#grishaverse genya oneshot

[heliads]

Hello Could i request Genya x Fem!Reader where Y/N is Nikolai's little sister and just about Genya's age so they used to play together a lot when they were little. Since Y/N was from the royal family she had little to no freedom and 0 opportunity to make friends, so Genya was her only one and they grew up together. I just picture her sneaking into Genya's room and climbing into her bed when she had a nightmare because the queen didn't like her sleep being disturbed and Genya braiding her hair until she calms down. Nnow that they're older, they're slowly learning that this friendship could be something more. Just a very soft childhood bestfriends to lovers, you know? Thank you anyway

'my home is you' - genya safin

masterlist

A lot is expected of the princess of Ravka. She must sit straight in every assembly, no matter how long or tedious the function. She must be able to converse with foreign dignities without seeming too exuberant or, worse still, not interested enough in many hours’ worth of old war stories. She must connect with her people, but still float above each and every crowd. And, most pressingly of all, she must be able to learn a hundred state secrets and then abstain from the urge to immediately gossip about them with her oldest friend. Especially if that friend is a Tailor and a lady’s maid to boot.

Genya Safin sits across the small round table from you, fingers idly tapping on the creamy tablecloth. In front of her rests a teacup, mostly untouched. Neither of you are here for the tea itself, more the information that comes with each and every delicate china cup. In the process of growing up and into your role as the darling princess of Ravka, you’ve been doing your best to maintain decorum. It would be wrong to immediately spill your true feelings on the latest round of political appointees to Genya. It would also be exactly what you want to do.

You take a sip from the cup in front of you as a way to buy yourself time. You knew exactly what you were getting yourself into when you invited Genya over to your quarters for tea, but you’d like to at least try to hold out for as long as possible. You can do this. You don’t have to tell your best friend everything.

“Nice weather we’re having,” you muse.

Genya arches a brow. “Indeed. It was also nice out last night at the diplomat’s ball, was it not?”

“It was,” you state, eyeing her cautiously.

The corners of Genya’s mouth flash up into a barely obscured smile. “You looked lovely that night. Have you captured the hearts of any more suitors?”

You feel your cheeks heat up and look away, eyeing the pattern woven into the tablecloth even more thoroughly than before. Every girl blushes to discuss potential suitors with her friends, but for some reason, discussing the men and women that you may marry feels even more embarrassing in front of Genya. 

Although you love talking over anything and everything with the redhead, there’s something about your marriage prospects that feels almost wrong to bring up in front of her. You want to guard her from it, almost, pretend as if you’ll never have to be married off even though both of you know it’s only a matter of time. You’re a princess, and at some point, you may even be queen. Although your two older brothers will likely fight amongst themselves for that title far before you could ever claim it, you’ll still have plenty of merit as a political pawn.

So, when it becomes clear that Genya is still waiting for an answer, you sigh and give in. “Yes, Genya, I danced with several young men. Charming, all of them.”

Genya gives you a knowing look. “Really? All of them were charming?”

The teasing lilt of her voice brings down the last of your walls in one final tug. “No,” you admit in a rush, “They were terrible, Gen. Like you wouldn’t believe. The first one stepped on my feet five times in one waltz. Another wouldn’t stop preaching the virtues of Kerch beer, as if I’d ever willingly drink anything other than kvas or champagne. And the last one–”

You break off into a shudder. Genya leans forward, evidently delighted. “What did he do to be worse than the others? Did he actively declare war on Ravka?”

“Worse,” you grimace, “He said his sister was prettier than I was and offered to put me in touch with her so she could give me some beauty tips.”

Genya’s jaw drops. “No way. He couldn’t possibly have done such a thing.”

“He did,” you declare, still horrified over the memory even though it happened many hours ago, “I mean, it’s already a terrible faux pas to say someone isn’t pretty, but to say that his sister was better– There’s so many problems there, Genya. So many.”

“So many,” Genya agrees, laughing. “Oh, that’s horrific. You poor thing.”

“Don’t make fun of me,” you say crossly, “I have been suffering. And yes, I am quite aware that it sounds foolish to complain of being the belle of a ball, but I was deeply unhappy the whole time.”

Genya smiles again, just barely managing to suppress her laughter. “I’m not making fun of you, darling, you know I could never do that. I just think it’s funny that you’re hung up on some boy who’s that blind. I couldn’t fathom looking at you and not being blown away. You’ve always been pretty to me.”

“Because of your handiwork?” You ask, one brow raised.

Genya shakes her head definitively. “A little bit, maybe, I shan’t deny my talents, but not completely. You’re a lovely, lovely girl. Even when you’re gossiping about political matters that you had better keep to yourself.”

You poke her in the arm. “You can’t chide me for gossiping, Genya, when you’ve been practically dragging the information out of me. You’re a terrible influence.”

She grins broadly. “Don’t I know it? And don’t give me that look, Y/N, I think you need my terrible influence. It makes you well-rounded if you’re both angelic and terrible.”

You laugh quietly to yourself. “Well, I appreciate your efforts. I’m sure the suitors will be glad of it.”

Genya’s smile slips slightly. “Yes, of course. The suitors.”

For some reason, the look on her face makes your stomach twist in an infinity of knots, so you quickly change the subject in an effort to see her smile at least one more time. “So you’ve been at this from the very start, huh? Even when we were children, your end goal was always to improve my character?”

“Always,” Genya snorts, “But maybe I just wanted a friend.”

“That too,” you smile softly. 

You’ve known Genya for a very long time indeed. Talking about the early days now brings back a rush of memories. You were just a little girl when Genya was brought to the palace, and you got along with her instantly. Both of you were about the same age, and although you were quiet around each other at first, it didn’t take long before you were the best of friends.

The Grand Palace of Os Alta wasn’t the friendliest place for a girl to grow up, especially not when you were under the influence of so much political pressure. For once, though, you didn’t spend endless cold winters walking by yourself through the empty halls. Genya was there, and Genya swore that you would never be alone again. From what you’ve seen, she intends to keep that promise for as long as you both may live.

Your parents were always busy with their lives as royals, so you didn’t see much of them. Your older brother Vasily was difficult, less pleasant to be around than not, so you avoided him as much as you could. Nikolai was much better, but he was gone before you knew it, off to the army and university. He was genuinely sorry to leave you, but he left anyway. Genya never left.

You have many, many memories of waking up in the cold darkness of your room, desperately alone and in need of company after a bad dream. You had tried to wake up the queen when you couldn’t sleep once and only once; your knuckles still smart from the memory of that mistake. Instead, on nights like those, you’d sneak into Genya’s room. She’d pull you under the covers so she could braid your hair with neat, skillful fingers, or you would talk quietly until both of you fell asleep.

There had been lovely days when the two of you explored the castle grounds, finding secret rooms or deserted corridors. After you were taught ballroom dance by the prickly dance master your parents employed, you dragged Genya out to one of the many ballrooms so the two of you could waltz around the empty space, twirling until you were dizzy and fell down, laughing, to the ground.

And then you had blinked and both of you were older, almost adults and expected to make your way in the world. Genya is still a constant in your life, but she’s different somehow. She’s more than a friend, but not quite a sister, something more. It’s a feeling you’ve never experienced before, even when presented with the most dashing of princes.

It’s a feeling that keeps repeating itself, over and over again when you least expect it. You try to push it from your mind, but then Genya does her hair differently and your heart won’t stop stumbling over itself. There is a lot demanded from you as princess, but when you’re with Genya, every stress is banished from your mind. All you can do is think about her, how to make her happy, how to chase each and every one of her smiles like seeing even one more will make you live forever.

This is wrong. You know who you are and what is expected of you, your future. The king and queen will pick out a noble or royal and you’ll marry them. Odds are, they won’t even be from Ravka, and you’ll disappear from your home forever to end up on strange lands, cursed to forever wander the halls of a palace that will always be unfamiliar to you. You’ll go to sleep with a stranger by your side, and when you close your eyes at last, you’ll dream of a girl with hair like burnished copper who used to know you better than anyone else, who you’ll never see again.

The future is terrifying, so you ignore it as best you can. No marriage proposals have been finalized, so you don’t have to think about them. Why should you, in fact, when Genya is here to tease you about your speeches at upcoming political banquets and endlessly dream up new ways to style your hair so she can stay close to you for as long as possible. You don’t have to think about anything else but her. You don’t need anyone else but her.

The thoughts feel as if they might consume you whole. You’ve started sleeping less and less, because whenever you dream, your mind torments you of visions in which you are married, but not to some nameless prince, but a girl with fiery hair who smiles at you like she loves you because she does. In your dreams, you have a home together just for the two of you, a home where no one bothers you or separates you. It is a paradise, and every time you wake up, you weep for the life you could have had.

It hurts to wake up from the dream and remember that it will never be yours, so you’ve started pushing off sleep in order to avoid that awful recollection that Genya is not yours, not like that, not ever. Dark circles form under your eyes; Genya fixes them every morning, chiding you for not going to bed early enough, but you never tell her that it’s done on purpose so you won’t be haunted by her.

She must guess at it, though, or at least be able to tell that the loss of sleep is your fault, because one evening when you’re about to push off unconsciousness for yet another night, Genya knocks on your door and announces that she’ll be forcing you to take care of yourself since you seem to be allergic to doing it yourself. When you stammer about it not being proper, she just laughs and says that you’ve been doing this for years, so how could you care about it being proper now?

You’ve never been able to argue with her, not really, so you push off the last of your principles and let her lead you back to bed like you’re a child again and still in need of her to make you safe again. You still need her like that, of course, but it’s different now. Everything is different now.

You let out an involuntary sigh of relief when your head hits the pillow. It’s been a long day, of a long string of long days, and the thought of sleep is, admittedly, quite wonderful at a time like this.

“See?” Genya chides from beside you, “You can let yourself rest, Y/N, no one will die because you decided to get a proper night’s sleep.”

“I know,” you mumble.

“Then why haven’t you been allowing yourself to go to bed?” She presses.

You look away. “Just busy, I guess.”

You can feel the weight of Genya’s stare burning into the side of your head even without looking directly at her. She has always been able to see directly through your lies, hasn’t she? “Just busy, huh? With what?”

“Princess things,” you mutter vaguely. “We have to, uh, think of suitors.”

Immediately, Genya goes stiff beside you. “Suitors? Now? Isn’t that a little early?”

You hate yourself for saying it, for ruining this moment, but it was the first thing that popped into your head. “I guess, but you can’t be too sure. It’s an important decision.”

“Most marriages are meant to be happy,” Genya comments, “Will yours be happy?”

There are many answers that you should give her. Yes. Of course. I’ll find a way. However, what comes out is a desperate, broken, “No.”

Genya lets out a quiet breath, reaching out an arm to pull you closer to her. “Why not?”

Your head is tucked against her collarbone, and you can hear the even rhythm of her heartbeat like a drum guiding you to peace. You don’t have it in you to lie, not anymore, so you whisper in the stillness of this shared night:  “Because it won’t be you.”

It is silent. Absolutely silent. The sound of Genya’s heartbeat seems a hundred times louder in the face of all that quiet. Genya has never had a problem saying the perfect thing as long as you’ve known her, but right now, not a single word comes to her lips. You wait for her to tell you that it’s okay, you wait for her to say anything, but nothing happens. You imagine a thousand scenarios– her, hating you forever, breaking that promise to never leave your side because you’ve done that first by being so stupid as to fall in love– each one worse than the one before it, each one capable of tearing your heart into a million awful pieces.

You should leave. It’s your room, but she doesn’t leave. If she wanted you, she would surely have said something by now. You start to pull away, but just when you’ve lifted your head enough that you can see her face, you realize that she doesn’t look angry at all, not in the slightest. In fact, she’s– she’s smiling.

You sit up slightly. Genya follows suit. “You want it to be me?” She asks at last, voice quiet from disbelief.

“I’ve always wanted it to be you,” you confess. “Is that okay?”

You’ve never seen a sunrise as bright as her expression right now. “Y/N, it’s more than okay,” she declares. “It’s fantastic.”

“Fantastic?” You repeat carefully.

“Fantastic,” she confirms. “I love you, Y/N. I love you more than anything.”

You have heard stories of people having their best and brightest dreams come true, of explorers discovering uncharted territories, of brave generals winning wars and soldiers coming home to their sweethearts. This one night blows all of them away. Right now, you think you are happier than anyone has ever been in their lives. The only person who could rival your sheer delight is Genya, and so long as she’s here with you, you know that you won’t have to fear unhappiness ever again.

grishaverse tag list: @rogueanschel, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @mxltifxnd0m, @story-scribbler, @retvenkos, @mayfieldss, @eclliipsed, @gods-fools-heroes, @bl606dy, @auggie2000, @baju69, @crazyhearttragedy, @budugu, @aoi-targaryen

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[fanfics4world]

Hello! I love how you write Genya and I thought of something. You could write about Genya x reader x Alina. Some angs with a happy ending. Maybe the reader argues with Alexander and they comfort her. With some alcohol involved.

Not my night

Word count: 1645

Pairings: Genya Safin x Fem!Reader x Alina Starkov

Summary: After a confrontation in a bar and a fight with your brother, you finally return home, with them.

The sound of derisive laughter filled the air as you stood at the bar, drowning your sorrows in a glass of whiskey. 

Aleksander had sent you to "convince" several Grisha to join his cause, you got a few newbies, and the ones that didn't accept... well, they wouldn't be a problem anymore.

You finished your drink in one gulp and placed the glass on the bar with a thud, signaling the barmaid to give you another drink. "Another one? Don't you think it's time for you to go home dear" you looked at the waitress without saying anything, who simply shrugged and refilled your glass.

You were tired, tired of being your brother's errand dog, of doing his dirty work. "Soon everything will change" he said, "we will regain our power" he repeated. But everything remained the same, to the point that you had lost all faith in his plan, and all that was left was guilt.

The cheerful conversation around you had become a distant murmur as you became lost in your own thoughts, but you were abruptly pulled out of your reverie when a gruff voice cut through the air.

"Did you guys see that? Looks like The Darkling has brought his dog back to us. All that's missing is the sun summoner to complete his circus of freaks" sneered one of the men at the nearby table, pointing disdainfully at you.

You clenched your fists in fury, feeling the heat of anger burn in your chest. You were used to the taunts, the looks of fear and disgust, but you weren't going to let anyone make fun of Alina, especially not in her absence. You rose from your seat with determination, facing the group of men with a defiant look in your eyes.

"Do you have a problem?" one of the men asked, rising from his chair with a cocky grin on his face.

"I think I do" you replied, your voice cold as ice. "And I'm willing to solve it here and now"

"Well, well. Don't you need your brother to defend you anymore? Why don't you go back to your stupid palace, daughter of the shadow"

That was the straw that capped it all, the atmosphere in the bar charged with tension as your fist sliced the air with a swift and decisive movement. The blow carried with it all the pent-up frustration and resentment, manifesting itself in an accurate arc aimed at the man who mocked you and Alina. The fist connected with a solid impact, causing the man to recoil in surprise, his expression turning from arrogance to disbelief in an instant.

The room erupted in chaos as onlookers reacted to the sudden violence. you braced yourself for the counterattack, anticipating the man's angry response. However, before you could react, another individual stepped in, throwing a punch aimed at you from the side.

You felt the impact hit your side, a burst of pain that sent you back a few steps. However, adrenaline and determination kept you on your feet, driving you to confront your aggressors with renewed ferocity. With a snarl of rage, you counterattacked, throwing quick, precise blows towards your opponents while fending off incoming attacks.

The fight developed into a frenzy of movement and action, with you at the center of the fray. Fists flew in all directions, meeting their target with dull impacts that echoed through the air.

The sound of blows mingled with the screams of fury and grunts of pain, creating a discordant symphony of chaos and violence. You moved with agility and dexterity, dodging incoming attacks while throwing your own blows with deadly precision. Every move was calculated, every blow a step towards the victory you so craved, you didn't need your magic.

Finally, after a series of swift and brutal exchanges, the fight came to an end, leaving you gasping and covered in blood in the center of the bar. You approached the man who started it all with a determined stride, his gaze reflecting terror, which only satisfied you more.

"I'll tell you only once, speak ill of Alina again and I'll invoke the cut by splitting you in two, got it?", the man nodded frantically, which made you smile. In one swift motion, you grabbed his head and smashed it against the wall, knocking him unconscious.

Before you could do anything else, the doors of the bar opened wide, revealing a group of Grisha, followers of your brother.

Letting out a sigh, you stood up and walked out of the bar, finding your brother's carriage parked outside. You were definitely screwed.

"How dare you! Do you know the trouble you could get me into, are you incapable of behaving yourself just once or what?" Aleksander shouted, you avoided his gaze, focusing on the scenery as you made your way back to the Little Palace.

"They brought this on themselves" you said, still looking out the window, Aleksander growled, before you could react one of his shadows held your face, forcing you to look at him. "I'll tell you only once, make a fuss like today again and I'll-"

"What are you going to do, lock me up like Mom? If you get me out of the way you'll be left without your errand dog, who'll do the dirty work? Because it looks like you're afraid to get your hands dirty now-"

The sound of the slap echoed through the carriage, filling the space with a dull pop that cut through the silence like a bolt of lightning. 

Your cheek burned with the sharp pain of the slap, your brother's gaze burned with a mixture of frustration and contempt. "Don't ever speak to me like that again" he said, the carriage stopped, you had arrived.

You quickly got up and got out of the carriage, heading for the entrance, ignoring your brother's shouts, calling you angrily. When you entered, you quickly wanted to get to your room, but were stopped by your brother's strong grip. "Y/N, I swear that if-"

"No! I've had enough of all this! You may like to play the great General Kirigan, but I'm tired of following your orders and seeing nothing change!"

"And what was your plan sister? To let them exterminate us? To hunt us down until we're finished? Don't you see? With the sun summoner we will achieve our goal" you broke free from his grip, facing him full of anger.

"I swear that if you do anything to her, I will kill you Aleksander" you spat, he smiled, "Don't play the saintly little sister, your hands are as stained with blood as mine, but there is something you don't have and I do... The power to destroy you".

Before you could react, you were pushed against the wall, falling to the floor with a thud. Aleksander knelt down in front of you. "Continue to defy me and you won't like how this ends for you"

"Y/N?" you both turned your heads to see Genya and Alina in the doorway. Aleksander stood up, ignoring their presence he turned his attention to you. "You have been warned" and with that, he disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.

"God... I thought it would never end..." you stood up awkwardly, instantly feeling a pair of arms wrap around you. You looked up to see Genya's worried face, before you could say anything, Alina's hands reached for your face, examining it.

"Did he do this to you?" she asked firmly, you couldn't help but raise a small smile at her protective side. "No... well, he slapped me, but the rest were drunks in a bar" you replied.

"Am I wrong if I say you started the fight?" said Genya, which made you roll your eyes. "I may have thrown the first punch, but I swear on Ravka they started it" you replied, Alina shook her head.

As soon as Genya closed the door, you collapsed on the bed, you were exhausted, both mentally and physically. You felt the mattress sink in on both sides, you opened your eyes to see Alina and Genya watching you worriedly.

"I'm fine, I swear, it's just been a horrible night, I'm sick of following his damn orders! And when I mentioned you Alina... I don't know, I got mad, I've seen what my brother has done to so many Grisha, and the mere thought of him doing anything to you made me-"

Your rambling was interrupted by Alina's lips on yours, when you parted, Alina's hands caressed your face tenderly. "Hey, you don't have anything to worry about okay? I'm fine, I know nothing will happen to me as long as I'm with you two" Alina looked at Genya, who smiled.

You couldn't help but smile, if someone had told you that after what happened in the shadow you would find love and be happy, you would surely have punched them. But here you were, sharing your heart with the two Grishas.

"I don't know what I've done to deserve you two" you sighed. "Well, being tremendously sexy, I assure you and also being the most amazing Grisha I've ever met" Alina gave Genya a pinch, which made you laugh. "One of the most amazing" she corrected, before depositing a tender kiss on your lips.

"Because you, Y/N Kirigan, deserve the best" Alina said. "I certainly got it" you replied watching them.

Finally all the whirlwind of emotions around you calmed down, you were home, together with Alina and Genya, you couldn't wish for anything else. The blanket of the night hovered over you, warning you that it was time to end that day, lying on the bed under the covers, Genya and Alina's arms around you. You didn't know what would happen in the future, but as long as you stayed together, nothing else mattered.

A.N: Hello, the truth is that I had never written anything like this, but as angst is my daily food, I have enjoyed it very much and soon I will upload some Alina x reader. As always, thanks for the request and if you have more ideas don't hesitate to write.

[sissytobitch10seconds]

Birdsong: Hollow Moon

Fandom: Grishaverse: Six of Crows Summary: Jesper likes taking little odd jobs, they let him meet new people. Very pretty people, that he likes collecting. Despite the fact that he already has four of them waiting for him back home, he can't help but flirt with the woman that just walked into his friend's bar. Warnings: implied unhealthy relationships, implied ableism, alcohol, and implied sexual content Word Count: 6,388 Ship(s): Nina Zenik/Jesper Fahey/Kaz Brekker/Wylan Van Eck/Inej Ghafa/Matthias Helvar

Archive link!

A/N: I edited and got this ready to be uploaded on the same day that I'm posting it so if there are typos and spelling errors please be kind to me because I wasn't able to spend as much time on it as I wanted. I hope that you guys enjoy this installment! Stay sissy and bitchy everyone <3

Jesper Fahey had been taking odd jobs for as long as he could remember. Back when he was living with his father, across the country from where he was now, he had always signed up to do whatever had sounded interesting. Several of the farmhands that were the same age as him at that time had dedicated jobs that they had to check on every day, but Colm understood that wasn’t right for his son. Jesper was allowed to drift from job to job as long as he completed the tasks correctly and on time. It was what had worked best for him, which is why his schooling had struggled so much before he had the supporte he needed from his partners.

Jesper’s favorite job was working with the local theater near where he lived. It was the first place that he had managed to secure a job while trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life now that he was no longer twenty miles from the nearest other living person. Poppy was the child of a family friend of theirs and had taken him in, but had also pushed him towards the theater. 

He liked acting well enough, but memorizing the lines under the more strict directors that wouldn’t let him improvise was dull so he had to make sure that he avoided them. That limited the amount of acting jobs that he was allowed to take, but he was good when it came to the props as well. The stage crew was always so light that he was allowed to drift from job to job to job while completing about half of each. Sometimes he would leave them and someone else would come and pick them up, sometimes he found himself scrambling to get them finished the night before they had to be used. He liked the rush-rush-rush and changing nature of the theater jobs. It was alway something different and new, never the same show and rarely ever with the same premise.

He had a soft spot for the specific theater that he had been working in not just because it was the first place that really let him thrive as an adult, but also because it was the job that he had when he met Matthias. The other man had just barely moved from Denmark and was struggling to speak English, let alone hold down a job that required him to decipher the language through reading as well. Jesper had been a wonderful conversationalist and helped him adapt to a culture that he didn’t really understand.

They had both been rather lost in the big city, Jesper having grown up on a farm and the new place that Matthias lived being so different than his last one. It didn’t take long before they became as thick as thieves, and then only a week after that was when they had shared their first kiss. Things had been a little complicated in the moment since Jesper was also navigating the relationship that was beginning to develop between him and his two best friends in the entire world.

Tonight brought him a job that he was enjoying at least a little bit, though he was excited for it to end. A friend of his owned a bar close to the one that his boyfriend ran, so Jesper had agreed to be a stand in bartender during the interim of the last one quitting and the owner being able to hire a new one. He hadn’t anticipated that quitting to happen directly when Inej was getting back from the shows that she had been doing in Germany, which made him a little antsy to get back to his home.

They had all finished moving into the estate that he and Wylan had cleared out, which meant that they were all finally back together. It was a bit of a steep learning curve but they each had their own rooms and space so that they could be away from each other when they needed it. Still, of course, they were living together which meant that they had to learn and work around the new quirks of every person in the house.

Jesper had tended a bar before, usually at the Crow Club after Kaz asked him to with those puppy dog eyes that he just couldn’t ignore. Kaz was better at begging with his eyes than Matthias’ dog Djel, which was saying something.

This establishment was different than Kaz’s in the aesthetic and the types of people that it attracted. The layout had tables scattered around the main floor, all of them the same color of dark cherry wood with a different numbers of chairs littered around them. They were all stocked with a bowl in the center that could be filled with peanuts, fries, or chips depending on what they ordered. The walls were lined with booths that had red coverings and silver outlines, along with a couple of tasteful art pieces. There were also TVs littered around the space, pointed in different direction so that people could catch the news or a variety of sports games playing on the cable channels that the bar paid for. The bar itself had the three regular flavors of juice that were mixed into cocktails, as well as the soda gun. The rows and rows of alcohol behind him were kept in place with a thin clear plastic band so that he could see the label for when someone asked for something specific. In front of him were a couple of stools for people to sit on, which Jesper half hated despite his general love for people and communication.

He had been serving drinks to people for the better part of two hours and was growing bored with it. He wished that he could switch the TV to something else to distract him from the growing pile of texts in his pocket. Inej and Wylan were being bad influences on each other and encouraging him to skip out on the rest of his job and come home early so that he could spend time with them. Inej had only been back home for a couple of days so having her around them was relatively novel again, which made the fact that he was away from her during that returning honeymoon period all the more annoying.

The people milling around the bar were still far and few between for how early it was in the night. He’d see a much larger surge in the crowd leaning towards midnight, when the bar closed. His friend owned one of those places where working people were supposed to come after they got dinner with their friends to get a drink before they returned to the monotony of their lives. That meant that he was making a lot of whisky and not a lot of the cocktails that he enjoyed making.

He had recently been experimenting with his recipe’s on Matthias’ behalf to try and find him a non-alcoholic version of the drink that he had gotten at The Blue Jay when he and Kaz had met up a business partner a few weeks ago.

Despite the time, things seemed like they were about to get a lot more interest as a big group entered into the bar. There were two men and four women from what Jesper could see. He didn’t like to assume that kind of thing more than he had to, but he also liked to looked for the stereotypical dramas that played out in a lot of people’s lives. He was always open to being corrected, but speculating about what was happening in groups he wasn’t a part of was one of the only things that kept him sane during the monotony of this kind of job.

Jesper continued to work on the drinks that had been ordered from him, keeping his eye on the group as they found one of the booths towards the back of the bar that was big enough to fit everyone. They were discussing something between themselves, obviously already very close based on the way that they were knocking against each other and grabbing things out of each other’s hands.

It reminded him of being back home with his partners, which made his heart ache. He didn’t realize how much being out of the house at night just a few days after Inej came back home was going to be tearing him up, but it was.

He tried to distract himself as he focused on making the drink that he had been sipping on himself for the last hour. He made a point of not drinking when he was at work even if Kaz could very easily coerce him into having a drink or two when they were having date nights, but he would allow himself one if he fucked up a cocktail in a very slight way. It felt like a shame to waste alcohol and juice just because he had accidentally messed up the ratio away from the vodka.

“Barkeep!” a sultry voice from behind him said. It was rich and deep in a way that would have made a wonderful second alto if she was singing, and entrenched in a very nice accent.

“Yes?” he asked, a smirk playing over his lips as he turned around to face her. She had the looks to match the voice that she had, absolutely gorgeous and very obvious that she was somewhat aware of that.

She had long brown hair that was curled around the side of her face and woven intricately back into a bun on the back of her head. Her jawline was just sharp enough to be accentuated with a tiny bit of bronzer but still soft enough that it highlighted the beautiful plumpness of her body. She had a smokey eyeshadow and perfect catwing eyeliner to bring out the pop of her gray-blue eyes and a matching plumb lipstick. She was wearing a black suit jacket with nothing underneath other than a red lace bra that clung to her skin in just the right way, flush but not squishing anything. Jesper could see the sneaking curve of a feather tattoo resting above her heart, hidden mostly but still visible enough to be tantalizing.

“You’re not the regular bartender,” she commented when he turned around fully.

Jesper pouted at that, tilting his head to the side, “Sorry to disappoint.”

“I don’t think that you could disappoint me if you tried, darling,” she replied easily as she folded her arms on the edge of the bar and leaned forward. 

Jesper had been working with enough sexually promiscuous and exploitative people for long enough that he could tell the difference between someone trying to hit on him and someone trying to get something out of him. She didn’t want free drinks like the last group of women he had tried to flirt with while bartending had, she was genuinely interesting him.

She sighed as she toyed with a single lock of her hair that had been left out of the updo, winding it around her finger until she released it so that it bounced next to her naturally freckled face. “I do have to actually tell you what we want now, though.”

“Oh, do you come here often?” Jesper asked. He had been washing down the bar, and it felt oh-so-terribly cliche to do so, but he moved his arms out wide with the towel grasped in one hand so that he was lower down and closer to her.

The woman tilted her head to the side as a beautiful little smile toyed at her lips. She was clearly enjoying the attention that she was getting, and he loved giving it to her. “I played a show here last week. Something small and intimate to help drive up nighttime numbers,” she supplied. “A friend of mine recently went through a bad breakup and she liked this place so we decided to come back this evening.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. About your friend, that is,” Jesper pointed with his head back towards the table where the rest of her group was waiting. He knew that she had come in with them because he had gotten a decently long look at them, but he was glad he got to see her much closer than he had before. “I could never be sorry about you coming here again because it meant that I got the pleasure of meeting you.”

A rosy glint took over her cheeks and the catlike smile painted on her plumb-colored lips widened. “I can’t say that I’m particularly sad about what happened to the other bartender either, you’re much nicer than he was.”

“I do try my best for pretty ladies such as yourself. Can’t say that I take great care of the dodgy old men that come to leer at the sports,” he smirked back in reply. He was, of course, at least courteous to all of the patrons that came in so that that bar could keep up its business, but it was more fun to pretend that he wasn’t to her.

“Well, I do feel special,” she tilted her head down towards one shoulder as she did a half-shrug. The gesture was cute and it made Jesper feel warm inside to know that it was directed specifically towards him.

“Good, someone was pretty as you certainly does deserve to feel special,” he smiled. He remembered that he was there as a worker and not another patron, so he did have to work. “Now, what can I get you?”

“Well, the table wants a load of shots while they decide what they want to be drinking all evening. And then I’ll just take some soda water for myself,” she replied, a little bit of a pout taking over her beautiful features.

“Soda water?” Jesper wrinkled his nose. He tried not to judge other people for what they wanted, but it was such a bland drink for a woman that outwardly seemed so rich and complicated. He knew that type of dichotomy did exist in some people but it was also the first time that someone had ordered carbonated water from him while he was tending.

The woman sighed, toying with the strand of hair again as she shifted her weight to her other foot. “Unfortunately, I’m the designated driver so I will not be drinking tonight. Someone has to stay sober enough to make sure that Nikolai and Zoya don’t fall into bed with each other. Again,” she cringed, wrinkling her nose cutely.

Jesper had the impulse to kiss her on the nose for just a moment before he pushed the thought from his mind. He had developed crushes on people very quickly before, but that had mostly faded now that he had four partners of his own waiting for him at home. They kept him busy and fulfilled enough things in his life that he never felt like he had to continue looking for anything else.

He cleared his throat and stood back up. He grabbed one of the shot trays from behind him, a wooden plate with indents for the glasses. He placed ten of the shot glasses down in it while he asked, “How about you tell me your favorite cocktail and I’ll make a virgin?”

“Are you really going to be able to do that?” she asked, eyeing him nervously.

Jesper tried not to be offended. A lot of the other bartenders that he had met were so focused in with the alcohol that they didn’t know what kind of flavors could supplement them when it was removed. He also had no precedent with her, so while he hated people doubting his ability to do his work he couldn’t really fault her for it. So he smiled confidently at her and said, “Yes, I can.” 

And, because he had so much trouble being able to contain himself, he said, “One of my boyfriends recently got into vintage cocktails. He doesn’t do very well when it comes to kitchen work and doesn’t want to be getting wasted every night so I’ve been making him virgin cocktails for the better part of two weeks.” It was a bit of a curveball when it came to flirting. Matthias liked to hide the fact that he was polyamorous until he was sure that the relationship was going to lead to something romantic or sexual because his Christian upbringing made him feel so awkward about it. Kaz never flirted with anyone, which was probably for the best. Inej and Wylan usually brought it up towards the end of the first date that they were having with a prospective partner, which didn’t happen very often. Jesper liked to throw it in at the beginning of his flirting so that he could talk about the partners that he adored without it convincing the person that he was pursuing that he was off the market.

She raised her brow at him, “Just had to slip that in there, didn’t you?” Her accent got thicker when she teased him, which he thought was absolutely adorable.

“I thought that it was worth mentioning,” he winked. He was letting the flirting go on a little bit longer than he probably should have as some of the other patrons were nearing the end of their drinks, which usually meant that he’d have an uptick in things that he was supposed to do. Still, he was validating it to himself with the fact that he had brought the shot set and the glasses over with him.

Something that he couldn’t quite read crossed her face as she stood up to her full height. Jesper wondered what kind of heals she was wearing and how tall she would be compared to Inej and Matthias, the extreme end of the spectrum in height out of his polycule. He hadn’t been able to see the bottom half of her outfit when she was walking over to him since he had been trying to distract himself from the heavy heart in his chest.

She glanced back towards the booth where her friends were getting restless before she drilled those piercing eyes back on him. He felt like she was trying to peel him apart so that she could see exactly what made him tick, examining the mechanisms of his heart with the eye of a clockmaker. “You’re not trying to flirt with me so that you can get to one of my friends, right?”

“Darling, if I wanted to flirt with one of those boys over there then I would flirt with them directly,” Jesper said honestly. It amazed him that someone was divinely beautiful as her thought that she would be passed up for the others that she had come into the bar with. While they were generally handsome, none of them held the mystique and grace that she did. 

“Really? You’re not trying to make me feel so special and doted on that I get flustered and send someone else to the bar so you can pounce on them?” she asked, eyeing him suspiciously. “Because Nikolai isn’t the type that you should date and David is engaged.”

“Do you think that I’m gay?” Jesper asked, realizing the mistake that he had made. In trying to tell her a little bit more about his romantic life to show that he was interested, he had made the mistake of leaving out the fact that he could be and was interested in her that way. It was a flub that he had made before, and it would not be the last time, he was sure.

She raised her perfectly penciled brow at him as she placed both of her palms flat down on the table. “What else was that line about your boyfriends supposed to do for me?”

“I may have misspoke,” he replied awkwardly. “I was simply trying to come on to you a bit harder, beautiful. You’re a very pretty woman, it’s easy to get tongue tied,” he winked at her.

Her shoulders dropped as she became more relaxed. He wondered how often someone had overlooked her despite her obvious beauty and wit, to try and get to someone that she cared about. She tilted her head to the side again and said, “I’m Nina.”

“Jesper,” he replied as he mirrored her look. “Now what can I get you, before my boss decides that I’ve done a horrible job and you have to spend the next night getting to know a new bartender.”

She laughed at that, her beautiful eyes sparkling. “I’ll take a virgin pina colada if you think that you can make that.”

“What kind of shots would your friends like?” he asked as he got out the class that her served those drinks in.

“Vodka,” she supplied. She moved to one of the stools and got up on it so that she was able to continue to talk with Jesper without being in the way of the other patrons that might need to come and speak with him. 

He got out the vodka that they kept for when people didn’t give them a specific brand and then filled up all ten shots easily. He moved the plate up towards her on the bar as he got to work on mixing her drink. “Is this something that you do often?” Nina asked, placing her elbow up on the bar so that she could rest her head on her hand.

Jesper shrugged, glancing at her while trying to focus mostly on his work. “I have a bartending license, if that’s what you’re asking,” he replied. “I don’t usually hop from bar to bar to startle people that are used to seeing a certain face back here. Though mine is usually an upgrade.”

“It certainly is for me,” she winked playfully at him.

He felt heat pool in his veins, dripping down from his heart. The longer that he spent time around her, the harder it was to deny. Nina was magnetic. 

“Well I’m glad that I can be a bit of change in decor for you. You said that you had played here the other week?” he asked, trying to get to know her better. The flirting in between the conversation was usually his favorite part, but flirting just to flirt got a little boring after some time.

She toyed with the edge of the plate with one hand as she said, “I’m in a band with all of the people I came in with, sort of. Alina, Zoya, and Nikolai are my bandmates but Genya styles us to make sure that we don’t look like a complete disaster.” 

He wasn’t able to put the names to faces, but it was nice to be supplied with a bit of information anyway. “I could never imagine you being anything other than immaculate.”

“You’re quite the sweet talker,” she commented. “Not that I’m complaining now that I know you’re not trying to get me involved in yet another relationship drama I can’t even have the fun of being part of.”

“Two of your bandmates sleeping together whenever they’re left drunk or unsupervised does sound stressful,” he nodded. Before he had gotten into his current polycule, it had been a hassle to try and navigate the friends-with-benefits relationships that he tended to become a part of back when he was doing theater full time. 

“It’s not quite that,” she rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed at even the memories that were popping up in the back of her mind. “I do love my bandmates and I’m so happy that we’re back together but Nikolai and Zoya having the weird on-again-off-again thing that they do is the least of my worries.”

“Do tell,” he supplied as he finished up with her drink.

She took the glass with her nimble fingers and then smiled. “You better hope that this is good enough for me to want another so that you can find out more of my drama,” she winked. She slipped off of the barstool and disappeared to the back of the bar with what she had ordered.

Despite barely knowing anything about Nina, he desperately hoped that she would like what he had made her. Both so that she had something to cheer her up since she seemed to be so upset with the way that her life was going and so that she would come back to talk with him more.

---

Jesper tried to get lost in his work. He made sure that he was focusing on all of the patrons equally instead of keeping his eyes glued on Nina, who was sitting with her friends and sipping on her drink. She had sent the blond man over to the bar so that he could order martinis for the drinking members of the group, but Jesper had made sure to just be professional with him as he was taking the order and preparing it. He wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be a test of some sort so that she could confirm that he was focused on her, but he hoped that he had passed it.

Given that it was a weekday, even the large rush of people towards the evening who wanted to pregame before they went clubbing was relatively small. Jesper had to card two teenagers that thought enough makeup and a suit would make them look adult enough to avoid that. He had just finished sending them away, rubbing out the headache that was beginning to form on his temples, when he heard Nina’s voice again.

“You were right, you are rather good at this,” she purred as she set her now empty glass onto the counter. “Would you make me another?”

“Only if you spill your secrets for me, beautiful,” he said teasingly.

She was already positioning herself onto the stool that she had been on before, directly in front of his workspace. “My band is called Shadow and Bone. We’ve been together for four years, but we had to take a huge break in the middle because one of my bandmates got into a relationship that wouldn’t let her play with us. It’s not my place to talk about that, but it meant that we couldn’t even practice, let alone make our own stuff. Each of us went and made our own side bands so that we could continue creating, other than Alina, but it’s left things a little twisted now.”

“Something you’re still untangling?” he asked.

She nodded. “I got very popular with my music, but it isn’t something that can work with the type of music that we play as a group. Just the other day I had someone try to accuse me of changing the sound of our music even though Alina and I switch off singing and all four of us write everything together,” she rolled her eyes. 

A mischievous look overtook her face as she said, “If you’re interested in looking me up then my solo work was under the name Heartrender. I wasn’t nearly as good as Nikolai, but he passed on the name of his work to a mutual friend of ours. Have you heard of an artist called Sturmhond?”

She was assuming that he worked in bars more often than he did by asking that, but by some stroke of luck he was actually familiar with the name that she had just given him. “I am. My friend Poppy did a set with him during a drag show she did,” he supplied. He hadn’t been able to attend said show because Wylan and Kaz had both ended up getting a cold and he was the only one that was able to take care of them, but she had told him all about it the next time he was able to show up for rehearsals.

“You know Poppy?” Nina asked, her face illuminating with an excited look. “Small world!”

He chuckled alongside her, basking in the brightness of her warmth. He wished that she could sit by him the entire time that he was working, but he knew that she had come to help comfort her friend through a breakup. Jesper had been around enough broken hearted people and been consumed by it enough himself to know the importance of having support during those times. “Your drink, my dear,” he handed over the finished cocktail that she had ordered.

“Thank you, handsome,” she winked.

---

For the rest of the night, Jesper worked alone. He poured what felt like a thousand glasses of beer and a million shots, until his arms and wrists were sore from the repetitive motion. Nina hadn’t strayed over to the bar again as she continued to nurse the singular refill that she had gotten on her virgin cocktail. He was right about the rush happening closer to midnight, but everyone had already trickled out by the time that they hit eleven.

When they were at the height of the crowd, the owner had slipped behind the bar to help him out. They had worked in tandem with each other, silent but efficient. Jesper was terribly exhausted by the time he finally slipped into the back with a plate of fries and a water to rest up before the last stretch of his shift. He brought his phone out and connected the wireless earbuds that he kept with him in his pocket for when he got overstimulated. He opened Spotify, searching up the band that Nina had given him.

He chose the one that she was in with other people first, clicking on the first song that popped up, obviously their most popular. He could tell that it was her voice crooning to him immediately as the first couple of lines played, “Late at night, when the stars don't look quite right. In the darkness, slowly crawling over my skin. Whispers at the door ‘Let us in, let us in.’ I'm a fool! I've been howling at a hollow moon! There's something burning in the empty room inside of my head. Fill it up with doubt, let it in, let it spread. I won't be sleeping, there's too many monsters in the backyard and I feel them creeping closer, closer, closer. I'm afraid. Is this a bunker or a shallow grave? Either way I'm left holding onto the shovel and rope, digging in the dirt, finding bones, finding ghosts. I won't be sleeping, there's too many monsters in the backyard and I feel them creeping closer, closer, closer. But if I made my bed did I make the demons in it? Set 'em free from my head, did I make the demons in it?”

She sang the chorus over and over again, the notes seeping together and burrowing their way into Jesper’s soul. He had always been a fan of music, which was how he and Wylan had met in the first place. They had been attending the same small music course and immediately hit it off, even if the other had a harder time reading music and instead just memorized a song. He wondered what it would be like if Wylan and Nina performed together, if Jesper would be able to handle it or if it would kill him on the spot.

He favorited her band so that he could come back and check it out later as he searched up the name that she had told him she used for her solo work. It was easier to listen to the more manufactured, pop-leaning stuff while also finishing up the other business than the more raw sounding classical that her band made. He let the songs play in the background as he flicked through the messages that his partners had sent him. He replied to a few and then took a screenshot of the song that he had listened to from Nina and sent it to Wylan so that he could get his boyfriend’s opinion on it.

Almost immediately afterwards he got a text from Matthias, which meant they were like watching one of their medical drama shows while waiting for him to come home. Inej and likely coaxed Kaz into the bath with her, the only person that understood the touch issues he had well enough to have that kind of special intimacy with him.

Jesper felt the fry that he had been eating become lodged in the back of his throat as Matthias informed him that the girl he had been flirting with over Instagram for the better part of the last two weeks also happened to be the woman that he had met at the bar. It really was a small world afterall.

He rushed through the last part of his break so that he could hopefully get back out in the bar before Nina left. He hadn’t want to be so creepy as to obviously check to make sure that she had stuck out the busy part of the night, especially since she would have been there for hours if she had. He made sure to calculate his walk so that he had slipped back into the persona that he used when he was working, suave and smooth, much like acting. He didn’t want it to seem like he was too frantic or desperate to get back to work lest he freak her out.

He had stepped back behind the bar and served two other patrons, switching out with the owner, when Nina finally came back up. The relief that he felt upon knowing that she hadn’t left despite having been huddled in the back corner for hours at that point made him feel a little embarrassed. He ignored it as he looked up to her, waiting for what she had to say.

“I was wondering when you were going to be back,” she smiled as she took the same stance that she had when they had first begun their interaction.

“Sorry for leaving you, baby, but I had to take a quick break,” he explained as he set down the glass that he had just finished cleaning.

“I understand, being that handsome has to take quite the toll on someone,” she winked back in reply, which made his heart flutter. He hadn’t known how Matthias had fallen so hard and so fast for Nina, especially since it had taken him almost a week to get to the point where they could even hold a conversation with each other. Now that she was standing in front of him in all of her smooth, gorgeous, suave glory, he understood. 

“If you keep this up then I’m going to fall in love with you,” he grinned. He was telling the truth, of course. If she continued to treat him like he was something special then he was going to fall head over heels for her the same way that Matthias had. He’d be tender smiles down at his phone and one earbud in to loop the sound of her crooning musical voice into his mind while doing mundane tasks.

Nina had the common decency to look a little bashful at that as she shifted awkwardly. “I have to admit that the idea of that doesn’t sound too bad. I came over here to pay my tab but I was also hoping that I could possibly get a way to stay in contact with you?”

Excitement burst through him like fireworks as he leaned forward like he was going to share a secret that no one else was allowed to hear. “If you ask Matthias then he’ll give you everything,” he winked.

She looked a little confused and scared, as if he had found out that she was somehow trying to give him the runaround. He tilted his head back towards the door he that led to the back room, “When I took my break I searched you up and sent one of your songs to my partner who likes music. Turns out that he was with Matthias and we found out that we had been flirting with the same woman. So it sounds like you’re going to fit into our relationship quite well if you’re serious about pursuing us.”

Immediately the panic left her and she laughed. It was louder than the quiet giggles that she had given her before, all rosy tinkling and shaking shoulders. She then shook her head, causing a few of the curls that had come loose from her tight bun to bounce around her beautiful face. “I should have known when you mentioned the cocktails, it’s all Matthias has been talking about lately.”

“He gets like that sometimes,” Jesper agreed. It was endearing how one thing could take over Matthias’ entire personality until he had discovered how it worked or how he could navigate it properly and then moved onto the next thing.

Nina shifted and handed him her card. He processed it for the tab that the table had wracked up and then handed it back to her. She said, “I don’t want to take up all of your time tonight, but I would like to see you again. I’ll ask Matthias for your handle and then we’ll talk more, alright?”

“I think that the both of us would like that very much,” Jesper nodded. Even if he didn’t actually develop a romantic or sexual relationship with Nina, the idea of getting to have someone as wonderful and mysterious as her in his life was very enticing. He leaned across the bar so that he was closer to her, giving her the hint of what he wanted. Jesper asked, “May I kiss you?”

A pretty smile split across her face and she said, “Polite as well as handsome, color me surprised. You may.” She placed one of her hands on his cheek, letting him feel the calloused nature of her hand. She then leaned in and pressed their lips together in a quick, chaste kiss. She smelled like green apples and lavender, mixing together distinctly to make her smell overall sweet. He could taste the vanilla of her lipstick and the pineapple clinging to her tongue from the drinks that he made her throughout their evening of flirting.

[swanimagines]

GRISHAVERSE AO3 SERIESES

EVERYTHING FOR GRISHAVERSE

GRISHA TRILOGY

Aleksander Morozova/The Darkling

Alina Starkov

Mal Oretsev

Genya Safin

Nikolai Lantsov

Zoya Nazyalensky (coming)

THE CROWS

Kaz Brekker

Inej Ghafa

Jesper Fahey

Wylan Van Eck/Wylan Hendriks

Nina Zenik

Matthias Helvar

---

(Any of the other characters don't have any requests written nor pending as for now, so I'm unable to have serieses for them as AO3 requires you to have at least one oneshot written to be able to add it to a series, and I can't promise serieses for characters who don't have requests pending/I have no ideas of my own for them)

For anyone who's concerned, THESE ARE NOT ONESHOT COLLECTIONS, they are made using AO3's "series" feature.

If you want to be informed about new fics for Grishaverse or its individual characters, create an AO3 account and subscribe or bookmark any of those serieses listed above. There are buttons at the top right corner for those, or on top on mobile. I do not do Tumblr taglists anymore.

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[bookworm-center]

Hi my bro, saw your Grishaverse one shot request post!! Would like a Nikolai x reader 😍😍 could you make it one where:

Reader and Nikolai have been friends for many years and it’s blossomed into romance (but neither admits it). Reader is a talented assassin, who works as Ravka’s spy. She gets captured by Fjerdan druskelle in an attempt to get info from her about Ravka’s weaknesses. Nikolai’s army brings her back, and he visits her while she’s recuperating :).

Thanks! And all the best in your writing!

Nikolai Lantsov x Fem!Reader

Ravka's Injured Spy

In which the king of Ravka's best "friend" is captured and he does all he can to help.

Author's Note: Hi! Dude, you had such a good request, I'm just a super slow writer. I've been wanting to write a Nikolai oneshot! Hopefully I can get him right. I also made the reader a Tidemaker, for a little flair. Slight spoilers for KoS and RoW! This ended up being a really long oneshot... Working on my other Kaz request, sorry it's taking so long. 😓

Water drips down from the ceiling. The drops fall on the ground in succession. Y/n counts the minutes as they pass, ticking them off mentally.

The Fjerdans caught her. A little too late, of course, but they didn't know that she knew. She knew the secret to the Fjerdan army. And the secret to Nikolai's lineage. It had always been a rumor but now she knew the truth.

She twitches her fingers, wishing that her bindings would allow her to still use her powers. The water droplets waver mid-air, but come no closer. She wasn't that skilled of a Tidemaker. She could do the basic things like everyone else, but she hadn't studied past that. Her skills lied in other things.

Her rattled breath comes out in cold clouds, hands shivering. Saints, what she would give to be an Inferi. The room grows warmer, like her Saints actually heard and answered her pleas.

The door is slammed open, the shilloute of a figure illuminated in a glowing rim light. Zoya Nazyalensky, the famed General of Ravka. She had come to save her. "Saints. You look terrible." Zoya announces. Y/n had never been happier to hear her harsh voice.

"It's nice to see you too Zoya." Y/n mumbles through her freezing lips.

Something like the ghost of a smile glimpses over Zoya's face before disappearing. "Let's get you out of here."

Nikolai slams his fists down on the table. "What do you mean she isn't healed?"

Genya shrinks back a little. She'd never heard Nikolai be so defensive before, but his best friend was injured. "I'm doing my best Nikolai. We have our most talented Healers with her." She steels her voice and the sound of it makes Nikolai calm down slightly.

"I'm sorry." He hesitates. "Can I visit her?"

Genya nods. "Zoya's with her right now in her room."

As Nikolai approaches, there's a shriek from the room. It's full of pain and agony and Nikolai's heart nearly stops in his tracks. He dashes toward the door, as fast as he can that still looks like a friendly thing. The door is shut and locked, but it only takes a few raps on the wood for someone to open the door.

Zoya steps out, clutching a hand to her chest. There's a faint glimmer of tears on her cheeks, something he wouldn't have noticed if he wasn't scouring her face for any sign that his "friend" was still alive.

Another yell pierces the silence and that's when Nikolai manages the courage to speak. "How is she?" He's unused to his voice being so weak and frail but without his partner- the one person who knew everything he told her and even the things he hadn't- Nikolai isn't sure if he has the power to stay strong.

Just like that, Zoya's facade of harsh strength plasters itself back onto her face. "She's still alive. They're trying their best, but she hasn't woken up yet." Zoya pauses, studying Nikolai's expression, like she's not sure how much more bad information he can bear. "They aren't sure if she'll make it much longer."

Nikolai freezes, blood running cold. With that final statement, Zoya walks off and Nikolai rushes in. With a cordial bow the Healers step away, going to grab more supplies or maybe for Nikolai's privacy.

He holds Y/n's limp hand with his own. Her expression looks so calm and peaceful, Nikolai would have expected she was sleeping, if not for the blood seeping through the bandages around her. There were too many injuries: stitches sealing the smaller cuts, thick bandage around her arms and legs.

"I'm sorry," is the first thing he says. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, I'm sorry I sent you into danger, I'm sorry I couldn't-" his ramble breaks off into a sob. "I'm sorry I wasn't a good enough friend." It's the slightest bit of a lie; Y/n had never been just a friend to him, always a little more but not quite lovers. He hadn't had the confidence to tell her.

Y/n moves her fingers, stiffly, but still alive. "You don't have to be sorry." Her voice whispers. It's cracked and tired, but hers nonetheless. She blinks her eyes open and meets Nikolai's gaze. "It's my fault for being foolish." Nikolai doesn't know how to respond for once, so he doesn't.

That's when Y/n tells him the truth. Even when injured, she still serves Ravka, still serves her king. "You aren't the right heir to the throne."

"You don't need to tell me now. Rest first." Nikolai mumbles quietly.

Y/n shakes her head. "Let me finish. It doesn't matter if you aren't the rightful ruler."

"The people won't approve."

"Maybe. Maybe not. It doesn't matter to me. I will always care for you, whether you are the king of Ravka, Sturmhond the privateer, or just some person who history will forget. I will always care and I will always remember you."

Nikolai chuckles. "Well, you can't be the only one making dramatic speeches." Then his tone becomes more serious. "I will always be by your side as well. I know you are Grisha, and that means you will live longer, but as long as I am alive, know that I care." And I will love you from my grave, Nikolai wants to add, but doesn't. He wants to save his confession for when Y/n's healed.

[heartsbreaking-migrated]

THE HUNT FOR THE SEA WHIP & THE MUTINY THAT FOLLOWED

featuring . . . vasilissa ranskahova of the grishaverse

word count . . . 1492 words

trigger warnings . . . violence

contains spoilers for . . . siege & storm ( and technically shadow & bone season 2 sorta)

NOTE . . . you are under no obligation to read these oneshots in order to rp with vasilissa. it is simply a scene from the books which i wanted to write from vasilissa's perspective. if we ever write together, this scene is not set in stone and can be changed to suit our needs. this is just how i picture vasilissa's involvement.

she’d only met alina once, no twice, in passing at the little palace and now that girl she’d seen too timid to use the power granted to her was heralded as a saint. a saint to some and a traitor to others. many believed her to be dead, as they believed that the darkling himself was. she heard the fold was expanding, swallowing towns and people. she did not believe that the darkling was dead. a grisha that powerful would not die so easily. their cause would not die even if he did.

she had been sent aboard the volkvolny as soon as the hunt for morozova’s stag had begun. she donned the name lara tarasova as easily as she donned any other name for any other job required of her by the first army or the darkling himself. lara was unassuming, she was ravkan born though vasilissa’s fjerdan features surely gave the crew the impression that she was from up north, closer to the border. a skilled tidemaker, lara had trained at the little palace until she’d been taken by druskelle on a trip to visit her family in ulensk. lara had survived, but had no interest in attempting to cross the fold again. she offered her services to the famed privateer instead and had been taken aboard the volkvolny. 

 lara made a place for herself, and vasilissa took careful note of the crew. they would need to hire a ship once they began to hunt the sea whip. they could not trust just any pirate with the task. she found she liked them, even if her loyalties lay elsewhere. sturmhond himself had an ego lofty enough to drive his ship in the worst weather, but he was good natured and funny. the twins were intimidating, but fun. it had been so long since she had had any fun like this vasilissa had almost forgotten what it was like. taking bounties and howling at the moon with the crew was a release she had not known she needed. she was in her element, surrounded by water and utterly free.

it was a shame. the time for fun was soon coming to a close, but there was hope for her yet. the darkling was not dead as she had been sure he wouldn't be. he had risen again and the hunt for the sea whip was on. her intel had been good, and he hired sturmhond’s crew to track down alina and hunt the sea whip. the crew of the volkvolny drew straws as to who would follow their captain onto the whaler the darkling had chartered for his forces. well, most of the crew, tamar and tolya volunteered. vasilissa very nearly did as well, but knew that would be suspicious. a newcomer so eager to be in such close quarters with the darkling would draw unwanted attention. she drew the lucky lot, leaving the beautiful volkvolny for the whaler. she’d keep an eye on the captain and see the state of her true leader. 

there were familiar faces aboard the whaler, ivan and a few others she’d trained with. vasilissa was sure they recognized her as well even without her blue kefta. tailoring her hadn’t been an option as they’d known she would be with the volkvolny and its crew for weeks if not months. genya was there as well. she was radiant as ever despite how miserable she looked. she wore the red kefta well, but vasilissa was not yet sure she’d earned it.

he was different though. the darkling’s scars were not the only thing that marked his survival of the fold and the volcra. he’d always had an air about him that commanded respect, forced you to reckon with his power, but now it was as if he had changed. the shadows moved with him, made her pulse race in a way it hadn’t before. fear seeped from those scars and his dark eyes in a way it hadn’t before. she did not ask, she couldn’t, but there was no doubt in her mind he had brought something back with him. 

she didn’t fraternize with the darkling’s grisha, they could not know she was one of them until the time was right. vasilissa worked the ship, and at night slept crowded into the cabin with all the rest of sturmhond’s crew. everyday she wondered if today would be the day.

vasilissa had no reason to be near the sun summoner when they captured her, however her tracker friend was often kept near her on the deck. he strained for alina, and gave directions to the sea whip with gritted teeth. he loved her, vasilissa could see that. it made her heart ache in a way she hadn’t known it to ache before her time on the ship. love was not something she allowed herself, but the otkazat’sya would have died to save alina. he came very close to it. no one would die for her and there was only one person vasilissa was sure she would die for. 

the hunt for the sea whip came to a close with longboats and harpoons. it thrashed and cried, and for a second vasilissa, or was it lara, felt a pang of guilt. she’d been raised on the water, in a fishing town. she knew what it was like to kill a fish, but this was no fish. it was majestic, beautiful and powerful. they wrapped it in nets and its dying form was tied to the ship. all for just a small piece of it, maybe a scale or tooth. the amplifier was worth it though, vasilisa knew that much to be true. she believed what she had been told. then there was a ship so close to them she could feel the way it slipped through the water and the sound of grappling hooks against the whaler’s hull. how could she have missed the volkvolny? maybe she’d known, but it’s hum was so familiar to her she’d drowned it out. maybe she’d ignored it on purpose. no matter, as the mist cleared and crew boarded the ship. 

gunfire rang out and she realized what was happening. this was a mutiny. howls and the sound of metal against metal told her the crew of the volkvolny was no longer the darkling’s to control. there was no question as to where her loyalties lay. she was his to command once again. vasilissa turned and greeted him quickly before she turned her attention to the longboats in the water below. behind her, she heard boots on the ground, sailors lunging stupidly at him. she did not come to his defense, rather dodging shots in order to make it to the railing. if she could stop those in the boats from coming back aboard then there would be fewer of them to deal with. her hands moved, arching quickly through the air as if she were stirring a pot. the water below the boats began to thrash, threatening to swallow the boats whole as they tried to sail towards the schooner with the sea whip in tow . the bodies in the water were pulled under. even the strongest swimmers couldn’t fight her current.

her attention was dual focused, partially trained on the waves below the ships and partially on the chaos surrounding her. the crew did not leave her alone, she was not that lucky nor did she want them to. she might be a spy, but time with them had left her with a new realization. she was itching for a fight, she liked it. the water below her was momentarily abandoned in favor of reaching for the cutlass she’d come to carry. metal clashed against metal as she fought those who had once been friends. few words of anger and disappointment where thrown her way, and for the most part they bounced off her. she caught a glimpse of the captain out of the corner of her eye, she heard thunder crack but not before it was broken by the sound of gunfire. the darkling crumpled to the ground, shot in the arm. 

vasilissa moved quickly, cutlass abandoned as she went to his side, ignoring the fear that rolled over her like nausea the closer she came to him. sturmhond fled, following the tamar, tolya who carried alina and mal. as they passed, vasilissa grabbed his arm, holding it tightly just for a moment. “we’ll keep coming, and know that i know you and your crew. we won’t be merciful.”  she let go, let them go in order to see to the darkling and his wound.

the whaler was severely damaged and it would take hours, if not days for the fabrikators to fix enough for them to continue traveling. “it’s been quite a while, sir,” vasilissa offered the darkling her hand to take, but did not expect him to accept the help. he didn’t. “what can i do for you?”

[maximoffgxrl]

hii! i saw that your requests are open and that just like me you're obsessed with genya and taylor swift 😊 I was wondering if I could request a songfic with genya x f!reader based on taylor's enchanted? have a lovely day!

Enchanted {Genya Safin}

Pairing: Genya x fem!reader

Summary: You weren't a big fan of balls, but meeting Genya Safin certainly made the night worth it.

Note: Hello!!! First I want to thank anon because this ask could not be better for my first fic on tumblr, I loved writing it so thank you so much! I would also like to say that english is not my first language so, if you see anything wrong or incoherent here, please be gentle and let me know so I can improve. I basically learned by myself, so sometimes is hard to form good sentences, but I hope you like it and have fun reading it, because I certainly had fun writing!

Balls weren’t really your thing. However, with all the trouble Ravka had faced in the past, King Nikolai decided that maintaining a good relationship with the closest countries was a top priority and, unfortunately for you, that meant a lot of parties. All grisha were expected to attend, so it didn’t matter that you were just a regular Squaller, your presence was requested, and you’d never disobey your King, even if it meant leaving the comfort of your room and making small talk all night.

Of course, you knew this was a necessary evil, but it didn’t make it any less boring. After fifteen minutes of a very uncomfortable conversation with some Ketterdam men, you excluded yourself from the group with the excuse of grabbing a drink. Your cheeks were already hurting from all the forced laughter and fake smiles, and you could practically feel the insincerity that hovered the room, it made you sick to your stomach, and you decided to take a few minutes to yourself.

Leaning on the nearest wall with a red drink that you didn’t really recognize in your hands, you let your eyes shift through the room. Hundreds of people were crowded there, talking and dancing in their best outfits, and you really liked to take notes on the gowns. Even though the ballroom was one of the prettiest places in the Grand Palace, it was the beautiful dresses and diversity of styles that always got your attention.

You had just made a mental note on a fairly pretty black dress when you saw something sparkling in your peripheral vision. Turning your head, you almost choked when you saw who it was, her auburn hair cascading down her exposed back, the delicate silver fabric of her dress that looked like liquid stars and the black eye patch in her left eye, embroidered with the sun summoner symbol. Genya Safin.

You had seen her before, mostly during breakfast in the Little Palace, but you had never talked to her. She was a living legend, a member of the Triumvirate and truly the prettiest girl you’ve ever seen, how could you not know her? What made you shiver, though, was the fact that right now, she was the one looking at you.

She eyed you with curiosity, apparently trying to remember if the two of you had met, and you felt your cheeks flush. Only a second later, she was crossing the room in your direction.

– Hello. - was the first thing she said to you, a beautiful smile forming on her lips while she extended her hand in your direction. - I’m Genya.

– I’m Y/N. - you said in a shy tone, blushing while taking her hand . - It’s enchanting to meet you.

– It’s my pleasure. - she responded while taking your hands to her lips, leaving a chaste kiss there instead of shaking it, and you felt your heart jumping. - I loved your dress.

At this, you smiled. The clothing was the only part of these parties you truly enjoyed, and you particularly liked this dress, its light shade of pink and the way the skirt looked like blossoming petals. It was one of your favorites, and it meant a lot to you that the Tailor also liked it.

– Thanks. It’s one of my favorites. - you answered quickly, feeling suddenly cold now that she has dropped your hand. - I really liked yours too. The fabric it’s just… It looks like it came directly from a dream. Like liquid…

– Stars. - she finished your sentence, arching her eyebrow. - That’s exactly what I had in mind for this dress.

– Well, it definitely works. It was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw it. - you said simply, seeing her eyes shine at your words, and you continued with a little more courage. - It’s the prettiest dress in this party, which is only fair, since you’re also the prettiest girl here.

Genya grinned in your direction.

– See, that’s where you’re wrong. - she stated, taking a step in your direction. - The prettiest girl in this ball is you.

Feeling your throat dry and your brain malfunctioning, you merely shaked your head, making her laugh. She was so pretty, so effortlessly charming, you were already enchanted. The night was sparkling as much as her dress and, for the first time, you didn’t want the ball to end.

– Wanna dance? - she asked softly, taking your hand again, and you nodded.

– Of course. - you smiled as she guided you to the dance floor.

Genya took you by the waist, holding you delicately but firmly as your hands rested on her shoulders. You weren’t the best dancer in the world, but she guided you so sweetly that your steps seemed to match hers without much effort, and you laughed out loud when she twirled you, making you feel like a princess.

– So, - she said while welcoming you in her arms again. - I can tell that you have an eye for fashion. Do you like it?

– Oh, I do. - you answered quickly, excited that she noticed. - It’s one of my favorite things ever. In fact, before you came to talk to me, I was analyzing the gowns.

– We’re so much alike. - was her answer, and you looked in her eye again, seeing that lovely shine on it. - I was doing the same.

– I think that’s destiny saying that we should do it together. - you said, a mischievous grin taking place in your lips. - The red one on your left?

– Please, we both know that pink and red rarely match. - she said, her smile matching yours, and you laughed. - How about the lady in black and white, just behind you?

Again, she spinned you so you could see the woman she mentioned, your own dress opening like a rose at the movement.

– She’s got style. - you responded when facing her again. - It’s pretty on its own, but what really made it pop is the…

– Bow. - she finished, and you two shared a smile. 

It was wonderful how your minds seemed to be connected. Talking to Genya was one of the easiest things you’ve ever done, she understood you like no one ever had. It was like the two of you were passing notes in secrecy right in the middle of the crowd, sharing glances and smiles that no one else would get because they weren’t in your little bubble. Being with her, you felt good and seen, and it was incredible.

You were enchanted, that was clear. Everything about her was attractive, from her bright hair to the way her lips curved when she smiled, and you couldn’t seem to look anywhere else. Being in your arms felt just right, talking to her was addicting and you never wanted to stop. You were purely wonderstruck and barely noticed the hours passing by.

The two of you talked and danced all night, and Genya only left you to get something to drink, bringing you a glass of water as well. You sat on the corner of the room, facing her and almost drowning in her words, too marveled by the way her red hair fell down her shoulders. She was so pretty, and the fact that she held your hand the entire time, stroking it lightly with her thumb, only made your heart beat faster.

You didn’t even knew what time it was when Genya stood up, still holding your hand, and asked if you could dance with her again. You would never say no, and that’s how you ended up on a much emptier dance floor, her arms wrapped around your waist and your head on her shoulder.

– You know, - you said softly in her ear. - this is the best ball I’ve ever been to.

– Yeah? - she asked in a playful tone, and even though you couldn’t see it, you knew she was smiling. - Because of all the pretty gowns?

– Because of you. - you answered in almost a whisper, feeling your heart pounding against your ribs.

The seconds of silence that followed your declaration were agonizing. You were ready to apologize when you felt slender fingers sliding through your face, holding your chin delicately and lifting your face so you could look Genya in the eyes, and her smile was even brighter than before.

– You made my night, Y/N. - she said simply. - Nothing could’ve made it better.

You were just about to answer her, your brain too drunk in her presence to form coherent sentences in a fast motion, but before you could find the words, a third voice joined the conversation.

– Genya. - the rigid voice of Zoya Nazyalensky came from your left, and you immediately straightened your posture, knowing by her tone that she was annoyed. - Hi, Y/L/N.

– General Nazyalensky. - you greeted her quietly, too scared to say anything else. After all, Zoya was one of your teachers, and you knew how demanding she was.

– Zoya. - Genya answered in a slightly worried tone. - Is she okay?

At the Tailor's words, you lifted your head to meet the General only to find a probably drunk Nina Zenik leaning on her. Well, you thought, at least this means that is not me she’s annoyed at.

– I’m great! - Nina answered herself, waving at you. - Hi, Y/N!

You waved back timidly, watching as Zoya rolled her eyes and Genya held back a laughter.

– I need your help to get her back to her chambers. - Zoya said, sighting. - The ball is pretty much over, anyways, so you won’t miss anything.

At her words, you finally realized that the reason why the dance floor was emptier was the fact that half the people in the ball had already left, and the other half seemed ready to do the same. You suddenly felt a little sadness making its way to you, knowing it was the time to say goodbye.

But you really didn’t want to.

– I’ll help you, of course. - Genya said before looking at you one more time. - Thank you for the night, Y/N. It was truly incredible.

– You don’t have to thank me. I loved it too. - you quickly answered, seeing her flash a smile in your direction.

– Bye, sweetie. - she leaned in your direction, leaving a small kiss on your cheek before waving.

You knew Zoya waved at you too, and you were pretty sure Nina yelled something with your name on it, but you didn’t even know what it was, your eyes focused on Genya’s back as she crossed the room while laughing at something Zoya was saying. The night had come to an end sooner than you expected, and all you could do was hope that this was just the first page of this story, and not where it ends.

On your way back to the Little Palace, you couldn’t hold back a smile. Your cheeks were flushed as your mind replayed every single moment you just had with Genya, your thoughts echoing her name to no end. When you finally reached your room, you let your body fall in your bed, hugging a pillow as you closed your eyes, trying to calm your heart.

You wondered if she knew just how enchanted you were, if she knew that right now she was the only thing on your mind. You couldn’t help but imagine if she was also thinking of you, wishing she would show up at your door and said she also thought it was enchanting to meet you, her lips curving up as she smiled at you again.

– Please, please. - you murmured to yourself, looking at the ceiling as if talking to the Saints. - Don’t be in love with someone else. Don’t have somebody waiting on you…

You sighed loud before getting up again, sitting on your dresser as you started to take hair pins out of your hair, letting the locks fall freely down your shoulders. You knew you wouldn’t be able to sleep, your heart still beating fast and your mind still caught up on Genya, so you got up, deciding to clean your room before anything else.

You had just finished putting your makeup on the drawer and your bobby pins on the proper box when you heard a loud knock on your door. Your heart speed up in the same second, your hands flying to your hair as if trying to fix it before you opened the door, hoping it was Genya.

You were never so glad to be right.

– Hey. - she said, somehow nervous as she stood in front of you, still in her party dress.

– Hey. - you answered with a smile. - Come in.

She entered your room, her amber eye analyzing it quickly before turning around to face you. She was nervously fingering with her rings, looking anywhere but you, and you took a step closer, putting your hands over hers.

– Genya. - you called softly, seeing her eye finally land on you. - It’s okay. You can talk to me.

Sighing, the Tailor closed her eye for a second before opening it again, staring deeply at you.

– Y/N, I never met anyone like you. And by that I mean that no one ever made me this enchanted after only one night, but somehow you did it. Talking to you felt so easy, holding you felt so right… I spent the whole night hoping it wouldn’t end. - she was speaking fast, but you could hear the truth in every word, and your heart was almost coming out of your throat. - And I still don’t want it to end, I don’t want this night to be just one night. I want to keep talking to you, to sit with you during breakfast, to take you on a date! I know this is way too fast, but I just couldn’t help it and I don’t think I would be able to sleep if I didn’t came to you. I’m sorry, I know it’s late and you probably wanted to sleep, I’ll go, I just…

– Genya. - you interrupted her by calling her again, holding both her hands in yours, and you saw her looking at you one more time. - I spent the past hour in this room wishing you would burst to this door to tell me all of these things. This night was magic and you’re the reason why. I would love to go on a date with you, if you’d take me.

She smiled brightly at you, her hands leaving yours only to meet your waist, pulling your body into hers. You wrapped your arms around her neck and, when she leaned in your direction and your lips met, it felt like fireworks had just exploded on your chest. She kissed you firmly but lightly, her right hand tracing slow patterns on your back while you played with her long hair. It was the best kiss you’ve ever had, and it felt like the perfect ending to your fairytale.

– Meet me for breakfast tomorrow? - she asked, her cheeks flushed from the kiss, her eye sparkling as much as her dress.

– Of course. - you answered before closing the gap between you two once again, giving her a quick peck.

When Genya left, leaving you with a dumb smile on your face and her name tattoed on your mind, you layed on your bed still in your party dress, but you didn’t really matter. All you could think of was that you were just enchanted to meet her.

tagging: @heliads (hey bestie!!! i guess this is the big revelation of 💫 anon, so here i am! i hope you like this at least 10% as much as i like your stories <3)

[tj-wrote-things]

To The Next

Nikolai Lantsov x fabrikator!fem!reader

Two times you decide to stay, and one time you have no choice but to leave.

A/N: mega ouchie, my friends. Just so ya’ll know i havent read the Nikolai Duology, and im like 14 chapters into R&R. Teensie bit of an AU, we’re gonna pretend the Darkling didnt attack the palace until a few days after Nik’s birthday dinner shin-dig:)

Mostly fluff and some poorly(but also well) written angst :)

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14

Nikolai Lantsov was well accustomed to the serenity that came with life in Os Alta. What he wasn’t quite so accustomed to was the sound of your chittering laughter as he lay out in the sun, eyes closed against the orange sky, only a few paces from the edge of the lake. You giggled once more, holding out two bottles as you clamored around your forgotten purple kefta in the grass.

“Okay, now lean your head back, open your mouth, and keep your eyes shut.” Nikolai furrowed his brows, perfectly shaped, as always, and opened one eye at your words. 

“You’re not gonna kill me are you?” The fourteen year old boy glanced up to you, and felt his heart nearly stop. Eyes roving over your face, cased in golden light from the impending sunset, he masked his awe with his usual banter. “Has the jealousy caught up to you? You’ve come to take your revenge because my hair is softere than yours! I knew it!” You cackled as you crouched over his head.

“Shut up,” you laughed. “I don’t want it to go in your eyes, is all. I’d hate to ruin those lovely blue orbs.”

“They are quite nice, you’re right.” he conceded, and did as he was told. “Kindly refrain from poisoning me.” You smiled and poured both liquids in his mouth before he could protest.

He was quiet for just a moment, until a choked sound clawed its way out of his throat. Nikolai rushed to sit up, the concoction dribbling down his chin and onto his pristine shirt, staining the linen a muted orange. You hurriedly dropped the bottles and thumped him on the back, eyes growing in concern and apology.

“Nikolai, oh shit- You're alright?” Nikolai nodded, beating on his chest, smiling despite his watery eyes.

“Too much- Too much at once,” he rasped, and coughed once more. He straightened up and turned to you with a grin. “But, all saints, delicious! What was that?” You grinned, consoled by the fact you hadn't killed the younger prince.

“Sweetened jurda nectar and aged Kvas,” you said, taking a swig yourself. “My father would let me have it sometimes when I was young.” You took notice of an orange droplet, hanging just at the corner of Nikolai’s lips, baiting you to come a little closer.

You reached out without a second thought, and swiped your thumb across the stain, hurriedly sucking the substance off your finger, heart thudding and mind moving a mile a minute, as always.

Oh saints, I’ve done it now. You’re so screwed.

Nikolai sat still as a board as your calloused thumb ran over his lip, all too quickly in his own opinion. His eyes caught yours as you put your hand back into the cold grass, a welcome reprieve from the burning of your ears. He licked his lips, searching for just another drop of the sweet taste, or maybe, his brain argued, you’re searching for the feeling of her.

Suddenly, the towers of the Little Palace began to ring, signaling the call for all grisha to their tables for supper.

“Dinner,” you said softly, looking out into the distance, where the sun had begun to disappear over the horizon. “I should go back.”

Nikolai stilled his beating heart, and laid back into the grass. “Say’s who?”

“The general, Nikolai.”

He shrugged and tugged you down by your sleeve. “Who cares about the General” You collapsed with a small shriek and oomph next to him, giggling once more as you turned to face the darkening sky as he did. “I’d have you stay with me for a while.” He glanced at you, hoping to catch the glow of your face before the darkness took over. “Just until the night sets in.”

You stayed until dawn.

23

Dinners were always particularly difficult for you, as there was no empty corner for you to back into when you were overwhelmed, no sense of privacy, which was something you were hoping for that particular night. You were sitting, stiff as a board at the dinner table, unable to focus on anything but the boy sitting across from you. After all, it was no easy feat to look away from that damnably charming smile when it showed itself, usually after an unbearably vain joke, and especially when it was directed towards you. If fact, you were certain that every heartrender in the palace could hear the way your heart gave a stutter when Nikolai winked at you, or slung his arm around your shoulder, dragging you with him towards the fabrikator workshops.

Dragging. You knew that you would always go willingly, wherever he led you. Nikolai Lantsov could lead you by the hand to your death, and you would follow happily with a smile and a skip in your step, if only for the warm feeling that comes with gripping his palm in yours.

The man in question laughed boisterously at something his cousin had said, and turned to face you once more, with a smile that could only ever be described as contagious in the extreme. 

Nikolai looked at you with meaning in his eyes, trying desperately to send a message. Go on and laugh, he forced them to say. Laugh, please, and lift my heart out of its heavy slump. We both know that you’re the only one who can. He seemed to inflate when you let out a giggle, so small that he was certain only he who was searching for the tinkling sound could hear it. 

Sweet music, he thought. You are so screwed.

Nikolai’s father waved his hand in the air, and all overlapping conversation at the table came to a staggering halt, attention falling solely on the portly king, holding an egg. 

“Happy birthday, Nikolai,” he said curtly, ever the sovereign, never letting emotion past his bristly mustache. “May the saints bless you with good fortune.” He extended the egg to Nikolai, who accepted it with tender hands. 

Slowly, the top began to chip off, revealing a miniature version of Sturmhond’s ship, complete with confetti cannons and little red flag. You slid your hand into the folds of your kefta, gripping your own gift with slender fingers, and suddenly feeling the uneasiness of inadequacy creep down your throat as you swallowed a sip of wine.

Alina smiled from her place beside Nikolai and sent you a quick wink before she spoke up. “Y/N has something for you, Nikolai, don’t you, y/n?” You sent her a small scowl, but masked it when you saw Nikolai smile at you.

“Understandable that you’d want to repay the gift of my company with something of your own.” Nikolai smiled easily and extended a hand out to take the box from your own outstretched arm.

He made quick work of the ribbon tying the box shut and opened it to reveal a copper compass, about the size of his palm, if not a little smaller. He looked up at you with that smile, the delicate words engraved along the edge not gone unnoticed, and you winked before you spoke.

“It’s made of Zemini copper, responibly mined and shipped.”

Nikolai turned it over in his hand twice before smiling at you. “Stronger than any bullet.” You nodded.

“Open it.” He did. For a moment nothing happened, and you faltered, wondering if the contraption had malfunctioned. And in the next moment, hundreds of lights littered the ceiling of the hall like the diamonds strung across the Queen’s neck. Nikolai threw his head back with wide eyes and a glowing grin as he studied the little holographic lights.

“They’re the stars,” he whispered, once to himself, and again to the rest of the table. You nodded happily. 

“It’s calibrated with the calendar, so they’ll always reflect the sky over Os Alta, no matter the day.” You paused briefly. “A reminder of home, if ever you find yourself... lost.”

Nikolai could have died a happy man at that moment, to know that you had taken such care to build him something with your own hands, something meant to remind him of you, of home. Though, the night was far from over. It wasn’t until a few hours later, did Nikolai Lantsov know what it was to feel incandescent happiness. 

He’d strolled down to the lake, as he’d done, many nights, and taken a seat  down at the lake’s edge. 

Right beside you.

You didn’t turn to him, and he didn't turn to you, not for a few minutes. Until he took a breath and produced the compass from his coat pocket. He flipped it in his hand a few times, until the engraving faced the sky. 

In this life and the next

He read the words out breathlessly, and they nearly went unheard over the sounds of the night. You shifted to face him, faces so close it would only take a little push on either of your parts. His breath hit your cheek as his eyes roamed your face, committing every slope, freckle and scar to memory before licking his lips. 

“How terribly awkward would this be if you meant in terms of friendship.”

“What makes you so sure that I didn't?”

Nikolai cracked a smile, inching ever so close to you, eyes flicking between your lips and your gaze.

“I expect you would have shoved me into the lake by now.” He kissed you swiftly, finally, sweetly.

So sweet, you could almost taste the heavy flavour of honey from his evening tea lingering on his tongue, and so loving, he lowered you both to the grass slowly, and with purpose as he situated you on your sides, each with one hand cradling the other’s face, and one hand keeping you from collapsing.

You pulled away with a soft sigh, eyes closed and breathing heavy as Nikolai placed his forehead against your shoulder. After a moment, he turned his face into your neck and smirked. 

“I suppose you’ll be wanting to head back. Although, walking alone in the dark can’t be wise.” He kissed you softly underneath your ear, smiling only when he felt a shudder cross your shoulders. “After all, the field is no place for a young woman, especially at this hour.” You turned Nikolai’s face up to yours as you dipped your head and kissed him, slowly and deliberately, pulling at his bottom lip, and lightly scraping your nails through his hair.

“I suppose I could be persuaded to stay a while. Just until dawn.”

You stayed all night.

23

The heat of battle was sweltering, in more ways than one. The terrain was hot, yes, but so were the flashes of battle. The lightning fast bullets racing past every which way, causing the hearts of a thousand men to quiver in their chests.

Equally hot and suffocating was the fear, inwardly felt, but never shown. Fear of bullets striking where wounds cannot be healed, striking someone else, someone unquestionably dear.

The Lantsov King felt this crushing fear when he watched you tumble to the ground, clutching desperately at the tear in your stomach, gruesome and painful. He raced towards you yelling for a medic who could not hear over his shoulder, and hoisted you up.

He held you close and he scrambled for shelter, away from the cruel rainfall of bullets, one hand held along your face, and the other arm wrapped firmly around your waist, simultaneously holding you up and keeping pressure on the wound he feared may kill him as well as you. He took shelter behind a skiff, abandoned and barren, and set you down against it.

“You’re alright,” he said, catching his breath and keeping his hands on you, if only to make sure you hadn't passed out. “It’s not even that bad. Just a scratch,” he reassured you as your head slumped to the side. He set it straight once more. “Just a scratch.”

You inhaled slowly, and looked up at him, face caked in dust and blood, yours or someone else’s, you couldn't be sure. Your thoughts were beggining to swim, the only thing remaining solid was your husband’s face as he kept pressure on your stomach and yelled once more for a medic, who you knew would not come. A horrid couch drew itself from your throat, and with it an alarming spatter of blood.

Nikolai didnt see it land on his shirt, or bleed into the mass of red already staining his torso.

Bringing your hand over the one holding your wound, you breathed his name in a breathless rasp, once, twice, until he met your eyes.

“Tell me- Tell me about Os Kervo.” He’d built you a house there. For the both of you.

Nikolai shook his head. “It was a surprise,” he said softly, pulling you against him, for he had no need to see your face, not like this. He had long since memorized it, burned it against his heart and soul for all to see, and like a radio broadcast, it screamed, I love this woman. I dare you to try and take her from me.

He sat on the ground and kept you alive, hands holding your body together, while his words tended to your soul. “You’ll see it when I take you there.” He swallowed, tucking his chin over your shoulder, steadying his voice as it shook. “We’ll grow old together, you’ll see. You and me, seventy years old, and still gorgeous, watching the grandkids, and the dogs-”

You smiled, paying no heed to the coolness creeping into your fingers. “I seem to recall you promising me a cat, Lantsov.” The words began to blur, and your grip on his coat slackened. “You- You better- get one when I'm gone.” Nikolai shook his head and moved your hand back to its place on his shoulder, bringing his own back to your head, cradling it against him.

“Together,” he said firmy. “We’ll get one together, no matter how often the wretched thing gets fur on my clothes.”

Inhaling no longer came as easily as you laid your weight against Nikolai, your Nikolai.

You slurred into his shoulder. “Together,” you repeated with dimming eyes as your chest seized and stilled. “In this life, and the next.”

.

.

.

ouchies:)

[my-beautiful-wylan]

Ketterdam University Pt 1

A Nikolai Lantsov fanfic

This is going to be the first in a series of modern au stories about the grishaverse characters! I'm also going to be running the official "Ketterdam University" school blog soon!

Nikolai Lantsov, typical rich boy and the most sought after guy in London strode into Ketterdam University for the first time since last may. It was the beginning of his Junior semester and he couldn’t be more thrilled to be back. Last summer was so boring that it was almost cruel. He had been stuck behind a desk all year, writing reports and answering phone calls for his family’s successful business. His parents owned the wealthiest company in the world, and because of that, Nikolai had grown up never wanting for anything. He was so spoiled that some people referred to him as a prince.

Of course, it was only ever as a compliment, since Nikolai Lantsov certainly didn’t make enemies. Sure, he wasn’t best friends with everyone, but he didn’t have time for that. He had to pick and choose which people he spent his precious time with, and this year, time was a luxury he could only dream of having.

Nikolai was in his third year at the most prestigious university in the world. Despite the fact that he hated working for his father’s business, the legacy he would be left with was important to him. Therefore, when it had come the time to make a decision on his career, he had settled on business and communications. What he planned to do with it, however, wasn’t what his family would think. He wanted to change the way the company was run once it was handed to him. No one would say the Lantsov business was boring ever again. He was going to bring the company overseas and expand it to the far reaches of the world. But before any of that, he was going to get rid of their terrible logo and aesthetic. Seriously! What’s appealing about a crown?

“Oh my gosh it’s Nikolai Lantsov!” A giggly voice interrupted his planning. Nikolai looked to the other side of the school grounds, where three girls were pointing at him and grinning like a bunch of lovesick fools. A rush of adrenaline ran through him at their attention. If there was one thing Nikolai loved, it was being the center of attention. The lucky people he had chosen as his friends told him it was called having an ego, but Nikolai knew it was just self confidence. After all, weren’t all people supposed to love themselves? He was only following this simple command. And anyways, it was common knowledge that he was the most gorgeous student in the school, so he might as well embrace it.

“He looks hotter than he did last year!” One of the other girls commented, and Nikolai smirked. Deciding to excite them, he waved, winking when he caught the eye of the first girl who had spoken.

“Hey ladies!” He catcalled. “Welcome back!” That was obviously the icing on the cake, because the girl he had winked at collapsed into her friend's waiting arms. He laughed to himself. It was no wonder so many girls had their eyes on him, but even though his parents insisted that he should find a suitable bride sooner than later, he had no intention of doing it. They would have to be quite the woman, and he wasn’t so sure he wanted to put himself out there again. He had been in love during his freshman year at the university, but he and Alina Starkov were never going to work out. They were best friends now, but there were times when he wondered what things would have been like if she had said yes.

But there was no use dwelling on the past… not when the future was waiting for him. He had so many expectations for this year, but right now, all he wanted to do was find his friends and spend his first day partying with them. They had barely seen each other over the summer due to their separate living situations. Thank goodness for things like FaceTime, because they had to have talked on the phone almost every night. But it still wasn’t the same as seeing them in person.

A newfound determination to see his friends burning inside of him, Nikolai broke into a jog as he made his way across campus. Nikolai was an athlete, and that was another reason he was glad to be back. He was the captain of the track team and a key player in the football team. When he wasn’t studying or partying with his friends he was working out so that he could uphold his reputation as the star athlete. The only rival to his physical prowess was Tolya Yul-Bataar. Tolya and him had been friends since they were little, and they had been on the same basketball team in high school. But where Nikolai obviously excelled in track, Tolya was the star of the show in football. Maybe this year I’ll show him who’s king of the field. Snickering to himself, Nikolai added “best Tolya in football” to his mental list of things to do this year.

“Watch where you’re going, idiot!” The angry tone of voice caused Nikolai to stop in his tracks. No one got angry at him… ever. Annoyed, maybe, but it was a well known fact that all of Ketterdam University loved him. He glanced at whoever was upset, and he was astonished to see a bigger girl with a red v-neck shirt and semi fancy black skirt glaring at him. Next to her was a much smaller suli girl with piercing eyes who was rolling her eyes at the other girl. The bigger girl turned to her friend, who spoke before Nikolai could say anything.

“It’s fine, Nina. he’s obviously in a hurry.” She locked eyes with Nikolai and gave him a warm smile. “I’m sorry about her. She doesn’t know when to stop.”

“I hate you.” The bigger girl glowered, but Nikolai knew sarcasm more than anyone, and he knew that the two of them didn't mean what they were saying.

“If you hate me then don’t expect free waffles from the cafe anymore.” The two girls began to chatter about something related to whatever cafe the smaller girl had mentioned, and Nikolai knew it was his cue to leave. They weren’t fawning over him, and he had promised to meet his friends outside of the dorm building in five minutes. He was already on the path to being late, and he refused to give them a reason to make fun of him.

With this newfound determination set in his head, Nikolai practically sprinted to the dorm building. A smile broke out on his face when he saw all of his friends gathered there. Alina Starkov was sitting down on the grass, her head resting on her boyfriend’s lap. Malyen Oretsev was smiling at his girlfriend as he ran his hands through her white hair. Tolya and Tamar, Nikolai’s two oldest friends, were currently in the middle of an arm wrestling match that was being observed by David Kostyk. Genya Safin and Zoya Nazyalensky, both of whom had worked for his family business over the summer, were in the middle of an animated conversation about who knew what.

When no one noticed that he was there, Nikolai made the decision to let his presence be known. He cleared his throat, his signature smirk written on his face. “Now that I’m here, the party can really begin.”

Mal was the first to respond, and Nikolai shook his head at the exasperation on his friend’s face. “You’re late. The party started hours ago.”

“I’m never late, Mal… everyone else is simply early.”

“Are you quoting the princess diaries again?” A look of amusement crossed Zoya’s face as she walked over to him. “You’re such a dork.”

“I have many names, but I wasn’t aware that dork was one of them.”

Zoya rolled her eyes, but there was a warmth in her eyes that Nikolai realized he had missed seeing. They had seen each other a few times over the summer, along with Genya, but without the rest of their friend group, it hadn’t been the same. All of them had been through quite a bit of trauma a few years ago, and the bond they had made during that time was unbreakable. Being separated for a long time, even if it was over summer break, was still hard. Nikolai truly hadn’t realized how much he had missed them until now, seeing all of their smiling faces.

“Believe me, your majesty.” Zoya mocked him with a fake bow, her blue eyes full of that familiar spark. “There are plenty more names I have for you.”

“Do they include sweetheart or handsome? Because if that’s the case, I would love for you to write me a list.”

“Darling, you would detest every single one of them.”

“Oh, I’m not so sure about that.” Nikolai’s hazel eyes were sparkling, and he could feel the familiar spark of adrenaline run through him. “Darling wasn’t so bad.”

“Wasn’t it?” Zoya’s brow flew into the air, but before she could say another word, Tamar broke the silence.

“You two flirt way too much for your own good.” She commented, and Nikolai and Zoya exchanged a look. Zoya was different from the rest of them. She was cool and harsh around the edges, but when she was around her friends she was a completely new person. She thrived off of Nikolai’s sarcasm, and he had to admit that a part of him thrived off of hers. She was either a terrible or a great influence on him. He wasn’t sure he’d ever find out which one it was.

“Come on,” Nikolai’s eyes twinkled again. “You know you love it.”

“We actually hate it, but whatever you say boss.” Tolya’s comment earned a sharp glare from Alina, who instantly stepped away from her boyfriend to face him.

“You can’t say stuff like that! It gets to his head!”

“I do have a big head!”

Alina turned to face Nikolai, unable to keep the grin off of her face. “I know. And how many times is that head of yours going to get you in trouble this year?”

“Me? In trouble?” Nikolai winked at his best friend. “Come on… we all know I’m a perfect angel.”

Alina scoffed, shaking her head sarcastically. “That’s impossible.”

“You know, when people say impossible, they usually mean improbable.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

Nikolai laughed, his loud voice echoing throughout the school grounds. “Not at all.”

[confused-as-all-hell]

Can you please link all your grishaverse oneshots some where? I can't find them. (Sorry if this seems rude lol)

of course! don't worry about it :))

these include posts on the character, as well as oneshots i wrote

(a kanej one is coming later :))

The Darkling

Genya Safin

Kaz Brekker

Inej Ghafa

Nina Zenik

Zoya Nazyalensky

Nina and Matthias

Jesper and Wylan

Kaz and Inej later today, around 12 :))

[fanfics4world]

Hi! I read your post "Nothing Else Matters" and I need to know what happens next please.

Nothing else matters - Part. 2

Word count: 1192

Pairings: Genya Safin x Fem!Reader

Summary: You wake up after the battle, there is still something you have to do.

You opened your eyes slowly, were you dead? When you regained all your senses, you realized that you were in your own room in the Little Palace, how had you gotten here?

Then you remembered what had happened, and a single thought came to your mind.

Genya.

Ignoring the pain in your abdomen, you got out of bed, staggered a little. You were still wearing your black suit, but your shirt had been replaced by a white one.

You went out into the corridors, the place seemed deserted. You didn't know where to start looking.

"Y/N!", you turned to look at Alina, before you could return the greeting, you felt the strength leave your body and you staggered. Alina quickly caught you. "Hey, hey. Not so fast, you need to rest" you shook your head, you'd have time for that later.

"Genya… Where is…?" you said. "She's fine Y/N, you saved her, but now you have to rest, you have to recover" Alina said as she dragged you back to your bedroom. You wanted to resist, but you were too tired to refuse.

XXXXXX

The days passed while you were held in your room, Alina had made sure that your recovery was complete, so every so often she came to make sure you were in your bed resting.

You hadn't seen Genya since what happened in the kitchens, you knew your actions had upset her, but at that moment there was no time to think about whether it was the right thing to do or not, all you wanted was to save her.

Later that night, after Alina came to make sure you were asleep, you got out of bed. The pain had mostly subsided, but your legs were still not used to the strain of walking, especially considering Alina wouldn't let you stand for more than five seconds.

You stepped out into the hallway, checking both sides to make sure no one was nearby. Going through the corridors was risky, if someone discovered you you would get into trouble with Alina, something you wanted to avoid at all costs. So your best option was to go through the gardens and enter through the side door of the palace, which was closer to Genya's room.

As soon as you set foot outside the palace, you were greeted by a heavy rain. You walked at a slow pace, all your clothes were soaked and you were freezing to death.

You reached the door, grateful for the slight feeling of warmth you experienced as you entered. Each step became heavier and you felt your vision was beginning to blur. You knocked on Genya's door, but before you could be aware of what would happen next, your vision went black and the last thing you heard was your body crashing to the floor.

You opened your eyes slowly, looking around you realized that you were not in your room, but in Genya's room. "Finally you wake up…", you turned your head to see Genya, she was sitting on a chair next to the bed, her face was slightly illuminated by the lights of the candles in the room.

You weren't able to decipher her look, concern? fear? anger?

You knew you couldn't blame Genya for her resentment; after all, you had risked your life for her. But you also knew you couldn't leave it at that.

You slowly sat up, leaning your back against the headrest.

"Genya… We need to talk…", Genya said nothing, she continued to look at you silently.

"I know you're mad at me" you said, your gaze fixed on your lap. "And you have every right to be. But I need you to know that I did it because I love you more than I can put into words"

Genya got up from her chair and sat down next to you, holding your hand gently. Oh, god, you had missed her touch so much. Genya averted her gaze, fighting back tears that threatened to fall. "You shouldn't have done that, Y/N. I can't bear the thought of losing you"

Y/N lifted her chin gently, forcing her to meet her gaze. "I'd do it a thousand times over if it meant protecting you"

Genya bit her lower lip, her emotions fighting inside her. "But I can't bear the thought of you risking yourself like that for me. I can't live with that guilt"

You stepped closer to her, your eyes shining with determination. "Then don't make me choose between living without you and dying for you. Because I can't do it… But there is something I can do"

Genya looked up, confused by your words. Before she could ask, you got up from the bed, ignoring your body's complaints, walked over to her and knelt down in front of her. You pulled the small box out of your pocket.

"Genya, I know things aren't perfect between us right now" you began, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring. "But I also know that I don't want to live without you. So, if you're willing, I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy, trying to make up for my mistakes. Genya, will you marry me?"

The tears Genya had been holding back finally fell down her cheeks as she nodded vigorously. "Yes, Y/N. Yes, I will marry you"

You smiled and brought your face close to Genya's face. Genya closed her eyes instinctively, surrendering to the moment with her heart pounding in her chest. Your lips met in a soft, emotion-filled kiss.

The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the warmth of the kiss, their bodies vibrating with the electricity of their shared love. Genya's hands clung to Y/N's neck, while Y/N's hands gently slid down her back, pulling her even closer to you.

The kiss was a whisper of promises and hopes for the future, a reminder that together they could overcome whatever obstacles life threw their way. They parted slowly, their foreheads still touching as they looked at each other with sparkling eyes and radiant smiles.

"I love you" Genya murmured, her fingers gently caressing Y/N's cheek.

"I love you too" you replied, your voice full of sincerity and love.

You stood up and hugged her tightly, knowing that although the wounds of the past would take time to heal, you had all the future ahead of you to build together.

You stayed like that, lost in each other, knowing that you had found something truly special in the warmth of her embrace and the soft touch of her lips. At that moment, the whole world seemed within your grasp, and there was nothing that could separate you.

[heliads]

So because there can’t be enough drama (if you don’t want to write that it’s okay!): Male squaller that is now married to Genya, travelling with the darkling (basically being a second Zoya) on the hunt for the amplifiers with the kidnapped Alina. However when Stormhound arrives he realises how dangerous the darkling is, throwing Genya onto the other ship and saving her this way. Now the one who gets tortured by the shadow monsters, always forgetting their names, is him (since he clearly worked against the darkling and the darkling probably is like „who needs two squallers that are fiercely loyal when you already have zoya?“) and when they finally met each other at the chapel he is convinced he isn’t worthy of Genyas love anymore because of the scars. Pretty dark, but at least he is staying alive in this one 😹

i love drama with all my heart

masterlist

It is a difficult thing, realizing that you might be on the wrong side of a war. It is worse knowing that your friends were aware of the truth all along and failed to convince you to come to the right side. Now, you’re stuck among monsters, wondering if you’ll ever get a chance to switch sides or if you'll be doomed to die with the wrong people. 

Being trapped on a ship with somebody who you’re now growing to appreciate is the enemy certainly doesn’t help matters either. The Darkling has always been cold, always shifty, but now you can add treacherous to that mix.

It’s not the best place to be at the moment, to say the least. Factor in the fact that you also got your wife into this mess and you’re looking at far more risk than you’d ever like. Outside the protective walls of Os Alta, the danger seems to be heightened tenfold. Your mixed feelings only add to that paranoia.

Usually, this is the point at which you go to your wife and beg for her counsel. Genya Safin is brilliant at strategy, a fact that bewilders most people who don’t know her well. They take one glance at her then stop cold, thinking that gilded trappings and pretty, batting lashes are all they need to gauge someone’s character.

You thought differently. Perhaps that’s why you were lucky enough to marry her. Since you first arrived at the Little Palace and were able to practice your gifts as a Squaller without fear of death, all of your memories have seemed to glow with light, but your wedding day shines with an entirely different kind of power. Images of Genya smiling at you and reciting her vows are the sorts of things that never leave a person. Even a man as tormented as you.

You’ve come to rely on Genya’s advice, but in times like these, she’s just as worried as you are. Ever since Alina ran from the Grand Palace the night of the Winter Fete, ever since the Sun Summoner was dragged back and had those antlers locked around her throat, ever since she blew up the skiff and ran, Genya has been conflicted. Some part of her wonders if she’s truly doing the right thing. You wish you could help ease her mind, but you’re struggling with the same thoughts.

After all, what proof do you have that the Darkling’s side truly is the right one? Yes, he supported you as a young Grisha in need of a home, and yes, he protected the practitioners of the Small Science like no one else, but he’s done some terrible things as well. Alina tried to tell you that the Darkling was the one to create the Shadow Fold in the first place. Maybe she was right.

The two of you are reminded of this revelation in twofold now that Alina is back with you again. The Darkling managed to capture her and that otkazat’sya tracker, Mal Oretsev, a short while ago, and now you’re all on the same ship, searching for a new amplifier. You have no idea if you’ll truly be able to find the sea whip, but you seem to be growing closer by the day, if Mal’s restless mutterings are to be believed.

As more time passes, you find yourself convinced that the Darkling is in the wrong. You’ve seen how he keeps Alina locked away, how he leverages lives in an effort to regain the Sun Summoner as a weapon. Genya doesn’t want to talk about it, but you get the feeling she’s starting to come around, too.

It is now, in the depths of your terrifying revelations, that you gain a new piece of information. It was not meant to drift to your ears, this conversation, but any words whispered on the air have a way of making their way to a nearby Squaller. You and Zoya learned this trick a while ago, and you use it now to great effect.

The secret you learn is that the captain of this ship, Sturmhond, is planning on deceiving the Darkling as soon as the sea whip is found. He’ll have another ship join up and then ferry Alina, Mal, and the mythical beast away under the guise of an attack.

Seeing as you’re supposedly on the Darkling’s side, you have free rein over the ship, able to wander wherever you see fit. This allows you to visit Sturmhond’s office later and present him with a deal:  you won’t tell the Darkling about the privateer’s upcoming escape attempt if he takes Genya with him.

At first, Stumhond isn’t having it. He has no proof that you or Genya won’t turn him in anyway, and besides, he only counted on having two extra mouths to feed. It takes a bit of bargaining, but you think you’ve managed to win the captain over. The only problem is that you’ll have to find a way to get Genya onto Sturmhond’s ship when it pulls up, a feat which will be difficult to accomplish in the middle of the fight.

Regardless, you’re willing to do it. Alina needs a shot to free all of you from the Darkling’s influence, and you need an opportunity to get your wife to safety. You harbor no illusions about being to escape alongside Genya; the Darkling will be fighting to reclaim all passengers trying to leave him, there’s no way you’d be able to flee as well. If you’re lucky, Genya can make it over, but not you.

That’s a fate you’re willing to accept, however. You bide your time, and soon enough Mal is shouting that the sea whip is within sight. Harpoons are launched and the beast is dragged close to the ship. You have to hand it to Sturmhond, he picked his moment well. In all the tumult of trying to capture the sea whip, no one notices another ship approaching, especially not with Sturmhond’s Squallers conjuring up mists to disguise it. You’re certainly not about to inform the Darkling otherwise.

Before you know it, dozens of rogue sailors are appearing out of nowhere, securing the sea whip to their ship instead. You see Alina and Mal being tossed over to the ship, and through the chaos of the scene, you see Stumhond nod once at you. It’s time.

Genya is by your side; she doesn’t like to leave you, not when both of you feel so threatened by the Darkling’s wrath. You pull her close one last time, and whisper in her ear that you love her, you always will. Genya has just enough time to realize what you’re about to do. Her face drops with horror, but you’re spreading your hands, using your gifts as a Squaller to lift her carefully to the other ship. 

With the last of your energy, you join Sturmhond’s Grisha in pushing the Darkling’s ship away. You sense shadows looming around you, and then all is lost. The last sound you hear of your lover is her scream carried over to you by the whistling winds, begging you to return to her. You’re not sure that you will.

Although all Grisha feel protected by the Darkling’s might, none of you much like the idea of crossing him. The Darkling’s temper is infamous, his ideals of revenge bloody and brutal. You have the chance to understand that fully now that you’ve betrayed him by helping Genya and the others escape.

You are not sure of where you are, nor where you got where you did. All you know is pain, neverending pain, the howls of the Darkling’s merzost shadow creatures as they tear into your flesh and bone. The Darkling wants information, but you have none. You did not turn him into a rival agency, you simply wanted to protect your wife. He keeps searching, expecting some corner of your mind to give up your secrets if he applies enough pain, but there is nothing. Still, he keeps looking.

The names disappear first from your head. You’d thought it would be the faces. Usually, that’s how memories work, isn’t it? You picture scenes from your past but the characters themselves are blurred, blocked from you forever by an inability to remember the details. As the torture progresses, you start to forget just why you’d betrayed the Darkling that day on the ship. 

It was for someone, you remember that. A woman. A brief thought occurs to you that she was yours, but it disappears just as quickly. There’s a ring in your finger, but you can’t remember why. Those gaps in your memory aren’t enough to convince you to remove it, though. Something much deeper than your own distinct thoughts keeps the ring with you.

The pain stops eventually. It might be months later, maybe only weeks, but it is for quite a long time indeed. You run your hands over your face when that light pressure doesn’t produce agony and marvel at what your fingers find. You had a vague recollection of what you looked like, but the deep scars and gouges in the skin are new. One of your eyes is gone, plucked from your skull as penance. An eye for an eye. The Darkling was always quite literal in his threats.

There are fragments of memories swirling around in your subconscious. A woman with red hair, smiling at you and only you. The churning of a restless sea. Someone screaming a name that could be yours. You suppose you’ll never know why or how it happened. There is only the pain, and then the uneasy restlessness of being alone in endless darkness.

The Darkling comes for you again, forcing you to walk with him. He travels a great distance to somewhere that seems familiar. The merzost creatures snap at you, reminding you how much they enjoy the taste of your blood. You stay by yourself. You stare at your hands, which have remained untouched. Although the Darkling punishes traitors, he would never rob a Grisha of their gift. That is his idea of mercy.

You are needed some time later. The Darkling stands in the ruins of a church. He surveys a battered and bruised group of Grisha before him. They can’t see you, not yet, so you have a chance to study them. A quiet voice in your head whispers in shock that this can’t be it, that surely there are more of you. You have no idea what would tell it otherwise.

A girl at the front of the group, dark-haired, holds up her hands and they glow with light, forcing the shadows back. Another young woman stands at her side, her face as entrancing as a fantasy. Something twists in your throat, bringing tears to your eyes, and you realize she’s the redheaded woman from your dreams, the one who refuses to let you rest. Genya. Your Genya. Yours no longer.

As if reading your mind, the Darkling extends an arm, and you’re forced to your feet. Genya’s face contorts with horror, and you feel sickness expand in your stomach. She is beautiful, always has been, and what are you now? Some scarred thing, a wreck of blood and bone. If you were ever fit for her, you certainly aren’t now.

The sun-girl raises her arms, shouting for the rest to go. You stay motionless, waiting to die, but Genya rushes forward, dragging you back with her. You move on instinct, running with the rest of the pack until you stop moving. You hear whispers that you’re protected by the Soldat Sol and you’re in a place called the White Cathedral. You don’t like to talk to anyone much, even after the running starts and the hiding begins. The others have a way of staring and muttering that you don’t much like.

There is one person who refuses to leave you alone, though, and that is Genya. At first, you cannot fathom why. She keeps up a happy bubble of conversation, utterly one-sided. It only faltered once, and that was when the dark robe you wear shifted back to reveal your scarred hands. She saw the ring on your finger, how you stubbornly clutch to it like it might save your life, and burst into tears.

She was better after that, and slowly, carefully, you remember why it might have upset her. Genya is your wife. You are her husband. She thought you were dead, and in truth, you might be, but even in the midst of life-ending pain, you kept your wedding ring. That is love if nothing else.

As the memories start to piece themselves together again, you tell Genya to leave. She doesn’t deserve to be stuck with someone like you for the rest of your life. You are the thorns to her rose, scars and grief compared to a flawless image. She refuses every time, recounting how you’d stood by her when she needed help. You were the only one who saw her as more than a face, she said, and now she’ll do the same with you.

It will take a while to fully let yourself believe her. It will take longer to mend and heal and come back to who you were. Still, you think you’d like to try. It would be nice to be you again. It is good, then, that you have someone by your side who remembers who that was.

requested by @schroedingers-kater, i hope you enjoy!

grishaverse tag list: @rogueanschel, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @mxltifxnd0m, @story-scribbler, @thatfangirl42, @retvenkos, @amortensie, @gods-fools-heroes, @bl606dy, @auggie2000

[fanfics4world]

Nothing else matters

Word count: 1250

Pairings: Genya Safin x Fem!Reader

Summary: Shadows loom over both of you as you try to escape, you have one thing on your mind, protect her.

You were running through the stone corridors fleeing the darkness, looking for some source of light. You could hear the Nichevo'ya behind you.

Your hand was tightly gripped in Genya's, you were not going to let go, you were not going to lose her because of your brother's madness.

You turned a corner and came to a dead end corridor. You looked at Genya, whose face had an expression of pure terror.

"We're going to die…" she said defeated. You turned and held her face in your hands, lightly stroking her scars.

"No, do you hear me? We're not going to die, I won't allow it," then you saw it, a door to your right, you cursed yourself internally that you hadn't noticed.

"This way," you opened the door and both of you stepped inside, you had reached one of the kitchens. There seemed to be no way out. You heard the Nichevo'ya approaching the door.

No, this would not end like this. You ran to the dumbwaiter at the back and lifted the door, there was space for one person.

"Come in" you said to Genya, she hesitated for a moment, but finally entered the dumbwaiter.

"Y/N, how will we do it, there's only space for one-", before she could finish, you lowered the door and placed a board to lock it.

"Y/N? Y/N?! What are you doing?", Genya desperately tried to open the door, knocking as she watched you through the small mirror of the dumbwaiter.

"You will go up to the kitchens upstairs and wait for everything to pass" you said ignoring Genya's pleas for you to open the door.

"NO! Y/N! Please! I can't lose you, open the door!" tears welled up in Genya's eyes, the sight broke your heart, but it had to be this way.

"Genya, look at me, everything is going to be fine. But you have to promise me that you won't come out until it's completely safe" you said, Genya shook her head, but finally nodded.

You heard the Nichevo'ya knock on the door, they were coming in. "When you come out, find David and meet up with Alina and the others. I will come and get you, I promise" you said placing your hand on the glass.

"I love you Genya" you said before pressing the lever for the freight elevator to go up. You heard her screaming your name, but you snapped back to reality when you saw the kitchen door fly out and two Nichevo'ya coming in.

"Were you guys hungry? I'm afraid we finished all the soup" you said drawing your shadow sword.

"That was… heartwarming…" you saw your brother coming out from behind the Nichevo'ya. "Love… That was always your weakness little sister" Alexander said. You knew Alina wanted to take his life, but if the opportunity presented itself, you would do it yourself.

"At least my weakness was real, and not for the purpose of gaining more power" you replied, you saw Alexander's face become serious.

Genya had told you many times that your words would end up killing you, maybe the time had come.

"Everything I did was to protect us, to protect you!" he shouted, another lie…. This was starting to get repetitive.

"You did it for you, for your own ego. You said you created the shadow to protect the Grisha, and I believed you, I forgave you, because I thought you could change…. But I was wrong, you didn't change Alexander, you simply hid your plans…. And you almost killed us all" you answered.

"It hurts me that you think like that…. But I want you to remember, I gave you a choice" he said before disappearing surrounded by shadows.

[...]

Pain… That was all your body felt…. You fought, you tried, but those monsters were practically indestructible, not even your shadows could protect you.

And there you were, sitting against the kitchen wall, blood emanating from the hole in your abdomen, you would have rather died.

You felt your body numb, unable to move and you felt how with each breath, the next one became more difficult.

With all the pain going through you, you moved your hand and pulled out of your pocket a small black felt box.

Genya always said you should change color, but black would always be with you, even if you didn't want it, a constant reminder of your ancestors' deeds.

You opened the box with the press, and looked sadly at the ring, a red ruby on top.

Genya… The only light that was able to remain in your darkness, the light that guided you to do something you never thought you would experience again… Happiness…

"She's okay, you saved her…" you reminded yourself, and in that moment, nothing mattered. She was your world, and if she was okay, nothing else mattered.

"Y/N? Where are you taking me?" you turned to see Genya, hair was down and she had a smile on her face, there was a black blindfold covering her eyes.

You find yourselves walking through the corridors of the Little Palace, it was night time and everyone else was resting in their rooms.

"I have to show you something, it's a surprise" you said as you pulled her towards one of the balconies.

"Mmmm, I already deduced that from the tape covering my eyes" you couldn't help but laugh, which made Genya's smile widen.

You both stepped out onto the balcony. "Do you trust me?" you asked, you knew the answer, but you loved hearing it.

"Always," she said. You let go of her hand and closed the door. You stood behind her. "Ready?" you asked, Genya nodded. You removed the tape and watched as her eyes lit up.

The stars were shining brightly in the sky, reflecting in her pupils. "It's a beautiful night Y/N" she said looking at you. You grabbed her hand and both of you walked over to the stone railing.

"Despite the darkness of the sky, the stars shine, managing to pierce the darkness. In the old days they were used as maps to reach destinations, as guides" you explained while looking at the sky.

"You are my star Genya Safin, you broke through my darkness and shone, guiding me" you confessed.

Genya turned to look at you and your gazes met, you could get lost in those eyes a hundred times, you loved it.

"You are my light, my guide. You stayed with me despite my darkness, and I can never thank you enough for that" you said clasping her hands.

"But I can promise you that as long as you are with me, I will do everything in my power to make you happy, I will give you the world if you ask me to" you added and you could see how Genya tried not to cry.

"I love you Genya, as I have never loved anyone" you confessed.

Before you could say anything else, Genya's lips caught you. The kiss was sweet, but in that moment all promises were sealed.

Your hands traveled to her waist, pulling her closer to you. That moment was yours, nothing else mattered.

When you parted, your hands remained on her waist, and your foreheads pressed together.

"I don't need the world, because I have you Y/N"

"I love you" she said, in that moment you felt like the happiest person in the world. You were together, she was yours and you were hers.

You blinked several times coming back to reality.

You clenched the ring tightly in your hand.

"Forgive me Genya…", you let the darkness consume you with only one thought in mind.

Her.

A.N: Hello! I know I've been missing for a while, but I'm back with new ideas that I'll upload soon. As always, if you have any ideas or suggestions, write to me

[heliads]

'time to spare' - genya safin

Based on this request: "my beloved male Squaller is somehow stuck with Nikolai and they just… bicker and ma boi is just teasing him with Zoya like “I know you love her! Because you look like me when I talk about Genya! … and Zoya does too. When she talks about you.”"

masterlist

Keeping a king safe is a difficult and dangerous thing. The task is made exponentially more challenging when the king you’re meant to be protecting is even a little bit obstinate or hotheaded. When the king has lived a separate life as Sturmhond, one of the most infamous privateers to grace the True Sea, you might as well give up hope. Nikolai Lantsov may be the current king of Ravka, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped him from taking just as many risks as when he had commanded warships on the open ocean.

As a Squaller, you’ve been blessed with gifts beyond what a normal man could ever dream of achieving. Over the years, you’ve honed your ability to control wind and air to a knifepoint’s accuracy. You can hear intruders coming from leagues away. You can steal breath from a man’s lungs in the blink of an eye. However, there is one thing you can’t do, and that is to talk Nikolai out of a suicide mission when he feels it’s the right course of action to take.

You had tried, this time. Really, you had. While returning home from an important meeting with Ravkan nobles situated near Tsibeya, Nikolai had heard that some important hostages were being held in a keep just a short distance over the Fjerdan border. He had insisted that he would lead a charge to rescue the hostages, and despite your arguing that this was a terrible idea, the attack had been launched accordingly. You and Nikolai had gone along with maybe half a dozen other Ravkan guards.

Despite your best intentions, however, you were caught in the act of freeing the hostages. Nikolai had directed a couple of his guards to take the hostages and run. Seeing as you haven’t heard of them since, you can assume that they got to freedom, but you and Nikolai weren’t so lucky. A pair of other soldiers are imprisoned in a cell down the hall, and you and Nikolai share a similar block. Your hands are chained above your head, giving you just enough room to sit on the stone floor and lean against a wall for some semblance of comfort. 

Since your hands are bound, you can’t summon your Squaller abilities and Nikolai can’t pick the lock from his angle. The only thing left to do, then, is to wait for the guards to get back to camp and bring reinforcements. Unfortunately, neither you nor Nikolai are very good at waiting.

Barely an hour or two has passed before the two of you start getting impatient. There are Fjerdan guards somewhere out in the hall, although they’ve been careful to keep out of sight so as to disguise their numbers.

Nikolai whistles quietly under his breath. “D’you reckon they’d give me a deck of cards if I promised not to break out of here?” He asks you. “I’m kind of bored.”

“Your hands are chained together,” you note. “How in the Saints’ name would you play cards?”

Nikolai frowns. “I hadn’t considered that. Maybe we could use our toes?”

“I’m not touching cards that your toes have touched,” you tell him.

Nikolai makes a face. “They’re royal toes. I hear some people would consider anything touched by my toes a holy relic.”

“I believe the fact that I don’t think that is a strong reason that you hired me in the first place,” you remind him. “You were afraid that I would sell off your used handkerchiefs or something.”

Nikolai nods slightly, accepting this. “It was a real concern. Of course, you could sell off my handkerchiefs even if you didn’t believe they were religious relics, but I appreciate you abstaining from that. It would be dreadfully difficult to explain to the palace seamstresses if I constantly needed new ones.”

“That would be awful,” you remark. “Also, keep your voice down. If these Fjerdans haven’t clued onto the fact that you’re the king, I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Of course, my trusted guard,” Nikolai says. He attempts to salute you, but the chains make it difficult to fully complete the gesture. “I assumed they would have known by now, though. I saw them sending a scout out. Plus, they kept pointing at my face. I know it’s irresistibly attractive, but there’s no need to single me out like that unless they suspect something.”

You roll your eyes. “Maybe they were commenting on the fact that they’d never seen such a vain prisoner in their entire lives.”

“Or maybe they suspected a Lantsov,” Nikolai murmurs. “I’m out of royal uniform since we were traveling. Unless they’d personally seen me before, they’d have no reason to suspect I was anything more than a highly placed guard.”

You shrug as best you can despite the chains. “True. Then the only thing we can do right now is make sure we’re not here when they send someone who can recognize your face.”

Nikolai glances obviously at the chains securing both of your wrists, then the locked cell door. “That makes perfect sense to me. What’s your plan for getting out?”

You meet his stare unblinkingly. “I’m just the muscle, your highness. I believe you’re the one who’s meant to be coming up with plans.”

Nikolai mutters a few uncharitable curses, then adds on, “I suppose you’re right about that. Maybe Zoya will come and save us all. She’s prone to fantastic rescues.”

You can’t help but chuckle at the soft expression that comes over his face. “Of course your first thought goes straight to Zoya.”

Nikolai narrows his eyes at you. “What exactly is that supposed to mean? I am perfectly capable of referring to my second in command. I thought that was expected of first in commands.”

You bite back a laugh. “Of course it is. It’s just that you’re hopelessly in love with her, and that makes the whole affair rather amusing to watch.”

Nikolai’s jaw drops. He attempts to swat you on the hands for that sort of remark, but he just can’t manage it with the position of his chains, so he settles instead for sort of aggressively tapping your boot with his. “How dare you? Take that back at once.”

This time, you can’t help a proud grin. “Of course I won’t. You’re stuck in here with me, so I’ll say what we’ve all been wanting to say for a long time. You are in love with Zoya Nazyalensky.”

Nikolai’s brows jump comically. “Oh, all of us, huh? I want names, L/N.”

“I’m not going to rat out my own men,” you say exasperatedly, “Besides, I’d have to tell you the names of everyone in Os Alta. Except Zoya, of course. For some reason, she’s just as oblivious as you are.”

“Don’t call Zoya oblivious,” Nikolai says fiercely.

You fight the urge to groan. “See? This is exactly what I’m talking about. You can’t go an hour without bringing her up or otherwise defending her honor. You’re in love, Nik. Admit it.”

Nikolai purses his lips, looking studiously out the bars of the cell door instead of at you. “I don’t have to do anything of the sort. This is pure speculation.”

“It is not speculation,” you insist. “I know you’re in love because you look just like me whenever I talk about Genya.”

Nikolai frowns. “I don’t talk about Genya. No more than my job requires, of course.”

For such a clever fox, Nikolai can be decidedly thick-headed when he puts his mind to it. You fight the urge to scream and instead carry on with your argument. “I should hope you’re not talking about my wife like that. I’m right, though. There are parallels here, Nikolai. Serious parallels. I’m in love with Genya and you’re in love with Zoya. Can we agree on that?”

Nikolai is silent for a moment. At last, the tentative peace in the cell is broken by his quiet question, “Do you really think she loves me?”

You snort. “You don’t even have to ask.”

“I do,” Nikolai tells you. He looks directly at you, as if he could tell your truth from lies by just the movement of your pupils. “Does Zoya love me?”

“Yes,” you say firmly. “She loves you just as much as you love her.”

Nikolai releases a breath, crumpling back against the cell wall again. “Saints. I didn’t even know.”

“You were scared to admit it was a possibility,” you correct. “But I think you did know.”

“Maybe,” Nikolai says. “Kings aren’t supposed to be scared.”

“Men are,” you say simply. “It’s not a bad thing. Saints know I was positively petrified to tell Genya how I felt.”

Nikolai chokes out a laugh. “Oh, I almost forgot about that. You were a mess for days leading up to it.”

You shrug. “And look where it got me. I’m a married man, Nikolai. Things work out.”

“Things work out,” he repeats slowly, going over the words like they were a mantra or a prayer.

Maybe he really did mean it as a prayer, because silence has hardly settled over the cell again before the door at the far end of the hall flies open, slamming into the wall with a deafening thud. The Fjerdan guards rise to meet the challenge, but they’re immediately forced to the ground by a mass of fierce wind so strong it might as well have been a solid wall.

A grin rises to your lips. You’ve only seen one Squaller quite so powerful as that. “Looks like you’ll get the chance to tell her sooner rather than later.”

Nikolai sits up interestedly. Seconds later, two women are standing in front of your cage door. The Squaller who had taken out the guards is unlocking the door, her sapphire kefta dotted slightly with ice crystals from the journey to the stronghold, but you can’t spare one glance at Zoya Nazyalensky, too interested in the the woman next to her, the one in the ruby kefta who’s beaming at you.

“Genya,” you croak out.

She smiles, flying into the cell the second Zoya gets the door open. She falls to her knees in front of you, hurriedly undoing your chains so she can take you into her arms the second the cuffs are off. You can feel the slow rush of blood and power returning to your veins, but that doesn’t feel half so good as being back with your wife.

“How did you find us?” You ask, cupping Genya’s face gently with your hands.

She smiles. “The scouts sent word as fast as we could. After that, we wasted no time saving you.”

“No, you didn’t,” Nikolai says. Zoya has let him out and they’re standing opposite each other, exchanging nervous and tentative glances. You know those sorts of looks, you’ve had your share of them with Genya.

You glance back at Genya, who’s smiling softly at the scene, and take her hand. “Let’s free the other guards,” you suggest quietly. “I think these two might want some time to talk.”

Genya nods, leading you back out into the hall. Once you’re free of the cell, you pull Genya in for a sweet kiss. “Thanks for the rescue,” you tell her.

She beams again. Alina Starkov may be the only known Sun Summoner, but you swear there’s pure sunlight in each one of Genya’s smiles. “Any time,” she says. “Just don’t make it a habit.”

“I’ll do my best,” you promise. It’s one oath you don’t mind swearing. Your favorite promise of all has already been made, but this one isn’t all that bad, either.

requested by @reinekes-fox, i hope you enjoy!

grishaverse tag list: @rogueanschel, @deadreaderssociety, @cameronsails, @mxltifxnd0m, @story-scribbler, @retvenkos, @mayfieldss, @eclliipsed, @gods-fools-heroes, @bl606dy, @auggie2000, @baju69, @crazyhearttragedy, @budugu, @aoi-targaryen

all tags list: @wordsarelife

[fanfics4world]

Daughter of the Shadow

Word count: 3699

Pairings: Genya Safin x Fem!Reader

Summary: Genya discovers the origin of your nickname and the torment it causes you.

Genya stood at the entrance to the Little Palace, it had been a couple of weeks since, to her surprise, the Queen gave her to you, making her your servant. She knew you had had something to do with it.

"Waiting for the Daughter of the Shadow?", Genya turned to look at Zoya, confusion on her face.

Zoya rolled her eyes. It wasn't the first time Genya had heard that nickname, many Grisha referred to you that way when you weren't present. "I'm surprised you managed to survive being so naive," Genya held back the urge to punch her.

Before she could say anything else. They were interrupted by the sound of a horse riding. Genya turned and a smile formed on her face.

There you were, mounted on Storm, your black as night horse. You got off the horse and stroked him before handing the reins to one of the soldiers to lead him to the stables.

Genya walked towards you, ignoring Zoya's sigh. You smiled as soon as you saw her. "I'm sorry I was late, I know we were supposed to meet half an hour ago to get ready for the dance, but we had a setback" you said.

Genya's heart skipped a beat, we. When she was handed to you, you had always treated her as an equal.

"Mmmm, that mishap wouldn't have anything to do with the cut on her cheek would it?" she said. You couldn't help but smile. "I promise I didn't mean to, but Storm thought I had the ability to break through branches" you replied. Genya sighed before grabbing your wrist and dragging you towards the Little Palace.

When you arrived at your room, Genya sat you on the chair in front of your dressing table. "I'm going to heal your cut, you're lucky it's not too deep, there won't be a scar" she said approaching you.

At that moment her scent flooded you, your knees touched her thighs and you felt warmth on your cheeks. Genya gently ran her thumb over the cut, healing it, when she withdrew her hand, you missed her touch.

She turned away from you to fetch her briefcase. "By the way, where were you?" she asked, she surprised herself by talking so comfortably and confidently with you, but it was inevitable, you were always telling her that with you she didn't have to pretend, that she could be herself.

You smiled at the question. "It's a secret" you replied, Genya turned to look at you with a raised eyebrow. "A secret? I see... Well I hope that secret was worth it, considering you kept me waiting for half an hour on my feet" she replied placing the briefcase on the dressing table.

You groaned. " I'm sorry... Can I do anything to make it up to you?" you asked. "Yes, hold still while I get you ready" she replied, you smiled. "Yes ma'am"

[...]

There was an hour left for the party, you sent Genya to get ready in her room, arguing that you could take care of getting dressed. You had agreed to meet in the living room.

You looked at yourself in the mirror satisfied. Genya had used two sections of your hair to form two braids that came together as one at the back, leaving the rest of your hair free.

Your dress was long and black, with gold line patterns on the shoulders.

Genya was already at the party, waiting for you. "Genya, what a surprise to see you here so early," she turned to see General Kirigan, she nodded her head. "Yes sir, Y/N dismissed me early and I am waiting for her", he nodded.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" asked Genya, there was something that had been going around in her head since that morning.

"Of course, let's go somewhere quieter," Genya followed Kirigan out of the main hall and they both walked down the quiet hallways.

"What's wrong Genya?" he asked. "It's about Y/N, first of all, she's fine. But there's something I couldn't overlook" replied Genya, Kirigan gestured for her to continue.

"Why do they call her the Daughter of the Shadow?" she asked, Kirigan paused to look at her. "Who called her that?" she asked, her face serious, clearly annoyed.

"I've heard it from some Grisha, I don't know their names" Genya answered, for a moment she thought about telling on Zoya, but she didn't. Kirigan sighed.

"As you may have gathered, Y/N is different, not only in terms of her manner, but her actions as well. She's not one to hang back when the opportunity to fight presents itself" Kirigan confessed.

"She was a soldier?", Kirigan nodded. "One of the best soldiers in the First Army" he replied.

"Some years ago, she and the Grisha of her squadron were sent through the shadow to try to stop a revolt that had formed in the harbor. No one knows what happened that day, only that within hours, she alone crawled out of the shadow, carrying with her the corpse of one of her comrades" Kirigan said looking through the window.

"The Daughter of the Shadow..." Genya muttered, she was beginning to understand where the nickname came from. "That event changed her, she left the First Army and came to the Little Palace" Kirigan replied.

"Hey, I've been looking for you" they both turned to see you, there you were, with a smile on your face, Genya would never have guessed you would have gone through that.

"You look spectacular sister, let's hope the Queen doesn't feel her beauty threatened" Kirigan said and you couldn't help but laugh.

Genya looked at you from head to toe, you were so beautiful...

"Shall we go to the party?" you asked offering your arm to Genya, who nodded towards Kirigan before accepting it and walking away towards the main hall.

That didn't go unnoticed by your brother, he knew from the first moment you practically begged him to free Genya from the Queen and make her your servant, that between the two of you there was something more.

You looked... Happy.

[...]

Genya had tried with all her might to try to keep you from going overboard with the alcohol, but failed miserably, seeing how you were now a drunken mess.

Your hair was now completely loose, an hour ago you had decided to remove your braids, you were disheveled, but you looked beautiful in Genya's eyes.

And there you were, chatting happily with a Grisha girl, Genya felt something inside her, and that feeling only intensified when the girl touched your arm in a provocative way. She wouldn't allow that.

"Come on Y/N, it's time to rest, tomorrow you'll have a very big hangover," Genya practically pulled you out of the conversation you were having with some Grisha girls and pulled you towards the door.

You groaned, you wanted to keep having fun, although it was true that everything was starting to move too much.

" It's not fair, I wanted to keep talking to her, she seemed nice, I was making a friend" you said as you walked down the hallway. "I don't think she had that intention with you" Genya replied.

At that moment something similar clicked in your fuzzy mind and you stopped, looking at Genya with a smile. You walked towards her slowly. "Are you jealous Miss Safin?" you asked, Genya blushed.

"You're drunk and it's my job to take care of you" was all Genya replied before continuing to drag you towards your room. But the smile on your face didn't disappear.

When you got to your room, you practically threw yourself on the bed, Genya knew it would be impossible to convince you to take off your dress and remove your makeup, so she opted to cover you with a blanket.

She was about to leave when you grabbed her wrist. "Could you stay?", Genya didn't know if it was you or the alcohol talking, but she certainly wasn't going to say no to you.

You rolled a little to make room for Genya, as soon as she lay down, you covered her with the blanket and laid your head on her chest. Which made Genya blush like a tomato. "Good night Genya" you said, she smiled. "Good night Y/N."

"Another letter from your brother?" you turned to look at Daniel, who was folding his Inferni Kefta. "Yeah, you know, just the same old thing. The First Army is no place for you, go back to the Little Palace, blah blah blah" you replied throwing the letter into the fireplace.

"We have work to do!", Malik and Kesha walked through the tent door. "I swear as it's another time chasing some group of protesters I'll ask Nina to stop my heart" said Daniel. "No, we'll go through the shadow, apparently there's been a riot in the harbor" Kesha replied.

"Well let's get going, let it not be said that the First Army is late" said putting your Kefta.

The four of you climbed up the Skiff. "I still think you and your brother might I don't know, try to absorb the shadow" Malik said as he climbed up so he could push the sail. You let out a sigh. "Do I look like a sponge or something?" you asked. "If you're able to soak up that much alcohol, I'm sure you could handle the shadow" said Daniel.

"Kesha, do you think we need Daniel? I think we could throw him to the Volcra as a distraction while we cross," you heard Kesha laugh and Daniel put a hand to his chest, pretending to be offended.

"Quiet guys, it's time," Kesha motioned for Malik to start pushing the Skiff into the shadow.

As always, all you received was an eerie silence, interrupted momentarily by the shrieking of the Volcra.

"Looks like they are anxious today" you whispered looking at Kesha, you were listening to the Volcra too close for your liking.

You looked up, watching as several Volcra flew over you, it didn't look good. "I think we should turn ba-", before you could say anything else, you watched as a Volcra swooped down on Kesha, digging its claws into her back before taking her flying away. Kesha's scream was heartbreaking, Daniel stood at your side, ready to fight.

"Malik! Take us back! Now!" you shouted, Malik began to carry the Skiff back to the harbor as several Volcra swooped down on you.

You summoned the slash, managing to knock down one of the Volcra, which fell dead on the deck. Daniel began firing volleys of fire at the Volcra.

One of them lunged at Malik, causing him to fall to the deck. You approached him as Daniel tried to keep the Volcra at bay. "Malik! Come on! Wake up!" you yelled shaking him, then you saw the blood pouring from the back of his head, starting to form a puddle around him. He was dead.

You didn't have time to cry when you heard Daniel scream, you turned to see him trying to wriggle out of the Volcra's grip, he threw a flame towards it, which made the Volcra let go, but he fell out of the Skiff, into the sand.

Before you could process what had just happened, you heard the scream of a Volcra and instantly an agonizing pain shot through your back, you felt its claws tear at your flesh.

Lifting you into the air, ignoring the pain, you pulled out your knife and plunged it into its leg, which made the Volcra let go of you.

You fell on the sand with a thud, you raised your head in a daze, you saw Daniel a couple of meters away from you.

Despite the pain, you crawled towards him, seeing out of the corner of your eye how several Volcra were fighting over Malik's corpse, that made you want to vomit.

"Come on Daniel, we have to get out of here" you said, he didn't respond, he was on the verge of unconsciousness. You managed to lift him up and started walking back to the port. "Hold on a little longer, we'll get out, you'll be healed and we'll be back to destroy these sons of bitches" you said, but he didn't respond. His eyes were closed. You held back the tears, no you were not going to let him die here.

You glimpsed the light. "We're almost there," you said. The pain was indescribable, but you were not going to surrender at the feet of your brother's creations.

When you stepped foot out of the shadow, everything went black.

You stood up startled, you felt tears running down your face. The moment you felt a tap on your shoulder, you practically jumped, summoning the slash to kill the Volcra.

"Hey, hey, Y/N calm down, it's just me, Genya.... You're safe," you didn't hear her.

You collapsed to the ground, unable to hold back your sobs. You clutched your head tightly, waiting for death to come to you.

Genya carefully got up from the bed, not wanting to make you more nervous than you already were. You looked so... Broken. You didn't look like the Y/N I had known, the confident, sarcastic girl who always wore a smile, this was the side of you that you hid from everyone, the suffering you carried.

Your breathing was irregular, you were having a panic attack. Genya knelt in front of you, hesitating whether to touch you or not. "Y/N, look at me, you have to breathe" Genya said, but it seemed that for you it didn't exist, you were trapped in the memory.

You felt completely numb. The throbbing in your ears increased considerably in volume.

Thump thump.

Thump thump.

They are dead!

Thump thump.

Coward!

¡Thump thump!

Weak!

¡Thump thump!

It was your fault!

¡Thump thump!

You couldn't save them!

¡Thump thump!

You killed them!

¡Thump thump!

Y/N

¡Thump thump!

Y/N

¡Thump thump!

¡Y/N!

¡Thump thump!

¡Thump thump!

¡Thump thump!

Then, like a snap, the pounding disappeared and an eerie silence surrounded her. Slowly, she realized that she was sitting with her knees drawn up to her chest and her hands covering her ears, nails digging into her scalp. She slowly opened her eyes and blinked furiously to clear her vision. After blinking for a few seconds, which seemed like an eternity, her vision went from fisheye to normal perspective. It was at that moment that he realized he was rocking back and forth.

You got some control of your limbs and slowly moved your head up and then realized that you were no longer in the skiff. You were in your room, leaning against the wall. You blinked slowly as you realized that there was a shadowy figure right in front of you. After a few minutes, the figure began to move and your vision cleared just in time to see who exactly was in front of you.

Genya.

You saw Genya's mouth open and close, but no words came out.

You shook your head hard to try to clear your senses. It took several shakes before you finally regained your hearing, but a bleeding ringing sound appeared in your ear. The loud ringing sound made you nauseous. You lowered your head again and dug your nails even deeper into your head, groaning in pain.

What is happening to me?

"Y/N," Genya's calm, soothing voice interrupted your dark thoughts.

You slowly raised your head and looked into Genya's blue eyes. She was like the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

"Y/N, breathe with me."

You opened your mouth to try to refuse that offer, well to try to say anything, but you realized you still couldn't speak. In fact, only a shaky sob escaped your throat. It was now that you realized you were crying. Sobbing, technically. You were sobbing so hard you couldn't breathe.

Shaky gasps escaped you and you realized you weren't getting enough air in your lungs.

Asphyxiation? Is this how I die?

"Y/N. Breathe with me. Ten" Genya began her counting technique.

You shook your head as you took agitated breaths. You couldn't calm down.

"Ten!"

"T-te-te-te-ten!"

"Nine!"

Oh God- “N-n-ni-nine”

"Eight!"

"E-eigh-eight-"

"Seven!"

I can't- "S-s-sev-seven!"

"Six!"

"S-six"

"Five!"

Please- "F-five"

"Four!"

"F-four"

"Three!"

Genya, please... "Three"

"Two!"

"Two..."

"One"

"One"

Genya let out a sigh of relief. "Good job, Y/N"

You finally felt the numbness leave your body and were able to breathe normally. You let out a deep, shuddering breath and withdrew your hands from your head, letting them drop to your side. You uncurled your knees, resting your legs on the floor, and leaned your head back against the wall. Since you felt all your senses return, you immediately felt sick to your stomach and a wave of dizziness swept over you. You squeezed your eyes shut and grumbled.

"Damn it!"

"What's wrong?", Genya asked worriedly.

"Sick..."

"Are you feeling sick?" asked Genya.

You raised your hands to cover your eyes and groaned, rubbing your palms against your eyes. You removed your hands and opened your eyes to see black spots clouding your vision. You blinked once more before looking at the woman in front of you. You noticed her rigid posture; she was squatting on her heels as if ready to pounce at any moment.

"What... what happened?" you said haltingly.

Genya watched you.

She will try to lie. She's trying to protect you.

You stretched your hands against the wall and tried to get up from the floor to stand up. However, you didn't get very far before you felt a strong grip on your bicep. Genya was suddenly in front of you, looking you straight in the eye. Her lips were in a thin line, indicating that she was angry.

"Stop," she commanded with a single word.

"Genya, let go of me!" you shouted as you struggled against the woman's grip.

"I'll only let go if you promise to sit still for a while. Try to get your bearings" Genya said sternly, trying to reason with her.

"Genya..." you groaned but you were physically and emotionally exhausted that you simply gave in and slid back to the ground.

Genya waited a moment before slowly releasing your bicep. However, she stood right in front of you and watched you intently. She was giving you a look of concern and love. It was a look Genya had given you many times since you met, but now it hurt you more than ever. So much so that you closed your eyes and turned your head.

"I have to go out..."

You didn't need to look at the other to see her look of concern; you could feel it.

"Y/N, are you sure? We can wait until-"

"I need to get out, Genya. Please!"

Genya stared at you for a long moment before nodding reassuringly. She moved her hands from your knees to your trembling, clammy hands and gently helped you to your feet. She stayed by your side, keeping a strong grip on you as you stumbled on shaky legs. Genya's left arm moved to your shoulders, keeping you close. Together, you slowly walked out of the room.

It took you a while, but you finally reached one of the balconies of the Little Palace.

You thanked the Saints as the cool night air hit you.

"I'm sorry..." you said, Genya looked at you confused.

"You shouldn't have seen that, but I heard you talking to my brother, and... Oh my God, I could have killed you thinking you were a Volcra!" you said holding your hands to your head.

"Hey, hey, Y/N, it's okay, I'm fine. I know you would never hurt me," Genya said grabbing your hands, you looked at her, despite looking disheveled, she looked beautiful, she was beautiful.

"I know but..." you sighed, lightly squeezing her hands. "I would have preferred you not to see me like this, so... weak." 

"You're not weak, do you hear me? You went through something horrible and the fact that you managed to stay on your feet is admirable. You may be a lot of things Y/N Kirigan, but you are not weak" Genya said, you looked at her carefully. 

You had met many people over the years, due to your long life, but none like Genya, you thanked the Saints for Genya coming into your life.

Genya took a step forward, your hands still clasped together, you could feel your breath against your lips and you were holding back all the desire you had to kiss her at that moment.

She lifted one of her hands and caressed your cheek. "You're amazing Y/N" she said, her gaze drifted down to your lips and then met yours again. 

It was over, you couldn't avoid it anymore. You quickly crossed the little space that separated you and captured her lips with yours. Genya was surprised, but didn't hesitate to continue the kiss, at that moment she felt like the happiest person in all of Rafka. 

Genya felt something burst in her chest and a strange tingling ran through her whole body. Y/N's lips caressed hers, tenderly, and lovingly. Y/N released her hands and grabbed her waist, pulling her closer.

When they parted to catch their breath, their foreheads remained pressed together. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do this" you sighed. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to do it" Genya replied, you smiled broadly.

"So you really were jealous before" you said, Genya rolled her eyes, but you saw her smile. "I wasn't jealous, I just don't like other Grisha to get close to my girl" she replied.

"Well, you shouldn't worry, because this girl is madly in love with you" you answered, this time it was Genya who pulled you closer to her, melting you in another kiss.

That was your moment, no nightmares, no torment. Only your love.

"Let's go back to bed honey, it's starting to get cold in here"

[fanfics4world]

Our Little Secret - Part 3

Pairings: Alina Starkov x Fem!Reader

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Summary: Alina Starkov must confront the truth behind Y/N's mask. In a world where lineage rules fate, Alina is challenged to decide if her growing love for Y/N can overcome the barriers of identity and power.

Word count: 2185

The ballroom of the Little Palace was a dreamlike spectacle, a testament to the grandeur and splendor of Ravka. Beneath a vaulted ceiling, crystal chandeliers hung like captured constellations, showering the guests with light. Candles flickered on each table, reflecting golden sparkles on the intricately decorated masks of the attendants, each a work of art in itself. The walls were adorned with tapestries telling stories of heroes and battles past, while marble columns rose majestically, guarding the evening's ball.

In the center of the hall, an orchestra played melodies that evoked both nostalgia and the promise of new beginnings.

The crowd at the masked ball was a living mosaic of secrets and fantasies. Guests, hidden behind their masks, were transformed into characters from fairy tales and ancient legends. There were masks adorned with feathers reminiscent of exotic birds from distant lands, and others encrusted with gems that sparkled like shooting stars. Some faces were covered with masks that mimicked the nobility of forest animals, while others opted for the elegance of simplicity, with smooth masks that only revealed the eyes, windows to the soul that could not be disguised.

Gestures and glances were charged with meaning, each nod of the head or smile hidden behind a mask was a language of its own that everyone seemed to understand. Guests moved with a freedom freed by anonymity, sharing dances and conversations with people who, under the light of day, might pass unrecognized. The night of the masked ball was a parenthesis in reality, a moment where hierarchy and rules vanished, and everyone could be whoever they wanted to be, if only for a few hours.

Alina made her way through the crowd, her eyes scanning every face behind the masks, searching for the one that carried the promise of a meeting. The Black Dahlia was her beacon in a sea of disguises, but as time passed and her girl failed to appear, a shadow of doubt began to cloud her hope. "What if she doesn't come?" she thought, her heart beating in time to the music, but to a tune of uncertainty.

Just as worry threatened to take hold of her, the crowd parted like the Red Sea, and a figure made its entrance. On her head, a crown not of jewels, but of dark, elegant flowers: black dahlias that seemed to absorb the light and whispers around her. It was her, as mysterious and magnetic as the night they met. Alina felt everything in her soar, as if the wings of hope had lifted her off the ground. The waiting was over, and the night promised to be unforgettable.

Heart pounding with anticipation, Alina made her way through the crowd, her eyes fixed on the crown of black dahlias adorning the head of Y/N. As she approached, Y/N turned to her, and a smile lit up her face, a smile that seemed to capture all the candlelight and reflect it back into the world.

"I thought you weren't coming" Alina confessed, her voice barely audible over the music and conversations that filled the room.

Y/N took Alina's hand, intertwining her fingers with hers. "I wouldn't miss this for the world" Y/N replied, her voice a whisper that promised adventure and shared secrets. With a smooth, deliberate movement, Y/N brought Alina's hand to her lips and deposited a light kiss, a gesture that sealed their meeting and promised so much more.

Alina gasped, Y/N's kiss had been gentle but loaded with meaning, and in that moment, she knew the night was just beginning.

The music softened into a slow, enveloping melody, an open invitation to those present to join in a more intimate dance. Y/N leaned slightly toward Alina, offering her her hand with an elegance that seemed innate. "Would you concede me this dance?" she asked, her voice a silken thread in the air charged with anticipation.

Alina, whose breathing had quickened at Y/N's proximity, nodded, her heart pounding in time to the music. "I would be honored" she replied, and taking Y/N's hand, she let herself be led onto the dance floor.

Under the celestial dome of the ballroom, Y/N and Alina found themselves at the epicenter of a universe in motion. The orchestra played a melody that seemed to have been composed just for them, a song that spoke of secret longings and unspoken promises. As their hands met and their bodies lined up for the dance, the world around them faded away, leaving only the truth of their connection in the space between their intertwined gazes.

Y/N guided Alina with a confidence that contrasted with the softness of her touch. Each step was a word in the silent dialogue they shared, each turn a sentence in the story they were writing together. Alina let herself go with the flow of the music, trusting Y/N to guide her through the tide of emotions the music stirred within her.

The candlelight played over their faces, illuminating the moments of closeness and shading the moments of separation, as if even light and dark conspired to enhance the dance of their souls. Alina could feel Y/N's heartbeat through the thin fabric of her dress, an echo of her own heartbeat, and wondered if Y/N could feel the same.

In Y/N's eyes, Alina saw her own feelings reflected: a mixture of awe, happiness and a touch of fear at the intensity of what they were experiencing. It was a fear they didn't want to name, because giving it voice might make it real, and neither of them was ready to face the possibility of an end to the magical night they shared.

As the song reached its climax, Y/N and Alina drew even closer, their foreheads almost touching, breathing the same air, sharing the same moment suspended in time. "Do you feel this?" whispered Alina, her voice trembling with the vulnerability of the question.

"I'm feeling it," Y/N replied, her voice steady and full of an emotion that didn't need words to be understood. "I'm feeling everything"

The last note of the melody faded into the air, and Y/N and Alina remained on the dance floor, their bodies still close after the intimate dance. Alina's breath hitched as Y/N leaned toward her, her eyes reflecting a mixture of desire and silent question. The distance between them narrowed to a whisper, and just as Y/N's lips were about to touch Alina's, a voice echoed above the murmur of the crowd.

"Y/N" General Kirigan called, his authoritative voice cutting through the tense thread of anticipation.

They both startled, pulling slightly apart. Y/N turned her head in the direction of the voice, her expression hidden behind the mask, but Alina could see the stiffness of her posture, the way her hand tensed briefly before releasing his.

General Kirigan strode steadily through the crowd, his presence imposing a respectful silence around them. Alina watched, with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, as he approached them. Y/N, for her part, maintained her composure, her face impassive behind the mask.

"What a surprise to find you here"

"Brother," Y/N replied, her tone lacking the usual warmth one would expect at a family reunion. "I don't see why it would be a surprise. After all, it is your dance"

General Kirigan sketched a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "You've always preferred books to dances," he commented, his gaze sliding to Alina for a moment before returning to his sister. "But I'm glad to see you among us tonight"

Y/N nodded, her attention still divided between duty and desire. "Yes, well, sometimes even bookworms need to come out of their holes" she said, her voice as controlled as her posture.

General Kirigan nodded, his expression indelible. "Enjoy the dance, sister" he said before turning and disappearing into the crowd, leaving Y/N and Alina alone once more, but with the tension of the moment still palpable in the air.

The music still vibrated in the air, a distant echo of the intimacy they had shared. Alina opened her mouth, the words ready on the tip of her tongue.

But Y/N stepped forward, her voice soft but firm. "I'm sorry, I have to go" she said, and before Alina could respond, Y/N turned and slipped into the crowd. Her figure faded with each step, as if melting into the shadows of the hall, leaving Alina with a pounding heart and a thousand unanswered questions.

Alina stood there, transfixed, as the reality of the masquerade ball once again took hold around her. Y/N's absence was a cold void in her chest, a space that only she could fill.

The music of the masquerade ball was still echoing in Alina's ears as Genya approached with a curious smile plastered on her face. "Where's your mystery girl?" she asked, her voice full of playful interest.

Alina, still recovering from Y/N's sudden departure, turned to her friend. "She's gone" she replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Genya frowned, her gaze scanning the room for the elusive figure. "Who is she? Don't tell me she's another bored Grisha in search of adventure"

"No, she's..." Alina paused, the revelation hanging in the air like a dangerous promise. "She's Y/N. Y/N Kirigan"

Surprise was painted on Genya's face, her eyes widened. "The Dark One's sister?"

Alina nodded, her gaze lost in the spot where Y/N had disappeared moments before. "Yes, but there's something about her, something more than her last name and all that it implies"

"Well?" Genya's voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Are you going to let a last name decide the course of your heart?"

Alina paused, looking at her friend. "I don't know," she admitted. "It's complicated. The Kirigan last name... it carries a lot of weight"

Genya nodded, understanding. "But you're not one to scare easily," she said with an encouraging smile. "Y/N is more than her last name, and you know it"

Alina pondered Genya's words, feeling the truth of them settle in her chest. "You're right," she finally said. "What I feel for Y/N is real, beyond who her family is"

"Then go and look for her," Genya urged, giving her a gentle nudge. "Before the night is over and you're left wondering what might have been"

With a new sense of determination, Alina nodded. She turned and began to make her way back to the ballroom, each step strengthening her resolve. She was going to find Y/N, to face the maze together, for what lay between them was something no family name could change.

The great hall of the Little Palace was a tapestry of light and shadow, each lit candle a star guiding the lost. Alina Starkov, in her silver feathered mask, glided among the guests like a ghost in search of a sign, the Black Dahlia, the flower that would be the key to finding Y/N in the multitude of hidden faces.

The night wore on, and with each failed encounter, Alina's hope faded like candle smoke. But then, as if fate had aligned with her desire, she saw her. Y/N was alone, gazing at the night sky from the solitude of an ivy-adorned balcony.

"Why didn't you tell me who you were?" Alina's question broke the silence, her voice trembling but steady, like an arrow aimed at the heart of truth.

Y/N slowly removed her mask, revealing her moonlit face, so vulnerable and sincere. "I was afraid," she admitted with an honesty that made her voice tremble. "Afraid that you would see me only as the Darkling sister and not as... me, that's what always happens"

Alina took a step forward, closing the distance between them, her hand reaching for Y/N's. "I could never," she said softly, her words a balm to Y/N's tormented soul. "I see you, Y/N, not your last name, not your brother's shadow, but the woman who has captured my heart with her courage and her passion"

Y/N smiled, relieved and excited, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "So, does this mean you still want to...?" her question hung in the air, a delicate thread waiting to be knotted.

"I want it all" Alina interrupted, her voice a determined whisper that sealed her fate. And before Y/N could say another word, before she could express all the fears and dreams she held inside, Alina kissed her on the lips. A kiss that was a promise, a silent pact that spoke of a future together, beyond titles and masks, in a place where only the two of them mattered.

The kiss was a turning point, a before and after in the story of their lives. And when they finally parted, with the world spinning around them, they knew nothing would ever be the same. Because in that moment, in that kiss, they had found something worth fighting for, something worth protecting: their love.