#Starfield Delgado

[fangbangerghoul]

Fang's A03 Masterpost

Updated Version: 12/15/24 WC: 197,173 Rated: M *links within the titles of each fic

Starfield:

1. Neon City Delights (completed) TW: Drug use, SA, Cannon Violence 2. Settling with the Stars (completed) TW: Cannon Violence, Alcohol 3. Fleeting Pleasures (completed) <Masterpost> TW: Violence, Murder, Addiction, CNC 4. Cellar Door (on hiatus) TW: Grief, Isolation, SA 5. Heavy Metal Lover (in progress) (Fic Masterpost) Tw: cannon violence 6. Capacity Limit (Sam Coe x fem!reader) TW: Bondage, Cannon Violence 7. Tear You Apart (Pirate Sam Coe x fem!reader) TW: CNC, Facefucking, bondage, light forced voyeurism, it's very explicit and it's a pirate being a pirate so just be wary. This isn't your Sam Coe from Kansas anymore. 8. soft leather and spurs (softdom!Sam x fem!reader) Tw: praise kink, soft breeding kink, language? 9. Ghoul Adventures (Halloweenedition, on hiatus) 10. Ghoul Files (a miniseries in progress)

My Time at Sandrock:

1. That Damn Rock (completed) fem!builder x Owen Tw: Fluff, slice of life, maybe a smooch 2. What Did I Get Myself Into? (completed) fem!builder x Owen TW: Fluff, slice of life, fun stuff 3. Absolute Zero (completed) fem!builder x Qi 4. Yakmilk Supplement (on hiatus) fem!builder x Penn TW: stalking, delusions 5. Over Exposure (in progress) fem!builder x (Logan, Unsuur, Catori, Commander Lefu, Owen) TW: trauma, kidnapping, violence, sa

Baldur's Gate 3:

1. Thorny Feelings (completed) OC Ghoul x Bearlytolerable's OC Valentine Blanche TW: smut, anal, cunnilingus, light bdsm, magic 2. 100 Followers Celebration - Bloodweave (completed) Gale x Astarion Tw: fluff, hurt/comfort kind of 3. 100 Followers Celebration - Calm Nights (completed) Halsin x Astarion x Ghoul Tw: bathtub, relaxation

Southern Vampire Mystery/True Blood:

1. 100 Followers Celebration - Yearning Stars (completed) Sookie Stackhouse x Eric Northman

Dragon's Dogma 2:

1. Voracious Oblivion (in progress) Arisen x Pawn ft The Boys Tw: cannon violence, yearning, plotty

Dragon Age:

1. Elgara Vallas (DELETED)

[bearlytolerant]

I say I played starfield. This is all I did.

[atonalginger]

WIP Wednesday

it's a little after 11pm here so it's still Wednesday. It counts! lol. I was tagged by the lovely @eridanidreams today and I have a little something to share so yay! Open tag to any who see this and want to join in. Doesn't need to be Wednesday either, WIP whenever baby!

I've been plugging away at Cora's (still to be named) Shattered Space adventure and I'm so close to the end I can see the finish line. I think I'd be done but I've been having some clenching issues and it can be hard to work through pain. But we're close and I'm excited (and very nervous) to go back through the fic and begin edits. Excited because then I can get to posting. Nervous because this story is currently sitting at just over 140k words....

AAANYWAY the snippet today is with Delgado pretty deep into the story. It's an aside that cuts away from the main drama and gives us a peek of how one of the adults are doing.

***

Delgado relaxed into the old creaky chair next to the chicken coop, a black and white fluffy Polish chicken named Gilda purring on his lap with her head laid on his chest. It was the first time the fussy lady had come out of the coop since Bella, Zhenya, and the kids had returned according to Sophie. They’d tried everything short of forcing her outside but the feathered one stayed put in her favorite spot in the coop. He’d known this chicken would follow him whenever he was outside but he never thought any of the birds would get so depressed as to refuse treats out in the yard. It was just a chicken after all.

He gently rubbed behind her head, her purrs getting louder as she closed her eyes. None of the other chickens cared that he was there, all of them focused on the tray of mealworms Sophie had sat out for them. Gilda had been offered a small bowl of mealworms while she sat on Del’s lap, Sophie not wanting to leave the little lady out just because she was clinging to him.

“I’m sorry I upset you,” he said softly as he stroked her feathers and glanced at the unlocked slate in his other hand, “I will try to be more mindful from now on.”

Gilda let out a little cluck as she wiggled closer and relaxed once more. He didn’t know if he was forgiven for his several week absence but she didn’t appear upset. No one at the ranch was upset with him. Something that surprised him given Bella’s response at HQ when he told her he was staying. He had braced for bitterness, hard feelings and cold shoulders. Instead, much like the little black and white chicken on his lap, the family held him tight, grateful he was finally home. The most crap he got was from Bella, who teased him for not shaving before she gave him a passionate kiss and expressed how happy she was he was home.

Zhenya and Bella were understanding. Both were thankful Delgado didn’t implode during his time at HQ, a worry both of them had shared. He was dangerous when he became fixated on something and things went wrong. They feared he would take a ship and jump into the outer starfield in search of the Va’ruun star. Which, he hated to admit, was an idea that floated around in his head for the last few days before Jay offered to jump him back to Akila. Both took turns stealing him away from the group to cuddle him in the office or kitchen while they reminded him how loved he was at home. Something he had needed to hear.

Rafa was thankfully oblivious to most of the drama. He’d been fussy in the evenings during Del’s absence but was otherwise fine. Or so Bella and Zhenya told him. His little boy had insisted on lots of couch time and fought his bath since it cut into his time with Papa. It was clear to Del his absence had impacted their toddler and all he could do was hope they were right. That he hadn’t broken something in that sweet little innocent soul by staying behind like he felt he did with Sophie.

She said she was better now that he was back but he could see the cracks. Sophie had been putting on a brave face for the adults, swallowing her emotions to keep the peace, relying on the rest of her family being near to keep her grounded. Then he stayed on Cassiopeia while they all returned home. Her family was further fractured. Again. She further bottled everything, hiding in her room or out by the coop while Rokov and Bella wrangled Rafa to avoid being questioned. She hadn’t said it but he knew deep down she felt abandoned. He did that to her by being selfish, by not sucking it up and being the father he swore he’d be. He failed her.

Delgado sniffed back tears and looked to the slate in his free hand. Hand delivered by Becker around noon along with one for Sam and Jay. A letter from Manny. So many emotions washed over him as he had unlocked the slate with the same password they always used for messaged to him. Joy, frustration, anger, fear, and sadness. Hearing from them was everything and yet they were still light years away.

[zilverhand]

The Crimson Fleet || Kryx's Legacy

[toxiclizardwrites]

YOU JUST REMINDED ME TO DO THIS. For the WIP game, you KNOW I gotta hear about Tattoo. Pleeaasseeeee and thanks. :)

Your wish is my command! It is a WIP, but here is an excerpt:

Delgado and I walked into the room, and I immediately took a seat on the raised black leather chair in the center.

“There's even an actual tattoo chair, impressive,”

Delgado chuckled. “It was here when we found this starstation. I guess the UC has an affinity for tattoos as well.”

His eyes scanned my body carefully, like an artist surveying their canvas, taking in every detail and making mental notes about every curve and imperfection. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I knew he was just trying to see where I would get my tattoo, but there’s just something about those amber eyes that melts your composure.

“Where do you want it?” the question pulled me back into reality.

“I was thinking on my side,” I said, pointing to the area just beside my right breast and slightly under my arm.

His lips curled into a mischievous grin. “It’ll be hidden, are you sure?”

I nodded and focused on his eyes. “It won't be hidden from everyone.”

His grin widened. “Sure, if that's what you want, let's get started.” he took of his jacket and placed it on a countertop, revealing a black fitted t-shirt underneath.

I slowly lifted my shirt off my body, and placed it at the end of the chair. I leaned back and shifted my weight to get comfortable.

“You’ll have to take your bra off as well,”

I hesitated. It was difficult enough being in front of Delgado with just my bra and pretending it was no big deal, but completely topless? My face turned red. “Can't you just move the side of it?” I asked.

“No, it's too tight against your body, I need a clear space to work or it's going to look like shit,” he replied, busying himself with the ink, cloths, and other supplies that he would need to complete the tattoo.

“Ok, fine,” I said, trying not to make it sound like I cared.

I reached back to unhook the clasp at the back, arching my chest forward to make it easier to reach. Delgado didn't seem like he was paying attention, still fussing with the supplies on a nearby table with his back turned to me.

Holding the cups in place, I leaned back. “That should be good, right?”

He turned to see me laying on the chair. His eyes scanned me for a moment.

“It’ll do,” Delgado said with a hint of disappointment in his voice. He sat down on a wheeled stool and scooted it close to me, pulling along an old surgical tray with him that also had wheels. On top of the tray was the tattoo gun, some cloths, and a bottle with some distilled water in it. He was close now, his chest inches away from my bare skin. I could smell his earthy Cologne and feel the heat emanating from his body on my own.

He turned to get a cloth, and used a bottle to wet it. He brought the cloth to the side of my body, the cold liquid causing goosebumps to appear on my skin. He wiped the area gently and purposefully, his fingers gently brushing the side of my breast. The feel of the cloth and the pressure of his fingers against my skin sent a sudden jolt of pleasure though my body, one that took everything in me to not show. I swallowed.

“Are you ready?”

I nodded.

[aro-pancake-writes]

Wait...

It's Wednesday? Ooh!

It's time!

WIP Wednesday!

It's a short one, as it came with a small burst of creativity and energy last night. And thank you to @atonalginger for the laughs and ideas!

Bonus: I finally made a new OC! Her name is Penelope (yes, because of Odysseus wife), the pronouns are she/her, and she's Charlie's little sister.

[title TBD]

“My darling Penelope…” Delgado says, pulling his lover closer to his side, and giving her a kiss.

“Del, what are you doing?” Penny giggles at the care. He's so different when they're alone, and she revels in the attention he has only for her.

“Caring for my lady, as usual.” He offers her a chocolate lab, that Penny takes a generous bite off.

She couldn't be more entranced and in love.

Del gently tucks her black hair behind her ear, pulling her for a proper passionate kiss, when the shooting starts outside his door.

He barely has the time to stop and turn when the door opens and a looming figure stands at the passage.

“Penelope, that's the last straw.” They say, stepping in.

The bright pink hair is unknown, but there's something about their eyes as they look at Penny, something tired, above all.

“But Charlie…” Penny tries to argue, only to be held by the arm and pulled away. She can hold on to the bedsheets and wrap it around her body before getting out, thankfully.

“No buts, Penny.” Charlie drags her through the Key, towards their ship. “I told you a million times already, do not get involved with those pirates.”

“You only care because your husband has a big name, Charlie.” Penny argues and digs her heels on the floor. She knows that her sibling cares about her safety, but the way they do it is borderline extreme.

“Penny, I swear to… whatever there is out there.” Charlie tugs at her again.

“That's it.” Delgado appears, behind them, and grabs Penny by the waist, safely away from her captor.

“Oh, don't you start, pirate boy.” Charlie mocks, pulling out their Deadeye. “Give me back my sister, and I'll let you live.” The gun goes straight to Del's face.

In this moment, Penny notices three things:

First, Del is barely dressed, probably due to rushing in after them.

Second, whatever pirates are within range to see them, are hidden wherever they can. In fear of Charlie or Del, she doesn't know

And finally, that they're near Jazz’s. Naeva and Jazz are sitting at Jazz’s table, watching with absolute focus and curiosity, while eating some… popcorn?

“And what if she wants to stay, huh?” Del questions Charlie, who in turn leans over the side to look down at Penny.

“My sister. My responsibility.” Charlie says, cocking their gun and maintaining eye contact with Penny. “You, to the ship. And you, Delgado, if I feel in the force that you're anywhere near Penny, I'll castrate you myself.”

Charlie grabs Penny one more time, and manages to toss her over their shoulder.

“Why, you brute!” Penny screeches, pounding at her siblings back. “I can walk by myself!”

“Penny, I will not tell you again to stay away from him.” Charlie sighs, stepping into their ship and locking the door, while telling Sam to undock.

[fangbangerghoul]

Fleeting Pleasures Masterpost

Tw: 18+, MDNI, violence, cursing, drug use, degradation, interrogation, murder

WC: 62,721

Chapter 1: Hemostasis

This timeline takes place somewhere in between the previous works: Settling with the Stars and Cellar Door. Our main character is learning to live a life where her past no longer has to burden them and what life means to them. They have to decide between a future with no limits or a future with stability. (Delgado, Sam Coe, MC love triangle)

Chapter 2: Hemostasis pt 2

Tensions increase as characters do not see eye to eye like they used to. Main character struggles to feel respected by her crewmates while some of them desperately just try to reconnect with MC.

Chapter 3: The Key pt 1

It has now been a couple of months since our main character has last seen or contacted her friends. What has life on the Key had in store for them? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 4: The Key pt 2

The murder and mayhem of living on The Key can has its benefits and its disadvantages. What does this do to our main character? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 5: Get 'Em Cowboy

It's been two months since the main character's crew members have seen her in person. What lengths will Sam and Andreja go to, to find their captain? What has Delgado found out about his Fleet members?

Chapter 6: Quien eres tu

Our main character is at her wits end and soon the jig is going to be up. This might be her end on The Key. TW: CNC, Smut, roughness, interrogation

Chapter 7: No Rest for the Wicked

Ghoul has confessed her sins to Delgado while Andreja and Sam finally have a real lead to bring themselves closer to their captain. Our characters stories are getting closer to tying back together once again and wow there are some misconceptions for both parties.

Chapter 8: Ascensionism

A whirlwind of emotions takes our characters to situations never imagined by any of them. Sam, Ghoul, Delgado. Tw: cannon violence, blood

Chapter 9: bad decisions

The aftermath of chapter 8 and how the characters are preparing themselves to move forward.

Chapter 10: Oops I Did It Again

Time is no longer linear for our characters and is moving at an alarming rate. The choices they make will decide the nearing end.

Chapter 11: Got Lost in the Game

The FINAL chapter of the Fleeting Pleasures series. It is the end of an era for Ghoul, Sam, and Delgado.

THANK YOU so much for all the readers who have subscribed, bookmarked, left kudos, commented, and stuck with this journey to the end! Your support has meant the world and I appreciate every lovely thing anyone has ever said about my story. I poured my heart, soul, and blood into this thing.

[bearlytolerant]

He’s on his tippy toes and pouting. Aww

[atonalginger]

these characters are great

[zilverhand]

The Crimson Fleet || Delgado & Damien

[mukuuji]

I've finally started the Crimson Fleet quest and met those two lads! I hope I can get along with them...

[toxiclizardwrites]

Snippet Sunday

It's been a looong time, but chapter 11 of Love and Rage is very close to being done! I took some liberties with the standard Crimson Fleet questline here, but the main outcomes are still the same.

*******Some spoilers below for the "Absolute Power" quest of the Crimson Fleet questline below!*****

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the snippet:

It was easy enough to sneak through the facility, but finding the blueprints? Not easy. It seemed every computer she tried to hack led into a dead end, not enough access privileges. 

After what seemed like ages, she finally reached the power core room and accessed the terminal that held the conduction grid data. But there's a hitch: the data is encrypted. The only person who has access to this data, as it turns out, is Breyson Bayu, the not-so-well-liked younger brother of Benjamin Bayu. 

Toxic sighed and checked the map of the facility, and found that Breyson’s office was actually quite close. Sneaking around in some vents, she entered the office easily, only to find Breyson waiting behind his desk, hands up. 

Surprised, Toxic approached him, one hand behind her back ready to grab the dagger she had stopped to her leg, hidden by her dress. 

Breyson also gave her a quizzical look, but didn't put his hands down. “Easy,” he started as Toxic came closer, “I'm not your enemy, despite what it might look like from your end.” 

Toxic stopped, but her hand remained behind her back ready to grab her dagger. “Is that so?” 

Breyson shifted in his chair. “Yeah, can I put my hands down now?” 

Toxic nodded and Breyson lowered his hands, but kept them on the desk in full view. His eyes met hers. “You're not exactly what I was expecting, but you've sure caused a stir.” 

Toxic laughed. “So you know what I'm after, then?” 

He nodded. “I'm assuming you're after the conduction grid tech? I'll give it to you freely.” 

Toxic tilted her head to the side. “So willingly? But why?” 

“My brother was always the one that got everything handed to him. He was always the best, you know? And I was the fuck up.” 

“So giving me the tech is a way to get back at your brother, then?” 

Breyson sighed. “I don't want to die. Not for him. Take it and bring it to the Fleet. I'll even put in my password.” He reached over to type on the keyboard. “There.” 

Toxic walked over to the terminal and pulled out a slate to download the information on the conduction grid. Then she hesitated for a moment, but decided to run Estelle’s virus. After all, she was Toxic’s ticket out of Neon and back to Delgado, so not following her wishes wasn't really an option. 

Satisfied, Toxic turned to leave. In the end, it all seemed a bit too easy. But now it was time to meet Estelle and get off this soaked planet.

She headed to the Astral Lounge, the music thumping as she made her way to the back where the elevator to the VIP rooms were located. She slipped into the room Estelle had said she would meet her at, but something felt off. 

Before Toxic could process the feeling, a dark figure emerged from the corner of the room. Benjamin Bayu.

Toxic’s breath hitched in her throat but she knew better than to speak. The message about meeting at the lounge was a trap, something obvious that she should have realized. She mentally scolded herself as Benjamin closed the space between them. 

“The only thing I'm interested in is who is responsible for the virus” he said plainly. 

Toxic took a step back, considering her options. Taking the fall for Estelle crossed her mind. That way, Estelle would be safe and able to get back to Bessel III to meet with Delgado, even if Toxic wasn't with her. But blaming Estelle would surely mean that they'd go after her and Toxic’s only chance to get off Neon would be compromised. 

She drew in a breath. “It was me,” she said. 

Bayu snorted as if he didn't believe her, but accepted the answer nonetheless. “Fine. Here's what is going to happen. You have an hour to get out of Neon. There is a body with very convincing evidence implicating you with murder. If you stay, security will kill you rather than arrest you.” 

He looked down at his watch. “Better get moving, Fleet scum.”

[spookyspecterino]

New You

Sam Coe x GN! Reader x Delgado

GN! Reader. No pronouns, no use of Y/N, or reader descriptions used. Reader is called Rook a few times, like in some Crimson Fleet quests.

Some angst. A lot of explicit language. Implied sexual relationships. Pining for a criminal. Poor Sam. Sam is supportive but worried. Delgado is a warning all by himself.

You're there to watch as the pirates you've worked beside for months are taken to prison. They have a few things they'd like to say.

This is about the Crimson Fleet Undercover plot.

I just started the questline. I have no idea how it ends of if anything along these lines even happens. My brain literally bullied me into writing it 😭 I stopped everything to write this lmao.

I really love the theme of going undercover, assimilating, and then having to deal with who you've become and how you've changed after everything. So there's some of that in here.

“You sure you wanna be here for this?”

“I have to see it through, Sam. After months of being undercover, it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t.”

He grunts softly. “Alright. Just prepare yourself for pirates to be, well, pirates.”

Doors open on the other side of the transport deck. A squad of UC security and Naval troops, all decked out to the nines, file in, holding mean looking rifles.

The sounds of trouble already echo through the open door.

“Ya fuckin’ bastards! Let me go, I didn’t do jack shit!” A mane of red-brown hair comes in the doorway first as Mathis is quite literally shoved through. It was no surprise that he’s giving everyone trouble.

It doesn’t take much time for him to notice you standing to the side. “You!” He snarls. “I’m gonna put a bullet through your head if it’s the last thing I ever do!”

The laugh that comes out of you is rough, full of vile, and cruel delight. “Shut the hell up, Mathis. The last thing you’ll ever do is rot in a two-by-four cell. I hope they make it cold just for you!”

Mathis screams more explicit insults, most geared toward your mother. The guards fight and yank at the man, rifles raised. Still, they manage to subdue him, robbing you of a chance to put Mathis down yourself. You’re laughing until he’s well past the other doorway and out of sight, you hoped he could hear it from down the hall.

“Seems like a real winner. Good friend of yours?” Sam asks, studying you.

“Fuck no. Hated that asshole from the moment he opened his mouth, to be perfectly honest. I’m going to sleep well knowing he’s going through his worst nightmare.”

Sam’s face pinches together, you only catch a glimpse of it from the corner of your eye. His mouth twists, as if he has more than just, “Ah, I see.”

“Have something you wanna say?” The response is snappy, challenging, automatic—something you had to adopt in the midst of pirates, and you regret it immediately. “I…I didn’t mean that…” You sigh, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of your nose.

“It’s alright. I get it. Just try to remember you’re not a pirate anymore.”

“Yeah...I’m working on it.”

His eyes linger. You can feel his thoughtful gaze. It makes you itch.

Pirate life was at least simplistic. Somebody had a problem? You’d know about it immediately. A short knife fight or a brawl and it’d be over. Done.

Being around Sam again was…well it would take an adjustment period.

Months of pirate life, a life you’d adapted to very quickly, and you’re spit back out into civilization on the other side. There was no guidance on how to go back to “everyday life”—on how to shed this new person you’d become.

It’s infuriating. Everyone expects you to pick back up from where you left off…but you can’t. You’re not the same person anymore. Sometimes you wake up and think you’re still on the Key.

Sometimes you wish you were still on the Key.

“I can see you thinking behind that wall of silence.” Sam gently says. His voice sounds so loud on the empty transport deck. “Just know that I’m here for you—always will be. You wanna talk about what happened during those months, you can come to me, judgement free. Promise.”

When you don’t respond, Sam chuckles. “You’re always so quiet now—which is fine,” he’s quick to add, “I just want to help.”

“Yeah…thanks.” Is all you can manage as the transport deck’s doors open again and more armed personnel file through.

Naeva is silent, head held high…until she catches sight of you.

“Oh, it’s on when I get out of here, Rook!” She spits through her teeth, trying to lunge for you. The guards stop her, pull her back into line, but her body remains tense.

“Looking forward to it, Naeva.” A cruel grin breaks free. “You know, I never killed that other Rook you sent me after. Austin Rake. He’s at some Starport, drinking for free right now.”

“You fucking traitor! You’d better be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your damn life! ‘Cause when you don’t, I’ll be there to put a knife through your back!”

“We’ll see about that. I’m sure you’ll get a knife through yours first. Delgado probably isn’t happy that it was your recruit who brought his empire down around him.”

She grins, something dangerous lurks in her expression. “Oh, I’m sure Delgado has some plans for you, Rook. After everything, I can’t imagine how you’re gonna look him in the eyes.” They’re nearing the other doors, Naeva’s trying to twist back to face you, fighting the pushing and pulling of her security escort. “You know he trusted you. Honest to God. Have fun living with that for the rest of your life, traitor!”

Her words hit a nerve. You were very careful not to let it show. Still…it hurt.

As the doors close, Sam turns to face you. “Listen, why don’t we just go? This isn’t healthy.”

“Not really focused on whether it’s healthy or not.”

“That’s part of my point. You have to get away from this stuff, away from the Fleet. This whole thing is just going to give you more to think about and keep you awake at night.”

Lashing out and snapping back a retort is what you want to do. But instead, you take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

His voice turns soft, pleading. “Don’t go silent again. Please, talk to me.”

“Sam,” you start, very carefully, “I need this. This is my closure.”

“Are you sure?” His blue eyes were soft, full of worry.

More questions—and feelings. It agitated you. Made you grind your teeth together. “I’m sure.”

He looks away, frowning. He’d probably bring it up again, but future you would have to deal with that. Right now, you were more focused on—

Doors slid open. Your heart skips with that familiar flutter while a hard knot forms in your stomach.

Delgado walks, freely, without any guards touching him, through the doorway. He’s given space and walks leisurely as if he owns the Vanguard. There’s no hassling, there’s no pushing.

You’re expecting the worst—or for him not even to look at you. Instead, he holds your stare with a faint smile. “Hold up.” And the guards around him actually stop.

You know that look in his eyes, you’ve seen it a hundred times, your feet move without any command or thought.

Delgado. Leader of the Crimson Fleet. Even if you tried, you couldn’t spare him.

He steps away from the security unit. One last private meeting with the man who owned you, heart and soul, for the last few months.

“I was wondering whether I’d see you here.”

Why are you smiling? “Couldn’t resist the urge to tell Mathis one last time to go fuck himself.”

He chuckles. It sends your nerves out of whack. “I’m very impressed by you. Playing the part that well…” he tilts his head, a secretive smile just for the two of you catches at his lips. “…certainly had me fooled.”

Late nights in dim lighting. Cigarette smoke. Legs tangled up in sheets. Whispers. Rare laughter. It floods back, threatening to break your tough façade.

“Tell me, mi tesoro, are you prepared to go back to the life of normalcy? With your,” He leans over, looking Sam up and down with open distaste, who stands further back—arms crossed and glaring, “little Vaquero?”

“I’m working on it.”

Delgado barks out a laugh. “I know this person you are now. You’ll never be satisfied again.” There’s a teasing glint in his eye that you’re stubbornly avoiding.

“My life before the Fleet was just as exciting and satisfying.”

He hums, his smile turning darker. “I doubt that very much. There isn’t anything so thrilling as robbing a GalBank transport and returning home to celebrate with drinks and…” He pauses, eyes scanning you. “Well, that last part is just between you and me, eh?” His eyes flickered to Sam, then back. “Can he give you that?”

You chuckle, it’s forced. “Delgado. Jealous to a fault. Some things never change.”

“You know he can’t.”

“He can give me something else. Happiness. Security. Maybe even be a life-long partner.”

“And I couldn’t? You insult me, my dear. I would have given you everything.”

“Just as long as you had what you wanted first.”

He holds up a finger. “We obviously know one another very well. So, I offer you this. If you ever get tired of playing nice in a universe that is anything but, you know where to find me.”

“You’re serious?” Your voice lowers to a hiss. “And what, break you out of high security prison just for you to kill me? No thanks.”

“On my word, all debts and grievances would be squared. Think of it. I’d have you by my side—we could build something better than the Fleet ever was. Be free of the UC, the Rangers, everything. Like we always talked about.”

A guard behind him starts walking over. “Alright, time’s up. Let’s go.”

You’re frowning, eyes flickering anywhere but his. “You’re insane.”

Delgado’s expression turns. The light fading from his eyes. “You’ve never been satisfied. It’s something I really like about you.”

He lets the guard corral him back to the others. Your fists are tightly gripped. “The person you knew was undercover.”

“Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better.”

As he’s escorted away, you want to follow. Your legs tense, trying to keep still. His parting words before he passes through the door are, “I’ll be seeing you.”

Then he’s gone. The transport deck feels emptier than it ever has been.

Never satisfied. A life of normalcy. Going back to surveying planets and doing odd jobs for the Rangers. The idea claws at you. Your mind battles with the concept, with the unspoken feelings. Remnants of your past self against whoever you are now.

We could build something better than the Fleet ever was.

You know where to find me.

Sam walks up, standing by your side. Watching. You hadn’t moved. Still staring at the closed doors.

“What did he mean, ‘I’ll be seeing you’?”

The lie is easy. “No idea.”

[freerainhl]

some afk dialogue, I like that in starfield npc would actually react to your long time silence, for me it feels more immersive this way :p

[dy1ng-athe1st]

Just wanna start this Tumblr blog with a post about Delgado from Starfield being a love-child of The Mandalorian's Din Djarin and Cobb Vanth. Just think about it. I don't need confirmation, I know what I see, but your opinion is really welcome

[silurisanguine]

Sunday Snippet

Tagging the Coemancer Crew as always, @vorchagirl @despicablediet plus anyone else who'd like to share a snippet from their latest WIP. No pressure! This is a rough from a future chapter of Chasing Your Star Until I Reach Home.

As they hurried back to the Cora's Revenge, Seren almost skidded to a halt when she caught sight of two people she'd hoped to avoid when coming to this place. Delgado and Naeva talking to each other casually, obviously waiting for Sam to return to his ship. Seren bristled under her armour but stayed silent, hoping Sam would be able to talk his way off the station without causing a scene. Though it was very clear to her he wasn't happy either, the fact he still had his rifle unholstered was testament to that. She doubted he would openly attack Delgado...Naeva on the other hand... Delgado was the first to notice them both and made eye contact with Sam, crossing his arms and glaring.

”I thought I told you it was best you stay off the station for the time being?” Delgado looked the same as he did in Seren’s universe, though if anything the circles under his eyes were more obvious. Seemed the weight of leading a strange rebellion with less than enthusiastic soldiers was wearing at him.

"Just picking up some supplies Del, then I'll be out of your hair.” Sam sounded cheerful, but he still hadn't holstered his rifle from before when he stood in front of them both. Mainly because Naeva hadn't taken her eyes off Seren and was staring daggers at her, whilst twirling a very real dagger in her hands. Delgado's second stepped forward jabbing the dagger like a finger at Seren, who remained calm even as she clenched her fist ready to use one of her powers.

"That's her Del. You bitch! You trapped us on Vectera. Took Lin two hours to get us out of that hab.” Naeva spat the words out, her sneer even worse now there was a harsh scar pulling at her top lip.

"I’d have done the same honestly.” Sam chuckled as Delgado placed a hand in front of Naeva to stop her lunging forward. The pirate woman spat at Seren’s feet, her displeasure at being held back obvious.

"So she’s with you now Coe? Guess her services are more than just mercenary.”

Naeva tried making a show of looking Seren up and down, but the nervousness that came off the woman was so obvious for Seren to feel, so she made a point of keeping her helm opaque so as not to let the woman see her face. She knew how intimidating her armour could be, even with the robes that now covered the strange metal. She saw Sam shake his head and place all his weight on one hip, still acting casual at a glance, but Seren knew he was wired to act on a second if needed.

"I wouldn’t make her an enemy Naeva. She's an enemy of the UC and an ally to us, plus you threatened her when you first found her. What the fuck did you think she'd do? Just be glad she let you live." He stepped slightly in front of Seren which made her grin behind her helm, he was protecting her again?

"I can speak for myself Sam.” She said, her voice echoing so it made her sound sinister within the confines of the station. Raising her hand to let it bristle with ice cold sunless space energy, she looked directly at the pirate woman who took a step back when she saw the ice ball forming in her hand.

"Ms Mora.  You may test your assumptions at your convenience.”

"Enough!” Delgado brought his hand to his temple and rubbed it, obviously staving off a headache. “Coe, I dont care who you ally with if it helps us. But…do you have an update for me regarding what you are meant to be doing? Is Victis planning an attack here?”

Seren moved her head imperceptibly from Naeva to Sam, her worry hidden by her helmet. That’s what he was doing? Sarah had to know, she was no fool.

"Cant say…boss. The General is tight lipped at the Lodge and she has her robot guarding her office day and night.” Sam lent on one hip again, seemingly not bothered by the way Naeva was still looking daggers at them both. The obvious disdain in the way he said boss was not lost on Seren either, so she kept her guard up. “What I have heard let slip through her lapdog Barrett is Victis is getting bored of playing nice. He cant use his ideal weapon on us here and knows it, but I have a feeling he plans to cut us off from our supplies by targeting them. Here’s all the evidence I was able to get, including a possible planned attack on Neon.“ He handed a slate to Delgado who took it and showed Naeva. She took her eyes off the pair to read it and almost growled before standing up straight, tucking the dagger back into her thigh holster.