#andreawritesit

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Targaryen Reader

Synopsis: You had been living in the North for quite a while now but nothing felt quite as welcoming as receiving a warm bundle of joy as a present.

It was not morning yet. Or perhaps it was. Wrapped in the dark grey clouds, the sun often played hide and seek in the Northern skies. It was difficult to tell what time of the day it was. You got out of bed and immediately, the sudden chill enveloped your entire body, down to your bones. Quickly grabbing the fur blanket from the bed, you wrapped it tightly around yourself. The cold was your worst enemy, your soul was forged out of fire after all. Even after an entire month, you still couldn't understand why your mother would betroth you to a Northern lord. You were the same girl on the side of whose bed she had spent countless nights awake. As soon as the weather became colder, you'd catch a fever. Throughout your childhood and even now, in your adolescent years, Rhaenyra has been on her toes constantly because of how the cold affected you. And yet she had sent you to marry Lord Cregan Stark. Why? That's not to say that your betrothed wasn't the most respectable man you had ever met. Cregan was cold and stoic as Northerners tend to be, but he was also honorable and extremely kind to you. As soon as you had arrived at Winterfell on dragonback, he had done all he could to make sure you were comfortable. He made sure you got plenty of warm clothes and furs and despite being the lord of Winterfell, he came to your chambers every day to see if you needed anything.

You had both decided that you would marry only after the war was over. He didn't want to tie you to himself knowing very well that he could die in the war and leave you by yourself. And you didn't want to marry him so soon either because you still wanted to partake in your mother's efforts to get her throne back from the usurpers.

You walked to the window and looked outside. Everything was covered in pristine white snow. It was so different from Dragonstone and Kings Landing. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the South, there was a calming silence in the North. Soon enough, the sun's rays began to pierce through the dense clouds, casting a golden hue over the snow-covered landscape. You couldn't help but smile at the view outside. The tranquility was suddenly broken by a soft knock at the door.

"Come in", you called, walking away from the window.

The door slowly creaked open, revealing the Lord of Winterfell. His tall and imposing figure was contrasted by a warm smile on his face, a sight you had come to cherish over the past month.

"Good morning Princess. I hope I didn't disturb your rest."

You shook your head, "Not at all, my Lord. I was already up." Your eyes went to a bundle of blankets in his arms. "What brings you here so early?"

Cregan's smile widened as he walked to where you were standing. "I come bearing a gift for you, my Princess." He stepped closer, revealing a small, furry creature nestled in the crook of his arm. "I hope this will make your stay here easier. He's a wonderful companion." He removed the top blanket a little and a small head peeked out.

Your eyes widened in surprise. "A dire wolf pup?" you breathed out as you reached to gently stroke his fur. "He's so precious and small."

"One of the she-wolves gave birth to many pups this morning. When I saw this one, I knew I had to give him to you." The dire wolf pup, with its striking blue eyes and white fur, nuzzled into your touch, eliciting a soft laugh out of you. "Here, hold him", Cregan whispered as he softly passed the pup into your arms. You cradled him close and looked up at Cregan, your heart swelling with affection.

"Thank you. He's perfect."

"Much like you", he said while stroking the pup's head gently.

"Is that why you brought him to me? Because he's perfect like me? Or was there any other reason?"

Cregan let out a small chuckle at your words. "It's one of many reasons I decided to gift this one to you. You see, just minutes after being born, he was already jumping around and causing mayhem in the yard. Reminded me of you and your dragon quite a lot."

You punched his arm lightly and a laugh left your lips. The pup nuzzled your neck and you couldn't help but giggle. Cregan's gaze softened as he watched you bond with the dire wolf. "He's strong and brave, much like you," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "I thought he could be a symbol of the North's acceptance of you."

You felt a rush of gratitude and warmth, not just from the direwolf but from Cregan's thoughtful gesture. He had once again won you over, something that had happened quite a few times already.

"I know it's not easy for you to settle down here in the North. But I'm grateful that you're trying and I promise you, I will take care of you. I will make sure you won't have to miss the warmth of your home. Winterfell will be your abode one day and I hope I will become your family, someone you'll be able to trust and perhaps even love one day."

You shifted the pup into your right arm and held Cregan's hand with your left hand. "You have no idea how much you have already done for me. When I first came here, I was a scared little girl who was being separated from her family but now I feel like I was always meant to be here, with you. I can assure you that I will also do everything I can to be there for you. I am ready, to accept Winterfell as my home and you as my husband."

Cregan's expression softened, and he squeezed your hand lightly. "I'm glad to hear that," he said sincerely. "I'm glad you came here."

"Me too."

Suddenly, the pup stirred, letting out a small, contented yawn. You and Cregan both laughed softly. The moment was broken but no less sweet. "I suppose he's tired", Cregan whispered as he covered the pup with a small blanket.

"Have you named him yet, my Lord?"

He shook his head, "No. He's your companion. You should name him."

You took a long look at the white fluffy ball of fur in your arms. "I'll name him Winter," you decided, looking up at Cregan with a smile. "To remind me of the kindness and strength of the North."

"Winter it is, then," he said. "May he bring you joy and protect you always."

Your heart swelled with emotion as you held Winter close. "He already has," you replied, your gaze locked with Cregan's. "Thank you, Cregan."

In that moment, the chill of the North transformed into the warmth of new companionship and a realization that perhaps your feelings for the Northern Lord had evolved into something deeper.

i adore fluffy so please make it as sweet as you can, thank you :(

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Reader

Words: 952

The arrival of winter was always a busy time in the North. As the Lord and Lady of Winterfell, Cregan and you had spent the entire day overseeing the preparations for the upcoming winter. The castle buzzed with activity as you both coordinated food storage for the harsh winter to come. It was your duty to make sure that the people of the North would be well-protected against the biting cold. You had assisted Cregan throughout the day, your presence a constant source of support and encouragement. Whether it was reviewing the storeroom inventory or ensuring that the workers were well-fed and rested, you had worked tirelessly alongside him.

As the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the snow-covered landscape, the fatigue of the day began to weigh heavily on you. You glanced at Cregan, who was engaged in a final discussion with his advisors. His strong and commanding presence never ceased to inspire you, but even he looked tired at the moment. Finally, he sent them on their way and walked over to where you were standing, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You must be tired, my love. Come, let's retire for the night." He held your hand and led you out of the hall.

You made your way to your chambers, the warmth of the castle a stark contrast to the icy chill outside. Cregan held your hand the entire way. You felt a sense of relief as you entered the cozy room, the flickering fire casting a comforting glow. Cregan closed the door behind him, and the day's burdens seemed to melt away. You let out a long sigh which elicited a soft laugh from your husband.

"What's so funny, my lord?" you asked him.

He shook his head and hugged you from behind. "Nothing. You truly are very tired. Forgive me, in between all the preparations for the winter, I perhaps didn't pay much attention to you today."

You turned around still in his embrace and wrapped your arms around his torso. He rested his chin atop your head and hugged you closer to himself. "Not at all, dear husband. You were doing your duty and so was I. I'm indeed tired but I'm also quite proud of how much we accomplished in just a day."

He kissed the top of your head and released you from his hold. A chill ran over you in the absence of his warmth. Without another word, Cregan began to shed his heavy cloak and boots. You followed suit. You both moved in a comfortable silence, the kind that comes from deep understanding and mutual affection. Once you were both in your nightclothes, Cregan pulled back the thick furs on the bed, inviting you to join him.

You put your clothes on the chair and walked over to him. He had already climbed under the warm furs. You quickly slipped beneath the furs, the soft, warm fabric enveloping you in a cocoon of comfort. Cregan immediately wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. Snuggling against his chest, you could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath your ear.

"You know what", his deep voice rang, sending shivers down your spine, "today was truly exhausting. It feels like there is a mountain on top of my head."

You tilted your head to look up at him, your eyes filled with care and love. "Does it ache a lot? I can call the maesters. There is no reason for you to suffer, my love."

Cregan shook his head slowly and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. "It's nothing I can't handle. Besides, you've tired yourself enough today. Now I want you to stay here and rest."

You reached up to cup his cheek, your thumb brushing lightly over his skin. Cregan leaned in, capturing your lips in a tender, lingering kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you in your own little bubble of warmth and love. When you finally pulled away, Cregan rested his forehead against yours, your breaths mingling in the cool air.

You lay there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a gentle light over the room. Cregan's hand stroked your hair, his touch soothing and tender. You were just starting to fall asleep when Cregan suddenly asked, "Do you remember the first time we met?" a smile playing on his lips.

A sound somewhat between a sigh and a laugh left your lips. "How could I forget? You were so serious and intimidating. I thought I'd never get through to you." Cregan smiled, looking at you with love and admiration in his eyes.  "We've come a long way since then," he said softly. He leaned in to kiss you again, his lips soft and tender against yours.

"I love you, Cregan," you whispered, your voice filled with sincerity.

"I love you too," he replied, kissing you once more. "More than words can say."

As the night wore on, the soft crackling of the fire and Cregan's steady breathing played on like a lullaby, summoning you into the land of dreams. Eventually, your eyes grew heavy, and you nestled closer to Cregan, your head resting on his chest. Cregan held you close, his arms a protective cocoon around you. "Sleep, my love," he murmured, pressing a final kiss to your forehead. "I'll be here when you wake." You sighed contentedly, your eyes fluttering shut. "Goodnight, Cregan", you breathed out before falling asleep.

Fandom: Bleach Pairing: Shunsui x wife! reader Words: 749

The soft rustling of clothes could be heard from the room where you sat, folding the freshly washed clothes into a neat pile. The growing silence reminded you that it was late at night and your husband was still at the Captains Meeting. Tired from the work you had done all day, you put on your night clothes and sat on the futon. Just as you were about to crawl under the blanket, you heard the quiet shuffle of footsteps outside. The door slid open with a silent groan, and the familiar scent of sandalwood and sake drifted into the room. There he was - Shunsui Kyoraku - your ever-dramatic husband, looking like he'd lost a duel with exhaustion itself. His haori was draped over one arm, and he didn't even have the energy to tilt his hat forward.

"Well, well," you called out gently. "Look what the cat dragged in."

He let out a tired groan. "Please do not remind me of cats. They get to nap all day."

You rose, padding barefoot across to him. He welcomed your embrace with open arms, burying his face into the crook of your neck, and letting out a sigh that melted into your skin.

You reached up to run your fingers through his hair, losing the pins and freeing his long, messy locks. "Long meeting?"

"Too long", he mumbled, leaning into you, and wrapping his arms tightly around your waist.

"You're tense," you whispered, hands moving to run up the fabric of his kimono and feeling the stiffness in his shoulders. Shunsui chuckled weakly. "Comes with the Captain's haori, I'm afraid."

"You poor, poor soul." You smiled sympathetically. Releasing him from your embrace, you tugged his sleeve. "Come, sit down. I'll make it better."

He arched a brow but followed you nonetheless. "Better how?"

You gently pushed him down onto the futon and moved behind him, already slipping his outer kimono off his shoulders. "Massage, Captain. You deserve it."

"I truly married the right woman after all."

You laughed and smacked his shoulder lightly. "Shut up and relax."

Your finger worked into his tense muscles, slow and steady. Shunsui let out a blissful sigh, head dropping forward. Before long, his body began to slacken, breathing evening out as you continued to work out the knots in his shoulders. As the tension eased from his body and the night deepened, he fell back into your arms, drowsy and content.

"Shunsui?"

"Mmm?"

"If you fall asleep, I'll leave you on the floor."

"You would never."

"Try me."

"Is that a threat, sweetheart?"

You rolled your eyes fondly and wrapped your arms around him, resting your cheek against his back. "Yes, you idiot. It is."

He raised a brow at your words. "Maybe you need to spend less time with Nanao-chan. You sounded just like her."

A giggle escaped you and he leaned backward to look at you.

"I love you, so much."

You smiled at him, hands going back to rub his shoulders. "I know", you whispered back. "I love you too."

He let out a sigh that was half pleasure and half exhaustion. Leaning back slightly more, he placed a soft kiss on your cheek.

"Careful," you warned, laughing softly. "You're going to tip over."

"Wouldn't be the worst thing," he mumbled, head tilted back. "At least I'll land on my favorite pillow."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes. Instead of pushing him away, your hands slowed down, now gentle strokes and then eventually came to rest on his arms.

His eyes closed, in exhaustion and contentment. "You didn't have to wait."

"I'll always wait for you," you said, running your hands up and down his arms. "Even if I fall asleep sitting up."

He turned, shifting carefully in your arms until he was facing you. His knees brushed yours and the fabric of your clothes rustled softly. He reached out, cupping your cheek lovingly.

"I know and I'm sorry for making you wait so much."

You leaned into his hand. "Don't be. I don't mind waiting for you."

He gave you a soft, tired smile that made your chest tighten up. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to yours - slow, patient, and familiar.

"Let's go to bed," you whispered, forehead resting his. "Before you actually fall asleep on the floor."

"Just a moment. Please."

Fandom: House of the Dragon Pairing: Cregan Stark x Wife! Reader Warnings: Mentions of hunting, blood, dead animals, Cregan being the best Words: 1,240

You stood at the window of your chambers, letting the crisp and cold wind hit you. It was a sharp contrast to the life you were used to as the Lady of a Southern house. Just a few moons ago, you were basking in the warmth of the Southern sun and now here you stood, in the heart of the North, married to Lord Cregan Stark.

Your marriage was one of alliance rather than love—a union forged to strengthen ties between your houses. You were known for your gentle nature and had always been uncomfortable with violence and bloodshed. Your heart ached at the sight of suffering, be it human or animal. Cregan, on the other hand, was a seasoned warrior, a man hardened by the cold and the responsibilities that came with his title. He was a leader who had seen his share of battle, a man of few words but much action.

The first few weeks of your marriage had been, interesting to say the least. The Northerners had their own customs and their own ways of living. And unfortunately for you, they proved to be completely opposite to yours. Cregan, used to the harsh ways of the North, found it difficult to understand your sensitivity. He respected your kindness but was baffled by your inability to handle the realities of the world.

As the wind got harsher, you pulled the furs on closer, a shiver running down your spine. Even though you had come a long way in your marriage, your mind often replayed that one incident you wished you could erase from existence. You cursed inwardly as your mind went straight to that day again.

It was a cold morning when Cregan decided to take you on a hunt with him. You wanted to tell him no, to tell him how much you hated seeing animals get hurt but your mother's advice rang in your ears of "never disobeying your husband". So you nodded and went with him. Somehow, you had managed to stay away from the hunting party, instead sitting on a boulder nearby under the watchful eye of your husband's loyal guards. After some time, the hunting party returned. Among the game they had caught was a wounded deer, still alive and struggling. You gasped, your eyes filling with tears as you rushed to the animal, ignoring the blood that stained the snow. You knelt beside the creature, your hands shaking as you tried to soothe it.

Cregan watched from a distance, his expression unreadable. He had been raised to respect the necessity of hunting, understanding that survival often required hard choices. As he approached, he saw the distress in your eyes and felt a pang of guilt. Kneeling beside you, he placed a hand on your shoulder.

"My Lady," he began softly, "this is the way of life here. The deer is suffering; it would be kinder to end its pain."

Your head whipped towards your husband, your expression one of disbelief. "How can you be so…cold?" you whispered. "It’s still alive. It deserves compassion, not death."

Cregan hesitated, torn between his practicality and an urge to comfort you. He understood your distress but in his world, emotions had no place in survival. He held your shoulders and helped you stand up. Without saying a word, he took you aside and nodded to one of his men who ended the deer's pain swiftly. The tears that had formed in your eyes finally started flowing, your heart aching for the poor animal.

That evening, you found yourself in the Great Hall, surrounded by the Stark family and their bannermen. A feast was being held to celebrate the successful hunt. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meat, and the walls echoed with laughter and the clinking of tankards. Cregan sat beside you, a rare smile adorning his face. He didn't smile much in front of everyone. You had seen a fair share of his smile though. You felt out of place, a stranger in your own home. The conversation around you was filled with tales of battles and hunts, stories that made your stomach churn.

A loud cheer erupted from the other end of the table. A group of men had brought out a large boar, its tusks glinting in the firelight. The sight of the dead animal, its eyes still open, made you feel dizzy. You looked away, your hands trembling. Cregan noticed your state and held your hand in his, squeezing it lightly. "Are you alright, my love?"

You shook your head, trying to steady your breathing. "I just…I can’t stand the sight of blood," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "You don’t have to stay," he said, his voice softening. "If this is too much for you, we can retire for the night."

You nodded, grateful for the reprieve. As you both stood to leave, Cregan watched you, a sense of unease settling in his chest. He realized that he didn’t know how to handle your delicate nature, how to bridge the gap between your vastly different worlds.

A particularly strong gush of wind knocked you out of your memories. You took a deep breath and finally closed the window. After pacing around in the room in vain, you decided to visit Godswood instead. That place always brought you a sense of calm. Putting on another fur cloak over the one you were already wearing, you quietly left.

Cregan was finally done with most of his work for the day and decided to spend some time with you. Your maids let him know that you were in the Godswood so he wasted no time and came to see you.

He found you sitting beneath the heart tree, your fingers brushing over the soft, snow-covered ground. Cregan approached quietly, not wanting to disturb you. He sat down beside you, the silence between you comfortable. You glanced at him, and at the same time, he turned to look at you. You gave each other warm smiles and turned away. You watched the snowflakes fall, each lost in your thoughts.

"Do you love this place?" Cregan asked suddenly, breaking the silence. "The North, I mean. It’s so different from what you’re used to."

You smiled, a soft, wistful expression on your face. "It’s true that the North is harsh, and the people here are different from what I’m used to. But there’s a beauty in it, a purity. The snow, the silence…it feels like the world is holding its breath, waiting for something."

Cregan looked at you for a long moment. "I’ve been thinking," he said hesitantly. "About what you said…about the deer. You’re right. It deserved compassion, even in its last moments."

You looked at him, surprise clear on your face, and then a soft chuckle escaped your lips. "You don’t have to pretend to agree with me," you said softly.

Cregan shook his head. "I’m not pretending," he said firmly. " You’ve shown me that there’s strength in kindness and courage in compassion. Perhaps, sometimes it is better to let the ice melt."

A smile settled upon your face, a warm, radiant smile that made Cregan’s heart beat a moment quicker. He reached out and took your hand, a gesture of both apology and promise. You both sat there in the quiet of the Godswood, two souls from two different worlds, making a better one for themselves.

Fandom: One Piece

Pairing: Trafalgar Law x Reader

Word Count: 804

Warnings: Mentions of: death, sickness, and violence.

Another cough jolted Law out of his sleep. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in the couch. His eyes directly turned toward you, lying on the bed, covered in blankets. He ran up to you and sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling your forehead for any signs of the fever returning.

You and Law had been happy for a long time. So much so that he began wondering when things would go downhill. Trafalgar Law's life was many things but happy wasn't one of them. But ever since he had met you, he had found himself smiling more. You had become the one source of light in his otherwise abyss of a life. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Of course his happiness hadn't lasted. A few days ago, you had suddenly started shivering out of nowhere, you cheeks turning red. His devil fruit had helped with your fever and your coughs but for some reason, he couldn't decipher the nature of your illness. And without knowing the cause, he couldn't cure you. So here you lied, in his bed, sick and exhausted.

He pressed a feather light kiss to your forehead which stirred you out of your sleep.

"Law? Are you awake?"

"Of course I am. If I sleep, who will take care of you?"

A small laugh escaped your lips and you gazed at him with love in your eyes. You truly were lucky to have him by your side. Law wasn't an easy person to get along with. He was very closed off and rarely spoke to others. But you had finally managed to unravel the walls he had so meticulously built around himself and you found the most beautiful, most gentle heart at the center of it all. He let you see his heart, he gave it to you and you also vowed to take care of it with your life. The relationship you two had built over the course of last two years was one of utmost trust and love.

"You know, I wouldn't mind dying right now, by your side."

His eye twitched at your words and gave you a stern glare.

"Don't you dare. Don't you dare say that again. You will not die. I won't let you."

How could he? How could he let her fade away like this? No. He had already lost way too much. What would Corazon think if he couldn't protect her? He would be disappointed. Surely. You coughed again and for the first time in years, Law's mind flashed with images of people he had thought he had forgotten. His sick sister, lying in the bed. Lami. How she had suffered! His parents-taken from him so ruthlessly. Suddenly, his mind began replaying the scenes from this distant memory. He could see people coughing and crying...

Flavence was a nightmare he had repressed deep into his mind. Or so he had thought. The sound of your coughs were pushing him back into the endless pit of despair he had so mercilessly crawled out of, atop the dead bodies of his friends. How could he think he had escaped that hell? No. The hell lived. Inside him. Sweat began forming on his forehead as he tried so hard to erase the images from his mind.

Cough.

Shot.

Death.

Fire.

"Law"

Cough.

Death.

"Law!"

White.

Dead.

Shot dead.

"LAW!"

Your scream dragged him out of his memories and his head whipped toward you. You were leaning over the bed, trying to reach for the glass of water on the side table, tears running down your eyes.

He quickly handed you the glass and rubbed your back slowly as you drank it.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened to me..." he said, wiping your tears.

"You were trembling. Are you alright, Law?"

"I am. I'm fine. It's just... Forget it. I'll bring you a draught to help with the coughs." He got up to leave but you dragged him back down.

"No. Tell me. What happened?"

"Nightmares. I thought I left them behind."

"Flavence?"

He nodded and leaned his head onto your shoulder. You ran your fingers through his hair. You knew how much his past terrified him still. He tried so hard to seem unbothered but you knew, you knew he was still the scared little boy, running for his life.

"Law, listen to me. You're ok. And I will be too. I will get better. I won't die."

"I won't let you. I can't..."

You leaned your head on top of his, holding his hand tightly. He squeezed your hand and closed his eyes. He was going to save you. He wouldn't let you become a part of his nightmare. You were his sweet dream, his beautiful reality. He wouldn't let you go...

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Pairing: Cregan Stark x Targaryen Reader

Synopsis: Dragon riding is as easy as breathing for you but this time you have a special passenger with you.

Word Count: 1,924

"Can we go to the wall, Lord Stark?" Jacaerys' words made your jaw drop to the floor. Has he lost his mind?! The Wall? Why?!

Cregan glanced at the young prince and took a sip of his ale. "Are you sure, my Prince? It is much colder there." Jacaerys nodded enthusiastically. "I am quite sure. I have come this far. I want to see the Wall."

"Very well then", Cregan got up and dusted his clothes. Your brother followed suit. You stayed sitting, eating your food in peace. Jace had surely lost his mind. You were already freezing to death, you would surely die at the Wall.

"When can we go?" Jace's question made you want to punch him. Idiot. You were hoping Cregan would say 'after the war' or 'never' but what came out of his mouth infuriated you even more.

"Today, if you're truly ready for it." You glared at the Northern Lord. They have both lost their minds! You lightly pulled Jacaerys' hand but he was too busy agreeing with Lord Stark to go to the damned Wall that very day. "What of you, my Princess? Will you accompany us?" Your head whipped towards Cregan and you were about to say something rude to him when Jace answered for you. "Of course she is. I'm not leaving her alone here." You truly wanted to punch him square in his face at that. First, he proposes to go to the Wall and then treats you like a little child! The audacity!

"No thank you, my Lord. I'm not sure I'll be able to withstand the cold there. I'd rather stay here and explore Winterfell. I've barely seen anything here", you answered rather harshly. Cregan's eyebrow shot up at your tone but once again your brother interrupted. "You're coming with us. Imagine it, we'll be able to see the mighty Wall and even see what lies beyond. Are you really not intrigued about all that?"

"Yes, I am. But not enough to freeze myself to death for it."

"Don't be dramatic! I'm about as Northerner as you. We'll be fine. And Lord Stark will be with us. It will be ok."

Cregan glanced between us and sighed loudly. "You shouldn't force her, my Prince. If she doesn't wish to come with us, then let her stay here." You nodded to him in gratitude. Jace frowned at his words and decided to pull the good old trick out of his sleeves. "Alright dear sister, if you wish to stay here, do that. I'll go with Lord Stark to the place where Queen Alyssane and her dragon once stood/ How amazing would that be!"

You squinted your eyes at him. You knew your brother very well and knew what he was doing. He was triggering the fear of missing out within you. But you were determined to not let it affect you. "Do that. I'm sure it will be fun in the hellish cold up there." Jace rolled his eyes at you and turned toward Cregan, "How do we travel to the Wall?"

"By horseback."

"But it will take long, wouldn't it?"

"Yes, my Prince, it will."

"Then can I not just travel there on Vermax?"

Cregan shook his head. "I would advise against that. Dragons do not like the cold atop the Wall." Your ears perked up at the mention of Vermax. You hadn't seen your own dragon for a week now. You were dying to go dragon back riding again. Walking up to your brother, you linked your arm through his. "My brother has proposed a wonderful idea, Lord Stark. Going there on dragonback will be quicker and easier than horseback."

"Perhaps but you're forgetting one important thing, my Princess. I do not own a dragon. It will take me days to reach there."

"Not if you come with me on my dragon." You responded back without thinking and now both men were staring at you. Cregan let out a nervous laugh. "You jest, Princess. I couldn't possibly ride on your dragon with you..."

You knew you couldn't go back on your words now. Cursing yourself inwardly, you decided to push the idea forward. "Why not? My dragon is much bigger than Jace's and it can carry us both quite easily."

"Yes, but I'm not of Valyrian descent. Won't the dragon object to it?"

Jacaerys chuckled next to you and you elbowed him to make him stop. Cregan's fear was justified. "Do not worry, my Lord. I won't let you fall."

His eyes locked with yours and finding reassurance within your eyes, he nodded in agreement. "Great! Off to the Wall then!" Jace said quite loudly.

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The snow had started to fall lightly, dusting Winterfell in a fresh blanket of white. You stood in the courtyard, adjusting the straps on the saddle of your dragon, whose sleek greyish-violet scales shimmered like polished gemstones. Cregan approached, his expression a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, eyes wide as he took in the massive creature before him. You turned to him, a reassuring smile on your lips. "Absolutely," you said. "My dragon is gentle, and I promise you'll be safe with me."

Despite your reassurance, he stood quite far from your dragon. You smiled at his expression, one of awe and caution mixed together. You walked to him and held his hand. "Do not worry. He looks scary but he's much gentler than other dragons. Trust me." He looked at you and then at your dragon and nodded. "Alright then. Let's do this."

You slowly led him to the majestic beast. Walking closer, you gently stroked your dragon's neck and spoke softly, "Hey there my boy, this is my friend, Lord Cregan Stark. I want you to be nice to him, hmm?" Your dragon lowered his neck and gently nudged you to indicate his agreement. You turned toward Cregan and smiled widely at him. "See? He said he won't hurt you. You can ride with me."

With practiced ease, you mounted your dragon, extending a hand to help Cregan up behind you. The Lord of Winterfell hesitated for a moment before grasping your hand, pulling himself up with surprising agility. He wrapped his arms around your waist, holding on tightly.

"Ready?" you asked, looking over your shoulder at him.

"As I'll ever be," Cregan replied, his voice steady but his grip firm.

With a command in High Valyrian, you urged your dragon to spread his massive wings. The dragon let out a powerful roar, and with a mighty leap, you were airborne. The ground fell away beneath you, and Winterfell became a distant speck as you soared higher into the sky.

The sensation of takeoff was exhilarating. You felt the rush of wind against your face, the powerful beats of your dragon's wings creating a steady rhythm beneath you. Cregan's initial tension gradually eased as he adjusted to the sensation of flight. You felt his grip relax slightly, and you glanced back to see him looking around in awe. Your lips lifted up in a smile seeing the almost childlike wonder on his face.

"This is incredible," Cregan breathed, his eyes wide with wonder. "I've never seen the North like this."

You could barely hear him up there. But you understood how he felt. You had felt exactly like that on your first flight, except that your flight was filled with your screams and he was sitting silently behind you.

As your dragon climbed higher, the landscape below transformed into a breathtaking tapestry of white and green. The sprawling forests looked like intricate lacework, the icy rivers glinting like silver ribbons in the sunlight. The mountains stood tall and imposing, their snow-capped peaks piercing the sky. The vastness of the North stretched out below you, a testament to the rugged beauty of Cregan's homeland.

"The North is very beautiful', you spoke softly. Cregan didn't hear you but he held you a little tighter again. You could feel his warmth even through the thousands of layers of clothes you both were wearing. He rested his head on your shoulder and a shiver ran down your spine.

Cregan's voice came out in a whisper, "I can see why you love this so much. It's… freeing." You didn't reply but you gently leaned your head on top of his. You had flown on your dragon many times but no experience was like this one. You wanted to believe it was because the North was much different from where you usually flew but a part of you knew, it wasn't the place, it was the company.

After a little while you shook Cregan a little and he looked up at you. "What is it, my Princess?"

"You were supposed to lead us to the Wall, my Lord. I think we have reached an entirely different place..."

Cregan looked down and indeed, you were nowhere near the Wall. You were flying over a herd of animals scattering in awe at the sight of the dragon overhead. He looked at you and you both burst out into laughter. "If I have lost the way even with you, I cannot begin to imagine where Jace is right now..."

Cregan stopped laughing and shook his head. "The Prince is smarter than this. I'm sure he'll have reached the Wall by now."

"Perhaps. But what do we do now? Do we go straight the Wall or..."

"As much as I'm enjoying this, it would be better if we land for some time. Your dragon must be tired as well." You nodded and guided your dragon to a gentle descent, landing on a snow-covered plateau that offered a panoramic view of the landscape. You dismounted first, turning to help Cregan down. The wind was brisk but invigorating, carrying with it the crisp scent of pine and the distant sound of a roaring river. "Thank the Gods we're still in the North. It shouldn't take long to reach the Wall after a little rest', Cregan commented after looking around.

"So, how was your very first dragon ride?" you asked, a hint of curiosity in your voice.

Cregan looked at you, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Unbelievable," he said. "I never imagined anything like it. Thank you for this."

"See? You were being afraid for no reason at all", you quipped playfully. He picked up a little snow in his hands and grinned at you. "I'll show you true fear", he said as he threw the snow at you. You dodged it barely in time. "So this is how we're doing it? Alright then. Let me show you how we do things in the South." You picked up a handful of snow but before you could throw it, he had already thrown another snowball at you which hit your right shoulder. Your eyes widened and Cregan stood opposite you, laughing loudly. You threw your own snowball at him and the fight continued for some time until you both collapsed of exhaustion.

For a moment, you both sat there, the cold wind whipping around you, your breaths visible in the crisp air. Then, with a gentle smile, Cregan got up and held out his hand for you.

"I suppose we should go now, my Princess. Your brother must be worried."

You took his hand and let him drag you up. "You're right. Are you ready for your second experience atop a dragon?"

"More than you know."

With a confident smile, you guided your dragon into the air once more, heading toward the Wall.

Pairing: Storm Shadow x reader Words: 1231 Summary: You and Storm Shadow have been meeting in secret despite being on opposite sides. One night, he arrives wounded at your doorstep, forcing you to confront the feelings you've been trying to suppress.

The night air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth, the streets dimly lit by flickering lanterns. You quickly entered and locked the doors to your small hideout. You had barely stepped inside when a faint rustling caught your ear. Your hand instinctively reached for the blade strapped to your thigh, muscles tensing. Quietly opening the door to the room, you peeked around and saw someone sitting in one of the chairs. You unsheathed your blade and were about to attack when the figure rose from the chair and turned toward you.

Storm Shadow.

His usually pristine white uniform was stained crimson, and his breathing was ragged. He tried to stand straight, gripping his side, trying and failing to mask his pain.

You took a deep breath and put your blade back into its sheath, stepping forward without hesitation. “You’re hurt,” you whispered softly.

"It’s nothing," he muttered, his voice strained. But as he took a step, his knees buckled. You caught him before he collapsed, sitting him back in the chair. "Don’t move.” Your tone left no room for argument, and to your surprise, he obeyed.

You moved quickly, fetching a first-aid kit from the old cabinet and a basin of water from the kitchen. Kneeling beside him, you carefully peeled back the fabric of his torn uniform, revealing the deep gash on his side. He winced but remained silent, watching you work.

"You shouldn’t be here," you murmured as you pressed a cloth against the wound. "If they find out…” You left your sentence unfinished. Being a spy for the Joes, you were well aware of the consequences you would have to face if they knew about your complicated relationship with him.  

"I had nowhere else to go," he admitted, his voice softer now. "I knew you'd help.”

He was right. You would never turn him away. You swallowed hard, hands trembling for reasons that had nothing to do with stitching up a wound. The two of you had been meeting in the shadows for months now — stealing glances at each other, and spending moments that neither of you dared to name. You were supposed to be enemies. But the way he looked at you now, even though his expression was pained, made it clear that lines had already been crossed.

"This is dangerous," you whispered, finishing the last stitch. "Every time you come to me, you're risking everything. Neither of us can afford to be caught. Besides, Snake Eyes knows about this safe house of mine. We cannot risk him walking in on us.”

His fingers brushed your wrist, stopping you mid-motion. "And yet, I keep coming back." Your breath hitched. His eyes, usually sharp and unreadable, softened as he gazed into your soul. The silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken words. Then, against all reason, you let yourself lean in. And for once, he didn’t pull away.

After taking a deep breath to regain his composure, he leaned forward and gently but firmly pressed his lips to yours. There was no war, no conflict, no missions to finish, no opponents to battle, and for a moment, everything else vanished into the background, just the two of you existed for this brief period of calm.

When you pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours. You withdrew and took a look at his wound which looked gnarly even after being stitched.

“You need proper treatment for this.” His eyes darted to his wound and he rolled his eyes. Pulling his torn garment back over it, he sat straight. “This is nothing. I’ve had worse.”

“You were one hour away from seeing your intestines dangle. Seriously, go to a hospital.” He shook his head, kissed your cheek quickly, and got up. You put the bloodied cloth and the first-aid aside and got up after him. “Surely you don’t plan on leaving right now? It is so late. Stay here for tonight.”

For a long moment, he didn't answer. His gaze was distant as he gathered his sword and shuriken.

"I can't," he finally said, his voice strained. You knew he would say that. It was never safe for him to stay there. But you couldn’t help but wish he would stay.  

You didn’t know what came over you but you walked over to him and grabbed his wrist. “Please. Please stay. Just for tonight”, your voice came out as a whisper.

He exhaled, shoulders relaxing as if the world's weight had momentarily lifted from them. His fingers curled slightly around your wrist now, hesitant yet steady. It was a small gesture, but it sent warmth through your chest.

“Alright. But only for tonight. I’ll leave before dawn.” You nodded your head quickly.  A smile made its way to his lips as he wrapped his other arm around your waist. You pulled away and gestured toward the water basin and dirty cloth. “I’ll clean up. You need to change clothes. I think I have some of your old ones in that locker over there.” He nodded and put his weapons back on the table. As he got changed, you quickly cleaned the room and made room for him in the bed. This was the first time he was staying and you did not want to inconvenience him at all.

He walked into your bedroom, which only had a bed, a small table, and a locker. He stood near the foot of the bed, arms crossed. "You should rest," you murmured, breaking the silence.

His lips twitched slightly. "You’re the one who should rest. You always worry too much."

You huffed, rolling your eyes. "I’m not the one who nearly collapsed in my room."

"Touche." There was the faintest trace of amusement in his voice, a ghost of a smirk playing at his lips. He walked over to the right side of the bed and you had to restrain yourself not to shout at him for taking your side of the bed. He sat down on the bed and you helped him lie back. As he settled in, you took a seat beside him, resting your hand on his forehead.

His eyes found yours and he held your other hand in his. "Thank you."

"For what?" you asked, brushing the strands of stray hair from his forehead.

"For being here. My actions are not easy to come to terms with and yet…”

“And yet here you are and yet here I am.” You reached out, letting your fingers brush over his hand. He didn't pull away. If anything, he shifted slightly closer, his warmth radiating through the space between you.

Then, before you could overthink it, you leaned in. Close enough that his breath fanned across your lips. For a moment, he stayed perfectly still, as if caught between hesitation and surrender. And then he closed the distance.

His lips were warm against yours yet he was hesitant. But when you didn’t pull away, when your fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, he pressed in deeper, letting himself sink into the kiss.

He pulled back slightly and gave you a warm, genuine smile. "You should really stop letting me in”, he exhaled softly.

You smiled back at him. "Then you should stop coming back."

Fandom: Bleach Pairing: Uryu x Reader Words: 918

Keeping a secret from extremely nosy friends was the most difficult thing Uryu ever had to do, never mind the hollows or arrancars. It had started as an innocent agreement. Dating in secret meant no teasing from Ichigo, no nosy prodding from Orihime, and no exasperated sighs from Chad when things inevitably spiraled into chaos. Simple. Easy. Foolproof.

Except, it was none of those things.

You were good at keeping your composure, mostly, but Uryu was truly struggling. He was not good at keeping a poker face. You thought you were doing a good job but things were never that simple in Karakura Town. The first crack in your so-called secrecy happened at lunch. You were both at your usual table, maintaining a safe distance—nothing unusual. Until Uryu casually reached over and slid your tray closer to you, a gesture so natural and thoughtless that he didn’t even register what he had done. Ichigo did.

“Since when do you take care of other people’s food, Ishida?” Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

Uryu blinked, pushing up his glasses as if to buy time. “I—It was off-center. That was bothering me.”

Rukia snorted. “Right. Because you’re secretly a food tray perfectionist?”

You stuffed a spoonful of rice in your mouth to avoid playing any part in this conversation. Uryu rolled his eyes at Rukia’s remark and resumed eating as if he hadn’t heard her. At first, Ichigo teased him but then he soon went back to eating his own food and the matter settled.

Then came the second incident. During a Hollow attack, Uryu instinctively grabbed your wrist and pulled you behind him before shooting an arrow. Normally, this would have gone unnoticed in the chaos—except that when the dust settled, he was still holding onto you.

Orihime, ever observant, gasped. “Ishida-kun! You’re still holding hands!”

You both yanked your hands away so fast that even Chad gave you a skeptical glance.

“Are you all okay?” Ichigo asked, panting from the fight still. Orihime chuckled and answered in her honey-sweet voice, “Yes Kurosaki kun, everything is fine. How could it not be when Ishida-kun is such a hero!” Ichigo looked at Uryu and then at you, his expression puzzled. “Okay, seriously. What’s going on?” he asked.

“Nothing,” you and Uryu said in perfect unison, which, naturally, made things worse. Orihime broke into a fit of giggles and Chad also smirked at you both.  

The final nail in the coffin was entirely your own fault. One evening, as you all walked home together after eating at a diner, you were busy talking to Rukia when Ichigo suddenly stopped walking.

“Wait. Where’s Ishida? I forgot to even ask but why didn’t he join us today?”

Before you could think about it, you answered, “He was not feeling well so he stayed home.” All three friends turned towards you and you met Ichigo’s inquiring gaze.

And then your phone buzzed.

A single message: Forgot to say goodnight. Sleep well.

Before you could stop yourself, you smiled at your phone. That was all it took.

Chad smirked. “You two are so busted.”

Ichigo groaned, slapping a hand over his face. “Unbelievable.”

Orihime clapped her hands together. “Aww, I think it’s so cute! How long have you been dating?”

You stuffed your phone back into your pocket and buried your face in your hands. “This is a disaster.”

The next day in school was awkward. Uryu didn’t know you had been busted so he tried to act normal. The friends had decided to make fun of this situation in their own way. So, at lunchtime, Ichigo purposefully sat with you where Uryu usually would sit You rolled your eyes at him but continued eating. Uryu was confused but sat down quietly next to Chad. This continued in the classes too. When Uryu walked into the classroom after lunch, he paused. Ichigo was sitting next to you. Not only that, but Ichigo was sitting way too close, casually leaning on the desk as he chatted with you like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Uryu narrowed his eyes and walked to the desk. “What… are you doing in my seat?”

Ichigo shrugged. “What? Can’t I sit next to my good friend?” Orihime was struggling to keep a straight face as she came up behind Uryu. “Maybe Kurosaki-kun just wants to take care of her food tray today!”

Uryu turned to look at her, his confusion deepening. “...What?”

Ichigo got up and clapped a hand on Uryu’s shoulder, grinning. “Don’t look so jealous, Ishida. I mean, it’s not like you have anything to worry about, right?”

Realization finally dawned on Uryu. His face went blank. “You know.”

You bit your lip, trying not to laugh. Chad crossed his arms. “Oh, we definitely know.”

Uryu groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “This is a nightmare.”

Ichigo smirked. “Nah, this is just the beginning.” You looked at Uryu, who looked petrified and shrugged. He sighed and pushed Ichigo out of the way and sat down next to you. “Now that you know, stay away from my girl Kurosaki.” Orihime laughed and sat down in her seat and Ichigo sat next to her, making faces at Uryu. You laughed at his antics and leaned onto Uryu’s shoulder. “At least we don’t have to hide anything anymore.” He smiled at you and intertwined his fingers with yours. “Yeah. It was a pain.”