#i’ve had the game since it came out but only now settled on my tav bc i kept restarting

[magic-swords-art]

My Tav, finally :)

[sxddekarios]

three gales and a sorcerer walk into a bar (NSFW)

Pt 3 of Casual

Summary:

“Fuck, Tav,” Gale groaned out. Apparently getting his cock licked was all it took to condense his vocabulary.

A literal take after Gale's line in Sharess's Caress - “If I’m not enough for you, I could always conjure us up some sort of non-sentient companion.” Gale conjures 2 mirror images (one is the regular simulacrum from the game, the other is a female version) for a night of pleasure with Tav.

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“If I’m not enough for you, I could always conjure us up some sort of non-sentient companion.”

The offer from Gale makes Tav’s heart sink, as she realizes how personally he took her interest in Nym. Tav had always liked women — Gale was the only man she’d ever been interested in — and she was curious about a sexual encounter. But that was just that, wanting to indulge a curiosity.

It had nothing to do with Gale, whom she loved more than anything. She felt like a complete idiot for making him think that. Although … it did its job in bringing up the alternative, if it’s something Gale would actually like to do.

Tav looks at her partner, wondering how to address this with their present company. She finally settles on distraction.

“Actually,” Tav looked at Astarion and Shadowheart, “Could you guys keep talking to the other patrons and see if you find anything? I think the bandages on my leg came undone, and I need Gale to fix them.” She doubted the pair would buy her excuse, but at least she’d be afforded some alone time with Gale to apologize.

Astarion smirked at the drow twins’ confusion, then said, “Sure thing, darling. Make sure Gale wraps it tight this time.” Shadowheart raised her eyebrow but joined him on the way back to the bar.

Tav gave Gale a questioning look, holding her hand out to him so they could go to the restroom together. His warm palm found hers, and she led him up the stairs and down the hall until they happened upon an empty room.

She closed the door and turned around to face Gale, holding both of his hands in hers. “Hey,” she started, “I’m really sorry about that. You’re more than enough for me, you’re everything to me, and I love you so damn much.”

“I shouldn’t have said that. I should’ve talked to you about this first so you’d know it’s just a fantasy I’ve always had — but not something I need to do, especially now that I’m with you,” Tav continued. “I just … wanted the experience of pleasing a woman. Truly for curiosity’s sake, since I love you and only you. That’s another part of it where … I wanted you with me because I want you to be pleasured. I know I can’t offer you ‘regular’ sex, and I know you say it’s okay, but the option would be there if we were both with Nym. I know it was stupid though, and I’m so, so sorry, Gale.”

Gale couldn’t stay mad looking into his lover’s teary, earnest eyes. “Come here,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms. “I love you. I don’t want to be with anyone else, and I’m not comfortable with you being with anyone else. I didn’t realize that it was more about your sexuality than me, though, and I’m sorry for that. Still…” he hesitated.

He didn’t want to get in the way of her exploring this part of her identity. He knew it’d always be something she wondered about. But he also knew how jealous he’d be seeing her wrapped up with someone else, and he most certainly didn’t want to be sexually involved with another.

Tav rubbed her hand in circles on Gale’s back, sensing his internal conflict. “Do you…” she started, voice muffled by the fact that her face was still squarely pressed into Gale’s chest. “Were you serious about conjuring a magical being?”

Gale chuckled at her shy question. “Yes, if that’s something you’re interested in. It’s certainly possible, and I wouldn’t mind it.” He took a second to think about it. “Well, I’d probably still be a little jealous, but not as jealous as I would be with another person.”

“I don’t want to make you jealous!” Tav exclaimed. “Would you be jealous of me getting pleasure or giving it?” She asked, thinking she had a solution to both.

“Well, both, I guess. I’d be jealous of my mirror image pleasing you, to be honest. I’m sure it’s something I can get over, though, if I’m also there pleasing you. And doing more of the pleasing.”

Tav giggled at Gale’s genuine answer. Gods, he really was a giver.

She decided her idea should work for them both. “I definitely don’t want to receive anything without you doing most of the work.” Tav was grateful that her face was still hidden in Gale’s chest, because she knew how red it was about to get. “Like if you ate me out and your mirror image held my hands down and played with my hair. That’d be … nice.”

Tav felt Gale’s heart thump a little harder, a little faster. She continued with her idea of giving pleasure, “and I’d only want another being, a female one, for me to … experiment with. She could even be the female version of you, or a prettier version of me, so it’s not like seeing me with some stranger.”

Gale gave her hair a little tug so she’d look up at him. “There is no prettier version of you,” he spoke the words slowly. “You’re absolutely perfect the way you are, okay?” He knew Tav wouldn’t actually agree with him, but she needed to know his stance on the matter. Even if he’d said it a few times before.

“Okay,” Tav acquiesced. “So, I guess it’s a female Gale then?” She smirked.

“Yes,” Gale chuckled, “we can do that.” He leaned in to kiss her forehead. “I love you,” he said softly against her temple.

“I love you too.”

Tav’s hands caressed Gale’s hair as he pressed kisses down her body. The group was staying at the Elfsong Tavern so they could have some more space … Gale’s tent would be a bit cramped with four people.

Or entities. Tav wasn’t really sure how to think of them.

She was lying down on the bed, her head propped up in the lap of Gale’s mirror image. He gently brushed through her hair, occasionally murmuring praises.

Another spectral being lay next to her. She had long, wavy brown hair, large doe eyes, an adorable Grecian nose, full rosy lips, and a light dusting of freckles across the middle of her face.

She was currently still clothed in a sweater and trousers. Gale wanted to make sure to thoroughly warm Tav up before they brought in more variables. He wanted her to be relaxed.

The woman beside Tav — she decided to call her Raven — traced her delicate fingers along Tav’s bare arm. She shivered at the sensations and attention given to her whole body.

Gale left his spot between her thighs to kiss Tav’s lips. The kiss was colored by his need as gently pressed against her while he danced his tongue across the outside of her lips. He moaned when she pulled on his bottom lip, giving him a little bite.

Gale moved his lips against Tav’s for another moment. The couples’ hips moved together as well; Tav could feel Gale’s arousal through his trousers.

She bent one knee so she had more free space to rut up against him. It felt so glorious being able to explore pleasure in a safe space. With a safe partner.

“How are you doing?” Gale asked breathlessly as he paused to look at her.

Tav raised a hand to brush a lock of hair behind his ear. “Good,” she replied with a soft smile. She hesitated before continuing. “I think I’m ready for … more.”

The corner of Gale’s mouth lifted as he looked down at his love. So flushed, so nervous yet excited to explore something new with him.

He propped himself up on an elbow. “How do you want to do this?” Gale asked. He amended his question once her raised eyebrows reminded him how indecisive she is. “Would you like to see more of Raven?”

Tav’s eyes widened with the lustfully excited ‘really?’ Gale had grown used to in their time together.

“Yes,” Tav answered. “Please.”

Her lover smirked and sat up onto his knees — wincing at the achy pop that emitted — so he could cup Tav’s cheek in his hand. “You’re such a good girl.”

Gale chuckled as he felt Tav’s hips thrust up against his leg in response. She pouted up at him before raising onto her forearms and bringing herself up to sit.

Right in spectral Gale’s lap, which made both men groan. Tav smirked with pride.

“You’re so pretty.”

Tav’s head turned to Raven. She had been aptly aware of her, but the lack of familiarity made her unsure of what to say or do. She settled for a bashful “thank you.”

Luckily, Gale had accounted for that when conjuring these beings. They’d take charge without pushing her into anything. They were an extension of his consciousness, and thus a product of his desires and knowledge regarding Tav.

If it was her desires that drove them … Well, Gale thought he’d be the one on his back with his mirror image above him.

Raven regarded Tav with a reassuring smile. She sat up to join everyone else.

As Raven brought her hands to the hem of her sweater, she asked her question. “Would you like to see me undressed?”

Tav swore she felt her heart stop. Both Gales sat close to her, stroking her arm and back gently to remind her that this was real, and she was in control. She nodded desperately, unable to form words.

The real Gale leaned in and kissed her forehead. Tav’s gaze returned to him and she felt her heart melt.

He spoke low and soft. “You’re in control, sweetheart. This is your time and space to explore what you like, okay? There’s no expectations or embarrassment.”

Tav leaned into his chest and clutched his hand. “Thank you,” she whispered. She felt so lucky that he would take care of her like this.

Raven began to lift her sweater up as mirror Gale’s hands traced circles on Tav’s back.

Tav paid all of her attention to the pale skin being unveiled before her. Raven pulled her top over her head and tossed it behind her, exposing her chest.

The air immediately hardened Raven’s nipples even more. The rosy buds stood in stark contrast to the soft, pale flesh of her breasts.

So beautiful, Tav thought. She reminded herself to say it aloud, so at least Gale would know what she was thinking. Tav brought her gaze up from Raven’s breasts to tell her. “You’re so beautiful.”

Raven grinned and responded with her thanks.

Tav felt embarrassed at how big this was for her — she had never seen a woman naked, yet Gale had. Dozens of times. Maybe even hundreds. It wasn’t anything new to him, but it was to her.

And she’s not even fully naked yet, Tav reminded herself.

Tav turned her head to face Gale, anxious to see his reaction. He was just staring at her.

He asked her again how she felt, and she told him again she felt good, just embarrassed.

Gale smiled and pressed a kiss to her brow. “Trust me, everyone’s stunned when they see breasts for the first time.” He meant to comfort her, but realized his words had the opposite affect as she frowned. She was imagining him — his first time with someone else.

“What I mean is,” he jumped in while reaching an arm around her waist and pulling her in, “is that there’s no reason for you to be embarrassed. You deserve to enjoy this, and that’s all I want. I’m here to watch you.”

That finally got a small smile out of Tav. Gale sighed in relief.

She couldn’t believe that this beautiful, half-naked woman was in bed with them, and Gale was looking at her. And he knew she wasn’t going to take all her clothes off.

“Would you like to touch me?” Raven asked Tav seductively.

Tav whimpered and nodded in response. She reached out a shaky hand and tentatively placed it under Raven’s collarbone.

Her skin felt smooth and strangely, but pleasantly, cool to the touch. Tav scooted a bit closer for better access as she drew her left hand down to cup one of Raven’s breasts.

Raven’s moans encouraged her. Tav traced her fingers lightly around the soft flesh before venturing to her nipple.

As Gale continued to rub soft circles on her back and coo in her ear, Tav decided to go for it. She leaned in closer, moving her left hand over to Raven’s other breast, her right hand down to her waist, and her mouth to her nipple.

She flicked her tongue out and reveled at the moan that escaped Raven. Tav drew circles with her tongue, sometimes lightly sucking on the pink bud. A tingling sensation grew between her thighs.

Gale ran his fingers through Tav’s hair while his mirror image stroked her thigh. Tav moaned against Raven’s breast as she felt Gale’s nails gently rake over her scalp.

Raven cupped the back of Tav’s head, and Tav took the cue to move to Raven’s right breast. She renewed her ministrations, caressing the other hardened peak with her tongue.

A rush of adrenaline filled Tav as she looked up at Raven. Her eyes were half-lidded, head tilted back, lips parted, and cheeks flushed. She was just as pretty as her Gale.

Tav moved one hand from the sensitive skin under Raven’s breasts down her stomach. She pulled back to ask, “May I?” as her hand stopped where Raven’s trousers began.

Gale’s hand stilled for a moment in Tav’s hair. It was a delicious, comforting pressure. He leaned in to kiss the shell of Tav’s ear, causing her to giggle.

Raven smiled at the couple before returning her gaze to Tav. “Of course,” she said. Then she spread her legs apart.

“You’re doing so good,” Gale said into Tav’s ear. Goosebumps covered her skin at his low voice so close to her.

He continued, “Remember this is all about what you want. Are you feeling alright?”

Tav smiled softly at the care in his voice. “Yeah,” she replied, “I feel good.”

She felt her nerves sparking, but she felt comforted by the lovely man behind her.

So she brought her hands down to Raven’s trousers and slid them down her pale legs. Returning to remove her lace black underwear, Tav gave Raven a questioning glance. She was answered with a nod and Raven lifting her hips off the bed, so Tav gently pulled the fabric down and cast it aside.

This was it. Raven proudly parted her legs again, exposing her slit.

Tav felt her breath catch in her throat. Her mind was singularly focused on Raven’s center.

It took her a minute to remember that she was truly here, she was capable of doing things. She placed a hand on either one of Raven’s thighs and gently massaged the soft skin. Raven let out a throaty moan and spread her legs wider apart.

Now Tav had a much clearer view. As her slit parted, Tav noticed her swollen clit standing out, along with a steady trail of wetness leaking out of her.

What Tav didn’t noticed was the whimper she herself let out.

Gale leaned in closer to wrap his arms around his love and rest his chin on her shoulder. He pressed a kiss to the warm skin.

Tav’s hands inched closer to their destination. “Can I,” she trailed off, unsure of herself. Gale pressed a kiss to the side of her neck, giving her the courage to go on. “Touch you?” She finished, blushing.

Raven smiled again, patient as ever. “Yes please.” She leaned back on the bed.

Her whole body seemed to glow as Tav moved her left thumb to gather some of the wetness at her entrance. She felt so warm. And so slick, Tav thought with envy.

Tav slowly moved her thumb up to her clit. She wasn’t going for all the other teasing that Gale often did. She didn’t really know how, and she didn’t really care to find out in this moment. Especially given how wet Raven already was.

Tav turned around to face Gale. She pressed a hard kiss to his lips, taking him by surprise. Still, he returned it in earnest, tightening his grip on her.

She licked at his lips before pulling away, leaving him moaning and breathless. She smirked at his reaction to a quick kiss.

“Does she look different?” Tav asked. Gale furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

She amended, “Is her vagina more… open than mine? Like something you can see, rather than just feel?” It’s something she’d always been curious about, but she’d never had a chance for comparison.

Gale chuckled and shook his head. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before answering. “Yes. It’s not a huge difference visually, but you can see a clear opening and more of her inner walls. That’s not visible with you, it’s more smooth muscle until I use some pressure to dip my finger down and into your pretty pussy.”

How he kept a straight face while saying that, Tav had no idea. Her mouth dropped open while her clit pulsed. She yearned to press herself against Gale’s knee, but her body was still facing Raven. All the while, the two spectral beings were chuckling at her reaction.

Tav pouted and scowled playfully at Gale before turning back around. She’d get her time with him in a minute.

Spectral Gale was rubbing Raven’s clit as they watched the couple with amusement. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly, but not very sincerely. “I got bored and thought I could keep her warm for you while you two eye-fucked each other.”

Gale let out an indignant scoff while Tav rolled her eyes and swatted his hand away. “Much appreciated,” she said with a laugh. “Now it’s my turn.”

She gathered more slick and moved her thumb up between Raven’s pink folds. Back where she left off. “Mhm,” Raven groaned as she threw her head back.

Tav smiled, excited, and began rubbing small circles around her clit. She marveled at the way Raven moved and moaned differently depending on how she touched her. All of it seemed pleasurable.

She switched to the vertical motion that she herself loved. Raven gasped and bucked her hips against Tav’s hand.

Tav giggled, causing her to finally notice Gale’s hard cock pressing against her back.

Gale moaned and gripped her hips as she pressed back into him.

As beautiful as Raven’s body was, Tav didn’t want to just look and touch anymore. She wanted to taste.

She leaned forward onto her forearms, lifting her ass and pressing it against Gale’s stomach in a puppy-esque pose. He groaned with desire at feeling her against him, seeing her in this position she so rarely got into with him behind her.

His hands found her hips again. He kept a reassuring pressure on her.

Gale’s mirror image brushed Tav’s hair out of her face as she lowered herself down to be level with Raven’s center. Tav looked up at the girl again.

“Please,” Raven whined.

Tav placed soft butterfly kisses to her inner thighs. She could smell Raven’s sweet scent, like strawberries in the rain. Is this what she smelled like to Gale?

She finally understood the aphrodisiac quality. She formed her mouth into a small O and blew a warm breath onto Raven’s clit.

Raven let out her sweetest moan yet, delightfully similar to Gale’s. Her hips shifted closer to Tav’s mouth, clearly craving more. Tav obliged.

She licked a strip from the bottom of Raven’s entrance, tasting her sweet nectar, to her clit.

“Fuck,” Raven moaned. Her hands clutched the blankets as she held herself up to watch Tav eat her out. Gale’s simulacrum moved one arm around Raven’s back to help support her, using his other hand to trace lines on Tav’s shoulder.

Tav softly licked at Raven’s clit. She moved her tongue up and down, side to side, and pressed harder on each upwards stroke.

“Good girl,” Gale said to her.

How could his words excite her even more than what she was currently doing?

“That she is,” spectral Gale agreed with his hand in Tav’s hair. Gale glared at him, still a bit jealous of the other self he created.

Tav moaned against Raven’s pussy as she drew the nub into her mouth and sucked. Raven’s moans grew louder and more desperate as Tav pulsed her tongue against her clit.

She only pulled away to address her own needs.

“Gale,” she whined. “Can you touch me?”

Gale’s face flushed. “It’d be my pleasure, my love.”

He dragged his thumb across her clit through her shorts. Tav shivered as she brought her mouth back down to pleasure Raven. Gale continued his strokes in tandem with the strokes of Tav’s tongue.

After a few more minutes of languidly licking, sucking, and kissing her pussy, Tav pulled back again to ask if she wanted a finger inside of her.

“Fuck,” Raven answered breathlessly, “yes.”

Tav brought her index finger to her mouth, swirled her tongue around it to wet it, and brought it back to Raven’s opening. She began gently pushing it in as she placed kisses around Raven’s clit.

It glided in with ease. Bitter jealousy coursed through Tav again, but she tried to push it aside. Just because her body worked differently didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy being on this end of things.

Especially with Gale touching her.

She crooked her finger inside of Raven. She was so wet, so warm, but so open. Now Tav finally knew how different she felt from ‘normal’ women. Still, Gale loved her.

Tav didn’t exactly know where Raven’s special spot was, but she figured she could find it. If she didn’t get there on her own, Gale could give her a demonstration. Spectral Gale, she corrected herself. She’d be incredibly jealous if she saw her Gale’s finger inside of someone else.

Raven screamed when Tav found her g-spot while licking at her clit. Tav smiled around the nub and applied more pressure with her finger.

She realized that Raven would probably want two fingers, but that freaked her out too much. If she could scream from one finger, Tav reasoned*, it should be fine*.

Tav glanced up to see spectral Gale teasing Raven’s nipples between his fingers. She felt another rush of heat between her own thighs.

He grinned cheekily as he noticed Tav looking at them.

Tav’s own arousal must have translated to the pace of her tongue against Raven and her finger inside of her, because Raven screamed again as she came. Her muscles spasmed around Tav’s finger, wet juices flowing out of her pussy.

A few minutes later, Gale’s turn to please Tav had finally come. He refused to leave her lips for a single moment, instead pressing kisses against her throughout every shift of her body. Eventually, she pulled away.

Gale took a second to marvel at how beautiful she looked. Her lips were swollen, cheeks flushed, strands of hair stuck to her face. Nothing else mattered to him at moments like this.

Tav looked up at him as she bit her lip anxiously. “I have an idea.”

The wizard quirked up an eyebrow. His mirror images looked over in interest from their entanglement next to them. “Do go on,” Gale encouraged her.

“Would you maybe…” Tav started. She steeled herself to get the words out as fast as she could. “I thought maybe we could sit together, with you behind me, playing with me, while your mirror image masturbates.”

Gale could only gape at the suggestion. Clearly, this was something she had thought about before. Though she was looking down in embarrassment, she asked him. She told him what she wanted. That’s all he could wish for.

Jealously continued to plague him when it came to the simulacrums. He’d luckily be giving her the physical pleasure in this case, and he understood that it would be difficult for him to both please her and masturbate for her at the same time. Without a mage hand or two, that is. It stoked a fire low in his belly knowing that’s what got her off — watching him get off. Yes, it was his conjuration, but the idea was the same.

He gently tugged Tav’s chin up so she’d look at him. Their hearts beat in tandem as he pressed a firm kiss to her lips. “I’m game,” he said to her with a smile. “But, I do have a proposition of my own, if you’d indulge me.” He kissed her forehead. “It’s completely okay if you’d rather not.”

Tav hummed, wondering what his proposition was. “Care to elaborate?” She asked as she leaned into his warm chest. Still rudely covered by a shirt.

Gale chuckled softly as he smoothed his hands over her back, allowing one to tangle in her hair. “I was thinking that if you’re watching my simulacrum, then maybe we could position a mirror a bit behind him, and off to the side, so I could watch you?” He tried to make the suggestion as lightly as he could. Heat rushed through him at the thought, but he never wanted to pressure her.

“You don’t have to be fully undressed,” he assured her. “I just want to watch your beautiful face.” His hand reached up to stroke her cheek.

She pressed her face into his palm, briefly closing her eyes to enjoy the sweet contact. She shifted to press a kiss to the palm of his hand, causing Gale to let out a surprised whimper. Of course, she giggled at that. He rolled his eyes at her in turn.

“Sounds good,” Tav said with a bright smile. “Could you conjure me something a little more sexy to wear then?”

Tav sat with her back pressed against Gale’s now bare chest. And his hard cock. She wore a lacy peacock blue nightie that complimented her breasts while flowing out past them, so it comfortably covered her stomach. Gale’s fingers were dancing at her core under its hem.

He pressed kisses to her head, her neck, her shoulders — anything he could reach — while he watched her reactions in the mirror. Meanwhile, she watched his simulacrum sitting across from them slowly stroke himself.

Raven rested between Tav and the simulacrum. She watched them both while running her fingers along Tav’s legs and feet in ways that made her shiver.

Tav moaned and bucked with her hands tied behind her back. Each shift of Gale’s deft fingers — the one vibrating on her clit, and the one stroking the inside of her pussy — caused her to gasp. Heat flooded between her thighs as she shifted her gaze from Raven to a masturbating image of Gale to the mirror where Gale watched her face as he played with her.

Every time he caught her eye, he smiled at her. This only made her clench around his finger as more wetness pooled between her legs.

“You’re so beautiful,” Gale spoke lowly in her ear while he watched them in the mirror. “I love feeling how wet and needy you get from looking at how hard my cock is for you. I can’t count the number of times I’ve laid in my tent, stroking my cock while thinking about your sweet laugh, your adorable smile, and your precious, delicious pussy.”

He knew his voice was what sent her over the edge, especially when he was absolutely fucking obscene. Tav came undone with a cry of his name.

Raven held her legs down so Gale could continue to touch her through her orgasm. Tav’s hips bucked, she pressed her knees together, and finally pressed her hips back against Gale as she was overcome with pleasure. Gale whispered one more sweet nothing into her ear while the finger fucking her slowed down. “I love feeling your wetness squirt against my palm when you cum for me, Tav.”

She whimpered and sagged against him with her eyes closed.

Gale was a good boy, cuddling with her while she recovered. But as they began shifting against each other in the bed, the simulacrums still reverently touching Tav in every place she wanted, he somehow ended up with his head between her thighs.

One of Tav’s hands was fisted in his hair as he lapped at her pussy. It’d been a week since he last tasted her, and he wanted to savor every drop. Gods, how he’d missed this.

His mirror image held Tav’s other hand up over her head. Gale kept their connection strong, so he could speak the words to Tav that he wanted. He told her how good she was, how delectable she tasted, and how much he loved that she allowed him to make her come again.

Two more hands caressed every inch of Tav’s body that wasn’t covered by her lingerie or currently being devoured by her wizard. Raven focused on the parts Gale couldn’t reach while his finger was buried inside of Tav and his tongue was most certainly not going to leave her clit until she had come on his mouth at least twice.

Tav’s gaze slowly went up to where their mirror now floated. She’d be against his lavish expenditure of magic for her pleasure if she didn’t know that pleasing her gave him more of a boost.

Once she saw the full image of them — Gale lying on his stomach between her legs and grinding his cock into the mattress, her fingers twined through his gorgeous hair, his simulacrum smiling down at her while he pinned her arm pack, and Raven caressing her while still unclothed — she couldn’t hold her second orgasm back.

Gale moaned as her wetness splashed against his mouth, soaking his beard, while her legs shook around his head. He was incredibly grateful for her hand being pinned down, because he didn’t want to stop. He gave her a small reprise as his movement slowed down to sweet, loving kisses while her walls slowed in their pulsating around his finger. His simulacrum gently took her hand from Gale’s hair and held it firmly with the other one. “We can stop at any time,” he told her. “Your safe word is apple.” Tav nodded, unsure of what the plan was.

Once her muscles relaxed as much as they would, Gale cast another lubrication spell and rubbed his finger against her g-spot in quick, small movements. Tav’s shocked moans caused beads of precum to leak out of his cock as he flickered his tongue against her clit.

Tav opened her eyes again, barely believing that Gale was still going. But there he was, absolutely devouring her while practically humping the blanket under him. Her thoughts were consumed with this image of Gale pleasing himself — being so turned on that he resorted to humping the bed — and she felt all the muscles in her lower body tighten as a third orgasm hit her. She cried out in pleasure once again, unaware of her heels digging into Gale’s back or the wet pool she was making under them.

“Please,” she gasped out as the pleasure faded into overstimulation, “Gale, I’m finished.”

Gale pulled back to shower her center with kisses before he propped himself up and at smiled at her. “Did you enjoy that?” He asked cheekily, clearly pleased with himself and his effect on her.

Tav playfully glared at him. “Obviously,” she responded, gesturing to his very wet mouth. “Now clean that up and come here. Please,” she added saccharinely.

He obliged and went through the normal routine of cleaning his mouth off (for her benefit) and placing a warm, wet cloth between her legs to help with the pain and mess. Once he was done, Tav reached towards him with her cute little grabby hands. Gale smiled down at her as he eased himself back onto the bed and in her arms.

They embraced for a few moments before Tav lightly pushed him back. “How are your knees?”

“Fine,” Gale replied with a raised eyebrow. He wasn’t really on his knees during this entire evening, so he wasn’t sure why she was concerned now.

“Good,” Tav grinned with a blend of innocence and seductive mischief. “On your knees, please.” She motioned Gale up.

Still confused, Gale followed her command. He rose to his knees on the bed in front of her, his cock bobbing in the air. He had cleaned up most of the precum, but another bead leaked out as he got a look at Tav’s face right in front of his hardness.

The way Tav smiled up at him from this position struck him in a way he had never felt before. There was so much love, lust, and vulnerability.

She reached for both of his hands and placed them in her hair. “Gale Jr,” she directed the order at his mirror image, “support him if he needs it.” She turned her attention to Raven. “You can keep your hands on me, if you like.”

“As you wish,” the simulacrum replied with a grin.

“My pleasure,” Raven murmured as she pressed against Tav, running her hand over her thigh.

Tav took one last moment to enjoy the utter bewilderment on Gale’s face. Then she leaned in and licked the tip of his cock.

“Fuck,” Gale exclaimed in surprise. Somehow he didn’t see where this was going.

Tav grinned before pressing her tongue against his slit and licking another strip.

Gale whimpered, and his mirror image braced him to keep him upright as his knees buckled.

“Fuck, Tav,” Gale groaned out. Apparently getting his cock licked was all it took to condense his vocabulary.

“Sweetheart,” he continued as he gently pulled Tav’s head back. “You don’t have to do this. Seriously. I don’t need anything, or expect anything, like that from you, my love.” He looked at her with pure care even when he clearly wanted to come.

“I want to do this,” Tav assured him seriously. “I don’t want to like, deepthroat you, because ow, but I do want to taste you. You taste like cinnamon rolls, by the way. I just want to play around with your cock in my mouth for a bit, if that’s alright with you?”

His cock bobbed up, seemingly giving Tav the okay. Gale wanted whatever she wanted to give him. “Okay,” he said. “That’s more than alright with me. But any discomfort, physical or mental, and I want you to stop, okay? Just press a nail into my thigh and I’ll pull away.”

Tav wished she could kiss him, but there was no way she was raising up to meet his lips. So she settled for pressing a kiss to the head of his cock, eliciting another deep moan. “Yes sir!”

Warm, wet lips met Gale’s cock. He sighed and shivered at the contact. Tav brought one hand to his thigh and gently wrapped the other around his cock. She gave him a little squeeze as she moved her mouth down. The tip of his cock was in her mouth.

He had never even let himself think of this possibility. It didn’t feel right before their relationship, and it rarely crossed his waking mind afterwards since he knew her desires and limits. So this was an earth-shattering, star-crashing experience for him.

For being with Tav, his love. For being the first time he had this specific kind of pleasure in …. years, actually. It’d been years since he’d been intimate with another mortal, and this wasn’t something Mystra deigned to do.

Tav moaned softly as she swirled her tongue around Gale’s tip.

“Tav,” Gale whimpered. Her name sounded so beautiful on his lips.

More sweet precum leaked onto Tav’s tongue, which she swallowed happily. Gale almost lost it at feeling her swallow around his cock, even though only an inch was in her sweet little mouth.

His simulacrum dripped lubricant onto Gale’s cock, seeming to anticipate what Tav wanted to do. She muttered her thanks to him — which was just a hum around Gale’s cock, to his pleasure — and began moving her hand up and down Gale’s shaft.

The suction of Tav’s mouth was utterly divine. Gale ran his fingers through her soft hair while he murmured praises.

“My love,” he said nervously, “I’m not going to last much longer.” He choked on a moan. “I can finish somewhere else, you don’t have to —”

Tav started to shake her head before realizing how weird that was with his cock in her mouth. She pulled off of him with a pop. “I want you to cum in my mouth, Gale. I can always pull away or spit it out, but I want to try it,” she stated firmly.

Gale nodded at her, his body begging him for release at her words. Tav brought her mouth back to his member. She traced circles with her tongue, slowly pumped her fist along his shaft, and then moved her other hand from his thigh to lightly touch his balls.

Gale gasped at the unexpected contact, his cum immediately spurting out into his love’s mouth. He saw nothing but her, thought of nothing but her, and wanted nothing but holding her in his arms for the rest of their lives. He would’ve fell back if his simulacrum hadn’t held him up as pleasure ravished his entire body.

Tav kept her mouth around Gale’s cock for a solid minute before pulling away. She quite literally was playing with it, as if it were a sweet lollipop she wanted to savor.

She swallowed every drop of his warm cum, now sure that his underwear enchantment had to make it taste like icing. It was quite the pleasant experience. With a smile, Tav grabbed Gale’s hand and yanked him down to her. They collapsed onto the bed together, limbs entwined.

“That was amazing,” Gale said. His exertion was still clear by the breathiness of his voice, which Tav loved. She snuggled closer into him.

“I agree,” she spoke into his bare chest. The thin sheen of sweat on him was unreasonably attractive.

Gale kissed her temple. “I promise you I’ll be able to put more words to that experience at a later time, when I am not so literally spent from your affections.” Once he had more energy, there was no stopping him from waxing poetic about their entire night and the pleasure — both mental and physical — he got from being with her. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“Love you too,” Tav murmured. Gale could feel her smile against his chest. “Now magic a blanket over us so we can cuddle properly.”

[weaveandwood]

Weave and Woods Chapter 11: The Timelessness of Lovers

Gale/Named Tav | Slow Burn | NSFW | Read on AO3 | Entire Work

Summary:

Under an aurora-lit sky, Gale and Auroria confess their feelings for each other

“Thinking about Mystra’s demand?” Her brows furrowed as they always did when Mystra was brought up, especially after Elminster came with his missive.  “Yes.” He paused. “I must admit it is always on my mind. More so now even than before. To know that I’ve found you, and that you are in love with me as I am in love with you only to - ” His voice caught in his throat as tears formed in his eyes. “Only to have to leave you in a few days’ time…I must admit I am more terrified now than I was at the beginning of the night. I do not want to lose you, Ora. I do not want to leave you.” He smiled softly, tears spilling down his cheeks as he pictured what life could have been like with her in his tower, walking through the market each week, sunsets on the balcony, watching the Midwinter fireworks together. She grasped his hand. “Then don’t, Gale. Stay with me. Live. Live with me.” She kissed him again, her own tears mingling with his. “Let’s live.”

AN: This is my favorite scene of Act 2, and the whole game so far. I hope I was able to do it justice while making it my own. NSFW! Oral Sex, Vaginal Sex

Crafting an illusion was like composing a piece of music. One needed to take into consideration every layer - every piece of the orchestra needed to be successful on its own and work together as a whole to create a harmonious explosion of sounds. Illusions were similar. Every part of a convincing illusion needed to be perfect - one thing out of place, and the whole composition falls apart.

Gale was a master at creating illusions, or at least he had been until his unceremonious fall from favor and his body became a host for both a sliver of the Karsite Weave and a mind flayer parasite. He had been unable to create grand illusions since, though he had noticed his abilities strengthening as time had progressed, especially once the charm was placed on the orb to stabilize it. Evocation spells were his specialty, what he was known for, what was nurtured during his time as Chosen of Mystra - it was true there was nothing more useful than a fireball for a battle, but illusory spells were his true love, his passion. Manipulating the Weave in this way made him feel closer to an artist, a poet, or a musician than a warrior. He wanted to use his magic to bring beauty and wonder to the world.

He needed his illusions to be perfect tonight. Tonight was the night he was going to tell Ora that he loved her. He had wanted to shout it from the rooftops of the Last Light Inn after kissing her the previous night, he wanted to whisper it in her ear as she slept peacefully, he wanted to say it that morning when she forced him to go to his tent after sitting outside hers all night, he wanted to yell it in celebration when they worked on spells during the afternoon and she finally cracked Spike Growth after days of attempts on her own. 

Every artist needs their muse, and she was his. He channeled the Weave from his spot far enough away from their campsite to afford privacy. As the power hummed through his body, he thought of Ora. How she made him feel, how he felt with her, what reminded him of her - beauty and warmth and goodness. The threat of Moonrise Towers and Mystra’s demand settled over him but did not cause him to abandon his plans. He had to tell her. He squared his shoulders and got to work. 

******

“Hello, I’m here on behalf of Gale of Waterdeep!” The cheerful silvered mirror image of Gale said to Auroria as she walked up to his tent before going to bed for the night. “He wishes to extend you an invitation to a private conversation. Would you care to join him? From the portion of his mind that is open to me, it is a matter most urgent.”

“Well, when you put it like that, I don’t think I’m in a position to decline,” she said, her mind already racing with worry. Was the orb acting up again? Had he set his mind to following through with Mystra’s demand of his sacrifice? Would she no longer have the chance of saving him? The thought of losing him caused her heart to race, her stomach to drop, and threatened to bring tears to her eyes as she started down the path pointed out by Gale’s mirror image. Surely it couldn’t be something so serious - he had been in such a good mood after she made him sleep and then again after he helped her figure out what she was doing wrong when attempting to cast her newest spell. He had jumped up and thrown his arms around her when the ground started to erupt with spikes and thorns. She thought he might kiss her again, or at least she had hoped he would, but he pulled away and said something about needing to go read something to find her next spell. She hadn’t seen him since. 

The path through the thick forest led to a clearing bordered by a few downed trees and rocky formations. In the middle of it on a plush blanket sat Gale, intensely focused. She looked past him and up to the sky and gasped softly. Instead of the dim, colorless grey they had grown accustomed to over these past days there was a bright shining aurora, all shades of vibrant purple and green dancing across it. Stars sparkled in the distance and the grass in the clearing looked as green as it did in the forests where she grew up. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She stood at the edge of the clearing, watching Gale place more stars in the sky and let the tears that had gathered now freely fall down her face. How could a man who creates such beauty even think about sacrificing himself for what a goddess calls forgiveness? Her panic threatened to overwhelm her. She loved him. She couldn’t lose him. She had to tell him. Tonight. She wiped the tears from her face and walked over to sit on the blanket beside him. 

“I love this time of night,” he said softly, taking her hand in his, a movement that had become so natural for the both of them over the past weeks. “There’s a reverent silence that accompanies the peak of darkness, when you think the dawn will never break.” He threaded his fingers through hers and as he turned to look at her, she could have sworn the look on his face matched the one she had given the sky moments ago. He waved his free hand at his illusion. “The cradle of eternity…the timelessness of lovers.”

Auroria smiled softly and looked up at the sky, her eyes wide as the lights danced and the stars twinkled. “This is beautiful, Gale. I’ve never seen the sky do this - you’d almost forget we were in the Shadow Cursed Lands,” she said with breathless wonder.

He looked at the sky again. “It’s veiled, kept at arm’s length for now. This isn’t something I can do often in my present condition, but tonight is different. I feel the weight of Mystra’s demand on me, and with us going to Moonrise Towers tomorrow to infiltrate it, I can’t help but feel this may be one of my last nights alive. I wanted it to be under a canopy of beauty and wonder. And with company to match.”

Auroria frowned, hearing the sadness in his tone as if he had decided his fate. This is my last chance.  

“Is this truly, truly what you want? To sacrifice yourself for Mystra’s forgiveness?”

“My untimely death is all but assured. My days on this plane have been numbered since I opened that damned book. Would you not want your death to mean something?” He sighed. “I will admit I am terrified, no matter how well I try to conceal it.” He nodded, grim resolution on his face. “Better to meet the inevitable on my own terms.”

Auroria felt warm tears fall down her cheeks again as she nodded. “So you’ve decided, then.” She tried to wipe them away with the back of her hand but they wouldn’t stop coming, so she just let them fall. It was always easy for her to show her emotions with Gale. 

He looked over at her, touching her chin with a hooked finger, turning her face to his. “You know, one moment with you would satisfy me for a lifetime. And you’ve given me so many moments,  enough for infinite lifetimes. I’m happy you came out here to share this with me. I know it’s not real…but I created this all for you. You were the inspiration for all of this.”

“For me?” She gasped, her eyes snapping to his. “All of this? Why?”

He smiled softly at her. “You must know that you’re…that you’re special to me, Ora.” 

Her heart was pounding in her chest. Her breathing quickened. What was he saying? Could he feel the same? She thought, a small flicker of hope warming inside her.

He dropped his hand, going back to looking at the aurora for a short while in silence, a wistful look in his eyes. Finally, he spoke again. “If things were different, if we were home, I would take the time to do things properly. To say everything better. To give you everything you deserve, and more. But time is short.” 

He turned to face her again. His eyes were bright and shining with unshed tears.

“I am in love with you.” 

Everything faded away from Auroria at that moment. There was only the two of them - there was no shadow curse, there was no Absolute, no tadpole, no orb, no Mystra. No wizard, no ranger. There was just Gale and just Auroria. Two people who managed to find each other despite the fact that their paths never should have crossed. Two people who loved each other despite everything thrown against them.  

“I’m in love with you, too, Gale.”

******

Externally, Gale played it cool as he chuckled. “That’s a relief. It would be a shame to spend my final hours making an ass of myself.” Internally, he was in a state of disbelief. Ora was in love with him! He had wanted this, hoped she’d feel the same way as he did, but did not believe it possible that someone so fierce, so brave, with so much to live for would fall in love with him, not how he was now. Not with the orb, not with Mystra’s charge, not with his imminent demise. 

She leaned into him and kissed him, quieting his thoughts for the first time in what felt like years as he kissed her back softly. It felt different from their kiss the night before - less desperate, more real. He smiled as she broke the kiss. 

“You’re a good kisser,” she smiled back at him. 

“And you are a bad liar,” he laughed out loud. “I was basically a hermit for some time before I met you, remember?” 

“From one recluse to another, you’re a good kisser,” she said before she kissed him again, her hand on the back of his neck, pulling him closer to her. Her lips parted and his tongue slid against hers as they kissed much like the vision she shared with him all those weeks ago when they were connected through the Weave. A vision he never thought he’d be able to act upon. He broke the kiss and put one hand against her cheek, looking at her beautiful face as she smiled at him, his eyes flicking back and forth between hers, taking in the lush green that seemed to radiate even in the dark of the night with a golden glow. She loves me.

He wanted the night to be perfect. To show her all he could do with the Weave, their bodies and souls intertwining and bonding within its gentle fibers. He stood up excitedly, taking her hand and helping her up from the ground. “What do you say to the perfect night in Waterdeep for our first date?” He smiled. 

“I have always heard that Waterdeep is an exceptional city, though I can’t quite remember who told me that,” she teased. “Show me.”

He waved his hand, a faint purple glow enveloping the two of them. The aurora was replaced by his study in his tower. His favorite place in the entire universe - well, until he met Ora. Now his favorite place was by her side. Everything was just as he remembered it, even the messy assortment of parchments on the desk. The piano in the corner, the stacks and stacks of books. He could smell the paper if he concentrated hard enough. He looked back at Ora, who was taking it all in, her eyes wide and her mouth open in awe. 

“This is your study?” She asked. “It feels like I’m looking directly into your soul, all books and academia.” She smiled. 

She looked so at home in his study. He couldn’t wait to show her the real thing, after - No.

He interrupted his own thoughts. After? There would be no after, not for him. This was more than likely the last time he would ever lay eyes on his beloved study, his beloved tower, his beloved city, and it was all an illusion. Snap out of it. He wanted to show her all he could of him, of his life, before it all ended much, much too soon. 

“It is. The center of my universe. Now, for something even better.” He waved his hands, the doors to the balcony opening, the sun setting into the horizon, setting the sea awash in a fiery orange blaze, the entire illusion taking on a warm glow. As Ora stepped out onto the balcony, the sunset lit her up. Her hair burned even more coppery, the light made her eyes look even more green, even her freckles seemed to stand out more. Waterdeep suited her. Still, as he looked out over the horizon, melancholy washed over him. He missed his home. He was thankful to the tadpole for bringing him to Ora, but…he would never come home again. He would never see Tara or his mother again. Never walk the streets, never visit the market, never watch the ships sail from the docks. The sound of pages ruffling brought him back to the present. 

“You’ve found my favorite spot. I would sometimes find myself out here from evening to night to daybreak, lost in words.” 

“Up all night reading? What a rebel,” she laughed as she kept flicking through the pages of the book. “What’s this book?” she asked, handing it to him.

He laughed and took the book from her, one he had placed there on purpose. “This is The Art of the Night - about a newlywed king and queen’s first thousand nights together. They turned everything into an art - conversation, the exploration and acceptance of the self and the other, the art of the body, the night itself.” Here goes. “I say we take a page from their book.”

Ora raised an eyebrow at him. “Leave it to you to seduce someone with a book.” Gods, he loved how she teased him. She knew him so well. “But…I don’t see a bed.”

“The stars will be our bed. There are endless worlds out there, countless ways to declare love. Let me show you more,” he said. He wanted to show her all of the wonders of the universe, let her feel his love in infinite ways, not just within the confines of their mortal flesh. 

She put her hand on his face, looking at him adoringly. “I want to be with you, not a fantasy, not an illusion. I am in love with Gale.”

He paused. “Are you sure? I could use the Weave to make us feel sensations beyond our reckoning. I could wow you. I want to wow you, Ora.”

She smiled, taking his hands in hers. “This isn’t a test, Gale. You don’t have to impress me with these grand gestures to show off your abilities. I’m no goddess. I am in love with you .”

He leaned in, pressing his forehead to hers. “Yes, you are, Ora. Trust me, I would know.” He snapped his fingers, placing them back in the forest by camp, the aurora still dancing across the sky, the stars sparkling just for them. “Let’s do it your way then - the old ways. As long as it’s with you.” 

She kissed him as he waved his hand, conjuring a large bed. “For your comfort, of course.”

She laughed then. “I have been living in the wilds for almost my entire life, I’m pretty sure this bed is for your comfort.” She walked over to it, kicked off her slippers and climbed on, patting the mattress next to her. “Though, you will not hear me complain.”  

He smiled and walked to the bed, climbing onto it next to her, his calm exterior belying the chaos within him. His heart was racing with anticipation and his brain was moving a million miles a minute. It had been so long since he had been with anyone physically, since before becoming Mystra’s lover. Could he live up to her expectations? Would this all be a waste of time? Why did he even confess his feelings to her when he was just going to die in a few days time? His breathing picked up as he balanced on the knife’s edge of panic. 

“Gale?” He felt a warm touch on his hand. Ora . “Gale, come back to me,” she said, placing a tender kiss on his cheek, then a soft kiss on his lips. She was a balm to him - his mind quieted again, focusing only on her. He kissed her back and placed a hand on the side of her face, his thumb gently running over her cheek. 

“I apologize. My mind momentarily was…elsewhere. I am here now.” 

“Thinking about Mystra’s demand?” Her brows furrowed as they always did when Mystra was brought up, especially after Elminster came with his missive. 

“Yes.” He paused. “I must admit it is always on my mind. More so now even than before. To know that I’ve found you, and that you are in love with me as I am in love with you only to - ” His voice caught in his throat as tears formed in his eyes. “Only to have to leave you in a few days’ time…I must admit I am more terrified now than I was at the beginning of the night. I do not want to lose you, Ora. I do not want to leave you.” He smiled softly, tears spilling down his cheeks as he pictured what life could have been like with her in his tower, walking through the market each week, sunsets on the balcony, watching the Midwinter fireworks together.

She grasped his hand. “Then don’t, Gale. Stay with me. Live. Live with me.” She kissed him again, her own tears mingling with his. “Let’s live.” 

He nodded and closed his eyes, holding on to her hands tightly. She made it seem so simple, to just live . That she alone could defy a goddess’ machinations and find a way to circumvent his fate. Perhaps she could. He opened his eyes and found her staring at him, full of concern. This was not the direction he wanted this evening to go, and yet it only made him fall deeper in love with her. Made him want her even more, if that was possible. Made him want to believe the impossible. 

Stay. Live. Could I?

“Live,” she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Could I?

He kissed her deeply, pulling her close to him. Their tongues slid together again, finding a rhythm of push and pull as their hands roamed each other’s bodies, discovering a new closeness that they had been on the edge of for weeks now. She smelled faintly like the peppermint balm she massaged on her sore muscles after a long day of fighting or training. His fierce ranger. Her hands found their way to the bottom of his soft velvet tunic and grasped it, starting to pull it up. He broke the kiss to reach down and slid it off over his head. 

“Hells Gale, you’ve been hiding all of this? Doesn’t seem fair, really, to keep this secret,” she teased as she saw him without so much as an undershirt on for the first time, her eyes moving down the lean athletic build of his body and fine covering of hair on his chest and stomach. She reached down to the hem of her own sleep tunic, pulling it over her head. The filtered moonlight cast a pale silvery glow on her breasts and her nipples started to pebble and harden against the slight chill in the late night air. 

“I could say the same to you,” he said playfully in return. The scar on her cheek continued down past her collarbone almost to her left nipple, some areas thicker than others. He reached out and traced it with his fingers, pressing kisses into it as he followed his fingers with his mouth. A story for another time. Her breathing quickened as he reached his destination, taking the hard nipple in his mouth, sucking on it lightly as she gasped. 

Something in the air changed, a new electricity charged between them. 

“You’re so beautiful, Ora,” he said before moving to the other breast, giving it the attention it deserved. Her hands went to his head, running her fingers through his hair as she arched her back, pressing herself closer to him. 

“I want you, Gale,” She said, her voice thick with lust.

“And you’ll have me before the night is done,” he smiled against her soft skin, toying at her nipple with his tongue before pressing a hand to her chest, laying her back on the bed. His hands went to the waistband of her leggings, his fingers slipping inside and rubbing along the softness of her stomach. “I want to watch you come undone for me first.” She lifted her hips to help him easily slide the fabric off her legs. He kissed each inch of newly bared skin as he pulled them off of her before discarding them on the ground beside the bed.

He looked at her in wonder as she laid before him, fully bared. So beautiful, so perfect. She propped herself up on her elbows, tilting her head to the side. “Everything okay?”

He smiled. “Everything is perfect. How did I get so lucky?” He kissed her ankle. “You are so stunning.” He kissed her knee. “I will never be able to fully tell you just how heavenly you look right now lying in front of me with nothing on, illuminated by moonlight. My divine Ora.” He wanted to worship her, to bow down at the altar of her body for the rest of his time on this plane. He kissed her thigh, higher and higher as he placed himself between her legs, spreading them and baring her sweet center to him. He could resist no longer. He looked up at her from between her legs as he flattened his tongue and tasted her for the first time. Her moan was an answer to the prayers on his lips and music to his ears, her taste was the sweetest nectar. He hooked his arms under her thighs, pulling her down to his mouth as he flicked her sensitive bundle of nerves with his tongue before sealing his mouth over it, sucking softly. 

Her hips started to rock against his face as he hummed against her, sending vibrations through her body. He teased at her entrance with a finger, reveling in how warm and wet she was as he touched her. For him. Because of him. He paid special attention to that sensitive spot inside he remembered women liking from his dalliances years ago, before Mystra. No. No thoughts of Mystra tonight. 

He turned his mind back to Ora, this beautiful, writhing woman who lay before him, who wanted him, who loved him. He added a second finger and moved them faster, in and out, his firm tongue working her in tandem as he devoured her. She had moved her hands to his head, her nails delightfully scratching his scalp as waves of pleasure washed over her and she began to unravel. He was relentless in the pursuit of her undoing, keeping a steady pace with both his hand and his tongue as she cried out his name and he felt her pulse as she reached her peak and crashed over. He crawled over her, kissing up her stomach to her breasts again, taking each one into his mouth before moving up to her neck. He finally kissed her lips, impossibly turned on as she kissed him back, tasting herself on him. 

“My turn,” she said, smiling against his mouth as she pushed him onto his back, his desire clearly evident. She rubbed at his erection gently over his pants as she kissed his neck. Gods, I forgot how good that feels, he thought. He felt her starting to pull his pants down, and he lifted his hips off the bed to help her just as she did for him earlier. He was suddenly conscious about his body, wondering if it would be pleasing to her. His physical form hadn’t been important in matters of desire in so long, coming back to it made him feel like he was a teenager again, full of nerves and anticipation of learning what he liked. She wrapped her hand around him. He definitely liked that. 

“Gods, Ora,” He inhaled sharply as she touched him, the first mortal touch he had had in years. She kissed his orb marking softly, then traced down the line of his stomach with kisses. What was she….oh. OH. 

He rose up on his elbows, looking at her. “Ora, I don’t…are you sure? Please, don’t feel like you have to.” 

She smiled at him, her eyes soft. “Let me give you the pleasure you gave me. We are equals here, in this bed, in this relationship. No one is above the other. Besides, I enjoy doing this, just like you do. Let me take care of you. Allow me this,” she said as she leaned down, taking the tip of him in her mouth, sucking gently. 

Gale saw stars. He grasped at the bedsheets, the pleasure and desire coursing through him stronger than anything he had felt in so long, setting him ablaze. She took him deeper into her mouth, her head and hand working him in rhythm as she hummed against his hardness. His hips started to rock, moving with her as he moaned loudly. At this rate, it would not be long before he finished, and he wanted his first time to be inside her. 

“Ora, I need to be inside you, please,” he practically begged. He was at the mercy of her, of his new goddess. “Please, let me.”

“I want you, Gale,” she said. 

“Come here,” he smiled, guiding her up to him, a finger hooked under her chin as he kissed her deeply, laying her back on the bed. “I want to watch you, see you when I finish inside you,” he whispered in her ear before kissing her again.  

He used his thigh to spread her legs, running his fingers across her slick entrance before holding himself to her. His heart was pounding. He knew this was a line they could never uncross. It was a line he knew with absolute certainty he wanted to cross, but he had to be sure it was the same for her. 

“Are you sure you want this, Ora? Do you want me?”  He looked her in the eyes, his tip pressed against her. He needed to hear her say it. 

“I want you,” she repeated, closing her eyes and moaning softly as he pressed in, sinking into her. 

Every thought left his head as he felt her give around him, all warm and soft velvet against his hardness. He closed his eyes as he fully seated himself within her, staying still for a moment, reacquainting himself with this feeling - how had he ever derided this as “just” pleasures of the mortal flesh? This was everything. This was better than anything metaphysical. She had converted him. Astral pleasure could no longer compare to this. This was real. 

He buried his face in the crook of her neck, whispering his adoration to her. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her close, their bodies in complete contact as he began to thrust into her with slow, deep rolls of his hips, feeling every inch of her as he pulled almost all the way out and pressed fully back in again. Ora wrapped her arms around his back, her fingertips digging into his skin.

He pulled back, settling up on his knees between her legs. She looked so perfect laid out on her back before him, his length sheathed deep inside her. He continued his same slow rhythm, thrusting back into her a little harder than before, watching where their bodies joined in awe and wonder.

“Gale…you feel so…so good,” she moaned, her hands moving to his thighs, holding on to him, rocking her hips to meet his. 

“You feel better than any heavens, Ora. Better than I could have imagined all those nights I thought about taking you, imagining doing this with you.” He said, remembering the nights in his tent after his orb was stabilized where he pictured Ora in a similar position to the one she was currently in as he used his hand to pleasure himself. It didn’t even compare. 

He couldn’t hold back any longer, Desire, lust, and the discovery of how good sex with her could be drove him. He moved her legs so her feet were on his shoulders, and started thrusting into her deeper, faster. He kissed her calf, her ankle, the side of her foot, punctuating each kiss with a soft “I love you.”

His fingers dug into her hips as he grasped them to lift them up, allowing him to get even deeper inside her. He needed to be as deep as possible, as close to her as possible. He watched her. Her cheeks were flushed, her breasts bounced, her back arched against the bed as he hit a spot that drove her wild. He had once thought watching her fight was like watching an opera. Watching her while making love was like viewing the finest art. 

“I’m so close,” she panted. He felt her tightening around him, getting close as his own precipice drew near. 

“Come for me, Ora. I want to hear you call my name while I’m buried inside you,” he said as he reached between them and began rubbing her at her most sensitive spot, feeling her hips jerk at the slight touch. He felt her tighten around him, the feeling drawing him even closer as the fire in his abdomen grew hotter. “But look at me when you do.”

She opened her eyes, and just the sight of them darkened with desire almost sent him over the edge right then and there. 

She cried out, his name on her lips as her body froze and then shattered around him. He felt her shudder and pulse as her orgasm rocked through her. He kept thrusting through it, harder, faster, lost to his own finish as she held onto his arms tightly, her nails slightly digging in. 

He felt his abdomen tighten. He maintained eye contact and drove himself into her one last time as she nodded and writhed underneath him before he felt himself fill her with his own release, crying out her name loudly for all the gods to hear. Panting, he stayed buried within her as his orgasm shuddered through him. She was covered in a thin sheen of sweat and most of her hair was loosened from her twisted ponytail, and he could only imagine he looked similar. She looked so beautifully undone. 

Finally he pulled out of her, instantly feeling cold without her warmth enveloping him. He was changed, wholly and truly. He was a different man from earlier this evening. He crawled beside her and dropped to the bed, planting a kiss on her shoulder. 

“I love you, Ora.” 

“I love you, Gale.” 

******

Auroria curled into Gale, resting her head on his chest as they both came down from such blissful heights. She traced the lines of the orb marking as he lazily ran his fingers up and down her back. She felt herself drifting off to sleep when she heard it, the faintest whisper. 

“I will stay with you. I will live.”

[ben243s-transformation-stories]

Sam’s Dog Summer

“Sam, What do you want to do for the summer?” his mom asked. It was the last week of his sophomore year in high school, and sam wasn’t interested in any of the typical summer programs. “Mom, I want to spend the summer as a dog. Your dog.” he replied. “What?!?!” his mom could not believe her ears. “I’ve always loved dogs, and want to see what it would be like to be one. Besides, all of my friends will be gone and camp is so boring. “ he told her. Sam’s mom thought for a moment. Did he really want to do this? is he just testing me? “if you really want to do this you must remain naked the whole vacation, eat out of a dog bowl sleep on a dog bed use the bathroom outside like a dog obey my commands and no t.v. movies or video games.” she offered. She figured he would never agree with the inclusion of no tav. and video games, but he responded, “Fine, lets do it.” A couple of days later Sam's mom took him to the pet store to pick out his collar, leash, bowl, and toys. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She asked him. “Never more so” he replied. He looked carefully knowing the collar would be the only thing he would be wearing for the next few months. He hoped it would be a warm summer. Sam picked out a collar and leash combo with a patriotic motif. It was red white and blue and covered in flags. He picked out a shiny metal bowl, which his mom had engraved with his name. They picked out some squeaky toys, rawhide chews, and a big bag of dry dog food. Mom picked out a dog house for rainy days. Before they left sam had an ID tag made with his name on it for his collar. While sam was at school for his last day of 10th grade, his mother had a privacy fence installed around their backyard, and found a nice shady spot for the dog house. When Sam walked in from school he headed straight to his room. He found all of his clothes boxed up and a dog bed in the middle of the floor. All of his other furniture was gone. “Good you’re home.” his mom greeted him. “Strip!” she ordered. “But I have to go to the bathroom” he protested. “After you’re naked and outside Dog” she told him. Sam remembered the agreement and quickly stripped off his shirt, pants, shoes, and socks. He hesitated about his underwear, but shed that too after a moment. His mom looked him up and down, this was the first time she’d seen him totally naked for a long time. She snapped the collar around his neck and led him out the back door. “ Your toilet awaits.” she announced. While sam was exploring the backyard, his mom scooped his clothes up and locked them away. “Well this saves on a summer wardrobe” she thought. Sam walked around the yard for a while enjoying the breeze on his bare skin and penis. Soon the urge to pee hit him and he decided to pee where he was standing. it felt strange to be peeing in the yard and yet somehow liberating. he decided to checkout his dog house next. He found it was just roomy enough for him to lie down in. Next to the dog house was a bowl of water. he stuck his head in and tried to drink. it took a lot more effort than he thought it would. After lounging in the sun for a while his mom called him for dinner. “Come sam, Dinner, Good Boy!” sam got up and ran into the house as fast as he could. The instant he walked in the door he could smell the steak and french fries that his mother had cooked. He was starving. She led him to the kitchen and said “Here’s your diner”. and showed him to a bowl of dry dog food. The dog food nuggets were a huge let down after smelling the steak. The dog food tasted awful, but it was all he was fed so he ate it anyway. “Lets see how long he keeps this up” thought his mom as she watched him over her steak. Sam spent the rest of the evening lying on the floor of the living room as his mother watched CSI, as dogs aren’t allowed on the furniture. Secretly his mom thought this was a strange way for her son to want to spend his summer, but enjoyed seeing him completely helpless and dependent on her. She decided to put him out one last time before putting him to bed. This time sam had to do both so he ended up squatting on the lawn. When he came back in, she led him up to his dog bed and left him there for the evening. As she tucked herself into bed, she thought maybe this wont be so bad after all. Sam certainly seemed to be enjoying it. It took sam a while to fall asleep, partly from newness of the bed, but also due to the giddiness of the whole situation. He had never expected his mother to agree to it. Sam Slept in, and when he got up he remembered the best dreams he had ever had. He also had the biggest erection he had ever had. He waited for it to go down, but he had to go to the bathroom so he found his mom to let him out. She looked at his erection and smiled as she opened the door. She watched him from the dining room window, and saw that he had no embarrassment about being naked, or using the yard as a toilet. After finishing her breakfast Sam's mom took a tennis ball out with her and asked sam if he wanted to play fetch. He nodded his assent, so she threw the ball. Sam ran after it. when he reached it he reached down to pick it up and his mother said “Not like that, dogs pick them up with their mouths.” Sam instantly bent down and scooped up the ball in his mouth. He carried it back to his mom. They continued to play this way for an hour. She noticed that he started panting. That was a nice touch. She couldn’t help but stare at her sweat covered son as he chased the ball across the yard. After a hard morning of play, Mom brought him in for lunch and watched as he ate. “You know, if you’re going to be a dog, you should be walking on all fours.”. “OK mom, whatever you say.” he replied and dropped to his knees. They played most of the rest of the weekend and mom petted Sam's back enjoying him more as her pet than her son. When the week started Sam’s mom had to go back to work so sam was told he would be spending the day outside. It was nice and sunny so sam was thrilled. He gulped down his breakfast that morning and ran out the door to explore the back yard. Work was boring that day, and when she got home she found sam sunning himself in the yard. Sam had hardly noticed the passage of time, he had been chasing birds and the occasional squirrel and had thought that this was how he should be spending his his life, not sitting in a boring classroom. She walked out and patted him on the stomach, and led him inside. She fed sam a special treat of beef with his dog food which he lapped right up. As the weeks progressed Sam's mom noticed that he seemed to be taking to this dog thing better that she thought he would. If anything he almost seemed to be acting more like a dog than a boy with each passing day. Mom was a little concerned, but found herself liking the way he was acting and wishing she could keep him this way forever. Sam's mom did some research and found places where people enjoyed acting like animals and found there was a vet in her area who sometimes saw people like that. She decided to make and appointment for sam for the weekend. The vet agreed to see them, but only late at night when the office was closed for his “regular” clients. Sam's mom found a robe and made him put it on for the ride even though he resisted. “I’m a dog” sam thought. “Dogs don’t wear clothes.” the instant they were in the office sam shed the robe and licked the vet. He did a full examination, and declared that Sam was fit and asked his mom if she wanted to have him vaccinated. “I sure do. I would also like to have him microchipped in case he ever gets loose.” She replied. “Of course, just fill out this paperwork” said the vet and handed her a stack of forms. While Sam's mom was filling them out the vet filled several syringes and proceeded to inject sam with the fluids. He whined a little but took them well. “Good Dog!” the vet praised him. “He’ll be a little sore for a couple days but should be all right. Here are you rabies tag and a tag for the id chip.” “Thanks. now I can get a license for him.” Sam's mom told the vet. Sam sat on his haunches on the exam room floor and found he only vaguely understood what they were talking about. Something told him he should understand more, but he knew his mother only wanted what was best for him so he didn’t let it worry him. “Would you like to have him neutered?” the vet asked. Sam's mom thought for a few minuets, but then decided “Not yet, thanks.” “Ok, lets settle up the bill and get a copy of the records for you.” the vet said. Mom paid and tried to get sam to wear the robe to the car. He refused and since it was dark his mom just let him walk to the car in all his naked glory, hoping no one would see them. The drive home from the vet was peaceful, as it was late and not many cars were on the road. Sam’s mom (Owner?) reflected back on how the summer had played out so far. She had enjoyed talking and spending time with sam, but he had always spent most of his time watching tv or playing video games. Although they no longer spoke (everyone knows dogs don’t talk) Sam was spending more time with his mom and they seemed to be connecting in ways they never had before. She looked in the rearview mirror and saw sam sleeping on the back seat of the car. His legs were waving like he was running and he was moving his rear as if he had a wagging tail. Then next morning Sam's mom got a call from one of her friends that he was going out of town and wanted someone to watch his dog. Sam was sitting on the floor staring up at her with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. “Would you like a friend to play with?” She asked him. “woof woof woof” he replied. She told her friend she would love to watch his dog and he could drop it off before he left. When Ryan dropped off Fangs, Sam was still in the backyard. “I hope he doesn't give you any trouble this week. Just feed him and let him out and everything should be great.” He instructed. “have a great trip” Sam's mom told him. After he left she brought sam in and let them greet each other. They sniffed and licked at each other. Sam's mom couldn’t tell the difference between the dog and her sons behavior. The two spent most of the week chasing each other around the yard, rolling in the mud and even shared a rawhide chew before heading off to dinner. When Sam's mom saw them covered in mud, she had to hose them down before she would let them into the house. When Ryan picked up fangs the next morning, Sam's mom decided to confide in him as they had been flirting across the fence for months. “Sam told me he wanted to spend the summer as my dog. I could hardly believe my ears when he said it. I thought he was crazy, but he’s taken to it like a fish to water.” “That's odd, but why are you telling me this?” Ryan wondered. “We’ll I’m going to have to go to a conference for work, that I can’t get out of. Would you mind watching him for a while?” She asked. He readily agreed since she had watched fangs for him and they had gotten along so well. Sam's mom dropped him off early the next morning so she could catch her flight. Ryan took one look at Sam and smiled. “I’ve got big plans for you this week.” Ryan spent the next few hours watching Sam to see how far he had taken to his new roll as a dog. Sam's behavior was almost exactly what you would expect to see from an average dog. He tried to talk to him but anything more than basic commands were met with a puzzled look. “Good“ Ryan thought. “His mom will be pleased when she gets him back.” Sam's sleep was uneasy and he awoke feeling tired. when Ryan greeted him in the morning he sensed that something was different. “So you want to be a dog do you?!?” he asked. “your vet and I have been talking, and we have an appointment set up for you. I think you’ll like the results.” The vet was normally closed on Sundays but had come in early to set up for the special procedures that Ryan had requested. “You’re sure you have the ok to do this?” the vet asked. “yep heres the form” Ryan produced a form on which he had forged Sam's moms signature. “Very well, I’ll get started in a few minuets. let me set up a few last things.” Ryan had requested that the vet remove most of his fingers and thumbs, neuter him, and attempt to graft a tail unto him. This first round of surgeries would produce a dramatic result and make sam feel more like a dog he was becoming. “The surgeries went well, and you can take him home in a few hours. I suggest you set a place where he can sleep in a comfortable position for the next few days. If he takes well to this, we can do the next round in a few days once he's had time to heal.” the vet instructed Ryan. He also handed him some bottles of pills for the pain and to prevent an infection. When Ryan finally took sam home, he was still groggy from the anastesia and was heavily bandaged around his waist and hands. Ryan could see a long furry tail sticking out from under the bandages. “The perfect touch” He thought to himself. It would be several days before the bandages would come off and he could see how well the surgeries went, but so far Ryan was pleased. When sam came to, he knew something was different but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. The vet had given him enough pain killer that he had a nice buzz. The vet had also decided to forgo the typical lampshade collar, as Sam's teeth weren’t sharp enough to damage any of the incision sites. Ryan walked into the room to refill the food and water dishes that sam and fangs had been sharing, and when he saw that sam was awake, he smiled. “Glad to see you’re finally up” he said. Sam Tried a wag and felt something flopping against the floor. Looking around he saw a tail swishing weakly behind him. Something in his mind said “But I don’t have a tail?”. When sam tried to rise he felt a jolt of pain in his hands- no now definitely paws. He looked down and saw they were very different than he remembered them. Sam realized he was very hungry and gingerly maneuvered himself the few steps to the food dish. He was happy to see the softer moist food instead of his normal dryer fare. He ate as much as he could than he drained the water dish. Ryan was pleased to see him eating, But was distressed because he had hoped to get one more surgery done to Sam's hind legs to make it easier for him him to walk and some facial surgery in an attempt to give him a snout. Sam's recovery had taken longer than expected and his mother was due back soon. Ryan wondered how she would react to the changes. He felt that she would have some trouble accepting them, but knew that he could sweet talk her into accepting them. He had been watching them since they moved into the neighborhood, and had gotten to know both in ways most people never do. He had only recently started flirting with Sam's mom in an effort to get himself into their lives. This twist had been exactly what he had been waiting for. He had known of Sam's request long before he had asked for dog sitting help. He had parked his car in the airport lot and caught a cab home. It was fairly expensive, but well worth it. Ryan had hastened the mental transformation with hypnotic suggestion, which sam had proved very susceptible to, but the majority of the change had been done by sam himself. This was truly the way he felt he should be though sam would never have been able to put it into words on his own. Sam grew stronger over the next couple of days and when the bandages were fully removed he seemed to be able to move without pain. His tail still seemed kind of weak but he was gaining control quickly. Ryan made sure sam was clean and neat in preparation for his mom to pick him up. When she saw him she nearly fainted. When she left she had left her son, and was now picking up some strange cross between the man and dog. Secretly she had hoped to keep him this way, but she was not prepared to take such drastic steps. “What have you done to him?!??” she demanded. Ryan replied “I have only helped him become what he was truly destined to be.” Sam's mom was furious that she had not been consulted, but was not upset with the results. “now I can keep him with me forever” she thought. She had already started selling off his clothes and stuff and had made a tidy sum. Acting as indignant as possible, she grabbed sam and dragged him home. She wasn’t thinking too clearly and didn’t care if anyone saw them. Ryan was smart enough not to try to stop her or follow. “Give her a day or two, and she’ll see that this was a change for the better.” he thought to himself. He watched carefully through the window of his house to be sure they would be all right. Sam's mom considered her possible courses of action over the next few days. While she was sitting in the chair, sam came over and put his head in her lap. He let out a small whine to get her attention, and she soon found herself scratching his head and petting him. There was no way Sam could return to school. It was due to start in a few days, so she would have to withdraw him. She hoped she would not have to explain too much, maybe just home schooling would be a good explanation. What was she going to do about Ryan? She was still mad, but she was deeply attracted to him. Whenever she tried to complain to him she fell under his spell and just started agreeing to whatever he wanted. Before she knew it, she had withdrawn sam for school (the classes were over crowded already and the staff seemed happy to have one less student to worry about. Sam's mom and Ryan had also scheduled sam in for his second round of surgeries since he was already half way through. Ryan had even convinced her to let him move in to “help take care of Sam after the surgeries.” Sam's recovery seemed to go much quicker this time with both of them nursing him back to health. He took to the leg modifications like a fish to water. He seemed to move around more easily and had less trouble with things getting in the way when he relieved himself. The vet had proven him self to be a prodigy with how smoothly everything went, and how few scars and how small they were. As she watched him running through the yard with fangs playing, she was happy that she had decided to go forward. Once the surgeries were complete sam could almost be mistaken for a normal dog. There was still a problem with giving him a coat of fur, but he had a nice snout, and with a few modifications his tongue hung out. The vet had warned that he would have to learn how to talk again, but sam hadn’t said anything but “Woof Woof” since the summer started. He now had control over his tail and could wag it as well as any other dog. He and fangs had become great friends, almost like they were from the same litter. Behaviorally Sam was now fully canine. There was no human left and sam seemed quite happy with his new life. As the weather stared to turn colder sam spent much more time inside with his two masters and friend. Life could not be better, Sam's mom thought and had convinced herself that Ryan's ideas and surgeries were for the best for sam. She was impressed with the results. and knew that this was how things should be. They finished getting rid of all of Sam's human stuff and used the money to pay off all of her bills. This gave her and Ryan more time to spend together. Ryan turned his attention to Sam's mom, and thought “I wonder how she would like to be a dog?”

[queen-scribbles]

Five More Minutes

@pillarspromptsweekly​ Fill 9: To the Rescue. 

Tavi cursed as snow dropped down the back of her boot for the fifth time in the past hour. “Why is it always the same fuckin’ boot?!” she groused under her breath as her right sock got just a little wetter. Again.

“I told you to lace your boots tighter,” Sagani said from behind her. An amused smile tugged her lips as Tavi’s scowl deepened. “C’mon, Tav, I did warn you.”

“Not helping,” Tavi growled. “I was makin’ sure I didn’t cut off blood flow an’ tryin’ to account for my fuckin’ socks.”

Sagani shrugged as the wind whipped at her hair. “It was your choice, Tav, all I’m sayin’.”

Unable to come up with a better reply, Tavi just rolled her eyes and kept walking. The faster they got down the damn mountain, the faster it wouldn’t be an issue. Stalwart lay hours behind them, and if the weather didn’t get too bad, they could probably make it to the bottom by night.

As if summoned by her wishing for the opposite, the wind picked up again, throwing snow in their faces. One especially strong gust unbalanced her and sent her teetering toward a snowdrift. Oh, shit, seriously-

“Careful!” Aloth’s hand closed around her arm and he pulled her back upright.

“Thanks,” Tavi smiled breathlessly, linking her hand with his once she had her balance back. “I swear the weather has it in for me.”

“And what makes you think that?”

“Aside from tryin’ to knock me into the fuckin’ snow? It waited until I figured out an estimate on travel time to reach the bottom that was dependent on good weather, and then it started doin’ this shit.” She reached over and flicked chunky snowflakes out of his hair. “Guess Ondra’s pissed at me.”

Aloth chuckled. “Well, you did just survive drowning by the skin of your teeth and return the Eyeless to Abydon, thus undoing what was probably centuries worth of effort on her part.”

Tavi snorted. “Still. Tryin’ to knock me in a snowbank? That shit’s fuckin’ petty.”

Aloth opened his mouth to reply, but she shushed him, frowing at the snowy expanse to their right. “Didja hear that?”

“What?” he asked in a whisper, as she was clearly still listening for something.

“Sounded like a kid,” Tavi muttered, tightening her grip on his hand as she leaned toward the elusive sound.

“We’re hours from the nearest civilization,” Aloth frowned, expression deepening when he heard the next soft wail. “It’s probably just wind through the rocks.”

“That would make more sense...”

“You still want to go look, don’t you?” he said knowingly. When she nodded, he squeezed her hand. “I’ll come with you.”

Tavi shook her head. “Those snowdrifts are gonna be waist-high at least on us. No reason for both of us to get soaked, especially on what’s likely a wild goose chase.” She looked back at the rest of the party. “Kana! Come help me with something for a minute!”

“What do you need?” Kana asked cheerfully as he approached. 

“Listen,” Tavi instructed, waiting until she saw recognition dawn in his eyes. “I wanna go see what that is. Just in case it’s something more than wind through rocks. An’ since you’re the biggest, I figure you’ll have the easiest time walkin’ off the beaten path with me.”

“Of course,” Kana nodded gamely. “Let’s be off.”

Tavi grinned at his enthusiasm, giving Aloth a quick kiss on the cheek as she released his hand. “Be right back.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” she heard Aloth mutter as she and Kana headed off in the rough direction of the lingering sound.

>O<

They walked for almost half an hour in silence, both trying to pinpoint the cry, before Kana sighed.

“I don’t see anything but rocks and snow, Tavi,” he admitted. “And I find it hard to believe a chld’s lungs could be this strong, especially out in the cold.”

Tavi nodded reluctantly. “You’re right, and it was probably just wind through rocks like Aloth said anyway.” She huffed a breath, watched it cloud the air. “Can we just go five more minutes before we turn back? To be safe?”

“Whatever you want,” Kana said, shooting her a curious look as he picked up her tone. “May I ask why this is so important to you?”

“That’s fair,” Tavi muttered, then sighed again. “When I was, oh....  fifteen, I think, my brother got lost in the woods. He was about six. Took two days for one of the search groups my father organized to find him. They’d... talked about turning back and decided to go five more minutes. We were five minutes from never findin’ him. Five minutes from him likely dyin’ out there. If they hadn’t pushed on, hadn’t gone far enough to hear him singin’ to himself....” She shook her head as she pushed through a deep drift of snow. “So now I’m extra paranoid about checkin’ thoroughly.”

“I can understand that,” Kana nodded. He cocked his head, listening. “Ah! I do believe I’ve found our culprit.” He pointed off to their left, at a tall rock spine pierced with a trio of holes. When the wind blew through, their varying sizes combined to create an all-too-folklike cry. “See, just rocks.”

Tavi’s shoulders sagged slightly in relief, only to re-hunch at a blast of snowy air. “Thank Hylea. Aloth was right. I really didn’t want it to be a lost kid. We woulda had to take ‘em back to Stalwart, an’ that would be a pain.”

Kana chuckled as he turned around. “At least it’s safe to turn back now.”

She laughed. “Y’don’t hafta hint, Kana. We can go.”

The two of them started retracing the path they’d made getting where they were. An occasional gust of wind pushed Tavi sideways, and she’d have to course-correct back to the track behind Kana. Most of the time it was only a step or two’s deviation, but one particularly nasty blast shoved her a good five steps to her right in an attempt to keep her balance.

It didn’t work. Mostly because her last step crunched down on ice over air buried under three feet of snow rather than rock.

“Motherfuc-!” It came out as part yelp, part growl while she was still pitching forward.

“Tavi!” She heard Kana yell her name, the crunch of his boots through the snow, felt his fingers brush hers as she fell, but it was too late.

He head bounced off the side of the crevasse and stars flashed across her vision. She hit both sides several times on her way down, finally landing hard on one shoulder. It gave with a pop that hurt almost enough to make her cry out. She probably would have anyway, if her landing didn’t also conk her head against the ground hard enough to knock her senseless.

>O<

She came to in the almost-dark of a fifteen foot deep crevasse, with no idea how long she’d been unconscious. Before she even tried sitting up, Tavi wiggled her toes inside her boots, and then her fingers. They all worked with no hesitation, except for her left hand. She sat up slowly, not putting any weight on that arm.

“Hylea’s fuckin’ tits,” she groaned, sucking in a pained breath between her teeth. Focusing on the narrow strip of light above her made her head pound like an Engwithan war drum. “Kana?!”

There was no answer from above, just her own whimper echoing back to her as her ribs protested the deep breath.

“Gods...” Breathing hard, she shifted position so she could sit leaning against the wall. She gingerly felt at her left shoulder, gritting her teeth against another whimper. “Nnngh...”

That’s fuckin’ dislocated, she confirmed mentally, using her right hand to rest her left arm across her lap. I really hope Kana’s gone because he went to the others for help...

The truth of the matter was, even with the high likelihood she was right, there was no way to know how long Kana had been gone. And no way of marking time other than sitting there and counting the seconds, which was a thoroughly unappealing thought. So Tavi settled in to wait, inventorying her injuries to pass the time and stay awake.

>O<

Fortunately, aside from the dislocated shoulder, a couple bruised ribs, and a nice goose egg above her left ear, there didn’t seem to be anything serious. And fifteen feet of rock overhead did offer a good bit of protection from the elements. Even more fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long before she heard someone calling her name, muted and distant thanks to the wind.

“Still here!” she hollered back, loudly as she dared with her ribs aching at deep breaths.

“Tavi?!” That was definitely closer, and definitely not Kana.

“I’m fine, city slicker!” Tavi called up. Relatively speaking... She gritted her teeth as she stood. “Just want fuckin’ out of here!”

There was a note of amused relief in Aloth’s voice as he called back,  “Understandable. We’re working on it.”

“Don’t s’ppose we have any rope left, do we?” she suggested. That would be too easy... 

“Unfortunately, no,” Aloth said regretfully, his silhouette visible as he leaned over the crevasse. “The last one broke after the Battery tower.”

“Don’t you dare be sorry about that, Corfiser!” Tavi hollered, indignant and not caring if it hurt her ribs. “This is fuckin’ leagues better than lettin’ anyone-” you especially, her mind whispered- “plummet to their deaths. I’m fine, I swear.”

“What are you considering fine, Tavi?”

Dammit. He knows me too fuckin’ well. “Oh, y’know... scrapes, bumps, bruises, dislocated shoulder...”

“Tavi!!” He sounded offended on her behalf that she was downplaying her on injuries.

“I’ve had worse and you know it!” she pointed out.

“Don’t remind me!” Aloth called down.

A smaller silhouette appeared next to his and Sagani chipped in, “Y’know, we can just kick him down there if you’d rather have a conversation at a normal volume level, Tav.”

Tavi laughed and then yelped. “Rather you got me up, ‘Gani.”

“We’re working on it,” Sagani promised. “Give us five more minutes.”

“Okay.” Tavi leaned her head back against the rock and muttered to herself,  “Literal minutes, or metaphorical ones?”

Growing up, whenever she or her brothers had asked for five more minutes to play or read whatever, they almost never literally meant five minutes. They were hoping their mother would lose track of time and they would get ten or fifteen.

>O<

“Five more minutes,” Khellin begged, eyes on paw prints that spiraled out into the woods.

“Five more minutes,” Casius pleaded, sprawled sideways in a chair with a book propped against his knees.

“Five more minutes,” Malachi said, flopped on his back with the neighbors’ cat curled up on his stomach as he hummed to himself.

“Five more minutes,” Tavi wheedled, perched precariously halfway up a tree.

“Oh, fine,” conceded Mom with a smile, time and time again, invariably giving her children far more than they asked for.

>O< 

“Tavi? Are you alright?” There was a note of concern in Aloth’s voice and she realized how long she’d been quiet. 

“Still fine, Aloth,” she reassured, the ache in her chest fading with the memories.  “Just thinkin’.”

“You must have hit your head rather hard...” he teased.

Tavi growled even as she grinned. “I’ll hit your head, city slicker.”

“I’ll let you,” he said, low enough she wasn’t sure she was supposed to hear it.

“Aloth, I swear I’m fine!” she promised. “I’m not bleedin’ to death, I don’t have any grievous  injuries, Hylea, the only reason I haven’t fixed my shoulder myself is ‘cause it’s a damn sight easier with help.”

“I’ll still feel better when we get you out of there...”

“I know, city slicker. Me, too. Shit, you think I like it down here? First of all, it’s still cold. Second, it’s hard and un-fuckin’-comfortable, and third, I’m away from you.” And I cannot believe I fuckin’ said that out loud...

“However will you survive?” Aloth deadpanned, most of the nerves gone from his voice.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?” Tavi retorted. “In all seriousness, Aloth, I’m not sleepy or anything, so you don’t hafta keep talkin’ to me.”

“Maybe not for your sake...” he said with a shaky, sheepish laugh. “But perhaps I need the reminder.”

“Well, then in the interest of not distactin’ the planners, let’s just sit here. Whenever you get nervous just call my name and I promise I’ll answer.” Hylea’s tits, she hated being stuck down here. She hated not being able to do anything, she hated that she couldn’t reach Aloth to squeeze his hand or give him a hug. Of course, if you could we wouldn’t be in a situation where he was worryin’ about you, would we?

“That... will have to do,” Aloth conceded reluctantly. And so they did for the remainder of the five minutes.

Finally Sagani popped her head back over the edge, knocking down small clumps of snow as she did, and called, “Okay, I think we worked something out. We tied the rope that broke in the Battery back together with about six different knots-”

“We still have that?!” Tavi asked incredulously as she got to her feet.

“C’mon, Watcher, you know I’m a hoarder.” The teasing note was clear in Hiravias’ voice, even distorted by the wind.

“This is the first time I’ve wanted to kiss you for it, though,” she retorted.

“Pass,” he chuckled. “You can kiss Aloth instead.”

“Deal!” Tavi laughed. “Sorry, ‘Gani. You can finish now.”

“Just that I think the rope should hold your weight long enough to get you out,” Sagani concluded. “This isn’t that deep, an’ it’s a pretty straight shot.”

“Worth a try,” Tavi concurred. “Just tie a loop in the end you lower down. I only have one workin’ arm right now, so I ain’t gonna be able to climb it. You’ll hafta pull me out.”

“Got it. Just a second.” Sagani disappeared from view for a minute, then her head popped back over the edge. “Okay, ready?”

“More than,” Tavi called back. She looked away from the brightly lit crack so her eyes would be adjusted  when the rope reached her level and waited. A few seconds later she heard the quiet but distinctive smack of rope against rock and picked out the pale brown line against the dark grey rock backdrop. As promised, the end was tied in a big enough loop to fit over her head. Tavi settled it around her waist--hopefully low enough it wouldn’t bother her ribs--and gave it a tug with her good hand. “Ready!”

In response, the rope went taut and she started moving upward, using her feet to keep from hitting the walls. When she was within arm’s reach of the edge, Tavi let go of the rope and grapped rock instead. Almost immediately, a large hand closed around her wrist and Kana pulled her the rest of the way out and set her on her feet.

“Tavi!” Aloth winced when she turned to look at him, which she barely caught as her eyes adjusted to the change in light.

“What?” she frowned. He reached over and brushed his fingers just above her eyebrow. They came away sticky with mostly-dry blood. “Pretty sure that’s nothin’ serious,” she said reassuringly, reaching up to push her hair back so he could see. “You know how head wounds are. They bleed like fuckin’ crazy.”

“Clearly,” he said dryly, even as his finger found the small cut along her hairline. “This one’s covered nearly a third of your face.”

“Well, guess we better get me cleaned up,” Tavi said glibly. “So I don’t look like a nightmare.” She reached down and scooped up a handful of snow--almost losing her balance in the process--to rub against the bloody part of her face.

“Here,” Aloth offered. He wiped the mess off her face with his sleeve, despite her protests, and gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek.

“And now I know nothin’ in my face is broken,” she joked. “Can we fix my fuckin’ shoulder?”

“Actually...” Sagani hesitated briefly. “If you think you can stand it just a little longer, Keya’s been settin’ up camp in a cave we found back near the path. If you can wait ‘til we get there, we can take off some layers, which should make things easier. Also, there’s food.”

“Ooh, one of my favorite sentences. I think I can manage.”

>O<

In the end she only made it five minutes before all the stubbornness in the world couldn’t keep her going and Kana had to carry her the rest of the way.

Keya had done quite a good job setting up camp for the time she’d had. She arched an eyebrow at seeing Tavi carried in. “What have you done to yourself now, Watcher?”

“First of all, I didn’t do this to myself,” Tavi protested as Kana set her down.  “Second, it’s not as bad as it looks. Just pop my shoulder back in an’ I’ll be fuckin’ fine.”

Keya didn’t look entirely convinced, so Tavi just started trying to undo the fastening on her coat one-handed.

“Let me help,” Aloth offered quietly as the others scattered to tend their own business. His fingers deftly  separated the toggles and loops.

“Thanks,” Tavi whispered, fighting the urge to lean against him in her exhaustion, since it would make his task harder. “And since you’re bein’ nice, I won’t make a crack about finally reachin’ a point in our relationship where you’re undressin’ me.”

He smirked rather than blush, and briefly leaned his forehead against hers.  “You’re better than such low-hanging fruit, anyway.”

Tavi snorted, shrugging out of the coat with her good shoulder as the last fastener parted. “City slicker, I’m all about the fuckin’ low-hangin’ fruit. It’s like you don’t know me at al-”

He kissed her. Tavi felt her own pleased hum answered by his as she reached to cup his jaw with her good hand.

I take it back, something inside her smirked. He knows me really fuckin’ well. Aloth grazed her bad shoulder as he moved to copy her action, and Tavi broke the kiss with a yelp.

“Gods, Tavi, I’m sorry,” he said in consternation.

“S’alright,” she managed, resting her head against his shoulder briefly. “It’s a good reminder I should get that fixed before we make out, anyway.”

“Very true.” Aloth helped her the rst of the way out of her coat, gingerly around the dislocated joint, and then repeated the process with the heavier of the two shirts she wore. He sat next to her and held her hand while Keya popped her shoulder back into joint. Let her squeeze --encouraged it, really-- until Tavi was worried she’d break bone or something.

>O<

Once Tavi as all put back together, they sat by the fire, loosely wrapped in a shared blanket, and watched Sagani and Hiravias prepare dinner.

“I’m sorry we didn’t make all the progress you wanted today,” Aloth murmured, thumb rubbing the back of her hand.

“It’s okay,” Tavi replied, giving his hand a much gentler squeeze than she had earlier. “Caves are good for our relationship.”

He laughed quietly, nodding concession of the point. “They have been something of a good luck charm for us, haven’t they?” He turned slightly to kiss her on the temple. “And shouldn’t you be lying down? I seem to recall Keya telling you to rest.”

“This is restful,” Tavi countered, snuggling closer.

“Tavi. You know what she meant.”

“Fine. Five more minutes?” she cajoled, tilting her chin up for a kiss.

Aloth sighed, smiling slightly as he caved to both the spoken request and the unspoken. “Five more minutes.”

Neither of them were terribly surprised when that stretched to twenty. 

[dokkaebiking]

Caped Update

For being Friday the 13th, I just had one of the best nights ever? Firstly, I’m safely nestled against the bosom of California, where I think I’ll stay forever because already my life has significantly improved. Second, I’m unpacked, my cats are healthy and content in their new home, and even though I only got three hours of sleep prior, I had my first day of training today at my new job and found out that, not only do I know the system since I’ve used it before, my new workplace is HELLA CHILL. BLESS. Worked all the way until 1pm and settled my training schedule until I begin to work solo. But the fun doesn’t stop there!

After I got home I chilled on Facebook for awhile, striking up a conversation with the first FTM friend I ever made waaaaaaaay back before I ever left California the first time, and not only did we catch up, he was super informative on clinics to go to, prices of hormones, specific doctors to see as he sees them too, and transgender help groups in the area. Aside from the major surgeries that’ll cost me a black market sell of at least one kidney and maybe my soul, everything else seems to be so easy to begin! California doesn’t even require Gender Therapy to have a complete stranger determine whether I’m kidding myself or not *stares into the camera and sighs*, so after a consultation and a check-up or two to determine doses, how it’ll work with my system, etc., it’ll just be a matter of getting a prescription and starting T! I’m blown away by how simple that part is, which makes the really pricey/difficult stuff not seem so bad anymore with the starting line so much easier to cross than I thought. And the amount of support I’m getting from my Trans buds on FB is helping me so much, I’m so thankful.

But anyway, then my roommate/bestie/ex-boyfriend/platonic soulmate came home and we picked up another one of our besites, then went out for Korean BBQ~! It was an hour wait for our party, so we hit up the Korean mall right next door, loaded up on snacks like strawberry and dark chocolate Kit-Kats (they’re incredible, btw), dropped them off at the car, then chilled outside the restaurant and played the UFO Catcher (Claw Machine) while we killed time and waited. I watched Robert and Steve (the besties) play about ten rounds each trying INCREDIBLY HARD to get a Plusheen plush that was holding a doughnut, and managed to wiggle it practically free and right next to the hole, but just could NOT get it to move from there. We’d even gotten a tiny crowd interested in our endeavors by now, it was funny.

But then shit got real.

Because Steve turns to me and says it’s my turn, and Robert puts two dollars in my hands for two attempts, and without an ounce of expectation I put the one dollar in, line up the claw, and let it drop. Plusheen’s kinda fat, so the claw just dug down into its sides, and before it even started to raise I gave up and turned around to make a face at Robert and Steve. Only, before I even make eye contact with either of them they both shout, and so does our little crowd, and I spin back around in surprise only to see that the claw GOT PLUSHEEN BY THE DOUGHNUT AND CARRIED IT TO SALVATION RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES. One try, and I do the thing that these two nerds had been trying to do the entire time. Ourselves and the crowd went fucking NUTS, it was great, and Steve took this unflattering (ain’t even mad, bruh, it’s not his fault I’m in no way photogenic) but memorable photo of me to immortalize this triumph of fucking luck:

(Like seriously, why does my face suck, is that supposed to be a kawaii blue steel? WTF? And when did I get a sausage for a hand? The rest I’m okay with but really, Tav, learn how to human better please, for all our sake’s.)

Shortly after we get to go in and get seated, and not only does Steve trade me a Rowlet so I have both Litten and it, since I really wanted both (oh yeah, and he gave me his old 3DS which is actually really well taken care of, and a copy of Pokemon Moon for no reason other than being the best dude ever? I can finally play this awesome game ;A; Can you believe this amazing nerd, I love him so much~♥ That’s also why my hoodie pouch, in the pic, is bulging like that—my 3DS is inside) but the spicy chicken I grill for myself is so delicious I almost cried. We laughed, we had fun, and now that I’m home and happy~♥♥♥ I gave Erica, the other bestie/roommate/platonic soul mate, the Plusheen since she’s sick as a dog and it made her smile.

VERY good day~!