#I wasn’t planning on romancing him. alas.

[sri-rachaa]

You…You are full of surprises, aren’t you?

[cornsoupflavour]

Sorry, I Found Better (Twice NSFW Smut)

[ New Collaboration Pt. 2 – See Pt. 1 ]

⚠️18+ ONLY - MINORS DNI⚠️

TWICE Mina Myoi x Manager!Male Reader

Tags: 3.5k words, semi-cheating, multiple creampies, sweat, sharing, manager x idol, romance, wholesome, possible breeding/impreg, body praise

Months after her encounter with the new idol, Mina realised that she wanted more. Not more of him, but more of that feeling he gave. After some reflection, she realised he didn’t satisfy her as much as she wanted him to. Even the collaboration faded into the back of both their minds. After the two drifted apart despite the hope he had for the both of them to continue to see each other, Mina was left feeling rather empty – both physically and figuratively.

The feeling became worse after the whole incident with you and Momo. That whole ordeal made her feel some type of way, like that was what she wanted. She wasn’t sure if it was you, Momo or the both of you, she wanted to get a taste of whatever you two had. But alas, with the fact you and Momo were dating now, it felt as if that were to never come true.

It’d been a while since she treated herself to some retail therapy, and thought that might be what she needed at the time. She grabbed her things, put on a really spicy outfit, and headed out.

She walked around the mall, checking out branded bags and jewelry when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"Mina?"

Mina turned around to be greeted with Momo’s bright smile and tantalisingly curvy body. Mina’s smile widened even further as she saw you approaching from behind Momo.

"Momo!"

The two girls leaped into each other’s embrace excitedly. It’s been a week or so since they last saw each other in person but it seemed as though that was long enough. The girls chatted for a bit, giggling and gossiping. You couldn’t help but notice Mina, sneaking in glances at you, once in a while.

You flashed a warm smile each time you felt her gaze on you. You might be with Momo, but you couldn’t deny the allure Mina had on you.

"Anyway, I’ve gotta be somewhere now, you two have fun, alright~?" Mina chimed as she pulled Momo in for a really tight hug. "Mr. Manager, huh? Good job, Momo... Say, you up to share?"

"With you Mina? Of course~ TWICE’s J–Line has to stick together right?"

Wow, she thought Momo would be more possessive... Maybe this could be the start of something new and special.

"Mhm~"

"But I mean, I won’t say no if the other girls ask to share him either... As long as I remain his favourite~"

"Hehe~ Of course~"

Your eyes shifted around, unable to discern what the whispering was about. But as quickly they embraced, they pulled away. Mina gave Momo a fluttery wave before turning to you and winking.

As Mina left, Momo wrapped her arms around yours before continuing the errands you had to run.

Later on that night, as you had settled into a comfortable routine with Momo by your side, nestled in your bed. You were about to drift off to sleep when your phone buzzed. It was Mina.

"What? It’s like... 11PM..."

Momo turned over, her beautiful eyes locking with yours with a soft gaze.

"Who is it, baby? Is it Mina?"

"Yeah, how’d you know?"

Momo giggled, bringing her hand up to your cheek and caressing it gently.

"Us girls just know... But I encourage you to go, trust me."

A soft smile graced her lips as she leaned forward and planted a soft but longing kiss on yours. A few moments later, the both of you pulled away. You nodded reluctantly as you got out of bed, walking over to your closet to grab some new clothes.

"If she asks to head back to her place, do it. I’ll be fine tonight, baby. Don’t worry about me~"

You frowned a little, as you approached her side of the bed to give her a soft kiss on the cheek. "Are you two planning something?"

"Hmm... You’ll just have to find out~"

You shook your head amused before grabbing the keys and heading out. "Love you, Momo. If you need anything, just call, alright?"

Momo nodded, "Love you too, Y/N~ Bring my beloved Mr. Manager back in one piece, alright?"

"I will," you chuckled as you left your home and made your way to the meeting spot Mina had picked. Luna Cafe... 

Upon arriving, the lights around the cafe were dim. Not in a ‘scary, dangerous alleyway’ dim but more of a ‘romantic evening with your spouse’ type dim. You walked in, amazed that a cafe would still be open at this time of night. The lights within the cafe were the same romantic dim, a soft jazz tune playing in the background.

You scanned the patrons before spotting Mina, seated in a corner. Her eyes zeroed in on you the moment you walked in. When your gazes finally met, she waved you over. She wore a white turtleneck, a black coat and some tight black jeans.

You approached the table, a soft smile on your face as you took a seat. "So, Mina, you wanted to see me? What’s going on?"

"Mr. Manager... I have to come clean... Earlier this year, I met a new idol..."

Mina began to explain her situation and what she did. You sat there listening attentively. Once done, she sighed.

"But, I don’t know. Something felt missing between us. Or well, it felt as though HE was missing something..."

"What might that be?"

"I can’t exactly put my finger on it, but... when we caught you and Momo in the hotel room the other night... I realised that was what he was missing."

You blushed deeply. You and Momo had already slept and fucked well over three times now, but somehow, you still feel embarrassed and shy when someone brought it up. "W–What do you mean? What did you realise?"

Mina breathed a deep sigh before placing her hands onto yours, her thumbs tracing circles on the back of your hands. "I realised... he wasn’t you, Mr. Manager..."

"...I guess I’ll just come out and say it... Mr. Manager, I want you to fuck me the same way you did Momo."

Your eyes widened. Did she really just say that? "Mina... Y’know, I..."

"If this is about how Momo would react, don’t worry about it. I made sure to discuss this with her and Jihyo before this. Please, Mr. Manager... please show me that you love me as much as you love Momo and the others..."

You froze. This was... quite the temptation. You took a moment to yourself to think. As you looked into her eyes, her motherly yet youthful appearance, her gummy smile and her toned body... You couldn’t say no.

"Alright, Mina. I’ll do it. Is there anything else you’d want me to do before we go through with this? I take it you want to join my relationship with Momo."

Mina's eyes lit up with excitement, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Yes, please. Let's go to my place. It's not far." she said, standing up from the table.

"Like right now...?"

Mina nodded, a slight seductive glint in her eye. That’s when you remembered what Momo said and decided to go with it.

You followed her out of the cafe, the two of you strolling through the quiet streets. The night air was cool, the city lights casting a soft glow over the surrounding area. The both of you engaged in some small talk, discussing music, the latest gossip within the industry and what it’s like to be dating THE Momo Hirai.

"Y’know, you’re a lucky man. In–charge of a group of attractive girls, even dating one of them? I know people who would kill to be in your place..."

"Yeah, I really lucked out. Momo’s the best thing to have ever happened to me... besides becoming TWICE’s manager, of course."

The both of you chuckled as you felt her body leaning slightly onto yours. She wrapped her arms around one of yours as you walked. Initially, you felt a little put off, but you slowly warmed up to it. If Momo says it's alright, it's alright.

A few moments later, the two of you arrive at her apartment. Mina's apartment was cozy and filled with a sense of warmth. The smell of recently–baked cookies lingered throughout the space. There were posters of various artists adorning her walls, including TWICE and some of her solo endeavors.

"Comfortable, right?" Mina asked, leading you to a couch.

"Very much so. I didn’t think you’d keep all the posters I gave all of you for each of your tours..." you replied, taking a seat.

"Yeah well, you gave them to me, so I gotta, right?"

Mina sat beside you, her hand gently brushing against yours. "I appreciate you coming here, Mr. Manager. I know this is a little confusing for you, especially since you're already with Momo."

"It's alright, Mina. Momo’s alright with it and I want to make you happy too," you assured her.

Your gazes locked as she slowly brought her face closer to yours. Your lips met, your tongues dancing together in an intimate embrace. Mina's hands slid down, gripping your waist before moving lower to unbuckle your belt.

She pulled away momentarily, "Mr. Manager–"

"Please, Mina... call me Y/N."

Mina blushed slightly, "A–Alright, Y/N... I want you to breed me, alright?"

Your eyes widened, unsure if what you heard was right. Breed? Like... start a family? Mina could sense the shock behind your widened eyes.

"You heard me right, Y/N... I discussed this with Momo... she said that she’d allow you to get me pregnant... but if you want to breed her first, I’d totally understand."

You stuttered, unable to get words out of your mouth. Before long, your body moved on its own, leaning forward and joining your lips together once more. It appears your decision has been made. Whether it happens or not, you are going to attempt to breed Mina.

As the makeout continued, Mina pulled away once more. "Y/N, wait. Let me get changed into something... nicer for you~"

Your hands lingered on her hips, almost not wanting her to leave but a little wink from her left a smirk on your face. You waited patiently, checking your phone for any messages. Momo had just sent some.

Momo 🥰🥰: hey baby~ everything going well?

You: everything’s fine here baby, im back at mina’s

You: how about you? everything alright back at home?

Momo 🥰🥰: mhm

Momo 🥰🥰: just missing my beloved man is all~

Momo 🥰🥰: anyway, im not gonna bother you

Momo 🥰🥰: breed her well okay, baby? im trying to be an auntie here~

You chuckled to yourself.

You: alright baby, ill do my best

Momo 🥰🥰: okay~ get home safe, and if youre still not satisfied, im always open for a breeding~

You blushed hard as the both of you bid farewell. As you put your phone away, you looked up and felt your cock spring out from your undone pants. Mina sauntered in, her tight and fit body adorned in a beautiful feathered–blue jacket and a sexy light blue top and skirt.

Your mouth hung slightly agape as the goddess of a woman entered the room.

"So? How do I look?"

"...I need you so fucking bad."

You leaped up and wrapped your arms around her waist, engaging in a hot makeout once more. You dragged her back onto the couch and adjusted your member so that its tip is perfectly aligned with her slit.

It felt as though you weren’t in control any longer as you impaled her onto your cock, the tip bottoming her out almost immediately. She moaned loudly, arching her back to meet your every thrust. "Fuck, Y/N, you're so fucking big~! Just like Momo said you’d be~" she cried out.

You increased your pace, slamming your whole length into her as you showered her upper body with kisses. You began to lick her breasts erratically, it felt like you’d gone insane with lust.

As the intensity increased, Mina’s moans grew louder. "Ahhh, Y/N... you’re making me cream all over your cock," she panted.

You grinned, loving the wetness engulfing your length with each plunge. As you drowned in the sensations, you reached up, fondling her breasts while you ravaged her pussy. Mina arched her back, her heaving chest begging for more as her moans morphed into cries of pleasure.

"Mmmm, Y/N... you feel... so fucking good..." she groaned, her fingers digging into your shoulders.

You could feel her warm folds begin to quiver around you, a sign that she was nearing her climax. Her walls clenched tight, making you feel like you were the owner of the most sought–after toy.

"Gnnnngh... Y/N... oh, fuck... don’t stop..." Mina pleaded, her nails digging into your flesh as her orgasm claimed her.

Her cunt milked you like a greedy monster, and you couldn’t help but match her rhythm, feeling the familiar tinge of your own impending release.

"Mina, I’m close, baby..." you warned, your voice raspy.

"Knock me up, Y/N..." she cried out, her voice shaking as she looked deep into your eyes, urging you to fill her with your seed.

Your thrusts became more erratic, your hips bucking as you lost all semblance of control. With a loud grunt, you exploded, flooding her insides and filling her with your hot cum.

Mina continued to shake, her orgasm reasserting itself as you spilled your load into her. When your orgasm subsided, you collapsed onto her, panting heavily.

"Holy shit, Mina... you’re... unbelievable..." you said, your breath still catching in your throat.

Mina smiled, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. "Momo said you’d say that."

You began to pull out, admiring the evidence of your defilement on Mina’s thighs. Her hand rested on your abdomen. "Hold on, you didn’t think we were gonna stop after one round did you?"

Mina gazed longingly into your eyes as she pushed her lips against yours in a deep and passionate kiss. "Until further notice... I’m claiming you... You belong to me and Momo now~"

The both of you smirked before Mina broke the kiss, a wicked grin on her face. She readjusted herself as she made you lay back on the couch. Before long, she straddled you again. This time, however, her demeanour was different; she was in full control... Mina was in–charge now. Her hands gripped your shoulders tightly as she lowered herself further onto your cock, her pussy swallowing your whole length once again.

"Ahhh, Y/N, I’m..." her voice quivered as she bounced, her sultry voice pleading for more of your thick shaft. Mina began to ride you, her movements slow but deliberate. Each time she rose, she’d slide almost entirely off you, teasing your tip with her wet entrance.

"Mmmm, Y/N... you feel... so fucking good..." Mina’s tone was demanding, taking charge of the situation. She set a relentless pace, her slender thighs gripping your hips, her pelvis rocking back and forth. Her hands rose to her soft breasts, groping and squeezing them desperatrely. You did the same.

"Gnnnngh... Y/N... oh, fuck... don’t stop..." She cried out, her moans deafening within the small apartment. She leaned in, her lips brushing against yours. "THAT’S IT– YOU’RE MINE~"

Mina began to bounce faster, her cries growing louder as the scent of sex began to fill the room. Her hand reached between her legs, rubbing her clit while she rode you. Within minutes, she began to shake, her inner walls clenching you tightly.

"C–CUMMING–! C–Cum with me, Y/N!" Mina begged, her voice trembling.

Your hands gripped her hips. You didn’t think either of you could cum again this quickly, but Mina has shown you her sexual prowess and you just couldn’t hold back your own release anymore, your hips bucking to meet her rhythm. 

Together, you both climaxed, Mina’s orgasm pushing you over the edge. You pumped her full once more, your seed spilling into her as she collapsed on your chest, her hair draped over your face like a veil.

Panting, she whispered into your ear, "You better get used to this, Y/N. Momo and I are going to milk you dry."

"Oh, Mina... What do you think Momo has been doing with me the past few days?" You chuckled, sweat dripping down your forehead. "But hey, I’m not complaining, Mina."

Mina hugged you tightly, her heartbeat syncing with yours. You both remained intertwined, sharing this intimate moment in silence, savoring the afterglow.

She leaned up slightly, her outfit messy but still intact. The way her back arched made you shoot a little cum into her still impaled body.

"One last time?" she asked.

"I can’t say no to you~"

Mina leaned all the way back, your cock still engulfed within her folds. She arched her back a little, pushing her tits upwards. You could see the outline of her ribcage but for some reason, that turned you on that much more.

The both of you were now positioned in this desperate and hungry missionary, you began to drive yourself into her, your thrusts quick and forceful. Mina arched her back, her breasts jiggling with each plunge. She gripped your shoulders tightly, her nails digging into your flesh as her moans grew louder with each thrust.

"Aahh, Y/N, I’m... oh, fuck, Y/N, don’t stop..." Mina panted, her voice almost hoarse from all the screaming.

Your brows furrowed as you gritted your teeth. You’ve grown sexually frustrated. It’s like you couldn’t get enough of this woman. You kept thrusting, your hands reaching forward to squeeze the wonderful pair of mounds in front of you.

You could see a slight bulge on her abdomen form each time you thrusted inwards. Her loud yet sultry moans pushed you forward. You squeezed her hips, your hands gripping tightly on their sides.

"Fuck– Mina– I don’t think I can ever get enough of you– Momo was so right to invite you to join us– FUCK–"

Your own breathing grew ragged as you neared your limit yet again. Mina's sweat–soaked skin glistened under the light, her ribs visible beneath her smooth skin.

"Mmmm, Y/N... you feel... so fucking good..." she cried out, her words becoming more and more desperate.

Each thrust was now a battle for dominance, both of you vying for control as you forced your bodies to submit to the rhythmic pounding.

"Gnnnngh... Y/N... oh, fuck... don’t stop..." Mina begged, her voice now a mixture of pleading and demanding.

You slammed into her one last time, the sound of your flesh meeting hers echoing in the small room. "That’s it, Mina, squirt for me–" you groaned, your voice hoarse. Mina began to scream out in pure ecstasy and pleasure.

"OH MY GOD– FUCK~ KNOCK ME UP, Y/N– DO IT–!"

Mina's walls convulsed around you, triggering your own orgasm. Together, you both unleashed powerful orgasms. Her cries of ecstasy intermingled with your guttural grunts. Your seed flooded her once more, the heat of your release igniting another wave of pleasure for Mina.

With both of you completely spent, you collapsed onto her, your chest rising and falling rapidly. Sweat dripped from your brows, coating both of your trembling forms.

"God damn, Mina..." you whispered, panting.

Mina smiled, her cheeks flushed from exertion. "I–I’m glad you approve, Y/N."

"Approve? I don’t think I ever wanna be away from you anymore... I guess it’s official, you’ve joined my relationship with Momo."

Both of you stayed entwined, sharing this intimate moment, the room now filled with the scent of sex and the heavy thumping of your heartbeats. After a while, Mina let out a content sigh, her body relaxing beneath you.

A few hours later, you were back at home with your beloved Momo. She could see the look of a man who had just been drained of what is essentially his soul. She playfully called out to you.

"Y/N, baby~ Come and sit with me."

As you waddled over and sat down, she gave you a soft kiss. You reciprocated.

"So, how was it? Looks like you had fun~!"

You nodded.

"Yeah, baby... Uhh, Mina’s gonna join us now... like you and me, us..."

"Mhm! I told her she could, I mean, you didn’t seem to mind when Nayeon was actively touching herself to us..."

"You’re right... I love you so much..."

Momo smiled, knowing she made the right choice, both for herself, for you, and for the both of you combined. Knowing that, you and Momo look forward to whoever else that would be interested in joining your little circle here.

You and Momo shared another sweet and loving kiss as she straddled your lap. Just then, you both heard a knock at the door. You stood up, walked over and opened it. There stood Mina in a white tank top, a tight blue jacket and a short yellow skirt. She presented her phone to you, a message already typed out to who you presumed to be the idol she slept with a while back.

Mina: hey, i dont think we should see each other anymore

Mina: sorry, i found someone better

Your gaze met hers as you brought her in for a passionate kiss. As you did, you brought your finger to the send button and pressed it. As the kiss broke, you brought Mina in to see Momo and the two sat on the couch together and faced you.

"Wait, what’s happening now?"

"You know~"

[Let me know if you want a part two or if you want me to make this a long running story. And let me know who else you'd want to see a fic about.]

[taintedtort]

prompt ✧ how long they last during NNN

characters ✧ albedo, kazuha, scaramouche, xiao, childe, itto

warnings ✧ gn!reader, suggestive, no nut november

authors note ✧ i know november is over already, and i didn’t plan on actually writing this prompt… but i caved. it’s a tad late but that’s ok

ALBEDO

✧ lasts 2 weeks. he’s usually busy with experiments, so when kaeya suggested this idiotic game to him, he reluctantly agreed. he had a feeling it wouldn’t be difficult at all for him, seeing as he’s artificial and doesn’t fully comprehend or have human emotions. but he was proven wrong. the first two weeks were fine, he stayed occupied like normal while still giving you the soft attention you needed. but on the two week mark, you were both getting ready for bed and it suddenly hit him. his mind was unoccupied with work matters and simply just took over with thoughts of you. you and your cute, slightly revealing pajamas. you and your soft lips. you and your beautiful moans as he pleasured you beyond satisfaction. he lost the challenge that night,

“such a tease… did you do that intentionally?”

KAZUHA

✧ 4 days. kazuha is a true romantic, and part of that romance comes intimacy. it’s a big thing for him and he can’t go without it for very long. he did try though, he knew the other crew members who forced him to participate would make fun of him for only lasting a simple four days. he’d never live it down. but god he just couldn’t help himself, everything you did unintentionally turned him on. and it was all your fault for looking and sounding so cute when you called his name, innocently requesting his attention. he couldn’t help the plagued thoughts of you underneath him, calling out his name as he made you see stars.

“you were tempting me, i just couldn’t help myself.”

SCARAMOUCHE

✧ the entire month. out of sheer will and spite, he’d be determined to throw his victory in childe’s face. he only agreed after a lot of name calling and teasing, but he’ll be damned if he looses. then again, he’s so extremely clingy in private, he cannot keep his hands off you. and you had needs of your own! he couldn’t just take away that valued part of your relationship for an entire month! you’d intentionally tease and poke at him, begging for him to pay attention to your needs for at least one night. but again, he’s spiteful so he refuses. once december hits (he stays up till 12:00am to watch the date change) he’s on top of you and stripping your clothes off.

“times up, come here.”

XIAO

✧ 3 days. he tried to make it to five, but ultimately failed. it honestly just wasn’t a lucky day. he’d gotten back early from slaying demons, something that doesn’t often happen, and he wanted to spend some time with you. usually when he has off time, you two end up fucking. but with the challenge at hand, he tried not to. he really did, but just couldn’t help himself. everything about you was so inviting; your alluring eyes, your plump lips, your divine body, your seductive voice. it was impossible to ignore you.

“you’re so beautiful, i can’t hold myself back.”

CHILDE

✧ 3 weeks. god it was absolute torture for both of you. after the first week, everything you did got him worked up. it got to the point where he couldn’t touch you without getting hard. he was determined to win though, knowing scaramouche felt the same way. after making such a fuss about his friend being “too scared” and “having no self control” he knew he couldn’t loose. that victory would be so sweet. but alas… his dick just couldn’t take it, and the lack of affection you two were not receiving got to the both of your heads. you ended up having multiple rounds.

“fuck— i can’t do this anymore.”

ITTO

✧ less than a day. when he accepted the challenge, he was so sure he’d win. “easy breezy!” he said, completely confident. that was until… the two of you were finally alone. once you kissed his mouth after stepping inside your shared house, he couldn’t help it. his usual roaming hands were just as shameless as always. when it started to get a bit too heated you pulled back, asking about the challenge. he was confused at first, completely forgetting he had agreed, then just shrugged and continued.

“i won’t tell if you won’t.”

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Summary: You go on a date with your beloved. They pick you up for a Valentine's Date they've organized for you~

A/N: This is written as a choose your ending type of a fic, so the beginning is the same for all, but then endings are separately at the end! I was hoping to do more, but I ran out of time today, so, alas... But I hope you enjoy these dates!

Pairing: William x gn!reader, Fuegoleon x gn!reader, Nozel x gn!reader, Nacht x gn!reader, Yami x gn!reader, Rill x gn!reader Fanfic type: Oneshot/s Genre: Romance/fluff Total word count: ~2,7k Warnings: nothing, just fluff~

Late afternoon. The time of the day when a lot of the knights were finishing up their work for the day, and this would’ve been the time, on most days, when you would have tried to find your boyfriend. At least to ask him about how his day has been so far. At least as much, because it was never granted what could happen in Clover Kingdom that would involve the attention of the Magic Knights; some duty related to that, which would require either your attention, or your beloved’s.

But. Today, as it wasn’t like most of the days of the year, you hoped even more that it wouldn’t come to that. That you wouldn’t need to run off, or your dearest wouldn’t need to run off, and perform a duty. Though you were certain, that he wouldn’t unless it was absolutely necessary. Because this was something you had been planning for quite some time now already. This date, chance to spend some quality time together. Though it was, perhaps, a little bit … pretentious to have one day, specifically, dedicated to this kind of thing, when love could be celebrated on any day of the year. Not that you minded about being able to go out, served a few compliments here and there, and just… being together. So, perhaps, even if it might have been a tad bit pretentious, maybe it was better to have at least some kind of an excuse, a reminder to set aside some time for each other, and really bask in the warmth of each other’s emotions. So, maybe it didn’t matter, if it happened on this day that was dedicated for all lovers.

It was Valentine’s Day.

And your dearest had promised to take you out for dinner.

Where this dinner, and what kind of a dinner it might be, remained a mystery. He was particularly secretive about it, which was because, you assumed, he wanted you to be surprised. Though it made choosing an attire slightly more difficult.

But, knowing him, you had an idea about what it might be. Of course you couldn’t be sure, but … by now you felt like you had gotten to know him well enough, that you knew where he’d take you. Or at least what kind of a dinner date it might be.

Plus, he was picking you up, so you hoped that… if you had chosen something that wouldn’t fit, at all, he’d tell you.

There was a passing wave of amusement that washed over you as you were putting on the finishing touches, a wave with which your eyes turned to the ceiling as a chuckle escaped from your lungs and the corners of your lips tugged up, even if only a little. Butterflies swirled in your stomach, but the flutter, the swirling and tumbling, was wrapped in a blanket of calm; of reassurance. Because…

Of course he would tell you.

Or then he might make slight adjustments to the plan, if possible. Because he would never put you into a situation where you’d feel ashamed by showing up in a wring place, in something far out of place. Some outfits were just difficult to maneuver in certain events. Wearing the same thing to a picnic on the field and a formal ball might … perhaps suit some people, but one would look out of place in the other. And he would never purposefully do that, make you seem like you didn’t belong.

So, of course, he’d tell you.

Because he loved you.

There was a knock at your door, which made the butterflies swirl even harder, as if trying to rise to your throat, making your swallow. Your heart began to race, and you could feel a faint warmth on your cheeks. Which… perhaps, was something out of place. After all, you had been dating for quite some time already. There was no reason to start feeling this bashful about him picking you up on a date.

But you did.

He was still able to make you feel like this, even after all this time. And that, from what you understood, was a rare treat. Not everyone was so in love still after so much time.

So… there was a hint in there, in your reaction and how he made your heart race. They whispered in your ear with the quiet utterance of a careful wish; a careful wish because you didn’t quite dare say it as the truth.

That this was real. What you shared, was real.

Genuine love that everyone speaks about, but far less seem to achieve. From what you heard. From what you had previously felt.

Oh no, this was real.

It was too good to be anything but.

And so, you made your way to the door, and took a deep breath before placing your hand onto the cool surface of the metal door handle.

The corners of your mouth were still tugged up, and your eyes were half lidded as you thought about him.

Yeah, you loved him, with all your heart.

And with that, you opened the door.  

---------

William stood there, in a fine pressed suit, without a mask. After all, nowadays, he had come to terms with how he looked like. And though you wanted to think that it was because of the love, support, and reassurance from your part, you also didn’t want to take his strength in coming to terms with it, away from him. It has been his strength of overcoming his insecurities.

“Good afternoon, my sweet songbird,” he wished while handing you a bouquet of flowers. White lilies that smelled so sweet, along with red roses.

“Hey,” you greeted, practically sang, while taking the flowers.

“I have booked us seats in a restaurant by a nearby river,” there was shyness in his tone, so careful and hushed it was. “I … thought it would be nice to sit there, nearby the trees and dine as we watch the sunset.”

You could see a hint of blush on his cheeks, as he told of his plans, wanting to make sure that you’d be alright with it.

And for a moment you had to wonder to yourself, why wouldn’t you be alright with it? Because that sounded absolutely splendid; careful and tender. Just the kind of a date he’d arrange. So, of course, you accepted his plans, and invitation to take you onto this date.

“That sounds absolutely lovely,” you told him, making a smile of relief appear on him, and which in turn made your own smile only widen.

He really cared for you. He really, really did. Your sweet William, who held so much love in his heart.

---------

Fuegoleon stood there, behind the door, in a rather regal attire. Not that he wouldn’t have looked anything but regal on any day of the week. But his formal suit, adorned with gold chains and embroidery, made him look even more so. And the way he stood tall, as if making extra effort to straighten his back while picking you up, held a hint of something that could only be described as ‘adorable’.

“My beloved,” he began, carefully enunciating his words and giving you a small nod of recognition. “It would be a great honour, on this evening, if you would accompany me on a date,” he said, while handing out a bouquet of red roses, speaking of his love and commitment, and heliotropes that matches his eyes, which spoke of how everlasting they would be.

“And it would be an equal honour to accept this invitation,” you replied with a faint smirk and a little bit of a tease in your tone as you accepted the bouquet.

He let out a hum, as if trying to gather a taste of your words onto his tongue. Or perhaps he was contemplating on it, as he continued with: “I believe that to be impossible, my beloved. But I have booked us a private cabinet of a restaurant, where we might dine, and dance, and stare at the stars from a private balcony.”

That was unless you’d get lost in his eyes before even catching a glimpse of the stars.

But, you had a feeling, as you agreed to his proposal, that he might get lost in yours first.

--------

Nozel’s mauve eyes greeted you on the other side of the door. He was wearing a suit, adorned with silver and blue, which made him look, if humanly possible, even more handsome than he already was. His strong jawline, broad shoulders and piercing, intensive eyes, drew your eye in, as if an invitation. But, you couldn’t help but notice the ever so faint tone of pink right on top of his cheekbones.

Who would’ve guessed it, that the mighty eagle would appear so, while picking his dearest on a date?

You knew that he would never admit it, about feeling shy or insecure about it. About… If you would like what he had prepared.

“I … request your presence in the private garden of the Silva estate,” he stated, almost a little too officially. As if he was making a formal request, an announcement, perhaps even delivering a report. The way the words tumbled from his tongue were so stiff, and yet, the way his brows quivered, spoke of hesitance. “There is a dinner prepared, after which we might stroll in the garden, away from prying eyes.” His eyes closed, as if he was second guessing his plans and decisions. He continued while handing you a bouquet of lilacs and red roses, the sweet smell of which combined together as if a fine perfume.

“Well, my sweet silver prince,” you smiled, nearly grinned, because of his flushed state. “I happily accept,” you took a hold of the bouquets and took a step closer to him. “As long as there’s a kiss at the end,” you teased, which he’d have to grow to accept. That some teasing would be involved.

“Are you trying to bargain with royalty?” He asked, quirking an eyebrow, but there was an ever present, faint, playful tone in his voice, one that never before starting to date him, would you have imagined him to have. “I demand at least two,” he smirked making you laugh.

Perhaps he should get his way with this. Just maybe. This once~ Perhaps it wouldn’t be soooo very terrible to give in this once~

--------

Nacht stood in the doorway, holding a bouquet of dark red roses, and forget-me-nots that matched his eyes, looking at you with his usual, blank expression. And something about it took you back to a previous time, when he still wasn’t ready to open up about his emotions, to a time when he was insecure, or in denial, about his emotions. Or perhaps a little bit of both, deeming it better that you would stay away from a person such as him.

He handed you the flowers, while averting his eyes for a faint moment, before his lips parted. “I have arranged us a table in a restaurant, in a nearby village. It’s a smaller, more secluded place, but…” he paused, as if hesitating. “Afterwards I… hoped we could take a walk through the forest and… admire the moon and the stars.”

You knew that he was a former noble, and thus, he knew his way around etiquette and could have dined even in a more pristine restaurant, without issues. But it didn’t mean that he wanted to. Generally speaking, arranging dinner dates had proved a little bit difficult, because he didn’t wish to flaunt his relationship around, in front of the eyes of strangers. But neither did he want to stay in the Black Bull’s hideout and have to deal with the teases and comments of the other Bulls.

This was all about you. And thus, a smaller, more quiet restaurant and stargazing.

It would be just about the two of you. Your emotions, your love, your choice to be together. His and yours. And he was so very devoted to you, which you knew. He cared so much that sometimes you thought he might break. Because there was an ocean under that cold exterior.

You geld onto the bouquet with one hand, and placed your hand onto his cheek, as you smiled to him. “And just exist. Spend time together. Just like that.” There was simplicity in your words, but there was a kind of beauty in simplicity. Because that it what you both wanted. Just to love and be loved in return.

What could have been sweeter than that?

-----

Yami stood behind the door, rubbing the back of his neck, and averting his eyes as you came in sight. He was wearing a t-shirt, in place of his usual tank-top, and new pants. But his squad robe was still there, now looking slightly out of place.

“Here,” he simply said while handing you a bouquet of red roses, plain and simple. But he was the kind of a guy, who wanted to be clear and simple about how he felt. He wouldn’t have said something, if he didn’t mean it. And so, there was something awfully fitting in him giving you a bouquet of red roses that didn’t try to be anything more, or anything less. They just were, and proclaimed the emotions that he held in his heart.

“Thank you,” you said while taking the bouquet in hand, and giving him a smile, as he still rubbed the back of his neck.

“So, there’s this … tavern in a village nearby… I know it’s not ‘nything fancy, but… it’s good, and I was thinking about taking you there,” he half mumbled, as if losing confidence. Almost like he thought that he’d need to offer you more. That his suggestion wouldn’t be good enough.

“As long as I’m with you, I’ll go anywhere,” you told him with a faint smirk. But really, despite the smirk, you were being very serious. Because you would have taken a good, honest guy like Yami over any fancy dinner with someone pretentious.

“Come ‘n,” he half sighed, half grumbled. “All ya needed to say was that you’d come with me…” he trailed off, while still looking away.

You let out a pleased hum, because you knew what that meant. That he had heard the reassurance, but he also wasn’t good with these kinds of things. He never had a good come back, because he just wasn’t the type of a guy.

At least not yet. Maybe in a few years. Maybe after spending a few more years together.

Time would only tell, and you’d be happy to find out.

---------

Rill stood there, with a large bouquet, adorned with every coloured flower that you could imagine. Red, blue, purple, white, yellow, pink and orange. But the manner in which they were arranged, made it look anything but messy, and… the huge red rose that sat at the centre of it, served it a kind of harmony; conviction, like it as exactly as things were supposed to be.

The first things you saw, were his hair, and the gigantic bouquet being presented, nearly shoved, to you.

“Happy Valentines, my dearest, my muse, my all!” You could hear him say, but despite the sincerity, there was apprehension, as if a question. If it was good enough. If this bouquet he was giving you, was good enough of a piece. Perhaps not his masterpiece, but good enough of a piece.

You took the bouquet, and held it lower, so that you might see him.

“I have arranged us a picnic!” He announced. “On a field with many gorgeous flowers, so that after we’ve eaten, I might try to paint a picture, a masterpiece worthy of the most beautiful flower there, you, my muse, my inspiration and all.”

Sometimes you had to think about how he was able to weave his words into such a gorgeous piece of poetry. Sometimes the syllables tumbled from him rather clumsily, but… every now and then, when he was speaking form the heart, he said the most perfect thing…

It really made you stop, and … if possible, fall in love with him even more.

“I’m… That sounds perfect,” you stated, while still trying to comprehend the depths of the meaning behind what he had stated.

But, you had a feeling that no matter how long you’d try to comprehend them, you never would. ‘Tis was the way of the soul of an artist.

[fettuccinealfred0]

Til Death Do Us Part | Part 8

Series Masterlist

Astarion x f!reader, Arranged Marriage AU

Word Count: 10k

(CW: allusions to previous sexual encounters)

Summary:

“A letter for you,” Gale interrupts Astarion’s thoughts, placing the crisp white paper on his desk.

Perfect timing. Shadowheart was supposed to send him a letter when the two of you arrived safely at the cottage and he had just been starting to worry about the delay.

Astarion rips into the letter greedily. 

The air around him suddenly reeks of sulfur and Astarion’s stomach drops when he is not greeted by Shadowheart’s neat print.

The letter is brief:

“Dearest Astarion,

I formally request your presence at the House of Hope to renegotiate the terms of our contract. I’ve even gone to the trouble of ensuring that your lovely new bride is able to join us. 

Remember, boy. I made you. I can break you just as easily.

-Raphael”

Read on ao3 here.

You had only been gone for a day and Astarion was already miserable.

This wasn’t what he planned for when he arrived home. He had missed you- the warmth of your skin, your little smiles that felt like sunshine, your sharp wit. In the best case scenario, he hoped you would already be naked and waiting for him so he wouldn’t have to waste time on removing all those damned layers of your clothing. You would fall to your knees for him again and he would get to watch the lovely tears gather on your lashes and run down your face as you choked on his cock like the night before he left. 

He had replayed that memory many times in his head while he was gone. More often than he would have liked to admit since his attention should have been focused on finding the final gem. 

More realistically, you would have ordered him to take a bath the moment you saw how dirty he was after days of traveling. He would have pulled you in with him, content to watch you move atop his cock as you straddled him in the bathtub. 

Astarion was intimately familiar with sex and fucking and depraved, carnal lust. He knew bodies and taught himself how to perform and pleasure others so that the act could be over as quickly as possible. He had grown weary and disinterested- it had been so long since he had thought of intimacy as anything other than a manipulation tactic used to exploit people. 

But you had reignited that spark in him, had fanned his desire into a flame that consumed him whole. You had awoken something primal, some inner beast which needed to be nurtured and fed by your touch. It all felt different with you. It felt like a disservice that the acts of worship the two of you performed should even be described using the same word as all those times before. With you it felt like love, it felt like devotion, it felt like coming home. 

And he found himself enjoying the little moments after just as much as the pleasure itself- the way you would wrap around one another and talk or rest or read. 

So after Astarion’s appetite for you was relatively sated (he doubted he would ever truly get enough of you), he would have given you the silly new romance book he had brought back for you as a present. While romance was not his favorite genre, he had started sneaking peeks at the covers of all the books you read very soon after the two of you were first married. At the time, it felt like an easy way to learn about you. And he had found that you loved a romance.

He was perfectly content to let you read the new book aloud to him. He would get to rest his head on your soft stomach and poke fun at the dark, mysterious love interest who was likely entirely too melodramatic and brooding. He would relish in the way that you would narrow your pretty eyes as you looked down at him from over the spine of the book. You would probably have some jab about him needing to take a look in the mirror before calling people melodramatic and brooding. He would get to wink at you and remind you that alas, he was so beautiful that mirrors could not capture his reflection.

Not that he had spent the entire ride home fantasizing or anything…

But in his wildest nightmares, he never imagined that his return would have ended in a fight. 

He had hardly even gotten a good look at you before he saw that gods damned diary in your hands and everything was shredded to pieces. He should have expected something like this would happen soon. Everything had been going too well and the fates seemingly loved nothing more than reminding Astarion of his place at every opportunity. 

But how could you- his perfect, flawless wife- have betrayed him like this?

Astarion is used to being mad. For centuries, little more kept him alive than the spark of rage which burned deep inside his chest where his heart should have been beating. But Astarion was not used to being angry at you. He had times where he got frustrated or upset, but most of the time that was because you were pointing out some fact about himself that he would rather stay hidden.

Even your last fight had not been your fault- he had been the one pushing you away, he was the one who believed himself to be using you, he was the one who was unequipped to handle the swirl of emotions inside himself. 

And even now, Astarion does not know if he is more mad at you for prying into his personal affairs or if he is more upset with the fact that your opinion of him has certainly changed. Now that you truly know him, there is no reason why you would continue to love him. 

He still shouldn’t have yelled at you and ordered you away but he just needed the fighting to stop. He needed to get out of there, needed to think. And he wasn’t able to do that with you staring up at him with big, tearful eyes. 

Of course, in the end, he had only served to make it worse. That is all Astarion knows how to do. 

And right now, he should be preparing himself for the worst case scenario, but he still can’t help but hope that the two of you would somehow manage to overcome this. That you would somehow manage to grow stronger now that everything was out in the open.

In time, he is certain that he will forgive you. But he does not know if you will ever forgive him. Your anger burns brighter and hotter than his ever could. 

“A letter for you,” Gale interrupts Astarion’s thoughts, placing the crisp white paper on his desk.

Perfect timing. Shadowheart was supposed to send him a letter when the two of you arrived safely at the cottage and he had just been starting to worry about the delay.

Astarion rips into the letter greedily. 

The air around him suddenly reeks of sulfur and Astarion’s stomach drops when he is not greeted by Shadowheart’s neat print.

The letter is brief:

“Dearest Astarion,

I formally request your presence at the House of Hope to renegotiate the terms of our contract. I’ve even gone to the trouble of ensuring that your lovely new bride is able to join us. 

Remember, boy. I made you. I can break you just as easily.

-Raphael”

A phantom chill runs up Astarion’s spine and reverberates deep in Astarion’s bones. If he didn’t know better, he would think Cazador was the one who wrote this letter. How many times had Astarion had the same degrading, patronizing sentiments hurled at him by Cazador?

But at least Astarion had known Cazador- knew how he thought and how he would react. Raphael is a new beast entirely. Something far more terrifying, far more unpredictable. 

Astarion had lived in a state of constant fear for centuries but he had never felt a panic like the icy hands that gripped his heart now.

Raphael had you.

—----------

They had gagged you almost immediately. Bastards. 

To be fair, you had been screaming and biting fairly violently at your captors, but you still don’t think that warranted a dirty, old rag being shoved in your mouth. 

Astarion would probably have a crude joke if he saw you like this. 

Or, well- he probably would immediately kill these bastards and then make a comment about how he ‘had much better ways of keeping you quiet.’ The idea would almost make you laugh if your circumstances weren’t so dire.

After you had been subdued, your kidnappers had checked both you and Shadowheart for weapons. You, of course, did not have any and were biting and kicking whenever any of their hands threatened to slip beneath your skirt and check for hidden blades, which is what led to the subsequent gagging and binding of your hands and legs.

Shadowheart, however, seemed to have a variety of weapons hidden on her person. How did she even manage that? Did she just… carry weapons around all the time? And how did she even know how to use them?

It was as if everyone is determined to keep their backstories a secret from you. 

The two of you are unceremoniously shoved into the back of the carriage after you are bound and deemed free of weapons. Two of the kidnappers sit in the back beside you and Shadowheart, sure to keep their knives in hand in case you get any ideas about escaping. Unfortunately, said knives are just barely out of your reach so you’re unable to steal one away. It’s not like you could anyway, with your hands bound.

You try to sort through some sort of an escape plot in your mind, attempting in vain to communicate with Shadowheart with just your eyes free. Whenever you look at her, she just shakes her head in warning, like she knows what you are thinking so you give up on that after a while. 

The curtains to the carriage have been drawn to prevent prying eyes, but there’s a slight gap in the fabric that allows you just a glimpse out of the carriage. You focus on attempting to recognize any surroundings.

There’s… a wall? No. A gate!

Of course. You’re being taken to the city, Baldur’s Gate. You had always hoped to visit one day and explore that place where your mother had grown up. Admittedly, you had hoped your first visit would be under better circumstances.

When the carriage finally stops, rather than untying your hands or your legs, you are instead lifted over one of the men’s shoulders and carried like a sack of potatoes. You try your best to wriggle and kick and generally be difficult. Eventually, you do manage to get a good kick to the groin of the man who is carrying you over his shoulder and he groans and buckles at the knees. 

Your little act of revenge immediately backfires when you are dropped harshly on the ground by the man who was carrying you as he cries out in pain from your kick. Your own hip collides roughly with the hard rock of the floor and it sends a sharp, bruising pain radiating through your bones. Since the man who was originally holding you is whining and cupping his groin, another man simply reaches down to yank you up over his own shoulder and resumes carrying you to wherever these kidnappers were planning to take you. 

It’s extra annoying because you see that they’re letting Shadowheart walk behind you. Stupid model prisoner.

After being led down what seems like a maze of corridors, you are finally deposited in a filthy cell. The gag is roughly ripped out of your and you take deep swallows of fresh air for the first time in hours. The sides of your mouth are burning from where the rough material of the rag had been rubbing against your skin. 

“Drink,” one of the captors commands.

“I most certainly will not,” you shoot back at him, voice hoarse and your throat on fire. Drinking unknown substances from kidnappers seems like an obvious way to get poisoned. 

The man grabs your hair roughly, forcing your head back. When your mouth involuntarily opens in surprise, he pours the vial of liquid down your throat. 

You try to yell at him and tell him off for horribly you have been treated, but your tongue feels too heavy in your mouth. The corners of your vision are starting to blacken and it feels like your head is swirling.

Is this how you were going to die?

—-----------

Your eyes feel so heavy. 

Someone is brushing back the hair from your face and you hear a soothing, lulling voice urging you to wake up.

“A-Astarion?” You try to slur out but your tongue is barely cooperating with your brain. 

Because surely, he will be there when you awake. Surely, the events of the past few days have all been some horrible nightmare and you will have woken up never having read Astarion’s journal. He will have just arrived home while you were sleeping and he will be kneeling at your bedside like he had before he left, greeting you with kisses and showering you with love. 

“No, my lady,” you hear the twinkly, distinctly feminine voice say. You keep trying to blink your eyes open but you’re hardly able to see past your own lashes before they’re falling shut again. 

You’re so tired.

It feels like an eternity before you’re finally able to hold your eyes open for a few seconds at a time. Shadowheart’s blurry, worried face is looking down at you. 

“My lady, are you alright?” She asks, fretting nervously around you. You feel something cool being pressed to your forehead. It helps you focus a bit on reconnecting your mind to your body, but your head still feels so fuzzy. 

“Wha- what happened?” you try to ask, but it comes out sounding garbled due to your lack of control over your tongue. 

“They gave us sleeping draughts,” Shadowheart explains. “Easier to keep watch over prisoners if they’re unconscious.”

All your muscles still feel too heavy- like one of those dreams where you’re stuck in sand and can’t move. Yet, Shadowheart looks like she’s completely normal.

“Why are you awake?” you try to ask but hearing your own voice, it sounds more like gibberish. Shadowheart looks confused for a moment before she deciphers what you were trying to say. 

“I had a… strange upbringing,” she says. “I know how to deal with situations like this. My body learned how to react to sleeping draughts. I would guess you’ve never taken something this strong before?”

You just hum out a yes, still too tired to try to speak. Like anyone, you had taken light sleeping elixirs and drank sleeping teas when you were sick but whatever the kidnappers had given you must have been hundred of times more potent. You can’t even tell how long you were asleep. One minute your eyes were closing, and the next they were struggling to open again.

What kind of upbringing would possibly lead Shadowheart to have been trained for any sort of situation like this? What- was she in some kind of cult?

“Drink water, it will help flush the rest of the draught out of your system,” she instructs, guiding a cup to your mouth. It seems impossible to try to lift your own arms so you let Shadowheart hold your head up and give you little sips of water.

“They gave us water,” you point out, finding it a bit easier to speak coherently.

“I thought the same thing,” Shadowheart says. “They want us alive. They’ve had ample opportunity to kill us by now.”

“Who-” you start to ask but you already know who. The answer is so obvious it’s almost funny.  “Raphael?”

Shadowheart nods. “I assume. He’s the only one with the resources and motivations to pull off a kidnapping like this. The Gu-” Shadowheart cuts herself off, looking a bit worried that she has said too much.

“The Gur?” You finish her though. “I did read his diary, I know most of his past now.”

“I haven’t read his diary,” Shadowheart says with a sense of moral superiority that makes you want to slap that look off her pretty face. If only you were able to move your arms. “I don’t know what he writes about in there. But yes, the Gur would likely have simply killed us and sent your head back to Astarion.”

“Well, let’s be glad it wasn’t them who ambushed us. I’m rather fond of my head,” you tease. Astarion would have smiled or chuckled at that but Shadowheart just stares at you, solemnly, like you are an idiot who doesn’t understand the perilous nature of your current situation. 

“I don’t think that Raphael is the better alternative. Sometimes death can be a mercy. At least with the Gur, we could have counted on it to be quick and relatively painless. But Raphael…” There’s an almost imperceptible shiver that runs down Shadowheart’s spine.

“So, why are we awake now?” You question, though you are sure Shadowheart is wondering the same thing. 

The water has helped, your mind feels less clouded and you’re able to think again. You stretch out your arms and legs, trying to wake them up a bit before you push yourself up to sit, leaning against the wall of the damp prison cell. 

“I don’t know.” Shadowheart’s brow furrows in concentration, like she’s trying to call upon a memory that doesn’t exist. “I have no idea how long we were even asleep. I only woke up a couple hours before you. But I’m sure this is all planned.” She gives you a look. “Raphael is a powerful man. You read about him, right? In the diary. I can only assume Astarion would have written about him.”

“Astarion’s got some sort of contract with him. Raphael’s some sort of devil or something,” you say, closing your eyes so you can focus on recalling what you had read about Raphael. It’s exponentially harder than normal to remember any details with the remains of the sleeping draught still running through your veins. 

“You know about the gods, right?” Shadowheart asks and because your brain is still foggy, you’re having a hard time following her line of thought. You nod, anyway. Everyone knew about the gods. “Well the gods rule over the heavens. And because the universe needs balance, the devils rule over the hells. Raphael is the son of a very powerful archdevil, Mephistopheles.”

That sounds familiar to you. Astarion had written something similar.

Shadowheart continues, her voice a bit wary, “Due to his parentage, Raphael isn’t as powerful as gods or devils themselves, but he holds significantly more power than most mortals. He’s a…  dangerous man.”

“And he wants the gems of Karsus to rule over the hells, right?” 

“The gems from the Crown of Karsus were split up a long time ago so that no one person could rebuild the Crown.” Shadowheart explains. “But if Raphael can find the third gem, he has a chance of taking down the current ruler of the hells and seizing control of that realm.”

“Is that… a bad thing?” You ask hesitantly, unsure of the politics surrounding the heavens and the hells and how they relate to the mortal world. 

“It really won’t affect us at all.” Shadowheart shrugs. “But Astarion is still looking for the final gem and I fear Raphael is growing impatient.”

And from personal experience, you knew it was never a good thing when power-hungry men felt impatient. It almost always led to death and destruction. 

Shadowheart’s voice is grave. “And more than that, I fear that the more powerful Raphael grows, the more he will try to use Astarion to do his dirty work. Part of why so many people have fallen for Raphael’s charms is because he comes to them in their darkest hours and offers kindness and hope. It’s all a farce, of course, but it’s beneficial to him to maintain the idea that he is respectable. I worry he’ll ruin Astarion’s reputation and use him as the front for the unsavory bits of business he needs to conduct. And Astarion doesn’t deserve that, he’s already suffered more than enough.”

“So why does Astarion have to look for these gems? Why can’t Raphael?” You ask the question that has been bugging you since reading Astarion’s diary. Other than the fact that this is some sort of powerplay, you genuinely can’t figure out Raphael’s motivations. 

“Raphael can’t move very far away from his hellmouth, which is where I assume we are right now. He becomes too weak in the real world,” Shadowheart answers. “And powerful men always have enemies. If he were to leave the source of his power, he’d be much easier to kill.”

Ah, yes- good old self-preservation. It’s a bit comforting to know that beneath it all, Raphael fears death just as much as anyone else. 

“How do you know all this?” 

Shadowheart is amazing at explaining everything to you, now that she is no longer sworn to silence by Astarion.

A little smile dances on Shadowheart’s lips and you can tell she’s amused at your disbelief. “I’ve worked for Astarion for many years. And before that, I used to belong to a group of devout worshippers of the goddess Shar. I learned a lot more about the true darkness in the world than most people do.”

Oh, so she was in a cult. That explains a lot, actually. 

“Well, thank you for finally explaining everything to me,” you say sincerely. For once, you feel you finally have a grasp over the situation you had found yourself in. “You have no idea how frustrating it was to never know what was true and what was simply my imagination. I felt as if I was losing my mind.”

“Believe me, I wanted to tell you,” she assures you, grasping one of your hands in her own. “But Astarion begged us not to say anything. And I owe him my life, so I respect him enough to listen when he asks me to do something.”

“You owe him your life?” You ask, a bit shocked. Astarion was not the type to play savior.

“He rescued me and several followers of Shar when he came to us looking for information on the gems. I helped him find the second one and after, Astarion helped me escape Shar’s cult by offering me a position on his staff.” Her voice turns angry. “I had been… taken from my family by the followers when I was a young girl and groomed by their ideology. I never knew any different until Astarion and Gale came along.”

“And Gale?” You’re more than surprised that Gale is entangled in this, as well. He didn’t seem like someone who sought out danger.

Shadowheart looks a bit wary, “It’d probably be better if you asked him to share his own story with you.”

“Yes, but it will take less time if you tell me,” you joke and Shadowheart laughs. 

“True. The abridged version is that he was a scholar at a very prominent university in Baldur’s Gate until he grew too ambitious and started doing research which involved godly and demonic artifacts. They said he was a risk to the students and forced him out. He lost everything and was completely disowned by society. Because of his research, one of the first things Astarion did when he began looking for the gems was to track Gale down and offer him a position on his staff. With access to the libraries at the Szarr palace and the Ancunin manor, Gale happily accepted.”

“I never thought Astarion would be so willing to help people.”

“He’s willing to help people if they’re able to further his own cause,” Shadowheart says with a wry smile. “But I think deep down he does like picking up strays. He married you, after all. None of us saw that coming.”

It’s strange. Another piece in the puzzle that is Astarion. The more you learn, the more you realize that you perhaps did not know him at all. You had studied him so carefully, but perhaps you still weren’t fully able to see the man beneath the mask. Where did Astarion end and the performance begin? 

It’s too much to think about with your mind still clouded by the after-affects of the draught. You rub at your eyes as if that will help clear away your doubt and confusion.

But it doesn’t help at all to sit around and dwell on Astarion. You need to do something, need to find some way out of here before Raphael can finish whatever he’s planning to do with you. You’re lucky that a couple pins managed to survive the fray and are still hanging limply in your hair. You start to pull them out and move toward the door.

 “We need to get out of here,” you say, bending one of the pins so you can shimmy it into the lock on the door. 

Shadowheart stills your hands. “No. We wouldn’t get anywhere. It’s smarter to wait. Don’t play your hand before it’s time.”

Why does she always have to be right about everything?

Shadowheart pulls the pins from your hands and slides them on the cuff of your dress, by your wrist. 

“There,” she says. “Easy access. And any man would be too stupid to notice them.”

You give her hand a gentle squeeze in thanks.

“You know,” she starts to say and her lips turn up in a mischievous smile. It’s a look that’s so uncharacteristically Shadowheart that you have no idea what she is going to say next. “Astarion bragged about you for days after you broke into his study. It was disgusting.”

As always, that part of you that feeds on Astarion’s praise preens.

“I thought he was upset about that.” You’re shocked. That day had been one of the many times that the two of you had pinned each other to walls and traded heated words in the early days of your marriage. It still makes you a bit flustered to think back upon, even now. 

“He was upset that you saw something you weren’t supposed to, maybe.” Shadowheart chuckles. “But he was all pleased that you knew how to pick locks.”

“Why would he care?”

Shadowheart inspects you curiously. “You didn’t know? He’s the best lock picker I’ve ever met. Fast, too.”

You should have guessed that based on his beautiful, dexterous hands.

“Astarion’s good at picking locks?” You ask and you hear your own voice crack a bit at the end. A simple fact like that shouldn’t rattle you to your very core but it serves as yet another reminder of how little Astarion seemingly trusted you if he was withholding even trivial pieces of information about himself. 

How were you supposed to love someone who was so resistant to being known? It’s so unfair of him to expect you to have the resilience to continue poking and prodding at him until his defenses were finally worn down. 

Your conversation is rudely interrupted by the guards returning and clanking their keys loudly as they attempt to find the correct key to unlock the door. You and Shadowheart side-eye each other as you watch them fumble with the key ring. These thugs were idiots.

When the door is finally open and they shove inside, one roughly grabs your wrists so he can secure them in heavy metal shackles. You hold your breath, trying to turn your wrist in a way so he won’t see the hair pins on the sleeve of your dress. As Shadowheart predicted, he doesn’t notice them at all. Like you thought- idiots.

They let you walk this time, at least. The guard’s hand digs into your shoulder as he steers you down a long hallway. The prison seems like an endless maze. You’re fairly certain that you’re underground based on the damp, musty smell that permeates the air.

And then, you turn a corner and the damp air is replaced by the horrific smell of death and rotting flesh. You try to bring a hand up to cover your nose and mouth and one of the guards uses the chains to yank it back down. 

There’s so many cells- they continue down seemingly forever and they’re all filled to the brim with hundreds and thousands of people. It’s atrocious. Their mangled, bloody hands reach out to you as you pass, mouths open wide with desperate, soundless cries. 

“Oh gods,” you whisper in horror when you get a good look at one person’s black, empty eye sockets. Is this what happened to all those people who promised their souls to Raphael?

“Don’t look at them.” The guard’s gruff voice calls out and he uses his grip on your shoulder to force you to look straight ahead again. You’re still working through the after-effects of the sleeping draught and the sudden motion causes your head to spin and your stomach to turn. 

Just when you think these cages of people are never going to end, you thankfully turn the corner and are led through a beautifully ornate set of doors and up a staircase. The instant dichotomy of the new, fancy decor makes you acutely aware that the guards led you through that hallway of prisoners for a reason. It was a threat from Raphael- a reminder of what Astarion’s future holds after death.

You’re finally deposited in a large drawing room. The walls are filled with paintings and weird trinkets and artifacts that don’t look like they were made by humans. There’s a man standing with his back turned to you as he stares up at a painting on the wall. 

“You’ve got quite the set of teeth on you, from what I hear,” the man says. “And here I was expecting your husband to be the only one that bites.”

So this must be Raphael. 

He finally turns around to face you and he looks too human. He’s handsome. Not like Astarion, whose seductive, alluring beauty is meant to knock you off-guard and make you willing to offer up your throat to him in sacrifice. No, this man is handsome like a father might be- like he deserves your trust and knows what is best for you. 

You snarl at him, baring your teeth. You had learned a lot about biting in your time married to Astarion and you were certainly willing to use that knowledge now. 

“Very scary,” Raphael condescends with an amused grin. He waves his hand and the guards start pushing you forward again to the head of the room. “Now, come along. I do believe your husband has finally made it to the city, which means it’s almost time for the show.”

The show. That doesn’t sound good. You don’t like how planned out this all is. 

Your arms are raised into shackles hanging down from the ceiling and it’s all so very blase. You would think a devil would at least be a bit original in his tortures. 

Perhaps you had been spending too much time with Astarion… You were starting to grow appreciative of a bit of melodrama.

And they let Shadowheart stand in the corner of the room, surrounded by two men in shiny silver armor. Of course, she isn’t the bait- she isn’t the one forced to be put on display for a devil’s amusement. 

Raphael levels you with a stern gaze that reminds you entirely too much of your father. It has you shrinking in on yourself in a way that you hate. In your life, your father had been the only person who made you feel so small and unwilling to fight back.  

“I do believe your husband will be arriving at any moment. Do your best for me, will you?” Raphael asks, reaching forward to tuck a strand of loose hair behind your ear. It feels like a warning, as if he somehow knows about the pins on your wrist. You try to maintain his gaze even though your instinct is to look up and ensure the pins are still snugly tucked on the cuff of your dress. Raphael’s eyes are cold and lifeless and make you want to wilt away into nothingness. “If I don’t think you look scared enough, I’ll have to inspire some true fear in you. And neither of us really want that.”

The lightly veiled threat makes the blood drain from your face. You hate to imagine what actions a devil might employ to inspire true fear in someone.

And it seems as if Raphael has planned everything down to the second because he turns away from you and over his shoulder, you can see Astarion sauntering into the room almost immediately. He has daggers in both hands and blood speckling his face and he’s never looked more beautiful. 

This is what Astarion was built for- gore and blood and revenge.

Karlach, Wyll, Lae’zel, and even Gale and Halsin, to your surprise, follow after him. All of them are armed to the teeth with weapons and covered in armor. You certainly wouldn’t want to cross them in a fight. 

“I believe you happened to find my missing wife, Raphael. Give her back and we can call this a misunderstanding,” Astarion commands. 

He’s radiant in his anger- eyes aflame with pure, unadulterated rage. They dart over to you momentarily and he seems to let out an almost imperceptible breath of relief when he sees you are mostly unharmed. You’d run to him if your arms weren’t in these damned chains. 

“I don’t think my intentions have been misunderstood at all,” Raphael says, with an air of unrefined haughtiness. Astarion bares his teeth in response and his fangs glint dangerously- a silent reminder. Raphael simply ignores him, as if Astarion doesn’t even register as a threat.  

“I’ve been a fairly… hands off boss. But in return, I expect reasonable progress. And you’ve been distracted lately, I think.” Raphael comes to stand behind you, using your body as a shield in case anyone decides to release an arrow or throw a dagger at him. 

He grabs your chin roughly, turning you so he can inspect your profile. The way his fingers dig into your skin, you are sure you will be left with bruises along your jaw. 

“I can understand why, she’s very pretty.” He leers down at you and you hate the way his eyes burn into you- like he owns you. 

You spit in his eyes and use that distraction to stomp all your weight down on his foot. His grip on your chin loosens enough that you’re able to tear yourself free from his grasp, but your arms are still chaining you to the ceiling, restricting your ability to run away. 

When you glance over to Astarion, he’s got a smug little look on his face like he’s all proud of you- like he counted on Raphael underestimating your will to fight back. And for just a second, as you’re staring into Astarion’s eyes, everything going on around you feels like background noise. For just a second, it’s you and Astarion and everything is going to be okay. 

And then Raphael shatters that illusion by talking again.

“And such a fighter.” This time Raphael’s voice doesn’t sound quite so impressed as he wipes the spit out of his eyes. He turns to Astarion, completely ignoring you now that you have proven difficult and uncooperative. “I think Harleep will enjoy breaking her in, don’t you?”

You don’t completely understand the threat but based on Raphael’s voice, Harleep is not someone you want to meet. The warning seems completely directed at Astarion and his pale face drains and his eyes go wide in response. Okay, yeah, based on his reaction, Harleep’s not a nice guy.

“I can work quicker,” Astarion says, struggling to keep his voice calm in an attempt to diffuse the rapidly escalating situation. “We have a lot of good leads. I’ll find the last gem, I promise. Just let her go.”

Raphael laughs. “You’re in no position to be adding amendments to our contract, Lord Ancunin,” He says the title like Astarion is so far beneath him. “I much prefer to see you being obedient like the good little lap dog I know you are. No wonder Cazador took such special interest in you. You’re so delightfully pathetic.”

It enrages you to hear him talking about Astarion like that. It has you nearly ripping your arms out of these chains to wrap your hands around Raphael’s throat. And Raphael is just a bit too far away for you to stomp on his foot again. Evidently, he was smart enough to learn his lesson the first time.

“Your love for the girl will be your noose. The final nail in your coffin,” Raphael says, chuckling sinisterly at his own wordplay. 

How very creative to mention coffins to a vampire, you think sarcastically.

Raphael steps closer to you again, petting your hair like you’re a pet. “And I think I’ll keep her. For now, at least. She’s lovely collateral. You can have her back when you bring me the final gem. Perhaps this will motivate you to work a bit quicker.”

Raphael moves away from you and you feel like you’re finally able to take a deep breath again. He strolls over to an imposing wooden chest at the head of the room, where a mechanism begins to hiss. With the release of steam, the chest opens, three identical pedestals emerging from within. Two pedestals showcase shiny gems, but the third remains empty. 

“Look how lonely they are,” Raphael says, gesturing dramatically to the two gems with his arm. “They’re missing the final piece. I don’t know how much longer I can be patient.”

You finally get a good look at the two gems. They look so familiar- the intricate gold metal work encasing the shining green gemstones. 

Oh shit.

Oh… shit…

You recognize those gems because you own their missing sister, carefully tucked away in a hollowed out book on your bookshelf.

Your mother’s necklace. How did she even get that gem?

Your panic and surprise bleed through on your face for a moment before you can carefully school your features. Out of the corner of your eye, you feel Astarion noticing you- and you can’t possibly hide your reactions from him. He knows you too well.

This whole time. The thing that Astarion had been looking for had been quite literally under his nose.

You don’t offer up this information. In no world were you going to let this Raphael guy get what he wants, not after he had kidnapped you and tormented Astarion. And he seems like the type of person that will keep using Astarion forever- continuing to find new, convoluted ways to keep Astarion trapped under his thumb.

And besides, if you keep this gem a secret, you might be able to turn this around in your favor. When people want something, they get desperate and they stop thinking. It was how Raphael had managed to trick Astarion into this contract to begin with and it was how Raphael was able to use you to lure Astarion into a rather obvious trap. 

No, now you might be able to use your gem to get Astarion out of his contract.

“I’m not leaving here without her,” Astarion says, through gritted teeth.

“Then stay. You can join my other eternal debtors. I’ve got a lovely cell here just waiting for you.” Raphael adopts an air that suggests he’s growing bored with the conversation now that his threats have landed. “The way I see it, you have two choices- you can give your soul to me now or you can leave and pretend to be ‘free’ until your death. You’ll get your pretty wife back when you find me my gem.”

Raphael levels Astarion with a smarmy grin. He’s dropped all pretenses of being charming at this point. “And I’ll be nice. I’ll let you come visit her from time to time. Though, I can promise you that with each visit, she’s going to look less and less lovely until I get my gem. And as a sign of good faith, I’ll even let you decide whether you want your servant back or whether you’d like her to stay and look after your wife in your absence.”

What a nasty, vile man. 

The idea of staying here forever seems miserable, for either you or Astarion. And poor Shadowheart- you know that if it comes down to it, Astarion will happily sacrifice her safety if it means you’re offered slightly more protection. 

While Raphael continues talking, waxing poetic in an ostentatious villain monologue that serves no purpose other than to remind Astarion that Raphael owns him, you work on releasing your hair pins from where they were tucked into your sleeve. The angle is awkward and the chains are digging painfully into your wrists, cutting and rubbing against your skin. You feel your skin tear, the wet blood lubricating your movements as you try to work the pins into the lock over your head. 

Astarion’s eyes dart over to you- the red tinged with fear and beneath that, hunger. He could smell your blood from where your wrists were rubbing the chains. You shake your head subtly at him to signify that he shouldn’t draw attention to you and he dutifully looks back to Raphael. Even now, it was as if the two of you still had your own hidden language.

It’s hard- your hands don’t have much movement and you’re starting to lose feeling in your fingers after so long of having your arms raised above your head, but you eventually manage to snake the pin into the lock on the chains.

You don’t let the chains clatter open immediately and give away your new advantage. Instead, you take a moment to survey the room and plan how you are going to move. There’s a stupid set of decorative crossed daggers on the wall to your left. It’s ridiculous- this whole room is filled with stupid artifacts but at least these you can use to your advantage. If you move fast enough, you can reach the daggers before the guards are able to descend on you.

You move. There’s chaos. 

The guards try to catch you and everybody swings into action. There’s arrows flying and the clink of metal as swords hit against one another and you don’t look back. You just continue moving forward toward the daggers. 

When you manage to yank one off the wall, you whirl around to survey the scene. Everyone is fighting. Astarion’s plunging his daggers into bodies left and right struggling to move closer to you. 

And Raphael is right in front of you.

The good thing about your back being against a wall is that no one can sneak up on you. The bad thing is that you’re cornered.

“Drop the knife,” he says, his hand reaching out to take it from you. “We both know you don’t know how to use it.”

Condescending asshole. 

It is probably a safe assumption on his part. Women weren’t trained in combat or swords. But you, for better or for worse, had been too curious as a child. You had snuck in to watch your brother’s sword fighting lessons. You had practiced with the wooden swords when no one was watching. 

And besides, it was not in your nature to go down without a fight.

“Wrong,” you snarl. You fake a step that catches Raphael off guard and you’re able to plunge the knife into his side. 

He grunts, doubling over in pain and clutching at where the knife sticks out of his stomach. You use the opportunity to knee him in the groin and push him to the ground. You aren’t sure how long it takes a devil to heal, but based on how quickly Astarion’s wounds heal, you’re assuming you have limited time before Raphael is coming back to his senses. 

You need to move. And fast.

“You look so stunning covered in blood. I’ve never been so aroused in my life.” Astarion’s voice surprises you from where he’s standing right next to you. It was almost supernatural, the speed with which he was able to make his way over to you. He was far more adept at fighting than you would have ever expected.

“Not the time, Astarion,” you snap back at him, even though his voice sinks into your bones, soothing you. 

“I was expecting a bit more appreciation at my rescuing you, darling,” he mocks with a little pout. 

Apparently, he was content to ignore the perilous nature of your surroundings in favor of poorly timed teasing. Typical. Your heart nearly bursts with how much you love him.

Still, you roll your eyes at him. “I had it handled!” 

Which, okay, is maybe a lie. But you did have at least some ideas on your escape plot. And a part of you, deep down, is still angry at Astarion, even if that anger is currently eclipsed by your relief at seeing him. 

You’re pulled out of your moment with Astarion and acutely reminded of all the fighting surrounding you when a sword slices by you, barely missing your head. Astarion growls and reacts almost immediately, pushing you behind him. Astarion’s getting ready to attack the man with his daggers when an arrow lodges itself in the man’s throat and you think you hear Wyll let out a delighted cry that his shot landed so perfectly. 

Despite all this chaos, you still needed to find a way to talk to Astarion. Somehow, you need to let him know that you have the final gem and that the two of you can use this as a bargaining chip.

“And I have something else, too. At home. Something you need.” You pull Astarion’s attention back to you by nudging him. You try to communicate with your eyes because you still don’t want to yell out ‘I have the final gem of Karsus.’

Astarion, the beautiful dolt that he is, doesn’t catch your meaning. He simply tilts his head a bit to the side and lets a wicked grin spread across his face, “Is now really the time to try out new lines on me, pet? I’m still a bit mad at you.”

“I’m still mad at you, too,” you shoot back defensively. Even in the midst of battle, the reminder that you have hurt Astarion makes you feel horrible.

“Good. Glad we have that settled.”

In the time that you and Astarion have been distracted by your bickering, you have wasted your precious time to escape. Raphael is standing again and you watch as he pulls the knife out of his abdomen, his face barely moving despite what you’re sure is tremendous pain.

Astarion adjusts his grip on the daggers he holds in each hand and you reach out, grabbing another knife from his belt for yourself.

“Newlyweds.” Raphael laughs- a deep, sinister thing that makes your skin crawl. “How sweet.” He spits out that last word in a way that makes you acutely aware that he means the exact opposite of what he is saying. “I have been more than fair, Astarion. I believe it’s time you paid for your insolence.”

You catch how Astarion’s spine stiffens at his words. 

And then, quicker than you can blink, Astarion is darting forward to slice at Raphael.

It’s stunning to watch Astarion fight. If you couldn’t see the daggers in his hands, you would think he was dancing.

You would try to help, but you’d probably just get in Astarion’s way more than anything. Instead, you watch his back, carefully scanning the room. Over Raphael’s shoulder, you catch Lae’zel taking down the final guard near Shadowheart and working to free her from the shackles around her own wrists. 

When Shadowheart is freed, the two of them loom behind Raphael. Good- you can use this to your advantage. Lae’zel gets a good swing at him with her heavy broadsword that causes Raphael to let out a grunt of pain. 

He bends in on himself and you’re starting to think that Lae’zel may have injured him more than you thought when Raphael’s skin turns an eerie, unnatural shade of red. Giant bat-like wings unfurl from his back and he lets them spread out. You just stand watching, stunned, as his wings move and he lifts himself into the vaulted ceilings above you so he can retreat to a less occupied section of the room.

“Fucking wings?” you ask Astarion with disbelief.

“He’s a devil. What did you expect? Kittens and fluffy puppies?” Astarion shoots back.

“Don’t condescend to me,” you hiss. “I’m not stupid, I’ve just never seen a devil before.”

You stick behind Astarion and Lae’zel, letting them cut and carve through the foot soldiers as you struggle to regroup with everyone else. Astarion slits the throat of another guard, the blood spraying wildly. It speckles Astarion’s lovely white curls and a few drops even manage to land on your cheek. You catch the way Astarion’s eyes hungrily follow your movements as you swipe the blood away. In a less dire situation, you’d reach out and let him taste the blood on your fingers. He shakes his head as if to refocus himself. 

“Never called you stupid, pet,” he says. “Naive, certainly. Reckless, definitely. Foolish… perhaps.”

You laugh. “You’re calling me foolish? Really, what was your plan here, Astarion?”

“Well, I figured we’d come here, and we’d rescue you.” Astarion narrows his eyes at you. “Not sure I needed many more details than-”

“Focus,” Lae’zel interrupts, her voice sharp and commanding. “This is a battle. This is not the time for your strange mating rituals.”

You feel your face heat up. You had not realized that you and Astarion were so obvious about the fact that both of you grew rather flustered and aroused by prodding each other. And while your verbal sparring still feels loving (everything involving Astarion had an undercurrent of love that would never go away), there was still a whisper of anger in both your words. Even after all this, neither of you would be so easy to forgive.

Close by, the rest of the group is holding strong. You think you hear Karlach shouting with glee. You’re not entirely sure what Gale is doing, but it seems to be working? One of the guards looks like they’re on fire. 

You think you might be able to win this, that the tides might be turning in your favor. And then Raphael starts speaking in some foreign, chanting language and moving his hands in a strange way and more men in metal armor appear seemingly out of thin air. 

Is this… all those people in the cells? Those who had sold their souls to Rapahel were then forced to bend to his will and obey for eternity? Astarion had escaped Cazador and now he was doomed to this fate when he died. There would be no freedom for him, not really. Not unless you killed Raphael. 

All plans for escape are banished from your mind. You were getting Astarion out of here and in charge of his own fate for once even if it was the last thing you’d ever do.  

There’s more fighting. More clashing of swords. A lot more blood. 

Raphael seems perfectly content to watch the action unfold from his heavily fortified position at the front of the room.

“Chk,” Lae’zel makes strange, displeased noise. “We must get to the source and kill him. Otherwise, this will never end.”

Astarion, Lae’zel, Shadowheart, and you start working on moving closer toward Raphael while Karlach, Gale, Wyll, and Halsin remain cornered by the pillars at the entrance of the room. You aren’t entirely sure how much you’re actually helping, other than occasionally managing to slice out at guards who had entered another’s blind spots. Lae’zel does most of the heavy lifting and Astarion is sneaky and nimble, able to deftly take out guards twice his size.

The closer you get to Raphael, the more distracted he is, making him unable to summon more large quantities of more guards.

You can do this, you think. You can kill him.

And then, when you’re nearly in front of him, Raphael does that strange whispering chant again. You’re trying to decipher what he might be saying, staring intently at his mouth when-

Bang.

Some sort of wave of energy knocks into you and makes you sink to your knees. Your ears are ringing, and your head feels like it’s spinning and are you… crying? You reach your hand up to wipe away the tears and through your blurry vision, you see the red staining your hands. You were crying blood. And you feel warm liquid spilling from your ears and nose, too. 

Through the ringing in your ears, you think you hear Shadowheart and Lae’zel fall down as well, impaired by the blast. You try to turn your head to look at Astarion, but it sends a wave of nausea through you that has you holding tight to the ground as the room spins around you.

Astarion looks disoriented, but he’s still standing. Good. 

You hear heavy footsteps next to you. 

“I guess she didn’t inspire the motivation in you that I had hoped.” You hear Raphael say, but he still sounds distant in your stunned state. “Let’s see how this works instead.”

Rough hands pull your hair at the roots and you let out a pained cry before your head is bashed into the wall.

Holy fuck, that hurts.

There are stars dancing across the edge of your vision. Your head feels like your heart is beating directly inside your skull, squeezing painfully against your brain.

You think you hear Raphael laughing and Astarion screaming in rage.

That’s not good. You don’t like when Astarion is mad. You want to make him happy forever.

Your head is bashed into the wall again.

—---------

The crack your head makes against the wall is sickening. And when you crumple to the ground, Astarion is sure that the blood rapidly pooling around your head isn’t just a trick of the light.

That’s… No… This is all wrong.

Astarion wasn’t supposed to watch you die right in front of him. He was supposed to rescue you and take you home and then you would finally apologize and mean this time and he would forgive you and the two of you would go back to your little world of bliss. 

He’s in a blind panic, on a mission to get to you. Maybe there was still time? Maybe Shadowheart could still heal you? She should be an expert on working with blood loss by now. 

Astarion fights like a man possessed.

On the ride to the city, he had imagined how he’d kill Raphael. Slowly, deliberately. He’d start with his fingers- cut them off one by one for ever daring to touch you. He’d pry out his eyes next, then his tongue. And then, just when Raphael lost consciousness, Astarion would finally slit his throat and kill him.

It all sounded so wonderful and bloody.

But whatever energy wave Raphael had unleashed had crippled you, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart. Astarion was disoriented, but he was the only one left standing. He was the only left that could fight. But even he is feeling the effects of the blast. He’s slow and sloppy. Astarion tries to attack with his daggers, but he misses completely.

“Come on, boy, you can do better than that,” Cazador taunts.

No, wait… that’s not right. Cazador is dead. This was Raphael- but for a second, he sounded so remarkably similar to Cazador. How many times had Astarion heard those exact words fall out of Cazador’s mouth?

Lae’zel and Shadowheart are both fighting to return to their feet and Astarion thinks he catches Shadowheart folding over to retch. They can’t fight like this. And your eyes are blearily attempting to blink open, but you look bad. Astarion is running out of time.

Raphael conjures a stake in his hand and takes slow steps forward, advancing. Astarion stumbles backward, still struggling to stay balanced on his feet after the combined shocks of Raphael’s energy surge and watching your head be bashed into the wall. 

“A pity it had to come to this but you really were as much of a burden to me as you were to Cazador,” Raphael says, continuing to move toward Astarion. “He always hated you the most- that’s part of why I picked you. That and you always seemed the easiest to manipulate. You’re so scared. It makes you weak.”

Astarion’s back hits a wall. Dread settles in the pit of his stomach and Raphael’s entire face contorts with a ugly, devilish smile as he readies the stake to be plunged into Astarion’s heart.

“And now, you’ll die,” Raphael says menacingly. “Just another one of Cazador’s whores to be forgotten.” Raphael laughs. “Did you really believe that she loved you? I always knew you were stupid, but I never imagined you would be that naive.”

So, this was how Astarion was going to die… And no one would be able to save him.

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, you appear. A streak of silver flashes across Astarion’s vision and blood is spurting into Astarion’s face from where you had used the last of your strength to jam the knife into the side of Raphael’s neck. Had both Astarion and Raphael truly been so caught up in their confrontation that they had failed to notice you stumbling over toward them? 

You look completely ethereal- his guardian angel, his savior. Astarion’s prayers were finally answered the day the universe gave you to him. 

And you also look very unsteady on your feet as your eyes flutter shut again. You crumple, Astarion shocks himself with how quickly he’s able to move and catch you in his arms. Raphael makes a horrible gurgling noise as one of his hands comes up to claw desperately at his throat, but he can wait. 

Astarion lowers you gently back to the floor before grabbing his daggers again. He slices Raphael’s throat open and plunges the other directly into his heart. He’d tell Lae’zel to behead Raphael later, just so to be sure he is dead, but right now Astarion’s main priority is you. 

Astarion rushes back to you, falling to the floor as he pulls your head into his lap, attempting to coax you awake again. He hears himself screaming for anybody to help. Shadowheart is there, inspecting you with a critical eye.

“I’m sorry, Astarion- there’s not… Her head. I can’t do anything about that,” Shadowheart says.

And in that moment, Astarion doesn’t even think. You were dying and there was only one thing left that he could do to ensure that he didn’t lose you. He had to turn you into a vampire. He cradles your arm, biting into your wrist and draining the remaining blood from your body. There’s not much left, but hopefully it’s enough for the transformation to work.

Your heart stops beating. 

The fleeting thought crosses his mind that he could stop here. He could find some patch of dirt to bury you and he could wait until you claw your way back out of the earth. You would be his spawn and he could make sure that you would never leave him.

But that feels all wrong. You were someone who resisted control and you would resent him forever if he did that. He would always be left doubting whether you truly loved him or if it was only because he left you with no other choice. Astarion tears his teeth into his own wrist and cups his hand gently around the back of your head, careful to avoid the spot where your head had been smashed into the wall, as he guides your mouth up to drink his own blood. 

The greatest threat to a vampire is another vampire. Especially someone like you, who was already naturally drawn to suspicion and scheming. 

Astarion doesn’t care. 

If your first action when you awoke was to rip the heart from his chest and sink your teeth into the long-dead muscle, he would simply be grateful that his body could be your sustenance. 

Astarion watches and waits. Your lashes flutter and your mouth latches around his wrist, suckling. He’s able to breathe again as a wave of relief washes over him. You would be all right, he had made it to you in time.  

You look up at him through red, hooded eyes, teeth stained by his blood and Astarion knows that this is what you were meant to be. You always were a bit too wild to be human. 

No, you were meant for this- for the carnal desires of flesh and blood. 

It’s mesmerizing to watch you finally come alive.

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

Notes:

That's right, we are now entering the vampire power couple era! But hey, good job Astarion for thinking about others and recognizing that leaving the reader as a spawn would have been a bad idea. I'm playing kind of fast and loose with vampire lore and rules (not like dnd or any other media is that consistent with the rules either lol), so in my mind you can circumnavigate the whole burying the person part if they immediately drink the blood of the vampire who turned them.

For not even being the longest chapter in this story, this one sure covered a lot! Hopefully, everyone remembered the mother's necklace from chapter 3. I try to be really intentional with the details I include, even if they seem a bit insignificant at first.

Next week, we get to deal with the fun repercussions of everyone's actions. How will the reader feel about being turned into a vampire? What will happen with the Crown of Karsus? Hehe everything will be answered in time, I promise.

As always, a huge thank you to my beta-writer, AliensNSuch on ao3. And a huge thank you to everyone reading- I hope you are all continuing to have as much fun with this story as I am!

Taglist: @ayselluna @idkbrodontaskme @maruichio @fanfic-share @the-littlest-bruja @asterordinary @divineknightmare @fandomarchiveilyd

Feel free to let me know if you would liked to be added/removed from the taglist for future chapters!

[captain-mj]

Changling!Ghost attempting to court Selkie!Soap before ditching google and asking Soap's mom.

Hell yeah, love it! I also have the next part of this story already planned and ready to go so hope you guys are enjoying it

Ghost checked the time. Currently 4 am. The screen he was on now was an article of Selkies in Scottish folklore.

After reading about how selkies were sexually dominated by those that stole their coats for the dozenth time, he gave up. Every article held pretty much the same thing. An explanation of how men would force the female selkies to be their brides through their coat or how male selkies would have human families they’d see for a while before leaving. Several stated that once a selkie went to sea, they wouldn’t be seen for seven years and he needed to make sure that wasn’t true because he thought he’d go mad if Soap disappeared from him. 

Ghost set his head down. He wished he could sleep, but alas, it was evading him tonight. It’s why he decided to get some research done. Originally, it was to help him court Soap, but he had gotten a bit lost in the stories. 

There were clear distinctions he could make out. Everything before a certain painted selkies as malevolent or benevolent, some even implying there evil. Then the weird sexual stuff. Then when the catholics came and they could be healed by baptism. Considering Soap was very much still here, that wasn’t true. 

There was nothing on courting. Nothing. Just take their coat and force them. He didn't want that.

He checked the time and did the math. Because of the timezone difference it would be 8 where Soap's mom lived.

Ghost called her before he could second guess himself.

"Hello?" She sounded so soft spoken. Her accent just as thick as Soap's though.

"Hi. This is... Ghost? Soap may have called me Simon."

"Oh. I was waiting for your call. I have to say, I appreciate how safe you keep my son." Her voice grew to a whisper and it was clear she was moving around.

"Yes, of course. I'd do anything for him." He had been honest with Soap about one thing and that's that he really did want her to like him.

"Good. I will admit, I was worried when he said he planned to not tell you. Selkies are sensitive, especially my son." There was a threat right under the surface. "So why are you calling?"

"I want to know how to court him. Properly."

"..."

Ghost stared at the wall ahead of him and shoved himself through one of the most excruciating sentences of his life. "I've been looking into it, but I'm not good at human romance, let alone this. I want... Soap to be my husband and I want to be a good husband back."

"..."

Ghost gritted his teeth and bore the silence for a few minutes before finally getting an answer.

"Did you feel this way before seeing his coat?"

"I've felt this way a while, ma'am."

He swore for a moment he heard her sniffle. "Good. Good. I'll help you, okay? First, please disregard anything you've seen online."

"Already did. They mostly just suggest taking his coat or chasing him."

"Chasing comes later, doing that so early on is seen as tacky and too forward." She explained while Ghost felt a blush creep up on his face. "Right now, you need to prove yourself to be a good mate. Little difficult considering your jobs, but prove you're useful. If you were a selkie, I'd suggest hunting bu-"

"I hunt." Ghost interrupted. "Mostly deer. Would that... work?"

"Excellent. Yes. Bring him food and shiny objects. Also, wear your arms bare more."

"Why?" That didn't make much sense.

"Because Soap likes your tattoos. And your arms. I love my son very much, but I didn't need to know your measurements or how much you can lift. Congrats on getting to 275 on bench presses by the way. According to Soap, that's very impressive."

Ghost had turned bright red under his mask. "Thank you."

She laughed softly before humming. "Can you do something for me and not ask why?"

"Sure."

"Say you're doing this to control him."

Ghost paused and went to ask why before stopping. "I'm doing this to control Soap."

"Thank you. Good luck." She hung up on him.

He decided to brush it off, sure she asked for a good reason. 

So Ghost took her advice and bought him a handful of pens that glittered. Soap held them to his chest and blushed. “Thank you.”

Ghost nodded, staring at him. The next time he went to eat, he noticed Soap had given him some extra food. He immediately looked for him, seeing him talk to Gaz. Something warm spread through his chest before he fled to his room to eat. 

Soap visited him after a while and sat with him, talking casually. 

“You want to come with me on our next leave?” Ghost asked suddenly. “I have a cabin in Canada I go to occasionally.” 

Soap stared at him for a minute, clearly thinking. “I’m sorry, ask me that again.” 

“I have a cabin in Canada. It’s only an hour by foot from a coast too.” He looked at Soap who was still processing. 

“I thought you had a flat in Manchester?”

“Yeah, I do. But I have a cabin I hunt at. It’s pretty nice.”

“And you’re inviting me. To stay there. For a week. Alone. In the woods.” Soap leaned forward as he talked.

“Yes. You and me.” Ghost nodded. 

“Okay. Yeah. I’ll go.” Soap said softly.

-

“How much further?” Soap groaned at him. They had gotten off the plane maybe thirty minutes ago. The cab had driven them as far as the road went and now they had been trekking for maybe ten minutes.

“Stop being a baby.”

Soap groaned more. “Do we have to do this every time we need anything?”

“Yep.”

“I’m regretting this already. I think my feet are going to fall off.”

“We’ve walked way more than this for a mission!” Ghost didn’t understand, turning to look at him. There was a lot of snow... And he didn’t really prepare Soap as well as he could’ve.. 

He noticed that Soap’s face was completely red from the cold. He assumed he’d be immune to the cold, but he supposed without his coat, he was just human. 

Ghost moved closer. “Sorry.”

Soap blinked and stared up at him. His eyes were so big. Ghost really, really like them. 

He took off his mask and grabbed Soap’s face, very gently holding. If hypothermia had set in, rubbing would cause the ice crystals in his skin to tear. Once he thought Soap was a little more warmed up, he moved closer, gently rubbing now to make sure there was plenty of blood flow. Soap was still really red though which was concerning. 

Soap stared at him, a lot more aware of their proximity than Ghost. “Simon?” His breath made clouds but Ghost’s didn’t. It was an odd thing to notice, but they both did. 

Ghost slipped his ski mask over Soap head, tucking in carefully. “There. I don’t really get cold. I’ll carry your bag.” He took it from him and started trekking again. Soap grabbed his arm and followed. Maybe he leaned in a bit too much, making it hard for Ghost to walk, but Ghost wasn’t going to say anything. 

Finally they got there and Soap collapsed on the couch. Ghost turned the heat on and sat with him. He took off both their gloves and did the process he remembered for warming someone up. Start with the extremities. Ghost hummed softly. 

Soap pulled off the mask and tossed it on the table. “You gave me your mask.”

“Yeah, I was worried. Your face was super red.” He continued rubbing Soap’s hands until they felt warm. Ghost hummed. “I’m not rubbing your feet. You can just lose some toes.” 

Soap laughed. “Alright. Understood.” He moved a little closer. “This place is... To be honest, I was expecting a shack.” 

It really was a nice place. Two stories, big lofty rooms and mostly wood from the looks of it. “I’m a little insulted. But I like space. Plus no one can be hiding anywhere.” 

Soap laughed. “Paranoid as always, huh, Lt?” 

Ghost shrugged. “There’s a spare room. I know we’re married and all but...”

“I’ll be staying in the spare room for now.” Soap said quickly, blushing as he looked away.

Ghost nodded and showed him where it was. “Before you ask, there is a hot water heater and it lasts for hours. Unlike the one on base.”

“You’re making me a very happy man, Simon Riley.” Johnny smiled at him. 

Simon tried not to vibrate out of his skin. “I’m going to bring you so many deer.”

“What?”

[dontcallmeeds]

Part 2 of Eddie Making Jewelry For Steve; Part 1 here / Part 3 here / Part 4 here

Steve had figured it out after the second little box that was left on the Family Video counter.

He didn’t see Eddie leave it, he was too involved in his conversation with Robin that happened to be about his panic surrounding Eddie.

See the thing is, he knew there were bisexual people and he knew he liked men for years.

But saying it outloud and falling for his best friend? Well, that was a whole other thing.

The way Steve figured it out was the handwriting on the little notes. It felt a little crazy comparing his Family Video card paperwork to the notes, but Robin was the one who suggested it.

Eddie looped his lowercase Es tightly, to the point they almost looked like Cs. And his Is were always lowercase with a circle instead of a dot.

It really just had to be him leaving the beautiful pieces that made Steve’s heart melt and his stomach fall out his ass. Although, he still had his doubts. There was no way his dream guy was just being that fucking perfect, that wasn’t usually how Steve’s life went.

But oh god did he sure have hope.

Steve thought he was being obvious that he knew, wearing the ring that he had fallen in love with in front of Eddie. He even fidgeted with it and caught Eddie staring at it before the other man quickly looked away.

He couldn’t help but tear up in the Beamer after the outing, asking Robin for advice only resulted in drunken living room karaoke, not a plan.

Steve tried to ask where he got his pieces once so maybe him and Robin could run surveillance like old times, but Eddie ended up being vague and elusive.

When Steve brought Nancy into the secret op, she suggested a stake out which felt like stalking. She started a board with dates and drop off locations and roughly estimated it was every 2-4 weeks on dates Steve was usually busy.

It was coming up on almost a month since the last drop and Steve was practically showing off with the last chain, making sure his polo was just open at top enough for Eddie to see.

The flushing across Eddie’s cheeks into his chest was everything, but still his metalhead said nothing.

It was time for Nancy’s plan.

Steve dropped days he’d be busy, watching as Eddie seemingly made a mental note of them. His feigned disappointment was shaky, Steve hoping he’d just blurt it out without confrontation.

But alas, nothing.

Nancy put on her ‘undercover journalism best’ aka a literally just a black sweater and black pants, borrowing her parents car instead of using her own. And I’m that moment Steve felt—

“Am I crazy? Is this whole thing crazy?” Steve paces the Family Video aisles between romance and comedy, which felt pretty fitting considering his love life was a joke.

Robin places a hand on his shoulder and gives him that all encompassing look between the fact that she thinks it’s completely sane, but also really fucking crazy.

“You want to know for sure, right? Not just the handwriting or little weird glances?”

Steve sighs and then nods slowly, he really did want to know for sure. But the problem is what came after.

“Okay then, we’ll just see what Nancy says then hmm? For all we know it could be a boring—“

As if on cue, the walkie they stole from the kids crackles.

“Steve—it’s for sure him, he just—“

“HE JUST WHAT?! WE NEED ANSWERS WHEELER,” Robin shouts into the speaker before Nancy can even finish, Steve grabs the walk-in out of her hand with a scoff.

“Say sorry to your eardrums for her Nance— so wait, what happened?” Steve tries to shove down his nerves, but his fingers on the device tremble.

“He leave something in your mailbox, do you want me to—“

“Steve, GO!”

He really needs to teach her what an inside voice is.

“Are you—“

“I’ll cover you, if Keith comes back I’ll—I’ll make up a dead aunt or say you ripped your pants, I don’t know! I’m not good under pressure, you know how I get Steve. Goddamnit, just go before I start rambling!”

Steve nods and handing her the walkie, running out the door. He knows he breaks the speed limit on the way home, knows if he gets pulled over he can just use the Hopper card. He normally wouldn’t, but extreme times and all that.

Nancy is pulled into the drive when he gets there, popping out when she sees him pull up next to the mailbox.

“Hey I wanted to stay, for you know, support,” she says with a small smile, seeming to enjoy this all way too much.

“Nance, you didn’t have to—“

“Yes I did, Steve. Now fucking open it before me and Robs burst a blood vessel.”

Steve nervously chuckles, his fingers twitching on the mailbox door before pulling it down to a little red box.

‘Stevie, something different,’ is all it reads.

He shares a glance with Nancy, before pulling it out.

[silent-sanctum]

During sdc Kakyoin notices that reader and Jotaro like each other but they’re too oblivious to realize it, so he acts as a wingman.

Hello dear anon! Sorry it took a while to fulfill this request but hey, your request has been written ^^. Oh just to add in a lil something, I've written another request that's similar to yours, so maybe you'd like to check it out as well! Hope you enjoy~~

Playing Cupid - Jotaro x Reader

word count: 2k+

Kakyoin wasn’t the type to be invested in romance. The genre didn’t pique genuine interest from him due to the majority having a plot that involved someone getting paired with someone else and nothing else.

But just because he isn’t one to indulge in romantic content doesn’t mean he’s completely naïve to real-life chemistry. Most especially if the main characters so happens to be two of his close friends- one being a closed-off punk and the other an outspoken gal.

The second you stepped into the scene with utmost confidence and a flustered Jotaro in tow, he could detect the invisible spark between the two, with how the both of you would bounce off of each other’s energy seamlessly without the presence of friction. It’s as if all the bickering, subtle touches, and subconscious choice to stick together came naturally.

And Kakyoin would have enjoyed watching these two people get together... if it weren’t for the obvious hesitation present between you two.

From the delinquent’s part, he could understand. Jotaro wasn’t one to be expressive or open to anyone about his emotions. Everyone had to see the miniscule changes to his face, body language, and gestures in order to know him better on a deeper level, and no one could do that better than you and your keen observation skills towards people.

However, Kakyoin was more confused when it came to your part. You never seem to hesitate when you want something in mind. You often butted heads with numerous Stand users, constantly spoke out to the older adults of the group when you had something to say during the mission, had no issue with dealing conflict between parties as an assertive peacemaker.

But he couldn’t figure out why you couldn’t blurt out a simple confession when it was clear as day that you had feelings for the young Joestar.

It’s not like Jotaro would decline your approaches when he didn’t mind whenever you engaged with him in every opportunity you had. Kakyoin could tell from the way he would look away with a natural blush on his cheeks, the rare smiles he’d show, and the efforts he placed to be around you when he wasn’t the type to do that with others.

You two were into each other but both of you were two idiots that were too oblivious to see that.

So Kakyoin had to put things into course the best his single ass could do.

In certain situations when he found himself in the middle of you two, he’d offer up some excuse to leave you two alone or even suggesting the pair be together during area explorations, in hopes some extra bonding could get you two somewhere.

Alas no progress has been made and he started devising.

The first plan he had in mind was to get either you or Jotaro to think of the other, fueling each other to the point of letting out their inner sentiments. He wasn’t the best at the initiating conversations like you or Polnareff, but he did improve ever since he joined the gang.

He deployed his idea to action and...

“So I’ve noticed you’ve been sticking by Jotaro’s side more often than before. Mind telling me what’s all that about?”

You widened your eyes and flushed a faint pink. “Ah it’s nothing. I just find it more familiar when I’m with him, since you know, he’s the first guy I became friends with among all of us here.”

“I see, but you know what else I’ve noticed?” Kakyoin placed a finger under his chin with a thoughtful expression. “He’s been extra attentive to you lately.”

“O-Oh? You think so? But maybe that’s just because I’m a girl. You know how he is with the non-annoying females...”

“I don’t think so. He wouldn’t waste his time looking after the wellbeing of someone he doesn’t deeply care for. Hell, he’s been doubling his gestures for your happiness and security during the one time you were gloomy.”

You let out an antsy laugh, turning away from his gaze. “Er- He might just be doing those things since I’m his first long-lasting friend and all- Oh! Would you look at that!” You abruptly stood, faking a look to your watch. “It’s about time I meet up with Pol and Avdol!”

---

“Hey Jojo,” Kakyoin said as he sat on the chair adjacent to the relaxing teenager. Everyone else was out exploring the new area, leaving him the opportunity to talk. “Up for a chat?”

Jotaro let out one approving grunt and he took that response as a “yes”.

“Take this with a grain of salt, but you’ve been unusually close to Y/N these days,” he said that prompted the other to look at him with a pointed glare. “I mean I don’t blame you. She’s a delight to be with and I frankly would say I’m impressed by how you’re spending time with her-”

“What are you up to Kakyoin?” Jotaro cut him off, arms crossed.

“Well you see... I’m curious why the always-reserved-and-no-time-for-bullshit Jotaro Kujo is often hanging out with a girl who’s the polar opposite of him.”

“It’s none of your business,” the delinquent said with no hesitation. Another inquiry was about to slip past him when the other stood, tipping his hat over his face before walking off.

Though Kakyoin could still see that faint red in his cheeks that appered every time you were brought up.

He wasn’t sure if Plan A worked well. The main reason why he doubted it was because the two of you still remained the same as before, albeit with a hint of bashfulness now mixed in.

At this point, it became lowkey frustrating to see you two pining for each other without acting on it, but at the same time, found it lovely to watch you be lovey dovey towards the raven-haired, with the latter softening his demeanor at your every interaction.

Desperate moments called for desperate measures. Plan B arose and this time, he had help.

The guy looked like the type who would indulge in the concept of love. It might be because he came from a place known for romance, or maybe it was naturally ingrained in his system. He did know his ways on how to appeal to the female locals with a semblance of suave.

It would come to no surprise if he had an idea on how to pair you together.

“Pol, I need your help in something.”

The Frenchman busied himself with styling his silver hair up, but he glanced at the cherry-haired student with a smile. “What might that be?”

“You know Jotaro and Y/N? They’re kinda... into each other-”

“And it’s annoying that they’re not together yet! Oh my god, finally someone who shares the same feelings I have!” Polnareff dropped his comb to turn to Kakyoin.

“Right? That’s why I need your help.” He placed both hands on the adult’s shoulders. “They’re driving me crazy.”

“Say no more friend. I will do the best that I can.”

Plan B was put into action which ended up in Polnareff doing most of the work with Kakyoin in the side helping out with the minor mishaps.

The adult did what he did when Plan A was still a thing- had a long chat with both parties... but with extra steps. Unlike his straightforward approach of simply chatting, Pol’s tactics involved getting the person in a preferred activity where he and they could hang out in. Only then when they’re eased into it will he initiate the chat.

Kakyoin couldn’t tell the difference between their approaches but he trusted the older and hopefully wiser person in the room.

But Pol did what he did by taking you on a casual date on a nearby cafe, treating you with food and drinks before having the “friend talk”, while he offered the delinquent quality time for smoking around the corner, only for him to somehow transition into the topic of teenage crushes. Kakyoin helped in convincing them to go with him as part of his contribution.

By the end of the day (or rather the week), not much had changed similar to his efforts of trying to get them to confess, but the Frenchman had assured the bright-haired student to “give it time” and it’ll all fall into place.

Kakyoin didn’t know what he meant by that but he knew better to doubt a hopeless romantic.

Weeks passed and by this time, they just defeated another enemy Stand user and they thought they’d give themselves a small break on a small island where Avdol stayed, waiting for the submarine Mr. Joestar acquired that will transport them to Egypt.

Night came and the crew had just finished supper and now off doing whatever they felt like doing during the resting period. The cherry-haired stood by Polnareff the entire time, discussing matters about the updates of the latter’s plan. According to him:

“If my idea goes through, expect him to enter into pondering mode sometime within tonight. Then, we approach him and offer him ‘the advice’”

“Polnareff, you’ve been saying the exact same thing for the past few days.”

“I know, I know! But hear me out! This night is a moment where all of us are resting. Because there’s nothing much to do, Jotaro has no other choice but to retreat into his head and think, and what else is there to think about other than all of my chat about Y/N?”

“His mother's life?”

“W-Well that too, but also the success of his possible love life.”

Kakyoin would have given up with his so-called advice and perhaps even his whole plan of pairing you two... if it weren't for the envisioned scene happening before their eyes- you sat beside him the whole time until you excused yourself and left, leaving Jotaro still in his spot hunched over and deep in thought.

The Frenchman nudged his side and with a wink, he cocked his head towards the delinquent’s direction, muttering “advice time”.

So they did exactly that with Kakyoin being the one to open up first followed by the adult. In the end, you returned and led the poor confused guy into the forest.

Both Kakyoin and Polnareff were left speechless on their seats as they realized that all this time, they were too hyperfocused on Jotaro’s response that they didn’t consider how you would respond to the whole chat Pol stirred up.

After all, you were the more expressive between the both of you. It made sense and the cherry-haired teen didn’t know why he forgot about that minor tidbit about you.

“Do you think they’ll finally figure it out?”

“I really hope so. I’m getting tired of them just walking circles around each other.”

Few minutes passed and they hadn’t returned from their private talk. Polnareff had retreated to slumber land but Kakyoin stayed awake with his curiosity getting the best of him.

He crept through the bushes, toeing over fallen leaves and twigs to not cause any noise. To his knowledge, there was only one scenic spot in Avdol's place and he was willing to bet that you discovered the area as well.

With the path in mind, the teen continued trekking forward until he could see a break in the line of trees.

He reached his destination with admirable stealth and hid himself behind one of the wider trunks. With caution, Kakyoin leaned over slowly to get the glimpse of success.

On the gentle incline of the clearing, he found you peacefully napping with your body blanketed with his black gakuran, laying across the delinquent’s lap and your head situated on his shoulder, while the latter smiled to himself with a new glow to his face as had his eyes closed and his arm placed behind you to support your weight.

And to that, Kakyoin could finally put his goal to rest and actually allow himself to rest as well.

Guess playing cupid with the Frenchman was something he could again in the future.

[aliantic]

Baldurston: A Baldur's Gate 3/Bridgerton Crossover

Summary: Navigating the Sword Coast was full of adventures - thrilling fights, daring deceptions, and even a hint of romance. However, when the party travels through a portal and winds up in the world of 1800s London, they know their path has been drastically changed. The world that was once theirs is no more - now, they are amongst the Bridgertons. Can they leave their old ways behind and navigate the complex social dynamics of the ton?

Chapter 14: Lae'zel

Baldurston Masterlist

Lae’zel hadn’t been lying when she told Benedict Bridgerton that she needed a break. Far from it, in fact - while she found that she quite enjoyed the similarities between the art of war and the art of the dance, there was only so much that a body could take. Besides, she’d conditioned her body to be able to hold a sword, run into battle, and defeat her enemies. While the thought processes were similar to each other, the physicality certainly wasn’t, and her muscles were aching in places that practically hadn’t hurt since the first days after she hatched. Or perhaps, she thought woefully, it was just that this body was weaker than her githyanki form. Humans, in general, weren’t raised to have the same fortitude, and the body she was currently in didn’t even have calluses from her sword! She wasn’t looking forward to trying to remake those, but it was nevertheless in her day's plans until Lady Featherington had swept her up in all of these dresses and frills and other useless garbage.

Lae’zel gathered her far too large skirt into her fist, apparently much too high for society's standards if she were to judge by the shocked look of some of the mothers, but she knew there would be no way for her to get through the crowds of people unaccosted otherwise. She wasn’t sure if it was something about her face, her family, or her grace on the dance floor that kept these human males swarming after her, but she needed a moment to breathe. In her current state, she would be surprised if she could defeat even an intellect devourer, and frankly, that thought terrified her.

She was supposed to be protecting her people. She was supposed to be gearing up to defeat an Elder Brain before it made them all into mindless zombies. And yet, here she was - wearing dresses and playing pretend with these people that, in all likelihood, didn’t actually exist outside of her own mind. She might not put her faith in Vlaakith anymore, but for the first time she realized that maybe there was a reason Vlaakith didn’t support her anymore, either. Well, an additional reason outside of her directly disobeying her by refusing to kill the being inside the Astral Prism.

Gale was still over by the food when she arrived, and she found herself happy to talk to someone else who knew about their situation. That may have been the craziest thing of all, she thought - being interested in talking to someone like Gale. But alas, he was here, and while he might be a wizard who mistakenly thought himself to be the smartest member of their party, she supposed it wasn’t that odd. It wasn’t like she was finding herself glad to talk to Shadowheart, after all.

“Greetings!” Gale said with a small wave that almost made her want to turn right back around and return from where she’d come. Instead, she paused for a moment to give a silent sigh, then continued toward him. “I saw you dancing out on the floor! I never pictured you as much of a dancer, personally - Karlach, of course, but I’m glad that she seems to finally be taking a turn.”

Lae’zel turned to look at Karlach and Benedict spinning together. Karlach looked like she was using her full concentration, which made sense to her - barbarians weren’t known for their detail, after all. And Benedict looked like he was laughing. She hoped for his sake that he was laughing with Karlach instead of at her. She may be trapped in a human body as well, but unlike Lae’zel, she seemed to retain at least some of her strength. While Lae’zel held no personal regard for the safety of the Bridgertons, she knew that Penelope cared greatly for them, and Penelope had been kind to her. She’d hate to have one of her friends kill one of Penelope’s.

“I would say that I’m surprised that you’re not on the floor yourself,” she said, turning back to the table and grabbing a lemonade, “but you’ve never been much of a fighter.”

Gale chuckled. “That may be true, but I’ll have you know that I’ve attended my fair share of balls in Waterdeep. Granted, my mother went with to those as well, so I spent a fair bit of my time asking the daughters of her friends to dance, versus choosing who I actually wanted to dance with. But none of those parties had these types of biscuits.” He picked up a biscuit from the table and popped it into his mouth, his eyes nearly rolling back in exaggerated pleasure from it. “I’m afraid I’ve eaten so many of these that I shan't have to eat for the rest of the week.”

“Excellent,” Lae’zel said, taking a biscuit for herself. She had to admit that he was at least right about the quality of the food. “If you aren’t needed at meals, that will leave us more time to look for a portal back home.”

Gale choked on yet another biscuit.

After coughing for a moment to clear his throat, he glared at her as subtly as he could (which was not particularly subtle, considering there were now people looking in their direction). “Are you mad?” he hissed. “I hardly think this is the place to discuss such matters.”

“Why not?” she hissed, crossing her arms. She knew it was undignified, especially for a githyanki, but if she didn’t do something to restrain herself, she might not be able to physically restrain her irritation. “It’s not as though any of these simpletons would have any clue as to what we’re talking about. Most of them have not even left this town, much less left this plane.”

She saw a couple of eyebrows raise near them, but Lae’zel knew that there were too far away to be able to hear a word of what they were saying. Gale, however, clearly didn’t, as his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “You can’t just say such things in public,” he whispered back to her. “At least not by the dessert tray. Here,” he said, offering his hand to her, and for some reason that she couldn’t quite fathom, she ended up taking it.

Gale started walking back to the dance floor, and the crowds parted for them as they moved. Several people looked at them in confusion and shock, and she wasn’t sure if it was because she was going out to the dance floor with Gale after having rejected a Bridgerton (which, even not having been from this area, she knew would be quite foolish if she was actually planning on staying here for any length of time) or if they had heard her, but frankly, she wasn’t sure if she really cared.

Gale stopped toward the edge of the dance floor and turned abruptly, giving her a small bow. She returned with a small curtsy of her own (not because she thought it was proper for Gale, but because she had followed the queues of other women when she’d first started dancing. Frankly, she thought it was a ridiculous tradition - they were already willing to be in close proximity to each other, so was it really necessary to expose the back of your neck for a vulnerability?) and Gale stepped forward to grab her hand, trying his best to match the beat of the waltz that was playing.

“Much better,” Gale said quietly as he stepped toward her. “Everyone out here is focused on their own conversations and their own steps. Now back to what you were saying, I’m not sure we should even be going home, personally.”

“What?” Lae’zel yelped, and even though the dance, she managed to draw a few stares. She smiled politely at them to reassure them that she was okay, then turned back to Gale. “What do you mean by that? We have to go back. The Elder Brain is planning on turning people into a zombie hoard. For all we know, this,” she said, gesturing to the dancing around them, “is all a hallucination from them.”

“I don’t think it is,” Gale said after a heartbeat. “It feels too real. You feel real to me,” he said, squeezing her hand. “I don’t think I’d be able to touch anything in a hallucination. And I highly doubt you’d be disagreeing me, or even having any thoughts about wanting to go back!”

“Unless you are the hallucination for me, and you’re trying to make us stay here,” she argued back.

“A fair point, although I assure you that, from my viewpoint at least, that is inaccurate. Now,” he said, cutting her off before she had a chance to respond, “I’m not saying that we shouldn’t look into it and see if there is even a possibility of us going back. If there’s a possibility, I’d like to know about it. But once we find it, I’m just saying that we should seriously think about the possibility of us staying here regardless.”

“We can’t,” Lae’zel said, as though that was the only argument that she had. Frankly, she thought, it was the only argument that was really needed.

“But what is even waiting for us back home?” Gale asked. “A large battle in which we all quite possibly die, or us turning into a group of slaves. Even if I can get up to the Elder Brain and explode before it kills all of us, what then? Karlach dies, Astarion and Wyll go back into servitude, and you go back to serve a false god who doesn’t want you anymore. Why is that better than here, living amongst these people, eating delicious food and dancing the night away? And I’ve yet to even see an imp, much less any real danger.”

Lae’zel opened her mouth to answer, but she found she couldn’t come up with any words other than that they had to leave because they had to leave. As she tried to wrap her mind around the thought, the music came to an end, and all the women started to retreat from the dance floor.

Gale, noticing the lack of sound, stepped away and bowed yet again. “Just think about it,” he asked. “For now, I’ll have to bid you good night, however. It seems I finally found the woman I was talking with earlier, and I would love to ask her to dance.”

In a sea of confusing things, Lae’zel, though, that was perhaps the most confusing. She turned toward where Gale’s eyes stared, and she saw Penelope in her garishly yellow dress. She started to shake her head, but then stopped herself. Really, she thought, if there was one thing about tonight that made sense, she thought she would put that at the top of the list.

[weissaddams]

Date With Death

Chapter 1

Weddings.

What a joke.

Well, a joke that resulted in her existence, legal existence, that is. Wednesday was certain a lack of legal proceedings would not have hindered her parents from siring her into this forsaken planet.

She was an Addams. Weddings, celebrations and romance? Binding your soul to another human being in hopes of meeting death together? It should be a day of celebration for any member of the Addams family. So far, it has been anything but.

Maybe because it's the wedding of the love of her life in which she would not be the groom, but that is beside the point.

Just thinking about the dancing, celebrating and drinking made her want to jump off a cliff. Aside from their friends, she knew none of these guests actually liked one another. Alas, connections had to be made. Arms had to be twisted. Daughters had to be married off. Sons had to be paraded around like prizes.

The Sinclairs were preening. Finally proud of Enid's choice of husband once they learned that Ajax was heir to the Petropolus Oil fortune in Central America. The Petroplous were just happy their boy found a nice girl albeit with an impossible mother. Many wonder how someone as bright and loving as Enid could come from such a horrid human being.

Wednesday was seriously considering jumping off the nearest cliff right now. She was sure she spotted a few on the drive over.

Because of course she drove herself to Enid's wedding. The entire Addams family was invited but Wednesday chose to ride alone to avoid the sad and pitiful stares her family would surely send her way had she chosen to ride with them.

They all knew. Of course they all knew. Addams, in werewolf speak, mate for life.

Wednesday found her mate, but her mate found someone else.

It was a wonder why she wasn't dead yet. She thinks the curse will most likely take full effect in once Enid says "I do" so part of the plan was to walk away before then. As pleasing as it would be to give Esther Sinclair the middle finger from the afterlife, she will not let the best day of Enid's life be marred with her death.

It was Enid’s wedding. That was incentive enough for Wednesday to, as the werewolf liked to call it, behave.

Enid. Enid. Enid.

It was her fault, really, that Enid found someone else. Well, found someone else. Again.

All things considered; Ajax was a good guy. He had matured well after University. Enough to know that he was foolish for ever letting Enid go in the first place. Better him than some entitled, narcissistic ass from whicever pack Enid’s so-called mother would have chosen.

Better him than her, at least.

And Wednesday, well, she had beaten her heart into submission once she realized how she felt for the blonde werewolf.

The Addams heir fell hard, though slow.

Hard enough to know Enid deserved sunshine, life and happiness.

Slow enough to delay any chances of making Enid fall in love with her as she’d hoped.

Enid Sinclair deserved more than Wednesday Addams would ever be able to give her. Holding hands? Hugs? Kisses?

Enid deserved it all. So, Wednesday made the executive decision to stand by the werewolf. As a friend, a confidante, a shoulder to lean for any and every little thing that made her sad.

Hard day at work? Wednesday would take her to the ice cream parlour they both liked. Impossible exams? Wednesday would make sure to read up on those topics to help Enid study. Current boyfriend was being a jerk? Wednesday would let Enid choose a comfort movie and let the blonde cuddle her as they watched. Said boyfriend would have the most horrible haircut the next day, courtesy of a certain walking appendage.

Wednesday went above and beyond.

Enid did as well. She knew Enid loved her a great deal. How much, she could never tell, but not enough for Wednesday to risk the werewolf’s chance at a happier life.

Was she being a coward? Sure. Thing, Yoko and Bianca have called her out for it thousands of times, but her resolve always won out in the end. Her resolve to give Enid a happy ending. With or without her.

The curse would likely ensure it would happen without her.

She'd tied up all her loose ends. Viper's saga would end when the last book was published in the fall of next year. She had gone soft, really. She'd given Viper and her love interest a happy life that will only last until the next book is published. Viper would inevitably meet the same demise as her maker come the fall of next year.

A literal heartbreak.

She'd signed her last will and testament weeks ago.

Most of her inheritance would go to Pugsley and Pubert, with a strict clause of Enid (being her unofficial mate) being able to access it should she require any kind of support were things to go sideways. Anything that remained went to an underfunded music institute for less fortunate children.

Her beloved cello and any music she wrote would stay in the family. To be used by whomever her father saw fit to play it. Her necklace would go to her mother, fully circling back to the giver.

Her favorite knife went to Pugsley. Her best bow went to Pubert and her sturdiest mace would be given to her Uncle Fester. She'd given Thing and Lurch all her books, knowing they would be in for quite the dull life without her dragging them into her occasional misadventures.

Her typewriter and all the future rights and royalties from Viper's saga would go to Enid. Everything was set up in an account under Enid’s name. Whether she use Enid Sinclair or Enid Petropolus, it was her to access all the same.

Wednesday hopes it'll somehow ease the pain of her passing after some years. She knows Enid would be beyond furious with her for keeping the curse's effect on her a secret but there's not much more she can do now.

All the people she loved would be okay and that was all that mattered now.

She even had dinner with Eugene and their other friends two weeks ago. A goodbye, though none of them would know until later today.

She'd said her farewells to her parents, brothers and uncle the night before. Thanking them for all the love and unwarranted affection. She endured the hug Pugsley and Pubert held her in, reminding them that they'd need to step up once she was gone. She apologized for not being able to stay to protect them anymore and makes them promise on her grave to surpass her fighting skills.

She shook hands or, well, hand with Thing and Lurch. To thank them for their unwavering loyalty. Fester and her parents hugged her for a long while as well.

Tears were shed, promises were made, and yet her parents were still hopeful the curse wouldn't take her away.

How could it not, though? All previous Addams who died form heartbreak died on the day their mate was wedded to another.

It was simply her turn.

There was one last thing to do. One more person to talk to. One more gift to give.

Wednesday looked to her side. A blue, velvet box and a single black rose. She wanted to give them to Enid as a wedding gift.

She will, once she calms down and stops gripping the steering wheel of her car so tightly the blood has all but left her hands.

She had never feared death. She’d gladly welcome it with open arms. It was knowing that these will be the last moments she'd share with Enid Sinclair that terrified her.

Wednesday hated weddings, but she would have loved to marry Enid.

Enid Addams? Wednesday Sinclair?

It didn't really matter now, did it?

--

Chapter 2

Wednesday saw fit to dress appropriately for her date with death.

Dress shoes, dark slacks and perfectly tucked white long sleeves with the top two buttons, well, unbuttoned.  A blue paisley silk scarf around her neck. Signet ring on her left pinky.

She patted her car, thanking it for its service one last time before walking towards the venue, clutching her gifts in one hand.

It was still quite early in the morning. She checked the time on her phone, heart soaring at the displayed photo. It was a 'selfie' as Enid like to call it. The blonde liked to take selfies on her phone and set them as the new 'lock screen' whenever she remembered to. Wednesday never really complained about it. Why would she? 

She wasn’t that cruel. She had to give her heart something to keep beating for until the day it finally gave in. That something just so happened to be photos of and with Enid.

The actual wedding would not happen until this afternoon at 5PM. Just the enough time for the lovely couple to say their vows during the sunset.

Surely, the entourage was still being prepped. She hoped Enid hadn't overslept on her wedding day, of all days. 

Enid wanted her to be a bridesmaid, but she didn't know how early the curse would kick in. It could happen right when the orchestra started to play, what then? Dead body in the middle of the aisle? She wouldn't allow that.

They'd fought about for weeks but Wednesday stood her ground until Enid finally relented. The seer didn't have to be a bridesmaid so long as she attended the wedding while also promising not to bring any silver weapons, lest she be tempted to graze anyone from Enid's family.

Wednesday more than made up for it by being acting like a bridesmaid until the actual wedding. The one thing she didn’t allow herself, though, was go with Enid to shop for the wedding dress. She went to the godawful cake tastings, shopping trips and florists with Enid. Everything and everywhere except anything related to the wedding dress. 

Wednesday was not confident she would be able to stop herself from dropping onto one knee and proposing to Enid then and there, if she saw her try out even one wedding dress.

She walked around the venue, wanting to see where Enid would be getting her happily ever after. She's not sure she'll get another chance to, should the curse take her away earlier than expected.

It was all very... Enid. Garden wedding. Pastel-colored balloons. Blood-red carpet rolling down the aisle with lilies on each side. White altar. White and pink chairs. A chiffon cake. 

Hopefully she'd live enough to see Enid walk down the aisle dressed in white. Hope? She really had gone soft because of the werewolf.

Of course, life doesn't grant her much more peace after that as she runs into Eugene who is one of Ajax's groomsmen. 

"Looking for Enid?" Eugene asked cheekily, eyeing the stuff she was trying to hide behind her back.

"Yes, Eugene. How very astute of you to notice." Wednesday relents, her eyes soften the slightest bit, wondering if this would be the last conversation she'll have with one of her oldest friends.

"Penthouse suite. She saw you park your car and asked me to tell you how to get there." He gestured to the hotel lobby before walking with Wednesday to the elevators.

Enid saw her. Of course she did. The Penthouse suite had clear line of sight to anywhere in the venue. Perfect position for a sniper, or a werewolf with impressive eyesight.

"How have the preparations been going?"

"Okay. Enid's a bit jittery but once you get up there I'm sure she'll calm down." Eugene let Wednesday enter the elevator first before following and pushing the button for the top floor. "I think she sent me because she wasn't sure you knew how to use the elevator."

"Surely she doesn't think me that incompetent with modern technology?"

"She's just concerned." Her friend laughs a little, and though it's at her expense, it puts Wednesday at ease. She hopes Eugene will live a long, boring and peaceful life.

"Thank you for doing your best to comfort her, Eugene. You truly are an excellent friend."

Wednesday was good at lying, too, but in this moment, she meant nothing but the truth. Eugene would be one of the most devastated by her imminent death. The least she could do was ensure their last memory of each other would be a good one. 

It was a bit concerning to hear Enid's reaction to her absence, but all she can really do now is show up for the few remaining hours of her life. 

"I'm an excellent friend to an excellent friend. Oh, we're here. Door on the left is the girl's suite. Ours is on the right. If you need anything or need company, just call me." Eugene smiled at her like the day they met, sweet, boyish and innocent, as they walked to the left door. 

Wednesday nodded, giving him what she hoped was a grateful look before watching him walk towards the boys' suite. She was about to knock when the door was thrown wide open, and the air was knocked out of her lungs by an oversized and overenergized puppy.

"Willa!"

Wednesday was smothered in a hug before she had a chance to dodge. She wouldn't have, but still, it was quite concerning how Enid was able to catch her off guard. Ah, she must have picked up her scent as they drew near. The werewolf never ceases to amaze her.

"You're here. You came." Enid whispered, burying her face in Wednesday's neck, inhaling her scent and hugging her tighter.

Wednesday did her best to return the hug, something she'd had much practice with over the years.

"I promised you I would see you off for your wedding." The goth hoped her voice was at least a bit more stable than her heart. Her traitorous heart that couldn’t decide whether to be calmed or excited by Enid’s presence. Was it possible to feel both at the same time?

"Well, yeah, but your color allergy! And you hate these events and not to mention my family and-" Enid had pulled back, holding Wednesday at arm’s length, noticeably reciting said reasons from memory. Knowing her, she must have worried about them since she last saw Wednesday two days ago.

"Enid." Wednesday squeezed the hand on her right shoulder with her free one, making sure to look the blonde in the eye to catch her attention. "Breathe, Only death could keep me from attending your horrendously pastel wedding."

The irony was not lost on her. The goth, however, nearly lost all lung function once she'd actually looked at the werewolf.

Oh, the world really was too cruel. To see Enid with no makeup, wearing nothing but shorts and Wednesday's old black sweatshirt. She was gorgeous. The sun could never hope to compare.

Enid smiled at her warmly, pulling her into another bone-crushing hug before tugging her inside. "You're the best, Wends! I'm so glad you're here. Maybe you can wake up Yoko and-"

Wednesday pulled Enid into the first empty room she found once they were inside the suite. It looked to be the music room, unless grand pianos were now a staple for penthouse suites.

"I wanted to give you something." Wednesday could feel her heart start to lose control. She took a breath to beat it back into submission before continuing. It helped when Enid squeezed her hand and looked at her curiously with a cute tilt of the head.

"My wedding gift. To you." Wednesday let go of the hand she was holding to place the velvet box and black rose in it.

Enid’s eyes widened somewhat at the gorgeous black rose and blue velvet box in her hand.

"Wednesday, the rose is beautiful, thank you, but you didn't have to."

"Please." The desperation in her voice must have been ever so slightly noticeable as Enid relented with a soft smile.

"Silly, just having you here is the best gift you could give me. I know how much you hate these events."

"Well, consider it an additional gift."

Enid chuckled, making Wednesday's heart do somersaults in her chest, before opening the velvet box. Inside was a key pendant, attached to a thin, white bracelet. The letter "E" was engraved into the head of the key.

"Thing helped me design it."

Enid was at a loss for words. It was very Wednesday. Every gift from Wednesday was beautiful but this was by far the best gift she’d ever been given in her life. Probably the most intricate one, too.

“It’s white gold. I thought of the normal gold too ordinary for the occasion and silver would definitely not do.”

"It's beautiful, thank you, Wednesday." Enid felt tears falling from her eyes, torn between looking at Wednesday and the bracelet. Of course her best friend would gift her something she designed herself on her wedding day. It wouldn't be her if she didn't. 

"You are crying. Is the design not to your liking? If I may-"

"No, no! I love it. It's- It’s the same "E" as the one on your signet ring, right?" Enid smiled through the tears as Wednesday was wiping them away with a white handkerchief.

Curse Enid and her observance. It was in fact the very same. Wednesday had once told Enid it was a sideways W but there's no point in denying it now. She gives Enid a small but proud smile, the werewolf has turned into quite the puzzle solver herself.

"It is. It's also the key to your share of my inheritance."

"The key to.. what? Why would I need a key to your inheritance?”

“Well...”

“You already pay for everything unless we stop you."

"Enid."

"Are you sick?"

'"Enid, please."

Do you have cancer? Are you dying?"

"Enid!" Wednesday shook the werewolf slightly. She did her best to fake an amused smile. "I am well, as you can see. It was the only gift I could think of. I... apologize if it displeases you."

Enid looked into her eyes. Possibly straight into her soul. This was too big a gift, but knowing Wednesday's family, it may just be normal thing for them. 

"Are you sure you're not dying?"

"We’re all dying a little bit every day, Enid."

Technically, she wasn't lying. She always found it hard to lie to Enid, so deflection was the next best thing.

Enid was still skeptical, though. Something she got from years of being friends with Wednesday and as Edgar Allan Poe said: Believe only half of what you see and nothing of what you hear.

At least, until you can confirm it yourself.

She looked Wednesday up and down. There was nothing too out of the ordinary about the very formal outfit. The top two buttons of all of Wednesday's outfits being undone was her doing, which she was very proud of.

She brought her car, which Wednesday wouldn't do if she was up to something. Can’t leave anything that could be directly traced back to her, after all.

She didn't have any of her knives, either. Enid didn't feel them when she hugged the goth and the shoes she was wearing were definitely normal ones. These were new dress shoes, probably not customized to her knives yet.

It took a few months, but she was able to memorize all of the goth's hiding places years ago. 

All evidence points to Wednesday being, well, okay. Not tall, dressed in dark clothes but definitely handsome. 

"You're not gonna run away to some undisclosed location after the wedding, are you?"

"You'd just track me down so I'll save us the trouble of running around in wedding attires."

Wednesday rarely teased, but when she did, it always made her laugh. Freely, without judgment. Because that's what you got with Wednesday Addams as a friend. Honesty and unwavering loyalty. 

"If I hear even a word from Thing that you're running off alone, I'm going to postpone my honeymoon to hunt you down."

"As I said, I'm staying right here. You have my word."

"We’re so not done discussing why I have access to your inheritance but... help me put on the bracelet?"

"Of course."

Enid looked down at the gold key. The intricate design all but screamed Wednesday to her. Yoko would not approve of the additional accessory, but it was her wedding day and she will do whatever she wanted.

Including wearing what was apparently a friendship bracelet? Yes, that seemed appropriate. 

Enid gave Wednesday a soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Wednesday, I really love the bracelet and the rose."

Wednesday, not trusting her voice not to break, gave Enid a small nod, her lips quirking into a smirk.

"Go get ready for your wedding."

“Help me wake up Yoko?”

“With pleasure.”

--

Date With Death master post

--

Hi guys. All the next chapters are in the link above.

I wrote this in one go for about two hours. I'm sure there are some errors since I haven’t written in two years. I just wanted to hash this out as it came to me. The angst seemed too good to pass up.

I’m not an Ajax hater. Sorry if Enid is a bit oblivious to Wednesday’s more serious affections here? Let’s call it plot armor, for now.

Does anyone know if I can post this on AO3 without using an email? Please let me know.

--

Hello again! I’ve added edits and covered up some plot holes. It’s still not perfect but it’s better than yesterday’s version. Give it another read if you can and tell me what you think.

Also, I’m on the fence about how to continue this fic. The easiest way would be to just let Wednesday die, right?

Realistically, how would they fall for each other? 

I like to think it’s at least in their senior year at nevermore or some time after. I love every fic about them falling for each other while a nevermore but something about an aged-up version of them falling in love also makes my heart go crazy. 

I’d love to discuss if you have any ideas for Wenclair! Just reply here or DM me, I guess. Cheers!

[nanaosaki3940]

Touya [The Crimson Butterfly]

Synopsis: It wasn’t until he met her for the first time that their encounter made him believe that the world is just as beautiful as her. She was brighter than the summer sun, prettier than the spring flowers, kinder than the winter moon & warmer than his blue flames. She was his first and only love, his life, his biggest fan, his supporter, his playmate, his healer, his everything... Even after his supposed ‘death’.

|| My Hero Academia ft. Tokyo Ghoul || (Follows the canon storyline of MHA & is up-to-date with the manga.) 

Pairing: Touya Todoroki X OC/Reader X Shoto Todoroki

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Angst. 

Note: Shoto and my OC are of the same age (16 yrs old) and Dabi/Touya is 8 yrs older than them (24 yrs old) - Just like how it is in the manga.

(A snippet of my MHA fanfic "The Crimson Butterfly". I know this is an xOC fic, but you can read it as a self-insert if you like.)

Nana’s POV (The fateful day: The beginning of the 2nd War)

Around 10 AM this morning, Midoriya and I made our way towards an abandoned city outside UA to meet up with Aoyama. When we finally reached the designated spot, we found our blonde friend standing alone in the middle of a huge parking lot in front of a shopping mall. 

"Thank you for coming..." Aoyama greeted us in a quiet yet monotone voice with a dull look in his eyes as Midoriya and I flew down from the sky and landed just a few feet away from him on the ground. 

"Why are you out here, Aoyama? Weren’t you being detained?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. 

"My parents’ lawyer got me released..." Aoyama replied and this brought a big smile to Midoriya's face. 

"We gotta tell everyone!" Midoriya stated in relief, turning around to leave. "We can rejoin the search effort and-"

"Wait..." Aoyama spoke up again, causing Midoriya to halt on his spot while I stared at the blonde boy with a skeptical look. "I’d like to speak to you two. It’s almost funny… That courts and the illegal system still exist despite Japan being in ruins. With society as it is now, would the old ways of living really get you anywhere?"

"What do you mean Aoyama?" I asked with furrowed eyebrows, crossing my arms over my chest. 

"Let me tell you All For One’s real goal..." Aoyama continued and this got our full attention. "With the state Japan's in... do you know what’s become of the rest of the world? The sudden crash in the value of the Yen… forced Japanese corporations into bankruptcy. That, plus the coordinated uprisings of villains caused the damage to spread worldwide. Now the world faces a crisis much like the Great Depression or the period around the advent of quirks. Record unemployment, loss of faith in currencies… an era of total chaos."

"What are you talking about, Aoyama?" Midoriya asked, getting a bit uncomfortable with this talk. 

"Lacking the strength to implement long-term policies, Japan's society devolves into one scrambling for short-term safety. While the nations who have abandoned Japan prioritize their own stability. In such a world imagine a country lacking potable water. Imagine if a quirk capable of producing that water were to suddenly appear. Or electricity or gas. Or strength. As the world is plunged into this state of chaotic decline, we suddenly have an arena ripe for a certain remarkable individual to take the initiative. he would become the world's arbiter; its very own Demon Lord. He only had to rock that balance somewhere. It didn’t matter how." Aoyama added. 

AFO's ultimate plan is... Capitalism... To become a World Bank?!

Like seriously?! You gotta be fucking kidding me!!

"I don’t think so… The world would never go along with that." I countered back in a strong tone. 

"Nana-chan's right. Besides the world still has us!" Midoriya added. 

"True. Which is why it all has to end here." Aoyama stated with a saddened face and teary eyes, his voice cracking in the end as a certain someone emerged from behind him. "I’m sorry. Alas, I had to protect Mama and Papa." 

"All For One!!" Midoriya and I gasped out in unison, shocked, our eyes widened in the process. 

"Splendidly done, Yuga Aoyama." AFO stated, clapping his hands who was in formal attire with a black skull mask covering his whole head. "How terrifying it must have been to turn on your friends like this. How heartrending, to betray someone who put their faith in you. But you overcame the fear and pain! And that speech about my ultimate goal? Wonderful! Wrong in some of the details but that's fine. Did your parents explain it all to you?" 

"Yes..." Aoyama replied in a trembling tone with tears rolling down his cheeks as he held a remorseful look on his face. "They said you promised us a blessed existence in your new world." 

"Aoyama, did you really betray us again?!" I yelled out through my gritted teeth, clenching my fists in anger and frustration. "How could you?!"

"We believed in you dammit!!" Midoriya cried out, panicking. 

"My pain cannot be measured…" Aoyama trailed off before suddenly he turned around and blasted AFO with his Navel Laser. "By that singular word 'uncle'!!" 

And right on cue, Midoriya immediately let out a large amount of his smokescreen to block AFO's view, and taking the chance, Aoyama quickly moved away from his previous spot and hid behind me for protection. AFO was caught off guard by the sudden attack before he figured out what just happened. It was just all a fake play to lure out the Demon Lord from his hideout. 

"Ungrateful little…" AFO grumbled out through his gritted teeth. 

"That was such a believable performance, Aoyama!" Midoriya praised the blonde boy. 

"Yeah, excellent job!" I added with a wide smirk on my face, coming out from my previous facade as I stood protectively in front of him. "You're gonna win an Oscar for this Aoyama!"

"I had no choice! Otherwise, we could not have lured him here!" Aoyama cried out from behind me, still trembling in fear. "And I must say, both of your actings were tour-de-force as well!"

"We couldn’t help it once your tears started flowing." Midoriya chuckled out as he and I got into our fighting stance once the smokescreen started to dissipate away. 

"The tears are real! I truly am scared! In fact, I think I may have wet myself!" Aoyama cried again. 

"You did great, Aoyama!" I reassured him once again, my eyes now locked on the floating form of AFO. 

"This is for Mama and Papa! For all of my friends and for myself! I shall fight AFO!" Aoyama declared with all his determination. 

"Disappointing." AFO sighed in annoyance before taking off his coat and just then using his Warping quirk, he began to summon the League of Villains, Paranormal Liberation Front, and Nomus all at the same time which included Touya, Tenko, and Toga. "Trap or not, Ghoul and One for all is here within reach. The Search quirk tells the user the location and weaknesses of those they see. And heroes Tomura saw in the previous conflict are deployed and dispersed across the country. They will not make it in time to assist you. They didn’t happen to notice that my people were drawing near! And now I’m afraid they are entirely too late!!" 

My heart skipped a beat when I locked my eyes with Touya who just walked out of the gooey warp gate and landed on the ground. 

He's here... Touya's here... He's finally here... 

His beautiful bluish-turquoise eyes went wide open a bit upon noticing my presence while his instant sorrowful expression didn't go overlooked by me when we gazed at each other from afar before he decided to turn his head away from me and break the eye contact. As I continued to stare at Touya with hope and yearning, I noticed the new outfit he was wearing at that moment; a tattered overcoat, boots, and pants all colored white, with bracers on the sleeves and a belt on his waist. His new outfit also lacked a shirt underneath which caused him to expose his chest. 

"What act of sluttery is he wearing?" I mumbled to myself, a small blush appearing on my cheeks as I scanned Touya from head to toe, trying hard not to facepalm. "Did he seriously decide to walk into this war like a whore?" 

Although my words didn't go unheard by Midoriya and the poor green-haired boy tried his best not to burst out into a fit of laughter. I also noticed Tenko looking the same, not to mention even worse; completely topless, in a pair of black pants, his traditional red shoes, and a long ragged-looking cape hanging on his shoulders.

What the hell is up with these villains and their fashion sense these days...?

"Mama and Papa told me something else…" Aoyama spoke up again, causing me to snap out of my trance. "They told me what it is you fear most, AFO. You fear the world learning that Japan isn’t finished yet. You feel the light and hope that will come with recovery. And you fear Japan inspiring the world to unite once more. So today is the day and this is the place where you fall!!" 

And just then AFO got alerted when he suddenly noticed a black mist appearing behind Midoriya which happened to be Kurogiri's quirk, confusing the Demon Lord to no end and soon realized who it actually was; it was none other than Monoma from Class 1-B who copied the misty warping gate quirk and now using it to bring out the heroes from our side. 

"Didn't see that coming, huh AFO?! Suck, doesn't it?!" I taunted him as Endeavor, Mirko, Fat Gum, Edgeshot, Tamaki senpai, Nejire senpai, Gang Orca and the others appeared by our side. 

And so the rumbling begins!!!

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!! The man behind the curtain!!" Monoma laughed hysterically, being all full of himself like always, as he brought out more and more heroes from the warp gate. 

"Just as expected, he's brought his army along!" Detective Tsukauchi stated out through the comms from the headquarters (The Central Hospital). "All squads, take action!" 

"If he steals Ghoul and OFA, he'll have no need to run and hide ever again! They'll attempt to bring it all to an end right now!" All Might pointed out from beside Tsukauchi. 

As we the Heroes and Villains all charged toward each other, Tenko touched the ground, only to notice something peculiar, so commanded Touya to attack.

"Dabi..." Tenko called out.

"You ain’t the boss of me, leader!" Touya shouted back before he dashed straight toward Endeavor, his hands already ignited with his blue flames. "Fancy running into you here, dear old dad!! Come to watch your pals get cremated?!"

Touya was prepared to burn everyone with his fire and as soon as he shot out a huge gush of his flames toward the heroes, a large explosion of ice appeared from the misty warp gate and canceled out his fire; emerging from another warp gate, Shoto and our whole Class 1-A just joined the battle. 

"Not on my watch, Baka Aniki!!" Shoto yelled out. 

"Shoto!!" Touya yelled back in excitement, getting all pumped up. 

"Like cockroaches…" AFO groaned out in annoyance and just then, among the sea of villains, I noticed the ones I needed to go up against; Shuu Tsukiyama and Rize Kamishiro, all decked up and ready to fight like always. 

"It's been a while, Nana-kun!!" Tsukiyama shouted out with a huge grin on his face as he and Rize dashed their way toward me. 

"How many years now?! Almost 3 years, right?!" Rize added, unleashing her Rinkaku kagune from her back. 

"Oh, how I've been itching all these many years just to finish you guys off!" I taunted back and immediately unleashed both of my Rinkaku and Ukaku kagune while bringing out my scythe. "Time for payback for what you guys did to me 3 years back!!" 

"Operation Troy-Tempt and Trap!! Activate!!" All Might commanded through the comms.  

Upon his commands, suddenly, the ground beneath us started to shake violently before cages emerged from beneath the battlefield, surrounding all the villains in individual metal containers and as soon as the villains were being trapped in those metal cages, Monoma began to summon several more warp gates around the cages while we the Heroes prepared ourselves to shove them all in, to split up the villains.

"Cages? They can’t be serious!" Touya commented before getting trapped into one of the cages. 

"I’m pulling these strings!! Everyone now! Shove them in!!" Monoma ordered us before looking over at me. "Osaki!! Use your repulsive force now!!" 

"Roger!!" I replied and started to use the Repulsive force technique of my Gravity Manipulation quirk to push the metal cages into their respective warp gates. 

"This cage is moving?! They really think this tin can is gonna hold us?!" one of the villains cried out. 

"Break it open! Quickly!" Toga screamed out from inside her cage. 

As I continued to push the cages into the warp gates, Touya suddenly used his flames to melt down the metallic container he was trapped in before trying to get out from there. 

"Your pathetic cages didn’t even last three whole seconds!" Touya mocked and just then Shoto and his gang appeared in front of him to push him into their respective warp gate. 

"3 seconds is all we needed!" Shoto countered back as the two brothers began to attack each other with their flames while submerging into the gate. 

"Lock them down for an instant! Break them into smaller groups! Seize the slightest advantage! All of this to shove you into those warp gates all at once and split you up without fail!!" All Might continued through the comms once again. 

"Deku!" Bakugo called out to Midoriya as he headed towards Tenko. 

"Yep!" Midoriya responded and began to follow the explosive blonde. 

"Ahahahahaha! I’m the mover and shaker!!" Monoma continued to laugh while still keeping Kurogiri's quirk activated.

Among us heroes, Uraraka and Tsuyu headed towards Toga's direction while Kaneki and Ayato joined by my side a few seconds later to go after Rize and Tsukiyama. Just as we all were about to enter our respective warp gates, an unusual occurrence happened. From two different warp gates, two whips came out and grabbed me and Midoriya individually by our wrists. And before we could even realize what was happening, we were being pulled away from our respective comrades. 

"What the?!" I gasped out in shock. 

"Huh?!" Midoriya gasped out as well in confusion. 

"Nana!!" Kaneki called out in worry as he tried to reach out and grab me but failed. 

"Nana-Nee!!" Ayato called out as well in concern. 

"Huh?! Oi, Deku!!" Bakugo called out to the green-haired boy but it was already too late. 

Both Midoriya and I were pulled into two separate warp gates which we weren't supposed to enter. After entering the unknown scene, I immediately landed on the ground as soon as I passed through the gate and began to look around to see where I actually was; Ground Zero in Kamino Ward. 

What?! Ground Zero?! Why am I here?! Shit!!

I was supposed to be on the other side of the Kamino City with Ken and Ayato, facing off against Rize and Tsukiyama!! 

"They are divided! Now we shift to phase two!" All Might commanded through the comms again. 

"Nana?!" familiar voices called out my name in shock, causing me to turn around and face them; it was Shoto, Iida, and Endeavor's sidekicks (Burnin, Kido, and Onima). 

"What are you doing here?" Shoto asked in surprise. "Weren't you suppose to be with Kaneki and Ayato?" 

"I was, but..." I trailed off in confusion before looking down at the wrist where the whip was still wrapped around. 

"Sorry, Babydoll." a familiar deep masculine voice spoke up from just a few feet away from us and we all looked over at the man himself; Touya, smirking down at me while firmly holding the other end of the whip. "Couldn't let you go so easily, you know... You're just too precious." 

"Touya... but how?" I asked in confusion, furrowing my eyebrows a bit. 

"That crazy woman gave it to me, said it might come in handy. Hate to admit it, but she was right." Touya replied, referring to Toga as 'the crazy woman', causing me to click my tongue in frustration as I unwrapped my wrist from his whip before the news was sent to us by Tsukauchi through the comms that Midoriya was warped to an aquarium, alongside Gang Orca, Uraraka and Tsuyu by Toga using her whip. 

"So, Izuku isn't with Katsuki and Jeanist at the UA High right now, huh? That sucks." I stated in a calming tone though I was kinda panicking from the inside before I looked back at Touya and locked gazes with him. "Looks like I'm stuck here with you, for now, Touya."  

This wasn't supposed to happen...

I wasn't supposed to fight Touya...

What should I do now?!

"Indeed, Doll-face..." Touya agreed in a mocking tone as he climbed up on the All Might victory statue before unleashing his blue flames around us, causing us to get into our fighting stance at once. "So, now... where were we?"

Fuck!! This is bad!! This is really, really bad!! 

Right now, Shoto, Iida, and I were at Ground Zero in Kamino Ward, where Touya was completely burning everyone down in a fire tornado while being accompanied by a spiky Near High-End Nomu, dwindling down our accompanying heroes.

"There are already so few heroes left and you are losing more by the minute..." Touya stated in a calming tone, glancing around with a bored look in his eyes while hanging onto the All Might victory statue as he began to reminiscence on the current event being similar to the Hosu Incident. "Let’s see, we have got a Nomu in a raging sea of fire. This is really bringing back memories even if it wasn't that long ago. Seeing that battle in Hosu spurred me to take action, you know?" 

"Nana! Shoto!" Iida yelled out in concern from outside the ring of Touya's fire tornado as he couldn't get any closer to us or else the fire would damage his engines. 

While Shoto and the others could resist the fire and the heat, I, on the other hand, was using the Repulsive Force of my Gravity Manipulation quirk to push back the flames away from me. Using this repulsive force as a defense, I could repel nearby opponents or attacks without breaking a sweat like for example I could use this force to disperse flame attacks which could also strike the user back. But in this case, I wasn't doing that because my intention was not to attack or hurt Touya. It was just to protect myself from his flames. 

"The sheer heat! It's extraordinary!" I commented in surprise yet amazement while Endeavor's sidekicks used their quirks to absorb Touya's hot flames as much as they could for now. 

"Oops, sorry. Just yapping away to myself." Touya stated, letting out a sigh as he propelled himself up into the air by shooting out flames from under his feet. "Once again, he won't pay me any attention. It really bums me out that all I get is his third son and his three merry helpers. Is that really his answer to me?"

"You keep back, Kido. Your body's got no way to withstand the heat." Onima stated, looking back at his comrade. 

"I’m good. You know I can alter the trajectory of anything so I have just gotta make all that heat air swerve around me. Nothing new for me. Keep a cool head and go about it logically. That’s how I have done it for a whole decade. Just like always. I’m here to follow our main man’s orders because I want to." Kido replied while doing his job. 

"His family drama may be a can of worms, but Endeavor shows up and gets the job done, even if he does stink like an old fart!" Burnin commented, frowning up at Touya before looking back at me and Shoto. "And that includes today! And now he has handed off us three junior stinkers to you! So you have got our full support, kid! You too, Nana-chan!"

"Thanks for that Burnin." Shoto responded back, his gaze locked onto Touya. 

"No thanks needed! Save your energy!" Burnin joked with her signature laugh. 

"Touya… Dabi…" Shoto carefully called out, furrowing his eyebrows in the process. "You have got it all wrong. I’m not here on anyone’s orders. I’m standing here now because I made the decision to stop you."

"Stellar job, being the perfect little pawn Dad always dreamed of." Touya mocked his little brother as smoke came out of his mouth. 

And this caused me to get worried even more. Months ago, back at our fight in Jaku City, Touya wasn't covered with as many burns marks as he was covered right now. As I carefully observed his new scars and burn marks in concern, I realized that his body was burning away even more as he continued to use his quirk wildly. My chest tightened and my heart hammered hard against my chest in concern. In concern for his wellbeing. 

"If I ignored you and kept trying to be a hero anyway that just might be true..." Shoto replied in a strong tone. 

"Hey, fair enough…" Touya stated casually with a shrug. "This war is all about the people involved. It’s not the mindless soldiers following orders who are the real movers and shakers. This is what happens when everyone's got feelings and urges that start firing off. Some wanna change the world they live in. Or destroy… The warped imbalances built up over time that we all just came to accept. Behold, the limitations of a superpowered society. That's me. That’s all of us." 

"Touya..." I called out in a soft tone with small tears forming in the corner of my eyes, causing him to look over at me. "Please stop this. You're burning yourself alive." 

"I don't care anymore, Babydoll. I just really don't care..." he replied in a monotone voice with no trace of emotion in his voice, aching my heart even more and this frustrated me to no end.  

"Why are you being so stubborn like this, huh? Though, to be fair, you had always been a stubborn guy. But, that raises my question... You survived back then… So, why didn’t you come back home?" I asked, frowning at him and Touya let out a chuckle in amusement. 

"You really wanna know, Doll? Fine. Happy to share. Rotten or not, I’m still your Touya." Touya replied with a grin as his already burned flesh around the right side of his face began to crumble and fall off, leaving him horribly disfigured while a portion of his jaw and teeth, as well as muscles and tendons, were now visible and his burns continued to spread around his face, leaving me shocked and concerned. "Here is the story of how I became Dabi…  and the reason I’m still alive and kicking to tell the tale… Even when I never stopped burning hotter than you, Shoto, his masterpiece!" 

~~~~~

Flashback (11 years earlier, at Sekoto peak)

'Hot! It’s so hot!!' a 13-year-old Touya thought to himself in pain and agony as he continued to burn himself to a crisp on top of Mt. Sekoto while burning everything else around him to ashes. 'No, no, no! I don’t wanna die!! I still haven’t… I still haven’t shown him anything! And Nana-chan?! Oh, Nana-chan! I can't leave her behind just like this!! I wanna live a long life with her!!' 

Desperate while on the verge of death, Touya frantically began to run around in the midst of the ocean of his own flames to find any source of water to extinguish the fire on his body before finding a lake nearby and jumping into it to quell the flames. And soon after when Touya lost consciousness and laid there in the water all burned and crisped, almost turned into charcoal, his charred body was later discovered on the very spot by the Demon Lord himself, AFO. 

After this, three whole years passed by before the white-haired Todoroki boy finally woke up from his long comatose. A 16-year-old Touya let out a gasp before snapping his eyes wide open and the first thing that came to his view was a white ceiling. Shocked and confused, he immediately sat up and looked around at his surrounding while trying to figure out what was happening right now. He found himself laying on a bed and with all these childish decorations around him, he realized that he was in a nursery school. 

'Where am I? I’m alive…?' he thought to himself as he walked down the hallway before entering a room full of kids younger than him. 

"Oh! he’s awake!" A young girl with short hair stated gleefully, causing the others to shift their attention towards him while Touya stared at them in pure confusion. 

"Sleepyhead is awake!" another little girl with long hair added with a bright smile on her face.

"Where are we?" Touya finally spoke up before halting himself from speaking any further. 

'Was that really my voice?' he thought in shock, realizing how deep and manly he sounded just now. 

"This is where we live, silly!" the short-haired girl replied with a giggle while the long-haired girl rushed towards the other room to fetch their sensei. "It’s um… three years, sleepyhead! You were asleep for three whole years! At least that’s what sensei told me… since I haven’t been here all that long!" 

Touya immediately went rigid on the spot upon hearing those words, his eyes went wide open in shock and disbelief.  

'Three years? How? What happened? What’s going on? I was on Sekoto peak and then… I burned up and… I have to get home!'

"We can’t have that now can we, sunny?" the sensei (creepy-looking dude with a sunflower head and a buffed body) stated with a bright smile as he and Touya were now in an office room, talking about the situation. 

"Why not?!" Touya asked in confusion. 

"From now on you live here with everyone!" the sensei replied, still with a smiling face. "Your very own place under the sun! They're your new family! You'll come to love it, as sure as the sun does rise!"

"Huh? That can't be!" Touya argued back in desperation, tears forming in his eyes as his voice began to tremble. "I gotta get home! I bet that Dad… was just too busy with work to come see me, right? Probably? Yeah, he must be really worried! Those were some awful things I did and said. I should apologize to Mom and everyone. And Dad still needs to see what I can do. And above all, Nana-chan is waiting for me! I need to go and see Nana-chan!" 

And just then a very deep yet eerie masculine voice spoke up from a computer on a table beside them. It was AFO. 

"Sadly your hope is in vain." AFO stated and Touya looked at the screen of the computer in confusion. "Restoring your burnt and broken body was a monumental task. Your missing pieces had to be replaced via regenerative tissue. You’re a changed man with that burnt rictus look on your face and yet you survived."

"I’m changed? I don't get… what you're saying…" Touya trailed off as he put a hand on his throat, suddenly getting worried. 

"You’ll never exhibit the power you once did. Every organ was damaged. Your senses, your ability to feel pain, all dulled. Your body is debilitated. And you will never be the same again." AFO replied, causing Touya to put a hand over his own mouth, horrified. "But alas, despite our best efforts, we wanted to welcome you in at your full strength… We failed." 

And the word 'failure' caused Touya to fall into even more despair, breaking and crumbling his soul and spirit into pieces as he began to recall what Enji used to call him back then over and over again; a failure. 

"You must be suffering, you poor thing." AFO continued, using his sympathetic voice to lure Touya. "But, I must just be able to restore your flames at their full glory! Well, what do you say? Will you join our family and allow me to raise you?" 

"Shut up…" Touya hissed out through his gritted teeth, looking down at the ground while covering his face with a hand as he viciously denied the Demon Lord. 

"Hmm?" AFO hummed out in confusion before the white-haired Todoroki boy looked up at the computer with fury and hatred in his eyes. 

"No way am I getting trained by anyone else." Touya added with finality in his voice, showcasing his unhealthy obsession with his father Enji Todoroki aka Endeavor. 

And with that Touya somehow managed to escape from the nursery school after burning the whole place down with his own blue flames. Later he did go back home, and even though his body was weaker and he didn't have anything to look forward to anymore, he wanted to see if anything changed. However, seeing his butsudan (funeral altar) in his old bedroom, and Endeavor's continued abuse toward Shoto, reminded him of his purpose as a failed creation, and his family had already left him behind.

Flashback ended 

~~~~~

3rd Person's POV (At a prison)

"I suppose, the big day has begun then?" Dr. Kyudai Garaki (aka Dr. Ujiko) spoke up in a tired tone from inside his cell causing a gorilla police officer who was standing down the hallway to frown at his words. 

"Be quiet." the cop ordered. 

"You are light on guards today. So it’s pretty obvious." Garaki pointed out. "All to prepare for today. That's why we sought out twisted raw material born into this world. Warped seeds that could serve as his vessel. That one too was born with some cracks in him. No, maybe, from the very start, it wasn’t just cracks... Maybe that boy was born with everything." 

And with that, the doctor began to tell the exact same story of Touya Todoroki to the police officer. 

"He had already been too molded by his upbringing for us to lead him astray. He was already festering away inside. Even the man who had known absolute control far and wide couldn't exploit the boy’s obsession with his father. Those kids were our spares, in case anything happened to Tomura Shigaraki. A seedbed of ferocity and hatred. One full of vessels for the demon king. Dabi as one of those spares was a failed experiment." Garaki went on.

"How despicable!" The cop grumbled in disgust. "No, never mind! What are you even trying to say?! More crap about how AFO had everything planned out from the start?"

"I’m saying they'd better watch out. ‘Cause that one boy never did buy what we were selling. Nah, we gave up on Dabi and let him run loose cause after his body came back to life and he was up and about, he wasn't supposed to live for more than a month. What a surprise, when the broker Giran brought him back to our doorstep. Why had he come back? How was he still alive? I had to know what Dabi was really thinking, so I arranged a moment when we would be alone just the two of us..." Garaki continued as he referred to their meeting where he and Touya went to meet the Near High-End Nomu, Hood in one of their hideouts; the same Nomu that was taken down by Nana, Endeavor, and Hawks back at Kyushu. 

"Ujiko-san, you're the one who kept me alive right?" Touya asked as he stared down at Hood in front of him. 

"Why I’m tickled pink that you realized!" Garaki chuckled. "Now tell me, what's been keeping you kicking?"

"Seeing this walking corpse here gives me a decent idea of what you people were planning to do with me. And I’m back now… because this seemed like the perfect place for my funeral." Touya stated before looking back at Garaki over his shoulder with a murderous glare in his eyes, sending a strong shiver down the doctor's spine. 

"That one glimpse told me everything. He had kept his dying body tethered to this world through a pure blazing grudge." Garaki stated. "Heat is energy born of living things as they move and thrive. AFO who seeks to live forever had no use for that mad heat, rushing headlong toward death. The Demon Lord himself had to abandon that frenzied flame of death." 

Nana's POV (Back at Ground Zero)

I stared at Touya with wide eyes and a dropped jaw upon hearing the story from him. 

AFO saved Touya and recovered him to almost full health?! 

Touya was in a coma for three years?! 

Touya was a replacement in case Tenko couldn't become the next successor of AFO?! 

But they saw him as a failure because of his quirk and his body, so they wanted to use him in their Nomu program instead?! 

Thank God Touya ran away from there before anything bad happened to him...

'Cause for sure that the potato-headed bastard would've used him and turned him into a Nomu...

"Nana, Shoto, I did come home actually..." Touya spoke up again as his fire started to grow even more in comparison to size, strength, and temperature. "Even though I was weaker than ever and there was no way that what I was hoping for was there. I still just wanted to be seen… but then… but I was sure something must have changed… that’s all I wanted to see. Instead, I was shown once more… after three years away, I witnessed that old familiar scene. The reason I was born. The fact is, as a failed creation, my life had been pointless. this family had left me behind in their past."

Touya started to fly higher and higher into the sky and began to emit larger flames from his whole arms, burning his skin even more. 

"When you surpass your limits… it’s like everything you have built up is flipped around upside down. I focused on honing my flames so I won’t be so weak when next we met. This body of mine kept peeling away and falling to pieces but I never felt a thing. You want battle moves? I have seen them all, over and over." Touya went on and my eyes widened in concern, seeing him burning himself up even more. 

"Kids! Listen, I think-" Onima shouted out worriedly.  

"Yeah, he has been prepared to die from the start!" Shoto added with a frowned face through his gritted teeth, getting ready to counterattack. 

"Touya!! Please just stop already!!" I cried out in desperation, but all my words fell deaf in his ears. 

"Every time that thing saved the city, every time that thing got a boost in popularity, my heart kept pounding away!! Ever since the day that Touya died and Dabi was born!!" Touya continued, getting ready to launch an attack called 'Flashfire Heatfist' as he stomped over All Might's statue, melting it down in the process. "Once I have burned away all that that thing holds near and dear, that will be the mark I have left on this world!!" 

"Like I said, Baka Aniki, not on my watch!!" Shoto responded back, putting his hands together to create an attack. 

Ultimate move, Flash Firefist; it builds up internal heat to the maximum threshold before unleashing it as an attack. It’s the peak manifestation of fire achieved by a young Endeavor. When Endeavor mastered this move in his quest for power, he came to understand his own limitations and that fire produced a shimmering heat haze that warped and distorted all that he gazed upon.

"All right! That little chat has got me pumped for this! Thanks for listening to my tale!" Touya yelled out, getting all pumped up before looking over at me for a split second. "Now Babydoll, step aside! This battle here is between me and my little brother!" 

Touya doesn't wanna fight me...? 

Also, he’s faster than Shoto at raising his temperature! There is no hint of hesitation!

A huge ocean of blue flames surrounded us while Touya standing on top of a melting All Might statue was looking like a walking, talking inferno.

"Now that I’m thinking about it with a cool head, even if Dad ain’t here, you’ll make for some prime kindling all the same, little brother!" Touya stated as he continued to shoot more and more fire around us, trapping us inside a firey tsunami. 

"I’m the one who'll stop you!" Shoto yelled back, still controlling his fire and ice sides. 

"Hey, now, don't get the wrong idea! I’ve got some legit thoughts about you too, Shoto!" Touya countered back, ready to finally launch his attack. "It began when I worked on boosting weakened flames. Turning up the firepower was all I knew. 'Your potential surpasses my own'; that's what he had said. That encouraged me. The numbing of my body stripped away my limitations which was ideal, following his lead with max output." 

"Nana, get away from here!!" Shoto and Burning shouted out, pushing me behind them. 

"Flashfire Fist: Hell Spider!!" Touya unleashed his attack, sending a wide array of fire spirals all outside the tornado. "Are you a fan of All Might, Shoto?!" 

Touya's Hell Spider attack was similar to what Endeavor once used on the Nomu called Hood back at Kyushu, but his flames were rawer and more intense. Touya's firepower and the heat were so strong, just the sheer strength of his quirk overwhelmed me to no end, leaving me completely stunned and speechless. I always knew Touya had the potential to surpass his own father, but I had never imagined that he would grow this powerful and strong, and that amazed yet scared me all at the same time. 

"Incoming!!" Burnin and the others announced, getting ready to stop Touya's attack. 

"Hot! Hot! Is that Endeavor's move?!" heroes who were fighting that big spiky Nomu yelled out. 

"So much thicker though… and so haphazard!" someone else added. 

"Ready yet, Shoto?!" Burnin asked. 

"I am!" Shoto replied, ready to launch his attack. 

But just then with the help of my Ghoul quirk sensing ability, I sensed Touya's speed blitzing and slid behind Shoto with the help of his flames in a matter of seconds, almost melting the ground with his fire in the process, before the bi-color-haired boy could even do anything as a counterattack. 

So fast! The Hell Spider was a smokescreen!!

"Shoto, behind you!! Watch out!!" I shouted out as a warning but it was already too late. 

"One thing I just gotta ask, Shoto. What was the look on your face..." Touya yelled out before launching a firey punch on Shoto and hitting him right on the face, causing Shoto to fly way back from where he originally was. "While you were holed up at UA with all those scared little civilians?!" 

Touya then immediately dashed forward and continued his assault on Shoto by throwing a series of fiery punches and kicks at his little brother with no sign or intention of stopping or whatsoever. 

"Son of Endeavor, brother of Dabi… Calamity incarnate, concentrated down into a boy-sized package!! A worthless mix of fire and ice!! Awful brazen of ya, Shoto!! Have you no shame at all?!" Touya asked as blue flames started to come out of his mouth like a dragon while he continued to mock Shoto even more. 

"Shoto!!" Burnin yelled out in concern. "That’s more firepower than even Endeavor can boast! But if he keeps the heat dialed up like that…"

"Blessed with the ideal body and ushered into a place where you could shine bright, but still, you depend on everyone else!! The boy born with everything! But you sure don't capitalize on it!! Can't even man enough to own it!! No one's willing to say it to your face, so allow me!! You're a feckless, half-baked puppet!! You’ll never make a damn thing of yourself!!" Touya continued as he unleashed a beam-looking Jet Burn attack like a strong fiery punch that blasted Shoto up in the air and launched him directly into a building; an attack so strong that the whole building shook and slightly bend back after Shoto crashed into it. 

"Oh my god, Shoto!" I cried out in concern. 

At that moment, I was amazed and scared all at once. It was a very weird feeling, something that I couldn't explain to myself. Amazed because Touya had grown really strong and I was proud of his improvement. Scared because of the fight that was going on right now in front of my eyes and how Touya was beating up Shoto while burning himself up with his own flames even more. 

If Touya doesn't stop, he's gonna burn himself to death!!

"You're not wrong about me…" Shoto finally spoke up from the building he crashed into with scratches, small burn marks, and blood all over his body but didn't look like Touya's attack damaged him that much. "I took a long way around… A half-baked dummy. That’s me. And was full of doubts all the while…"

He neutralized Touya's heat?!

"Here I thought you were only focusing on Dad! But, no, you were nice enough to take a close look at me too. Glad to know it." Shoto stated and Touya frowned at him in fury and hatred. "I stumbled onto this… while working on that old move in the hope of keeping pace with the others. I turned Flashfire into something more. Now it’s a move made to stop you. I may be your half-baked little brother, but let me say this… Dad was a madman! Our family was screwed up! But when you burned all those people to death, that was your choice! You're not taking any more innocent lives!!" 

And with that Shoto jumped off that building and headed straight towards Touya to launch his new ultimate attack. 

"You damn golden boy!!" Touya snarled out vigorously, also dashing towards Shoto to fight back.

"Just aim all your rage at us!! Flashfire fist: Phosphor!!" Shoto added before unleashing his ultimate Super Move, Flashfire Fist: Phosphor on Touya. 

Phosphor allowed Shoto to channel both halves of his quirk throughout his body via his circulatory system, using his heart as a generator to circulate the chilled and hot blood around his entire body, merging the two halves of his Quirk into a single ability. The move granted Shoto an incredible defensive and offensive advantage against most opponents, especially those wielding pyrokinetic quirks. The flames created by the technique were described as being a 'Cold Fire' of sorts, allowing him to both burn and freeze his opponents. This move was first developed during a training session between members of Class 1-A in the UA courtyard before this war started. It was described by Shoto as his body coming together 'as one', as well as creating 'a body even Touya can't burn'. The move usually took a certain amount of concentration and focus to build up, so if he lost control, he had to build it back up again, and thus because of that, it took Shoto this much of a time to launch the attack on Touya. 

"Icebound crash: Coldflame's Pale Blade!!" Shoto launched another firey-icy attack on Touya as soon as Phosphor hit his older brother, sending the white-haired older Todoroki flying back. "Maybe this is the way to cool your head!!"

So he's got himself a body that can withstand Touya's scorching heat and he found the power to chill Touya's inferno…

"Aren't you the perfect man for this job, huh?!" Touya taunted him, recovering from the attack by using his own fire as he jumped backward and landed on the ground. "What a wonderful sense of morality you have, brother! You go on and on about right and wrong choices. But I knew it! We might share the same blood, but we ended up real different!! Once you stray from the right path, there’s no turning back! A warped rail can never mingle with a straight and narrow one! The limitations of a super-powered society! That's us! You hear me?! Running in parallel but forever apart!!"

Shoto ended up losing control of his Phosphor and needed to switch it back on. But just then, right an instant, Touya touched the ground beneath him and pushed his fire into it, unleashing gigantic volcanic eruptions all over the battlefield. The whole ground of the battlefield shook violently beneath us and was now breaking apart with enormous splashes of bluish magma and lava gushing out from it, shooting high up in the air and smoldering anything and everything it touched within its vicinity. 

"Now burn to ash! Die for our sake!!" Touya shouted out as he continued to burn himself up even more than before which was ultimately leading him to lose his already burned skin and flesh as both of his arms began to burn to the bones, skin melting off his face; his whole body was now engulfed with his own blue flames, making him almost look like a character called Johnny Blaze from the Ghost Rider movie. 

"Touya, please stop!!" I cried out in concern and desperation, immediately using my Gravity Manipulation quirk on us before lifting myself and the others (excluding Touya) high up into the air to avoid Touya's volcanic eruption that was coming out from the ground before looking over at Shoto with a pleading look, my anxiety level had already crossed its limiting point. "Shoto, please do something!! Stop him from killing himself!! Please!!"  

"Shoto… you couldn't be more right!" Burnin groaned out in pain as she and the others already took the brunt of the damage to protect me and Shoto. 

"I’m sorry, you guys!" Shoto cried out, getting ready to unleash another attack. 

"Quit it. Save your energy!" Burning chuckled out.  

"Thank you!" Shoto added and looked over at me once again, getting all ready with his new attack. "Nana! Put me back down on the ground! I'm ready!" 

"Promise me you'll stop him?!" I asked him with tears forming in my eyes, causing Shoto to soften his gaze on me. 

"I promise!!" he reassured me in a gentle yet firm tone. 

Right on cue, I immediately put Shoto back on the ground who using his quirk split blitzed, and went up in front of Touya before putting a hand on Touya's chest. He was so fast that Touya couldn't even realize what just happened to respond back immediately to the situation.  

"There is always turning back, even if it is by force..." Shoto stated and Touya's eyes went wide open upon hearing those words. "We're gonna mingle, whether you like it or not. So please, just stop already, at least for Nana's sake..." 

And with that Shoto unleashed his final ultimate move on Touya, Great Glacial Aegir: Arctic Tsunami, a gigantic wave of cold fire that shot directly through his older brother's chest, and the fire all over Kamino were later immediately frozen over by his ice as he grabbed ahold of an unconscious and alive Touya in his arms. The intensity of the fiery battle between the two Todoroki brothers overwhelmed me so much that my heart stopped beating for a few seconds and I was trying to register the situation in front of me right now. 

Shoto Todoroki had won the fight and stood as the final victor on the battlefield. 

It took me a moment to finally realize that Touya was really taken down and was also unconscious before I put down myself and the others back on the now icy ground. As soon as my feet touched the ground, I immediately dashed forward at lightning-fast speed toward the Todoroki brothers and pulled both of them into a warm bear hug. Proper words wouldn't come out of my mouth in joy and relief as I held the brothers dearly into my chest with tears continued to roll down my cheeks like a waterfall and I couldn't just stop sobbing. The fight was over and both of the Todoroki brothers were alive in my arms, breathing. I was happy, I was relieved. That was enough for me. 

"I-I kept my promise, Nana..." Shoto coughed out, moving a bit away from me, all beaten and bruised up as he kneeled down on the ground beside me, his lips curled up into a small smile. "I promised you that I'll bring Touya-Nii back into your arms..." 

I couldn't help but smile back at Shoto as I slightly nodded my head in response and wrapped both of my arms around Touya's unconscious body, pulling him even closer to my chest before burying my face into his spiky yet soft snow-white hair; his body was burning, sizzling hot and he smelled like smoke, dust, and burned flesh, but I didn't care any of that. I was so happy and relieved that I didn't care about anything anymore at this very moment. I was just simply happy by the fact that I could touch Touya again, I could feel him, sense him and inhale his scent like the old times once again. Finally, Touya was back in my arms and this time I won't let him go ever again. 

"Thank you, Shoto..." I sobbed out, tightening my grip around Touya even more. "Thank you..." 

After Shoto’s overwhelming victory followed by Touya’s defeat and arrest, I carefully handed over Touya’s unconscious body to Onima (one of Endeavor’s side-kicks) before making my way back to Shoto and Iida to see how the former was doing. Iida had Shoto by his side kneeling on the ground, just a few feet away from Touya and Onima, as the bi-color-haired boy huffed and puffed from exhaustion, bruises and burn marks were evident on his body.

“Your engines stalled, right? Sorry…” Shoto apologized to Iida in a soft yet gruff tone.

“You have nothing to apologize for!” Iida immediately assured the injured boy, draping an arm around his shoulders.

This interaction caused me to smile at them before I spoke up.

“Shoto…” I called out softly, causing the said boy to look up at me. “Thank you…”

Shoto’s bi-colored eyes widened in shock in response while I continue to speak up.

“Thank you for everything, Shoto… I know I asked a lot from you and I have been selfish-“ I blabbered out before Shoto immediately cut me off.

“It was nothing, Nana, really.” He stated with a smile that warmed my heart. “Compared to whatever you have done for me and my family up until now, this was nothing… also, Touya-Nii is my brother, there’s no way I can ignore him. This is something I have to do and I’m glad it’s over now…”

Hearing that, I smiled back at Shoto in response. Shoto did everything he could do to stop his older brother and I hoped his words really did reach Touya at some level. I really hoped Touya had calmed down now. And just when I was thinking about Touya and Shoto’s earlier interactions, I heard Onima suddenly speak up to himself and his mumbling voice reached my ears.

“How is he still alive in this state…?” Onima mumbled while holding an unconscious Touya captive.

At that moment, I noticed something strange about Touya. I looked closely from where I was standing with the boys and noticed a spark igniting in Touya’s stomach. And seeing this, my eyes widened a bit in confusion.

“Shoto… what’s that?” I asked, pointing at Touya, and in response, Shoto looked over at his older brother. “That spark in Touya’s stomach…”

Both Shoto and Iida also looked at the older Todoroki in confusion and for some reason, I didn’t know why, I started to feel anxious again.

“Shoto, this isn’t good. Something’s happening to Touya.” I stated in concern, furrowing my eyebrows as I sensed Touya’s breathing was getting heavier with the passage of every second. “Touya’s regaining his consciousness again…”

Onima and Kido also might have noticed the change in Touya and they were about to do something about it when suddenly, something horrific happened right in front of our eyes. Within mere seconds, large spirals of blue flames erupted out of Touya’s charred body and the said boy immediately attacked the two side-kicks with his flames. Touya was quick with his moves and attacks which threw Onima and Kido off guard in shock and his blue flames were so hot and so destructive that it was too much for the other two to handle. 

Shoto, Iida, and I watched the whole scene in shock and horror when Touya finally regained his consciousness, watching him burn off Onima and Kido with a devilish grin on his face. At that moment, Touya looked nothing like how he did before. He looked like a walking, talking mummy in an inferno now and his facial expression was so demonic that it literally scared me. Touya wasn't looking human anymore at that point. 

“Touya, what the fuck?! Stop this already!!” I screamed out in concern and frustration but unfortunately, the said boy didn’t pay any attention to my words. 

“Given how this worked out… it’s actually great that I fought you first…” Touya stated to Shoto with a grin before he started laughing while holding a burning Onima by the neck with his left hand. “Ha, ha! Experiencing something yourself just hits differently! Intuition helps when getting the idea of how it works… Right before you put me on ice, I took a chance and mimicked your big move!!”

“Run, Nana, Shoto!!” Burnin yelled at us.

“Am I doing it right, Shoto?!” Touya asked as we noticed a crossed blue flame in the middle of his chest. 

“Touya copied Shoto’s Phosphor move?!” I gasped in shock. 

I always knew Touya was smart and intellectual…

But I never thought that he was this smart…!!

“Onima-san, no!!!” Shoto screamed out in concern as Touya tossed a burned-up Onima away from him.

“It isn’t just sheer firepower, Shoto. This whole time, Touya has studied and trained his quirk on his own! Your brother’s honed instincts are bolstered by his hard work and obsession!” I pointed out, frowning at Touya who was now creating a huge sea of blue flames around us.

“You’re right…” Shoto agreed with me through gritted teeth, frowning as well.

Touya's inferno started to endlessly increase and consume the city once again and against all odds, he was still standing in front of us. It felt as if we weren’t standing on the hard ground anymore; it was as if we were standing on an ocean of raging blue flames. The flames literally consumed the ground beneath us, causing me to levitate myself and the others a few feet up from the ground with the help of my Gravity Manipulation quirk. Touya’s flames were so hot and ferocious that it was preventing us from even going near him. I then started using my Repulsive force as a defense around me and the boys to protect ourselves from the wild wrathful flames of Touya.

“Skeptic!!” Touya suddenly yelled out at the High-End Nomu which was going up against the other heroes in Kamino.

“Ahem, I’m busy! Don’t pester me, Mr. Daddy Issues!!” Skeptic’s voice yelled back at Touya from a micro-device that was on the back of the Nomu. “You want Endeavor? He is trading blows with AFO at the Gunga Villa ruins!!”

“Talk about firepower!!” Burnin gasped at Touya who was erupting even more of his blue flames from wherever he could.

“Touya, please stop this nonsense!” I yelled out again, frustrated, as tears started to roll down my cheeks and I was about to walk towards Touya.

“Nana, wait!” Shoto called, immediately grabbing my wrist to prevent me from moving any further.

“Even you were burned by that, Todoroki-kun! You must not engage him again!” Iida stated in concern, all of our eyes were locked on Touya who was now using the flames from his feet as jets to fly high up in the sky. “You have already hit your limit with your phosphor move!”

“We have all hit our limits and then some!” Shoto snapped, his frown deepening even more. “We gave it everything! And yet he is the only one still standing! He's trying to fly over to our father!”

“This goes way beyond powering through with that sheer will he has inherited! It does not make sense! I thought his body was not made for heat?! How the hell is he not falling to pieces?!” I added in confusion but also in concern.

“Get back here, Touya-Nii!! I’m still on my feet!!” Shoto yelled out at his older brother. “You wanna kill me right?! Looks like you are the half-baked one now!!”

But just then Skeptic’s voice spoke up again through that device on the Nomu.

“Ahem, Mr. Daddy Issues! I know I said no pestering, But I have fantastic news! Apparently, you’ll get to travel free of charge!” Skeptic informed.

And right on cue, all of a sudden out of nowhere, Kurogiri’s misty portal appeared before Touya and immediately sucked him in, teleporting him to the Gunga Villa Ruins. 

“Touya!” I gasped, calling out to him in desperation but he had already left without even looking back at me once.  

Touya seriously left… he left to fight Enji-san… And he didn’t even look back at me for once… Also, I didn't do anything to stop him... Did I seriously just stand there and watch Touya leave? 

And with that, Touya left for Gunga Villa Ruins and as soon as he left, the blue flames got extinguished from the scene on its own.

“Not yet! It's not over yet!” Shoto gritted out through his teeth in pain, frustrated as well while Iida tried to help him stand up from the ground.

“You’re still feeling the blowback from your phosphor move, Todoroki-kun!” Iida pointed out, extremely worried.

“I said I’m fine! They are saying AFO will reach Midoriya! But I’m still on my feet! I must do whatever I can…” Shoto stated.

“The thoughts of your brother must weigh heavily on you…” Iida added, softening his facial expression. “I can only imagine the feelings that drove you to stand against him like that. The suffering you have borne… You’re the kind of soul who made me to never forget who I want to become. Why is this your emotional burden to bear?”

I also started to worry about how to stop Touya. Not only we needed to stop Touya from burning himself alive, potentially killing himself as well, but also I needed to go and stop AFO and Tenko. I needed to face and go up against AFO and get my own revenge for my parent’s death. But here I was, wasting my time like this. At that point in time, I was getting frustrated at myself. 

This isn’t who I am!! This isn’t someone I want to become!! Why am I wasting my time like this, standing here and doing nothing?! I need to go to AFO as quickly as possible and fight him!! I need to confront Tenko as well!!

“Ah, ah… there!! I got through!! You three!! You're still with us, right?!” a familiar masculine voice spoke up from the comms in our ears and we immediately realized who it was – All Might.

“Toshi-chan?!” I gasped out in surprise upon hearing his voice through the comms.

“Every moment counts, so I’ll make this quick!” he started, addressing me, Shoto, and Iida. “You need to run over to Gunga right now! Dabi is on the verge of exploding and a stalled evacuation block is in the blast radius! Endeavor is keeping an eye on Dabi right now. But his quirk can't do a thing to stop the explosion!”

My eyes widened in shock when I heard those words. My heart dropped and it felt like my pulse died down for a moment. The whole world around me went completely silent, deadly silent which was literally suffocating me now.  

Touya’s gonna explode…?!?! Did Toshi-chan say Touya’s gonna explode like a nuclear bomb?!?!

“Nana-chan, you know how to fly fast, right?” All Might asked me, pulling me out of my trance. “And Todoroki, kid… The body and mind are two halves of the whole. You know that better than anyone, with the inner turmoil you have carried.”

“But All Might… AFO, he is…” Shoto was about to say something but All Might cut him off. 

“Fear not!” All Might replied in a gleeful tone and I could feel him smiling on the other side of the comms. “You have still got a mighty ally waiting in your wings! Battling on won’t bring you victory if you carry doubts. But I have got the utmost respect for youngsters full of doubt who nonetheless honor whatever it is that drives them. Put a stop to Touya-kun! Make everyone feel safe again, so you can be your best self. Now if anyone can do a darn thing about the impending crisis at Gunga, it would be a dynamic duo… with Ghoul, Gravity Manipulation, and half-cold-half-hot. You’re their only hope! You’ve got this!”

And with that, All Might cut off the line, saying his farewell, and the other side of the line went silent again.

“He wants you to fly fast like a jet plane?” Shoto asked in confusion, looking over at me with furrowed eyebrows. “I know you can fly fast, Nana, but the distance… Does he realize how far it is Gunga Ruins?”

“Tch! Doesn’t matter, Shoto.” I stated, clicking my tongue in frustration before grabbing Shoto by his wrist. “We need to stop Touya from killing himself as quickly as possible. And after that, I need to go and confront AFO and Tenko. I wasted enough of my time here already!” 

And wasting no time, I immediately flew up into the sky while holding onto Shoto before we zoomed through the air like a fighter jet plane, making our way towards the Gunga Villa Ruins to stop Touya from exploding while leaving Iida, Burnin, and the others all behind at the Kamino Ward. 

3rd Person’s POV (Back at the Gunga Villa Ruins)

Right at that moment, before Endeavor, Hawks, and the other heroes who were all now injured and battered, a young healthy AFO was standing there on the ground with a gleeful smile on his face, satisfied with the outcome of what went down with Skeptic and the heroes at the Central Hospital where Kurogiri was kept locked up.

“You kept Kurogiri in the dark, so to help him take immediate action, I planted a micro-device in one of Nana Shimura’s hands. Yes, Iguchi-kun played his part!” AFO stated calmly to the tired injured heroes in front of him, referring to Skeptic’s actions. “What’s more…”

AFO then trailed off when suddenly a number of Kurogiri’s misty portals appeared and opened up behind Endeavor and Hawks. Endeavor looked back and noticed Touya coming out from one of those portals.

“Heya, Dad!!” Touya greeted him with a grin and Endeavor’s eyes widened a bit in shock upon his son’s current burned skeletal appearance.

And just beside Touya, a number of Twice clones started to appear from the other portals, indicating that Toga had used Twice’s blood, which Touya gave her a few days ago. And seeing those Twice clones left Hawks in utter shock. 

“Oh, Hawwwwks!!” the Twice clones greeted the man as they were coming out of the portal and Hawks was left stunned at the sight.

“The death of that sad, sad man gave rise to rancor in a young woman’s heart. The man who would overrun the world to make good on his grudges gave that femme fatale just the tool she needed to bring ruin to all.” AFO stated, referring to Touya giving Twice’s blood to Toga. “Now you have got a front-row seat, Takami-kun. Time to learn how it might have turned out if you had not made his death your top priority back then.”

And hearing that, Hawks immediately yelled out an order to his fellow heroes at the battleground.

“Kill them!! Right now!!” Hawks yelled, referring to the Twice clones before them.

Through those portals, Uraraka and Asui also suddenly arrived at the scene as they both followed Toga there and then started to help Jiro and Tokoyami to fight back the Twice clones. Hawks was now facing off against AFO who was trying to escape from the scene to reunite with Tomura, bickering and taunting back and forth to each other, and meanwhile, on the other hand, Endeavor was getting himself ready to confront Touya.

“Those flames on his chest… Is that the phosphor move Shoto mentioned…?” Endeavor mumbled to himself before speaking up loud at Touya. “Touya… what would you do to Shoto?”

“I was hoping to bring you his head, but he was a tough cookie…” Touya replied, flying up in the air above his father while looking down at him with raging turquoise eyes. “Now my grand dream will never come true… but at the very least I will take as much as I can. Whatever you hold dear! Whatever you try to protect!”

“Endeavor-san!” Hawks yelled out while facing off AFO, stopping the Demon Lord from leaving the scene. “The divide-and-conquer plan is a bust! Our allies can't battle in this nasty heat! And if we fall here, the villains are gonna converge on Deku, Nana-chan, and Tomura!! Please, put a stop to Touya-kun!!”

Hearing that, Endeavor looked back at his son with determination who was now dashing toward him at full speed.

Duties… This time around… I’m really seeing you, Touya…

Another big fight then suddenly broke out between AFO and the remaining heroes as more and more help from the hero’s side (Inasa, Camie, the Pussy Cats, etc.) started to appear in the scene. Gigantomachia also later arrived there after a minute or two with Mt. Lady, Shinso, Kirishima, Mina, and Mineta following his trail from the Jaku Hospital Ruins to the Gunga Villa Ruins. While this was all happening, Endeavor was running away from the said battlefield with Touya following him from behind so that he could confront and talk to his son without any hindrance or anyone disturbing them.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the Counter-Force continued to report on the evacuation blocks' movement and AFO's location. Detective Tsukauchi asked if there was anyone left to stop him, but the officers said that almost all the remaining heroes from each of the battlefields were out of commission. Another officer freaked out when he recognized Touya's heat signature in Gunga, telling them that ever since his initial defeat, he had been internally compressing thermal energy and that in about ten minutes, his body would explode and cremate everything within 5 kilometers. Tsukauchi and former criminal La Brava realized that while most were back online, some of the evacuation blocks that stopped in between UA and Shiketsu were still underneath Gunga, meaning that they would be directly within the estimated blast zone. Meanwhile said civilians, including the rest of the Todoroki Family, proceeded to quickly evacuate to the surface as the shelter continued to crumble apart. Another officer reported that AFO was speeding up and was almost in range of Tomura to use his Warping Quirk, knowing that if they reunited, they were done for.

Meanwhile, in one of the prison lockups, prisoner Geten was speaking to his neighbor, prisoner Mr. Compress, about how the Himura blood ran thick within their blood vessels. He explained how in the past, the Himuras were village leaders that maintained their wealth and pride by creating branch families, however, the rise of Meta Abilities led to their downfall, as they didn't want to dilute their bloodline. Compress then remarked on what Spinner would say hearing about a "snobbish bloodline prejudiced against heteromorphs". Geten continued that this resulted in many marriages between the branch families and their distant relatives, however by insulating themselves it led to the Himura clan dwindling over time. Once the head of the family started selling off the children into marriages, it marked the end of the line, resulting in the remaining families scattering, with Geten revealing he was one of them until Re-Destro recruited him. He stated how Meta Abilities would grow more complex with each generation, with new powers lying dormant in the user's body, while people's hearts never managed to evolve, wondering what changes they would witness. Geten then concluded his speech with a smile asking Compress if he heard anything from the police force or heroes since there was nothing left to do but kill time until the final war was over.

Back to Endeavor’s situation, he was now facing Touya, far away from AFO and the others, and through the comms, he learned from the Counter-Force about Touya’s impending explosion.

“An explosion you say?!” Endeavor exclaimed in shock and concern after hearing this.

Touya was now literally like the burning sun, cremating away the trees and almost everything within and beyond his reach.

“It’s not just the evacuation block that’s in danger… but also Pixie Bob’s group which is fighting back against Toga's doubles!!” Endeavor said to himself, huffing and puffing, as he kept luring Touya away. “Dammit! Fighting AFO did a number on my legs! I’m not sure how much longer I can keep luring Touya away…”

“D… Da… D-Dad!!” Touya yelled out in a cracked tone, charging at his father again, engaging in a combat with Endeavor. “Watch me!! Watch meee!!!”

As the combusting Touya manically screamed out for his dad to watch him, Endeavor began to see the young Touya in his eyes before the current adult Touya unleashed a devastating Vanishing Fist, even bigger and more powerful than Endeavor’s, that completely enveloped the older man while decimating the ground he was standing on. Losing his right arm after unleashing that attack, Touya then grabbed ahold of him as Endeavor desperately tried to convince his son to put out his flames, and that he didn't want to watch him die, but Touya continued to repeat the same things over and over with his mind long gone.

“Come on, Touya!! Put out those flames!!” Endeavor yelled, holding onto Touya. “I don’t want to watch you die!!”

“Watch meee!!!” Touya screamed out again with an incoherent mind. “Natsu-kun! Let's play?!?!”

And hearing that, Endeavor’s eyes went wide open in shock.

His mind is gone long! This fire is hot enough to burn even me… So how is it possible that he can still hold himself together?! Touya, what is it about you?!

Endeavor then reached out to Touya’s chest when suddenly he realized something absolutely shocking and baffling.

That visceral sense of danger, when facing death, sometimes a near-death experience can trigger a quirk to awaken. On the other hand, people can also summon absurd power in a crisis when it's do-or-die. That's different from a quirk awakening. That power only manifests as the Reaper draws near…

As Endeavor thought about how when someone had a near-death experience, it might cause their quirk to awaken or summon an absurd power in a crisis, and unlike a quirk awakening, this latter power only manifested when they were truly at death's door, he then slowly realized that within Touya's Phosphor, he recognized Rei's ice quirk which was indicating that Touya had manifested the ice power within his flame quirk, meaning he always had that ice quick within himself all along, this entire time. 

While envisioning a hellish dance with his son in hell, Endeavor’s life began to flash before his own eyes and he started to wonder what he had done in his life. He envied All Might and produced these designer children to surpass the former No.1 hero, he did everything he could to have a child like Shoto when in reality Touya had always been that prodigy child he truly wanted and craved, someone who would inherit his fire quirk stronger than him while also would inherit his wife’s ice quirk at the same time. It was like a slap on Endeavor’s face when he realized what he had done to Touya and the rest of his family.

Endeavor then began to recall back the words he said to AFO earlier.

I’ll win today and keep my eyes on Touya!!

“I take full responsibility… I swore to bear that burden and live my life atoning for it all. However, you have been watching me all this time. While I couldn’t be there to watch you… You were someone I especially needed to do right by…” Endeavor said to himself before hugging a combusting Touya in his arms and starting to fly up in the sky.

It’s always the same dream…

My whole family is there but not me…

“No, I can’t let you meet your end alone!!” Endeavor yelled out. “But I won’t let anyone else get caught up in our tragedy!!”

Endeavor grabbed ahold of his son, and was preparing to use his son’s blue firepower to propel the both of them into the sky, to explode together but however before he could get too far, as Touya’s body continued to crack, Rei suddenly appeared before the two of them out of nowhere and started using her ice to stop them.

“Rei?!?!” Endeavor exclaimed in shock and confusion.

The reason why and how Rei even got there was when after the heroes managed to take out AFO's subordinates within the evacuation center, Kendo of Class 1-B called out to the civilians that the foundations of the system were sabotaged, ordering a retreat to the surface. They made their way out, with the U.A. robots being there to let the civilians evacuate to wherever they wanted to go. However, just outside, they all had to witness the immense heat and destruction caused by Touya's Blue flames, noticing the gigantic sphere of a fireball that literally looked like the sun was about to explode like a nuclear bomb anytime soon. Seeing this, Rei rushed away from her children toward a robot, telling it to take her to the center of the storm, to which the robot responded they exist to serve humans' desires. 

And now Rei was there and was using her ice quirk to attempt to shield herself from the heat, while also trying to cool Touya off, calling out to him.

“Touya!!!” Rei screamed out at her son.

“No!! Why are you here, Rei?!” Endeavor yelled back, burning away with Touya in his arms.

Are you trying to cool him down, Rei?! You must have coated yourself with a layer of ice to get even this close…

“Get away now!! Or you will burn to death!!” Endeavor added.

“You mean the way… You and Touya are about to die?!” Rei snapped back and that’s when Touya turned his attention to his mother.

“M-M-Mom…?!” he called out and that broke Rei’s heart.

“Oh, Touya…!! I’m so sorry!!!” Rei screamed out.

“Natsu-kun…!! Fuyumi-chan…!!” Touya added and Rei looked behind her, realizing that her other children had followed her, using their ice quirks to protect themselves from the heat. 

“No, don’t!!” Rei warned, shaking her head.

“I can’t!! I can’t take any more loss!!” Fuyumi cried out before looking over at her older brother. “Touya-Nii, please!! Don't take everyone down with you!! I can’t bear to lose anyone else!!”

Natsuo then started to think about the old times from their childhood and wondered if he just had listened to his older brother’s ranting and complaints about their father like how Nana did instead of turning away and ignoring him. Unlike him, Nana was always there for Touya and listened to his words and complaints. She selflessly shared her moments and time with Touya giving him the attention he needed which Natsuo couldn’t do despite him being his younger brother.

“Cut it out already, man!!” Natsuo screamed out with a frowning face. “Quit causing trouble, Baka Aniki!!!”

As the Todorokis continued shooting their ice toward Touya, Endeavor could only beg his son to not let anyone else die and he should be enough. In response, all Touya could let out was a couple of muffled laughs, while having a vision of him and his family being happy again. 

Meanwhile, at the Counter-Force center, they reported on how the rising temperature of Touya's inferno was slowing down, thanks to the intervention of the Todoroki Family. However, despite this, the temperature was not dropping, meaning the explosion was inevitable.

Back at the center of the impending blast, Rei, Fuyumi, and Natuso, now all burned and bruised up, continued to unleash their Frost quirks to try and cool Touya down. While he cackled to himself, Touya thought about how everyone was finally watching him, and looking at Endeavor, realized this was what it was like, thinking about if it was so simple, why it didn't happen sooner.

‘Everyone is watching me…’ Touya thought to himself while on the verge of exploding any time soon. ‘So this is what it's like…? If it was so simple a thing, then why…? Why not sooner…? It’s like everything is flipped around upside down. My origin as Touya and Dabi… if it was so simple a thing… if only we had butted heads like this sooner… there are still arguments I wanna have and things I still wanna say!!’

And just then something unexpected happened. When everything seemed lost, when it felt like there was no hope, two familiar individuals zoomed in and appeared on the scene like the heroes they were meant to be – they were none other than Nana Osaki and Shoto Todoroki. 

Nana’s POV (Now at the Gunga Villa Ruins)

Zooming into the vicinity of the Todoroki family where Touya was about to explode, Shoto and I just flew there, dashing at the speed of light with the help of my combined quirks (Ghoul and Gravity Manipulation), while Shoto began to prepare his attack which he would unleash on Touya to extinguish those raging blue flames.

“You ready, Shoto?!” I called out, tightening my grip on him.

“Ready when you are, Nana!!” Shoto yelled back.

And right on cue, just within mere seconds of anything bad happening, Shoto released all of his power and unleashed Great Glacial Aegir once again on Touya, completely consuming the inferno in his ice, as the fire began to dissipate and burn out. The collision of Touya’s fire and Shoto’s ice move had a huge impact on the area which caused me and Shoto to wait for a bit before I noticed Touya and Endeavor who got hit by that ice move were now falling towards the ground from the sky. I immediately let go of Shoto and quickly dashed forward, eventually catching the injured father-son duo in my arms in mid-air. I slowly landed on the ground and safely placed Endeavor by the side while still holding Touya in my arms, close to my chest.

I looked down at a crisped, partially frozen Touya and noticed how he was looking way worse than just a few minutes ago. He had lost his right arm, similar to his father, and his whole body was now charred with no skin left. There was even a crack across his face which was an indication of his previous impending explosion. Then my eyes traveled down to his scorched chest where I finally noticed ice coming out from it, leaving me in shock and confusion.  

Wait, what…?! Ice on Touya’s chest…? It doesn’t seem like Shoto’s ice… Don’t tell me this is Touya’s ice…? Touya had ice power?! Since when?!

I then looked over at the other Todorokis and noticed that almost everyone was burned and scarred, but their situation wasn’t as bad as Touya’s. Endeavor also lost his right arm and was all burned up too, but he was somehow still alive. Rei, Fuyumi, and Natsuo were also injured and burned but nothing major or serious. Shoto had a few burns and scars from his previous fight with Touya at Kamino but other than that, there wasn’t anything much on his body as I kept him protected from the other attacks with the help of my Repulsive Force.

I then looked back at Touya once again and my eyes started to tear up at the sight of his charred body while my heart ached for his well-being. At least he was still alive and breathing and that mattered to me the most at that moment.  

“T-Touya… you fucking idiot…” I let out a muffled cry, holding him close to me so gently as if he was this delicate precious being and would shatter into millions of pieces if I didn’t handle him well and carefully.

“Our whole family… is here…?” Shoto huffed and puffed, letting out heavy sighs in exhaustion as he stood a few feet away from us, just beside his mother and his other siblings. “Well, not great… But… Maybe it's for the best… Cause my Great Glacial Aegis alone might not have been enough to stop this… Ever since round one back there, Touya-Nii’s fire just kept growing… He reached uncharted territory where I can’t tread. Maybe I was never actually the masterpiece creation…”

My face softened at Shoto’s words. While Endeavor chased after All Might his whole life, engaging in a quirk marriage with Rei and creating designed children to surpass All Might, eventually having Shoto while thinking that he could be that masterpiece Endeavor always wanted and there was Shoto, who was standing in front of his whole family now, acknowledging the power and strength of Touya that he could never have or even reach to that level, the same Touya whom Endeavor thought as a failure years ago. What a pitiful situation it was really.

“You all… die already…” Touya suddenly spoke up as I kept on holding him in my arms, his voice sounded hoarse and cracked as if he was crying at that moment, and hearing the sound of his voice broke my heart once again for him. “Dad, you scum… Just die… You all and me too… Drop dead…”

“Please, don’t say such bad things, Touya… Please…” I sobbed alongside him, noticing how he was freezing from the inside out.

“N-Nana…” Touya mumbled in a shaky tone and in response, I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on his burned forehead.

“I’m here with you, Touya. Don’t worry.” I reassured him, sniffling a bit while tightening my grip on him in a secure way.

“Well? What now? All that awaits us is pure hell…” Natsuo spoke up with a frowning face from beside his mother and his sister.

“Touya!!” Endeavor suddenly spoke up from where I placed him on the ground and crawled up to us before placing his left hand on Touya’s frozen chest. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry I never made it to Sekoto Peak!!”

And that threw Touya completely off guard. He never expected an apology from his whole family nonetheless from his once abusive father. I noticed the shocked look on his face as Touya’s body quivered a bit in my hold. At first, I got a bit concerned for a second but then realized that Touya was trying to hold himself back from breaking down in front of his whole family.

“Hate you all…” Touya sobbed out again, his voice choked as he spoke, and seeing him like this made my eyes teary once again. “Hate you, Dad!! The whole family too!!”

“Go on… Really. Let me have it! Keep it coming!” Endeavor stated as he also started sobbing. “Rei, I’m sorry for pushing you to the breaking point. Fuyumi, I’m sorry for leaving you to pick up the pieces! Natsuo, I’m sorry for neglecting you like I did! And Shoto… I’m sorry!”

The whole situation was overwhelming for me. Despite not being a part of their family, I was still close to the Todorokis simply because of their connection with my parents. Touya, Shoto, Fuyumi, Natsuo, and Rei, all of them were dear to me and I cared about them as if they were my own family. Even Endeavor as well, though my relationship with him wasn’t as smooth after Touya’s disappearance 11 years ago.

But right now, the concerning matter for me was, had Touya finally calmed down after getting the apologies from his family which he truly deserved? Had Endeavor’s apologies and Shoto’s acknowledgment finally reached him? 

Read the entire fanfic on Quotev and Wattpad.

Links for other MHA fanfic snippets - Link 1, Link 2, Link 3

[transmogrified-in-the-void]

Chapter 1: Obey the Groove

Virtue, manager of new band Bardic Inspiration, takes everyone out to relax after days of trying to find a new guitarist. Hijinks ensue, and something begins that nobody could have predicted.

When it comes down to it, Virtue thinks that Absinthe is a romantic. A fool-hearty, ridiculous, stupid romantic, but a romantic nonetheless. She’ll rant and rave up and down the halls that no she’s not and I don’t even like romance, but Virtue knows better. 

Every gesture, every gift, every heart-felt word is a sign and a treasure. The idea of a fantastical journey, even one grounded in the real world, is overly appealing to Absinthe’s soft heart, even if that journey belongs to someone else. To put it simply, every moment of Absinthe’s life is tinged gold and pink with meaning, adventure, and desire. How is that not a romantic’s view of the world?

Tonight, however, takes that to a completely new level. Whereas normally Absinthe will find cosmic meaning in what song she hears first, and that’s the extent to their fantasy, the person playing guitar in front of her has taken the toned down rose tinted glasses and shot it full of trenbolone.

It was supposed to be a relaxing night, too, which is why Virtue is so fucking annoyed at the singer. Bardic Inspiration finally got a big break, opening for a tour in a few weeks. So of course Michael decided now would be the best time to go further his game developer career, leaving the band short of a guitarist. Today was the last day of try-outs, and after a night of going out and taking it easy they would decide who would be the newest member of their little entourage.

At least, that was the plan.

Alas, the glue of the group, the poetic Absinthe Malone, chose a bar with local musicians. Secretly, Virtue was hoping that this wasn’t because Absinthe didn’t feel like anyone who tried out over the last few days was “it”. Hoping is useless when you know better. 

“Virtue, I think it’s him.” Absinthe whispers in Virtue’s ear. “I’d need to sing with him, y’know, but I’m almost positive it’s him.”

Virtue groans and rubs their hand over their face. “We just spent four days doing tryouts for 54 different people. How do you know none of them will work out?”

“You know why.” She prods them with her elbow, and Virtue almost hates that they know exactly what she means. “Besides, if this works out, and the band likes him, makes your job easier, right?”

“I don’t think you know what my job is, Sin.”

Too late, she’s already gone up to him as he finishes his song. He’s talented, Virtue will easily give him that. Almost as good as Michael was, at least on the guitar. He has Michael beat on vocal talent, no matter how easy it is to do that. 

Objectively, he’d be a good fit musically. The covers he’s been playing are in line with even Gemini’s stranger tastes, he’s clearly competent enough to learn Michael’s parts, and he can actually hold a tune.

But the biggest problem is the one that Virtue’s been having with almost everyone who tried out. One of the three band members doesn’t like them with a passion. With Gemini it’s more understandable, she’s aggressive and touchy towards almost everything in life. She’s loud and brash and gets on peoples nerves if they’re not prepared. 

In fact, that last fact was so common that a large portion of people who tried out would almost get into fights with the drummer. Granted, some of them were her fault, but nobody in the band wanted someone who Gemini could rile up so often. That fact made Virtue incredibly angry some days.

If they managed to get past Gemini, Airael was the next large obstacle. Virtue doesn’t even know why he dislikes the people he dislikes, but the fact is always loudly announced. If any person simpered or whined when told that they were an “inherently unlikeable musician” (ooh boy Virtue wanted to strangle Airael for that one), the bassist would point blank refuse to have them considered.

And most unfortunately for Virtue, it was Absinthe who took the cake in terms of most tryouts disliked. If they played fine, then Absinthe would sing with them, and then make a disgusted face and sit back down. If they didn’t play fine, she’d tell them to leave while glowering at the paper in front of her.

So overall, Virtue wishes that Bardic Inspiration was filled with anyone else right now, and wishes that everyone stop looking for the magical perfect guitarist to show up and just get on with it. Hopefully (against Virtue’s best interests), this random guy playing the guitar on a Thursday night will finally put this saga to rest.

“What’s Sin doing?”

Virtue jumps as Airael appears next to them. Considering how tall he is, it should be impossible, and yet he always finds a way to sneak around.

They sigh. “She thinks that this guy is the one.”

Airael hums in thought, and looks him up and down. “Well, he sounds good, and doesn’t look like a douchebag, so I wouldn’t mind.”

“Do you think Gems could get to him?”

Another pause as Airael looks at Guitar Guy again. “If she does, I don’t think it’d be too awful. Too early to tell, though, you know that.”

The pair watch as Absinthe moves the microphone and gets ready next to Guitar Guy. She’s almost vibrating with excitement, but Guitar Guy is chewing on his lip and shifting his feet. Whether out of nervousness or anticipation, Virtue can’t tell.

“Ooo! Is Sin gonna sing a song tonight?!” Gemini makes her way to the duo and stands in between them with a large grin. “Is he gonna be the one?”

“We don’t know, Gems.” Virtue almost sighs, the exasperation almost drowning them. Why is it that everyone they work with is so exhausting? “If, against all odds, Absinthe likes him, and Airael likes him, and you don’t kill him, then I’ll talk to him. But who knows if that’s ever going to happen.”

Gemini’s grin only grows sharper. “Cross my heart hope to die, I won’t cause any major problems.”

“That doesn’t help with anything.”

“C’mon, Virtue. She’s so cute she’d never hurt a fly.” Airael bends over towards Gemini and gives her a peck. “Look at her.”

Virtue groans. “Flies are not who I’m worried about and you know it.”

“Look at her!”

“Ahem.” The group turns to look at Absinthe standing at the front of the small stage with a big smile. Even a year later, Virtue can’t believe how perfect she looks with a microphone in her hand. “I thought you all should get a little bit extra on this beautiful night! So a little change in vocals for this song!”

She looks back at Guitar Guy and mouths a countdown. He starts to play the beginning of Absinthe’s little brother’s favorite song, and Virtue decides to watch him play instead of watching the crowd like they normally do. 

Absinthe starts to sing, and the familiar wave of unending care, love, and excitement rolls through Virtue. The dirty secret of Bardic Inspiration’s success, their singer’s ability to push their emotions out into the world using music, literally. A secret held only by her three bandmates, and one ex-bandmate. 

Virtue watches as Guitar Guy relaxes, and then tenses his shoulders. He takes a deep breath while playing, closes his eyes for a moment, and his body relaxes again. When he opens his eyes, they follow the crowd, and slowly find Virtue’s gaze. To his credit, he doesn’t flinch. He’s probably played here a few times, if a stranger’s stare isn’t startling.

Their shared gazes hold for a few seconds more, and he goes back to scanning the people who are likely looking at the stage with a new reverence. Virtue can understand their reaction. It’s similar to their first time hearing Absinthe sing. The pure force and genuinity of the emotions sent out feels like touching divinity in so many ways. 

The more that Virtue studies Guitar Guy, the more they see how subtle his reaction to the Power is. His face didn’t change, other than the initial tensing it’s not apparent what happened, but he’s truly relaxed now. The tensing in his legs is gone, he isn’t sitting perfectly straight in the chair anymore, and he’s actually looking at the crowd.

The singing stops, and there’s a taunt silence as everyone realizes that the music isn’t playing. They clap, Absinthe does a dramatic bow, returns the microphone to its stand in front of Guitar Guy, and she skips over to everyone. 

“I think he’s the one, guys.” She grins. Airael holds out the drink she’d been sipping at earlier, and she shakes her head. “I’m already on cloud nine. That was better than any time I sang with Michael.”

Virtue starts to corral them over to a table to talk as Absinthe gushes over the feeling of being on stage with Guitar Guy. She can barely sit still, and Virtue orders some food for the table.

Airael puts a hand on Absinthe’s shoulder, and she stills. “Sin, we need to talk to him first.”

She turns bright red and leans over so her candy green hair hides her eyes. “Sorry, sorry, yeah, of course. We do this together. I know that.”

Gemini cackles and ruffles Absinthe’s hair so it starts to stand up. “We know, Sin, you’re just excited.”

Absinthe whines into her hands and puts her head on the table. “Leave me alone to die of embarrassment.”

Virtue hums as the food arrives. “So I shouldn’t bring up you essentially bullied a random stranger into letting you sing one song for their set.”

There’s a muffled scream, and Virtue knows that she’d be banging her head into the table if they weren’t in public. Everyone laughs, and Airael pats her back sympathetically.

“Can someone kill me please?” Absinthe begs, and everyone laughs again. Virtue turns to watch the rest of Guitar Guy’s set absentmindedly.

“Also, what’s his name? You never told us.” They ask, and get another muffled scream in response.

Next chapter

[2-lines-and-a-circle]

Midnight snack

Notes: All platonic relationship, features Heartslabyul students and Pomefiore students, I also felt lazy, so I just stuck them under the same post this time

Heartslabyul ver.

Racing down the hallway with no time to lose, you reached the kitchen excited to join Ace and Deuce on their secret ramen sessions. Feeling the air of freedom, you poured the hot water onto the bowls of ramen as the three of you waited for everything to be done. Beside the bowls of ramen were some prepared ingredients such as ham, boiled eggs, and green onion. The three of you also chatted away in excitement as if forgetting the lingering frame by the door.

???: I think I’ve just found something interesting to post tonight~ You: Cater! Why did you arrive so late tonight? Here we got you your stuff read- why is Trey here? Trey: I was curious as to why our first years were mumbling about at dinner. I thought I would see the scene at hand for myself. You: I see, I would be curious as well if I were you. So, would you like spicy or seafood?

After getting Trey and Cater’s all set up you noticed how eerily quiet the other two had been. Finally looking over at them you saw Riddle who had been busy lecturing them about the health risks of midnight snacking. Taking note of Riddle, you proceed to make him a bowl of ramen as well. Once everything had been settled, everyone sat down to enjoy their midnight meal.

Holding out your phone you took a photo to commemorate such a special occasion. Cater took notice and proceeded to take a few more with you, each photo showing off a new side to everyone. Riddle, who wasn’t much of a fan of junk food, didn’t seem to mind the taste of instant ramen. This caused a sigh of relief for you and Trey who had been worrying nonstop about this fact.

Cleanup went rather smoothly as there had been so many hands forced to help. However, the cleaning of one’s teeth was a tiresome act as Trey personally took care of the first year’s teeth. You always disliked this part of Trey seeing as he was especially aware of personal hygiene.

Once everyone headed off to bed you followed Riddle to thank him for the night. Saying, it was only possible thanks to him being so chill. Much to his surprise he said it was no problem with a slight blush to his face. Turns out it was all because Riddle heard about how fun it would be to partake in such an event. Hearing this prompted you to start planning more shenanigans for Riddle to partake in like a sleep over between everyone.

Pomefiore ver.

Tonight, you were feeling like watching a romance movie which called for something sweet. You always liked to munch on something sweet for romance because of all the sweet moments you saw. For this special night you wanted chocolate cupcakes or just chocolate in general. Earlier in the day you had gone to buy some chocolate in all of your favorite flavors.

Making sure to not make a peep you walked down the corridor and into the kitchen. Opening the door, you took a peek to check there was no one inside, but there had been someone. There stood Epel who had been nibbling away your chocolate. You stood in shock as you didn’t know what to do, however Epel jumped in shock from the sight of you.

You: Epel, what have you done? Epel: What’s wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost? You: We’re going to be dead potatoes tomorrow, hurry and chew everything.

Taking the rest from Epel’s hand you explained to him that what he had been eating was yours and the horrors of Vil filled your head. Alas it was too late as Vil’s assistant appeared into the room.

Rook: Oh, what have we here? You & Epel: Rook!   Rook: The two of you having a secret rendezvous so late at night, how intriguing. You: The chocolate was mine and I was going down to bring it back to my room to eat it for a secret film session on my own. Please don’t punish me. Punish Epel! Epel: Look here, why the hell are you dragging me under the bus! You bought it! You: Yes, but I didn’t commit the crime of eating it. ???: Enough.

A chill ran through your body as the one and only Vil made his entrance. Your fated chocolate session soon became a punishment. Vil made the clear choice to ban such unhealthy sweets and sent you and Epel to bed. As for Rook he was told to make sure the two first years stopped fighting on their way to their rooms. It was almost as if the two had predicted the nightly event.

[dreaming-for-an-escape]

Nothing says I like you like a bowl of Chipotle

Summary: The infamous Chipotle incident with Thomas and Adrian. Or rather what made Adrian ghost Thomas after he revealed his feelings for her.

December 18th, 2022

The Bloc in downtown Los Angeles was packed more so than usual. Christmas was right around the corner and the stores were filled with people who were doing some last minute shopping.

Among these late shoppers was twenty-three year old Adrian Nova Reyes, the bright young woman Thomas Stallard had fallen hard for. His feelings for her changed from platonic to romantic during their Sophomore year at UCLA. About a year after meeting her in the Introduction to Human Communication class they shared their Freshman year. They paired up for an assignment together and had been close ever since.

Thomas didn’t plan on falling for one of his closest friends, it just sort of happened. One second he was enjoying their study sessions and late night coffee and the next he was desiring to take Adrian on a real date. He wanted to take her out to dinner wherever she liked, followed by a walk on the beach with them holding hands if she chose to. She loved the beach, and he was aware that she wished she had more free time to go there.

Alas after four years of pining, with the two of them now attending UCLA School of Law, there’d been no date. What Thomas felt for Adrian though only became stronger over time. It wasn’t just some crush because he’d never felt this way for anyone else in his life, not even when it came to past his girlfriends. His feelings for Adrian were different.

It was too bad for Thomas that Adrian was oblivious. When it came to her schooling she was a genius but when it came to romance she was practically blind to it unless it was shoved in her face.

“That kid seriously needs to tie his shoes.” Adrian said, breaking Thomas’ thoughts and catching his attention. He’d been thinking about what he planned for tonight before his gaze went over to the other side of the escalator.

There was a boy who looked to be around ten years old or so going up the escalator. The lady, who Adrian assumed was his mother, was too busy talking on her phone to notice the way he was racing up the steps. And people wondered why so many accidents happened on escalators.  

“What? Are you going all Mallrats on me?” Thomas joked with a grin.

Adrian laughed before deepening her voice to sound more masculine in order to quote the movie. “Fear and respect that escalator.”

Thomas chuckled, feeling the tips of his ears burning. He was so smitten with her, even when she was quoting comedy movies from the nineties. “So where do you want to go next?” he asked Adrian.

The two of them just left Macy's after she bought gifts for her aunts, who were the last on her Christmas lists that she needed to cross off.  

“Are you sure there’s not any stores you want to go to?” Adrian returned the question, voice back to normal.

Thomas shook his head. He already finished his family Christmas shopping several weeks ago, and he bought Adrian’s gift back in November. Her gift was being kept safe back in his apartment. Aside from wanting to keep her company, there was an important reason why he met up with her to go shopping.

Their close friend Hannah was going to tag along until he told her what he planned to do. So like the crafty person that Hannah was, she made up some last minute excuse as to why she couldn’t join. It was crucial it’d only be the two of them since tonight Thomas was finally going to tell Adrian the truth about how he felt about her.

The Bloc was a perfect place to do so. Every year the shopping center would set up a giant Christmas tree with lights that changed colors and a tunnel where people can walk through.

If Adrian ended up saying she liked him back it not only would make him happy, but it would also be a good story to tell the others later on. A romantic confession under a Christmas tree? That was basically a Hallmark movie moment.

“I’m actually getting hungry.” Adrian briefly touched her stomach, over the burgundy sweater she was wearing. Her stomach had been growling while she’d been wandering around Macy’s and she’d been getting hungry for some Chipotle.

Although Thomas was hungry too, he wanted to visit the extravagant bright Christmas tree in the middle of the shopping center with Adrian. Except really wanted Adrian food, so he went with her to the closest Chipotle.

He thought maybe they’d go in and out very quickly but the line was so long inside Chipotle that there was music being played to occupy the customers. There was a change after two songs by Taylor Swift, and Hey Ya! by Outkast started blasting for all ears to hear.

"We get together, oh, we get together, but separate's always better when there's feelings involved... know what they say, nothing lasts forever!”

Adrian gently swung the Macy’s bag she was holding by her side. “This song is actually really depressing.” She breezily commented with a spark in her dark brown eyes when looking at him. “It has an upbeat melody but if you pay attention to the lyrics they’re actually pretty dark. The song’s catchy though, and that’s why people ignore the real meaning behind it.”

“And what is the real meaning?” Thomas asked, wanting to hear the explanation from her.

Adrian sighed, moving forward when the person in front of them started ordering. Considering she wrote a paper about the song back in her Senior year of high school, she knew the real meaning of it. “The song is about relationships and how people stay in them even though there’s no more love because they don’t want to be alone.”

Thomas felt his stomach drop a bit, though not enough to stop him from admitting his feelings for her. He was no stranger when it came to the harsh realities of love and relationships. After all, he was a child of divorce.

His parents were only married for three years and by the time he turned one years old they had separated. Growing up in two homes, living with parents who despised each other, should’ve made him cynical when it came to romance but it surprisingly didn’t.

Thomas’ own past relationships had been good, with all of them ending amicably. And ever the hopeless romantic, the twenty-three year old held onto optimism that he’d find true love in life.

“Do you think all relationships end up that way?” He then questioned, curious to hear what she would say.

Adrian was inexperienced when it came to romance based on what she told him. She’d gone on only a few dates and those never led to anything serious. He wanted to find out if she was a cynic or a realist because after all this time he still wasn’t sure. Adrian on occasion could be an enigma wrapped in a taco wrapped in a burrito.  

Hannah claimed to have a better read on Adrian given that she was her best friend, once calling her a hopeful cynic. They’d been at Dragon Boba when Hannah said that and as a result she got a couple of exaggerated laughs from Adrian before she ate the last of Hannah’s mochi donuts.  

“A lot of them, sure, but not all.” Adrian answered his question earnestly. She thought back to her grandmother and grandfather and her own parents, and smiled softly. “I think some relationships are just meant to be.”

The beating of Thomas’ heart found a good rhythm. Her words repeated in his head even as they moved on up in the line. He was so enamoured by Adrian he failed to see the group of college girls who were leaving with their food after checking him out.  

He only had eyes for Adrian who was politely saying what she wanted on her veggie bowl to the person behind the counter. Really, she could talk about anything and she’d have his attention.

When it was his turn to order, Thomas looked away long enough to say what he wanted for his burrito bowl before returning his attention back to the woman he was holding a torch for.

Adrian’s previous words were repeating louder in her head, blocking out the music that was playing. In the next ten seconds whatever grand romantic gesture he had for Adrian under the colorful Christmas tree was ruined.  

Adrian made a thinking face as she walked up to the cash register with Thomas by her side. “So should I get guac—”

“I like you.”

Adrian came to a halt, her dark brown eyes widening comically. Her question about getting guacamole on the side was forgotten.

Thomas saw her reaction but he couldn’t stop talking. The truth at last was out and it was too late to take it back. “I like you Adrian. I really like you….more than a friend should.”

Adrian felt like a computer that was short-circuiting. Oceanic blue eyed, tall, blond, super smart, and overall nice guy, Thomas liked her? She imagined a bunch of question marks over her head.  

"Wh-what, uh, I…um…" Adrian blinked several times, mouth dropping open. It wasn’t the only thing that dropped. The veggie bowl she’d been handed right when he revealed his feelings for her was now on the floor, leaving her shocked and crestfallen.

Her face felt hot and her stomach felt as if a bunch of bees were buzzing around in there. She suddenly wanted to duck her head into a bucket of ice water. Rather than standing there like a statue with a look of disbelief, Adrian began to frantically apologize to the Chipotle employees about dropping her veggie bowl.

The Macy’s shopping bag moved around with her rapid movements from cleaning up her mess, making it look more awkward than it already was.  

Thomas tried helping but Adrian stepped aside with her mess to throw it away in the trash can. She apologized once more to the employees before rushing to the door. When she got to the door she turned back to stare at Thomas.

The way his oceanic blue eyes were softly staring at her made her feel indescribable. Adrian didn’t know if the feeling was good or bad but nevertheless she didn’t stick around to figure it out in front of Thomas. She left without looking back again, running to her car.

Thomas' order was called out as he watched Adrian leave with a glum expression. He could feel the eyes of everyone in Chipotle who saw him confess to the girl he liked and her reaction before running away. He tried making his face free from sadness but it didn’t seem to be working based on the pity looks he was receiving.

“Don’t even worry about it, man.” The teenage male worker at the cashier said, refusing his cash. “It’s on me.”

Thomas lowered his hand, his surprised face mixed with the lingering dejectedness from Adrian’s departure. “Really?”

“Yeah.” The teenager then laughed. “Cause that was just brutal.”

Thomas frowned, taking his burrito bowl. He left Chipotle to walk where he parked, feeling more heart wounded than embarrassed. His heartache would get worse once finding out about the car accident Adrian was in a few days later after spending Christmas with her family.  

[writersblockedx]

A Certain Rivalry

Pairing - Tommy Shelby x Reader Summary - In attempt to get a rival gang to do what he wants them to, Tommy uses one of their daughters as leverage. Over the course of her captivity, he comes to realise she is not what he first believed. Warnings - Mentions of violence Words - 2.7K

Inspired by ‘A Certain Romance’ by the Arctic Monkeys

MASTERLIST

Y/n wasn't sure where she was. Only that it was cold and slightly damp beneath her. As she shifted out of her unconscious state, she was bombarded with the memorises that came before.

The girl had been walking back home alone. That was the first red flag for danger. Though, for her, it was apart of her daily schedule - thanks to her father's protection. But of course there were always people attempting to break through that certain layer of protection. The Peaky Blinders had always been the most eager. So with a loose plan put in place, Tommy ordered his two brothers, John and Arthur, after the young girl.

Being told it was a women they were after, they assumed it a quick job, John had even argued as to why two of them needed to go. Alas, Tommy dismissed John's argument and sent the two on their way. The two brothers approached nicely - well, nicely for a Peaky Blinder. And their manners were only met with the return of a gun.

Safe to say they had been caught off by surprise. But two men who held much more than just a gun vs a daughter of whose father was nowhere to be seen. You'd be stupid not to put your bets on the men.

And so the last thing Y/n remembered was blacking out after John knocked her head with the back of his gun. Now she sat in the dark of a prison cell.

Fucking Peaky Blinders.

Y/n knew the basics. Everything that anyone who strolled the streets of Birmingham dared to know - plus a few other things she had learnt from overhearing her father's conversations. So when Tommy Shelby was the one to open the cell door, she had an idea as to what was expected to follow.

"Miss Y/l/n," Tommy dragged out his words after taking the cigarette out from his lips and starring at the women in front of him. His two dogs, the same boys Y/n noted which had been her captors, standing guard behind him.

After spending the night in a cell (and a pathetic excuse for a bed), she couldn't say she was looking her best. Her hair stuck out in all different directions, her French-imported lipstick smudged at her chin and her clothes no longer fit in the way they were supposed to. "Is this the part where you read me my rights?" The girl quirked.

"Does he look like a fuckin' copper?" One of the men, the older, rougher-looking one had snapped before Y/n had barely finished her breath.

Tommy didn't fully glance back at the man, only needing to drop his head to the side for him to know his next words were directed at him. "Arthur." It was a warning. A gentle warning that only meant he had been wrong to snap like that.

"Don't worry," Y/n started, bringing Tommy's gaze back to her. "I know exactly what he is." Tommy didn't say anything. His eyes narrowed as he glared at the girl, trying to work her out as he had done to many of his opposers in the past. But when he looked at her, all that stared back was the glimmer of a smug smile.

"Take her to the house." Tommy ordered without the break of eye contact.

"What?" Both brothers had interjected, simultaneously.

The same same half-glance was given. No other words were spoken before Arthur was grabbing at Y/n's upper arm and dragging her out the cell. "Come on, sweetheart." He had encouraged before the two passed by Tommy.

The man had lingered in the cell for a moment before he followed the others out to the house. No one other than Tommy had any idea why he would want the daughter of a rather powerful enemy wondering around their home. Not even Y/n could answer as to why she had been moved from the grimy cell to the comfort of a house. Either way, she supposed she was thankful.

"With me." Tommy had instructed as he nodded to another room where Y/n wouldn't be getting glared at by anyone who wasn't Tommy.

She said nothing in return and followed the man as he shut the door behind him. The girl was hesitant in what she could and couldn't do. While she was one who didn't mind pushing limits, she also liked the way her head was still attached to her body. Still, she gambled them limits by throwing herself into a chair, slouching for comfort as she watched Tommy lean against a beam only a couple of meters from her.

"Are you going to kill me?" She asked first as Tommy stuck a cigarette between his lips.

He didn't answer straight away. He give himself time to one, light his cigarette and then take a long initial drag. "Not unless your father doesn't do the right thing."

"You mean, unless he does whatever it is you want him to." She corrected. Y/n didn't know much between right and wrong, only that there was a man facing her who was known for his lack of legality

"Something like that." It was now Y/n's turn to narrow her eyes and try to work out the man who was placed in front of her.

She leaned forward from her slouched position, "You know, if you do kill me, your death won't come long after my own." She said, watching carefully for any movement which may convey emotion. Something of which Tommy was lacking.

Y/n found no emotion. No matter how hard she looked. "I don't intend to kill you."

"Then what do you intend to do you?"

"Leverage is a powerful thing, Miss Y/l/n."

The girl smiled at a thought that passed. One of which she went on to say aloud, "Didn't realise the Peaky Blinders were ones for empty threats." Then she caught it, a hint of something, a shift in Tommy's demeanour.

"Don't push it." He warned.

And there it was: limit. "Would it be pushing it to ask for a cigarette?" The girl watched with wide, innocent eyes as Tommy wondered over to where she was seated. He slipped her one of the sticks from his metal box that she pushed between her lips. He then followed by lighting another match as she leaned forward, keeping rather deep eye contact with the boy until she felt the smoke enter her lungs. Then she leaned back and the eye contact dropped.

Tommy stuck the box of cigs back into his pocket before glancing down at the girl, "You'll be on watch 24/7." He informed before leaving the room, not giving her any chance to object. "John, Arthur, watch her until I get back." The two brothers had almost acted offended in that their skills had been pushed aside to work as guard dogs.

And as John, so Y/n believed him to be named from what she had gathered in the past hour, titled his head back in a groan, the two caught another's gaze. Y/n only smiled. It was a sick smile in that she was glad that somehow, her simple presence had made their lives harder. "And where are you going?" Arthur questioned as Tommy passed him.

The boy slowed to a stop, as he nodded over to the girl that was still slouched smugly in one of his chairs. "To meet her father." He pointed at Y/n with his fingers which gripped a cigarette between them. With that out in the open, he finally did as intended and slipped out of the house, leaving Y/n in the care of his brothers.

For the most part, the house was settled in a silence. A few comments to and from the two brothers. Nothing of importance. They wouldn't dare say much while an enemy sat in arms length. Whether Tommy was threating her life or not. And so Y/n grew bored. As she was brought up in a rather well-off household, up until recently unaware that was due to her father's deals and such, she was given various sources of entertainment. It was rare she went so long without something in front of her. So it really didn't take many blank walls to get on her nerves.

"You know for men I've heard horror stories about, you're really not living up to expectation." The girl spoke after a long pause of silence that she deemed had needed breaking.

John huffed in the seat he had taken a few chairs down from her own. "We try to be more respectful in front of women." Something of which Y/n had gotten for years since discovering her fathers secret deals and trades.

She hummed in response to John's words before moving on, "What is it that Tommy wants with my dad?"

The two brothers shared a glance, a rather uncertain glance. Another long pause then followed. Though, not too long that suggested there was no answer to follow. No, it was more of a pause for the two to think over their words and their own limits of what they could let slip. "Your father didn't hold up his side of a deal." Arthur finally informed from the wall he had been leaning against.

Y/n smiled to herself; certainly hadn't been the first time for that to happen. "And so Tommy thought that with my capture, he'd be willing to do anything." She went on. "You should know, you're not the first people to threat me to get to my father's business."

"Are you trying to tell us we don't know what we're doing?" John had been quick to snap with just the slither of doubt that was voiced through Y/n's tone.

"I'm just saying, don't be surprised when he still doesn't do what you want him to." She told him. "What is it exactly that you need him to do anyway?" Again, Y/n knew she was pushing her limits. But she went with it anyway.

Maybe had Tommy not walked back in at that very moment, she would have gotten her answer. "That's none of your concern, Miss Y/l/n." He cut in as he swayed into the room.

Suddenly, both John and Arthur straighten their backs and puffed out their chests. "So?" Arthur urged at his brother.

Tommy only gave them a glance, his gaze landing on the women, who had also seemed to jump to attention, seated below him. "Your father agreed to completely his side of the deal. All being well, you will be returned to him later this evening" The boy explained before retreating into his office.

Y/n looked back to the other two brothers. When neither of them followed Tommy, she did. She slipped into his office and watched as a groan slipped from his lips. She really didn't give up as Tommy was beginning to learn. "You're a very curious man, Mr Shelby." The girl spoke as she wondered around the office, her eyes dotting over the décor (or lack there of) which painted the room.

"A very busy man." He added in hopes for Y/n to gather the hint.

While she had certainly gotten the hint, she didn't act on it. "Why bring me here?" Another huff fell from Tommy. For a moment, he almost thought he had been the one kidnapped and now the one being questioned. "You could have left me in that police cell instead of bringing me here. Why?"

Tommy paused, slowly dragging his gaze up from the reading he had been wanting to get through. All to plant his pupils on the girl in front of him. While the boy believed her to be one of the last people he could connect with, Tommy was reminded of how half the people in Birmingham feared him and the other half despised him (even the women). Yet here stood in front of Thomas a girl of which, while he was sure had heard the stories attached to the Shelby name, showed no fear, nor no doubt. All that Tommy could catch was a sort of glint that shinned in the black of her pupil, luring him into conversation.

"Because, believe it or not, I don't think you've done anything to wrong me." Or anything wrong in general, if Tommy were being honest. Though, maybe that was just what that glint in her eyes had told him. Maybe he was stereotyping based solely upon her appearance. "There's no reason for me to punish you. It just so happened that your father cares about you very much." He went on.

Y/n didn't sit in one of chairs that were situated opposite Tommy's desk. Instead, she found it comfortable seated on the desk itself, looking down at the boy. "Well that's nice of you." She quirked.

"Does that surprise you?"

"Honestly?" She raised a brow and Tommy waited patiently for her answer. "Yes."

Nothing followed after that. Other than a long stare of eye contact. Y/n's hand moved first, slipping along the wood of the desk before catching the touch of Tommy's finger tips. A small brush of touch. "Is there-" Tommy had looked up from their hands, ready to move this small brush of touch to something else.

Alas, the door was swung open and the two were quick to pull apart. "Tommy," Arthur called as his eyes jumped between the two.

"What is it Arthur?" The boy asked as he gathered himself back together.

"There's been some news." He started and seemed, with the pause that followed, like Arthur was waiting for something. Something of which neither of the other two could work out. "About one of the pubs."

Another pause as Arthur looked awkwardly between his brother and Y/n. "Go on," Tommy urged.

"I think it's best if we talk privately."

Ah, Y/n soon realised, that was what Arthur was waiting for: a private conversation, some security from the daughter of an enemy. So she did as was wanted. She glanced to Tommy. Tommy nodded as if giving a silent instruction. With that, she was back to waiting, slouched in a chair just outside of Tommy's office.

Half an hour or so later, Arthur wondered out of the office but no Tommy. Y/n was left with nothing but to watch the hand of the cloak tick by. And with every hour that passed, she wondered if that would be the hour where Tommy would emerge out of his office and pull her somewhere private and dark to continue their brush of touch.

When almost the fifth hour came, she had lost all hope for such. She was almost asleep when Tommy finally made an appearance. But with the creak of the door opening, her eyelids jumped open. "Your father did the right thing." Tommy began as Y/n's tired eyes looked up at him. "A couple of his men are outside waiting to take you home." He informed before he reached out his arm with the girl's coat out in offering. The same coat she was sure she lost in the ally when John and Arthur had sought her out.

She took the coat, standing from her chair as she watched Tommy carefully. "And all goes to plan." She said with the tug of a rather forced smile. The girl slipped the coat over her body and lingered in her spot for a moment. She almost hoped maybe Tommy would say something of comfort. But that was never to come from a man like him. So instead, Y/n took matters into her own hands. She leaned forward, placing a gentle kiss to his cheek like it was a friendly greeting before pulling away. "Goodbye, Thomas."

Tommy smiled, despite how hard he had attempted not to. "Goodbye, Miss Y/l/n."

"Y/n," She corrected while she still had the time. "I think considering you let me stay in place of comfort rather than a prison cell during my captivity, you can just call me by my first name."

Another smile. One of which Tommy let tug at his lips. "Well then, Goodbye Y/n."

[moononastring]

Inspiration [ Elucien ]

Prompt: Modern AU | Aspiring writer Elain Archeron is looking for some inspiration for her new novel when she happens to meet the perfect man for the job.

Pairing: Elucien <3 Genre: Romance with some humor and a dash of spice 🌶 Warnings: Lots of feels?

Author’s Note: Happy birthday to me 🎉 This Modern AU has been living in my head rent-free for a few months and originally, I was planning to make it a few parts but alas, this felt like a better fit for me now! I hope you ENJOY! Let me know how you like it :)

Tagging: @ladyofcaraverre | @ruhncervos | @helion-ism | @ourbooksuniverse | @ahkhnn | @selesera | @my-inner-crisis | @ughbandmembersx | @ladyelain | @bowdawn | @rarephloxes | @lidiacervos |

It wasn’t strange that she, little ‘ole prim Elain, was sitting in a booth at this high-end downtown bar with a notebook and pen, people watching. Her laptop would’ve been too obvious and she didn’t want to get distracted on her phone so an old school notebook and pen seemed like a better fit. 

So far, she'd been propositioned by three older gentlemen. While flattered, Elain wasn’t exactly sure what about her simple black dress screamed hooker. Maybe it was the lipstick. It was a gorgeous red. 

Even though it was a Wednesday night and she hadn’t expected too much action, Elain’s eyes continued to watch the room carefully. She needed all the details she could get to properly set the scene for her next novel. 

Up-and-coming romance author Elain Archeron was on a new mission with her next book. She’d written several sweet romances that had her readers on a fluff overdose sprinkled with a little steam here and there. But now, she wanted to step out of her writing comfort zone for a bit and...spice it up. 

Her next book would be a spicy mafia romance.

A small giggle escaped her as the excitement of a new plot and characters bubbled inside her. Writing had become as glorious of an outlet for her as was gardening. Nesta working in publishing had given her a great doorway into the writing world and she would be damned not to take advantage of this new passion. 

So, she had dived into Pinterest and created moodboard after moodboard of what she was envisioning for this book. The plot would be a little gritty, a little darker than her usual books but Elain knew exactly how the story would unfold from start to finish. She knew how her characters would meet and be thrown together. Most importantly, she knew the tropes that would bring this story to life. Elain planned on destroying her characters in the best way and then gluing them back together again with love. 

All it needed was just a smidge more inspiration. A dose of experience to really help her write from the heart so she could turn a morally grey, murderous asshole into a swoon-worthy lover that fucked like a god. She narrowed her eyes as she scanned the room again, tapping the pen to her chin until her gaze zeroed in on a gentleman sitting at the bar, alone.

And Elain felt her heart skip a beat. 

She had noticed him as soon as he walked in and had tried not to stare at him too hard but in reality, that’s all she’d been doing since he arrived ten minutes ago. Her eyes would take in details of the room then eventually find their way right back to him.

Currently seated, Elain knew without him needing to stand, that he was tall and well-built. Judging by the way his dress shirt hugged his magnificent back and broad shoulders, he was quite a man.

The moment she had seen his face though, she knew he was the one. His features were sharp and elegant, handsome in a way that had knocked the wind out of her. The scar she had noticed on his face when he had walked in did nothing to make him any less attractive. In fact, all Elain could think about was how perfect he was.

She bit her lip and continued to discreetly watch the beautiful stranger as he sat, frowning down at whatever message he was reading on his phone. His sleeves were rolled up to expose toned forearms and Elain felt her face flush at the way he picked up his drink and brought it to his lips to take a sip and oh, was Elain Archeron starting to feel things.

The very vanilla sex she last had with Graysen many months ago clearly did as little for her now as it had done when she had it. 

Pulling out her phone, Elain texted the group chat.

morons<3

Elain: I found him.

Rhys: That’s not ominous at all.

Cassian: Shitsen? I told you I accidentally shoved him into a locker at the gym the other day. He’s not that hard to find. 

Rhys: Because he’s ugly. You can spot him a mile away. He’s probably still in there.

Feyre: How was it an accident if Rhys was filming it?

Rhys: I was trying to film myself flexing at the gym babe. It was for you <3

Cassian: *barf emoji* Cassian: But also you can smell him a mile away too.

Rhys: Musty.

Cassian: Gnarly. 

Nesta: Can you two shut up for a moment please?  Nesta: Elain, please don’t tell me you’re stalking someone.

Elain rolled her eyes at her phone. Typical of them to turn the conversation elsewhere or think of her as a creep.

Elain: I am not stalking anyone. I’m at a bar. I found the ONE. The man who will help me with my writing inspiration.

Feyre: ...Elain pls don’t approach a strange man for inspiration.

Elain: I’m at the Sunshine and Rose. It’s a fancy place. He’s a fancy man. Could be the mafia man I’m looking for!!

Cassian: ...Rhys is right here, Elain.

Rhys: True. I’m offended you didn’t think of me. I am a mafia man.

Elain: Well, you’re not MY mafia man.  Elain: Plus you’re not hot. Esp since you’re sleeping with my sister.  Elain: You’re really gross <3

Nesta: I knew this was about your book. Don’t do anything crazy. I can’t publish it if you cause a scandal. Do you even have your NDA?

Rhys: Still offended but valid reasoning. Rhys: And you’re wrong. I’m VERY hot.  Rhys: Feyre says so.

Cassian: I say so too, bro. You’re really hot.  Cassian: Besides, you know I’m your muscle guy, Lanie. I’m offended you didn’t think of ME.

Rhys: so honored to be validated by a sexy beast like you bro. Rhys: I’m also offended on Cassian’s behalf. We’re both offended.

Elain: Suffer in silence pls <3 Elain: Yes, I have the NDA. I am merely notifying you of my whereabouts. Elain: He’s so hot. I think I will take him home. Elain: I hope to update you after I have spent the night located beneath him!!!!

Cassian: Right on. Get that D!!!!

Rhys: Make sure you have a condom. If he says he doesn’t have one, he’s lying.

Nesta: Elain. No. Nesta: Why are you idiots encouraging her?!!!!

Feyre: Elain don’t go home with a stranger.

Elain: Elain YES. Elain: Also, don’t pretend the two idiots in this chat weren’t strangers when you took them home.

Cassian: Hottest night of my LIFE.

Rhys: Second that. I was wrecked by the sheer beauty that is my Feyre darling.

Feyre: RHYS. Can we focus on my sister trying to creep on a stranger at some bar?

Rhys: I really want to focus on you instead.

Cassian: Nesta destroyed my body and soul that night. Should’ve filed a police report but I enjoyed it too much.

Nesta: Cassian.

Cassian: Sweetheart.

Feyre: SIGH. Can you PLEASE GET IT TOGETHER?? Feyre: Elain, take a picture of his face at least.

Elain snorted then sent a kissy face emoji as her final text. She straightened, her eyes immediately zeroing in again on her target who was now watching whatever was playing on the bar tv.

Standing, she smoothed down her dress and grabbed her purse then made her way towards him.

She would be casual about it. Smooth. She would just slide onto the barstool next to him and dazzle him with a smile. Then make him talk to her first. 

Sliding up to the counter, Elain stood with a barstool between them and snuck a glance at her beautiful stranger. A jolt of pleasure coursed through her body when she found him staring back. Elain gave him a pretty smile then turned back to the bartender. 

“Hi Jerry!” she greeted with a smile. “Sick of seeing my face here yet?”

“How could I when it’s so pretty?” the older man said with a laugh and Elain chuckled along. “Let me guess, a little rosé while you do your research?”

Elain pointed at him with a grin. “You know it! My favorite kind of pink drink.” 

The bartender walked away with a chuckle and Elain took a breath, pretending not to feel his gaze on her. She fiddled with her napkin for a moment, then looked up to find the beautiful stranger watching her curiously. She arched her brow and the man glanced down at his drink with a small smile before looking back at her.

“Hi.” 

“Hello.”

They glanced at each other quietly for a moment, her cheeks heating lightly at the curve of his sensuous lips. 

“I couldn’t help overhearing what Jerry said to you,” he began and angled his body to face her. “If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of research are you doing that requires you to be at a bar on a Wednesday night?”

Elain willed her body not to shudder at the way his voice washed over her like honey. His voice. 

Oh, she would need to describe that very explicitly. 

“Well,” she began and curled a strand of hair behind her ear, angling herself to face him as well with an empty seat between them. “I’m a writer. I’m trying to set the scene for my novel.” 

His face lit in interest and Elain took a moment to openly admire him. Up close, he was even more handsome than she imagined. His eyes were such a distinct color, she was itching to grab her pen to describe them. The scar was even more striking up close and Elain desperately wanted to touch it. 

“Ah, I see. What kind of stories do you write?”

“I’m a romance writer.” She said with pride and grinned at the chuckle that slipped from his lips. 

“Are you trying to write about two strangers meeting at a bar?” he teased. “Love at first sight?”

She rolled her eyes with a good-natured smile. “No. I’m writing something very different.” 

“Is that so?” he asked and leaned back to observe her. “So the story isn’t going to be about me then?”

Elain laughed. “That depends.” she said with a cute head tilt. “Has anyone ever told you, you look like you could be a mobster?”

The man stilled and blinked then let out a hearty laugh. “No.” he replied, amusement lacing his tone. “But what if I was an actual henchman in the mob? You just put a target on your back.”

Elain snorted and shot him a look. “A henchman in the mob wouldn’t say he was.” she replied knowingly. “You probably do something boring in marketing.”

“PR actually. Not quite as boring.” he said with a smile and raised the drink in salute. “But we can pretend I’m your mobster. I’m already wearing suspenders.”

Elain laughed, shaking her head with a smile. “All you need is a gun holster and a cigar then the look would be complete.”

He waved a hand. “Noted. Give me ten minutes, I’ll be ready to show you the complete look.”

“Is that so? So eagerly giving away your secrets.”

“Sure. You’ve already uncovered my identity. I can’t risk my reputation now. First impressions are everything.”

Elain rolled her eyes, pleased he was following along with her conversation even as he was joking. She watched him as he watched her, doing her best not to shudder under his gaze. She only took her eyes off him when Jerry returned with her drink.

“So.” her handsome stranger started. “What’s the name of your mafia man?”

“That also depends. What’s your name?” she asked boldly and was pleased to see color bloom on his cheeks.

His lips curled into a smile. “I thought you said the story wouldn’t be about me.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself now.” she said and he grinned. “All I asked was your name.”

“My name is Lucien.” he said. “And yours?”

“Elain.”  

“Do you always just walk up and start talking to strangers like this, Elain?”

“You’re the one who started talking to me.” she said with a cheeky grin and Lucien couldn’t help his laugh.

“Fair enough.” he said and raised his drink, taking a sip as his eyes roved over her body. “Couldn’t really help myself.”

Elain smiled, taking a sip of her own drink before she tilted her head sweetly and said, “Since you can’t help yourself do you mind if I pull out my notebook and jot down some ideas. If I don’t write them down, I will lose the thought.”

Amusement colored his face and he waved a hand. “By all means.”

Grinning, Elain quickly took out her notepad and pen, and then so shamelessly, her eyes cataloged every single inch of him. She savored every detail of his facial features, the way he was dressed, and the way he held himself. She watched him as he watched her until finally, Lucien was the first one to look away with a laugh.

“It’s the scar, isn’t it?”

“Oh, the scar is beautiful but it’s your eyes I’m focused on,” she said and quickly jot down her initial thoughts. “They’re a lovely shade. You also have a great nose.” 

“You’re giving off real weird vibes right now.” he finally said, his cheeks a lovely shade of red that Elain was eager to describe. “But I can’t say I’m not into it.”

Looking up from her notebook, Elain flushed with a laugh. “Well, it definitely helps that I’m pretty.”

Lucien grinned. “It absolutely helps.”

She fought back a grin but failed when he shot her a knowing look. “You flatter me, sir.” she said sweetly. “All I’m trying to do is write me a good ‘ole fashion mafia romance. I can’t help what kind of questions emerge to get inspiration.”

“Mafia romance, huh?” he asked and leaned in, a finger tracing the rim of his glass, and Elain’s eyes immediately followed the movement. “What kind of inspiration are you looking for then?”

This made Elain pause and watch him silently for a moment. She couldn’t exactly just blurt out that she wanted him to fuck her so hard she saw stars. To manhandle her just a little bit. 

Her eyes flickered to his very nice, very big hands then back to his face. 

That would be weird. She took a sip of her drink.

“Well,” she began carefully. “My romances have typically been tamer than what this one is but the market is really seeing an increase of love for more…intimate romances. I want to give it a shot.”

Lucien’s brows rose and Elain watched as a shit-eating grin formed on his face. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” she said slowly. “You see…I’ve only had minimal experience in that department.”

His brows rose. “Impossible.”

Elain nodded somewhat sadly. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“What kind of men have you been seeing?” he asked in such an offended tone, Elain flushed.

“Well. It was one guy.” she replied. “And he was more boy than man.”

Lucien’s face blanked and it took him a moment to speak. “Do you mind sharing his name? And home address?” he said calmly. “Asking for a friend.”

Elain laughed. “And you say you’re not a mobster?” she said and Lucien had the audacity to shrug with a small smile. “But no need. My sisters and their partners gave him enough grief. I’m pretty sure he has a restraining order against us.”

“If he had you and put you in a position where you have to look for inspiration elsewhere, he needs a good thrashing.” he replied. “Please, let me speak to my associates about him.”

Elain bit back a grin. “Your associates.”

“Gotta check with the big guy before we order a hit.” he said, having no issues grinning widely and Elain couldn’t help the hearty laugh that escaped her. 

“Well now, that’s very nice of you to offer.” she replied then paused before Elain gave him a coy smile. “But it’s not really the area I need inspiration for.”

He watched her silently for a moment and even as she felt her cheeks flush, Elain kept her gaze locked on his, watching as his eyes darkened. Then a slow smirk blessed his beautiful face.

“So if you don’t want me to use my associates to give someone a good thrashing,” he asked quietly. “How can I help you with your inspiration, Elain?”

Elain bit her lip, cataloging every detail of his toned body seating opposite her, every article of clothing, and every inch of his handsome face. Was she bold enough to tell him exactly what she wanted from him? Was it safe? Or was she being insane?

“Cat got your tongue?” he said, his voice low. “Or are you just trying to find a good way to ask me to fuck you senseless?”

Elain straightened and clenched her thighs together as she gaped at him. He clocked the movement and his smirk widened.

Letting out a chuckle, he took a sip of his drink and Elain watched him swallow, thinking about how she’d really like to lick his neck. 

“All you have to do is ask, love.” he continued. “I wasn’t planning on going home with a beautiful girl tonight but I am more than happy to change those plans.”

Elain watched him carefully. Did she? Should she?

“Well.” she stated and cleared her throat delicately. “What were your plans then? Being alone in this bar on a Wednesday night? One would think you’re up to no good.”

“I’m an angel.” he said in that low tone that told her he was anything but.

“Sounds like a sweet, sweet lie.”

He laughed. “Can’t a mafia man blow off some steam in a bar once in a while?” he said with a shrug and Elain rolled her eyes with a smile. 

“So just letting off some steam?”

“Yes. But I’m happy to find myself doing other things instead.”

Elain tapped her glass, her heart beating wildly as she watched him watch her. Good lord, she was already sweating. Was it because she was sex-deprived? Was it all the mafia and smutty books she’d been reading lately for inspiration that was getting to her? She was really going to ask this strange beautiful man to fuck her. 

Granted, he seemed eager. Which was great for her ego but…

“I want to be very clear about something.” she finally said. 

“Yes?” he asked with a raised brow and cocky grin. 

“This is all in the name of research.” she declared. “And research only.”

“Of course.” he said. “I’ve gone home with pretty girls for much less noble causes.”

Elain’s lips twitched. “And you’ll need to sign an NDA.”

His brows shot up. “An NDA?” he said. “How very Christian Grey of you to have me sign a contract.”

“To protect myself and you.” she said simply. “I can’t have you running around telling people I was propositioning you.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” he said with a smirk.

“Need I remind you that you asked me how you could help me?” she said with her own little smirk. 

He hummed and Elain smiled.

“If I never mentioned I was a writer and looking for inspiration, would you still want to take me home?” she asked boldly. It wasn’t like she could embarrass herself further at this point. “Be honest, my feelings won’t get hurt if you say no.”

“Elain,” he began and her heart thumped at the curve of his lips when he said her name. “Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t have already had you in my home doing unspeakably delicious things to you.”

She flushed in delight. She couldn’t help it. Elain knew she was pretty but after her horrible breakup and the way Graysen had broken down her confidence in herself, it was nice to hear it. 

Also, she really needed to write that line down.

“Anyone ever tell you, you have a way with words?” she asked and he grinned.

“A high compliment from a writer.” he replied. “But I also have a question for you.”

“Yes?”

“We could've just flirted, went home together, and had a great time without you telling me about the writing part.” he said, his finger tapping against the glass. “Why tell me?”

Elain’s brows furrowed. “Because you have a right to know. I like being honest about these things.” she said. “Granted, as a writer, anything I hear or see is up for use as inspiration.”

He hummed softly, watching her. “Have you written about your ex?”

She flushed, frowning slightly. “Only once but shitty ex-boyfriends are common in romance reads.” she replied then shrugged. “And it was more about the way my character felt than about her crappy ex.”

Lucien nodded sagely. “Understandable.” 

Elain straightened suddenly. “Has this weirded you out?” she asked and blinked at him with wide eyes. “I usually curb my weirdness to close friends and family only, I just haven’t interacted with a real man like this in a while.”

“A real man?” he asked, amusement lacing his tone and Elain promptly wanted to die.

“I mean — “ she started with a flush, taking a quick sip of her drink. “I’m a writer and reader. I spent a lot of time with fictional men.”

“Ah. And those are infinitely better than real men, I take it?”

She gave him a small smile. “Most of the time.”

It fell silent between them and Elain watched him as he watched her. Now that she’d finally stopped talking, embarrassment was slowly starting to catch up to her. She had fought with herself tooth and nail to not feel bad about herself and her quirky personality but at times like this, it crept up. When she forgot herself and forgot that not everyone liked her as she was.

Graysen had ridiculed her so much about her writing. Once he had gotten to know her, he pretty much ridiculed everything she did but especially her writing. Anytime she’d ask him a question or about his thoughts, he never had anything nice to say. He always laughed at her and her silly little ideas.

“Stick to your plants, it’s what you’re good at.” he had sneered at her when she had first told him she’d written a book. Elain had been so excited to share. It had been so hard to keep it a secret from everyone but he had only given her an unimpressed look and said, “Isn’t Nesta the one into books? Keep to your own thing, Elain.”

Maybe she’d gotten carried away in this little game. Elain had only wanted to have a little fun. She could use her imagination and Pinterest and other books for inspiration. She didn’t need to keep embarrassing herself. This was weird. Sure, she wanted to have some of that good sex that everyone else keeps talking about for once but she could probably do it without all this. She could’ve just gone with him without saying a single thing and —

“Show me the NDA.”

Elain blinked, focusing back at the very handsome man across from her. “What?”

He gave her a simple smile. “Either you’re overthinking this really hard or…your mind went down the gutter faster than mine did.” he said. “And if it’s the latter, I assure you, my gutter is much, much worse.”

Elain’s cheeks heated. “Big words for a mafia man that’s not a mafia man.” she said with a small chuckle.

Lucien’s lips curled into a smirk. “Elain.” he started. “The moment you sat across from me with your pretty face and pretty dress, I knew we would have a good time together.” She watched as his finger tapped the side of his glass and then met his gaze. “You seem like the kind of girl who likes being told what to do but doesn’t know it yet.” He leaned forward and her breath hitched. “Lucky for you, I love telling people what to do. Especially in my bedroom.”

His hand left his glass and instead of letting his finger trace the rim of his glass, it was now lightly tracing Elain’s hand.

“And to answer your earlier question, I am not weirded out.” he said, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I find you and this entire conversation fascinating.”

Elain blinked, her gaze on his hand touching hers and she wondered if one could orgasm from hand touching alone. “Right.”

“You’re clearly passionate about what you do.” he said in that charming voice of his, gently turning over her hand so that his fingers could slide across her palm to her wrist and settle on the pulse point.

“Very passionate.” she said quietly, her eyes still on his long, beautiful fingers.

��Then give me the NDA. So I can sign it and take you home.” Lucien continued. “Where I can fuck you the way you deserve.”

Elain’s head shot up and she met his eyes. “That’s awfully straightforward of you.”

“Just as straightforward as you aimed to be, I imagine.”

She finally remembered herself and shrugged, a coy smile blooming on her face. “I just came here to look for inspiration.”

Lucien flattened his hand over hers and Elain flushed at the way her hand was dwarfed beneath his. “I daresay, I can help you with that.”

She swallowed. “And how are you so sure of that?”

Lucien glanced at her for a moment then slowly slid off his barstool to stand before her. He towered over her slightly and Elain relished in the way he stood so close. His hand left hers and instead, his fingers found their way to gently lift her chin to meet his gaze.

“I’m sure of that because,” he began quietly and leaned closer until he was a breath away from her lips. “I felt your pulse jump when I touched you.” His hand slid from her jaw down the column of her neck. “I feel it in the way you swallow.” That same hand cupped the back of her neck and Elain shuddered beneath his gaze and touch. “And I guarantee if I slid my hand beneath your little black dress, between those lovely thighs, I’d find something hot and wet waiting for me.”

Elain’s lips parted in surprise, her skin hot all over. His words had slid across her skin and down her spine and good lord, if he only knew how soaked she’d become. Gooseflesh erupted on her skin when his thumb traced the column of her neck and she tried not to be too obvious inhaling the scent of him. 

“What do you think of that, Elain?” he said with a devilish smile that she knew would be impossible to describe because it was distinctly him. This stranger she met in a bar. This stranger that felt like no stranger at all.

She was thinking she wanted him to lay her right here across this bar and have his way with her. Elain was thinking she’d probably let him do things to her she never thought she’d let a man do. Except for this one. Because Lucien sure as hell seemed like the type to want to do those things to her. 

“I’m thinking,” she began and swallowed, her skin heating at the smirk he gave her. “That I’d really like you to kiss me.”

“It’s a good thing you mentioned that,” he replied quietly. “Because I’ve been dying to smear that lipstick.”

With the hand holding her neck, Lucien tugged her forward and devoured her. Elain whimpered against him, against his surprisingly soft lips as he kissed her, his kiss bruising — hard — a claiming and she let him claim her. Her hands found their way to his suspenders and she tugged him closer, her grip tightening when his free hand cupped the back of her head and his other hand slid to trace the column of her neck again. When she felt his tongue, Elain eagerly opened for him and Lucien stole kisses as he stole her breath. He kissed her, his mouth nipping, biting, and imprinting his lips on hers. And when Elain had fully melted against him, fully surrendered to his mouth and tongue and hands, when he had her gripping his suspenders tightly enough that her knuckles had turned white, did Lucien finally pull away.

He most definitely had smeared her lipstick, she thought as she glanced at him in a slight daze. Half of her lipstick was on his lips. He had the audacity to grin wickedly at her.

“Now that I’ve satisfied your request, should we be on our way?” he asked calmly as if he hadn’t just scrambled her brains with that kiss. She hadn’t been kissed like that since — since well, since ever. 

Elain blinked, catching her breath, her hands still clutching him tightly. She wanted to let go, she really knew she should but the feeling of his body beneath those suspenders caused her to shudder.

“I need to take a picture of your face.” she finally said. “For my sisters.”

He smiled, his hands smoothing her hair back. “Would you like me to grab your phone? Your hands seem a little occupied.”

She flushed and aimed to let go when his hands settled over hers. “Don’t let go just yet.” he said quietly. “I like your hands there.”

If possible, her flush deepened. And, oh she was feeling a lot of things at the moment. She kept her hands where they were and said somewhat hoarsely, “My phone is in my purse.”

Lucien’s lips twitched and he moved a hand to slip inside her purse, the other still covering the hand locked on his suspenders. He held up her phone to unlock it with the Face ID then glanced at the screen, his face lit up in amusement. 

“I assume the group chat titled Morons is the one you’ll be sending my picture to.” he said, his thumb stroking the back of her hand still holding on to him. 

Finally shaken out of her stupor, Elain cleared her throat and licked her lips. Her lips that still tingled just a little from the force of his lips on hers. She flushed and suppressed a giggle. “Yes.” she said and released one suspender, leaving her other hand happily held hostage beneath his. “It’s my sisters and my brothers-in-law.” 

“Let’s take a selfie then, shall we?” he teased and Elain pursed her lips, willing herself not to smile. Or launch herself at him again. 

He turned his back to her, and kept her hand locked beneath his so it looked like Elain was hugging him from the side. Raising the phone, Lucien grinned and Elain couldn’t help her own smile at the camera. Snapping the photo, the two inspected it together and Elain laughed at the clear evidence of their make out.

“Oh, they’re going to have a hoot with this.” she mumbled. “Send it.” 

Lucien tugged her into him closer so that she hugged his back and he glanced over his shoulder at her. “You okay with me opening your group chat?”

She would be okay with him opening anything, but most especially her legs. Rather than embarrass herself further by saying that, she only nodded and watched him open the text chain, chuckle, then attach the image and send it.

Elain: *attached image* Found my mafia man ;)

“I didn’t say that.” she objected and Lucien twisted to face her with a knowing look. 

“You were absolutely going to text that.”

She was. But she wouldn’t admit it. Squinting at him, she opened her mouth to respond when her phone pinged and Lucien arched a brow.

“Do you want me to open that?”

“Nope.” she said quickly as several pings followed. “They can’t be trusted to behave themselves.” Finally, tugging herself away from him, she held out her hand for her phone. “Especially with how many texts are coming in, these assholes could be saying anything.”

“Well, it hardly seems fair that I can’t read what’s being said about me.” 

“I think we can find other ways to fill our time.” she said and instantly felt the shift in him.

“Ah, yes.” he said quietly. “Your research.”

“Yes. My — research.”

Lucien chuckled lightly and Elain watched as he glanced at her, his thumb coming up to gently graze her cheek. “Are you having second thoughts? Do you need me to kiss you again?”

Her cheeks heated as she watched his expression. She was very nearly ready to have him take her right then and there. “No second thoughts but I definitely, definitely think you should kiss me again.”

“And where would you like me to kiss you, my lady?” he asked, his voice dropping low and Elain had to swallow hard. She was past embarrassment at this point. She wanted to feel and be seen and touched. And god damn did she want this man between her legs in whatever way he was willing to be.

“Everywhere.” she answered. “I want you to kiss me everywhere.”

Lucien’s grin was wolfish at her response. “Well, aren’t you such a good girl.” he said in that voice she would have a grand time describing. “You gave me the exact answer I wanted to hear.”

~ 

morons<3

Feyre: Oh…oh wow Elain.

Nesta: Well that was fast.

Cassian: YOOOOOO

Cassian: RHYSSSSSS

Rhys: yo isn’t that Spell-Cleaver?

Cassian: iT’S FUCKEN LUCIEN

Cassian: love that guy he’s hilarious

Rhys: Holy shit it is Lucien

Feyre: You guys know him???? Feyre: Is he a normal person???

Nesta: He already has her lipstick on him. Nesta: Is she going to be safe with him?

Rhys: Oh yeah. He’s a good dude. Rhys: I remember him from uni days Rhys: We did business with his company a while back too. Straight forward, cool guy. 

Cassian: We see him in Az’s bar sometimes.  Cassian: But yo. Wasn’t he like, a hoe in college? Cassian: Elain is about to get her world rocked.

Nesta: CASSIAN.

Feyre: Cassian no.

Cassian: WHAT.  Cassian: I’m just saying based on the rumors we heard 

Rhys: Elain is def going to have a good time.

Cassian: Lulu is foxy in bed

Rhys: Gentleman on the streets

Cassian: freak in the sheets. Cassian:: AYYYYY

Rhys: AYYYYY

Feyre: I hate you both.

Nesta: I’m going to stab both of you in the throat the next time I see you.

Cassian: *smirk emoji* *heart emoji*

Nesta: *knife emoji*

Feyre: At least he’s hot. He really does give off mob vibes with that scar.

Rhys: You can’t say that Feyre darling. I’m right here.

Feyre: *middle finger emoji*

Nesta: I wonder if he’d be willing to be on the cover if he shows Elain a good time.

Feyre: I think so. He so willingly took the picture and gave his full name.

Nesta: He is attractive. His face would sell it. Nesta: Feyre. Nesta: FEYRE. Nesta: Her hand. Look at where her hand is.

Feyre: Oh…OKAY ELAIN.  Feyre: I like that he’s wearing suspenders. That’s attractive.

Rhys: Cassian. My feels are hurt bro.

Cassian: my feels are hurt too bro. they’re just ignoring us.

Feyre: Nes, take out tomorrow for deets?

Nesta: Yes, I want Chinese while grilling her.

Rhys: I’ll bring the drinks.

Nesta: You’re not invited. 

Cassian: Can you order me the dumplings?

Feyre: You’re also not invited.

Nesta: Sisters only. *X emoji* Nesta: I’ll bring us those nice face masks.

Cassian: I want a face mask.

Feyre: no<3

Rhys: But I love me a good face mask too.

Nesta: No. *middle finger emoji*

Cassian: Nes, if I let you peg me, can I come for face masks and chinese?

Nesta: for fucks sake cassian.

Rhys: HAHA

Feyre: god damn it Cassian

Rhys: I mean, Feyre darling if that’s what gets me a face mask and the tea…*smirk emoji*

Nesta: you’re both disgusting.

Feyre: *eyes roll emoji* No. Feyre: unless? *side eye emoji*

Nesta: FEYRE

Elain had finally stumbled home the following afternoon after being fucked six ways to Sunday and she found her sisters waiting for her with face masks, food, and wide eyes. Elain only grinned sheepishly and slumped against her door.

“I’m glad you’re alive.” Nesta said dryly and Elain waved her off with a hand, her grin wide on her face.

“That good, huh?” Feyre asked with her own grin.

“Yes.” she breathed, still thinking about Lucien and what he had done to her. At the way he had kissed her and touched her and fucked her. It hadn’t been good. It had been great.

Elain couldn’t remember a time she had been so enthusiastic to have someone fuck her. Then again, she had had only one partner and even in her fantasies, it hadn’t been like that. Elain bit her lip as a blush bloomed on her cheeks, her mind drifting back to a night like nothing she’d ever experienced before…

~

“I’m going to take, and take, and take from you, Elain.” he had whispered in her ear darkly. “And then my god am I going to give you. You understand?”

“Yes.”

“You’re going to be a good girl for me?” he had asked her while his hands caressed her bare skin. “Will you be the best girl for me? Because if you are, I’m going to make you come so hard you’ll see stars.”

“I’ll be the best girl.” she whispered and shuddered when his lips had kissed and licked their way down her neck, to her collarbones, and then to her exposed breasts. Her hands had come up to immediately cover them, flushing lightly as he looked up at her, quirking a brow in question.

“They’re — they’re small.” she said and Lucien shot her a look so disapproving, she thought he’d spank her. 

He had spanked her later on but at that moment, his hands had cupped one gently, and giving her one last look, his mouth descended on the other. Elain’s moans were breathy as he sucked and squeezed her breasts, switching between the two. He had only pulled away to ask her in a husky voice, “You like my mouth right here? Because I love these pretty little things so much.”

A strangled cry was the only reply she could give when he bit down on one gently and squeezed the other. Then switched and did it again. The sound that came out of her mouth had him pulling away with a smirk.

“Such sounds coming out of that lovely mouth.” he whispered, kissing the valley between her breasts. “You’re going to take my cock in your pretty little pussy and come when I tell you to?” he asked softly, sliding his hands up and smoothing back her hair. “Because I want to fuck you very, very hard, Elain. May I do that, please?”

She knew he could feel the wetness that pooled between her legs at the words and resisted the urge to arch against him. “I’ll take whatever you want to give me.” she breathed.

“You’re just an angel, aren’t you?” he whispered and left a light kiss on her lips. “So ready for me to use you and then take care of you. You want me to take care of you?”

“Please.” she nearly begged. “Please take care of me.”

“Then spread your legs a little wider for me, love. Let me see you in all your glory.”

And take care of her he had. 

It was like Lucien was made for Elain and Elain was made for Lucien.

After he had worshipped her between her legs, he lined himself up to her entrance with her legs around his waist, and Lucien watched her face as he slid into her the first time. And that moment, the moment he had filled her up to the hilt…Lucien knew this was different. Elain knew she wouldn’t be the same. The way he fit her had Elain never wanting to be without his cock again. And by the gods, had she wanted to feel how he fit her without a condom and have his come spill out of her.

Which would be insane of course, considering they had only met that evening. But these feelings, these intense emotions. Oh, she had all the inspiration she needed. 

It had only gotten better from there. He had flipped her over and feasted on her again before taking her hard and fast from behind. 

Elain never thought she’d be the kind of girl who enjoyed her face being pushed into the mattress like that but when it was Lucien’s hands holding her and his cock fucking her, she found she liked it a little too much.

And she also found that she liked it even more when he talked to her. In between their rigorous activities, they took breaks to chat and get to know the person they were baring themselves to. 

Elain found she liked Lucien and the way his mind worked a lot. Lucien found he felt the same about Elain.

And then Elain found she really wanted to suck the cock that made her feel so good. She had crawled toward him on his bed and draped herself across his legs, blinking up at him innocently.

“I want to make you feel good too.” she had whispered and Lucien had smiled at her, brushing her hair to the side.

“And how do you want to do that?”

“By taking you in my mouth.”

“No, you need to phrase that better, love.” he commanded softly, his thumb sliding across her bottom lip. “How do you want to make me feel good?”

“By sucking your cock.” she answered breathlessly. “I want you to come in my mouth.”

“It’s a good thing I want to come in your mouth too, princess.” he replied and then sat back, a king on his throne of a bed. “Show me what a good girl can do with that pretty mouth.”

And Elain certainly had, savoring the way he swore, the way his hands had tightened in her hair, and the way he barely held it together while her tongue played with him, especially as her own wetness dripped down her legs. Lucien had spilled in her mouth with such intensity, come had spilled down the sides of her mouth. She had swallowed as much as she could, like the good girl she wanted to be for him and Lucien’s grin had been feral at the sight.

Shortly after, he had spread her legs and returned the favor with his mouth and fingers then flipped her over and took her from behind a second time, pulling her up, his fist wrapped around her hair. “Look at your pretty swollen cunt, flower.” he had growled in her ear as she whined and panted to the rhythm of his thrusts. “You’re doing so good. It’s a perfect fit for my cock.”

“Please.” she had begged. As if he hadn’t been giving her everything she wanted and more. 

Lucky for Elain, Lucien had wanted to keep giving and taking. It was well in the AM that Elain had been fucked in every corner of his bedroom. She had come riding his dick and his face and his cock again, flopping rather unattractively on his bed with a little whimper after what she thought was the final fucking.

He had chuckled, his hands gently caressed her back and Lucien had paused for just a moment then smacked her plump little ass firmly. He had given her just one moment of reprieve then — a ragged cry escaped her lips as he pulled her hips back towards him, pulling her ass up the way he wanted. “I’m sorry, flower. I thought we were done but then your pretty little pussy —” he started as his hands slid to play with her and Elain couldn’t help the rocking of her hips against his fingers. Or the little needy moan that escaped her lips at how sensitive she was. “ — looks like it needs my cock one more time.” He had whispered and pulled his hand away so he squeezed her ass instead and slid it soothingly up her spine, his other hand fisting his cock slowly. “I love my hand on your throat,” he continued in his ear, and she shuddered against him. “But I love your face pressed in my sheets and the sweet, sweet sounds you make. What would you like?”

Elain had only arched her hips further for him and turned her head to meet his gaze. “Whatever you want to do.” she breathed. “I’m all yours.”

With a wolfish grin, Lucien had pulled her lips to his for a searing kiss and thrust into her to the hilt once more. He had told her she had one more orgasm in her and just like a good little girl, she obliged. 

Elain hadn’t remembered her name or anything about herself for the rest of that night. She only knew that she was in the arms of a man who had her body trembling in need and pleasure. Pleasure he had given her all night, pleasure he had given her the morning after he had made her breakfast, and pleasure he had given her right until he sent her home.

She had kissed him goodbye, her hand on the doorknob when his hand had slid up her dress and he had pushed her panties to the side, rubbing his fingers in the wetness of her heated center. He thrust two fingers inside her with a pleased hum.

“One more time before you go.” He had whispered in her ear as she braced herself against his door and rocked her hips to match the thrust of his fingers. “So I can savor your taste until I get you to myself again.”

She had made a desperate, filthy little noise as he played with her and pumped his fingers into her. He had whispered such dirty things in her ear and Elain had slumped against the door as she came with a choked cry. Lucien had only chuckled when he pulled away, his eyes locked on hers as he licked his fingers clean. 

Elain had left his house on shaking legs and her legs nearly started shaking again just reliving the memories.

“Well, shit. He must’ve really rocked your world.” Feyre said with a cackle and Elain blinked, her blush deepening as she finally remembered she was back at her apartment with her sisters waiting on her. Waiting on her to explain and not on her knees in front of Lucien and letting him do whatever he wanted to her.

Her sisters shared a look, both clearly holding back more laughs but Elain…well, she knew she had gotten all the inspiration she needed. Inspiration and maybe…maybe something more.

“Are you seeing him again?” Nesta asked, quirking a brow.

“For dinner tomorrow night.” she whispered. “And then for a date he’s planning the day after.”

“And more fucking, I presume?” Feyre asked, her lips twitching.

“Definitely more fucking.” Nesta added on with a snort at Elain’s flushed face.

“If I’m lucky.” was Elain’s reply and she straightened, feeling the effects of Lucien everywhere. “And I think I’m going to be very, very lucky.”