kaider-is-my-otp

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So how do I get my hands on these???? They are SOOOO BEAUTIFULLLL

And SIGNED and have character art

And the SPINESSS, the EDGESSS

*scream*

I’m so glad tlc is getting full special edition, it deserves it so much 😭😭

Hopefully they’ll have enough stock, I never wanted anything more in my life

#the lunar chronicles #kaider #cinder #tlc #fairyloot #i don’t like book boxes but this is killingggg meeee

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SHE’S HERE!!!!

And she’s stunning 😭❤️❤️❤️🦾

But why is she taller? I don’t know how to arrange them 🌝

There’s a short story glitches in there. Wish there was some new fanart inside as well but it’s still gorgeous.

P.s. this pink is really pink, like neon pink. I did not expect it to be this bright

#kaider #the lunar chronicles #emperor kai #cinder #kai #tlc #cinder collectors edition #cinder 10th anniversary #she's beauty she's grace

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Can you do a fic of Kaider during their time on the rampion at first?

Thank you for your request, anon. I've never written a fic set during the timeline of the books, so this was... interesting. Hope you like it :)

Cinder and Kai try to find a way to approach their blossoming relationship during their time on the Rampion.

New and Unfamiliar

Cinder stood in front of Kai’s room, gathering courage to knock. She didn’t have a good excuse for visiting him. She didn’t even have a question to ask him.

She simply wanted to see him.

After months of being apart from him, and with the gloomy day of their separation approaching faster than she wanted, it felt like a waste to spend few relatively peaceful weeks they had together on different parts of the ship.

When she finally knocked on his door, her stomach was tight with anticipation. She wasn’t used to feeling like this—wanting to see someone and be with them so much it caused a visceral reaction.

“Come in,” Kai’s soft voice called from inside the room.

Cinder took a deep breath before entering. She found Kai sitting at a small metal desk pushed to the side of a far wall. His room was as small as any other room on the Rampion, but he seemed to have adjusted to its size despite living his whole life in a huge palace.

It’s been barely a week since they kidnapped him, but Kai had already become a part of their crew. He got along well with everyone else, he ate everything they ate and he never complained about doing physical work. It was still so very obvious he was completely out of his element, but Cinder couldn’t deny it was absolutely endearing to watch him try to maneuver his new surroundings.

Kai turned around to see the newcomer, and smiled immediately as his eyes fell on Cinder. “Hey.”

Tight knot in Cinder’s stomach eased a bit. He looked genuinely happy to see her. “Hey. Am I interrupting you in something?”

Kai shook his head and locked a portscreen he was typing on just seconds ago. “I was writing your revolution speech, but that can wait.”

“Oh,” Cinder said, immensely grateful he’d taken upon himself to write a speech for her. Words were not her strong suit. “Is it going well or am I just going to sound like a female version of you?”

Kai smiled and stood up from the chair. “It definitely lacks your feisty charm and wit, but we can work on adding that together.”

Cinder rolled her eyes and sat down on his bed. The mattress was so firm and sturdy it was almost painful. “Thank you. For doing that.” She twiddled her thumbs. “It’s not really in description of your job.”

“Well, I did test high on verbal intelligence. It would be a shame not to use it,” he said and sat next to her. His clean soapy smell made her relax completely. “I want to help in any way I can. Sadly, there’s not a lot of ways I can help you to begin with.”

She reached out and placed her hand on his. “The time will come when you’ll have to use all the charm you possess to help move our plan forward. Better save your energy for that.”

Kai stroked metal fingers of her hand. He then raised her hand and pressed a soft kiss on the back of her palm. “I’d much rather use my charm on you.”

Cinder was breathless, but managed to ask, “And when has that worked well for you?”

Tingly sparks running through her body were a clear indication that his charm was in fact working very well right now. Kai must have noticed her lie as well, and he only smiled into her hand.

It was hard to put into words what this thing blossoming between them was. Feelings they had for one another were strong on both sides, but Cinder was hesitant, scared, to name it. It felt fragile, like it might break if things don’t turn out well in the end. If they lose.

Not to mention it was quite surreal to be kissing the Emperor of Eastern Commonwealth.

Sometimes, when she was around him, it felt like she was walking on eggshells. Their relationship started as something so innocent, almost like an escapism for them both, but quickly took a turn for the worse. And now… Now they were together, far away from Luna and Earth, planning to take down the enemy with their new friends.

Deep down, she knew if they wanted to succeed they needed to trust each other completely. She just wasn’t sure where he stood in that regard.

She got up from the bed and turned her back to him, not daring to look at his face as she asked, “Did you really mean it when you said you weren’t mad at me for lying to you about being a cyborg and lunar?” She rattled the air filter and found it a bit loose. Digging a wrench from her pocket, she started to tighten the screws. “And kidnapping you?”

She heard Kai’s short laughter from behind her. The bed creaked when he got up. “If anything, I’m grateful you kidnapped me.” He was now only a few feet away and the warmth of his body warmed her like early spring sun. “And I’m not mad at you. We both did things and said things we didn’t mean. You should be mad at me for throwing you in jail.”

She bit her lip and turned around to look at him. He was right behind her- tall, but not imposing; safe, but not suffocating. Just there, with a slight smile on his lips. Beautiful.

“No need to be sorry for that. Who knows if I would’ve ever met Thorne if you hadn’t deemed us both criminals.”

The smile on Kai’s lips fell a bit. Not noticeably to the naked eye, but definitely noticeable to Cinder’s retina scanner.

Kai averted his gaze on his shoes. “Right, your trusty escape accomplice.”

It took Cinder’s brain four seconds to calculate the tone of his voice and the look on his face, and it came to a simple conclusion- jealousy.

She fought the urge to laugh in his face. The idea of it was ridiculous. “Kai, don’t tell me you were jealous of Thorne?”

He shot her a defensive look, crossing his arms over his chest. The gesture was weirdly impressive on him, and Cinder felt a strong instinct to curl closer to his chest and stay there. “I was not jealous of him.”

The orange light she saw in the corner of her eye confirmed what she already knew. “You’re lying. I would know.” She touched her temple. “I have a built in lie detector.”

He had found out a lot of shocking things about her in the last few weeks, but this seemed to shake him to the core. He stared at her with an open mouth, barely blinking and at a loss for words.

Cinder put her two fingers under his chin and lifted his jaw. “Close your mouth or you’ll catch a fly.”

Kai shook his head and blinked a few times. “You have a lie detector? Seriously? How does that even work?”

Cinder shrugged. “I think it’s based on physiological signs of lying. Things like voice change and facial expressions.”

Kai was still staring at her, but this time she recognized what almost looked like wonder on his face. “That’s unbelievable. There are so many things I don’t know about you. It’s like every new information you tell me is a miracle in itself.”

“Then expect a lot of miracles, because there’s a whole of 36.28 percent of me made of them.”

She was trying to be sarcastic and dismissive, but Kai had taken her words seriously. He stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His face was so close to hers and his breath fanned her lips when he whispered, “I look forward to discovering every single one of them.”

Then he pressed his lips gently on hers and her body reacted in its usual way. She pushed away all the warnings in her system, and circled her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. It was still unfamiliar ground- to kiss and be kissed- but with every new touch they shared she felt the bond between them tighten, forging a path to something that could grow and develop into a wonderful future she never imagined she could have.

Kai’s lips were soft as they moved under hers, and she felt them tilt up in a smile. She untangled her fingers that had found a way to his hair and leaned back to look at him. The glint in his eyes was unmistakable.

Cinder cleared her throat. “Did you kiss me only to distract me from the fact that you were jealous of Thorne?”

Kai exhaled, holding her close in the security of his arms. “I wasn’t jealous per se,” he said in a not very convincing voice. “I just wished you ran away with someone less attractive.”

“Does that mean you consider me handsome? I have to admit I’m deeply honored, Your Majesticness, though not surprised.”

Thorne strolled into the room, gripping his cane and taking long strides to reach Cinder and Kai who were still embraced in a loose hug. Cress leaned on the doorway, giving Cinder an apologetic look.

Kai leaned closer to Cinder and whispered in her ear, “But then I met him, and realized I worried for nothing.”

Cinder lowered her head to stifle a laugh and stepped away from Kai for the sake of their audience. The distance between them already felt too big.

“What are you two lovebirds doing here all alone?” Thorne touched around when he got close to them and searched for their arms. When he found them, he threw his arms around Kai and Cinder’s shoulders, pressing them in a tight squeeze. “I thought we had a revolution to plan, and you are wasting time canoodling.”

Cinder swiftly ducked down and released herself from Thorne’s hold. “We were just talking.”

Thorne scoffed. “Right, you seem to be in a deep conversation.” He still had his arm thrown over Kai’s shoulder, and Kai looked like he didn’t know how to politely extract himself from Thorne’s grip. “Were you telling His Majesty how you had him at gunpoint in front of his guards?”

“You… What?” Kai’s eyes were even wider than when he found out about her lie detector.

Cinder glared at Thorne, wishing it was moral to throw a wrench at a blind man. “No, but I guess the cat is out of the bag now.”

“You had me at gunpoint?”

Thorne waved his hand, leaning on Kai’s left side for more support. “She wasn’t actually going to shoot you. Oh, did you tell him about that time he hit his head—“

“I think that’s enough, Thorne.” Cinder’s voice was final. “Do you need something or were you just born to annoy me?”

“Ah, Cinder. Dear cuddly cyborg.” Thorne tried to pet the top of her head, but missed and touched her nose. Cinder swatted his hand away. “Don’t get all violent on me just because you want to be with your boyfriend.”

Cinder was grateful that the word boyfriend couldn’t elicit a blush on her cheeks. “You’re even more annoying when you can’t see.”

“I’ll take this verbal attack as my cue to leave.” He reached the door and offered his arm for Cress to take. “Let’s go. We’re clearly not welcomed here.”

Cress, who blushed deep crimson, took his arm and helped him out of the room. When the doors closed behind them, Cinder turned to Kai only to see the shock written all over his face.

“Do I even want to know what was happening while I was unconscious?”

Cinder nibbled on her lower lip. “Probably not. Let’s just say it’s kind of miraculous we all came out alive.”

Kai exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose. He recovered quickly and cleared his throat, suddenly finding the floor much more interesting to look at than her. “Cinder, I wanted to ask you… Um…”

“What?” Cinder approached him and grabbed the sleeve of his military uniform. It was a bit weird seeing him in something that wasn’t his formal emperor clothes. He looked good, though. Very good.

“This… This whole thing between us is so new and unfamiliar to me and I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing half of the time.”

She smirked and started playing with the button on his collar. “Hmm, and I was under the impression you were a heartthrob prince.”

Kai laughed, deep and quiet. “Not even close.”

Cinder looked up and met his copper eyes, filled with weird unease she wasn’t used to seeing on him. “It’s new to me too.”

Kai gulped and took her hands in his. “I know it’s hard to define what this between us is, but I was wondering if you would consider going on an actual date with me after all of this is done?”

He had asked her on a date so many times she lost count. Just to the ball he invited her three times in person, and several times via comms she never answered to. “You’re never going to give up, aren’t you?”

Kai smiled and ran his thumb over her knuckles. “Not until I finally get that date.”

She released one of her hands from his hold to push the hair that fell on his forehead. It stunned her how easy it was to reach out and touch him, even in the most meaningless way. She doubted she would ever get used to it. “I will go on a date with you. If we survive this mess.”

His grip around her waist tightened. “We will. I know we will. You’ll lead a revolution and save the world, and I’ll write you an amazing speech.”

She leaned her head on his chest and let out a weak laugh. “Always an optimist.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I still can’t believe all of this. You being Selene, the person I spent years trying to find. And to think you were right there all this time, just out of reach.”

“It’s weird, isn’t it? Like some twisted game of fate.”

Kai stayed silent for a second and placed his chin on her head. “It almost feels like fate when you think about it. If your mom never died, you and I would probably meet eventually in our adult life.”

Cinder mulled over his words in her head. He was right. There would probably be a moment when they would meet- a crown prince of Eastern Commonwealth and crown princess of Luna. She tried to imagine what that would look like- meeting him for the first time as her equal, not as someone on such a higher social level than her. It almost felt weird, unnatural, like everything about her potential life as a lunar princess.

“Not sure how well that would work out for us. I would probably be just as horrible as the rest of my family.”

He lifted his head to look down at her. “I don’t think you would be. There’s something inherently good in you that would have been there whether you were a princess or a mechanic.”

He said it so casually, like he didn’t just erase one of her worst fears with a single sentence. She didn’t know how to thank him with words, so she leaned on him, placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed him. Short and sweet, like a sudden gust of fresh wind on a hot summer day.

She pulled back and reached for his hand, dragging him towards the door. “Let’s go find the others. The sooner we save the world, the sooner we can go on our date.”

tags: @just2bubbly @gingerale2017 @shelbylmkaider

#kaider #emperor kai #linh cinder #the lunar chronicles #fic request #carswell thorne #cress darnel #tlc #fluff #cute awkward kaider

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I screamed when I saw this!! It’s a scene in kdrama Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and it lasts for only a second but my eyes naturally fell on their names immediatelly. How cute is thattt?! Even kdramas ship it

Just Kaider (or Kailene technically) spreading out of TLC universe

P.s. great drama, you should watch it

P.p.s. Happy New Year!!

#kaider #kai #cinder #selene #emperor kai #the lunar chronicles #tlc #strong woman do bong soon #kdrama

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I’M SCREAMINGGGGG!!! When was this announced and why have I not seen it before?!?!?

HOW DID I MISS THIS?!??

Did anyone else knew about this or do only I live under a rock??? Anyways it’s soooo beautifulll, just 💳💥💥💳💳💥💥💳💥💥💳

IT’S SOOO PRETTY 😭😭💞

#whaaatttt #i can’t #i just bought paperback and i already owned hardcover #but i cant not buy it #just look at it #aaaaaa #cinder #kaider #cinder collectors edition #the lunar chronicles #WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME THIS BEAUTY EXISTS

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Omg I didn’t even think about all the trauma behind the names 🥲 And Aruna is a perfect name for a little kaider princess, I love it

what do YOU think kaider would name their kids?

Here's the thing- I know it's quite popular in the fandom that their daughter's name is Peony and son's name is Rikan, but I just don't see Cinder and Kai recycling those names (there's a lot of that in my family and I'm not a fan, very confusing). Maybe Peony, but I'm skeptical of Rikan, especially if it would be their first child aka crown prince. Like would he be emperor Rikan as his grandfather or what? It just seems like it would be confusing. I love those names and I wish we could spend more time with those characters, but I personally just don't see it.

Now, there are some names I saw and liked that could fit royal children. For boy, I like the name Norio which is a japanese name and means man of principles (isn't that perfect meaning for an emperor?!). And for girl, I'm not really sure. I do like name Akira, but mostly because that's what I wanted to name my puppy. Also Yue which means moon (so cute and symbolic).

I do like the idea of them cherishing people they love in some way, so maybe they would keep Peony and Rikan as middle names if that is still a thing in the future.

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You just had to remind me they are orphans 😭😭 please they would have at least three kids, no doubt. Only happy Kaider vibes ☺️

Could you PLS do a fic where Kai and Cinder are parents? And they have a daughter? I feel like the two would be the best parents ever, and I haven't been able to find anything like that. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your request, anon. Kai and Cinder would definitely be the best parents to their little princess (due to popular headcannon I named the daughter Peony, even though I'm not 100% sure how I feel about that). Hope you like this little family fluff!

Little Peony begs her father to join her for a tea party and he can't say no.

Tea Party

Soft knocking sound pulled Kai's mind away from the papers he was reading. His lips curved up in a smile. He usually didn’t appreciate being interrupted in the middle of work, but he knew only one tiny hand that could make such light knock.

“Come in,” he called out.

Door opened slightly and Kai saw a profile of a guard standing outside of his office. “She insisted to be let in, Your Majesty,” guard said with a knowing smile.

“He’s my daddy,” bubbly voice said and a small figure pushed through the open door.

Kai’s chest filled with warmth at the sight of his daughter, like it did every time he would lay his eyes on her during the past three years. She walked towards his desk, her walk somewhat wobbly but secure. In her hand she carried her favorite toy, a teddy bear named Mr. Fluffy, given to her by Uncle Thorne.

“It’s okay, Huan. Thank you,” Kai dismissed the guard and opened his arms for Peony to run into.

“Daddy!” she shrieked and threw her whole body in Kai’s expecting arms, her teddy bear hitting his back.

He wrapped her in a tight hug and pulled her up to sit on his leg. Her black hair was styled in two neat buns on top of her head and she was dressed in her favorite red polka-dot dress.

Kai kissed her cheek and the side of her head. “How is my princess today? Did you do something fun?”

Her brown eyes lit up with excitement. “I built a pillow fort with Aunt Iko, and then we watched a movie.”

Kai fixed her bangs to rest neatly on her forehead. “That’s interesting, because I don’t see Aunt Iko anywhere, and if I remember correctly she is the one who was supposed to watch after you today.”

Peony gave him a sheepish grin. “I ran away while she was talking to Kinney.”

Kai exhaled. “And what did we say about running away from adults that are babysitting you?”

She looked down at her lap, her gentle features filling with guilt. “That we don’t do that.” She looked up, her face cheerful and adorable again. “But I only did it to find you. You made me a promise, Daddy.”

Kai furrowed his brows, spinning them slowly in his chair in a way he knew she loved. He tried to remember the promise he gave to his daughter, but other than lifelong ones he made after she was born- that he would protect her from any harm and hardship that comes her way- his brain came up with nothing.

“What promise, Peony?”

She let out one of those adorable annoyed huffs only toddlers are capable of. “The tea party, Daddy! You said you’ll have tea with me today afternoon. You even made a pinky swear.”

Kai groaned inwardly. He kept postponing their tea party day after day, until last night when he felt like the worst father on the planet and promised to join her for tea later today. And he really did make a pinky swear.

He looked around his desk at the piles of paper and his portscreen overflowing with more documents to read and sign. His digital calendar was filled with colorful boxes matching today’s tasks and meetings.

He gently touched her chin with his thumb. “Peony, sweetie, I have another meeting very soon.” Her face fell and Kai felt a sharp pang of guilt. “But I promise it’s the last meeting for today and after it’s over, you and I will have our tea party. We could even invite Mom to join us.”

Peony nodded and rewarded Kai with a toothy grin. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome.” He embraced her small body in a tight hug. “Now, how about we message Iko to let her know you weren’t kidnapped and then we—“

“Your Majesty?”

Kai didn’t notice the moment Torin opened the door. His adviser waited patiently, holding few files in his hands, but Kai didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes when he looked at emperor and crown princess.

“I just came to remind you that the meeting is starting in ten minutes. We should probably get going if we—“

“Torin!” Peony jumped from Kai’s lap and was running towards unexpected Torin. She wrapped her short arms around his leg, holding onto him like a sloth hanging from the tree.

Torin, to his credit, never minded when little princess would hug him or follow him around the palace. In fact, he rather enjoyed spending time with her and teaching her new things, gladly informing her parents what a bright child she was. His diplomatic mind already saw her as a smart and competent empress she would become one day.

“Hello, princess.” He patted her head with a few gentle taps. “Are you joining us for the meeting as well?”

She looked up at him and shook her head. “No, it will probably be boring. But I’m having a tea party with Daddy after!” Her eyes were wide open as she came up with a new idea. “Will you have tea with me one day? We can make sandwiches and talk about your cats. Mommy and Daddy don’t let me have pets. They say I’m too young. But I feed koi fish in the garden pond every day. Well, almost every day. I think I didn’t feed them yesterday…“

Peony was in one of her usual prattles about anything and everything. Torin looked at Kai, silently begging for help.

Kai smiled and got up from his chair. “Peony, I think Torin understood your commitment to animals and will gladly have tea with you one day. Right, Torin?”

The head adviser looked at the girl still gripping his pants. “Of course, Peony. We’ll have tea and talk about cats.”

Little princess seemed satisfied with his answer. She released her hold on Torin and turned to her dad. Kai picked her up in his arms and kissed her cheek.

“That’s enough talking for now. Let’s find Iko and ask her to take you to the garden. Those koi fish won’t feed themselves.”

 -

 It was far later than he wanted when Kai finally dragged his tired body to the end of the hall in the private wing of the palace. He scanned his wrist to enter a large suite he shared with his family and was welcomed with the warmth from the fireplace and the hushed sounds of his wife’s and daughter’s voices.

He walked silently as he approached the opened door of the living room. Sitting on the sofa with their backs turned to him, Cinder and Peony were engrossed in a book spread open on Cinder’s lap. Kai leaned on the door frame, crossed his arms over his chest and listened.

“Then the prince stabbed the dragon and ran to the castle to save the princess.” Cinder’s voice was high-pitched and singsong like every time she read stories to Peony, which was almost every night before bed. Kai swallowed a chuckle at how different it sounded compared to her usual matter-of-fact and almost flat tone.

“And they lived happily ever after.” Cinder closed the book. “The end.”

Peony nestled in Cinder’s embrace and Cinder kissed her forehead. They were both still unaware of Kai’s presence by the door and he didn’t want to disturb their nightly ritual.

Few years into their marriage, both Cinder and Kai felt ready and mature enough to expand their family. By that point, they assumed things would go more smoothly than they did. Years of medical appointments, therapy sessions, negative pregnancy tests, and a very impatient nation that demanded an heir, finally came to an end one gloomy winter afternoon when the palace doctor told them they were expecting their first child.

Emotions that surged through him at that moment could only be compared to what he felt on the day their daughter was born. Despite few snarky comments in media, Cinder’s cyborg parts didn’t affect her pregnancy or delivery. Since her very first breath, Peony was a loud happy baby that loved cuddles, horses and making her dad attend her tea parties.

Kai would never forget the look on Cinder’s face when he suggested their daughter’s name.

Peony covered her yawn with a palm. “Mommy, if you were a princess and Daddy was a prince, does that mean he saved you?”

Cinder bit her lip and thought before answering. Then she nodded. “Yes, he did save me in some ways.”

“That’s not true,” Kai said from his position by the door. “Mommy is the one that did all the saving in our case.”

Cinder rolled her eyes at him. Kai walked closer to the sofa and kissed them both on the head. “She was the real hero, not just to me, but to everyone else.”

Peony looked at her mom in awe. Cinder shook her head. “Dad is overreacting. I just did what needed to be done with the help of many others.”

“I disagree, but that’s the topic for some other day,” Kai said, and gently flicked Peony’s nose. “Because we have a tea party to host.”

“Yay!” Peony jumped from the sofa and ran towards her room. “Don’t come in until I call you! I have to prepare everything.”

“We’ll be right here, sweetie.” Cinder leaned on the backrest, looking at Kai who was still crouching behind the sofa. “Is it smart to have a tea party half an hour before bedtime?”

“Honestly, with how busy things are lately, it’s now or never,” Kai said and leaned over to kiss her.

She smiled under his lips and placed her palm on his cheek. When he pulled away, she raised her hand to fix his hair. “She’s really looking forward to it. I offered to join her multiple times, but she kept saying you made her a promise.”

Kai took off his suit jacket and tie, draping them neatly over the back of the closest chair. “I feel awful for making her wait so long for such a simple thing. It’s just really hard sometimes to balance job and meetings with you and her. I don’t want her to resent that one day.”

Cinder shook her head. “She won’t. She’s young, but she understands how busy we both can get sometimes.”

Kai smiled and took her prosthetic hand between his. He stroked shiny ruby red ring he put there almost a decade ago, admiring how far they’ve come since that moment.

Door of their daughter’s room opened and she called them both to join her inside. Cinder and Kai walked hand in hand in her lavish purple bedroom and sat on two tiny wooden chairs in the center of the room.

The chair creaked under his weight, but Kai tried not to think about the prospect of falling down. It wouldn’t be a long fall anyways. “So what tea are you serving us tonight, princess Peony?”

“Wild berry tea. Your favorite, Daddy!” Peony placed a cup with bright red liquid almost sloshing over the rim in front of him. “And green tea for Mommy.”

When Peony turned around to get some food, Cinder whispered to Kai, “We made that an hour ago. It’s cold, but you can still drink it.”

Peony set down a plate full of different treats, from mochi, dorayaki and even some moon cake. Kai and Cinder drank their tea and listened to their daughter babbling about new toys she got from her aunts and uncles. She was always cheerful and full of life and Kai wished more than anything to never see that light in her extinguished.

It never ceased to amaze him how much love he could pour in such a small person. From the day she arrived, his entire universe changed its central point. He would find himself less worried about trivial details concerning work that would often keep him awake at night, as long as he could walk into her room and find her fast asleep.

Now even the simplest things brought him so much joy, like when Peony learned her first word, or started to crawl, or called him daddy for the first time. Sitting with his little family and drinking tea brought him peace he was looking for his whole life.

He looked at Cinder’s face and knew she was feeling the same way.

“Is it true, Daddy?”

Kai blinked and looked at his daughter. “Sorry, is what true?”

Peony rolled her eyes in a gesture so similar to her mother’s. “That you were desperate and begging Mommy to come to the ball when you first met.”

Kai’s mouth opened and he gave Cinder a look of utter betrayal. “I was not desperate. How can you give our daughter such ideas?”

“She said you sent her six comms,” Peony said calmly and shoved a mochi in her mouth.

Kai opened his mouth to answer and lifted his finger. “Technically, that’s true. But…”

Peony giggled and swayed in her chair. Cinder laughed as well and gave Kai an amused look. “You did come off as a little desperate.”

Kai smiled, remembering what a silly idealistic prince he was when they first met. Probably a bit annoying as well when he kept asking her out any chance he got. “Only because I was in love with you from the beginning, even if I didn’t know it just yet.”

“Did you dance at the ball?” Peony asked.

Cinder scoffed. “Dance is a word for it, sure.”

Kai chuckled. “We got better over time. Now your mom is the best dancer in the room. Well, almost.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, Kai.”

Peony yawned loud enough to stop her parents mutual teasing. Cinder got up from her tiny chair and lifted Peony in her arms. “This was fun, but it’s bedtime now. Come on, Daddy can clean this up while you get ready for bed.”

Fifteen minutes later, Peony was tucked safely in her bed, with Mr. Fluffy gripped in her hand. “One more bedtime story?” she asked and looked at her parents with pleading eyes.

Kai was ready to say yes, always easily softened by her cuteness, but Cinder cut him off. “No, I already read you one and we all had tea together. You can get two stories tomorrow, okay?”

Peony nodded and pulled the bed sheet closer to her chin. Cinder and Kai kissed her forehead and wished her good night before leaving her room. Leaving the door slightly ajar, Kai turned to Cinder and wrapped his arms around her waist.

He gave her a peck on the lips. “Do you ever think about having another one?”

Cinder leaned her head on his chest. “Sometimes. Do you want another child?”

“Yeah, eventually.” He kissed the top of her head. “But there’s no rush.”

Cinder looked up at him. “You were wrong, though.”

“About what?”

“You did save me, from loneliness and solitude. In all the ways that matter.” She combed her fingers through his hair.

As he listened to their daughter’s quiet breathing and looked at his wife’s loving eyes, Kai felt all the puzzle pieces finally falling into place.

tags: @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017

[kaider-is-my-otp]

what do YOU think kaider would name their kids?

Here's the thing- I know it's quite popular in the fandom that their daughter's name is Peony and son's name is Rikan, but I just don't see Cinder and Kai recycling those names (there's a lot of that in my family and I'm not a fan, very confusing). Maybe Peony, but I'm skeptical of Rikan, especially if it would be their first child aka crown prince. Like would he be emperor Rikan as his grandfather or what? It just seems like it would be confusing. I love those names and I wish we could spend more time with those characters, but I personally just don't see it.

Now, there are some names I saw and liked that could fit royal children. For boy, I like the name Norio which is a japanese name and means man of principles (isn't that perfect meaning for an emperor?!). And for girl, I'm not really sure. I do like name Akira, but mostly because that's what I wanted to name my puppy. Also Yue which means moon (so cute and symbolic).

I do like the idea of them cherishing people they love in some way, so maybe they would keep Peony and Rikan as middle names if that is still a thing in the future.

#kaider #i don't know #what do you think #like I love the names but #maybe it's just me #oh well #thanks for ask

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Could you PLS do a fic where Kai and Cinder are parents? And they have a daughter? I feel like the two would be the best parents ever, and I haven't been able to find anything like that. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your request, anon. Kai and Cinder would definitely be the best parents to their little princess (due to popular headcannon I named the daughter Peony, even though I'm not 100% sure how I feel about that). Hope you like this little family fluff!

Little Peony begs her father to join her for a tea party and he can't say no.

Tea Party

Soft knocking sound pulled Kai's mind away from the papers he was reading. His lips curved up in a smile. He usually didn’t appreciate being interrupted in the middle of work, but he knew only one tiny hand that could make such light knock.

“Come in,” he called out.

Door opened slightly and Kai saw a profile of a guard standing outside of his office. “She insisted to be let in, Your Majesty,” guard said with a knowing smile.

“He’s my daddy,” bubbly voice said and a small figure pushed through the open door.

Kai’s chest filled with warmth at the sight of his daughter, like it did every time he would lay his eyes on her during the past three years. She walked towards his desk, her walk somewhat wobbly but secure. In her hand she carried her favorite toy, a teddy bear named Mr. Fluffy, given to her by Uncle Thorne.

“It’s okay, Huan. Thank you,” Kai dismissed the guard and opened his arms for Peony to run into.

“Daddy!” she shrieked and threw her whole body in Kai’s expecting arms, her teddy bear hitting his back.

He wrapped her in a tight hug and pulled her up to sit on his leg. Her black hair was styled in two neat buns on top of her head and she was dressed in her favorite red polka-dot dress.

Kai kissed her cheek and the side of her head. “How is my princess today? Did you do something fun?”

Her brown eyes lit up with excitement. “I built a pillow fort with Aunt Iko, and then we watched a movie.”

Kai fixed her bangs to rest neatly on her forehead. “That’s interesting, because I don’t see Aunt Iko anywhere, and if I remember correctly she is the one who was supposed to watch after you today.”

Peony gave him a sheepish grin. “I ran away while she was talking to Kinney.”

Kai exhaled. “And what did we say about running away from adults that are babysitting you?”

She looked down at her lap, her gentle features filling with guilt. “That we don’t do that.” She looked up, her face cheerful and adorable again. “But I only did it to find you. You made me a promise, Daddy.”

Kai furrowed his brows, spinning them slowly in his chair in a way he knew she loved. He tried to remember the promise he gave to his daughter, but other than lifelong ones he made after she was born- that he would protect her from any harm and hardship that comes her way- his brain came up with nothing.

“What promise, Peony?”

She let out one of those adorable annoyed huffs only toddlers are capable of. “The tea party, Daddy! You said you’ll have tea with me today afternoon. You even made a pinky swear.”

Kai groaned inwardly. He kept postponing their tea party day after day, until last night when he felt like the worst father on the planet and promised to join her for tea later today. And he really did make a pinky swear.

He looked around his desk at the piles of paper and his portscreen overflowing with more documents to read and sign. His digital calendar was filled with colorful boxes matching today’s tasks and meetings.

He gently touched her chin with his thumb. “Peony, sweetie, I have another meeting very soon.” Her face fell and Kai felt a sharp pang of guilt. “But I promise it’s the last meeting for today and after it’s over, you and I will have our tea party. We could even invite Mom to join us.”

Peony nodded and rewarded Kai with a toothy grin. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome.” He embraced her small body in a tight hug. “Now, how about we message Iko to let her know you weren’t kidnapped and then we—“

“Your Majesty?”

Kai didn’t notice the moment Torin opened the door. His adviser waited patiently, holding few files in his hands, but Kai didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes when he looked at emperor and crown princess.

“I just came to remind you that the meeting is starting in ten minutes. We should probably get going if we—“

“Torin!” Peony jumped from Kai’s lap and was running towards unexpected Torin. She wrapped her short arms around his leg, holding onto him like a sloth hanging from the tree.

Torin, to his credit, never minded when little princess would hug him or follow him around the palace. In fact, he rather enjoyed spending time with her and teaching her new things, gladly informing her parents what a bright child she was. His diplomatic mind already saw her as a smart and competent empress she would become one day.

“Hello, princess.” He patted her head with a few gentle taps. “Are you joining us for the meeting as well?”

She looked up at him and shook her head. “No, it will probably be boring. But I’m having a tea party with Daddy after!” Her eyes were wide open as she came up with a new idea. “Will you have tea with me one day? We can make sandwiches and talk about your cats. Mommy and Daddy don’t let me have pets. They say I’m too young. But I feed koi fish in the garden pond every day. Well, almost every day. I think I didn’t feed them yesterday…“

Peony was in one of her usual prattles about anything and everything. Torin looked at Kai, silently begging for help.

Kai smiled and got up from his chair. “Peony, I think Torin understood your commitment to animals and will gladly have tea with you one day. Right, Torin?”

The head adviser looked at the girl still gripping his pants. “Of course, Peony. We’ll have tea and talk about cats.”

Little princess seemed satisfied with his answer. She released her hold on Torin and turned to her dad. Kai picked her up in his arms and kissed her cheek.

“That’s enough talking for now. Let’s find Iko and ask her to take you to the garden. Those koi fish won’t feed themselves.”

 -

 It was far later than he wanted when Kai finally dragged his tired body to the end of the hall in the private wing of the palace. He scanned his wrist to enter a large suite he shared with his family and was welcomed with the warmth from the fireplace and the hushed sounds of his wife’s and daughter’s voices.

He walked silently as he approached the opened door of the living room. Sitting on the sofa with their backs turned to him, Cinder and Peony were engrossed in a book spread open on Cinder’s lap. Kai leaned on the door frame, crossed his arms over his chest and listened.

“Then the prince stabbed the dragon and ran to the castle to save the princess.” Cinder’s voice was high-pitched and singsong like every time she read stories to Peony, which was almost every night before bed. Kai swallowed a chuckle at how different it sounded compared to her usual matter-of-fact and almost flat tone.

“And they lived happily ever after.” Cinder closed the book. “The end.”

Peony nestled in Cinder’s embrace and Cinder kissed her forehead. They were both still unaware of Kai’s presence by the door and he didn’t want to disturb their nightly ritual.

Few years into their marriage, both Cinder and Kai felt ready and mature enough to expand their family. By that point, they assumed things would go more smoothly than they did. Years of medical appointments, therapy sessions, negative pregnancy tests, and a very impatient nation that demanded an heir, finally came to an end one gloomy winter afternoon when the palace doctor told them they were expecting their first child.

Emotions that surged through him at that moment could only be compared to what he felt on the day their daughter was born. Despite few snarky comments in media, Cinder’s cyborg parts didn’t affect her pregnancy or delivery. Since her very first breath, Peony was a loud happy baby that loved cuddles, horses and making her dad attend her tea parties.

Kai would never forget the look on Cinder’s face when he suggested their daughter’s name.

Peony covered her yawn with a palm. “Mommy, if you were a princess and Daddy was a prince, does that mean he saved you?”

Cinder bit her lip and thought before answering. Then she nodded. “Yes, he did save me in some ways.”

“That’s not true,” Kai said from his position by the door. “Mommy is the one that did all the saving in our case.”

Cinder rolled her eyes at him. Kai walked closer to the sofa and kissed them both on the head. “She was the real hero, not just to me, but to everyone else.”

Peony looked at her mom in awe. Cinder shook her head. “Dad is overreacting. I just did what needed to be done with the help of many others.”

“I disagree, but that’s the topic for some other day,” Kai said, and gently flicked Peony’s nose. “Because we have a tea party to host.”

“Yay!” Peony jumped from the sofa and ran towards her room. “Don’t come in until I call you! I have to prepare everything.”

“We’ll be right here, sweetie.” Cinder leaned on the backrest, looking at Kai who was still crouching behind the sofa. “Is it smart to have a tea party half an hour before bedtime?”

“Honestly, with how busy things are lately, it’s now or never,” Kai said and leaned over to kiss her.

She smiled under his lips and placed her palm on his cheek. When he pulled away, she raised her hand to fix his hair. “She’s really looking forward to it. I offered to join her multiple times, but she kept saying you made her a promise.”

Kai took off his suit jacket and tie, draping them neatly over the back of the closest chair. “I feel awful for making her wait so long for such a simple thing. It’s just really hard sometimes to balance job and meetings with you and her. I don’t want her to resent that one day.”

Cinder shook her head. “She won’t. She’s young, but she understands how busy we both can get sometimes.”

Kai smiled and took her prosthetic hand between his. He stroked shiny ruby red ring he put there almost a decade ago, admiring how far they’ve come since that moment.

Door of their daughter’s room opened and she called them both to join her inside. Cinder and Kai walked hand in hand in her lavish purple bedroom and sat on two tiny wooden chairs in the center of the room.

The chair creaked under his weight, but Kai tried not to think about the prospect of falling down. It wouldn’t be a long fall anyways. “So what tea are you serving us tonight, princess Peony?”

“Wild berry tea. Your favorite, Daddy!” Peony placed a cup with bright red liquid almost sloshing over the rim in front of him. “And green tea for Mommy.”

When Peony turned around to get some food, Cinder whispered to Kai, “We made that an hour ago. It’s cold, but you can still drink it.”

Peony set down a plate full of different treats, from mochi, dorayaki and even some moon cake. Kai and Cinder drank their tea and listened to their daughter babbling about new toys she got from her aunts and uncles. She was always cheerful and full of life and Kai wished more than anything to never see that light in her extinguished.

It never ceased to amaze him how much love he could pour in such a small person. From the day she arrived, his entire universe changed its central point. He would find himself less worried about trivial details concerning work that would often keep him awake at night, as long as he could walk into her room and find her fast asleep.

Now even the simplest things brought him so much joy, like when Peony learned her first word, or started to crawl, or called him daddy for the first time. Sitting with his little family and drinking tea brought him peace he was looking for his whole life.

He looked at Cinder’s face and knew she was feeling the same way.

“Is it true, Daddy?”

Kai blinked and looked at his daughter. “Sorry, is what true?”

Peony rolled her eyes in a gesture so similar to her mother’s. “That you were desperate and begging Mommy to come to the ball when you first met.”

Kai’s mouth opened and he gave Cinder a look of utter betrayal. “I was not desperate. How can you give our daughter such ideas?”

“She said you sent her six comms,” Peony said calmly and shoved a mochi in her mouth.

Kai opened his mouth to answer and lifted his finger. “Technically, that’s true. But…”

Peony giggled and swayed in her chair. Cinder laughed as well and gave Kai an amused look. “You did come off as a little desperate.”

Kai smiled, remembering what a silly idealistic prince he was when they first met. Probably a bit annoying as well when he kept asking her out any chance he got. “Only because I was in love with you from the beginning, even if I didn’t know it just yet.”

“Did you dance at the ball?” Peony asked.

Cinder scoffed. “Dance is a word for it, sure.”

Kai chuckled. “We got better over time. Now your mom is the best dancer in the room. Well, almost.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, Kai.”

Peony yawned loud enough to stop her parents mutual teasing. Cinder got up from her tiny chair and lifted Peony in her arms. “This was fun, but it’s bedtime now. Come on, Daddy can clean this up while you get ready for bed.”

Fifteen minutes later, Peony was tucked safely in her bed, with Mr. Fluffy gripped in her hand. “One more bedtime story?” she asked and looked at her parents with pleading eyes.

Kai was ready to say yes, always easily softened by her cuteness, but Cinder cut him off. “No, I already read you one and we all had tea together. You can get two stories tomorrow, okay?”

Peony nodded and pulled the bed sheet closer to her chin. Cinder and Kai kissed her forehead and wished her good night before leaving her room. Leaving the door slightly ajar, Kai turned to Cinder and wrapped his arms around her waist.

He gave her a peck on the lips. “Do you ever think about having another one?”

Cinder leaned her head on his chest. “Sometimes. Do you want another child?”

“Yeah, eventually.” He kissed the top of her head. “But there’s no rush.”

Cinder looked up at him. “You were wrong, though.”

“About what?”

“You did save me, from loneliness and solitude. In all the ways that matter.” She combed her fingers through his hair.

As he listened to their daughter’s quiet breathing and looked at his wife’s loving eyes, Kai felt all the puzzle pieces finally falling into place.

tags: @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017

#kaider #tlc #the lunar chronicles #emperor kai #kai #cinder #peony #torin #family #second generation #fic request #family fluff

[kaider-is-my-otp]

'Kay here's the thing- writing anything Kaider related with this pic:

and can you add Kai whining for her attention (nothing explicit plz)

Thanks for taking the request! :)

Thank you for your request! Sorry it took me so long to write this. I was busy writing my master’s thesis this past month and it drained life out of me. I’m finally feeling better and am ready to get back into writing. Hope you like this little piece and enjoy! :)

Kai offers to help Cinder fix broken hover, but it doesn’t go as planned.

Grease and Dust

Kai didn't even notice the moment sun went down and moon appeared on the sky. He was in his office for the majority of day, switching between meetings and reading through many documents. It wasn’t until he noticed moonlight slipping through the windows that he realized how late it was.

He took reading glasses off his nose and rubbed his tired eyes. His loud yawn made him glad it was already late and no guards were probably close to hear the embarrassing sound. After gulping down the rest of his tea that went cold hours ago, he got up and stretched, ready to go look for his wife.

He had no doubt Cinder still hadn’t retired to their bedroom. She was as much of a workaholic as he was. Ever since they got married almost a year ago, they made a personal game between them who would be the first to search for the other after a long day. Kai was usually the one to look for her first, often finding her in her workshop in the palace basement.

That was exactly where he was heading as he dragged himself through the empty palace corridors. Only the most dedicated workers and unlucky guards on the night shift filled the eerie silence of the Commonwealth’s palace at night.

In his hazy state, track to the basement seemed longer than ever, but after a few minutes he finally reached heavy metal doors of Cinder’s little paradise. Even before knocking, he knew she was there. A loud sharp sound echoed in the room, like someone dropped something heavy. Kai smiled when he heard her curse under her breath and knocked.

The doors swung open a few seconds later. Cinder stood before him, dressed in her favorite casual outfit- cargo pants and black t-shirt. Her hair was pulled up in a resemblance of a messy ponytail, and her face already had few grease smudges.

Kai’s heart grew to the size of a Jupiter when he saw her. He was momentarily thrown back to that fated morning when he saw her for the first time. Cargo pants, messy hair and grease. It was almost like she hadn’t changed at all.

“I should have known it’s you,” Cinder grumbled and tried to clean the stains on her fingers with a rag that was covered with grease.

Kai leaned on the door frame and put his hands in his pockets. “I have to admit I was hoping for a bit warmer welcome.”

Cinder looked up at him and Kai knew she was struggling not to roll her eyes. Then her lips curved up in a smile and she reached with her hand to grab Kai’s shirt and pull him closer.

“Even though you’re interrupting my work, I’m glad to see you,” she said and pressed her lips to his.

Kai’s whole body relaxed at the contact, all the worries and long hours melting away like ice on the sun. He kissed her back with enough force to make her stumble a bit and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her body flush to his.

He pulled away and whispered, “That’s better.”

Cinder smiled and smoothed his hair. “I’m pretty busy at the moment.”

“It’s almost eleven p.m. We should both head to bed soon.”

Cinder shrugged. “I know, but I’m really in the zone right now. I think I finally figured out how to fix the issue on the broken hover. It’s been driving me crazy for weeks.”

Kai knew that broken hover was bothering Cinder for a while. She loved to complain about it during breakfast, and lunch, and occasionally dinner, but Kai never minded listening to her. He loved getting the inside view of New Beijing’s best mechanic’s thoughts, even if he didn’t understand half of what she was saying.

He also knew that there was no deterring Cinder from her mission now that she finally had a solution. The thought of going back to their room alone filled him with dread. Besides, they only saw each other briefly today and it was mostly during tedious meetings.

“Can I come in and see what you’re working on?”

Cinder cast a glance over her shoulder at the workshop. “Sure, but I have to warn you that it’s pretty messy and dirty.”

She walked back inside and Kai followed, closing the door behind him. As soon as he entered, he was hit with the smell of motor oil, fuel and various other chemicals Kai couldn’t decipher. Despite what she said, Cinder had managed to keep the workshop decently clean and organized.

Wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers of all shapes and sizes were neatly lined on the main desk. Little plastic containers were filled with nails, bolts and screws. Other smaller desks and shelves attached to the wall held numerous engine parts, broken androids and faulty portscreens.

In the center of the large workshop was a broken hover that Cinder has been working on for months.

Kai’s heart skipped a beat when he saw a framed photo that sat on the main desk. It was a picture of them taken on their wedding day, wrapped in a hug with wide smiles on their faces. He had the same photo on his office desk and he loved the idea of her looking at it while working.

“I love how you arranged this place. It looks much better than before.”

Cinder sat on the small wooden chair on her desk, her eyes already glued to the hover engine that was on the desk. Kai got used to being gently ignored by her whenever she was in her mechanic element. But tonight he was craving her attention.

He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. “I signed the contract today for the new trade route with the United Kingdom.”

“That’s great,” Cinder mumbled and grabbed the screwdriver closest to her.

Kai breathed in her scent, intoxicating mixture of her vanilla shampoo and motor oil. “Queen Camilla barely agreed to sign it, but Torin was very convincing.”

Cinder nodded and started tightening the loose screws. “He is a great advisor.”

Kai smiled into the soft skin of her neck. “I was thinking maybe we should try to escape somewhere for a few days. We didn’t take a break since our honeymoon.”

“Sounds great.” Her voice gave no indication she even heard him. Her focus was still solely on the hover engine.

Kai gave up on talking and tried to get her attention on him with kisses. He peppered her neck and jaw with soft feather-like kisses that she usually adored, but right now Cinder didn’t seem to be in the mood for tender touches.

She wiggled a bit under his lips. “Kai, I don’t have time for this right now. I’m on the verge of a breakthrough here.”

Kai sighed and lowered his hands from her waist. “I know, but I haven’t seen you whole day. I just want us to spend some quality time together.”

Cinder turned around to look at him. Whatever hurtful expression he was making was enough to soften her frown and she circled her arms around his neck. “We can spend time together after I fix this, okay? I still have to screw everything in place and check the brakes on the hover.”

Kai was ready to nod and leave her alone when a brilliant idea appeared to him. “Why can’t I help you fix it?”

Cinder laughed shortly, but stopped when she realized he was being serious. “Kai, do I need to remind you that you know nothing about mechanics? Besides, a dirty workshop is no place for an emperor.”

“Says the empress.”

Cinder gave him a long, level look and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m serious, Kai. Sorry, love, but you would probably only slow me down.”

Kai tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Cinder, please. I won’t be a bother, I promise. I want to learn more about things you’re passionate about.”

Cinder chewed on her bottom lip as she considered his plea. She probably wasn’t aware how attractive she looked when she bit her lip and what it was doing to Kai’s poor heart. He had to look away to fight the temptation to pull her lip between his teeth.

“Fine,” she finally said. “But you have to go and change into something else. You’re not going under the hover in your suit.”

Kai grinned and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

It took him a little bit more than a minute to go to the top floor of the palace, turn his whole closet upside down and find something appropriate for a workshop in the piles of his fancy clothes.

He stormed back into her workshop dressed in a white t-shirt, old jeans and worn out converse sneakers that he had for so long they were a bit too small on him.

“I’m here,” he said between desperate gasps.

Cinder looked him up and down a few times, momentarily forgetting about the wrench in her hand. Kai felt his cheeks warming under her gaze.

Finally, she smiled. “You look nice in casual clothes. You should wear it more often.”

Kai approached her and kissed her cheek. “If that’s what you like.”

She shooed him away playfully. “Come on. The sooner we’re done, the sooner we hit the bed. I already put the engine inside and it works, but it’s really loud for some reason. We’ll have to check the muffler and brakes and--”

Even though he offered to help, Kai realized what a bad idea it was the moment Cinder started explaining what they were going to do. He tried to follow and stay focused, but all he heard was a mesh of barely recognizable words.

“And then we start the engine to see if it helped.” Cinder blew the fallen piece of hair from her forehead. “Did you understand everything?”

Kai rubbed the back of his neck. “Um, sure.”

Cinder raised an eyebrow and looked at him like she knew he barely understood anything. “Alright then. Just do what I tell you and you’ll be fine.”

With that, she lay down on the floor and slid under the hover, leaving only her feet sticking out. Kai exhaled and did the same, briefly wondering why they were lying under the old hover instead of the warm blankets on their bed.

He didn’t know what he expected to see underneath, but it certainly wasn’t a jumbled mess of colorful wires, metal plates and sharp nails. “Do you know what all of these do?”

Cinder already started tinkering with some of the wires. “Pretty much.”

Kai’s respect for his wife grew even more. It never ceased to amaze him how she knew to do all that. To him, even the simplest things seem incredibly complicated, but Cinder did it all with ease as she grabbed the wrench and tightened a loose bolt.

“This is why the oil was leaking,” she said. “Give me that smaller wrench next to you, please.”

Kai, who was staring at her dreamily, shook after a few seconds when he realized she was talking to him. “Wrench, right. Is it this one?”

She took the wrench from him and tightened a few smaller bolts. She pointed to one of the red wires. “Someone put this one in the wrong place. I’m going to have to cut it and replace it. Can you pass me the wire cutters?”

Kai beamed when he recognized the name. “I know that one! That was our code word, remember? Wire cutters.”

Cinder scoffed. “Do I need to remind you we used it as a code word so you would know when I’m controlling you?”

“But you can’t control me anymore. We should start using it again. Maybe during the meetings when we’re bored and need an escape plan.”

Cinder smiled and leaned closer to kiss his cheek. “What an irresponsible emperor. People will think we’re out of our minds.” She cut the wire and gave one end to Kai. “Here, hold this.”

Kai took the hanging wire from her. “Maybe we could use a new code word. Something romantic, like eternal love, or fated destiny, or-“

“I really hope you’re joking.”

He stirred to get closer to her, with the right side of his body touching her left side. “Only if you have a better suggestion.”

“How about—“

Loud cracking noise and fiery sparks made them both jump in surprise, almost knocking their heads on the hover above them. Kai reached with his free hand for Cinder’s.

“Are you okay?” He tightened his grip on her cold prosthetic fingers. “Is it me? Did I do something?”

“I’m fine. I think you accidentally touched a naked wire.” Cinder was already pulling the wire from the hover and the other from Kai’s grip.

He exhaled and leaned his head down. “I’m sorry. I really tried to be helpful, but it seems mechanics just isn’t for me.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re doing better than expected.” She put the new wire in its place. “All done. Now I just need to tighten the muffler and we’re done.”

As she twirled the wrench, Kai leaned his head to the side to get a better look at her. She had new grease stains on her cheeks and one above her eyebrow. Her hair was speckled with some dust that fell on them.

He reached with his hand to wipe the smudge closer to him and caress her cheek. “You’re the only person that manages to look beautiful covered in grease and dust.”

Cinder huffed and shook her head, spreading some dust back into the air. “You’re the only person who thinks that.”

Kai leaned closer to her and placed his lips on her neck. Her skin was warmer than usual from being trapped under the hover for half an hour, but Kai still felt goosebumps rising on her skin. He kissed everywhere he could reach from their weird position, starting from her neck, across her jaw and all the way to her ear.

When he lightly sucked on the skin of her neck, she let out a breathy sound and stirred. “If you keep doing that, I’m going to short-circuit this time, not the hover.”

Kai laughed and bit her flesh gently, but decided to let her finish her work. It took her only a few more minutes to have everything securely screwed and attached. She pulled herself from under the hover with ease and Kai was left to find a way to wiggle out. When he was finally surrounded with blinding lights of the workshop, Cinder offered him her hand to stand.

Kai stretched and cringed when he heard his stiff joints popping in his back and shoulders. “I don’t understand how you can even stand after spending half of the night under there. Remind me to give you a massage next time you come back from the workshop.”

“I might take you up on that.” Cinder turned on a hover engine that awoke to life in synchronized harmony that even to Kai’s inexpert ears sounded just right.

Cinder exhaled and turned off the hover. “Finally.”

Kai pulled her in embrace and rested his chin on the crown of her head. “This was a fun experience, but I should probably stay away from anything including wires and electricity in the future.”

Cinder leaned her head on his shoulder. “You weren’t that bad. Sure, it could have killed us and blew the whole palace in pieces and potentially cause an explosion that would wipe away half of the city--,”

He pinched her forearm playfully. “I get the point, Your Majesty.”

He leaned down to press his lips to hers in what he intended to be a small peck, but Cinder tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. He pressed her to the side of the hover, letting her warmth seep into him and molding their bodies together. He gently bit her bottom lip like he wanted to do earlier, and felt her smile on his lips. When he pulled away, her lips were swollen and eyes wide, shining with joy.

Cinder yawned and pushed her face deeper into his chest. “I’m hungry.”

“And I want to take a shower. As much as I find it endearing on you, I feel very filthy and would like to wash away all this grease and dirt.”

“Fancy emperor,” Cinder mumbled and led him out of the workshop.

It was already past midnight when emperor and empress finally collapsed on their bed, clean and full. They snuggled under the blankets, reaching for each other’s warm embrace.

Kai wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “Can I ask you something?”

Cinder yawned and nodded.

“Do you--,” He struggled to continue and ask her the question that’s been bothering him for years. “Do you sometimes wish you were still a mechanic? That none of this happened and you lived a simpler life as city’s best mechanic, and not as an empress whose every move is observed and judged?”

She was silent for a few moments and it was enough for Kai’s mind to spiral. His worst fear was that she regretted ever meeting him and finding out she was Princess Selene and starting a revolution to become a queen.

He feared she regretted marrying him.

When she finally spoke, her voice was gentle and serene. “My life before was easier in some aspects. I could easily merge with the crowd, bow my head down and do my work without complain. No one knew and no one cared.”

Kai was silent as he stared at the ceiling. She gripped the material of his shirt in her fists, holding tight to him.

“But if I were still just a mechanic, I would’ve never found out what it’s like to be loved and respected. And have friends to call whenever you need help.” She kissed the side of his jaw. “Or to have someone to cuddle up with at night.”

Kai smiled and buried his face in her hair. “Cuddling is the best part.”

“Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?”

His fingers were now playing with her hair. “Tonight reminded me how much you loved mechanics and your workshop. I didn’t want you to regret giving up on that just to become my empress.”

She lifted her face and placed her chin on his chest. Leaning forward, she kissed him briefly.

“I could never regret something that brought me to you.”

tags: @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017

#kaider #lunar chronicles #emperor kai #linh cinder #the lunar chronicles #fluff #i know nothing about mechanics #but neither does kai #fic request

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Bright Future

TLC ship weeks 2021: free day

Torin and Kai have a conversation about Kai’s relationship with Cinder.

Konn Torin was seated in a large comfortable chair in his office. He’s been there since early hours of the morning and he could already see the shape of the moon in the dark sky.

These days his working hours seemed to get longer and longer. He could only hope his husband won’t take offense in him coming home late another night in a row.

As much as he wanted to get cozy in front of the fireplace in his living room, there was so much work that needed to be done before Emperor Kaito leaves for France.

Two of emperor’s best friends were getting married and their little crew was finally having another reunion. Torin knew all about the secret plan to host the wedding two days earlier and Kai to officiate it.

He also knew that more than anything, young emperor was excited to see his girlfriend again after one long year of separation. It was all he talked about for the past few days.

Torin couldn’t blame him, though. He knew what it was like to be away from your loved ones and not see them as much as you wished. He could see how much it was killing Kai to not be able to visit Cinder, or even talk to her on especially busy days. Few days off work was what both Cinder and Kai needed, and Torin himself will go on a little vacation with his husband.

A sharp knock rang through the room, and Torin recognized slightly impatient knocking to be the one coming from the emperor.

“Come in.”

Kai’s dark hair appeared first through the slit of the door. He looked around the room before opening the doors fully and walking inside. “Oh, great. You’re still here.”

He looked a bit more untidy than Torin was used to seeing him lately. His shirt was a little rumpled, his hair an unkempt mess as it always was at the end of the day. But the shine in emperor’s eyes was getting more vibrant as the days of the trip approached.

Torin gestured to the chair opposite to him and Kai sat down. “Your Majesty, is there anything I can help you with?”

Kai made a great show of looking around Torin’s office, his gaze fixing on couple pictures of Torin and his husband. “Just wanted to see how new trade laws are going.”

Torin narrowed his eyes at Kai, highly suspicious that was the real reason of emperor’s late visit. “I’m almost done writing them. They should be finished tomorrow and sent to province leaders to check while you’re away. We should discuss them upon your return.”

Kai nodded and entwined his fingers, then crossed his legs only to uncross them seconds later. “Good, good. That’s great.”

Torin frowned. Kai was never fidgety like this. Ever since he was a small child, he always knew how to stay calm and collected and not exude too much energy, especially in front of the media. Now he seemed like he wanted to jump out of his skin. It worried Torin a little bit.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Your Majesty? If there’s anything you want to talk about, you’re free to do so.”

It may have been inappropriate and certainly unprofessional, but Torin had started to see Kai almost as his son. He’d watched him turn from a young prince who lost both his parents way too early, to a young emperor who cared about his country and his people and was willing to do whatever it takes to protect them.

He was young, but he had Torin’s full respect.

Kai ran a hand through his hair. He looked around the room as if paranoid somebody else was there and would hear their conversation.

“There is something else I wanted to talk to you about,” he said. “Actually, there’s something I wanted to show you.”

Kai reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a navy velvet box with a royal insignia stamped on the lid. Torin knew immediately what it was and what Kai planned to do with it. Still, he let the young emperor say it out loud.

Kai’s fingers trembled as he opened the box and revealed a stunning ruby red ring that lay inside. He pulled the ring out of the box and examined it.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, ever since Cinder abdicated the throne. It seems kind of stupid to wait when I know she’s the one for me and I hope she thinks I’m the one for her. She’s all the way on Luna, but I want her to be here, in Commonwealth. I want her to be my empress. I’m just not sure if she’ll think it’s too soon.” He took a deep breath. “She gave up her crown barely six months ago and I’m already asking her to wear another one. Maybe she doesn’t even want—“

“Kaito,” Torin stopped emperor’s passionate monologue. “She will say yes. It’s clear to everyone how much she loves you. She gave up her throne because Luna never felt like home, not because she hated the idea of being royalty, especially being royalty with you.”

Kai looked away from the ring in his fingers and up at Torin. His copper eyes were hopeful as he quietly said, “Do you really think so? I’m not rushing things?”

Torin gave him a small smile. “I don’t think you’re rushing anything. If you feel ready, there’s no harm in asking.”

Kai nodded, his lips finally curving in a real smile. “Thank you, Torin.”

“Kai, you’re making a right choice. She will be a good empress that this country needs.”

And Torin truly believed that. Cinder has proven to be a great queen and in less than two years has done more for Luna and the world than anyone could have expected. His heart was at peace knowing that emperor has picked such a strong partner for himself. Their relationship was never easy, but Torin saw how much they cared for one another. He was glad Kai would be less lonely and sulky once Cinder moves into the palace.

“I think she’ll be a great empress too,” Kai said and put the ring back in the box.

Torin watched young emperor, a child who had transformed in front of his eyes in a young man. For all the years he’d known him, for everything he’s been through, Kai never lost his kindness and dedication and hope. It was what made him one of the best people Torin had ever known.

“Your parents would be so proud of you,” Torin said. “I wish they were here to see what a fine leader you’ve become.”

Kai’s eyes turned glossy at the mention of his parents and Torin regretted ruining a happy moment. But Kai managed to smile. “I wish they were here too.”

Torin heaved a sigh of relief. “They would’ve loved Selene and would love to see you so happy.”

Kai nodded and placed the ring box back in his pocket. He stood up to leave, all uneasiness and restlessness leaving his body.

Torin closed the document he was reading and looked at his emperor. “But let’s not dwell on the past when the future is so much brighter.”

tags: @kaiderforever @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017

#tlc ship weeks 2021 #kaider #torin and kai #konn torin #emperor kai #just father and son having wholesome conversation #ship weeks were great #thank you ceren

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Journey of Us

TLC ship weeks 2021: prompt- Journey of us (Kaider)

Really short fluffly drabble cause I’m sick

I already missed two days, but I didn’t wanna miss another one, so sorry this is short.

Cinder ran her fingers down Kai’s cheek to get his attention. “What are you thinking about?”

Kai stirred from their position on the couch and looked down at her. They were lounging in his office, taking a much-needed break after a series of meetings.

He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Just thinking about us and everything we’ve been through.”

“Like what exactly?” Cinder pushed her face deeper into his chest.

“Do you remember how we met?” She could hear a hint of a smile in his voice. “I was so surprised you were a girl, a pretty girl at that, and I didn’t even know how to act.”

Cinder laughed. “You were a very awkward prince.”

“It’s your fault, though. You had me wrapped around your finger from day one. Even Torin noticed I was acting strange.”

“I have no regrets,” she said and pressed a kiss on his neck.

They stayed silent for a few minutes. Kai’s hold on her became tighter and he entwined his fingers in her hair.

“There was a time when I thought I would never see you again,” he said quietly. “World was literally falling apart, but I couldn’t keep you off my mind. I had so many worries, yet every time I would lie down your face would be the one I see.”

Cinder sneaked her hand under his shirt to touch his warm skin, to remind herself he was there, next to her and not miles away. “I thought about you a lot as well. Which was incredibly stupid of me.”

Kai shook his head. “I don’t think it was stupid. I think… even then, subconsciously I knew how much you mean to me. Even if I was scared to admit it.”

“I thought you hated me,” Cinder said, her voice breaking at mid-point. “For lying to you about being cyborg and Lunar.”

“I could never hate you. I guess I was just sad you didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth, but I understand why you kept it a secret.”

She didn’t know what to say to that. They’ve gone through so much so early in their relationship. From heartbreak and betrayal and pain, to unexpected joy of reconnecting and finding their happiness.

“I think the happiest moment of my life was when I saw you walking down the aisle towards me,” Kai said. “Till that moment, I couldn’t believe something so beautiful could exist, yet there you were.”

Cinder knew she would be blushing if she could. She gently elbowed him in the ribs. “I know that. The whole country knows that because you said it on the press conference after the wedding.”

Kai laughed and leaned further into the couch, pulling Cinder with him. “I have no regrets,” he mirrored her words from earlier.

He put his finger under her chin and pulled her head up so she would look at him. “We’ve been through a lot to get where we are, but I wouldn’t change a thing. This journey of us is what brings us here, in this exact moment.”

Cinder smiled and caressed his cheek. “I wouldn’t change a thing either.”

Kai leaned down to kiss her, placing his hand on her slightly rounded belly. It caused a fit of giggles to emerge from Cinder, like it always did whenever Kai would do that.

Soon there will be three of them, and they were fully ready to embark on a new journey together—their best one yet.

tags: @kaiderforever @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017

#tlc ship weeks 2021 #kaider #emperor kai #linh cinder #fluff #I'm sick and can barely see #but kaider is more important #ship weeks were so much fun

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Incredible

TLC ship weeks 2021: prompt - Song Lyric Day (Kaider)

Short fluffly drabble cause I have no time

Song: Incredible by James TW

In the grand ballroom of Commonwealth’s palace, Emperor Kaito and Empress Selene were leading the first dance. Two young royals were dressed appropriately, emperor in red and black attire with gold details, and empress in a shimmering long black dress. Dimmed lights emphasized the intimacy of the moment, as everyone stood and watched from the sides.

Empress Selene, or rather Cinder, was a face of serenity only on the outside. She still had nervous tinges every time Kai and her were the center of attention. Which, given their rank, was all the time.

Kai ran a soothing hand down her back, a movement so casual nobody else probably noticed it. “This is our third time opening Peace ball and you still look like you might pass out.”

Cinder tightened her hand on his shoulder and smiled, looking up at him. “Well, sorry that I’ll never get used to everyone staring at us.”

Kai laughed and kissed her forehead, which he probably shouldn’t have done so publicly, judging by the few soft gasps from people around them. “You will eventually.”

The song finally ended and the new one began. Other couples rushed to the dance floor, giving some much wanted privacy to the royal couple. Cinder didn’t try to slip out of Kai’s embrace as he led the rhythm to the new song.

Kai stared at her beautiful face, her fancy hairstyle, and small smile resting on her lips. He could barely stop himself from leaning down and kissing her.

“It’s been a while since the last time I saw you smile,” he said quietly, so no one could hear but her. “I know things have been a mess lately, and I feel it’s been taking toll on you. On both of us.”

Cinder’s eyebrows furrowed as she raised her hand to move few fallen pieces of his hair back to its place. “What do you mean?”

Kai pulled her a little bit closer. “Do you ever feel like… sometimes life gets so crazy we can forget all the little things we did when we first met?”

“Like what?” she asked.

“Do you remember those notes I would write for you and send them through Thorne while you were still on Luna?”

Cinder laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Those weren’t notes, those were love letters. Or more like romance novels with how lengthy they were.”

“I know you liked them, don’t lie,” Kai teased. “Or flowers. I feel like I haven’t given you flowers in so long.”

“You don’t have to give me flowers,” Cinder mumbled.

“But I want to because I know you love them, even though you pretend you don’t.”

Cinder pressed her face to his chest to muffle a laugh. They swayed to the slow beat of the song, not caring about others around them giving them curious looks.

When Cinder looked at him again, Kai was already staring down at her. His face was so honest and caring and Cinder didn’t need words to know the extent of his feelings for her.

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His copper eyes found hers. “I’m lost in your eyes. I wish we could stay like this forever.”

“We can,” Cinder said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “This crowded room doesn’t matter. It’s moments like this I never wanna let go.”

Kai smiled and kissed her, forgetting about the people around them, about Torin who will probably scold him later, about reporters in the room. All he cared about was his wife, the one he was happy to find during the hardest time of his life.

When they broke the kiss, he whispered on her lips, “Just one more thing.”

Cinder tangled her fingers in his hair. “Yes?”

“My love, I just wanna say that you look incredible tonight.”

tags: @kaiderforever @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider @gingerale2017 

#tlc ship weeks 2021 #kaider #songfic #emperor kai #linh cinder #lunar chronicles #i dont know how to write a song fic #excuse me #also love this song #incredibe james TW #so romantic #such kaider feels

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Under The Streetlamp

TLC ship weeks 2021: prompt- AU day (Kaider)

After years of pining after Cinder, Kai finally decides to do something about it. 

College AU / fluff

“I hate you for making me do this,” Kai mumbled into his glass while casting an annoyed glance at Thorne.

Thorne shrugged and drank the rest of his drink in one long gulp. “You will be thanking me later. Besides, my friend, you needed a night out. All you do is study, work and lust after Cinder.”

“I don’t lust after Cinder!” Kai said so loudly that few people on the tables next to them turned in their direction. His tone was too defensive even to his own ears. “I just… appreciate her.”

Wolf, who was standing next to them, snorted. “Right.”

Kai turned away from his friends in hopes that would stop their teasing. He looked around the dirty bar, filled with other college students who decided to have some fun on Friday night. He usually hated going out. His life was already too busy trying to juggle between his classes, internship at his father’s company and the sad scraps of his social life.

And fine, his irrational semi-obsession over Cinder.

His lips curved in a smile as he thought of her. For however long he lived, Kai would never forget that moment when she walked into his class on the first day of their freshman year of high school. The flip in his stomach when he saw her was the first one he had ever felt, and he knew his life had changed forever in that moment.

What ensued was six long years of pining after the most wonderful and beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Unfortunately for him, his pining was very clearly one-sided. Cinder considered him just a friend, and he didn’t want to give himself false hope. If friendship is all she could give him, that’s all he would take.

“Where are Scarlet and Cress?” Thorne asked loudly, looking around for his new flavor of the month. Or hopeful flavor of the month, because it turned out Cress was a much bigger challenge than he had originally thought.

Though, Kai wasn’t sure why Thorne hasn’t given up yet. By this point, he would have already moved on to someone else.

Wolf put the glass down so abruptly it almost shattered. He pointed his big finger towards the door. “There they are.”

He left without another word and in a second he already had Scarlet wrapped in a hug, kissing her like they were alone instead of in a crowded bar. From the corner of his eye Kai saw Thorne fixing his hair, before going over to greet Cress. But Kai’s attention was on the person standing awkwardly next to Cress.

Cinder was looking at Thorne suspiciously as he tried to woo her friend. She seemed like she wanted to be anywhere else but near two pairs of lovebirds on either side of her. When she noticed Kai sitting alone, her face relaxed and she gave him a shy smile.

Kai felt all the food he ate today and small amount of alcohol he drank turning in his stomach as she walked slowly towards him. She looked even more beautiful than that morning in class, with her brown hair down in loose waves, her clothing casual and without grease stains this time. He swallowed when she sat next to him.

“Hey,” she said and gave his hand a short squeeze.

Kai’s throat was dry as he stared at her hand that was resting on his only seconds ago. “H-Hi.”

Why couldn’t he act normal around her?

Cinder smiled and turned to look at their friends. Scarlet and Wolf had disappeared somewhere more private, and Cress and Thorne were dancing on the dance floor. It was incredibly uncomfortable to watch.

“I guess it’s just the two of us for now.” She said it so calmly, as if the idea of being alone with him was nothing unusual. They were always in the company of others and this was the first time it was just them. It almost felt like a date.

No, not a date, Kai corrected himself. If he ever were that lucky to take Cinder out on a date, it certainly wouldn’t be in a stinky college bar.

He managed to smile and gulp down his drink. “Yeah, just you and me.”

Cinder gave him a confused look, but quickly turned to call for a waiter. Kai mentally slapped himself. He finally had an opportunity he’s been waiting for years and he was already blowing it.

Calm down. Talk to her. Ask her something.

When her drink arrived, Kai turned his body towards her and asked as calmly as he could, “So, how are things in the workshop? I haven’t seen you much lately outside of class, so I’m assuming you’re pretty busy.”

Cinder sipped her drink and nodded. “Yeah, it’s been hectic lately. It’s like every car in the vicinity of university has suddenly started to malfunction.”

Kai bit his tongue when a wave of jealousy hit him. He knew very well that most of the malfunctioned cars were from other male students who used every opportunity to see hot girl working on cars.

He forced a smile on his face. “Yeah, I bet. I drove past it last week. I think I saw half of college male population waiting in line.”

Cinder shrugged, as if she didn’t even notice who are her customers. “They’re annoyance. Half of the damage could be solved in thirty seconds. They should really learn some basic car maintenance and not clog my workspace.”

Kai stared at her with his mouth open. “You do realize they’re there to see you? Once I overheard a guy from senior year saying he loosened a wire on his car on purpose just so he could come and see you.”

Cinder stared at him like he had said the stupidest thing ever. She said as much. “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Kai laughed. “Really, Cinder, do you not realized how attractive it is to see a hot girl fixing your car, who doesn’t care if she has a grease splotch on her forehead because she knows she’s amazing and brave and so good at what she does and she doesn’t have to justify herself to anyone?”

Silence fell on their table. Cinder stared at him with her mouth half-open, and Kai just wanted for Earth to swallow him whole. Did he really just tell her she was hot? And amazing and brave and—

Oh, stars.

Cinder finally closed her mouth. She shook her head. “I’m sure that’s not what they think.”

Kai gulped. It was so much like Cinder to downgrade herself and not see what an incredible person she was. “They do, believe me.”

She looked down at the table, suddenly engrossed in stirring ice cubes in her drink. “It doesn’t matter anyway. One person I want to see never visits the shop, so…”

One person she wants to see. He should have known. Of course there was someone she liked, someone’s face she wanted to see in the sea of others.

He felt like an idiot. In all those years, it never crossed his mind that Cinder might like someone else. He wasn’t sure what hurt more- the fact that she didn’t like him, or the fact that she liked someone who wasn’t him.

He did his best to keep the hurt off his face and be a supportive friend. His cheeks hurt from the fake smile. “Then he is a fool.”

A knowing smirk spread on Cinder’s face. “He is.”

Conversation became a little stiff after that. Kai tried to stay focused as she told him about her new classes, but all he kept seeing in his mind was the face of an unknown man. His hand holding hers. His arm wrapped around her. His lips pressed on hers.

“Kai. Kai, are you listening to me?” Cinder waved her hand in front of his face.

Kai blinked, feeling his neck turn red from the weird look she was giving him. “Sorry, I got a little distracted.” He pulled the collar of his shirt away from his body. “It’s a bit crowded here.”

“Do you want to go out for a walk?”

He nodded. “Yes, yes. That sounds great.”

With the first breath of fresh winter air, his mind cleared and the image of Cinder and imaginary man flew out of his head. They walked through the cold streets, still wet from the rain that was falling the entire afternoon.

Cinder was walking so close to him and he was tempted to grab her hand and pull her even closer. He wanted to make her forget about that man. He wanted to be that man.

“Sorry I’ve been talking about myself so much,” she said and tucked her bangs behind her ears. “I’m usually not so chatty with everyone. It’s just that you’re really easy to talk to.”

Kai wanted to tell her that he would listen to her talk all day, every day, if that’s what she wanted. “I don’t mind. You have a very soothing voice.”

“Thank you,” she mumbled. “How’s your internship going? Are you learning the ways to lead a business one day?”

“Yeah, my father wants me to be prepared. He’s been devoting a lot of time in teaching me everything I need to know for when I take over.”

Cinder hesitantly lifted her hand and wrapped it around his forearm. “Does it ever make you mad to know that you have your future already planned out, whether you like it or not?”

Kai looked down at her hand on his arm. “No, I really do want to work there someday. It’s been a family business for almost a century, and I’m proud my father deems me worthy enough to continue family tradition. I want to be good at it, you know.”

Cinder stared up at him with the expression Kai had never seen on her. It looked almost like… admiration. “I’ve always respected you for that. It really shows what kind of a person you are.”

Kai felt his cheeks burn from the intensity of her eyes on him, but he didn’t look away. “Thank you.”

Cinder stopped walking and turned towards him. She looked down at the ground before looking up at him. “Did you- Did you really mean what you said in the bar? About me being good at what I do, and brave, and… all that? It’s okay if you didn’t really mean it and said it just because.”

Kai took a deep breath. She was giving him a chance to get away with what he said. If he wanted, he could brush it off and pretend it didn’t mean anything.

But Kai didn’t want to pretend anymore. He was done waiting. He was tired of long looks across the cafeteria, of their friend’s teasing, of watching her from afar when all he wanted was to be as close to her as possible.

“I did,” he breathed, his eyes boring into hers. If this was his only chance, he was going to make it count. “I always thought you were incredible and wonderful. I’ve never met anyone like you. It’s unbelievable to me that someone can be so… so pure and good and beautiful and not even see it.” He gathered all his courage and brushed his fingers down her cheek. “Because you are, Cinder. You’re the best person I’ve ever met.”

Cinder’s eyes were glued to his the entire time he was talking. For a second, it seemed like she had forgotten how to breathe. Kai shifted from foot to foot, afraid he said too much, that he scared her.

What else did he expect? Of course she was freaked out by his confession. Who just babbles all of that out of nowhere?

He wasn’t sure what made him continue speaking. “I’ve felt like that since the first day I saw you. I don’t know what it was in you, but I immediately knew you were different. Special. And I’m sorry to throw it at you like this, but--”

His words were abruptly stopped when she pressed her lips to his. For a few seconds, Kai wasn’t sure it was real. Did he fall into some other dimension? It felt too good to be real life.

But it was. Cinder’s arms wrapped around his neck and Kai finally woke up from shock and kissed her back. His arms pulled her in a tight hug and he felt her everywhere- her warmth, her scent that was a mixture of sweet and spicy, her rapid heart pressed to his.

After a few blissful minutes, they finally pulled apart. Kai pressed his forehead on hers, unable to keep a wide smile off his face. Cinder’s fingers played with the ends of his hair.

“What--? I—I’m not sure what to say,” Kai murmured.

Cinder glanced at him, her eyes shining brilliant brown, like melted chocolate. “I was hoping you really meant what you said in the bar. ‘Cause I feel the same way about you.”

Kai smiled a bit. “You also think I’m amazing, brave, good at what I do and hot?”

Cinder laughed and tucked her head under his chin. “I do. I’ve also felt that for a long time. I just wasn’t sure if you feel the same way about me.”

“I do,” Kai said gently, and stroked her back. “But what about that guy that you want to see? I thought—Wait. Is that guy me?”

Cinder pinched his arm. “Yes, that guy is you, you fool. I can’t believe you never realized I like you.”

“That would mean my biggest wish has come true and those things don’t happen. At least not to me.”

She looked at him in a way he wanted to be looked at for the rest of his life. “Now they do.”

Under the soft yellow light of a streetlamp, her lips found his once again.

tags: @kaiderforever @just2bubbly @shelbylmkaider 

#tlc ship weeks 2021 #kaider #linh cinder #emperor kai #au #college #fluff #how do you write a song fic #asking for tomorrow #asking for a friend #love writing in kai's perspective #he's such a lovely mess

[kaider-is-my-otp]

Wings

TLC ship weeks 2021: prompt- Wings (Kaider)

Fluffy drabble

Cinder felt a soft brush-like touch on her back, like tender fingers caressing her bare skin. She stirred under the covers, half awake, and turned toward another warm body in bed.

Kai was lying on his side, one hand tucked under his head, other resting on her back. His hair was as messy as ever, his eyes barely staying open. Rising sun that peeked through the window behind him made it hard to see his features clearly. But the smile that adorned his lips was the same one she woke up to every day for the past six months.

“Good morning,” he whispered, almost too quietly for her to hear. He always spoke gently in the morning, as if afraid he would break the fantasy that they have an entire day to roll around in their bed, eat sweets and watch net dramas. Pretending the world outside didn’t exist.

She placed her head on his chest, his skin warm and inviting, and listened to the slow beat of his heart. Her eyes were closed, her mind empty, when she felt another soft touch on her back, this time in the form of a long straight line.

“What are you doing?” she mumbled in his chest.

Kai pulled another long line with his finger. “I’m drawing wings on your back.”

Cinder tried to lift her head to look at him in bewilderment, but he gently laid her head back down.

“Careful, you’re ruining my artwork,” he said and she could hear a smile on his lips.

“Why are you drawing wings on me?”

Kai continued caressing her back and Cinder had to admit that it was delightfully relaxing. “Because you’re an angel and angels need to have wings for when they fall from the sky.”

She was stupefied for a second, letting his words sink in. Then she let out a loud chuckle, muffled by his chest. “That is the cheesiest thing you have ever said, and the competition is high.”

Kai’s chest moved as he laughed as well. “I can be cheesier than that.”

She looked up at him. “Oh, really? I’d like to see you try.”

Kai wrapped his arms fully around her, apparently done with his artwork on her back. He cleared his throat and said with his serious emperor voice, “My life without you is like a broken pencil… pointless.”

Cinder pressed her hand to her mouth to stop the laughter. She didn’t want to give him encouragement for being such a dork, but she couldn’t deny that he was adorable right now.

“You spend so much time in my mind, I should charge you rent.” Kai had a hard time trying to keep a serious face. He knew he was being ridiculous, but for a dazzling smile that was now on Cinder’s face, he was willing to make a fool of himself.

“I wish I were cross-eyed so I can see you twice.”

Their composure broke in the same moment and the sound of laughter filled their spacious bedroom. Kai hugged Cinder’s shoulders as they laughed, pressing his face in her hair.

After a minute, Cinder finally stopped laughing and looked at her husband. His eyes were shining with tears and he looked at her like he really thought she was an angel.

“You’re such a dork,” she teased him and lifted her head a little bit to kiss his lips.

When they broke the kiss, Kai said, “You always knew that, but you married me anyways.”

“Heaven knows what I was thinking, no pun intended,” she said, but her voice had no vicious undertone.

Kai smiled and leaned down to kiss her again, with so much love and adoration and gentleness, it made her feel like she was flying, wings securely attached to her back.

host: @kaiderforever​

#tlc ship weeks 2021 #kaider #emperor kai #linh cinder #fluff #wings #pick up lines aren’t mine #kai is the cheesiest boy ever

[kaider-is-my-otp]

In Another Life

TLC ship weeks 2021: prompt- In another life (Kaider)

Angst, I guess

In another life, maybe they would find a way to make it work.

Maybe people wouldn't try to tear them apart.

Maybe they would make decisions that would keep them closer, not put a distance between them.

Deep down in his heart, Kai knew that's not how it would work out. It seemed like they were destined for failure from the start.

He should have seen it coming since the moment they met, when he was just a prince and she was just a mechanic. Even then, it sounded like a joke- a prince and a mechanic. It would never work. Torin had tried to warn him, make him see things as they are.

But Kai didn't listen.

It would probably save him a lot of heartbreak if he did.

When he found out she was the lost princess, hope raised like a dragon in his chest. It felt like they were getting a second chance before they even properly used their first one. Like whatever it was he felt when he looked at her made sense.

And it did. For a while.

They won a war together. They've grown and learned how to rule a country. They got engaged. Cinder moved into the palace and they spent blissful months together after being years apart.

But deep down they knew. It was never going to last.

Kai wasn't sure what was the beginning of the end. Was it the protests happening outside the palace of angry masses that didn't want Lunar cyborg as their empress? Was it Kai's inability and Commonwealth's resistance to better a life of cyborg citizens? Was it the general public opinion that deemed their relationship ridiculous and insulting?

He was willing to turn a blind eye to all of that. Even if he always listened to his people, this time he wouldn't. For her, he would do it.

Cinder tried her best not to let any of that touch her. But in the matter of weeks she reached her breaking point. All the stares and nasty remarks when people thought she couldn't hear them became too much.

They knew their relationship had an expiration date, but their love did not. As he watched her pack the last of her belongings, Kai knew he would never stop loving her.

Cinder pulled the zipper of her suitcase. „I think that's the last of my stuff. If you find something I left, just send it to Luna. That's where I'll be, at least for a little while.”

Kai nodded, not daring to let the words leave his aching throat. Weeks of worry left them both tired and sleep deprived. He hoped he could have some sleep after all the drama was over and people finally got what they wanted, but he knew that wasn't going to happen. If he did sleep, he knew whose face would be occupying his dreams.

Cinder played with the ruby red ring still on her finger. She looked up at him, her eyes hollow and empty. „We tried, Kai. We really did.”

Kai gulped. „I know.”

There were no more words they needed to say. They both knew how they felt about each other. How much they tried to fight for something that felt so right, so easy and meaningful.

They may have won a war, but they lost the most important battle.

Cinder finally removed the ring from her finger, and in that moment, Kai's heart broke one more time. When she set the ring on the table, the chapter was closed. Their book was written and it did not have a happy ending.

He stared at the ring and managed to ask, „In another life, do you think—If we're not who we are, do you think we would make it work?”

She grabbed her bag and turned to the door, not able to look at him. „Yes, Kai. I think we would.”

She walked through the door one last time. „In another life.”

tag: @just2bubbly @kaiderforever

#tlc ship week 2021 #kaider #wow I've actually written angst #back to fluff tomorrow #emperor kai #linh cinder #babes

[kaider-is-my-otp]

A Crowd to Mesmerize

During her first visit to Eastern Commonwealth after revolution, Cinder finally agrees to those dance lessons with Kai.

“Your right foot forward, Cinder,” Kai corrected her for the seventh time in the past ten minutes.

Sun was setting outside the grand ballroom of Commonwealth’s palace and night was fast approaching. They’ve been dancing- or trying to dance in Cinder’s case- for the last two hours.

It was only the second day of Cinder’s visit to Eastern Commonwealth. She arrived for the Peace Festival, the first after the revolution. Of course she wasn’t going to miss it. She was an honorary guest, a revolutionary queen that saved the world. She hoped she would have a warmer welcome than last year. On top of that, she was Kai’s date for the ball, as she promised she would be last year on the balcony of Artemisia palace.

After yesterday’s heartwarming reunion, Kai wasted no time in freeing their schedules as much as possible. It was the first time they saw each other since the war ended and they couldn’t be happier to be in each other’s arms again. The warmth of his hug and the scent of his cologne when he embraced her yesterday, not caring that everyone was watching, made her feel like she was finally back home.

Even though Cinder hoped he would forget another promise she made on the balcony, she wasn’t that lucky. Earlier that afternoon, Kai took her hand and led her to the empty ballroom.

“Don’t think I forgot your promise about those dance lessons,” he said, a smile playing on his lips.

Cinder rolled her eyes. “Why am I not surprised? But really, is that necessary? Nobody will care whether I can dance or not?”

“You are my date. Believe me, they will be watching our every step.” At her nervous expression, he added gently, “But don’t worry. We have two more days before the ball. That’s enough time to teach you the basics.”

Cinder laughed, casting a nervous glance through the tall windows overlooking the garden. “I think you’re overestimating my dancing abilities.”

“And I think you’re underselling yourself, as usual.”

Kai turned on the music on his portscreen and placed her hand on his shoulder. He was patient with her, repeating every step multiple times. Despite his calm approach, two hours later Cinder still barely knew the basic steps.

“I told you, I’m beyond saving.”

Kai shook his head and tightened his grip on her waist. “Not even a year ago you saved the entire world, Cinder. I’m pretty sure you can learn how to waltz.”

“Well, then I’m in luck that you’re such a good teacher.” She smiled and looked up at him. “Not to mention, incredibly handsome.”

Tips of Kai’s ears turned pink and he tried to hide a smile. During their frequent video calls Cinder noticed Kai would often get shy when she would give him a compliment, whether it be for his looks, his last speech or political decision. It was endearing in a way- emperor of world’s largest country didn’t know how to handle compliments from his girlfriend.

“Stop trying to sweet-talk me. You’re not getting away from this.”

He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. Cinder’s lips turned up into a smile, her body instantly filling with warmth and delight. Of all the things she missed while being on Luna, Kai’s kisses were probably number one.

When he pulled away, his copper eyes were shining with gleam he only had when he looked at her. He pulled her closer and put his chin on top of her head. Cinder closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed to the slow beat of the song.

When she opened her eyes again, she saw two palace maids peeking through the doors of the ballroom. They were smiling as they watched a young royal couple tangled in a hug, dancing to their own rhythm. As soon as they noticed Cinder was looking at them, they bowed and fled the ballroom.

Cinder tried not to cringe. She was slowly getting used to people always staring at her, and even more staring at her and Kai when they were together. Though she was glad most of the looks were now one of approval, not disdain.

When the music stopped playing, Kai took her hand in his. “How about we take a walk through the gardens? There’s this one bench where you can watch the sun set over the city. It’s my favorite place in the palace and I want to share it with you.”

“What about the dance lessons?” Cinder asked, not daring to be too hopeful.

Kai waved his hand as he led her toward the garden doors. “We can finish those tomorrow.”

The gardens in the palace were huge, big almost as the palace itself. Everything was alive with color- pink, white, green, red. While they walked the stone path, they surprisingly didn’t see any guards. Cinder noticed that in two days she was in the palace, she didn’t really run into that many members of the palace staff.

She tightened her grip on Kai’s hand to get his attention. “How come I haven’t seen that many workers in the palace these two days? You don’t even have a bodyguard trailing after you.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Are you short of staff, Your Majesty?”

“No,” Kai said and raised his hand to rub the back of his neck. Smile trembled on his lips. “Actually, I was wondering the same thing. Hallways are usually full of people, and there are guards on every corner in the garden.” He stared at the koi pond they passed, his eyes thoughtful. “I have a feeling Torin had something to do with it.”

“Torin?” Cinder had grown to like Kai’s trusted adviser, just as he had accepted her as queen and Kai’s girlfriend, but she still found it hard to believe he would let two young royals roam around the palace without any supervision.

Kai shrugged his shoulders, a casual gesture she wouldn’t expect to see from him only a year ago. When they first met he always seemed to be a little bit on edge, running his fingers through his hair and digging nails in his palms. His posture was always proper and he carried himself with dignified expression, like a true emperor. It warmed her heart to see him more relaxed and not in a constant state of stress as he was for the majority of last year.

“He kept telling me these past few weeks how I could finally catch a break for a few days when you arrive,” Kai said and urged her to sit on a bench beside him. “Now that I think about it, he was weirdly supportive about postponing all my meetings while you are here.”

Cinder laughed and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Who knew Torin had a soft heart under his diplomatic façade?”

Kai chuckled and kissed the back of her prosthetic hand. He pressed a gentle kiss on every knuckle, admiring the sunset that casted orange glow on her hand. They set in silence, cuddled on a bench, surrounded with thick rose bushes and hidden from the rest of the world. The sun was fading from the sky, leaving rose colored clouds behind. Cinder closed her eyes, her head still resting on Kai’s shoulder, and breathed in fresh summer air.

It felt like an hour had passed when she opened her eyes again. Lifting her head, she noticed Kai was staring at her, unreadable expression on his face.

“What?” she mumbled.

Kai blinked, as if waking from a daydream. He pushed her overgrown bangs from her forehead. “Nothing, just… I-“

Few more seconds passed between them in silence before he finished his sentence.

“I love you.”

Cinder felt her heart leaping into her throat. She blinked a few times, sure she misheard him. But Kai’s face was serious as he gazed at her, his lips curling on the edges.

They never said those three words to each other. She knew she felt them- and she was almost completely sure Kai felt the same way- but she never had the courage to say them first.

She had done some remarkably terrifying things in the past year- escaped a prison, kidnapped an emperor, led a revolution… But somehow the idea of being the first to say those three tiny words and have them not be returned was the most horrifying of all.  

Kai’s smile slowly fell and his neck turned red. He looked down in his lap, where their joined hands rested. “Um, you don’t have to say it back if it’s too soon. I wanted to tell you how I feel for months, but I didn’t want it to be over the comm or video call. I wanted to tell you in person. And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way. Maybe I misread the signs--,”

“Kai.” Cinder put her hand over his mouth, effectively stopping his rambling. “I love you too.”

She lowered her hand and was rewarded with the most beautiful smile she had ever seen on him. His copper eyes softened with relief and he let out a short breath.

“Oh,” he said, seemingly speechless for once. “That’s… good. Great.”

They looked at each other, suddenly both shy. Then they leaned closer at the same time, their lips meeting halfway. His lips were warm and soft, and his arms wrapped around her waist. Warmth blossomed in her chest and she tangled her fingers in his hair. Kai pulled her as close as he could on the narrow bench. Cinder’s lips parted, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

When they finally pulled away, the sun was gone from the horizon and the shape of the moon was visible on the sky. Cinder bit her bottom lip to stop the grin forming on her lips.

Kai cleared his throat. His hair was messy and stood up in weird angles. Cinder couldn’t help but laugh as she reached up and tried to fix the mess.

“You always do that to my hair,” Kai said, but his voice held no malice. “As if we couldn’t be more obvious.”

Cinder leaned in for another quick kiss. “Stop complaining, Your Majesty, and give me those dance lessons. We have a crowd to mesmerize.”

#kaider #emperor kai #linh cinder #the lunar chronicles #cinder #fluffiest fluff cause I don't know anything else #tlc #emperor kaito #fluff