Why are people such assholes to retail workers?? Like I’m here for 10 hours a day, wearing a mask and trying to keep me and everyone else safe and I’m trying best so please stop yelling at me
A novel-length secret relationship story set after season 3, with an original plot, worldbuilding, and fully developed characterisation.
Summary: A risky decision traps an injured Din Djarin with Greef Karga’s adoptive niece for a fifteen-day lockdown, during which something steamy yet short-term evolves in secret. But ending it when the lockdown lifts isn’t as easy as either party thought, and there are many obstacles to navigate when everyday life starts up again.
Rating: Explicit (18+)
Pairing: Din Djarin x OFC!Reader (she’s physically a blank slate but has a canon-compliant background, so she’s you if you were born in the Star Wars Universe)
Word Count: TBC (>100k words in 16 chapters)
Author’s Note: This fic started as a oneshot for @burntheedges’s Roll-A-Trope Writing Challenge in August 2024, but it accidentally turned into a novel – oops! It took me so long to write and edit (21 months!) because I’ve genuinely slaved over it. After I finished the first draft, I took some writing classes, then went back and edited every single word to get it perfect. It’s turned into something I’m really proud of, so I hope you enjoy! As always, concepts and lore are accurately researched to satisfy Star Wars nerds but also referenced/explained to ensure those less familiar with the franchise can enjoy and understand everything, too.
*** FULLY WRITTEN, FIRST CHAPTER COMING THIS WEEKEND, SUBSEQUENT CHAPTERS RELEASED EVERY THIRD SATURDAY ***
Please feel free to JOIN MY TAG LIST or lmk in the comments if you’d like a tag for this fic only.
Chapter 1: In The Mood For Solitude [coming 23-May-26]
Chapter 2: Armless, But Never Harmless
Chapter 3: Confidential Potential
Chapter 4: Built To Uncover Our Guilt
Chapter 5: It’s My Purview To Serve You
Chapter 6: Secret Sex Isn’t Complex
Chapter 7 (part 1): My Undercover Lover
Chapter 7 (part 2): Exceptions and Deceptions
Chapter 8: Keep Going, It’s Mindblowing
Chapter 9: Guess What I Heard, Little Bird
Chapter 10: Encore! So Much More In Store
Chapter 11 (part 1): Don’t Smirk, I Work Here, You Jerk
warnings: the reader gets hit on and does not appreciate or enjoy it
a/n: happy new year, y’all! ❤️
The comlink beeps in the middle of hyperspace on the way to Arvala-7, and he’s hesitant to pick up. It’s only a two-way connection; only one person it could be. He’s barely thought about the fact that he gave you an open line to him at any time. Why the fuck did he do that?
Nevertheless, he answers.
“M-Mando?” your voice comes over the com, hesitant and stuttering.
sorry this took an absolute age yall. i lost motivation. BUT IM BACK BABYY
SERIES TW: mentions of sexual assault, religious trauma, loss of family members, descriptions of injuries, descriptions of violence, slowburn, smut
CHAPTER TW: descriptions of injuries, one (1) mention of blood, mention of loss of friend
—
Your head was aching and your broken fingers were throbbing, but you were warm. It was an odd feeling— waking up warm— as you’d lived on Hoth for nearly 10 years, using only enough fuel to keep your frame from locking up entirely. Usually, you awoke to the feeling of cold creeping its way through your body nerve by nerve, your fingertips and toes stiff. Now, you moved them freely as you locked your helmet onto your head and opened the small latch on your cubby, slipping off of the hard bed.
You made your way to the center of the ship, not ten feet away, and wondered at what you should do in such an unfamiliar situation, in another Mandalorian’s ship.
Suddenly remembering that Din had mentioned a few blaster shots to his ship, you scurried back to your bunk to grab your armor and heavy fur coat, writing a quick message before opening the bay to inspect the damage.
Din,
I’m outside checking damage, don’t shoot me down or leave without me
Thanks,
Y/n
The snow was familiar under your boots as you trekked around the big ship to locate the damage. It was on the side, and had shot right through the front. You guessed that the shots had only hit the front deflector shield generator and projector, but you needed to pull open the durasteel side to be sure. And for that, you’d have to go back to your shop nestled in the snow dunes on the other side of town. You were about to leave to trudge through the snow, but something called you back into the ship. Reentering the bay, you spotted the other hunk of metal climbing out of his small bedspace.
“Din, hey.”
His head whipped towards you, shoulders back and feet in a fighting position, his posture relaxing after recognition. Still, he kept his body turned to his bed as though defending or hiding something. “Oh. Hello.”
“Look, I know you just woke up, but I need to get some supplies from my shop,” you paused, tilting your head and considering your next words while you peered nosily towards his bunk, “and it would be nice to pack a few things.”
“Yes, of course.” He pushed something with his foot as you continued to approach. “Would you like me to come with you?”
“Yes please.”
Din, struggling, groaned audibly as a green creature slipped past him and came barreling towards you. The small thing was wearing a little potato sack, and you assumed it to be Din’s pet. As you stooped to pick it up, you didn’t think about why the other Mandalorian would be hiding the creature: the only thought on your mind was how adorable and childlike it was. Its huge black eyes stared at you in wonder, oversized ears twitching eagerly as you made cooing noises and pointlessly contorted your face. You questioned for a moment its consciousness, and eventually decided that the creature seemed to be intelligent.
The baby fervently garbled its response to your coos, engaging in conversation with you. You pulled your head back in the best expression of shock you could and whisper-shouted “Really? He wouldn’t possibly!” before turning to Din and waiting for a response. The baby turned its head as well.
Din, excitingly, just stood there. He was stock-still for a few moments before clearing his throat. “He… He likes you.”
You smiled and laughed quietly. “I think so.”
You watched him clench his fists again before he approached, extending his hands for the green ball of joy. “His name is Grogu,” he tossed you as you handed him the child. “He’s my foundling.”
It was your turn to stand shock-still, eyes rooted to the man in front of you. Suddenly you understood why Din was trying to hide him, sequester him away. Foundlings were rare, even more so since the Great Purge. Many will try to kill the foundlings and their buirs simply out of tradition, or as may be the case with this oddly-shaped one, for a trophy on their wall.
You knew Din had no reason to believe you’d harm Grogu, but many Mandalorians were traitorous to their own kind especially in times of need. You trusted him just the same, if not more, for his attempt to hide the child.
“I see. My knowledge of him will stay within this ship.” Din nodded in thanks as he headed to grab his satchel, stuffing the child in it carefully before slipping it on, murmuring some words to him as he shut and buttoned the bag.
“Thank you. He’ll be coming with us, now that you know about him. It’s safer anyway.”
You nodded as well, watching him approach you and gesture to the exit, taking long strides down the ramp beside you. As the two of you exited the Razor Crest, he clicked a few buttons on his vambrace to seal the ship safely.
“Lead the way.”
The icy landscape was as familiar as your armor, but the man and the foundling by your side were anything but. The three of you treaded in the direction of your home, boots leaving two sets of prints in the blinding white.
Silent as the town was, you could hear the creaking of a door from the rarely inhabited pub. “Mandalorian!” The coarse, familiar voice of one of your only friends shouted, to which you turned. “Mandalorian-seh!” He laughed loudly at his correction, Din’s hand drawing up to his weapon as the two of you approached. “Planning to leave without a goodbye, metalhead?” The swaggering man smiled and extended his arms as you approached, his hands gesturing for a hug.
“Yes, Caith,” you chuckled lightly, “you knew this day would come.” Obliging his gesture, you squeezed him tightly before pulling back.
“Did I?” He murmured, searching the blank reflective visor of your helmet.
With a sigh, you nodded. “Yes. It’s not safe for me here anymore. I’m headed off-world with him,” you tilted your head back at Din, “and I’ll probably not be back. I’m sorry.”
“Oh, that’s alright. I’ll miss you. Leave me some of that sauce of yours, yeah? Or the recipe.”
“Of course,” a rough noise made its way from your chest and through your modulator as you cleared your throat, “let me get it for you. I’ll see you in a few, then in the afterlife, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
You nodded to him before turning around, Din on your heels and then beside you. You felt the other Mandalorian’s eyes on you, though his visor remained fixed on the small building just outside of the main town.
“What?” You finally asked him, keying in your code and shoving the stubborn door open with a huff.
“He’s nice.” Another thing you had never missed about the company of Mandalorians: they all seemed to either speak in riddles or use the minimal required words, and both methods worked equally well to evade the need for a true answer. You loved your people, but you knew that their communication was poor, and the elders encouraged that. However, this was no time to piss off the man who’d offered you a ride off-world, regardless of your common Creed and his obligation to follow through.
“Yes, he is.” You replied, deciding not to confront him, but now feeling that you needed to establish a baseline for your behavior and his reactions, simply to ask, “Does that bother you?”
“He reminds me of a long-gone friend.”
Deciding that his response seemed direct enough and his body language hadn’t changed to give any indication of anger, you nodded and accepted his answer, so you headed to the trapdoor under your dining table.
Shoving the heavy table, you wondered, for a moment, if you should warn him; ultimately, your curiosity got the better of you, and you yanked back the door to reveal the meticulously stacked piles of bent, bloodied beskar’gam.
masterlist
taglist: @tizylish @theslytherinwriter and u aren’t on it but i want you to see it @amchapel
Pairing: Din Djarin/reader
Summary: Staking out a Life Day party and a few too many consumed drinks later, and your feelings for a certain Mandalorian may come to light
Word Count: 1763
Warning: drunk reader, slightly angry Din
A/N: This is my (late) entry for @startrekkingaroundasgard Winter Gift Exchange! My gift is for the lovely @ohnopoe I hope you enjoy and thank you for your patience!! I also had an idea for Poe that I had started and then didn’t like and gave up on but I might go back to and if so I’ll post it and tag you so you’ll get a little bonus gift! Also yes I am bad at titles and summaries, its fine lol
You had to admit you were a little annoyed when Din had told you that you had gotten word that the bounty you had been tracking would be showing up to a Life Day celebration. You had hoped that you would have been able to convince the mandalorian to do something together for the holiday but you weren’t surprised that he would prefer to work then to do something fun.
When you had made your complaint slightly known, he tried to compromise by telling you that you would be able to enjoy the big party while you worked. The bounty could have been somewhere worse so you weren’t entirely complaining.
You were shocked when Din had handed you a drink after being at the party for a little bit. But you happily took the cute seasonal drink and admittedly drank the delicious drink rather quickly.
You had been keeping your eyes peeled for the man you were hunting, walking around the club, occasionally dancing with someone as you made your way through the crowd. Anytime you glanced up, you saw Din fixed to the same spot at the bar. As you were standing at the bar on the opposite side of the room, someone offered you a drink which you had happily accepted. If you were technically working on the eve before Life Day, you’d at least be having a tad bit of fun if you could.
Pairing: Din Djarin x gn foundling reader (Platonic)
World Count: 1,459
Rating: PG
Note: HI I AM RUSTY BC I HAVEN'T WRITTEN IN AWHILE. This is for new years! But I had this idea and wanted to roll with it. Pretend that fireworks don't exist in star wars bc I forgot to check if they're canon or not lol. Anyway, enjoy and happy late new years!!!
"Grogu, no. Put that down.”
Grogu quickly swerved his body so that his back faced you, disgruntled at your words. You heaved a low sigh at the little thing as you kept a watchful eye at the… thing he was holding. You didn’t really know what it was exactly, but it reminded you of the snow mice that’d sneak into the Razor Crest every time Din had a job to tend to in Scipio.
You leaned over, trying to grab the little creature from Grogu. “C’mon, give it up Grogu.”
Again, you reached for the creature, but Grogu’s exclamations of dejection made you gasp at his demeanor. “I hope you’re just holding it hostage for fun because there is no way you’re able to fit that thing into your mouth.”
As you spoke, you settled yourself onto the open ramp of the Razor Crest, lifting your knees closer to your body and resting your arms onto them. Grogu stood outside of the ship, exposed to the nature surrounding them. The group had found themselves on a planet almost at the edge of the galaxy. A trip that was made by very few people. You were surprised to find out that that was where the clan was headed, considering the trip. Din claimed that the price of the bounty he was pursuing would make the trip worth it.
When he explained this, along the way when it was just the two of you in the hull of the Razor Crest as Grogu slept in the back, you made a comment that he’d sounded as though he’d been to the planet before. To which he nodded, pressing a few buttons on the dashboard before turning his back to you. You watched him as he worked on reconfiguring the navigation system.
He spoke knowing that you were waiting for him to elaborate. “I’d been once before for a job. But it was many years ago.”
“What’s it like?”
Din’s back still faced yours. “The planet is prosperous with many species, but its civilization is not very advanced like the rest of the galaxy. Most of them haven’t even gone off world.”
“Really?” To which Din hums at. You pause for a moment to ponder your next question. “What’s it look like?”
“Where we are going, it will look a lot like Endor.” Finally, Din turned back to the controls and the conversation was left at that.
And there you were at this moment, sitting at the ramp of the ship watching Grogu under the shades from the trees that surrounded you. While the two were waiting for Din to return with his bounty, you explored and enjoyed the open space that Din landed in. The lush, forest thrived with more green and species than you’d thought possible. Though Grogu much preferred to try and eat them, rather than observe like you liked to. But you couldn’t help but gawk at them. What piqued your curiosity was the species you’d seen, unrecognizable and yet shared homogenic qualities with creatures you’d seen in different planets. How was it that these creatures never explored space, and yet you could only be reminded of creatures you’d seen in other places? Not only that, but were there other environmental conditions on this planet since Din made it sound as though there were others?
Din had no answer for you when he’d finally returned with his bounty, many hours after he’d left. He must have not expected for you to be filled with these questions of the creatures, or the forests, or the planet itself as you prodded him with questions about other habitats this planet had. Din stumbled as he climbed onto the ship and adjusted his hold on the unconscious bounty he was carrying in a fireman’s lift. All the while a string of questions came from your mouth as you bombarded the Mandalorian with questions and comments about the planet’s environment.
THUNK
“That’s enough questions y/n.” Beside Din’s feet the unconscious bounty groaned at the impact. “I have a lot to do before we depart.”
“Sorry.” You spoke with a sheepish smile on your face. Din made no other comment but shook his head in a way that let you know he was not upset with you before collecting the bounty once more. You watched him disappear further into the ship. No doubt to place the bounty in a Carbon freezing chamber in the lower levels of the Crest.
It was late at night, you’d only now realized as you settled back onto the ramp of the crest and watched the scenery around. You made sure to keep watch of Grogu as he ventured around. But he was without the mouse. Which concerned you. But what else was there to do other than hope the best for the little devil if he ended up getting a stomach ache.
Well… you could also enjoy what was around you.
So you decided to sit at the ramp for some time, eyes closed and listening to the world around you. You felt at ease, allowing your muscles to relax with each breath you took. Eventually Grogu had had enough of exploring and settled into your arms to rest.
You sat there for some time. Until you heard a noise. Opening your eyes, you paused for a moment to listen again with a frown on your lips. You could make out what sounded like a missile blasting to the sky. Your heart dropped at the sound, standing up immediately and looking all around to see where the noise came from. The noise stopped and a loud boom made you jolt, eyes immediately to the sky at a blast of light illuminating the surrounding area. You watched in agitation as the light dispersed and thousands of shards of light fell from it.
Your first thought as you watched this scene was of a battle. And these fears were reestablished at the sound of another missile.
“Din!” You stumbled back, eyes glued to another blast of light whose noise made your ears ring. You quickly turned, ready to run for the Mandalorian, and almost crashed into his beskar breast plate. The Mandalorian gripped onto your forearms to stabilize you. Din showed no sign of fear toward the blasts. For a moment you wondered if he had bumped his head to make him not respond correctly.
Din must have seen the alarm written all over your face as you looked up at him, desperate to see what they would do. Grogu stirring in your arms and when he reached out for Din the mandalorian slowly took the little thing from your arms.
“It’s alright. We’re not under attack.” With one arm Din led y/n down the ramp. Although you obliged, you walked with hesitance in each step. “Those lights aren’t weapons.”
“What else could they be if they’re not weapons?” You inquired, stepping over branches as the trees grew less condensed.
Din said nothing to this, walking further until finally the two came to a clearing that overlooked a good section of the forest. He placed a hand to your back and pushed you a little further ahead of him, informing you that you look ahead. You obliged, attentive to the cluster of lights that sat past the forest. Another blast of light exploded above the lights and you realized that you stared at a city from a distance.
“Those lights are called fireworks,” Din said, earning your attention. “Humans use them for celebrating events that are special to them.”
BANG.
A firework.
“All of them?”
“Not sure, but I’m sure a lot of them are. Grogu look.” Din pointed Grogu’s attention to another firework that flew into the sky until it bursted to an array of green shimmers. The two smiled at the little thing’s reaction as he elated with joy.
“So how about now? Do you know what they’re celebrating?”
“I don’t know for sure, something to do with the planet’s rotation around the sun.”
BANG.
Another firework shot to the sky.
“That’s such a nice thing to celebrate.”
You watched with fascination, all doubt and anxieties melted away after the explanation Din had given you. You watched beside the Mandalorian and his other foundling, illuminated in an array of colors as light blasted into the night sky. You liked that the cycle of the planet was worth celebrating to the people who lived here. In all your life, it seemed so mundane. Another year of surviving. To them, it seemed otherwise. It was something that brought joy. A joy that worked into the sky in a blast of light.
The Mandalorian and his foundlings watched the lights from their place in the world.
Pairing: Librarian!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader
Summary: You take a chance and give Bucky a call.
Word Count: Almost 1.7k
Warnings: Fluff, flirting, slightly embarrassing moment ( 😂 ), Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?)
A/N: Follow up to Once Upon a Time. For you @11thstreetvigilante . ❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Edit by Nix, divider by the talented @firefly-graphics, and banner by yours truly. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!
It would be a week before you saw Bucky again.
You told your friends about the handsome hero who stepped in to defend you on the subway. The man with the steel blue eyes. Your friends responded with a resounding “aww” when you showed them the line of the poem on the back of his card, with the exception of your friend Tina. Raising an eyebrow as she sipped her wine, she asked what the catch was.
"There is no catch," you stated.
"There's always a catch," Tina argued.
Ever the pessimist. Or is she a realist?
"He said I could help volunteer at the library when I asked if I could repay him."
"See? There's the catch. Free labor," she said, triumphantly finishing her glass.
"That's what volunteer work is," you joked, running your thumb along his name before Nicole snatched the card from your hand. "Hey!"
"Hold on. Let's look him up," she said, glancing at the card before she typed on her phone. You took it back and carefully tucked it away when her eyes widened seconds later. "Holy. Shit. Is this him?"
The image of Bucky standing by a bookshelf with a book filled the screen as she held her phone up. Your mouth went dry from the quick glance, so you nodded in reply. That was your hero.
"You met this guy on the subway?" she asked, passing her phone around for everyone to see. You were pretty sure Kim whimpered. "How do I not meet guys like this on the subway?!"
Even Tina looked impressed.
For a moment.
"I still think there's a catch," she said.
"There’s no catch. He could've easily told me to contact the library. He didn't have to give me his card or recite the poem. So this means he wants to see me again. Right?"
You hated how your voice wobbled on the last word. Bucky was a stranger and he may have already forgotten about your encounter. You hoped that wasn't the case.
Why did it matter so much to you?
"I think he wants to see you again, but also wants to leave the ball in your court after you had to deal with a creep," Kim said, giving you an encouraging smile. She knew you were a bit lonely, even if you wouldn't admit it. "You should call him and set up a time to volunteer."
“I could email him,” you pointed out.
“Not as personal,” Nicole dismissed with her hand. “Plus you get to hear his voice this way.”
Tina's gaze softened when you toyed with the glass in front of you. You knew that she, like your other friends, wanted you to be happy. "Give it a day then call him. If anything, maybe he'll dick you down the way you need."
“Yes, for the love of everything holy, you haven’t been laid in months. Do it for us,” Nicole added, making you laugh.
You took their advice and waited a day.
Thankfully no one was around to see you pace across the floor when you called. What was it about talking on the phone that made your palms tingle? You had no reason to be nervous. It was just a phone call to one the most gorgeous, chivilarous men you had the pleasure of encountering.
"Abraham Library. This is Bucky."
The infliction in his tone was all business, but he managed to make professionalism sound sexy.
"Hello?"
You were so distracted by his voice you forgot you had to talk.
"Hi, Bucky. Sorry," you smiled, praying you weren't speaking too loud when you gave him your name again. "We met on the subway?"
Please, remember me.
"Hi," his voice warmed considerably, making your palms tingle again for a different reason. "How are you?"
"I'm good," you answered. People asked you that every day, but it felt like he wanted to know. "How are you?"
"Not too bad. Better now. I- Well, I was hoping you'd call."
"You were?" you bit your lip to keep from grinning.
"Yeah. Been listening for the phone all day," he admitted with a small chuckle.
He did want me to call. He was waiting for me. Ha! Take that, Tina.
He cleared his throat, making you wonder if the admission embarrassed him or if he remembered he was working. "What can I do for you?"
I can give you a list of the things you can do to me.
"I was wondering if you still needed volunteers? I'd love to help out."
"Yeah. Of course. We could always use more volunteers. Let me check the calendar."
The silence should've been uncomfortable as you waited, but you didn't mind it.
What you didn't expect to hear next was a groan. A deep groan. One for the sexiest sounds you ever heard. How you didn't whimper in response when you took a seat was impressive.
"Is everything okay?" you asked when you found your voice.
"Yeah. I just forgot to mention that volunteers have to fill out an application," he explained, his voice quieter than it was before. Almost sheepish. "The approval process is quick, but I'm usually better about stating that upfront. I'm sorry."
"You don't need to apologize. I filled out the application before I called," you said.
"You did?"
"Yep," you smiled and swung your head toward your monitor. You still had the "application submitted" page up. "So no apologies."
Bucky sighed, the sound just as seductive as his groan as you heard typing in the background.
God, phone sex with him would probably make me collapse.
"Got it! It's right here. That's great." You heard more typing and you had to stop yourself from imagining what else those fingers of his could do. "We have a children's reading this Saturday. The session is from 10-10:30, but I could use some help setting up a few minutes before and maybe a bit after in case any of the kids want to stay longer."
"Saturday is great," you smiled, looking forward to seeing him again so soon. "I can be there at 9:45, if that works."
"That works for me. I'll get the application approved and you should be all set. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, I think that's it," you said, pushing your chair back so you could spin around.
It was a silly, happy victory twirl.
"Oh."
You stopped spinning immediately at that single word.
It was the same disappointed tone he had when you got to the restaurant and had to part ways.
But why would he be disappointed? I'm volunteering with him. Wait. He said he was listening for the phone all day. Does he really want to just talk to me?
He cleared his throat again. "If you need anything before Saturday, let me know."
"Wait! One more thing?" you blurted out before he could hang up.
"Yeah?" he asked hopefully.
You inhaled and exhaled once. Twice. You could do this.
"When you're done working Saturday, would you like to get lunch or dinner with me?" you asked as your stomach did an impressive round of somersaults.
You almost ended the call, not wanting to hear if he rejected you.
"I'd love to," he replied.
Your brain temporarily stopped functioning before his answer registered.
He said "yes"!
"Great! Um. Pizza?" you suggested.
Yes, use small words. That's good.
"I know a place right around the corner from the library. Best pizza in the city. You'll love it."
"I can't wait. See you Saturday?"
"It's a date," he smiled.
You set your phone down and waited a second before you spun around in your chair again. The excited shriek you let out was enough to fill your apartment. "He said 'yes'! It's a date! He's-"
A muffled chuckle from your desk made you stop short. Your stomach dropped when you saw the glow from your phone screen. The call was still going.
No. No! Fuck!
You straightened your back and picked up the device with as much dignity as you could. With all the blood rushing to your face, you were surprised you didn't pass out. Should you play it off as a joke? Ignore it?
"Um, are you still there?"
Maybe by some miracle he hung up.
"I am." He sounded like he was trying to hide his laughter. He did work in a quiet place after all.
"What exactly did you hear?" you asked because you were apparently a masochist who wanted to feel the pain again.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said casually. Too casually. "So, are you excited about Saturday?"
"You heard me, didn't you?" you accused as his quiet laughter crept back up.
God, the guy who recited poetry to me heard me shriek like a banshee. Is there a level worse than mortifying? Did Tina jinx me somehow?
"Why didn't you hang up?"
"Because neither of us said goodbye," he said, his voice quiet and casual again. "I didn't want to be rude."
Of course.
"To answer your question, yes, I'm looking forward to Saturday," you said evenly in the hopes you didn't sound embarrassed.
"So am I. Only reason I didn't yell is because I'm at work."
"You're just saying that," you smiled. It was nice that he tried to help you save face.
"I'm not. Honest. And, let's be serious, if those are the sounds you make just from the thought of a date with me…"
You managed not to embarrass yourself again when his voice deepened, but your cheeks got hot and you also wondered what other sounds he'd pull out of you. "Why don't you get back to work and maybe we can discuss that more on Saturday? After library hours."
"Or during."
Fuck.
"But I am hanging up now if you feel like screaming again."
He's smirking. I know he is.
"I'm hanging up, too. Bye," you giggled, pressing end this time so you could cover your face and groan.
The mortifying moment aside, which he seemed to find endearing, you somehow got yourself a date. The next part of your fairytale. You just wished Saturday wasn't so far, far away.
We have a date! More to come soon. Love and thanks! ❤️
I giggled. I blushed. I smiled like an absolute fucking idiot cause this was the cutest shit ever. Man I felt like I was actually the reader!! I was mortified after the scream
summary: After your twin sister decides to run away weeks from her wedding to the prince and heir to the throne, Jacaerys Velaryon, you are left with no choice but to step in her place.
A/N: English is not my first language + I've only watched hotd and not game of thrones so forgive me if my facts are wrong!
°°°
'Do not make the same mistake as your sister' those were the words constantly reminded to you by your mother 2 weeks from your sudden wedding ceremony.
Your twin sister have always preferred women, another thing you two have in difference besides your looks and contrasting personality.
You had expected her to rebel againts the wedding in some sort of way, perhaps by taking a lover behind everyone's back, but still doing her duty, but once again she has suprised everyone by making a decision so dishonorable to your house's name.
With the ongoing war againts the greens, putting the Queen Rhaenyra and her supporters on edge, they can't afford to lose the support of your father's troops, and your father too, refuse to give such support without any benefits on his side.
So here you were, to take your sister's place as the bride of prince Jacaerys Velaryon.
you are not that familiar with him if you are honest, your sister had the common courtesy to interact with him decently during their courting, but only out of respect and duty, and you were never one to force yourself to the company of others, preferring to hide in your twin's shadow, away from all the politicking and unnecessary drama.
Though you'd prefer to leave all's company, you were not a brat, you know it is your duty to make effort and clean up the mess left by your sister. So here you were with your respective parents, having dinner with the queen's family. You were seated next to the prince, though neither of you had acknowledge eachothers presence, not out of disrespectful but out of awkwardness.
"I would like to start off with acknowledging that while the circumstances of this betrothal has been quite a chaotic arrangements, I do not hold grudge against you, my Lord, or your daughters, I am sure lady [name] will be a fine wife and future queen to my son, and I could not hope for a more well mannered and lovely daughter in law", The queen Rhaenyra spoke as she stood up from her seat. you offer her a sweet smile and decided to offer her a low thank you.
You can see the Jace glancing at you from your side, only a minute before he turns back to his food completely silent to everyone.
Your father has offered his thanks to the Queen and the king consort and expressed his apologies again for your sister's behavior, quickly waved away from the queen, reassuring your family that no offense was taken and what matters is the next step to take.
The whole night, conversations around the dinner table was carried by the adults, the children all sat quietly, awkwardness filling in, not that you can blame any of them, especially Jace. You can't imagine the confusion and grief he must be feeling, from losing his brother a month ago, to being left by his betrothed, and of course the pressure of his family's life and throne being at risk.
If you can't give him the wife he wants, you'd at least give him a wife he could tolerate.
"...is more of [name]'s specialty more than mine" you were brought back to reality hearing your name mentioned by your mother in her conversation with the queen and king consort. "hm?" reflexively you responded.
"oh is that so? I am quite the admirer of old valyria history myself, I must have you quizzed on it over tea if I do say so" the queen teased offering a beautiful smile.
catching up on what was being discussed, you let out a shy laugh. "my mother boasts, my queen. I only know what I was taught by the septas, though I admit I am quite fascinated by the subject of history, my knowledge of it is not extraordinary of any sort" you're own easiness in the way you talked gave you a boost of confidence, as your parents too, you noted, as they gave you a proud smile.
The queen waved off your denial, "nonsense, you are being too humble I'm sure". you chuckle at the compliment not knowing how to respond, not used to them being thrown at you. "though it is good you favor history, Jace also prefers it over other things to learn, I'm sure that's something you could bond over!" she continued smiling and glancing encouragingly at her son who hasn't said a word the whole evening.
All eyes were on him, expecting some sort of answer. He let out a small cough and slowly nodded his head, as if only realizing he's still here. "ah- um, yes, that's right" he offered a small forced smile that barely lasted a second in your way and stared back down at the table.
you truly cannot tell if it's the nerves that is making so unsociable, his grief, or simply a strong sense of uninterest towards you. You would understand if it's the latter, though you can't deny it'd still wound you abit, if it were the case.
Feeling a bit bold from your early conversation with the queen, you decided to try your luck with him too. "oh is that so? I have also heard you are quite fluent in high valyrian, my prince, perhaps a lesson or two to offer my humble self, some time soon?" You ask with a smile.
He raised his eyebrows, "Fluent? oh now it seems it's my mother who boasts my lady, I am still in the learning of it, though I have improved much, and of course, if you wish, I would love nothing more than to teach you" his nerves seemed to calm down a bit as he smiles kindly at you.
You feel a sense of pride in your accomplishment of this small interaction, you can't exactly say you were good with people, but after years of observing your sister and he ways, you knew a thing or two you'd say.
You understand the circumstances of this betrothal was not the most convenient, but you would try to make the best of it, if not fit yourself than for the unfortunate prince.
ngl i feel bad for all these other ghost hunters talking about orbs and bad energy getting their asses kicked by two guys, one of whom doesn't even believe in ghosts while the other doesn't even WANT to see a ghost by the time he has to investigate, whose most solid piece of evidence is a ghost saying "apple tater" and an attic dj talking about spinning discs for money
its always "what are your plans for the future, you should really be planning for the future" and never "wow that character you're obsessed with sounds so cool can you explain them to me. im sure you get them more than anyone else"
janainaart
jacobvanloon
origamiaround
jbbartram-illu
