#astor x gaius

[tiredassmage]

"I... don't know how this is going to end..." "Astor... Do me a favor." "Oh, you know everyone wants one of those..." "Just come back."

"... as long as you're here to come back to." "Is that a deal..?" "... For you..? I'll damn well try."

[tiredassmage]

5 and 14 :3c

Fanfic Writer Asks!

I know right off the top I'm gonna ramble, so this is all just gonna go under a read more cut so I'm not drowning people in my after-work-posted-next-morning... whatever's about to come out of my brain. xD

5. What makes your main ship so compatible? Or what makes them so incompatible? What do they see in each other?

So, I'm nothing if not incredibly indecisive and also incredibly attached to basically all of them, so let me answer this for three whole ships because they're all my mains and I love them all very much.

I'll start with Gaius x Astor because it's, admittedly, the one I've overthought how to "justify" using a starting point like this. I put off actually leaning into them being a pair at all because all I'd really known was there was a very notable distaste for him and gods, don't bring conflict into my little happy zone, please, it really was as simple as he showed up in the STB afterstory and I thought he was hot, that was IT, it really did start that way, let me have this.

But, anyway, the TLDR of why they get to me so much is because I'm very set on them having a level of intimate understanding of one another that a lot of others can't or won't for them because of their previous accomplishments, their titles, their history, their past. Through the course of the story, Astor feels the weight of all of these expectations and hopes he carries as a Warrior of Light weighing on him more and more and more to the point where, sometimes, it feels like it's just impossible to ever truly find peace for himself. He's not quite sure if he's really in touch with who he is or what he wants, when he stops to think about it, as being the hero doesn't exactly allow for a lot of time for it.

And Gaius is a man with two whole decades on him. Twenty plus years of more life experience. And an intimate, just as unsettling familiarity with the idea of trying to find a new way forward. Realizing your previous path isn't working, for one reason or another, yet possessed of the fortitude and resolve to carry on, anyway. To find a new way forward. Astor would be an absolute liar if he tried to say that wasn't appealing, that it isn't a part of the massive comfort being with Gaius has provided. And because of this mutual understanding foundation, they've been able to trust each other with a lot in a relatively short period of time. Astor is comfortable expressing his doubts to Gaius, how the praise and the commendations all feel almost sickening sometimes, how "you've done the impossible before" has started to become so exhaustively draining rather than a warm sentiment from a caring friend and coworker, and, in his own ways, Gaius has been able to do the same, though he's not exactly the same brutally bleeding heart Astor is. Where Astor might more easily be able to collapse unto words, finally putting sound to the myriad struggles that have plagued his mind for years now, Gaius is still a seasoned soldier and commander, and settled comfortably and almost without thought into this more protective role in the relationship - he's the unyielding rock, ready to catch his Warrior when he stumbles, reassure him that there is a way through this all. I think he's used to this sort of... take command of the situation kind of role, so Astor's comfort tends to be more of the being physically present, knowing what little tells and ticks the Garlean has that says more than words ever would. The way his eyes drop when there's more on his mind than he'll say. The way the muscles feather in his jaw when he's upset or angered by something, but holding back. The careful way he folds his hands together when considering something, or mulling over his next words. The subtle shifts in his eyes.

Really, they just have an understanding of one another, and they're two people that are struggling to find something new and solid to hold onto and plant their feet on while they feel out new, unstable territory, and they're doing it together, and that's what makes them a good support system for one another! And... I've already prattled on WAY longer than I should have, oh boy.

Somewhat related, kinda, then, is the reason why I fucking love Astor x Eden (@fatewalker-phoenix). They're our wholesomely good domestic couple that Are Just GOOD and they're just sO GOOD FOR EACH OTHER OKAY sobbing noises. Again, I'd really boil it down to them knowing each other well enough to know each other. They know what kind of support the other needs and when they need it. They also benefitted from starting off as friends and fellow adventurers, and the slow, steady progression from friends to lovers is definitely a part of their appeal to both of us involved. They're so good for each other, in fact, that Astor has clear desires for what kind of future he wants with her and for them. He knew he wanted to marry her, and he did!! And he wants to have a family with her one day!! And he believes that's possible! Because they're together! And they've got this! They've been through so much of everything together, so they have already seen each other in the highest highs and lowest lows. They get it, and they know it's okay! They know they fuck up sometimes, and most of the times... it's because they love one another. They so clearly take care of one another and it's just... It's the kind of good relationship I think everyone should have. Get you a fuckin' man that loves you as much as Astor loves Eden, okay.

It's a long running joke turned canon that, like, Astor knew he wanted to marry Eden going into Shadowbringers, but, y'know, the whole First thing happened, so he... didn't exactly have time to bring it up with her, and then the Lightwardens happen, and, basically, tldr, by the end of Shadowbringers, an exhausted by fighting multiple Lightwardens and containing all of that nasty aether Astor is toddling around telling people how he needs to find his WIFE and they're. They're not married yet. He hasn't fucking proposed to her yet. Hasn't even mentioned it to her. But she's wife. She's totally Wife. Have you seen how cool his wife is??? Yeah, she's fantastic. Incredible. So skilled.

Of course, he then actually gets to wife the girl, and he could not have possibly been happier than when she said yes. Except for maybe y'know... Just every time he gets to look over at her and realize... they did that. They're here. Them. This.

They did this. They're... them.

[tiredassmage]

Hello, I’m pouting because I have so much work to finish today to stay on track for school, and all I’d like to do is write, pretend I’m going to write, maybe gpose, maybe actually play the game lkfdslanflnfs... So, anyway, I got a little brainworm for a scene last night, I think, and in the spirit of sharing wips and... also literally sharing anything I write bc I’m bad about doing that even though I usually want to...

Please enjoy?? xD

Something set closely following the close of 6.0 MSQ, but containing no direct spoilers yet. When all is said and done, Astor... still doesn’t really know where he wants to go next. No content warnings, very general as of yet, I have no idea exactly how its all going to pan out, but at least the start of the scene is out of my braincase now, so that’s something! Just soft boys loving boys hours, yea?

It’s not... super long, but I won’t hog your dash lol.

“They’re bothering you again, aren’t they?”

Sat in front of the mirror, pale blue eyes were unfocused on the reflection in front of him, showing his fingers tracing carefully over the edges of older and newer scars alike that broke across his chest and shoulders. He inhaled as the words reached him, though it took a moment longer before his eyes refocused, first on his reflection, and then that of the speaker.

Gaius’s lips twitched in a faint smile, though the burden of his worries prevented the expression from spreading much further as he watched from the doorway, leaning his shoulder into it.

Astor closed his eyes for a moment and finally exhaled - long, exhausted. Its familiarity was bittersweet. On one hand, he was glad to find his presence allowed its escape comfortably. On the other…

It was… common. Had been, since they’d settled into this…

Gaius stood and slipped inside their bedroom, gently closing the door behind him and discarding his coat over a chair on his way to his lover. Astor’s head dropped to watch him approach from the corner of his eyes.

He eased almost instantly to the warm caress of the Garlean’s calloused hands against his shoulders, but something still kept him tense.

Gaius brushed his bangs back from his eyes as Astor reached up to brush one hand against his before he hung on his shoulder. His arm across his chest masked the long slash of that night in Rhalgr’s Reach, not that either of them could forget its presence.

“Just… still hasn’t really sunk in that it's… over..,” Astor murmured, leaning back against the Garlean’s chest.

Gaius searched for his gaze in the mirror, but his lover’s eyes remained elsewhere, cast somewhere past his arm into the gentle darkness of the room.

“Does it hurt still?”

“... Nothing that can’t be expected. Sore.”

He traced a few fingers through Astor’s long hair, cascading loose across his shoulder and down his back instead of restrained in his familiar braid. He frowned faintly. “I could run you a bath?”

Astor shook his head faintly, his eyes closing for a moment as a small smile tugged across his lips. “You just got in. I’m sure it’s been a long day…”

“Then that settles it. It will benefit us both.”

“Gaius…” Astor blinked his eyes open quickly, straightening to fix the Garlean in something resembling a concerned pout.

The Garlean finally smiled a bit more fully. That, at least, had gotten a fair reaction out of the mage. “I’ll not hear it.”

[tiredassmage]

for this, the time between ( s e c o n d s )

[tiredassmage]

wip wednesday ;; interlude

Another section of something I posted/started earlier because the words decided to come in out of order, so we’re just gonna let it happen. I’ve been staring at this one for a few weeks squinting at where I left off and where I might transition, so it’s one of those ones where I absolutely put it off because it, a, feels cruel to leave off where I did, and, b, I’m not sure if I’ll touch it up or anything, bUT. The point of these things is just to embrace the sharing of it, so we’re back, back again, with more boys!

Post Endwalker; this snippet contains no direct spoilers, however. And I’m not sure how to tag the rocky relationship discussion this contains, but it’s not... graceful. It’s not an argument. But Astor has some doubts and it’s a messy conversation that they need to have.

And having seen my share of rocky relationships, that may also be why I keep fighting with this one akdfnsdlfsdf, so I felt the need to mention it just in case.

--

Gaius carded his fingers gently through Astor’s yet slightly damp hair, watching over the mage tucked against his chest. Despite care and assurances, something yet weighed on his mind, his pale blue eyes still too alert, though half-lidded, for him to be falling asleep.

The slight crease in his brow. The hint of a frown just pulling at the corner of his lips. The fact their eyes didn’t meet. It ached, how well he had come to know his lover, and yet he was still unable to quite ease his burden. Then again, it was one years in the making, and only compounded by the march of time. If coaxing words could not unravel his woes, Gaius would simply have to wait.

So, wait he would. As he knew his lover had before.

Finally, Astor inhaled deeply, quietly, and blinked his eyes open as if he’d finally come to a resolution. “Gaius., do you…” A puff of air left him and he shook his head faintly. It was… ridiculous to ask, he thought.., but… And maybe cruel. “... Do you love me..?”

He barely dared a meek glance up at the Garlean’s features - just in time to catch the briefest surprise worry his brow and start to pull a frown across his lips.

“I… I’m sorry… I know that’s hardly fair, I just-”

Gaius quieted him with a soft kiss against his forehead, one that made Astor close his eyes to lean into as he released a somewhat shaky breath. Calloused fingers rubbed reassuringly against his shoulder, but he could only bring himself to press his face back against Gaius’s chest.

It wasn’t the first time he’d tabled something so… Guilt clawed through his chest. At worst, he feared the musings almost cruel, but… they certainly weren’t fair, at any rate. He couldn’t believe it so…

“Astor…” Gaius sighed quietly after a moment.

It was… a strangely difficult answer. Not that he could find himself surprised, given the nature of so many of their talks.

The man Gaius had come to know was the one beneath the Warrior of Light. And, at times, it had almost been painful. It felt like the man had barely seen just over thirty summers, yet the weight of the star had obviously weighed heavy.

Five years had not been kind. They’d upended entire lives and realities. And, despite the results, despite the numerous changes for the better… He couldn’t help but worry that, maybe, the cost had been a bit too much for their champion to bear. And maybe it’d been a little too late to really find that out.

“I just… I don’t even know where to start…” Astor curled up more against him, an arm wrapped around himself even as Gaius held him close. “I just… Now that… now that it’s all over, I… Who even am I..?”

All the causes felt like bandages and they were sloughing off and falling away at the end of what felt, in hindsight, like a consuming war. It was hard to believe the future he’d so desperately wanted at times was supposedly more palpable and near than ever before… And he had no idea what it all meant now that it was here.

Yes, it had all been for a good cause, and he didn’t necessarily begrudge the path he had walked nor what it had cost to bring them all here, but… Where did that leave him?

It was always where he had stumbled - where the script of conflict had ended and a semblance of respite shone through, leaving him soaked to the bone in the exhaustion and without a compass at shelter’s door.

And here he was again, seeking answers in others, in maybe all of the wrong places, for how many times had they reasoned that actions and the path were your own, that a choice must be made..?

“I… I just worry I’ve been using you…” His lips trembled around the shaky words and he closed his eyes tightly, grasping in vain for the will to resist the horrible sting in his eyes.

[tiredassmage]

Hold your WoL gently, but also fiercely, bc truly, Hydaelyn’s a bitch and probably doesn’t deserve him ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[tiredassmage]

Been a while since I’ve done something with these boys <3

[tiredassmage]

“Wolves are beyond taming. Tis but a matter of time before they bare their teeth.”

“Therein lies your mistake... I don’t seek to best him. I seek the best in him.”

[tiredassmage]

I emerge from the bushes to finally share what I’ve been hiding out doing in my free time on this game.

I’m not ready for 5.5.

[tiredassmage]

No editing, we die like fools. Also these fools who are stupidly in love w/one another.

[tiredassmage]

More selections from yesterday’s dose of These Boys <3

[tiredassmage]

Life rolls on even as we look back To those days that we treasured, when fiction was fact I get the chills when I stop and think How much time can actually pass between each blink? When I think of all the things I did I feel like now, in my heart, that I don’t even live Can you feel the warmth as you stop and smile? Doesn’t that call you back every once in a while?

Days Past // Sworn Enemy

[tiredassmage]

Wwwwww, and we’re back with another day of @seaswolchallenge, this time featuring my main WoL, Astor Caulfield, and a little taste of the beginning of what most probably think of as his odd and unexpected relationship with the infamous Black Wolf.

And, to be fair to Eorzea, neither of them really saw it coming, either. But they’re sure glad it did.

“Revenant.” 01.08.21.

“You’re alive!” Gaius blinked in surprise, stiffening as the Hyur threw his arms around him. The Warrior’s fingers twisted into the road-worn fabrics of his jacket as he buried his face against his chest. “You’re alive… ! Thank the gods, you’re still alive…”

Gaius hesitantly let his arms settle around Astor’s shoulders, one hand drifting over his braided hair. But, as suddenly as the mage had clung to him, he pulled back to look up at the Garlean, further stunning Gaius with the worry and relief that left pale crystal eyes shining. The mage carefully looked him over, one hand wandering to brush faintly across his jaw, “When they told me about you and Estinien… Varis…”

Astor froze, ducking his head quickly as he cleared his throat, pulling away completely from the Garlean. “P-pray forgive… I… I…”

Gaius folded his arms loosely across his chest for want of something to do with them in the new distance. Damn him for missing the contact already… At all, really, he…

But then he frowned faintly, brow just twisting over his piercing golden eyes. “It is… good to see you back.”

Astor looked back up at him with widened eyes and jaw agape, his mind still racing faster than he could hope to catch up with. Good gods, he’d known… something had been amiss after that day in the Burn, but… But… That… This…

“I… I just… worried… Zenos…” Astor shivered, circling his arms tightly around himself at the all too vivid second-hand memory. He still bore the scars from his own clashes with the Crown Prince, knew all too well how one misstep could lose his interest…

And here he was worrying for the well-being of a man he arguably barely knew, Gaius Baelsar, of all people… And the way his heart had tightened in his chest told him it was more than just the fear of their now mutual well-known enemy.

Gaius cleared his throat. “It was… probably foolish. I know,” he muttered quietly.

Astor stared hard at the ground, struggling to ignore the heat he felt rising to his cheeks. “I… I’m just glad you’re alright, is… is all… I…” His teeth worked over his lip as one hand nervously raced back to toy with his braid. “I… Thank you… for… you know, agreeing to… I’m sure you’ve been busy.”

Gaius had never seen the man so flustered. And it was proving increasingly difficult to keep his eyes off of the poor man. Surely it couldn’t be… It would make perfect sense for a man like Astor to check in on his allies, but their last interaction in the Burn had been…

Eye contact held for longer than either of them would have expected, a suffocated, cautiously hopeful sensation of understanding, of…

“Astor.” The Warrior’s pale eyes finally settled back upon him with the gentle sound. He shouldn’t even ask. Hells knew they both had a million and one different responsibilities to attend to. If the man even cared enough to… It could have just been a formality.

Not that he knew Caulfield to be a shallow-hearted man… Quite the opposite, actually…

“Perhaps… If you’ve the time, we might consider a proper meeting. I’m sure you’ve far more interesting tales than I could ever beat, but…”

Astor held his gaze, almost as if stilled by his very words. Something about him seemed… seeking, almost… “I think I would like that..,” he conceded after a few moments of silence, “Drinks..?”

“If you would like.”

Astor nodded slowly, a faint half-smile starting to turn the corner of his lips. “Good. I believe I can think of a place…”

“You wouldn’t worry about..?”

“You’ll be with me, won’t you..? And… far as I know, not too many know the man behind the Black Wolf… Much less that he’s still alive.” Gaius’s gaze began to drop and, for a moment, so did Astor’s as he chewed on his lip again.

Gods knew he’d never been called graceful at this…

“I… I think I’d like to get to know him.., if you don’t mind.”

The Garlean blinked, and the mage failed to miss the touch of surprise that once again touched his features. “Do you have a time?”

“I’ve time now. Shall we?”

Foolish. The whole of it. Probably. “I believe that would be nice. After you?”

[tiredassmage]

What are their primary love languages?

How do they celebrate holidays?

From a list of ship questions! Thanks so much for the ask! Such a good one, too, some of my favorite questions on this list wwww. This wasn't directed at anyone in particular, so I just went with who I thought of first/the most! And, admittedly, I do not have a good list of them anywhere to reference to pick from so... one day! I still have to get back to doing everyone's character pages, F.

WHAT ARE THEIR PRIMARY LOVE LANGUAGES?

Literally the question that'll make me melt, god, okay. Let me try to be a normal person hold on. This one gets me good particularly for Astor because he just. Dude he love so much. He just SO FULL OF LOVE anyway I said I'd try to be normal ---

~~ Astor x Eden (@fatewalker-phoenix) ~~

Astor and Eden share a love for giving and receiving primarily physical touch and quality time. Astor likes to be with people he cares about an almost painful amount - which has always been something that stabs me in the heart about his adventures as a Warrior of Light because life like that is... usually anything but normal. Which makes them both crave it all the more. Sprinkle in a fair dose of words of affirmation and you basically have their relationship.

Holding hands and just being beside one another keeps it all real and helps steady their resolve. Sometimes, it really has felt like as long as they're together, there's nothing they can't accomplish if they have but the will to see it done.

On a less heavy note, they really just enjoy cuddling up to one another in bed or on the couch. Astor, like, adores to be the little spoon, tbh. But they will spoon, you can't stop them. Either way. Equal opportunity relationship here. They both also have long hair which is great for playing with or just brushing back out of each other's eyes.

~~ Astor x Gaius ~~

I mean, we're still talking about Astor, so it is, again, really about that physical touch and quality time for Astor, but they aren't really in positions where they get to see each other nearly as much as Astor does when he's with Eden (given that they have the benefit of both being Warriors of Light and working together where he and Gaius have decidedly different, yet not wholly unalike responsibilities), so... they do a lot of talking. Words of affirmation, I think, play a bit more pointedly into this relationship because what really brings Astor and Gaius together is a sort of mutual understanding. They've both struggled in their ways with their titles and being prominent figures, and its a weight they hadn't really been able to share with anyone else in a way that was relieving besides... each other. I think they also indulge in a bit of small gift giving - just little trinkets or mementos that can be traveled with to better stay close with one another, even when they can't physically be.

~~ Shay x Airi (@fatewalker-phoenix) ~~

Shay, on a totally different hand, is almost... averse to physical touch. For the majority of their relationship, Airi would probably have had just as much luck hugging a marble column for all the ease that physical affection came to Shay with. He's always been more an acts of service, maybe a smidgen of words of affirmation kind of person. And, admittedly, for someone who believes heart and soul that he's definitely more of a fighter than a lover, he can wax awfully poetic when he gets in his own head about his feelings for Airi and his place in her life.

Granted, his acts of service tend to be... killing things so she doesn't have to or having sword fights with gods with too much fun while she worriedly tells him to take better care of himself, but like... he's trying. In his way. And his affectionate words are like... the kind of loving insults you tell your pets??? Like, you know when your pet does something stupid, and you kind of mock them and also tell them you love them and never want them to change? Yeah, Shay's... not really great at the soft relationship bit. He's a bastard. But he's her bastard.

And, deep down inside, there is a man in there who knows she's his soul mate. And they've gotten better at the physical affection part. Because Airi loves it. He is tall, she is comparatively very small, she likes to be held in boyfriend's big strong arms. Shay is not as blind to this as he'd probably have you believe. And there is something... really precious... about watching her fall asleep on his chest...

Don't you dare tell her he said that. And also, ironically, her words of affirmation do work really well for him, even if it takes a few times to get it through his stubborn head. He doesn't put a whole lot of stock in someone's words, but Airi has... always spoken from her heart. He can't tell her she's lying or motivated by something else because it's just... not true. And it means more than he still really knows how to show her. Because he sure as hell doesn't know how to tell her, lmao.

HOW DO THEY CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS?

Perfectly timed for Starlight! Which is perfect because it's my favorite one to talk about for Astor & Eden. And they're really the only ones I have solidly figured out, so I will focus in on them. Also because I've already rambled a lot, probably... So!

Without going too deep into backstory, memories are really important to Eden, and Starlight is one of Astor's favorite holidays, so it's really important to him to make them really good, happy memories, especially for Starlight. They steal each other's warm jackets, go for walks in the snow, get into snowball fights because they're actually both still two stupid teenagers in love. Eden shoves snow down his jacket and makes Astor yelp in surprise because no matter how many times she does it, he will still fall for it!!! And then they go home and warm up in front of the fire with cuddles and hot cocoa and blankets and just... cute domestic shit, man. Eden likes to bake cookies and chase Astor out of the kitchen while she does because he's not allowed to have any until she's done.

And one of Astor's favorite gifts to ever give her would be a little scrapbook with some of their adventures and journeys recorded in it. Eden keeps a diary to help her hang onto her memories, so... what better way to show that for her, too?

They also absolutely decorate. Astor is particularly fond of soft little white lights and at least one snow globe.

But as a more general rule, I really think the most important thing for them is to make time to just be together and be normal on the holidays that really matter to them. To go out for a walk together, maybe go out for dinner, or stay in and make it themselves. But whatever it is, to do so together. The Rising is another one that I think is pretty important to them - relating to Eden's history coming out of the calamity and her struggle with memories. It's a time I think Astor makes sure to really check in with her and make sure he spends time with her - especially to remind her of how much he loves her and how important she is to him. And, of course, lots of kisses under the fireworks. ;)

Oh, and they'd totally do matching costumes for All Saint's Wake.

[tiredassmage]

Which Character Trope Are You?

The Damsel (In Distress)

A character, usually female (but can be anybody), is put into immediate danger in order to put the cast in motion. Their plight unites the cast, causing them to put aside their differences and work together to save them or provide the premise for the quest. But, necessarily, this isn't always the case! (Note the parentheses!) This could also mean you're someone who is capable of bringing people together in times of need. You are often very dependent on others, but not all the time. It's more of when there is an important decision to made and where everyone's opinions need to be heard. You don't like taking charge because you like to go with the flow of things. People describe you as kindhearted and honest. You're also naturally sociable and positive.

The Antihero

A central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes. They often fail many times and are known to be flawed. Opposite of the Tragic hero, you often do things out of selfishness so you can advance and grow as an individual. This is often done unconsciously. When people ask for favors, you expect rewards in return. Your personality can be seen as complicated and you often can through a cycle of moods in a matter of what seems like seconds. You're seen as typically aggressive and full of emotion. There would be times where it seems like you are completely calm and then at a flip of coin be upset about something. You have a lot on your mind 24/7 and it's hard for you to handle. Sometimes your attempts at showing you care can backfire, since you often get too into the emotional aspect of the situation.

-- Brb I’m losing my mind bc I jokingly call Astor my damsel in distress bc that damn writer thing where, y’know, your fave! You put them in all of the situations, including the horrible ones and you’d be entirely correct to accuse me of thinking of a scenario that would let Gaius swoop in and carry him off in his arms and you’d also be right for accusing Astor of being at least a little (a lot) into that lmflaksndflksdf;a

Anyway, both of these were really spot on. I’m still cry laughing about how right it is. x,D

Tagged by the ever lovely wonderful beloved @earthlystar​ like a month ago for this??? But here it is, at last xD Time is fake and nothing is real.

Quiz here! Yes! You! Do it! It’s fun. I promise.

[tiredassmage]

For ship bingo, how about Emet x Hyth x Azem??

The Ship Bingo in question <3 Gonna tag this, too, of course, but just in case, this will contain Endwalker MSQ Spoilers!

Going right for my feelings on this one! So, firstly, I am incredibly partial, personally, to Hythlo x Azem with Emet as their mutual friend they both annoy endlessly because I don't think any of my characters, so far, have been interested in Hades as a romantic or sexual partner.

Though, gotdamn... when I learned Hades' eyes were actually gold and it wasn't just a Solus thing in Elpis, I... had a moment. Because I am a bit a lot weaksauce for gold eyes. If you couldn't guess from my affection for Gaius (and, also, Urianger gets bonus points for it, too).

They're all, like, super pretty people though and, like, if they all want to kiss, I am not going to stop them.

My affection for them as a polycule definitely grew in Elpis because it was really wonderful to see how Emet and Hythlo played against each other and the tidbits they did give on Azem were just. Fucking delightful. I love them. I fucking love them so much.

I am very sorry to Hades though that I am absolutely head over heels for Hythlodaeus. I'd marry him, full stop. I want to see him grow up healthy and happy, I want to hug him, I want to hold his hand, I want to tell my friends and neighbors about him.

Astor definitely wants Hythlo to pin him up against a wall. He will not complain. He also would not say that in. Most company. Because Astor's a bottom. He wasn't safe from this truth even as Azem. And I think Hythlodaues knows full well about this and absolutely takes advantage of it.

So, yes, I love them. I love them as best stupid friends where Hythlo and Azem constantly get into shit and Hades has to keep them both on the child backpack leashes and sighs constantly about trying to keep up with them. And I also appreciate that they have a lot of lovely potential as a polycule for other people! Love that for them!