#sage-nikolai

[mossytrashcan]

body horror alina was absolutely wasted by netflix smh

(also, I spent two days on this, so it’d be reaaaally great if it didn’t flop lol)

[aprill-99]

Character A: “The real tragedy was the friends we made along the way.”

Character B: “Don’t you mean ‘treasure’?”

Character A: “No. Having to care about other people has been a real bummer for me and my personal goals.”

[madb0nes]

if delivery guy is a kitty then trash dad is a puppy..

sorry not sorry i don't make the rules.

[fromevertonow]

Nikolai Lantsov 🤝 Adrian Ivashkov

Being the best male characters to exist in YA fantasy and the cause of my insanity

[rashomonsupremacy]

BSD Nikolai is unexplainably hot to me. He should be everything I hate but I see him and I want to fuck nasty style.

[aethelwyneleigh27]

Orange Peel Theory With Cod Characters

Would they peel an orange for you? (Scenario based on the test from TikTok)

Characters Included: John Price, Simon "Ghost" Riley, John "Soap" MacTavish, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Alejandro Vargas, Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra, Valeria Garza, Farah Karim, Kate Laswell, Alex Keller, König, Kim "Horangi" Hong-jin, Keegan P. Russ, Gary "Roach" Sanderson, Nikolai Belinski, Philip Graves, Vladimir Makarov.

This is probably one of the only times I'll be using the color orange, AHAHAHAHA. As you can tell I wouldn't be okay with the camp half-blood uniform as an Aphrodite kid. Writing this as I'm sick with a cold, my nanny since childhood peeled my oranges for me while telling me to finish all of it because it's vitamin C.

Mansplaining this but the Orange Peel/Peeling Theory surrounding TikTok started with one girl talking about her experience with her ex peeling her oranges for her. It soon turned into a theory/test where people ask their partner to peel an orange for them, something as small and effortless as peeling an orange as that act of service represents their willingness to do things for their partner and if they refuse then that's seen as a red flag because it means that if they're unwilling to do that small thing for them then same case scenario for something big that requires a sacrifice.

They peel it for you almost immediately, no words needed, just you staring at the orange. Grabbing it from the bowl of fruits and meticulously tearing the skin with their thumbs, being careful not to make much of a mess and to not bruise the orange.

It's not a secret that they like to do this, offering other little things like opening doors for you, peeling the skin of apples if you don't feel like eating it and slicing it up for you with a multipurpose camping knife, putting their hand on the edge of a nearby cornered things so it wouldn't be as painful if you hit your head picking something up.

Characters: John Price, Simon "Ghost" Riley, John "Soap" MacTavish, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Farah Karim, Kate Laswell, Alex Keller, König.

Would tease you once you ask them to peel it for you but will peel it. Would even hand feed it to you, you have to give them a kiss for every orange they separate. If you tell them you don't like the pith (the white stringy part) then they'd take it off for you.

They probably would ask you to peel some for them too some time around soon but you're more than happy to do it for them.

Characters: John "Soap" MacTavish, Alejandro Vargas, Valeria Garza, König, Kim "Horangi" Hong-jin, Keegan P. Russ, Nikolai Belinski.

You probably should've worded it better, you told them you felt like an orange.. "I feel like a tomato" is what you hear back. You laughed and clarified that you felt like eating the fruit.

"Oh.." they stopped to think if you had any oranges at home at the moment and they got up and peeled it for you, bringing a plate back of two peeled and pulled apart oranges with a glass of water for you.

Characters: Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Rodolfo "Rudy" Parra, Alex Keller, Gary "Roach" Sanderson.

He'd throw the orange at your head, telling you to peel it yourself.

Characters: Philip Graves, Vladimir Makarov.

Taglist: @wishesforyou @puff0o0 @simping4konig @simp4konig @blingblong55 @azereus @rustic-guitar-notes @shadofireshinobi @thelightdjinnofpalestine @09maruchan @anonymuslydumb @skeletalgoats @icarustypicalfall @ghosts-cyphera @fawnchives @connorsui @capuccino192 @miss-gms-and-the-rotten-womb @celestialhole @the-second-sage @starryylies @everlastingmoonlightsworld @keiva1000 @iexiam @drewsmusee

[xxfaggatronxx]

D-Did someone say CoD characters and their colognes/ perfumes?? Can be used or viewed as Omegaverse, also I don’t really mind if you wanna make these your own headcannons while writing: go ahead! ❤️

Price: Tabaco, Amber, Pepper

Gaz: Caramel, Sea salt, Sandalwood

Ghost: Anise, Bourbon, Cherries

Roach: Lemon, Sage, Bergamot

Soap: Mint, Oak-moss, Leather

Laswell: Rosewood, Narcissus, Lavender

König: Chocolate, Cinnamon, Musk

Horangi: Vanilla, Cardamom, Oranges

Nikolai: Frankincense, Pear, Chestnut

Makarov: Hazelnut, Cream, Clove

Farah: Magnolia, Green Tea, Honey

Hadir: Ginger, Juniper, Tonka Bean

Alex: Grapefruit, Cedar, Amber

Valeria: Rose, Saffron, Coconut

Alejandro: Rain, Cypress, Nutmeg

Graves: Coffee, Spruce, Myrrh

Rudy: Vetiver, Rosemary, Moss

Keegan: Jasmine, Neroli, Tangerine

Logan: Apple, Geranium, Mint

Hesh: Iris, Grapefruit, Redwood

[cryptfile]

ᝰ FANDOMS I’M CURRENTLY WRITTING FOR:

those marked in colored letters are the ones i’m currently simping on. Feel free to send promps, requests of characters or anything honestly. Always nice to recieve a message! / This list will be updated regularly so you guys can know what i’m into, also, if I forgot someone.

THE BOYS

Billy Butcher, Soldier Boy, Victoria Neuman, Starlight/Annie January, The Deep, A-Train, Frenchie, Sister Sage, Queen Maeve, Firecracker, Homelander, Hughie Campbell, Kimiko.

GEN V

Cate Dunlap, Jordan Li, Sam and Luke Riordan, Marie Moreau, Emma Myers.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen, Alicent Hightower, Jacaerys Velaryon, Aemond Targaryen, Aegon Targaryen, Harwin Strong, Criston Cole.

MARVEL

Loki Laufeyson, Sylvie Laufeydottir, Moonknight x3, Hawkeye/Comic!Clint Barton [recasted as Oliver Jackson-Cohen], Yelena Belova, Kate Bishop, Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff, Pietro Maximoff, Steve Rogers, Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Deadpool, Peter Parker/Spider-Man’s in general, X-Men’s in general, Thor Odinson, Carol Danvers, Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Bucky Barnes, Fantastic Four, Adam Warlock, Ant Man, Druig, Natasha Romanoff, and more since there are too many characters, feel free to ask!

HARRY POTTER

Remus Lupin [marauders era, post I war, nothing weird], Sirius and Regulus Black [marauders!era], James Potter [usually recasted as Dev Patel], Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott.

BRIDGERTON

Eloise Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton, Benedict Bridgerton, Colin Bridgerton, Francesca Bridgerton, Daphne Bridgerton, Simon Basset, King George.

THE BEAR

Carmy Berzatto, Sydney Adamu, Richie Jerimovich, Luca.

TWILIGHT

Carlisle Cullen, Charlie Swan, Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, Alice Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Emmett Cullen, Jasper Hale, Leah Clearwater, Alec and Jane Vulturi, Benjamin.

YELLOWJACKETS

Natalie Scatorccio, Jackie Taylor, Shauna Sadecki, Van Palmer, Lottie Matthews, Taissa Turner, Misty Quigley.

GRISHAVERSE

Nikolai Lantsov, Kaz Brekker, Alina Starkov, Matthias Helvar, Aleksander Morozova / The Darkling, Nina Zenik, Inej Ghafa, Malyen Oretsev, Zoya Nazyalenski.

DAISY JONES AND THE SIX

Daisy Jones, Karen Sirko, Billy Dunne, Warren Rhodes, Eddie Roundtree.

THE HUNGER GAMES

Peeta Mellark, Finnick Odair, Young!Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss Everdeen, Johanna Mason.

STAR WARS

Anakin Skywalker, Qimir / The Stranger, Kylo Ren [yes, I have a type], Shin Hati, Han Solo.

MISC

Rafe Cameron [OBX], James Beaufort [Maxton Hall], Drew Starkey, Dean and Sam Winchester [Supernatural], Aaron Taylor Johnson in most of his roles aka Kick-Ass or Bullet Train, Robin Buckley [Stranger Things], Steve Harrington [Stranger Things], Rick Flag [DC], Harley Queen [DC], Battinson [DC], Art Donaldson, Mike Faist, Nicholas Chavez.

[yuyinesque]

everyone stfu rn — but… here me out. fyodor x yandere!rusalka reader (ft. nikolai). putting it in a language for you cunts to understand. because i am tired. ichor is tired. and i’m suffering through a case called “writer’s block”. (implied murder, blood, obsession, mythological figures).

Cacodemonic cackles and pale sage peers; Dostoyevsky has yet to discern the urgency of his given situation, though had no qualms with concluding the annoyances of it. His partner’s blustery and ominous roars of amusement plagued Fyodor’s ear canal as he proceeded to lour directly into the monitor before him, which was occupied by a retched face he has yet to rid of due to their superlunary expertise. A rusalka, funny, isn’t it? Such mythological mistake merely used to scare off ignorant children is the same concept that was occupying his line of sight on this hallowed midnight.

Your pretty gaze now converted into a glinting, baleful, unblinking green as your bloodied visage remained almost stuffed into one of Fyodor’s esoteric lenses that he was sure that no one would find. Then again, you are far from mortal. You were savage. Barbaric and supernatural, irritating and invasive. You’ve been following him even after your death, as you were a devotee during the two of your teenage years, but he grown tired of your clinginess, so he managed to set you up on a blind date between a large water tank with a sealant.

It was clear that you were out for vengeance, but after announcing that you wanted nothing more but his heart, you wanted it devoured as well. The only man who you couldn’t entice with your looks alone… It was anticipated that you would eventually take much more drastic measures. He hated that about you. He loathed everything about you.

This story here has his clownish partner beside him in fits! It’s not like Fyodor could kill you, either! You’re literally immortal! Nikolai hasn’t had a good laugh like this in years, but… The idea of allowing his kill to go to waste over a creature isn’t something he was very fond of, and Fyodor noticed such, which prompted him to come up with a few possibilities on instinct. If he were to encourage Nikolai to do the dirty work for him, somehow, very somehow, he’d be able to rid of you. But, he’d likely perish during the process, which is something he didn’t need about n—

“Darlin’~ hands away from the secret utility for just a moment. Now, listen close and don’t forget to nod~!” Nikolai of course, disrupted his train of thoughts by speaking into the speaker with his honeyed theatrics disguised as absolute sadism and neurotic raze. Still, considering how smoothly this was according to his given plan, he was sure that God desired nothing more than Fyodor’s win. That thought alone was all that mattered to him right now. “Your kill has already been marked, my dearest, dearest cassowary! But… if you want, I wouldn’t mind sharing the remains once I’m through. How does that sound, sugar?”

What an unnecessary delay of plans, and your devilish smile followed by the immediate blackout of the camera made him sigh softly to himself. Lord, forgive him for the bloodshed that will occur on this endearing Sunday…

[iliveiloveiwrite]

Healing Hands // Nikolai Lantsov

Request: Hi Millie! S&B s2 left me with severe Nikolai brainrot 🫠 I love my pirate prince so, if it's okay, I'd love to request a Nikolai x healer!reader 💙 I am a sucker for the patching up trope so that would be amazing. Thanks in advance! ☺️ And happy belated birthday! 🎉

A/N: First time writing for Nikolai so pls be gentle! I’m still getting to grips with his character and I haven’t read King of Scars yet so I only know of the show Nikolai and the trilogy Nikolai. Anyway! Thank you so much for your request, I hope you like, lovely!

Warnings: injuries, mentions of blood, nausea, dizziness. Pining, mutual pining. Mentions of a duel, stabbing. Pain. This is fluff, I promise.

Word Count: 1.4k

Were the grounds to the palace truly that uneven, or was he losing more blood than he initially realised?

Nikolai pondered this as he took a steadying breath against the wave of nausea that washed over him when he placed his left foot on the step first rather than using his right foot to power through. A silly mistake, the prince thinks, but a mistake nonetheless when black spots dance across his vision.

He slumps against a marble column, resting his forehead against its coolness. He could tolerate pain, could stand the sight of blood and deal with the accompanying adrenaline. What Nikolai found hard to cope with, was that he let his elder brother get the best of him.

It was this thought that spurred him on. The anger at being bested by Vasilly that kept him putting one foot in front of the other even though his left leg protested with every single step.

——————

The Healing Room was rather basic in its layout. A row of six beds placed against the back wall; each bed positioned under a window for air ventilation. Across to the furthest side of the room, shackled to the wall, was an apothecary cabinet filled to the brim with plants and herbs that could aid in healing. Most Grisha didn’t have much use for traditional medicine, but the palace hired its fair share of non-grisha too.

To the left of the room, there sat a desk. It wasn’t overly large; big enough for two just about. It was at this desk that he finds you; your face buried in a book, a streaming drink to your side and a pile of unfinished paperwork sprawled across the rest of the desk. If it wasn’t for the blood dripping onto the floor, making him dizzier, Nikolai could stand there and watch you all day.

Nikolai slumps into the door; the dark wood banging against the sage green walls, alerting you to his presence.

“Your Majesty!” You gasp, rushing to your feet, knocking into your desk and spilling ink over the pages of your new book. You barely give it more than a second thought; hurrying to Nikolai’s side. “What happened?”

Nikolai remains silent as you aid him across the small room to the uncomfortable bench where you healed the more dramatic of injuries. Nikolai tries his best not to wince as he settles down onto the hard wood, feeling every bump and scratch laid into the wood. The ceiling lights only further his nausea so he focuses his gaze on you. His eyes follow your every move; bustling from draw to cupboard, pulling out anything you could need before healing his wound with your powers.

A small, pained smile adorns his lips as you draw your stool next to him. Instinctively, you brush his hair back from his forehead. Nikolai leans into your touch; relishing in your gentleness, wishing it could be the first he felt when he came to consciousness in the morning.

“What happened, Nikolai?” You question, turning your focus to the tear in his trousers. A two inch gash stretches across the front of his left thigh; blood runs freely down his leg. The flow seems to have slowed some, but he’d already lost too much for your liking.

Nikolai lazily waves a hand in the air, putting on airs and graces. “It’s nothing. A simple scratch that needs treating.”

You shoot the prince an unimpressed look. “When you want to tell me the truth, Niko, I’m ready and waiting.”

Nikolai groaned, hating the use of your childhood nickname for him. You so rarely used it now; the nickname, like his childhood, a bittersweet memory. “You’re not playing fair,” He complains, throwing an arm across his face.

You snort, shaking your head fondly at the prince. “I never claimed to play fair. I have to know what happened in case I need to treat an infection before closing the wound.”

Nikolai sighs, knowing he had been bested for a second time that day. “Vasilly…” Nikolai begins, quashing the sudden rise of anger as he thinks back to the events of barely an hour ago.

“What did your brother do?”

“It wasn’t what he did. Am I upset he stabbed me? Yes, but I let myself get distracted and lose the upper hand.”

“How?”

“He said something he knew would get a rise out of me and I took the bait.”

“You know better than that,” You chasten, running your hands through his hair again.

He sighs. “I know but I can’t change what’s happened.” Nikolai feels his anger surge once more, “He was spouting nonsense about Grisha and their talents, stating what he would do when he was king. He made a nasty comment about you, and that’s when I lost my temper.”

“I can fight my own battles, Nikolai.”

Nikolai grabs your hand, squeezing it tightly. “You weren’t there to fight this battle. Vasilly knew what he was doing, and I knew too.”

“Then why did you respond?”

“I always will when it comes to you. I won’t stand for anyone badmouthing you even if they are their heir to the kingdom.”

You pull away from his grasp. Shaking your head, ridding yourself of the thoughts rushing through them, you bring your hands up to the all too familiar position.

“Ready?”

The prince grins. “Ready.”

Your hands move in their familiar patterns; the movements so second nature to you that you do not give it a second thought as you watch the gash on Nikolai’s thigh close, leaving nothing behind but a faint, light pink scar. You fix the prince with a stern stare, “I may have healed you but I need you to take it easy for the rest of the day. No duelling your brother, no swords, no guns. Do you understand?”

Nikolai pulls himself up, swinging his legs off the bench as he salutes you with a cheerful grin on his face. The colour has returned to his cheeks and the usual mischievous gleam has returned to his eyes.

Your feel your heart begin to race at the sight, knowing that any Heartrender in a sixty mile radius could most likely hear it’s pounding. “You scared me out of my wits, Niko,” You confess, taking a seat on the wooden bench next to the prince, resting your head on his shoulder.

Nikolai rests his head on yours; taking your hand in his. “I’m sorry,” He murmurs, meaning it.

“It seems I’m always patching you up when you’re here,” You admonish before your tone turns softer. “Or when you return from your travels, you seem to have new scars.”

“My healers aren’t as adept as you, darling,” Nikolai compliments; his tone flirtatious as he brings your joined hands to his lips, pressing a quick and gentle kiss to the back of your hand.

You hide your face in his shoulder, hoping he doesn’t feel the heat from the flush of your skin. “Don’t tell me that or I’ll be stowing away on your ship next time.”

Nikolai stiffens as the idea comes to him. “That’s perfect!” He exclaims, jumping off the bench, dropping your hand in favour of cradling your face with both of his.

“What do you mean?” You wonder, confused to his reaction but not wanting him to move a single inch. His hands on your face feels like the closest you could get to knowing what the touch of a saint is.

Nikolai keeps your gaze steady. “Come away with me,” He all but begs. “I leave soon and I don’t know when I’ll be back again. Come away with me.”

Your hands cover his. Nikolai’s thumb brush your cheekbones; his eyes shine with sheer happiness as his mind races with thought after thought of what it would be like to have you on his ship, to have you so close.

“I need you to promise me something if I’m to do this,” You warn, arching an eyebrow at the blonde.

“Anything,” He responds immediately, desperately wanting you to say yes to leaving with him, to say yes to a future with him.

“You have to promise to only let me heal you,” You state, dropping a hand in favour for poking him in the ribs. “And only me.”

Nikolai laughs; the sound ringing loud and true through the healing room. As he draws you in for an embrace, he knows that that would be a promise he could certainly keep.

[thebramblewood]

The Vatores Present... A Decennial Vampire Bash: Part VI

Featuring Enyo and Xander by @melancholicsimmer, Dawn by @sprout-sims, Fia by @loveryss, Veronica by @moonfromearth, Sage by @sylvan-glade, Appolonia, Valeria and Walter by @simming-in-the-rain, Lord Harkonen, Jezebelle, Lilith, Lamia and Cu'Sith the Hellhound by @eggysimblr, Nikolai and Natasha by @jaigny, and Nami by @sims4thehoes.

Previous / Next

Helena: What is this, a costume party? I wish you'd warned me there was a dress code.

Lilith: There's really not. It's just that everyone I know happens to be exceedingly over the top. [raises a judgmental eyebrow] Although some could probably stand to be more so. Where did he find that turtleneck, the 50% off rack at The Gap?

Helena: Let me guess. All your friends are former theater majors.

Lilith: Well, we certainly have a flair for the dramatic.

Helena: [starting to get nervous] That's putting it lightly. Lilith, exactly what kind of party is this? [heartbeat accelerating rapidly] Lilith?...

[mossytrashcan]

dubious little creature getting up to mischief…. this is no good…

[criesinliess]

━DECEMBER 2022; susan's recs

HARRY POTTER

━━DRACO MALFOY

a worthy opponent; part2; part3; part4 @prettygirlkay

kiss cam @↑

odd one out @panda-noosh

━━THEODORE NOTT

the devil’s command @s1ater

date with another @tbzloonar

GRISHAVERSE

━━KAZ BREKKER

apologies @heliads

easily forgettable @magpiencrow

soulmates @↑

heartless @↑

jealous @↑

cupid screwed up @anthonysharmaa

i worry about you @goldengoddess

company @↑

our room @triptuckers

you are done for @sumsebien

my greatest strength and my frailest weakness @holden-caulfield

definitely soft @↑

trust @↑

seven bells @↑

━━NIKOLAI LANTSOV

pretty boy @goldengoddess

━━JESPER FAHEY

my heart beats for you @magpiencrow

oops, I did it again @anthonysharmaa

CHRIS EVANS

never too late @fangirlovestuff

━━RANSOM DRYSDALE

his thoughts @andysbubba

accidentally in love @sage-writing

━━COLIN SHEA

a very colin christmas; part2; part3; part4; part5 @fangirlovestuff

DIVERGENT

━━ERIC COULTER

weaknesses @heliads

DYLAN O'BRIEN

━━JOEL DAWSON

custody arrangement @clints-lucky-arrow

━━THOMAS

patch me up @heliads

TEEN WOLF

━━BRETT TALBOT

the spring break lie @heliads

MARVEL

━━LOKI LAUFEYSON

break @darkacademicfrom2021

━━PIETRO MAXIMOFF

the man that you are @heliads

━━STEVE ROGERS

more than meets the eye @fangirlovestuff

worthy @oliverwxod

just a moment @holden-caulfield

OUTER BANKS

pogue v. kook @ptersparkers

━━JJ MAYBANK

hurt by you @ptersparkers

cramps @collecting-stories

high @↑

━━RAFE CAMERON

midnight swim @collecting-stories

f.w.b. @↑

stargazer @↑

FATE: THE WINX SAGA

━━RIVEN

be nice @randomimaginesforrandompeople

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

━━BRADLEY 'ROOSTER' BRADSHAW

care for you @witchwyfe

━━JAKE 'HANGMAN' SERESIN

less talk; part2; part3 @tongue-like-a-razor

[stargazer-sims]

The Art of Redemption

(part 14)

previous // next // story index

—————

Eden's cousin leaves halfway through the group class.

For students Eden's age, most of the caregivers don't hang around to watch the class. Stan's grandson Marek and three little girls Nikolai doesn't know are also in the class and they don't have any adult caregivers present either, so Eden being there without an adult family member isn't odd from Nikolai's point of view. It's the fact that the cousin would just get up and disappear before class was over that unsettles him, particularly because now class actually is over and another one will be starting soon, and there's no sign of anyone coming to collect Eden.

For his part, Eden doesn't seem bothered. Once he has his skates off, he happily climbs onto the bench and plops himself down next to Nikolai with a cheerful, "So, what did you think? Everybody in our class is really good, right?"

Eden is so tiny, the toes of his boots aren't touching the floor, and Nikolai has to remind himself that the boy is only a few months away from turning eleven. He smiles. "Everyone in your class is really good, but I'd say you and that red-haired girl are the best."

"Oh, that's Everleigh," Eden says. "She totally is the best. She wants to do pairs when she gets older, and she has a big crush on my friend Marek, but he thinks girls are gross. I like girls, but sometimes I think I like boys too, but actually I don't want to date anybody because I have to think about my career first. Are you dating anybody?"

"That's a lot, Eden. Are you always this talkative?"

"No," Eden says, casually swinging his little legs. "But, I like you."

"To answer your question, I'm not dating anybody. I'm married."

Eden nods sagely. "My dad says marriage is sacred, but I don't know about that. I think it just means you have to pay a lot of bills and complain about things like having to change the oil in your car or somebody leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor."

Nikolai laughs. "Not going to lie, I like your definition better. It's more accurate, from my experience."

"Does your wife complain about you leaving towels on the floor?"

"Yeah, and sometimes I complain about her doing it too. She complains about my cat shedding, and I complain about how long it takes her to get ready to go anywhere."

His and Anya's problems aren't nearly that trivial or innocent, but he's not about to tell a ten year old child that his marriage is in shambles and he's all but made up his mind to ask his wife to agree to a divorce. This is assuming he can work up the courage, of course. He doubts Anya will make it easy for him in any case, and he's not looking forward to the confrontation.

"I'm never getting married," Eden declares.

"Good choice," says Nikolai.

"Yeah. Yi-Joon says I'm probably going to be too high-maintenance for anyone to handle anyway, but y'know what? I'm okay with that."

"Yi-Joon?" Nikolai inquires.

"My stupid cousin," Eden clarifies. "He came here from South Korea last summer to stay with us for a year and learn English. He's so annoying. All he does besides go to language school is watch K-dramas and talk to girls on the phone and go to expensive coffee places. I don't think he even likes sports."

"We aren't all going to like the same things," Nikolai says. "Life would be kind of boring if we were all into the same stuff, don't you think? Our differences are what make us interesting."

"Maybe, if people respected what other people were into."

"Do you respect what your cousin is into?"

"He can like K-dramas if he wants to. I don't like them, but I don't try to stop him from watching them, and I don't make fun of him for it."

"That's all anyone should reasonably ask for."

"I think so too, but it's like I'm asking too much when I want people to respect what I like. I want Yi-Joon to stop making fun of me about skating. And my parents... they don't even get that It's not just a hobby. I really want to do this. Like, to be a real athlete."

"You want to know something?" Nikolai says. "My parents don't get it either. They've always supported me, but I'm not sure they've ever really understood my love for skating."

"At least they supported you," says Eden. "My parents want me to stop skating."

"Yeah, so I heard."

Nikolai glances down at the ice, where Beth-Anne has just returned and is now setting up her orange cones for the next class, which is a group of preschoolers. A different group than the one Gabriel Torres is in, he'd learned. Beth-Anne has two preschool groups, and this morning on the way to the rink she told him she's hoping that he'll be able to take over teaching one of them by autumn. He wonders if he will be.

"You know what I'm worried about?" Eden is saying.

"What is it?"

"I'm a kid. I'm not allowed to decide anything important. If my parents decide I have to stop skating, I'm gonna have to, and by the time I'm old enough to decide anything for myself, it's gonna be too late." He sighs, sounding far older than his ten years. "If Beth-Anne can't make them understand, my dream is basically dead. My parents are gonna kill it, and if that happens I don't know what I'm going to do with my life."

There are probably a thousand different responses Nikolai could make to this. He could say there's life beyond skating and that Eden's too young to stress about what to do with the rest of his life, or he could just offer some platitude about trying not to worry. But, he realizes he doesn't want to say any of that, because Eden is right.

If Eden's parents make him quit skating now, by the time he has the autonomy to make his own choices, it will be too late to be competitive in the way he clearly wants to be. Nikolai recognizes Eden's passion for the sport and his drive to succeed. It's the same energy and intensity Nikolai had; the same obsession that carried him to six top-three finishes at the World Championships, to his three Worlds gold medals, right up to the moment when he crash-landed in Taiwan.

No, it didn't end there, whispers a small, insistent voice in his mind. You still love the sport that much, and you can still succeed in it, just in a different way.

He turns to fully face Eden, who's starting up at him expectantly. "You know how I said I'd like to be your coach some day?"

"Yeah," Eden says.

"I meant that."

"I believed you," Eden tells him. "But, what's that got to do with my future if my parents make me give up skating? If I'm not skating, what'll I need a coach for?"

"Exactly," Nikolai says.

Eden looks perplexed. "This isn't helping."

"Don't worry," Nikolai says. "I am going to help you."

"How?"

"Your parents are worried about you getting hurt, aren't they?"

"Yeah," Eden confirms. "Like, all of a sudden, for some reason. It's not like I just started doing jumps or something. I could do a waltz jump when I was six and I did my first single jump when I was seven, and I fell loads of times before I got it right. My parents have seen me fall a bunch of times, but they never seemed too worried about it until this January or so."

"Maybe because it never occurred to them before that a fall could completely change your life."

"What do you mean?"

Nikolai gestures down at his leg. "I mean, it could literally change your life. I'm never going to compete again because I seriously hurt myself when fell at the Four Continents back in January."

"Wait..." Eden frowns, his delicate brows scrunching together in concentration. "You got hurt in January? Do you think my parents know anything about that?"

"I don't know," Nikolai says. "Your parents and I have never met. Do they watch competitions on TV or read sports news online?"

"They watch competitions with me sometimes, but I don't know if they watch stuff by themselves or look at anything on the internet. But... you don't think they're trying to make me stop skating because one person they don't even know got hurt, do you? 'Cause like, that's kind of stupid."

"To tell you the truth, I have no idea why they're trying to make you stop," Nikolai admits. "All I know is, somebody has to convince them that it's not a good idea."

"Somebody... like you?"

"Yeah, that's kind of what I had in mind."

"Really? You'd really do that for me? You don't even know me very well yet."

"Not yet, but I'd like us to get to know each other. Besides, you've got way too much talent to throw away your opportunities. Plus, I've seen you on the ice and it doesn't take a genius to know how happy you are when you're skating and how much you love it."

"I do love it," Eden says. "If skating was a person, I'd probably marry it."

"I thought you said you're not getting married."

"I'd make an exception for skating," Eden says. "You know, 'cause I'd want us to live happily ever after with all our medals."

"And you wouldn't complain about wet towels on the floor, or damp, stinky skate stockings?"

Eden giggles. "Maybe a little bit about the stockings. They do get pretty gross. Beth-Anne says when I get a little older, I won't have to wear them any more. She says I can just put my bare feet in my skates if I want to."

"That's pretty gross too, honestly," Nikolai says. "Trust me, I know. But, you'll be able to feel your edges better with nothing on your feet. That'll be important when you start competing."

"If I start competing."

"When," Nikolai repeats.

Eden hesitates for a beat, but then looks up to meet Nikolai's eyes and echoes. "When."

"Good," Nikolai praises him. "You have to believe in getting what you want. That's part of how you succeed."

"You're already coaching me," Eden says, sounding a little amazed. "You really did mean it."

"I'm not..." Nikolai begins, but then quickly realizes Eden isn't wrong.

How many talks has he had with Stan and Beth-Anne over the years about things only tangentially related to skating? Coaching is more than helping an athlete perfect his technical skills. It's also about helping him with his self-confidence and his overall attitude. It's about being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a teacher about life as well as sport, a mentor, a confidant, a friend, and sometimes a disciplinarian. Beth-Anne has done all that for him and she's still doing it, and the thought that he's already able to pay her kindness and wisdom forward fills him with an emotion that feels like a mixture of astonishment and pride.

He smiles and offers, "You know what they say. Practice makes perfect."

Eden returns the smile. "I think you're going to be a super great coach, Nikolai."

"Thanks," he says.

"When my parents come to pick me up, you should tell them you're going to be my coach."

"I don't think—"

"Yeah, you should! You want to do it, and you said it's important to believe in getting what you want."

Nikolai grins. "So, you're obviously paying attention."

"I'm a great student," Eden says. "Anyway, the way I see it, you can't be a coach without a student, and Beth-Anne already said I'm gonna need a different coach when I get to Junior division, so I think we have to help each other get what we want."

"Okay," Nikolai says. "I'll talk to your parents when they come to get you, but maybe leave the strategy to me for now, all right?"

"Okay," Eden agrees. "This has got to work, though! With you and Beth-Anne both talking to them, they have to change their minds!"

Nikolai has to concede that Eden's enthusiasm is infectious, and he wants to be as optimistic as his potential future student, but he has the unfortunate reality of experience looming over his shoulder. He hopes the parents can be convinced to let their son continue skating, but he's enough of a realist to know that it may take more than the opinion of a stranger to sway them.

"Like I said before," he tells Eden. "I can't make any promises beyond promising to do my best."

Eden reaches over and pats his hand. "I believe in you."

Unexpectedly, Nikolai feels a lump in his throat. He barely knows this kid, but for some reason he already feels a connection with him.

Is this how Beth-Anne felt about me that first day? he wonders. He files the idea away so he can ask her about it later.

His very next thought is, I cannot let this child down.

He has no clue how he's going to do it, but somehow he has to make Eden's parents understand what's at stake. It's not just competitions and medals. It's Eden's well-being, his sense of purpose. His raison d'être, as Anya's coach Isabelle might say.

Nikolai remembers how he'd felt, hearing the doctors in Taiwan saying that he'd never skate again. To say his very soul had been crushed wouldn't be enough. It'd been as if his entire world shattered into a million pieces around him. He'd barely been able to survive that, and maybe he's not completely out of the proverbial woods yet. If it's this difficult for an adult, he shudders to think of what losing something so important would do to a young boy like Eden.

And what sort of second chance would Eden get? Unlike Nikolai, he doesn't have a new opportunity waiting for him to transition into.

Nikolai recognizes he's lucky. Coaching is a natural progression for him, especially with the knowledge that he'll be able to return to the ice soon and with Beth-Anne ready and willing to train him. It all became more tangible when his doctor here told him that not only would he make a full recovery but that he'd still be able to skate. His aching heart had swelled with hope at that news.

Now, it's growing again with a new surge of determination. He wants to succeed for Eden, but even more so for himself. The future doesn't seem as bleak and scary any more, and he wants more than anything to make it evolve into a scenario in which he isn't merely settled and unafraid, but happy, thriving and fearless once again.

[ruthplaysthesims]

Nikolai Valerio (24) Genuis • Reserved • Ambitious

"He is a rather... mysterious character. The minute he walked into the magical house, the air seemed to change... in a rather frightening way.. and I love it" - L. Faba, Sage of the Mischief

"His magical prowess is something I have never witnessed before. A very quick learner and he is very close to being a virtuoso. I wish I could say his social skills were as good... He rarely speaks. I don't think I've ever heard him say a word to anyone.." - Simeon Silversweater, Sage of the Practical.

"No one knows where he's from.. He just showed up out of nowhere and next thing you know, he's popular among the Spellcasters. I even overheard Mr. Silversweater and L. Faba talking about passing the baton to him when they retire. WHAT?! I don't know where this heterochromatic goon came from, but he better go back, because I plan on being the next sage!" - Tomax Colette

"Not only is he amazing at magic, but he's also very handsome!! He's a package deal. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know I made a deal with Tomax, but I really would like to challenge Nikolai to a duet. It would be a show!! I really wish he'd speak sometimes... Do you think he's mute??" - Grace Anansi

"Ah, finally. Someone worthy of my time and attention. Putting aside the fact he is quite unique in the physical aspect, his talent is something I admire. Whenever there's a duel that involves him, everyone, including the sages are in attendance to watch. I don't think he's ever been defeated. I did make a bet with Silversweater. Should he lose one duel, the moonstone I possess is his to keep. I am elated to say I still have my moonstone" - Morgyn Ember, Sage of the Untamed.

[jahayla-parker]

King Of My Heart : Nikolai Lantsov x Reader Series

Part 2

For warnings, descriptions, and previous parts, see series masterlist here.

“What scent Princess y/n?” One of the Lantsov servants asked respectfully. She held a small scroll that had a list of different scents. “There’s vanilla, or lavender, amber, sage” the servant began. “Or perhaps a eucalyptus or lemon? Or we could have one custom made-“ She suggested.

Y/n smiled appreciatively. “Honestly, love,” she said warmly. “I appreciate this, but I assure you, you mustn’t go through all this trouble or these formalities,” y/n assured her. She knew the servant would likely still not have an option to behave any other way, but at least she could offer. “Any scent is fine,” y/n promised, “whatever is the easiest for you will work quite well”.

Nikolai wandered up, eyeing y/n. He smiled kindly to the servant before turning to his betrothed. “For what?” Nikolai asked, feigning curiosity instead of attempting to find a new topic of insult.

“I am needing a new bar of hand soap,” Y/n stated briefly, not otherwise addressing Nikolai’s presence. “Miss s/l/n was just assisting me in locating one, as I’m not familiar with this wing of the palace quite yet,” she added, smiling graciously at the servant.

Nikolai raised an eyebrow. He slowly turned towards y/n more, standing slightly between her and the servant now. “There’s hand soap in the bathroom already, Your Royal Majesty,” Nikolai mocked.

The servant attempted to stifle their gasp. They were shocked that the Prince had intentionally misused the Princess’s title. Their frightened but curious eyes glanced between Nikolai and y/n as they waited for their orders.

Y/n faked a smile and laughed softly at Nikolai to throw the servant off the scent; pretending as if it were an inside joke. When she saw it seemed to work, y/n smiled softly at the servant. “Thank you miss s/l/n. Please feel free to choose whatever scent you’d like, truly,” she offered, signaling the servant was free to leave the couple.

“I’m well aware of that fact,” y/n hissed, turning to Nikolai after the servant left. “I will be needing my own,” she explained casually, walking away from him.

“Seriously?!” Nikolai laughed. “You’re so spoiled you need your own soap?” He questioned with an eye roll.

“Charming, Your Royal Majesty,” y/n snarked, glancing over her shoulder at Nikolai. “No, I’m needing it since I don’t know where your hands have been and I prefer not to,” she feigned a shiver of disgust as she turned her face forward again.

“Whatever,” Nikolai groaned. “I came to get you as-“ he began.

“As you missed me?” Y/n teased. “I’m afraid I cannot return the sentiment,” she dissed, continuing to walk down the long palace hallway.

“We have a meeting to attend,” Nikolai argued, ignoring y/N’s remark.

“You,” y/n stated, turning around to face Nikolai. “You have a meeting to attend,” she disagreed, nodding her head in the other direction from where she was headed.

Nikolai rolled his eyes in frustration. “They’re expecting-“ he argued, already tired of having to explain their royal responsibilities to y/n.

“And I’m sure you’ll be able to charm your way through their disappointment of my absence today,” y/n smirked. She turned from him. “Now, I must be going”.

Nikolai went to the meeting. But his mind was elsewhere. Despite his best attempts, Nikolai couldn’t help but wonder where y/n had ventured off to. He scolded himself for not focusing on his responsibilities. Even more so for being distracted by her.

Nikolai told himself his wondering was simply because he was frustrated y/n ditched the meeting. Even to himself, it didn’t feel like whole truth. But, it was all he could come up with.

After over an hour of suffering through the boring meeting, Nikolai decided to leave early. He offered a generic excuse, saying he was sorry but had other responsibilities to attend to. Once Nikolai slipped out of the room, he began to wander in the direction he’d last seen y/n heading.

Nikolai’s lips parted as he checked another room. He’d peeked in through the doorway of an old office space his parents long abandoned. He wasn’t sure why his parents ever discarded its usage.

It was still a nice room. The floors were polished high-quality wood paneled. The walls were hand-painted with gold accents. Hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room was an enormous and elegant chandelier. The window faced one of the palace’s gardens and let in some warm lighting. The light from the window, even at this hour, was enough to delicately shimmer off the edges of the crystals on the chandelier, increasing the glow of the room.

But, Nikolai’s eyes weren’t focused on how beautiful the room was. He could only see how disgustingly radiant y/n looked. As much as he hated to admit it, Nikolai was in awe of the girl before him.

Y/n was only stretching at the moment; having already finished for the evening. She had changed out of her ballgown and was now in her athleisure wear. It was a plain pair of skin-tight leggings and a long sleeve wrap top. Nothing fancy, yet modest and flexible enough for y/n to dance in.

Nikolai hadn’t seen this soft side of y/n before. His eyes first took note of how her hair was tied up in a sloppy top knot. His eyes then noticed the causal, relaxed and comfortable, clothing she’d opted for. Nikolai couldn’t remember a time in which he’d seen her so relaxed.

As far as he could remember, Nikolai always saw y/n in her royal attire, her hair done flawlessly, makeup applied presumably by her family’s servants, etc. In other words, he was used to her Princess persona. Nikolai hadn’t ever seen her like this. Saints, he didn’t know this side of her existed. Did he?

Just as Nikolai began to try and think of any other rarities like what was before him now, someone tapped his shoulder.

Zoya had seen Nikolai standing in the doorway of the office-turned-dance studio. She smirked as she noticed the Prince was obviously watching y/n rather closely. When Nikolai turned to her in reaction to her tapping on his shoulder, Zoya nodded her head to the hallway.

Nikolai risked one last curious glance at y/n, forcing a fake grimace he hoped Zoya didn’t see through. He cautiously closed the door, having been holding it open just enough to peek his head in. Nikolai didn’t need y/n knowing he was there. Much less that he had watched her cool down and stretch. Nikolai knew what y/n would assume and mock him for. And that’s not what happened. He wasn’t enamored by the sight, he was just curious. After all, shouldn’t Nikolai know what his future wife was up to?

Zoya waited until she and Nikolai were down the hallway more before she spoke. “Your parents, the King and Queen, promised Y/n a private space to use as a dance studio,” Zoya informed him impassively. “Similar to what she had at home. Well, her former home I suppose,” she added, her tone more sympathetic now.

Nikolai nodded his head slowly. He knew Zoya had caught him watching her. Plus, this conversation kept Nikolai from having to ask y/n or spy on her again for more information. And, at least Zoya seemed to think it was just because Nikolai was confused and curious. Which he was; that’s all it was. Or at least that’s what he kept telling himself.

“Before you ask,” Zoya stated, straightening her back, “I don’t know why y/n wanted the room when we already have an established ballroom”. She sighed quietly, glancing towards the engraved door that led to where y/n was. “That being said, while you’re evidently too stubborn to see what’s really going on around here,” Zoya groaned, eyeing Nikolai up and down. “Don’t ruin this for her. Whatever reasons you believe you’ve got for your displeasure with y/n, it’s been arranged for her to be your wife. Let her have this one thing,” she ordered.

Nikolai squinted, slightly insulted by Zoya’s insinuation. “I wasn’t-“ He attempted to argue.

Zoya rolled her eyes. “Nikolai, I’ve known both of you long enough by now. I’m no fool,” she sighed. “I don’t understand the alleged hatred thing between you two”. When Nikolai went to respond, Zoya waved him off. “Nonetheless, it would be wise to not entirely piss off the woman who very well might be the future queen of our country”.

While she’d never say it, Zoya also didn’t want Nikolai upsetting y/n for y/n’s sake. She was friends with both the Prince and Princess. As such, she could see through this charade of hatred they claimed to have towards one another. Zoya refused to meddle in the matter, but she also didn’t want y/n to suffer if Nikolai did truly hold even just enough hatred to deny y/n of this one luxury.

Nikolai scoffed, “Vasily is the Crown Prince, Nazyalensky”. “Not to mention, I’m not cruel enough to do anything about,” he waved down the hall, “whatever that is”. “We all need our break from this lifestyle”.

Zoya rolled her eyes, “your brother will likely be killed by one of his mistresses before he ever becomes King”. She smirked as Nikolai laughed lightly. “Yet, I’m glad to hear that. After all, seems she knows of your method for dealing with such a needed break,” Zoya winked.

Nikolai ran a hand down his face and groaned. “Reminds me, I need to figure out how she knows of that,” He sighed. Nikolai shook his head, “Nonetheless, I should head to my chambers for the evening. Last thing I need is y/n coming out and worsening my headache”.

Zoya closed her eyes and sighed in irritation. Yet, she waved him dismissively. “Go on then sobachka,” Zoya laughed at Nikolai glancing around before flipping her off.

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