#fic: An affliction I can't cure

[mxanigel]

Fic update: An affliction I can't cure

a Dragon Age fanfic

[Read on AO3]

A simple mission to investigate reports of darkspawn activity ends in disaster and changes Neri's life forever. They never named how they felt for Anders. They thought they had more time. Now, it's too late. Yet Neri must somehow continue serving as Amaranthine's arlen and Ferelden's Warden-Commander despite their soul spiraling into despair.

Chapter 2: untold dreams, shattered

Nathaniel returns to Vigil's Keep, injured and alone. Neri finds out why.

Rating: M

Relationships: Anders/Surana, eventual Nathaniel Howe/Surana (it's complicated)

Additional Tags: Angst, Love and Loss, Grief, Self-Doubt, Agender Character, Vigil's Keep

----- preview snippet below -----

Words blur in front of me. I rub my eyes; a glance out the window reveals the sun low on the horizon. It doesn’t feel like I’ve been reviewing reports and writing letters and confirming inventory since breakfast until I stand and my muscles groan in protest. I stretch, allowing myself an audible sigh as my neck and shoulders relax for the first time in hours.

The doors to the study burst open, Lynne rushing inside. “Arlen, it’s urgent,” she says breathlessly.

I’m immediately on my feet. I haven’t heard any odd noises, so an explosion can’t be the cause of her panic. Unless I was so focused on my work that I didn’t hear it. “What happened?”

“You’re needed… in the clinic.” She inhales as she wipes a hand across her brow. “Warden Howe has returned to the Keep, my liege. But he’s injured… and alone.”

My heart leaps into my throat. Anders.

I don’t wait for her. I sprint out of the study, down the corridors, and through the courtyard to the outbuilding where Jowan’s medical clinic resides. And then I force myself to catch my breath before I walk inside. I shouldn’t panic. The arlen can’t panic. But my rebel heart refuses to listen, pounding a too-swift drumbeat within my chest.

Then I enter.

[audaciousanonj]

Concept: the senjuchiha feud was started when the Uchiha blamed the Senju and their mokuton for a new disease that started afflicting Uchiha, yet never spread outside their clan- a disease where flowers started growing in the lungs of someone in love, and never stopped until the one they loved kissed them on the lips.

Many years later, Konoha jounin Obito starts coughing up flowers...

Anyways the real concept for this fic idea is Obito starts coughing up flower petals, is in denial for the first few moments and thinks "Rin? I got over my crush ages ago..." and so to test, he thinks about kissing Rin, and keeps breathing normally. Then, his mind wanders over to when he was a genin, taping over a picture of Kakashi because he felt weird pretending to kiss Rin with Kakashi staring at him- and he starts coughing. (Obito internally: that's what I thought you'd say you dumb fucking flowers.)

And like! if it was Rin then he could summon up his courage to ask for a healing kiss, probably, because at the very least Rin is a medic and if he just made it seem like a version of cpr Uchiha need sometimes then he could probably get away with minimal awkwardness, but Kakashi?? yeah Kakashi and him are friends now but Obito doubts Kakashi'd be willing to kiss him, and if Obito's gonna die anyway then there's No Reason To Tell Kakashi His Feelings.

But the hanahaki reaches late stages (ie: coughing up whole flowers) and Obito is clearly very sick, but Obito is saying it's just an Uchiha Thing, don't worry about it, Obito's dealing with it, so while Rin is trying to help Obito, Kakashi barges into Kushina and Mikoto's tea party and asks Mikoto bluntly if coughing up flowers is really an Uchiha thing and if so how do they fix it-

Mikoto's eyebrows rise, but she is willing to overlook Kakashi's rudeness under the circumstances. "Normally, I would not share clan secrets, especially not to such a rude request, but since it's obviously about Obito... Yes, some Uchiha get it when they're in love. The only cure is for the one they love to kiss them on the lips." Kakashi nods, murmurs a cowed "Thank you Mikoto-san, Sorry for interrupting Kushina-san" at Kushina's glare, and leaves to head back to Obito. Clearly, if his idiot teammate isn't going to say anything, then Kakashi will just have to take matters into his own hands and tell Rin himself that Obito needs her to kiss him!

So when Kakashi gets back, he says Mikoto-san told him what's going on with Obito and what the cure is- Rin needs to kiss Obito! Obito flushes and mutters between coughs that it wouldn't work, and there's a back and forth of insults as Kakashi agitatedly asks why Obito won't try it, which is broken up when Rin says that if it's not contagious she might as well try. So Rin and Obito kiss! and they break away to stare into each other's eyes... and Obito turns away to cough up more flowers.

Obito can't say "I told you it wouldn't work" but he sure is radiating the sentiment, Rin sighs sadly and says it was worth a shot, and Kakashi...

Kakashi is honestly not having a good time of it. Obito is one of his most precious people, somehow, and now he is sick and dying and Kakashi is strongly in the anger stage of grief right now. so when the cure doesn't work, obviously Rin did something wrong!!

...Which Kakashi says out loud. He doesn't know what Rin did wrong, but it must have been something, so try again! and when Rin and Obito shake their heads, Kakashi's anger and frustration and grief and need to do something boils over .

So he says "Then I'll do it myself!", pulls down his mask, and shoves his face against Obito's to give him an emotional kiss.

It's... honestly not the best kiss. Very wet, very forceful, and Obito wasn't expecting it at all- but he can sense the emotion behind it, and his face and heart feel warm... and so do his lungs, actually-

Obito shoves Kakashi off of him and turns his head away from everyone, and Kakashi just knows that it didn't work- but instead of coughing up flowers, Obito breathes out flame... and then doubles over to wheeze out the remaining soot, but his lungs are noticeably clearer instead of the wet and full coughs from the flowers.

When he's finished, Rin silently passes Obito some more tea, and as he sips at it, Kakashi turns to her and says "I told you you were doing it wrong."

[theflashdriver]

Since we're in October, here is a thread of my Halloween themed/adjacent Silvaze Fics!

Plunging Fangs: In which Silver and Blaze don Halloween Costumes to try and blend in during a pivotal point in history. They have a mission... but Amy's talk of vulgar traditions proves to be a distraction https://archiveofourown.org/works/42689946

Plunging Fangs: In which Silver and Blaze don Halloween Costumes to try and blend in during a pivotal point in history. They have a mission... but Amy's talk of vulgar traditions proves to be a distraction https://archiveofourown.org/works/42689946

Present or Plunder: The first AU story of the list; a pirate tale! Blaze searches for a ghost ship which has been wreaking havoc in her waters. She'll get more than she bargains for when she encounters the supposed spirit who inhabits the vessel https://archiveofourown.org/works/20392786

Sunflower Suffocation: Perhaps the darkest apocalypse I have written the pair into; nightmares plague Silver as he chokes on sunflower petals. He risks life and limb, venturing into the night in an effort to save Blaze before she too ends up afflicted https://archiveofourown.org/works/50645329

Tending the Flame: A fantasy AU tale in which Blaze has been transformed into a literal living flame and Silver is attempting to cure her. A story in which the two can't physically touch, making their hearts want all the more https://archiveofourown.org/works/21084413

Theatrics: A tale that focuses on Silver and Blaze doning costumes and acting as villains to save the day! Blaze dons a mask while Silver wears a full helmet- which is weird because this predates the phantom rider stuff by a year-ish? https://archiveofourown.org/works/44021233

Horns and Wings: A story in which Blaze becomes the very demon she thinks herself and can't help but observe Silver's more angel like qualities https://archiveofourown.org/works/55197610

Six Months of Eternity: A myth in which Silver and Blaze take on the roles of Hades and Persephone in the style of Sonic and the Black Knight or Sonic and the Secret Rings. They are the ruler of the underworld, and his supposedly stolen bride https://archiveofourown.org/works/45030701

[its-jaytothemee]

Until I Met You - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Cure

Pairings: Halsin x Tav

Word count: 4,915

Rating: Currently M, will be Explicit in later chapters.

Read on AO3

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Summary: The party decides what path they want to take to rid themselves of the tadpole. Introducing Withers too because I might have forgotten him earlier...... Part 5 of the slow burn fic. Halsin and Tav POVs

Tags: Slow burn, hurt/comfort, fluff, love confessions, eventual smut, light angst, implied past rape/non-con, graphic description of injuries.

A/N: The tadfools learn about the share bear. I struggled with this chapter at first, but now I'm kinda in love with how it ends.

Someone take these idiots away from me...I can't stop writing about them.

With her wounds healed, Tav could easily change back into her normal casual outfit. It took multiple passes with a comb, but she was finally able to tame her long hair back into a sleek braid. She grabbed Clive and the shirt Wyll had given her before she joined the rest of the group. When she arrived, there was already a heated argument in process.

“Our priority should be purification. We cannot afford further distractions and detours.” Lae’zel’s gruff voice cut through the air.

“Our priority should be finding the cult and ridding Faerûn of this evil for good.” Wyll countered.

“The Creche will have the means of ridding us of this tadpole. Even if we defeat this Absolute, there’s no guarantee that we will be cured.” Lae’zel had been insisting they find the Creche from the moment they met.

“And the cult has my father!” Wyll yelled back.

“You guys want to fill me in on what you found today?” Tav walked up into the center of their small camp.

All their heads turned to face her, they looked flustered and exhausted.

“Nice to see you back on your feet.” Wyll smiled lightly. She tossed the shirt she had been wearing to him.

“So…what did I miss?” Tav asked.

Everyone immediately started talking over one another, trying to explain their version of the events of the day. Out of all the yelling, she was able to piece together that a Duke from Baldur’s Gate had been captured, they killed an entire enclave of Zhentarim, and they had potentially found the location of the Creche that Lae’zel had been searching for after taking out a githyanki patrol. The recap of their activities quickly devolved into fighting about their next steps. Tav pinched the bridge of her nose trying to ward off the headache that was already forming.

“Everybody shut up!” Tav shouted to be heard over everyone. Her sudden outburst seemed to at least startle everyone into giving her their attention. “If you want to sit here and fight like children, I’ll treat you like children. Here…” Tav held Clive up for everyone to see.

“New rule – unless you’re holding Clive, you don’t get to talk.” She received plenty of glares and pursed lips, but they did remain quiet. Halsin was off to the side, fighting to hide a smile.

“I do not understand this ritual. Is this customary for your planning of battle strategies?” Lae’zel asked, obviously confused.

“It is now.” Tav decided.

Wyll held up his hand, and she tossed the stuffed bear to him.

“The path forward is clear. We must head to Moonrise towers and chase after this Absolute. Not only is there a chance we can be cured, but we can strike at the heart of the cult and rescue my father.” So, the Duke who was taken was Wyll’s father, interesting. Lae’zel snatched Clive out of Wyll’s hands.

“Our path should lead to purification. Moonrise Towers does not offer a certain cure for our affliction, the Creche does. We cannot help anyone if we turn into mind flayers ourselves.” Lae’zel countered. Tav was surprised to hear her say ‘we’ in her statement, does that mean she would want to chase down the cult even if they were cured?

Shadowheart was the next to request the bear, Lae’zel begrudgingly handed him over.

“With all due respect Lae’zel, what assurance do we have that this purification would be extended to us as well? We are not githyanki.” An understandable question. One that Tav had wondered about since Lae’zel mentioned the Creche. Shadowheart handed Clive back to Lae’zel.

“This is a very inefficient form of communication.” Lae’zel grumbled. “You will be granted purification for aiding me. It is Vlaakith’s will that her faithful be purified. I can plead your case to the Ghustil, you have proven worthy in battle against these abominations and they will not want to waste your skills.” She made a convincing argument, but Tav wasn’t sure how much they could trust the hospitality of a githyanki creche. Lae’zel had proven to be a valuable ally, but her people were not known for their generosity.

Karlach held her arms out and Lae’zel flung Clive over to her. She hugged the bear close to her chest as they all looked at her expectantly.

“What?” She looked up at all of them.

“You requested the stuffed creature. It is your turn to talk if I am not mistaken.” Lae’zel said, taking this process very seriously.

“Oh, I don’t have anything to add. I just wanted Clive back.” She tucked him under her arm, apparently not wanting to share any longer.

I’m surrounded by toddlers.

“Look…” Tav started, looking between all her companions. “Whatever we do next, we have to do it together. We don’t stand a chance if we split up or fight each other the entire way. The Underdark has already proven perilous. I will not force us to continue on down here if we cannot agree to do so.” She spared a look at Halsin, who averted his gaze towards the ground.

“We set out together to find a cure for the tadpoles. If Lae’zel can give us her word that the Creche will remove them I’m not opposed to following that lead. But we must have a majority in favor of doing so.”

They all exchanged uncertain glances, each person scared to cast the first vote.

“I vote that we take the Mountain Pass and search for this Creche. I have enough unwanted guests lurking in my body.” Gale was the first to speak up.

Lae’zel and Karlach quickly agreed with him.                                                                                                                                       

“I still think we should continue searching for the path to Moonrise. We have a duty to the people of Faerûn to purge this cult.” Wyll held his ground.

“I’m inclined to agree with Wyll.” Halsin spoke up.

“Ah yes, let’s listen to the one person here not hosting a wriggly little parasite.” Astarion snipped. Tav shot him a glare.

“He’s agreed to travel with us, Astarion. He gets a say too.” She said.

“Ugh, fine. I agree with Wyll as well. I think we have a better chance of infiltrating Moonrise if we can pose as one of their own.” He conceded.

“I want this tadpole out of my head. I have a mission of my own to complete. As much as it pains me to admit, I think Lae’zel may be right.” Shadowheart finally chimed in.

Tav would be the deciding vote. She had no idea what to do if they were evenly split. All eyes were on her, waiting for her choice to be made.

“Then it sounds like we should head to the Mountain Pass.” She decided. There were a few grumbles, but otherwise everyone simply split up to go pack up their things. Tav was about to walk away as well when a strange voice called out to her.

“Ah, thou art moving again? I had much difficulty in finding you.”

Every member of the camp whipped around at the sound, weapons drawn.

“There is no need for such measures.” The strange undead figure waved his hand nonchalantly.

“Wait…we’ve met before.” Tav slowly lowered the rock she had picked up to throw.

“And now we meet again, as predicted. I shall remain in thy camp, for whenever thou hast need of my services.” The skeletal figure, who she now remembered was introduced as Withers, said this as a statement rather than a request.

“Just when I think our little adventuring party can’t get any more bizarre.” Gale muttered.

The rest of the party seemed content to let her deal with their new visitor. Even Lunari didn’t seem concerned by him. She sat next to Tav, tail wagging lazily.

“And what services are those?” Tav stepped closer to him.

Withers launched into a long-winded explanation of his strange talents. His ability to call souls forth from the dead, allowing them to fight at their side, for a price. The low, deliberate sound of his voice started to make Tav a little tired. Blinking her eyes rapidly to stay awake, she tried to give him her full attention.

“Should thou or any of thy compatriots perish, I will cleave soul to body once more.” Useful. He seemed to be finished talking now.

“Not to be rude, but what are you?” Tav couldn’t help but ask.

“There are many answers to that question. None are important.” His tone was still calm.

“Okay, then.” The past week had been such a rush of strange revelations, why not add an undead necromancer to their camp? Withers walked away from her without another word.

“It seems your little group is growing each day.” Halsin had come to stand next to her.

“At this rate we should have an army to rival the cult’s by the time we do reach Moonrise.” She turned to smile at him, but his expression seemed sad.

“Will you still come with us to the Creche?” She asked, suddenly anxious.

“Of course. I promised you my aid and counsel, and you shall have it.” He smiled, but it looked forced.

“I’m sorry that we aren’t heading directly to Moonrise Towers. It seemed important to you that we make it there soon.” She was trying to judge his reaction and intentions.

“Do not apologize, my friend. You made a swift decision after taking careful considerations from your companions. I could scarcely ask more of a leader in your position.” Regardless of his personal feelings, Halsin seemed supportive enough of her decision.

“In fact, I should thank you. I shall have to remember that little trick with the stuffed bear for the future.” His smile shifted, becoming genuine.

“What can I say? I’m an inspiration to all.” She winked and clicked her tongue before heading off to find her things, ready to pack up and move their camp again.

***

Halsin walked towards the back of the group as they marched their way across the wilderness, enjoying the feeling of the sun on his skin again. He took the time to observe his new travelling party some more. Even after the argument this morning, everyone seemed in high enough spirits. Perhaps it was the newfound hope that they could be rid of their tadpoles sooner than they thought. As he kept pace with the adventurers, his gaze kept wandering back to Tav. He watched as she laughed along with Karlach and Gale, the three of them practically skipping along the trail together. Her new armor suited her well, it looked to be drow craft armor of some kind. The others had brought it back for her this morning after they cut her last set to pieces. Lost in his thoughts about Tav that were growing increasingly indelicate, he failed to notice that Astarion had snuck up to his side.

“Enjoying the view, druid?” He always seemed to have a sultry undertone to his voice.

“Of course, I’d be a poor druid indeed if I couldn’t enjoy a long walk on such a lovely day as this.” He smiled at the pale elf, his bouncy white curls blowing softly in the breeze. Astarion giggled softly in response.

“Oh Halsin, I’m not talking about that view.” His eyes followed Halsin’s gaze back to Tav. “Don’t get me wrong, I love your disastrous flirting with one another. I’d just hate if you did anything to lead her on though, she’s such a kind and trusting soul.” He examined his fingernails, picking at imaginary dirt there. Halsin felt a slight blush spreading across his cheeks.

“Believe me, Astarion, I have no such intentions of toying with her. Can you say the same?” He thought back to all their flirty quips.

“Ha, you’re good. Believe me when I say all our banter is perfectly harmless. Beautiful people like us can’t help but be delightful and charming together. Well, speaking for myself at least.” He patted Halsin on the arm and pranced up to Tav’s side.

He leaned into her a bit and said something in her ear that Halsin couldn’t quite make out. Whatever it was though, it caused Tav to throw her hips into his – knocking him into a nearby bush. She and Karlach doubled over laughing as she helped him back up out of the thicket, a pout now clouding his face. Their other companions stopped to see the cause of the noise causing them to laugh as well. He was unable to hide a smile at the interaction, amazed at the happiness exuding from a group of people who constantly stood on the precipice of a horrifying death.

They came across a small collection of buildings, which he believed was Waukeen’s Rest. But it was burnt almost completely to the ground. This must have been where Duke Ravengard was captured. A short walk away from Waukeen’s Rest, they found another scorched sight. Burned bodies and a collapsed bridge told him that this is where their friends had found the githyanki dragon rider.

By the time sunset had come, they were making their way towards a beautiful cliffside. The warm dusk light danced on layers of rock and trees, an incredible display of nature’s gifts. To think this was so close to him all these years, and he had never seen it.

“Now that’s not a bad view for the evening, eh soldier?” Karlach yelled at Tav.

“Seems as good a place as any to rest up. We’ll head for the Creche first thing in the morning.” Tav announced, setting her pack on the ground.

They all worked together to set up tents and build a camp. There were plenty of logs and large rocks that they could roll over to sit around the fire. Lae’zel had found a map on one of the githyanki soldiers they had fought earlier in the day, and they had determined that the Creche had likely taken up in the nearby abandoned monastery. The strange undead, Withers, had appeared once they settled in camp again.

Tonight, Halsin was able to actually share a campfire with everyone. Their first night together, he was still recovering from his time with the goblins and his decision to resign his position as Archdruid. Last night, he opted to stay with Tav, making sure she recovered from her injuries. Just as it was during the day, the mood of his new companions seemed to stay joyful. He had been surprised to find out that they had known each other for such a short time. Sitting here with them tonight he would have guessed they were old friends.

I suppose being in their predicament would speed up their friendships a bit.

One by one, everyone retired for the night eventually leaving him alone by the fire. It was hard to explain to them that he was content without a tent, even though they kept insisting that they could find more materials for one. They were kind to offer of course, but for the first time in decades, he was able to freely enjoy all that nature had to offer. Resting by a fire in the open air was his ideal night. The cool evening air helped to focus his mind after the events of the past few days, allowing him to drift easily into his nightly meditation.

When he opened his eyes a few hours later, he was surprised to see that he wasn’t alone. Tav had wandered back out to the fire.

“Hopefully I didn’t disturb you.” She said quietly, adding a few sticks to the dying fire.

“Not at all. How long have you been up?” He sat up a little straighter, stretching his arms out.

“Just a few minutes. I’m not used to having someone else up at this time in the morning. Even Astarion stays hidden away in his tent until the sun is up.” She smiled lightly, the growing flames casting playful shadows across her face.

“The curse of most elves, I suppose.” He continued stretching, shaking off the past few hours of rest.

They sat and watched the flames in silence for a while. Tav had leaned back against one of the logs, staring at the stars that still dotted the sky.

“So, you’ve had a couple of nights with our group.” She started, still stargazing. “How are you faring out here at our little camp?”

“With such stimulating company?” He chuckled to himself. “Never better.”

“I suppose stimulating is one word for it.” She laughed quietly.

“Truly, I’m just glad to be out here amidst the Oak Father’s creations.” He breathed in the scent of his surroundings, leaning his head back to look up at the stars as well.

“I never got a chance to ask you once you joined us…” She trailed off. “How will the grove fare without you? You said your absence had a greater impact than you had expected.”

“Hopefully. I chose a replacement and sent word to her in the High Forest before I left the grove. A wise druid named Francesca.” He tensed slightly, suddenly worried what Tav would think of him for this decision. Why did he care so much about what she thought? She had no knowledge of the needs of the grove outside of what little she saw before coming to his rescue.

“Who?” She asked, leaning up slightly to look at him.

“Exactly…the grove needs to move on from the mistakes of the past.” He turned his head slightly towards her. “Having a fresh set of eyes can help accomplish that. Or so I hope.”

“Very shrewd of you.” She grabbed another nearby stick and lazily poked at the fire with it.

“Contrary to popular belief, we druids can play politics when necessary.” He smiled as he leaned back to look at the night sky again.

“So, is Francesca a temporary replacement? Will you return to the grove once we’ve cured these tadpoles and saved the world?”

It was a question that had plagued his mind since he joined her. Given the harsh division that occurred under his leadership, he wasn’t sure it would be wise for him to return. Even if he was no longer Archdruid.

“I…I’m not sure.” He said quietly, not wanting to look her in the eyes. “I can’t help but feel that I failed them. To return after leaving them twice would seem a disservice to the druids there.”

Tav didn’t say anything in response, she just continued lightly prodding at the fire. He went to sit up, but his hair had gotten caught on a chunk of bark on the log behind him.

“Ow!” He hissed as his head was pulled back down by the force of it. His hands fumbled in the dark, trying to find the grooves holding him in place. Tav snickered a little and walked over to release him. Her fingers made quick work of the tangle, freeing him from the log’s grasp.

“Thank you.” He said as he reached up to fix the piece of hair that had been pulled free. The tie he had holding half of his hair had gotten twisted into a knot from the snag. Once again, his hands fumbled behind him, trying to relieve the pulling on his scalp from the tangled mess.

“Here, let me.” She laughed again as she moved to sit behind him. Carefully, she pulled pieces of his hair free from the small tie. Her fingers ran through his hair each time she pulled a new piece free, loosening any remaining snags in the strands and sending shivers down his neck. Each time her fingers would brush against his scalp, he would relax just a little more. Eventually he realized that he had leaned back against her legs.

“Could I ask you something?” He asked quietly, watching the flames dance in front of him.

“Is the question ‘can I borrow your comb?’ Because the answer is yes. I mean gods above, Halsin when was the last time you brushed this? There are actual leaves stuck in your hair my friend.” She laughed as she continued to pull small chunks of hair free from the knot on the back of his head. To prove her point, she dropped the leaves she found over his shoulder and into his lap.

“Ah yes, what was I thinking? I should have asked my goblin captors if they would provide that for me during my visit.” He teased back, causing her to laugh more. “As for the leaves, I happen to think they add another layer of authenticity to my druidic charm.” What he wouldn’t do to keep hearing that laugh.

“But no, I had something different in mind.”

“Go ahead.” She said as she smoothed another few strands on his head.

“Who is Tev?” It was a name that Halsin had heard her mutter over and over while she was unconscious.

Tav froze, her hands still tangled in his hair.

“Where did you hear that name?” She asked quietly.

“You said it a lot while you slept yesterday.” He explained.

“Tev’aron...my older brother.” Her voice was quiet.

“I’m sorry. We don’t have to talk about him.” Halsin suddenly felt guilty for prying.

“It’s okay. He uh…he’s been gone for quite a while.” She resumed her work on his hair.

“What happened?” As he asked the question, he realized he already knew the answer from their past conversations.

“The shadow curse. I was there that day too, Halsin.” She whispered.

Hearing her mention it again brought his own grief bubbling to the surface, threatening to boil over. Faces of those he fought with all those years ago flashed before him. From what she had said before, he had gathered that she had at least experienced the curse. It didn't occur to him that she could have been there, fighting as an ally. His mind wandered momentarily, wondering if they had somehow crossed paths before.

“I am so sorry. I know all too well what it’s like to lose those you love to that wretched curse.” He looked down at his hands in his lap.

“It’s not something one soon forgets.”

Her voice had grown distant. He slowly turned to face her, half of his hair still knotted in an impossible pile on his head. The pull in his chest returned, he wanted so badly to tell her of his plan, to let her know there was still a chance to make things right. She gave him a puzzled look, waiting for him to say something.

Careful, Halsin. You still don’t know if that is possible. Do not give her false hope…

Astarion’s earlier words rang in his ears. He truly didn’t have any intention of toying with her emotions. It had just been so long since he had someone who understood the horror that was unleashed that day.

“I’m sorry, Tav. I didn’t mean to dampen your spirits.” He turned back around to let her continue working on his hair.

“Don’t apologize. It’s…nice to have someone else who understands.” She sighed. That was a sentiment he understood well.

“So, what will you do if you are able to seek a cure at the Creche in the morning?” Halsin tried to change the subject.

“What do you mean?” She ran her fingers through his hair again, his eyelids fluttered slightly at the touch.

“Will you all go your separate ways?”

“Huh. I suppose I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” She paused for a moment. “I can’t speak for everyone else, but even if we are able to get a cure tomorrow, I’m not sure that I can just turn my back on what we’ve learned.”

“Oh?” Halsin asked, his heart skipped a beat.

“I mean, it’s like Wyll said. We have a responsibility to help if we can, don’t we?” She was able to work a large chunk of hair out of the tangled mess, it fell over his eyes. “If you’d like, I could still accompany you to Moonrise. It wouldn’t seem right to abandon you after you left your life at the grove to help us. I’m sure at least a couple of the others will want to see this through as well.”

The combination of her words and gentle touches brought tears to his eyes. For years, the thought of facing the shadow curse alone had been a daunting and a near impossible goal. But now, the thought of Tav joining him filled him with hope.

“I’d be honored to have you.” He said before quickly adding, “Happy to have you with me, I mean.”

She giggled as she pulled the tie that had been holding his hair free.

“Here, this is broken. Give me just a moment and I’ll be back.” She handed the mangled string to him and patted his head before getting up to walk away.

Despite the fire burning in front of him, he suddenly felt cold after she left. He could feel phantom touches of her fingertips smoothing his hair down his head and neck. Not a minute later he heard her soft footsteps bringing her back to join him.

She sat back down, and he felt a comb run across his scalp. The feeling was soothing, something he couldn’t remember anyone ever doing for him. At least not since he was a child.

“I can take it from here, if you’d like.” He immediately regretted the words as soon as he said them. Truth be told, he could sit here with her hands in his hair for hours.

“Oh, of course. Sorry…force of habit.” Tav handed the comb to him over his shoulder, sounding uncomfortable. He was sure that her face was turning a deep red. She started to move out from behind him.

Damn it.

“I only meant I don’t want you to feel obligated.” The words rushed out of his mouth. “I don’t mind it at all, it’s…comforting. Especially after the week I’ve had. Plus, you’ve made short work of those knots so far…” He was starting to ramble. His heart was pounding in his chest, worried that he’d upset her.

She sat still for a moment; he couldn’t see her face to judge her reaction. He looked down, slightly embarrassed. Her hand appeared next to his head, open and waiting for him to hand her the comb. Releasing his held breath, he handed it back to her.

They sat there the rest of the time in silence. Tav quietly and carefully working the comb through the tangled web on his head. Elves don’t often sleep, but he really thought at one point he could have entered a deep slumber from how relaxed he felt under her touch. Halsin felt as an eternity had passed and yet he felt he could take another eternity more when she finally spoke again.

“Okay.” She said quietly. “All done, I think.” Her fingers ran through his hair one last time, checking for any straggling knots.

“Thank you.” He kept his voice as quiet as hers, already missing her touch.

He opened his eyes to see Tav moving back down to the ground, her hand held out next to him. Without thinking, he grabbed her hand and held it for a moment. She gave him a puzzled look and he could now feel that she had a small tie in the palm of her hand she had been offering him.

He immediately dropped her hand and felt all the blood in his body rush to his face and chest. Tav burst out laughing, covering her face to muffle the sound. The sky was just now starting to lighten, and the others in camp probably wouldn’t be awake for a couple more hours. Halsin buried his head into his hands, trying to hide the wave of embarrassment washing over him. His freshly combed hair hung down helping to cover his blushing cheeks.

“Halsin, it’s okay.” She was still laughing a little bit. “At least now we’re even.”

He thought back to when they first met a few days ago and she had done the same thing with the small flute they had used to resurrect Gale. He peeked out between the strands of hair covering his face to see her smiling fondly at him. She looked away quickly when she met his gaze.

“I uh…I think I’ll go get us some more wood for the fire. I’m sure everyone will want to eat before you head out.” He stood up slowly, his legs now feeling a little wobbly after being so relaxed. She held the small tie for his hair up in her fingers, which he gladly accepted.

“No matter what happens at the Creche, we’ll make our way back to Moonrise, Halsin.” She assured him with a smile.

He nodded his thanks and pushed the hair from his eyes as he made his way into the tree line. His heart was still racing from their time together, he couldn’t stop thinking about the feeling of her fingers running through his hair. It had been so long since someone had taken care of him in any way, let alone something as gentle as this. He took a few deep breaths, reminding himself that they still had a long way to go until Moonrise Towers. There was still much for him to do to prepare. Despite his years of waiting though, his mind lingered on Tav, already trying to figure out how he could steal more moments like this in the future.

[winterinhimring]

Post-NWH Raimiverse Headcanons

(These may or may not be relevant to a fic I am writing, but that's some time in the future. For now, I have all sorts of thoughts on how the Raimiverse will change after the cured villains make their return and so I must inflict those thoughts on all of you.)

Oscorp now has the best lab safety regulations of any corporation in the business. Period. They're light-years ahead of the current standards. Depending on who you ask, this was either Norman's last act as CEO before he stepped back for Unspecified Health Reasons, or Harry's first. Both of these theories suggest some interesting things.

Within the company, theories about What Is Wrong With The Osborns run rampant. Norman just sets off people's danger instincts now, because people his age aren't supposed to move like Olympic-level gymnasts - Peter can get away with being inhumanly flexible because he's a teenager and adults tend to expect teenagers to be capable of some slightly inhuman feats anyway; Norman less so. He can also see a little too well in the dark, and he periodically pops up in places he shouldn't really have been able to get to. It doesn't help that he's usually in those places to terrorise people whose lab safety standards are slipping. "Dad, stop scaring the interns" / "I just want to make sure nobody falls into an experiment and becomes a villain" is an exchange that Norman and Harry have had multiple times.

The theories range from "Norman is a vampire" through "Norman was in a lab accident and wound up able to teleport, but can't control it, so Harry stepped up so nobody would see his dad accidentally disappearing from board meetings" to "The Green Goblin was the result of an accident testing the performance enhancers and Norman hunted him down but had to take the enhancers himself to beat him and it broke his health".

(There are also, of course, theories that are uncomfortably close to the truth. Generally, what happens is that an older employee quietly takes the person who has put the pieces together aside and says, 'yes, you think you've figured it out, but think very carefully about whether you want to *say* it in front of the legal team *and* the possibly-not-quite-human former CEO'. The theorist invariably decides that discretion is the better part of valour.)

Harry does not unsettle people in himself. Harry is shockingly normal and while he can be a bit of a brat on occasion, he's usually very nice. However, people are a little scared of him anyway, because he treats his weird freaky cryptid dad like a perfectly normal person.

When Otto Octavius comes back from his little jaunt into another universe and lands in a destroyed warehouse after nearly wrecking half of New York, Oscorp's second defining feature, after the lab safety, becomes their terrifyingly effective legal team. A lot of precedents about the humane treatment of enhanced individuals are set, and ultimately they get Otto off with a pretty light sentence owing to the whole 'four AIs were controlling his brain' thing. Also, Rosie Octavius survives in this world (because she just does, okay? I'm appealing to the butterfly effect because...just imagine her bonding with May and MJ. It's a wonderful thought).

Once Otto has served his time, he becomes Peter's Science Enabler Uncle. They get along like a house on fire and are an absolute pair of holy terrors. Multiple things have been set on fire in the Octavius (and also the Osborn) house because of them. (So, so many things.)

Rosie, May, MJ, and Harry form the 'not a scientist but afflicted with a scientist dad/husband/nephew/best friend' club and stay over at each others' houses when one of their residences is temporarily uninhabitable because Otto and Peter were doing late night science, or Otto and *Norman* were poking the arc reactor that Otto brought back from the other universe and made a fire. Or because someone had the bright idea of cannibalising a small appliance for a robotics project and now the toaster is no longer functional.

Rosie and MJ are especially good friends and get into long, involved literary discussions which Peter and Otto are utterly baffled by. Even Harry, who's pretty well-read, can't keep up with them once they really get going. Peter and Otto are very proud.

At some point, a Conversation is had about Curt Connors. ('WHAT DO YOU MEAN PETER'S PROFESSOR IS GOING TO TURN HIMSELF INTO A LIZARD?' MJ shouts. 'I didn't say he was *going* to, I said we should keep an eye on him.' 'That...is really not very reassuring.')

And everyone lives happily ever after, to the end of their days.

[heartfulselkie]

I adored the new chapter of Bell the Cat! It did make me wonder though - is akumatization as easy to undo in your story as it is in canon? And if Chat Blanc had died, would the akumatization have been undone automatically?

Thank you!

Akumatisation is similar to how it is in canon: butterfly goes out -> sentimental item of victim gets possessed -> victim turns into some superpowered villain

The undoing of it though differs slightly as Ladybug's powerset isn't the exact same as canon. The main difference is that she can't cast "Miraculous Ladybug" and cure all the wounds, repair the damage and undoing any deaths caused by the Akuma.

Healing is one of the main aspects of Tikki's power (according to Kwami lore of this world), but its something Ladybug hasn't been able to manifest. However there have been people in the past who were Blessed by Tikki who were said to be great healers.

Ladybug's primary ability is still the "Lucky Charm". It functions similar to canon in that it will give her a (seemingly) random item that she can use to aid her. Fighting the Akuma is normally a test of her swordsmanship, but the Lucky Charm is what helps her gain the upper hand even against opponents more than twice her size.

When she defeats the Akuma, she uses the Lucky Charm to purify them (not healing, just cleansing). Purifying isn't as instant as casting the Lucky Charm, which is why she can't just do it mid fight. She has to focus it and the Lucky Charm will break down into an essence that will then cleanse the afflicted item (so sort of like canon "Miraculous Ladybug" sweeping over Paris, but just localised to a miniature scale).

She can cast multiple Lucky Charms within the same fight, but it can be insanely exhausting to do so, often making it not worth the risk. There also doesn't need to be an Akumatised person present for her to use Lucky Charm.

Lucky Charms can also have other uses outside of a fight - like creating the talismans seen in the show. Those are exceptionally rare though and Ladybug only seems to be able to create them out of very specific circumstance or just sheer dumb luck.

These are all things that will definitely come up in the fic and be given a little more detail in how they function/what actually happens when a power is used...At least from Ladybug's POV. It's her power yet even she's not entirely sure how it works sometimes. On occasion, she's just convinced that Tikki has to be messing with her.

[vestigialpersonality]

Pairing: Astarion/Trans Male Dark Urge (eventually) Status: Ongoing Warnings: Violence, Death Summary: An elf with no name and no memory escapes from a pod on a crashed Nautiloid. In a bid of desperation, he finds himself wrapped into an unlikely alliance with a group of adventurers ostensibly trying to find a cure for their shared affliction as he tries to piece himself back together. There is something oddly and unpleasantly familiar about several of his traveling companions, but the answers are lost in the tatters of his mind. Chapter One Link

If anyone is interested in a fic where any romance is secondary to untreated psychological trauma and very slowly finding acceptance in physical disabilities this might just be for you. There is so much trauma packed into this bad boy.

DD:DNE, be mindful of your own mental health while reading. This deals heavily with intrusive thoughts, dissociative episodes, and panic attacks, as well as Durge-typical violence.

So I'm back (ish). I still can't look at screens for an extended period of time, but the words don't want to stop.

[fantomette22]

I’d love to hear some of your hcs about byrgenwerth! Especially about how Laurence found the blood and got people hooked on it 👀

I have so much ideas about Byrgenwerth! Which ones ?! XD

Ok Laurence and the blood! I’m starting to write all of this really slowly in my fic so it’s taking times but it’s not really oblivious either so here’s a recap plus things that will happened later ! It didn’t happen overnight for sure but they didn't spend decades looking at the long effect of blood on people before using it massively either :/

So first thing so you understand why they wanted/needed the blood in the first place : in my story, every few decades there's like little plagues & epidemic ravaging either Yharnam or other cities. And almost every characters loose at least one member of their family. Because of the last one that happened 15 years before the beginning of my fic (It was tuberculosis I think? smt close to it). (And the ashen blood first began 20y after well that epidemic). + they have legend of the pthumerians and the gods and what the blood could do. Loran and Pthumeru were really powerful before well... you know.

Alright so they already knew quite a few things about the old blood and with the pthumerians and all but it’s only when they finally went into the first chalice dungeon and bring back dead pthumerians and sample of blood that it begin to take amplitude. They realised the pthumerians blood have fascinating regenerative and healing proporties but they needed more.

When they managed to finished the first floor and killed the undead giant (it didn’t goes really well either..) they could try more experiments !

It had mixed results at first. On one side it cure and heal lot of affliction but it was also a poison (you know the rapid poison damaged) so at first they couldn't really heal minor things because there's more chance you get a blood poisoning O_O' so they try it on people on the verge of dying. Sure it kinda heal them from their disease/injuries but it killed them after. (And don't start me on the horrible hallucinations/ nightmare it gives too).

[So people used to go at Byrgenwerth when they were sick lot of the time, or people with not not much money or when Yharnam doctor could do nothing so they go to Byrgenwerth in last resort. At Byrgenwerth they tested "innovative" treatments and it's where many scholars in sciences and medicine were. But for minor sickness/injuries it's also a really good way for students to practice as well. So like if you came here because you cut your skin or smt it's basically the young med students who will practice on you XD and even Gehrman (the groundskeeper) is doing a way better work at sewing back skin together than them XD no seriously he's so good at it]

But one day, they finally succeed in a full transfusion (like the ones giving to everyone much later) and the person survive and completely recover ! (but if you read my fic you know what I'm taking about 👀 but for people who don't know it was on Gehrman, he got almost killed in the pthumerian labyrinth). It even surpass their expectation because he gained surhuman abilities, speed, reflex, strength etc

And thanks to this it's how they managed to convince Cainhurst to give them money for further researches (+ directly send people/new students hehe)

Anyway some time pass, many Byrgenwerth shenanigans happened, they experiments further and are really close of finding the right thing so it would work all the time and share with everyone. (They're keeping the blood that heal well for their prospectors, emergencies, Cainhurst... and but Laurence gave some vials to people close to him (and it did help save smn but it's another story) he really wanted to help everyone at the time. Willem tried to tell him to wait and that things take lot of time but Laurence can't support the thought of waiting decades and perhaps never seen the end it. And other close people to him dying. (He loose both his parents...)

So, they finally reach the last floor of the first labyrinth and found the watchdog to the old lord. Laurence is the only one being in total admiration of the creature (like here XD) when everyone else is more concerned about what the hell this is and how they're going to survive it. Well they managed to defeat it and and found the 2nd chalice + they found refined blood. With that they managed to do smt that work well! (or at least they think at first...watch the huge backlash in a few years/decades...)

And after that the healing church is officially proclaimed ! (it's still linked with Byrgenwerth it will drift apart a few years later. Cainhurst drama... beasts in Yharnam... intern drama... Fishing Hamlet COUGH COUGH)

Laurence made an amazing speech to celebrate their sucess and can finally share it to people in need and everyone cheer for him. (well a few are worried but a lot supports him) Especially prospectors (who will becomes the old hunters & willing to fight for him against monsters blocking the way) & religious but also many scholars. It's a promise of a better future, a better life, ascension and communion/reconnection with the gods. What a nice dream...

Lil side note on Laurence too : I think he was really good in medicine, was perhaps a doctor but I also think he did a lot of theology as well and was also a priest. He passed times when he could with Yharnam's main priest and the religious of old Yharnam, but it wasn't a really an institution in power of the city at the time. (When the blood and the new healing church in Yharnam become way bigger. After they first heal people from the ashen blood the first time and become more powerful, the bishop of the region/country made Laurence Vicar)

I also think he knew how to talk to people and reassure them, made them believing I his vision. That allow him to gain many followers + he saves the life of many people himself and gives a lot of his own blood. I don't really know what he would have say exactly to people but I do have thoughts on what he could have said to his closet friends/ a few persons. Like for exemple I have a few more precise ideas on how Maria realized her view on the use of blood/ her own role were way closer to Laurence's ideas.

[catoperated]

Okay, but fr I played BG1 way back in the day, and ofc I loved the whole werewolf questline. Then you get to BG3 and discover Balduran’s ultimate fate, and I think back to werewolf island being his last known stop before moonrise and I say… what if he got infected? What if he went to Moonrise hearing not of some treasure, but a cure, this being long before BG1’s protagonist came thru to either fix things or killed everything (and it always kinda bugged me DA1 has a very similar questline but hey, two werewolf quest cakes).

And, sure, ceremorphosis is technically a cure.

So I’m thinking of some sort of time travel fic where Balduran wakes up on a beach after getting killed by the party and is elven again, but also afflicted with Lycantropy. Halsin helps him control it with the very treasure he was looking for, and oh btw would he like to accompany him to a little investigative mission with some random adventurers (the ones from the open the gate bit). Balduran is very aware timeline fuckery is afoot but he can't say no to adventure.

So, yeah… Balduran/Halsin is such a crackship but i'll do it.

Only thing i haven't worked out is how exactly the Emperor would react to halsin's shapeshifting fuckbuddy being… well, himself.

Oh, and the fake name Balduran assumes is Tav, just to make this more convoluted.

Hate when you have a fic idea so niche you have to write it if you wanna see it, but also a thousand works in progress.

Help.

[mxanigel]

An affliction I can't cure

a Dragon Age fanfic

[Read on AO3]

A simple mission to investigate reports of darkspawn activity ends in disaster and changes Neri's life forever. They never named how they felt for Anders. They thought they had more time. Now, it's too late. Yet Neri must somehow continue serving as Amaranthine's arlen and Ferelden's Warden-Commander despite their soul spiraling into despair.

Prologue: this is the way the world ends

Nathaniel senses something amiss on their darkspawn scouting mission. He isn't prepared for what he discovers when he returns to camp.

Rating: M

Relationships: Anders/Surana, eventual Nathaniel Howe/Surana (it's complicated)

Additional Tags: Angst, Love and Loss, Grief, Self-Doubt, Agender Character, Vigil's Keep

----- preview snippet below -----

“There’s no place for me here. There’s no place for me anywhere.”

“Andraste’s ass, listen to me when I’m talking to you!” Nathaniel steps forward and then freezes as Anders’s skin crackles with blue energy.

“I told you, don’t come any closer!” He stares at the ground, then at his hands, visibly shaking.

“I need to know what happened! Talk to me, Anders. Please.”

“I don’t know! This wasn’t what I wanted. I never—” He groans, clutching his blood-stained hands to his head.

Nathaniel extends a hand toward him. “Take a deep breath. Walk me through it. When we report to Neri—”

“No! I won’t… I can’t go back.”

[neko-naruto]

You clearly don't get it man

Summary: Karkat goes blind, luckily, someone gets it and helps him through.

Warnings: Wounds, minor blood, swearing, faking blindness, check tags for further warnings.

Authors Note: Here, have some Solkat for fic seven, this one is the seventh right? Nonetheless, I think they could be doable, once again, I take reblogs as a form of currency over likes.

Blindness.

A disease causing blindness ran rampant through the streets.

Some say Trolls brought it with them, others say it was bound to happen one day.

Everyone agreed they didn't want to catch it.

None of this affected two Trolls in specific, they had been blind for longer than they can remember at this point.

Terezi Pyrope and Sollux Captor, two blind bastards leading a failing society.

They explain wearing glasses with colored lenses helps dull any sensory nostalgia of being to see, it blocks out extra light and can be your favorite color you'll always faintly see. Sollux teaches braille, or, the Alternian version of braille at least, he's a bit sloppy but everyone seems to understand. Terezi teaches alternative ways to find their way around life, most of them have a hard time adapting. Nothing clicking in their heads as they stumble about the new world that's exactly the same, turns out they don't know it as good as they say, dogs are in high demand.

Most humans are a lot less susceptible to said disease, Trolls getting caught up in the loss much easier.

Except for Karkat.

Something about his mutant blood keeps him safe from it, and he hates being the last one who can see.

All his friends have been affected greatly.

Kanaya can no longer sew, her fingers are full of pinhole wounds where she nicked herself, and what she finishes is hideous. Equius can't build robots or train anymore either, he's probably close to his last straw with how unskilled he's become in a second. Nepetas unable to hunt anymore, she has it easier though, she's trained her other senses over her life.

It's almost tragic, thousands if not millions of living beings losing their most used sense.

At least two have experience, among many other humans, to lead the afflicted to a livable life.

You are Sollux Captor.

You're blind, but you have skill and have figured out how to glitch the matrix into eyesight again.

Yeah, you got fucking skill.

Definitely didn't find a cure all that half healed you and forget to tell Terezi before you lost it in your old hive.

You're roommates with Karkat for the weekend, he hasn't left his apartment in a while and kicked Eridan to the curb. Everyones been getting worried for the mutant blood, so they sent you in for some reason. Feferis the healer, and immune to the disease, why would they send you of all people in?

You suppose it's a better choice than Gamzee.

First you knock on the door, you get a muffled go away followed by a small crash and an utter of expletives. You give warning that you're entering anyways, and you hear a plead of no as you push open the door. Karkats not in the living room, you press further into the small apartment until you reach the kitchenette.

You see a cupboard flung open with Karkats favorite mug missing and you know something is wrong. You walk around the small island serving as a table and find Karkat on the ground, blood oozing from his arm to his hand. He's whimpering, no shirt on and you can see a few scabbed over wounds there as well, on the ground is his favorite mug, shattered.

Fear shoots through your veins and your crouching and helping him up, he's berating and hissing that he said not to come in, his eyes are shut and he stumbles. You ignore him as you grip his arm that isn't cut wide open and guide him to the couch, you realize his entire apartment is empty. He sits on the couch, eyes still shut and you take a blanket and wrap part of it around his arm, he chitters angrily, making a crab like noise.

Eventually, he calms down after you sit there silently, his eyes don't open the entire time you sit there.

Then, he sighs, he opens his eyes, they're cloudy, he's blind.

"Congrats, you found me out, bastard, rub it in, Karkat is fucking blind," Karkat said, he sounded exasperated and he hung his head, holding it in his bloody hands, "you can leave if you don't want to see me like this, a broken mess who lost every inch of self confidence."

"What, why would I- look, you clearly don't get it man," you said, you took off your shades, able to see Karkat regularly, well, with one eye at least, it was better than nothing, "I'm not gonna let you rot away just cause you can't see for jackshit."

"Ha, you should, I'm useless, I'll be culled for sure," Karkat said, he knew they wouldn't be culled anymore on earth, but instinctual fear resides stronger than factual knowledge.

"Did you let Eridan rot?" You asked, Karkat shook his head.

"No, I didn't, who would, he would be complaining on his death bed and I don't have the patience for that," Karkat said, you smirked a little bit, he did have a point.

"Exactly, so I'm not letting you rot, and we won't be culled anymore, it's earth, we can be safe now," you said Karkat nodded again, he seemed a bit shaky, his blanket was now drenched, you pulled it away, the wound was better, not exactly good though.

"Ok, can, can we go get some food, in a restaurant?" Karkat asked, he sounded desperate, he hasn't had restaurant food in forever one must assume, you patted his back before helping him up.

"Of course, but first, let's get you in a shirt," you said leading him across the apartment to his room, he sat on his bed, eyes open, you were sure he could still see the light, see the colors somewhere behind his glass like gaze.

You pulled out a shirt and helped him get it on, it was only a small struggle, but he managed. It wasn't even, but it was good enough, and so you led him out of his room, out of his apartment into an elevator. He shook as the elevator descended, and his steps were shaky like everyone else was as you led him out of the complex into the streets.

He covered his ears upon hearing the sound, that's what improved with loss of sight, hearing. At least there are no more cars with how many people are blind now, it would be a pain having to hear those cranked to eleven every day. As you lead him through the streets, he's unfocused on the destination, but the journey, you can tell as he snaps his head to where the birds sing and the dogs bark.

It's like watching someone see for the first time in an ironic sense.

You'll probably end up having to help him with this from here on out.

That doesn't sound bad.

He is technically your Matesprit.

And by technically, it just happens to be that you vaccilate between flushed to pale very, very often.

It's a weird relationship that being in a human world has brought to light for the two of you, even before blindness.

But now you're sure it'll be leaning flushed more often.

You hope at least.

flushcrushes never die and this could be it's high.

[chinchillasinunison]

I can't believe I haven't seen a fic that's like "Almond Cookie gets afflicted with a sleep curse on duty with the cliché true love's kiss cure and a bunch of characters he's shipped with throw their hat into the ring but nothing works but Walnut Cookie figures it out almost immediately upon arrival and kisses him awake and the day is saved thanks to the power of paternal love." I can see it in my mind's eye so clearly.

[drarryspecificrecs]

hi, do you know a drarry fic in ao3 that has " oblivious harry realises that he's falling" in the summary? i haven't read it yet, so i don't know anything else about it and i really wanted to read it but i can't seem to find it now. thank you for your time!

Anon #2: hi! hope you’re doing fine in quarantine! im looking for one specific fanfic that harry and draco get some kind of disease (idk could be something else) and they have to share a bathtub for some amount of time and then put some kind of cream on their bodies (?????) i remember i reeeeally liked this story so if you could help me please??

Anon #3: Hello!! I have been desperately searching for a fic where Drarry are in a potions accident and end up bonded. The cure is to soak the afflicted area (their crotches) every few days. They have to sit in a small tub together in the Hospital Wing every few days. Cue awkward erections and eventually getting together. There is one scene where they are masturbating with their backs to each other. Any help would be much appreciated !!

ETA: Thank you guys for your help ♥

Strange Bathfellows by @bixgirl1 [E, 27k]

It started with a bath. Or a potions accident. Or maybe it started before that, but who can tell anymore.Featuring: Uncomfortable wanking, more comfortable wanking, mutual wanking, bath sharing, inappropriate betting, secret shagging, those secrets at Hogwarts that everyone knows, and oblivious Harry who knows one thing: he’s falling in love.   ~ 2017.03

[mxanigel]

I'm stupidly proud of the juxtaposition I wrote in the first paragraph for each of the first two chapters of An affliction I can't cure:

[Nathaniel POV] The tension in Nathaniel’s shoulders refuses to ease no matter how many times he stretches his neck or rolls his head back and forth.

followed by

[Neri POV] I stretch, allowing myself an audible sigh as my neck and shoulders relax for the first time in hours.

I of course proceed to break Neri with the news that Anders disappeared after accepting Justice, but this fic is the angst-centric entry in their series that will eventually span at least 9:32-9:37 Dragon (the DA2 time frame).

[mxanigel]

Here are the (sometimes very drafty) sentences in accordance with the poll results!

1 Shion sentence:

“You don’t want to make this worse because you’re moving around so much, do you?”

5 Neri Awakening sentences (from the chapter posted today!):

I finally extract myself from the conversation to don my armor, and then I approach Justice. “You arrived early.” “You have not requested my presence in some time. It is�� a relief, to be asked. I have wondered if my existence offends you.”

3 Neri during-DA2 sentences:

I should say no. Why don’t I want to? Because I want to forget for a little while, to feel something other than the embers of grief and regret that constantly threaten to erupt back into full flame.

4 Heather/Anora sentences:

Outside stands Anora, hair dripping wet, cloak contoured to her body, its water-repelling fabric struggling to keep the moisture at bay. “Can… can I come in?” Heather suppresses many emotions, many reactions. “You may.”

Thanks for the tag, @mxkelsifer <3

Rules:

put your WIPs in the options and then write a number of sentences corresponding to the number of votes per WIP

No-pressure tagging @ziskandra, @milesmentis, @valiantvillain, @cassandra-pentughasst, and anyone else who might be undecided on what to write next and wants to run a poll to help them choose.

[mxanigel]

Thanks for the tag, @mxkelsifer <3

Rules:

put your WIPs in the options and then write a number of sentences corresponding to the number of votes per WIP

No-pressure tagging @ziskandra, @milesmentis, @valiantvillain, @cassandra-pentughasst, and anyone else who might be undecided on what to write next and wants to run a poll to help them choose.