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the-reader-insert-gazette · 2 months ago

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Beyond the Charade - F!Reader x Balthus von Albrecht

Fire Emblem - Three Houses (Time Skip)

To evade relentless matchmaking from friends and family, Reader and Balthus von Albrecht agree to fake a romantic relationship.

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The chill of winter clung to Garreg Mach Monastery, seeping through its ancient stone walls as [Name] made her way through the dimly lit corridors. The monastery, once brimming with activity, now carried an air of quiet resilience. It had become the resistance's bastion, a gathering place for those determined to reclaim their lands from the Empire's grip. [Name], now a professor of combat strategy and black magic, found herself at the center of it all.

But tonight, strategy was far from her mind.

Her boots clicked against the stone floor as she made her way to the training grounds, needing to burn off the frustration that had been simmering since dinner. It had been another one of those evenings. Hilda’s conspiratorial smirks, Claude’s pointed comments about "the perfect political match," and even Lorenz’s insufferable suggestions about how she could “enhance her station” by aligning herself with a noble house—it was all too much.

The constant prying into her personal life felt suffocating, like a vice tightening around her. She’d spent years clawing her way out of the shadows of other people’s expectations, and yet here she was again, being scrutinized for her “duty” rather than her choices.

When she reached the training grounds, she stopped short. Someone was already there.

Balthus von Albrecht was in the middle of his evening routine, driving his fists into a makeshift punching bag with rhythmic precision. His shirt lay discarded on a nearby bench, leaving his broad shoulders and muscled torso gleaming in the flickering torchlight. He paused when he noticed her watching, turning with a grin that was as shameless as it was genuine.

“Well, well, look who’s sneaking out for some late-night training. What brings you here, [Name]? Couldn’t resist the sight of me in action?”

She rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth twitched. “Don’t flatter yourself. I needed to get out of the dining hall before I said something I’d regret.”

“Ah, the matchmaking squad strikes again?”

“How did you guess?”

He snorted, wiping his hands on a nearby towel. “They’ve been on my case, too. Can you believe it? They want me—the King of Grappling—to settle down and play noble husband.”

[Name] folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. “And how would that even work with your… financial situation?”

“Exactly! Can you picture me trying to impress some fancy family while dodging my debt collectors? Hah!” He laughed, the sound rich and unbothered, though there was a flicker of something else in his eyes.

The corners of her mouth softened. Despite his easygoing demeanor, she knew Balthus carried more weight than he let on. He might joke about his debts and rough reputation, but there was a loyalty and warmth to him that had surprised her more than once.

“Anyway,” he continued, his tone light again, “what about you? Don’t tell me you’re actually considering one of those suitors.”

[Name] scoffed. “Hardly. I’ve had enough of being pushed into boxes I don’t belong in. I’m not about to let anyone decide my future for me.”

His grin widened, his amber eyes glinting with approval. “Now that’s what I like to hear. You’ve got more backbone than half the nobles I’ve met.”

An idea began to take shape in [Name]'s mind, her frustration slowly giving way to something more cunning. She glanced at Balthus, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

“What if we gave them something to talk about?”

He tilted his head, intrigued. “I’m listening.”

“What if we pretended to be together? Just until they back off. It’d get the matchmakers off my back and give you a reason to dodge their lectures about settling down.”

Balthus’s eyebrows shot up, and then he threw his head back, laughing. “You want me to be your fake boyfriend? That’s bold, [Name]. I like it.”

“I’m serious,” she said, though a small smile played on her lips. “Think about it. We’d just need to act close during meetings, maybe drop a few hints, and make it convincing enough to keep everyone off our backs. No strings attached.”

He stroked his chin, pretending to mull it over. “Hmm… I dunno. What’s in it for me?”

She rolled her eyes. “The satisfaction of not being harassed about your lack of a wife?”

“Tempting, but let’s sweeten the deal,” he said with a teasing grin. “You help me out in a few sticky situations—say, backing me up in a fight or two—and I’ll play the part of your perfect fake boyfriend.”

[Name] considered it, then extended her hand. “Deal.”

He clasped her hand in his, the warmth of his grip surprising her. “Deal. This is gonna be fun.”

------

The plan worked like a charm.

At strategy meetings, Balthus made a point of sitting beside [Name], leaning back in his chair with a casual arm draped over hers. His antics were as theatrical as they were effective. Anytime a noble name came up in conversation, or someone’s matchmaking intent seemed to stray into dangerous territory, Balthus would interrupt with a playful comment.

“Now, now, don’t be giving [Name] any ideas,” he’d say, flashing a roguish grin. “She’s already got her hands full dealing with me. Isn’t that right, Sweetheart?”

[Name], though initially tempted to elbow him, learned to play along with a smirk. “Full is one way to describe it,” she’d reply dryly, earning a round of chuckles from the room.

During meals, Balthus dialed up the charm, leaning in to share private jokes that weren’t as private as they seemed.

“[Name],” he whispered loudly one evening, holding up a loaf of bread, “do you want this last piece, or should I heroically sacrifice it for you?”

She looked at him flatly, but the corner of her mouth twitched. “Heroically sacrifice, of course. Just like you do on the battlefield.”

“Oh, I’m heroic in all things,” he said, dropping the bread onto her plate with a flourish. “My lady deserves the best.”

The exaggerated gallantry made Hilda squeal. “You two are so adorable! Look at him doting on you, [Name]!”

“He's not doting,” [Name] muttered, her ears burning. “he’s just being obnoxious.”

“She’s right,” Balthus agreed solemnly, though his grin gave him away. “It’s all part of my charm.”

Claude, ever the observer, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “You know, Balthus, I’m impressed. I never thought you’d be the type to settle down. What’s your secret?”

Balthus leaned forward conspiratorially, as if sharing the answer to some great mystery. “It’s simple: I’ve got taste. Can’t let a gem like [Name] slip through my fingers.”

Claude raised an eyebrow at [Name], clearly expecting her to protest, but she only rolled her eyes and focused on her food.

Even Lorenz, who normally found fault with everything, begrudgingly admitted their "compatibility."

“Well,” he said, adjusting his cuffs one evening, “while your pairing is unorthodox, I must admit it has a certain... charm. Of course, proper decorum would dictate—”

“Oh, look,” Balthus cut in, tossing a grape into his mouth. “Lorenz is complimenting me. Let’s mark this day in history.”

Lorenz sniffed. “I was merely observing the obvious, though I suppose even a broken clock is right twice a day.”

“You hear that, Firebrand?” Balthus said, nudging [Name]'s shoulder. “Even Mr. Perfect over here can’t deny we’re great together.”

“Miracles never cease,” [Name] quipped, though her lips twitched into a reluctant smile.

The fake relationship brought unexpected perks beyond just deflecting unwanted attention. Balthus’s constant presence provided an easy buffer during tense discussions, and his larger-than-life personality often lightened the mood. But it also made [Name] notice things she hadn’t before.

She began to see the way he watched their allies during meetings, always ready to step in when someone looked overwhelmed. She noticed how, despite his carefree facade, he always seemed to know when morale was low and made it his mission to lift everyone’s spirits.

One night, after a particularly grueling day of planning, they sat together in the library. Balthus had claimed he was "helping" her review battle strategies, though most of his contributions involved doodling comical interpretations of their enemies on the margins of the map.

“You’re surprisingly good at that,” [Name] remarked, gesturing to a particularly exaggerated drawing of a general with a bird nesting in his helmet.

“Don’t sound so shocked,” Balthus said, pretending to be offended. “I’m a man of many talents. Grappling, charming, and apparently artistic genius.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head.

“I'll take that laugh as you agreeing with me,” he shot back, grinning.

She didn’t respond right away, and the silence that followed was oddly comfortable. For a moment, [Name] allowed herself to relax, leaning slightly against him as they stared at the map. His warmth was a steady presence beside her, and she found herself thinking that maybe this charade wasn’t so bad after all.

-----

As the weeks went on, their act became second nature. But there were moments—small, fleeting moments—that made [Name] wonder if they were still pretending. Like when Balthus brought her a cup of tea during a late-night strategy session without her asking. Or when he stepped in front of her during a skirmish, shielding her from an enemy’s attack with a ferocity that went beyond mere camaraderie.

And then there were the quieter moments, like when he caught her arm after a meeting, holding her back as the others left.

“You okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed in concern. His voice was softer than usual, lacking its typical teasing edge. The way his amber eyes studied her, searching for something beneath the surface, made [Name] hesitate.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied quickly, her tone a little too brisk. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Balthus tilted his head, clearly unconvinced. His hand, warm and steady, lingered on her arm. “I dunno. You’ve been quiet today. You’re usually putting someone in their place by now.”

Her lips twitched at the comment, but the humor didn’t stick. She sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on her. “It’s just… everything. The constant planning, the battles, the expectations. Sometimes it feels like no matter what I do, it’s never enough.”

Balthus’s hand slid from her arm but only so he could place it over hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You’re doing more than enough, [Name]. More than anyone could ask for. And if anyone says otherwise, they can answer to me.”

She looked up at him, caught off guard by his sincerity. “Thanks, Balthus. That actually means… a lot.”

His trademark grin returned, though it was softer now. “Hey, what kind of fake boyfriend would I be if I didn’t have your back?”

Her cheeks warmed, and she rolled her eyes to cover it. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” he quipped, but his gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he finally let her go. “C’mon, let’s get out of here before Lorenz decides to lecture us again.”

The days blended together in the chaotic rhythm of war, but those small moments between them stood out. Like the night Balthus showed up to her quarters with a tray of food, grinning sheepishly.

“You didn’t eat dinner,” he said by way of explanation, setting the tray down on her desk.

“I wasn’t hungry,” she replied, though the faint rumble of her stomach betrayed her.

“Sure, sure,” he said, pulling up a chair and gesturing for her to sit. “You’ve got to keep your strength up, Firebrand. No excuses.”

[Name] raised an eyebrow. “Are you seriously lecturing me about self-care? You, of all people?”

“Hey, I may not be perfect,” he said, winking, “but even I know you can’t fight on an empty stomach. Now eat up, or I’ll start feeding you myself.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

She shook her head but couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips.

“You’re welcome,” he mused, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated air of satisfaction.

Then there was the skirmish on the outskirts of the monastery, where the Empire’s forces had launched a surprise attack. [Name] had been focused on casting a spell, her eyes locked on the advancing soldiers, when she felt a strong arm yank her backward. A split second later, an axe cleaved the air where she had been standing.

“[Name]!” Balthus barked, stepping in front of her with his gauntlets raised. He deflected the blow with a fierce growl, his movements precise and unrelenting as he forced the enemy back.

Her heart pounded as she watched him fight, the realization of how close she’d come to harm sinking in. Once the skirmish ended, she turned to him, her voice sharp with a mix of anger and worry. “What were you thinking, throwing yourself in like that?”

“What was I thinking?” he shot back, his own voice heated. “You could’ve been killed, [Name]!”

“I can handle myself!”

“I know you can,” he said, his tone softening. “But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna stand by and watch you get hurt.”

Her anger fizzled out as quickly as it had flared. She studied him, the tension in his shoulders, the raw concern in his eyes. “Thanks,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, brushing off the blood on his gauntlets with a practiced ease. “Anytime.”

-----

The line between their act and reality blurred further with every passing day. [Name] found herself lingering when Balthus was around, drawn to his easy confidence and the way he made her laugh even when things seemed darkest. And Balthus, for all his bravado, began looking for excuses to be near her, his usual teasing tinged with something softer.

One evening, as they sat by the fire after another long day, [Name] broke the comfortable silence between them.

“Balthus,” she said, her voice hesitant, “can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” he said, leaning back against the log he’d claimed as a seat. “Shoot.”

“Why did you agree to this? Pretending to be with me, I mean. What’s in it for you now that the others have left us alone?”

He glanced at her, his usual grin absent. For a moment, he seemed to weigh his words before answering. “At first? It was just a way to get everyone off my back. But now…” He hesitated, then shrugged. “Now, I think I just like being around you.”

Her breath caught at his honesty, and she looked away, unsure how to respond. “You’re not just saying that?”

“[Name],” he said, leaning closer so she couldn’t avoid his gaze, “I don’t say things I don’t mean. Not to you.”

[Name]'s cheeks burned as she met his gaze, the sincerity in his eyes unraveling her carefully maintained composure. The crackle of the fire seemed deafening in the silence that followed. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words. What could she say when the lines between their ruse and reality had already blurred so thoroughly?

Before she could untangle her thoughts, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment. Claude strolled into the clearing, hands casually tucked behind his head, his trademark smirk firmly in place.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” he teased, his sharp eyes flitting between them. “The ‘happy couple’ having a heartfelt moment by the fire? Don’t let me interrupt.”

[Name] straightened, her face flushing. “We were just talking, Claude. Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“Talking? Sure,” Claude said, drawing out the word as he dropped onto a nearby log. “But I’ve been around you two long enough to know when something’s changed.”

Balthus leaned back, his arms crossed, a grin tugging at his lips. “You’ve got a good imagination, buddy.”

Claude arched a brow, unconvinced. “Oh, come on. I knew your little act was fake from the start. But now? This”—he gestured between them—“this isn’t fake anymore.”

[Name]'s eyes widened, and she sputtered, “What are you talking about? It’s—”

“Save it,” Claude interrupted, holding up a hand. “I’ve been watching you two for weeks. The way he looks at you? Not fake. The way you get all flustered when he calls you ‘Sweetheart’? Definitely not fake.”

Balthus laughed, a low, rumbling sound. “You’ve got us all figured out, huh?”

Claude’s smirk softened, his tone more serious than usual. “Yeah, I do. And you’re an idiot if you keep pretending this is just some scheme.”

[Name] blinked, unsure whether to be annoyed or grateful for his bluntness. “Claude—”

“And you,” Claude cut her off, pointing at Balthus. “Just kiss her already. You’re not fooling anyone, least of all her.”

Balthus stared at him, then let out a bark of laughter. “You really know how to kill a moment, don’t you?”

Claude shrugged, his grin returning. “Consider it my good deed for the day. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you lovebirds to it.”

With a mock salute, he sauntered off, leaving [Name] and Balthus alone again.

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken tension. [Name] stared at the fire, her heart pounding as she tried to process what had just happened. Finally, she dared to glance at Balthus, who was watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher.

“Well?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended.

“Well,” he repeated, leaning closer. “Claude’s got a point.”

Her breath hitched as his hand reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Balthus…”

“[Name],” he said, his voice low and steady, “I meant what I said earlier. None of this has been fake for a long time.”

Her heart ached at the raw honesty in his words, and for once, she didn’t try to deflect or hide. Instead, she closed the distance between them, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “It hasn’t been fake for me, either.”

The grin he gave her wasn’t his usual cocky smirk—it was softer, more genuine. “Good to know.”

And then he kissed her.

It wasn’t like the playful touches or exaggerated gestures they’d used to sell their act. This was real, a kiss filled with all the emotion they’d been holding back for weeks. [Name]'s hand moved to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingers as he cupped her cheek, his touch warm and grounding.

When they finally broke apart, Balthus rested his forehead against hers, a rare vulnerability in his eyes. “So, where do we go from here, Firebrand?”

She smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years. “Wherever we want, Balthus. Together.”

He chuckled, his grin returning as he pulled her closer. “Now that’s a plan I can get behind.”

And for the first time in a long while, [Name] felt like the future might just be something worth looking forward to.

~Fin~

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I'm sorry I know there's Raphael, but Balthus is exactly my type of himbo QwQ

#fe three houses #fe3h #fire emblem three houses #balthus #balthus von albrecht #balthus x reader #reader x balthus #reader x balthus von albrecht #balthus von albrecht x reader #ashen wolves

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mostrandomgallery · 3 months ago

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Brawling his way into the battlefield, it's Ignis von Albrecht!

Ignis von Albrecht has a fiery temper, and he’s not afraid to use it. He’s the main brawler for the Cotton Candy Elephants and has a strong aptitude for fire-based attacks. Word of caution; do not mention that his relative Balthus is the King of Grappling; Ignis will argue and throw punches to prove why he’s the REAL grappling king instead.

And now, for Ignis' stats!

Crest: Chevalier (major)

Heroes’ Relic/Sacred Weapon: Vajra-Mushti

Strengths: Axe, Brawl, Reason

Weaknesses: Faith, Sword

Hidden Talent: Heavy Armor

Personal Skill: “Fiery Fury”— Has a 10% higher chance of landing a Critical hit if HP is below 75% when using Gauntlets. Trigger = %Mt

Ideal Classes: Fighter, Brawler, Grappler, Brigand, Warrior, War Master, War Monk

Learnable Magic: Fire, Bolganone, Ragnarok, Sagittae, Meteor, Heal, Nosferatu, Rescue

Ideal Combat Arts: Smash, Helm Splitter, Wild Abandon, Exhaustive Strike, Fading Blow, Rushing Blow, Healing Focus, Bombard, Mighty Blow, Eviscerate (unique), Pneuma Gale

Selection Quotes (Academy): "Balthus who? I’m the REAL King of Grappling!" (normal), "So that’s how you wanna play?!!" (mid-health), "I can go another round!" (critical health)

Ignis is the primary Brawler of the Cotton Candy Elephants. In addition to his strength with gauntlets, he is skilled with an axe and has a high growth rate in Reason, making him a perfect fit for the War Monk class (ironically, War Monk is used more for healing and Ignis has low growth rates for Faith). His best stats are Str, Def, and Res, and his Crest of Chevalier grants him the ability to wield Vajra-Mushti, a huge set of gauntlets with the combat art Eviscerate.

Ignis is a little tougher to build support with, but he's fun to enter into monthly tournaments. He has a rather large appetite, and a spicier palate that his classmates, so his favorite dishes are: Beast Meat Teppanyaki, Sautéed Jerky, Spicy Fish and Turnip Stew, Garreg Mach Meat Pie, Super Spicy Fish Dango, Gronder Meat Skewers, and Deirdru-Style Fried Pheasant. He has unique dialogue with Franz von Varley when dining. If you want to get him some gifts, Ignis prefers you give him a Whetstone, Smoked Meat, Training Weight, Exotic Spices, and a Ceremonial Sword. He has supports with everyone in his house, but outside of it, his supports are: Caspar, Dedue, Dimitri, Felix, Hilda, Raphael, Alois, Balthus, and Hapi. As for S-Support, he is locked to Female Byleth.

I imagine that if he fights Nemesis (either recruited into Golden Deer or ***SPOILER*** on his own route with Allegra), his unique dialogue when engaging him would be "So that's how you wanna play old man? Taking over Fódlan? Oh sure, we'll surrender, right after you witness this firestorm!!!" *throws either Ragnarok or Meteor, or proceeds to unleash Eviscerate with Vajra-Mushti*.

Fun Fact: Ignis is Latin for "fire", which suits his fiery temper. I had debated on using another name, Alaric von Bergliez, because I didn't want him confused with Ignatz at first, but then settled with Ignis von Albrecht just because I wanted him to wield Vajra-Mushti.

DO NOT REPOST!!! Also on deviantART

#fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fe3h #fe3h au #ignis von albrecht #crossover #pixar #inside out #inside out 2 #anger #inside out anger #fanart #my art #museum of stephanie #artists on tumblr #his go-to attack is meteor

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trashedump · 15 days ago

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Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love 💚

tagged by @seagullcharmer! thank u sm :)

this list is in no particular order btw

Shelter from the Rain this was the first fic i ever published on ao3 so naturally it has a special place in my heart, but also i'm really happy with it! the beginning and ending sections are especially strong imo

before those hands pulled me from the earth TRAGIC CASPHARDT WAAUUGHHHH!!! i started writing this when i had covid and was going through a bunch of other stuff and i think it shows lmao- i hadn't tried writing something with an actively Tragic Ending before, usually i tend to write angsty stories that resolve with things being okay, so it was super fun to try and do something different. it's not a happy ending but it's the ending the story deserved, and i think i executed that well.

Keep Fighting naturally this one belongs here because i spent so dang long on it. that being said though, i will admit this fic had a rough start lol, but chapter 6 onwards are still sooo good and i had a lot of fun writing them! my ability to write angst/whump definitely improved with this fic.

Late-Night Spar more felix angst oh yeah woo yeah!!! rereading this still genuinely makes me tear up lmao, i'm so happy with how i captured the grief and anger ough.....

we'll hate what we've lost but we'll love what we find the boys!!! the sillies!!! this is probably one of my least polished fics (i think i wrote and published it in the same day) but i still really like it! i hadn't written xenoblade fic before so it was already a fun new experience, and playing with autistic shulk was also super fun :3 i may or may not be working on a sequel-y thing as well.......

also, this isn't part of the assignment but i thought i'd give honorable mentions to some fics of mine that i think deserve more attention! Kings of Grappling is a dimitri/balthus rarepair fic where they have a homoerotic brawling session lol, and A Chance Encounter is part one (hopefully) of a zombie apocalypse au with platonic felix & bernie as the main characters!

tagging @dazzlerazz @onyxedskies @sevarix-blogs @nerdnag and @mcmissileproof if y'all want to!

#ashe writes #fanfic #tag game #fire emblem three houses #xenoblade chronicles #fe3h fanfic #xenoblade fanfic

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albwreckt · 10 months ago

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✢⁎. MIDAS' MIGHT / WANTED PLOTS

As you are going about your business at Garreg Mach, something draws your attention. Situated by the crossroads between Abyss and the surface world is a stall of sorts, which is strange, because people normally aren't allowed to peddle there.

But upon closer inspection, the man behind it is no merchant. He introduces himself to you as The Lucrative King of Grappling, and directs you to the sign above his head. 'Crown The King,' it says, in hastily-scratched letters (one of which you think is backwards?).

He goes on to explain that he is offering a special service: the easiest 500 gold of your life. All you need to do is hire him for the low, low price of 1000g, and he will assist you in completing one of the church's missions. Then, when 1500g is given to the both of you as a reward, you'll have made your money!

His offer seems skeptical, but do you really have it in you to say no? He's got an inviting smile and a massive rack of six-pack abs. You can trust this guy, he'll be worth your money... Right?

OOC: Hi everyone! This is my wanted plots for Balthus. He is open to any and all prompts from the mission board, provided your muse can fulfill two stipulations: his up-front, non-refundable 1000g hiring fee, and that your muse is a Golden Deer for any prompts requiring one (no, his past enrollment does not count).

Beyond that, the world is our oyster here. Shoot me a DM either here or on discord @ kazdels, or ping me in the #plotting channel if you'd like to thread! I'm also open to smaller ask interactions of your muse and Baltie at his stand, which can lead into a thread or simply end there.

As a side note, all the gold gained (and lost) from this scheme or otherwise will be tracked on Balthus' gold tracker! More on that in his pinned post.

Anyways, thanks for reading if you've made it this far, and hopefully we can thread!

#OOC #WANTED PLOTS #//does this warrant an ic tag?#//mods crack my skull if it does (or a toa open tag for that matter)#//anyways yeah this idea came to me in a haze and i hope you all like it

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silverselfshippingchaos · 1 year ago

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Pairing: Ash (self-insert)/Balthus

Word Count: About 1.7k

Warnings: Swearing, vague descriptions of injuries and blood, some slightly suggestive lines, Ash is very much emotionally constipated.

Synopsis: After a late-night run-in with some mercenaries, Balthus stumbles back to Abyss bloody and bruised. The only person awake to heal him is the woman he always felt drawn to, Ash. Ash isn't used to having people in her life that she cared for, so why did the thought of him make her feel so... weak? Pre-relationship.

Having lived underground for years, the King of Grappling has little sense of day and night.

As he wipes some blood from his chest, he thinks to himself that clearly, neither did the men his stepmother sent after him.

I'm never coming back. What's it gonna take for that witch to realize that?!

Bloody and bruised, Balthus stumbles his way through the lush green grass of the Monastery to the dark and dusty walls of Abyss. The cold bricks and the horrible, sewer smell are little more of a comfort than the chill of the air outside, but he didn't hate it. A prison to others, a home to him.

Ash is disturbed from her late-night reading by the faint sound of heavy footsteps on the stone stairs leading down to this hell. It was typically dead silent at this hour, so to hear someone... Were they being attacked? But by only one man?

She looks around, and slowly steps out of the Shadow Library to see Abysskeeper on-guard as always. He gives her a look of acknowledgement. To that, Ash gives him a glare.

"I'll take care of it."

Her voice is deep and rough, just like how it always was. Abysskeeper took orders from no one, not even the Garreg Mach keeper whom he found to be more charming than he'd like to admit. And yet, he steps aside at Ash's word. Who was to deny one of Abyss' guardians herself?

... Especially since she'd probably stab him if he didn't.

Ash steps closer to the stairs as the footsteps get louder. A hand resting on the blade by her side, which served as a constant reminder of her being trapped in this world of fighting. There was no escape. Any blood spilled with repayed for more. A horrible cycle, and she was stuck in the middle of it, stuck in her past, stuck in Abyss, stuck in her feelings, stuck in a war, horrified and scared and-

Balthus.

Covered in bruises and cuts, Balthus wipes some of the blood from his cheek with the back of his hand. Ash's hand relaxes, falling back to her side.

"Balthus."

"Ash! Always a pleasure."

And Balthus flashes her a bloody, toothy grin. Ash just rolls her eyes, which Balthus seems to enjoy, judging by the way he threw his head back and laughed.

"Heartless as ever! You wound me, my lady."

Heartless...

Balthus thinks to himself,

She's far from it. I caught her teaching the kids how to read the other day.

Ash ignores the comment and just looks at him blanky. If she was concerned, she didn't show it. If only he knew the way she worried about him, having not come back until so late. What if something happened to him?!

"What happened to you?"

Balthus' expression hardens for a moment before resuming to his usual, easy smirk,

"Oh, you know how it goes, pal. One drink too many, a lost bet, and-"

"Predictable as ever. Pathetic."

But Ash couldn't just let him stand there all beat up. She couldn't bear the sight of him hurt, and she hated to admit it. Why did she care about him so much?

She reaches a hand out to his and grabs his wrist, pulling him into the Shadow Library.

"Woah there- Pal! What are you doing?"

"You're so... so stupid!"

"Jeez, you're mean... Now who's predictable?"

Ash shoves him down onto the table, and Balthus can't help but think that he likes it when she's that harsh with him. The way that her grip hurt so damn good, the way her hair fell in her face as her moved... She was intoxicating. Absolutely fucking intoxicating.

Ash takes off her own long coat and sets it down onto another table. Balthus notices that even through her sleeves, her arms look strong. And Balthus gladly drinks in the sight of her muscles, the healed scars on her forearms from a life of too much war.

"Didn't realize it was going to be this kind of encounter, but I don't mind."

"Shut up. Take off your jacket."

"Ooh, I like it when you talk to me like that, pal. Wanted to see me strip that bad, yeah?"

Ash's breath hitches in her throat. Fuck.

"That's not what I meant and you know it. You're injured and I wanna see-"

"You're not one to waste time... Of course you wanna see! Who'd pass up an opportunity to see the King of Grappling's iron bod?"

Ash groans,

"Can't you just shut up?! Let me heal you, you idiot! You think I'm not worried about you?!"

Ash crosses her arms over her chest. She hopes her yelling didn't wake any of the Abyssians.

Balthus' brown eyes go wide, but he quickly gathers himself and smiles as he takes off his jacket. Slow and steady, making it a show for her. She hates how much it affects her. Balthus was, without a doubt, the most muscular man she had ever seen. And he had a love for walking around shirtless, too. The way he moved...

Ash leans in and runs her fingers over his bare skin, over the defined muscles of his chest, over the bruises all over him. Her touch was light, too light. Balthus wanted more.

"That was one hell of a bar fight.."

Ash's voice is a quiet whisper as she feels his injuries. Feels him.

"I'm going to heal you."

And before Balthus can protest (not that he'd want to), Ash presses a hand to each of his injuries and casts her healing spells.

She casts her spells again and again, and Balthus can feel the pain start to fade away. To distract himself from the burning sting of his bruises fading, he looks at her. Watches her. The way her brown eyes narrowed in concentration...

Ash steps back after she completes her round of healing spells. Even after all her work, some blood remained.

Balthus shifts uncomfortably on the wooden table of the Shadow Library, glancing over at his arm. They cut him, too.

"I'll get bandages."

He's never heard Ash's voice so soft. Even with the healing spells, he couldn't deny that he was getting a little drowsy.

Ash comes back a minute or two later with the best supplies she could manage to get in a place like this. Perhaps she'd pay a visit to the surface soon, steal some new ones. And even if she did get caught, she'd make sure there wasn't a single person left alive to tell the tale.

Slowly but surely, Ash cleans Balthus' wounds. Balthus winces at the sting, but through gritted teeth, he can't resist being cheeky.

"Bet you like this, yeah? Hearing me squirm under your touch."

The best Ash offers him is a racing heart and a scoff,

"That's cute."

Ash presses down extra hard on his cuts, and Balthus yelps.

She looks into his eyes, her eyes just as hard as always, but her lips twitched up in a smirk,

"That's a good boy. Now shut up."

"Ouch... Bit of a sadistic one, aren't you?"

"Only sometimes."

Ash leans in close to see the injuries on his face. Goodness, she was so beautiful up close. Her hair, always a little messy fell into her face. She places a hand on his bare chest.

"Your heart is racing, Balthus. Don't tell me you like having me like this."

Balthus meets her gaze directly,

"One more word from you, pal, and I'll flip you onto this table. Show you who's King around here."

Ash chuckles,

"In this state, I'd like to see you try."

She leans in close to his ear, her voice a dark whisper,

"And who's to say I don't like it better when it's like this?"

Balthus chuckles, and Ash grabs for the bandages, carefully wrapping him up.

Her words were harsh, but her touch was gentle on his skin. Like she didn't want to hurt him even more.

They fall into a silence. Not quite awkward, not quite comfortable. The tension in the air made it hard for them to feel much of anything other than each other.

Inspecting her work, Ash steps away.

"You..."

Ash's voice trembles,

"You can't keep doing this... All you ever do is get beat up."

"It's what I do best, pal!"

"You're an idiot! I can't bear the sight of you like this."

"It's starting to sound to me like you care about my wellbeing."

Ash hesitates, and it takes her a second to respond, thinking about every single word. She couldn't let him know how she really felt. A woman like her didn't do love.

"You're important to the people in Abyss. So don't you dare get yourself killed."

She spends a moment with a hand on his chest, looking so deeply into his eyes. The moment feels like an eternity... But then she rips her gaze away and pulls back, and her touch seems to linger on his skin.

"I'm going to bed, Balthus. Goodnight."

Balthus straightens up on the table,

"Don't want company?"

"You'd wake Constance up. Then you'd be dead for real."

"How about my bed?"

"Then we'd wake Yuri up and never hear the end of it."

"Guess you're right about that, pal."*

Ash yawns before she can get another smart response out, and Balthus finds the gesture oddly cute. She couldn't be much older than him, and she looked so... soft. Sweet. Like there was more to her than he knew.

Ash picks up her coat and begins to walk away. Ash shoots him one last look before she leaves the library. Ash was always an enigma of sorts, and Balthus didn't put too much thought into understanding her. But there was something about that look that he couldn't quite decipher. He felt... odd.

And so, there Balthus is. Half-naked at the dead of night in the middle of the Shadow Library, left to deal with the dulling pain of his wounds (she was a great healer!) and the weird flutter in his chest all alone.

Great.

#I DID IT!!! I WROTE SOMETHING!!!!!!!!#heres a pre-relationship ash/b.althus thing :D #ash rambles 💚#selfship #selfship writing #f/o community #f/o x s/i #self insert #uhhh what else do i tag this as #you know what? i think that's fine #enjoy :D!!!#feel free to rb if you want #me x the boys #ash writes 💚✌️#oh and. i am indian so..#bipoc selfship 2023

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genshinemblem564 · 2 years ago

Text

Chapter 4: New Friends

_______________________________________________

After you and the traveler turned in the imposter, the two of you are met with a hefty reward and due to it being a wide spread crime the reward was handled by the Adventurer's Guild and Katherine seems to be back at it again

Katherine: Rebooting.

(Y/N): (thoughts) Why does she say that all the time?

Traveler: Hello Katherine

Katherine: Ah, Traveler and Paimon, I assume you're here for the reward?

Paimon: Eh!? How'd you know?

Katherine: Half of Liyue has already heard the wonderful news. Hm? And this is?

Paimon: Oh this is one of Liyue's special guests, something to do with summoning.

(Y/N): I'm the tactician of Askr's Order of Heroes.

Traveler: They're the one who helped bring down the imposter.

Katherine: I see, so the reward will be split between you, then may I ask for your name for proper documentation?

(Y/N): It's (Y/N) (L/N).

Paimon: EH!? That's your name!?

(Y/N): (stern) Is that a problem?

Traveler: Oh right you wouldn't know being from another world, that's the name of the deity that criminal was trying to impersonate, even before their grace was rediscovered their name was quite common, so there was no law put in place about it, however after the imposter appeared everyone with that name was kept under serious restraint, so I guess you could call this poetic justice.

Paimon: Sorry if you were worried, Paimon was just surprised is all.

(Y/N): It's alright, thanks for the explanation.

As the Traveler was speaking, Katherine had returned with two small chests.

Katherine: Here you go.

Traveler: Thanks Katherine.

(Y/N): How much is this by the way?

Katherine: Due to just how elusive this particular criminal was combined with the crime committed, the initial reward was five million mora.

(Y/N): Huh? S-So this is t-two and a half million!?

You felt like you'd faint from the shock, but you were shaken from your thoughts by some new voice entering the conversation.

Hu Tao: Ah ha! There they are, the Traveler and Paimon.

Zhongli: It's been some time.

Paimon: Ah, Zhongli, Hu Tao.

Traveler Long time no see.

Hu Tao: Too true, well are you going to introduce us?

One explanation later

Zhongli: I see, I must apologize, you were meant to be Liyue's guest and ended up wrapped up in our affairs.

(Y/N): It's no trouble, they attacked me after all, I just acted in self defense.

Hu Tao: Even still this calls for celebration, why don't you join us for dinner my treat.

Traveler: Best just give in now, once Hu Tao has made up her mind you're going along for the ride.

You were about to contest this until you remembered this girl managed to convince Adeptus Xiao to attend the Lantern Rite festival, and so you gave in as you were walking with the group you couldn't help but notice a few scenarios. Xingqiu and Chongyun watching stunned as Raphael wolfs down even the strangest dishes made by Xiangling, Annette and Dorothea listening intently to Xinyan's rehearsal, Hilda being upset because she can't go on a shopping spree as gold and mora, while similar, are not the same, and Ashe listening intently to one of Liyue's storytellers. Halfway to the restaurant something catches your eye, this doesn't go unnoticed by Hu Tao.

Hu Tao: Ah, has that Casket of Tomes caught your eye

Feigning ignorance you give a confused look and Hu Tao gives an explanation.

(Y/N): So it's for a card game

Paimon: Yeah! It's really fun you should learn how to play.

(Y/N): I'd like to, but we're only in Liyue for a few days and this game doesn't exist in Askr.

Balthus: Yo, Summoner, what's up

You fill Balthus in on the card game.

Balthus: so you're in need of an opponent, then you're in luck, you won't find a finer card duelist than Leicester's King of Grappling.

(Y/N): Says the man who's lost every bet he's placed.

Balthus: HEY! They don't need to know that.

Paimon: Why does this feel familiar.

Hu Tao: Well, you have your opponent. Shopkeeper, two Casket of Tomes please.

You receive your card case and arrive at the restaurant you all place your orders and decide to play a match while waiting for the food. Hu Tao explains the rules and you and Balthus get cracking, and, unsurprisingly, Balthus loses, again.

Balthus: Oof, you're something else summoner, leave it to you to have a strategy for this already.

Traveler: Just out of curiosity, does he really lose all the time?

(Y/N): Not all the time, in combat he's matched only by his closest friend, when it comes to using his head however.

Balthus: Hey, I can use my head just fine, it's just that people around tend to be more adept with their head than I am.

Your food arrives and you all dig in, and have many energetic conversations, soon everyone has eaten their fill.

(Y/N): Thanks for this Hu Tao, that was great.

Hu Tao: No problem.

Balthus: Just out of curiosity, this was a thanks to the summoner am I right?

Paimon: Eh? How'd you know?

Balthus: Heh, the summoner's always getting into trouble whether they look fo it or not, trouble just seems to find them, anyways I'm not too keen on owing anyone.

(Y/N): Except for everyone you lost a bet to.

Balthus: ANYWAY, if we ever run into each other again, just remember you've got a favor you can call in.

Hu Tao: I'll be sure to remember that.

With that you leave the restaurant and bid your new friends farewell.

(Y/N): Hmm, a lot has happened today, I should probably find Sharena and Alfonse and fill them in.

_______________________________________________

Hey sorry this took so long to post, the weather has been crazy over here and I've also been dealing with family matters recently, so needless to say things have been pretty hectic.

Note: I don't hate Balthus I just felt like making (Y/N) a menace

I feel bad for Zhongli I introduced him and did nothing with him, the next chapter or the one after will have to focus on him in some way

Also I'm considering turning asks on, I want know my followers better without stalking their pages

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter

#sagau #genshin impact #fire emblem heroes #feh #crossover

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yukiwrites · 2 years ago

Text

Debts and Repayment

Thanks for the support as always, @authordgaster!

This is a C-A Support chain between Balthus and Seteth from Three Houses! Such a interesting duo, thanks for the opportunity to let me write about them~

Commission info HEREand HERE!

__________________________

C SUPPORT

Seteth: Balthus. A word?

Balthus: Hey there, pal. That’s three words. Done, right? See ya!

Seteth: Hold it right there.

Balthus: Wow, I wouldn’t have pegged your grip to be this strong, Seteth. Care for a match to settle things instead of whatever it is you wanna say?

Seteth: I will decline the offer, though it is as I suspected; you are aware of why I am here.

Balthus: Well, duh. You’re here to collect money, right? The debt I owe the church ain’t small so it was a matter of time until Lady Rhea sent you to me.

Seteth: You are right and wrong about that. I did not come to play a debt collector role even though I am quite aware of the dent you have made in the church’s coffers since your student days.

Balthus: No? Oh that’s a big relief. I didn’t wanna have to fight you and run away from Abyss after finally settling in for a bit.

Seteth: However, I am here to ask you the reason why you have not chosen to work as a hired hand for the church instead. You have done that in the past so you are aware of the amount you can earn.

Balthus: Sure, if I could earn all of that! You’ll take such a big cut outta the whole I end up with barely a coin to toss. I’d rather try my luck elsewhere to pay that debt, thanks.

Seteth: It would be honest work, regardless of monetary rewards, would it not? Haven’t you lived your life in the shadows enough? Now that you fight alongside law-abiding citizens, perhaps it is time to change your ways…

Balthus: Welp, what you say is true. I have been living as a vagabond for a long time.

Seteth: Excellent. I can have you outfitted—

Balthus: But that doesn’t mean I’ll enroll, pal. There’re many ways the King of Grappling can make a living, and being the church’s dog ain’t one of them. Don’t think too much about the debt, aight? I got it covered.

Seteth: *sighs* Must you behave this way? Will you truly not consider it? As you are now a classmate of my sister’s, I must make it so you do not wrongly influence her in any way.

Balthus: Ahh, so that’s what this was about. I did think it was fishy since you didn’t come at me with a weapon in hand demanding money.

Balthus: I know I’m a hard man to miss — which woman could not look twice when they see these?! Haha! — so I understand your concerns… I’m sure I left my share of heartbreak wherever I went.

Seteth: Wha—?! Flayn would never— How dare you suggest she would ever take a liking to- to you?! Preposterous! And even if she did, I would never approve of it.

Balthus: Whoa there, overprotective much? No wonder the kid looks like such an easy prey; you haven’t let her live her own life!

Seteth: I will have you know I give her plenty of freedom! I care only for her safety and wellbeing.

Balthus: Sure, the freedom of a cage, yeah? I feel kinda sorry for her now. Don’t worry, I promise to play nice if it means you’ll give the kid some space. Are we done here?

Seteth: I—? … I suppose. I did not think you would agree so easily, so I apologize for my earlier outburst.

Balthus: No skin off my back, pal. But better keep your overprotectiveness in check or the kid’s gonna hate you for real.

Seteth: …

B SUPPORT (Unlockable after Seteth and Flayn B Support is attained)

Seteth: Balthus. I remember you said you would ‘play nice’? What part of playing nice means getting drunk at the local tavern at noon?

Balthus: Uh, in my defense, I’ve lived down in Abyss for so long I kinda lost the proper sense of time? It’s always dark down there, so any time’s a good time for a drink!

Seteth: …

Balthus: And there’s the death glare. You know I overhead something interesting a few days ago, should I share?

Seteth: By the way you are looking at me, I suppose I will not like this, will I?

Balthus: Not one bit, I’m sure.

Seteth: *sighs*

Balthus: So, does ‘Kindly keep out of my social business in the future’ ring any bells?

Seteth: !! You— What else did you hear? How long have you been eavesdropping on our conversations?!

Balthus: Whoa, easy there, Big Brother, no need to get aggressive. It’s not my way to go around listening in to people’s family meetings. I just so happened to pass by when I overheard that… Though by your reaction, it seems this runs deeper, don’t it?

Seteth: Humph. I’ll thank you not to meddle in my family’s affairs. I hope this does not happen again, Balthus. If I catch you looming around my sister…

Balthus: See, there’s that, too, pal. What did she just tell you? Aren’t you reflecting even a bit? The kid needs some space and you ain’t giving it.

Seteth: I… do not need to hear this from you. I am reflecting well enough without you telling me. Is it too much to simply wish for her to be safe, happy and content at all times? She is my only sister.

Balthus: It kinda is, yeah. You can’t live a life without getting a bit dirty, you know? And I don’t even mean in that way.

Seteth: … Ahem. I am quite aware that it is foolish to expect to shield her from everything, but if I were to ever lose her…

Balthus: You gotta let her loose, pal. She’s your little sis so she’ll always have a spot at your side, won’t she? But if you keep holding her back like this, she’ll just hate you.

Seteth: …

Balthus: I’m not saying I’m a prime example of an older brother, seeing as I left my little bro to inherit the title and land back home, but overprotection ain’t the way.

Seteth: I do remember you hail from House Albrecht, though I know little else about it. So your younger brother is the reigning Baron?

Balthus: Yep. You kinda look like how his mom was when we were kids, and this ain’t a compliment. Because I was born with a Crest and he wasn’t, she always thought that she had to ‘protect’ him from me, and shielded him from mostly everything else on the way. She would control who he met, what he did, where he went and what the professors would tell him in class. Sound familiar?

Seteth: … I am not so unreasonable.

Balthus: Not yet, you mean. My brother still managed to grow up well despite all that, but I figured me leaving would make her gaze turn to eliminating me instead of focusing on him too much. That worked well, hah! This scar was from the last ‘present’ she sent me a few weeks ago.

Seteth: What?! You were attacked within the Monastery’s walls? That breach in security has to be reported—

Balthus: It happened down in Abyss, don’t worry about it. Your little sis is safe here with all of ya’ll. But you’re missing the point again, pal.

Seteth: … Forgive me. I know you are trying to help, and I thank you for it. I confess I didn’t expect to find such wisdom in you.

Balthus: Harsh! Hah!

Seteth: Heh.

Balthus: Nice, now we’re loosing up. Think about it, eh, pal? If you need more ‘wisdom’, you know where to find me!

Balthus leaves.

Seteth: … Surely I won’t look for wisdom at the pub, but I thank you for the new perspective regardless.

A SUPPORT

Balthus: Hey, pal!

Seteth: Balthus.

Balthus: I noticed your grip on little Flayn’s gotten a bit loose lately, that’s good!

Seteth: … I did not have a ‘grip’ on her, but yes, I have done my share of reflecting, much of it was thanks to you.

Balthus: No prob, pal. I’m kinda in the same boat so I get where you’re coming from. Taking care of a little sister in a world filled with trash men sure is hard.

Seteth: Oh? I was not aware you had a sister as well.

Balthus: Well, not my sister, but since she’s my best friend’s sis, she might as well be! You know her — it’s Hilda.

Seteth: Ah. I did hear you and her brother were on good terms. I did not imagine you were so close as to share such a familial bond.

Balthus: Yeah, he asked me to protect her, so that’s what I’m doin’. Any guy who wants to get on with her will have to go through me first!

Seteth: *nod* I understand completely. No unfitting scoundrel will get his hands on my sister on my watch.

Balthus: You know it, pal. But in moderation, yeah? Don’t be a control freak like my step-mom…

Seteth: Ahem. Of course.

Seteth: You mentioned your stepmother, so you are not the official heir to House Albrecht?

Balthus: Nah. Kinda? It’s complicated. You know Kupala? It’s a village up Fódlan’s Throat, so hidden away people think it doesn’t actually exist.

Seteth: I’m afraid I do not recognize the name.

Balthus: Didn’t expect ya to. My mom’s from there, but she left. It didn’t go well and she was rescued by my dad. Bam! Love at first sight and they married. But he’s a noble and she wasn’t, so he had to marry another noble to continue on with the family line. Problem was, my brother wasn’t born with a Crest, so although I wasn’t the ‘official’ son, I’m the one who had the most ‘potential’ to be the heir.

Seteth: I had no idea…

Balthus: So my mom went back to Kupala ‘cause she couldn’t handle all those noble intrigues and what not, you know? I left a while later to give my brother some space and there we have it. I’m planning on going back home to protect my mom once this is over, though. My step-mom’s attacks have stopped since the war, but I’m scared she might be looking for my mom to retaliate.

Seteth: Would she do such a thing?

Balthus: I wouldn’t put it past her, to be honest. Anyway, what did you have in mind to do after the war? I just told you my plan, so be a pal and share yours, too.

Seteth: I will remain at Garreg Mach and help Byleth rebuilt what’s left of the Church and of Fódlan. I could not shirk away from such a duty after helping them play such a pivotal role in the war.

Balthus: Uh-huh. Nice. And after that?

Seteth: After… I’m afraid I don’t know. I want to take Flayn somewhere safe so we live out our lives at peace, for a change. Although she demanded me to stop fretting over her after the war ended, it’s easier said than done.

Balthus: I wanted you to say that. Say, why don’t you go to Kupala with me? It’s a village so out of the way, I don’t think people can find us there unless they try really hard. Besides, I already offered little Lysithea and her folks a spot there, so why not call you and Flyan in, too? The more the merrier, right?

Seteth: That’s… is quite a generous offer. But why would you make such a promise to Lysithea’s family, as well?

Balthus: Ah, I owe them my life. I figured I could repay their kindness the same way they showed it to me, so there you have it. Consider yourself formally invited too, pal!

Seteth, smiling: … Very well. Thank you for the invitation, Balthus. I very well may take you up on that.

Balthus: Nice!

Balthus: Does that mean my debt to the church is pardoned—

Seteth: This and that are completely different matters.

Balthus: Dang. Worth a try, at least. Haha!Seteth: Heh.

#seteth fire emblem #balthus fire emblem #fire emblem three houses #fe3h #my writings #support chains

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delinquentbrawl · 11 months ago

Text

ROUND 3, MATCH 2 - SIDE A

AN' ON THE OTHER SIDE, THE ASHEN WOLVES MEET TEAM SKULL!!!!! CAN BIG SISTER PLUMERIA KEEP ON CRUSADIN' FOR HER CREW AN' FINALLY GET UNDER THE RELENTLESS KING OF GRAPPLING'S SKIN?!?!?!?!

#delinquentbrawl2k24 #tumblr tournament #polls #balthus von albrecht #plumeria pokemon #round 3 #side a

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armatization-a · 2 years ago

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Starter for @guksugeulsi !!

Balthus was on a winning streak. It was rare for him, and he was riding high. How often did this happen? Never, that's when. So he kept betting, even after the streak broke. No biggie, right? He could win it back. He won the next bet.

Then he lost.

And lost.

It wasn't long before his winnings vanished, and he was dipping into savings. Not long before he started asking for IOU's. Look, he was always good for it, even if it took a while. Even if it took more bets, or more fights in Abyss' arena. Not that many wanted to fight him: the King of Grappling was nigh unbeatable. He still got the odd sucker, though.

Sometimes, he wished he were still a noble, but just for the money. If he was, he'd have to stop gambling.

"Come on, double or nothing." He waggled his eyebrows at the bookie. "What have you got to lose?"

"We're already on ten times or nothing, Balthus. All I'm losing is time," the bookie said.

"Then make it twelve times or nothing! C'mon, you know I'm good for it."

The bookie watched him, clearly tempted. Ooh, Balthus almost had him now.

#↻┊ BALTHUS ( in character. )#guksugeulsi #save him from himself

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armatization · 2 months ago

Note

👤 Asking between pals! Balthus, care to enlighten us on what you think of Vi?

Send me 👤+ a character name for my muse’s opinion on that character ; accepting

Nothing like a nice drink of watered-down swill after a wrestling match. Course, Balthus won, so for once he can pay off his tab - and then some! He's sitting with some of the other regulars, happy to drink and chat, when one of them asks him a question. He laughs.

"Vi? Why, you thinking of asking her out? I wouldn't; she's wound a little tight." He takes a swig. "That ain't a bad thing. Most people down here are looser than a loose thing. But Vi? Man, she's different. Keeps to herself, makes her weird potions, all that. Real interestin' lady."

He's wondered what she'd look like with a drink in hand, maybe her hair down, but that's not Vi. He likes her the way she is. Plus, it makes it more of a challenge - not that he can voice that without sounding like a creep. Balthus is many things, but a creep? Nah. Women's rights and all that, right?

"If you're asking smash or pass? Smash. Definitely smash. I think when you get her to bed, I think she could be a real animal in the sack. Real inquisitive kinda woman, so I think she'd be willing to try a lotta things." It helps that she's pretty cute, too. Look, Balthus has eyes. She just has that kind of vibe to her.

"I just wish she'd open up a lil' more. Like, what's her deal? What makes that head of hers tick? And, I wish she'd stop giving me gross potions: can't she make 'em taste not like earwax and vomit?" He shakes his head, but he's smiling fondly. "Man, that woman. I don't think I'll ever get her."

#( king of grappling ) ⸻ balthus.#galeforged #i'm killing him dead #of course he wants to smash

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voxmilia · 1 year ago

Note

8.) BylethBalthus (fire emblem three houses) EXPLAIN

ask me about my wips

OKAY SO

YOU HAVEN'T MET BALTHUS YET BC HE'S IN THE DLC WHICH I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR A FUN SELF CONTAINED STORY AND ACCESS TO 4 NEW CHARACTERS AND SOME DELIGHTFUL NEW CLASSES

THIS IS HE

He's an ex-nobleman from the Leicester Alliance who gave up his position as heir. He's the self-proclaimed King Of Grappling. He's the very definition of a himbo. He's the oldest student unit you can recruit at about 26 at the start of the game. He's childhood besties with Hilda's big brother Holst. He has impossible abs, a massive gambling problem and Tons of Debt

He's also one of the only people, especially early on, who challenges Byleth's view point. So many characters put Byleth up on a pedestal or use their power to further their own agenda, even as they come to care for Byleth as a person. Balthus, by contrast, immediately challenges them to think for themselves in their very first support conversation. Recognizing that Byleth is very likely going to end up a merc leader like Jeralt but is that what Byleth wants?

I love that, I think it's both refreshing and necessary to have Byleth be urged to choose their own path. So I have a little post S support/proposal fic for them, because Byleth deserves to have someone at their side who encourages them to think for themselves and they deserve to do One thing for themselves, like spontaneously elope despite their lofty position after the war (not spoiling bc you haven't finished)

So have a little moment of vulnerable Byleth and her favorite himbo!!

"You okay, pa- uh, my…beloved?" The smile returns, small but no less fond. "I don't mind if you keep calling me pal," she admits, nudging her forehead against his hand playfully, like the kittens she used to feed around the monastery. "It suits you. Beloved, my love…they feel forced." "Yeesh, remind a guy he's low-class, why dontcha?" he laughs, even as Byleth quirks a brow in confusion. "You know I'm a mercenary right? I'm not exactly comfortable with noble endearments myself." "That's not what Claude tells me." He lifts Byleth as if she weighs no more than a sack of flour and sets her on the window sill of the Goddess Tower. It brings them closer together in height and Byleth can't hide the way her eyes go dull at the reminder. "... I was hoping not to tell you yet," she admits softly. "I know I'm not the King of Matrimony yet but isn't keeping secrets from each other a big no-no?" He doesn't sound upset, at least, though his eyes probe hers for answers. "Talk to me, sweetheart. What's goin' on?" She blinks, surprise and fondness rushing through her, washing the anxieties aside like the tide. "Sweetheart," she repeats, tasting the word like a new food. "That one suits you better." He kisses her then, holding her face between his hands as if she were a precious treasure. She's not…used to such delicate, tender affection but she lets herself sink into the unknown, rather than balking at it. "You're so fucking adorable but you're not gonna weasel outta this, sweetheart," he teases, peppering kisses around her face to elicit a quiet giggle from her.

#god baltie and bylie underrated #i really wanna get this fic done bc there isn't enough content for them #and most of it is pwp which is lovely and I've read plenty of it #but i want the emotional shit too #anyway thank you kai!!! ily!!!!#mine: writing #asks #shackld #bythus #also one of my favorite fem byleth s supports in the entire game so far

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albwreckt · 9 months ago

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Balthus chortles. A shopping day with Yuri sounds like an adventure. With the way they operate, the two are likely to end up in a shakedown, or worse. Maybe Balthus would be down on his luck again, and the hypothetical boutique would be robbed while they shop. Fighting off a gang of bandits feels like a lot of work for a free shirt.

But then again, free is good. Real good.

So he stuffs his comments away and replies with both a smile & shake of his head. Sure, pal. Anytime. Then there is the matter of the bell. He listens to its call with a puzzled look to him, regret taking root in his eyes. “Damn, I dunno. Been an era since I took my last music lesson… Maybe I’ll just run up to every bell I hear?” Great plan, Balthus. At least there’s no contending that if anyone could put in the legwork to actually run at the sound of every bell in the ballroom, it would be him.

...

After the woman speaks, he smiles at Yuri–tauntingly. Unspoken words tell them they’re a scamp and a scoundrel for coming to him after they had already looted the table tonight, that their acting before asking is something he’d chide them for. Except, now isn’t the time for any of that. He’d have to nudge Yuri’s arm once this is all said and done and then tease them. Clearing his throat, he covers the rim of one of the flutes with his wide, rough hand.

“Believe me, the monastery wouldn’t take this one even if they tried. You see the lip they’ve got? Been dealing with it for twenty long years now…” Tsk tsk, Balthus clicks his tongue. His eyelids draw shut, and again he shakes his head. The picture he paints is of himself bemoaning a disobedient employee, and if it weren’t for the painfully fake tone he speaks in, he might’ve sold it.

“Is that so?” Her suspicions are far from fully cleared, “And have you two been working with Garreg Mach that long? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around.”

“That’s cause we’re, uh,” he blinks. What are they? He certainly can’t tell her that they’re underworld mooks–or in Yuri’s case, a ringleader. “We’re mercs. Church just sort of sends us out on odd jobs. Whatever keeps ‘em happy!”

“I see… And what company are you registered under?”

He looks to Yuri seeking council, but remembers it’s him who’s supposed to be good at coming up with names. “Er, the… Grappling King’s Garrison?”

cont.

Isn't it always? they have to bite down on saying. Even if Balthus had all the gold in the world, he would find a way to spend it. Instead, Yuri clicks their tongue, shakes their head. Nothing to be done about it now. They can hardly lend him anything that would fit. “Next time,” they tut, “I'm taking you shopping.” Every bargain bin this side of the monastery would be open to his haggling after the ball was over. Something would be certain to fit both his stature and his budget.

A hand knocks against his shoulder, frown curling at their lips. “Who do you think you're talking to, huh? My head is perfectly fine. It's only trouble if I get caught.” Their head cants, amusement in the slants of their eyes. “And I don't get caught.”

Yuri takes his arm without blinking, and the bell offered to him too, albeit with a raised brow. “Yeah? And how are you planning to differentiate this one from all the others?” They give it a short ring, then wince and tuck it away. “Just as annoyingly piercing as the rest of them.”

“I already gave you one,” the woman tending the champagne table interrupts at their approach even before Yuri turns their head, her gaze narrowing. “You're not allowed another.” They swallow their sigh, plastering a sweet smile onto their face instead. Yuri is twenty-something— twenty-two? Twenty-three? At this point, thinking about it makes his head hurt— and certainly no student as far as the church is concerned, but even they know that the more insistent they are about it, the stupider it begins to sound.

They hum, patting Balthus' arm. “As you've said many times before. And as I said many times too, I'm not a student and I can bring someone to vouch for me.” Lilacs flick up to their friend's face, and it takes everything in them not to laugh as they wonder if he could even pass as a professor. Probably not, though the monastery did love hiring some strange ones. Maybe a knight? He could figure it out, what with his supposed silver tongue and all. “Isn't that right, @albwreckt?”

#IC #THREAD TAG TBA #AUBINS #toaball2024 #//ignore me losing this in my drafts for so long but HIIIII YURIII WE LOVE YAPPERS IN THIS HOUSE

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