I Don’t Care If It’s Valentine’s Day—if He Doesn’t Look At Me Like This, Then I Don’t Want

Hello! I read that you were open for requests and was wondering if I could request something for Anduin? ^^ Maybe with a female civilian s/o? Just something cute would be great and of course only if you want to write it! Thank you in advance

By the tavern's fire place - Anduin Wrynn x Fem!Reader

Pairing : Anduin Wrynn x Stormwind Civilian Fem!Reader

Words : 1039

Warnings : Fluff, Angst (Guldan at fault here), just a lot of feelings and kisses from an intense young love (Still SFW)

Music : Summertime Sadness (Bardcore | Medieval Style)

Author’s note : Like I said in another post, thank you so much for an Anduin request. Shadowlands is an emotional roller coster for him, I just - Argh. Anyway, this came out a bit angstier than intended. I might do another one in another setting (like with a champion or priest S/O). This is set at the beginning of Legion. So Anduin is (if no changes) technically around 18-19 yo. And because I want to hurt myself, this takes place two nights before King Varian goes to the Broken Shore. I still tried to put some cute elements in there, but I dunno, putting my mains in taverns always made me melancolic and longing for a calmer life for them. Okay I’m done rambling sorry, enjoy.

SHOULD BE PROOFREAD (If you find anything, don’t hesitate to point it out nicely ;) )

Night had finally covered the buzzing city of Stormwind. Its tall white stoned buildings casted large shadows in the moonlight. A wonderful perk for those in need of hiding. The fair citizens of the Alliance light up their candles in the foyer, emptying the streets. Only the guards and the drunks treaded the pavement. The stars shone bright, the moon kissing the sea near the lighthouse of the bay; the bell of the Cathedral rang the eleventh hour of the night.

In the Royal Dungeon, a silhouette lurked in the corridors. Its soft cloak flew with each stealthy step. Avoiding every guard, it went before the king quarters, stopping in its track in the corner of the corridors. Seemingly met with silence, it backed away near a curtain to disappear behind. A guard passed by, clueless.

The Whistling Pig tavern was strangely calm. Around two weeks ago, King Varian Wrynn had announced mass mobilisation of the army to fight off the returning Burning Legion on the Broken shore. The first week after the news, most clients were blacksmiths and stable boys, anyone preparing weapons and means of transport. After that came the lower rank officers and soldiers, drinking one last beer before saying goodbye. And it should’ve lasted until at least the night before departure. Yet somehow, the tavern was nearly empty two days before the departure.

It was nice, though, having a breather. Soon the wives, girlfriends and new widows would flood in. So as (Y/N)’s favourite shadow walked in to sit by the fireplace, her heart grew out of her chest. No one being in dire need of her help, she tiptoed to the silhouette, and whispered.

"Good evening Anduin."

One of her hands massaged the Lion Cub's right shoulder, as she kissed his left cheek.

"Hello, love."

The young prince dragged her gently on his lap. (Y/N) nuzzled her nose between his neck and his cloak. Her fingers traced his jaw, moving around his neck, only to settle in hair. His cheek pressed against her temple, breathing in. One of his hands rounded her hip, as the other caressed her shoulder. Their respective scents invaded their minds. They both exhaled softly. The fire softened their shadows, all the while warming their skins.

"I've missed you."

She put her head up, kissing his neck, jaw and cheek in the process. He captured her cheek, looking deeply in her eyes. His irises wore a tinge of sadness but mostly gratitude. (Y/N) rubbed her nose against his, making him giggle. Her right hand still in his neck, the same idea popped in their minds : slowly pulling each other, they kissed, chastly at first. Pulling apart, she admired the soft face of her secret lover being painted by the fire light.

"I'm scared." (Y/N) admitted.

His hand on her cheek went under her right thigh to bring her closer. Their forehead touched, but they never broke eye contact.

"I am not going anywhere."

Anduin kissed her fervently, a single tear rolling down his skin. It wet her a little, making her pull away. Her thumb sweeped it. His breath was shaky, his hands grabbing her just a bit tighter. She soothed him, kissing his cheeks, rubbing the base of his neck, as he silently sobs. The fire roared softly, filling the air. From the corner of her eye, she saw a customer giving them a sympathetic look. (Y/N) nodded, silently thanking them for the peace.

The tavern was nearly deserted now : her boss snoring on a chair near the kitchen fireplace, a client fast asleep on the counter, a lonely old woman finishing her dinner on a table… The senior noticed the sobs. Approaching quietly, she handed (Y/N) a clean handkerchief she sewed. With a warm smile illuminated by the fire, she bid her farewell, leaving the waitress with her weeping prince.

The Lion Cub took a few minutes to calm down, blowing his nose out every now and then. (Y/N) got up, fetching him a glass of water. He giggled at the silly sight of a huge tankard containing his beverage. His lover had the biggest grin on her face.

"That is quite the glass you got."

She sat on his lap again. A kiss later, she used the handkerchief to wipe his tears.

"A big glass for a big man."

He huffed jokingly before drinking a bit. Noticing no one was around, (Y/N) slowly took off his hood, revealing his long free blond locks. He side-eyed her a bit, but her smile reassured him. Putting the tankard away, the prince held her tighter than ever, planting kisses on her jaw and behind her ear.

"I am scared too. But I know Father will be alright. And as long as you are by my side, nothing can stop me."

A log cracked under the fire warmth. (Y/N) teared up. Taking his chin in her fingers, their lips met again, desperate but not hungry. It was taking in the other; the warmth, the tenderness, the caring side, the affection. Anduin sometimes cursed life to have him born in royalty, and not by (Y/N)’s side. He could have cherished her, wedded her, perhaps even become the father of their angels… but right here, with her close and offering her heart to him, he forgot his frustration and took her in. She was his reality anchor.

(Y/N) moved her hands to his cheeks, caressing them with her thumbs. They pulled away, drowning in each other in the magnificent fire light. To say she nearly didn't get the job… yes, she too fantasised to have been born somewhere else. But then, the thought of not being noticed by him in the royal court frightened her.

Thanking the Light, with all of her soul, that he came one night disguised to blend in with his people.

Thanking the Light that he talked to her all night.

Thanking the Light that he came back often.

Thanking herself for taking the first step towards him, only to be met halfway by the eager young man.

(Y/N) breathed out, not realising she was holding air in.

"I love you."

The fire of the tavern was their solace; lovers protected by the night and its shadows.

men should grunt and moan more

Ways I Write a Woman...

➤ Who’s Tired of Being Talked Over

You ever watch someone hold in a scream behind their teeth? That’s her, constantly.

✧ She starts choosing her words like landmines. Each one is sharp, controlled, and timed like a threat. She’s learned that being polite won’t get her listened to, but sounding like you might flip a table will. ✧ She’s mastered the art of the silence that feels loud. Doesn’t fill awkward gaps. Just lets the discomfort sit in the air like smoke. ✧ She explains things with forced calm, the kind that sounds like a teacher asking a second-grade class why the hamster is missing. ✧  She notices interruptions like bruises. She doesn’t react to them anymore, not out loud. But you can bet she counts them. ✧ She repeats herself less. Not because they understood her the first time. Because they never listened anyway. ✧ She’s learned how to weaponize eye contact. Not in a sexy way. In a “I will set this boardroom on fire with my mind” way. ✧ Her voice only shakes when she’s deciding if it’s worth the explosion.

➤ Who’s Been Called ‘Too Much’ Her Whole Life

She isn’t too much. She’s just tired of shrinking for people who were never going to make room anyway.

✧ She says the thing you’re not supposed to say. Then stares at you to see what you’ll do with it. ✧ She’s loud with her laugh, loud with her grief, loud with her love, because if she’s going to be punished for being “extra,” she might as well be honest about it. ✧ She over-explains. Over-apologizes. Then catches herself and stops halfway through the sentence. ✧  She tries to “tone it down” and ends up sounding like a censored version of herself, bland, miserable, unfinished. ✧ She edits her texts four times, deletes the paragraph, sends “haha ok :)” instead. ✧ She keeps her hands busy because otherwise they’d be doing something reckless. ✧  She overcompensates with sarcasm and then goes home and wonders if everyone hates her. ✧  She’s loved fiercely. Regretted it more fiercely. ✧  She walks into a room like she owns it, and then spends the entire time wondering if she should have stayed home.

➤ Who Wants to Be Soft but Doesn’t Feel Safe

She's gentle, but that gentleness lives under twenty layers of armor. And most people never even get past the first. ✧  She’s careful with her compliments, she knows how people weaponize kindness. ✧  She keeps her vulnerability behind locked doors and guards them with jokes, sarcasm, and “I’m just tired.” ✧ She’ll comfort others like she was born to do it, but flinch if someone offers her the same. ✧ She avoids mirrors on bad days. Eye contact on good ones. ✧ She cries where no one can see. Car bathrooms. Locked bedrooms. Grocery store parking lots at night. ✧ She doesn’t ask for help. Not because she doesn’t need it, but because the last time she did, it came with a price. ✧ She’s soft with animals, with children, with strangers, but not herself. Never herself. ✧ She daydreams about being taken care of, then immediately gets mad at herself for wanting something so “weak.” ✧ She wants love, but she’s terrified of being known. Because if someone really saw her? What if they didn’t stay?

And if you’re sitting there reading all of that thinking, “God, I don’t even know how to write women like this…” Please know: you’re not alone. Like, really not alone.

Writing female characters in a way that feels true, nuanced, and unapologetically real isn’t just about avoiding clichés. It’s about unlearning everything you were taught about what women are “supposed” to be on the page. It’s about getting underneath the polish. Past the performative strength. Past the “she’s not like other girls” and the “strong but broken” tropes. Past the idea that softness is weakness and rage is unlikable.

So many people struggle with this, not because they don’t care, but because no one ever really taught them how to see women as people first.

A lot of us grew up reading female characters written through a lens that flattened us. Made us background noise, love interests, plot devices, or emotionally bulletproof when we weren’t emotionally unstable. It’s no wonder we’re all trying to figure out how to do better now. I write a Book about How to Write Women that feel Alive... For you.

In the chapters ahead, we’re going to unravel that mess, together (Promise). We’ll talk about...

❥ Tropes — the ones worth reclaiming, and the ones you can toss into the fire. ❥ The psychology of a woman — how conditioning, survival, identity, and inner conflict shape her from the inside out. ❥ Female vs. male conflict — not in a “boys suck” way, but in a “our emotional battlegrounds are different and that matters” way. ❥ Expectations — society’s, her own, and how characters shrink or shatter under them. ❥ Emotions as strength — especially the ones she was taught to hide: fear, grief, longing, joy, rage. ❥ Female anger — what happens when she finally stops holding it in. ❥ Archetypes — and how to subvert them without erasing the truths they come from. ❥ Female friendships — no more cardboard “bestie” side characters. ❥ Romantic relationships — what it means when she’s finally seen. Chosen. Or rejected. ❥Mothers, daughters, and sisters — because female relationships deserve more than being backstory. ❥ Dialogue — how she speaks when she’s safe vs. when she’s scared. ❥ Inner conflict and development — her arc isn’t about fixing her. It’s about letting her evolve. ❥ Writing exercises — to help you get past the noise and write from a place that feels real. ❥ A full checklist for writing female OCs — layered, powerful, contradictory, alive.

📖 Get your Paperback now! (Here On Amazon!)

This isn’t a rulebook. It’s a guide. A toolbox. A comfort blanket. A callout. A reminder that writing women doesn’t have to feel impossible, you just have to be willing to look a little deeper.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck writing a female character… If you’ve defaulted to tropes because you didn’t know how else to make her “interesting”… If you’ve erased her emotions to make her “strong”… Or if you’ve stared at the page wondering why she still doesn’t feel real...This book is for you.

And I promise, by the time you reach the last chapter? You’ll not only know how to write her. You’ll understand her. And maybe even see a little of yourself in the process.

Love u All!!🖤

Writing ship-able couples

Here are some tips for writing relationships your readers can get behind:

1. Give them reasons to click

The two characters must have things in common - a hobby, a philosophy, a background. There has to be some element that connects them.

Your readers will root for relationships in which the characters fit together better than they would with others.

Also, make their traits compatible. Have them share some characteristics or have their strengths and weaknesses be complementary. Is the one hotheaded? Maybe the other keeps their cool well in situations of conflict.

There are endless possibilities. Just make sure there’s a reason these two people like/love each other.

2. Have them be vulnerable in front of each other

Personally, this is the best way to get me to love a couple.

Have them share secrets, open up about their feelings and tell each other things they haven’t told anyone. Have them cry in front of each other and comfort each other.

This can be taken to a whole new level by having them understand the other’s emotions even without speaking and already offer comfort. Keep in mind that this will probably only be possible with long-established couples.

And having them open up is also a great way for them to discover all the things they have in common/love about each other.

3. Build up the tension

I cannot emphasise this enough: DO NOT MAKE YOUR COUPLES GET TOGETHER TOO QUICKLY.

One of the best elements of a romantic subplot (or even main plot) is the tension. Your readers want to see the pining! They want the build-up.

And no, I’m not saying that you should introduce endless, petty obstacles. That can become tedious and appear forced.

Just give your characters time to sort through their feelings. Make them fall in love slowly. Have them be unsure. Insert SOME obstacles/conflicts.

Have them almost kiss a few times. Not all the time. Too many almost-kisses can become frustrating. But you should throw a few in there.

And, if you feel comfortable with it, add some sexual tension. Have them notice each other’s bodies and imagine what they’d like to do to each other (that sounds more explicit than I intended :) )

4. Write a healthy relationship

This could just be me and my rejection of unhealthy romances, but I will not root for abusive relationships.

Have your characters be kind to each other, support each other and truly care for each other.

If your characters are constantly putting each other down, physically/emotionally abusing each other or going against the other’s wishes, they’re not in a healthy relationship.

A great way to write a healthy relationship whilst still maintaining the tension, is to have the conflict in the relationship be external. Instead of having the conflict be due to internal struggles between the two characters, have obstacles enter from outside.

Your readers should want them to be together and for that, they should be good for each other.

5. Have their friends/family see their chemistry

I find it beyond adorable when two characters are still figuring out their feelings for each other, but the fact that they’re perfect for each other is crystal clear to everyone around them.

Have their friends tease them about the relationship. Have family members ask after the them. Have their loved ones conspire to get them to admit their feelings.

If your other characters are rooting for them, your readers will probably do so as well.

Plus, this means that the chemistry between the two characters is so strong that it’s obvious, which is always good for an exciting romance.

That’s all I’ve got for now. If you have any further questions about writing OTPs or any other aspect of writing, feel free to message me or pop me an ask.

Reblog if you found any of this useful. Comment with your own tips. Follow me for similar content.

gentle hands

Simon opens his eyes, turning his head slightly to look at you. Your eyes meet his. You lean down to kiss him slowly, softly.  When you pull away, Simon speaks, his voice softer now, “I missed this. Just bein’ home, with you.” You smile, a mixture of understanding and love in your eyes. “I missed you too,” you whisper, your fingers tracing patterns on his shoulder.

Simon arrives home after a particularly tough mission

warnings: none

Ghost found himself recovering from a tough mission, his body weary and spirit longing for a moment of solace. He was on his way home, allowed a short-term leave after the mission went successfully. It was by no means an easy mission, it took a toll on him. He felt more exhausted, more drained, than normal. He just wanted a moment of peace, a moment of quiet, where he could just relax.

When he arrived at the front door of your shared apartment, he took a breath. He fumbled with hands for a moment, pulling his keys out and unlocking the door. He calls out your name as he kicks the door shut, setting his things down on the kitchen counter.

You were in the living room, sitting on the couch in your pajamas, engrossed in a book, the soft hum of music playing in the background. Hearing Simon’s voice, you looked up from the pages and a smile bloomed on your face. You spring up from the couch as he walks into the living room. The sight of him, battle-worn but alive, brought a sense of relief. 

“Hey there, big man,” you said, your voice a comforting melody. Simon turns towards you, a half-smile forming on his lips. His fatigue seemed to momentarily lift as he looked at the smile on your face.

“Hey,” he replied, the weariness evident in his voice. You closed the distance between you, and he wrapped his arms around you in a tight embrace. You could feel the tension in his muscles, the residue of whatever he was doing on mission slowly melting away in the comfort of your presence.

“Rough one, huh?” you ask, pulling back slightly to look at him. He nods, his eyes revealing a layer of exhaustion.

“Yeah, tougher than usual,” Ghost admitted. “But we got the job done.”

You led him to the couch, and he sank into it with a sigh, his body appreciating the respite. You disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water for him. As he took a sip, you studied his features, noting the subtle scars and bruises that adorned his face.

“Anything I can do?” you asked, genuine concern in your voice. Simon shook his head, appreciating the simple offer.

“Just bein’ here ‘s enough,” he replied, setting the glass aside. You sat down beside him, your presence a soothing balm to his aching body. You begin to run your hands down his arms, feeling the tension of his muscles under his clothes.

“Do you want me to run you a bath?” you question softly, running your hands down his arm and to his hand, squeezing it in your grip.

He tilts his head over towards you, eyes drooping slightly.

“Sounds lovely,” he grunts, nodding his head.

You rose gracefully from the couch, giving Simon’s hand a reassuring squeeze before disappearing into the bathroom. You turned the tap, adjusting the water temperature to perfection, adding a hint of soothing helichrysum oil.

Simon, in the meantime, made his way to the bedroom, peeling off his tactical gear and clothes, revealing a body marked by the trials of combat. He finally slips his mask off, folding it neatly on top of his pile of clothes. He took a deep breath as he heard the water cascading into the tub. The scent of helichrysum wafted through the air, a fragrant promise of relaxation.

When everything was ready, you returned to him, gently guiding him towards the bathroom. The steam from the bath enveloped him as he sank into the warm water, the tension in his muscles slowly dissipating. You perch on the edge of the tub, watching him with tenderness and slight concern. 

As Simon closed his eyes, surrendering to the comforting embrace of the bath, you dipped a washcloth into the water and began to delicately clean the black paint from around his eyes. The touch of your hands was gentle, a welcome contrast from roughing it on base. 

“I appreciate this,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble. 

A warm smile appears on your face as you carefully pour warm water over his head, letting it cascade down his hair and down his neck. Simon closes his eyes, feeling the comforting touch of the water against his scalp.

As you began to work shampoo through Simon’s hair, your fingers massaging his scalp, Simon let out a contented sigh. The stress and exhaustion of the mission slowly melted away, replaced by a sense of peace. Your gentle hands made him feel cared for, safe. 

“You deserve this,” you replied softly. “Let me take care of you for a change.”

The bathroom was filled with a soothing silence, broken only by the sound of water trickling and your quiet breaths. Your touch is tender, each stroke of your hands carrying a touch of affection. Simon relished in the simplicity of the moment, the way you were so gentle with him.

Simon opens his eyes, turning his head slightly to look at you. Your eyes meet his. You lean down to kiss him slowly, softly. 

When you pull away, Simon speaks, his voice softer now, “I missed this. Just bein’ home, with you.”

You smile, a mixture of understanding and love in your eyes. “I missed you too,” you whisper, your fingers tracing patterns on his shoulder.

Once the bath has worked its magic, you help Simon to his feet, helping him wrap a plush towel around his waist. The scent of the bath oil lingered on his skin, a comforting reminder of the care you’d provided for him. The two of you returned to the bedroom, where a set of fresh clothes awaited him.

Simon changed into sweats and a soft t-shirt, a welcome change from his heavy tactical gear. He settles onto the bed, groaning with relief as his back hits the mattress. You giggle as he lays silently in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Just as you’re about to grab a cup of tea, Simon is grabbing your wrist tightly, pulling you back towards the bed. 

“‘M sleepy,” he complains. “Can’t sleep very well without you.”

You lean down to kiss him on the cheek, gently pulling your wrist from his grip. 

“I’m just going to get you a cup of tea—”

“No, ‘ve already gotten enough princess treatment from you—” he grunts, sitting up from his position to manhandle you into bed with him. 

You sigh in defeat, arms coming to wrap around his neck as he pulls you on top of him. His hands travel up from your thighs to your waist, pulling you tight against him. He only removes his hands from you for a quick second to pull the covers up on the bed. 

The warmth of the bed enveloped both of you as you settled into the cozy cocoon of blankets. Simon’s weariness was evident, yet his grip on you was firm, as if afraid that if he let go, the world would pull him back into its relentless demands.

You chuckled at his antics, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “You're stubborn, you know that?”

“Only to you,” he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, his hands still holding you close.

You snuggled against him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest. The room was filled with a comfortable silence, broken only by the ambient sounds of the night outside. Simon’s exhaustion seemed to ebb away as he held you, finding solace in the simple act of being close.

You traced circles on his chest, your fingers moving rhythmically as if to lull him into a peaceful slumber. Simon’s gaze softened as he looked down at you.

“Y’know,” he began, his voice a gentle murmur, “coming home to you is the best part of any mission.”

Your heart swelled with pride at his words. “And having you here is the best part of my day.”

He smiled, a genuine, tired smile. Simon’s hands traced gentle patterns on your back. The lines of fatigue on his face were replaced by an expression of peacefulness, a quiet acknowledgment that, for now, the battles were outside and the peace was within.

“Tea can wait,” Simon mumbled, his eyes heavy with sleep.

You nodded, snuggling even closer. “Go to sleep, my big sleepy man.”

And with that, the two of you drifted into a peaceful slumber, finding refuge in the sanctuary of your bedroom, happy to be reunited once more.

tag your traumatized man comfort character

Sweet and genuine moments when characters realize they are in love

Cooking their partner's favorite dish just to see them smile.

Recalling not just the big moments, but also the small, seemingly trivial details of conversations they've had.

Feeling a sense of peace just by being in the same room, even if no words are spoken.

Making future plans in their head that unconsciously include their partner.

Feeling a pang of longing whenever they see something their partner would like or enjoy.

Automatically writing their partner into hypothetical scenarios when daydreaming.

Finding themselves texting or calling for no reason, just because they want to connect.

Getting nervous or excited before meeting up, just like it's still one of their first dates.

Being more willing to compromise, even on things they used to be stubborn about.

Noticing that they're smiling more often, and it's usually when thoughts of their partner cross their mind.

Feeling a strong protective instinct whenever their partner is upset or in trouble.

Starting to adopt some of their partner's habits or phrases without even realizing it.

Finding joy in planning surprises that they know will delight their partner.

Experiencing a deeper empathy towards their partner's challenges and achievements.

Seeing their partner's quirks not as annoyances, but as endearing traits that make them love them even more.