#nina's kitchen adventures

[darlingaffogato]

a thought re: cooking i just had while looking through bread recipes -> i think for people who are USED to cooking, it can be easy for us to lose sight of the (deep airquotes) "basic" bits of the cooking process.

like, for all of the bread recipes i've hoarded, i think i've only seen maybe 2 that mention the water that you should be adding to your yeast is distilled water, bc a lot of tap water has additives in it meant to inhibit the growth of things like yeast. and, yes, sure, once you say that out loud, it makes a lot of sense that you wouldn't want to use tap water in your bread recipes.

BUT if it makes so much sense, WHY do so few recipes mention that? most people, just starting out, will use what they have access to, which is often tap water. and after two, three, four, failed attempts at making bread bc their yeast just won't rise, they're probably likely to say, "fuck it, guess i wasn't meant to bake!" i'm a fairly good cook, and i went through this, only figuring out what i was doing wrong after going down a rabbit hole.

i was joking about another, unrelated cooking mishap to my bff, and i jokingly said, "no, i really need cookbook authors to start writing 'basic dumb bitch beginner' versions of their recipes!" bc tiny little "basic" things that they leave out (in THAT case, that you need to squeeze the water out of a block of tofu before you cook it, even after you drain the package) without even thinking about it may leave some people thinking "oh, well, guess i'm just a terrible cook!! 🙃"

i'm not sure what i'm trying to say here, but i think that as much fun as it might be making fun of ppl who don't know how to do ~basic~ tasks, it might in fact be better to make sure that "basic knowledge" is actually basic and common!

[affogatoflavor]

ok, beginning a list of recipes i want to try!

Homemade Chicken Ravioli, tho i will do a few tweaks

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings!

Chicken Paprikash

[stylesnews]

harris_reed: At 18 I found myself living in london creating ruffle blouses, corsets, fabric flowers and flares from my kitchen floor with the help of my friends eating late night McDonalds. My creations at the time were met with nothing but criticism for being “too feminine” or “costume”, teachers said I should focus on “menswear” or “womenswear”. l remember it really wasn’t until I started dressing for myself and who I was that it all clicked. @harrystyles was my first ever client who embraced the fun, fluid and expressive clothing I was creating. To be able to now be creating not only for my own brand, but for my dream brand @ninaricci, I’m beyond honoured. I give you Harry Styles on the Brits red carpet in Nina Ricci tailoring… a little sneak peek of what’s coming next month. @harry_lambert thank you for always being the light through all these adventures I can not wait for our Nina Runway debut!

[bullet-prooflove]

LongDistance!Series - Part Three: Home - Manny x Reader

Tagging:  @darqchilddaydreamz  @theesirenteller @wnbweasley @crazy4chickennuggets @kmc1989 @withakindheartx @skyesthebomb @delightfulbelieverwerewolf @redpool @trublu2u @fleureeee @thiashazzywriting @lauraaan182 @hatersaremymotivators @fanfic-n-tabulous @ravennaortiz @just-a-throw-away @yousigned-upforthis @kabloswrld @keyweegirlie @@pansexualhailstorm @wabi-sabi1090

Part One: Melina - Manny x Reader - Manny's daughter wants to meet you.

Part Two: Club Business (feat: Hank Loza) - Manny finally sits down with Hank Loza to discuss his relationship with you.

Another postcard, another country, another city.

It’s Italy this time, Verona.

In the past few weeks, Manny’s received one from both Milan and Pisa.

He looks at his fridge, inundated with the evidence of your adventures and he wonders what he’ll do when he runs out of space, where he’ll put them all then. It occurs to him that he’s thinking in the long term, not months but years down the line. You out there exploring the world, him here managing his club. It shouldn’t work but somehow it does. He’s the stable presence in your life, the grounding force and you’re his wildness, the part of him that remembers how to live.

“Put them in a scrapbook.” His daughter Melina suggests as she perches at the kitchen table, carefully cutting out a picture of an elephant from a magazine he’d picked up.

“That’s not a bad idea.” You say from the phone propped up against the saltshaker on the table. “You’re going to have to help him choose one though because his taste is a little…”

Manny knows you’re pulling a face, it’s in the way Melina laughs.  

The three of you have been video chatting regularly since the initial introduction over a month ago. You’ve become as integral to their routine as breathing. Manny looks up from chopping peppers before handing off a slice to Melina, she crunches it between her teeth.

“Orange is his favourite colour.” Melina says with a sigh, picking up one of her colouring pens to show you. “He thinks it goes with everything.”

“It does.” Manny argues, rolling his eyes before he washes his hands in the sink. “It’s bright, it’s uplifting, who doesn’t want that in a colour? It’s you two that are wrong, who likes the colour blue, it’s dour, depressing.”

“Relaxing, soothing.” You correct him, shaking your head. “What will we do with him Melina?”

“Alright, alright.” Manny says, picking up a hand towel and drying his hands as he steps around the breakfast island. “If you two are done judging my colour choices, we still need to get Melina’s homework done. The two of you were talking about India and the elephant sanctuary.”

“That’s right.” You agree, straightening your shoulders. “Ok kid, what other questions do you have?”

He cooks dinner while the two of you talk. They’re having pasta tonight because Melina’s decided she wants a taste of the Mediterranean, thanks to a conversation the two of you had yesterday about how much you love Italian food. He’d tried to bargain it down to pizza, but she’d given him that look and reminded him he’d already promised that as their Saturday treat so pasta it is.

“At least she’s trying new things.” Sam had shrugged when he’d told her. “She could be eating chicken nuggets all the time like that kid Jeremy at school.”

Small blessings, he thinks as he watches the water simmer. He turns it down a little before he approaches Melina’s chair, his hands come to rest on her shoulders lightly before he presses a kiss to the top of her head.

“Mi Nina.” He murmurs. “Dinner’s almost ready. Go wash up, ok?”

Melina complies slipping out of her seat and heading to the bathroom. Manny picks up the phone, a smile tipping up at the edges of his mouth.

“Thank you for that, I know it’s late there.”

There’s eight hours time difference between Italy and Yuma. It’s six o’clock here and almost two am your time. You’d been photographing the afterparty at the Parma Tattoo Nerd Fest and just gotten back to your room when he’d called.

“It’s cool.” You tell him, running a hand through your hair. “You know it takes me a while to wind down.”

He can tell you’re tired, he’s been noticing it a lot recently. You’ve been working yourself into the ground, chasing the work where you can get it. It’s the nature of a freelance career. You take the jobs when they come in. Your skills are in high demand, you’re well known in the Expo circles for the quality of your work and your reliability. Some creatives were flakes but you, you’re dedicated.

“So, I’m going to take some time off one I’ve finished up in Fiuggi.” You tell him, toying with the silver stacker rings on your fingers. “The last couple of months have been intense and I need to take a break.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” He tells you, leaning on the breakfast bar as he holds the phone between his hands. “You need to take some time for yourself Mami, rest and relax. Working that hard, it’s not good for you.”

“I’m going to book a flight back to the States, I need to make a stop in Joshua Tree, drop some of my stuff at my storage locker…”

“Storage locker.” He repeats because he fully expected you to say apartment.

Something clicks into place then, something he hasn’t considered until this very moment, and it breaks his fucking heart. When he thinks back over all the conversations you’ve had he realises you have never once mentioned an apartment, or a house or anything resembling a home. The storage locker is literally the first place of permeance you’ve brought up. Up until now it’s been hotel rooms and Airbnbs.

“Mami…” He says quietly, lowering his voice so that Melina doesn’t overhear. “Where is home for you?”

“I…” You trial off, your eyebrows furrowing as you contemplate the question. You glance back up at the camera on your phone and the look in your eyes it kills him. “I’ve never really thought about it until now… I guess I don’t have one.”

It’s the nature of the foster system he thinks, moving from place to place, never settling long enough for a home of your own. You’ve emulated the pattern over and over again without even realising it. He sees the moment it dawns on you, something shatters deep inside and it resonates over the six thousand miles that separates you. He wishes that he was there right now, that he could wrap his arms around you and hold you close, that he could take away the anguish he sees in your features, but he can’t. Instead, he places his hand over his heart as he speaks his truth.

“It’s with me Sara.” He tells you. “Your home, it’s with me.”

***

You’ve been travelling for over eighteen hours by the time you make it to Phoenix. It’s ten o’clock at night and you are bone achingly tired, you’d tried to catch a couple of hours on the plane, but the truth is you were too excited to see Manny. You’d called him during the two-hour layover in Atlanta to let him know you were back in the country and that there were no delays with your connecting flight.

“I can’t wait to see you.” He’d told you, the tone of his voice sending a rush of heat surging through your body.

“Me too.” You say, a smile gracing your lips. “It feels like it’s been a lifetime.”

He still looks as good as the day the two of you first met, black jeans that hug his lower body just right, that khaki green shirt buttoned all the way to the top. When his eyes meet yours, a small smile graces his handsome features and something inside you just lights up. You’re in his arms in an instant, his aftershave filling your nose as he holds you close. He smells like leather, lavender and patchouli, scents that make you think of home.

“It’s good to have you back.” He whispers into your hair, and you nod because right now there’s all this emotion rising up in your chest and you just can’t speak.

It’s been a journey over the past few days, facing up to the reality of your patterns, the ones that have been ingrained since childhood. You realised it’s time to change, time to put something permanent in place and you want that to be with Manny.

He draws away, his palms clasping your face. His thumbs chase away the tears that leak down your cheeks, his forehead coming to rest upon yours.

“Hey, hey.” He soothes, his lips brushing over yours. “You’re home now.”

Love Manny? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[mr-styles]

harris_reed At 18 I found myself living in london creating ruffle blouses, corsets, fabric flowers and flares from my kitchen floor with the help of my friends eating late night McDonalds. My creations at the time were met with nothing but criticism for being “too feminine” or “costume”, teachers said I should focus on “menswear” or “womenswear”. l remember it really wasn’t until I started dressing for myself and who I was that it all clicked. @harrystyles was my first ever client who embraced the fun, fluid and expressive clothing I was creating. To be able to now be creating not only for my own brand, but for my dream brand @ninaricci, I’m beyond honoured. I give you Harry Styles on the Brits red carpet in Nina Ricci tailoring… a little sneak peek of what’s coming next month. @harry_lambert thank you for always being the light through all these adventures I can not wait for our Nina Runway debut!

[doc-pickles]

old friends, new adventures (nico hischier x emilia hess)

from the unless it’s you universe

Here’s my promised fic! I’ve been out of town so that’s why it’s late but I hope y’all enjoy it.

xoxo nina

“mama do we have any snacks?”

the door of the hischier house flew open as nina bounded through the door, quickly followed by a brunette.

“in the pantry,” katja replied as she smiled at the two girls. “hello emilia. good to see you around here.”

“thanks mrs. h,” emilia smiled as she caught the bag of chips nina threw her. her eyes darted to nico who sat at the kitchen table working on homework. “hello to you too nico.”

the twelve year old looked up from his papers before rolling his eyes and turning back to his work, “hi emi.”

“nico be nice to our guest,” katja scolded from her place by the stove.

“hello emilia how are you today? wonderful weather we’re having. say did you catch the game last night? riveting stuff.”

nina and emilia both burst out laughing and nico spared a smirk in emilia’s direction. their eyes met for a second before nina called her away, the two girls quickly leaving the kitchen.

“I wish you’d be nicer to emilia,” katja huffed as she made dinner. “you never know, someday you two might-“

“absolutely not,” nico cringed as he turned toward his mom. “you can marry her off to luca.”

with an eye roll katja smirked at her youngest son, “she would eat him alive. finish your homework.”

+

“right there! no not- shit nico if you break my easel you’re paying for it!”

“you say that like i don’t have the money to do that,” nico grunted as he placed the aforementioned easel in the corner of emilia’s apartment. “there?”

“perfect,” emilia sighed and flopped onto the couch that was still covered in plastic. “thanks for helping me, I appreciate it.”

“no problem,” nico grinned as he pushed another cardboard box towards the couch before flopping down next to emilia. “are you excited for your new job?”

emilia nodded and opened the box in front of them, stacking the books inside next to the couch, “kohler price is a huge publishing house which means i’ll get to work on more diverse projects. there’s only so many grimm’s fairytales that you can redraw before it starts to get repetitive.”

nico’s deep laugh echoed through the apartment as he pulled a book out of the box and inspected the cover. it’s about rapunzel, a young girl with long golden hair flowing across the cover with flowers blooming around her. the illustration is breathtaking, nico grinning at emilia’s name scrawled across the bottom of the cover as the illustrator.

“well you’re very talented,” nico held up the book as if it showed proof of his words. “but I don’t think you need me to tell you that.”

pulling another box toward him nico watched as emilia blushed deeply, busying herself with organizing the books onto her shelves in the corner, “it’s just nice to be out in the world and ready to explore you know? I mean you travel all the time for work.”

“yeah canada in the middle of winter is thrilling,” nico huffed with a smile as he opened the box in front of him. “nothing quite like freezing to death in-“

emilia looked up from her spot by the shelves and yelped as she dove on top of the box nico had opened. their eyes met and before she could say anything nico collapsed into a fit of laughter as her face turned an embarrassingly bright shade of red.

“stop! I didn’t think you’d be opening the box when I packed it,” emilia shrieked as she pushed the box into the corner of the living room.

“and you decided to pack your sex toys right on top?” nico huffed out as a wide grin spread across his face. “jesus how many are in there em? surely you don’t need all of them.”

“they all do different things,” emilia scoffed and nico raised his brows. “i’m not explaining vibrators to you hischier. some of us don’t have girls throwing themselves at our feet because we can hit a puck with a stick.”

“I do not-“

“don’t even try to correct me,” emilia smiled as she carried the box to her bedroom then came back. “when I went to that game last week every other girl I saw had your jersey on. not to mention the amount of screaming when you skated out.”

emilia grinned widely as a deep red colored nico’s cheeks. satisfaction buzzing under her skin she went to pour two glasses of red wine for them before returning to the living room.

“to your new adventure,” nico raised his glass with a smile as emilia rolled her eyes is mock exasperation. “and to old friends.”

“to old friends and new adventures,” emilia smirked as they clinked glasses.

[sublime-suzalulu-scripts]

Milly: Where is the strangest place you've ever had sex? Rivalz: That's unfair. Virgins like Lelouch can't participate. Suzaku: I take offense to that. I made sure Lelouch is eligible to participate in this discussion. Everyone: ...okay, wow, that happened. Milly: Ohohooooo, then where is the weirdest place you two have gotten up to some ~fun~ things? Suzaku: I don't know. Rivalz: You two aren't adventurous? Lelouch: He means he can't decide on a single experience. We're plenty adventurous, thank you. Kallen: You two don't know the meaning of the word. Suzaku: Oh yeah? Try us. We've done all sorts of inappropriate stuff, all over. In my awesome Knightmare, on the roof, here in the Student Council room-- Shirley: *immediately gets cleaning supplies* Suzaku: In bathrooms, in alleyways, in elevators, in classrooms, in the kitchen, at the park, at the gambling arenas, in the gardens, in the pool-- Milly: *jaw drop* Suzaku: At the Kururugi Shrine, in trucks, at the labs, on Rivalz's motorcycle, in abandoned warehouses-- Rivalz: Wait, back up, WHAT did you say? Suzaku: In abandoned warehouses, Rivalz, keep up. Lelouch: Don't forget in Dr. Ashford's office. Suzaku: Oh yeah, can't forget that special time! Milly: ...I regret asking. Shirley: I regretted you asking before anyone started answering. Kallen: I regret listening to this entire conversation. Rivalz: I regret knowing about my bike. Nina: I regret knowing that the table here in the Student Council room is used by other people. Suzaku: I regret not having a really out-there answer to wow Madame President. Lelouch: I regret that we haven't had sex in a jail cell yet. Suzaku: I love that you always provide direction for our amazing adventures! Milly: Wait, Nina, what was that you said? Lelouch: Suzaku, whichever one of us gets arrested first... Suzaku: Understood, Lelouch Kallen: I am so done

[madeliefkrans]

bound by water

posting this again because a six of crows spin-off/shadow and bone third season still hasn't been announced & and i'm still losing my mind over kanej

the context is that inej is part of the dregs (again), after the events of the books or tv series, and she and kaz have grown closer to each other. inej’s pov because i truly adore her & writing from her pov was kind of healing. let me know what you think about it <3

fell in love with @jccatstudios's character design of the crows, so i used that as inspiration for what inej was wearing. you can find jccatstudios on instagram & twitter as well!!

fandom: six of crows series - leigh bardugo & shadow and bone (tv series) type: birthday fic with tiny bit of angst but mostly fluff and some literal & figurative steaminess pairing: inej ghafa x kaz brekker pov: inej’s word count: 3,457 on ao3 as well

summary: it’s inej’s birthday and kaz has a surprise for her.

When Inej returns to the Slat after shadowing a sketchy mercher’s movements that day, she finds Nina and Jesper leaning against one of the walls in the entryway. They glance at her, each other, and back to her, grinning from ear to ear. Or smirking, really.

Inej squints her eyes at them, edging closer. Separately, Jesper or Nina scheming cannot be trusted. Together? The trail of chaos they’d leave behind would reach Fjerda.

“Well?” Inej raises her eyebrows, playing along with their game. “What is it?”

Nina loses the smirking contest first. She breaks out in a short laugh, setting off a warm feeling in Inej’s chest. Nina straightens her face, cheeks rosy from amusement. “Inej,” she speaks authoritatively, as if this is a legal matter. “We have a message for you.”

Jesper nods solemnly, mirroring Nina’s attitude. He crosses his arms before his lime green waistcoat. “A message from Kaz to be precise.”

Inej’s heart skips a beat. Nina’s grin is back, raising her eyebrows knowingly to Jesper. Inej hasn’t seen Kaz yet today. She was planning to meet him in his attic when she arrived at the Slat, as she did most evenings. To report back on the secrets, clues, scandals she collected that day. And, when business had been discussed and she wanted to, which was often, to linger. Kaz let her.

They would play a game of chess, catching glances at each other, which was how Inej discovered that Kaz has a scheming face specifically for chess. Or Inej would feed walnuts to the crows in the large windowsill as Kaz watched. Or they would read; Kaz poetry, Inej the adventures of her heroes, the silence between them only disturbed by the turning of crisp pages. Inej loves this time with him. It’s a ritual they grew into over the last months. A ritual that Inej would love to cultivate today. It’s her birthday, after all.

This morning she stumbled into a kitchen filled with the scent that can calm any storm. Waffles. She found her family cramped around the one dark wooden table that was stashed there. Nina, Jesper, Wylan, Matthias. She could have sworn their faces were framed with halo’s, but maybe that was just the morning light through the hazy window. They shared breakfast and Inej started her day with a belly full of butter, syrup and laughter.

Kaz hadn’t been there, to her disappointment, but she told herself he had his reasons. Maybe the message he gave to Nina and Jesper shed light on that.

If they are ever going to share it with her. These two smirking darlings are enjoying themselves so much. But she knows their secret won’t last much longer. After all, it’s Inej they’re talking to.

“Kaz would be disappointed if you didn’t deliver that message.” Inej shifts her gaze between Nina and Jesper, feeling a grin tuck at her lips. “So shoot, if you want to spare yourself from a piercing gaze. Or worse.”

“Anything for you, birthday girl,” Jesper grins. “He’s waiting for you in his attic.”

“Enjoy the rest of your night,” Inej tells them, already standing, turned to go up the stairs.

 “Not as much as you will!” Nina yells after her. Inej can’t stop the smile spreading on her face.

Her feet are feathers, always, as she travels up the two flights of rickety stairs. Her heart thumps steadily in her chest. There was a time she didn’t let it, a time she railed herself in. Lately she’s trying to welcome the sensation, to invite it to her body and allow it to fill her up. It feels strange, exciting. Like revealing a secret room, the discovery of a vacant space. That you can use it. That you’re allowed to fill that space.

Kaz is sitting behind his desk when Inej enters after knocking, his nose in stacks of documents, linen sleeves rolled up. Through the open window the sun streaks Kaz’s attic in golden, the last rays of the day. His dark leather gloves shine on the side of his desk. Yes, Ketterdam is so moist that it seeps into your skin, but even this city cannot hide from the force of summer and how it stretches the evenings. The turmoil from the city feels far away from here. Instead, Kaz’s attic is filled with something else… a fragrance delicate and fresh.

Kaz looks up from his desk, meets her eye. “Hello, Inej.”

She offers a smile. “Hello, Kaz.”

She walks up to him. Leans on the desk to his left, resting her hands behind her and crossing her ankles. She locks eyes with him. “Nina and Jesper were insufferably mischievous downstairs.”

He shrugs, leaning back in his high-backed chair. Puts down the letter he was reading, resting his hands close to hers. “Nothing new there.”

Inej uncrosses her ankles. Her thigh brushes the hair on his forearm. He holds her gaze.

It’s what they’ve been doing recently: folding the space between them, stretching their touches. Slowly learning, showing what they enjoy. Often, it’s how Inej wants to touch him, reclaiming her relationship with touch, after years of being trained to endure, not initiate. Letting Kaz touch her is more challenging, since she has to catch her body before it slips away, rejecting the habit to dissociate. It’s how Kaz wants to be touched by her, taking pleasure in how her touch can make him feel safe, can be a buoy instead of towering waves. Him touching her, bare skin, is difficult even on good days, but covering his skin before reaching out to her grounds him.

Kaz shoves his chair back and stands up. “I have something for you.”

Inej cannot hide the surprise on her face.

Kaz grabs his cane and crosses the office to open the door to his bedroom. Inej breathes in the honey that reaches her, stronger now. He looks over his shoulder. “Are you coming?”

She’s behind him in an instant. She was only ever able to catch glances at the space they’re entering, never having stepped foot in it before. As a Dreg, she learned to scan any room she enters, instinctively, swiftly. But she’s not taking in the entirety of this private room now. No, her eyes are directly drawn to the white tub in the corner.

Steam rises from the water surface that is not covered by foam or orange and red flower petals, filling the room with a heavenly haze. Candles are lit on top of the small wooden table beside it, Kaz’s drawer, at the back of the tub. A fragrance pure and light fills her senses. She’s speechless.

“Happy birthday, Inej.”

Inej pulls her gaze away from the wonder that is this steamy tub to turn to Kaz. He’s clasping his cane in front of him, resting both hands on the metal crow’s head. He holds her gaze, steadily, but she notices something there that’s rare. She doesn’t want to blink when he’s letting her see it.

“It’s tulip. Nina assisted.”

Inej’s heart swells even more. How beautifully unexpected that he decided to ask for help.

“Kaz, this is wonderful.” She’s full-on grinning now.

His doubt disappears and his face lights up. He’s so pretty. He nods to the chair by the tub. “Nina picked out some clothes from your room to change into when you’re done bathing.”

Inej takes the smallest step closer to him.

“I’ll be in my office. But I won’t disturb you, so please enjoy for as long as you want to.”

She looks up into his eyes as she rests her fingertips, fingers, then palm on his wrist. “Thank you.”

His lips quirk upwards. Then he turns, closes the door behind him. She listens as the thumps of his cane fall silent as he repositions himself behind his desk. And she’s alone.

Inej lets her gaze circle the room. The tub stands under a slanted roof that holds a square window cracked open. The clouds have turned to a shade of lilac and rose. A bed is placed to the only straight wall in the room, accompanied by a side table. His washbasin is next to his dresser, a blurry mirror above it. These are Kaz’s private quarters and he’s trusting her with it.

Who knew Kaz had something like this up his sleeve. She imagines the look on Nina’s face when Kaz asked for help. She must have been intolerably delighted. Inej chuckles.

She breathes in the subtle scent that has filled the room. Inej can’t wait to dip her tired feet into the tub. Let the warmth take her in. Cover herself with velvet petals. Watch as the clouds turn from pastels to dark shades.

Her fingertips slide across the sheaths of her knives, where she releases each one, carefully positioning them on top of Kaz’s drawer. He has allowed himself to be vulnerable to prepare this for her, and gratefulness washes over her. As her fingers reach up to undo the first clasp of her vest, waves swirl low in her belly. Something new emerges, bubbling up to the surface. Her fingers pause in midair. She wants to reciprocate, meet him halfway.

Her knife sheaths already empty, she turns to open the crooked door to Kaz’s office. She keeps one hand on the rough doorframe as she watches how he looks up from his desk, surprised.

She inhales deeply, steadying herself. It’s something she has done before, but suggesting it would be a first. Her wanting to is a first. And this is Kaz she’s talking to. How will he react?

“Do you want to watch as I undress?” she asks, recognizing the nervous rhythm of her heart in her ears.

Inej can see the subtlest rise of his eyebrows, widening of his eyes. She refuses to break eye contact. He needs to know that she doesn’t want this because she believes he wants her to take off her clothes. She wants this because she’s trying to change how her body remembers showing her skin to men. “I want you to.”

She studies his face. His look is stern, it is almost always. She’s trained in his features: the tiniest twitch of his eyebrows, the clenching of his jaw, when and how long he breaks eye contact. But right now, he shows no movements she can decipher. She’s trained in patience as well, but this moment of silence rattles at her foundations.

The chair scrapes the old wooden floor as Kaz stands up. “Yes,” he replies simply.

The voice in her head finishes: the deal is the deal. “Okay,” she nods.

Kaz follows her. For a moment they stand there, in his bedroom. Inej knows it’s Kaz who stands next to her, she has rescued him again and again, he has rescued her again and again. There’s no one she’d rather do this with than him, no one she trusts more. But she has to keep her head straight or she won’t be able to look him in the eye. Let’s take this step by step.

She walks over to the tub, halts next to the chair. “You can sit wherever you want,” she tells him. But there’s not many options besides the chair that’s already used by her clothes and towel. In fact, there’s only one.

The frame creaks softly as Kaz sits down on his bedsheets and rests his cane beside him. Inej could touch his knees in barely three steps. He looks up at her. She recognises this position when she’s perched in his window, leaning or sitting on his desk while he’s working there. She’s used to watching from above as the Wraith as well. It soothes her nerves, just a bit.

Not enough to hold his gaze. But enough to slowly reach her hands to her chest and undo the first clasp of her vest. The muscles in her upper back and shoulders stiffen as she can feel herself slipping into a performance. She sees herself standing there, trembling fingers at the first hook of her clothes. She takes a shaky breath, closing her eyes. Using her senses to return to her body. She wriggles her toes in her dearest slippers. Outside the window she can hear her beloved crows, inside distantly the rickety stairs of the Slat. The floral fragrance is calming. She can stop any moment she wants to, she knows that. But she doesn’t want to.

She’s Inej Ghafa and with the release of a breath, she shakes the skin of a lynx from her body.

Kaz is there when she opens her eyes, the worry between his dark brows fades when he sees her expression. Making way for the tiniest arch of one of his eyebrows. It’s an invitation. She accepts.

Carefully she loosens the clasps on her vest. The violet fabric of her tunic shifts underneath. She lets her vest slide down behind her body, over her upper arms, elbows and catches it in her hand as it falls over her wrists. She hangs it on the back of the chair.

Next are the fingerless gloves that cover her entire forearms. Finger for finger, she slips them off. Perching on the edge of the chair, she takes of her slippers, storing them beneath the chair. The wooden floor is cool under her feet. A welcome sensation, because she’s feeling hot. Hot under Kaz’s gaze, who’s giving her his full attention.

She’s well aware of the flush that must have grown on her cheeks. They’ve stripped in front of each other during jobs countlessly, taking on new identities in the dim alleys of Ketterdam. This is different entirely. No hiding in plain sight, and it’s how she wants it to be. The heat in her body near Kaz is nothing new. She wants to cherish it, instead of trying to push it away. Kaz’s gaze makes the sensation grow only stronger.

She catches the clenching of his jaw. Maybe she’s not the only one growing flustered.

Right below her neck, Inej loosens the ties of her tunic. She crosses her arms over the thin, swift material and slowly stretches her arms on top of her head, taking the fabric with her. She folds the purple blouse in her bare arms. There’s not many walls left now. And she’s beginning to enjoy it. With every layer of clothing, armour, removed, she discovers newfound courage, lightness. Yes, outside this protection, her armour, is what keeps her safe, dangerous. In here, she can feel strong even with her shields lowered.

Her top is next. She stretches out her arms, once again, and feels the evening air against her belly. The chill feels wonderful. Perching on the chair, she slides down the stretchy fabric of her trousers to pull them off. Her hands take the braid behind her back and slide between the strands. Kaz’s gaze is fixated on her fingers gliding up and down, unravelling the coils. She frees her hair completely, and the comforting weight drapes behind her body. Now, facing Kaz once more, she stands before him in nothing but her underwear, hair down, and locks eyes with him, embracing the raw vulnerability of this moment.

His gaze is fixed on her face. His eyes deep and vast, his brows slightly furrowed. She knows this look. She trembles lightly, the waves in her low belly swelling. She wants more of what he’s showing her.

“Kaz,” she asks, voice low, “will you take my bra off?”

His answer is the creaking of the bedframe as he stands up and closes the distance between them. He stands before her, fully clothed, and so close, she can see the pink on his cheeks, his dilated pupils. His breath is high and shallow, just like hers. Her arms are covered in goosebumps.

Slowly, Kaz lifts his fingers. Inej holds her breath. He touches the dark fabric on her ribs, gently lets his hands embrace the sides of her body. She feels the weight of his hands as she lets out her breath. The heat of his touch sets her skin aflame. He’s burning her. Or she’s burning up.

She reaches her fingers upwards, inviting him to take the flexible band and slide it upwards. His cool fingernails brush her skin as he curls them under the fabric and shifts it higher and higher until it catches all her hair, releasing it moments later when Kaz slides the garment from her wrists. Her hair cascades down, enveloping her in a midnight waterfall.

His gaze is unwavering, endless, fixed on her eyes. Inej wants it everywhere.

“You can look,” she breathes. “If you want.”

He does. She watches the length of his dark eyelashes as he traces his gaze downwards, deliberately, languid. Lips parted, rosy flush on his cheeks growing. She feels the heat radiate from her body, between her thighs, the tips of her ears. Nerves mixed with growing confidence.

Slowly, through lowered lashes, Kaz locks his eyes with hers again. He raises his fingers and slides them under a strand of her hair between her shoulder and the column of her neck. Inej watches closely as he lifts it up, gliding down its length, patiently, until, finally, he gently presses his lips to her hair.

Her breath hitches in her chest.

His lips still hovering above her hair, Kaz meets her eye. “You’re beautiful, Inej,” he whispers.

Oh, Saints.

Inej trembles before him. Her tides rise with every breath, washing over her, building and building. She can’t stop staring at his lips, his fingers, his eyes. His lips, his fingers, his eyes. He called her beautiful, but how can she ever express how he looks to her this moment? He’s boundless.

Inej draws closer. Her hair slips through his fingers. She would never. She takes his hand, dextrous, dependable, weaving her fingers through his, letting them rest at their sides. Closer. Until the blissful press of their bodies together. It makes her dizzy. She feels the rising and fall of his chest, their breathing synching into the same heavy rhythm. His lips tender and flushed. His eyes deep mahogany. She feels a sense of safety and security with him that’s unparalleled.

She reaches her free hand to his face, cupping his rough cheek in her palm. Kaz closes his eyes and offers her the slightest sigh as he presses himself to her touch. The wonderful fan of his eyelashes. She’s so close, she can count them. She wants him so much, she’s barely standing.

“Kaz,” Inej breathes. His eyes open to meet hers, scanning her features. “I want to kiss you.”

She remembers the first time she pressed her lips to his. Softly, exploratory. It was after an evening of celebrating a victory for the Dregs with her family. An evening of her knee to Kaz’s underneath the table, bathing in the warm pressure of his hand on her thigh. Afterwards, she followed him up the stairs. In his attic the air thickened, and they chatted, laughed, as they drew closer. When Inej said she would retreat to her room to rest, Kaz whispered her name, lowering his face. All Inej could do was brush his nose with hers, and fold her lips between his. It had made her feel delirious.

Similar to how she’s feeling right now. Drunk on his gaze, scent, fingertips between hers. The maroon blossoms further on her cheeks. Kaz parts his lips.

“Please.” His voice a low rasp.

Bubbles popping in her belly, she reaches up and captures his sweet lips in a kiss. Kaz releases his hand from hers and presses both to the small curve of her naked back, curling into her hair once again, bringing her even closer. The heat rises to her head, and she sinks into his touch as he deepens the kiss. She slides her fingers over his cheek, into his hair, tangled. He presses his fingers into the strong muscles of her back. She feels him everywhere.

Inej places a hand on his chest when they separate. Close, still so close. His touch lingers on her lips. She can feel his delightfully heavy breath on her cheek. He rests his forehead against hers. Calm waves cradle her ship. An eternity passes.

“Perhaps I should get some more hot water.”

Inej opens her eyes to catch the twinkle in his eyes. She grins back. This devotion could keep her afloat forever. Kaz’s touch stays hot. The bath, inevitably, does not.

“Perhaps,” Inej repeats.

Slowly, she turns to dip her fingers in the floral tub, brushing the velvet petals. She glances over her shoulder, eyebrow raised, as she asks, “You like it hot?”

Kaz grins, his eyes devilish. Inej already knows the answer to that.

[hlupdate]

harris_reed: At 18 I found myself living in london creating ruffle blouses, corsets, fabric flowers and flares from my kitchen floor with the help of my friends eating late night McDonalds. My creations at the time were met with nothing but criticism for being “too feminine” or “costume”, teachers said I should focus on “menswear” or “womenswear”. l remember it really wasn’t until I started dressing for myself and who I was that it all clicked. @harrystyles was my first ever client who embraced the fun, fluid and expressive clothing I was creating. To be able to now be creating not only for my own brand, but for my dream brand @ninaricci, I’m beyond honoured. I give you Harry Styles on the Brits red carpet in Nina Ricci tailoring… a little sneak peek of what’s coming next month. @harry_lambert thank you for always being the light through all these adventures I can not wait for our Nina Runway debut!

[ruins-and-rewritez]

DAY 6: HEART

The cobbled streets of Kerch's capitol city were quiet-ish in the earlier light of the dawn. Revelers from the previous night of activities on 5th howled and shouted drunken praise of some nonsense or other as they stumbled toward their lodgings. Messengers from other parts of the city scrambled quickly in between the few roving carriages in a weak attempt to trek the streets of the barrel before falling victim to any number of criminals.

Matthias walked unencumbered by such a fear. He didn't trust anyone in the vicinity as far as he could throw them, but being in the presence of Barrel royalty afford him some kind of security.

Matthias was not particulary fond of having breakfast (or any other meal for that matter) with Kaz Brekker, but Nina for unknown reasons actually seemed to like spending time with the bastard. Or, more specifically his "non"- girlfriend.

It was understandable, Matthias liked Inej in his own sort of quiet way. She was nothing like her silent, brooding conterpart, she for example, actually had morals and common sense.

The four them walked along slowly, with the sort of sluggishness that comes when you haven't drank you first cup of coffee yet. Brekker leading them to some hole-in-the-wall resturant that would allow the some sense of privacy.

That was the trouble associating with gang members, you couldn't go anywhere too high profile without some fraternity of spies hovering around you trying to plot your demise.

They rounded another corner, walked no more then ten feet before another sharp left into an alley ending in a sensible oak doorway.

Kaz opened the door and waited for the girls to enter before, pettily, in Matthias' opinion, he let go of it to walk in himself. Matthias let out a sigh making a grab for the edge of it before it swung closed.

It wasn't a large place by any means, the dining area could probably fit maybe twenty people. But it was clean and snug and the aromas drifting from the kitchen made his stomach rumble quietly.

A man approached asking about seating and whether or not anyone else would be joining them. Nina answered in that normal self assured manner of hers in a quirk that would have made him smile if wasn't so tired.

They were lead to a booth in the back, that Matthias appreciated because then at least if he fell asleep none of the other costumers (a whole three people) could judge him.

He scooted into the left side of the booth, Nina close behind, then he watched, weary, Inej and Kaz enter the other. Nina snuggled close to his side, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. He leaned in to supress his small smile against the crown of her head. This was something he would never quite grow use to.

Matthias made himself comfortable, reaching out for a glass of waiter had brought as soon as they'd seated themselves. He thanked Nina as she passed him the small breakfast menu and began browsing the choices.

Nina put down her menu almost as soon as she'd picked it up, as if she'd only been checking for something she'd already decided on, on the way there. Inej and Kaz took a few minutes, Kaz looking like he was calculating the pros and cons of each item against their worth in Kruge, Inej merely appearing as though she couldn't decide. Matthias let his flicker of the still strange Kerch alphabet before deciding it would just be easier to order the same as Nina. (He had a habit of losing his appetite around Brekker anyway)

The waiter returned taking their orders in a neat, measured tone before informing them of their call number that would alert them to the readiness of their meals that they could recieve at the counter in the front.

Kaz asked, surprisingly polite that a pot of coffee be brought to the table. The waiter nodded and scurried back to the kitchen to relay the request to the other staff members before hurrying back to seat a new pair of arrivals.

Matthias watched silently as Nina and Inej chatted quitely, exchanging adventures at sea and tiffs someone (Nina) had iniated in both Fjerda and Ravka. Then his eyes drifted to Brekker.

He'd barely spoken all morning, he rarely did until he'd had at least some caffine but he seemed unusually quiet today. Matthias saw the way the other man gazed toward Inej, he doubted anyone missed such a look, but it seemed to grow more longing each time he and Nina returned.

His attention broke at the calling of their number (7) from the counter, he moved to rise but Nina pushed him back down and pecked his cheek before getting up herself. She crooked a commanding finger at Kaz and stood unwithering under his glare until he got to his feet.

"Be right back."

Inej waited until they were positioned at the counter arguing with the kitchen staff about what he didn't know, to speak up.

"It's nice," he looked over at her, "the way you two are together."

Matthias felt his heart skip at the mention of him and Nina, he still didn't really believe it all wasn't a dream.

"It is." He felt hesitant before continuing, "You and Brekker could be that way. We all know how you feel about one another."

Inej followed his gaze to where Nina and Kaz had transitioned from arguing with the unfortunate members of the kitchen to argue with one another. They really did act like siblings sometimes.

"We...we aren't there yet. We still have some things to work on first. You shouldn't be with someone unless you're certain you're ready, and I don't know that I am...not yet."

Matthias nodded. He understood the hesitation between the two of them, both had lost much and they still had some healing to do first, but still.

"It must hurt to want but to know your better apart for now."

Inej gave him a weak grin, "yes but it is for the best."

"He will wait for you. I may not know him well but he will. His heart calls to yours."

The smile that graced her features was utterly authentic, "Sirds ir bulta. Tas prasa mērķi nolaisties patiesi. *1 As mine does to his."

The pair quieted as their friends approached, arms laden with food.

"How hard do you think it is to make a simple pot of coffee Kaz?"

"Bold words from someone who can't even make a glass of water."

"At least know how to make a glass of water."

The two of them continued bickering back and forth until Nina gave up so she could eat her breakfast. Kaz despite having won by forfeit seemed moody, but seemed much more content when Inej prodded him gently with a cup of coffee.

Though their intimate interactions were certainly limited each one felt weighted, a delicate tower of brick that had the potential to be inspiring.

Matthias couldn't help looking at Nina and feel at peace knowing he could rest easily knowing she held his own heart.

~~~~

*1 Latvian translation of the line "The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true." From Six of Crows

I wanted to use Romani but the internet wouldn't cooperate so I improvised

And for those you wondering where our two remaining Crows are out, they're at the Van Eck country house visting Alys and Wylan's little sister for the week

[magic-belodie]

I finished the NSFW route of MCLAL Armin, episode 5. It cost me, 738 AP.   I got the illustration.   Here is a link to it: https://magicbelodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1416-914263dafd92f7a41677660268.jpg Here is the summary:

(This summary is the sequel of the summary positive  episode 4: https://www.tumblr.com/magic-belodie/701260727312416768/i-finished-the-positive-route-of-mclal-armin)

You start this episode at Armin's apartment, Armin just comes home from work. Nothing really special happened at work. You came home early, Nina is closing the café today. You are looking into finding a new apartment for the both of you. But you couldn't find anything that fitted. So this weekend you will be looking further into it. A friend of Armin is making a new game and wants some people to test it. It is a co-op game. Armin really likes to test it with you. You force a smile, this was not what you had in mind for your weekend. You smile, spending the weekend playing a game would do you a lot of good. The game is a classic RPG, medfan. It is for two players and the characters are complimentary. Armin's friend just wants to know the general experiences. Armin takes the game out of his backpack. He directly wants to start it. At least to check out the beginning. You put the game into the computer. It starts directly with choosing your character. You like that it is straight to the point. Armin thinks his friend will work out the details later.  You get to choose between The knight of fire, or the mage of water. The knight uses a sword and the mage has magic. You choose the mage. You get to choose the outfit. It is the one from the character. You are ready for an adventure. The game starts.

The game plays in the  countreeside. You two met the mayor Deraim. He summoned you two because the world needs you.  The Duke Ephraim Dred has raided the ruins of Ether Castle. He has taken the mirror of the worlds. The mirror hasn't been fully activated yet. The duke is going to awake evil dark armies with it. Those armies will sweep across the land and dominate the world. You two must prevent that from happening. You two have the magic of fire and water and are the only ones who can stop him. This is a big responsibility. This is a big responsibility. But you two will do it. But you need for it the ring of a thousand paths. You two can find it at the tomb of the lost paths. It is a real labyrinth. Do you accept this task? And of course, Armin and you say yes. But before you do this task, you two have to help the mayor. His vegetable garden is invested with rats. If you save the garden, you will get the key to the tomb. It is a perfect way to get warmed up.

The level starts: you see all the rats going up and down the screen. But you are not sure if you want to kill the rats. You find them kind of cute. Armin tries to convince you to kill them. But you say that are just harmless creatures. So Armin suggests that he could kill them for you. You are okay with that. You go to the kitchen to make drinks for Armin and you. Armin takes a cappuccino and you a latte macchiato. Armin has finished the level. You give him his coffee. Armin likes it a lot. He gets why Eric is so often at the café. Your coffee is so good, it must easily be in the top 3 in the city. You hug Armin. He can't believe that he has done so long without you and your coffee. He asks if there was anything of the coffee left on his face. You say no, but take a closer look with kissing him. He kisses you passionate back. Then he wants to go further with the game. You can't wait. You two are going to see the Mayor again and tell that you saved his garden. He gives you the key.

Armin and you go off into a forest and find the tomb. You first want to take a short break before you play the level. You want to eat something. Armin doesn't want anything. You go into the kitchen to get your self something to snack, plus another coffee wouldn't hurt. You try to pack the chocolate when Armin comes into the kitchen. He wraps his arms around you and kisses your neck. Armin wants a different kind of snack. You thought that he wanted to play the game. He answers by kissing you. You kiss him back. Then the coffee machine makes a noise that it is ready. Armin and you go back to play the game. Armin opens up the tomb with the key. You both walk slowly into the tomb, you two are afraid of traps. But maybe the trap is time, and you should go through it fast before it is too late. You tell Armin to go ahead and do as he likes. We could run if he wants too. You two run further down the path until you two find a split. A fire door and a water door. Armin asks you what you two should do. You think that should take the fire door, and he has to take the water door. So you walk the other element than you have. You go into the fire door, and soon you see fire monsters. Armin goes into the water door and gets to see water monsters. You take the monsters down on your side and Armin on his. You two are outstanding adventures. Further up, the tunnel gets darker. You think it will get more difficult.

Then suddenly the bell goes. It scared you, you were totally in the game. Armin thinks that it is just the delivery guy. Armin opens up the door and Nathaniel is standing in front of it. You get up to greet him. Nath really has brought burgers with him. He lost a bet. You hope that it is not the same kind of bet that Armin made with you. No, it isn't you don't have to worry. You all sit down to eat. You are curious which bet Armin won. He says it just some work stuff, who catches the bad guy first. Technically, Nath always catches them. Armin is not allowed to go close one of them. That said, Nath wanted to talk to Armin about something. Nath looks at you. Armin tells you almost anything. He can talk in front of you. Nath is surprised. Some things are discreet. But Armin already broke that a long time ago. Nath thinks that Armin is lucky, Eric likes him. And that is because Armin can talk with Eric about dinosaurs. Nath and Armin have to help Castiel. They have to dig things up about plagiarism. The file about it was hidden with one of the burgers. Armin is into the case. Nath will cal him about it, from the station. Nath still likes his job a lot. His coworkers and everything are nice to him. The café just keeps going on because Eric drinks a lot of coffee. Nath is sure that Eric will keep on coming. Then Nath looks at the screens and is curious about what you two are doing. Armin directly says that it is nothing. Just a game that a friend of him made in a testing round. Nath wants to try two. But Armin and you are in the middle of a game. Nath turns towards Armin with a sad face. Because before, Armin was always testing games with Nath. Armin asks if he really fakes jealous. But Nath isn't faking he is deeply hurt. Armin starts to laugh. Nath turns towards you. But it won't work. He just has to wait his turn. It is fine, and Nath also would like to play games with you. It didn't take him long to switch sides. Nathaniel still has some work to do. He leaves and Armin wants to go back into the game. But you first want a kiss, and Armin has always time for that. He kisses you passionately, but then you have to get back into the game.

The Labyrinth is really hard and difficult to find your way. But you like it a lot, Armin has to tell his friend that this labyrinth is a great success. After a while, you finally end in a room with a chest. Armin thinks that it is too big for a ring. You think that it is a subtle comment on over packing. Maybe it is a trap too. There is only one way to find out. You two go closer to the chest, then you hear a laugh. It is the mayor. He was the duke the whole time. He needed you two to clear the way to the labyrinth. And now you are the only thing that stands between him and the ring to the thousand paths. The duke turns into a monster. Armin starts to shoot fireballs at him and you use your magic. The monster is very hard to hit. But after trying a few times, you two start to see the pattern. You two defeat him. You like the game a lot. The only thing left to do is to get the reward. You get to open the chest. But you have your mind set on doing something else. Since there is no danger left. You take off your headset and go sit on Armin's lap. You start to kiss him passionately. Armin asks if you don't want to finish the game. We just have to open the chest. But you two have plenty off time. There is no more danger. But you two are just so close two the goal, it is a shame. You cut Armin off by kissing him again. Your hand slide down his chest towards his belt. You fill him, stiffen up under your touch. You stop kissing, to look Armin in the eyes. He is just looking at you. You ask Armin is he still wants to stop, to play the game. But Armin agrees now with you. You two have plenty of time. You get up from his lap and unbuckle his belt and let his jeans slide off. In his eyes you see a gleam of desire. Taking the time, you kneel down in front of him and, resuming your caressing, slowly open up your mouth. Armin's whole body became tense at the touch of your tongue. His fingers tightened on the armrests of the chair. You ask Armin again if he is sure. It is not too late to go back into the game. Armin is really sure. He wants you. You were happy to keep him waiting and see his excitement grow. Smiling, you give him what he wanted. A sigh of pleasure escaped him. You feel him relax. You know exactly what Armin likes. And takes the time to let the pleasure grow. The excitement is also building up in you. You pause for a moment. Armin looks at you, smiling. He takes your hand to help you stand up. His arms slide down your back as you kiss again. He lifts you from the ground to carry you to the bed. He puts you down gently, and then he takes off his shirt. You start to take out your harness. While you keep looking at Armin. His eyes sparkle when he sees your bare breast. He joins you on the mattress to kiss you. Your face, your neck, your chest. You feel his fingers fiddling with your belt. A second later, he took it off and his hand slide under your panties. Your fingers grabbed his arm when you felt a surge of pleasure. You let your self fall back on the mattress. He takes off all the clothes that were left on you. He starts kissing you again. Your hands go into the night drawer to get a condom. You give it to him. He quickly puts it on and starts kissing you again. Armin stops and is looking at you again. You ask your self what he is waiting for. You put yourself on top of him and let him enter you. Armin and you start kissing again. You move very slowly and gently. You feel the pressure rising inside you. The rhythm comes more intense. You are both almost about to come down. You get the illustration. Then you scream when pleasure peaks. A moan also escapes him. You kiss and hug each other. Then you both lay side by side on the bed. In silence for a few minutes. You get your breath back and ask if he still wants to open the chest. What chest, Oh yeah the chest. He smiles at you. You two aren't on a tide schedule. Then the episode ends.

[darlingaffogato]

i will probably forget about this in .3 days, but i'm making a cooking sideblog at @affogatoflavor! i've been cooking a lot more recently (we'll see how long THAT lasts), so i thought it'd be fun to have a place to track/ show off and share the recipes i've been trying out! (also, i apologize in advance for the eyesore of a color scheme; it was so tacky, i couldn't help myself, tho i'm sure i'll fix it in the future...)

[multifandomconfusion]

I asked AI to make a sitcom script about the Crows sharing a flat. This is how it went.

Title: "Six of Crows: The Unexpected Roommates"

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

[The living room is filled with mismatched furniture and the walls decorated with crime-related posters. Our main characters, KAZ, INEJ, JESPER, NINA, MATTHIAS, and WYLAN, are sitting around the living room, engaged in a heated discussion.]

KAZ

(sternly)

Alright, team, we need to come up with a plan to find a new hideout!

NINA

(excitedly)

Ooh, I know! We could rent a flat together!

INEJ

(doubtfully)

But where would we find a place that suits all of us?

WYLAN

(perking up)

I've got connections! I can make some calls.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

[A small apartment. The gang is now standing outside its front door.]

JESPER

(excitedly)

Ladies and gents, behold! Our new hideout!

[They enter one by one and explore the tiny space.]

MATTHIAS

(groaning)

Is this seriously the best we could find?

KAZ

(smirking)

Well, a low profile does have its advantages.

NINA

(grinning)

Plus, it's low budget! We'll have more money for waffles!

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

[The gang is trying to cook a meal together. Chaos ensues.]

INEJ

(holding a burnt pot)

Who's responsible for this?

WYLAN

(smirking)

I'm not pointing fingers, but... it might be Jesper's fault.

JESPER

(approaching with a tray of baked goods)

Hey, it's not my fault if I make a lousy chef. Take some cookies while we wait for pizza delivery!

[They all grab cookies and start munching as we hear the doorbell.]

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

[The gang is gathered around the coffee table, engrossed in a board game.]

MATTHIAS

(laughing)

Kaz, you're terrible at this!

KAZ

(smiling)

I prefer to excel at other things, like scheming and pulling off heists.

NINA

(raising an eyebrow)

Speaking of heists, I wonder if we can turn our newfound non-existent housekeeping skills into a lucrative side gig.

CUT TO:

INT. BATHROOM - DAY

[The bathroom is filled with grooming supplies. Nina and Inej are giving Matthias a makeover.]

MATTHIAS

(looking in the mirror)

Should I be worried about this?

NINA

(teasingly)

Worried? No, but your Instagram followers should be!

[They all laugh loudly.]

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

[The gang is gathered around the TV, watching a crime film.]

WYLAN

(gasping)

That's the best plan they could come up with? Our heists are way more elaborate!

JESPER

(nudging Wylan)

Hey, if we ever get tired of stealing, we could be movie critics!

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

[The gang is sitting in a circle, sharing stories and laughing.]

KAZ

(suddenly serious)

You know, it's strange how we all ended up here together, despite our differences.

INEJ

(softly)

But that's what makes us the best team.

[They all share a heartfelt moment before erupting into laughter again.]

CUT TO:

EXT. APARTMENT - DAY

[The gang is gathered on the apartment balcony, soaking up the sun.]

NINA

(smiling)

Who would have thought? The Six of Crows sharing a flat!

KAZ

(raising an eyebrow)

Well, let's make sure to keep our adventures within the walls this time.

[They all laugh and raise their drinks for a toast.]

ALL

(cheering)

To an unforgettable living arrangement!

FADE OUT.

[End of the video.]

Note: This script has a runtime of approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Time can be adjusted during filming for optimal pacing.

[baiyunli]

hi yun! hope you're doing well :) i was wondering if you still have plans to release the farmwife au?? i love your work so much, "maybe it was me who brought you here" is one of my fav fics ever <3

hey anon!!! sorry for the late reply. i've actually been meaning to make a more formal post about this, but i've been active fairly sporadically over the past few months and wanted to say that i'm going to be phasing out of my fandom stuff in the next while. i won't be posting anything on my ao3 and probably won't be around much, if at all, on tumblr going forward for various real-life reasons.

i've put a few scenes of farmwife au under the cut for your enjoyment, because in all likelihood nothing will be getting posted, but thank you for enjoying my writing!!! it's so lovely to hear <3 i hope you like these last offerings of this au!!! if anyone wants to pick up the idea or anything, you're more than welcome to it.

Nico places the advertisement in March, once the roads into town thaw out. The cold snap broke just last week, and he’d spent fair hours holed up in the kitchen by the stove, writing out the advertisement in his notebook, then copying it on nicer paper. He gave a thought to mailing NIna first, so she could fix it before he sent it off, but the summer work will become demanding soon enough and he’d rather have a second pair of hands around to help as soon as possible.

A homesteader and dairy farmer living thirty minutes west of town seeking a partner ready for family life to live and work with me. I am twenty-four years old and would prefer someone of similar age. Please reply if interested.

He reads the advertisement over hundreds of times. He had taken great pains to cross out anything overly specific, anything that would point to him having already imagined the kind of partner he wanted: someone with a kind smile, someone who loved adventure, who would make the sort of food Nico's mother did when he was a child.

Finally, he rides into town and files the advertisement with the newspaper. For the next few weeks, there is no news: he makes small talk at the general store when he picks up salt pork and oats, goes to church on Sundays where he hears about the new schoolhouse being built. And still, no responses.

It isn’t until early April when the postmaster sets a pile of letters on the counter and says, “Some mail for you,” that it begins to set in. That evening, Nico sits by the fire to sift through the responses, and it quickly becomes painfully clear that the vast majority were not delivered of the senders’ own volitions. 

He reads the line “my father hoped that I would find a husband soon” too many times to count, and feels a sense of pity for the daughters enduring their fathers’ efforts to marry them off. And then, at the bottom of the pile: a scrap of paper folded over twice, the name Jack Hughes signed painstakingly on the outside. The handwriting inside is uneven, but careful all the same. 

I saw your notice in the Leader-Telegram and thought I might write in, Jack Hughes says. I’m a good worker, and my family’s farm is getting busy. I wouldn’t mind moving further out west to live with you. I’m the best of my brothers at butter churning, if that helps. My ma and older brother are sitting with me while I write this—they say I should warn you about my cooking. I’ve never been very skilled in the kitchen, he adds, but I can learn, and I’d like to raise a family someday soon. Please write back soon. Yours, Jack Hughes.

Nico reads the note once, twice. He folds it back up along the same creases and tucks it into his shirt pocket, where he imagines it thrumming like a promise, beating in time with his heart. 

The next morning when he goes out to milk the cows, he reads it again, tracing over the letters of Jack Hughes’ name. I’d like to raise a family someday soon. It isn’t the most eloquent of the responses that Nico receives, not by far, but something about how earnest he sounds, the simplicity of it—Nico sits down that night to write back.

Hello, he says, first. Thank you for your reply. I believe I may have heard of you in passing; there is news of your family in town often. If you would like to get to know each other better, I can tell you about myself.

He writes of his family, of learning English as a child. Of building the house himself and the wildflowers that grow around his homestead, the ring of violets he often rides past on the journey into town. Of all he has done to make the house more comfortable for the coming summer. It is not large, but I think you may find it cozy.

He hears from Jack again hardly a week later, with more enthusiasm than Nico had imagined. Jack responds with stories about his brothers and asks Nico to teach him his native language, adds my ma tried to teach me Latin, but I was always dreadful at it. 

Nico thinks of Jack saying it cheerily, his eyes bright, and writes back: I would be happy to teach you, when we meet properly.

He still does not know what Jack looks like, but he makes small talk with the woman behind the counter at the general store every week, and she tells him what a lovely family the Hughes make. “And the middle boy is beautiful—beyond compare, I’d venture to claim,” she says. “I know plenty of the young ladies and men in town have been hoping he might attend a church social this summer.” 

The correspondence lasts for a month. Every letter seems like another stroke added to the portrait of Jack in Nico’s head, ready to take shape, fully formed—curls framing his face, blue eyes that look like the prairie sky, a penchant for freckles in the summer. Jack tells Nico about berry-picking and how much he’s always loved children, about his recent efforts at cooking. Hope blooms in Nico’s heart like snap peas after the last snowfall. 

He throws caution to the wind and finally writes, should you be interested in coming to live with me soon, I would be more than pleased to arrive next Saturday and meet your family. Space for your trousseau is of no concern—bring as many trunks as you would like. There is plenty of room in the wagon.

After they decide on Saturday morning for Nico to call on him, the gravity of the situation dawns sharp and bright. Nico looks around the snug kitchen and hopes Jack won’t find it suffocating; he surveys the bedroom, with the soft quilt that Nina had sewn from his childhood clothing and blankets, and the pasteboard wallpaper with painted roses, and tries to see it through Jack’s eyes. 

The Hughes family home is well-decorated and fairly grand, by all accounts. Nico has no illusions about the size of his homestead, but he’s done all he can to make it comfortable, and he can only pray that Jack won’t mind that the walls creak during windstorms or the cramped furniture in the kitchen, table tucked up in the corner to make room for the stove.

That Friday is a whirlwind. Nina visits, even though Nico hadn’t asked—she brings one of their mother’s cakes and helps him whitewash the cellar and air out the straw-tick mattresses, blacken the stove and hang up the laundry on the clothesline. Every inch of the house is sparkling, and Nico has put up the mare with plenty of water and hay to prepare her for the long ride tomorrow.

“Are you worried?” asks Nina, setting out the now-dry tablecloth. 

Nico closes his eyes. “Yes,” he admits bluntly. “But mostly that he—will not find the house livable. Or he will not take a liking to me. He may realize that his interest was unfounded, after all.” And Nico thinks that will hurt more than if he had not written back to Jack in the first place. He feels as if he practically knows Jack, but not whether Jack feels the same towards him, too.

“If he doesn’t, he won’t understand what he is walking away from,” Nina tells him. “But he seems very agreeable, from his letters. And from the talk around town,” she adds. “Someone must have caught wind that you plan to marry this summer. The dressing room at church was wholly abuzz with the knowledge.”

“If he still wishes to marry me after we meet,” Nico points out, and Nina rounds on him, wringing out a dishcloth.

“Nico,” she says firmly. “He will. It is no use worrying about this. If he did not hope to love you, he would not have continued to write back for so many weeks. Be reasonable.”

He looks at the floor, chastened. “I know.” Still, Nina’s reassurance does not curb the growing anxiety in his stomach, the hours he lies awake that night: hoping against all hope that he will measure up to anything near what Jack had imagined him to be.

--

Nico arrives at the Hughes homestead early on Saturday, dressed in his church clothes and with his hair combed, still slightly damp. He hesitates before knocking on the front door, surveying the vast plot of farmland that surrounds the house. Their wheat is growing well, he notices, and he may have to ask for advice on cultivating seed crops.

But the door swings open, then—and Nico is suddenly face to face with who he knows must be Jack Hughes.

“Hello,” he says, taking his hat off and holding it to his chest. He swallows, his throat dry. “You must be Jack.”

Jack curtsies slightly and looks up at Nico, shy. His eyelashes are long, curling up as they frame his wide blue eyes. His dress is a fine muslin, wine-dark burgundy with a feathery print. “I am,” he says. “I must confess that I looked forward to finally meeting you, Mr. Hischier.”

“Please call me Nico,” he says, and watches Jack’s cheeks pinken prettily. “And the pleasure is all mine.”

Jack smiles. A curl of hair falls into his face and he brushes it aside absently. “You are much more handsome than I had expected,” he tells Nico quickly, as if he had not quite meant to let on the sentiment. 

Nico laughs, and it seems to break the tension between them. “I do not hope to know what you had expected me to look like, then,” he teases, and Jack giggles.

“Not as sharply dressed, perhaps. And not as tall,” he says. “Or with dimples. Why, my younger brother tried to convince me you might have been lying about your age. He thought you must have been a bachelor of three-and-forty, come to steal me away.”

“Luke?” asks Nico. When Jack nods, he adds, “Well, Luke may be disappointed to learn that I am not close to forty years of age, not quite yet. And I hope the second part of his assumption may be proven false.”

“I told him he was full of it,” Jack says, rolling his eyes. He steps forward, closing the distance between them; this close, he has to tilt his head up to meet Nico’s gaze. A soft lock of hair curls over his ear. “He is tired of hearing me wax poetic about your letters.”

Nico is not sure what compels him to take Jack’s hand, but he holds it between his and runs his thumb over the finger where a ring might sit, soon. Jack’s hands are slender, lightly calloused from embroidering. “I am glad to hear that you enjoyed them half as much as I enjoyed yours.”

Jack laughs. “My brothers were not fortunate enough to hear the end of it, I’m afraid,” he admits. “I read each of your letters aloud five times, at least.” He blinks and says, “Oh! My apologies—it slipped my mind to invite you inside.” Nico steps in after him, sits down on the chesterfield when Jack shows him to the front parlor. 

Jack gathers his skirts and tells Nico, “My brothers will be here in a moment. Let me get my luggage and we can depart soon.”

He disappears down the corridor, skirts swishing behind him. Nico folds his hands in his lap, but it’s hardly a minute before another boy appears, long and lanky, a mop of curls on his head, who Nico guesses must be Luke. “Mr. Hischier,” Luke acknowledges with a tilt of his head. “A pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” Nico says. 

“You may be waiting here several hours for Jack to finish packing,” Luke tells him. “He misplaces his belongings often—you’ll have to hope that he has not forgotten where he put all his best clothes.”

Nico laughs. “It is no trouble,” he answers, truthfully. “I do not have any commitments today. I had hoped to meet your parents, though. To receive their blessing, if I may be lucky enough.”

Luke nods. “Pa should be coming in soon. Ma often visits with the women at the parlor at this time, but she was plenty charmed by your letters,” he says. “And the advertisement. She told Jack that he should write in, if he wanted to. He had not planned on doing so.”

Nico smiles. “I suppose I should have to thank her, then. Jack’s letter was a welcome surprise for me, and most of the others were not exactly compelling.”

“It surprises me that you found Jack’s letter compelling,” Luke remarks lightly. “He has not been known for his composition prowess.”

Jack, hurrying back into the parlor with a hat box, says admonishingly, “Luke. Please excuse him, Mr. Hisch—Nico,” he corrects himself. “Ma didn’t quite teach him all his table manners.”

Nico stands. “It is no trouble,” he reassures Jack. “I understand how brothers often are.”

“Your brother—Luca?” asks Jack. He sets down the hat box on the side table. “I hope, for your sake, he is not much like mine.”

“He is not,” Nico allows. “But he rarely passes up an opportunity to tease me, all the same.”

Jack laughs. “I suppose it escapes my notice, what one could possibly tease you about. I doubt you have many moments of mortification.”

“And you do?” Nico asks teasingly.

Luke interrupts, “Well, just last week he—”

“Luke Hughes,” says Mrs. Hughes, walking into the parlor. “Please think carefully about scaring off our guest. My apologies,” she says as she turns to greet Nico. “I had not been sure about what time you might arrive. I hope you and Jack have been introduced well?”

“Perfectly, thank you,” Nico answers. “For me, at least. Whether Jack feels the same—”

“Yes,” says Jack, quickly. “Yes. Nico has been wonderful.”

Mrs. Hughes smiles. “Good. I know how excited Jack was to meet you,” she tells Nico. “He spent all yesterday evening trying to tame his hair and steam his clothing.”

Nico laughs. “I was doing the same,” he acknowledges. “My sister visited with me yesterday, to clean the house for today.”

He is spared the embarrassment of being asked the size and comfort of his homestead by the arrival of Mr. Hughes. Jack disappears again to pack his trousseau and, from the sound of it, find his hairpins; Nico speaks to Mr. Hughes about his crop yield while Jack dashes around looking for newsprint to stuff his trunk.

“Take care of him,” says Mrs. Hughes when the luggage has been loaded into the wagon. “And visit often.”

Nico nods, an arm around Jack’s waist. “We will,” he promises. “Thank you for trusting me with Jack. I swear I will give him everything I am capable of. I hope he will want for nothing,” he continues.

Jack steps closer to him, takes hold of Nico’s hand and squeezes. “Thank you,” he says, quietly. “I hope for the same.”

“Tell us as soon as you have a date for the wedding,” Quinn chips in. “Ma will want to plan everything.”

“That may be for a later time, I’m afraid,” says Nico with a sheepish smile. “I would like to make sure Jack gets settled in first.”

“Of course,” Mrs. Hughes allows. “You had better set off soon, then, to get back in time for dinner. Why, it’s almost noon already!”

Nico helps Jack into the front seat, his skirts rustling as he steps up into the carriage, before he gets seated himself and takes the reins. 

“Write to me,” Jack says desperately, turning back to his family. “Whenever you can.”

Luke scoffs. “You’ll only be thirty minutes from town. Won’t we see you at church, anyhow?”

“Still,” Jack insists. “I want to hear everything.”

Nico coughs lightly. “We should be going,” he says. “I’ll have to tend to the sheep before the sun becomes too bright.”

Jack flushes. “I apologize. I just—” he swallows, the hitch of his throat nervous, uncertain. “I suppose I hadn’t thought about how much I would miss my family.”

“I understand,” says Nico softly, dwelling too long on the curl of Jack’s fingers into his palms, how the tilt of his mouth has gone too unsure for Nico’s liking. “We can visit next weekend,” he assures Jack. “You will see them plenty.”

Jack brightens. “Alright,” he says, seemingly comforted.

And the wagon rolls away, Jack waving to his family and calling, “Goodbye! Goodbye!” until the Hughes house shrinks, and then disappears from sight. Jack shuffles closer to Nico in the carriage, and Nico takes the reins in one hand to lay an arm over Jack’s shoulder, instead. They stay like that until they reach the homestead.

[takemebackto-eden]

EM ‘Hey Stranger’ • Chapter Twenty Eight - A Hundred Kisses

Chapter summary: The gang tick off things from Nina’s bucket list.

content warnings: SO MUCH FLUFF (this is one of the first chapters I wrote so I'm glad to be finally sharing it!!), whole lotta smut (multiple orgasms, public sex / exhibitionism, dirty talk, m! no orgasm (because Eddie is a GENT), cute funny couple sex cause I'm a sucker for established relationship loving sex.

‘I’d steal a hundred kisses before you say goodbye, 

And make a hundred wishes in the name of you and I, 

‘Cause what we have is secret, so don’t let no-one know, 

The past can’t come between us if we both just let it go. 

Today’s the perfect day, today’s the day I tell you, Oh, 

If you ever walk away, then I would die right there, for you.’ 

A Hundred Kisses - She Wants Revenge

Friday / 9pm / Hawkins Public Pool / 4 days left 

Nancy: “We definitely shouldn’t be doing this.” 

Jonathan: “I’m with Nancy on this one.” [Jonathan jumps over the locked gate of the public pool anyways, lending a hand to Nancy who reluctantly takes it and jumps over too] 

Robin: [landing on the floor with a thump] “Come on guys, where’s your sense of adventure?” 

Steve: [brushing off his dusty hands on his jeans] “It’s not like you can get in trouble with Hopper anyways, Jonathan!” 

Nancy: (to Max) “And you definitely shouldn’t be here Max!” 

Max: (smiling) “Don’t be such a square Nancy, it’s fun!”

Nancy: “This is trespassing!” 

Robin, Steve and Max: “Square!” [Nancy groans] 

Nina: “Eddie, what’s the plan?” 

Eddie walks over to the public pool and unwinds the pool cover, revealing the sparkly blue water and smell of chlorine. 

He then walks over to the pool storage room and breaks the lock, causing Nancy to gasp and turn away, Jonathan laughing at her expense. He pulls out several floats and throws them in the pool. 

Eddie: “Nina is going to teach you how to surf.” 

Nina: (surprised) “I’m teaching you to surf on those?!” 

Eddie: (smirking) “I thought you liked a challenge?” 

Robin: “It’s the middle of autumn, it’ll be freezing!” 

Eddie: [teasing] “Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?” [Robin rolls her eyes] 

Nina: (smiling) “Prepare yourselves, surfing school is in session!” 

11:30pm

Nina is sitting dripping wet on the sun lounger beside the pool, everyone else is in and around the pool, laughing and splashing loudly. Eddie sits beside Nina on the lounger, kissing her wet shoulder lovingly.

Eddie: “Happy, baby?” 

Nina: [ringing out her hair] “Very.” [kissing him softly] “Thank you.” 

Eddie: [quietly against her shoulder] “Why wouldn’t you show me your bucket list?”

Nina: “Cause it’s, y’know, embarrassing!” (Quietly) “And cause, well, you're kinda on there.” 

Eddie: (surprised, giddy) “I am?” 

Nina: (shy) “Yeah… You’re on there a few times actually.” 

Eddie: “But you didn’t know me when you made it.” 

Nina: “It’s some things I’ve ticked off recently.” 

Eddie: [excited like a puppy] “Oh now you’ve got to show me!” [Pestering Nina, prodding and poking her, tickling her] “Show me, show me, show me!” 

Nina: “Fine!” [Fake annoyance] “Jesus, you’re annoying!” [handing him the paper, cheeks red] 

Eddie flicks his eyes over the paper. The bucket list she wrote when she was 15 is written in pink pen, and the lines crossed through the one’s she completed are of various colours. The added additions to the bucket list are in blue pen. 

Go on a first date 

Get my first partner 

Get married

Fall in love 

Lose my virginity

Get my dream job 

Leave home! 

Pass my driving test 

Surf a big wave

See a meteor strike 

Stargazing with my partner 

Pass school with good grades 

Go skinny dipping 

Have a bonfire by the beach 

 Get nipple piercing 

 Steal something

Have a romantic bath with someone

Go to New York

Go to Italy

Quickie in a public place 

Ride on the back of a motorbike

Win a game of monopoly

Slow dance in the kitchen with my partner 

Learn to play guitar

And the new additions: 

Dance on a bar 

Sing karaoke 

Teach Max to surf 

 Have sex while high 

Have the perfect kiss in the rain

Do something illegal 

Get another tattoo

Nina: (shyly) “It’s embarrassing.” 

Eddie: (teasing) “You stole something? Didn’t realise my girlfriend was a master criminal.”

Nina: [cheeks pink] “I was 15 when I wrote it okay, I had low ambitions!” 

Eddie: [reading off the list, surprised] “Have sex in a public place?” [joking] “Steve’s bathroom not public enough for you?” 

Steve: [shouting] “I heard that!” 

Nina: [cheeks bright red now] “Just something I’m intrigued about.”

Eddie: (amused) “You’ve never won a game of monopoly?” 

Nina: (whining) “Eddie!” 

Eddie: “And which one was I?” 

Nina: (embarrassed) “Don’t make me say it!” 

Eddie: “Come on, I won’t laugh!” 

Nina: (mumbled) “10 and 23.” [shyly] “And number 4.”

Eddie: [looking at her lovingly, warmly] “Wow.” 

Nina: [hiding her face] “You’re killing me here!” 

Eddie: [sitting on her lounger, moving her hands from her face, soft] “I’m in love with you too.” 

Nina: [shyly] “You are?” [Eddie smiles and nods] 

Eddie pulls her into a deep kiss, his hands weaving in her hair. Nina sighs happily, kissing him back passionately. They can feel their hearts hammering in their chests. They pull each other closer, the kiss becoming desperate, needy, clinging to each other lovingly. 

Max: [laughing, so happy] “Nina, look! I’m doing it!” [She is standing on the float, Jonathan and Steve are in the pool, fully clothed, kicking the water to make waves for Max to surf on.] 

Eddie and Nina pull apart, breathless, looking at each other with wide eyes. 

Nina: [stuttering] “Yeah that’s great, great Max!” 

Eddie: [playing with her bottom lip] “What’s up, princess?” 

Nina: “You kinda took my breath away…” [looking around, mischievous] “You wanna go.. erm…?” 

Eddie: [gulping, aroused] “Are you implying what I think you’re implying?” 

Nina: (coy) “I mean, it is on the bucket list.” 

Eddie: (smirking) “Would be wrong not to.” 

They laugh and stand up, trying to subtly sneak off to the storage cupboard. 

Steve: [in the pool] “Hey! Where are you going?” 

Nina: (giggling) “We’ll be back in 20 minutes!” 

Eddie: “Urgent bucket list matters to attend to!” [Nina laughs as Eddie closes the storage room door behind her, pressing her up against the door] 

Their lips find each other quickly, hands roaming each other’s bodies. Eddie’s hands grope Nina’s ass, pulling her wet shorts down in one swift motion. His hands quickly slide into her underwear, sliding through her folds. 

Nina: [panting, teasingly] “Straight to the point, huh?” 

Eddie: [rubbing circles on her clit] “Only got 20 minutes, and I want you to cum twice in that time.” [Nina moans and he smirks] “Turn around darling.” 

Nina complies and turns around, bending over slightly for Eddie. He steadies his feet but trips over a foam pool noodle, causing Nina to burst out laughing, Eddie going red in the face as he recovers himself. 

Nina: (smirking) “Easy there, tiger.” 

Eddie: (embarrassed) “Shut up!” [unzipping his jeans, stroking himself harder with his hand, approaching Nina] “Come here.” 

He presses himself against Nina’s back, sliding his leaking tip through her folds. She moans, legs feeling like jelly already with anticipation. 

Eddie: [pressing a kiss on her neck] “Shh princess, we’ve got to be quiet.” 

Eddie starts to push in and Nina moans loudly again. Eddie places one hand on the wall in front of them to stabilise himself, the other over Nina’s mouth to keep her quiet as he pushes inside of her.

Eddie: [heart beating fast, eyes wide] “Fuck… there we go.” [Eddie is fully pushed inside her now.] “Fuck, baby, you’re so wet.” [giggling to himself] “Literally.” 

Nina: [mumbled into Eddie’s hand] “You’re a dick.” [he thrusts into her roughly to silence her] “Oh god, Eddie.” [Nina bends forward slightly, using her free hands to spread her ass cheeks more, allowing Eddie better movement. Her face and chest is pressed against the cold steel door.] 

Eddie: [thrusting slowly] “Good girl, just like that.” [Nina moans into his hand] “That’s my girl.” 

Eddie quickened his pace and Nina whimpers, hand climbing up the wall and resting on top of Eddie’s entwining their fingers. Eddie removes his hand from her mouth, not caring anymore about being quiet, and rubs quick circles on Nina’s clit. He grips Nina’s hips with his free hand to pull Nina down to meet his fast deep thrusts.

Nina: [voice horse with lust] “Holy fuck, Eddie!” 

Eddie responds by kissing the back of her neck, his breath hot on her skin, leaving goosebumps. He bites down on her skin to stifle his moans, legs aching with effort, but determined in his movements. 

Nina moans and flings her head back, her head resting on Eddie’s shoulder, and Eddie kisses along her jaw and bites at her earlobe. 

Nina: “Fuck Eddie, oh god! Fuck, fuck, fuck!” 

Eddie: [pace faster on her clit and in thrusts, chaotic, determined] “Let me feel you, baby.” 

Nina orgasms loudly, legs shaking and chest heaving, clinging to the wall to keep herself upright. Eddie continues thrusting through her orgasm, bringing tears to her eyes. 

Nina pushes Eddie back, leaving him confused. She drags him over to the pile of inflatables and pushes him down so he’s lying on an inflatable lounger. He looks at her with wide eyes as she climbs over him, thighs straddling him. His eyes twinkle with awe as she sinks down on him, riding him on the inflatable. 

Eddie groans and throws his head back, hands gripping her ass cheeks firmly, giving them an encouraging squeeze. 

Nina giggles at the squeak the inflatable makes underneath the two of them, Eddie smiles and rolls his eyes at her. 

Eddie: [adoringly, whispered] “I love you.” 

Nina: [cupping his face, softly] “I love you.” 

Eddie cups her breasts in his hands, revelling in the way they bounced in his hands as Nina bounced on his lap. When Nina starts to tire, Eddie manhandles Nina to flip her over so he is on top and Nina is on her knees, ass in the air in front of him. 

Eddie slips into Nina again with a groan.

Eddie: (panting) “I’ll never get used to how good you feel Nina, feels like you were made for me.” 

Nina moans at his words, extending her arm behind her to hold tightly onto Eddie’s wrist, both of his hands grasping firmly on her hips. 

[A/N: again totally NSFW / 18+, watch at your own pleasure / discretion, but here’s a link to Nina and Eddie’s position so you get the vibe!]

Nina: “God, Eddie, this is amazing, you’re amazing, I lo-” [her sentence is cut off with a moan as Eddie pounds into her relentlessly] “Fuck baby, please, feels so fucking good.” 

Eddie: [taunting] “What do you want, baby, huh? Want to cum again?” 

Nina: [begging] “Please, please make me cum Eddie, want it so bad!” 

Eddie: [groaning] “Like I could ever say no to you,” [his hand moves to her clit] “There you go princess,” [Nina’s legs begin to shake] “That’s a good girl, can feel you clenching around me, let go angel.” 

Nina: “Fuck, Eddie!” [Nina slumps against the inflatable after she orgasms, whimpering and trembling] "Oh Christ, I can't feel my legs."

Eddie pulls out and zips up his jeans. 

Nina: [confused, still dazed] “Wait, you didn’t cum! Don’t you want me to-“  

Eddie: [smiling] “Don’t need to, that was just for you babygirl.” [he slaps her playfully on the ass] “Gotta treat my girl right.”

Nina: [blushing, in awe] “God, you’re amazing.” 

Eddie: [grinning proudly] “I do try.” [pulling up Nina’s underwear and sorting out her dress, helping her sit upright] “You okay?” 

Nina: [blissed out, happy] “I’m great.” [brushing Eddie’s sweaty hair out of his face] “I love you so much.” 

Eddie: “You’ll love me a bit more in a second.” [Nina raises an eyebrow, Eddie smirks smugly] “Come with me.”

They leave the storage cupboard and stand by the pool with Steve and Jonathan; the others are drip drying off on the loungers.

Eddie: [to Jonathan] “You ready, Steve? Jonathan?” 

Jonathan & Eddie: [smirking, giddy] “Ready.” 

Nina: [confused] “Ready for what?” 

Steve picks up the fire hose from the wall beside the pool and turns it on, aiming it up in the sky. The water falls over Eddie and Nina like rain; Nina squeals at the cold water hitting her skin, laughing hysterically in Eddie’s arms. 

Eddie: [smiling down at her] “You wanted a perfect kiss in the rain.” [Nina beams up at him] 

Eddie cups her face lovingly, eyes softening despite the water beating down on them, and pulls her closer to him. He presses his lips against hers, hand sliding along her jaw to the back of her head, kissing her firmly and passionately. Nina sighs into the kiss, eyebrows furrowed with intensity, placing her hands on Eddie’s chest then going to the back of his head, tangling in his hair. Eddie then scoops her up in his arms, spinning her around as she throws her head back with laughter; their bodies drenched under the spray of the hose. Jonathan’s camera flashes, capturing the moment. 

[A/N: I imagine this kiss is like Nick and Jess’ first kiss in New Girl (spoilers sorry!) Link to kiss here! ]

Nina: [breathless, looking at Eddie with so much love in her eyes] “You really are amazing.” 

Eddie: [smiling] “That good enough for you?” 

Nina: [fondly] “Better than I could dream of.” 

Eddie: [cocky] “Crossed out 20, 27, 29 and 30 all in one night, that’s pretty impressive if you ask me.”  Nina: [smiling a dimpled smile] “I’ve never been more in love with you.”

➡️Chapter Twenty Nine - Beautiful Dawn

TAGLIST: @hostedparties-and-starvedmybody

[lune-de-miel-au-paradis]

The old villa, rain of shooting stars and the old legend

Summary: A little backstory about Nina's secret special place in Naboo. A sweet little memory from her childhood.

Pairing: Darth Maul x OC Nina Cerasus

Warnings: Mention of abandonment, illness, anxiety

AN: This fic means a lot to me and I worked on it a lot. If you have any advice or comments, please share them with me kindly. I'm posting for the first time in years and I don't want nasty comments to discourage me from posting again. If you don't like it, please go to another blog. I did my best to translate it, so pls forgive me, English is not my first language. Please enjoy reading!

previous chapter

Everyone has places in their lives, usually not too far from home, where they find the much requisite peace and comfort when it becomes necessary to recharge a little, or when the waves are crashing over our heads, right? Well, there were a few such places in Nina's life as well, regarding appropriate situations that fit both the occasion and the mood. Such was, for example, the glass-domed upper floor of the observatory wing of the university library, if she wanted to immerse herself in the endless world of stars and the galaxy, or the library itself, where she could easily slip away from reality with the help of endless stories, and legends. 

Then there was the roof that belonged to her apartment in the almost completely empty building. All she had to do was climb out of the window and there was the park and the university, decorated with arcades and columns shrouded in darkness at night, the best sight for rethinking existential thoughts.

She could take advantage of the little light pollution and stare at the sky and the planet's moons, which looked much bigger and brighter from here than anywhere else in the city. Perhaps that is why the observatory was built nearby.

Usually, when she didn't have much time, she found the peace she needed here. 

But there was a place, special and secret. At least that's what she liked to believe. A small empire of her own that her mother gave her many, many moons ago on a sleepless summer night, during an exciting adventure together. She might have been seven years old at the time. There were only three people living in that small house, but at least they tried to push out the bitter, medicine-scented air of sadness with an act of love and the warmness of a truncated family. 

Grandma Eve-Lynn was already fast asleep, but Nina could not dream, she tossed and turned until the bed finally threw her out. Her mother was sitting in the kitchen. Nina remembers her sitting there, one leg pulled up on the chair, a mug resting on her knee, in it  the remnants of mint tea, which had cooled down a long time ago, painted the rim of the ceramic mug in a dark green shade. The holopad was on the table, Nina's mother was directing the touch screen with one hand, the other was supporting her sleepy head. Her hair was short, and the colorful scarf she had put on in the morning was now slightly to one side with a loose bow. She hummed a melody of some old song with amusement and the air smelled of cherry and jasmine. An expensive perfume from a far away place. Gift from a traitor person, to cover up a lie, or maybe it was a kind gesture? Who knows? That person no longer lived in Nina's memories. Perhaps, if such a thing exists, it would have remained in another timeline. The same man who taught her to play the piano, who opened her interest to the sky full of stars and wonders, or who built the best bunker during storms by making a huge mess of quilts and pillows.

In Nina's memory, the man already lived differently. Every single memory was rewritten retroactively, tainted with some kind of strange poison that gave them a darker filter and a bittersweet taste. Just like the memories, the poison of betrayal took its toll on Nina herself. Like her father Felix, the old Nina no longer existed, at least not in this timeline. Since then, it's as if every passing day has brought more and more darkness into her life, as if the universe decided that it would be a fun game to kick the little girl, in as many ways as possible. A kind of transformation began in her personality. She already saw the world differently. She saw adults as liars, doctors as frauds and hope as a children's fairy tale.

And about Felix: his name no longer meant 'father' or certainly not for her, it was shortened to many other adjectives that the girl had heard so far only from holofilms, such as 'liar', 'cheat', 'coward'. The first man in her life she loved was the person who represented to her the true meaning of these adjectives.

Nina didn't like to think about him, but she liked to see her mother like this, peaceful, absorbed in something and not tied to a sick bed.

"Why aren't you sleeping, little star?" the woman asked softly when she noticed the little girl peeking from behind the door frame.

"I can’t sleep. I'm not tired. And the super-duper sleeping count spell is wrong. It’s broken. It doesn't work, even though I tried to count all the loth wolves who howl to the stars like Grandma suggested."

"Looks like none of us are sleepy. It's time for a little adventure then!"

Nina loved it when her mom felt better, everything was happier and more colorful, almost magical. The evening stories were longer, making dinner together was also good fun, accompanied by music to which they sang together. At such times, her mother's eyes were filled with life and sparkled like the constellation Canis Minor on clear nights. Just like tonight.

They didn't change clothes, they just put on their shoes, the jacket over the pajamas and the portable telescope.

Nina looked up at her mother a little confused as they walked towards the lake. It wasn't far, it was a well-known path for a while, then it became unknown and exciting. Nina hasn't been out at the lake at night yet. It was completely different to see the landscape and the creatures at night. Millions of luminous insects fluttered their wings in flight, and even blue-glow fish glistened under the lake's water dark coloured mirror surface as they bathed in the moon. The white flowers bloomed at night, filling the air with an intoxicatingly sweet scent. It occurred to Nina that they are no longer on Naboo, but in an exotic, distant landscape, one of those places that are used to be told as evening fairy tales, or the stories told by the vendors in the market.

"Where are we going?" he asked as she held her mother's arm tighter.

She didn't like the fact that the leaves of the lush forest vegetation were caressing her arms, hair and face from everywhere. Seeing this, Nina's mother Holly put her on her back so that Nina was like a little human backpack. They went on laughing.

"You'll see, little star. Tonight we'll watch the shooting stars from a very special place."

They followed the unknown path, but soon, behind two huge rocks, a secret lake appeared in front of them. It was surrounded by forest and opposite the domed roof of the distant Theed’s Royal Palace and the three moons shone high on the mountaintops. And a small waterfall also filled the silence of nature with a gurgling sound, mixed with the soft sounds of nocturnal animals.

And there stood the house. It was big and -we should rather call it a villa-. It is two-storey, built of stone and carved brick. With tall split windows, some of them patterned with colored glass. The years had worn it down a lot, the glass was missing in several places, or it was just cracked and broken. The walls were covered with various creepers, with bright pink papery petals and white fluffy stamens with a sweet scent. The tower roof had holes in several places, and the tiles were mostly dislodged, so thin mold disfigured the corners of the rooms. The bottom of the upper terrace, decorated with arcades, rose above the columned circular terrace outside.

Statues and worn carvings decorated the house, most of them depicting a species of monster with a terrifying face. Nina was a little surprised, but her mother walked in through the old black wooden door, which was cracked and the paint had almost completely worn off.

But the best part was the glass domed roof, of course it was also holed, broken and dirty, but a wonderful light filtered through it and illuminated the space. Nina has always dreamed of a bedroom with such a roof view.

Inside, on the walls were paintings and pieces of mosaics, carved fireplaces, and old ornate furniture. Among the scraps of red and black patterned carpet and sofa fabric, golden threads glistened in the sunlight. Even the lamps were made of ornate wrought iron, with the remains of tiny candle stubs. The living room, which was oval, surrounded by windows, in the center of which stood an old piano covered, and on the wall a huge mirror, the rim of which was gray with dirt, but still nobly grandiose in its bronze frame.

"What is this place, mother?" Nina asked in amazement, running her tiny fingers over the stars painted on the wall. There was a layer of gray dust on her fingers from the movement, which she wiped on her pajamas, with a little frown.

"This is our perfect stargazing spot. And our secret little palace, my little star."

"I feel like a princess here." the little girl whispered to herself, and dreamily turned around a few times. Her mother took her by the hand and led her and started telling stories. "Officially, the place is not ours, at least according to local legends it belonged to a rich married couple. The husband was a warrior who came from a far away planet and had a huge business. He met the woman, and he fell in love with her at the light festival. From here, the maiden watched the lanterns flying into the sky, gracefully reaching for them and saving several from falling into the lake.

 The best view of the stars was from here and on the lanterns flying towards them.  They looked into each other's eyes and fell in love.

The men decided to build the villa as a wedding present for his beloved fiancee. The carvings tell the story of the culture of a distant planet. They are said to contain protective charms so that the house will always be blessed and hidden from those with bad intentions.

To protect the family while the husband is away." “Woow, he must have really loved his wife. But what happened to them, mother?

" Well, it's not known exactly, they didn't have a child. They were sad because of that, and tried everything. There are several stories floating around about what happened to them. Some people think that someone took revenge on them."

"But who? And why?"

Nina asked in  a high pitched voice, she felt some curiosity mixed with fear and a hint of excitement. She loved to listen to legends.

"There are those who believe that Magic itself came, because sorcery has a price. There are those who believe that the husband's old master attacked them because he wanted his warrior back. The legend says he loved his wife so much that he used all his power to save her. "

“ But how? And did he save her? What happened to him?”

Holly set up the telescope in the garden of the old house while telling the story. The leaves of the trees formed a frame around the sky, on the dark surface of which the stars just shone. She adjusted the right angle and called her little girl over. Standing on her toes, Nina looked into the telescope with one eye. "See that cluster of stars? Are there two bigger and brighter ones close together?"

"Yes. There they are!" Nina pointed her little finger to the sky.

"The myth says that the warrior placed his love in the sky and that's how one part of the constellation was made. All his magic went into this spell. But he knew that his beloved would be safe and he would see her every night. But this made his evil master so angry that he ended the life of the warrior. Then the old gods, the Maker, or the Force itself took pity on the lovers and placed the energy of the dying warrior next to his beloved up in the sky. This is how the constellation of lovers was formed, how we can see it now. This is the only place you can see it this brightly from the planet.

The two were together in the sky and adopted dozens of smaller stars, which pass by them every year and visit them in the form of a meteor shower. You can see this ... right, now!"

Nina's eyes widened, dozens of tiny plumes of light floated across the sky in front of the constellation. The swarm consisted of many tiny dust particles. Her father had taught her many moons ago that these meteors heat up and burn due to their high speed in the planet's atmosphere, they do not reach the surface. He said that the best time to observe them is from midnight to dawn, when they can be seen in the greatest numbers. Her father promised that they would watch together this year, but according to him, this was just another lie. But Nina didn't want to think about that, instead she embraced her mother with joy, who, unaware of the promise, still surprised her with this experience and the legend along with it. They came at the perfect moment. The comets left behind colorful plumes, green, pale blue, purple, even pink.

After that, she went out a lot with her mom for picnics and night stargazing at the lake and the old villa, until Holly became so weak that she was bedridden again.

When her mom's illness got worse and passed away months later, Nina hid here to sob and mourn. This was their common place, every time she came here it was like a warm hug, she relived the lovely moments and warm memories over and over again. This became the place of her secret study place, and she went there whenever something that pressed hard on her soul, or simply to feel something. She talked secretly to the stars, as if her mother could hear her, waiting for an answer, but she never got one. After a terrible day, she was filled with peace and strength here, which helped her to continue her life and pretend to be strong in front of her grandmother, and all the doctors. 

This was one of those days, so she decided it was time to look for the secret villa by the lake deep in the forest and seek out some peace. 

If not for peace, but for something else - more precisely, someone else - she certainly found it.

Mood board made by me, pictures are from Pinterest.

next chapter

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