#sturmhond nikolai

[jahayla-parker]

Lavender Haze : Nikolai Lantsov x Reader

Description: 4.8k wc, to the theme of Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift. Nikolai helps his girlfriend cope with the stressors that come with dating the King of Ravka and ensures she finds herself in a state of comforting bliss each night. Hurt-comfort, angst-fluff, fluff, song-aesthetic

Warnings: insults and rumors, reference to Nikolai’s bloodline, melancholic feelings/situations, some angst, Grishaverse themed material

Note: again, this moodboard was made before Season 2 of Shadow and Bone, so it was done with the aesthetic and envisioned appearance of Nikolai based on the books instead of Paddy himself.

Y/n knew that courting/dating a member of a royal family would be a challenge.

She even knew that it would be a bigger task when Nikolai became the King of Ravka and was no longer just the King and Queen’s second son.

But that didn’t mean it was easy.

If Y/n thought the eyes of the other girls in Ravka (and surrounding areas) were intense when he was merely a prince; this was almost unbearable.

In fact, it probably would be if it weren’t for Nikolai himself.

He knew of the weight that their stares, speculations, whispers, scrutiny, and societal expectations and pressures, that had fallen on her merely for dating him.

As such, he did everything in his powers to minimize them as much as he could.

But, Nikolai knew it wasn’t even close to being enough.

It practically killed him to see what y/n was dealing with and know he was more or less the reason behind all of it.

That sentiment and his general overwhelming love towards her, resulted in Nikolai making it his mission to help her.

He knew nothing he could say or do would prevent the pressures or challenges she had to endure.

So instead he decided to comfort her and tenderly guide her on how to handle/cope with each type of situation he could predict.

Nikolai had to learn these lessons himself when he was a prince.

It had taken him years, essentially from his birth into his early adulthood, to learn how to cope with the stresses that came with being affiliated with the Royal Family.

It wasn’t easy for him either, and he struggled on many occasions for many years as a result.

Especially when the rumors and speculations about his mother and his lineage came under scrutiny.

It took time, but Nikolai developed skills and found ways to make it all manageable and not let the weight become crushing.

It wasn’t until now that he was truly grateful for having learned those hard lessons.

For now, he was able to assist the woman he loved and hopefully keep her from experiencing as many hardships as he had.

——

🎵 “Oh, you don't ever say too much” 🎵

Guidance #1: never respond to any of it/them, unless absolutely necessary

“Nikolai?” Y/n whispered shyly.

He spun to glance at her as she set her book down on the coffee table before her.

“Yes, darling?” He smiled.

Y/n bit her lip as she stared back at him before shaking her head and looking down at her lap.

Nikolai sighed quietly, standing up and making his way to her.

He silently squatted before her, his thumb brushing underneath her chin to tilt her head up.

When her eyes lifted to his face, he gave her a sympathetic smile.

“What’s troubling you, milaya?” Nikolai sighed, his hand shifting to cup her cheek.

She forced a polite smile and shook her head, “nothing, don’t worry about it”.

“Too late y/n/n, I know you. I can tell when things aren’t right” he frowned, scanning her eyes for any signs of the trouble she was having.

She shrugged, “it doesn’t matter what it is though”.

“It does so” Nikolai declared, his voice affirmative but somehow still tender as he stroked her warm cheek.

“Snoepje, please” he pleaded as he watched her eyes begin to shimmer with newly formed tears.

She took a shaky breath and sighed.

“Do- do you agree with them?” Y/n asked nervously.

Nikolai’s eyes furrowed as his head tilted to the right slightly, “pardon?”

“Adeliza, Narcissa, and Everalda…” she mumbled, looking away from him.

He silently watched the way she reacted to her own comment.

She curled inwards on herself, her shoulders hunched closer to her legs, head hung lower, eyes closed and lips frowning.

He hadn’t even responded to her question before she’d seemingly decided she knew his answer.

Nikolai frowned deeply, dropping to his knees as he silently pulled her to him.

As he ran his fingers through her hair, he tenderly whispered, “of course not. Do you truly believe I’d agree with those disparaging remarks?”

She sniffled against his chest, prompting him to move his hands to her biceps and softly push her back so he could see her face.

“Lyubimaya” Nikolai whined, his right thumb moving up to wipe her tears.

“Why would you think that, love?” He questioned, frowning as he continued drying her tears with his fingers.

She bit her lip and stared at him with sad eyes, “you didn’t say anything”.

Nikolai took a deep breath and nodded once, “ahh, I see.”

“Thank you for explaining darling,” he stated, stroking her cheekbone delicately.

Y/n nodded minimally as her eyes dropped to her lap again.

“Please don’t look away y/n, I want to look in your eyes as I answer” Nikolai said, squeezing her cheek softly.

When she looked back up at him, he gave her a soft grateful smile.

“I do not, in the slightest, agree with any of their insulting comments. The reason I did not respond to them y/n/n, was because they don’t deserve a response” Nikolai told her.

“You see, my love,” he sighed, “they want attention. They’ll do anything to get it”.

Y/n shook her head, “I know. But, they also wanted to insult me and you didn’t disagree”.

Nikolai felt a pang of guilt radiate through him as he watched her try to stand up for herself but simultaneously start tearing up again.

“Y/n, precious, I’m so sorry” Nikolai confessed, moving closer.

“I didn’t want to fuel their hatred or extend the life of their words” he explained, “I was hoping by not giving it the time of day, you wouldn’t let them hurt you”.

Y/n let out a long breath, “oh, okay”.

Nikolai sighed, “I swear to you, milaya, that’s the only reason. I should’ve explained that before”.

“By not talking about it, it…” she began, trying to explain his meaning to herself.

“I thought if I didn’t respond it would mean the words ended as soon as they were spoken. I can see why you’d think I might agree given my actions. For that I’m truly sorry” he apologized.

“So, you’re saying, they get power from the possibility of us reacting or responding to them?” She pondered.

Nikolai nodded, “they know their words can carry weight and they want it to make us angry or hurt. Even if it does, they don’t deserve to know that”.

She nodded with him in understanding, “that makes sense. It’s revolting, but makes sense. I won’t question it next time”.

He shook his head, “if it’s bothering you or you aren’t certain my stance on something, please do talk to me. But, as far as why I don’t bother responding to them is because they’re not worthy of seeing a reaction”.

Y/n smiled softly and nodded, leaning down to him.

Nikolai smiled back widely upon seeing her grin, “I love you”.

“I love you too Kolya” she hummed, “thank you”.

He hummed, standing up and extending his hand down to her, “let’s go start you a warm bath?”

——

🎵“And you don't really read into my melancholia”🎵

Guidance #2: don’t focus on the feelings of melancholy the situation often caused, redirect instead.

Nikolai could always tell when the feelings of melancholy would set in for y/n.

She did her best to hide it as much as she could, and she did so successfully for most people.

Nikolai was the exception, he always saw the tiniest of signs.

But he also knew there would be no point in questioning her about it.

He knew the reason behind her sadness and was always able to trace it back to the direct source on his own.

As such, he never brought it up to her.

There was no point in them talking about something they both understood and couldn’t change.

Plus, Nikolai didn’t want her to feel guilty for her feelings or ashamed she couldn’t hide it from everyone.

So, he would instead merely redirect her focus onto something positive.

Nikolai watched as y/n nodded respectfully as the daughter of one of the legion’s commanders spoke to her.

He could see the distant look behind her gaze even as she continued holding eye contact with the girl before her.

The stiffness of her overall posture stood in stark contrast to her slightly lowly hung head.

Nikolai excused himself from the pointless conversation he was in and made his way to y/n.

As he approached, y/n looked over and gave him a soft smile, her head rising slightly.

He grinned widely at the faint progress and grabbed her hand.

“Pardon me miss,” he spoke to the legion commander’s daughter, “but I’m afraid I need to steal Ms. Y/l/n for a moment”.

The girl nodded rapidly and stepped back to let the couple through.

Nikolai silently led her to the office space down the hall.

He nooded at the guards encasing the doorway and they parted.

Nikolai smirked slyly at y/n as he opened the door and followed her inside.

“Nik?” She questioned, turning to him as the doors shut.

He smiled as he closed the distance, placing a tender kiss to her forehead.

Y/n silently pressed closer, wrapping her arms around Nikolai.

“I thought you could use some self care” he whispered, prompting her to pull back and stare up at him.

“Follow me” he directed, tugging her hand to the far corner.

Her eyes widened as she noticed the craft space he’d arranged for her.

“Tolya suggesting this set” Nikolai admitted, rubbing his neck with his free hand.

Y/n giggled at his nervousness and quickly turned to him.

“It’s perfect, thank you lyubimyj” y/n beamed.

He nodded, nudging her slightly towards the table.

Nikolai watched with a smile as y/n began dipping her brush into the tin of paint.

She glanced over at him to silently question if he would sit with her or if he needed to return to the party.

He gave her a sympathetic smile but as he saw her nod and turn back to the canvas, he noticed she was far less tense.

He bit his lip as he fought the desire to stay with her, perhaps reading a book while she painted, or just watching her create her latest art piece.

But he knew he had to return to their guests at least long enough to formally excuse himself for the evening and end the event.

Fortunately, he was able to tell that painting was already helping her mood.

So he decided it was safe to leave her for a few moments until he could return.

“I will return shortly my dear” he promised, bending down to kiss the top of her head.

Y/n set down her brush and signaled for him to kneel down beside her.

Nikolai of course complied without question, smiling at her.

“Thank you moi tsar” she grinned, cupping his face in her soft palms.

Nikolai hummed quietly, “I’m sorry I need to step away for a moment. But-“

Y/n shook her head and stroked his cheeks, “shhh, you’re fine, handsome”.

“Thank you for all of this, I love you” she grinned, leaning forward to press her lips to his.

As she pulled back she giggled.

Nikolai pouted, “what?”

She bit her lip and turned to grab the clean towel from the table and dipped it in the glass of water.

Nikolai watched as she reached up and delicately dabbed his face.

“I got some lavender paint on you” she laughed.

As she dried his cheek he shrugged, “you can mark me in anyway you wish”.

“Nikolai!” She gasped before she began laughing hard, “you’re a menace”.

He grinned and nodded, kissing her temple, “I’m your menace. Now, while I’m gone think of where you’d like this to be hung when you’re done”.

Y/n nodded with a smile as he squeezed her hand before departing.

——

🎵 “I've been under scrutiny (yeah, oh, yeah). You handle it beautifully (yeah, oh, yeah). All this shit is new to me (yeah, oh, yeah)” 🎵

Guidance #3: people will scrutinize anything they can, the only way to respond is sticking with your gut and doing what you think is right.

“Nothing I do is working!” Y/n groaned.

Nikolai sighed and set his hand on hers as she pressed her palms aggressively against her desk.

“I’m a failure, Nik” she whispered.

“No you’re not” he argued, resting his head on her shoulder from behind.

“Yes-“ she responded, hand tugging on her hair.

“People make mistakes time to time, no one is perfect. Even if you look like you are” he winked.

“Nikolai, they are analyzing everything I do and see every mess up and are making note of them” y/n explained, his flirtation not helping currently.

Nikolai hummed softly, “Y/n, they are going to scrutinize everything you do, but that doesn’t say anything about you”.

“It does too if I can’t perform well when being scrutinized, then ho-” she began, clearly heading into a self deprecating spiral.

He turned her around so she was facing him as he whispered, “You only feel that way because they’re watching so closely. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t feel so bad about the tiny errors”.

She stared at his chest, unable to meet his eyes, “maybe… but it’s like you said they are scrutinizing it. So it doesn’t matter what I’d feel if they weren’t.”

“You can’t let it impact you y/n. Remember? When they get a reaction, they win” he pointed out softly.

Y/n sighed loudly, looking up at him with sad eyes, “How do I do that?”

Nikolai grabbed her hand and led her away from the desk enough to pull her chair out.

Once it was out, he guided her into the seat and knelt beside her.

“Take the fact that they are not only scrutinizing all of my actions due to me being their King. They are also comparing every decision I make to my father’s past rulings, and other previous Kings. Then add in that Vasily was supposed to be the next King instead of me” Nikolai began, hoping to show why he understood what she was going through.

“You’re right, everything one does is being watched closely. But, you know yourself, and that’s what matters. Stick to your ideas, try your best, and it’ll work out” he swore.

“Just like that?” She questioned quietly.

He nodded, “just like that. Be true to yourself and their criticisms and scrutinizations won’t carry much weight”.

Y/n watched as the advisors from the Shu Han border argued with Nikolai’s decision on what the military guards covering that region should do next.

He was making the right decision, it would risk the fewest lives and protect the kingdom.

Yet, these advisors were questioning Nikolai on every single detail of the decision and pointing out potential flaws and reasons he might not be deciding ‘correctly’.

“Your father knew that such an action would be seen as weakness when it comes to Shu Han” one of the advisors scrutinized, his beady eyes staring at the King.

Y/n’s eyes narrowed, brows furrowing, as she resisted glaring at the man.

She opened her mouth to defend Nikolai but stopped when Nikolai laid his hand on hers.

“I acknowledge your interpretation of my decision, Advisor Malenovik,” Nikolai nodded, squeezing y/n’s hand.

“Yet, as your King, I am telling you what the choice is, and what the corresponding actions from our military will be” he stated firmly.

Y/n watched as the beady-eyed man huffed but accepted his rejection and stepped aside for the next person to speak to the King.

This type of situation presented itself several times and it took watching him handle the scrutiny over and over for her to realize Nikolai was right.

It was clear that while it was frustrating, the scrutiny didn’t impact Nikolai the way it would’ve for y/n.

Nikolai knew his choices were correct and as such, he stuck with them even if it meant people would still find something ‘wrong’ with it.

Soon she’d adapted the same sentiment and let herself not feel pressured to please everyone with each choice she made.

“Miss y/l/n, the Hungilmans are going to be expecting the-“ Nikolai’s kitchen manager argued.

They were discussing the arrangements for the various families visiting the castle in the coming weeks for an event that was to help form alliances between the kingdom and influential Ravkan families.

Jayclyn, the kitchen manager was adamant that one particular family should get the preferential treatment Nikolai’s father would always extend them.

Whereas, y/n was against that, worried it would send a message of inequality between the families during an event In which they wanted the opposite.

It was a risky call, as one didn’t want to offend the Hungilman family either.

But, y/n held firm the principle behind her choice and stuck with the decision.

“Jayclyn, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and concerns. However, as I’ve stated, the Hungilmans will not be getting the extra incentives you’ve suggested” y/n stated politely but with clear confidence.

That evening when y/n returned to her and Nikolai’s chambers, she explained her choice to him.

Nikolai informed her that he was completely supportive of her choice and was proud she didn’t let their scrutiny get to her.

Unbeknownst to y/n, Nikolai had been just around the corner, smirking proudly (towards himself and her as well) when he overheard the interaction that afternoon.

——

🎵“No deal, the 1950s shit they want from me. I just wanna stay in that lavender haze. All they keep askin' me (all they keep askin' me). Is if I'm gonna be your bride. The only kind of girl they see (only kind of girl they see). Is a one-night or a wife” 🎵

Guidance #4: don’t let their pressuring and ideals change what you do or want, especially with something as intimate as your personal life.

The citizens of Ravka, especially the influential families and advisors, wanted the King to take a wife.

They suspected y/n would be the one chosen for that.

Unfortunately for them, the couple weren’t willing to marry right now.

It wasn’t so much that y/n and Nikolai weren’t wanting to be married or were against getting married in itself.

But, it was only a year (plenty of time for a royal marriage, but Nikolai wanted more for both of them) into their romantic relationship, and so much had already changed or still was changing for them.

Plus, they didn’t want to marry just because the people of Ravka wanted that.

They also didn’t care to have their relationship broadcasted as much as it was already, much less if they were married.

And she wasn’t sure she wanted to be a queen.

If Nikolai was to remain her King, she would consider it… but still.

Even then, they knew his title as King was in jeopardy currently given his blood line.

And y/n didn’t want to be a Queen without Nikolai there as her King.

So they chose to ignore the constant pressures from the people to marry right away.

“He has to take a wife, no King before has ever refused to marry!” A strongly haired elderly woman murmured, “something surely must be wrong with her”.

“Maybe she’s barren” a young blonde girl suggested smugly.

“Or maybe she’s not into him that much” another young girl spoke up.

“Are you saying she’s insane?” The blonde questioned.

“Perhaps” the elderly woman hummed.

“Or maybe he doesn’t want her” a new voice chimed in.

“Fair, it’s been a year and I’ve heard of no proposal” the blonde chuckled.

“Of course not, why would he when he can have her there as the image of a monogamous relationship and use her to unite people while secretly sampling from the other eligible girls still?” Someone questioned.

“True, like certainly they’ve slept together, but clearly it’s not enough, so he wants more choices” the blonde agreed.

Y/N’s mind replayed all the comments she’d heard that day in her head as she groaned.

She dragged her damp hands down her soapy face.

She didn’t want to let them get to her.

And in some way they weren’t.

It didn’t change her mind on what she wanted for herself or for their relationship.

But it didn’t mean it was enjoyable to hear the implications they were making.

Nikolai walked into the room, watching her from the corner of his eye as he hung his suit’s jacket up.

Noticing she hadn’t heard him enter, he neared her until he could see her eyes.

As soon as he saw the distracted look in her eyes while she washed her face, he knew something had happened.

He took a deep breath and walked behind her, wrapping her in his arms as he kissed her left cheek, “milaya”.

She smiled into the gold-framed mirror before drying her hands and turning to him, “Kolya”.

“What seems to be troubling you?” Nikolai questioned softly.

She sighed and shook her head, grabbing his hand as she walked to the end of their bed.

“I know none of it is true, and I don’t feel pressured by them, but-“ y/n groaned, “I just wish they’d shut up”.

Nikolai chuckled softly, y/n following suit.

“Care to elaborate, dear? There are frankly too many reasons for that statement” he pointed out.

Y/n hummed in agreement as she rested her head on his shoulder, “some of the women and girls wouldn’t shut up about you not marrying me”.

Nikolai frowned at her words, a sigh leaving his lips.

“Do you want me to propose?” He asked, wanting to ensure what she truly wanted.

She shook her head, “I mean, it’s not that I do or don’t. We’ve talked about it”.

Nikolai nodded, “I know. It’s just the way you worded it. Saying that I was not marrying you, as if that were all there was to it. I don’t want you thinking I was refusing to marry you for some reason rather than us deciding together to wait”.

Y/N’s eyes widened as she spun towards him and cupped his cheeks, “no handsome, I’m sorry! I merely said it that way as that’s what the comments were about today”.

“What do you mean?” He questioned.

She laughed, “they were coming up with their opinions and ideas on why you hadn’t proposed and-“.

Seeing the sadness, guilt, anger, and worry in Nikolai’s eyes, y/n cut herself off.

“Honey,” she cooed softly, “I know none of them are true. I’m not mad you didn’t propose yet. We both want to wait, I’m not letting them get to me”.

“You aren’t?” He asked, satisfaction and relief coating his voice.

“No, I learned from the best how to not let things like that get to me. Especially when you and I know the truth” she complemented.

Nikolai grinned, lifting her hand to his lips and placing a kiss to it.

“Good, because I will propose to you my love, one day” he promised.

——

🎵 “I find it dizzying (yeah, oh, yeah). They're bringin' up my history (yeah, oh, yeah). But you aren't even listening (yeah, oh, yeah). (Ooh-whoa)” 🎵

Guidance #5: people will always make up rumors or cling to stories they’ve heard, you need to be okay with where you came from and not let their comments change that

“I heard her mother is Grisha” a wrinkly snooty woman whispered as she picked at her plate.

The castle was holding another event in which many townsfolk were invited to attend a feast with the King and his staff.

“Truly? I heard she wasn’t anyone important” a petite girl responded.

“You’re both correct. Y/n y/l/n comes from parents whom aren’t of any significance to Ravka; nor the crown. But, there is some Grisha blood in that family, I just wonder if the girl got any of it” a middle aged woman stated.

Y/n had to fight from rolling her eyes.

It was unbelievable that they’d discuss such matters in the first place.

Much less doing so when they were mere feet from y/n herself.

It was clear that they knew she could hear as well, but it didn’t matter.

They all knew y/n wasn’t able to respond.

Her role by Nikolai’s side prevented her from doing such without being seen as unprofessional.

That didn’t mean it was easy.

Y/n rarely wanted to stand up for herself, and now that she did, she couldn’t and that was infuriating.

After all, they brought her family into it as if something was wrong with them or with being Grisha.

——

Nikolai was holding a meeting with his wide selection of advisors when her history as it relates to their relationship was brought up yet again.

Yet, he attempted to brush it aside, “y/l/n’s history, and our relationship, are not open for discussion”.

“King Lantsov, if that’s the case, she shouldn’t be here as it’s possible her family is Grisha or unimportant politically as many have stated” his oldest advisor said.

Nikolai disregarded the entire affair, acting as if the advisor never even spoke.

Instead, he called on the next advisor, asking them to provide him with any updates they’d had since the last meeting.

Y/n watched from the side as the next set of advisors were respectful in their comments and knew they’d be ignored if they attempted to make any reference to y/N’s past.

Y/n took that attitude moving forward whenever someone said something about her or asked about her past.

Instead of trying to defend herself or sulking over the rumors, she just ignored them and moved on.

After all, she learned Nikolai was right when he said it wasn’t worth dignifying them with a response.

——

🎵 “I feel (I feel) the lavender haze creepin' up on me. Surreal, I'm damned if I do give a damn what people say (oh, yeah)” 🎵

And

🎵 “That lavender haze, I just wanna stay. I just wanna stay in that lavender haze”🎵

Overall/Final Guidance: you’re dammed if you give a damn about what anyone thinks or says. In other words, don’t let their noise get to you. You just need to know who you are who you are individually, as a couple, and what you mean to each other.

Y/n and Nikolai were often being told their date nights should be done more publicly.

They were informed it would help strengthen the positive outlook people hand on the King if they could see how he cared for her.

Especially if the rumors of her being Grisha and/or a standard Ravkan citizen were true.

But they didn’t care what the people wanted when it came to their relationship.

So, they continued having dates in the castle’s gardens after guests had left.

They still held dinners just the two of them in private when there was not a need to hold a formal meal.

Overall, they typically completely disregarded the requests and suggestions others had for their relationship.

On the other hand, the couple would still have discussions over some of the challenges they faced in these situations.

If something happened that upset, hurt, or otherwise made one of them question themselves or their relationship, it would be discussed without judgment.

They knew they didn’t need to talk about each and every situation as that would only fuel the public’s desires to overwhelm them.

But sometimes, situations required a discussion.

Most got the time it would be brief, just long enough to ensure they were in the same page and reassure/comfort each other.

Other times, they’d indulge themselves by laughing and joking about some of the insane remarks people would make.

Regardless, Nikolai taught y/n that she was damned if she gave a damn about what people would say.

But more importantly, he helped her feel much more comfortable with her position by his side and under the constant scrutinizing eyes of the public.

It felt as if she was encased in this warm, comforting, delicate, lavender haze.

The haze that acted as a shield from all the pressure and negative energy she would otherwise have experienced.

She felt as if she was in another word, one tinted by her favorite color, lavender.

The otherworldly haze would appear whenever alone with Nikolai.

It sometimes faded or floated away whenever she had to out on a front in order to maintain her image with the public.

But it was all worth it knowing that the comforting lavender haze would undoubtedly return each night to comfort her and lull her to sleep next to the man she loved.

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Tag list: @ell0ra-br3kk3r @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx @nikfigueiredo

[jordanbackupsoc]

Thinking about how 17 year old Kaz Brekker could determine that Sturmhond was the King of Ravka within two minutes of meeting him, yet the Darkling (thousand year old immortal) could not discern that even after TWO WEEKS on a ship with him. Not to mention that Kaz had never even seen Nikolai’s face and the Darkling had literally met him before?!?

[leah-jeffries]

sobachka, boy king, too-clever fox, nikolai nothing, sturmhond, NIKOLAI LANTSOV SHADOW AND BONE, SEASON 2

[vorbarrsultana]

one of my nikolai headcanons is that he's unimaginably bad at swearing. it's not that he doesn't know any swear words – his vocabulary of various curses is good enough, thank you, – he just cringes internally when he has to swear. after all, he was raised in the palace to know 3+ languages & forced to learn diplomatic protocol by heart at the very young age. then he joined the military & quickly rose through the ranks to be surrounded by well-educated senior officers (mostly nobility, it's pseudo 19th century). during the early sturmhond days, the twins or someone else from the crew probably had to teach him pirate privateer speech habits.

nikolai (automatically): captain <something>! i request and require you to comply with my terms of surrender to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, which may...

tamar: privateer, remember?

nikolai (dying inside): oh, right! #$@&%*! #$@&%*! #$@&%*!, you son of a bitch

[shadowandbone]

SHADOW AND BONE, SEASON 2 COMPLETE POSTER SET

[goatsandgangsters]

Nikolai Lantsov Fashion: Royalty Edition

Nikolai still hovered in the doorway. He wore full military dress, a pale blue sash across his chest. The light from the parlor glinted off his medals and gilded the edges of his golden hair. He was playing the role of the polished prince tonight. But standing there, he just looked like a lonely boy who didn’t want to return to a party by himself.

[undiscovered-horizon]

In Emerald Hearts, Emerald Minds - Nikolai Lantsov x Reader

[mentions of unwanted advances + suggested groping + suggestive/sexual (consensual) themes]

☽ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ☾

SUMMARY: When Vasily asks you to forget his half-brother and marry him instead, you escape the Little Palace along Alina. Nikolai realizes something strange is going on when Kaz mentions seeing a similar emerald ring on the woman that came with the Sun Summoner. With how much you and Nikolai have been running in circles to find each other, the reunion aboard Volkvolny feels almost fated.

WORDCOUNT: ~ 4.6k

>>Grishaverse-inspired playlist&lt;<

It feels like the Winter Fete has been going on forever. The champagne keeps on being poured, the guests keep on dancing and the circus acts just keep on performing as though tomorrow is a mere mirage, a concept of a certain time period that never actually comes. Inside those walls of gold and marble, the misery devouring all of Ravka seems like nothing beyond a mad nightmare - something so removed from reality, it’s hilarious in its ridiculousness. Everyone is so carefree and happy you almost take their joy as your own.

Almost.

The orchestra begins playing Waltz of the Flowers and you feel your throat tighten. Despite doing your best not to, your mind relives that fateful night when everything changed. For the longest time, you’d been claiming that the change was for the better but now, standing alone for another year in a row and watching the dashing aristocrats spin to the music, you’re not so sure anymore.

“You really need to stop doing this,” Nikolai says firmly. Although his tone is decisive and clearly unwilling to accept defiance, a pronounced hint of amusement lives between his words - a thread of light-heartedness, one might say.

Your eyebrows gently furrow. “Doing what?”

“Smiling at me like that. Any longer and I might ask you to marry me.”

It feels like you’re about to burst at the seams. Trying to contain your emotions, and failing at it quite horribly, you bite your lower lip. “I might say yes.”

“Where have you gone, Kolya?” you whisper under your breath. The gloss of vacancy covering your eyes blurs the dancing bodies into one mass of faceless strangers. But it also makes you not notice someone approaching you.

“I find it quite admirable.”

Vasily’s voice startles you. To your now-gone relief, you didn’t have the displeasure of running into him all evening - until now. If you were to list all of the things about the older Lantsov son that makes your skin crawl, you’d be done by the time another Winter Fete is organized. The top of the list, however, deserves to be mentioned as it’s an inseparable part of your every interaction with the prince: he’s quite adamant and crude in his desire to be more than just a future brother-in-law to you.

“Excuse me?” you stutter out.

That patronizing look on his face is now accompanied by a cocky half-grin as he realizes he caught you off-guard. “Your devotion to my brother. For all we know, he might be already dead, Saints’ protect him.”

“Don’t even say that!” you hiss at him. Right after, you look around to check whether one of the guests has noticed your unpleasant exchange.

Despite what you’ve just said, you know he’s right. There’s no way you can be sure that your Kolya is either dead or alive. Perhaps this is the detail further ripping your heart apart - you don’t know anything about his fate; you’re mourning, although you’re yet to see the coffin. You haven’t for a few years now and each passing month of silence only made court gossip more cruel and bold.

“All I’m saying, dearest,” Vasily begins quietly as his hand drags along your arm, “is that the moment the news of Nikolai’s death reaches the Grand Palace, you’ll be thrown out. On the other hand, I can make you the Queen of Ravka. And unlike my brother, I won’t disappear off the face of the Earth and forget about his beloved lady.”

The word of endearment is dripping with sarcasm as it leaves his chapped lips. His breath reeks of alcohol and you unknowingly turn your head away. Vasily seems to think you’re about to leave his side, so his hand tightly grips your arm. The hold is almost bruising. He yanks you even closer towards himself.

“Kolya hasn’t forgotten about me,” you say in a shaky voice. Maybe he’s not as foolish as he appears and Vasily is genuinely trying to break you down.

The prince studies your face for a moment, definitely noticing how shaken you are. His eyes have the strangest glint to them - something between desire and contempt. “Is that so?” he barely stifles a grim laugh. “He would have written you a letter if that were true, no?”

Tears sting your eyes. Vasily is certainly smarter, or at least more cruel, than he lets on. He knows exactly what to say to get into your head. It’s a startling difference between him and Nikolai - only one of them does what he can to keep a smile on your face. Well, did.

His dirty, rough hand grabs your chin. Vasily forces you to look at him, his smile wavers upon noticing your desperation. “Consider your options, зайка,” he purrs out. The prince’s other hand trails your face. “The choice is yours.”

A tear falls down your cheek. You feel it rolling across your skin and you silently hope the guests surrounding you are watching this scene. Then, you lean in even closer to Vasily’s face. The whisper leaves your lips like a viper’s venomous hiss: "I will marry you the day you lay his dead body at my feet."

To your surprise, Vasily drops his hands and takes a step back. Despite the self-assured smile on his face, you can see the fury inside his eyes. “As you wish.” He bows curtly, turns on his heel and marches away, undoubtedly looking for another glass of alcohol and a lady naive enough to warm his bed.

The palace suddenly feels stuffy and overcrowded; the music is too loud, the plethora of smells make your head spin.

Outside. You need to get outside.

Bumping into several guests and mumbling half-coherent apologies, you run through the halls of the Little Palace. When the cold, night air hits your flushed cheeks, only then do you stop. Taking in a deep breath, you can actually feel your thoughts becoming clearer. 

With each gust of freezing wind, all the anger and sadness is leaving your shaking body. Vasily just wanted to get a rise out of you and, as much as you don’t want to admit it, he succeeded. Unlike he claims, Nikolai surely is alive. Maybe bruised or sick or not sleeping well but as long as there’s no news about him being dead, he is as alive as one can be. The same starry sky hangs above your and his heads. Perhaps, in this small moment of longing, he’s thinking about you too. Wherever he is.

A tired sigh leaves your lips. You’re about to turn around and go back inside when a silhouette moving in the night catches your attention. The shape is swift although careful like a lizard approaching a fly. You see them looking around before running for another few meters only to hide behind a bush or piece of architecture.

Curious and a little scared, you follow the stranger towards one of the carriages. Quietly, you get close enough to grab their wrist. The shape lets out a gasp and turns around to look at you.

“Alina?!” you whisper. What in Saints’ mercy is she doing? You look at her warm, casual clothes and the bag on her back. “Are you running away?”

“I need to leave,” she answers equally quietly. Her voice as well as her stare is filled with certainty - she’s convinced beyond reasonable doubt this is the right thing to do. “Please, don’t try to stop me.”

You let go of her hand. “Stop you?” A dry chuckle leaves your lips. “I’m coming with you.”

“What?” she deadpans. Alina is staring at you with a vacant stare and her mouth slightly agape. Apparently exchanging royal comforts for hay and stolen apples is unthinkable.

“If I have to spend one more day around Vasily, I will murder someone.”

Alina slowly nods her head - she can definitely understand the sentiment. A dimwitted Fjerdan would have more charm than the older prince. But then she squints her eyes, looking at you with a sense of scepticism.

“Out there, there won’t be warm beds and three-course dinners, you know?”

“I know,” you answer with a careless shrug. Loitering and wandering isn’t for ladies of your sort, it’s like throwing a finless fish into a tank with sharks. Despite that, you’re quite convinced the means justify the end, at least in this scenario. “But out there is my Kolya. And I’m done politely waiting for him.”

A shadow of sadness covers her face. If there’s anyone who can understand your plight, it’s her. In fact, she is luckier than you - she saw her lover maybe an hour ago. Pleasant or unpleasant, the meeting confirmed to her that Mal is at least alive. It’s not a privilege you could afford.

“Then let’s go,” she says to you before opening the chest in the back of the carriage. Forgetting all of your etiquette and social standing, you climb into the compartment with her. Towards adventure or death, you’re going somewhere.

“The ring gave you away,” Kaz announces. “It’s too expensive for a bodyguard.”

Jesper knits his eyebrows together, suddenly remembering something. He leans towards Kaz but speaks a little too loudly for the question to be inconspicuous: “Didn’t that girl wear the same-”

When Kaz’s cold glare meets Jesper’s squinted eyes, the dark-skinned man immediately closes his mouth halfway through the question. Both of them sit back as they were but the cat is already out of the bag. Well, not entirely - half of it is peeking out of the metaphorical sack.

Nikolai looks between them with unmissable suspicion. Although he’s heard enough to be aware of the possibility that the Sun Summoner isn’t travelling by herself, this is the first time either of the Crows admits it.

His heart begins to beat slightly quicker: Alina run away from the Little Palace along with another woman and that lady was wearing a royal jewel at the time. As long as Vasily didn’t lose his signet on one of his distasteful escapades, the course of events points to only one person - you. Shoving his restless excitement into the deepest chasms of his heart, Nikolai manages to remain his composure:

“Who was wearing that ring?” The prince-turned-privateer unknowingly fiddles with the heavy jewellery on his finger. Noticing the Crows’ reluctance, he makes them an offer: “If you tell me who you saw wearing an emerald ring, I might, say, give you ten minutes to escape.” Nikolai vaguely gestures to the closed window on his right-hand side.

Kaz knows there’s no point in lying any longer. The man in front of him is not only well-informed but also smarter than he looks, making the Crow wonder whether he also knows the answer to this question but prefers to play some kind of a game. In any event, he’s done his part of the deal and his ex-accomplices are left to their own devices. Additionally, he could really use those ten minutes. “A young woman that accompanied Alina Starkov. High-born, confident, decisive. Not a Grisha as far as I know.”

“Not a Lantsov, obviously,” Jesper chips in.

Brekker’s keen eyes catch the barely noticeable change in Sturmhond’s expression - the corner of his mouth merely stuttered up and down but it is enough to tell Kaz as much as he needs:

“You know her.”

Know her? If Nikolai had a weaker grip on his emotions at the moment, he’d laugh until his stomach and diaphragm hurt and then he’ll burst with laughter once more, unspeakably joyous that he might get to see her sooner than he thought. Yes, he does know her but in the way heart knows blood and lungs know air. She’s the ligament that keeps his bones together, the fibres that construct his muscles, the very blood that runs in his veins. Does the Moon simply know the stars? Do trees know their roots and branches?

But for now, he needs to stay focused. 

“Not really,” Sturmhond answers while scrunching his nose. “Many aristocrats wear a ring like that. While I may know of a lot of them, I hardly know anything about them.”

Kaz fights back a mocking half-grin begging to twist his thin lips. “I’d argue that an emerald in Ravka is a rather rare gem.”

“Hers is probably genuine. Mine’s stolen.”

Silence falls between the three men. Nikolai and Kaz are staring each other down, battling in some kind of war of wits and nerves, waiting for the other to give in. Jesper is stealing glances at both of them, feeling the cold tension rise in the air.

Against his deep-seated desire, Kaz doesn’t inquire further about the emeralds or the strange coincidence that the two enigmatic characters wearing them might know each other. He sits back in the chair, his shoulders visibly drop. As much as he’d love to dig deeper, he’d much rather get out of here and reclaim his freedom that is now endangered.

“Well, gentlemen,” Nikolai begins in an upbeat tone, “your ten minutes start now.”

Without saying anything else, he leaves the room. Only then, when the dark, wooden door close behind him, does he let suppressed emotions wash over him. A quiet chuckle brushes past his lips and for a moment even tears sting his eyes. Delight, worry, relief - conflicting sensations merge into one, completely overpowering flame burning inside his chest.

Maybe he doesn’t have the Sun Summoner and he still needs to come up with a plan to catch her but Nikolai hasn’t been this happy for a while now: his солиышко is alright, still making the world brighter and warmer. If he can get to Alina Starkov, he might see her again, although he begins to wonder whether she wishes to see him after all those years of silence and ignorance. But if he can see her, just witness the marvel of her entire being even for one last second, he’ll be cured of the longing and loneliness that has been gnawing at him ever since he left Os Alta.

You’re following the Shu man to what you assume is his captain’s cuddy. The ship creeks and groans under the weight of the crew as well as the power of the waves. The bussing crewmen spare the three of you a glance, only to show disinterest and go back to their duties. It’s a nice change compared to the kerchen ship you travelled on to Novyi Zem, where the captain asked Alina and you to stay under the deck because of the sailors’ superstition. After getting off the ship, it took you a good week to wash out the reek of cured cod from your clothes and hair. Sometimes you still felt like you can smell it in the air, even in the dusty wind sweeping through Novyi Zem.

Your ‘guide’ pushes the door and they swing open with a creak, the list of the ship aiding the motion. Except for the squeaky hinges, probably rusting faster than anyone can manage, Volkvolny is in good shape. In fact, it looks brand new - no mould or woodworms.

“Captain, request for charter,” the stocky stranger announces with a hint of amusement or excitement in his voice. Despite his imposing visage, the Shu man has made a good impression on you but the long sword on his back kept you vigilant against getting too comfortable in his company.

Only when he moves to the side, presenting the three of you to his captain, do you see the face of the infamous Sturmhond.

You want to laugh. In fact, you have to clench your fists to stop yourself from bursting out with laughter. This situation feels like the strangest coincidence that you can think of, which in turn makes you suspect that it’s not a coincidence at all. Because what are the odds?

Nikolai’s face momentarily brightens up when he recognizes you, a new glint lights up his eyes. He looks different than you remember but in all the right ways: his shoulders look broader and his hair is longer, curling in a way that makes him appear more infantile. You remembered him as a handsome man but the Nikolai in front of you is beautiful enough to be considered unreal.

He's staring into you like a deer caught in headlights until Tolya hands him Alina’s unusual means of payment. As Nikolai is turning the piece of jewellery in his fingers, you notice another change: his hands look rougher, definitely scarred from all the adventures you hope you’re yet to hear about.

The blond prince turns his attention back to Alina, Mal and you. “A gold hairpin can get you anywhere. But an emerald ring?” He gestures to you. “It can get you everywhere.”

“It’s not for sale,” you answer, although you know he’s not trying to buy it. After all, he’s the one that gave it to you.

“I don’t want it.” Nikolai shakes his head. Then, a flirty smile appears on his face. “Looks better on you anyway, doll.”

You’re about to respond to his remark when his attention is once again placed on Alina. “Now, Tolya says you’re looking for a charter. Where are we sailing?”

Alina begins the story with ‘the creation of the world’ as your mother used to say: the Little Palace, Darkling, Morozova’s amplifiers and the Fold. Nikolai nods along, never giving away that he’s privy to most of the story. He doesn’t believe in the Sea Whip at first but that’s hardly his fault - not too long ago people wouldn’t believe in the existence of the Sun Summoner and now she’s standing beside you, nervously rubbing her hand. As you have expected from the moment you saw that Nikolai is Sturmhond, he agrees to the insanity of taking up the quest to catch the amplifier.

“Tolya will show you around.” He sends you off. You’re about to follow your friends out of the cuddy when he adds: “You, emerald lady, I’d like to talk to in private.”

Alina gives you a concerned look (‘blink twice if you need help’)  but you only smile and nod at her in response. With Mal tugging at her arm, she reluctantly leaves you and Sturmhond alone.

The moment the door closes behind Tolya and your friends, Nikolai runs around his desk towards you, engulfing you in a bone-crushing hug. His hand threads through your hair, pushing your head further into the crook of his neck. Even if you tried, there’s no way you can pull away or even move. Taking a deep breath, you smell the familiar fragrance of his cologne but now it’s mixed with the scent of resin, saltwater and seaweed.

Then he pulls away, looking you up and down with burning worry. “Are you alright? Are you hurt? What are you doing here?”

You swear he could be bleeding out on the floor and still he’d be apologizing for staining your clothes. It’s heartwarming that despite the years and evident change in his appearance, Kolya is still Kolya.

A wide smile enters your face. “Looking for a frisky sailor to take me on a voyage filled with indecency, obviously.”

“Well, here he is.” Nikolai points to himself and winks at you. “And he’d really like to know why you’re in Novyi Zem with the Sun Summoner and whats-his-face and not in the Grand Palace in Os Alta.”

You let out a heavy sigh and shake your head gently. “I grew tired, Kolya.” His eyebrows slant upon hearing the exhaustion in your voice. Despite the sheer happiness he feels when you say his name, the concern gnawing at his heart seems to be more powerful. “Years have gone by without you giving me even the tiniest sign that you’re alive and well. And your brother, Saint’s have mercy on him because I won’t, has been adamant about marrying me ever since you left. I told him I will accept his proposal the day he lays your dead body before me.” You make pause, noticing a strange shadow hanging over Nikolai’s face. But he’s not saying anything for a moment, so you finish what you wanted to say: “I had to get away from it all. There’s only so much uncertainty and intruding fingers a lady can take.”

“By the Saints,” he breathes out, “did Vasily lay a hand on you?”

You feel his grip around you tighten but it’s not painful, rather securing. “If you’re asking whether he hit me or forced himself on me, then no, he did not. He did, however, make it abundantly clear what he wants from me. On multiple occasions.”

Nikolai’s face twists in a scowl. The glint that lit up his eyes when he saw you is now gone, exchanged for something dark and unstable. “I’m so sorry, if I knew-”

“I know, love,” you interrupt him. He doesn’t need to announce the ends he’d go to in order to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. Nikolai has never said or done so but you’re fairly convinced he wouldn’t shy away from fistfighting Vasily if he said something less-than-savoury to you. “But neither of us could have known.”

“I promised you’d be safe in Os Alta.”

“And I promised to stay put.” You can’t keep laughter in any longer. You’re not quite sure whether your chuckle is born out of happiness or disbelief. “Now look at us.”

Suddenly, he knits his eyebrows close. At first, you think he’s confused but then the slight rise of his cheeks suggests something closer to contempt or disgust. "Would you actually marry Vasily if he gave you my dead body?"

You can only give him an indifferent shrug. "Maybe?” you ponder aloud. “If you were dead, I would lose all care about what happens to me or with me. In a way, I’d be dead too."

Nikolai takes one of your hands and kisses its fingers. Your breath hitches in your throat when you feel his warm lips against your skin. “I could never rest in peace knowing how he’s treating you.”

“Having you haunt me would be incomparably better than you just being gone. Everything is better than silence.”

His shoulders slouch. Nikolai looks away from you for a moment, admiring the floor in his cuddy but even this can’t hide his guilt and shame. “I couldn’t have just popped in for a visit. Not anywhere in Ravka.”

"You couldn't even have written me a letter?"

"Someone at the palace would recognize my handwriting. I couldn't risk it."

"Then you could have dictated the letter to one of your crew."

That self-assured, flirty smirk appears again on his face. "And scandalize my crewmen with the things I want to tell you?”

As much as you’ve dearly missed his insufferable humour, at the moment it’s making your skin crawl. “This is a serious conversation, Nikolai,” you state firmly.

“I am serious, солиышко.” The pet name rolls off his tongue with both weight and lightness as though it belongs exclusively to you and no one else can ever claim it as their own. He kisses your hand again but keeps it against his lips for a while longer. Then, he places your fingers on his chest and you can feel the soft thrumming of his heart. “Do you think I never thought about writing to you? That I didn’t stay up at night thinking about what I will tell you when we meet again? Countless letters I have begun only to tear them apart and throw them into the sea or burn them. If some people found out we know each other, you’d be in much greater danger than Darkling following your steps. I’d rather deal with the heartbreak of staying away from you than know I put you in danger because I can’t live without you.”

It brings you a grim sense of comfort that he’s been equally torn as you were over the lack of contact. You never thought about it before but Nikolai must have been worried sick, not knowing whether you’re alright and happy. Has he imagined your plight and misery as often as you did his?

“What did you write in those letters?” you ask in a shaky voice.

“I wrote about how much I miss you, how it physically hurts to consider that you might think I have abandoned you. When I was hungry, cold, tired or sick, only the memories of you made me push on. On nights when I couldn’t sleep, I’d stare at the sky above me and wonder whether you’re looking at the same stars. I wrote that wherever I go, I see your face. You are in every sunrise and sunset, every flower I see and every fire that warms me.” Nikolai lets go of your fingers, placing both of his hands on either side of your face. The softness in his eyes makes you swoon. “I only wrote the truth,” he says slowly, making sure you understand the weight of his words.

Swallowing back tears, you lean into his warm touch. “My beloved, my heart yearns for you?” you jest in a dramatic voice.

A playful smile creeps back unto his lips. “If only my heart.”

“Gross.”

“You wanted a frisky sailor.”

"You’re a pirate, not a sailor.”

"I’m a privateer,” he drones out the word as though it makes a world of a difference.

"Pirate sounds sexier."

Nikolai gives you a fake frown. “Oh, I definitely am a pirate."

Without thinking twice, he’s kissing you. The sensation is just as comforting as you remember. His soft lips are doting on you, growing needier with each peck as though this is some feverish attempt at making up the lost time. 

He pulls away to catch his breath and although you’re panting yourself, you unknowingly chase after him, unwilling to dismiss this carnal desire just yet. Nikolai seems to notice your eagerness - he flashes you a cocky grin and shortly pecks your lips again.

“You crossed Ravka, the Fold and the sea just to find me?” he whispers. His eyes are stuck to your wet, swollen mouth.

“And I’d do it a hundred more times if I had to.”

You exchange a few more hungry kisses, pecking and nipping at each other’s lips, before Nikolai continues the conversation:

“I want to say that I’m flattered but I’d rather not encourage you to do something this stupid and dangerous ever again.”

“Hate to break it to you but you took all the stupid with you.”

He rests his forehead against yours; hot, laboured breaths brush against your flushed cheeks. “I’d like to clarify that I’m not stupid, I just can’t seem to think about anything other than you.”

Nikolai wraps his arms around your waist. In a swift motion, he turns you around and pushes you against the edge of his desk. His strength surprises you when Nikolai effortlessly lifts you and places you atop the table, pushing off maps and navigation essentials. Firm, warm hands are restlessly wandering across your body, unsure where to lay or what to grab.

You gasp quietly when his fingers sneak underneath your shirt. “Is this the indecent part of the voyage, my frisky sailor?”

“By the Saints, I hope so,” he whispers against your lips. Then, he furrows his eyebrows questioningly. “Is that offensive to say around a living Saint?”

“I don’t think Alina heard you.”

His nimble fingers are quickly undoing the buttons on your clothes. “Well, she will hear you in a moment.”

“Gross,” you say with laughter in your voice but the word gets muffled as Nikolai gets back to kissing you again.

Even if the crew did hear you that day, no one dared say a word.

зайка [zay-ka] - bunny (feminine; term of endearment)

солиышко [sol-nee-shko] - little sun (unisex; term of endearment)

[kolarpem]

Morning Doodle: A little bit of business in Ketterdam

[jahayla-parker]

King of My Heart : Nikolai Lantsov x Reader Series

Description: Princess Y/n and Nikolai have known each other since they were little as their families would visit each other every summer. However, Y/n and Nikolai seemingly always hated each other. To make matters more complicated, their parents arranged for them to marry. Will they be able to get along enough to maintain a political marriage, will they truly fall for each other, or will their hatred continue to tear each other apart until there’s nothing but destruction?

Warnings: angst, hurt-comfort, friends to enemies, enemies to lovers, pining, crush(es), flirting, dancing, arguments, fighting, insults/bullying, attitude, typical Grishaverse topics and themes, kissing and other romantic behaviors and content, misunderstandings, bantering, etc.

Notes: This is an ONGOING series. When a new part is scheduled for release/to be posted, I’ll update this masterlist with those details. I’m hoping to keep updating it frequently and routinely, but please bear with me if that’s not always 100% the case!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Thoughts on if I should continue?

Taglist: @iambored24601 @nghtwngs @dcmaniac101 @naushtheaspiringauthor @larathebee @hereiamhereigo @lareinaa007 @halfofagayallofaqueer @el-de-phi @kiroshki @caspianobsessed @hauntedenthusiasttragedy @adalia-jaycee @ell0ra-br3kk3r @wonderland2425 @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @kateswone @liter4ti @torresbarnes @mischiefmanaged71 @casualladyinternet @im-here-sometimes @moonflowersandsparkles @h-l-vlovesvintage @dinonuggiessss @bubybubsters @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @opheliaofficial07

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[syllvane]

beginnings- nikolai lantsov x reader

In another life, you might have found him handsome.

You might have been attracted to his golden hair and the arrogance that he carried with him, but it was hard to be attracted to him when your hands were locked and he had the key.

Besides, you don’t have room in your life for romantic machinations 

“You know, I think what’s been throwing me off is that you’re too pretty to be a criminal.” He said towards you and Jesper and Kaz fell silent.

Oh you were never going to hear the end of this.

“We should see how pretty you think I am when I break your fingers.” You retorted, slowly and silently working on the lock mechanism.

“Promise?” He replied almost instantly and your fingers stopped working for a second, stumbling at his response. “Oh, that reminds me, Alina Starkov. She-”

You tuned him out as you undid the rest of your restraints, starting to plot your escape from here.

The window was likely your best and only option, with guards conversing outside of the door behind you three, and the Sturmhond blocking the door in front.

The pirate caught your attention once again by producing more Kruge than you had ever seen at once in his hand, setting it down on the table.

“Twenty seconds,” he nodded to Kaz, turning to leave before looking at you, catching your eye one last time. “You could always join my crew. Always looking for new talent.”

“Go to hell.” You shot back and a wide smile appeared on his face.

“Worth a shot.” He said while walking through the pair of double doors.

Both you and Kaz shot out of your seats, Kaz walking towards the Kruge and you towards the window, which luckily had a landing empty of guards.

“I can’t believe he was flirting with you. A little help?” Jesper said, half-annoyed and Kaz tossed a coin towards him. You rolled your eyes.

“What am I supposed to… when did you know? That I’m a Durast?” Jesper asked, his voice growing soft as he transformed the coin into a lock pick with nothing but his hands.

“In the train, when we were crossing the Fold, in the train. And besides, when you shoot, you never miss and no one is that good.”

“I don’t-”

“Neither of us are gonna out you, Jes.” You said, half-focused on the guards trying to break through the door.

“I appreciate it, but I’m more interested in hearing that from him.”

You turned to Kaz. His eyes never left Jesper.

“I’m not going to out you.”

Jesper gave Kaz a single nod, the handcuffs falling to his feet.

“Let’s go.” You said, one leg already out the window.

[olisgifs]

#oh no he’s hot

[spideytingley]

my april fic recs!

percy jackson & the olympians

luke castellan

true luck’s kiss by @atlabeth

summary: luke is stuck with a streak of bad luck. what better way to get rid of it than with a child of tyche?

twin beads by @supercutszns

summary: you’ve been unclaimed for five years. you’ve loved your best friend even longer. the sea used to be your greatest solace, but after percy jackson comes to camp, it’s your cruelest reminder.

ACOTAR

azriel

a healer’s touch by @bat-boys

summary: as a healer you meet many people as part of your profession but when you are asked to heal a certain spymaster you are unprepared for the connection that comes with it.

eye of the storm (series) by @thesunloveschips

summary: Nyra is one of the older Archeron sisters. Twin to Nesta. Plagued by a mysterious illness that her mortal body cannot endure for too long. And yet, it seems her curse is to see her family suffer. When the youngest of her sisters is whisked away into the land of fae, immortality soon follows for the rest of them. And as an immortal, there is more to her that she has yet to know.

missed target by @imaginesmai

summary: Azriel is convinced Elain was made for him. Three sisters for three brothers, and no one can make him change his mind. But someone or something is determinated to change the course of fate on his behalf. No matter how hard he tries.

if it all fell by @pellucid-constellations

summary: If it all fell apart—if you forgot who you were—would you love him again? Would the bond guide you back? Azriel doesn't know if that uncertainty is one he can bear.

notice me! by @heartless-tate

summary: Azriel courting an oblivious reader.

love of choice by @writingcroissant

summary: The Cauldron doesn’t always pick wisely when it comes to mates, but even though Azriel isn’t hers, she chooses him.

bluebird (series) by @acourtofwhatthefuck

let me keep you company by @utterlyazriel

summary: You're studying in Velaris and a certain Shadowsinger catches your eyes in more than one way. It takes a while to realise the shadow keeping you company means more than you expect.

strings that bind us by @parkerslatte

summary: Y/N owns a small bookstore in Velaris. When she struggles to take her stock in, a handsome stranger approaches her and offers her help. She accepts the help and Y/N insists on making him dinner for his help. Azriel originally denies this but he finds himself eventually saying yes for reasons he doesn’t understand quite yet.

wings by @itsswritten

summary: Who would've thought that your found family would be so captivated by your hidden wings? As they reminisce about their first glimpses of your ethereal secret, you realise just how cherished and adored you truly are.

you don’t get to tell me about sad by @bubbles-for-all-of-us

summary: Azriel gets an assignment he can’t seem to decline. Now he has a princess full of attitude under his protection. The only question is whose cold heart will break first.

marvel

bucky barnes

always you, forever by @pellucid-constellations

summary: Bucky wants to take you away from it all. This time, you might just let him. 

dc

clark kent

handyman by @itsrubberbisquit

summary: Clark has been smitten with his accident-prone neighbor for quite some time. She tracks him down to make a familiar request with an unusual ending.

jason todd

four times red hood blushed because of you, and one time jason todd blushed by @mxtantrights

grishaverse

nikolai lanstov

this is me trying by @criminalamnesia

summary: the last time you saw Nikolai, he told you he never wanted to see you again. now, you’re standing outside his door.

dancing with our hands tied by @criminalamnesia

summary: Nikolai confronts you about unspoken feelings

[barrel-crow-n]

What if Kaz joined Sturmhond's crew

Listen, hear me out.

Kaz is bored as fuck in Rule of Wolves. That's so obvious. He built an underground tunnel under half the city, he expanded Dregs territory, he bought a new gambling parlour, he upgraded the Crow Club. He steals things for fun. But it's getting so boring.

"What are you without your vengance" "What will you do when there are no more scores to settle?" Kaz's whole life has been about revenge, and now that Pekka is gone, he doesn't know what to do with himself. This was made clear in both show and book (the quotes above) when the Jordie hallucination and Inej both ask him what he will do when there's no more revenge to exact. He never really thought about it but now his revenge is done. It's completed. Early. Kaz mentions how he was going to use his haul to start a new gang and destroy Pekka, but he clearly never thought it would be so soon. Now, he doesn't know what to do. He's rich. He's the king of the Barrel. He's got his gang. There is nothing left to do.

There's nothing in Ketterdam left to occupy him. He wants to be the king of it, and he loves the city, but he's bored out of his skull. So he goes on a voyage. He leaves his lieutenant in charge, and his gang have orders to continue terrorising the Barrel whilst he's gone, but Kaz personally slips away onto the sea. With Nikolai.

I chose Nikolai and not Inej because of how similar Kaz and Nikolai are. Nikolai slips away from his kingly duties, Kaz from his. Nikolai has an unquiet mind, so does Kaz. They both love to put on a show and a disguise and Nikolai's reputation on the sea is pretty ruthless. He fed a guy's fingers to a dog. Kaz would love that. Also when Inej finds out he went on the sea but on a ship that isn't hers it'll be funny. Do you see my vision?

[puppiesareperfect]

I love how Nikolai shows up in his Sturmhond persona in Crooked Kingdom and Kaz is just like “buddy you look exactly like the king in paintings maybe you’ll fool the others but I have more than one brain cell”

[criminalamnesia]

Dancing With Our Hands Tied

summary: Nikolai confronts you about unspoken feelings.

warnings: fluff, no use of y/n, not proofread, no gendered pronouns used (that I know of), grisha!heartrender!reader

author’s note: dancing with our hands tied by taylor swift inspired this! also listen I love zoya and nikolai but nikolai is just sooooooo ksjfjsjs I wanted to write a reader insert for him.

—

What you had with your captain was something no one understood– not even the two of you.

Sturmhond– or Nikolai, as you knew him in secret– was your friend. Your captain. But he was also something more.

He was a rogue ship, and you were a lighthouse guiding him home. He was a dangerous sea, threatening to drown you if you tested your luck– and oh, how you were so close to seeing what would happen if you did.

You shouldn’t even know his true identity. But, as fate would have it, he needed a heartrender with a specific set of skills that you just happened to have, and you needed an escape.

You were his tailor– disguising his appearance and turning him into the infamous Sturmhond. That was the only reason you were allowed to see him without his mask– you were the one to put it back together.

“You’re not surprised?” He had asked you the first night your services had been requested.

The ginger hair of Sturmhond had faded. The crooked nose had straightened, but the same smug grin was still present.

“No,” you had said. “I know that heartbeat. I knew it was you a mile from your ship.”

That took him aback. How did you know his heartbeat?

You had laughed, your eyes twinkling with something he found mesmerizing. He didn’t know you– he was sure of it. He wouldn’t forget a face like yours.

One of your hands was on his shoulder, holding him still. The other roamed his face, fingers dancing across his skin as you worked.

“You’re staring,” you stated, your fingers moving to his messy blond hair. “Trying to figure out how I know you?”

“Yes,” he admitted, eyes watching your face intently. “Were you at the Little Palace?”

You nodded. “I was.” The blond of his hair started to turn red. “But I spent most of my time in the Grand Palace.” You paused, your hand leaving his shoulder to move to his chin, tilting his head to the side. You could hear his heart beat a tad bit faster.

“The Darkling gave me to your mother, as he did with Genya. I was her apprentice. She taught me how to tailor.” You told him.

“I didn’t suffer the same fate she did, if that’s what you’re wondering. Your father had eyes for her, not me.” You couldn’t help the bitterness in your voice. Nikolai flinched.

“You were rarely home– but I met you once, when we were both still small. That’s why I know your heartbeat. The only one of the Royal Family to have a good heart– not a sour one. It stuck with me, I guess you could say.”

“I don’t remember you,” he admitted, and you gave a small laugh. His blond hair was almost completely red now.

“I wouldn’t expect you to. You’re not the only one being tailored, Captain. The First Army can’t take me back if they don’t recognize me, now can they?”

“Are you listening?”

Nikolai’s voice broke you from your thoughts. He was sitting on the bed in his quarters on the ship. You stood between his knees, your hands on his face as you changed him back into Sturmhond.

“Mhm,” you hummed. You weren’t. This routine was something you could do in your sleep, and truthfully, you found your mind drifting off more and more whenever Nikolai required your assistance. It’s not that you found his company dull– quite the opposite, actually. But you didn’t want him to know that.

“No you weren’t,” he gave a small chuckle, one of his hands moving up to grab one of yours. He pulled it from his face as he intertwined your fingers.

“Nikolai,” you hissed, pulling your hand from his grasp. “Do you want me to mess up? I was in the middle of reforming your nose.”

He sighed, his hand falling back to his lap as you raised yours once more. You avoided his eyes, knowing you wouldn’t like what you saw in them.

Between the two of you, he was the more open with his feelings. For the past few weeks, he had continuously tried to corner you and get you to talk about whatever the two of you were. To try and figure things out. You had successfully avoided him thus far, but you knew you were dancing on thin ice.

It was only a matter of time before he recruited one of the twins to subdue you while he forced you to listen. You wouldn’t put it past him, and you knew for a fact Tolya would help him. Curse that hopeless romantic.

“You’re insufferable. And exhausting,” he told you as you grasped his chin gently between your fingers, turning his face this way and that to examine your handiwork.

“I know. You tell me quite often,” you remarked, nodding to yourself as you moved to focus your sights on his hair.

He sighed. Silence engulfed the two of you. It was almost smothering, full of unsaid words and the tension between the two of you. You were suddenly aware of how close you were to him– his knees caging you in as you stood between his spread legs. His face in your hands, his hands now on your waist.

“We keep dancing around this,” he said. You didn’t reply, choosing to focus more intently on the roots of his hair. “The whole crew thinks we’re sleeping together.”

That caught you off guard. You gave a snort, rolling your eyes. “Of course they do. You call me to your quarters in the night, every week. You always stare at me, especially when you think I’m not looking. And you’re handsy– you’ve always got a hand on my back or my shoulder or something.”

Nikolai chuckled. “Well, you’re one to talk. Every time you laugh at something I’ve said, you grab onto my arm and go ‘oh Sturmhond!’. And don’t act like you don’t stare, too.”

“I do not say ‘oh Sturmhond’,” you said, looking down at him. He grinned that same crooked smile.

“I know you’re thinking it. Probably thinking some other things, too. Like how you’d like to–”

“Shut up, or I’m going to give you a black eye.” You hissed, pulling his hair harder than you should’ve.

He laughed. “You wouldn’t. You like my face too much.”

“Im sick of it, actually,” you remarked. “I see it everyday.”

“If that were true, you wouldn’t be here.” He replied.

“You say that as if you’d let me leave. I’m the only tailor you’ve got.”

He shook his head. “That’s not the reason I wouldn’t let you leave, and we both know it.”

You dropped your hands as the last of his blond turned red. Your job here was done. There was nothing stopping you from bidding him goodnight and excusing yourself to your own cot. You knew he would drop it and let you go without another word, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything. You didn’t want to say anything.

“So now you’re keeping me prisoner?” You said, suddenly all too aware of his hands squeezing your waist.

“Maybe I am. At least until you admit you like me,” he said, and you scoffed.

“If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t be here–” you began, but he cut you off.

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.”

He moved to stand. You tried to step back, but his hands on you kept you rooted to the spot. You looked up at him, heat rising to your cheeks. Your chests were touching now, and there were only inches between your lips and his.

“When are we going to stop playing this game?” He whispered, one of his hands moving from your waist to brush a strand of hair from your face.

“You like it too much to stop.” You retorted.

“I’d like honesty more,” he said, and you shook your head. “As much fun as playing cat and mouse is with you, I’m growing tired of chasing. And we both know you’re tired of running.”

His hands were on your hips as he swung you around the deck, a laugh on his lips as you clung to his shoulders. You couldn’t help but smile as he dipped you, your eyes meeting his. There were unspoken promises in his gaze– too many feelings, and you had to look away.

Others danced around you two as a few of the crew played some song you’d never heard on makeshift instruments. Laughter and conversation made it hard to think straight. Spirits were high– you’d all just succeeded in breaking through a Fjerdan blockade– and that called for a celebration.

“They’re all going to think we’re together,” you had told Nikolai as he grabbed your hand and pulled you to the dance floor. He had laughed, leaning in close to whisper “let them” in your ear.

He had kissed you for the first time that night, after the party had subsided and everyone was asleep but the two of you. You had been talking quietly, watching the stars and listening to the waves, and he had kissed you and you had melted.

“Nikolai..” you sighed, your hands moving to rest on his shoulders. “This isn’t a good idea.”

“I don’t care,” he told you, and his heartbeat was as steady as it had ever been.

“I do,” you told him, meeting his gaze. “You can’t play pirate forever. What happens when you go back to Ravka, back to your family? You can’t marry me. I’m nobody– not a princess, not a diplomat. I’m an escaped servant who knows too much and would be imprisoned or executed for escaping.”

“Privateer,” he corrected, and you rolled your eyes. “And I’m the second son– a bastard second son. I’m already a disgrace in their eyes,” one of his hands moved to the small of your back, his thumb rubbing circles into the fabric of your shirt. “I can’t disappoint them any more than I have.”

“It doesn’t matter what they think of you now, they still won’t let me anywhere near you.” You replied, and he shook his head.

“Why are we even talking about this?” He asked. “We’re not in Ravka. We’re in the middle of the ocean, and no one cares what we do.”

He was right. You were far from Ravka and his family and your pasts. You were someone new, and he was, too. You weren’t an escaped servant– you were Sturmhond’s first mate. You were his most trusted friend– besides the twins– and you were the one he wanted.

And you wanted him, too.

“I don’t care about details,” he said, his voice low. “I don’t care about families or consequences or rumors. I care about you, about that little smile you always get before you win at cards, about how you let me drag you onto the dance floor while the crew stares, and how you put up with me more than you should.”

You didn’t say anything, too stunned for words.

“I would do anything,” he began, his face slowly inching towards yours. “To dance with you again. To kiss you again. To not hide behind stolen glances and little jabs at each other.”

“Nikolai,” you murmured, your eyes flitting down to his lips.

“Yes?” He asked as your eyes found his once more.

“Just shut up.” You said, and you closed the gap between the two of you, your lips meeting his.

Maybe nothing he said would be true in the morning. Maybe he would realize this was all a big mistake, but you didn’t care.

He was right. You were tired of running, and you were so glad he was tired of chasing.

And as you kissed, that heartbeat that you’d remembered after all these years– that you’d always remember– soared.

And you knew he wasn’t lying.

[leah-jeffries]

zoyalai destruction