just a couple of creepy 18th-century innkeepers talking shop!

[featuring @borisyvain's lazarus mcclure and my own james webster]

one word - heeseung

genre: angst/fluff

word count: 4.0k 

warnings: first half does not make sense, heeseung being a drug addict and alcoholic, underage drinking, reader feeling self esteem bc of heeseung, gaslighting, lovers to exes to lovers trope, heeseung + reader being sad, reader almost having an anxiety attack, bruises, heeseung changing his habits, break ups, reader’s nephew being the best, language, grammar mistakes, lmk what else i missed!

synopsis: heeseung and you stopped talking for two years over something he told you that made you want to disappear. these years, you’ve been trying to heal yourself from him. and when you’re done healing, he finally comes talking to you, apologizing for all the things he’s done.

notes: wished my ex did this tbh 😥

masterlist

the day has came, where you knew you two would break up. you knew it was coming up. the constant drinking problems, drug addiction, and gaslighting, this had to end. 

coming home late at night, the house reeked with different smells. you smelt the cigars left on the balcony, the alcohol from the kitchen, and some other disgusting smell.

“heeseung?” you called out. the moment he heard you, a struggled onto his feet and walked out of your shared room. “hi y/n” he said, drunk. he smelt like drugs and alcohol and you hated how you had to drench yourself in perfume to get rid of the smell for work and school.

“i’m leaving heeseung.”

“leaving for what babe” he giggled, almost placing kisses onto your neck til you stopped him. “i cant be do this heeseung. either you stop this or im leaving and i’m pretty sure you’ll choose whatever this crazy stuff you love to do over me, so we’re done heeseung.”

you were about to go up to your room until he grabbed your wrists. “damn right i choose drugs over you dumb bitch. waste of life honestly. just go and disappear while you’re at it. everyone hates you.” he spit at you.

you already had a bad day of work from the constant yelling from your boss and you had the courage to have a talk with heeseung with your cousin. the gaslighting he has done to you has never went this far until today.

so, you slapped him. “shut up heeseung! i was the only one who was willing to stay with your drug addict ass! the one who defended you. when you’re sober, which is never, talk to me and see how broken you’ll be when i’m gone.”

tears fell as you aggressively packed your belongings. pictures of you and heeseung on your walls to be reminded how strong your love was with him. how both of you were so loved.

when you gave heeseung that slap, he woke up, kinda. he didn’t know a harsh slap would realize what he had done to the love of his life.

he saw how your lips trembled in fear, he saw how you were trying to hold your tears, he saw how brave you were to talk to his stubborn ass. he saw how he broke the most precious girl.

2 years down the drain. he thought.

it took in action when he saw you struggling with a specific subject ar the schools library and he happened to be sitting next to you. you two eventually exchanged numbers. then heeseung began growing feelings for you and you did too.

after awhile, you two moved in with each other, so happy and madly in love. but things changed when you had to start working more to help you and heeseung out.

12+ hours and working two jobs and school, heeseung felt he was left in the dust. he told you that he’ll be the one helping more while you just relax and do school but you refused. an argument broke out because of this which resulted you leaving the apartment and heeseung left at home, stressed the fuck out.

he didnr wanr you to overwork yourself. he told you specifically you both will go half and half.

everything started going downhill when you found heeseungs piled up of drugs and alcohol in his closet. yet another fight broke out.

“maybe if weren’t being such a fucking brat and listened to me in the first place, i wouldn’t have done this!” he yelled. tears streaming down your face but like did heeseung care at all?

“i just want the best for us heeseung.”

4 months of this, you were out of that house you once called home. you blocked all contact from heeseung and moved back home to australia with your sister, who had supported you from this end.

you left heeseung the promise ring he gifted you on your birthday and no money for him to pay your side of rent. it was just him, and his little friends.

heeseung stayed inside most of the day. he reeked the smell of weed and he hated it. he now hates it.

he hates how you left him. he hates how he was the main reason of this. the night you left he ran to find his phone but to find it dead. he can’t even find his charger for goodness sake. he looked around the room and that’s when he broke down. “i cant live without you. come back to me please.”

another 3 years passed. you’re now 23 and finished your college years in australia.

honestly, you were so grateful to have your sister next to you. when you landed and went to her house, you immediately broke down. you lost all your confidence and felt lost in life. the words heeseung told you kept replaying in your mind and it drastically told you that you’ll never be enough for someone again.

but with your sister and her little growing family of hers, you’ve learned and healed from the past. as days of the crying to sleep alone, your nephew always came into your room late at night, hearing your muffled sobs next door. he always climbed into bed with you and brought you a smile. the morning of these kinds of nights, you always apologized to your sister for accidentally waking up her son.

when you went three years without heeseung, you always wondered how he’s been. is he still addicted to drugs? is he still drinking? is he happier without me? all these is questions. what if one day you’ll just see him walking by?

which is why you’re now back in korea. not to see heeseung, but ready to be fearless of a country you were scared of because of him.

your last secret handshake you did with your nephew brought him to tears. “i don’t want you to go! i don’t want you to be sad again. stay here with me and be happy please” he frowned. as much as you did want to stay, you had a big job opportunity there. it was either go big or go home.

your sister had told you if nothing works out there, you are always welcome back. you thank everyone and left, sending your nephew flying kisses until you couldn’t see them anymore.

when you arrived, you greet your mom who happily let you live with her. you left your stuff down and got

ready to see the brighter days in korea.

stepping out of the house, uou felt nostalgia. you remembered when you first started dating heeseung, he would always surprise you in the morning with your favorite cup of hot chocolate and walk with you to school.  

you ignored the feelings and went to the cafe your friend asked you to come hang out. entering, you wave at your friend but pointed to the front counter, indicating that you’re gonna order your drink first.

turning to face the worker behind the counter, your face fell. heeseung.

“y-y/n..” he spoke out. you felt everything suddenly come down and your lips started to tremble. eyes staring anywhere but him. “she’ll get the matcha latte. thank you” your friend butts in to save you and grabs your hand to walk to the table and comforting you.

“im so sorry my love i didn’t know he worked here” your friend said sadly. from heeseungs point of view from the beginning, he was flabbergasted. he didn’t know where you went after the breakup.

you weren’t registered in your college anymore and your mom didn’t tell him about your whereabouts. he lived in the house he once called home with you, lonely. he quit his addiction for drugs and alcohol, hoping you’ll come back home. even if it was just to pick up something, he just wanted to see you one last time.

he was so lost and broken. but a certain call snapped him out of it. the call was specifically from his brother who noticed so many changes when you left.

you actually told his brother everything heeseung had done. including the drugs. he was furious at his own brother but he also understood why you wanted to leave him. “god heeseung what am i going to do with you”

as heeseung walked to your table with your drink and a free pastry, you nervously held your friends hands. you thought you were over him. you didn’t fear him anymore. but you still had a little love for him. and heeseung knew.

he saw how shaky you were when he interrupted your conversation. “enjoy, and the pastry is on the house” he smiled and left.

when get got to the back when he was secluded, he broke down. he fucked up and he wished he could just time travel back.

he made the girl who showed light into his world fear him. he didn’t mean for it to come out like this. he wished he could just bring you into his arms, telling you it’ll be okay.

when you left, heeseung made sure he was going to sober up. he finally cleaned himself up and the house, waiting for you to come back. he changed, for you. but you never came back.

but he got the news when he were coming back home from a mutual friend who also worked at the same cafe with him. he was so relieved that you’re coming back. he knows not back into his arms, but knows you’ll be back.

“heeseung!”

hé suddenly stood up and ran to the front, wiping his tears. there stood a $20 bill as his tip and a note on the table.

“thank you, heeseung :)” he knew it was you. he knew your handwritting more than anyone else. he smiled and gratefully accepted the tip, even though you’re long gone.

the second interaction you had with him was when you were in a rush to get to your work building. what’s worst is that you were running late on your first day.

you lived a few minutes away from the building but the night before of crying your heart out just for heeseung wasnt helping at all. your eyes were still red and puffy.

running in the city of seoul, you accidentally bumped into someone and twisted your ankle from falling, and the coffee that spilled in your blouse. “fuck.” you muttered. you looked up and saw heeseung quickly getting up and helping you. “fuck y/n i’m so sorry. are you okay? can you walk?” he held his hand out for you. you grabbed his hand and winced as weight was added to the ankle that was sprained.

“god im so sorry y/n, i-“ “sorry, i have to get to work” you cut him off and ran off. heeseung sighed and walked home disappointed.

he really wanted to be clear with you and apologize for what he’s done in the past. he walked into the house and still saw some of your stuff just laying in parts of the house.

your scrunchie still laid on his desk, your polaroid was still on the fridge. like you were still here. for 3 years and he’s still hung up on you.

but as you ran inside the building, you quickly fixed yourself and walked to greet your new co workers, ignoring the fact that your have spilled coffee on you and a bruise forming on your ankle.

“y/n l/n?”

you turned around and saw the brightest smile back from high school. “sunghoon?” you ran to him and gave him the biggest hug ever. “oh my gosh y/n what happened!” he exclaimed. “don’t worry hoon, just a rough start today” you laughed it off.

sunghoon got the first aid kit he always carried with him and applied ointment on your bruise and bandaged it up and gave you his blazer to cover the stain on your shirt. “thank you hoon” you hugged him.

since the first day of work, you felt so happy seeing your old friend everyday. you two became closer again. you told him about heeseung and how you finished your education in australia. when you mentioned australia, he mentioned jake had moved there too recently for his education as well. making sure to plan a trip there to visit him.

the night of catching up with laughter and smiles, sunghoon walked you home since it was night. heeseung was closing the cafe so as he left, he saw you and sunghoon not too far away from him. he felt sick to his stomach. he didn’t know you knew sunghoon at all. but here you are, all close to him.

he felt lost and confused. as he got home, he went to the fridge and grabbed a beer from the back of the fridge, popping it open and chugging it. “i need you, y/n.”

when sunghoon dropped you off, you thanked him and told him to be safe on the way back home, even if he lived a couple floors down from you in the apartment complex. you turned around and saw your mom standing in the middle of the hall.

“mom!” you screamed, like it was a horror movie. “mom oh my god what are you doing awake?” you asked. your mom suddenly giggles. “ooh is my daughter finally falling in love? with my best friends son” she teases. you laugh as well. “mom hes just a big brother to me okay? and he already knows. plus you know about me and heeseung” you whispered the last part, almost tearing up. “it’s okay my child, i understand. by the way, clean out your stuff okay hon? you’ve stored too much of you stuff here like i don’t have my own room here!” she laughed. you nodded and gave her a goodnight.

opening your bedroom door, god she was not kidding at all. you began cleaning out your closet then the extra room that was for your other stuff. you didn’t even care what it was, if you didn’t need it, you just threw it out.

the sun was rising and you were still cleaning, but you were almost there! thank goodness there was no work or else you would’ve been dead. you put the pile of clothes to give away in front of your door and another pile of trash next to it, noting to take it out when you wake up.

you were about to fall asleep until you got notifications.

heeseung lee @heeseungz has followed you.

@heeseungz wants to send you a message.

— i miss you so crazy bad y/n.

then suddenly, memories with him clouded your mind. it’s been 3 years and you’re still not over him. it’s so stupid how he said things to you, hitting your insecurities and then still being in love with him. ‘you’re so stupid y/n’

back in australia, you kept reminding yourself you didn’t need heeseung. you were fully healed from him, but every blind date your sister put you on, it didn’t feel the same. like there was no other person than heeseung. nobody could be like him. so you told your sister to just stop wasting her time in which she understood.

you would walk to school and see all these cafes and cute areas that heeseung would take you back home. everything just reminded you of him and you would always come back home crying in bed.

his words replayed in the back of your mind, which sent triggering messages. you swore you would find new love, but your heart still beats for him only. you still loved him.

overthinking took your mind, so now it was 8 in the morning and you haven’t slept. sunghoon had sent you a message but you didn’t bother to check it. you laid in bed, sad and lonely, and wanting to feel the warmth from heeseung again.

you closed your eyes and you felt you slept for a few minutes, but really was 4 hours. you woke up and heard your mom and sunghoon talking.

“hoon-ah, she always wakes up crying and i just feel awful i cant do anything. i’m not sure if her relationship with heeseung really hurt her or australia impacted her.” sunghoon could only sigh. he shouldn’t told her your business about heeseung and you, but she’s your mother for goodness sake.

he didn’t want to keep this going on and continuing to hurt you even more, so he did the right thing and told her everything.

she didn’t understand why you suddenly dropped your stuff at her place and moved to australia. she didn’t stop you, as long as you were happy, she’s happy. but now she knows. and it’s all because of lee fucking heeseung.

he was the one who hurt her precious daughter. she didn’t know how to react now that he’s been dropping off food for you whenever you’re out, to make sure you’re well fed. now everything is finally connecting.

you slept for another good hour and finally woke up at 1 pm. you stumbled on your feet and went to your bathroom to freshen up. you didn’t expect to see the trash bags gone and you asked your mom what happened to it. “sunghoon came over this morning to make us breakfast but you were still asleep. then he offered to take the bags to trash” you hummed. you were about to go back to your room until your mom stopped you.

“y/n, why didn’t you tell me about heeseung?”

that’s it. this is when you have to explain everything. you knew this was going to happen. you sat her down on the couch and talked to her, something the two of you haven’t done in a while since you began working so much. the day ended with tears and laughter.

you told her you still loved him even with the words he said to you. she was against you going back to him, but she wants you to be happy again. she doesn’t want to hear her daughter crying every morning thinking about the guy who broke her.

another day off, you took a morning walk with your headphones in. you saw heeseung in the distance, looking at the sun rise. it was so beautiful he thought. he thought he could just do his daily morning jogs to get you off his mind but it never worked.

“the view is pretty, isn’t it?” you striked the conversation. heeseung turns himself to you and smiled. “good morning y/n.” “morning hee” he swore his heart clenched when he heard you say his favorite nickname. “so, how are you?”

from that point, you and heeseung were finally in good terms. you told him your life in australia and school and how you reunited with sunghoon at work.

“y/n, i just wanted to say. i’m sorry what happened years ago. it still doesn’t sit right with me that i didn’t chase you after you left that night. and if something was to happen to you that night, i wouldn’t had forgave myself. and i still don’t to this day.” he paused and held your hands. “what i’m saying is, i’m willing to start again. as friends. i’ve changed for you y/n. im willing to try again”

it was silence for a bit until he heard your sobs. he panicked and wiped your tears. “y/n-“ “heeseung” you frowned. “i’ve waited three years for this” both of you let out a chuckle. “god i’m still in love with you”

since then, you two were coming close again. and he was right. he quit his addiction and changed for you. you slowly let your parents and sunghoon get more comfortable  with having heeseung around. they felt relieved that you were smiling all over again, but still kept a close eye on heeseung.

your sister was happy about the news. however your nephew wasn’t. “noona! you promised me you wouldn’t be with that bad guy again!” and “noona i will go there and beat the bad guy up if he hurts you again!”

every morning, you’ll wake up next to heeseung and he’ll walk you to work. the days you didn’t have work but he did, he made sure to leave loving notes around your room since it was early in the morning and you needed your rest.

days when both of you were off, days were spent in your used-to-be house with heeseung. slow dancing in the dim lighting will light chill music playing and the busy streets underneath you two. you two shared your first kiss after years and smiled. “i love you so fucking much, damn it!” heeseung cursed.

“watch your language, hee” you giggled. “be mine? again?” he asked. “as if we weren’t already dating these past months, hee.” you kissed him. “i love you.”

you and heeseung were back together and decided to find a place together, again. the apartment you had with him was so amazing with the loving view, but it was a new start. you wanted to be closer to work and to your parents and sunghoons apartment complex.

you found the perfect one with spacious living and was a walking distance to everywhere. the view was spectacular and now that you and heeseung had everything settled, it won’t be like the same from before. you two planned things perfectly and heeseung swore on his life he will never do drugs again and only drink lightly. and if he broke those promises, he told you you can leave him once again and make sure he doesn’t come into your life again.

“heeseung stop being silly right now, we’re healthy right now” you laughed. “i know, but i’m just saying. i don’t want to lose you again y/n” he hugged you from behind, looking at the river view through the tall windows. “thank you for everything, hee”

your little session together was interrupted when a doorbell rang. you opened it and saw all of heeseungs friends, including jake who just finished a semester of college and sunghoon. “hyung!” you heard one of them say.

to be honest, you only knew jay, sunghoon, and jake since you all went to school together. but heeseung eventually introduced sunoo, jungwon, and niki to you, who are still in their first year of college.

later your parents came over to the new unit and heeseungs parents greeting you with love. “welcome back our lovely y/n!”

then your favorite little nephew came to visit you, as well as your sister and her husband. “noona!” he ran to you. you gave him a big hug and smooched him all over his face. “n/n! i missed you so much! how’s school” “it’s good! i learned so much already. but you teach me more things that are better than at school noona”

heeseung came next to you. “is this the little man you always talk about love?” your nephew gasped. “noona is this the bad guy? but he looks so handsome and tall” you and heeseung giggled. “yes love this is the guy who hurt me” heeseung carried your nephew. “woah you’re so handsome though” he was so fascinated that he started to play with heeseungs cheeks. you took a picture of this moment, smiling in this moment.

you two were so much happier now. all it took was one word. you knew you made the final choice on staying with him, once again.

END.

(2022) © dont repost or copy | @ivyuns

Kazuya and Jun one shot!!!

Kazuya and Jun are talking about their clans and their ancestors!

will be posted on AO3, Wattpad and my blog later

“Kazuya, did you know there’s a legend that says the Kazama clan were descended from Angels?.” Jun recalled to Kazuya who was folding his arms, sitting on the wooden tatami of the traditional old Mishima house.

The house was a few minutes away from Tokyo. It was where all the Mishima clan relatives used to stay. Jinpachi Mishima used to stay here too before Heihachi built the mansion. Kazuya brought her here on his own account because he thought she’d like it. He was right, Jun loved the house and she appreciated his kind gesture towards her. She sat down beside him and placed her hand on top of his, looking at the wonderful scenery in front of them. The birds were singing and the music from the lake’s tides were soothing.

Kazuya was wearing a traditional dark blue Kimono while Jun an elegant white and red Kimono with patterns that they both had found here. Kazuya glanced at her as she placed her hand on top of his. Never wavering his eyes off her, he thought she looked so beautiful in that outfit.

“It's just some old legends and tales my family elders used to say to me and my big brother when we were young, Our power was said to come from the heavens although back then i thought these were just fairy tales. The Kazama clan were always close to nature and spirituality. In fact we used to be exorcists too, the elders used to tell me stories about how our ancestors used to exorcize spirits, both malevolent and benevolent. I snuck into the house’s library once and I found somewhere that the Mishima clan used to be exorcists as well.”

“Hmph,” Kazuya sneakered and grinned. “It's an interesting story. You know, my grandfather used to tell me stories too. About our Ancestors. We were mighty warriors of the emperor, brave and strong, and known as no other”

“Who was the first Ancestor Mishima known?” Jun leaned at him, smiling softly. She was clearly interested in that topic. “Our first ever ancestor described was a man named Shun Kazama, he lived more than 1000 years ago in Japan. He died of old age in his sleep, in fact he lived for 280 years. The books in my clan’s library described him as a noble and peaceful man. He invented and taught his son Kazama Ryu which he passed on to his child and so on.” Jun looked at the sky, with the wind in her hair, and then said to Kazuya. “He reminds me a bit of your grandfather Kazuya, considering how you described him to me. He must’ve lived a nice life here”

“He did.” Kazuya was grimacing at the horizon now “before Heihachi took everything from him.”

“That’s awful-”

“Heihachi being the head after his and my mom’s death was a knife in the heart for me. I wanted nothing more than to get revenge for both of them, once i grew up i would-” Kazuya took deep breaths but he was caught short when Jun placed her hand on his chest, making feel at ease and breathing easier.

He looked at her and said

“Our clan’s history started with a warrior named Jinryu Mishima, they called him the mighty dragon during his prime 1500 years ago, he was an exorcist who traveled to China, Korea and all across Europe to learn spells and train his body in Martial arts. After obtaining all that knowledge about the mind and body from across the globe, he returned home and exorcized evil spirits, and saved a bunch humans. He also invented the Mishima Ryu which he passed to his kids and the rest of the Clan.”

“He sounds strong, like you Kazuya.” Jun chuckled “you and your grandfather had a lot in common, i am sure if he were alive now, he would hug you so hard, your pain about the past would go away.”

Kazuya’s eyes widened and then laughed, Jun was so innocent but she was also so cute

he loved her.

Yes that was the word

he loved that woman.

“Thank you Jun”

Sebastian Sallow Oneshot (Sebastian x fem!Reader)

Y/N POV

I was sitting in the library, I studied hard to not fail my exams. It was hard being new at Hogwarts, studying, taking part in classes AND maintaining social contacts. I looked at my potions book, I felt dizzy and like I forgot how to read. I sighed and laid my head down in the wood desk, I was almost alone in the library, most of the other students were having fun and I’m learning some stupid potion receipts. It was late, I knew the library would close soon but on the other hand I knew I couldn’t study in my dorm with my annoying dorm mates. But I was so tired… I closed my eyes for a split second before raising my head and sitting straight, looking at my book in front of me. „You got this Y/N“ I thought to myself and tried to read again, but all those fuzzy words doesn’t seem to make sense. I closed my eyes again, but I didn’t open them this time.

Some time later, I don’t know when I woke up, I stretched my limbs and yawned, I was still tired and the wood chair on which I slept was really uncomfortable. I looked at my potions book before I noticed a light source on the table, next to my book. I didn’t took any with me so I looked to my right and saw him, Sebastian sallow. His hair was messy as always, the light hit his skin and his freckles looked magnificent I blinked a few times, „what is he doing here“ I asked myself before he spoke up

„What’s up, sleeping beauty“ Sebastian said with a amused grin, I don’t know how long he was sitting there, looking at me while I was sleeping but I couldn’t help but find it creepy and romantic at the same time.

„What are you doing here?“ I asked curious, raising a brow.

„I could ask you the same thing. But I was searching for some books as I found you, you know it’s not allowed to be here past curfew“ he explained, with the same amused grin. I couldn’t help but smirk.

„oh? Then why are you here?“ I asked, really wondering how he found me since the place I sit wasn’t the most obvious one, I mean the librarian didn’t found me… or simply didn’t searched for any students left.

„I heard from some students that you fell asleep here“ he said, his stupid amused grin turned into a softer one and he stroked my hair with his veiny hand.

„Youre quite beautiful when you sleep“ he added.

I couldn’t help but blush a little at his words, I smiled back and leaned into his touch as I stared into his brown, charming eyes.

„Well thank you Prince Charming“ I responded ironically, he just grinned amused again

„What’s wrong princess?“ the boy asked and began leaned in to kiss me with his eyes closed. At first I was shocked, we both had weird relationship, we both knew we were in love with each other but both of us were to shy to admit it so I didn’t expected the kiss, after a brief moment I kissed him back and closed my eyes as I felt his dry lips against mine . After a few moments we distanced us from each other and I looked lovely into his brown eyes, as he did the same. He smiled and hold my hand as he leaned in to kiss me again, but this time more passionate, I felt his tongue against my lips and opened my mouth a bit, he instantly took advantage of that and shoved his tongue in my mouth, exploring it. After some moments we distanced us again to breathe and kissed again, this time I was brave enough to kiss him back, using my tongue. My hand roamed trough his messy brown hair, leaving it even messier as his hand slid down my waist.

I pulled back from my kiss to breathe but instantly got pulled on the table, where I studied a few hours ago, by Sebastian, his strong hands lifted me up while my skirt fell a bit down, exposing my thighs. I looked up at Sebastian, I saw lust and desire in his eyes, but also love and affection.

„I will do anything to make you happy, darling“ he said finally, his amused grin disappeared, his mouth was slightly open to breathe better, his hands were on my waist and suddenly he started to kiss my neck, I bit on my lip, trying to suppress the moans that would come out. My hands grabbed the back of his head while he nibbled on my skin, leaving soft hickeys.

After a moment I spoke up „I love you Sebastian“ I finally said in a whisper, the unspoken words that wanted to come out for so long. He stopped kissing my neck and looked up to me

„I love you too y/n..“ he finally said and kissed me passionately again.

Saint Reymanaud’s Cathedral & all it’s majesty unveil before the ocean eyes of the Lady Quenderlain, for the first time on nearly four years. After the uncovering of the truth of what the Ishgardian Orthodox Church hide behind these walls once thought holy & pure, Tiffanie has found it difficult to approach the cathedral, let alone walk inside it. But, today would break that streak, for the sake of her investation.

“Lord Artoirel, Ser Aymeric, please excuse my tardiness. My thanks for waiting.”

“On the contrary, my lady, we were just about to begin.”

“Ah, to be in the presence of many great heroes, you all do me a outstanding honor.” A shorted, holy garbed man gave a respectful bow, glasses nearly slipping from his nose, before he pushed them back into place with his free hand.

“Is this the deacon you spoke of, Ser Aymeric?”

“Indeed.” The Lord Commander, & now Speaker for the House of Lords would nod to the heiress. It took him... longer then he would have liked to find one of the clergy that would be willing to speak with him.

“My name would be Clem, my lady, & I would indeed be serving as a deacon here at the cathedral.” A quick explanation made with a more stony face. “Now, to what do I owe this honor that three respected persons of Ishgard would want to speak with me?” 

“As you have likely heard as of now, me & my fellow count & lady are tasked with the defense of Ishgard from it’s newest threat of Blasphemies. And our current main target is that of the wyrm-shaped one which flies over our city’s skies, the Profane Fafnir. We have reason to believe that there yet might be a member of the Church that might have been present at the sight of it’s spawning who had not been transformed. Have you any knowledge of one that might have been there?”

The eyes of the deacon seemed to widen & face pale at hearing of this. A trait not unnoticed by the Lady Heiress, with Clem’s face seeming to flicker to the floor & he picked nervously at his fingernails. “I... uh... well....”

“Good Clem, we ask you of your honesty.” Tiffanie spoke gently. “This is a matter concerning the safety of our beloved city, the questioning of these person or people is paramount.”

“... I am one of such persons.” Clem’s eyes flicker to Tiffanie. The Warrior of Darkness was asking him for his honesty, a surreal situation that could make him brave yet enough to speak the truth, though it was clear such was not a pleasant experience from the way his face formed a large frown & his eyes just so quickly flickered back to the ground.

“Deacon, though we are loathed to ask such of you...” Aymeric began, brows furrowing just slightly. “... could you recall the events that lead up to the moment of the transformation that spawned the fell beast? The information could prove highly important to our investigation.”

“...” The deacon brought his hand to his chest with a long pause, clearly trouble by such a thought of needing to recall such a horrible moment.

“Please.” Tiffanie tacked on. “You are a strong one to come out of such an instance without transforming yourself, Good Clem, but others will not be as fortunate. Many have already fallen victim to Profane Fafnir’s fear mongering in our own skies. If we are to cease these happenings, we would need to know what brought it to be in the beginning.”

Gentle, but genuine pleasing from Tiffanie brought Clem once more to look at the Lady, & then to the Lords beside her. Though, he was unsure of the motives of Artoirel & Aymeric, Tiffanie did seem quite honest in her quest. Of course she was, she was the Warrior of Darkness, the Savoir of the Star, why would her motive be any else but the protection of the world she fought for?

“Very well.” Clem said finally, nodding slightly. For a moment, he took a deep inhale & exhale, gaining his courage before speaking. “We are presently relocating all of the Vault’s libraries to the cathedral, in case you are unaware. Me & fellow clergy brothers had finished delivering a batch of tomes & were on our way to bring over another. It was on approach to the Hoplon by chance then that we noticed a young man stumbling rather awkwardly, & no sooner than he had come to an abrupt halt did he transform into the draconic creature! It... it afixed us with the most menacing glare I've ever seen, & we could only gather our wits & flee!" Clem came to a pause, as he began to studder, a shallow breath leaving him. Eyes looking to the floor as he shook his head. "Yet, much to my compounding horror, many of my breathen had begun to turn, one after another..."

A frightful moment indeed, which clearly left it's mark on the poor deacon. Tiffanie could only place her hand on the scared deacon's shoulder, in an attempt to sooth his ailing soul.

"They are at rest now, let us find a joy in that. That they are free from the fear & sorrow that turned them & are at peace." It was a sour comfort, but indeed, still a comfort. One by which Clem nodded his head along with. His brothers are at rest, in Halone's arms.

“Praise The Fury that you, at least, were spared, Deacon Clem. I cannot imagine how frighting such an experience  must have been.”

The new voice brought the four present to switch their gazes to the source. A black & white garbed figure strode across the cathedral, dresses in the attire of a bishop, hat & all, & clearly a old man at that, if the wrinkles of his face & greys of his hair were anything obvious indication.

“Bishop Vartinoix!” Clem exclaimed in surprise, bowing his head to his superior.

“Indeed. I did not wish to interrupt & I pray you forgive me, but when I saw our stalwart protector, I wish to express my gratitude.”  The old man by that name of Vartinoix gave a smile, as his eyes fixed to Tiffanie. “From the bottom of my heart, my lady, you have my thanks for your services to Ishgard. I pray that we will soon be free of this scourge of unholy beasts.”

“Think little of it, Your Grace. I am merely doing what any good noble should be doing, protecting those under our charge.”

“Of course, of course. If there is aught you need in the way of assistance, please only say the word.”

“Your grace is most kind. We will keep this offer in mind.”

With little else to say, the Bishop gave his bow, before properly moving on to the business he was attending too before, & exiting the cathedral. Tiffanie in particular kept a close eye on Vartinoix until he rounded the corner & disappeared from her sight, only to scowl. The energy that man gave off... it was odd to her. And she had dealt with enough people in her life to know to keep her eyes on them for fishy behaviors.

“You sensed that too?” Artoirel, it seemed, picked up on the same energy, as he spoke to Tiffanie with brows furrowed. “I heard with the seat of the archbishop vacant, Vartinoix is in effect, the highest authority in the Ishgardian Orthodox Church. And with knowing of what your sister did to the the faith’s previous leader, he seems eager to be on your good side. He must fear you dethroning him as Ivy did Thordan.”

“I- I beg your lordship’s pardon-” Clem interrupted Artoirel’s thought. “-but I have always known his grace to be kind & humble, & even now, with his new authority, he is ever gentle & caring towards others.”

Tiffanie had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Yes, anyone can appear kind & humble at first glances, but she shall see how long that holds up.

“And like His Grace, I wish all that I can to help shepherd the people through this uncertain time. To that end, I would like to make a request of you all... if you have a moment to spare? I would understand if not, given the three of you are the most busy of lots these days.”

Aymeric & Artoirel shared a glance, then shifted their gazes towards Tiffanie, they were unsure what to think of. They did have a job that needed doing, but perhaps they could yet share a moment of their time of the deacon kind enough to speak with them.

“Of course, if it is within our power, we should be glad to offer you aid, Good Clem.”

“Thank you!” The overly happy deacon exclaimed with joy. “It the wake of the transformations, a small group of clergymen fled the city in fear. I worry for their safety.”

“What?” The lady blinked in her shock. People would truly be so afraid of the Blasphemies they would leave the city all together? “They would rather brave the icy cold conditions of Coerthas & it natural predators?”

“I agree it is an unwise decision & I will not attempted to justify their foolish choices, but I believe that not a reason to leave them to freeze to death.” Clem stated factly. “I wish to go & bring them back to Ishgard, but the highlands are overly dangerous & I am not trained in the arts of war. I would be humbled if you could offer any of your knights services to accompany me.”

“We will accept this duty ourselves. The reputation between the noble houses & the clergy have become quite damaged with the reformation, perhaps this act of good will shall better mend that relationship.” Aymeric stated, with both Artoirel & Tiffanie nodding in agreement. Practically making the deacon stumble over himself, eyes widening & jaw parting in a surprised expression.

“I... I... this was not quite what I meant... but I am greatly honored none-the-less!”

“Do you happen to know where your fellow brethren have went?” Artoirel questioned.

“The Western Highlands, I believe.” Clem answered. Between the Gorgagne Mills & Hemlock, there are no shortage of abandoned dwellings in the area.”

“Ah, the irony. That those close to the faith would now be hiding out in areas where heretics once settled.” Tiffanie shook her head. Still, she knew what her next task would be, & turned on her heels. “I’m going to fetch my cloak & scythe, I will met the lot of you at the Falcon's Nest. I suggest the three of you prepare as well, we truly have no idea what we might run into outside of Ishgard’s gates these days.”

Nothing else was said, merely a nod from the three men, before the lady walked to exit the cathedral.

Freedom = Justice

Late in the night, a peaceful quiet had finally blanketed the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army.   Everybody was sleeping, except for their leader and the boy he had saved twice from their unjust, unforgiving world. It had happened several years ago, and back then, that boy had confirmed Dragon’s worst fears and made him recall why he had left his homeland, Goa. Yet, the words of that brave boy had also revived his hope for the future.   The name of that boy, now older than when he had joined the revolutionaries out of despair, was simply Sabo. Dragon had learned his story once the youth had remembered his past, but Sabo had refused to use his family name. Ashamed to be born a noble, that feeling had only grown stronger over the years.   Dragon smiled bitterly from behind his cloak as Sabo walked into his office with firm steps. As it often happened, they would converse until the morning about the state of the world, their upcoming plans, and their ideas of freedom: both unable to sleep; both tired of the dystopian reality in which they lived.   “Koala informed me that you wished to speak with me,” Sabo said, his tone and language slightly more polite than when he addressed…well, anyone else.   Dragon acknowledged him with a simple nod to keep his amusement from showing. Then, he got right to the point. “Did you notice—” he stressed his words with broad but measured gestures “—how darkness at the base of the current political system is emerging on the surface?”   Sabo, leaning against the wall in front of him, nodded slowly. His demeanour was calm and collected, but his eyes were sparkling. Obtaining his late brother’s Devil Fruit powers had rekindled a flame in him that was burning more brilliant than ever.   Dangerously brilliant, perhaps.   That light in the Chief of Staff’s eyes—Ace’s fire—was so bright it risked devouring him. That new fierceness worried Dragon, but Sabo was still the one he trusted most in the world. No, he was more than that… Dragon stood up and looked outside the open window at the dark sky, using his wind-related powers discretely to disperse the clouds. “The World Government wants to control everything and everyone,” he continued. “Ultimately, they will cause their own end.” He sighed imperceptibly. “Their obsession with absolute control mirrors the ‘Absolute Justice’ approach of part of the Marines.”   “And that is the antithesis of freedom,” Sabo murmured, pensive.   Dragon smiled at Sabo’s quick analysis of events. “Exactly,” he replied. “No matter someone’s good intentions, it is never good when an approach—an ideal is taken to extremes. Even freedom, if exacerbated, becomes just empty anarchy. And without law, people lose their freedom once again, in a world where the strong oppress the weak.”   “A contrast between two opposite world views…”   “Multiple points of view,” Dragon suggested. “Which makes our task extremely difficult. Where do we find the right balance?”   Sabo approached him and looked up at the sky, now clear of clouds. “Once, as a child, I looked outside of my room—my prison. And from behind that barred window, I asked myself what freedom is… and where I can find it.”   “Did you find an answer to those questions?” Dragon looked at him from the corner of his eye, smiling affectionately.   “Not yet.”   “Throughout history, different people have given different definitions of freedom. But I think you’ve learned many already, given how many hours you and Koala spend reading in the library.”    “Yeah…” Sabo scratched his head. “She loves books even more than me and showed me authors I had never heard about.”   While slightly older than Sabo, Koala was still one of the youngest members of the Army and had a special place in Dragon’s heart, too. Despite leaving everything behind to pursue his dream, he had found a family to love and protect and was deeply grateful for that. “Our library does have some rare volumes,” he said proudly. “The World Government’s censorship has not reached us—unlike the unfortunate Ohara scholars.”   Sabo’s expression changed. He had learned of the genocide of Nico Robin’s people when the revolutionaries had given refuge to her and had taken a liking to the woman since she was one of Luffy’s companions.   Your remaining sworn brother… and my son.   Leaving Luffy when he was but an infant had been the most difficult choice in Dragon’s life. However, he had not wanted to impose his own decisions upon his child.   “What I mean,” Dragon continued, “is that lack of freedom also affects people born on the ‘right side of the world’, so to speak.”   “I…think I get what you’re trying to say,” Sabo whispered.   Dragon put a hand on his shoulder. “I know you do. Those who do not follow the rules—be they slaves or free citizens, bourgeoisie or rulers—are declared insane or, in the worst case, hunted down. It even happened to former Celestial Dragons, as you should be aware.”   Sabo leaned closer to him. He had done that often as a child, rarely in most recent years. “It was the same for me. I’m in a better position now, but I’m still searching for freedom. And I don’t fully know yet how I… no, we will achieve it.”   Dragon squeezed his shoulder supportively. “I am aiming for a miracle,” he said somberly. Despite his utopic goal, he knew that Sabo would understand him. “Revolutions are violent,” he continued, looking steadily in front of him. “Revolutions bring casualties—even among civilians. And more often than not, revolutions are limited to replacing the existing establishment with little progress for minorities and the oppressed.”   “I am… starting to understand better what waits ahead.”   Dragon turned his head and met Sabo’s determined gaze. “What I am aiming for is not just a revolution. What I want to achieve is something unprecedented. Something that has never happened before in all of history.” He took a deep breath. “I want to achieve freedom and real justice. And I want to avoid wounding and killing—as much as realistically possible.” Dragon averted his eyes from the youth’s. There were things that only he could do. Things he would not allow his comrades to do. “Even then, I know there will be casualties. I know there will be people who will not understand… I know that not everyone will be saved.”   “People who died because of the current system won’t return, either,” Sabo said under his breath. His tone and trembling hands revealed that he was still feeling guilty for things beyond his control, no matter how many times Dragon had tried to reason with him.   Since words hadn’t worked before, Dragon just summoned a warm wind this time, hoping to bring Sabo comfort. Then, he spoke again. “Nothing is simply black or white... nothing is simple in life and politics. Before starting our revolution, I am going to consider our options dozens, hundreds, even thousands of times. If a peaceful solution should present itself before we make our move, I will consider it.” He spread his arms. “For, as I told you, what I am after is not just freedom, but actual justice as well.”   “Do you mean that without true justice, freedom is impossible?” Sabo looked up at him, his voice back to normal, the trembling gone.   “Yes, but to achieve justice, you must first uncover the hidden past of the world and spread the true history. Knowledge is revolutionary in itself.” Dragon smirked. “However, this is only my personal view. You may draw different conclusions.”   Sabo smirked back at him. “I think I’ll steal your definition of freedom… ‘Freedom equals justice’ sounds pretty good to me. Or maybe ‘free justice’ or something like that.”   Dragon laughed. “Koala will probably find a better definition anyway, no use pondering it too much.”   “You’re right,” Sabo said with a half-smile. His expression revealed that he was worried about Koala scolding him for one of his ‘stupid ideas’.   Dragon smiled fondly, secretly hoping that his dream would come true. For Sabo and Koala, for the rest of the revolutionaries… but also for his son and everyone else in the world.   I will fight for a better future for us all. A world without injustice ingrained in its very foundations. A world in which people’s freedom is a right recognised and encouraged. --- The Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army would make his move not long after the Reverie and the incident it spurred.   Sabo’s destiny and the injustices against him would be the casus bellis. Then, upon achieving true justice based on equality, Monkey D Dragon’s idea of liberty would also become reality.   I am going to rescue you, Sabo. And then, I shall show you the world I have been envisioning.   A gale arose from the sea: keen as a man’s resolve, melancholic as a boy longing for a future yet to come. Dragon himself turned into a salty breeze, only to rematerialise before the Celestial Dragons and grin at their dismay.   Freedom is Justice. One is impossible without the other.   That day, a storm forespoke in legends poured onto the oppressors of the people.

My Dragon fanfic (also featuring Sabo!) for the “One Piece Justice Anthology” (@ op_justicezine on Twitter). The zine is free to download, make sure to check it out!  ^^

For a while, I felt a sense of pride in our connection. It wasn't a marriage per se, but I had committed myself to him wholeheartedly. In a way, I felt as though I was naturally bound to him, as if we were married by instinct. I was deeply in love and felt the safest I had ever felt in my life at that time.

Before experiencing these emotions, I first met him in college. He was literally the first person I encountered, aside from the other students during placement exams and orientation. That initial interaction marked the beginning of our journey together.

As I entered the library, my main objective was to find a way to print out my boarding pass. I had plans to fly back home to Las Vegas for two weeks after orientation, before the school officially started. I remembered my Aunt, who lived here, expressing concerns that I might not return if I left. At that time, I had a strong dislike for Vegas and had left just a week after my graduation. Although I landed in Texas, in hindsight, I probably should have gone further away.

I made my way to one of the computers on the first floor, assuming I could easily log in. However, I quickly realized I didn't have the necessary credentials.

"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath. The library was deserted this time of year, and I couldn't see anyone around to ask for help. Eventually, I approached the librarian. (who is a student that attends the university)

"Hello, I'm new here. Can I ask a huge favor and use your login information to print out my boarding pass?" I requested, hoping for a positive response.

"Uh, yeah, but I'll come and log you in myself. I don't know you, girl. You might try to steal my information," he replied, half-jokingly but with a hint of seriousness.

I chuckled nervously. "No, seriously, I just need to get on the internet real quick."

We walked back to the computer I had been sitting at, and he noticed my suitcase.

"Oh, you're flying out. Where are you headed?" he inquired.

"I'm going to Las Vegas. I have some family and friends I'd like to see before school starts," I explained.

I'm not sure why I felt comfortable telling him where I was staying, which happened to be this old, run-down hotel near campus, probably a 20-minute walk away. Maybe he sensed my situation, and I think he felt a bit sorry for me, especially when he realized I probably didn't have anything to eat. But I didn't want his sympathy; instead, I wanted him to be impressed by my independence and bravery as I navigated this process somewhat alone. I pride myself on being humble and brave, so why did I suddenly feel the need to make a good impression? After all, he was just a stranger.

He suggested we grab some Popeyes, and as we talked, I found myself being quite candid. I hadn't really spoken to anyone over the summer, so it felt good to open up and share a bit of myself.

He dropped me off at my hotel, and I could sense that he would have preferred me to stay with him. However, he didn't want to overstep, and I probably would have accepted his offer, but I think I was afraid of showing him that I was that trusting, especially since he was a total stranger.

"He won me over by his chivalrous actions, ensuring that I ate before heading back to my hotel room."

Episode 4 – Part 1 – good news? bad news?

I feel bad for her, but I have some good news. Scroll down for transcript:…

Since the… “accident”, let’s say, I have seen that woman several times accross the city. Every time I see her, she seems to be in a rush, like she’s late for something or forgot an important assignment. She always wears the same armor I saw her using the first time I saw her, but every time it seems older, more damaged. She must get herself in some really nasty stuff to be in that state, I hope she’s taking care of herself – she was nice to me, after all, even after losing her dragon.

The dragon, well, it really was dead. Poor girl. I kinda feel bad for her. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a pet, a member of the family. And she even mentioned a “they”… Did anyone turn her dragon into that? I want to ask her, but I think it might be a bit weird if I just pull up and say “Hey, ya know about your dead animal? Tell me all about its life!”. Is it weird?

The good news is, I found a library. I still haven’t gone there, but I’ll probably have the next time you hear of me. It doesn’t seem big at all, but it seems like the only cosy place in, like, 200 square miles. It’s near the place where I’m staying right now, which, if I haven’t talked about it, is a small pathetic hut which I built using spare pieces of wood and a strange metal I found around. I guess I have to thank my gloves for that, they actually made the job a lot easier. Well, I guess they were useful for once.

The hut is not exactly perfect, but it gets me the job done, you know? I have a place to sleep, to… well, sleep. The city is dangerous at night, okay? Well, I guess it’s also dangerous during the day, but you get my point. If I’m sleeping, I’m not as protected, so every single thing that helps me not get noticed by the monsters, even if it’s not that effective, is important. Also, this place is scary as hell, the fear I feel is worse than almost any other thing, so if I FEEL safer, I guess that’s something.

I do wish someone would come and rescue me. I would, in fact, appreciate it very much. Oh, and also some help would be quite useful. I haven’t seen the skater boy in a while – I wonder what he’s up to - , so I really have not been having words to rely on. I’m alone again, and we already figured that’s not a good thing.

I do, also, miss my home. I miss my friends. I miss my- I miss you, February. I’ve been here for a relatively short period of time, why do I feel like this? I, Radio Silence, am emotional because I haven’t been home for a while. What kind of… What kind of person am I?

I have to stay strong. I have to make plans. Well, eventually I will have to talk to the girl, not only because of the dragon but also because of the fox symbols. She must now anything about it, if it’s a real important thing and I’m not hallucinating. The next time I see her, I’ll see if I’m brave enough to go and ask her about it. The problem is, she always seems so tired. Well, she does have reasons too. I don’t want to bother her even more though… What if the fox thing is like, personal? I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. I really don’t, she has much more to worry about than a random kid asking for information about a symbol that’s on your clothes…

shell

i took a colorquiz as last years spoke to me. i didn't know what to expect but thought i would be in a much better position now.

"tries to take the characteristics she likes in other people and apply it to herself as well as coming across as a unique individual."

desired objective: to be known for something she has accomplished and use her social abilities to win people over.

ouch.

i cling onto these words and the echoes of others. that i'm a shell. i'm an empty person.

it is true. i come across others and admire those i find with exceptional personalities. i tend to absorb myself into them taking surface level qualities that i like.

vivienne, the deli clerk at my former job. quiet but held a strong, confident demeanor. tatted around her arms and chest, short brown hair sometimes adorned with ribbon. she dressed in shirts with ripped off shoulders, leopard leggings and clogs. even with minimal clothing she still found a way to dress punk. nigel and i raved about her endlessly. we both tried finding her on the web but she was nowhere to be found.

i came out of that job with an obsession for ribbon and new clogs.

gigi. caught my eye first at the library with her green cadet cap speckled with pins. i then met her at the first day of apparel class. she wore the same hat, green jacket and big brown pants. her eyes were big and bright. i immediately fell in love with her. she asked the instructor many questions and started playing with the sewing machine before we were all given the go. i admired that. many students flocked to her as well. she initiated conversation and drew a small interest to me, sharing her website filled with personal excerpts. her main story was how most of her life she created art but pursued biology, getting a full ride to UW in biochem. she knew she did not want to pursue that and create instead. she dropped out and signed up for apparel class. initially, i thought blogs were corny and for influencers but when she shared that story to me i thought she was brave. she left apparel class deciding to pursue something else but her small presence left a great impression in the friend group, a great impression on me.

i bought 3 cadet caps shortly after and find myself typing in this blog thing... lord.

on top of that i am reliant with the idea that one could fix me.

i rewind and look back. most of the time in school i was daydreaming, fantasizing of another life, with someone that truly loved me. we were madly in love.

being alone i've always felt incomplete. i know now that i don't need someone to complete me but why has it always felt this way. alone i feel powerless.

when i started the apparel class and started making friends i felt that i could accomplish anything.

how can i end this belief?

---

i talked to oscar about this and said that i shouldn't focus on this being problems. i should focus on how i should fix this. i thought about that.

after shopping for oscar's tux i asked him if i could get my sister's camera i gave to him. he wasn't using it so he agreed. we played the camera for a bit, him trying to get a still shot of me headbanging, jumping in the air, jorge eating a carrot and some shots outside in the dark. i filmed some b-roll on the way home.

i began to think of something to film other than my trip to the philippines.

i began thinking of my thoughts of being infatuated with other people and their extraordinary qualities. grouping them together, they all seemed strong, and confident. they pursued something impractical. i decided i wanted interview gigi about her story and her journey to being a multidisciplinary artist. i can use this energy i have in a healthy way by actually getting to know her instead of creating this ideal image. i can also create a film which is something i've been wanting to do.

my plan is i'm going to start filming jaerlene since she is pursuing filmmaking and doing a lovely job at it. i'm going to interview her. and make a film first. that way i can practice and get guidance from her.

i'm so excited and hope to finish this project!

He’s Safe With Me | R.B

Paring: Regulus Black X Fem!Half-Blood!Reader

Summary: A little boy brightens Regulus’ days after his brother leaves him.

Inspiration: Click & Click

Growing up always left a bittersweet taste in people's mouths. While it was nice to gain freedom and more privileges that growing up included, the new responsibilities made it bitter. It was the leaving, the stress, and the idea of putting your childhood behind you that brought the sour taste to people's tongues. 

Regulus never thought that he’d have to grow up so fast. 

The summer months were always Regulus’ favorite. They were the months that, despite everything, Sirius would come home to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place and be a resident there for the two months of holiday. Maybe during Hogwarts, they would sneer at each other and argue with one another, but at home, it wasn’t like that. 

Sirius was sixteen, and Regulus was fifteen, but that didn’t stop Sirius from taking the hits meant for Regulus. It didn’t stop him from taking the blame, so Regulus was safe. Afterward, Regulus would hear Sirius whimpering in his bedroom and silent cries. Sometimes, he’d even fall asleep outside his door, or if he were brave enough, he’d go inside and lay beside him. 

They were boys, but from the moment they were born, they had to be adults. Their childhood was stripped from them, and responsibilities piled on top of another. From the minute they were born, they had to sit straight, use proper manners, try to court girls, be charming, study, and be mature, but they were boys. They were bound to be a ruckus. 

Regulus could remember running around Uncle Alphard with Sirius when he was three. Uncle Alphard had a vast plot of land with a big house on the corner. He had cherry blossom trees planted all around the manor, and it gave the boys an area to run. When Regulus caught up to him, eventually, he’d jump on his brother's back, and Sirius always caught him when he fell. 

So why couldn’t Sirius catch him now?

He heard the window open from Sirius’ room and already had a feeling he knew what was happening. Earlier that day, he heard the shuffling of clothes and items in the room beside his own. Regulus swallowed the growing lump in his throat and opened Sirius’ door to find exactly what he suspected. Sirius had a trunk packed and head out of the window. When the door opened, he hit his head on the bottom of the window. 

“God damn it.” Sirius muttered in pain as he retracted from halfway out the window. 

“Sirius…?” Regulus hated how small his voice sounded. 

Sirius turned to face his little brother fiddling with a Gryffindor tie, tears in his eyes, “Regulus….”

“Please, wait.” Regulus pleaded softly, and Sirius wanted to, but he couldn’t, “Reg, I- I can’t. I can’t stay here anymore.” Sirius stuttered as tears filled his vision. 

Why couldn’t Sirius stay? He felt like a little boy again begging and pleading for Sirius to hold him during the thunderstorms that used to take cover of the skies. Mother always dragged him out of the bedroom, and Regulus would be left wailing begging for Sirius. Regulus would sit on his bed crisscrossed, holding a blanket close to his heart, praying, “Please, Siri, please.”

He could remember when Sirius and Regulus were forced to become enemies. Remembering when Sirius came home from his first year, he was shut in his room with multiple locks. Regulus would weep beg for him to save him from their mother and father. When the first Cruciatus Curse hit, he screamed Sirius’ name. 

“Please, Siri, you- you can’t leave.”

“Regulus,” Sirius stepped forward to cup his brother's cheek who reached just beneath his chin, “I’m sorry.”

Regulus leaned into his brother's touch, knowing it would probably be the last time, “I wanna be home….” 

“You are home, Regulus.” Sirius replied, confused but still soft and Regulus looked up at him with tears streaming down his face, “Home is wherever I’m with you….”

Sirius had tears trickling down his pale cheeks as he placed his chin on top of Regulus’ head, embracing him tightly, “Please don’t go….”

“Please. I’m begging you.” Regulus was whimpering, keening, wailing, “Siri, please.”

“It’s safer with me gone.” Sirius confessed, “You’ll be safer here. They won’t use the crucio curse on you, not with you being the only one left.”

Regulus was fisting the back of his shirt, the Gryffindor tie still in his hand, “They know that if they hurt one of us, the other one hurts more. With me gone, that leverage disappears.”

“I don’t care.” Regulus cried, “I just want you.”

Sirius kissed the top of his head and parted from his brother's tight embrace, “I love you, Regulus.”

“But-“ Regulus swallowed, “You love James more.”

Sirius didn’t answer, and Regulus let his head fall, staring at the wooden floor, fiddling with the silk tie. He felt guilty. He felt like it was all his fault. Maybe if Regulus had taken more curses, perhaps if he had been a better brother. Maybe if Regulus were strong enough to disobey his parents as Sirius did, then Sirius wouldn’t be leaving right now. 

“Perhaps not in this lifetime, but perhaps in another, I’d be able to stay.” Sirius replied solemnly, leaving Regulus’ heart to shatter like a ripped piece of paper. 

Regulus sniffled, “I guess… this is goodbye.”

“I suppose it is,” Sirius said as he approached the window again. 

This time Regulus didn’t stop him. He knew he had nothing on James. Regulus would always be second to James no matter how hard he tried. Sirius threw the trunk onto the outside ground and sat on the edge of the window, looking beneath him. He turned around one more time before leaping onto the soft grass. 

Maybe the summer months weren’t Regulus’ favorite months anymore. 

The start of fifth year was dreadful. Regulus didn’t feel anything when he approached the Hogwarts Express. It felt like half of his heart had gone and disappeared. All the compartments were full, and Regulus would have to share with someone, which worsened the experience.

He saw the Marauders compartment. It was filled with the usual four boys, but inside was a girl. She was stunning with her soft appearing hair and sharp features. She was the epitome of beauty, and she made the entire compartment laugh with a quick wit she seemed to have made. 

Regulus passed it until he found a compartment with Lucius Malfoy and Evan Rosier. He slid the door open and took place beside Evan. Both boys welcomed him in with a smile. He couldn’t help but think back to the girl in the Marauders compartment. He had seen her before, but he couldn’t place it where. 

She hadn’t changed into her robes, so it was impossible to know what house she was in, but she still looked stunning in Muggle clothing. He noticed her style was comparative to Sirius’. The black ripped jeans, the doc martens on her feet, and a tee-shirt he couldn’t make out due to the jacket she wore over it. 

They entered Hogwarts and went into the Great Hall, where everyone sat at their respected tables. Regulus couldn’t help himself but try and search for her. He was shocked when she entered the Great Hall with green and silver robes. 

It didn’t make sense. Why did she get to be included? The Marauders hated Slytherins, yet she seemed to be so close with them. Regulus was a Slytherin, and he was related to one of the Marauders, yet he still wasn’t included. His heart swelled with a sense of jealousy and envy. 

Nonetheless, she took her seat beside Leia, a pureblood with long brown hair and blue eyes. They were talking until the sorting ceremony began. The sorting ceremony was long and drawled out, but the girl looked strangely intrigued. She watched intently as a little boy with shaggy brown hair and green eyes who was introduced as Romeo L/n sat onto the stool where McGonagall placed the hat onto his head.

It pondered for a while, a maximum of two minutes, but the hat finally exclaimed, “Slytherin!” The boy smiled brightly and approached the girl. He was bouncing over to her with a gleeful smile on his face. The little boy had dimples and straight teeth. He hugged her tightly, and she kissed his cheek. 

“Congratulations, Romeo.” 

“I’m just like you, sis!” Romeo grinned. 

She smiled, “You’re just like me, love.”

“Congratulations, Ro!” Leia exclaimed, “So happy for you.”

He hugged the other girl, “Thanks, Leia.”

“C’mere, Rom,” Y/n patted the seat beside her, “Sit.”

The little boy sat beside his sister and allowed her to put her arms around his neck, holding him close to her chest, “Love you, Romeo.”

“I love you too, Y/n.”

Regulus grimaced. So she had a little brother, and her name was Y/n. Regulus looked back at the stool where first years were sitting. He glanced slightly at Sirius from across the room, who was smiling brightly as James placed an arm around his shoulders. Regulus would always be second best. 

The first few weeks of fifth-year weren’t that bad. It went smoothly, and people didn’t talk to Regulus. He was cold and snappy. It turned people away, which he was thankful for. He didn’t want people to talk to him. He felt numb and unresponsive, like he was the shell of who he uses to be. 

He was in the library with a Transfiguration book in front of him. The pages were dull, and he couldn’t retain anything he was reading. He missed Sirius’ brilliance in Transfiguration. He missed Sirius tutoring him in hidden places of the library so their mother wouldn’t curse him for low marks. 

A hand had gently tugged at his robe, and he went to snap when he saw familiar green eyes, “Um, excuse me, you’re Regulus, right?”

“Yeah, Regulus Black.” Regulus replied, hoping the last name would deter him, but the boy only smiled, “I’m Romeo L/n. Professor Slughorn said that you could tutor me in Potions.”

Romeo sat across from Regulus and plopped down his supplies, “I’m absolutely rubbish at Potions, but my marks in Herbology and Charms are pretty okay. Mum says they need work, but I’m trying the best I can.”

Regulus tilted his head, “What are your marks in Herbology and Charms?”

“I have an Exceeds Expectations in both.” Romeo muttered, “Mum says that I can do better, though.”

“Exceeds Expectations is good. That’s remarkable for a first year. You’re starting out with no knowledge. For just starting, I’d say you’re doing great.” Regulus replied. 

He didn’t know why he felt the need to comfort this boy. Maybe because he saw himself in the boy in front of him, he could hear his own mother scolding him for his Acceptable in Transfiguration in his first year. 

“Will you tutor me, please?”

Regulus hesitated, “I guess I’m not great at Potions either.”

“Y/n says your fantastic!” Romeo replied, “She talks about you quite a bit.”

“She does?”

“Mhm!” He hummed, “Used to send me letters at home talking about you.”

Regulus’ face flushed, and he gave a tiny smile, “I didn’t even know who she was.”

“She does that on purpose. She knew you wouldn’t like her because of her relationship with Sirius. They’re close friends.” 

“Have you spoken to any of them?”

“Yeah.” Romeo's smile was bright, “Sirius was the one who told me to talk to you. He said that you were nice.” 

“Sirius did?”

“Yeah, and Y/n, of course.” 

Regulus smiled; maybe Sirius wasn’t completely gone, “I’ll tutor you.”

“You will?”

“Yeah. Why not.” 

Without a second thought, Romeo had jumped up and embraced the older boy. Regulus stiffened, and Romeo pulled away with wide green eyes, “I’m- I’m sorry. I should’ve asked.”

Regulus embraced the boy again, and Romeo leaned into his touch. He felt safe in the Black boy's arms, almost the same feeling he got when Y/n wrapped her arms around him. Regulus’ embrace was soft, comforting, and sweet. Romeo could smell the broom polish from being the Slytherin Seeker, cinnamon, and a hint of sandalwood. 

Romeo gave Regulus a smile before sitting back down, and they began studying together. Later that evening, Romeo had entered the Great Hall for dinner with him. The first year smiled at him before approaching his sister at the Gryffindor table, where he took his spot beside her. 

“Hey, Rom.” Y/n greeted, “Hey, sis.” 

“Did you talk to Regulus?” Y/n asked, “Is he gonna tutor you?”

Romeo nodded, “Yeah! He’s really nice!” 

Sirius gave a subtle smile, “That’s brilliant, Romeo.”

Romeo and Regulus became quick friends despite Regulus’ reluctance. Romeo thought of Regulus like an older brother, and Regulus protected him like one. He was a target for many older Gryffindors, and Regulus would always take the hits or duel them for him. 

These actions didn’t come without consequences. Regulus’ home life got worse, and letters often came about his friendship with the other Slytherin boy. They didn’t enjoy the fact that they were half-bloods and didn’t believe in pureblood supremacy. Regulus would sit in the Astronomy tower with the letter reading it with a dry face looking at the stars. 

The door to the tower opened, and Regulus didn’t move. Their footsteps were light and patted across the concrete until they saw him. She sat beside him with her legs crossed while Regulus dangled. She saw the parchment in his hand and took it from them. He allowed it. There was nothing terrible in it other than his mother threatening to throw him out if he didn’t stop talking to that half-blood. 

She read it while Regulus stared at the night sky. Y/n placed it back down on the concrete pavement without a word. She fiddled with her hands and put them back in her lap. Regulus was so silent and so peaceful. But she had to break the silence.

“I really appreciate you doing what you do for Romeo.” Y/n said quietly, “He thinks of you like an older brother.”

Regulus chuckled softly, “He’s energetic, that one.”

“Yeah. He’s got a lot of energy.” Y/n replied, “He hates sitting still. But he really appreciates that you can work with that.” 

“He gets irritating sometimes, but I try to keep him intrigued.”

“It works.”

“I’m glad.”

It was silent again, “I’m sure he’s told you plenty. He’s not very good at keeping secrets.”

Regulus smirked, and for a moment, he looked like Sirius, “You wrote letters about me?”

“I like you, Regulus.” Y/n confessed, “More than I should.”

He intertwined his hand with hers, “I like you too.”

Y/n smiled at squeezed his hand. Regulus leaned his head on her shoulder and began to tell her about the stars. He went into extreme depth of every constellation, planet, and star. Y/n noticed that he skipped Canis Major but didn’t say anything. She knew of Sirius’ departure the previous summer and how badly Regulus had been hurt thanks to Sirius’ description. It wasn’t good to rub salt in a still-open wound. 

When Regulus got the mark months later, they didn’t separate. She stood by his side and helped him through it. They didn’t tell anyone about it, not even Romeo. It wasn’t until the war was over that they decided to let everyone know. Y/n had allowed a sigh of relief when she found out that Peter was in Azkaban and her friends were still alive. 

Regulus was sleeping when she grabbed a bit of parchment to write to Sirius. Y/n dipped the quill in black ink and began writing smoothly. The ink embedded the paper like old friends, and when it dried, she handed it to her owl, Astoria. The following afternoon when Remus and Sirius were still entangled together from the previous night, the owl tapped on the window. 

Sirius groaned and stood up from the bed. He grabbed the parchment as the owl flew off. The writing was perfect calligraphy, and Sirius smiled at the note written on the parchment. His heart slowed its beat with relief. 

“He’s safe with me.”

fratboy!gray having a shy nerdy girlfriend and at a party someone makes fun of her in front of grayson and he goes off on them for hurting his precious girls feelings ://

im a sucker for frat boy gray where he’s such a douche bag to everyone else but has a soft spot his girl 🥺

grayson knew parties weren't your scene, he knew you would much rather be wrapped up in the comfort on your own bed, book in hand and cup of tea steaming away on your bedside table as you escaped reality. quite frankly he would much rather join you than have to suffer another night of drinking, drugs and girls trying it on with him.

he only had eyes for one girl- you, and he made it well known to everyone on campus. you were his girl and you were not to be messed with. however, it seemed some people never understood the message.

after wearing you down and bribing you with kisses and cuddles and wanting to show off his girl to his brothers who had heard so much about you, you reluctantly agreed to attending the party. arriving later than the rest of party goers however, as you needed to finish up an essay that wasn’t due until the following week, but you always needed to be ahead of schedule. it was one of your many traits that made grayson fall even deeper in love with you.

it was your shyness that drew him to you in the first place. a trait you found annoying and often frustrated by, grayson found it endearing and adorable. he loved watching your cheeks flush red with heat whenever he complimented you or told you how much he loved you.

he found your ‘nerdiness’ precious and admirable, encouraging the so called heart throb and popular kid of campus to buckle down and focus more on his studies. he had you to thank, you kept grounded.

you threw on your most comfortable clothes, not one to show off your body or dress to impress anyone, deciding on grayson’s football jersey he had left at your house the night before, black leggings and a pair of vans. you took one last look in the mirror and reminded yourself you were doing this for grayson.

mutpitle texts of ‘im on the way’, ’im here’ and ‘meet me outside?” went unanswered as your boyfriend, who was also the host of the party, was being pulled around the room but fans of him who were desperate for his attention. his eyes constantly flickered over to the door, uninterested in the conversations he was having and waiting for you to arrive and turn his night around for the better.

he was distracted from his conversation with a girl he hadn't even bothered to learn the name off when he spotted a large crowd gather in the hall way. load. his ears were met with unsettling comments being directed towards someone he couldn’t quite see from his spot in the kitchen, making him completely blind to the groups of students surrounded you and making you feel so unwelcome as you anxiously searched the party of the one person who made you feel the safest. 

grayson blood boiled as he pushed his way further into the crowd, his shoulders puffed and hands balled to his side when he finally made eye contact with your teary ones. on noticing it was you, being submitted to his own team mates calling you a loser, a nerd, a nobody, something inside grayson switched.

“oh look if it isn't little miss y/n, what's a nobody like you doing here. the library’s across campus, loser,” liam, who you had seen hang around with grayson many times in the school canteen, raised his voice in order to gain the attention of all the students in attendance, wanting to turn as many people against you and make you feel as little as possible. you were an easy target for him to gain popularity.

“you dont belong here.”

“dont you have homework to be doing?”

“what is she even wearing.” you heard some girls dressed in the skimpiest clothes laughing at you.

you stood silent, never one to fight back. you weren't strong enough nor brave enough to defend yourself. a weakness of your was showing emotion and that was always used against you, you let some tears fall, hugging yourself as a sense of protection, which only egged on the bullies to harassing you further.

you might not be brave enough to defend yourself, but your overprotective and extremely pissed boyfriend who was storming his way over, certainly was.

liam backed you into a corner, laughing in your face and watching you cry which only aided to boost his ego. he stunk of alcohol, his breath so close to your eye making you recoil into yourself and whimper out for grayson. liam felt untouchable, until the booming voice of your knight in shining armour stopped in his tracks.

you let out a sigh of relief.

“yo liam!” grayson’s voice overshadowed the music, the herd of students parting like the red sea and watching his every move.

students gasped as grayon aggressively pulled liam’s body away from yours by the collar of his shirt, yanking his boy as far away from you as possible and causing him to stumble back, as grayon quickly stood in front of your and acted like a human shield. 

he felt you small, shaky hands grip onto the back of his shirt and hide your face. grayson reached one arm behind and held onto your hip, his fingers soothing over your skin to silently remind you he was there and he wasn’t going to let anything happen to you.

you were always going to safe with him.

his glare remained firm on liam, who looked just as shocked and scared as the crowd that seemed to grow around you and see what all the fuss was about.many people were more interested in the fact grayson dolan had finally settled down, rather than the fight that may occur.

“gray, he-hey bro! great party,” liam stuttered over his words, but straightened up when he noticed students filming the confrontation. he thrived off attention and he knew the easiest way to get it, was to be an arsehole.

if he pushed grayson’s buttons, he would be seen as a hero and he could finally steal grayson’s popularity he was so hungry for. or so he thought it was that easy.

“you got a problem with my girl?” grayson kept his voice low, eyes stern and his hand on you at all times. his muscles were tense but at the feeling of your body press closer to his, he relaxed a little.

“your girl?” liam spat venom. laughing as he tried to catch a glance of you over grayson shoulder, only to prompt grayson to take a step forward.

“bro, you can do so much better. she’s a los-“

grayson didn’t even give liam enough time to finish his sentence before his fist was colliding with his nose. sending liam down to the floor with one hit, blood dropping down his face as grayson stood over his body, tall and angry.

“don’t you ever speak about her like that again. don’t talk about her, to her, don’t even fucking look at her. if i catch you so much as breathe near her, i’ll fucking end you. ya hear me?”

grayson then proceeded to lifted liam off the floor once again by his shirt and dragged his body outside, throwing him onto the lawn of the frat house before slamming the door in his face and immediately running back to your side. 

he returned to you with soft gentle eyes, and a smile that didn’t reach his eyes like you were used to. he instantly pulledyou into his arms and repeatedly apologised for not being there sooner. he held you whist you tried to control your unsteady breathing, your fingers reaching down to cup his bruised fists in your own and kiss each individual knuckle to help sooth the pain he must be feeling. 

grayson lifted his other unharmed hand to your cheek, his thumb gently swiping away at the smudged mascara of your under eye. you still looked as beautiful as ever in his eyes. an angel sent down from heaven just for him, he wondered what he did in a past life to get so lucky.

“i love you, baby. dont listen to the opinions of people who dont matter, they don’t know about us. they don’t see you the way i see you. you're the most beautiful, person i’v ever met and i dont want no one else, you hear me?”

“yours. im yours, baby.”

grayson leans in to seal his vows with a kiss. pouring every ounce of love he had for you into it and making sure everybody around saw.

reaching for your hand and dragging you out of the party, grayson lead the pair of you back to your dorm room, where you spend the rest of the night tangled up in your sheets, sharing kisses and whispering i love yous till the sun came up.

Hiii! I saw that your requests were open and I was wondering if you could do a Genshin highschool au (modern au??? Idk what to call it-) and how Childe, Venti, Albedo and diluc would confess to their crush. Idk I just think it's a cute idea :)

Anyways feel free to ignore! Thanks and have a nice day! Don't forget to eat and drink water! <3

Note: sorry for how late this is but ofc!! thanks for the request and take care as well!

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Characters: Childe, Venti, Albedo, Diluc

Childe

Lost in your own world, you do not notice the red ginger waltzing his way up to the front of the class. Only when you hear audible gasps from the other students do you glance up, surprise coloring your face. 

His azure blue eyes are glued to you, mischief lining the corners of his mouth. Today his red locks are slightly gelled nicely, keeping out of his face and accentuating his features all the more. He dons his school uniform well, looking tall and confident up there, despite having everyone’s attention on him. But of course, that is just who he is as a person -- popular with the student population for being the class clown and a great track athlete with those long legs of his. 

Which is why you nearly fall out of your chair at his declaration. “[Y/N],” he called out. Pairs of eyes follow to you, making you still as a statue. “I... I really like you. You are funny and strong and brave and better of a person than I ever will be. Will you go out with me?”

The class ‘awwed’, lapping the entire scene in with excitement. You want to facepalm, thinking how stupid he is for confessing in front of everyone. What if you reject him? Goodness. He truly is such an idiot. “No,” you say. You watch his face pale for a moment and the students growing silent. Unable to hold in the laugh spilling from your lips, you prevent the awkwardness from seeping in. “I’m kidding. I like you too, Childe.”

Everyone burst into applause, as Childe hurries to you, wrapping his arms around you. Unlike before, his confidence has faded away, left with a vulnerable boy who is so relieved to not get rejected by the one he loves. 

Venti

Sunlight filter through the windows of the music room, casting a sheen past the wispy dust dancing in the air. A young boy with braided ombre locks peacefully sits on the window sill, his legs kicking forth in steady rhythm. Humming under his breath, his teal eyes dart to the door that opened up, instantly brightening up in excitement. 

You peek into the room to find the musical genius, Venti. His childlike charisma is found in the corner, his figure soft and beautiful. After having music class with him, you grew quite close to him -- he never fails to make you smile. He is different from others, a free spirit unable to tied down to anything. Never afraid to seek the thing he wants, he has pushed you to do the same. 

“You’re here,” he breathed out, soaring down from the high ledge. “Can I play you a song I’ve been working on?”

Beaming, you sit down on a chair and nod. Touched that he chooses you to hear something so vulnerable first, you are more than willing to do anything for him. He is a cherished friend -- one you never hope to let go. “Please do.”

He starts to strum the golden harp he’s holding onto, the melodic sound of it wavering into the room. He starts to sing words of no meaning, clear and pretty to match with the instrument. It mesmerize you from the bat, your eyes gluing the stunning male in front of you. His eyes are closed, but his actions were soulful, as if every note wants to say something to you. 

When he finishes, he stops you before you could clap. “Wait,” he whispers, coming closer to you, his eyes rimmed with tears. “I want to tell you a little secret. I like you, [Y/N]. A lot.”

You drop your jaw, blinking in shock at this newfound confession. For a minute, all is silent, the remnant of the song still stuck playing in your head like a broken record. Your cheeks warm and your heart race, and you realize you already know your answer to his confession. “I like you too, Venti.”

Albedo

In the quiet of the library where you can hear a pin drop, you listen to the soft ‘sha’ of the rain pouring outside of the school. It is the perfect day to study with the renown Einstein of the school, Albedo. You lift your gaze up to see him sitting across from you, crystal blue eyes peering down through his lenses. 

He has been very helpful lately, always offering to walk you through problems you are stuck on. It makes your insides flutter, taken off guard by his generosity. Stupid you are, you used to assume him to be a prick, just because he is smart. But now you know better... and the more you get to learn about him, the more you want to see him, not just for tutor sessions. 

He looks up from his textbook and you flinch back, ashamed for getting caught staring. How embarrassing. Quickly looking back down, you pretend to study, frantically scanning the unreadable letters painting on the page. You stiffen when you hear his voice. “Do you need help on anything?” he asks you. Even making his way around the table, you grow flustered when he bends down, platinum blond hair falling from his sides. 

Not only is he smart, but he is beautiful. 

He turns to look at you, inquiry coloring his features. 

“Oh!” you force out, chuckling a little. “No... I’m okay for now-- thank you though.”

He nods, yet does not leave your side, with brows furrowing in deep thought. “Well, I need help on something. Do you mind?”

Albedo? Needing help? How strange. Did the world just flip upside down. You nod in response anyway, unsure whether or not you can actually help him. 

“I can’t figure this out, but why do I feel so nervous around you?”

You pause, heart pounding so loudly against your chest you can hear nothing else. Did this mean...? He couldn’t possibly? But maybe you are too desperate not to voice out the suggestion. “Do you... like me?” you croak out. “Like... like like me?”

He does not respond for a moment, pondering long and hard about it. Eventually, he sits down on the chair next to you, nodding slightly. “I think I do. I like you [Y/N].”

Diluc

He is your bestfriend, your pillar, the one that has kept you true to yourself this entire school experience. No matter what, he is there for you, the one reliable person that hasn’t failed you once. And because he is that, you have grown to love him -- more than just a friend. 

Your arm is hooked around the redhead’s broad shoulder, his soft locks tickling you. In that usual ponytail of his, you always admired his looks, for he could pull off long hair unlike most people. Scarlet hues are trained on you, listening intently to the story you are telling him. 

Reaching your locker, you release your hold on him and begin to spin the locker combination. It clicks and unlocks and as you try to find a notebook, something else caught your eye. There, laying in the middle, is a delicately wrapped letter, accompanied by a lone rose. When did this get here? Blinking at it in confusion, you hesitantly take it, pulling at the silk that binded the thick paper together. 

Dear [Y/N],

you are my best friend, but to tell you the truth, I’ve always longed more from you. Because I have feelings for you, and you only. No matter how many years has gone and come, it has never changed. 

-Diluc

You turn to look at your best friend, disbelief coloring your expression. His head is downturn, his ears growing red in embarrassment. Holding tightly to the rose, you stand on your tippy toe to place a kiss on his cheek. “I have feelings for you too,” you breath out. 

“You do?” he echoes, his face lighting up like a puppy, yet too awkward to make a move. 

“I do.”

The Rest of Our Lives Part 2 - Nessian NSFW

Written for Nessian month oranised by @illyrianet using the prompt: After the mating ceremony NSFW

*****

Nesta had almost tuned out from the repeated words of congratulations, the hugs from everyone around her, and she kept reminding herself that these were her friends, her family, she could wait a little longer to get Cassian home. Still, the House stood tall over the city, her little reminder of what was to come, even as Cassian pulled her close to him, resting his chin on her head as he swayed slightly to the music floating through the air. Nesta giggled, and placed her free hand on his shoulder, letting Gwyn's voice guide them through a dance, their first one as a married couple. Even if her friend was still too nervous to be there in person, she had found Cassian a few days ago to record a song onto Nesta's symphonia. She closed her eyes, leaning against him, hardly noticing that the garden had fallen quiet, hardly noticed everyone's eyes on them as she allowed Cassian to lead her through the music. Once the song had finished, switching to another she raised herself onto her tiptoes, but still Cassian had to dip his head to kiss her, earning cheers from all around.

Nesta snorted at Emerie's raised eyebrow,

"Get out of here, you two, no one wants to see that," she teased, and Nesta flipped her off, earning another laugh, but didn't complain when Cassian tugged her through the garden, struggling to keep up behind him,

"Cass! Slow down," she stumbled on the cobbles in her heels, and Cassian simply swept her back into his arms, "Is that your answer to everything?"

"It is tonight."

Nesta looped her arms around Cassian's neck, not once taking her eyes off him as he leapt into the sky, circling round an updraft before lazily gliding over Velaris. She sighed, and rested her cheek against his chest, his closeness, his scent grounding her as he spiraled up, up, up above the clouds before leveling out. Nesta laughed as the wind whipped past her, Feyre's magic holding her hair and make-up in place, so far her promise had held, and she let go with one hand to reach out to touch a cloud, yanking her hand back at the coldness, and laughed again at Cassian's snort of amusement,

"Are we going home or not?" She teased, "Anyone would think you'd want to get back as quickly as you could,"

"We are, but I thought it might be good to go and see Gwyn first, or it'll be in a week's time," Nesta squirmed at the promise in those words,

"A week?"

"Oh yes, I'm not letting any other males near you until my name is the only thing you remember," Nesta flushed, struggling for a comeback, but screamed when Cassian tucked his wings in, diving for the House's balcony. She clung on to him,

"Don't you dare drop me!" She squealed, hiding her face in his neck as the balcony neared, and stayed there when his wingbeats quieted and he stepped forwards, his feet now on solid ground,

"You can look now, Nes," he murmured, and she just smacked his shoulder,

"That's for scaring me," she said, wriggling to get out of his arms, but he just held her tighter, "Are you going to put me down?" He pursed his lips, as if thinking, but grinned,

"No, never."

"I'd think even you would get tired eventually," Nesta chuckled, but didn't complain again, relaxing into his hold, even as he carried her down to the library, finally letting her stand on her own once they reached it. "Hello, Clotho," Nesta grinned,

Hello, Nesta, are you here for Gwyn? She's a few levels down, and desperate to see you both,

"Thank you Clotho," Nesta smiled when Cassian subtly tugged her back against him, as if he couldn't bear any space between them, making Clotho reach again for her pen,

And I wish to offer you both my congratulations, before you become too distracted. Nesta laughed at that,

"Thank you, Clotho, it almost feels like a dream,"

"You sure about that? Want me to prove it's not?" Nesta flushed again at the words, despite knowing that Clotho hadn't heard,

"Not now," she hissed, but couldn't hold back her smile at the thought, it wasn't a dream, not any more. She smiled again at Clotho as she started down into the library, squealing in delight when she saw Gwyn, immediately running towards her and throwing herself into her arms,

"Nesta! You took your damn time coming to see me!"

"Sorry, we got carried away at the party,"

"Carried away?" Gwyn chuckled, "I do hope that's not code for anything,"

"Cauldron no," Cassian huffed at Nesta's words,

"Slightly offended there, Nes,"

"Oh really, did you want to get up to something at the party, with all the other males there to see?" He frowned, and Nesta chuckled, "Thought not," she laughed when Gwyn grabbed at her hand, eyeing her ring,

"Oh it's beautiful," she gasped, "I knew he was getting something specially made, but it really is beautiful, nice job, Cass," she laughed as she offered him a quick hug, but narrowed her eyes once she'd released him, "Have you spoken to Emerie?"

"Yes,"

"What did she say?"

"She threatened to cut my balls off if messed up,"

"Good. I think it goes without saying that I share the sentiment," she chuckled, and Cassian grinned,

"Good gods, what have we created?" But then his gaze leveled at Gwyn, "With all seriousness, I would rather die than let anything hurt her," Nesta rolled her eyes,

"Here come the dramatics," but Gwyn nodded,

"Good. I won't keep you any longer, I know you're both desperate to get alone," she grinned at Nesta, "Go and have some fun," Nesta made to respond, to claim that they weren't that bad, but Gwyn just raised an eyebrow and she relented,

"See you in a week,"

*****

Nesta didn't make it to their bedroom before she hauled Cassian's mouth to hers, stumbling back against a wall, opening at the first brush of his tongue against hers, all the restraint she'd been clinging to all night vanishing when he pushed her harder against the wall. She moaned when he brushed a hand against her cheek, then into her hair, tugging her head back to give him better access. She panted when he pulled back, his hand in her hair holding her still when she tried to follow his movement,

"Cass," she whined, grabbing a hold of his jacket, and trying to tug him back towards her, but he stayed where he was, just staring down at her,

"I love you," he whispered, then kissed her again, gentler this time, less full of need, and he cradled her head as she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck, moving against him as he held her there. She drew her legs up and around his waist, letting out little gasps and moans when he moved from kissing her mouth to her jaw, then her neck, and she cried out his name at the slight bite on her collarbone. She chanted his name again and again, losing herself to feel of him against her, pressing her into the wall, his hand still holding the back of her head, cushioning it when she tossed her head backwards at the pleasure of his mouth on her.

"Cass," she whimpered, "Bedroom, please," she clung on to him, her face buried in his neck, offering little kisses, then more, all while he carried her through to their room, hands rubbing up and down her waist, earning whines and whimpers until he slowly lowered her to the bed. She ran her fingers through his hair, tugging it out of the tie he'd pinned it back with, and tugged, hard. Cassian groaned, his gaze fixed on Nesta, her chest heaving, her lips already swollen, the flush spreading from her face down her chest. He kept staring straight at her while she unbuttoned his shirt, sitting up to reach behind him to free his wings, running a finger along the edge of one in her own sinful promise. Later she might only remember his name, but she'd be damned if he remembered anything other than hers. She stood up, shoving him down to the bed with one hand, snorting at his dramatic fall, but squealed when he tugged her onto his lap. She sighed at the heartbreaking gentleness with which he swept his hands up the bodice of her gown,

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, "So, gorgeous," he kissed her cheek, "So brave," another kiss, this time on her jaw, "So strong," a kiss on her neck, and Nesta's hands automatically dove into his hair, holding on as he slowly, too slowly untied the back of the dress, and lifted her up to allow it to fall away, kicking off his pants at the same time before sitting back down with Nesta straddling his lap. Gods, he was everything, and tears sprung to her eyes as she beheld him in that moment, adoration shining in his eyes, she could feel, literally feel his love for her as if it were her own, that new mating bond practically glowing between them,

"I love you," she said, then she said it again, and again, tears slipping down her face as Cassian squeezed her waist, right here, right now, this was real, he was real. It wasn't, had never been 'just sex', but right now, it really meant something more than it ever had, it meant that she  had chosen him, and he had chosen her, even after everything, he had chosen her. She almost couldn't breathe through the blinding joy in her heart, mirrored in Cassian's eyes, "You're my mirror," she whispered, and let herself go when he cupped the back of her neck, tugging her down for another kiss. Her lips parted when he pulled back, and she nestled into him, sitting in silence, his arms around her, happy and content at long last.

Nesta traced the whorls of ink along his chest, his shoulders, but stopped when she came upon something new,

"What's this one? I haven't noticed it before?" She traced the ink over his heart,

"It's new, and it's for you, us, our mating, didn't Feyre ask you what you would want if you were to ever have a tattoo?" Nesta nodded, "What did you say?"

"Wings, like yours," Cassian tugged her against him, running his hands up and down her back,

"You really are an Illyrian now, your own wings and everything," Nesta laughed,

"Really? I thought you had to make a bargain,"

"We did, when we swore our vows, we don't have to keep them, not all mated pairs have them, but I'm keeping mine, it says your name in ancient Illyrian, right over my heart where you belong."

"I've always wanted wings," Nesta chuckled, "I'd be a fool to get rid of it, especially when it's for you," she settled against his shoulder again, "I thought newly mated pairs couldn't get their hands off each other?"

"That's true, but only once they start, when I get inside you, I'm not going to want to stop until we're both exhausted, and neither will you, but I will stop, you know the deal, you say the word and I stop,"

"Well," Nesta grinned, "I can't stop you if you don't start, now can I?" Cassian grinned, flipping her onto the bed underneath him, and pinned her hands above her head. She arched her back, her head falling back, and he swore, finally taking in her lingerie. "Mor took me shopping," she grinned, and Cassian swore again, staring down at her breasts, held aloft by a bra the same color as her dress, pushing her breasts up, but he ignored them, kissing his way down her stomach, and finally released her hands,

"Keep them above your head," he muttered, and Nesta left them there, for now, she'd take back power later, but for now, she just wanted him to show her exactly what a mating bond meant. She squealed when he gripped her panties, pulling them up so that they rubbed against her, and immediately reached down to try to tug him closer, "Do I have to tie you up? Hands above your head," she melted under the command in that tone, the same one he'd used when playing courtier. She lifted her hands again, "Good girl,"

"Please," she whispered, "Please," and Cassian finally pulled her panties away, then her bra, and climbed onto the bed to hover over her. He nudged her legs apart, waiting for a moment, "Cass," she whined, "Yes, c'mon please," no reaction, "Lord Cassian Archeron, fuck me now."

"Oh fuck," he muttered, dropping his head to bite softly at her neck, drawing more moans of delight from her, "You have no idea what you do to me,"

"Show me. Cassian, show me," Nesta tossed her head back against the pillow, he body arching off the bed as Cassian slipped two fingers into her. She forgot the command to keep her hands over her head, grabbing out at his shoulders, and forced her eyes open, watching his face as he slowly curled his fingers, pleasure arcing through her, coiling in her belly. Her mouth fell open in a silent scream at the next movement and she ground against him, dragging his face back to hers.

"Fuck," he muttered again, drawing his fingers out of her, but before Nesta could complain, he'd pushed them into her mouth, groaning at the sight of her swirling her tongue around them, licking the taste of herself away. She lifted her hips as best she could and wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning around Cassian's fingers when he pushed into her, that new mating bond going taut between them. She held his gaze when he pulled out and pushed back in slowly, cradling her head,

"Cass," she moaned, then screamed it when he slammed back in harder, and again. Nesta screamed with each move he made, no matter how small, it was as if everything was intensified, better than usual, and it was almost overwhelming, she'd never felt pleasure quite like this. She grasped harder at Cassian's shoulders, a hand slipping down, and he bucked into her at the first touch on his wings, and groaned her name again and again when she traced the edge. Nesta grinned at the ecstasy in Cassian's eyes, collapsing onto the bed beneath him, moaning his name again, but quickly surged upwards, flipping them over, and crying out as she sank onto him, even deeper than before if that were possible. She rolled her hips, placing both hands on his chest, letting Cassian guide her, his hands on her hips, helping her move, but she leaned down, kissing that new tattoo over his heart, then higher. Cassian moaned her name when she kissed his neck, laughing through her kisses when he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight to him as he thrust his hips upwards, then sudden sensation sending her flying into ecstasy, screaming his name as all the tension in her belly released in one wave, continuing as she felt him release into her.

"Nesta," he moaned, "Nesta, Nesta," Nesta could hardly form a thought, didn't need one, in that moment there was just him, just him. She rolled her hips again, moaning louder at the feel of him already hardening again inside her, now she could understand why he'd need a week to be able to face other males, she might need longer to stomach other females being around them. But she pulled off him, and squealed when he flipped her back onto the mattress, moving faster than she'd ever seen him, "Oh no, you fucking don't, I'm not done with you."

What's in a Name?

My first Gwynriel fic. And the rest is history, I suppose!

This fic was actually inspired by the epilogue chapters of A Court of Smoke and Shadow, another Gwynriel fic by our favorite, the incomparable @daevastanner. Read that here on AO3.

Gwyn and Az discuss surnames.

Read on AO3

“Azriel?”

“Gwyn.” He lifted his gaze to the female who had become, well, everything. Her back was to him now as she surveyed the bookshelf intently, as if the House wouldn’t gift her exactly what she was looking for. Azriel studied her, taking in how her straight, silken hair shone like copper in the firelight and how the shadows highlighted her toned back. She seemed… tense. She so rarely took so much time to choose her words. “Berdara, what’s on your mind?”

“You don’t have a surname?”

Had she been dwelling on that all afternoon?

“I don’t. When you’re brought into the world… as I was… you are not given the honor of a birthright.”

“Does it… does it bother you?” Gwyn looked over her shoulder at him, teal gaze burning through him. Cauldron, he could look into those eyes forever. He shrugged before rising from the couch and running a hand through his dark locks.

“It used to. Not as much anymore.”

“Really?” She’d returned her focus to the books lining the shelf in front of her. Azriel closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her stomach, resting his chin on her shoulder. It wasn’t so long ago that he had refused to touch her without her request. Now their intimacy was almost casual and carefree. He smiled when she placed her freckled hands over his scarred ones. “It doesn’t bother you anymore?”

“When I was younger it was a source of shame. It took me longer than it should have to realize that the name didn’t matter, because I did have a family.” He pressed a soft kiss to her temple. “I have an incredible family that made me nearly whole. And then came you, the missing piece. Worrying about a name seems almost silly when I have you.” Gwyn squeezed his hands and he tightened his embrace.

“When we’re mated, though, how will that work?”

“I’m not sure,” he shrugged. He hadn’t missed the ‘when’. They hadn’t accepted the mating bond, at least officially, but he had no doubt that it was only a matter of time. Their relationship had taken years to develop, allowing her time to heal and feel safe in his arms and in his life. They’d shared so many moments and new achievements and he was certain they would be making each other proud until they both withered away.

Gwyn wriggled a little and he loosened his grasp. She turned to face him, her hands on his chest. He let his hands find those perfect hips as he met her questioning gaze.

“Maybe…” she looked down for a blink, took a breath, and then looked back up at him, eyes glimmering with determination. “Maybe you could take my name.”

His fingers tightened on the curves he held and he felt his eyes widen ever-so-slightly. Which words did he want to say? What could possibly express how deeply humbled he was that she – the brave, beautiful, incredible Valkyrie, survivor and warrior – would honor him with her name. He, who had no birthright, had little more to offer her than his scarred heart, killing power, and a vow that she would always be safe with him.

“Azriel?”

He blinked and found Gwyn’s eyes wide with questions… and a hint of uncertainty. Cauldron, he’d been so deep in his emotions. Az sucked in a breath, searching again for what he wanted to say.

Damn him and his sensitive heart.

“Gwyn… I…”

She shrugged and looked down, pulling her hands way from clasp at her chest. Azriel could have whimpered from the loss of her touch.

“I don’t really know what is expected or what is… typical…” her voice trailed. He chuckled softly, unaccustomed to seeing the Valkyrie so unsure. He raised his left hand and softly pressed fingers against her jaw, lifting her face to his.

“I’m not sure much about our relationship has been typical, Gwyn.” He could have kicked himself when her eyes dimmed and she looked away, moving her chin away from his touch.

“I know… I…” She was too quiet, voice laced with regret. “I know I’ve made it difficult for you, Azriel. I wish –“

“Gwyn, stop, please,” he pleaded, grabbing her folded hands and pulling them to his chest. “I am so sorry, love, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.” He waited patiently, stroking his calloused thumbs over her fingers. His eyes were trained on her face, cursing himself as he noted the flush under the dusting of freckles and the thin thread of silver lining her ocean eyes.

“Gwyn… please,” he pleaded as he willed her to turn back to him, give him a chance to right his mistake. His chest swelled with pride when her lashes fell and she took two deep calming breaths.

She was the rock against which the surf crashes. Nothing could break her.

He could have fallen to his knees in relieve when she turned that sea-deep gaze back to him. The burning in the back of his eyes intensified as he lost himself in her bright stare that shone with wetness and… shame? He would not stand for that.

“Gwyneth Berdara, I would not change a single moment of what we have shared. Please, please, know that.” Azriel’s words were quiet and fierce and raw with emotion. “When I was… much younger - centuries ago - I assumed that courting would be walking through gardens and showering a female with gifts; symphonies and plays and fancy dinners in crowded upscale restaurants on the Sidra. I would be a powerful male with a demure beauty on my arm.” The copper-haired warrior tried to avert her gaze again at his words but he reached out and touched her cheek, willing her eyes to return to his. “That was a different time, and I am a wholly different male than I was then. Gwyn, you and I? We launch ourselves at each other in the training ring, each trying to draw first blood. We read by the fire until we fall asleep. We eat cookies until we feel sick and laugh until we cry. We save each other from our nightmares and encourage one another to chase our dreams. You are incredibly witty and strong-willed, and our banter rivals the most arrogant Illyrians in all the war camps”

Azriel’s mouth quirked as she tried to stifle a giggle. He moved his other hand to her face, cupping her cheeks as her fingers spread lightly over his chest. Then he leaned in, their noses a mere fingertip from touching.

“All I mean to say, Gwyn, is that I never would have expected my story to end up like this. And I may be biased, but I think our love story rivals even the most soul-shattering works in all the great libraries.”

“I don’t know about that,” Gwyn laughed, but her eyes crinkled and a few stray tears escaped from the corners. She moved her hands to grasp his jaw and pressed a quick kiss to his lips, sweet and chaste. She never ceased to surprise him, to amaze him. He grinned and pulled her back into him, lips capturing hers again. It was longer, deeper, and full of promise. When he released her mouth he kept his forehead against hers.

“I love you, Gwyneth Berdara, and I would be honored to take your name when we are mated. I am truly humbled that you would offer that to me.”

“Azriel.” He smiled wistfully as her fingers stroked his cheek. “It is my honor to give it. To the one I love. To the one who has helped me to be brave and strong. You have made me whole again, Azriel. You are a part of me. I couldn’t dream of not sharing my name with you.”

He could drown in those bright, trusting eyes for all eternity. He had to remind himself so often that he would, that they would have decades and centuries to stare more and more deeply into each other, to dream and grow together.

Azriel kissed her forehead and then pulled her against him. She tucked her head against the crook of his neck as he swayed gently back and forth. Fingers from one hand brushed through her hair as the other hand painted soothing strokes up and down her back.

“I’m sorry I was so sensitive,” she murmured under his chin. “I shouldn’t have overreacted.”

“Don’t apologize, love,” he answered, nuzzling the crown of her head. “Every one of your feelings is valid, even if it isn’t what I had meant for you to feel. What I said bothered you, and I’m relieved you were honest in your reaction so I could reassure you. Never hide your feelings from me, Gwyn. Just as I am a part of you, you are a part of me, and I could never forgive myself if I left you hurting.”

Gwyn nodded against him. “I love you, Shadowsinger.” Her arms wrapped around him and she breathed in, squeezing herself impossibly further into him.

He grinned. Being wrapped in that embrace was the sweetest captivity he had ever known. He never wanted to escape. “I love you, too, Berdara.”

Heels and Ladders {Indiana Jones x Plus Size History Professor Reader}

Request: Those library ladders are dangerous, especially in heels.

Character: Indiana Jones x Plus Size History Professor Reader

Requested by @hufflepuffing-all-day-long​

Part of my Plus Size History Professor x Indiana Jones series and part of my Plus Size Reader x Character series!

After a few months of climbing the library ladders, you thought you’d gotten the hang of it by now. You thought that you had mastered the art of it but oh no, apparently not when you were wearing heels. Wearing heels and being up a ladder was proving to be a pretty scary task, you looked down at the floor, which is something you should never do because it scares the life out of anyone on a ladder, and your grip tightened on the shelf. You had to get five books and then you could come down. You glanced around the library, half hoping someone else was there so that you could ask them to help you out but fate wanted you to struggle on alone.

Focussing your attention back onto the books, you scanned through them, plucking the ones that you could find. After a few minutes, you’d found four out of five, “Where are you?” You mumbled to yourself as you pushed your glasses further up your nose to try and make you see better. It was then that you saw it, a couple of feet away from you, “Ah ha!”

The part of the ladder system in the library that you hadn’t quite mastered was that it used a wheeled system to run it around the length of the room whilst still being attached the the shelves. You hadn’t mastered how to move it over with you still being on it. Feeling brave, you decided to try it by putting your hands on the shelf and pushing... a little too violently. Your body jolted backwards, your hands holding onto nothing. You stepped back and your heeled shoe slipped off the step. The books you’d collected fell to the floor with a thud. Quickly, your hands shot out, trying to grab onto the shelf in front of you as you began to tilt backwards.

You squealed as you began to fall, accepting your fate and accepting the fact you’d probably end up in hospital but then two strong hands fell to your hips, a strong and firm but not painful grasp on you, pushing you up straight again, “Whoa there,” his voice said, deep and bloody gorgeous,  “You okay up there?”

You willed your cheeks to not burn and swallowed before turning to see Doctor Indiana Jones. Doctor Jones had fast become a crush of yours, how could he not? He was so handsome, with a heart stopping smile and those bright eyes. The man could make you melt in two seconds flat. Even despite his looks, he was the most captivating man you’d ever met. He was so charming, intelligent and he was so kind. At first, he had a pretty stony exterior but after you bought him lunch as thanks for him covering part of your lesson, he began to open up to you. That lunchtime you spoke about your past before you came to the college and your experiences as a teacher. It was different to conversations you’d had with other professors before. Usually, men in the teaching profession would try and impress you by talking too much, always finding a way to steer the conversation back to their subjects and trying to outsmart you. With Indiana, it was different. He actually listened and cared for what you had to say.

After that first time, you and Indiana would have lunch together most days. It was nice getting to know him. You would debate subjects and talk about books, he would tell you about his upcoming digs and tell you about the places he visited. It was just nice. You had a crush on him, a massive crush on him.

“Thank you,” you smiled, “It’s these heels, I should have taken them off before I climbed up here.”

One of his hands were still on your waist, “Can I help you down?” He asked, extending a hand, “I’ll get whatever else you’re looking for. I can’t have you falling and ending up in the emergency room, can I?” Usually, you would’ve hated someone’s hands on your waist. Being overweight, you were always conscious of your weight, particularly around your stomach and waist where your stomach and rolls were most noticeable. However, the fact you’d nearly fell overrode that awareness and when you did realise, you didn’t particularly mind his hands on you. 

You smiled, gratefully accepting his hand and allowing him to lead you down the ladder. You told him the title of the book and with such enviable ease, Indiana stepped up and plucked the book from the shelf, “That all?” He asked as he came back down and handed it to you.

“Wow, you made that look so easy.”

He laughed as he went to help you pick up the four other books you’d dropped, “Next time you need books from here just come get me, will you? I really don’t mind, I’d rather that than you falling.”

“Oh, you’re my hero, Indy,” you laughed with him.

“Indy?” He asked, quirking his eyebrows. You couldn’t stop your cheeks from burning. You hadn’t meant to call him it, it just happened really. Indy could see your embarrassment and was quick to shake his head, “I like it, don’t worry. I’m messing with you. I like you calling me Indy.”

You gave a soft laugh, “Okay, Indy.”

The pair of you left the library together and you checked your wrist watch, “Oh, I have a meeting to get to, I should go.”

“We still on for lunch, sweetheart?” My god, if you hadn’t been a bit flustered already, you would’ve just about died on the spot. Instant butterflies swelled as soon as he said ‘sweetheart’, “I’ve got a new book for you.”

“Yeah, of course we’re still on for lunch. I’ll come to your class at 12pm,” you gave him one last smile, “See you later, Indy!” With that, you turned and scuttled down the halls to get to your meeting.

Indy watched you leave, an awestruck smile on his face, “Indy...” he whispered, smile widening as he thought of your shy smile as you said it. Unbeknownst to you, Indiana felt the same as you did. Maybe one of these days you’d admit it to each other... maybe... 

Siren’s Umbra | Chapter 1

Author’s Note: This took far longer than I was expecting, but here it is. This story is an extension of a small scene I wrote a while ago (which will make a reappearance within the context of the story once I get there). I hope you enjoy. If you’d like to be tagged in future updates, let me know. 

Story Summary: Azriel finds it increasingly harder to stay afloat adrift in his own darkness. As tensions rise between himself and his found family, an unlikely but welcome distraction takes the form of a young priestess. Eager to prove her worth, to learn, and empower herself, Gwyn aligns herself with the aloof spymaster. With the continent scrambling to avoid yet another conflict, Gwyn and Azriel must work closely to unravel the secrets of Mount Ramiel.

Trope: Friends to lovers

Word Count (so far): 3.2k

Tags: Fluff, Light Angst, Smut

Additional links: AO3

Chapter 1 - On Leathery Wings

It was early spring in Velaris. The sky was a weighty blue velvet drooping over rooftops. Ironically, since the attack, the dawns had been breathtaking. As Azriel stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the townhouse his shadows all but disappeared.

“Well,” his brother said in way of greeting, smirking up at him from the street. “Don’t you look like shit? I thought moving to the townhouse was meant to give you peace?”

“I don’t know the meaning of the word,” Azriel grumbled, voice flat. “Why are you here?” And grinning, but he didn’t need to ask that to understand why Cassian wore such a look.

He’d been wearing it for weeks now. Azriel had been attempting to remove it during practice but the general was more resilient than Az gave him credit for. Cassian’s happiness was decidedly infectious.

“I’m here,” Cass answered, “Because Rhys would like to see us. He’s up at the House.”

“Why didn’t he-“

“Look,” Cass interrupted with a shrug. “I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you - I mean you almost killed one another at the cabin - but you need to work it out.” He waved a hand back and forth at the spymaster who scoffed and stepped past him. “I’m serious,” Cass went on to explain. “I could use a night out. Just us. It’s been a while.”

Good luck with that, Azriel mused to himself. Rhysand hadn’t left the River House since Nyx was born.

“Married life chaffing, Cass?” Azriel teased, biting back a smile.

“We’re not married. Yet,” Cassian corrected. “Emerie and Gwyn have been over almost every night this week. As much as I love-“

This is where Azriel tuned his brother out. Call it cruel, but this was the same one sided conversation he’d had with Cass, oh, three times now. Was it really conversation if only one of them were speaking? Azriel didn’t personally believe head nods and hmphs counted as conversing but he’d mastered the art form.

He sympathized. He really did. Cassian recounted being kicked out of his own bed, finding a small Pegasus in his boot and how one of the girls had, once again, inked something inappropriate on his forehead while he’d been sleeping. Azriel couldn’t help but smile at that, though he erased it quickly.

Cassian might complain but Azriel knew his brother adored his mate and her friends. Even he had to admit that the girls brought an abundance of laughter and joy to the House whenever the trio graced it’s halls. A rare and intoxicating sound that had even roused him from his room multiple times only to catch Cass peeking curiously at them from around a dark corner.

Though if he was being honest with himself, which he rarely was, Azriel was beginning to find the townhouse, comparatively, suffocatingly quiet. Too far removed from his family and friends. Late at night Azriel felt the creeping dark closing in, a sinister umbra spreading through him like venom. It was with great mental effort that he stayed his darker thoughts, but he was finding it more challenging of late. His ongoing feud with Rhys wasn’t helping.

Shadows dashed, darting from his shoulders to comfort the spymaster only to reel back in the morning light. Azriel focused his attentions away from the dark corners of his mind to beat of his footsteps. The last thing he needed to dwell on was what happened during Solstice.

It was still early morning in Valeris. The war-torn homeless still slept against the walls of buildings and the ice carts weren’t even out making deliveries. He preferred this time of day, just before the spring heat shimmered against the streets and curled the ends of his hair.

Aside from Cass, who was waving his arms, going on about the amount of women’s underthings he’d found in all sorts of strange places, it was mostly quiet. There was no one to stare or utter harsh whispers as Azriel passed.

Normally he flew or called shadows to him and winnowed within their comfort but this was a rare moment when Valeris was tolerable. He’d once described the city as the loneliest place in Prythian and he’d meant it. Tens of thousands of people flocked these streets and not a single one looked him in the eye. Very few did.

With one brother mated and the other in the process of being so, Azriel hadn’t felt more alone in his life. He had no stories to share with Cass on their morning walk. None that would make the general laugh or smile. No, his stories were best kept to himself - locked away were Rhys could extract what he needed and not question his shadowsinger’s techniques.

“You’re not listening,” Cassian suddenly accused, huffing a sigh. His arms dropped. The courts greatest general defeated.

“I’m always listening,” Azriel corrected. “You’re frustrated you don’t have your mate all to yourself anymore.”

“You-“ Cassian gave him a glare worthy of Amren. “And when have I had her to myself exactly? Every time-“

Again, Azriel tuned his brother out.

The House of Wind came into view, a great gleaming crown atop the mountains. His gaze lingered on the lower levels that housed the library. Not that most would know to look there as the windows were magically kept from view. The dozens of priestesses that worked in those stacks were kept hidden and protected. Just as Rhys had promised them.

Light flickered as shadow danced across his wings and over his shoulders. Braving the soft, dewy light to whisper in his ear, their chilling touch reached up his neck before spilling secrets.

She was at morning service.

A flash of color, heated cheeks and bright teal eyes - it wasn’t clear to him, still, this obsession his shadows had taken on. Over centuries he’d gathered unmeasurable amounts of information on his kingdoms allies and rivals. Yet, he couldn’t speak to what his friends had for breakfast this morning. He was painfully aware, however, that a certain priestess had sipped honeyed tea and eaten a single slice of rye smattered with butter and cinnamon and that her nose scrunched when she-

“Nesta wants you over for dinner,” Cassian commanded, ever the general.

“All right.”

“I have to go by the River House. Elain made a bundt. Nesta will likely murder me if I forget to bring it back,” Cass huffed. “Bundt? Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

“It’s cake.”

“Why not just call it cake then? Why be confusing?”

“It’s a type of cake.”

“No, chocolate is a type of cake.”

“Cass, chocolate is a flavor.”

As they approached the thousand steps that led up to the House, Cassian and Azriel kicked off in tandem aiming for the open balcony above. The air was cool as it passed over their skin, heated from the walk over. Matching the steady beat of his heart, Azriel’s enormous wings cut through the mornings low hanging clouds.

Rhysand, their High Lord, waited for them. Once he caught their approach he turned, heading inside. Azriel’s gut tightened. Their fights didn’t often escalate to this level. On a single hand he could count the times they’d fought to the point of not speaking.

His boots touched down upon stone before Cassian’s. He held, waiting for his brother. His hesitation to follow Rhys inside didn’t go unnoticed.

“Azriel-“

“He ordered me to stay away from Elain,” emotionless and flat, the words left his mouth before he could think better of it.

Silence settled between them. The rare outburst had Cassian’s eyes growing round and Az couldn’t tell if he was going to yell or laugh. Maybe both.

“Why,” Cass drawled so slowly Azriel almost missed what he was asking. “What have you-“

“I haven’t,” Azriel stopped him.

“How did you know what I was going to say?”

“I didn’t, I just know it wouldn’t be good.”

“Point,” Cassian admitted with a tilt of his head, “but why would Rhys ask you stay away if nothing was happening?”

“Something almost happened.”

“Something? Almost happened?”

Azriel sighed.

“Lucien-“ Cassian hissed.

“I know.”

“Feyre and Nes would have your balls.”

“Would they?”

“Yes!”

“Glad to know just how unworthy everyone thinks-“

A strong grip on his upper arm had Azriel turning, eyes flashing gold. Cassian’s gaze was hard, unapologetic. His hand dropped, fully aware of the rising shadows that now threatened to gobble his brother whole. The Night Courts general understood danger.

“It has nothing to do with worth,” he grumbled angrily in a rare sign of lost temper. “Everyone is overly protective of that girl, how are you surprised?” Azriel blinked down at him. “She has a mate, Az. Regardless of how either of you feel - which I really don’t want to know about, by the way, please leave me out of that shit - but like I was saying,” Cassian blew a breath from between his lips before going on in an even tone. “whether she wants it or not, she has a mate. She has a decision to make regardless of you.”

He had a point, one that Azriel laid awake at night thinking of.

“Besides,” Cass continued, turning to walk into the House. Azriel followed reluctantly. “You’ve been around each other all of what, 6 times? I mean, how involved are you that Rhys had to - you know what, I said I didn’t want to know.”

He almost smiled at Cassian’s bluster. Azriel was grateful for both his brothers and their never ending, often un-needed advice, but conversations like this if had with Rhys often descended into quick-tempered arguments.

The High Lord of the Night Court waited for them just inside. He held himself casually, pouring another mug of hot tea. The top buttons of his crisp shirt were undone but the stiffness in his shoulders told Azriel that Rhys was prepared for a fight at most, and at best he had news they wouldn’t like.

“Morning,” Rhysand greeted, lifting his face to them. Bright, amethyst eyes regarded each of the Illyrians, looking for anything amiss.

“Morning,” they answered in unison.

“How’s my boy?” Cass asked greedily, boyish grin in place at the thought of his nephew.

“Well, as is his mother,” Rhys replied eyes warming at their mention. That warmth didn’t last when his purple gaze met Azriel’s.

“I have something for you,” Rhys stated without so much as a lead up. Straight to business then.

“The queens are no longer a threat,” Cassian mused, dropping into a nearby sofa with no desire to confront Rhy’s straightforwardness.

“I need Azriel at Mount Ramiel,” Rhys corrected, tone leaving no room for discussion.

Cassian’s eyes darted between his brothers as the temperature in the room suddenly dropped. Leaning against the far wall, shadows coiled and snapped at the spymasters shoulders. His lips parted, an argument rising from his throat.

“The outside interests surrounding Ramiel concern me. Given Nesta’s vision, I believe it’s something we should look into with haste. If there is something of interest there, Azriel will find it,” Rhysand offered, cutting off the shadowsinger.

None of this came as a surprise to Az other than being kept out of the decision making. Ever since the Blood Rite, the war camps had been acting suspiciously and he knew it bothered Rhys to the point of keeping the high lord awake at night.

“You’re sending Azriel to the war camps,” Cassian barked. “Are we cutting them loose? Razzing them to the ground, then?”

“I’m not sending you to deal with the Illyrians,” Rhys corrected, eyes on his spymaster, and shook his head.

“He’s sending me to sneak around in the dark,” Azriel offered.

“You are quite good at it,” his brother smirked, violet eyes flashing in reply. “I’ve had the priestesses pull everything from the library, including my own personal collection. Lore, histories, whatever they could find.” Rhys took a long, slow sip of tea, eyes closing only briefly. “Gwyn has offered to assist in translations. Her command of ancient language is rather impressive.”

“Should you really be dragging the priestess into this,” Azriel accused.

“She volunteered,” Rhys countered with a shrug. “Besides, I think she’s proven herself to be capable, don’t you? She’s identified some areas of interest around the eastern slope. A good place to start.”

Seething, Azriel attempted to put a damper on his temper. He couldn’t help but feel that Rhys had gone behind his back. It was one thing to order him about, but what was he thinking involving Gwyn? The priestesses were never a part of this side of the kingdoms business. Icy rage spilled, drip by drip, down Azriel’s spine.

“Cassian,” Rhys observed, turning to their brother, “Elain was waiting for you at the River House this morning. Something about a cake needing to be retrieved? If you go now you might catch Nyx before his mid-morning nap.”

There was no argument from their brother. Carefully his gaze met Azriel’s, a gentle warning in their depths. He often found himself in the middle of their conflicts and Azriel had to respect that he didn’t complain about it. Much.

“I’ll let Nes know you won’t be at dinner,” he said. With a heavy sigh Cass lifted from the couch. He nodded his dark head at Rhys and then Az before sauntering back out into the light.

“What is this really about,” Azriel asked, voice as cold as his stare.

“I beg your pardon?” Rhys cooed with a raised brow.

“Why wasn’t I included in the planning?”

“I didn’t need you for it.”

The declaration hit Azriel in the chest like a fist. Air rushed out between his lips in a shocked gasp. He stepped forward, dragging shadow with him.

“Rhys-“

“It’s nothing personal, Az,” Rhys pleaded.

“Personal,” Azriel growled, voice low. “I’m your spymaster and brother.”

“Az-“

“You’re overstepping,” Azriel went on, the words flowing like the Sidrah - cold and unstoppable. “Again, you’re taking everything on yourself.”

“I’m only doing what I can to keep everyone safe.”

“Safe,” Azriel accused, “Is that what you were doing keeping Feyre in that bubble? Honestly, how do you find that any different than how Tam-“

“Enough!”

Beneath them the mountain shook, rattling glass and sending a few stray books to the floor. Rhys was on his feet, wings snapped open behind him. On opposite sides of the room, one bathed in shadow the other night incarnate, they regarded one another.

“Brother,” Rhys once again pleaded with his spymaster. “I know you’re angry with me. I admit, I have not been myself. Between Feyre and Nyx, you and Koschei - the fucking Dread Trove,” he trailed off, running a hand through his dark hair. “We’re spread thin, you know that. We need our allies. Old and new.”

He’d all but said the same on Solstice. After all these years did Rhys not see him? See beyond the courts infamous torturer? To the male that lurked inside his own shadows? A long, tense silence labored between them. As always, an impasse.

“Azriel, let yourself feel something for once. I don’t care who-“

“Is that all,” Azriel grunted, moving his gaze away from the high lord’s. If Rhys opened his mouth with more shit to give he was sure he’d lose what was left of his shredded control.

“Dismissed,” Rhys conceded, shoulders dropping.

Azriel was outside and shooting off the balcony into the sky before Rhys could utter another word. His wings churned the air with each vicious beat. Burning agitation flooded through him. HE could feel it in his very bones. Attempting to soothe, his shadows coiled close, whispering.

Rhys had a lot of nerve. Of anyone, he knew Azriel best. Mor always accused them of being too similar and its why they didn’t always see eye to eye. He wasn’t sure he agreed with that assessment. Rhys was level headed and controlled. Azriel felt as if he were unraveling. Control wasn’t the way he’d describe it, rather an effort to hide it all away so it didn’t need to be dealt with.

The training rings came into view as he rose but he didn’t linger, swinging wide so that he’d remain unseen. Dots of color milled about. The priestesses were gathering for training. He could sense Nesta below with Emerie. And her.

He would have to send word to Gwyn about postponing their lessons. Meeting with her had become something of a guilty pleasure. He found he enjoyed teaching the doe eyed priestess more than he thought he might. Training was Cassian’s thing. Az found he didn’t often have the patience or care for it.

Shadows hissed, warning not to rely on Clotho for this. Azriel would be better served sending a note himself. The thought of those large, sea glass eyes darkening with disappointment made his chest ache.

Let yourself feel something.

Rhys’ words replayed in his ear as Azriel made the descent to the townhouse. He’d moved his things over months ago though Cassian always seemed to find some excuse to get him back to the House of Wind. Despite living there for years it no longer felt like home to him.

It hadn’t come as a surprise when Rhys had asked him to chaperone his brother and future mate. Neither himself nor Rhys actually expected Azriel to have to step in between the two. Rhys had simply wanted a backup in the event Nesta lost control which was likely to happen given how often her and Cassian argued.

So, Az had let them battle things out on their own. And they had. All over the House in fact. Repeatedly.

Though he had to admit, interrupting them at the most awkward times had become a game to him. But, he had, in all the ways one would being around a newly mated pair, grew incredibly frustrated. In a way it had become a torture of its own.

That frustration was likely what fueled his blunder the night of Solstice. One look at Elain and he’d been as hard as the mountainside the House of Wind was carved from. Azriel hadn’t been able to help himself. She was beautiful and everything he forbid himself. She wanted him, it was obvious, which made the entire situation all the more confusing.

In the end, he wasn’t sure where he stood with the girl. Cassian’s hadn’t been wrong in his assessment. They’d barely spoken to one another, let alone discussed her intentions with Lucien… Azriel would rather not think on the male who’d sat idly by while his high lady’d been tormented.

Landing at one of the terraces, Az made his way into the townhouse. He’d taken the largest room upstairs. It had the most wall space for his blade collection.

Azriel threw daggers and maps into his pack with such force, they almost went through the bottom of the bag. Rhys was right to send him on this mission. He needed space. A couple months in the mountains would do good to clear his head.

Before he locked up after himself, Azriel grabbed some paper from his desk and wrote a quick note to Gwyn. His careful words sounded clipped and overly formal as he reread the hastily scratched message, but shrugged off the concern with indifference.

Without goodbyes, the shadowsinger quietly left the city of Velaris. His wings carried him away, further into the mountains. He tucked all thought of his brothers and the priestess with molten hair from his mind. Wrapping himself in shadow, Azriel became the cold, unfeeling monster his reputation afforded him.

He felt nothing. Was nothing. His Illyrian wings carried him further away until he was nothing but a bruise against an otherwise perfect sky.