#THEY LOOK SO SMALL HERE TOO THEY MUST BE PROTECT ‼️‼️‼️

[aikaterini-drag]

Chapter 19 Unravelled

Warnings (this chapter): MINORS DON’T INTERACT‼️, Explicit Sexual Content, Fluff, First Time, Emotional Sex, Protective Bucky, Soft Bucky Barnes.

Find more chapters of the "Fading Scars" Series here ♡

"James, that's enough hugging. Let me go," she chuckled playfully, trying to wriggle out of his tight embrace.

"I can't leave you. I must make up for the time we spent apart," he said, and to prove his point, held her a little closer.

"All these months apart... have you been doing alright?"

He mustered a weak smile. "As okay as I could. I'm a super soldier, you don't have to worry about me."

"No, you are Sergeant Barnes—foolish, reckless and stubborn." A single tear escaped her eye, and she quickly brushed it away, resting her head against his chest.

"Oh, Grace..." Gently, he tilted her chin up, his fingers caressing her cheeks.

"Don't 'Grace me'," she muttered, her voice quivering with restrained sobs.

"Then don't cry."

"I'll do what I want."

"Anything else but crying," he said. He couldn't stand the sight of her crying. It broke his heart.

"James..." she said, a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks.

"Don't 'James me'," he teased with a soft kiss on her lips.

"You're like a never-ending headache," she muttered, lightly play-punching his chest.

"I'm sorry. A thousand times sorry."

"Sorry for what exactly? For leaving? Or for hiding the past?"

"What?"

"I remember, James. I remember it all. I know that you were the one who saved me the day my mother was killed," she said, her voice laden with raw emotion

"H... how..." he stammered, mouth agape. "When did this happen? How did you—"

"It just happened." She sighed. "Why did you hide the truth from me?"

"Because I didn't want to bring back painful memories you had chosen to forget," he explained. "The pain, the anguish... it wouldn't do you any good if you recalled them."

"Well, things have changed now... I give you my word that I'll do better from now on."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "I'll hold you to that, James. No more secrets between us."

"No more secrets."

"Thank you for saving me," she said, her fingers tracing the contours of his face tenderly. "You've always been my protector."

"No. Thank you," he said and reached to hold her hand with his good one, squeezing it tightly in assurance. "For some reason, you triggered me. You always do."

You are my world... he thoughtbut kept this thought to himself.He stayed silent for a few moments, mustering the courage to say what was troubling him lately. And she sensed his inner turmoil. She could practically hear the gears turning in his head.

"What's wrong?"

"If I ever..." His throat constricted as he tried to talk. "If I were ever to... lose control again if my mind were to be manipulated, I'm afraid of what I might become. I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?"

"If I'm brainwashed, I might need some time to return to normal. Or none at all. I might lose it, Grace." She tried to speak, but he cupped her face, determined to get his point across. "Promise me that if it ever comes to that, you won't hesitate to defend yourself. Even if it means using force against me.

Her face contorted. "James, I can't—"

"If I ever get too close, you can use any weapon against me."

"I won't need to." She inhaled a sharp breath and looked up at him. "We'll work together from now on. There's a lot to do because this time, I plan to be the one to protect you."

His eyes crinkled. "What do you mean?"

"You'll find out in a matter of seconds."

His worry only seemed to deepen. "Now you've got me even more curious."

She dismissed his obvious concern and explained, "I came here today to retrieve some of my mother's belongings. I knew I couldn't do it alone, so Tony agreed to help and keep me safe."

Not a wise move. Hydra was there. It was sheer luck that we managed to locate you," he remarked, a tense edge to his tone. "What if they had captured you? What if..." he trailed off, his unspoken fears hanging heavy in the air.

"I'd do it all over again," she replied, drawing a widened look of disbelief from him.

Nothing will ever be worth losing you, he thought, tense and sentimental.

"I understand these were your mother's belongings, but even so—"

"Not just any belongings," she said and gestured toward to suitcase. "What Tony retrieved from that building is a priceless treasure."

"The suitcase?" James asked blankly. He knew, from his days as The Winter Soldier, that Felicity Landon was a remarkable scientist, and perhaps the only person to have challenged Hydra. But he was never given any details, as usual.

"Inside the case lies the cure against Hydra's most powerful weapon." She paused and fondled his temples. "Brainwashing."

"Impossible..." His voice trailed off, a mixture of disbelief and hope warring within him.

"That's impossible..."

"Trust me. This is the real thing. My mother confided this secret to me, and only to me." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips sweetly. "Let's find the others and sort things out as soon as possible. Are you ready?"

"Wait," he said, his arms coming around her, pressing her breasts to his chest.

"What— hmm..."

The rest of her words dissolved under the gentle pressure of his lips against hers. His kiss was unhurried, a testament to his patience and the depth of his emotions. Fingers brushed a tendril of her caramel hair behind her ear, the touch both comforting and electrifying. His other arm encircled her with deliberate care, the intimacy arousing a sense of security and longing.

She melted against him, her own arms finding their way around his neck, pulling him closer as the kiss intensified. A deliciously sweet moan left her when his tongue traced the seam of her mouth before delving inside. She fitted herself in the cradle of his thighs, his hard bulge swelling and enlarging.

"We—we...I...I need to behave," he rasped, even as her teeth grazed sinfully along his jawline.

"And I say... let's go to my quarters."

"If we do that, I'll lose all semblance of restraint," he protested even as desire flared in his eyes.

"Sometimes it's okay to follow your impulses," she cut him off and leaned up to meet his fiery stare. Warm brown met bright blue and she knew, she knew that there was no going back.

They trudged through the narrow aircraft corridors with Grace clinging to him, her lips tracing tender paths on his cheeks and then his mouth. Once inside her room, James locked the door and set aside the suitcase. They collapsed on the bed with him squeezing her down on the mattress. His wide shoulders formed a protective curve around her, his arms enveloping her protectively.

Grace smiled at him, perfectly content and comfortable with the silk sheets brushing against her back. She was impossibly aroused, a deep red blush coloring her neck, sweet essence leaking from her center. Their mouths melded together, tongues intertwining in a sensual dance, bodies feverish with the need to release.

"Ah... Grace... I'm... " he drew back, but she clutched his vest and pushed him back down.

"Shh... stay here, Sergeant." She took his fleshly hand and laid atop her beating heart. "I missed you. I missed having you close."

"I couldn't sleep knowing you weren't close to me," he whispered, his lips pressing a loving kiss against the spot above her heart. He had missed her scent, her softness. Only she felt so good. She was a soft place of relief and safety. Home.

With this thought, he leaned down to kiss her again, his tongue thrusting into her mouth. She provoked him and nipped at his lips, catching the flesh of his bottom lip between her teeth. He moaned and guided his fingers to remove her clothes. She did the same and tugged at his outfit until there was nothing left but a thin strip of air separating their naked bodies.

"Grace..." he rasped, their heavy breathing mingling as he devoured her lips.

"James.... mnn...need you inside me."

Her voice was barely above a whisper, and her words startled him to the core. She sent him a sultry gaze from beneath her lashes, and he immediately gripped the sheets with both hands, torn between restraint and desire. She was warm and inviting, in every way, doing nothing to help him gain his composure.

"Slow... we must—"

"We must make up for the time we missed," she countered, her hands tracing the contours of his sculpted chest and strong shoulders.

"Do you really want me to touch you?" he drawled as her lips peppered kisses across his jaw.

"I do. Don't you want this?"

"I want this with all my heart," he murmured in her ear.

"Then stop holding back."

"It's..." he sighed. "It's not that simple. It's been so long since I've done this and—"

"So what? You know I've never slept with another man—"

"Are you saying these wonderful things on purpose?"

"I'm only speaking the truth," she smiled, sending a startling jolt through his heart.

He kissed her roughly, eliciting a moan from her sweet lips. "You're seducing me, little temptress."

"Please... making love to another is simple."

"I'm far from simple. I'm a super soldier. I'm not normal. What if—"

"You won't lose control," she said and closed her hands over his cock, rubbing circles on the leaking head. "You'll never hurt me. I trust you. Completely."

He growled, her touch driving him mad with longing. "At the slightest sign of discomfort, you tell me. I will stop. Understood?"

"Hmm... I promise."

At her confession, he could no longer think. He rocked eagerly into her hand, his cock filling further. Drawing back on his haunches, he admired the splendid view. She looked so beautiful, her body porcelain soft yet flushed with marks of his kisses. Her thighs lay parted on either side of his legs, exposing pink pussy lips and glistening wetness. Her breasts swayed gently with each breath, her back arching towards him, calling him to her.

James accepted the invitation,  pressing his right hand against her mound while his lips brushed hungrily over her breasts. He took each nipple between his lips and suckled gently, moaning softly at the taste of her. Her stomach somersaulted at the double sensations, shivering at the feel of his metal fingers, cold and hard as they played with the petals of her womanhood.

He wanted to kiss her. Taste her.

Moistening his lips, he trailed one fleshly finger across the seam of her pussy, then rubbed across the sensitive bud on top. Meanwhile, his mechanic hand teased her breasts with utter care, the coldness of the metal causing shivers to travel through her. He planted a sweet kiss on her folds and drove one thick finger inside her, her surprised moan causing him to stop.

"Too much?" He watched her with his face painted with worry. "I can stop if—"

"No, please don't. Keep going," she begged softly.

"Is it good?" he whispered as he slowly resumed thrusting his finger, studying her every expression closely.

"Hmmm... feels amazing."

Raising her hips up, he rested each leg over his shoulders, opening her up to him. Then he devoured her in earnest, the tip of his nose nudging her clit as his finger stretched her walls. With a desperate whine, she forked her fingers through his hair and gyrated her waist, buckling against his sinful mouth and finger.

Moist-sucking noises resounded through the room, his metal hand settled comfortingly over her stomach. She shuddered when a second digit joined in. The intrusion was strange at first, but she quickly stretched around and accepted. He was touching her so expertly, desire coursing through her.

"Oh... James... I'm—"

Her words ended abruptly, white-hot fires lighting up inside her. It was a wonderful sensation; her body was so hot and before she could stop it, it shattered into a million pieces. She cried out his name and came undone, her chest rising and falling with shuddering breaths. He swallowed her moans, giving her a taste of her sweet and spicy essence.

The head his cock fell hard and heavy over her stomach, the head leaking pre-cum in her belly bottom. She wrapped her arms around his neck, legs draping over his thighs as his swollen shaft came to rest against her folds. He teased her without penetrating, his hardness glistening with her juices. She attempted to get the head inside her, but his palms held her steady.

She shuddered. "Mnn... Please... want you."

"Trust me... I'll get there. I want you so much."

With a low growl deep within his chest, he kissed her, softly, tenderly, and at the same time, he slowly eased the tip inside, raw and pulsating, his lips never leaving hers. She moaned in his mouth at the initial breach, pleasure and pain mixing together. He pushed his hips forward, filling her up inch by inch. Molten pools of blue peered at her when he buried himself to the hilt, surrounded by her in every sense.

Her breath hitched at the incredible fullness and her hands scrambled over his biceps, clawing at him. The pain of the burn and stretch slowly faded and got replaced by liquid heat. Strangled moans followed from both of them as he drew his hips back, watching the delicate lips as they tried to suck him back in. When he noticed the streaks of blood around his shaft, he froze, his face pale.

"Please don't hate me. Please, please..." he pleaded, kissing lightly all around her face.

"James Bucky Barnes," she said, fondling his cheeks. "I could never hate you. Never."

"Should I stop? I hurt you."

"No. You are so sweet and gentle." She traced his lips with her fingers, basking in the sensation of having him so deep inside her. "I'm not hurting. I need to feel more of you. Please."

The faith he saw there convinced him and he slowly moved his hips, claiming her body. A soundtrack of pleas and wet kisses played out as their bodies collided. She squirmed and answered his thrusts, feeling every delicious ridge of him, tendrils of rapture coiling. She sensed his fleshly fingers teasing her folds, exploring the stretched area as they moved together as one. When his fingertips circled around her clit, she shifted restlessly, seeing stars at the combined ministrations.

"That's it, sweetness. You're almost there. Let go, come for me. You're so warm, so perfect and soft."

In an instant, an electric sensation coursed through her body, igniting a fierce and uncontrollable convulsion. She clamped around his cock, hard and dug her fingers into his back, exquisite ecstasy washing over her. She squeezed his throbbing cock like a vice, and he continued to push into her, hitting her sweet spot over and over again.

When the first tremors of release rippled through him, he pulled all the way out and pumped his cock in his fist, spilling himself onto her belly. Her eyes, though hazy and misty from bliss, never left him as he touched himself. He panted violently and she brought her fingers to thread through his hair and caress him lovingly.

When he came back to reality, he stood still above her, gazing at her glowing face and twinkling eyes. The fact that she had trusted him and given him her first time... he couldn't fathom how fortunate he was. Finally, some positivity and sweetness had crept into his life, proving to him that dreams did come true.

Grace committed the beauty of their union to memory, her lips stretched in a blissful smile. She moaned in contempt when he settled beside her, slipping his right hand under her head to cradle her close. She curled into him and nuzzled her nose in the crook of his neck while he placed a loving and tender kiss into the crown of her hair.

"This was dreamy," she said, fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the smooth expanse of his chest.

James lifted her chin and met her gaze. "Are you sure I didn't hurt you?"

"Do you have to ask?" She half-laughed. "I practically melted in your arms."

"You did. You're right. I'm a fool."

"It's to be expected. You've had little practice."

"Is that irony I detect in your tone?"

"Perhaps just a touch..." she teased, tracing her fingers over his cheekbones. "I am eager to help you practice the art of lovemaking."

A mischievous spark gleamed in his eyes. "That’s… a tempting proposition."

"So... you accept?"

"Do you have to ask?" he said, kissing her sensually on the lips.

[squeaky-n-blushy]

How

How do you keep writing such amazing, adorable fics even after you've written so many? BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS BEYOND CUTE. Kanene. I am enamoured with the way you write Lan Xichen. I adore how much of a gremlin you make him, BEING ALL PLAYFUL AND SOFT. This entire fic had me giggling in joy, BECAUSE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO BE GIDDY READING YOUR PORTRAYAL OF THIS CHARACTER AND THE SITUATIONS™ YOU PUT HIM INTO

LET'S GO SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT

IT STARTS OFF ADORABLE. AND THEN IT JUST STAYS ADORABLE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE THING, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???? (The tiny bit about Madam Lan at the beginning though ooooohhhhhh ooaaauuuggghhhhhh)

THE VERY FIRST SCENE OF THE LAN BROTHERS AND LAN QIREN READING TOGETHER WAS ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS- JUST IMAGINING THE TEENY TINY LANS HAS MY HEART SOARING. And the small mention of Lan Huan tucking A-Zhan into bed AAAUUGGHH i feel like everything about this fic is out to kill me

AND TINY LAN HUAN PLANNING TO SNEAK INTO HIS DIDI'S BED PLEASE PLEEEAAASEEE IM GONNA DIE IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE CALL BABY FEVER? They're not around their parents often, their shufu isn't too affectionate, but they'll always have one another <3

Lan Qiren you really had an entire monologue in your mind just to convince yourself to show your nephew some affection, that stick in your ass must be too far up, old man. BUT SEEING HIM BEING SOFT WAS SO SWEET <3 <3

[(he was still learning when touch was and wasn't welcome for him)] Kanene. get outside right now. we're gonna fight we're gonna sair na mão. IT'S THE TEENY TINY PRECIOUS LITTLE DETAILS LIKE THIS THAT MAKES YOUR WRITING SO PHENOMENAL. EVERYTHING MAKES ME WANT TO CLAW AT THE WALLS BUT THE WALLS HAVE DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE MY INSANITY SO IM GONNA CLAW AT YOU INSTEAD GET OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW WE GONNA FIGHT

TINY LAN ZHAN GIVING HIS BROTHER BUNNY KISSES TOO I AM GOING TO DIE.

The Tickle Monster awakening within Xichen for the first time and him being like "Huh- *blinks* I don't know where this came from but that's just the way things are now :D"

“Xiongzhang is very bad at bunny kisses.” AS HE LOOKS SO SERIOUS AND EXASPERATED WITH THAT TINY POUT AND THOSE CHUBBY LITTLE CHEEKS. THAT'S A BAAAAAABYYYYYY

Sect Leader Yao slander RAAAAAAAAHHHH 🔥🔥🔥💪💪💪

[There was barely a movement of white and suddenly Lan Wangji froze in his careful, unbothered march, lips pressed in a tight line as his arms unfolded from their position from behind his back to clue on his sides protectively. The feeling of a silly urge to smile bubbled, just as his attention immediately turned to his older brother.] HE'S BEEN CONDITIONED JADKSHALDHAJSH he already knows what to expect

The two of them just standing at the door, not wanting to leave themselves open to an attack omfg how does the silliness fit inside of them

THEIR BANTER WHILE THEY'RE PLAYING AROUND. I LOVE THE HEADCANON THAT LANS ARGUE USING THE RULES

"No tickles" Wangji says and Xichen sighs in defeat, like a LIAR

No wonder Lan Wangji grew to be such a talented cultivator, usually cultivators have to join night hunts to practice getting away from monsters' attacks. Lan Wangji had a monster is his very own home, so he could train whenever <3 how thoughtful of Xichen, helping his didi grow more agile <3

LWJ still being jumpy afterwards when Xichen was innocently just trying to eat his dinner hakdhakdhsks

NEXT SCENE AND OOOOOOH, OOOOHHHHH JIN GUANGYAO MENTIONED ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️AND XIAO JIN LING IS HERE TOO!!!!! ITTY BITTY SMALLER THAN AN ATOM

Pause. Jingyi and A-Yuan calling LXC Xichen-ge is actually the sweetest thing. Especially Jingyi, who's not really related to Xichen as far as we know. Xichen may be the future Sect Leader, but he watched these kids grow, helping them along the way and goofing off with them, letting them be children. Xichen may be the future Sect Leader, but to the baby Lans, first and foremost, he's Xichen-ge <3

[Lan Yuan’s belly recoiled from the idea of taking the baby away from his family. If he was Jin Ling, he would be very sad with this plan.] Ooohhhhh sweet boy,,,,, honey,,,, A-Yuan,,,,,,,,

LXC CALLING A-YUAN "little bunny" YEEEEES YEEEEEEEEEES YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES BOFU LAN XICHEN‼️‼️ THAT'S HIS LITTLE NEPHEW WHO HE ADORES DEARLY

It's always funny seeing Lan Yuan and Lan Sizhui together, just by looking at them you'd never guess which one was born into the Lan Sect and which one was (partially) raised by Troublemaker Supreme Wei Wuxian.

Jin Guangyao watching it all with a knowing smile as the chaos happens eheheheheeeee

["No tickling" Lan Xichen agrees] LIKE A LIAR

"No sneaking to talk with Jin-Zongzhu far away!" TEEHEEEEE TALKING. YES. THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DO, FAR AWAY FROM INNOCENT EYES.

LER!LAN XICHEN COULD RIVAL NIE HUAISANG IN HIS BURRINHA INOCENTE ACT. IT'S ALWAYS "Am I?" THIS "Am I?" THAT, BATTING HIS LONG AND PRETTY EYELASHES WITH THE FACE OF SOMEONE WHO'S DONE NO WRONG IN HIS LIFE EXCEPT LIE BLATANTLY WHILE HE WRECKS HIS LOVED ONES WITH TICKLES

A-Yuan wanting raspberries too- what if I ascended

[“Er-ge must be really hungry today.” A-Yao glided closer, uncaring for how Jin Ling chewed at the string of his hat, a playful light in his eyes. “Perhaps I should assure a larger assortment of snacks during our time in the conference. Jintali is proud of their hospitality, especially for allies.”] MY BLORBO MY BLORBO IT'S MY BLORBOOOOOOOOO💕💖💕💖💕💖

[“What is happening here? Who is being murdered?!”] YOUR BLORBO!!!!!! THE SOUR GRAPE HIMSELF OMG HIIIII

Jiang Cheng's demeanor softening as he stares at the kids- again, I AM GOING TO DIE.

WHAT WAS UP WITH THAT FROWN AFTER A-YUAN SPOKE. IS JIANG CHENG THINKING A-YUAN SEEMS A LITTLE FAMILIAR OR WHAT?? 👁️👁️

[“And then he’s gone forever?” Lan Shizui held Jingyi’s hand tightly, voice so small and low that it broke their hearts a little. A-Yao pressed his lips firmly, a bit guilty. ] BABY BABY NOOOOOO. Also,,,,,, Jin Guangyao,,,, Jin Guangyao,,,,,,,, how much do you know?

JINGYI WANTING TO MOUTH OFF TO JIANG CHENG AHDKSHKSHSKDHSM IT'LL ONLY GET WORSE AS YOU GET OLDER KIDDO

THE ENDING- JINGYI AND SIZHUI WERE LITERALLY JUST DOING THEIR OWN THINGS IN PEACE AND LAN XICHEN DECIDED IT WAS ATTACK TIME

KANEEEENEEEEE I AM OVERJOYED WITH THIS. THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS WITH US AND OMFGGGGG I CAN'T BELIEVE WE'RE GONNA GET MORE CHAPTERS OF THIS. I AM GOING TO DIE AND ASCEND SO MANY TIMES I'LL BEAT XIE LIAN'S RECORD. THE NEXT CHAPTERS WILL BE EAGERLY AWAITED <3

The Collection (First Chapter)

1. Escape

Kanene's notes: I USED TO PRAY!!!!! I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS. Finally after so much time and struggling and writing and screaming this is done!! Watch me fall dead on the floor okijuytrfgthjkjh. This is the longest chapter from the all to start with a golden star! I really hope you all like this, it's a personal project of mine that I am very happy to complete

Kanene's warnings: Light Angst, nostalgia, tooth-rooting fluff, mouth tickles (raspberries and nibbles) and tickles between family, all sfw ofc! Around 10.000 words. Ler!Lan Xichen and Lee!Wangji + Jingyi + Shizui

[~*~]

Lan Xichen is a collector of treasures.

He doesn’t remember when it started or for which reason. Perhaps the idea had been a fruit of seeing his shufu dutifully making copies of his most treasured scrolls and aligning them with care in his room. Maybe who set his heart on it had been his own mother, who learned to preserve her favorite flowers from their monthly bouquet and keep them guarded in between the pages of her favorite poetry books, always smiling and never complained when he and A-Zhan asked her to see them again and again. Perhaps it was one of the elders who teached him that precious things must be guarded safe and close, maybe it was a lesson he got from a book… In the end, none of this truly mattered.

His collection had little to do with pages or books. It was not something he could proudly show someone or be afraid of getting too large and running out of space. However, it was full of riches much rarer than the most expensive fabric or the purest gold, each one of them was unique and special in a way that could never be shown or gathered again. They were small enough to be carried with him all the time, always close to his heart and he would (or could) never think about selling or giving not even one away. They had no physical attribute to be priced and no human in the world capable of seeing its complete value.

It’s nature, in his feelings, could be also a result of his values and sect, a part of being a Lan, of having something that you love so deeply ingrained thoroughly into every fiber of yourself until there's no point in trying to understand where it ends and you begin.

However, Lan Xichen does remember the very first item of his collection.

(...)

“And the fluffy bunny thanked the kind cultitrator-”

“Cultivator.”

“Cultivator.” He pronounced each syllable slowly, until it sounded more like the adult’s correction. Lan Quiren hummed lightly in agreement without opening his eyes, so he must have said it right. Lan Huan controlled his big, proud smile, the best he could (one must not be arrogant, for it spoils the soul and destroy the humanity) but it still escaped when Lan Zhan’s small hand tugged his robes impatiently, eyes dropping with sleep, and yet refusing to give up, being held awake only by his own stubbornness to listen to the end of the story. “The fluffy bunny thanked the kind cultivator with lots of bunny kisses, happy to have a new friend and finally get back to home again. With a juyuful jump-”

“Joyful.”

“With a joyful jump,” he sneaked a look at his Shufu, who hummed again, “she landed on the green grass, tasty and fresh, and hopped back to her family. The end.”

Lan Zhan watched him close the book, soft and content, finally giving up to his exhaustion, eyes closing slowly. Shufu, in contrast, opened his and turned to look at Lan Huan with a short nod, a hand coming to press on his back until it was set into a straighter posture. 

His gaze travelled and then stopped at the younger boy. “A-Zhan, wish a goodnight to your Xionzhang and Shufu. It’s time for you to sleep and for me to retire.”

Lan Huan had time to put the book back to the shelf where it belonged, back with his other books and scrolls for studies, and then come back to tuck his didi in as shufu prepared Lan Huan’s bed, until Lan Zhan eventually did what was asked. He waited until their eyes were on him, stared deeply at the adult and then just as long at his Xiongzhang and then hummed clearly, head falling back on his pillow, quickly falling into a deep leep.

“Good night, A-Zhan.” Both him and Lan Qiren answered in sync, the first with a smile and the second with a huff, watching the smallest with their own kind of fondness. 

His shufu cleaned his throat softly and Lan Huan climbed in his own bed, plans of sneaking in the middle of the night to his didi’s own momentarily forgotten with how much his mind was too occupied, brow furrowed in contemplation. Like this, he took off his forehead ribbon and carefully folded and placed it with his outer robes, next to his bed.

A gruffy, low voice pulled him back from his thoughts the same time it tucked him under a pair of thick blankets. The fall was getting closer.

“One must speak if there is a reason to do so and avoid letting fruitful thoughts fester.”

“Shufu…” His voice slow, hinted with a serious thoughtfulness that has been appearing more and more with the passage of the years.

Lan Qiren felt himself get even more straight, sharp eyes looking in his nephew’s face, hoping to find something that would help him get a glimpse of what was going into the boy’s mind. Lan Huan was growing faster each day and he knew that very soon he would start to make questions that Lan Qiren would either dread or not know the answer. He didn’t think it would be so soon.

“Can a human give bunny kisses?”

The adult almost sighed out loud in relief, then chided himself for his presumptions. It was yet too soon. Only then he registered his words.

“Where does your doubt come from?”

“The bunny said thank you to the cultivator, but didn’t receive anything back.” Lan Huan sounded worried. “They were happy together, but the human can’t live together with the bunny’s family…Couldn’t then the cultivator give her a bunny kiss too? Before she went away forever?”

“She received her entire family back, so she showed gratitude, the bunny kiss was already the result of a gift, not the beginning of one. Besides, one must not assume too much, perhaps they can continued visiting each other.” He answered, a hand holding his beard, which soon was forming into a nice goatee, maybe Qiren could let it grow, see how it would turn out. “As for your question, I think a human can give someone a kiss akin to the bunny in the story, holding the same purpose, even if different in their nature.”

“How?” 

“You rub the tip of your nose softly on the person.” He carried himself stiffly, his words quick and cutting. For a moment the quiet prevailed and the adult let the boy think about his words.

It was a calm night, soon enough the wind would get strong enough and sweeping the old leaves of their streets would become a new punishment and chore. Another winter would come and then would go again. Lan Huan would start his music lessons soon and begin to learn etiquettes and greetings necessary for conferences, presentations and the rest of his future. He already didn’t need his strict uncle to read his favorite story before bed anymore or hold his hand tightly before departing to his morning classes. He learned how to tie his own forehead ribbon and how to control his thoughts to be shared after meals, and talked more and more excitedly for the day he would receive his courtesy name. 

Lan Zhan too, as every good younger brother did (as Lan Qiren once did in a forgotten past, as well), started following Huan’s every step, eager with hawk eyes watching in awe his older brother’s every move, every word, his every right and wrong, mirroring it with all the skill could. He waved away Qiren’s help in dressing himself and ran to Huan to ask for his nightly stories. They no longer went searching for him during his nightmares nor cried for him when they were hungry or fuzzy, too tired to comprehend their own feelings.

And yet, Lan Zhan still held his robes and trailed after him for hours, pouty and determinately protective, everytime after Qiren came back from a long conference. Lan Huan continued to look at him for guidance with such bright, curious eyes after watching him spar and flooding him with questions, never afraid of being admonished for how long or simple they were.

They were growing into fine, young boys who would soon be fine, young mans. That was a good thing, Qiren thought. It was. 

In the end, he sighed and made his decision.

“Like this.” Lan Qiren lowered his head and lightly rubbed the tip of his nose on his nephew’s small (yet so, so small) forehead. Then he promptly straightened back and turned around, ignoring the delighted, soft gasp from the kid behind him as he walked away.

“Good night, A-Huan.”

And like this, it was born a tradition.

Right on the next day, Lan Huan got up and, seeing that Lan Zhan was awake too, immediately turned to him with an excited smile.

“Good morning, A-Zhan.” The younger one watched him with wonder in his eyes, clearly curious about what made his brother so bright so early. Lan Huan chuckled and wormed himself across the mattress until he could sit on its border, getting closer to the other. “I have a surprise for you. Do you want it?”

Lan Zhan turned to look at his empty hands with narrowing eyes, but his curiosity ended up winning, his head nodding as he stepped closer, confused and eager to know what he would get.

“It is a…” Huan gave it a pause to increase the antecipation, “a bunny kiss!”

His attempt to replicate the light nuzzle in his brother’s forehead was much more clumsy than his shufu, but as he quickly retreated to analyze his didi’s reaction (he was still learning when touch was and wasn’t welcome for him), Lan Zhan’s eyes were wider than normal, mouth open and eyes staring at him in surprise before looking up, hands slowly coming to rest on his forehead, just around the place the ‘bunny kiss’ was laid, being careful to not touch it. 

That was a good sign. The older brother beamed.

“I learned from your story!” Lan Huan got up and started to dress for the day, carefully tying his forehead ribbon before putting on the layers of his robes. Breakfast would begin soon and shufu would come to collect them not much long before. “Did you like it?”

“...Not a bunny.”

Lan Huan couldn’t really refute this, as it was true and lying was prohibited in Cloud Recess, so he simply hummed in agreement and continued his morning routine, just like he has been taught. 

Soon, there was a small hand tugging at his wrist and pulling his attention. As Huan whirled around, his didi smacked his face on his palm, turning from one side to another in an even more clumsy bunny kiss. Lan Huan felt like bouncing, body almost trembling with the effort of keeping his control. 

Lan Zhan looked at him and then, with a very satisfied air, went back to prepare himself.

Ever since then, Bunny Kisses became something to expect on their daily routine, except for their shufu, who who only fell to the tradition once or twice, always in quick bolts that would disappear as soon as they came to be never mentioned again. However, between the two kids it was their new way to say Goodmorning and Goodnight, a Thank-You for when Lan Zhan kept him company during his long afternoons of studies and a See-You-Soon for when they had to head different classes during the morning.

It was only natural, then, that soon Lan Huan’s mind, bright and curious in the peak of childhood, discovered how such a soft form of affection could be used for much more playful mischievousness than it was firstly intended. 

(...)

Lan Huan carefully set his brush down, mindful to not let any drop of ink fall on his table or calligraphy exercise, for the danger of having to write all of it again. With a quiet sigh of relief he looked at his didi, too concentrated in his little pile game to notice that Huan had already finished over and therefore they were free to go out to shufu. The tip of his fingers had a few light smudges of black from when he continued to grind the ink for Lan Huan even before the older could stop him and Huan couldn’t stop the happiness that filled his chest at that, watching as the little boy continued with determination at his task.

An idea rose in his mind.

Perhaps it was a result of how much time they spend sitting down, slowly falling into boredom or that Lan Zhan seemed extra clingy after his classes, but suddenly… suddenly Lan Huan wanted something.

There was a playfulness growing in him, something that looked at his didi and celebrated that he was so oblivious to his intentions. It was the perfect opportunity, just what he needed to attack.

Huh.

He blinked. 

In the next second, he was lunging, his arms full of his younger brother who barely had time to look at him in surprise before Huan was shoving his face on his neck, nuzzling it with energy until a squeak rang across the room, quickly being followed by quick, low snickers that made his shoulders bounce and him to try to hide the sensitive spot from the sudden onslaught of affection.

“Bunny Kisses!” He resurfaced again, gold bright eyes that looked exactly like his staring right back at him. Lan Zhan shook his head, still snickering and scrunching up his neck, phantom tickles dancing on his tingling skin and pulling a tiny smile from his closed lips.

“No?” Lan Huan shook his head together with him, his entire expression still twirling in mischievousness. The corner of his eyes crinkled with his smile “No Bunny Kisses? But you love them so much, right?”

His didi, his lovely, poor little didi, immediately nodded to answer his question and the flashing grin he received was the only hint he had before Lan Huan’s nuzzles descended to his belly, tiny raspberries being placed a couple and more of times until his quiet snickers grew to low, hysterical giggles, chubby hands pushing his head away as the younger squeaked and tittered at each new nuzzle, laughter growing a tad louder when the tickly affection got too close of his sides and bellybutton and then went back to unstoppable chuckling as his brother deviated and tickled from those highly ticklish spots to focus on the rest of his stomach a little more.

“No bunny kisses.” Even with each one of his syllables being caught in tons and tons of giggles, Lan Zhan concentrated on his interjection. “Tickles!”

Lan Huan gasped softly in an exaggerated surprise.

“Oh no, A-Zhan, am I tickling you?” He turned just enough to be able to see the younger one nod fervently. “I must correct this immediately, then!”

Purposefully, he shoved his face fully on his side. Lan Zhan gasped and started to wiggle from one side to another non stop, unable to escape the clutches of the tickle monster. The more the nuzzles attacked and teased the spot, the more squeals and small yelps escaped from his mouth, huffs and puffs of laughter filling the previous too quiet room. He shook his head fervently. 

“It tickles here too?” Lan Zhan nodded, again, and Huan began to rest tiny raspberries here and there, his laughter grew stronger. “What if I do this? Does it tickles less, didi?”

At Lan Zhan’s shaking head and squeaky chuckles, Lan Huan pulled one arm upwards without any resistance, starting to poke and rub his nose on his armpits, voice light and playful as he asked once more. “What about here? Does it tickle too, A-Zhan? Maybe I can try here, then?” Jumping now to his ribs, Lan Huan snickered when a louder squeal flew the air at this and hiccups began painting the younger’s quiet squeaking laughter. “Ah! Not here as well? Didi, you’re really ticklish all over.”

“Then… here.” Finally, Lan Huan gave up his tickle attack and placed the bunny kiss on his forehead, light and soft until the squirming and giggling slowed down a bit.

Lan Zhan felt his own happy giggles slowly dying as well until he felt a small smile and bright eyes staring, lingering in his face in a pout from the playful offense. When he looked, Lan Zhan’s face had gone back to his usual expression, but now much more relaxed and happy. The young brother Lan Zhan sighed deeply, as if burdened by a great duty, he then stared seriously into his older brother’s eyes.

“Xiongzhang is very bad at bunny kisses.”

This time, it was Lan Huan who couldn’t stop his laughter.

So, it started like this, and Lan Xichen began collecting smiles, laughter, light, and happiness. His collection only grew bigger as the time passed, in those moments when his little brother's eyes softened on the corners and he looked at him expectantly, with an attentive, excited attention, when his mother gathered his face in her warm hands and he made a silly face that never failed to pull a smile from her, when he his family continued to expand, full of opportunities and moments that only made Lan Xichen richer and richer.

(...)

They made it to the end, to everyone’s relief, and Lan Xichen thanked how the rules of his sect taught him how to move quick and quiet without resorting to an actual running, ill-mannered pace to escape. The Lans made their way to their rooms swiftly before any other Sect Leader could pull them away to joy idle conversation.  

It was clear in the tilt of his head and the vague sense of his eyes that Lan Zhan was beyond bored, wanting nothing more than for this to be over and them to go home. After listening to Sect Leader Yao complain about the tariffs for almost one entire shichen, Lan Huan could relate. He was sure their Shufu felt like that too, since that small tick in his left eye appeared in the middle of the ranting and hasn't gone away ever since, a clear signal of the adult reaching stress levels that could possibly equal to a qi deviation, besides when Sect Leader Yao’s long winded vent was over, with fingers being pointed to half of the other sects and no solution being proposed, Lan Qiren’s words came hot, scolding and educated in a way that only years of practice would result. The Ouyangs quickly ended the conference after it.

“I will retire to my room to meditate.” Lan Qiren huffed and nodded as Lan Huan and Lan Zhan gave him twin bows, equal in sentiment and execution, making something light appear in his eyes as a response. “Wangji. Xichen. I will see you at breakfast.”

“Mn.” His brother agreed at the same time he said. “Yes, shufu.”

He looked at his little brother and realized he was not going to be the one to ask, so when nothing more was pointed out, Xichen added. “May we attend to your morning meditations together?”

Lan Qiren caressed his goatee, a pleased air momentarily appearing in his face. “They said the blossoms came in earlier this year, creating a calm scenery to clear the mind and balance the spirit. Very well. I will collect you not long before sunrise.”

“We will be ready.” It would be good to change their usual place and enjoy the beauty of the sect they were in. If it was far enough away they could even press their uncle to join them for a few songs in the spirit of “practice” before heading to another exhausting conference. Xichen was plenty aware of how hard it was to deny them when he and Wangji combined his forces.

As the older changed directions and went to his personal quarters, the brothers kept calmly following their way. When the scenery no longer caught his attention, Lan Xichen turned his gaze to the younger, watching his expression vague and unseeing at his surroundings. Wangji was still bored and distracted.

Lan Xichen, after years and years of practice and patience, immediately recognized the quite mischievous feeling that appeared in his soul as his mind processed what a perfect opportunity this was.

There was barely a movement of white and suddenly Lan Wangji froze in his careful, unbothered march, lips pressed in a tight line as his arms unfolded from their position from behind his back to clue on his sides protectively. The feeling of a silly urge to smile bubbled, just as his attention immediately turned to his older brother.

Lan Xichen, of course, controlled his urge to snicker. 

“Is something the matter, Wangjii?”

Ah. He wasn’t as subtle as he expected. Golden, equally accusing and accessing eyes burned on his form as if they could read the plan in his mind. Xichen let a serenate air take over his expression, even though it was a futile attempt of distraction. There was nothing he could do. As much as he knew each expression and quirks of Wangji, the same could be said about his own expressions and his brother, who could read the playfulness in the light of his eyes with ease from lis away, and so took a petulant step away, muscles tensing.

Their gazes found each other. Thankfully, they were already close enough to their quarters that no other wandering disciple would think about appearing to bother them and their dinner had been long delivered at their rooms. Even if there was an emergency they would go first to Shufu. Therefore, there was no hurry at all, to catch some unexpected smiles and giggles today while chasing the exhaustion away.

Lan Xichen chuckled and calmly turned to continue their way, one arm crossed on his back and the other gesturing to the empty corridor. “Let’s go to our room. I am quite tired from the evening.”

Lan Wangji waited for him to go forward and then marched to his pace, right by his side, straying away when the older brother tried to get closer and matching his stride step by step, gaze unrelenting, watching him with the tail of his eyes. 

No words, protesting or accusing, were spared and anticipation was quick to twirl in the air around them.

They stopped in front of the door. Stared at it.

Wangji kept his expression carefully blank. Lan Xichen continued to smile, tranquil.

“Wangji, please?” He motioned for the door.

“Xiongzhang.” Lan Zhan nodded.

None of them moved, not wanting to give up their equal ground to a more vulnerable position. 

Maybe the conference really took a toll on his brother, because he partially caved, an annoyed huff leaving him as he turned the slightly bit away from him, angling his body just enough to open the door and keep him in his field vision in the case of a sudden attack. Unfortunately for him, Lan Xichen was still more practiced and quicker.

In no time at all, a wiggly finger rested on his ribs, sneaking a few tickles there before he dodged.

“Xiongzhang!” There was a gasp and a tune in his voice, a hint of titters. His eyes were attentive and bright, now, which only encouraged Xichen to sneak a few more tickle attacks, another wiggly finger poking  his armpit, a quick pinch on his sides, a bit of prodding on his spine when he kept turning away. They continued to twirl, jumping close and pushing away in a playful game of cat and mouse.

“I am sorry, A-Zhan, am I tickling you?”

Lan Wangji bit back a squeak and a wobbly smile, as too many memories flooded his mind. He was no longer a tiny, innocent and giggly kid to fall so easily to his older brother’s antics. Still, there was a hint of flustered red taking over the tip of his ears.“Lying is prohibited. One must not deceive with his words. One must not fight with the family, for there is no winner. One must not stray from the righteous path!”

There was no helping the joyful laughter escaping from Lan Xichen as they continued their chase, the thought of him walking away from the righteousness because he decided to tickle his younger brother by surprise was too hilarious for him. 

“One must show his true appreciation to his family and friends, to care and intervene when they’re needed. One must honor their elder’s gifts, their experience and wiseness. One must be just and kind, and only then will they be following the right path.” He countered.

“Not tickling.” Wangji highlighted and huffed, annoyed. In a sudden more he opened the door, fast to get into the room and close it, however, too slow to do it before Lan Xichen took the opportunity to burrow his fingers for a few kes on his neck, using the distraction to worm his way inside his room, too. 

“There are no rules saying they don't apply to tickling.”

“Xiongzhang is being purposefully obtuse.”

“Has Wangji grown too old for his brother’s affection? Does he no longer accept my bunny kisses, no long care for his Huan-ge?” Lan Xichen teased, letting his hands fall and looking away with a sad, disheartened face. “Poor is my heart.”

(He calmed too the piece of his soul that ached a bit too truthfully at his words.)

“Xiongzhang.” His ears were completely red now, which was completely endearing. Lan Zhan must have understood him a bit too well, as always, and gave a single step closer, in a suspicious support. “No tickles.” He emphasised.

Lan Xichen sniffed, looking at him with bright, big eyes, Lan Zhan looked back unmoved. “What about Bunny Kisses?”

Oh, they could get even redder. 

“No tickles.” Wangji repeated firmly while taking another step closer. 

Xichen sighed in defeat, and in the next second pounced. Wangji jumped out of the way with a wordless surprised sound. He would become a wonderful cultivator, with reflexes so quick as to catch up with him even with years of differentiation between them.

Still, they would yet have a few years before that. Xichen ranked his fingers up and down Wangji’s ribs, making him stumble out his grasp with a quick huff of laughter, arms hugging himself over the lasting buzzing tingles. He didn’t have a lot of time to recollect himself before the other was attacking again. This time, when Xichen managed to poke and scribble at Wangji’s bellybutton, he pried a quick, muffled snort before the other jumped away. 

Simple like that, they resumed their previous chase across the room, robes floating and dancing in the air as they jumped from one wall to another, going over the furniture and dodging all of their sparse decorations with ease, which definitely wasn’t an activity his shufu would ever approve, but it was very effective to exercise their precision and grace during fast movements.

Just as Wangji was jumping over their bed, preparing to propel himself on the nearest wall and get away, Xichen had the opportunity to catch him, one hand barely had time to secure a firm grip around his ankle before Xichen was pulling him down on the mattress, quickly latching his other hand on his calf and squeezing.

A high squeak floated across the space and Wangji immediately melted on the spot, his kicks completely uncoordinated as he tried to turn his every ounce of control into controlling his laughter. Lan Xichen, as he always did when he saw his younger brother stopping being so serious and having a little of fun, was endeared.

“We’re not in Cloud Recesses, Wangji-di.” Since he already decided to choose violence as a form of caring, Xichen began squeezing the calf non stop, walking up and up until he got to his knees, sparing plenty of light, maddening scribbles on the ticklish skin until it created a quick wave of airy titters before going downwards to his calves again, laughter morphing in deeper guffaws that only grew quicker and lower the more he tormented the muscle, kneading and tasering non stop. “You can laugh as much and as loud as you want.”

Wangji just shook his head, if it was a protest against the tickling or an affirmation that he was not discarding the rules outside his home it was unclear. Obviously, that was not helped by the way Xichen decided to tease his ankles, leaving tiny scratches around the bone and spidering his fingers all around them, collecting more and more squeaks and huffs of laughter by doing so, following those the sensitive spot no matter how much Lan Zhan tried to twist his legs this way or that, more softer giggles dancing on the air with his efforts.

Once more, Xichen decided moving upwards, scribbling and wiggling around his ankles, drumming on his calves, passing with plenty of scribbles and pokes on the underside of his knee until his dancing fingers fingers managed to scratch at that spot between his knee and thigh, which pried an louder flow of snickers, hand slowly creeping to the back of his thighs. He barely clawed the stop and suddenly Wangji was turning around, hands holding his wrists while a big, closed-lipped smile, eyes bright and ears red, stared back at him.

“Xiongzhang.” He admonished, still giggling a bit around his words, probably because that spot of his was a fisher of loud, shrieking laughter. 

Xichen showed him a tiny apologetic smile of his own, expression bright and happy. Wangji softened, still carrying a hint of a pout, and it was a proof of Xichen’s self control to not snicker out loud. It only resulted in another suspicious stare. Once more Wangji had been perfect in reading him. “Stop playing around.”

“I apologize, Wangji.” His tune was still light and playful and, truly, he couldn’t help sneaking a last tease. Poking a little of fun at his younger brother has been one of his delights for a long time now. “But aren’t you glad to no longer be burdened by boredom? There’s a new, more vivid air in you, now, don’t you think?”

Lan Wangji simply huffed and let his hands go, heading to their table without even a glance at his direction, petulantly ignoring him. 

When they finally began sharing their dinner, Lan Xichen noticed the more relaxed pose Wangji carried, a a slight twitch of his lips from time to time (especially when Xichen kept reaching to grab bowls and food next to him, which wasn’t actually any kind of teasing) and a happier, brighter kind of light in his eyes. 

They really knew each other too well, when Wangji’s eyes found his Xichen grinned, the other immediately turned around with another flustered huff.

He had fun, Xichen was glad.

His plan had really worked.

(....)

Lan Xichen smiled warmly, steps silent as he approached the two kids who were too distracted whispering among themselves to notice their new observant. He beamed when he found Jin Guangyao’s, watching the kids from a bench under a colorful gazebo, bouncing a shrieking little A-Ling on his leg. Xichen put a finger in his lips and A-Yao turned back to pay attention to his nephew, pretending to not see the other stop right behind Jingyi and Yuan, bending down quietly, being careful in not letting his shadow fall on them to not be noticed.

“We just need to revise our plan.” Jingyi whispered (which, to him, was a slightly more quiet shout. A-Yuan was watching him with an attentive gaze and he preened under the attention) and, with a stick, moved a few pebbles on the grass. “You stay here with Xichen-ge and while Liangfang-zun is distracted with Sandu Shengshou  I will grab Jin Ling and put him in our room! He can wear my extra robes and hide so no one can find him. I’ll be extra clear so I will not need to change my clothes, too. No one will notice him with so many Lans here.”

“But… won’t Jiang-Zongzhu get sad because we stole his nephew?” A-Yuan didn’t seem as confident in this plan as Jingyi. He looked at Jin Ling in the distance before turning back at his friend. “Won’t he be missing his jiujiu?”

“A-Yuan, he is going away today. If we let him, we won’t be able to play anymore! The adults will order us to wait for when the next Conference happens and it will take forever. And! He will have us, Xichen-ge and his shushu here with him so he won’t be feeling alone.”

Yet, his friend didn’t seem much convinced, Lan Yuan’s belly recoiled from the idea of taking the baby away from his family. If he was Jin Ling, he would be very sad with this plan. But he being Lan Yuan, he was also very sad to see the baby going away. 

His fingers fiddled with the hem of his robe before pressing it until it was free of wrinkles. When he looked up, his eyes were determined. “I think we should ask Xichen-ge to play more with him  He will help.”

“Xichen-ge and Liangfang-zun are really close friends, but Liangfang-zun and Sandu Shengshou are not.” Jingyi pointed and Lan Xichen felt surprised with how attentive the younger was. To keep the relationships between sects as peaceful as possible, very few, almost none, people knew that A-Yao and Jiang-shixiong, no, Sect Leader Jiang didn’t like each other, besides, both of them tried to keep appearances for Jin Ling. “I don’t think it will work if we ask.”

The two kids sagged, stuck in an impasse. A-Yuan poked one of the whitest pebbles, lost in thought. “How can I even distract Xichen-ge?”

Lan Jingyi opened his mouth, but the voice that answered his friend wasn’t his. “I might have an idea.”

The kids squealed and jumped in surprise, Xiao Jingyi turned to look at him with wide eyes and A-Yuan pressed his hands on his mouth, as if to take back the loud noise. Before he could get that guilty expression in his face, Lan Xichen scooped him in one of his arms and started his most successful distracting technique. An even louder squeal was pried from his nephew. 

(They were in Lanling, after all. There is no need to enforce Gusu Lan rules so strictly when there is more pressing matter at hand, like a very likely war between the Jin and the Jiangs if Jin Ling disappears under the care of the first. Besides, if they did start reinforcing the rules, Xichen would also have to pay his fair punishment and write some extensive lines about eavesdropping.)

“Gege! Xichen-ge!” A-Yuan squirmed in his hold, kicking and trying to push his hand away as it began to squeeze his side non stop, playful, restless fingers spidering and pinching every inch of ticklish skin. His high squeaky laughter began traveling across the air and the younger one wiggled and wiggled until he could turn around and shove his face in his shoulder, melting completely on him as his entire body shook with his giggles and crackles.

“Yes?” Xichen smiled and wormed his hand up until it was attacking that silly spot right between his shoulder blades with fluttering fingers and a barely there touch that never failed to fill his uncontrollable laughter with snorts and high pitched snickering. A-Yuan trashed a bit more, finally realizing that there was really no escape from his tickly end. The kid then hugged him closer, shyly muffling his laughter. 

Lan Xichen nuzzled the top of his head, happily. He would have to move him soon, both to be sure that Xiao Yuan was breathing properly and also as a chance to see that delightful smile of his.

“No need to get shy, little bunny, your strategy to distract me is very efficient, I say. I already forgot what I even came here to do.” 

He sneaked two fingers to lightly scratch at his neck, successfully making him pull his face out of his shoulder to scrunch and protect the spot. Lan Xichen flashed an eager grin to those gleaming, squinting eyes. “Maybe I only  need to keep tickle-tickle-tickling you until I remember, then! Doesn’t it sound like a perfect plan?”

A-Yuan was too occupied wiggling his form from the new, previous free hand that found the back of his ribs and was attacking him with vigorous scratching to answer. It didn’t help that the other hand had only crawled up to tease the shell of his ears with an onslaught of soft, light tickles too.

Even so, it didn’t take long before a grip pulled the hand that wasn’t holding his nephew up away and another little boy answered him.

“Let him go!”

“But, A-Yi, then he will fall.” His reply was goodnaturedly and, like a very caring adult, his grin only expanded further at Jingyi’s groan. The boy didn’t despair for long, however, quickly tugging his sleeve once more with a more determined look on his face.

“Don’t worry, A-Yuan. I have an idea!”

Lan Yuan adjusted his face to look at his best friend, uncovering it enough that only one teary eye and half of a bright smile were visible, his hands still held the white fabric under his grip tightly. He looked quite like a worm, squirming from one side to another like this.

“A-Yi!” His giggles got bubbly and full of snorts as Lan Xichen started making his fingers walk up and down and up and down and up and down (again!) his spine. “R-run!”

“Never!” Jingyi protested, putting all his strength in pulling Xichen’s hand away while tiptoeing and putting his other hand between A-Yuan’s back and Lan Xichen's tickly fingers. “I won’t leave you behind! He can’t fight both of us at once, A-Yuan, don’t worry.”

“Is that so? Perhaps, you should come closer to defeat me, I believe.” Xichen stopped tickling A-Yuan and let him become boneless on his hug, tiny snickers still escaping from his lips. With his other arm, he scooped Jingyi up, gracefully suppressing a grimace when the young one shrieked right next to his ear. “There we go. I am excited to see your new, brilliant plan that will lead to my fall.”

Jingyi clumsily straightened himself, poofing out his chest with pride. 

“You already fell for it, Xichen-ge!” With a gleaming smile, A-Yi beamed smugly. He straightened himself even more, both arms resting on his back in a pose that he and Lan Wangji usually assumed when teaching their classes. Lan Xichen easily stomped over his desire to chuckle at the morrorining. “Now both of your hands are full! Which means you can’t use them to tickle us now, aha!”

The adult gasped in faux despair and Jingyi bounced in pride. 

“How didn’t I see this? Jingyi, I am afraid your mind has long surpassed mine. Such a good plan…” A-Yuan patted his arm, still giggling softly, in consolation. Lan Xichen tried very hard to keep his faux despairing tune one and not become endeared. “I fear there is no other choice for me, then. I will have to use my secret technique.”

For a little bit of suspense, he let the silence guide their nerves high, refusing to meet their searching eyes as the xiao lans exchanged looks between themselves and then turned back to watch him tensely, expecting the  moment of his attack. Glancing at his friend, Lan Xichen noted both him and Jin ling staring at the silly moment, the first with a knowing smile and the latter with wide, attentive eyes.

“The Snacking Attack.”

“That is a stu- silly namEEEEEK!!” Jingyi's commentary grew louder with another shriek as Lan Xichen tilted him a little to the side and pressed his face on his belly, placing freely and playfully nimbly nibbles and buzzing raspberries on every inch of the tickle spot. “NO! XICHEN-GE!!”

Different from Lan Yuan, who was always fond of muffling his reactions and closing his eyes from the uncontrollable, loud laughter tickling usually pried from him, Lan Jingyi did the completely opposite, he crackled and shrieked freely, limbs trashing, kicking and squirming with no hope of coordination or escape, missing his every attempt to pushing the buzzing, electric feeling that jumped and tingled his nerves away with every tickle. Lan Xichen made sure to bury his face as much as he could on the spot before replying, shaking it from one side to another with another raspberry.

“Hm?” The words vibrated from his belly to his entire torso. Lan Jingyi wheezed and crackled in reply, one hand coming to his hair to push him away. Lan Xichen hummed again, just to be sure. “I apologize, could you repeat that? I couldn’t quite grasp your words. Someone is laughing really loudly nearby and it muffled your sentence. It’s a good thing that we’re not in Cloud Recess, I suppose, otherwise I would have to catch that giggly person and explain the benefits of keeping a calm, collected mind.”

It would be quite amusing to try to hold a conversation with him. While A-Yuan would at least try to stay focused on what he was saying and in his surrounding, Jingyi seemed to forget every and any single thing in the very moment a small poke attacked his side, his mind focusing in nothing else but the sensation and in almost no time the boy would be jolting and squealing in surprise every time a new spot was tickled, even if he saw the attack come from a li away.

“NO!” He squawked, laughing non stop “No tickling! You’re cheating!!”

“Is that so? I wasn’t under the impression we were playing a game.” Satisfied with the wheezing turn that his laughter took, Lan Xichen lifted his face, smiling calmly at the kid when his beaming eyes found his, airy chuckles and subdued crackles still spilling from him, arms crashing down to protect his torso “I apologize. Please, if you would be so kind, explain to me, then, the rules of this game.”

“Yehehah!” Jingyi cheered excitedly, no longer hugging himself and starting to grin in mischievousness. He pointed a wobbly finger at him! “No ticklihihing.”  

“No tickling.” Lan Xichen agreed. “What else?”

Jingyi pursed his lips, thinking. Suddenly, his eyes twinkled. “You must put A-Yuan on the ground!”

With narrowed eyes, he watched as Lan Xichen complied, his friend sagging and clutching the larger, white sleeves with a few snickers before letting them go and stumbling on the ground. Jingyi bounced in his arms in happiness, seeing that his wishes were truly being followed. 

“Jin Ling must be here as well, for this and all of our games, tomorrow and then the tomorrow after that and then tomorrow after tomorrow! We have to tickle him too when he comes, so it’s fair. You must come to more of our games! And play fairly! No sneaking to talk with Jin-Zongzhu far away.”

Feeling his cheeks burn and how the kid didn’t look anywhere close to stopping, Lan Xichen finally pulled his final card.

With a light tune, he interrupted Jingyi.

“Excuse me, this is a very long list, I might if I am not in the best conditions, and to carefully contemplate each of your points and try my best to find a common place between us with them I will need to gather my energy and strength, alright?” Jingyi pouted, but there was no throwing a fit or planning another kidnap, which was a good signal though. “For that, you won’t mind if I have a snack, do you? To replenish the body and calm the soul. It will be really quick.” 

They boy must have started to recognize his quirks, for the way he immediately became suspicious. However, when he realized the possible meaning of his words, it was already too late.

“Would you like some more raspberries?”

He gasped. “NO-”

Suddenly his entire ribs were being devoured in long, loud and buzzing raspberries that made him almost fall from the other’s grip. Unrestrained, high pitched, squeaking and shrieking laughter filled the yard as his mind was completely taken over by the mischievous attack.

Lan Xichen lifted his mouth, but for the way that the squeaks and squeals continued to fill the air, he might as well had continued his tickly endeavor.

“A delicious meal, indeed.” Jingyi crackled and laughed, legs kicking and tiny hands coming to rest in his face. “A-Yi, please,” his tune was amused and exasperated. “You’re aware of our rules: one must not talk during their meals. Yet, I can hear your cute laughter loud and clear, you must cease this loud behavior at once.”

“You’re tickling me!!” 

“Am I?” Deciding to finally stop his playing and teasing, Lan Xichen stopped his tickles and pulled himself back to his usual straightened posture, a fond smile gracing his lips as he watched the young one in his arms giggle and squirm. “I was under the impression that I was simply offering some raspberries for a snack. I apologize.”

As the other recuperated his breath, the adult turned to look downwards, seeing big grey eyes staring right back at him. A-Yuan jolted and looked down, holding the hem of his clothes and stepping closer to him.

It was not difficult at all to see what he wanted.

Adjusting A-Yi, Lan Xichen scooped the kid again, laying tiny raspberries all across his neck and cheeks, until a twin pair of giggles were ringing loudly in the air.

“Er-ge must be really hungry today.” A-Yao glided closer, uncaring for how Jin Ling chewed at the string of his hat, a playful light in his eyes. “Perhaps I should assure a larger assortment of snacks during our time in the conference. Jintali is proud of their hospitality, especially for allies.”

“A-Yao.” Lan Xichen huffs a laugh, lightly scolding.

A shout and trashing attracted his attention back to the Lans on his arms, who, at some point, engaged in a tickle fight between themselves. Jingyi had captured Yuan’s feet and was attacking his friend with energetic scribbles while the other tried to pry his fingers away, laughing and squirming freely, one hand getting dangerously close too A-Yi’s own leg, but the kid was much preoccupied shouting about his victory to notice.

Lan Xichen's heart was truly weak, seeing both of them having fun and being loud like that made it melt from cuteness. Of course, his sect’s rules weren’t as harsh for the kids as it was for the adults who should know better, but the sight of the boys playfully fighting and being unapologetic loud about their joy was a rare enough occurrence that should be enjoyed.

After a few moments of a light brawl and more giggles, Lan Xichen couldn’t help but turn around to rest a fond kiss on the top of their heads. He sighed contentedly, uncaring for a few kicks or slaps that found their way to his chest. Nothing better to light up after an exhausting conference than to hear such some bright laughter, it was almost as if all his energy was being replenished after this moment. The fact that both kids would be tired enough for their bedtime today was also a good consequence of all this fooling around.

Shrieking laughter and snorts ran like a lovely melody across the yard.

“What is happening here? Who is being murdered?!” 

Lan Xichen turned in time to see Jiang Wanyin's frowning face emerge from the inner’s doors as he stormed across it. His gaze clued on him, eyes passing through his face and the laughing kids in his arms as confusion blinked for a moment in his eyes before being replaced by his usual closed expression. 

“Zewu Jun.” He bowed formally and, as Lan Xichen lowered to put the kids on the ground and return the gesture, lifted his hand in a halting motion. “No need. I am not staying long, I only came here to get my nephew.”

“Sect Leader Jiang.” A-Yao stepped close, receiving the bow from the other and answering in kind with a smile full of politeness but with little truth. In his arms, Jin Ling squirmed until he put him on the ground, the little one wobbling to his jiujiu until he could latch on his legs with a squeal and a long winded babbling.

For a moment, the fondness on both of Sect Leader’s eyes was so strong that Lan Xichen really wished they could get along easier, being so equally caring about Jin Ling. 

The spell was over soon, however. 

“Of course, I will ask the maidens to prepare his belongings for the trip.” Jin Guangyao made a flourish with his hand and sent a message butterfly to the inner part of the palace. One of Wanyin’s eyes twitched. “Has this year’s conference been fruitful for you?”

“As much as it can be.” Jiang Wanyin replied with a slightly less polite tune, but with an equal void of truth. “The Jiang Yummeng Sect thanks the Jin Sect for their hospitality.”

“Of course, our sects have been strong allies for years, and I am glad our hospitality shows my appreciation. Tell me, how has the rebuilding of Lotus Pier been?”

Before he could listen more of their exchange, Lan Xichen felt Jingyi squirming on his arm and remembered to put them on the ground, patting and adjusting their clothes until they were less wrinkled. All the while, Jingyi kept stealing glances at Jiang Wanyin and Jin Ling and then turning to him with big, pleading eyes. Yuan did the same, although his eyes barely found his before he was looking down, playing with the hem of his robes sadly.

The adult sighed and got up.

“Sect Leader Jiang.” Said one stopped what he was saying and turned at him sharply, his displeased face turning into a confused scowl, once again. “About Jin Ling’s departure, I believe there is something A-Yi and A-Yuan wanted to ask. They’ve already recomposed themselves.” He joked, reminding about how the other had found them playing in the yard.

Jiang Wanyin huffed, the corner of his lip twisting for a brief as if it wanted to break his sharp expression, but as quick as it came it was over. The Jiang turned completely at the kids, staring as Jingyi stared fiercely back. Lan Xichen laid an encouraging hand on their backs, pushing lightly forward.

“We would like to play a little more with A-Ling, please, Jiang-Zhongzhu.” A-Yuan bowed the proper height and then turned to Lan Xichen, who nodded in agreement.

Wanyin frowned (it felt a bit different than his previous one, even if Xichen couldn’t quite put his finger on why. His face was more expressive than his brother, moving and changing from expression to expression much more visibly, however, it was still hard to distinguish each one). “I will stay for a few hours while me and Liangfang-zun share a cup of tea and all of Jin Ling’s stuff gets prepared. You can play with him then, until we leave.”

“And then he’s gone forever?” Lan Shizui held Jingyi’s hand tightly, voice so small and low that it broke their hearts a little. A-Yao pressed his lips firmly, a bit guilty. 

“He is not going to die,” Sect Leader Jiang rolled his eyes, tune half exasperated and half clipped, then seemed to realize whose presence he was and set himself even more straight. “You will see him again if Zewu Jun brings you for the next conference.”

“He is our friend! You can’t-”

“Lan Jingyi.” Lan Xichen cut before the boy could get even more worked up or Sandu Shengshou could get offended by his demeanor. Jingyi huffed and quieted down. “Do not let your emotions overcome you.” When all he received was a small nod from Jingyi and a big, sad eye from his nephew, with an internal sigh, he continued. “Perhaps Sect Leader Jiang would be amenable in setting a visiting date at Lotus Pier in the near future?” He doubted Jin Ling would enjoy the Cloud Recesses being so little.

Jiang Cheng tensed and looked at him, searching for something before his eyes fixated on the kids. The corner of his eyes were tight and expression seemed more sharp than normal. Eventually, he bowed, nor higher or lower than necessary. “The Gusu Lan Sect is always welcome in Lotus Pier. I will personally send a letter to set the date and details a couple of days after I settle in my office and take care of the most urgent matters.”

“Of course.” Lan Xichen bowed back. “Gusu Lan thank Sandu Shengshou for his offer. Me, Lan Shizui and Jingyi do thank you as well.”

“Yes!” Shizui caught his clue first and pulled him and Jingyi into a clumsy, too low for the situation, bow. Sect Leader Jiang’s face lost some of its tension then. 

“It’s good for A-Ling to form strong bonds with the Lan Sect, maybe it will rub off some patience on his bad temper.” As to prove his words, he lightly poked the toddler’s nose and received an angry, long winded rant for it, tears gathering on the corner of his eyes as he moved his arms to clutch on the offending hand. The Jiang tsked and pulled him closer, bouncing in an attempt to ease him with an eye roll. Lan Xichen hummed in agreement, quietly amused.

“I will head to my quarters now and prepare the necessary documents for our discussion.” Both him and A-Yao nodded to each other and Lan Xichen followed the lead as well. The younger leader then turned his attention to the little Lans with an inexpressive face. “You two got something to say?”

Jingyi nodded and stepped forward, getting his arms full of a toddler when Jiang Cheng lowered Jin Ling back to the ground, Lan Shizui approached them and got trapped on the hug as well.

“I’m going to miss you.” He whispered.

Jin Ling simply accepted the affection before deciding it was enough and pushing them away. He turned around then and clung right back to his jiujiu’s leg, waving them as he gathered on his arms once more and they headed away, a Spider appearing from somewhere far, facing away from them following him close as Sect Leader Jiang marched back inside.

“Bye bye!”

After their shared dinner, Jiang Cheng announced that he would be staying for two more days (after, of course, the polite e politically expected back-and-forth where he stated not wanting it to be viewed as an imposition to the Jin Sect, to which A-Yao claimed that he was welcomed to stay as long as he felt like until it was decided) in Koi Tower before departing to Lotus Pier.

Only when Lan Xichen managed to put both children to sleep did he realize that this meant that Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling would be leaving the very same day he, Shizui and Jingyi were. An interested smile pulled at his lips at that. 

Ever since that day, much more play dates had been arranged and a stronger bond formed between them, both with the adults and children. Sect Leader Jiang (then Jiang Wanyin and now simply Wanyin) and A-Yao became more amenable to each other, even if they continued to have a pleased joy in poking each other to their limits. Lan Jingyi and Shiziu were no longer small enough to be carried by Xichen nor needed him to arrange playdates, both already starting to lose the baby fat of their cheeks and go out on night hunts accompanied. Which meant that xiao Jin Ling already claimed himself too old for such “childish things” as well and pestered his uncle to be taken together on his own night hunts, resulting in plenty of bickering and annoyed letters being exchanged back and forth between the sects. The more the days passed by, the more Xichen got surprised with how fast they were growing up.  

However, there was something they would never be too old to escape from.

Lan Jingyi’s surrounding awareness was growing better, Lan Xichen noticed, probably because of the uncountable shenanigans he and his friends (Shizui not excluded) continued getting into. The very memento Xichen approached him, stepping quietly closer as he saw the boy wander around while he was enjoying the calm evening, Jingyi immediately turned his head in his direction, freezing for a moment, eyes wide and body tensing, before dashing away.

Oh well, Xichen sighed, catching up with the young teen and gathering in no time a bundle of shrieking Jingyi in his arms. His smile was soft and his voice calm as he lectured him, no heat in his tune, but in a giant contrast with his hands, which were skillfully and fast at tickling his armpits, digging and drumming and making him thro his head back in laughter, legs kicking madly.

“Young Master Jingyi, I am sure you’re plenty aware of our sects’ rules, being an acquaintance to them just as much as I, despise our diffent ages.” Jingyi replied with loud crackling and Xichen sighed in faux admonishment, sparing a few fingers to wiggle over his highest ribs as his thumbs still tormented his armpits. “Therefore, we both know which rules you broke and are breaking at this very moment, don’t we? Can you please inform each one of them to me?”

Jingyi squealed and squirmed, trying in vain to escape him. When moments passed by with no response, Lan Xichen lightened his attack, deciding to instead scribble his fingers on his neck and pry higher pitched and uncontrollable giggles, in lieu of helping the boy.

“Take the time you need, A-Yi. I will be waiting for your answer right here.”

He highlighted the end of his sentence with even more tickles, Jingyi shook his head and fell completely on his arms, snickering and giggling non stop.

Patience was a virtue, and Lan Xichen wouldn’t want to hurry such a bright, young mind. Jingyi would come to share his answer when he was ready, he was sure. While that didn’t happen, Xichen was more than happy to stay exactly where he was, giving the boy all the motivation he needed.

Lan Shizui, (un)fortunately, was not so attentive nor as bold to break one of their main rules right in front of the heir of the sect, which allowed Lan Xichen to approach him and walk side by side before the boy was looking at him, his polite greeting vanishing on his lips when he saw the specific smile Lan Xichen had in his face, immediately changing, however, to the fastest pace possible one could get without running. 

It was a little funny to see. Xichen, of course, matched him step by step, continuing at his side.

Shizui jolted when a poke landed on his side, too quick to be dodged, while a loud and embarrassing high pitched squeal almost escaped from his mouth. As he tried to dodge or change his path, more and more pokes attacked, falling on his back, wiggling on his sides, teasing his ribs and prodding his shoulder blades determinedly and relentlessly until he was left squeaking and stumbling on his steps, no longer able to at least pretend to maintain a straight face as those playful and bright golden eyes (so much alike HuangJun that Shizui couldn’t help but feel himself smiling joyfully in reply) and being easily followed by his uncle.

“Young Master Shizui, where are you trying to go? Wouldn’t you accompany me for a walk?”

Shizui simply shook his head, snickers and chuckles muffled by his hands that immediately when to cover his face, red spreading across his ears and neck at the playful words and tickles that continued to tease him through all the way.

Jingyi and Shizui never got to really understand what impulsed the First Jade to get so mischievous asn silly around them, how he could find both when they were on a bad mood or after a rough day and put a content smile on their face, but each time they would be greeted with that same grin and a warm embrace. Memories would spill from when they were both tiny enough to hide behind him amidst his robes and they perhaps would never be able to admit out loud, but Jingyi and Shizui were more than happy to be reminded of such fond, cherished moments of their childhood. 

Xichen, as well, never told anyone, but all of them knew he was more than happy to continue to share this piece of playfulness with the ones he watched and helped to grow up. 

In the end, there are simply things that they wouldn’t truly wish to escape.

[~*~]

EXTRAS

The story Lan Xichen was reading for small Lan Zhan wasn’t something Lan Qiren choose (he favored the poetry books, but those would have to wait until the kids were older) but that the kids received as a present from one of the elder and, much for his chagrin, one that Lan Zhan loved with all his heart and asked to Xichen to read for him every night for years refusing to go to sleep otherwise and getting incredibly fussy on the next day if he didn’t.

Lan Xichen tickling Lan Yuan: <3 <3 <3 awwww look at my nephew he is so cute <3 <3 very smol very polite

Lan Xichen tickling Lan Jingyi: >:]] So you’ve chosen death >:]]]

To the little girl that I met on the park when I was 7 and who rattled out her little brother's worst tickle spot as his ankles: thank you so much I have never forget this moment and I hope I am doing right by your name to honor the knowledge you gave me and using it to torment my dear fictional characters <3

[queentala]

Oh hey, (i'm sorry if my english is a shit, english is not my first language) you can do a imagine of Lorcan Salvaterre x f!reader? I like him and i never find one imagine of him.

Thank youuu ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Note: I’m sorry for all those who requested smuts but it was NNN and ya know... Plus because of school I don’t even have time to sleep so probably I won’t post much before the Christmas break. But I’m answering to all of your requests. It’s taking me long but I’ll do it, I swear <3 And for now here you have Lorcan x reader 8k words long roller coaster.

‼️Important info: I rewrote the last scene as I came to the conclusion my first draft was kinda unreal and too sweet. I mean, don’t worry it’s still fluff but 500 words longer. So go and read it

Death and Mist

Lorcan Salvaterre x f!reader

Summary: from two children meeting in a dark alley of Doranelle through 500 years of friendship and hate to... see yourself

Warnings: mention of sex and rape, tortures, blood, few swears, trauma

Words: 7952

Note: spoilers for KoA!!!; this is au where Maeve is captured and overthrown by Doranelle without participation of Aelin. Just the cadre.

The night was chilly but beautiful. Bright stars and full moon illuminated your way as you wander through the city. You wrapped your thin coat tighter around your body when you felt shivers again. Your clothes were worn out and bit too small as you grow taller lately, definitely not enough to protect you from upcoming winters’ cold. The constant rumbling of your stomach didn't helped either. All stores were closed because of some holiday so you hadn’t had a chance to steal anything to eat. All those days without food slowly began to make themselves felt and seen because you felt like you were about to pass out at any moment and your ribs were more visible than usual. 

You passed one of dark streets of Doranelle when smell of blood hit your nose. Your hand immediately wandered to the old dagger hidden under your cloak. Closing your eyes you reached for your power which you still learned to control. Power old and mysterious but fascinating, that allowed you to completely vanish, become impalpable and move around without revealing your presence.  A gray mist appeared around your legs and started fawning at them like a cat, comforting and guarding you at once. You melted into it. Suddenly your body had no longer weight or any form. No limits. Of course you still felt your legs and arms and everything else. You could walk, run, move things and talk but no one was able to acknowledge your presence. 

Despite being invisible your steps were very careful and quiet as if somebody might hear you. Delving further down the alley you heard little grunts of pain. Turning the corner you saw a young boy. He was about thirteen or fourteen, definitely around your age. His black hair was dirty and neglected and so were his clothes. Your eyes wandered to his lifted shirt and awful wound on his stomach. It was coated with dried blood mixed with dust. From experience you knew this cannot end up well.

You started walking towards the boy. Usually you stayed away from literally everybody but seeing him struggling with the wound that might be deadly if not cleaned and provided you decided to go out of your comfort zone.

“Can I help you somehow?” you asked, standing few steps away from the boy. Your voice was quiet and soft but confident. His scent hit your nose and you realized he is only half Fae.

What the heck are you doing in Doranelle, city where only pure-bloods Faes are allowed?! How are you still alive?

The mysterious boy immediately grabbed his own dagger and started looking around in all directions with confusion written in his onyx eyes. That’s when you realized you are still wrapped in your mist. With one thought you let it slide off your body to your feet, revealing your presence. With the fog billowing around you, skinny face and messy hair you must have looked like a spectrum because the boy’s dark skin turned paler as he slightly moved away from you.

“Sorry, I didn’t meant to scare you.” You looked down with sad frown and apologetic smile. “I just wanted to help... Your wound needs to be cleaned and prov...”

“I’m good.” You were interrupted. You lifted your eyes and looked at the boy sitting against the wall, staring at you with angry and annoyed look. “Go away.”

For a moment you truly thought about turning around and walking away but something in your head were telling you to help this stubborn child. Instead taking a step back you took a step forward. Kneeling down beside black haired boy you took out of your bag clean cloth and a bottle of water. The demi-Fae opened his mouth to protest but you already started cleaning his ripped skin. Using your magic you managed to quicken the healing and bandaged his wound with some material you had in your bag.

“At least now you won’t die from infection.” You stood up and crossed your arms over your chest. The boy just sat there, blankly staring at the broken lantern in front of him. Feeling you won’t even get a “thank you”, you started walking away but were stopped by the boy’s words.

“You look like a skeleton... I have some food.” You looked over your shoulder and crossed your eyes with the onyx ones. The boy pulled out half a loaf of bread out of his bag and nodded for you to sit beside him. So you did. What else you had to do anyways?

You ate in silence for a few minutes, surrounded only by moonlight, your mist and sounds of the sleeping city.

“Thank you” you said finishing your food. It wasn’t much but enough for you to feel better. The boy still kept silent so clearly you were supposed to keep this conversation going. “What are you doing here?”

“My mother is dead. My father is an asshole. Basically, I’m trying to survive.” his voice was raspy, with no emotions. The boy looked into your eyes and you smiled sadly.

“Well... it might be easier if you had someone by your side, you know.” He raised one of his eyebrows and shoot you a look that was saying “are you stupid or dumb” but quickly you added: “You need somebody to take care of your wounds because you clearly lack those skills.”

“Okay, but if you get lost, I’m not even searching for you.” Your new comrade sighed and rested his head against the wall closing his eyes.

“I’m Y/N, by the way.” You said and closed your eyes as well.

“Lorcan.”

***

“Hey! Look what I got!” You ran into the abandoned cottage that you and Lorcan used as your hideaway lately. It was small and old but properly insulated so it was enough. Plus there was forest not far away where you could hunt and train and a lake from where you had clear water.

A twenty-few years old, tall demi-Fae was cleaning his blades out of blood in the kitchen. So he was hunting. Or killing somebody but you didn’t really cared. His eyes wandered to your happy face and a small smile appeared on his face as well - a rare miracle that happened only when you were around. You put two big boxes you just got in front of him. Lorcan put down his knife and looked inside them. A sparkle in his eyes appeared when he saw all those food, clothes, weapon and purses with golden coins.

“How did you get it?!” Surprise in his voice made your smile even bigger. Lorcan looked through your new property with disbelief on his face.

“I have my ways.” You waved your hand and took a strawberry out of the basket with fruits.

“You’re amazing!”

The way Lorcan looked at you made you proud. Through those few last years you grew closer saving each other’s asses and wandering around the country together. You helped each other go through the Settling and learn how to control and use your magic that turned out to be much more powerful than you expected in both cases. After few years the two of you discovered that you’re carranam what made you even more powerful. By helping this stubborn kid in a dark alley few years ago you earned a true best friend. You perfectly remembered the words Lorcan said to you that night. Okay, but if you get lost, I’m not even searching for you. Now you knew that if you went missing he would tear the world apart to find you. And you would do the same for him.

“I have to tell you something” Lorcan said turning his eyes towards you, his face turning impossibly serious, making you worried. You leaned against the wall and prepared yourself for whats to come. “We caught Maeve’s eye...”

Your hands dropped to your sides and face turned pale. If Maeve knew about your actions in Doranelle you will be dead by tomorrow. In fact, it was obvious that sooner or later she would find out about two Faes with strange magic that run around her country causing trouble but when it finally happened...

“She is impressed with our powers and wants us in her army.” Lorcan finished and hearing that you fell to the floor. Your butt ached as you stared at your friend trying to proceed his words.

“Wait wait wait... Maeve. Queen of Doranelle.” Lorcan nodded, amused by your reaction. “She wants us to swear the Blood Oath and serve her as warriors.” One more nod confirming your words. You raised from the floor and threw yourself into Lorcan’s arms. He hesitated for a moment but finally hugged you back. “Oh gods...” you couldn’t believe this. Serving Maeve was the greatest honor possible plus it ensured living in luxury and glory.

“You know that means we have a lot of training ahead of us, and then a lot of wars and battles to fight. Our life will revolve around death.” You stepped away from Lorcan’s arms and looked at his sharp facial features.

“I know but on the other hand, can you imagine yourself as someone else other than warrior? Our powers... We have so much potential Lorcan, we can be legends! Aren’t you tired of living like this?” you pointed to your surroundings. “Besides, you have never shied away from fight or violence. Why are you so uncertain now?”

“I just wouldn’t want to loose you in a battle.” Lorcan walked over to you so you had to rise your head to look into his eyes. Fucking giraffe. “You’re the only person I like and I truly wouldn’t want to endure the shits of this life without you.”

“Aw... You’re cute. Big, scary Lorcan is getting soft” you laughed and one glance at Lorcan’s annoyed face made you laugh even harder.

“I changed my mind. Perish there.” He rolled his eyes but you could see sparkles of joy in them.

“Seriously, Lorcan. I promise we will fight side by side in every battle. And that from every war we go to together, we'll come back together, okay?” your hand traveled down to latch with his. The man only nodded and squeezed your hand. “Great! Now, let’s celebrate the new chapter in our life!” Grabbing one of the purses with golden coins you started pulling Lorcan towards the door. “We’re getting drunk tonight!” You squealed and your best friend chuckled behind you.

***

Just like you suspected, taking the Blood Oath and serving Maeve was one of the best choices in your life so far. The queen ordered to subject the two of you to the toughest training and soon no one could compare to your dexterity and cunning or to Lorcan’s strength and speed. Also you discovered new possibilities of your magic. Not only you could hide in your mist but also travel through it, see things very distant and even sometimes create illusions. It didn’t take long for you and Lorcan to become one of Maeve’s elite warriors alongside with Gavriel and Vaughan who also were above average.

The four of you won war after war, destroyed city after city and made the strongest kingdoms kneel before your queen. At the age of 100 you were already drowning in riches and glory, known all over the world as Spectrum, a phantom bringing death.

Lorcan fell madly in love with Maeve and like a good puppy fulfilled all of her orders what you did use to keep teasing him all the time. You only get out of it alive because Lorcan treated you as a sister. Quickly it turned out that war is his natural habitat and with his gift from Hellas himself, Lorcan Salvaterre became the most feared man on this planet. And the most grumpy at the same time...

“Hey, Mr. Grim Asshole! I’ve heard you had so shitty humor today that even Cairn prefers to avoid you so here I come to bless you with my glorious personality!” You crashed into Lorcan’s chambers in your silky night clothes and with two bottles of wine in hand.

“If I were you, I also would avoid me.” Your best friend was sitting on the couch with legs stretched out on a table, head thrown back and eyes closed. He didn’t even bother to look at you when you sat by his side, passing him one of the bottles.

“You know I like to risk my life” Lorcan cracked an eye open and took wine from you. On one breath he drank a third of its contents. You stared at him with pursed lips. “Yup, you really have shitty day.” You knew there’s no use in asking him what’s wrong, he’ll tell you if he wants to. Opening your bottle you made yourself more comfortable on the couch and drank in comforting silence.

It didn’t last long as the warrior finished his bottle within seconds and sighed deeply. And then happened something you would never expect. Lorcan laid down on the couch with his head in your lap.

He never was a person who liked physical contacts other than sex and surely he never showed affection towards anybody. Even with you he limited himself to “arm over shoulder” or when you haven’t seen each other for a long time he would shortly hug you but nothing more (and let’s pay attention to the fact that you were the person he was the most affectionate with). That’s why seeing Lorcan like this... so ejected... made your heart ache.

“I told Maeve about my feelings and offered her an affair” he said quietly and you only sighed. No more explanation was needed as you perfectly knew how it ended. Putting your bottle down, you started running your fingers through Lorcan’s black hair, trying to give him as much comfort possible without crossing his limits. “You’re not going to say anything?” he asked, opening his eyes and looking up at you.

“What do you want me to say...? You know I think romance is not worth all this effort.” Your nails delicately scratched the warrior’s scalp what he clearly enjoyed cause his eyes closed once again and his tensed muscles relaxed.

“Oh yeah? And what about this blonde dude you’ve been seeing lately?” Small smirk appeared on Lorcan’s lips what made you also smile.

“Turns out he’s awfully narcissistic. Plus he doesn’t satisfies me in bed.”

“From what I’ve heard, other women don’t complain about him. So hard to please you?”

“Well, it’s not my fault that I’m always horny child and kinky motherfucker!” At those words both of you erupted with loud laugh.

Lorcan still laid with his head nuzzled into your lap for a long time. Playing with his hair you wondered when was the last time he had experienced love and affection. Or maybe it was his first one? 

His breath was calm and steady, for a moment you thought he drifted away when he spoke quietly. “Thank you.”

“For what?” you asked, your eyes heavy as you studied his calm, handsome face. 

“For being there for me.”

“I will always be there for you. No matter what.”

***

“Y/N betrayed me. She betrayed us all.” Maeve spoke as she stormed into the meeting room. Her steps were fast and furious, black robes fluttered behind her, making Maeve look as if she was surrounded by shadows.

Lorcan stood still on his place, not quite understanding his queen’s words. You would never betray anybody, especially your Queen and country. Especially HIM! After all, he saw you at breakfast in the great hall yesterday smiling and laughing with other warriors like always. Besides, how did you betrayed Maeve? You’re bloodsworn to her, it’s impossible to even plot against her and even more so to deceive her. What did you do?!

“I don’t understand. What do you mean Y/N betrayed?” Rowan was the only one who spoke as everybody else were too surprised to do so. Lorcan suspected they can’t believe in their friend’s betrayal either.

“Several of my powerful and very valuable books had been stolen, Y/N’s treasury was emptied of a great amount of money, a lot of her things disappeared alongside with herself. I sent ten spies after her. All of them are dead.” Maeve’s knuckles turned white from gripping the edge of the table so hard. “She doesn’t react on commands I send her through the Blood Oath and because of her goddamn powers no one can track this little bitch down!” she finished with a furious scream, sending wall of darkness behind her causing all windows to shatter.

No one dared to say anything. Not even Gavriel, who always tried to smooth things over. The four warriors just sat there, hoping for it to be just a sick dream. They all loved and treated you like a sister. You were the only one Vaughan spared no words to. The only one that could make Gavriel chill out and laugh. Despite knowing Rowan for only half a century you two protected each other like siblings. And Lorcan... You were the only one he loved. His best friend, his sister, his carranam. The only woman he never looked at in a sexual way. The friend that had his back in every battle. The person he could always count on, no matter time, place or circumstances. You were his safe place. And now... you left him with nothing.

“What are we doing about her?” The silence was broken by Vaughan. Someone had to ask this question but no one wanted to hear the answer. If Maeve order them to track Y/N down and kill her...

“You do nothing.” Maeve dropped into a chair. “I will figure it out how to get to her but you stay out of this.” Wave of a hand meant the meeting is over. The four warriors turned to leave the room when their Queen spoke once more. “Y/N was one of the best. Better find me a worthy replacement for her.”

It took a long time for Lorcan to accept this information. And when he finally did, he went furious.

How could you do this to him?! How could you left him without a word, betray him?! After all those centuries together... Did it all really meant nothing to you? He showed you the part of his soul no one other had seen. He let you care for him and he really cared for you! And when he finally started to let you more and more into his heart, into the part he could never accept and always denied, you destroyed everything in one day. Lorcan wanted to hate you. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t. He lost his only ray of light, so if he can’t hate you, he will hate everyone else.

Every single time he went to war, Lorcan turned to his right where you should have stand only to see Gavriel or Vaughan or Rowan. Balls hosted by Maeve weren’t the same without you, glowing in your dress and looking like a goddess. Long adventures felt boring when you wasn’t riding by his side. Every time he passed the couch in his chambers he saw your smiling face and felt your loving touch. Oh how perfectly he remembered that night. How much he wanted to stay in your embrace forever. The morning after when he woke up in the same position and saw you sleeping above him and realized he wouldn’t mind this view every morning for the rest of his life.

Nightmares woke him up at nights. Most often you were tortured, screaming for a dear life when your captors subjected you to such horrible tortures that even Lorcan had never heard of them. Sometimes you just sat or laid there, all destroyed and exhausted and he had to watch you slowly dying. Other nights the heartless warrior once more experienced all of his best memories with you, the ones where he was truly happy. He’d see you laughing and smiling... because of him, filling his heart with pleasant warmth but then you were ripped away from him and he was left clod and alone.

During those nights he would pull out of the deepest parts of his wardrobe your shirt which he stole from your chambers after your betrayal. With his nose buried into the material that slowly started to loose your scent Lorcan stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to chase away those awful dreams.

But if he only knew they were real...

***

Maeve was a Valg.

One time during searching for information about strange creatures that terrorized Doranelle’s mountains you came across chapter devoted to demons called Valgs. Being pretty curious person you started reading about them and soon you reached out for more books like this, getting fixed in more and more. 

Everyone always told you that you’re very clever girl. And they were right, of course. Connecting dots in your head, the conclusions came to your mind. Dark magic, life much longer than any other Fae’s, all those legends... Maeve was a Valg. Queen of Valgs even.

Knowledge is a weapon, that’s true but it can also be the end of a person. One look into your mind and she knew that you know. The moment a wall of darkness slammed into you, you were sure that you won’t see light ever again.

Sometimes you screamed when your bones were being broken, your skin ripped off, body burned and pierced or stretched. Sometimes you just accepted what they have done to you. There were nights when men that tortured you came to your cell but with other intentions. Maeve accepted it. Indeed, it was even she who offered it to them. “She wouldn’t want to refuse any pleasure to always horny child and kinky motherfucker” as she said.

She didn’t wanted to kill you. Your magic was too valuable to be wasted. You still served her as a spy but from the cell as your power allowed you to see things anywhere you wanted, no matter where you were. Maeve kept you here because it would be too risky to have you on freedom. Not cause you would reveal her secret, you were bloodsworn to her, you couldn’t even if you wanted to. But beacuse someone might pull it out of you against your will. Tortures were meant to weaken you and your mental health. Your magic was powerful and clever so if not them, you could have escaped. Maeve discovered this when one night you were so furious you almost broke the oath. Since then you wore iron spikes pierced through your hands to limit your power, folded and melted on both sides so no one could take them off.

Somedays Maeve visited you and told you stories of what your friends did and the wars they had won. Of course, she was telling you this while watching you being tortured but she never really minded (you could tell by the plates with snacks by her side).

And so the days passed. Then months. And years. Decades. Centuries. Or maybe just days...? At the begging you didn’t wanted to scream. Thanks to your training and experience you lasted very long without even the quietest grunt. But then you realized you’re never getting free. Nothing had a point anymore so you just broke, screaming at the top of your lungs. Praying to gods to send someone to get you out of here. To let Lorcan find you. Lorcan. Lorcan, Lorcan, Lorcan...

“Yesterday your mate brought three ladies to his bed, can you believe it? I have to admit they all were very pretty.” Maeve leaned back on golden-black couch and took a sip from her glass, enjoying the influence that this one unique word has on you.

The pool of your blood painted white marble floor dark red. The whole cell was made of dazzlingly bright stone. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting light on the walls and making your eyes ache. The shrill scream echoed through the chamber again as another muscle in your thigh was suddenly severed, the sharp blade making its way to your bone and scratching it. You would probably vomit because of this feeling if you had anything in your stomach.

“What a shame you can’t experience the feeling of sleeping with Lorcan. The whole Doranelle agrees that he is a sex god.” The queen stood up and slowly walked toward the altar to which you were chained, avoiding the fresh blood on the floor. “But don’t worry my dear, I made sure to get you company for the evening.” Her pale hand caressed your wet cheek, making you flinch. Maeve smiled ominously at that and turned to the warrior torturing you. “Don’t forget about the other leg.” she motioned with her chin to your untouched yet left thigh. “And maybe I'll go whip Lorcan. In fact, I haven't done it for a long time...” Dreamed Maeve as if she was making a Yulemas gift list.

“No...Please, no.” you managed to choke out the three words between your sobs. It was quiet and hopeless, but your instinct screamed at you to do anything to protect Lorcan, even if it meant begging Maeve.

When she first told you that your childhood best friend is in fact your mate, you were sure the queen is just playing with you. You have always loved Lorcan but only like a brother and never more. But then one night Maeve brought to the chamber one of her magic mirrors; the one that allowed to see things happening somewhere else. In it you saw HIM, tied to the lashing pole, already shirtless and sweaty. And when the whip landed on his back, when the drops of his blood splashed the floor and low grunt of pain left his mouth, you had felt it. His pain, his emotions, his existence. A bridge began to form in your soul. The one that meant to connect your life with his. You started running over it. Run towards Lorcan, desiring at all costs to help him and free him from the pain to which the queen whom he so blindly loved had condemned to but... it stopped midway. You were standing in the middle of the chasm, staring at the black, cold shadows on the other side that had no idea you are there. You felt him. You knew. But he didn’t.

Since that moment, torturing Lorcan and making you watch became Maeve’s favorite entertainment. Every time you begged her to stop hurting him for your sake. To torture you more instead. You knew it won’t work anyway. She will whip him to make you suffer even more but mostly important - because she can. Because she is a heartless monster.

“Oh, come on! Little pain never killed anybody.” Maeve leaned over your face and her devilish smile got even wider. “Besides, Lorcan will bear everything I tell him to. You know why?” Her hot breath tickled your ear, making all your still not teared muscles tense in a defensive way. “Because your mate, loves me, not you.” She straightened herself and nodded at the black haired warrior that looked like Lorcan so so much. “Don’t worry, I will let you watch. See you soon my dear!” Maeve chirped and left the chamber that was your cell for the rest of eternity.

Another screams of pain left your mouth as the man moved to your left leg and started skinning it with sparkles of madness in his eyes.

***

“Okay, I was at Mistward today and Emrys had told me few interesting stories.” Fenrys walked into the training area with his usual smirk, making Lorcan and Connall roll their eyes. “Can someone tell me who the heck was Y/N and why I haven’t heard of her?”

At the name of his former friend Lorcan tensed. The name he tried to forget but never could.

“She was a two-faced bitch and you haven’t heard of her because you’re a moron” Lorcan snarled with anger and throw another dagger at the training dummy.

“You’re an asshole that’s a fact but you definitely have to work on your taunts because they suck.” White Wolf crossed his arms and smiled proudly to himself. “That rhymed, heh. But really, what happened? I’ve heard that this Y/N or Spectrum, as someone prefers, was a nice chick. Did she really killed off the whole castle with only one knife? I mean kill few people with a knife is nothing special but few hundreds is a fuc...” Fenrys felt silent as the dagger Lorcan had in his hand a second ago flew past his head.

With four big steps the dark warrior stood in front of the wolf, holding him by his neck. “Listen you little shit. Say one more word about her and you can say goodbye to your pretty face. Y/N was the best of the bests but turns out she also was a fake bitch. You’re here only because she betrayed our queen and she needed replacement but still you’ll always be her poor imitation so don’t you even dare to say her name.” Lorcan’s words were full of venom and hate that even the sly smirk disappeared from Fenrys’ face.

Lorcan let go of his neck and started walking towards the castle with anger strongly felt in his scent.

“Did he love her?” Asked Connall when Lorcan had disappeared from their sight.

“Bold of you to assume this fucker can feel emotions like this” Fenrys rolled his eyes and took his bow and arrows.

“Y/N and Lorcan grew up together on the streets of Doranelle. They had only each other.” Spoke Gavriel who were cleaning his swords. “She was the only person Lorcan cared about. He loved her that’s for sure but he loved her much more than he wanted to admit.”

“By the pain in his eyes I would say he still does.” Fenrys sighed and shoot the first arrow.

***

Maeve was dead. The White Wolf killed her himself. Not without a reason of course. Turns out the queen Lorcan served for almost five hundreds years was a monster from the other world. Rumors spread quickly so it had only taken two days for the whole Doranelle to turn against her. So... She’s dead. And Lorcan had no idea what to do with this fact.

Sellene Whitethorn took the throne few days later. She was cunning, strong, smart and devoted. Most definitely she will be a good queen. That’s why Lorcan didn’t hesitated much before swearing her the Blood Oath. After all he was swearing to protect his country, his home.

Days and weeks passed, various changes came into force as the whole court helped cleaning up Maeve’s mess she had left behind. Together with the rest of his cadre, Lorcan sat in the meeting room discussing new setting of the guards in the palace and the city with his new queen when two warriors came in.

“Your Majesty.” Said one bowing in front of white-haired female. Behind him the other man held one of Maeve’s old spies. “I think you would like to see this.” Sellene stood up slowly with uncertainty but curiosity in her green eyes and motioned the man to lead.

They all went deeper and deeper into the dungeons, until finally Lorcan realized that he had no idea that such a places in the castle existed. They passed corner after corner, constantly delving deeper into dark corridors until they stood in front of big iron doors. Lorcan’s magic stepped back as he pushed them open. Behind them he saw a short corridor with two iron gates on the right and two on the left.

“What the hell is this place?” Fenrys asked in wonder as he scanned the high ceiling.

“A private prison where Maeve kept people she hadn’t even told us about.” Answered the lion. His hands wandered on the iron door surface before pushing them open.

“Three of them are empty” said one of the two warriors that discovered this place. “But the second on the left... Sealed for good. We have no idea how to open them.”

Lorcan walked towards said door. There was no lock or handle, just flat iron. His magic hid even deeper whispering to its owner to step back but something was telling Lorcan to open those doors. That inside is something important.

The dark warrior closed his eyes and focused, thinking of all the ways he could get inside. Maybe it was Hellas, maybe other god or maybe something else but in front of his eyes he saw a mark. His hand absentmindedly took the knife he had strapped to his thigh and cut his palm. Lorcan felt everyone’s eyes on himself as he soaked his finger in blood and started drawing the mark on door.

When he finished, the mark started glowing and the sound of the doors unlocking could be heard. Behind him as always stood Gavriel and Rowan with swords ready. Lorcan also took his sword in hand but dropped it as soon as he pushed the door open.

A huge hall made entirely of marble could have been beautiful if not the blood covering half of the floor and walls or multiple torture machines and instruments all over the room. Wait a moment... This blood. This smell.

Lorcan’s eyes landed on curled up figure chained to the wall. His heartbeat stopped when he saw the state she’s in. Skin and bones, there was no fat nor meat or muscles on her. She was left naked in this cold, stone cell, her skin having very unhealthy color. And all those wounds...

“Y/N...” It was a cry of relief and fear. Lorcan ran to your side within seconds, sounds of dropped swords and footsteps meant that his friends did the same.

He wanted to touch you, to scoop you into his arms and never let go. He wanted to protect you with his whole existence from everything and everybody. But as soon as his fingertips met your skin you kicked and flinched, fear immediately appearing in your scent. Little whimper of pain left your dried throat as even the slightest move caused you an unbelievable pain.

“Y/N/N, hey. It’s me, Lorcan. Hey, you know I would never hurt you” he whispered when you started to shake. Lorcan had no idea if it’s because of cold or fear but the sight broke his heart. Not once you two were tortured, not once other kingdoms wanted to get information out of you and held you both for weeks. Every single time you laughed at their faces when your body was being destroyed, not even a quiet grunt leaving your mouth while Lorcan and other warriors roared from pain. And now...

What the hell did they do to you...?

Your stomach was ripped, from left leg bits of bone were sticking out, several spikes were stuck in your right thigh, both hands pierced and wrists broken. Every wound was already infected.

“Get healers and blankets, immediately!” Lorcan shout not even bothering to look behind. Quickly he broke the chains that pinned you to the wall and took off his jacked, wrapping it around your shoulders and bringing you to his chest.

“No! No, no, no, please, no!” You started screaming when his hands touched you, kicking, wriggling, doing anything to break free from yours captor’s grip.

“Shhh, It’s me, just me. I won’t hurt you, Y/N, I promise on everything on this fucking planet I would never hurt you.” Lorcan’s voice and soft kisses placed on your forehead made you calm down a little as you sobbed into his shirt, still shaking from fear. One look down and he knew that the dried blood between your thighs weren’t from your period. It’s not the torture that broke you. Tears started escaping from Lorcan’s eyes as well when he hold you onto dear life, listening to your weak heartbeat and shallow breath.

And then he felt you. Saw you at the edge of the bridge that stopped midway over the big chasm. You were sitting with your head hidden between your knees, naked and wounded... The bond - the bridge was brittle and unstable, ready to collapse any moment and send you straight into the darkness. Without any thinking Lorcan sent every drop of his magic to you, building his part of the bridge, running towards you faster than ever. The shadows from his side of the chasm and mist from your side started flowing towards each other, mixing and blending, surrounding the two of you as Lorcan’s soul held yours, guarding you from the fall.

The Lion of Doranelle keeled beside his friends, his hands already glowing with white light. At first Lorcan growled, his instinct taking control over him. He was ready to kill anyone that came near you. But then he realized Gavriel is the only person he would trust fully to take care of you so he let him touch you. Again you started wriggling and screaming when Gavriel’s hands landed on your body but Lorcan was there to comfort you.

Soon few other healers ran into the room and started taking care of your most serious wounds so you could be transported to the castle without making anymore damage to your health. After a while you blacked out but your breath and heartbeat were steady and that’s the only thing Lorcan cared about.

When he carried you wrapped in three blankets up to his chambers he once more looked at your cell.

147 years. She was tortured for 147 years.

***

Everything ached. Every single inch of your body burned as you tried to open your eyes. The room was dark, only few candles lightened the walls. Heavy duvets and furs covered your chilled body from toes to chin, finally warming you up after years in cold cell.

Breathing in the scent you recognized immediately in who’s chambers you’re laying, after all you spent here so many nights compiling war strategies or complaining about your day and people that piss you off, sometimes laughing and joking with bottle of vine in hand and few times even babysitting Lorcan after he got way too drunk after won war. This place gave you so many amazing memories and now, after decades under lock and key and millions of hopeless nights you were here again. Everything were just like you remembered it.

Tears filled your eyes as you couldn’t believe it’s real. It was probably another of Maeve’s illusions yet it felt so real... so comforting and warm. No. She was doing it on purpose. In few moments you’re going to wake up in your cell and again get tortured the whole day, having in your mind the image of comfort you’d never feel again.

You squeezed your eyes shut and let tears wet your cheeks, preparing yourself for brutal reality to hit you when hoarse voice called your name; voice you could listen to for eternity. Turning your head you met beautiful black eyes in which danced reflections of the little flames from candles, making them look hypnotizing. Your lower lip quivered and more salty droplets of water fell on the pillow when you realized it’s not a dream. Broad hand moved to your cheek to wipe the tears but backed when you flinched under it’s touch, your breath become quicker and you felt a wave of fear creeping on you.

“It’s okay” the voice usually rough and serious was now soft and calming. “No one will hurt you, you’re safe now.” To confirm the words you felt little impulse through the matting bond.

“No” you whispered, your voice was dry and quiet. Shaking your head you repeated “no.” You wanted to wake up. Before you could believe it’s real, before it starts hurting too much. “You’re not real. It’s a dream.” Hopeless sobs left your mouth as you started fully crying. “It’s just an illusion.”

“Y/N look at me” Lorcan cupped your face, this time not letting go when you flinched but stroking his thumbs over your cheeks until you calmed down. Doing as he asked you aimed your eyes at his handsome face that you dreamed of almost every time. He had more scars, pale line crossed his left eyebrow leaving small cut what you found sexy, he also had dark circles under his eyes and in his dark orbs you noticed worry. “I’m here” he whispered. “I am with you and I won’t let anybody ever change this, I promise.”

“Lorcan.” You pulled lightly at the matting bond and chocked out a small laugh when he pulled back. Suddenly you realized it’s real. This time tears of happiness and relief fell from your eyes and you nuzzled your face into Lorcan’s hand. You best friend, your brother, your carranam, your mate. “You found me.”

Tears rolled down on both your faces as you stared into each others eyes. “I love you.” It was a whisper so quiet not even gods could hear it. “I have always loved you, Y/N. Even if I never wanted to acknowledge this fact, it was always you.” Lorcan’s words made your heart stop for a moment. “I don’t deserve you. I will never deserve you. Not after hating you for all those years while you were tortured right under my nose. But I promise you, I promise on everything on this planet, I will always protect you. No matter if you accept me as your mate or not, I will guard you from any harm with my life. Nothing will ever hurt you again.”

You tried to move your hand slowly under the covers towards your mate. Little whine left your mouth when you tried to raise it. Lorcan understood what you wanted to do and connected his other hand with your little palm, bringing it to his lips he placed several little kisses on its top. His lips against your skin were warm and enjoyable, the action made you feel safe. During the decades in cell you learned to hate men’s lips and hands on your body but when Lorcan touched you you found out how starved of a loving touch you were.

“Only the thought that maybe one day I’ll be able to see you again kept me sane down there” swallowing hard you slowly moved your hand from his lips to his cheek. By the way you noticed that where iron spikes were once embedded, now only pale scars remain. “I won’t make it without you...” you whispered at what Lorcan smiled gently.

“Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you. Ever.” Soft lips placed kiss on your forehead. Then one at the tip of your nose. Lorcan pulled away slightly to look deep into your eyes, asking you for permission. You smiled weakly but it was a happy smile. Your mate leaned down and connected his lips with yours, filling you with pleasant warmth. It was short and light but when he pulled away big smile lightened his face what made him appear younger and less scary. Another sight reserved only for you.

It was obvious you will flinch at even the slightest touch for a long time yet. Trauma doesn’t go away in one day and what happened in the dungeons will be reflected in your psyche forever but… Lorcan brought you comfort and calmness, feeling of safety. Maybe one day you’ll be able to function normally again.

You wanted to sit up but when when you tensed your weak muscles unbelievable pain shoot through your body making you whine. Lorcan immediately went on protective mode.

“Don’t move”  he laid you down and stroked your hair trying to comfort you.

“Almost all of your muscles and sinews were ripped, most of your bones were broken. Healers patched you up as much as they could but still there’s a lot of recovery before you.” The only answer from you was a low grunt. “I’ll go get healers. And something to eat, you must be starving. I can order to make you whatever you feel like. What would you want? Hot chocolate? I’ll get you hot chocolate, you always loved it.” Lorcan moved to stand up and leave but you grabbed his hand pulled slightly.

“Don’t go.” The quiet please was almost shy as if you weren’t sure if he wants to stay.

“I’ll be right ba-”

“Don’t go.”

Lorcan smiled softly at your flushed and scared at once face. “Okay.” He sat down on the chair standing next to the bed but you pulled his hand once again. He shot you questioning look but you only repeated your action.

Carefully as not to scare you Lorcan sat on the bed and lied down next to you. When he made sure you’re okay with his moves he dropped his one arm around you and delicately brought you closer to him. Still laying on your back you shifted your weight on the right side, groaning quietly but relaxing when pain stopped after few seconds. Nuzzling your head closer to your mate you closed your eyes but then you remembered one more thing.

Gray-white mist appeared on the bedroom floor and started climbing on Lorcan’s bed, dancing around the two of you and covering you like a blanked. Your mate smiled down at you and seconds later black wind and shadows joined your mist and started to mix with it as if Lorcan’s magic missed yours.

Finally after one and a half century of tortures you felt comfort, your mate’s embrace and two ancient powers dancing with each other made your eyes close. Your mist settled on you ready to hide the two of you from the world. Lorcan’s deadly wind floated around the room ready to aim and rip life out of anyone that could endanger his precious mate.

Your breath got steady and rhythmic, body relaxed and melted into warm furs and features softened. Lorcan laid by your side for almost an hour after you fell asleep, admiring your little snores that were probably caused by your nose being broken. He tried to find a strength to move from the bed and go order you food so you could eat when you wake up but the fact that you were with him again, nay, now you were his, made him stay, too afraid you’d disappear if he left you. So he laid there, stroking your hair and imagining the future you two could create. Together. As mates.

[sonianvmd]

thh characters with a crush on you

warnings: none, maybe some swearing but otherwise nothing major

oH and mentions of murder and death but this is danganronpa so im going to assume u expected as much

a/n: so we kickin this blog off with a bang, writing for LITERALLY THE ENTIRE TRIGGER HAPPY HAVOC CAST LMFAOAOAOAO (excluding hifumi, yasuhiro, and the two despairs doe bc i’ve already made that clear)

also some character’s sections are shorter than others im sorry i just couldnt think of as many bullet points for them *tiktok cry emoji*

edit: I FORGOT CELSESTE FU K SORRY

spoilers under the cut!!

★ 彡 ★ ミ ★ 彡 ★ ミ ★

makoto naegi

when he realizes he likes you, he doesn’t necessarily panic or anything, but he does get nervous

nervous around you, that is

y’all saw how he was with sayaka

if he says anything that might sound intimate then he’ll immediately rephrase it or reassure he didn’t mean anything by it

he really only does have good intentions but his wording just kinda flops sometimes

he appreciates how you listen to him and value what he says

you don't make him feel dumb or inferior compared to a bunch of ultimates with actual talents

he’ll muster up the courage to tell you eventually

let’s hope his luck comes through 😁

byakuya togami

now when THIS man realizes he likes you, he a bitch nigga bout it 😐

he can't believe he fell for a common plebeian such as you

but it was hard not to

the way you preferred to get to the point

the way you were aware of your situation and didn't sugarcoat how you felt about it, although you certainly were nicer with it than him

he's ruthless

anyways

you knew your priorities and spent no time trying to use your resources

he noticed how much you had in common; in you, he saw himself

and we all know how this mf feels about himself 😐

he’ll be quick to defend you in class trials

he won’t realize he’s doing it but he just subconsciously protects you

but just because he doesn't notice it, don't mean the rest of the class brushes past it as well

yeah they on his ass LMFAOO

kyoko kirigiri

kyoko is very good at keeping her composure so she won’t be very obvious

she’ll probably just hang around you more

she’ll also defend you in class trials, calmly

“oh, it couldn’t have been [name]. i remember seeing them in their dorm around the time the murder took place.”

hifumi probably finna say some dumb shit like “aye what was you doin in their dorm doe” but anyways

she finds you respectable

if you have anything to contribute, she’ll let you take the floor

when she tells you, she’s very composed, but also very indirect LMFAO

she’s not too sure on how to express her interest in you but maybe she’ll go about it like “well, [name], now we’ve made it here, would you like to step back into the world with me?” or somethin else along those lines idk

take her hand

pls

toko fukawa

y’all know her whole “master togami” shtick

yeah so 😁😁😁😁

no but fr, toko ofc still has her borderline stalkerish 🧍🏾‍♀️ tendencies

she’ll often find herself staring at you, either in the library or in the morning meetings everyday at breakfast

but she isn’t as straight forward as she is with byakuya

i actually think she’d be mad shy and non confrontational

the whole thing she kept up with him ? yeah, never again

if you approach her first then she’ll be able to get a few words out but for most of the conversation, she’ll just nervously play with her braids

you’ll most likely put two and two together

unless ur a makoto kinnie bc then you’ll have to wait till someone else puts it in place for u but anyways

if you decide to approach her about it, you’ll kinda be backing her into a corner bc she’s just bad at deflecting things lmao

she’ll eventually confess (begrudgingly but hey i mean its better than nothing)

expect much stuttering and a gesture like giving you a small gift

and not to be that writer that uses japanese terms in english writing but toko seems like a tsundere but not really if that makes sense?? so she’d probably shove it in your hands and if you try to say something then she’ll just try to play it off as not a big deal lol

calls u a baka 😍😍

aoi asahina

i know y’all all see how she is with sakura

yeah.

aoi is the kind of person who’d like to spend time with their crush rather than shy away from them

she values you and your friendship very much

bring her donuts

just trust me bring her donuts

she doesn’t really realize she’s into you like that for a while but believe me, she is, the whole time

and yeah i think she’d be nervous to tell you bc that’s just natural but ultimately she’d be cool about it

uh oh looks like we goin for a swim

sakura ogami

similar to kyoko, she’s very calm

despite her big and bad appearance, she really is a sweet girl

she cares for you and your well-being very much

will indeed go on x games mode for you

the way she tells you is very sincere and well spoken

kith her

naow

im sorry this is like the shortest one i couldn’t think of much for her 😔😔

leon kuwata

flirtatious ass mf

and he’s lightskin

so this just cannot go well

y’all know that bit where it’s like the guy yawns and stretches his arms up and then wraps one around your shoulder

yeah that’s literally him LMFAOO

he’s very confident

he was fairly well known with the ladies at his old school so you know he’s rhockin wit it ‼️

but

you feel.. different than usual ??

those girls were just lil flings n dates bc he was nice enough to accept their confessions and it boosted his ego anyway so it was a win win

but you

he was genuinely interested in you since he had saw you the first time

he didn’t just acknowledge your appearance

he learnt about your personality and your hobbies and what you liked and such, and he really cared and wanted to hear you talk about it all

he felt the need to really make an effort to show you how much he respected and had affections for you

he doesn't tell you in a grand way

probably just asks you out to a movie or somethin

he's chillin

mondo owada

you know

for being the biggest, baddest, most respected biker gang leader

or just for being in a biker gang period

mondo’s a huge softie lol

yeah he gets violent but he’s a sweet guy who cares about and is loyal to his friends

so mfs need to be nice to you

or they gettin whooped

when he decides it’s time to tell you how he feels, he thinks over his words and he’s all confident there’s no way you’d reject him but then he sees you in the halls and goes 🧍🏾 LMFAOOO

he’ll push through but it’s like he’ll walk up to you and look away from you because he refuses eye contact and just go

“so y/n, would you wanna.. tch.. come to a drive-in movie with me or somethin’?... dumbass.”

real smooth mondo i think you got em good job

please tease him LMFAOO it’d be so funny

he’d probably yell but you can tell he’s not mad so you just keep going with it

but once you’re done tormenting him, you do agree to the movie, don’t worry 🙏🏾

also mondo would call his s/o doll

that is all

chihiro fujisaki

my fav dude in a dress <3

chihiro would be quite shy, but that’s just how he is tbh so no surprise there

he’s very kind so he’d check up on you often just to see how you are

he cares about you v much

the way he confesses is one that consists of a red face as he offers you a box of candy or something similar

and he’d feel honored that you reciprocate his feelings

he’d be very scared to tell you his secret but once he does, he’s delighted to hear it doesn’t make any difference to you

he doesn’t know how he got so lucky with you

not only because woooo they like me back but also because you like him despite,, well everything about him LMFAOO

sweet lil boy

i’d feel like he’d talk about you to alter ego a lot

and when u meet the program for the first time, he’s like “oh! you must be [name]! master’s told me all about you :)”

sobbing i miss him

kiyotaka ishimaru

okay here’s the thing

if taka were to like someone

i can’t tell whether he’d be more strict because he doesn’t want them to get in trouble (and also so it would hopefully divert any suspicion that he DOES like you since he treats you the same as everyone else, only more)

or if he’d hold back more because he favors them LMFAOO

so imma write a lil bit for both

in the case that he was even stricter:

he’d prefer to be around you because he believes the best way he can make sure you stay out of trouble is to make sure you don’t get into any in the first place

of course it’s impossible to monitor you every second of every day but he does his best to make sure you’re doing well

if he sees you do anything out of line, he’s shutting that shit down IMMEDIATELY

but in the case he let up:

he’d still lecture you but noticeably less than the other students

if your feet were resting on top of a desk, he’d ask you to move them and then leave you alone rather than yell at you and forcibly move them himself

if you notice his behavior towards you in comparison to the other students do not tease him about it he will go as red as his eyes /hj

either way he’s confessing to you with a polite but exaggerated bow while holding out a well thought out letter with both hands

sayaka maizono

she will tell you

idk why but i feel like she’d be straight up lol

she’d make sure she’s sincere

she is the ultimate pop idol and all so she wants to make sure you know that she really does like you and isn’t playing a sick joke on you or anything

ok bc

while i do think she’d tell you

i’d feel like she’d be a little indirect just to see how you feel

like she’d give you a free ticket to one of her upcoming concerts with a kind smile

and naturally, you're like :o

and of course you come to support her

and seeing you smile at her from the crowd and cheer her on was the encouragement she needed to push her to ask you out

for real this time

she asks if you wanna come to a concert with her and ur like “oh yeah i love ur shows!!” bc ur dumb and then she’s like “no i mean.. for another artist” and eventually it hits you that she’s asking you out and ur like “oH YEAH YEAH SURE THAT SOUNDS GREAT YEAH OK” LMFAOO

———

i really hope that this is good LMFAOO this is my first time writing for dr so 😃👍🏾

fun fact i finished toko’s section first and taka’s last 😁😁

and i’d like to thank @mius-imagination @bloodygir n the rest of the discord for helping me figure some of these characters out *simultaneously whips and nae naes*

bye ive been working on this for like weeks this took forever

———

edit: here’s a deleted section bc i kept blanking for this character 😍

[k0kichiimagines]

Fluffy dating hc's with Nagito and Kokichi (separately?)

THE BEST BOYS ‼️ hope you enjoy ~

- mod kokichi !

Dating Headcanons with Nagito and Kokichi

CW: none !

____

NAGITO KOMEADA

I think we can ALL agree this man is touch starved,

but this is nagito he won't touch you unless you tell him you want him to,, which case he's clung to you, telling himself its because you want him too

he tried to remember everything you want and buy it for you! however sometimes he forgets and buys you something of a similar sounding name

sometimes its small enough: coffee -> toffee etc, othertimes,,,well, its the thought that counts?

he'll look really proud of himself too when he gives it too you poor guy,, tell him gently pls

lots of compliments!! he loves telling you how amazing you are,, especially if you have a low self-esteem he doesnt want you to get like him

if you compliment him back you know what im gonna say, he'll deny it and youre going to have to be stubborn or kiss him to get him stop

he most definitely doesnt do it now to make you kiss him, 100% no be would never

no like i mentioned before: very clingy,, like he's constantly holding your hands and etc

he has no boundaries with PDAs im not even joking, he's so happy you want to be seen with him and is more than happy to go as far as you want

he has the most tender kisses,, like the first few times he's a bit shaky and nervous, and theyre not romance book perfect, but theyre sincere, and he gains confidence with time

even if theyre most passionate or whatever theres still this hesitance to them, like he fears this time he'll wake to find you're a dream, or this time you'll push him away

you'll catch him just looking at you with this lovesick expression,, you don't notice it all the time but everytime he thinks of you or looks at you its the same expression,,

in conclusion: he loves you <3

KOKICHI OMA

Yknow how i said nagito doesnt care about the level of pda? yeah this guys worse

(before i say anything if youre uncomfy with this level in any sense he would definitely stop! anyways!)

he WILL randomly come up to you and just bury himself in you arms, no matter if youre only a bit taller or shorter

he will also kiss you. randomly. in front of others. youre talking to someone? doesnt care suprise kiss time. on the bus? same thing

HAND HOLDING! or just the little fingers, he'll grab it and swing his arm slightly

piggy back rides are a must, and he will just jump on your back

equally he'll come and pick you up, again doesnt care if you're busy or not you're being carried!

a lot of his kisses are very quick pecks, the longer ones are saved for when he's more open if that makes sense, late nights or times he feels more open with emotions,, he gets more comfortable with them more often as your relationship progresses

cuddling! he does love being the little spoon, or being like face to face but honestly? he likes protecting you, either with you on his chest or him to your back,, D.I.C.E may be a few pranksters but theyve been in some dangerous situations, and he wants to feel like youre protected from the world

but also when he's had a rough day he wants to be held tbh,

heres another simp with a lovestruck face every two seconds-

youre not safe from teasing, but a lot of it is a lot more toned down

! however! youre both pranking everyone else, he likes to pretend he's some big super villian and this is stage one to world domination, and you're his favourite side kick helping him

he will buy you things that have a lot of thought tbh,, like if he gets you flowers chances are he's looked up the meanings and etc,

complimenting him gets him flustered but he will NEVER admit it-

will happily compliment you, bonus if you get flustered he won't stop

okay but kokichi is actually really soft with his s/o, he drops his act a bit and is a lot more gentle and honest,, it takes a lot for him to get like that but he loves and trusts you <3

[sigyn-foxyposts]

So ive decided to post some of my stories on here as well! :,)

Like the tooth fairy one, someone out there must have seen at some point. 😭 But instead of giving you the doc ill post it here and hope its good! I dont do this often, since i share it with people im close with. So please enjoy. I tried making it a little less boring! ✨

Quote: "This is a one time thing"

‼️Trigger Warnings: Mention of someone's death, small suggestive theme (of someone changing, but it's very innocent and does not have anything explicit!)‼️

Loki🧡

Sigyn💚

Angrboda💙

After Angrboda's passing, no one knew where she had ended up. Angrboda was just barely recognized when spoken about, either as a ugly old hag, a witch that finally met her well deserved end! Or as Loki's three monstrous children's, dear old mother. But that was all, for a very long time too. Sometimes even her name was forgotten, which in it all was terribly tragic. As those who did know her, knew she was a woman skilled in many things, from using magic, to preparing for a good battle. She wasn't afraid of anything, not until that day where she would have met her end.

That's what most would say, those who still held this information. It was told by her old tribe, those of the iron woods. The giantesses whose children were that of wolves. Who even after centuries still looked up to Angrboda's image and told the tales of things she had gone through. But sadly, no one knew what the ending was, at least they wouldn't know. Because Loki did. Loki, the god who Angrboda was known to treasure more than her own weapons, cold and silver. Either she had wrapped him around her finger, or perhaps it was even the opposite? No one could truly tell who had charmed who…but nor the ending to her story, unless it was Loki himself. 

But the trickster was very secretive when it came to just this.. 

Now a spirit, a ghost roaming the 9 realms at her own command, Angrboda was at last, no longer in that horrid uncomfortable earth grave she had slept in for eons. No, now she was gaining back her unused muscles as she updates herself on her family, definitely very different from when she last was a part of it. She always watched over them, protecting them however she possibly could. Which is what led her to suddenly be taking a liking to some of them, like her own children all grown up, the new additions, but especially to Sigyn, Loki's second wife. I mean as Angrboda caught up she found out that she was very loved and respected by Sigyn. 

Much to her own surprisement and confusion. Now Angrboda really didn't hold a grudge against Loki for finding someone new, as Sigyn really took care of him! But not Sigyn either, she was really caring and kind. Reminding Angrboda that was sorta like her, but instead of caring and kind, she was brave and protective. But why respect someone when you've never spoken before? Well that was surely about to somewhat change for the ghostly spirit today.

🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾🌹🌾

As always in Asgard the goddesses had tasks to fulfil much like the Gods themselves, as they all lived in a shared community where they took turns taking care of what gave them shelter, food and clothes. But today was Sigyn's turn to clean the stables of their wonderful horse friends, a job everyone never got excited to be chosen to do next. Angrboda who had decided to follow Sigyn around today could tell: Sigyn wasn't going to enjoy this. With both having disgust on their faces. Angrboda together with Sigyn enter the stables 

"Ugh, despite being a ghost here, I really get chills just thinking about what it might smell like up in here" Angrboda comments to herself, looking around as Sigyn also looks, waving happily at the horses and goes to greet them. 

"Well..here we are! Someone had to do it right guys?" Sigyn sighs to herself, as she pets Sleipnir's snout gently before putting her hands on her hips in an enthusiastic manner, putting on a brave face. Sleipnir and the other horses neigh happily in the background and trott their hooves on the ground, at Sigyn's determination. Angrboda cheers as well, floating around in the background, clapping like the horses with their hooves. 

"That's the spirit hun! Woo- hey wait a minute..is that little Sleipnir, boy?!" The ghost lady floats over to Sleipnir chuckling happily, glad to see him as well. But still wondering why he wasn't at the family home. 

Angrboda not expecting the horse with its many legs to then jump slightly back, away from her because to her surprise, Sleipnir sees her! 

"Woah boy! Calm down dear!" Sigyn comforts Sleipnir, confused at his sudden scare. Angrboda backs away. 

"oops! Sorry about that, but can you see me?!". Sleipnir finally calms down, standing on all 8 of his legs again as Sigyn gives his face a little bit of rubs and scratches here and there. Once Sigyn felt safe enough that Sleipnir wouldn't jump around again, she goes away to check on the other horses. Sleipnir nodded at Angrboda's question, "Oh my boy..I missed you!" She too comes over to Sleipnir now, petting his snout a little. She has missed him a lot. 

"There and there! Okay before cleaning, I must change up a bit. Can't be wearing my usual clothes in here" Sigyn exclaims, before moving away from obvious sight into a corner in the stable where she couldn't really be seen. Angrboda, who really was just looking around, heard this and slightly freaked out! 

"Change!? Why Here!!" Angrboda blushes slightly, Sleipnir laughs at Angrboda's reaction. The giantess turned to face the horse "Ha ha! Very funny, just like your mother," she rolls her eyes, "laughing at how people react to things they personally find funny" Angrboda jokes, crossing her arms while looking at the 8 legged horse, smirking at him. He just gives her a clever look and turns away, confused, she too turns but back and is reminded of what was going to happen. 

"Gah! Wait what if someone sees you, not to forget it's dirty here in the first place!!" Angrboda expresses knowing very well her efforts wouldn't be heard, it's not like Sleipnir would do anything anyways. Not being able to stop the goddess, she does what she needs to do to get the job done. She tightens her loose braid before she undid the brooch on the straps of her dress. So she could remove her green overdress, which is already slightly dirty at the end of the skirt from all the walking she had been doing today.

 Angrboda, who tried to look away, but even if she wanted to turn now she couldn't. Her eyes almost glued to the blonde short lady. She ended up covering her eyes with her hands, which was somewhat effective. 

But even after fighting for control and winning, she was curious and really thought she would see something she shouldn't, but instead she was met with Sigyn now in her undergarments, that was just another dress she wore under the main dress, but slightly shorter at her feet, reaching just over her knees and that of greyish white colour. Angrboda slowly takes her fingers apart to just check and really it wasn't that bad. 

"Phew.. '' Angrboda sighs, relieved. 

Until Sigyn tucks the undergarments into the pants she wore underneath everything. 

"Oh my, why is she so..cute?!" Angrboda screeches into her hands, her face very flushed, now Sigyn did so her form was more easy to actually make out. 

Angrboda could see Sigyn's shape and cute curves slightly better now and she absolutely adored this woman. Once Sigyn is done she proudly folds her dress and puts it somewhere safe. Sleipnir while Sigyn starts cleaning, knowing she's distracted bursts out laughing at Angrboda. She slowly sits down on the ground, still floating over the ground curling into a ball, making some weird ghost screeching sound. "I return, see you again after SO long and you repay by laughing at me" Angrboda says, staying in this pose for most of the time until Sigyn was almost done. Then after some time a sudden knock was heard at the entrance of the stable, making both Angrboda and Sigyn look up. 

"Guess who~" a familiar voice spoke, someone's narrow and long hand now tapping, waiting for a response. "Couldn't possibly be my partner lurking around now, could it?" Sigyn smirks looking at the hand, only for Loki to then pop his head out. "AH! And there you are now!" Angrboda almost fell on her back, shouldn't she have known by now Loki tends to do that. He waves happily to his wife and son before stepping in, Sleipnir neighs happily to see his mom again!

"I decided to pay you two a visit, especially you darling, since you know..got the stinky job this time! What a shame really" Loki laughs, handing Sleipnir a fresh apple which he noms on happily. Sigyn just shook her head trying not to smile at this dork.

"Oh no you aren't going to stand here and tease her, help her out why don't you!'' Angrboda chuckles, remembering she used to do the exact same thing but to him instead. She gets up and floats over to a broom that was chilling against a wall, knocking it over, hitting Loki. "Oops~" Angrboda teases, almost forgetting Loki can't actually hear her. "Ow! Rude very much..wind?" Loki grabs the broom that had hit and fallen on him, Sigyn giggles to herself. "I think the quote on quote, wind, wants you to help your poor wife here" Sigyn now teases back. "Tell him!" Angrboda shouts proudly, now laughing loudly to herself. 

This was very much enjoyable! Loki keeping his wide grin on like when he first popped into the stable, grabs Sigyn broom and takes it away from her. "Ah-! Excuse you, this isn't helping!" Sigyn tries to grab it back but to no avail.

"You're done here anyways!..shorty" Loki mumbles that last sentence, Angrboda covers her mouth, this was intense "did he just say that?" She looks at Sleipnir, who wasn't even listening, still enjoying that apple. With wide eyes the horse looks around and shakes his head, wagging his tail. 

"Ohoho..don't you think I didn't hear you, poor Hodr might be blind but I'm not deaf" Sigyn shows a slight attitude and gives Loki an evil grin, Loki gasps, not even threatened by this "I'm so proud of you! got that from me~". Angrboda grins and shakes her head, she has had enough of this now, it's time to pull a little trick on her own. Floating over to Sigyn's side, she thinks a bit before managing to push Sigyn gently with the wind but hard enough for it to actually be an actual push, Loki who was perfectly bent over, facing her face imminently receives a kiss much to his and Sigyns own surprises. Sigyn pulls away, eyes wide, both blushing. "T-That was the wind!"

"This is a one time thing.. Right?" Loki asks. 

🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓🪦🪓

[fluffyblaire]

why can’t Hawks refuse?

‼️MANGA SPOILERS‼️

Tootooroo~ 🎺Buckle up, folks, it’s time for a Hawks character analysis! 

Today, we’re going to talk about what kind of person Keigo is, how Keigo reconciles with Hawks, how much of the HPSC is inside of Hawks and how all of that comes together to answer the question: “why can’t Hawks refuse?”

Section I: Keigo

Looking at Keigo as a grown up, it can be hard to tell which of his actions are natural to him and which ones are a result of the HPSC’s upbringing. However, there is one place where we can see what kind of person Keigo is at the very core, before the HPSC or any other major societal institution touched him. 

Exhibit A: “Top heroes have stories about them from their school days. Most of their stories have one thing in common: their bodies moved before they had a chance to think.” —All Might

When Keigo was a kid, he saved this entire family. This is his origin story, the story “from [his] school days” if he had gone to school, the story where “[his] body moved before [he] had a chance to think.” As a child, he saved a family from a disaster, and that should tell you a lot more about his character other than just that he was a very physically capable boy.

Keigo has the heart of a true hero, and he had it long before hero society’s influence reached him. He didn’t need the society around him to tell him to be selfless. He didn’t need the media broadcasting heroics every day to tell him helping people is good. He just does. He lived in the slums and if anything, his environment and thief relative would have taught him the opposite: be selfish, that’s how you survive. But he’s not like that. He gives and gives and doesn’t even stick around for recognition. 

This is who Takami Keigo is and while he will lose and gain layers of personality after the Commission recruits him, the core motivations, values, and emotions that compelled him to save this family do not change.

Section II: Hawks

After the HPSC recruits Keigo, Keigo’s heroic heart begins to blend with the tools and habits the HPSC gives him. Keigo, combined with the Commission’s training, becomes Hawks.

Now, what did the HPSC do to Keigo? I don’t think they physically or emotionally abused him for years—at least not in the conventional sense. If that were the case, I believe we would have gotten the details by now. I do think that Keigo must have suffered and that he was taken advantage of by the adults around him in a very strategic and unethical way. Let’s look at all the things I can dissect about Keigo’s upbringing by the Commission.

Exhibit B: “My back just ain’t broad enough to put the people at ease.” —Hawks

The first thing to note is that baby Keigo had big dreams when he was first recruited.

He wanted to be a shiny hero the likes of Endeavor but when we meet Hawks, one of the first major character depth details we find out about him is that he thinks his own back isn’t enough.

Sometime between when he agreed to the HPSC’s training and when he became the No.2 hero, something in Keigo died. A dream died, and he has accepted that he cannot be like his childhood hero. Comparing himself to Endeavor, Hawks thinks himself inferior in more ways than just power stats.

Keigo knows there is a disconnect between what he wanted to be and what he actually became, but he also knows his role well and still tries his best with it even though it isn’t the one he thought he had been promised when the HPSC recruited him. He is unsatisfied but he still does his best. Why? Because after all these years, the kid who flew straight into an automobile disaster to save an entire family is still there underneath the Commission’s manufactured hero. 

He still wants to protect people who can’t protect themselves; his dissatisfaction with how he achieves that didn��t dampen that spirit. This is why he works his ass off but still seems discontent with himself. His role may not be his ideal one but through it, he can protect people, and that’s enough for him to keep doing his best.

Exhibit C: “A special program... to become a special hero.” —Unknown

The second thing to bring up is that if the Commission did not make Hawks like his role model, what did they make him? 

Keigo just wanted to be a flashy hero that saves people from bad guys. A very simple, honest type of hero. The Commission did give him the skills for that, but they also gave him skills that a simple, honest hero should never need: espionage, acting, lying, manipulation, and who knows what else.

Hawks’ hero education was not the same education the UA kids are getting. In this panel, Hawks narrates as if his “negotiation skills” were a convenient coincidence, but come on. What straight forward, honest hero (like All Might, Endeavor, Miruko—you get the type) would need social manipulation skills? The HPSC knew what they were doing when they selected Hawks’ curriculum, and the material came in handy at last when they assigned him this mission that a simple, honest hero should never have to take on. The HPSC never intended to turn Hawks into a simple, honest hero; they wanted to turn him into a hyper-competent soldier to whom they can assign the hardest, dirtiest work that no ordinary hero would be willing to do. 

Judging by the way he joked about the HPSC’s “proposal,” I am led to believe that Hawks is used to his own feelings and concerns not mattering. People, especially children, do not naturally accept that their wants don’t matter, so what does this tell you about how Hawks was raised?

Exhibit D: My Hero Academia ED7

The third thing I need to talk about is this photo. I think one look at this photo of Keigo from ED7 should tell you something was off with his childhood even after he was taken in by the Commission.

Out of all the photos Bones could have shown of baby Keigo, they chose a photo of him in a hospital gown, blindfolded, surrounded by nameless, faceless men in suits with a chain-linked fence in the background of a cold metal training facility. If you look too quickly, you’d think his hands were tied in front of him because of the way his posture and pose is drawn.

This photo choice alone is enough to submit to me that something unethical was going on when the Commission picked Keigo up, and Horikoshi and the producers of the anime want us to read it as unethical. We are meant to read Hawks as a victim here, but we are given no indication in the story that Hawks thinks of himself as a victim. Once again, I am led to believe that he is accustomed to his own feelings not mattering in the grand scheme of things. He has no expectations of being treated more considerately, so he does not view himself as a victim of anything.

Exhibit E: Lonely Birdie

The fourth thing I want to bring up is Hawks’ lack of human connections. The Commission talked as if he had a family when they picked him up, but there’s no mention of that family when we see Hawks as a pro. He leaves his sidekicks behind. He has a professional, frosty relationship with the HPSC, the people who raised him from childhood. He has no one who is a friend close enough that the question of his civilian name would have even come up. The colleague he trusted most with info on his PLF infiltration was Endeavor who he’d only know in person for a few months.

Hawks can be very likable; his approval rating is high and the common folk love him. He is also very perceptive of and constantly thinking of others. And yet he has no close human connections, and the only explanation I can think of for this is that he distances himself from others either consciously or subconsciously.

This tells me either Keigo had no chances/time to seek out human connections on his own as he grew up or he was discouraged from forming those connections altogether. In either case, I doubt he was shown much affection during his training. He was not treated as if a child adopted into a family; he was treated as a new recruit to be guided and whipped into shape. A lack of human relationships while growing up likely led to his lack of relationships as an adult.

Exhibit F: Guilty Birdie

The fifth thing to note is that Hawks blames himself for anything that is not swift, decisive success. He always moves like he’s running out of time and thinks like he must do everything on his own. 

This mindset is very self-destructive and the consistency with which he repeatedly monologues lines like “think of the citizens/think of Japan/if only you did X” tells me this mindset was something that was drilled into him from the outside. These don’t sound like things you would monologue to yourself to psych yourself up. These sound like things a trainer or coach would tell you repeatedly in order to guilt you into working harder. 

Section III: Why Can’t Hawks Refuse?

Accepting that his own feelings don’t matter, distancing himself from others, using guilt to push himself, etc.—I think these are small habits the HPSC strategically instilled in Hawks through his environment as they raised him. The HPSC had an agenda while raising Hawks, but it’s nothing as dramatic as brainwashing. Instead, the Commission focused on building small and seemingly harmless habits like the ones I’ve noted. These habits can be positive if applied correctly but instead, over the years, they’ve subtly broken down Hawks’ sense of self-love and made him a slave to his own heroic heart.

His own feelings don’t matter when it comes to fulfilling his role, so Hawks will never refuse a mission just because he doesn’t like it. He habitually guilts himself with a reminder of who he is doing everything for—the people—so he’ll always work hard and fast. He distances himself from others, so no one will ever get close enough to him to teach him his human value and change his habits. Take these tendencies and make them second nature to a man whose heart is far too giving, and it’s not hard to see how the Commission trapped Hawks without having to actually trap him.

I don’t think the HPSC is doing anything dark like threatening/blackmailing Hawks. They don’t need to. Hawks can’t refuse their request because, deep down, he is simply too kind. If he is given a chance to save people, he won’t let himself abandon the opportunity. If he can take the burden of a dirty job off of someone else’s shoulders, he will. 

Keigo wasn’t a good hero candidate just because of his Quirk. His nature is too kind, especially to those he doesn’t know, and the Commission saw it from the beginning and took advantage of it. They don’t have to brainwash or leash him. All they had to do was teach him some self-destructive but seemingly heroic habits and those along with Keigo’s innate selflessness are more than enough to keep him focused on his role and unable to flat-out say no to the Commission.

Exhibit G: The Diamond

Lastly, let’s talk about how the diamond on Hawks’ hero costume matches the diamond on the HPSC building. It’s subtle, but I think it means something. It’s subtle just as the HPSC’s influence on Hawks is subtle in the form of small personal habits. The habits the HPSC strategically fostered in Hawks won’t disappear just because he has his own agency now and can carry his career alone. The diamond on Hawks’ chest is like a brand. Once property of the HPSC, always property of the HPSC even in the smallest ways.

In conclusion: If the HPSC wanted to indoctrinate Hawks, they could’ve easily done it, and the Hawks we know today who is skeptical of the HPSC and who observed that a villain could be a good person would not exist. Instead, the Commission knew they could make him independent (therefore, low maintenance) and easy to order around when needed if they went the subtler route: shaping not his values, moral code, or motivations but his internal habits. It’s sneaky, it’s shady, it’s unethical, but it’s kind of brilliant. 

[bones-sprouts]

SELF INDULGENT APOLLO JUSTICE ACE ATTORNEY AU BECAUSE IT BRINGS ME JOY ( SPOILER WARNING ⚠️‼️)

@burnoutandbookworms-ohmy you wanted to be tagged :>

okay so the cast would be as follows

apollo - tommy

phoenix - wilbur

trucy - tubbo

klavier - ranboo (this one's ambitious but hear me out-)

kristoph - dream

ema - techno

lamiroir - kristin

zak - phil (F in chat for mr minecraft 😔)

and then all of the filler characters would be various other smp members (suggestions?)

so then the plot would go as follows (we're bullet pointing this bitch you better run)

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

• so tommy arrives in the courtroom with dream, and he's nervous as hell, because not only is it his first trial

• his client is wilbur fucking soot

• world renouned defense attorney, now disbarred for forging evidence

• but tommy is 110% sure wilbur is innocent

• because wilbur is his HERO

• and then dream introduces them and damn he looks like shit

• i'm talking full pogtopia era get-up, plus a ratty beanie that has wilby painted on it and a crown pin

• so wil spouts the standard cryptic bullshit you'd expect from phoenix

• and tommy does an early smpe earth 'i am so cool and not at all starstruck' type act

• and they head in

• you meet the judge, who i didn't replace bc it's the judge

• tommy does his chords of steel, but with significantly more swearing then apollo would use

• and dream seems to be just a bit off

• and he goes on this big tirade about blue cards

• the case goes smoothly, until

• tommy feels something akin to a burning from the compass he's kept as a necklace for as long as he can remember

• and he just knows that the witness is lying

• it's like he can see the tiniest of tells that tip him off

• dream doesn't quite understand it, but wilbur looks like he knows exactly what's going on

• before he calls this out, though, a recess is called

• wilbur and dream have a chat, so tommy's left to his own devices

• and this boy about his age in a green magician's outfit runs up to him

• and he looks like an older version of the picture of wilbur's kid that he showed off in court beforehand

• and he hands tommy a (bloody??) playing card and poofs away

• then the trial resumes as normal, with tommy grilling the witness and eventually accusing her

• but it just doesn't seem right

• he knows she's not lying about being innocent, her tells would have tipped him off if she was

• but dream pushes and pushes him to formally accuse her

• until wilbur fucking soot interjects with an OBJECTION!

• while tommy geeks the hell out, wilbur asserts that there must have been someone else in the room

• and accuses dream.

• tommy's confused, and the both of them argue back and forth for a bit, until wilbur starts explaining his theory with evidence from tommy along the way

• but it's seeming like they don't have any non circumstancial evidence

• until wilbur has tommy pull out the playing card

• (i haven't been explaining the case but it makes sense i promise)

• they win the case, with dream never faltering or showing emotion, even after being taken away

• tommy's shaken up, but happy, all things considered

• but before he can ponder on what's just happened, wilbur takes him aside to talk

• and admits the card was forged

• tommy's shocked, and he's sad, and he's angry, because how could wilbur fucking soot forge evidence??

• and he punches him in the face

• wil smiles and gives him an offer to work at his office, since tommy's boss is kind of in jail

• tommy leaves

• but he comes back a few months later, only out of desperation

• he's greeted by the boy from the trial (wil's kid?)

• who demands to know his name and his 'talent'

• tommy says he's a lawyer and introduces himself

• the kid says his name is tubbo and that the building hasn't been a law office in a long time

• tommy asks to see wilbur

• so they go to see him

• in the fucking hospital

• he managed to get hit by a car, which sent him flying 40ft back into a telephone pole

• and he sprained his ankle

• he's very lucky apparently

• so from there, cases 2 and 3 play out (i'm gonna skim though these bc if i write them out ill end up rewriting plot points and i don't have the energy)

• along the way, they meet a few interesting people

• ranboo, a prosecutor who's dream's younger brother and the guitarist for a popular band, that tubbo immediately gets along with and tommy despises

• dispite seeming cocky, he's impressively awkward outside of court

• technoblade, a detective who's fairly standoffish towards tommy and tubbo alike, but has a soft spot for wilbur (do they have a history)

• kristin, a singer with a past she can't remember (unbeknownst to tommy, his compass tends to point towards her and tubbo. odd)

also before we move on to the final case, a quick summary of the dynamics and other small shit bc seritonin

• though wil adopted tubbo, they have much more of a sibling dynamic, and cause general mayhem

• wilbur does actually warm up to tommy fairly quickly (beanix and apollo dynamic, my abbhorrent) and while tommy still doesn't 100% trust wil, they do end up getting pretty close as time goes on

• tubbo and ranboo IMMEDIATELY hit it off, much to the dismay of tommy, and the two of them act like the dummy named micheal that tubbo uses for magic tricks is their son

• tommy acts like he hates ranboo's guts, but that won't stop him from trying to sweet talk his way into getting evidence from him (it always works, ranboo has no spine.) he also, like in canon, vents to ranboo whenever he needs to, and ranboo ends up knowing more ab him then even wil and tubbo

• jack is eldoon. they all go to his noodle shop constantly and tommy always complains about them being too salty. jack hates him with a passion but adores tubbo and wil

• instead of snakooos, techno deadass just has entire bags full of raw potatoes that he eats like chips, this is terrifying to everyone except wilbur, who acts like it's completely normal

• instead of pretending to be taken hostage in case 2, tubbo deadass pretends to have a nuke and threatens to set it off unless a recess is called. after things calm down they go back in and he just,, doesn't get arrested. the law is fucked

• after case 1, dream wears a smiley mask in order to not show his face, paranoid that tommy or someone else like him will know his secrets though his tells

okay now final case here we go

• wilbur tells tommy and tubbo that he's been working on a special trial with the jury system, and that he needs them to defend

• they agree, and go to meet the client

• things generally go like any other investigation, but there's just something about it that feels game changing

• and as they power though the first part of the trial, they start to uncover that there might be someone pulling the strings from behind the scenes

• tommy clocks her tell (chewing her nails) and they start to make progress

• but before they can uncover answers from her, she passes out

• a recess is called, and so are paramedics

• it turns out she's ingested the same kind of poison as the victim, coming from her nail polish

• tommy and tubbo are shaken up, and they go to wil for help

• he decides they need to know the full truth, but he knows that some of the evidence is lost at this point

(and holy shit stay with me here i promise that as out of left field this is the original game made significantly less sense)

• he phones a friend that he knows is the only one that can help them

• karl

• he explains the situation, and karl agrees to help them

• and they fucking time travel

(again, the game makes even less sense i promise)

• they chat with the victim and defendant from seven years beforehand, right after wil was disbarred

• they watch the trial wil got disbarred over, where he defended tubbo's bio father, phil

• and they see a much smaller tubbo hand wil the forged evidence, saying that a kind man told him to give it to the man with the bright blue hamilton suit

• and they watch wil present it, only to be shot down by a much younger ranboo, who proves it's fake

• and they find out tubbo and tommy are bio siblings, which they're shocked about but decide to talk about later (fuck canon tommy and tubbo get to know)

• and they go visit dream in prison

• at this point wil is CONVINCED dream is behind everything, they just need the right evidence

• so they head to the cell, only for it to be empty

• naturally, they start snooping

• wil finds a letter, and opens it to reveal exactly what they need to win the case

• but before they can leave, dream, equipped with a smiley mask, stops them

• they exchange a few words before they leave, letterless

• luckily, wil has a trick up his sleeve, and reveals that his crown pin has a built in camera

• they examine the contents of the letter, and wil hastily makes a replica, and they head off to the trial

• since they're experimenting with the jurist system for the first time, they can't afford to wait for the defendant to heal, so they proceed

• they call dream to the stand

• they grill him for quite a while, with the help of ranboo who refuses to protect his brother, getting him to show his true colors, and then pull out the letter

• and he says that it's a fake, which the judge unfortunately agrees with

• so they don't have their evidence

• and even though they've shown pretty much everything and dream had practically admitted to bring a murderous bastard and the one who gave tubbo the fake to give to wil

• they don't have enough to convince a judge

• tommy and tubbo are crushed

• but wil is happy

• because they don't have to convince a judge

• they have to convince a jury

• and they win

• dream shatters along with his mask, going completely off the deep end

• their client is safe, and so is wil

• kristin also reveals to wil that she's tommy and tubbo's bio mom, saying that she'll tell them when she's really

• so things come to a close

• for now, anyway

so yeah, thats AJ but dsmp, to anyone who didn't play the game, i'm so sorry this makes no sense, and to anyone who did, you're cool as hell can we be moots 👉👈

[fandom-meanderer]

Hi! I love so much your writing ‼️ I think you’re the best bai. Can I request a one-shot with a s/o with insomnia who hang out with Dimitri at night please? (Did I explain myself? I’m such a dumbass lol)

YOU’RE NOT A DUMBASS, ANON, YOU EXPLAINED YOURSELF WELL!!!

~

You sat at the foot of Dimitri’s bed, listening to him doze off.

Wouldn’t you rather sleep yourself? No.

And why is that? It’s not like you could, anyways.

But shouldn’t you? Maybe...

But for now, being here is what’s best for you and him.

You and Dimitri had been dating for almost three months now, and everything just seemed better when you two were together. But what you did notice is what happened at night, when you were separated for only a few hours. Who knew that it affected Dimitri so much?

You were no stranger to Dimitri’s nightmares, you knew he had them, it was apparent by the dark circles under his eyes. You knew what the majority of them were about, as he had confided in you about them. They were all of events he had no control over, but he still blamed himself for them, and nothing hurt you more than to hear him say that. The Tragedy of Duscur is one that commonly went to him, but recently, you could tell that either they’ve gotten worse, or he has a new one tormenting him. And tonight, you wanted to get to the bottom of it, so here you were, wide awake, sitting on the floor, with the possible love of your life sleeping above you. You never had a problem with this, really, you had been diagnosed with insomnia at a young age, so this was easy for you, really. You let out a small laugh, Dimitri had actually brought up your lack of ability to sleep the other day. You looked back for a moment to be sure he was really sleeping, and the completely serene expression almost threw you off. Nevertheless, you returned to your book, lit only by the dimming fire in your fingers that you created with a simple spell. You were well a way in and figured that Dimitri was fast asleep. Your hand was already on the door knob when you heard the bed jerk behind you. You whip your head back and saw Dimitri with a hand buried in his hair and the other clutching his heart.

“Dimitri?” You walk over and sit on the bed next to him. “Dimitri? Love? It’s okay, you’re awake now, you’re awake now... nothing can hurt you here.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers. He takes your hand and pulls you on his lap, holding you close. He was holding you so delicately, but at the same time so firmly, like he was keeping you from something.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No... not yet...”

Truth be told, Dimitri had found a new nightmare. And this time it circulated around you. It was you, just you, standing in a battle field, out of magic, out of weapons, out of time. And no matter how fast he ran to you, the land stretched farther, the enemies got larger, time slowed down, as if the Goddess herself wanted to punish him for getting something he actually wanted. He knows it’s complete balderdash, he knows that it’s just a nightmare but... He hasn’t been able to protect those he loved before, would he be able to keep you safe? What if he couldn’t? What if he actually had to watch as you... He couldn’t even think about such a thing.

Slowly, Dimitri pulled you down with him, pulling the covers over you as well. With a small sigh, he closed his eyes again.

“I do love you...” he mumbles, combing his fingers through your hair. “And I would do anything to keep your safe, (Name)...”

“What brought this on?” You chuckle. It was strange, your eye lids suddenly felt heavy, but it’s much too early into the night for that to happen. “Is everything alright, love?” You felt a soft kiss press to the top of your head.

“Everything is fine...” he yawned. “Just... stay with me tonight?”

“Of course, I’d never leave you.”

“I envy you, my love...”

“Why is that?”

“You can’t sleep... I’d rather not sleep at all with these nightly battles...”

“That’s not necessarily true,” now it’s your turn to yawn. What is this effect he has on you? “I have less stamina than everyone in battle for one...”

‘Battle,’ the word echoed in Dimitri’s head, and his grip on you got a bit tighter. You, of course, noticed this.

“Dimitri?”

“Let’s not think of that tonight...”

“Okay.”

“Tell me something else, anything,” you felt the slight desperateness in his request.

“Hmm... where to start?” You ponder for a bit. “After we graduate, what should we do?” You heard him hum above you. Dimitri’s mind drifts off. Graduation, huh? That’s bound to happen. Where would you go then? Would you still love him the way he loves you? He, for one, doesn’t think he’ll ever see a day where he stops, but that didn’t stop the fear that you would. It’s another silly thought, he knows, but that’s all he’s had since he fell in love with you. Silly thought after silly thought, is that what love really is? If it was, he didn’t want it to stop. It kept the ghosts at bay.

“You’ve never been to Fhirdiad, have you?”

“The capital city? No, I haven’t... I came from the Galatea region...” That’s right, you were from there right? You and Ingrid are very close, now that Dimitri thought of it. Whenever you weren’t with him, you were with Ingrid, either training or shopping, or whatever it is girls do.

“Alright, we’ll go there first, then,” Dimitri chuckled. “Then... maybe you’d like the area under House Gautier, you do like to play in the snow.”

“Haha, I do,” you feel your eyes close for a second, but you force them back open. “Plus, it’s always fun to hang out with Sylvain... we can call everyone up there too.”

“Are you implying a small get together?”

“Mmhmm... it’s always nice to be with the others, in my opinion.”

“It is...” Finally, you couldn’t stop it anymore. “(Name)?” Dimitri was only answered by your steady breaths. He looked down to see you snuggled against his chest, sleeping peacefully.

“I suppose it’s my turn then...” Dimitri shut his eyes, drifting to his own sleep.

He was in another dream, he knew it, but this one was different. It was bright, for one, there wasn’t any fire this time, for another. In fact... where was he? No, he knows this. He’s in the cathedral. Next to him is the Professor, dressed rather well for one. Then the rest of his house members. Suddenly, everyone that was seated stood up, applauding. Dimitri followed their lines of sight and his jaw dropped. There you were, donning white, with that smile that always sent him into a flurry.

If this is the kinds of dreams he had with you in his arms then... He certainly must be doing something right.

[especialty]

‼️Submission Saturday Rules & Guidelines‼️ #naaruletag • how to submit: 1. read all of the rules & make sure your photo is following all of them. 2. once you’re positive that it qualifies, dm me your picture. all submissions go to @nudityasart on Instagram PLEASE don't post your submissions or send them to any other account, only dm'd submissions will be posted!! PS: when you send in your dm, make sure to add in which SS it is for (themed or regular), as well as your pronouns if you'd like, especially to my trans friends, to prevent being misgendered! ‼️RULES!!‼️ I have two accounts now. @especialtys being my main (educational/informative/selfcare), and @nudityasart being my second account (bodypositivity/submissions). Unlike previous account(s), all submissions will be sent (and posted) to @nudityasart. 1. when submitting, remember that it is completely anonymous, meaning I will not tag you and no one will ever know it’s you, UNLESS you yourself choose to state otherwise in the comment section. (If you’d like to thank people for compliments or just let people know it’s you, you can do so by commenting but besides that the only two who will know who is is, will be you and I) but this is for body positivity ONLY and a majority don’t want to be named, therefor it remains anonymous on my part. Please don't DM me asking who a submitter is, I know sometimes you want to ask where they got their clothing but I want this to remain confidential so just comment asking and maybe they will reply or someone else who knows will! Another thing, before sending remember that I am not at fault if someone gets upset about your submission, but I will kindly delete it if necessary (this has happened quite a bit, actually, between protective partners and rude friends. just send me the picture as request the deletion of the photo. only the person who sent the photo can request for it to be removed, btw) 2. PICTURES: for your picture quality; I ask that it be high quality and trust me, I know sometimes phones don’t have the best quality, but here are the easiest ways I've found to match my theme: -use natural lighting, like in front of a window, outside, or a naturally lit room. - camera flash (especially if you have a low quality camera) I know it's hard using your back flash, so place a mirror in front of you to help get a good picture! these are the only two ways I know of to get a good picture, but outside/natural lighting is the best way to go to ensure your photo matches and gets posted on my account! (ps. if you need ideas, use other submissions (posts on @especialtys could help too) as reference to how the  photos should look, and pose ideas and picture ideas. I LOVE creativity!!) 3. censoring; this is a big issue with submissions because of Instagram so I need to address it. I can’t allow full nudes or any sexually explicit submissions because instagrams rules and regulations (and once again, this is for body positivity not send your genitalia to mooma. keep ya genitals covered. I, nor Instagram, want to see that so keep it away from me thank you) but as for nipples, yes you can send uncensored ones and I will censor them for you, (by putting light glares/stars on them. If you want to do it yourself but don't know the app: star/glare app is LINE camera! the sticker is "shine" last one with the saturation turned down so it's white) but I have to be extremely cautious with what I post on my account  in order to not be deleted so I would appreciate it if you covered them with something, but if you don't that's okay too! I'll censor it for you! btw, your gender or sex doesn’t matter when censoring. I will censor any and ALL nipples! I’m censoring everyone's as a way to get some form of equality on my page. If one should be censored, shouldn't they all be? But, you can also use your hand to cover your nipples or use something else like paint, real or fake flowers, candies, (real) stickers, leaves, sea shells or pretty rocks/gems, small toys, (this will hurt coming off) tape, fruit/other foods, slime, compact mirrors, little pumpkins, small plushies, glitter, or anything of your choosing!! be creative and have fun with it, there's really no wrong thing you could use except for (basically anything digitally added except blurring or star/glare) emojis, or any type of edited sticker as well as coloring them out with the snapchat pen or any other type of pen, this includes background blurring because it doesn’t fit my theme at all and won't be posted. sorry! 4. no filters of any kind; I know!! a lot of you enjoy using the black and white filter or some other filter because it makes you look good but it doesn’t match my theme and it doesn't send a good message, I’m sorry!! please send it without a filter, because I won't post it on my account with a filter. 5. Although you don't have to be completely bare to submit, I would ask that you not have too much clothing covering yourself since this is for body positivity and it's hard for someone to compliment your body if they can't see it. If you aren't comfortable with nudity, you can always just take a cute picture of your tummy! or if you don't want to do that, a picture of your collar bones or your thighs? whatever you're comfortable with! 6. Don’t be rude to any submitters; I will not tolerate any form of negativity on my account. this is a SAFE place and I won't let anyone ruin that for me or anyone else on my page. do you know how much confidence it takes to post some of your greatest insecurities? a fucking lot. this is for positivity and appreciation!! don’t be a dick to anyone who posts, your comment will be deleted and you might even be blocked. Be kind to one another. Bring everyone who submits up, not down. prove to them how beautiful the skin they are in is. It isn’t that fucking hard and it’s free to be a decent human being!! 7. Please be patient; & don’t get upset when I don’t post yours right away. I receive many dms and pending dms, that it takes me a while to post them all. but occasionally, I don't receive dms so please if I haven’t posted yours and it’s been two weeks+ just send me a heart (sometimes you'll need to unsend and resend it) or ask if I’ve saved yours yet, and I’ll make sure to do so ASAP(: • AND REMEMBER: if you have any questions or comments regarding SS, feel free to contact me via dm or ask them on qoohme (the link is in @especialtys bio) and also via my remindapp (text "@mooma" to 81010, or get the remind app and add "@mooma") and I will get back to you as soon as I can! I love you all, don't forget to check the FAQ before asking a question x ‼️FAQ: • do I have to be following you to submit I don't see why you wouldn't be following me if you were trying to submit but yes, you MUST at least be following @nudityasart to submit. • when are submissions posted? every other Saturday for regular submissions. and once a month for themed submissions, unless I & the people who help post submissions have something come up that prohibits us from doing so, from twelve am Friday night to twelve am Saturday night! (CST) although sometimes it's started sooner than that. • how many submissions do you normally post? there isn’t any given number that I post. once I post a submission I won’t post another until that one gets twenty five or more comments. I do this so each submission gets a good amount of positivity. I don't want anyone feeling left out! for people who comment and the comments, please don’t put some unrelated comment such as emojis or something, actually take time (if you have it) to write a positive message about how a feature that caught your eye, or how strong they must be, or how wonderful their completion is or how you adore their freckles, etc. it doesn’t take much of your time and I promise you it will make someone’s day so much better. just say things that you’d want to be told about your own body  but a little ps, saying "goals" or "i would die to have this body" or "I wish I looked like this" or  "why can't I have this body" or any other self degrading comment is NOT a compliment and never will be a compliment. it will be deleted. bringing yourself down isn't what I consider a compliment, sorry! not only that, it could end up hurting someone rather than helping them! • when can i send you my submission? any day of the week! most send on Saturday while I’m posting submissions and that’s cool and all but sadly, you cut the likelihood of it actually getting posted that day by half because I post the ones I didn’t get to post last week, and then the ones sent throughout the week, first(: (I recommend sending them Thursday because I save them on Friday) • is there an age limit to submit? sort of, I’d ask that you’d be at least thirteen+ because although this is only for body positivity I am not dumb and I know some people may see it in other forms. so since instagrams age limit is thirteen I guess so is mine. although, if you’re underaged please do not send me full nudes (keep your genitals covered please. tummy pics, thigh pics, etc are fine, but I would be careful not to have full nudity so undies/bathing suits are a must) this puts me in a very awkward position. remember that your nudes are often considered child pornography depending on your state/region. and depending on your age. be careful kiddos. • if I send you a caption to post with my pic, will you post that too? yes yes! all you have to do is specify that you want your caption posted and bam! posted along with your photo ! • do I have to be naked to submit? not persay, no. not everyone is comfortable being completely naked, and I understand that 100%. but since this is body positivity, you can't exactly receive compliments about your body with full clothing so I would ask that you have minimal clothing. if you aren't comfortable with showing your stomach, show off your thighs or collar bones! • can I send you a selfie to post? no. sorry but this isn't a selfie positivity account, it's a body positive account so no picture with your face in it please. covering it with your phone is okay though and having your lips in it if yore doing a collar bone photo but otherwise no, please crop your face out. it isn't really anonymous if your face is in it.

[especialty]

Submission Saturday Rules & Guidelines

(PS: this is for Instagram, please ignore if you don’t follow me there!)

#naasruletag

• how to submit:

1. read all of the rules & make sure your photo is following all of them.

2. once you’re positive that it qualifies, dm me your picture. all submissions go to @nudityasart on Instagram PLEASE don’t post your submissions or send them to any other account, only dm’d submissions will be posted!!

PS: when you send in your dm, make sure to add in your pronouns if you’d like, especially to my trans friends, to prevent being misgendered!

‼️RULES!!‼️

I have two accounts now. @especialitys being my main (educational/informative/selfcare), and @nudityasart being my second account (bodypositivity/submissions). Unlike previous account(s), all submissions will be sent (and posted) to @nudityasart.

1. when submitting, remember that it is completely anonymous, meaning I will not tag you and no one will ever know it’s you, UNLESS you yourself choose to state otherwise in the comment section.

(If you’d like to thank people for compliments or just let people know it’s you, you can do so by commenting but besides that the only two who will know who is is, will be you and I)

but this is for body positivity ONLY and a majority don’t want to be named, therefor it remains anonymous on my part. Please don’t DM me asking who a submitter is, I know sometimes you want to ask where they got their clothing but I want this to remain confidential so just comment asking and maybe they will reply or someone else who knows will!

Another thing, before sending remember that I am not at fault if someone gets upset about your submission, but I will kindly delete it if necessary

(this has happened quite a bit, actually, between protective partners and rude friends. just send me the picture as request the deletion of the photo. only the person who sent the photo can request for it to be removed, btw)

2. PICTURES: for your picture quality; I ask that it be high quality and trust me, I know sometimes phones don’t have the best quality, but here are the easiest ways I’ve found to match my theme:

-use natural lighting, like in front of a window, outside, or a naturally lit room.

- camera flash (especially if you have a low quality camera) I know it’s hard using your back flash, so place a mirror in front of you to help get a good picture!

these are the only two ways I know of to get a good picture, but outside/natural lighting is the best way to go to ensure your photo matches and gets posted on my account!

(ps. if you need ideas, use other submissions (posts on @especialitys could help too) as reference to how the photos should look, and pose ideas and picture ideas. I LOVE creativity!!)

3. censoring; this is a big issue with submissions because of Instagram so I need to address it. I can’t allow full nudes or any sexually explicit submissions because instagrams rules and regulations (and once again, this is for body positivity not send your genitalia to mooma. keep ya genitals covered. I, nor Instagram, want to see that so keep it away from me thank you) but as for nipples, yes you can send uncensored ones and I will censor them for you, (by putting light glares/stars on them. If you want to do it yourself but don’t know the app: star/glare app is LINE camera! the sticker is “shine” last one with the saturation turned down so it’s white) but I have to be extremely cautious with what I post on my account in order to not be deleted so I would appreciate it if you covered them with something, but if you don’t that’s okay too! I’ll censor it for you!

btw, your gender doesn’t matter when censoring. I will censor any and ALL nipples! I’m censoring everyone’s as a way to get some form of equality on my page. If one should be censored, shouldn’t they all be?

But, you can also use your hand to cover your nipples or use something else like paint, real or fake flowers, candies, (real) stickers, leaves, sea shells or pretty rocks/gems, small toys, (this will hurt coming off) tape, fruit/other foods, slime, compact mirrors, little pumpkins, small plushies, glitter, or anything of your choosing!! be creative and have fun with it, there’s really no wrong thing you could use except for (basically anything digitally added except blurring or star/glare) emojis, or any type of edited sticker as well as coloring them out with the snapchat pen or any other type of pen, this includes background blurring because it doesn’t fit my theme at all and won’t be posted.

4. no filters of any kind; I know!! a lot of you enjoy using the black and white filter or some other filter because it makes you look good but it doesn’t match my theme, I’m sorry!! please send it without a filter, because I won’t post it on my account with a filter.

5. Although you don’t have to be completely bare to submit, I would ask that you not have too much clothing covering yourself since this is for body positivity and it’s hard for someone to compliment your body if they can’t see it. If you aren’t comfortable with nudity, you can always just take a cute picture of your tummy! or if you don’t want to do that, a picture of your collar bones or your thighs? whatever you’re comfortable with!

6. Don’t be rude to any submitters; I will not tolerate any form of negativity on my account. this is a SAFE place and I won’t let anyone ruin that for me or anyone else on my page. do you know how much confidence it takes to post some of your greatest insecurities? a fucking lot. this is for positivity and appreciation!! don’t be a dick to anyone who posts, your comment will be deleted and you might even be blocked. Be kind to one another. Bring everyone who submits up, not down. prove to them how beautiful the skin they are in is. It isn’t that fucking hard and it’s free to be a decent human being!!

7. Please be patient; & don’t get upset when I don’t post yours right away. I have so many dms and pending dms, that it takes me a while to post them all. but occasionally, I don’t receive dms so please if I haven’t posted yours and it’s been two weeks+ just send me a heart (sometimes you’ll need to unsend and resend it) or ask if I’ve saved yours yet, and I’ll make sure to do so ASAP(:

IMPORTANT PART: when sending your submission, please send a bee emoji or a "I read all of your submission rules/guidelines" so I know you've read them all and are following them x

• AND REMEMBER:

if you have any questions or comments regarding SS, feel free to contact me via dm (I often don’t get a chance to reply to dms so if I don’t I’m so sorry!! try leaving a comment on one of my recent posts) or ask them on ask.fm (the link is in @selfcarecorner’s bio) and also via my remindapp (text “@mooma” to 81010, or get the remind app and add “@mooma”) and I will get back to you as soon as I can! I love you all, don’t forget to check the FAQ before asking a question x

‼️FAQ:

• do I have to be following you to submit

I don’t see why you wouldn’t be following me if you were trying to submit but yes, you MUST at least be following @nudityasart as well as @especialitys (on Instagram) to submit.

• when are submissions posted?

every Saturday, unless I have something come up that prohibits me from doing so, from twelve am Friday night to twelve am Saturday night! (CST)

• how many submissions do you normally post?

there isn’t any given number that I post. once I post a submission I won’t post another until that one gets twenty five or more comments. I do this so each submission gets a good amount of positivity. I don’t want anyone feeling left out!

for people who comment and the comments, please don’t put some unrelated comment such as emojis or something, actually take time (if you have it) to write a positive message about how a feature that caught your eye, or how strong they must be, or how wonderful their completion is or how you adore their freckles, etc. it doesn’t take much of your time and I promise you it will make someone’s day so much better. just say things that you’d want to be told about your own body but a little ps, saying “goals” or “i would die to have this body” or “I wish I looked like this” or “why can’t I have this body” or any other self degrading comment is NOT a compliment and never will be a compliment. it will be deleted. bringing yourself down isn’t what I consider a compliment, sorry!

• when can i send you my submission?

any day of the week! most send on Saturday while I’m posting submissions and that’s cool and all but you cut the likelihood of it actually getting posted that day by half because I post the ones I didn’t get to post last week, and then the ones sent throughout the week, first(: (I recommend sending them Thursday because I save them on Friday)

• is there an age limit to submit?

sort of, I’d ask that you’d be at least thirteen+ because although this is only for body positivity I am not dumb and I know some people may see it in other forms. so since instagrams age limit is thirteen I guess so is mine. although, if you’re underaged please do not send me full nudes (keep your genitals covered please. tummy pics, thigh pics, etc are fine, but I would be careful not to have full nudity so undies/bathing suits are a must) this puts me in a very awkward position. remember that your nudes are often considered child pornography depending on your state/region. be careful kiddos.

• if I send you a caption to post with my pic, will you post that too?

yes yes! all you have to do is specify that you want your caption posted and bam! posted along with your photo !

• do I have to be naked to submit?

not persay, no. not everyone is comfortable being completely naked, and I understand that 100%. but since this is body positivity, you can’t exactly receive compliments about your body with full clothing so I would ask that you have minimal clothing. if you aren’t comfortable with showing your stomach, show off your thighs or collar bones!

• can I send you a selfie to post?

no. sorry but this isn’t a selfie positivity account, it’s a body positive account so no picture with your face in it please. covering it with your phone is okay though and having your lips in it if yore doing a collar bone photo but otherwise no, please crop your face out. it isn’t really anonymous if your face is in it.