#I loved playing a mage so much I made another one immediately after finishing the game

[yennefer-of-vengerbergs]

FUN FACTS ABOUT YOUR TAV!

Thank you for the tag @bhaal-battle-beer-bard 💖

I will absolutely take any and all opportunities to babble about my girl Syanna 💖

~Is your character good, evil, or neutral (makes some good decisions, some bad ones)?

She ends up being chaotic good by the end of her story but she does start out being more on the neutral side, being much more practical and wanting to help herself first (it's how she justifies picking up the other companions, why she gets involved in the goblin fight outside of the Emerald Grove and so on), but along the way, she actually finds out she doesn't mind doing good things, and that she actually likes being capable of kindness (pretty much the whole premise of my longfic)

Pre-tadpole though? Definitely on the evil side.

~What hobbies do they partake in?

She tries out a lot of stuff, especially post-game. It's one of her ways of finding out who she is and what she likes, so she'll pick up any and all hobbies she can think of, and sees what sticks.

She likes reading, especially mystery and adventure books (it's also a hobby that she and Astarion share - a lot of times, during and post-game, they actually cuddle and read together, either each of them with their own book, or they share one and end up bickering about how one or the other should read faster if they don't want the other to turn the page before they finish reading).

Then, there's playing with Scratch and the owlbear cub (she loves them both so much, your honor 💖)

Another thing she likes doing is trying to find other ways to use her magic, be it just for fun, or for whatever would make her day to day life easier (like using mage hands to do her hair while she does something else, a fire spell to keep the water in the bathtub warm; basically, the faerun equivalent of life hacks).

Also, cuddling with Astarion, because obviously.

As for the failed ones, she tries to pick up cooking post-game, but finds out she is horrendous at it and that she doesn't enjoy it at all anyway. She also tried to get into more artistic hobbies. As it turns out, she can, at most, draw stick figures, and trying to learn to play an instrument would require someone to actually teach her how to do it, if she wants it to sound better than painful, out of tune squeaks or like nails on a chalkboard.

~Do they own any heirlooms from their family or ancestors?

Do the urges count?

She does get rid of those by rejecting Bhaal though, so maybe not 😅

~ Can your character cook?

Absolutely not😂Besides, she doesn't like doing it, so most of the times, for herself, she prefers to just buy something already made from whatever inn she and Astarion are staying at during their travels, or from a market (or Astarion ends up stealing it for her).

~Does your character have a best friend?

Karlach and Jaheira 😁

She immediately got along with Karlach and they became fast friends, with Syanna appreciating the fact that Karlach was more supportive, more understanding of her after finding out what happened to Alfira, which Syanna ends up telling her about (in my runs it's always happened that way, I get the Alfira scene before recruiting Karlach). There's a lot of support and understanding and friendship there, both of them think of the other as a sister, so it's unsurprisingly bad when it's found that Syanna is a bhaalspawn and was also behind the Absolute plot. But the worst part for Karlach is by far how she used to be allied with Gortash, which feels like a huge betrayal in the moment and drives a wedge between them both for a good while. They do make up in the end though and their friendship is absolutely stronger afterwards. And you would not believe how much time they spend together at the reunion party catching up and just how happy Syanna is when she hears that Karlach and Wyll might be able to find a way for Karlach's engine to be fixed ❤️

With Jaheira, they're both sarcastic little shits with each other from the start, but they also end up getting along. Jaheira does begin to think that something is off about Syanna at one point and eventually begins to suspect that she might be a bhaalspawn, judging by how she acts and everything going on with her (which leads to the scene in early act 3 where she confronts her about it). And although she is worried about what that means, she does also notice how Syanna struggles with everything, so she keeps an eye on her and is there for her and eventually becomes somewhat of a mother figure for her too (and I just love it when you get to good enough approval with her that she starts calling you 'cub' 🥹)

~Their biggest fear?

Her more unusual fear (to others, but understandable, given her circumstances) would be losing her memories again, especially after finally making new, happy ones alongside Astarion - she'd hate even the thought of not remembering her life with him. Other than that, she spends a good chunk of the game events afraid of being abandoned/alone.

An example of that is when, the closer they get to Baldur's Gate, things between her and Astarion start to get tense, because he's obviously worried about confronting Cazador and thinks about the ritual and wanting to complete it himself; Syanna isn't so sure about it and tries to reason with him but it ends up being the subject of several arguments between them, which only make her worry that it might end up being what drives them apart. Then add in all the durge revelations that happen shortly after, and she is not having a great time - most of the companions take the news poorly and she ends up just fearing they will all turn their backs on her, despite everything they've been through and how she no longer wanted anything to do with her old life (which is another thing I want to write about in my fic).

~Name one of their red flags.

Well, she did use to be the leader of the cult of Bhaal so...🫣

No pressure tags: @iizven @ratchsellsfornax @mercymaker @casualya @zyana-wyvern

[lellokitty]

omg katie. i just finished awakening. oghren. i have so many thoughts on him and also i don't ??? he wasn't my go-to party member in origins and i did the deep roads quest last LOL so i didn't really have a lot of time with him !! he DID rub me the wrong way IMMEDIATELY tho bc as soon as i met him, he was all "you're an elf AND a woman ??? 😒" EXCUSR ME ????????? but i did honestly feel bad for him with the branka quest 🥺 and i had a bunch of gifts for him by the time he was in my party so our friendship level was pretty good ! and i left him at the gates when i fought the archdemon and it was kind of sweet to hear him be like "i gotchu warden 😤✌🏼" 🥹🥹🥹

i was excited to see him in awakening !!! bc i started it and DID NOT have my lover alistair, didn't have anyone i knew, didn't even have my DOG, was all alone 😩 and so i was hyped to see him right away and was all for making him a grey warden !!! but then i kept having negative interactions with him ??? bc he kept COMPLAINING !!!! he would get all "omg i can't believe we're in the fade wtf 😡😡😡" brother this is just another tuesday for me !!!!! get over it !!! and then when his baby mama showed up and he just dismissed them i was so WHAT ?????? that was crazy and made my opinion of go all the way down qifbdiqkqkq

anyway sorry for going off in your inbox akfndjaka what's so funny is the minute i mentioned to my friend that i was playing awakening, the first thing she asked me was what i thought of oghren LMAOOO idk katie what was your experience !!!! 🩷✨️

i don’t much care for oghren actually!! i dislike a lot abt his character (his misogyny and prejudice like hello??) plus his main trait seems to be he’s a drunk?? which nothing against that, but just interesting to hinge everything on! i literally never took him with me after completing the deep roads quest (which i also do last). our friendship is also fairly high because i have a lot of gifts built up when i get him. so i didn’t have to interact with him much, but when i did i always felt like ‘why did he say that..?’

when i first played awakening i felt the same way! like you don’t get your LI, you don’t get your DOG!!! (i was so upset about losing out on my dog. like hello i saved you from the blight!!) and all of my original companions are gone, so at least one familiar face was nice. however i got irritated with his whole deadbeat dad thing. like he got sober (iirc) and then abandons them?? and he gets all snippy with the warden like wtf!!! and choosing to become a warden when he knows he has a kid on the way…? truly a deadbeat.

i wish they would’ve just given us a new character companion but shown oghren becoming a warden. like every other awakenings companion was so much cooler than him. he wasn’t even the coolest dwarf companion, sigrun takes that. i also feel like his awakenings plot is ‘lamer’ than his origins plot, while the other characters have more interesting backstories and reasons that drive them.

i hope you’re enjoying da2 so far!! i think da2 is my favorite out of all 3. i have no clue what it is about da2, but i just love it so much! i love the characters, i love the story, and i love the relationships. my next da2 playthrough i’m going to try to do a mage hawke fenris romance. last time i played i somehow had a good relationship with fenris (and i did mage hawke) so im hoping ill be able to do the same.

i started playing dao again! i’m doing a rogue female cousland run so my character can marry alistair and become queen! i was going to play mage again, but didn’t want another mistress ending. so far i’m enjoying playing as a rogue (although i can be COMICALLY bad 😭). i just finished the fade quest to get the mages and that quest is so much worse than i remember. maybe it seems worse because im not a mage character this time, but omg!! it felt longer + the kitchen nightmares sound effect kept breaking me out of concentration. i also ran around as a mouse MUCH more than i should’ve like it was actually a lot of fun to be a mouse.

i hope everything is going well for you otherwise!! i’ve missed sunday streams, but ive also been busy the past couple sundays so i am glad i haven’t missed anything!

[soup-for-ghosts]

Roland or Frederica for the ask meme?

I shall do both to the best of my abilities!!!

Frederica:

First impression

she seemed nice! big fan of mages. also she’s pretty :]] not a fan of arranged marriages though

Impression now

I LOVE HER SO MUCH. SHE IS MY WORLD. morality route was my first and MAN was it an experience. she’s just… such a good character… it’s difficult to put all my thoughts about her together, but I just love her so much… everything with her family history and the roselle….

Favorite moment

her route for taking back whiteholm is my favorite of those three so far (I still gotta play benedict’s but I don’t think he can beat the battle on the bridge and the stuff with roland, cordelia, and avlora on the boat), and her reluctance to fight her family vs her anger at how cruel and unfair they were to her her whole life is just… an interesting struggle. and how she eventually resolves to do whatever she must, even if that means killing her own flesh and blood… ultimately she’s opposed to killing anyone, no matter who they are or why, and I like how, despite everything, she tries so hard to be kind.

Idea for a story

again don’t have much for this one ach… I did write this though, but it’s mostly serenoa focused. she’s there though

Unpopular opinion

hard to know what classifies as an unpopular opinion with such a small fandom…

Favorite relationship

her and serenoa for sure, but her and roland is also one I like.

I could write an essay on serefrede but I think the game does that well enough for me pf- it’s called “morality route” /j

as for her and roland, I just like their friendship. again you can totally tell morality was my first route but they’re just… really nice friends I think. terrified to play the utility route.

difficult for me to describe my thoughts on them right now, it’s been a while since I last played the game and I haven’t finished liberty and utility routes

Favorite headcanon

not sure on this one, number one for all tristrat characters is drawing them with scars though

Roland:

First impression

his introduction was very silly and I was immediately so fascinated by him and what his deal could be….

Impression now

screaming indefinitely 👍

chapter 5 was when I REALLY started getting into the game, and at every twist and turn I always felt so bad for roland… one of my favorite lines in the game is “though victorious, roland sobs quietly, saddened by the losses made in his name” (quoted to the best of my memory).. it’s such a good line… liberty route’s gonna kill me I think

Favorite moment

his confrontation with gustadolph in the golden route for sure. it felt like his character arc had really been building up to that moment, and he realizes how revenge just feels like an empty concept now. it isn’t about revenge anymore, and he proves that by trying to reason with gustadolph, albeit that fails… but he tried. it’s just so… gah… so good…

another, smaller thing, is the many instances in which he tries to pass his kingship to serenoa, most notably at the end of golden route. he tried several times in different instances… it’s so… man. again, so not ready for liberty route.

Idea for a story

I got nothing sorry

Unpopular opinion

see above - -‘

Favorite relationship

him and serenoa!! the brothers of all time and they don’t even know it… their friendship is so important to me. serenoa’s one of the few people roland really jokes with, and he returns the jests as well… the choice before the tournament is a really good indicator of their dynamic I think… serenoa always trying his best to reassure and comfort roland… even after everything… they care a lot about each other and it’s very clear… the golden route reveal is so… augh… again! I reiterate for the third time! terrified for liberty route!

him and cordelia are also really good… and the previously mentioned him and frederica

Favorite headcanon

see above-

[inquisitoracorn]

Simquisition - Part 2

l am back at last with part 2 an with Inquisitor Adaar who freshly finished the main game :)))

Part 1

Herah the Herald

She looks so angry and evil but she’s such a sweetheart I promise. 

Sims CAS traits: Self-Assured, Goofball, Outgoing, with the Friend of the World aspiration.

Herah: Josephiiiiine I am wearing heels!!!

Josephine: Inquisitor, you cannot wear a crop top to the Halamshiral gala! It is ei formal event!

Managed to make a pretty decent copy of her Antaam-Saar, it has the main idea behind it anyway. She wore that for half the game before switching to more intimidating gear, seen in the pic with Scout Harding. I imagine her preferring browns and yellows and earthy tones generally, but occasionally going full uncoordinated kaleidoscope (plaidweave was used in crafting her armor). Her work outfit is for manual work, painting, gardening, woodwork, restoration. I like the idea of her wearing a vitaar for Halamshiral. 

CC: 

Qunari Horns by @valhallansim​ can be found here

Face tattoos by @wistfulpoltergeist​ can be found here

Here is some trivia no one asked for

Age: 34

Family: Her parents live happily in the Free Marches (well, as happily as a couple of Vashoths in a human community can be but nothing new there). She’s been away with her mercenary company since her early 20s so she only got to see them sporadically. After the Inquisition is declared she doesn’t visit home at all, but after defeating Corypheus she finally pays them a visit. 

Reason for being at the Conclave: the canon reason, really. Her company was hired to be there. They had stayed away from the worst areas of the templar-mage conflict, so she was a bit wary of how a Tal-Vashoth mage might be perceived by the templars.

Class and specialization: Electricity rift mage. With the powers given by the Anchor she wanted to understand the Fade better. 

Short explanation of in-game decisions:

Champions of the Just:

Herah has never had to deal with Templars before. She was raised outside the circle and has been travelling all around with her mercenary company. Word of the tensions inherent in Circle Towers had reached her, but she’s never witnessed true templar powers at work. She imagined if they were strong enough to disrupt and cancel out magic like hers, they must be strong indeed. So when a decision had to be made, she decided to trust Cullen and go after the templars. In theory, it made a lot of sense. However, after witnessing what had become of them and how they fell into corruption, she decided they cannot be trusted on their own, so she conscripted them to the Inquisition.

Here Lies the Abyss:

Stroud left in the Fade, the Wardens banished. These heroics of theirs just went too far, playing with powers they do not understand.

Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts:

All of the possible rulers are awful and manipulative, so they should be awful and manipulative together. She won’t favor any of them, they all deserve each other. 

What Pride Had Wrought:

No price is too high for the success of the Inquisition. She has mastered her magical powers, she has mastered the powers of the Fade, and now she will master the wisdom of the ancient elves to win this war for them. She is the one who has to do it. Not Morrigan, or anyone else.

A lot of these make sense based on her personality. She is very sure of herself and so she does not shy away from making radical decisions. What needs to be done now is always more important than dealing with the repercussions. Also a lot of them are made by my wanting to try out other game decisions and making up her personality afterwards who said that.

She also really enjoys being the Inquisitor. So many people around her treated her with fear and disdain, not reverence and she’ll be damned if she won’t have fun with this new status. Within limits, of course.

As usual, asks are open! 

For a lot of the inquisitors that follow I will have a lot less info, since it’s hard to come up with so many details and well, I’m only invested in some of them :)))))

But I like having this little system. 

Onwardssss!

[watevermelon]

Tease | Venti (Genshin) x Reader (NSFW)

✧ Summary: Venti wielded his appearance like weapon, pouting his bright puppy-like eyes at you whether on the battlefield or the bedroom. There was something about the Archon that moved you to play along, at least not until tonight.

➳ Tags: some semi-public teasing and eventually fluffy sexytimes; Venti is a teasing lil shit; LOTS of humor and most of the Mondstadt characters show up ➳ Navigation

—xXxXxXxXxXxXx— One of the lessons you learned very quickly in your relationship with the Anemo Archon was that Venti was a teasing lil shit. 

Venti loved you — there was no doubt. But his mischievous side popped up in almost every avenue of your time together. When fighting hilichurls or hunting down abyss mages, all it took was a bat of his eyelashes and you were ready to wield a sword on his behalf.

He played on his appearance heavily — puppy dog eyes gazing up at you no matter what the conversation was about. It was easy to look at him and think he was a humble bard who enjoyed a glass of fine wine. Instead of the thousands of year old God who had the power of wind at his mercy.

All it took was a couple smiles and nicely placed laughter and Venti knew he had you under his spell.

And you were even aware of it, the asshole.

Presently, the original Dvalin team had gathered together in Mondstadt. Diluc was hosting again, the bar open even though he grumbled multiple times. Plates of food were displayed on the main table as Barbara and Mona perused the feast, Paimon right alongside them. You were altogether celebrating a time of true peace, one that Jean had called after both Venti and Dvalin were finally long freed by your hands.

Even though your relationship was relatively new, it did not stop the weight of the promises you made to one another. Venti was well aware of your pursuit in finding your brother and you knew that there was nothing that could tie down the God of Freedom.

But that did not stop either of you from falling in love.

Venti took you on private dates where you glided high above the skies — the last time you ever flew this high was alongside your sibling. Your reminisced over solemn moments, Aether simply a memory as you poured out to Venti your past. He would pull you close as you recalled, nuzzling your face into the crook of his neck as he comforted you. And you gladly did the same, pulling Venti into a tight hug as he spoke about his time simply with the wind.

Your favorite moments were the quiet ones - like when Venti pulled you into your first kiss as a couple, smiling at you widely as you returned for more and more.

You cherished these moments when you were traveling, only Paimon at your side. Venti would join you sometimes as you explored the Liyue mountain ranges, but his responsibilities lay in Mondstadt. No matter how far you traveled, you made it work by returning back home to the Anemo Archon.

And now you were enjoying the night, sitting at one of the back corner tables as your friends mingled around the bar. You were sitting closer to the wall, Venti at your side while your favorite Outrider sat across from you.

Amber was discussing some of the adventures in the city, something that included slimes but was suddenly evading your memory when you felt a warm hand on your thigh.

You shot a quick, curious look in Venti’s direction, but the Archon was still focused on Amber in front of you. Not for the first time, you cursed your everyday attire, lots of skin on display despite being on the battlefield every day.

This was something Venti took plenty of advantage of.

His hand slid higher up your thigh and you swore that his happy expression only grew. Amber was none the wiser, continuing in her story as Venti’s hand ghosted over the fabric of your underwear. Your gaze flew to the rest of the party, plenty of other eyes that could catch you in the act.

But it seemed Venti could not care less.

His touch only grew bolder, index and middle finger rubbing against your clothed sex. You fought the urge to move into the motion, trying to focus back on the conversation and the woman in front of you.

But Venti knew your mind was anywhere, but here.

And so of course he had to tease you. 

“Don’t you agree that they should continue research by the temple in spite of the ruin guard?” Venti asked, mischievous eyes turning toward you and dragging you back into the conversation.

“Yes.” You answered back clipped.

“Really?” Amber questioned, genuinely curious.

“With the proper knights and if their envoy is careful enough…” You continued, but just as you paused Venti pulled the cloth fully aside to rub at your core. It took all your willpower not to stiffen under Amber’s direct attention, but you stuttered to complete your thought.

“Then…?” The Outrider continued for you.

You shut your eyes to remember, attempting to drown out the mischievous God alongside you. But it seemed you could almost hear the smirk Venti was shooting you. 

He had wasted no time in intimately joining with you the night prior, when you had officially returned back to Mondstadt. Almost every surface of his humble apartment was paired with a memory. And even then, it seems Venti could not get enough of you.

“Then they should be able to safely conduct their necessary research.” You finally finished your thought.

“Maybe you should join them next time.” Venti proposed as his fingers continued to play with your clit.

You couldn’t even deny the effects that he had on you — your essence starting to leak out in response to his touches. That was one of the things he loved about you — how eager you were for him in kind. Very rarely did you ever push him away and, if he pushed the right buttons, you would rise to his challenge later that night.

“Oh, you should! Nothing like the protection from our favorite honorary knight.” Amber replied with a genuine smile.

“It’d be my pleasure.” You responded, reaching for your glass to drown out your expression with wine. 

“Your pleasure indeed.” Venti murmured under his breath, loud enough only for you to hear.

Amber was called by one of the other Knight’s and she turned in her seat to face him. Her back was facing you now and you let you out a quiet, but incredibly long sigh. Venti’s expression could be compared to a lighthearted smile, but you knew that a smirk was underneath that forcibly innocent aura.

His fingers rubbed circles against your clit — his skin a wildfire against yours as you wet the seat beneath you. Venti shoved in his middle and index with little warning, pistoning them while the other partygoers lay innocent to his dirty deed. 

 “My love, if you continue to make that face then surely everyone here will know.” Venti murmured this against the skin of your ear for a second, before straightening back in his seat.

You tried your best to hide your impassioned look, but it was hard to do so when your lover was working directly against you. You felt this thumb rolling harshly on your clit while his fingers thrust in quickly. Trying deep breaths to hide your moans, Venti leaned down to kiss you on the lips proper.

You followed the motion immediately, chin lifting as you savored the feel of his lips against yours. The crease of your lips parted for him, Venti immediately licking at your wet cavern. He knew you completely and this included how to throw you right over the edge.

One of your hands grabbed at his arm and just as you were about to feel that sweet release, Venti pulled away entirely and sat back in his seat.

“Alright, lovebirds. No need to gloat your kissy face in front of the rest of us single people.” Amber’s voice cut through your thoughts and you blushed at her words.

“Hehe.” Venti giggled aloud, his laugh while usually endearing, was nothing but mocking toward you.

At least Amber did not catch more than kissing.

But just as you were relieved to have not been caught, you were annoyed that Venti had just teased you right to your breaking point. You turned to the Archon, but he was already looking at you.

Expecting a teasing smirk in place, you were pleasantly surprised to see the loving gaze he was throwing you. Venti instead grabbed your hand, lifting it to his lips and kissing the top as he maintained eye contact with you. 

It was hardly scandalous, but Amber still exclaimed. “Oh my god — just get married already!”

Venti laughed, but did not let go of your hand. At this point, while you were glad to see everyone again, you had one thing on your mind and it had much to do with what was leaking out of your sopping wet pussy.

But Venti was intent on celebrating tonight, drinking plenty of wine and shooting you looks over the rim of his glass. Different faces stopped at your table, Barbara exclaiming her greetings and Jean formally addressing the both of you. Kaeya flirted with you while Venti sat right alongside you, but hardly batted an eyelash when he was waved away by the Archon.

The hand holding yours squeezed once the Cryo user walked away. Venti leaned into you, kissing you on the nose before murmuring. “You’re mine; don’t forget that.”

You narrowed your eyes in response and gritted out in frustration, “Then why don’t you fill me up proper so I remember?”

“Hehe.” Venti chuckled before moving to whisper by your ear, “Don’t tell me you're still dripping wet with all these people around us?”

“You’re such a lil shit.”

“To think you’re so naughty.” Venti continued, crafting a sensual word picture through his words. The Bard too often used his powers against you. “Surrounded by all our friends and your main concern is the feel of my cock as I split you wide open.”

He was so smooth with his words, the same lips that poured out endearments was just as likely to light your nerves aflame.

“Tell me how hard you need me inside you.” Venti demanded, “Would my little minx prefer it if I painted your walls white tonight? Or are you so desperate for me that I should take you right here?”

“Venti—“

“Ah, not a good enough answer.” He cut off, “Looks like you’ll have to wait.”

And he sure as hell made you wait. Through stories and conversing with the rest, you were stuck at the bar until Diluc was finally shutting the lights off. You waved at Amber and the rest a warm goodnight, not at all gentle as you gripped Venti’s wrist and stalked in the direction of his apartment.

He openly laughed at your eagerness, but did not fight your grip.

The moment his door slammed behind the both of you, you were gripping at his clothes and throwing them off to his hardwood floors. Your mouth gravitated towards his — for once you were commandeering the lead tonight.

You pulled Venti towards his bedroom, open mouth kisses as you pulled him along. Once you were close enough, you practically pushed the poor man onto his own bedsheets. Your dress followed as a heap on the floor before you hovered over the Archon. You held a firm grip at his wrists, keeping his arms in place as you nipped at his neck and sucked dark hickies along his skin.

Venti was usually the one who took the initiative in the physical aspect of your relationship and for once, you were dominating the bedroom activities. After all, he had all the power to push you off, but Venti was relishing the way you lost yourself to the lustful passion.

Grinding your naked hips against one another, Venti openly moaned into the air. You just kept sucking at his skin, running down his chest before surfacing back upward. Running a playful tongue over each of his taut nipples, you loved the way Venti was gazing at you from beneath.

“I should make you have a taste of your own medicine.”

“Oh?”

“Should I bring you right to the precipice, my sweet bard?”

Venti smiled before challenging you, “I’d like to see you try.”

You licked your lips before trailing downward, a confident hand wrapping around his shaft. Giving only small kitten licks at the throbbing, pink head, Venti watched you as he folded his arms behind his neck.

To catch him off guard, you took a breath and downed his dick in one swallow. His dick poked at the back of your throat and you fought the urge to gag, your nose prodding against his skin. Venti’s voice broke the cool evening air as he moaned loudly, one hand reflexively carding through your hair.

You swallowed around him before pulling off his dick entirely, placing a small kiss on the head before repeating. Venti continually groaned at your rapidly deep pace, vibrations from your mouth only heightening his pleasure.

To think that you were so meek when you first started being intimate. You were hesitant to hold hands and never really had experience being like this with another person. Venti loved the fact that he was guiding you through it and was almost proud at how he was fully at your mercy now.

Even balls deep inside, you licked at the underside of his shaft and tried your best to swallow around him. He had to fight the need to curse, pleasantly surprised at how you were dominating the night. Venti planned on teasing you the entire time, but it was even better finally seeing you snap.

You felt his hips spasm in place and pulled off of him before he came, hearing a soft groan in response almost immediately.

Venti tried to guide you back to his dick, but you pulled off and shook your head at him, eyes latching onto his from your lowered position.

“You better finish this.” His voice held little patience.

Instead you smirked and shot back, “Like you did with me earlier?”

With little preamble, Venti wiped the smirk off your face by pulling you up and maneuvering into switched positions. You suddenly found yourself on your stomach as Venti aligned himself from behind, the only moment of reprieve was when he pushed in the head of his dick. He stewed there for a few seconds, giving you time to push him off if you did not want it, before thrusting himself all the way through.

You nearly screamed at the long impale, his shaft filling up your pussy as you gripped his bed-sheets tightly. Head shoved downward, you grinded your ass in tandem with his thrusts, a slave to your passion as you wanted to feel him in the most intimate way possible.

His pace ran wild, varying in speed and intensity with each thrust as if to keep you on edge. You felt one of his hand glide its way up your back, outlining your spine before he buried his fingers in your hair. His hold was not gentle, keeping you head down and ass up as he rut harshly against your ass.

His other hand snaked around your waist, returning back to the area that he had graced back at the bar. You tensed around him as he played with your clit, earning a harsh groan in response from the sudden tightness.

Venti leaned down to kiss at your neck, eager to mark those planes of skin as his alone. You expected to be fucked stupid, but he guided you onto your back in the next second.

“Look at me, taking you.” He instructed, connecting eyes with you before motioning down to where you were joined. “It was cute watching you try to take over tonight.”

It was becoming too much for you. Venti was attractive on multiple levels, but what really drew you to the bard was his way with words. And it seemed he picked up on that quickly, eager to whisper sweet nothing or even better, dirty words into your ears at almost any time.

You moans bounced off the walls, along with Venti’s mischevious words, mixed with the sound of skin slapping skin as his thighs continuously met your ass.

“Look at the way you grip me so good. Your sweet lips give such a good nectar, but I’ll get a better taste later.” Venti continued before leaning your foreheads together. “You’re mine.”

To think the God of Freedom was so possessive.

But it seemed he also wanted a response, from the way he kept staring into your eyes after.

“Always yours.”

He shot you a genuine smile in response, more sloppy, open-mouth kisses following as he continued to slap skin against skin. You folded your fingers behind his neck, trying to get any semblance of balance as you lost yourself to the feel of his glistening cock.

Venti continued whispering similar thoughts to you, receiving moans and labored agreements from you in response. He was very vocal during intimate times, which you absolutely loved hearing.

Formal words escaped you as Venti joined your hips together, moans pouring out in a reverence that the Archon cherished.

Taking advantage of your lost mental state, Venti asked. “Tell me, does my little minx want me to fill her up?”

“Yes!” You exclaimed, pussy throbbing just at the thought of it.

You heard him swear under his breath, his hips faltering in rhythm as you both neared a similar end. Like a spring being quickly uncoiled, you felt the pressure in your lower stomach burst almost all at once. Clenching hard on his cock, you clawed into his back as he rubbed at a particular spot in your greedy pussy.

“Please!” You begged without direction, Venti following your hidden words as he all but slammed your hips together.

All at once, you felt your tight hole fill to the brim with your shared essence, walls finally painted white as you both finally reached your end. You felt like a puddle of bones on the bedsheets, Venti pulling you to his chest as he laid on his back.

Venti did not hesitate, kissing your forehead even as he struggled to gain his breath. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” You replied, much more fatigued than he as you lazily pawed at his hair.

You were hardly equals but in moments like this, Venti made you feel like the most loved person in the world. He placed butterfly kisses along your neck — you could feel his smile on your skin.

“I’m always so grateful when you come home.” Venti continued, lips murmuring against your skin.

Home.

You started here as a simple traveler, without Mora to your name and not a single family member alive. But Venti and all the wonderful people of Mondstadt filled the hole in you heart.

You inclined upward to meet his lips and replied saying,

“I’m finally home.”

[genshin-impact-fics]

Streamer!Genshin Reacting to Character!(Y/N) Dying in Game

!Warning!: Major character deaths & angst

Characters: Diluc, Venti, Childe, & Zhongli

Diluc:

It was a race to get inside one of the bases of the Abyss Order to put a stop to whatever plans they were in the process of executing that could potentially put many lives in danger. Diluc was rather calm while playing though it would be a lie to say that it wasn’t a bit annoying that the route to the domain was timed

It was once inside the domain did things pick up fast as it seemed to be a fighting wave system which after beating the first two rooms there was a short scene where in the end Lisa and Amber stayed behind to hold off the incoming enemies so the rest of the group could go further. It seemed like forever doing some of the puzzles to unlock the doors to reach the next fight

In that fourth room after the defeat of hilichurls and abyss mages did suddenly a short cut scene appear to show the appearance of an Abyss Lector. As remembering how much he hated fighting this guy in the spiral abyss he already knew what he was in for; however that was until your character stepped forward with your weapon ready. Diluc was actually sad to have to leave you behind as he was hoping that you’d be one of the characters that went with him to the very end

“I think I’ve watched enough shows and movies to know what this could be leading up to.” He’d comment to his viewers as he finally reached the destination where the Abyss Herald was. Finishing the fight triggered another cutscene as the traveler’s sibling appeared and was making their small speech, asking if the lives of the “friends” the traveler made were worth losing

Diluc is watching with a straight face as he kinda expected this but the who was what he wasn’t sure about and truthfully the only one he’d be truly heartbroken about is your death, but they wouldn’t kill you now of all times right? Wrong; soon the cutscene finally came across where they had left you and you were leaning against the wall extremely injured with your weapon laying beside you. Diluc is frowning cuz he has to watch you die now

Listening to your final words as you spoke to no one Diluc would sulk in his chair a little. In the last moment before your eyes closed, if you mentioned something about not getting to tell his character your true feelings it is visible that Diluc looks like he wants to cry(but he doesn't). Once the screen showed the mission complete he’d grab the plush he had of your character and hold it looking at his camera. “Of all the characters I thought were going to die, I wasn’t ready for it to be (y/n).” At that point he’d probably call it a day from there but he’d still talk to his viewers as he probably would watch the tribute videos that fans had already made

Venti:

Everything was in chaos as it looked like archon war 2 was going to be taking place, but this time it was a war between the Abyss Order and the Archons. He was heading to Mondstadt to help and to check on you. Dvalin was flying around sending attacks at the abyss members. “Ah traveler there you are!” The sound of your voice as you landed before him; as weird as it was to see you in your archon robes was odd but you looked so good! After a short conversation you had gone flying off and it was time to get back to fighting

Things were looking good as it seemed like they were winning against the abyss order though it wasn’t over yet. It was until up in the air did a cutscene starting showing you and the traveler’s sibling fighting going at it. Venti is so captivated by how serious and cool you look fighting, but it all changed when the sibling landed a blow that caused you to fall from the sky ending up falling into the Whispering Woods

Venti couldn’t run fast enough to get to the woods to check up on you but when he did the first thing he saw was the sibling standing before you. He’s already sad and yelling at the sibling for hurting you though it seemed that now he was there the sibling went and disappeared revealing the real condition you were in. “No, no, no! This better not mean (y/n)’s dying.” He’d say in denial as he’s already starting to cry a little

“A-Ah Windblume h-haha… Sorry you have to see me like this.” Even in a moment like this you gave him such a cheesy grin until you seemed to grimace in pain. “Unfortunately it seems like… This is it for me. As long as the winds blow I will always be with you, so please watch over Mondstadt for me.” Your words were making Venti cry as it was like back in your story quest but only ten times worse. And to think it was already painful as it was your next words that did him in. “Maybe in another life we will find each other again and maybe then we can be together.”

Watching you start to glow until you turned into partials of light till nothing of you was left, Venti is devastated. The chat is crying with him as he’s saying how awful it was that his sibling had killed the love of his life! His viewers are going to send him fanart and fics to look at that was an alternative that you lived in the game

Childe:

It was a big fight with the confrontation of the Fatui Harbingers, facing off against one of the other stronger members that blocked the path to proceed to seeing the Tsaritsa. The boss’ first stage was fine; however during the second stage it seemed after losing a certain amount of health the damage that Childe was dealing significantly decreased.

It was when the cutscene started that Childe was already dreading the foul legacy form he’d be facing this time. You suddenly came out of nowhere and already in your foul legacy form yourself Childe is going crazy over how cool you look; he’s also swooning at the fact that you’ve come to his rescue. The fighting progressed until you landed a successful hit that weakened the other harbinger; however, at that same time the other harbinger managed to hit you with a powerful attack

Childe is screaming at the sight of your mask breaking while you fell to the ground. He’s so glad that his character is running over to check on you instead of the fight picking right up, but he’s already feeling the feels hit him hard cuz he hates seeing you hurt. Seeing you back to normal, the damage you sustained was really bad; then the worst thought came to his mind. “This-This better not be what I think it is,” he’s saying not looking away from the screen listening to you weakly talk

“Haha don’t give me that look sweetie, I couldn’t just let this be where your journey ends.” Hearing those words and the nickname you used for his character was sad. “To think we’d be able to travel together more, but hey… Promise you won’t stop fighting and could you look after my siblings for me.” Childe is literally crying now that the reality of the situation is clear. If he gets a choice of dialog to choose from he is going to pick the choice that says that he pinky promises

If your character smiled at the choice he wanted to smile but he’s also just sad, you were dying in his character's arms. If you had given a small love confession in the little bit of life that was in you, he’s going to ugly sob and once the fight was starting again he needs to pause by going into his bag

Immediately he goes getting his big plush of you and coming back to hug it and cleaning his tears with his sleeve before looking at the camera. “I wasn’t ready for this, my baby!” He was not expecting to be losing you; he figured that some characters would possibly die but you were the last character he thought would be killed off in the game. There’s Fs in the chat all around and the crying emote; it’s sad boi hours in this chili’s. He doesn't wanna do the fight but also he gotta avenge you so this last stage fight was for you. Afterwards he’s gonna go look at fanart and video edits

Zhongli:

After helping some of the other nations and their archon’s fend off the abyss order it was time he headed to Liyue to find you. Of course as usual it wasn’t going to be as easy as running around the harbor until he got word from Xiao that you were in Cuijue Slope. So he headed over to help you before anything seriously bad could happen to you

Getting to the open area there you were fighting against the sibling as you were even in your archon robes. Going in and interrupting the fight his sibling clearly looked annoyed and proceeded to try to get him to side with them which of course he didn’t. A Herald appeared to allow the sibling to get away which the fight with the Herald commenced

Just when Zhongli finished up the fight thinking he had won it strangely went to a cutscene as his character and you started to talk; however it was when the fallen Herald came out of nowhere about to attack his character but must to his surprise you shielded him not only taking the hit, but also using your elemental burst to finish off the enemy. Zhongli is frowning at how badly you were hurt as he already has a bad feeling this wasn’t going to end good; the traveler was helping you sit up after having fallen over

“I’m glad to see that you aren’t hurt my friend.” You said as you certainly have seen better days. “Sadly I believe my time has come… Do not be sad dear friend, I have lived many many years… As knowing you has been life changing. Though rocks change from erosion, know that no time will change how I felt about you.” Your words broke his heart as you had such a soft expression on your face as your body began to glow and before he knew it you turned into particles of light and disappeared. He probably wouldn’t cry at most maybe a tear but he is clearly upset about your passing in game and would take a break to talk to his viewers and maybe look at the fanart that surprisingly had been put out already

[ignitedbynatsu]

He Makes You Feel Insecure ~ Rogue

A/N: let it be known that I finally managed to update at the deadline I set myself 🥳 I'm so sorry I was gone this past week but college was getting hella busy so I had to focus on that this past week but I'm backkk. Thanks to everyone who stuck around, I missed you all and can't wait to get to the requests ❤️

Genre: angst to fluff

Warnings: swearing, insecurities (he makes you feel too childish)

Other versions:

Gray ~ Laxus ~ Cobra/Erik ~ Bickslow ~ Gajeel ~ Natsu ~ Jellal ~ Freed ~ Sting

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

A loud crash could be heard followed by your and Sting's laughter filling the guild. You quickly fled the scene and hid behind Rogue while stifling your laughter.

You had played the oldest prank in the book on Minerva. A water bucket on a half-open door. You'll never understand how the brilliant mage fell for that one, but she did, resulting in you hiding from her wrath.

"(Y/N)! Sting!" Minerva screeched as the water dripped down her hair.

"We're sorry Minerva-san, we just couldn't pass the opportunity" you apologize on your and Sting's behalf, but it was nowhere near sincere As you both were still doing everything in your power to not burst out in laughter. It wasn't even that funny, but to you and Sting it was hilarious.

"I swear I'm dating a child" the annoyance that was latched on to the words made you immediately stop laughing. Surely he didn't mean for it to come out that harsh, right?

"I'm sorry, what was that" a soft smile still playing on your lips, but that was quickly wiped off when you met his cold gaze.

"I said that you're fucking childish, (Y/N). It was bad enough having Sting act this way, but with you encouraging him and even joining him? I feel like I'm in a fucking daycare. Grow up, will you" Sting laughter also died down as he saw his friend take his frustrations out on you. "Hey, man, that's not cool-"

"No, Sting, it's fine. I- uh- I'll see you all tomorrow" even Minerva shook her head in disappointment as she observed your slumped shoulders as you left the guild. She didn't miss the tears starting to form either.

The rest of the day everyone felt that they were walking on eggshells around Rogue, not daring to get on his bad side. They felt bad for you. Sure you could be a little annoying with all the pranks you pulled, but they all knew it was just good fun. You never meant any harm and just wanted to make the guild feel a little more like home.

That homeyness that you seemed to bring everywhere you went, was gone the next day. Your usual colourful outfits were replaced by dull grey and black clothes. They even were certain that they hadn't seen you crack a smile once that day.

"Hey, (Y/N)! I got this amazing idea for a prank and-" you interrupted Sting before he could elaborate his grand idea "thank you, Sting, but I'll have to decline."

You had never refused a prank before, nor had he ever heard you talk that formal "that's it"

You raised an eyebrow at him as he stormed off to God knows where.

You hated turning him down. After all, you had been itching all day to break this facade, but it was for the best. It'll pay off in the long run you kept telling yourself. After all, you couldn't imagine a world where you'd have to live without Rogue. So if that meant you'd have to change your personality a little bit, you wouldn't even hesitate to make that sacrifice.

Meanwhile, Sting had left to go find Rogue. He knew that his best friend was the only one who could put an end to this "is this what you wanted?"

"I have no clue what you are talking about" Rogue replied as he turned around to meet the fuming blonde.

"You seriously don't see how miserable you made (Y/N)?" He scoffed as Rogue looked around to spot you. It took him some time as he did not expect you to wear something so... Colourless. "You haven't even spoken to her today, have you?"

"I decided that I was way out of line yesterday and that I should give her some time" he explained. Did you really think you needed to change just to please him?

"How kind of you" Rogue was surprised by the sweet words coming out of Sting's mouth, but when he turned back to the said boy he was met by a harsh glare "now go fix it"

"What if I make it worse" the guilty was slowly eating him alive as he dared to steal another glance at you.

"You can't possibly make it worse than it already is" Sting dismissed his insecurities

"Fro thinks so too!" Rogue's head snapped towards the Exceed "Frosch?"

"It's three against one here" Lector also piped up as the three stared at him expectingly.

The raven-haired sighed, knowing he should do something to fix his mistakes, so he took a deep breath, gathered all his courage and headed towards his girlfriend. He never thought he'd feel this scared again to talk to you.

"(Y/N)... Can we talk?" He wanted to sound confident but when you looked at him and not even spared him a small smile, he felt like he wanted to sink back into the shadows.

"Of course, what is it you'd like to talk with me about?" Rogue cringed how smooth your tone was. No unnecessary intonation, no shouting, no expression. Everything was dull and blank.

"Why are you acting like this" your eyes went wide for a second. Were you still not living up to his expectations? Was it too little? Too much? You had no clue.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you are talking about" you replied swiftly, covering up any traces of emotions you had just shown. "Did you not want me to stop acting like a child?"

"Yes, but-" "and is what I'm doing not exactly that what you asked me to do?" "Yeah... But-" Rogue was getting frustrated, but he knew he had no right to snap at you again.

"Then I don't see the relevance of this conversation. I'll be heading home now. I'll see you tomorrow" with that you placed a kiss on his cheeks and headed back out of the guild.

Rogue's attempts at covering up his frustration were in vain as you could read him like an open book. Afraid to get yelled at again you hastily decided to head back home. Ready to scream or punch something just to get your own frustrations out.

After the failed attempts of him making it up to you, you managed to put up your facade for a week, until one day you just didn't show up. You didn't notify Sting or Rogue in advance, which you normally do, you were just too tired to deal with anyone.

"Has (Y/N) told you she wasn't coming today?" Rogue's anxiety was through the roof. He nearly burned a whole town to the ground when he lost Frosch. Imagine what he'd do if he didn't know where you, his significant other was. "No"

"I'm going to her house" with that Rogue left in an attempt to find you. Luckily for him, you were indeed just at your house.

Your stomach dropped at the sound of someone knocking at your door. You were tired, no, exhausted even. You hated that you had to pretend that you were someone that you're not, but it was all for a good cause you kept telling yourself, and yet you couldn't muster the energy to keep up that facade.

"(Y/N)? Please tell me your home" your heart broke at the sound of his voice. The worry and desperateness were caused because of you. Once again you were not good enough.

You opened the door ever so slightly, just enough, so he could make out that it was in fact you. "Thank God you're here"

"I'm sorry for not giving a heads-up. I promise I'll be back tomorrow" you promised him as you were about to shut the door again, but he stopped you by placing his own hand against the door.

"(Y/N), please, we need to talk" you contemplated for a minute, weighing the pros and the cons "please"

You slowly opened the door further as a signal for him to come in.

The sight in front of him shattered his heart. Your eyes were red and puffy. Your figure was completely slouched and your arms were wrapped around your middle, hugging yourself, in an attempt to shield yourself away from.

"I'm sorry I probably look like a cry baby right now-" he stopped you before you could finish your excuse "hey, no, none of that"

"I want to tell you something and I need you to listen without you interrupting me, okay?" You nodded your head at his request and waited patiently as he continued. "First and foremost I'd like to apologize for my behaviour last week. I shouldn't have worked out my frustration on you and I shouldn't have attacked you like that."

You nodded your head at his apology "second, I want you to know that you should never change your personality. Especially not for me. I love you, (Y/N). And when I say that, I mean every piece of you. Your good and your bad traits. If fell in love with you for who you are, and not the person you've been portraying as the last week."

"Please go back to your old self. I'd rather have a childish person as my girlfriend than a fraud that's clearly exhausted by putting on a facade. I really am sorry for making you feel like you had to change for me" by now you were full-on crying. Maybe it was because of Rogue's kind words, maybe it was because of the exhaustion, maybe a bit of both. All you cared about now was being in his arms and feeling loved.

"It's okay" you whispered as placed your head on his chest as he planted a kiss on your head.

"It really isn't. That's why I'd like to make it up to you" you broke the hug to look up at him as a mischievous glint was sparkling in his eyes "how about we prank Sting?"

"I'd love to, but for now let's just watch a film and cuddle" you smiled at his idea as you had never pranked Sting before since you always prank others together.

"Anything for you, princess" that's how you spend the rest of your evening in each other's arms, with him reassuring you every once in a while that he loves you and that you should never change.

[saphirered]

Hello!

So here’s my idea, wizard reader is having an in-depth conversation with Gilmore about magic while the rest of Vox Machina are getting drinks at the bar. Reader looks over and sees a bar fight starting and goes “lol what a bunch of idiots” she looks closer and is “wait! Those are my idiots!” And she goes to help in the fight.

Mostly platonic shenanigans and maybe a dash of hinted romance if you feel like it. Have a good weekend!

Vox Machina, just returned from yet another adventure, high on adrenaline and willing (perhaps except for Vex) to spend the coin they made to celebrate their win.

“Come on! Join us!” Grog slaps a hand on your shoulder perhaps a bit too hard making you stumble. Keyleth comes up to your side throwing an arm over your shoulder as she fiddles with something in her other hand.

“Yeah! It will be fun!” Keyleth exclaims. You notice the thing she’s messing with and take it from her immediately wrapping it in a piece of cloth safely storing it.

“I’d love to but you lot are entirely to blame for not letting me identify these magical items we found. They might be dangerous. What if they’re cursed? What if one eats through the bag of holding causing a rift and sending you all to a floating demise in the Astral Sea, huh?”

“We could just sell them off? More coin to buy ale!” Grog beams swinging the new sword he found dread and anxiety filling your mind at the memory of Craven Edge.

“Just help me get this stuff to Gilmore and hope he’ll be willing to help.” You grumble adjusting the shield Pike found on your back. You swear, one day they’re gonna end up cursed if they don’t listen to you.

You were already hesitant when they wanted to raid the evil mage’s collection. After a multitude of traps being set off it didn’t exactly alleviate your worries and with the mage’s reputation, neither does carrying these items.

“Leave her alone, guys. Let the magic folks do magic stuff.” You’re about to thank Vax but of course he has to go ruin it when he addresses you directly.

“If you wanted to go see Gilmore so badly you could just have said so.” Vax grins with a wink.

“Oh, Vax, I would say you’re welcome to join but I think with your shameless flirting neither of us will get any work done by the end of the day. Would we even make it to the tavern come daybreak?” You wink back at the rogue at loss for words as Vex wipes away some tears of laughter seeing her brother’s expression, Scanlan slow claps with a nod of approval and even Percy tries his best to hold back a laugh covering it with a cough earning a glare from Vax.

You make it to Gilmore’s who’s more than happy to help you identify the magical items you’ve brought along cutting down work time by a lot. The rest of Vox Machina left to find a suitable tavern and would meet you later once you finished up.

Gilmore and you go through the stash of magical items quickly, as quick as you can of course which still takes the both of you the better part of an hour. And yes, some of the items you found are cursed and you couldn’t be more relieved they did not stay in the possession of your fellow party members long enough for some terrible effects to kick in.

Gilmore took those off your hands to dispel or lock away safely and the two of you would simply tell the others they disappeared, got destroyed in the process of identifying or weren’t worth anything and therefor not worth keeping around.

Successfully preventing what could quite possibly be yet another disaster you invited Gilmore along to grab a drink after a long day of work. The two of you got some drinks, found a table and continued your conversation under less focused circumstances.

“- and they simply cannot wrap their heads around the fact that enchanting takes not only time but a lot more gold than Vex is willing to spend. Cutting down the costs for R&D is simply impossible. I’d gladly make her some fireball arrows but she will have to accept the cheapest I can make them is 500gp a piece!” You lean your head on your crossed arms face down with a groan before sitting back up taking a swig of your drink.

“Forever the bane of practitioners of the arcane, dear.” The two of you clink your tankards together and drink. Some kind of commotion has begun on the other side of the room, people had already been gathered around making it difficult for you to see but it’s a tavern, not like you cared.

“That looks like the beginnings of a fight. What do you think? Cheater or sore loser?” Gilmore gestures towards the crowd getting rowdier.

“Both? Neither? The petty grievances of idiots?” You’re indifferent to the whole situation and prepare to sit back and watch the show enjoying your drink when you see a goliath burst from the crowd sending several people previously trying to keep him down flying in all directions with a roar in what could only be described as joy and excitement.

“Oh shit…” You throw your head back with an audible groan, let out a deep sigh and throw back your drink, slamming the now empty tankard on the table.

“These idiots will one day be the death of me.” Getting up from your seat you crack your knuckles trying to get a visual on your friends in what has now become a full on bar fight.

“But they are your idiots nonetheless.” Gilmore smiles all too innocently at you. Damn that charismatic sorcerer playing on your feels for your idiots. They are your idiots indeed.

A drunken halfling is mere inches away from clubbing Percy in the back of the head with a metal plate, Scanlan is running and dodging the attacks from a human by moving around chairs and tables and other people singing songs of encouragement to Pike who holds another by the front to their shirt punching them in the face. Keyleth has a grasping vine going attempting to keep her assailants at bay. Vex and Vax are back to back fighting off whoever comes at them with grins on their faces, picking a pocket here and there and Grog is enjoying tossing people into the furniture a little too much.

“Excuse me for just a moment.” You put on a proper apologetic smile before you turn around. The smile drops and you stride over to the group casting a 6th level hold person as you go successfully freezing, the halfling attacking Percy, two of Keyleth’s attackers, the one chasing Scanlan, and another that’s about to dodge Vex’s punch.

“Yeah!” Grog roars as he sees you join the fight. Maybe you’re enjoying this a bit too much for your own good after all… Someone should stop this fight before someone gets seriously hurt. Who are you kidding? You’re with Vox Machina; you’re basically gods.

[fullbusterfantasmic]

Love Potion ♋️ Chapter 4.7

Rated M

It’s all NSFW (As it should be)

1,933 words

A/N: The first position mentioned is called the butterfly or some shit (maybe?) idfk but I like it, & the second is the reverse cowgirl. Formatting is wonky, I know please look past it.

🌬Gray’s POV

The shine her eyes had held has begun to rapidly be overtaken as the (e/c) darkens, while she beckons me closer.

Her mouth is right beside my ear as she says;

“Ravish me...lay your claim on me...let every touch from you send me reeling, and begging for more...show me everything you’ve imagined doing to me and lastly...share every feeling you’ve kept hidden from me”.

The intense requests she made ignites a fire somewhere within me. Flames are rapidly consuming the protective layers of ice I’d long ago placed over my heart. Barriers erected after Deliora’s first attack, reinforced following the death of Ur...gone in an instant. Her tongue runs along the outer shell of my ear, lips placing a kiss to my temple. Pulling away, she then collapses back onto the pillows behind her, now surveying me through darkened, heavily lidded eyes.

My teeth clench as the familiar darkness begins to surface and my internal struggle begins. She asked for it....so why not give it to her? I shouldn’t...I....I’m ready to...no I NEED to let her in that now open space within my heart, within my very barren soul.

You don’t know what you do to me...

✨Your Pov

Im nervous...

I may have asked too much, it was too soon for me to come on so strongly! He still has yet to look at me, and his long bangs obscure his eyes from view.

“Gray I-“

I began to try and retract my previous statement but he interupts me. “From the very first moment I laid eyes on you I thought you were the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen....and the most dangerous...” he moves out from between my legs, motioning for me to lay on my side. “ I knew if I got close to you I’d end up falling for you and that would put you at risk...”. One of his legs now rest underneath mine and my other rests over the top of his.

“Try as I might, I couldn’t force myself to get or stay away from you; somehow we always end up spending time together” he pauses, pressing a kiss to my temple before continuing; “ -and now we’re here...”.

The room is growing colder once more, goosebumps cover my exposed flesh and I lightly begin to shiver. My entire body is shaking by the time his voice reaches my ear; “With all that being said...I’m done explaining myself, and I’m done talking”.

“Now I’m going to fuck you senseless, this entire town will know you’re mine by sunrise” The vow is whispered to me in such an intimate way, it has my internal walls fluttering, before clenching around nothing. That is soon remedied; A surprised turned pleasurable cry slips out from between my lips as Gray effortlessly slides into me.

This position is a first for me, and experiencing it with this god like man...Said position has quickly become a “10 out of 10, must do again”. He holds my body so closely against his, and somehow those skilled fingers are still roaming up and down my sides. Occasionally pausing their ministrations to ghost across my chest or rub tantalizing circles Into my clit. The angle in which he thrusts into me puts the head of his cock in the perfect position to hit my G-spot each and every time he bottoms out.

The whole “I’m finished talking now” line was absolute bullshit! As soon the smug Ice mage was balls deep inside me, did the sinful whispers begin. Dear God! That deep husky voice alternating between uttering the most endearing things, having my eyes growing wet with tears. Only to make a flawless transition into speaking the most obscene and sensual promises (or threats), have my face continuing to burn red.

I was an absolute wreck.

“You should see yourself right now...Completely fucked out of your mind, slobbering all over, and tear stains coating your cheeks...yet still so breathtaking”. My enthralled lover may no longer be whispering, but the chill of his breath on my neck is still ever present. I don’t speak, I knew my ability of coherent speech had vanished long ago.

Gray doesn’t need my words to go off of now, not when my breath hitches and my body jerks involuntarily. “This one will be....number four right?” He sounds so proud. That wasn’t really a question, and I wouldn’t of answered it even if I could have.

As much as I craved release, my pride urged me to deny it. A small voice inside my head is saying; “Ignore the relentless tingling of your clit, the tight wound knot in your stomach, the pressure from that magnificent cock sinking itself into your deepest depths...”.

Dammit ___________, get it together!

You are a proud Fairy Tail mage; A living embodiment of strength, determination, and destroyer of adversity! You’ve let this man turn you into putty within his hands, he thinks he owns you! Now it’s time for you to reclaim your pride and turn the tables on him!

Who am I kidding?

🌬Grays POV

“Holding back now are we?”

I can’t help but tease her when she’s trying so hard to hide the fact that I have her teetering on the edge of bliss. She lets out and annoyed huff and I poke one of her inflated cheeks, making sure my cock is buried inside of her as far as it can go.

“You take my cock so well baby, you’re already starting to shape to me on the inside...you’ll be my perfect little cock sleeve in no time” I murmured before giving her another nice dark love bite to match the one on the other side of her neck. “I know you want to drench my cock some more” my ice coated finger flicks against her clit before circling over it.

“Hah!” she shrieks at the frozen contact to her bundle of nerves, involuntarily jerking and in turn slamming her hips backwards, burying my dick inside her once more. The tip of my head just barely makes contact with her cervix, and then her walls suddenly contract, clamping down around me. I have to give every effort to not paint them white as not only her ecstatic wail reaches my ears, but I look down just in time to see her lightly spritz the hand id been using to play with her clit.

For a moment my brain begins to short circuit, and then it just shuts down completely.

✨ Your POV

That was....incredible.

Several minutes pass with my mind reeling from the intense orgasm I’d just experienced. It’s like I’m drunk, but not from the alcohol I’d consumed earlier. Drunk from the dopamine flooding my brain, and my heart swelling with overwhelming feelings of love. Love....love for the man currently sharing my bed.  Before I can turn to Gray and embarrass myself with a bunch of post orgasm love drunk rambling, I remember something....oh my god.

I sober up and am slammed back into reality almost instantly. My face begins to burn and I Stifle a cry of humiliation as I realize; I’d just squirted all over his hand! That’s never happened to me before! Gray hasn’t said one word...he’s been silent since it happened! He probably has a look of disgust on his face, I can’t bring myself to look and see.

I try to move,, intent on getting away to take refuge on the other side of the bed. His arms immediately constrict around me, “Oh no you don’t, you aren’t going anywhere!”.  Suddenly he’s flat on his back keeping a firm grip on my hips as I’m forced to straddle him. Glancing over my shoulder I see the proud smirk he’s wearing, then he speaks; “Never had a girl do that before...I like it” giving me a wink afterwards. “Sh-Shut u-up” I mumble as I return my gaze to the wall in front of me, breathing deeply in attempt to calm my palpitating heart.

“Y’know normally I’d give you a little break but... I can’t...not after seeing you do that” he pauses, and I can’t see his eyes roaming over my back side, but I feel his hands slide down from my hips. Then a sharp SMACK resounds around the room, followed by my startled gasp. “Ride me...now!” a fierce growl preludes another sharp smack to my other ass cheek.

I don’t even bother to stop the excited shake that over takes my body, the sudden change into this demanding demeanor is thrilling! Keeping my back to him, I’m quick to position myself over his length and begin to sink down on it. The soft mewl I emit is drowned out by a hiss as the tip of his dick slips between my lips. “That’s it...good girl” he praises as he begins to rub out the red marks on my ass.

Eager to please I get straight to work.

Albeit a bit awkward at first, but Im able to get a steady rhythm going in no time. “So much better than in my dreams...fuckin’ hell __________ your ass is perfect! Yeah that’s it babe, bounce it just like that” Gray mumbles appreciatively, completely enamored with the sight in front of him. “Dream about me often do you?” I tease, throwing him a smug glance over my shoulder. “More often than I’d ever care to admit, now turn around and face me would you?.

I do as he asked, rotating my body to face him. He gently pulls me down towards him and I stop short, my face now inches above his own. My stomach feels like it’s filled with butterflies at the sudden closeness. Unsure of what to do I quietly whisper an awkward sounding “Hi”. A wide grin appears on his face as he responds; “Hi” followed quickly by a chuckle at my sudden awkwardness.

Now we’re both smiling at each other like complete dorks, and I’m compelled to lean forward and kiss him. I resume my ride as his tongue curls around mine, quickly losing myself in the passion of this moment. Gray is quick to pick up the slack, thrusting his hips upward each time mine sink down. The atmosphere in the bedroom has changed, we both feel it. When I say his name again it comes out in a breathy whine.

His eyes reflect an emotion I’ve never seen in them before and his tone is gentle when he says “I know baby, hold on just a little longer for me”. Strong arms wind themselves tighter around me, drawing my body in as close as possible as he speeds up the pace of his thrusts. “I want to feel you gush all over my cock when I finally get to cum inside you” his lips are on mine again, kissing me passionately while bouncing me up and down on his cock.“That okay with you baby? Do you want me to fill up this tight little cunt?”

My confession comes out quick and shameless; “Yes! God there’s nothing I want more right now, I’ve wanted that for ages!”.

“Tell me, who do you belong to now snowflake?”

“YOU! I belong to you now Gray��

“Tell me you need me”

“I need you, I never want to be without you, so please just-“

“Tell me...” he pauses, placing a hand on my cheek and staring into my eyes.

“Tell me you love me”.

[groovyzombiellama]

My Powerful Queen

Title: My Powerful Queen

Requested? Yes.

Plot: You are a powerful magician that’s under the wing of one of Arthur’s mages and when he goes to help the future king, you two meet and get close. When you’re found out to have more power than anticipated,you get kidnapped by VIkings and Arthur saves you, confessing his feelings in the process, and when you recover and tell him you return his feelings, he asks you to be his queen.

Word count: 2427

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“That’s right Y/N, just focus your energy and don’t forget to control your breathing.“ Your teacher was instructing you how to master one of the newest spells that he had taught you. You had a bit of trouble when you first tried it, but with all of the practice and your teacher’s guidance, you were getting better and better at it, soon you’ll be able to use it without worry that something might go wrong. You were proud of yourself and how you were able to control yourself, even though it still takes you some time to regain your composure after being interrupted before the spell was done. Which is what happened this time, as the door swung open and a woman in a grey dress rushed in. You felt dizzy for a moment, and your teacher held up his hand in front of the woman, instructing her to hold on, as he checked on you. You nodded your head, to affirm you were alright, not trusting your voice, because your vertigo was still blurring your vision. As you finally felt like the room had stopped spinning, you heard your teacher talking with that woman who rushed into your house, and they were mentioning Arthur, the future king, the one man who managed to pull the enchanted sword out of the stone.

The woman was in a rush because of Arthur’s inability to control the sword yet, and she, as one of his servants, was afraid he would harm himself or someone around him if he doesn’t get someone to help him control the sword. Your teacher agreed to go over to the future king and offer his help. You quickly offered to go with him, and even though your teacher was still suspicious if you had recovered enough, he agreed, but kept a close eye on you. You had never really seen Arthur before, so you were really interested to see what the future king looks like. But you didn’t expect your vertigo to make a comeback when you finally saw him. Although the butterflies in your stomach were stronger, as your eyes met his blue orbs. This time your head was spinning because of his handsome features, but when he smiled at you, you immediately felt a rush of energy, as if he was your battery, and all you needed to get back to full power was him, and his smile.

Your teacher spoke to Arthur and introduced you as one of his strongest magicians, perhaps the strongest in the land, which intrigued Arthur, as well as one other person, in a black cloak, observing the future king and his guests. After your teacher had given him some instructions, he insisted he had other work to tend to and couldn’t help him further than that. “I could help him!“ That came out a bit faster than you had intended, even before your teacher finished his last sentence. Both men looked at you and you tried to redeem yourself, saying that the people might feel more safe to put their trust in a ruler that had control of his weapon, and since you never involved yourself in your teacher’s business more than he let you, you figured it would be good to not spend your time between practice doing nothing. And you wanted to spend some time with Arthur, you couldn’t deny that he intrigued you as much as you intrigued him. Your teacher agreed, since the work he needed to tend to was out of town, and he didn’t feel too comfortable leaving his most powerful magician alone, and he trusted you enough to know you had what it takes to help Arthur.

“If you hold it like that, you might poke your own eye out, your highness.“ You said, seeing the way Arthur was holding the sword, earning a low chuckle form him, as he let the tip of the sword to the ground, asking you first, for the fifth time now, to stop calling him royal terms, because he was not a king yet, and even then, he wouldn’t want you to call him that, since he believed you were more powerful than he could ever be. He wanted the two of you to be equals, and even offered you to be his right hand when he’s king and you finish your training. It made you smile that he had such high regards of you, and said you’d consider his proposal, after he actually learns to control the weapon he’s wielding, getting another chuckle from the blonde man in front of you. God, you could get used to hearing his laugh. But before you could get more lost in your thoughts, he was asking you the second thing. “And how do you propose I hold it, oh powerful one?“

“If I should’t call you highness, you shouldn’t use any other terms than my name, Arthur.“ You accentuated his name a small bit, and walked up to him, stopping at his side and grabbing his hands, a small shade of red coloring your cheeks, but you tried your best to focus on the task at hand and placed his hands on the handle more properly, which Arthur acknowledged gave him a bigger advantage when he wielded the sword. During these practices, the two of you got closer with each other, and would often sit down in the grass after training and just talk for a bit before going back to the castle. After a few months, the two of you knew a lot about each other, some might even say you knew more about him than about yourself and vice versa. You don’t know when you started having these feelings, but it wasn’t hard to determine what they were, you were slowly falling in love with Arthur. You didn’t want to try and determine what Arthur was feeling, because you didn’t want to face the rejection. You thought you were shooting way too high, he was the future king of the land, you were not on the same level as him.

However, you had no idea that your world would turn around completely, as the cloaked figure from the first time you met Arthur was following you the entire time, waiting for his time to strike. And he finally saw his chance when one day you were waiting for Arthur to come to practice and he was running a bit late, because of some issue that happened in the castle. You noticed a figure approach you from the woods, completely the opposite way that Arthur usually comes from, but the cloaked figure ended up being one of the Vikings who were trying to take over the land, and after hearing about you being the most powerful magician in the land, this viking figured that if you were as powerful as they claimed, you’d be perfect to help them. And when Arthur finally reached your usual practice place, you were nowhere to be found. At first he thought you were playing a trick on him, as you had already once hid in order to surprise him before practice. But after some time and a bit of searching for you where you would be able to hide, he realised you were really not here.

He didn’t know what was going on, and only when he came back to the castle did he find out, from one of the servants who went to the forest to chop some wood, and upon his return, he noticed, that some cloaked figure approached you and hoisted you over his shoulder, and regardless of how much you kicked and screamed, he just walked away with you further into the thick forest. That made Arthur’s blood boil and he was soon getting suited up with his men in order to look for you. After hearing how the servant described your kidnapper, he realised it was one of the Vikings, who had somehow infiltrated the castle without anyone noticing him, so he ordered his men to go in the direction of the viking village that he had seen on the shore. At that same village, you were living your worst nightmare. Your body was covered with cuts and bruises that you were sure would get infected if you don’t escape thes dungeon soon, and you could barely stand, your whole body in pain. You probably even had internal bleeding, but you were still not gonna give the Vikings what they wanted. You didn’t want to betray your people, and especially Arthur.

You didn’t know how much more you can take, because these people have let you know that they won’t hesitate to kill you if you didn’t help them, as that would also be in their benefit, getting rid of someone that powerful from the enemies side is almost as good as getting that someone to work for them in the eyes of the Vikings. In your head you regretted so many things that you could have done before this and you didn’t, somehow your thoughts mostly revolved around Arthur, but you tried your best to convince yourself that he didn’t care about you all that much and that he wouldn’t care if you were dead or alive. Even the first time they beat you up, you were too weak to even try a healing spell, not to mention that they didn’t let you recover for too long before they were back. This was it, this was where you die, and you were slowly comming to grips with it, when you heard commotion in the house above the dungeon where you were held. You did your best to get up on your feet. If they are comming back to finish you off, you were not gonna let them hit you while you were down. You were gonna show them that you were strong even in your final moments, and that was one of the reasons why you were considered so powerful.

But when Arthur ran into the dungeon and your eyes met, you couldn’t believe it was him. You thought it was just your mind playing tricks on you as he was the one you wanted to see in your final moments. When the viking he had captive finally opened the door of the dungeon, Arthur rushed to you, and it was only when you felt his hands embrace you did you realise it was real, he was here, and you let your tiredness and pain take over as you collapsed in his arms. He quickly picked you up bridal style and surrounded by his men exited the dungeon and passed the dead bodies he had to go through to get to you, not caring at the possibility of starting a war with the Vikings. He had to get to you, he had to save you.

Seeing your weak state, Arthur worried if you would be able to survive the trip back to his kingdom, but he was determined to do everything to make sure you do, so that his healers could help you. He didn’t want to lose you, and even though you were barely holding on to life at that point, you could still hear him telling you not to give up, to stay with him. “Please, just fight it, please stay with me. If you leave me, I’ll never be able to tell you how much I love you. These few months I had started having feelings for you, but when I heard you were kidnapped, and seeing how badly they hurt you, it made me realise that those feelings are love. I’m in love with you Y/N, and I promise that, if you fight this and stay with me, I will never let anyone harm you ever again. I’ll protect you with my life. Please.“ You couldn’t believe Arthur felt the same way you did, but no matter how much you tried, you couldn’t find your voice to tell him that you felt the same, even when you felt his warm tears falling onto your upper arm. All you could do was give it all you can and fight to survive.

Arthur stayed by your side as much as he could while you were recovering, thanking god that you were still with him, and swearing that once you were finally back to full health, he’ll ask you to be his queen. You had finally recovered, after quite some time, but you knew Athur being there for you sped up the process. It was about a week before Arthur was to be proclamed as king, and you were finally back on your feet, feeling strong enough to perform a healing spell on yourself, and get yourself back to you peak performance. You walked back to that patch of land where you and Arthur once practiced and you saw him training on his own, stopping abruptly once he saw you. A small smile tugged on his features, but you could notice how worried his eyes looked. “I’m fine, if I wasn’t I wouldn’t have come here. Don’t you want to hear my answer to your confession?“ That had gotten Artur’s attention, and that small smile on his face grew wide when you told him that you felt the same way, that you loved him just the same as he loved you. He didn’t let you go on for too long before pressing his lips to yours in a gentle, but passionate kiss.

“I’ll be coronated in a week, and every king needs a queen. Would you do me the honor of being mine?“ Arthur said as the two of you parted from the kiss, eyes still closed, and foreheads rested against each other. That had you pulling away and opening your eyes in surprise. You asked him if he was sure of what he had just said. “Of course I’m sure, my love. You love me, I love you, why wouldn’t we get married and spend our lives together? You’re the one I want. I almost lost you, and with that I realised that I can’t imagine life without you.“ His words ringing in your ears, especially “my love“, you smiled and kissed him again, after which you once again confirmed you accept his proposal, verbally this time, proudly admiring your future husband beaming down at you with his wide smile, that smile, the one that you couldn’t wait to spend the rest of your live waking up to. “I love you, my king.“ “I love you too, my powerful queen.“

---***---

@blackispink00​ I hope you like it, and I’m so sorry it took so long, Tumblr deleted some of my messages, so some of my requests got lost :) I missed having Charlie on my blog <3

Also, since Tumblr had somehow deleted some of my messages, if the person who requested an imagine with Colson Baker through my messages rather than the askbox sees this, please send in your request again and I’ll do it immediately if I haven’t done it yet, bcs I’m not sure if I’ve done it or not :D

[kittiesluvyou]

Silver Feather

Summary: Knock Out wants to create a new potion that can give him the ability to fly. However, there is one special item that he needs and it would not be easy to get.

Word Count: Unknown

Inspiration: A fantasy au that @seehowsupplethespineis has made and I’m already obsessed with it.

Tw: abuse mention

Knock Out scanned the many jars of his treehouse basement with a frustrated look “I can’t believe I forgot to grab more harpy feathers.” The rows upon rows of shelves filled to the brim with various jars of plants, animal fur, eyes, and other necessities for potion making lined the walls. “Breakdown, I’m heading out to find a harpy feather! Do you want to come with me or hold down the fort until I return?”

Breakdown always had this sixth sense that can tell if his elf husband would be in trouble or not depending on the situation. So when he heard that harpies were going to be involved, he darted to the basement “you’re going to need all the help that you can get if you’re going to catch a harpy for their feathers. They’re fast, tricky, and insanely smart.” 

“Then go get your hammer, dear, you may need knock someone unconscious.” He grabbed an empty jar with a label that said ‘harpy feathers’ and strutted elegantly out of the basement. They first began their search by looking up at the beautiful blue sky for anything that looked like a harpy. “If we can’t get the color that I’m after,” Knock Out picked a red rose that was rubbing his right golden sandal, “I can use this to make a dye and color it red.” He gently put the rose in his satchel, being careful not to damage it.

“I don’t mean to sound rude Knock Out, but aren’t you a mage in training? Why couldn’t you use some sort of spell that would automatically give you wings?” “I don’t want to use my magical energies on automatic wing magic that makes me look like some sort of fairy, love. I need to be able to soar through the clouds at high speeds, that’s why I need a harpy feather. It’ll give me the speed and wing power of an actual harpy.” 

Breakdown nodded, smiling at how amazingly gifted he is to have a magical elf for a husband. Without warning, he kissed his lips passionately; however, it was short-lived due to the sound of harp strings. Directly above them, a harpy with grey hair with a red streak in the middle, a white robe wrapped around him, and silver wings. He was perched on a branch, staring at them with red eyes that made him look less of harpy and more like a demon “don’t let me stop you now, I love playing for two lovebirds like yourselves.”

“We need something from you, it’s important to my husband. By the way, what’s your name?” The harpy leaped down from his branch and landed with a satisfying thump on the ground “to answer your second question, my name is Starscream,” he gave a sarcastic bow to them. “Well, Starscream, I’m Breakdown and the elf next to me is Knock Out.” Starscream turned his head and looked curiously at him, taking note of their appearances in case he ever crosses paths with them again. “Wonderful, now that we all know each other, what is so important to your husband that you had to interrupt my down time by sucking faces with each other?”

“I need a feather from you. I’m trying a new potion that’ll not only give me the ability to fly, but to also give me the speed of a harpy.” Starscream laughed a little “can I ask why you want have the ability to fly and get the speed of a harpy? Are you challenging me to a race?” Knock Out was about to say something, but paused before he could say something that he might regret. Why do I want to fly? He stared at Starscreams’ massive wings, he looked absolutely gorgeous like some sort of eagle. 

“You like my wings don’t you, Knock Out?” He spread them and spun around “take a good, long look, this won’t last forever.” He gave him a confused look “what do you- before he could finish, Starscream immediately pushed himself off of the ground and hovered in front of them “Tell you what, since I’m feeling generous today, I’ll let you two groom my wings. If a feather falls off, you can keep it. However if no feathers fall, you may want to find another harpy. They won’t be as generous as me though.” 

“Deal!” Knock Out yelled, reaching out his hand to shake Starscreams’. Starscream did not reply, he instead landed softly, making sure he did not slip on his stilettos due to the somewhat slippery soil as he knelt down on the ground. He then tucked his legs underneath him, letting his wings relax. “How do you groom a harpy?” He whispered to Breakdown, examining his wings with confusion. “It’s simple really,” he approached the right side of Starscreams’ wings and he very, very gently stroked each feather.

“The trick is to not pull on the feather, they don’t like it if you pull their feathers.” “What about scratching the feathers?” “You can do that too; however, you still have to be extremely careful.” Knock Out nodded and began to scratch each feather one at a time. “Starscream? Can I get a third opinion on this?” Starscream yawned “Knock Out is doing it right, you have to scratch my feathers to groom me. However, just like what you keep saying, you have to be careful with me. Megan nearly broke my wing one time because he squeezed it too hard.”

Starscream shook away that memory, he did not want any strangers to worry about him. “You may also want to groom my hair too, you may get lucky with finding loose feathers than my wings.” “I can’t believe that I forgot that a harpies’ hair a made of feathers!” Starscream snorted “all harpies’ hair are made of feathers, dear Knock Out, I can tell that you don’t get out much. You only come out of your little treehouse to look to for plants and other things for potions making.”

“How did you- “I see you all the time while I’m on my hunts. You’re a mage in training, correct? There was that one time that I saw you using a protection spell on your house to protect you and Breakdown from Megatrons’ attack.” “You saw all of that? Then you must know how powerful I am?” “You’re good I won’t deny that; however, you’re going to need a lot more spell books and energy if you’re going to take on someone like Megatron or Unicron.”

After an hour has passed, a small feather has fallen out of Starscreams’ head, just like he predicted. Once Knock Out grabbed it, he and Breakdown stopped grooming and stood back to let Starscream take off again. Starscream turned around, facing them with a smirk “thanks and good luck with your potion, Knock Out, I’m excited to see you fly.” “If it works, we should have a race! The loser will teach the winner any cool tricks that you can think of.”

“You’re so on! I’ll be waiting for you somewhere near your treehouse until they grow in, which shouldn’t be too long if you drink the potion when the full moon is out.” “Why does every potion have to be under the full moon?” “Because a lot of your potions power is drawn to the moon’s light.” He spread his wings to take flight “Wait! If you want to spend the night in our tree tonight, you can.” “Very well, but can I play my harp at night? I got kicked out of my group because I kept annoying them with my harp playing.” “Sure, just don’t play for too long or else I’ll get Breakdown to hit you with a book.”

“Thanks guys,” Starscream perched back on the branch that was directly above Breakdown and Knock Out “most people aren’t usually this nice to us. They normally hunt us for sport and destroy our homes because they still believe that we’re dangerous beasts.”

[writer-and-artist27]

(How Not to Fall, How to Talk)

Inspired by @partialdignity and @lunarimpact, and a long and hard talk I had with my cousin and older brother today. I'm still processing that in the weird reflective way.

I’d like to think this takes place after all the birthday hijinks that happened on the 24th of September, since the number of gift fics I got is still a lot for me to still process in the surprising good way.

@hasquetzdoneanythingwrong and @withanina, more reading for you? Otherwise, please enjoy.

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

“How are you feeling, Vy?”

Vy didn’t initially respond to Robin’s question, her gaze instead pointed to the sights of the Oniland amusement park becoming smaller and smaller with the Ferris Wheel’s ascent into the sky, but her fingers twisted amongst themselves, a bit of hesitation echoing through their bond. The long pink sundress Marie had given her in place of her usual Mystic Code merely highlighted her exposed skin, more so than the incoming sunlight past the amusement park’s horizon. Her long brown hair, not tied up for once, framed her cheeks as she opened her mouth.

“If anything, Robin? I’m… not exactly sure. D-Don’t laugh, please.” With those words said, Vy turned her head to look at him, and a smile caught between that kind warmth he was familiar with and hesitant weariness slowly formed on her face. She shrugged her shoulders weakly, glasses slowly sliding down the bridge of her nose to barely cover her eyes. “I’m happy to spend this time with you today, don’t get me wrong. If anything, this is one of the bestest days I could’ve had. I’m just…”

“I’m not going to laugh.” Robin simply stared at her, giving her his undivided attention while staying patient. “Just what is it, little sparrow?”

To Robin’s surprise, Vy ducked her head and scratched at her cheek. “I’m just still a little shocked that this is real. And well, I still can’t believe that this is happening, is all. That I can be happy right now.” Even past the cape of her hair, Robin could see how her ears were turning pink from embarrassment, matching her shy high-pitched addition of, “D-Does that make sense?”

Robin immediately clamped down on the urge to choke, allowing himself a single wince instead as he processed the words. Vy Duong was always a kind girl — someone that deserved a much-better future than fighting for the entirety of Humanity in a battle that wasn’t guaranteed to succeed. She cared too much about others — about the people around her to really stop for herself. To live for herself. Her words more than made sense — they reflected something a young boy had said, long ago, long before he had given up his name. His future — for what in the end?

Now—

(Who said a coward couldn’t do anything?)

In the time it took for Robin to take in her words, it quickly became obvious Vy was getting anxious because she started fumbling with her hands, cheeks coloring a lovely rose hue as she rocked back and forth in her carriage seat. “I-I mean, all the birthday gifts and wishes were great! Coming back to Oniland without worrying about any Elizabeth/Halloween nonsense was great too! I’m just…” Vy cuts herself off with a small nervous giggle, pushing her glasses back up her nose to then finish with a softer, “There’s still a part of me that’s wondering if it’s okay to live life like this. To be happy for me and just me.”

(You’re too kind to others, Vy.)

“…I wasn’t saying that it wasn’t okay,” Robin said slowly, quiet enough for the Ferris Wheel carriage’s creaking to drown out his response if not for Vy leaning in to hear his words out of curiosity. “And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happy for you, little sparrow.”

(Why aren’t you living your life for you, little sparrow? There’s no second chance at life, even as a Heroic Spirit. I only got lucky the second time around in the Summoning Process.)

Vy still tilted her head at him, blinking owlishly. The rosy color to her cheeks faded in favor of a confused look, her wide brown eyes darkening with something else that Robin was honestly afraid of putting a name to. “…You sure?”

“Pretty sure,” Robin confessed honestly, covering up his grimace with a half-hearted grin, but Vy’s answering pout still made it fade pretty fast. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it, Vy. More so when it’s something you taught me to work on.” He grabbed her hand just before she could raise it in the air in questioning protest, squeezing her fingers enough to bring that cute rosiness back to Vy’s cheeks. It was enough of a success to let an honest smirk form on his face while pressing a kiss to the inside of her palm. “Besides, Master, the day’s just starting. Don’t get lost in your thoughts before anyone else gets to them.”

(You’re the only one who saw me as a Hero. Why can’t I do more for you as a person then?)

Vy still murmured a soft, “Robin…” and the nameless rogue felt his face soften into a warm smile. It was probably something he could never replicate again, except for the little sparrow.

(This girl deserves the world more than the world deserves her.)

“Can I kiss you, little sparrow?” leaves his lips as natural as breathing, and he watches as Vy flushes pink again, her pulse skipping a beat under his grip as he squeezes her hand. “You can still tell me no, I won’t mind. My gut’s just telling me I’m not the only one needing this now.”

(You deserve so much more.)

A soft shaky smile stretches Vy’s pink cheeks as she nods, squeezing his hand back. “…You can,” she whispered softly, her forehead bumping his once he got up from his seat to kneel in front of her. Like a real knight would to his lady, not like a rogue playing pretend for a girl who should’ve had a real man doing this for her. The rising sun illuminated the visible warmth in her face as the Ferris Wheel stopped, just in time for her to say, “I love you, Big Robin.”

She tasted like cotton candy and sugar, a taste almost fitting for how much she kept being sweet to literally everyone she met. Robin kissed her enough to engrave the sensation in his memory, to memorize the shape of her lips and the sound of her little gasps of surprise when his tongue touched hers.

(No one knew when the Heroic Spirits of Chaldea would get Unsummoned again. The Mages’ Association got away with it the first time and it’s only thanks to the first Da Vinci that the memories didn’t go away. Robin was still scared of the moment when that would change.)

It took the Ferris Wheel creaking again for Robin to pull away, the sunlight fading with the attraction moving back down towards the ground, and by then, Vy was giggling with a newfound light in her eyes. “You taste like mint and cloves,” she said, punctuated by another giggle. “What have you been doing, Big Robin?”

“I dunno, little sparrow,” Robin hummed softly against her lips, breath intermingling with hers, “you tell me when we get back to the ground.”

He didn’t have the heart to tell her he bribed the oni down below to let them ride another 2-3 times. Birthday surprises had to be kept as surprises.

[afandommultiverse]

The Gift - Leopold Vermillion

Words - 2006 Request - TreueHyuga

A/n - I hope you enjoy it! I had a really fun time writing this one! Leopold is aged up to 18! So, so are you lol.

Y/n POV

"Come to think of it, your birthday is coming up, isn't it, Y/n?" Leopold grinned wolfishly at his girlfriend, pumped with excitement and happiness due to the celebration around them, the celebration for him! His birthday, his coming of age day.

"It is, Leo, why are you gonna plan a surprise party for me too?" You lured him close giving him a smooch on the cheek. It was you who planned the whole thing for Leopold tonight, the director of the whole galant party. It was a great surprise party, Leopold hadn't suspected a thing, some can choose whether that's a good or bad thing.

"No. Maybe. We'll see, won't we, my dear?" Leopold's arms wrapped around you, pulling tight and leaning in closely. His hand skimmed up your waist and back down your arm, pulling your arm out and whisking you to the dance floor.

"Another dance? We just got done with five!" You shrieked, pulling your exhausted legs after him. Pure adrenaline and euphoria powered your body, swinging it around and following his steps. Laughing and tripping some, maybe even almost running into a few people too.

"Never my dear, I never want to stop dancing with you. I promise this is my last selfish birthday wish." He smiled, twirling you in and dipping you to the music. You smirked and leaned in, mirth and tease swimming in your eyes.

"I wouldn't mind a few more selfish wishes." You whispered as he pulled you up, hand slithering across his chest and resting at his heart. Your voice practically poured incentive, selfish questions, and desires Leopold had wanted to ask you for years poured into his mind as he stared into your eyes, completely suggestive and seductive in their e/c shaded wake. He pulled you up fast, pulling to hold your hand against his racing heartbeat.

"Y/n, you ha-

"Leopold!" A fiery hand came to rest on Leopold's shoulder, stopping the much-anticipated words that would have left Leo's mouth. He turned, almost giving his brother the stinky eye but couldn't help but to smile. His brother had been gone for a few months, having to go on a long expedition. Giving you a quick apologetic look and a kiss on the palm of your hand, once laying against his chest, he let you go.

You were immediately cold, already missing his insufferable heat you just learned to live with, and heat you learned to love. You watched on as he chatted with his older brother, not blaming him for being so excited, it had been months. You pulled at his jacket coat twice to let him know you were leaving and he nodded, grabbing you're pinky and rubbing at it before letting you go.

"So, finally eighteen, huh?" Fuegoleon smiled at his younger brother, who now stood as tall and as prideful as the rest of his lion clan. Fuegoleon knew he was ready, and knew he would make a fine captain one day, maybe sooner than later.

"It seems so." Leopold grinned, he was jittery and bouncing with excitement, how couldn't he be?

"You might be trying to play it off but I know exactly what you're up to." Fuegoleon looked at Leo, completely aware of his little game.

"Your right brother,  only 59423 hours and 45 seconds left to beat you in becoming the captain of the Crimson lions. I think I can't get there before 25!" He grinned like a cat, eyes glinting with just as much point and mischievousness. He loved wagering with his brother, especially when it came to how powerful he could get. It meant more training!

"You are crazy... I'd like to see you try!" Fuegoleon huffed, shaking his head and walking away a smile hidden behind his back as he walked towards other guests. Leopold would make it alright, Fuegoleon was sure of that.

Leopold turned to look around for you, his looking over every person before they found him, draped across a wall and staring at him playfully, pointing a doorway. He grinned and looked around, before practically running towards you, picking you up and running to his room for nightly festivities.

***

Your birthday was in three days. Seventy-two hours. Four thousand and twenty minutes. Two hundred and fifty-nine thousand and two hundred seconds- WHAT WAS HE GOING TO DO? He had been going back and forth for two days, thinking of what he should get you. Leopold had already finished with the planning, he knew he couldn't do a surprise party, because not only had you done one for him, you were too smart and Leopold couldn't keep anything away from you.

"Maybe Fuego or Leona could help." He muttered to himself, staring at the same paperwork he had been staring at for the last two hours.

"Could help with what?" Leopold practically jumped out of his skin, completely endorsed what to get you, he did expect you to be right behind him.

"Y/n? Oh! Uh, maybe they could help with this- this uh, work here, something about...  uh- blown up houses or something- uh what are you doing here, dear?" He pushed the pages away and turned to face you, smiling almost too widely. You stared at him weirdly.

"You okay?" You asked, coming to put a hand on his head, feeling to see if he was warmer than usual. He wasn't, only flushed and a little sweaty. You wiped your hand off on him and walked up, coming to sit on his lap sideways.

"Our mothers took me out dress shopping for my birthday gala, it was incredibly boring and so tedious!" You rested your head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat and relaxing as he lifted his hand to comb through the beginnings of your hair, his fingers tickling the skin on the side of your face now and then when he repeated the motion.

"Luckily I found a gorgeous dress though." You turned your head to look up at him. His smile was as bright as usual as he smiled down at you, hand coming to rest against your cheek as he spoke.

"That's good. I'm sure It'll look gorgeous as I'm taking it off you." He whispered cheekily leaning in for a blazing kiss. You slapped at his chest jokingly, meeting his kiss with just as fevore and love as him.

Pulling apart, you two wanted nothing more than to continue, but Leopold still had decisions to make, and your mother still wanted to go jewelry shopping with you. So with one last craving kiss, you got up and left, leaving Leopold to go searching for his brother and sister.

***

"What should I get Y/n for her birthday?" Fuegoleon and Mereoleona stared down at Leopold with little interest.

"This is what you pulled us away for?" Mereoleona growled, staring at her little brother with anger but happy that he had come to her for advice. He never does, always opting for stupid Fuegoleon- who by the way, is the second born.

"This is serious! I can't think of a single thing! I've already gotten her everything before, and I sure as hell am not going to get some boring gifts, it's gotta be perfect!" Leopold crying looked at his older sibling with pleading eyes. Mereoleona sighed and rolled her eyes while Fugoleon simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, what do they like?"

***30 Minutes Later***

"And they also-"

"Okay! Leo, we got it! Let's move on!" Meroleona stopped Leopold from splurging any more useless information, already sick of his lovesick stories of you. Meroleona sat back and thought hard, she too stuck on what Leopold should get, if he hadn't already of gotten it for you, it was simply too stupid enough to get then. Finally, though, Fuegoleon spoke up.

"Leo, do you love Y/n?" Fuegoleon held Leopold's eyes, ready for a slipping leak of deceit, but found none when he strongly replied.

"Are you serious? Of course, I love them! Hell, I've loved them my entire life it feels! They are always there for me, always have been! Without them, I wouldn't be nearly as powerful as I am today. Without them, I don't think I would have ever made it this far. I can't even begin to think of what my life would be like without them." Leopold spoke with such ferocity it left him almost breathless, his chest burning with the love for you. Fuegoleon only looked on in amusement.

"Well brother, I think you know what to do."

***

The party was beautiful, walls draped in f/c silks, your favorite. Flowers of all kinds filling every vase dotted across tables and window seals, some even hanging from the ceiling. Entertainers performed around you, showing off for the guests and patrons. Music filling the gigantic halls of the ballroom, sending magical melodies swirling around the room. It had been a night of dancing and drinking, good food, and sweet desserts. Laughs and jokes were shared with good friends and guild members.

As the night grew colder and fatigue slipped into everyone's exhausted bodies, [pulling them to leave and seeking sleep in their beds and homes. Leopold had swooped you up and carried you out of the ballroom, pushing past departing guests and banquet wanderers with genuine goodbyes and courtesies, hoping to see each other again.

"Where are we going, Leo?" You asked, confused and he walked out in the night air of the castle, finding a special mage standing near, opening a portal and nodding us in, a warm smile on his face.

"To you're last birthday present, my dear." Fuegoleon smiled and walked through the portal, walking out into a forested area. You looked around, taking in the change of environment. A wooden cabin layout in front of you two, covered in vines and foliage. Fireflies lit up the entrance, buzzing around a small bridge passing over a little creek in front of the little cabin. As we walked across you watched as the fireflies buzzed around brightly, spooked and startled by the walking of Leopold's steps. You giggled as they flew around you and Leopold, some even going to the water and lighting it up, making out the shapes of fish and lily pads dotting the water's surface.

"Leo, this is beautiful." You whisper, looking up at the spiraling trees, watching the stars shine and twinkle down on you. Leopold only smiled at your astonished face, quick to get you inside and show you your final gift.

Leopold opened the door, walked in, and set you down. As you walked around the warm cabin, taking in the decorations and personal trinkets Leopold had brought, to what he would hopefully like to call your new home. Leopold watched as you took in everything, reaching in his pocket and grabbing your gift, getting down to rest on one knee. He waited for you to turn back around, looked at him questioningly, and watched the slow realization dawn on your face as he lifted the little box and showed you what lay inside.

A gorgeous ring, detailed to a royals perfection, with the stunning vermillion house sigil carved on the outside. A vermillion diamond rests between the golden prongs holding it in place.

"Leo." A hand covers your mouth as you look at him in shock and astound. "Do you mean it?" You asked, walking over quickly and staring down at the man you love holding your next step in his hands.

"I would never lie or joke about something like this, Y/n. I love you, and I know I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I can't live without you." Leopold spoke, eyes staring up at her with honest truth.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!! Of course, I'll marry you!" Leopold jumped up quickly and wrapped you in a breathless kiss, bringing you in tightly and finally letting go of all his anxiety of you saying no, no it was too early or something, but he needn't worry now.

You said yes.

[hockeylvr59]

Collide Part 1 || Sidney Crosby

Summary: Life as a single foster mom and a pediatrician didn’t leave much time for dating. But when Dr. Erin Lancaster becomes the pediatrician for Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman Brian Dumoulin's baby boy, her association and quick friendship with his wife Kayla turns her crazy but quiet life upside down. 

Requested: [ ] yes [x] no

Authors Note: Welp...I could have had a baby of my own in the time it took me to write this update...I know quite a few of you have been clamoring for it so I hope it was everything you could have imagined. I’m still not sure I have Sid’s personality down...you’d think I’d be able to write my captain better considering he was the first hockey player I ever wrote about but...at least he’s present in this part. 

Warnings: discussion of opiate-addicted infants

Word Count: 2,416

~~~~~~~~~~~

Though my initial meeting with the Dumoulin’s had gone well in my mind, I was still somewhat surprised to step into the office a week later to find Alex practically bouncing off the walls. Taking a sip out of my coffee mug I merely raised an eyebrow at her, an inquisitive look spreading across my face. 

“Don’t get me wrong...I know you’re an incredible doctor but this...this is huge and I don’t know how you did it!” She exclaimed, handing me a stack of papers. Glancing down at them revealed a completed new patient packet, sans baby’s first name, for the Dumoulin’s pending arrival and though mentally my jaw dropped, I outwardly brushed it off, pretending that it wasn’t nearly as big of a deal as it actually was. 

“It’s just another patient Alex.” I reminded her. “He’ll receive the same care as every other patient.” Shaking her head, Alex rolled her eyes at me knowing exactly what I was doing. As I turned on my heel to retreat to my office for twenty minutes of paperwork before our first patient I couldn’t help but smile. “Let the rest of the nurses know they can wear penguins shirts for the home opener.” Her laugh followed me down the hallway and once inside my office I took a moment to bask in scoring my first VIP patient. This could do wonders for my practice moving forward. 

___

That was the last time I’d really thought about having a Pittsburgh Penguin baby as a patient. At the office, I had too many other patients to worry about. At home, I had a five-year-old who had started school for the first time and a seven-year-old who was struggling with math. I was balancing work, helping them with school, and making sure that they had time to do kid things like attending karate and swim lessons, not to mention play dates with other kids. Time was moving faster than I could keep up with but at the same time, I prayed for it to slow down. Life as a foster mom meant that I needed to cherish every moment with these crazy boys because I knew that sooner or later they would likely be leaving my care. And that was a whole bundle of emotions that I would never fully be able to handle no matter how many times it happened. 

Before I knew it, it was already November. Today was supposed to be my afternoon off, yet I found myself headed downtown to Magee Women’s Hospital. 

After checking in at the front desk, I clipped my visitor’s pass onto my blouse and followed the familiar path up to the NICU. Once there I was greeted by one of the nurses I’d gotten to know from the various times I’d been here before. After gowning up, I stepped inside and she led me over to a bassinet containing a tiny baby boy. He was still hooked up to a variety of wires and tubes, his skin was mottled, and his body tremored. Looking down at him, the maternal side of me teared up. No child deserved to enter the world in this kind of pain. Reaching down, I brushed a finger over his head before trailing it down his arm to his hand. Immediately he wrapped his fist around my finger and held on tight. 

“He’s a fighter.” The nurse murmured over my shoulder. “We honestly weren’t sure he was going to pull through but I’d say for the most part he’s out of the woods now.” Nodding I just watched him for a few more minutes before switching back to a more professional mode. 

“Tell me about his history. Everything I need to know.” I expressed. As his nurse told me about the methadone injections he was receiving but would likely need even after he left the hospital and how his condition had been steadily improving, I listened carefully, figuring out the best plan for once he was released into my care. Brushing my fingers over the baby’s head once more, I eventually made my way out of the NICU, tossing the scrubs. It would likely be another week or so before he was ready to be released but once he was, he would be coming home with me for the foreseeable future so that he could continue to have expert care while residing in a home setting. 

Checking my watch revealed that I had another hour and a half or so before I needed to pick my boys up from their various activities. As I debated what to do with that time, I fixed my hair into a fresh ponytail before moving to pull my phone from the pocket of my jeans. 

“Dr. Lancaster?!” Glancing up, I saw that it was one of the nurses in the maternity ward that had called my name. Moving over to the nurses’ station I smiled at her, leaning against the counter. 

“Yes?” I inquired. 

“Oh good, that is you.” The young nurse murmured softly. “Melinda said you were down in the NICU…” She explained. “I was looking through the paperwork for one of our newborns and I noticed you were the pediatrician of record. Just thought I’d give you a heads up.” She expanded. “They’re down in room 314 if you wanted to pop in and say hello.” Before she had even finished speaking she was dashing off down the hall in the opposite direction as a scream sounded from one of the delivery rooms. 

For a moment I stood frozen, honestly racking my brain trying to figure out what patient she was talking about. Then I started off in the direction of 314, deciding that I would just have to wait and see. It wasn’t until I noticed that this wing of the maternity ward was nearly empty that the most likely possibility clicked. Clearly keeping track of due dates was not my strongest skill...generally because I usually didn’t need to. 

Approaching the room I heard soft voices speaking and I gently knocked before popping my head in. Immediately my eyes met the sight of Brian perched on the bed over his wife, newborn in her arms. 

“Are you up for visitors?” I whispered. “I won’t stay long, I was just in the building and a little birdie told me you were here so I thought I’d stop by.” 

Kayla’s voice was soft and tired but she quickly nodded. “Of course. Come in, come in.” She insisted. Stepping into the room I shut the door behind me and moved quietly across the room. 

“How are you feeling?” I asked her. “Everything go fairly smoothly?” 

“Sore. Tired.” She declared. “But he’s here and we’re both healthy so I’d say it went okay.” 

“Good.” I murmured. Before I could say anything else, another knock sounded at the door and another head popped in. This time, Brian moved to stand up and as a body came through the door, I watched as the two of them hugged each other, arms moving around the flowers in the new visitor’s hand. It wasn’t until they pulled away that I realized who this visitor was and immediately my throat went dry. 

“Hey, Sid.” Kayla breathed, shifting the baby a bit in her arms. 

“These are for you. The team sends their love and congratulations.” He responded, moving over to give her a quick half-hug as well. It was only then that he noticed he wasn’t the only visitor in the room and paused. 

“Sid, this is our pediatrician Dr. Lancaster. Dr. Lancaster, this is Sid.” Brian introduced. Suddenly a warm hand was reaching out to me in greeting and I took it, frantically trying to pull myself back together. Meeting Brian was one thing, meeting Sidney Crosby...that was another entirely. 

“Nice to meet you,” Sid said, his voice familiar but yet different at the same time. 

“The pleasure is all mine. But it’s just Erin.” I replied, taking a deep breath before turning back to Kayla and the baby. “Do you mind if I look at his chart?” I questioned, professional curiosity filling me. Of course, it was only a matter of time before these records were sent to me anyway, but with a nod from Kayla, I reached for his chart beside the bassinet, looking over his APGAR scores and the nurse’s notes. Nodding to myself for a moment, I set it back down and smiled. 

“Sounds like you’ve got a strong, healthy little boy there.” I declared. Parental pride filled both Kayla and Brian’s faces at the compliment. 

“Do you want to hold him?” Kayla asked, and never one to turn down having a baby in my arms I quickly agreed, gently shifting him to cradle against my chest. Looking between him and both Kayla and Brian I tried to determine who he looked the most like right now and when I expressed that he had Brian’s nose they both laughed. 

“Have you guys picked a name?” Sid inquired from his spot leaning against the foot of the bed. Brian quickly nodded, glancing down at his wife before sharing. 

“Brayden Joseph.” Glancing down at the baby in my arms I immediately decided that the name suited him and murmured softly to him in greeting, introducing myself as his doctor and expressing that I didn’t expect him to like me at first because of the required shots to keep him healthy. This time, when I looked up from talking softly to the baby Kayla and Brian were sharing a soft look as he whispered in her ear and I could feel Sid’s gaze on me. Meeting his eyes I saw warmth but also a lingering sadness and I quickly drew my bottom lip between my teeth as I broke the gaze suddenly feeling like I had a stomach full of molasses. 

“So Dr. Lancaster…” Sid addressed. “Do you make hospital visits to all of your new patients?” I couldn’t tell by the tone of his voice what he was thinking or why he had asked. It wasn’t quite accusatory but at the same time, there was a tenseness to it. Deciding that I just didn’t know him and therefore shouldn’t read into it, I shrugged softly. 

“Only when I happen to already be in the building.” 

“Yeah, you mentioned that….everything okay?” Brian jumped in. 

“Of course. I was here in a semi-professional manner.” I explained. “I needed to stop down at the NICU to meet a baby that I’ll be fostering when he’s released so that I could figure out what I need and discuss the best care plan.” 

“Dr. Lancaster...Erin…” Kayla quickly corrected, nodding at me for my approval. “In addition to being an incredible doctor, is also a foster parent, Sid.” There was an underlying current of unspoken communication going on between the three of them, one that I wasn’t going to pry into. 

“So you’ll have a newborn at home in addition to the other two?” Kayla asked as Brayden started fussing causing me to hand him back to his mom. 

“Lord help me but yes.” I breathed, chuckling softly. “I’ll have three boys. Two rambunctious ones that keep me on my toes and then this new baby which might be the hardest to deal with of all three. I love when I get babies into my care but hate when it’s because they were born with opiate addiction and need specialized care just to stand a chance.” Both Kayla and Brian’s eyes went wide and I shoved my right hand into the front pocket of my jeans. “I’m not gonna lie, he's still in rough shape but the nurses think he’s out of the woods now. It always breaks my heart seeing them that way though. Knowing I’m going to have to give him daily injections for at least a few more weeks to help his body slowly withdraw from the drugs he’s been exposed to.” 

“Wow.” This time the voice came from Sid and I nodded glancing over at him. 

“It breaks my heart but I’ll do it again and again because I know that my experience and ability to provide elevated care and monitoring gives him the best chance moving forward.” 

The mood in the room had taken a turn for the serious and I let out a deep breath before pasting a smile back on my face. 

“It makes me even more grateful though for all of my patients that have fantastic momma’s and who are healthy and strong.” I tease, my words thankfully bringing a smile back to Kayla’s face and then Brian’s along with his wife’s. 

Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket, I glance at my watch again and mumble a curse. 

“And this was already longer than the short visit I promised, but I have to get going, I’ve got a seven-year-old to pick up from karate and then I have to make dinner for him and the five-year-old being dropped off from a play date.” 

“Thank you for stopping by.” Brian declared, moving over to shake my hand. 

“Of course. I’ll see you guys soon.” I promised. Still, there was something about the look on Kayla’s face that made me pause though I did need to leave. “Hey, Brian...grab your phone.” Once he had, I rattled off my cell phone number. “If you guys have any questions, concerns, etc. Things that you think it would be too silly to call the office over, text or call me. I know first-time parenthood isn’t easy but you’re gonna be great.”  

As I headed for the door, I turned for just a moment. 

“And it was nice to meet you, Sid.” 

It wasn’t until both boys were tucked into bed and I was settled into my own trying to get my mind to shut down so I could sleep that the encounter with Sid entered my mind once more. It wasn’t something I could wrap my mind around, his behavior struck me for reasons I couldn’t explain but at the same time, I couldn’t get the feeling of his hand in my own or the swirling shades of his eyes out of my head. It was a level of confusion I just didn’t have the mental capacity to deal with so I brushed it aside, refocusing my brain on all of the things I needed to get done tomorrow. 

Outfit Inspiration:

[queenxxxsupreme]

9 where yenn's fighting with her gf and shouting smth like "a farmer girl won't teach me how to live" knowing reader's insecure about her upbringing and immediately regretting saying that

A/N: I just want to give a huge thanks to my baby @writingawaymylife for being so amazing and helping me! I love you babe <3 Also I’m so sorry this took forever!! And I changed the wording a bit but I hope you’re okay with it!

Warnings: mentions of blood, cursing, angst but then fluff I think? 

***

9. Is that what you think of me? 

You hummed softly to yourself, pushing a needle through the material of one of your blouses. It had gotten caught on a thorn on your rose bush and torn earlier in the day. 

You lifted your head, listening to the sound of thunder rumble in the distance. 

The windows in your little cottage were open, allowing a cool breeze to blow through. 

A storm was coming, one that was much needed. A good spring rain was all that your garden needed to give it an extra boost. 

Horse hooves against dirt sounded off, rumbling like thunder in the clouds above. You lifted your head, curious and a little wary. Who would be coming to your home so late at night?

You stood up and moved to the window to look outside. There was a black horse being tied to the hitching rail outside of your home. A familiar woman was tying the reins around the post. 

A few moments later, the door burst open, swinging back to hit the wall. Yennefer was in a rush, hastily ushering the child she held onto into the house. The child was small and her face was smudged with dirt. A hood shielded her hair but you could still see a few blonde pieces of hair.

The door slammed shut just behind Yennefer, who still held the child’s wrist. 

For a split second, the mage stilled, eyes locking with yours. You smiled softly, happy to see her, but then a sharp clap of thunder took her attention. She rushed over to the window, pulling the shutters closed. It’s only then that you see red on her hand and then spread on to your white shutters.

“Yennefer, are-are you bleeding?”

“I’m fine, Y/N.”

 The child stood just inside of your home, looking up at you from beneath her hood. 

“Who is this?” You gestured to the child.

The mage peered out of one window, violet eyes flickering back and forth as she searched for something in the dark. She pulled the window shut. 

“She is mine.” She spoke urgently. She held one hand to her side as she breathed heavily. 

“She’s- I’m sorry. She’s yours?” You repeated, eyes widening. 

“Yes.”

You looked back to the girl, confused. Yennefer was a mage. She couldn’t bear children. 

“Fuck.” Yennefer cursed, taking your mind off of what you’d just learned.

“What’s wrong, Yennefer?” You asked, drawing your brows together as you moved towards her but she was quick to cross the room, passing you by to close one of the windows that faced the back of your property. 

“It isn’t safe to talk, Y/N.”

“Is someone after you?” You followed her with your gaze, lips parting at the sight of a crimson liquid coating her side. “You’ve been injured, Yenn.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Your heart began to race, fear and concern finding their ways into your veins. Your stomach churned. The sight of blood had always made you queasy. 

“Yennefer, they shouldn’t have taken this long.” The child spoke, drawing your attention to her. 

“What’s…. your name, sweetheart?” You looked at her, your hand coming up to rest on your stomach. 

“Ciri.” She answered, piercing green eyes briefly meeting yours before she looked to Yennefer.

“They’re here.” Yennefer muttered under her breath, moving towards the door. She pulled it open and not even a second later, two men were rushing in. 

One was dark haired and the other had white hair. The white haired one had his arm around the other’s shoulders, using him for support. 

“What happened?”

“Ciri, step back.” Yennefer told her, pulling a chair out at the table for the white one to sit on. 

You watched the mage move back to the front door. She placed her hand on the door and whispered something under her breath in a language you didn’t recognize. Blue wisps left her hand and disappeared into the wood of the door. 

“What was that, Yennefer?” 

She passed you once more, moving quickly to go to the closet in the hall. 

“A protective shield. Nothing can get in or out until sunrise.”

“What would try to get in?”

“Y/N, I can’t talk right now.” She shook her head, trying to pass you once more but your hand found her arm, stopping her. 

“Yennefer.” You murmured her name, eyebrows furrowed together. “Are you in danger?”

“No.” Yennefer shook her head. She pulled away from you and went back to the kitchen with the first-aid kit in her hands. 

She placed the wooden box down on the table. 

“Lambert, would you help him get his armor off?”

“M’fine, Yenn.” The white haired one muttered, wincing when he moved his arm. 

“Yeah, yeah. Your tough guy act won’t work on me.” The dark haired one, Lambert, patted the man’s shoulder, then started to help him take off the bulky armor he wore. 

It was then that you caught sight of the medallion the white haired one wore. It was a wolf head. 

As the armor was taken off, you realized the man was bleeding rather profusely from a wound on his side and another on his collarbone.

You looked away quickly, taking in a deep breath. 

“You good, lady?” Lambert looked in your direction, having heard your heart start to beat faster.

“I-I’m fine. Just don’t like blood is all.” You offered him a tight smile. 

“Have a seat, Y/N.” Yennefer told you. “You’ll pass out.”

You nodded, knowing she was right, but you couldn’t bring yourself to sit down. 

Lambert finished taking off the man’s armor and then helped him get out of his undershirt. The gash on his collarbone was deep and bled more than the one on his side. 

“Who are these people, Yennefer?” You asked her, rubbing your hands together. You wished that there was something you could do to help him, but you knew that if you got any closer to him, you’d surely pass out.

“Ciri, Lambert, and Geralt.”

“Has Yennefer ever mentioned us?” Ciri asked you, tilting her head to the side a little. 

“No.”

She frowned. 

“Yenn, why haven’t you told Y/N about us?”

“Cirilla, now isn’t the time.” Yennefer went back to one of the windows, pulling the drapes back to look outside. She was on edge, worried about something. You’d never seen the mage so…. panicked. 

You moved to her, your hand finding the small of her back. She turned her head to you, mulberry eyes finding yours.

“Yennefer, please tell me what’s going on.” You begged quietly, searching her eyes with your own. There was a frown on your lips and your brows were drawn together. “

Lambert happened to glance in your direction and his eyes widened at how you held Yennefer. 

“You gonna introduce us to your friend, Yenn?” He asked, a grin forming on his lips. 

“No.” She answered flatly, sending him a brief glare. 

The witcher rolled his eyes and moved away from Geralt to inspect your home. 

There were vases and pots of flowers everywhere. The atmosphere was warm- or at least it had been prior to their arrival. Your home was cozy, something Lambert hadn’t expected from someone Yennefer knew. 

“So, Y/N, is it? How did you and Yennefer meet?” He leaned against one of the bookshelves in the room and accidentally knocked over the candles that rested on top. Luckily, they weren’t lit. 

Yennefer sighed at him before moving back to Geralt. She took the rag from him to clean him more efficiently. 

“I’m an herbalist. She needed something for a spell and came to me.” Your eyes found the raven haired mage, smiling softly. “And I was lucky enough to catch her eye.”

Yennefer almost smiled, violet eyes locking with yours. 

Lambert looked between you two, a grin forming on his lips.

Geralt looked up at her, a displeased frown on his lips. This didn’t go unnoticed by you. 

A new wave of nausea came over you, but this one wasn’t because of blood. The look he gave her was odd, like he was upset that she was with you. 

You watched them exchange quiet words that you couldn’t hear, then she picked up a small bottle of spirit you kept in the first aid and poured it on to Geralt’s collarbone. He hissed at the burn, hands gripping his knees. 

Lambert chuckled, his hand coming up to clutch his chest. 

“Nice, Yenn. You know, I didn’t take you for one to play both courts.”’

“Shut up, Lambert.”

You felt confused and slightly concerned. What did he mean by that? And why was Yennefer talking so quietly with Geralt? She was being so gentle with him as she cleaned his woundw and aided him in patching himself up. 

You turned away, your hand once more coming up to rest on your stomach as you grew more nauseous. But this nausea was different than before. This was accompanied by a wave of dread. She was keeping something from you. She was with him, or at least there had to have been some sort of relationship in the past. 

When Yennefer looked up, she saw that you were standing on the opposite side of the room, eyes focused on a painting on the wall. It was of your herb garden in the summertime when it was in full bloom. 

“Y/N?”

“Hm?” You turned your head to look at her.

“Are you alright?”

“No.” You answered honestly, shaking your head softly. “I’d like to talk to you for a moment, if you don’t mind.”

“Give me one minute.”

She placed her hand on Geralt’s arm and whispered something to him before standing up. 

“Let’s go into your room.”

***

You closed the door behind yourself and slowly turned around to face Yennefer.

“Don’t get me wrong, Yennefer, I’m very happy you are here.” You wanted to embrace her, to hold her and kiss her. But the worry made it impossible. “But why is it you’re here? And with those three? Geralt looks as if he’s one wrong move away from death.”

“They’re witchers, Y/N.” Yennefer explained.

“What are all of you running from?”

“I can’t tell you, Y/N-,”

“Bullshit, Yennefer.” You cut her off, tilting your head to the side a little, anger festering in your veins. “You came here to my home with two strangers and your fucking child I knew nothing about. I deserve to know.”

Yennefer held your gaze for a moment before shaking her head. 

“Y/N, I am doing this for your safety. If you know, your life will be in even more danger. And I don’t like to tell many about Ciri. It’s nothing against you, Y/N. It’s just safer when as few people know about her as possible.”

“Do you not trust me? Do you think I’d put her in harm’s way by announcing it to the entire village that the mage I am in love with has a daughter?”

“Y/N, she’s not-,” Yennefer stopped herself, closing her eyes for a moment to take a deep breath. When her eyes opened, she looked at you. “Ciri is Geralt’s child surprise, and I am bound to Geralt by fate. There was a wish he made decades ago and it’s caused our destinies to be intertwined.”

You were stunned, mouth slightly open and eyes focused on her. Your mind seemed to short circuit, unable to form complete thoughts or sentences. You couldn’t find your voice. It was lost somewhere in your throat. 

Who was this woman before you that you had welcomed into your home with open arms? Who was this woman that you professed your love to not too long ago? Who was this woman that occupied your every thought? You felt as though you barely knew her. 

“You-You….” You brought your hand up to your mouth. “I don’t-I don’t understand, Yennefer.”

Her eyes stayed on you as you paused once more to take a deep breath in an attempt to calm your racing heart. 

“Why did you keep this from me? I mean, fuck!” You couldn’t help but shout the curse in frustration, your hand falling to your side to curl up into a tight fist. “You have a-a fucking child, and a man that you are stuck with by fate! I-I don’t even feel like I know you anymore, Yennefer!” Your sentence ended with your voice cracking, a lump forming in your throat. 

She just looked at you, unsure of what to say, of how to make you feel better. 

“Is anything you’ve ever told me true? Are-Are you even in love with me? Or are you just fucking using me, Yennefer?”

“Y/N, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to drag you into this shit!” Yennefer finally spoke, raising her voice to match yours. “I didn’t want someone like you coming into my world.”

“Someone like me?” You repeated, shifting your weight from one foot to the other and crossing your arms. “What does that mean?”

Yennefer shook her head, running her fingers through her hair as she turned around to pace away from you. 

“You grew up on a farm in the middle of nowhere, Y/N. You’re naive to the real world, to my world.”

A sharp pain stung your something beneath your ribs. 

“Is that what you think of me? You think I’m stupid?”

“I didn’t say that, Y/N-,”

“But you may as well have!” You cut her off. “I can’t believe you!”

“Will you just keep your voice down, Y/N?”

“Why? So those people in there don’t know about the fucking girl you’ve lied to who’s dumber than a box of rocks? Who knows nothing else but to herd sheep and tend to cattle? Who is good for nothing but providing a home to you and giving you a good fuck?”

“Y/N, enough!” Yennefer shouted, effectively silencing you. “I didn’t tell you, not because I think you’re stupid, but because I didn’t want to bring you into any of this. I didn’t want you to be fearful of me, to second guess our relationship because of Geralt and Ciri.”

“Keeping it from me makes me second guess more than just our relationship, Yenn.” You crossed your arms tightly over your chest. 

The anger you felt had fizzled down to embarrassment and sadness. She was embarrassed to claim you, to call you hers. How could you be so stupid to think that you’d be able to have someone like her? She was a strong and unbelievably beautiful mage. She was way out of your league.

“I don’t know who you are, Yennefer.” You shook your head, tears blurring your vision but you blinked them away, desperate to keep your composure. “You can stay tonight. The storm outside sounds bad. You know where the guest room is and where the extra quilts in there are.”

“Y/N-,”

“I don’t want to talk right now.” It was your turn to be harsh. “Leave.”

Without another word, Yennefer left. It surprised you, to be honest, that she’d given up so easily. A small part of you thought and prayed that she cared enough to fight, to try to make things better between you two.

***

You weren’t too sure how long you had been laying there listening to the thunder and rain outside. You tried to sleep, but when you closed your eyes, you could see her, see the smile on her lips when she looked at you and feel the warmth of her touch.  It proved better to stay awake staring at the wall than to try to rest. 

The sound of your door opening caught your attention. You wanted to look up to see who it was, but you decided against it. It was probably just Yennefer.

“I know you’re awake.” Her velvet voice spoke. 

You said nothing. 

The bed behind you dipped from her weight. 

“It was wrong of me to keep them from you.” She murmured, now laying closer to you. Her fingers began to brush through your hair. “And it was wrong of me to think you aren't fit to know of my world. If…. I want you, I have to share everything with you, to let you know who I truly am.”

Still you were silent.

“I love you, Y/N. It’s…. pure. What we feel for each other. It isn’t caused by magic, by a wish I had no control over. I love Geralt, yes, but that is different. It’s not the same as the way I love you.”

With a little sigh, you turned over on to your back. 

The candles by your bedside lit, giving you the ability to see the mage in your bed.

“I was fearful.” She whispered, bringing her hand up to stroke your face. “I didn’t want harm to come to you because of me.”

“That isn’t a good excuse for keeping a man you are bound to by destiny from me. And you have a child.” You shook your head softly. “You should trust me enough to tell me things like that, things that aren’t just minor in your life.”

“I’m sorry.” She leaned forward to kiss your cheek. “Please forgive me. I hate when you’re mad at me.”

You said nothing for a few heartbeats, instead gazing into her violet eyes.

“I’m still upset, but I love you.” You moved closer to her, wrapping one arm around her and tucking your face into her chest. 

She smiled softly, dipping her head down to kiss your hair. 

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[elsanna-shenanigans]

August Contest Submission #7: The path of the rose

Words: ca. 3,500 Setting: Canon Lemon: no CW: None

The path of the rose

The climb was steep; it was slippery, the narrow - barely threaded path, treacherous and unforgiving. Elsa’s hands were bandaged in bloodied rags, same as her feet, but the aching from the blisters had dulled days ago. When she finished climbing the side of the sharp ridge, she stood alone on the edge - almost defiantly - overlooking the great misty valley ahead; the whiskers of fur around her neck fluttered at the wild wind’s mercy, mirroring the few short locks of hair that framed her sunburned cheeks. 

Her pale lips were chapped, her arms bruised and cut, but her determination was stronger. Only the last step remained; only one final test to overcome.

Before she descended into the white unknown of the mists, she took out the small silver locket that hung from her neck and stared at the tiny, hand painted portrait of a copper-haired, care-free smiling girl. 

‘I will be home soon.’ Elsa thought; her image was the only warmth she needed deep into the mountains.

-ooo-

As each blast crossed the air, they all bursted into sparkling droplets, like diamonds shining under the gentle winter’s sun.

Anna watched - wide-eyed and riveted, as the girl danced in the middle of the forest’s small clearing.

Each movement brought another glimmering streak of pure white ice; as she moved, as her body twisted and her feet shifted elegantly, waves and pillars and spirals rose and fell on the whims of her hands’ motions and the determined gaze in her blue eyes. 

Badly hidden as she was - alongside the bushes that covered the edge of the forest’s clearing, it didn’t take long for the other girl to notice her. Those same crystal-blue eyes peered at the blushing redhead curiously, tilting her head as if she was looking at some harmless, cute critter.

Anna had seen those clothes before, if only in the few times her father had allowed her to accompany him to the northern market. The round strips of fabric falling on the sides of the skirt, knotted at the small of the girl’s back, the sleeveless, blue and brown shirt and the strange, spiral-shaped bracers that covered her forearms, only the Magi - the outsiders - wore such refined clothing. 

Once she noticed those exotic, sky-colored clothes, her hands immediately pulled at her dirty apron and plain long skirt, her feet shifting around shyly.

“Hello.” The girl’s voice was crisp and clear when she came closer, standing right underneath the trees’ shadows; small dots of light coming from the foliage peppered her face and shining, white hair. “Who are you?”

“Anna!” She squeaked. The Magi girl nodded, and after a few awkward seconds, Anna offered her hand, which the other shook, a soft smile pulling at her lips.

“I’m Elsa. Elsa Northwind.”

-ooo-

No matter how much her mother tried, Anna refused to be caged in the peaceful but boring rhythm of life in her small village. Sneaking out into the woods became a form of art for her: sometimes, all she needed was for Iduna to turn her head as they went about their business at the market for Anna to slip out of sight.

Anna’s teen years passed in a mixture of the smell of freshly-baked bread at her family’s tavern and the almost minty smell of pine needles from her excursions into the forest, accompanied always by Elsa. They would see each other in town as well every now and then, whenever Elsa’s people travelled down the mountains to trade with the villagers, but the harsh gaze of her mother kept them apart; at least, whenever she was around. Anna didn’t care about her parent’s prejudice, of course. Elsa’s magic was marvelous, a miracle that should be cherished and admired. It held great power, great dangers too, yes, but also, so much beauty that words sometimes failed her to describe it.

As time went by, Elsa’s powers grew stronger, and more intricate. She gave Anna small trinkets of ice that never melted: small delicate snowflakes, small mounted-knights like the stories the redhead found so fascinating and that soon littered the wooden desk on Anna’s room, and when the redhead’s fifteenth birthday arrived, a blushing Elsa travelled on her own all the way to the edge of town. Hidden behind a barnyard, her trembling hands put a pair of earrings and a simple but shining necklace on Anna’s hands.

“Thank you…” Anna whispered as she put the earrings, feeling her heart swell and expand, as it always did whenever her friend was around. 

“It was nothing,” Elsa smiled shyly, and then, her eyes went wide as Anna kissed her cheek, grinning brightly at her while her hands pulled nervously at her twintails.

It was a smile as bright as summer, Elsa felt. She had begun to understand what those feelings were, the ones that swirled and slow-danced in her belly any time she was alone with Anna. Unbeknownst to her, Anna too had begun to understand.

-ooo-

Small ripples broke the calm surface of the lake as Anna’s bare feet rested at its edge, mirroring Elsa’s. 

The world had stilled around them; the setting sun at their back enlarged the pine’s shadows, and the birds called their farewells for the day in casual chirpings. It was a feign calm, however, an illusion of peace like the lake’s surface, for underneath feelings stirred and moved around like wildlife.

Anna’s hand covered Elsa’s, and when she turned to look at the blonde, as naturally as a leaf’s fall, they leaned closer to one another, until their lips met shyly. Aged 17, Anna had her first kiss. Aged 17, she kissed her best friend for the first time.

It was as soft of a touch as she had imagined.

She cupped Elsa’s cheek as their kiss held strong, the sudden rupture of a years long-tension lifting her with the warmest of feelings. When they finally separated - the orange tinge of dusk blazing on Anna’s hair, Elsa’s smile was shy but sincere; her pale hand played with a curly lock of copper hair, the other raising to caress a freckled cheek with her thumb.

“Just like that…” She whispered, making Anna smirk at her.

“Yes…” she leaned forward again, whispering into Elsa’s lips. “Just like that…”

Their second, and their third kiss were even more sweet. A shared dream, finally made true; a joining of hearts, a bridge being built between two souls.

They held a small ceremony a few months later, not in the traditional ways of Anna’s people - whom would never bless their union - but in the Magi way, in the aftermath of a sleepless night, both sitting in front of a small fire, holding hands with a long shawl draped around both their shoulders.

Anna’s hair was braided, same as Elsa’s, with small red and blue ribbons, each one taking the other’s colours.

Neither of them had wanted to wait. It was clear there would never be someone else; Elsa’s soul reflected on Anna’s eyes, and vice versa, as the oldest of the Magi pronounced them soulmates, bound by the will of the land and the ancestors of their two bloods.

-ooo-

The first time Anna visited the Magi campament had been during the harshest winter in recent memory. Caught under the heavy storm - the snow hail thick and inclement, Elsa had insisted they went back towards her home instead of risking the travel through the forest and into Arendelle’s lands. Barely protected by Elsa’s magic, they managed to arrive before Anna had passed out. Her wavering consciousness, however, registered a few things as they dragged her towards what she presumed was Elsa’s tent: the weird cone-shape of the stone and wood structures and the curious gazes of the mages they came across.

Once inside, she was put in a bundle of furs - the same colours, she noticed, as the ones on Elsa’s winter coat - and momentarily left alone in front of a small fire. After she managed to regain some body heat so she could stop shaking, she looked around. Her love’s home was sparse, but that didn’t surprise her: she knew how little Elsa cared about wealth or status. There were a few things of note, of course: she saw some of her childhood paintings hanging above the floor-levelled bed, as well as the bead necklace she had made her after their… Anna blushed, thankful it would most likely go unnoticed given her whole face must’ve been red from cold exposure and the tent’s fire.

Finally, Elsa came back, holding in her hand some herbs that she quickly threw into the pot above the fire. After she sat down next to Anna, she hugged her, taking a few wet strands of auburn hair out the way before kissing her temple.

Now inside the safe confines of Elsa’s tent, Anna finally relaxed, leaning into her love’s embrace.

After a while, as sleepiness began to dampen her thoughts, she turned to gaze at the small assortment of trinkets close to the bed, and the blonde’s eyes followed her curiously.

“Do you know…?” Anna asked shyly, looking at the bead necklace. Elsa’s smile turned into a smirk, and that told Anna that she, in fact, knew its true meaning.

Each bead on it was meant to signify each year of her life before a couple consummated their marriage. It was an old tradition that her village still carried around and that she had wanted to preserve herself.

“Of course I do.” Elsa said, leaning forward and giving her a long, drawn out kiss that tasted of longing. Anna could understand why. They could never be together, as her mother and father were. They could never walk around town hand in hand, nor would they live the joys of motherhood… but it was something she had made her peace with, same as Elsa.

They had each other, and that was enough. For her, their marriage was real, as real as the stars in the night sky, as the snowy mountains and the glimmers of light from the morning dew.

Before both shed their clothes and shared Elsa’s bed, long hours passed, full of gentle kisses and whispered words, filling the humble dwelling with warmth. Anna knew of what lay ahead, but for the moment all she could do was to embrace her lover’s naked form, holding on to her and praying for the future to be gentle, to spare them of heartbreak and loss.

-ooo-

“You shouldn’t be here!” Anna hissed - yet unable to stop her smile. Elsa only smirked at her, her hands precariously hanging to the wooden frame of her wife’s sill. Thankful that the window didn’t creak too loudly, she fully opened it, allowing the cloaked blonde inside.

Elsa pulled down her hood, letting her waist-long hair fall down her back freely; it sparkled under the single candlelight that humbly lit the room.

“What if someone saw you?” Anna asked, trying to keep her tone down and putting her hands on her hips while her brow furrowed (and yet, still smiling). The young mage rolled her eyes playfully, waving her hand airily as ice tendrils encircled her fingers, turning black at the end.

“Mist spell,” she stated matter-of-factly. Nonetheless, seeing that Anna’s frown was still in place, she leaned forward, planting a quick peck on her lips, gently putting her hands on her freckled arms and gently rubbing her thumbs over her work-tanned skin.

Anna finally cracked, joining their foreheads and softly sighing while her hand caressed Elsa’s cheek.

“You should be preparing…” she muttered.

“Hush…” Elsa put a finger on those rosy, enticing lips, gazing into her wife’s worried eyes. Gently, she touched the small blue ribbon that hung from a small braid on Anna’s auburn hair.

“I brought you something.”

From her satchel, Elsa produced a single, red rose, of a shade not crimson but rather hanging in between the color of dusk and of blood. Before she gave it to Anna, she used her magic to envelope it in ice, the kind that had taken her years to master - if only to make her friend happy that her gifts would not melt.

Anna’s retort never came, much to Elsa’s joy. She fully knew that if she had allowed Anna’s questions to continue, both of them would cry. Elsa didn’t want that; she wanted her last memory of Anna before she began her journey to be one where her beloved smiled, where her light reached her eyes and her cheeks came alive, highlighting the freckles she had come to adore.

Suddenly, Anna embraced her, pulling her face against the crook of her neck.

“When do you leave?” Anna muttered, her voice thick and constrained. Her embrace tightened, a gesture that Elsa reciprocated fiercely.

“Tomorrow.” 

“Promise me…” The brokenness of Anna’s voice carried such a heavy weight Elsa’s heart could barely withstand it. Elsa nodded for a response. 

Her efforts had been for naught; the first tears began to fall from her eyes, soon followed by Anna.

The quiet summer night witnessed the two lovers say their farewells and claim their last, desperate kisses before Elsa vanished into the darkness. She did not tell her wife a small fact, one she wanted to keep a secret until she came back. She had gotten the rose from the same small clearing where they first met, more than a decade ago.

-ooo-

Each Magi - born of a unique element - knew of the trials that awaited for them the moment they came of age. Elsa had anticipated - and dreaded in equal measure - that moment.

A lonesome travel towards the white heart of the world, Ahtohallan, where her worth would be tested. Even with her magic, it would take her months to arrive there while sorting all kinds of danger: the great beasts of the North, immune to magic, and outcasts and renegade mages who had failed in their own paths.

The few ones who came back became full members of her tribe, wielders of power beyond belief.

She had prepared her whole life for it, and when the time arrived, she began her journey, armed with only her small satchel and her wits.

Then, when she finally reached the white valley - full of barren twig trees and ice-shards coming out the ground, taller than a man and so pure they contained every color imaginable, her resolve was tested.

This final trial, however, she failed.

-ooo-

Anna, aged 24, remained stubbornly single as the years rolled by - as it was the nature of time in such a small village - much to the chagrin of her mother and the enjoyment of the gossiping matrons. She didn’t care about the rumors, of course, and she didn’t give explanations to her mannered but firm rejections of the few men who had tried to court her.

None of them had seen her as she looked longingly into the night’s sky from her room’s window. None of them knew of the tears she shed when alone, of the shattered dreams and the broken illusions; none of them knew of the flower patterned she had kept, or the new one she had knitted for her - meant as a humble gift for when she returned, both resting in the depths of a wooden chest below her bed.

Elsa had not come back. Every gift she had given her had melted; even her parting rose had, but the flower - unfrozen and weak - had not died.

In the two years that had gone by since she left, Anna had turned to her everyday life, not in search of solace but in search of purpose. Her night’s at her family’s tavern were busy, and she had tried to share the simple joys of her people; she had tried to see past her grief, but a part of her never could. The moments of loneliness that remained were all filled with gleaming memories - full of the pale color of Elsa’s hair and eyes, full of the memory of her smell, of her lopsided, teasing smiles and the feeling of her skin, her hands and her lips.

She never allowed bitterness to rot inside her. Instead, she tried to smile when she remembered her, to honor her memory by living as fully as she could, as fully as someone who had lost half her soul and all her love could.

Outside the tavern, in the small backyard, Elsa’s rose now lay amongst many others, bushes and many kinds of flowers arranged into a vibrant garden that Anna took care of.

She didn’t care about the future. All she had was her own life, and those memories she had bowed to keep alive. It was all she could do, for now she knew miracles did not happen, and life’s cruelness left nothing behind.

And still, she kept on living, and remembering, each and every single day.

-ooo-

Anna yelped, pulling her pricked finger into her mouth. Stopping herself from cursing, she quickly dismissed the injury and continued her work, trimming the small branches of the flowers in her garden, careful not to touch the one that remained in the center, the one whose color resembled the tone of her own hair.

She continued to work under the heavy summer’s sun, pulling weeds, nursing the dirt and watering her small kingdom of color. Unconsciously, she whipped the back of her hand over the white cloth over her head, leaving some dirt marks on it.

From behind her ear, hung a small braid with a blue ribbon on it.

After a while, the pain from kneeling became too uncomfortable; after all, waiting tables at the tavern all night was hard on the small of her back. It was only when she stood up that she saw the cloaked figure standing right next to her garden, and Anna yelped once again, taking a step back while clutching her chest with her hand before her eyes properly looked at the lean person standing just there, who looked back at her with clear-blue eyes.

Anna’s teal eyes widened; the small shovel on her gloved hands fell with a soft thud.

The cloaked figure took off her hood, revealing a woman of delicate features: prominent cheekbones that complimented the small, badly cut locks of pale-white hair.

Anna thought herself mad; surely, the summer’s heat had made the apparitions of her dreams come to life. But if so, why did Elsa look so weary? Why were her arms covered in soiled rags, and why were her feet bare and dirty?

More than that, why was her beloved’s - her wife’s - face covered in scars, her cheeks sunburned?

But perhaps it was a feverish dream, she reasoned as her breath failed her, for Elsa’s eyes remained the same: gentle and caring, shining with a light of their own, the light that had made her fall in love for her as the years of her childhood went away and her feelings grew as they both did. 

Elsa stepped inside her backyard, kneeling in front of the roses. Her index finger graced the petals of the red rose, and when she turned to face Anna again, a long path of tears had already made its way down her cheeks. Unsurprisingly, Anna sniffed loudly, the hard beatings of her heart drumming against her ears.

“You kept it…” Elsa said, her voice failing her after that single sentence.

If this was truly madness, Anna was glad she could give away her sanity just for the chance of this moment to continue. Whatever was the case, she couldn’t wait; she had waited long enough.

Anna raced the few steps that separated them, practically jumping into Elsa’s open arms.

“Ouch!” Elsa whined a little, even if her smile was as big as Anna had ever seen it.

Anna peppered kisses all over her, all over the bruises and scars that marred the perfect skin of Elsa’s cheeks; her hands clutched her face, not willing to ever let go as they exchanged kiss after kiss, laughing and crying all the same.

She didn’t care about the astonished glances of the few onlookers. Whatever the world held, it didn’t matter to either of them anymore.

Anna would gladly live her life as an outcast, would rather go back to Elsa’s tribe and begin anew than to be swayed by people who didn’t matter. What could matter more than to have Elsa miraculously in her arms again, to feel her warmth and the intensity of her ocean-like gaze, full of love and full of life.

She had so many questions, but those were for later. As Elsa happily cried, murmuring muffled words of devotion, Anna knew the path that brought her back also didn’t matter; what mattered was this instant, made happen by the will of her wife, who had come back to her, never a moment late.

-ooo-

After she reached the heart of the world, the heart of winter, Ahtohallan, Elsa had been given a choice; to give up her heart, her memories, to share the power and might lay dormant in her blood.

She knew that choice was no choice at all. The ancient presence had not cared nor passed judgment when she made her decision; after a brief flash of light she found herself laying in the ground, staring at the clear blue sky. Deep in the wilderness of the northern mountains, she knew the path back home would take her a long time; her chances of survival - being stripped of all her magic - little to none.

All she could do was persevere, and so she did, travelling back through an entire continent, just to keep her promise. After all, it was to Anna to whom she had promised.