#another chance
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I really like you. I wasn’t looking for anyone, to be honest. You were just my friend, but somewhere down the line, i realised that nobody gets me like you do. You understand me. You find my lame jokes funny. You have the same choices as mine. With you, i don’t have to explain myself. With you, i don’t have to be someone i am not.
You are my ideal person. You are the right amount of caring and mature. You match my crazy. You are an early riser and I sleep late, but i love how i wake up to cute good morning wishes. You make my day. You make me happy, but i can’t be with you. I'm afraid of the idea of falling in love again. The last time i fell in love, i fell hard. All it left me with was a broken heart and a lot of sleepless nights.
The thing is, i am not ready. I'm not ready to give my heart to someone. It took me so long to be okay, and the fear is what holds me back. So, even though i know that what we have is perfect, i am too scared to take a chance. I'm too scared to give love another chance.
#quotes#feelings#personal#love#emotions#thoughtful#wise words#romantic quotes#love quotes#another chance#in love#falling in love#about love#facts#scared#you are my soulmate#you are my person
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chapter 6
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masterlist
2k words
It's been a week and you still haven't messaged Ushijima. What would you say anyway; 'sorry for ditching you. That was your son btw<3'. Deciding not to worry about that you moved on with your day.
Today you were getting ready to go meet Sakusa at a small restaurant that just opened in Tokyo. It had Miya in the name. Not a good sign. But he swore it was good, and it was the man's first branch of the restaurant. What you didn't realize though was that Sakusa lived in Osaka and took a 3 hour bullet train to meet you just for lunch. He definitely thinks this is a date…You weren't looking for a relationship right now. You were content with your life. Just you and Isa… and maybe a cat in the near future. You left the apartment and began walking the busy streets to Onigiri Miya.
Walking into the restaurant you immediately scolded him for not telling you till after he was already on the train about how far he lived. He laughed and said, "did you think Tokyo had two volleyball teams," his smirk seemed a bit condescending, but when you looked away embarrassed he returned to his resting face. "Okay but seriously I'm here to see my cousin. He's here for a bit so I thought I'd visit him," His usual cold demeanor had a lighter tone to it when talking about his cousin. Cute.
Once the two of you sat down you finally took in the restaurant. It was very cozy and it seems that Sakusa took the only Kotatsu (heated table) in the restaurant. There were cute red and black cushions the two of you sat on and it seemed like there were no real chair spots in the restaurant. It was cozy like the countryside you were used to. It reminds you of home. Reminds you of sitting in Waka's lap after practice to get some hayashi rice- stop thinking about him. You gently hit your head again and Sakusa scrunched his eyebrows looking at you.
"Sorry, habit," you said. Smiling lightly at the man. He was much more handsome when there weren't tears in your eyes. He was pale, and his hair looked quite soft. Much different from Ushijima. Ushijima was always tanned from being outside, either playing volleyball or gardening. He always looked so handsome in the summer when his tan would finally set. He'd really be glowing, but his hair was always cut short so it wasn't that soft. He also washed it everyday because of sweat, ew.
"Do you like Onigiri?" Sakusa asked.
"huh," you said. What's with you daydreaming more about Ushijima, he doesn't mean anything to you anymore.
"I asked if you liked Onigiri," Sakusa said. He leaned a bit closer to you and he had the cutest pout on his face. Yeah you could get used to this.
Leaning in a bit more you finally responded, "of course I do. It's Isamu's favorite food. I'll have to take him here someday," you said looking around the mostly wooden interior.
"has he lived in Tokyo his whole life?" Sakusa's eyebrow lifted up at that question pushing his two perfect moles together.
"Yeah, never gone back to Miyagi, but we like it here," You said, but Sakusa could tell it was like you were trying to convince yourself of the fact. There was something about the way you said it that screamed 'I wish I never had to leave home'.
He looked your face up and down seeing that you got lost in your thoughts again. He turned over to see Osamu making his way over to their table. Perfect timing. You looked up to see an Atsumu look alike. Oh right, their twins. Osamu looks much different. He probably changed the most out of anyone. His arms looked softer in his fitted black shirt, but it was obvious he still was strong. He had a bit of a belly now, but you're glad to see he was eating well. "Is there anything I can get started for ya?" The now black haired Miya asked you.
"I'll take the chef's special," you said.
"good choice because i'm the chef!" You couldn't deny that the Miya twins still had their cute charms. He seems to be genuinely enjoying his job. You remember he always looked depressed during games, and now there was a huge smile gracing his face. "What about ya omi?"
"My usual please," Sakusa said, like he couldn't believe Osamu was even asking him. He must have visited the one in Osaka a lot for him to already know his order. With that Osamu left and returned to the kitchen. You took the time to admire how straightforward Sakusa was, yet he still had manners. Like a better Wakatoshi. You really need to stop comparing everyone to him. Sighing you snuggling into the Kotatsu, and turn towards Sakusa. "What are you thinking about," Sakusa asked.
"nothing-"
" Ushijima? I saw your son talking to him at the game. Don't worry, I think he's to stupid to realize that's his son," Sakusa said, as if he was reading your mind. Nevermind, you don't like the straightforwardness. He had no reason to be in your business right now.
"hey don't talk about him like that," you responded genuinely angry, "but yeah I am. How do you know Isamu is his kid anyway," You asked, as much as you don't want Sakusa in your business you were curious.
"well, i'm not dumb like everyone else," he started but immediately switched up after seeing you agitated face, "after you left Ushijima asked everyone if they knew where you were, i stalked you for a bit, and one of your friend's posted Isa for his 1st birthday and i thought wow that kid's a mini Ushijima, and then I did the math and realized… that was a mini Ushijima. I never told him that I knew where you were," He said finishing his story, but it didn't seem like the whole truth. Trying to comprehend everything just said you couldn't help, but stay stuck on the 'he asked everyone if they knew where you were'.
Trying to muster up the courage you asked, "he was looking for me," don't cry y/n now isn't the time.
"Yeah, but I think he gave up pretty fast," at which Sakusa looked away from you for the first time and he shrugged his shoulders. A part of you found it hard to believe that Ushijima gave up so fast. When he had a goal he would see it though, but then the other half of you said that you could never trust him. You weren't his number one priority. Why would he try so hard?
At this Osamu came out of the kitchen holding two large plates. Definitely more than you ordered.
"Here ya go! Made some extra fer the little one," He quickly left after placing the plates down.
Snapping your head quickly to Sakusa you immediately questioned him, " did you tell him I had a son?" You were pissed. Why would he do that? He's really getting on your last nerve, maybe he isn't as nice as you thought he was.
" I didn't," he responded just as quickly, "maybe you should think about his idiotic brother that talked to your son at the game," You hate that he was right. He scoffed and continued, "not everyone is out to hurt you, y/n,". He was right. Not everyone is, but you have just been so on edge ever since leaving. The more time that passes the worse the consequences will get. You know, but it's too late now. Biting into you Onigiri you couldn't help but let out a sigh of happiness. You could cry over the Onigiri. It was perfect. Osamu must be magic because there is no reason for it to be this good. "It's good, right?" He asked, smiling a bit with his mouth full of food. You couldn't help but nod enthusiastically. Way more than good. You cannot wait to bring Isa here.
After the two of you enjoyed your meal you began to walk aimlessly down the street. There were so many shops and restaurants on this side of town. You wish you had more spending cash, so you and Isamu could go on more adventures like this. One's where you could get him more things that he wants, not just the necessities. You feel out of place. You can't afford any of this stuff. In your peripherals you could see Sakusa glancing at you every once in a while. He kept walking closer to you and his hand would brush yours. Eventually his right pinky hooked to the front of your left hand, but before he could move any further you heard someone yell your name. You knew it could be from no other than a fiery redhead. Before you could turn around someone was launching themselves at you back and latched on. A deep voice followed soon after telling the redhead to get off of you.
"y/n!" he shouted again. Completely ignoring Sakusa like he was a fly he just needed to swat away.
"Satori! omg your hair. Where did it go," He giggled at your reaction.
Putting a hand to his buzzed hair he said "ita kinda fell off," a small smirk present on his face.
"I thought you said you buzzed it?" Ushijima asked, clearly not understanding the joke.
Sakusa pushed Satori a bit and said, "hey, i'm still here," Satori had made a face at his intrusion, and Sakusa continued when he saw Ushijima standing there. He bowed and said, "ushijima," his voice got deeper when he said his name.
Ushijima did the same and the two six foot men glared at each other between you and Satori. "oh tennssionnn," Satori said, rolling his eyes and sucking in a breath between his teeth. Pushing Sakusa out of the way much harder than Sakusa did him he walked closer to you and explained how much he missed you. "Miracle boy and I spent years looking for you, why did you leave," Ushijima clearly hadn't told him the full story of your relationship.
"oh, Sakusa told me Ushijima gave up pretty quickly," Oh how wrong you were. You could tell by Ushijima scrunching his nose and the front of his eyebrows pointing down in anger. Satori too side eye'd Sakusa in anger. Grabbing your left shoulder, Satori lightly led you to start walking with him. "You know men, and all their lying, can't ever get a full story from them, huh. That's why I'm here. I knew there was a reason I needed to return from Paris," Satori said, looking off into the sky. Like he was much wiser than he actually was.
"you moved to Pari-" before you could finish, Satori shushed you and looked back up at the sky.
" Ushijima and I trekked a long way, metaphorically of course, after you left Ushijima spent every waking day morning you. He'd sleep at your parents house, and at one point he got on his knees to beg them to tell him where you were," Satori continued his dramatic story. If you were alone you wouldn't be able to tell if he was serious or if it was for effects, but you can see Ushijima watching the ground embarrassed and Sakusa rolling his eyes waiting for any moment to jump in. "Eventually I forced him to continue practicing to get his mind off things, and if he ran into you. You guys were destined…Now we must go. I've said too much" He grabbed Ushijima's forearm and dragged him away waving aggressively at the two of you. Sakusa's hands were now in his pockets, and he looked ready to cuss out Satori at any moment. Looking back in front of you you pulled out your phone to check the time and see if you had any messages. Not mentally prepared to indulge in all the information you were just given.
"you kno-" Sakusa had started.
"shit I need to pick up Isamu," You said, eyes widened at how little time you still have until his school ends. "bye Sakusa," you said while running the other direction.
tags: @mineta-phobic @rukia-uchiha-98 @ssc7514 @megumuro
thoughts? ALSL TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE DAY IM ON A ROLL (i actually wanna get to the fluff so badly)
#haikyuu#haikyuu x reader#haikyuu!!#haikyuu fluff#ushijima x reader#ushijima wakatoshi#haikyuu angst#kiyoomi sakusa#haikyuu sakusa#sakusa kiyoomi#sakusa x reader#ushijima headcanons#ushijima imagine#ushijima fluff#ushijima fic#wakatoshi x reader#wakatoshi fluff#ushijima angst#another chance
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#motivation#motivate daily#you can do it#you can do this#self help#self love#love yourself#positive thoughts#love life#zanna keithley#another chance#one year change#want to change#change myself#positivethinking#stay positive#positive change
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Another Chance (Astarion x Tav/OC, BG3 Fanfic, 18+, Part 2 of 2)
Summary, Author's Notes, and Part 1 is here.
Tags: Gale x OC, Astarion x OC, angst, tragedy in the beginning, time skip, post-game content, friends to lovers, porn with feelings, prone bone, other positions probably
Word Count: 4886
AO3 link is here, darling.
——————–
Chapter 2 - A New Beginning
Forty-Five Years Ago
Astarion stared up at Sharess’ Caress, building up the willpower to enter. It had been five years since he had been here, searching for clues about a murder. Five years since Sorn and Nym had offered their services to Phaedra as a reward for solving the murder of their coworker. She had politely declined, holding Gale’s hand when he had balked at the idea.
Five years since he had taken the reward instead, to see if he could enjoy carnal delights now that Cazador was dead, his revenge taken with gusto.
He had not enjoyed the night, although it wasn’t the fault of either drow. Instead, he had felt empty inside, his mind wandering while his body went through the motions, pleasuring his fellow elves with his uncanny instinct for debauchery and sinful delight.
When they were done, Sorn and Nym both thanked him for the experience, and told him they would welcome him back at any time.
He hadn’t come back. Until now.
Nym greeted him cheerfully when he entered, but upon seeing his expression, she frowned. “Perhaps you are looking for something else,” she said, taking him to a table. “A drink perhaps. A time to talk.”
Eventually he agreed to go upstairs, and in the darkness, his mind elsewhere, he murmured her name.
Nym paused. “You miss her, don’t you.”
Astarion pulled back. “Oh, I…” He let out a wry huff. “I’ve never made the mistake of calling someone else’s name before,” he confessed. “What’s wrong with me?”
He had expected her to laugh. He hadn’t expected her to hug him.
“You miss someone you love,” she told him. “And you came to me, hoping to fill that void, did you not? We are both drow, after all.”
He let her hug him, the platonic physical touch of another providing him some semblance of comfort. “You remember her?”
Nym’s peals of laughter were light and soothing, like the soft sounds of a windchime. “Who wouldn’t? Sorn and I were so disappointed that she didn’t take the reward. She was beautiful. If she had wanted to be our queen, we would have gladly become her subjects.”
Astarion chuckled. “You’re right. She is beautiful.”
“You sound like you just saw her.”
He shrugged. “Only in my reveries.”
Nym hugged him tighter. “Do you wish to lose yourself in me, while you imagine her? I won’t fault you for doing so.”
He swallowed. “It… feels wrong, if I do that.”
She kissed his forehead. “Do you want to just be held for the rest of the night?”
“That… that would be nice.”
After a while, she asked quietly, “What brought you back? You don’t have to answer.”
He was silent for a few minutes, but he finally replied. “She sent me a letter.”
“Oh?”
“It was just a letter. Saying how she’s been, how much she’s been doing in Waterdeep. Asking about me. Quite mundane. And yet…”
“And yet?”
“I just… missed her, is all.”
Nym gently stroked his arm and back. “Sometimes, just simple physical touch, when you haven’t had it in a while, can help ease that loneliness.”
“Hmm.”
“It also can reduce stress and depression.”
“You sound more like a healer right now.”
She laughed. “Sex can be therapeutic, you know. I’ve helped more than a few customers find new ways to heal themselves.” In the dark, she touched his face gently. “It seems like you just need someone to hold you for a while.”
“Perhaps.” He nestled his head into the crook of her neck and melted into her arms. “I will say, this is rather pleasant.”
“Yes, it is.”
For the next four and a half decades, Astarion would become a semi-regular at Sharess’ Caress, but not for lascivious reasons.
He came because he wanted to be held for a few hours and forget the world.
***
Walking along the streets at night after a particularly eventful raid of a Zhentarim heist, Phaedra and Astarion passed by Sorcerous Sundries, the tower lights still on past the witching hour.
“Rolan needs to get some sleep,” Phaedra commented idly. “Whenever I see him, he has circles under his eyes, and they're not because he's aging.”
“Have you told him that?”
“I did, and he just ignored me.” She looked down. “I wish Lia was still here to nag him, she would have helped.”
Rolan didn't exactly say why Lia was gone, but Phaedra had learned from some of the other tieflings that she had simply passed away from illness, old and happy.
Phaedra suddenly felt a sting in her heart. “I'm going to outlive so many of my friends,” she muttered sadly.
Astarion, to her surprise, took her hand. “You won't outlive me, darling.”
She glanced at their clasped hands, then up at him.
He smiled, his gaze tender. “I'll be here, my sweet. I'll always be here.”
Touched by his heartfelt declaration, Phaedra squeezed his hand in return. “Thank you. I… I've missed you.”
Taking her hand and bringing it up to his lips, Astarion tenderly kissed the back of her hand.
“Astarion!” Phaedra laughed, though she didn’t pull her hand away. “I thought you had given up your rakish ways.”
“The skills never go away, darling.”
She sighed, this time pulling her hand from his grasp. “Yes, yes. And I’ve told you before, it won’t work on me.”
By this point, they had reached Astarion’s home. He opened the door and held it open for her, lightly touching the small of her back as he followed her inside. “And yet you didn’t pull your hand free right away.”
Just as she was about to respond, he swept around her and placed a hand against the wall near her head, cornering her. He brushed his thumb against her cheek, wiping away some of the grime of the night’s fight.
“You’re looking a bit more gaunt these days,” he observed. “Have you been eating well?”
She looked away.
“Phaedra…” he chided.
“I haven’t had much of an appetite,” she confessed.
He sighed. “I’m drawing you a bath, and then you're going to eat.”
***
Phaedra looked around at the ridiculously large bathtub, carved into a giant block of marble. But as she sank into the hot water, the soothing smell of bath salts and rosemary wafting around her, she could only sigh happily.
Gods, this feels so good.
As she bathed herself, she realized that she missed being touched. Gale was constantly reaching for her, holding her hand, or keeping one hand on her, just to feel her presence. Even until the very end.
Phaedra hugged herself in the bathtub and lowered her head under the water.
I told him I wouldn't cry anymore. He made me promise him before he died. I made a pact at his gravestone. Godsdammit! I'm so sorry, Gale!
She let out a pitiful keen, hoping that the water would stifle the sound.
“Darling?”
Phaedra lifted her head out of the water to see Astarion kneeling beside the bathtub, his hand reaching out to tuck her wet hair behind her ear.
She sniffled and rubbed her nose inelegantly. “I'm fine, don't worry about me.”
Astarion shook his head. “You always say that when something is wrong.”
“Damn. You know me too well.”
“Do you want to come out now? The water's getting cold.”
Phaedra nodded.
Astarion got up and grabbed a towel. Holding it out for her, he waved it slightly, encouraging her to come to him.
She gave him a bemused look. “Really? I'm not a child.”
“I know,” he said. “Just come here and let me spoil you.”
Shrugging, she got out of the tub and let him dry her off, his movements slow and meticulous. As a drow, she was not shy about nudity; it had taken a long time to get Gale accustomed to making love in the sunlit garden at the top of the tower.
The thought of Gale again crumpled her heart, and she closed her eyes against the pain.
“It won't ever go away, the pain of missing someone,” Astarion said quietly as he wrapped her up in the towel and held her close.
She could only nod, her throat choked up with emotion.
“Let me hold you for a while. You'll feel better.”
She didn't argue, and let him pick her up and take her to his bed, unwrapping her underneath his silk sheets.
He crawled in after her, still dressed, and pulled her close. She felt so small in his arms, and he was struck by the fact that, even though this incredible woman was the savior of Baldur's Gate, she was also a living, breathing person with needs.
“Can you eat?” he asked after a few minutes.
She looked up from where she was nestled against his chest. “Erm. Yes, I could eat a bit.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Wait here a moment.”
Sitting up, she covered her chest with the sheets. This is certainly a side of Astarion I’ve never seen before. So attentive. Usually I was the one who had to make sure he was feeling well.
He returned shortly with a small plate of grapes, cheeses, and cured meats from her room upstairs. “Just don't make a mess,” he said as he sat on top of the covers, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and lazily drawing circles on her arm.
“Mmm-hmm,” she mumbled around a mouthful of food. Despite not feeling too hungry, she managed to finish off everything. “Thank you,” she said, handing the now empty plate back to him. Looking up at him, she smiled and tipped her head to the side, exposing her neck. “Been a while, but did you want a snack too?”
Astarion's eyes glittered with unabashed craving. “Always so generous,” he said in a hushed tone. Slowly moving, as if he was afraid she’d push him away, he straddled her, his hands on either side of her head, holding onto the headboard. “I haven’t had you in so long,” he murmured before he sank his fangs into her neck.
Phaedra shuddered. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had missed this feeling, of giving her life blood to him, to feed him so intimately. A soft sigh escaped her, and she closed her eyes, letting him drink deeply.
He stopped on his own, knowing her limits, and licked the last few drops of blood around her wound before kissing it softly. Then, to her surprise, he lowered himself on top of her, nestling his head in the crook of her neck. “Gods, I’ve missed this.”
Reaching up to card his hair, feeling his soft locks between her fingers, she let herself enjoy the physical touch of another, the warmth of a body on top of hers. “We never cuddled like this before,” she commented as she toyed with his hair a bit more.
“We didn’t,” he replied. “But isn’t this nice?”
She smiled. “It is.”
He raised his head and nuzzled her, almost like a cat asking for rubs. Phaedra chuckled at the mental image, a prissy little white-furred cat, demanding and prideful, vain and haughty.
“What are you laughing at?”
“Oh, just the thought of you as a cat, a magnificent bastard of a creature,” she replied with a smile, her fingers still carding through his hair.
She expected him to frown, throw a hissy fit, or something of the sort. Instead, he rubbed his body along hers and nibbled her ear lobe. “Would you pet me, if I was?”
Phaedra swallowed. What is happening. “Erm, well, of course, aren’t I doing that now?” She tapped his head with her fingers.
He raised himself up and undid some of the buttons on his shirt, revealing more of his lustrous skin. Taking her hand from his head, he placed it on his chest. “You could do a bit more, perhaps.”
His skin was smooth, inviting. She ran her hand along his chest, up his collarbone, then back down, until her palm felt his abdominal muscles flexing under her touch. Immediately she pulled her hand away.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go that low—”
“It’s alright,” he said, taking her hand and returning it to his belly. “I feel safe with you.”
So, so carefully, she placed both of her hands on him and caressed him. He’s ridiculously perfect, how can anyone’s skin be this smooth? Glancing up at him, she noticed his eyes had fluttered shut, his mouth slightly open.
“Astarion?”
He opened his eyes and looked down at her. “Your touch is perfect,” he rumbled.
Phaedra stared at him, unsure of what to do next. “I…”
He cupped her cheek oh so tenderly. “What is it?”
She looked away. “I feel a bit guilty.”
“For what?”
“For wanting this. For… wanting you,” she finally mumbled.
Astarion laughed softly. “Come now, be selfish for once.” He leaned closer, his face close enough to kiss. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
“I… I want to be touched, to be held.”
“I can give you that and more, darling.”
“Are you sure? I… I feel like I'm taking advantage of you.”
Astarion chuckled. “You think after fifty years of freedom that I haven't worked through that trauma in my head?” He pressed his forehead against hers. “You helped free me, both in mind and body. I never paid back the favor.”
“It's not something to pay back. You're my friend, of course I would help you.”
“And you're mine,” he said, giving the corner of her mouth a delicate little peck of a kiss. “So let me help you now.”
Phaedra looked up at him, his earnest gaze, his soft touch. It would be so easy to forget the loneliness, even for one night.
“This still seems unfair to you,” Phaedra said.
“If it'll assuage your guilt, you should know that I have been aching to sleep with you for some time now.”
“You… you have?”
“Of course, darling. Who wouldn't?” He gently caressed her cheek with his finger tips. “You're stunning.”
“Well, I am drow,” she sassed.
“It's not just that,” he said. “It's the whole package. Your voice, your smile, your kindness, your courage, all of it.” He tipped his head, angling closer, his lips a millimeter away from hers. “I want it all.”
Phaedra felt helpless under his intense scarlet stare. It was no wonder thousands fell for him. Her eyes fluttered closed and she leaned in ever so slightly, brushing her lips against his.
Like tinder catching flames, he devoured her, kissing her fervently, letting out a soft moan deep in his throat. He barely remembered to let her up for air and pulled back, smiling down at her swollen lips and her quick breaths.
“You had no idea, did you?”
“No… idea… of… what..?” she gasped.
“How much pleasure I could give you,” he said as he pulled the sheet off of her body, revealing her dark skin, a bluish-grey hue that was unique to her and her alone. With one hand, he traced a line down her chest, her abdomen, stopping right above her mons. His other hand was leisurely stroking her thigh.
He grinned like a cat before he moved her legs apart and settled himself between them. Kneeling before her, he brushed her slit slowly with a finger before running both hands back up her body to draw circles around her breasts. Leaning over, he pressed his lips against her pulse.
“Hungry again?” Phaedra asked.
“I like to feel your pulse against my lips,” he replied as he caressed her curves, lightly gripping her hip for a moment before running his fingers along her skin, a featherly light touch. When he brushed her clit, she gasped.
He chuckled softly against her neck. “I can feel your heartbeat racing. Is it because I merely brushed against you, my sweet?”
Phaedra bit her lip. “Who’s to say?”
Astarion hummed. “Perhaps you need a bit more… persuasion.” His fingers pressed harder against her little nub, stroking faster. Phaedra turned her head away, biting down on her finger as she resisted giving in so quickly.
“You’re already so wet, darling,” he teased. Pulling his hand away, he smirked at her involuntary whimper. Smiling wickedly, he began to kiss his way down her throat, to her collar bone, to her cute breasts. He palmed one in each hand, plucking at one nipple as he laved the other with his tongue, making sure to switch to the other in due time. Letting her squirm under his attention, he finally let her go as he raised himself up and pulled off his shirt.
Phaedra’s eyes went wide. Sure, she had seen him half dressed quite often in the past, but it was always after a battle, covered in blood and gore. It had never been like this. He looked healthy, strong, and very sensual. She could smell a slight whiff of brandy and something herbal on his skin, a masculine scent that did something to her lower parts, made her want to spread her legs more and beg to be taken.
“Like what you see?” Astarion asked, already knowing the answer.
She swallowed and nodded.
He smiled with all the confidence in the world as he slowly undid the front lacing of his breeches. Phaedra could only stare, transfixed. But before he revealed anything lower than the vee of his hip bones, he shuffled backward from her and slid off the bed. With one hand holding the hem of his pants, he crooked a finger. “Sit on the edge and spread your legs.”
Phaedra dutifully did as he commanded, leaning back on her hands as she spread her legs, almost feeling a little shy.
“Delicious,” he murmured as he knelt down and pressed his tongue against her core. A few swipes from his tongue and she was already moaning softly, gripping the bedsheets and moving her hips. Astarion pressed one hand against her lower belly, forcing her to stay still as he pushed a finger into her channel.
“Ahh!” she cried out.
“Gods, you’re tight,” he said before sucking lightly on her clit. Slipping another finger inside of her, he worked her channel, alternating between light touches and deep strokes, giving her space to breathe between intense bouts of pleasure.
“M-more,” Phaedra whined, spreading her legs wider.
“Eager little thing, aren’t you?” He withdrew his fingers, placing them on her lips. “Clean me off first.”
Dutifully opening her mouth, she sucked on his fingers, her tongue licking him languidly. She kept her azure eyes on him, a spark of challenge in her gaze.
When he pulled his hand away from her, he stepped back and let his breeches drop to the floor, stepped out of them, and kicked them away.
Phaedra’s mouth went dry. Oh gods, he’s much bigger than I thought he’d be. Hypnotized by his slow stroking of his shaft, she could feel her pussy getting wetting just at the sight.
He smirked, knowing his effect on her. Stepping closer, he gently pressed the tip of his member against her dripping slit.
“Tell me you want this,” he said in a low voice, his scarlet gaze piercing her with its intensity.
She swallowed and nodded. “Yes, yes, please,” she begged.
Bending over her, he leaned in and kissed her, softly at first as he nudged himself forward. The intensity of his kiss grew as he drove himself deeper inside of her, until he was crushing her against the bed, his hips pressed against hers, his kiss like a parched man drinking his fill.
It was hard to breathe with how desperately he consumed her. Phaedra gasped whenever she could, wrapping her arms and legs around him as he kissed her while he was deep inside of her.
Then his hips slowly moved away just as he lifted his head, looking down at her with a satisfied smile. Without a word, or any kind of warning, he slammed back inside of her.
“Oh gods,” she moaned.
“There are no gods here,” he chided as he pulled back out of her until just the tip remained. “You’ll only be crying out my name.”
“Astarion,” she whispered reverently.
“Good girl,” he murmured before he rolled his hips forward and began a steady pace, watching her tremble beneath him. “You like being coddled, don’t you?”
Phaedra looked away.
He gripped her neck and forced her to face him. “Look at me,” he commanded. “Answer me.”
Gasping, she had no choice but to answer. “Y-yes.”
With a soft kiss to her forehead, Astarion picked her up from the bed, his cock still within her, and moved her up and down on him.
Phaedra clung to him, once again surprised by his strength. “Astarion!”
“Yes, my dear?”
“This… this feels so good…”
He chuckled. “You feel good, darling.” Climbing back onto the bed, he lay her down and pulled out of her. Gently flipping her onto her belly, he slid his slick cock along the curve of her ass.
“Lift your hips slightly, there you go,” he gently directed, sliding himself back inside of her wet, tight heat with a low moan. Running his hands up her back and along her shoulders, he hummed appreciatively.
“You are a work of art,” he murmured as his hands lightly skimmed down her back until he reached her ass, giving her cheeks a squeeze before holding her hips steady. He began to move slowly at first, savoring the sensation of sliding in and out of her. But when Phaedra turned her head and exposed her neck to him so submissively, part of his mind snapped.
“Mine,” he rumbled, his predatory instincts kicking in as he leaned over and bit down on her, growling like a beast as his hips moved faster.
Phaedra could feel a small trail of blood from where he was biting her, but he wasn’t feeding. The bite was more dominating, more… claiming. Feeling so helpless under him as he fucked her harder, she almost felt free by giving into her primal lust. She had no words, only whimpers and moans as he took her, his hands grasping at her breasts, her shoulders, her hips, wherever he could hold onto as he relentlessly drove deeper and deeper.
For perhaps the first time, Astarion was fully in the present, savoring each moment as he claimed her as his, and his alone. He didn’t want to think about anything else other than her body beneath his, the taste of her blood on his tongue, her willing surrender while he fucked her senseless. Releasing his hold on her neck, he licked the blood away, not wanting to waste it as he kept thrusting, unable to even pause for a moment.
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he lifted her up until they were both on their knees. He reached down with his other hand to stroke her clit, finding it with ease.
Phaedra trembled in his arms, her head lolling back to rest on his shoulder. Her cries were almost melodic, in time to his strong thrusts. She could feel that welcome coil of pleasure winding up tighter and tighter. Astarion dipped his head down to nibble on her shoulder.
“Come for me, my sweet,” he said softly into her ear. “Let me feel your greatest pleasure.”
Phaedra's body spasmed at his deepened voice. Shaking with anticipation, she reached up and clung to him, begging him to stroke her faster, take her harder, drive her to the brink.
Her ecstasy exploded like fireworks behind her eyes as he sped up his pace, a passionate paroxysm of pleasure that poured through her body like hot oil onto spices.
“Astarion, Astarion!” she cried out.
“That’s right,” he crooned. “You’re the only one who can call my name like that.”
He slowly brought her back down to the bed, laying her on her back and spreading her legs. Covering her with his body, he entered her once more, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His hips moved, building up a rapid rhythm until he felt the thread of desire pulling him closer and closer to the edge.
“Tell me you want me,” he murmured.
“I want you, just you, Astarion,” Phaedra confessed breathlessly.
Hearing her declaration, even if it might have been just in the heat of the moment, was enough for him. To hear those honeyed words from her brought him over the edge, and he crushed her hips with his, sinking as deep as he could. He came in a rush of passion, his eyes fluttering, his moans deep and drawn out, with an expression of ecstasy on his face.
Phaedra watched him in awe, the perfect vision of euphoria as he smiled with utter happiness. Then he opened his eyes and stared at her for a moment before reaching up to touch her cheek. He gently stroked her face as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him.
“Phaedra, darling,” he purred as he pressed his nose against her ear. “Tell me how you feel.”
“I feel so much better,” she said breathlessly. “You?”
“Like this is heaven and I never want to leave,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her and letting his weight rest on top of her. “I could stay like this for days.”
She chuckled. “Glad you’re enjoying this too.”
He nuzzled her neck and sighed. “I am.” After a few minutes, he rolled over onto his side, his hand resting covetously along her hip. “I wouldn’t mind doing this again, if you want.”
Turning to face him, Phaedra noted the almost pleading look in his eyes, though the rest of his face was neutral. You can’t hide your emotions from me, I know your gaze all too well. She covered his hand with hers. “I wouldn’t mind either, if you’re up for it.”
His face lit up, though he quickly hid his glee away behind a schooled smile. “Darling, I’m up for anything if it’s with you.”
“Then how about a cuddle?”
He frowned. “I’m not much of a cuddler, but I’ll try.”
Resting in his arms, curled around each other, Phaedra noted how easily he held her, just as she was about to fall into a trance.
Liar. You cuddle like a champ.
***
Coming out of her reverie before dawn, Phaedra slowly extricated herself from Astarion’s embrace and got up to relieve herself. Returning to the bed, she was about to get back under the covers when she saw a familiar corner of parchment sticking out of the lower drawer of the night stand.
Phaedra recognized it as Gale’s letter, as if it had been hastily stuffed into the drawer. Curiosity getting the better of her, she quietly and carefully pulled the letter out, and knelt on the ground to read it.
My bloodthirsty colleague,
We butted heads quite a bit back in the day, however, you were a true friend in the worst of times, and I’ll never forget that. And you were a friend to Phaedra as well, and she always spoke of you so fondly.
I know you loved her as much as I do; it was clear in the way you watched over her. If you love her still, please, PLEASE take care of her, now that I’m gone. You know she’ll run headfirst into danger, just as she always has. I just want her to be happy and cared for. But I can’t be by her side for the rest of her long life. You can.
I don’t expect you to do this for my sake, of course. Do it for her.
Forever a thorn in your side,
Gale Dekarios
Phaedra didn’t realize she was crying until a tear dropped onto the page. Quickly putting it down, she turned to crawl back into bed, only to be met by a pair of crimson eyes, staring at her. Astarion was laying on his stomach, his arms crossed under his chin as he looked over the side of the bed.
“So now you know,” he said quietly.
“You… you’ve loved me all this time?”
He reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “All this time, my dear.”
Phaedra reached up and held his hand. “Thank you.” She looked down at Gale’s letter. “I think… in a weird way, he led me back to you.”
Astarion got up from the bed and joined her on the floor. “And as much as I hate to be thankful to him, I am glad that he did.”
For a moment, she was quiet, contemplating his hand in hers. “In time… I think I can love you too.” She looked at him earnestly. “It may take a while. Will you wait for me?”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles tenderly. “I would wait another fifty years, if it meant I could have your love.”
Phaedra grinned. “You know, the old you would have never said such a saccharine line.”
“To be honest, I felt a little sick saying it, even though it was true.”
They shared a laugh, and when Astarion leaned in to press his forehead against hers, she felt like her broken heart was finally beginning to heal.
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End Notes: So in my dumbass headcanon, during those 45 years where Astarion is going to Sharess’ Caress for comfort, there are a few times when Sorn just joins them to trance, because he doesn’t have a customer that night, and the three of them just have a little reverie puppy dog pile. Ugh, such a silly idea, but it makes me happy, so who cares! Tell me what you think of my cravenly self-indulgent OC fic, if it’s trash, or if you enjoyed it, let me know in the comments!
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tasm!peter parker draft sneak-peak
tasm!peter parker x f!reader (another chance universe)
warnings: violence, cursing, tasm peter making a comeback on the blog, potential contingency storyline with no context whatsoever
You can’t see.
Fuck. You can’t see. Why can’t you see?!
“Uh—um, Parker. I think we have a problem.”
Your instinct tells you to duck. Wincing from the sting in your knees, you try to shuffle off the debris that’s digging into your skin.
It takes a second, but you hear a muffled voice respond through your earpiece. It’s hard to understand him; it’s a ruckus of crashes and yells.
“What’s up?”
He sure sounds as casual as ever.
You rolled your eyes, a nasty habit of yours, and immediately grimaced at the burning sensation. “One of these assholes hit me with something that fucked up my vision.”
“Babe,” he sounds a bit exasperated. “How fucked up?”
“Uh—” you feel something soar above you, crashing into the far distance. The heat licked at your skin. You assume it was a fireball. “Well, I guess I can’t really see at all.”
“Excuse me?!”
new rewritten contingency storyline comeback?????????
#mgparker#peter parker x reader#tasm!peter parker x reader#andrew!peter x reader#Andrew garfield#garfield!peter parker x reader#andrew garfield!peter parker x reader#garfield!spiderman#andrew!peter parker#andrew!peter parker x reader#contingency#another chance#wip
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It's a Contract. Chapter 3.
Vox Machina Critical Role
Percy x Female Human Draconian Warlock! Reader
Percy hesitantly ran away.
Leaving Y/n to fight the Briarwoods alone. He wish he could stay and help her but, he had to protect Cassy now.
'Y/n, I will never be able to repay you. I will come back for you.'
Once Percy was out or sight, Y/n focused on Dahlia and Silas. She rushed forward clashing swords with Silas and shooting magic at Dahlia.
This went on for a little bit until Dahlia managed to hit her. Time seemed to freeze. Y/n saw the sword swing come down as well as she fell backward.
'Spirit.'
All of the sudden, a dark mist filled the room. The black mist has swirls of blue within it. The sword clashed with the mist as Y/n disappeared and re-appeared behind him, slashing him with a claw.
Dahlia looked in horror as her beloved husband hit the floor. She looked at the new figure with emerged from this mist. The once human has became part of something else. The once armor was replaced with a female figured frame with black and white dress. The once hands where now replaced with black claws. She held a large dark blade. Her hair replaced now with long silver blue layered hair. Dark wings protruded from her back. Her eyes glowed a blue color. Almost as if blue flames replaced the human eyes. (Here's a general idea. Just add my little changes. Thx!)
Dahlia felt fear for the first time as the figure came face to face with her. They were nose to nose as Y/n stared into her soul. Just as Y/n raised her sword to smite her, a familiar black sword stabbed through Y/n's stomach. Silas pierced her.
Y/n went to move but Silas pushed the blade up, twisted it, and cut through her right side. Her once raised right arm fell back to her side. After the sword sliced through, she staggered slightly before falling to the floor.
The mist dissipated in the process.
Dahlia looked in disbelief. That power and strength that child carried. She wanted that to help her take over. She quickly healed Silas before telling him to pick up Y/n's body and put it into a nearby room. The first thing they will do is resurrect this spirit and gain it's favor after the take over.
*To Y/n*
Y/n woke up in a dark place. She looked around, frightened. She stood up. She was back in her original armor.
"Hello?"
Just as she spoke, the room lit up with stars.
She looked around.
'Is this the judgment plain I was taught about? It's not as scare as they made it out to be.'
"That's because this isn't the plain of Judgement. This is the plain of Celestia."
The room grew into a blue color, now, it looked like the actual galaxy.
Y/n turned to the voice and met face to face with a large White-Silver dragon and the same color eyes as her. She swallowed.
"Bahamut?"
"Yes, it is I."
She took a deep breath. She look back at him with tears in her eyes.
"I failed in my mission, didn't I?
Bahamut saw these tears and his heart softened. The reason she was some much in his favor is because she had the qualities needed but also, that she looked like his human love that began this clan. He sees her as still her original Blue eyed, Blonde haired self. Not the changes being chosen cause.
"No. Much the opposite. You trust that I you do anything to upkeep my promise. correct?"
"Yes, of course, My Lord."
"The reason why you are here is bacause you about to be revived."
The bluenette looked up at him. She liked that. She was so happy to meet the creator of her clan but, she couldn't help but wonder if Percy made it. Bahamut saw these thoughts and waved his tail across a small patch of ground in front of her. She could see what was happening in Whitestone. She watched in shock and anger as she watch the Briarwoods beat him and cut him. She took a breath and looked at the all-knowing dragon.
"I have a request."
Bahamut looked at her.
"What is it?"
"I want to exchange my life for his escape."
Bahamut was actual caught slightly off guard by this request. He looked at her. Not once has he seen a human with such valor. Every one of her ancestors and relatives would always ask to be brought back. Yet, here you are. At the age of 17 with your whole life ahead of you, you ask to toss it aside for the one you beloved.
"Why is he so important to you?"
The tears once again collected in her blue eyes.
"Because he means the world to me and I want him to live to fulfill a life and reclaim what is his. I want what he wants. I want him to survive. Please. I'd rather stay here and let him live than be alive myself. Please, Lord Bahamut."
Bahamut looked down at the girl.
'I guess this is a fair trade. I'd get my love back for a short while and this human can live.'
"Fine. Deal."
The girl was relieved. Percy won't die.
'I do this for you, Percival De Rolo. Take back what's yours.'
Since time in Celestia as different in the earth realm (Every minute that is in Celestia was half a year on earth- This may not be accurate but, for the sake of the story, let’s go with it.), within what seemed like a few seconds Percy made it out of the clutches of those vampires.
Y/n sighed with a breath or relief. She knew he would find his way after his escape.
Bahamut curled his tail around her. He looked down at her. It was almost time for her to return back to the realm of the living. She looked back up at him and smiled. He knew he would miss her when she went back but, he will make sure to keep her alive. For her and his sake. He has a promise to up keep and he won’t let his name become one of despise amongst the Dagon family.
“It’s time.”
She looked at him with confusion.
“Time for what? I’m staying here, right?”
He tightened the tail that was gently wrapped around her.
“You have a job to complete. You can’t stay here but, remember that you will always be in my favor. Don’t pray to the spirit. Pray to me for am I the spirit in you and only you. You will be able to contact me anytime. I’m always here. Others may think I’m a ruthless killer of judgement, which I am but, you are different, Y/n. You are here because you are favored. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I’m here with you in favor every time. For I am a keeper of promises as well as the passer of judgement. The next time someone thinks they can strike you down, I will empower you. Now, it’s time to go. It will be strange at first but, trust in me.”
Y/n looked at him a set his hand on his tail.
“I trust you. I will come to you for aid. Not the ‘spirit’ in myself. Thank you for giving me another chance at life.”
Bahamut set his forehead to her gently.
And with that, she was brought back.
Well…. Kinda…
#vox machina#x reader#tlovm percy#Percy De Rolo#percy de rolo x reader#percival de rolo#Percival x reader#x y/n#bahamut#critical roll#Chapter 3#another chance#series#dungeons and dragons#d&d 5e#Dragons#fantasy#rollplay
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To hell with trust, to hell with intimacy. His mind was flooded with memories of the previous bites he‘d received, the thrill and the burning desire. The craving to feel a set of fangs against his skin. No matter what it took, no matter if it would be the death of him.
––––––––––
I‘m here, I‘m queer, I‘m ALIVE and I re-read my favorite thing in the entire world. I love it so very dearly, I miss everyone so much <3 Consider this a comeback, an apology for disappearing or just some love for this lovely Universe I got to be a part of and one of the very first threads I ever wrote my dear James for! @ashortdropandasuddenstop @manyimaginativemuses lov u guys
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I spent over 2 hours last night trying to paint a black bears face and because it was so incredibly small (I realize I did this to myself, nobody made me do this) I kept messing it up and painting over it and I was so flustered by the end I just set it aside and it was such a bummer. I am going to try again soon, I know that sometimes things just won’t go the way I want but a new day brings another chance.
#honeycombhank#artwork#try again#healing#black bear#so frustrating#angry#staying positive#painting#artistic#artist#another chance#painting animals#tiny objects#acrylic
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Deniz Sarikas: Tv Series, Interview
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[PICKED UP FROM HIS FATHER-IN-LAW BUT GIVE ME PITY. FLASH. GIVE ME ANOTHER CHANCE. FLASH. AN EX-NEW YORKER WHO OPENED THIS JOINT 20 YEARS AGO]
#s08e10 fresh and funky#guy fieri#guyfieri#diners drive-ins and dives#another chance#ex-new yorker#father#law#pity#flash
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bonus #2
masterlist
1.4k words
4 years since the end of another chance
"aieee,"
"yeah,aaieee," you giggled at your little girl. Right now instead of eating her food she played with the large diamond ring on your left ring finger. Her eggs were long forgotten as watched the engagement ring in awe. Under it sat a small silver band engraved on the inside with 11/04/12 and then 23/11/25 the days the two of you got together. Ushijima seemed hesitant on adding the original date, but you told him how important that day was for you and it was clear how important that day was for him too.
April 12th, 2011
Ushjima had come to your family's house just as the sun had begun to set and the birds chirped ready for bed. He politely knocked on the door then bowed to your father asking if he could take you on a quick adventure. Believe it or not Ushijima Wakatoshi didn't have the same amount of confidence when it came to your parents as he did on the court. As a 16 year old boy he was still nervous that they wouldn't see him as a good suitor for you. He was more than ecstatic when your dad gave him a small smile and said yes he may. You were far too excited to see him that you had run out of the house without a jacket. You had only noticed when the two of you had walked by Ushijima's house. He quickly climbed into his open window and grabbed the first hoodie he found. His new Shiratorizawa hoodie his mom had gotten for him when he had just got accepted into the school. You giggled watching the tall man try and fit through his tiny window. You knew a little about his mom and how strict she was, but you never realized how much he had risked when he snuck out to see you. Running back he whisked you away from your thoughts by trying to get his hoodie over your head. You giggled attempting to help him. He was like a big puppy not realizing his own strength and aggression until it was too late. Seeing the panicked look on his face, worried he hurt you, you took hold of his hand and swung it a little to get him to lead the way. After walking a bit through a clearing and past a small stream there was a field full of cherry blossoms, your favorite.
"I needed to get you out here now. They're in full bloom." His deep voice rang through your ears. It always shocked you to hear how deep his voice was for how young the two of you are. Without thinking you ran to him and jumped snuggling into his neck. Immediately he wrapped his arms around you and held you up. He didn't lose his balance not even for a second making you fall more in love then you already are. For at least an hour he watched you run around picking flowers and taking pictures of the pretty trees. Making sure to run back to him and have him hold the prettiest ones. At one point, when the clock was hitting 7, he lightly grabbed your wrist before you could run off and get more. You watched his eyes falter a bit before he decided to look down at the flowers in his hand. Looking back up his mouth opened and then closed then did it again. His face got red and he looked around at the scenery again. You watched his chest rise and fall taking a deep breath before putting both of your hands on his face so he faced you.
"Is everything all right 'jima?" you asked. Your bottom lip jutted out and your eyes widened trying to understand what he was thinking about.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" He asked fiddling with the flowers in his hands.
"Of course I will," you said trying to hide the large smile that graced your face.
Present
who would have guessed that 16 years later the two of you would have a happy 14 year old boy and a one year old little girl. The two of you had named her Sakura. Your favorite flower and where Wakatoshi had asked you out. Her name represents the renewal of your relationship and how beautiful it will be. Feeding your little girl you couldn't help but think about how amazing Wakatoshi has been. Right now he was packing with Isa for your family to take a short trip to Japan. It was difficult to convince him that he didn't need to
do all the work in the house, but he wanted to prove to you that he was a good husband especially after the two of you got married.
"the videos resurfaced," His deep booming voice rang through the kitchen as he rolled in a large suitcase.
"of sakusa?" You asked as you tried feeding some more eggs to your daughter. Forgetting about a fork and just using your fingers hoping she would open her mouth and take a bite.
"yeah, his dad's paying for them to be taken down,"
"ugh, rich people are lucky they can do that," you said, shaking your head.
Isa's voice rang through the hallway eavesdropping on your conversation, "aren't we rich though?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. In just four years he's grown up so much. He wore contacts now, has better style, and his hair had gotten so long. It's hard to believe that he's not your baby anymore.
"You will lose your job. I'm not paying for you to keep it," Ushijima's voice responded in a strict tone as he took the luggage into the garage to be packed away into the car. Isa nodded his head following his dad with two smaller suitcases.
After Sakura had eaten most of the eggs you lifted her up and handed her to her father while you cleaned her chair. She looked much more like you then 'jima, but she had his signature hair color making her clearly her father's child. You had gotten pregnant not long after the wedding ceremony…which wasn't surprising considering how many times you asked Wakatoshi to make you a mommy again, and then all the times you chanted it during sex. But onto the more wholesome details Wakatoshi acted exactly how you predicted he would during birth. He held your hand, let you squeeze it till it turned white, he gave you kisses on your forehead while you pushed, he cried when he held his daughter for the first time, he was nervous about holding her worried that his big hands would crush her tiny body, he even would tell her a story every night before bed.
Wakatoshi had reassured you that he would take full care of her when you guys were on the plane. He was like magic and your swore he knew it too. Anytime she would cry the minute he picked her up and snuggled her into his jacket she would immediately settle down. She was being fussy? All Wakatoshi needed to do was brush his thumb over her cheek and she was fine. At one point you were worried your baby had died since you didn't wake up once in the night, but it turned out that Jima was snuggling her as she slept peacefully in between you too. Her small cubby hand wrapped around your husband's pinky.
You really had nothing to worry about. Wakatoshi is the perfect husband, perfect dad, and the best volleyball player. You will shove it into anyone's face who thinks otherwise.
tags: @mineta-phobic @rukia-uchiha-98 @ssc7514 @megumuro
a short little bonus for the next bonus to make more sense
#haikyuu#haikyuu x reader#haikyuu!!#haikyuu fluff#ushijima x reader#ushijima wakatoshi#ushijima headcanons#ushijima fluff#ushijima smut#ushijima fic#ushijima imagine#wakatoshi x reader#wakatoshi fluff#haikyuu wakatoshi#my toshi bear#another chance
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Roger Sanchez - Another Chance (Vidojean X Oliver Loenn Remix)
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Another Chance (Astarion x Tav/OC, BG3 Fanfic, 18+, Part 1 of 2)
Summary: Phaedra Tiernan, a drow druid, savior of Baldur’s Gate, had not returned to the city in fifty years. When she returns, she meets up with old companions and renews a friendship… And perhaps, something more?
Author’s Notes: Is this some Tav/OC x Astarion bullshit that I’m about to write? Sure is. This is 100% based on my first playthrough of BG3, so my drow druid had romanced Gale, but her outfit matched Astarion and he was always in the party because I had multi-classed him a rogue/monk/fighter, and he was damn near unstoppable.
Tags: Gale x OC, Astarion x OC, angst, tragedy in the beginning, time skip, post-game content, friends to lovers, porn with feelings, prone bone, other positions probably
Word Count: 4099
AO3 link is here, sweetness.
--------------------
Chapter 1 - An End and A Return
Fifty years.
Fifty years since the defeat of the Absolute.
Fifty years since Gale had asked her to marry him.
And fifty years since Phaedra had been back to Baldur’s Gate.
Sure, she had sent letters to friends, met up with some of the others in Daggerford, a small town just south of Waterdeep, or invited old friends to visit the tower in Waterdeep proper. But she had never ventured back to the city she helped save.
It wasn’t as if Gale had kept her away; no, far from it. Gale had always asked, “Phaedra, my love, would you like to visit once more?”
She had always put it off. “Perhaps some other time,” she always said. There were always new lands to explore, after all.
But she could no longer say that to him.
Phaedra stared at the simple, yet beautifully decorated tombstone, Tara by her side.
“It was his time, dear,” the tressym said. “But I do miss him.”
Being a drow, Phaedra knew she would outlive Gale by centuries. But having to face that fact now tore at her heart. The only thing keeping her from spending another month crying in the tower was that Gale had given her one final mission.
Gale, the sentimental fool, had written a bunch of letters to their mutual friends, for her to deliver in case of his death. Perhaps he had guessed that she would need something to distract her.
No, he knew she would need the distraction. A final, farewell gift to show that he understood her. That he cared about her. That he loved her.
Phaedra swallowed the lump in her throat. “I miss him too, Tara.” She hefted the stack of letters in her satchel. “But I know for a fact that he doesn’t want me to stay still for too long. He knows… knew me, all too well.”
Tara wanted to stay behind and watch over the tower until she returned, or if she didn’t, wait for one of Gale’s apprentices to take over the tower, if she judged them worthy. That left Phaedra free to travel to Baldur’s Gate and hand deliver the letters to each of her fellows.
Her first stop was in the former Shadow-cursed lands. Halsin had greeted her warmly, hugging her tightly and seemingly unwilling to let her go. She spent a night there, entertaining his plethora of adopted children and touring the town, which has grown quite large in the fifty years she had been gone. The original children she had remembered were all grown up now, and these new children were either recently adopted, or children of the original war orphans who enjoyed spending time with ‘Daddy Halsin.’
Though reluctant to let her leave so soon, Halsin bid Phaedra farewell after wrangling a promise to visit sooner than fifty years. She traveled along the River Chionthar to find Shadowheart and her father, still taking care of their menagerie of animals and their farm, living a quiet, simple life. Phaedra gave her respects to her mother, who had passed long ago, leaving a small bouquet of wildflowers on her gravestone.
“I need to find Lae’zel somehow as well,” Phaedra said, staring at the letter that Gale had written for her.
Shadowheart held out her hand. “I’ll give it to her.”
She blinked. “R-really? You know where she is?”
The cleric shrugged. “She visits me from time to time, when she is able to take time away from her duties in the Astral Sea.”
Phaedra smiled. Wow. I’m glad they still see each other, to be honest. She hardly ever came to see me. “So how is she?”
Shadowheart shrugged. “She looks nearly the same as she did when she left. Apparently one doesn’t age in the Astral Sea.”
“Ah. Well, give her my best. And tell her to visit me, dammit.”
Shadowheart smiled. “Of course.”
Phaedra handed over the letter, had a pleasant dinner, and spent the night in the barn with Scratch's great-grand pup and the owlbear for old time’s sake. The next morning, she bid farewell and traveled onward towards the Gate.
Along the way, she stopped by the old ruins where they had first run into Withers. Though the tomb was empty, she left Gale’s letter for him on the sarcophagus and camped outside for a night. The next morning, she went to check again and saw that the letter had disappeared.
It didn’t take long for her to find Jaheira, though when she asked about Minsc, the High Harper only shrugged and would speak no further. But the shielded pain in her eyes said enough. Phaedra handed both letters to her and wished her well before visiting her next two companions.
Tucked away in the lower city, a small house with flowers and a signpost above the door, decorated with flames and two crossed swords, brought a smile to Phaedra’s face. She knocked on the door and waited.
A crashing sound, followed by the pounding of feet, made her cringe, but she managed to put on a smile right before the door swung open.
“Aunty Phaedra!”
A young tiefling woman immediately grabbed her and pulled her into a huge bear hug, lifting her off the ground and swinging her back and forth.
“I’m glad to see you too, Rieta,” Phaedra said, squeezing the woman in return. About two years after being forced to return to Avernus, Karlach and Wyll had found a way to fix her engine and they returned to Baldur’s Gate, as the Twin Blades of Avernus. They had made a good life, and though they didn’t officially retire, they had left most of the adventuring and fighting to their daughter while they helped train Flaming Fist soldiers.
“Soldier, it’s good to see you,” Karlach said as she came outside. She looked just as brilliant as she had the last time she had seen her ten years ago in Waterdeep. “Took you long enough to come back.”
As Rieta dragged her into the house, Phaedra smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry that… certain circumstances brought me back.”
Sitting at a dining table with Wyll, Karlach, and Rieta, Phaedra handed them the letters. “Gale… wanted me to hand deliver letters to everyone…”
She swallowed. She felt better with each letter she gave, as if the physical weight being lifted was lifting the weight off her heart as well. But it still hurt.
Fortunately, Phaedra was quickly surrounded by hugs, and they had a good evening of conversing about the past and catching up about the present.
“So who else do you need to visit?” Wyll asked, sitting with Karlach and Phaedra by their fireplace. Rieta had gone to bed, to be ready to wake up early for a mission in the morning.
Phaedra pulled a letter out of her satchel. “Well… just one more now.”
“You can probably find him at the Elfsong,” Wyll said. “He’s… changed.”
She tipped her head. “In… a good way?”
Karlach and Wyll shared a smile. “I’d say so,” Karlach said. Then she frowned. “Didn’t he send you letters too?”
“He did on occasion, but they were… not very descriptive. Mostly a ‘I’m doing great, murdering the bad guys.’”
They laughed. “Sounds like him. When you find him, maybe ask him more about it. He’s more of a talker than a writer,” Wyll said.
Phaedra nodded. Interesting.
***
The next morning, Phaedra went with Wyll and Karlach to help train the new recruits at the Flaming Fist. There were certainly some wide-eyed recruits who asked a million questions once they realized who she was, and she weaved them a tale worthy of a bard’s approval. After doing some actual training, she spent the rest of the day walking around the city, looking at all of the ways the city had grown, and reminiscing at the things that hadn’t changed.
And once the sun began to set, she made her way to the Elfsong.
Nursing a drink at the bar, she immediately sensed a certain someone making their way toward her.
“Darling, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”
Turning around, she expected Astarion to be his usual fabulous self.
Instead, she was surprised to see him wearing a dark blue shirt and leather breeches, simple adventuring gear. And yet somehow, it still looked good on him. Ridiculously good, in fact. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.”
He flipped his hair a bit with his hand and turned around to show Phaedra his outfit. “I look good in anything, my dear. But you already know that.”
She laughed. Gods, I didn’t realize how much I missed his sass. “Right, right.”
“But I’m sure you’re not here just to look at my clothes.” He looked around. “Where’s your other half? I’m sure I would have heard him lecturing me by now.”
Her lips trembled.
It only took a moment for him to realize it, and he frowned.
Ever since Phaedra had helped him kill Cazador, she had noticed that Astarion looked at her with a kinder gaze. He spoke with her more often, shared his thoughts with her more openly. They had become friends after everything, and she truly cared about his happiness.
After he had run off to hide from the blistering rays of the sun on the docks that fateful day, she had tried to look for him, but he was very skillful in hiding. She knew that, of course. It wasn’t until Withers’ banquet six months later that she saw him again, hugged him, and told him she had missed him. She had been pleasantly surprised to hear that he had become an adventurer and hero in his own right, dispatching criminals in the night.
“See you later, darling,” was the last thing he had said to her.
And now, he stood before her, close enough to see the kindness in his eyes once more.
It was enough to bring out her emotions once more. Shakily, she took a breath. “I… I have a letter for you, from Gale.”
Astarion stepped closer, not quite crowding her, but close enough so they could speak quietly. He took the letter gently from her grasp. “I am curious. Do you mind?”
Phaedra waved her hand. “Go ahead. I’ll just finish my drink.” Turning away to sip her mead, she subtly watched him as he read the letter. His eyes widened slightly before his expression went back to being neutral. When he finished, he tucked the letter away in his pocket.
“Thank you for delivering this, my friend.” Taking her hand, he squeezed it gently. “Did he have you deliver letters to everyone?”
She nodded.
He sighed. “That man.” Putting one hand on the small of her back, he led his drow friend away from the bar and into the moonlit night. “This can’t be easy for you.”
Phaedra shook her head. “I knew I’d outlive him. But… I wanted to hold onto him for as long as possible.” She stared up at the sky. “He talked to me before”—she swallowed—“before he passed, about how much I meant to him, and how much he wants me to be free after he’s gone. To go on living and loving with vigor, because that was why he fell in love with me.”
She realized that Astarion was walking quietly with her, taking her along well lit streets, letting her speak. “I think he knew that I would need this, to go on a journey, to see our old friends, to reconnect with the world.” Phaedra turned to him, a wry smile on her face. “I spent a whole month holed up in his tower, not doing a damn thing. That doesn’t sound like me at all, does it?”
Astarion laughed. “No, it doesn’t. I would have thought you were a changeling, if I had seen you like that.” His eyes traced the shape of her face. “You’ve grown your hair out since I last saw you. You always kept it to such a short length before.”
She shrugged. “I, erm, didn’t really… pay attention to much of anything, after Gale passed.”
He watched her for a moment, clearly thinking. “Would you, perhaps, like to help me with something tonight? If you’re up for it.”
“What am I helping with?”
“Oh, just a small problem.”
“I know how ‘small’ problems suddenly become larger with you, Astarion.”
He chuckled. “Alright, well, there’s this group of ruffians…”
***
It was invigorating, being in the fray once more, fighting the good fight, helping folks in need. Phaedra finally felt like she had come back home, after six months of staying in Baldur’s Gate. She was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to distract herself with helping others, and in a way, giving her purpose.
She missed Gale, of course. She missed being in their tower, sitting on their favorite settee on the balcony, watching the sunset and sharing a book. She missed helping Gale with magical experiments, practicing her druidic arts in the yard with him taking notes, taking short trips to the surrounding areas to explore new sights, collect new herbs, and maybe help a few people along the way. It had been a lovely, idyllic dream.
Now, being back in Baldur’s Gate, she had a new dream. A dream with friends who were close by, that she could see every day if she so wished. She split her time helping Karlach and Wyll train the Flaming Fist, assisting Rolan at Sorcerous Sundries, accompanying Rieta on some of her missions, and even taking breaks to visit Shadowheart and Halsin.
But she spent most of her time with Astarion. Every night was a new adventure, whether it was breaking up a bar fight, getting chased by the guards of an illegal underground gambling ring, or reverse pickpocketing a small child who was begging for money in the alleys.
“So has this been your life for the past fifty years?”
“Has that much time passed?”
“I suppose it’s not long for us elves,” Phaedra said, huffing slightly in the cold night air. They were sprinting away from the Undercity, trying not to let the Zhentarim thugs on their heels catch up to them. However, the jangle of gold in Astarion’s pouch was giving them away.
“Well, it’s a drop in the bucket for me, since I’ll live forever.”
“Lucky you.”
“Perhaps.”
Phaedra glanced over, surprised at Astarion’s bittersweet tone.
But soon she had no time to ponder it, as they found themselves at a dead end.
“I thought you knew the Undercity!” she hissed.
Astarion shrugged as he pulled out his dagger. “Look darling, I don’t know every tunnel in this place. Especially since people keep digging new ones.”
Phaedra rolled her eyes as she got ready to wild shape. “Pick one.”
“Hm, I haven’t seen your owlbear form in some time.”
“Good choice.” Turning to see the thugs brandishing their swords, Phaedra grinned as she stomped on the ground, feeling the wild change take over her body. “Let’s go.”
***
Adrenaline running through her veins, Phaedra ran alongside her partner in not-quite-crime, laughing into the night air. She followed him back to his home, a simple townhouse in the lower city with a ground level and a large, windowless basement.
Just as she was about to part ways, Astarion cleared his throat. “Do you want to come in?”
Phaedra was a bit surprised. After six months, this was the first time he had invited her. “Sure. “I’m curious what kind of place you’ve been living in all this time.”
The ground level merely consisted of a vestibule with a small sitting area, a door to a small guest bedroom that was minimally furnished, and another door leading to a stairwell. The basement was very lavishly decorated, and she could see three doors that connected to other rooms. It also had an emergency exit into the dark alley behind the building, just in case.
“Gods, did you see the look on their faces when you transformed?” he asked as he led her into the living room in the basement. “I got a free hit on them, they were so dumbfounded.”
Phaedra cackled. “Good. Hope they dream of me beating their faces in while they’re passed out.” She dropped her gear on the table in the basement living area. “I’m surprised you didn’t kill them.”
Astarion shrugged. “I fed on one of those other thugs earlier, no need to murder all of them so quickly.” He sat on a luxurious armchair, taking out a rag to clean his daggers. “Have to keep some of my blood supply intact for the future, after all.”
“Wow, you really have changed.”
He laughed softly. “I’ve learned to enjoy life with a little bit of planning. Something I learned from the rest of you.”
Phaedra smiled as she looked around Astarion’s living room. There were classic paintings, some she recognized as loot they had taken from various heists around the city back in the day.
“Didn’t you steal that from Lady Jannath’s estate when she was preoccupied with that artist?”
“And you provided an excellent distraction. I never thanked you for that.”
Phaedra shook her head. “I probably would have told you to put it back.”
“And that’s why I never mentioned it.” He finished cleaning his daggers and put them aside as he got up. “And now it’s here”—he gestured towards the painting—“splendidly adorning my wall.”
She sighed. “Well, I suppose no one has missed it since then…” Getting up to join him, she admired the colors, the paint strokes, the whole composition. “I have to admit, it is beautiful.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Phaedra looked over at Astarion to see him watching her, a curious look in his eyes. Wait. That look. “Astarion?”
He stepped closer to her. “Yes, darling?”
“What are you doing?”
“You have some debris in your hair,” he said, reaching up to pick out bits of dirt from her snowy white hair. His fingers trailed down to the tips of her hair before he softly caressed her cheek with the back of his knuckles, his gaze softer than she had ever seen.
“Um, thank you.” Phaedra stepped back, suddenly shy. He’s been doing this more often as of late. It’s not unwelcome, but it’s certainly an odd development. “This is the first time I’ve been to your place,” she mumbled, changing the subject awkwardly.
Astarion stepped back, and he was suddenly his usual self again. “Well, let me give you the grand tour.”
It was only three rooms, but he chattered away as he showed them to her. The luxurious powder room had two sinks and a tub large enough for two, with a door that connected to a grand bedroom with minimalist, stylish decor. There was a king sized bed covered in black silk sheets, and night stands on either side with two drawers each, clearly stuffed with knick knacks and jewelry.
The last room was a classically styled office, with an ebony stained mahogany desk, and bookcases along all of the walls, floor to ceiling. They were all filled, and there were even a few stacks on the floor where extra books couldn’t fit.
“That’s… a lot of books.”
Astarion shrugged. “There might be a few duplicates in there, I’m never quite sure.”
“Did you pilfer these too?”
“Perhaps.”
Phaedra grinned. “Do you want me to help you pick out the copies? We could donate them to the library.”
“You’re always so… nice.”
“Those thugs we clobbered underground may not agree with you.”
He laughed. “No, I suppose they wouldn’t.”
They were back in the living room, Phaedra staring at her pile of loot and her quarterstaff leaning against a chair. “So, I guess I should head back to the Elfsong.”
“You’ve been staying there for the last six months. Why didn’t you take Karlach and Wyll’s offer to stay at their place?”
Phaedra shrugged. “You know me. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone, nor outstay my welcome.”
“You could stay here.”
“Did you not hear me?”
“I did, and I’m telling you that it’s more of an inconvenience to me, having to go over to the Elfsong to find you.”
She snorted. “Alright, that’s fair. But you have to help me move my stuff.”
***
Phaedra piled her stuff into the guest bedroom upstairs. It was a modest little room with a small night stand, a twin sized bed, a chest of drawers, and an empty bookcase.
“It’s like you didn’t even attempt to make this look lived in.”
“Why? No one comes here. And I’ve laid traps on all the entrances and windows. A thief would have to be extremely talented to get past all of that.”
She could only nod as she put her things away. She paused when she pulled out a small, dark blue brocade pouch.
Peering over her shoulder, Astarion hummed. “Is that the necklace I gave you back then?”
Phaedra nodded as she opened the pouch and pulled out the delicate silver chain, studded with small sapphires. It was an elegant and minimalist style, designed to be more like a choker. “It was so pretty, I couldn't bring myself to sell it with the rest of the loot.”
Her memories came bubbling up from deep in her mind.
“Where did you find this, Astarion?”
“Does it matter?”
“If I wear it and someone recognizes it, then yes, it matters.”
Astarion shrugged. “No one will recognize it. Just take it. When else will I ever be this generous?”
“True. Oh, did you need my blood tonight?”
His gaze was heated as he smiled, his lips curving perfectly. “Darling, I'm always up for a little treat.”
“Yes, yes, now put your seduction face away, you know it doesn't work on me. And Gale will get mad.”
Astarion laughed. “We wouldn't want that now, would we?” His expression softened as he stepped closer, placing his hands delicately on her shoulders. “I know I don't always say it, but it's a gift every time you let me taste you.” Dipping his head down to her exposed neck, he whispered reverently, “Thank you,” before taking a bite.
Astarion could tell Phaedra was spacing out, so he gently took the necklace from her hand. “Hold your hair up, darling.”
Phaedra came out of her memories and did as he asked.
His fingers glided along her skin as he carefully clasped the necklace around her neck. Staring down at her neck, Astarion felt the urge to hold her close and bite down, but he restrained himself. It had been so long since he had tasted her, felt her slight tremor as he drank. He knew she had fed him as a friend, but he still craved the closeness those few precious moments offered him.
Reaching up to run her fingers along the necklace, she turned around and tipped her head curiously at him. “Well? Does it look good on me?”
“Of course it does. I picked it out, remember?”
Remembering the myriad times he had pilfered a piece of jewelry or some other knick-knack that ended up being worth a sizable amount, even as they were trying to survive the onslaught of the Absolute and everything in between, Phaedra laughed and batted at his arm. “You always did have good taste, even if it got in the way of our work at times.”
She noticed that Astarion had stepped back. Looking toward the only window, she realized a faint sliver of dawn light was seeping through the blackout curtain.
“Oh. Right. Better get you back downstairs.”
He nodded. “Get some rest, darling. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Good, uh, well, have a good rest, Astarion.”
Smiling at her, he winked before heading back to the basement.
Phaedra remained unmoving until she heard the basement door close. Then, without really thinking, she plopped down on the bed and fell into reverie, letting the memories wash over her.
***
Astarion climbed slowly into his grandiose bed. Normally he’d revel in the feel of the silk sheets against his bare skin, but today, he longed for something else.
He longed for her. It pained him to have her so close, and yet she felt just as far as she had when she was in Waterdeep. He wanted her in bed with him, to feel her skin next to his. To touch her. Not even in a lustful way, just… skin to skin, laying beside her.
Sighing heavily, he fell into a trance, but his mind tortured him by remembering all of his interactions with Phaedra.
He'd be lying if he said this wasn't a common occurrence.
------------------------
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Chapter 2 Here.
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a fic author described their marauders oneshot as a "soft tragedy"
if that isnt the marauders in a nutshell idk what is
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youtube
Release: July 2, 2001
Lyrics:
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
Songwriter:
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
If I had another chance tonight
Roger Sanchez / Steven Lee Lukather
SongFacts:
👉📖
#Youtube#Spotify#Roger Sanchez#Another chance#music#music video#hit of the day#video of the day#youtube video#chaos radi o#good music#2000s#2000s charts#2000s music#2001#dance#dance electronic#french house#house#lyrics#songfacts#237
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