#maybe the knight was the friends we made along the way

[marshiemonarch]

Deltarune fans who do y'all think the Knight is?

I'm honestly open to anyone being the Knight but I have some favorite candidates.

One idea I have is the Knight is it's a force rather than a single person. So technically the Knight could be anyone and everyone.

Alternatively, there's like a separate entity or something that gets others to do it's dirty work cuz it physically can't.

I can go more in-depth with this maybe at some point. It's just a little difficult to put all my ideas/theories into words sometimes.

Papyrus as the Knight is growing on me cuz it would be so funny. The fandom would lose their minds and I would love it.

He finally gets to be in the Royal Guard guys it has to be true!!

[maryse127]

Hollow Knight trending because there was NO news on Silksong just goes to show how desperate the people are. Imagine trending not because you showed a game, but because you DIDN'T

That's insane

My condolances to the fans by the way

[humdinky]

when the silk songs the silk then the song will song the silk and the silk will song and the copium and the silk song release date when the team cherry song silk team silk cherry song release silk when when when 2022 2023 silksong silksong hollow knight release date for the silk and song and copium and mentally stable waiting waiting waiting blood adrenaline made of copium

God love them, they're still not giving up hope.

[seeker-ophelia]

Mythal, Solas, and Lavellan

So there’s lots of discussion about Mythal and Solas, and we need to talk about it.

I too, at first, was mad that Lavellan wasn’t enough for Solas.

And then I started thinking about it.

Not only was Mythal his mother, his creator, she coaxed him into being. Into changing his spirit and his purpose.

Regret Number 1.

He let her use his knowledge and wisdom to do a terrible thing, to kill (tranquil) the titans, changing a whole race of people at a molecular magical level.

Regret Number 2.

When that choice created the worst power known to Thedas (the blight) he was responsible again. And Mythal asked him to step up and fight against it, and he did. And a lot of people died.

Regret 3.

Mythal DIED. (IMO The gods blighted her because she stood against them for wanting to use the blight but that’s not important here). And Solas blames himself.

From Solas’ perspective, he is her puppy. Her Emerald Knight. Her General. Her Protector. Her Wisdom. Her servant, her SLAVE. He is BOUND TO HER. And he caused her downfall.

And you’re all like, GEAS! GEAS!

But wait.

From HIS perspective.

Rook says something somewhere along the lines of like, by abstainsing from being the good guy (oh wait maybe it was Varric in the fade…)

By choosing to be the villain instead of the hero is he absolving himself of the guilt (regret) that comes from having to have made those choices.

From Solas’ perspective, he is her slave.

LOOK AT HIS BODY LANGUAGE.

He is a worm in the dirt in front of her. He is a scolded child, a puppy with his tail between his legs.

But in the eyes of Mythal, he was always her friend. The one person who had always stood by her. She did not literally entrap him, or bind him. It was all in Solas’ own head.

He refused to take accountability for his actions, only able to survive through the crushing weight of his own guilt by blaming it on servitude to Mythal.

That’s why Rook escaped the prison. Because she faced her own choices, choices with terrible consequences, and accepted them. Took responsibility for them, and promised to do better.

Remember, after the Temple of Mythal…

Solas…

You gave yourself into the service of an ancient elvhen god!

What does that mean exactly?

You are Mythal’s creature now, everything you do whether you know it or not will be for her. *** You have given up a part of yourself.

***THIS WAS NEVER TRUE. IT WAS NOT TRUE FOR FLEMYTHAL & MORRIGAN, NOR WAS IT TRUE FOR ABELAS, NOR WAS IT TRUE FOR SOLAS. HE JUST WANTED TO BELIVE THAT IT WAS.

…I suppose it is better you have the power than Corypheus. Which leads to the next logical question… What will you do with the power of the Well once Corypheus is dead?

The war proved that we can’t go back to the way things were. I’ll try to help this world move forward. **Lavellan is talking about the mage/templar conflict, but Solas is putting her in his own shoes. Solas reached for power he could not control and fucked the whole world up.

You would risk everything you have with the hope that the future is better? What if it isn’t? What if you wake up to find that the future you shaped is worse than what was? **

**This is literally him asking her what she would do in his shoes. He woke up and the world was in chaos OF HIS MAKING. To prevent an evil HE CAUSED from spreading, he orchestrated the downfall of the people he loved and swore to protect.

I’ll take a breath, see where things went wrong, and then try again.

Just like that?

*He is in shock that she can be so cavalier about the guilt that has rocked him for (4?) millennia.

If we don’t keep trying, we’ll never get it right.

*And this is the only thing that calms him down.

You’re right. Thank You.

For what?

You have not been what I expected, Inquisitor, you have… impressed me.

You have offered hope that is one keeps trying, even if the consequences are grave… that someday, things will be better.

Then, of course, he takes this to mean that he needs to try to put The Evanuris in a different prison and take down the veil which isn’t at all what we meant sweetie but that’s okay get up and try again.

This is a classic case of a person in power not understanding the terrible, horrible consequences of unfettered power imbalances. Because Solas was always Friend to Mythal (Im not going into Freudian sex shit with you weirdos right now).

Solas was Mythals FRIEND.

Mythal was Solas’ EVERYTHING.

co·de·pend·en·cy

/ˌkōdəˈpend(ə)nsē/

noun

excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner,

His Mother, General, Creator, Protector, Queen, Goddess.

And he loved her so fiercely with every fiber of his new, physical being.

And he hated it.

And when Lavellan fell for him, and he for her, he was afraid.

Because he would never force a spirit against her purpose, and in his eyes the only way to love is the sick and twisted way he loved Mythal.

But again, from Mythal’s perspective, it wasn’t twisted. Solas was just Solas. And once again the powerful care not for the thoughts and opinions of those beneath them.

And that sin is on Mythal.

And that’s why she comes out and talks to Solas. Both aspects of her. To release him from the bonds that never existed. Be free, friend. You always were, but if you need me to say it I will because I love you.

“I pulled you from the fade and sent you into war. I used your wisdom as a weapon… and it broke you.”

Cole: Is there a way to save more spirits, Solas?

Solas: Not until the Veil is healed. The rifts draw spirits through, and the shock makes demons of them.

Cole: Pushing through makes you be yourself. You can hold onto the you. Being pulled through means you don't have enough you. You become what batters you, bruises your being.

Be free.

“The things that I have done…”

“Are not for you to bear alone, my friend. The many wrongs we did, we did together.”

And he COWERS before her. Shaking and shuddering. FNALLY being absolved of the guilt he’s carried since his inception.

“I release you from my service.”

And he SOBBS. At the RELIEF.

And Lavellan kneels before him (wrong, IMO because they should be equals but its fine)

And he can go back to his original purpose.

Not Pride.

Not Knowledge.

Not even Wisdom.

But Protection.   

“My life force now sustains the veil. With every breath I take, I will protect the innocent from my past failures.”

The Shepherds Wolf. Protecting his flock from those who would do them harm.

And Lavellan promises it won’t be terrible, as long as they’re together.

And maybe Solas can try this different kind of love. A love built on respect, and trust, instead of fear, and obedience.

And he can be his purpose, Protection, and also be a man. And love his vhenan.

Because he is free.

[fairyhaos]

⌑ damned chivalrous captain // lee chan

knight!dino x knight!gn!reader, 1.5k words

tags: medieval fantasy au, both yn and chan are knights teehee, kinda rivals to lovers, only one bed trope,,, gone wrong

notes: ib the idea chan is wayyy too nice for the only one bed trope to work bc he is wont impede on ur personal space if you made it clear that you'd be uncomfortable with that. get urself a man who respects ur boundaries like knight!lee chan

“I’m sorry,” the innkeeper says, her face apologetic, “But we only have a one-bedroom room left.”

You kind of want to fall to your knees in exasperation right then and there.

It’s been a long, tiring day of riding with the rest of the King’s knights and having a long, tiring, magical fight with a gaggle of evil wizards (which would have been a lot easier if they’d listened to you and brought the Court Sorcerer along too) and you really, really want to just go to sleep. In a bed. By yourself.

But of course, the Three Fates hate you, so you’re going to have to share a room with the man next to you as you both anxiously talk to the owner of this inn.

You’re just contemplating whether you have enough energy to grab the woman by her collar and threaten her into getting you separate rooms when the man next to you places a hand on your shoulder, placating.

“We’ll take the room,” he says, and now you’re contemplating whether you should grab him by the collar instead. “Thank you for allowing us to stay.”

Lee Chan smiles, as gracious as ever, and his fingers dig into your arm slightly, warning you to be civil. You roll your eyes, grit out a ‘thank you’ to the innkeeper as Chan pays, and he directs a small smile towards you, as if pleased with your show of manners.

Lee Chan.

Captain of the King’s Order of Knights, the Crown Prince’s most trusted friend, two-time dragon slayer and an all-round incredible, kind, chivalrous guy.

God, you hate him.

“If you could have just let me threaten her a little bit,” you complain some minutes later, the two of you seated around the small table in the room you’ll be sleeping in. “I could have gotten us a deal. Two separate rooms. Or at least, a room with two beds.”

Chan just smiles thinly, and he looks more exhausted than you’ve ever seen him. “Maybe,” he says. “But what about the people who were originally in those rooms that you’d be kicking them out of?”

“Yes, well—”

You huff, crossing your arms. It’s one of his many irritating traits. Always being so good.

“This room is so small,” you say instead, looking around the room. There’s a small window on the farthest wall, overlooking the starry landscape of rolling hills. The curtains aren’t drawn, and the light from the fireplace is dim enough that you can see both your reflection and the darkness of the world outside.

You’re an awful long way away from court. It’s the reason that you’ve all lodged at an inn for the night, the fight with the wizards having drawn the knights further into the rural areas than originally intended, and everyone far too exhausted to bear making the three-day ride back home whilst setting up small camps in the middle of nowhere. 

Because of this, you were initially overjoyed when Chan suggested that the knights take refuge in an inn that was on the way back. Now, however, you’re reconsidering that joy, given the fact that you have to sleep in the same room as him.

A room which is awfully small, with an awfully small bed.

“You don’t have to share a room with me if you don’t want to, Lieutenant,” Chan says, raising an eyebrow as he stands up to take off his heavy cloak. “If you’d like, I could send you back down to the stables with the rest of the nights. I just thought that, as Lieutenant, you’d prefer to be treated with a little more respect.”

You wince, and uncross your arms. “No, sir,” you say dutifully. “And I'm very grateful for your esteemed kindness.” 

He smiles, lips twitching upwards at your exaggeratedly formal tone, eyes dancing with mirth in the flickering warmth of the fireplace light. It makes you smile too, despite yourself, before you turn to look back at the bed and frown. 

“However, I'll obviously be the one sleeping on the floor,” you say matter-of-factly, and look over at him again. “You can take the bed.”

That makes Chan raise an eyebrow, and he begins to unbuckle the metal arm braces of his armour. 

“No, you’re not. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“What? No. I will.” 

The wooden floor is covered by coarse fur rugs, but they’re all a little too threadbare for comfort, and sleeping on them would give Chan backache for days. You are, if anything, an excellent Lieutenant, so there’s no way you’re subjecting your Captain to something that painful, even if him and his perfectly kind gentlemanliness always get on your nerves.

Chan waves away your words. “I paid for the room, so I get to choose. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” you scoff. “Like I’ll let you do that.”

He tilts his head. “It wasn’t something to be debated. You’re taking the bed.” He sets the pieces of armour into the table, and jabs a finger in your direction. “And that’s certainly not a way to talk to your superior.”

“Captain,” you emphasise, annoyedly. “I’m not letting you do that.”

“Lieutenant,” he says back, mocking your tone with a smile. “I’m not letting you do that.”

You frown. “Fine. Let’s both sleep on the floor.”

There’s a short pause, as you both survey the floor. The bed is pushed up against the wall, and with the tiny size of the room, if you both sleep on the floor, you’ll probably end up lying as close together as if you’d both taken the bed.

“Nevermind, I don’t want to be that close to y—”

“No, it’ll hurt your back—”

You blink at his statement, but Chan doesn’t even bat an eye.

“I can't have my best knight getting back pain from sleeping on the floor when there's a perfectly good bed,” he argues, and then gestures to the offending piece of furniture that you've been bickering over. “I, on the other hand, will be fine on the floor. Come on, Lieutenant. Have the bed.”

There's a part of you that still wants to protest, weirdly annoyed that the Captain is making such sacrifices for you. “But you're the superior officer. Surely you should take it.”

Chan just smiles, seemingly at ease even though you're fighting him so insistently over such a small little thing. Any shorter tempered captain would have blown up at you right now.

“Just take the bed, Lieutenant. And that's an order. I know how tired you get during long quests like this,” he adds, gentler, and the tone makes you blink. 

Sure, you know that Lee Chan is kind, but it's surprising to hear him be so… soft. Caring. Especially towards you, seeing how your relationship has, up until this point, been one mostly consisting of constant bickering and eye rolls and snarky smirks in an attempt to rile each other up.

A Captain and his Lieutenant were fierce allies, of course, and you would stay loyally by his side during any battle at all, but that didn’t mean you were exactly friends.

Right now, though, as he smiles at you, hair gently tousled and jawline turned soft in the firelight, you can’t help but admit that he’s, well. He’s something. He’s something enough to make your heart squeeze weirdly in your chest as you concede with a sigh.

“Since it’s an official order, I suppose I have to take the bed,” you say, in the most long-suffering voice you can muster, and Chan laughs.

It takes you a while to register his next words, your pulse thrumming far too loud in your own ears at hearing his laugh.

(Why is your heart acting up like this?)

“Glad to see that you’re able to follow orders as well as ever,” he says drily, but there’s a warmth in his voice as he takes off his cloak, and places it down on the fur rugs on the floor. “Now get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

You watch as he settles down on the floor, and you can immediately tell from his face that it is not comfortable in the slightest. Before you can even think of protesting, however, he shoots a pointed look at the bed, and the message Get into that bed before I make you is clear in his eyes, so you grudgingly comply.

Damned chivalrous captain, you grumble to yourself, settling under the covers. He can’t even let you feel irritated at having to follow his words. You pull the covers up over your cheeks, as if that will help you hide their warm flush from yourself.

“Um… Capt—I mean, Chan?”

It feels weird, to address Chan by his first name, but you’re making your next statement as his… well, his kind-of friend, not as his Lieutenant. And thankfully, despite your awkwardness, Chan’s voice is still as kind as ever as he replies.

“Yes, Y/N?”

“Thank you,” you say, the words carrying softly through the small room. “You know. For just being nice, all the time.”

Above the peaceful crackling of the fire, his responding laugh is quiet but, oddly, fond. 

“For you? Always.”

fics tags: @jeonginssa @weird-bookworm @minhui896 @bunnyiix @slytherinshua @haowrld @belladaises @moonlitskiiies @mirxzii @zozojella @kawennote09 @a-wandering-stay @abibliolife @doublasting @wonranghaeee @icyminghao @sweet-like-caramel @your-yxnnie @odxrilove @kyeomyun @crackedpumpkin @jeonride @kellesvt @sakufilms @eightlightstar @onlyyjeonghan @aaniag @starshuas @raevyng @isabellah29 @hrts4hanniehae @mcu-incorrect @dokyeomkyeom @suraandsugar @melodicrabbit @kikohao

[tinytinyblogs]

You Don't Need Anyone Else But Me

They wouldn't allow you to think of them as just a friend or let anyone else have you.

Hyung line, Maknae line

💬 First story post of 2025—hoping it’s good enough!

Stray Kids Masterlist 1.0 & 2.0

Your insights and reactions make these posts come alive. Love reblogs, comments, and all the good vibes welcome ✨

Han

Han was always effortlessly charming, the kind of person you couldn’t help but trust. When you began telling him about the person you were texting, he seemed genuinely interested. His questions were casual, his demeanor lighthearted, and his laughter infectious. You felt comfortable sharing everything—it was natural, especially since you were so close. But behind that warm smile and playful laugh, Han’s mind was racing. He hid his panic well, nodding along to your stories while plotting. The more he learned about this person, the more determined he became. Han pretended to care, to empathize, but it was all part of his calculated act. Once he had the information he needed, Han sprang into action. He processed everything meticulously, replaying each detail until he knew how to dismantle your connection with this person. What you didn’t realize was that Han already knew far more about you than you’d ever imagined. Long before you confided in him, he’d been quietly observing you, tracking your habits, your preferences, your vulnerabilities. Stalking wasn’t new to Han.

It was a skill he’d perfected, something he was patient with. He ensured that every step he took went unnoticed. Now, with this person as his target, he worked to disrupt every plan, every meeting between you two. He’d make sure nothing went according to plan. Maybe their car would break down. Maybe they’d suddenly fall ill. Or maybe something urgent would pull them away. Han’s methods were subtle, nearly invisible, but the outcomes were undeniable. Every time something went wrong, he’d be there, appearing just in time, like a knight in shining armor. As time went on, you relied on him more, drawn to his comforting presence, to the way he always seemed to appear when you needed him. “How do you always know when I need you?” you’d ask, half-joking, and he’d laugh it off. “I’m just lucky, I guess,” he’d say, his tone casual, making it seem innocent. But Han wasn’t just lucky. He orchestrated everything. He ensured that you saw him as your hero, and in reality, he was a monster hiding behind a charming mask. He didn’t care what it took to win you over, as long as the end result was you by his side. One evening, after another disrupted plan with that person, Han made his move. You were sitting together, the tension in the air palpable. He turned to you, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

“Can we try to be... more than friends?” he asked, his voice soft, almost vulnerable. “I don’t like the idea of losing you.” You hesitated, caught off guard by his confession. His sincerity, his raw emotion, made it difficult to question him. It felt like something out of a drama—an emotional whirlwind you couldn’t process. What you didn’t know was that Han had planned this moment long before it happened. Every word, every look, every gesture was part of the story he was crafting for you. To him, your life wasn’t yours—it was a play, and he was both the director and the star. Step by step, he guided you along the path he’d designed, ensuring you followed without realizing it. Every coincidence, every twist of fate, was his doing. He played the role of the supportive friend so well that you never suspected him. To you, Han was your confidant, your rock, the one person who was always there when you needed him. But to Han, you were so much more. You were his world, his obsession, and he’d stop at nothing to keep you by his side. As you smiled at him, unknowingly stepping deeper into his web, Han’s heart swelled with satisfaction. This was exactly how he wanted it—how it was always meant to be.

Felix

Betrayed. That was the only word running through Felix’s mind when he discovered you had been meeting someone else. It felt like a knife to the heart to realize that, despite everything he had done for you, all the time you had spent together, you only saw him as a friend. The realization left him feeling crushed, but Felix wasn’t the type to let his pain show—not at first, at least. He tried to hide his turmoil behind his usual sunny demeanor. With his bright smile, he casually asked why you felt the need to meet someone else when he was always there for you. “What’s so special about them?” he joked, though there was an edge to his voice that you couldn’t quite place. But when you gave him the same answer again and again, that you only saw him as a friend, something inside him began to change. You didn’t realize it at the time, but you were pushing him too far. Slowly, the cheerful Felix you thought you knew began to slip away. The radiant warmth he always exuded started to darken. His smile became forced, and his eyes seemed to lose their light. Then one day, without warning, the mask he wore so well crumbled.

His hand shot out, gripping yours firmly—too firmly. It wasn’t playful or gentle like before; it hurt just enough to make you flinch. His grip was like steel, unrelenting. His voice, usually so soft and soothing, came out sharp and biting. “How dare you,” he said, his piercing gaze locking onto yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. “I do everything for you,” he continued, his voice filled with frustration, “everything to make you happy, to see you smile. And yet, you still choose someone else? You think I’ll just let you go like that?” Before you could respond, Felix moved swiftly, shoving you against the nearest wall. The impact wasn’t hard enough to hurt, but it was enough to make your heart race. His presence loomed over you, suffocating and overwhelming. This wasn’t the Felix you thought you knew—the sweet, carefree boy who made you laugh and feel safe. This was someone entirely different, someone whose obsession was beginning to consume him. His voice dropped even lower, each word deliberate and chilling. “Let me make one thing clear,” he said, leaning in close, his breath warm against your skin. “We’re more than just friends. I won’t let you walk away from me and into someone else’s arms.”

Your voice caught in your throat, unable to form a reply. The intensity in his eyes and the darkness in his words left you frozen. He studied your face, as though memorizing every detail, before speaking again in a softer, almost pleading tone. “Don’t make me do something you’ll regret. Because I will. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you with me.” For the first time, you saw a side of Felix you never imagined—a side that was possessive and obsessive, willing to cross any line to keep you by his side. The sweet boy who had once made you feel so special now felt like a stranger, someone you weren’t sure you wanted to know. Felix stepped back slightly, giving you just enough space to breathe, though the tension in the air was suffocating. His expression softened ever so slightly, but the fire in his eyes didn’t waver. “Think about it,” he said, his tone quieter but no less intense. “Why would you need anyone else when you have me?” The room fell into an eerie silence as his words lingered, heavy and unshakable. Deep down, you knew Felix wasn’t bluffing. He was no longer just a friend, and you weren’t sure if you could escape the path he had decided for the both of you.

Seungmin

“Where do you think you’re going?” Seungmin’s voice was calm yet sharp as he stood in front of the door, blocking your path. His figure loomed, his usual gentle demeanor replaced by something unreadable. You froze, your hand still on the doorknob. “I’m just going out,” you said lightly, brushing off the tension. “I’m meeting someone, Min—” Seungmin stepped closer, cutting you off mid-sentence. His eyes flicked to the necklace around your neck—the one he had given you. His lips curled into a humorless smile. “You’re going to meet someone who makes you smile like that? And you’re wearing the necklace I gave you?” His tone was deceptively casual, but there was an edge beneath it that sent a shiver down your spine. You instinctively stepped back, suddenly aware of how different he seemed. This wasn’t the Seungmin you knew—the one who always teased you playfully. This version was colder, his presence heavier, suffocating. “You said it looked pretty on me,” you said hesitantly, trying to defuse the moment. Seungmin let out a low laugh, the sound devoid of warmth. He mirrored your step back, closing the distance. Reaching out, he pushed the door shut behind you. The sound of the lock clicking made your heart race.

“I did say that,” he replied, his tone dark and steady. “But don’t think for a second that I bought it for you to wear on a date with someone else.” His words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Your mind scrambled for something to say, but before you could speak, he took another step forward, his presence consuming every inch of space between you. “Seungmin…” you started, your voice barely above a whisper. He tilted his head, his gaze piercing and unyielding. “Do you have any idea how much I like you? How much I think about you? And yet, here you are, acting like we’re just friends. Like you can just walk out that door and be with someone else.” His hand reached out, gently but firmly grabbing your chin. He tilted your face upward, forcing you to meet his eyes. They burned with intensity, a mixture of frustration and longing. “You’re mine,” he said, his voice low and deliberate, every word hitting you like a weight. “You should’ve figured that out by now.” Your breath hitched as his grip tightened ever so slightly, enough to make you feel his control. “Min, we’re—” “No,” he interrupted sharply. “Don’t say it. Don’t you dare say we’re just friends.”

His gaze softened momentarily, but the intensity of his words was unrelenting. “I don’t want to hear it. Because I’m not giving you a choice.” His words sent a chill down your spine. The Seungmin you thought you knew—the kind-hearted friend—was nowhere to be found. Instead, this version of him stood before you, unrelenting and terrifyingly sure of himself. “You’re not going anywhere,” he continued, his thumb brushing against your cheek in a gesture that might have been tender if it weren’t for the context. “Not to them, not to anyone else. You belong here—with me.” His hand dropped, but the tension in the air remained, so thick it was hard to breathe. He stepped back just enough to give you space, but his presence still loomed large. “You should know by now,” he said, his voice softening, though his words carried the same weight. “I’m not going to let you go. So stop trying.” The room was silent except for the sound of your unsteady breathing. You could see it in his eyes—Seungmin wasn’t bluffing. Whatever version of him you thought you knew was gone, replaced by someone who had no intention of letting you slip away.

Jeongin

As Jeongin watched the man stumble away, his steps unsteady and his face pale with fear, a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. The confrontation had been brief but effective, leaving no room for doubt about Jeongin’s intentions. With a quick glance down, he noticed a small streak of blood staining his knuckles. It wasn’t his. He wiped it off casually, as though it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience, before pulling his phone from his pocket. His thumb hovered over the screen, scrolling through his contacts until it landed on your name. "Friend," the label read. He scoffed, the word feeling like an insult. His grip tightened on the device as he stared at it, his thoughts spiraling. "What should I do to you?" he muttered under his breath, his voice low and tinged with frustration. The mere thought of you calling him just a friend after everything he’d done for you was infuriating. Did you truly not see it? Or were you just pretending, clinging to the safety of that label while unknowingly fueling the fire inside him? Jeongin let out a bitter laugh, shoving the phone back into his pocket. "Friend," he repeated to himself, the word dripping with disdain.

"After all this time, sticking by your side, thinking we’re just friends? How foolish of you." He began walking, his pace steady as he headed down the dimly lit street. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain. The path was familiar—it always led to the same place: your place. He had walked this route countless times, each step bringing him closer to you, to the one person he had claimed in his mind long ago. His hands slipped into his pockets as he hummed a soft melody, the tune oddly cheerful for someone who had just chased off a rival. His mind, however, was anything but calm. Thoughts of you consumed him, intertwining with the lingering adrenaline from his earlier encounter. "Friendship isn’t in my dictionary," he muttered under his breath, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile that was a little too wide. The streetlights illuminated his face as he looked up at the starry sky, the expression on his face one of twisted satisfaction. He thought of the man who had dared to text you, dared to think he had a place in your life. That man wouldn’t be bothering you anymore—that much was certain. Jeongin had seen to it personally.

"You won’t be hearing from him again," he said to himself, the words carrying a quiet finality. He chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the empty street. "In the end, the only person you’re going to see is me." As he approached your building, his steps slowed, his mind already crafting the narrative he would present to you. He didn’t need to rush; after all, he had all the time in the world to make you see things his way. Standing in front of your door, Jeongin took a deep breath, schooling his expression into one of boyish charm—the one that always made you laugh, always made you let your guard down. But beneath that smile lay something far more dangerous. To him, this wasn’t just about affection—it was about possession. You were his, whether you realized it yet or not. And Jeongin wasn’t the type to let go. As he raised his hand to knock, his heart pounded with anticipation. He could already picture it: your surprised face when you opened the door, your soft voice greeting him, unaware of the lengths he had gone to ensure you’d stay by his side. "In the end," he whispered to himself, his grin widening, "this story only ends one way—with you and me."

[cherry-pop-elf]

Late Night Cutie Pie

Newt Scamander X Knight Bus Worker! Reader

((Can be read as platonic))

While working on the bus, a famous little face pops itself into the open doors. A sweetheart that’s been stressed out of his mind, and you do what you do best. Help those in need. Along with show you might have a talent for Nifflers, on top of a talent for flustering Magizoologists

Warnings: very adorable fluff, tooth rotting fluff, fluster newt, newt being painfully adorable, and of course TEDDY SHENANIGANS

“Ooooo we got a celebrity joining us tonight-!” You heard you coworker, a talking head, shout to you. You wondered who that could be, as you finished tidying up the beds. Ready for whatever lost soul is needing a good rest. Pillows fluffed, blankets laid out, and wheels oiled to keep people from flying.

“Oh no no. Im not celebrity-“ A almost timid voice would speak, as you hurried down from the upper floor. Once your shoes hit the ground, your eyes went wide with who they landed on. A man in a blue jacket, fluffy hair, and a suit case in hand. Newt Scamander. In the flesh.

“No way-“ You whispered, before those big blue eyes were on you. He gave a shy little wave, before rummaging in his pocket. Pulling out his ticket, and snapping you back to reality. As instinct, you were quick to sort it out. Not even needing to look at your hands, as you kept them on him. Snip, snap, POP, done!

“Normally we never pry, but uh. What’s a guy like you doing on a bus like ours-?” You asked. You were a Knight Bus Worker. You had to be social, after all. So being direct with people, no matter the face, is an important skill to have. One that was leaving him embarrassed.

“Well, seems you know who I am. Guess you can kinda put two and two together. Not many people trust that I’ll keep my friends under control.” He admits, with a smile that said it hurt him. They were animals. Not their fault after all. You won’t lie, though. It’s touching how he would simply turn those people away. Compared to following their rules, and leaving his friends behind.

“I mean, we’ve had the shadiest people come on here. Better to have Hippogriff shit on the bed than human shit. Least with a bird like that, you know they couldn’t help it.” You would put, rather bluntly, which had him smile. Knowing he wouldn’t be a burden to anyone on the bus, given you were being very direct with him. Compared to sugar coating, or babying him because of his Hufflepuff nature. People tended to do that, and even he was getting annoyed. A welcome change it was.

“I’ll take you to the upper floor, so you can have more room. Not a lot of people go up there, because of motion sickness. So you’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs-!” You comforted, as you were making his night. A place to actually rest, and work with his care. You were just his angel. He wanted to hug you so badly, and you can tell with his arms tensing. Once a Hufflepuff, always a Hufflepuff.

“Bring it in-“ You reassured, and he nearly lifted you off the ground. Made you wheeze, but you couldn’t deny it. Hufflepuffs gave the best hugs. Not many people liked to treat you more than part of the bus, so it was a very nice change. Felt good to get a hug.

“Truly, I am so grateful. Be nice to sleep in a bed for a while. Not to say I do not enjoy nature, but we all live in certain environments for a reason after all." The older man said, when he finally set you free. Must be so hard, world traveling. Maybe he was home sick, so he was back in England for a while. Maybe animals were in need. Who knows! You just know he needed rest.

"Come on up then." You would escort him to the second floor of the double decker bus, and would lead him to a freshly made bed. You also made sure the frame was secure, wheels smooth, anything that could cause issues in his stay. Just wanting him to get some rest. As you did, you were not aware of Newt having a panic attack behind you. The moment you turned; he quickly hid his suitcase. Smiling big, with eyes darting everywhere.

"Doing alright? Seem a bit shaken, what's up?" You asked, as he keeps his nervous smile. A tug at his collar, before his eyes were now staring at something behind you. That made you raise a brow, before you slowly turned around. Just as you did, something jumped on you. You gave a shout, before you were tumbling into the once Hufflepuff. Both of you crashing to the ground.

"TEDDY-! NO! WEVE BEEN OVER THIS-!" You heard him shout, as you were helped up. Now you had a niffler choking you out, given he was dangling off your lanyard. Now knowing it was a niffler, you weren't upset. Your lanyard had many shiny pins and buttons. It can't be helped.

"Aw, you want a pin?" You cooed, as you soon scooped the little gremlin into your arms. Him still holding the lanyard, as Newt calmed down. Surprised to see Teddy calm as well. Just looking up at you with those big eyes. Sparkling with desire. You knew what to do, given many a child has ridden the bus. For one reason or another.

"Here is a nice shiny pin, all for you." You smiled, as you rummaged in your pocket. Soon you had a pin in hand, designed to look like the knight bus. With glittery windows, that made it sparkle like stars. That had the niffler let go of the lanyard, and make grabby hands for the pin. Into his tiny hands it went, and he hugged it tightly. A little chirp of happiness, before it went into his pouch. Safe and sound. Now he was satisfied, for the time being.

"Amazing..." Newt whispered, before he would take Teddy back. The little guy was quick to pull the new possession out, and showed it to his dad. Newt gave a 'ooo' and his eyes sparkled all the same. Just like a father, to a toddler. Melted your heart, to see a bond. How he kissed Teddy's head, and he gave chirps of joy.

"You have a talent for animals, I can see it clear as day. Teddy is always a handful, but like that you had it under control. No panic, and quick to find a solution. Amazing." He praised you, resulting a heavy blush on your face. What a praise and honor it was. Newt Scamander, praising your skills.

"Toddlers and nifflers are basically the same thing." You brushed off, before the bus was quick to make its sharp stop. You didnt move a inch, of course, but the father and son went flying. You winced, when Newt slammed into the window. He did, however, made sure to keep teddy wrapped around his arms. Pressed into his chest, so that the little thing suffered as little damage as possible. Such a pure soul.

"There is a reason we have complinetry sleeping potions and pain killers. Check the bedside table, back to work I go!" You waved goodbye, with Teddy waving bye as well. Since his dad was busy with new back pain.

Just like how it always was. Taking tickets, escorting newbies, comforting lost children, punching a drunk here and there. A typical night for the bus. As it was getting closer to the end of your shift, you would go and check on the famous celebrity. Up the stairs, and to the second floor.

There he was. His brief case locked to the bed frame, with an enchanted chain, and his coat hung up. His face pressed into the pillow, showing his knocked out face. Drooling, in a much needed rest. All the while little Teddy was snuggled close to his father. His face tucked under the man’s chin, and tiny hands hugging his dress shirt close. Safe, under the man’s arm.

You would sneak over, and make sure the blanket was pulled high enough for him and Teddy. Poor souls needed it. You wouldn’t be surprised if he would spend a few nights here. As if you would complain. The company would be needed, and who knows. Maybe a Pest Control guy would be needed. Sure get wild animagi coming in sometimes.

With Newt tucked in, and adjusting the pillow for Teddy, you would return down the stairs. All to be teased by that talking head for growing overly friendly with the celebrity. All it took was a flick, and he was spinning. That had you laugh, as you stretched.

Never a dull night, on that bus.

[jsmelodies]

Cassian thought it was supposed to be simple. 

Find the witch in the woods.

Convince said witch to give him Ataraxia.

Rescue the princess from the dragon guarding her tower, with said sword, from said witch.

If only the damned witch stopped getting in his way.

Written for @nessianweek Day 1: Banter

Read here on ao3

Also thank you so much to @missfckingfortune for doing a last minute beta read of this!

Chapter 1

Cassian was always meant to be a knight.

From the time he wrestled Rhys in the mud as a child, to the first time he faced down a foe—he’d known. 

He remembered the first time he held a wooden sword in his hand, playing with his chosen brothers as they hunted down imaginary monsters on Rhys’ estate.

He remembered kneeling before King Archeron and swearing fealty, dedicating his life to the realm. He remembered the honors that followed whenever he returned from a quest, meeting the smiling face of the king while he over and over declared Cassian a hero.

As the fourth son of a minor lord, Cassian considered himself lucky to even be a part of the knighthood in the first place. What he lacked in reputation, he made up for in pure, raw skill.

Rising through the ranks hadn’t been easy. He had to admit, it was hard at times having to earn the respect that was given to Rhys freely. But Rhys was his friend and his brother, so he never said a word. In turn, he trained relentlessly. Made sure no one ever had any reason to claim he shouldn’t be there fighting with the rest of them.

The early summer sun beat down on Cassian. Why the king insisted that they needed to stand at attention in full metal armor for this announcement he didn’t understand, but he’d suffered through it along with the rest of the knights. 

When it was over, they all trailed out of the courtyard, hanging up their armor and muttering amongst themselves. They’d separated themselves into groups, talking in circles as they walked, all coming up with a plan for the challenge ahead.

He exchanged a look with Rhys and Azriel, and they split apart from the rest, intent on ending the day at the local tavern over some ale.

“Well, that was certainly something,” Rhys said as they approached the building in the town square.

It had been. King Archeron had stood up on the palace balcony, Princesses Elain and Feyre on either side, and declared the quest. 

One brave knight was to rescue Princess Elain from the tower hidden deep in the woods, guarded by a fearsome dragon.

There was a catch, though. Only the legendary sword, Ataraxia, could defeat the dragon. And that sword, according to King Archeron, was in the possession of a witch in the forest.

And the reward for this whole thing? The hand of the princess. Elain.

“So not only do we have to rescue Elain from that tower, but we have to hunt down a witch for some sword as well?” Cassian asked. 

Ataraxia. The sword that Cassian had never even heard of until today. But he knew the Archeron family hid secrets behind their fortified walls, and he could only question so much before he was grasping through the air for answers.

“How did she even get it?” Rhys pondered. “I’ve never heard the name. Maybe it was hidden in the vaults somewhere? Maybe she stole it?”

So Rhys was thinking the same thing. 

But something didn’t add up. How would a witch get into the vaults? And the king remained surprisingly neutral about the circumstances. 

He merely said claim the sword. Nothing about killing the witch. But Cassian did not doubt that most of the knights wouldn’t take it that way, and would instead barge into this witch’s cottage with their weapons raised.

“You’re assuming the witch is evil,” Cassian said. “That’s not very progressive of you, Rhys.”

Though in truth, he couldn’t blame Rhys. He knew as much as the rest of them did—and that was what they were all told as children.

That witches were ruthless, terrible old hags, and whoever was foolish enough to get caught in their trap would suffer a slow, painful death. He’d heard stories of good, faithful men being cursed with bad luck and misfortune. Tales of witches kidnapping children and wives, never to be seen again.

He didn’t know how much truth he placed in that fact. As he got older, he realized such stories were few and far between, and spouted by men who feared a disruption to the order of things. In his experience, witches mostly seemed to mind their own business, which suited Cassian just fine.

“I’m not,” Rhys argued. “I’m merely curious. What else are we supposed to think?”

Nothing. He supposed that was the point. 

There was something that King Archeron was hiding. Something told Cassian that it wasn’t quite as simple as going into the woods on a witch hunt.  

“That poor witch will be dead within a week,” Rhys said. “Especially if someone like Kallon goes after her.”

How many men would she be forced to deal with on her doorstep? He didn’t even want to think about it. He preferred to steer clear of witches, but he had no desire to see one die. Especially if she hadn’t committed any crime.

However, being a witch was crime enough to some like Kallon.

The tavern was already buzzing by the time the three of them sat down with their full tankards. 

“You going?” Azriel asked, right before taking a sip of ale.

Cassian had never met Elain. Not formally, anyway. He’d seen her from across crowded rooms, dancing with suitors who were of much better rank than him, but he’d never actually spoken to her.

But he was the strongest knight the kingdom had to offer. It wasn’t just arrogance that made him say that; it was the cold, hard truth. Cassian alone had slain more beasts than the other knights combined.

Lanthys. Seven-headed Lubia. Blue Annis. He’d killed them all, freeing villages on the border from the terror they inflicted, and had the scars to prove it. 

So, yes. Cassian was the best. He was worthy of Elain. He had to be. He would be an idiot not to try for her hand. 

“Obviously. You?”

Azriel shrugged. “She’s pretty, isn’t she?”

Cassian watched him with a scrutinizing gaze, picking up the blush that Azriel was trying—and failing—to hide. 

“There’s plenty of pretty girls around here,” he countered. “You could get pretty anywhere, without having to track down some witch.”

“Then why are you going? And don’t go spouting some shit as to how you’re in love with her.”

Cassian didn’t have a good answer to that.

Maybe it was because he’d had that feeling in his chest since he was a boy that he was destined for something greater than being a simple knight. Some siren in the woods sang his name, and he knew, in his gut, that it was a princess. 

But he didn't say any of that. Instead, he kept his mouth shut.

“What, you think she’ll pick you?” a sneering voice from behind them said. 

Eris. Of course it was Eris.

The Vanserra brothers stood behind him, a smug expression on the older one’s face. Lucien looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, though he gave the three of them a respectful nod of his head.

“No princess in her right mind would choose you for a husband. You might as well give up now,” Eris said.

“And she would choose you?” Cassian shot back. “Last I remember, you couldn’t hold on to your previous engagement. She did anything she could not to marry you.”

Morrigan, Rhys’ cousin. He’d slept with her once, years ago when she’d begged him in order to get out of her betrothal.

She was, in turn, disowned by her family, and once Rhys became lord when his father died, he took her in.

While he’d taken lovers since, he’d done it with the assurance that he wasn’t their first. They were usually either married women whose husbands didn’t pay them enough attention, or those who propositioned him in the taverns.

He wasn’t going to be the reason some lady was ruined again, her reputation torn. 

It was a low blow, he knew, but Eris turned red as he seethed.

“I have no need for a wife,” Eris said. “My brother, however, does.”

Cassian watched Azriel’s gleam as he took in the younger Vanserra brother, ultimately deeming him a worthy opponent. Lucien did the same. The two men watched each other, ignoring Cassian completely, having some invisible dick-measuring contest that only existed between the two of them.

“May the most worthy man win, then,” Azriel said, holding out his hand.

Sir Lucien peered at the hand that was offered to him. There was only a moment of hesitation before Lucien reached down and took it in his own, shaking Azriel’s hand firmly.

“And good luck to you as well, Sir Azriel.”

Eris clenched his jaw, then pulled Lucien away by the scruff. 

“You have nothing to worry about,” Eris muttered into his ear as they walked away. “The princess will be yours.”

Azriel merely lifted his eyebrow in amusement while he watched them as if to say, we’ll see. 

“I thought there was supposed to be a third sister,” Cassian said, once the Vanserras were out of earshot. 

“There was. Nesta Archeron,” Rhys noted, keeping his eyes on the Vanserras as they ordered their drinks and sat at a table in the opposite corner. “Almost no one’s seen her in years, though. They say she’s off completing her studies, but I don’t quite buy that.”

Cassian hadn’t come to the palace until he was nearly seventeen. By that point, she was long gone, though supposedly she’d come back for visits every now and then.

“Why not?”

“Because the woman that’s next in line for the throne should be here, shouldn’t she?” Rhys said. “I think that’s why Elain’s betrothal is so important. Whoever marries her could be the king someday.”

“What do you think?”

“It could be any number of things. But trust me, Cassian, that is not a woman you want to go after.”

“What do you mean?”

Rhys shrugged. “I met her once. She’s not particularly pleasant.”

“With your charming personality? I wonder why.”

“Sir Tomas tried to charm her once,” Rhys went on. “Claimed they had a nasty end to their courtship because she turned out to be a massive bitch.”

“And you’re trusting his word? I’ve never liked the guy.”

“Listen. I know you like to believe the best in people, but just…don’t,” Rhys said. “Focus on rescuing that princess.”

Cassian didn’t know why he felt honor-bound to defend this woman he didn’t even know. So he kept quiet, not wanting to start a fight with his brother in the middle of this tavern.

“So, what’s your plan?” Cassian asked.

Rhys considered for a moment. “I think I’m going to sit this one out,” he said carefully.

Rhys was dutifully avoiding eye contact, and Cassian leaned forward, eyes narrowing and placing his weight on his elbows.

“You’re not even going to try?” Cassian asked Rhys.

“Elain’s nice enough,” he said. “But she’s not who I envision as my wife.”

“Oh?” Cassian asked, an arrogant smile already taking hold. “You already have someone in mind then, Rhysie?”

His brother rolled his eyes. “Everyone forgets there’s another princess right here, waiting for her perfect prince.”

Cassian barked a laugh. “Feyre Archeron? That girl does not need to be rescued.”

“Perhaps not,” Rhys said. “Maybe I like that in a woman.”

Feyre Archeron. Last he’d heard of that princess, she’d gotten in trouble for hunting in the forest like a half-feral beast. 

One day a few months ago she’d returned to the palace covered in mud and wyrm guts, claiming there was a sighting in one of the northern villages. Her father nearly had a heart attack when he saw her.

But…Cassian had to admit there had been a gleam in Rhys’ eye that day. He’d watched the corners of his brother’s mouth rise into a smirk when she threw that bone onto the ground, proof that the wyrm was well and truly dead.

“She’ll be the death of you,” Cassian muttered.

Rhys grinned. “What a fantastic way to die, then.”

Cassian shook his head and took another swig of ale, letting the stress of the day fall away. Tomorrow, he would strategize. And then he’d be off to rescue his princess.

*****

Cassian prepared for his journey the next day. In the morning he trained with the other knights, and as morning turned to midday several children ran up to him. They flaunted their sticks, makeshift swords that they pretended to fight with, and Cassian chuckled before kneeling down.

“If you want to be a proper warrior,” he said to one of them, “you’ll hold your sword like this. See?”

He adjusted the child’s grip on the sword, and he looked up at Cassian with awe before diving back into the fight.

They did that until one of their mothers called them back to finish their chores, and Cassian returned his attention to his exercises.

Rhys excited the alcove an hour later. He hadn’t been at training that morning. Now, he sported a bruise on his cheek, which he traced with the tips of his fingers, and he scowled as he approached Cassian.

“So, Rhys? Any luck?” 

His brother glared at him. “She threw her shoes at me.”

“Really?”

“Perhaps I deserved it.”

“What did you do?”

Rhys had the decency to look away ashamed before saying, “I may have climbed through her window.”

Cassian was about to ask more questions, but then Devlon rushed by, brushing past the two of them towards the palace gates.

There was shouting just beyond, and the knights all gathered towards the commotion, wanting to know what was happening.

Whoever the fuck this witch was, she wasn’t messing around. Kallon emerged through the gates, bloody and bruised, barely clinging onto his horse.

He nearly fell down getting off. Devlon grabbed the reins, and snorted at the sight.

“Bested by a woman, Kal?”

There was a part of Cassian that was glad to see the man so roughed up. They’d never gotten along, and the other man had certain opinions about how far a fourth son could rise, and what a woman’s place was.

Kallon stumbled forward a step. “I underestimated the bitch. It won’t happen again.”

“What happened?” Devlon asked.

“I…” Kallon started, but then his face furrowed in obvious frustration. “What the fuck did she do?”

“What?” Devlon asked. “What’s going on?”

“I can’t remember anything!” Kallon said. “I can remember going into the forest, and leaving it, but nothing else. What kind of curse did she put on me?”

“She wiped your memory, idiot,” Rhys said from next to Cassian. “She probably didn’t want you remembering where she lived, or what she looked like. I know I wouldn’t.”

Cassian shuddered at how practiced the witch needed to be in that. How many men had she felt the need to do this to?

“How?” Kallon asked.

“Are we forgetting the whole ‘witch’ aspect of all this?” Rhys asked sarcastically. “Magic,” he said, making a gesture with his hands.

Cassian snorted, leaning back up against the wall. Kallon began his limp towards the alcove leading into the palace.

“I’ll find her again. I already tracked her down once. How hard could it be?” Kallon said, shooting a sneer towards Cassian as he passed.

He remained silent. Cassian didn’t want to know the answer to that. And more than anything, he didn’t want Kallon to find her again. He’d find her first.

Then he’d put an end to this whole thing.

*****

Cassian left before dawn the next morning, saddling his horse and setting out through the village. Only a few souls were out and about, and they nodded his way with respect as his mare clopped down the cobblestone.

He’d dressed in leather armor, not wanting to deal with the metal heating his skin as he traveled. Plus, he wasn’t riding into battle. Just to some witch’s cottage in the forest.

Ruby nickered softly as Cassian patted her neck. “One more big adventure, girl. What do you say?”

Ruby had been through it all with him. She’d seen him slay beast after beast, was there when he received all of his scars, and never bolted away from him when any other horse might.

The trip to the edge of the forest was short, and once he reached the first line of trees he slowed Ruby down to a walk.

These woods were his destiny. Finding this woman was his destiny. He could feel it in his bones, and he followed that feeling deep into the forest, like a golden string guiding him to where he was meant to be.

Ruby carefully maneuvered over the foliage and through the thicket of leaves and branches. The woods turned dark and gloomy with the canopy above blocking any form of sunlight. All he could hear was the snap of branches underfoot as Ruby walked, and the soft exhales of her breath.

But still, he followed that feeling. That string in his chest tugged and tugged and tugged, until he was so deep in the forest that he could have sworn it was the middle of the night.

Until he saw light—a stream of it, fighting through the thick trees. That string in his chest snapped and called to him, drawing him closer. When he got nearer, he could see it for what it was.

A clearing in the woods. His mare pushed nervously through the rest of the trees, until they were right on the edge of it.

He slid off of her back and studied it.

This was it. A small cottage sat in the grass, surrounded by wildflowers and large, capped mushrooms. On the other side of the clearing, behind the cottage, was a babbling creek. The water trickled slowly across the rocks and the stones to a steady rhythm.

It was like a respite from the forest behind him, and Cassian felt peace settle into his bones as he crossed over the line that separated the two.

There was harmony in his soul, like the final, blissful cadence as a ballad resolved, leaving behind nothing but a lingering serenity.

He took another step forward, and realized there was actually music.

Birds sang with gleeful chirps, and the sound of humming made its way out of the open door. They blended together into a warm song that was melodic and sweet, and he paused at the edge of the property for a minute more, merely so he could relish that glowing feeling in his chest.

A second later, the source of that humming made herself known. A figure appeared in the door, like she was waiting for him. A woman, covered in a pale blue cloak that hid all of her features, except for the slender hand holding a straw basket.

She didn’t make a move towards him, instead choosing to watch from the doorway to see what he would do.

Kallon had tried to attack her. Cassian already wasn’t planning to do that, because he wasn’t the kind of man to harm a woman in the forest, but the bruises and gashes that the other knight returned with was not an encouraging sign.

All Cassian could do was hope that she accepted his deference,  and did not not subject him to the same fate. He’d fight if he had to, but he prayed that it wouldn’t come to that.

He knelt, placing his sword on the ground. “I mean you no harm. I swear it, on my honor.”

He meant every word. Nothing in the world would make him sacrifice his honor, his reputation, his standing. It wasn’t a promise he took lightly.

She cocked her head—or Cassian imagined that she cocked her head. He couldn’t see under the hood except for the slightest hint of gold—of youthful looking skin that had him fighting to contain his surprise.

“I didn’t realize knights knelt for witches,” she said. Her first words to him.

“Think of it as a gesture of goodwill.”

She was watching him like a wolf might watch a rabbit, her hooded face making note of the armor and insignia he proudly wore. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure, Sir…?” 

He cleared his throat. “Sir Cassian, my lady.”

“My lady,” she said, amusedly. “It’s been a while since anyone called me that.”

With that, she turned on her heel, leaving the forest behind as she strode into her cottage. Cassian stood there, lips parting in silent question, until she paused in the doorway.

“Well? Are you coming in?”

Cassian stumbled upwards, following her through the door and leaving his sword behind in the grass.

She moved to the counter by the window, and Cassian took a second to take in the interior of the cottage. On the wooden table in front of him were papers strewn about with markings, runes from the look of it, in addition to  both dried and living plants hanging from the windows.

“Do you have a name?” he asked.

“Most people do have those, yes,” she said. She had gone back to work, throwing some of those dried plants into a bowl to crush together into some sort of paste.

“Fine. I deserved that one. Will you tell me your name, please?”

She paused in her task, cocking her head slightly to the side. “I haven’t decided if I will yet or not.”

He felt excitement, of all things, flare in his chest at the back and forth. Yet he asked anyway, “Are you like this with everybody?”

“No. Only arrogant knights.”

He let out a short laugh at that, but she paid it no mind, going back to her bowl.

“Most arrogant knights wouldn’t get on their knees for you.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of that,” she said. Then, as if it were an afterthought, “Don’t mind Bryaxis. He doesn’t bite, unless you do first.”

Cassian was about to ask who the hell Bryaxis was, until a black cat sprung up onto the table. His eyes were a pure onyx and seemed to contain more wisdom than a cat was supposed to. The feline studied Cassian  unblinkingly.

Bryaxis stalked around him, slinking across the table, and it seemed like the cat was staring straight into his soul.

“Are you sure that’s a cat?” he asked, dread pooling in his stomach.

The witch threw her head over her shoulder. He could see the shadow of her face, though her hood hid most of her features. What was under it, he wondered? He’d heard witches were supposed to be old crones, but this one seemed young from the sound of her voice and the skin he could see.

Despite the hood, he noted the hint of blue in her eyes that pushed through the dark. A blue he had a feeling that would haunt his every thought. Those eyes were made of steel and fire and ice, and if he wasn’t careful, he could see himself getting utterly, inexplicably lost in them. Like a moth to a damn flame.

Her lips curved into a smile. “I never said he was.”

Bryaxis turned and did a stretch in front of him, bowing and flexing his claws, and faced Cassian with a slow blink. 

Cassian couldn’t help the shudder that rolled through him, as he tried to think about anything else. 

Right. Made perfect sense. Why would anything in this witch’s cottage be normal? He plastered his usual grin back onto his face. 

“Nice place you’ve got here.”

“I let the first man into my cottage in nearly five years, and that’s what you open with?” she said.

“The first? I’m flattered, sweetheart.”

She chuckled coldly, and said, “Call me sweetheart again, and you very well could be the last.”

His smile remained, but the confidence behind it faltered. His charm always worked. He couldn’t remember a time when it hadn’t. But here, it was like talking to a wall of steel. Not that he minded too much. 

The witch turned, holding the stems of some plant in her hand, and brought them towards him.

“Chop,” she said. “You’re here, so you might as well be useful.”

“Seriously?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What? Is a little bit of housework beneath you?”

Cassian’s grinned, intent on proving her wrong. “Fine. Give me the knife.”

She placed the plants on a board on the table in front of him, in addition to the knife.

“So, you can follow orders,” she said, observing him for a moment. “That’s good to know.”

“When it suits me,” he said, sitting down and picking up the knife. “But you should know that I didn’t come here to cut plants for you.”

“Really? What a surprise.”

He sank the knife into the plant for the first chop, and then the second. Once he settled into a rhythm, he spoke again.

“I’ve come because there’s a sword that you supposedly have.”

“I know why you’re here, Sir Cassian.”

“So you have it.”

“I do.” 

“Are you going to give it to me or not?” he asked.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

He opened his mouth to protest, she silenced him with a finger in the air. “Chop. I’ll think while you do.”

“This seems like a way for you to get free labor.”

She let out what sounded like a chuckle, but she didn’t say anything further. Cassian got the message, and continued the task he was assigned, chopping the plant into fine pieces on the board.

She sat down across from him, writing something in her book. 

The minutes flew by. Before he knew it, he realized the cottage had gone completely silent, save for the sound of the knife hitting the board. The witch had stopped her scribbling.

When he looked up, she was watching him intently, tapping her finger silently on the table before her.

She asked, “Why should I entrust a woman’s future to a man I barely know?”

“Isn’t the point to choose somebody brave, like all the other quests?”

“Ah,” she said. “But this is no ordinary quest, is it?”

“I don’t see what you mean.”

“King Archeron takes his daughter’s well being very seriously. He will not settle for mere bravery.”

Cassian frowned. That was the purpose of this whole thing, wasn’t it? To find the knight that would venture into these woods, daring to face down the ruthless dragon that guarded Elain’s tower? It was supposed to be a measure of bravery and strength.

“Listen, let’s cut to the chase here. I’m the strongest knight you’re going to find. Just put me through your trials or whatever it is you want to do, and I can be on my merry way.”

“The strongest knight,” she repeated to herself, chuckling. “And that is all that matters to you, isn’t it?”

Cassian clenched his jaw at her mocking tone, but kept silent. The witch noted it, rolling her eyes and asking another question.

“Fine. Why do you want to marry her?” she asked.

“What?”

“That’s your trial, as you so put it. Tell me right now why you want to marry that princess. If it’s a good enough answer, I’ll give you Ataraxia.” 

He paused. It was the same thing Azriel had asked him two days ago.

It’s what he was supposed to want. It’d practically been ingrained in him. His duty was to the realm—he was destined to slay beasts and keep the kingdom safe. It’s what he had done for the last six years, and what he would continue to do until he no longer could.

Marrying a princess was supposed to be an honor.

“Well, I’m supposed to want to, aren’t I?”

She let the silence settle over the room like a fine dust. She was waiting for him to go on, almost like she was expecting him to proclaim his undying devotion to the princess.

He couldn’t.

What was he supposed to do? Lie?

Azriel had said it himself—Cassian didn’t love the princess. But respect and perhaps fondness would surely come with time. The princess seemed nice enough from what he’d seen, and he didn’t doubt that they would get along if he did marry her.

But clearly, his reasoning wasn’t enough.

“Any other reason?” she asked.

“I-”

Her eyes continued to bore into him, expecting an answer. What was he supposed to say?

“Any at all?” she asked.

Cassian cleared his throat, being the first to break eye contact. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

“Is it? I think it’s a rather simple question.”

It wasn’t a simple question. And from the look on her face, he assumed the witch knew she had him beat.

He supposed that’s why he said it. Maybe there was something in him that couldn’t handle this witch having the upper hand, when he was so used to getting his way.

So he said, “You know, it almost sounds like you care.”

At that, any lingering traces of amusement fell from her voice completely. “Should I not care?”

In the back of his mind, Cassian knew this was a test. But he didn’t like her prying for answers that he couldn’t give.

He couldn’t stop the words coming out of his mouth. He stood from his chair, placing his palms on the table as he leaned forward.

“I didn’t expect a soulless witch to be so invested in the marriage of a princess. Aren’t you supposed to be the one kidnapping maidens and throwing away the key?”

She blinked so slowly that he thought she might try to kill him. Maybe she would. She stood and took a step towards him around the table, her eyes flaring with a silver that was wholly unnatural.

She kept going until she was right in front of him, somehow looking down on him despite only reaching his shoulder in height.

The woman got so close that he took a step back, and another, into the pots hanging from the wall behind him. They clanged as they hit his head, and he winced, bringing his hand up to the hurt spot.

Gods, she was stunning. He couldn’t even see all of her, but what he could see had him thinking that this was why witches were so feared. She had a lethal kind of beauty, one that had him anticipating his own demise by her hand. And some masochistic part of him would enjoy every single second of it.

But she didn’t go for the kill.

Instead, she said, “Get out.”

“What?”

“If you’re going to bring your damn prejudice into my own home, then get. The fuck. Out.”

“Sweetheart-”

“I told you not to call me that.” The witch turned on her heel, not deigning to face him anymore. “You can leave on your own, or Bryaxis can see you out. Your choice.”

One look from the ‘cat’ told Cassian that he better follow the witch’s orders. He let out a hiss, digging his claws into the wood of the table, and Cassian knew better than to push that thing any further than he needed to.

“Listen. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Clearly.”

“But I need that sword.”

“So that’s what this is about,” she muttered. “You don’t care that you were wrong. You don’t care about making things right. You just want to ensure that you can still get what you need from me.”

He opened his mouth to protest. “I am sorry. But-”

“But.” She cut him off, demanding his full attention. “You are a coward, Sir Cassian. No amount of charming smiles will change that.”

“I would think that someone who puts his life on the line hunting beasts is the furthest thing from a coward,” he said. “And what about you? Hiding away here in the woods?”

“I am not hiding.”

He dropped his voice nearly an octave, and said with a serious calm, “Aren’t you?”

“Why would I possibly need to hide out here? Not when I have brave, heroic men showing up unannounced on my doorstep already.”

“Those heroic men keep the realm safe,” he argued. 

“Really? Do you want me to fall to my knees in gratitude? You want me to sing your name from the rooftops to feed your own arrogance?” 

She stalked towards him again, this time pushing him towards the door with Bryaxis at her heels.

She kept talking. “You want me to find you worthy? Well, here’s a hint. I don’t.”

The words hit him hard in the chest. He’d spent his entire life proving his worth. She wasn’t the first to say that he didn’t deserve the opportunities he’d been given, and she certainly wouldn’t be the last.

He didn’t know why this one woman saying it sounded different from all the others. Her eyes blazed as she shoved him through the door, back to the clearing and the forest beyond.

“Good luck finding a wife, Sir Cassian. But I can guarantee you it will not be the princess.”

[desigemini24]

AN- I am back after my long writer block. Here is a little preference for you all...

Requests are Open and Well Appreciated!

Thank you and Enjoy your reading.

HOTD Preferences

You Are a Foreign Deligate

Characters - Daemon Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen, Otto Hightower, Corlys Velaryon, Cregan Stark and Criston Cole

Warnings - Angst for Criston (given that he is a King's Guard)

Daemon 'Rogue Prince' Targaryen

You are a visiting foreign delegate from the Free Cities and went to Westeros in order to establish good relations between the two places.

You and Daemon met far too later after your arrival.

You met the King's brother during the feast held in order to honour the new relations; and you were the guest of honour for the evening.

His long hair of silver catch your eyes and you were enchanted by his looks.

Viserys was the one to introduce you and you two hit it almost instantly.

While you were completely spellbound by his voice, Daemon found your intelligence extremely eye-catching.

At the end of the evening, if the prince feels quite giving, you will be spared a rare dance or two.

Or you would be sharing a cup or two of wine with him, in his room or in some tavern of Flea Bottom.

It is safe to say that he becomes obsessed with you till the end of your trip.

One fine morning, a few days before your departure back to Essos, you are informed that you will return to your place; but with an extra person.

Your marriage to Daemon was shipped on the point of strengthening the alliance, but everyone knew better...

Aemond 'One-Eyed' Targaryen

You were from Qarth and were sent by the Thirteen to secure a safe trade route. It was during the time when the King was disappointingly sick and the Queen and Hand of the King held the throne in his stead.

It was the time of extreme peace, every person in the harbour discussed quietly.

You were quite excited but also extremely nervous. You wondered what would happen if you failed to complete the task given to you.

You met the young prince when he received you at the port of King's Landing.

Despite his quietness, you were completely mesmerized by his commanding aura and killer looks.

It takes long period of time of observing you from a far on Aemond's part before he decides to talk to you.

The talk would start formally before he starts asking you about your country.

The entire conversation would be pleasant and you would be smitten at the end.

Maybe even fantasizing a life with him.

You two would met during the Council meets where Alicent makes him sit with his drunken brother. No wonder that Aegon will flirt and will end up being punched by Aemond.

A few days later, expect the One-Eyed Prince proposing you in the name of 'a way to strengthen the bonds'.

Otto 'Hand of the King' Hightower

This man has lost his wife and has plenty of kids, while you are a young and bright assistant of sorts to the visiting delegate.

You are feisty and know your way around the formalities well.

Otto notices you when you punch one of his family's knight after the knight made some comment on you.

Even though he was clear to show his disappointment to you, he kept the interest brimming in him inside his head.

Suddenly, he asks for your opinion and sometimes, catches you on your walk around the garden.

The Queen also warms up to you, surprisingly, and invites you to tea.

While you like the attention, you are confused.

And hence, you confront him.

Otto is nervous as heck. And starts blabbering along the lines of 'I know that you might not like me...' and 'We are born ages apart...'

And as much as you found him enduring, you wanted for him to shut up.

And so, you slam your lips to his.

Corlys 'Sea Snake' Velaryon

You aren't exactly a delegate but more of his friend who knows the rules of the sea.

You arrive at Westeros with him and are ushered quickly to the Small Council's chamber in order to discuss a safe route for trading.

You were quick to realize that no one in the Council knew about the pirates or literally any other threats of sea.

You were ready to interrupt the Hand of the King but before you could, the Sea Snake does.

You are surprised by his understanding of the sea.

When Corlys is done, he settles back into his seat with a smirk as his eyes find yours.

He approaches you later after the meeting is over and you two end up flirting quite a lot.

Days pass with both of you sharing your experiences.

And you end up kissing him one fine day after having enough of his teasings.

He was smug about it. But at last, ends up proposing you.

And you two end up marrying on the shores of Driftmark with only a few close friends.

Cregan 'Wolf of the North' Stark

The Lord of Winterfell was surprised to receive a raven informing him to prepare for the arrival of the king and a foreign delegate from Meereen.

That was quite unusual, but Cregan could done nothing to object.

When you arrive alongside the King, he was left completely spellbound.

Your wits and broad thoughts intrigue and so does your beauty.

Also, you aren't afraid of drinking with the vassal lords or dancing with the common ladies.

At end of a fortnight, he is completely and utterly in love with you. And you do notice.

But you wait for him to approach you.

But you hadn't expected a marriage proposal at the very beginning.

That is when you decide to approach him for a conversation.

The entire conversation was pleasant.

And at the end you decide to accept the proposal.

Criston 'Kingmaker' Cole

You notice him first when you met the Queen and you were completely infatuated, to be honest.

But your first ever conversation happened days after, on a feast.

You weren't quite accustomed to loud celebrations and quietly slips out of there unnoticed.

You see him there and somehow gather the courage to make small talks to him.

You find him a man of great morals, even if they were twisted in their own way.

That conversation sparked the flames of love in Criston's cold heart.

You try to keep whatever it is between you two a secret, given his position as a member of King's Guard.

And soon, the day for you to leave came.

You had asked him to come with you, only for him to reason with you.

At last, you part ways, grieving whatever you had.

Doubting whether it was even true.

[smooth-perceval]

“My love, my life.”

“We are going to be just fine…”

Max Verstappen x Fem!Reader

PART ONE

Max Corner

Summary: Max and reader crossed the line in their 3 year friendship, resulting in 2 positive pregnancy test. And 1 baby on the way.

Warnings: 18+ you could say smut- but it’s not very ‘Smutty’ maybe if you squint, pregnancy, swearing, Google translate, Lando being Lando, no proof read.

Key: Y/N (your name), Y/L/N (your last name), biscuit= Cookie, Lando and reader are friends for about 4 years.

Word count: 2,949

A/N: Thank you for the votes 🖤 It has motivated me to now write something 🙂 I’m seeing how this goes, I might even turn it into a series. Anddd I love dad max 🖤

The soft moans, and whispers of each others names was all that painted the walls of the vanilla hotel room. Us both sinning beyond hells gates… Something so wrong feeling so right- like we was both made perfectly for each other.

You could say it was the drink… or the pent up sexual attraction we both craved so badly from one another… either way we both bathed in the moment, showing one another what 3 years worth of “friendship” really meant.

The little touches and glances go along way… they turned into flirty comments and kisses so close to the lips if either had tilted our heads we would’ve been where we are now a lot sooner… Tonight, it turned into Max kissing that little more over, lips brushing slightly. Both breathing heavily questioning wether to go in for a second. And I did, I took the chance to grab him by the collar kissing him. Not just the once though, it turned into three or four little kisses before Max was pushing against the wall and shutting the door blindly.

So we could say Max is to blame here, Max is the reason I’m biting down onto my lip, suppressing any noise he is causing me to make- His blue eyes had me pinned, scared to turn away incase I lose this feeling- this intimacy, this entire moment.

Hovering over me, one hand holding my thigh up the other next to my head supporting himself, his bare chest on view, with only smudged lipstick stains coating him. His hair a little messy from my hands running through and tugging on every strand I could. Lips swollen from the rough kisses of need. The warmth in the room from our heavy breathing causing a thin layer of sweat over us both… and even in such a unhinged moment. He still looked perfect.

And after our night of pleasure, and we had both ‘cleaned up’ me putting on one of Max shirts, him sticking to fresh underwear. We left his room, as if we was naughty teenagers, we tiptoed down to my room, climbing into fresh bedding.

Both laying there staring at each other in complete awe, Max hand reaching up and stroking my cheek and along my jaw. Now letting the sleep slowly evade us, with my eyes closed I heard him whisper the three words I’ve always dreamt he would say… wether he did or not it still felt real to me.

“I love you”

And as if it was a reaction to the words I found myself shuffling closer to his chest. Like he was the protection I needed… the knight in shining armour in every princess story.

**3 Weeks later**

Back home, and was things awkward between me and Max? Yes. Very.

Even Lando picked up on the weird tension. Lando also being a close friend and noticing how we was both frightened to go near each other.

For me? It was scared of going near him and pushing him back into a hotel bed all over again… it was scared of getting to close and getting burned in the long run- because Max wasn’t the type of guy to stick around… not after his last breakup everything was fucked and chucked, and me unfortunately was one of them- or so it feels.

I was attending the Monaco GP, in support of Max & Lando them being my only two friends you could say.

However the weekend turned to not be the best of starts, I had picked up a stomach bug somewhere, as I’ve been sick nearly every morning, sometimes of an evening if I really give into the feeling. I realised eating something small like a biscuit would somewhat cure the sickness… it’s been horrible. I texted both Lando and Max saying I would leave my home once I had felt a bit better in myself, both sending back get well soon messages and updates on what’s happening.

I was adamant on attending the qualifying, so chomping down on a biscuit and sipping on a bottle of water I made my way to the GP. In my bag I had a little bag filled with biscuits. I wasn’t going to let a little tummy ache stop me from watching my boys-

I read online that a stomach bug doesn’t seem to be contagious after a few days, which I was praying was true. If not then I could only apologise to them and beg for forgiveness if I ruin their race…

My first stop was Lando, who was practically jumping when he saw me. Bringing me in the most tightest hug you could imagine-

“Lan- don’t I still feel like I could be sick…” mumbling I rub his back before pulling myself away.

“Oh shit- sorry… wait are you contagious?!” He jumped back holding his hands up like they would defend him.

“It says no online… if I am I’m sorry though…” pouting I shuffled about on my feet. “I just wanted to watch you both race-”

Tutting he rubbed my shoulder, before throwing an arm around both. “It’s okay, longs your not sick in here. We just washed the floors.”

Rolling my eyes I elbowed him in the ribs, “I won’t, I got my biscuits.” Patting my bag I smiled up at him. “And anyways if I was sick it’s normally first thing in the morning, or maybe later… if I stop eating these biscuits.” Eyebrows furrowed Lando tilted his head at me.

“First thing in the morning? Sounds like something else to me.” Humming a teasing tone he lead us both out the garage. Shaking my head in annoyance at him I look around. “Behave Lando.”

“I’m just saying-”

And well him just saying that had my mind reeling… what if? I couldn’t just pull out my phone and check when I was due on my ladies, Lando would see, seeing as his attached to my hip, so in my head I counted back. I should’ve started by now right? I doubt it- I think it’s next week.

Before I know it we was stopping outside red bull’s garage Lando practically screamed for Max, all the engineers turning to look up at him. Some in annoyance and some confused to why he was screaming…

And there he was- Max in all his glory shuffling his way through. Suit unzipped and hanging down at his waist, his fireproofs on show… showing every shape of his body- gulping, my eyes started to wander, slowly remembering every part of him I kissed, where the red lipstick marks were, where to touch that would make him shiver and whisper my name in a warning. As if I was triggering a ticking time bomb- I mean you could say I was that night. I was remembering it all in waves, before it was only a faint memory.

“Y/N! You made it finally…” smiling at each other he came and stood infront of us both. His hand brushing my arm slightly in a little pat/rubbing manner. Yeah it was tense… i felt like screaming, if we hadn’t pushed that boundary, it probably wouldn’t feel so awkward- I had the devil on my shoulder, shouting over the little angel, telling me I should just let him have me right here on the track and claim our own trophy, create our own ‘finish’.

Oh what have you done to me Verstappen.

Clearing his throat Lando patted my bag. “Well lets just ignore the awkwardness… She has her biscuits.” Confused Max looked between us both.

“To keep the sickness away.” Finishing Lando’s sentence with another shake of my head and a small smile at Max.

“Ah- makes sense.” Laughing a little Max turned back to the garage. “Lan I think we’re about to start quali”

“I’ll probably be back and fourth between you both- I’m just going to get some more water…” smiling a little at them both I gave a small wave. “Good luck both of you.”

Both quickly giving nods and a thanks, they ran into the garages suits getting pulled up and zipped in the process.

Now finally away from them both I checked my health app, going back to my last period…

Panic rises through me, I have been stressed so maybe it’s on its way- I’ll do a test later just in case but I’m sure it’s stress, or even many other reasonings but the one that makes sense is the one I’m praying against. I mean it’s only a week, so no panic.

But except I am panicking… Maybe I should go do a test now… put my mind at ease-

Quickly heading back out I sent a text to them both to see, incase I wasn’t back-

“Be back soon- wasn’t feeling great again.”

And then I went straight to the chemist…

Looking between test, hands shaking as I try and read the box, I finally gave up taking them both to the checkout, nervously looking around like somehow someone I knew would catch me. The lady behind the till offered a kind smile, which I quickly returned, paying for the tests and rushing out with the bag mumbling a thank you.

I felt sick again- maybe it was nerves who knew- I mean why am I panicking I have been so stressed lately it could be that- but still what if…

Once I got back to my apartment I headed straight to the bathroom fumbling with the test taking a stick from each and doing them both at the same time- Two test can’t lie…

I was pacing, doing circles around my bedroom as I bit down on my nails. Every few minutes sitting on my bed, before pacing again. It wasn’t until my alarm went off was I finally broken out of my trance. I took a few deep breaths and crept into the toilet, standing in the doorway, I rose to my tiptoes craning my neck-

My stomach dropped, and I found myself stumbling into the toilet reading both test, my head going from left to right as I held both sticks…

[2-3 Weeks] and the other [3+ weeks]

There it was the sickness again, dropping to my knees I curled myself around the toilet letting every little bit of sick come up… all the nerves building up in my body and raking through.

When I was finally able to get away from the toilet bowl, I got up brushing my teeth and washing my face… trying to stop the little tears, why am I crying? I’m terrified-

How the fuck do I tell Max?

Feeling sorry for myself, I crawled into my bed breathing in and out slowly… I am absolutely terrified.

Somewhere from my racing mind and the tossing and turning I dozed off only waking up to the sound of my door being nearly knocked down.

Rushing out of bed I head downstairs looking through the peep hole.

“Lando you knock like the police-” muttering I unlock the door letting him in.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at qualifying?” Frowning i move over to the door before turning back to look at him.

“Y/N that finished about an hour ago…” concerned flashed over his face as he brought me into a hug.

“Maybe we should go to the doctors, maybe he can get this sickness sorted…” mumbling he rubbed my back soothingly, rocking us a little.

“I know what it is Lan…” I felt it again the burning in my throat as I tried holding back the tears… my eyes welling up at even the thought.

“I know I know- but maybe he can give you something like an anti-sickness tablet?” I shook my head wiping underneath my nose with my sleeve, hand on the door handle as I went to shut it.

“Oh wait-”

“I’m pregnant…” whispering I covered my mouth hoping that if I trapped the sound it wouldn’t make it real.

Lando’s shock was evident as he stared back, hand in the air still pointing at the door, his mouth creating an ‘o’ shape.

“Did you say pregnant?” A familiar voice was heard that defiantly wasn’t Lando’s.

My head felt like it was going to snap as I looked back at the door, and once again there he was, trying to squeeze himself in the little gap I had left him from trying to shut the door…

My heart pounded as I watched him, hoping he would show some emotion to put my mind at ease but nothing… the silence in the room from us three was unbearable.

“Well congratulations!” Lando grabbed ahold of me again hugging me tight, my eyes were still glued on Max, waiting on anything. But nothing he just stood there frozen. And that somewhat annoyed me more- it was both our faults that I’m in this situation I don’t expect anything from him but the recognition.

Lando pulled away looking between us both with a smile, “So have we got uncle duties? Are you going for an early scan? Who’s the dad?”

Shaking my head at Lando I push past him, trying to get away. I would rather Max saying he doesn’t care there stand there saying nothing at all… “Y/N I didn’t mean to ask so many questions-” Lando was rushing in behind me, before more footsteps were heard and then Max was seen.

“Is it mine?” Eyebrows furrowed, was he angry? He has a right to be angry. I’m angry. Lando bursted out into a fit of laughter smacking Max’s arm “Flirting with each other doesn’t make someone pregnant you idiot.” Now both with confused looks we turned our heads looking at Lando.

“Of course it’s yours.” Shaking my head I looked back at Max.

“Are you sure?”

“What you trying to accuse me of here Max?”

The realisation finally hit Lando as he pointed between us both.

“I’m not accusing you of anything but, I have a right to ask if there had been anyone else don’t you think.”

“Yeah sure because I do that kind of stuff.” Stepping closer he shrugged slightly, which only added fuel to the fire, my voice getting slightly louder.

“Oh come on Max! You’ve known me 3 fucking years.” Tears started spilling down my face, and I couldn’t help it, I couldn’t stop them.

“You guys fucked?!” Once again we both was staring at Lando, merely a few feet away from each other. Both nodding our heads slowly.

“Is that why it’s so fucking awkward to be around you both?!” And once again we both just nodded our heads, both looking lost, like deers in some headlights.

“When did this happen?!” Lando’s hands went in the air as he stepped closer.

“Three weeks ago…” whispering I looked down at my feet.

“None of you told me that something happened. I’m supposed to be yours two friend as well. You were both my friends before each others! I should’ve been told!”

“Because that’s so important right now Lan.” Max glared at him as if he was trying to silence him with his eyes, but if anything that spurred him on more.

“It is to me. That’s just fucking unfair.”

“How is it unfair?! It was a silly drunk mistake Lando. It’s not like we’re hiding a big fucking thing from you. We aren’t together- it was one night.”

“Well Y/N is pregnant now. That’s a big thing?! It’s your baby!”

Sniffling I looked back up at Max. “It was a mistake?” I should’ve know, I somewhat did know but it still stung hearing him say the truth- maybe I was imagining what I heard that night…

Max hands came up tugging at his hair.

“Yeah it was a mistake you should’ve told me!” Lando raised his voice, throwing a tantrum like a child, foot stomping against the floor hands balled into fists.

“You both need to leave.” Turning away I went and sat down on the sofa, hands gripping the edge, trying to hold down any emotions that wanted to show.

“Leave.”

“No we need to talk about this. I can’t do this Y/N!” Max was now moving closer gesturing wildly around.

“I didn’t ask you to do anything Max. Apart from leave.”

“No I want to stay, I want to talk.”

“Talk or scream at each other?” Tilting my head I looked up at him wiping my face. “Like you said it was a stupid mistake. I can deal with it on my own. Now go.” I looked between him and Lando.

“No, I can’t be involved in this stuff Y/N. What about my career?!” Scoffing I stood back up. “Your career?! This stuff?! Two was to blame for that night not just me.” Pushing his chest slightly moving him towards the door, grabbing Lando’s arm on the way who only hissed. Shoving them both out the door, both screaming their own protest but neither stopping me from pushing them away, I went to slam it behind them, only for Max to out his foot in the way.

“We can’t do this Y/N…” it felt as if he was staring into my soul, trying to change my mind on the matter, I wasn’t going to be doing anything stupid over our “stupid mistake”.

“I can… Now leave. And neither of you speak to me… years of friendship for what? Some friends you both are.” Spitting words with venom at them both I slammed the door against Max foot before using all my body weight I pushed against his foot until it slammed shut finally. Max giving up any chance he had to change my mind.

We are going to be just fine…

A/N: So this is part one, as I felt like I was typing for ages and dragging on- it is a bit all confusing I think I had a skim read and I’m confusing myself lollll but this is going to be a little mini series I think, cause it gives me a chance to section everything I want out of this “love” story with Max.

I got the title idea from listening to ABBA 🙂 I was thinking about Max saying it to the baby or something idk we will see when we get there 🖤

Masterlist

[covesdadappreciation]

Hey hey! I loved your Prom one, and now I'm hungry for more! (Sorry not sorry =P). An idea that's been knocking around in my head is, its implied Tam-Tam gets bullied in the later Steps. SO, I would like to see MC getting into a fight after someone makes Tamarack cry, and the Qiu joins in to help because, love rival or no love rival, they ain't lettin' that shit slide.

School Fight

Tamarack x Male Reader (FTM Safe!) Author's note: I’m starting to think you really like the "jealous Qiu, and in love with Tamarack" dynamic… just a feeling. 🎀 CW: A physical fight and mentions of bullying. - I will also warn you that I may have not re-edited this. 1972 words

Ever since MC had met Tamarack, he’s doted on her. If she was a princess, he was her knight, through and through. He was at Tamarack’s defense when Oma and her argued, he was at her side when she felt isolated, he was always paying attention to her face to see if she approved or disapproved certain plans. She is his everything, and even in high school it hasn’t changed much. It certainly isn’t as obvious anymore, nor is he following her around like a lost puppy as much either. With getting older and no longer feeling out-of-place after being the new neighbor, he’s become more independent. Confident, some might say. 

MC began to climb the high school popularity ranks the older he got, along with Qiu (but Qiu wasn’t all that excited about being popular at this point). Though that never let MC feel bigger than Tamarack. Instead he always made sure to make it obvious that they were friends, that he’ll make time for her any day, that she’s just as important as any one of his friends. In a room full of people, he’ll always choose her. 

So when MC decided that he wanted to walk with Tamarack after her after school orchestra practice for the first time, he had a gut-squeezing feeling when he saw her with a small frown and tiny tears at the edges of her eyes. He quickly rushed up to her, but she squeezed her eyes when she noticed MC and smiled, the tears becoming much less notable now.

“Are you okay?” He asked, studying her face worriedly, holding himself from running his hands over the tear trails on her face. She nodded persistently, “Yeah, Orchestra was just stressful today. Rehearsal stuff, it happens.” She waved her hand dismissively. 

MC sighed understandingly, “Well if it’d help, we can go to the Diner and get milkshakes?” Tamarack perked up at the offer, and while her sadness didn’t seem to fully pass, it still made her smile.

As the week continues, MC notices that Tamarack’s been more stressed at the mention of orchestra. She’s anxious in the hallways, as if looking for someone, or trying to be aware of what people are talking about. Of course Tamarack was a little more anxious and awkward, they’re in highschool! It’s kind of a package deal. But it was way out of character for her, this was fear, and that little voice in MC’s head knew that something was wrong. All he needed to know was what the cause was. 

—

MC walked into the auditorium, sitting in the front row as he kept his eyes on Tamarack the whole time as she settled into her seat and pulled out her instrument. Though, nobody really seemed to notice him with the bright lights on them, and if they did, he wasn’t their main focus. They were working on playing music for one of the school musicals, but not even halfway into practice, MC already noticed plenty of red flags.

Two freshmen who sat behind Tammy were being dickheads. Notably one was blonde and the other was brunette. It started out small, but even then it took everything in MC to not get up and tell them to cut it out. Maybe accidentally spill some water on them. Who knows. The two boys went back and forth throughout their instrumental pauses or 10 minute breaks, throwing side-eyes at Tammy while whispering some surely cruel comments about her considering that in response to every whisper, Tamarack seemed to curl more and more into herself. 

MC had kept his eye on them, wishing that Tamarack could notice him and give him a signal on what to do. Scenarios and plans ran through his head, many of them revolving around the idea of revenge. On the other hand, he can hear his ma’s and Tamarack’s voice to calm down, to not get in trouble. The rest of the half hour passes and Tamarack makes her way over to MC, inhaling deeply before crashing her body onto him, pressing her weight against him so that he could hold her closely. 

“Tammy…?”

“Yeah?”

“Is there a reason you haven’t told me about those two dickheads?” MC crossed his arms. Of course he wasn’t angry at her, but the fact that those two had the nerve to be mean to the nicest and adorable girl in the whole world. The audacity. 

Tamarack huffs no longer leaning on him, “No! They’re just dumb, and it’s…” she falters, rolling her eyes and no longer making eye contact with MC, “It’s nothing to worry about.” MC glances around and finds the two boys headed out, but not leaving without throwing a judgemental look towards Tamarack. It only made MC’s stomach turn and twist. 

Just say the word, Tam. Put me in the ring, coach.

“If they keep this up, I swear I’ll start a fight”

“Please don’t” Tamarack laughs softly, but they both knew that MC wasn’t strictly joking. MC only makes a small unsatisfied sound, his eyes stuck and glaring at the two boys until they were out of sight. “Earth to MC?” Tamarack waves her hand in front of his face, “Are we still gonna walk to my place?”

MC sighs before taking Tamarack’s cello case, puffing his chest for a quick second before the weight shifted comfortably in his arms,

“MC, you know you don’t have to carry it for me every time-”

“You’ll have to pry this from my cold dead hands if you expect me to let you carry this yourself”

“My hero” Tamarack sighs with a smug look, readjusting MC’s hair so that his hair is back to normal before their walk. 

“My princess” MC grins back.

— 

The week had felt long, as if the school building itself was actively stopping the clock and hoping no one would question it. MC and Tamarack were walking down the halls in their transition period, arm in arm. Chatting away about their next class and hooked together to not lose each other to the crowd was always their excuse.

“Imagine if the crowds sucked her away and I’d never find her again!” MC huffed to Qiu long ago. 

So MC made it clear that he would never let that happen. Nor was he going to let the world see the dust of blush on his cheeks wherever they did cross arms.  

Unfortunately, the two boys from the orchestra had caught onto Tamarack’s presence on their walk down the halls. MC could see the cogs turning in their heads, which was surprising considering that MC thought there was nothing in there anyways. Defeating all logic regardless, there was a non-verbal plan being set in their minds, which made MC tense. 

He felt worse when he stole a quick look over at Tamarack, seeing her understandably more anxious than him, tears welling up in her eyes once more. This time she finally let them fall. 

The two boys pointed and whispered, judging something– and when MC looked at what they were pointing at, it was a part of a bit of high school embarrassment. Tamarack’s backpack was almost wide-open, not enough for everything to fall out. Of course, they were close enough so that you could hear the glimpses of terrible things they decided to say about her. About her intelligence and comments about her appearance. People are starting to look. 

“Guys, can you both just fucking rela-” MC was interrupted by the brunette who passed him, shoulder hitting shoulder, which caught MC off guard. 

Tamarack was quiet now, and a panicked and helpless look was all she could give as the brunette had gone up to her, let her walk away just a bit so that he could reach into her bag, pulling out whatever he could grab. It was her lunch bag. In a quick attempt of playing monkey in the middle, the brunette with the lunch bag tosses it over to the blonde boy, who’s conveniently closer to MC.

As the two boys laugh, the blonde holding the lunch bag makes eye contact with MC, almost as if expecting him to laugh too at this obnoxious act. 

There’s a moment where MC just nods, the situation finally clicking and snapping in his head. 

Almost as if it’s instinct, MC forces his body to slam the kid against the locker which takes everyone off guard. Those who knew MC from elementary especially. He wasn’t lost or trying to fit in anymore like he did back then. He wasn’t hiding behind Tamarack and hoping that everyone stays friends. It almost made MC seem bigger now. 

The blonde was almost too shocked by the reaction, but he recovered and decided that he’d fight back. They both shoved each other around, throwing a punch in there occasionally, the growing crowd of kids gave a lot of space. Phones were out, and people were cheering and commenting. In one moment MC was pinned and being pushed around by his clothes, in another moment MC had the blonde onto the floor, shoving him harshly back down on the ground.

Veronica had pulled Tamarack away while Qiu and Ren struggled against the mob of children to see what was happening. All they had heard was that MC was in a fight. All Qiu fully registered was a blonde boy on the ground, MC trying to pin the boy’s hands away, and a brunette boy about to enter to help his friend, most likely to make the situation worse or make this a 2v1 situation. Qiu quickly ran up to the brunette and redirected him, only shoving him back warningly. 

That’s all Qiu needed to see, and they knew that it probably had something to do with Tamarack. Who else would MC fight like this for?

“Are you gonna keep going?!” MC shouts at the boy, trying to be heard over the multiple kids shouting. The blonde boy kept up with the struggle before finally giving in and knowing that MC wasn’t going to let go of his wrists until they both stopped hurting one another. 

The blonde boy nods persistently, allowing MC to finally get off of him (not without "accidentally nudging this guy on the side a bit" with his foot) and take a couple steps back in case the boy was planning on starting another fight.

Not that there was time for it considering teachers finally reached the situation. The crowd quickly dispersed, leaving only Tamarack, Qiu, MC, and the two boys in that hall with the teachers.. 

—

Fortunately, Tamarack and Qiu didn’t get in much trouble besides whatever their parents and grandparents found to be appropriate. MC on the other hand had a 4 day suspension, and the other two boys had gotten slightly longer and worse punishments than them. MC’s mom wasn’t the happiest at the whole situation, but she also figured deep down something like this would’ve happened. Tamarack’s Opa found the whole thing a lot more amusing than Omi, of course, but they were still somewhat glad the bullying issue was done with too. 

And it wasn’t like Tamarack and MC were banned from seeing each other ever again. Tamarack and Qiu would visit MC after school to bring him homework, and study together. 

At the end of the day, no one bothered to bully or make comments about Tamarack anymore, lest they deal with MC when he comes back. At least MC promised he’d never do it again. Probably.

[vodika-vibes]

I love your writing and I was so excited to see this event! I promise I am still rereading and reading all your new releases and each and every one gives me life! May I get a Fairy Tale AU with Rex? Maybe where reader is a second born princess, with a protective but very feminist older brother, who has encouraged her to train to defend herself. Rex is the captain of her guard and he loves her because they grew up beside one another and yet she’s promised to a prince who doesn’t swing her way? They’ve grown up and “grown up” with each other in every possible way and she loves him back but it must be secret? But the prince she’s promised to sees their closeness and realizes that the only way he’s not going to be miserable is release her from the betrothal and take her older brother’s hand in marriage (which he’s not complaining about because her older brother is sweet and wonderful and very much more so who HE’s interested in). And because her older brother is a real one, he unapologetically rewrites their governing laws when he takes the throne to say screw you I’m not providing an heir because I don’t fancy women and you wouldn’t accept any foundlings I adopt, when my sister marries her beloved best friend Rex, that little one will be my heir to the throne. Angst at the beginning because reader doesn’t know how she can have what her heart wants while fulfilling her royal expectations, Rex loves her dearly but doesn’t think he’s worthy of standing at her side (honorable and self deprecating King he is), and all along her cheeky older brother is the unsung hero bringing justice and love to them all. Even if this isn’t quite how it plays out when you write it, I know you’ll work your magic! 💕

My Lady's Choice

Summary: Rex has been in love with his best friend for as long as he can remember. And he knows that she loves him too, she tells him often enough. But he’s just a knight, and she’s been promised to another man.

Pairing: Captain Rex x F!Reader

Word Count: 1239

Warnings: None

Prompt: Fairy Tale AU

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: Hi there! Thanks for your request! I hope this is close to what you wanted! Also, sorry that it took so long, words haven't wanted to agree with me for a bit.

“You’ve been in a foul mood all day,” Rex notes as he offers the Princess another arrow, “What’s wrong?”

Her pretty lips become a scowl as she notches her arrow and draws the sting back, “Nothing.” She releases the string and the arrow flies true, striking the dummy in the center.

Rex watches her momentarily, taking in the tension in her frame and how her lips are turned down, and he sighs. “You might be able to lie to yourself and your brother, but you can’t lie to me.”

She hesitates and lowers her bow, “My betrothed is coming to meet me.” She finally admits, “My brother told me yesterday.”

Rex feels a pang in his chest, but he shoves it to the side. He always knew that he was going to lose her one day, he just hoped that it would be one day far in the future. “Well, perhaps you’ll like him?” He offers.

She tosses him a frustrated look, “I don’t want to like him.”

“Now you’re just being stubborn.”

She whirls to face him, “I’ve made my choice. I made it years ago.”

Rex sighs, soft and slow, “Princess,” His voice is so softly pained, “I’m not an option. You know that.”

Her lower lip juts out and she lifts her chin defiantly, “I don’t care.”

“Princess,”

“I love you!”

Rex pauses and his heart swells with affection for the woman standing in front of him. He glances around and, upon seeing that they’re alone, he takes a step closer to her and brings his hand up to cup her face, “I know you do.”

There’s something almost panicked in her gaze, “And you love me?”

His smile spreads, “More than I can put into words.”

The panic settles into something a little steadier, and Rex lightly brushes his thumb across her painted lower lip, “Then why won’t you fight for us?”

“We always knew that this was going to happen, cyar’ika.” Rex murmurs, the familiar endearment falling from his lips without thought. “That someday you would be claimed by someone else, and that I would lose you.”

“No.”

She says it so firmly that Rex almost believes her. But then, she’s always been so sure that they would find a way to be them, even within the constraints of the laws.

“Cyar’ika,” Rex pauses, “Princess,” He corrects, “Maybe it would be best to end things before you lose everything.” It’ll break his heart, but he won’t stand here and watch her throw away everything that she has a right to because she was fool enough to fall in love with a lowborn knight.

The panic returns to her face, “Are you breaking up with me?” Her voice is small, fragile sounding almost, and Rex wants to kick himself. He knows, better than most, how his cyar’ika views herself. And why she’d view a breakup as a form of abandonment.

Rex presses his other hand to her cheek, “No. I said that I should.”

Confusion slides across her face, “Rex?”

“I should let you go.” He murmurs, “You might find happiness with your betrothed. But I don’t want to.”

“I won’t be happy with anyone who isn’t you.” She announces as she presses her hands over his.

For some reason, her announcement surprises him. Never mind that he already knew that. Never mind that he thinks the same thing.

He’s still shocked to hear her say it.

Slowly, he leans in and presses his forehead against hers, and a small smile lifts his lips when he feels her warm breath against his face.

Stars, he really does love her so much. 

Maybe he can talk himself into her guard after she gets married, that way they won’t be separated. And it’s not like she would be the first Queen who had a low-born lover after getting married.

It’s a horrible idea. And Rex knows it.

But he also knows that watching her ride off into the sunset with her betrothed will destroy him.

She leans in and catches his lips with hers, and Rex surges into the kiss, one of his hands moving to tangle in her hair as he adjusts her head to deepen the kiss.

He smiles into the kiss as she almost becomes boneless against him, her soft hands lightly gripping the plates of his armor to try and pull herself closer to him. She breaks the kiss before he does, her eyes closed and a small smile on her face.

She looks happy. Content.

He’d sell his soul to keep her smiling like that.

She opens her eyes and favors him with the warmest smile he’s ever seen, “Cyare?”

Slowly she reaches up and traces his lips, “I think I have an idea, Rex.”

Rex eyes her, doubtfully, “A good idea?”

Her smile widens, “Trust me.”

He watches her for a moment, and then sighs, “As if you have to ask,” Rex leans in and kisses her one more time, and then pulls away from her. It wouldn’t do for anyone to catch him kissing her, after all.

Rex doesn’t see much of his cyare for the next couple of weeks, a fact that makes him unbearably anxious. He knows that the wedding hasn’t happened, as there’s no way that he would miss that, but the constant meetings between his cyare, her brother, and her betrothed don’t bode well for his relationship.

When he does see her again, he’s a bit surprised.

Well, ‘a bit’ is something of an understatement.

The truth is, he almost doesn’t recognize her when she comes running up to him. She has a bright smile on her pretty face and her hair, normally pulled into a series of intricate braids, hangs loose around her head.

And she’s wearing civilian clothes. A tunic and comfortable trousers with boots, rather than the delicate gowns that she’s supposed to wear as princess.

“Princes—” Rex is forced to drop the training mat that he is supposed to be bringing to the salles when she flings herself into his arms. His arms wrap securely around her, supporting her weight as she wraps her arms around his neck.

She’s giggling as she bumps her nose against his, her grin so broad that it looks like it’s going to crack her face in two.

And, despite the audience, Rex can’t help but smile back at her, her good mood infectious, “Why are you so happy, cyare?” He murmurs.

“My brother has canceled my betrothal,”

“He did wha—”

Her hands come up to cup his face, “He’s also rewritten the laws, I am free to marry anyone I choose. And if the council of old people have a problem with it, they can take it up with him and his sword.”

“Cyare, what—?”

“My brother is going to marry my former betrothed,” She continues, “As it happens, my brother is more his type.” Her fingers slide over his short hair, “And, to keep the throne in the family, my firstborn child will be named heir.”

Rex stares at her, wide-eyed, and then a slow smile crosses his face, “So, that means—”

“—nothing is stopping us from being together.” She finishes.

That’s all Rex needs to hear as he crashes his lips against hers, no longer caring about their audience. Needing her as close as he can get her.

Looks like he’ll actually have a use for that ring he’s saved up for after all.

[lovezbrownies]

Jealous? (Chief of Police Yan x GN!Reader)

Masterlist

Grim Ludenhart x Reader

Synopsis: Grim boy gets a wee bit jealous!

You and your boyfriend of 7 months have been walking around a commercial district of the city for the past 30 minutes, stopping by any shop that managed to catch your attention, Grim buying anything he saw you stare at for more than 5 seconds.

"Oh honey, look at that shop, maybe you'd like something there." Grim pointed out one of the various shops along your walk. Seems like he knew you better than yourself because you did see some interesting things you'd like to look at. "You're right, can we look at it?" You looked up at the man you've been holding onto the entire walk, and see the soft adoring look he had on his face. The way he looked at you always made you feel special.

Grim turned towards the shop, ready to lead you with him. "Of course, you see th-" A loud ringing sounded off his phone, his peace has been destroyed, his face soured, and his body tensed. Grim took out his phone only to see it was one of his subordinates, one of the few people he allows to bypass the Do not Disturb setting on his device. He was about to decline but you grabbed his wrist, halting his very move.

"It's okay answer they need you, I'll be in the shop, take your time, honey." You tiptoed and pulled his face down and left him with a kiss on the cheek. You departed from him as he answered the call, you saw something that got your attention so you head towards it within the shop. Once you entered the quaint shop you slowly made your way down the few aisles of the shop. You grabbed something to look at it closer, but then you felt someone from behind.

You turned around just in time as the man who snuck up on you spoke up, "That's a very good piece, my grandda made it a while back, no one really appreciates the type of vision the elderly has." You guessed this was the shop owner or their son at least, he wasn't as tall as Grim and he wasn't as well built as Grim, the man in front of you looked a year or two younger than you.

You smiled back at him, nodded, put the item back, and continued on your onslaught. There was this fox ceramic piece that made you think of your cute overworked boyfriend. You turned back towards the Shopkeeper. "How much is this one?" He smiled at you, slightly creeped you out how much he keeps staring deeply into you but you can move on, you wanted to buy something for your boyfriend this time so you kept your thoughts to yourself.

"Hm, about 2 gold piece, but for you I can make it 15 silver pieces." What a bargain! "If you go on a date with me." Ah. Of course. Nothing can ever go your way can it. He took your silence as a sign of how suave and cool he was so he got closer to you. You obviously panicked, stepping away from the weird guy who barely know you but wanted to date you.

"Ah, sorry no I'm, uh, taken. My boyfriend's standing out there, if you just um look..." You stammered and got increasingly nervous as you walk backwards and he would follow you two steps ahead, "Aw, come on, you don't have to lie. It's okay people our age need to date around so let's just do one teeny date..." What neither of you noticed was the bell ringing because of someone entering while you were trying to tell the shopkeeper that you were taken.

You bumped into a shelf full of books and trinkets; you were cornered, you were stuck here with a weirdo-- Or you though you were. "What the fuck are you doing." A strong stern voice sounded from behind the young man. You let out a sigh of relief realizing your knight in shining armor had arrived, your amazing boyfriend is here!

The shopkeeper turned around, shifting his attention to the person who ruined his attempt at courting the cute thing in front of him. What the shopkeeper didn't expect was the large brooding frame of the Chief of Police looking down at him as if he was just some common bug. "I-I-. Ahem, sorry if it looked bad! Haha! Just friends playing around, uh, nothing to worry about!" That statement only made Grim growl in anger.

Grim grabbed at the shopkeeper's collar, using one hand he pulled the moron away from his sweet darling. "Wrong. You're bothering my significant other." The young man chuckled nervously, he looked back towards where you were supposed to be but didn't see you, when he looked back towards the man that's about to smash his skull open the boy saw you standing nearby behind the Chief.

The shopkeeper pointed at you, "Haha! N-no! I- We were j-just playing around, r-right?" Grim looked back at you, you looked scared, a look Grim had never seen on you before, which only succeeded in enraging him even more. Grim looked back towards the moron. "Fucking watch yourself, freak. Sleep with one eye open, I will ruin your life, your reputation, I will hunt you down. I will kill you if I feel like it. You have no life after this."

Most of that was lowly whispered to the boy, ensuring you won't hear a single part of it so you wouldn't get any more scared than you should. Grim pushed the man away, the shopkeeper fell right on his ass. Grim turned back toward you, poor darling, scared because of some lowlife roach. "Come on, sweetheart." The softness of his voice speaking to was vastly different to the way he spoke to the shopkeeper, and you felt... special yet again. You were happy he was yours, and you were his.

You were grateful that the next morning was still a weekend, because you knew he'd make love to you endlessly to reassure you that he will always love you dearly.

[ascendanttarot]

PAC: Reassuring Messages From The Universe

Hi everyone! I have a feeling some people may need a pick-me-up at the moment hence why I made this reading. I think this may be my longest reading so far! There will be signs listed before to ensure the message is for you. If you resonate with one or more signs, that is meant to be your reading. At the end, each pile will also have a quote and channelled song to listen to that resonates with your reading. The specific lyrics that I heard are listed below the title. :)

Please remember your fate is not set in stone so your answers may change depending on the actions you take and will take if you please. Tarot is not a substitute for professional advice. The images I’ve used are not mine.

From left to right, Pile 1, 2 & 3.

Pile 1

Signs:

You may be a Lana Del Rey fan, or at least have one of her songs be your one of your favourite songs

You may be really creative. Specifically, I see most of you here are artists because I just saw an image of someone’s hand covered in paint like a make-shift palette to find the right colour, or someone wiping away excess paint on their skin

You may be left-handed. To be honest, this kind of relates back to the art thing because I just heard someone swearing because their pencil sketches were smudged by their hand again lol

You are a ride-or-die friend. I’m not picking up any signs that the people who picked this pile could be ‘low maintenance friends’ because all I could feel was a loyal and passionate heart, particularly towards their friends

Okay this is an odd message but some of you here are DEHYDRATED, like you’re not even thirsty anymore this is beyond that. Please drink some water if you haven’t at all today

Back to music here, but do some of you spend hours making playlists? I just saw someone using a lot of their free time to curate playlists. I even saw some of you here like making playlists for specific people

Another weird message here but I just smelled crayons, so I’m interpreting this in a few different ways: you may be connected to your inner child, or you may work with children/have plans to work with children, or you would like to be a parent/are a parent

Your Cards: The Emperor, Knight of Cups rx, Page of Wands rx, Justice rx, The Star, 10 of Pentacles

Your Reading:

Okay, the first thing I heard while looking at these cards were the words, “Lost time” and I think that sums up half of your reading quite well.

The cards show that at the beginning of this particular situation, you felt like you were fully in your power. A very Mars-dominant energy to be in, or an Aries energy to be in wherein you felt like you could take on anything. It’s like this was a time when your confidence was at an all-time high about yourself, but also about something. For most of you, this ‘something’ was a project. For some of you, this could be a relationship. The point is, this was something in your life you felt was given to you like you’ve waited for this and finally you’ve got it, but that hope didn’t last.

As we moved on, I felt heavy feelings of frustration. Like you were ready to spring into action but something or someone else was telling you to wait, like they were stringing you along. At the back of your mind, you knew you were being taken advantage of, but you decided to stick with it anyway. I just heard, “It’s worth it.” So maybe this was something you wanted for so long that you felt like you had to stick to it because you couldn’t see how another opportunity could be better than this. I’m really sensing this was a career move for some of you here. Maybe some of you were promised a promotion but you didn’t get it. Maybe some of you were given false hope by a higher-up that this project idea of yours would be taken seriously, but you just had to wait for the right time.

And these people kept giving you excuses. If this were a relationship, I could sense that maybe this was someone who you thought would be ready to fully commit to a relationship, but they never ended up being mature enough to make that decision. It could even be a platonic relationship, and this person wanted you and them to be more casual friends, but you were ready to be a ride-or-die as I’ve stated in the signs above. The overwhelming feeling here is that you got the shorter end of the stick.

But, of course, this doesn’t last. The universe is trying to tell you that if you were broken down before and were able to build yourself back up again, then you can do that now. For most of you, I feel you’ve already left this situation and are worried that this was a mistake, and that you shouldn’t have left in the first place, but the cards are saying otherwise.

Your hope was burned out because of what you’ve gone through. You’ve sacrificed your hope and your sense of self, but the next chapter of your life won’t ask you to do that anymore. If anything, this new chapter will nurture all of those traits you have always felt were intrinsically part of who you are.

If this were a relationship, you’d probably take a break from dating for a while, but your friendships will be a cornucopia of love and support, with new and old friends alike. If this was a job or project, a new opportunity will not only cause success, but stable success. The universe is giving you the new direction you need. “One door closes so the other one opens.”

Thank you for letting me be your reader, Pile 1!

Your Channelled Song: Let The Light In by Lana Del Rey and Father John Misty

“Put the Beatles on, light the candles, go back to bed”

“Put the TV on and the flowers in a vase, lie your head”

“Ooh, let the light in

At your back door yelling 'cause I wanna come in

Ooh, turn your light on

Look at us, you and me back at it again”

Pile 2

Signs:

You may be a blunt and direct person, and you may have even gotten in trouble for this in the past. Really, I could sense you’re just a BS detector. I also saw someone rolling their eyes and saying “C’mon, talk to me straight I’ve got things to do!” haha!

I just heard ‘homebody’, so I feel like plenty of introverts have picked this pile!

You may be the sarcastic, unintentionally funny friend. If you know you know. But to specify I saw someone in a group setting saying something like “I hate half of the people in this room/I didn’t want to go—I got dragged here by my friends, please don’t talk to me” and someone laughing because they didn’t think you were serious (You were)

You’ve got a dry/witty sense of humour when you do try to make a joke intentionally, but either no one gets it, or it may be a touch too dark for their taste (Nothing problematic though!)

I got tempted to swear so many times writing out these signs so you may swear a lot. Like sometimes, if you’re in a professional environment you may find it difficult to filter out your words because of how automatic it is for you

I also feel like you’re really articulate. The first word I actually thought to describe your humour was ‘sardonic’ and I wasn’t even sure what that word meant so I can guarantee you that did not come from my mind (Yes, I had to Google the meaning)

For astrological signs, you may have Scorpio and/or Virgo in your chart. Possibly a stellium. With how active your mind is coming through in this reading and how much communication is highlighted in this section, I would not be surprised if your dominant planet is Mercury, or if you have many aspects involving that planet in your chart

Your Cards: The Hermit rx, 2 of Cups, 5 of Swords, 2 of Swords rx, King of Wands

Your Reading: Pile 2, please don’t get mad, but when I opened up to your energy, I was expecting a different message than what I delivered right now. I was ready to get serious, to go into deep waters and dive face first. But when I saw the cards… I may or may not have audibly giggled.

Not in a bad way! Hear me out before you scroll, I promise I’m saying this with the same fondness as a best friend, but pile 2, I know you’ve been in hermit mode for a while and are very comfortable staying there, but the universe isn’t really going to let that slide. For most of you, I could see you not wanting to go out but being pushed to do so by a friend. For some of you, you’ve even been convinced by some of your close friends to go on blind dates or new places to meet people in general, and you go but you really don’t want to.

The message here is clear: You’re going to meet someone new. For most of you, this will be a romantic partnership. For my aromantic folks or my readers who are simply not at all interested in romance, this will be a platonic relationship. Whatever this is, I could specifically see one person here coming out of nowhere and earnestly offering you love or friendship with respectful persistence, you wouldn’t even know what to do with them at first. I think a lot of you here have closed yourself off, not to your pre-existing close relationships, but to new people. This person is going to test that wall you’ve built around yourself and despite how much you try to intimidate them, they are not going away. Think of someone with ‘golden retriever’ vibes, which is funny because as I was tapping into your energy I got ‘black cat’ vibes from you. (I just heard, “The Arthur to my Merlin” and “The Gwen to my Morgana” whether platonically or romantically doesn’t matter, but wow, do I have some Merlin fans/old Merlin viewers in this pile)

In all seriousness though, I don’t think you have this boundary up for no reason. I’m seeing a very specific message of someone in the past that you used to trust no longer being in your life because they’ve done you wrong. This could possibly even be a betrayal of trust? Like you told them a secret, but they shared it with one person, and it quickly spread through word-of-mouth. The severing of that relationship was as fast as the betrayal done by the other person.

This made you more guarded towards newer people in your life. But also, I could see this even had a domino effect making you wary of new experiences and environments too because you’re scared you’ll meet a new person that way.  The universe is saying this past relationship has clouded your judgment and will cloud your judgment when you meet this new person. What you don’t realise is that this person could actually be good for you if you take a chance. Some of you may be worried about co-dependency. The universe is actually saying that a relationship like this will actually make you more independent, and this is because this person is emotionally mature enough to actually commit. They’ll give, you’ll take. You’ll give, they’ll take. It feels like two people who genuinely see each other as equals, and therefore respect each other as such. Their commitment and genuine belief in you will make you a more confident person in the future, but more importantly, you’ll be bolder in your choices in life. You’ll grow to have a brave heart that other people will appreciate in you, and that you’ll appreciate in yourself. “Fortune favours the bold.”

Thank you for letting me be your reader, Pile 2!

Your Channelled Song: King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men

“We won’t run, and we won’t run, and we won’t run”

“I’ll be here to hold your hand”

“'Cause you're my king and I'm your lionheart”

Pile 3

Signs:

Your sun sign may be an earth sign or an air sign. I also feel like some people who picked this pile may be a Leo rising or have a Leo Midheaven, but more on the Leo rising actually

I feel like some of you here may have curly hair

You may be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community

You prefer winter palettes over lighter and pastel colours for your clothes. I’m not getting a specific style but the colours here are striking. Either an all-black outfit but with the same shade of black making you appear more put together, or someone wearing jewel-toned colours like emerald green or a very striking purple

You may like wearing statement pieces. I saw this image of you in someone else’s point of view, admiring a watch you always wear or commenting on how they know you’ve just been in the room because they smelled your perfume. Picture this, someone walks into an office and just says, “Was pile 3 here—actually, you don’t need to answer that I know they were here.” And the other person who doesn’t know you getting really confused so they clarify by saying, “Oh, I know they were here because they’re the only one in this building that wears (insert fragrance here)”

Some of you here may have a ritual of listening to music in the morning while you’re getting ready to hype yourself up. All genres are coming up right now, (No, seriously. It went from Gangsta’s Paradise to successful by Ariana Grande songs to It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)) but what unifies these songs together is that it’s there to put you in a good mood in the morning

You may be interested in working for yourself by either starting a new business or working your way to the top. Highly ambitious energy coming from this pile, but in all the best ways possible; it makes your energy infectious. Yes. That word specifically. Just a really great energy to be around

Your Cards: 5 of Wands, 3 of Pentacles, 8 of Swords, High Priestess, The Star (clarified by 3 of Cups)

Your Reading:

Okay, I want to preface this reading by saying that this pile feels similar to pile 1. You may not have had the same circumstances, but the arc is similar, so if you are attracted to pile 1, feel free to read it as a supplementary reading after this.

There’s a very clear energy here that you may have had a falling out with people in your life. This could be a group of co-workers, friends, or even family members. There was chaos surrounding your previous situation and you felt like people were constantly at each other’s throats. If it was not as aggressive as this, it is possible that at the very least you were in an environment you did not feel safe. I think these people showed their true colours, so to speak, and it made you realise how you shouldn’t have trusted certain individuals involved. The thing is though, I can feel you being an outsider in this situation. Like from the start of all of this, you made it clear to everyone you did not want to get involved. I literally just heard, “Get over yourself.” from this pile, so maybe some of you here may even feel that people were blowing up a whole pile of nothing, and/or that they all needed to act more maturely about the situation. I also feel like one person may have taken something personally when they shouldn’t and that could’ve made you particularly frustrated because you felt this person missed the point completely.

I could see that you tried providing counsel to try to smooth things out, but no one listened. This was your last straw. You left or will leave this situation and the universe applauds you for doing so. I think a lot of people in this situation had a victim complex. This is not a judgment on them, it’s simply a message that they have a lot of unhealed wounds they need to work on. You didn’t stand by this though, and this led to you making your boundaries clear and cutting yourself off completely. For some of you, this may be a temporary situation (I heard, “Fix this or don’t bother coming back.”) but for most of you, this may be a temporary step away from these people.

The universe saw that you trusted your gut and left and are rewarding you as such. I think you have a logical mind and are not used to making decisions intuitively, but this all happened because you did what felt right, and this show of trust is going to lead to positive effects.

For the people who picked this pile, I’m getting a strong message that your intuition is a muscle, and that’s true for most people but it’s especially true for yourself. I think you’ll be asked to make more quick decisions in the next phase of your life, Some decisions have larger consequences than others, but most will be small and trivial decisions such as, “Which café should I visit today?”. Before you might’ve picked the familiar or logical option, but now you’re allowing more spontaneity in your life, and this may even surprise you a little bit. I just heard one of your friends saying, “But you always go there!” and seeing you shrug before saying, “Well, I’m in the mood to try something new.”

This will reward you with a new sense of self. The 3 of cups traditionally has a more social meaning, like friends who see each other as equals coming together to celebrate, but for you, I could see this as different sides of yourself finally living in harmony with one another. With all of that stress gone, you’ll finally have the chance to recognise how deeply complex and interesting you are, and you’ll do so with an acceptance you may have not known you needed. “To know myself is to love myself.”

Thank you for letting me be your reader, Pile 3!

Your Channelled Song: “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” by Tame Impala

“I can just hear them now

"How could you let us down?"”

“Two sides of me can't agree”

“Feel like a brand new person… I don’t care I’m in love”

[raayllum]

We don't appreciate Soren's batshit evolving view of Rayla (and Rayllum enough) tbh.

Think about it: you're Soren. Your dad and sister tell you the princes you were sworn to protect got kidnapped by a Moonshadow elf (some of whom you just fought, killed, and watched your fellow crownguard be killed by). You never met her and never saw the encounter in the dungeons that Claudia did, so you have no reason to doubt this. Then your dad gives you a mission that curdles your stomach and you find yourself more than half hoping that elf has just killed the boys because that means you don't have to dirty your hands and have plausible deniability of your own and your dad's involvement in all of this.

Then you find the Moonshadow elf and she's young. Younger than you. Asleep; it feels wrong. But then it's a trick and she's got the momentary upper hand! She's talented. She's sarcastic(?) and pretty. She's dead meat—

Then Callum runs in, in front of your raised sword, and defends her. He says she's his friend. He says she's a good elf. (How can that be possible?) He says you have to learn to put aside your differences. Your brain is breaking. You assume nothing will change in the morning. And then the weirdest thing is that the elf has the same reaction to your sister and Callum flirting as you do, a big ugh. What's up with that?

You speculate about Moonshadow madness and lie about the king, and the elf gives you an Intense Look that, unfortunately, is not because she's hot and talented, but because she's suspicious. She looks after Ezran like he's her own little brother. When she tricks you guys, again, it's just her on the ground and the princes safely on the stupid moon bird.

Then you don't see her again until it's raining, and she's shown up seemingly of nowhere to save this dumb monstrous dragon. She can't cut the chains and she's outnumbered. An easy prize. Claudia tells you not to kill her because she might be useful. You haven't really made up your mind about it when—

Callum is there in the rain, following after her like a good loyal knight of his own. Callum does dark magic. You wonder if this was the plan all along or not, since the elf doesn't look happy about it. In her your periphery you see her run to him anyway once the dragon is freed. Then it smashes you into the rocks, and everything gets fuzzy.

You don't see her again until at least a week and a half later at the Storm Spire. Ezran calls for both of them (are they always a package deal) and they come running. They exchange wary looks as you give explanations. You can hear their voices, dimly, in the queen's antechamber while you play a game of chase with Ezran and the Dragon Prince. Callum looks to her when you ask to speak and she gives you an eye-roll of permission. Her name is Rayla. She thinks you're more than just a big dump lump (compliment). And maybe you wonder if she's a little more than a friend to Callum as she takes his hand and squeezes, watching Ezran fly off into the night. Maybe you don't.

But they're not holding hands when you find them the next morning so it's fine to interrupt, and you don't know for sure they're a thing until everything is said and done—until you learn that not only is Callum more than over your sister, he flung himself off the top of that tall tall mountain to catch Rayla without even knowing the spell would work.

It's intense and overwhelming to the point you might worry about it if she didn't also look at him like he hung the stars, holding hands in front of the Dragon Queen—on the way back home to Katolis. Ezran gives you pieces of whatever Callum's told him, that Rayla needs a new home. That she got banished.

Every time you're with her at the castle it's a group activity, like sparring or dinner. She doesn't open up easily, even if she's softer—more awkward. You learn that her people like dancing and not much else. Ez and Callum are both very protective of her, Callum especially. She sleeps in a lot. She seems lost. You come along to the Moon Nexus because your king is going, and when Rayla finally asks to talk with you one-on-one, it's because she's chasing answers about your father, and an elf you think she might consider family.

You help Callum and Allen rebuild the Moon Nexus. You don't know what it's for till she's under the water (you don't know that she's scared of water) and Callum is kneeling at the shoreline like he's going to lose his mind with every second that she doesn't surface. The weird Moon lady says your mind will be shattered, that you can be stuck there between life and death forever. Ezran helps Callum dive beneath the waves anyway. It's one of the longest hours of your life, waiting there—because Rayla was brave enough to do what you couldn't, in looking after the boys, and you still have so much to make up for with Callum (plus, Opeli will kill you if you don't come back with the crown prince).

Finally, as the sky begins ever so slightly to lighten, you help drag them out of the water. Callum embraces her—"I couldn't lose you"—like he's never going to let go. Rayla hugs him back just as tight before she kisses him sweetly. You think you'll have to try and entertain Ez tomorrow to give them some privacy, a bit, for Callum's birthday tomorrow.

Rayla is gone in the morning. You don't even hear about what happened from him; Ezran tells you, eyes rimmed in red. Gone without a trace in the middle of the night, leaving only a letter and promises of love behind.

Something bristles inside you; at least your mother had the decency to say goodbye.

Callum is miserable on the way back to Katolis. He doesn't sleep. He doesn't eat. He lasts three weeks before he gets angry, and you never knew his temper could be that bad. He goes off to Xadia to search guided by his wings, and brought back by the cold every few weeks or so, continually empty handed. Opeli grounds him (literally); his mood worsens as snow thickens.

You take the brunt of his anger without complaint, because you is also smirking and good with a sword and worried about Viren, and because Callum took the brunt of your projection and resentment and jealousy for years. You can handle a few months.

It is not just a few months. Callum gets worse, and then, slowly, after the first anniversary of her being gone, he gets better. It means less shouting, but also less of him—he spends more hours locked away in your father's old study, throwing more and more of himself into magic. You remind yourself that it's okay. It's just primal magic.

(Surely, Callum got rid of your father's old dark magic books. Why would he keep them?)

Another year passes. You're upset at Rayla for leaving, for how much she upset both the boys, for how miserable Callum has been. At the same time, you want her to return, not only for their happiness, but for your peace of mind, because if she does, it'll either be with her mission successful and your family vanquished for good, or because there was nothing to find. She might even have information about Claudia.

Then she does show up, and Callum can barely look at her. He brings the mirror to the Storm Spire. When he falls, Rayla catches him. When he retreats to the Pinnacle, she follows, and you interrupt. You protest in the Drakewood, because your father told you that you had to carry burdens alone and that never did anyone good, and Callum lays down distance that feels strange and exclusionary. When Rayla is standoffish amongst the trees, you critique her—over your younger brother figure, but also over the dragon. You don't know how she's become so changed (how she could leave the same way your mother did).

The next time you see her, she's radiantly happy you're alive and gone just as quickly. Then Callum pulls her from the rubble after one heart wrenching moment, because Callum when she was just gone was rough enough, but a Callum when she's dead is awful to imagine, and—

You watch him forgive her in every way that matters. He stays with her at the castle even as you go off with Ezran and Corvus to do important dragon stuff, and holds her hand as they climb out of the water. He gets madder than you've ever seen him when Finnegrin torments her. You watch him do the impossible first hand to save her life.

You watch him offer to get out of the water, to delay the mission, when she's too scared to. (You didn't even know she was scared of water.) You embrace both of them when everything is said and done, once Callum has nearly fallen over in his haste to just hold her hand.

You still, at the end of the day, don't know Rayla that well—bits and pieces to construct a fragmented but real view of someone who's bold and beautiful and brave and kind, but snarky and judgemental and prone to leaving, too. Balanced, even if it's not deep.

But Callum's love for her? It's as deep as the ocean, and that's kinda what matters most.

[omegaversecurse]

Chapter Two: Teyvat Tales of a Creator God

This is quite long- so if you want to read it on ao3 it's there under the same name!

I was yanked out of this bliss suddenly by the sound of screaming. We were sleeping inside the big hut when we were abruptly awoken by the sound of someone yelling in distress.

The hillichurls ran out of the hut, ready to fight, while I held onto the little Hillichurl shaking in fear. The sounds of battle were horrifying as I listened to the hillichurls and the invaders fight. When I heard the scream of a hillichurl and the crackle of electricity I was knocked out of the stupor. And after putting my friend down, I ran outside ready to defend the hillichurls.

I picked up a club leftover and raised it ready to attack. Before I could though, the person turned and paled. 

“Your grace?” She said, and now it was my turn to pale. I froze, before feeling my arm being tugged on by a hillichurl. I started backing up, being pulled along outside the camp. 

While I was walking back I tripped on a club and fell backwards, having the wind knocked out of me.

A face looked down at me, a boy with goggles and white hair…

“Bennett?” I said. His face lit up, and he started to reach for me, before I rolled out of the way and pulled myself up. After I got up, I realized where the electricity sounds were coming from.

A boy in a cloak had a giant purple wolf above him, ready to attack a mitachurl. My eyes narrowed, and I yelled as loud as I could-

“Stop!” And he turned. “What are you doing! We weren’t hurting anybody!” I screamed. 

He turned and tilted his head in confusion, like a dog, before approaching. 

“Hello? Are you in danger?” he asked. “In danger! In danger! Yes I’m in danger! Three strangers just barged in and started attacking my friends!”

“Friends?” He said inquisitively. “Hillichurls are friends?” He said, before Bennett approached him and whispered in his ear.

I couldn’t catch what Bennett told him, and I was approached by the girl and her bird. Getting a closer look at her revealed I was talking to Fischl, and the other boy was Razor. 

“The Prinzessin de Velertrung must ask you to come with us, with all due honor to your position, as we would bring you to your rightful place,”

I scowled. “No thank you,” I said, “I am happy right where I am,”

“The Prinzessin insists to bring yourself to the order of the Favonius Knights, although if you cannot travel, we can bring a coalition of the most honored to this place to transport you,” 

My eyes widened in horror. If I didn’t go with them would the knights show up to finish off my friends?! It only took a second to make my decision. I couldn’t bring the knights to my friends. 

“Fine, I will go with you,” I said, with all the venom I could muster. Fischl beamed, and Razor and Bennett approached behind me. My hands were shaking, and I exhaled in resignation. I was about to leave before the little Hillichurl tugged on my clothing. 

The sight of them brought tears to my eyes, and I kneeled and gave them a big hug. 

“Take care of yourself, okay,” I told them, before rising and patting his head. As the group of adventurers guided me out, I looked back and gave a teary smile to the hillichurls who housed me. 

—

As we walked, I kept my head down while the adventures conversed. “Maybe my luck is turning around!” Bennett said. “I can’t believe we found them!” He told Razor.

My nose wrinkled in disgust. How could they possibly be so excited while they lead me to a city that would kill me. When I finally looked up, I saw the city of Mondstat in all of its glory. I paused, looking at how amazing it looked in person. Before realizing this city would be my tomb.

I continued walking, getting more and more shaky the farther we walked. As we crossed the bridge, The pigeons started flocking towards me. For the first time since I started walking, I smiled. They were so cute, and I started regretting the attacks against them I made in the game.

“Okay- Okay- get off,” I said laughing slightly from the affectionate pecks I was given. Maybe my body would be left out for them to eat- I thought morbidly. 

As we continued walking to the gates, a knight approached us, and said,

“We can take it from here-“

“The Prinzessin and her colleagues were the ones to find them, and thus we will deliver her to the acting Grandmaster of the honorable order of the knights,” Fischl said, staring down the knight. After a brief moment of tension, he nodded and let us into the city. 

As we entered, there were whispers of the townspeople around us, and it seemed the whole world paused to watch us. My mood only got worse, and the sky began to darken. 

As I was led up to the doors of the knights headquarters, I scowled. Razor knocked on Jeans office door, and opened the door.

“Yes?” Jean asked, frustrated, with obvious eyebags. 

“You’ll never believe who we found! Bennett said excitedly, before I was led in. Jean looked up, and I noticed that Lisa and Venti were also there. They looked at me wide eyed.

My eyes tracked from those three in panic, and I started shaking harder. My throat began tightening up and tears entered my eyes again. As I backed up in fear, hyperventilating at my impending doom, I ran into someone.

They wrapped their arms around me, as I began to panic writhe. My struggling led to us falling to the floor, and I was sobbing hysterically.

“Shh- shh- shh-“ the voice whispered in my ears. “Follow my breathing alright,” he said. “Deep breath in, hold, and out-“ and then he repeated the instructions until I followed. His hands stroked my hair comfortingly, and when I looked up, I saw the room kneeling and looking at me worryingly.

“Your grace-“ Jean said, “are you alright?”

“Get it over with-“ I snarled. “Just kill me already” 

“Kill you?” Venti said. “We would never bring harm to you.” I blinked. Were they not going to kill me? Was the fan fiction I read wrong?

“Hold on- did you think the whole time we brought you here we were going to kill you?” Bennett said. 

“Why else would you drag me away from my friends?” I asked.

“The hillichurls were not worthy to gaze at your visage!” Fischl said. “We must bring you to your rightful place!” 

Razor nodded in agreement. 

Venti looked on with a sour expression on his face. “What?” I asked him. 

“My ire is not directed to my eye’s purest fruit- merely the sinner who follows suit…”

“Sinner- do you mean Kaeya? Why would you be mad at Kaeya for helping me?”

“No one but your retainers are allowed to touch you, your grace- it is a rule set in place to ensure your protection and prosperity, for someone to dare touch you, and continue holding you in such a matter is a grave sin,” Jean said, more serious than I���ve ever seen him. 

“Okaaay… and that means…”

“The punishment for such a crime is to greet mortality, so they do not taint divinity,”

My mouth fell open in shock. First of all Venti was far from the carefree bard I’m used to. Second, they just said that they are going to kill Kaeya, I looked to Jean and Lisa for some sort of confirmation, and saw Jean looking down, almost teary, and Lisa consoling her with a hand on her shoulder. 

I scowled. “You're not killing Kaeya,” I said firmly. “I will not allow it,”

Venti tilted his head, and said, “The divine rules cannot be forsaken, be reasonable your grace, do not let yourself be tainted by the words of-“

“I don’t care, you’re not killing Kaeya,” 

“It is not up to you,” he said firmly, as the group watched our standoff.

I sighed, how to get out of this… It took me a moment to realize the solution, but when I did I smirked,

“You say only my retainers can touch me right… well Kaeya is my retainer so it’s allowed, thus negating the crimes you allege against him,”

Venti gave a tense smile. “Clever wins as clever does, a Goddess of Grass is sending her love”

Venti then sighed, “I suppose I should be glad I don’t have to carry out my divine duties- good job with that wit, you’ll certainly need it.” 

I blinked in shock. I won? The entire room also seemed to be under the same stupor. Kaeya squeezed my hand. I turned to him, and he brought it up to his lips and kissed it, “Thank you,” he murmured. Venti then decided to take his leave- out the window…

“What- what’s his problem?” I asked, confused.

Jean grimaced and replied, “I’m not entirely sure- but I do know when he feels he has to carry out an archon duty as opposed to a Venti one, he ends up… odd? Although this is also the most serious I’ve seen him. “

It was a momentary pause, before I heard someone’s stomach rumbling. 

“Sorry, heh- I guess I’m hungrier than I thought” Bennett said. Oh right, In all the drama I almost forgot about them. 

“Feel free to go eat,” I said, “And… if it’s alright with you, I’d like to join you,”

“Dinner with you! I knew my luck was turning around!” Bennett said excitedly.

“If I may-“ Jean said hesitantly, “It might be best to eat within the Cathedral, it has been fortified in preparation for your arrival,”

“That’s alright with me,” I said, “You good with that Bennett?” 

He nodded enthusiastically, and I started to push myself up, before Kaeya stood and helped me up,

“Thanks” I said, grateful for his help, he nodded in recognition, before opening the door for me and Bennett,

When everyone else stayed in the office, I questioned “Does anyone else want to join us,” which caused Fischl to beam excitedly. Pulling Razor along to join us. 

With that, they exited and formed a sort of huddle around me and Kaeya, who grabbed my hand as we exited the building. The knights at the doors gave us a nod before opening them, walking out into the sun, I noticed how much more beautiful Mondstat seemed when I knew I wasn’t about to die. 

As we made our way up the church steps, I noticed I was getting tired quicker than the rest of the party. The group noticed my huffing and puffing, and stopped for a moment,

“You- okay?” Razor asked, 

“Yeah, just- a lot of steps” I said in between breaths,

He nodded, and the rest of the group waited for me to catch my breath, before we continued. When we reached the top, I noticed Barbara waiting for us, practically vibrating in excitement. 

“Your grace!” She exclaimed, almost as if she didn’t believe I was here,

“Barbara!” I replied, happy to see my team's resident healer. She led us into the Cathedral and as I was walking up I noticed the giant Statue was different than I expected. Instead of Venti it featured me, holding a wind spirit in my palms. Remembering his myths, I figured the spirit was Venti. 

Seeing the inside of the Cathedral was a shock, it was decorated beautifully, with golden accents, and stained glass windows casting rainbows on the floor. 

“Do you like it?” Barbara asked nervously,

I nodded, stunned at the beauty in the room. The game never really did this place justice.

As we went further into the Cathedral, I noticed a feast set up before us, with Rosaria looking over the Nuns preparing it in the shadows. I caught her eye, and she looked stunned that I saw her. 

Kaeya pulled out a chair at the head of the table and motioned for me to sit. 

“How did you get this all done in such a short amount of time?” I asked,

Barbara replied with, “We’ve been prepping for days, and as soon as we saw you enter the city, we began to prepare a feast for you,”

“Thank you,” I said bashfully, “You really didn’t have to go through all that effort,”

Barbara shook her head fervently at this, “Of course we did! It’s not any day that our Grace deigns us worthy to be graced with our presence!” 

I blushed, unused to this sort of attention. When I noticed everyone staring at me, I blinked and said “is there something wrong?” 

“We’re waiting for you to start eating,” Kaeya whispered in my ear, and I ducked my head, embarrassed.

I reached out to grab the nearest dish, something that looked a little like cornbread, with honey drizzled on top. At that, the rest of the party began serving themselves. They still waited for me to take the first bite, but once I did they eagerly dug in.

I ate until I was stuffed, unused to have such good food. When I set my utensils down, I noticed everyone but Razor stopped eating as well, before Fischl subtly kicked his chair and he stopped as well. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion, before Kaeya once again told me, “It’s custom for us to stop eating when you do,”

I pursed my lips, before saying “Please don’t stop on my account, I’d rather everyone eat till they’re full,”

With that, Razor once again dug in, and everyone hesitantly began eating as well. While they were finishing up, my mind wandered to my hillichurl friends. I wonder what they were doing now, and if they were safe. I must’ve sighed, because Barbara came running up and asked,

“Is everything to your liking? If not we can gladly move things around, after all-“

“No, no,” I said, “Everything is great, you’ve done a wonderful job, I’m just worried about my friends,” I said. 

Barbara tilted her head in confusion. “Your friends? Are they alright? Did you meet someone on your journey here?”

“The uh- hillichurls who took care of me before I came here, I’m worried about how they’re doing,” 

“The- hillichurls?” She said questioningly. 

It was Fischl who spoke up and said, “We found her Grace at a hillichurl camp, she was companions with the residents there,” 

Barbara looked ready to faint, but she pulled herself together and nodded with a tight smile, “Of course, your generosity knows no bounds,”

Once everyone was finished eating, I stood and asked, “Is there anywhere I can sleep tonight? I’m rather exhausted from my uh- travels,”

Barbara smiled, recovered from the revelation that I spent time with hillichurls, and nodded, “of course you and your retainer follow me, we have set up a room for you.” I nodded, and Kaeya followed suit, I turned back to say goodbye to everyone, and they responded in turn. 

As we followed her deeper into the cathedral, behind the door I recognized as the place the stored the Holy Lyre, and further beyond that, I was led to a room that was decked out in a beautiful silk canopy, and ornate golden accents. Candlelight illuminated the room. And I noticed a giant tapestry, that had my face on it, as well as a recreation of the statue I saw earlier. 

“And if you look beyond here, you’ll be greeted with a bathroom- we have drawn you a bath, with perfume and oils imported from Sumeru, as well as a glasses of wine for you and your retainer to indulge in,” Barbara said,

“Thank you, this is lovely,” I said,

“It’s the least we could do,” Barbara replied,

“No, you really went above and beyond, I appreciate it,” I said.

Barbara started beaming, and she bowed before skipping off. Kaeya shut the door behind him, and I turned and said, “If it’s alright with you, I think I need a bath, there’s only so much cleaning I can do in a river after all,”

He nodded and chuckled at that, and I went into the bathroom, ready to relax. I noticed the wine glasses sitting on the counter, and said,

“Hey Kaeya, do you want the wine, I’m not going to drink my share,”

He looked at me, almost offended, 

“No wine? Why ever not?” He said, with a hint of teasing in his voice. I didn’t know how to tell him I wasn’t old enough to drink in my home country. I don’t think that’d go over well, especially since I figured Mondstat allowed alcohol at a younger age than America. 

“I- I don’t particularly like to drink,” I replied, “But I know you do, so please feel free,” 

He smiled at this and said, “Don’t mind if I do,” and went to grab the bottle and the accompanying glasses, “Although if you change your mind, I’m always open,” I nodded at this, and I closed the door and began undressing. As I sunk into the bath I sighed. What a long day, I thought. I almost slipped off to dreamland before sitting up with a start. Sleeping in the bath was definitely not recommended, and I quickly washed up before getting out, I noticed a silk set of pajamas for me to change into, and quickly got dressed. 

As I exited I saw Kaeya sipping on his wine casually in the chair in the corner of the room. I walked over to him and asked,

“How’s the wine,”

“Fantastic,” he replied, “I haven’t had wine this good since I was sixteen and broke into Crepus’s special stash,” 

“That’s gooo-“ I said cutting myself off with a yawn. “I’m going to bed, I’m exhausted.” 

With that I turned and lay down on the comfiest bed I ever lied on,

“Good, get some rest,” Kaeya said, “The Liyue delegation will be here tomorrow to take you to your abode,” 

I barely heard him, as I slipped off to sleep. 

—

I awoke with a start, it was dark, the candles long since blown out, and it was almost completely dark within the room. Only the moonlight through the window was shown. 

Kaeya was at my side in an instance, “Are you alright, my dear,” he said, I blinked, was I alright? I didn’t expect to wake up so suddenly, and I was shaking. It must’ve been a bad dream, but I had no memory of it.

“I- I- I- think I’m fine,” I said, unsure, “I’m going to try to go back to bed,” I muttered. Kaeya looked at me, as if trying to discern whether or not I was telling the truth. 

“Alright-“ he eventually sighed, “But if you need anything, just ask,” I nodded, fully intending to go back to sleep. 

Try as I might though, I couldn’t. I tossed and turned, but it felt as if I was missing something. Before I slept just fine, too tired to care, but now? I noticed the distinct lack of Hillichurls around me that I was used to. The cold damp feeling that came with being in a stone building. The comfort of the bed, when I just spent days laying on a floor with a mat. 

“Kaeya?” I asked before I could stop myself. 

“Yes,” he said, 

“Never mind- it’s stupid…”

“It’s not, I promise not to judge,”

“Could you- could you hold me tonight? I just- I’m not used to sleeping alone,”

He paused, and I took that as rejection, 

“I- You don’t have to if you’re not comfortable,”

“No no- I’d love to, I’m just surprised that you’d ask me, after all, you only appointed me to well- save my life,”

“Kaeya- I- I don’t regret it. I’m glad it’s you, you’ve been nothing but kind, not to mention you calmed me down despite knowing the risks that that came with,”

I couldn’t see him clearly in the dark room, so I didn’t know how he felt until he climbed into bed with me and whispered in my ear, 

“Thank you,” 

I smiled, finally feeling content enough to be able to sleep, being kept warm with Kaeya’s body heat, and feeling secure in the arms wrapped around me.