May 29
cinwell my beloved [the OG 'siblings or dating' trend]
@tlc-fan-events
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seen from Russia
seen from Vietnam
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cinwell my beloved [the OG 'siblings or dating' trend]
@tlc-fan-events
𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐨!🏮
Welcome to TLC Fan Events’ first event! We’re proud to announce that we’re celebrating our lovely (and undoubtedly handsome) emperor’s birthday! The event will run from April 7th – 13th.
All contributions are welcome! Whether it’s fanfiction, fanart, music, cosplay, or anything else you’re inspired to create. We’d love to see it.
Please note: the prompts are simply suggestions meant to spark creativity. You can follow them as closely or as loosely as you’d like. There are no limits!
Here are this year’s prompts:
★ Tues: Birthday Bash
↳ It's Kai’s actual birthday. Show him celebrating in style!
★ Wed: Angst Wednesday
↳ This one’s for all the Kai haters (joke). Kill him. Torture him. Deprive him of everyone and everything that he's ever loved. Explore his anxiety, insecurities, or the secrets weighing him down. The possibilities are endless!
★ Thurs: Rarepair Day
↳ Pair Kai with someone other than Cinder—platonically or romantically! Kaiswell truthers… anyone? Or maybe you’re into something darker… *cough*
★ Fri: Fluffy Friday
↳ Give our swoon-worthy emperor the happiness he deserves! Whether it’s a romantic date with Cinder or time spent with the Rampion Crew.
★ Sat: The Emperor’s Playlist
↳ Create something inspired by a song that fits Kai! Maybe it’s something he’d listen to, or a song that reflects his character or arc. You can also just share a playlist/song recommendation!
★ Sun: Family Sunday
↳ Focus on Kai and his family, whether that’s Cinder, his future kids, his parents, the Rampion Crew, or maybe something else?
★ Mon: Modern AU Monday
↳ Reimagine Kai in a modern setting! Maybe he’s emo, a nerd, or a famous celebrity.
To make sure we see and reblog your contributions, please use the tags #TLCFanEvents and #HBDEmperorKai and tag @tlc-fan-events on your post!
For more information, check out our FAQ & Rules page.
Psst! Still have questions? Feel free to send us an ask, and one of our mods will get back to you as soon as possible!
*cinder is a trans girl in this au (amab), so instead of princess selene it's prince smth*
week one: coming out
@tlc-fan-events
torture that man
Happy Birthday Kai!
Fandom: The Lunar Chronicles Pairing: Kai x Cinder Setting: Canon compliant, five years after Stars Above Words: 1.4k Ao3 Link
A/N: This is my drabble for Kai's Birthday Event, hosted by @tlc-fan-events!!! It's not too long, and I also wrote it yesterday without time to review it. Be kind to it, world...It's just Kai enjoying a moment of peace with his wife before he goes out and partyyyy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAI!!!
With all things considered, Kai was having a pretty good day. Sure he was jolted awake to Cinder’s freezing leg kicking him in the thigh at four in the morning and couldn’t go back to sleep, yet he didn’t feel tired. Sure, the items inside his breakfast burrito slopped onto his plate, making him take a bite of pure tortilla in front of Torin, but he didn’t let that bother him. Sure, he had to restrain himself from saying cruel things to an English diplomat as she spoke about his wife in a very passive aggressive manner, yet he grimaced through it all.
Despite all that, he ended up lounging in the royal gardens by himself, nothing but the breeze tickling his cheeks. And Carswell Thorne yapping about stars knows what to Cinder. He tuned the rogue out regardless, focusing on how the birds chirped a lullaby in the trees, slowly luring him to sleep.
“They love me, I swear!” Thorne pleaded, disturbing Kai’s peace. “All of them were screaming my name throwing stuffed animals at my feet. It’s like I woke up and became Kai for a day.”
Kai cracked one eye open to shoot a glare, then went back to ignoring the world. Though, he failed and opted to tune in the conversation instead. Cinder sat upright left of him, pulling clovers out of the ground. Thorne was also sprawled out, though somewhat obnoxiously, beside her. Kai briefly wondered when Cress was coming back with her Australian sweets.
“Yeah, maybe because they were giving you another medal that you do not need.” Cinder chided. “They tend to cheer at ceremonies like those.”
“They had posters of my face, Cinder. Very well done posters. Though, there was a big one where my nose was crooked.” He shifted. “They seem to do that often.”
“I bet Cress got a better audience than you did.” Cinder mumbled.
“Well, of course she did. It’s Cress.”
“I’d argue it was about the same.” Cress’s soft voice shocked Kai to full consciousness. He gasped, immediately sitting up. “Oh, sorry Kai!”
He blushed, scratching his head bashfully. Thorne laughed. “Have a nice nap, your royal highness.”
“Majesty.” Cress corrected.
“Give me grace, we don’t believe in monarchies in the Republic.”
Kai sighed, squinting his eyes as he looked up at the blonde. “You’re totally fine, Cress.”
Cinder smiled, crawling closer to him. “I didn’t realize you were actually sleeping.”
He couldn’t help but grin back. The sun created a makeshift aura around her head, making her look ethereal. She let her hair loose today, and it rustled in tune with the grass blades. He didn’t even try to resist touching the coarse strands with his fingers. “I wasn’t really, only resting.”
She frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even notice this morning.” She bit her lip. “Does your leg still hurt?”
“It’s not your fault.” Kai reassured, again. When he showed her the slowly growing bruise on his thigh when they woke up, she erupted in apologies. He only laughed. “Besides I’m more concerned about what you were dreaming about.”
“I don’t even remember.” Cinder opted to look at the sky. He huffed, scooting closer to her, enough to grab her in his arms and tug her to the ground. “Kai!” She yelped through gasps.
They were now completely facing each other, laying down. Though her face was scrunched in false annoyance, her mouth was stretched into a wide grin. His left hand was the only obstacle between their faces while his other was affectionately rubbing circles on her wait. He considered wrapping a leg around her to keep her locked up, but decided against it for the sake of their friends.
“Tonight you’ll dream about me.” He promised.
“I don’t think you can control my dreams, Kai.” She pointed out.
He curled his free hand around the nape of her neck, ignoring how the grass irritated his skin. He smirked mischievously, lowering his voice. “I have my ways.”
They were so close, he could see the warnings pop up in her eyes. Score! “Already thinking about your birthday present, aren’t you?”
“Of course I am.”
“I get that you’re the Emperor and it’s your birthday and all, but could we keep the PDA to a minimum?” Thorne interrupted, though Cress was comfortable sitting in his lap.
Cinder slowly sat up, turning to glare at Thorne. Kai rolled onto his back, biting his tongue from pointing out the obvious hypocrisy.
“When are the others getting here?” Kai asked, changing the subject.
She peered up at the sky again, searching through their comms. “18:00, I think?”
“They’re travelling together?” Thorne asked.
“Yes, babe, they commed the plans in the group chat.” Cress sighed. Her voice came from above, meaning that she somehow stood up without Kai noticing. She could be as silent as a mouse. “Thorne are you coming?”
“Where are you two going?” Cinder asked, her back facing Kai. She used her cyborg hand to block the sun out of her eyes. He also sat up, peering at the couple before them. Thorne was now brushing the dirt off of his pants as Cress waited.
“We still have some unpacking to do.” Cress explained. “We don’t want to stay up too late, especially since all the festivities are tomorrow.”
“We know you two won’t be getting any sleep.” Thorne coughed, looking away.
Cinder frowned as Kai’s face heated slightly. Cress playfully swatted at Thorne. “Don’t mind him. We’ll see you at dinner. Probably.”
“Bye guys.” Thorne waved. Cinder and Kai returned it.
The petite blonde then grabbed Thorne’s hand and floated back into the palace. Kai watched as Cress giddily peered up at Thorne’s face, laughing at whatever joke Thorne made. Kai smiled; they were very cute together.
Cinder voiced his thoughts. “What do you think they’re talking about?”
He hummed, still staring at the pair. “Sunshine and rainbows and kittens.”
She snorted. “You think they’re actually going to unpack?”
He flipped to his stomach and propped his chin on his left hand. “I think there will be a noble attempt, but then they’d get sidetracked. I mean, I fear they only left to leave us alone.”
“Cress just came back though.” Kai looked up at his wife to find her pouting. Her legs were crossed as her elbows rested on her knees. She genuinely looked distressed as cradled her face in her hands.
Kai wanted to tease her. “Well, why don’t you save her from Thorne and run into the sunset together.”
She laughed. “I might, but that means I’d leave you with Thorne, and I love you too much to do that to you.”
“So it’s not ‘I could never leave you Kai,’ but ‘I feel bad about giving you Thorne?’” He giggled. “I appreciate your concern, my love. I’m also keeping the fish in our divorce.”
She smacked the top of his head. “Don’t joke.” She sighed, moving her palms behind her so she could lean back. “I want Priya.”
Kai gasped. “Too far.”
“Too late.” Kai frowned at her triumphant grin, then got distracted by how her biceps were flexed in this position. She was wearing a cotton tank top that cut around her waist, her belly button on display. He slowly made his way to her lap, resting his head on her metal thigh. Her hand cupped the back of his neck, circling small strands of his hair around her fingers. He sighed, feeling content.
“We should probably head back.” Cinder murmured.
He groaned. “No. It’s my birthday, remember?”
“Stop using that excuse. Besides, your birthday is tomorrow, dummy.” He pictured her rolling her eyes. He smiled.
“Can we just stay here for a bit more?” He could already feel drowsiness seep into him. Maybe a real nap would be beneficial.
She must have noticed the tiredness in his voice and chuckled. “Sure.”
Despite all the celebrations that were planned to be held tomorrow for his twenty-fifth birthday, he doubted he’d feel at peace until a week after the events ceased. Might as well savor this moment as much as he could. It was the best gift he could ask for, really. He was in his favorite place, with his favorite person, in his favorite weather, doing his favorite activity.
“Hey.” Cinder murmured.
He huffed, eyes still closed. “Mmh?”
“Happy early birthday.” She said, kissing the top of his head. “I love you, Husband.”
Grinning, he kissed her knee in return. “I love you too, Wife.”
A/N: Please please please go check out the fan blog for the prompts. Please celebrate with us! We love Kai! #STOPKAIHATE
Tagging: @just2bubbly @cinderswrench @cindersassasin @the-wee-woo-royal @deprivedmusicaljunkie @crescentchat @wheresmymom-imlost @salt-warrior @rapunzelfromthemoon @briggycat @impossiblesuitcase @kaider-is-my-otp @definitelynotisabel @therealkaidertrash21 @cinderswirecutters @cyborgcourt @hobbityalse (let me know if you'd like to be added or removed <3)
Straight through the Heart
Summary: Or the one where Levana’s knife sinks in deep during the final battle
Author’s note: this is for the TLC event, Kai’s birthday week for the prompt angst. I just knew I had to do something evil to him. Thanks @tlc-fan-events for hosting this event. Enjoy!
Warning: Major character de@th. That’s basically this entire Drabble
· ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ · · · · ─ ·✶· ─ ·
It was loud in the throne room.
The first sound that stands out to Kai is a gunshot as he pushes past wolf-mutated men and earthen leaders. Shouting grows louder as he pushes to the front, stepping into the room.
The first thing he notices is the smell of blood. It’s putrid and metallic. The last time he smelled blood was when he was with his father shortly after he came in contact with letumosis.
His gaze falls to where Cress is cradled against Wolf’s chest, blood staining her orange dress and floor. She is barely keeping her eyes open, but her mouth is open in a scream. He glances at Wolf and his face is in matching horror. They’re both looking at one direction.
Kai’s head turns and his face drains of all color.
Cinder is on the floor, barely able to keep her upper half up with her gun raised. Levana is a few feet away from her, slumped against the throne with blood splattered on the golden throne. But the only blood he sees is the blood that soaks Cinder’s shirt.
Ah, so that’s what they were screaming about.
For a moment, Kai thinks he’s about to start screaming when he sees her collapse onto the floor, her head hitting the tile, hard. The gun flies across the floor and soon, Kai is halfway across the throne room.
The distance felt long, too long. He willed himself to keep moving. He’s not faster than the blood, that stains the floor red. His knees buckle and he collapses right in front of her.
“Cinder,” he whispers. His hands hover over where the wound is located above her stomach. He doesn’t know what to do, he isn’t a medical expert. He’s barely even an emperor.
Her lips move, making a ‘Ka’ noise. He thinks it’s supposed to be his name but she doesn’t finish. Her head lolls to the side and her eyes begin to close.
“No, no, no, keep your eyes open. Cinder, please,” His voice takes on a whiny tone that makes him mentally cringe. He moves and pulls her head onto his knees. His hands finally find a place to press against the wound. Pressure, yeah that’s what it needs, right? To stop the bleeding? There’s already so much blood, thought. It even went through her back. He turns his head back to the people that gather near the doors, too afraid to come forward. He screams, “Help! Someone help! She needs a doctor!”
For a moment, no one moves and Kai feels his heart falter. Then he sees a woman pushing forward towards them.
His heavy breaths break off into a sign of relief. He turns his head back and keeps his hands on Cinder’s wound. Blood stained through her top and under the skin of his nails. He presses harder and…
Kai freezes. He stares at the injury for a moment. From the little he learned during his studies back home, where the injury was was where the heart was located.
So why… his mind thinks.
Why can’t I feel her heart beating?
One of his hands move to press against her throat. He feels the vein. But nothing beats.
“No,” his eyes sting. “No, no. We just won. We won, you can’t…”
The woman is beside him, pulling Cinder but he holds on tight. He buries his head into the crook of her neck. He thought it would be different. He thought she would be different, not like mother and father. He thought they had more time.
“Emperor,” the woman’s voice is soft. “I need you to let go.”
Tears join the blood on the floor as he shakes. He doesn’t want to let her go. Not when they were finally together.
It takes two more pulls before the woman pull Cinder from his arms. Kai’s hands move to cover his face, Cinder’s blood staining his cheek and lips. Cinder is completely limp and still as the woman picks her up. She begins shouting out orders, demanding directions to a med bay.
Kai can’t find the strength to tell her it’s too late.
The rightful heir to the Lunar throne, princess Selene, the woman he loves, Linh Cinder is dead.
'Cause all of the stars are fading away
Masterlist | AO3
“We’ll get through this,” she says, quieter now. “We always do.”
Summary: Burdened by loss and the belief he is cursed, Kai learns to stay present in the life he has built with Cinder. Based on the song Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis. (WC: 3.1k)
Warnings: None.
When the Empress leaves the earth for the stars, the sun is unbearably bright. It pours through the classroom windows in long, golden sheets, catching on polished desks and the edges of students’ portscreens. Somewhere outside, birds sing—light and carelessly. Beyond the glass, cherry blossoms drift from their branches, petals scattering across the courtyard in soft bursts of pink. A sign of spring in New Beijing, a promise of new beginnings.
It might be the most beautiful day in the Eastern Commonwealth.
Kai remembers that most of all.
