Black Girls Are Human. (insp.)

obsessed with the idea of couple falling in love for a second time with each other

i'm such a sucker for this trope omg

nanami x reader

~cowardly knight

------------------------------------------------------

knight! nanami x princess! fem! user

tags : royalty au / angsty / minimal fluff / no smut / nanami is a hot knight / princess user

a/n : guys im srsly thinking ab posting on ao3 but jm so nervous.. if anything itd definitely be this trope bc its one of my all time faves, anyways enjoy this oneshot !

context : after a long day, you and nanami take a midnight stroll in the castle gardens, and you cant help but wonder if he reciprocates your feelings

lmk what u think about this!

------------------------------------------------------

As a princess, every movement, every word, every decision was watched, judged, and scrutinized by the kingdom. The crown, though beautiful, was heavy. You wore it not just on your head, but on your very soul. The royal duties, the endless appearances, the constant expectations—all weighed on you like an invisible cloak you couldn’t shake off.

But there were moments when you could escape. Moments when the pressure of the palace walls seemed to fade, if only for a while. The castle gardens were your sanctuary. In the quiet of the night, the sounds of rustling leaves and the scent of blooming flowers were the only things that filled the air. Here, you could breathe freely, if only for a brief moment, and feel the freedom that life outside the castle might offer.

The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a pale, silvery glow across the castle gardens. The night air is crisp, cool enough to make you pull your cloak tighter, but not biting enough to truly discomfort you. The world feels still, as if the very night has paused for a breath.

Nanami walks just behind you, always at a slight distance, never too far to be out of reach, but not close enough to invade your space. He is your knight—his place is always by your side, ever watchful, ever vigilant. No matter where you go, no matter the time, his duty is to accompany you, to protect you. Even now, in the stillness of the garden, he remains close, his every movement calculated, his attention unwavering.

“Such a peaceful night,” Nanami remarks, his voice steady, as calm and composed as ever. He glances at you briefly, his tone softening just slightly. “It’s rare to have a moment like this.”

You don’t answer immediately, lost in the beauty of the night sky above. But as the wind picks up, you feel a chill run through your body. You try to ignore it, hoping it will pass, but the breeze is relentless. Another shiver shakes you, more noticeable now.

Nanami notices it immediately. Of course, he does. He’s always watching, always aware of the smallest details. He steps forward, closing the distance between you, his pace steady but purposeful. Without a word, he pulls his cloak from his shoulders and gently drapes it around you. The heavy fabric envelops you, its warmth immediately a comfort against the cold that’s settled in your bones.

His hands linger just for a moment as he adjusts the cloak, ensuring you’re covered. His touch is brief, professional, but there’s something in the way he does it that makes your heart skip a beat.

“You shouldn’t be cold,” he says, his voice steady and calm. “It’s my duty to make sure you’re safe, Your Highness.”

His words are like they always are—impersonal, duty-bound. But there’s an undercurrent to them, something softer, something more that he doesn’t allow himself to express. He doesn’t meet your gaze, his attention once more turning to the path ahead. But you can feel the shift, the subtle way his focus remains on you even though he tries to hide it.

Nanami is your knight. His duty is clear. To serve. To protect. To remain by your side no matter what. Even if his heart wants to do more, he must push those feelings away. He can’t let them show. He can’t afford to. It’s easier this way.

But the longer he’s near you, the harder it becomes to ignore the way he feels. The warmth of your presence, the quiet moments when you’re just together, these moments are starting to blur the lines between what is duty and what he’s beginning to crave.

He clears his throat softly, trying to rid himself of the distraction. “Are you warm enough now?”

His eyes glance briefly over to you, still not meeting your gaze directly, but there’s something in his expression that isn’t quite as composed as usual. A softness that betrays the discipline he works so hard to maintain.

You pull the cloak tighter around your shoulders, feeling the warmth of the fabric seeping into your skin. You can still feel the heat of Nanami's hands, the brief moment they lingered on your shoulders. A small smile tugs at the corners of your mouth as you glance over at him.

"Thank you, Nanami," you say softly, your voice barely above a whisper in the still night air. "You always take such good care of me."

Your eyes meet his for a moment, and you think your knees might buckle under his intense gaze.

"I'm warm now," you assure him, turning back to the path ahead. You keep walking, your footsteps falling in time with his. The silence between you is comfortable, easy, even if the air feels charged with a tension you can't quite name.

"Do you ever wish..." you start, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "Do you ever wish things could be different? That we could just be Nanami and (name), not what our duties force us to be?”

Nanami's brow furrows slightly at your question, a rare display of emotion crossing his features. He's silent for a long moment, considering your words carefully. When he speaks, his voice is low and measured, as if choosing each word deliberately.

"Things are as they are, Princess," he says finally, his tone gentle but firm. "My duty, my purpose, is to serve you. As the princess, your role is to lead our kingdom, to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of our people."

He pauses, and for a brief instant, you think you see a flicker of longing in his eyes. But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the steadfast resolve you've come to expect from your loyal knight.

"But in moments like these," he continues softly, "when the world around us is still and quiet, and the weight of our duties feels a bit lighter... I suppose I do allow myself to imagine what it might be like. To be free of the expectations, the titles, the constant vigilance..."

You listen intently to Nanami's words, your heart aching at the rare glimpse of vulnerability he's allowing himself to show. You know how difficult it is for him to open up like this, to step even momentarily outside of his role as your stoic, unyielding protector.

Impulsively, you reach out and place your hand over his on the sleeve of his cloak, giving it a gentle squeeze. The fabric is rough beneath your fingers, but you can feel the firmness of the muscle underneath. You look up at him, your hair falling over your shoulders as you meet his gaze.

"Nanami," you say softly, your voice filled with a tenderness you rarely allow yourself to express. "You are so much more than just my knight. You're my friend, my confidant, my..."

Your voice trails off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air between you. Nanami's eyes widen slightly at your impassioned declaration, and for a breathless moment, you think he might say something more. Something that would change everything between you. But the moment passes, and he simply nods, his jaw tightening as he looks away.

"Your Highness... you are too kind to say so," he says, his voice carefully neutral once more. "I am honored to serve as both your knight and your friend."

But your heart sinks a little as you hear his words, a flicker of disappointment passing through you. You know he's holding back, keeping himself in check just as he always does. As much as his loyalty and dedication mean the world to you, a part of you yearns to see the real Nanami. The man beneath the armor, the heart behind the stoic exterior.

You take a step closer to him, your voice softening to a whisper. "Nanami, please... You don't have to always put up this front with me. Not when we're like this, not just the two of us. Alone."

Nanami's breath catches in his throat at your words, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He's not used to such open vulnerability from you, such a direct acknowledgment of the man behind the knight. For a long moment, he simply stares at you, his gaze searching yours, as if trying to discern the sincerity behind your words.

Slowly, almost hesitantly, he reaches up and gently cups your cheek with his calloused hand. His thumb brushes lightly over your soft skin, a tender gesture that sends a shiver down your spine. His touch is warm, comforting, and yet there's an undercurrent of tension, a restrained energy that hints at the strength and power always lurking just beneath the surface.

"You see more than most, Princess," he murmurs, his voice low and rough with emotion he rarely allows himself to express. "More than I often give you credit for." He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving yours.

He leans in closer, his forehead nearly touching yours. You can feel the heat radiating off his skin, smell the faint, masculine scent of him. His other hand comes up to rest on your hip, his fingers curling into the fabric of your dress. His grip is firm, and yet somehow gentle.

"Very well, Princess," he whispers, his breath mingling with yours. "I live to serve you."

Nanami's eyes flick down to your lips, lingering there for a long moment. The air between you feels charged, electric, heavy with a tension you've never experienced before. Your heart pounds in your chest, a staccato rhythm that echoes in your ears. You know you should pull away, put some distance between your bodies, but you find yourself rooted to the spot, transfixed by the intensity of his gaze.

Giving you every opportunity to back away, Nanami leans in closer. His lips hover just a hair's breadth from yours, close enough that you can feel the whisper of his breath against your skin. Your eyelids flutter closed, your breath catching in your throat as you wait, anticipation coiling tightly in your belly.

Just before your lips meet, a sudden gust of wind rushes through the garden, sending your hair whipping around your face and breaking the spell. The moment shatters, and he jerks back as if burned, his eyes flying open.

"Princess, I..." he starts, his voice rough and strained. He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Forgive me, I... I shouldn't have-... I let my desires cloud my judgment. It's not right for me to impose such familiarity upon you, Your Highness."

Your heart races as you blink up at Nanami, cheeks flushed and chest heaving. "Oh... I- I see." You swallow hard, trying to find your voice. "It's alright, Nanami. I..." You trail off, at a loss for words, your mind still reeling from the intensity of the moment that just transpired between you.

Nanami takes a step back, putting some much-needed distance between your bodies. He bows his head, his blonde hair falling forward to hide his expression as he struggles to regain his composure. When he speaks again, his voice is carefully controlled, devoid of the raw emotion from moments before.

"It's late, Your Highness. We should head back inside the castle," he says, his tone apologetic yet firm. "The night grows cold, and it's not safe for you to be out in the garden any longer."

He extends his hand towards you, a silent invitation to take his arm. His eyes meet yours, and there's a flicker of something in their steely depths - a mix of concern, regret, and a lingering heat that he can't quite extinguish.

“Please, allow me to escort you back inside," he says softly, his voice a gentle plea. "Your chambers are waiting, and you need your rest."

You frown, your lips turning downwards as you look away from him, your hair falling like a curtain to hide your disappointment. You cross my arms over your chest, the silk robe slipping off of your shoulder, exposing your skin to the ruthless wind.

"I'm not a child, Nanami," You say, your voice tinged with a hint of petulance and barely concealed hurt. "I can walk myself back to my chambers just fine."

Maybe you were wrong. Maybe you read too much into his gentle touches and heated looks. Maybe he doesn't feel the same way you do...

Nanami's eyes widen at the petulant tone in your voice, a flicker of surprise and concern crossing his handsome features. He reaches out to steady you as you cross your arms, his hand coming to rest on your bare shoulder. The coolness of the night air is a sharp contrast to the warmth of his touch, making you shiver.

"Princess, I never said you were a child," he says, his voice gentling as he tries to soothe your hurt. "Forgive me if I offended you with my words. That was not my intent."

His thumb brushes lightly over your shoulder, a comforting gesture that belies the tension in his stance. He looks down at you, his gaze searching yours.

"I merely wish to do what is best for you, Your Highness. Your safety, your well-being... they are everything to me." He hesitates for a moment before continuing, his voice lowering to a softer tone. "But more than that, I want to protect your heart. To shield you from the pain and heartache that can come with... with complicated feelings."

"Let me go."

"Your majesty-"

"That was an order."

"...As you wish, Princess."

Rick Grimes certified Loverboy!

kento nanami // fic recommendations

note: remember to read the tags! + i do not own any of these works

4th avenue viewing

strangers on a train

less than zero

ups and downs

play

nights in tokyo

selfish

pride is the devil

i need some wine and you, you need to be nicer

lovefoolish

banana bread with nanami kento

bride-to-be

chaos theory

simple pleasures

a trip to the tailor's

ave maria.

convenience (store) marriage

interrupted

heaven (is a place on earth with you)

tender loving care

a bento for kento

you've got a fetish for my love

its no money november that's where it's november and i dont have any fucking money

who up letting it linger

The only thing scary about Halloween this year are these temperatures! Ha ha ha! *pulls the mic close* I'm going to start killing oil executives

"For all those who have to fight for the respect that everyone else is given without question"

- dedication from The Fifth Season by N.K. Jeminsin

"To those who have no choice but to prepare their children for the battlefield"

- dedication from The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jeminsin

"To those who’ve survived: Breathe. That’s it. Once more. Good. You’re good. Even if you’re not, you’re alive. That is a victory."

- dedication from The Stone Sky by N.K. Jeminsin

you make loving fun | nanami kento x mom!reader

after years of pain and grief, nanami found himself going home for a placed filled with love and care. he wasn't there at the start, but he will be there until the very end. it's a promise.

cw: papamin au. step!dad!nanami. kid!yuji. fluff fluff fluff. domesticity. found family. the happy ending they both deserve.

an: inspired by this post from @froody and my own experience as someone who had a dad who not only stteped up, but levelled up.

Five minutes before the end of his shift, Nanami put on his coat and muted his notifications.

Staring at the analog clock, Nanami noticed he never did that before. He was never one to rush away from the office. One to get ready, to make sure no one could bother him, and wait for his free time to finally begin.

For how long was he the last to go home? Don't forget to turn off the lights, Nanami would hear that every night from whoever left before him. And make sure to lock the doors. Did he ever said that to someone? No. Probably no.

Once if felt useful. To work overtime was to get stronger to defeat curses. And in a world you won't gain anything for free, extra hours can feel less like a option and more like a duty. Sometimes you can be guilty for not working. It can feel wrong to just live.

But back then Nanami would come back to a empty house, sleep in a cold bed and not say a single word until the next morning. Back then there was no one waiting for him by the door, smiling simply because he came back. Back then he wasn't waiting for anything expect silence.

"Good night, 'amin", and after only twenty minutes he was parking in front of your house, watching how Yuji had to stand on his toes to reach the handle of the main door.

You told him last week Yuji would turn down the volume of his shows and videogames whenever a car passed near your home. He said Nanami drives so carefully he can always tell when to open the door.

"Good night, Yuji." Nanami locked the car, now feeling how cold it was out there. It rained this morning, the road is still wet. He opened his coat to protect Yuji from the wind, and then noticed he was still wearing his uniform. "You haven't showered yet?"

Yuji gave him a bright smile. "Mom's doing a surprise for you."

In moments like that, Nanami can see your shadow lingering over Yuji. He really is a copy of his mom. That charming smile, a tendency to avoid the subject of discussion, and that trick of revealing something exciting so their wrongdoing can be ignored.

"And what's your mom doing, kid?" And just like with you, Nanami always fall for that obvious trap.

"It depends", he said. "Will you watch Caillou with me?"

Nanami blinked. That kid. "Of course", Nanami accepted the deal, stroking his pink hair as they entered the house.

"I dunno", Yuji walked straight towards the living room, leaving Nanami speachless.

He placed his glasses on the table, now working on the knot of his tie. The aroma evolving the entire house was a telltale of your baking, and the sounds coming from his belly reminded Nanami of how long it has been since his last meal.

Deep into your own inner thoughts, you didn't noticed his presence. Nanami made sure to keep quiet, admiring you as you made sure you followed the recipe correctly.

So beautiful. Unaware of his gaze, he knew there was no flourish in the way you moved or how you murmured a song playing inside your head. You weren't trying to charm him, you were just being you, and that was more than enough for Nanami to fall in love with you once more.

It still surprises Nanami. How easy it's to love you. To be in love with you. None of you are performing. There is no lies between you two. Not when Nanami holds your hair so you can vomit. Or when you hear all the complains he kept to himself for years. Nothing but truth when you worried about Yuji's grades, when Nanami cried loudly watching a k-drama with you on the couch, when you sneezed on his mouth.

You make life real. You make loving fun.

It doesn't feel like work.

But that doesn't mean things suddenly get perfectly fine when you both are together. Nanami noticed you're still wearing formal clothes. Your eyes seemed so small, glaring at the phone as if it was miles away instead of in the counter in front of you. You haven't taken your earring off yet.

This house is safe. You made sure to build it with love, brick by brick. To give your son everything a child deserves: to be happy, protected, cared for. And there is no way of doing that alone without working until exhaustion.

But you're not alone anymore.

You haven't noticed his presence, and still Nanami didn't felt you shivering when he hugged you from behind. You recognized him. Was it his perfume? The warmth of his hands? Or perhaps how they always find a way to hold you by the hips, feeling the soft skin with his fingers?

"Yuji's gonna be a attorney", he whispered against your ear. You melt against his chest, eyes now wide open and looking deep into his. Nanami wondered if you felt his heart racing.

You smiled. "Are you saying my son is an asshole?"

"Never, my dear", Nanami hid his face at the curve of your neck. Breathing deep, he felt you shivering. You were using the perfume he gave you. "You're tired."

You sighed. Nanami is a man of few words. Sadly he's also a man of surgically right few words. "And so are you."

He kissed your skin. "I can keep an eye on him", Nanami murmured. "And another on the oven. You don't need to worry."

"Are you sure?" Tempted to accept, you also didn't want Nanami to feel like you were part of his daily duties. You rather give than take from him.

Nanami squeezed your hips, slowly allowing you to go away from him. He needed you to go, but he also needed you to stay. "This house won't burn down just because you stopped working."

"Oh, but it will. I assure you", you laughed it off.

Nanami knew it wasn't just a joke. He could almost taste that bitterness that follows truth. "It won't. I won't allow it."

When he heard you closing the bathroom door—never locking because a part of you was always ready to run if Yuji needs help—, Nanami sat down on the couch. Yuji held the control, so big on his tiny hands, and put on the show he always watches when Nanami is there with him.

This time Caillou was eating some sort of chocolate dessert. Yuji moved his mouth, quietly saying the lines from every character. "Isn't it your favorite series ever?", Yuji asked, laughing as Caillou tried to eat the dessert. "Everything he eats looks so good!"

"I never watched something so great", Nanami gazed at him. It was the forth time Nanami watched this episode. "I like that one when he plants carrots. You should try eating those."

Yuji made a face. "I prefer chocolate pudding."

Nanami looked at the television. He would be free the next day. Yuji behaved well in school recently. You mentioned even thinking about buying him a new video game. "We can make it tomorrow."

Yuji turned around so quickly he almost fell from the couch. "Really?"

"Really."

Drying your face with a towel, you checked the oven. The bread you made was still growing. Good. The television had a cartoon going on, you turned it off and went after your boys.

At Yuji's bedroom, you found him deep asleep. Nanami took off his shoes and socks, covering him with a thick blanket. He was still wearing his uniform, but he looked so at peace you couldn't force yourself to care deeply about it.

You kissed his forehead, whispered sweet nothings, and went back to the living room. A few moments later, Nanami turned the lights off and closed the bedroom door.

Sitting besides you, Nanami knew.

Life was good again.

if you enjoyed, please reblog! i promise it makes a difference ♡

general taglist: @lovelyy-moonlight

@ madwomansapologist.tumblr.

i miss carl