you’re perched on the bathroom counter, legs dangling off the edge, watching nanami stand in front of the mirror with his usual morning routine. but today, he looks… reluctant. shaving cream is already lathered over his jaw, razor in hand, but he hasn’t moved. instead, he just stares at his reflection, shoulders a little tense.
“what’s wrong?” you ask, tilting your head.
“nothing,” he sighs, rolling his shoulders. “just tired.”
“too tired to shave?”
“i’d rather not risk an injury first thing in the morning,” he mutters, rubbing his temple.
your lips twitch. “well, we can’t have that.” before he can argue, you pluck the razor from his fingers. “i’ll do it.”
nanami gives you a skeptical look, but when you pat your thigh in invitation, he exhales through his nose—long-suffering but fond—before stepping between your legs. his hands settle on either side of you, palms resting against the counter, caging you in but not in a way that feels confining. in fact, he feels close, warm, grounding.
“chin up, pretty boy,” you murmur, dipping your fingers under his jaw to angle his face just right.
his lips twitch, but he obeys. “i assume you’ve done this before?”
“nope.” you grin. “but i think you’ll survive.”
he huffs out a laugh, but his amusement fades into quiet focus as you drag the razor down his jaw in slow, deliberate strokes.
it’s an oddly intimate thing, shaving someone else’s face. you have to be careful, precise—your fingers ghosting over his skin, tilting his face just so, brushing the curve of his cheek, the edge of his lips. nanami stays perfectly still, letting you work, his eyes half-lidded as he watches you.
“you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” he murmurs after a moment.
“mm. how often do i get to do something like this? it’s kind of nice.”
“you like pampering me?”
“maybe.” you swipe the razor clean before continuing. “i mean, you’re always taking care of me. let me take care of you too.”
nanami’s hands tighten on the counter just slightly, but he doesn’t say anything right away. instead, he exhales, something in his expression softening as you run your fingers over his skin, wiping away the last traces of shaving cream.
“there,” you murmur, brushing a thumb over his freshly shaven cheek. “all done.”
he hums in approval, running a hand over his jaw before looking at you, something unreadable in his gaze. then, before you can react, he leans in, hands sliding up to your waist as he tugs you just a little closer.
“thank you,” he murmurs, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to your temple.
your breath catches, fingers curling against his shoulders. “you’re welcome,” you say, a little breathless. “but i still think you just like being pampered.”
“only by you.”
he kisses you then, soft and slow, his lips brushing against yours like he’s savoring the moment. and when he finally pulls back, his thumb traces small, absentminded circles against your hip, as if he doesn’t want to let you go just yet.
maybe you’ll have to do this more often.
i want to write!!! i want to write!!!! i want to write!!!!!
almost a year since this iconic post
Erwin with that nipple piercing and Reiner!!! 😫🤰🏻
The way I’d be bouncing around on top of Jean GAWDHHHHH AHHHHH 😭😂
I love you: artofneight
Geological horror. You find a geode and crack it open and the crystal lining its walls is human blood that can't be genetically matched to anyone. You find a human skeleton but every one of the bones is made from rock, a rock that you know can't be whittled into those shapes. You find layers of clay and loam that sport ancient fossils at the top and the still-rotting corpses of modern animals at the bottom.
i'm such a sucker for this trope omg
nanami x reader
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knight! nanami x princess! fem! user
tags : royalty au / angsty / minimal fluff / no smut / nanami is a hot knight / princess user
a/n : guys im srsly thinking ab posting on ao3 but jm so nervous.. if anything itd definitely be this trope bc its one of my all time faves, anyways enjoy this oneshot !
context : after a long day, you and nanami take a midnight stroll in the castle gardens, and you cant help but wonder if he reciprocates your feelings
lmk what u think about this!
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As a princess, every movement, every word, every decision was watched, judged, and scrutinized by the kingdom. The crown, though beautiful, was heavy. You wore it not just on your head, but on your very soul. The royal duties, the endless appearances, the constant expectations—all weighed on you like an invisible cloak you couldn’t shake off.
But there were moments when you could escape. Moments when the pressure of the palace walls seemed to fade, if only for a while. The castle gardens were your sanctuary. In the quiet of the night, the sounds of rustling leaves and the scent of blooming flowers were the only things that filled the air. Here, you could breathe freely, if only for a brief moment, and feel the freedom that life outside the castle might offer.
The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a pale, silvery glow across the castle gardens. The night air is crisp, cool enough to make you pull your cloak tighter, but not biting enough to truly discomfort you. The world feels still, as if the very night has paused for a breath.
Nanami walks just behind you, always at a slight distance, never too far to be out of reach, but not close enough to invade your space. He is your knight—his place is always by your side, ever watchful, ever vigilant. No matter where you go, no matter the time, his duty is to accompany you, to protect you. Even now, in the stillness of the garden, he remains close, his every movement calculated, his attention unwavering.
“Such a peaceful night,” Nanami remarks, his voice steady, as calm and composed as ever. He glances at you briefly, his tone softening just slightly. “It’s rare to have a moment like this.”
You don’t answer immediately, lost in the beauty of the night sky above. But as the wind picks up, you feel a chill run through your body. You try to ignore it, hoping it will pass, but the breeze is relentless. Another shiver shakes you, more noticeable now.
Nanami notices it immediately. Of course, he does. He’s always watching, always aware of the smallest details. He steps forward, closing the distance between you, his pace steady but purposeful. Without a word, he pulls his cloak from his shoulders and gently drapes it around you. The heavy fabric envelops you, its warmth immediately a comfort against the cold that’s settled in your bones.
His hands linger just for a moment as he adjusts the cloak, ensuring you’re covered. His touch is brief, professional, but there’s something in the way he does it that makes your heart skip a beat.
“You shouldn’t be cold,” he says, his voice steady and calm. “It’s my duty to make sure you’re safe, Your Highness.”
His words are like they always are—impersonal, duty-bound. But there’s an undercurrent to them, something softer, something more that he doesn’t allow himself to express. He doesn’t meet your gaze, his attention once more turning to the path ahead. But you can feel the shift, the subtle way his focus remains on you even though he tries to hide it.
Nanami is your knight. His duty is clear. To serve. To protect. To remain by your side no matter what. Even if his heart wants to do more, he must push those feelings away. He can’t let them show. He can’t afford to. It’s easier this way.
But the longer he’s near you, the harder it becomes to ignore the way he feels. The warmth of your presence, the quiet moments when you’re just together, these moments are starting to blur the lines between what is duty and what he’s beginning to crave.
He clears his throat softly, trying to rid himself of the distraction. “Are you warm enough now?”
His eyes glance briefly over to you, still not meeting your gaze directly, but there’s something in his expression that isn’t quite as composed as usual. A softness that betrays the discipline he works so hard to maintain.
You pull the cloak tighter around your shoulders, feeling the warmth of the fabric seeping into your skin. You can still feel the heat of Nanami's hands, the brief moment they lingered on your shoulders. A small smile tugs at the corners of your mouth as you glance over at him.
"Thank you, Nanami," you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper in the still night air. "You always take such good care of me."
Your eyes meet his for a moment, and you think your knees might buckle under his intense gaze.
"I'm warm now," you assure him, turning back to the path ahead. You keep walking, your footsteps falling in time with his. The silence between you is comfortable, easy, even if the air feels charged with a tension you can't quite name.
"Do you ever wish..." you start, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Do you ever wish things could be different? That we could just be Nanami and (name), not what our duties force us to be?”
Nanami's brow furrows slightly at your question, a rare display of emotion crossing his features. He's silent for a long moment, considering your words carefully. When he speaks, his voice is low and measured, as if choosing each word deliberately.
"Things are as they are, Princess," he says finally, his tone gentle but firm. "My duty, my purpose, is to serve you. As the princess, your role is to lead our kingdom, to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of our people."
He pauses, and for a brief instant, you think you see a flicker of longing in his eyes. But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the steadfast resolve you've come to expect from your loyal knight.
"But in moments like these," he continues softly, "when the world around us is still and quiet, and the weight of our duties feels a bit lighter... I suppose I do allow myself to imagine what it might be like. To be free of the expectations, the titles, the constant vigilance..."
You listen intently to Nanami's words, your heart aching at the rare glimpse of vulnerability he's allowing himself to show. You know how difficult it is for him to open up like this, to step even momentarily outside of his role as your stoic, unyielding protector.
Impulsively, you reach out and place your hand over his on the sleeve of his cloak, giving it a gentle squeeze. The fabric is rough beneath your fingers, but you can feel the firmness of the muscle underneath. You look up at him, your hair falling over your shoulders as you meet his gaze.
"Nanami," you say softly, your voice filled with a tenderness you rarely allow yourself to express. "You are so much more than just my knight. You're my friend, my confidant, my..."
Your voice trails off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air between you. Nanami's eyes widen slightly at your impassioned declaration, and for a breathless moment, you think he might say something more. Something that would change everything between you. But the moment passes, and he simply nods, his jaw tightening as he looks away.
"Your Highness... you are too kind to say so," he says, his voice carefully neutral once more. "I am honored to serve as both your knight and your friend."
But your heart sinks a little as you hear his words, a flicker of disappointment passing through you. You know he's holding back, keeping himself in check just as he always does. As much as his loyalty and dedication mean the world to you, a part of you yearns to see the real Nanami. The man beneath the armor, the heart behind the stoic exterior.
You take a step closer to him, your voice softening to a whisper. "Nanami, please... You don't have to always put up this front with me. Not when we're like this, not just the two of us. Alone."
Nanami's breath catches in his throat at your words, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He's not used to such open vulnerability from you, such a direct acknowledgment of the man behind the knight. For a long moment, he simply stares at you, his gaze searching yours, as if trying to discern the sincerity behind your words.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reaches up and gently cups your cheek with his calloused hand. His thumb brushes lightly over your soft skin, a tender gesture that sends a shiver down your spine. His touch is warm, comforting, and yet there's an undercurrent of tension, a restrained energy that hints at the strength and power always lurking just beneath the surface.
"You see more than most, Princess," he murmurs, his voice low and rough with emotion he rarely allows himself to express. "More than I often give you credit for." He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving yours.
He leans in closer, his forehead nearly touching yours. You can feel the heat radiating off his skin, smell the faint, masculine scent of him. His other hand comes up to rest on your hip, his fingers curling into the fabric of your dress. His grip is firm, and yet somehow gentle.
"Very well, Princess," he whispers, his breath mingling with yours. "I live to serve you."
Nanami's eyes flick down to your lips, lingering there for a long moment. The air between you feels charged, electric, heavy with a tension you've never experienced before. Your heart pounds in your chest, a staccato rhythm that echoes in your ears. You know you should pull away, put some distance between your bodies, but you find yourself rooted to the spot, transfixed by the intensity of his gaze.
Giving you every opportunity to back away, Nanami leans in closer. His lips hover just a hair's breadth from yours, close enough that you can feel the whisper of his breath against your skin. Your eyelids flutter closed, your breath catching in your throat as you wait, anticipation coiling tightly in your belly.
Just before your lips meet, a sudden gust of wind rushes through the garden, sending your hair whipping around your face and breaking the spell. The moment shatters, and he jerks back as if burned, his eyes flying open.
"Princess, I..." he starts, his voice rough and strained. He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Forgive me, I... I shouldn't have-... I let my desires cloud my judgment. It's not right for me to impose such familiarity upon you, Your Highness."
Your heart races as you blink up at Nanami, cheeks flushed and chest heaving. "Oh... I- I see." You swallow hard, trying to find your voice. "It's alright, Nanami. I..." You trail off, at a loss for words, your mind still reeling from the intensity of the moment that just transpired between you.
Nanami takes a step back, putting some much-needed distance between your bodies. He bows his head, his blonde hair falling forward to hide his expression as he struggles to regain his composure. When he speaks again, his voice is carefully controlled, devoid of the raw emotion from moments before.
"It's late, Your Highness. We should head back inside the castle," he says, his tone apologetic yet firm. "The night grows cold, and it's not safe for you to be out in the garden any longer."
He extends his hand towards you, a silent invitation to take his arm. His eyes meet yours, and there's a flicker of something in their steely depths - a mix of concern, regret, and a lingering heat that he can't quite extinguish.
“Please, allow me to escort you back inside," he says softly, his voice a gentle plea. "Your chambers are waiting, and you need your rest."
You frown, your lips turning downwards as you look away from him, your hair falling like a curtain to hide your disappointment. You cross my arms over your chest, the silk robe slipping off of your shoulder, exposing your skin to the ruthless wind.
"I'm not a child, Nanami," You say, your voice tinged with a hint of petulance and barely concealed hurt. "I can walk myself back to my chambers just fine."
Maybe you were wrong. Maybe you read too much into his gentle touches and heated looks. Maybe he doesn't feel the same way you do...
Nanami's eyes widen at the petulant tone in your voice, a flicker of surprise and concern crossing his handsome features. He reaches out to steady you as you cross your arms, his hand coming to rest on your bare shoulder. The coolness of the night air is a sharp contrast to the warmth of his touch, making you shiver.
"Princess, I never said you were a child," he says, his voice gentling as he tries to soothe your hurt. "Forgive me if I offended you with my words. That was not my intent."
His thumb brushes lightly over your shoulder, a comforting gesture that belies the tension in his stance. He looks down at you, his gaze searching yours.
"I merely wish to do what is best for you, Your Highness. Your safety, your well-being... they are everything to me." He hesitates for a moment before continuing, his voice lowering to a softer tone. "But more than that, I want to protect your heart. To shield you from the pain and heartache that can come with... with complicated feelings."
"Let me go."
"Your majesty-"
"That was an order."
"...As you wish, Princess."
Yeah I don't think I'll pick jjk up again. Not my thing...
If a city in North America has “good public transit” what that translates to is “it’s possible to live without a car here but you’ll still wish it was way better”
⊹˳⁺ 🕷️🔥💜 WATCHDOG
💜💜 SURPRISE, COVER REVEAL DAY ! 💜💜
I have been bubbling with excitement as I was sitting on this for some weeks now. I’m just so happy to be able to share with you guys the official cover of my debut novel.
P.S Deciding to assign Camilo and Josephine novel the color purple actually came searching up the symbolism behind the color. Which I realized many of the words that symbolize with purple connected with the story of Josephine & Camilo.
⊹˳⁺ ♡ Big thanks to @/booksnmoods (on Instagram) for creating such a wonderful cover for me that I adore so much. It was such a wonderful experience being able to express what I want and my vision being put on such a wonderful cover. Just made my 1st experience of commissioning my first novel cover such a smooth and exciting ride.
Tropes that will be included in Watchdog, Coming Soon
- 🕷️🔥 Bodyguard x Client
- 🕷️🔥 Childhood friends to Lovers
- 🕷️🔥 He falls first
- 🕷️🔥 Interracial Romance