NOTE: I am putting out old unfinished requests. I'll finish them later, but just know they may no longer be canon.
Requests are Closed
Hey there! You can call me Dotster or Dot. My pronouns are she/her, and I am 24. I'm a biromantic/aromantic asexual, so a lot of my characters might come off as ace as well. Also, I swear so my characters swear, and I'm an adult, so characters are all 18+.
If you are wondering if I'm still writing insert series here, boop
Special Thanks to my official Rook Translator, @l1ttleclouds
My AO3 I crosspost my series' here.
Note! I write sfw works, but sometimes Tumblr gives me a community label for sexual themes! This is a lie! This is a safe space!
Masterlist
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The Rules
Fandoms I write for: Twisted Wonderland, Obey Me, ikemen Prince, Ensemble Stars, Court of Darkness, Tears of Themis, Ayakashi Romance Reborn, Palia. More will be added as I get brainrot.
Requests sent in when requests are closed will be deleted no exceptions
I am asexual, and don't have the nsfw instincts. Absolutely no judgement here if that's what you like, I just don't know how to do the genre justice, so I won't write it. (I can imply past stuff, but beyond that no promises)
Stick with my fandoms list. If it's not on there, odds are I don't know it exists. You're welcome to recommend stuff to me though!
For now, I'd like this blog to remain 16+. If that changes, I will make sure to give you all fair warning.
I like to keep the mc in the position they were in in the game. If I get inspired I'll break the rule though.
Don't be a jerk? We're here to have fun, so if you're spreading hate for people, I don't want you here.
Ortho and Luke are babies. That is all I will say on the matter.
Matchups are only part of events. Please make sure the event is still open before requesting a matchup. If there's ever a question, there is no shame in asking.
I have only ever discontinued one series. I have heavy depression, as well as a full time job, so sometimes writing updates can be painstakingly slow. I will make a note in big bold red letters if the series is discontinued. In the meantime, feel free to ask me for spoilers! I love sharing blurbs, and sometimes it helps motivate me to continue if I see people liking what I have so far!
If you message me and I don't respond, I'm not ignoring you. My depression is probably acting up, and I don't have the energy to respond. I'll get to you eventually! I promise!
I take a long ass time on requests. I'm just slow 😂.
Wip List in case you want to see what's coming or cheer me on!
Summary: Yan Malleus x gn! reader. Implied past Yan Jamil. It seems only natural you and Malleus should be together after getting so close. But something is very wrong.
CW: Yandere, blood and gore, hypnosis
sequel to Eyes of a Viper
"I have to decline your proposal," You said, your eyes and voice cold and emotionless.
"I see," Malleus said, his own eyes showing very different emotions.
He'd gotten you through the SDC, to when everyone could move back out of your house. And when it was revealed who he was, you felt no fear.
Yes, he was the dreaded Malleus Draconia. The one the entire school feared. But you weren't afraid. That was Hornton, who you saw asleep and vulnerable, and who snuggled in his sleep.
It wasn't a shock when not long after,
"Y/N," He said, his green eyes glowing in the night. Out on a private walk, after weeks of spending every moment together, it wasn't a shock what he intended to ask you.
"It would give me great pride and honor if you would consent to be mine, and rule by my side when I take my throne."
And your response, while others would find it shocking, was one he had anticipated. Even if it was angering.
"I have to decline your proposal," You said, your eyes and voice cold and emotionless.
"I see," He said calmly, but the anger and fury was clear in his eyes.
Not directed at you. Never at you. (for now) His anger was at someone else.
Someone had touched his treasure. Sullied his hoard with their magic. Stolen from a dragon.
These crimes were not taken lightly.
"I can see Viper in your eyes, my treasure," He said. "I will free you from him, and you will return to my side as intended."
You rolled your eyes, as you were instructed to do through your hypnotism. Not your fault. You would not be punished for his crimes.
...
The first thing that came to you was the scent of iron. Followed by the tender whisper from the man you truly loved,
"A gift to prove my devotion, my jewel."
As something heavy was placed in your lap.
Your head was cloudy, but the clouds parted as you looked at the item in your lap and made eye contact with Jamil Viper's lifeless eyes.
You stared at the head, your jaw dropped, unable to move.
"It's alright. He can no longer hurt you," Malleus cooed, using a bloody finger to caress your cheek. "A dragon protects what is theirs."
"Now, come, your things have already been packed and moved to my room," He said, standing from the kneeling position he had been in.
"Malleus, I need to go home," You said, your ears beginning to hear static. You were terrified of Jamil, and knew he had used his Unique Magic on you...
But beheaded? And probably worse than that based on the red splattered walls behind Malleus.
You'd never have asked anyone for that. You wouldn't have wished it on anyone. No matter how unsafe they made you feel.
"We are going home," Malleus said, gently pulling ypu to your feet, grabbing your "present" so you wouldn't lose it.
"I need my dorm, Mal," You said, staggering after him.
"I'm not fool enough to leave my hoard unguarded a second time. No, my diamond. You're going somewhere safe," He said, his voice firm. Your first command.
For the first time, you understood why one would be afraid of a dragon.
Tag list: (based on comments) @ashielle @betty-demon
Summary: yan! Jamil x Y/N x ? During his overblot, you give into Jamil to distract your friends. When he's recovered, his eyes are always on you.
CW: yandere, Chains, gaslighting, anxiety
"Jamil, I prostrate myself before you," You said.
Hours ago, you'd shut your eyes as an Overblotted Jamil had been about to shoot magic at you and...well...everyone. But when you'd opened your eyes-
You were still in front of him. Alone.
Then came Jamil saying he wanted you to rule by his side. A plea you of course fought vehemently, ending with you in chains. But still by his side. Which was what he wanted, in the end. However he had to get it.
But seeing your friends...coming to stop him and save you, you knew you needed to do something drastic to distract him.
So-
"Jamil, I prostrate myself before you," You said, bowing low.
"Now there's no need for that," He said with a grin, crooking his finger to beckon you forward.
You got close, hearing a crashing sound. You winced as Jamil's gaze shifted away from you. In a desperate moment, you pressed your lips to his.
"Ew," You heard Floyd say, and you panicked, fearing you lost the advantage.
Your panic was unnecessary. They won and saved Jamil. And he swore he'd be himself, mever holding himself back again.
But...
The way he looked at you...it made your skin crawl. So much so that you found your heart rate increasing.
The hunger in his eyes wasn't all that different from when he sent your friends to their deaths, and put you in chains.
"I'm going home," You whispered timidly to Kalim. You'd been here long enough. You wanted to just go back to Ramshackle and lay down, and forget the events in the Scarabia dorm.
"I'll walk you-" Jamil offered. You hadn't even realized he was so close.
"No!" You said quickly, immediately regretting how panicked you sounded. Especially when his eyes flashed with anger.
"Thank you," You said, a much calmer tone to your voice. "I'll walk myself. I meed some alone time."
"Please tell Grim to have a good time swimming without me," You said, a timid smile on your face before going home.
Your thoughts turned to Jamil. It wasn't fair that you were this afraid of him. Hell, Leona had tried to kill people before his overblot. Then again, Jamil had kidnapped you, and put you through intensive workouts through Kalim.
You supposed you had every reason to fear him. But this fear came from the way he looked at you. Then and now.
You went home, laying down and just trying to forget. Only you couldn't forget.
Not with the way you kept seeing him in the corner of your eye. Not with the way his gaze hungrily looked you up and down.
And then came the small talk. Even with your friends around you, being near Jamil made you feel unsafe. He never said much, just basic everyday discussion, which made you feel guiltier for your fear, but god if he didn't make it feel like he was devouring you when he looked at you, maybe you could give him a chance.
Then one day, it got worse.
You'd somehow walked into an empty hallway he was in.
"Y/N," He greeted.
You nodded politely, intending to rush through as quickly as possible. He seemed to sense your intention, because he looked positively irritated.
He grabbed your wrist, staring at you.
"You're afraid of me. Why?" He asked flatly.
"I'm not-" You said, the fear clear in your voice.
"Bullshit," He snapped, before taking a calming breath. But not letting go of you.
"Is it because of my overblot? You aren't afraid of the others," He asked, his eyes boring into yours, demanding answers.
"N-no, I just-"
"They're no better than I am. Azul would make you his attractive secretary if he hadn't been wallowing in self pity. Leona would have hunted you through the fields. And Riddle, if he knew what he had, would have locked you away," He said.
"Jesus!" You said, trying to yank your arm back. "What the hell are you on about?"
You'd never had reason to fear the others. It felt like out of nowhere that he was bringing them up. And to say such concerning things.
"They would never-"
"Maybe it's because you're from another world, but something about you makes me want to grab onto you, and never let go. To keep you as mine. And they no doubt see it too," He said.
"What?" You gasped again.
"I noticed it that day in the cafeteria. The things you survived, with no magic, in a world you know nothing about. Truly, a diamond in the rough. A diamond I would be a fool not to want for myself, before everyone else sees," He said.
"Where is this coming from?" You gasped, pulling your arm free finally.
He stared, looking angry that you weren't getting it.
"You'll see. Pretty soon the others will catch on. And you'll find yourself running to me," He said.
"Though, this time, I'll be smarter than to believe a kiss means you've come to your senses," He said.
You stood in the hallway as he walked away, shaking a little. At least your fear had been reasonable.
But soon, anytime he was near you, he was whispering about everyone you knew, telling them how they wanted you, or wanting to hurt you. And while you knew he was full of shit, there was only so much one person could take.
Every person was suspicious, even your closest friends, even though they had done absolutely nothing wrong. Jamil had your nervous system on edge, and knew exactly what he was doing.
The members of the SDC performance moving into Ramshackle was the worst thing that could possibly happen to you.
The first night they were all there, you locked your door and held Grim tight.
"Henchhuman, you're squeezong the air out of me," He grumbled.
"Sorry, Grimmy," you whispered, letting up a little.
You couldn't look away from your door. swearing you could hear footsteps outside.
"What has your fur all on end?" He huffed.
"Nothing Grimmy, sorry," you said, letting him go. He curled up in your bed, huffing.
"Well, get some sleep," He grumbled. "Vil's gonna work us to the bone, I just know it."
He'd barely finished the thought when he was snoring softly.
You couldn't stop staring at the door. Jamil staying in your home was the worst thing that could possibly happen to you.
You debated asking Deuce or Ace to stay in your room with you. At least then someone would be there to keep you safe...or make you feel safe.
But you can't trust them either, can you?
You hated the doubts you had in your best friemds who had done nothing except help you. But now everything had you on edge.
Green sparkles outside your window caught your eye, and you jumped a little.
You rushed to the window, seeing Hornton by the lake near Ramshackle, doing one of his nightly walks.
Maybe...
You bit your lip, thinking about whether you wanted to embarrass yourself in front of a man you didn't even know the name of. But god he really got in your head.
Fuck it.
You silently opened the window, climbing out. As soon as your feet were on the ground, you ran over to him.
"Hornton!" You called.
He looked over at you with a smile. "Child of man. Good of you to come see me."
"Hornton, I have a favor to ask," You said.
"And I may grant it, if you're willing to pay the price," He teased, a glint in his eye.
"I have....someone staying in my home right now. Someone who makes me feel unsafe," You said, choosing not to name names, just in case.
His eyes darkened.
"Who?"
"I-it doesn't matter," You stuttered, feeling like you were the one in trouble. "I just...was wondering...if maybe you could stay in my room at night while he's here? It's only for a short while, and I could sleep on the floor while you take the bed-"
"That will not be necessary," He said. "I am not shy, and know how hard you work. You need your bed, and I don't mind sharing."
"Thank you," You said in relief.
At some point, Jamil walked past your door. Out of pure curiosity, he reached towards your door, an emerald shimmer spsrking dangerously close to his hand.
"Huh," He muttered to himself, before his eyes narrowed.
"I see. Well, fine. Let's play things that way, Y/N," He said, going back to his room.
Malleus Draconia couldn't be by your side forever.
Are you going to continue the dia merman x reader story?
It's sooo good! I just love your stories so much. I have no idea how you come up with that stuff ❤️
Yes! It is in progress, I promise!
I have a good chunk of part two happening in my docs right now, but a lot of my writing process is incredibly slow right now, so it is taking some time.
OOOH okay!! Tay our birthdays are only three days apart and we are the same height so I had the same answers as you 🤣 so I’ll switch up the characters LOL
Hey! So, I wanted to kind of let you all know where I'm at. tldr at the bottom of the post lol.
I have over 100 requests in my inbox. This is my own fault! I accepted that many! Those of you who were here when I started writing a few years back (three years? four years? dunno) might remember that I used to be able to post a fic a day, sometimes two or three a day. So I took a lot of requests back then because I was writing a lot.
My life has changed a lot since then. Since I started writing, I dropped out of college, started working full time at a retail job, got promoted there, moved out, moved back in, left that job, got a new full time job, started college classes again, got diagnosed with a few chronic issues....A lot has happened.
I can't put out a fic a day anymore. I'm at a point where I put out a fic every few months. But I'm not done writing. I am working on all those series'. They are in a doc that I work on.
And I want to start writing more again! But seeing so many requests in my inbox just is too much. So, I'm going to clear out most of my requests. It's nothing personal, just that there's so many that it's stressful to present day Dot.
Maybe I'll open it up again one day, but for now, I'm narrowing down the list a lot.
TLDR: I just wanted to make this post to let you all know I'm still here, and still writing your favorite series', even if I'm slow. I very much appreciate your patience with me. And that I am emptying most of my inbox for my own sanity.
Summary: Yandere Ensemble stars x gn! Reader It appears a peace has settled on the lives of some of the Units. But the peace is deceptive. As thought Eden would ever share their God....
self aware au by @yandere-daze
Part One Part Two Part Three Previous Part Part Six
Note: Another old piece that's sat in my docs for over a year. this part is not as long as I initially wanted, and there's more of it in my doc, I'll finish it later, but it I wanted it to see the light of day.
CW: Yandere, non-consensual cuddling and kissing
Hiyori was pouting. He was resting his head in Jun’s, as the bluenette gently caressed his hair in hopes of keeping him calm.
“It's not fair,” Hiyori said for the tenth time, this time much louder than the previous times, hoping Ibara would finally acknowledge his displeasure. He snapped his fingers in Jun's face, trying to at least get his attention.
“Tell him it's not fair.”
“God damn! I know, but this is the way it has to be right now!” He snapped, making Hiyori huff and leave his resting place. He stormed over to Ibara, angrily tapping his fingers on his desk.
“You technically found them first. We should have full access to the producer at all times!” Hiyori whined.
“As he said, this is the way it has to be right now,” Ibara muttered under his breath. “This is just temporary.”
“Ibaaaaraaaaaa-”
“Your Excellency, please tell him we have this under control.”
Nagisa stood up from the chair he'd been polishing a gem the color of your eyes in, and gently patted Hiyori on the head. Then he sat back down, putting far more focus into this stone than they'd ever seen him put into anything.
“Very helpful, much appreciated,” Ibara muttered. He looked at the clock on his computer. It had been less than ten minutes since the last time he checked. But it couldn't hurt to check again.
He flicked onto the camera that was focused on you. It was Crazy B’s day to have you, and it was going about as well as one would expect.
Ibara held back his disgust as Rinne pressed your face to his chest, completely uncaring of your feelings. Not just your feelings. He was unfeeling about his unit mates, who he was supposed to be sharing with. Not his problem. If they couldn't stand up for themselves, then they didn't deserve your attention.
He watched the other unit mates finally start to snap at their leader, causing you to shrink in on yourself. He had to give Eichi credit for his work at starting to undo the wretched producer's brainwashing on you. But it wasn't perfect. And Crazy B was not doing you any favors with their team dissonance.
He'd been so focused on you that he hadn't noticed when his unit mates had surrounded the screen to watch the feed over his shoulders. You made him sloppy. Not that he minded.
He flipped back to his work tab, causing his three unit mates to whine and argue.
“It's only temporary,” he reminded, and they all grumbled as they returned to their previous places. The reminder was for himself as much as it was for them. He wanted to burn anyone who dared to touch you. It was only through sheer effort that he could even allow his own unit mates to be in your presence. They'd earned it, even if they didn't deserve it. Hell, he didn't deserve it. You were God.
But if he managed to prove himself worthy, by freeing you, then perhaps…
Summary: Gn! Reader x Clavis Lelouch. You're a successful spy who works for the White Tiger. On a seemingly easy job, you meet a rival spy who causes you fail for the first time. And it gets worse when he starts working at your cover job.
CW: Alcohol, cartoony spy antics, you injure your foot
Note: Another old piece that's sat in my docs for over a year. It's not finished, hopefully I'll finish it later, but it was getting long.
“Shit.”
You grunted in response, not looking away from the security monitors.
“The old ball and chain just messaged me. She's got a flat tire,” the other guard in the office groaned next to you.
You grunted again.
“You gonna be alright if I go help her out?”
An affirmative grunt.
“Thanks, bud. I owe ya one.” The guard quickly left the office, leaving you in silence. You watched the feed as he left the museum, then stood. You stretched, and pulled the latex mask from your face. After removing the mask, you stripped from the guard's uniform, then tossed it into the closet where the real guard was sleeping peacefully. When he woke up, he wouldn't remember the last three days. But other than that, he'd be fine.
You slipped into your black cat suit, placing an eye mask on your face, and then turning on the earbud radio that you always kept in your left ear.
“Good Evening, Agent Rabbit.”
“Good evening, Agent Devil,” you responded. You heard him sign heavily. A moment later, you understood why.
“I have to say, Agent Rabbit, I don't know why you were assigned to this mission. We really should have given it to a rookie.”
“The White Tiger acts in mysterious ways,” you chuckled tiredly. He was right though. You were, objectively, too good of a spy for a simple gem retrieval job. But questioning the White Tiger was foolish. They were always thirty steps ahead. There was a reason they were the head of the organization.
“It's not even worth talking you through this.”
“So is this bye bye for now?” You snickered, and heard another sigh, as well the distinct pouring of liquid into a glass.
“Don't be stupid. Get in, get out, and then both of us have a free evening off.”
He disconnected from the call, leaving you alone.
He was right. This was far too easy for you, but that meant you'd have a free night when you finished.
You took the route to the room where the gem you needed was stored. It wasn't a large museum, nor was it heavily guarded. But the gem in question was important. If the wrong people got their hands on it, the world would surely fall to ruin.
You slipped around the corner, out of range of the security cameras. Then you were there. You looked into the room, and saw the gem in question, sitting on a pedestal, as though it had no idea how dangerous it was.
You'd preprogrammed the camera feed for this room, so you walked straight up to the gem, reaching out to grab it. Your fingers slid right through it.
The room was filled with a delighted laugh, And you quickly pulled a weapon that you kept clipped to your suit.
“At long last!” You heard from above you. You looked up to see a silver haired man sitting in the rafters. In his hand was the gem you were here for. His face was covered in a mask very similar to yours, only allowing you to see his yellow eyes, which glinted in pure amusement.
“I've been working my way up the chain in hopes of getting a mission worthy of encountering you, Agent Rabbit. I'm a very big fan,” he grinned.
“Who do you work for?” You asked, keeping your eyes trained on him. There were very few who had even heard legends of you, let alone be able to give your code name with such confidence.
“Guess,” he smiled innocently, fiddling with the gem as though it was his favorite new toy.
The longer you could get him to talk, the easier it would be to get the gem. And he seemed very eager to talk.
“Are you independent?”
“Guess again.”
“You're a contract worker?”
“Uh uh.”
He stared at you, an odd affection in his gaze.
“You work for an organization?”
His grin grew wider. You faltered. Could he work for-but no, this wasn't that big of a mission. But…
“You work for Black Tiger?”
He clapped his hands excitedly, delighted.
“Yes! I knew you'd get it! That's why I wanted to meet you!” He sighed tiredly. “Unfortunately, I do have to go. But we'll see eachother again, I promise.”
If you leapt onto the pedestal, you could get up to the rafters, and kick the gem from his hands, then set off a smoke bomb that would put him to sleep.
“Luckily for both of us, I don't have to kill you today,” he smiled brightly, reaching into his pocket. “But I do have to incapacitate you.” You heard the click of a button, and immediately changed plans as you ran, barely escaping the ensuing explosion.
You groaned in pain as you pulled your leg out from a piece of rubble. It wasn't broken, but it hurt like hell. You looked into what was left of the room, seeing no sign of the silver haired menace.
You tapped your earbuds twice, paging Agent Devil.
“What is it? Finished already?”
“I lost,” you groaned through gritted teeth.
“Ha ha, very funny.”
“Not a joke,” you cried out as you attempted to walk on your foot. Not broken, still able to be walked on, but painful.
There was silence on the other end as you slowly walked through the museum, carefully avoiding cameras.
“What happened?”
“What was that gem?” You spat angrily. It wasn't the Devil's fault. He just followed the White Tiger's orders. But you were injured both physically and emotionally.
“I-” he cut himself off, the other end of the line dead quiet. “I'm sending you a car. Go home, rest up, and continue life as normal. You'll be hearing from me soon,” he eventually said, hanging up before you could snap at him again.
You groaned in pain, finally exiting the museum, slipping into the limo that was waiting out front. You groaned inside, silently thanking the Devil for the ice pack that was already waiting for you.
….
“My God, if you sigh one more time-”
“Silvio! They obviously are tired!”
You snapped out of your thoughts, blinking away the feelings of failure as you returned to the present. You'd never been beaten before. It was thoroughly messing with your head.
By night, you were Agent Rabbit, best Spy of White Tiger. But by day, you were Y/N L/N, overworked office worker.
Silvio Ricci, and Keith Howl, your cubicle mates to the left and right, were bickering again.
“It ain't my fault that they didn't sleep last night!”
“Y/N is never under the weather. Let this time pass.”
“What are you fighting about?” You asked.
“God damn it! You! Glum skull over there has been trying to get your attention for the past ten minutes, and you keep sighing and distracting me from my job!” Silvio snapped.
You tiredly rubbed your eyes. You doubted he was doing anything. He seemed to spend most of his day irritating the entire office. But he was the boss's favorite, so he could do whatever he wanted. Even if he didn't bother to hide his disdain from said boss.
Meanwhile, Keith was your only friend at the office. You would definitely be sad when you were moved to a different cover job. He was kind, and always looked out for you. He seemed to have an entire pharmacy in his desk, because no matter what issues you might have, he had something for it.
“Keith, can I get a pain killer? I twisted my ankle last night,” you asked, deciding to ignore Silvio.
Keith nodded quickly, digging through his draws and pulling out a powder.
“Mix that in your drink. It should help,” he said with a smile.
“Much obliged,” you muttered as you mixed it into your water bottle, quickly chugging the drink. Your veins felt warm, but the pain did ease fairly quickly.
“L/N!” You and your office neighbors groaned. The boss rarely left his office, but it was always exhausting when he did.
“What is it, Mr. Obsidian?” You asked, plastering a fake smile onto your face.
“I'd like to have a chat in my office,” he said with a bright smile that terrified you.
You stood, offering a smile to Keith's sympathetic look. You limped your way to the office, which Mr. Obsidian clearly noticed.
“Something happen to your leg, L/N? Don't tell me you were partying without me,” he said.
Mr. Obsidian had to be the most confusing boss you'd ever had. He got what he needed to accomplish, and he was, by all definitions, a great boss and a genius. But he was also an eccentric nepo baby that didn't know how to socialize. So when he said things like that, you often found yourself wondering if he was even joking.
“If you call falling down my stairs a party, then I can invite you next time.”
He grinned, and laughed happily, his laugh taking you straight to his office.
“It's that sense of humor that makes you the perfect person for this task." Sitting in the chair that normally you would take in visits like these, was a man.
“We have a new worker, and I want him to shadow you for a couple of days so that he gets a handle on the office. Make him feel welcome, as he is a very dear friend of mine.”
The man in the chair turned to greet you, as Obsidian took his seat. You mentally did a double taken. He had silver hair, and very amused yellow eyes. He held out a hand, which you gingerly shook.
“I’m Clavis Lelouch. I can't wait to work with you, Y/N.”
….
The second you'd gotten home for the night, you'd continuously attempted to contact Agent Devil. Normally, he'd pick up instantly. Which told you he was avoiding you.
Two hours of paging later, you finally got a response.
“We already know,” he sighed. He sighed a lot, but this particular sigh took you off guard. This was pure exhaustion.
“I've spent the entire day trying to speak with the White Tiger, and he's had me jumping through hoops, only to leave me with nothing.”
That was bad. Only two people got an audience with the White Tiger. Executed traitors, and the Devil. The Devil was the only one who could approach him, and live to tell the tale. And if he wasn't sharing anything with his only advisor…
“So, what's he want from me, then?” You asked, knowing full well that you were probably about to be assigned a task.
“Act naturally. He says your role will become clear with time.”
“The fuck is that supposed to mean?”
“Believe me, I tried to ask him. But he's saying nothing.”
The both of you groaned in near perfect unison.
“One last request. Send me some of that whiskey you like,” you said as you tiredly rubbed your face with your hands.
Immediately, there was a knock on the door.
“The White Tiger sends his best,” the Devil laughed, and you decided to disconnect The transmission.
Hello there! 🌸💫
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I’m reaching out with a humble request to help my family in Gaza. Could you please reblog my pinned post or contribute $10 to help us meet our basic needs and provide essentials for the children in my family? 🙏🏼
Your support, whether through sharing our story or donating, brings hope and relief to us during these challenging times. Together, we can make a difference. 🌼
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your kindness means the world to us. 🌷✨💖
Did you hear? Aquia's book 1 is finally dropping to EN
OMG that's so exciting! (is so very behind omg)
I haven't opened so many of my apps in so long, I'm like a fraud, lol. But I'm so happy he's finally getting appreciated.
I've been thinking about him a lot lately, cause I'm doing a hundred baby challenge in the sims with fandom characters, and my second matriarch is his daughter. So I'm thinking about him all the time.
I'm mostly just writing oc stuff right now. But I did get a copy of wings if starlight, so Dot's inner child is very happy!
Reading just kind of stresses me out rn. Maybe, it's because with writing I'm in control, but reading I'm not, so deep down it upsets my nervous system not knowing what's gonna happen, lol
Dottie.. 10 to 1 half a dozen of another you'll have a 9/10 chance to find this (zesty and vil coded) man hot https://mairimashita-irumakun.fandom.com/wiki/Ronove_Romiere
(Ps his song is on Spotify just search ronove then look for the 3 mcs with blue, pink, and green hair. You'll see why he is for you because the singer is his freaking va. Also the soundtrack is good so search marshimata iruma kun on Spotify and the whole soundtrack will show up.)
ooh I'll have to take a look!
The other day I was looking at the wings of starlight book, and I told my sister about how Milori on the back cover was so pretty, and she goes:
"Dot, your type is just fairies and elves. How are you ever going to get married?"
And you know what, she may not know I'm aro ace, but she's correct lol. My type is fairies and elves 😆 and Vil looks elvish, what can I say?
Summary: Dia Akedia x gn! Reader. You're a young royal who rescues a mermaid. As the years pass, your friendship grows, but a sudden arranged marriage may mean you lose him forever.
cw: You get slapped by your father. Alcohol mentions.
Notes: This is one of those ancient unfinished fics in my docs. It is long, and it's only at about the halfway point of where I want it. It's old, so rememeber it's possible it may not be canon compliant anymore lol. I also have an aura right now, so if i miss a grammer mistake it's cause I can't see lol.
You remember the day you learned mermaids were real. You were about nine years old, and bored out of your mind. Your father was a high ranking official, which meant your days were spent in lessons. So, at nine, you started breaking out of the mansion to find enjoyment elsewhere.
On this day, you escaped to the beach that was on the edge of town, and discovered a secluded sea cave. Looking back as an adult, you shouldn't have entered an uncharted cave by yourself, but such is youth, living blissfully unaware of the dangers that you cross paths with every day.
As you stepped foot in the cave, you heard someone softly crying. You walked deeper, and found a young boy laying on his stomach. He had long beautiful pink hair, which initially hid the fact that he wasn't wearing a shirt.
Not wanting to scare him, you called out to him from far away.
“Why are you crying?”
His sniffling immediately stopped, and he looked at you with a frigid glare.
“Leave me alone.”
Your nanny had always called you an obstinate child, so you were disinclined to listen to him, walking closer to him, slowly.
“Are you hurt?”
“No, I'm fine. Leave me alone.”
By then you were close enough to make out a shimmering pink tale.
“You're a merman!” You gasped.
“Go away!”
“Why are you in a cave?”
“Leave me alone!”
“I want to help!”
He scowled, but then looked to the cave floor in shame.
“I'm stuck,” he muttered.
“Oh no,” you gasped, sitting next to him. He didn't look stuck, but you wanted to get the whole story.
“I like to search this cave, because if you go far enough in, the mushrooms are beautiful. But the water levels were lower than I remembered, and now I'm stuck.”
You thought for a moment.
“I can help you!” Before he could protest, you had run off. You entered the nearby market, and traded the top button from your shirt, made of pure gold, for a length of fabric, then ran back to the cave.
“Roll over onto the fabric,” you said. He stared at you for a moment, before obeying. The merman was heavy, despite how small he was. You had to assume his tail was the problem, it being full of muscle. You slowly dragged him on the fabric, breaking a sweat the longer it took. But, eventually, you reach the exit of the cave, and the water line, where he was able to roll into the ocean.
“Thank you,” he said, the kind smile on his face far different from the anger and distrust he had had when he first met you.
“Will I ever see you again?” You asked, a little sad that you met a merman, but might never get to learn anything about him.
He smiled playfully, before gesturing for you to lean in. You leaned in close, and he whispered in your ear,
“If you can find me.” And with that, he splashed beneath the water, getting you thoroughly wet in the process. Not that you minded. Nine year old you had no idea how expensive the outfit you were wearing was. In fact, you giggled, before returning to the market.
That's where your father's guards caught you, and they were none too happy. They dragged you back to the mansion where you were thoroughly scolded for the behavior.
“But father! There was a merman, and he was hurt!”
Your father glared at you, before yelling, “There are no mermaids. You are nine years old now, you are no longer a child.”
Despite the scolding, you didn't learn to not sneak out. You just learned to get better at it.
It took three days before you had your next window, and you immediately made your way to the sea, in hopes of finding the merman.
Fate had blessed you that day, and he happened to be lounging in the sand.
“Hey!” You called happily, sprinting as fast as the sand would allow you. You watched his originally sour expression light up, as he waved at you.
“Took you long enough,” he said with a smirk.
“This is the first chance I could escape,” you explained breathlessly. He smiled.
“Well, I'm glad I was your first destination then. I got you something! Sit down, and close your eyes.”
You obeyed, and felt something place on your head. You opened your eyes, finding yourself staring straight into his gleaming emerald ones. Reflected in his eyes, you saw a crown of sorts made from seashells.
“It's to thank you for saving me. If you never showed up, I might have dried out, or ended up food for a fisherman.”
You couldn't help but smile at the gesture. Based on what you could see and feel of it, it was handmade.
“Oh!” You stood abruptly, then bowed deeply, the way your teacher had always taught you. “My name is Y/N L/N. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
He smirked, pressing a hand to his chest, and bowed his head.
“My name is Dia.”
You grinned, but then frowned as you heard the town clock mark the hour.
“I can't stay long, or they'll realize I'm gone. But I'll be back tomorrow, I promise!”
He pouted, but seemed to understand. Besides, now that you knew where he'd wait for you, it would be faster to get here.
The trick was to not be gone long, and if you were gone long, to be discovered somewhere on the grounds of the estate, so that they weren't suspicious you had left. You would still get scolded, but it didn't lead to the guards being increased.
You kept your promise, and soon you and Dia met up every day. At ten, you had convinced your tutor that you would be less likely to run if she would let you do your lessons near the ocean. She was your fourth tutor, and was in danger of being let go as well due to your escapism. So she brought it up to your father, and soon you had permission to learn by the sea.
Dia loved that he had more time to be with you, but he hated that he had to split your attention. If her eyes were on you, he'd have to hide below the surface, and he felt it was “unfair”.
But then fate decided to help you once again. A man who would visit the shore every once in a while took a liking to your tutor, and they fell in love. So she and you worked out a deal. Since she got you time at the shore, as long as you did your tasks, the two of them would be allowed to fraternize, while you were left to your devices. It seemed fair to you, and it made Dia incredibly happy that he wouldn't have to constantly be slipping below the surface.
At twelve, Dia had asked you to start telling him about the schoolwork you were doing. Your reading assignments fascinated him, as books were not something that existed below the surface. You asked him how they told stories then.
“We sing, of course,” he stated as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“Ooh! Can you sing one for me?” You asked, your eyes wide with excitement.
His smile faltered. “I couldn't do that to you.”
He never explained what that meant, so you had to assume he was just not a skilled singer.
But he insisted you start reading your human stories to him, and it soon became his favorite pastime.
He would lay his head in your lap, and close his eyes as you read whatever book your tutor had told you to read.
The day before the beginning of the end was just like any other day. You were thirteen now, and reading longer books, which greatly excited Dia. He wasn't a huge fan of this one though.
“The princess wept bitterly, having to watch the prince of her dreams marry another. She knew there was no other way, for they both had a duty to their kingdoms, but that didn't make it hurt any less-”
“Can you read something else?” Dia asked suddenly, shocking you into silence for a moment. You looked at him, but he was just resting his head in your lap the same as always. The only difference was the slight furrow in his brow. You set the book aside for a moment, and stroked his hair, eliciting a pleased hum that reminded you of a cat purring. He opened his eyes and smiled sweetly.
“Is there something wrong with that book? Am I doing a bad job?” You asked, which, for some reason, caused his brow to furrow again as the merman nuzzled up against your hand.
“I just…don't like it. I don't know why,” he said with a shrug.
“Well, I'm supposed to finish it today-”
He cut you off by snatching it, and throwing it in the ocean.
“Hey!” You cried, moving to stand up, but he firmly held you in place.
“I think I'm just tired. Can we just rest like this?” He asked, looking up at you with the most innocent eyes. You could never say no to those eyes. So the two of you napped together until it was time to return home.
That evening, your father called you into his study. You thought he was going to scold you about the book, but instead,
“It's time for you to start participating in more societal events. You are no longer a child, and it is time to take your place as my heir.”
You knew this day was coming. As much as it stung, you had been training for this for the entirety of your life.
What hurt the most though, was that it was harder and harder for you to find time to see Dia. The gaps between visits became wider and wider, and he became sulkier and sulkier about it, to the point of implying you didn't value his friendship. You had hugged him tightly and assured him that he meant more to you than anything. He nuzzled against your chest, seemingly pleased by this, but still choosing to guilt you a little bit.
So, you felt like shit that it had been five months since you had last been able to see him. You had no idea what possessed you at this moment, but you felt the urge to go see him. Unfortunately, you were at yet another grandiose party, mingling with various officials, and dressed in finery that was a little too tight.
You thought through your next few days. Tomorrow, you would be spent preparing for your fourteenth birthday party, and the day after would be the party itself. It was aiming to be an expensive, extravagant affair, with various Lords, Ladies, and Kings and Queens set to be in attendance. It was your birthday party. But it was really a way for your father to flaunt his power and connections. You were just the tool.
You would have no time to see Dia for another three days at least, if not longer. But you missed him, so badly.
So, you decided to play the fool one more time. You snuck into the kitchen of this Lord's house, and stole a basketful of snacks, then snuck your way through the back hallways. They would definitely be uninhabited, and make your escape that much easier.
Or, they should have.
You bumped straight into a boy about your age, smashing cream puffs against his expensive looking attire.
“Oh no! I am so sorry!” You took one of the napkins you'd stolen, and began dabbing at his outfit, but it seemed to be doing more harm than good. His red eyes finally looked up from the disaster that was mushed cream puffs, and peered at you in quiet frustration. He grabbed your wrist with a heavy sigh.
“This is foolish,” he said coldly, and you fought off a shiver. He snatched the napkin from your hands and shoved it in his pocket.
This boy was going to tell your father. And then you would never be able to sneak out again. This may be your last chance to see Dia. So, in your second impulsive decision of the night, you snatched your wrist free, ran towards the nearby window, and jumped out of it, landing not so gracefully, but leaving some snacks still intact. You ran as fast as you could, no longer caring about whether you were caught.
As you ran, you had the thought that Dia wouldn't be there. It had been five months since you'd seen him, and he was only waiting for you during the day. This could all be for nothing.
But you had to try. You had to see him.
Fate was truly kind to you, because when you reached the sea, you saw a familiar head of coral hair sitting there.
“Dia!” You called. He showed no sign that he heard you , continuing to stare at the sea. Still, you made your way over to him, before asking, more quietly this time,
“Dia?”
He said nothing for a moment, but after a painful pause, he spat, “Look who has time for me now.”
It hurt, but it must have been far more painful for him, so you chose not to say anything.
“I'm sorry-”
“Sure.”
“I brought snacks,” you gently pushed what was left of the treat basket to him. “It's a peace offering. Well, what's left of them are.”
He side eyed the basket, but returned his gaze stubbornly to the sea, choosing to give you the silent treatment.
You grabbed one of the less smashed cream puffs and brought it to his mouth.
“You know you want to try it.”
He sat there for a moment, then slightly parted his lips to take a bite.
“It's good,” he muttered begrudgingly. You thought he would move to eat another one, but he just sat there. So you grabbed another and held it to his mouth. Again, he begrudgingly ate it, and you realized he was punishing you by making you feed him. Not the worst punishment you could get. You'd take it.
Eventually, you ran out of cream puffs, and began feeding him macarons. After the third macaron, he sighed, and finally looked at you.
“Where were you?”
“I've been busy-”
“That never stopped you before,” he huffed, facing away from you again as he crossed his arms.
“Dia,” you said tiredly, “you've seen my lessons. You know what I've been preparing for.”
He refused to respond. So you decided to gently start running your fingers through his hair, something that had always calmed him in the past.
“I'm not a kid anymore. I'm my father's heir, and I need to start acting as such.”
“That doesn't mean you have to stop seeing me,” he practically growled.
“Dia!” You snapped. “I ditched an expensive party, and smashed dessert on a rich kid, just so I could come see you!”
He stiffened at the outburst. Then he started shaking. At first you thought he was angry, but before long you heard him burst into laughter.
“Why would you need to smash dessert on a rich kid?” He asked through tears.
“It was an accident! I was running through the halls and I didn't see him!”
This made Dia laugh harder.
“Dia, I jumped out a window to see you!”
He was now sobbing; he was laughing so hard.
“Did-did you and I sit through the same lessons? I'm-” he wheezed, “I'm pretty sure smashing desserts, running through halls, and jumping out windows is generally frowned upon.”
“It's not funny!” You said, though you were beginning to crack a smile of your own.
In his laughter Dia turned to observe your outfit, and, somehow, laughed even harder.
“Based on that outfit, whoever you smashed dessert on had to be someone of very high rank.”
“Yeah, he wasn't happy,” you said, now laughing along with him. The two of you laughed together, eventually leaning against one another in friendly comfort.
This silence was pleasant, as you stared at the stars, breathing in the comfort of the sea breeze.
Eventually Dia broke the silence.
“Since you're already going to be grounded for life, would you like to go for a swim with me?”
You'd never had the chance during the day, because all eyes were on you. But at night, you could get away with it. However-
“Dia, just cause you can breathe air, doesn't mean I can breathe water.”
He rolled his eyes. “A friend of mine taught me how I can help you breathe for a short period of time. Relax, I'm not as foolish as you are.”
He slipped away, and into the ocean, holding out his arms to you. You slipped out of your shoes, and waded in, stepping into his outstretched arms. He wrapped them around you tightly, before saying,
“Hold your breath.”
You quickly obeyed, and you found yourself sinking below the surface, his arms wrapped around your torso, his tail around one of your legs. After a moment, he opened his mouth, wide, and pressed it over your tightly sealed one.
Shocked, you stared at him. He rolled his eyes, poking your mouth with his tongue. You opened your mouth, and physically felt as he breathed air into your lungs. He then pulled away, studying you to see if it had worked.
“Try breathing,” he said. You ignored your burning face, and breathed deeply. It wasn't like it was a kiss. But it was the closest you'd ever had to one, and it was making your heart race unnaturally.
He kept his tail wrapped around your leg, but moved slightly back so he could observe you. And that's when you noticed it.
Along his forearms, in swirling pink pink patterns, was a glowing design. Likewise, random scales on his tail glowed pink, and his emerald eyes appeared to have a glow to them as well. The picture was completed with his flowing pink hair floating around him like an angelic halo.
“Whoa,” you whispered.
“It's a cool trick. I wish he'd taught me that sooner, we could have gone on so many swims.”
Your mushy brain forgot what he was talking about for a moment, before you realized he meant letting you breathe.
“Yeah,” you laughed.
He sighed sadly. “We don't have much time before it wears off. So we have to make the most of the time we have.” He held out a hand to you. “I have always wanted the chance to dance with you.”
You gingerly placed your hand in his, still awed by how beautiful he looked in his home terrain. But you quickly forgot all that as he suddenly twirled you around, eliciting a delighted giggle from you, and a mischievous smirk from him. He spun you out, and then in, pressing you so close that you could feel his heartbeat against your chest. He used his tail to propel you around the water, and you couldn't help but think that this was the best dance partner you'd ever had, and it was a shame it had taken you so long to experience it.
In fact, the dance was so entrancing that you were beginning to grow light headed. Perhaps a little too light headed. Dia looked at you, sadly, never having been one to bother hiding his emotions. Without any warning, he swam you both up to the surface, and when you took a gulp of air, you realized you were getting light headed because whatever magic Dia had down was wearing off.
He wrapped you in a hug, resting his chin on your shoulder, once again wrapping his tail around your leg.
“I wish you could stay forever,” he whispered, and the ache in his voice made something inside you shatter.
“Me too.”
He pulled back slightly, looking deep into your eyes, before bringing a hand to your cheek.
“Swear you will not stay away so long, next time.”
His emerald eyes had a deeply hypnotic effect. He could have asked you to let him eat you, and you'd find yourself nodding.
“Over there!”
The magic of the evening was ruined as you heard a crowd of your father's soldiers make their way down the beach.
“Dragon’s teeth,” Dia spat, slipping below the surface, only his eyes sitting above the water line. He was waiting for something.
“I swear, I will be back soon,” you said quickly. His eyes crinkled upwards in a clear smile, and he fully vanished below the surface. You began the swim of shame back to the beach, where several soldiers were beginning to make their way into the ocean.
The second you were in arms reach, one of them grabbed your arm.
“We got them!”
The crowd of soldiers quickly parted, and your father stormed his way towards you. With a loud crack sound, and a stinging in your cheek, you realized he had slapped you.
“You are no longer a child!” He shouted, seeming to no longer care about decorum. “You cannot just do whatever you want, and expect no consequences!”
“I was just-”
“Save it! You have plenty of time to think about it, because it will be a long time before you can leave your room!”
You were dragged along the beach, and you felt the urge to look behind you. Your gaze met a pair of angry green eyes. You subtly waved to him to tell him you were okay, but you doubted he believed you. Still, he respected you enough to slip back below the surface. You knew if you ever had the chance to escape to the sea again, he'd tell you, in frightening detail, about all the things he'd do to your father if he ever went swimming.
You were locked in your room with little to no ceremony, and spent the night worrying about whether or not you could keep your promise to Dia. Soon night turned to dawn, and your peace was over.
You knew you would be spending the last day before your birthday in your room. Various servants ran in and out, arranging final outfit measurements and speeches and manners lessons. It all just proved what you already knew. If this party was actually for you, it would have been canceled.
Your father's right hand man came to your room, informing you you would be escorted to your father's study. You were fairly certain you were about to be scolded again.
You entered the room, and we're shocked to see two strangers sitting in there with your father. Well, one stranger. He was a man with long dark hair, and disinterested red eyes that were scrutinizing you. The other? The other was the boy you had smashed the cream puffs on at the party.
Your punishment was about to go from bad to worse. You were thoroughly fucked.
“Y/N, good of you to join us,” your father said with slightly more congeniality than he'd greeted you with the night before.
“I'd like to introduce you to Emperor Roc, of Avari, and his son, and heir Prince Guy, of Avari.”
Oh. Oh no. Oh god. You were about to be killed for offending a visiting Emperor and his Son. Sweat trailed down your back, as you fought off a shiver. Your eyes flicked to Guy’s, then instantly flicked away again when you saw the piercing stare that greeted you. Yup. He wasn't going to think twice when he had you beheaded.
Your father cleared his throat to get your attention again.
“Despite your proclivities, he has asked for your hand in marriage. And I have accepted the offer.”
You felt the world around you shatter and sway, and you worried for a moment that you were going to throw up right there in front of the emperor and his son. Or, rather, your future father in law and future husband. Instead, you bowed deeply, as you had been taught, and said,
“I am honored to have been chosen.”
“We'll announce it during your birthday, then,” Your father said, before shooing you back to your room to continue being grounded/prepared for your party. You felt Guy Avari’s frigid gaze follow you the entire way.
You felt numb through the rest of the preparations. You knew you'd be engaged to some Lord or Lady sooner rather than later, but you had thought you had more time. And this wasn't just some Lord or Lady. No. This was a future Emperor.
And not just any Emperor. Avari was infamous. It was a kingdom of little warmth, where the army held an iron rule, and the Emperor was worshiped as a god. You'd heard tales of how they handled traitors over there, and you'd heard far worse rumors about their plans for the future.
Your kingdom was strong, and had no reason to fear the Avarian army, but you had no doubt that if King Gilbert caught wind of your engagement, you would be shipped off to Avari even faster, as a hostage.
Why would Prince Guy even want you in the first place? You'd smashed cream puffs all over him! The only reason he could possibly want your hand in marriage was to purchase you, then take you to Avari, where no one could stop him from cutting your head off for disrespecting him.
When your servant entered your room to wake you up, the next morning, you were long gone.
You had fled in the dead of night, selling a particularly gaudy outfit of yours at the market, then paid for a voyage on an Invidian ship, telling the captain that you were an orphan who had always longed to be a sailor. With initial board paid, he agreed to take you on, under contract. If you worked on his ship for three years, he'd get you a higher position, either on another ship, or in the King's guard.
Your education, however, had made you invaluable, and it hadn't been long before you'd risen through the ranks. By the time you were eighteen, any talk of getting you a position elsewhere was abandoned. No, you were to remain on the ship as the Captain's first mate.
Four years on the boat had done a world of good for you. There were times you were homesick, and times that, with the ship's Invidian allegiances you worried that you would be turned over to Avari, but for the most part, you had no regrets.
Except for Dia. You often found yourself leaning over the side, gazing deep into the ocean, praying that you'd catch sight of a shimmering tail. The night you'd fled, you'd almost gone to say goodbye, but you were certain your father's guards would have caught you. No matter how long passed you hoped to catch a glimpse of him.
One time, the captain commented on your propensity for staring into the ocean, jokingly asking if you intended to jump ship.
“I'm looking for a merman,” you muttered under your breath.
He laughed brightly, slapping your shoulder in a friendly show of affection.
“If you find one, lemme know. I've been on the sea for thirty years, and I've never seen one.”
You looked at him, your face flat. “I've seen one.”
The captain grinned. “Do me a favor, Y/N. Never lose that childlike wonder. It brings so much light to the ship.”
The experience had nagged at you. The captain had never seen a mermaid? And as you'd reached your fourth year on the ship, you'd yet to see one for yourself.
You were eighteen now, and the thought nagged at you. Was Dia even real? Or was he just an imaginary friend you'd made up when you were lonely with no one who understood you? No one but you had ever seen him. Not even your tutor, who had her eyes on you almost all the time.
While your crew mates often sang songs about mermaids and sirens, no one had ever seen one. At this point, you were inclined to believe you'd made him up. And that was okay. As sad as it was that your best friend wasn't in your life anymore, and as grateful as you were for his space in your life, you knew you were almost ready to let go.
It was an unassuming day when a massive Invidian ship came along your route, signaling to yours to stop. You weighed anchor, and waited for the ship to catch up to you. The crew was abuzz. Whenever a fellow Invidian ship crossed paths with yours, it always meant a night of dancing, and feasting, and reminiscing about home. Well, not your home, but home for the majority of the crew. Sometimes there would be letters from various families who knew your paths would cross, and that would bring further joy, and invigoration to your sailors.
It would happen with Avarian ships too, since Invidian and Avari had an alliance, but those gatherings were often less joyful. Not only that, but you didn't particularly care for the moments before you knew who was on those ships.
The ship sailed close enough and released the anchor, and your crew placed a board across the ships so that the Invidian crew could cross over.
A kind looking man, dressed in finery, crossed over, and extended a hand to your captain.
“You have no idea how long we have been searching for you!”
“I'm flattered, your Highness, but may I ask why?” The captain said with a grin. You had a feeling that the two had crossed paths before. Both were clearly high rank Invidian, so maybe the two had worked together before.
“Well, we have a message from Avari that we need to discuss with you,” the Invidian royal said with a sympathetic wince. “If we could speak in private?”
“Of course your Highness. My cabin is this way.”
Your gut began to twist as the two went off to chat. But you brushed the feeling aside. You'd been on the sea for four years now. It would be a waste for Avari to search for you, when there were lots of options, options that were far better than a random official’s child. Hell, whoever this Invidian royal was, he was clearly a better option than you. So this had to be unrelated to you.
You quickly shook off your concern, and returned to “second in command headspace”, barking orders to your crew to prepare for the dinner that you'd share with the crew on the other ship. Tables were arranged on the deck, food was being cooked, and musicians were gathering. Soon, a raucous party, the likes of which your father would turn his nose up to, had begun.
You were swapping sea stories with an Invidian sailor from the other ship, when the captain came up to you.
“Excuse me. I need a word with my first mate.”
You nodded, offering what was left of your glass of wine to your conversation partner, then followed him to the cabin.
You sat in the chair on the other side of his desk, waiting for his next words. Your stomach began churning, again, when you saw how tired he looked.
“Captain?” You questioned nervously.
He smiled at you kindly, leaning back in his chair.
“We've sailed together a long time, haven't we?”
“Four years, captain,” you laughed.
“You've grown a lot since then. You are an invaluable asset to my crew,” his smile dropped, and he pulled out a piece of paper, sliding it to you across the desk.
You flipped it right side up, and froze. It was a picture of you, at thirteen. The portrait was painted originally to be sent out to potential marriage partners after your fourteenth birthday.
“Captain?” You whispered hoarsely.
“Do you know what I notice about this picture?” He pointed to your face. “Those eyes aren't the same ones that I see today. There's no spark of passion in them.”
He was right. Despite the joy you had in escaping the mansion, your youth was one where the responsibility of the world was constantly thrust onto your shoulders. With your number two position here, you found joy, and purpose. This picture wasn't the you you were now.
“The man on that ship is Prince Roy of Invidia. Invidia has a heavy alliance with Avari, but I very much doubt I need to tell you that.”
You nodded, numbly.
“Emperor Guy has been investigating the disappearance of his fiance for four years. He recently had a lead that they had snuck onto this ship. Prince Roy had offered to come investigate,” he leaned forward giving you an extremely serious look. “I'm not asking this lightly. Your answer could result in me losing everything I've ever built. Do you want to go home?”
“This is my home,” you said without hesitation.
He nodded, slowly. Then he stood.
“Lay low for the moment. We will have a vote amongst the crew, tonight.”
He reached for the door, then paused, and laughed.
“I've always wanted the chance to be a pirate.”
Late at night, the vote was held, and you were shocked that, unanimously, the crew decided to keep you on, and protect you. Many of them had family back home, or someone relying on them, and yet every single one has opted to keep you safe.
Still, you had one last card up your sleeve.
The Captain stood before, who you now knew was Prince Roy of Invidia, and shook his head tiredly.
“I asked everyone on my crew, no one knows who Y/N L/N was.”
Prince Roy stared at him for a moment. His gaze moved directly to yours, pinning you to the spot with an unreadable expression.
“Are you sure that's the answer you want to give me, and Avari, Captain?” he said as he turned back to the Captain.
“Yes.”
“Are you prepared for what that means?” Prince Roy said, drawing his sword at his side.
“Yes,” the captain said as he snapped his fingers, and the ship went into chaos. Two crew mates removed the board between the ships. One hastily weighed anchor. A group rushed Prince Roy and haphazardly tossed him overboard. The captain had assured you he would be alright. He himself had taught the prince how to swim. But it was a declaration of war. So another group was rushing to get the sails up as the other ship stormed into action, rushing to get their prince out of the water.
Luckily, with the advantage of knowing this was coming, your ship had the head start.