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luniellar · 2 months

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Breathe Me (Garrick Tavis X OC/Reader) - Chapter 3 - The Empyrean Series Fanfiction

When Xaden Riorson and Garrick Tavis arrive at Samara, they are forced to prove themselves all over again. When Xaden heads off to see Violet at Basgiath since their dragons are mated, Garrick finds himself alone in this unfamiliar area trying to get his name established navigating fights and ambushes. He owed his life to the man.

One particular night when Xaden leaves for Basgiath, Garrick finds himself with a new company. One who starts turning his world upside down and giving him something, that isn't just the Xaden and rebellion, to fight for. ______________________________________

All rights to Rebecca Yarros for her original work and original characters. My scenes and characters are my own. ______________________________________

Contains: Fourth Wing/Iron Flame Spoilers Warnings: Language

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3

Read on AO3 | Wattpad

Lei Aukai

“Wake, now.”

When I opened my eyes my senses were clouded in anxiousness. I clutched my heart trying to dull the feeling. Cosheirm was seeing something.

“What’s wrong?”

I haven’t woke up with this kind of feeling since the last time when -

Cosheirm cut in. She was always good about protecting me. She was stopping me before my thoughts could wander off to eternal sadness.

“I was flying by the south clearing of Samara when I noticed another brown. It looks like Chradh has been circling the area for a while.”

I pulled up my hair in my high ponytail and dressed in my gear within seconds. “Do you see anyone else?”

“Yes, from the looks of it, Sgyael will be arriving.”

Garrick must have called Xaden as well. I sheath my blade behind me. “I’ll meet you outside, Coshe.”

✦ ✦ ✦

I ran outside, moving as fast as I could to get to the dragon rendezvous point. Only the dim moonlight lit up the area outside. The field around me blurred as I felt the electric blue energy course through my veins allowing me to jump from one area to the next. The cool air filled my lungs and when I reached the clearing, I saw a familiar figure. His massive height alone was all I needed to know who that was.

A gust of wind blew around us as Chradh landed near him. If looks could kill…Chradh was menacing. Deep gashes and scars from fallen dragons who dared to share Chradh’s presence in the sky were visible from this far distance. Steam blew out of its nostrils as it looked around the field before locking eyes with mine. The crimson-red eyes watched me curiously.

Garrick turned and I politely waved over to him who looked just as surprised. Gods, did I just do that? He started to walk towards me and he paused for a second to look up at the sky. Another gust of wind blew behind me.

“Coshe,” I mentally greeted. I watched as Garrick moved his way over to me. His posture was tall and strong as his long legs glided over the ground. The thick dark curls on his head bounced on his head with each step.

“Lei? What are you doing here?” He asked once he knew I was within listening distance.

“Uh,” I started not sure how to answer the question. “I, uh, had a hard time sleeping when I heard Coshe.” It was kind of true.

Coshe grunted behind me. It was her form of rolling her eyes at me. “Coshe saw Chradh circling a particular area and got curious. It could be dangerous. Let me fly with you.”

A huge grin appeared on Garrick’s face revealing his perfect smile. Chradh stepped forward tilting its head at me. My heart skipped a beat. “I appreciate the concern, but Xaden is already on his way. I think we got it covered.”

“An extra pair of wings won’t hurt right?” I added. Garrick shook his head. Was I being too pushy? I think I remembered Iris saying something about how guys don’t like girls who are too pushy?

“This could be dangerous, Lei.” My name sounded so special in his voice. He stepped closer to me and he was within arms reach. His gaze moved up to my head and moved across my face down to my… lips. My mouth parted. “I’ll find you in the morning.”

“I’m not five, Garrick,” I replied. “I’ve handled dangerous things before. I won’t get in your way.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “This is not the kind of danger you think. There are some secrets I’m not allowed to tell-”

“About venins?” I cut him off and his mouth dropped open like I froze time. He blinked back at me with his eyes open. I trust my gut with this one because this sick feeling has been stirring in my gut since the moment I woke up. I was told that the majority of the people in the Continent didn’t know about venins, but it looks like I was wrong.

“I tried to keep it away from you,” Coshe admitted.

“You know I always appreciate you,” I replied.

“Did you just say-” Garrick asked when he finally found his voice again.

“Yes, I know about venins. So let me fly with you and Xaden.”

“How did you-” Garrick started to say and frowned, glancing back at Chradh. “Chradh wants us in the air right now. Xaden is close. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I smiled and turned to Coshe. “Come on, the last one in the sky is a loser.” I heard thuds as Garrick’s footsteps hit the ground and he made his way to Chradh.

Once I mount Coshe, she springs into the air, her wing pulling in strong gusts of wind. To my surprise, Chradh is right behind us as we stabilize in the sky. Half a second later, Garrick is flying beside me keeping up with Coshe’s pace.

I raise my right hand, pointing my pointer and thumb toward him, making an uppercase L above my forehead. As Coshe thrusts her wings and propels us forward past Chradh, I swear I heard his deep laughter echo in the sky.

Garrick Tavis

After a short flight, I see Xaden and Sgaeyl in the air with us. When my flying speed slows down, Coshe and Sgaeyl follow, repositioning their location diagonally behind Chradh. I can sense that Chradh is trying to locate the runes again.

“Anything?” I ask after a moment of circling.

”Yes, the rune is weaker now, but it’s still there.” Chradh replies. “I don’t sense the venin.”

I look down and see a structure that looks like an old wooden abandoned building out on a small clearing from this distance. Although the clearing was small, it was enough for three dragons to land. I throw a hand gesture in the air to signal Xaden and Lei that we will be landing here. I hold on tight as Chradh dives down effortlessly and lands on the clearing field. A few seconds later I hear two other dragons land.

Across the clearing is a larger version of the same old wooden building. From a closer distance, I could see that the windows were boarded up with planks. There was a small entrance located on the side of the building.

Xaden walked up from behind me inspecting the structure with narrowed eyes. I glanced behind to make sure Lei was okay. I didn’t know why I was so worried when it came to Lei. Maybe it was because I was always used to new riders at Basgiath either barfing or tripping after dragon flights. Lei stood up from where she was sitting on Coshe’s rough back. I watched as she crouched down, buckling her legs like springs. I took a step forward when I saw her jump off, but she landed so gracefully.

“What’s her deal?” Xaden asked.

“I don’t know,” I replied as I turned back to face the structure when I saw her walking towards us. “I met her on the flight field.”

“Do you trust her?”

I was about to reply, but Lei walked up behind us. Of course, I trusted Xaden with everything, but I didn’t know if her knowledge about venin was my secret to tell. I cleared my throat as her sweet vanilla scent filled the space around us. I don’t think I could ever get used to that.

“Alright, you guys can keep watch for me while I check inside,” Lei said as she stepped on the other empty side beside me.

I looked over at her. “What? No, you stand watch with Xaden. I’m familiar with runes.”

She looked up at me, meeting my eyes. “You guys are new to the Samara outpost and by seniority alone, you both fall under my supervision right now.” Lei glanced over to Xaden. “I never had anyone fall under my supervision and I am not going to make today my first.”

“Garrick and I will stand patrol,” Xaden said and walked over to the empty clearing behind the building. His shadows thrived in this environment and there was no way either of us was going to fall tonight. But, he didn’t argue back.

“But-”

Lei reached her hand over her back and pulled out her sword from her back in one clean motion. “No buts. Help me by watching my back,” she smiled and started making her way over to the door. I knew she was skilled and more than capable. But, I wanted to hold her back. I didn’t like the thought of her going in there by herself.

I know Chradh said no venins, but we didn’t know what the runes were. I looked behind me and saw Lei wave her hands over the door followed by a soft thud as the door creaked open.

“Look forward,” Chradh reminded me from the sky. “You must focus on your duties so she can do hers.” All three dragons were circling the skies.

I clenched my jaw and looked ahead. My eyes carefully examined every inch of the forested areas. I didn’t see any movement. Everything was still. As my eyes rescanned the fields, my mind couldn’t place why the rune's presence weakened by the time we arrived.

It wasn’t like the rune was moved to a different location or hidden underground. According to Chradh, the rune was always located in this abandoned building. Then, there was also the venin presence. Was the venin here to monitor the rune? But if the rune was important to be monitored, why would the venin not have a patrol set up? Nothing was adding up.

Unless the rune was worthless from the start. A meaningless rune designed to create a strong presence to attract whoever was nearby. It only needed to hold the presence until it attracted the prey. No . I turned around and started running. This was a trap.

A scream pierced my ears, the sound shattering the stillness. My heart raced as I ran as fast as I could to the wooden building. I felt the same uneasiness in my chest from earlier, stirring in my chest. That was the venin and I knew I was moving closer to it.

When I got to the doorway, a cloaked figure was holding a body in the air by the throat. Lei’s hands were clenched around her neck, grabbing a hold of the cloaked figure’s wrists. Her feet kicked in the air desperately as the figure lifted her higher.

“Lei!” I screamed as I reached for my iron dagger and ran at the cloaked figure at full speed. Winding up my arms, I was ready to drive the dagger when the figure turned to me, his brown eyes were rimmed with red with protruding veins glaring back at me. He smiled as he effortlessly moved Lei’s body where I was planning to drive the dagger.

No.

I immediately dropped the dagger and my hand grazed off to the side. The cloaked venin grinned as he kicked my ribs, knocking me off to the side. The force was nothing like I felt before. My back hit the wall and I gasped for air. My vision blurred for a second as my eyes fixed on Lei's body hovering with her hands dangling. I blinked slowly trying to stay conscious. A loud thud rang in my ears. When I opened my eyes again, Lei’s body was now lying next to mine.

“So pathetic,” the venin’s voice rang out. Something about the voice was familiar. “This is so fucking easy.”

I looked up to see a glint of a blade in the venin’s hand. He pulled his arms for the final strike and I pushed off the floor reaching for a dagger strapped to my side. Everything was in slow motion as his blade came down. No, I was too slow.

The darkness surrounded me. I couldn’t see anything. No Lei. No Venin. Did I die? I didn’t feel the blade and my ribs were still bruised. It would suck if this pain was going to be persistent on my way to see Malek.

“I didn’t expect you to be here, Riorson .”

I blinked again and the familiar moonlit space came into my vision. I looked across from me as Lei was lying there with her eyes closed. Xaden had covered us with his shadows.

“You’re shadow-wielding skills are like what they say. It’s truly exceptional.”

Why did this voice bother me so much? I looked up and I caught a glimpse of his blond hair with his hood down. What the fuck.

“What the fuck do you want, Pratt?” Xaden replied.

“I was just trying to teach Tavis here a lesson. I was hoping little Lei would join him. She was always so fucking predictable. But you… I didn’t expect you to be here.”

Silence filled the air again as I watched Pratt step over Lei’s body to Xaden. “We are waiting for you. If you give me a name drop when you decide to stop by, I won’t kill Tavis.”

What the fuck was going on between Xaden and Pratt? I pressed my palm against the floor and slowly propped myself up. I stared toward the doorway where Pratt’s cloak was covering Xaden’s body. The floor felt like it was shaking as I dragged myself over to Lei, taking her hand into mine. I wrapped my finger around her wrist and confirmed her pulse.

Thank the gods.

“I will never choose to join you,” Xaden replied.

Pratt continued to walk forward, passing Xaden. “I have no interest in killing you, Riorson. You might want to get Lei to a healer soon though.” He turned around and his eyes shifted from Xaden to me. “I choked her pretty well.”

My free hand clenched into a tight fist. “You fucking pussy,” I spat out. Fuck, I tasted iron in my mouth.

“I will see you guys around,” Pratt chimed back cheerfully. “Next time, I will crush you with my hands Tavis. Oh and Riorson, think through my offer again. It still stands. Your best friend will get to keep his head.”

Pratt turned around and walked off his black cloak dragging behind him.

#fanfiction #fanfic #romance #the empyrean #garrick tavis #original character #iron flame #fourth wing #xaden riorson #violet and xaden #chradh #friends to lovers #dragons #drama #blood #action #language

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luniellar · 2 months

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Hiii!! I’m dying for chapter 3 of Breath Me. Any hint to when it will drop? No rush! I just love your writing!! 🥹❤️🥹

HI! OMG THANK YOU! I am working on it right now and I hope to have something up by the end of this week/start of next week. I've been occupied with my Dain POV one and didn't get to dive into Breathe Me as much. I am so honored that you are enjoying that series and I'll definitely let you know when I get it posted!

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luniellar · 3 months

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Broken (Dain's POV) - The Empyrean Series Fanfiction

Rules exist to protect the ones you love. There were consequences to every rule broken. A chain reaction that was unpredictable and dangerous.

Father always made sure I understood that.

These are recorded events from the Empyrean series from Dain's POV. ___________________

All rights to Rebecca Yarros for her original work and original characters. ___________________

Contains: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame Spoilers Warnings: Language

Read on: AO3 | Wattpad

Fourth Wing: Chapter 16 - The Threshing

Dain Aetos

Cath. I called out. Any updates?

My anxiety was building as the sun started to set on the horizon. I should be there.

No, you should not. There is nothing you can do. Cath replied, slightly irritated from my anxious state today. He showed me what he was seeing as he scanned the fields. From his vantage point I could see hints of the different dragon’s colors peeking through the woods.

It was against the rules to interfere. Maybe sending Cath out to be my eyes could be considered an interference. I clenched my jaws and looked around the second and third years around me making bets on who would bond. I stepped away from the chatter into a quieter area.

Confusion stirred around me as I felt Cath making his way back. Did it happen? Did she bond?

She bonded with Tairn.

Wait, Tairn? I didn’t know he was going to bond again. Especially since his last rider-

She bonded with Andarna.

Andarna? Cath, didn’t you just say she bonded with-?

I said what I said. After a short pause, Cath spoke again. She bonded with Tairn and Andarna. There will be an Empyrean meeting.

I swallowed. The Empyrean meeting was a rare occurrence and there was never a rider who bonded with two dragons before. That couldn’t be a coincidence.

I turned and headed for the clearing where Violet along with other new riders will be dismounting for the first time today.

❈ ❈ ❈

Violet.

She did it. My shoulders relaxed as I finally took a long exhale since the first years left this morning. My heart radiated with warmth. She was glowing in the crowd of other first years around her. I knew she would make it. I caught myself in my own thoughts. But did I? Painful memories from the last two years came rushing in, reminding me that no one was the exception. Not even the General’s daughter.

I imagined the face of Malek, indifferent, heartless as he watched the souls of each dead first year from Threshing lined up at his door.

In long powerful strides, I walked through the crowd of celebrating first years and spun her body by the shoulders and pulled her into my chest.

Violet. I never wanted to let her go.

“Damn it. Violet. Just…damn.” I squeeze her as tight as I can before pulling away to take a good look at her. She was covered in dried crimson splatters and it was heavily concentrated on her leg and arm. Was it the dragon? Heat radiated through my body as I thought of other possibilities. Fuck, if it was anyone else…

“You’re hurt.”

“I’m fine,” she tries to assure me. Fine? She was covered in blood looking like a dragon tossed around with her for fun before bonding. Her face expression drops. “But we’re all that’s left of our squad’s first-years.”

I saw the sadness in her eyes and looked at the others. We were missing more than half the squad, but there was nothing new about that. It was Threshing. “Four out of nine. That’s to be expected. The dragons are currently holding a meeting of the Empyrean - their leadership. Stay here until they return.” I glanced over at Violet. “You come with me.”

I tugged her along until we reached the opposite edge of the field, hidden in shadow. When I knew no one was around our listening distance, I looked at her. “What the actual fuck happened out there? Because I’ve got Cath telling me that not only did Tairn choose you but so did the small one - Adarn?” I intertwine our fingers together in desperation. I just wanted her to be safe. This just put a huge target on her back and there were already many to begin with.

“Andarna,” her voice corrected me. I watched as a small smile appeared on her face. The smile I saw many times growing up. I knew she was happy. It should be as simple as that. But, Tairn had a mate. A very well known navy blue daggertail. The only thing I could do now was convince her to pick Andarna. Sharing a bond with Riorson was a death sentence for Violet.

“They’re going to make you choose.” I said, preparing her.

“I’m not choosing.” She pulled her hand away from mine and shook her head. “No human has ever chosen, and I’m not about to be the first.”

She was the first. I was so proud of her, but I needed her in my life more than anything. I couldn’t lose her to a mated dragon bond that was thicker than blood.

“You are.” Violet stared back at me in anger. This was not going the way I planned, I can feel the desperation taking over me. “You have to trust me. You do trust me, right?”

She hesitated for a quick second. “Of course I do-”

There. That’s all I needed. I needed to press while I still had her. I hated arguing with her more than anything. “Then you have to choose Andarna. The gold one is the safest choice of the two.”

She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. I could see that she was thinking, maybe trying to reach out to her dragons. But the Empyreans were meeting. There was no way she or any of us could listen to that conversation.

“I’m not choosing,” she said softly.

My heart broke. “You are. And it has to be Andarna.” I reached for her shoulders and leaned in. The softer features of her younger face were slowly fading away, replaced by stronger features of a strong woman. I saw General Sorrengail's features on her. She was slipping away from the Violet I knew.

“I know she’s too small to bear a rider-”

“That hasn’t been tested,” she countered. But I knew it from her face. She was smart. Smarter than anyone I knew and there was no way she believed her own words. Her feelings were messing with her logic.

“It doesn’t matter. It will mean that you won’t be able to ride with a wing, but they’ll probably make you a permanent instructor here like Kaori.”

Fuck, she was mad. My Kaori’s example got shot down because she knew about his signet and his requisite with a combat win before teaching. I was running out of ideas. How else was I supposed to tell her the risk? How do I tell her that she will no longer experience freedom? A part of her life would be to tend to the needs of Tairn. When Tairn needed to see Sgaeyl, he would be delivering Violet straight to Xaden’s front door.

I needed to be honest with her. “Even if you take Andarna into combat, there’s only a chance you’ll be killed. You take Tairn, and Xaden will get you killed. You think Melgren is terrifying? I’ve been here for a year longer than you have, Vi. At least you know what you’re getting when it comes to Melgren. Xaden isn’t only twice as ruthless, but he’s dangerously unpredictable.”

I watched the certainty from her face wash away with a single blink. “Wait. What are you saying?”

She didn’t know? “They’re a mated pair, Tairn and Sgaeyl. The strongest bonded pair in centuries.” I explained.

I could see from the silence that her mind was spinning, digesting the information I just shared with her. Her face was fumbling as the consequences of her decision came tumbling down on her. Oh, Violet. I wanted to hold her in my arms.

“Just… tell me how it happened.” I say softly over to her.

Violet told me about the fucking pieces of shits, Jack and his friends, hunting down Andarna. Xaden was watching her and warned her of an attack from Oren. Once I heard his name, my mind hyper focused on one thing only… Xaden had interfered.

“Xaden was there,” I said to Violet knowing well how his name sounds in my voice this time around. I sound disgusted.

She nodded and added, “but he left after Tairn showed up.”

“Xaden was there when you defended Andarna, and then Tairn just.. showed up?” I asked for clarification. My blood started to boil as anger consumed me. Xaden. He had set it up. Not only did he interfere, but he set all of this up.

My voice grew louder as my grip around her tightened out of my control. “Don’t you see what happened? What Xaden’s done?”

“Please, do tell me what it is you think I’ve done.” The familiar voice spoke as a shape emerged from the shadows into the moonlight. Xaden. Perfect, just the person I was looking for.

“You manipulated Threshing.” I let go of Violet and turned to face Xaden. He knew exactly what he was doing. Every single moment was calculated from the beginning.

“Is that an official accusation?” Xaden replied.

“Did you step in?” I demanded. I needed him to admit the dirty tricks he played.

“Did I what?” Xaden stared directly at me. “Did I see her outnumbered and already wounded? Did I think her bravery was as admirable as it was fucking reckless?” He glanced over at Violet and she straightened her posture.

“And I would do it again.” She raised her chin. Oh gods.

As Xaden and Violet shared a moment, my mind drifted. Feeling the stinging words from Xaden, all I could think about was how I wanted to be there for her. I could have killed those boys for her. I felt a pang of regret. Xaden saw what I saw in her. One the many reasons why I will always love her. He saw her bravery. My mind reminded me how she would stand up for others even when we were younger.

When Xaden glared back at me, he pulled me out of my thoughts. “Did I see her fight off three bigger cadets? Because the answer to all those is yes. But you're asking the wrong question, Aetos. What you should be asking is if Sgaeyl saw it, too.”

I looked away. I didn’t even think about this. Sgaeyl called for Tairn. They were a mated pair after all.

“She’s never been a fan of bullies. But don’t mistake it as an act of kindness toward you. She’s fond of the little dragon. Unfortunately, Tairm chose you all on your own.” Xaden explained.

“Fuck,” I muttered. I didn’t like Xaden. He was the last thing from warm hugs and smiles, but I knew he was telling the truth even without looking at his memories. You can’t control the actions of mated dragons. Together, they wrote their own law.

Xaden moved towards me. “Would you really level that accustion knowing it would have been what saved the woman you call your best friend?”

I felt transparent. It was like he could see through me. Violet was more than a best friend to me, but I couldn’t admit that here. He was cornering me. But, rules exist to protect the ones you love. There were consequences to every rule broken. A chain reaction that was unpredictable and dangerous. Father always made sure I understood that.

“There are… rules.” I looked at Xaden.

“And out of curiosity, would you have, let’s say, bent those rules to save your precious little Violet in that field?”

The fuck? Anger and chaos broke loose inside me as I glared at him.

“That’s unfair to say to him,” Violet’s voice whispered. She wanted me to know it was okay. Maybe she already knew what my answer was, she always knew me better than I knew myself after all.

“I’m ordering you to answer, squad leader.” Xaden pressed.

Orders. I was given orders by my wingleader to answer. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes. “No. I wouldn’t have.”

I turned to Violet and my heart clenched. It was too late. I already saw how much I hurt her. She knew I had to follow the rules, but didn't want to believe that. I made it a reality for her. “It would have killed me to watch something happen to you, Vi, but the rules-” I started.

It was the truth. The reason why I wanted to make sure she was under my supervision. If she died under my watch, it only meant one thing. I failed to protect her. My life would be meaningless.

“It’s all right.” She cut me off. Her hand touched my shoulder.

She was lying. Telling me it was fine looking like a tattered piece of cloth, telling me it was all right when I should have stood up for her. Was this our new relationship? Did we lie to each other now?

“The dragons are returning. Get back to formation, squad leader.” Xaden ordered.

Another order. An order I followed without question. I tore my eyes from Violet.

I didn’t want to be here anymore. I hurt her enough.

❈ ❈ ❈

As General Sorrengail addressed the new riders, my eyes focused on Violet. It was time to celebrate. My dragon branding tingled on my shoulder, remembering the pain from last year. I clenched my jaw and fists as I watched from a distance as Violet felt the pain.

Cath told me the decision was made. Violet was going to keep both dragons. I was happy for her. There was no one else on this Continent who deserved it more than her. When I saw that she was starting to catch her breath, I made my way over.

“Violet!” You kept both of them!” I smiled.

She smiled back too. “I guess I did.”

I felt pure joy between us. I helped her unlace the top of her gear so she could see what her dragon relic looked like. I took a sharp inhale when I saw it. Two dragons, one white, one black, overlayed on top of another stretching across her shoulder. Her dragon relic, like her, was beautiful.

Lacing her top back up, I built up the courage to talk to her. “You have to know that I would do anything to save you, Violet, to keep you safe," panic stirs in my heart when I meet her eyes. “What Riorson said…”

“I know,” trying her best to sound reassuringly, she nodded. “You always want me safe.”

It was true. I wanted her safe. I didn’t want her to know the shit that existed outside her books. There was nothing I wanted more than to shelter her from this, from all of this. I could see death everyday for the rest of my life if it meant she would never have to see it.

“You have to know how I feel about you.” I stroked my thumb gently over her cheek. Her skin was so soft. I looked into her eyes searching for a sign. Did she want me? She lived rent free in my head, but was I just a friend to her?

I leaned down and kissed her. Her lips were like soft pillows that greeted you after a long day. She tasted like how I always imagined her to taste, sweet and warm. Pressing my lips against hers harder, I felt like a new breath of life was blown into me. I was alive.

I pulled away, smiling. I could feel the eyes on us as I finally revealed my secret card to her. When I looked into her eyes, I knew something was wrong. I shouldn’t have searched for an answer.

I wasn’t losing her.

I had already lost her.

#fanfiction #fanfic #luniellar fiction #romance #fourth wing #Cath #dain aetos #violet sorrengail #xaden riorson #Xaden Riorson #the empyrean #dain pov #love #one sided #xaden x violet #dain x violet

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luniellar · 3 months

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Breathe Me (Garrick Tavis X OC/Reader) - Chapter 2 - The Empyrean Series Fanfiction

All rights to Rebecca Yarros for her original work and original characters. My scenes and characters are my own. ______________________________________

Contains: Iron Flame Spoilers Warnings: Language

Chapters: 1 | 2

Read on AO3 | Wattpad

Author Note: As I'm writing this (February 2024), Garrick's signet is not revealed in Iron Flame. For this story, I followed my theory about Garrick's signet which is Near Sight (opposite of Liam's Far Sight). Near sight can easily recognize emotion changes, whatever emotion someone displays Garrick will pick up. This also relates to his dragon (Chradh) who is able to locate certain objects and is sensitive to runes. Garrick uses this to quickly learn who is trustworthy and gain information about people's true intentions making him a strong asset and an exceptional fighter.

Chapter 2: The Feelings

< Garrick Tavis >

The sun from the morning was nowhere to be found and the clouds were looking seriously ominous today. Temperamental like this guy, I glanced over at Xaden and his expressionless face from the hard floor of the outdoor sparring field. Something was definitely on his mind. My first guess would be Violet related.

I welcomed the breeze against my shirtless, overheating body as my mind wandered off to what Lei was up to. Her smile from the morning flashed across my mind and I exhaled. Maybe it was her hair? I knew that most female riders kept their hair short, braided, or tied up to keep it from getting caught, but Lei’s ponytail was long enough and always swaying from side to side, like it was tempting me to grab. Oh gods, I shouldn’t have thought that.

From the side, Xaden threw a clean towel that landed directly on my face, dragging me out of my thoughts. Right, this was supposed to be a quick break before another set. “Thanks,” I muttered as I grabbed it and wiped the dripping sweat across my face.

“Riorson!” A familiar voice called out, full of disgust with each syllable. Tightening my core, I peeled my upper body off the mat and saw that bitch from last night. Fuck, what was his name again?

Lei’s sharp, venomous tone saying his name last night replayed in my mind. “Move along, Pratt.”

Oh yeah, Pratt.

I looked up to see Xaden turned towards him with a blank face across the field. He didn’t answer, he just stared. Then a second later, Xaden looked over at me and was that worry that just flashed across his face? Pressing his lips together, he looked towards Pratt’s direction again.

Did Xaden know Pratt? Maybe he was an old friend? I could see the gears turning in his head staring at the blonde boy.

“Where the fuck were you last night?” Pratt shouted.

I scoffed and shouted back at him. He didn’t even have the courage to walk closer to us. “Damn, Pratt. I don’t think you wanted an audience to witness your ass getting whooped.”

“I would keep your thoughts to yourself if I were you,” Pratt said my name in the same disgust he did with Xaden’s. “Your days at Samara are getting shorter with each word.” What the fuck was his deal?

Before I could quip back, Pratt looked directly at me. “Oh and leave Lei alone. She isn’t into dirty traitors like you two.” Pratt walked off with his “friends” trailing behind him. Two of the guys behind him moved with uncomfort and I could immediately identify they were the same boys from last night.

“Watch your back, Garrick. He plays dirty.” Xaden replied. From the tone of his voice I knew that it wasn’t a guess, it was a statement.

“Good, I like it dirty anyways.” I muttered back, my body making a dense thud against the hard floor surface as I dropped in exhaustion.

✦ ✦ ✦

Xaden and I managed to keep the score even until the very end. Maybe it was the years of training we did together and how we knew each other better than we knew ourselves? Every move I threw at the guy, he managed to block. Thanks to my signet I was able to see the way his eyes moved before a punch or a jab and countered each step. But, he was still able to get a good punch on my jaw right when my mind was starting to wander off.

Chradh loved reminding me how I should be paying attention whenever Xaden broke through my concentration like that.

“Lei! Can you help?” A voice called out on our way to the showers and my head immediately turned. I scanned the fields until I saw Lei running over to another rider with short blonde hair reaching down to pick up buckets off the floor. I made eye contact with the blonde rider’s green eyes. Her eyes widened and immediately tilted her head up at Lei, her eyes moving in my direction. She clearly knew me, but I didn’t know her. Shortly after Lei turned in my direction.

Her shiny, dark as night ponytail tossed above her shoulders. The shorter strands of hair fell into place, framing around her round rosy cheeks. I couldn’t turn my eyes away from her as I stood there watching. The short haired rider said something to Lei and after a quick nod, Lei jogged over.

“Hey! Do you have an outpost shift tonight?” She asked when she reached me. Her scent filled the space between us. I held my breath knowing that I could just drink her up.

I nodded. “It’s mine this time around.”

“Great,” she gave me a gentle smile. She opened her mouth to say something, but glanced behind her looking back at the green eyed rider who was struggling to carry two buckets in each hand. “Oh gosh, Iris! Wait!” Lei turned to me. “I’ll catch you later, okay?”

Before I could reply, she turned and jogged back. I felt a hand hit my bare back.

“Do me a favor and remember to breathe,” Xaden sighed, walking ahead of me.

✦ ✦ ✦

Fuck, this outpost was so small. The moment I showed up for the shift, Lei was already in here marinating every corner of this space with her delicious scent. Thank gods there was a breeze blowing tonight circulating the air around us. Her warm vanilla scent stirred around me. I’ll need to ask Xaden about an olfactory dampening rune next week.

That’s going to be a fun conversation. Chradh said amusingly.

The conversation started with us catching up on what we did during the day. I learned that Iris, the short haired blonde who I briefly saw earlier today, was her closest friend here. I told her about Xaden and the bond we shared for many years. You would have to be blind to not see our rebellion relics. So I told her what I could without bringing up Aretia or the impeding doom Xaden carried on his shoulders. Lei carefully watched my expressions, smiling and encouraging when appropriate, She always made she didn’t step outside her boundaries.

I asked about her signet and she told me that it was a form of distance wielding. She wasn’t sure if she could do long distance wielding because her power burns out when channeled for a long time. It surged quickly in powerful consecutive bursts. When mentors said she drew the short end of the stick, she learned to hone the power to her advantage. She could shorten distances so fast that it gives off the illusion that she was teleporting in short distance increments. They must have had their head stuck up in their ass not to see how lethal she could be.

For the most part, it sounded like she trained on her own. Last year was when she learned that she could travel more than just her surrounding areas only if she could paint in her mind where exactly she needed to go. I made a mental note to ask her if she wants to join us on a sparring session one day. She had so much potential in that small body of hers and I wanted to see more.

Near the end of our shift, I built up courage to ask her. “Um,” I started. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“What’s on your mind, Garrick?” She smiled, tilting her head to the side.

“How does someone like you end up knowing a guy like Pratt anyways?” I asked cautiously. I watched her gentle smile drain from her face, like a sad memory was dragging her back down. Her blue irises trembled with hesitation as she held my gaze.

“We were engaged,” she started, looking ahead at the mountains. “We met as a part of a political alliance. I don’t come from wealth or power, Garrick. I come from a small, insignificant island in the Emerald Sea.” She lowered her head.

Like Xaden and Cat. Power was never something I craved. Sure, I saw the allure of it. But when you watched public executions of hundreds, including your family, for challenging power, you learn survival is more important. You do everything you can do to survive. You survive to remember each name, each story, and each face as a big fuck you. Maybe I was like Lei, I just didn’t like bullies.

One of the many reasons I chose you, Big One. Chradh echoed with pride in my mind.

Lei let out a soft exhale. “When I was 10, my father realized that the island resources were finite and started inviting aristocrats from the Continent to create trade routes. Pratt’s family was the first to visit. Within days of them leaving, his family made us an offer for an arranged betrothal under the condition that I survive the Threshing when I turned 20.”

“Threshing?” My voice rose in anger and my hands curled into fists. “Lei, you could have died! Did your family know how dangerous that was?! Pratt gave you a fucking death sentence!” I broke my composure. Why was I so angry?

She laughed a short, gentle laughter turning back to me. “Honestly, no. No one knew about the Threshing where I was from. Riders and dragons were stories that I only heard from elders in the island when I was growing up. Myths and legends with heroes, not a girl from an island somewhere.” She paused, muscles around her eyes tenses and her eyes were focused like she was calling for Cosheirm in her mind.

I watched as she found her peace again. Cosherirm, the word for harmony. Lei found her harmony through Cosheirm. Her pale skin against the stark contrast of her dark as night hair. She was beautiful.

“But Garrick, if I was given the decision again knowing what I know, I will always take the path to Cosheirm. Even if I wasn’t guaranteed that Cosheirm would choose me again.” Her determination was so strong that I could see an aura of confidence cloaked her body like a glowing shield. She was glowing.

“Lei,” I started and she got up from her wooden seat.

There were sounds of footsteps coming from the outside. “It looks like the next patrols will be coming soon. Come on, I’ll walk you back.”

✦ ✦ ✦

"You have to admit. If this walking to my bedroom becomes a regular occurrence, people are going to start talking." I said as we headed toward my barrack for a second night in a row.

"You need to check that masculinity, Garrick. I can help if you need more practice getting down on your knees again," she shrugged.

Oh, we were on a joking basis now.

"Hey, I'm not complaining. I've done it plenty of times, the whole escorting and getting on the knee thing... for other reasons," I glanced down to be greeted by her rosy cheeks. "I was just saying that I could get used to this."

It was Lei's looked flustered as she cleared her throat. "Anyone who sees us is going to think you're taking me to your room. We can stick to that story if you're worried about what people say. Deal?"

"Oh, I give zero shits about what anyone thinks about me, Lei. I just didn't know that was what you wanted others to think about us," I teased.

An audible groan came from Lei. "Garrick, you're impossible."

✦ ✦ ✦

Wake, Big One.

I rolled over in my bed, my eyes still closed. What’s wrong, Chradh?

I sense something unfamiliar in the south clearing of outside of Samara. In the pit of stomach, I felt it too. I’ve felt this before.

Before Chradh could finish, my body was already up. I quickly got dressed and strapped on my rider leather. I walked over to the doorway and grabbed the two swords propped against my desk. In the same motion I’ve been doing for years, I crossed them on my back.

Wyverns. And I sense a venin, Big One.

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luniellar · 3 months

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Breathe Me (Garrick Tavis X OC) - The Empyrean Series

______________________________________

All rights to Rebecca Yarros for her original work and original characters. ______________________________________

Contains: Iron Flame Spoilers Warnings: Language

Chapters: 1 | 2

Read on AO3 | Wattpad

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Garrick Tavis

I stretched out my body as I started heading up to the outpost. I didn’t mind taking on Xaden’s shifts when he had to go visit Violet. Hell, I always offered because it gave me something to do when Xaden wasn’t around. I looked up at the clear night sky scattered with millions of stars as I started up the stairs. With each step the sky felt closer as if I could reach out and feel the tiny stars in my hands. Not that I would want to do that either. I would probably crush them all instantly. I tend to do that with beautiful things. Xaden also loved reminding me that and I enjoyed reminding him the same message back.

When I got to the top of the stairs, my shift mate was already there. It looked as if she was cleaning up the mess the last shift left behind. I could hear her tiny, gentle voice as she skillfully navigated around the room mumbling to herself.

“You would think that with all the filth around here, it was pigs who paired with dragons.”

I can feel Chradh, my brown scorpiontail who I’ve known for almost four years now, stirring in my mind. I’m insulted that she could think that dragons would even think about any other living creature being riders. We can barely stand humans.

I smile, mentally rolling my eyes at Chradh. Still playing hard to get? You don’t mean that.

I do. Although, it is humorous that she is comparing humans to pigs. The state of your room definitely reflects that.

The small figure turns from the desk towards the door where I’m standing and we lock eyes. Her brilliant blue eyes with gray flecks stare back at me and widen almost immediately as she drop the few pieces of trash on the floor.

“What the-” Her small, pale hands fly up clutching her chest as she staggers back.

“Sorry, if I startled you. I’m your shift mate for today.” I say back calmly, trying to make sure she doesn’t have a heart attack. “I’m Garrick.”

I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I need to extend my hands to shake, but she definitely doesn’t look like the handshake type. Her long raven black hair is in a high ponytail and compliments her icy pale skin. It always made me wonder how some riders manage to stay light after hours flying near the sun.

Considering that we were both standing up, she only came up to my shoulders. She had a smaller frame than your average female rider, but through the rider leather anyone could see that she was built with lean muscle that only helped to accentuate her hourglass figure.

“Gods, you scared me,” she started. Her soft voice gently filled up the small space we were in. “How does a guy like you manage to sneak around like that?”

“Is that a compliment?” I asked, taking a small step closer. I didn’t see her react or step back which gave me the assurance that she was just startled. I was always aware of my size and how people had to comment about it. This case was no exception.

Her shoulders dropped as she let out a soft exhale. “I thought Riorson was on duty.”

I immediately noticed how she said Xaden’s name in a normal tone in that sentence. Here, everyone has a little disgust when they have to say his name. Or should I say spit out his name. Most try to avoid it all together and just ignore his existence. They will never understand what he means to us.

“Sorry to disappoint. Riorson is on girlfriend duties. You’re stuck with me.” It only takes five big strides for me to go over to her and pick up the items from the floor.

“No, you don’t have to-” She started to say as her small hand reached for my forearm. Looking down, I saw how small and soft her hands looked against the contrast of my dark, muscular forearms. The only regular female interactions I had was with Imogen and it’s been a month. We determined that a break would be best anyways since rider's life is short and all. “I’ll take this, Tavis.”

Tavis? I didn’t remember giving her my last name.

Her hands strategically moved around the few pieces of paper in my hands and took them into hers. She walked past me to reach the waste basket by the door, her warm scent of vanilla and clean laundry wafting up to my nose. Damn, she smelled amazing.

Clean your room once a while and you could smell like that too, Big One. Chradh replied in my mind.

“I’m Lei Aukai. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Straightening her posture, she meets my eyes and smiles gently. The wooden log outpost looks like it’s big enough to be her room, but here I look like a dragon in my bedroom. Linking her hands behind her, she walks up to me. “I’ve heard about the new Basgiath graduate transfers. Welcome. I joined Samara last year.”

I nod. She definitely wasn’t the handshaking type, noted. “The pleasure is mine,” I replied. Her raven black hair tossed as she turned to the windows. My body straightened in response. That smell was intoxicating. I could smell her for hours… days even.

“I wish I could tell you we could take turns sleeping or something, but Samara is the cruelest outpost. It looks like we will both have to be awake for this one.” She paused, still keeping her eyes on the mountains on the horizon. “You bonded with a brown scorpiontail, is that correct?”

Chardh’s senses heightened and so did mine. She says she was hoping for Riorson, knows my last name, and Chradh’s traits. It was truly a shame she was so beautiful, but I knew I could have her on the floor and gasping for air instantly. “How do you know about Chradh?”

“Chradh.” My dragon’s name even sounded beautiful in her voice. That’s a compliment for you, Chradh. Chradh is not pleased.

I slowly reached for my sword strapped to my back and she turned around to face me at the same time, raising her hands to show there was nothing in them. “I’m not your enemy, Tavis.” Her round eyes glistened in the dimly lit outpost, but I could still make out her small, but perfectly shaped button nose and full lips. “I promise.”

I lowered my hand down and mentally noted the dagger strapped around my waist. I think my size alone would be able to crush her, but you know what they say. Never trust the quiet ones, or in this case small and quiet ones.

“I want to help you and Riorson. I know it’s not easy to get around here. It’s hard on all the newcomers, but especially harder on…” she paused looking at my rebellion markings. “I can help you navigate Samara. I don’t like bullies.” Her brows furrowed like she was reminded of something unpleasant.

“We.. I can take care of bullies.” I flexed my muscles and tensed my jaw. “Why do you want to help us?” I scan her exposed fair skin for any rebellion relics and I find none.

“Like I said, I don’t like bullies. A group of guys are planning to attack you tonight on your way back to your quarters. Let me walk with you.”

I opened my mouth and nothing came out as my mind was trying to process what she was saying. What was this girl’s deal? She wants to escort me to my room? Has she seen me? “Wait, do you know what I look like?” I asked.

A smile appeared on her face. “Yes, Tavis. I’m staring at you right now.”

“Then, how could you say-” Before I could finish my sentence, she quickly reached for her dagger strapped to her thighs in one graceful move. She dashed towards me, moving past my body to jab at the back of my knees with her heel and easily brought me to my knees. As my legs gave out, I managed to reach for my dagger, but when I looked up… her dagger met my line of sight and I was only able to get to her… knees. Fuck. Xaden would be disappointed. But, depending on the angle of entry I was sure that I could make sure she won’t be able to walk on two feet anymore.

Lei looked down at me. “I see you Tavis and I just confirmed that I was faster.”

She was fast. I haven’t seen anything this fast like this since I’ve seen Violet train with Xaden. I think Lei might be... faster.

“I would never want to go one on one with you on the mats, but this is not school. People will do anything to get what they want. Even if it means it’s a cheap fight like the group of 7 guys who plan on doing that tonight. If you had Riorson, sure it could be easy, but not on your own.”

“Fine,” I agreed. “Now, I would like to keep my beautiful face, thank you.” Survival was most important for us. At Bagisth, Xaden and I were easily the best fighters, but that is definitely not the case here, considering it’s the worst outpost. I move my dagger first as a sign of trust and she does the same, taking a step back.

“So Lei,” I started getting up from the floor. “How would this situation have gone if it was Riorson and not me?”

“Hm, I don’t know.” She shrugged her clear blue eyes meeting mine. “I always knew it was going to be you, Tavis.”

✦ ✦ ✦

The shift went by fast as Lei and I chatted about Samara. She told me the kind of missions she went on and what I could expect being here. It was a good orientation. She also told me about her bonded dragon, Cosheirm. Cosheirm was also a brown dragon, but with a morningstartail. Morningstartails were highly sought out by other riders for having one of the deadliest weapons and I suspected maybe that’s why she didn’t like bullies? She wanted to know about Chradh and of course Chradh had an ego trip with that.

It was past midnight when Lei and I headed back for the barracks. Well, my barrack. I never had anyone walk me to my bedroom before so this was new. The night was quiet.

Lei’s scent was softer outside, more fresh and clean than the intoxicating vanilla. She walked beside me in silence, listening for any sounds. If I didn’t know what she told me earlier, I would have thought it was just another walk outside for her. Even though I met her today, she was so good at masking. Maybe it was related to her signet?

I straightened my posture when we got near the side clearing. If there was any attack, this field would be the best. It was secluded from the main building and under the moonlight, you got a direct view of your target.

“Wait, that’s not the Riorson boy,” a deep voice called out.

Lei and I stopped in our tracks. She looked up at me and eyed the woods to our right where seven figures emerged. None of them were my height, but no one was my height. A guy about a head shorter than me walked up to us and I noticed that Lei already had her dagger out. She really was fast.

“Oh shit, isn't that little Lei?” He said, amused.

I saw her stance change as she lowered her body a little like a predator before it jumped to kill the prey. “Move along, Pratt.” She spat out. Lei’s voice was blood-drippingly lethal. I didn’t even know she could sound like that.

“Lei, you have no business being here. Come back over here and stand behind me so we can take care of this dumb giant beside you.”

I laughed at the pitiful attempt at an insult. “The lady asked you to move along, in case you couldn’t hear it from down there.” I stepped ahead and Pratt’s groupie moved up as well. I quickly assessed the situation and saw a glint of a sword in their hands. The guys to the left of Pratt looked the most inexperienced, their stance still needed work. Unlike Lei who could easily wipe them out knowing how fast she moved.

“Lei, we didn’t keep you alive just so you could die here. Come here.”

“Fuck off, Pratt.”

They clearly had some history I had no business in knowing, but I wanted to know. Were these the bullies she had to deal with? How many did she deal with? Did she do it alone?

“Alright, let’s get this over with.” I said stretching my arms and legs. “You want Riorson right? You can’t have him unless you can get through me first.”

When her blue eyes met mine, I quickly signaled with my eyes to go for the guys to the left and she nodded in understanding. I pulled out only one sword. I only needed one from my back and charged ahead, slicing open one of their legs causing a guy to immediately fall to the floor. Two of them came at me next and I dodged their sword jabs and skillfully kicked one down with raw force while slashing through the side of the other. My job here was not to kill. It was better having them around for show so others knew exactly what it means to challenge Xaden and I. What it means to challenge me.

I looked for Pratt and saw his body pinning down Lei’s, next to the injured bodies of the three guys I asked Lei to go for first. I mentally smiled at her holding her own. But, that fucker. He knew exactly that he couldn’t handle me so he went for Lei, go figure. I strided over and with my right hand peeled his body off of her and flung him to the side.

A loud thud hit the floor with the sound of something breaking. I hope it was a leg or arm, but it sounded more like a rib or two. How disappointing. I reached out my hand and Lei quickly grabbed it as I pulled her up to her feet. My heart sank when I saw the cut across her cheekbone that fresh blood trickled down from. My gaze quickly scanned her over to look for any cuts, but didn’t see anything else. She was fierce. I liked fierce.

“Are you okay, Tavis?” She asked, glancing down at the bodies groaning on the floor.

“I’m fine, are you?” I pointed to the same area on my cheek where she was cut.

“It’s nothing. Pratt wears a family ring. It was probably from that.” She ripped the edge of her sleeve and placed it on her cheek. She was resourceful. I liked resourceful.

I looked down at Pratt who was holding his stomach like air was knocked out of him. Well, air was knocked out of him. After hearing that his hand touched her face made me want to crush him under my feet. I was considering it when I heard Lei’s voice behind me.

“Come on, Tavis. Let’s go before someone notices.”

I had some herbs and medicine for her cut so I insisted she walk the rest of the way to my room. Her clean vanilla scent filled my room as she sat on my chair and I brought over the medicine. Looking at the small mirror in the aid kit, she quickly fixed up her cut and thanked me. “I can get the herbs I used and bring it back to you,” she said, getting up and heading for the door.

I thought about telling her she could just take all of it back with her if she wanted since this was the first time I used it, but I wasn’t against the thought of her visiting again. “Sure.”

“Let me walk you back,” I started to say leaning on the door frame and she shook her head. “Come on, you’re hurt and it’s late.”

She looked around the hallway to see if anyone was around and leaned to me. Her scent filled my lungs and I found myself learning closer. I couldn’t read her face, but it looked like she was hesitating to tell me. Wondering if she could trust me.

“You can tell me,” I whispered.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, it was like I was staring at a clear blue lake. It was breathtaking.

“What if I told you I could get back to my room before you could finish blinking.��

I tilted my head in confusion. “What do you-” Then the flashback of how fast she moved earlier back at the outpost. How, despite my hours of training with Xaden, one the most powerful fighters, I couldn't stop her. I could only reach her knees. “Teleportation,” I breathed. Her signet was teleportation.

“Yes,” she whispered back, smiling. “I can tell you more about it if you want to know.”

“I do.” I replied.

“We will talk again, Tavis.”

“Wait,” I quickly reached for her wrists, thinking that she was going to disappear. When her gaze dropped down to my hands, I let go just as fast. “Sorry, I didn’t know if you were going to disappear.”

She smiled that gentle smile again, moving her hands to her sides. “It’s okay.”

“Call me Garrick. My friends call me Garrick, and thank you for tonight.” What else do people say after thank you? I couldn’t think straight through her scent, her smile. “I owe you one.”

“Friends…” her voice trailed off. “I’ll remember that, Garrick.” I didn't know my name could sound like that. Ever.

And just like that after a blink, Lei was gone. Leaving me with nothing but her scent.

I was wondering when you would start taking interest in other humans again. And your rebellion leader doesn’t count. Chradh noted.

I’m not interested. I reply back to Chradh. And shouldn’t you be sleeping, Chradh?

You try sleeping through that loud thumping, Big One.

✦ ✦ ✦

The morning came around and I found Xaden standing in his usual spot at the morning assembly.

“You have something on your face,” Xaden said when I stood next to him.

“What? Where?” I ran my hands over my face. I didn’t see anything when I came out of the shower 10 minutes ago. Also, my room may not be clean, but I washed myself often and very thoroughly. “I don’t think-”

Xaden turns to me and I swear I saw a smile flash across his face. “Since when did you roll up to morning assembly with a smile on your face?”

From the corner of my eyes I saw her shiny raven ponytail. I must have been looking longer than I thought I had because her head turned and her clear blue eyes from the night that actually had some sage green in the sun were staring back at me. Lei gave a slight head nod greeting and a smile before turning back to the podium.

“Good luck,” Xaden’s voice tugs me back to reality. “But, damn I sure hope I wasn’t as obvious as you.” He finished looking up at the podium as well.

I scoffed. “I thought about going easy on you today since I thought Violet would be giving you a hard time, but watch out on the sparring mat.” I paused, remembering how it was last year when he met Violet. “Oh trust me, you were worse.”

“Looking at you, there is no way.” Xaden replied confidently.

After a short pause, I cleared my throat and swallowed my pride. “By the way, can you send me all your outpost patrol duties?”

Xaden laughed.

“Fuck you, Xaden.”

#fanfiction #fanfic #romance #the empyrean #garrick tavis #original character #iron flame #fourth wing #xaden riorson #violet and xaden #chradh #friends to lovers #dragons

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luniellar · 6 months

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#Wish that were me

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luniellar · 9 months

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luniellar · 9 months

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Kid Megumi in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 5

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luniellar · 1 year

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luniellar · 2 years

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CHRIS EVANS reacting to the new Lightyear trailer.

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luniellar · 2 years

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“I’ve watched humans destroy each other when I could stop it all in a heartbeat. Do you know what that does to someone after centuries? Could our mission have been a mistake? Are we really helping these people build a better world, huh? We’re just like those soldiers down there. Pawns to their leaders. Blinded by loyalty. It ends now.”

BARRY KEOGHAN as DRUIG in ETERNALS (2021)

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luniellar · 2 years

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how about the prompt of the reader wanting to celebrate druig so she picks a date to be his birthday to surprise him with a dinner and thoughtful gift and he’s so bashful but tries to hide it? i love love your stuff! ❤️❤️

Happy Birthday - Druig X Human!Reader

warnings: fluff so prepare your hearts yall

notes: cute amusement park druig, mentions of bday.... suit?

link to masterlist

“Please, pretty please?” You begged with a pout and Druig frowned.

“I am not putting that on,” he replied with disgust as he waved the Mickey Mouse ears headband in your hands.

You pointed to the rose gold sequin mouse ears on your head that he bought for you when you guys arrived at the amusement park. “You are going to make me wear this all day and you refuse to try it on?”

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss on your forehead. “But, you look so cute with it.”

You blushed as the heat rose to your cheeks, but you didn’t let that distract you from the mission. “Fine, just try it on and I won’t mention it again.”

Druig sighed as he grabbed the black mouse ears with a red bow in the middle from your hand and awkwardly placed it on his head. You grinned as he fixed his chestnut brown hair around the headband. While he was distracted, you quickly grabbed your phone and took a photo.

“Hey,” he said as he reached for your phone. You quickly tucked it into your back pocket and he naturally followed it, pressing close to your body in the process. Reaching up, you took the mouse ears off his head and tossed his hair back in place.

You felt his eyes and he watched you intently. When you tried to pull away to put the ears back, he pressed you against the display wall.

“Can I claim my birthday gift now?” He asked.

There was nothing you wanted more than to melt into his arms and kiss him deeply, but your eyes caught random stares in the background of the store. You cleared your throat and reluctantly pushed him away. “We didn’t even get to what I wanted to show you, come on.” This was a family-friendly amusement park after all.

You walked with Druig until you reached the Avengers campus side of the park. Two little kids in Spiderman and Captain America costumes ran between you guys as they waved their toy shield and web-slinger in the air. You glanced up at Druig who was busy looking around and taking it all in. You reached for his hands and led him through the crowds.

When you reached the Ancient Sanctum, you found a seat to where the character meet and greets were going to start. He sat quietly next to you observing kids and parents, even young adults all crowding the stage area.

“What are we all waiting for?” He whispered and at the exact moment, the crowd went wild as phones came out of pockets all wanting a picture.

The Eternals actors walked onto the stage waving at the fans and you watched Druig as he tried to understand what was going on. Then the actor playing Druig got up on stage and waved at the crowd and you heard him chuckle. “Is that supposed to be me?”

The actors signed autographs and interacted with the fans as you guys watched from afar. When you first learned that Druig was an Eternal, you had to accept the fact that there were many things that you will never understand or grasp.

He was a modern god with immortality, powerful strength and high intelligence, but he still showed empathy for humans, even love. You wanted to bring him here so he could see what the humans thought of the Eternals. You wanted to show him that we weren’t all just filled with greed, self-entitlement and selfishness.

“Druig is my favorite!” A kid exclaimed in front.

“Doesn’t he just control people with his mind? That’s boring!” Another boy, who looked like his friend, replied. “Look at Ikaris! He shoots lasers from his eyes!”

“Druig doesn’t just do that, stupid. And he doesn’t control people’s minds, he can control the god’s mind too.”

You heard Druig stifle a laugh next to you. “Smart kid,” he whispered into your ears.

“Still lame!” The Ikaris fan replied. “I’ll be Ikaris and you can be Druig and let’s see who wins!”

“Deal!” The boys ran off to the corner to settle their argument.

"Spoilers, Druig wins," he muttered and you smiled. You rested your head on Druig’s shoulders as you both tuned out the world outside your little bubble here.

After 30 minutes, the actors headed out and the crowd started to dissipate. You guys sat in silence enjoying the beautiful California weather as the sun started to set in the distance.

“We still have a dinner to catch as a part of your birthday celebration,” you replied and he nodded.

Dinner was at a small restaurant that you visited with him many times before. Druig ordered the one dish that he always loves and when they overheard that it was his birthday, they brought us extra items from the menu. The older couple also demanded that we sing a birthday song so we sang happy birthday to Druig with a small chocolate cake they baked just for him.

Full and happy, you and Druig walked down the street with your hand in his. When you started getting cold, he put your hands in his leather jacket pockets. He was also smiling more than usual and you could sense that he was in a good mood since you guys left the amusement park.

“Thank you for today,” he said, gently squeezing your hand in his pockets.

You smiled at him. “Happy birthday.”

“I don’t think I ever celebrated my birthday like that before. It was my first time having people sing me happy birthday. It’s very strange."

You stopped in your tracks, pulling him along with you. “What?”

He shrugged. “I never knew my birthday. You were the one who picked a random day to celebrate it.”

“Everyone has a birthday, even genetically engineered beings.” You replied and he looked bashfully away at the floor. “I’m making the executive decision that we are going to celebrate your birthday every year on this day and you are going to celebrate it with me, whether you like it or not.”

He looked up smiling at you. “I love you.”

“I’ll take that as a yes,” you teased.

“There’s nothing else I want more.”

“I can’t create a star or a galaxy in your name, but I can show you how humans love. And we love really, really hard,” you smiled at him.

“I know from personal experience,” he whispered and pressed his lips against yours. You kissed him back with your heart on your sleeve, you didn’t care if it was desperate or needy because you were. You longed for his love as he longed for yours.

“Do I get a birthday suit for my birthday?” He asked when he pulled away and you laughed.

“For someone who doesn’t know about birthdays, you sure know about a lot of birthday suits.” You rolled your eyes.

“It’s my birthday,” he nudged and you tiptoed and kissed him on his cheeks.

“Birthday suit is the last gift,” you winked.

Before you could take another step, he picked you up effortlessly and cradled you safely in his arms. “Let’s go home,” he smiled.

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A/N: Hope you enjoyed anon! I really wanted this date to be special for someone like Druig who can technically have anything in the world if he wanted it. Also thank you for enjoying my other stories too!

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luniellar · 2 years

Note

how about a druig prompt of between friends and lovers where druig is being smug and extra flirty after catching the reader checking him out but the reader surprises him by being unapologetic in her feelings for him? excited to see what else you write!

Rent Free - Druig X Reader

warnings: alcohol drinking, fluffy cute dialogues

link to masterlist

When you finished the last of your beer, you were already feeling the happy buzz. It was the fleeting kind that dissipated into sad thoughts after another drink.

It’s been a while since you went out for drinks, but you had no reason to refuse when it was on the company dollar. Getting comfy on the barstool, you glanced over at the table that Druig was sitting with some of the Eternals. There he was lounging back and laughing about who knows what. Makkari was sitting next to him and you couldn’t tear your eyes away from them.

“Earth to Y/N,” a voice called from behind you.

Sersi walked over to you by the bar and waved the bartender over. You tore your gaze from the couple and turned to Sersi.

“Did Druig forget to pay you back too?” Sersi asked and you laughed at the unexpected comment. “What? He always forgets to pay me back for food,” she muttered.

“No, he didn’t do anything,” you replied, glancing over at him. Except for the fact that he is currently living rent free in your head.

Actually, maybe it was time you started charging him.

“Then, why are you staring at him like that?” She asked.

“Because I think I like him?” You blurted out and Sersi’s eyes widened. Your hand flew up to your mouth.

Please, please tell me that was just your inside voice.

“You- Uh- Um- Wait, you like him?!” She exclaimed and you wanted to hide. Thankfully, the background noise of the music and people chatting in the bar was enough to drown out specific conversations. You crossed your fingers hoping that no one else heard.

“It doesn’t matter,” you quickly followed up. “I know he already likes someone else.”

Sersi looked like a deer in headlights as she quickly gulped down the drink in her hand. Was she blinking faster too? “I don’t think Druig likes anyone else,” she said as she cleared her throat. She clearly looked like she knew something you didn't know.

You looked over at Druig and choked on air when you found his blue eyes staring back at you. As you coughed out a lung, you felt the heat bloom in your cheeks as you quickly turned away. Did he hear his name? Did Eternals have enhanced hearing too? That wasn’t just your imagination, right?

“Tequila shots for everyone!” Kingo shouted as he brought over a tray full of shot glasses with clear poison to you and Sersi. Others cheered around the room as they made their way over to the bar to take a glass as well. “Drink up ladies!”

Without thinking, you quickly grabbed a glass and took a shot. The strong burning sensation moved down your throat and hit your stomach. At least the disgusting liquid helped you ignore what was going on around you.

“Another one!” Kingo yelled as he pushed another full shot glass in your hand. You hesitated for a second when you realized you were chasing your beer with tequila shots.

Don’t try this at home kids.

You brought the shot close to your lips when a hand from behind gently snatched the shot glass from yours.

“Hey! Give it back to her, Druig!” Kingo shouted.

At the sound of his name, your body stiffened. Druig’s body pressed against your back as he swung the shot into his mouth.

“You don’t even get drunk!” Kingo complained.

Druig tapped your right shoulder with his chest. When you looked over your shoulder, Druig’s dimples were right in front of you. He was so close. The fresh and sophisticated scent of bergamot charged the air around you. Your cheeks felt like they were on fire. You couldn’t turn away.

“She only had a beer since she got here. We’re not trying to give anyone a bad time, Kingo.” He stated as he glanced at you. “Do you want to step out for some air?”

You nodded at him.

He reached for your hand and you followed as he maneuvered through the people coming to reach for tequila shots. The effect of alcohol was really hitting you now. You understood why people exhibited compulsive and self-destructive behavior after drinking.

When we stepped outside, he let go of your hand. The fresh air was a much needed change of pace. You closed your eyes shut and pressed your cold hands on your cheeks trying to free yourself from the Druig haze.

You can do this. Wake up, Y/N. Wake-

“Are you okay?” Druig chuckled.

You opened your eyes to Druig’s face directly in front of yours. He had leaned over to meet you at eye level. Your hands were glued on your face as you studied his clear blue irises.

He was wearing a black leather jacket with a black t-shirt underneath. The warm street light casted perfect lighting over him like he was an angel dressed in black. He was beautiful.

“I hate you,” you blurted out and he frowned in response. “You need to start paying me rent.”

His frown turned into confusion. “Pay rent? To you?”

At this point, the alcohol courage took over. After a quick exhale you dropped your hands and replied. “Yes, for living rent free in my head.”

One, two, three… His round eyes blinked in silence trying to comprehend what just came out of your mouth. After the fifth blink, a small smile formed on his face as he stood back up straightening out his posture. “Huh, how much is the rent?”

“A lot,” you responded almost immediately. “So much. Like… a million dollars.”

He smiled again. “I don’t think I can afford that,” he teased. “What other options do I have? Move out?”

You frowned at him. “No,” your voice came out like a whisper.

“Why not?” He asked.

“Because not thinking about you isn’t an option,” you sighed. “I tried.”

You saw the smug look on his face as he tried to keep a straight face. He failed horribly at this, by the way. You could see his grin from a mile away.

You cleared your throat before you spoke again. “Don’t worry, I’m still your friend. I’m rooting for you and Makkari, just… give me some time.”

“What if I don’t want to?” He asked.

His words startled you. You didn’t expect him to say that he wouldn’t want to keep remaining friends. You tried to pretend like you didn’t understand his question. “If you don’t want to give me time, I’ll get over it right now and-”

He cut you off. “What if I don’t want us to be friends?”

You looked down at the floor unable to look directly at him anymore. “If that’s how you feel, I understand.”

You saw Druig’s boots line up in your field of view as he took a step closer to you. “Hey,” he whispered. He moved his hand under your chin and lifted your head towards him. You nervously looked as he leaned his head down and rested his forehead on yours. You felt his warm breath on your lips.

“I don’t want us to be friends, because I want us to be more.”

Your heart accelerated at his confession.

“I think we can call it even since you've been living rent free in my head too. You also have a penthouse suite view of the world from here,” he smiled. “I don’t think you can beat that.”

You laughed. “Yeah no, you just have a view of me in there.”

He grinned. ”Ah, now I see why that was a million dollar rent.” He reached for your hands and stuffed them in his leather jacket pockets, pulling you closer into him.

You closed your eyes and bottled up this exact moment. It was going to be saved in your memories forever.

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A/N: You guys have the best prompts oh my gosh haha, I hope you enjoyed it anon!

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luniellar · 2 years

Note

Hi, I was the one who requested the Ikaruis being a jerk to Druig’s girlfriend and I just wanted to say thank you so so much!! It was written amazingly and I loved it from beginning to end!!

Awwww yay I’m glad :) Thank you for sending such a fun idea over and I hope you send over some more!

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luniellar · 2 years

Note

I loved your Druig and Avenger!reader imagine! Could you write one where he (attempts) to confesses his feelings to the Avenger!reader when he’s patching her up after a mission only for someone (you can pick if it’s an Avenger or Eternal) ruins it but they kiss in the end?

Patched Up - Druig X Avenger!Reader

warnings: some bad words

notes: a very protective and jealous druig

feat: bucky barnes

link to the previous druig and avenger!reader imagine request - but chronologically this one comes before ‘Not Sharing is Caring’

link to masterlist

You bit down on your lips as the sharp pain on your left arm radiated to the rest of your body. The entire ride back to the Avengers campus smelled of iron and medical alcohol as the high-priority agents were getting patched up from the mission this morning.

You held a piece of cloth that you tore off from the bottom of your shirt firmly against the open wound, but you could still feel the initial contact of the cold blade as it gouged into your shoulders. Thankfully, most of the blood was coagulating and only tiny streams of the hot, red liquid made way down the rest of your sleeves.

“Are you okay?” A tall male nurse asked as he made his way over to you.

You managed to force out a smile and nod. “I’m fine.”

In a rush, he looked at your wound with a concerned face and reluctantly moved on to the guy sitting behind you.

When the bus reached the campus building, you quickly made your way outside and over to your dorm room clutching onto your left arm.

“Hey! Wait!” You heard a voice cry out after you, but there was no point in turning back. There were others who needed the attention more than you did and you could take care of this on your own.

When you reached your room door you quickly realized that you had left your keys in your jacket pocket that you left on the bus. The second option was to biometrically scan into the room with your left hand, which would have been a perfectly viable option if it wasn't for your hand covered in blood and feeling numb from the pain.

“Hey, are you back already?” You heard a familiar voice call from down the hall and you instantly felt your body tense in panic.

What was he doing here?

No, no. Druig could not see you like this.

After a short inhale you turned towards his direction trying to make this as casual as possible. “Oh hey. Can you give me just-” The moment your eyes met his, he instantly knew something was wrong.

“What the fuck?! Are you hurt?!” Druig shouted as he came running down the rest of the way to you. In seconds he was by your side assessing the arm. “Why aren’t you at the hospital? Are you crazy?”

This was the first time you saw him break his usual calm composure. Strangely comforted by his worry, you had to fight off the urge to just launch into his arms after the long day. You guys were just friends and nothing more.

“No, not crazy and can you please help me into my room? I just need help raising this arm,” you eyed your left arm.

“No, I'm taking you to the hospital. There’s blood coming down your arms!” There was clear sense of panic in his voice and you couldn’t help but to chuckle in the situation.

“I’m fine, Druig. Others are busy taking care of people who actually need it. I just need to get to my first aid kit. Can you help me? Please?”

He glared at you in doubt. “Y/N,” he let out a long sigh in defeat. “Why are you so stubborn?”

He quickly helped to lift your left arm on the biometric scanner and the door beeped open. Once we were in the room, he quickly moved you over to the couch and asked about the location of the first aid kit. He quickly retrieved it along with towels and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. He was right by your side in record time with everything he needed.

The comfort of your own space had already started to calm you down. Everything was going to be okay. Druig’s presence was just the cherry on top.

He didn’t speak as he grabbed the scissors and cut off the sleeve of the shirt that you were wearing. You watched his face as he saw the wound for the first time. He clenched his jaw with a straight face as he grabbed the bottle of the alcohol and glanced over at you. Next, he guided your right hand onto his firm arm.

“This is going to hurt,” he warned as he prepared to drown the wound in the alcohol. “I need you to hold on to me, okay?”

The moment the alcohol touched your wound the stinging pain pierced you into pieces. You shut your eyes and bit down on your bottom lip as you desperately tighten the grip around his flexed arm. The exhaustion of the day came crashing all at once and tears escaped down your cheeks. Everything else was a blur as Druig worked to quickly patch you up. As you gained clarity, you slowly loosened your grip around him and the taste of iron lingered in your mouth.

By the time you opened your eyes again, there was a clean bandage around your arm. Druig stroked your hair as he quietly whispered your name, only loud enough for you to hear.

“Thank you for being here,” you managed out.

He took your right hand from his arm and pressed it to his lips, closing his eyes. “The cut was pretty deep so I had to stitch it. Don’t scare me like that again.”

“It better not leave a scar, Dr. Druig.” You tried to smile, but your lips didn’t want to cooperate. “Ow.”

He held your hand close to his lips. You felt his warm breath against your fingers. When he blinked his eyes open, they looked into yours. “It hurts me when I see you in pain.”

“Druig,” you started to say before he cut you off.

“I spent the last 30 minutes thinking of how to find and kill the person who did this to you,” he paused. “I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I-”

There was a knock on the door. Druig pressed his lips together and you cleared your throat.

“Come in,” you called.

The door swung open and Bucky’s tall and built frame was standing by the doorway with a white box in his hand. There was a small red cross marking on the box.

“Oh, I didn’t expect you to already have company,” he replied as he looked at you and eyed Druig on the couch.

“Hey Bucky,” you replied as you tried to get up from the couch. As you tried to prop yourself up, Druig immediately reached for your wrist and stopped you from getting up.

“You shouldn’t get up,” Druig muttered.

“He’s right,” Bucky replied. “I just wanted to make sure you were taken care of.” He glanced over to Druig. “Thanks, man. And I’ll be back to check on you later, okay?”

You nodded and Bucky closed the door on his way out.

“Are you close to him?” Druig asked not long after the door closed.

“Bucky has been helping me since I joined the team,” you answered.

Druig blankly stared at the door and you couldn’t read what he was thinking. There was a long pause before Druig spoke again.

“Can I stay with you for the night?”

Your eyes widened at Druig who was staring intently at you. “Wha- Um, tonight? You don’t need to do that. I should be okay.” Your face suddenly felt like it was burning up.

Druig closed the space between you and him. You stared at him as he placed his hand over yours. “I don't know how to describe how I feel when I am with you,” he started. “I want to be with you when I’m not with you. I’m in pain when you are in pain.”

You felt your heartbeat race in your chest.

“Can you help me? Because I can’t focus on anything else lately. Except you.”

His clear blue eyes caressed you. As you both studied each other in silence, time seemed to slow down. A small smile grew on his face causing tiny dimples that you fell in love with the moment you saw them.

He leaned in and your lips touched his for the first time. His lips gently pressed against yours and you kissed him back harder, reciprocating his confession. The kiss transformed from a gentle greeting between strangers to a desperate calling for each other. He devoured your lips as you fought to taste him. By the time you parted, both of you were trying to catch your breath like teenagers kissing for the first time.

“So is that a yes?” He asked in between catching his breaths.

Giggling, you replied. “Yes, you can stay the night.”

“Oh, good. But, no. I wasn't asking about that.”

You tilted your head in confusion.

And there it was again, the adorable dimples.

“Y/N, will you be my girlfriend?”

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A/N: Anon, thank you for the request! I didn't realize how much I had written when I finished this. I’ll be working on more requests I received so keep a lookout :)

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