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gingerale2017 · 5 days

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Toothbrush

Fluff <333 Words: 2k Pairing: Cinder Linh x Kai Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles Setting: Around a couple months Warnings: None that I know of Ao3 Link

Someone could tell Cinder her nerves were all fried and dead and she would believe them. In fact she was surprised they were still functioning because they felt like they were on fire.

She sucked in a breath before she forgot to but it was shaky. She mentally cursed. Considering how close her and Kai’s bodies were, she was certain he heard the wobbly sound.

They decided (meaning Kai dragged a willing Cinder) to dance with each other late in the night in Kai’s room, despite the Peace Ball being three nights ago, an event where she was actually forced to dance. Kai might have said they were dancing tonight but no one could call this dancing. Instead their bodies were so close together that would surely mold together soon as they swayed.

She kept her eyes low and focused on the button on his chest. She felt as if her whole body was in turmoil. Perhaps, if she didn’t look at I’m she won’t screw up. Kai, being so close, could probably feel the erratic speed of her heart and her failed attempts to control her breathing. She was also 95% sure her hand was shaking while he held it.

Kai, however, seemed perfectly calm, an emotion she envied very deeply in this moment. Perhaps he was lost in thought. Perhaps he was bored. Considering her lack of dancing skills, she reckoned he probably had enough with her.

He sighed suddenly, as if he were reading her thoughts, and the hand on her waist dug deeper into her back. He let go of their interlocked hands and guided hers to his neck. She gulped. He got impossibly closer as their chests met and their legs touched.

“Cinder, my love, you don’t have to feel so tense,” he murmured, speaking for only the third time this night. They haven’t been very talkative, and for good reason. This proximity messed with her ability to breathe, how could she even dare to speak?

“Tense? I’m relaxed.” She lied.

“Then look at me while we dance. I promise you won’t have to lie when you say that.”

Oh no. She had to resist his gaze.

Cinder chuckled awkwardly. “You talk as if your eyes are some magical item and can cure any disease whenever someone looks into them.” She said, still refusing to meet his eyes. She feared would melt or at least explode her brain.

Kai sighed again. “Darling.” he murmured, almost like he was chiding her. His hand travelled up her body in parallel to his whispers. She felt sparks from his trail, never pulling away, making her shiver. He reached her chin and tilted it up to his face. Oh no.

Their eyes finally met and her skin erupted in goosebumps. Kai’s eyes never failed to make her knees weak. A romantic copper that lit up brighter than anything else in is room. What was once the sight she failed to avoid was now the only thing she could look at. She couldn’t look away if she tried.

It was hard to believe Cinder had managed to date the Emperor if the Eastern Commonwealth, but if anyone could, it would be the Queen of Luna.

His fingers on her chin moved to caress her cheek. His touch was definitely one of the best things she experienced with him. Her stomach did repetitive somersaults yet it did not bother her. Instead, it excited her, warming her up in the best ways. He moved his hand back to her waist.

“Shall we start again?” he said, already starting to sway. She nodded.

She felt the grip of his hands on her waist the most. In fact, she was sure he was holding her hips now. He tried guiding her back and forth but she could barely think. His eyes muddled her thoughts. She kept messing up the footwork but he reassured her with a knowing smile.

The room started to get stuffy and hot real fast. Why’d she wear long sleeves anyway? With sweatpants? In this warm climate?

Back and forth. Side to side. Cinder forced herself to pay attention so she didn’t make a fool out of herself. Her breath came in short breaths that she worked hard conceal. But it was hard to focus when they maintained this kind of eye contact. It was intense and a little frightening, but soon enough Cinder reveled in it.

The atmosphere shifted so quick that she almost didn’t notice. Like it was almost… natural. Suddenly there was less observing and more doing. He would slowly drag his hands from her waist to her chest while drawing circles with his fingers. Her own fingers began entangled themselves in his hair, though it was different from her habitual curling. More pulling instead. They seemed to do this on their own. His eyes darkened with something she couldn’t recognize. It made her want to do something. Cinder’s hands dug deeper into his hair, hugging his face closer to hers. She could feel his breath tickle her mouth.

Warnings popped in her head. Thoughts we're impossible to form. Her eyes trailed to his mouth, carved elegantly on his face, and lips she wanted to kiss. Badly.

She looked up at him to find that he was starting at her lips which slightly parted at the discovery. He licked his own and started to lean in.

They met in the middle with a slow, enjoyable kiss that gradually got more passionate. Soon enough she was pulling at his hair, desperately kissing him without any thought of stopping. He pushed her back until she hit the wall. One of his hands grabbed her cheek while the other explored her lower body.

Kai left her mouth and started again on her throat, sowing kisses up and down on it. She gasped when he reached her collarbone, again when he squeezed her hip, and again when he returned to her lips. Cinder wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling more than content with his actions.

They slowed down a bit until they remembered air existed, panting extensively. His forehead bunched with hers and their lips illustrated matching flimsy smiles.

“I wasn’t expecting that.” She confessed. Truly, she was surprised, but now that she thought about all the signs he’d been giving she should have at least anticipated it. The right space, the forced warmer climate, the crimson on his cheeks, her mind recalled all of it and truly she should have known better.

“Me neither. I’m not disappointed though.” He gave her a tender kiss on her forehead.

“Neither am I.” A peck on the cheek.

“Can you ditch the guest room and sleep with your dance partner tonight?” Kai asked. He gave her his signature puppy dog eyes and double downed with a kiss on her jaw.

Cinder sighed. “I hope so, but I have to get my stuff. I always want to, you know.”

A kiss on her other cheek. He was starting to pick it up again, as if he was saying ‘all right, break over, time for part two, let’s go, let’s go!’.

“I know.” Kai barely grunted out, too preoccupied with sparking kisses on her neck. Cinder felt him care for the kisses he planted with careful detail before. He’d turn her neck into a rose garden soon enough and pick out her own flowers to give to her every morning. She subconsciously threw her head to give him more space. Her body obviously reacted kindly to his advancements. She never knew the lack of control she had over her body, or rather, the amount of control Kai had over hers. It was almost traitorous if she didn’t enjoy it.

“Kai, I have to get my toothbrush.” No response. He must’ve not heard her. Now paying attention to the signs, she realized he was lost in a passionate cloud.

He tried to push her even further on the wall that Cinder almost caved in. She decided she needed to put a stop to his activity before it went too far. Or, at least before he reached her lips because then she was confident she wouldn’t be able to control the consequences then.

Placing her palms firmly on his shoulders, she pushed gently until he realized what she was doing. His brow furrowed in confusion, then his eyes lost a little of its hungered haze. His face transitioned apologetically. “Sorry, I got a little carried away.” He straightened up. “So, will you spend the night with me, a handsome, charming, funny young emperor or in your dusty, unattractive, boyfriend-less room?”

She gave a dry laugh. “I already said yes but I need to get my toothbrush.”

He cocked his head. “At this point, just leave it here.”

“Well I need that among other things.”

“But it’s on a whole other floor!” He whined. Cinder held back a chuckle. He was unbearably cute when he couldn’t bear to be alone. “Borrow mine if you have to!” She forgot how desperate he gets. The best ego boost ever.

“I’ll be quick.” This time she made a move and pecked him on the nose. He tried to glare but his ears reddened. “I promise.”

She left her spoiled Emperor before he could complain about her absence and practically ran to her room to collect all her things. To be honest, she wasn’t sure if she could bear to be alone again either. After so much of Kai, she could barely imagine virtually none of Kai.

The Dark Days. They have been erraticated from her mind with no explanation. She wasn’t complaining.

Soon enough she was in front of Kai’s door with brushed teeth and fresh clothes.

When he opened the door he looked her up and down, lingering at certain moments, and raised an eyebrow. “Did you forget your toothbrush.”

“Uh, no, it’s in the bag.” She lifted a small tote bag that he was too blind to notice.

“You can always use mine.” He repeated. “It’s the same as kissing.”

“I can assure that it is not the same as kissing, and are the cause of many diseases.”

“Such as?”

She snorted. “Delusion. Which you don’t need more of.” She let herself in, forcing her way through Kai.

“Hey!” he countered. “On what grounds am I delusional?”

Sighing, she plopped herself on his bed. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s the fact that after I rejected to go to the ball with and you still persisted in asking me.”

“Well it worked out in the end, didn’t it?” Kai walked towards her in a very slow pace, as if he were executing some scheme.

“A revolution and a failed marriage later, it did.”

He reached the foot of the bed and crept on next to her as his goal. She gulped, a feeling of anticipation rose in her chest. “At least you’re here with me.” He inched closer until he was properly on top of her. “Safe.” He murmured, nearing her mouth. “Healthy.”

He suddenly grabbed her body, shocking her and inciting a surprised gasp. They flipped positions so that she was now on top of him. “And in my arms.”

A giddy and satisfied smile appeared on his face. She had the sudden need to wipe it off his face with her lips. More warnings lit up her vision and she blinked it away, along with the desirous thoughts. But they always lingered, like a short breath on a cold morning.

She didn’t know what to do with her arms, or her legs, or her waist. She was very much a ragdoll at this point and she wouldn’t have complained if Kai treated her as such. The only thing she could control was her head as it hovered over his. She had a feeling that if she didn’t kiss him, he would.

So she did. Slowly, tenderly, and mindfully. Her hands fired up again and found new places to trace on his chest. One of his hands got caught up in her hair while the other gradually palmed the skin of her waist. Cinder might’ve made a noise or two because Kai abruptly flipped them over again.

There was a ‘hmpth’ from one of them, she didn’t know who nor cared, and once again the kiss turned passionate. He pressed his body against her as the hand on her back slid up her shirt. He returned to her neck as her hands pulled on his pajama shirt. She felt repetitive and slightly painful tugs on her scalp as he tried to make more space for his mouth. It was more enjoyable than expected.

“Stars,” He muttered. She thought she imagined it until he kept going. “I love your neck.”

The words shocked her, even in that hungered haze. It made want to do something, to want more. She groaned as her hand grabbed his jaw and pushed it up until their lips met. She kissed him with a new type of craving, with the same type of desire from earlier. This is time she didn’t suppress it. Her metal hand slipped underneath his shirt and rubbed his back, while her fleshed one tugged his hair in a frenzy. More gasps and small noises were let out. Every time she heard her name escape his lips she would respond by kissing him on the sensitive part of his neck where she’d get more response out of. It gave her more drive to feel and peck his skin, to kiss and suck his lips, to whisper and murmur his name. Her heart pounding in her chest made it all the more intense, and even more so when she could feel his.

The more she thought about them, the more Cinder wanted to smile. While her lips were practically hovering over his ear, she couldn’t help but grin, then laughter spilled out. She dug her head into the crook of his neck, trying, and failing, to stop herself.

He pulled away so they met eye to eye. How he got underneath her, she couldn’t remember, but, stars, he was gorgeous in this angle. And his shirt was practically undone so her eyes couldn’t help but linger. She felt his soft fingers draw circles on the small of her back as he grinned up at her.

“What’s so funny, my love?” Kai asked. His voice was rough and lips plump from kissing for so long. It was surprisingly attractive. Well, it shouldn’t be surprising because almost everything about Kai is attractive, especially to her.

“I don’t know. I just felt like laughing.” She let out another giggle. “I feel so…” She paused, searching for the right word.

“Happy? Joyful? Bliss?” He offered.

“Euphoric.” She smiled, kissing his nose. She rather liked his nose, as she did his neck, and his face, and oh-so-mangificent eyes, and his elegant hands, and his intelligent voice, and his lips, oh stars his lips! She adored his lips, and how they felt against hers. Especially how they felt against hers.

Her gaze paused at the swollen sight, trying her best to swallow the urge to devour them again. Just how plump could they get anyway?

Kai had other plans. He grinned like an amazed artist satisfied with his work. He brought his hands to either sides of her bare hips, making her heart jump in excitement, and laid her down next to him.

Their eyes met for the thousandth time that night but in this moment she saw stars, galaxies, and universes of wonder in his.

“Kai?” She murmured, breaking the silence.

“Yes, my love?”

“I think I’m going to sleep here tonight.”

He smiled, eyes tinkling at the joke. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, my love.”

He pulled her close so they could fold on each other, limbs intertwining with limbs. She smiled as her cheek pressed to her chest. His leg rested on her hip and his hand played with her locks.

Not very long after, their hearts matched each other’s beats and they fell into a long and comfortable sleep.

A/N: So here's that one make out pic I promised to post... Whatever. Hope you like :D Tell me if you no like D:

Tagging: @just2bubbly @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @the-wee-woo-royal @deprivedmusicaljunkie @crescentchat @notjacinclay @wheresmymom-imlost @salt-warrior @rapunzelfromthemoon @briggycat @impossiblesuitcase @kaider-is-my-otp @definitelynotisabel (these are for my kaider ONLY fics so please ask if you want to be tagged or removed <3)

#tlc #the lunar chronicles #kaider #lunar chronicles #linh cinder #emperor kai #kaider fic #kaider fanfiction #tlc fic #tlc fanfiction #prince kai #marissa meyer #yipee

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impossiblesuitcase · 1 month

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hii, i don't know if you still accept requests, but i love your writing and as a huge TLC fan i would really like to read something like Kai finding out he was Cinder's first kiss, it's just an idea but i think it would be so cute!!

"Tell me," he begged, his hands slipping down her waist as she scrambled to escape.

"No!" Cinder tried in vain to wriggle away, but on this couch that was definitely not meant for two, she was pinned under Kai's weight.

"Why not?" he pleaded, eyes sad and mouth pouty. "I told you mine."

Hearing the dejection, she stilled. Looking up at him, she bit her lip, stroking her metal hand along the stubble on his 3-day post shave jaw.

She was cursing herself internally. Sure, Kai had been the one to suggest they play hooky and spend their afternoon watching netdramas instead of writing legislative briefs. Sure, Kai had been the one to choose a D-Grade retelling of their love story, "The Key to My Metal Heart." They'd turned it off after twenty-minutes because Cinder swore if she had to see 'herself' moan about how she had 'always been' desperate for a boyfriend, she would shoot someone. The writers, maybe. Herself. Her mean husband for torturing her in the first place.

Kai had done all this. But when the Kai onscreen tearfully confessed that he'd never even kissed a girl, Cinder had been the one to ask Kai to verify his first kiss. And so, naturally, he reciprocated the question.

He frowned, deflating. "I won't you make fun of you, if that's why you won't tell me."

She looked away. "It's embarrassing."

"The Kai in the movie said he had such bad body odour that girls would run away from him. It can't be that embarrassing."

When she looked to the coffee table, averting her gaze, Kai changed his tactic, wrapping his arms around her in a hug instead of a hold. He smushed his cheek against hers.

"It was you," she murmured.

At this admission, he turned his head, casting her a quizzical glance. "What's wrong with that?"

She shuffled back into the pillows. "You didn't kiss me back."

After a moment, he barked out a laugh. "Cinder, you kissed me in front of the entire ballroom of people after telling me Levana was going to kill me. I was understandably confused."

She scrunched her nose. Kai shifted, releasing her from his arms and kissed that nose. "I promise I wanted to. You just surprised me. You're good at that."

"You mean it?"

"Is your lie detector flashing?"

Seeing no orange light, she smiled, assuaged. "I should've told you it was someone else. To make you jealous."

"You loser."

But this time when she kissed him, he was definitely kissing her back.

#thank you!#im not doing full fic requests but i will occasionally do mini fics like this #the lunar chronicles #tlc #lunar chronicles #linh cinder #kaider #emperor kai

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just2bubbly · 1 month

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So apparently I decided to write fluff after a long long time and I'm quite proud of myself for that! :)

Masterlist

Romantic Diversions

Ship: Kaider

Words: 925

Genre: Fluff

Kai's Perspective:

Dhsam!

The door was opened with a loud bang which caused Kai to stir from his work. This uninvited disturbance gave rise to subtle anger and he was ready to pounce on the individual who had decided to barge in his cabin in such a dramatic fashion.

Regardless, he didn't do any of that since the person who was standing at the door was his own wife. He smiled at her sight, expecting the generic 'Did I disturb you?' from her but she had more surprising cards up her sleeves today. Her theatrical entry just led to an even bigger bouncy voice.

"I can't believe you did that?!" she cried as she pulled a seat before him. That phrase left him more baffled than ever. Cinder wasn't the one for dramatic flair if truth be told- he was the theatre kid out of the two.

"What did I do?" he questioned, the file he was working on completely forgotten.

"Look," she said as she passed the tablet to him. Kai was really curious about what he had done that had got Cinder so excited so he looked into the screen without asking any further questions.

The screen played a video:

"Your Majesty, would you like to say anything about the lack of apprehension-" some reporter asked before being interrupted by another.

Kai was not expecting to be chased by a mass of reporters as he flew back home. Alas, he was having a press conference in the airport parking lot right now and he definitely wasn't prepared for this one.

"Goodness, is that Dr Alan Coetze I see there," he exclaimed- seeing the familiar face of the scientist who talked in a language Kai wasn't quite fluent in. Cinder used to love watching his shows and Kai had seen them from time to time too.

"My wife, the Empress is a big fan of Dr Coetze. You would have to excuse me. I need to have his autograph. My wife would be sorely disappointed if I let down this chance," he explained as he tried making his way towards his saviour.

The press seemed taken aback by his words, having a hard time believing that it was the Emperor gushing about a European scientist who had just won the Nobel Peace Prize for his thesis.

"But you are the Emperor, Your Majesty-" someone argued, trying to put sense in him.

"So what? You don't have any idea how inconsiderate intelligent people are towards royalty," he noted. His arguments made little sense but he needed an escapade and this crazily intelligent man that was standing a few yards from him was going to give him exactly that.

"Your Majesty, you don't- "

"I understand it's your work but you do have to be a little understanding about my situation too. My anniversary is getting closer and what better gift than the autograph of Dr Alan Coetze. You would have to excuse me for now. However I promise you, there will be a press conference in New Beijing and I look forward to seeing you all there."

"Oh goodness!" Kai laughed and looked up, his wife's contagious smile made him smile more.

"I can't believe you said it!" she gushed again.

"Well, I had a flight to attend and the press wasn't going anywhere. I had to make some diversions," he elaborated, passing the tablet back to her. If he knew anything, he was sure this news was everywhere by now.

"You're telling me the world's best diplomat needed a romantic diversion?"

"You're never gonna let this one go, are you?" he asked, knowing very well the answer to that question, instead he focused on signing the bottom of the page.

"That isn't going to be the problem. Next press conference everyone is going to talk about this and this only," she pointed out, forgetting to mention that she too was going to make multiple jokes at his expense.

He glanced at her, thinking how if these small diversions were what made her smile ear to ear then Kai would be likely to commit more of them every now and then.

"Nothing that a small 'I love my wife' can't suffice."

"Which reminds me - you said 'my wife' so many times throughout the entire thing."

"I have a lovely wife. You can't forbid me from bringing her up all the damn time," he said.

"Stars, I can't believe you," she continued to say, glancing back at the video before whispering, "I love my wonderful husband too."

"Shh, don't let my wife hear about this. She gets quite protective," he smirked, throwing a wink in her direction.

That made her chuckle again as she leaned over the desk to whisper in his ear, "Where's my autograph, Your Majesty?"

He tipped to stare into her brown orbs and replied, "I think I said it was an anniversary gift."

Before closing the inches between the two, he murmured, "Wait your time kitten." Cinder captured his lips with hers, her hands holding the back of his neck. One of his hands spread across her cheek, as he deepened the -

Tring! Tring!

The kiss was cut short by the comm that rang through Cinder's tablet and both of them groaned over it.

"I'd see you at dinner," Cinder said, getting up from her seat. She was almost out of the door when she looked over her shoulder and announced, "I better have an autograph."

Kai chuckled at the demand and had a delighted feeling for having met the scientist that day.

A/N: Wrote this because I have got myself fixated on this power celebrity couple and they had a fun banter on the media and I couldn't help but imagine it for Kai and Cinder. It seems a lil unrelaistic but it's mostly the modern day alteration of the royalty and media. Hope you like it! <333

tagging: @gingerale2017 @salt-warrior @slmkaider @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @impossiblesuitcase @kaiderswell @kaider-is-my-otp @therealkaidertrash21 @fangirlforever0704

#kaider #just2bubbly fics #kaito #cinder linh #lunar chronicles #tlc #fanfiction #fluff #tlc fandom #marissa meyer #selene blackburn #kai #cinder

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chemicallyyourss · 2 months

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Cinder x Kai Ficlet/Headcanon inspo?

Id love if anyone had any little cute ideas for me to write about Kaider! A short fix idea, either a bit angsty, all fluff, slice of life, a specific headcanon, a quote you want me to draw inspo off of for a fic, etc. I really want to start getting back into writing and I feel like a very soft start may be best for me. I’m also interested in opening up my range of writings- I used to absolutely hate to write angst, and I specialized in slice of life and I guess it would be nice to challenge the themes I write in. I also wouldn’t necesssrily mind eventually writing more explicit scenes if anyone had any suggestions or requests, but soft starts first I’d say lol.

(also by angst I mean angst with a happy ending I swear to God if someone makes me write a death we’ll both drown to death in tears)

#the lunar chronicles #lunar chronicles #kaider #tlc #cinder #cinder x kai #linh cinder #marissa meyer #prince kai #fic writing #fic inspo #send me suggestions #please don’t make me cry #light angst #angst with a happy ending #i can’t take much more than that

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salt-warrior · 2 months

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please come back soon you’re literally my kaider life line

Oh homie, I will try my best for you (insert saluting emoji)

#honored to be your kaider lifeline #but have you read some of the other fic writers' kaider???#Just saying all of my sisters in kaider are killing it #anon<3

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kvieri · 10 months

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#any kaider fic #lunar chronicles

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kanerallels · 2 years

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😈🍦❌🎉 for the fic writer asks?

Thanks for the ask, vod! 😈: Has there been a point in a story when you did something just to be playfully mean to your readers? Ummm, every cliffhanger ever, probably?

🍦: What's the sweetest fic you've created so far? Oh that's hard. I love fluff, it's my favorite thing. But I'd say that my Steve Miller Rion fic is definitely up there, as is "Milkshakes and Mechanics" (my singular TLC fic) and "Beginnings of a Family"!

❌: Already answered here!

🎉: What leads you to consider a fic a success? I finish it. Although I'm usually pretty hyped if I can get a handful of comments!

Fan fic ask game!!

#thanks for the ask!!#fan fic ask game #tlc #kaider #the lunar chronicles #tlc fan fic #swr #the steve miller au #kanera

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chameliyun · 3 months

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Fic Rec Friday - #21

Intro post | tag

Rec #21: Saving Linh Peony - LaureWithoutOrder Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles Rating: T Pairing: background Linh Cinder/Kai Word count: 27,544 (in progress) Summary: Cinder manages to get to the New Beijing quarantines in time to save the life of her stepsister Peony, and the story changes as a result. Other notes: starts immediately after Cinder gets the letumosis cure from Dr. Erland, so I would highly recommend reading Cinder first lol bc the context is important. idk where exactly it's going and it's slow/sporadic updates, but worth reading for sure if you're interested in a universe where Peony doesn't die of the plague

#fic rec friday #fanfiction #ao3 #fandom: lunar chronicles #rating: t #pairing: background kaider #word count: 25-30k #in progress

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therealkaidertrash21 · 2 months

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i was just trying to find a kaider scene, that I thought was in Winter, and it turns out IT DOESN'T EXIST. it was just a fic I took as cannon, and I think I read it recently but I don't know WHO wrote it.

#it was like Kai walking Cinder to her room while she was still recovering #tlc #the lunar chronicles #lunar chronicles #thelunarchronicles #marissa meyer #tlc tag #cinder #linh cinder #prince kai #kaider #emperor kai #emperor kaito #prince kaito

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wassupnye · 2 months

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I get super giddy when kaider kiss moments in fics are written and drawn out with detail

#kaider #linh cinder #the lunar chronicles #tlc #prince kai #tlc cinder #cinder

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gingerale2017 · 6 days

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Only You Can Mend My Heart of Glass

Fluff/ Angst... mostly angst <3 Words: 8k (WOAH THAT SHOCKED ME) Pairing: Cinder x Kai Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles Setting: Modern AU where Cinder has already been traumatized once, and they are married and share a last name :)

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Torture, kidnapping, grunts of pain? (Oh, and very lazy editing, especially after Kai leaves!) AO3 Link <3

In recent days, Cinder had been waking up with a smile on her face. Nightmares of dead sisters and fake mothers with shotguns finally began to leave her alone. Now she was left with fantasies of suburban households with large playrooms and nurseries with comfy cradles.

Yet, the smile that warmed her face this morning was most likely a consequence of last night. She opened her eyes slowly, getting used to the minimal light the window covered by the blinds provided. Staring upwards, she could see the top of their bedpost, the white ceiling, and the modern fan. Kai was always hot and Cinder didn’t mind the temperature, so the fan was usually on, but it stayed still this morning. They definitely were too caught up last night to remember temperature preferences.

She turned her head to face her husband who was still asleep. Her smile only softened as she traced the features of his face with her eyes. His face looked like a Renaissance painter’s masterpiece in her eyes, one that she had memorized, analyzed, and wondered at countless times. She interpreted his every expression, when he’d make them, and what they would mean. She wiped his tears and even wiped her own with his neck. She kissed every ridge and touched every bump on his body. If he was an unknown land, she was an explorer who discovered and researched every territory, reporting both the good and the bad.

Yawning, she intuitively knew it was around five in the morning, just in time for the sunrise. Good, he needs his sleep. The bags under his eyes looked a little too deep to be healthy. Smirking to herself, she knew exactly what Kai would say if he found her awake in these hours. He’d have the same reason she had for him not waking up. Stretching as quietly as possible, she scouted the room for a shirt. Kai’s discarded button-up was the closest thing she could grab. Luckily, it was one of her favorite items of his to wear.

Cinder rolled out of bed without pulling and blankets and quickly put on his shirt. She stood up, smiling in success, and gave Kai a celebratory kiss.

“Don’t wake up.” She whispered, but she knew he couldn’t hear her. He didn’t even stir.

Before she headed downstairs to watch the sunrise, she stopped by his wardrobe for a pair of boxers and sweats, and happily glided down the stairs.

The aesthetic of the interior design of their little condo was created via the genius of Iko’s love for fashion, and Kai’s perfectionist tendencies. Though Cinder couldn’t offer much because of her horrible eye for fashion, she loved her home.

Following her routine for these types of mornings, she prepared hot water for Kai’s tea and made a coffee for herself. The sun continued to be stubborn while the water heated, so she paid a visit to Kai.

He shifted his position from his side to lying on his stomach while hugging a pillow, back muscles on full display. Cinder told herself not to ogle much on his gorgeous back and limited herself to one (only one?!) kiss on his shoulder. Maybe one more on his smushed forehead, but that was it. He continued not to stir. Triumph!

Finally, the first rays of sunlight revealed themselves through the humble windows. Already, she could feel herself waking up as her body yearned for the warming light.

She raced out of their room and positioned herself on the ledge under one of the windows with a mechanic’s manual and another cup of coffee.

The beauty of the sky was enough to hush crying toddlers and bring an old man to tears. Colors danced in the sky, clouds worshipped the sun, and landscapes were heightened to their full beauty. No, she’d never get tired of witnessing this phenomenon, it was worth the lack of sleep.

And before she knew it, her mechanic’s manual was marked up and the sky turned baby blue.

Her stomach rumbled, signifying it was time for a bowl of cereal.

As she poured milk into a bowl of honey nut cheerios. Her mind wandered to the surprises she had planned today. Excitement grew in her stomach as she went over the itinerary and schedule for today. He was going to love it, for sure.

As if on cue, arms suddenly grabbed Cinder’s waist and her feet left the ground for two seconds. She yelped, her pitch high enough for bats to get confused.

She felt soft, quick, little kisses moving along the length of her neck. She giggled uncontrollably as his hands squeezed her waist even harder. He began to exaggerate kissing noises as he tried to claim her neck with his lips as his mark as if he hadn’t already thousands of other times.

“Good morning to my beautiful, genius, early bird, perfect, wonderful, pretty, petty, and I’m running out of adjectives to describe my amazing wife.” Her husband greeted her while very gently nipping the places he pecked. More of this and her neck will be glaringly red.

She laughed. “Kai!”

“How’s my lovely wife today?” He murmured, starting on the other side of her neck. She instinctively leaned into him, practically begging him not to stop.

“Mmh. Alright, I guess.” She couldn’t even remember his question.

He turned her around. Stars Above, was his smile not the most wondrous thing ever created? He was so cute.

Pressing his forehead to hers, he asked another question. “Aren’t you going to ask your husband how he’s doing?” His copper eyes were enough to awe even the most stubborn.

She barely formed her answer. Stars, she was surprised she could form audible, coherent words. “I was if my husband was a little more patient.” She challenged him back by refusing to look away. Sometimes, she was able to stun him, and it always felt like her greatest achievement.

“It’s quite a shame then because your husband is having a wonderful morning.” He pulled suddenly, smiling wider (if possible).

“Today is going to be a great day, my love. I can feel it.”

“I’ll make sure of it.” She bit her lip, pulling him back to her again. “I have lots of surprises planned today.”

Kai’s gaze became a fraction more intense. “Oh? May I ask what kinds?”

“Then they wouldn’t be surprises, dummy.”

His small smile will be the death of her. “Can you spoil a surprise right now?” He lightly whispered against her ear, nudging her cheek with his nose.

He breathed her name slowly and pulled her waist tight with his. As soon as he kissed her, she felt herself unravel. She turned her head to his and kissed him fully on the lips, pulling at his hair. He grunted in pleasure and licked her bottom lip.

She whispered his name in between breaths and in response he sat her on the counter, somehow missing the bowl of cereal she had been preparing.

He dug himself into her, enveloping Cinder fully. Their breaths became more desperate as she kissed him harder. Caressing his cheek with her hand, she guided him to stay on her lips. He liked to linger down on her collarbone and neck often, and to be honest, so did she, but today she wanted the focus on her lips. They couldn’t get too carried away, not today at least.

Kai, however, did not take the hint and kept devouring her, as if last night wasn’t enough. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he nurtured her lips to flourish. The temptation to let him carry her away was much stronger than she expected, and she knew a little more of this would end her resolve. So she pulled away with a mocking smirk and pecked the tip of his nose.

He looked down, blinking the haze away and through the confusion. Only now did she notice his work attire was only half-put together. His tie somehow fell on the floor (she suspected it was never tied), his blazer was nowhere to be seen, and his button-up lacked buttoning. None of it was her fault, she was sure.

“It can’t be earlier than six thirty now and if continue on the path I think we’re headed on, then you will be late.” She let her hand glide up his chest as if to comfort him.

His face dropped as he continued to look at her desirously, not helping to cease her shivers. “This is a crime. You’re making me wait on my birthday.”

Cinder laughed. “What is a crime is your lack of patience.” She leaned in to tease him while brushing his chin and he fell for it. He sighed, closing her eyes and breathing her in, ready to kiss. She jerked away and stood up from the counter. Kai lost his balance and held onto her for support.

Cinder broke into laughter, digging her face into his neck. She kneeled to pick up his discarded (and decidedly unloved tie).

“That works,” Kai remarked. Flushing, she stood up immediately to glare at him.

“Trust me, tonight will be worth it.” She winked, wrapping the thin piece of fabric around his neck. “I made a couple of things for you to decorate your office with-”

“Aw, darling, I love it when you make me things.”

“-and our friends are gonna pay a short visit.” Once she completed the first step of tying his tie, she glanced at him to see a joyfully radiant smile. Cinder grinned to herself. He liked it.

“Will there be cake?” He asked. She resisted rolling his eyes as her husband was no better than a small kid. She continued her task.

“Yes, babe, there will be cake.” A big loop.

“And a party?”

“Right here, with all our friends.” Through the loop.

“And time for plenty of cuddling and kisses with my beloved wife?”

Cinder smiled softly. “Anything for my beloved husband.” Tighten the strands. “It is his birthday after all.”

“Hm. How is a pretty girl like you married to such an old guy?”

“Thirty is not old at all!” She pat his chest. “And I’m not pretty enough to be dating cougars.”

Kai huffed, scrunching his eyebrows. “What does that even mean?”

“Well, you know how the most gorgeous models are dating, like, practically dead men?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m not that level of pretty for that level of decay to be attracted to me.” She had no clue what she was saying.

Kai smothered his giggle. “Oh, darling, I’m sure the most crusty, old, wheel-chair bound man will fall in love with your beauty. If I were in that position, I would.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “Can we scrap this conversation? I don’t even know where we’re going with this.”

“Yes, please.” He agreed.

They stood in their small kitchen with their foreheads pressed against each other. She could’ve stayed there for a lifetime if he didn’t pull away.

“Hey.” He murmured, pulling away.

“Hey.” She smiled, pressing her chin to her chest.

“Will you come with me to work today? I don’t know.” Kai whispered. She chewed her bottom lip. “I had this weird feeling all of the sudden, and I don’t want anything happening to you-”

Cinder him off with a soft laugh. She knew how these past few months had been hard on him. All of his anxiety centered around her and something bad happening to her. He’d been the primary one to care for her after her sister died and her stepmother accidentally killed herself. He found Cinder hyperventilating, trying to keep Adri alive by putting pressure on the wound. He scrubbed blood, dirt, and grime off her body. He coaxed her through panic attacks and nightmares. It must have been so hard for him to go through that, and he never told anyone that he was struggling. Cinder had to find that out by herself.

“Nothing will happen to me, I promise. I can’t go with you, love, I’m sorry. I’m stuck preparing your birthday surprises.” She reassured.

Kai sighed, holding her hand to his cheek, and gave it a small kiss. “I understand. I’ll see you later then?”

“Of course. I love you.”

“I love you darling. You are my everything, don’t forget that.”

“Do you always have to out-love me?” Cinder whined.

“Stay safe.”

Kai left for work soon after, and Cinder was left alone. Usually, she’d go and work as a mechanic around this time, but today she had tasks to complete.

She made sure the floors were crumb-less, and the windows spotless. Everyone confirmed their arrival time. 6:30. She had all day to finish everything.

Once she finished cleaning the house, she left for the grocery store. There was a nicely done charcuterie board for sale, along with sangria and red wine. She needed chips, non-alcoholic drinks, dessert, and of course, cake. After she grabbed everything save for the main attraction, she headed to the bakery.

It was here while watching the baker write Kai’s name on the chocolate cake that Cinder got the call that will haunt her forever. It was the third worst call she ever received, second being Peony’s death, and first being a much, much worse one.

She felt the dread Kai must’ve felt that morning, as if something horrible will happen. Recognizing the number from their company, she picked up. “Hello?”

“Mrs. Prince? Sorry to disturb you, but is Mr. Prince with you by any chance?”

She glanced at the baker in confusion. “No. Why?”

“It may be for a silly reason but we can’t seem to find your husband.”

The silence following was overwhelming. Cinder had to force herself to calm down because she could feel her panic start to spiral. “What?” She barked. “What do you mean you can’t find my husband?”

“Well, he isn’t picking up his phone, ma’am, and not even Torin can find him.”

She pinched her forehead with her fingers. “Hold on, let me try calling him.”

She hung up quickly and called her husband, but he never picked up.

“Miss? Your cake is ready. Is it good or do you want me to fix anything?” The baker said in a sweet voice.

“Thank you. Can you box it up please?”

“Of course.”

Cinder decided to check out as a way to convince herself this is just a big misunderstanding. Maybe he’s taking a nap and his phone died or something silly. Yet her fingers kept trembling and the strands of her hair continued to be annoying. She stayed in contact with the company the whole time and they kept asking her if she heard from him. Clearly, if she was asking them about Kai’s whereabouts, she didn’t know Kai’s whereabouts!

Their panicked Once she paid she flew to her car and called Torin.

“Cinder, stay calm.” He greeted in a baritone.

“Did you find him?!” She cried as she sped down the street.

“No, not yet-”

“What even happened?! How can no one find him?!” Her panic made were swerve through lanes. When a car honked at her she screamed: “Get off the road!” Strange since she was never the one for road raging.

“Cinder, please calm down!” She took the chance to breathe deeply at a red light. “He was in his office taking calls one moment and gone the next. I am quite shocked to his disappearance as well.”

“Any guessed as to where he could be?” She asked. Torin paused, and Cinder nearly drove her car into a tree.

“He either fell asleep in the storage room or..” He paused.

“Or what?” She pressed. He didn’t answer. “Torin, or what?!”

“I may be wrong, hopefully I am, but I fear your husband has been kidnapped.”

Cinder froze. Thankfully, she was already in her neighborhood or else she would have crashed into someone else.

“Cinder, this is a reach. I don’t think anything bad happened.” He tried to comfort her.

“No, you think this is the most likely answer, or else you wouldn't have hesitated.”

He sighed, the stress obvious even through the phone. “Just stay home Cinder. Everything will be okay.”

Being left alone was not the right choice for Cinder. She drove herself crazy with horrible theories. Pacing non-stop around the condo, she told all her friends about Kai. Iko resolved to come asap, as did Thorne and Cress. The rest said they’d check in and try not to storm her. She was grateful.

Not even ten minutes later Torin called again.

Heart racing, she answered. “Hello?”

His voice sounded dejected, heartbroken and tired. She knew exactly how he felt. “I think we need to get the police involved.”

Her heart dropped. Her mind spiraled, her hand shook uncontrollably, she even dropped to her knees. She rubbed her stomach in an attempt to calm herself. She spoke in an assured voice. “Ok. I’ll call them.”

Even through shaking fingers, she dialed 911. “Hello, this is 911, what is your emergency.”

“Hi, my name is Cinder Prince and my husband is missing.”

Hours later there were lights outside the condo and people inside. This was not the type of gathering she expected tonight yet all her friends were here along with Torin and police. They questioned everyone there multiple times and no one had not one lead. Kidnapping, though, became the lead reason to his disappearence. Reasons: He’s the CEO of a major company with many loved ones and nor very skilled at self-defense.

Cinder sat on the couch with Iko rubbing her back and Scarlet offering her water.

“Breathe, Cinder. Everything’s gonna be okay.” Scarlet assured.

Cinder hunched over with her hand buried in her hair. Slowly rocking herself, she cursed and sat up. Scarlet and Iko shared a look, no doubt noticing how eerily similar this situation to the one a couple months ago with Peony.

“I’m fine.” Cinder assured, taking a swig of Scarlet’s water. “He’s fine. We’re all fine.”

Iko gave her a worried look and hugged her. “We should go to a club after this all passes. Dance the shock off.”

Cinder laughed but there was no humor in it. Winter and Jacin walked up to the girls.

“How are you feeling, dear cousin?” Winter inquired.

“Horrible, but managing.” How she managed to not break down screaming, she didn't know.

Jacin grimaced. “Winter and I need to go check on something very important. We’ll be right back.”

She blinked, feeling like a jerk for not caring about whatever mini emergency they might have. “Take your time.”

The smiled and left.

Scarlet excused herself to go to her husband. Now left alone with Iko, Cinder felt herself start to crack.

“Iko,” She murmured, focusing on the corner of the TV. “I can’t do this again.”

Her friend knew exactly what she meant. “Nothing is happening again, ever.”

“I barely survived the first time. If I lose K-” Cinder’s voice cracked. The surge of emotions that she had ignored all morning came bursting forth like a geyser. Iko tightly pulled her close as she sobbed in her shoulder. “If I lose him, I lose myself.”

“You won’t lose him. If I have to go track him down in the sewers like a bounty hunter, I will. He’ll be back soon, you’ll see.” Iko’s words always brought comfort to Cinder’s pain. They spent years comforting each other through Adri’s abuse and Peony’s pain that they knew the best methods of making the other feel better.

This time they did little to calm Cinder’s panic. “You don’t understand. When Peony died, I died. He brought me back to life. So did you, of course, but he was there for me the most. If he dies, I die. There’s no one to bring me back to life again. I live for him. I work, and I clean, and I laugh, and I breathe for him. I love you, Thorne, and everyone else for him. Because of him. If he dies, I die.”

“Listen to me Cinder. No one is dying tonight.” Iko squeezed her hand but she continued.

“He’s probably lying in a ditch, window glass everywhere, stuck in his car, bleeding out right now. On his birthday!” She began to sob. “He asked me to go to work with him and I said no because I wanted him to have a good birthday, especially after everything he’s done for me. This is cruel. Evil. And it’s all my fault Iko. I- I killed my husband, the only person who would put up with me-”

“Cinder! Please snap out of it!” Iko cried. “You’re overwhelmed and spiraling, enough.” Iko gave her a moment to calm down. Once her breaths became more even, her friend spoke. “Your mind is causing you to say false things. Kai isn’t dead. I have a feeling you’d know once he passes. Do you know?” Cinder shook her head. “Good. Two, he isn’t the only one capable of resurrecting you. I will try hard as hell to pump your heart again and you know how relentless I am. Besides, there’s a room full of people who love you who would do anything to bring you back to life, am I wrong? Exactly. Three, if anything, stars forbid, happens, it will not be your fault. We aren't going down this road again. Promise me you won’t blame yourself. Promise me, Cinder.”

Cinder hesitated. “I promise.” She murmured, barely audible.

“Good.” Iko hugged Cinder tight again. “Everything will be okay. I’ll be here for you no matter what, okay?”

“Okay.”

Just then Cinder felt a vibration in her pocket. Frowning, she pulled her phone out. Little did she know she’d receive the worst call in her entire life.

She answered the phone on speaker. “Hello?” Her voice shook.

“Is this Mrs. Prince?” A deep voice greeted her.

“Yes, this is she. Who are you?”

“I suggest you go somewhere private.” She gave Iko a weird look. Her friend nodded.

After settling herself in a small corner of her condo, she spoke. “Okay. Tell me who you are now or I’m calling the police.”

“I don’t think you want to do that.”

“Why not? Who are you?!”

“Because your husband wouldn’t agree, isn’t that right Mr. Prince?” The entire world froze. She felt ice climb up her veins, overtaking her whole body.

There was movement on the other end of the line, a sound of someone choking and then a voice she loved more than anyone else’s.

“CINDER?! CINDER!!” Kai cried.

She couldn’t even sob. Dread filled her body and strangely enough, so did relief. He wasn’t dead. She hasn’t lost him yet. Her voice trembled. “Kai?”

“CINDER! Whatever you do, don’t listen to them, they’re lying-” He was stopped abruptly by a sickening, flesh-sounding noise. She gasped, in shock. They struck him. They hurt the love of her life. Kai groaned in pain, causing rage to replace everything she had been feeling before.

“KAI! Touch him again and I swear I’ll kill you!” She screamed. Everyone in the room ran towards her but she could only focus on what was on the other side of the line.

The police motioned something to her but she couldn’t interpret them.

“Now, let’s not make empty threats, Cindy.” There was a grunt and cry of pain. She suspected they were pulling his hair or something. Quickly that rage submitted into desperation.

“STOP IT!” She wailed. “Leave him alone! He didn’t do anything wrong!”

“You’re absolutely right, Cindy-”

“Don’t call me that. Let him go. I’ll find you.”

There was a loud slap and a sharp whimper. Her heart shattered out of her chest. She could almost see her broken, beaten down expression from the shards of her glass heart.

“Mrs. Prince!” The officer barked. “Tell us what is going on!”

Cinder continued to push out the world. She choked on the sound of his cries. Another punch and Kai gasped for air. She imagined him breaking down, bleeding, murmuring her name. Her guts twisted in agony, her throat uttered in pain. It should be her in that chair, not him. It never should have been him.

“Whay do you want?” She pleaded. “Money? We have money, just stop hurting him.”

“No, my mistress wants something more valuable.”

“Anything, just leave him alone.” There was a clatter in the background.

“Nah.” He said lightly, as if hurting another human brought him delight What a sick, twisted man. “It’s for the video I’m making you. I’m sure it will liven up the bedroom, if you know what I mean.” A kick to Kai’s body, another grunt in pain

She shut her eyes so tight they might have ruptured. “You’re messed up.” She murmured.

“It’s why I have this job. I love torturing entitled bitches like you. I love watching your fake ‘tough’ outer skin break.”

There was a muffled yell in the background followed by another gut-piercing slap.

“Tell your husband to shut up or I will.”

“What do you want?” She asked again. “Tell me that and I will give it to you.”

He laughed. “Simple. Your inheritance.”

She scoffed. “My inheritance? Is this a joke?”

“You are a Blackburn, are you not?”

“A disowned one. The wouldn’t give me cent.”

“Ah, that’s where you’re wrong, Cindy. In your mail, which I doubt you checked, you’ll find a contract listing all your holdings in Prince Organization, and anything you have in Blackburn Industries.”

She forgot about Blackburn Industries. After her mother died, she owned quite a bit of the twisted business, but like that horrible part of her life, she blocked it out. She remembered her aunt Levana needing her part of the inheritance to take control of everything, but at that point, she was long gone. What she did know, though, is that if her aunt took control of the whole company, lot’s of innocent people will suffer.

She held the phone away and asked one of the officers to check the mail. They left right away. “The Prince Organization is not my inheritance, I got some of it when I married Kai. Marital rights and all that.”

“I know, it’s not on the contract. I just wanted a tip.”

Cinder couldn’t do this for much longer. S

Even breaths, in and out.

“If I sign this, you’ll let him go?”

“As long as you personally deliver it, you have my word.”

The man hung up, leaving Cinder a void of a human. Once she got the energy to speak, she explained the situation to everyone.

The officer who checked the mail came back with the contract that contained everything the man said it would be.

“Don’t sign anything yet.” The police instructed. “Let us investigate everything first. If they call again, tell us.”

Cinder nodded as Iko and Cress guided her to take a seat.

“That’s absolutely disgusting.” Cress remarked. “How is it possible for anyone to be that cruel.”

Cress blinked back tears while Thorne comforted her. “Kai’s a strong guy, he’s been through a lot. He’ll endure, I’m sure.” He said.

“Hey.” Scarlet said, seating herself next to Cinder. “Why don’t you take a short bath or shower, fresh yourself up. You’ll feel better afterwards, trust me.”

“What if they find something while I’m gone.” Cinder protested. “I can’t just leave.”

“You won't leave, we’ll come and get you right away.” Argued Scarlet.

After some protest, Scarlet and Wolf hauled Cinder to her bathroom.

“Try to relax your mind. Anxiety won’t help the situation at all.” Then her friends left.

Baths were Kai’s method of soothing her. That horrible night when both her sister and step-mother died, Kai had singlehandedly bathed and took her of an unresponsive Cinder. The trauma had left Cinder in a state of shock for several hours and Kai had to drive her home, up the stairs, and in the bath. Blood cakes her entire body and every time she looked at herself she’d freeze and recount everything that happened step by step. That loop replayed in her mind for hours and the next thing she remembered was Kai in the tub, fully clothed and wrapped around her. That was her first crack of the night. She seemed to sob in his chest forever.

He did a good job with scrubbing all the blood out. He managed to wash her hair too, though she didn’t remember it. He’d talk about his job, the nice old secretary he hired, their finances. He made jokes, not good ones but the kind that are so bad you have to laugh at it. It took her a while for her even smile again, and when she did, it was with him. She was happy again because of him.

Cinder dunked her head in the water and screamed. She let frustration, anger, desperation, depression, and anxiety fuel her throat. She couldn’t think about Kai anymore, she’s supposed to be relaxing. She and him had picked up bathing as a calming process following panic attacks, stress, anxiety, or even just a bad day. Though they bathed separately, it was always more effective when together.

Sighing, she quickly started to wrap up the bath when she got a call. Though it didn’t make her top three of worst calls, it was still up there.

A cold ominous feeling seemed to replace the warm water in the bath tub. Cinder dried her hand and slowly picked up the phone. Somehow she knew this call was important.

“Hello?” She answered with a shaky breath.

There was a pause then a sigh. “You’ve taken your time getting back to us.” Replied a smooth feminine voice. “I take it you want to negotiate?”

The voice sounded horribly familiar. The voice that haunted her life. The voice she had pushed so far down that she couldn’t remember who it belonged to.

Fear seized her body. She gripped the edge of the tub to steady herself. “What do you mean?”

The woman laughed. “Don’t act stupid, Selene, er- Cinder is it?”

She squeezed her eyes out of her forgotten birth name. Had this woman checked her medical records? Who is she? Why would she go to such lengths.

“What do you want?” Cinder demanded. “Give me back my husband!”

The woman tittered. “You’re not in the right place to negotiate that kind of stuff, girl. I could have my men hurt your dearest even more?”

“Why are you doing this?” Cinder panted.

“I’m running out of patience and I need your finances. This isn’t the worst thing I’ve done, so don’t worry.”

Cinder paused and recollected her thoughts. “You said you wanted to negotiate. All I want is my husband back. What can I do to achieve that.”

“You know what to do, yet you’re reluctant to give it to me. I don’t want you to negotiate, I want you to do as you’re told.”

“My inheritance? It’s practically useless once my relatives find out I’m giving it away.” This conversation only solved to further her confusion.

“I just need your signature, then it will be out your my hands.” The voice sighed. “If you need my word, it shall be yours.”

“I’ll think about it.” Cinder mumbled, unsure of to say.

“Well, make your decision fast because in thirty minutes we’ll move to harsher punishments on your husband. I’ll have my men call you so you won’t miss out on anything. Goodbye, Mrs. Prince.” The woman hung up with a laugh.

Dumbstruck, Cinder sat in the tub with a slacked jaw. Once again, she could not believe this was happening. Soon enough, she’ll wake up, right?

Once reality became clear again, she hustled out of the bath and tried to get downstairs as soon as possible.

“Cinder, what’s wrong?” Scarlet stopped her frantic run. Her caring friend must’ve notice the desperation on her face. “What happened? Did they call you again.”

“Yes.” She breathed. “I think is was the person in charge this time. She said in thirty minutes they’re gonna hurt Kai with more painful methods, I can’t let that happen. I have to save him.”

Cinder rushed to the kitchen island where she had last seen the fateful papers.

“Where’s the contract?!” She yelled.

“The police took it when they left like two minutes ago.” Iko explained.

Only then did she notice there were no blue uniformed officers around. She spun. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was about to knock when you came rushing out.”

“Where’ they go? And why?” Cinder asked, voice rising again. Her anxiety and fear were moving too fast in her head to keep up with.

This time Thorne walked up to her and steadied her shoulders. “They said they had a lead and ran out to pursue it.”

“And they didn’t tell me?”

“They wanted to but they had no time.” Thorne frowned and pulled her close. “All you need to do now is breathe and to have faith that they will find him. This is hard for all of us too, Cinder. We’ll get through it together.”

She leaned against his chest, hiding tears from her friends. They were so good to her and so calm. They must think her crazy or overreactive. They were correct, of course. What she needed was to get her mind straight and collected. She need to swallow one worry at a time instead of swallowing all at once. That way, she won’t do something stupid and make this situation worse.

Once she gathered herself, she pulled away. “Ok. You’re right, Thorne.” Then she smiled and turned to her friends. “Thank you guys for being here, I don’t know how crazy I could’ve gone without you.”

Crests smiled reassuringly back and walked up to grab her hand. “C’mon, everybody, let’s go sit down.”

As they settled around the living room, Cress went to make some calming tea. Scarlet sighed, pulling out a metal flask. “I fear I might need something stronger.”

Cinder couldn’t help but snort as Thorne agreed. “Ditto.” She wasn’t much for drinking but when Cress handed her tea, she motioned for Scarlet to pour some in.

“Oh crap!” She slapped her head. “I forgot I can’t drink.” She put the mug down and Cress walked back to refill it.

“Why not?” Scarlet asked. But Iko’s eyes went wide.

“Don’t tell me you’re-” Iko started but Cinder cut her off with a nod. Hands flew to her mouth. “Oh my stars, Cinder.”

“What? You’re what?” Wolf said leaning in.

“I’m not following.” Cress said, sitting down.

“Well, I only found out two weeks ago, which was really convenient because his birthday was so soon and I planned to surprise him now in front of everyone.” Cinder smiled go herself. “He would’ve been so happy. That was the biggest surprise I had in stock for him.”

“Aces and spades, Cinder. You’re pregnant.” Thorne concluded. Cinder only nodded in agreement.

Scarlet sat up to hug her. “Congratulations, Cinder. I know how hard you guys worked to do this. Oh, I’m so proud.”

“It’s bittersweet, you know. He should be here.”

“He will soon enough.” One by one each of her friends congratulated her and tried not to be over excited. Cinder was happy she remember the good news in spite of the bad.

“Good luck with the newborn years.” Thorne cautioned. “Especially if you get two like us. Expect no sleep.” Cinder laughed.

“I’d say the toddler years are worse. You’re not exactly there yet, Thorne.” Wolf argued.

“I say it all depends on the baby. Thomas was a fighter as a newborn, but Michelle stayed consistently feisty. Mara is very quiet.” Added Scarlet. “The twins are somehow natural opposites.” She laughed to herself.

“Yes, I’ve notice how Michelle is so social but Mara very kept to herself.” Cress agreed. “My twins are like that, but they love being near each other.”

“Well, my girls love their older brother and their father.” Scarlet said with a quick look at Wolf. “They go wherever the men go. Which is such a shame because they get spoiled to death.”

“Aw.” Iko squealed. “How could you not spoil them with those faces.”

Scarlet smiled warmly. “Believe me, it is very difficult to say no to them sometimes.”

“But they need character, Scar.” Wolf muttered, kissing Scarlet’s forehead. She looked at him as if they shared an inside joke.

“Yes, they do, hun.” Scarlet murmured back.

After watching the couple’s intimacy, Cinder felt her heart begin to slice apart. She wished Kai’s arms were around her neck right now, kissing her cheek and telling her what a great surprise this wd. And his reaction to her news? Stars above, he would’ve not been able to quit bouncing off the walls. A ghost of a smile graced her lips as she imagined them holding each other in bed after everyone had left storming up names. After they’d come up with something serious, he would say Matchia or Matchi which would we short for matcha green latte. Oh, aces and spades, she loved him. Oh, stars, she missed him. Oh, on her poor torn-up heart, please let him be okay. Please let him come back to her, or, at the very least, let her go to him.

At that moment, in the midst of her inner plea, Winter and Jacin stormed through the door without knocking. The group stared at them with confusion, and desperate curiosity. The lot hungered for news about their friend, and based and the couple’s expressions, it looked like they had an answer.

For a while, they took each other in. Winter’s usually never pulled back hair. Jacin’s blond locks in pure chaos. Cinder’s disheveled posture. A broken heel. A bottle of rum. A stack of papers in a flushed pale hand.

At last, Winter broke the analyzation. “Cinder.” She breathed. At once, Cinder felt goosebumps create ridges all over her body. Whatever her cousin was to say next was going to destroy her entire existence, or prevent her world from ending. “There’s a lot I need to share with you, but first, Kai is okay.”

Cinder felt the pressure of her body tighten in disbelief. She stared at Winter in shock. Then, with a shuddering chin, she spoke in a vulnerable, haunted voice. “He’s okay?”

Winter nodded encouragingly and wrapped her arms around Cinder. They couldn’t stop the tears that flowed through in each eye. Around the two, their friends got up and hugged each other in relief. As Cinder quietly sobbed in Winter’s clothes, her cousin whispered in her ear. “We know who did it.”

As she blinked tears away, her nerves revived and turned more aware. “Who?” She whispered, her voice hungry for an answer.

“The same person who murdered your stepmother.” Immediately, Cinder pulled away with a furrowed brow.

“What happened to my stepmother was an accident.” She asserted.

“No, it was quite intentional. We found proof of the whole situation being set up. In Adri’s mind, she was going to pretend to attempt suicide in front of you so you could be rattled up enough and easily taken advantage of in that state. The death of your sister only doubles your trauma and weaken your mental strength.” Winter looked at her intensely.

“Why would she do that?” Cinder murmured.

“She was offered quite a lot of money.”

“Enough for her to settle peacefully for the rest of her life.” Jacin butt in. His interruption made it clear that the whole room was listening to their conversation. Cinder didn’t mind though, and motioned for Winter to keep talking.

“But the safety on the gun was malfunctioning on purpose. She was meant to die to shake you up even more. And to get rid of evidence I suppose.”

Cinder rose up from the couch, mouth agape. “I don’t understand why someone would do something like this. What do they want from me so badly?” She rambled.

“I’m afraid it is had to do with some laws my stepmother cannot tiptoe.” Winter said.

She whipped her head to her cousin frighteningly fast. “Levana?” Her aunt’s sinister voice hissed like a snake in her head, the same rattle as the woman in the call. How could Cinder be so dumb, of course it was her aunt?! She needed time to think to put two and two together, to recognize the sliding voice.

Instead of diving herself into the new information, she chose to push it down and focus onto more upcoming matters.

“Where is Kai?” She urged suddenly. Winter blinked from the sudden change in subject but answered quickly.

“He should be at the hospital by now? I warned the police to his location before I got here.”

“Thank you so much Winter.” She hugged her friend tightly. “And Jacin too. You’ve done me the greatest thing imaginable. You found him. Oh stars, I’m so glad he’s okay. Thank you so much, for everything.”

After the hugs and relieved conversations, Jacin drove Cinder and the group in their respective cars to the hospital.

She raced through the sliding doors, ignoring the familiar scent of the wallowing walls. Her fingers gripped the white counter as she asked for Kai.

“May I have some form of identity, please?” said the front desk lady. Cinder was shaking so bad, Thorne had to help her pull out her license.

“He’s in room 102. And two to three visitors at a time, please.” She said, casting a sideways glance to her friends.

Cinder nodded and jogged away, not really knowing where room 102 was. Jacin, being familiar with the hospital, dragged her from running to the opposite end of the building. She was too drained to argue the tight grip on her arm.

Finally, she stood face to face from room 102. The door was the only thing standing in way from her and the love of her life. Scarlet suggested she go in and have a moment alone before the rest of the lot come in. She hesitated when her fingers gripped the handle. Thorne nodded at her to go on in. They shared a reassuring look that gave her confidence.

Taking in a deep breath, she opened the door.

He was sleeping. Of course he was sleeping. Her whole body was trembling as drunk him in. She did her usual hung she did when he slept: analyze. And it broke her heart.

The masterpiece she gazed upon every morning without fail was tainted, torn, and unloved. It was as if someone spilled a can of tomato soup on it, or stabbed with a fork. Like it was purposely stomped on or kicked around, ignoring it’s value and love that went into it. Ignoring that he was a person too.

His nose was bandaged up. His left eye was covered by gag-inducing shades of purple, blue, and green. His lips were painfully open and a cut on his skin was covered by two staples. The hair she ruffled this morning was matted and lost it’s depth. Even as he slept, his eyebrows were tight as if he were disturbed. He can’t find peace even in his dreams.

Horrified, Cinder covered her mouth with her hands. A wave a fury washed over her again, and she wanted to fish for a scalpel and cut each villain for every time they even breathed near Kai’s body. She didn’t even know what they did to him below his collarbone. Instead, she calmed down and forced herself to approach he beloved, one step at a time.

She had always ben a fan of running. Saving the harder problems for late or, even better, for someone else. Part of her wanted to wait outside and call Torin to wake him up. By the time she reached Kai’s bedside, she nearly completely swallowed the urge to leap over the bed and run away screaming or chase after those evil men.

Once she made contact with his skin, though, she found it impossible to leave. Her fingers traced his name across his palm, like a plea. She would wait for him to wake up on his own violation, not on hers. But she had also always been impatient.

“Kai?” She finally voiced the one thing she wanted to ask. “I’m here my love. Be with me now.”

Because the stars loved to mess with her, he did not wake up instantly like his favorite cheesy movies. Instead, she watched his chest move up and down while their friends waited outside. She felt a little bad for her friends, but Kai needed rest.

After tracing and kissing his arm for the twenty-fifth time, Kai woke up.

His eyes fluttered like small butterfly wings. She froze, not wanting to scare his fragile body away. She watched his lips form her name. His beautiful voice felt miles away from the sheer power of his eyes. He held so much control over her, she’d do anything with one glance.

He was here. With her. He didn’t die. He’s alive. She didn’t die.

Before she knew, she was crying. Kai noticed and reached out to her with a bandaged hand. Her breath choked at his wounds but he ignored it. All he wanted was to touch her.

Cinder leaned towards his outstretched hand and let it caress her face. Closing her eyes, she felt him wipe away her tears. Kai softly wrote poetry on her face, as if she were his favorite poem and it had taken him years to write. As if he almost lost her before she could complete her. He didn’t want anyone else to write her ending, only him and her as his muse.

He drew in a shake breath, causing Cinder to open her eyes and focus on his tears. Like a catalyst, she sprung from her seat into Kai’s arms, wrapping herself around his broken body, promising to fix it. She guided his head to her shoulder and told him to cry. She told him to give all his pain to her, she can take it. His hands gripped her hands, although they felt much weaker. His whole body was trembling. What did they do to him?

“Oh, Kai, I’m so glad you’re okay. I thought-

I really thought you were going to-.” She spoke through her tears.

“I know, my love, me too.” His confession only made her cry harder.

They laid there for while, sobbing in each other’s arms, basking in their presence, not taking this moment for granted. They kissed, they hugged, they talked, and they finally agreed to let their friends in.

The ton came in with a rush. Iko was first who grabbed the rails of his bed and asked him if it was okay to hug him. He said yes. The rest embraced him one by one and gave a remark. Lastly, Torin and Nancy, came in (she didn’t remember if she called them or not) holding the birthday cake she planned to surprise him with.

Laughing, she wiped her tears and walked over to the pair. “Torin, you didn’t need to do this!” She hugged him.

“Kai always got cranky when he didn’t get cake on his birthday.” He said. Then he walked over to Kai and said some words that made her husband cry.

Nainsi placed the cake in the table Cinder pulled out from Kai’s hospital bed. She invited all her friends in, surely no staff would know for a second.

Kai’s eyes gleamed with joy, despite his wounds. They sang to him but his eyes stayed glued to hers. He mouthed ‘I love you’ in the midst of his song.

A single tear fell from her eye. She didn’t die. He didn’t leave her. Feeling the power of the unyielding vow she made at their wedding day, she mouthed. “I love you too.”

Kai was released the next morning. He had a bad concussion that they wanted to watch him overnight. He was fine.

During the car ride, though, he was silent. He had a fractured ankle so he had to wear crutches, and stitches over his left arm and hand. At red lights, she’d steal glances at his form, how hurt and broken he was.

Once they arrived home, she helped them to their room and settled him into their bed. Once he was comfortable, she plopped right next to him.

His head turned to her with smirk. “What?” Cinder asked with a smile. She tucked her elbow underneath her head so she could talk to him better.

“Nothing.” He murmured. “You’re going to be a good mom.”

Her eyes widened, she had forgot about their brewing child. How did he know? Who told him? “What?” She said in shock.

“Sorry!” He murmured, turning his head to the ceiling. “I know we just started talking about kids a couple months ago, but when I was in that room, I kept thinking that I didn’t want to die without raising a kid. And seeing you again, of course, but I really want a baby.” He sighed. “Sorry if I scared you off.”

She unsuccessfully smothered a giggle. He turned to her with a raised eyebrow. “What?”

“Nothing, it’s just timing.” She explained. “You only got to wait nine months to raise a kid.”

Kai nodded. “Okay. In nine months, we’ll try for a kid.”

Cinder knew she shouldn’t but she laughed at his concussed brain. “No, I mean your kid will be born in nine months.”

Kai looked at her confused. “We’re adopting.”

She smiled, kissing his cheek. “Bless your heart, my love. I’m pregnant. Due date’s in December.”

He only blinked at her slowly until it sank. “Oh stars, we’re having a baby. You’re cooking it right now!”

He started to get up, but she put him down. Her smile grew wider at his excitement. His face was pure wonder and endearment. “Don’t get up, baby, you can celebrate from here.”

“Cinder, you’re gonna be a real momma!” He reached out to her face, laughing. “Should I call you momma?”

She threw her head back and laughed. “If you want to.”

He started shaking his head excitedly. “It’s the best nickname ever! I love you, momma.”

She ticked her head once to the side. It sounded weird, but whatever helped his healing brain.

As they lay there, laughing, kissing, and holding each other, she vowed to never let anything happen to him again. Now that their family was growing, no one will hurt any member of it. They will never get close. She was shutting the door on that chapter of her life, making sure no one will come knocking ever again. They were going to start a happy life, and raise a happy family. No one will ever come between them again.

A/N: One, I wrote 8k words?!!??! No wonder this pic was haunting me. Anyways, I made this on a whim but have no fear, I have a raider takeout fit that will follow up this as soon as I feel like publishing it. Two, the editing is so bad, the story has SO many holes, I just got tired of explaining. I'm sorry if it bores you, skip to the end if you like, whatever, but show some love if you want that makeout fic. Three, I have nothing else to say. Goodbye for now!

Tagging: @just2bubbly @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @the-wee-woo-royal @deprivedmusicaljunkie @crescentchat @notjacinclay @wheresmymom-imlost @salt-warrior @rapunzelfromthemoon @briggycat @impossiblesuitcase @kaider-is-my-otp (these are for my kaider ONLY fics so please ask if you want to be tagged or removed <3)

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impossiblesuitcase · 8 months

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how do you think tlc couples react to seeing their SO with kids? just in general do you think they'd be good with children? Jacin after learning to let his gaurd down a bit would probably be good w kids

Cinder doesn't mind kids but she's not very confident in knowing how to speak to them. Kai, having been raised to talk to anyone is comfortable with kids and finds it endearing to see Cinder struggle. She does improve over time, but it isn't until she has her own that she learns that kids just need to be treated like a person and you'll figure out the rest as you go. She worries about her ability to be a mother as she had no good examples in her life, so her heart warms when she sees Kai so adept at interacting with kids. It assures her that he'll be there to help her when they have their own.

Cress and Thorne like kids, and kids like them, but they also don't really know what to do with them. Whenever they babysit for their friends and the baby starts crying, they both stare at each other like 'what did we do wrong??' So if they watch each other totally fumble a conversation with a kid, they'll try to help, usually unsuccessfully. Peony teaches them a lot about what a kid actually needs, because if they do something wrong, she'll tell them loud and clear.

Wolf is cautious of children because they are cautious of his big teeth and clawed nails. He doesn't want to scare them. One day he notices some little heads peeking over the fence as he's feeding the chickens. As soon as he looks their way, they duck out of sight. This happens again the next day, and the next, and eventually Wolf works up the courage to go over and ask the three boys if they want to help him. The children quiver with fear, slowly backing away from the big bad wolf. After five seconds, they run. Dejected, Wolf tells Scarlet of his failed attempt. She reassures him that they just need to get to know him. How can they get to know him if they won't get near him? The following day, Wolf is about to feed the chickens when his hears three sets of footsteps scraping up the driveway. Startled, he leaves the chicken feed bucket by the pen and hides. Inside the chicken coop. The boys survey their surroundings--checking for any stray wolves--and head over, tossing the feed to the chicks. "Did they lay any eggs?" wonders one of the boys, who peers into the coop and finds two bright green eyes cloaked in the darkness. The boys scream. "Wait!" Wolf calls as the first one swings the bucket frantically as a weapon. He rushes to get out, banging his head on the awning, causing him to trip on the chicken ramp and splat face first on the ground. Everyone is silent. Even the chickens seem to follow the memo. But, one after the other, the boys start laughing, the chickens cluck along, and Wolf begins to laugh too. Big scary neighbour wolf-man is not actually scary, the boys find, and Scarlet loves to see him so warm and open. Wolf enjoys seeing her telling the kiddos off for treading on her petunias with no doubt in his mind that she will be as loving as his mother had been to him.

Jacin is wary of children at first. But he has to learn to be nice to children in his job, and after a while, it does really rub off on him. Kids can be loud and annoying but also hilarious. Kids are incredibly blunt, and he is too, so he finds he doesn't mind their company. But he has a distance from his patients. When his friends have kids however...Jacin loves them. Kaider's child is technically his relative and so he takes the Uncle designation very seriously. Also being kaider's child means they are very sassy. Sure, he can insult someone, but it hurts way more coming from a kid, and he finds Peony's roasts hilarious. He teaches them facts about the human body and they have the skeletal and muscular system memorised by age 6. And when they're babies, it's a challenge for Kai and Cinder to get their own child back if Jacin is holding them. It warms Winter's heart so much because it reminds her of a younger, carefree Jacin and proves he's still in there underneath the gruffness. Winter is naturally perfect with children as she is with everything, and seeing her with them stirs Jacin's conscience. He's so in the habit of reprimanding himself for dreaming of a future with Winter that it takes a long time for him to embrace it as feasible. However Winter stills struggles mentally, and as perfect as she is with children when she's well, he knows that she will too fragile for a long time for them to commit to having their own. It takes many, many years before he feels that wariness slough away until it eventually doesn't cross his mind at all.

#why can't i answer things simply #why always mini fic #lunar chronicles #tlc #linh cinder #kaider #the lunar chronicles #emperor kai #carswell thorne #cress darnel #cresswell #winter hayle blackburn #jacin clay #jacinter #wincin #scarlet benoit #wolf kesley #wolflet

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just2bubbly · 4 months

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KAI AND CINDER TAKING A NAP TOGETHER

Hey there, anon! Thank you for the ask- took a long time to get back to this but I'm finally out of the writer's block (as I'm procrastinating instead of studying for my ese) Here's a short drabble about these two! Hoping you like it! :)

Cinder's Perspective:

The room's quiet, if you select to ignore the faint snores coming from the young Emperor who was huddled on the bed, his manuscripts and tablet scattered around his sleeping figure. That's how Cinder had found him when she was halfway through the door chucking, "You won't believe what I'm about to get—"

Lying in a very discomfiting position that would likely leave him sore after he woke up. She checked her inner time clock, it was too early for him to be sleeping.

"It seems dad is too tired to hear our endeavours, Sadie," she whispers to her buddy, who continues to waggle her tail from the mischief they had had.

Cinder releases the leash from her collar and tells her to stay put as she cleans mud off her paws. Sadie sniffs in acknowledgement and gets cleaned. Leaving her with some treats, Cinder gives her husband attention.She approaches the bed, clicking a picture of Kai dozing off since it was too adorable to miss and also as evidence of how much he overworked himself that could be used in an argument about his health.

Cinder gazed fondly at him, as he continued to be lost in the realm of slumber having no idea that his two favourite people were there staring at him. She takes the reading glasses away from his face and keeps them on the side table after which she continues to gather the documents and arrange them chronologically so it would be easier for him to work on later. She does look at it's content without meaning to and learns that he is still caught up in the Asian Summit recordings that happened last week and makes a mental note to ask him about it later.

Once she has cleaned the bed and arranged his material aside, she quickly soothes him into getting in a more comfortable position and covers him with a duvet but thinking better of her unfinished work and unwritten drafts she decides to join him.

"Do you want to join us, Boo?" She asks Sadie, knowing she would be jumping at the first opportunity to get into the bed.

She barks as she jumps onto the bed, making room for himself near Kai's feet followed by Cinder who wraps both with the duvet. Kai somehow sensing her presence pulls her closer and cradles her to his chest, which fills her with warmth. She breathes in the smell of fresh sheets, his cologne and the musky scent of grapevines and feels at peace.

Kai mutters something in his sleep, making Cinder smile. Sadie curls her body between the two, already lost to sleep. Her mind gets sulled as tunes into the soft and steady heartbeats of Kai and the rhythmic rise and fall of Sadie's small body makes her fall asleep too.

A/N: My college friend has made me a dog person so couldn't help but add her doggo's name in this fic!

Taglist: @gingerale2017 @salt-warrior @slmkaider @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @impossiblesuitcase @justcatchrosesandthornes @fangirlforever0704 @kaider-is-my-otp @cosmicnovaflare

#asks #anon <3 #kaider #tlc #the lunar chronicles #marissa meyer #just2bubbly fics #kaito #linh cinder #tlc fandom #fanfiction #ft. sadie who is my new bff's dog

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chemicallyyourss · 2 months

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I’m thinking of a Kaider fic where they are laying in bed in the evening all lazy, cinder is scrolling social media and Kai is reading. Then all the sudden Kai puts his port down and rolls over to her and asks if he can braid her hair in the back. She says yes and he starts making tiny braids in the back of her hair. She knows he likes to do this when his anxiety gets bad, so she turns over to gently talk to him about it.

I’d definitely be down with writing this (and anything else) but what do you think his anxiety about? Or do you think it’s just the chronic anxiety he probably had after everything he’s went through. If you want you can dm me if you want to discuss, otherwise I’ll be reblogging with my writing :)

#the lunar chronicles #lunar chronicles #kaider #cinder #cinder x kai #prince kai #marissa meyer #tlc #linh cinder

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