#is this my best work? no but hey I finally did a microfic!

[theheadlessphilosopher]

Lost My Hold (to the Shadows of the Night)

written for ‘suck’ wc: 480 | rated: t | cw: n/a | pre-steddie, angst, hurt/no comfort (but also lighthearted?) @steddiemicrofic

"Well this is gonna suck," Eddie muttered to himself as he slung the unconscious body of Steve Harrington over his shoulder.

-

To say things had not gone to plan would be a massive understatement. By the time Team Flambe Vecna arrived back at the trailer, Eddie had been pretty sure he was dead. He’d barely been able to focus on Dustin sobbing above him, desperately trying to keep Eddie awake. The bandana was pulled from his hair and wrapped tightly around the bites on his throat while a shirt was pressed to the wounds on his abdomen. He jolted in pain at the pressure, but was too weak to move away from their ministrations. Spots dotted his vision as he drifted off to the sounds of his friends' panicked voices.

-

Eddie opened his eyes to the unwelcome site of the Upside Down. He was propped up against a tree with Steve slumped over beside him, completely covered in blood.

"Harrington?”

He shook his shoulders, watching as his head lolled to the side. Heart in his throat, he sat up on his knees and crawled closer to feel for a pulse. It was there, but faint.

"Fuck."

Eddie braced himself to stand and froze. He wasn't in pain anymore. In fact, he felt better than he had in the past week. He took a moment to take stock of himself, slowly standing up and tracing his hands down his neck and stomach. His skin was tacky with blood and his clothes were torn to shreds but his skin-- his skin was whole and unblemished.

"What the fuck," he whispered.

He looked around, hoping to see the others, but saw no sign of the rest of the Upside Down crew. They must've gotten separated somehow. Sucking on his bottom lip in thought, he startled at the taste of blood. Eddie lifted a hand to his lips, eyes widening as he finally noticed his hands. His fingers were longer than before, the tips darkened like they were dipped in ink, leading to sharp black claws. Dread sat heavy in his stomach as he glanced over to where the other boy lay.

He looked closer at Steve, thoroughly examining him for wounds, and froze. He didn't know how he had missed it, but the side of Steve's throat was completely torn out, like a whole swarm of bats had attacked the space between his neck and shoulder. Dread sat heavy in his stomach as he pieced things together.

Not knowing what else to do, Eddie hauled him further upright, untying the bandana wrapped around his throat and ripping what remained of his own shirt to fashion a makeshift bandage. Once satisfied with his work, he lifted Steve up with no effort.

They needed to get out of there. Then he'd figure out how to break the news that he'd mauled the kids' favorite babysitter.

[villain-crown]

neutral | @jegulus-microfic | words: 1,309

critical care, part 9 (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8)

* a small amount of explicit content!!

a Jegulus nurse!AU

Regulus Black was an absolute nightmare. 

James knew this because he was watching the evidence of it in real time, in awe of the sweet-looking Slytherin who he knew to be anything but. 

After the heart attack-inducing moment when Sirius has unknowingly advised James to have dirty, unprotected sex with his precious little brother, James knew he was going to need something a lot stronger than coffee to get through the rest of this shitshow of a day. Since injecting vodka directly into his fucking bloodstream wasn’t in the cards, he’d begged, bribed, and bullied most of Gryffindor to order takeaway drinks with him from the nearest boba shop. He was just relaxing into the peace of his first sip when who else but the menace occupying his thoughts came sauntering up to the Surgical ICU nurses’ station.

James choked. 

“Hey, Reggie!” Sirius sang from near his elbow, rifling around the cardboard cup holders containing twenty plastic containers. “I have your order here.”

Taking advantage of his best friend’s momentary distraction, James couldn’t stop himself from checking Regulus out. He looked as fit as ever in his cute forest-green Slytherin scrubs, tilting his head with a devastating smirk when he caught James’s eye. 

The Gryffindor could feel his face redden as the other man’s eyes drew a long, heated line from his face, to his chest, to his waistband, and then finally, to his—

The suggestive look vanished like it was never there, replaced by something much more neutral when Sirius straightened up, holding a purple drink. 

“Here you go, kid.”

“I don’t want that one,” Regulus said with the most adorable pout James had ever witnessed in his life. He suddenly couldn’t figure out where to look or what to do with his hands when Regulus turned that look on him. “What did you order, Potter?”

Sirius raised a finger immediately as James tried to remember how words worked. “No. Don’t tell him, Prongs! No, you’re not getting your way this time, you little brat. You wanted the taro, I bought you the taro, you’re having the taro!”

Meanwhile, James thought he might pass out from the sheer intensity of Regulus’s undivided attention. 

Fuck, he’s pretty. 

“James,” the petite Slytherin cooed, and damn he was so screwed as Regulus bit his lip just so, his dove-gray eyes wide. He stepped closer so that his smaller build seemed even more obviously so compared to James’s height and muscle. Regulus’s powdery, amber scent was almost too much to resist as he tilted his neck, as though to show off the soft, unmarked skin there. “Please?”

“I… I already put my mouth on it,” James said stupidly, his lips oddly dry. 

“Oh, I don’t mind.”

That only prompted James’s imagination, which supplied a fantastic picture of Regulus not minding where else he put his mouth. For instance, Regulus with two of James’s fingers stuffed past his lips, coating them in saliva and teasing him with the warm, wet twist of his tongue. 

“Ugh, here, just take mine, Reggie.”

James was jolted back into awareness by a takeaway cup labeled Sirius being thrust into Regulus's line of sight. 

Panicking, James nearly tripped over himself for the opportunity to offer his sugary milk tea to him instead. 

“No, wait! Here, Regulus, try mine! It’s okay, really!” 

Sirius rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “Don’t encourage him, Prongs. It’s bad enough he’s got me wrapped around his stupid little finger. There’s still time to save you.”

No there bloody isn’t, mate.

“I’m supposed to be reinforcing boundaries with you,” Sirius added to his little brother accusingly. “And I didn’t have to buy your drink order, you know. You’re not even floating here.”

“Thank you,” Regulus offered with the loveliest combination of wicked eyes and innocent smile that James had ever seen on anyone.

Sirius sighed, folding immediately as he shook the drink labeled Reggie vigorously before stabbing the plastic top with a thick straw. “You’re bloody lucky I’d do anything for you, you little monster.”

That pulled a real smile to Regulus’s lips that made James want to melt.

“I’m going to bring Remus his. He’s about to admit a liver bomb and you know how busy that will be.”

Sirius wandered off, nursing his new drink, leaving just James and Regulus standing there, staring at each other. 

“What did he mean by that?”

Regulus blinked. “What?”

“That he’s supposed to be reinforcing boundaries with you.”

The Slytherin sucked at James’s straw, unconcerned. The Gryffindor watched him do so closely, imagining Regulus’s pretty curls framing his cheeks as they hallowed to suck the fluid from James’s cock. 

“Our therapist told him that.”

“Your…?”

Regulus looked at him like he was an idiot. “Therapist. You don’t survive our family without needing one. You’re his best friend. I figured he’d told you we were in family therapy.” 

James couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. While Sirius had not in fact told him so, it wasn’t that much of a surprise. From what he’d gathered about Sirius and Regulus’s parents’ underhanded and emotionally manipulative tactics, it sounded like Sirius had a hard time letting people see any sort of vulnerability, despite their years of friendship. 

But James had seen it. 

He’d seen it in the way Sirius bought his little brother boba and in the way he’d called him “kid.” It seemed like a poor repayment of their friendship, James turning around and railing Regulus in his bed for as long as the other man wanted it and his stamina allowed.

But Regulus… fuck, he was stunning and mean with an unexpectedly wicked sense of humor that was definitely going to get James killed.

Maybe if I just fuck him once, I’ll get it out of my system, James thought desperately. Sirius doesn’t have to know. 

“What’s this?” Regulus asked as he examined the white board next to them, oblivious to how his mere presence was twisting James’s thoughts and feelings into pretzels. 

It was a busy board, boasting the day’s nursing assignments as well as the names of the interns, residents, fellows, and attendings staffing the unit for July. At the top of the board in Doctor McGonagall’s severe cursive was the riddle of the day: her way of connecting with the Gryffindor staff, who James secretly thought she viewed as her own children.

“It’s the unit riddle. You text McGonagall the answer if you think you know it, and she gives you a prize if you’re right.”

“Wouldn’t people just Google the answer?”

James gaped at him, offended. “That’s cheating!”

Regulus laughed, a real, genuine laugh that made his heart stutter in his chest. A faint blush of pink dusted across the Slytherin’s fair cheeks, giving him a truly beautiful glow that was even more appealing than crowding him up against the wall of an elevator or watching him verbally overpower Tom Riddle (though it was a damn close call).

“Let’s see. ‘I have cities but no houses, mountains but no trees. I have water but no fishes, and islands but no breeze. What am I?’ Did you guess it yet?”

James was so wrapped up in the sheer pleasure of listening to Regulus speak that he didn’t answer immediately. “Oh. Yeah, but I wasn’t right about the answer.”

Speaking of riddles, if Sirius did hypothetically find out, he should only be too grateful that it was James Regulus was seducing instead of someone like Tom Riddle, who was honestly the most arrogant doctor James had ever had the displeasure of knowing. He still couldn’t believe Regulus had tolerated the man long enough for them to couple. 

Sirius hates Riddle, James told himself as Regulus contemplated the puzzle, smirked to himself, and pulled out his phone—presumably to text McGonagall his answer.

So I’m basically doing him a favor, sleeping with his brother.

((Click “keep reading” for the answer to Dr. McGonagall’s riddle! 🫶))

Answer: a map 🗺️

[chlobliviate]

Wolfstar Microfics - Bronze

words: 785

@wolfstarmicrofic

🌙✨🌙✨🌙

It was the summer before sixth year, Sirius was finally living with the Potters and everything was looking up. His nightmares were less frequent, he was sleeping more and eating an amount fit for a teenage boy. Effie was trying to teach him to cook and some of it was going in. It really seemed like the perfect summer.

Until Remus returned from France, Lyall Lupin had ministry work in Marseille for almost five weeks, meaning that Sirius hadn’t seen Remus in over a month. He did notice that he didn’t care as much about not seeing Pete for over a month but shrugged it off as a canine camaraderie thing.

When Remus popped out of the grand fireplace in the drawing room, Sirius was speechless. Remus, with his sandy hair and his pink cheeks, was now all shades of bronze. He had freckles.

James seemed to sense that they’d be getting no sense out of Sirius for a little while, “Fuck, Moony. You’re all… Did you just lie under the sun the whole time?”

“Reading in the sun is the best way to spend a summer.” Remus looked curiously at Sirius. “Maybe not if you’re as pale as you, Pads. You’d just burn.”

“He’d go a glorious pink!” James said proudly. “Want a cuppa?”

“Yeah, I’d love one. Thanks, Prongs.” Remus dropped his bag onto the floor by the sofa as James bustled off to make the tea. “Pete not here yet?”

Sirius shook his head trying to tear his eyes away from Remus’ face, “Nah, he’s getting here about six. His mum has a thing or something.”

Remus nodded, “How’s your summer been? Hope you didn’t miss me too much.”

“Honestly, best summer ever.” Sirius finally relaxed, “I still don’t feel like it’s real. I keep expecting to wake up back at Grimmauld Place.”

“You never need to wake up there again,” Remus said softly, and Sirius smiled at him. “Thanks for writing to me, by the way. Not that being in Marseilles wasn’t great, but Dad had work and then with Mum having to go back and care for Nana, it was lonely.”

“Oh, no problem. Thanks for writing back. Hope it didn’t interrupt your tanning sessions.”

“Do I really look that different?” Remus chewed on the side of his lip.

“You’re all… bronze. Your hair, your face. It’s wild. Your scars being paler than your skin is weird. In a good way!” He added hastily, “It suits you.”

“Well, thanks.” Remus could feel his face growing even darker. “It’s a shame we’re about to go back to Scottish Autumn.”

“You could find one of those muggle squirty tans.”

Remus chuckled, “Nah, I don’t think that’s for me. I’ll just fade back to pale Remus and it’ll be like it never happened.”

Sirius tried to understand why he didn’t like that thought. He liked this new confident, smiling Remus. Would that also fade with the tan? Or was that just a consequence of spending several weeks alone in France? The thought that maybe he’d met a nice French girl made his stomach churn. It would explain a lot about the way Remus carried himself now.

James came back with a tea tray. “Mum and Dad are out tonight, but Mum made us dinner before she left so we won’t starve.”

“Hey, I can cook now!” Sirius snapped, to Remus’ surprise.

“Making pasta bake and egg fried rice is not the same as being able to cook.” James sighed.

“But it’s more than you can do, Prongs.” Remus smiled at Sirius. “And you’ve lived with your mum for sixteen and a half years.”

“Ugh, I should have known you pair of dogs would start ganging up on me within minutes of getting here.” James poured the tea into three mugs carefully. “Just wait until Lily starts spending time with us, then I’ll have someone on my side.”

“Firstly, you wish, and secondly, bold of you to assume she wouldn’t side with Moony.” Sirius gestured at him, “Especially when he looks like this!”

James gave him a strange look before turning back to Remus, “How were the French girls?” He waggled his eyebrows, “Any French stories to tell?”

Remus said nothing, but a smile teased at one corner of his mouth, and Sirius suddenly panicked. He picked up his mug and took a sip, even though it was way too hot. “Don’t hassle the man, James. Just because you’re not getting any!���

“Oh, because you are?” James said, at the same time Remus nodded at him in silent thanks. “Honestly, Moony, can you teach Sirius to be better at silencing charms while you’re here?”

Sirius choked on his tea.

[murderoushagthesequel]

2 In The Morning

quick little microfic of ADHD James because i fucked up my day and i was mad at myself about it so i had to write reggie comforting james :)

(also i did write this in the dark at 2am and proofread it like once so forgive me)

"Hey, baby?" Regulus asks softly, walking towards the bed.

"Mhm?" James replies, absentmindedly, not fully there. Regulus sits down on the edge of the bed and gently reaches towards James.

"Think maybe it's time to put the computer away for the night?" he continues gently.

"I'm almost done with this chapter though," he protests.

"Jamie," Regulus says, a bit more sternly, putting his hand on James' shoulder. James looks up. "You said that five chapters ago." James looks confused.

"But- but that was- ...just this last chapter, I promise." He tries to defend himself, looking a bit hurt. Regulus rubs his shoulder lightly in a soothing motion.

"It's 2 in the morning, James," he says, and James' hands freeze. James turns back to Regulus with a horrified look on his face.

"It's- what?" he whispers on the verge of tears. "But, but it was just 8. I had- I had work to do and I wanted to take a shower and-" the tears start flowing silently down his cheeks and he slumps down, his head in his hands, as he continues to ramble. Regulus can hear James' breathing speed up. "I- I- didn't do the laundry- or-" He struggles to get out the rest of his panic through hyperventilating breaths.

"Shh, shh, it's okay," Regulus says, holding James to him. "I'm right here, I'll make sure everything's alright, I promise." He tries his best to calm James down and keep him together. James continues to breath heavily. "Deep breaths, James, deep breaths." Regulus starts breathing slowly and purposefully, smiling when James starts to follow him.

"You promise?" James finally says, meekly. Regulus presses a kiss to the top of his head and squeezes him tighter.

"I promise, baby. I'll always be right here for you. I love you so much." Regulus will remind him as many times as he needs. As many times as possible.

"Even when I fuck up like this?" he asks quietly. Regulus lifts his head up, holding his face between his palms.

"You didn't fuck up James, this isn't your fault, okay?" James avoids his eyes. "James, you haven't done anything wrong. But even if you did, I would still love you no matter what." James looks back at him.

"Okay," he whispers. Regulus leans forward and presses a kiss to his forehead, then wipes away some of the tears under his eyes. He reaches over and closes the laptop, setting it on James' desk across the room. He walks back over to the bed and offers a hand to James.

"Now let's get ready for bed, yeah?" James winces at the reminder of the time but nods, standing up and taking Regulus' hand, and they walk to the bathroom together.

[torturedpoetskywalker]

@sapphicmicrofics will continue for this month of May and I’m still participating in it, but I’ve decided to make a masterlist of all the fanfics I posted for HP Sapphic Microfics through the month of April (or with April prompts). I’m dividing the masterlist by ships just like the fanfic’s blog navi. And I want to let my thanks here for @siriusly-sapphic​ the host of this event that I’m completely in love with. Now, I hope you guys appreciate my work!

IAMMYOWNSAVIOUR MASTERLIST

GOLDEN ERA / PRE-MARAUDERS

you put your arms around me and I'm home | Eileen Prince/Euphemia Potter | 176 wc

Eileen is in an abusive marriage and Euphemia wishes she was brave enough to get her lover out of that. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

the ghost of a smile | Rolanda Hooch/Helena Ravenclaw | 100 wc

Every morning, Rolanda Hooch did her flying practice before classes. And every morning, Helena Ravenclaw would watch her. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

MARAUDERS ERA

the comfortable arms of a sister | Bellatrix Black Lestrange/Narcissa Black Malfoy | 76 wc

The first thing she sees in the morning is Bellatrix's big black hair. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

sisters know best | Bellatrix Black Lestrange/Narcissa Black Malfoy | 126 wc

Every now and then Bellatrix and Narcissa go to the graveyard to fuck on Lucius' tombstone.

don't you go and tell me that you love me while you're leavin' | Bellatrix Black/Narcissa Black | 219 wc

Narcissa is leaving Bellatrix behind to marry Lucius but Bella can't let her Cissa go.

big red eyes | Lily Evans/Narcissa Black | 155 wc

No witch is powerful enough for what a vampire's red eyes is capable of. Narcissa's glad that Lily isn't an exception. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

kiss me once 'cause you know I had a long night | Lily Evans/Pandora Lovegood | 153 wc

"Hey, I didn't mean that. I'm not laughing because I don't want you to kiss me, but 'cause I waited so long for you to finally do that I was starting to think maybe you never would." Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

I wanna brainwash you into loving me forever | Lily Evans/Trans Fem!Severus Snape | 252 wc

"I already changed my name, so I think the next thing to do should change the way I look too." Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

you regret me and I'll regret you | Narcissa Black/Trans Fem!Sirius Black | 123 wc

Ever since their first kiss, Narcissa didn't spoke to Sierra.

LIGHTNING ERA

you'll find the real thing instead | Daphne Greengrass/Pansy Parkinson | 120 wc

"I still can't believe she ditched you like that. I love Astoria, but she was so wrong. You're much better than Draco, in every way." Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

me, her and the ocean | Fleur Delacour/Ginny Weasley | 397 wc

Fleur's divorcing Bill and Ginny takes her and the kids to the beach for a day off, she tries not to but Ginny can't help but still love Fleur even after all those years. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

yeux rouges | Fleur Delacour/Hermione Granger | 200 wc

Hermione brings work home and Fleur couldn't be more mad about it.

your love should be celebrated | Fleur Delacour/Luna Lovegood | 69 wc

Luna loved every single part of Fleur, even the ones she didn't want her to see. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

I found love in the graveyard of spirits | Fleur Delacour/Luna Lovegood | 100 wc

Fleur and Luna go to the same graveyard for different reasons and end up enjoying each other's company.

world class piece of art | Fleur Delacour/Padma Patil | 100 wc

Padma takes her french girlfriend Fleur, who never went to that museum, to The Louvre for the first time. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

if we survive the great war | Ginny Weasley/Hermione Granger | 100 wc

Hermione and Ginny reunite minutes after the end of Hogwarts' Battle.

too cute to look hot | Ginny Weasley/Pansy Parkinson | 120 wc

Ginny puts Pansy's gang leather jacket thinking she might look just as hot as her girlfriend in it, but that doesn't work out the way she wanted to. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

such a heavenly creature | Ginny Weasley/Nymphadora Tonks | 70 wc

Ginny's convinced her girlfriend is a heavenly creature.

weird but beautiful | Hermione Granger/Luna Lovegood | 140 wc

Luna loves to go to the beach in winter, she says the snow makes it more beautiful. Hermione can't understand the appeal of it, but she lets her girlfriend drag her there every time. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

what a bliss to kiss your caramel lips | Hermione Granger/Padma Patil | 170 wc

As much as Padma loved her girlfriend, not even she could stand Hermione Granger when she was trying to be the smartest in the room.

I'm gonna marry you anyway | Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson | 146 wc

"I swear she only laughs when you're around. What's your secret?"

I will lead you back home | Lavender Brown/Padma Patil | 80 wc

It's been a long time Padma last heard Lavender's laughter, since her sister's death... Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

NEXT-GEN ERA

I'll meet you in our place in the graveyard | Delphi/Victoire Weasley | 125 wc

There's something morbid about how Delphi only wants to meet in the graveyard, Victoire thinks. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

the fight for you is all I've ever known | Dominique Weasley/Lily Luna Potter | 86 wc

Fighting is all Dominique has ever known, either for herself or those she loves. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

just please don't ever change | Rose Weasley/Victoire Weasley | 220 wc

Rose highlights her hair to make her parents mad, but she also wants to know if her girlfriend Victoire approves it. 

I swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover | Rose Weasley/Alice Longbottom II (OC) | 233 wc

The Weasleys witness a cute (but kind of gross) moment between their cousin Rose and her girlfriend Allie on Hogwarts Express. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

CROSS-GEN

The Woman in The Leather Jacket | Bellatrix Black/Luna Lovegood | 50 wc

The woman in the leather jacket is the one she chose to love.

I wish it was you instead | Narcissa Black Malfoy/Astoria Greengrass | 100 wc

Astoria wonders if is really cheating when Draco's inside of her and all she can think about when she looks at his beautiful blonde hair is his mother.

POLYAMOROUS

the center of our universe | Astoria Greengrass/Narcissa Black Malfoy/Pansy Parkinson | 143 wc

Lucius dies and Narcissa finds love again in Astoria and Pansy.

let we love you (just as he did, perhaps, even more) | Cho Chang/Luna Lovegood/Padma Patil | 100 wc

Post "The Goblet Fire" - Cho doesn't remember when it started or if she was awake when Luna and Padma first came to sleep embraced with her. Fanfic’s Tumblr Post

maybe kissing slytherin girls wouldn't be that bad | Daphne Greengrass/Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson | 224 wc

Hermione hides in the bathroom to get away from getting bullyed by Pansy and Daphne but she discovers something about them, maybe about all Slytherin girls.

[depressedhatakekakashi]

hi, i really love your writing!

Since you mentioned wanting to write something about shikaku and yoshino, i was wondering if you could do headcanons/a microfic about them reacting to shikamaru being in love? Seeing him actually put effort into a relationship, and then stalking him on a date or something like that. Preferably temari, but i'm not picky.

Pairing: Shikaku Nara/Yoshino Nara + Mentioned ShikaTema

For: Anon <3 and @shikaku-the-nara who I'm hoping will also enjoy some ShikakuYoshino love <3 Thank you so much for this request anon it was super cute and I hope you enjoy it because you deserve the best things!

Words: 660 Words

A date.

Their son, the boy who always groaned and complained about marriage and love whenever he had to see his parents so much as kiss, had a date. It was almost too good to be true.

Finally, Shikaku would be able to impart some advice about romancing a woman to his son.

"Who is it?" Yoshino slapped her hands on the table and leaned forward, staring deep into their son's soul. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"Well, I wouldn't say 'Lucky'," Shikamaru cringed when his mother leaned in a bit closer. "I don't think you've met her."

"Haven't met her, so it can't be Ino," glancing Shikaku's way, Yoshino huffed when he simply shrugged his shoulders. If this was a game his wife wanted to play, he would let her play it. "And not Sakura. Is she from Konoha?"

"No?"

"well, that's a little unexpected," settling back in her spot, Yoshino smirked. "The Suna girl?"

"Temari," Shikaku corrected his wife, a little smile tugging at the side of his lips when Shikamaru glanced his way with a look of betrayal. "Come on now, you didn't think I would fail to tell your mother about her did you?"

How could he keep such important information from the woman he had married? It was too much fun seeing her eyes light up when he regaled her with stories of how their son would swoon over the older girl, or watching her giggle when he talked about Shikamaru's obvious crush.

"Just like your father," Yoshino nodded her head approvingly. "Of course, you'll have to bring her over to meet us properly if this date goes well."

"you know, I think Lord sixth-"

"Lord Sixth has nothing for you to do the night of your date," Shikaku corrected his son before he could even come up with an excuse. "Go and enjoy yourself. It can't be as bad as my first date with your mother."

What a disaster that had been. an hour late because of a last-minute mission with nothing on hand to give her except some forget-me-not he had plucked from Inoichi's shop on the way by. How he had managed to get a second date after that was still beyond him, but Yoshino didn't complain too much about her choice of men so he must have done something right.

"Speaking of," Yoshino flashed him a grin. "If your father gives you any advice, do the exact opposite."

"H-hey!"

"I want this to work out for Shikamaru," she defended her words. "And not every woman is going to be as forgiving as me."

"You're forgiving?" Shikamaru cringed when both of his parents glared at him. "I just mean...Do you have any advice for me?"

"Get flowers," Yoshino answered before he even had a chance to open his mouth. "And I mean good flowers. Not forget-me-nots. Tulips or Lillies would be the best."

Not forget-me-nots? How insulting. Did she really mean that?

"You have your forget-me-nots from our first date pressed into a book," Shikaku argued. "They were good flowers."

"You stole them from Inoichi."

"I paid him!" Three days later and a little short on change, but his friend had never held that over his head.

"Are you two really doing this?" Shikamaru groaned. "Right now?"

Neither of them paid him any attention, focusing their energies instead on arguing about the importance of forget-me-nots and the value of not stealing from one's friends. Shikaku would stand his ground until the day he died, or Yoshino told him he was sleeping on the couch.

A good night's rest was not possible on the couch and he would gladly concede any argument just to be allowed into bed to cuddle his beautiful, correct wife.

The issue of Shikamaru's upcoming date would have to wait until later, and Shikaku would pass on some of his dating knowledge. Even if he had to wait for said beautiful wife to leave the room before doing it.

Toss A Coin To Your Writer <3

[amidalogicdive]

nyxnoct for the prompt "so that’s it? It’s over?"

Misadventures of a Prince and His Glaive

Read on Ao3 Here!!

Rating: MatureRelationship: Noctis Lucis Caelum/Nyx UlricCharacters: Noctis Lucis Caelum, Nyx Ulric, Ignis Scientia, Gladiolus Amicitia, Crowe Altius, Pelna Khara, Libertus OstiumAdditional Tags: Microfic, Prompt Fic, NyxNoct Monthly Challenge, Stupidity, Hurt, Hurt/Comfort, Lovers, Established Relationship, Misadventures, Bad Luck, Betrayal, Halloween, Alternate Universe - Werewolf, Hung Over, Drinking, Hangover, Road Trips, Nightmares, Dreams and Nightmares, Devotion, Acceptance, Sex, Anal Sex, Sex in a Car, Angst, Injury, Major Character Injury, Hospitals, Memories, Feelings Realization, Past Memories, Tattoos. Eloping. Marriage

Chapter 13: Marked (Part 4)Summary: Nyx and Noctis unite as one.

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Nyx and Noctis gazed at the man behind the counter as his eyes observed the lines on the paper they had handed him upon entering. Now and then he'd make a grunt or a light hum, but had said little else since greeting them. Unfortunately, Nyx patience had finally worn out. “I won't ask if you can do it, I know you can. Will you?”

“Ain't so much the doing, as the who I'm doing it too.” The stranger's eyes fell on the man who stood at Nyx side. “Touchin’ the King's son wasn't on my to-do list before I died. If they find out I did this to him, well there might be some dyin’ involved Ulric.”

The glaive snorted, but Noctis understood the stranger's paranoia. “Look, no one knows we are here but you. I won’t tell and neither will Nyx. I'll make sure of it.” Despite the words, the man didn't seem convinced. “As a gesture of our goodwill, Nyx will compensate you for the risk you're taking. Double the normal price.”

“Noct…”

“Will you do it? Nyx said you're the best, that he trusts no other to get this right.” While that wasn't exactly what his lover had claimed, compliments never hurt, and they both knew it.

Looking back down at the paper, the man ran a hand through his beard and nodded. “As I said, it ain't the doing; I can do it. But,” He paused, a look of worry within his gaze. “You're sure? This bastard told ya what all this means, right? ”

“Hey!”

“Well, he's not wrong, dusha. You are a bit of a bastard.” The glaive pouted, while the man behind the counter couldn't help but laugh at his expense. After a moment Noctis breathed out, meeting his eyes. “I understand what I am doing. I want this, more than I've ever wanted anything in my life. All I am asking, all I need is for you to say yes. We don’t have anyone else we can go to.”

Considering the desire and honestly, he saw in the prince's eyes; he knew he couldn’t deny him. Noctis was a gracious prince, who’d assisted the refugees many times over the years. If this is what he wanted then, who was he to stop him. “Alright, I'll do it. But if this all backfires and they start lookin’ for someone to blame? Better not hear anyone at my door.” Noctis smiled, taking his hand as they shook on it. “Nyx there, he’s still payin’ me double for this.” Turning, the man walked away and disappeared into the back room.

Watching him exit the room, Nyx was quick to pull his lover into his arms. A kiss was placed on his forehead as the glaive tilted Noct’s chin up to meet his eyes. “Once this is done we can’t undo it. Dusha, I love you but I need you know you’re sure about this.”

It was the hundredth time that Nyx asked him that question since they left the apartment, despite the fact that he’d been the one to suggest this whole thing. “I'm positive. You and I both discussed this while you were injured. We have gone over every scenario and decided on this as a couple. You created the emblem in the proper Galahdian fashion, and I agreed to it.” Cupping his cheek, Noctis gazed at him with a mix of amusement and endearment. “I love you so much, Nyx Ulric.”

“Ok, we are doing this.” While hearing Noct’s thoughts relieved him, he nevertheless, found himself humming with nervous energy. It was the same feeling Nyx got as he pulled from the king's own power, weaving the magic into spells of protection and defense. A heat that flowed through his veins, warming him and setting his blood on fire. Never in his life did Nyx think he’d be in this position, much less with a prince. “You’re right, everything will be fine. I just, this is all new to me and I can’t believe we are actually doing this.”

“Well it is, and we are.”

“Your father might kill us, well me.” It was less a warning and more of a fact. At least it was in Nyx’s eyes, but he’d also thought Regis would dispatch him when he found out they had been sleeping together. That hadn’t happened… yet.

“My father might do a great many things.” The sentiment was spoken with little care, brushing off his lover's concern. “He can’t destroy what we are unless we allow him. Everything will be fine, Nyx. If it isn't, I'll just blame it on you.”

Before Nyx could even utter a word, the man had returned carrying a few small items. Pushing back a curtain, he sat down on a small rolling stool and patted the larger chair beside him. “Come here, Your Highness. You can go first, wouldn’t want ya backin’ out once ya see Nyx have a go.”

Taking a deep breath, Noctis made his way over and sat down. “Will it hurt?”

The stranger chortled at his question, picking up the small machine on the side table. “Can’t rightly say, Highness. Depends on the person and the place… some might feel pain and others, nothing.

“Noct’s got a good pain tolerance.” Walking to the opposite side, Nyx sat down in a chair that had been pushed against the wall. Noctis instantly held out a gloved hand, which the glaive took in his own. “You’re really sure? Once this starts there is no backing out, little prince.”

“If you ask me that one more time I will hurt you.” Leaning over, Noctis kissed Nyx and gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m ready, and yes I want this.”

“Alright you two, no more arguing.” Motioning for the prince to sit back, Noctis did as he was told. A moment later he felt a hand in his hair as he placed a clip to hold the dark fringe back. “So, this size and right behind the ear?”

“Yes, that's what Noctis and I agreed on.”

A coarse hand patted Noctis’ arm, dark eyes glancing at him as he grinned and held up the machine. “No turnin’ back, Your Highness.”

The machine switched on, and the modest space was filled with a very loud buzzing. Noctis felt the hand holding his tighten, Nyx watching as needle touched skin and then looked at his lover for a reaction. Honestly, it had been a surprise at first, to feel the needle poking into his skin at such a rapid pace. He couldn’t say it hurt, but it wasn’t very comfortable either. All said, Noctis didn’t see the draw of it and doubted he’d do anymore in the future. But this one, this was special. A contract between himself and his lover, one that no one could take away from them.

“You doing ok?” Noctis blinked as Nyx words pulled him from the almost meditative state he’d put himself in. “If you need a break just say so.”

He heard the concern in his lover's voice and knew he couldn’t be angry with him. “Well, it’s not as bad as a sword through the back.” He felt the man pull the machine away as Noctis chuckled as his own joke, despite the poor taste. “I’m fine and would rather just get it over with.”

“If ya hold still I’ll be done in a few minutes.” Taking a deep breath, Noctis closed his eyes and did as the man said. “Not a big emblem, but ya did a nice job at mixin’ the two cultures.”

Noctis smiled at the compliment as Nyx nodded. “I’ll admit, it was hard coming up with something. But, I think in the end we achieved a unity that symbolizes us perfectly.”

He nodded, moving the machine down a bit and heard the prince let out a hiss. “Sorry, that spot can be a bit touchy. Just a minute more and we are all done.” There were a few more swipes, and then a light hum as he examined the spot, then the machine went quiet. Setting it aside, he wiped a cold liquid over the spot behind his ear, looking pleased with the work. “I’d say we are done.”

“So that’s it?” Noctis took the offered mirror, looking into another on the wall so he could see the black marking that now stood out against his pale skin. “It’s over?”

“Yup, that would be all of it, Highness. Now come sit a minute.” He took the mirror away and then placed a cream on the mark that was slightly larger than a gil. “Gotta say, you did well for your first tattoo.” Placing a bandage over the mark, He went about cleaning the equipment as Nyx held his lover closer, kissing and fussing over him. “Come on Ulric, ass in the chair.”

The two traded places, Noctis now holding his hand as his lover had done for him. “Remember what you told me? Just relax.”

“Sure, dusha.” Nyx couldn’t avoid feeling a bit of amusement, considering he had so many tattoos on his body.

Noctis watched as the man finished cleaning the equipment and switched out the needle. Soon, the sound of buzzing filled the small space as the man focused on the artwork he was placing behind Nyx lower ear. There was a part of him, a very possessive part, that felt happy knowing Nyx would have this symbol on his skin forever. Another part did worry about how his father would handle this news, once he had the nerve to tell him. Lost in thought, it was the machine switching off that finally caught his attention.

“Alright,” Cleaning Nyx new tattoo, he cleaned and covered it as well. “Remember, we didn’t do business and I don’t know where ya got these from.”

“Agreed.” Nyx handed him the money, double as promised, and took two small containers from him. “I can trust ya to show him how to clean it right?”

“Yeah, he’ll be fine.”

His hand pounded his chest lightly, bow his head and Nyx returned the act. “Congratulations, brother of my blood. I wish you two the best.”

“Thank you.” Nyx held out his hand, which Noctis took instantly as they left the tiny business. Both were quite as they made their way through the streets of the refugee district and soon ended up at Nyx door. “How does it feel?”

“It stings a bit, but overall it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” Seeing the glaive open the door, Noctis walked in as Nyx followed and closed it behind them. “He called you brother?”

“Mm,” Pulling off his coat, he hung it up and held out a hand for Noct’s. “Brother of my blood, not an actual brother, my love. He was from a neighboring tribe, and from the same island.”

“Oh. So,” Sitting down on the bed, Noctis leaned back as he thought a moment. “He was simply acknowledging you as a fellow Galahdian?”

“Exactly.” Sitting beside him, it only took a second for Noctis to crawl into his lap. His arms wrapping around the smaller waist as his sweet lover kissed him over and over again until they were both breathless. “Someone is very excited.” He whispered, nipping at his jawline.

“Why shouldn’t I be? Let me see the tattoo.” He watched Nyx pull the bandage off gently and then turned his head. Noctis was very careful not to touch it, but looked at each dark line, memorizing it. Nyx had taken Noct’s own crest, shaped like the walls of insomnia and combined it with the tribal markings of his own family. The resulting tattoo retained the bold lines of his Lucian blood, alongside the soft curves and arrowed markings of Nyx own hunting tribe. The whole design had been done in black, a color that both of their families carried, and Noctis loved it. Placing a kiss on his neck, Noctis smiled up at Nyx.

“Like it that much?” He asked, and the prince hummed out his approval. “I’m glad, it’s not something that we can easily get rid of.”

“I know, I don’t want to get rid of it.” Pushing Nyx back, Noctis straddled his waist. “Quite the contrary, it makes me want to consummate our joining for the rest of the night.”

“Our joining.” Reaching up, Nyx pulled his lover down and kissed him. “I would like that too… but,”

The words died on his lips as Noctis let out a huff of agitation. “But, what?”

“Well, when are you going to tell your father that we…” He paused, trying to find the best way to phrase it and came up empty. “That we eloped?”

“Easy, I’ll just say - Dad, I got married. He'll ask, to who? Then I'll say, oh just some glaive. You wouldn’t know him.” The fingers at his waist made him laugh as Nyx started to tickle him. “No, stop! Nyx, I swear… stop!”

Flipping them over, Nyx looked down at Noctis. “I'm glad you see the situation so humous, little prince. But, I’m serious, when? I, I want to be there.”

“Soon.” Cupping his cheek, Noctis kissed him. “Very soon, husband.”