#uncle jagged

[raurquiz]

#remembering #WilliamWindom #actor #Commodore #MattDecker #startrek #TheDoomsdayMachine #StElsewhere #MagnumPI #Newhart #LALaw #escapefromtheplanetofapes #tokillamonckigbird #truecrime #unclebuck #jag #allymcbeal #murdershewrote #JudgingAmy #YesterdaysDreams #startrek58

[yolowritter]

Hello there, everyone, and welcome back to another ACOLL post! Yes, I'm back on the angst train and posting another snippet, this time chapter 2! I'll probably post from all of them in order eventually! Anyways, here's the second chapter! Enjoy the angst!

Ladybug landed through her skylight, right on top of her bed. She lost her transformation and opened Marinette’s purse, tossing Tikki a cookie as she went to pick through her phone, finding countless messages from her contacts. Some of those were her classmates, telling her that she come to school tomorrow so they could “figure out what’s been going on” and “talk things out”.  A single message from Nino. A long block of text that changed it’s tone every sentence or so, seemingly unable to decide his own thoughts. She skimmed it over, stopping to properly read the last few sentences.

“Look Mari…I know things didn’t go well with Alya. But you two have been friends for years, and she told me what happened, that you thought Lila was taking advantage of Adrien. We cleared things up with her, I promise. Just…you’re my friend. Please come back Monday and apologize to Alya, I’ll help you convince her that you were just saying things because you were angry. Okay?”

She left him on read.

Lila had sent her a couple messages too, insults and petty jabs at how she’d finally won, and that nobody would care about Marinette to even miss her, that if she dared to come back, she’d regret it…

Well, Ladybug paused her scrolling, quickly made sure no reality-bending Akuma were around…and thanked Lila Rossi. Because this was just perfect! Unable to stifle a laugh, Ladybug showed Tikki, and the kwami’s features morphed into concern, until she was her holder’s grin. She didn’t find it that funny, but they did share a victory fist bump! 

Still, she’d be leaving the phone behind. Right after calling Adrien, she’d switch over to Lila’s messages, and let Karma do the rest. Not like there weren’t literal months of the same thing taking up her phone space.

Part of her hoped Alya would find it, part of her hoped nobody did. Wasn’t it good advice to move on from the past? She’d heard something like that anyways. She left her social media open on that page, and called Adrien’s cellphone number instead of video calling him over chat. Hopefully, he was awake. Hopefully he was going to pick up. Hopefully she could say a proper goodbye.

The phone rang once. Twice. Before the second ring had even finished, Adrien picked up on the other end.

[directorclaytonwebb]

[saramelaniemoon]

My favourite best friends to lovers trope 🩷

Unbelievable well written characters (all!).

I'll definitely read it again one day

Strat and Jag (eddie munson x fem!reader)

summary: slice of life chapter. the morning after and easing into being more than just friends with eddie.

01 / 02 / 03 / 04

cw: 18+! mature language, sexual implications. a/n: ive had this written for timmmeeee, so here! wc: 1.8k+

The Next Morning 

“Spoon Eddie, where the fuck are all your spoons?” You huff, rummaging through the drawer filled with only butter knives and takeout restaurant napkins. Not a fork or spoon in sight. 

“Hmm, might have some in the room?” He says, dragging himself to go look for one, hands still working to rub sleep out of his tired eyes.

You find a random soup spoon at the very back of the drawer and you happily sink it into your bowl of cereal, walking your way to sit on the couch, flipping on the TV. It’s a few minutes before Eddie comes back with 3 forks and 2 spoons in hand, having to wash them before he can have his own breakfast. By the time he sits down beside you, you’re practically already finished. 

“Should clean your room more often, you’d probably find the rest of your silverware drawer.” You say, setting your bowl down, careful not to spill the milk you didn’t drink. 

“You should mind your business, bossy.” Eddie retorts with no malice. This is absolutely your typical banter and it’s a breath of fresh air that your dynamic didn’t change too much after the week before... and then last night.

“What are we doing today?” You say, turning in your seat, back resting against the armrest so you can face Eddie. 

Eddie grabs your foot with his free hand, pulling your leg to rest over his lap, letting his palm travel up your thigh, fingers dancing around the hem of the shirt you borrowed from him to sleep in. 

“I can think of a few things.” Eddie says cheekily. Like a punch to the stomach, your tummy erupt in a swarm of butterflies, looking away momentarily from Eddie to gather yourself.

“You’re insatiable.” You tease quietly, rolling your eyes trying to will away the heavy blush you can feel growing on your cheeks.

“Only for you.” He coos, milk spilling out of the corner of his mouth when he smiles after taking a bite. 

Between each bite, he lets his hand fall to your leg, rubbing up and down, and it’s nice. Really nice. Yeah, he’s always been touchy, but this is different. He wouldn’t have done this before and if he tried to, you probably would have kicked him into the next year. 

You tentatively stretch your other leg out, not sure if it would be overstepping to impose the uninvited limb on him but as soon as your foot makes contact with his thigh, he’s pulling your leg over his lap to join the other, making you grin dumbly to yourself. 

“That’s a sweet smile. Never got a smile like that from you before.” Eddie says, doing a double take at you before letting his eyes fully drink in the sight of you.

“Shut up.” You say, turning your head to hide your smile out of embarrassment. 

Slurping back the milk in his bowl, Eddie leans forward putting his bowl on the coffee table, picking up your discarded bowl in exchange, slurping back your milk before stacking the bowl in his.

“No, I don't think I will.” Eddie says cooly, comeback so delayed that it takes you a minute to understand what he means. 

Swiftly, he pulls you by the legs, tugging you down the couch. Your shirt rides up exposing your panties as Eddie grabs your hand pulling you to sit in his lap. 

You know it’s not embarrassment that you feel, but it’s hard to recode your brain so quickly. Naturally your first instinct is to flick his forehead, which you do before rescinding, bringing your hand to your mouth in your own shock.

“Sorry.” You rush out quickly as Eddie rubs his palm over his forehead.

“Good to know you’re still the same old Strat.” Eddie huffs with a laugh.

“It’s just instinct.” You shrug, trying to hide your smile. 

“Well, you do know you gotta kiss it better now.” He says, grinning, tilting his forehead towards you.

“Do I?” You say shyly, burning up under Eddie’s gaze. He nods his head, warm brown eyes coaxing you closer. 

You do it quickly, placing a chaste kiss to his forehead, retreating, feeling exposed showing this side of yourself to Eddie. 

You’re glad when he doesn’t push for more and even more glad when you feel his hands snake around your waist pulling you to rest against his chest. You melt into him, your side pressing to his chest, head sitting against his shoulder. His hand on your back rubs up and down soothingly while his other hand rests against your hip, keeping you sat sideways on his lap. 

You don’t pay attention to the TV. You aren’t even sure if Eddie is, because you’re too busy soaking in his warmth, listening to the quiet beating of his heart just below where your head rests. 

“You okay? You’re too quiet.” Eddie says, squishing his chin down trying to get a look at you. 

“I’m good. Just… sitting.” You say, not sure how to explain that you’re happy sitting like this. 

“This is okay?” He asks, hand tapping your hip.

“I like it.” You reply quietly. 

“I like it too, just don’t want to overstep.” Eddie says, hand on your back gently pulling on a strand of hair, twisting it in his fingers. 

“You’re not. I’d let you know if you were.” You say honestly. Your heart squeezes something awful, butterflies erupting as you think about Eddie being so careful and courteous- especially since you know he’s always been reckless, like a bull in a china shop. Instead of hiding away, you let your hands link around his neck, pulling him closer in a hug, your face pressing into the crook of his shoulder. 

“So sweet this morning.” Eddie laughs and instead of grouching at him to shut up, you opt for pulling at a strand of his hair harshly. 

“Ouch! I fucking take it back, you’re evil.” He groans, amusement hidden in his voice. “Thought you liked being a good girl. That’s not very good of you.” He teases, making you flush.

You laugh, but it comes out more like a girlish giggle, something that sounds foreign to even your own ears but it spills from your lips naturally.

Eddie returns to rubbing your back, room going back to silence apart from the chatter of the tv.

“You didn’t kiss me yet.” You say, interrupting the silence. He did kiss you, sort of, after you woke up together. It was a kiss on the temple as you squirmed in his hold, but it wasn’t a kiss on the lips. You didn’t have any expectations, or really think it over much until now and that’s only because you miss the feeling. 

“Didn’t know if you’d want me to.” He says quietly, breath fanning over your head.

“I do.” You whisper and those two little words are enough for Eddie’s to draw you into him, letting his hand find your cheek, guiding you towards his lips, kissing you tenderly.

It’s innocent. Mouth pressed against yours, your lower lip fitting snugly between his lips, pulling you further into him. It’s slow and makes your stomach flutter. 

You would have sat there, his lips against yours forever if you didn’t hear boots on the porch followed by the jangle of keys in the door. That sent you both in motion, distancing yourselves on the couch, you returning to your side with not even a toe touching Eddie. He returns his hands to his own lap after wiping the wetness from his lips, which you mirror, wiping your own mouth. 

The door opens with a creak and both of you watch as Wayne comes in, tossing his keys to the side, dropping his lunch box to the floor. 

“Hey, Wayne.” Eddie says casually. 

“Mornin’” He gruffs.

“Morning.” You say, copying Eddie’s casualty, shrinking slightly when Wayne’s eyes shoot to you like he didn’t notice you before you had spoken. 

“Long time since you been over, everything okay?” He says, eyes darting between the two of you.

“We’re good Wayne.” Eddie answers flatly. 

“Thank the lord. If I had to see this kid sulking around for another damn day...” Wayne sighs, rubbing his face roughly. You frown, sinking into yourself. You never even thought about the fact that Wayne would know about your ‘fight’. Your parents had asked you a few times about Eddie but you didn’t spare any details, you wonder what Eddie might have said.

“I wasn’t sulking” Eddie groans. 

“Damn right you were.” Wayne laughs. “Thought about calling the electric company to ask them to shut off the power so I wouldn’t have to hear any more of them sad songs.” Wayne laughs again. 

Your heart hurts at the thought. You did that to him. You made him sulky and heartbroken. 

Eddie must notice your sunken mood cause he shifts on the couch, leaning against the arm, pushing his feet into your lap. When he gets your attention he sends you a wink and a cute smile that makes you feel a little better.

His feet in your lap would probably look normal to Wayne, but the most normal thing would have been shoving Eddie away. You can’t do that though, you don’t want to shove him away, not ever again. 

Boots off, Wayne crosses to the kitchen grabbing a beer from the fridge before coming back, lowering himself to his chair with a signature old man groan.

“So, missy. What you been up to.” Wayne asks, attention flitting to the TV. 

You freeze, suddenly having a flashback of Eddie calling you missy last night and it makes you flush awfully out of embarrassment. Eddie catches it instantly, laughing loudly, getting Wayne’s attention. 

Wayne looks at Eddie, face twisted in confusion, mild annoyance simmering at his nephews behaviour. Eddie twists on the couch, still laughing, falling off the edge onto his knees. You can only sit and watch, horrified that Wayne will somehow know. 

You feel his eyes burning into you but you take an extra long moment of watching Eddie twist on the floor catching his breath before you can bear to look at him. When you do, he looks riddled with confusion, looking for an explanation.

“Eddie, shut up.” You hiss through your teeth, kicking him on the floor. He grabs your foot, pulling you down the couch, your hands grabbing for the hem of the shirt to pull it down before it has a chance to ride up. He would have pulled you to the floor with him but you interrupted that, kicking off him hard, pushing yourself back up the couch, foot making contact with his stomach drawing an ‘oomph’ that shut up most of his laughter. 

“Do I even want to know?” Wayne grimaces when you finally look at him, trying to hide how disheveled you feel by tucking your hair behind your ears and smoothing your shirt. 

“Eddie’s just an idiot, but you knew that already, Wayne.” You say, leaning into Eddie while he’s pushing himself off the floor, just so your insult lands a little harder.

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆

[sirfrogsworth]

sirfrogsworth please i am begging to know your boomer uncle’s thought process when he installed all those spam search bars what on earth was he TRUING to do

This was my Uncle Larry. He died in 2014 from a lifetime of smoking.

But while he was alive, he was what my grandma would refer to as "a character."

I feel like seeing his photo gives a partial explanation of the toolbar fiasco.

He was a man stuck in the 1960s but extremely curious about new things.

It was the early 2000s and I was trying to make some extra money. So when he was interested in getting a computer I offered to build him one from scratch.

What I didn't consider about this arrangement was that I was basically signing up to be my uncle's IT person. If something went wrong, it could possibly be due to a mistake I made.

He called me up complaining he couldn't see his websites and that the computer was running slower than normal.

I boot up his system and it takes 10 minutes to get to Windows. The desktop was filled with random programs he installed. And when I opened his web browser I was immediately greeted with a dozen pop up advertisements. Once I nuked them all, all of the different search toolbars were revealed. There was maybe a few inches of space for viewing websites and he had just been looking at photos a segment at a time for weeks before wondering if maybe it wasn't supposed to work like that.

I asked him why he installed all of this crap and he told me he didn't realize he had a choice. He just thought you had to say yes to everything that popped up on the screen. He also opened every spam email he received.

To make matters even worse, when he was searching for lewd pictures of Catherine Bell (aka the "JAG lady" with nice cans), he ended up on various softcore porn sites containing ever more dangerous pop up ads. And he clicked on all of those as well.

He loved the internet. It was a wonderland for such a curious person. He loved typing in random things and just reading and looking at pictures for hours. Aside from Maxim photos of TV celebrities, his searches were pretty innocent. He looked at old cars he used to own and lawnmowers he wanted to buy. He read old war stories and found websites helping him learn how to whittle walking sticks.

But he had no sense of danger. He had a Leroy Jenkins approach to life. He just sort of jumped into whatever without any fear or caution. Which is probably why my parents were so pissed at him when he offered 8 year-old me a ride on his new motorcycle. He immediately took me off-road and up a steep hill without a helmet or telling me to hold on. And it was a Harley, so not really meant for that terrain.

I tried a virus scan and it just said "You have every virus." So I had to nuke his Windows install from orbit. I then gave him computer lessons, which he paid me for, so that sort of worked out despite how frustrating it was to keep him from clicking on random things.

Uncle Larry taught me an important lesson.

Never tell your family you know about computers.

[novaursa]

The Blood of the Dragon

- Summery: After you reject Daemon, the dragon chases after what he believes is his.

- Pairing: reader!niece/Daemon Targaryen

- Note: reader is referred as Y/N and is bonded with dragon Grey Ghost. For the full list of my works done in chronological order visit my blog, it's pinned to the top.

- Rating: Explicit 18+

- Word count: 1 984

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff

The wind howls in your ears as Grey Ghost soars above the Crownlands, the dense forest below a green blur. You urge him higher, relishing the freedom and exhilaration of flight. The sky is yours, a vast expanse of azure that stretches endlessly in every direction. For a moment, you forget your troubles, losing yourself in the pure joy of riding the skies.

But that joy is short-lived.

A dark shape appears on the horizon, growing larger with alarming speed. Your heart skips a beat as you recognize the red-hued scales and unmistakable silhouette of Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm. Daemon. Panic grips you as you realize he is coming straight for you, his dragon's wings cutting through the air with terrifying swiftness.

"Grey Ghost, we need to move!" you shout, your voice nearly drowned out by the wind.

Grey Ghost responds immediately, his massive wings flapping harder as he veers sharply to the left. The sudden maneuver almost throws you from the saddle, and you cling desperately to the reins, your knuckles white with the effort. You glance over your shoulder, hoping Daemon might break off his pursuit. But no such luck. Caraxes is right on your tail, his feral eyes locked onto you with an intensity that sends a shiver down your spine.

"Daemon, stop!" you scream, though you know he won't hear you over the roar of the wind and the beating of dragon wings.

You lean closer to Grey Ghost, urging him to go faster. The ground blurs beneath you as he dives, weaving between clouds in a desperate attempt to shake off his pursuer. Your mind races, trying to understand why Daemon is chasing you. You recall the wedding, Rhaenyra and Laenor's joyous union marred by Daemon's advances. You had rejected your uncle, firmly and publicly, hoping he would get the message.

It seems he hadn't.

"Y/N, there's no escaping me!" Daemon's voice rings out, carried by the wind, sounding almost amused.

You grit your teeth, anger flaring alongside your fear. "I told you no, Daemon!"

Your words are lost to the wind as Caraxes closes the distance, his fiery breath scorching the air just behind you. Grey Ghost dodges the flames, but you can feel the heat, a stark reminder of the danger you're in. You can't keep this up forever; Caraxes is faster and more agile. You need a plan.

"Grey Ghost, head for the cliffs!" you command, hoping the rocky terrain might give you an edge.

Your dragon responds with a powerful thrust of his wings, speeding towards the craggy cliffs that rise sharply from the coastline. You hold on tight, praying this desperate gamble will work. The cliffs loom closer, jagged and unyielding, and you guide Grey Ghost into a narrow crevice, barely wide enough for his wingspan.

Caraxes follows, his larger frame struggling to navigate the tight space. For a moment, you think you might have escaped, but Daemon is relentless. He forces Caraxes through the crevice, rock and debris raining down as his dragon's wings scrape against the stone.

"Why are you doing this?" you shout, glancing back at Daemon.

His eyes meet yours, fierce and determined. "Because you belong to me, Y/N. And I always get what I want."

His words send a chill down your spine. This isn't just a chase; it's a hunt. And you're the prey. Grey Ghost bursts from the crevice, diving towards the sea. The salt spray hits your face as you skim just above the waves, the sea a blur beneath you. Caraxes is right behind, unrelenting.

"Y/N, don't make this harder than it needs to be!" Daemon's voice is closer now, the thrill of the chase evident.

Your heart pounds in your chest, fear and anger warring within you. "I will never be yours, Daemon!"

You steer Grey Ghost towards a series of sea stacks, hoping to use the rocky pillars to your advantage. The dragon weaves through the formations with practiced ease, but Caraxes follows, smashing through one of the smaller stacks in his pursuit. The sound of shattering rock echoes in your ears, and you know you can't keep this up much longer.

Grey Ghost's wings are tiring, each beat growing more labored. You can feel his exhaustion through the bond you share, and it breaks your heart to push him further. But you have no choice. You can't let Daemon catch you.

"Just a little longer, my friend," you whisper, patting his neck.

The coastline stretches before you, the cliffs giving way to open fields. There's nowhere left to hide. Daemon is gaining, and you can see the determination in his eyes. He won't stop until he has you.

"Grey Ghost, we're almost there," you murmur, though you don't know where "there" is. All you know is you have to keep flying, keep evading, keep hoping for a miracle.

As the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the land, Daemon and Caraxes remain relentless. The chase continues, the outcome uncertain. Your only hope is that somehow, some way, you can outlast him. 

But for now, the hunt is on, and Daemon Targaryen is not a man who gives up easily.

Grey Ghost’s wings beat heavily beneath you, the strain evident in his every movement. Caraxes remains relentless, his larger form casting a long shadow over you as he inches closer with every passing second. Just when you think you might gain some distance, a sudden gust of wind throws Grey Ghost off balance. In that moment of vulnerability, Caraxes strikes.

The collision is violent and sudden. Caraxes crashes into Grey Ghost with brutal force, their massive bodies tangling as they plummet towards an ancient, abandoned tower below. You cling desperately to the saddle as Grey Ghost tries to regain control, but it’s too late. The ground rushes up to meet you, and the impact is catastrophic.

The tower shatters under the combined weight of the two dragons, stone and timber exploding in all directions. Grey Ghost roars in pain, his claws scrabbling for purchase as Caraxes pins him down, their scales scraping and clashing with a deafening screech. You barely manage to stay mounted, your world a blur of chaos and destruction.

"Hold on, Grey Ghost!" you cry, though you know it’s futile.

Caraxes is relentless, his jaws snapping dangerously close to Grey Ghost’s throat. You can feel your dragon’s suffering and pain through your bond, and it tears at your heart. You need to do something, anything, to save him.

"Daemon, stop this madness!" you shout, but your words are drowned out by the roar of the dragons.

With a desperate decision, you unfasten the straps of your saddle and leap from Grey Ghost’s back just as Caraxes lunges forward. You hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of your lungs in a painful rush. For a moment, you can’t move, your vision dark and your body aching. The sounds of the dragon fight fade into the background as you struggle to breathe, each gasp a sharp pain in your chest.

Slowly, your vision clears, and you see Grey Ghost pinned beneath Caraxes, his once-mighty form now battered and immobile. The sight sends a wave of despair through you. Your faithful dragon is defeated, and there’s nothing you can do to help him.

A shadow falls over you, and you look up to see Daemon dismounting Caraxes. His movements are graceful, almost casual, as if this were just another game to him. He walks towards you with a smirk on his face, his eyes gleaming with a mix of triumph and admiration.

"You put up quite the chase, Y/N," he says, his voice laced with amusement. "I must admit, I enjoyed it more than I expected."

You sigh, defeated. You know how this game is played, especially among those with dragon blood. Daemon has won, and there’s no denying the surge of conflicting emotions within you – fear, frustration, and a reluctant spark of excitement. There’s a strange satisfaction in knowing you fought well, even if the outcome was inevitable.

Daemon kneels beside you, his hands gentle as he cups your cheeks. His touch is surprisingly tender, and you feel a shiver run through you as his forehead rests against yours. His breath mingles with yours, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of you.

"You are mine, Y/N," he declares softly, his voice filled with a possessive intensity that sends a thrill down your spine. "And I always take what is mine."

The words resonate deep within you, stirring something primal and undeniable. You close your eyes, accepting the truth of his claim. There’s no escaping Daemon Targaryen, no denying the bond that ties you together. The chase is over, and Daemon has won.

Daemon's eyes bore into yours, a smoldering fire that matches the heat coursing through your veins. His hands slide from your cheeks to the back of your neck, drawing you closer. Without hesitation, he captures your lips with his, the kiss searing and demanding. You resist for a fleeting moment, your mind battling your heart, but the intensity of his desire sweeps you away.

You surrender, kissing him back with equal fervor. The world around you fades, the dragons, the ruins, everything dissolves into the background as you become lost in the sensation of his lips on yours. Your hands find their way to his shoulders, gripping tightly as if he’s your anchor in a storm.

His hands move with purpose, deftly unfastening your riding gear. You follow suit, your fingers fumbling with the clasps of his armor, the urgency of the moment making you both impatient. Fabric and leather fall away, leaving you both exposed to the cool air and each other’s heated touch.

Under the watchful gaze of Grey Ghost and Caraxes, you and Daemon come together with a fervent intensity, your bodies moving in a primal rhythm. Every touch, every kiss is charged with a desperate need, as if the world might end and this might be your last chance to claim each other.

Daemon's hands explore every inch of you, his touch both possessive and reverent. You respond in kind, your fingers tracing the hard lines of his body, memorizing the feel of him. You move together, lost in a dance as old as time, chasing the high that only comes from complete and utter surrender.

The climax is shattering, a moment of pure ecstasy that leaves you both breathless and trembling. You collapse against him, your heart racing, the aftermath of your union leaving you both spent and exhilarated.

Daemon is the first to move, his touch now gentle as he helps you dress. There's a new tenderness in his eyes, a softening of his usual fierce demeanor.

"Get dressed," he murmurs, his voice husky. "We’re going to Dragonstone. Our union must be cemented, made known to all."

You nod, still catching your breath, and begin to pull on your clothes. Daemon's gaze never leaves you, his eyes filled with a possessive pride. Once you're both dressed, he extends a hand to help you to your feet. You take it, the strength of his grip reassuring.

As you mount Grey Ghost, you feel a mixture of emotions—trepidation, excitement, and an undeniable connection to the man beside you. Daemon swings onto Caraxes with practiced ease, his gaze still locked on you.

"Follow me," he commands, his voice carrying the authority that comes so naturally to him.

You nod again, and with a powerful beat of Grey Ghost’s wings, you take to the skies. Caraxes follows, and together, you fly towards Dragonstone, the future uncertain but the bond between you and Daemon now unbreakable.

As the dragons soar through the twilight sky, the ruins of the tower fade into the distance, leaving behind the memory of a chase that ended not in defeat, but in an irrevocable union.

[targaryenrealnessdarling]

Between Fire and Stone

Daemon Targaryen/Strong!female

summary: anxious about her approaching union to Aemond, the only daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen seeks comfort | word count: 2.8k~ | warnings: incest, reader is described with strong features, fingering, p in v sex, arranged marriage, Daemon being a cheeky cunt

A/N: idek what I was on to write this cos I'm not usually a Daemon girlie but here we are besties. Tysm @em-writes-stuff-sometimes for beta-ing 😘 appreciate you

The cold mist nipped at the skin around her ankles, a shiver running up her spine as she struggled through the jagged rock towards the Dragonmont. Her fingers brushed against the stark stone for balance, the other holding the lit torch to light her way before her in the darkness.

It was one of her favourite things, taking a stroll through Dragonstone in the hour of the wolf. Peaceful. Quiet. Something she could have all for herself. Away from the prying of her maidservants and the overbearing boisterous nature of her brothers. Though Jace, now a man grown, still held onto those immaturities.

Yet another thing that set her apart from her siblings.

For she, only a mere year younger than Jace, was considered a woman, ripe for marriage and bearing children, whereas the same hastiness was not pressured upon him. She knew her mother had never intended to bestow such responsibilities on her, but she understood, it was inevitable. As that time loomed ever closer, she found herself roaming her home more often, as if to savour the feeling of once being a child.

Where her brothers could seek adventure with their dragons once they were big enough to saddle, her egg had not hatched in her cradle. She would not inherit the birthright of the blood of Old Valyria, yet another judgement cast upon her that only inflated her sense of belonging at her mother's side. With her moonlit hair and pale lilac eyes, each of her children could not have looked more different.

Before the incident, there existed only one other soul who could truly fathom the depths of her solitude. No dragon. Ceaseless taunts. The notion of isolation, even amongst one’s family. Any semblance of camaraderie had been extinguished the day Lucerys took his eye. That defining moment when Aemond—her uncle—seized his birthright had marked the fracture in their familial bonds. In the aftermath, her mother, alongside her new husband Daemon, orchestrated a grand scheme to mend the shattered relations, a plan that involved her betrothal to him at an opportune moment.

Try as she might, she couldn't conjure the image of herself as his wife. The thought of residing in King's Landing under his roof refused to coalesce into a coherent vision. It remained an elusive spectre, haunting her thoughts with its intangible uncertainty.

Whispers of tradition and duty echoed in the hallowed halls of her childhood, spun by the gentle tongues of Septas who spoke of the sacred rites of marriage. Tales of Lords and Ladies, of the solemn exchange of vows, and the anticipated consummation on the wedding night. Some stories painted a picture of pleasure and intimacy, of unions founded on mutual desire and affection. Others whispered of duty, of sacrifices made for the sake of one's spouse, regardless of personal inclination.

Caught in the web of uncertainty, she pondered which version of Aemond awaited her, a tender partner or a distant lord, bound by duty and tradition. The unknown loomed before her like a shadow, casting doubt upon her heart and stirring a quiet fear within her soul. She knew not what to expect, but the uncertainty itself was enough to unsettle her, to sow the seeds of apprehension in her mind. And as the weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air, she couldn't help but wonder, which path would her marriage tread, and would she have the strength to endure whatever lay ahead?

Amidst the towering peaks of Dragonmont, she sought solace in the embrace of ancient flames and the soothing hum of Vermithor's slumber. Here, amidst the rugged terrain and the ever-watchful gaze of the dragons, she found a fleeting sense of peace.

But it was not the Bronze Fury that sang to her. 

“Hen ñuhā elēnī:

Perzyssy vestretis,

Se gēl��n irūdaks…

Ānogrose.”

She felt the rush of heat at the nape of her neck. Daemon stood straight, back facing her, his voice near-matching the hum of Vermithor’s deep exhales.

“It is late, Princess.” Unlike her, Daemon remained as he dressed during the day, shown when he turned to face her, with the self-satisfied smirk on his lips. “What troubles you?” he asked.

She tried to raise her chin, but her eyes betrayed the turmoil that stirred within. 

“My fate,” she said, her careful steps drawing ever nearer. "I am to be wed to Aemond, but I fear what awaits me in that union.”

Daemon hummed, as if curiously amused.

She had known no father figure since Laenor. And though she knew sooner than her brothers the truth that lay beneath the careful picture her mother had forged, since she had been wed to Daemon, he had taken practice with his own daughters and become almost a father to her alike.

She felt his eyes sink over her once before returning to her eyes.

"Marriage is a weighty matter," he said. "But is it the marriage itself that troubles you, or something more?”

She did not miss the lilt to his voice. The one, that like his eyes had done many times before, made something squeeze in her gut. A fire burning bright. A feeling that brought her shame.

He was her mother's husband.

“I cannot say exactly,” she confessed. “Perhaps it is leaving Dragonstone. Mother and my brothers. And being alone in the capital with no face I recognise with trust.”

Daemon nodded almost indistinctly, his fingers reaching out to brush a lock of hair back over her shoulder, admiring her hair loose of its usual braids. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, a sensation both familiar and disconcerting. She fought to push aside the conflicting emotions that threatened to overwhelm her, the warmth of his touch conflicting with the knowledge of their complicated relationship.

"Leaving behind the familiar can indeed be a daunting prospect," Daemon acknowledged, his voice a velvet caress, “But fret not. Within you resides the same fire that fuels your mother's resolve. Embrace it. You are as much Targaryen as any of them.”

She felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at the intensity of his gaze, at the way he seemed to see straight through her defences. She knew she should be wary of his advances, of the way he danced on the edge of propriety with his words and his touch. But there was something undeniably alluring about the way he held her gaze, about the way he made her feel desired and understood.

"Thank you, Daemon," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your support means more to me than you know.”

Daemon's smile was a slow, seductive curve of his lips, his eyes alight with a fire that mirrored the flames of the Dragonmont. 

"Ah, but my dear Princess," he replied, his voice low and husky, "you have yet to discover the true depths of my support.”

She felt her throat close up, the feeling mirroring somewhat what happened between her thighs.

What could he possibly mean?

“Do you fear it?” he asked. “The act of consummation?”

Her cheeks flushed crimson at Daemon's bold question, his words sending a jolt of both arousal and apprehension coursing through her veins. 

“It… is perfectly normal, I would think,” she answered, words failing her.

"Princess," he murmured, his voice a soothing caress against her skin. "There is no shame in feeling uncertain. It is only natural to have doubts, especially when faced with such intimate matters.”

She felt he was circling her, as dragons did their targets. And felt her heart thumping in her chest.

“With Aegon, I dare say, I would join you in your uncertainty. But Aemond, on the other hand… is a different matter entirely.”

“How so?” she asked, breathing out when he disappeared out of her line of sight, his presence at her back, fingers draping past the material of her dress.

“I am afraid he may be less… forthcoming with expressing his desires,” he purred. “He may be cold, or at least that is how it may be interpreted.” Her eyes met his with bated breath as he appeared on her opposite side, closer. “He may not be so adept with the pleasures of a female body.”

She swallowed, a chill settling on her front, her body reacting thus. He remained silent, as if daring her to say what he knew was already on the tip of her tongue. So, she took the plunge. “And…you are?”

Daemon smirked smugly, and she knew she already had her answer., “What do you think?”

Her heart raced. Her mind struggled to contemplate whether she should be honest or not, for she had heard stories and rumours. She knew she was treading dangerous waters, playing with fire in the form of her mother's husband, but there was a part of her that couldn't resist the allure of his confidence, his charm, his undeniable magnetism.

"I... I suppose I never considered such matters," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks burning with embarrassment at the admission.

Daemon's eyes danced with amusement as he stepped closer. "Perhaps it is time you did," he murmured, fingers trailing lightly down the curve of her spine.

Her skin vibrated with anticipation as she fought to maintain her composure in the face of his overwhelming presence. She knew she should pull away, should put an end to this dangerous game they were playing, but the lure of Daemon's charm was too strong to resist.

“Mayhaps I could demonstrate and put your worries to rest,” he suggested, crossing the imaginary but daring line seemingly without fear. “Rest assured, my experience in such matters is... extensive."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to maintain her resolve, her body betraying her with every flutter of her lashes, every quickened breath. “But… you and Mother—”

Her lips clamped shut with the bruising of his grip in the softness of her waist, urging her back to the rocky, hard wall. Only now, when faced with the Rogue Prince, did she realise just how small she truly felt.

“Your mother is preoccupied with her own affairs," he replied, his voice dripping with a dangerous allure. "She won't concern herself with our little... indiscretion.”

The realisation sank in that she was alone with Daemon in the secluded confines of the Dragonmont, far removed from the prying eyes of the world. And yet, she still felt her lips go dry when he hung the torch and trailed his touch upon her skin where he was taking her skirts with it.

She could not hide her nerves, or the beating rush of arousal, “Bu—but… with Aemond, I must—”

The air felt warm as her skirt was rucked around her hips. She squeaked when his calloused fingers swept through her folds, ashamed to find she was affected by what he was doing to her as her slick coated them easily.

Daemon chuckled, a pleased hum in his chest that she was wet and ready, while his other hand busied with the laces of his breeches, “Sweet girl. When my dear nephew has his cock buried inside you on your wedding night, he will not know the difference.”

His words, combined with the tight circles he applied to the forbidden bud tucked between her legs, had white hot pleasure burning in her veins. Her lips were parted, but no sound came out. All she could do was look upon his pleased face with a hedonistic expression, feeling very much like they were doing something deliciously wrong but could find no reasonable excuse to cease.

“Do not look so surprised. I have seen the way you watch me. Are you not ashamed for looking upon your own mother’s husband with lust?” 

The more he touched her, the more arousal he coaxed forth, the sound lewd and forbidden in the raw silence of the Draognmont. She could not answer his question without subjecting herself to further embarrassment. Even so, attempting to concentrate enough to form words as his two forefingers slid within her tight, hot walls, was near impossible. She gasped quietly, the feeling so foreign and yet not unpleasant. And like Daemon in any other scenario, while his motions were forceful, somewhat brutal, they were calculated, without effort. Like it came innately. Her hands found purchase on his shoulders, his digits buried deep inside curved towards him, stoking a fire at the hearth of her.

“Answer me.”

She nodded frantically. “Yes—I am ashamed—”

It was all she managed before the feeling began to crest, building and building as if she were climbing some great height and was about to tumble off. But she only exhaled shakily as Daemon withdrew his fingers from her fluttering, sensitive walls, using the moisture to lubricate himself with a careful caress of his manhood.

He chuckled at the wounded expression on her face. “No need for shame, Princess.”

She caught the glint of his ring as he wrung the fabric of her skirts in his fist. Her eyes widened as the head of his cock disappeared easily between her swollen folds, with no real full feeling until he pushed forward, both with hesitation and a sort of evil excitement.

Her back pressed against the jagged stone, her lips only parted to suck in air where it had left her lungs. It was a feeling she could describe very little, the sting of being stretched around him painful and yet once sheathed fully inside her, hips pushing against her own. Daemon wrapped his fingers around her fleshy thigh to tug her leg over his hip, a flash of white hot pleasure creeping up her spine. He only grunted, her slick ridges gripping him greedily without any effort on her part. 

For a few moments, he stayed like that as if waiting for any complaint, but when he found none, began a steady rhythm, fingers creating crescent-moon shaped welts in her skin. He did not share in her reaction. He simply raised one corner of his lips in a pleased manner, watching her face, treating it very much as a lesson in pleasure more than anything else.

She could scarcely think with the violent push of his hips, the notch of his belt stabbing into her each time.

“My nephew does not deserve this perfect. little cunt.” He grunted from the effort. “Tell me, Princess—when he is fucking you with his narrow little prick, will you be thinking of this instead?”

Her eyes slipped shut, her head tipped back and fingers coming to her own mouth to muffle the lewd sound that threatened to come out. Her perceived embarrassment at her own enjoyment of this only seemed to motivate Daemon further, and he widened her hips with a soft nudge of his knee against her leg and groaned at the way she tightened around him.

“You liked that, didn't you?” He breathed against her face, looking briefly down between them to watch how he rooted himself inside her over and over, as if unable to believe this was really happening. “I bet he won't make you this wet. I doubt the little cunt will even know how to make you come.”

Her skirt fell from his hand as it drew down between them, and she resisted the urge to squeal when he began to apply pressure in tight, sure circles around her bud.

“You shall have to teach him those pleasures.”

Her fingers gripped his forearms tight as she climaxed, her tight, hot walls spasming around him uncontrollably. It was so utterly different to the way she had pleasured herself before. This time, the forbidden combination of Daemon stretching her open around him and the pleasure he coaxed from her with his fingers meant that this peak seemed to drain her entire body of energy. Her body feeling boneless in his hold, that if he let go, she would surely lose her balance.

A flash of fear cracked like lightning across her subconscious. Surely he did not intend to spill inside her?

He did not overstimulate her for much longer as he neared his own end. Rather, he savoured the feeling of her warmth sucking him in for just a few moments more before pulling out, stroking himself vigorously to completion, warm ropes of his spend coating her lower stomach.

In the quiet dead of night with only her laboured breathing to echo within it, she felt her eyes could not keep up with her mind as she glanced back up at him. His rapidly cooling seed began to dribble towards her thighs, swiftly covered by her skirts once more as Daemon lowered her clothing back into place. The reality of the dangerous and yet delicious sin she had committed with him began to rise into clarity.

Upon his fingers shone the damning proof of his sordid claim on her, pearly in the glow of torchlight. “What a waste. I’d have liked to see it dripping from you.

But that pleasure… I shall save for my nephew, sweet girl."

General Taglist: @aemondsfavouritebastard @bellstwd @blairfox04 @buckybarnesb-tch @castellomargot @hb8301 @jamespotterismydaddy @mochi-rose @natty2017 @nenelysian @risefallrise @thelittleswanao3 @theoneeyedprince @thetrueblackheart @tsujifreya @urmomsgirlfriend1 @valeskafics @valleyof-goldenlilies

[gnocchibabie]

Desire and Blood (Chapter 1)

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen/Strong OC(Jaenara Velaryon)

Tags: AU - canon divergence, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, Targcest (uncle/niece)

Wordcount: 4.9k

Summary:

Against all odds, the love between childhood friends prevails and the Dance of Dragons is avoided.

However, peace comes at a cost. With the unexpected proposal of marriage between Alicent Hightower's son and Rhaenyra Targaryen's only daughter, can love truly blossom between sworn enemies? Or will Jaenara Velaryon be reduced to a mere pawn?

Love may yet arise where enmity once thrived, but Aemond's relentless pursuit of power threatens to shatter everything they hold dear, including each other.

Notes: You can find the rest of the chapters on my masterlist!

If you like the first snippet of this series, please consider showing some love on my AO3 posting of this fic :) thank you x

Atop the cliffs that line Dragonstone, Jaenara Velaryon watches the tide crash against jagged rocks littered below. Crystal blue waters lap at the sandy shores and white wispy clouds pass by overhead. She thought it unfair that a picturesque day such as this be wasted on tragedy. Jaenara grips the ground beneath her, plush green grass filling her palm and tickling the skin. Gripping harder, she reveals the dirt underneath as grime is pushed underneath her fingernails. She is alone now, away from her mother and brothers. From her step-father and step-sisters. Away from all prying eyes and listening ears. Away from hushed whispers, the only sound that fills her ears are that of the breeze that whips around her and the ocean below. 

She is finally free to weep. 

Tears litter the ground she sits upon. Although she is alone she chokes back a cry, as if fearing that the winds would carry her sorrow back to the castle. Her tears muddle in the dirt below, and Jaenara recounts the events of the past fortnight.  

— — —

Sunlight spills into the Chamber of the Painted Table, where Rhaenyra and Daemon are positioned at the head. The war room had seen more activity this past week than it had in many years, Jaenara had thought. She and her twin brother, Jacaerys, had sat in on a few meetings with members of her mother’s council. The passing of King Viserys had left the realm in disarray, and while her eldest uncle had made no claim to the throne yet, Jaenara understood that time was not on their side. 

“The instruction of a mother can only do so much, especially for a boy as unruly as Aegon,” Rhaenyra had said to her council, “While Alicent may urge her son to heed the wishes of Viserys, Otto and his council are surely whispering ideas of betrayal and usurpation into my half-brothers ears.” 

“I will not wait to see if Aegon honors my rightful place on the throne. It is time to act.”

Her mother had said this before leaving for King’s Landing, much to the dismay of some of her council. The presence of Prince Daemon - no - King Consort Daemon, had helped to quell some of their anxieties, as well as Jaenara’s. Though she knew, better than most, that her mother was a force to be reckoned with even on her own. They had left Dragonstone on Syrax and Caraxes, a formidable warning to the Hightowers and anyone else who opposed Rhaenyra’s claim.

Jaenara’s desire to accompany her mother and step-father had fallen on deaf ears.

“Jace and I must ride with you,” she had urged her mother, “dragons are stronger together.” 

Rhaenyra smiled at that. “There is truth in what you say, sweet girl,” her mother ran a hand through her daughter’s thick black mane. So unlike her own white-bonde hair. “But this is a delicate time. We may yet be on the brink of war-

“All the more reason for us to come!” Jaenara pleaded.

“You, Jace, and Luke are needed here.” Rhaenyra had not raised her voice at her daughter, though her piercing violet eyes scolded her all the same. “Keep a watch over Joffrey, Viserys, and Aegon,” Jaenara let out an over-exaggerated sigh at that, turning away from her mother. 

“As well as watch over Dragonstone, atop Aetherion, Arrax, and Vermax.” Her mother added.

The princess turned around at this. 

“We can only hope your uncle and his council of vipers will allow this transition of power to be peaceful. But I need you and your brothers to remain here, to ensure that no one dares to bring harm upon this castle.”

The prospect of riding her dragon alongside her brothers seemed to satiate the princess’ desires. That had been the end of it. 

“As you wish, Your Grace.”

A week had passed. A cloud of tension hung over Dragonstone that Jaenara could only escape by mounting Aetherion. She patrolled the surrounding waters, in search of any signs of a siege on their isolated stronghold. Her dragon, still young and only slightly larger than a warhorse, danced across the waves below the castle. His dark, purple wings almost dip into the sea, allowing Jaenara to taste the salt in the air and feel the mist spray across her face. She had not a drop of Velaryon blood in her, though she enjoyed the water all the same. 

I am no true Velaryon, Jaenara had thought to herself - a truth she would never speak aloud. But I may yet prove to be the blood of the dragon.

She reins Aetherion upwards, into the clouds above.

The princess is handing Aetherion over to the dragon masters when she finally learns of her mother and step-fathers arrival home. Her ears perk at the faint roars of Syrax and Caraxes in the dragon pit, surely feeding by now. Without another word, Jaenara turns on her heel, and sprints into the castle. 

“Your mother requests your presence in the war room!” A servant had shouted after her. 

Still in her riding leathers, she makes a sharp turn down the hall leading to the room and stumbles into her twin. “Jace-” Jaenara catches her breath, “Mother and Daemon are home! You must come with m-”

“I know.” Her brother responds shortly. 

A pause.

“You have already met with them?” she asks.

Jaenara studies her brother and notices he will not meet her eyes. Her gaze drops to his fists, white knuckled at his side. “Go speak with her. We can talk afterwards.”

And before his twin has the chance to respond, Jacaerys is gone. 

A sickly feeling settles in the young princess’ stomach as she faces the large doors of Dragonstone’s council room. She decided that there was no point in stalling whatever awaited her on the other side. Jaenara pulls open the doors and steps inside. 

Queen Rhaenyra and King Daemon turn towards the young woman, and Jaenara feels even more unease spread through her. The feeling nearly subsides when she looks upon her mother.

“Nara,” Rhaenyra sounds as though she has not seen her daughter in years rather than days. Arms outstretched towards her daughter, Jaenara breaches the distance between them and embraces her mother. “Sweet girl” Rhaenyra breathes.

“Mother,” Jaenara exhales and realizes just how much she had missed her. 

A moment passes before Jaenara finally pulls away. She eyes Daemon, and notes an unreadable expression etched upon her stepfather's face.

“Well,” Jaenara breathes, “I would venture to guess things went well?” she jokes.

Daemon turns away from mother and daughter and walks towards the large windows, looking out to the sea. 

Rhaenyra looks upon her only daughter. The blood of her blood. Her long black hair spills over her shoulders. Her black and crimson riding leathers, crested with the symbol of House Targaryen, grips her form. She meets her daughter's lavender eyes. The rest of her daughter’s physical image, so unlike her. But not her eyes. Lighter than her own, but still undoubtedly Targaryen. 

A deep breath from her mother. Daemon remains silent at the window. 

“An agreement has been reached. I will take my rightful place on the Iron Throne, just as your grandsire intended. Alicent Hightower, members of the council, and even some lords throughout the Seven Kingdoms rallied to my cause - vouched for my legitimacy as heir. Your uncle, Aegon, seems surprisingly content with this arrangement. His mother tells me he has no true interest in ruling. He only wishes to retain his status so that he may live his life in his own…selfish ways.”

Rhaenyra sighs. “We have the gods to thank for allowing reason to prevail so that the realm may be spared from being plunged into needless war. There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin, and no war so bloody as a war between dragons…” Her mother trails off but finds her voice once again. “But there are terms to this peace - I have agreed that your uncle has a seat on my council.”

Jaenara looks between her mother and step-father incredulously. A scoff breaks from her throat. “That’s it? Well this is good news!” she exclaims, “And Jace, he should remain your hei-”

“Tell her the rest of it.” Daemon turns from his place at the window, finally facing his wife and step-daughter. 

The princess looks to her Queen, eyebrows raised.

“Mother?” Jaenara looks to her mother and sees a woman haunted. 

“You are to marry Aemond Targaryen, and you will preside over Dragonstone together.”

Silence fills the room.

“Surely you jest, mother.” Jaenara bites out. Her voice is as cold and hollow as the room now feels.

“Your mother is not so cruel as to make a joke out of this.” Daemon says to his stepdaughter. The princess of Dragonstone stares at her parents. Rulers of the Seven Kingdoms. A position they have paid for with her hand. Her hand.

“Daemon,” Rhaenyra turns to her husband, “A moment alone with my daughter.” It is not a question but a command. He steps away from his place at the window and begins to leave the Chamber of the Painted Table. Daemon reaches his step-daughter and places a hand on her shoulder. Squeezes it. Leaves.

The door shuts and Rhaenyra moves towards her daughter, but not before Jaenara draws back.

“All my life,” she gasps, “All my life, you have told me you only wish that I may marry as I please. That I should not be in the position you found yourself in as a young girl. That I should not be some token of peace - some possession to be given away! You have allowed me to remain free in this position, even now at eight and ten!” Her hand finds her neck, as though she might start to choke. 

“And now…now you - you give me away to him. To that - that man. Who tormented me throughout our childhood together. Tormented Jace and Luke! Surely it will be a loveless marriage.” She looks the Queen in her violet eyes. Eyes that mirror her own. “But anything for your throne, right?” She spits out. 

Rhaenyra’s face falls at that. At a time such as this, she is reminded of herself in her youth and of her own mother. She remembers Aemma, her sweet mother, in her final days. Of when she had told young Rhaenyra that royal wombs as theirs are to serve the realm. Rhaenyra remembered the discomfort that had filled her, hearing her mother say this. And discomfort still surrounded her at the thought of her daughter following in her own footsteps. She remembered the gatherings of lords and their sons that had taken place in her teenage years. Auctions for her hand. Power hungry men only wishing to share her bed for a glimpse at the throne. 

There was the evident truth. She had given away her daughter, in exchange for the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra had condemned her only daughter to the same fate she had suffered.

Jaenara immediately regretted the vitriol she had spouted at her mother. Her mother, who faced hostility and disdain all her life - from even those who were supposed to be her friends. Her family. Deep down, Jaenara understood what was necessary to avoid all-out war. She had told herself she would do whatever she would need to, to secure her mother’s crown and to preserve House Targaryen. But it was not supposed to be like this.

As a dragon-rider, she was supposed to forge the path to the Iron Throne through Aetherion. Alongside her brothers. Her step-father and step-sisters. Her grandmother, Rhaenys.

Not through a marriage pact. 

Rhaenyra gathers her thoughts and speaks, “My love…this is not a decision I made lightly. You see now why our visit to King’s Landing lasted so long. The negotiations were a labyrinth to be navigated. I know this is not fair to you, but we inhabit a world that is unfair to women. A world that deals in our lives and in our misfortune. A world built by men, for men. But when I sit the throne…I will build a new world. I will forge a new path. One that your grandchildren may be happy to live in.” 

Jaenara physically recoils at the thought. The Queen continues, “Though for now…we do what we must.” She takes her daughters hands in hers, “There are whispers about my ability to rule. There have always been, though now they are more present than ever. But you-” Her voice wavers and her grip tightens, “You have the opportunity to help me in ending the question of my capabilities. You can unite our house - we would all be the better for it. You will do the realm a great service in avoiding a war of fire and blood.” The mother finishes, squeezing her daughter’s hands again.

Jaenara breathes, low and steady. “Mayhaps I would rather see the realm put to the torch than marry a man such as him.”

“You do not mean that, daughter.” Rhaenyra is quick and stern in her reply. Now, her words burn Jaenara as well as her eyes. Jaenara does not shrink back, though she does not mean what she says. Not really. They are empty words, born from the heat of the present moment. It is not her mother she is angry with. The princess of Dragonstone is angry with the world, that it was made only in the interest of men. Angry with the gods, for making her a woman. Angry with herself. Angry at her now betrothed, for being who he was - for hating her so.

“I do not.” Jaenara finally replies. “But mother, he will not have me! Just as I will not have him!” Aemond Targaryen knew what Jaenara Velaryon was.

Memories of hurtful epithets from her youth—bastard, his Strong niece, the daughter of a whore—echoed in her mind, whispered by Aemond and Aegon alike, haunting her even now

All phrases that had been hurled her way in the days of their youth from him and Aegon alike. Words that followed her and her brothers throughout the corridors of the Red Keep. Words that coaxed tears out of the eyes of little Jaenara in the darkness of her bed chambers, where no one may see them. 

Aemond would not settle for someone he viewed as inadequate as his niece, and Jaenara would not stoop so low as to marry someone as detestable as her uncle. 

It would be a relationship doomed from the start.

Her mother’s words surprise her. “Aemond has agreed to the union.” Rhaenyra reasons with her daughter, “Alicent is very persuasive in her ways. She knows you to be good natured-”

The remarks earned a bitter laugh from Jaenara.

“-And not unlike him! You have both changed since the days of your youth. You are more alike than you may think.” Rhaenyra continues, “You would not be far from me daughter. Not far from the protection of myself and Daemon. As well as Jace. You would remain at the Red Keep for a time - before and after my coronation and your wedding - and leave for Dragonstone when you are ready.”

“He is vile. He despises me. And you.” Jaenara tells her mother.

“And yet my time at King’s Landing revealed a different side of my half-brother. He was not pleased with this proposal - though he took it much better than you have, Nara.” Rhaenyra reveals. A certain glint shines in her daughter’s eyes upon hearing this revelation, though it leaves as quickly as it had appeared. “Taking his hand will keep you close to me. You will both hold significant positions of power. You need not worry about being shipped off to the Riverlands, or gods forbid - the North - to marry a lord you barely care for-”

“I do not care for Aemond.” Jaenara interrupts.

“I would rather you take the hand of the devil we know rather than a devil we do not.” Rhaenyra remarks.

Jaenara left her mothers grasp and looked around the room before her. The room, which now belonged to her. And Aemond she thought bitterly. She had come to find profound comfort within the walls of Dragonstone. Some would call the castle dark and unwelcoming, though she knew its warmth came from the people within. Its merriment came from her time overhead, in the skies. But now, Aemond meant to ruin her home. Is nothing sacred? The princess wondered. In this moment, her thoughts felt so numerous that they may yet crack open her skull. Her emotions were so varying, she felt as though her heart would erupt from her chest.

Rhaenyra waits for her daughter to face her, and to finally give in to the Crown’s wishes. Instead, Jaenara lets out a noise akin to a wail and rushes out the door.

And Rhaenyra is alone.

— — —

Jaenara Velaryon’s tears finally stop and she feels as though she can finally catch her breath. She recalls the circumstances of the morning over and over, as if it were all just a bad dream she would soon wake up from. Wind whips her dark hair into her face. Salt kisses her lips. Salt from the air and from her teardrops mingle together.

A dragon does not weep.

“Dragons do not weep!” She echoes the words aloud, as if speaking them into existence will make it any more true. The words are carried away by the breeze and escape her.

“Everyone cries, child.” 

Nara does not turn around. She doesn't want her mother to see her cry, as though she were a child reprimanded. Rhaenyra settles into the grass next to her daughter and takes her into her arms. Jaenara feels as though a coldness inside her melts from the warm embrace of her mother, and she allows herself to cry. She was still her mother’s child.

“I am sorry, my girl. My Nara.” Rhaenyra wipes her daughter’s tears away as her own begins to pool in her eyes. 

Huddled in the warmth of her mother, Jaenara feels the anguish of her mother and sees the sorrow in her tears. How cruel it is, she thinks, that a mother could not save daughter from the same fate she once suffered — despite sitting on the most powerful seat in The Realm.

The princess understands sorrow to be a condition of life. A condition of womanhood, especially. But did sorrow have to become a hallmark of her life — for the rest of her life? Jaenara takes a shaky breath. She was a princess, a reality she had enjoyed as a luxury until now, when the weight of duty descended upon her. Marriage, a princess’s duty—she resolved it would not become her undoing, nor the source of her sorrow. Her duty is for The Realm. For her family.

In a moment of clarity, Jaenara understood the folly of her tears..

She sits there another moment, in her mother’s arms. She begins to picture Aemond Targaryen. His one eye, staring back at her with intensity. His sleek, white hair. The curl of his lip. Jaenara knew she could never come to love the man, and would never be able to love her. Duty, Jaenara thinks, is the death of love. 

The princess finally rises up to look at her mother. Sorrow has been replaced with resoluteness.

Rhaenyra had always seen echoes of her past lover, Ser Harwin Strong, in her daughter’s features and had cherished her for it. But now, watching Jaenara, she sensed a dragon’s fire within her.

“I will do it mother.” Jaenara begins, “I will do my duty, I will serve my kingdom and you as its Queen - I will wed Aemond Targaryen.”

— — —

The One Eyed Prince rises from a dreamless sleep. He remains in bed for a moment, his eye adjusting to the early morning light that had begun to creep into his bed chamber. He stares at the ceiling and wonders if today will finally be the day that an agreement would be reached. 

His half-sister and the Rogue Prince had descended upon King’s Landing on dragonback days ago. He regarded the gold and scarlet dragons with little interest. No matter, he had thought, mine is bigger. 

During their lengthy stay, Aemond observed the frenzy that had been set upon the Red Keep. A frenzy that had started after his father’s passing and had only grown. He had sat in on a few meetings between Rhaenyra, his mother, grandsire, and members of the former king’s small council. Some meetings he and Aegon had been privy to - some they were not. His elder brother did not seem at all perturbed by the prospect of his possible throne being wrenched out from under him. He understood Viserys had no intention of leaving him with the crown. And Aemond had thought that the realm was the better for it. 

Aemond and his mother had witnessed first-hand the kind of man Aegon had grown up to be. His sweet sister, Helaena, knew better than the both of them combined. It seemed the only person who wanted Aegon to sit the Iron Throne was their grandsire Otto - though he did not seek this out of the belief that his grandson could unite the realm. He only sought after a new puppet, one he could pull the strings of whichever way he pleased. 

Alicent and Rhaenyra had grown closer in the past few months before the King’s passing. Letters carried by ravens were exchanged, and now the two women almost seemed like the close childhood companions the court had once known them to be. Almost. It was still uncertain if time could truly heal all wounds.

Aemond thought his mother naive. Easily bent to the will of his half-sister. A phantom pain settles in the socket of his eye.

It was no matter now. As a second born son, Aemond had nothing to gain either way. If the gods were fair, he would have been born the eldest. And his weak, malleable father would have named him heir, rather than Rhaenyra. It was no matter now. Dwelling on fleeting possibilities would do him no good. 

Aemond is securing his leather patch over his sapphire eye when there is a rap at his door. Alicent Hightower stands before him. Dark circles sit below her eyes and loose, red curls frame her fair face. The negotiations between his half-sister and his mother’s family were taking their toll. “Your presence is needed in the council chamber. Rhaenyra and Daemon will be there, as well as Aegon and members of the small council.” She tells her son. 

“And so we finally relinquish our power,” Aemond breathes, “under what conditions?”

Alicent’s eyes drop from her son’s and she walks away without another word. 

His mother had always been a distant shroud. As a child she was wordless when he craved encouragement. Out of reach when he yearned for a motherly embrace. He tried not to blame her for this. He heard the stories that circulated the castle - of a girl who grew up without a mother of her own, forced to bring forth babes when she was not much older than one herself. 

So, he was used to her aloof nature. Though her lack of explanation at a time such as this did unnerve the prince. 

Aemond enters the council chamber where everyone else has already gathered. 

“The man of the hour!” Aegon bellows. 

Aemond regards his brother and wonders what has lifted his spirits at such an hour. Aegon delights in the misery of others, and in remembering this, Aemond feels unease.

“Aegon, enough.” Alicent is stern in her words, “Aemond, please sit.”

Prince Aemond sits opposite his half-sister Rhaenyra and her husband Daemon. Rhaenyra’s eyes rake over him, and he meets her neutral gaze with his cold one. Daemon lets out a wry chuckle at the wordless exchange. Ser Criston Cole, positioned at a corner of the chamber, stands stock still.

Alicent clears her throat and begins, “This council has come to a consensus,” Aemond looks to his mother.

“Rhaenyra…will be made to sit the Iron Throne, as King Viserys intended.” she shoots a sour look over to Otto Hightower, who sat on the far side of Aemond. Dismayed grunts and whispers circulate the chamber. “Aegon is to serve on Rhaenyra’s council. Jacaerys and Baela Velaryon are to stay here in King’s Landing. As heir, he will attend council with his mother and will make a place here.”

Aegon shifts in his seat and stares at a corner of the room, obviously bored. As if he had heard this to him recounted numerous times by now. 

“The more the merrier.” he says in a voice so low, Aemond wonders if anyone else had heard him. Aemond then wonders how his brother can be so content with relinquishing rule over the Seven Kingdoms to their sister. He hears Rhaenyra draw in a breath and his cold gaze finds hers once more.

“Aemond. We find ourselves in unprecedented times. One of the last things our father wished was for the infighting amongst his family to cease. We cannot expect the realm to watch as sister fights against brother.” She pauses and Aemond senses the hesitancy in her words. Alicent picks at the flesh around her fingernails. Rhaenyra continues.

“I only wish to unite our families and ensure that everyone has a place amidst my rule. Amongst my court. To do this…your mother sees it best to…” Aemond wishes she would just spit out her decree and be done with it. 

“I wish to wed you and my daughter, Jaenara Velaryon.”

Now that gives Aemond pause. 

Aemond had seen his niece a short time ago, when she and her family had come to King’s Landing to defend her bastard brother’s claim to the Driftmark throne. He had eyed her as Vaemond Velaryon was cut down by Daemon, intrigued by her unwavering gaze despite the horrific scene. He watched her at dinner that night, finding a smile gracing her face at times. He noted the joy she took in watching Jacaerys dance with Helaena. He felt her burn holes into him as he toasted to Jaenara and her brothers. His Strong niece and nephews, he had said. 

She despised him. And he gave her many reasons to. He did not have time to recount the enumerable times he had tormented her and her brothers during their childhood together at the Red Keep. A torment that was dealt back to him by the hands of his nephews.

Though Aemond could not deny, he held some sort of strange admiration for his niece. 

His half-sister's voice returns the prince from his thoughts. “Aemond?”

Aegon does little to suppress his glee. “What do you say, brother?” He laughs and gives him a rough slap on the back. “Will you have your bastard bride?”

Daemon Targaryen slaps a hand down on the table. “Daemon.” Rhaenyra stops her husband before he can speak or act. Aegon quiets once more, though a smug smile settles on his face.

Despite the truth in his brother’s words, Aemond takes offense to them. He found himself feeling that way more often lately, when the slights towards his niece had not been dealt by him. His thoughts return to the situation at hand. 

Aemond understands the position that he is in. This is not a request. It is a command by his new Queen. And by his mother. He considers that this may yet be a fortunate outcome for him. As the second-born brother, he has a small hope of ever sitting the throne. He had dreaded the day his mother would finally pass his hand onto the daughter of a lord that the Targaryens and Hightowers only wish to form political alliances with. Is that the only purpose children served? We are the bartering chips of our parents, he had thought bitterly. But with his niece - with Jaenara - Aemond would rule over the ancestral home of House Targaryen, and that seemed a better lot in life to have. They would retain their status. It could prove to be a comfortable position. But Aemond wondered if this is how low his family truly thought of him - to marry him off to a bastard. A so-called pure-blooded descendant of Old Valyria with hair as dark as the night. 

It was no matter now.

As Aemond considers the future that has been thrust upon him, a new thought crosses his mind. The line of succession.

Jacaerys is her heir.

And if something were to happen to his betrothed’s twin brother before he were to have an heir himself? If The Stranger were to come for the eldest male heir of the crown? Well, then Jaenara would be next in line. The realm had already accepted Rhaenyra as their ruler - surely they could come to accept another woman.

Jaenara Velaryon - or Targaryen - Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. And her King Consort:

Aemond Targaryen. 

It was hard to suppress the wry smile that began to tug on the prince’s lips. Aemond may yet use the cards he had been dealt to his own advantage. He could feel the cold steel of the Iron Throne beneath his fingers - power he may yet reach through his niece. He sat there another moment, as if still mulling over his options.

A sigh escapes him as Aemond once again meets the violet eyes of his half-sister. 

“As you wish, your Grace.” The One Eyed Prince bites. 

[loudclan-clangen]

cicada days by will wood is a pretty rosehipttee coded song i think :)

Jaggedpelt's mom was a rogue named Polly. He was born in the valley along with his three siblings, whom died of sickness early on in his kithood. Jagged cared for his mother through most of his life, but when Owlstar announced that he was looking for cats to join the newly formed Loudclan, they couldn't come to an agreement, and so she told Jagged to go do what he thought was best, and that she would be fine. While Jaggedpaw was joining and growing up in Loudclan, Polly was having a whirlwind romance with Mudfang, (Siltsplash's brother), and now lives in Shadedclan as his mate.

Peak and Bitter don't have much history from before the clan, as they were only small kittens who were orphaned during the long winter, and sent off with the first Loudclan cats to lessen the burden on the cats that had been caring for them.

The leader's mate is only in line for the position of deputy if the leader has no other relations in the clan. So as the last possible option, there is no retiring. It's them or it's no one. Leader's who don't take mates would have a sibling, aunt/uncle, or cousin serve as deputy depending on who was technically next in line.

She's channeling all of the bad vibes yall are sending him into one concentrated beam.

These combined with all of the little Fierce rebirths appearing in everybody's games makes me fear that Loudclan is slowly breaching containment and leeching its way into other people's saves.

💀💀💀Rereading it I can totally see how it could be misread that way. The sentence is "Rosehiptree was his sister Sockeyepelt's friend", as in she is the friend of his sister, who is Sockeyepelt.

[just-some-user-hunny]

Bastard readers dynamic in the family...

(Implied yandere targarians, heavily implied fem!reader)

With Daemon, it's full of one-sided hostility and fire. Ever since he took you from your little home, with your little bed of warm scrapped fur and the comforting presence of your mother, he's been the monster. The monster that snatched you away. His abduction seemed very... Him, to begin with. Spontaneous, mad, rebellious. But something in him drove him to take you. His blood, his dragonfire. Aegon may allow his little silver haired bastards to roam and survive on scraps, but Daemon is too proud of his blood to do so. You are his. His daughter. Your rebellion and fight against him does deal him pain, but it also drives him further. You may deny it as much as you like, but you are his little mirror. His reflection of spitting fire and anger. From a teary eyed toddler stomping their foot, to a mirthful teenager with poison in their eyes- it matters to him. His little dragon.

And since dragons share their emotions with their riders, these controlling and obsessive feelings do not limit to only Daemon. Ceraxes is an extension of your father, another pair of eyes and a tongue of fire that always hovers and opresses you. As a little child, Daemon often took you to ride dragon back upon the blood wyrm- a form of bonding as he liked to put it. Ceraxes would chirp and fixate on you, his mirthful grin wide like a shark as he stares at you. He purrs and growls in your presence, seeing you as a precious extension of his rider. His little human. He's very protective of you, but also very controlling. You step a foot out of line and he's hovering over you like a frightening serpent. There's no fire in his throat, but his frightening teeth glint in warning.

Rhaenyra adores you. You'll be the daughter she never had, and although at first she was furious to see her husband return with a screaming kicking bastard child in his arms, it didn't take her long to fall in love with you.

Although she adores her sweet boys, a small discreet part of her yearned for a precious little daughter of her own. A little girl to dress and adore and spoil, to give her everything. Rhaenary is a warm and loving person towards you, often placating your little sobs and warbled pouts with taking you in her arms and hushing you with soft loving words. Everything is alright, you're ok. If she's not soothing you with motherly words, then she's showering you in gifts of dragon glass figures and dresses. She herself adores her jewels and gowns, so she sees it only fitting that you too get the same luxurious treatment.

Syrax is doting and sweet to you, just like her rider. You're the only other person besides Rhaenary who may touch her. The golden dragon would preen and coo at you whenever you are within her line of sight, bowing her head low for affection. She purrs and coos, huffing hot dragon breath into your face to make you smile- even just a little. She allows you to touch the rough scales on her face, her own smile almost matching the warmth of your stepmother.

Dragon Rides with rhaenary are always more tolerable- the days are always warm and tame, blue skies and her wings riding upon blossoming clouds of gold and lavender. Rhaenary holds you close to her, a buckled harness added to her saddle especially for you.

Viserys is old and soft, and although his presence has always remained as the silvery old willowed man who sits upon the frightening throne made of jagged blades and glinting metal, he has always been passive with you. As your uncle, and the king, hes always handled you with a soft yet dismissive hand. He may not always acknowledge you that often, but when he does, it's always pleasant and filled with ramblings of creative art mediums and whatnot. If you were to ever show interest in his built figures and constructions, he'd be delighted. He may be your first influence into creative outlets- either it be through painting,embroidery, calligraphy, or to his hopes, figure making. Despite your bastard heritage, he's rather accepting of you. His brother is wild and untamed, always off doing something peculiar and explosive- you are the least destructive thing he's created by far. You are also a source of joy for his daughter, Rhaenary, so he cannot be too harsh upon you living in DragonStone.

Balarion is long gone, his monstrously large skull glinting in golden candlelight within the cold stone walls. But viserys often ponder over your fascination with the war dragons remains, and you may get an earful of old stories that sang their songs long ago. Aegon the conqueror... The black dread with midnight flame... Bringing kingdoms to their knees or reduced to piles of ash. Your heritage is a painful one, dear, but it is powerful. You have the blood of Aegon the conqueror in your veins. You have the blood of the dragon. Be proud of it, for you have no choice.

Jacaerys and Lucerys, despite being shocked and confused by your arrival- like any wide eyed little children, grew to love you. They watched with their dark eyes as Prince Daemon returned with a shrieking and sobbing little girl, clutching the skirts of their mother and whispering little words or confusion and curiosity. Who's that? Where's her mummy?

Even when they are made aware of your bastard heritage, they still love you. Jace will often murmur words of encouragement to you when he sees you look upset or down about something, and Luce will happily take you by the hand and lead you off to read and teach you high valarian. You're off-putting at first, still upset with your new living situation. Because they're not your brother's, you don't know them! Your brothers are back at your house, probably still wailing for your return. As a child you were probably filled with stubbornness, often attempting to stray from their sights, hoping to sever any form of connection before it can begin- both from rebellion, but also from fear of betraying your own little siblings. But these boys are stubborn too, and want to do things with you like any brother would. They want you to read to them. To watch them train, to practice languages and swordsmanship, to watch them ride their dragons and impress you with dragonfire and daring swoops. To them, you're their sister. Just please- give them a chance?

I'll probably get more Cannibal stuff out, but I thought the dynamic of bastard reader within the family would be interesting. I don't often see people expanding on the relationships one would have with their forced families dragons either, considering the dragons are very emotionally connected with their riders, I thought it'd be interesting to expand on this idea!

Also I may do more with team green, but I'm still figuring out what kind of relationships the reader would have with them. I'm definitely making bastard reader close friends with Helaena, she's honestly the chillest person in that whole family 😅

[raurquiz]

#remembering #WilliamWindom #actor #Commodore #MattDecker #startrek #TheDoomsdayMachine #StElsewhere #MagnumPI #Newhart #LALaw #escapefromtheplanetofapes #tokillamonckigbird #truecrime #unclebuck #jag #allymcbeal #murdershewrote #JudgingAmy #YesterdaysDreams #startrek57 @TrekCore

[sidekick-hero]

The Moon, our only witness

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BESTEST OF BEST @firefly-party 💜💜💜 Kei, I'm sorry this is a day late but it's done with love and care and inspired by your gorgeous fanart, as usual. You are not only a great friend but also the best inspiration anyone could ask for. Thank you for making this all so much more fun!

Inspired by this gorgeous piece of art

Steddie | 5k | no warnings | Post-S4, fluff and hurt/comfort, Steve takes care of Eddie and Eddie's poor little gay heart can't take it | AO3

@steddiebingo Round 1, prompt: summer

Also the wonderful and very talented @pearynice also wrote a fic for the same piece of art - yes, it's just THAT good - so check that one out as well and give Leigh some love 🤗

Tell All the Stars Above

Almost dying puts a lot of things into perspective, Eddie finds. Mostly, how totally overrated petty high school grudges and long-held beliefs about social categories like jocks and nerds really are.

When you’re slowly bleeding out on the cold, hard ground of a nightmarish dimension, you don’t care whose hands are trying to keep your insides… well, inside.

The specifics of that day are vague in Eddie’s memory—some bits sharp and clear, others hazy and dreamlike. He can still see Dustin’s face as the boy realized what Eddie was about to do. He can still hear the screeching of the bats as they chased him. And worst of all, he still remembers the feeling of hundreds of teeth ripping into his body.

After that, things blur. Dustin had been there, crying and pleading. Eddie remembers how badly he’d wanted to cheer him up, to make it hurt less—but he hadn’t known how. Everything had felt so far away.

Until a sharp pain in his side had yanked him rudely back to the land of the conscious.

One image has burned itself into his mind: Steve Harrington, looking down at him with a determined set to his jaw, lips pressed into a thin line, brows furrowed, and a fire in his eyes that told Eddie he wouldn’t be let go without a fight.

A rogue strand of Steve’s infamous, glorious hair had fallen into his face. Eddie’s fingers had itched to reach for it, to tuck it behind Steve’s ear—and to feel for himself if it was as soft as it looked.

The hot, blinding pain that followed is the last thing Eddie remembers… until he woke up much, much later in a sterile hospital bed, with his uncle on his right—and Steve on his left. That, and Steve’s voice, cracking but fierce.

“Don’t you dare die on me, Munson. I won’t let you go. I won’t.”

It’s been five months since the week from hell, as Eddie calls that one godawful week in March that altered his life forever. It left him broken—in more ways than one.

There’s the obvious. Scars litter his body, some still red and angry even after all this time. The worst ones, on his thigh and left side, had needed skin grafts. The healing process was slow and brutal. Torn muscles, weeks of immobility—his body had to relearn how to hold itself together. Worst of all, Eddie had to learn how to walk again.

But beneath the physical damage, there are deeper wounds. Ones with jagged edges that never seem to stop bleeding.

Late at night, he still hears the sound of Chrissy’s bones breaking. Every time a light flickers, he flinches—panic rising in his throat, squeezing it tight, trapping the air in his lungs. Night after night, he wakes up screaming from dreams he can’t quite forget, grateful that his uncle works the night shift and doesn’t have to hear him.

Eddie knows—without a shadow of a doubt—that he wouldn’t have made it through these months without Steve.

Sure, his uncle had helped a great deal, as had the kids and the rest of the young adults. But it was Steve who showed up every single day—whether Eddie wanted him to or not.

He handled Eddie’s moods like they were nothing: tears, screams, snide and hurtful comments—none of it seemed to faze him. Some days, that made Eddie almost hate him for it.

Most days, it just made him fall deeper in love.

In a way, Eddie thinks, it had always been inevitable. Because while he hadn’t lied when he told Steve that every part of the Munson doctrine screamed don’t trust guys like him—not the charming, popular ones who used to cruise through the halls like they owned the place—Steve had beaten every expectation, had made him break every single one of his rules.

Because Steve Harrington isn’t just a good dude. He’s kind. Stupidly, relentlessly kind.

And yeah, it doesn’t hurt that he’s also one of the most beautiful people Eddie’s ever seen.

Steve had been by his side through everything. After carrying him out of hell, Eddie wouldn’t have blamed him for checking in once or twice—making sure his efforts hadn’t been for nothing—and then moving on with his life. But he didn’t.

Instead, every time Eddie found the strength to crack his eyes open, there was Steve. Sometimes flipping through a magazine, sometimes lost in a comic book. Other times, headphones on, bobbing his head to something Eddie would later tease him for liking. And when Eddie could finally stay awake long enough to follow a conversation, Steve would catch him up on everything.

How Hopper—not dead, surprise—had cleared his name, though the town still whispered and looked at him sideways like nothing had changed.

How Max was healing, but slower than anyone wanted to admit.

How El was still looking for Henry, coming up empty every time.

How Dustin begged to come on every hospital visit, how Mike and Lucas missed him like hell.

And Steve didn’t just talk. He helped with the rehab too—cheering Eddie on for every tiny step forward, offering a shoulder, a steady hand, a reason to keep going when everything in Eddie wanted to give up. He stood his ground when Eddie lashed out in frustration, yelling, cursing, spitting out cruel words he didn’t mean. And every time, Steve forgave him just as easily. With a small smile, a hand on his shoulder, and a soft, "It’s fine, Eds. How about we try again, huh?"

Eddie still remembers the feel of Steve’s arms around him, holding him tight, praising him like he’d just won a medal for walking—really walking—from the sofa to the kitchen without his walking aid.

At night, alone in bed, Eddie can admit it: it’s Steve’s encouragement—his joy, his pride—that keeps Eddie going.

That was almost a month ago. They’ve been training ever since, trying to claw back more and more of Eddie’s old life.

But progress is slower now. His joints ache constantly, swelling and throbbing the day after even the smallest overstep. Pushing too hard means Eddie can barely move the next day, muscles locking up, everything sore and stiff. It frustrates him to no end—his body a traitor just when he starts to feel strong again.

Steve notices. Of course he does. And because he’s Steve he doesn’t push harder. Instead, Robin tells him how Steve actually started researching other ways to help Eddie, even asking Dustin for advice - which Eddie knows he hates doing because Dustin can be an insufferable know-it-all. But he does it anyway. For Eddie.

Because Steve never gives up on him.

And maybe—just maybe—that’s the part that hurts the most. Or heals the most. Eddie’s not sure yet.

All he really knows is that this summer has been both the worst and the best he’s ever had. Having a crush on a straight guy who somehow likes spending all his time with Eddie—while Eddie’s also recovering from nearly being mauled to death by bats—would do that to anyone, he figures.

The point is: every time Eddie thinks Steve couldn’t possibly get more perfect, the guy has to go and prove him wrong.

His latest ploy to drive Eddie’s gay little heart into cardiac arrest?

Aqua therapy.

It starts off normal enough. Another pool party at the Harrington mansion before the new school year kicks off in a few days. The August sun is relentless, the kind of heat that’s barely tolerable even in the shade—where Eddie’s firmly stationed, like some cranky goblin avoiding his natural predator.

Out in the pool, the kids are splashing and chasing each other like they haven’t saved the world multiple times. The sight makes Eddie smile, despite the tug of one of the bigger scars on his cheek.

They deserve every ounce of joy they can get. And Eddie’s heart swells with a fresh wave of affection for Steve, who’s doing everything in his power to make sure they get it.

“Hey Eddie,” Lucas calls, pulling him out of his thoughts. “You sure you don’t wanna join us?”

Eddie’s already shaking his head before Lucas finishes asking, softening the refusal with a crooked grin.

“Haven’t I told you? I turned into a vampire. Sun is deadly for me, Sinclair—stop trying to kill me, ‘kay?”

They all laugh, the question already forgotten, and Eddie’s glad for it.

He’s still not great with crowds—not even this beloved one, not even when they’re laughing with him and not at him for looking like Frankenstein’s monster. The sun prickles too hot against his skin, especially the scarred bits, and the occasional squeal or splash from the pool makes his body jolt before his brain can remind him it’s safe.

He’s doing better. Just... not there yet.

So he sticks to the shade, sipping something cold and non-alcoholic because Steve made a face when Eddie asked for a beer. (“You’re still on painkillers, dumbass.”) The ice clinks softly as he rolls the glass between his palms, watching the chaos unfold like it’s a movie, as the day slowly melts into evening.

The kids are finally winding down, lounging at the edges of the pool, floating and chatting with the easy energy of people who’ve survived something big together. Eddie considers getting up, calling it an early night—tired from the heat and the whole lot of doing nothing.

And then Steve appears.

Not just appears—no. He rises from the pool like some ancient sea god sent to punish mortals for their sins. Hair slicked back, droplets sliding down his chest in ways that should come with a warning label, swim trunks clinging obscenely to his thighs. Eddie swears the damn sun glints off his cheekbones like it’s in on the joke.

He knows he tends to be a little dramatic, sure. But this? This is biblical. Eddie must’ve done something really bad in a past life.

Steve climbs out, grabs a towel, and heads straight for him—and Eddie immediately forgets how to sit like a normal person. He shifts awkwardly, pretending to stretch out a leg, even though it sends a jolt of soreness through his knee.

“Hey,” Steve says, toweling off his hair. “You doing okay?”

“Peachy,” Eddie lies, eyes doing their damnedest to avoid Steve’s chest.

Steve doesn’t buy it. He drops onto the lounger beside Eddie, closer than necessary—so close their knees bump. Eddie stiffens. Steve pretends not to notice.

“I was thinking,” Steve says casually—like it’s not a lead-up to something utterly unhinged—“you should come in the pool.”

Eddie snorts. “Hard pass.”

“No, seriously. Doesn’t have to be with everyone around.” Steve’s voice softens. “I was about to send the little menaces home anyway. But later, when it’s just us. I mean… you are staying, right?”

Like Eddie hasn’t been staying most nights since Steve found out about the nightmares and offered to keep him company.

“‘Course, Stevie.”

Steve smiles. “Good. ‘Cause I was reading about aqua therapy—good for joint pain, easier on the muscles. Figured it might help you ease into moving again. Without, you know, murdering yourself.”

Eddie narrows his eyes. “You’ve been researching this?”

Steve shrugs, suddenly bashful. “Just trying to help. You’ve been saying how sore you get after the regular stuff. Thought this might be gentler. Plus—” he grins “—I’d be in there with you. Your very own floating life preserver.”

Eddie blinks. His brain short-circuits.

Because Steve Harrington just offered to let Eddie cling to him half-naked in a pool in the name of physical therapy. And Eddie wants to say no. Wants to crack a joke. Wants to protect what’s left of his already fragile dignity.

But Steve’s looking at him like this matters. Like he matters.

And God help him, Eddie’s already nodding.

“Fine,” he sighs, shifting forward with a groan to pin Steve with a serious look. “But if I drown, I’m haunting you.”

Steve chuckles, rising to his feet and offering a hand. “Deal.”

When Eddie takes it, it’s warm and steady—like Steve’s eyes, like the careful tenderness that makes Eddie’s heart trip over itself.

“I—uhm. I don’t have swim trunks,” he says, cheeks suddenly flushed.

“That’s fine. You can borrow a pair of mine. Maybe the speedo from my swim captain days?” Steve throws him a wink. “I bet you’d look smokin’ in it.”

Eddie promptly chokes on his own spit.

Steve grins and thumps him on the back while he coughs pathetically. When the worst of it passes, Steve’s hand lingers there—just for a moment—like neither of them wants to pull away.

But eventually, Steve does to clap his hands, turned towards the pool.

“Alright, shitheads! Pool’s closed for the day!”

This is met with a chorus of groans from everyone but El and Max, who immediately solidify their status as Eddie’s favorites.

“Hey,” Eddie calls out over the protests, “listen to your mom, you ungrateful shrimps—or get ready to play with disadvantage for the foreseeable future!”

Steve turns and flashes Eddie a look, brows raised. “Does that make you the dad?”

Eddie doesn’t get the chance to respond—what he would’ve said, he’s not even sure—because the teenagers are already dragging themselves out of the water, still grumbling.

“That’s cheating!”

“You’re conspiring against us with the enemy!”

And, predictably, Dustin, the loudest of them all: “It’s just not fair!”

All the grumbling and complaining doesn’t change a thing. As much as Steve loves the kids—and Eddie knows he really does—this time, he stands his ground. Probably because, for all their protesting, the boys look half-dead from swimming under the sun all afternoon.

Steve and Eddie escort the ragtag group to the driveway, where Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Will hop on their bikes, still whining dramatically, while Nancy and Jonathan corral El, Max and Robin toward their car.

“You coming with us, Eddie?” Nancy asks, something glinting in her eyes Eddie can’t quite place.

He still doesn’t drive—not since almost becoming bat chew—even though his doctor technically cleared him. But his knees hate the angle, tend to lock at the worst possible times, and honestly? If he crashed his car, Wayne and Steve would join forces to resurrect him just so they could kill him properly. So yeah. He's giving it more time.

"Thanks, Wheeler," Eddie says, leaning on his cane with mock drama, "but I gotta make sure Stevie here gets his beauty sleep. Those luscious looks don't maintain themselves.”

Next to him, Robin snorts, thoroughly unladylike. Nancy, however, just gives him a look—sharp, knowing, borderline smug. Eddie does not care for it. But she only shrugs and throws a casual wave at Steve, calling, "See you tomorrow," and climbs into the driver's seat.

Jonathan gives a small salute of his own before heading after her. Robin lingers just long enough to wrap both of them in a quick, warm hug.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t want to hear about,” she teases with a wink before climbing into the car.

They watch everyone drive off, a comfortable silence settling between them. Eddie’s not usually a quiet person—silence tends to feel heavy, something he needs to break with words or noise or movement. But not with Steve.

With Steve, the quiet feels... easy. Safe. Like the world stops pressing in on him for a while. Maybe it’s muscle memory, some subconscious part of him recognizing Steve as the guy who literally dragged him back from death’s door and deciding, Yeah, this one’s safe.

Not that Eddie disagrees.

“Earth to Eddie,” Steve says, voice light. “Do you copy?”

“Huh?” Eddie blinks, brilliantly articulate. Steve snorts.

“You looked pretty far gone. You good?”

“Yeah—yeah, I’m good.”

The smile Steve gives him is fond, golden, warm enough to melt steel. “Good. ‘Cause don’t think I forgot our deal, Munson. Come on, let’s get you in the pool.”

Eddie gasps, hand to his chest in mock scandal. “Steven. Is this a ploy to get me wet and naked?”

Steve’s already halfway to the house, but he tosses a wink over his shoulder, all smooth confidence. “Believe me, I wouldn’t need a ploy for that.”

Eddie swallows hard—loud enough he’s pretty sure Steve hears it—and for a second he seriously considers bolting in the opposite direction. But his legs move him forward anyway, like they know something his brain hasn’t caught up to yet.

Thin swim trunks suddenly feel like a terrible idea.

And still, he follows Steve inside.

Despite his apprehension, being in the pool with Steve is actually... fun.

There’s a flicker of hesitation when Eddie steps out onto the porch in Steve’s swim trunks—not the speedos, hell no—and an old, faded Metallica tee. Steve’s already in the water, chest bare and glistening in the dying sunlight, looking every bit like some kind of summer daydream.

Eddie knows he could leave the shirt on. Besides, Steve’s seen the scars. He knows Steve doesn’t care.

But knowing that and letting himself be seen—letting someone look at all the pieces he usually keeps buried—that’s a whole different beast.

He takes a breath. Reminds himself, This is Steve. And Steve is safe.

So, he pulls the shirt over his head.

And the world doesn’t stop. The sun doesn’t implode or fall from the sky. It just keeps setting, casting a pinkish hue over everything, warming his skin without burning him.

Steve doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t look away. Just gives him a soft, easy smile, like of course Eddie would be brave, like he never doubted it for a second.

One step at a time, Eddie lowers himself into the pool. The water wraps around him, warm and gentle, soothing the heat in his cheeks and the tension in his limbs.

It’s slow going—careful, deliberate. A fitting metaphor, really, for the way he’s piecing himself back together.

And for the first time in a long time, he lets himself enjoy it. Enjoy the feel of the water, the summer air, the way his body moves—his, still. Hurt, but still his.

Eddie startles when something brushes his shoulder—but it’s only Steve, grinning at him with that soft, familiar kind of fondness.

It’s a look Eddie’s seen before, usually directed at Robin or Dustin. Lately, though—more and more—it’s been meant for him. And every time it is, something small and greedy inside him, the little Gollum-like creature he tries to ignore, practically preens.

“Look at you!” Steve says, beaming. “In the water and still alive!”

His smile turns teasing. “Honestly, I half-expected you to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West, with the way you’ve been avoiding the pool all summer.”

Eddie snorts, but the comeback dies in his throat.

The twilight hush settles around them, the kind of quiet that strips away performance and leaves only the truth behind. And suddenly, it’s hard to be anything but honest.

“I hate the way people look at me,” he says quietly. “When they see the full extent of how... broken I am.”

“Eddie.”

Just his name, whispered. Barely more than breath. But the ache in it guts him. Steve says it like a prayer, like it hurts to hear Eddie say that out loud. And maybe it does. Steve’s lost so much, been cracked open in his own way, broken differently—but not less deeply.

Eddie looks away, blinking fast. “Can we just—” he tries, voice cracking. “Didn’t you want to show off your lifeguard skills or something?”

The deflection is clumsy, but it’s the best he can manage. That flash of bravery is gone, retreating behind the walls he’s spent a lifetime building. Maybe that makes him a coward. Or an asshole. He doesn’t know.

He does know he should be able to be real with Steve. Steve, of all people. But years of sneers and fists and being othered have taught him what happens when you show your underbelly.

Even now—even here—a part of him still flinches at the idea.

Still, there’s another part, small but stubborn, that aches to try.

Steve, bless his golden retriever soul, decides to roll with Eddie’s weak attempt at changing the subject—though the crease between his brows makes it clear it’s not the conversation he wants to have.

“I was actually hoping I wouldn’t need to use those skills,” he says, voice light but eyes still soft. “Or is this your way of asking for mouth-to-mouth?”

“Shuddup!” Eddie splutters, secretly relieved Steve is playing along. He gives him a playful shove. “You think you’re hilarious, but you’re not.”

They both know that’s a lie. Steve just winks, that smug little grin doing all the talking for him.

Eddie can’t help but return it, his own smile slipping out before he can stop it. And for a moment, they’re just... there. Standing in the water together, still and close. The moon’s reflection ripples across the pool’s surface, full and bright in a sky scrubbed clean of clouds.

There’s something in the air—thick and humming, charged. Like static before a storm. Like a held breath. Eddie doesn’t dare name it. Doesn’t even want to think it too loudly in case it’s just him feeling it, just him holding still like this means something.

And then—Steve speaks, and the moment (if it was a moment) breaks.

“So,” he starts, a little too fast, “I was talking to Melissa—she’s a friend of Mrs. Wheeler, she’s a physical therapist—and she mentioned aqua therapy when I asked her for advice. She gave me a couple of books about it, and I’ve been practicing with Robin so I wouldn’t, like, accidentally drown you or something, but I’m not an expert, obviously. So if it doesn’t help, we can totally go to a pro—Melissa gave me an address, too—but I know how much you hate being touched by strangers, and I thought maybe we could try this first? If that’s okay—”

“Steve.”

He cuts him off gently, grinning, even as something in his chest turns molten at the sight of Steve, rambling like he’s trying to fill every space between them with care.

“Breathe, big boy. Or I’ll have to give you mouth-to-mouth.”

Steve finally shuts up, blinking at him, sheepish.

And Eddie’s already made up his mind. Whatever Steve’s planned—he’s in.

Steve lets out a breathy laugh, a little pink in the cheeks, and then gestures toward the middle of the pool. “Okay, smartass. Let’s start simple. Just floating, yeah? You can hold onto the edge if you want.”

Eddie raises a brow. “You think I need floaties? Maybe some water wings?”

Steve rolls his eyes but grins. “Nah. You’ve got me.”

Something stupid and fluttery flaps around in Eddie’s ribcage at that, but he pushes it down and follows Steve’s lead. The water is warm, supporting him as he lowers himself in with careful movements. Steve’s hand brushes against his arm—steadying, not controlling—and then slips away once Eddie’s balance settles.

“Alright,” Steve says softly from behind him, “just lean back. Let the water hold you.”

It takes a second—Eddie’s body tense with the memory of pain and panic—but he exhales and slowly releases the tension in his shoulders. His hair fans out around him like ink, his limbs floating loose, the water cradling him like it’s always meant to.

“Good,” Steve murmurs, voice low and close.

Eddie can feel the ripple in the water as Steve moves in closer, just behind him, leaning over. His shadow stretches across the surface, and when Eddie tilts his head slightly, he sees Steve’s face above him, looking down, all golden and soft in the moonlight.

Steve’s hands cradle Eddie’s head gently, keeping it steady and just above the surface. Eddie floats weightlessly, caught between water and sky, and the moment feels dreamlike—rose-tinted and soft around the edges. He looks up at Steve and sees everything he’s ever wanted but never dared to believe he could have.

Someone strong, brave, kind. Hands that once wielded weapons and tore through monsters now holding him like he’s something fragile. Precious. Someone with a redemption arc better than anything Eddie’s ever written in his campaigns—a real-life Paladin, shining and impossibly good.

Someone who’s seen every ugly part of him, inside and out, and didn’t run. Who stayed. Who chose to hold him through it. To show up, again and again, without question. Something his father never did.

Steve is looking down at him now the same way he did in the Upside Down, only this time, the look on his face isn’t fierce determination. His hazel eyes are filled with something quieter. Warmer. A kind of curiosity that feels like Eddie is a mystery Steve wants to understand.

That same rogue strand of hair is back, curling stubbornly across Steve’s forehead, daring Eddie to reach for it.

So this time—because he can, because he’s not bleeding out in a monster-infested hellscape—Eddie does.

It’s soft. Silken between his fingers. And Steve’s breath catches, a small sound in his throat, more felt than heard.

Then Eddie sees it—a shift. The warmth in Steve’s eyes deepens, curiosity giving way to something heavier. Intent.

They stare at each other for a moment that stretches impossibly wide, like the world itself has paused to watch. It’s agony. It’s bliss. Eddie doesn't know if he wants the moment to last forever, or if he wants something to happen to break the anticipation that has built up between them.

And then something does happen — Steve leans down, his hands still cradling Eddie’s head, and kisses him.

Soft. Certain. Like a promise.

It’s over too quickly, but Eddie can still feel the echo of Steve’s lips on his own—a whisper of a touch that lingers like a memory etched into his very molecules.

“Please tell me that wasn’t just some unnecessary attempt at mouth-to-mouth,” Eddie blurts, utterly nonsensical because holy shit, Steve Harrington just kissed him.

“Oh! So you weren’t drowning?” Steve says, all wide eyes and mock-earnest concern. “My bad—”

Eddie’s heart stutters. Oh no. Is he serious?

Then he sees it—the twitch of Steve’s lips, the barely-contained grin—and indignation kicks in. He splutters, pushing up in the water, “That’s not funny—Jesus fucking Christ, you gave me a heart attack—”

But Steve is already catching him, pulling him close. He leans back, legs treading water effortlessly, and cradles Eddie against his chest like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“’M sorry,” Steve murmurs into his ear, voice low and soft. “But seriously, how could you not know?”

Eddie wants to turn around and look at him, see his face, but something about the way Steve is holding him feels purposeful. Grounding. Safe. And Eddie decides he likes it here—being held like this. A lot.

“Not know what?” he asks, genuinely baffled. There are so many things he doesn’t know. Steve’s gonna have to narrow it down.

Steve exhales a breath against his temple, warm and a little shaky. Eddie opens his mouth, ready to apologize for missing something obvious, but then Steve speaks again.

“Robin told me I’m an idiot and that I should just tell you. Said my flirting sucked.” He lets out a nervous laugh. “But I thought maybe you just weren’t into me—I mean, I know you like guys, but that doesn’t mean you like me, right? So I figured you were just letting me down easy by not calling me out on it. But Robin was right. Wasn’t she?”

“She usually is,” Eddie says, stalling, trying to make sense of it all—because is Steve really saying what he thinks he’s saying? “I’m gonna need you to spell it out for me, Stevie. I failed senior year three times for a reason. What do I not know?”

Steve goes quiet for a second. Just long enough for Eddie’s heart to trip over itself.

Then—

“That I’m in love with you.”

He feels Steve tense as the words leave his mouth—words Eddie never thought he’d hear. Steve Harrington is in love with him. No, he hadn’t known. Hadn’t dared to believe Steve meant anything real when he flirted back, figured that was just how Steve was—charm rolling off him like heat off pavement.

But now? Eddie needs Steve to know. Needs to change the record, rewrite the story—Munson Doctrine be damned. He’d burn the whole thing if it meant he could have this. Have him.

“Can I turn around?” he asks, voice quiet in the space between them.

Steve nods, and helps him shift, slow and careful, until Eddie can see his face—those open, hopeful eyes looking right into him.

“Robin’s right,” Eddie says, lips twitching, “you are an idiot, Steve Harrington.”

Steve’s face starts to fall, but Eddie reaches out, cupping his jaw.

“Because I honestly had no idea. I couldn’t even imagine a world where you—Steve fucking Harrington—could fall in love with me.” The words come out on a breathless, disbelieving laugh, because again, holy shit. This is real.

“I wasn’t letting you down easy. How could I? I’m so gone for you it started to get embarrassing.”

It takes a second to sink in, but when it does, the relief that floods Steve’s face nearly knocks Eddie out. There’s so much joy in his eyes—affection so unfiltered, so real—and it’s all for him.

“Yeah?” Steve grins, arms tightening around him. “How embarrassing?”

Eddie groans. “Wayne was threatening to take my stereo if he had to hear The Police one more time.”

Steve lights up. “The Police? Which song?”

“Don’t make me say it,” Eddie mutters, eyes going wide in his best puppy-dog plea.

He thinks he’s gotten away with it. But Steve just leans in and kisses him, quick and sweet, and murmurs against his lips, “Please?”

Eddie sighs, cheeks pink. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. And if you tell anyone, I’m not letting you kiss me for a whole month.”

Steve gasps like he’s been shot. “A whole month? Cruel.”

Eddie kisses him again. “Okay, fine. A week. But I will do it, Harrington. Don’t test me.”

They both know he won’t.

Steve hums. “Wouldn’t dream of it. And it’s cute, for the record. You’re cute.”

For a split second, Eddie’s brain fires off a “your mom” joke on instinct—but for once in his life, his brain-to-mouth filter kicks in just in time.

“Oh yeah?” he smirks. “And what are you gonna do about it, Harrington?”

Steve tilts his head, mock-considering. “Take you out on a date. Kiss you some more. Hold your hand. Cuddle you like I mean it. Y’know—bring out the big guns.” His voice softens, hand cradling Eddie’s scarred cheek. “If that’s okay with you.”

Eddie doesn’t even hesitate. “More than okay, Stevie. I can’t wait.”

Their next kiss—sweet and slow and full of promise—makes Eddie think maybe, just maybe, this is where he was always meant to end up.

Right here. In Steve Harrington’s arms.

[fujoshirat]

When the Shouto Todoroki saves you and your kindergarten students at the aquarium during a villain attack, you can't seem to get him out of your head. Bonus: you're quirkless and he's a pro hero, so you live in two different worlds. The glue? His cute nephew that's obsessed with rocks and that just so happens to be in your kindergarten class.

In short: You've become obsessed, you suppose. But that's all right, you're not the only one that's obsessed.

WARNING: Todoroki family troubles (in the eyes of Kaoru); Kaoru's rock collection hyperfixation! Please note that this chapter is written in lovely, little, mature, and smart Kaoru Todoroki's POV ♡ (so the improper grammar is intentional I promise 😓😖)

Note! "Oji-san" refers to Shouto, Kaoru's uncle. "Ojii-san" refers to Enji, Kaoru's grandfather. "Baa-chan" refers to Rei, Kaoru's grandmother. "Oba-san" refers to Fuyumi, Kaoru's auntie.

Part 1! Part 2!

3 - Things That Kaoru Loves

Kaoru loves his oji-san. Oji-san was the most coolest, most specialist person he knows. He could make fire dance in his palms-so cool! And then FWOOSH-he can make ice appear too! Kaoru liked to pretend that he could do that. When he gained his quirk on his fifth birthday six months ago, he knew that he wanted to be just like his oji-san. He wanted to learn from his oji-san how to use his ice quirk. Sure, Kaoru loved his dad and wanted to learn how to control his ice from him too, but oji-san? Oji-san was ultra cool! Oji-san was friends with cool people too. He told Kaoru stories about Deku and Dynamite, about his ojii-san before he retired, about the super cool All Might!

Kaoru loves his teacher. Y/N-sensei always smiled at him in the morning and helped him tie his shoelaces. Y/N-sensei's voice was soft. She wasn't noisy like his teacher last year (so stinky and mean). Y/N-sensei smelled like the peaches (his favorite) at the store that his dad always takes him to so they have dinner. She didn't have a quirk, but Y/N-sensei was one of his heroes, too. When she would give him a piece of candy and a bright smile for completing his work correctly, Kaoru's tummy would feel warm and happy. Most of all, Y/N-sensei thought his rock collection was so cool. "Y/N-sensei, my oji-san got me a new rock." "Oh really? That's so cool! You should bring it for show and tell tomorrow!"

Kaoru loves his rock collection. On his fourth birthday, his dad gave him a little wooden box with a few shiny rocks inside. When he lightly shook the box, they made a clinking, rattling sound.

"Kaoru-kun, do you know what these are?"

"Rocks."

"Yes, but, their special rocks. Do you notice anything about them?"

Upon further inspection, the little boy noticed that they had swirls of color and shone like tiny treasure in the light. Each rock was different: some were smooth, some were jagged, some had multiple hues while others had only one vivid color. Since then, Kaoru's made it his mission to find more rocks. Anywhere he went->the grocery store, baa-chan's backyard, the beach->he would pick up a special-looking rock and add it to the little wooden box of treasures. He didn't care of some of the rocks he found were "dull" (that's what Taro-kun said, but he doesn't know anything about rocks). All of Kaoru's rocks had a story, just like how his oji-san always had a story to tell him whenever Kaoru saw him at his house. His oji-san sometimes brought him rocks too. He'd gift them to Kaoru for Christmas or after missions. Kaoru's collection had grown so big that his oba-san bought him a new box for his fifth birthday. Now, he could fit his newer rocks in plus his super cool new fossil that his oji-san got him when he went to America last month.

Kaoru doesn't understand grown-up stuff. He doesn't understand why baa-chan and ojii-san never hug like the grandparents on Bluey, or why he doesn't have a mom like Mio-san. He asked his dad once, when it was bring-your-kid-to-work-day at the clinic, but his father just smiled at him. "Papa's got his hands full with you and his clinic. Besides, you've got me and all of your family. Isn't that enough?" Kaoru thinks that it's enough, he loves his dad more than anything in the world. More than more than Y/N-sensei, more than his oji-san, more than his rock collection. However, that didn't quench his curiosity. He still occasionally wondered why he didn't have a nice mom to bring to the school play or put little notes in his lunchbox like his friends did. Dad was too busy to do that. He made yummy food and tucked Kaoru into bed and went to all of his school events, but his doctor job at the clinic sometimes took him away from Kaoru.

The thing that Kaoru doesn't understand the most is why his oji-san and L/N-sensei weren't together. They liked each other, right? Oji-san looked a little silly whenever he saw Y/N-sensei. His ears would turn red and he would stutter. Y/N-sensei would smile extra cheerfully and play with her skirt. That's how you knew that someone likes someone, right? Himari-chan taught him that when she was practicing her reading at school.

"Kaoru-kun! The book says that if someone likes someone, they turn red and stu-stu- uhm...How do I say this?" "Stutter?" "Yeah! And smile super bright!"

Kaoru's curious about the world around him, but it doesn't matter. As he takes a bite out of his strawberry ice cream, he looks up at his uncle, who's also holding strawberry ice cream. Oh well, he supposes, that's why he's only five.

.

.

.

But then, Kaoru gets the most coolest, genius idea ever for a five-and-a-half-year-old.

"Oji-san," he swallows some ice cream, "you should give Y/N-sensei a rock." The tall man's eyebrows lift slightly. "...A rock?"

"Mhm." lick. "Like the Adelie penguins." lick. "Adelie penguin boys give a girl penguin a rock because he loves her," he recites word-for-word, exactly what he remembers his teacher telling him. Shouto's cheeks flush red as he finishes his ice cream.

"How can you tell that I like her?"

Kaoru kicks at the concrete under his feet, continuing to eat his ice cream. "Your ears turn red and you start stuttering. And then when Y/N-sensei sees you, she starts smiling a lot and playing with her skirt, like oba-san does when she sees her boyfriend." The five-year-old can't help but grin when he sees his oji-san's jaw drop.

"You're... very observative."

"That's what Y/N-sensei says."

Shouto smiles at that. When he begins speaking again, his voice is gentle. "Kaoru-kun, it's more complicated than giving someone a rock."

The little boy finishes his ice cream, a small frown appearing on his face. "But why?" The pro hero hesitates for a second. His voice comes out softly, almost like a whisper. "It's not easy to tell someone how you feel, even if you really like them." 'But if Y/N-sensei sees a pretty rock, she'll be happy,' Kaoru thinks to himself. Scanning the few pebbles nearby, he absentmindedly picks up a smooth, speckled stone.

"Oji-san, what if someone else gives her a rock before you do?"

Kaoru's words seem to hit something in his uncle, because suddenly his eyes widen and his left side twitches. Shouto's nephew watches him take a breath before smiling again, reaching down to ruffle Kaoru's hair. He whines in protest: "Oji-san!" Shouto chuckles and crouches down to the little boy's level.

"You're smart, Kaoru-kun. You're a good kid. Don't ever change, okay?" The man's eyes wander to Kaoru's right hand, where the spotted stone rested. He quirks a brow at the sight.

"You should give her this rock, oji-san. She'll love it."

Shouto laughs warmly, eyes crinkling slightly and hand patting his nephew's shoulder. "Alright, I'll do it." Kaoru's eyes widen and sparkle, and he eagerly hands Shouto the rock. He jumps up and down excitedly, the most excitement he's ever shown in his life.

"Yes!"

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊

Shouto loves his nephew. He doesn't think that his rock collection obsession is weird, he thinks it's cute (it gives him nostalgia about Izuku's All Might hyperfixation). Shouto's frankly impressed by how smart and perceptive Kaoru is. He definitely did not expect Kaoru to pick up on his crush on L/N-san. 'Am I that obvious??' Kaoru's a smart boy too. According to to Natsuo and the beautiful L/N-san, Kaoru's top of his class even though he doesn't like talking much. Shouto doesn't understand kids, but he understands Kaoru. He understands how excited the little boy gets when he finds the perfect rock. Shouto thinks-no, knows-that you're the perfect gem. You're caring, sweet, attentive, bright, positive, everything he thinks he lacks.

And maybe Kaoru sees your real beauty, too, because here he is, telling Shouto to give the most perfect woman a rock.

To treasure the finest treasure that he's found: you.

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊

A/N: That's it for part 3! I hope you enjoyed it (˶◜ᵕ◝˶) Thank you so much for reading this part and the entire series so far!! I love love love the cutest little Kaoru Todoroki ToT It was a challenge writing the POV of a five-and-a-half-year-old, so I apologize for making him REALLY mature! I did envision him to be a mature and smart kid (like ShouShou <3), but I think I overdid it ><

Anyways! Thank you for your patience regarding this part and all of my works in general! I hope that the wait wasn't too long, and that this made up for it ♡\(´･ᴗ･`)

And finally: THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE FOR ALL OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT! Parts 1 and 2 really blew up, Part 1 reaching over 300 likes! When I first made this account, I would have never expected to reach that many people. You all really make my days and I'm just so thankful for the positivity ദ്ദിദ്ദി(˃̣̣̥ᯅ˂̣̣̥) If you couldn't already tell, I am an amateur writer. I've been in this fandom and Tumblr for a LONGGG time, but have never found the motivation to write until now. Receiving this much love and positivity is really amazing and I hope to continue making good works and content <3

Just like before, I hope you look forward to the next part! I'll try to get it done as soon as possible depending on my schedule. If you'd like to be added to the taglist, feel free to let me know!

TAGLIST: ♡♡ @roseapov @brittanylikesstuff @stanseventeen @qardasngan @jastoo46 @kysoshir0

[lloydskywalkers]

escape pod

dragons rising s2 part 2 is out that means PAIN TIME (cannot believe i got this to post with 2% service but please beware there are major major spoilers in this! if you haven't finished the latest dragons rising release steer clear)

Lloyd’s learned, a long time ago, how to ignore pain. 

It never quite works — pain doesn’t care for being shoved aside and silenced, and he’s also learned, on the steps of Borg Tower, the depths of his grandfather’s tomb, strewn among the shattered remains of Kryptarium Prison’s walls — it’s sure to remind you it exists with a vengeance. 

It’s taking that vengeance now. Now that he can’t distract himself with tournaments and battles and the exhausting adrenaline that beats out a steady alarm of go go go. 

The alarm’s still going off in his head, but there’s nothing left to do.

Well, that’s a lie. 

Lloyd buries his face in his hands, obscuring the blurring portraits in front of him. There’s so much to do — so many promises to answer and so many failures to make up for.

Jay. 

Arin.

The Source Dragons, the Forbidden Five, his uncle, Pixal, Skylor, and on and on and—

Nausea overtakes him, and Lloyd gasps raggedly. The smell of the monastery courtyard was comforting, once. It’s the smell of home, the smell of familiar incense and earth and smoke and seawater and ozone and Kai’s terrible hair gel.

The smell of everyone lost and missing and gone.

When he’d first woken up after the merge, alone with only the empty silence, he’d thought — that was the worst it could get. It was everything he’d ever feared, and he’d thought, after he found Kai and Arin and Sora and his family one by one, that maybe that was the worst it would get. That things would get better. 

“Stupid,” Lloyd curses again. 

His fingers clench over the hilt that’s tucked beneath his gi, close to his chest. The Source Dragon’s blade feels impossibly heavy, but it hasn’t left his side — he’s too terrified of losing it, of breaking it, of shattering the trust someone else has put in him. 

Why in the world people keep trusting him, Lloyd still can’t understand. It’s not even Lloyd they’re looking to, is it? 

Son of Garmadon, with countless eyes turned toward him in anger and suspicion.

Green Ninja, with countless hands outstretched to him, for him to save. 

Conduit, another vessel for another power and another responsibility. 

Master, the stupidest title he’s ever thought he could take—

Failure. Failing and falling and failing all over again.

Is that all you know how to do, Lloyd Garmadon?

He’s lost his mom and his father and uncle. Lost Jay, lost Arin, and he can only hope no one else is next. 

Lloyd’s fingers clench in his hair, pulling hard enough to hurt. It’s a pitiful distraction from everything else. 

Fever still burns hot and familiar beneath his skin, leaving an aching weariness that makes standing feel nightmarish. It’s outweighed by the jagged line of fiery agony that cuts from hip to shoulder, every movement sending firecracker bursts of pain that leaves him shivering and dizzy. 

Stupid. Lloyd’s getting sloppy. How many times has someone backstabbed him before? How many near-misses has he dodged, instincts born from years of training just saving him?

Stupid. Lloyd doesn’t need saving. He shouldn’t need saving. Lloyd is the one who needs to save others and all he’s done on that front is fail.

“What do I do,” he whispers, to absolutely no one. “What do I do, what do I do, what do I do—”

Does he go after Jay, with Kai and Nya? That’s the strongest pull — Jay is his family, his brother, Jay is a missing piece that’s been gaping in his chest for years, now bleeding and raw and how, how can he just leave him—

But then there’s Arin, Arin with his kindness and enthusiasm and incredible potential and pain, Arin who Lloyd’s failed and how he can leave him with Ras, knowing what could happen—

But then there’s Sora, who he can’t possibly abandon either, and the rest of his family, who he’s just gotten back, and the growing threat of the Forbidden Five and the Source Dragons’ thundering instructions and the crimson-edged blade burning a hole in his gi and—

Okay. Okay.

Lloyd lets out a long, shaky breath, biting back a whine at the spike of pain that flares across his chest. 

He can do this. He has to do this. He’s pushed his body to breaking before. Again and again, this time isn’t any different. All he needs to do is—

Stars explode in his vision. 

He barely manages to avoid keeling over as something pulls hard, as if to yank him from his own body.  

No, no no—

There’s a thundering ache pulsing through his head, like the strike of Ras’ gong over and over again. Lloyd fights back a strangled mix between a sob and a curse. 

He hasn’t managed it yet, overcoming a vision and staying calm. It’s too disorienting, too awful — the world blurring away into violent reds, horrible flashes of future failures like a demented strobe effect. The terrifying sensation of losing his mind and losing his body and losing the ability to move, knowing the world’s moving on without him while he’s stuck somewhere in some half-formed future. 

It’s like Morro, forcing into his head and tearing his sense of self from him. 

Another searing flash of pain, another aching pull—

A sharp scream tears through the monastery, haunted and familiar. 

The visions scatter like dust, and Lloyd is on his feet before he can think. 

One turn, a room down from his own — Lloyd slams the door to Kai’s bedroom open with an aching shoulder and staggers toward his brother.

He’s already cut himself off, strangling the cry in his hands as he gasps for breath, but it’s unmistakably Kai who was screaming. 

Lloyd steps forward, hands held open, careful to make his presence known. His heart wrenches as he catches full view. 

In the dark, Kai’s almost a shadow of himself. He’s too-thin and gaunt, dark circles etched beneath his eyes, almost ravaged from his time in the Netherspace. He’d come back so strong, burning and fierce and everything they’d needed, that at the moment, Lloyd hadn’t realized. He’d completely missed the toll it took on Kai, and hey! There’s another failure to add to the list. 

Not about you, Lloyd scolds himself fiercely. Enough.

“Kai?” he says, reaching a hand out for his shoulder. 

Kai shakes his head, face still buried in his hands. He’s muttering furiously, sweat shining on his forehead.  

“Can’t — sleep, can’t, gotta — gotta move—”

“Kai,” Lloyd’s voice breaks. He knows the panicked fear in his brother’s voice too-well. Knows the live-wire adrenaline that forces you to push through exhaustion and pain and abandon sleep, the feeling of failure on your heels. 

“Kai,” he rasps again. “Kai, it’s okay. It’s me, it’s—” He blinks back tears. As if that’s going to be a comfort. Kai’s got the world’s greatest expert in failing people here, lucky him.

Kai’s hand seizes around his wrist. 

“Lloyd,” he croaks. The panic is his voice is ebbing, the tremors in his hands growing just a bit less violent. “Lloyd?”

Carefully moving his hand atop Kai’s own, he nods. “It’s me,” he says, trying to sound perfectly put together.

Kai makes a shaking, broken sound. 

“Oh,” he says. “Oh, I thought—” His hand tightens around his wrist. “You’re here?”

“Yeah.” Lloyd gingerly slides next to Kai on the bed, taking both his hands in his own. “I’m here. For real.”

Kai holds his hands so tightly it almost hurts, as if letting go of Lloyd will land him back in the Netherspace. He stares at their hands, expression easing into something that’s a lot less frightened and a lot more Kai. 

“You’re safe,” Lloyd says. “You’re safe, okay? I promise—”

Kai gives a wet snort, pulling a hand free to scrub at his eyes. “‘Course I am,” he says, voice ragged but sincere. “I got you here.”

Lloyd stares at him. It feels, just a little, like he’s driven the Source Dragon’s blade right through his chest. 

He opens his mouth, ready to assure Kai of — something — and—

Promptly bursts into tears.

“Wha- Lloyd, what’s wrong?!”

“I’m sorry,” Lloyd swipes angrily at his eyes. “I’m so sorry. I’m fine, I’m fine, I just—”

He feels like his chest is crumbling. He sucks in a breath desperately, and tries to find a smile.

“I’m just really glad,” he says. “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Kai stares at him, brow furrowed in worry. Something flickers across his face, the gentleness Lloyd remembers from when he was small, and then Kai’s arms are wrapped around him and he’s being held tight. 

“Thanks,” Kai laughs wetly. “I am too. Really, really glad.”

Lloyd tries to reply, but it gets lost in the lump that’s formed in his throat, his eyes burning hot. Zeatrix’s wound sings in pain as he presses tight against Kai, but it’s easier to ignore this time. Instead, Lloyd buries his face in Kai’s shoulder, and tries desperately to force back any more tears.

The wet warmth against his own shoulder is the only thing that makes him feel a bit better. 

It takes a moment, for the wracking shudders to subside, but Lloyd finally finds his voice again. If he was a better leader, he’d know exactly what to say. If he was a better brother, he’d find the perfect, comforting words for Kai, he’d know just what to say to make him feel better.

But Lloyd is neither of those things, and at his core, he’s still only pretending to be older than he is. 

“D’you remember,” he asks, voice a whisper. “What you said, back before we faced the Overlord the first time?”

Kai’s hold tightens. “That we’d look back on this, one day,” he rasps. “And laugh.”

Lloyd nods. “‘Cause it would be over. It would just be — a bad memory.” He bites his lip, hard enough to bleed. 

There’s a ragged, shaky sound as Kai exhales.

“Kai,” he whispers. “When’s it gonna be enough? When’s it gonna — when are we—”

Their poor, broken family, fighting for so long. Jay, who’s bruised and bled and put everything on the line again and again for others, lost and alone and shattered. 

What did they do, to deserve — why are they still — 

Kai suddenly pulls back. His hands seize around Lloyd’s shoulders, his eyes pinning Lloyd in place. Dark and burning, Lloyd knows them better than he does his own. 

“Don’t leave,” Kai says. “You can’t — you can’t leave. Don’t ever leave.”

Lloyd remembers — the breath knocked from his lungs at Kai’s first hug when they found each other, the only ones left after the merge. Relief so strong he’d cried himself to sleep that night, crammed into his brother’s bed as they convinced themselves to hope the others were out there, too. 

“Promise me, Lloyd.”

Another promise. The Source Dragon’s blade burns hot against his chest. This one, Lloyd hopes, he’ll find easier to keep. 

“I promise,” Lloyd whispers. “I promise.” 

[mochinek0]

Looking Back (Part 1)

Adrien couldn't help but look at Marinette across the room. The only thing that bothered him so much was that she was there with her husband, Damian Wayne. He saw the smile he missed; saw her laughing with friends. He could see how close she was to him, every time she turned and looked at him to continue the story.

"How did you meet your husband, Marinette?"

"Yeah he doesn't look familiar."

"Did he go to school with us; I feel like I would have remembered him."

"Uncle Jagged took me on tour when I graduated, half way through the year, and I met Damian during one of the stops." Marinette answered.

Adrien looked away and noticed his friends were uncomfortable. Some people, those closest to Mari, stopped listening to Lila. Kitty Section had launched to stardom with their amazing clothes, lyrics and Jagged Stones backing. The others…..'Did I do the right thing?' was running across their minds.

"Hey, let's get out of here for a bit." Kim spoke, "I need a drink.

"Alya nodded, "It's….unnerving, right now."

"I don't know." Nino declared.

"It'll only be for an hour." Kim sighed, "There's a place to drink a block away. We can walk over and back."

"We can take my car." Adrien smiled, "I'll probably only have one drink."

Outnumbered, Nino groaned, "I'll drive us back."

After a quick round up, they left to a near by bar.

"This isn't how I expected this reunion to go!" Alya whined, "I thought Marinette would be miserable and we would be telling her, 'You should have be nicer to Lila'. Why is her life; her friends' life, better than ours?"

"Odine broke up with me two months after she found out that I had pulled a prank on Marinette when we were twelve." Kim sighed, "She never got over it. She said I was heartless and a monster to do that to a girl. She said she would be terrified of having daughters with me. I wasn't even thinking that far ahead."

"Looks like you are now." Nathaniel stated.

"I- She was the first girl to confess to me and our dates weren't horrible!" Kim retorted.

Alix chuckled, "Thought that was Marinette."

The former swimmer growled, "Shut up! It's not my fault that girls only want some slim-fit guy!"

"Mylene and Ivan are married." Nino pointed out, "Neither of them are 'slim-fit'."

"That's right!" Alya shouted, "You're blaming us, but guys only want model types. Where's the love for curvy girls, huh? Show me thicc love, dammit!"

"I don't know." Kim spoke, "Where did it go, Nino?"

The DJ rolled his eyes, "It was a mutual break up. We had conflicting schedules and barely had time to talk to each other. It was a ten minute talk at most and then class or sleep. Even now, most dates I've had have been coffee because I'm tired after a gig."

Nino realized his best friend had been quiet so far. He was sure he would have defended himself when his long-time ex brought up models. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted five shot glasses.

"Hey, Dude, are you okay?" Nino questioned, "You ususally don't drink this much."

Adrien turned to Nino and pouted, "I should have married Marinette."

The model didn't expect the table to erupt in laughter.

"Nice one, Dude." Nino smiled, "I understand you want to be included."

"I'm serious!" Adrien whined.

"Dude, if you really feel that way, you only have yourself to blame." his best friend stated.

"Huh?" Adrien replied, confused.

"You were the blindest idiot, as a teen." Alix cackled.

Alya rolled her eyes, "Mari was head over heels for you. It's why she bullied Lila, duh."

Adrien tried to shake off the alcohol, "Bullied Lila?"

Alya took another sip, "You know because you and Lila were dating."

"I would never date that Bitch!" the model shouted.

Everyone froze and looked at him.

"What?" Kim questioned.

"I never dated Lila." the Agreste heir snarled, "I would have never-She's not my type. Fuck, I would never date a model, period. I have always hated modeling; both Chloe and Mari knew that. I did it to get my father's attention."

Everyone looked at each other as the web of lies began to untangle in front of them. After all these years, the thread had begun to snap.

"You all thought Mari was bullying Lila because she liked me?" Adrien continued to rant, "You forget she helped me get with Kagami. Kagami even told me she tried to get us back together. Hell, 'Gami had a crush on her, but ended up with Felix instead. She still says that if Mari suddenly wanted to get together, she'd drop Felix."

No one knew what to say. Everything they thought they knew, that kept them as friends was slowly coming undone. They had been 'Team Lila' for the longest time and now….what were they? Adrien never dated Lila. Adrien said he would never date her. He believed Marinette wouldn’t bully Lila simply because Lila had feelings for him because Marinette helped him get a girlfriend. If that was all true, why did Lila say they dated? Why did she say Marinette bullied her? As if a distant echo, they recalled Marinette calling their friend a liar. Had Lila really lied to them all this time?

Kim let out a loud belch, "Like we believe that." his speech slurring.

"You're saying I'm lying?" Adrien questioned.

Mr. 'Just A Friend' had feelings for her?" Kim answered, "Yeah, right."

"Mr. what?" Adrien asked.

"It's your catchphrase." the former swimmer laughed, "I'm sure you all remember. 'Who, Marinette? No! She's just a friend. She's a good friend. She's a great friend. You'll like her once you get to know her and be friends with her. She's an amazing friend'."

Alix yawned, getting bored of the dying party, "You had 'FRIENDZONE' tattooed on your forehead."

Alya relaxed. She had been so close to believeing that she had betrayed the wrong person, but Adrien having feelings for Marinette was laughable at this point.

"Marinette obviously got tired of hearing how much of a 'friend' she was to you." Alya declared, "The shit I had to listen to when we were friends! How 'dreamy' you looked. The names of you imaginary kids! You two gettign a hamster."

"She found someone better." Alix shrugged, "He's taller and looks strong as hell. The only things you share in common are green eyes and wealthy families."

"Gold digging, Bitch." Alya snarled.

"I thought that, too." Alix admitted, "From what Juleka tells me, Marinette makes more than Adrien alone on her fashion commissions. That's without using her muscle hubby or his family name. Rose said that not even Luka compares. Kitty Section went with them to the Caribbean and …muscles and scars. Said Mari couldn't keep her eyes of him and they barely saw her after that."

"Demon God." muttered Nathaniel.

"Demon God?" questioned Nino.

"His brothers call him 'Demon Spawn', but he's chiseled like the sexy Lucifer marble statues that the church said no to." Nathaniel groaned, "I should have taken my chance, too."

Nino glanced at Adrien and saw him tearing up.

'Shit.'

"Okay, I think we get the idea." the DJ stated, trying to change the subject.

"Alya's right. We tried to get them together so many times, but he always thought they were 'friendly outings' even though eveyone had a date." Kim continued.

Nathaniel took another shot, "Imagine getting kissed by the most popular girl at school and thinking she was 'just being nice'."

"Lila?" Alya replied, "I thought-"

"Lila was popular in class, only." Nathaniel answered, "Marinette was popular all over school. The true 'Queen' of the school."

Adrien quickly stood up, scraping his chair against the floor, and rushed out. Nino quickly rushed out after him.

"What's his problem?" Kim asked.

Alya's eyes trailed after Nino's back before she took another drink and turned back to the group.

Nino quickly spotted Adrien's car. He slowly approached it and found him sobbing in the passenger's seat.

'At least he didn't think he could drive.'

Nino walked around and sat in the driver's side. He simply patted his friend's back.

"Did-Is what Kim said true?" Adrien asked.

Nino unintentionally paused his hand's movements, trying to decide what would be best.

"Nino!" Adrien shouted, "You're my best friend! Is what-"

"Yes." he answered.

He could feel the weight of Adrien's gaze on him.

"We did try setting you up with Marinette." Nino spoke, calmly, "Everyone in the school could see she liked you. I don’t know when she stopped; we truly believed that she was mean to Lila because Lila was with you."

"Not in a million years." Adrien replied.

"You sure?" Nino asked, looking at his friend.

"Not even if it brought my mother back." Adrien growled, "I can't stand her."

Nino started the car as Adrien sunk into his seat. They drove in silence, but he faintly heard the model's sniffles. He knew Adrien might not possibly remember the night and he didn't want to say anything that was too damaging. It was a conversation for another time…if there ever was.

Adrien thanked Nino as they got out of the car and he took the keys form him, "She looked happy tonight, didn't she? Her smiles were always the brightest."

Nino watched as tears fell down his friend's cheeks. Adrien quickly turned and went inside. Nino sighed and took out his phone.

"Yo, Max. I need a ride." he spoke, "Got a minute to spare?"

[written-with-clouds]

I Found Love (Where It Wasn't Supposed To Be) Pt. 1

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen/ Rhaenyra's Daughter!Reader

Summary: You and Aemond had always been close, even after he lost his eye and your mom moved your family to Dragonstone. What will happen when your grandsire dies and Aegon takes the throne from your mother? Will you and Aemond be able to stay together? Or will family drive you apart?

Authors Note: Cross posted on AO3, Aemond and Reader are of legal age during all spicy scenes.

CW: Uncle/Niece, Secret Relationship

Part 2 Part 3

Six years ago

“Aemond?” You whisper quietly. Your voice echoes back to you softly as it bounces off the stone walls of the hidden passages within the keep. For a while, the only thing you hear is the pitter patter of rats running and the squeaking from the handle of your lantern. And then you hear it, the sound of footsteps steadily getting closer. 

“What do you want?” Aemond asks, his own lantern swinging in his grasp from the speed of his steps. “Shouldn’t you be tending to your brothers.” He spat. 

“They’ll be fine. I wanted to check on you…” You reply, taking a small step towards him. Your brow twitches as you gaze at the jagged scar that now covers his left eye. “Does it hurt bad?” 

You move to reach for him, but he smacks your hand away. “What does it matter.” He states with no hint of question in his tone. “It’s happened. It’s over. Move on.” 

You bite the inside of your cheek, lowering your hand and taking a step back. Taking a measured breath you speak. “My mother has decided to move us to Dragonstone. We leave in the morning.” 

Aemond scoffs, crossing his arms. “And you asked to meet here to tell me that? Why? Do you expect a warm send off? After what your bastard brothers di-“ 

His head lurches to the left as you smack him squarely across the face. “What my brothers did was neither right, nor wrong. And you,” you jab a finger against his chest, “are no less innocent of this mess.” Taking a deep breath, you turn to walk away. Taking a few steps before turning around to face him again. “I had hoped that despite what happened between you and my brothers… that you might have considered me friend enough to miss me when I’m gone. Because I will surely miss you, Aemond.” 

You turn your back to him once again and continue back to your room. You can hear the sound of footsteps following your own but force yourself to ignore it. If Aemond was going to act as a child, you would let him. 

Just as you were about to push the door to your room open, Aemond’s hand closed around your wrist. He pulled you back by the arm and hugged you. Muttering something you couldn’t quite understand. 

“What?” You ask. 

Aemond pulls back slightly, “I said… I will miss you too… you are my friend, and I don’t have many of those.” 

You smile softly at him, pulling him back into a tight hug. You stand there for a moment, hugging each other, drawing out the moment as long as you can. 

“I will try to write.” You promise as you separate. He promises the same and you watch sadly as he retreats back through the hidden passages to his own room. 

Present 

Uncle, 

I am pleased to say that I will be in Kingslanding in a week's time. Though the reason is less than joyful, all the same I look forward to seeing you. Perhaps, if you can find time 

for your niece, you could continue tutoring me in Valyrian. I have grown quite profound, I think you will be proud. 

Niece, 

I look forward to your arrival. I shall make sure to have time set aside for you.

Stepping out of the carriage, you stretch. The ride had been long. Longer than normal you think… but perhaps that was because you were excited to be back in the place you had spent much of your childhood. 

Your mother had told you, Jace, and Luke that she would visit your grandsire before the proceedings regarding the successor of Driftmark. In the meantime the three of you were free to wander, so long as you stayed out of trouble, she had added as your brothers took off to explore the grounds of the Red Keep. Smiling fondly after them, you follow behind leisurely. The three of you wandered through the halls trading memories from when you were little. As you were exploring, you couldn’t help but notice the questioning gazes of the castle workers and the various diplomats that were milling about. Luke had noticed it too, if the insecure look he gave you was any indication. 

Eventually, the three of you found your way out to the training yard, Jace jogging ahead and laughing as he found a wall missing a chunk of stone. 

He spun around to face you and Luke, “I told you it’d still be here! From when you tried to use Ser Criston’s Morningstar!” He reminisced fondly, wrapping an arm around Luke’s shoulder as they went to inspect the weapons cart. 

Your attention, however, was drawn to a small crowd forming a circle. You walk over, finding a spot that allows you to see into the center of the growing crowd.

 Your lips stretch into a wide smile as you finally manage to see what’s happening. You watch as Aemond and Ser Criston spar. The sound of metal hitting metal rings out through the yard as Ser Criston swings his Morningstar, only for Aemond to deflect it with his sword. Aemond blocks another attempt with a wooden shield. Only for it to be knocked out of his hand, the wood splintering from the force of the hit. For a moment, they circle each other. Aemond twirls his sword, watching Ser Criston with a predatory gaze. Ser Criston moves first, swinging his Morningstar at Aemond. Your breath catches as you watch Aemond dodge each swing. He makes a sudden, calculated, attack and in just minutes the fight is over, with Aemond victorious and the top of his sword at Ser Criston’s throat. 

“You’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the tourneys, my prince.” Ser Criston stated. 

“I have no interest in tourneys,” Aemond responded, his eye locking onto someone in the crowd, “nephews, come to train?” 

The sound of the large outer doors opening draws everyone’s attention. Lord Vaemond Velaryon striding through, glancing at your brothers momentarily before continuing. 

The people gathered in the training yard begin milling about once more and the crowd disperses. You see your brothers making their way inside, likely heading to find your mother. You are about to leave when a voice stops you. 

“Sia ao jāre naejot henujagon lēda iā rytsas? (Were you going to leave without a hello?)” 

Smirking, you face Aemond. “Ao istan busy (you were busy), I didn’t want to distract you.” 

Aemond smirked back. Stepping into your space, his hands clasped behind his back, he leans down placing his lips by your ear. He was so close that as he spoke, his lips would occasionally brush against the shell of your ear. His voice was low and teasing.“Ao kostagon va moriot distract issa (you may always distract me).” He takes a step back and straightens up to stand at his full height. “I’ll see you in there. Do wish your mother good luck for me.” He taunts, sauntering inside.

You wander aimlessly through the Red Keep, your mind replaying the events of earlier. Ser Vaemond’s cruel words directed at you and your brothers, questioning your parentage. How he spat them out in front of the court, in front of the King, your Grandsire. You could still hear the echo of his voice as he loudly declared you and your brothers bastards. And the sound of a sword as, in the blink of an eye, Ser Vaemond’s head was sliced clean in half by Daemon. The image of blood splattering against the floor and the dull thud of his body was stuck in your head. Death was nothing new to you. Nor was blood. But you’d never been that close to either before. 

You are pulled from your thoughts as an arm shoots out from behind a wall banister, pulling you behind it into a hidden passage. You make an ‘oof’ sound as you are pushed against a wall, the stone cold and biting against your back even through the fabric of your dress. 

“Have you been avoiding me, ñuha dōna?(my sweet)” Aemond purrs against your ear, making you shiver. He has one hand placed against the wall and the other rests against your hip, trapping you between him and the stone. Pulling away from the side of your head, he gazes down at you, cocking his head to the side. 

You meet his gaze, your own head lifting slightly as you smirk. “Gaoman daor gīmigon skoros ao nūmāzma (I do not know what you mean), uncle. I have simply been walking the castle grounds.” 

“I have told you never to call me that… not when it’s just us.” He growled, lilac eye darkening. 

“Would you rather I call you ñuha dārilaros (my prince).” You tease. “Or perhaps you’d prefer to be called ñuha zaldrīzes (my dragon).” 

He snarls, hooking his index finger under your chin and bringing your face closer to his. “Skoros naejot gaomagon lēda ao (what to do with you),” he murmurs before closing the gap and kissing you. 

The hand resting against your waist tightens, his fingers digging into your skin as he pulls your body flush to his. Your hands wrap around his neck and tangle in his hair, moaning into the kiss as his thigh slots between your legs, pressing against your cunt. His hands slide down over your ass, massaging the flesh as he separates from your lips in favor of nipping and sucking on your jaw and throat.

“Aemond~” you pant, head thrown back and knocking against the wall. Your hands tighten in his hair, tugging it to make him look at you. His lips were kiss swollen and red. “No marks.” You remind him. His response is a low growl coming from deep in his chest as he reattaches his lips back against your neck. 

His hands guide you to rock against his thigh, a slow pull and push while he massages the flesh of your ass. A gentle grind back and forth as Aemond guides you in pleasuring yourself against him. Your moans echo around you, bouncing off of the walls as you roll into him. 

Aemond yanks the top of your dress down roughly, groaning appreciatively as your breasts are fully exposed to him. He drags his tongue up the center of your chest before moving to suck a nipple into his mouth. He gently nips at the hardened bud, making you hiss, before releasing it all together. Licking up the length of your neck to just under your ear, he whispers a question.

“Are you getting close, ñuha dōna (my sweet)?” He pauses, pulling back to watch your expression. Your eyes are half lidded and your cheeks are dusted red as your mouth hangs open and small puffs of air come out. “You are, aren’t you… I can tell. The way your hips keep bucking against my leg… your chest heaving as you suck down air…” Your breath hitches and you choke on a moan as Aemond shifts his leg closer. You rock against him feverishly, so close to your release. Your hands are gripping the leather of his shirt so hard your knuckles have turned white.

One hand reaches up and cups the side of his face, pulling him in for a feverish kiss. Aemond licks into your mouth, his tongue dancing against yours. You moan and whimper into him, grinding down against his thigh harder.

Abruptly, Aemond pulls away completely. You whine at the loss of contact, having been on the edge of release. You tug at his shirt, trying to pull him back against you, as you plead breathlessly. He simply chuckles at your desperation. 

“Hush, Issa jorrāelagon (my love),” You watch as Aemond slowly sinks to his knees in front of you, the violet color of his eye nearly completely engulfed by the black pool of his desire. He lifts your ankle off the floor, gently cradling it in his hand. Aemond places a soft kiss against the skin of your calf, then the side of your knee, the flesh of your thigh, working higher and higher, pushing the hem of your dress up as he goes. He hooks your leg over his shoulder, biting your inner thigh, laughing as you lightly shove his shoulder. Peering up at you through his lashes as he slowly licks through your folds before enclosing his mouth over your clit and sucking lightly.

Pulling away from you, he licks his lips. “Seven Gods~” he groaned, “Ao sylutegon sīr sȳz (you taste so good).” 

“Aemond!” you moan, one hand tangles back into his hair and the other rests against his shoulder. His tongue licks its way inside you, thrusting in and out slowly as Aemond uses the pad of his thumb to stimulate your clit. He hums against you as you tug his hair, the vibrations making your hips buck against him. You try to grind against his thumb but Aemond holds your hips still with his free hand. Your back arches off the wall and you jolt with pleasure. Each exhale comes out as a moan. 

“Bona's ziry, jorrāelagon (that’s it, love), let me taste you.” He purrs, replacing his tongue with two fingers. Slowly, Aemond curls his fingers inside you before dragging them out and repeating. The motion is enough to bring you pleasure yet not enough to tip you over the edge and he knows it, Aemond is watching every twitch of your body, every expression you make. He listens to the way your breath hitches, knowing you need more but not giving it to you. Your hips thrust back against Aemond’s fingers, seeking more pleasure unconsciously and you whine when he pulls his finger out completely. 

“You know what to do if you want more, ñuha dōna (my sweet).” He teases, smirking up at you. 

“Kostilus (please), Aemond. I want to cum.. I want you to make me cum.” You beg breathily, mouth falling open in a silent moan as Aemond thrust his finger back inside you. He sets a fast pace this time, thrusting his fingers in and out of you quickly while hooking them perfectly to brush against your most sensitive spots with each movement. 

“Sȳz riña, (good girl)” he praises before licking and sucking against your clit. Your body jerks and twists against him from the sudden intense pleasure. His name falls from your mouth like a prayer as you moan, unable to say or think anything but him. Your eyes roll back and you stutter out a small breath. Your body freezes, your muscles tensing. The hand in his hair grips it tightly, holding him against your core as you cum. 

Aemond guides you through it, whispering praises against your thigh as his fingers slow before pulling out completely. He stands, making a show of sucking your climax off of his fingers. The two of you stand in comfortable silence. You, catching your breath, and him, helping to situate your dress. 

“I missed you too,” You joke, breaking the silence surrounding the two of you. He chuckles softly from behind you, where he was relacing the strings of your dress. It was more a puff of air than a laugh. Finishing, he wraps his arms around you, spinning you to face him. He kisses you again, though this kiss is gentle, his hand cradling the side of your face. 

“I want to tell them. Tonight at dinner.” Aemond whispers, placing his forehead against yours. “I’m tired of hiding.. I want them to know you are mine.”  

You look into Aemonds eye, seeing the full range of his emotions and the hope he has of a future with you. It’s a sight only you get to see, “I want that too…” 

“But?” Aemond said, his shoulders deflating slightly at the thought of you not truly wanting to be with him. At the fear of this being no more than a secret for you, that you would be ashamed to be seen with him. 

“But maybe we should tell King Viserys in private… I’m  worried about the possible arguing between our families if we tell everyone at once.” “Then it’s settled, we will tell the King after dinner. When his spirits are high.” Aemond smiled, placing a chaste kiss against your lips. Separating from you he grabbed your hand, “until tonight, ñuha dōna (my sweet).” He kissed the back of your hand and turned to walk away.

The dinner had not gone as you had hoped. For a while, things were nice… amicable even. But then, Aegon made a snide comment to Jace about Baela and then about you, and all hell broke loose. 

Jace had punched Aegon square in the nose, likely breaking it. Aegon, in turn, shoved Jace down against the table. Luke had gotten up so quickly that his chair rocked back and clattered to the floor. You watched as Aemond blocked Luke’s path towards Jace and Aegon, where they were now throwing punches at each other. Aemond shoved Luke causing him to stumble back a few steps and his gaze quickly shifted to your own. 

You locked eyes with him, silently pleading that he not get involved. And in the seconds that he had not been watching your brother, Luke landed a punch directly against Aemonds jaw. You gasped, watching helplessly from your seat as the two sets of brothers were wrangled apart by the kingsguard. Standing you joined your mother as she worriedly looked over Jace and Luke. Your eyes glanced over to Aemond briefly and, as he met you gaze once more, you quirked a brow. Silently asking if he was alright. He nodded, quick and small, to reassure you before his gaze shifted back to his mother as she fussed about them. 

Before sending you and your brothers to your respective rooms, she informed you that come morning, you would all journey back to Dragonstone.

You quietly climbed out of the secret passageway into Aemonds room after listening to make sure he was alone. Quickly running to embrace him tightly. 

“Tonight could have gone better..” he jokes, hoping to hear your laugh. Instead all he heard was a shuddering inhale. 

“We lost our chance,” you murmur softly against his chest. “The king is probably asleep now.. and it’s far too late for him to accept any visitors in his room, kin or not.”

Aemond strokes your hair soothingly, “It’ll be alright, ñuha dōna (my sweet). We will speak to him in the morning.” 

“I am too leave come first sign of day.. my whole family is. My mother thought it best we leave before the King wakes, to avoid putting too much strain on him.” 

“Gaomagon daor zūgagon (do not fear). We will figure this out… I promise” Aemond moves, cradling your face in one of his hands. With the other he gently brushes your hair off of your shoulder, leaning down to kiss your neck. 

“Aemond… what are you-” 

“Shh, ñuha dōna (my sweet), let’s enjoy what time we have together.” Aemond purrs, his hands reaching behind you and pulling the laces of your dress loose. The fabric falls to the floor, pooling around your feet, leaving you bare. “By the Seven…Jurnegon ao, Issa jorrāelagon ao issi se olvie gevie mirre naejot mirre glaesagon (Look at you, my love you are the most beautiful thing to ever live).” Aemond dips, wrapping his arms around your thighs and lifting you. You laugh, bracing your hands against his shoulders as he carries you to his bed. You fall against the mattress with a ‘thud’, lifting yourself up on your elbows. You watch with half lidded eyes as Aemond slowly removes his shirt, tossing it to the side. 

He starts to undo his pants when you speak, “Wait,” shifting to your hands and knees you crawl across the mattress until you are in front of him. “Ivestragī issa dohaeragon ao (Let me help you).” Aemond watches as you slowly hook your fingers under the waistband of his pants, sliding them down his legs. You lightly drag your nails across his skin. The sensation makes his muscles tense. 

You meet his gaze as you take his dick in your hand. You slowly run your hand from base to tip and back before stopping. “Kostagon nyke emagon nykeā sylutegon (Can I have a taste), my prince?” 

Aemond growls out a swear, tangling a hand in your hair. “Open your mouth.” He guides you down the length of his cock, groaning as your throat constricts against him. Slowly, Aemond guides your head along his cock. He inhales sharply through his nose as you reach one hand up to grip the part your mouth can’t reach, matching the languid rhythm he set. With your free hand you reach between your legs, rubbing your clit between your fingers. You moan around him, causing Aemonds hips to stutter. 

“Seven… look at you darling… simply tasting my cock brings you this much pleasure?” He teases, “you’re so desperate for me aren’t you?” You moan around him again, your eyes falling closed. 

“Jaelagon tolī (want more)?” You moan around him, the vibrations causing him to groan. He pulls you off of him, pulling you up to stand. Taking your face in his hands, he kisses you fiercely in a clash of teeth and tongues. He tapped your thigh twice, signaling you to jump. He catches you by the underside of your ass. You lock your legs around his waist and wrap your arms around his neck. Aemond reaches beneath you, gripping his cock and lining it up with your entrance. In one thrust, he buries himself inside of your core. 

You break the kiss, throwing your head back and moaning as Aemond lifts your hips, bouncing you on him. Your nails claw at his back and you hide your face in his neck, moaning loudly. 

“Ao issi sīr ȳrda, issa dōna (you are so tight, my sweet), He moans into your ear. “You are practically sucking me in every time I pull out” 

“Aemond please– fuuck– It feels so good…” You meet his darkened gaze, panting harshly.  “Harder, I want you to fuck me harder.” 

He moans, hips stuttering before stopping altogether. Aemond pulls out, making you whine in frustration. Dropping you back against the bed, he hooks both of your legs over his shoulders. Quickly lining himself up again, he thrusts in completely with one snap of his hips, setting a fast pace. The force of his thrusts causing the bed to knock against the wall. Your hands fist the sheets beneath you as moan after moan is fucked out of you quicker than you can suck in oxygen. Aemond brings a hand down to your clit, rubbing it in time with his thrusts. Your body convulses, unsure if it should seek out the intense pleasure you are feeling or if it should move away from it. 

“Aemond! Nyke jāre naejot māzigon (I'm going to come)!” Aemond thrusts into you harder, the sound of skin slapping against skin echoing around the room with your panting. 

“I am too, love..” He says between pants, his rhythm faltering. 

Your body tenses and your mouth falls open as a loud moan forces its way out of you. Your walls tighten around Aemond’s cock, pushing him over the edge. He collapses against you, kissing you passionately as he climaxes inside of you. 

The both of you lay there catching your breath. Aemond’s body on top of yours, wrapping you up in the perfectness of the moment.

News of King Viserys’ death arrived on the back of a dragon, by way of Rhaenys. Along with the news of Aegon's ascension to king. Your mother had gone into labor early, whether the news was the cause of this no one could say. 

For three agonizing days, you could hear her wails echo throughout all of Dragonstone as Daemon held council after council. Watch over you and your youngest siblings had doubled, there was no where you went that a guard did not accompany you. It was suffocating. 

On the fourth day, just as the sun began to set, a raven appeared on your windowsill. Attached to its foot was a small scroll. It read,

Meet with me, tonight, when the moon is its highest. 

The note had no name signed, but you hadn’t needed a signature to know it was Aemond who called for you. And so, that night you snuck out to the beach and mounted your dragon. 

It took no time to reach the small islet between King's Landing and Dragonstone. You could see Vhagar’s towering for as you approached. Quickly landing, you jumped off of your dragon.  

“Tell me Rhaenys is wrong.” You plead, quickly walking up to Aemond. “Tell me Aegon did not take the throne!”

“I cannot lie to you,” Aemond said solemnly, taking a step towards you as you took a step back. 

“Then why ask me here?” You demand. 

“Run away with me. We can leave this behind us, leave Westeros behind us.” He begs you, hands reaching out to take yours. 

You're shaking your head, tears already welling up in your eyes, as Aemond pulls you back to him. His hands cradle either side of your face, thumbs wiping away the tears that spill over.

“Please, (Y/N)..” his voice is small, afraid of your answer. “Please say yes.. say you want this as much as I do.” Aemond lays his forehead against yours, nuzzling against you. 

Your hands reach up to lay overtop of his, your eyes have closed as tears now run freely down your cheeks. “I..” you choke out, “Aemond I can’t.” You sob, your hands tightly gripping his. “I cannot leave my mother.. I wish I could say yes.. Aemond I do, please believe me… but I can’t.” 

Aemond shushes you, holding you to him as you sob. Tears well in his own eye and threaten to spill over as his chest tightens. Resentment for his family, your family, the situation you’ve both been forced into, threatens to explode out of him. 

Once your cries have lessened, and your breaths start to even out, you pull away. Placing a hand against his cheek, you pull him down for a chaste kiss. “Goodbye, Issa jorrāelagon (my love)..” As you remount your dragon and take off towards Dragonstone, you hear an anguished cry split through the air followed by the thunderous roar of Vhagar.

Part 2 Part 3