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deadcellmate · 1 year ago

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The Blood Queen & Her King

Summary: A mysterious stranger changes the course of a nomarch's life forever. Word Count: 3,536 Rating: Mature Pairing: Gaius Augustine x Kamilah Sayeed Content Notes: Canon typical violence. Read it on AO3 It was as though he wanted it to hurt, wanted her to earn whatever it was he claimed he was going to give her.

Kamilah feared Gaius when she first met him, hated the arrogant glimmer in his eyes, wanted nothing more than to plunge a dagger deep into his chest. She had plunged a dagger deep into his chest, relishing in the way the crimson liquid spilled at his feet, into the sand, onto her dress, staining it.

Pity it hadn’t been enough. It didn’t stop him from grabbing her by the wrists, sharp, elongated teeth tearing into her neck. She hadn’t remembered screaming—though she was certain she had. But it didn’t matter. His hand clasped over her mouth, and he drank. It was pain unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, hot knives sinking into tender flesh. It didn’t subside. It was as though he wanted it to hurt, wanted her to earn whatever it was he claimed he was going to give her.

I don’t want it, she wanted to yell. There is nothing you could give me that will help me reach what I truly want.

What she truly wanted was for her brother to come back. Deep in her bones, with every Roman army she took down, every fleet she attacked, that was what she was working towards. She cognitively understood that was impossible, illogical, so she was willing to try to settle for thousands of dead Romans at her feet. She meant it when she said she would not stop until she no longer drew breath; most likely, Marc Antony would whisper into her cousin’s ear to have her executed as a traitor in order to stop her. If he hadn’t come along, that was how it was going to end.

She’d been told the story of Helen of Troy a few times when she was a child. She didn’t care for it, but as she began to lose consciousness, either from the pain or the blood loss, as she heard the sound of soldier’s feet thundering against the sand, she thought of it again. How many ships would they launch to avenge her? How many ships would he launch if she tried to escape from his grasp?

Gaius brought Kamilah a gift when she woke up. He presented it to her after the worst of the shock had worn off, when she was no longer focused on the tangy, sweet, metallic taste lingering in the back of her throat, the newfound length of her canines, the hunger boiling inside of her.

She was too weak to fight him when he helped her out of the hole he’d dug for her in the desert sand, too weak to struggle against his grasp as he carried her back to her tent and set her on her feet. And worst of all, she was too hungry to react when she saw the Roman soldier chained to the chair, his mouth gagged, hatred and fury in his eyes, struggling against his bonds.

“As I promised,” Gaius said. “A gift for you.”

“One of your own men?”

“Octavian won’t miss him.” Gaius said. “And who am I to deny you such a simple pleasure?”

He didn’t have to tell her what she needed to do, what the soldier was for. She already understood, from the way the hunger turned into an ache, a demand, the way she felt her canines elongate again. She was upon the soldier before she even understood what she was doing, her fangs ripping into his throat. He must have screamed, but she didn't hear it. The taste of his blood in her mouth was better than the sweetest fruits, the finest wines. Nothing could compare to it.

But then, when the soldier slumped forward in the chair, dead and depleted, reality hit her. She’d killed plenty of roman soldiers, but never in such a grotesque way. She’d never enjoyed it the way she enjoyed this. She was scared, not because of what she had done, but because what she knew she was going to do: she would kill like this again. She would enjoy it immensely. And may the gods help whoever tried to stop her.

Kamilah tackled Gaius, hands wrapped around his throat, squeezing as hard as she could. “What did you do to me?” She demanded. She was startled by how desperate and ragged and scared her voice sounded. “What did you do to me?!”

She wished she could kill him. She tried to, squeezing down on his windpipe, hoping brute force would finally get the job done. Despite the sound of bones breaking, despite the fact that she was choking him harder than she’d ever choked anybody in her life, it didn’t matter. Because all he did was laugh.

“I made you better. Stronger.”

“You made me into a demon. Like you!”

His eyes glowed a deep, bloody red. “I made you into a god.” He grabbed her by the shoulders, easily pushing her off of him. He got back onto his feet, cracking his neck back into place.

“A god of blood.”

“Look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t enjoy draining the life out of that soldier.” Gaius said. He looked down at her, knowing full well she couldn’t. When she didn’t answer, he smiled. “You’re scared. Angry. Confused. I understand.”

He knelt down in front of her. “But I chose you for a reason. I need someone like you.” He ran his thumb along her jaw. She jerked away from him.

“Don’t touch me.”

“Apologies, my queen.”

“And don’t call me that.”

Gaius laughed. “I like you already.”

Centuries later, when people asked her about it, Kamilah framed it as a sort of amusing story. The story of two perfectly matched people who had no idea what they’d come across yet. Centuries after that, long after Gaius was gone, she’d be at a business dinner or something of the sort attended by humans where there was always at least one happily married couple. Inevitably, the story of how the two of them got together would come up. It always made her heart thaw and ache, not because she was particularly prone to get emotional over that sort of thing, but because of how much it reminded her of the way she used to talk about him, which deeply alarmed her.

The story of their love began with a deal. Kamilah didn’t want to be anywhere near Gaius. She wanted to run as far away as she could. She’d take her chances out in the desert. No, she’d feast upon the Romans, making her way all the way to their capitol, making the streets run red with blood. Gaius had other plans for her, of course.

She tried to point out the obvious to get him to let her go: she was a nomarch. Her men were all dead. People would go looking for her. Not to mention, she had no desire to go anywhere with Gaius. So, what do you intend to do? She demanded. Force me by your side until you break me?

“You reject what I have to offer before you you’ve experienced it.” Gaius replied.

“I don’t want what you have to offer.”

“You don’t want power? You don’t want to be respected?”

“I am respected.”

“You’d be a vizier if not for your sex.” Gaius said. “Egypt still wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Romans under your counsel, but you wouldn’t be part of such a humiliating loss.”

“How dare you.”

“You don’t hold a deep love for your nation. You seek vengeance.” Gaius continued. “And I can give that to you.”

“Not when you fight for the Romans, you can’t.”

Gaius shook his head. “I don’t fight in human conflicts because I believe in their causes. I fight for my security. And as it stands, the Roman empire has offered me comforts that the Egyptians refused. But I’ve no true loyalty to their soldiers.”

Gaius let out a breath, moving away from Kamilah. “I know how it feels to lose somebody who means the world to you. Somebody who you can’t live without. And I take it that is what’s happened to you.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me.”

“Sorrow sings in your blood.” Gaius replied. “You seek to destroy those who destroyed whoever you lost.” He turned back to Kamilah. “I will give you what you want if you will give me what I want.”

“And what is it that you want?”

“As I’ve said. A queen. Somebody by my side. Somebody who can fight alongside me. Somebody who can help me enact my vision of the world.”

“I’ve no interest in sharing a bed with you.”

“I never said that.” Gaius said. “But I’m not finished. I can give you what you want if you stand beside me. We can look for whoever took the person you love. You can do whatever it is you wish with him.”

“You’re trying to trick me.”

“And what makes you so sure of that?”

“It’s an empty promise.” Kamilah said. “It’s a promise of searching, not of finding.”

“I don’t intend to trick you.”

“And why should I believe that?” Kamilah said.

“You don’t have a choice.”

“I always do.”

“Then what will satisfy you?”

“A month.” Kamilah said, surprised by her certainty. “I will be by your side for a month. You will find me the man who killed my brother. If you can’t, I will leave, and you won’t stop me.”

“And if I do?”

Kamilah let out a breath. “Then I will be your queen.”

“Then you have a deal.”

It only took two weeks to find the man who killed Lysimachus. Perhaps Gaius was motivated to prove a point. Perhaps he only made the initial proposal because he knew it was a promise he could easily deliver.

Lysimachus had been a general, which meant that his death was news amongst the Romans. It was a victory that a cunning and strategic man had been disposed of. The man that killed him boasted about it, which meant that he had a name, a face, a location. They expected he’d be in Alexandria, which would have complicated things, but no, he was stationed in an outpost several miles outside of the city, among a fleet of men holding off on as many Egyptian soldiers as they could.

They dragged him out of his bed, deeper into the desert. He fought the entire way there, screaming and begging, tears running down his face, all whyareyoudoingthisimaninnocentmanimjustoneofoctavianssoldiersletmego.

Kamilah didn’t dignify it with a response. She always thought if she ever had the chance to kill the man who killed Lysimachus, she would tell him about the person whose life he snuffed out, how she grieved, how everything she’d done since then was building up to this moment.

But this man no longer seemed like a being who changed her life. He was pathetic, ordinary. His entire life had been building up to this moment, the moment that she would kill him, and he was too stupid to realize it.

She tore into his neck, blood splattering, making no attempt to preserve his life for any longer than necessary. She drank eagerly, hungrily as he thrashed against her. She bit harder into his flesh, tearing out his throat with her teeth, not caring that he would bleed out in less than a minute because of what she’d done. She didn’t want to give him a quick death, but she’d given him a painful death. And that was enough.

When she was finished, she looked over at Gaius, who sat atop a dune, a smile on his face. Kamilah noticed that he smiled a lot in the last two weeks, but there were seemingly infinite reasons as to why he smiled. Sometimes, it was out of arrogance, of knowing he’d bested someone. Other times, it was out of thinly veiled annoyance. Other times, it was out of amusement.

But this was out of pride. Proud of the creature he’d created. Proud of being right about Kamilah. Proud of what they’d pulled off in two weeks.

Proud that he’d won.

For the first three decades they shared together, they were partners, not lovers. He was her king, she was his queen, but what that really meant was that she was his second in command. His other progenies turned to her authority in Gaius’s absence. His other progenies bowed to both of them.

They grew close. Of course they did. As time passed, she began to develop a fondness for Gaius she hadn’t expected. He was quick witted and sharp-tongued, charming when he needed to be.

It was odd, the things he did that she found endearing. The way he’d always let her make the first kill, the way he began to select people to feed on based on what he discerned to be her taste, the way he was almost loving towards his victims, the way he told stories of battle, the way it changed depending on who he was talking to. He was braggadocios with most of his progeny. With her, he was detailed, once he figured out that she was more interested in strategy than glory.

In the beginning, he was vague about his past, about who he was before he became what he was. But slowly, he began to reveal more and more about himself. Gaius told her the story of the one before him, the Goddess and Mother of All Vampires, Rheya. She’d been taken from him just as Lysimachus had been taken from Kamilah. He never wanted to discuss how it happened. He preferred to focus on her life, on who she was.

“She was a force of nature.” Gaius told her once. “Not unlike you.”

“Is that why you chose me? Because I remind you of her?”

“In a way.” Gaius said. “But it’s different. I stand beside you. I bowed before her.”

She knew it was something she couldn’t possibly understand, and she didn’t try to. From the way he described Rheya, she wasn’t his goddess the way Kamilah was his queen. Rheya was quite literally a goddess. Kamilah was never going to compete with that, and there was no reason to try. Though, part of her wondered why that had been her instinct, why the more he spoke of Rheya, the more she felt twinges of jealousy rearing their head.

She wasn’t expecting the fondness she had for him to grow into something else entirely. It crept up on her in the right at the very end of their first thirty years together.

They were back in the Roman empire. What began as a brief stint in Pompeii that ended in a hundred people dead and countless others whispering stories about demons cloaked in beauty who only came out at night festered into owing Tiberius several favors, which included assisting him in his conquest of Bohemia.

Thirty years ago, Kamilah would have refused. She would have run, deal with Gaius be damned. But things had changed. She viewed human conflicts similarly to Gaius now; it wasn't about what was right. It was about what would guarantee their survival. An allegiance with the Roman Empire meant they could do whatever they pleased on most of the continent.

Besides, Kamilah missed it. She was a skilled tactician as a human. With Gaius’s charisma and strength and her strategy, Bohemia would be Tiberius’s in no time.

In the beginning, it was victory after victory. This was where she truly learned how to fight. Gaius gifted her with a set of daggers and taught her how to use them. They fought back to back on the battlefield, covered in the blood of their enemies. She often found herself taken with his visage in the moonlight, the glimmer in his eyes as he played with his prey. There was a strange part of her that almost wished he’d look at her like that—

It was a distraction, and she began to consciously pay as little attention to Gaius as possible when they fought alongside each other, save for the occasional glance in his direction to make sure he didn’t need backup. He never did. It was an excuse, really. Kamilah knew that.

Their only drawback was a group of Bohemians that kept slipping out of Gaius and Kamilah’s grasp. Their strategy was similar to that of Kamilah’s when she fought the Romans thirty years before. When they struck Roman fleets, they took no prisoners. They attacked supply drops, taking whatever they could for themselves. They moved constantly. They had an advantage that Kamilah didn’t all of those years ago: they were used to being outside, used to the elements. Unlike the Roman soldiers, they could endure the worst of nature’s ills, which was just as well, because it was the middle of winter.

But she would destroy them, if only to prove that even they couldn’t best the roman empire.

The idea came to Kamilah after she’d attempted to Turn a Roman soldier who was a particularly skilled fighter, an asset to their conquest. He’d been run through with a spear and was already dead by the time Kamilah found him. The Turning didn’t take. She had to stake him as soon as he emerged from the ground, his skin grey and cracked, his teeth long and jagged, his eyes glowing a sickly red.

Gaius told her it happened sometimes. It wasn’t her fault.

“But what happened to him?”

“Turning a dead person is risky.” Gaius said. “Wait too long, they’ll emerge broken and hungry, shells of what they once were. All they’ll want to do is drink blood—any blood. Vampire or human.”

“But you could…” Kamilah trailed off. “You could do it intentionally. Couldn’t you?”

“What are you getting at?”

“That one fleet…they’re tricky, slippery. We’ve spent weeks trying to get rid of them. But maybe we’ve been going about it all wrong.”

“Have we?”

“They’re trying to tire us out. Don’t you think? But if we…”

“A surprise attack is a redundant suggestion, my queen.”

Kamilah rolled her eyes. “Not quite. We have to keep them in one place. Contained. Which means we need to create the illusion that we’ve given up. They’re going to overpower the other soldiers if we strike. But if we…if we made more of those things, set them lose on wherever they’ve settled…”

“We’ll get rid of them.” Gaius finished.

“And sunlight will take care of the rest.”

He took her hand.

“I love the way you think. Have I ever told you that, my queen?”

Kamilah smirked. “Plenty of times, my king.”

“Then I apologize for the redundancy. But I love the way you think.”

The Romans didn’t ask questions when Gaius gave the order to gather as many of their dead as possible after a battle in which they’d nearly been overpowered. They hauled the bodies around in a caravan for a week, all the while trying to lull their target into a false sense of security. Kamilah and Gaius tracked them down to a village deep into Bohemia, far from where the Bohemians and the Romans waged most of their battles.

“It’s perfect.” Gaius said. “We’ll strike tomorrow night.”

And so, they returned to the bodies they gathered, doing the disgusting work of Turning fifty dead men. They buried them in the woods by the village in the cover of darkness. They waited, exhuming them and getting out of their way, watching as these feral vampires headed straight in the direction of fresh, human blood.

It was a beautiful sight to behold, the chaos of it all. They sat atop a hill, Kamilah’s head resting against Gaius’s shoulder, watching as the ferals tore the village apart, watching as a fire broke out in the chaos, watching as not a single human was left away, watching as Rome’s victory over Bohemia was secured right before their very eyes.

Gaius took Kamilah’s hand. “I never had any doubts about you.” He said. “But now, I’m certain. We were always meant to cross paths. I was always supposed to find you.”

Kamilah rolled her eyes, mostly out of habit. “Are you going to tell me we were written in the stars?”

“You mock me, but you know I’m right.” He gestured at the burning village below him. “You’re cunning in a way that I am not. We need each other. Or rather, I need you.” He laughed. “At this point, I’d be concerned if you switched allegiances. You might actually be able to beat me at my own game.”

“You needn’t concern yourself with that.” Kamilah said.

“I shouldn’t?”

“I find myself growing more and more devoted to you with each breath I draw.”

“Do you, now?”

Before she could stop herself, she closed off the space between them, pressing her lips against his. He responded in kind, pulling her closer. He smiled against her mouth.

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to do that?” He murmured.

“I think I can guess.”

As the village below them burned, they were wrapped up in their own world, enveloped in one another. And just as much as he was hers, Kamilah realized, she was his.

#bloodbound #playchoices #choices stories you play #kamilah sayeed #gaius augustine #gaius augustine x kamilah sayeed #gaius x kamilah #bloodbound fan fiction #choices fanfiction

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dutifullynuttywitch · 7 months ago

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Yay!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed this!!!

Thank you for coaxing me into finishing it (I was dreading that scene with Lily so bad), bloodbound is such an interesting universe to explore. And I'm just fascinated with Gaius' post canon redemption arc and that complex relationship with Kamilah ... would love to read more of your takes on Bloodbound *hint hint* 😆🤭

Redemption is a Perpetual Journey

Series: Bloodbound

Pairing: Kamilah Sayeed x Gaius Augustine

Rating: Mature (angst)

Word count: 1,491

A little birthday gift for the amazing @thosehallowedhalls ! Based on a chat we had... and because you have made me see our dear Gaius in a new forgiving light 🤭 I hope you have an amazing day - you deserve happiness and all good things! I'm so glad I met you, Caro 🌺🎉

The year is 3024.

The world had transformed beyond recognition.

Vast expanses of the earth had become unliveable, forcing its inhabitants to shelter in massive city-states.

The city of Novopolis had risen from the ruins of New York during the times of upheaval.

It sprawls beneath a massive shimmering dome, its skyscrapers reaching for the artificial sky like thousands of jagged steel fingers.

The domes were built centuries ago, consequence of the ozone layer’s depletion. Humankind in its hubris having failed to reverse the climate crisis. This development had been convenient for the vampires who could now walk in the daylight amongst humans, cyborgs and all manner of supernatural beings.

Kamilah Sayeed lands smoothly in a forested park on the outskirts of the glittering, fast-paced city.

A tap on her smartwatch, the lightweight wings disappear into her outfit.

She takes in her surrounding with a sharp glance. Smoothing her sleek dress. The digitally-enhanced fabric changes to align with her desired look – an elegantly dark don’t fuck with me style that makes her feel powerful, in control.

Today, she needs to be in control.

A thousand years had passed since they had defeated the original vampire, the Goddess Rheya. Since that fateful conversation with her sire, her on-and-off lover for nearly two thousand years.

******

2024

“Kamilah… in Japan… you said one good deed doesn’t undo all the evil I’ve caused. How many do you think it would take… to call me friend?”

“Come talk to me in a thousand years. I’ll let you know what I think then.”

“A thousand years…” he smiles wryly, “I suppose I could give it a try.”

*****

Gaius Augustine had been true to his oath.

The vampire had spent the past millennia wandering the known world, hunting down criminals and supernatural villains without reprieve. He seemed to have kept mostly to himself, not staying anywhere long enough to build attachments. Only leaving a trail of whispers of his exploits across continents.

Avoiding all contact with other vampires, anyone from his old life.

That was fine by her.

Kamilah had not wanted to see him. She remained angry at how he had degraded her, corrupted her into becoming a killing machine for thousands of years. But more so, Kamilah was furious at how she had let herself be seduced by his charisma, his allure. Allowed him to tempt her into following his murderous inclinations for so long. No, it would be disingenuous to lay all the blame at her maker’s feet.

And there was the issue of Rheya. Gaius had said she was not completely to blame for his behaviour, though she had locked away his empathy, his ability to feel guilt. How would their lives have turned out without her toxic influence?

At least, the pain had dulled over the centuries.

She had begun to forgive herself.

As for Gaius, she would see.

Kamilah takes a deep breath, composing herself.

The elegant vampire sets off at a leisurely pace, strolling beneath the shade of tall trees.

She heads towards a massive wooden bridge crossing a stream. A vestige of New York. Nothing made of wood was created anymore, the few surviving forests too precious to misuse so.

Kamilah crosses paths with humans, faes and other mystical beings. Most now have artificial limbs and enhancements thanks to growing advancements in biohacking.

Lily would have thrived in this environment.

Kamilah vividly remembers the vibrant, energetic young woman who had sacrificed her life to help defeat Rheya. Lily’s contagious positivity and selflessness had managed to thaw her heart a little.

The other members of their ragtag crew – Adrian, Amy, Jax, Seraphine, Nikhil – also held a soft spot, though each had followed their own paths over the centuries.

“Kamilah.”

Gaius’s soft whisper jolts the woman from her musings.

“A thousand years apart, and yet here we stand.”

He stops a few feet from her, movements uncertain.

Quickly calming her heartbeat, Kamilah takes in his appearance.

Physically, he had changed little. Those same handsome, sharp features. That charming, deviously seductive smile. That ageless face.

Though a constellation of new scars told a story, centuries of rough living. His blue eyes now held a certain melancholy.

“I’ve missed you.”

He smiles tentatively, his angular face softening slightly.

Kamilah remains silent. Observing him.

Attempting to process the chaos of emotions churning deep within her.

Together, they had danced, loved, hated and fought through epochs, their passion always an unbreakable thread. But now, after so many centuries apart, he felt like a stranger to her.

Kamilah’s gaze turns away, sweeping over the cityscape.

“Novopolis. A monument to human resilience. And yet, it lacks the wild beauty of our old world.”

They lean against the worn bridge, staring out at the jagged skyscrapers. Letting the sunlight warm their exposed skin. The dome above them hums softly, shielding them from the toxic atmosphere beyond.

“That is does. I miss the vast forests of old. How one had to spend months hidden on cramped ships to travel between continents. Spend weeks on horseback, traversing vast fields and woodlands, our bodies stiff with the harsh journeys. I had never felt more alive. Now, everything feels fast-paced, ephemeral.”

“Except us. We remain constant through all of it, unchanged.”

“Are we truly unchanged?”

Gaius asks, turning to her, gazing into her eyes intently. As if her response meant everything to him. Could perhaps redeem him.

Kamilah returns his gaze. Silent. Her face an undecipherable mask.

The man sighs.

“I have done my best to atone for my past deeds. Though it can never erase all the harm I’ve brought this world, I dare hope that somewhere down the line, I… I will begin to hate myself less. And perhaps, so will you…”

Those last few words are whispered. A confession to himself, to her.

Kamilah’s gaze finally softens. The tension eases from her shoulders.

“Gaius, for the longest time I have blamed you for our bloody rampage across Europe. For nearly destroying New York. Killing Amy, and countless others. Truth be told, I have my share of misdeeds to atone for. I am still working on forgiving myself."

Gaius takes her hands in his, willing her to look at him.

“My dear, you have always been the greater one. My moral compass. I will forever regret not heeding your advice during my darkest moments. Gods if I could take it all back…”

“But we can’t. We can only move forward.”

Those hands. Kamilah shivers unwillingly at the familiar warmth, as a surge of memories overwhelm her senses. Oh, how these hands had caressed her so tenderly, sensually for centuries. Traced every curve of her body, memorized her intimately, elicited a range of pleasure and emotions that no other being – man or woman – had been able to match since. How these same hands had also threatened her, hurt her and her loved ones. Caused her uncountable grief and sorrow.

What were they to her now?

He notices the conflicting emotions flashing across her exquisite face and steps closer, sliding his hands up, caressing her arms, shoulders, wanting to ease her pain. Somehow.

On impulse, Kamilah reaches out, tracing his cheek with the tips of her fingers. Such familiar features. That soft skin, so warm.

He closes his eyes, leaning into her delicate touch. The shadow of a smile dances on the corners of his lips.

“Gaius, will we ever find peace?”

He opens his eyes, locking onto hers. A mix of emotions flickering in those endless pools. Sadness, self-loathing, tenderness… and hope.

“Perhaps. Perhaps… we can attempt to continue our journeys of atonement together?”

Kamilah closes her eyes at that, leaning her head on his shoulder.

Gaius gathers her into his arms tenderly. She buries her face into the crook of his neck and breathes in his familiar scent, hints of leather and earthy notes. Allowing herself to be vulnerable for a moment.

Just a moment.

As the city buzzes in the distance, Kamilah whispers against his warm skin, regretfully.

“I am not certain I am ready for that.”

Gaius holds her tighter, unable to let her go just yet. He nods his understanding into her obsidian hair, bending towards her ear to murmur

“I have waited a thousand years to see you again. For you, my queen, I will wait a thousand more.”

#lovely comments #thosehallowedhalls #gaius x kamilah #bloodbound

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kinda-iconic · 1 year ago

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Bloodbound: The Return sneak peek

The following is an extract from Chapter 1, which is currently a 'work in progress' as it were. It feels like forever since I have been able to focus long enough to write, but now that I am on holiday...

Please do let me know if you wish to be tagged!

The silence lingers far longer than Amy can take, for a heaviness settles within her stomach. She draws closer to Adrian’s side, trying to find solace in his familiar presence. As if by instinct, he wraps a protective arm around her shoulders, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head.

“Stay behind me,” he whispers into her hair, his voice soft and comforting, “you’ll be alright.”

She nods faintly.

Elizabeth turns to address them, her expression stoic and unreadable, as if any sign of emotion had been doused the moment that she stepped over the threshold, like water to a flame. She eyes the group warily, a silent warning passing between them.

“I do not know how he will respond to this visit,” she pauses, unsure, “but whatever happens... you’ll be safe with the townsfolk.”

“You seem to underestimate the chaos and destruction that a vampire of his age and calibre can cause,” Gaius counters, folding his arms across his chest, “Moretti crushed rebellions with a flick of his wrist. He would rip out your heart before you can even process a coherent thought."

“I am aware as to what that man can do.”

“Are you, though?” Gaius quirks a brow, clearly unconvinced, “I fought alongside him for decades-”

“And I served him for nearly two centuries. I think I know more about him than you ever will.”

Kamilah snorts, covering her mouth with her hand as she attempts to stifle her laughter.

#choices: stories you play #playchoices #choices bb #bloodbound #adrian raines #adrian x mc #kamilah sayeed #gaius augustine

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choicesfandomappreciation · 1 year ago

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Secret Pal Exchange—December 2023

Thank you to everyone who participated this year to make the Secret Pal event a success! You helped spread joy and cheer in our fandom. Thank you for making this place one where we can come, feel safe, and enjoy talking about our fave pixel people. I hope you the rest of the year is kind to you and that 2024 brings you nothing but goodness! 💛

Missed this event? There will be another Secret Pal event in February!

Alphabetical by user name of the giftee Please let me know if you see any errors or any links that are wrong

❤️ To: @a-cloud-for-dreams 💚 From: @hydn-jpg

Trystan x MC Art

❤️ To: @aallotarenunelma 💚 From: @lilyoffandoms

Saini / Immortal Desires MC Moodboard + Art

❤️ To: @abelflints 💚 From: @totojo2

Tyril Starfury Art

❤️ To: @cadybear420 💚 From: @tveitertotwrites

Moving (fic) Aiden and Evie are moving out of their home and onto the next chapter of their life.

❤️ To: @cariantha 💚 From: @peonierose

Ethan x MC Art

❤️ To: @hydn-jpg 💚 From: @noesapphic

Partner (fic) Joaquin takes Zach to a salacious escapade to Vermont. Needless to say, it will be a memorable trip.

❤️ To: @inlocusmads 💚 From: @rosepetals1

Multiple Pairings Moodboard/Aesthetics

❤️ To: @jerzwriter 💚 From: @stars-are-within-me

Introduction Cookies (fic) There is a new case to solve and Trystan has a surprise for Carolina. Angels (fic) The gang goes ice skating. Airports (fic) It's time for Carolina to return home just in time for New Year's and the gang goes to pick her up. Everything should go according to plan,right?

❤️ To: @ladylamrian 💚 From: @peonyblossom

Nik Ryder x Alex Moodboard

❤️ To: @lilyoffandoms 💚 From: @a-cloud-for-dreams

Tyril x Maiele Moodboard + Video Edit

❤️ To: @lovealexhunt / storyofmychoices💚 From: @moominofthevalley

Daenarya Moodboard

❤️ To: @moominofthevalley 💚 From: @inlocusmads

Interborough Loops (fic) Emily puts her feelings to words after taking a leap of faith - something she'd not consider doing if it weren't for watching the people around her. However, Trystan isn't a huge fan of words.

❤️ To: @noesapphic 💚 From: @cariantha

Tyril x MC x Nia Art

❤️ To: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd 💚 From: @aallotarenunelma

By My Side (fic) : Aerin x MC

❤️ To: @peonierose 💚 From: @ladylamrian

Bryce x MC Icons + Drabble

❤️ To: @peonyblossom 💚 From: @lovealexhunt /@storyofmychoices

A Cozy Christmas (fic + moodboard) Ethan, Sydney, and Caramel spent a cozy Christmas at home.

❤️ To: @rosepetals1 💚 From: @tessa-liam

Mal x MC Edit

❤️ To: @stars-are-within-me 💚 From: @cadybear420

Multiple Pairing Character Edits

❤️ To: @talasintahan 💚 From: @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

Kamilah, Gaius, Adrian Art

❤️ To: @tessa-liam 💚 From: @talasintahan / @gaiuskamilah

Liam x MC Art

❤️ To: @totojo2 💚 From: @abelflints

Eiko x MC Edit (MOTY)

❤️ To: @tveitertotwrites 💚 From: @zealouscanonindeer

AME Aesthetic/Moodboard RCD Aesthetic/Moodboard

❤️ To: @zealouscanonindeer 💚 From: @jerzwriter

A Tall Order (fic + art) It's a snowy lunch break at Edenbrook.

#ChoicesSecretPal23 #choices #choices game #playchoices #choices fandom #choices fandom appreciation #cfa

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choicesficwriterscreations · 11 months ago

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CFWC F/AotW - Mar 24 - 30, 2024

✒️ = Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨 = Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA

AMERICAS MOST ELIGIBLE

Bianca Sandoval x MC Fanart 🎨by @lilyoffandoms

BLADES OF LIGHT AND SHADOW

Birth ✒️| Tyril Starfury x F!human!MC - @petalouda85

Blades MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈 by @oh-so-youre-a-nerd

I Trusted You 🎨| Aerin Valleros x F!human!MC - @erixadraws

Tyril Starfury x F!human!MC Fanart 🎨 by @lilyoffandoms for @petalouda85

BLOODBOUND

Be An Amazing Mother ✒️| Adrian Raines x MC - @stanathanxoox

Gaius Augustine Fanart 🎨by @gaiuskamilah

Kamilah Sayeed Fanart 🎨 by @gaiuskamilah

CRIMES OF PASSION

Gridlocked ✒️| m!Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @inlocusmads

Hidden Romance ✒️| m!Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @storyofmychoices

Home ✒️| m!Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @thosehallowedhalls

Lofi Beats To Supress Your Anxiety To ✒️| m!Trystan Thorne x F!MC - @inlocusmads

So Was it Honestly the Best? ✒️🏳️‍🌈| m!Trystan Thorne x MC - @choices-ceri

IMMORTAL DESIRES

Incident in the Ghostland (Chapter 8) ✒️Ⓜ️| Cassius Harlow x Gabe Adalhard - @dreamscapingsblog

IT LIVES ANTHOLOGY

Andy Kang Fanart 🎨 by @artbyalz

Noah Marshall Fanart 🎨by @payroo

Noah Marshall x MC Fanart 🎨🏳️‍🌈by @payroo

NIGHTBOUND

Peacock Princess ✒️| Nik Ryder x F!MC - @ladylamrian

OPEN HEART

Complete Open Heart F/AotW List

THE PRINCESS SWAP

Main Characters Fanart 🎨by @lilyoffandoms

RED CARPET DIARIES

Thomas Hunt x F!OC Fanart 🎨by @/artbyainna (IG) (C: @storyofmychoices)

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

The DeFacto Queen (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 5: Come Together

Capitulo 3: Adios New York ✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77

Capitulo 4: Bienvenidos a Cordonia ✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77

Capitulo 5: Noche Especial✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @belencha77

Once Upon a Time, Book 1. Ch. 1 (Part 7) ✒️| Liam Rys, Drake Walker, etc. - @fadingreveries

WAKE THE DEAD

Close Call ✒️| Troy Hassan x F!MC - @dutifullynuttywitch

CROSSOVER FICS

Bloodbound/Open Heart

Immortal Desires / Open Heart

The Meeting ✒️| Original Characters - @ezekielbhandarivalleros

Immortal Desires/Murder at Homecoming

Murder at Homecoming: Harlow Part 4 ✒️| Cassius Harlow x MaH F!MC - @korgbelmont

Murder at Homecoming: Harlow Part 5 ✒️| Cassius Harlow x MaH F!MC - @korgbelmont

Murder at Homecoming: Harlow Part 6 - Finale ✒️| Cassius Harlow x MaH F!MC - @korgbelmont

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mynotsohealthyobsession · 1 year ago

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Disembodied Part 3/8

Warning: Mention of death // Angst // Fluff

Pairings: Adrian Raines X MC // Nik Ryder X MC

Words: 1.348

Part 1 is here and part 2 over here!

As always, tags in the reblog!

"Adrian." Amy called him, a tiny smile creeping the corners of her lips. He observed her for an instant, almost as if he could see beyond Alex's face. "It's so good to see you." A week had passed and every fiber of her body was missing him.

"Excuse me but I don't believe we have met before."

"I know this is going to sound crazy. Insane actually. But I swear it's true." He was looking at her with a cold analytical stare. It was intense and piercing. It reminded her of her first interview with him so many months ago. "I'm Amy." He stood stoic as ever. "Amy Miller. As in Amy Miller your, well, I was going to say assistant but I think that's not totally adequate."

"I think you mistook me for someone else," Adrian said, politely, turning on his heels, and heading to Raines Corp.'s front door.

"I had a free minute. Is this the candidate?" Adrian stood, turning to observe her once more. "To Nicole's annoyance, you interviewed me. You told me a story about a genie and a man. You hired me on the spot."

"That's not conclusive."

"You saved Lily for me. That night we kissed for the first time in the rooftop restaurant."

"You'll have to excuse my skepticism–"

"You told me about Charles and Eleanor." Amy took a hesitant step towards him. "You talked about them in your cabin when Vega set you up. We were with Kamilah. But we spent the night together alone and you said you would always be there for me."

"How did you–"

"You have a silver locket with Charles' drawing. It's the most important thing to you. You risked coming here with me to take it out of the safe before the fight with Gaius when you destroyed your labs. And after I stabbed Gaius and he attacked me back, you ran to me and held me." As the memories filled her heart with both pain and warmth, the emotion cut off her words. She blinked, trying to contain her tears, touching her chest unconsciously. "I died in your arms."

"Amy?" Adrian looked into her eyes, almost like he was expecting to recognize her soul. "How can it be you?" She took a step forward and before she expected it, Adrian had dropped his briefcase and was hugging her. For the first time in the last week and even trapped inside this strange body, she felt like herself. His warmth and his hand on her head, putting that perfect amount of pressure so typical of him, calming her nerves. Amy closed her eyes; letting the feeling spread. "I knew there was something off. It was your appearance but it wasn't you."

"You really noticed it?"

"Of course I did." She hugged him back, taking a deep breath. They stood like that for a while, ignoring the curious looks of the people walking past and the destroyed city around them. Finally, he gently pulled back from her, attentively observing her 'new' face. "What happened, Amy?"

"I don't know, I… I remember the fight against Gaius and then I woke up under the sun in New Orleans looking, well… Like this." His hands cupped her face, eyebrows furrowing with sorrow and concern. "Do you really believe me?"

"I do."

"Even with all the craziness?"

"Even with it." Amy focused on his eyes, that calm stare that always comforted her. "After all, we are getting good with craziness, don't you think?" She softly chuckled before becoming serious again.

"I have been so worried and scared, I woke up alone and none of you were around and I thought that Gaius–"

"We are all fine, Amy. I promise."

"I just… I missed you." She whispered.

"I missed you too." Adrian took a deep breath, leaning his forehead down with his eyes closed. “There are so many things I need to say to you. So much to ask you. I–”

"Sorry to cut off short such a cute encounter…" Nik's sarcastic voice said as he walked to them. Instinctively, at the sight of his bow, Adrian stood in front of her. Amy smiled to herself, remembering the first time he had protected her like this in Priya's fashion show. "...But I need to see if Alex is okay, Amy."

"I know, I know." She sighed and Adrian turned to her.

"What is going on, Amy? Who is he?" He asked her, suspiciously.

"Nik Ryder, Adrian Raines." Both men eyed each other. "You said it was my appearance? So, my body is here?" Amy asked Adrian.

"Seems like it." Nik took a step to the door but Adrian extended his arm, stopping him. "I still don't know who you are." Nik watched him clearly mad. "Until Amy explains everything, a nighthunter will not come into my building."

"Then you do know who I am," Nik smirked, smuggling.

"No. I just know your type." He replied, coldly, his stare stopping in all and each of the weapons that Nik was carrying with him.

"Now listen, bloodsucker…" Adrian narrowed his eyes at that term and stood his whole high, looking more intimidating than ever. "...I don't have time for this. I will come in with or without your 'permission'."

"Nik, cut it out." Amy said angrily, rolling her eyes. "Adrian, Nik is Alex's friend. The girl this body belongs to. We think that if I'm in her body–"

"--She is in yours." Adrian finished her sentence and Amy nodded. "Seems plausible."

"Okay then." Nik headed to the front door again but Adrian stopped him once more. "What game are you playing, Raines?!"

"I trust what Amy says without doubt but, before this, she doesn't know who you are." He was calm but firm, his body was taut, ready to take any course of action that was necessary. "Alex has to corroborate who you are. I'm not risking Amy's soul or body in the hands of a nighthunter." Amy smiled at him, gently squeezing his arm.

"I could say the same about you." Nik's voice was more similar to a snarl than actual words, however, Adrian kept his composure.

"I concur. That's why Amy is going to talk with Alex alone. Do you agree?" Nik simply nodded so Adrian turned back to her. “In that case.” He gave her the elevator key. “She’s in the guest penthouse. We will be waiting here."

"Okay."

"If you need me, call for me. I will hear you." He gently touched her cheek, searching her eyes like he was still trying to see beyond her features. "Take your time." He planted a small kiss on her forehead.

“Amy.” She whirled to Nik. “Tell Alex I'm waiting for her too.”

"I will." Amy took a deep breath and headed to the crystal doors, feeling her stomach twisting around anxiously. As she walked inside the building everything felt familiar but at the same time so different. Maybe it was because this strange face was reflected in all the glass instead of hers. The metallic doors were replaced by the wood ones that belong to the penthouse. Amy stood there, thinking about what she was about to find on the other side. To see herself like that, out of her body, was a scary thought without a doubt. And there was no way to know how Alex would react. If it was Alex at all. The seconds passed until she gathered the courage to lift her hand and ring the doorbell. She heard steps getting closer and closer as her heart sped up uncontrollably.

“Who is it?”

“Um, sorry to bother you but Adrian sent me here.” Even though it wasn't entirely the truth, it would be easier than saying who she truly was. It was a chat to have face-to-face, not with a door between them.

“That’s weird, he didn’t mention anything about someone coming–” Amy held a gasp when her own image swung open the door and the other woman looked at her dumbstruck, clearly not expecting the vision she had in front of her. “What the…?”

#choices stories you play #playchoices #choices fanfiction #adrian raines x mc #adrian raines #fanfiction writer #nik ryder x mc #nik ryder #choices bloodbound #choices nightbound #disembodied serie

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gaiuskamilah · 24 days ago

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i love to upset myself so easily by thinking of kamilah "i loved him and he loved me" "i fell in love with him there" "he didn't i chose to do them" talking about gaius like im so sorry but thats heartbreaking. she needs it so bad to be a love story and its complicated and its just very real. points at kamilah vampirism as metaphor for sexual abuse and grooming

#gaius x kamilah

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vampirkit · 3 months ago

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Bloodbound Book 2, Chapter 5

#kamilah sayeed #gaius x kamilah #bloodbound #kamilah divorce posting

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bluelovessss · 1 month ago

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In bloodbound, Gaius Augustine is the villain, but Main Character or MC only has love interests Kamilah Sayeed, Adrian Raines, Lily Spencer or Jax Matsuo. I love Gaius X Ade (MY MC)

What is... a rarepair?

Rarepair refers to a rare pairing inside a fandom. This means that a pairing that someone ships does not have a lot of fanart or fanfiction about them or anything at all.

While crackships are always rarepairs, these rare pairings can make a lot of sense in canon, but they are just not that popular. But they often also refer to shipping characters that do not interact in canon at all, maybe not even know each other in the source material.

There are no exact numbers on when a pairing is considered a rarepair but some characteristics are that the tag on AO3 does not have a lot of hits and that most of the entries were written by the same person.

Shipping a rarepair can be frustrating, when you feel like you are alone in your love for a pairing, but it can also be fun to be able to shape the pairing together with two, three other shippers however you want them, because you basically own the ship by solely contributing to it.

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niaerinisms · 1 year ago

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They're actually soooo insane for this, like I'm actually so invested in their storyline

#kamilah sayeed #playchoices #pixelberry #choices #bloodbound #gaius augustine #gaius/kamilah #gaius x kamilah #kamilah x gaius #kamilah/gaius

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blackandblueandstars · 5 years ago

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Kamilah's Journal: Coming to America, Pt1

TRIGGER WARNING: Discusses non-consensual relations.

Requested by @galaxyside-0 - hope you like it. There will be a Part 2.

We are going to a new world. Gaius is ecstatic, it is hard not to feel the same way. His link to me, it almost puts our emotions in sync.

He says things will be different, in this new land. That we will call the shots. We've boarded a boat, and already I feel claustrophobic.

Gaius and I make rounds, mingling with the mortals. He intoduces me as his wife, and I only speak when spoken to. We need to win them over, to own this new land. Gaius befriended the captains, and brought extra provisions to share with the other travelers.

The journey is said to take 6 weeks, but Gaius says this can be prolonged by weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

There are other women passengers, though they don't pay me much attention.

One of the captain's name is William. He gives me a bad feeling. His eyes linger on me. He doesn't even try to hide his interest.

I mentioned it to Gaius, but he laughed it off. "Relax, my Queen. I will not let anyone else touch you." His cheshire smile made my stomach weak.

Later -

There are a few other vampires who joined us. I feel I can be myself with them, instead of this subordinate that the mortal men expect.

Privacy is hard to come by. We are all tightly packed, it makes me anxious. Some days I think about diving over the edge, taking the whole of the ocean for myself.

The ocean and I have a lot in common, I think. We are both dark and dangerous, and our might is unparalleled. There is a restlessness to it, as well. A restlessness that matches my soul. If I still have a soul, that is.

A few weeks in-

The weather has been less than pleasant, extending our trip. I do not know how long we'll be, but the mood has shifted. Illness has taken some passengers, their bodies gifted to the sea. Gaius has determined to turn things around for his new thralls, throwing a party to lift their spirits.

I am sitting alone under the stars, now, as Gaius parties. The men are rambunctious and lewd. It's disheartening that they will run our new world, but to hear Gaius tell it, they will simply be puppets, and we the masters.

There is a woman, crying in the dark. Were it not for my heightened senses, I wouldn't hear her. The men are far too loud and self-involved, drowning her out.

I cannot help myself, I am drawn to her.

She is almost completely hidden from sight. I kneeled before her, taking her hand. "Who has hurt you?" I asked.

She sniffled, looking away. "It is nothing," she replied. I could see the distrust in her eyes.

"You can trust me," I promised her. "Please, let me help."

She finally met my eyes, lip quivering. "My husband was taken by illness, and I fear I will not have enough food with the extended voyage. I went to the captain, to see if anything could be done..." she trails off, fresh tears springing from her eyes.

"What is it?" I asked.

"He said that we could work something out, but the type of trade he has in mind... Oh, he spoke of such unsavory things. My poor husband would roll over in his watery grave. But if I do not... If I do not do as he asks, I fear I will starve to death. I'm sorry for troubling you with this, for disrupting your party. I just, I've never felt so alone as I do now."

I frowned at the woman, disgusted with the captain's demands.

"Tell me, which captain did you speak with?"

"Captain William," the woman replies.

Of course.

"My husband has brought extra rations. I will see to it that you get some." I responded, helping the woman to her feet.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!"

"It is my pleasure," I assured her. "Women should not be subject to such horrors merely to survive."

The woman smiled at me, tears still streaming down her face, before releasing my hand and walking back to her cabin.

I returned to the party, waiting for a moment with Gaius, where I told him about the favors Captain William was demanding. Where I expected anger or disgust, I saw Gaius's eyes light up. He raised his hand to his chin, as if in thought.

"William is very powerful, he has a lot of influence. It would greatly distress our relationship with him to threaten him."

My eyes widened in shock. "You aren't seriously suggesting that we leave her to him?" I asked.

"No," Gaius replied. "Merely that we may need to bring something to the table. And I have just the idea."

"What's that?" I retorted.

"You," he stared at me.

"Me?" I asked, my mouth dry.

"Yes. William hasn't been able to take his eyes off you. I can convince him to release the woman. But you must take her place, my Queen."

"But... But you said you wouldn't let anyone touch me..." I fumbled the words, trying to wrap my head around his ask.

"And I wouldn't. No one will lay a hand on you, against your will. But you want this, don't you? It would thrill me greatly to see you with another man, this man, using your gorgeous body to consolidate power." I looked at his eyes, bright red. I felt his excitement.

"I don't know.." I whispered, already feeling the agreement on my lips.

"Very well, I'll let the woman know..."

"No," I interrupted, eyes downcast. "I'll do it."

"How delightful," Gaius responded.

Tag list: @h-doodles @scarlet-letter-a0114 @idkbutkamilah @lightning-fury @galaxyside-0 @blogsupitssam

#gaius augustine #kamilah sayeed x mc #mc x kamilah #kamilah sayeed #kamilah x mc #kamilah #Gaius x kamilah #Kamilah x gaius #Kamilah sayeed x gaius augustine #Gaius augustine x kamilah sayeed #bb&s writes

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