#did i go overboard? yes. do i regret it? no.

[cheaploafs]

late night cuddles

[the-w0lverine]

aww, hi cutie ^^ you're such a pretty kitty

[An image set early in the morning in the middle of a forest. There's a hand dug pit with a messy circle of dirt surrounding it, trees cast an ominous shadow over the hole.]

You.

[seilon]

pro: ran into a coworker at a bar last night who I don’t really talk to usually (he works upstairs, I work downstairs) and we talked and im pretty sure we were highkey flirting and he bought me a drink and the bar merch shirt i was interested in and thanks to the power of alcohol i guess i asked for his number and he gladly gave it to me and. yeah

con: i have the second worst hangover i have ever had and have been fighting for my fucking life just to eat saltines

[pizzacrustdisposal]

it’s so over. fuckers got angles now

[galewindstudios]

Why does Geoff not like Amp? :3?

Geoff gets embarrassed easily.

~

Poor JWD :( (SHSHSH I did not spell clumsy wrong...)

[dragons-and-magic]

Inspired by some peoples tags in the reblogs, here's some ideas!

Buffer rubs. Buffers and buffer beams can probably get sore from shunting a lot. So this is a good option for shunters!

Boiler rubs! Just make sure you do it when the boiler isn't hot! This is good for all type of steam engines!

Face rubs. Only engines that are very close with their drivers allow this. So be careful and ask first before doing anything.

Side of cab pats! Engine drivers will do this sometimes when encouraging or praising their engines for their hard work! It's good positive reinforcement for training!

Right above the smoke box! This is a hard to reach area for them and scritches there can be very comforting and relaxing for them. It's kinda like the engine version of head rubs!

Lastly, DEFINITELY don't touch the undercarriage. That pretty taboo. NO engine likes that. Only engineers and workmen (Basically engine doctors) are allowed there.

Where are the best places to pet a steam engine

[cutielando]

summer love | t.n.

synopsis: in which you spend your summer with your boyfriend in his home country

my masterlist

“Amore” Theo called to you as you were resting on the sofa in the common room, a couple of days away from the end of the school year.

“Yes, amore?” you mumbled, not moving your face from where it was buried in the comfy jumper Theo was wearing.

Despite it being summer, the dungeons were void of any warmth, the burning fireplace doing little as to heating up the spacious common room.

“What are your plans for the summer?” his voice was like a melody to your ears, being able to calm you down and soothe you in any situation needed.

“Don’t really have anything planned. Why?”

“I was thinking the other day, would you want to come spend the holidays with me in Italy?" his voice was soft, but it still made you tense up.

You knew about Theo's tumultuous relationship with his father and you knew how much his mother's death had affected him. You didn't think he would want to take you to his home, given that most of his happy memories and moments were spent anywhere but there.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother or anything, especially not to your father" you explained, hesitant about his request.

He nodded, sitting up to hold you better so he can also see your face.

"Amore, don't worry about my father. He's never around the house that much, you probably won't even see him at all" he explained, curling strands of your hair through his fingers.

You hummed, staring at the crackling fire while deep in thought. Spending the entire summer with Theo sounded like a complete dream, and you knew your parents would be more than happy to let you spend your summer with your boyfriend.

Theo had met your parents very early into the relationship. Due to the fact that your families were part of the same circle in the wizarding world, you all knew of each other. But the first time Theo met them as your official boyfriend, he immediately won them over.

Your father was particularly thrilled to have Theo in the family. He almost always stole him away from you when he would visit for the holidays, talking to him about God knows what.

Absentmindedly, you found yourself lifting your head from Theo's chest, gazing into his eyes.

"If I do decide to come, what would we do?" you asked, brushing a strand of hair that had fallen in his eyes.

A smile threatened to break out on his face, but he managed to keep it hidden for now, apprehensive that you would change your mind and refuse his offer.

"Well, we would stay at our vacation house right by the beach, we would travel to the most beautiful and history-rich places in the country, spend quality time together undisturbed, have amazing and constant uninterrupted sex..." you hit his chest at his last remark, making him chuckle and quickly kiss your forehead.

You giggled, nuzzling your face deeper into his warm neck.

As you laid there wrapped up in his arms, you couldn’t think of anything better than spending the whole summer with the person you loved the most.

“I’ll spend the summer with you” you spoke softly, kissing his collarbone.

Theo smiled to himself, squeezing you closer to his chest and burying his face into your hair.

A long summer awaited you both. A summer spent basking in love and happiness, away from the troubled realities of your lives.

♡♡♡♡♡

You knew that spending the break with Theo was going to be the time of your life, but you never thought it would be this perfect.

At the beginning of the summer, you had traveled all throughout the beautiful country that is Italy, visiting the most beautiful villages and cities, full of history and beauties to discover.

At first, you were a little reserved, not wanting to go overboard and make Theo regret that he brought you along. Only after he reassured you that he loved seeing you excited about traveling with him did you completely let loose and enjoy everything that Italy had to offer.

Of course, Theo being Theo, you would never leave a place without him buying you a couple of souvenirs. You almost ran out of place to carry them in your bag, but then he came to the rescue and purchased you an Extendable Bag, mainly to make sure he could continue showering you with gifts.

"I feel bad" you had told Theo after you were done visiting Florence and he had surprised you with yet 4 new gifts.

"Why?" Theo asked, genuinely confused.

"You're buying me so much stuff and you won't let me return the favor. I don't want you to feel like I'm using you or that you have to buy everything for me" you explained, fiddling with your fingers.

Theo couldn't believe his ears. How could he ever think that you, his innocent, soft and perfect little girlfriend, would ever think about using him for money? That thought was just simply not possible.

"Amore, I could never think that. I love buying things for you, your happiness and excitement make me happy. Your presence here with me is the best gift I could ask for" he sealed that promise with a kiss, and you didn't have any choice but to listen to him.

Once you had checked every single place you had wanted to visit off the list, it was finally time to retreat to his beautiful vacation house, where you would spend the remaining couple of weeks of summer break before school started up again.

If you thought his house was impressive, this one was straight out of a fairytale.

A gorgeous abode welcomes you both with a grand and gleaming door, poised to impress.

Within, a spacious living room bathes in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Furnishings are arranged for cozy chats around a crackling fireplace. The kitchen gleams with polished counters, stainless steel appliances, and a meal-prep island. A formal dining room, with a dazzling chandelier, awaits culinary creations. Upstairs, bedrooms boast plush bedding and ample storage. Each room showcases a distinct decor. The master suite indulges with a spacious bath, including a soothing soak tub, separate shower, and dual vanities.

From the balcony, the fresh smell of the sea lingered in the air, the sand glowing under the hot Italian sun.

"I can't believe this is all ours" you whispered at Theo once you had taken everything in.

He smiled, walking over and enveloping you in his arms. "We have the whole place to ourselves. The maids have been instructed not to bother us, you have clothes here that I specifically picked for you, swimsuits so we can go swimming every day, dresses of every sort. I want you to feel at home here"

"Theo, my home is wherever you are" you cupped his face in your hands, leaning up and sealing your lips in a kiss.

Theo felt like he could cry in that moment. He had never felt a love like this since his mother had passed. He never believed someone could love him, someone as damaged as he was. But you did.

You saw past all of his anger issues, past the facade he tried to hold up and past all the walls he had built around himself for protection. You saw him for who he was, a boy who needed love, who needed someone to show him that he mattered, that he was important, that he deserved to be loved.

And you had vowed to be that person for the rest of your days, to make sure he would never go another day feeling unworthy.

♡♡♡♡♡

"Do you want to go swimming for a little while?" Theo asked, after you had spent the better half of the day in his bed, just enjoying each other's presence.

"Yes" you squealed, kissing his cheek before rushing to the closet in order to pick a swimsuit.

Theo chuckled and got out of bed himself, kissing your head on his way to the bathroom.

Once the both of you were ready, you started the small walk towards the beach, setting down your towels near the water.

As you discarded Theo's shirt that you had stolen, your boyfriend eyed you up and down and whistled, making you blush heavily.

"Stop embarrassing me" you mumbled, but Theo knew you secretly loved it when he complimented your body.

"I'm just admiring what's mine" he said, wrapping his arms around your waist and kissing your neck.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, your hands immediately tangling themselves in his curly hair. His hands slowly traveled down to your ass, giving it a light squeeze.

"Let's go" you took his hand and led him towards the water, enjoying the hot sea enveloping your bodies.

You spent more than an hour just splashing around in the water, enjoying the warm weather.

After you decided to get out, you both laid together on your towel, enjoying the sunset together. You were laying with your head on his chest, his fingers drawing shapes on your back.

"Thank you for bringing me here" you spoke up softly, not wanting to disturb the tranquil atmosphere.

"You don't have to thank me, I wanted nothing more than to spend my summer with you. Thank you for agreeing to come with me" he kissed your forehead, making you nuzzle even closer to his chest.

"I love you, you know that, right?" you spoke after a moment of silence, temporarily lifting your head from his chest to look at him.

He nodded. "I love you too, so much" he leaned down and captured your lips in a kiss.

Best summer of your life.

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[yoimix]

genshin men + first kiss ★ pt. 2

ft. kazuha, xiao, scaramouche

✽ kazuha’s gaze lingers over your lips long enough for anybody else to get the hint—anybody but you, of course. but how could you? when you’re unable to stay still, even under the warm beach sun, as soon as he smiles at you. seasickness has never haunted you as much as lovesickness has. yes, you want to hold him and yes, you can’t return his gaze for longer than two seconds. love is hard for travelers without destinations. and love is hard for you, who can’t see beyond his words, at the gaping meaning: i like you. in more ways than one. you were never a poet to begin with. so you cast aside these feelings overboard and into the sea, leaving kazuha sighing more often than beidou has patience for. and that means, she’s decided to leave the two of you stranded on an island off the coast of liyue (‘an easy little comission’, she dubs) till you can figure your feelings out, or get eaten by mitachurls. tough love makes the crux go around.

“i’ve cleared the camps on the right,” kazuha notifies, sheathing his sword.

“i-i’ve done my part on the left,” you respond right away, taking a gulp of air.

under the light breeze of summer, you’re tugged even more towards the man at the base of the rock you sit upon.

“woah, careful!” he exclaims, holding you right in time before you trip off the rock and onto the sand.

“th-thanks,” you mutter. 

and even under the light breeze of summer, the air is heavy with your repressed emotions. you can thank kazuha’s steady hand on your back for catalyzing the flow of blood to your face.

“will you... let go?” you look away quickly, retracting your hand.

“oh! i’m sorry.” he quickly removes his hand from your body and you almost regret it. there must be better ways to rid of this awkwardness. you’ve been friends for far too long to experience it, and it’s only started intruding after you realized your feelings.

the sound of waves crashing against the beach laces his sigh.

“(name), i’m not quite sure how much longer i can keep at this.”

“huh? what do you mean?”

“i have professed my love, have i not?”

“you-...you’ve what now?”

kazuha furrows his brows before a short, melodic laughs leaves his lips. it eases your heart the way same as the waves do. you look at him in anticipation, the bubbles in your stomach contained as they wait for a moment to pop.

“ah,” he sighs, still smiling, “i don’t know if this is the right time then.”

“what, standing in between two hilichurl camps?”

“yes, there’s that. but the view of the sea is still grand, wouldn’t you say so?”

kazuha has his autumn eyes on you, unwavering till they fixate on your lips. no sea song remains on his, no poem, no cryptic words of affection—only their feather touch against yours and sigh so soft it can’t be heard over the ocean.

you gasp, the sensation only a moment long and he pulls away.

“sorry,” he chuckles. “you looked beautiful. i couldn’t possibly describe it in sea melodies any longer—“

“please shut up and kiss me again,” you huff, blood rushing to your ears. “i can’t stand a single word of yours, not when i can’t ever get what you mean.”

kazuha blinks at your interruption, before covering his mouth with his palm to keep himself from laughing. before you can feel dismayed, he takes a step closer and you, one back against the rock.

he smiles, his palm against your cheek and your heart in your throat before you can protest. you did request it.

“if it is meaning you want, i shall give you plenty.” 

and with that, his oh-so-precious lips are on yours again.

✽ xiao isn’t too familiar with the mundane customs of human life, most of human behavior bizarre to him. what’s most bizarre, however, is how often you ask to kiss him. he turns it down, the thought outrageous, even though he himself pledged his heart and soul to you. he can call you his lover in private, when the word is just a whisper leaving his lips to grace only your ears. unfortunately, it will take time for him to understand the gesture of pressing his lips to yours, no matter how soft they look. and though cheeky in your attempts to sneak in kisses, you wait patiently for him to warm up to the idea. but it is rather exhausting, and combined with your busy work schedule for the week, you find yourself dozing off on xiao’s shoulder in your little liyue bedroom with not a single kiss stolen. you were too tired to tease him today. 

“is this truly comfortable?” xiao asks quietly. “you’re so strange, (name).”

you grumble, snuggling closer to him to wrap your arms around him. while innocent, xiao did not expect you to pull him into bed with you. he holds his breath as you get comfortable, your arm dangling over his waist lazily and your cheek resting against his shoulder. he peers down, the sight of you so relaxed making him release his breath in a softened sigh.

well, what does he know? it must be comfortable even if it’s him you’re clinging to—with his curses and blemishes, his blood-soaked clothes and war-stained hands. you caress his skin without a care, and wherever you draw your touch, it’s like you purify him bit by bit. 

“you’re so bright,” he mumbles.

when he looks back at you, you’re blissfully asleep. he reaches for the pillow near the edge, placing it below your head while he carefully removes his arm.  oh, how he swore he wouldn’t fall in love.

bending down, he brushes his lips against your forehead. this is the gesture, is it not? he’s seen people in love do it. it’s endearing how peaceful you can be when you sleep, while also getting on every single nerve of his awake. 

“good night, (name),” he whispers.

before he can fully rise, however, you peck his lips, the action effectively stunning him into paralysis.

“gotcha!”

you grin, though sleepy. when he doesn’t move, however, you grow worried.

“xiao? sorry if that was sudden. i didn’t mean to—hmpf!”

his lips are pressed against yours with much more pressure than you anticipated and it takes a while to ease into the kiss. he sighs when he pulls back, face glowing crimson under the faint moonlight.

“so... does that mean you liked it?”

“…no.”

✽ scaramouche is stiff and awkward with you around. it would be practically impossible to tell apart his feelings if you weren’t so good at reading them. you encourage him with little nudges and smiles, enough to elicit an eye roll or a riled up complaint. you do enjoy seeing him that way but you often wish you could see him a tad gentler. after all, you do believe there is something gentle at the core of the storm that plagues him. despite his constant threats and warnings, his gaze often flickers to your lips till he’s annoyed himself with the idea of them. you’re sure you can call each other friends now, even though he’s nothing but prickly. but you have faith in his engineered heart, a heart working beyond its creator’s understanding, a magnum opus. and nothing will ever come so close to his heart as you do, even if he can’t admit it. emotions are weaknesses and you, his biggest flaw.

“don’t be stupid,” scaramouche snarls. “it’s a suicide mission for the likes of you.”

“ah. are you afraid you’ll lose me?” you giggle. the rest of the fatui do admire how calm you can be around him. you just think it requires a bit of patience, patience you’re willing to give to him.

“you’re disgusting,” he huffs. “stop assuming things and—”

“you want to kiss me so bad, it makes you look stupid.” a teasing grin has plastered itself onto your face, so insufferable you’re sure he’ll tear you apart any moment.

there’s a moment of silence, the fallen snow a quiet audience and you think you’ve finally done it. you’ve short circuited the puppet’s wiring and he can finally be better off without it.

“oh dear, have i finally shut you—“

you feel lips against yours, and an arm around your waist with a hand supporting the back of your neck. this was the last thing you expected, your heart firing up rapidly till you can return the kiss.

he pulls away, unable to meet your eyes. you can see, however, how red his skin is all the way down to his neck.

“you’re beautiful,” you say, a soft smile playing on your lips.

he returns a glare. “why do you say that?”

“your feelings are beautiful.”

he breathes in sharply, clearly annoyed. “i fucking hate you.”

“i don’t mind. i like how you express your feelings. it’s very human.”

“how dare you?” he hisses, “you know the truth, and yet you still call them beautiful? the very reason i was discarded?”

“yes,” you whisper, stepping in even closer. “weaknesses are what make people strive to be stronger. you’re more human than you realize.”

“you’re pissing me off,” he seethes, grabbing you by the shoulders. “stop calling me human.”

“it’s no so bad,” you hum. “for example… isn’t this feeling quite nice?”

you lean forward and place your mouth over his, the gesture immediately relaxing his muscles. he will never admit it, but you hold him in a grasp tighter than he shows.

when you pull back again, there is a kind of sorrow in his eyes, sorrow not humanly possible to describe.

“will you stay with me, then?” his tone is finally gentle. “or will you abandon me like the rest?”

“only death will keep me from you, my dear,” you giggle.

“then teyvat will burn before i let you die.”

[masiola]

How Lucifer, Mammon and Leviathan would react to MC coming home drunk, calling them handsome and asking them out (even though they are already dating lol).

GN! MC

Contents warning: intoxication, alcohol, flirting

A/N: I wasn't sure if I should make this brothers x MC or x reader. Reading back on this, it's not my best work 😭

MC goes clubbing with a few demon friends from RAD. They finally find a drink that affects them, and let's just say they go way overboard. The drinks slowly start to take effect, by the time they get back to the HoL they are completely out of it. They barely make it to the stairs in the lobby, loosing their balance and grabbing onto the handrail for dear life. This causes an onset of giggles and laughter that alerts one of the brothers.

Lucifer

Lucifer is not impressed. He's going to lecture MC in the morning because all that matters right now is getting them to bed. He'll probably humour them or say something he normally wouldn't because they won't remember it the next day.

"Who's making so much noise this late at ni-" He comes storming in. His expression softens slightly when he sees MC.

"Hello handsome~"MC winks.

"You should stop talking or you might say something you regret tomorrow." SIGHS. He picks them up into his arms so it's easier to take them to their room.

"Oh really? Then I have a question."

"Yes?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Will you go out with me?"

"You're a mess MC let's get you to bed." He grumbles

"Am not! I can walk by myself and you didn't answer my question!" MC huffs.

"Okay, show me." He let's go of MC and crosses his arms.

"Watch this."

MC walks relatively straight but walks into the wall. Lucifer pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs deeply.

"Come on dear, let's get you to bed."

"Skipping straight to bed? You're bold."

"That's if you can handle it." He smirks.

MC happily takes his hand and leads him to their room. As soon as MC gets on the bed, they pass out. Lucifer chuckles softly.

"Sweet dreams MC." He whispers kissing the top of their head.

Mammon

Mammon would become serious here because he wants to make sure his human is safe.

"Jeez MC, how much did ya drink?" He sighs.

"C'mon on up ya get." He carefully picks them up off the ground.

"Mammon can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Do you want to go out with me?"

"MC yer drunk..."

"Is that a no to going out with me?" MC sulks and tears threaten to fall down their face.

"Huh? N-no! MC listen. Yer beautiful, kind and amazing in every way. I-l like ya a lot 'kay. So please just cooperate with me for a bit until we get ya to yer room." He stops walking to look them in the eyes, caressing their cheek with his thumb.

"Alright...babygirl." They smile cheekily at the nickname, before erupting with laughter.

"N-now why'd ya call me that?!" He yells, hiding his blush because he secretly enjoyed it. Will he ask you to call him babygirl again? Probably.

Removes MCs makeup if they're wearing any, and helps to change them into something more comfy, maybe one of his t-shirts.

Leviathan

He gets really worried and panics a little.

"MC? What's so funny? OMG are you okay?!" He helps them stand up

MC looks up. "Oh hello, handsome." They smile sweetly causing Levi to blush.

"S-stop that! Let's just get you into bed." He holds MC by the waist, helping them up the stairs.

"Levi...I want to ask you something."

"What?"

"Do you want to go out with me?"

"MC! We're a-already dating!! Don't you remember?" He's flustered at how bold they are right now. MC stops walking to look at him dumbfounded and proceeds to kiss him on the cheek.

"I must be the luckiest human ever!" They cheer.

"That's not true you could do so much better." He mumbles under his breath.

"Nonsense I only want you!" MC pouts.

"Speaking of... we're sleeping in your bed right? So we can be nice and close to each other." They smile innocently.

"MC!" He feels like his heart is going to explode.

[honeylations]

- Star Of My Night -

PART TWO

YU JIMIN (KARINA) x FEM!READER

———

“Listen, I know you just woke up but what is that on your neck? Is that what I think it is?” Winter asked with wide eyes, her index pointing at the dark purple spot on her leader’s neck.

They were all seated at the kitchen table, eating the pancakes NingNing had made. Karina opened her camera app and gasped at the hickey the Haze guitarist had given her the previous night. She passed out in the taxi on the way back that she had forgotten all about it.

“Ohhhh our leader finally got in with somebody last night? Boy or girl? Were they hot? Please tell me you got their number!” Giselle rambled, earning a slap to the back of the head by Winter.

“I’m too hungover for this, please leave me alone” The leader sighed.

“Come on please? Give the details! You owe us after disappearing like that!” Giselle persisted, crossing her arms like a strict mom.

The leader groaned into her palms before sitting up. “If it’ll get you to shut up. I made out with a girl last night and we were about to get into it until your dumbass called me to come back! Because of you, I was frustrated and horny!”

“Sorry about the cockblocking but who was the girl? Is she just some random?”

Karina gulped and the way her eyes widened and face turned red, the rest of the members gasped. NingNing almost dropping her spatula.

“It was the guitarist from last night’s band wasn’t it!!!” Winter squealed, deafening the blonde leader who could only grown into her palms again.

“Please don’t make it a big deal…”

“Oh this is definitely a big deal! You scored a 100!! And Y/n is totally your type. Tall, hot, plays guitar JUST FUCK ALREADY!” Giselle cheered.

“We could’ve fucked if YOU DIDNT FUCKING CALL ME YOU ASSWIPE!”

“I said I was sorry! Did you get her phone number?”

Karina froze again, remembering her slipping a note with her number on it in Y/n’s pocket. She then rushed to check her phone notification and saw one message from a random number.

Y/N: [Hey Karina, it’s Y/n. Hope this is the right number or I’d be very embarrassed right now…]

RINA: [Hey Y/n and yes it’s me :)]

Y/N: [Hmmm there’s a lot of liars nowadays. I won’t believe you unless you sent a pic of what you look like rn hehe]

RINA: [A photo?! I look like a train wreck!]

Y/N: [I’ll be the judge of that. Pic please?]

RINA: [You sound more of a creep than I do -_- And plus a pic isn’t proper evidence either!]

Y/N: [Video call then?]

Karina’s hands quickly moved to her hair, brushing it down neatly and ensuring her face looked clean. She then, with a shaky finger, clicked the video call button and Y/n picked up after one ring.

“Good morning, angel”

“Believe me now? I’m no catfish”

“Yes yes I believe you. Do you always look good in the mornings?”

Karina looked away and smiled.

“Good morning Y/n-ssi! Care for some pancakes?” NingNing yelled from the stove.

“Is that NingNing?” Y/n giggled and Karina nodded with an embarrassed look.

“Yes it is!” NingNing replied.

“Oh good morning! I appreciate the offer but I’ve already eaten my breakfast”

“No worries then. At least you were able to get up properly in the morning, unlike SOMEONE” The Chinese member aimed her tone at the blonde leader.

“Anddddd I’m going to my room. Bye” Karina quickly said and rushed upstairs to her bedroom, sitting on the edge of her bed. “Hi”

“Hey Rina, are you feeling alright after…you know, last night? I didn’t want it to seem like I was taking advantage of you since you were drunk. I got too caught up in the moment”

The leader’s heart melted at the girl’s sweetness. “My head hurts from the hangover but Y/n, I promise you I knew what I was doing last night. I wanted to kiss you and there was nothing in that moment that I regret”

“I’m sorry about your neck, I went a bit overboard. Do you have any schedule photoshoots soon?”

Karina shook her head. “Luckily I don’t. How about you? I’m assuming since you look fresh and well dressed in this ugly morning”

Y/n chuckled. “Well dressed? I’m in my home clothes, silly.” The band member showed a glimpse of her home outfit which was just a black shirt, black and white flannel pants, and white socks. “:I also have a daily morning routine that I follow even on my days off so I just naturally wake up early”

“Wait so you’re free all day?”

“That’s right”

“Did you…um… wanna go out? I know a good cafe near an art gallery” Karina shyly asked, looking down at her sock covered feet.

“Is THE Yu Jimin asking me out on a date right now?” Y/n smiled like an idiot, her right cheek dimple showing.

“The offer ends in 3-“

“I ACCEPT THE OFFER I ACCEPT THE OFFER!”

Karina laughed whole heartedly. “It’s 10:03am right now, we can meet up at 12:30”

“Sounds perfect but I can pick you up if that’s okay with you and your manager. I’m a good driver I promise”

“If I die, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your idol life” Karina joked, giving an angry face that Y/n found too cute.

“Sounds reasonable”

“My manager is laid back so he’ll be fine with you picking me up. My girls won’t be fine if I come back home with a scratch on my face though”

Y/n couldn’t help but laugh for what felt like the millionth time. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Miss Yu. Im sorry but I have to end the call here, Hanna just texted that my new guitar has arrived and I gotta unbox it before the next show”

“Awww on your day off?” Karina pouted.

“Hanna will punch me flat if I don’t get it done now or else it’ll waste our practice time”

“Oh yikes, don’t like the sound of that. Alright, I’ll see you later then”

“I’ll message you when I’m on my way”

“Bye bye~”

Y/n winked before the call ended, sending Karina into a squealing mess on her bed. NingNing had to run in and throw a plushie at her leader from the deafening noise.

“SHUT. UP!”

———

“Ohhhhh someone looks really happy in the morning~” Eunsook, the band’s leader walked in with a huge smirk on her face.

“Just a good morning, I guess” Y/n shrugged and adjusted her metal frame glasses.

“Either that or it’s because of her new girlllllllfrienddddd” Jungwon sat next to the guitarist and started nudging her with her shoulder.

“Hey stop that, she’s not my girlfriend….Yet. I don’t know, we’re going out today”

“OH A DATE?! You haven’t been on a date since that girl from izone. What was her name again? Heewon?” Hanna asked, looking up to the ceiling in hopes it would speed up her memory.

“Her name was Hyewon and I mentioned before that it was a mutual decision for us to stop talking”

“Here we go again…” Eunsook rolled her eyes and giggled, starting to make her morning coffee.

“Her group’s contract ended so she was going through a rough time with the disbandment, and our band was growing in popularity! What were we supposed to do?”

“Talk it out like proper adults, maybe? You two really liked each other” Jungwon said, and Y/n felt her heart hurt from the memories with Hyewon.

“It’s been a long time now so it doesn’t matter. I like Karina now and I have a good feeling about her. Hyewon moved on anyways so who am I to care?”

“Hey don’t get sour now please, Y/n-ie. Karina seems like a great person and we’re not trying to stop you from pursuing her. We just don’t want you going through another heartbreak that it’ll affect your motivation with the band” Eunsook said in a firm tone.

“I won’t let that happen, Unnie, I promise. I really like Karina and I hope she likes me too”

“Well there’s no doubt in that because she has heart eyes for you bro. I’ve never seen someone so in love. Give me your natural charms” Hanna pouted.

“Oh shush. I’m gonna go get ready now” Y/n sighed and made her way to the stairs but her leader’s voice stopped her.

“Hey Y/n”

“Yeah?”

“First of all, don’t forget about unboxing your new guitar and setting up for practice tomorrow. Two, don’t forget to use a condom. I slid one in your wallet just in case” Eunsook winked, making Y/n’s face go all red.

“UNNIE!”

“I’M JUST PROTECTING YOU!”

———

Y/n and Karina ended up staying out longer than expected.

It was already 9pm but none of the two were willing to let the day end.

At the moment, they were in the car after Y/n offered to take Karina back to Haze’s dorm. The Aespa leader took a quick glance at the taller’s side profile, admiring her clear skin, pretty nose, pretty lips…to the way Y/n kept one hand on the wheel while the other moved to hold Karina’s hand.

The blonde looked out the window to hide her stupid grin and she thanked the heavens that they finally arrived at their destination otherwise her face would’ve melted from how hot it was.

However, the moment Y/n removed her seatbelt, she made no movement in getting out the car.

“You alright, Y/n?”

Using her thumb to caress her hand, Y/n licked her lips before meeting Karina’s eyes. “I just have a question”

“Yeah?”

“Are you seeing anyone right now?”

Karina wanted to laugh really hard but the way the taller looked so nervous had forced her to hold it back. “If I was, I wouldn’t be here with you right now, silly”

“S-So…I-If I said I really liked you right now and want to see you more…Would you be okay with that?”

Karina’s heart melted before she pulled the guitarist towards her and connected their lips. Both of their hearts were jumping like crazy and Karina softly pulled away, her lips hovering close to the other’s. “Of course I’d be okay with that”

“You don’t understand how you make me feel, Rina” Y/n husked, breathing becoming heavier at the way the blonde’s eyes hypnotised her.

“How about we finished what we started last night?” Karina smirked, peppering kisses across Y/n’s jaw and inching her lips close to her ear. “Show me how much you like me, baby”.

Y/n gulped at the pet name, feeling her not-so-little friend down there start to get excited. The taller held Karina’s hand tighter and dragged them inside the dorm, rushing their way upstairs to the guitarist’s bedroom.

Karina found the layout pretty. Band posters on the walls, a few signed guitars displayed at the corner, a gaming desk just beside her, and a queen sized bed covered in a grey coloured quilt.

Her little tour ended when Y/n’s hand grabbed her chin and gently made her look up, lust still in her eyes. “You’re so beautiful, angel”

Karina wanted to look away like she usually does when being complimented but the feeling of those soft lips on her’s had stopped her from doing so.

Soft went to rough, Karina’s hands wrapping around the band member’s nape and pulling her impossible closer as if Y/n was going to disappear. Y/n’s large hands rested on the leader’s small waist, guiding her to lay on the bed, tongues never leaving each other.

“Y/n, please, baby”

Y/n sat up on her knees and pulled off her shirt, revealing her smooth yet muscular body, abs on full display and her chain resting on her collarbones.

It was enough to make Karina drool.

Y/n’s pants were removed next, her bulge appearing bigger under the black boxers.

Karina bit her lower lip and found it unfair how the woman above her was almost naked yet she was still in her short dress. Sitting up, she unzipped her white dress and threw it on the floor, leaving her in matching white lingerie that Y/n seemed to like alot.

“Take everything off, angel. I want to see all of you” Y/n husked, hand massaging her aching erection over the boxers.

Karina didn’t need to be told twice. Both under garments were gone within a second, Y/n’s breath hitching at the bare sight. “Fuck, I’m going crazy”

“What are you waiting for? Make me yours” Karina hummed, her fingers gently drawing circles over her clit, bring them down to her soaked entrance to spread her juices. “Please Y/n-ie. I want to feel you inside me”

Y/n growled and brought their lips together harshly, one hand holding herself up while the other expertly removed her boxers, grabbing her cock to rub the tip up and down her slit.

“Ruin me good, baby. Please!” Karina started to beg, squeezing at Y/n’s shoulders.

“Wait, angel. Let me just put a condom on okay?” The taller was about to get up but Karina was quick to lock her in place.

“No no please just cum inside me. I’m on the pill, I promise” Karina pleaded, eyes starting to water at how empty she felt despite not having the full experience of Y/n’s length. “Come on baby, fuck me good. I want to forget my name”

That was the last straw for the guitarist. She held her cock at Karina’s entrance and pushed inside with one thrust, jolting the smaller’s body with a loud moan.

“F-Fuck yes that’s it, baby!” Karina cried, feeling torn apart.

“Didn’t expect you to be such a cockslut, Rina. I bet you’re like this with all the other dicks you had put in you. Am I right, baby?” Y/n groaned, moving at a slow and steady pace.

Karina shook her head. “N-No, yours is better. So much fucking better! Please go faster!”

Who was Y/n to disobey her princess? Holding herself up, her hips started to move at a rougher pace, the intimate noises increasing in volume throughout the room. Her lips moved to Karina’s left breast, making her nipple shiny with spit before sending equal attention to the other. Karina couldn’t think of anything else other than the girl above her and the thick long cock that pounded into her deliciously.

“O-Oh my god! Ah~ S-So fucking full!”

Y/n laid her head on the shorter’s shoulder, one hand moving down to hold Karina’s leg up and the other wrapped around her neck, letting Y/n push in deeper. Karina could feel the older in her womb, making her scream louder, tears pouring down her face at the overwhelming feeling.

“Y-Y/n! You’re so deep inside me, baby”

From the way Karina’s walls started to tighten around her cock, Y/n knew she was close and it encouraged her to paint the girl’s neck with an endless amount of hickies before pulling her lips away to admire the work of art:

Her pale faced stained with tears, lips swollen and red, eyes half lidded, the lewd noises escaping her mouth that was hung open…God, Y/n was gonna explode then and there.

As for Karina’s view: the taller’s black hair was attractively messed up, sweat running down her neck where her chain was hanging and jolting with every thrust. Her abs looked more defined from the lighting and Karina wanted nothing more than littering the pretty skin with love bites.

“I wanna cum~ Will you let me cum, daddy? Please?” The Aespa leader panted, her tone making Y/n clench her jaw from the abrupt new pet name.

“Fuck, I don’t wanna cum in you…I-I can’t..”

Karina wasn’t gonna take that as an answer. She locked her legs around the taller’s waist and grinded her hips. “I want your cum, daddy. Wouldn’t you like that? Filling me up until my pussy can’t hold anymore of it? Don’t you wanna reward me for being so good?”

Y/n wanted her to shut the fuck up but the image of flooding the idol with her cum was making it harder for her to easily pull away.

She didn’t want to risk the pregnancy.

She couldn’t.

She shouldn’t.

Oh but by the way Rina stared into Y/n’s eyes and continued moaning her name, begging at how she wanted to take all the cum…

Y/n couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Ah…A-Ah fuck, baby!”’

“Yes, that’s it! That’s it! I’m cumming, Y/n-ie!” Rina released one last scream as her legs shook.

Y/n groaned, her hips slowing down while her cock painted the tight walls white, feeling their mixed liquids gushing down to her balls and on the bed. The guitarist slowly pulled out and laid beside the kpop idol, trying to catch her breath.

“Rina…”

“Yeah?”

“Be mine?”

Karina giggled despite her tired state and used the last of her strength to lay her sweaty body on top of Y/n’s, laying her head in the crook of her neck. “You ask me that right after you destroyed my insides?”

“You don’t have to give me an answer right now..”

Karina smiled and leaned up to press a soft kiss on her lips. “Yes I’ll be yours. All yours~”

“Princess…”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think Eunsook Unnie will get mad at me for not using the condom she prepared in my wallet?”

“Oh my god you’re such a dork! I told you I’m on the pill, it’s okay, baby” Karina laughed again, cupping her girlfriend’s face.

“I worry too much sometimes”

“And that’s okay. Let’s sleep now and we can plan something to do tomorrow morning” The leader suggested, admiring how Y/n’s eyes sparkled.

“I love you”

“I love you too, dorky”

[autisticlancemcclain]

part one

———

Keith can feel it bubbling up inside him.

He’d like to think he’s grown to have a handle on it, the rage. It’s no longer his first reaction to things, no longer his response to everything. He’s not the little kid who trusted no one and hated himself for things that weren’t his fault anymore. He’s grown. He’s learnt to recognise how rarely he truly feels anger; how often it is pain, or sadness, or fear that he doesn’t know how to handle.

He knows this feeling is terror. He knows he is looking out into the endless, endless sea and quavering, in his mind, rendered mute at the future he may have, or lack thereof. What he is feeling is fear, at the roots of things.

But anger is all that’s bubbling up, anyway.

“Are you fucking serious!” he shouts, rattling the boat with the force of his rage. “You got us lost?!”

Luckily, or maybe unluckily considering their situation, Lance has never been the cowering type. He’s just as stubborn and headstrong as Keith, evident in the way he carefully sets down the useless GPS, jaw set, and turns to face Keith.

“I was not the only fool to inebriate myself in a largely unmanned vessel,” he shoots back. He’s doing that thing he does, when he’s furious, when he’s convinced he’d backed into a corner and on his own, where he speaks like a fucking decorated college professor so no one can accuse him of being stupid. ‘Lawyering up’, Keith has always called it. And usually it makes him sad on Lance’s behalf, knowing exactly the string of experience that has led him to that response, but right now it only pisses him off.

“Oh, cut the fucking bullshit, Lance. You were supposed to put down a fucking anchor!”

“I did!”

“Fucking obviously not!”

Lance’s fists clench, and a muscle jumps in his cheek from the tenseness of his jaw. His next words are growled, practically spat in Keith’s direction.

“I put a fucking anchor down, Kogane. It was the first thing I accomplished. It was a current anchor, and I’m certain I set it properly.”

Keith yells, wordless, just a loud shout so he doesn’t explode with everything inside him, gripping his hands in his hair so tightly it hurts. “Well, obviously fucking not, Lance, because I���m at fucking sea right now! Surrounded at all sides by fucking water!”

“How is it my fault that the anchor failed?” Lance shouts, finally cracking his careful composure. It satisfies Keith in a horrible kind of way, to see him just as frantic and furious as Keith is, no bullshit. “Huh? Want me to fucking take it up with the fuckers at the hardware store?”

“I’d love that, except you can’t, because you fucking got us lost!”

Something snaps in Lance’s expression, and he lunges forward, but before Keith can react, he brushes past him and dives overboard, crashing into the gentle waves. It takes Keith several seconds to fully register what the fuck just happened, and by the time he drops to his knees and leans over the side of the boat, Lance is several feet away and rapidly swimming farther.

“Lance!” he shouts, panic replacing the anger in his voice. The only thing worse than being stranded is being stranded by himself. “What the fuck are you doing?”

Lance pauses, treading water as he glances over his shoulder in Keith’s direction. “Avoiding doing something I regret, ” he says shortly. “I either shoved you or jumped myself. One of those is a significantly less shitty decision.”

Keith stares at him for a moment, then pinches the bridge of his nose, taking several seconds to exhale as long and loud and exasperated as he can. He’s almost annoyed to find a smile twitching at the corner of his mouth.

“Lance,” he says, pursing his lips, “get the fuck back here, you pillar of dumbass.”

For several minutes Lance doesn’t, likely just to out-stubborn him, but eventually gives in and paddles over. He pauses at the edge of the boat, reaching up one hand to steady himself and letting the rest of him just float.

“I’m not going to yell anymore,” Keith says after several moments. He means it, too; he knew yelling and fighting wouldn’t solve anything but chose his fury over his fondness for Lance, and he wishes he hadn’t.

Lance shakes his head before he can finish. “Nah, I think a little yelling was necessary. I did get us lost. Well, kind of. Fifty-fifty, I think.”

“Fifty-fifty?!” Keith responds indignantly. “I think the fuck not, Oh Captain My Caption! Eighty-twenty at best!”

“That’s absurd. Fifty one-forty nine.”

“That’s not a real offer, jackass. You just brought yourself back up to ninety-ten.”

Lance flicks a drop of water at him, grinning. “Sixty-forty?”

Keith sighs. “I’ll take it.” He holds out a hand. “Come up, dorkbrain.”

Lance grabs his hand, smile widening. Keith realises his mistake a milisecond too late.

“Oh, you motherfucker —”

Lance yanks him into the sea, cackling as he sputters sea water on his way back up. His cackles turn quickly to shouts of alarms, though, when he reads the murder in Keith’s expression, and quickly he books it, swimming as fast as he can to the opposite side of the boat. Keith chases him with full intent to drag him under and drown his bitch ass, but unfortunately Lance grew up with a fuckin’ mermaid tail, or whatever, and Keith has to call it when he genuinely starts to worry he might drown from exhaustion.

He grabs the rope on the side of the boat, heaving himself up until his elbows hook over the edge, legs dangling in the water. Lance mirrors him, still on the opposite end. Keith is gratified at least to find him panting, out of breath as well. The look at each other, and reach a wordless agreement, climbing back onto the boat and flopping on the floor. The take a minute, chests heaving, to catch their breaths, sobering as they look up at the cloudless sky and truly realize the predicament they’ve gotten themselves into.

“Well, it could be worse,” Lance says quietly. He continues before Keith can ask him how the fuck that could be. “I mean, I planned for this to happen. Not, like, I planned for it to actually happen to us, but I packed a bunch of emergency supplies on the off-chance that we would somehow get stranded.”

Keith raises his eyebrows. “Yeah? For how long?”

“Well, long as shit, I would suppose. I packed enough for six people to last a month.”

“So the two of us are set for God knows how long.”

They lapse into silence, both pondering the seriousness of their strandedness, the reality of the helpless situation they’re in. They have food and water, sure, and a few other survival things, but what about shelter? Something that’s not a hard boat to sleep on, or old pillows? What about when it gets cold at night, or it rains, or they run into something bigger than their boat? They’re totally lost, communications dashed, GPS unavailable, and honestly still a little hungover. They are, objectively, in for a fuckin’ rough one.

A hand reaches over and wraps around Keith’s, startling him from his thoughts. He looks over at Lance, but Lance looks pointedly away, gaze fixed firmly at the sky, something unreadable written on his face.

“You know, not that it fixes anything,” he starts quietly. He hesitates a moment, long enough that Keith opens his mouth to ask him to finish his sentence, before continuing. “But I’m grateful, at least, that it’s you I’m stuck with.”

His words hang in the air, a heavy blanket settling over them. Keith’s face heats. The tiniest of smiles pulls at his lips, and he squeezes Lance’s hand as he looks away.

“Yeah,” he whispers, “yeah, I lucked out there.”

[piratecaptainscaptainpirates]

For the 1k word fics, maybe one where Ed finally talks with Lucius? The more angsty the better >:)

This prompt has lived rent-free in my head since you sent it in. I had a lot of fun with it!!

(Pretty much always taking prompts for 1k word fics! I love 'em because they're great to write when I have writer's block on other projects, so don't be shy!)

--

Enough was enough.

Ed had been out of his probation period for a few days now. Most of the crew seemed to be comfortable enough with him again; they came up to him with questions, they invited him to sit next to them at dinner, they talked with him and invited his input. Lucius had…stopped flipping him off every time he saw him out on deck.

Thing was, Ed was genuinely trying to leave all that awful dark scary Kraken shit in the past, and pushing Lucius overboard to the sharks? That had been the worst thing he’d ever done during all that nastiness. Lucius had only ever offered him support and friendship, and Ed had pushed him overboard for it. And now Lucius made a point of talking over Ed, shouting at him, dismissing his suggestions, insulting him, and just generally proving at every opportunity how much he hated him.

And Ed knew he deserved all that and worse. But if he was going to leave the Kraken behind, something would have to give.

When he overheard Roach talking about something Izzy had told him at breakfast, Ed knew his game plan.

It only took Ed a few seconds to get everything he needed set up, and then he found Lucius up on deck. When someone flips you off that enthusiastically at every opportunity, you can’t really miss them.

“Hey,” he said, making a beeline up to him. “Can you come with me for a sec?”

“Absolutely fucking not,” Lucius said immediately.

Ed’s pleading desperation must have shown on his face, because Lucius made a sort of go-ahead gesture, and he let Ed lead him to a space he’d cleared out in the empty galley. He’d already set up bottles of antiseptic, gauze, and everything he’d figured he might need.

“What’s all this?” Lucius frowned at the equipment Ed had laid out, and he shouted in alarm when Ed thrust the old saw into his hands.

“Izzy said you suggested cutting my leg off,” Ed said, plopping down on the bench and stretching his bad leg up in front of him at what he figured was an ideal chopping height. “Have at it. I’d prefer this one, but, uh, dealer’s choice.”

Lucius just kept blankly looking at him.

“I expected some reluctance, but don’t worry,” he said, holding up one hand to show the length of rope he’d looped around his wrist. He put his hands behind his back, slipping his other wrist into the knot he’d prepared, then tugging at his arms to prove to Lucius he wouldn’t be able to get free. “See? Not gonna try to hit you or anything. Whenever you’re ready.”

He hoped Lucius wouldn’t be able to see how hard he was shaking, and he jumped a mile when Lucius just tossed the saw onto the table.

“You fucking idiot,” Lucius spat, “I’m not doing that!”

“It’s okay,” Ed assured him, “I know I deserve it -”

“I don’t want to chop your leg off!”

Ed just stared up at him. This had been his last hope. “Then what do you want?”

“Oh, uh, I dunno,” Lucius said, “maybe a fucking apology?”

Ed snorted disbelievingly. “That’s all you want? You just want me to say, I dunno, oh, Lucius, I’m so sorry for what I did to you, and it was the worst time of my life but that’s no excuse, I was scared and I hurt you and I’m sorry, and I think about it often, and I feel terrible, and I wish I had a way to tell you how deeply I regret hurting you, and could you please forgive me?”

“Yes,” Lucius said simply.

Ed blinked.

“Oh, Lucius,” he said softly. “I am so sorry for what I did to you. It was the worst time of my life, but that’s no excuse. I was scared and I hurt you because of it and I’m sorry. I think about it often, and I feel terrible. I wish I had a way to tell you how deeply I regret hurting you. Could you please forgive me?”

“See, that’s a fucking start,” Lucius said, crossing his arms and nodding primly. “Follow-up question. What did I do to deserve that? What did I do to you that made you do that to me?”

Lucius’ voice wobbled, a bit, and Ed looked at the floor to avoid having to meet his eyes.

“So, uh,” he started haltingly, “you remember how you listened to my lyrics? And you gave me advice and shit?”

“Mhm.”

“Izzy kinda said that he should’ve let the English kill me and I better watch my fuckin’ step -”

Lucius reeled back a bit. “Shit, did he really?”

“Yep,” Ed said, with the best shrug he could manage with his arms behind his back. “And if I had to go back to being Blackbeard, I figured you were the only one who could’ve seen through me.”

“That is fucked up,” Lucius said with a loud groan. “That is so fucked of you, that is such shit.”

“Yeah.” Ed went back to looking at the floor. “I was having a really shitty time of it, and I wasn’t thinking right. I’m sorry, man.”

“For what it’s worth,” Lucius sighed, “I was kind of having a really shitty time of it when I said the whole chopping your leg off idea. I didn’t really mean it.”

Ed let his shoulders relax. “Could you maybe untie me? This knot is really tight, I can’t feel my fingers.”

“Yeah, sure,” Lucius mumbled, grabbing the pair of medical scissors on the table.

Ed still held his breath as Lucius moved behind him, but he just cut the rope without even attempting to stab him in the back. Progress.

“We’re not good,” Lucius said when he crossed back in front of him again. “We’re nowhere close to good yet.”

“Understood,” Ed mumbled.

“But.” Lucius held out a hand. “Crewmates?”

Ed beamed, taking his hand for an enthusiastic shake. “Crewmates.”

[sir-yeehaw-paws]

Sequence 9 deserves its own post.

O YEA THIS IS THE BEST SHIT EVER.

THE WAY HAYTHAM JUMPS HIM FROM THE RAFTERS

Technically, dad. Aren't these your first words..?

WHAT is this grin Haytham WHAT IS THIS FACE-

HOW'S THAT FOR AN INTRODUCTION-

OH their dialogue is golden.

Haytham even calls it banter please.

EVERY SINGLE TIME CONNOR WANTS TO SPARE SOMEONE HAYTHAM SHOOTS THEM INSTEAD.

We love us some hereditary eagle vision amiright fellas.

OH GEE THANKS DAD!

He takes charge almost by default it's amusing as it is annoying *for Connor*

The way they can scale the roof tops together completely side by side without a single delay from either of them is really awesome.

I cannot get over the way the rapport was written from the word 'go' it's like they don't even MEAN to banter it just HAPPENS this way it's SO FUCKIN' FUNNY.

WHEN HE INTRODUCED CONNOR AS HIS SON HE LOOKED SO STUNNED.

Connor like "DID I HEAR THIS RIGHT??"

And..I never want to hear someone describe someone's mother as 'forest fruit' ever fucking again what the actual hell.

(Yes I'm aware it's period typical racism, and accurate racism depiction but DAMN)

Damn, Haytham's face when Connor tells him about Ziio..I get the sense that, even for as far off the deep end he's gone, he was being honest here.

Which, I do believe he's being completely honest. But as Connor rightfully points out:

Haytham's regrets don't change that. Nothing is going to change what Connor has to live with. The truth of what happened.

HAYTHAM. shsjsakjsdankasdknsakj-

Dad, if you keep getting in my stuff about my sailing I WILL be throwing you overboard.

..And he took Benjamin PERSONALLY.

Well! Suit yourself then.

ENJOY HELL.

"Good job on the assassinating m'boy" (Couldn't decide which cap I like better, uploaded both)

Aww Connor apologizing to Achilles. And he's got that shiny idealism again. And it's so damned EARNEST. The man genuinely has a good heart but the world is content to just keep STOPPING ON IT. And telling Connor it's bad to have one. Everyone has told him so too. But he hasn't lost hope yet and to be honest I sort of hope that he never does. He deserves to have that thread of happiness in him.

And honestly, even though we know this only has one outcome (tragedy) there's that earnest hopefulness in Connor that, if they did just work together they could be allied. And he could appreciate his dad properly. And Haytham him in turn. Obviously that's just not going to happen: given the fact Haytham continues to ally with Lee even though he burned Connor's mother alive. And that their ideals are just too opposed, it's still painful to see Connor having that spark. It's something he'd deserve but AGH.

Probably not, but Connor's hope here is endearing as it is tragic.

(Obviously he has a perfectly suitable father figure in Achilles, but the peace glasses that Connor wears make it so that yeah, this is automatically going to be something he wants-and who could blame him?) even knowing the inevitable of it all.

ANYWAY THIS WAS AS FUNNY AS IT WAS HEARTBREAKING I'M IN SHATTERS, TATTERS.

[fictionalsimp09]

galore – @dorlenemicroficprompts – 340 words 

Dorcas is the luckiest person alive to be able to call Marlene ‘mine’. Everything about her captivates her; her hair, her laugh, her humour, her Quidditch skills (and her wearing her kit). So, she decided to trust her new girlfriend, who wanted to take her on a date in the Forbidden Forest. Now she’s regretting that. 

Standing face to face with a Thornback, Dorcas mentally curses Marlene, while trying to remember of how to get rid of it. But there’s many different types, with different weaknesses. How do they know which one it is? It’s too dark to see it properly. 

“Incendio,” Marlene attacks the giant spider and it’s screams almost make Dorcas feel sorry for it. Almost, it did try to kill them. 

Dorcas turns to her girlfriend when it’s silent, hands on hips. “What a brilliant idea, Marlene. Having a date in the most dangerous place we know.” 

“How was I supposed to know we would get attacked by a giant spider? I didn’t even know spiders got that big.” 

“Do you even pay attention in Care of Magical Creatures?” 

“Yes.” Dorcas raises an eyebrow at her. “I pay attention to you.” 

Dorcas sighs, “We should probably head back before we run into something more dangerous.” 

“But we’re almost there! Come on, it’s not like we can’t protect ourselves.” 

She hesitates before responding. “If I die, I will haunt you forever.” 

Marlene chuckles as she holds out her hand and Dorcas takes it, leading her to a clearing a few minutes walk away. There are soft lights hanging from the surrounding trees, illuminating a picnic. Marlene sits on the blanket and opens the basket, revealing food galore. 

“Merlin, Marls. You bought enough food to feed the whole school.” 

“I did go a bit overboard.” Dorcas sits down next to her and opens two bottles of butterbeer. “So, is this worth almost getting killed over?” 

Dorcas looks at Marlene’s tender smile and the way the lights reflect in her hazel eyes. “Yes.” Anything is worth seeing her this happy. 

[thedivinevera]

♡Black and blue♡

Dottore x reader, IL Dottore x reader, Zandick x reader, Dottore x fem!reader,

Harley Quinn & joker, acid scene from s*icide squad inspired, Insane x crazy in-love, one sided pinning in the first part, dottore is aware what he is, kissing, fluff ig, acid bath baby!

Tw: Unhealthy relationship, Dottore, crazy in-love, jumping to a pool of "safe acid" or Chemical thingy, the reader jump from the 4th floor, bad writing, bad grammar, some bad spelling incoming, a bit ooc of Dottore

How many thing can you pull just for him to realize, your complete devotion from him?... Do you think you can jump from the 4th floor of a factory and land to a pool of unknown chemical? risking your life just to complete his test? Do you think dottore is as crazy in-love as you?

“Question!” the Doctor shout, voice echoing in the factory, the only thing you hear is the bubble of acid, his voice, and you, breathing. The only thing you smell right now is the acid that you can see down there. You're in the exact location of the 4th floor of the fatui's special acid factory owned by one and only "the Doctor" you're with now. You stand there, stupidly waiting to for the crazy man, you loved so dearly to asked his question “Would you die for me?” he whisper into your ears, you can feel his breath on your face “Yes” you reply, eyes keeping a straight stare to his mask. You're insane for saying this but as the quotes said; "everybody is insane when they're in love" and that is what's happening right now.

After chasing Dottore in his factory after he leaves you alone, which everybody should be grateful for but not you, you put yourself in this scenario that can leave you with satisfaction or death and you choose this without thinking twice

“That's too easy,” he said, practically mocking you with that tone, “Would you—would you live... For me” his tone emphasizing the Live part. “yes” again but now louder “Careful... Do not say this oath, thoughtlessly” he put his hands in your chin and forcing you to look more to his mask, covered eyes “desire becomes surrender, surrender becomes—power!” he shout as he let his hands remove the loose hair from your face “You want this?” he asked “I do...” you answer “say it, say it, say—it, pretty, pretty, pretty—” he repeats showcasing his Insanity, maybe that would make you leave him, he said to himself

“please...” you begged, that's the last answer dottore needs to just send you off to death. For you its a gamble, he either save you or leave you, but for some it's an absolute Insanity.

You're crazy, dottore said to himself as you whisper, the last plea to his ears, not as crazy as him but crazy, crazy enough to love him truly that you would go overboard just to showcase a complete loyalty. “good.. then” he opened his arms signaling for you to jump on the bubbling acid, from the fourth floor of this factory, not expecting that you will do it, nor going for it but you did arms open as you let yourself fall to the acid, back first, you can feel the air blowing your hair and clothes, you can smell the toxic chemical down there, it feels like you're in a slow motion, everything feels ethereal and not even a ounce of regret is in your body then finally you succumb to the pool of chemical not thinking twice, you let yourself drown to the acid not moving completely, letting the chemical cover your entire body, this creamy, green colored toxin you let your body touch, just because you love this insane, murderous, fucking crazy, absolutely delusional, yet deadly handsome man, you let him order you to this insane things, just so he can see how many length your devotion can put you in.

As you let yourself succumb to the chemical, you have Dottore leaving you and letting you drown in the chemical and putting yourself to death but as he tries to leave something about him that makes him stop his track, something at the back of his head that keep telling to him that he couldn't let you die like that, he will regret it and HE WILL— REGRET IT. He grunt to himself as he removed his coat and mask, without thinking twice he jumped into the acid without hesitation, succumbing to the voice inside his head, letting the voice that he ignore to just control his body and blind his brain and let his heart that he never thought he still has, to take the lead

He swims to the bottom of the container taking your unconscious body above this pool of chemical. He kisses your lips, giving you air to breathe, as your eyes open you see Dottore, cover in the same chemical you're also covered with, now without his mask you can clearly see his ruby eyes. He Kisses you once again, you press yourself to his lips like it would be your last kiss “You are fucking insane, you know that?” he muttered “But I love it” he said as he gives you another tender kiss, completely taking your breath away, his sweet kisses are like a kiss of a devil. Absolutely divine, that is what you're feeling right now, you don't know what would happen next but you are more ready to take it, especially when it's from him. He pulled away his lips and laugh like a maniac he is, but that cut off when he pressed your lips to him, and his teeth eagerly bit the lower lip, letting yours and his tongue taste the blood. Love can make everybody crazy but he's more than crazy his fucking insane

[princess-leaorgana]

What Tieflings Do Chpter 8

Summary: After the takedown of The Absolute, Zelphie finds her city in need of more help and her home destroyed. She won't stop helping, but who can help her?

Rolan x Tav (Zelphie; ~30y.o AFAB, Sorcerer, Tiefling, not really described physically on purpose <3)

M/F

Author's Note: I fucking love tielfings. Along with this being a budding romance/smut/fluff/word vomit fanfiction, it's also my case study in DnD 5e tieflings, how they act, what sets them apart from humans and devils and elves. That being said, I have a few artistic liberties in here as well where I couldn't find a straight answer, if you'll amuse me.

Warnings - Spoilers for Baldur's Gate 3, angst and some foul language

Chapter One Two Three Four Five Six Seven

Or Read all chapters on AO3

‘No, no, that looks garish, take it away.’ 

Rolan was being a nightmare. The tower was already incredibly neat and after almost six months of being its master, Rolan has redecorated all that he could. Whenever he had guests in the tower, he went a little overboard making sure the entrance was neat, but today, he was losing his mind. Someone very special was coming to visit, well, two people, but only one of them was making Rolan nervous. Gale of Waterdeep would be paying them a visit. He was in the city for real business, and Zelphie invited him to stay in the tower. Without discussing it with Rolan first. Which was putting Rolan in an early grave. He was fighting with his own water elementals over the position of some flowers on a table. Zelphie stood in the room, her mage hand waiting for instruction. It had moved the furniture three times over already. Zelphie regretted inviting the wizard to even come and visit. She allowed Rolan his fussing, because the second guest was Astarion. Rolan finally yielded, allowing the vampire to come to the tower, Cal hadn’t been around very much as of late and it depressed Rolan terribly. It was very clear that Cal and Astarion cared for each other very much. Rolan had to give in if he wanted to see his brother again.

Zelphie finally walked over to the couch she had just moved and sat down with a big ‘oof’. She was four months pregnant, only halfway done, but she was exhausted. She was mostly just tired, her back and legs hurt a lot, so standing and watching Rolan throw a hissy fit over flowers was killing her. Lia walked into the entrance room, wearing an old robe of Zelphie’s. It was a deep red robe, a little heavy for casual wear in the summer, but it did look very good on Lia. Zelphie smiled as her sister walked over.

‘How do I look?’ She asked and Zelphie smiled.

‘Magical,’ Zelphie answered and patted the couch. Lia walked past Rolan.

‘You have a vein that’s about to pop,’ she said to her brother, who just absolutely ignored her. He was studying the ceiling. What the hells was he going to do about the ceiling? Lia sat next to Zelphie and gave her swollen belly a little pat. ‘How are you feeling?’ She asked and Zelphie sighed.

‘I feel like a hot bath and a nap would answer all the world’s problems,’ she said and laughed a little. ‘How about you? Nervous?’ She asked a little softly, giving Lia a nudge. Lia swatted at Zelphie playfully and shook her head.

‘No, shut up,’ she said and Zelphie grinned.

‘Have you ever spent any time alone with Gale?’ She asked and Lia shook her head.

‘No, only chance I ever had was at Last Light Inn, but I was convinced the two of you were sha-‘ Rolan interrupted his sister with a very loud clearing of the throat. Both women stared at him, but his eyes were still on the ceiling. Another reason Rolan was nervous. Yes, he did want to impress Gale, but not for the reason one might expect. Gale was a highly acclaimed wizard, Mystra’s chosen, hailing from Waterdeep, city of splendors. Rolan had a lot to catch up to, as would most other wizards. But power, talent and prestige really wasn’t what Rolan was jealous of. He was convinced Gale and Zelphie had been involved in some way. Zelphie had reassured him absolutely not and even if they were, it wouldn’t matter in the least. Gale was a romantic gentleman and he would never flirt with a married woman and Zelphie would never dare to drift from her love. It was simple for Zelphie but very hard for Rolan to believe. They were married and had a little one on the way, but Rolan would never think himself Zelphie’s priority, her one and only. He couldn’t help his insecurities.

‘Well, I promise, he’s very easy to get along with. He always has the best intentions. A little shy but incredibly…verbose.’ Lia certainly did have a crush on the wizard, he was a beautiful man. Though, listening to him yap on and on about a subject might not be something Lia could stand. She wasn’t the most patient of people. They would have to see.

‘Darling, the bookcase needs to go back,’ Rolan said, still staring at the ceiling.

‘Is your brain finally well done?’ Lia asked as Zelphie commanded her hand to push the bookcase. Rolan shot a look at her and raised an eyebrow.

‘That’s a nice dress,’ he said and Lia grinned.

‘Thanks, it’s your wife’s,’ she said and Zelphie laughed.

‘Alright, enough, come and sit, Rolan, please,’ she said and reached her hand out for him. He was about to argue and then Zelphie did something he hated more than anything else in the world. She pouted. He scowled and closed his eyes and walked over. Zelphie grinned instantly. She had about another four months of that power. She did have to pick her pout battles, she couldn’t have him strengthen his will. She only did it when she really needed him by her side, and right then, she needed him to stop worrying and then be by her side. She took his hand once he was on the couch with his wife and sister. ‘There, now relax,’ she told him and smiled. ‘The tower is beautiful, Gale will be incredibly impressed at its transformation, I know it, stop worrying,’ she told him and he sighed.

‘If I notice something isn’t right, it will gnaw at me that everyone else who sees it knows it’s not right,’ he told her and she smirked.

‘The angle of a bookcase is not right or wrong, dear, it’s a matter of taste,’ she said and he gave her an incredulous look, which made her laugh.

‘Someone’s taste is an indicator of their ability to tell right and wrong,’ he said and Zelphie laughed again. ‘And Gale of Waterdeep, I assume from his background, has impeccable taste,’ he said and Zelphie shook her head.

‘Don’t call him that, he won’t care for it,’ she told him and he sighed again.

‘Of course,’ he muttered and the large entrance opened to the tower. The three of them stood up, Zelphie had a little help from Rolan. Cal and Astarion had arrived. Lia walked over quickly to greet them and Zelphie followed, Rolan stayed put. Cal still did live at the tower, he worked in the store most days, but most nights he was gone. His relationship with the vampire had gotten stronger. Cal got first hugs and he gave Zelphie’s growing belly a little tap.

‘Alright in there?’ He asked and Zelphie grinned.

‘They certainly are making themself at home,’ she said and Cal laughed.

‘Well well well, look at you,’ Astarion said to Zelphie and she hugged him quickly. He hugged her back, he smiled as he did. Astarion hugs were very special. He was a very touch sensitive person and it meant everything to Zelphie that Astarion trusted her. ‘From chaotic hero to mummy,’ he said with a grin. Zelphie laughed.

‘I’m absolutely over being a hero,’ she said and Lia snorted.

‘Fat chance,’ she said. There was an awkward moment between Rolan and Astarion. Finally, Rolan took Astarion’s in a quick handshake.

‘Welcome,’ he said and Zelphie smiled up at him.

‘Thank you very much for the invitation,’ Astarion said and nodded his head a little. ‘The tower has certainly improved since the last time I was here…well, you know,’ he said and bobbed his head a little.

‘Rolan has a keen eye for comfort and luxury,’ Zelphie said and rubbed her tail as subtly as she could against Rolan’s. Just for his comfort and her appreciation.

‘Thank you, please, come and sit, I’ll have tea brought out,’ he said and led his family and guest back to the sitting area. The group wasn’t very long before a knocking on the entrance door rang through the room. Rolan stood up and Zelphie followed to welcome their last guest. Rolan opened the door and just outside of it was Gale Dekarios, looking as prim and fashionable as always, though even more so now that he had fresh clothing. Robes of purple that opened enough to show off a tuft of chest hair, but no more Orb brand. ‘Mister Dekarios, thank you so much for coming,’ Rolan said while holding his hand out. Gale grinned and shook Rolan’s hand firmly.

‘If only my pupils had the same sense of decorum as you, Master Rolan,’ he said and shook his head. ‘But please, don’t do me any disservice, just Gale is quite alright,’ he said and looked down at Zelphie with a smile. She was about to give her friend a hug but he tilted his head and his smile faltered. ‘Well, I’ll be absolutely damned,’ he said and looked down at her belly. ‘Don’t take any offense to this statement, for I’d like to think you not telling me that you might be expecting was on purpose,’ he said and Zelphie laughed. ‘You look wonderful,’ he said and Zelphie hugged him tight.

‘You as well, you look great with no Netherese toxin in your chest cavity, very slim,’ she laughed which made him laugh. ‘Come inside, Astarion, Cal and Lia are all inside, come come,’ she said and Gale walked into the tower. He did a little look around, staring at the ceiling as he walked with the couple.

‘Ah! Fantastic use of radiance,’ Gale said and Rolan grinned.

‘Why thank you, yes, I have been reading so many fascinating things about the subject of all elements. Zelphie’s natural magic is quite the inspiration,’ Rolan began and Gale stopped walking. Zelphie looked up at the ceiling, seeing what she had always seen. A beautiful light from sun rays coming from the windows. The ceiling was decorated with hanging glass and metal that let the rays of sun glow different colors. It was beautiful, but Zelphie didn’t know it was magic. She placed a hand on her belly. ‘It’s a bit like home, this room,’ he said and Gale nodded.

‘Ah yes! Although I was no stranger to the city of Elturel before last year, I cannot say meeting all of you did not stir my curiosity. Sleeping and waking under the same bright light every day, every minute of every day. It truly must have….’ Gale went on with Rolan and Zelphie walked away from the bonding wizards. She was very happy if they both yapped each others’ ears off all night. She walked back to the sitting area where Cal was drinking tea, and Astarion and Lia were gabbing. She sat down next to Lia with a little oof.

‘Darling, you are really letting yourself go,’ Astarion teased and Zelphie laughed.

‘You shut up,’ she said playfully and rubbed her belly.

‘I put money on a boy for sure,’ Cal said and Lia sighed.

‘Oh! I bet Astarion could tell us,’ Lia said and Astarion cocked an eyebrow. ‘He knew she was pregnant the minute she was, could you tell us if it’s a boy or a girl?’ She asked. Lia was desperate to know, and Zelphie didn’t really blame her. Zelphie didn’t really care about the gender or sex of her child, she just knew the only way that she could know the sex was when it was born. That was what Zelphie wanted.

‘Lia, don’t be weird, Astarion is a vampire, not a tiefling midwife. We’ll find out in four months,’ she said and Lia sighed. She looked up at Astarion, who wasn’t exactly pleased with the conversation of babies. ‘How about you Astarion? How are your seven thousand children?’ She asked and he cackled.

‘You are rotten, gods I missed you,’ he said and leaned back. ‘But to answer your ridiculously worded question, everyone is practically fine…give or take a few dozen,’ he said and flourished his wrist. Zelphie raised her eyebrow at him. ‘Oh don’t judge me, you take charge of seven thousand spawn and come back with your results,’ he told her. ‘Besides, we have a process. If one runs off, the Fist are alerted immediately.’

‘Oh, wow, I’m very proud of you,’ Zelphie said and Astarion smirked.

‘You would be! He’s doing amazing work down there. Not that he would admit any of it,’ Cal said and Zelphie grinned.

‘I’m only doing what I can,’ Astarion said and reached a slender finger to Cal’s chin.

‘Oh, is Astarion a hero now?’ Zelphie teased a little and Astarion shrugged and smirked.

‘Maybe I am,’ he said, but there was pride in his voice. Zelphie’s smile only grew. She was proud of him. Was he still a violent bastard? Yes, but he was empathetic and responsible, at least more than he was six months ago. Finally, the gabbing wizards walked over to the sitting area, Gale finally said hello to Cal and Lia and when it came to greeting Astarion, Gale smirked.

‘Hello Astarion,’ he said and Astarion smirked at him.

‘Wizard,’ he said, still smirking. Gale gave a chuckle. It was very strange, how did one greet a person that you used to share thoughts with for six months? ‘How have the sunsets by the sea kept you?’ He asked and Gale leaned back with excitement.

‘Oh, it is fantastic to be home. I’ve missed all of you, of course, but to be back in Waterdeep with a purpose and…well, a little less of me that before, it’s a breath of fresh air to be short about it,’ he began and Astarion’s eyes opened and he glanced down at Gale’s chest. He clicked his lips.

‘Ah, goodie, no surprise bursts during dinner tonight then?’ He asked and Gale grinned and shook his head.

‘No, and I feel fantastic, knees have never felt better, I don’t even think I can predict the weather anymore,’ he said and Zelphie laughed. Gale was a human, which wasn’t much different than being a tiefling, age wise. He was older than Zelphie, and constantly complained on their adventures about his knees hurting. He joked a few times that when his knees would act up randomly, it meant it would rain. It never really did rain.

‘Well, if you’re not a weathervane, what use are you?’ Zelphie teased and Gale grinned.

‘I’ll have you know I have my own position at Blackstaff, Professor Dekarios of Illusionary Magic, thank you very much,’ Gale told Zelphie who grinned.

‘I’m sure your students are very lucky to have such a teacher,’ Lia piped in, finally. Zelphie glanced at her. Gale grinned at her and bobbed his head.

‘Gale, you should know, Lia has been very stubborn about learning magic since these three arrived at the Tower. On my very first day here, she very almost produced a Knock. Her somatic movements were perfect, but she has a little work to do with her oration,’ she said and Lia scowled at Zelphie. ‘Perhaps later on you could help her?’

‘Oh? Oh well, yes, I think I would love that. Tell me, Lia, is it your brother’s talent that inspired your ambition? Gale asked and Lia’s head spun so fast from Zelphie to Gale it almost fell off.

‘Uhm…yeah, yeah, Rolan’s…uhm, yes,’ she fumbled and Zelphie glanced at Rolan, who was looking right back at her. Oh that gave her chills. Rolan winked at her and cleared his throat.

‘Shall we make our way to the dining room?’ He asked and the group followed him, Zelphie taking up the rear. Everyone had their assigned seat, Rolan and Gale at the head and foot, Zelphie was to Rolan’s right, Cal to Rolan’s left. Lia and Astarion on each side of Gale. ‘I apologize in advance, I know that tonight there are three very different diets so, please do know I had everyone in mind while planning dinner.’  Dinner was served, different dishes meant to share, Astarion mainly drank. Zelphie kept bringing the conversation back to Lia, not exactly being subtle about wanting to set up her friend and her sister-in-law, though it was subtle enough for Gale. Rolan’s tail curled around Zelphie’s tail when she was getting obnoxious. Lia was getting a little nervous. Cal would redirect gracefully. After about two attempts, Cal redirected the conversations to Zelphie’s pregnancy.

‘Yes, how far along are you?’ Gale asked, cutting a dinner roll.

‘A little over four months,’ she said with a grin and Gale nodded.

‘You look wonderful! I’m so happy for you, honestly. Rolan, I’ll have you know this one right here will make a great mother, mummed us all back to life and sanity when we called for it, eh Astarion?’ He asked and the vampire smirked.

‘Yes, she’s very…nurturing,’ he said, swilling his glass of brandy. Rolan tensed up a little.

‘Gale should be one to talk, Rolan, I never told you, Gale cooked for us every night,’ she said and the wizard shook his hand.

‘Ah, yes, my one use, camp chef,’ he said and Astarion laughed.

‘Almost killed me a few times with the amount of garlic he used,’ Astarion teased and Gale laughed. Astarion was just joking, of course. Gale genuinely would never have done that to Astarion, no matter how many times Karlach and Zelphie whined.

‘Tell me, Zelphie, I have been doing some research on our experiences after the removal of the tadpole, but as you are in a special condition, do you have any strange symptoms?’ He asked and Rolan’s tail tightened around Zelphie’s.

‘Actually, yes, now that you mention it,’ she said and Gale leaned in a little. ‘Since you last saw me Gale, I have become pregnant,’ she said and smirked. Gale rolled his eyes.

‘Ha ha, hilarious,’ he said and leaned back in his chair. ‘You know what I mean,’ he said and Zelphie laughed and nodded.

‘I’d rather not talk about symptoms at the dinner table,’ she told him and Rolan’s tail seemed to relax. Gale nodded.

‘Ah, yes, my apologies. I must confess, my manners have never been what they used to be,’ he said and Astarion grinned.

‘Yes Gale, do mind your decorum.’

Dinner ended and most went off to bed, all but two. Rolan and Gale snuck off to Rolan’s study as Zelphie excused herself for bed. She was absolutely not going to listen to those two prattle on about arcane nonsense. No, she wanted a bath, a cuddle with Lajy and a few midnight snacks that she could eat without judgment or theft. Rolan would always judge her insatiable hunger but always ended up stealing more than Zelphie cared for. She made herself a bath and brought a little tray of her favorite jam biscuits to munch on while she soaked and washed up. Lajy played with Zelphie’s tail that kept dipping up and down below the water. It was making her laugh. 

Zelphie got out of the bath and walked Lajy and her biscuits to bed after pulling over a night dress. She had intended on staying up to wait for Rolan, but after about an hour, she was on her back, snoring, hand still on her biscuit plate. Lajy was snoozing, purring and curled up in between her horns. The bedroom door opened quickly, slamming a bit as it shut. This woke Zelphie up and a very drunk Rolan was stumbling into the bedroom, pulling his cowl over his head. She rubbed her eyes and groaned, moving her plate and rolled to her side. Lajy hopped off her and the bed to greet Rolan.

‘You still up my darling? Oh I’m sorry,’ he muttered and Zelphie grunted. ‘Oh don’t bitch at me, I just had a wonderful evening, and and! And I learned a little more about my little wife tonight than I ever did, you little sneak,’ he said, walking over to the bed, kicking his shoes off and fiddling with his belt. She opened one of her eyes, watching him fumble. He was very drunk.

‘You’re drunk,’ she groaned and he snorted.

‘And you…you are a sloppy little slut,’ he said and Zelphie shot right up. That absolutely wasn’t funny. He laughed, regardless of how much that irritated his wife. ‘Don’t you give me that look, Gale told me aaaallllll about your little…fling with my brother’s boyfriend,’ he said and Zelphie’s face immediately got hot. She felt like she could die, her heart was beating and her stomach was twisting in knots. Yes, Astarion and Zelphie had a sexual relationship that mutually dissolved rather early on. She was teased a little from the companions for falling into a vampire’s trap, but that had all but fizzled. Clearly, Gale still thought it important enough to tell Rolan, tell him something Zelphie hadn’t told him yet. She was mortified. She was certain she wanted to have told him, she just hated that it came from Gale. ‘Mmmm oh I know that look,’ he said, pointing at her. ‘He was right, wasn’t he? Ha! To think, I’ve been jealous of Gale for months…ho ho, wrong man I think.’ It was clear that Rolan’s consumption had taken over. He might think like this, but he would never speak the way he was. He would never insult Zelphie like this, no matter how upset he was. She understood his hurt, but to bust into their bedroom and boldly call her a slut was beyond out of character. She struggled a little, but got out of bed. Tears welled up in her eyes from embarrassment and anger and guilt. Rolan rolled his eyes and stumbled over himself a little to get closer to her. ‘Come on, don’t be pissed at me, how do you think I feel?’ He asked and Zelphie glared at him.

‘I’m going to bed,’ she told him quickly, walking out of the room. Rolan grabbed her arm and she pulled it back.

‘Zelphie, come to bed, come on,’ he whined, almost as if he had forgotten what he had just said to her.

‘No, get some sleep. You're stinking drunk,’ she hissed at him.

‘You are going to judge me for a little lapse in…judgment?’ He asked and laughed. She scowled and just walked away from him, slamming the bedroom door shut as she left. She refused to fight with him while he was so intoxicated. She walked across the hall and heard footsteps.

‘Oh, are you still up?’ Zelphie looked to her right to see Gale. She scowled at him. He had been looking cheerful, but he froze on the spot and frowned when he saw Zelphie crying and scowling at him. ‘Oh…what…what’s the matter?’ He barely finished his sentence before Zelphie pointed a finger at him.

‘My husband just accused me of being a slut because of you,’ she barked at him. Gale’s eyebrows shot up and his mouth fell open.

‘Because of me? Z-Zelphie, I can promise you,’ he stammered and shook his head. ‘He called you a what? No…no…’

‘That was not your business to tell him. I have been working for months to get him to like Astarion for Cal’s sake, you’ve not only got him accusing me, but now all of my work is pushed back. I do hope you are happy with yourself Gale Dekarios,’ she shouted and walked into the nursery, slamming that door shut as well. Once inside, she slid down the side of the door to sit on the floor and just cried. Rolan was just drunk, Gale didn’t mean any harm, but Zelphie was hurt. She held her belly and sobbed, going over everything in her head. Hearing Rolan insult her like he did, whether he meant it or not crushed her heart. She would get over it, she had to get over it, but her heart had to be broken for a little while. She heard doors opening outside, but she ignored it. She heard talking because of the ruckus she had made but she just kept crying over it all. The fuss she had made, the fuss she always made.

She heard Lia shouting and she got herself up and walked over to the bed in the room. She didn’t want to hear it, she was angry that the whole damned tower was involved. It was absolutely her fault, slamming doors and screaming, but she climbed into bed and sobbed into her pillow. The last time she had slept in that bed was months and months ago. She had gone on minor adventures since her and Rolan became partners, so she had gone to sleep without him, but not since her pregnancy. She missed him, but she was so angry.

He was drunk.

She was sensitive.

It would pass.

He was drunk.

She was sensitive.

It would pass.

She repeated this to herself over and over until her head hurt. She finally calmed down, the noise outside gone except for the smallest sound. A little scratching at the door. She sniffed and held her head as she got up. The one creature in the whole tower she could face, Lajy. She rubbed her face and opened the door, looking down and letting the little cat in. As the door was opened, she heard a little sound. Rolan. She looked up, he was there, about six feet away from her, in the doorway of their bedroom. He looked exactly how she felt. His sad, puffy face only made her eyes sting with tears once more. He was in a night robe, his hair down. She looked back down at the ground, finding it terribly difficult to look at him.

‘Could I speak with you, please?’ He asked softly and she slowly shook her head. She wanted to, she desperately wanted to. She didn’t want to sleep in the nursery, she wanted to sleep with Rolan. But what she wanted wasn’t what the both of them needed.

‘We can when you are sober,’ she said and Rolan took a deep breath.

‘I had coffee,’ he said, sounded much less drunk, but there was no way an hour sobered him up that much. Zelphie shook her head slowly once more.

‘In the morning, Rolan,’ she said, still not looking up at him. She could feel him staring at her.

‘I’m sorry, Zelphie,’ he said, his voice so soft and she nodded. She didn’t respond, but she heard him. He sighed out. ‘I love you,’ he continued and Zelphie looked back up at him. He looked so desperate. Rolan and Zelphie bickered a lot, Zelphie was silly and flighty, Rolan was impatient and stubborn, they clashed a lot. This wasn’t the same.

‘I love you too, Rolan,’ she said softly and Rolan closed his eyes. ‘Go to sleep,’ she told him and slowly shut the door in front of her. Her heart ached to open the door back up. But no, they both needed sleep. Space was healthy for now, time would be the only healer tonight. She shuffled back to bed, feeling a little guilty that Lajy had chosen to sleep with her when Rolan was hurting as well. She got under the covers, covering herself up to her nose. She used the blankets to stop her tears from running down her cheeks. Lajy purred in her ear as he laid by her head, they both curled up and Zelphie drifted off into a very deep sleep.

She woke up to a knock on her door. She slowly sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She had a terrible headache. The door slowly opened and Zelphie readied herself for Rolan. It was Cal. Cal might have been worse. He poked his head in and Zelphie frowned.

‘Morning, sis,’ he said and walked in with two cups of coffee in his hands, his tail shutting the door as Lajy ran out. ‘Rolan uhm…wanted to wake you but…I didn’t think that was a good idea, he’s letting off some steam,’ he said and walked over to Zelphie’s bed, handing her the coffee. He knew that was a good enough peace offering.

‘Cal, I am so sorry, I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, on my unborn child, what Astarion and I had-‘ Cal held up a hand.

‘Please, Zelphie, don’t. Astarion told me months ago,’ he said and sat down next to her. ‘I didn’t come here to talk about Astarion. I understand it,’ he said and Zelphie frowned. She felt awful, poor Cal. She knew even if it was hurting him, he wouldn’t say anything to her. He was too good. How could he not be upset with her? What an awful thing to keep from him all these months.

‘I should have been the one to tell you,’ she said and sipped her coffee. ‘I’m so sorry Cal, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I am sorry,’ she said and he nodded.

‘I know you didn’t keep that from me to hurt me, Zelphie. I came here to make sure you were alright,’ he told her and she smiled. ‘And to warn you that Rolan is sparring with Gale,’ he said and Zelphie cocked an eyebrow.

‘You’ve been replaced,’ she said and Cal laughed.

‘Good thing to, because I’d like to sock him right right in his bumpy fucking nose,’ he said and Zelphie shook her head.

‘I love that nose, watch it,’ she said playfully and he sipped his coffee with a little laugh.

‘Oh, you must be ill, you like Rolan’s nose? You’ve lost your taste,’ he teased and she nudged him with her foot. ‘You are alright then?’ He asked and Zelphie nodded.

‘Yes, just like always, I needed to cry and sleep a long time,’ she said and patted her belly. ‘That will all be over soon though,’ she said and Cal sighed.

‘I used to think about how lucky it was that Rolan found you. He’s never been…good with, you know…other people,’ he said and Zelphie nodded. ‘I always figured he would be without a companion and then…boom you come along and just…’ Cal shook his head and looked at Zelphie. ‘Thank you for loving him the way you do,’ he said and Zelphie tilted her head.

‘I’m lucky to have him, Cal,’ she said and Cal smiled at her. ‘I’m lucky to have you too,’ she said and smiled. Cal’s smile just grew.

‘I’m luckier,’ he said and stood up. ‘Alright, I’m going to leave you to your morning, tell me if you need anything, sis,’ he said and bent over, kissing her temple. Oh that felt very nice. ‘Rolan will be in his study, getting his ass beat, he really wants to talk to you.’ Cal left after that and Zelphie drank her coffee, waking up. Once her coffee was gone, she nervously began to get dressed for the day. She was nervous because she knew her family and friends had to have been judging her for her actions last night. She didn’t like that anyone knew that she and Rolan fought the previous night. But she shouted and slammed doors, how could they ignore it? She also hated that Rolan was hurting. She was still hurting but she had more guilt than pain for herself. She kept her hair down, she knew Rolan liked it down, but brushed it back neatly. She left her room and walked to Rolan’s study. 

Zelphie held her ear to the door, hearing a lot of grunting and the knocking of wooden staffs. She carefully opened the door, feeling her heart beating quickly. She didn’t truly like confrontation, if that is what this was. She just wanted this all over and to have a normal morning with her family and friends. Inside, the room was empty, Rolan’s normal mess, tables and chairs and books and experiments pushed away to give Gale and Rolan space to spar. Rolan usually sparred in the morning with Cal, who was much stronger than Rolan. Rolan had a very good match in Gale. She witnessed Gale turn quickly to hit Rolan’s back, but Rolan’s tail blocked the hit and gave Gale a decent whack on the thigh.

‘By Mystra, I’m going to need to grow a tail,’ Gale grumbled and his brown eyes moved towards Zelphie. ‘Ah,’ he said and Rolan turned to look at Zelphie. He frowned and placed his staff down. ‘I should bathe,’ Gale said, excusing himself, walking up towards Zelphie and glancing down at her. She looked up at Gale and gave him a small smile. He smiled back. ‘Good morning,’ he said politely, but left right away, giving the couple some space. Zelphie looked back at Rolan, who was drinking from a glass of water, but was looking right back at her. She made eye contact with him, he looked sad. His tail was down on the ground, in between his legs and lifeless. She walked over to him and the closer she stepped, the harder it became to walk.

‘I’m sorry, Zelphie,’ he told her and she had to bite her bottom lip. Hearing his voice sent her right back to last night. ‘I…I shouldn’t make excuses…what I said to you last night was…beneath me. Alcohol can’t be blamed, my twisted jealousy is, and I am so sorry,’ he said and Zelphie stepped closer to him. ‘I cannot believe I called you that awful name, and I thought I was being whimsical, using dark humor to mask my own pain,’ he said and she frowned.

‘I’m sorry you were in pain, Rolan. That was my fault. I don’t know why I never told you about me and Astarion,’ she said and he glanced away for a moment. She took in a deep breath, she would tell him the truth then. ‘It was twice, two times in the six months we were fighting for our lives. I was desperate for normalcy and he was desperate for protection. It wasn’t love, it wasn’t attraction, it was desperation. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,’ she told him and Rolan looked her face over.

‘Did you not tell me because of my anger?’ He asked her and she shook her head quickly.

‘No, not at all. I was so busy trying to get you to like my friend I just…forgot to mention it. I forgot it happened,’ she said and sighed. ‘And I feel just as guilty towards Cal. Astarion already told him and I couldn’t afford him or you the same honesty,’ she told him and played with her claws mindlessly. ‘I didn’t mean to keep it from you, and I swear, anything that pops into my mind, from now on, I’ll be honest about, I swear,’ she said and Rolan smiled down at her. It was a small smile, he wasn’t happy, just glad at her promise, her attempt. ‘I’ve uhm…never had…sex that meant anything until you,’ she said softly. ‘It…uhm…’ she went on, trying to be honest with him. ‘It was always transactional, business, no matter how much it tore something from me…but our first time together,’ she said and looked down. ‘What we do is different,’ she told him in a small voice. She felt a gentle touch, Rolan’s hand under her chin to guide her to look back up at him. She let him guide her face until she was looking him in the eye. His red skin glowing with sweat from working out, his hair untidy, but his yellow eyes were piercing through hers. She felt him looking into her soul. He could look all he needed.

‘I feel guilty that I can’t say the same,’ he said softly and her eyebrows softened.

‘Please don’t, please don’t feel guilty about that,’ she told him and he let out a breath. ‘Whoever you shared love with previously, I appreciate them,’ she said and Rolan’s eyebrows shot up in shock. She felt a giggle escape her lips. ‘Come on, just like your sparring, practice alone makes perfect…and you are perfect,’ she said and Rolan blinked a few times. He looked as though he was having a very hard time understanding her and she laughed again.

‘I don’t…what?’ He asked her and furrowed his eyebrows.

‘Whoever you’ve shared your bed with previously helped you with your…fantastic talent, I assume, which has left me with the spoils,’ she said and grinned. That seemed to confuse Rolan even more. It was funny to watch him try to accept such a compliment. His face twisted in almost irritation. He brought his hand to his forehead.

‘I think Gale hit me too hard in the head earlier,’ he muttered.

‘He hit you in the head?’ She asked, snapping out of her silly mood. He shook his head.

‘No, but if he had, I would have deserved it,’ he said and Zelphie huffed.

‘Even if you did, only I can hit you in the head,’ she said and he smirked down at her. He placed his hands out in front of him and she took them both quickly. ‘I love you,’ she said and Rolan smiled. That felt better.

‘I love you too, I am so sorry,’ he told her and she lifted herself up on her toes.

‘I forgive you, and I’m sorry too,’ she told him and he lowered his head to meet hers.

‘You are beyond forgiven,’ he muttered before kissing her. She placed her hands from his to his face, holding his cheeks and his sharp jaw. Rolan wasted no time deepening the kiss. She heard him breathe through his nose as his lips parted. His hands on her hips, pulling her closer, just stopping once her belly got in the way. He was always so delicate with her bump, even though she knew the little one would be fine. She craved the closeness but thought his caution was sweet. He smiled down at her and looked down at her little bump. ‘I missed you too,’ he said and placed a hand on her belly.

‘Rolan,’ she said softly and he looked back up at her.

‘Gale taught me something,’ he said and straightened up, holding his hands up. Zelphie tilted her head and placed a hand on her belly.

‘Gale taught you enough,’ she said and Rolan shook his head.

‘Hush and watch,’ he told her and held out his hands, readying himself. ‘Gale taught me a trick, how to hold the entire world in my hands,’ he said and Zelphie’s brow cocked.

‘What?’ She asked and he hushed her again.

‘Just watch,’ he said and she frowned. The whole world in his hands? All of Toril between his claws? What did he even mean by that? He flourished his hands as if he would now recite an incantation. She assumed the illusion of Toril would appear, but then Rolan’s hands reached out and took her cheeks. ‘There,’ he said and Zelphie blinked a few times, waiting for the trick still. ‘The whole world, in my hands,’ he said and Zelphie got it. He had her in his hands, she was his whole world. She frowned and pouted up at him, that was stupidly sweet. Rolan chuckled a little and shook his head. ‘Don’t pout,’ he told her playfully but she pouted harder and reached up to kiss him. Rolan kissed her hard and she pulled on the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t help her eagerness. She had missed him terribly. She nuzzled her nose to his.

‘Rolan?’ She asked as he nipped at her bottom lip, moaning lightly in response. ‘Rolan, could we go to bed?’ She asked him softly and Rolan’s lips traveled, kissing the side of her mouth. ‘Please,’ she whispered. Rolan took her hand and kissed it gently.

‘My wife does not beg,’ he told her and turned her hand around, kissing her palm and down her wrist. Being close to him again, hearing his voice, his rattling breath and the sound of his lips on her skin, Zelphie was quite aroused already. He lowered their hands and led the both of them out of his study, leaving his sparring staff behind. Zelphie’s tail curled up and she followed him to their bedroom. Asterion was walking down the hallway, passing the two. He smiled and Zelphie shook her head quickly at him, silently pleading for him to not interrupt. His smile and eyes grew, but he stayed silent. Zelphie’s heart fluttered as Rolan completely ignored Asterion and walked her right to their bedroom, his grasp on her hand tight.

Once inside, Rolan shut their door and twirled her around and their lips caught each other’s once more. Zelphie’s lips parted and her tongue grazed his fangs playfully. She couldn’t help but take in his body odor from exercising. He smelled like his pillow did, that little musk of his that drove her crazy. She moaned lightly and tangled her fingers in his hair. One of Rolan’s hands held her backside, kneading her flesh. The other hand he lifted up and waved to simultaneously shut the curtains, darkening the room. A second wave of his hand and the illusion in the ceiling changed from a bright sky to a starry sky. Zelphie lifted her head to see and she smiled. Rolan impatiently picked her up and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He carried her carefully to their bed and placed her down gently. He began to unstring her bodice and she reached up to kiss him again.

‘I missed you,’ she whispered and she shuffled off the top of her dress. Rolan’s head dipped right now as her breasts were exposed, kissing the very tender skin, his tongue over her nipple gently. She hissed and moaned. Her breasts were incredibly sensitive during pregnancy. Rolan had a hard time holding back, he loved biting her, but he would be gentle. Zelphie watched him, stroking his hair lovingly. He glanced up at her, and the look he gave her made shivers run down her spin. He closed his eyes and switched her other breast, kneading the nipple of the one he had just finished with. As he caressed her with his tongue, Zelphie continued to watch him, placing her hand on the ties of his trousers. Rolan chuckled, the vibrations of such tickling her skin and she shivered again. He leaned up, helping her with his trousers and he removed his wrap shirt as well, tossing the linen fabric to the floor. He crawled close to her, unhooking the straps that remained of her dress. He looked her over, admiring her body. She watched him closely. He placed a hand on her belly bump, tracing it lovingly.

‘Oh but I missed you so much more,’ he said and his eyes traveled back to hers. His hand cupped her cheek. ‘I’m sorry I made you feel less than what you are, my love. You are perfect,’ he told her and she nudged her forehead. ‘I’m the biggest fool in the world,’ he whispered and she nudged him.

‘Don’t talk about my husband like that,’ she told him and he hummed a laugh. ‘I’ll push you out of the window.’ He chuckled and kissed her deeply. Her tail curled around his thigh, the tip carefully caressed his cock and balls. He sighed into her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down as she laid on her back. He kept himself hovering over her with one arm on the bed. The other hand on his cock, rubbing the tip on her clit. Zelphie sighed and moved her hips against him.

‘Soaking already? My sweet girl,’ he whispered. Zelphie lifted her hips and he pressed his forehead to hers.

‘Please fuck me, I want to cum on your cock, I want you to feel what you do to me,’ she whimpered, grinding her hips up to him.

‘Begging? I told you, my wife doesn’t beg,’ he said softly, obeying her wish. Slowly, he slid into her wet entrance and she gasped and then groaned. He flicked the wrist of his now free hand to summon a mage hand. The hand floated in between the couple and it pressed the pad of its thumb to Zelphie’s clit. She hummed and whined, looking up at Rolan, who was not breaking eye contact with her. He began thrusting his hips slowly, allowing her to get used to the sensation of his cock and the hand. He sat up so he could watch her. She was gripping the bed, watching him. His chest heaved slowly as he pushed in and out, a low purr of a growl escaping her chest as he did so. Her eyes left his to look at his torso. The rough infernal ridges that moved with each thrust and breath. She reached over to touch the ridges coming down his torso and hips, that rubbed against her inner thighs.

‘Oh Rolan…oh!’ She squealed as she felt a wave hit her core, a little shock of pleasure. She laid her head back and closed her eyes.

‘Does it feel good? Hm? Do I feel good?’ He asked her, spreading her right leg over a little and she moaned, feeling him hit deeper inside of her.

‘Yes,’ she cried and swallowed hard.

‘Look at me,’ he said and with every fiber of her being that she could muster, she opened her eyes with a flutter to look at him again. He leaned down, placing a hand on her cheek and jaw, his thumb on her lips. Her lips parted and she could barely taste the salt of his thumb. She was having a hard time concentrating on looking at him, all she could do was feel, feel him inside of her, feel the mage hand making quick work of her.

‘Yes, yes, Rolan, I’m…’ she said and threw her head back, that familiar and needed pulsing wave of warmth and euphoria coursing through her. She felt her muscles pulse around Rolan and he grunted.

‘Don’t you push me out,’ he said, thrusting harder as she writhed beneath him. ‘Oh fuck, fuck that’s….divine,’ he muttered and leaned back over, getting close to her again. His hands held up up, fucking her deep and quickly. Her hips rocked back and forth, riding her orgasm, while trying to control herself as the mage hand kept its pace and Rolan just went quicker. Her hips began to buck and Rolan slipped out. He sighed, sat up and patted her bottom. Shaking, Zelphie got up and flipped around, feeling the slickness between her legs. Rolan took his pillow and placed it in front of her. Zelphie got on all fours, lifting her tail to allow Rolan access again. She felt his hands on her backside. He admired her beside, her lips dripping with arousal. He raised one hand and slapped her left cheek and she whimpered. Her body quivered, another little rush of nirvana hitting her body with that contact. ‘You are all mine, aren’t you?’ He asked and she looked behind her to make eye contact.

‘Yes,’ she said and her tail snaked up his chest, coiling over her shoulder possessively. He kissed the side of her tail and she lifted her backside when she felt him nudged at her entrance.

‘Good girl, move up just a little more,’ he said and she arched her back and he moaned happily. ‘Very good girl,’ he said and pushed himself back in. Zelphie cooed, pressing her backside against him and he chuckled. ‘My eager darling,’ he said, guiding her hips as she rocked back and forth. He moaned as she panted. ‘Oh, yes, just like that, I’ll be quick,’ he muttered. Her tail gripped around his shoulder as she kept her pace steady. This position was much more agreeable to her condition, and she knew Rolan liked it, she would do just anything for him in the bedroom. This was nothing. Pleasing him by taking charge and letting him just feel pleasure was pleasure for her. She felt Rolan rocking his hips against hers and her tail curled around his neck playfully.

‘Cum for me, my love,’ she whispered, moaning loudly. ‘I want to feel you, I want it,’ she begged and Rolan dug his claws into her hips, thrusting faster for his own pleasure and he leaned over her, his chest up against her back. She felt her vestigial wings rub against him, his corrugated skin rough with each thrust, and she felt his teeth on her shoulder, biting down and breaking the skin. Zelphie cried out from the mix of pain and pleasure. It hurt when he bit her but the feeling of ecstasy surrounding Rolan’s almost feral neediness for her soothed the pain to pure pleasure. She reached under herself, touching herself, rubbing her clot furiously, wanting to cum with him. She went first, convulsing her body under him, and she felt his teeth dig into her skin deeper as she pulsed around him. He moaned, whimpered and tensed up, his grip on her hips tightened, and then he let his grip on her shoulder go. She heard him panting and she looked behind her and kissed him.

‘I love you,’ he muttered, kissing her again. She sighed happily into his kiss.

‘I love you more,’ she told him and he sat up, looking down at her, at her back and patted her backside gently.

‘I won’t abide by that, I have a much better view than yourself,’ he said and she rolled to her back and laughed.

‘Well, I hope I’m nicer to look at than the headboard,’ she teased and he smirked.

‘I meant me,’ he told her and she snorted.

‘No way, I’m your rotund wife and you…you my husband get fitter every single day and mmmm…’ she said and leaned up. ‘Your hair,’ she started and Rolan almost nervously pushed his now loose hair behind his pointed ear. ‘It’s so long and regal, that little stripe of gray is enough to make me go wild.’ Rolan’s eyebrows shot up.

‘That was a lot to take in,’ he teased her. ‘You like the gray? Goodness, what is our little one doing to your mind?’ He asked and she shook her head.

‘Rolan! It’s gorgeous, how dare you. Gods, it’s…dignified, I love it,’ she told him and he looked down for a moment, a little smile on his face.

‘Well then, maybe I’ll wear it down more often,’ he said and she just bit her lip. She would love him to wear his hair down, but he liked it up. He liked it neat, so she wouldn’t persuade him. ‘Anything to keep my wife happy,’ he told her and she smiled up at him.

‘You don’t have to do much, you do know I find you incredibly attractive,’ she told him and he shifted next to her on the bed.

‘Tieflings are known for their strange taste in beauty,’ he said and she laughed.

‘Rolan, I swear, you know you’re attractive,’ she told him and he hummed as he laid back on his pillow. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her shoulder. ‘When I first laid eyes on you…a year ago, you know what my first thought was?’ She asked and he hummed in response again, still leaving kisses on her shoulder and neck. ‘Gods I hope he makes it to Baldur’s Gate, and I hope he stops in my jewelry shop when I get cured,’ she said and he laughed.

‘You know what I first thought when I saw you?’ He asked and she laughed.

‘That I was annoying?’ She asked and he hummed again and she laughed again.

‘Yes, but because I had hoped that such a powerful and beautiful sorcerer would have been on my side against Cal and Lia,’ he said and she giggled. ‘But no, that was the first of many times you stuck your pretty little nose in my business and the first time you genuinely made me angry,’ he told her and she turned to look at him.

‘Look at us now,’ she said and he grinned at her.

‘I was never, ever more blind than I was back then,’ he told her and she laughed.

‘You were going through a lot, finding romance was more than likely not a priority for you,’ she said and he nodded. ‘All of this was worth the wait,’ she told him and Rolan nuzzled her face with his. 

As much as the couple would have loved staying in bed for the rest of the day, they had guests. Guests who deserved their attention and their apologies. Rolan bathed and Zelphie left the bedroom and walked to the sitting room. There was Gale, admiring a bookshelf. Bless Gale, Zelphie thought to herself.

‘Reminds you of home, I hope,’ she said and Gale spun with a smile on his face. She smiled back at him.

‘Yes, though, I hate to admit, Rolan is a better housekeeper, with my condition gone, I have acquired quite the plethora of artifacts,’ he said and she walked closer to him and he held his hands behind his back.

‘I’m sure Tara is mortified,’ she said and he laughed and nodded, pointing at her.

‘Right as rain, you,’ he said and Zelphie grinned. ‘So, is uhm….is everything alright?’ He asked and Zelphie nodded.

‘Yes, Gale, and I apologize for last night and this morning. I’m afraid Rolan’s nightmare has come true in being a bad host,’ she said and Gale shook his head.

‘I wouldn’t dream of thinking that, no? I played the part of a bad guest. Which I believe is a worse sin, I fear,’ he said and Zelphie shook her head. ‘I am the sorry one, you were right last night, it was not my place to say what I said to Rolan. I just couldn’t think of another way to have him believe me that you and I-‘

‘I know, I know, he’s…’ she sighed and shook her head. ‘One day it will sink in, that he earned all of this, that he deserves my unconditional love, but I am still working on it,’ she said and Gale nodded.

‘I understand that feeling all too well,’ he said and Zelphie smirked.

‘I don’t think I’ll ever truly understand two powerful, talented and handsome men, kind to their core, loving to their core, with the biggest egos that can’t grasp that they deserve love,’ she said and Gale smirked, pointing at her.

‘Because, Zelphie, a man like myself or Rolan will never stop wondering if those in our lives keep us around because we deserve love, or if they just like a talented man by their side,’ he said and Zelphie’s face softened. She thought it was ridiculous, but there was an understanding there, finally. Did Rolan think Zelphie only stuck around for his talent? HIs money? His position? Of course she didn’t, but hearing it from her sage friend in such a way really made her think.

‘Thank you for that, Gale,’ she said and Gale smiled. ‘I think I needed to hear that,’ she said and Gale smiled. ‘Oh! And speaking of immense talent, proof of Rolan’s best possible quality, his patience with me,’ she said and held out her hand. Gale watched her closely, a blue light glowing around her hand as she concentrated. A black lily appeared, floating for a moment and fell gracefully into her palm. She presented it to Gale. ‘Take that mister Professor of the School of Illusion,’ she said and Gale’s eyes widened and he laughed.

‘Well, I’ll be damned a second time,’ he said and he took the flower. ‘Look at you! And not a stray spark to be seen!’ he said and inspected the flower and Zelphie beamed proudly.

‘Took MONTHS, but I think I’ve nailed that particular flower,’ she said and Gale chuckled.

‘You should be very proud of yourself, if I didn’t teach this, I would believe you plucked this from a garden,’ he said and she scowled.

‘Teach this nothing, it’s perfect,’ she insisted and Gale raised an eyebrow.

‘I can feel the Weave wherever it may be, Zelphie,’ he said and she wrinkled her nose. The lily disappeared and Gale smiled down at her.