#Study goblin AU

[dullgecko]

(More Study Goblin stuff)

On Riz’s desk at the LPRTF is a picture of the first warlock he was the patron of. They look like a half minotaur* named "Cathy Seacaster"

*did some research and couldn't find a definitive answer to how genetics work for when a half-elf has kids

Riz was dead and and Fabian still had at LEAST 130 years left of his life to live. Sure they still talked pretty regularly but that was no reason for him to spend the rest of his life alone. That being said, Fabian never got married the entire rest of his life. Sure he had partners but never made any vows.

Time was weird in Elysium so Riz had been very shocked when the half elf turned up at his grave one day with a tiny child. All big ears and horn nubs and tiny little tail but overall pretty elvish in their facial features. Fabian introducing his statue to the child as 'Uncle Riz' which just made the goblin melt. This kid was going to be so fucking spoiled, and if that meant working out how to grant magic then so be it.

[thepoweroffriendshipgivesumoney]

Centuries in the future, a warlock is in search of a new patron. Her rouge has a suggestion. Based off the Study Goblin AU by @dullgecko

[kitten4sannie]

trendsetter

reach for my goals, hit it dead center

pairing: idol ex! mingi x fem! reader

genre: an actual idol au omg, smut

summary: mingi reminds you why he was so hard to leave in the first place, well, the first few times, anyway.

w.c: 3.3k

bc i’m bigger, better

warnings: brief weed use/shotgunning (mingi’s a plug in another life btw <3), mingi’s kinda a dickhead and a master manipulator (damn double homicide), dom! mingi, subby! reader, mingi’s got a big cawk, glove ? kink? idk bro, exhibitionism, teasing, praise/degradation, pet names galore/name calling, tit play, spit, fingering, finger sucking (leads to some gagging), oral (giving), deep-throating, cum eating, grinding, kissing, size kink, breeding kink, mingi fucks reader raw on the hood of her own car hallelujahhhh

a/n: don’t blame me for this btw,, blame mingi mango and the things he’s been posting on ig 😮‍💨 this man makes me delirious istg. also i wrote this while incredibly sleep deprived just so yk !! there might be some grammar and spelling errors (as well as a general sense of lunacy ✨) regardless i hope you enjoy and please do let me know if you liked it bc feedback is like a treat for me and im a treat hungry lil goblin uwu <3

song recs: so damn into you by vlad holiday - come 2 me by johnny goth - liquid by boston manor

Mingi barely made it two steps past one of the various emergency exit doors of the booming, hectic arena, dropping his lighter on the ground when his favorite ex suddenly came waltzing back into his life again after just swiftly exiting it for the nth time.

“Where are my car keys? I know you have them,” you abruptly confronted him, snatching the lighter from the ground before he could grab it and sliding it inside your tank top, right in between your tits.

“Why would I have your car keys, sugar?” Mingi sighed exasperatedly, walking in your direction until he towered over you, gently clasping his calloused hands around your upper arms so he could rub them up and down in an effort to calm you, gently turning you around until your back pressed into the cool metal of the emergency door. “Can you use that pretty little head of yours for me, Y/N? I just performed right now. I was busy rehearsing before that. Do you really think I would take your keys from you just to keep you from leaving?”

“Yes, I do. You always do some fuck shit like this when I try to leave. Every time, Mingi.” Despite the furrow of your brow and the contempt present within your words, you couldn’t help but watch as Mingi’s thumbs began to press into the sides of your tits. When you didn’t say anything, he began to press the rest of his gloved fingers into the softness of your chest.

“Some fuck shit like this?” Mingi asked under his breath, studying your flushed face to gauge your reaction as he squeezed your tits against the palms of his rough hands, rubbing his thumbs teasingly against the thin material of your sports bra until he felt your nipples harden. “You aren’t tell me to stop, baby. Cat got your tongue?”

“I hate you…” you whispered softly, not understanding why you never had the strength to deny him, even in a public, though empty alleyway, even after you just broke up with him only a little while ago.

“You don’t seem to hate this…Your body’s responding to me…” Mingi suddenly pinched your nipples through your sports bra, chuckling at the gasp you let out. He leaned down, bringing his lips to your ear to whisper, “I bet you don’t hate how wet I’m making you right now, either. Is your cunt throbbing for me already, Y/N?”

“N-no…” You bit into your bottom lip when your ex let out a disapproving ‘uh-uh’ as you turned your head to look away from him, squeezing your thighs together, hoping your arousal wouldn’t drip past your short skirt.

With one hand still clasped around your tit to play with it, Mingi brought the other up to grasp your chin, making you face him again, so close that you were breathing in each other’s air, your parted lips almost touching. “You’ll let me check to see if you’re lying, won’t you, sugar? Can I see how many fingers I can fit inside your tight little cunt?”

You hated how much your body and soul still burned for your lecherous ex, hated how desperate you suddenly were for him to have his way with you, but what you hated most of all was the way you whimpered out, “Please, Minnie.”

Mingi groaned softly at the use of his pet name, feeling most of his blood began to head below the belt, letting go of your chin, the both of you watching as his hand disappeared underneath your skirt. He instantly slipped two thick fingers inside you up to the knuckles, despite wearing a pair of thick leather gloves, the both of you moaning at the squelching sound your bare, wet cunt made. “That’s my girl. You wore this slutty little skirt and no panties just for me, didn’t you? You don’t even care about getting out of here with your keys. You just wanted me to put my hands all over you one last time, yeah?”

Just as you were about to respond, Mingi suddenly stuffed his leather-bound fingers into your mouth, making you taste your own warm wetness. “A-aaahn,” you moaned around his moving digits, feeling them slip along your hot tongue, looking up at your ex’s intensely dark gaze.

“Suck,” he simply requested, smiling fondly at the sight of your plush lips closing around his fingers, pushing them further and further back until he made you gag around them, his cock throbbing at the sight of your teary doe eyes. “Oh, baby, if you’re going to be looking at me like that and making those pretty noises, I’m gonna lose it…but, you can take it, right? My fingers in your throat?”

You whined softly, trying your best not to gag more around his moving fingers, relaxing your throat enough so that the only sound that could be heard was your moans and the abundance of saliva in your mouth.

“Good girl.” Mingi slipped his fingers out of your mouth and pressed his lips onto your cheek, whispering, “Can you take my cock down your throat next, pretty girl? I worked so hard to perform tonight, you know. Don’t you think I deserve head from my favorite ex?”

“Uh-huh,” you found yourself agreeing, your head still fuzzy from having his fingers inside your mouth, desperate to have something else warm and thick on your tongue, thankful for the heavy hand that began to push your head down until your bare knees were resting against the cold concrete below.

“Say ‘aaah’,” Mingi cooed darkly from above, expertly undoing his thick belt buckle and lowering his pants until his stiff, reddened cock smacked up into his abdomen. It was then that his hands were drawn to either side of your head, barely giving you enough time to open your mouth before he thrusted forward, the tip of his cock instantly hitting the back of your throat. “Fuckkkk, that’s a good slut. You don’t have to be my girlfriend to be my fuck toy, huh, baby?”

Your moans of approval were instantly muffled by the massive cock that was being stuffed inside your throat by your eager ex, as you reached up to grasp at his hips, the shiny lighter that was still sitting in between your tits starting to jostle around due to Mingi’s rough movements.

Suddenly reminded of his post-concert ritual, Mingi reached into his back pocket and placed a joint between his lips, then fished the lighter out from between your tits, but not before he squished one of them for the hell of it. He rolled the dial on the lighter a few times before a flame sparked, bringing it up and lighting the tip of his joint.

The strong aroma of Mingi’s flower reached you in an instant, having to blink your many tears away to watch him take a deep puff of it and blow it out into your face. Your lips tingling from the immense stretch, you sputtered around his pulsing cock, suddenly pulling away, letting your spit laced lips rest against his leaking tip, weakly licking at the pre-cum that spilled from it. “M-minnie…”

“Why’d you stop?” Mingi grunted, biting on the tip of the joint to keep it from falling from his lips, looking down at you with his sharp, slightly red eyes. Using his free hand to jerk himself off with his cockhead pressed to your lips and smearing his pre-cum over them just for his own enjoyment, he slowly realized what was up. “Oh, you want a hit? Aren’t you precious? Come here.”

Mingi slowly lowered himself down into a crouching position, letting go of his cock to grab your chin with his arousal coated fingers, taking in a deeper inhale, the majority of the joint turning to ash, just as he flicked it away into the gutter. He pressed his lips onto yours in an open-mouthed kiss, neither of you bothering to close your eyes as he slowly filled your lungs with smoke.

Just as you began to choke while trying to exhale all the smoke, Mingi dragged his tongue across your own and over your top set of teeth just because he felt like it, before standing back up. “I bet you’re feeling real good now, baby. That was top shelf.” He spat into the palm of his hand and lubed up his cock, before patting your cheek and sliding himself back into the hot haven that was your throat, not wasting a single second to begin pumping himself inside it again, almost like he had never stopped.

Now that both your body and brain were delightfully clouded with a heavy, lustful high, you felt like you could cum just from getting ruthlessly throat-fucked alone, your nails digging into Mingi’s bare hips, more and more tears and saliva dripping along your flushed skin the longer he abused your tiny throat with his oversized length.

“Fuck, I can’t handle it when you cry and drool like that just from sucking my cock, baby. I’m gonna fucking cum,” Mingi groaned deeply from above you, rested his forearms against the emergency door, thrusting sloppily into your mouth. He let out a few short, whiny moans once he began to shudder, plunging his throbbing cock deep inside your throat and staying still. “Oh, shit, I’m cumming. Take my load, princess, ohh my god, that’s it.”

You swallowed the warm, salty liquid as it shot down your throat, only to open your mouth and present your tongue when Mingi pulled out and began to slowly milk his cock, taking the rest of his load on your tongue, not swallowing and simply letting it drip down, a few drops spilling down your chin and getting onto your tits.

“Mm, that’s my messy girl. You’re waiting for me to feed it to you, huh?” Mingi licked at his plush lips from witnessing your obedient nod, pushing his soft cock back into his pants and waiting for you to stand up so that he could collect some of the cum that had escaped your mouth and pushed it back into your mouth. “That’s right, babygirl, clean it all up for me. Mm-hmm, just like that.”

Once you slurped the rest of his load off of his fingers, you wrapped your arms around Mingi’s neck, pressing your heated body into his. “Mingiiii, please fuck me, I can’t take it,” you begged him underneath your breath, pressing your lips onto his neck up to his tense jawline.

“Oh, yeah? You can’t live without this dick, can you?” he questioned you huskily, bringing his wrists up to his mouth one by one to pull his gloves off with his teeth, before reaching past your waist to roughly squeeze his warm hands into your ass. When you grimaced up at him, he tugged your skirt up and spread your ass open to run his fingers down your wet slit from behind, making you whimper. “Admit it, and i’ll fuck you stupid, princess.”

Swallowing down any remaining dignity you had along with the remnants of your ex’s load, you lifted one leg up to hook it around his slim waist, allowing him easier access to you wet cunt, shuddering at the sensation of him shallowly slipping his fingers into and out of you just to tease you. “I can’t live without your cock, Mingi, okay? No one fucks me like you do, so please, make me yours.”

Mingi rubbed the abundant wetness around your cunt, licking his lips hungrily, staring down at you past his dark shades. “Right here? Right now?”

“Yes.”

“What if someone sees, princess?”

“I don’t give a fuck if someone sees, just fuck me, please!”

Mingi grinned crookedly, finding deep amusement in your desperation, considering how you were acting just a little while ago. “Where’s your car, baby?”

You pointed down the dark alleyway. “It’s just around the corner over there.”

Mingi looked over his shoulder, then picked you up from the ground, hooking both of your thighs around his waist and carrying you over to your car, massaging his hands into your thighs on the way. “I don’t have any condoms, you know.”

When Mingi laid you down on the hood of your car, the cool metal sending goosebumps up and down your exposed, heated skin, you shook your head and smiled softly. “When has that ever stopped you?”

“Don’t act like you don’t love when I fuck you raw, and leave you stuffed full of my cum…” Still in between your legs, Mingi bent down to leave kisses, licks, and bites along your neck and collarbone, lowering his pants down just enough to free his length, his slick cock growing hard and heavy against your bare cunt. “Fuck, and when I use my fingers to shove my nut back inside your cunt after…mm, I’m honestly surprised you’re not knocked up for me already…”

“Mingi,” you whined disapprovingly, despite the fresh wave of slick coating your ex’s cock as it repeatedly rubbed back and forth along your cunt.

“What, I thought you liked being my cumslut…my little breeding bitch…my pump n’ dump princess…” Mingi recited playfully, teasing your fluttering hole with the tip of his cockhead, just about driving you to the brink of insanity withi his teasing.

“Shut up, Min, oh my god…”

“Why don’t you shut me up then?” he suggested, hovering close enough to your face for you to pull him in for a desperate kiss that consisted mainly of tongue and teeth, your mouths occasionally making contact in between tongue swipes and lip bites, the both of you panting all the while.

Growing impatient, you slipped your fingers into his choppy hair, tugging his head back until your lips parted, a few strands of saliva still connecting them. “If you don’t put your cock inside me in the next two seconds, I’m going to bite it off. You hear me, Song Mingi?”

Groaning breathily when you tugged at his hair again, Mingi let out a few soft chuckles, taking his shades off and setting them down on the corner of the hood. “Using my government name like that….I must’ve teased you too much. My poor angel, so desperate for cock. I’ll fuck you good, baby. I’ll make it up to you,” he sighed, as he wrapped his fingers around his length, guiding the tip to your entrance and sliding all the way in with ease, the both of you letting out obscene moans. Without any hesitation, Mingi began to buck his hips wildly, his metal belt banging against the hood of your car with each thrust. “Oh, fuck. You feel that? Is it good for you?”

“Yes…!” you cried out, barely about to speak, let alone function, now that your beloved ex was rearranging your guts with his colossal cock.

Huffing, Mingi threw your legs up over his shoulders and laid his body weight on you, essentially folding you in half. He ran his tongue along your jaw, before nipping at it, whispering, “God, you’re always so fucking tight, princess. Gonna milk me for all I’ve got, huh? Cuz’ you’re my good little slut, aren’t you?”

“Uh-huh, just for you, Minnie…”

“Mm-hmm, that’s why you’re still here even after you broke up with me earlier, baby…why you’re taking my cock on the hood of your car where anyone can see you…” Mingi continued, squeezing his hands into the plumpness of your thighs, getting a good grip on them, so that he could drive himself into you as hard as he possibly could, punching short, breathy moans out of you. “You sound so pretty for me, baby, and fuck, you’re so wet right now….You’re gonna cream all over my cock, aren’t you?”

As soon as it felt like Mingi’s oversized cock had slammed directly into your cervix, you let out an abrupt yell, an overwhelming amount of pleasure suddenly shooting through your body like lightning. “Fuck…! I’m cumming, Minnie, it’s so– oh my god.” You were gonna start whimpering and crying when Mingi gently placed his warm hand over your mouth, watching him nod his head knowingly at you, his suddenly softened gaze never leaving yours.

“That’s a good girl, such a good girl for me, Y/N,” Mingi sighed against your ear, the hot, wet sounds of your bodies colliding together and the ringing inside your ears almost too loud for you to hear him properly. Feeling your wetness pour out onto his cock, Mingi let go of your mouth and cradled your face instead, pressing slow, meaningful kisses onto your lips, a few drops of sweat dripping along the shaved sections of his hair just as your trembling fingers drifted along it. “Want it inside, yeah?”

“Yeah…” you whispered against his moving lips, not even realizing when you were clutching him impossibly close to you.

“That’s my baby…” Mingi pulled all the way out, your mixed arousal forming a milky foam around the base of his cock, before he slowly pushed all the way back in, just in time for him to paint your insides white with his seemingly endless load. He hugged you close to him all the while, pressing kiss and kiss onto your lips, face, and neck, knowing that your turbulent time together was about to come to an end, and wishing he could turn the clock back to spend another second with you.

Once your highs began to fade, you cleared your throat and slowly sat up, the both of you silently fixing your disheveled clothes and hair in a poor attempt to look presentable in the case of a random passerby.

“So…since you don’t have my keys, I’m not sure how I’m gonna get out of here,” you sighed, about to push yourself off of the hood of your car when Mingi helped you off instead, annoyed that he was suddenly acting gentlemanly when he had shown you nothing of the sort beforehand.

Smiling apologetically, Mingi fished around in one of his pockets and held your keys up to you. “I took them out of your purse before the show started.” Seeing the anger blossom on your pretty, flushed face, he continued, “Listen, I just wanted you to hear me out before you left and never came back to me, baby. I love you.”

You snatched the keys out of his hand and crossed your arms over your chest, leaning back to sit on the hood of your car, keeping your thighs pressed together to keep everything from leaking out of you. “You don’t get to say that after you just made me your ‘pump n’ dump princess’, you idiot.”

“But I didn’t dump you, Y/N. You’re the one who dumped me!” Mingi whined, his lower lip jutting out in a pout, his brown eyes growing wide and puppy-like.

You couldn’t help but begin to laugh, not only at the ludicrous situation you were both in, but at the truth of his statement. Wiping a tear from your eye, you clicked your keys to unlock your car and walked around to the driver’s side.

“Where are you going? Are you leaving me?”

“No, we’re going to the store to get Plan B, dummy. I’m not about to let Mingi Jr. run around and terrorize the city,” you replied, gazing at your ex, the sight of his childlike amusement making you feel a bit soft towards him.

“I call shotgun!” Mingi called, eagerly heading to the passenger door, practically bouncing on his heels.

“There’s only two of us,” you giggled, sitting down in the car with him.

“For now.” Mingi wiggled his eyebrows at you.

You turned the ignition on, shaking your head, the corners of your lips hurting from how long you had been smiling. “Never say that shit again.”

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© kitten4sannie, 2024.

[koyagifs]

𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓷

『pairing』: spiderman! san x reader ft. wooyoung 『au』: marvel | spider-verse | 『genre』: angst | 『summary』: san knew the consequences of being spiderman, but he didn't realize the fact that you would someday be apart of it as well.. 『word count』: 3.4k 『warning(s)』: green goblin, san trying his best :(. Woo to the rescue ( as a bestie )

San's hands trembled slightly as he handed you the cup, though he tried to play it off by scratching the back of his neck. He avoided your gaze, knowing full well that the guilt of lying to you was evident on his face. Being Spider-Man had changed everything in his life, including the way he loved you.

"Work's just been... crazy lately," he muttered, sitting across from you on the couch. The faint bruise on his jawline, just barely peeking out from under his collar, didn’t go unnoticed.

You narrowed your eyes, setting the coffee down on the table. "Crazy enough for you to miss date night three weeks in a row? And for you to show up looking like you lost a fight with a wall every other time I see you?"

San flinched but forced a weak laugh. "I'm clumsy, you know that."

You leaned forward, concern softening your features. "Sannie, you can tell me if something's wrong. I just... I feel like you're keeping something from me. Is it the job? Did something happen at the Bugle?"

He looked at you then, and for a moment, his heart clenched painfully. You deserved the truth. You deserved to know everything. But the memory of the last time he let someone close to him know about Spider-Man played over and over in his head. The danger, the consequences—it wasn’t worth risking your life.

"It’s just the job," he lied, hating himself more with every word. "Jonah's been running me ragged with all these deadlines. And, uh, there’s this big assignment I’m working on. It’s been keeping me out late."

"An assignment?" you asked, tilting your head. "Does it have to do with Spider-Man? You’re always bringing in those crazy photos of him."

San swallowed hard, forcing a casual shrug. "Yeah, something like that."

You studied him for a moment, clearly unconvinced but choosing not to push. "Okay, fine. But if you’re overworking yourself, promise me you’ll take a break, okay? I don’t like seeing you like this."

San smiled faintly, the warmth of your concern only deepening his resolve to protect you. "I promise."

But as he watched you sip your coffee, blissfully unaware of the world he carried on his shoulders, he knew it was a promise he couldn’t keep.

The weight in your chest grew heavier as you stared at the blank screen of your phone. No missed calls. No texts. Just the same empty silence that had started to feel all too familiar. You sighed, setting the phone down on the table next to the untouched breadbasket, trying to ignore the pang of disappointment coursing through you.

The restaurant was warm and inviting, filled with the soft hum of chatter and the clinking of silverware. Yet, in that moment, you felt completely out of place, like a painting hung in the wrong gallery.

The waiter approached again, their polite smile faltering slightly. “Would you like to order something while you wait?”

You forced a small smile. “Not yet, thank you. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

They nodded, retreating back to the kitchen, but you could feel their pity lingering in the air.

Another glance at your watch. He was over an hour late. This was supposed to be a night for the two of you—a rare moment where San had promised you his undivided attention. No work. No excuses. Just the two of you and the kind of love that had once felt so effortless.

You tried to brush away the doubts creeping into your mind, but they were relentless. This wasn’t the first time he’d done this—missed a date without so much as a word. The excuses always came later, flimsy and unconvincing, but you wanted so badly to believe them because it was San.

" yn? is that you?"

You looked up to see Wooyoung, you gave him a polite smile, waving at him. He was quick to sit across you.

" what are you doing here alone? waiting for san?"

“Wooyoung,” you said softly, surprised to see him. His sudden presence was like a gust of fresh air breaking through the suffocating heaviness you’d been feeling. “Yeah, I’m waiting for San.”

Wooyoung tilted his head, his ever-curious gaze settling on the untouched wine in front of you. “Hmm, how long have you been waiting?” he asked, his tone light but laced with concern.

You hesitated, swirling the glass absentmindedly. “About an hour.”

His eyes widened slightly before narrowing in annoyance—not at you, but at the situation. “An hour? Seriously? What’s he doing, fighting off villains or something?” He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but you couldn’t bring yourself to laugh.

You gave him a weak smile. “You know how he is. Work gets in the way a lot.”

Wooyoung frowned, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone. “That doesn’t mean he should leave you sitting here by yourself. You deserve better than this, Y/N.”

You looked down at your hands, his words stinging in a way you didn’t expect. “It’s not always like this. He’s just… busy.”

Wooyoung’s gaze softened as he watched you struggle to defend San. He reached across the table, resting his hand lightly over yours.

" why don't we hang out hm? It's been years since we last seen each other anyways"

You glanced down at Wooyoung's hand resting over yours, his touch gentle yet steady. The weight of his words lingered in the air, a mix of nostalgia and comfort that pulled at your heart.

“It really has been years, hasn’t it?” you murmured, a small smile playing on your lips. Memories of late-night adventures and endless laughter with Wooyoung flickered through your mind like an old film reel.

He grinned, his eyes lighting up. “Exactly. So, let’s catch up. No pressure, no strings. Just two old friends grabbing a bite or doing something fun.”

You hesitated, your mind drifting to San. You’d been waiting for him all night, hoping for some time together, yet here was Wooyoung, offering you the one thing San had been struggling to give: his undivided attention.

“Are you sure you don’t have somewhere else to be?” you asked, your voice soft but teasing.

Wooyoung scoffed, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. “Y/N, I’m offended. Do you really think I’d leave you here by yourself after all this time?”

A small laugh escaped your lips despite yourself. “Okay, okay. You win.”

His grin widened, and he gave your hand a light squeeze before letting go. “Great! Where to? Fancy wine isn’t really my style, but I know a killer street food spot nearby. Unless you’re craving something else?”

You looked at him, his enthusiasm infectious. For the first time that evening, the disappointment and frustration that had been weighing you down seemed to lift. “Street food sounds perfect.”

Just as you stood to grab your coat, your phone buzzed on the table. You glanced at the screen to see San’s name flashing, a wave of conflicted emotions washing over you.

Wooyoung noticed your hesitation and leaned closer, his voice low and sincere. “It’s your call, Y/N. But whatever you decide, just make sure it’s what you want, not what you feel obligated to do.”

You met his gaze, his words resonating deeply. Taking a deep breath, you picked up your phone, but instead of answering, you slid it into your bag.

“Let’s go, Woo,” you said, a newfound sense of clarity in your voice.

His face lit up, and he offered his arm with a playful wink. “That’s what I’m talking about. Lead the way, my lady.”

San’s brow furrowed as he swung through the city, the wind rushing past him. His grip tightened on the web-line as he landed on a nearby rooftop, staring down at the glowing city streets below. He glanced at the time on his phone. An hour and twenty minutes late. The guilt he’d been carrying all night only deepened as he realized just how much he’d let you down—again.

San’s mind raced as he approached the restaurant, his heart pounding. What if you were still there? What if you weren’t? The thought of you leaving, of giving up on him, was enough to make his stomach twist.

Swinging down to the alley beside the restaurant, he quickly pulled off his mask, stuffing it into his backpack and smoothing his hair. He stepped inside, scanning the room, but his heart sank when he didn’t see you.

What he did see, however, was the waiter clearing the table where you’d been sitting. The half-empty glass of wine, the untouched breadbasket—it all painted a picture he couldn’t ignore.

San approached the waiter hesitantly. “Excuse me. The woman who was sitting there—did she leave long ago?”

The waiter gave him a look of recognition, paired with mild irritation. “She waited for over an hour. Another gentleman joined her for a bit before they left together.”

Another gentleman? San’s jaw clenched. “Did she say where she was going?”

The waiter shook his head, clearly unimpressed. “She didn’t mention anything. Maybe try calling her.”

San nodded, murmuring a quiet thank you before stepping back out onto the street. His mind reeled as he pieced things together. Another man? Who could it have been?

Then it hit him. Wooyoung.

San pulled out his phone, his fingers hovering over your name in his contacts. He wanted to call, to explain, to beg you to give him another chance—but he didn’t.

Instead, he shoved the phone back into his pocket and started walking, his head hanging low. He’d promised himself he wouldn’t let his double life hurt the people he loved, but tonight, he’d failed you.

And now, he couldn’t shake the image of you walking away with someone who might actually make you feel like you mattered.

You were laughing at something Wooyoung had said as you two walked side by side.

" so, how are you and San? Surprised that he hasn't put a ring on it just yet?"

You let out a soft chuckle at Wooyoung's playful teasing, though his question hit a little closer to home than you’d expected. “San and I…” you trailed off, the words catching in your throat as you glanced at the ground.

Wooyoung noticed the hesitation and slowed his steps, his usual grin softening into something gentler. “Hey, I was just joking,” he said quickly, nudging your shoulder lightly. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

You shook your head, a faint smile tugging at your lips. “No, it’s okay. It’s just…” You paused, exhaling a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. “Things between us haven’t exactly been easy lately. He’s so busy with work, and I just feel like… like I’m always waiting for him.”

Wooyoung frowned, his brows furrowing in concern. “Y/N, that doesn’t sound fair to you. Relationships are supposed to be a two-way street, not one person doing all the waiting.”

You shrugged, your hand brushing against his as you walked. “I know he’s trying, but it’s hard not to feel… invisible sometimes.”

Wooyoung stopped walking, gently catching your wrist to make you turn toward him. “You are not invisible,” he said firmly, his dark eyes locking onto yours. “Anyone who makes you feel that way doesn’t deserve you. And I’m not just saying that because I think you’re amazing.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the intensity of his words. “Woo…”

He held up his hands, taking a small step back to give you space. “Sorry, didn’t mean to go full motivational speaker on you,” he said with a small laugh. “I just hate seeing you like this. You deserve to feel loved and appreciated, not like you’re some afterthought.”

Your chest tightened at his words, emotions swirling inside you. Wooyoung had always been honest—sometimes to a fault—but hearing him say these things out loud made it harder to ignore the doubts that had been creeping into your mind for weeks.

The joyful moment between you and Wooyoung shattered as piercing screams echoed through the street. People began scattering in all directions, panic and chaos erupting like wildfire. Your heart pounded as you instinctively grabbed Wooyoung’s arm, your breath catching when you heard the sinister laughter reverberating above the chaos.

“Green Goblin,” Wooyoung muttered under his breath, his grip on your hand tightening protectively. “We need to get out of here. Now.”

Before you could respond, a deafening explosion shook the ground, sending shards of glass and debris flying through the air. Wooyoung yanked you closer, shielding you with his body as the two of you ducked into a nearby alley.

Your mind raced as adrenaline surged through your veins. “What the hell is he doing here?” you asked, your voice trembling.

Wooyoung peeked around the corner, his face pale but resolute. “Whatever it is, we don’t want to stick around to find out.”

The eerie cackle grew louder, closer, and your stomach churned as you caught a glimpse of Green Goblin’s glider swooping through the air, smoke trailing behind it. He hurled another pumpkin bomb, the explosion lighting up the street and sending more terrified civilians scrambling for cover.

Wooyoung pulled you further into the alley, his hand steady on your back as he guided you toward an exit. “We’ll head toward the subway. It’s safer underground.”

But as the two of you started running, another explosion rocked the area, forcing you to stumble. You looked up just in time to see the glider hovering above the alley entrance, Green Goblin’s twisted grin visible even from a distance.

“Well, well, what have we here?” he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “A lovely couple out for a stroll? How quaint.”

Wooyoung stepped in front of you, his stance tense but unwavering. “Stay behind me,” he whispered, his voice low but firm.

“Woo, we need to run,” you urged, panic bubbling in your throat.

Green Goblin tilted his head, clearly amused. “Oh, don’t run now. The fun’s just getting started!” He tossed another bomb, but before it could hit, a streak of red shot through the air, webbing it mid-flight and flinging it away.

Your heart skipped a beat as Spider-Man swung into view, landing gracefully between you and the Green Goblin. His suit gleamed under the flickering streetlights, his posture tense and ready for battle.

“Sorry, Gobbie,” Spider-Man quipped, his tone sharp but calm. “Date night’s officially canceled.”

“Spider-Man,” Green Goblin snarled, his grin turning feral. “Always ruining my fun.”

San had to do a double take when he realized who he had just saved. His heart pounded loudly in his ear now when he knew your life was on the line. Goblin noticed his double take, causing him to swoop down and grab you away from Wooyoung who you tried to hold to.

“Y/N!” San’s voice cracked as he watched Green Goblin swoop down, his clawed hand yanking you away from Wooyoung’s grasp. You screamed, reaching out for Wooyoung, but the Goblin’s iron grip held you tight, dragging you into the air.

“Ah, this one’s special to you, isn’t she, Spider-Man?” Green Goblin taunted, his laughter echoing through the chaos. He ascended higher, dangling you precariously over the street below. “Let’s see how well you fight when your heart’s on the line!”

“No!” San shouted, panic surging through him. He launched a web at the glider, trying to pull it down, but Goblin swerved at the last second, sending the web latching onto a lamppost instead.

“Let her go!” San demanded, his voice shaking with barely contained rage. He swung after you, his mind racing. Every instinct screamed at him to act fast, but he knew the Goblin would exploit his desperation.

Wooyoung stumbled back, his face pale as he watched the scene unfold. “San...” he murmured, realization dawning on him. He shook himself out of his shock and turned, looking for a way to help, but the battle raging above was beyond anything he could do.

“Poor Spider-Man,” Goblin crooned mockingly, his glider zigzagging through the air with you in tow. “What will you choose, hm? The girl or the city?” He tilted his head, then suddenly hurled a pumpkin bomb toward a nearby building.

The explosion sent debris raining down onto the street, and San’s stomach twisted. He didn’t have time to think. He shot a web to catch falling rubble, using all his strength to yank it away from the scattering civilians below.

“Stop it!” you cried, struggling against the Goblin’s grip. “You’re insane!”

“Oh, my dear,” Goblin sneered, his grip tightening on you. “Insanity is just another word for freedom.”

San swung toward the Goblin with everything he had, firing a web straight at the Goblin’s arm. This time, it hit its mark. “I said, let her go!” he roared, yanking hard enough to jolt the Goblin off balance.

With a snarl, Green Goblin flung you aside, sending you plummeting through the air. Time seemed to slow as your scream tore through the night.

San’s heart stopped. He didn’t think—he just moved. In one fluid motion, he shot a web toward you, snagging your waist before you could fall too far. He yanked you toward him, catching you in his arms mid-air as he swung to safety.

“Got you,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he held you tightly.

A choked sobbed left your lips as he put you down next to Wooyoung who was quick to take you into his arms.

“Y/N,” Wooyoung murmured, his voice shaky as he pulled you into his arms. He held you tightly, his hand cradling the back of your head as you buried your face into his shoulder, the sobs wracking your body uncontrollably.

San stood there for a moment, his mask hiding the raw pain etched into his face. His chest heaved as he fought to steady his breathing, the image of you being torn from his grasp burned into his mind. He wanted to hold you, comfort you, but seeing you in Wooyoung’s arms brought a sharp ache to his heart.

San’s hands curled into fists as he turned away, unable to look at you in Wooyoung’s arms for a second longer. His heart twisted with every step he took toward the edge of the rooftop, but he forced himself to push those feelings aside. He had a job to do.

Without a word, he leapt off the building, his webs shooting out to carry him back into the fray. The city’s chaos blurred around him as his mind honed in on one goal: taking down Green Goblin and ensuring no one else got hurt tonight.

Meanwhile, Wooyoung guided you carefully through the streets, his arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders as you trembled against him. Your apartment wasn’t far, but every noise—a car horn, a distant shout—made your body tense, your mind flashing back to the terrifying moments from earlier.

“It’s okay,” Wooyoung reassured you, his voice soft but steady. “We’re almost there. You’re safe now.”

You swallowed hard, your throat tight as the weight of everything pressed down on you. Your legs felt like jelly, barely able to keep up with Wooyoung’s steady pace as he guided you toward your apartment. The revelation that San was Spider-Man played on a loop in your mind, intertwining with the terrifying memory of being in Green Goblin’s grasp.

Your fingers gripped the fabric of Wooyoung’s jacket like a lifeline. The warmth of his presence grounded you, but your thoughts were anything but steady. How long has he been Spider-Man? Why didn’t he tell me? Questions swirled like a storm in your head, each one heavier than the last.

Wooyoung glanced down at you, concern etched into his face. “You’re shaking,” he murmured, stopping for a moment to steady you. “Y/N, you’ve been through hell tonight. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed.”

You blinked at him, your lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out. Instead, a tear slipped down your cheek, followed by another, until you were trembling in his grasp.

“I-I don’t even know what to think,” you choked out finally, your voice barely a whisper. “He… he kept this from me. All this time. And I almost—” Your words broke off as a sob escaped your lips.

Wooyoung’s grip tightened, his expression softening as he pulled you into a hug. “I know,” he said quietly, his voice steady and calm. “I know it feels like the world just got turned upside down. And I can’t pretend to know how you feel, but I’m here. Okay? You’re not alone in this.”

You clung to him, burying your face in his shoulder as you let the tears fall. The dam had broken, and everything you’d been holding in—fear, anger, betrayal, confusion—spilled out in messy waves.

[ink-n-shadow]

I wanna know about the DND au! (More specifically I wanna know if you've got Soap as the bard that would fuck anything that walks) But also I wanna know about everything else tooo!

lemme give you a breakdown of the party we have for this campaign

johnny is most definitely a tielfing bard (it’s been his build since secondary, and he hates change). definitely fucks the most townspeople everywhere he goes, including the members of his own party (kyle says no, simon says yes). always getting the group into some kind of trouble, mainly because he can’t keep his mouth shut. he also has the most experience out of the group, so the session consists of him getting up and down often, standing over one of the other guys and helping them with their character sheet as they go through the campaign.

price is a barbarian orc because he likes being the biggest and strongest in the party. literally goes into a rage in every single conflict they get into. meticulously plans out battle strategies and barks out orders to the boys before their turns (“aye—move a couple spaces to the left, simon. you’ll avoid that goblin’s eldritch blast over here” or “let me move in on ‘em first—i’ve got advantage, right?”) like price needs the most help but also gets the most into the campaign.

simon is a dragonborn paladin because it gives him the ability to not only attack and deal damage to enemies, but he can also heal himself and his teammates. is constantly squabbling with the team about their hit points and whether they’re close to death or not (“johnny, for fuck’s sake—d’ya need the heal or not? i can ‘lways give it to kyle—s’what i fuckin’ thought. just ask next time”). he’s actually a really quick learner when it comes to this stuff, so after a couple sessions he’s shaking johnny off of his shoulder and telling him to “go sit ‘own—don’t need your help. i know how to add fuckin’ numbers together, johnny”

kyle is a rouge elf of some kind (whether drow or high or regular—i can’t decide tbh). also enjoys fucking literally everybody he can get his hands on because a) he gets laid and b) he steals everything they have on his way out the door. however slimy and smarmy his character is, he’s always willingly sacrificing himself for his team. would definitely play a chaotic neutral character for funsies.

(will i be making actual dnd character sheets for them? yes. should i be studying for my exam that’s in 2 weeks? also yes)

©️ ink-n-shadow 2024

do not copy, plagiarize, steal, borrow, or repost any of my work without my expressed permission

[rancidpancakebatter]

Another Way to Fly-[P.P.] | Chapter Seven

Pairing: TASM!college!Peter Parker x female!college!reader

Summary: You've been dating Harry Osborne for three years. You love him...but maybe not as much as you once did. Maybe not enough.

AU Where Norman isn’t as sick- he’s just an asshole- and Gwen didn't go to Oxford. Harry is functioning as an apprentice at Oscorp (He graduated with a master's in two years because of his studying abroad). You, Peter, and Gwen are all seniors at ESU. Because Peter isn't Spider-Man and Norman isn’t dying, the whole “Goblin” thing is scratched from the record, so Peter and Harry are besties.

Prompt: Based on an ask for my 200 Follower celebration

Word Count: 3.1k

Content Warnings: Swearing, drinking (of age)

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A/N: reader is stressed and I'm loving it, sorry :P

There’s a thick tension in the air, it brought sweat to your brow that you blamed on the already stuffy room. You felt like you were being watched, the hairs on the back of your neck now irritating to you. When you looked around, you never discovered who it was, or whether it was just your brain pushing on paranoia. 

Your stomach twisted and churned as you carefully teetered between convincing yourself that you were just crazy and trying to figure out why Gwen and Peter suddenly wanted nothing to do with you and Harry– and then reminding yourself that Harry wasn’t shown any coldness, just you. And how deeply that had stung. 

But your heart would mend little by little. With every bit of attention Harry gave you, and the timid passing smile you would sometimes catch from Peter across the room. He was tied to Gwen for most of the evening, but they seemed robotic. They were stiff. No one was leaning into the other. There were no soft pets or admiring the other. They barely looked at each other. It was odd. 

You’re used to feeling lovesick just from looking at them. You craved the silent conversations and their affectionate touches full of care. But their actions now looked rehearsed. They lasted as long as they needed to and offered nothing more. And only Peter seemed to mind. 

His face was neutral unless speaking with someone. He looked tired, but you couldn’t tell if it was from late nights or if it was the kind of tired that sleep couldn’t fix. His slouch was more pronounced as he followed Gwen around the room. His dead eyes floated aimlessly, looking at everything but seeing nothing. 

Gwen held her chin high and her smile wide. She greeted everyone with brilliance and charm. But this was her night, you guess. 

You couldn’t get it off your mind. All night, your thoughts and eyes wandered to them, and your heart felt heavier with all the space between you. 

You would feel much better if you didn’t feel like the pair was ducking you. You had caught up to them twice now. The first time, You spotted them on the outskirts of the crowd. They talked amongst themselves, observing the room as they took a break from socializing. Harry was locked in a titillating conversation about the economic reality and accessibility of their research, but your eyes continually drifted to your friends across the room.  

“You can go over if you want,” Harry whispered, having caught your stare. “I’ll join you in a moment.”

You hesitated at his side, your linked arm tensing. The idea of leaving Harry caused you to pause, as usually, separating meant you likely wouldn't catch his attention again within this hour, or the next. However, he had promised to be with you this evening and had yet to waver from his word. 

He seemed to recognise your reluctance and encouraged you further, “Really, I’ll be right there. I just need you to pin those evasive weasels down.”

He chuckled at his own joke and you cracked a smile of your own before breaking away.

Peter noticed your approach first, his height making it easier to scan the crowd. You waved as your eyes met and, in turn, a wide smile spread across Peter’s face. It’s hard to say if enough data had been gathered for this conclusion, but you don’t think you’ve seen him that truly happy tonight. Regardless, the smile on your face was also record-breaking for the evening. 

Timid ‘Excuse me’s fell out in soft breaths as you tried to navigate the partygoers. One thing you had learned very early on in dating Harry was that rich people (like, Wikipedia page rich) were often very rude, as they have this inflated idea of self-importance, tied solely to the thickness of their wallets. Many of them would not move out of your way if you were on fire. Instead, they would keep their feet planted as they merely watched you slide against them to get by. The act never failed to make you feel suffocated and irritated. 

Once you finally breached the crowd you were a little out of breath, but no less deterred, as the promised land was finally before you. 

“Hey, Guys!” You called once before your friends. 

Gwen stiffened and in turn, Peter’s smile faded. 

“How’s your evening going?” You tried again. 

A scoff floated through the air, the blonde rolling her eyes. 

“Well, it’s just great.” Her tone had a bite to it that you didn’t understand. “Everyone here keeps telling me how wonderful and brilliant I am.”

“Well,” Her eyes ripped from yours as she redirected her indignation towards the man beside her. “Almost everyone.”

Peter’s face fell towards the ground, his neck reddening so quickly you were sure the flush would swallow his cheeks in seconds. You were unsure, however, what Gwen had meant by that. Surely Peter was supportive of her work, he always was. 

“I’m sure Peter is very proud of you,” You said attempting to defuse tension you couldn’t define, “I know I’m proud of Harry.”

At the mention of your boyfriend's name, you glanced behind you hoping to see him fight his way through the crowd to where you were. Instead, he was still speaking to the same man, just as animated as before you left. You hoped he was at least enjoying the conversation, but if he could over here that would be great. You weren’t sure how long you could keep this up. 

“Don’t speak for him.” The words came out in a snarl, her eyes squinted in anger.

You had never seen Gwen upset like this, and your hands came up instinctually to guard yourself from the sting as your jaw dropped. 

“Come on Gwen, don’t be mean.”

Peter’s head never lifted as he chided her, though hers whipped around in an instant, and you felt bad because whatever anger she had for you, she had more for him. Her cheeks flushed with it, her eyes widening under her furrowed brows. When their eyes met, you recognised that all-too-familiar psychic link they shared. A conversation happening only in looks, leaving you in the dark. However, this one looked more like a fight, so you were happy to miss out. 

After a moment she scoffed again, “Un-fucking-believable.”

She stormed off and ignored you calling after her. Peter didn’t even try to stop her from leaving. He didn’t even look up, just shaking his head at the ground. 

Once your shock began to wane, you asked your friend, “Is everything alright between you two?”

The tender concern in your voice convinced him to finally raise his eyes to meet yours, though his expression looked pained. He brought his glass up once, then opened his mouth to answer. When no answer came, he raised the glass again. The poor guy was a wreck for sure. He was never this quiet.

“Peter?” 

Your hand gently reached across the distance between you to rest on his bicep. The act was meant to be comforting, a touch well rehearsed. But just as your fingertip grazed his sleeve, He jumped back, his drink sloshing as he tried to catch it in his mouth instead of his suit jacket. You retracted your touch quickly, holding your jilted hand to your chest. 

“She’s just stressed,” He said, avoiding your gaze and much farther away now, “Big night.”

You nodded your head, not really believing him but not wanting to push it. “And how are you?”

A soft laugh left Peter’s lips, but you had missed the punchline. You waited for him to expand, but no explanation came. Instead, he took another sip of his liquor, then sucked his teeth. 

“I gotta go get her.”

He didn’t sound excited as he trudged off to where she had disappeared moments ago, leaving you staring at the cityscape out of the giant window you had first found your friends gathered around.  

You stood there for a while, fighting back tears as the city lights twinkled below when Harry finally did appear. You didn’t notice his approach from behind before his voice startled you. 

“I told you to keep them here.” He sputtered, “Where did they run off to now?”

You appologized and told him you weren’t sure as he joined you at the window to enjoy the winter scenery. 

The second time occurred about an hour later when your mingling had brought you towards the center of the room. There you found a circle of women talking animatedly and who you assumed were their adjoining men floating on the outskirts. 

None of the men interacted much, they simply nodded their heads in acknowledgement, nursing their preferred poisons as they waited for their ladies to return. 

Suddenly Harry was tugging on your arm, moving you around the herd. A small smile stretched across your face when you saw where he was going. 

Peter stood awkwardly, trying his best not to make eye contact with anyone who looked like they might initiate a conversation, swirling his drink more to do something with his hands than to stir it. The way the golden drink glistened in the lights reminded Peter of a potion a wise witch might fix up. He tried to imagine what sagely words she would share with him and hoped if he stared harder into the spell some sort of clarity would wash over him. 

He only stopped when he heard Harry call his name, looking up to see you. The gown you wore tonight was beautiful, but he was sure you looked great in any dress you wore. Or any sweater, t-shirt, or potato sack. Your smile was small but he saw the joy you held in your eyes. They shown in a different way than his drink. Your eyes were bright, blindingly so. The world fell away when he looked there, unable to see anything else. An arm fell around him and he flinched. 

“Hey, Pete,” Harry greeted, “You okay? You’re jumpy.”

He tried to laugh it off, trying his best not to look your way again, knowing he had no self-control. 

“Yeah, I’m fine. How are you? Enjoying the party?”

Peter could feel you examining him. Not much got past you, there was nothing he could hide. But he had to try. Because if you knew how truly terrible he was, if you knew all he had torn apart and how much more he wished he could destroy, you might hate him. And he wouldn’t be able to blame you.

“It would be a lot better,” Harry teased, “If my best friend was with me. Seriously man, are you hiding from me?”

Peter’s stomach fell, the guilt tearing him up inside. His mind became loud with a mess of voices, all reminding him of how selfish and pathetic he was. How utterly cruel and treacherous he had been to his friend. 

“Anyway,” Harry continued, “you’re not getting away from me now.”

He brought their glasses together with a clink and made a face Peter knew well. He downed the rest of his drink with Harry, knowing that the scolding he would get for “forfeiting” would be worse than the drink. He beat Harry by a mere half a second and Harry cursed under his breath. 

“Fine, rules are rules.” 

Harry squeezed your shoulder as he passed you, accepting defeat as he went to the bartender. That left you with, a very awkward, Peter. His feet shuffled in place as his eyes tracked the empty glass twisting in his hands. His head was thudding in his ears as your eyes continued to burn holes into his rented tux, and his hand came up to fiddle with his tie in a failed attempt to create more air in the room. The pressure was rising the longer he stood here. 

“It’s supposed to get really cold tonight.”

He didn’t acknowledge your remark, and you felt your heart seize in his silence. Your time with Peter was usually filled with easy laughter and quick-witted jabs, and you were trying to wrack your brain for why there was such a rift between you now. When did your friendship become one where you discussed the weather? 

“I uh…I heard that a blizzard might be rolling in soon.” You gracelessly continued, “It’ll be a problem more so for the North– like Buffalo or whatever�� but still…”

Peter offered nothing, refusing to save you from this…well you hesitate to call it a conversation. He was much too fascinated by the once-polished glass in his hands. 

“But apparently it’s gonna get up to sixty on Thursday,” You cringed at yourself, but words continued to tumble out, as they often did around Peter. “Which is like…crazy right?”

“What are you talking about?”

Your back straightened, surprised by his dry tone, as you tripped around an answer.

“I was just…” You pushed past the lump of nerves in your throat, “I was trying to make conversation.”

His eyes still refused to meet yours, and he offered nothing more. You couldn’t bite your tongue any longer. 

“Hey, are we-” You began, then fought through before you lost your nerve, “Are you okay?”

Peter feigned nonchalance in his returning question. “What do you mean?” 

“You seem a little…off tonight.”

The nonchalance fell quickly as he now looked at you challengingly. His eyes looked red around the edges like he had been rubbing at them, but his gaze was gentle, the only familiarity you found in the man before you.

“Maybe you’re just not used to seeing me here.”

His apathy was insufferable. You couldn’t think of a single time in the four years of knowing this man that he had spoken to you with so much disinterest. You didn’t know what to do or make of it.

“I- I guess, but— I don’t know —you just seem upset about something.” You swallowed hard, the next words being exceptionally hard to force out. “Maybe something I did. And as your friend, you can tell me.”

He took a breath, his presence softening with the action. His smile tightened, his left cheek pulling into his face, and his eyes began to twinkle under the chandeliers, slowly wetting as he tried to hold together. That’s when you knew. You fought the urge to bring into your your arms then an there.

Before he could answer, your shoulder was shoved forward as someone pushed past you.

“I’m sure he will,” Gwen says coldly, appearing on Peter’s arm, “But now isn’t the time.”

The countenance on your friend's faces as they look at you makes you feel sick to your stomach. Gwen holds nothing but disdain for you as Peter’s spirit is immediately distinguished by her presence, and is replaced by a sullen look your way. 

“Yeah, okay, we’ll talk—” She turns him away before you’ve finished your statement, walking off “—later.”

Tears threaten to fall from your lashline, knowing that you must have done something to them for them to treat you this way. Your friends hated you, and you knew that must be true. You feel the warmth of embarrassment and shame rise to your cheeks, the skin itching in its wake. 

You feel alien standing in the middle of this crowd of merry folk, chatting and drinking through the night with smiles and laughter in the air. Your eyes are closed as you try to count through your hitching breath, willing the tears to return peacefully to your eye ducts before they fall. 

When Harry returned with his punishment– A dastardly looking Ceasar Cocktail with tabasco sauce swirling around the many olives in his tall glass, that he stirred around with his celery stick, raking up the smell of clam permeating your nostrils– he was once again distressed to see Peter walking off. 

“Where are they going?” He asked, taking a sip from his drink, then shuddering. “God, that’s awful.”

“They felt crowed,” You lied, “You should catch up with them while I run to the restroom.”

You didn’t wait for Harry’s response before running off, desperate to escape. You glide across the floor, your stride wide as you flee as fast as you can without actually running. There are bathrooms on this floor, but you didn’t want to risk a line or audience. Once you reached the steps, you flew, your feet scrambled as you skipped over some. Your chest began heaving and you tried to blame the exertion but you knew your desperate sprinting had nothing to do with it. 

Once you reached the lobby, many workers tried to offer their assistance to you, but you waved them off, avoiding their gaze. In the security of the grand, marble-slabbed restroom, you began to cry. Your hand covered your mouth to try and muffle the noise, hoping to avoid the attention of anyone outside, as you blowing through the lobby the way did was most likely concerning enough. 

You took your time, as the images of Peter’s despondence and Gwen’s enmity floated around your mind like haunting drama masks, twisting the distortions of your once familiar friends. You wracked your frazzled brain for what you could have possibly done, and tears of frustration poured as nothing came forth.

You opened your phone, suddenly paranoid that maybe you had sent a mean message to one of them by mistake. But alas, in the two days between when you last saw them and now, the only messages there– other than the few you had sent today asking when they were coming– was a thank you to the both of them (individually) for taking care of your sorry, drunk ass. Only Peter had responded to you.

From Peter: Nvr a problem for my lil heartbreaker !! Glad u got home safe 

From Peter: 6438_92.img

From Peter: cu again soon :)))

You croaked as you looked at the wide, carefree smile he wore in the photo, his free hand raised above his head in half a heart– a common sign-off between you.

What had changed? What could you have done in these passing days to make them feel this way? Gwen was mad at you, you knew that much, but Peter? He seemed crushed. If you had done something to wrong Peter, it would make sense why Gwen was so cross with you. Hell, you were cross with you. Because if you had done something– and that is the only thing that makes sense– then you did it so carelessly, so brazenly, that you couldn’t even remember. 

Putting a little secondary note down here to just say hello, and I'm sorry to all of you who waited so long for this (and many other) updates. I hope that the finished product is worth it, and thanks for sticking around to find out :))

Tag List: @actuallypeterparker, @athenxt, @andrews-lovr, @barbecuetiddy, @cherriescherriesred25, @heejinw0rld, @ilovemoonknight, @Isshecrazyorissheclever, @negasonic-teenage-asshole, @preciousbabypeter, @purple-amaranthe, @raajali3, @rudy-the-winged-wolf, @scorpiolystoned, @supernerdycookietrashblrr, @tayswiftlovebot, @wannapizzamymindposts, @whoreforklitz

[writingrock]

the tale of two lovers [7]

pairing: barbarian! katsuki bakugou x reader (female) summary: a bard approaches a lone barbarian in search for a story to tell. Who could have known that the barbarian end up being such a romantic tale.

notes: fantasy au, fluff, strangers to lovers, slow burn, bakusquad, barbarian bakugou, violence, mentions of caves, mentions of spiders and goblins, descriptions of violence, mentions of cooked frog

word count: 8k

part list

part one: chapter list

a/n: I literally just finished writing this soooo ,,, not proofread :P

The cave’s darkness was stifling, pierced only by the faint glow of the floating light orbs you had conjured. Their soft light cast wavering shadows on the weathered rock walls as you and Bakugou moved forward. Your footsteps were barely audible against the oppressive silence of the cavern, the sound swallowed up by the vast emptiness around you. It had only been two hours since the both of you had risen from your uneasy rest, the air between you still heavy with the lingering cold.

Neither of you had exchanged much in the way of conversation since you both awakened. The only real interaction was when Bakugou had flicked your forehead to jolt you awake, grumbling something about how you’d been “grossly leaning on his shoulder” while you slept. You’d opened your eyes groggily, half annoyed and half embarrassed, but said nothing, pushing yourself upright and preparing to move.

Now, as the two of you pressed deeper into the cave, the silence continued to stretch between you. There was no need for words at the moment for the both of you knew to concentrate your efforts in finding your friends. The soft scrape of your boots against the uneven stone floor was oddly calming as you made your way through the tunnels, the subtle sound offering a welcome distraction in the eerie silence. 

After what felt like hours of trudging through the labyrinth, the passage opened up into a small chamber, barely large enough to accommodate the two of you. The walls were etched with faded, ancient markings, some faintly familiar as forgotten languages. Symbols that hinted at the cave’s age and the lost civilizations that had once claimed it as sacred ground. Scattered relics lay broken and abandoned, remnants of a history that had long since turned to dust. The air was warmer here, a welcome change from the chill of the tunnels.

“What do you make of this place?” Bakugou’s voice piped up as he inspected the enclosed space. Squinting at the strewn about relics and eroded markings. He was curious, of course. He’d never been to a place like Niniel’s Veil, and now they were deep in the underground network of this cursed thicket. Besides, it gave him something else to look at after hours of staring at nothing but rocks and cobble.

You knelt, brushing your fingers over one of the carved symbols, feeling the worn grooves under your touch. “It’s ancient. They appear to be from a civilization that disappeared centuries ago. This cave might have been something sacred to them.”

Bakugou grunted, his focus more on your reaction than the history around the both of you. “So it’s just another empty room?”

“Maybe,” you said, standing and dusting off your hands. “But it’s more than that. It’s a reminder that we’re not the first to be here. They were here long before us, and now… all that’s left are echoes.”

Bakugou leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he studied you. “Do you always get this sentimental over old rocks?”

A chuckle escapes your lips as you push yourself up from your knees. “Not sentimental— just thoughtful. It’s easy to forget that we’re a small part of something bigger. What we do might be remembered, or it might not. But it matters to us now.”

For a moment, Bakugou was silent, his gaze shifting from the faded symbols to you. “You ever think about whether people will remember us? All the crap we’re going through?”

His question caught you off guard. In general, you weren’t even close to understanding how often Bakugou silently reflected on himself. Sure, you knew he was sharp and always thinking, but you hadn’t realised the full extent of it— the constant stream of thoughts and reflections he went through daily. What you saw was just the surface. Beneath it was a mind always analysing, evaluating, and recalculating, far more than he let on. Whether it was recent events or his own skillset. He was always analysing himself and others under a microscope. His mind never truly rested. Constantly pushing himself and others to be better, sharper, more prepared. He has a library of deep thoughts that he sifted through daily, though no one else could see it. It was a private, internal dialogue for only himself. 

It wasn’t like him to be openly reflective, but perhaps your words had stirred something in him, forcing him to consider things he usually brushed aside. “Maybe,” you said, your voice quiet. “But even if they don’t, it’s enough that we know what we did.”

Bakugou shifted off the wall and walked over to you. “You’re a strange one, you know that?” There was no malice in his tone, it wasn’t meant to be an insult. It seemed you had surprised him more than he’d ever admit out loud. 

You meet his gaze with the smallest smile. “Probably the closest thing to a compliment from you.”

He chuckled, focusing on you for just a brief moment. “Take it or leave it,” he said with a shrug. There was a pause as he considered his next words, sorting his thoughts out before he spoke again.

“You’ve got layers,” he added, his voice gruff, as if irritated by his own thoughts. “And that’s weird. I don’t have time to figure you out, but... I’m going to.” You’re not just part of the background. 

His words hit harder than you expected, and for a moment, you paused, letting them sink in. There was weight in what he said, it was enough to make your heart beat just a little deeper, like a subtle warning that he was starting to see beyond the surface. You did have layers, more than you let on. A deeper part of you that you’d carefully kept hidden from most people. It was easier that way, safer. And yet, a part of you wanted him to try. There was something about the challenge of him figuring you out. Even if the truth might endanger you. 

Those nights you spent talking about home, sharing fragments of your past, barely scratched the surface of who you both truly were. There was so much left unsaid, layers of history, pain, and vulnerability that remained hidden beneath carefully constructed defences. It was as if you were both dancing around the parts of yourselves that mattered most.

“I could say the same about you.” You sighed softly, maintaining eye contact with him. “Maybe we’re not so different. You just haven’t figured me out yet.” He, too, had his own mysteries, his own layers buried beneath that rough exterior. You found yourself wanting to dig into them, to see what lay beneath his grumbles and glares. 

Bakugou’s gaze didn’t falter at your words. He didn’t say anything at first, just studied you with that sharp, calculating look he always had when sizing up an opponent or a situation. Except this wasn’t either. It was different. He let out a low grunt, his arms still crossed but the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “You think you can figure me out?” he asked, his tone questioning your grit. “Good luck with that.”

“Save the luck for yourself, I just need time.” You dryly chuckle, letting it echo in the dark chamber. 

There was a pause between you, thick with the silent secrets hanging in the air. You both had hidden depths that neither of you had fully explored. But the prospect of peeling those layers back and finding out what lay underneath, excited you more than you wanted to admit. It was dangerous, the kind of thing that could get messy, but maybe that’s what made it so enticing. 

“You really think you can handle what’s underneath?” his voice toned down significantly, gauging your reaction with a furrow in his brow. A notion of a dare in his words. 

You couldn’t help but laugh, the tension of the moment breaking slightly. “Oh my god, who knew you were the edgy, brooding type?” you teased, a smirk tugging at your lips.

Bakugou’s anger flared up at that moment, a vein popping out on his forehead. It was always jokes with you “Tch. Keep laughing,” he barked as he crossed his arms over his chest, snapping his head away from you. “Not everyone’s as simple as you think.”

You leaned in slightly, trying to look at him after you teased him and ruined the moment. “I know that. I just didn’t expect you to be so… dramatic about it.”

It wasn't long before he barked back. “Shut up. I ain't some dramatic, moody loser.” Sure, sure he wasn't. You can't help but laugh at him again, to which Bakugou responds with a sharp glare.

At some point, your laughter dies down and you take your time to think on his words. Looking at Bakugou with a softened expression as you truly considered his words. The challenge still hung over you both with a hint of humour. There was more to him, you knew that, but maybe uncovering it would take time— time you were more than willing to give. Was what he hid inside that bad for him to ask that question? You weren't sure but you were going to find out.

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” you finally say. Seriously this time.

For a moment, you both just stood there, the air between you charged with the crackle of static, the palpable energy breathing life into that abandoned, ancient room. It wasn’t just about the journey anymore or the mission. It was about you and him, two people with walls built so high that the idea of breaking them down felt both terrifying and thrilling.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Bakugou finally muttered as he turned away slightly, the weight of his words lingering in the space between you.

You let out a small laugh, more to break the tension than anything. “Same goes for you, Bakugou.”

He glanced back at you. The mystery of figuring each other out— was it just going to be a game? No, it was real, and you were both in it now. “I guess we’ll see who figures out who first,” he spoke in an undertone, sounding serious yet there was a flash of warmer, something deeper.

“Guess we will,” you echoed softly.

The light orbs highlighted the sharpness of his features and the intensity in his eyes. Despite the rough edges, there was definitely something else there, something you couldn’t quite place. But you would be intent on discovering the man behind those hardened crimson eyes. 

The tavern is a far cry from the caves. The warm, golden light from the hearth is one that the group wished they had when they were navigating those cavernous tunnels. Bakugou sits at the edge of the light, half-hidden in the flickering glow, his posture relaxed but his eyes distant, lost somewhere far from the safety of the room. 

The bard’s fingers idly pluck the strings of his lute— a soft, absent tune that fills the lulls between words. Leaning forwards with widened eyes, not with fear but with the kind of fascination only a storyteller could have, he is eager to pull every detail into his next song.

“Oh, how treacherous!” he breathes, gasping softly whilst his legs swing with excitement. “To face such dangers and live to tell the tale— it’s no wonder you’ve got the scars to prove it. But tell me, how did you escape those dire straits? Surely, there must have been a twist, a desperate gamble?”

Bakugou stares into the depths of his mug. The memories linger, flashes of battle, of chaos, and the relentless push to survive. His fingers tighten slightly around the mug, the only outward sign of the turmoil beneath his calm exterior. “It was hard,” he says finally, his voice rough, almost distant. The simplicity of his words carries a weight that silence cannot. He doesn’t elaborate, doesn’t offer more than what is needed. There’s a quiet strength in his restraint, the kind that doesn’t need to explain itself.

You were tired of being stuck in this godforsaken cave. The faint, eerie glow of phosphorescent fungi barely pierced the darkness around you both. The cold stone pressed in from all sides, the silence almost deafening. Every second felt like an eternity as you moved forward, hoping to find your companions. A knot of worry began to form in the pit of your stomach, but soon you realised there was no time for that. You no longer had the luxury to worry.

The silence shattered. A sudden clamour echoed through the cavern as goblins burst from the shadows, their guttural cries filling the air. The sound of metal scraping stone and their footsteps growing louder sent adrenaline surging through you. Without hesitation, you and Bakugou shifted into position, instinctively falling back to back.

“On your right!” you called out, slashing at a goblin that lunged toward you with a snarl.

Bakugou reacted instantly, spinning around and slicing through the goblin with a swift, deadly swing of his scimitar. The creature let out a final shriek before crumpling to the ground. “I’ve got this side. You take the left!” he barked, his fist sparking up a ball of flame. 

With a nod, you shifted your focus to the left, where a trio of goblins was attempting to flank you. You dodged under a wild swing of a crude club, driving your dagger into the side of one goblin before spinning and kicking another squarely in the chest, sending it crashing into the jagged rocks. Behind you, the metallic clang of Bakugou’s scimitar echoed as he made short work of the remaining attackers. His blasts filled the air with heat and light, the force of each explosion sending goblins flying.

A goblin tried to sneak up on Bakugou, creeping through the shadows with a dagger raised, but you spotted it just in time. “Behind you!” you shouted.

Bakugou whirled around, eyes blazing with fierce intensity as he swung his scimitar in a powerful arc, sending the goblin flying into the cave wall, where it slumped lifelessly to the ground. “These bastards just don’t quit,” he growled, slightly winded but still standing.

You wiped a smear of blood from your cheek, catching your breath as you scanned the dimly lit chamber. “Tell me about it.”

As if on cue, the last goblin fell, and an unsettling silence settled over the cave. You exchanged a tense look with Bakugou. There was no need for words; you both knew you had to press on. The cave grew darker as you ventured deeper, so much so you had to conjure up the light orbs again. You were trying to conserve your magic but it couldn’t be helped. Every step echoed softly through the twisting tunnels. After what felt like hours, faint voices echoed ahead, their familiarity felt like a lifeline. Those voices… could it be? There was no time to freeze or discuss, you and Bakugou quickened your pace. Rounding a final corner, you were met with the sight of Denki and Mina, bruised and exhausted but alive. Relief flooded through you as you stepped forward, ready to bring your scattered team back together.

“Denki! Mina!” you called out, relief flooding your voice.

Mina looked up, her face lighting despite the tiredness. Her genuine smile shining through. “Took you long enough!”

Denki, leaning against the wall to catch his breath, managed a weak grin. “You guys wouldn’t believe the crap we’ve been through.”

Bakugou scanned the area for threats before giving a curt nod. Huffing at his mates and masking his concern for them. “Save it for later. We need to get the hell out of here.” But he couldn’t hide it fully. All of you saw a trace of relief in his voice, a small sign that despite everything, he was glad to see them alive. The four of you regrouped, the exhaustion of the battle weighing heavily on your shoulders, but the simple fact that you were together again strengthened you to push forward.

Now, all that was left was to find Sero and Kirishima, but it wasn’t going to be easy. After all, it had taken you and Bakugou countless hours just to track down Mina and Denki. The cave felt endless, a sprawling labyrinth of shadowed tunnels and jagged rock formations that seemed to twist and turn in every direction. Each step only added to your growing frustration, as if the darkness itself were mocking your efforts.

You, Bakugou, Denki, and Mina moved cautiously through the cavern, your steps slow and deliberate. The only sounds were the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional drip of water echoing through the cavern, a constant reminder of how far you were from the world above. It was a haunting reminder of how easy it would be to lose yourselves down here. Every new tunnel looked the same, each shadow concealing untold dangers, and the simple existence of the unknown pressed heavily on your mind. No map, no compass. Just you and lady luck. Still, you pressed forward, knowing that somewhere in this underground network, Sero and Kirishima were waiting to be found.

The light orbs flickered, casting shifting shadows on the cave walls. You eyed them carefully, silently willing your magic to hold steady. The last thing you needed was for the light to fail you in this dark cavern. Now and then, the orb lights would catch on something unsettling— skeletal remains of a long-forgotten traveller, a grim warning of the cave’s dangers. A grim reminder of the cave’s dangers. But you refused to let that be your fate. It wouldn’t be the group’s fate either. You wouldn’t allow it. With each step, your resolve hardened. No matter how lost you all were, you knew you could get them out of here.

“How long have we been down here?” Denki muttered, his voice hushed as if speaking too loudly might stir something unseen. “Feels like days.”

Mina, walking beside him, kept her eyes focused straight ahead. Trying her best to mask her fatigue. “Too long. We’ve got to find the others and get out of this place.”

Bakugou said nothing, he stared intently on the path ahead. His eyes scanned every shadow, every crevice, diligently for signs of danger or a potential exit. You could sense the tension radiating off him— the way his shoulders were set, the iron grip he kept on his weapon. He was on high alert, and it was clear that every nerve in his body was wired for a fight. But it was impossible to miss how exhausted he really was. The slight sag in his body, the drag in his step. It all betrayed the weariness he was trying to hide.

The cave had taken its toll on all of you, sapping your strength and gnawing at your resolve. The bleak air, the identical rocks that made it feel like you were running in circles, the darkness you struggled to fend off with your dwindling magic, and the constant uncertainty were wearing everyone thin. Even after a brief rest, the weight of the journey bore heavily on your shoulders, each step forward a battle against exhaustion and doubt.

Yet, amidst the peril and gloom, there were fleeting moments of warmth—small gestures, shared glances, and quiet reassurances that broke through the darkness. It was these brief moments that kept you moving, fueling the determination to keep going, no matter how endless the cave seemed. 

The group paused at a small cavern where a natural spring trickled down the rock face, creating a soothing, melodic sound that contrasted sharply with the eerie silence that had followed you for hours. Bakugou stood at the edge of the pool, his reflection rippling in the water as he bent down to refill his canteen. You approached, your footsteps light on the uneven ground, and knelt beside him to do the same.

“Think the gods are tossing us a small blessing?” you quipped, a wry smile tugging at your lips. It was a bitter irony, considering you were all still trapped in these twisted, unforgiving caves. How long have you had fresh water like this?

Bakugou snorted, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. “Better than nothing,” he muttered, his tone dry but carrying a morsel of gratitude. Even in a place as bleak as this, the brief respite felt like a small victory.

Mina and Denki also bent down to refill their canteens, drinking quietly as they went in for seconds. You and Bakugou sat there for a moment, the quiet splash of water the only sound between you. The cave’s cold, oppressive atmosphere seemed to lift just a little, offering a rare moment of calm amid the chaos. As you finished filling your canteen, you found yourself lingering, your gaze drifting toward Bakugou. For once, the tension between you had faded, replaced by an alien quietude.

“You know,” you began, your voice softer than usual, hesitant but sincere, “for someone who’s barking all the time, you’ve got a decent side.”

Bakugou looked up, one eyebrow arching at your words. He paused halfway, the canteen hovering just before his lips. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

You shrugged, a faint smile on your lips as you raised the canteen to take a sip.  “Just that… I’ve seen how you are with the others. How you’ve been looking out for everyone. It’s not something I initially expected from you.” The cool water hit your parched throat, and relief washed over you. Finally water. It soothed the dryness, quenching a thirst you hadn’t noticed was that bad until now.

“Tch. Who else is going to take care of you idiots? You guys are hopeless without me.” His words are snappy but there isn't a bite to them. Bakugou's gaze drifted back to the water, the faint glow reflecting in his eyes. After a pause, his voice softened, almost as if he was speaking more to himself than to you. “But… thanks, I guess.”

You nodded, the silence settling comfortably between you, unpressured and strangely comforting. You’d both been through hell in this journey, and in those moments of survival, something had changed— a strange bond that neither of you wanted had formed somewhat. It was half-baked at best but it was still developing. You had known for a while now that Bakugou was softer than he let on, but you never voiced it. You never gave him a compliment or offered any kind of audible acknowledgment that he wasn’t as bad as he seemed. It was something you kept to yourself. But you figured it was time to take that step: to actually say it out loud. To acknowledge him, even if it felt awkward.

After a few more minutes of quiet, Bakugou broke the silence, his voice gruff but sincere. “You’re not half-bad yourself,” he admitted, still staring at the rippling water as if embarrassed by his own words.

You chuckled softly, caught off guard by his attempt at returning the compliment. Looks like he also had his thoughts on you. “Woah, that's high praise coming from you.”

He rolled his eyes, but a faint smirk slithers onto his face. Hiding it as he takes a gulp of his water. “Shut up or I’ll take it back.”

“Oh no,” you replied with mock drama, dragging the ‘no’ out a few seconds too long. “Taking it back? How horrible.” You feigned shock, placing a hand over your heart to which earns an eye roll from Bakugou. He manages to find a stray rock to throw at you but you dodge it which only makes him grumble. His reaction only made your grin widen as you capped your canteen and stood up. You extended a hand toward him, and after a moment's hesitation, he took it, allowing you to pull him to his feet. As soon as he was standing though, he quickly swatted your hand away, as if regretting the brief show of trust. Classic Bakugou. You couldn’t help but chuckle as the two of you turned to rejoin the others.

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice slipping back into its usual hardness as he took the lead once more. And Bakugou’s quest was barely halfway done. There were still more artefacts to find, more trials ahead. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. And right now, the biggest obstacle to overcome was getting his group together and getting out of the caves. 

The four of you tread carefully through the cave, each step echoes off the damp stone walls, the sound unnervingly loud in the suffocating silence. The stench itself felt like a warning, a natural deterrent, urging you to turn back. But even if you wanted to, there wasn’t an option to do so. Kirishima and Sero could be in the very area where the foul smell was emanating. So despite your intuition warning you of the potential danger ahead, you keep your legs moving through the winding tunnels.

Rounding a corner, you stumble upon a chilling sight. Kirishima and Sero, cocooned in thick, white spider silk, hang suspended from the ceiling like grotesque, motionless marionettes. Their faces are slightly obscured beneath layers of webbing, their bodies disturbingly still. Even through the tangled threads, you knew it was them. 

“Shit,” Bakugou mutters, his fists clenching as he glares at the eerie spectacle.

“We need to get them down,” you say, already stepping forward, but Bakugou grabs your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks.

“Wait,” his warning comes heavy with caution. Bakugou’s eyes quietly scan the shadows above, and you follow his gaze. Your heart skips a beat as you spot them. The glint of countless eyes reflecting the dim light. Cavern spiders— massive, grotesque creatures— are perched above, watching, waiting. Their fangs were pulled back, hissing at the group, poised to strike.

“It just had to be spiders,” Denki breathes, unsheathing his rapier, the blade trembling slightly in his grip. Goosebumps rippled across his arms. His quivering yellow ochre eyes darted from one spider to the next, anxiously counting their numbers as his breathing grew shallow.

Mina flexes her fingers, acid magic crackling at her fingertips. “Looks like an ambush.” The translucent acid pooled into a hovering ball above her fingertips as she concentrated, her eyes skirting through the horde of spiders to lock onto a target.

Before anyone can react, the spiders descend, skittering down the walls with unsettling speed. Their hairy legs moving in a frenzied blur, their beady eyes filled with hunger. How long has it been since they got fresh meat? They swarm from every direction, fangs glistening with venom as they charge.

Bakugou moves first, his scimitar cutting through the first wave of spiders with brutal efficiency. “Don’t let them get close!” he barks, his voice ringing with command as he slashes through the horde. His other hand summoned a fireball, and with a swift motion, he hurled it toward the approaching row of spiders, the flames crackling through the air as they closed in on him.

You draw your dagger and hack away at the thick webbing, slicing a path toward Kirishima and Sero while fending off the advancing spiders. One lunges at you but just before it reaches you, a sizzling splash of acid hits its body. Mina’s acid spell melts the creature into a twitching heap, its dying screech filling the cavern.

Denki fights alongside you, his rapier flashing in the dim light, cutting down arachnids with deadly precision. “Keep them off me!” he shouts, swinging his blade in a wide arc, severing several spiders at once as they try to overwhelm him. Bakugou stands at the front, holding the line with relentless force. His explosions light up the cave, launching fiery blasts at the swarming creatures, while Mina’s acid spells keep the creatures at bay, their sizzling hisses filling the air. The spiders shriek and screech, but their numbers seem endless as they press forward in a relentless assault.

Finally, you and Denki reach your restrained comrades. Kirishima is bound tightly in webbing, his normally powerful form limp and lifeless, hanging from the ceiling. Swiftly, you slice through the silk, and his body drops heavily to the ground. You check him quickly— unconscious, but breathing. Relief washes over you, but there's no time to rest. No time to waste.

“Sero, hold on,” you whisper, turning to your other friend. He’s also bound tightly in webs. You manage to cut the silk over his face and you get a view of how pale and clammy he is. As you free him further, you get a peek at a nasty wound on his leg seeping blood. You work frantically to cut him free, your hands moving with urgency. He falls into your arms as you slice through the last of the silk, his body weak and heavy against you.

“He’s hurt,” Denki says, his voice tight with worry as he fends off another spider, keeping the creatures from closing in on you. His rapier moves in swift, desperate strikes, but you can hear the strain in his breathing.

You don’t hesitate. Drawing on the last reserves of your mana, you press your hands to Sero’s wound, channelling healing magic into him. Warmth spreads under your palms, and the light of your spell begins to knit the torn flesh back together. Sero stirs, a weak groan escaping his lips as some colour returns to his cheeks. Silently thankful you had enough magic in you to heal his wounds. His breathing steadies, though his face remains pale. You glance up, catching Bakugou’s eye as he hurls another explosive blast at the advancing spiders. He’s holding them off, but for how much longer, you can’t tell. 

As the healing spell takes hold, Sero’s eyes flutter open, just barely. His voice is weak, but he’s alive. “Thanks,” he croaks, managing a pained smile.

“You’re okay,” you murmur, more for your own reassurance than his.

With Sero stabilised, you and Denki quickly move to help him to his feet. His weight is heavy against you, but with the two of you supporting him, he manages to stay upright. Meanwhile, Bakugou and Mina are persistent with their attacks, dispatching the last of the spiders with brutal efficiency. Acid and fire scorch the cavern, and the remaining creatures screech as they retreat, fleeing into the shadows. The cave falls into an uneasy silence, the sound of retreating legs and dying hisses fading into the distance. Though the spiders had been driven back, the threat of them returning was still large. 

Bakugou wipes sweat from his brow and turns toward the group, his eyes scanning the dark corners of the cave. “We need to move,” he says, his voice low and urgent. “No telling how many more of those things are lurking around.”

Kirishima, now on his feet but clearly shaken, gives a slow nod. Bakugou automatically moves to his side, helping him keep steady as they prepare to leave. “Let’s get the hell out of here,” Kirishima mutters, his voice weary, still recovering from being bound in the suffocating spider silk. Who knows how long they’d been trapped there? If you all hadn’t found them, they would have been dinner for those spiders.

Now reunited, the six of you press on, relieved to have found each other alive. There had always been a gnawing fear that one of you might not make it, but the reality was far kinder than your anxieties. The fact that you were all together, ready to face the next challenge: getting out. The air grew colder, more suffocating, but it no longer bothered you as much. With everyone by your side, it was easier to ignore the elements.

The cave walls seemed to close in on all sides, the air cool and damp as you and Bakugou navigated the twisting tunnels. The flickering light orb in his hand that you taught him to cast, radiated light against the stone. You had exhausted your magic, so the task of supporting Kirishima had been passed to Mina, allowing Bakugou to provide the much-needed light. You walked side by side, the distance between you shrinking with each step. The only sounds were the soft scuff of your boots against the rocky floor and the faint murmur of conversation from behind. 

“Hey,” Bakugou’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. He sounds oddly softer in the confined space. “You holding up?”

Your head turns to peak at him, surprised by the unexpected concern in his tone. You couldn’t quite remember if you managed to keep a straight face or if your shock slipped through, but it didn’t matter— Bakugou did not react to your expressions that time anyway. You knew he cared about his team and always made sure everyone was alright, but he rarely voiced it, especially with you. “I’m fine,” you replied, a faint smile tugging at your lips. “Didn’t know you cared, Bakugou.”

He shifted his sights ahead from your words, grumbling lowly. His general intensity toned down due to the fatigue. You don’t blame him really, everyone is exhausted. “Just don’t feel like dragging your sorry ass out of here.”

“You ought to worry about yourself, you look like you’d be the first one to drop,” you teased, a playful glint in your eyes. It seemed you found a bit of energy to jest. It was hard to resist teasing Bakugou, even when every nerve in your body screamed for rest. There was something about pushing his buttons that made the weariness easier to bear.

Bakugou glanced at you sideways, his eyes narrowing slightly before he let out a begrudging huff. Even at a time like this, you could make jokes? “You think you’re real funny, huh?”

“On occasion,” you said, your smile widening as you continued forward. You can practically hear him rolling his eyes at you as the two of you walk through the caverns.

It felt like another few hours passed before any real progress was made in your journey, the endless stretch of dark, narrow tunnels becoming a blur. Every step seemed to blend into the next, and the crushing atmosphere of the cave weighed heavily on everyone's mental. Just when frustration threatened to bubble over, Bakugou’s sharp gaze caught something. A small glimmer of hope that might help the group finally find the exit.

“Look,” he said abruptly, nodding toward a small opening in the rock wall. “There’s a ledge up there. Might give us a better view of where we are.”

Without waiting for your response, Bakugou strode over and eyed the wall. He grabbed onto the rocky outcrop and pulled himself up with the ease and strength you expected to see from him. You watched for a second, then followed. Though your climb was less graceful, your foot slipped and sent a spray of loose pebbles clattering down the rocks below.

Before you could react or brace for impact, Bakugou’s hand shot out, gripping your arm firmly. “Watch it,” he muttered as he anchored you with his steady hold. “Be more careful, dumbass.” His touch was strong, grounding, as he carefully pulled you up to the ledge beside him. For a brief second, you could feel his heartbeat through the contact. The solid and reassuring drumming of beats on his wrist as he adjusted you onto the ledge.

“Thanks,” you murmured as you steadied yourself, making sure your footing was secure on the ledge. You took a deep breath, your heart still racing from the near slip, and gave Bakugou an appreciative look. That was close.

“Don’t mention it.” He released your arm but gave you a quick, assessing look, making sure you were really okay. Once satisfied, he turned his attention back to the task at hand. “Come on, let’s see what we’re dealing with.”

Crouching on the ledge, you both peered at the stretch of the cavern stretching out below. The vast expanse of the underground world seemed to pulse with an eerie life of its own, shadows shifting and swirling in the dim light. From this vantage point, the labyrinth of tunnels and chambers unfurled beneath you like a forgotten world carved into the earth. Twisting passages snaked off in every direction, each one looking as though it could lead to either salvation or a dead end. The weight of the unknown pressed down on you, but for the first time in hours, there was also a glimmer of hope.

“Impressive,” you said quietly, absorbing the sight. Your eyes tracing the paths below. "Looks like we’ve got options," 

“Yeah, but no telling which one's gonna get us out of here. We’ll just have to choose and keep moving." Bakugou grunted in agreement, his eyes scanning the network of passages as though he was calculating which would be the best path to take. 

But when he glanced back at you, his expression softened. “You… uh...” He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable, his eyes darting away before settling back on you. “Fuck…” he muttered under his breath, as if forcing the words out. “You did good back there, with Sero and Kirishima,” he finally said, the roughness of his voice still present but laced with sincerity. “Could’ve been a little faster, but... you did good.”

You blinked as you processed his words. Was he… complimenting you? It seemed like the compliment you’d given him earlier had sparked an attempt to return the favour. It wasn’t often that Bakugou handed out praise, and you could tell he wasn’t used to it. Still, it felt like both of you were trying to ease up on each other, making an effort to bridge the gap. But you couldn’t resist teasing him for it. Letting it slide wasn’t your style.

“That’s the third compliment you’ve given me,” you said, raising an eyebrow with a playful grin. “Are the caves making you lose it?”

Bakugou rolled his eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Really? Figures I’d regret being nice to a moron like you.” His tone was sarcastic, but it was lighter than usual. “Just… you’re not bad for a mapmaker.”

“Thanks.” you murmured softly, “And you’re not bad for a barbarian,” you shot back, smirking as the familiar banter eased the weight on your shoulders. 

The two of you lingered on the ledge a moment longer, the silence now lighter after the small back and forth between the two of you. Atop the ledge, overlooking the vast cavern, something had shifted, a small but significant change in how you saw each other.

“I think we’re finally figuring out how to work together,” you said, the realisation settling in as you spoke.

“Maybe,” Bakugou replied, his tone thoughtful, almost contemplative. “Doesn’t mean I’m gonna go easy on you.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” you grinned, knowing that Bakugou would still be the same old him even if he liked you. Perhaps a little softer but still all the same. But for the first time, there was a certainty that whatever came next, you knew you could rely on him. 

The two of you inspected the area from above for any promising paths. You sketched potential routes in your notebook, you and Bakugou quietly discussed which options seemed the most viable. The sound of the quill scratching against the paper fills the gaps in the conversation. There was little to no argument due to the high stakes of the situation. The group needed to get out, and there was no time for the usual bickering or careless mistakes. After some careful deliberation, you identified several potential routes that could lead to an exit. Each option came with its risks, but you wouldn’t stop until you found the way out.

“Come on,” Bakugou said after a moment, standing and extending his hand. “Let’s head back before the others think we’ve gotten ourselves killed.”

You took his hand, giving a nod of agreement. His grip was firm as he helped you up, and together, you climbed down from the ledge. This time being extra careful when getting down. Making sure your foot stepped onto the bigger chunks of rock. The path ahead felt a little less daunting now with the makeshift map sketched in your notebook, offering a glimmer of hope for the escape. The air still hung heavy with the weight of the unknown, but at least now, you had a plan.

As you both returned to the group, their anxious expressions softened slightly upon seeing you. “We’ve got a few paths,” you said, holding up the notebook as you shared your findings with them. Bakugou nodded in agreement, and for a brief moment, the usual tension between you all eased as you explained the routes. There was a sense of renewed determination as you all began to follow the new path, the glow of the light orbs casting a hopeful glow against the cave walls. 

Every breath felt harder, every sound echoed unnervingly off the stone walls, and the constant feeling of being watched gnawed at the edges of your nerves. The only thing that kept you all moving was the sliver of hope from the newly chosen path. The air grew cooler as you descended deeper into the twisting tunnels, the damp scent of the cave clinging to your skin. But then, just as the weight of fatigue seemed unbearable, you noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. You paused, inhaling deeply. The air—it was different. Cooler, yes, but fresher too, like it carried something beyond the endless stone.

“Wait,” you murmured, lifting a hand to still the group. Everyone stopped, their breathing quieting as they tuned in.

Kirishima furrowed his brow, sniffing the air. “You smell that?”

You nodded, your pulse quickening. There it was—a faint scent of damp earth, almost like fresh rain on soil. And... pine? The scent of trees, distant but unmistakable, filtered through the air.

The rest of the group perked up, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as hope surged through the ranks. Mina took a deep breath and smiled faintly. “That’s the smell of the surface.”

Excitement rippled through the group, an unspoken understanding passing between all of you. If the air was changing, if you could smell the world above, then you were getting closer. “There’s an exit nearby,” you said, hope threading into your voice.

With renewed energy, you pressed forward, following the path with a sharper focus. The narrow tunnels slowly widened, the jagged rock formations giving way to smoother, more natural stone. The air continued to shift, growing cooler and fresher the further you went, and the oppressive feeling that had weighed on you for hours began to lift.

The sound of trickling water reached your ears, and you soon came upon a small underground stream, its clear waters reflecting the faint light from your orbs. It was another sign— water that likely flowed from the surface. The tunnel sloped upward now, a slow but promising incline, and the scent of pine grew stronger with every step.

You exchanged glances with Bakugou, the unspoken hope mirrored in his intense gaze. “We’re close,” he muttered, his voice rough but full of determination.

The group quickened their pace, moving toward the promise of freedom. And then you saw it, a faint sliver of light piercing through the darkness ahead. The cave walls widened, the rough stone gradually giving way to a natural opening, and the soft rustle of leaves reached your ears, a distant yet welcoming sound. The light grew brighter with each step, guiding you forward until, at last, you emerged into the open air. The cave had spat you out at the edge of a dense forest, towering trees stretching overhead, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze.

You all stood still for a moment, drinking in the sight of the forest and the cool, fresh air, the collective relief palpable as the tension from the cave slowly ebbed away. The sky was beginning to lighten, dawn creeping over the horizon, painting the landscape in soft shades of pink and orange.

“Finally,” Kirishima breathed, running a hand through his hair. “Thought we’d never make it out.”

Sero, still leaning on Denki for support, managed a weary grin. “I never doubted us… well, almost never.”

Bakugou exhaled, scanning the surroundings for any immediate danger. Satisfied for the moment, he turned back to the group, his voice softened by a hint of relief. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but we’re out of that damn cave. Let’s keep moving.” 

The group nodded, spirits lifted by the sight of the open sky. Though the journey was far from over, the world felt a little brighter, and the weight of the cave was now just another challenge left behind. And with that, you all began to make your way out of the cave.

 As much as the rest of you wanted to push on, the cave had drained every ounce of energy from your bodies. Your mana supply was dangerously low, and Sero’s injury, though healed, had taken a toll on him. Everyone was exhausted, the weight of being lost in the labyrinth pressing down on your spirits. So there was a discussion made on recovery. Eventually, it was agreed that the team needed at least a full day of rest. The rest was necessary, even if it meant delaying your journey. Bakugou wasn’t happy about it— his scowl deepened with each passing minute— but he begrudgingly accepted that rest was needed.

It was already the evening so it only felt appropriate to set camp up. The group settled into a familiar rhythm, the forest around you offering a temporary sanctuary from the harrowing journey through the caves. Denki had managed to catch a few frogs in a nearby stream, and though they weren’t the most appetising option, they were food. The fire crackled softly as Bakugou expertly roasted the frogs over the flames, discreetly examining the group to ensure everyone was holding up.

You sat apart from the others, leaning against a sturdy tree, the rough bark pressing into your back as you tried to gather your thoughts. The remnants of the cave still clung to you— the bleak darkness, the fear of being separated, and the close call with the spiders. The forest’s night sounds barely registered in your mind, overshadowed by the fatigue that gnawed at your bones. Despite the relative safety of the forest, the exhaustion and tension of the journey refused to leave your body. Even in the fresh air, it was hard to shake the feeling of being trapped.

“Oi.”

The sudden sound of Bakugou’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You looked up to see him standing over you, a roasted frog speared on a stick in his hand. The firelight cast flickering shadows across his face, softening the sharp lines of his usual scowl.

“You gonna sit there all night, or you gonna eat?” He asked, holding the speared frog closer to you. The musky scent wafted up from the roasted frog, and you hesitated for a moment. You’d never eaten frogs before.

You raised an eyebrow, inspecting the roasted frog meat before returning your attention to Bakugou. “I’m surprised you didn’t eat them all yourself.” You managed a tease as you slowly felt hunger creep up on you. 

“Tch. Just take it,” he huffed, thrusting the stick toward you.

You accepted the offering, the heat of the roasted frog warming your cold fingers. For a moment, your hands brushed against his, the brief contact sending a surprising jolt of warmth through you. He lingered for a second longer than necessary, his gaze flickering to your face as if searching for something, but then he turned away, stomping back to the fire with a grumble.

“Hope it doesn’t taste like leather,” you called after him, taking a tentative bite.

He shot a look over his shoulder, watching you take a bite as he grunts. “Better than starving.”

The frog wasn’t exactly a gourmet meal, but it was surprisingly tender, the meat slightly smoky from the fire. You found yourself appreciating the effort, though you’d never admit it out loud. Bakugou returned to his place by the fire, his back to you as he resumed tending to the rest of the frogs. The night pressed on, the fire burning low as the group settled into a more comfortable silence. The exhaustion from the cave still lingered, but now that you were all together and resting, there was a sense of comfort. The weariness remained, but the shared peace made it easier to bear. 

The forest was alive with the familiar sounds of night-loving creatures, the cool breeze rustling through the leaves, carrying with it the scent of earth and smoke. You leaned your head back against the tree, closing your eyes as the warmth of the fire and the food lulled you into a state of near-relaxation. Bakugou’s gruff kindness lingered in your thoughts, the gesture from earlier and the subtle moments back in the cave. It all confirmed what you’d begun to suspect: there was more to him than you initially believed. Your first impression hadn’t captured the full picture. He wasn’t just a hotheaded loudmouth with zero patience (though that still rang true); beneath all that intensity was someone far more complex. That there was someone gentler beneath all that, someone who, despite everything, still made sure everyone was being taken care of.

There was definitely more to him than you had initially thought.

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a/n: i hope this was alright,, I had such a busy week beforehand. @chocogoldie @devils-adversary @l0kisbitch @miikii0 @onlyisaa @sleepisfortheweakpooh @helena-way07 @enzstr

border credits: @/enchanthings & @/adornedwithlight

© writingrock 2024 do not copy, translate or repost.

[miz-chase]

Bones Renaissance AU Starter Kit: Character Roles

Brennan: Orphaned child of a university scholar, she was permitted to remain, slightly feral, on campus (ala Lyra at Oxford but with a lot more reading), alternatively loved, ignored, and actively mistreated. She mostly spent her time hiding in the library, reading anything she could get her hands on, especially on anatomical topics. Growing up in the company of old scholars, she ends up an incredibly well-educated, poorly socialized, rather self-important woman. She rarely leaves campus, has viewed the students as below her since she was a child, and the citizenry are even below them. While not recognized as a scholar and often actively dismissed, people in-the-know know that she's a fantastic resource (if you can stand her/if she will tolerate you).

Goodman: One of the senior scholars who doted on Brennan and encouraged her reading. Tried to keep her out of trouble as he could, and especially discouraging any male interest in the young lady. They bonded strongly over reading together.

Zach: The one student Brennan feels is worthy of her time. He is also a library goblin like her, and wants to be just like her. She is directing his study of the texts they have, the acquisition of new material, and the publishing of new scholarship.

Michael Stires: Still a piece of shit. Traveling scholar who arrived at the university to teach. Contrary to tradition, he invites a young Brennan to his lectures and eventually private lessons. She is delighted and takes to the scholarship with her usual verve and is oblivious to the sexual undertones. Goodman, on the other hand, is very aware and does not approve, tries to intervene. When Stires propositions her, she is academically curious on the matter and agrees. What she emotionally feels about the situation, and its inevitable disastrous fallout, is a topic yet to be investigated. He implies he will marry her and thus give her actual standing, status, and a permanent home. Yet, before anything can even be planned, he's moved on to a different paramour.

Hodgins: Local eccentric scholar who definitely isn't nobility (wink). He has traveled the continent to better his knowledge and expand his experiences, and is glad to have a spacious office where no one asks anything of him. While he has studied at a variety of universities, he's happiest here because maybe, possibly, his family holdings are conveniently nearby. Zach is intrigued by his experiences and wants to follow in his footsteps... probably, someday. Their shared study hall is just so comfortable and leaving home feels too challenging.

Angela: A Florentine cortigiane oneste:

The cortigiane oneste were usually well-educated and worldly (sometimes even more so than the average upper-class woman), and often held simultaneous careers as performers or artists. They were typically chosen on the basis of their "breeding"—social and conversational skills, intelligence, common sense, and companionship—as well as their physical attributes. It was usually their wit and personality that set them apart from regular women. Sex constituted only a facet of the courtesan's array of services. For example, they were well-dressed and ready to engage and participate in a variety of topics ranging from art to music to politics.

When she met Hodgins, she was deeply unimpressed. He tried flaunting his money, she had no interest. He tried his wit, his knowledge, his possessions, but still she had no interest. It became a game between them, where he would travel the continent to return with an exotic fruit or flower, only for her to turn him down (though each time her smile grew fonder, the laughter in her eyes sparkling). Eventually, he presented her with a perfect little violet, plucked from ground just outside the palace. Only then did she agree to come traveling with him. They have a lot of fun together.

When Brennan is jilted by Michael, it's Angela that insists they take her in at the Hodgins Estate. Angela uses all means she has to get Michael expelled back to where ever it is he came from with his reputation in tatters. She knows people, you know.

and of course, the boys: I'm of many minds (or just different stories) if we choose to translate the FBI as the sheriff/constable (more like cops) or perhaps royal (ie, federal) guards or attendants. There's a class thing going on, where it doesn't seem quite right to make Booth a Knight/member of the nobility or gentry. He's an esteemed successful soldier, which puts him more in the realm of the Yeoman. Yeoman also has the bonus connection with longbow archery, which matches our sniperboy. The Yeoman of the Guard are royal bodyguards who could be tasked with specific missions, like say, perhaps, solving a prominent murder!

so we have

Booth: Is pretty much Booth. Working class improving his station through exemplary military service. Serves the Royal Court and Queen (fuck it, let's just say this is Liz I's reign) as an analogue to federal service. Is good at people, hates the rich, has absolutely no connection to the university and doesn't know what to make of those people.

Aubrey and Sweets: Come as a pair, they gay, come at me. Drive Booth insane. While Booth climbed socially to get to his position, both of these guys come from more money and status than him. Booth is their commander but they often are the ones navigating court politics for him, especially Sweets. Aubrey comes more from the military side, while Sweets is a city boy.

[toastedjeans]

Siren Tower AU!

I wanna keep this more on the silly side, but here's the basic gist of it.

There's a huge tower submerged in the ocean where many sirens and other sea creatures have found a home, and somehow humans have discovered it. They want to study and explore this tower, and the sirens are NOT happy about it, not wanting their home to be potentially destroyed. Pretty reasonable. But now, this random middle aged pizza baker somehow gets roped into this whole mess.

And here's the characters! (I tried to keep their heights accurate but idk if i succeeded)

And down there is some more info about everyone!

HUMANS (and Brick)

Peppino

He still has his pizzeria, but it's located a little closer to town. While business is slightly better than in game, he still has debts. But hey, he has his own apartment!! No more sleeping in the back of the pizzeria or on the floor!!

Peppino will sometimes just come to the shore or the port in the evening or at night to clear his head or be alone with his thoughts. Depressed guy. Will sometimes talk to himself when he thinks he's alone. He isn't necessarily afraid of the ocean, but because he can't swim, once he's in water the fear kicks in and he starts panicking.

He doesn't believe in sirens, mermaids, or other such creatures. Thinks they're just made up to tell scary stories of the sea. Jokes on him, he's about to meet the jolliest shark gnome man he's ever seen.

Brick

A gigantic rat that lives with Peppino, who didn't get a say in this. Just appeared one day, and no matter how many times Peppino tries to get rid of him, Brick always comes back. After a while Pep reluctantly accepts him and sometimes even takes him for a walk.

Brick actually loves to swim, but doesn't stay in the water for too long cause Pep won't join him. Like, he'll just leave if Brick stays too long. Kinda rude if you ask me.

Mr. Stick

Tax and debt collector, and a friend of Peppino. He often comes over for a pizza, then proceeds not to eat much, and rarely pays (he either says he's deducting it from Pep's debts or he lets someone else pay). He's kind of a piece of shit but outside of the whole money business he can be pretty nice.

He strikes me as a gambler tbh, either he's extremely lucky or extremely unlucky. Likes playing poker, and invites Peppino and Hazel to play after work from time to time.

Doesn't believe in sirens, but if he ever saw one he'd try to exploit it for money. He wouldn't kill it or anything though, mainly because he's too weak and he doesn't know how to handle guns.

Noisette / Hazel

She runs a little cafe near Peppino's pizzeria, and is good friends with him, but can sometimes be a little annoying. They hang out after work from time to time. When she notices that Peppino is having a rough day, she'll sometimes bring over a free cup of coffee or a slice of cake for him. Sometimes experiments with... interesting... food combinations, which are strangely popular.

She has loved mermaids and sirens since she was young and is very fond of them. Once she discovers they're real, she becomes even more fascinated and obsessed with them. You better believe she wanted to be a mermaid when she was young.

SIRENS

Gustavo

A little round shark man who is perfect in every way. He's curious and adventurous, and even though sirens and humans are enemies since, uh. A long time. He doesn't believe that humans are inherently evil. He'll help out whenever and however he can, but can get very aggressive when his friends or brethren are threatened. You will regret it if you anger him.

Noise annoys him often but they don't harm each other. He isn't really friends with Noise, but he will defend him if he's threatened or attacked.

One day he saves Peppino from drowning, which makes other sirens sceptical of him, especially those who think humans are evil. He will later try to learn human language to be able to communicate with Peppino better.

Noise

Goblin shark. He can theoretically go on land for a bit, but needs some water nearby. He's a little sceptical about humans, but not outright hostile. He likes annoying pretty much everyone, especially Peppino once they meet (he thinks his reactions are funny).

He throws sea urchins and pufferfish at others like bombs, as he (like most sirens) is immune to their poison / venom. While he's usually an unhinged gremlin, he just about melts when with Hazel. But of course he tries to hide this from others.

Fake Peppino

Created by Pizzahead from DNA of frogs, newts, and Peppino (obviously). He was meant to be a weapon for sirens against humans, and thus is supposed to be hostile. Unfortunately, he turned out to be extremely affectionate, and he loves hugs. Much like Gustavo, when friends are attacked, he can get downright deadly. He can also regenerate body parts like an axolotl, unless his brain has been damaged. Like, you can rip both his arms off and they'll grow back within a day.

He becomes close friends with Gustavo, and is kind of fascinated by Peppino (other humans too, but mostly Peppino). He would play in the water with Brick once they meet, and become friends with Hazel. Can go on land as well, but prefers the water. He communicates with croaks, gurgles and other noises, and can speak very limited human language (very few fractions of words or sentences, it just sounds like gibberish), taught to him by Pizzahead.

Pepperman

Lumpfish (idk either just roll with it). He's kind of indifferent to humans, but he does think he's better than them. I could see him making a brush or something out of seaweed to draw. And then always getting upset that his drawings never stay cause of the water, but he keeps drawing anyway. Blames Noise for destroying his art even if he knows it's the water (Noise thinks it's funny). "Borrows" seaweed from Vigi's farm to make new brushes. But he'll also make statues out of various rocks and other things he finds laying around. Mostly of himself. Some humans think they're built from ancient civilizations, while others think it's some sort of elaborate hoax. Nobody recognizes Pepperman's talent :(

Vigilante

Sea slug. He genuinely believes humans want to kill sirens for nefarious reasons, possibly cause he's a little older i guess. Hands just appear when he needs them.

He has an underwater equivalent of a farm (like, he grows and tends to seaweeds, anemones, corals, etc), that he inherited from his grandpa. He'd love to just tend to the farm all day, but feels obligated to punish anyone who does wrong. Unofficial officer / sheriff of the sea. He still has his cowboy hat because i said so let me be silly on main.

Pizzahead

Ribbon eel. He can give others a little shock as if he had like a hand shocker thing. It mostly just hurts a bit and isn't lethal cause cartoon logic. He does not like humans, but mostly because he grew up with everyone around him telling him they're evil. Actually he's very curious and fascinated by humans, which is why he decided to clone Peppino. Mostly cause he sees him the most on the shore. Somehow. How he actually got his DNA is a mystery.

Later on he decides / attempts to make Fakey into a weapon after witnessing how strong Peppino is. He obsessively learns human language and tries to understand as much about human culture as he can. But he'll twist things around and tell others that he does it to "better understand their weaknesses". Right.

Pizzaface

Stingray. The leader of sirens in the elusive Siren Tower. He HATES humans, especially after some divers discovered the tower and continuously come there to explore. Basically just doesn't want his and his fellow sirens' home discovered or threatened. He's disappointed in Pizzahead because he taught himself human language, even after given an explanation (or excuse).

SPECULATION CORNER

Aka characters i can't quite figure out what to do with yet

Burton

A whale shark bc I can't get enough of sharks apparently. Sharks are cool okay

Alternative: just Mr. Stick's husband who sometimes comes with him to Peppino's

Gerome

A sentient rock and John's older brother, who always took care of him and helped him with the tower. Now just does maintenance and keeps John company.

Alternative: Peppino's janitor, but still made of rock because that's silly

John

A sentient rock that used to carry the tower around through the oceans but somehow got cursed and is now part of the foundation and can't move anymore. Was he a siren before? Or just a pillar? Or maybe a fish made of stone? We don't know.

[dullgecko]

Was rereading the Study Goblin AU stuff; mainly the origins stuff and thought about what if Riz survived that final mission and could return to his friends? I would think they would be worried the moment their memories get restored and realize they haven't seen Riz in three months - only to get upset once Riz shows back up (probably still battered from the battle)

Riz records his goodbye message and sends his crystal back to Solace. His friends will receive it once it has a signal and will probably be VERY confused until Penny restores their memories... then probably pissed off but he couldn't stand the thought of disappearing with no one knowing what happened.

The only option left is a suicide play. Literally throwing himself between the cogs of the arcane machine set to devour his home dimension in order to reach the core and destroy it.

Hes all ready to go, having sneaked around behind the wizard they were fighting and sending off a quick prayer to Cassandra (look he wasn't a cleric but he felt it was appropriate, he was for sure about to die after all), but the machine ground to a halt on its own. A bit of divine intervention perhaps? Or maybe I'm his haste to get the machine operational and gain 'infinite power' their foe had not quite put it together properly. Either way it was a VERY good thing.

Riz fired his arcubus to break some critical looking components anyway just in case, he didnt want them starting it back up again too easily after all since it was basically impossible to stop it from the outside, before turning his sights on their enemy themselves. A few more seconds all they needed for both himself and his party's fighter to put the bastard down for good.

It was a mad scramble to get their cleric back up so they could revive the rest of their fallen party members. Every one of them looking worse for ware as they set some timed charges to destroy this pocket dimension before plane shifting back to Solace.

They ended up back in the temple ruins they first left Solace from, meaning they had a few days of hard travel before they were back in civilisation.

He knew there was going to be pretty bad fallout when they actually ended up surviving. Penny would have restored everyone's memories as quickly as possible after she got his message so he wasn't surprised to find his party in his office when got back. Every single one of them with puffy red eyes that widened in surprise when he pushed open the door.

He knew he looked like shit. It had been a hard three months. His clothes were ripped and burned in places, he had a notch in one ear from an earring getting ripped out in a fight and he was exhausted.

Penny was the first one to get to him, squishing him in a hug while asking what the fuck happened to make him even THINK of sending a message like that. He doesn't get far through his explanation before he's getting mobbed by his friends, all of them equally relieved hes okay and PISSED at him for wiping their memories.

Hes sorry. REALLY sorry. He just had to work through some stuff after his mom died and the society of shadows needed his expertise for what turned out to be some universe ending bullshit.

[thepoweroffriendshipgivesumoney]

Wanted to share some info about my OCs from my fic The Patron.

A few quick notes about these OCs, this is from an AU by dullgecko in which Riz becomes like an urban legend in Elmville after death with a statue that helps with homework. I thought, since he'd be a Celestial as he joins his dad is Bytopia, Riz could become a Patron for some warlocks. The Patron is about one of them.

These OCs were designed using this picrew

If you want to draw them, feel free to take liberties.

OCs under the cut

Anbrea Flintheart (She/Her)

Anbrea is a Dwarf who is a Celestial Warlock. Cis Female.

A by the book warlock, but was kicked out of her house after loosing favour with her family's patron. Is now living at the LeFlair house. Early Sophomore year, she gets Riz to be her patron.

She is very feminine and loves wearing dresses and pink. Especially pink dresses. She loves styling both her hair and her beard. Her arcane focus are her earrings.

Rinan Silvershadow (He/Him)

A Half-Elf Inquisitive Rouge. Cis Male

He lives with his dad with his older sister who is a wizard. Growing up, he was the amateur sleuth of the neighbourhood. He helped kids when they lost their pets or when their bikes go missing.

His revolver belonged to his mother; who passed shortly after he was born.

Pilk LaFlair (They/Xer)

A Goblin Barbificer. Non-Binary

Lives with their two moms. Considers Anbrea their best friend and invited her to live with them after she was kicked out of her house.

Xer big project is an mech for them to wear in combat. Think like something Steel would wear. Including the hammer.

Theo Cubby (He/They)

A Halfling Fighter. Non-Binary.

They work at their family coffee shop which is right across from where the former police prescient was. Apparently, the family put it there to keep their eyes on the new system of law enforcement.

He is a pretty easy-going guy. Often the one to give solid advice.

Karrus Brightskin (He/Him)

A Minotaur Swarmkeeper Ranger. Cis Male

The more serious member of the party. A braincell holder.

He lives on a bee farm with his grandmother; this is how he got his swarm.

Has the history feat.

Claire Applebees (She/Her)

A Human, College of Lore Bard. Trans Female.

She is working on a violin cover of Dawn of Justice. Currently dating a cleric of Ankarna.

Her bardic inspiration is saying "Let's DO this!"

[lonksadventures]

Screw it im remaking my intro post

Hiya! I’m Lonk!! I’m a multifandom artist studying game art at uni. I especially love drawing elves and fanart for Zelda, Sky cotl and The Elder Scrolls :D

As of right now I identify as ✨aroace✨ and go by they/she pronouns but anything works lol

My main fandoms/interests are Zelda, The Elder Scrolls, Sky cotl, Starwars, Dungeons and Dragons, Dungeon Meshi and anything else my goblin brain latches onto >:]

As a heads up for anyone new to my art, I do experiment with body horror and gore sometimes and swear a lot so if you are uncomfortable with that then I recommend not following me 💖. I’ll try put trigger warnings if needed but don’t worry I probably won’t be drawing anything to nsfw or 18+

Aaaand finally if you want to submit an ask please keep in mind that if I do respond to it it’ll be public. And to all the lovely people asking me stuff in Spanish I am very sorry but I only speak English <3.

Current aus: Crimson Storm - Sky cotl au

Current project: Thimbleweed comics

[kneelbeforeyourdogbabylon]

Sins of Knowledge

🌟NOW COMPLETE!🌟

Hear that ka-chunk-crash-smash-splat? Yep. It's the final chap of Sins of Knowledge, my Good Omens sex pollen AU fic, dropping like a glass beaker full of unknown volatile chemicals all over that pristine lab floor!

Clocking in at a final word count of: 143,582 👀 I am so proud of this one, and I still can't believe it's actually finished. Many many thanks to the mods and participants of the High Pollen Count Event for instigating, to @gaiaseyes451 and @cheeseplants for being the most patient and amazing betas in existence, to @goodomensafterdark for being the best most feral most fertile and most friendly goblin pit on reddit, and to everyone who read along or is reading now 🥰

Click for CW/TW, summary, and excerpt!

CW/TW and tags:

sex pollen, explicit content, dubious consent, ethical concerns, human AU, university AU, more tags at AO3. New warnings for this chapter include: mind control (LOTS of mind control, group mind control, ugly not sexy), catering hell, classist shit, health events, body horror/body transformation, lightning striking people, threat of cop/law enforcement interrogation, human rights violations probably incoming, fighting, threatening, when animals attack, gore, blood, offscreen mauling. If you'd like more info, or if there are any tags you want me to add, please feel free to DM me!

For fun, here’s the original summary for the whole work, back when chap 1 posted in April. (APRIL. APRIL! WOW):

Anthony J. Crowley and Aziraphale Fell are just two typical at-odds doctoral students fighting over a university library study room, when they get caught up in an illicit science plot with mind-controlling formulas brewed by an evil chemistry dean! There are Potions! Science labs! Creepy Surveillance! Corporate crap! Libraries and librarians! Sushi! Audited classes! GRADES and FINAL RESEARCH PAPERS! Wheee! Mwhaha! Anyway: will Aziraphale and Crowley stop fucking long enough to beat the devil and save the day? Or will the formulas change them in ways they never dreamed possible? A Human AU (but also a monster/creature AU).

Chapter 16 summary:

Picks up right where chapter 15 left off, at Dr Lanchester’s big presentation. Aziraphale and his crew infiltrate the event as caterers. Things go pear-shaped. The end is nigh!

Chapter 16 excerpt:

A cold harsh whisper then, in his ear: “Don’t move.” Somewhere in between his reaching out to Anthony and coming back, the lights in Geoffrey Hall had been dimmed. There were small electric candles at each table so the guests could still see their plates, but otherwise the only light was trained on the stage. The white sheet-swathed boxes glowed under hanging spots, and Lanchester stood at the center alongside a podium, affixing an earpiece mic to his head. “Sorry for the TEDtalk atmosphere,” he intoned, his voice suddenly deep and resonant and rolling over the room. Knowing chuckles rippled through the audience. “But I tend to present better when I can move about. And I think you’ll all thank me tonight for doing my best.” The needle dug harder into Aziraphale’s neck as Lanchester looked directly at him.

Read it at the AO3!

Or start from the beginning here

[hamartia-mmff]

Wo wir gerade alle so im AU-Fieber sind... OBLIGATORY HOGWARTS-AU 👉🏻👈🏻👀 In welchen Häusern wäre das Rudel? Was wäre ihr Blutstatus? Lieblingsfächer? Wie verbringen sie ihre Freizeit; machen sie Jagd auf den Quidditch-Pokal oder beefen sie sich mit den Portraits? Wer fällt als erstes von diesen wandelnden Treppen? (animagi, patroni, macaroni?? oof i could go on and on-) (also i can't remember if this has been done on askfm before forgive me)

Wir sagen mal nicht wie lange es gedauert hat das zu machen :') Aber Danke für die Frage, darüber freue ich mich immer :D Muss gestehen bei den Amortentia hab ich etwas gemogelt, der dritte Geruch ist immer xxx und kann beliebig ersetzt werden, da er ja von der Person abhängt zu der man sich hingezogen fühlt :') Aber jetzt mal viel Vergnügen mit dem Rudel in Hogwarts, glaube paar Dinge dürften etwas überraschen...hättet ihr euren OC in ein anderes Haus gesteckt? xD

PS: I am sorry, dass nicht alle funfacts haben, aber ich glaube ich hocke gesamt seit...mindestens 3 Stunden an diesem Post lol. Wenn ich Muse habe, dann füge ich vielleicht noch was hinzu :')

Vi

Haus: Hufflepuff

Blutstatus: Muggelstämmig/Muggle-born

Patronus: Schäferhund (duh.)

Animagus: Schwarzer Schäferhund (illegal/ nicht registriert)

Amortentia:Das Essen sener Mama | Hundefell | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Pflege magische Geschöpfe/Care of Magical Creatures

Quidditch: Jäger/Chaser

funfacts: Vi treibt sich gerne illegal im Verbotenen Wald rum, weil er echt gerne einen Werwolf sehen bzw. von einem Gebissen werden wollen würde...🤷‍♂️

Er strebt einen Job als Wildhüter an, weil er Zitat "Keinen Bock auf Leute hat."

Rhys

Haus: Slytherin

Blutstatus: Reinblut/pure-blood

Patronus: Elster

Animagus: Goldschakal

Amortentia: Whiskey | unspezifiziertes blumiges Parfüm | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Zaubertränke/Potions

Quidditch: Jäger/Chaser

funfacts: Ohne bestie Zelos wäre Rhys schon x mal von der Schule geflogen, aber Zelos' connections sorgen immer dafür, dass er doch noch bleiben darf...

Er dealt heimlich mit Amortentia.

Rhys behandelt das Mischen von Zaubertränken wie das Mixen von Drinks...manchmal sieht man ihn auch Zutaten aus einem Shaker in den Topf schütten oder mit einem Jigger messen...der Professor versucht erst gar nicht mehr das zu verstehen, Rhys nennt das Kunst

Liri

Haus: Gryffindor

Blutstatus: Reinblut/pure-blood

Patronus: Friesenpferd

Animagus: Gerfalke

Amortentia: feuchte Erde | Sommerbrise | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Geschichte der Zauberei/History of Magic

Quidditch: Treiber/beater (+ Kapitänin)

Bastet

Haus: Huffelpuff

Blutstatus: Halbblut/half-blood

Patronus: Wal

Animagus: Schwarze Katze (Tulumba lässt grüßen)

Amortentia: Alte Bücher | Eintopf aus weißen Bohnen mit Reis | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Muggelkunde/Muggle Studies

Quidditch: /

Zelos

Haus: Sytherin

Blutstatus: Reinblut/pure-blood* (*Adoptiert von pure-blood Familie, richtiger Blutstatus unklar)

Patronus:  Schwarzer Panther

Animagus: Dobermann

Amortentia: Bourbon | Schießpulver | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Apparieren und Disapparieren/apparate and disapparate

Quidditch: Sucher/seeker (+Kapitän)

funfacts: Zelos schmuggelt (zusammen mit Rhys) gerne mal Alkohol in die Schule.

Zelos' Parties nach Quidditch-Siegen sind legendär.

Zelos ist gerne das Versuchskaninchen für Rhys' selbst kreierte Zaubertränke...mit...fraglichen Ausgängen. What happens in the potions classroom, stays in the potions classroom.

Sune

Haus: Ravenclaw

Blutstatus: muggelstämmig/muggle-born* (*adoptiert von einer Halbblut-Familie)

Patronus: Hundewelpe

Animagus: / (he is working on it, cause puppy! Sune stalking doggo! Vi would be lit lol)

Amortentia: Regen | Bonbons | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Alchemie/Alchemy & Kräuterkunde/Herbology

Quidditch: /

Fly

Haus: Gryffindor

Blutstatus: Halbblut/half-blood (part goblin)

Patronus: Kaninchen

Animagus: Wüstenfuchs

Amortentia: Ölfarbe | Kräuter | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Besenflugstunden/Flying Lessons

Quidditch: /

funfacts: Fly wäre liebend gerne im Quidditch-Team, aber wegen ihrer Körpergröße wird sie dort nicht aufgenommen. Laut den anderen Schülern wären ihre Arme zu kurz um einen Schnatz zu fangen...was sie benachteiligt. Fly hält das übrigens für Bullshit und fühlt sich diskriminiert.

Asuka

Haus: Slytherin

Blutstatus: Halbblut/halfblood (part Veela)

Patronus: Kranich

Animagus: Rotfuchs

Amortentia: Lavendel | Reiswein | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Verwandlung/Transfiguration

Quidditch: /

Prophy

Haus: Ravenclaw

Blutstatus: muggelstämmig/muggle-born

Patronus: Skelett einer Katze (something isn’t right with this one,but it isn’t his fault for sure)

Animagus:/ 

Amortentia: Räucherstäbchen | frische Innereien | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Verteidigung gegen die dunklen Künste/Defence against the Dark Arts

Quidditch: /

funfats: Behauptet an manchen Tagen, dass er eigentlich von einer Pureblood-Familie stammt und an anderen wieder ist Prophy sehr motiviert, zu beweisen, dass er trotz Muggel-Abstammung so viel besser ist als alle anderen.

Laut ihm selbst ist er selbstverständlich in der Lage sich in ein Tier zu verwandeln, er will sich nur nicht auf dieses Niveau herablassen und hat besseres zu tun.

Prophy macht sicherlich einen auf "Halbblut-Prinz" und kritzelt alle Schulbücher voll mit Verbesserungen, Tipps und "richtigen" Zutaten und Zaubern, weil er selbst das alles selbstverständlich so viel besser hinbekommt.

Jay

Haus: Slytherin

Blutstatus: Halbblut/half-blood (part merperson)

Patronus: Laternenfisch

Animagus: Möwe

Amortentia: Meeresluft | Holz | xxx

Lieblingsfach: Zauberkunst/Charms

Quidditch: Hüter/keeper

[evilgoosegoose]

Reset Time Jim AU but a bit different

Please excuse my horrendous writing skills it's been years since I wrote a real story with characters, even as short as this

He had done it, after hundreds of resets, after carefully studying, carefully changing each detail one by one, he had given everyone a good ending, only those completely necessary died, like the Tarron's parents.

Jim had finally been able to tell them what he did, and while they had lectured him about pulling a batman and purposefully retraumatizing himself multiple times in the process of saving them, they all eventually just started laughing and crying.

He had even managed to stop the titans entirely, catching them early and foiling their plans, saving those three days that would have been used tracking the Titans and stopping them, so instead, they celebrated, they had sleepovers, parties, and worked to rebuild the town better and friendly towards every species living in their town

the old belltower was one of the first things they had rebuilt, adding on a large canopy to provide more shade over the town square and it chimed every day right on time at 3:00 PM, Jim thought back on all those other timelines, erased from existence around this time, on this day, he had come to memorize when he would reset it all, exactly 3:42 PM, finally he could forget that time once and for all. Jim took a nice deep breath and went back to work painting the walls of the new school, much more colorful and much more variety, with enchanted paint that would change patterns daily, to add a little excitement.

He had finished the wall he had been working on a little after 3:20 and went to go eat lunch with the rest of the trollhunters, though that title wasn't entirely needed anymore. They chatted idly about things that have become mundane for them, seeing a particularly small goblin paint a little ">:(" with finger paints onto a wall, joking about imagining Jim being short and Toby being tall, like that'll ever happen, or Claire accidentally burning the cookies she was making because Nari started growing the Nunez's houseplants all over the walls and floors. Until all conversation suddenly ceased, causing Jim to look around for a second, what happened?

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Jim shot up in his bed, and looked around, what? Had he fallen asleep painting and got taken to his room? Yeah, that had to be it, He got up, made some breakfast for him and Toby, and headed out. Huh, the trashcans had gotten knocked over, must've been a stray goblin or something. He started to make his way over to Toby's house, opting to walk, but Toby was way ahead of him and was already biking towards him. And then he said they were going to be late for school, Jim felt a bit of panic before realizing Toby was messing with him, Ha Ha very funny Tobes, "oH wE'rE gOnNa Be LaTe FoR sChOoL".

But Toby just stared at him, confused, before asking if he had hit his head when he was getting up this morning, now Jim was confused too, what? Wait. Jim frantically pulled out his phone and.

the time line had reset. No. It was never a time line reset, it was a time loop. And just like a gun, the trigger had been pulled, there is no taking the bullet back, the world is doomed to infinitely loop every two years, those same, horrendous, traumatizing, mind breaking, two years

[the-greatest-magic-of-all]

You keep writing me things so I will write you a thing :3

For your Brave and Loyal Knight Au

It was dark, unnaturally dark in the middle of the day as the storm clouds lay thick and heavy blotting out the sun. Fabians boots clicking against the stone floor the only noise other than the rain and thunder audible in his secluded corner of the palace. The king swiftly making his way from his more public study and back towards his chambers now that his work was mostly done. He should have learned by now that he shouldn’t be relaxing until he knew he was completely safe but he had let his guard down. Too busy perusing the last report of the day that he needed to memorise before he could finally stop and rest for a while in the privacy of his own rooms.

It had happened so fast Fabian wasn’t sure exactly what had happened. A sudden flash of lightening dazzling him for a second before the accompanying rumble of thunder obscured the sound of the assassin’s approach. He hadn’t noticed but Riz certainly had, his knight slamming into his back and knocking him forwards so that the dagger aimed for his neck sailed over the top of his head. The goblin using his momentum to engage with the attacker.

There was a muffled ‘thump’ from somewhere between the tussling pair, Riz hissing loudly as the assassin managed to grapple him to the ground. They’d managed to get hands around his neck for only a brief second before there was the loud crack of an arcubus firing, the sound echoing off the stone floors as the larger of the pair (human, Fabian noted absently, Riz having managed to partially yank their mask off in their scuffle) slumped dead to the floor. The goblin using his legs to push them to one side as they fell so they wouldn’t land on top of him before stumbling to his feet. Hand clutching at the armour where Fabians seal was emblazoned on his chest as he panted and darted his head around searching for more attackers.

Fabian didn’t even have chance to call for more guards before the fight was over but the noise of the scuffle had been enough to alert them of the danger. Fabain swiftly pushing himself to his feet so none would be witness to him in such an undignified position and dusting off his robes. The King frowning and glancing down the corridor, noting that it really shouldn’t be taking this long for backup to arrive.

“There should have been more guards stationed here.” He frowned, kicking the assassin onto their back so he could get a better look at their face. There wasn’t much to see, Riz had managed to get a decent swipe with his claws in and they’d been disfigured beyond recognition by this point. “Good work, nice to know you haven’t lost your touch.”

“The guards are probably dead… I smelled blood as we came around the corner.” Riz was still breathing heavily, claws digging into his armour and punching holes around the kings seal emblazoned there. His ears relaxed out of their high and alert position as reinforcements rounded the corner, large eyes flicking between faces as he took note of who each of them were and compared them to the database in his mind. These guards were trustworthy, he’d handpicked them himself. Fabian would be safe.

“Not so sure about the loosing my touch part though.” The goblins knees went weak once the adrenaline finally left, Riz only managing to half-collapse to the ground before Fabian caught him. The half elfs eyes going wide when he noticed the front of his dark armour was slick and wet with blood that was hard to see in the dim light.

Fabian had thought it strange that the assassin had tried to choke his knight to death but now that he was in this close he could see why. The sigil embroidered on his chest had been split cleanly in two, the snapped off blade of the dagger still embedded in the goblins chest probably the only thing keeping him from bleeding out faster but there was still a lot of blood.

“Get a healer. Now.” Fabian barked at the first guard who came close, the elf snapping into a salute before peeling away and heading for the healers quarters. Riz chuckling weakly and lowering his voice so that only Fabian could hear him when he talked.

“Composure, my King. Don’t let them see you so upset over something like this. It’s my job to throw myself on the enemy’s sword for you.”

Fabian clicked his tongue, carefully lifting Riz and handing him off to another of the guards when they stepped in close. Riz was right, letting anyone know how much he cared was a liability they could exploit.

“Take him. Get this mess cleaned up and fetch someone to revivify this one so we can find out where they came from. I will be in my quarters and I expect a report in two hours.” Fabian spun on his heels, waving two of the guards to follow him as he stalked away and down the corridor. Somehow managing to resist the urge to glance over his shoulder to watch the guard carrying Riz disappear in the opposite direction.

AHH! Thank you so much!! 💖💖

I, in turn, shall write even more!! Here's a bit of angst for you! But also some fluff at the end!

-- part 1 -> part 3 | part 4 --

Three things of note occurred in the days following the attack on the new King of Fallinel’s life.

One, Sir Riz Gukgak, was forced into a brief (and highly unwanted) sabbatical from his duties to the throne to recover from the dagger that had only just missed his heart.

Two, the recently revivified Human assassin had been locked up and under twenty-four-hour supervision in the palace’s dungeons as they tried to pry information on his employer from him.

And three, the King, now without his nohecharei, had a wake-up call about what his Grandfather had warned him of before his coronation.

Fabian had been eager to hear whatever wisdom Telemaine had thought it most urgent to depart on him, seeing as he had come all the way from Kei Lomenuera to the Capital to give it to him. What he got instead was far grimmer than Fabian had thought possible.

As tall and willowy as a tree in a forest primeval, Telemaine had never felt so immense and ancient as when he’d warned that if he were to become King, his life would never be his own. At the moment, Fabian hadn’t the slightest clue as to the full weight and depth of his Grandfather’s words. Having let them flow off of and away from him with a nod and a smile.

But now?

He got it.

He got it because…

Because…

Fabian could hear Sir Durden's footsteps.

Steady, not-so-soft clanks, only a few steps behind him as he went about his day. Truthfully, they weren't all that obtrusive and yet…

It’s not like Sir Maxis Durden was a horrible guard. Oh, no, perish the thought. Sure, he had a devil-may-care attitude and, on occasion, was a tad bit familiar with His Majesty, but, all things considered, Sir Durden did his job and did it well. Never late. Always on the lookout for danger. The Captain had assured him of the Guards that Durden was an adept Blade Pact Warlock of Eilistraee and, despite his reedy figure, could take down his fair share of enemies. Hell, Fabian even knew that it was Sir Durden who took over Riz’s duties for four hours during the night! It shouldn’t be as big of an issue!

Except…

He could hear Sir Durden’s footsteps. He could feel Durden’s eyes on him at what felt like every waking moment. Whenever Fabian turned around, Durden was always there. Even in his private study. Even in his bedroom. The Court of Stars demanded that the King never be alone for his safety, but only now, in the absence of Sir Riz, did Fabian realize how maddening of a rule it indeed was. Telemaine was right. His life was not his own because as long as he knew Sir Durden was guarding him, he’d never be anything but the King of Fallinel. He had to be dignified and competent. Well-mannered and never whiny. Never a fuck-up or a failure. He couldn’t be a person.

Lest he slip up and have one of his most charming guards’ opinion of him sour. Loose lips sink ships. The last thing he needed was Maxis blabbing about how ungrateful or idiotic the new King was to his mates. Next thing Fabian knows, there's a military coup. No doubt led or co-opted by House Everpetal. Ugh, it doesn’t bear thinking about.

By the end of the week, Fabian felt more exhausted than he ever had in his twenty years of life. Finding it harder and harder to keep his chin up and feet from dragging. He’d gotten lightly chastised by one of his advisors for repeating himself several times during a briefing on possibly receiving some of the Drow Royalty. Lady Everpetal had even felt bold enough to “jokingly” question his sanity after the attempt on his life. Calling him a Mad King in waiting.

Worse yet, Fabian had to swallow down the things he wanted to say about her, knowing he wouldn’t even get to say them in private to the sound of Riz’s delightful laughter…

He hadn’t even gotten a chance to go see him in the infirmary.

Umberlee below, he missed his best friend.

Missed him so much it physically hurt.

A pain in his chest.

Twists of his stomach.

More headaches than he’s ever had.

Honestly, they were so bad that, when Sir Durden’s clanking footsteps stopped abruptly on their way to a court function, Fabian hadn’t cared in the slightest. Not even when his addled brain had noted that his own footfalls had been the only ones he’d heard for minutes now. In perhaps idiotic defiance, he relished the thought of accidentally leaving Sir Durden behind and truly being alone for a handful of moments.

Though, he was to hasty to think that he was alone.

For only after the length of another corridor, Fabian found himself stopping as the faint sound of a nail—no, a *claw—*tapping on the metal pommel of a blade. Listening closer; the swish of lithe tail idly swaying back and forth. Fabian’s heart picked up speed, though he didn’t dare turn around. In fear that he was wrong and reluctance to possibly lose the little game of trust he and Riz played.

Instead, Fabian, a smile slowly begin to play on his lips, said to the hallway, “Good to have you back on your feet, Sir Gukgak.”

There’d never been a sweeter sound than Sir Riz’s voice ringing out behind him, “Good to be back, my King.”

A week’s worth of tension instantly fled from Fabian’s body as a sudden lightness overtook him. Fabian wanted to hug him. To turn, drop to his knees, and scoop Riz up in a tight, tight hug and never let him go. But, as a maid rounded the corridor’s corner and bowed to him before scurrying past, Fabian pushed it down. Steeling himself to hold out until later. When they could be alone together in his study or his bedchambers.

Until then, Fabian continued on his way to one of his ballrooms, a pep in his step and a smile on his face. If any of his servants or courtiers noticed how the King practically glowed with joy after the reappearance of his Knight, all of them had good sense not to comment.