#damn it would be nice to actually have a sword at my throat by a woman king and have her wink at me for real

[arathejedi394]

once upon a time wee 16 going on 17yo me was the first witch in the Scottish play at a community college. during rehearsals once we were doing the scene where macbeth confronts the witches and good king macbeth put her sword right under my chin, so I have a sword to my throat held by an attractive older girl

and then she winked

[dark-frosted-heart]

Choose Your True Love - Keith Howell (part 3/4)

This is the from the 4th anniversary event.

(Alter)Keith indicates that it’s Alter!Keith pretending to be Keith.

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. 

At the last estate we visited, the noble had an herbalist develop highly lethal poisons that he’d illegally sell to other countries.

It was the gravest crime I heard of today.

(And yet…)

Noble: I don’t know what you’re talking about! Your evidence was arranged to slander me.

(Alter)Keith: Are you kidding? Do I look like I have free time?

Noble: Ha, shameless. You’re getting rid of everyone you see as unfavorable since you can’t do anything else. The thought of you as the next king is terrifying. Are you unaware of how much you worry His Majesty?

(Alter)Keith: “I’m” well aware. However, you don’t need to take something so trivial so seriously. Actually, I think His Majesty would be happy to hear that I got rid of anyone that would hurt our country.

While the man raged like a demon, Prince Keith remained unbothered.

However, his voice was cold and it was like you could see the words “unpleasant”, “annoying”, and “depressing” written on his large back.

(How can the noble say something so harsh when the evidence is right in front of him?)

Behind Prince Keith, I was stewing in anger while holding back the urge to slap the noble.

At that moment, Prince Keith cleared his throat and cut the man off.

(Alter)Keith: I don’t wanna waste any more time, so we should wrap things up.

He looked at the noble and handed him a document.

The man’s face paled at its contents.

Noble: Stripped of…my land and title? No way, don’t mess around with me!

(Alter)Keith: There’s no need to yell, it’s the truth. Are you unaware of how serious the crimes you committed were? Even if you try to run away, you have no status, no money, nothing. You’ll be spending your days wishing for death.

Noble: Gh…Then we’ll just pretend this never happened. No one will go along with your lies anyway.

(...!)

The man rang a bell that was on the table and hired mercenaries stormed in.

(He thought something like this would happen…he’s basically admitting his guilt)

Alter!Keith: You stay close to the wall.

Emma: …Okay.

As the mercenaries charged toward Prince Keith with their swords drawn, he drew his sword with a mocking smile.

He proceeded to cut through their arms, legs, and stomachs without hesitation, and delivered bone-shattering kicks.

The way he fought was like that of a savage beast, a far cry from the man I knew.

Mercenary: Damn it…

(Ah…)

I met eyes with a mercenary. 

When I braced myself for an attack, a flying chair slammed the man against the wall.

Alter!Keith: Where’re your eyes at? You got the wrong opponent.  

(He saved me…Even though right now, I’m just a stranger and not someone important enough to protect)

(No…that doesn’t matter)

(What matters is if someone’s harmful to the nice Prince Keith or not. That’s what I think his criteria is)

After that, the mercenaries swung his sword at Prince Keith, but wasn’t even able to land a hit on him, and soon, we were the only ones left standing in the damaged room a beast had rampaged in.

Noble: Why…why did this happen…

(Alter)Keith: You were the one who knowingly committed a crime. Your refusal to accept it won’t change the facts.

In a fit of rage, the man slammed his head on the floor and then writhed in pain.

When I took in the horrifying scene, the man’s fists suddenly stopped shaking.

I could hear my heart pounding in the odd silence that followed.

Noble: …If what I did was a crime, then what about you? You killed your brother.

(Wha…)

(Alter)Keith: …

Noble: You couldn’t save him because you’re a failure? You killed him because you’re a failure. A good little brother who was loved by everyone was in your way. You’re just as much of a criminal as I am. So why weren’t you judged?

(You don’t know anything…How dare you say something so disgusting to a person who just lost someone important to him?) 

I was so angry I felt dizzy. My vision became spotty. I was hyperventilating. 

If I said anything, my anger would erupt like a volcano.

(But I can’t take it anymore)

Alter!Keith: …

(Eh…)

Prince Keith drew his sword again.

When he stalked toward the man on the floor, an alarm went off in my head.

(No…!)

I found myself moving when he raised his sword.

Noble: Gah…!

(...!)

When I hugged Prince Keith from behind to stop him, his sword struck the man’s shoulder.

(I was late…but he missed a vital spot. If I didn’t move, it wouldn’t have been his shoulder)

Alter!Keith: …Who killed my brother? Who’s a criminal? Say it again.

Noble: Eek, s-save me…

Alter!Keith: Now the greedy criminal’s playing the victim? Digusting. Why…do people like you get to live comfortably? Don’t use that guy as a distraction.

(He’s not used to hearing this)

(He’s been holding in more anger than I could ever imagine)

(Wicked Prince Keith exists for nice Prince Keith. He’ll never get used to it)

It was like my heart was torn out of my chest as I felt him trembling through my hold on him.

(Anger dulls the pain as it continues piling on)

(Prince Keith doesn’t know how much he’s hurting because of that anger)

(And all these words hurt the nice Prince Keith)

--

Emma: Huh, are you sure?

Alter!Keith: If you came from the future, then you got nowhere else to stay. Think of it as an apology for keeping you out so late.

Emma: …Thank you. For everything…

(I didn’t him to prepare a room for me)

By the time we returned to the castle, it was dark out.

After leading me to my room, Prince Keith immediately turned away.

He was heading in the opposite direction of his room and I found myself speaking up.

Emma: Um, Prince Keith.

Alter!Keith: Hm?

I didn’t expect him to stop and look at me.

Those dark circles under his eyes had gotten worse.

(Of course they were. Everywhere we went, people hurled words that made me want to cover my ears)

Emma: Where are you going?

Alter!Keith: Somewhere to relax. I’m not sleepy yet. You should get some sleep. I’ll play with you again tomorrow if you’re in the mood. It’s better to be with someone when you want a distraction.

(Does he think I’m feeling anxious over suddenly being transported into the past…?)

(After all that’s happened…How can he be so kind?)

(Even with a different personality, Prince Keith’s still Prince Keith. That’s why…)

Alter!Keith: What else do you want?

I grabbed Prince Keith’s arm as he started to walk away.

I was hesitant, but had a strong desire to not let go.

Emma: So much happened today that I don’t think I’ll be able to get any sleep. So…can I stay with you for just a little longer?

(I don’t want to leave Prince Keith alone when he’s like this)

After a moment of silence, my hand was removed.

And then Prince Keith crudely pulled me toward him.

Alter!Keith: …Sure. Since you invited me, you’re gonna make it fun for me, right?

--

(—I didn’t expect this)

[kuroneko1815]

The maze scene but make it silly and with innuendos

Because I always make fun of Callisto being the one to instigate the silly, I want Penelope to do it this time. This came about after re-reading that scene when they first meet and I thought… what could she say differently that was just so silly. With help from @eloise175, also… we really shouldn’t be left alone together.

Callisto holding a sword to Penelope’s throat looking menacing and mocking: Why do you love me? Go on, tell me why you fell in love with me?

Penelope: Because you’re shiny!

Callisto freezes in shock: Shiny? (He’s been called many things, most of them weren’t good but never shiny!)

Penelope thinking back to her reputation: I like shiny things and your hair looks like spun gold and your eyes look like rubies.

Callisto: ??? (Just stares at her, sword steady and level as he tries to process what happened.)

Penelope internally: Oh thank god, I can escape now. (Tries to back away subtly but is foiled.)

Callisto: What else?

Penelope thinks back to all the stereotypical western teenagers and in Korea from her world and time, all those things she studied to fit in with her new classmates at university: You’re hot.

Callisto: I’m what?

Penelope: You have a handsome face and probably a fine body under those clothes from all the training you do. It makes me drool just thinking about it and I want jump you. (Penelope in her mind: maybe I should just die, it would be better if he killed me now.)

Callisto: … (Callisto.exe has crashed; please reboot)

Callisto tries to save face: It seems more like you’re in lust with me, rather than in love.

Penelope: Is there a difference right now? I haven’t talked to you, and I’ve only seen you in passing. Love and lust are the same right now.

Penelope: Also, your voice is fine and smooth like butter.

Callisto: I don’t understand?

Penelope: It means I like your voice, it’s nice and seductive. (Penelope eyes possible exists and just keeps saying things without thinking them through.)

Penelope: You’re such a babygirl

Callisto: Did you just call me a babygirl? (Now he does feel some indignation)

Penelope: Yes I did, you know, you’re so good looking I just wanna take care of you. You’re so scrunkly.

Callisto: What does that even mean? I think you’re just making up words.

Penelope: Scrunkly, an animal or creature that’s weird or unorthodox but still so cute.

Callisto: Did you just… just call me an animal?

Penelope: Well, if you’re an animal, I think mating season has come. (Penelope is dead, very dead. She can feel her soul leaving her body with each word she says and yet she can’t stop. Still, she’s resorted to dropping innuendos in hopes that he’d be so weirded out that he’d walk away without killing her.)

Callisto is shook. He knows the adopted daughter of Eckhart was crazy but not this crazy or wanton… and yet… it was appealing and exciting.

Penelope gestures to his pants: Well, I don’t much care for the sword at my neck, but you can definitely pierce me with the one down there any time. Think of me like something to conquer. (Abort, abort, abort. She thinks desperately. Shut up.)

Despite her wishes, her mouth keeps moving, and not towards rationality, it just prolongs her torture. Death by beheading wasn’t so bad, at least she’d stop talking.

Penelope: If someone asked me what I wanted for dinner, it’s you. I’m so hungry, I want a taste.

Callisto eyes her in shock. These were not words that should be coming out of a Lady’s mouth, he didn’t think he’d ever heard phrases come out of anyone’s mouth before. It was bawdy without actually being too vulgar. He wants to be offended, he really does, but…

Penelope: Please? I’m thirsty, can I have a sip? Just a sip, please? I promise I don’t bite… much. (Penelope internally: Can I turn on that damned game system now? Please?)

Penelope: If we got stuck in a closet, one of us would be walking out pregnant, and it wouldn’t be me.

Eventually, Callisto lets her go, too surprised and shook to actually process everything, especially the last part because that wasn’t possible at all, unless she was a powerful mage. And Penelope leaves no worse for wear, except her dignity, that died a traitor’s death.

-

-

BONUS: The Cave Scene: Or Callisto gives his rebuttals because you can damn well know that he’s not letting this go and it’ll live rent free in his mind. And she’s avoided him when he tried to press her for more coherent answers, had even neglected to reply to him.

Penelope waking up in the cave: GAHH!!! Why are you naked? (Covers her eyes)

Callisto: Why are you covering you’re eyes? You wanted to see what was under my clothes anyway, and I hope it doesn’t disappoint. You certainly didn't.

Penelope: You… you shameless pervert.

Callisto: Oh? I'm the pervert now? What happened to the audacious woman who kept saying such filthy things to me to seduce me?

Penelope stares at him with a look of disbelief.

Callisto: Oh? How could you be so cold to me? Aren’t I scrunkly? Aren’t I your babygirl?

Penelope: … I'm going back to sleep.

Penelope can't actually sleep and keeps having flashbacks to it, Callisto hugs her, and tells her the story. And the conversation proceeds the same. Except instead of asking her what she liked about him…

Callisto: So, is your assessment correct, Princess?

Penelope: What?

Callisto: Is my body as 'fine' as you thought? Am I really that hot?

Penelope without thinking: Yes (Realizes what she said and blushes and buries her face into his chest and then almost dies of embarrassment when she realizes what she just did)

Callisto: It certainly seems like it based on how you're reacting.

Penelope: …

Callisto: My sword is ready for the piercing and the conquests.

Penelope bites her lips unable to say anything because he’s responding to everything she’s saying. She realized he’s pulled the ultimate reverse uno on her, and weeks after the fact too.

Callisto: Are you hungry? We can have a small snack if you want. But why stop at a sip and a taste? Let’s make this into a full meal!

Penelope: …

Callisto: Perhaps my voice alone can get you ready, we’d need to mop up after we’ve spilled our drinks.

Penelope admits to herself that he does have an amazing voice. But she’s still refusing the temptation. She wants to live thank you very much.

Callisto: We’re both still overdressed it seems. We really need to read the invitations carefully. This cave has a zero clothing policy.

Penelope tries to shut him up, when he stops her from slapping him, she kisses him which was the wrong move, or maybe it was the right one? Because it eventually devolved.

Callisto when they finally stopped: Respectfully, Emperor Claudius himself couldn’t pull me out of you. (Callisto thinks of his famous ancestor, an accomplished general, who had a story about a sword in a stone who won the throne over his half brother.)

In the aftermath, Penelope would wake up in a tangle of limbs, naked, and very well ‘conquered’ by the Crown Prince. She also gets to live, survives the game and all. And… exactly nine months after that night, a little dragon like girl was born to them. They named her Judith.

But Callisto, the new Emperor had one last thing to say to his wife as they hold their new born later not even minutes after she’s handed to them: Well, it wasn’t exactly locked in a closet, but I wasn’t the one who walked out of there pregnant.

Penelope smiles sweetly at him, motions for him to come closer so she can kiss him. He leans forward eagerly, closes his eyes. Penelope taking advantage of it, shifts Judith in one hand and slaps him hard.

[grandmother-goblin]

Field Study - Chapter 14

Ao3 - Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Astarion comes face to face with Cas's older brother, a famous and brutal monster hunter, and fears for his life.

Relationships: Astarion x Female!Tav

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Word Count: 4.1k

Chapter Tags: Meeting the family, sibling tomfoolery, relationship talk, kissing.

Every one of Astarion’s survival instincts had agreed on one course of action in that moment:

Run.

Run as fast and as hard as his legs would take him. Run until he found a place to hide deep within the depths of the woods. Or the dark bowels of a cave crawling with spiders. Hells, he’d even go back to that goblin-infested hellhole.

Then maybe, just maybe, he would buy himself a few more precious moments before the Huntsman of Neverwinter rammed a stake through his heart.

He swallowed as his eyes scoured over the Huntsman; the man was nearly as large as Halsin. Fitted leather armor emphasized his muscular build and sunlight glinted off the steel of the (menacing) sword strapped to his back and the daggers secured to his belt. And those were only the weapons Astarion could see — who knew how many other lethal instruments the Huntsman might have concealed on his person.

There was a sharpness to the Huntsman’s features that reminded him of Cas. But his face held none of her softness.

His dark eyes were alert and calculating, like a hawk perched high on a building as it tracked a mouse scurrying about an open street. Four prominent scars marred his neck — two pairs of separate, unmistakably vampiric bite marks — that tore down to his collarbone like he had ripped the vampire away with their fangs still embedded in his throat. The man moved with easy, confident grace like he knew damn well he was the most dangerous being for miles around.

A man who turned monsters and predators into mere prey.

Gods. Cazador would hate him.

The man exuded power in a way Cazador could only dream of. There was a natural, unspoken charisma to the Huntsman that his former master would never have been able to emulate even if he tried.

It was a presence that commanded respect; not because he expected it, but because one couldn’t help but give it freely.

Astarion was pulled from his musings when Cas’s fingers squeezed his gently. “Just be yourself,” she said, her voice echoing in his mind as the tadpole squirmed. “You don’t have anything to worry about.”

Nothing to worry about? Was she out of her mind?

As much as he wanted to believe her, experience and instinct told trust the truth of what was standing before him. And the truth was that he stood face-to-face with a large elf who was armed to the teeth and had a reputation for killing monsters. Efficiently.

Although Cas didn’t treat him like a monster, Astarion couldn’t be certain that her brother would extend him the same courtesy.

Yet if the stories were to be believed, the Huntsman would have long since sent him to Kelemvor already - had he been inclined to do so. Even the exaggerated tales told by bards made a point to emphasize how quick the Huntsman was. And how his prey never saw him coming.

But, Astarion was still in one piece. For now.

Even with that in mind, a lump remained firmly lodged in his throat as his feet stayed rooted to the spot. His fingers tightened around Cas’s hand, holding it like it was the only thing keeping him tethered to the Material Plane as he stared at the Huntsman.

Planning had never been Astarion’s strong suit. As much as he had wanted to have the Huntsman as an ally against Cazador, he never considered how an actual encounter with the man might go. And he most certainly never envisioned meeting the Huntsman…

Well…

He certainly never envisioned meeting him like this.

What in the hells was he supposed to say? ‘Hello Mr. Huntsman, Sir, you see, we were just coming back from a nice morning walk. The bite marks? Well that certainly wasn’t from last night when your little sister was on her hands and knees begging for my cock. Where did you get that idea?’

Yes, because that would certainly win him over.

As if hearing Astarion’s thoughts, the Huntsman’s eyes snapped onto him. He couldn’t help but shrink under the man’s gaze, subconsciously curling in on himself as he looked everywhere but at the threatening presence looming before him.

Was looking away the smartest decision? No. But maybe if he made himself seem pathetic enough, the man would take pity on him and let him live.

Honestly, that plan had a better chance of working than running away did.

What had he been thinking — seducing the Huntsman’s sister? Did he expect the man to immediately welcome him into the family or something? For the monster hunter not to question the motivations of a monster? For him to say ‘Thank you for sleeping with my sister. To show my appreciation, let me kill Cazador for you’?

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Cas.” The Huntsman’s voice broke through Astarion’s thoughts. There was a soothing quality to it, a deep and rich timbre that could probably make the reading of bank records sound interesting.

Much to Astarion’s immediate relief, the Huntsman’s attention had returned to Cas, releasing him from the oppressive weight of the man’s gaze. Now that it wasn’t on him, Astarion almost felt like he could think straight again.

Cas had said that he had nothing to worry about, so perhaps he should just… trust her. She knew her brother better than he did, after all.

Despite how he tried to reassure himself, his nerves remained on edge. Centuries of conditioning told him that he was far from safe in the Huntsman’s presence, and no amount of positive thinking could change that.

When he felt Cas’s fingers detangle from his, a tendril of dread slithered through him. Immediately, Astarion wanted to take hold of her hand again. Though he would never admit it, holding her hand felt like the only thing keeping him grounded at the moment.

Or from running off into the woods like a coward, at the very least.

When her hand slipped fully out of his, he closed his fingers around the open air as if trying to grasp at an invisible tether between them.

Seemingly obvious to Astarion’s tumultuous inner thoughts, Cas started towards her brother.

“How long were you ominously posing there for?” she asked cheekily.

The Huntsman said nothing as he lifted her off her feet and pulled her into a hug so tight that Astarion swore he heard some of her bones pop.

A strangled sound came from Cas’s throat as she half-heartedly (and unsuccessfully) kicked at him. Her arms were pinned to her sides, rendering her practically helpless until the Huntsman decided to let her go. “You’re crushing me,” she groaned.

“I am so fucking pissed at you,” he said, his muscles bulging as he squeezed Cas even tighter. “I thought I lost your stupid ass.”

“Can’t breathe,” Cas squeaked with another pitiful kick of her legs. “Being squished.”

“Good,” he said before placing her firmly on the ground and releasing her from his embrace. The Huntsman settled his hands on Cas’s shoulders and bent down to eye level with her. “Do you have any idea how terrified I was when I couldn’t find you?”

Cas averted her eyes, and her brother repositioned himself to stay within her line of sight. With the new angle, Astarion could see the man’s expression. There was a slight furrow to his brow and his lips tugged almost imperceptibly downward.

“I tried to reach out as soon as I could,” she replied, still doing her best not to look at her brother, her voice sounding smaller than Astarion had ever heard it.

For some reason, Astarion wanted to reach out to Cas and make that distress in her eyes disappear. He yearned to pull her into his arms and… oh, he didn’t know. Provide some comfort, maybe?

Gods, when was the last time he had wanted to comfort someone? He wasn’t even sure he knew how.

The Huntsman dismissed Cas’s response with a shake of his head. “You never should have been in this position in the first place,” he said sternly, like a parent lecturing a child. “That nautiloid was going after me. Not you. If you hadn’t—”

“I couldn’t let it get you!” Cas snapped as she took a step back, breaking her brother’s grasp on her shoulders.

Her outburst didn’t appear to surprise the Huntsman one bit. He just continued to watch her with a slightly melancholy and expectant look in his eyes — as if he already knew what she was going to say and was just waiting for her to say it.

“I had the opportunity to save you for once, so I did,” Cas continued, her voice taking on a calmer tone once again. “The people of Faerun can’t afford to lose you.”

“And I can’t afford to lose you.” Though the Huntsman’s voice was level, Astarion could hear a tremor of fear behind it.

Her brother was furious, there was no doubt about that. Yet, that anger seemed to be born out of more than just fear of losing her. It seemed to be born out of love. Something Astarion wasn’t sure he had ever experienced, he realized.

“I’m sorry,” Cas said, crossing her arms like she was trying to hold herself together..

“It’s okay.” The Huntsman straightened and ran his fingers through his short, brown hair as he exhaled deeply. “We can talk about this later. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Cas nodded and pursed her lips, like there were more words she wanted to say but she had stopped herself. “I’m glad you’re okay too.”

Throwing his arm around his sister’s shoulder, the Huntsman gave her a brief squeeze before stepping away.

Then the man’s eyes locked onto Astarion’s once again, and even though he was smiling, the intensity of his piercing gaze was unsettling. It was like the Huntsman’s eyes were dissecting him, peeling back all of his layers to the undead heart in his chest.

A chill went up Astarion’s spine and his insides twisted uncomfortably, but he couldn’t bring himself to do anything but stare back. He could only hope that the Huntsman couldn’t see the darkness that lurked within.

He swallowed, tilting his head up toward the Huntsman as the man stopped directly in front of him, blocking out the morning sun like an eclipse.

If he thought any of the gods might have listened, this was when Astarion would have prayed.

“I didn’t mean to ignore you,” the Huntsman said, his smile turning apologetic as he extended his hand cordially. “I’m Vesryn.”

Vesryn’s hand was heavily calloused and littered with scars — clear evidence of his decades of hunting and wielding weapons, although it looked like he at least tried to take care of them. Given all the politicians, patriars, and nobles he brushed elbows with when he made special appearances, he probably felt like he had to. Signing autographs, shaking hands, kissing babies; all the things a celebrity of his caliber did.

Carefully, Astarion grasped his hand and introduced himself in turn, his voice sounding high pitched to his own ears.

Gods, were his palms sweaty? He hoped he didn’t just shake the Huntsman’s hand with sweaty palms. How mortifying would that be?

“Astarion,” Vesryn repeated back to him, a flicker of recognition flashing across his eye. He released his grip and placed his hands on his hips, taking on a more relaxed posture. Or perhaps he was trying to subtly wipe the sweat off of his palms. “It’s good to meet you. Cas mentioned you in one of her sendings.”

Surprise mixed with a feeling of flattery at his words. More importantly, Astarion felt relieved. Tension eased from his shoulders and the lump in his throat diminished.

Maybe the Huntsman just didn’t know Astarion was one of the very monsters he was famous for hunting yet. Oh, who was he kidding? Of course the bloody Huntsman of Neverwinter knew he was a vampire. Even with his ability to walk around in the sun, there were a couple of things about him that were very hard to miss.

Not to mention, the bite mark on Cas’s neck.

Though if Vesryn took offense, he was doing a spectacular job of hiding it. In fact, Vesryn seemed sincerely happy to meet him. He didn’t seem like he wanted to attack, kill, or maim him at all.

And that felt… wrong.

Astarion cleared his throat, hoping his voice would go back to normal. “Did she now?” he asked, not knowing how else to respond. “All good things, I hope?”

If he were talking to anyone else, he might have come up with something witty. But he needed to play it safe. At least until he had a better idea of what kind of person Vesryn was.

Historically speaking, his smart mouth got him into trouble more often than anything else he did. Just because Cas found him funny didn’t mean her brother shared her humor.

“Twenty five words a spell and she used most of them telling me how handsome and wonderful you are. It was nauseating, really.”

“Vesryn,” Cas hissed and slapped her brother’s armored arm as an adorable redness tinged her cheeks.

A cheeky grin tugged at Vesryn’s lips. “She actually used two spells.”

“I did not,” Cas protested, her face flushing further even as she rolled her eyes. “Don’t believe a word he says. He’s just trying to embarrass me.”

“Trying? I’m succeeding,” Vesryn replied, standing straighter with an air of self-satisfaction. Then he playfully poked at Cas’s ribs, making her jump. “You don’t normally get this flustered in front of someone. You must really like him.”

“Ves!” Another smack landed against the Huntsman’s armor, followed by a bellow of laughter.

Vesryn rubbed over the spot Cas had hit with an exaggerated wince. “I can’t believe you’re being so mean to me in front of your friend.” He glanced at Astarion with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. “Is she this mean to you?”

The smartass in him told him to say ‘yes’ but his survival instincts reined him in. “I’ve always found her to be delightful company.”

“Oh, lucky you,” he replied and cocked his chin toward the forest. “Take my advice and run while you can. She only gets worse.”

Cas groaned and dragged her palm down her face. “Remember when I said I was glad you were okay? I take that back.”

She placed both hands on Vesyrn’s chest before firmly and persistently pushing the wall of a man back toward the direction of camp. It wasn’t until she managed to make him budge a single step that they both started to lose their composure. “Get your ass out of here,” Cas said, her voice sounding like she was trying to hold back a laugh.

“See? So mean.”

“Yes, I’m a bully,” she agreed and pushed him another step. “Can you give Astarion and I a moment? We were talking about something.”

“‘Talking’, sure.” Vesryn made finger quotes in the air but then relented, letting Cas push him a few more steps toward camp. “Okay, okay, I‘ll give you a few minutes. No need to be so pushy.”

Cas made a shooing motion with her hands like the Huntsman of Neverwinter was nothing more than a wayward pigeon. “We’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

Vesryn threw a smile over his shoulder, the kind a storybook hero or a handsome prince might give their admirers. “It was nice meeting you, Astarion,” he said before starting back toward the campsite.

‘Nice’ wasn’t the word Astarion would have chosen. It was anxiety-inducing, terrifying, and worst of all… confusing? But it definitely wasn’t ‘nice’.

The Huntsman was nothing like Astarion had expected — the man hunted monsters such as vampires for a living. There were tales of him slaying all manner of creatures from devils to dragons. Not to mention how a mere decade ago, Vesryn had killed a vampire lord, the Collector. A vampire so ancient that he made Cazador seem like a child in comparison. And if the stories were to be believed, Vesryn had killed the Collector in the monster’s own lair amidst hundreds of spawn.

There was no doubt in Astarion’s mind that the Collector had done what any vampire lord would have done: using his spawn as fodder in an attempt to save his own skin, and most certainly, Vesryn had killed them all.

And yet, Vesryn was being downright friendly with a vampire spawn who quite obviously fed on his little sister.

Perhaps if Cas hadn’t been around, things might have been different. Perhaps the friendliness was just an act to throw Astarion off guard and make it easier to ram a stake through him when he least expected it. If that was the case, the Huntsman had certainly succeeded in throwing him off.

Still, there was something about Vesryn that seemed so genuine. His handshake was firm, but not dominating. His eagle-like eyes, keen and observant, were also warm and curious. Then there was the way Vesryn interacted with Cas with such open affection and camaraderie — it was disarming to say the least.

As the Huntsman’s form retreated, Astarion felt a weight lifting from his chest. Like the man’s presence was a heavy fog that emanated from his very being, enveloping those who didn’t know how to navigate it.

Though Astarion had never been in the presence of a god, he suspected it probably felt a little something like standing in front of the Huntsman of Neverwinter.

The nervous, prickling sensation on his skin eased as he felt himself begin to relax. He exhaled slowly, trying to breathe out the tension that coiled in his veins.

He hoped he hadn’t accidentally made a fool of himself in front of the Huntsman. Not that it really mattered, but he wanted Vesryn to have a good impression of him. It would probably please Cas if he and her brother were on good terms after all.

Instinctively, something old and ingrained tried to push back against the selfless thought despite the fact that he was becoming more and more comfortable with caring about someone other than himself.

A few weeks ago, Cas’s happiness wouldn’t have been the first thing that he would have thought of when it came to building a relationship with the Huntsman. Hells, even a few days ago his motives had been purely selfish. The only feelings that had mattered were his own, and Cas was nothing more than a tool he could use to get what he wanted.

How quickly things had changed.

A brush of her fingers against his palm drew him from his thoughts. “Are you alright?” Cas asked with gentle amusement. “That’s not how I pictured you meeting my brother.”

“Well, that makes two of us.” Astarion intertwined his fingers with hers, the simple connection like a balm on his frayed nerves. “Did you really tell him about me?”

Cas shook her head. “He asked who I was with, and I gave him everyone’s name. Anything else he knows he either picked up from just now or from talking to everyone back at camp.”

He gave a mock pout, as if her not gossiping about him was a huge disappointment. When she gave him a smile in response, he stepped into her space and placed his hands on her hips, pulling her close enough that her chest brushed against his when she took a breath. That little touch was enough to send a thrill through him, and part of him was tempted to steal her away again.

For whatever reason, he felt like everything was about to change.

He wanted a few more moments with just the two of them. A few more moments where they could pretend their problems didn’t exist and they could just be together.

“Pity,” Astarion said, his thumbs brushing over the jut of her hip bone through the thin fabric of her shirt. “I would have loved to have heard how wonderful and beautiful I am.”

Cas blinked at him, looking completely unimpressed. “You’re wonderful and beautiful,” she said flatly.

A smile tugged at his lips as he pulled her flush against him, his hands sliding around to her backside. “For the love of the gods, would it kill you to put some enthusiasm into it?”

Cas slipped her arms over his shoulders. “I think you heard plenty of enthusiasm last night,” she replied in a low and husky voice that made his blood stir.

She tilted her face up toward his, her lips just a breath away from his own with a silent invitation. It was an invitation he was all too happy to accept. His mouth caught hers in a brief, sugary sweet kiss. Nothing but the gentle pressure of her lush lips against his, the subtle and intoxicating taste of her on his tongue. It would have been all too easy to lose himself in that moment.

Before he fell too deep into whatever spell she wove around him, he pulled away. Her brother was waiting only a few hundred feet away, and Astarion didn’t want to push his luck.

Cas tasted her lips as though she already missed his touch. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her head tilted thoughtfully as her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “Vesryn is going to ask about you and me,” she said matter-of-factly. “I don’t want to tell him anything you don’t want me to.”

Of course, the Huntsman was going to ask about their relationship. What kind of big brother would he be if he didn’t? Especially considering Astarion’s nature, it only made sense that the monster hunter would at least check in on her.

Yet, Astarion had never expected Cas to ask for his thoughts. Or his permission. He just figured that Cas would tell her brother whatever she felt like without any input from him.

“What were you thinking of telling him?” he asked, feeling a little off-guard and wanting to get some idea of Cas’s stance on the matter before he risked fouling things up.

Cas shrugged. “That we’re friends,” she said, as if it were the most obvious answer in the world. Like it wasn’t a big deal.

Maybe it wasn’t a big deal to her, but to him? He wasn’t sure if anyone had considered him a friend before. At least, not enough of a friend to tell their family about him.

Yet, describing their relationship as something as simple as friendship didn’t sit quite right with him. After all they had been through together, after all the battles they fought, after all of their long conversations over a bottle of wine or the time spent with her skin against his…. It felt like what they had together was more than just friendship.

So much more.

Astarion tucked his finger under her chin, tilting her head up to better see her eyes. “Just friends?” he asked as he swiped his thumb across her lower lip — a reminder of all the times their lips had touched. “Is that all that we are?”

She wrapped her fingers around his hand and gently lifted it from her face. “What else would you have me say?”

That was the real question, wasn’t it?

What did he want her to say?

Cas wasn’t one of his victims or just another target. She wasn’t just a shield for him to hide behind, or a stranger with powerful connections. She wasn’t just another night he wished he could forget.

She was something.

They were something.

What that something was, he couldn’t put a name on it. But he knew what it wasn’t: just friendship.

Friendship may have laid the foundation, but they’d built something together that went far beyond that. Whatever that something was, it was messy, complicated, and probably not completely structurally sound — but it was theirs.

They could fill in the cracks as needed.

Cas gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, taking his silence as the answer he didn’t know how to articulate. “That’s what I thought,” she said lightly and laced her fingers with his. “We don’t have to figure it out now.”

An odd feeling of disappointment settled in his stomach. Part of him wanted her to change her answer. Or at the very least, agree that they were more than just friends.

Because people who were just friends didn’t do what he and Cas did.

He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to the back of her fingers. “I suppose it’s kind of nice not to know exactly what we are, if I’m being completely honest,” he said as he gazed into her eyes. “But I am glad that ‘friends’, at the very least, is a certainty.”

Cas smiled at him. “Me too.”

---

Beginning

Previous Chapter

[nym-wibbly]

Fic: My Bonds in Thee by Nym - Good Omens (TV)

Aziraphale comes back. Their love was never in doubt but they still have different exactlys.

Pairing: Aziraphale/Crowley Wordcount: 42,600 of (probably 80,000 - WIP) Rating: Explicit AO3 Archive Warning: No archive warnings apply Tags: Second Kiss, First Time, Flashbacks, Angst, Hurt/Comfort Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/49148341/

If you need an AO3 invite code to view fanworks set as 'visible to logged-in users only', just contact me at the e-mail address on my AO3 profile.

Excerpt from My Bonds in Thee chapter 8:

The world ended here just a few days ago. His world. He's not sure he feels good about returning, but Gabriel got one thing right (one damned thing in his damned smug damned charmed damned bloody Supreme existence). Home is wherever the heart is. And Crowley's already given his to Aziraphale. That's like Armageddon: You don't get a do-over when it goes pear-shaped. Push on, then.

Crowley scratches his head through the cloth of the hood, relieved to feel that he still has hair.

"How, um, deviant are we thinking? I mean," he gestures to the spiral staircase, upstairs, shocked to feel his cheeks and ears getting hot. "Physically?"

Aziraphale freezes while putting the front door keys into the top drawer of the desk. He clears his throat lightly and composes his features into his usual expression of placid warmth.

"If you can't choose your form, my dear," he says, with a facade of ease that Crowley really admires under the circumstances, "I'd say, 'very'. Not that one knows much about these matters, being an angel." He closes the drawer, slowly, and turns around. "Were you, um, hoping to find out now?"

Crowley pictures Aziraphale in Eden, hastily turning his back on Adam and Eve with a shocked little huff when they figured out what all the naked bits were for.

He still wonders what would've happened if he hadn't tempted Eve to try the bloody fruit. Suppose he'd seduced an angel instead—whispered visceral temptation in that innocent ear and stroked that sweet, soft, angelic hair until Aziraphale shivered and dropped his flaming sword?

That would've looked great in Genesis.

"One doesn't bloody know," he says, throwing himself lengthways onto the couch in a dramatic sprawl. "And one would like a bloody big drink now."

Aziraphale brings him a small drink, a careful measure of Scotch, but he has the decency to bring the bottle too.

For a moment, the angel hesitates about where to sit. Crowley sees the moment when Aziraphale remembers the park, the water's edge, and their kiss. It softens his whole face with wonder and quiet joy. This in turn makes Crowley stop breathing. He pats the edge of the couch beside his hip, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Aziraphale sits there, flustered, and hands him the glass.

"Can we really do this?"

"It's too late to ask that now." Crowley's not sure of much right now, but he's clear on that. They can only move forward.

"No. I mean, the other thing. 'Pillar of salt time'."

"Oh." Crowley empties the whisky down his throat in one gulp. "I've no idea. Can we? It's not actually written down anywhere, is it? 'Thou shalt not have carnal knowledge of an angel stroke demon'?"

"Carnal knowledge," Aziraphale echoes fretfully. "Sounds very bad when you put it like that."

"You'd blush if I put it any other way."

"I'm already blushing. They call it 'making love'. The humans, I mean. That's nice. I like that one."

"I think we..." Frowning, Crowley tries to think it over. He's not supposed to be out of his mind with temptation. It's been his job to do that to other people. But the possibility of the two of them, more together than they're already together... "We can be anything we want. Any shape, I mean. So I guess we can find one that, you know." He gestures vaguely with his glass, unwilling to sully the idea with what Aziraphale would call 'vulgar language', "Works," he finishes, awkwardly.

"Do snakes, um..."

"Don't go there."

"I'm a bit worried that we could accidentally destroy each other," Aziraphale admits. "With carnal knowledge."

"According to most humans, it's one hell of a way to go."

"Oh." Aziraphale bites his bottom lip. Crowley holds up his empty glass with a meaningful nod. Aziraphale ignores it, instead putting the whisky bottle down on the floor. "It's worrying me," he confesses, almost whispering. "I know nothing worries you, but—"

"You think that?"

"What?"

"That nothing worries me?"

"Well..."

"I'm terrified." Crowley slaps a hand to his chest as evidence of his thundering heart. "I'm absolutely scared out of my mind. Hence the empty glass," he adds, meaningfully. "I don't have the answers, Angel. I'm not sure I even know the questions."

Aziraphale takes the glass out of his hand and puts it down next to the bottle with a tidy little 'chink'. Crowley watches it go with a tiny pang of grief, the hint of a pout.

"I had no idea. I'm sorry." He lays his hand on top of Crowley's with slow care. "I assumed again. That you'd— Being a demon, with all the temptations and everything..." It tails off as the merest hint of a question.

Crowley wrinkles his nose.

"Humans?"

"Yes."

"Ugh. No. It was my job to get them doing it to each other without, you know. The love bit. Selfishly. Destructively. Unadulterated lust. Except when it's adultery, I suppose. Does that adulterate it? Does it get cancelled out if it's adultery but they love each other? Or if they love each other but do it selfishly? There's a few decades of temptation time I'll never get back."

Crowley realises he's babbling and stops.

"I see." Aziraphale's fingers curl around Crowley's unresisting hand, fingertips brushing his chest. Even through two layers of clothing, the sensation makes Crowley's toes curl. "And how exactly does one tempt a human to succumb to the flesh?"

"Uh..." Crowley blows out his cheeks. It's been a while. His temptations, halfhearted anyway, have been on a larger scale since the Industrial Revolution. Whole populations, technology, not furtive couples. "Well, you know. Rainstorms, shelter together under an awning, Jane Austen's balls. That sort of thing. They look uncertainly into each other's eyes, go in for the big, climactic kiss and... and Bob's your uncle. Carnal knowledge all over the sho—place." He fidgets uncomfortably, suddenly regretting the way he draped a nonchalant leg over the far arm of the couch. He's exposed everything, and Aziraphale is looking uncertainly into his eyes. His sunglasses, anyway. "It's programmed in for them. Some of them. A lot of them."

"Crowley," Aziraphale says, making a devastatingly unsuccessful attempt to look naughty. "Take off your glasses. I can't kiss you if you're not looking at me."

Never, never, in the thousands of years since he invented the bloody things, has it taken Crowley so many agonising eternities to snatch the stupid bits of glass and wire from his nose.

Aziraphale plants a hand on either side of Crowley's shoulders and bends swiftly, pecking him on the lips and—Crowley gulps—chuckling in the back of his throat. It's a deep sound. It's the sexy, evil twin of Aziraphale's guilty, nervous titter.

"Oh, God," Crowley mumbles, kissing upwards, like it's programmed in. "If this doesn't work—" kiss, "—we'll be cringin—" kiss, "—cringing about it 'til mumnff—" kiss, open mouths, a shared gasp, "'til the heat death of the universe."

[continue reading on AO3]

[krchar]

tldr: my extremely important opinions in researching The Mummy ships; Evy and Rick are a well deserved classics; i discovered Ardeth/Jonathan and nothing is the same now; Anck Su Namun is like shown as sassy but deserves a little better of acknowledgement

wow so do you sometimes procrastinate by looking at AO3 what are the popular ships for certain fandoms, cause i do

so i did for The Mummy bc everyone is hot there, so I thought it would be wild - but it is not really, it is just cool and my life is changed - so as for my research

firstly, it is kinda nice that a canonical and explicit ship (Evy and Rick) is actually so likeable that it remains popular and it actually remains far at the top and people quite rarely break it for other ships, and like Evy is our beloved cool nerd <3 and Rick could leave out carrying her around to shut her up, but he's at the end of the day a supportive badass + he's hot like Evy is as well and so is everyone else

BUT i found that Jonathan and Ardeth are quite a thing in the fandom, it is called Jardeth sometimes. a new horizon i tell you. and it's actually really funny and sweet, like the mysterious badass and the clumsy jester, and some content for it is so great omg.. so i know this for two days, but im already diving into a fluffy WIP series on ao3

the shippers often say the headcanons rose from interactions in The Mummy Returns, which i mostly remember as a very wtf movie, but i rushed through their scenes, so it is truth that Ardeth pays J quite a lot of attention, the authors probably wanted them to make friends at least, although there are not that many scenes in the end.. most of it would not have to be so clearly flirty, although they are quite touchy feely, but like, everyone is touchy feely there

but damn

that scene where they talk about weapon skills just doesn't make any sense omg - Ardeth actually approaches Jonathan, as r/e are fluffy and sad about their kidnapped kid and J stands a little aside - and like A looks at J and stands up and walks to him looking somewhat nervous really, or is it just my impression? he then asks J if he's good with a rifle that J meanwhile grabs, so the only other reason i thought of (other than like.. being generally interested in conversation but being shy.. maybe because of hots) is that he might have been worried what this disaster of a person would do later in the fight - that makes sense i guess, cause he asks about the rifle and later gives him some advice on killing mummies - and then J starts flexing wild, i guess it is still a little in character, but then he asks A about his skill with sword, and ARDETH STARTS FLEXING AS WELL , like even the advice is dramatic sassy flexing, like the always reasonable (apart from the plane scene) wise humble blahblah hero - he flexes by swishing the blade to J's throat so dramatically it is even stupid, and the look he makes thereafter, like he's sassy and dramatic, then when he finishes his stuff, he lets the blade down and kind of softens and nods and measures J amusedly, like seriously (edit p.s.: also J is weirdly nervous when he notices Ardeth at his side?? like before he even starts to speak? like they know each other for quite some time, they spoke quite casually even during this movie, what are you afraid of bro?)

the fun is it actually reminds me of that weird interaction between Aragorn and Eowyn before the battle, where he like should probably be supportive, but kind of flexes and puts her down a bit - Aragorn is def rather in love with Arwen and in fact Eowyn is a kid to him, but, talking just about filming language, it always seemed to me that in the movies they kind of suggested that he had a thing for Eowyn in a way, maybe just being depressed after the assumed breakup, but whatever - so this similarity is like.. really..? ok...

so like ..i get the shippers based on this scene of like less than half a minute

but like also other tiny moments change in that light hehe - like Ardeth being amused by Jonathan, being generally weirdly interested in each other's stuff etc.. i can see the point

otherwise, Ardeth is of course terribly hot, so he's also shipped with OCs and everyone else, but very popular is a threesome with rick and evy, so that would be quite a family

just a last note, Anck Su Namun deserved a bit better in the second movie i think, she is kind of badass and sassy, but she is really too much of a bitch and lets Imhotep burn, like, ok realistically it is natural to not react perfectly in such danger, but like, it is shown as a sort of betrayal, and like, yeah, they did the apocalypse, but in the first movie she and Imphotep felt kind of understandable in the backstory and i always felt like she was herself a victim of a terrible system that deprived her of free will and bodily autonomy, which she actually states with her last words - and i did not have very much of a pity for the pharaoh tbh - so like.. if they did not kill so many people, i'd actually root for them quite a lot (and they get an acceptable percentage on ao3, being only below e/r, jardeth, and e/r/a threesome)

ok... that was my rant

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Rereading The Fellowship of the Ring for the First Time in Fifteen Years

Holy Foreshadowing, Batman! Gandalf is SUPER psyched to get his ass under a mountain, but literally Gimli and Aragorn are like, "Nah, bro, we are worried about YOU SPECIFICALLY if we do that." And this is after Mom and Dad fought about going up Caradhras and after literally everyone is like, "We are getting super bad vibes from Moria."

But they can't go over the mountains, they can't go around the mountains, and the Gap of Rohan is too close to Isengard, so fuck it, we ball in Moria, I guess. Let's talk chapter 4, "A Journey in the Dark."

Ok, so this is a relatively long chapter (30-odd pages by my math), but wow is it mostly vibes. We start off very defeated by the anti-wizard-and-elf mountain, which makes sense because if you lose the ring bearer to exposure in the first month of travel, you're going down in history as the dingus who lost the last great conflict with Sauron. Again, Boromir is DEEPLY underappreciated as the reason our hobbits survived Caradhras.

After a few pages of back-and-forthing about where to go next, Gandalf is over here pushing Moria HARD, and literally everyone is like, "This does not pass the vibe check, wizard boy." Although Gimli is like, "I could find out what happened to Balin" and Aragorn literally says THIS:

"You followed my lead almost to disaster in the snow and have said no word of blame. I will follow your lead now..."

Because apparently Fellowship leadership operates on phlebotomist rules. If you miss the vein, you let someone else take a shot.

Ultimately, the decision is made because there are goddamn WARGS after the group, and even Boromir accedes that wolves literally on your tail are worse than hypothetical wolves up the road, so we stop arguing about it and hunker down. This gives us time to have a nice little moment with Sam and Pippin though. Poor Pippin is over here like, "I wish I had taken Elrond's advice [...], I am no good after all. [...] I don't remember ever feeling so wretched, " but Sam is coming in clutch with "Honestly same, but Gandalf isn't going to let us get eaten by wolves." Which like...yeah, I accept that, and it's way more comforting than a generic "there, there." I also appreciate that Sam admits he's scared too. It's like how hearing, "Oh god, I haven't started that either" is so comforting for stressed-out students.

What neither I nor the fellowship love though, is the wolves literally sniffing around their campfire that night. There are literally glowing eyes in the dark, howls on the wind, and a goddamn warg silhouette in the gap between stones. And an arrow through the throat of one warg buys the group some measure of peace until the moon sets. Once the moon sets though, we get a pre-dawn warg attack:

In the leaping light as the fresh wood blazed up, Frodo saw many grey shapes spring over the ring of stones. More and more followed. Through the throat of one huge leader Aragorn passed his sword with a thrust; with a great sweep Boromir hewed the head off another. Gimli stood with his stout legs apart, wielding his dwarf-axe. The bow of Legolas was singing.

The battle scenes in these books read SUPER Beowulf, but are somehow briefer. Tolkien was super not here for contemporary battle scene writing; it's very much painting with watercolors. He gives you the odd detail or two and you pretty much get to fill in the rest yourself. Which is fine, and holy cow can I see where that would inspire Robert Jordan's manner of naming sword forms rather than describing an actual duel (which is not shade, I think Jordan does that really damn well and to excellent effect). But then we get Gandalf doing wizardy things in a really...unusual way?

In the wavering firelight Gandalf seemed suddenly to grow: he rose up, a great menacing shape like the monument of some ancient king of stone set upon a hill. Stooping like a cloud, he lifted a burning branch and strode to meet the wolves. They gave back before him. High in the air he tossed the burning brand, It flared with a sudden white radiance like lightning; and his voice rolled like thunder.

This hearkens back both to "Gandalf the fireworks wizard" who we meet in the Shire, but also to the little moment in Bag End where Gandalf goes wizard on Bilbo to snap him out of his Ring moment. It also is not like...wildly dissimilar to how they teach you to scare bears off in the wild: Get big and loud and look intimidating. We were not supposed to then set a goddamn forest fire--that's a little scorched earth for Alaskan survival techniques--but it was one of those moments where the familiar was made pointedly exotic, and I actually thought it was quiet effective. You take the foundation of something real and then you add a bit of wizard to it. Then things feel sufficiently grounded, but also with just that extra bit of wizard to heighten EVERYTHING. The subtlety (and yeah, I know, forest fire and lightning isn't subtle, but the way this is written is and how it functions is) is really quite impressive. That said...Gandalf, honey. Maybe not with the ecological disasters???

At the very least, the wargs were polite enough to evaporate so they didn't have to deal with any of the bodies when the sun came up.

After that, we haul ass off to the Doors of Durin. It's not a good journey though. Right from the start, the Sirannon wasn't where it was supposed to be, the landscape is lifeless and desolate, and when we do finally find the stream, it's a freaking trickle. If the IDEA of Moria didn't pass the vibe check, then the landscape on the trip in is a parade of red flags. And again, Boromir is SUPER ON POINT with not wanting to get caught between a stone wall and a bunch of wolves. This place is all quiet unease and red flags. Even the freaking WATER is gloomy and unwholesome-looking.

And then we get a WEIRD FLEX moment for Gandalf:

"I am sorry," said Gandalf. "Poor Bill has been a useful companion, and it goes to my heart to turn him adrift now. I would have travelled lighter and brought no animal, least of all this one that Sam is fond of, if I had had my way. I feared all along that we should be obliged to take this road."

Like, I believe he's genuinely sorry to have to hurt Sam and to turn the goodest pony loose. But it's the "if I had had my way" and the last sentence where I'm just like...Gandalf. Sir. Why are you bitching to Frodo that you have to share leadership on this mission? And why are you flexing an "I told you so" on Frodo instead of, IDK, Aragorn??? Is it because Aragorn would kick your wizened wizard ass for it? Because I'd watch that.

Also, again with Gandalf being weirdly open with, aware of, and as solicitous as possible to Sam. He has zero problems kicking Pippin when he's down (as we'll see in a bit in this very goddamn chapter), but he's always been very straight yet compassionate with Sam in a way that doesn't even match how this wizard treats Frodo. Like, we are almost getting to a point where I need to go see what the Tolkien scholars have written about the Sam-Gandalf relationship, because it's getting NOTICEABLY unique and it has gotten a fair number of little moments at this point. Like...what is this relationship and why is this the dynamic? I demand to know.

I also just want to take a second to highlight something DEEPLY inequitable as they round the lake to the door:

When they came to the northernmost corner of the lake they found a narrow creek that barred their way. It was green and stagnant, thrust out like a slimy arm toward the enclosing hills. Gimli strode forward undeterred, and found that the water was shallow, no more than ankle-deep at the edge. Behind him they walked in fie, threading their way with care, for under the weedy pools were sliding and greasy stones, and footing was treacherous. Frodo shuddered with disgust at the touch of the dark unclean water on his feet.

THE HOBBITS DONT WEAR SHOES. Everyone else has boots to act as something of a barrier to this gross-ass water, but the hobbits have to tromp through it BAREFOOT. Did NOBODY think, "oh shit, this will be super unpleasant for the hobbits, maybe we should yeet or carry them?" Apparently not, and honestly now they're just gonna have gross feet as they tromp through Moria and I hate that for their poor hobbit toesies. And as a WWI soldier, TOLKIEN SHOULD KNOW THE DANGERS OF WET, MUCKETY FEET.

But then we actually get to the doors--finally--and Sam has a deeply understandable moment when Gandalf tells him they have to cut Bill loose, and Gimli and Legolas try to start world war 2.5 over Elf-Dwarf relations before Gandalf tells them to knock that shit off.

Everyone is super over everything at this point, and I cannot blame them.

But where Gandalf has zero time for Legolas and Gimli sniping at each other, he takes the time to speak over Bill and give him his best shot at getting home safely. Again, I do not get the relationship between Gandalf and Sam. I appreciate the care for the pony, but whatever the Gandalf-Sam thing is, it's more than just trolling Pippin or ensuring that Frodo makes it to the volcano or ignoring Merry's existence for the most part.

Literally, Pippin gets a "Knock on the door with your head" from Gandalf, and once the damn thing IS open, Merry just gets a casual, "Merry, of all people, was on the right track" before Gandalf pulls ANOTHER weird flex and says "Too simple for a learned lore-master in these suspicious days." Like...ok, sure, Gandalf. You were TOO SMART to get the riddle.

But we get the doors open just in time for Frodo to get nabbed by a metric frick-ton of tentacles. Sam yoinks him back and they haul ass through the door, which get slammed behind them and the tentacle monster bolts it behind them with boulders and trees. After which we get THIS little gem from Gandalf:

"I fear from the sounds that boulders have been piled up and trees uprooted and thrown across the gate. I am sorry; for the trees were beautiful, and had stood so long."

SIR. I was THERE when you burned a flaming doughnut into the land to get rid of the wargs. You are a walking ecological disaster and do not get to high ground the tentacle monster ripping up a few trees by the roots. You probably burned more LAST NIGHT. I know it's unfair to expect characters to know the genre of the book they're in, and by extension its equally unfair to expect them to know the themes of the book they're in. That said though...I WATCHED YOU START A FOREST FIRE, GANDALF. This is not the moment to suddenly discover ecocriticism.

At any rate, we have FINALLY made it inside Moria. Boromir is (rightfully) quite pissed off an apprehensive about this, but Gandalf is like, "Gimli and I will lead the way!" before they manage to get the party fucking lost and Sam is bitching about not having rope. Because oh my god there is SO MUCH atmospheric walking in this book. And most of the time the atmosphere is "vaguely evil with a healthy helping of depression." Which...yeah, that's what we get here.

So it makes sense that Gandalf is SUPER FUCKING OVER IT when Pippin yeets a rock down a well and they hear hammer blows from the deeps. And it makes even more sense when Gandalf realizes he's apparently also experiencing withdrawal symptoms because he hasn't had a smoke since before they started climbing Caradhras. So he non-apologizes to Pippin, lights up, and everything looks better in the morning...sort of. At least the wizard is less grumpy, and he has now firmly established himself as that member of the party who needs to be properly self-cared or he will make it EVERYONE ELSE'S PROBLEM. Seriously, what a goddamn diva.

But getting himself a wee bit of a smoke made it so he could make a decision and they headed up to where the air smelled good. So fair enough.

Then we have EVEN MORE atmospheric walking, and Sam picks up some dwarven lore via Gimli singing a song all about Moria and Khazad-dum, and I swear, the hobbit is going to be a lore-master himself by the end of this journey.

This chapter is also where we get a bit of a mithril infodump, which is pretty cool just in general. We also get Frodo having delayed sticker-shock because he's just casually waltzing around with a whole-ass shirt of mithril on. That's also a nice little reminder to all the readers that hey, remember that Frodo has this thing? I betcha it's going to be important soon.

We end the chapter on the SUPER downer note of finding Balin's tomb, and the dwarves now have their (not unexpected) answer to what happened to the party from thirty-odd years ago. Which is really sad, frankly.

That's also about where we're going to leave this chapter, because I am...exhausted by all the atmospheric walking. We will pick up next time with a relatively short chapter, and hopefully there is more to it than infodumping and atmospheric walking.

[fearhims3lf]

TIMING: Last Week

PARTIES: @vanishingreyes @fearhims3lf

SUMMARY: Xóchitl and Mateo meet up for coffee and talk. Things go better than they both expected.

WARNINGS: None

There was so much chatter around the room. Everyone discussing one thing or another in a crowded coffee shop that Mateo wished he could leave. Were it not for Xóchitl, he would’ve already left, but that was a double edged sword. Because he wouldn’t be as tense as he was if it weren’t for her too. There was a conversation to be had, and it was going to determine whether or not they would have a chance at being together or if he needed to forget about that possibility completely. He was hoping for the former, but prepared himself for the latter. 

 Fuck.

Mateo stirred his iced coffee and scrubbed at his face, avoiding the sun that was peering just through the blinds. Stupid crowded coffee shop meant all the good seats were taken, and now he had to try to not sparkle like a damn Twilight vampire while holding a conversation he’d been dreading all week. He sighed, taking a tired sip of his coffee when he saw Xóchitl walk through the door. His chest felt like it might leap, but he reeled himself in. He couldn’t get his hopes too high.

“Hi.” The mare swallowed, “Nice to, uh, see you.” Rubbing the back of his neck, Mateo gestured to the seat across from him and adjusted his posture as best he could. “Thanks for…yeah.” He awkwardly tensed his hands together, avoiding Xóchitl’s eyes. Thanks for coming. I know it’s weird. You know? Uh, yeah. You know.”

This might have been (and probably was) a huge mistake. But she needed to see Mateo in person, and it couldn’t very well be at either of their houses for any number of reasons. So a coffee shop worked. It would be crowded, probably, which meant that if her ex-boyfriend was actually evil, he wouldn’t be able to try anything here. It also meant she couldn’t just throw herself at him. Which was fair, and was what they’d both agreed upon, even though part of her had half a mind to just say ‘screw it’ and tell him she only wanted benefits.

He didn’t want that, though, and frankly, Xóchitl wasn’t sure that she did, either. It felt wrong. Not the same sort of wrong that going home with strangers felt like now, but still wrong. So this was better, and Mateo was apparently the more logical of the two of them. She wasn’t about to admit that to his face, though. Not yet. Maybe sometime soon, if things worked out. She could think of a few ways that would make him feel extra pleased at her admission. 

For now, though, she pushed open the door of the coffee shop and practically made eye contact with him right away. She made her way over to him and sat down. “Uh, yeah. Sure. Of course. Thanks for meeting up with me.” It was so many levels of beyond weird at this point, but highlighting that wasn’t about to do either of them any good. “I need to go get a mocha. Do you - uh – want anything else, while I’m up there?”

Mateo shifted uncomfortably in his chair, clearing his throat. It felt surreal to see Xóchitl in person after so long. The last time he saw her, she was forcing him and Wyatt to leave her apartment, anger dripping from her voice. 

He acted brashly, disappearing in an instant and not caring how that ability would affect her. It was wrong on so many levels, but Mateo had always had a hard time controlling how he reacted when he was upset. It was something he was working on. 

“Uh,” Mateo rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, shaking his head. “Nah, I'm good. Just get your mocha. Still nursing my drink.” He did his best to feign a smile, already feeling the sweat begin to bead in his palms. “I'll be here.” Mateo swallowed, adjusting his battlevest with a dry chuckle. “Just, you know, sittin’.” 

“Okay, works for me.” He wasn’t supposed to be someone who she felt awkward around, and yet right now, other than Wyatt, she couldn’t think of anybody else she’d feel more awkward around than him. Which put yet another twisted sort of feeling in her gut, but she did her best to ignore it and push forward, ordering her mocha (with an extra shot of espresso) and fiddling with her fingers while she waited for the drink. 

It felt like far longer than it must have actually been until she got her drink and then there was the whole realization that this all meant that now she had to go back to the table. Xóchitl steeled herself, running a hand through her hair to make sure it wasn’t out of place. 

“Hey.” She sat down, back at the table. “Again.” She looked down at her drink, at the way her nails tapped lightly against the cup. “Do you want to start, or should I?”

Xóchitl walked away, and out of habit (horrible, horrible habit), Mateo let his eyes wander. But only for a moment. Get it together. He gritted his teeth and scrubbed at his face for a little too long. The world was obscured by a fuzziness, and by the time it was clear again, he could see a woman staring at him, brow raised. “What the fuck are you looking at?” He hissed with a roll of his eyes and a cross of his arms. 

Thankfully, Xóchitl returned before the conversation could escalate, and the mare settled back into the objective. “Hi,” He swallowed, feeling as if needles threatened to sink further in. “Uh…” Leaning back in his chair, Mateo kept his eyes trained at nothing at all. He couldn't look Xóchitl in the eye or focus on anything but her. So much so that he forgot why he was sitting a certain way to begin with. To avoid the sunlight. Which was dangerous at that time of the day. The lighting was too perfect. 

“Um…uh…yeah. I guess, yeah. Ladies first, right?”

He was being courteous and charming and though she was grateful for that, there was another part of Xóchitl that really (really) wished he’d be greedy and selfish and rude or something like that. Something to justify her not liking him, to justify wanting to walk out of the shop and just not talk to him. Except that what she actually wanted was the complete opposite of all of that. She wasn’t totally chill with everything that she had learned and the whole idea of her boyfriends not being human was more than a little weird, but she still wanted to hear Mateo out. Wyatt too, eventually, probably, but it was better to start with one before moving on to the other.

“I – uh, okay.” Part of her had wanted him to start, because she felt so intensely at a loss for words, but she owed him this, at least. “This – this is weird.” She shot a glare at some lady who was staring at Mateo, and maybe Xóchitl did feel a bit jealous, which was weird, and also defensive, which was less weird but still not something she could expend energy on right now. “I think we’re both thinking that.” Another sip of her mocha, which ended up being far more like a gulp, so that she had time to think and form up her thoughts.

She could feel her heart rate increase, beating almost as fast as it did when she had her anxiety attacks. She couldn’t afford to have one of those right now. She needed to be calm and focused and not distracted by Mateo’s battle vest and the curve of his jawline.

“I… am sorry.” It seemed like the best thing to start with. “I guess I don’t do well with all sorts of surprises…” or being overwhelmed, but she wasn’t going to talk about that right now. “But I’m still sorry. It was a shit move to act the way I did. I guess I just – still don’t get how you’re, well, you?”

Listening intently, Mateo kept avoiding Xóchitl's eyes, nodding along a bit dispassionately. He felt like their conversation was just going to experience a two part breakup. Which was far worse and far more lame. 

Mateo sighed quietly to himself, shifting in his seat again and still not noticing the high noon sun shining through the broken slats in the blinds. It shone across his cheek from one opening, and over his knuckles from the other. He sparkled ever so slightly, and it was easy to miss, but Mateo couldn't care even if he noticed. 

“I…” The mare opened and closed his mouth several times, quiet croaks slipping out instead of words. It was pathetic. “Wait. No.” Mateo shook his head, still avoiding Xóchitl's eyes. “You shouldn't be apologizing here. You were scared, and you're allowed to react any way you need.” He brushed his thumbs over his mug, the contents long since growing cold. “It was going to be a surprise any way we did it, but it felt wrong to hide anything from you ‘cause you're not supposed to, right?” 

Scrubbing his face, Mateo glanced over at Xóchitl, but he quickly cleared his throat and looked away. “It's just all new. I…I don't get this kinda shit. My dad…everyone. Maybe I'm just…” Truly doomed to die alone. “Not good at this.” Not meant to be loved if he's too terrifying to be useful. 

“Okay, maybe I shouldn’t apologize, but maybe I also should’ve been a bit less of a jerk.” Of course, it was all about being able to look back with the knowledge she had now, but she wanted to say sorry. There was a part of Xóchitl that also wanted to get down on the floor and beg Mateo to date her again, but she wasn’t that desperate. At least not yet. Though, of course, there were a few other reasons to get on her knees for Mateo, but none of those were things she could do in a café, and they’d also talked about not hooking up. “I guess – about the surprise, yeah. But I – yes.” She shook her head, refocusing herself. “You’re not supposed to hide stuff when you’re dating somebody. When you love…” she cut herself off again by taking another gulp of her drink.

“Your dad and everyone, what?” Carefully, she laid her hand out on the table, open in case he wanted to take it. Not that he should want to, because she’d hurt him, but just in case. “I’m shit at dating. Never really did it before you – and Wyatt – didn’t want to get too close to people.” She cast a quick glance around the café to make sure that nobody else was listening in.

“Are you sure you don’t want to even spilt like, some sort of overly sweet something?” She was deflecting, she knew that, but she wasn’t sure what else to say. She really was shit at this.

Xóchitl spoke of love, and for a moment, before she stopped herself, Mateo was hopeful that that love had something to do with him. His stomach fell into a pit when he realized it wasn't. He wasn't useful enough for that at the moment, he supposed. She was just being nice because that was who she was. 

Kindness lay in her heart the same way violence did in Mateo's. It made them who they were. And violence didn't mix well with kindness. Ever. So despite how fucking badly Mateo wanted to take Xóchitl's hand, he refrained  He clenched his hand into a tight fist and pressed it firmly into his thigh to hold it in place. 

“I'm not good at this either.” He shrugged, a bit defeated. “But like…fuck. You're not wrong for how you reacted, but it hurt. The disappointment and disgust…it-it…” Taking a breath, Mateo attempted to keep his voice from shaking, to no avail. “I don't think there's ever been a time where honesty led to acceptance. Not without…” He swallowed, “Me losing something in the process. Family. Respect. Even moving here. School…I…” It was hard to explain. “Just forget it. I'm just sorry.”

He didn’t take her hand and she couldn’t blame him. No matter how much she wanted to hold it, to find comfort in how cold he was. Which was because he was technically dead. Which led her thoughts down a whole other pathway that she quickly turned away from. She needed to stay present, stay here and with Mateo and not down some weird road that she didn’t want to think about right now. Except how was he dead-but-here and Mackenzie never got that chance? She couldn’t remember if any of that had been explained to her, but even if it had, she’d forgotten. Being around Mateo also made it easy to forget things, because his jawline and hands and his everything were really distracting. Unfairly so.

“I shouldn’t have been disgusted.” Except she had been. And afraid. But she’d reacted rashly, which was a problem she’d had. Too much all at once, or nothing. Some therapist had said it was residual trauma from the day Mackenzie had died, or something, but Xóchitl didn’t like to think about it too much.

“That – I’m sorry.” She pulled her hand away for a moment, before flicking her fingers against each other and putting it back down. Maybe this time he’d touch her again.

“But – were – even before you got like this?” Xóchitl made a face. “I – well, I tried – I didn’t always fit in.” Some of that – a good portion of that – had to do with the fact that she’d tried to push people away, but now wasn’t time to talk about that.

“You don’t have to be sorry. But, uh, the treat? There was some sort of cinnamon roll thing back there that looked incredible.”

Mateo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, and he raked his hands over his thighs several times before he found his composure again. Sighing heavily, he let his gaze wander around the coffee shop, accidentally making eye contact with the woman who had been staring at him when he'd first arrived. Mateo sneered, scrubbing at his face before looking back at Xóchitl. 

His irritation immediately faded, and he sighed with a little more lightness in his chest. Maybe the talk the two of them were having didn't have to be bad. Maybe Xóchitl's initial reaction didn't have to stick  Maybe it didn't mean she couldn't come to accept Mateo. Maybe, for once, he could be accepted by someone who didn't understand, but understanding didn't matter as much because love was above all else. He hoped that was the case. Desperately. Eating a sweet treat together could be a good start. 

“Um,” Mateo rolled his lips over his teeth and smiled wanly. “You know what? Yeah.” He nodded softly, placing his hand over Xóchitl's. She was warm. “That sounds pretty good. We can split it. I got all day.” Even if he didn't, Mateo always liked to make time for Xóchitl. 

She’d tell herself over and over again that this was the right choice. That she was being mature on several different levels with regard to how she was handling all of this. She was trying to understand that things she’d previously thought were fake were, in fact, very much real, and she hadn’t yet made out with her ex-but-maybe-not-ex. The second one absolutely deserved a gold star or something.

He agreed to share something and Xóchitl would have practically leapt up once he’d said that, except his hand was on hers now and she wanted to not move one bit. But he’d agreed and she wanted to take that win, and there was something intimate about sharing food and she’d take that a thousand times over. So she popped up, glided over to the counter, ordered the cinnamon bun-roll-thing, grabbed it, and sat back down across from Mateo, her hand instinctively reaching out to take Mateo’s hand again.

“God, this is good.” Xóchitl took a bite of the dessert. “Really incredible.” She put her fork down. “We can share this, if you want. I did get two though. You know, cleanliness and all that.” She glanced around the café, spotting some lady who wouldn’t stop staring at them. Xóchitl made a face at her before turning back to Mateo. “What do you think?”

Everything melted away then. Xóchitl walked off, got their treats, and sat back down. She settled into her seat happily, as if having Mateo across from her mattered. He took her hand gratefully, not questioning whether or not it would be the last time, and took a few giddy bites with a big smile. 

“Pretty amazing.” Though there was a softness to his voice that was much too intimate to be talking about a dessert. “Think we can probably share both and smash them.” Mateo chuckled warmly, feeling a lot more at ease now that they were both reaching a sense of normalcy.  

“You wanna take a walk after this? It feels nice out.” Squeezing Xóchitl's hand once, Mateo allowed himself to feel a little bit of hope. For once, it didn't feel like a weakness. 

“Works for me.” Damnit, he was charming his way back into her heart – though Xóchitl was uncertain if he’d ever actually left. Which also meant that Wyatt… she cut herself off from that particular train of thought for the moment. There was only so much that she could handle at once. For now, the focus was on Mateo. 

Stupid, incredibly attractive, beautiful Mateo. Who had become one of her people, one of those most important to her in the whole world. Who she’d been terrified of losing and yet who she’d pushed away herself. Which was a major problem, but also something that probably said something about who she was.

“Sharing both is pretty…” intimate. “Great. Sensible, you know?” Xóchitl was well aware she was making something of a big fool of herself. “I’d like a walk.” She squeezed his hand back. Which felt like instinct in the best of ways. “I’m free all afternoon.”

[everythingwasalreadypicked]

Alabaster checked his watch again. He sighed in frustration. When would Claymore's seminar be over?

He hated this place: Manhattan. And the bench he was sitting had a pretty clear view of the damned Empire State Building, too. The sooner they were out of here the better it was.

A young child parked his bicycle and sat on the empty spot next to him. His curly black hair swayed with the blowing wind. Alabaster stiffened as the kid pulled out a paper bag out of his pocket. The boy's shirt was bright orange: the exact shade Camp Half-Blood used.

He curled his fist around the card he stored his sword. He doubted the immortal assholes would send a literal child after him when Perseus Jackson was available... but he wouldn't put it past them either.

"Oh, did you like my shirt?"

Alabaster jumped in his place before realising it was the kid. Embarrassment flooded him as he realised the shirt was a regular children shirt with a printed snake on it. Geez, how paranoid he had become?

"I love snakes!" The kid gave a toothy grin, showing off the gap between his teeth. He had a birthmark around his left eye shaped like dragon claws. Alabaster noted that eye was slightly milky unlike the other dark one.

He awkwardly cleared his throat. "That's, uhh, great kid." He checked his watch for the nth time. Shouldn't his father's seminar be over by now?

The kid pulled a handful of seeds and threw them at the pavement, inviting some passing pigeons. Soon, a horde of birds gathered around the kid, and by extension Alabaster.

"Are you waiting for your parents too?" The kid pointed the top of the Empire State Building. "My mom works there."

He side eyed the boy. "Didn't your parents taught you not to talk to strangers? You're like seven."

"Nine actually. You have little siblings and you can't guess it right?"

Alabaster choked. "What?"

"You look like you have siblings." The kid mused as he threw more seeds at the pigeons.

Alabaster sighed and leaned back. "Yeah, I had."

"Did they die? Nine years ago?"

Alabaster whipped his head. Who was this kid?

"Excuse me?"

"Sorry..." The boy mumbled. "Mom and dad get scared too."

'Gee, I wonder why?' would snark Alabaster, if this wasn't a, albeit creepy, child.

"Just..." He took a deep breath, "stranger danger, kid."

"I have a knife!" That would be a concerning statement; if this wasn't New York. "Besides you can't be worse than our mailman."

The child hunched onto himself. "He doesn't like my adoptive parents. I think." He brightened up. "His snakes are nice though!"

"Right..." Where were this kid's parents? Scratch that. Where was Claymore?

The kid started whistling a familiar tune while he continued feeding the birds. It was from a song he didn't know the name of, however, it had been blasted on the Princess Andromeda several times.

"Luke!" A man who was roughly the same age as him from the looks of it yelled from the far corner of the street. He held the leash of a dog as big as a hellhound and was waving with his other hand. Possibly, the boy's father.

The kid got up, pocketed the bird food and mounted his bike. "It was nice to talk to you, General Torrington."

Alabaster froze. He hadn't told his name. He hadn't told this kid anything, there was no way he could know. Unless...

'He chose to reincarnate, you won't find him in the Underworld.'

His mother's words echoed in his head.

"Luke..." He whispered.

"That's my name." The kid beamed and cycled towards his father.

Alabaster put his head in his hands, a sob wrenching itself out of his throat.

He really hated Manhattan.

****

Context: Luke reincarnated but Lethe malfunctioned so :) Something we talked about in the server before.

[vigilante24ish]

Empire

Summary:

Tian Tengchao dreamed of becoming a powerful cultivator and making a name for herself. However, two things stood in her way: her gender and her lack of clan. That didn't stop her from training and going on night hunts as a boy.

One day, she happens to save the life of a young cultivator from a sea demon and immediately draws the attention of the famous twin Jades of Gusu. Recognising her talent, Lan Xichen offered her to become a Lan disciple and perfect her cultivation.

She, of course, accepted, unaware of what would follow her with that decision.

Pairing: Lan Xichen X Fem!OC Fandom: Mo Dao Zu Shi

Previous: Chapter 1 Next: Chapter 3

Chapter 2:

Narrowing my eyes, I saw blackness spreading from the middle of the lake, almost right before us.

The water became wild, creating waves that shook our boats. Suddenly, it all gathered in tentacles made of spinning water. I had never seen anything like that, and Wuxian looked to be the only one excited.

Demonic arms made of water went straight to attack the Lan siblings, who were awfully calm. Needless to say, my jaw dropped as to what followed next. They both drew their swords and started to spin, gathering powerful spiritual energy before sending it directly on the wave of water hands.

Jumping in the air, they send more from above, attacking it from all directions. If the previous teamwork was impressive, this one was beyond words of explanation. I always thought I was talented for having no roots or for having a legendary being as my teacher, but damn, did they reach a new level.

Of course, it was not her level, but it was obvious why they were so known and even had fancy titles to go along with it. It wasn't enough, though, as the wave came again, towering above us as Wangji was by my side. However, red spiritual energy was sent and destroyed before it could harm us.

Looking to my right, I saw that Wuxian had his sword out. Judging by the powerful attack, it looked like a good sword.

"Nice sword", Wangji commented, making me blink. Did he actually comment something nice? "What is its name?"

"Whatever, " the teen replied, sending it to attack the demonic water.

"The sword has a spirit. So you better give it a proper name."

Wuxian then explained that the sword's name was indeed 'whatever,' which almost made me slip. How could you name a sword something like that? A powerful spiritual sword?

I facepalmed, and then I noticed that the two swords were fighting but were ambushed. One of the water tentacles went to attack Subian, but I sent mine. It shot and pierced right through the wave in a flash of purple as Wangji's sword delivered another attack.

"You're welcome," I said with a smirk, feeling the need to show off a little more but decided against it. I summoned Zixiu back on my hand but didn't sheath it. The others followed suit, with Wuxian sheathing his.

The waters calmed down, and the darkness disappeared, but it was too good to be true. Something else could come soon, so I tightened my grip on Zixiu and got ready. Weird, thin, black, tentacle-like things came from the water and tried to attack Cheng, but he had sensed them.

He drew his sword but didn't manage to harm them as they quickly withdrew underwater. "Be careful; there is something in the water."

His boat shook, and I could imagine it travelling right beneath us, choosing its next target. I swallowed the lump in my throat, never having to deal with something like that. Water demons are common and easy, but what was this, to begin with?

Two of the boats at the very back with disciples were suddenly dragged further away from us. We all turned and watched, unable to distinguish what was behind it.

"What was that?" Jin Zixuan asked.

It was Wangji, though, who thought forward and sent his sword under the water. As it returned, it also brought the same black hair-like things. "What is this?"

We sent our swords to do the same, guiding them with our energy to slice through whatever held the two boats captive. A sigh escaped one of the Lan disciples as he collapsed on the boat, relieved that he was now free.

"Thank you for helping us," another disciple said and bowed to Wangji, who nodded in response.

I sheathed Zixiu, thankful for such a loyal and strong weapon by my side. It somehow paled in comparison to the others in appearance but not in power.

"Lift the nets", Xichen ordered.

I landed by his side as the net was lifted, only to come empty. The same black hair as the structure was clatched to it.

"There were obviously water spirits on the nets. What happened?" he asked, and I took a better look.

"It looks like...they disappeared...as if something took them away", I mumbled, thinking it was in my mind but was out loud. I realised it once I spotted Xichen looking at me. "I mean, it is just a theory...like you said, it's weird...Zewu Jun"

I would confess something: With his constant smile, I wasn't sure if he smiled at me at all. Yes, he did drop it on rare occasions, but mostly, he kept it. His calm aura was as fascinating as his brother's poker face.

Suddenly, the sun above us was blocked by thick grey clouds, and ominous energy spread across the lake. Suddenly, the water, like tentacles, was back but multiplied and became way more aggressive.

I lifted my hand to seal against the strong winds and splashing water, but my eyes widened as I saw the biggest tentacle rising.

"A water demon?" I asked, having heard of them but never being unfortunate enough to fight one.

Well, guess I could cross it off my imaginary 'Death Experience' list, which I should most likely start having.

All the tentacles had now formed one gigantic, lifting. I don't know how tall it was above the lake before slamming on the two boats from before. Its vortex-like power lifted up the disciples before tossing them on the water again.

It also aimed for our boats, but we all summoned our swords and flew high into the air, all while trying a few hits, but it was too powerful for spiritual energy slices to damage it.

"This kind of evil is more than we can handle," I faintly heard Xichen say, the strong winds making it almost impossible to hear. We need to focus on saving people. Young Master Jiang, Young Master Wei, Young Master Tian, you three form a team. Wangji, Young Master Jin, and I are a team. Now, let's split up."

We all nodded and formed our two teams. I and the two Jiang disciples headed towards the lake, surfing with the winds and avoiding the demon's vortex-like waters. Suddenly, the black hair, like stitches, attacked us and made us separate.

I quickly placed talismans as I descended by the side and let them explode, shocking and injuring the demonic structures. At the same time, some were following Wuxian, who headed for the lake but managed to lift at the last second, gliding above the water while being chased.

I will admit the boy had skills when it came to flying, but so did I. As I avoided my part of those tentacles, Wuxian headed for the Lan disciple, who was unconscious and hanging on top of a flipped boat.

He then skillfully held him by the back of his robes and avoided the tentacles, which flew in zig-zag motions, but he was slowly losing his grip.

"Young Master Jiang!" I shouted, and he looked at me. I quickly glanced at Wuxian.

He understood and headed for him as I destroyed the tentacles that had decided to follow him.

"Wei Wuxian!"

I turned and looked, only to see the black tentacles grabbing around his sword and pulling him and the disciple to the water before Cheng could grab them.

I quickly turned and headed straight for the water, using all my speed to avoid some tentacles that tried to block me before diving straight into the water. One thing, the impact hurt like hell and the water was freezing cold, but I pushed forward.

I looked around and quickly grabbed the disciple who was closer to me before spotting Wuxian. The black tentacles almost completely covered him, but as I approached and was ready to help, he managed to release himself, but he was unconscious.

I was astonished, but the burning in my lungs reminded me that I had been underwater for too long. I grabbed his wrist while my other hand was around the disciple's waist, forcing Zixiu to make its way up.

It was hard fighting against the water and with the uneven weight of not one but two extra people. Yet I closed my eyes, my purple spiritual energy going to the sword, and I pushed myself to shoot out of the water, creating quite a show as I had managed to bring a lot of water with me.

I gasped for breath as I succeeded and almost lost balance once I was back in the air. Suddenly, the extra weight was lifted, and I saw Wangji holding Wuxian by the collar and Cheng holding the disciple normally.

I nodded my head in appreciation and tried to catch my breath. I almost collapsed when a chest came from behind me, and two arms supported me. With half-open eyes, I lifted my head and saw Xichen holding me.

If I hadn't been so tired, I would have flushed at the sudden touch, but I was thankful for the support at that moment. Before I knew it, my eyes closed, and my full body leaned against his.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

When I regained consciousness, I was on an unfamiliar bed. My head hurt, and one hand went to my temple, putting some pressure as it would cure me. My vision was blurry but quickly fixed, and I finally noticed my surroundings.

I was in a room with the majority of the furniture made of wood. It was lighter, nicer, and more expensive wood, something you didn't see in regular houses. I could distinguish some sort of art wall, and the colours everywhere were different shades of blue and white.

Then, I caught the sign of a symbol, and my eyes doubled in size. Shooting up, I jumped on my feet and quickly checked my clothes. They were dry, and nothing seemed to have moved or changed, meaning they hadn't discovered my gender yet.

I sighed and sat on the bed, trying to process how I ended up in what I could say was Cloud Recess. My mind flashed the previous memories, recalling the sea demon and those evil stitches, saving the disciple and Wuxian.

Wuxian, I thought as I recalled freeing himself somehow from them.

I didn't know how but didn't bother to ask at that moment. Shaking my head, I stood up and headed towards the door. I needed answers about what happened after, recalling my last memory of leaning against Lan Xichen.

My cheeks flushed red, and I knew my 'siblings' would make dozens of jokes if they ever heard about my situation. What are the odds of something like that happening to me, of all people? I calmed down myself and my heart and opened the doors.

I was met with fresh, clean, mountainous air and the sound of birds. The calm and peaceful atmosphere reminded me of Xichen's aura. Okay, what was wrong with me and thinking of him all the time?

Oh, I know, puberty and female hormones. Sometimes I wondered why was I not born a male and escape such days. My small internal fight was interrupted when someone cleared their throat from my left.

I turned and jumped in the air, almost hitting myself on the roof as I came face to face with none other than Wangji.

"Uhm...Second Young Master Lan," I bowed, his title not coming to mind at that moment due to the shock he had just caused me.

"You are awake. Good," he stated, answering before I could open my mouth. "Big brother wants to see you. Come," he started to walk away, and I immediately followed, my mind processing what he had just said during the walk.

Why did he want to see me? Did I do something wrong? Did he find out I was a female? Did I do something else, and I need to remember? I was so deep in thought that I bumped into Wangji's back.

He looked at me above his shoulder, and I blushed from embarrassment before bowing in apology. To be honest, I hated bowing so often, but I was sort of a guest, and the Lan Clan was not someone I wanted as an enemy.

The Jin clan? I would insult them during night hunts if I could, but it's not like they didn't deserve it. He said nothing else and stepped aside, motioning for me to come in.

I walked inside and took a good look at the room. It was similar to the room where I woke up. Different shades of blue covered most of it, and the Cloud Symbol, emblem of the Lan Clan, was almost everywhere.

His desk was simple, with not too many things. When he noticed me, he smiled, or I guess his smile grew bigger? He motioned for me to come over, and I obeyed, my eyes quickly going to the man standing behind him.

He was older, with a goatee, and his eyes stared at me with the same coldness Wangji did. I felt intimated by his aura, his strict aura as if he was about to smack me for stealing candies or something. I knew immediately who it was, though, having heard of him through rumours and, of course, being taught basic details of clans by my teacher.

I stopped before the table and bowed, now realising that my sword was not with me. "Zewu Jun, Grand Master Lan,"

"Young Master Tian, please have a seat."

I sat with my back straight and my hands on my lap. The Grand Master sat next to Xichen but kept his eyes on me. I swallowed and tried to focus on the younger man's smile in front of me. "Zewu Jun, am I in some sort of trouble?"

"Have you done anything to be in trouble?" he joked, filling a cup of tea before passing it to me. I didn't reply but sipped the hot liquid, hoping it would calm down my nerves. He realised I didn't share his joke and continued. "I was just informing my uncle about your skills and the incident in Emerald Lake."

"Zewu Jun, what happened after?"

"You fainted from exhaustion. It was wiser to bring you to Cloud Recess until you recovered."

I thought deeply about asking if anyone checked me, but I suspected that if they had done so, they would have brought it up. I decided not to make them think more about it and to act normally while praying with all my mental will to any godly power and even demonic if I had to.

I raised my hands and bowed. "Thank you, Zewu Jun." I wasn't sure how else to express my gratitude and didn't want to be seen as rude in front of the Grand Master.

He terrified me, and that was hard to accomplish.

"Your cultivation is well trained, Young Master Tian. Where did you receive your training?"

I bit my inner cheek, knowing I would have to be honest, but my past is not exactly something ordinary. I took a ship of my tea and brought all my courage forward. "I was found by a roaming cultivator when I was younger. I was taken in, raised and taught everything I know so far. A few things I picked up on my own during my solo night hunts."

The Grand Master seemed impressed, either by my going to solo night hunts or by something else. Now, if you happen to wonder why I didn't bring my teacher's name, well...let's just say that she is quite famous, and I wanted to make a name for myself, not because I was trained by a woman who was a few hundreds of years old.

The two men exchanged glances before looking at me again. It was nerve-wracking, and I swear I could feel my heart beating loud enough that I was certain they could hear it. I tried my best to mimic Wangji and keep my face neutral while mentally panicking to a whole new point.

"That is very interesting. Is he the one who supplied you with a sword?" he asked. He took my sword from his side and inspected it before passing it to me.

I mentally laughed at how they suspected my teacher was a man when I didn't even mention gender. Yet, not fully surprisingly, I took it with a small bow, feeling slightly better with it between my hands. I felt a sense of security and peace, my spiritual power reacting with it as if two cut ribbon ends found each other and mended into one.

"Yes"

"What is its name?"

"Zixiu. It was chosen for me."

The Grand Master lifted an eyebrow while Xichen seemed pleased? Happy? It was hard to tell, and I was panicking too hard for me to understand, okay?

"If you will give us a few minutes."

I stood up and bowed before heading out, closing the door and leaning on the trunk of a nearby tree. My hand was placed in front of my heart, and my eyes closed. That was nothing compared to facing a Water Demon or the first time I fought a spirit alone.

It was 100 times more terrifying, if not 1000 times more. My hand tightened around Zixiu, hoping to help me calm down. Then, I looked at my waist and noticed that my flute was also missing. Did they take it, too?

What was it with them taking my stuff?

Suddenly, something hung upside down from the tree branch and scared me enough to pull Zixiu halfway out. I stopped once I realised it was not an enemy but Wei Wuxian with his usual grin.

"Xi-Gege," he said, closing his eyes and increasing his grin. I blinked and blinked and blinked again. Did he just call me big brother? "Are you okay? Did Old Man Lan punish you or something?"

Old Man Lan? Didn't this boy have any manners or at least call people with slight respect? Apparently not, considering he called me by my usual name and not my courtesy name—something he did with Wangji as well.

"No, I haven't been punished yet. Why be punished?"

He jumped down and folded his hands in front of his chest. "I do not know but if he tries" he leaned closer. "I will defend you. After all, you saved my life twice in a day" his face was too close to me now and made my pulse quicken.

I lifted my free hand and pushed him slightly away, wanting back my personal space, which he didn't exactly respect. "Uhm... thank you, Young Master Wei."

He pushed my hand aside and wrapped his fingers around my wrist. "Please call me Ying-Di or Ying or Wuxian-Di," he said, putting on a thoughtful face while still holding my hand. But no matter what happens, I will defend you."

"There will be no need for it, Young Master Wei" Xichen's voice was heard, and we both looked at the office with its door open. The older Lan siblings and their uncle stood and looked at us, their expressions opposite. I freed my hand from his grip and immediately bowed, something he barely did. "The opposite, actually. We want to Invite Young Master Tian to study here, at least until the classes are over."

My jaw dropped, and I just stared. I didn't care if it was rude; I couldn't help it, okay? Do you realise what that meant? Studying in cloud recess and learning from the mighty Lan Clan was a dream come true.

And yes, I was taught by a legendary being, and yes, I was super lucky to have such an experience, but it was the Lan Clan we were talking about. I could learn a new style, get more information, and have access to their library. I was snapped from my staring when an arm wrapped itself around my shoulders, and I was pulled slightly into a chest.

"You hear that Xi-gege? We will study together," Wuxian smiled, and I nodded.

I didn't fail to notice how Xichen looked at us that very moment, something changing. I immediately freed myself and bowed. "It will be a great honour. Thank you for your offer, Zewu Jun, Grand Master Lan."

"Before I forget, I believe this is yours," Xichen said, lifting his hand and showing my flute. I gave a nod and happily accepted it, feeling extremely guilty for even forgetting it. It was my most prized gift along with my sword. "Suì bō. Interesting name"

I smiled and bowed. "Thank you. This one, I chose it myself." I felt the carved name of my musical organ pressed against my skin. It was my art.

"Xi-gege, let me show you around!" Wuxian said as he grabbed my wrist and started to pull me away.

I was barely able to bow halfway to the two men before being dragged by him. He was strong; I would give him that, or all that hyperactivity gave him a new sort of strength.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Wuxian showed me around the whole Cloud Recess or, better say, dragged me around. Honestly, where did he find so much strength? I was also introduced to his adopted brother Jiang Cheng and his friend Nie Huaisang.

They were some of the cultivators from the lake, but we never got properly introduced. I also kept the room I woke up in, and unlike others, I had no roommate. Due to the students all being an even number, I was left alone. Thank the gods, right?

I mean, they still didn't know I was a girl and didn't plan for them to find out anytime soon. Even if I did have a roommate, I would find a way to drag them to sleep if I wished to change, but thankfully, I didn't have to go to such extreme measures yet.

My first few days were hard to get used to. Why? Well, let's start with the 3000 rules we all had to follow, which the Grand Master kept repeating. I swear, I felt dizzy when he unfolded that piece of a scroll, and it was, I don't even know how long.

They also have a very strict schedule. Sleep at 9, which is understandable, and wake up at 5 in the morning?! That's right. We had to be up and ready before the sun could reach the sky properly.

The food was mediocre, very vegetarian, and blunt. It was not very different from what I was used to, but I knew one thing: I would miss meat dearly there. There was one positive thing, though: the library.

The Pavilion Library was a majestic room with endless books from all ages and authors. It held poems, law, history, arts, and music, and according to rumours, there was this Forbidden Chamber that held deadly secrets.

Once I stepped in for the first time, I shivered under my robes. I simply didn't know which book to start with, you know. I had never seen so many books, to begin with. As I circled around myself and watched wide-eyed, I felt a presence in the room.

Turning my attention to the side, I saw Wangji sitting and reading. He had noticed me but didn't make any move to acknowledge me. I stayed quiet, deciding that interrupting him was not the wisest idea.

I circled the room at least twice, trying to decide what to read, but man, was it hard. I let out a sigh of frustration, and my eyes went to Wangji. I bit my bottom lip and made my way towards him. Once I was a proper distance, I bowed.

"Young Master Lan," I waited and waited and waited, but I didn't get a reply. I could feel his eyes on me, but he didn't say anything. Getting tired from being in this position, I decided to speak. "Could you please recommend some good books?"

I said it clearly, but I was sure I spoke a little bit too fast. After all, how unusual it must have been to be asked such questions, especially from someone who didn't seem to like you from second 1.

"Hm," was the only noise or words I heard, and I watched him stand up.

He didn't say anything else but started to walk around. It was obvious that he knew this library as if it were his own room, which made me wonder how much time he actually spent in there. A minute later, he returned with four quite thick books on one hand.

He passed them to me, and I almost fell forward from the weight. He had no trouble carrying them with one hand, but I had to use two!! How strong was this guy? Well, the Lan were known for swordsmanship, which was based heavily on strong arms, and there were rumours that many handstands were compulsory.

I gave a small bow, almost losing my balance again, and made my way to the other side of the library. I was certain I wouldn't be able to take them with me to my room, and of course, Wangji wouldn't want me anywhere near.

Putting them down with a little bit sounder than I intended, I smiled sheepishly at Wangji, who then focused back on his book. Sitting down, I grabbed the book at the very top and started studying.

[lanaevyssmoved]

helloooo Afhiri sounds SO lovely. can you tell me more about how they feel at the start of act 1 about her predicament with the tadpoles, her companions, etc etc if you want!!

it might be cruel to say that they're pretty damn simple . actually no its not ive decided theyre pretty damn simple. literally wakes up and has a panic attack because where is flute?? where flute?? WHERE. FLU TE? flute was no where to be seen (depression). a very sad clown exploring this ship literally with minimum interest because flute :( flute :( this is a child who has lost their autistic hyperfixation toy.

lae'zel is hot. the sword scene is hot. hiri has immediate gay panic and forgets flute for 2 whole seconds. asks lae'zel if seen flute. lae'zel doesn't even know what a flute is.. smh. sticks around because was told to. does whats told (for now........ ominous.) so to start lae'zel is literally party lead this clown is NOT a protagonist (for now...... no im not making that joke twice)

SHADOWHEART IS HOT... absolutely ignores lae'zel to free shadowheart. literally dumbass tries to pull the door off. lae'zel ends up being the one like "maybe u should look around if u INSIST on saving this HALF ELF." frees shadowheart :) oh my god you have an autistic hyperfixation too?? your rock is so cool!!!!!!!

the flute is not rescued. please F's in chat for the lost flute of afhiri's childhood. her father made her that flute and it's DEAD. AND THERE WASN'T EVEN TIME FOR A FUNERAL.

the first thing they do after hoarding all of the fish on the beach like a little goblin creature is find gale's portal. shiny. Oh My God is that an arm without a body? that is Soooo cool...... high fives. they free him of course!!! used bard Magicks to calm that shit down and free the silly man. she finds him SOOO silly. he is such a silly little guy. his lil expressions and hand movements are SO funny. she wants to get acting classes from him so she can be just as funny and then she'll rank up in Clown. she's sure of it. (he is a clown to her. a truly excellent clown. there's real talent..........)

after that she gets knife throat by astarion :( not very nice of you :( i would have given you money if u wanted :( oh not a robbery? OH WE'RE WORM BUDDIES? friendship acquired :) they genuinely don't have any more thoughts rly at the start because he is mean and she doesn't understand its mean and looks at him stupidly like a dog who cannot understand the new word u just said. tilts head :)

their friendship stat is SO high all of a sudden. this clown has had NO friends their entire damn life (weirdo coded) and suddenly they've got SOOO many best friends oh my god they're so excited for the campfire stories hehee :)

next is oh my godd its the hot. gi..gi... Girlfriend? :) no its gith u stupid clown. get pied. ANYWAY tells the tieflings some absolute BULLSHITERY. this clown is So good at lying (this is a positive. their moral code is kinda messy.) and frees lae'zel :) shadowheart doesn't trust lae'zel but how can you Not when she's Also Green? I'm Green? You're Green? Da Ba Dee

after that its oh my god is that A GOBLIN? never seen a goblin before. finds them extremely cute. they're also kind of green (positive). and A WARG? can i PET IT? No? It'll eat me? bite off my hand? chew up my suit? this is supreme sadness. wait- flute still gone. that's supreme sadness. ALSO WYLL IS FUN!!!! wyll gives her fairytale hero prince vibes and is absolutely fascinated and thinks as a bard should sing of his tale because hes so cool (please don't trust them. they will make him sound like a fool.)

hearing about the spooky scary teeth-ling from wyll is super!! exciting!!!! a devil?? fought in devil war?? fire?? death?? epic story . we must find out more (not to kill. to talk to. must have some REALLY COOL STORIES!!!) very easy to convince wyll not to kil- OH MY GOD HOT?? HOT? ?? literally hot. this is the most Supreme Gay Panic. afhiri never thought about girls (or boys) like this before. none of the Lads give the Panik.. but these girls are a little too much (fainting vibes) also karlach is so fun :) daydreams about karlach throwing her like a javelin into battle

the tadpole though :/ they don't know!! everyone keeps saying. bad! evil! bad! removal! death! kill! and they're like :/ idk guys.. worms are kinda cute. u ever seen a worm do a lil wiggle on some mud? its so cool.. i wish i was a worm..... everyone is concerned. do not trust them with decisions (they trust them with decisions. they are All stupid.) they name the worm. the worm is named little buddy. it's not creative. it's not a name. but this is Little Buddy and she talks to her little buddy sometimes. she even wrote it a song. (she doesn't consume more little buddies. that's weird.. this is HER little buddy and those are OTHER little buddies. there's only one little buddy for her....)

extra: GUARDIAN. oooohhhhh my god .. never seen someone soooooo CLOWN. (this is false. guardian looks nothing like a clown. theyre projecting HARD. guardian plays along because this is clearly going to work better than being Hot and Mysterious). trust them explicitly (reminder: not smart), treats like another Best Friend like the squad. gets sad they don't ever join them in camp for her performances. does private performances sometimes :)

DOUBLE EXTRA: the possession.. of Flute 2.

a daring tale of (gale takes some of the squads money and buys them a flute. cannot bare to see the sad puppy dog eyes any longer.) AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE OF PERIL AND DANGER... THERE WAS GNOLLS AND GOBLINS AND MAYBE A BEHOLDER!!!!! gale.. an incredibly brave adventurer.. this is going in his next song

[p0plotte]

Wanderer of The Stars

Nintendo 64 - Alex G

⚠️ CW SU!C1D3 + BLOOD MENTIONS ⚠️

——•——

‘To whom it may concern, if you find this note, I’m dead. Curse this damned family, I wish a thousand plagues upon you all. The only exceptions being Marie and Ciel.’

‘Bury me at Dawsond Creek, and don’t bother holding a funeral.’

In his hands he held a scroll. The young boy stared at said sheet of paper with a look of despair. His hands shook, eyes widened.

He looked up from the paper to the older teen who’d written it. Still alive, staring down at him.

“Brother?..”

“..Ciel..”

Osiris wore the expression of a man who’d been saddled with each hardship the family had faced, because to an extent- he had been. Instead of his parents caring for his siblings, he was left to do all the work.

They didnt want him to become a scholar because they’d lose their personal babysitter and actually have to care for their children for once.

“Shh.. hey bud.” He knelt down, “I’m gonna leave soon. When I’m gone you can have my room and my stuff, okay? Even that nice sword you liked. Don’t worry about me.. okay?”

“..No.. no..! Brother… p-please.. don’t.. don’t go—…”

The blond gripped tightly onto his elder siblings clothes, tears beginning to dribble down his chin. He sniffled, even the thought of him being gone was enough to draw tears..

He couldn’t bare being alone to have to take care of Marie all by himself.. he wasn’t cut out for that. Only 12 years old and already he’d have to take on such a big responsibility..

Already 12 years old and he still needed his older brother to hold him and tell him everything was going to be alright.

“…I’m sorry bud.”

These would be his last words.

Red liquids splattered aross the floor the moment Ciel had been pushed away from his brother. His eyes filled with utter terror as he watched Osiris take a switchblade to his throat.

“NO!” He shrieked out, “O-OSIRIS?!..”

He hit the wall with a loud thud, lungs heavy as if they could burst at any second. His mouth hung agape as he watched blood spill from the other’s neck.

All he could do was scream. Scream, and scream.. and scream. Wail in agony as guards rushed into the attic to find Osiris’s corpse, scream as they took him away- scream until his throat became hoarse and his limbs gave out.

—-•—-

800 years old, and still it felt like just yesterday these events occurred. He wondered if he became strong enough.. could he turn back the clock on that moment?..

No. Don’t be an idiot. And anyhow.. he made the choice to abandon and traumatize you in that moment. Why would you go back for him?

Don’t be a fool.

In this world it’s all about protecting yourself. You can’t let your guard down for anyone. Not even fully for the ones you still adore, and there was only one he could say he truly.. adored.

He took a hand to smooth his bangs out of his face as he watched the sun rise over the city, crystal blue eyes reflecting the bright light of day.

No.3 of the Wind Oni, Shizuku Ichinosei. Starting today, she was his next target. Boy, was she unlucky too.

All these bad memories really stirred him up. He was in the mood for a brutal massacre now, and even if she was his kind.. he couldn’t give two shits about her. He’d relish in taking her number and her life.

“Soon, they’ll all kneel before me..” He tossed a familiar eye in his hand as he thought, “Soon..”

[celestialking]

Fate's duel

◇ NSFW 18+ only ◇ Minors/Ageless blogs DNI ◇ You will be blocked ◇

Finished writing: August 9, 2022

Pairing: c!Dream , gn!reader

Warnings: degrading, humiliation, bit of dumbification, throat fucking, little bit of plot, tiny bit of choking, let me know if i missed one

To think, out of all places the forest by Las Nevadas would be where you found Dream. Your sword was in your hand within seconds amusing the blonde. 

"Hey," he greeted. "Come to join me finally?" It seemed like a joke between friends, but he had been pestering you for years now or at least however long it's been since you left the original community house. 

You shook your head. "No Dream, I'm taking you back to prison. You already know that I'm giving you more mercy than Sap will," you waved him over, still keeping your sword up for added protection. "Cmon, just make it easy," 

Dream chuckled, circling you. Both of you were on edge, weapons drawn, circling slowly in this shape of rising tension. "Are you though? Sap said he'd kill me, I'd like to see him try. Quackity already killed me partly, isn't it fitting another part of their trio will take a turn killing me slowly," 

You said nothing watching the grip on his ax shift. 

"Is it Karl's turn next?" 

"Enough games," you watched a grin spread across his lips. 

"A game huh? Want to play one?" he stopped moving. 

You paused on the other side of him. "What kind of game?" 

"A little duel, if you win I'll come with you," 

"And what about you, what if you win?" You watched the cloaked man slowly eye you up and down. 

"Being on the run is kinda...stressful. it'd be nice to relieve it," 

You almost dropped your sword. "You want sex," you said bluntly. 

Dream laughed, it was loud and echoed through the forest. "I didn't say that, but if you're offering," 

"I didn't offer but you asked for it," 

He took a step closer. "But you didn't say no," there was silence. A new form of tension seeping into the air. 

"Fine," you said. "If you somehow win, then that can be your prize, just don't cry too much as I drag you back to Sam," 

"Of course, wouldn't dream of it," he purred. The scoff you let out as he used his own name as a joke was unbelievable. 

You should have known that some rules should have been laid down. That a dirty trick was on its way, but that was the last thing on your mind as you clashed metal with Dream. He was a cheater, he was a liar, he was- fucking kicking your ass. Within minutes Dream was sitting on your hips, your back against the ground. 

"I believe," he panted, holding the bar of his ax on your throat. "This means I win," you struggled beneath him, but he was too big to push off. Dream watched in amusement as you clung on to the tiniest smidge of hope that you could prevail and then laughed as it faded. 

You stopped moving beneath him before giving a weak whine. "You win, now get off, you're crushing my lungs asshole," 

Slowly Dream leaned back moving off of your body. He stood up watching as you picked yourself up off the ground. 

"What? Quite staring at me like that," you snapped. "A deals a deal so if you were waiting for me to beg to bring you to Sam you'd be sorely mistaken," 

"Actually I'd love to see you on your knees begging," he grinned. 

"You wish," you spat, leaning down to pick up your weapon. You both blinked at each other. 

"Your house," 

"What?" 

"Well I'm not letting you see my lair," 

"My house is in the middle of the damn server," you argued. 

Dream just shrugged. "Sounds like a personal problem," You opened but quickly shut your mouth. If you had spoken it was quite possible a few unsavory words about your unchosen company would have slipped out. You snapped at him to keep up before leading him to your place. 

He whistled entering your house. "Haven't been here before," 

"You were too busy blowing it up before," you hummed. 

A loud thud startled you but he had just dropped his things at your door. You watched with a judgemental glare as he strolled over to your couch. He plopped down on a cushion leaning his arms across the back. "Well?" He said cockily. With the way he had made himself comfortable and the amount he had spread his thighs it was obvious what he wanted. 

"Knees," 

The dark command sent shivers through you. Wordlessly you found yourself complying. Green eyes watched you bored. Wait when- "I'm not going to wear my mask during sex, that's a bit ridiculous," he scoffed noticing your confused look. 

Slowly you undid his pants, hopefully he would ignore the tremble in your hands. Your eyes trailing across the light freckles and darkened eyes. You had to admit for someone who was supposed to be your enemy he was quite the looker. His cock was heavy in your hand, twitching as your tongue trailed up the side. Dream's head tilted back, a soft moan escaping his parted lips. You hadn't been trying to tease, honestly. The soft noises he was letting out were addicting however. Your lips barely wrapping around the tip, your tongue darting to the places that seemed to make his breath hitch. 

"Enough playing," Dream demanded, a hand moving to rest on your head. 

You rolled your eyes but finally took him into your mouth. 

He was quick to push, shoving the tip to touch the back of your throat. Your hands flew to his legs to ground yourself as bitter tears sprung to your eyes from the sudden intrusion. "Relax, you'll be fine," he cooed. 

Your pace was not quick enough so naturally he took over. Hips thrusting up to fuck his cock into your mouth. Saliva gathered as you attempted to swallow around him, however, it only added to the slick noises of his thrusts. "Hard to say you hate me when you have my cock down your throat isn't it?" He teased. 

You looked up at him blinking through wet lashes able to provide no response. It was criminal how much you were enjoying him using you. "Poor baby, God your lips feel so fucking good around me," he groaned tilting his head back. Your nails dug into his thighs slightly as he held you on his cock. Your cheeks burned as you realized he was having you cockwarm him. He twitched on your tongue the tiny movement being the only warning you got before cum filled your mouth. You pulled off with a slight cough after swallowing. 

"You sure were fast," you licked over your lips. "Guess the big bad Dreamie doesn't have much stamina, creams himself just-" 

His hand grasped your face, squishing your cheeks. "Careful what you say sweetheart, because we aren't done here. Now unless you wanna be fucked on the ground like a whore; you better show me to your room," 

Dream followed behind as you shakily lead him to your bed. "Why don't you undress, slowly," he added the last word as an afterthought. You watched the dirty blonde lean back against your door waiting for his show to begin. Dream was delighted by the inch after inch of skin that was revealed by removing your clothes. 

As you dropped the last piece of fabric to the ground he pushed himself off the wood. 

"What about yours?" You blurted. 

He paused in his step before letting out a slight bark of a laugh. You unfortunately didn't get a chance to enjoy a little strip tease as Dreams clothes were off and onto the ground by the second his was between your thighs. 

The prep he did was quick but just enough. You couldn't lie there was a slight stretch as he slid into you but you weren't bothered. 

"I haven't even started yet," he grinned watching your eyes roll back as he bottomed out. Dreams' first thrust or two were sharp and sudden. The hands on your hips warned you of his soon-to-be fast pace. He slammed into you, hands digging into your sides. Part of you was starting to believe the whole "I'm a god" speech now. He knew the exact way to get you falling apart under him. Exactly what made you tick. You didn't even have to ask for his hand to be on your throat, he had already moved it there. Hearing your breath hitch sent a shiver of delight through Dream. 

"Of course you would like this," he taunted. 

He listened to your breathless whines and moans before speaking again. "Go on dove, tell me how good I feel, tell me how much you love this," it was pure amusement that filled Dream's eyes when you didn't answer. 

Whether it was out of pure embarrassment or the pleasure that was clouding your mind keeping you from doing so; he didn't care. 

"Look at yourself, fucking pathetic," Dream laughed. His hand squeezed gently on your neck. "You're supposed to be taking me back to jail but here you are too busy spreading your legs for me," the humiliation that burned through your body added to the flame like nothing else. "I like this. You under me. I get stressed pretty easily, maybe you'll let me come back more to blow off some steam," 

Honestly you were still too lost in the cloud of pleasure that you slowly nodded making him grin. "Aw, you'd like that sweetheart?" Dream grunted, cock still dragging against your walls deliciously. "I don't like to share you know, so if you're mine, you're fucking mine," Dream warned. "My little plaything," 

You whined at the tighter grip on your throat. It was only harsher for a second before he opted to have both hands on your hips instead. The small pants and moans that slipped through Dream's lips was twisting your stomach into knots. Why were all the bad men so hot? 

Dream was mumbling, mumbling sweet pleasure-induced words. Words that were tearing your self-control apart. Embarrassingly you were close to falling off that edge. Dream seemed to notice immediately. 

"Oh come on now," he purred. "Just from my words?" he didn't look bothered, however, actually quite the opposite. It was fueling his ego. 

"We haven't even gotten to the best part, was going to make you scream on my tongue for hours," he whispered, leaning down. The noises of his pleasure were now significantly louder thanks to his sudden closeness. "Fuck you til the only things you know are my name and how you're made for this cock," 

You squirmed beneath him begging. "Please, please, please," 

Dream continued speaking, each sentence burning you hotter than the last. The constant quiver of your legs gave you away. "That's it baby," a hand moved between your thighs to help. "Let go. Now," 

You trembled in his touch, sobbing as you attempted to rock your hips down against his. Dreams teeth bit into your collarbone. You cried out cumming. He groaned feeling you tighten around him. 

"Oh fuck," he panted. Dream hips stuttered as his orgasm finally reached its peak. The high whine that left his lips surprised you. Warmth burned your lower body as he filled you. 

There wasn't silence for long, however. Dream's communicator buzzed beside him. It had fallen out of his pants. Who could that be? There weren't many who could contact him. He leaned over glancing at it before grinning up at you. 

"Mind if a friend joins?"  A friend? 

Reminder: DNI = Do Not Interact

If you are a Minor/Ageless blog, Do not follow. Do not comment. Do not reblog. Do not like. DO NOT INTERACT.

Either add your age to your bio/pinned, message me in private, or DNI.

[fangirleaconmigo]

As I watched Blood Origin I took notes. They are silly and disjointed bullet points and here they are:

(My full review is HERE)

Ep One

Shit, that's intense. My bard is having a bad time.

Hi Minnie Driver!

Wait. Why would Geralt hate that? (were they saying he'd hate an elf being the first witcher? V confused. Why would he hate that?)

So Fjall was too slutty to be a bodyguard.

Glad pretty girl didn’t get punished for helping the little girl.

Hmmm the princess doesn’t want to just be a baby factory. Word. I get it.

Michelle Yeoh!!!!

Wow the princess really flat out murdered her brother.

Girl, you don’t get a nation when you kill their king it’s not that simple.

MICHELLE YEOH I hope we get to see more of that.

Ep 2

Is she talking to her hammer? I love her already.

Fjall and Éile are they tied by destiny? How?

I juuuuuuuuust realized that sellswords don’t sell swords in the literal sense. I don't know why I thought that. This is all making a lot more sense.

I like the failed romance in the beginning. Hey folks, even if you fall in love with a brother murdering evil chick, life goes on. Second chances, etc. etc.

If they kill off Scían this fast I’m gonna be annoyed

Oh Hi Avallac'h. Avallac'h is like ummmmmm I’m regretting this shit (he is just a babby)

Merwyn is determined to survive, I like that. I like that in my evil women.

Eredin has a knife to a hotties throat saying 'you fucked me'(gaygayhomosexualgay?)

Oooooohhhhh

Actual real gay

Nice

Yes. Welcome to the family Eredin.

Brother Death called Fjall Square jaw-all the flirting! (Fjall is very flirt-withable imo)

Holy fuck Éile burning folks. That's hardcore, girl. Good thing that you ran away.

Winterberry and lilac CREEPY but revenge cool. Also, LILAC AND GOOSEBERRIES

Uh oh is Balor giving her those kids. That's rude.

I assume true sacrifice comes from within means Balor has to kill someone he cares about. If I was that girl with him I'd be pretty worried right now.

Eredin done in by the most obvious “spy” who literally ran right into him. He’s dickmatized or something. Himbo?

DONT TOUCH EILE YOU FUCKERS

Ep 3

Yesss love Meldof YET AGAIN

Poison a sheep and feed it to it, yes reference to the books.

Wow, girl (Zacare I looked it up) is throwing that “not really family” in his (Syndril, I looked it up) face fast ain't she. Found family gets lost fast when shit gets real.

Solryth? Is this empress chick talking to the brother she killed??? Girl? Do you think he wants to hear from your ass??? He's in the great beyond cursing your name.

Awww Fjall being protective

Even if you fell into a bucket of tits you’d come up holding a cock (is Meldof calling him gay?)

Ooooo no secret entrance?!?! Damn you Fjall. Just full of piss and vinegar barreling forward with nothing but guts and good cleavage.

Awwwww I love that the mage sees him as he is.

Éile sings

Such pretty voice Fjall is down bad.

As he should be, as am I.

Girl, he is not gonna let you be the first witcher. Not after you sang that. Please be real.

I love an 'end of the world about to die shag and party' episode.

We gettin a witcher, folks.

Ugh I hope Scían doesn’t betray them. I think she’s just getting them a way in tho.

Empress really thinks she’s gonna hit it again with Fjall? THIS CHICK. LMAOOOO She just has no concept of her actions having consequences does she.

She looks hella cool in her fancy armor tho.

She’s actually quite good at this. Making deals. Knowing what people want and offering it to them.

Yeah he’s gonna kill Fenrik I knew that from when he killed the kids

Ep 4

Avalac'h is a sad lil loser boy pobrecito

Eredin thinks he won’t risk Fenrik? You a dummy hunny

I woulda given Avallac'h more time rather than run back to Balor. I mean he's just a babby, he's gonna be badass folks.

Oh no he's hulking out. Look out empress girl.

“You’re a monster”

UH OH BETA RUN GRL BETTA RUN he kills those things now.

Why are his eyes black? Potions make eyes black?

OH YOU DUMMIES YOU THINK SCÍAN CANT TAKE TWO OF YOU?? FOOLS

Damn, lark. Éile really broke down the difference between a feminist and a girlboss to Miss Empress then stuck her. That was a clever way around making her badass but not 100% a murderer.

Balor killed that soldier for zero reason. This is just not a good person.

WOOPS HULK BOY Sun's gettin real low.

Wow Éile is pregnant? I thought that witchers were sterile. Maybe that's a thing the mages did.

I already knew Ciri was her descendant because people on twitter were shitting their pants because the actress is Black. I mean, don't they know how genes work? You can get a blondie in that span of time? Its centuries? And her child's already gonna be half Fjall, so idk, people cannot be normal about Black women I cannot fathom it.

And there's Mr. Joey again, we always love to see him.

The end. That was fun. Might watch again.

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Draw your swords, pt. 6

Summary: Losing someone can make you realize what was already there and the Darkling is about to find that out the hard way.

Warnings: angst, violence, swearing, bit of fluff

Part one // Part two // Part three // Part four // Part five  

=================================

Five days have passed and the Darkling had never stopped looking for his wife. His men never saw him rest, sleep was simply never on his agenda. He barely ate at all, merely giving time for the rest of them to gather their strength.

He was restless, constantly questioning how this could have happened. No matter how he looked at it, the Darkling felt guilt consuming him. Without his rage, he worried the guilt would have paralyzed him. Had he not went on a pointless hunt for something that’s likely a tale, she would have been right by his side, antagonizing him.

It’s been hundreds of years since he felt this way, as if his heartstrings are being pulled by someone other than himself. In this search for Y/N, he realized she is consuming. After all, she might have been right – a part of him may actually care for her. He cursed that part of himself over and over again as result.

They’ve tracked her toward Fjerdan borders. Every now and then, they would find bodies on the road, their throat cut or stabbed right through the heart. Sometimes, he found them alive still. He never refrained from calling on his shadows, trying to draw useful information to close in on their whereabouts.

Y/N never saw him use his shadows before. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d disapprove of the means he’s using to find her. After all, she called him a demon on their wedding night. She would never accept him as he is, he had no doubt about that.

Did she want to be found by him?

The first body they found, the Darkling smiled. He didn’t question it was her hands who have taken the man’s life. There was no concrete proof, but he was certain of it. Every body found felt like her own version of breadcrumbs.

Closing his eyes, he exhaled heavily. If she managed to set herself free so many times to leave what was now five dead men behind, he couldn’t help but worry for her safety. What was the price of each crumb she left?

It wasn’t just the exposure to snow he worried about – and he did worry as she got cold too quickly and he was the one to warm her up before. Who’d warm her up now?

The darkness of the forest gave him cause to worry too – she may have tried to hide it, but he knew she was afraid of the dark. He realized it when her breathing turned shallow and fast their first night together just as she extinguished the candlelight. The next night, he left his candle to burn long into the night.

Something stirred inside him, a beast has awakened. Despite the war his heart and mind waged, he wondered if he’s his own worst enemy. Maybe it was time to let someone in. For too long, he had been alone in the shadows of his past lives.

Why is he repeating the same mistakes?

How can he be afraid when he married a woman who never blinks in the face of danger?

His heart was ice and stone until she came and now the ice has started to melt. All he’s done is hurt and destroy, but he wanted out of the loneliness that clings to him.

She was right, as hard as it is to admit it. He’s a demon, a devil that walks the earth and he cares. Because of her he hopes he might love again and he can’t let anyone take that from him – hope is the only thing stronger than fear. And when a devil falls in love and discovers hope, it’s the most hauntingly beautiful sight. They should fear him as he will go to the depths of hell to protect her.

While his eyes may have been closed, his heart jumped as a bright flash forced him to open them again.

He was never given a chance to be soft. His hands had to be bloody, to have people fear him. Only when they feared him, they wouldn’t hurt him. Now was the time to show them just why they fear him.

“Where?” He growled out, looking to Ivan and Fedyor who were looking at the sky.

“East”, Fedyor replied hastily, ready to follow Kirigan who set off in said direction without a second thought. He didn’t order anyone to follow, but they did.

Ivan and Fedyor walked two steps behind their general, alert as the flash had awakened them from a deep slumber. They weren’t the only ones shaken, unsure what they’re walking into but none showed fear as their general lead them straight to the source. Their loyalty, their belief in general Kirigan runs deep.

Except for David. He was afraid. He didn’t want to be in that forest and he didn’t want to be in danger, but he trusted Kirigan. Besides, Y/N was nice and Genya seemed to like her. So he came along too.

Kirigan walked in strides, the snow didn’t slow him down. His hands formed fists, his face twisted in anger, but his heart pounded in his chest as he had no inkling what he might find. All he knew was that he had to get there, fast.

As if made of darkness itself, the Darkling emerged on what looked like a battlefield. The trees surrounded a small clearing covered in snow that melted under the spilled blood – still warm as it poured from the dead surrounding her.

She’s on her knees, two Fjerdans chaining her up as if she’s a wild animal.

“You think you’re scary, huh?” She spat at the Fjerdan’s feet – a crimson liquid, Darkling realized. She’s bleeding.  

“That’s adorable”, she chuckled maniacally as she held her fierce gaze on the Fjerdan stood before her. They pulled her left hand behind her back and her right hand in front as they tightened the chains that were secured over rope that laid just beneath.

Darkling’s blood boiled. It is fear that brings rage, that hot burning anger that seeks to harm. Once again, he was afraid, not of her but for her.

Four more Fjerdans came from behind the trees, all covered in blood. “Fucking bitch”, one of them kicked her in the ribs and he couldn’t take anymore. He could kill them easily for what they’ve done – he’s killed every one of them he ran into in the past five days without even blinking, regardless if they were involved in her disappearance or not.

“Mister, I’ve seen scary and you don’t have his handsome smile.”

Licking his lips, the Darkling nearly smiles at her remark. There’s no possible way she means anyone else but him. Looking at his Grisha, he found them nearly all in position. They would attack in a minute, swiftly and deadly.

Yet in a moment of carelessness, he missed the Fjerdans realization they’re being watched. Too quickly, more of them appeared. The pitiful human managed to land a few consecutive blows to Darkling’s face before drawing a dagger.

Angry, dark eyes showed the Fjerdan that the Darkling’s brain is in a different mode, that he has switched gears from empathy he had for his wife to cold emotional indifference. Never once has he directed this mode in Y/N’s direction, yet it emerged when he sensed a threat to her life, letting out a part of him that was full on protective.

Grunting, the Darkling’s eyes narrowed at the human who dared to sink the blade into his heart. Despite his immortality, he could still hurt. The pain of a stab wound felt just as it would if here as fragile as the human before him.

But he’s not human at all.

Connecting his hands, the Darkling lifts his head as he summons the darkness that spills from every corner of the forest. “Foolish”, he sneers, “Attacking me in the dark?” The Darkling smirked, walking past the petrified Fjerdan, allowing his shadows to administer a thousand cuts for his transgression.

As he walked toward the middle of the circle, his shadows followed, aiding his Grisha in taking the rest of the Fjerdans so quickly that Y/N gasped.

Looking around in shock, she found Kirigan kneeling beside her.

“You have a knife”, she coughed into her shoulder, “A knife in your chest.”

“I promised”, he gasped for breath as he pulled the knife from his chest. “That I would protect you and I intend to keep the damn promise.”

On the brink of tears, her lips quivered before she laughed. “I thought you’d let them kill me.” Better to laugh than cry, she thought.

Frowning, he shook his head. “That would be too easy”, he waved David over who stood at the tree line, wide eyed. “If anyone’s going to kill you, it should be me.”

Even with tears blurring her vision, she giggled at his stupid remark. She had tried so hard to free herself.

It wasn’t the first time she had been captured by enemies, she knew what to do. But there were so many of them. Each time she freed herself, they would descend upon her. She managed to run, twice, each time they dragged her back kicking and screaming.

Despite his words, Y/N didn’t believe Kirigan would come for her. She had to be her own hero and she tried. In the end, she used everything at her disposal – everything.

Feeling the chains drop, Y/N glances at David, “Thank you.” The ropes were cut as well, but she didn’t move. Truth be told, she wasn’t sure if she could stand on her own and asking for help would wound her. Rubbing her bruised wrists, she reluctantly looked at Kirigan.

“Here”, Kirigan offered his hands. Truth be told, he wanted to carry her, but he knew her pride wouldn’t allow it.

Hissing, she forced herself up despite Kirigan’s offer. “I am perfectly capable of walking on my own.”

He’d have asked her again because she trembled when the wind blew. Her hair was matted with blood, her face red and not from blushing. He could see the damage they’ve done more clearly now as she bent to take a deep breath as if the simple act of breathing hurt her.

Staring at her, he nodded despite his better judgment. Her breathing was ragged, dragging her feet as she walked. She felt his eyes on her, it unnerved her. All she could do is hope her legs don’t give out, but it felt as if they would betray her any moment now.

“Go and make camp ahead”, he ordered his Grisha to speed up as he realized her stubbornness would kill her. Stepping before her, he wrapped an arm around her waist. There would be no asking her for permission this time, he’ll not allow her to deny his help. Hoisting her up in his arm, he held his breath as she cried out in pain.

“I’m sorry”, he whispered, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

How could he not bring any healers? How could he have been so stupid?

Groaning, she sent him a stern glare yet found no anger in his. His eyes are like the ocean - they have the potential to destroy, yet when the waves reach the shore, they dissipate, leaving soft designs in the sand as a gentle reminder of its presence.

Leaning into his embrace, Y/N let out a gentle sigh of resignation. She’s been caught in the riptide and for once, she doesn’t want to fight it.

“I really thought I’d die”, she admits reluctantly.

Feeling him stiffen as he held her in his arms, Y/N frowned. Perhaps she shouldn’t have said that, or anything at all. This isn’t what they do, they don’t bare their hearts open.

“And when I faced death”, she continued regardless. Tilting her head to look up at him, she let out a shuddered exhale. A shy smile adorned her lips as their eyes shared a gaze so tender, an outsider would believe them to be in love.

“I thought how silly it is that I don’t know your first name.”

Snorting, Kirigan raised his eyebrows, “Really?”

“Yes”, she breathes out.

Looking at her now, the Darkling couldn’t believe this is his wife. The woman who infuriates him so often seemed so small, so fragile in his arms. Her gaze held remains of the horrors she was cast into and yet he never saw her as earnest before.

“I married you and I don’t even know your name.”

Licking his lips, he stops. Truth be told, no one actually knows his name. His name was long forgotten, a piece of his soul he had left behind in the fold. He promised himself he’d never utter it while he lives. He had promised he would never be that man again.

Unfortunately for him, he seems to be breaking his promises lately.

He promised her he’d protect her and he failed, just as he promised himself he’d never care for her and yet he does.

“Aleksander”, he mutters, still unsure if it’s the right decision. He placed one of his greatest secrets in the hands of a woman who’d see his world burn. He gave her power she never should possess and yet he’s not afraid. No one could make him fear anything after the ordeal he was put through since she decided to tear down his defenses.  

Smiling softly, she closed her eyes. Resting her head on his shoulder she felt satisfied. It may be small, but finding out his name felt like a victory. She was born to play this game, it was her destiny. He is her destiny.

Waking up, she found herself wrapped in several blankets inside a tent. Grunting, she struggled to sit up on her own. It seemed to be dark still, but she had a blue light lantern lit inside. She may not know who left it there, but Y/N was thankful. Despite her fear of dark, she found it odd she did not fear Aleksander’s darkness at all.

When his shadows nearly encased her in the clearing, she didn’t fret or worry. She smiled.

As contradictory as it may seem, she wished he was with her now. Her entire body ached and still, she was more bothered by the empty spot beside her. Shaking her head, she bites her lower lip. Would it be so bad if she showed a sliver of vulnerability for a single night? Would making a small concession such as this truly take away her power?

Before she has a chance to change her mind, she’s already outside of her tent. The cold chilled her to the bone, biting every inch of exposed skin. Teeth chattering, she looked to the tent next to hers as it was the only one so close – seemingly intentional.

Trying to open it in the cold seemed impossible as her fingers shook violently. Feeling faint, she wondered why she couldn’t just stay in her own tent for the night. Surely it would have been a better idea than to admit she’s scared to be alone.

A warm liquid trickled down her lip and she nearly laughed at her own idiocy. The darkness and cold and her own injuries have all been fairly good reasons for her to just sleep and try to recover and she still tried to find her husband who showed so much disdain for her in the past.

Just as she was about to give up, a familiar head of hair peaked through.

Shivering, she wipes the liquid from under her nose with the back of her hand. Looking at it, she realizes it’s blood. There’s a slightly dazed look in her eyes, the blood loss suffered over the past days leaving its mark.

Looking up at Kirigan, her lips tremble and she sways slightly as her legs threaten to give out. “I didn’t know who else to go to”, she mumbles meekly before collapsing into Kirigan’s arms.

No…Aleksander’s arms.

Pulling her inside, he wrapped her in his arms as she shivered. Covering her with blankets didn’t seem to help either, but he had confidence it would soon enough.

She closed her eyes, clinging to him and selfishly, he smiled. It brought back memories of the night she climbed atop of him to warm up, he assumed. She didn’t know he was awake then, but she did now. She trusted him enough to seek warmth and as her shivers stopped slowly. That’s when the Darkling realized he would never deny her anything she asked of him.

“Fuck”, he whispers under his breath and her eyes open.

He looked at her in a haunted way, a shadow of a bruise marred his jaw and she reached up to touch it, her chest aching when he nuzzled into her palm. They have never been quite as tender with one another, never so intimate. It felt surprisingly nice.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” She asked, feeling so emotionally raw. Physical pain and lingering fear of impending death must have weakened her for a short while. Surely, she can allow herself a few moments of humanity?

He caught her wrist and pulled her hand down to press flat over his heart. “Here.”

Drawing a shuddered breath, her eyebrows knitted in worry. That’s where the knife was, she remembered with guilt. He could have died for her. Hating him requires too much energy; one she had little to spare. For the night, he can just be her husband and she will just be his wife. What harm can it do?

“Why did you come for me? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t fight for me?” Her confidence wavered as he sighed, brushing his fingers along her cheek. Not only did he come for her, but he murdered men for her.

Blinking slow, half in a daze as a low-grade fever began to grip her too, she had no more strength to deny how beautiful he is or how disarming his charm is. He may never love her, but she could…she could love him. If she ever fell for him, she knew she’d never be able to unlove him. She wouldn’t want to and that…that felt oddly comforting. For once, she was too tired to listen to her mind that preferred to set the world on fire rather than care for him.

As her eyes closed and her face relaxed, he stayed awake. He didn’t understand it, but he embraced the warm feeling spreading in his chest as she fell asleep.

“I’d burn this world for you.”

=============================

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PART 7

[iceprincessviviane]

Eyes in the darkness

Paring: Yandere!C!Technoblade x BookwormEnchanter!Female!Reader

Type: Romantic (Technoblade is yandere). Trilogy - part one. Next part.

Warnings: swearing, possessivness, yandere, angst, injury, sugestive content, threats, blood, silly jokes created by me.

Summary: Technoblade was watching Y/N for some time, trying to stay in the shadows. Unfortunately voices and thoughts won against the logic and he want her now on his side forever.

Author's note: Inspiration from a lot of things, but especially: Hades and Persephone, Beauty and the Beast. This used to be oneshot, but I changed my mind, ut will be trilogy. English isn't my first language, so sorry for any mistakes.

Words in red colour are Technoblade's voices.

Words in blue colour are Y/N thoughts.

Y/N didn’t know when was the last time she ran for her life. Probably during one of the pillagers attack on the village or maybe in the Nether. But none of them was that type. Now she was being chased by something way much more dangerous than besties. At the moment, she’s being followed by the Blood God himself. Despite the aching and pain of her muscles and her throat feeling dry from gasping for air, Y/N was still asking herself how did on earth this happen?

~*~

Y/N always loved books and reading, she came to Smp two weeks after Foolish arrival. Actually her friendship with him leaded her here. They exchanged the letters and she was interested in staying somewhere for a while. After some time, she decided to come. Her divine friend already started to build his summer home and had few buildings done. She stayed there for few couple of days, they decided to build something for herself. She already have met most of Smp members including Dream Team, Bench Trio and rest, but owning home, place for stay was good idea. Sometimes Y/N liked to be alone. Eret allowed her to build something behind his castle, it was always nice to have someone close.

It took time before she ended house, it was cozy one with big field in front, farms, cellars and most important - library with enchanting place. It was huge, biggest part of the house with plenty of regals and reading spots. Y/N loved to spend there time and collectin more books or texts. Foolish had a lot of ancient scrolls or manuscripts and liked to share them with her. They could spend hours discussing about their favourite ones.

Books caused that Y/N met Phil, because he was the second person on the Smp, which had great collection from centauries. Shark god took her at trip to Tundra. Y/N was excited to meet such person and nervous too. Happily, everything went all right, Technoblade wasn't that time in home, so they had chilling conversation. Winged man was very curious about her skills and enchants. Of course during his travells and lifespan he met enchanters, but didn't paid much attention to them. Now, he could meet one in chill ocassion. Their three had a lot of talking, giggling and being wholesome. Phil promised to borrow more interesting books and Y/N said, that she can give some enchantments.

When Technoblade came back he immediately felt, that Foolish was there with... someone else... someone new. It smelled like pine and old paper, very nice. Phil told him about visitors and Y/N, he ignored it a little bit, but voices... voices liked this smell a lot.

'So strange.' 'Which woman can smell like that?' 'Where is she living?'

}*{

Y/N was peaceful person with no intention to harm anybody, staying in her place. She stayed in positive relations with almost everyone, providing needed enchantments and helping caused, that a lot of members were friendly to her. Y/N liked to hanging out with Bench Trio, although they were sometimes so chaotic. Usually she went mining with Ranboo, when it was needed, cutting trees with Tommy for his buildings and staying in Snowchester with Tubbo. That is why she came with almost everyone, when Tommy and Tubbo were in Dream bunkier fighting with him. Discs were just items, but... Dream's obsession, it was dangerous and teenagers were her friends. After that a lot of things changed. Putting him into Pandora's Vault was meant to protect them, but she was getting cold shivers each time she looked at black walls of prison. Knowing that everyone could be locked there...

After Egg's influence grew stronger she tried to find some infromations about it and how could ghe possible defeat it, but that took time. Foolish and Phil were so helpful handing their ancient texts, to make research. Suddenly with crimson vines everywhere, Smp became less safer, at least she felt it that way. More members were busy with their business and stuff, they finally could do them, when Dream was locked. For example Foolish agreed to build big mansion for Tubbo and Ranboo, which got platonical marriage and Tommy started his hotel. Meeting Michael was so wholesome and funny, little zombie piglin started to like her and at each visit she read him fairy tales and stories.

Y/N decided to not think about bad sides of Smp, just being busy and tried to help, if someone needed it. Before Doomsday wandering around could be dangerous, especially for La'Manburg citizens, because Dream and Technoblade were unpleasant for them. Now she enjoyed visiting almost everyone everywhere. After a few visits, she could tell that something was wrong, Y/N couldn't tell what, but it was almost like being watched, blaming Egg and vines was her answer for that, but actually why? Why did it do that? She would never joined their side. Never ever. Sometimes she spotted the Phil's corws, but that wasn't a s surprise, birds were telling him a lot of informations around the Smp. Easy way to know almost everything.

}*{

Y/N was heading to her house, stepping at Prime Path. In opposite direction she spotted Quackity, slowly walking by from prison direction, which was surprise. She smiled softly to him and he smiled back.

"What's up?" Big Q asked when got closer to her.

"It's good I am coming back home, need to eat and get some nap, and you?"

"I... ended some buisness." His face stiffened and his look became more serious.

Y/N nodded little unsure about his changed emotions. Suddenly she spotted that his sleeve is covered in fresh blood.

"Are you hurt?" She asked worried.

Quckity looked at his shirt as surprised as she and frowned, he checked axe which hanged down from his belt.

"I guess so then, but I don't know where did that come from."

"Let me take care of this." Y/N suggested with warm smile. "My home is closer than Las Nevadas."

After a few moments he nodded in agreement. They together headed to her place. Weather started to become stormy, dark cloud covered the sun, threating to start raining.

Then went inside, but when she was closing door, feeling of being watched hit her with dubled strength. House was in the spine forest, but fenced and had a gate. In filed were some farms, trees and small garden, but everything seemed to look normal. Big Q sat on the couch in living room and Y/N brought bandages, water in bowl and even healing potion. He rose sleeve, wound wasn't long, but deep, something cut his arm, probably weapon.

"It doesn't look good, but you will be okay." She said after looking at cut.

"Good." He sighed with relief.

"What did make it? Do you have an idea?"

Big Q looked dead in her eyes and remained silence. Of course he knew what, but he didn't even noticed the wound before leaving the prison. Well, someone will pay for this.

"Maybe working at Las Nevadas, you know... I am still building there." He spoke after a while.

"Oh... ye you have right, but be careful next time." Y/N suggested and started to work on cut carefuly. Starting on cleaning, then gently bandaged it.

"Thank you." Big Q said after seeing the results.

"No problem, just don't walk around with untreated wound." Y/N giggled softly.

He stood up and moved his eyes on windows. Black clouds didn't go away, even became worse.

"I will go now, weather is getting worse, I want to be in home before storm." Big Q said with soft smile.

"Of course, see you next time."

After he left, big storm came, darkness fell upon the Smp, rain and wind were too strong, for coming outside. Y/N decieded to take a chance and nap. She baked some cookies and sit down on a couch with another book, which Phil borrowed her. Only the torches gave light, sometimes thunderbolt stroke and filled room with unatural blue light. Drops hit hardly, making loud sounds, but Y/N was too much into a book. Two hours has passed and slowly night was coming. She moved eyes to meet clock, yep that was supper time, put the book away and up, Gods thr storm didn't let go. Y/N watched for a while outside, then go to kitched. She grabbed blanket and wrapped it around her posture, damn there were cold.

Again feeling of being watched kicked in. She was alone at home, that was sure thing. Outside was deep dark and behind the windows was the wall of the water. Y/N bite her lip and shook head, it was just her imagination, a feeling which stayed for no reason after putting Dream into Pandora's Vault. She took an kettle and suddenly was seeing something in the corner of the eye, something red and unusual in the spine forest. Her figure frozen when she moved back eyes. Deep in the dark, around sprouce trees in the line of forest, Y/N spotted pair of shinning, red eyes, high above the ground. They were locked at her figure.

'This has to be spider... or something else...'

Right after this thought, ceature turned back and disappeard in the darkness, cold shiver went down at Y/N spine. What was that? And why it was here? At least she was safe in home...

}*{

'More.' 'Training is boring, let's find someone to fight.' 'We demand blood.'

Technoblade sighed and stopped, voices today were very, very loud. That was why he decided to train, but during it, they became even worse. He hid sword and walked into home. Phil wasn't here today, he had to do something, but didn't bother to tell him what it was. Blade went back to home by his old path through the forest. His training place was near the cottage, but still hidden from common people. All members of Syndicate knew where it was. First of all he need to take shower. When cold water touched his skin, he felt like even his bloodlust became less, quiet hiss left his lips. He earned some chafings this week. Next, he changed his clothes to common and made a cup of tea, then sit in the kitchen. Immediately his thoughts went to Y/N.

Somehow voices were acting diffrent around her and he even found himself acting that way. They were focused around Y/N and he was more calm, like just her pressence was comforting him. Technoblade remembered their first meeting, it was common day, when someone knocked on the door. He opened it and rose his eyebrows in surprise, outside was standing fragile woman, without any armor and only with trident on her back. They shared awkward eye contact, when suddenly she introduced herself as Y/N. Of course he saw her couple of times, but it wasn't officialy. Y/N has known who was he for sure, she swallowed hard and looked down with shyness. Phil yelled across the room, that she could come in. Ah yes... she loved to read books and his old friend was borrowing her them a lot. Technoblade again felt the spine and old papers smell, for him, it could stay here forever. After short visit, Y/N took books, gave back book of enchantment and left.

Techno's curiosity has increased, when he heard about her more. She was peaceful, friendly soul, completly opposite of him, maybe that was, why he felt so... diffrent around her and voices too. Piglin hybrid enjoyed watching her from the distance, in the shadows, but lately... lately it wasn't enough. Now he wanted to breathe at Y/N scent, holding her close and pressed soft kisses at forehead. He was under voices pressure so long and now his salvation was so close. But what would he make it? As longer he has thought of that, a diffrent ideas came to his head. She was delicate creature, he had to get plan at all. Techno knew almost everything about her: hobbies, traditions, friends and fighting skills. Phil told him a lot about enchanters, they could make enchanting books after years of studying and had magic talent sometimes. As they knew, Y/N could enchant books at any spell, so she had to studied a lot. Technoblade sighed and grabbed his cloak, time to keep an eye on few things.

'Let's not go quietly!' 'Let's go quiet as grave...' 'Blood for the Blood God!'

}*{

That was busy week, Y/N could only one time saw Foolish and Phil, but whole Smp seemed a little bit diffrent... luckily she was able to go on mining trip with Ranboo and Eret visited her with a couple of books, which were about Smp. Now was afternoon and sun slowly started to set, she was heading to her house, where waited for her snow fox, which she found in Snowchester. Cute, little ball of fur stole Y/N heart immediately. When she finally stepped inside, Snowflake - that how she named it, ran into her squeaking high.

"What happend my little one?" She knelt down and pet it's head.

Fox looked at her with big brown eyes and squeaked once more, then jump into her arms.

"Oh oh oh... are you afraid of something?" Y/N hugged Snowflake and looked around. Everything in home seemed normal, door was closed, in a field same, animals were quite nervous, but everything was good. She frowned and stepped inside, then put fox into basket with small blanket.

"I will bring you some berries, you will like it for sure." Y/N smiled gently.

Unfortunately, she didn't have any at this moment in home, Snowflake was there only for three days, so she couldn't make berries farm so fast, because she had to set up a space. Luckily, she lived around coniferous forest, so didn't even hesiatate, Y/N just grabbed backpack and went outside. Sun was lower in the sky, but still it was warm and brightly. Birds were humming quietly and around was quite quiet. Berries bush weren't so far, she founed some, but in order to make supplies, decided to find more, then plant them around the house. It would spared the time and work.

"Y/N." She heard deep, lazy voice and immediately turned at it's direction.

The Blade was standing under big sprouce tree with satisfied grinn on his lips. Eyes locked on Y/N figure, which completly froze at the sight of him. She have never been with him alone, in tundra always Phil or Ranboo were around, now it felt... strange and risky, she still remembered what happend to La'Manburg citizens.

"Technoblade." Y/N spoke softly, being careful to not crack her voice, despite building feeling of fear. She noticed, that piglin hybrid under his royal, crimson cloak was wearing armor, probably not his best one, but still enough to win fight. Part of hair made into bun, rest were freely in his back and shoulders. From his belt was hanging netherite sword and netherite axe was sticking out from behind. She spotted, that his weapons were a little covered in blood, same as his sleeves and parts of shirt. He was killing monsters right? Or just hunting? Uncomfortable, awkward silence reminded between them, only forest noises distrubed it from time to time.

Voices were too loud today, too agressive, too greedy, killing monsters and pillagers wasn't enough, Quackity has already tasted his steel, well he deserved that after showing up in Y/N home. He had so much fun with him, but after that he needed some rest, comfort and calm. That is why without even thinking too much Technoblade went straight to Y/N house. He hoped, that everything will change, that he finally will has some break from voices, violence and killing. Of course he liked his way to be... but yes sometimes, you have to make a nap.

"Are you wounded?" Y/N asked quietly breaking the silence. After all, if he needed help, she would help him, without hesitation.

Technoblade's grinn became more sinister, he put hand on sword hilt and slowly tilted his head on right side.

"This isn't my blood." He said without caring at all.

"Oh, that's good then..." Y/N whispered, but he could hear that.

Piglin hybrid studied her posture, she had only trident at her back, backpack in left hand, no armor, no more weapons. Poor little girl, that's not how you are going outside your home, she was literally unarmed in his eyes.

"So... what are you doing here? Alone? In the forest?" Technoblade asked and moved closer to her.

The way he spoke these words, made Y/N shiver inside, outside, she grabbed her backpack harder. Surely there was nothing to worry about, she has never done something wrong to him or Philza, she wasn't dangerous or wanted to has any power. Techno is probably just passing by. Suddenly he was so close, now she could for real see the height diffrence, for the gods sake, her head reached around his breastbone. Y/N looked up only to meet piglin hybrid's burning gaze.

"I... I was collecting berries for my snow fox. Something scared her, so I thought that she will calm down after getting some and I ran out of them..." she suttered and swallow hard.

"How sweet." Technoblade commented and his smile widened.

"So... you are just passing by?"

"Not really."

Sudden grip on her chin caught Y/N off guard. Technoblade forced her to look straight into his eyes. His face stiffened a little bit, she hissed quietly, when claws touched harder gentle skin. Then she realised... Blade's eyes were red and she heard, that it could glow in darkness. Her skin became pale and pupils widened. It was him, that time during a storm, he was watching her...

"What are you doing?" Y/N asked quietly, without any clue, what was going on.

'She is so innocent.' 'We love her scent.' 'Let her know.'

"I have something to tell you." He leaned and immediately her scent hit him harder, resisting to take deep breath wasn't that easy.

"What excatly?"

"I was watching you for a while Y/N. Belive me or not I found that interesting, because your pressence is calming for me, I can fall asleep while listening your voice and push away my violence behaviour, when you are around." He stroked her cheek by his thumb and smiled haughty. "I am always getting , what I want and I want that so badly, you can't even imagine."

Y/N shook head and made few steps back, leaving his grip, couldn't belive what she just heard. That's impossible.

"I don't know what to say... I can admit, that I had strange feeling of being watching but... I blamed the Egg..." She looked deep into his eyes, trying to put everything together. "What do you mean, you are always getting, what are you want? How am I suppose to understand that?"

"Listen sweetheart, we can do this in two diffrent ways: good or bad. If you choose first one, fine politely you will go with me. Second way? Well I can be very convincing, when I want to." Technoblade frowned.

None of this options was good for her. Y/N sighed and her shoulders dropped. She couldn't do anything literally...

"Come on princess. I can take care of you, I promise, you will be happy." He gave her his hand, but gripped sword hilt harder.

Y/N always avoided the conflicts and argues, never has started any, that was easier and better way to live. She could take care of her interests, powers anf friends by being supportive or neutral. Technoblade's behaviour made her shiver and feel sick, there was no guarantee that he will keep his words, even if it were sweet and promising. Y/N knew that fighting him was pointlees, he were ten thousand better than her, she didn't even have armor or second weapon. But surrender just like that? Without any resistance? She always was determinated, miss 'you can always find a way, solution'. Not a chance.

"I think I have better option, which lay in the middle." Y/N smiled gently.

"Well, tell me then." Technoblade rose his eyebrows with curiosity.

With one smooth move, she put backpack on and immediately started to run. The Blade's pupils widened, he burst out laughing.

"It will be funny."

She has known, that she needed to lose him in forest. Going to home wouldn't help, because door or gate couldn't stop Blood God. Lost him and then ran away from Smp, at least her current living location. Y/N realized that she couldn't even ask for help anyone. Probably Technoblade would come after her friends, helpers, so that was it. Y/N versus The Blade, she was on her own.

'How did she dare to run away from us?!' 'Chase her, catch her.' 'Faster, faster, faster!'

It seemed like running away from Tommy for fun, came in handy and long trips with Ranboo caused her to move fast through forest. Y/N nimbly jumped over obstacles and avoid rocks or roots. Her pace wasn't the fastes, but she could hold it for pretty long time. She wasn't thinking a lot, just tried to run away as far as she could.

'Don't look back, don't look back, it will make you slower.'

Hiding could be good idea, but not now. As long as he was close, she couldn't stop at all. Breaking through the forest was only hearing noise, soon, she heard her heavy breathing. Heading to unknown direction wasn't so wisely, but Y/N had no choice. After a few minutes, she stopped to catch breath. Around was sudden so quiet, cold shiver went down at her spine. Too quiet.

"Already tired?" Technoblade's voice surprised her from left side.

She turned head, just to see him leaning against the tree. In his right hand he held sword, didn't even look like he was running.

"You can't outrun me little one. A lot of people tried, now they are dead." He aimed sword at her. "We can end this farce here. I am not mad, honestly, you made me smile a little bit."

"You will have to catch me, if you want me going with you." Y/N said and then continue to run away.

"Oh I will princess, that's what predator does to the prey."

Y/N started to feel really tired, muscles aching, throat dry from gasping for air, hair dispelled and cheeks red. She ran for a while, but now had to stop. Technoblade immediately appeared in her field of vision. He was walking carefuly, but still looked intimidating.

"Don't come closer!" She released a cry.

Piglin hybrid stopped about eight meters away. He leaned sword against the ground and looked at her with curious gaze.

'Here she is, our reward.' 'Let's finally take her with us.' 'We like that sound.'

"I think, I just caught you." A little grinn appeared on his lips.

She looked straight into his eyes. Her gaze full of fear met a calm and determination. Y/N didn't even want to think what would happend, if he fulfilled his desires. Gods sake, she was free human being, none could take her freedom, she didn't ask for this. In an act of desperation, with the last of her strength, she used her powers. Feeling of warm through fingers and energy drained from her veins, but then burning light. In Technoblade's towards direction flew literally fireball, but he was too skilled for this. He made a dodge and looked at Y/N with mix of proud and shock. She dropped to her knees, struggling to stay conscious, despite the pain at her whole body and tired mind and unclear vision. Technoblade immediately was with her, he knelt down and support her, by putting arm around her waist. Y/N leaned back against his chest, fatigue prevailed over reason.

"Enough for today princess. You run out, if you will keep resisting." He whispered calmly.

"Please, please... please I don't want this, I want to go home." Her voice was cracking, tears strimming down at her cheeks.

"Hush darling, everything will be all right."

Technoblade's body radiated warm, his tone suddenly was so calming and sleepy. She wanted to close eyes so badly, but still fear was too big.

"You are safe, nothing can hurt you I promise."

After this words Y/N gave up and lost consciousness. Sun went down and shadows became longer and darker.

}*{

Phil careful closed the doors, then walked quietly down. Technoblade sat in kitchen with cup of hot tea, he immediately looked at his old friend, his eyes were worrying.

"Y/N is good, she lost consciousness, because was too tired. You said that, she used her powers."

"It was literally fireball, but I dodge that easy."

"Well, now we know about her powers at least... interesting, what you are going to do, when she wake up?" Phil asked and sat in opposite site.

"I know, that you are not glad about this, but I will figure this out. She won't cause any troubles." Techno's voice became deeper.

Winged man sighed and looked at his friend. He knew what he was going through, when voices became louder and demanded blood, each moment of silence or when they were quiet, Technoblade cherished and tried to make it worth. Phil couldn't be angry or mad for his friend about that deed, but... he was torn.

"Come on spit it out. I can see that you want to tell something important." Piglin hybrid said slowly.

"We were through a lot of shit, we know each other for almost ages and we blew up the nation for gods sake, kidnapping isn't the worst thing you have done, but..." Phil started and looked at Techno. "I wish you best and everything good, but I don't know how will I act around. Y/N has come to me for books, we were talking about stuff, I gave her cookies and tea. How will I explain, that I am supporting your decision? And I am always on your side." Phil said aloud his worries.

"I will give her time to get used to. After certain amount of time Y/N will understand." The Blade was lost in his thoughts.

He was so greatful of his friend statement, but still a little bit unsure. This case shloudn't affect on their relationship or Phil's life. Honestly Technoblade belived that his pressence will comfort Y/N at least, as he said they were close and enjoyed each other company.

"Someone will notice her disappering. What then? And Ranboo is visiting us a lot." Phil sighed a little.

"I've got this, trust me."

"I trust you with my own life." Winged man nodded.

}*{

Sunlight kissed her skin gently, when it showed up on window. Y/N felt softness under herself and on her back. Quiet sigh left her lips, when she opened eyes. In the room was very bright, but for sure it wasn't her room. Immediately cold shiver went down at her spine. Still weak, she tried to lift herself, because she was lying on stomach. Bed was big, with good beddings and pillows.

"Don't move, you are still weak." Technoblade's voice was soft, but loud.

Y/N bite her lip and then lifted head. He was standing near the bed and observing curiously, looking completly diffrent. White, linen shirt and high waisted, leather trousers, hair braided tighly. In this version he was... more open and accessible, not so scary.

"Where am I?" She asked slowly and rolled at her back with quiet hiss. Muscles still hurt and throat was dry.

"In my house, in tundra safe and..." He cut off, while noticed that Y/N is trying to get up. "What did I say?" He stepped closer and sat on bed.

She sat unsure on mattress, just to met Technoblade here, he gripped again her chin, as in the forest and forced her to look at him. This time it was more gently.

"Darling please..."

"You can't take my freedom!"

His eyes darkened immediately and Y/N regreted her words. She swallowed hard, when Blade looked deep into her eyes.

"Of course I can and I will, if you don't behave good. If you didn't notice, you aren't chained or tied, but pretty comfy in my bed." He said slowly with threat in his voice. "Think about it."

Technoblade released her and got up. She looked down thinking about situation, yes he didn't tied her, but still it wasn't good case. Y/N just wanted to be free, do stuff which she want and meet friends. Maybe Smp wasn't perfect, but still now it was her home, there were a lot of wars or argues, but she still had house and persons which she cared about and this was mutual, now everything was unsure.

"I am just afraid... " Y/N whispered quietly.

"As I said earlier you are safe here, you are safe with me. Nothing can hurt you." Techno grabbed bowl with soup and came back. "Here, eat, you need to recover."

"Thanks." She smiled weakly to him, took bowl and started to eat slowly.

'Good girl.' 'She will behave for sure.' 'We can teach her a lesson.'

Y/N was napping for the rest of the day, Technoblade gave her one of their books, so she wasn't bored. Probably tomorrow or next day she will stand up.

The sound of closing doors, caused her to closed book and put it away. Piglin smiled gently and took off his shirt suddenly. Y/N eyes became big.

"Wait wait wait..."

"Calm down princess, I am just going to sleep, nothing else." Technoblade smirked for her panic.

"So... where shloud I move?" Y/N asked looking around the room.

"Nowhere. You are staying here with me."

Immediately her cheeks went slighty red. She looked at him curiously. His pink skin seemed gentle from the distance, a lot of scars marked his chest and arms. Some of them little, some of them large, the biggest one was through both sides of chest. Technoblade released his hair and came closer. Y/N moved to make him some space. He laid down, she followed his steps but remain distance.

"Goodnight." She said and turned back from him.

"Goodnight sweetheart."

He blow up torches near the bed and silence fell upon them. Not even a five minutes passed, when Y/N felt sudden grip on her waist. She froze, Technoblade hugged her and pressed kiss on her shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Quiet whisper left her lips.

"Snuggling and cuddling." He whispered softly.

Y/N couldn't help, she giggled quietly. Techno took this as premission, her back touched his chest and second hand slowly stroked her hair.