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theostrophywife · 11 months

Note

Hey! I love your work! I was wondering if you could do a Azriel x reader fic where reader doesn’t know a lot about males and so az (maybe he already has a thing for reader) offers to give her lessons? The more NSFW the better 😉

innocence.

author's note: sorry for being m.i.a. please accept this as my apology gift. largely inspired by this song. you can't tell me that az doesn't have the biggest corrpution kink 😏

it started out innocently enough.

one winter evening after a particularly rowdy wine night, you and azriel laid in a heap at the house of wind, giggling at nothing as the warmth of the alcohol lowered your inhibitions and loosened your lips.

"never?" azriel asked incredulously, his brows creasing in the most adorable way. "you've truly never kissed anyone?"

you pouted, crossing your arms. thanks to cassian and his big mouth, the shadowsinger now knew the true extent of your naivete. growing up in the high priestess's temple in the dawn court, you had devoted much of your life to duty and training, which left little to no room for encounters with the opposite sex.

it never bothered you before. until you moved to the night court and met the shadowsinger. azriel was beyond gorgeous and smart and funny and probably well-versed in the art of seduction, which is more than you could say for your inexperienced self.

"don't tease, az." you groaned, covering your face behind your hands. as if that would hide the flush spreading through your cheeks. "i'm already mortified enough as it is."

"hey," azriel said softly as he gently grabbed your wrists. "it's nothing to be embarrassed about, love."

"you're just saying that to be nice."

the shadowsinger shook his head. "i torture people for a living," he deadpanned. "i am not nice."

you chuckled, which brought a smile to azriel's handsome face. "besides, practice makes perfect. i've seen you go from not knowing how to hold a sword to perfecting the eight point attack in a matter of weeks. kissing should be a piece of cake compared to that."

"kissing and fighting aren't the same thing."

azriel smirked. "it is, if you're doing it right. all it takes is a good teacher." the tips of your ears reddened. “and we all know how fast of a learner you are.”

you snorted. "somehow i doubt that nesta would be into the idea of letting me borrow her mate for lessons." a little frown formed on your face. "or maybe she would. you never know with those two."

the idea formed in azriel's mind before he could think better of it. the shadowsinger hated that he thought of it in the first place, but fuck. you were both a little tipsy and a tiny bit reckless and he'd been crushing on you for far too long and maybe tonight was the night he finally did something about it.

"i could teach you."

you stilled. “what?”

azriel shrugged and put on his most nonchalant expression even though his inner monologue was currently pure turmoil. “i could teach you how to kiss.” he cleared his throat, lowering his gaze to yours. “it might help to practice with someone you’re comfortable with.”

you cocked your head, weighing his words. “you’re…actually serious about this.”

“why wouldn’t i be?”

“well, wouldn’t it make things weird? you’re my best friend. best friends don’t just kiss.”

you had him there. azriel certainly had never offered this unique service to any of his friends before. “i don’t think it’s weird. i think it makes perfect sense. in fact, it’s weird that we’re not kissing right now. best friends kiss all the time,” the shadowsinger deadpanned.

you snorted. “so you and cassian are just having heated little makeout sessions behind me and nesta’s back?”

azriel winked. “i won’t tell if you don’t.”

that earned an earnest little giggle out of you. then you were quiet again, lost in the pros and cons.

pro: you really wanted to kiss azriel.

con: you really wanted to kiss azriel.

what if you were horrible at it? what if you had bad breath? what if you accidentally bit him? what if azriel figured out that you had a pathetic little crush on him and he doesn’t return the feelings and your friendship implodes then you’d have to move back to the dawn court and adopt a bunch of cats just like thesan always teased you about when you were children—

“you’re spiraling.”

you crossed your arms. “am not.”

azriel rolled his eyes fondly. “i can practically see the steam coming out of your ears.” his expression softened as he turned over on the couch, his chin perched in one hand. “you don’t have to if you don’t want to. i just…” the bob of an adam’s apple. “i just wanted your first kiss to be with someone who genuinely cares about you.”

that turned your insides into mush. “oh.”

the shadowsinger’s cheeks reddened. “never mind, it sounds silly now that i’ve said it out loud.”

“it’s not,” you said, sitting cross legged on the sofa. “it’s not stupid, az. it’s really sweet, actually.”

your heart hammered inside of your chest as you faced azriel. his hazel eyes glowed golden under the faelights and a warm flush colored his cheeks a rosy tone. from this close, you could make out the constellations of freckles that kissed his nose and cheeks, its traitorous little trail stopping just above his cupid’s bow. you couldn’t help it. your gaze went straight to his lips. they looked soft, sensual, and perfectly kissable. you wondered if he’d taste like sweet wine.

“y/n?” azriel murmured softly.

“hmm?”

“you’re staring.”

your cheeks reddened and a slight smirk tugged at the corner of azriel’s mouth. “you’re the one who brought up kissing,” you countered, raising a brow. “now i can’t stop staring at your stupid lips.”

the shadowsinger’s smirk grew wider. “my stupid lips,” he repeated. “that you want to kiss.”

“no,” you blurted. azriel raised a knowing brow. “yes. maybe.” you shifted awkwardly. “what if i’m terrible at it? what if i accidentally miss? what if i don’t know where to put my hands? oh my gods, what if i accidentally bite you?”

to his credit, there wasn’t an ounce of judgement on azriel’s face. he’d witnessed your outbursts enough times that he wasn’t even fazed by it. the shadowsinger grabbed your hand and traced soothing circles over your knuckles. “one, no one’s first kiss is great. at best, it’s weird and awkward because you’re just trying to figure it out. that’s kind of the point. two, you won’t miss. just follow my lead. three, the neck or waist are generally safe spots to place your hands.” azriel demonstrated by wrapping your arms around his neck. “lastly, i don’t mind if you bite me. in fact, i might enjoy it.” he gave you a cheeky wink that helped dissipate the rest of your anxious worries.

you chuckled softly. leave it to azriel to make you laugh mid freak out. the shadowsinger smiled and cauldron fucking boil you, the sight of it pretty much sealed your fate.

“so,” you murmured, toying with the loose curls at the nape of azriel’s neck. “what now?”

“that’s entirely up to you, love.”

you blinked. once, twice. the smell of cedar and starkissed night. freckles and rosy cheeks. warm, golden eyes that melted your insides like honey. scarred hands that caressed the side of your face with heartbreaking gentleness.

“kiss me, azriel.”

the shadowsinger did not need to be told twice. he tilted your chin, brushing his nose against yours for a brief moment. azriel took a deep breath like he was savoring the moment, like his entire life had been leading up to this. then he kissed you.

his lips were as soft as freshly plucked rose petals and as sweet as the wine that still coated your tongue. they pressed against yours, gentle and exploring as azriel cupped your cheek. you leaned into him and your fingers found purchase in his silky, dark locks as azriel deepened the kiss. his arm snaked across your back as he pulled you into his lap, his mouth never once leaving yours. the sweet innocent pecks did not stay innocent for long.

the shadowsinger groaned as you nestled into him. there wasn’t an inch of your body that wasn’t pressed against him, but still you wanted more. your hands moves of their own accord and slipped underneath azriel’s cream sweater. his skin felt like a warm summer day despite the fact that it was currently the dead of winter.

“fuck,” azriel growled into your neck.

you pulled away, startled. it didn’t even occur to you that your fingers were as cold as icicles. “shit. sorry, az i didn’t think—“

you slipped your hands out of his sweater, but azriel caught you by the wrist. “no,” he grunted, his voice dark and low and dangerous. “no, don’t stop.”

it was the hottest thing you’ve ever heard in your entire life. even hotter still with the way azriel tugged you to him as though he’d rather die than have you stop touching him. you greedily obliged, taking the lead this time. azriel cursed under his breath as you kissed him again, tangling his curls between your fingers. there was something intoxicating about him—his taste, his touch, his kiss. you couldn’t get enough.

when you finally came up for breath, the shadowsinger looked at you as though he’d been starving for centuries and you’d only really begun to scratch the surface of his hunger. azriel wanted to devour you.

but tonight, he’d settle for a kiss. except, it was anything but.

azriel was fucked.

he blinked, drinking in your lust added gaze and flushed cheeks. you brought your bottom lip between your teeth and it was all he could do to reel himself in. “are…are all first kisses like that?” your voice was hoarse from disuse and utterly sexy.

“no,” azriel answered honestly. “i’ve never had a kiss like that.”

your grin brought out a set of dimples that azriel had long ago deemed as his greatest weaknesses. “and i’ve never had a first kiss, period.”

and you never will again, azriel thought. not if he could help it.

“does that feel good, love?” azriel asked as he pressed a kiss against your collar bone.

you whimpered as his lips trailed between the valley of your breasts. since that first kiss, you and azriel hadn’t been able to keep your hands off of each other. over the last few weeks, the apprehension you felt about your inexperience slowly started to feel like a blessing in disguise. azriel said you were a fast learner, but only because he was such a great teacher.

“gods,” you breathed, clutching the sheets as azriel continued his descent.

“you can just call me az, you know.”

you rolled your eyes at the cheeky male below you. from this angle, he certainly looked like a god. his hair was a tousled mess, dark curls tangled from where you ran your fingers through it. sweat dripped down his shirtless torso, his golden brown skin glowing in the afternoon light. you were vaguely aware that the sun as setting over the horizon, which meant that the rest of your friends would be arriving for dinner, but neither one of you seemed to care.

during the past few weeks, you and azriel continued your lessons. first base was easy enough to master. the two of you put in plenty of hours sneaking off to make out in azriel’s room, the wine cellar, the training pits, and even in feyre’s art studio at the river house once when things really got desperate. it was a wonder that your friends hadn’t caught you yet. there had been several close calls with cassian. mostly because the male was a nosy busybody.

second base took a little more work. you were terrified at first. you and azriel had been making out in your bed for what seemed like hours before you finally mustered up the courage to slip your hand into his trousers. the shadowsinger made a sound that was half growl and half purr and for a split second you were afraid that you’d hurt him. when you voiced your fears, azriel was quick to reassure you.

“i’m not in pain, love.” azriel said, his voice strained and breathy. “trust me, i feel the complete opposite.”

“tell me how to make you feel good, az.”

the string of curse words that fell from his lips were so filthy that it made you blush. the shadowsinger guided your hand over his cock and you nearly gasped at the impressive length. azriel was hot and hard beneath your touch, his wings flexing as you grasped him in your hand.

“loosen your grip, love.” azriel adjusted your hand, motioning for your fingers to relax and mold against him. you mimicked his movement, eliciting a low rumble out of the shadowsinger. the competitive part of you awakened, eager to make azriel groan like that again. you gazed up at azriel through your lashes with determination. “gods, don’t look at me like that y/n or this lesson will be over before it’s even started.”

heat erupted in your core, but you shook the desire away. this was about azriel. you wanted to make him come undone for once instead of the other way around. “show me, az.” you said. “i want to see how you touch yourself.”

“cauldron boil me,” azriel muttered under his breath. “you’re going to be the death of me, y/n.”

you watched as he gripped himself and pumped at a steady pace. he slowed down the movements for you and you studied each flick of his wrist as though you’d be tested on it later. as sinful as it was, there was something heavenly about watching azriel stroke himself. your hands itched to touch him. once you felt confident enough, azriel let you take over.

azriel’s eyes rolled back as you pumped his shaft, carefully watching the rise and fall of his chest. his heavy breathing filled the room and it quickly became your favorite sound in the world.

you felt a strange rush of power witnessing azriel in such a vulnerable state. his lids were heavy with lust, golden eyes barely visible from the ring of onyx swallowing up his irises. you thought he looked pretty like this, his head tilted back against your headboard while his lips parted to release a shallow breath every now and then.

"you have no idea how good that feels, love." azriel grunted. you tightened your grip, spreading the bead of precum over his tip. your little improvisation was met with a moan that seeped into your bones.

"how good, az?" you teased.

those long lashes of his kissed the tops of his cheeks as his eyes fluttered close. "fucking amazing," azriel declared. "keep going, love. don't stop, please. gods—"

"you can just call me y/n, you know."

azriel growled in response before pulling you in for a heated kiss. his hips thrust up to match your pace as his tongue parted your lips. he swallowed your moans, devouring you like his life depended on it.

“just like that, love.” azriel said in appreciation. “you’re doing such a good job, y/n.”

the praise affected you more than you thought it would. you were always seeking positive feedback when it came to your work, especially in training, but this was something else. it only encouraged you to keep going at a faster pace until azriel was coming undone in your hands. the sight of him losing control would forever be etched in your mind.

the more azriel gave, the more you craved. not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. the whole thing may have started as a practical way to tackle sex, but as time went on, it started to evolve into something else entirely.

until the lessons weren’t really just lessons anymore.

if you had to pinpoint the moment when everything changed, it would have been a few days after winter solstice. azriel had been away for a mission and was unable to make it home for the festivities. throughout the night, you kept finding yourself fidgeting and glancing at the empty seat beside you. at one point during dinner, cassian squeezed your hand and smiled sadly.

“i’m sure he misses you too, y/n.”

the gravity of those words hit you full force when you found azriel standing in the doorway of your flat. he was still dressed in his combat leathers and dark circles formed underneath his eyes as though he’d flown nonstop from wherever he was to get back home. before you could stop yourself, you rushed at him and nearly knocked him into the street from the force of your hug.

“i know, love.” azriel murmured softly into your hair. “i missed you, too.”

one bath and two cups of hot chocolate later, you found yourself curled up on the sofa as snow fell softly against the windowpane. you set your drink down on the table and turned to face azriel.

“so, i was thinking…”

the corner of azriel’s mouth quirked. “that’s never good.”

you tossed a pillow at him and rolled your eyes. “i was thinking that maybe it’s my turn to teach you a lesson, for once.”

the shadowsinger looked intrigued by that. “oh yeah? and what do you want to teach me, love?”

“i’m going to teach you how to sleep, az.” you pointedly stared at his bruised eyes, which only made him chuckle in amusement. “because judging from those bags underneath your eyes, you’re no expert in the matter.”

“i don’t get a say in this, do i?” shadows peered over his shoulders as though they too yearned for rest.

“nope,” you said cheerfully, dragging him off the couch and into your bedroom.

azriel let you bully him into getting underneath the covers. he tucked his wings to the side as he faced you. “what’s so great about this thing you call sleep, then? seems pretty boring to me.”

“well if you’d let me demonstrate,” you said impatiently before tugging him towards you. azriel chuckled and scooted closer. “i’ll have you know i’m a world class cuddler.”

“yeah? prove it then, love.” azriel teased.

the shadowsinger watched in amusement as you bossed him around. first you made him lie on his stomach and then pulled him to your chest. as much as he enjoyed teasing the absolute hell out of you, he couldn’t help but murmur in satisfaction as he rested his head in the crook of your neck. even his shadows seemed to enjoy bathing in your warmth and breathing in your jasmine shampoo.

“mmm,” az mumbled sleepily. for the first time in gods knew how long, he felt warm and safe and content. “you’re bossy as hell, but comfy too.”

“i know, you stubborn giant bat baby.”

the shadowsinger snorted. “giant bat baby?”

you rolled your eyes fondly. “shut up and cuddle, az.”

azriel burrowed himself further until his body heat warmed every inch of your skin. “that’s the good stuff,” he declared, brushing a soft kiss against your collarbone.

“told you i was good,” you said with a smile. azriel couldn’t even argue. with your hands massaging his scalp and your legs intertwined with his, the shadowsinger would’ve agree to anything you said.

“the best,” he hummed against your skin.

this was dangerous territory. with your other lessons, it was easy to shove aside your feelings because pleasure made it hard to think about anything else. but with azriel laying on your chest and clinging onto you like this meant something more…you could no longer avoid that pesky voice of doubt.

you were in love with azriel.

you had been for a long time.

shit.

“y/n?” azriel asked, cutting through the turmoil of your thoughts. his wings draped over the sides of your bed, relaxed and at ease.

“yeah?”

his golden eyes found yours in the dark. for a second, he stared at you like he was trying to commit every detail to memory. the shadowsinger opened his mouth like he was going to say something important, but he gave a tiny shake of his head and smiled.

“good night, love.”

in that moment, you knew azriel had your heart in the palm of his hand. “good night, az.”

azriel knew it was only a matter of time before these lessons came back to bite him on the ass.

he had been so eager that first night. mostly because he'd had a crush on you for so long and it was finally time to do something about it. the shadowsinger knew that he probably should've just told you how he felt, but he didn't want to shatter this delicate thing between you.

after all, these were just lessons. for all he knew, he was just your practice partner. it wasn't really all that different from sparring. except your weapons where your lips and your hands and your fucking smile that made his heart skip a beat every time you so much as grinned at him from across the room.

gods, he was so fucked.

the reality of it didn't fully hit him until that disastrous spring night.

the two of you had perfected third base eons ago. azriel knew how to make you cum with his mouth using a combination of expert tongue flicks and help from his shadows. nothing brought him joy like your shaking legs greedily wrapping around him as he ate your pussy like a man starved.

azriel thought he found the key to happiness until you returned the favor and went down on him.

finding restraint was hard. reeling his desire in while you knelt before him with your lips wrapped around his cock was nearly impossible.

"like this?" you asked, licking a stripe along the underside of his cock. azriel thought he was going to come right then and there when you looked up at him through your lashes, determination burning in your gaze.

you had always been intense. azriel knew that much from months of training together, but he didn't expect you to approach sex with the same competitiveness. you put your all into everything you did, which is what made azriel fall for you in the first place. he just didn't think you'd take the same approach when it came to sucking his dick. not that he was complaining.

in fact, all he could really do was moan.

the shadowsinger attempted to pull it together long enough to utter a coherent sentence. he had to at least attempt to say something helpful. you were putting your trust in him. he liked knowing that he'd been your first everything. now he just had to muster up the courage to tell you that he also intended to be the last.

he tried. he really did.

that night in his room. laying in bed with your legs tangled together. the soft spring breeze billowing through your curtains. azriel watched as you propped yourself up on your elbows and turned towards him.

"so, what now?" you asked.

azriel's brows furrowed with confusion. "what do you mean, love?"

you tilted your head, biting down on your bottom lip as you mulled over what to say next. it was one of your many little quirks that azriel adored. "i mean, what happens now? we've pretty much covered all the bases. except for one."

sex. you hadn't had sex yet. azriel knew this would come up sooner or later, but he had hoped it would be the latter. while it was easy to pretend that the lessons were just lessons to him, azriel couldn't do that with sex. it had always been hard for him to separate his feelings from the physical act and as much as he wanted to make sure that your first experience would be with someone who loved you, it wouldn't be fair to have sex without telling you the truth.

"i don't think that would be a good idea." as soon as the words left his mouth, azriel knew it was the wrong thing to say. he could tell that much from the look on your face. "i just mean, we shouldn't rush into anything."

"rush?" you asked incredulously. "azriel, we've spent the last three months doing anything and everything under the sun except sex."

"and it's been great," azriel said, trying to reel the conversation back in. "the lessons. trusting each other. but i just think you should take a step back and consider if you're truly ready."

that intense gaze he loved so much suddenly felt like the sweltering sun that azriel couldn't wait to shy away from. "you were my first kiss, az. my first everything. i think i've made it pretty clear on where i stand." you paused for a second, scanning his face. "oh my gods. i didn't even think to ask if you wanted this."

you were up before the absurdity of that statement could sink into azriel. if he wanted this? he'd never wanted anything more in his entire life.

"they were just lessons," you murmured to yourself while gathering your clothes. “how could i be so stupid?”

"y/n, please." azriel pleaded, not entirely believing what he was hearing. he nearly tripped over his own bedsheets as he followed you across the room.

“no, az. i’m sorry, i thought—“ your eyes brimmed with tears. the sight broke his fucking heart. “it’s not your fault. i just assumed—“

“that i’m in love with you?” azriel asked, gently gripping your wrists. you froze, wide eyes pinning azriel in place. “because i am, you know. i’ve been in love with you since the moment we met. this past few months, it’s killed me to pretend that whatever this is between us is just lessons.”

your gaze softened. “why didn’t you ever say anything?”

azriel chuckled bitterly. “because i’m a coward. i was scared that you might not feel the same way, so i settled for whatever scraps you were willing to give me.”

tears filled your eyes again and azriel was scared he’d fucked it up again, but you wiped your cheeks and cupped his face. “you deserve more than that, azriel.”

“i know, love.” he bowed his head. “and you deserve more than just lessons. that’s why i don’t want to have sex. not unless you know what this means to me. if we do this, there will be no one else. not today, not ever. i may be your first, but i also intend to be your last. if you’ll let me.”

a stray tear fell down your cheek, but it was a happy one this time. “if you haven’t noticed, i’m totally crazy about you, az. i think i’ve been in love with you longer than i wanted to admit.”

“can’t blame you,” the shadowsinger said. “i’m totally lovable.”

you smacked him in the chest, but azriel only laughed before he kissed you. really kissed you. it felt like you were floating on air.

gods, you loved him. you really did.

you smiled into the kiss. “i love you, az.”

the shadowsinger kissed the tip of your nose. “i love you too, y/n.”

“so…no more lessons, right?”

azriel shook his head and scooped you into his arms. “no more lessons. i want the real thing this time.”

#friends and family we are gathered here today to fucking YEARN #i missed az and i m back with a bang #azriel #azriel acotar #azriel fic #azriel smut #azriel fluff #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x you #azriel x reader #azriel fanfic #acotar

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jongbross · 4 months

Note

Hi, it’s boyfriends things with Exo😅🤍

Thanks

kim minseok:

cutest boyfriend out there

will take such good care of you 🥹

is literally a keeper

your family loves him, he just charms everyone around him

might be a bit difficult as sometimes he can't see why you're still with him

doesn't realize that you're the luckiest person for having HIM

kisses your nose a lot

holds your hand while walking on the street

listen to you vent and gives you the best advices

won't let you sleep in though, so good luck with that

kim junmyeon:

the personification of a gentleman

pulls chairs for you, open doors, makes sure you're with your seatbelt on, doesn't let you walk on the side of the sidewalk that's closer to the street, etc

has the warmest hugs

can literally hug you for hours if you let him

secretly plans to pop out the question in the near future

buys you anything you want. anything.

respects your opinions SO MUCH, it's ridiculous

has the boyfie vibe somehow, so people don't hit on him anymore

chanyeol can see how much he changed because of you, how he's much more bubbly now

"you made him worse!!" (joking)

zhang yixing:

nicest boyfriend out there

dude is just soooo chill, your friends adore him

shows you random stuff on your phone just so you can laugh about it together

hands you his jacket whenever you're cold, but scolds you for not taking one with you

calls you a lot whenever he's away

you'll have to take care of his cats, i'm sorry

does this thing where he kisses both your temples before kissing your lips when he has to say goodbye to you before traveling

passes out beside you on bed while you're talking about a nice recipe you saw on tiktok

doesn't bring up marriage if you don't

really, really hopes you do

byun baekhyun:

i hate him, but congrats to you, i guess

ugh he's just so sweet

takes you out EVERYWHERE, like picks you up at your place

always has a smile on his face when he's around you

asks you about your day and listens to carefully

holds your hand while driving

charms your mom with helping her on the kitchen, it's like a scene straight out of a movie

sings 24/7, so your house is never silent anymore (your neighbors hate you though)

has a whole way of talking that's for you and for you only

you can't trick me baekhyun, i know you must have at least one (1) flaw

kim jongdae:

sunshine boyfriend

let's you sleep in whenever you feel like it

clears some space on his wardrobe/drawers for your clothes and things

"jagi, can we cuddle?"

has so much fun playing with you, you're literally he's best friend

always places bets with you

lots of kisses on your cheek

randomly smiles to you because he knows it makes you happy to see him smile

likes to take you away for the weekend, just you and him

loyal af

park chanyeol:

the "it's okay, i got it" boyfriend

personal uber driver, takes you everywhere if you let him

really, reaaally stubborn

can't sit still, is always looking for something to do with you

"did you see they opened a new bowling place downtown?"

purposely leaves his things at your place

his house is way bigger than yours but he doesn't care

plays guitar while you cook dinner

kisses you everytime you feed him

loves when you sleep on top of him

do kyungsoo:

he's comfort embodied in a person

likes to have breakfast with you, it's like his favorite part of the day

bonds with your pet if you have one (and they love him)

saves new videos on youtube to watch it with you

is in charge of cooking, always

asks you to help him shave just because

gets excited whenever something good happens to you

is your number 01 supporter

loves when you cuddle closer to him in your sleep

shy forehead kisses whenever he can't find the words to express his feelings

kim jongin:

cutest, most caring boyfriend

respects you more than anything in this world

listens to you so carefully whenever you have something to say

is willing to fix some of his bad habits for you

needs constant reassurance that you love him, just because he loves you so much and can't stand the thought of you falling out of love

laughs so hard at your jokes, and they're not even that funny

pays for every meal but lets you pay for his coffee so you won't feel bad

helps you choose your outfits

loves when you play with his hair

wanna have a baby with you so bad

oh sehun:

gets offended whenever someone treats you badly

"why didn't you tell me?? i would've give them a piece of my mind"

smirks whenever he sees you wearing his clothes, he just loves it

calls you whenever he can't go see you

encourages you to go see your friends, especially when he can't be around

but let's be honest, he's attached to you by the hip

rolls his eyes whenever you baby him, but secretly loves it

stares at you dearly when you're talking to his hyungs or his family

lets you play with his fingers when you're bored or too shy to talk to people

dude is so in love it's actually sickening

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heavenequals · 4 months

Note

hii! I hope that your requests are open!

how about Syzoth x Gn / female (whatever you're comfortable with) with Syzoth that is in love with reader but doesn't really know how to show it and ends up getting friendzoned all the time (he can't force himself to just straight up tell reader about his feelings). How would he try to get reader's attencion? What would his thoughts about it be? (can be headcanons or drabble or whatever you prefer)

have a nice day!

LOOK MY WAY

reptile/syzoth x reader.

note. this was a super cute request that i've been itching to write. i'd die for this man

you were going to be the death of him. he should know zaterran customs were foreign to humans, but thats the only way he knows how to show you he likes you.

alright, like for syzoth was an understatement. he's in love with you and he's fully aware of that fact. he desperately wants to convey his feelings to you, but he doesn't know how. telling you directly would be easier of course, but thats just so... embarrassing. it's not like he's embarrassing himself enough just by trying to get your attention.

every time you walked by, his tail would sway from side to side. when you got close enough, he would brush his tail against your leg to grab your attention in which most cases, he was successful. you would look back at him before a smile crept up your face, a smile that made his heart thump in his chest as he smiled dumb back at you.

when syzoth isn't busy, he's looking around for you. when he does find you, he's glued to your side with a "hey, how are you?" just to get you to start talking with your eyes on him. your attention on him. he adores the smile painted on your face when you talk about your day, nodding his head with a lovesick grin on his own. you just thought he was very attentive, but it's how zatteran courts, isn't that obvious?

he's always with you. theres rarely been a time where he hasn't been near you other than when you have to part ways, but even during those times he doesn't dare stray too far from you. it's how zatteran court, showing his loyalty and how suitable he would be if he were to be your mate, but of course; you don't realize that. he doesn't expect you to know, but at least take the hint?

"(reader).." syzoth would call, his hands anxiously figetting together.

"yeah?" you'd hum.

"you know i like you a lot, right?" he'd whisper his last statement. his gaze avoiding yours with his tail tucked between his legs.

"of course! you're my closest friend, so i would hope you liked me.." you'd laugh off, not even taking the time to consider his words would hold a deeper meaning.

friend. was that all he was to you?

"oh. yeah, friends."

he might've just broke on the spot, right then and there.

no matter how much he tried, he just couldn't seem to get you to notice him. his feelings, at least. countless times he has tried and you always brushed it off as a friendly gesture. it bothered him, his attempts failing miserably. something else that bothered him is that always after his attempts, your attention seemed to wander off, off of him. he hated that.

it was not until you began getting particularly close with liu kang, it made syzoth feel uneasy. your attention wasn't on him, your eyes weren't on him.

okay, he can admit he may be overreacting, i mean — you train at the shaolin temple, of course you're going to be talking to liu kang, even if it steals your time away from him.. no, he wasn't okay with that.

one day, he decided to approach you, confront you. be 100% apparent with his feelings, no step backs. even so, he just hadn't expected himself to be so forward about it..

his hands at either side of your head, your back against the wall, his eyes fixed on you and your shocked expression. he even surprised himself with this sudden encounter, it just sort of happened. he saw you smile so cheerfully at liu kang, something inside him snapped. like his body acted on his own after liu kang left. elder gods, what was he doing?

"(reader–)" he'd pause. he pursed his lips into a straight line before taking a step back from you, providing the space needed to reduce the tension. "i.. apologize, but i must know.." he'd continue as he hung his head low, his hand awkwardly running over the nape of his neck.

"you just caught me off-guard syzoth, it's no worries. what do you need to ask?"

he averted his gaze from yours, already feeling uneasy just by being in your presence. yet, he would rather stay a fool around you than not be with you at all.

"has.. your heart already been spoken for?" his voice came out in a hushed tone, his eyes glued to the ground. he knew from one look in your eye he'd find out the answer himself and he didn't want to know the answer.

you took a moment to process his question, leaving syzoth becoming more anxious by the second.

"no, not that i'm aware of.. why?" you'd question, tilting your head to the side as an attempt to get him to look at you, being partly successful when he took a short glance at you. god you must think he's so weird right now.

syzoth knew he had to be extremely forward for you and your oblivious pretty mind. he needed to tell you directly that he is in love with you.

he took your hand in his, giving it a firm grip, but not enough to hurt you. he let out a shakey breath before bringing your hands to his chest. giving you the feel of how fast his heart is beating.

"please, let me be the one to have that privilege. your heart," he says. quiet, yet loud enough for you to hear.

you were stunned and that scared him. he expected a response, but was only met with the killing silence. please just say something, anything.

"syzoth.." you gently released your hands from his, instead running your hand over his tattooed arm. "what are you trying to say?" you ask, like he had to elaborate further. how much more must you open his heart?

"i'm saying," he'd take a step closer to you. capturing your hand in his once again and bringing it up to hold his cheek. his body jolting at your warmth, taking out a comforted sigh from him.

"i'm in love with you. i want to be your mate, please" he'd almost beg, kissing the palm of your hand before he continued.

"all my advances, they don't seem to phase you. how much more forward must i be?"

your mouth was agaped. were you seriously this blown away? syzoth really underestimated your obliviousness.

"i wasn't aware you held such strong feelings for me..." you felt your own cheeks began to heat up. your gaze soft and on him, he relished in it, but was it the gaze he wanted? was it love or was it plain sorry?

"have i made you aware now?" syzoth would lean further into your touch that held him, a giggle escaping your lips in reply that made his heart flutter.

"yes, you have. may i make you aware of something else aswell?"

syzoth hummed softly, his eyes fluttering up to meet yours.

"anything."

you smiled, a smile he recognized far too well. he loved it more than anything because that smile was just for him, your eyes filled with fondness. your eyes on him.

you pull him into your arms, embracing him with the warmth he longed for, catching him off guard. not long before he quickly melted into your hold, your next few words would leave him always and forever, yours.

"i love you too."

masterlist | info

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat 1 x reader #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat 1 #mk x reader #mk x you #syzoth x reader #reptile x reader #✦ ⠂⠂୨୧ misaligned

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daydream-cement · 7 months

Text

The Horror Movie

Captain Phasma x Reader

Phasma protects you from the horror movie

Author's Note: PHAS IS A SECRET SOFTIE BUT DON'T TELL HER I TOLD YOU. this is the third week of spooky season with @alexusonfire! the prompt for the week is horror movies!!!

“This is a ridiculous ritual.”

The captain sat cross-armed on the couch, her face forming her usual scowl. You dropped down next to her, tv remote control in hand, and flicked between channels to look for the perfect Halloween movie.

“Most people watch horror movies this time of year.” You explain, shifting your body closer to hers so you could lean your head on her muscular shoulder. “I think you would prefer this over a children’s movie.

Phasma shifted in her seat, pretending that she didn’t enjoy the feeling of you snuggling into her side. She mumbled as she glared at the tv screen, “I am not most people, and yes, I do not want to watch a children’s movie.”

You snort at her words, knowing she was dead serious.

Continuing to flip through the various shows and movies, you finally land on the opening credits of a horror movie. You hadn’t watched many horror movies since you were a teenager and even then you found them too scary to watch - but that had been years ago... surely you were over your fear of horror movies now.

The preamble to the movie was filled with suspense for the death and torture to come.

This wasn’t exactly what had you terrified. It wasn’t until the first person was killed that you found your heart beating a little faster.

With every little moment you expected the antagonist to pop out, you felt your hands winding around Phasma’s bicep. You chewed at the inside of your cheek, eyes fastening shut as you anticipated various jump scares. In contrast, Phasma’s facial expression remained mildly disinterested for the majority of the movie.

Midway through the movie, her hand dropped to your thigh and gave it a squeeze in an attempt to comfort you. She turned her gaze down at you, her nose against your temporal bone as she whispered in your ear, “Is this really too scary for you?”

You knew Phasma well enough that her judgemental tone was just her natural way of speaking.

Rather than answering, you shook your head ‘no’ as you continued watching. The blonde extended an arm around your shoulders and she turned her attention back to the tv, speaking protectively, “This isn’t real and nothing bad will happen to you.”

As the gore and intensity of the movie increased, so did Phasma’s commentary of how ridiculous the movie was. “Are you kidding me? Being stabbed there does not result in that much blood. The creators clearly have no clue what they were writing about.”

Her hateful words caused a small smile to tug at the corner of your mouth - only for the smile to fade as another round of suspense built as the murderer worked their way down the hall to try and kill the main character.

Phasma’s voice spoke up again. This time it was twinged with even more venom, “They aren’t even holding the knife correctly. That is no practical way to stab another human. If anything they are going to hurt themselves by holding it that way.”

Her words brought the smile back to your face.

“The killer is a fucking moron. Why would you announce yourself if you wanted to kill someone? Just go in the home and kill her.” The captain sank back into the couch cushions, pulling you to lean back against her chest as her arm wound around your front for her forearm to rest protectively over your chest.

“I suppose you could do better?”

“Damn right I could, but if it were me, this movie would be ten minutes tops.” Phasma smirked at her own comment, her cheek leaning against your temple.

The blonde’s commentary continued through the rest of the movie causing you to smirk and giggle through its entirety. Only if you could have seen the clearly pleased grin on Phasma’s face at how she was clearly soothing your fears.

It seemed as though Phasma knew exactly every twist and turn that was to come. Her thumb brushed back and forth over your collarbone and she knew exactly when to distract you with her own criticisms of the film. Eventually, you turned your face away from the tv, your forehead against her jaw as you listened to her speak - the suspenseful music only secondary to the soothing presence of your girlfriend.

That night you never even had the opportunity to finish the movie - the lower register of Phasma’s voice ended up lulling you to sleep.

When the credits rolled, Phasma squeezed your shoulder, shaking you awake, “Time for bed, little trooper.”

“Did she live? Or did the killer get her?” You mumble sleepily.

“She lived, but there was no way she could have killed them by using one of their traps against them... Absolutely stupid...” The captain slipped an arm under your knees and braced one behind your back, lifting you up as she stood. “I still can’t comprehend why we watched this for your Halloween rituals. I’m assuming it is just as silly as a children’s program.”

“Tomorrow we can watch one about three witches, okay?”

“I don’t think I will enjoy that, but okay.” Phasma shrugged as she carried you to the bedroom and deposited you on the bed. “Is there at least something enjoyable about this one?”

“They try to kill all of the children in the town.”

Phasma nodded, stone faced, “I suppose I could find something enjoyable about that.”

Taglist: @charymobile, @bri-sonat, @weemswife, @smutuniversesblog, @opheliauniverse, @enchantressb , @renravens @scream-queenlover , @shyladyfan , @mcufanisme , @peanutbutterprincess , @larissaoftarthweems , @principal-weems09 , @imlike-so-gaydude , @emilynissangtr , @xuukoo , @brienneswife , @oculusalien , @giogwensversion , @milciak @gela123 , @thevillagegay , @katiemcgrathsbitch1 , @naomi-m3ndez , @salems-spaghettios , @imgayforwoman69 @bychrissi , @h-doodles , @alexusonfire , @weemssapphic, @hiiamkatana, @lilfartbox1, @mountain-bikingwitch, @willowshadenox, @aemilia19, @agathaandgwenslesbian, @gay-frogs08

#captain phasma #captain phasma x reader #star wars the last jedi #star wars tfa #star wars #star wars the force awakens #gwen christie #gwendoline christie #fanfic #oneshot

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bubble-popping · 1 month

Text

okay this is kinda embarrassing bc i meant to post this a long time ago and just... Didn't.

More dnb gods au bc them <3

Truthfully, Techno didn't know why he stood here, hand hovering above the wood of a door. Even less did he understand why he felt so nervous about going in. The words 'Dream's Study' felt like a permanent 'do not disturb' sign. He knew how much he hated to be interrupted when he worked, especially for trivial matters such as a minor headache. Techno hadn't seen Dream for a while, and it was showing with how Chat nagged and clawed at his brain. He wasn't quite at the stage of attacking his dearest friends and causing major property damage because of their volume and relentlessness, but Dream had asked--pleaded, to be more precise--for him to visit before it got to that point. So, here he stood, trying to think of how to phrase his current predicament without sounding like a total loser. And Chat was not helping.

just knock?

man's forgot how to knock

bro forgor

average dork in love behavior

no u guys don't get it he's so normal about dream i promise

social anxiety L

LOL

"How do you nerds even know half those phrases? I don't say anythin' like that-" Before he knew it, the sound of squeaks and chirps emitted from behind the door. The Blobs' heightened senses never ceased to amaze him.

"What? Techno's outside? How-OW!"

Techno startled upon hearing the exclamation accompanied by a thud and finally kicked himself into gear, opening the door and peeking inside to see Dream standing up from behind his desk, cradling his horns and uttering more hisses of pain. "Dream? You alright?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine! Jus' bumped my head is all. I'm alright." The blond waved off his concern as he sank into his chair. "Is something up? Chat being loud again?"

The piglin god decided to step further into the room. He'd gone this far, might as well go the full mile. "Well, not at the moment now that you're, ya know, talkin'."

"Aw, they just missed me, huh?" Dream rested his head in his hand, smile smug and eyes scrunched.

YES

DREAM

DREAM POG

simps. every single one of you. me too.

GUYS SHUT UP I CAN'T FOCUS ON HIS PRETTY

pretty dreamie :)

WE AGREED ON DAYDREAM FOR THE NICKNAME IDOIT

**idiot lol

lol

LOL

Lol

LOL

"I didn't say all that. Don't get ahead of yourself, teletubby." As if Techno's absolutely scathing remark wasn't enough of a blow to the man's ego, several Blobs then decided it was their special moment to shine as they dropped down on Techno chirping and cooing not too unlike Phil's crows. He glanced up to see many more piled on a hammock above his head. The majority still soundly slept. Techno could only imagine what it'd look like if they were all awake.

"Hey! What have I told you guys about personal space?" Dream promptly stood from his chair and came over to brush the little Blobs off, a bright gold strong as sunshine glowing on his cheeks. It really didn't match the stern expression he was trying to show. "I'm so sorry about them. We're still working on that..." He didn't meet Techno's eyes as his hands swiped across his shoulders. Not even when he reached further up, lifting on the tips of his toes to pluck away the ones that had settled in his hair.

"They're not so bad. At least they're cute. Chat is just plain annoyin'," Techno grumbled.

WE'RE RIGHT HERE YA KNOW

techno hates us y'all

we're literally fixing your love life?

so ungrateful

Dream giggled softly, shaking his head. Only then did he meet Techno's gaze. "Chat isn't bad either. It's just like the Blobs, they're excitable. I think Chat's cool."

dream gets us y'all

omg he's looking at us guys

HE'S THINKS WE'RE COOL

i hope he wins the custody battle in the divorce

they aren't even married yet

praying on their downfall already is crazy

SHUT UP HE'S STILL TALKIMG

he stopped tho?

**talking

LOL

Techno pressed a hand to his temple, face twisting in discomfort. "You don't have to hear 'em all the time..."

Dream offered a sympathetic smile before he seemed to get an idea. "Would you like to rest with me while I fulfill some dream requests?"

"I don't wanna bother ya if you're workin'-"

"You wouldn't be a bother, ya big idiot. C'mon, I could use the company." He smiled sweetly, taking Techno by the arm with pretty green eyes begging from under long blond lashes. Naturally, Techno let himself be dragged away--but he still wasn't a simp, Chat, shut up--to a different corner of the office: an area that closely resembled a pillow fort.

Techno really had to duck down to enter it, clearly not built for a god his size. Inside was more spacious than it initially appeared. Made of many different colors and shapes of cushions, all draped with soft blankets, and partially bordered by the lower shelves of a bookcase. Dream easily found a spot to lay down, propped up and facing the curtain canopy. Techno squeezed against the nearest wall out of consideration for Dream's space, but regardless only managed a gap of mere inches. He too looked up, and when he did, he swore that nothing was above them at all. Tiny lights were strategically placed to emulate the night sky. Techno could even see certain constellations in the pattern.

"How did...?"

"Oh, some Blobs got into my glowstone dust by accident and they reminded me of stars, so I got this idea." And Techno believed him because when he squinted he saw, as his eyes adjusted to the change in lighting, many tiny Blobs hanging by thin threads with the proudest grins on their faces.

"Of course..." He huffed, smirking and shaking his head.

A comfortable silence succeeded his words, covering the pair in a particular kind of blanket. The kind that had Techno curiously glancing over to see Dream concentrating on a cloud held aloft by the green strings connected to his fingers.

"What's that one? If ya don't mind me askin'."

"Hm? Oh, well, usually I don't share other people's dreams. They're personal things, meant for your mind alone. But..." Dream got a small, almost mischievous smile on his face. "This one here is for one of my regulars."

"Regulars?"

"Mhm. I think she prays almost every night, always for the same thing. She's an old woman and recently her wife of almost 60 years passed away from an unfortunate accident. Do you know what she asks to dream of?"

Techno couldn't imagine knowing that much about a mortal. But then again, all those that prayed to him usually didn't live very long, so he supposed he just never got the chance to.

"What?"

"She just wants to speak with her again. Nothing else matters, except that she's there. They talk about so many things. Sometimes, they don't speak at all. Just sit there next to each other, enjoying the company. I've put them in all sorts of places. Relaxing on a beach, watching a fireworks display from afar, sitting on their rocking chairs in their living room..." He'd finished crafting the dream by then, offering it to one of the Blobs who devoured the cloud whole and promptly wiggled into the crevice of two pillows. Afterwards, he folded his hands atop his stomach and closed his eyes, smiling wistfully. "Such a sweet, pure love... I only hope someone will love me like that."

A heat unlike any other instantly filled Techno's cheeks.

ASDFGHJKL HE'S LITERALLY ASKING FOR IT

LET'S GOOO

KISS HIM YOU IDIOT

how did that guy make that sound

KISS

L matchmakers fr

wdym we're such W matchmakers

yeah he boutta get that sheep pus-

Techno quickly sat up from the comfortable pile onto his elbow, resolutely pushing that thought out of his head.

"Techno?" Dream looked to him, gaze wide and inquisitive. The piglin god turned to stare down at him, and though he knew he had to say something that might finally shut Chat up about this, the words got caught in his throat. Green eyes were simply too pretty, surrounded by freckles and waves of golden blond. A hand surprised him out of his admiring. Gentle fingers pushed the hair that had fallen into Techno's face behind his pointed ear then came to a rest at his cheek. "Something wrong?"

"No," he answered with a shake of his head, placing his hand upon Dream's and leaning into the touch. It still didn't make a lot of sense to him, why Dream was so tender towards him despite his reputation and prowess... Or, perhaps, because of it? Techno cherished it all the same. "Nothin's wrong. 'm just... 'm not sure how to, how to word-"

"Tech," the sheep god murmured, now cupping both of Techno's cheeks and wearing a bittersweet smile, "you don't have to force yourself. I was just thinking out loud. I wasn't trying to-"

"It's not that, I mean, well, it is, but-" He sighed, closing his eyes to collect himself before opening them with a renewed determination. "I get what you're sayin' and I feel the same way."

"You do?"

"Ya think I'd come just to make Chat shut up? That's just a sweet bonus, dude."

Dream giggled, a similar blush rising on his face. "So, what does that mean?"

"It means I... would really like to kiss ya, if you'll let me."

The blush immediately brightened to a shimmering gold. He pushed himself to a sit as well, closing the gap between them to barely a few inches. "I think I'd like that."

They both leaned in, heads tilting to accommodate the other, but when Techno connected with something, he knew it was not Dream's lips. A Blob had managed to slip in at the last second, squeaking happily. The two pulled back in equal astonishment, allowing the Blob to drop on Dream's lap.

Dream's expression rapidly soured. "You little-!" He snatched the Blob up, gripping its little body in a tight grasp. "That's it. You're all going in timeout now." With a snap of his fingers, all the Blobs including the ones that hung from the ceiling exploded into puffs of clouds, leaving the two in near total darkness aside from Dream's glowing eyes. "Much better. Now..." Hands suddenly grabbed Techno by the shoulders and twisted them so he was flat on his back and Dream was straddling his waist. His voice lowered to a whisper as he leaned in once again, bright green illuminating both their faces. "Where were we?"

#idiots in love #dnb #dreamnoblade #dnb god au #bubble writes #suggestive #i should be posting these on ao3 too but idk #i always feel like what i post on there needs to be a certain format/length so tumblr just gets everything

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starlightandfairies · 11 months

Text

Lovely ~Daryl Dixon~

Description: Reader is one of Negan’s wives, she is thrown into the same cell as Daryl while Negan has Daryl.

Warnings: Swearing, she/her pronouns, fluff, angst,

Key: Y/N = Your Name, POV = Point of view

Word Count: 639

I have a Daryl Dixon fanfic on wattpad! If you want it, send me a request or message and I'll give it to you. Or you could search it yourself It's called Broken Crown by Moonlight161 and starts from the very beginning

1st Person's POV

Fucking Negan.

That's all I can say, is fucking Negan, I fucking hate him. He, himself killed my entire family and made me watch. Sounds very movie-like, though I cannot express in words how much I want this man to die. After he killed them, the twit had the audacity to make me one of his wives. I wore a short little black dress, did everything he said and did just so I could survive.

I pissed him off. I yelled at him for what he did, but Negan didn't seem to take it very well. He threw me into one of his cells and then left me in the darkness.

"I'm going to kill him," I muttered bitterly, jumping as a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side.

"Keep 'ya voice down."

I turned to face the person, only a small amount of light letting me see the man's features, my heart shattered seeing the broken man in front of me. I didn't think that I would see him again, I didn't think I would see anyone that I knew again.

"Daryl?" I whispered lightly, he lunged forward slightly and cupped my face in his hands.

"Y/n?"

"Hey," I whispered softly, sobbing softly as he held me in his arms. Daryl didn't let me go, he didn't once let go of me and rested a small kiss on my temples.

"I thought you died." He whispered, I shook my head and gave him a tiny smile. We hadn't seen each other since the prison, which honestly feels like a lifetime ago after the prison was infested with walkers and everyone got separated, I was lucky that I got with my family however the whole Negan ordeal ruined everything.

We both shared the story of our lives since we last saw each other, it ached to know that Glenn was dead and I could clearly see that Daryl was taking it personally, that his actions got him killed and I really wanted him to know that it was not his fault.

Negan kept me in there for two days, no one bothered either of us, it was a nice way to catch up and just hang out with him. It was cold in the cell, the little black dress was revealing too much of my skin. I moved over to Daryl, carefully touching his arm and once he accepted my touch. I his arm, wrapping it around me and curled into his chest.

"So, Negan's forced you to be his wife?"

"Yes. Out of all the other ladies, he keeps me under lock and key the most. I think he knows what I can do." Daryl shook his head, he didn't say anything about what I said. However, he rested a kiss on my forehead and rubbed my arm.

"He's planning something," Daryl whispered.

"I know but I have you back and I want to be here with you."

"Okay." I knew this hurt for Daryl, we both loved each other, hadn't seen each other in so long and now we were here together yet we couldn't be together. I think that's Negan punishment. I think he knew that we loved each other and that be being his wife would hurt Daryl.

"Isn't it lovely? Having someone familiar?" I questioned, Daryl brought my lips to his, I grinned into the kiss and soaked it all in.

"I miss you, I looked for you but I couldn't find you. I will stay, I won't let him hurt you and I won't let him take me away from you."

"You will, don't be stupid."

"I'm going to be stupid and in love."

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shiftingparadise · 2 years

Note

I loveddd your phinks fwb piece you wrote!!! Could you do a part two please? 💗

I love this man with my entire heart 🥹, so thank you for requesting a part 2, really enjoyed writing this one (I hope you like it too!).

Warnings: A little bit smutty, not too much 🤓 often suggestive though

Hope everyone's doing fine, enjoy reading 🤍✨

Word count: 3169

‘Thanks’, you avoided his eyes when he handed you your latte. ‘Want to go over the plan again?’. ‘No, I understand’, you closed your eyes when you took a sip.

You might not have been able to look at the blonde, but Phinks couldn’t keep his eyes away from you. The way your tiny hands were holding the cup, as if you were trying to warm them around a fire… Or the way you smiled contently when you took your first sip, your eyes closed in pleasure… How did he never notice how beautiful you are?

‘Fine, but don't blame me when things go to hell’. ‘You don’t trust me?’, you opened one eye, the lid of the cup still stroking your bottom lip. ‘Did you ever finish a mission successfully?’. ‘Hey!’, you immediately stood up from the edge of the bed you were sitting on. ‘What? You never listen to what boss says’.

Were things just going to go back to normal? Back to hating each other?

‘I just need to get those fucking diamonds, right? What’s the big deal?’. ‘The big deal?’, Phinks gritted his teeth together, ‘I will need to clean up the mess you’ve made if you fail, because it’s not like you ever take responsibility for your actions’. ‘What do you know about me, huh?’, you pushed him, earning a throbbing vein on his temple in response.

What did he know about you? You practically told him your entire life story in your drunken haze yesterday.

‘Push me again and-‘, ‘And what?’, you chuckled, ‘What are you going to do, Phinks? Fight me?’.

Fight you? No, he didn’t want to fight you. He wanted to throw you on the bed again and show you who’s in charge, but he couldn’t do that, could he?

‘Tsk’, he smirked when he noticed the look in your eyes. There wasn’t any hate in them, nor anger. You were provoking him. The way the corners of your mouth were slightly lifted said plenty.

For a moment, the two of you just stood there, staring at each other with racing hearts.

‘H-huh?’.

You froze when you could feel Phinks’ hand cup your cheek. His eyes were soft, but the expression on his face was as cold as ever.

‘What are you doing?’, you lowered your eyes, jaw clenching. ‘What?’, Phinks frowned, unsure if he crossed a line. ‘Y-your hand-‘, ‘What about it?’.

‘Don’t’, you pulled away from his touch, ‘D-don’t touch me like that’.

His heart dropped to his stomach when he noticed the cold look in your eyes. He couldn’t be the only one who felt it, right? The fireworks the first time he kissed you, or the warm, tingling feeling that flowed through his veins when he saw your love-drunk eyes staring into his only hours ago.

‘You weren’t complaining-‘, ‘Stop’, you looked at him, eyes burning with anger, ‘We had an agreement’. ‘Y/N-‘, Phinks tried to grab your wrist, but you quickly pulled away. ‘What? What do you want?’. ‘I just want to talk about what happened’.

You were like math to him, impossible to understand.

‘Why?’, you chuckled, ‘I hate what happened. I hate the fact I let you touch me’.

Why? Why were you doing this when you were so desperate for his affection?

‘H-hey!’, you tried to protest, to pull away when his strong hand grabbed your jaw, but once his lips met yours you instantly melted into his touch.

‘Hate liars’, a cold sigh, ‘But don’t worry, it’s not like you’re that special, princess’. ‘D-don’t ever touch me like that again’, your aura filled with anger, hands shaking. ‘Like I said, you’re not that special’, he chuckled before walking out the door again.

Once you heard the door closing, you immediately let down your guard. With a loud sigh, you jumped on the bed, head pushed into a pillow. Why were your cheeks burning? Why did you feel all warm and fuzzy around him? You wanted nothing more than to throw your hands around his neck, jump into his arms, and smell the familiar scent of his perfume again.

‘Wake up, princess’. ‘S-shut up’, you turned around, pulling the sheets over your head. ‘Get ready, it’s almost time’.

‘Where did you go?’.

‘None of your business’. ‘Asshole’, you gritted through your teeth. ‘Get up’, he roughly pulled the blankets away from you.

‘S-shit’, you hastily searched for the sheets, cheeks already burning.

‘Huh?’, he widened his eyes when he saw you were wearing one of his shirts, ‘W-why are you-‘. ‘Shut up Phinks!’.

The blonde watched you as you ran into the bathroom, your cheeks burning red. You looked so pretty in his shirt, too pretty to forget.

‘Tsk’, he smiled when he realized you went through his bag just to put on one of his shirts, ‘What’s wrong, princess? Can’t go a couple of hours without me?’.

He frowned when he heard the door of the bathroom unlock. Were you going to admit your defeat?

‘I said shut up, Phinks!’.

The blonde barely managed to dodge the bottle of soap you’d thrown at him before you quickly locked the door again.

‘Missed me, princess’, the vein of his temple started to throb again.

He couldn’t help it. He couldn’t stop the thoughts of pinning you against the wall, your fragile wrists in his hands, his nose brushing against yours while he promised you to make you behave.

‘Ugh!’, you grunted in frustration, hands once again in your hair as you were sitting on the toilet lid.

‘What’s wrong? Embarrassed?’, Phinks knocked on the door, his forehead resting against it. ‘Go away!’. ‘Don’t worry, won’t tell anyone you couldn’t miss me for a couple of hours-‘.

You quickly opened the door, your heart racing with anger and powerlessness.

‘Move’.

You wanted to tell him that you missed his scent. That you were wearing his shirt so that it felt as if he was lying next to you, but you couldn’t. It was obvious your mind started to romanticize what happened between the two of you. You hated him, you hated him since the first moment you saw him, and that couldn’t change overnight.

‘Make me’, a smirk while he was leaning against the door frame. ‘We don’t have time for this’. ‘You mean you don’t have time. I just need to put on a suit’.

Every attempt to sneak under his arm or to push him away was futile. Maybe if you used your nen-abilities… But that would be a little too much, wouldn’t it?

‘What’s wrong? Confused not everyone does whatever the little princess wants?’, the blonde chuckled, enjoying every moment of this.

There was only one way out, which you preferred to avoid, but it seemed like you had no other choice.

‘H-huh?’, Phinks widened his eyes when he saw you pull his shirt over your head, exposing your perfect breasts once again.

‘What’s wrong? Confused you’re not the only one who can play this game?’, you nonchalantly pushed the blonde aside, a smile on your face.

A bra. Where was your bra? Why weren’t you wearing one? Did you plan this? Phinks felt lost, memories of the previous night flashing before his eyes.

‘Brat’, Phinks gritted through his teeth before entering the bathroom. ‘Don’t be too long, need to put on some make-up’.

‘Here’, now it was his turn to throw something towards your head, ‘Or is that mirror over there not big enough for your highness?’.

You managed to catch your bag of make-up just in time.

‘Thanks peasant’, you replied smugly, ‘Do dress up, I don't want my bodyguard to look bad’.

---

‘Finally’, you sighed while standing up from the bed, ‘Took you long en-‘.

Wait? What? Was this the man who entered the bathroom 20 minutes ago?

‘Can you help me with this?’, Phinks held up his arm, ‘The buttons are too small, can’t close them’.

‘Okay’, you quietly responded, adjusting your dress before walking toward the blonde.

‘H-here, that should do it’, you gently let go of his arm when you closed the buttons on his sleeve. ‘Thanks’, his eyes were fixed on the painting next to him.

He couldn’t look at you, not too long anyway. With your make-up beautifully matching your red dress, your hair neatly in a bun, the jewels Chrollo got you… You looked even more stunning than the first time he saw you.

‘Let’s go’, you cleared your throat, ‘Driver’s probably waiting’.

Phinks, now happily, took on his role as your bodyguard. He guided you outside and opened every door for you, while making sure no one let their eyes linger a little too long on your perfect body.

‘Be careful’, he almost whispered while looking out of the car. ‘Hm’, you sighed while looking at the matching ring Chrollo got you. It was obvious he wanted to make sure you fitted in the high-end crowd.

‘If anyone tries to-‘, ‘Hey, you’re my bodyguard. It’s your job to protect me’, a thin line appeared between your brows. ‘You know you need to steal the diamonds on your own, right?’, Phinks slowly turned his head, ‘Or weren’t you – once again – not listening?’. ‘

W-what?’, you nervously giggled, ‘O-of course I knew that, psh’.

You wanted to slap yourself. You really needed to pay more attention when someone explained the details of a mission.

‘Idiot’, the blonde sighed, ‘Asked you this morning to go over the plan again’. ‘I know, I know’, you closed your eyes, ‘I’m sorry’.

Huh? Did you just apologize?

‘H-hey! What are you doing?’, you instantly moved closer to the door when Phinks started pinching your arm. ‘You just apologized, and you expect me to believe you’re… well, you?’.

You crossed your arms in discontent before cursing the blonde.

---

‘Of course I knew you were the governor. How could anyone forget such a handsome face?, you tried to put on your prettiest, most innocent smile.

Phinks hated the way you were pushing your body against his. Fine, you needed to get some information, but why like this?

You snapped with your fingers, signaling Phinks to move closer. ‘What do you need, boss?’.

It took all the blonde’s strength to call you his boss, to pretend he was a little puppy you could order around.

‘Get me some more wine, will you?’, a smug look on your face when you saw the familiar vein on his temple.

‘Sorry boss, need to stay with you at all times’ . ‘Oh it’s fine, I’ll keep her safe’, the older man grabbed your waist, his nose brushing against your cheek, ‘Maybe show her the diamonds…’.

You wanted nothing more than to pull away, but you couldn’t. You were so close… Once he showed you where the diamonds were, you could knock him out and run.

‘Tsk’, Phinks couldn’t hide his discontent, but he just had to suck it up for the sake of this mission.

‘Huh?’, his eyes widened when you weren’t in the same spot anymore. He quickly scanned the room. After a minute, he concluded you weren’t here anymore. After all, Phinks would’ve immediately seen you in your beautiful, red dress. You were the prettiest girl here, no one could even come close to your beauty.

‘So, where are the diamonds?’, you faked a drunk giggle, your hand resting on the man’s arm, ‘Been wondering how they look up close’. ‘Ssh’, the man smirked, ‘I’ll be fired if they find out I brought a pretty girl like you here’. ‘Oh stop it’, you let your forehead rest against his shoulder, ‘I just really want to see them’.

‘Follow me’.

You let the man grab your hand as he carefully unlocked the door with a password.

‘O-oh’, your eyes flew open when you saw the diamonds, heart racing in excitement. They were truly breathtaking; unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

‘Think it’s time to thank me, don’t you?’, the man let the door fall shut, his arms wrapped around your waist while his chin was resting on your shoulder. ‘Get off me’, a cold reply now you knew where the diamonds are. ‘Huh?’, he smirked while tightening his grip, ‘Don’t tell me you tricked me, because that wouldn’t be nice’, his hand now traveling to your breasts, ‘A pretty girl like you sure knows her place, right? She knows how fast a governor could spread a little lie to ruin her life’.

Was he seriously threatening you? This was getting funnier by the minute.

‘Do we really need to do th-‘, ‘I know who you are’, his nose digging into your hair as he took in your scent, ‘Y/N L/N, running from the law since you were a kid. I mean, can’t blame you when you grow up in a dump’. ‘H-how do you-‘. ‘There’s this really nice kid who can predict the future with her nen-abilities. Dad’s an asshole, but for a good price, he sells her predictions’.

‘What stops me from killing you?’, your aura growing bigger by the second. ‘What was his name again? Oh right, Phinks’, the man chuckled, ‘Wouldn’t want him to get in trouble now, would we? I don’t ask much’, his fingers softly pushed the strip of your dress from your shoulder, ‘Just a quick fuck, and I’ll let you go’.

Phinks? How did he know Phinks’ name?

‘See? Even a criminal like you knows when to listen’, his hot breath sent shivers down your spine as he slowly opened the back of your dress.

A nauseous, suffocating feeling took over your senses. If there was even the tiniest chance that he could hurt Phinks��

‘Those clothes didn’t fit you anyway. Way too elegant for a low-life like y-‘.

With a loud bang, the secured door flew open. Relief rushed over your body when you saw Phinks standing in the door frame. For once, you were happy to see the throbbing vein on his temple, along with his wicked grin.

‘Thought you could handle things yourself?’. ‘He knows who we are’, you quickly readjusted your dress, ‘Some girl can predict the future. They knew we were coming’. ‘Are those fake?’, the blonde nodded towards the diamonds, ‘And I suggest you’re honest if you want to keep some of your limbs’.

‘N-no please, I-I won’t tell anything’, the man quickly raised his hands. ‘I don’t care’, Phinks took hold of his collar, ‘You touched her’.

---

‘At least we got the diamonds’, Phinks took off his shirt. ‘Hm’, you replied while biting on the inside of your lip.

Phinks’ brows drew together at your response. You’d been absent-minded ever since you entered the car back to the hotel.

‘You okay?’, the blonde looked into the bathroom. ‘Yeah, it’s nice we got them’, you sighed while putting your hair in a messy bun.

He decided he wasn’t going to reply or to correct you, not until you laid down next to him. Maybe you were just tired.

‘Night’, you laid down on your side, back facing towards him.

‘Did he hurt you?’, Phinks clenched his jaw at the thought, his hands resting underneath his head while staring at the ceiling. ‘What? You don’t think I can handle someone like him? You think I’m that weak?’, you snapped back.

‘Yes or no’.

You lowered your eyes, your heart sinking into your stomach. He didn’t actually hurt you, and you were probably just overreacting … but the venomous words he whispered into your ear as he forced himself onto you kept replaying themselves in your head.

‘No’, you closed your eyes.

You froze when you felt his arm wrap around your waist as he pulled you closer to him.

‘Hate liars’, his chin rested on top of your head.

What was happening? Why did you start to shake? Why did your eyes start to sting?

‘Huh?’, Phinks’ eyes flew open as he heard your sobs, ‘Y/N?’.

‘I’m a bad person, right? I’ve killed people, I like to hurt them, I like to steal things… I’m just a waste of space’.

What could he tell you? What did you want to hear? Of course, you're a bad person, at least in the eyes of most.

‘Maybe to some, but not to me. I don’t think you’re a bad person. I think you do everything for the people you care about, even if that means stealing or killing others’. ‘S-shut up’, you smiled with tears in your eyes, ‘You’re just as bad’.

‘Maybe’.

You slowly turned around, your hands resting against his toned chest.

'You looked cute in my shirt today' Phinks gently brushed through your hair. 'Please', you almost whispered. 'What?', he frowned at the lack of context. 'One more night before pretending we never-'.

The blonde cut off your sentence with a kiss. You didn't need to repeat yourself. Phinks was aching for the warmth of your body.

'Not going to hold back tonight', he whispered in between kisses, 'Not going to be careful'. ‘Don’t want you to’.

Within seconds, Phinks had your face pushed into the matress, pushing you further off the edge with every thrust.

‘F-fuck you drive me crazy’, he tightened his grip around your hair, ‘Wanted to fuck you like this yesterday too’, heavy breaths left his lungs, ‘Been thinking about it ever since’.

It sure was different from the other night, better in some ways.

‘Let me see those pretty eyes’, Phinks swiftly turned you around, ‘Don’t care if you come, or if you’re tired… So don’t bother to tell me, just want you to be a good girl and let me use you for once’.

He placed a gentle kiss on your temple before wrapping his hand around your throat.

‘And don’t worry, princess, the night isn’t over after this’.

---

‘Good job’, Chrollo smiled when you threw the bag of diamonds at his feet, ‘Think it’s time for us to leave this town. I’ll see everyone back home in a couple of days, think it’s best if we move in separate groups’.

You nodded in agreement before walking over to the girls.

‘Lovebirds’, Feitan mischievously looked at Phinks. ‘What did you say?’, Phinks immediately raised his voice. ‘Don’t try to deny it’, Shalnark smugly responded, ‘Or did you think we wouldn’t notice those?’. ‘What?’, Phinks gritted his teeth. ‘These’, Shalnark pointed towards the dark spots on his neck.

Phinks’ mind started to replay the memories of last night. A smile on his face when he thought about the way you wrapped around him as he pushed you against the wall. God, his hand fitted perfectly around your neck-

‘Lovebirds’, Feitan repeated himself when he saw the smile on the blonde’s face. ‘Shut up, Fei!’, Phinks raised his voice, quickly grabbing one of the loose stones in the abandoned building. ‘Run, Fei!’, Shalnark yelled after the dark-haired man as he watched Phinks run after him. ‘Lovebirds, lovebirds, lovebirds’, Feitan childishly repeated himself with the mischievous smile still on his face.

‘H-huh?’, you tilted your head, ‘Wonder what they’re fighting about now’.

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omgkalyppso · 8 months

Text

Uncommon Questions for Étoile

from here

What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Six years. fajshgfkjdah Am I exaggerating? Elves are long-lived, Étoile has had to sit through long winters, lessons from their mothers, and their Paladin training. They're fine to meditate or wait.

2. How easy is it for your character to laugh?

Étoile smiles really easily but much more rarely laughs. Étoile is very elf-y — and not exactly reserved, but in a moment where everyone else might be roaring with laughter, they'd only have a small chuckle. They might one day be better at big laughs, after living in cities / among large groups for longer, but even as long as they've been away from home, the awkwardness of having a big laugh echo through the mountain is kind of stuck with them.

3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)

I think part of their nightly ritual is to look at the sky, whether cloud-covered or clear, to think of loved ones, and then to spend their time sitting up trying to relax their tension and maintain their posture as they find their trance and reverie.

4. How easy is it to earn their trust?

They'll give most people the benefit of the doubt except in exceptional circumstances, but if they feel their trust has been broken or abused it is very hard to restore it.

5. How easy is it to earn their mistrust?

Declarations of whole peoples, cultures or other groups as 'evil' puts a strain on Étoile's ability to trust someone, even when accounting for their biases. Also, they're forgiving of people who don't share full personal truths upon meeting, but how they handle their previous obfuscation if it becomes revealed is another way to earn their mistrust.

6. Do they consider laws flexible, or immovable?

Oh, flexible, absolutely.

7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?

Finding friendship and family and brotherhood with, or even just offering dignity to, those that average person in Faerûn would consider monstrous. They do.

8. What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child?

"Stop leaning on things, stand up straight." I hate the b/g3 hunch Étoile has when they sit in chairs. But with that in mind, I think they hunch and lean and slouch because they want to be of-a-height with most people they talk to, and their mothers wanted them to be more healthy / economical with how they did that.

9. Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?

They do swear, but only rarely. Probably not, but maybe when Étoile was bored at eight years old and realizing that other children have the regular company of other children, they called tending to the temple of Auril "fucking boring," and were assigned extra memorizations and alchemical lessons to take up time if they had time to be bored.

10. What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?

Well-meaning monster hunters, adventurers, people who imagined themselves heroes, would have worked many times in Étoile's youth to ask if they'd seen anything unusual (ritualistic, lycanthropic, etc.) on their mountain. Étoile lied to righteous people, but learned not to see them as innocent very young. Their mothers chose them and they chose their mothers, over and over again. Bones are scattered in Auril's frozen wastes and gather at the shores of her icy rivers. Étoile's sympathies are stilted, they are very much not haunted by the fates of these people.

11. How do they cope with confusion (seek clarification, pretend they understand, etc)?

Seek clarification. The funniest version of this to me is still Astarion thinking he's being clear as crystal saying he wants a little fun. From my fic (written during early access) :

“All I want is a little fun,” Astarion insisted. “Is that so much to ask?” Étoile’s lips parted slightly, teeth still together, their expression mostly unchanged, so their joy gave way to wonder, and suspicion. They knew what they hoped Astarion’s supposition meant, but there were so much to be said about vampires, some had even been true. Moreover, Étoile worried they had made assumptions about Astarion’s outrage from before, where he had admitted to being twisted beyond his control into torturing himself and others — as that would surely change anyone. Perhaps he missed pain, and it wouldn’t do to just agree to trying to indulge Astarion’s sense of fun, in case it turned out bleak or destructive. But neither did Étoile mean to accuse him. Perhaps Astarion simply missed a good riddle? Their tongue felt swollen in their mouth, and speaking risked breaking them into an even wider smile. Calm as they could, they managed to ask, “And what’s your idea of ‘a little fun?’”

12. How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?

Suffer. hfdfjhgfkhg Wait for it to pass.

13. What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color?

I haven't seen them in very many colors. I'll presume they think all the blue they wear suits them. I think they're not wrong but that more bright reds wouldn't hurt.

14. What animal do they fear most?

According to b/g3 canon it's a kraken and that was so funny and unexpected I'm keeping it.

15. How do they speak? Is what they say usually thought of on the spot, or do they rehearse it in their mind first?

I think it would have once shocked Astarion that Étoile only uses their present judgment to decide what should or should not be said, and doesn't rehearse any of what they have to say; but knowing them that it suits the rest of their conduct. However, it is something Étoile will have to learn to build or maintain alliances in post-canon, even with their generally intuitive conduct.

16. What makes their stomach turn?

A lot of things that I don't want to put in this post.

17. Are they easily embarrassed?

In sexual situations, no. In general, yes.

18. What embarrasses them?

When people frame their decisions as stupid decisions, lack of physical coordination, their age (too old? too young? signs of aging, etc.), their weird youth.

19. What is their favorite number?

Twenty.

20. If they were asked to explain the difference between romantic and platonic or familial love, how would they do so?

Étoile's strongest expressions of platonic love can vary from wanting to see a friend succeed and be merry and still feeling open to evolution to a different kind of love; to wanting to be in that friend's life forever more, wanting to share everything from discussions of romantic partners to financial burdens and (dark?) ambitions, cemented as friends through anything.

Étoile's strongest expressions of familial love is a hierarchy of loyalty. No one could ever be prioritized for them before their mother, but if Lae'zel needed them across the planes or if Shadowheart needed a temporary home or if Isobel needed a reintroduction to modern custom, Étoile would be eternally available with a full heart.

Étoile would have a harder time describing what romantic love is to them. Astarion is their first partner that they hope will be a long-term partner (unsaid, for fear of upsetting a balance: a life-time partner). Halsin is their first partner to ever use the word love so quickly, and a lot of Halsin's conduct took them by surprise. Étoile does love them both, and it's much more comfortable than they'd been expecting, even with previous non-monogamous relationships they'd been in. There's a lot of encouragement and support, and expressions of the value of a moment, and the value of change, that keeps Étoile balanced in how they would figure into any other permanent or temporary arrangements that either Halsin or Astarion would want to pursue, and how they can keep any doors between them from closing permanently even if their lives end up not fitting together for years or centuries, as is the case with elves (and vampires, Astarion supposes).

21. Why do they get up in the morning?

To save themself! To save others! To try to do good in the world! To one day return home feeling worthy of having left in the first place.

22. How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)?

Aloof. Pouty. Irritable.

23. How does envy manifest itself in them (they take what they want, they become resentful, etc)?

Étoile's probably mostly good humored about envy. It becomes admiration and adoration for the most part. Although if they're already driven to the edge of their nerves, it might make them manic and bitter.

24. Is sex something that they’re comfortable speaking about? To whom?

Yes. Partners, friends, adults. They are capable of mature, sensible and sensual conversations.

25. What are their thoughts on marriage?

Étoile recognizes it as a way for people to celebrate their unions and their gods, to ensure protection of children and property. They've known people who've done everything to run from a marriage, and people whose marriages have not been recognized, marriages that have fallen apart or estranged. It is to them, ultimately, just another expression of a relationship that requires more observation to be understood outside the label it provides. They would hope to one day be married.

26. What is their preferred mode of transportation?

By horse and cart on a clear road, but otherwise on their own two feet is fine.

27. What causes them to feel dread?

Loss of autonomy.

28. Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth?

It depends on the circumstance. Usually no, sometimes yes.

29. Do they usually live up to their own ideals?

Usually yes, but when they fail it affects many more people than when they live up to their ideals.

30. Who do they most regret meeting?

The people they hate most shaped their life in positive ways. So instead they'll say Aradin.

31. Who are they the most glad to have met?

Oh, speaking of which. Their guardian.

32. Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke?

They do but it's spoilers for the mutuals.

33. Could they be considered lazy?

I do not think so.

34. How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt?

Nearly impossible.

35. How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive?

Generally yes, but they have weird friends so sometimes they need to be a voice of reason.

36. Do they actively seek romance, or do they wait for it to fall into their lap?

Generally actively seek, though they didn't have to do this for the events of b/g3, people kept shooting their shot.

37. Do they have a system for remembering names, long lists of numbers, things that need to go in a certain order (like anagrams, putting things to melodies, etc)?

Not really. Not more than associating the name or thing they need to remember with the place or memory of when it was taught to them. They remember the elven pantheon because they were in a library facing the north windows of their Paladin order's initiate hall when they read and reread the names of deities that their drow mother wouldn't even speak.

38. What memory do they revisit the most often?

A bad memory: Their Guardian insisting they needed to learn to use their illithid powers in order to save them both / defeat an undefined threat.

Another bad memory: It's a secret. LOL.

A good memory: The first time their inherent high elf cantrip, Ray of Frost, manifested when they were about seven. It would have been exciting regardless, but their mothers, both worshippers of Auril, the Frostmaiden, were especially delighted.

A sad memory: Their drow mother, in the temple of Auril for the first time after their human mother's passing, instead of giving her monthly service for those gathered in attendance, kneeling at the altar and praying in silence. The first time, and the next twelve times afterwards, until most people stopped coming and she felt compelled to speak again of her god with her fellow worshippers.

A happy memory: Astarion not turning them away when they suggested they could have something more serious between them.

A horrible memory: An Act 3 memory not in the ending with Karlach. Cannot say more without spoilers.

39. How easy is it for them to ignore flaws in other people?

Depends on the flaw. Generally they appreciate when people are trying their best.

40. How sensitive are they to their own flaws?

They're aware of their flaws but take suicidal actions anyway. As Raphael would say, 'because they must.'

41. How do they feel about children?

Answered here.

42. How badly do they want to reach their end goal?

They would have died to stop [threat] and they would have given up nearly all else for autonomy.

43. If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so?

Bisexual. I thought I was going to have a big answer for this but I don't.

#long post #oc tag: étoile

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anticipatedexhale · 2 years

Text

I'm Here

Steve Harrington x gn!reader

Summary: after a shitty breakup with your boyfriend, you have your best friend there right by your side.

Warnings: hurt/comfort, breakup, feelings, readers gender not identified but they did have a boyfriend, there will be no part 2.

Another knock on the door interrupted your little crying session, you groaned seeing Steve's stubborn figure in the doorway, although you've told him multiple times you wanted to be alone he wouldn't listen.

"Get up" he said pulling the insane amount of pillows you're hugging away, "Go away" you whined pulling the blanket to cover your head as he turned on the lights.

"i said get up" he repeated, "Yeah well i said go away" you turned your back to him not wanting him to see the mess you're in right now.

Steve huffed, "Come on stop acting like a child and get the fuck out of bed".

"You're really nice you know that?" You replied sarcastically.

"I'm serious" he sighed pulling the blanket away from your head, " you haven't left the house in days, you've been skipping work, and you aren't eating properly you can't keep doing this" he explained.

You knew deep down that he was right but obviously not wanting to admit it, Even though you'd very much rather stay in your room for the rest of your life, you couldn't.

It's only been a week since you found out about the secret relationship going on with your boyfriend and his co-worker he told you not to worry about.

The wound still hurts like hell and you couldn't just ignore it.

You still remember vividly how you found out , how you were so thoughtful to visit him after he cancelled your date for "feeling sit" but you were met with a disgusting sight , you wish to erase it from your memory.

The first person on your mind after that incident was steve, the way you immediately ran to him. You cried your heart out that day in his arms as he slowly caressed your hair.

You still remember how he didn't hesitate to hold you in his arms, while you were shaking and leaving wet tear stains all over his shirt. You couldn't forget the sweet and soft words he'd whisper in your ear how it's not your fault and how it's gonna be all ok.

Since that catastrophic day, you've locked yourself in your room. isolating yourself from everyone and everything.

You slowly sat up on the bed, not noticing the tears streaming down your face until you saw the droplets hitting the sheets beneath you.

You turned to steve whose expression immediately turned worried seeing your pretty face tear stained.

"It hurts steve" you muttered through broken breaths, you felt pathetic at that moment.

"I know it does honey" his sweet voice, his calm sweet voice was all you wanted to hear.

"Come here" he said carefully as he laid beside you covering both of you in the blanket. Arms now wrapped around your waist pulling you closer. He pecked your temple.

"How about we go for a walk a bit, hm? This room is doing you no good" he said with a smile growing on his face.

You smiled back, a smile that made steve Harringtons heart flutter, he missed you so much.

Raising his hand slowly he wiped away the remaining tears you had.

"I'm an idiot, aren't i" you whispered quietly, letting the insecurities inside of you speak louder.

He frowned , you knew steve hated when you talked that way about yourself.

"Hey look at me" you did what he asked seeing how he was already staring at you. "don't you ever talk that way about yourself, it's ok to cry, it's ok to be hurt, don't you ever think your stupid or dumb or whatever just because you're expressing normal emotions."

You sighed, nodding. "I just want to know what i did wrong".

"What the hell are you talking about? Please don't tell me you're blaming yourself for what happened".

"No it's not that" you said averting your eyes away from him, something you did when you'd lie.

"I can't believe this" he sighed, feeling a high amount of anger rushing to him.

"I'll break the mother fucker into pieces the next time i see him".

"Steve!" You yelled pushing him back playfully, he laughed.

"Listen ok? I'm going to tell you something and you're going to listen, what happened...back then... it wasn't your fault don't blame yourself for his scumbag actions, he doesn't deserve you, do you hear me?" .

"But ste-". "No none of that i said you're going to listen until I'm done".

He sighed before continuing, "it's his loss he will never ever find a partner as pretty and caring and lovely as you are".

You didn't notice but Steve had a lump in his throat afraid he'd just exposed all his feelings to you because of his stupid rambling.

It was no secret to anyone...well but you, that Steve Harrington is so utterly in love with you in ways that could never be explained with words.

"Have you eaten?" He asked ,trying his best to change the subject.

Sighing once you shook your head. Fine I'll be back.

After some time he came back with some take out he sat beside you on the bed before getting his spoon filling it with the food he got.

"Say ahhh" he said with a smug grin on his face, you rolled your eyes "i hate you" you said before taking the spoon from him.

"No you don't you loooveeee mee" he said in a teasing tone.

"i may love you but you are still a dork" you said not noticing the way Steve suddenly stopped eating, clearly looking nervous he looked at you eat, choosing that it's better to let you eat in silence.

He hoped you wouldn't hear the way his heart was basically pounding in his chest, he just couldn't express the way you made him so nervous.

"Thank you stevie it was delicious" you said mouth still full from the last bite you took.

He scoffed cheeks burning with a red tint. "yeah your welcome and don't call me that".

"Yeah i know you like it." You rolled your eyes.

"We should really go out" you turned your head at the statement, "yeah i guess you're right." You sighed.

"I know I'm always right" he said playfully, you laughed "Oh shut up".

He immediately noticed the change of atmosphere around you guys, you turned to see you slumped up again frowning.

"Care to tell me what's bothering your pretty head again" he asked.

You sighed "i really don't want to go out I don't think I'm ready, I'm sorry if that annoys you." You explained.

He nodded grabbing the empty food bowl and placing it on the bedside table.

He sat down beside you again, reaching out for your hand caressing your knuckles.

He stared at you with so much love and care you didn't think it was even possible to look at someone that way.

"we can do whatever you want" he said giving you a tiny smile.

Not wanting to cry again, you threw yourself at him burying your face in his chest, adoring the feeling of his scent intoxicating all your senses.

And to Steve you felt like home, you used to hold him with so much care when he had problems now it's your turn.

You pulled back to stare at him after some time,steve looked at you with so much care and fondness it almost took your breath away.

It felt as if a current of electricity just went through your body as his gaze fell to your lips then back up at your eyes.

Steve bought one of his hands to your face, caressing it Slowly, he felt as if his heart was about to explode. You looked so beautiful staring at him, those pretty eyes that would out shadow any stat drove him insane.

He really just wanted to throw all logic into space and kiss you right then and there.

But he knew the consequences of doing so, he didn't want to ruin what you guys already had.

"i- lov- i mean i-" he tried to muster up the courage to tell you the words he's been meaning to forever.

But he just couldn't he was too much of a coward and idiot, it frustrated him how he didn't have the power to say those words to you.

"Steve?" Your sleepy voice snapped him back to reality, "did you say something?" You asked.

He took a deep breath trying not to evaporate at that exact moment, the way your eyes were so puffy hurt him,he wanted to fix this , he wanted to treat you the way you deserved.

"How about we get some sleep mhm? You look tired honey , we are going to have a long day tomorrow" he said with a smile trying to avoid the sadness that was building up in his chest.

You didn't know why you felt dumbfounded at that, you had so many thoughts in your head but all of them left you so confused, why were you dumbfounded? Why were you disappointed?.

You just nodded laying your head back down onto his chest.

Not so long after you were asleep in his arms, you looked so soft, and so at peace, Steve didn't dare to move.

He wanted so badly to confess his feelings and declare proudly to the whole world how he is so in love with you.

But he couldn't, not now at least, you were still dealing with such a heartbreaking end to a relationship he wasn't about to let his feelings get in the way of your healing.

You need a friend, a best friend at this moment not a boyfriend.

Admiring your peaceful sleeping face, he let it slip those three important words out of his mouth. Hoping one day you'll hear them, hoping that he could finally be with you.

But for now, he was content with being the Best friend in the story, and he wouldn't want it any other way for now.

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milkywaydrinker · 2 years

Text

Day 13. Bowling

I hope you wanted more Pauline and Barborah because that's what you're getting. The Worsties <3

"Strike!" The cheery pre-recorded line rang out in the empty space of the Astro Lanes. Most of the lights had been off for hours. It was nearly three am and Barborah’d had a very long day. Anger coursed through her veins as more of an annoying itch than anything else. Still, it was enough of a pain to keep her up at night.

"Strike!"

Barborah smirked. If she kept this up she would match her personal best in no time. The tension began to leave her shoulders as she started to unwind.

"Ugh, you never did grow out of it after all." A gratingly familiar voice from somewhere behind her back almost made her drop the ball. "If you're so into showing off, at least have an audience for it."

"What are you doing here?" She felt a sharp spike in her blood pressure. There went all her relaxation.

"The nights here are so boring." Pauline sighed, her plastic body seated at the small table. "Regrettably, you're the most interesting thing around."

"Get out." She adjusted her grip on the ball.

"Don't be like that." Her joints clicked with each overly dramatic and stiff movement.

"I'm gonna get even worse." With a growl, she threw the ball. She felt her fingers slip just enough to mess up the angle of the spin. The trajectory was just off enough to make the ball knock down all of the pins, except two, on the opposing edges. A split.

"A woman of her word, I'll give you that."

"If you're here only to heckle me-"

"Excuse me, not only for that. How presumptuous of you."

Barborah groaned. She could feel the oncoming headache in her temples. She grabbed her favorite ball and weighed it in her hands: 16 pounds, the only correct weight for a good bowling ball.

"You have no idea how annoying it was to use a lighter ball." Pauline scoffed, "the next body I got after yours was such a downgrade."

She ignored the remark and threw the ball. She had to be very precise to pull off the trick she wanted. Arguably it was more about chance than skill, but she'd been feeling lucky lately.

"Hey, stop ignoring me. I was giving you a compliment!"

The ball hit the pin on the right side of the lane and sent it flying. Perfectly horizontally and into the second pin. What a killer shot. Barborah pumped her fist. She still got it.

"I miss playing together."

If she'd turned her head any faster she would've broken it. The doll sat at the table, her plastic face was unable to express much, but her voice was sad.

"I always thought you hated bowling..."

"Darling, of course, I do hate bowling." She got up and straightened her dress, "but it was our thing.”

“You can’t be serious.” “Something they don’t tell you about possession.” She turned her head to avoid looking directly at the other woman. “You get the full package; muscle memory, addictions, disorders. After enough time they become part of you too.”

“I don’t think I’m following.”

“I got really goddamn good at this game.”

“Ha!” Barborah slapped her knee, a wide grin on her face. “You kept up my hobbies! And for what?”

“Nothing else relaxes you! You dimwit! My shoulders were killing me all the time!”

“That’s funny.” She picked up another ball with a smile. “My shoulders are killing me all the time too.”

#parkvember #dead end paranormal park #pauline phoenix #barborah winslow #my writing #i can't stand them they make me sick (affectionate)

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theostrophywife · 5 months

Note

Mattheo and comfort? like comforting Mattheo?🥺

comfort | mattheo riddle ♡

due to his childhood, mattheo has trouble expressing his feelings.

when he's upset, he has a tendency to fold into himself. it's a defense mechanism to keep himself protected, to guard his heart above all else.

at first, it was hard to deal with matty withdrawing into himself. you often wondered if you said or did something wrong because one second he'd be laughing and joking and the next he'd be completely silent.

but as time went along, you started to pick up on his behavior. you learned how to read mattheo riddle like a book.

when he starts getting dazed and distracted, fiddling with his fingers, tapping his foot or just straight up spacing out, you know that something's bothering him.

one thing about mattheo is that he hates being singled out. he doesn't like it when he's put on the spot. asking him "what's wrong?" was a one way ticket to him shutting down.

so instead you found little ways to let him know you were there.

mattheo's love language is physical touch, so any time you felt him drifting, you'd lean into him, rest your head on his shoulder, intertwine your fingers and kiss his knuckles to convey that you're here and it's safe and when he's ready to talk about it, you'd be more than willing to listen.

if he's having a really bad day, you'd know just by one look. he wouldn't have to say anything before you're enveloping him into a hug, smothering him with as much love and affection as you could.

he would especially love laying on your lap, not saying anything as you brushed through his curls, savoring the silence and comfort your presence provided.

sometimes you'd come into his dorm to find him laying on the rug, earphones tuned in to his favorite smiths album. you'd simply lay down beside him, claim the right earphone, and squeeze his hand because you're there for him, you don't need words, you were more than willing to to just give him space to simply be and he'd love you for it.

when the nightmares come and he wakes up sweating and panting, he'd immediately seek you out. mattheo would want to make sure that you're safe because most of his nightmares are of you falling into danger. it doesn't matter if it's in the middle of the night, you'd simply just wrap your arms around him and hold him as tightly as possible.

"it's alright, matty. it's okay. i'm here. i'm safe. and i love you. nothing can hurt me when you're by my side."

brushing the tear from his cheek, you'd kiss his temple and rock him in your arms. mattheo would listen to your heartbeat, willing it to anchor him back to reality.

it's the sound of comfort. it's the sound of safety. it's the sound of the girl he loves healing every broken part of him and making him feel whole again.

#first of all who gave me the right #mattheo riddle #♡ jess writes: harry potter headcanon;

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aquadestinyswriting · 1 year

Text

Broken Soul

Context: Based off a ttrpg session that actually happened. Some creative liberties have been taken to add a bit more drama, but otherwise the things that happen in this piece were actually roleplayed out.

Summary: The Adventurers have just returned from a mission in the Freezeblood Mountains, and Meredith is off to get a mentor figure who died some days earlier resurrected. Despite the problems facing the few dwarves left within Toreguarde’s walls, she has gone to the Temple of Moradin alone.

Words: 3,332

Warnings: a rather gruesome depiction of a death, depictions of fantasy racism and some problematic behaviour from the equivalent of a police officer. Also, grief and trauma (oh so much trauma)

tags: @druidx, @strosmkai-rum, @homesteadchronicles, @asher-orion-writes, @blind-the-winds, @freedominique

Note: Re-posting this because my writing style has evolved a bit and this needed some editing to fit.

The Dwarven district was eerily quiet as the young dwarf walked through the empty streets. Almost all the shop and forge fronts had been boarded up,the few that were not, looted and pillaged for whatever valuables the former residents had left behind. One or two were still caked in blood from where the Gore Jesters had attacked a few weeks prior. What had once been one of the busiest parts of Toreguarde was now a ghost town. Meredith shivered and pulled the cloak she had been gifted by the elves of Arborea around her body a little tighter, quickening her pace as she strode towards the Temple of Moradin.

Meredith breathed a sigh of relief as she made it to the front door of the large, marble building and rapped hard on the currently closed door. There was the sound of distinctly unhappy grumbling and wood sliding on stone. The door swung in only slightly, revealing the haggard and annoyed face of the temple's high priest. The old dwarf's expression brightened slightly upon seeing the familiar auburn hair and blue eyes of Moradin's latest Inquisitor,

"Och, it's you." He sighed, "Sorry hen, fer a minute I thought ye were one o' those bloody Brotherhood numpties. They've been tryin' to get in to 'have a word' for the last three weeks." The grey-haired cleric opened the door a little wider and ushered Meredith inside, quickly closing the door and replacing the wooden bar across the inside. Meredith looked around the empty vestibule with a frown,

"Everybody else decided they'd had enough?" She asked. Starhammer shook his head,

"I sent most o' them away no' long after you all left with Ghulkari." He explained, running a tired hand down his face and walking through the building to the barroom, "Some of the Guard are still aboot, but seein' as how things are going, I'm of a mind to send them packing and all." Meredith sat heavily on one of the stools at the bar with a weary sigh,

"As much as I hate to admit it… I really don't think that this is something that we can fix." She said, "I ken Elowyn and the others will want to try regardless but…" she trailed off and waved a hand at the otherwise empty room. Starhammer nodded, pouring out two mugs of beer from a barrel sat on a rack behind the bar,

"That's because yer friends are good and decent folk." He reminded the younger dwarf, "Sadly, there's a bit o' a shortage o' people like that around at the moment, even among our own." He pointed out. Meredith took a hold of the tankard and huffed a sigh,

"Aye, I noticed." She mumbled, recalling the plot to poison the Toreguarde Council only weeks before. She looked up at the older dwarf, who had sat down heavily on the stool behind the bar.and was now regarding her a little more critically,

"Well, I rather get the feelin' yer no' just here fer a catchup, lass, so what do ye need?" He asked. Meredith took a swig of the beer in her hands and reached into a pocket,

"Ah… aye." She muttered, pulling out the small, clay container containing what little was left of the priest's old Orcish friend, "Ghulkari met with a bit of an accident." She said, handing the item over the bartop. Starhammer sighed heavily as he took it,

"Silly bugger." He muttered, "What is it with paladins rushing off and getting themselves killed?" Meredith snorted,

"If ye find out the answer, can ye let me ken?" She asked, "Because I've been wonderin' the same thing." Meredith’s face fell into a frustrated frown. She’d lost count of the number of times that Elowyn had almost gotten herself killed lately. Not that she was one to talk.

Starhammer shook his head, downed his pint and gestured for Meredith to follow him. The younger dwarf nodded, took a large gulp of her beer and left the tankard on the bartop. She slid off the stool she was sitting on and followed the priest through a door next to the bar and into a more richly decorated side room.

The pillars were carved with various passages from the Book of Moradin and a beautiful mosaic was inlaid into the marble floor, depicting the Dwarf Father's holy symbol. On a dais near the middle of the room was a large, ironcast anvil, over which a beautiful gold and red silk runner was laid. A huge statue of Moradin stood on a dais at the back of the room, hands resting on the pommel of his hammer, which was placed head down on the floor. Smaller statues of Moradin with his hammer raised above his head stood on either side of the little room. Tucked into a corner, a large iron-bound barrel sat on its side on a rack. A small table with several wooden tankards was placed next to it. Starhammer laid the little pot Meredith had given him on the centre of the anvil and took the lid off, tutting as he looked at the grey and red goop that was within it,

"Ach, ye silly bugger, what did ye go an' piss off now?" He muttered. Meredith shrugged as she walked to the opposite side of the anvil,

"Some extra-planar constructs from what I could tell. He was protectin’ the rest o’ us from their weaponry." She replied, shoving down the memory of what had happened. There would be time enough to process that particular trauma once they got the orc back to the world of the living. Starhammer snorted as he bustled over to the barrel and poured out two mugs of beer from it,

"Well, I can have a yell at the daft idiot when we get him back." He grumbled, walking back over and handing Meredith one of the mugs. The younger cleric took it, watching as Starhammer picked up a hammer from a peg under the tip of the anvil. The high priest looked to Meredith expectantly. The younger dwarf nodded and took a hold of her holy symbol in her free hand. Starhammer gave a satisfied grunt and set about laying out several other items onto the anvil in preparation for the Resurrection Ritual. Meredith bowed her head to begin her prayer, frowning as a low voice whispered in her ear,

“The shadows gather. He belongs to us.” it hissed. A chill ran down her spine. She glanced up briefly at Starhammer, wondering if he’d heard the voice too. The old priest didn’t seem to have noticed that anythingwas amiss. He took a swig of his beer and raised the hammer above his head. Meredith mentally shook her head and closed her eyes to begin her prayer. Not even a moment later, her head jerked up at the sound of strangled choking. Meredith’s eyes widened as she saw Starhammer drop his mug and the hammer, clutching at his throat. The hammer rang sharply as it hit the anvil on its way to the floor. Before the young woman could even move, the older dwarf had fallen to the floor, gurgling.

“Starhammer!” she yelped, dropping her mug and instinctively raising her hands to cast as she finally started to move around to the other side of the anvil. The sight that greeted her on the other side, made Meredith skid to a stop and clap her hands over her mouth. Starhammer’s mouth exuded a bloody foam that still dripped from his lips and onto his beard. The old dwarf’s chest was still and his stomach… Meredith swallowed down the bile that rose up in her throat as she noticed that her mentor’s body had already begun to dissolve. An acrid, acidy smell came from his body as it melted into a stinking, sticky goo. She glanced over to the mug that had clattered to the floor, only barely registering the tiny, black ooze that was even now drinking the beer that had been spilled on the once beautiful marble floor.

“No… nononono…” Meredith moaned, suddenly finding herself kneeling on the floor next to the rapidly dissolving body. She reached out to touch Starhammer’s hand, but quickly withdrew it as skin and muscle slid off the appendage. The young cleric shook as she felt the chill from before creep around her, seeping into her vestments. The shadows created by the glowstones on the walls lengthened until they swallowed almost the entire room. Meredith glanced over to where the shadows hadn’t quite touched Starhammer’s personal Holy Book, the dim light glinting off the metal cover. With shaking hands and rapid breaths, Meredith grabbed the book from the floor and clutched it to her chest. A loud cracking sound resounded above her head. Meredith looked up and launched herself to one side just as the hammer of the nearby statue crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces and cracking the tiles of the mosaic below. Meredith stared at the statue. Cracks lined every surface of the magnificent figure, the features of the Dwarf Father crumbling into dust even as the cleric watched. Meredith’s breath hitched as she reached out for Moradin’s grace. Nothing. Her heart almost stopped its thundering beat. She tried again, gripping onto her holy symbol with one hand, reaching out again. Still nothing. Meredith’s breath shook. She had never been unable to reach her god before. And yet, here she was, suddenly bereft of the connection she had cherished since she was a bright-eyed dwarflet. Choking back a sob, Meredith shakily pulled herself to her feet, trying desperately to ignore the iron that crumbled away from the anvil as she used it to steady herself. The cleric looked up at the largest statue in the room, her eyes brimming and clouding her vision as she noticed that it too was beginning to crumble into nothing more than dust and pebbles. Shaking almost too badly to walk, Meredith somehow managed to find the willpower to leave the little chapel and stumble to the front doors of the temple. All around her the Desecration of what should have been the most Holy site in the area continued unabated, causing Meredith’s heart to shatter. Even Moradin had His limits, she realised as she staggered blearily out onto the street.

The night had drawn in while Meredith had been inside the temple and the streetlamps guttered in the freezing breeze. Meredith leaned against the wall of the temple, clutching to Starhammer’s Holy Book as though it were her only lifeline. A deep chuckle caused the dwarf to look up,

“Well, well. Lookie here lads, looks like the place ain’t completely abandoned after all.” A voice from beneath a deep hood sneered. Meredith shrank back against the wall as she looked around her. Twenty people, most likely humans, had surrounded her. All of them were wearing travel cloaks with deep hoods and had swords sheathed on their hips. The man who had spoken casually placed his hand on the hilt of his sword,

“So who are you then darlin’?” he asked, leaning down, the flash of a sadistic grin only barely visible through the darkness. Meredith took a deep, if somewhat shaky breath, and glared up him,

“Meredith Gruksdottir, Inquisitor o’ Moradin.” she stated as firmly as she could manage, “Now, d'ye mind tellin' me what the Brotherhood is doing, trespassing on sacred ground?” she growled. The human undid the buckle on his sheath and leaned in further,

“I’m the one asking the questions here.” he sneered, “Besides, the place don’t look so sacred to me.” he added, glancing up at the building. Meredith, a swell of righteous anger overtaking her fear, bowled into the human, knocking him over. She a dashed for an opening in the crowd around her, only for the group to crowd together, blocking her escape. Meredith dodged through a pair of legs, only to catch her foot on one of their ankles. Sprawling the the floor with a quiet ‘oof’, Meredith pulled herself up, only to find that she was still surrounded.

“You’re gonna pay for that you little bitch.” the apparent leader growled as he spat onto the ground next to the terrified cleric. Meredith clutched at her holy symbol and prayed desperately,

~Holy Faither, please. I need yer help.~ she begged, reaching out once more for her God’s grace. Her heart lifted as she felt a gentle, if distant, touch within her chest. The humans shielded their eyes as a blinding golden light suddenly lit up the darkness,

“Niek, I can’t see!”

“What the hells?!”

Meredith looked up as something wet touched her cheek. A golden coloured dog stood beside the dwarf, wagging its tail and nudging at her with its snout. Meredith reached out and patted the creature,

“Good boy. Go and find Elowyn and let her ken I’m in big trouble.” she told the dog. The celestial canine barked, nodded and raced off towards the east, while Meredith took the opportunity to run through the distracted crowd of humans and dashed off towards the north.

“Don’t just stand there gawking! After her!” the group’s leader yelled somewhere behind the terrified dwarf. Meredith forced herself to run faster. The more distance she put between herself and her assailants, the better. She glanced behind her to see how far behind they were, only to run straight into the side of a horse. She bounced off the creature and fell onto her bottom with a sight ‘oof’.

“Whoah there, boy. Easy.” the human on the horse’s back muttered as he regained control of his mount, who was not all that happy about having a dwarf run right into his flank. The watch officer peered down at Meredith, who was in the middle of standing as he regained control,

“What’re you in such a rush for then?” he asked nonchalantly, “And what’re you doing out here all alone?” Meredith glanced behind her, hearing the jeers of the Brotherhood members slowly catching up,

“I’m so sorry officer, but please. I need yer help.” she said, “There’s- ” The officer held up a hand and looked down the street in the direction the dwarf had come from. He gestured for Meredith to stay where she was as the group of men that had chased her from the Temple of Moradin finally caught up. The leader threw back his hood, revealing a young human man with dirty blonde hair and a goatee. He smiled,

“Good evenin’ officer.” he greeted with a bob of his head, “Fine night isn’t it?” The officer looked down his nose at the other human,

“It is indeed a fine night.” he agreed slowly, “Care to tell me what’s going on here?” he asked. Meredith glared at the cloaked human,

“They’ve been chasin’ me from the Temple o’...” she trailed off as she realised that the watch officer wasn’t even paying any attention to her and was patiently waiting for a reply from the leader of the other humans. The blonde-haired man smiled,

“Just doin’ a bit of bounty hunting, sir.” he replied cheerily, “That there half-pint has a real pretty price on her head. We’d appreciate it if you ‘anded her over.” The watch officer snorted, somewhat derisively,

“And what makes you think I will?” he asked, raising an expectant eyebrow at the younger man. Meredith looked between the two human men, her heart beginning to skip at the tone the officer was using. Surely he wouldn’t? The gang leader reached into an inside pocket of his cloak and pulled out a large coinpurse, holding it out to the watchman,

“Tell you what officer. Consider this a good faith gesture on behalf of the Brotherhood of Cleaving.” he said lightly, “‘And over the half-pint now and I’ll put in a word so’s you can get a cut off the profits.'' The blonde-haired human tossed the coinpurse to the watchman, who caught it easily and placed it inside his own cloak. Meredith, who had been slowly backing off during the exchange, turned to start running. The click of a crossbow made her freeze,

“I didn’t say you were free to leave.” the watchman stated irritably. Shaking with combined anger, grief and shock, Meredith turned and glared at the man,

“Try and stop me.” she spat, running pell-mell up the street to who knew where at this point. She flinched slightly as a crossbow bolt whistled past her ear and heard the shrill shriek of the watch officer’s whistle. She heard the man bellow something, but couldn’t tell exactly what he was saying as she skittered around a corner.

All around the dwarf, shutters and doors were slammed shut as she ran past houses and hovels alike. Hot, angry tears blinded her as Meredith carried on running. Her only hope at this point was to try and lose her pursuers so she could gather her bearings and head towards the Shield, or Acacia Avenue. Watchhouse Eight was too far, and she couldn't trust the officers in the local watchhouse. Not that she knew where it was anyway. The cleric practically threw herself down an alley, stumbling over a sleeping drunkard, who merely shouted ‘Oi!’ at her before the lone dwarf disappeared out of his sight.

Meredith looked desperately around her. Hide. She needed to hide. But where? Eventually she noticed the shadow of trees and brambles out of the corner of her eye. Without thinking, Meredith barrelled into the brambles, ignoring the cuts and scrapes on her face and hands as she squirmed through them, desperately trying to make sure she couldn't be seen. Meredith gasped as she came through the other side of the bramble bush, only to find a large tree blocking her path. Exhausted, cold and terrified. Meredith collapsed against the trunk, trembling and hiccoughing, clutching her Holy Symbol. She muttered a desperate prayer, pleading for divine aid from whichever god or gods happened to be listening. A loud creak caused Meredith to flinch away from the tree, her heart racing even faster. Slowly a face materialised in the bark, looking impassively at the terrified dwarf,

“To whom do you pray, child of Throff?” a deep, resonant voice asked. Meredith took several shaky breaths before she was able to find her voice,

“T-to whoever’s listening at this point honestly.” she muttered, grimacing as she realised that her connection to Moradin had faded once more. Had He simply given up on her? The face regarded her critically,

“This is the Grove of Obad-Hai, dwarf.” it stated, “Who are you and why have you come here?” Meredith sniffled as she glanced through the brambles. Angry voices shouted from the street, getting closer with every second. The cleric froze, terror gripping her and making her voice catch in her throat,

“M-Meredith Gruksd-dottir, In-Inquisitor o-of Moradin.'' She replied haltingly, “I-I’m seekin’ refuge f-from a group o’ humans who want t-to-” she broke off with a terrified sob, grasping Starhammer’s Holy Book so tightly that it cut into her hands. The stern face softened and nodded. Slowly, the brambles knitted more closely together, sealing off the area around the tree entirely from the outside,

“Obad-Hai has seen fit to grant you refuge Daughter of Moradin.” the voice stated, “Come, we would speak with you inside.” Meredith watched, still shaking as the face vanished to be replaced by an opening. She winced at the lance of pain in her palms, slowly releasing her hold from Starhammer’s book. The voices outside the grove sped past, trailing off towards the east. Meredith wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her vestments and forced herself to stand. Her legs threatened to buckle underneath her, but she grit her teeth and willed herself down into the tunnel that had appeared before her. There would be time to collapse into a heap once she was completely safe. For now, all she could do was wait, and hope that the Celestial dog she had summoned would be able to lead her friends to her

#writing #aquadestinyswriting #fangthanes folly and the anvils fall #titan fighting fantasy #meredith gruksdottir #character death tw #death tw #body horror tw #fantasy police violence #grief tw #fantasy racism tw #ttrpg fiction

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