#magi reader insert

Ohh!! I don't think i have written for Morgiana before, and I am also gonna say that I am secretly happy to have more female characters pop up in the requests! Enjoy

2nd person. GN reader.

Your heart beat wildly in your chest as you dipped your toes in the water. When Morgiana had said she’d teach you how to swim, you were quite happy, but it was mostly because of her bright smile, and her eyes full of conviction. You weren’t too sure how eager you were with the body of water right in front of you, feeling strangely vulnerable, even though Morgiana showed you that the water only reached her knees where she was standing and promised you ten thousand times that nothing bad would happen to you. But you couldn’t help but overthink, one doom scenario after the other flooding your brain. Slipping, hitting your head, and drowning. Actually figuring out how to swim, but Morgiana suddenly changing from a gracious mermaid into an evil siren and dragging you down to the depths. Losing whatever swimwear you were wearing and being thoroughly embarrassed… the list was endless, one scenario more likely than the other.

Morgiana made her way over to you as you still hadn’t even put your foot down, balancing on one leg, eyes wide as your life seemed to flash before your eyes. She gently pushed you back, away from the water, letting you find your balance again and smiled mischievously.

“I think you’re the only person I know that needs mouth to mouth before drowning”

'lover'

Fandom: Magi

Pairing: ren hakuryuu x f!reader x judar

Warnings: Sexual content, hinted unhealthy relationships

Notes: I am not proud of this whatsoever, I apologize for the monstrosity that you are about to read but I hope you enjoy :) plz don’t be mean lol

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Hakuryuu is a tender lover in the ways Judar wasn't.

Be prepared to be absolutely spoiled by this prince--because Kouha has no problem with giving his s/o whatever their heart desires, and many more with that. If he sees them looking at some clothes in a shop? He’ll buy out the whole place. If they really enjoyed that cake made by the palace chefs? He’ll have a supply of them made specifically for his s/o, as in his eyes, they deserved the world and more.

He’s extremely affectionate and loving--he loves peppering his s/o’s face with kisses, holding their hand, playing with their hair, pulling them into his lap and just cuddling with them and refusing to let go--it can be a bit smothering sometimes, but the prince simply can’t help it--he always wants his s/o to know how much he loves them.

He’s also fond of wearing matching outfits--not just because it’s a cute coupley thing to do and he loves clothing, but the possessive side of him loves showing them off, how good they look in his clothes and how their utterly his. Others can look if they want to (however not too much) but if they try and touch...all that can be said is there will be hell to pay and blood to spill.

Very, very protective of them. Violently protective. He’ll want to keep them by his side at all times, and if his s/o happens to be in his household and a battle gets too rough, he’ll adamantly refuse to let them near the battlefield no amount of pleading will change that. It’s not that he doesn’t believe in their abilities--he’s witnessed their strength many times before, and absolutely loves the sight of them fighting-- but the thought of them getting injured or even killed is enough to get even Kouha afraid. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing them.

Rough starts

☛ Volume 1, chapter 2 of the SnB manga

“He’s the son of an expatriot.” Your mother whispered to you, her face adorned with a soft scowl. As a four year old girl, it was only natural you were confused. The word expatriot had never been used around you since your mother made it her duty to keep you away from people who didn’t contribute to the war in Parthevia. Despite not knowing what an expatriot was, the war was something that had been explained to you. It was necessary in order to make the Parthevia empire great and able to rule over other countries such as the Reim Empire. Everyone in Taison village - your village - had given away their boats, houses, money, everything! In order to help out. You always believed everybody contributed, that was, up until now.

“Mother. What’s an expatriot?” As if she hadn’t meant to use such a word infront of you, your mother knelt down. Placing your tiny fists in her larger hands that gently coaxed over the top of yours. Your mother was one of the most beautiful women in the village and just staring up into her face made you hope you could end up looking like her. Not only did she have beauty on her side, but she was amazing personality wise to. To her, everything was fragile and must be handled with care.

“My sweet little (Reader insert).” Began she. Her voice calm, not even above a whisper as she watched the young purple haired boy toddle from his house over to a near by, small harbor. Currently, both of you were in front of your wooden house. “An expatriot is someone who doesn’t contribute to the war. Someone who is selfish. Only out for themselves. Such a person is pure filthy, disgusting.” Your mother practically spat, seeming to become more agitated as she spoke on. The women seemed to catch onto his, and her eyes glazed over with an emotion you had yet to learn. “Promise me my darling girl, that you will never get mixed up with the likes of an expatriot or any of their blood line. I want you to stay golden. Just like you are now.”

Hearing and seeing your mother being this disapproving towards a group of people practically made your blood boil. You had yet to understand such motives, but you didn’t need to understand anything in order to harbor hatred now did you?

“I promise mother.” You agreed, placing a hand over the top of your heart. “As long as there is evil in this world. I won’t hesitate to help those strong like our soldiers defeat it. That’s the Parthevian way.” The answer seemed to satisfy your mother who stood to her feet.

“Good girl.” She praised, one hand ruffling your hair lightly. The sensation making you smile. “There are some things I need to take care of my sweet. Go inside.” At that, your mother waltzed away without a care in the world. Her thin dress flowing behind her. People parted just to let her walk through them, their heads down. Being the daughter father sure did help circumstances when having very little food and money. Your dad was a loyal Parthevia soldier, he worked hard and earned enough to support both yourself and your mother. Of course, due to his occupation he was biased towards the way your empire worked.

“As long as we work hard we get money. The others hardly work and look where that’s got them. No where. As a soldier I put my life on the line. That’s why we live in the best possible way we can. They just mope around and give things to the empire to assist with the war. Assistance is as good as they get, that’s why, they live as they are. Low.”

His words stuck into your heart like a thorn in a finger. Your father knew what he was talking about after all. He was a soldier and that is why your family is so well respected around Tison village. Unfortunately for both of your parents. Being only four years of age, curiosity was a big part of growing up and knowing about expatriots made you want to investigate further. Remembering your promise to your mother, you decided to stay as far away as these disgusting people as possible. The harbor was quite close to your house fortunately, so if your loving mother asked any questions. You could tell her you were exploring, something you always loved to do.

Venturing to the harbor, your tiny body squeezed between two large barrels and you held a finger to your lips. “Stay quiet (Reader insert), don’t blow this.” It would be amusing if somebody was there to witness it. It seemed as though you were one of those children who told themselves to do something, yet did the opposite without realizing it. Leaning forwards, you listened intently to hear what the two boys were saying. You had a hunch that the purple headed males were father and son. You were four, but not stupid after all. It seemed as though the elder of the two had been fishing judging by his net which was full of the aquatic creatures.

“You’re so stingy daddy why can’t I go!?”

“You’ll be in the way! How can I let a kid ride with me?”

“I’m not a little kid! I’m already five!”

“That’s what the world calls a kid!”

“Why? You stupid daddy!…I just…I just.” Even for you the atmosphere was quite tense. You hadn’t realized your tiny fists clenching on your dress just by watching the scene unfold. Your mother was right, expatriots were truly grotesque. They had no idea how to raise their off spring either obviously, as the child only a year older then you was beating up his lowly father. Huffing, you turned on your heal. Ready to storm away from such a terrible sight.

“I just want to do something for my daddy who only has one leg.” Two things from this grabbed the attention of your tiny self. The first thing was the fact somebody could even have one leg? You didn’t even notice the man was missing one thanks to his long robe. The second thing was the fact such a violent act to turn into something so sweet. It was almost mirroring your actions whenever your father would come home for a day just to go back later. In that short space of time. You wanted to do everything you could to help him. You supposed they were still human. Still trying to cope with hardships. Were they really so different after all?

“I see…so you’ve been worrying about me, huh? This leg is a result of my own actions. It’s no ones fault that I wasn’t strong enough. For me, it acts as a reminder that I’m still alive and kicking. So you don’t have to worry about that, Okay?” The young boy still frowned, causing his father to mimic the action. “What!?” The father started up again, rather comically. “Is there something wrong? Don’t worry!” His arms clasped around the small boy, lifting him gently off the floor. It was a similar position to you and your mother only but a few moments ago. “When your older and a little bigger. I’ll take you out as much as you like! When that time comes! I’ll really put you to work!”

“Daddy~!”

“That’s why kids should take the time to eat and sleep a lot while they can, got it?”

“Yup! Got it!” Though, like all good things. They must soon come to a bitter end.

“Hey! What are you doing?” The one sentence was enough to draw your attention as well as the attention of the two boys. You looked towards a group of new comers. They glared harshly down at the vibrant haired pairing, fists clenched, knuckles white and faces unholy. Your mother, was one of them.

“Don’t tell me…you wouldn’t be fishing here would you?” A man you thought looked familiar began before your mother interjected.

“Badr.” Tutted your mother. “Now not only are you being as filthy as always. But your bringing your son into your ways to? How predictable.” The elder purple haired male who you now knew as Badr. Stayed seated on the floor beside his son. Ignoring the harsh words and instead smiling.

“Oh! You guys are from the village right? What a coincidence that we meet here…is there something wrong with us fishing here?” As soon as those words left his mouth, a string of vile sentences came from the other villagers of Tison village including your mother.

“All you care about is fishing!”

“Hmph…no shame!”

“You have some nerve!” Finishing it off, your mother sneered. Her usually perfect face rivaling that of a monster. You had never seen such ferocity rise up from somebody you were so close to. It scared you.

“Filthy expatriot!” A few more “expariot” slurs followed afterwards from a few more people. The hostility only rising. You thought…No you hoped, that was it over and finished. That such verbal abuse had finished the argument. Badr said nothing back, keeping his calm, one of his arms raised over his young son to keep him shielded but your mother seemed to want to teach Badr more of a lesson then you desired her to. With a swift click of her fingers, men began piling over. The one you had recognized earlier being the main attacker. Using his bulky hands to grasp at Badrs clothing, his fists collided with many different spots on his body including his defenseless face. Your tiny (Eye color) eyes widened. Hands instantly clasping over your mouth to muffle out your cries of protest. If your mother knew you had broken your promise, you would be in big trouble. The sound of flesh being hammered down on was enough to cause you to cringe, was this truly what expatriots deserved? Your young mind couldn’t comprehend such abuse and before you knew it. Beautiful laughter rang out across the clearing.

“W-what’s so funny?” The attacker asked in disbelief. Badr simply continued to laugh, the smile never leaving his face.

“Haha…sorry, sorry. For a bunch of villagers, you guys are overzealous about the war.” What kind of fruit was that? “It made me laugh. Unfortunately, I have no interest in what’s happening to this country.” Base paused for a second, catching his breath before continuing. “Will tomorrow be a clear day? Do I want wine with dinner? I honestly don’t think of much else. It’s unfortunate for zealots like you.” The disbelief on everyone’s faces was obvious. You knew expatriots were bad but this. This gave a whole knew meaning to the word traitor it seemed. Growling, your mother whispered.

“You won’t get away with that Badr! Stop Messing around with us!” The final punch, was defiantly the worst. Your body visibly began shaking, staring at the culprit but now, you honestly couldn’t be sure who the culprit was. Was it the expatriot? Or was it the man who had attacked another villager with only one leg and left his son to witness it? The villagers took their leave after practically demolishing Badrs boat, and in order to stay hidden from your mother you crouched lower. Sighing in relief when they disappeared around the corner. After a few more seconds you jumped out quickly from your hiding place. Panic over taking you.

“H-hey you!” Your whole body froze and turned to see who spoke to you. It was he, the young boy who you still didn’t know the name of. “P-please help me! Please help my daddy!” At such a young age, you were torn between the love of a mother and the feeling of wanting to help a victim. Choices were hard, and at that moment you learned the easy way out was always the best.

“No.” You whispered defiantly. Not able to look him in the eye. “Your nothing but an expatriot…”

Later that day, you kept your distance from your mother. She didn’t seem to mind, busy with house work and cooking anyway. Sitting cross legged on the floor, you stayed silent. The plush cushion beneath you keeping you from complaining about having a sore bottom.

“(Reader insert).” Smiling, you looked up to your mother who had addressed you. Her voice seeming to be a lot more caring then it was earlier. It made you feel at ease, knowing that around you. She would always be her true, wonderful self. “I’m sorry to have to ask you my sweet. But could you fill up the jug? I need the water.” Excitedly you jumped up from your seat.

“Of course mother!” Swiftly, you picked up the jar and began running. Your mother always gave you the small jug, knowing otherwise you wouldn’t be able to handle carrying it whilst it was filled with water. Despite this, it was still hard to lug, and even harder fetching water. You were only half way towards the well by now and fatigued weighed down on your body causing you to groan and slump to the floor. “I-I can’t do it…” you whispered. Wanting to cry out for help but you couldn’t see another adult around. Whimpering, you stood to your feet. As if by a stroke of pure luck, you found a small boy around your age also carrying a jug, though he seemed to be doing a much better job. Smiling over towards him you asked rather nervously. “H-hey you! Please help me!” For a moment, everything went in slow motion and Deja vu hit you hard just like if you were running 50 miles per hour into a brick wall. It was him. The same boy who had asked for your help not to long ago. Breath hitched in your throat and almost if ashamed, you looked down. Turning back to your jug, your hands clasped around the edges. Ready to try again but you just couldn’t. Tears pricked at your eyes. All you wanted was for the expatriot brat to leave. This would only give him the right to make fun of you and you wouldn’t allow someone so lowly to belittle you, you just wouldn’t!

“You’re doing it wrong. No wonder your so out of breath.” Golden eyes bore into your own, causing a tiny blush to appear on your cheeks. “Are jugs are the same except mines full of water. I just got back from the well cause I’m a proper man!” That sentence made his eyes flash angrily, but he seemed to hold back. “I’ll help carry mine back to your house and then I’ll come back and fill this one up and take it to mine. How does that sound? Please don’t cry…” Unsure if this boy recognized you or not. You bit your lip using a small finger to whipe your eye free from any tears.

“Do you remember who I am?”

“Of course I do.” The answer came from his lips so smoothly you thought it he didn’t care. “Your the meanie who was mean to me and daddy…” he grumbled. Your eyes narrowed, ready to retaliate to his words. However, before you could utter out any sort of reply, his own chubby hands rested above your own. “But what kind of boy leaves a girl to struggle?” Oh…how cute. Your cheeks heated over even more and embarrassment caused you to look down to your feet.

“My names (Reader insert)…what’s yours?” He was silent for a moment, and you dared yourself to glance back up to the purple haired boy, the joy that emitted from his cheeky grin, caused you yourself to smile.

I don’t get to write a lot of Magi things, so I was pretty excited to work on these! I hope I didn’t butcher his character. Hope you enjoy anon <3 

Masrur with a sickly/frail s/o HC

2nd person. Fem reader. Mentions of illness / sickness / insecurities 

You two seem like a very odd couple, On the one hand, there's you. Always looking ashen, always looking as if you hadn't eaten in a while. You were frail in posture compared to most people, but compatible to the generals it was like a mouse next to a lion.

The fact that you were so prone to illness didn't help either. Tiredness was just part of who you were at this point, and you just make conscious efforts to take care of yourself where possible, even though that wasn't always easy.

You never had expected someone like Masrur to fall for you. Strong, silent, he had always seemed like the mysterious silent guy type that would effortlessly attract a lot of attention. And well, while he did, he never seemed to be aware of just how many gazes would follow him, or at the very least he'd not know why people would follow him with their eyes.

You had tried to keep your stares at bay but he had noticed you. Eye contact got to talking, talking got to dates, and now you were at the point where you were an actual couple. Even on your bad days, you felt on top of the world.

Masrur may be quiet, and doesn’t always explicitly voice his feelings for you, but his actions speak so much louder than his words.

He is super protective over you. Not in an overbearing, she-can’t-do-anything herself kind of way, but in a way where he will always be near in case something goes wrong, and no one with bad intentions will ever get close enough for you to notice them.

He’s very mindful of how ‘weak’ you are compared to him, but he never points it out. He just keeps in mind that your stamina is not as high, you’re not as strong, and usually tones down any ‘active’ activities you would like to be engaging in, so you can actually enjoy yourself without getting overwhelmed.

If you get exhausted, hurt or if you just feel a little too tired, he will carry you back. No questions asked. Prefers carrying you princess-style, but he has to admit that when he’s carrying you piggyback and you’re asleep and mumbling all kinds of cute things, it makes his heart swell and his usually stoic facade crack a little.

On days you’re actually getting sick because it just so happens that you’re sick more often, he will take care of you as much as his duties will allow him (which is… quite a lot in times of peace).

Making sure you have plenty of water, healthy food, and most of all: making sure you don’t waste away. He’ll bring you books, stay with you to talk, hold you close if you want it. If you’re in pain, he will help you sleep more easily, try and find ways to make the pain at least manageable.

When you share a bed, he’s usually pretty still, very conscious that he might hurt you if he rolls over and you end up underneath him somehow. He still likes cuddling, so he’ll prefer you rest on top of his chest, his hands running over your back and shoulders, holding you close.

If you ever ask him if he never gets tired of being with someone as weak as you, he will almost get angry. He reassures you that he loves you for who you are, no matter how well your body works (or not).

fandom: magi

pairing: hakuryuu ren x fem! reader

chapter: father [3/15]

warnings: none

                                               .    .    .    .

When Hakuryuu first laid eyes on his child, it was not under the most normal circumstances.

His child was not a tiny, squirming newborn,  who was swaddled in the softest of blankets, tiny pink hands clenched in a fist and small mouth wide open as he wailed his little lungs out, taking in his first breaths of air; a sight most fathers would be welcomed to as they would meet their child for the first time—and then after that, the emotion would come overflowing like a waterfall. Overwhelmed, fighting back tears of pure joy as they would take their newborn into their arms, and marvel at the sight of them, the child being so fragile, so beautiful—the child they created.

Though he was indeed overwhelmed by a storm of emotion—surprise, confusion, disbelief, joy, anger—he took time to notice that his child was most certainly not a tiny, squirming newborn.

Instead, the young man stood with his breath caught in his throat, blue eyes widened in utter shock as he stared down at the young boy, dressed in familiar clothes of pure white and blue, standing there hiding shyly behind his mother—his lover— [Name], peeking up at him from behind her leg with large, curious [e/c] eyes.

The boy was quite small, he took note of, and looked to be no older than three years of age; thick, unruly midnight hair sat on top of his head tied up into a little bun, the stubborn, thin strands that refused to be tied up hanging in front of his face.

His face—which looked strikingly similar to his own, from the same pale skin, to the nose, and to the little beauty mark on his chin—it was all his, it was like looking into a smaller mirror.  Though the beautiful [e/c] eyes, he inherited from his mother.

This little boy, this beautiful little boy who had his mother's eyes and his hair, who looked so similar to him was his.

A son.

His son.

He had a son.

He was a father.

A father.

He suddenly swayed, his head feeling light; this had to be a dream. This couldn't be real. He would soon wake up, and everything would be back to normal, no little boy, no [Name], nothing, he would wake up and he would be alone again like he had always been.

He blinked. Once, twice, thrice—but they were still standing there, in the same place, only now their faces were full of confusion.

"Mama," the boy speaks in a small voice, tugging at his mother's skirt. "Who this strange man?"

A slender hand reaches down and gently pats dark hair. "Hakuro," Hakuro. His son's name was Hakuro. "This man is your father." [Name] gently gives the now surprised boy a light push, to where he's no longer hiding behind her leg.

The beautiful [e/c] eyes that had haunted his dreams for so long, the eyes he had missed so terribly look up and finally meet his own.

"Hakuryuu," her voice was as soft as he remembered it, sweet as honey and overtaking his senses. Her soft lips curled up in a smile, gentle and sad. "This is your son."

And with those words leaving her lips, his legs gave way to the weight of gravity and he falls to his knees, dirtying pure white robes but he pays no mind to that, having suddenly lost the ability to stand. He doesn't move, he doesn't speak,  he can't speak, he does nothing but stares into the [e/c] eyes of his son who can only return his gaze with his own.

Silence passes.

But then a cough, awkward and misplaced, suddenly disturbed it. "Well...we should probably give you guys some time alone." Honestly, had it not been for Aladdin's interruption, he would have completely forgotten the presence of the young blue-haired magi and the silent female fanalis beside him. But as Aladdin leaves, dragging Morgiana away with him, it's as if nothing had even changed in the first place, bringing forth that grueling silence once more.

But then finally, little Hakuro makes the first move.

His first steps are slow, hesitant even, as if he were prey trying to avoid the predator, shyly moving towards his still father. Then he comes to a stop.

He turns his small head towards his mother, and though Hakuryuu can't see the expression his son wears on his face he can tell it must have been that of uncertainty when [Name] gives him a gentle smile of encouragement and a small nod, he continues on.

When his son is finally close to him, standing a few mere inches away, the world comes to a pause.

He watches as Hakuro shyly twiddles his small fingers, refusing to meet his gaze. He was a shy little thing, Hakuryuu could tell by his nervous body language and timid stance.

Just as he was when he was younger.

Suddenly regaining his senses again, before he could stop himself, Hakuryuu reaches forward slowly and his hand fills with warmth as he cups his son's soft cheek, fingers brushing under his chin as he tilts his head upwards to meet him.

"Hello there, little one."  Though both his mind and his heart were racing, the scarred male spoke in a gentle, steady voice. They may have shared the same blood, but he was still only a stranger to this young boy at the moment—he didn't want to cause any more discomfort then there possibly already was.

Wide [e/c] eyes stare hesitantly into calm blue. In a small voice, the young boy finally speaks. "H-Hello...Haku—No, ...father."

Father. That word came so naturally from his son's mouth.

But then the shy [e/c] gaze grew stronger. "You...you are my father?"

Then the calm blue began to grow moist, the hand cupping his son's chin traveling up to his hair. "Yes...Hakuro. I am your father."

Though he willed himself to hold them back, Hakuryuu couldn't stop the tears from forming, and for the first time in a long time, they were not tears of grief, of despair—but of a strange sense of happiness.

And those tears began to flow once his son suddenly jumped into his arms, wrapping his smaller ones tightly around his neck, his own tears wetting the white robes of his father. Hakuryuu returned the embrace just as tightly, holding him as if his life depended on it, running his hands through his hair.

And at any moment he expected to wake up from this dream—as it just wouldn't register in his brain that this was, in fact, real, that he was standing there at that moment, reunited with his lost lover and holding his own child— it couldn't be real. Fate had never in his life been so kind to him, why would it suddenly be now?

But then, as he took a deep breath, holding back a sob and taking in the scent of fresh soap and lavender— little Hakuro must have been given a bath not to long ago—he realized, it was real.

As he felt the touch of a small, slender hand on his shoulder and looked into the eyes of his beloved, whose own eyes were filled with tears, he knew it was real.

And the emotions spilled out all at once.

fandom: magi

pair: hakuryuu ren x fem!reader

chapter: dream [1/15]

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It was always the same dream

He was running, he could tell by the click-clacking echo of his boots. Where exactly he was running to, he did not quite know, but what he did know was that he was running from something, towards someone.

And he felt so small, smaller than the child he was in that dream, so weak, scared, and helpless that there was nothing more he wanted then to run into the safety of his elder brother's chambers and curl up into the secure warmth of his brother's arms, protected from all that would dare to harm him.

But he couldn't do that; not while trying to escape the smoldering flames that so quickly ate up the path behind him, covering and destroying everything in its wake, leaving nothing but ash. Closer and closer they grew, he could feel the heat lick at his skin. The fire would eat him up too, just as it did his beloved brothers, if he didn't hurry.

The thick fumes of smoke blinded and blurred his vision, clouded his lungs, but he didn't care. He had to escape. He had to find them. He had to find her.

Through the sounds of the flickering flames and drawn out yells of servants and nobles alike, he would hear a voice that fell familiar on his ears. A pleading, desperate voice that cried out his name—so close, yet felt so far away.

"—ryuu!"

The darkness was an endless, spiraling hall that pulled the voice further and further away the closer he came to it. It would grow louder with each cry of his name, the tone more frightened than the last.

And it tugged at his heartstrings, plunged a knife in and twisted it. He could feel the cry build up in his throat as he pushed himself harder, his mouth falling open and her name escaping his lips in a soundless call, repeating over and over like a pleading prayer.

"Haku—"

He stumbled, tumbling to the ground and falling in a heap of weakened, exhausted bones. Liquid slides down his cheeks, thicker than tears and redder than water. He tries to lift himself, but his limbs have turned to stone. Gravity becomes his enemy, and suddenly he can't move at all; no matter how hard he tries, how hard he wills himself to do so, he couldn't move.

But then suddenly, the halls seem to melt away, and he sees her.

Beautiful as ever, despite the blood and bruises that cover her body; hair a mess and white robes tattered, torn, and burnt, tears staining her lovely face and looking so helpless, as a dark figure hovered over her fallen frame.

"—RYUU!"

In the figure's hands, a steel sword, long and sharp, glistens with blood in the dim light of the fire. One single step they take towards her is enough to send her scrambling backwards as quickly as she can, eager to put as much distance between them as possible.

Another step.

The figure becomes visible—

—And Hakuryuu feels his heart stop, his breath caught in his throat. And around him, the world becomes cold.

Because there, standing with cold, dead eyes, tall and fearsome with his white robes stained with blood—is him.

No, that's not him, that can't be him—he had given up his hatred and desire for vengeance and destruction. He had moved on, moved forward with his life. So why was he standing there with those cold, hateful eyes he once had years ago, looking down at her with such disdain, covered in her blood. He had hurt her.

Why?

He would never hurt her—he had hurt a lot of people in his life, by which he still held much regret for that in his heart to this day—but not her, never her. He loved her, how could he ever want to hurt her?

'STOP!'

He continues forward in slow, agonizing steps as the woman tries,  but fails to get away as the figure suddenly lunges forward, and then has her trapped, the shadow of his body straddling her panicked form, keeping her stuck beneath his weight.

Her cries escalate into hysterics as the figure raises the sword, the tip of it glinting in the glow of the fire.

And he can do nothing but watch in horror— scared, weak, helpless, poor little Hakuryuu—useless as always

'HAKURYUU DON'T DO THIS PLEAS—'

The sword swings down and the sound of blood splattering fills the air as the screams give way to silence.

"NO!"

~~~

"Hakuryuu!"

Mismatched blue eyes snap open as the former emperor of the  Kou Empire is startled from his sleep by the worried call of a female's voice. He jerks up, sweat pouring down his forehead and heart racing as he tries to catch his breath,  anxious blue eyes scanning the area around him.

Inside of  his chambers, he realized, it was rather dark, save for the faint glow of a dimly lit candle. But it was the same, pale colored wall aligned with various trinkets and paintings, the same papers stacked neatly in the corner of his desk; no smoke, no flames, no terror—just the simple decor of his chambers.

"Are you okay, Hakuryuu?" The gentle voice interrupts his racing thoughts and a small hand places itself on his shoulder, causing his gaze to break away from the setting of the room and rest on the owner of both the voice and hand, his beloved.

He doesn't give an answer, and before he could stop himself, his hands grasp her shoulders in a tight grip, all but roughly turning her smaller frame towards him as he frantically scans her form. Every inch of her skin, her body, checking any and every part of her that could possibly have been harmed or out of place.

Now, if this kind of thing were something out the ordinary, [Name] would have smacked his hands away and demand that he tell her what was wrong, as his strange behavior was scaring her and at her current state, she could not afford to be scared—because being scared would lead to being stressed, and stress would not do the two of them well at all.

But safe to say, sadly, she had grown quite used to this.

Grabbing her husband's wrists, she gently removed his shaking hands from her shoulders and took them into her much smaller ones, thumbs messaging  his clammy skin.

"It's okay love," she leaned in placed her lips against his own in a quick, gentle kiss. "We're okay...you were just having another bad dream."

Soothing as her words were, they did not do much to help against the tight ache in his chest, the tremor of his body.  Though, the softness of her body against his was enough to keep him sane at least. He swallowed as he felt heartbeat slow down to the normal pace, his breath slowly becoming even again.

"Do you want to talk about it?" She asks, eagerness lacing her soft tone, then frowns when he shakes his head. There he went again, keeping his troubles to himself. As he always did.

It was a long period of silence before he spoke.

"I...apologize if I startled you again." His voice is husky with sleep, eyes drained by exhaustion. He attempts to pull his hands from her grip but refrains when she tightens it. "Did I wake you?"

"No, Ryuu, I was already up," smooth lips form a soft smile and she lightly gestures towards the swell of her belly, growing bigger and bigger with each passing day. "This little one makes it a bit difficult to get some good rest anyways."

He gives a weak chuckle. "I suppose I should apologize for that as well?"

"What? No, of course not!" She removes her grip from his hands, much larger than her own, and moves to cup his scarred cheek. "You should never apologize for such a wonderful thing, Ryuu. After all, I love our little Hakuro so much already. Being able give him a younger sister or brother and having our family grow is truly a blessing."

"I know love, I know." He pulls her into his arms and smiles when she snuggles into his chest. "I was only kidding."

He lays back down on his back, the tightness in his chest now gone as he's able to finally breathe again.

"But still," he speaks after a long moment of silence as he turns to face her. " It is not fair for me to bother you with my burdens. In your current state—"

"Hakuryuu, I'm pregnant, not an elderly ill woman. Whatever 'burdens' you carry, I can carry as well. We can handle them together. Please, do not be afraid to share them with me."

"But you shouldn't—"

"No—You shouldn't try to keep anything from me." She sits up once more and gives him that look she always gives him when she's serious. "Hakuryuu, I am your wife. As I promised you from the day we got married, I will be by your side, always. I will carry your burdens. Always." She grabs a hold of his hand once more and laces her fingers with his own as her gaze softens. "You are not alone anymore, Ryuu. I need you to understand that."

And you never will be again.

I do understand. I understand perfectly, it's just that— He goes to counter, but before he could her lips immediately meet his, claiming them with such a passion he knew she could not express with words, and like always, she leaves him breathless.

Before long, they part for breath and she rests her forehead against his. "I love you, Hakuryuu. Very much. As does our little Hakuro, and Judar, Kougyoku, and all of the others. And soon, this little one will love you just as much."

Her words pierce through his heart, and a light feeling, a warmth, spreads throughout his chest and body as he feel tears start to form in his eyes. Not tears of distress or pain, no, tears of joy. Of relief. Never in his life, had he been touched by such words.

In such a cruel world that had always been controlled by destiny, he had always thought he was doomed to live the rest of his life alone, where he would most likely waste away until he ended up in an early grave; put there by either by war or by himself, being driven mad and consumed whole by his hatred.

Living life with a beautiful wife at his side, surrounded by their children, friends, and family, free from all torment and ghosts of the past was simply something he only ever dreamed about, something that he had secretly longed for deep down in the lowest depths of his heart.

But he was no fool. Dreams like that only existed in the fairy tales his brothers used to read to him at night. He would never be a Xu Xian, he would never find his Bai Suzhen. Someone like him would never find love or happiness.

Or so he thought.

When he first tried, it had been a failure.  Though Morgiana was a strong, beautiful women who he had once wanted by his side, she had not been the one for him. Her heart belonged with another man, and that man would be the one to give her his in return. He had been bitter about it, before, yes, but that had been in the past.

Now, he lived for the future. For his godsend, his beautiful wife who stood at his side, as well as their child.

Because sometimes, the things one searches for in life doesn't exist only in dreams; they can be right there alongside them the whole time, but they have to open their eyes to see.

And he had been so blind before.

"I know," he finally speaks, and he moves to press his lips slightly against hers, trailing light kisses from her lips, to her nose, to the corner of her eyes, and finally, to her forehead. "And for that, I am truly blessed. I shouldn't keep my troubles to myself."

"No, you shouldn't."

He smiles as their fingers intertwine once more. "Because you are with me."

"Because I am with you."

They lay like that, together, as the world around them seemed to melt away, all previous problems from before seemingly vanished as they took comfort in each other's presence.

Then suddenly, a soft knock on the door.

Husband and wife pull away from each other and sit up once again as the door slides open, and in the doorway is a small figure, who stands with stuffed dragon clutched in hand, dark hair tousled,  and rubbing his tired [e/c] eye.

Worry washes over Hakuryuu like a tidal wave as he looks at his son. "What's wrong, Hakuro?"

Said boy clutches his stuffed animal tight and looks at his parents with tears in his large eyes. "Roro have bad dream," Hakuro speaks in a small, shaky voice. "Roro wants to sleep with Mama and Baba."

Seeing his son in such a state just felt all to familiar. It tugged at his heartstrings, a boy so young and innocent like his son didn't deserve to suffer through any nightly terrors; he should only dream of pretty gardens by the lake, and flying on white dragons.

"Of course, baby, come here." [Name] opens her arms which is enough to send Hakuro running straight into them, mindful of her growing stomach of course. She lays the boy between them as Hakuryuu runs a hand through his son's midnight hair, before leaning and giving him a kiss on his small head.

"It's okay, little one. Your mother and I will be here to keep all the bad dreams away." Lying down in a comfortable position and ready to get some rest this time,  Hakuryuu wraps an arm between the two (or three) people he loved most in the world.

Hakuro yawns, snuggling into the warmth of his father's chest. " M'kay. Night Mama, Night Baba."

"Goodnight, baby."

"Goodnight, little one. Sweet dreams."

And sweet dreams they all did have, any trace of nightmares gone and forgotten at that moment as a peaceful slumber had finally lulled them into it's grasp.