#definitely better than the other vampire dog

[femslashspuffy]

I would keep Zoltan as a pet he seems like a good boy

[autistichalsin]

So I don't usually post all that many Astarion thoughts here, but I have noticed that some people feel that a certain set of lines spawn Astarion and ascended Astarion have in the new evil endings would have been better suited for the other. Namely, after the Dark Urge stabs either of them, Spawn Astarion cries, "I should have killed you when I had the chance!" while Ascended Astarion breaks down into inelegant blubbering, "no! No, this can't be. I can't- you can't- no!"

And I can definitely understand where it might feel like these would be better responses for the other- but I happen to completely disagree.

So, Astarion, first and foremost, is a fear-driven person after what he's been through. Everything- manipulating others, seeking power, lacking empathy- comes from his belief that power is all that matters, the only way to avoid being hurt, and only his quest to become the powerful one at last matters.

Through his friendship or romance (in this case, obviously, romance) with the player, though, he starts to find this being challenged. He sees genuine kindness for the first time. No expectations that he lay down his body to get advantages. No using him. His dignity and boundaries respected for the first time that he can remember. This is set against the backdrop of Cazador and the other spawn. If he kills them and takes Cazador's power, he can become powerful enough to never fear again. But if he doesn't, he can be something more than the game Cazador pulled him into when he made him a spawn.

Your confrontation with Cazador is the moment you either entrench Astarion in this belief, or free him from it. If you let him ascend, he becomes all-powerful- at the cost of believing forever that the world is nothing more than an extended power trip, a system where by necessity there are lower people and higher people and only the strong can be free. And he has finally become the strongest of the strong.

So imagine his surprise when you, who he thought was under his thumb, grab more power than him and kill him just like that. No chance to fight back or use his vampire lord powers. He went through all that, sacrificed the core of who he was- and it still wasn't enough. His one concession to his dog-eat-dog philosophy, his love for you, was the thing that let him die. No wonder, then, that all he can do is babble out something between disbelief, a plea, and a last attempt to assert power over you. He was as powerful as he ever could have hoped to be, and he still lost, cast aside by you as soon as he was no longer useful.

Meanwhile, there's spawn Astarion, weaker in every measure- but free of his belief that power is all that matters. He's fought hard and discarded Cazador entirely- including all the power he offered. He committed himself to becoming better. To experiencing a life where things like happiness and love have just as much of a place as sheer power. And he was enjoying it, too, especially with you at his side.

And then you show him that that was all a lie, that he may very well have made the wrong choice by abandoning all that; for all he knows, you may even have talked him out of the ritual specifically so he would be easier to kill later.

So it's not disbelief and begging. Spawn Astarion actually loved and trusted you and foresook his social-Darwinist beliefs for you; what he feels is raw betrayal. And betrayal gives way to anger rapidly. So instead, he's the one cursing you with his last breath. Lamenting that he let you live at all, let alone falling in love with you.

Ascended Astarion became more powerful but more arrogant, so his reaction is that of someone who can't wrap his head around how this could have happened. Spawn Astarion foresook power for the sake of a real relationship with you, so his reaction is utter fury and betrayal.

[deepestdelulu]

30 Things To Make Life Unforgettable

Appreciating life is one of the things I´ve learned this year, small things, happy moments... All of them are valuable for who we are as well as who we will become. However, we are not conscious of what we have, all the feellings we are experimenting and the opportunities we are losing for doing other things (such as being on our phones 5+ hours). I hope this list helps you making life a little bit simpler.

Walking in the rain. In my city rains a lot, so I´m not going to propose you going to the beach, since I can´t (obv you can do it), we have to adapt ourselves to what we have, and rain is one of my favourite things, I used to hate it when I was younger tho.

Spend your day in a cozy cafe. Not only can you have a coffee, but you can also read, study and be productive. The bes part is that you are experimenting new things, being productive and having fun with a hot coffe/tea.

Put your phone away. Be present babe, this is all what we have, you want to live your life, don´t you? Then start doing it, of course you are not going to live advemtures everyday, but at least you can try it. :)

Learn new things. It will never be a waste of time knowledge.

Be more passionate and intense. Who cares if you are too much? It only matters what YOU want.

Trying new recipees. I didn´t use to be a big fan of cooking, but I tried it few months ago, and let me tell you, all I do naw are bisquits for people I care.

More museums, more art gallery. I´ve always wanted to give mysterious girl vibes (I´m a yapper but introverted at the same time) you can always try reading in a museum.

"For the plot" mindset. My friends and I sometimes play saying yes to almost everything, just to see hwo things develop. It´s very fun:)

Bucketlisting. In a world of consumerism no one can scape

Trying something new. I started dancing, and I feel so energetic.

Learning to be alone. I do have a post about it :) go check it after this one.

Candle+Sweater=Coziness. Scented candles, my bff in autumn/winter.

Book annotating. It helps focusing, you can go through your notes after it and in my opinion creates more powerful bonds with the story and you.

Old classic books. Culture girls are the hottest.

Cooking your own meals. It's such a simple and sweet act of self-care. You can also try making your own Jam or something.

Doing things that you enjoyed as a child. My favorites are horse riding, swimming, baking, and bubble baths.

Buying flowers for yourself. It doesn't have to be an expensive and fancy bouquet, just some pretty flowers for your room.

Doing your nails. I like red wine ones, makes me feel like a vampire!

Taking more Photos. You can also buy a cool vintage camera (I recommend looking on eBay!) to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Trying crochet, knitting, or sewing. I'm trying to crochet a sweater for my dog right now, haha.

Planting a plant. I tried to plant an avocado, but it didn´t grow as i expected, although i´ll keep trying it

Making plans with your friends like going on a picnic. You could plan some themed picnics like cottagecore, homemade food from your culture, strawberries, and so on; also a great opportunity to take some pictures!

Do volunteer work. Tried it last year, it was so fun to learn new skills and meeting new people while trying to make world better.

Writing a diary. Writing down things that have happened and looking back at them feels really lovely to me.

Writing letters to your friends. Letters just feel more personal than text; you can also keep them as a memory.

Dressing in a way that makes you feel happy. Wearing outfits that make you feel confident will definitely make life better.

Petting stray cats. I love cats.

Starting to collect something. You could collect something small like jewelry or postcards!

Playing music in the background while doing stuff. I can't stop listening to the lofi girl stream on youtube, haha.

Going on gloomy walks in the Forrest. Name something more comforting. I will wait.

Please feel free to add more suggestions in the comments! <3

✩‧₊*:・love ya ･:*₊‧

[random-introverted-blog]

Come Home To Me [Ascended!Astarion x F!Reader]

The 10MB limit will be the death of me

Intended Audience: Mature [May ratings never stop you]

Who be smoochin?: Astarion x F!Reader

The Bit: You leave Astarion, save the day and go back to your hometown to live happily ever after with your family. Good thing he's not your crazy jealous ex. Otherwise who knows what he'd do when he found you? Happily minding your own business? oh, perish the thought, darling. Oh, and some time later you accidentally die without permission. He is not a happy camper about any of this. He may or may not raze your town and kill your family in the process...

Warnings/Advisories: It's Ascended!Astarion, guys. Come on. Still need me to explain? Fine. *Unfurls the world's longest scroll* Expect yandere elements, forced vampirism [yes...], intentional manipulation to cause Stockholm Syndrome. Emotional abuse by proxy, possessive behavior *pauses to shimmy more of the scroll into view* "you have a sister and she kinda a thirsty ho but we don't judge you go queen". And violence. Of the graphic variety. "I would have given you a dog, but he'd have probably killed the dog". Everything is (literally) on fire. And death. Lots of it. ANGST. Bad ending? Depends on what you consider bad. If you like obsessive yandere vampire boys then it's probably a good ending for you.

Words, all the words (count) : 4,001 baebeee

And away, we... GO

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The last thing you said to him about it was in reply to his hurtful comments.

"Well, that's fine with me. My home isn't with you, anyway."

It had been some time since you defeated the Absolute and your quiet little hamlet had remained such since your triumphant return. Hardly a thing had changed, not the Wilks farmstead, not the general store, not even that old and tipping wooden signpost. Few of your companions knew of the place you called home. He had never asked; you had never told, and it seems it was a blessing you hadn't. The last thing you wanted was for him to stroll into town and go out of his way to remind you how happy he was without you.

Which definitely seemed like a thing he would do.

As if he didn't have better things to do.

Thankfully, it sounds like he has. Such an opportunity to take Baldur's Gate by the throat was one only a fool would pass up. And Astarion Ancunín was certainly no fool. In no time, he had charmed and maneuvered himself to the top of the food-chain. By means of persuasion, intimidation... and a tactic of his you're intimately familiar with.

Seduction.

Oh, the rumors of who he has or hasn't slept with. Was it necessary to get where he was now? No. It was a display of power now. Dominance. He could have anything and anyone he wanted, anyone he deemed worth his whim, and there wasn't a damn thing anyone could do to stop it. And clearly, he didn't want you.

It stung a little. You had genuinely fallen in love with the man he used to be. But that was the keyword, wasn't it? He used to be. The man he had become now was a stranger. The warmth that once resided in his eyes had been replaced by a chilling, calculating gaze. Gods, why didn't he just listen to you? He didn't need the ritual. He was already more than enough...

With a shake of your head, you stepped out the front door of your small, two floor cottage and made the brief journey to your parents' house. A smile curled your lips when you saw your older sister waiting for you outside "Y/N, you're late!" She scolds with a laugh, throwing her arms around you.

A roll of your eyes and you returned her hug. "An adventurer is never late. They arrive always when they intend to."

"Sounds like a fancy way of admitting you're always late to me." Your brother remarks gruffly. Your mother not far behind. "You sure your time as a big hero didn't go to your head?" He adds with a raise of his eyebrow.

You move away from your sister and embrace your mother first, then your brother. "I kind of had other things in my head then, brother dearest," you remind them with a small laugh.

Your mother lightly smacked your brother's large arm and narrowed her eyes. "Don't drive her away with that attitude of yours, unless you want her to return to adventuring!" She scolds with a playful glint in her gaze.

A sigh escaped your lips. It had been five long years since you've taken up your old gear and hit the road. Part of you missed it. But you'd never admit that to her. She was just so glad to have you home, you couldn't bear to take that from her. Not after your father had passed while you were out saving the world.

"Come now, my starlings, I've got your sister's favorite on the stove for lunch," she cooed and herded the three of you inside. And like every time you come over, you spend your time regaling them of your journey and heroics. Of your friends' camaraderie around the campfire. From Wyll's many dances with Karlach, Shadowhearts' best snarky comebacks, Gale's incredible displays of powerful magic and Lae'zel's discipline, her culture and brutal efficiency.

And every time, you noticed the look your brother would give. Initially, you thought it was protectiveness. No matter how much you tried to downplay it, your family was acutely aware of the gravity of your situation back then. Perhaps your brother was merely thinking how many times they came so close to losing you, without them realizing it.

Maybe it was partly true, but it certainly was not the only reason. "Sister, I'm sorry but I must ask..." He began, gently clearing his throat as he leaned back in his chair, across the table from you. "I was in the Gate not too long ago and heard... things. That you never seem to mention yourself..."

Despite your efforts to wrack your brain, you come up blank and draw your brows together. You cast a glance at your sister beside you and your mother, beside your brother. They don't seem as confused as you... "Lord Ancunín, was he not a companion of yours? They say he is also a Hero of Baldur's Gate."

"Yes." You answer sharply, also leaning back in your chair. "And you heard he and I were involved, I take it? That's what this is about?" You were getting defensive. You knew it, but you couldn't stop it. Even now, the damned elf was a sore spot for you.

The man your brother was, he never backed down or cowed away from anything, hardly ever you and only consistently your mother. He dipped his chin and held your glare. "Did he hurt you?" He asked, his words blunt but his tone low.

You chuckle dryly, and your gaze immediately flicks towards the door. "What does it matter? It was five years ago. Astarion and I were in love, yes, love. And then he took a path I couldn't follow in good conscience. So we did what we had to, then went our separate ways."

He paused, considering your response. Your sister was practically biting her nails in an effort to silence all the questions she had for you about your evidently dramatic love life. Your mother gave you the worst look of them all.

Pity.

"If it is as you say, little sister. Then I can only commend you for remembering your worth. From what I gather, he is not a man worthy of your attention," he says with a stiff nod.

A weak smile tugs at the corner of your lips. "He was. Once..."

"So what was he like? Was he as charming and beautiful as they say he is in person?" Your sister gushes as soon as she deems there's an opening in the conversation.

You hold up a hand to stop your brother and mother from scolding her. Somehow she's older than you, if only by two years. "Yes, and yes. Even after we broke up, I found him painfully gorgeous. His voice was like velvet, he was smart and witty and knew just what to say..." now that the cat was out of the bag, so to speak, you decided to indulge your sister's silly fascination about your ex. If just for today.

Afterward, the three of you, as always, did the remaining housework for your mother. A gesture of gratitude for everything she had done for you all as children, and still into adulthood. Life without your father had noticeably taken its toll, hence why your siblings had moved back home. None of them had outside obligations, and you were still trying to settle down from your adventuring days and really needed the quiet.

On your way out the door, intent on your cottage for the evening, your mother touched your arm. "Before I forget, starling!" she says, reaching for the small table next to the door, "this came here, addressed to you."

She extends her hand, offering you a letter adorned with a peculiar and ornate wax seal. You turn it over once or twice in your hand before smiling and thanking her. Odd. The only ones who wrote to you were Shadowheart and Gale and not only did they know to send your letters to your home, but they didn't use wax seals either. Not even Gale.

No one else knew where your hometown was. Even fewer that you returned here after your party disbanded. So who else could have sent it? That is clearly your name above the seal. It was not a mistake on the courier's part. But then, that was the only way this made much sense. Who could have found, cared enough to write and send a letter to you after all this time? To the wrong house, to boot?

It was a persistent question that nagged at you, making the walk home feel longer than usual. Paying only mild attention to the eerie stillness in the cool night air.

You set it down on your kitchen table to turn on the lanterns around your cottage, illuminating the room with a soft, golden glow before you decide to open it at last. The letter revealed its contents - or lack thereof, as you unfolded it and saw only two lines in the center of the parchment.

Playtime is over, pet.

It's time for you to come home.

For a moment, and only a moment, your brows draw together. And when it clicks in your mind, you toss the letter on the table as if it's poisoned, or worse, Him and you paced restlessly in front of your table. Fixated on the parchment, as if it might attack you when you least expect it. What could he possibly want now? Half a decade later, you've moved on. Hadn't he? How many others had he taken to his bed since you went your separate ways? Couldn't he have busied himself with them instead? Out of all those partners, a plethora of variety, you were sure, not a one of them had held his attention for at least a decade? And why, by all the gods above and below, did he send it to your mother's house? Such a careless mistake was unlike him. If he had gone through all this effort to find you, surely he had to at least know where you actually lived in town.

Your heart sunk as the thought crossed your mind.

It wasn't a mistake. He doesn't just know where you live...

A scream rang out, snapping your eyes to the door. More shrieks followed, and you darted to the window. Faces ran frantically down and up the road, smoke billowed into night sky, dusted with stars, from closer to the village center. You clenched your teeth, giving yourself a moment to seethe with anger before rushing upstairs to the chest at the foot of your bed. Did you have time to equip your armor? Most likely, not. Best to take your weapons. The sooner you're outside, the better.

Prepared as you were ever going to be, you dashed down the stairs and shouldered your front door open. The raiders were already in front of your house. You recognized the hauntingly pale, lifeless face of Gregory, the barman, in the claws of a half elf. His sharp red eyes weredistant as he gorges on his meal, mouth latched tight to Gregory's neck.

"Another!" cheered a nasally voice behind you. Two spawn leaped down from the thatch roof of your home. Quickly closing in. The human woman continued, "Ohh, I can taste this one already! How delicious! Perhaps I should save some for Master—"

"Don't be foolish!" hissed the half elf, tossing the drained body aside. "Master said our reward was a feast, and I intend to feast!" He lunged, fangs glistening with fresh blood in the dim light. Experience traveling with at least one vampire had prepared you for the tactic, and you stepped out of the way with ease.

It was the halfling that seemed the only one not mad with bloodlust. "B-but Master said... there was one we couldn't..." she stammered, eyeing you almost with recognition.

But the other two ignored her and threw themselves at you again.

Despite the boredom that consumed your life over the past few years, you were unwavering in your commitment to staying in shape and proficient in combat. You sparred regularly with the local guards, who were more than happy to help. They learned a few things in turn, after all, from the Hero of Baldur's Gate. So staying almost two steps ahead of these stumbling corpses was a breeze, almost comically easy for you.

Until your eyes caught sight of a burning home, the heat of the flames could be felt from where you stand. Your mother's burning home... As everything else melted away, a numbness washed over your limbs and your heart settled into stillness. Just as you were about to cry out, a blade mercilessly penetrated your back, twisting with a force that seemed intent on separating your torso from your hip. The taste of blood coated your tongue, while an indescribable agony consumed your every nerve. Fangs as sharp as razors mercilessly sunk into your neck, accompanied by the loud, insatiable slurping sounds that invaded your ears.

Except for one last sound before your world began to fade. "No! You worthless wastes of flesh, what are you doing!?" roared from somewhere distant, rapidly getting closer.

The grip on your body relented, and you crumpled to the ground. Above you, a familiar, curly white-haired, fangs and all ascendant vampire lord. His face was almost feral. Hoisting the human by the throat with one hand, her feet kicking in the air. "I gave you an entire village of fools to feed on, a vivid description of the one woman who was off-fucking-limits...!"

A serene anger washed over his face, causing a shiver to run down your spine, as he sealed his lips and glared at her with an icy stare. "You will wait, on your knees, until I am ready to thoroughly enjoy goring your body with my bare hands."

Her voice strained, she barely managed to gasp out "Master...!" before he mercilessly flung her aside, treating her with the indifference one would show to a discarded toy. The moment her body hit the ground, it rigidly rolled and moved until it settled on its knees in place. Silent sobs wracked her body, and tears streamed down her face, leaving her cheeks damp.

In an instant, his eyes landed on your unfocused one, coughing blood. You knew you were dying. But it wasn't as sad, or even as painful as you expected. "You spiteful son of a bitch..." you hissed, spitting blood from your mouth. He opened his to reply, but you wouldn't let him. You were going to enjoy this... You panted, wheezing the last of your energy into your last twist into his heart. "I damn you, Astarion... I damn you to the Hells. I damn you to misery..." Quoting the man that you knew haunted him still.

You take the clenching of his jaw and his balled fists to your grave with delight as your eyes fall closed, and you breathe your last.

You finally find peace, a gentle presence that settles within your soul. It was a peace so pure, so profound, that it felt almost otherworldly. There was a weightlessness in the air, as if burdens had been lifted and freedom embraced. Your eyes are drawn to the path ahead, its surface adorned with pristine, pearly white stones. Your brother stood at the end, ready to greet you. There stood your father and mother, beckoning you with open arms. And your heart swells with an untameable warmth as you start down toward them.

A cold, deathly grip catches the back of your neck, sending a sudden jolt of fear through your body. Pain squeezed you with an intensity you had never felt before. Your mouth opens, but not even a whimper escapes you as you're forcefully dragged back, kicking and flailing.

With a heavy gasp, your heart pounds in your chest as you lurch forward. Or at least you start before cold, familiar hands grab hold of you, pulling you into his arms. "Now, now, darling, just relax..." Astarion sighs in your ear, his voice thick with... relief?

You died... you were free of this... of him. "I was... going home..." you whimper, unable to fully choke back the sob, not even sure how he managed to forcefully bring you back.

"You are already home, pet."

In your frantic attempt to escape, you notice that the sights, sounds, and smells are completely different - you're no longer in your village, but a large, opulent bedchamber. Lavish furniture and ornaments of gold, silver, so many you quickly lose count. The gentle, rhythmic ticking of a grandfather clock provided a comforting background noise. A luxorious silk gown, likely worth a kings ransom, has replaced your weathered tunic and trousers you knew you were wearing before. The softest linens you've ever felt in your life gently caress your bare legs.

His hand petting your head snaps you back from your observations. "Why the face?" Astarion murmurs, "did you truly think death would keep you from me? Little love, I can take anything I want. Even from the jaws of death itself." He briefly looks away as he giggles that short, airy sound that used to melt your heart. "Or did you think your heroic brother would, what, break my nail before I ripped out his throat?"

It's enough you try to wrench yourself from his arms again, stopping short of beating your fists against his stupid, fancy white and blue doublet. "You spiteful bastard..." you repeat from your memory as he keeps you held against him with little effort. "I was there with them, my family—"

"Hush, darling, you're not being reasonable," Astarion mutters, his fingers on your back drawing shapes and patterns that you reluctantly admit still soothed you. "I let them have you long enough. I let you play house in that backwater, and now it is time for you to take your place at my side. You were fated to be mine, and mine, you will always be." He explained, as if he was making perfect sense and stating the obvious.

You scoffed, trying again to leverage your hands on the bed, or his lap to put any amount of distance between you and him. "So dying and forcing me back, all reasonable?"

The look in his eyes turned sharp, reminiscent of the way he eyed that spawn. "Well, if you had been where you belonged, none of that would have happened, would it?" He chastised, lulling his head to one side. "I've already cast the insignificant wretch into the kennels. You are welcome to watch her suffer. Perhaps I'll grant her a blessing and allow her to kiss your feet before I peel her lips off her face... Or maybe after..." Astarion trailed off thoughtfully, his eyes up and away a moment as he considered the grotesque torture, as if casually deciding what flavor tea he'll have in the morning. "How comfortable are you with blood between your toes, my dear?"

You were experiencing such emotional turbulence that you momentarily wondered if any of this was actually happening. If he was aware, he paid no mind to it, as another wild thought captivated his mind. "And why did you not tell me you had such a deliciously submissive sister? Honestly, my love, if she can watch me kill your brother, drain your mother and still stare so eagerly at me, why can't you?"

Your heart froze, and you swallowed hard. Unwanted images of what he could have, and probably had done to your family flashed through your mind. As you stilled in his arms, he moved a hand into the air and snapped his fingers. And like a well-trained puppy, in she waltzed, wearing a black simple dress. Expressionless and silent as she stood before you. Watching you with scarlet eyes. "You know I'd never hurt you, of course. But perhaps your sweet sister can model the obedience I expect from you..."

Infinite threats, insults and visions of violence cross your mind, and like he can read them, Astarion gives you a stern, scolding look. From the corner of your eye, you catch a tear rolling down her cheek and it takes everything from you to not jump to embrace her.

Not that Astarion would let you out of his arms to do so. Fear spreads through your body, numbing your limbs and clouding your thoughts. For every outburst, act of defiance, misbehavior, denial of compliance, Astarion will ensure your sister suffers in your place...

"There you are, my treasure..." He cooes, catching a loose lock of your hair and twirling it in his fingers, pleased with whatever he sees in your eyes, "learning already... you're going to be so wonderfully obedient for me, aren't you?"

You turn your head away, down at the bed, never feeling so... small in your life. He grabs your face, fingers pressing into your cheeks as he forces your attention back to him, denying your escape. "Aren't you?" He repeats, voice firm, commanding.

Without thinking, you scowl at Astarion, noticing the frosty disappointment in his eyes. He lets out an impatient sigh, as if handling a temperamental child, and then glances behind him. "On your knees, darling, it seems your little sister needs your example already..."

She stiffly collapses to the ground like an anchor to the seafloor and Astarion groans, as if he expected a more graceful motion from her. He starts to rise from the bed and a whimper from your sister has you catching his sleeve. "I'll do it." You force out, inwardly cringing at the implication.

But that's not enough for him. "You will do what, pet?" He says lowly, lazily turning to you.

"Behave..." The word hung in the air, its bitter taste lingering on your tongue, surpassing any foulness you had ever known. Again, you try to look anywhere else, any semblance of escape you can find from this, from him.

Astarion continues to press, his fingers brushing against your cheek, coaxing you to face him, locking eyes. There was a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, like a flickering flame. "And...?"

"And... I'll be obedient..." Your chest tightens, your lip quivering and Astarion's face lights up with a tender smile.

He resumes his position on the bed in front of you. "Oh, my love, I know you will." Astarion smirks, his arm curling around you, pulling you back into him, his lips feathering yours, teasing before connecting them in a sweet... loving kiss. Just as you remember it, his lips are like a delicate caress, and you know better now than to pull away.

Your lips sync with his in a hypnotic rhythm, and his distinct taste lingers on your tongue - a blend of red wine with a faint metallic undertone. The scent of him surrounds you, a unique blend of rosemary, bergamot, and brandy, unmistakably his. His fangs only barely graze your bottom lip as he guides you down onto your back, maneuvering himself on top of you, "because I'll have eternity to teach you..." Astarion whispers against your mouth like a promise, and you can feel him smile at his own words.

Astarion's lips travel from the corner of your mouth, they leave a trail of soft kisses along your cheek, descending to the spot beneath your ear, until they eventually reach the pulsating artery, echoing the frantic pace of your heart. One last time... "My beloved consort..." He whispers, pressing a tender kiss to your skin, teasing his fangs against your neck, as if trying to be gentle in his own way. "Welcome home..." He purrs.

Then at last, he sinks his fangs deep. Drinking slow, steady gulps. One hand taking yours, interlocking his fingers with it, the other soothingly petting your hair. And at last, as your vision blurs and darkens, your body shivering under his, you start to believe it...

Maybe he does want you after all...

Maybe he's been your home all along...

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A/N: Honestly, I could probably write this one forever, it was so much fun. The perfectionist in me already spent more time than I should've on this. Two days of neglecting my main fic on ao3? Ugh, take me to the gallows. Apologies to my partner, friends, coworkers, family, dogs... I have a sacred duty to update that sucker at least every other week.

Also, I apologize for the quality of the gif. I make a lot of my own gifs and screenshots for these and tumblr's 10mb limit is going to throttle my sanity until it dies twice over.

[bulkyphrase]

Marvel Halloween Rec Week 2024 - Stucky Monday

Happy almost Halloween! I'll be doing rec lists all week, starting with my favorite spooky Stucky fics I've read this year.

Reliquary by afearsomecritter (Stucky, Mature, 2,695 words)

Summary: There was a ghost in the room.   The Soldier was fairly certain that it was the only one who could see it.

Are You Aware, Wolf? by leveragehunters (@leveragehunters) (Stucky, Teen And Up Audiences, 12,068 words)

Summary: Bucky's life was saved because he picked up the tab for a cup of coffee. He'd heard of people getting rewarded for good deeds, but that seemed way out of proportion. Sure, the life-saving came with a side order of being a werewolf, but since that was way better than being dead, he figured he could deal. Of course, that was before he learned about the vampires...

More below the cut!

Black Dog by leveragehunters (@leveragehunters) (Teen And Up Audiences, 55,340 words, No Archive Warnings Apply)

Summary: So long ago the details were lost to time, people began creating guardians of the dead. They were made from dogs, dogs who were buried in graveyards before anyone was laid to rest, their spirits arising as black dogs, bound protectors of the human dead. Steve had always wondered what would happen after he died. He hadn't expected the answer to be 'wake up in the cemetery he'd been buried in', but here he was, some kind of ghost, and he could see the trees through his hands. It wasn't so bad, and he wasn't alone—a sleek black dog, golden eyes glowing bright, was happily waiting to greet him. Decades later, on what was supposed to be a quiet, peaceful, definitely-not-life-changing walk through the woods, Bucky stumbled across an abandoned cemetery and into the impossible. (It's a ghost story and a love story and a story about dogs.) Also available as a podfic read by attolia (@untowardsnark)

Werewolves in the Workplace by leveragehunters (@leveragehunters) (Stucky, Teen And Up Audiences, 45,109 words)

Summary: SHIELD was the only intelligence agency that assigned werewolf and vampire agents to work together in the field, but the program had been a staggering success. They compensated each other’s weaknesses, complemented each other’s strengths, and a werewolf could feed a vampire and shake off the effects faster than ordering a pizza. Bucky knew all that. What he didn't know was why this particular vampire, one Agent Steve Rogers, was holding out a protein bar. They were perched in the rafters of a warehouse, waiting for not-overly punctual arms dealers to show up and deal arms, had been stuck up here for a couple of hours, but none of that explained vampires suddenly offering snacks. In his near decade as a werewolf in SHIELD, Bucky had worked with a lot of vampires, and they all tended to be pretty much the same. Steve Rogers was different, didn't fit the vampire mould, and Bucky couldn't quite figure out why. Not that it really mattered. Steve was just someone he was occasionally paired with on SHIELD assignments. It wasn't like he was going to have any effect on Bucky's life.

Things That Are True by PottersPink (@potterspink) (Stucky, Mature, 5,405 words)

Summary: You think about how you haven't ever felt so alive for being dead.

Ghost of You by redsteele (@shrinkyclink) (Stucky, Mature, 20,013 words)

Summary: Bucky’s job was far from monotonous, but between his last mission being a complete bust and being taken off rotation for field work, he found himself with a lot more free time and little to do with it. But when strange events started to happen at SHIELD, he stumbled onto a conspiracy that could tear his whole world apart. Who was the man in the hospital gown that kept appearing out of nowhere? What was Shield hiding? And most importantly, who is Steve Rogers?

Sunshine in an empty place by seratonation (Stucky, General Audiences, 962 words)

Summary: They went for walks sometimes, but they never talk anymore. Not like they used to. Something was wrong with Steve and Bucky couldn’t figure out what it was.

If You Ever Did Believe by wearing_tearing (Stucky, Mature, 33,192 words)

Summary: Bucky Barnes will never die of a broken heart. The spell he cast at thirteen, in between white petals and whispered words of magic, makes sure of that. But then Bucky murders someone, conspires with his sister to hide the body, and meets Steve Rogers.

[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Ascended Astarion with a reader who's just like the sweetest purest thing every definition of a cinnamon roll. Would he want to preserve their innocence and kindness and keep it only directed towards him or like would he want to corrupt them.

I have a post similar to this, though not Ascended!Astarion

He wouldn't change you. When he calls you perfect, he means it. Sure, back then, he probably hated how you literally are the definition of the bloody damn sun. You and Karlach like sheparding dogs. But then he grew fond of it, how honest you are... How kind and nice you are. To try to take that away, to rip away what you fought to keep part of you: he can't hurt you, he told you this. He is better than Cazador! None are to call you spawn of the Ascendant— You are the consort of the Ascendant, his treasure and beloved.

Your light is for him and only him.

He shared enough with camp full of weirdos.

Yet, it is with his nature to corrupt. A vampire is still a vampire even if he is not a slave to a master or the hunger. Astarion finds other ways to satisfy that need, or rather his greed to see you drowning in the Abyss with him pulling you down.

Sex is fun. Lots of when he has it with you. Giving you all his devotion, his worship, his lust; showing you things you never in your life thought of doing. The fun part is seeing your flustered face, the shyness, and the way he can charm you into trying it with him. Astarion doesn't even have to rush it! After all, all of eternity is plenty of time to have you falling from your grace to Lathander and into Kanchelsis' dark favor.

[bitter-caf]

I have a new fanfic idea I must share to the few people who have followed me in the last month. Hi hello hi. Feel free to use it if you'd like. It's just a ramble, so sorry if it's confusing.

I need more Werewolf!Charles Rowland aus. I need Charles pretending to be Crystals dog so he doesn't have to pay Jenny rent and he'd def beg Jenny for meat scraps. Or walking around London pretending to be a stray and desperately avoiding pet control. (The amount of times Edwin has had to break him out is ridiculous, but if Charles acts friendly/pathetic enough, people throw him food). And Edwin will pet him if he's an animal (but not as a human. Charles thinks this is discrimination and complains loudly). But also the angst, werewolves in media (btw I'm going off of teen wolf canon werewolves for this au) seem to have a harder time controlling their anger and I think with Charles so full of anger, it'd be rough for him. Charles would almost definitely be wanted by police at this point, both bc of the shit him and Edwin get up to and the fact that he's technically a missing kid (bc ofc he would run away with Edwin. Also if he went back home, he'd probably eat his father or at least the kids who tried to kill him). Edwin would for sure be Charles 'anchor' (again teen wolf werewolves), as in the thing that keeps him from going feral every full moon and from biting people everytime he gets upset lol. Tho! Note: imagine they come across a "how to contain a werewolf during the full moon" guide and it's everything Derek (from teen wolf, look it up if you have no idea what I'm talking about) does during the full moon for new wolves. The restraints, that are pretty painful and dig into the skin with spikes bc it's harder to get out of something if everytime you move, it hurts. And imgaine: Charles would accept it bc what if he hurts Edwin? Unacceptable. But Edwin would maybe try then back out of using them bc this is torture and he can't let this happen to Charles. Just a nice bit of hurt/comfort there.

Then port townsend comes along and now Charles bestie is pulling away/hiding things and so the grounds pretty unsteady under Charles. He's so ready to just eat the Cat King. And later Monty. The CK likes him even less in this au bc dogs vs cats and so does Charles. It's very much a Charles- "I'm bigger than you and will eat you" and CK- "I'm better and smarter than you". From first meeting, it on SIGHT for the both of them. Tho CK does make an effort to keep Edwin between them at all times. And Edwin does make an effort to keep an eye on Charles, ready to grab him if he lunges for CK or something. (Its worth noting that Charles does listen to the instincts he has pretty often and Edwin enables and encourages him to do what feels right. Neither of them have any experience with werewolves so it works out. Which often evolves into Charles chasing things that run from him. Animals, suspects they're chasing for cases, occasionally Edwin. I just think Charles dealing with all these new animal like instincts could create some fun hijinks and shenanigans.) I just think it'd be a fun dynamic for CK and Charles.

Now is Edwin still a ghost or something else like a vampire? Tbh this would turn into more of a Being Human au if Edwin was a vampire lol but more gay and posssibly poly? And I think that would be beautiful. But if Edwins a vampire, I want it to be what we do in the shadows type vampire. Edwin deserves to be able to turn into a bat. Along with all the other powers those vamps have lol. They'd have to bring a bag of dirt from Edwins homeland with them to Port townsend and just imagine the outfit Edwin would wear if he has to go out during daylight. It would include a parasol. He would not change his outfit with the times. Just picture, him forcing Crystal to use a parasol during the day so he can hang upside down in it to avoid the sun. Charles in his wolf form next to her. If Charles has to wear a leash and collar only Edwins allowed to hold it lol. Crystal trying to convince everyone who asks that Charles is just large husky and very well trained. Edwin would not pretend to be a pet to avoid paying Jenny rent but will wait outside Crystals window. If hes seen by Jenny in bat form, Crystal calls him a pest and says she left her window open by accident. Edwin will never forgive her.

I think in terms of Edwins Hell, it could still be actual Hell honestly. Maybe before he's sacrificed by classmates, he's attacked and turned into a vampire. Or! More exciting. He's turned by a vampire and that vampire belongs to a satanic vampire cult. Which is, in fact, a thing in the interview with a vampire verse. And his Hell is them. For context, in the IWAV verse, this cult believes they are forsaken by God and now have to worship the devil bc they're vamps. They think any light at all will kill/hurt them, even candles. Along with a bunch of other crazy untrue things. They literally live in caves in complete darkness and know pretty much nothing about being a vampire. It's pretty sad and in IWAV this goes on until I think lestat meets them and goes "damn you live like this?" And he becomes like their Jesus for awhile and shows them the "light". He upgrades them, but then he gets bored and leaves and they get sad. It's so funny i love Anne Rice. Anyways, either Edwins Hell he escapes is that cult or! They sacrifice vampire!Edwin to the devil. And now he's in actual Hell. In this au, the caves they live in are somewhere in the Woods near St. Hilarion's. So either way when he escapes, it's around the time Charles is attacked by those boys and when he's running thru the woods, attacked again! by a werewolf. Oh! Maybe Charles friends are mauled to death by the werewolf and the only reason Charles survives his mauling is bc of Edwin. Maybe Edwin scares off the werewolf and brings Charles to the attic or something to try and help him. Charles is def mauled but still breathing, the bite takes before he bleeds out tho. Its a really bad night for him but Edwin still reads him to sleep and is suprised he wakes up.

Now to deal with Edwin being immortal and Charles not? Either mess with the way werewolves age, or! More exciting. They stay together anyway, with the thought of charles- "I wanna stay with you for the rest of my life" and edwin- "i wanna stay with you for the rest of your life." Very cute very wholesome. But then! Charles gets cursed somehow someway on one of their cases and welll, immortality always seems to come to those who aren't looking for it. And so now charles can't die and doesn't age lol. But theres a consequence, bc theres always a trade off. My idea is that now Charles "will never see the light of day again". It takes a bit for them to realizes it's a curse of immortality until either Charles is greviously injured or like a decade passes and they're like "charles still looks... 17???" que rigorious experimentaion. (Charles would for sure test at least some of the limits of his immortality and then abuse it. Edwin is horrified everytime, his poor unbeating heart. And his clothes whenever he has to carry a still healing charles home and hes covered in blood. Luckily he doesnt die often, werewolves are hard to kill.) and honestly when they heard that "never see the light of day", they really thought it was going to kill Charles. No, now just as soon as the sun comes up, charles is dead to the world. Like literally he will just pass out as soon as the sun comes up, no matter where he is. It's like he's a corpse. It freaks Edwin out when this happens the first few times. He legit thinks charles is dead. He certainly seems like it. But he reanimates/awakens as soon as the sun goes down. He does forget often to lay down on the couch or something before the sun comes up and will just fall over. This is probs mostly bc the window is covered in blackout curtains for Edwin.

But they for sure have either a bed or coffin they share during the day, bc of a lack of room in their space for two ofc and it's soooo platonic bestie behavior. They will be taking no comments. Crystal still sleeps on the couch tho. Would you wanna sleep in two teenage boys' bed or coffin? When you're thinking "they're probably together." Like ew no. Charles offered, but edwin was like ew. They obv both have a good sense of smell, and edwin does not want their bed/coffin to smell like her.

[relia-robot-writes]

My Sweet, Bloodlust

Blood can be used to control vampires, but there are other means to do so.

Nessa raised her fist to her lips and frowned. She silently counted her resources, knitted her eyebrows together furiously calculating odds, and scanned the other player's boards. "I... pass." She leaned back in her chair, chewing her lip.

Jinx picked up the dice and started fidgeting with them, clacking the old wooden dice in one hand. "I thiiiiink..." She started, and then suddenly dropped all the dice with a shout. "Ouch!"

"What happened?" Said Ella, moving over to hold her while Gabby dove for the fallen dice.

"Splinter," grimaced Jinx, holding out the palm of her hand. A long wooden shard had impaled the soft webbing of her thumb.

And a bright red, shiny, perfect droplet of blood had formed at the base.

Nessa stared. She couldn't help herself. It was like she was hypnotized. She rose from her chair, feet barely scraping the floor as Ella said something about tweezers. Her voice was muffled through the ringing in Nessa's ears. Nessa's whole world was reduced to one tiny, bright-red sphere. It was growing larger. Before too long it would lose surface tension and trickle down Jinx's palm. What a waste that would be. A terrible waste of such a perfect thing. Nessa could help. She could just lick it right off. One lick. That's all. Definitely nothing more than a single lick. Not Jinx's fingers in her mouth, Nessa's fangs in her palm. Just. One. Lick.

"Nessa! Heel, darling."

Nessa snapped to position, suddenly standing just at Gabby's right. Gabby's palm caressed her lower back. Her vision was still focused on Jinx's palm. The droplet would fall, soon...

"Nessa. Look at me."

Gabby's hand caressed her neck. Nessa tried to turn her face without looking away from Jinx, but Gabby turned her head further, so the shining beacon of red was outside of her view. Nessa's eyes locked with Gabby's, and she realized she hadn't been breathing.

"Nessa. Why don't you go outside and ask if the owners have an emergency kit. It wouldn't hurt to find some disinfectant. Okay? Go."

Nessa, guided by Gabby's hand, left the private room and felt the spell snap as the door closed, cutting off the scent of blood. She collapsed against the wall, breathing hard. That had been far too close. She heard muffled explanations through the door, of how she "wasn't good with blood." If they only knew. She was really, really lucky she had Gabby.

But couldn't she use a different method for breaking her out of her bloodlust than... that? Nessa felt her face grow warm. To be told to heel, like a common dog... Not that there was anything wrong with that, but, still... wearing an actual collar would have been less embarrassing. She buried her face on her hands at the thought, her cool fingers soaking some of the warmth from her face. She'd even fed right before this! It had only been... she checked her watch.

Then she checked the date on her watch. Ah.

Still, she should have more control over herself. More discipline than to float off the floor like a mosquito. She took a breath to steady herself, then remembered she was out here for a reason and went off in search of disinfectant and gauze.

A little while later, she returned, and thrust the small kit at Ella as she came through the door. Without looking at Jinx, she threw herself down in her chair and pulled up one knee to block the sight of her entirely. Of course, this left her staring at Gabby, who reached out and stroked her hair. Nessa closed her eyes, enjoying the simple sensation.

"Good girl," murmured Gabby.

Nessa's expression soured. She drew her other knee up onto the chair and put her head between her legs, covering her hair with her arms.

Gabby scooted closer. "It's true! You did great. You're good."

Nessa peeked out from under her arms. After a moment, she muttered, "It's embarrassing. I should be better than this. And having you command me like an animal..." She buried her face in her knees again.

"Do you not like it? Should I stop?" Murmured Gabby, whose hand was now gently scratching her back.

Nessa couldn't find it in herself to respond.

"You know what I think," whispered Gabby. "I think you were denying yourself again. And I think that even though you were very good and very strong, you were weaker because you were pushing yourself."

Nessa compressed herself more into the chair.

"And," continued Gabby, "I think you did very well. You didn't do anything you shouldn't have, and you knew to ask for help beforehand just in case, and I was able to help you. You did good. You are good."

Nessa risked a look at Gabby. Her smile was encouraging, and Nessa gave a half-smile back.

"I also think," murmured Gabby, her eyes sultry, "that you don't actually mind being called a good girl, and being told to heel, but that maybe you're not comfortable with that around Jinx and Ella yet. Am I right?"

Nessa suddenly found a very interesting piece of wallpaper behind Gabby's head, as she felt warmth creep up her cheeks again.

Gabby grinned. "We can talk about it later, okay? For now: you did good. And it's your turn."

See this post (and prequels and sequels) on Dreamwidth

[danieyells]

OKAY SO DATAMINING ED'S CHARACTER STORY CHATS:

Rui cleans Ed's room once a month. As a result, he thinks Lyca's room is dirtier than his.

He goes into Lyca's room uninvited if Lyca won't respond to his texts. Lyca doesn't like this and will respond to texts about him being in his room telling him to leave.

Ed does not need to eat human food or drinks.

"Blood Is Just One Option...��" and he says next time he sees you he may "Tell You What Other💖Delicacies💖I Am Partial To...😊"

This is probably why he and Rui say Ed wants his tears. He literally drinks them.

Ed MAKES YOU GET HIS SOCKS FROM HIS DRAWER AND PUT HIS SOCKS ON FOR HIM because he insists he's in too much pain to do it himself. And while I'm ragging on him for that as somebody with a bad back and questionable knees I also get it.

At the same time the pc describes the look in his eyes as in a contrast to his gentle smile so he's probably just having fun with you, typical "humans should serve better creatures and vampires are better creatures" style lol

Ed says Rui will make a great househusband and Lyca is a perfect guard dog so you can't go wrong adopting him. He's turning into a mother who's trying to convince you to marry his kid. . . .

He says if you become an anomaly and marry Lyca or Rui you might uh create a new species and he'd like to see it. . . .

He says that a non-human child would be a better option than a human child because humans won't control the world forever.

So Ed. . .encourages you to become an anomaly. Because he thinks anomalies will eventually take over the world and humans will no longer be the dominant species, and you'd be better off losing your humanity in the long run--and maybe having some babies while you're at it. But since the anomaly you're going to become from your curse reproduces by spreading the curse he probably means 'not that one, a fun anomaly' lmao SO THESE CHARACTER STORIES WILL DEFINITELY EVENTUALLY ROLL INTO 'HOW ABOUT YOU BECOME A VAMPIRE I CAN CHANGE YOU' IN THE FUTURE. . . .

[szollibisz]

i recently imagined Owen (without his knowledge) being immortal a la Old Guard/Jack Harkness etc. how do you think Everything that's Wrong with him would be affected once he wakes after having been shot in the head by Curt? like sure, realising that Curt's love for him wasn't enough for Curt to stay or look for him is one thing. but him realising that Curt is fully capable of killing him while he thought himself the Joker to Curt's Batman, not to mention his eternal hesitation to kill Curt... that would destroy him on an entirely new level, i think.

oh absolutely, there's one thing in the world that could make him worse and it's that. it would be unrecoverable

i think he'd be completely just like. broken for a while trying to process everything, and then he'd go back to his normal regular misery x100

I imagine him as a character who looks at himself more like a means to an end than a person. That's why spying and then chimera were so important to him. His only purpose is to work for a greater goal, because he can and others can't (in both like a god complex and a dog way. if that makes sense) so in my interpretation of his character and curtwen the breaking of that pattern is what's so fascinating. Instead of having a greater goal for owen to completely dedicate his life to, it's suddenly a person.

He developed this deep, all-consuming love for curt, and honestly believed curt felt at least similar. When in reality curt was codependent on owen yes, but he generally felt a normal human amount of love, that is again, relatively normal. (Which is what owen realized after the fall.) Still, this was the time in his life when owen felt the most human. People aren't like long term goals such as "saving the world" they constantly give back in small ways, and ground you, and after all we are social creatures who need connection. But unlike ambitions, people can disappoint you in completely new ways every day.

So after the fall, owen's only option was to go back to normal. Find his ambition and give himself over to the greater goal. But in all that time he couldn't quite get rid of curt, or his remaining feelings for him whether that's hate or love. So owen, after finally feeling happy and like his feelings were reciprocated by someone for the first time, got everything taken away from him and had to rebuild from scratch. cue being way more miserable than in the pre-curt era.

This is probably the cycle that would repeat again. Owen thinks curt loves him more than he actually does -> owen is let down by curt -> owen stops looking for happiness altogether and goes back to being a tool for a better future -> miserable because he gave up on happiness

Like obviously if we mean immortal immortal, that's probably something that owen would thrive in, in the long run. i'm talking world's most productive vampire. knows all languages, connections everywhere, definitely off the hinges. But for the time after curt shoots him yeah. probably in a mood where he kills people for breathing too loud, but internally (and sometimes externally) cries himself to sleep every night

ok jesus this was so long i'm sorry. i just have a lot of thought about this guy

[earphonejackx]

~𖤐 ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Scary bitches - LESBAIN VAMPIRES FROM OUTER SPACE

~𖤐 Alrecchino x f!goth reader

~𖤐 WARNING- slight possessiveness, Alrecchino beats up a man

art credits! - deciqm on twitter

~𖤐 For starters Alrecchino LOVESS your style, greatly appreciates how your style is somewhat similar to hers and she loves how you two look so dark and mysterious to others

~𖤐 I hc that Alrecchino is somewhat goth herself as she does enjoy the music in my opinion so she’d definitely love to listen to goth music with you

~𖤐 Alrecchino doesn’t mind when people stare at you, in fact she quite loves it when the attention is on your and she knows that you belong to her, and you know it to

~𖤐 Alrecchino LOVES when you do full goth makeup, she loves the unique designs and dark colors that goes into the process of you doing your makeup. And Alrecchino loves to stare at you when your doing your makeup

~𖤐 Alrecchino definitely will your guard dog in silence, if one person says a single bad thing about your appearance, there’re gone before you can even respond back to the ridiculous comment. “Don’t worry dear, I think you look just fine.”

~𖤐 Alrecchino loves taking you shopping, when you shop, she shops and she won’t stop till you’ve had your fill. She especially loves that pretty black gothic dress you tried on at the local store.“Dear why don’t you give me a twirl hm?”

~𖤐 Alrecchino lovessss that you like walking through grave yards and putting flowers on the forgotten tombstones, She thinks it’s such a kind and peaceful gesture:((

~𖤐 Alrecchino who loves to go to goth bars with you, she loves just watching you interact and enjoy the company of others just like you

~𖤐 Alrecchino who always complements your outfits everyday before you go to work. “You look deadly my dear.”

~𖤐 Alrecchino who beats a man’s ass because he talked down on you because of your style, she was having NONE of that. She hates it when people judge you for having a beautiful style!! It’s not their fault that her baby girl can dress better than all those fools. ;)

[fang-and-feather]

Ikemen Vampire - Arthur x Reader - Family Fic

For Day 5 of 12 Days of Arthur hosted by @oigimi and @scummy-writes

This week was a nightare for writing, i'm glad I at least finished this, as improvised as it was

IkeVamp Masterlist / General Masterlist / AO3 Link

“When will dad get here?” Your daughter asked impatiently, sitting on the floor by your feet, Vic resting his head on her lap.

“He’ll be here soon, dear.” You ruffled her hair, hoping Arthur wouldn’t take too long.

I still took a few more minutes before the door opened, Vic rushing to it.

“Down, Vic!” Arthur said firmly, trying to calm the dog that jumped at him, as if to get to the box in his arms. “Down!” Vic finally listened, sitting back, but still staring at the box but he was replaced by the little girl, that darted from her place by your side to cling to him.

“Daddy!” She hugged him, then looked up, eyes shinning as she noticed the box. “You really got me a pet!”

“Why do you think so, dear? Maybe it’s a toy. Or a gift for your mother.”

“There are holes in the box, like mom made when we brought that bird to the forest. And you already got mom a gift, that’s why you got home late last week.” She explained.

Arthur looked so proud when she said that. You knew he loved the fact that your daughter was so observant at such young age. Maybe it was just a phase, in which she was awestruck with him and his skills, and trying to copy him. But she was smarter than other kids her age, especially in things that required logic, attention and observation, and he always got so proud when she showed that.

“Smart like her father.” You laughed. “She’ll be outsmarting you before you know it.”

“Is that the confidence you have in me, luv?” Arthur should know you were teasing, still he clearly didn’t like the notion that anyone could outsmart him, not even his own daughter, because he was definitely pouting.

“Don’t worry, daddy.” Your daughter chimed in. “You will always be my champion.”

“Well, thank you, dear.”

“But mom said good students get better than their teachers.” She added, making you laugh harder.

She wasn’t even the one you told that to, but apparently she heard your conversation and took your words seriously.

Arthur looked like he wanted to protest, but all that noise seemed to wake the dog in the box, who had been quiet until now, as he started to bark and try to push the box open. Vic stood up, barking back.

“I think we all got a little out of track here, and someone is getting impatient.”

“True.” Arthur crouched down to get to his daughter’s eye level, extending the box to her. “Merry Christmas, little robin.”

The little girl sat on the floor, opening the box.

“Here, little one.” She told the puppy that poked his head out. He barked at her and she reached out to touch him a little hesitantly, but smiled in delight when he let her do so, tail wagging, before she picked him up. “I think it likes me!” She exclaimed, excitedly.

The puppy was the same race as Vic, but in a different coloration.

“And you like him?”

“I love him! Thank you, Dad!”

Vic had approached her, sniffing the new puppy, who barked at him. Vic barked back, then walked back to Arthur.

“Seems like Vic approves, too.”

The girl let the puppy down, following him as he started to explore the room.

“What will be his name?” You asked her.

“Sherlock.” She declared, without hesitation.

You tried not to laugh at the obvious shock on Arthur’s face. Not even he was prepared for that turn of events. He would probably regret agreeing to get her a dog for a while.

“Who told you about Sherlock, dear.”

“I saw it in one of dad’s papers, then I asked uncle Sebas.” The puppy ran up to Vic, barking as if calling to him, and your daughter followed, finally noticing Arthur. “Daddy, are you okay?”

Arthur closed his eyes, gulped, took a deep breath and managed to smile. Not finding the courage to complain at his little girl.

“I’m fine, little robin.”

She nodded happily and scooped Sherlock up, before running to the door.

“Where are you going?” You asked her.

“Show him to Vincent and Lis.”

“Don’t run on the stairs, and don’t lose him.” You shouted as she ran to meet her friends, with Vic following her out.

“Okay, mum!” She shouted back.

Shaking your head, you turned back to Arthur.

“Seems like she already won this round. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m not fine, exactly.” Arthur admitted in a low tone. “Of all things… But you underestimate me, luv.” He added with a weak grin. “This is not exactly a loss. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to win a game, that’s part of the strategy.”

“Strategy for what? The only time you brought up a game regarding her was last year.”

“And you really thought I would let it end in a draw like that?”

You laughed, nuzzling into his chest.

“You’re impossible. But you know you didn’t need to go that far, right? She would have understood if you talked to her.” Arthur tensed a little, and you tried to pull away to look at him, but he hugged you tighter. “Don’t tell me the great detective didn’t figure out how emotionally mature his daughter really is?”

“Maybe. But you don’t take uncalculated risks when you want to win.”

“I’ll leave it at that.” You said, laughing. You knew Arthur didn’t want to admit he was unable to say no to his little girl. After all, it defeated the purpose of the game if you didn’t know it was still ongoing. But you would let him have this moment, at least for this day. “Merry Christmas, Arthur. I love you.”

Arthur finally pulled away to face you.

“Love you too, bird. Merry Christmas.” You two kissed, enjoying each other’s warmth a little longer while you could. “A shame we can’t continue this right now, luv. Let’s get your gift then, shall we?”

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IkeVamp Masterlist / General Masterlist

[manicpixiefelix]

Felix's milkshake (his blood) brings all the vampires to the yard, it's just naturally irresistible and makes them go feral but Vampire Reader fends them all off. They know better than to lay a hand on Felix Catton lest they incur the wrath of his lover.

He proudly wears the bite marks from them like badges of honor.

Okay so I literally am so in love with this AU rn you don't understand I have been working on the world building for the vampires for most of last night (it's not all put together but it's getting there) and this is all VERY TRUE.

Felix also knows that not only is he kind of irresistible to vampires, but he's kind of a cocky mf because he's pretty much resistant to all attempts from other vampires to enthrall him in any way.

For a whole bunch of lore/world building reasons that I can get into if you'd like me to, but won't bore you with here, the reader is naturally a very powerful vampire, and their bloodline/family specialises/has a lot of power in enthralling/magical manipulation. So Felix knows so clearly the feeling of a vampire trying to enthrall him, and therefore is able to VERY easily shrug it off. The problem for other vampires is that most other's best/strongest attempts at magically manipulating him are at the same level as the general aura the reader puts out in their day to day life that draws in everyone around them, without even being conscious of it, without even actively trying. It can also subconsciously intensify with the reader's mood; their excitement can intensify their aura and make the people around them feel a kind of high depending on how strong theyre feeling said emotion; it can be overwhelming and even sickening the first time it's experienced, but can become quite addicting. This aura can also shift and essentially repel everyone around them if they're particularly angry, but that doesn't happen often.

The reader had to actually try to not give off an alluring aura that accidentally draws people in and endears them to everyone they meet. But when they turn on their charm and actively use their power to enthrall someone, there's no human, and even very few other vampires, who can say no to them.

Felix, who is essentially the reader's familiar, though they dispise the term the way he hates them being called a dog in the main fic, is an absolute anomaly of a human to other vampires. Both because of his blood being damn irresistible, and the fact that he's somehow immune to most attempts to be magically coerced in any way. He, of course, is incredibly proud of this fact, and takes great pride in the reader and their abilities when he's allowed to. He's quietly mad their bites heal so quickly. He loves going to vampire friendly night clubs in the city with just the reader, rather than their whole friend group, because he gets to actually indulge you in your vampire side and indulge himself in being Yours in front of an audience. You can be clingy and protective and possessive, and so can he; humans throwing themselves at you, begging to be bitten, but Felix, who's still pretty intimidating as far as humans go when he wants to be, looms over you, hands on you, doesn't even have to say that you're spoken for to get the message across.

There's definitely Vampire based forums on the 2006 version of the internet, and there's also definitely boards dedicated to speculating about the two of you, and your sightings around the UK. (Humans in the know specifically will go out of their way to attend a club they know you're at just to get high off your aura. Felix learns this and doesn't exactly know how to feel about it.)

[t4tozier]

vampire eddie hcs <3

when he’s a kid, sonia keeps him pretty secluded. blackout curtains on all the windows, not allowed to go out anywhere close to sunset or sunrise

they have artificial lighting to like. mimic the sun during the day (because he doesn’t Actually sleep all day. he just needs less sleep than humans so he usually just has a nice lil nap around noon) but he doesn’t actually see the sun until he’s 18 and moves out of sonia’s house for good

he’s allowed out of the house from 9 pm to 3 am, so he at least gets to see the rest of town, but no shops are open beyond the few speakeasy-like restaurants and stores that are specifically open for the nocturnal creatures of derry but hidden from the humans

none of the losers are specifically nocturnal, but richie’s always out at night and bill never sleeps, so they naturally spend a lot of time together

cue the reverse of the classic richie sneaking into eddie’s room at night scene because sonia rarely lets the others over but never richie because she complains that her house reeks of wet dog for the next week and eddie shouldn’t be spending time around that mutt anyway

richie once tried to sneak into eddie’s room and sonia woke up the whole neighborhood with her banshee scream

so eddie sneaks into richie’s room instead

the toziers know. they don’t care

instead of his medications being fake, eddie finds out that what sonia’s been passing off as human blood has been animal the whole time

which is acceptable, but doesn’t do vampires any favors

it’s like having fast food every day; he’ll survive, but there are better things that he should be balancing his diet out with and will make him feel better for having eaten it

after he marries myra, eddie goes back to drinking animal blood because she thinks that human blood is unsanitary and it makes him feel so sluggish and tired all the time

fast forward to post divorce yay

richie definitely lets him drink from him and it’s like a fucking energy drink because it’s like charged with supernatural energy so he can’t actually do it too often

eddie finds out that he enjoys going out during the day and will often accompany the others when they run errands just because he never got to experience that for the first half of his life

he does burn very easily so he always carries an umbrella and some sort of hat

his favorite is a big floppy sun hat because it does the best job of covering everything and richie loves to tease him for it

eddie can still eat human food but he’s very sensitive to taste so if he tries something and doesn’t like it richie will just down it. he’s a garbage disposal he’ll eat anything and then eddie can order something new :)

the first time they fucked richie was like hey eds why don’t you. come inside 😏 and eddie came. immediately.

he’ll never live it down.

[rodolfoparras]

Pinky promise I will write more for the concept of turning homophobic dude into your puppy and breeding bitch as soon as I have time. I also wanted to write you something for your birthday but I genuinely don't have time at all 😔

Since my co-worker is on vacation and we only work one shift (aka mine) I am swarmed the entire day and I have cried from stress nearly every day this week and I basically never cry. Also I had customer yell at me and threaten me two days ago and I was certain he would attack me?? He might've if another customer didn't walk in and it was for his mistake too. And when I tried to tell him that and offer to correct it, he got worse. Thankfully my manager is really nice and he told me I could've called him and police and that I should next time.

I really miss being here and every day and interacting with people but like...I barely see my dog because most of them home is spent sleeping. And the play I'm in is in like two weeks and I didn't have time or energy to properly learn my lines yet and we're supposed that have rehearsals before work next week and ngl I feel like throwing myself off of the building. (And I didn't even start with my final paper for college). Also I had bit of a cold and hell of a sore throat, I could barely speak and it hurt to swallow :((

There was so much I wanted to talk about and comment on but I literally don't have energy to type and I wish I could psychically send my thoughts to my phone. I hope you're doing better than I am though ✨🫶🏻 I'm on a hunt for less stressful job, hopefully something online so I can do it when I start college again this year (after two years).

(and side note but I love the idea of period sex but in reality because of my pcos and other problems, I am in way too much pain to do anything irl which sucks. But there are fanfics and roleplaying 😌 and the anon who mentioned this and said they have vampire thing are so real, me too bestie. And thank you for providing links of my husband, trans Simon is elite)

-🔮

Dw sugar bee!! You pop in whenever you have time!! And besides I appreciate the fact that you wanted to write me something sweet in the first place as we say down there it’s like you already did it so thank you lovey!

Sugar bee :(( that sounds absolutely horrible I’m so sorry angel customer service can be hell on earth especially down in the Balkans they really should have security work alongside cashier bc that’s what they do here you never know what can happen you know it’s okay to feel upset about it and cry it out just rmr that it was his fault and customers in general can be devils my cousin worked at a store for a short period of time and she says every time she passes it she gets physically sick bc ppl can be so nasty

And again like I said pop in whenever you can I understand you’re very busy rn and I hope things become less stressful so you can get some rest and spend time with your baby and of course to pop in here but I also have to say I admire you for balancing a job school and hobbies bc personally I wouldn’t be able to withstand this 😭

I also hope you get a much easier job so you don’t get burn out no offense but isn’t life crazy like you’re doing everything that’s expected of us have a job do school hobbies and you’re on the verge of getting burned out every day I am reminded of the hell on earth this is our society

Fanfics and roleplaying are definitely a good way to go about it! I mean might as well take the chance and have a vampire role play with your partner I mean who said that :/

[fruitkingfrog]

sorry if this is a strange question but you're like ceo of new gods stuff, what is the recommended reading order of new gods? i want to start at the beginning (yknow jack kirbys start) but i feel it may not be that simple

aaaa thank you thank you tbh I think fourth world IS that simple.. pretty much the original stuff

Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133-148/ New Gods / Forever People / Mister Miracle (Jack Kirby 1970s)

New Gods 1984 reprint issue #6 part 2

DC Graphic Novel #4 - Hunger Dogs

That will give u The Core of the series and IMO the best parts. The only other new gods comic i really enjoy is Orion (2000), but to me thats more of a "fix-it" for NGv3/NGv4/JKFWJB volumes in between and not a good direct follow up. i havent read any post-kirby Forever People at all yet, and i stopped reading Mister Miracle when Dematteis became the main writer, I can't stand his scott and barda. some of the Showcase issues have New Gods stories that are pretty good, I know theres one about Lightray confronting a Lightray Church, and one w Orion about a Shadow creature. This list on LOGC i think has everything chronologically, but keep in mind i was using DCUguide and hand-organizing wiki appearances when I read it

Oh and Honourable Mentions

Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom. part of it's own timeline, but presents an alt universe where Shilo is biological legacy to the Mister Miracle title and Scott/Barda's existence is questionable, Modern Shilo is definitely his own character from original Shilo, also heavily features Oberon, and includes a brief but MUCH more in-character, respectful, fun&sexy take on New 52 Orion. I dont love everything about it but its a fun read and only like 6 issues i think!

Bug! The Adventures of Forager. parody-adventure comic that explains that Forager didn't die during CO, he was just displaced from the universe. Plays around with a lot of old Kirby stuff

Solo #7 (Michael Allred). Same author/artist, but about a decade older than Bug!. Features a 2-page parody with Orion, Lightray, Forager, and Scott taking bets on what things Scott can escape. One of the things that made me really want to give Fourth World a shot

Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015 movie & shorts + digital comic). Not a Fourth World story, but features Bekka as a lead. an alternate universe where the Pact never happened, New Genesis became corrupt and desperate, and a deathly betrayal leads Bekka to Earth to become Wonder Woman, alongside (effectively Lor-Zod) Superman and Kirk Langstrom vampire Batman. A scrapped sequel story would have had Bekka return home and introduce Lashina as Wonder Girl. Recommended more if you're looking to flesh out Bekka, this does it better than her Yellow Lantern run, but its not very kind to the Fourth World. The ultimate "dark" Justice League though, hands down.

1 day ill actually get around to

thank u for the ask!

[ID: Pencil on paper of Orion from DC Comics, he is unmasked, pointing and yelling at something in the top right corner. End ID]