around like you’re going to save the world with it.” 

His cheeks flushed, and he looked down, running a thumb over the worn wood of the hilt. “Maybe I will.” 

Her laugh was quiet, almost teasing, but there was a softness in her eyes when she spoke. “I hope you do, Xaden.” 

They sat in silence after that, the air humming with words he didn’t know how to voice. He wanted to tell her how he noticed the way her eyes lit up when she played, how her melodies stayed with him long after the notes faded. But he was thirteen, and she was Y/n—beautiful, untouchable, and always just a little out of reach. 

————————————

Xaden Riorson was seventeen when the fall of his father’s rebellion ripped Y/n L/n away from him.

The day Aretia burned, Xaden felt like the ground beneath his feet shattered. 

It started with smoke on the horizon, a dark smudge against the crisp blue of the morning sky. Xaden, Garrick, and Bodhi were sparring in the courtyard, their now metal swords clashing with the ring of metal. Y/n was still seated at the piano, her fingers coaxing a gentle melody from the keys as Navarre’s dragon riders soared overhead. She was the picture of calm amidst their chaos, her music softening the harsh clang of their practice. 

And then the bells rang. 

The sound was sharp, urgent, cutting through the air like a blade. The boys froze, their swords hanging mid-swing, and the music stopped. Xaden looked at her, his heart stuttering at the fear that flared in her eyes.  

“Go inside,” Her father barked as he stormed through the courtyard and to the open doors that kept her in Xaden’s view. The rebellion was under siege, and it didn’t take long for the realization to settle in—Aretia was burning to the ground. Tyrrendor had fallen. 

The grip on his blade tightened as he grabbed Y/n’s hand, their fingers tangling as he pulled her away from the piano, away from the growing chaos. “Stay with me,” he said, his voice more commanding than he felt. 

She squeezed his hand, her gaze steady despite the panic rising around them. “Always.” 

But the world had other plans. 

She was torn from his protective embrace as they watched the execution of their parents, and put in a foster home far away from him. 

He watched as she cried silent tears, before being dragged away to some strangers home across the continent, his grip on her hand slipping as she was dragged away from him and the burning remnants of their parent’s bodies. 

————————————————-

Xaden Riorson was twenty when he saw Y/n L/n again, and the sight of her almost stopped his heart. 

The years apart had been unkind to them both, though in different ways. Xaden had hardened, the boy who once dreamt of saving the world and creating the one he dreamed of was now tempered by grief, rage, and survival. Y/n… she had changed too, but not in the ways he’d expected. 

She was stronger, sharper, like the steel of a blade that had been reforged in fire. The soft warmth and innocence in her eyes that had once matched the sunset now glowed with determination, her posture straight and defiant in the face of the brutal challenges of Basgiath. she was a survivor—just like him. But that fire in her eyes made him hesitate. 

He didn’t know this version of her. He didn’t know if she still needed his protective hand clamped around hers. 

Standing in the shadows near the edge of the courtyard, he watched as she leaped off of the parapet, her landing poised and graceful as if she was just playing the piano in the great hall once more. He resisted the pull to approach her. His heart hammered against his ribs at the sight of her, alive and whole. He’d imagined this moment a thousand times, dreamt of what he’d say if he ever saw her again. But now that she was here, a chasm of guilt and hesitation kept him rooted in place. 

She wasn’t the girl he’d lost. And he wasn’t the boy she’d known. 

But then she turned. 

Her now sharp gaze scanned the courtrayed, cutting through the noise and chaos as though she could feel his presence. And when her eyes landed on him, everything else faded. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. 

And then she started towards him, pushing her way through the crowd, and he braced himself to be yelled at, scolded for his stupid decision to have all of the rebellion kids put in this hell of a quadrant. 

But she didn’t yell. She didn’t scold him. 

When Y/n reached him, her steps slowed, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The years hung heavily between them, filled with all the unsaid words, broken promises, and memories of what had been ripped away. Her lips parted as if she might speak, but instead, she just stared at him, her chest rising and falling in rhythm with the silence. 

“You’re alive,” she finally whispered, her voice barely audible over the clamor of the courtyard. There was no anger there, only disbelief and a brief hint of something else he couldn’t quite name. Relief? Hope?

Xaden’s throat felt tight, the weight of every regret and mistake pressing down on him. “So are you,” he murmured, his voice rough. 

Her gaze softened for just a second, and in that moment, he saw her—not the hardened survivor, not the girl forged in fire, but the Y/n he’d fallen in love with all those years ago. The girl who’d played the piano while he dreamed of saving the world with a wooden sword. 

For all the ways they’d changed, for all the scars they bore, they were still those thirteen year-olds at heart. She was still the girl who was beautiful, untouchable, and always just a little out of reach. And he? He was still the boy who would walk through flames and hurricanes to protect her, even if it meant standing in the shadows while she forged ahead. 

“Why didn’t you–” she began, but her voice faltered, and her hands clenched into fists at her sides. 

He knew what she was asking. Why didn;t you stop it? Why didn’t you save me? Why didn’t you do anything? 

“I tried,” he said, his voice low, his words a confession he’d carried for years. “I tried, Y/n. I swear I did.”

Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t look away. Her eyes searched his, as though trying to find the boy she once knew beneath the layers of the man he’d become. And maybe she did, because her shoulders eased ever so slightly, and the sharpness in her expression softened. 

“Xaden,” she whispered, and the sound of his name on her lips was like arriving home. 

He took a cautious step closer, and then another, until there was barely a breath between them. “I’m still the boy who wanted to save the world,” he said, as if trying to convince himself that it was true. “And you’re still the girl who made me believe it was worth saving.” 

Her lips parted, her breath catching, and for the first time in years, the space between them didn’t feel so insurmountable. 

“We’re not those kids anymore,” she said softly, but there was no bitterness in her voice. 

“No,” he agreed, his gaze steady on hers. “We’re not. But I’m still here. And so are you.” 

For a moment, the world around them faded once more, leaving only the two of them—the boy with the wooden sword and the girl at the piano, standing on the edge of something they didn’t yet have words for. Something that had always been there, even when the world tried to tear it apart. 

-------

If you enjoyed this one shot, please check out my other series!

Taglist: @awkardnerd , @hannraumari , @minjix , @glaciuswduo , @wolfbc97 , @heeseungthel0ml

[violentdelightshavevioletends]

“Dain is just an imperfect 21-year-old kid who trusted his dad, and is a little over-protective telling his chronically ill friend to sit the fuck down.”

[breezyblossoms]

Y/N wasn’t sure when she had started waiting for Xaden Riorson.

Maybe it had been back at Basgiath, when she first let him into her bed, knowing full well she’d never have his heart.

Maybe it had been after a battle, when he pulled her into his arms with shaking hands, holding on too tight—like he wasn’t sure if she’d still be there if he let go.

Maybe it had been always. And maybe that was the problem. Because Xaden never chose her. Not really. Not in the way that mattered.

And yet, Y/N had let herself believe—stupidly, hopelessly believe—that one day, he would. That one day, he’d look at her and see more. But she saw the truth now.

Because he was looking at her. At Violet Sorrengail. And Gods help her, Y/N had never seen his eyes that soft before.

Her breath caught, something sharp and vicious tearing through her chest. Because she knew that look. She had dreamed of that look. But it had never been for her.

Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms. Because of course it was Violet. Violet, who had fought her way through Basgiath. Violet, who had tamed Xaden’s dragon’s mate—a dragon that should’ve never chosen her. Violet, who had done in months what Y/N had never been able to do.

She had his heart.

And Y/N—

Y/N had never even been close.

Her throat burned. Because this wasn’t just losing him. She had never had him to begin with. And that was the part that hurt the most.

Xaden turned then, his gaze flicking toward her—and for one awful, unbearable second, their eyes met. His expression shifted. Like he knew. Like he understood exactly what she was thinking. Like he felt guilt. But guilt wasn’t love. Guilt wasn’t choosing her.

And Y/N was done waiting for something that was never hers to begin with. So she forced her lips into something that might’ve been a smile—might’ve looked real if it weren’t for the way her heart was cracking, splintering, breaking apart piece by piece.

And then—

She turned and walked away. Because almost didn’t count. Not anymore.

⸻

Xaden noticed immediately.

The first time Y/N wasn’t there—wasn’t where she always was—he ignored it.

The second time, something cold curled in his stomach.

The third time, he knew. She was avoiding him.

And Xaden Riorson did not handle losing well. Especially not when he hadn’t even realized he was playing a game.

He caught glimpses of her—passing shadows, fleeting moments before she turned the corner, before she slipped away.

And he let her. For a while. Because Gods help him, he didn’t know what to say. Didn’t know why it felt like his chest was hollowing out every time he realized she wasn’t coming back. Didn’t know why her absence felt sharper than any blade, more suffocating than any battle wound.

Until the fourth time.

Until he saw her with someone else. She wasn’t laughing. Wasn’t even smiling. But she was trying.

And Xaden—stupid, oblivious, undeserving Xaden—finally understood. It wasn’t just that she was avoiding him.

She was moving on.

And that, he realized, was unforgivable. Not because she didn’t deserve to. But because he should’ve never let her think she had to. Because Y/N had always been there. In the quiet moments, in the war-torn ones. In his bed, in his arms.

He had never needed to wonder where she would be. Until now. Until he fucked it all up.

And Xaden Riorson didn’t lose things he wasn’t willing to fight for.

So he found her.

Cornered her.

Late at night, when she was least expecting it. When she had finally stopped looking over her shoulder for him. Because she thought he wouldn’t come. Because he had given her every reason to believe that.

But she was wrong.

Xaden pressed a hand against the doorframe, blocking her escape as she turned to find him standing there, his expression raw, desperate, furious.

She froze. Her breath hitched.

And Xaden had to clench his fists to keep himself from reaching for her. Because Gods help him, he had never wanted anything more.

But Y/N—

Y/N only tilted her head, her voice flat when she said, “Move.”

Xaden let out a slow, measured breath. “No.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Xaden—”

“You walked away,” he cut her off, his voice quiet, sharp. “And I let you.”

Her jaw clenched. “So what, now you’re here to fix your conscience?”

No.

It had never been about guilt. It had always been about her. But she didn’t see that. Because he had never let her see it. Because he had let her believe she was temporary.

Xaden stepped closer, the air shifting between them.

“You think I didn’t notice?” His voice was low, rough, almost dangerous.

Because it wasn’t just noticing. It was feeling. Feeling her absence in every empty space she had left behind. Feeling the ache in his chest every time he looked for her and found nothing. Feeling like a fucking idiot for never realizing that she had been his before he even knew he had something to lose.

Y/N exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Don’t do this, Xaden.”

“Do what?” he murmured.

Her throat bobbed. “Make this harder than it has to be.”

He let out a quiet, humorless laugh.

“Hard?” He stepped even closer. “You think this is hard for you?”

Her breath caught, but she didn’t move back. Didn’t run. And that was the only thing that kept him fucking standing. Because she was still here. Still listening. Still his, even if she didn’t want to be.

Xaden swallowed hard, his voice dropping to something honest, something wrecked.

“I can’t lose you.”

She blinked.

Like she hadn’t expected the words. Like she didn’t believe them.

And that? That nearly killed him. Because fuck, she had spent all this time thinking she was something he could just let go.

Like she hadn’t been his every damn day. Like she wasn’t the thing that had kept him breathing, fighting, alive.

“I can’t lose you,” he said again, softer this time.

And Gods help him, it was the truest thing he had ever said.

Her breath shuddered. Her hands fisted at her sides.

And for a long, unbearable moment—

She didn’t say a word. Didn’t tell him to leave. Didn’t tell him it was too late.

And Xaden—for the first time in his life—let himself hope.

Because Y/N had walked away.

But maybe—just maybe—she wasn’t ready to let him go either.

⸻

Y/N didn’t make it easy for him.

She didn’t fall into his arms. Didn’t sigh in relief and tell him she had been waiting for him all along.

Because that would have been a lie.

She had stopped waiting. Stopped hoping for something he had never been willing to give her.

And if he thought a few pretty words were enough to pull her back into his orbit—

He was wrong.

Xaden must have realized it too. Because the moment she narrowed her eyes, the moment she crossed her arms and tilted her chin up, his expression turned grim. Like he knew exactly what she was about to say. Like he knew she was going to make this hard.

And for once—finally—he didn’t run from it.

Y/N exhaled slowly, carefully.

“Prove it.”

Xaden’s jaw ticked. “I am.”

“No,” she said, voice sharp, cold. “You’re saying it. That’s not the same thing.”

A muscle feathered in his jaw. “Then tell me how.”

Y/N let out a humorless laugh.

“You want me to tell you how to love me?” she murmured, tilting her head. “That’s funny, Xaden. I thought love was supposed to be instinctual.”

His fingers curled into tight, shaking fists.

“Y/N—”

“No,” she cut him off. “You don’t get to show up and say you can’t lose me after choosing her every single time.”

His lips parted—but he didn’t argue.

Because he couldn’t.

Because it was true.

And Gods help her, the silence was worse than any excuse he could have given her.

Because he knew. He had always known.

She let out a slow breath, forcing herself to stay standing when all she wanted to do was crumple.

She had promised herself she wouldn’t break for him again. But gods, he was making it hard.

“I need to know I’m not just an afterthought,” she said, her voice low, steady.

He lifted his head at that, his eyes flashing with something dark, something wrecked.

“You’ve never been an afterthought,” he said, his voice sharp, furious. “Not to me.”

Y/N’s chest ached. But she shook her head.

“Then prove it.”

And this time, he didn’t hesitate.

⸻

Xaden knew it was coming. Because Gods help him, she was right.

She had never been an afterthought. But the problem was—neither was Violet. Not with their dragons bonded for life. Not with their destinies tangled, whether they wanted it or not. Not with the war, with Basgiath, with everything.

But Y/N wasn’t going to be a second choice. Not anymore. And that meant he had to prove it.

Starting with Sgaeyl.

It wasn’t a secret that his dragon favored Y/N. Sgaeyl had always preferred her, had always sought her out over Violet, despite the bond between their dragons.

Xaden had always thought it was amusing.

But now—

Now, it wasn’t a game. Because Sgaeyl had chosen. And Xaden wasn’t sure what that meant for everything else. Y/N stood in the clearing, arms crossed as she watched him. Not angry. Not hopeful. Just waiting.

Sgaeyl’s head turned toward him. “Fix this,” she said in his mind. “Now.”

Xaden exhaled sharply. “You tell me how,” he muttered.

Sgaeyl let out a deep, considering hum. Then, she said, “I cannot break a bond that is not mine.”

Xaden stilled.

Because that—that was new. Y/N raised a brow. “Well?” Xaden let out a slow, careful breath.

“There’s only one way to prove it,” he admitted.

Her brows lifted. “And that is?”

Xaden swallowed. “Choose you over her.”

Y/N’s lips parted. And Xaden waited.

Because Gods help him, he was finally choosing. And this time, he prayed to every god that ever existed that he wasn’t too late.

⸻

Xaden Riorson had spent his entire life fighting for survival.

Fighting for power. For revenge. For a future that wasn’t dictated by the sins of his father. But he had never fought for love. Never had to.

Because until now, he had never been at risk of losing the one person he couldn’t live without.

And Y/N—Gods help him—was making damn sure he earned every second of her time.

The tension between Xaden and Violet was palpable.

It had been since the moment Sgaeyl had chosen Y/N over her. Not that Violet had ever been oblivious to it. She was smart. Too smart. She had noticed the way Sgaeyl sought Y/N out first. The way Xaden’s gaze always lingered on her. The way Y/N had started to disappear.

And now? Now, Violet wasn’t oblivious at all.

Xaden found her waiting for him outside the barracks, arms crossed, her expression cool, calculating.

“I didn’t want to believe it,” she said simply.

Xaden didn’t pretend not to know what she meant. Instead, he exhaled sharply. “But you did.”

She nodded. “I saw the way she looked at you.”

His stomach tightened.

“More importantly,” Violet continued, tilting her head. “I saw the way you looked at her.”

Xaden didn’t answer. Because there was nothing to deny.

She let out a slow breath. “This is going to make things… complicated.”

It already was. With their dragons bonded, their destinies were already tangled. But that wasn’t the same as love. And Violet knew it.

“Then we make it uncomplicated,” Xaden said, steady, certain.

Her lips parted slightly. Because they both knew what that meant. What that had to mean. They couldn’t be more than what they were. Couldn’t blur the lines. Couldn’t pretend their dragons’ bond was the same as their own. Because Xaden had made his choice. And it wasn’t her.

For a long moment, Violet was silent. Then, finally, she nodded. And Gods help him, Xaden felt it shift.

The last thread of uncertainty snapping.

Because for the first time—truly, fully, undeniably—he was free to fight for the person he should have been fighting for all along.

⸻

It wasn’t enough.

Not to prove himself. Not to undo the damage he had caused. Because Y/N wasn’t an idiot. She wasn’t going to fall at his feet just because he had finally woken up. So she made him work for it.

She didn’t let him touch her. Didn’t let him fall into old habits. Didn’t let him have her until she was sure she had all of him. Because if he wanted her—really wanted her—it had to be all or nothing.

Xaden gritted his teeth when she dodged him for the fourth time in a week. He had done everything. Given her space. Let her set the pace. But fuck if he wasn’t losing his mind.

Because every time he caught a glimpse of her, every time her gaze locked with his across the training yard, every time she turned away before he could say something—

It felt like a slow, torturous death. So when he finally cornered her—again—she didn’t look surprised. Didn’t look apologetic.

Just calm. Waiting. Testing him.

Xaden exhaled slowly, measured.

“What else do you want from me?”

Y/N tilted her head. Unmoved. “I don’t want anything from you, Xaden.”

His chest tightened.

“Then why are you still here?” His voice was quiet, dangerous.

She smirked, but there was no warmth in it.

“I’m not. You’re the one chasing me, remember?”

His lips parted. Because fuck. She wasn’t wrong. He was chasing her. The way she used to chase him. And Gods help him, it was terrifying. Because for the first time, she held all the power. And he—the one who had spent his entire life controlling every possible outcome—was at her mercy.

“I know I fucked up,” he admitted, his voice rough, raw.

Her smirk faded.

“But I also know,” he continued, his eyes dark, intense, unrelenting, “that you’re still standing here. Which means a part of you wants to see if I’ll fight for you.”

She inhaled sharply. But she didn’t deny it. And Xaden knew. Knew she still wanted him. Knew this wasn’t about whether she had feelings for him. It was about whether he deserved them.

And Gods help him, he would spend the rest of his life proving that he did.

⸻

Xaden Riorson had always thought he understood pain.

The bite of a blade, the snap of broken ribs, the searing agony of dragon fire. But this—watching Y/N slip through his fingers, watching her smile at someone who wasn’t him—this was a different kind of torment.

Because she wasn’t his to lose. Not yet. And Gods help him, she was making him suffer for it.

He saw her again.

With him.

The first time, Xaden convinced himself it was nothing.

The second time, he clenched his fists but stayed quiet.

The third time?

He barely stopped himself from snapping the bastard’s neck.

Y/N stood close to the other rider—too close. Her head tilted back as she laughed at something he said.

Not forced. Not polite.

Real.

Xaden felt something dark and ugly curl in his stomach. Something he had never had to experience before.

Jealousy.

Not the petty kind. The kind that ate away at his fucking soul. Because that used to be him. That used to be his space beside her. His words making her laugh. His gaze catching hers across the training yard, a secret flickering between them.

But now?

Now, he was nothing more than a spectator. And Gods help him, it was driving him insane.

Sgaeyl’s voice rumbled in his mind. “You could simply go to her.”

His jaw tightened. No. Not yet. Not until she was ready. Not until she was the one choosing him again. But Gods help him, if she didn’t stop smiling at that bastard soon, he was going to—

“You’re scowling.”

Xaden whipped around to find Violet watching him, arms crossed.

He exhaled sharply. “I’m aware.”

Violet smirked. “Not a fan of Y/N’s new friend?”

He shot her a glare.

She laughed. “Oh, relax. They’re not like that.”

Xaden stilled. “What?”

Violet arched a brow. “You really think she’s replaced you that easily?”

His throat felt tight. “I don’t know what to think.”

Violet sighed, shaking her head. “It’s platonic. You’d know that if you stopped sulking in the shadows and actually talked to her.”

Xaden gritted his teeth. “She’s the one avoiding me.”

“Is she?”

That fucking smirk. Violet had always been too perceptive for her own good. And the worst part? She wasn’t wrong.

It happened on a stormy night. When the tension was so thick it felt like it could snap.

Y/N had gone to the training grounds, seeking solitude.

But of course, Xaden followed.

She sensed him before he spoke. Always did. But she didn’t turn around. Didn’t acknowledge him.

Until—

“I know it’s platonic,” he said quietly.

She stiffened. Then slowly turned to face him. “Excuse me?”

Xaden took a step closer, his gaze unreadable.

“I know you’re not with him.”

Y/N tilted her head, something dangerous and mocking in her eyes.

“And?”

Xaden exhaled sharply. “And it doesn’t fucking matter.”

Her lips parted slightly. Because this was different. This wasn’t him asking for another chance. This wasn’t him chasing her, hoping she’d let him in. This was him standing his ground. Him refusing to pretend he wasn’t hers.

“I don’t care if you’re not with him,” he said, voice low, steady.

“I don’t care how long you make me wait. How hard you make this.”

He stepped closer.

Crowding her. Consuming her.

“I don’t care if you never admit that you still love me,” he murmured. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

Y/N’s breath caught.

Because Gods help her, she had spent weeks waiting for him to crack. To slip back into old habits. To fail. But he hadn’t. He had stayed. Even when she made him suffer. Even when she pushed him away.

Because for the first time, he was fighting for her. And Gods help her, she wanted to believe him. But believing him meant admitting she had never stopped loving him. And that? That was terrifying.

Xaden must have seen it in her eyes. Because his gaze softened, just slightly.

And then, he broke her.

“I was a fool,” he admitted, his voice raw.

“For thinking you’d always be there. For thinking I could have you without giving you everything.”

He swallowed hard.

“But I’m here now.”

A pause. Then, the final blow.

“And I’m not leaving. Not ever.”

Y/N shattered. Because fuck, she wanted to believe him.

And maybe—

Maybe she finally did.

She let out a shaky breath. And then, finally, she stopped running.

Xaden barely had time to react before she grabbed the front of his shirt and crashed her lips against his. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t slow. It was desperate, aching, furious. It was everything they had been holding back.

Xaden let out a low, guttural sound, his hands sliding into her hair, gripping her like she might disappear. Like he was never going to let her go. Because he wasn’t. Not this time. Not ever.

And as her fingers tightened around him, as she finally, finally let herself believe him—

Xaden Riorson knew one thing.

The suffering had been worth it. Because in the end, he had won the only war that mattered.

Her.

[scorpioriesling]

How You Get The Girl

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairings: Bodhi x reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Bodhi had never been bad at anything -- being a rider, leading a squad, or with the ladies, either. However, you are his biggest challenge yet, as you manage to explain away every single one of his romantic advances.

SR’s Note: This is part two to Blank Space! How are we feeling? Do we want more? I sure do -- stay tuned! <3

Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @kitsunetori @velarisdusk @nctsawrus @freakishfandomfiend @paintedbyshadows @poeticbookwormcat @lreadsstuff (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

You'd woken up bright and early that Monday morning, determined to get to the library before class was set to begin. The entire rest of the weekend, you'd been sleeping off Friday night's events and aiming to avoid any public place that you might run into Bodhi -- or, Aaric, for that matter.

Aaric is cute, but Bodhi was interested first; whatever you do, just remember what I said about getting too attached.

Jesinia's warning rang loud and clear through your mind. You kept replaying it, over and over as you had the events of Friday night. When asked her opinion over the weekend, it seemed all she was able to provide you was... well, more worry over the situation.

Even after a week of no-contact, you still found yourself thinking about it during school hours.

"Y/N, I'll expect these transcribed over the next three days," Markham said sternly. You nodded in understanding.

"On my desk Thursday, please. Oh -- will you be joining me for Battle Brief tomorrow morning?" His question came with a raised eyebrow. You knew what that meant; the option was there, but there was only one right answer.

"Absolutely," you said without hesitation. "I'll be in the grand hall at nine."

He nodded in approval, moving on to the next row of tables to check in with your fellow yearmates. Jesinia had left early today, opting to run an errand for him in lieu of not attending Battle Brief in the morning. She'd told you once that she didn't enjoy signing in front of crowds much, which you could understand; but you figured she'd want to go so she would be able to see her boyfriend, nonetheless.

As the mid-afternoon bell rang, you collected your things. You felt as though you hadn't gotten much of anything done today, your head clogged with the million potential outcomes from what happened Friday night.

The warm sun was a welcome relief to the cool temperatures inside of the library, and you basked in it as you walked toward the outdoor cafe on campus. These texts weren't going to translate themselves, and if you were going to have them done by Thursday, you needed to get started.

By the time you were on the third page, however, you'd attracted a visitor.

"H-hey, Y/N."

Your eyes immediately left the page, favoring their gaze on the green ones staring back at you. The scrape of metal on stone was loud as Aaric pulled out a metal chair from beneath the table, opting to join you.

"Oh, hi! Aaric," you said, the nervous energy making an appearance once more. He grinned at you, scooting close enough that you were practically sharing breath.

"So... what are you working on?" He asked, and you sighed as you motioned to the array of papers around you.

"Well, Markham has given me the near-impossible task of translating all of this by Thursday," you laughed nervously. "So, I figured I may as well get started on it now."

His brow furrowed.

"All this work, due by Thursday," he sucked in a long breath, stretching his arms behind his head. "Seems a bit overkill, if you ask me."

You smiled awkwardly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

"Yeah... well... he is my professor, so."

He nodded slowly, gazing sidelong at you. He only broke the silence after a few long beats.

"Sucks, you know -- I was gonna see if you wanted to do something tonight," the left corner of his mouth tilted up. Your brows rose, and another nervous laugh bubbled out of your mouth.

"Oh! Ha ha, yeah, uh... I mean, I'd love to, but... I mean, I have all of this to get done," you explained, your cheeks reddening as you considered the situation. "Maybe Friday? I'll have all this done by then, surely."

Aaric smiled, full and bright -- it was no wonder he was related to the royal family. He looked like a prince straight out of a storybook.

"Friday, then." He said, scooting his chair back and rising from the table. You watched him walk away, the light from the sun bending around his slender build. Turning back to your papers, you found it arder and harder to focus, only seeming to think about Friday and it's impending fortune.

An hour later, you gave up, opting to head back to the dorms early in favor of a good night's rest. But, as you crossed the courtyard and headed for your room; you couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been watching you.

:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Despite going to bed early, you found yourself sitting in Battle Brief dreary-eyed and exhausted. Markham and Duvera took turns going over the current events, and you had to surpress a yawn. Focusing was nearly impossible -- especially when the realization hit you that Aaric was sitting mere feet away from you.

Aaric.. and, Bodhi.

"That's all we'll be discussing today," he announced as the morning bell rung, and students began gathering their items. "I'll see you all Thursday morning, nine o'clock sharp."

His gaze fell on a blonde first year, who blushed with embarassment at being late this morning. He hadn't focused on her long, his gaze turning to you seconds later.

"How are the papers coming along?" He asked, though it came out more of a demand than a question.

"Good, Professor -- not much left to translate."

He nodded once. "Glad to hear that; I'll be expecting them Thursday."

You nodded in understanding as he stepped from the platform, making to ascend the stairs. Moments later, a familiar voice sounded from behind you.

"Too bad we didn't get to hear from you today; you always come up with such good discussion points."

You turned, your breath catching at the sight of the lean brunette standing mere inches from you. He bore a crooked grin, taking a step closer and up onto the platform with you.

"B-Bodhi," you stuttered, and his gaze intensified. "I... honestly, I didn't think you'd thought much of me, after that Friday night, anyway."

You weren't sure why you were so pressed over the fact that he hadn't spoken to you in weeks, and you wished to put out the angry flame coiling inside of you.

He rose an amused brow. "I didn't think you were keeping track."

A blush stained your cheeks, and he chuckled.

"I actually haven't caught up with you because I was stationed in Aretia for a few days," he explained, and your face fell. "So, not talking to you was certainly not by choice."

Your heart thudded in your chest. What an idiotic thing to say! Accusing him of ignorance when he was out saving Basgiath? You felt like a simple fool.

"Oh my gosh, Bodhi, I hadn't realized-"

"Don't be," he assured, leaning in closer to you. Suddenly, the lights in the room felt too hot, the layers of beige silk felt too heavy-

"Just let me take you out, show you that I mean it."

You stopped breathing.

Silence stretched between the two of you as the last few riders left the hall, and he leaned in close.

"One night, Y/N; just give me a chance." He grinned, and your entire face heated.

"Oh -- one night, ha ha, uh-"

"Friday?"

Your blood ran cold.

"I can't Friday... I'm, uh... busy."

He raised a suspicious eyebrow, his gaze roving over every inch of your face.

"Not surprised -- a pretty girl like you must have a thousand men waiting to take up her weekends."

Psh, if he only knew.

"No, no! It's not that, I just-"

"What about tonight then?" He insisted, taking one of your hands in his. Your next breath caught in your throat at the contact, and you found it hard to look at him directly.

"I-I can't... I have, so much homework."

His smile didn't quite reach his eyes, his hand dropping yours in an instant.

"Right... right." He said defeatedly. He took only a step back before sighing, crossing his arms over his chest.

"At least allow me to walk you back to the library, then?"

:* ✧･ﾟ: *

That night, you'd lit a candle and sworn off thinking about boys. Both Aaric and Bodhi had been occupying way too much of your mind lately, and with the amount of pages you still had to translate, there was no way you'd get it all done if you were distracted.

Jesinia had left you to your own devices that evening, understanding the workload you had and needing to run errands of her own. Besides, she agreed you'd be able to accomplish more if she were away from the dorm for a while.

You'd gotten through a few more pages when a soft rap on your window gusted the air from your lungs. You approached the glass quickly, timidly pulling the frame open to reveal who was standing outside.

You gasped when you saw him.

"Bodhi! I told you I couldn't go tonight, I have-"

"So much homework, right," he finished, leaning in through the frame and grunting as he pulled himself through it. He landed on his feet, straightening to look at you once more. "I'm here to help."

You scoffed, folding your arms over your chest.

"Yeah, right."

His eyes widened innocently.

"No, seriously -- with the workload Markham puts on you, I can tell it wouldn't kill you to have a little help." He looks around the room, opting to sit on the edge of your bed. "Where's your counterpart?"

You rolled your eyes, a faint smile spreading across your lips. "You mean Jesinia?"

He shrugged. "Same thing." Looking around the bed at the stacks of papers, he began rifling through them. "So, what can I do to help?"

:* ✧･ﾟ: *

It'd been three hours since Bodhi snuck in, and two hours since you last had a sane thought in your head. Your mind kept wandering to the made up scenarios intrusively clouding your head, all centered around the handsome man before you.

"I think this is the final page of this chapter," he said, looking up from the paper to fixate on you. You gazed back softly, and his lips turned up at the sight.

"We can keep going if you want, or we can call it a night-"

Just then, the front door opened to the dormitory and in strode none other than your counterpart. Her eyes widened as she entered the room, taking in the scene before her.

Oh... hello, Bodhi.

He smiled tightly at her.

Hi Jes.

She schooled her expression as she set down her things, standing awkwardly near the foot of her own bed.

Are you guys studying or something?

You cleared your throat, signing quickly back to her.

No, Bodhi just came over to help me with some homework.

Her brows rose, and she nodded slowly.

I... see.

Bodhi hopped off the edge of the bed, grabbing his flight jacket and tugging it on before heading to the window.

I was actually just heading out, he signed, giving you an apologetic look. Always a pleasure, Jesinia.

She looked anywhere but him, not answering his last signage. You followed him to the window, chuckling as he shimmied through it.

"Did it occur to you to use our front door?"

He scoffed, finally clearing the small portal and signalling for his dragon.

"Do you know what would happen to me if I got caught in the girl's dorms?" He smiled, and his teeth gleamed impossibly white in the moonlight. You resisted the urge to lean out the window and touch him -- you really resisted.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he promised as his dragon approached in the distance. You grinned as he took your hand, pressing a tiny kiss to the back of it.

"Thank you Bodhi for your help."

You watched him go before climbing down, still in a daze from the events that just happened. But, what pulled you out of your stupor real quick was Jesinia's crossed arms and angry foot-tapping.

What? He just came by to help.

She huffed, flanking the edge of your bed as you sat atop it.

Do you realize what you've done? She signed angrily. In case you forgot, he is a rider -- you are not.

You narrowed your eyes, but she kept going.

Markham gave you this assignment to translate -- not Bodhi. Did you not consider for a second the rules of the Codex that prohibit rider's from accessing sensitive information-

Woah! Woah Jes, you waved your hands. The information isn't private, it's just a war recap. Besides, it's not like Bodhi is going to tell anyone anyways, you assure her. She levels a stare at you.

It's the point, Y/N. If you really needed help, why didn't you just ask me?

Her worried gaze sent a pang of guilt through your chest.

I don't need help -- I can handle it, you signed. I think he honestly just wanted to hang out with me tonight, and I let him without thinking of any repercussions.

The realization dawned on you that she was in fact, right. You weren't supposed to share unedited information with anyone outside your quadrant, and Markham would have had your head if he found out.

Jesinia raised a teasing eyebrow. All this, for Bodhi, huh.

You shook your head, rolling your eyes. He's just a friend.

Yeah, sure, she signed, throwing an accusatory look at you before crawling into her own bed. Aren't you going on a date Friday with Aaric?

Right. That.

You sighed. Yes, you signed, reaching to blow out the candle. Like I said; Bodhi and I are just friends.

She chuckled, signing a single word before the room was enveloped in darkness.

Sure.

:* ✧･ﾟ: *

He'd come over again Wednesday night... to help with homework.

And walked you to the library Thursday morning... just to be nice.

Come Thursday night, he was outside your window again...

"Bodhi, what are you-"

"You alone?"

You huffed, folding your arms in frustration.

"Yes -- but you can't just keep coming by here you know, Jesinia already thinks you're dangerous-"

"Good."

Your eyes met his as he stood outside the window opening, grinning like he'd just won a prize.

"Now, are you gonna sit alone in your room all night, or come be dangerous with me?"

Your eyes widened as he extended a hand to you, and you bit the inside of your cheek in contemplation. Did you want to do yet another thing that could get you in trouble? No. But, did you want to continue spending time with him?

Well...

You took his hand, and he helped you up onto the windowsill. Your breath caught as you looked down, hundreds of feet separated you from the cold, hard ground.

Your hands grew clammy.

"C'mon -- Cuir won't bite."

Your breath hitched as he tugged you through the window, and you shakily climbed onto the massive dragon's back. Every thought, every sense in your body had gone out the window (literally) as the beast breathed steadily beneath you, it's wings flapping to keep upright. Bodhi sat you in front of him, one arm wrapping around your waist while the other held onto one of Cuir's spikes.

"Hold on," he suggested, and you immediately closed your hand around the same spike he held. The feeling of your hands held together, his strong arm holding you firmly against him...

Butterflies didn't begin to describe it.

You glanced back through your window one last time, catching Jesinia's surpsised expression as she came through the doorway before the dragon launched into the night sky.

:* ✧･ﾟ: *

[imfruity5432]

🤣 I love this

“would you slap your best friend for a million dollars?”

Sawyer: “I would slap Ridoc for free”

Ridoc: *tearing up* “I’m your best friend?”

Violet: “if you slap me and then I slap you we each get a million”

Rhiannon: “great thinking, fuck the system”

Garrick: “fucking FINALLY”

Xaden: “bold of you to assume you can even get close enough to my face to… what are you— Garrick— Garrick NO STOP TRYING TO HIT ME THAT WASN’T A CHALLENGE—”

Quinn: “no.”

Imogen: “for a MILLION? girl I’ll slap YOU if you don’t start acting right”

Liam: “I would never hit Violet.”

Vi: “what if it was during sparring?”

Liam: “well—”

Vi: “what if Xaden said you could?”

Liam: “he can’t give me permission to hit you??”

Vi: “what if you were being held at sword point”

Liam: “do I still get the million dollars?”

Vi: “yes.”

Liam: “still no!”

Vi: “WHY NOT?”

Liam: “DO YOU WANT ME TO HIT YOU??”

Vi: “IT’S A MILLION DOLLARS I JUST CAN’T FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WOULDN’T TAKE THAT OPPORTUNITY!”

bonus:

interviewer: “would you slap—”

Cat: “yes.”

interviewer: “I didn’t finish the—??”

Cat: “the answer is yes, I will slap anybody you put in front of me.”

interviewer: “…even Maren?”

Cat and Maren, at the same time: “yes”

Maren: “I’m still mad at you for that”

Cat: “you shouldn’t have tried to take my fucking strawberries??”

[justascrollingghost]

Xaden: I’m going to hide where nobody will ever find me!

Violet, 10 minutes later: he’s in that cave over there

Ridoc: how could you possibly know that?!

Violet: It’s Xaden? That cave is the only one with a big enough entrance to protect Sgaeyl too whilst also having enough cover that she couldn’t be seen coming in and out, it’s also got enough of a roof that he’s protected by the rain but not enough that he can’t see the stars to remind himself we’re both looking at the same sky and last but not least -

Bohdi: it’s got a sign that says ‘Not Xaden’s House’ in front of it which tbh is a dead giveaway

Garrick: it also helps that he’s stood outside the fucking cave.

[intairnwetrust]

Mommy, sorry. Mommy, sorry. 😍

Xaden move, my turn.

Fanart by @wwispart on Instagram