#it just skipped over Gale completely

[errantgoat]

Camelia's playthrough is saved!

And on that same note...I only see discourse on how many things Astarion gets/ Wyll doesn't get in consecutive patches, and here we have mr secret dark horse Dekarios who sits on four effing kisses done with such a tonal variety and care that it simply floored me.

What do you mean Gale has a tender forehead-touch-kiss??

I'm sorry you guys Gale wins.

[elvirable]

Instincts

[ Astarion x f!Reader/Tav ] | ao3 link

rating: explicit | word count: 3.7k | status: complete themes/tags: vaginal sex, vaginal fingering, creampie, feelings realization, denial of feelings, light angst at the end, you know the sex scene after the tiefling party?, yeah so this is it, with astarions pov, already catching feelings smh, smut is halfway through, just skip to after all early dialogue

----------------------------------------------------

Little did he know that evening, that was the beginning of his simple plan crumbling apart.

In other words: Astarion has been struggling to balance century-long instincts with newfound feelings, an undeniable connection. He carries out his simple little plan as intended, but meets complications he didn't quite expect. ----------- A/N: so i hung up my cod medals of honor to write this.. i've been playing for a month now. originally posted without proofreading, but its now edited for grammar and some terms -----

It was hard not to have fun around you.

Something of a child-like giddiness would buzz through his nerves whenever you sauntered over, his marbled red eyes wouldn't dare to miss a beat of the vision you were. Swaying hips and that deceivingly coy face. Of course, you were strikingly beautiful – a wickedly delectable sight – but that wasn’t the only source of his carnal anticipation.

It was just you, the enigmatic little thing you were. 

Admittedly, Astarion believed he had read you like an open book the moment he laid eyes on you. It was an instinct of his: gathering a cerebral repository of notable ticks and body language, facial twitches, and octave changes in those around him. Watchful, constant observations.

He had chalked you up to a sort of stoic character at first. Graceful, to a degree, in your manner of subtly balancing the world around you. A stable composure, quick and quiet without brash or idle chatter.. unlike that Gale. You were a less flagrantly repulsive hero-type crafted in his mind – but he had still expected you to be oh-so predictable with a shallow drive for self-emaciating ‘justice’. Whereas the others wore their baggage like a garment, you held your cards close to your chest – like a chameleon suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

Yet the sun rose and fell two or three times around the wilderness of Elturel, when he found himself pleasantly contradicted. He normally didn’t dedicate much attention towards someone he believed he so easily pegged, but his interest began to pique. Just enough to leave him sitting with an edge and a consuming desire to peer in closer. 

Maybe it was the way your mouth twitched into a quiet smile during his verbal antics on the road or the firm passiveness you held from the blighted village to the drama of Emerald Grove; an intoxicatingly confusing blend of traits you harbored. The closer he watched you, the less blurred you became. You didn’t fear being authentic and enforcing boundaries to those who attempted to use you – but you weren’t cruel; you met the world around you just as it was, without discrimination. No unnecessary harm, no free handouts either. 

Or perhaps it was your sarcastic remarks that stirred what little glee he had in him; an especially delicious and refreshing insight into your humor. While he could care to give a critical note or two on your lack of blatant cruelty, Astarion respected your compelling demeanor; he witnessed how all these companions turned their eyes so frequently to you with decision.

But what he did know for sure was the eye contact.

Gods, the first time your heads swiveled mid-strife and your gazes locked with a rich crackle – the memory alone was enough to stupefy him! Something strange stirred, something that didn’t sit comfortably. He didn’t know  what to make of it.

With all this said, that same sensation boiled inside his stomach as he mulled over his every interaction with you. He recalled that moment of midnight – when all was still and you had caught him prepared to taste your throat. Your wary stare pierced through him, washing away briefly the desperate pangs of blood-thirst and left him feeling.. nervous. 

Ugh, how he despised the feeling. 

He was sickened when all those ledgers of observations caved in on himself, caught in his pale throat. He had taken such an overwhelming liking to you – to the extent, he had realized, that he was drawn to your guidance, your approval; a repulsive frustration at the time enough to coil through his cold veins. Without much to say, however, he was adamantly relieved when you conceded and soon regularly allowed him to drink from your slender neck. 

His trail of thoughts glossed over your stifled grunts onto the following morning: when you came to his defense as everyone felt the need to chime in with their unfettered prejudices. And how his ease, his excitement around you became persistently potent – a fresh energy that filled him as you spurred on his teasings and whims. Astarion noticed your subtle release of your ever-strong walls, just enough so he could relish in your humor and affable side.

There was always a hesitation at doting on the sensation that rose inside him at these thoughts of you. He surmised he was merely back in the practice; where he spun honeyed words and charmingly guile eye contact, to wrap his target around his finger. Any little edge of control he could grasp onto, the familiar taste of influence he used to know so well. These habits of two hundred years were kicking in. He’d play the part and – sooner or later – this eagerness to please would be reversed onto you.

Whether it was his own willful denial or the culmination of fate’s ever-spinning thread, the first crumble began the night of the tiefling party.

.

Cool and clear was the star-freckled night. Everything was too merry for him: the wide-toothed grins of the tieflings, sharp strums of the lute, the chatter. Even the wine was downright awful, pungent and tart like vinegar. 

Astarion would’ve normally indulged in his bitter mood, but it was the sight of your drunken smile that diffused his prior desire to complain.

How interesting, he thought as his eyes lapped up your squinted grin and eased laughter. It was helplessly infectious to see you so earnest, casually prattling on in conversation throughout the camp. 

Red eyes followed while you made your rounds, encouraging the tiefling’s dancing lights spell and conversing with the bard. Astarion even raised a brow at the playful expression that washed over your face as you spoke to the hulking druid by the name of Halsin.  When you strolled over to Shadowheart and he caught that carefully provocative glint in the raven-haired cleric’s eyes – a chord of jealousy grew taut inside his chest.

He had half the mind to feel insulted that you hadn’t wandered in his direction yet, but that was quickly dispersed when he noticed you dismiss yourself and head towards a wooden crate near the riverfront. 

Almost like a shadow, Astarion swept in your direction. Whether it was to merely take in your smile up close or to put his plan in motion, he settled on the latter. You were rifling through the crate that held what could barely pass as wine, muttering a quiet curse about the little tiefling probably pocketing a bottle or two.

“Here’s my little treat with her cheeks all flushed,” the words dripped from his mouth with a sweet cadence. “You will come to my bed tonight, won’t you?”

You swiveled at the sound of his voice, raised brow accompanying your hazy smile. The influence of wine lowered your usual wariness, and he caught the realization flutter across your face; there was no constitution in attempting to act reserved, especially with the rapport you two had grown. Amusement was written all over your face, hardly concealed – you had decided to play along.

“A little treat? You can do better than that.” 

“Oh, I certainly can. It would be my pleasure.”

He leaned closer, half-lidded eyes darkening and breath heavy with a mischievous delight. You watched him expectantly, reveling in what would pour from his lips.

“How about this one,” he loosened his posture, as if you both were stowed away from the entire world instead of dawdling along the outskirts of the shoddy camp. “All these accolades from the tieflings are nothing compared to the sound of my name, cried from your lips.”

Astarion watched the smile further spread across your soft lips, the wickedly sweet crinkle in your eyes while you crossed your arms. An exhilaration rose underneath his suave demeanor, even the bemused snicker invigorating.

“Is that the best you can do?” came your quick quip.

“Hmm, let me give it another go,” his voice was thick with arousal, a hungry glint in his eyes. “Every part of your perfect body whispers temptation – it’s as if the Gods made you just to ruin me.” 

His words clung to the air for a moment. The deliberate onslaught of poetic pleasantries laced with such ardent lust, the hum of the wine – Astarion studied your face swirling in thought. Heat had built up from the lower half of your body up to your cheeks, a quiet neediness wavering in your stance and threatened to boil to the surface of your skin.

Gods, you were thinking, it had been the longest time and you’ve been touch-starved.. more so under the urgency of all the trouble you had been thrust into. You never trusted a pretty boy, but you'd be damned if his flowered prose didn't stir something in you; you had never been the subject of such pursuits, real or not. Desire rushed through you, coiling in your stomach.

There was a beckoning in his eyes as they clutched onto yours, imporing you to draw closer, and his boyish features were even more alluring when caressed by the moon’s glow. However, you couldn’t bring yourself to trust those flowery words. They were tinted with an air of rehearse.

“Did these really work on Cazador’s targets?”

“Well, they’re working on you, aren’t they?”

A mild bashfulness buzzed through the warmth on your cheeks, as you couldn’t really deny it. 

“How about if I said these little words… everyone’s favorite,” Astarion continued, pausing for effect.

“I love you.”

Sly amusement colored his face. He had succeeded in riling up the intrinsic urge, no matter how much you tried to conceal it. How adorable you were when your gaze fluttered briefly.

“Having fun, are you?” you observed, smile holding on your lips.

As he had mused earlier, he was. It was hard not to whenever around you.  

.

Festivities settled down, the entire camp fast asleep once the wine crate had emptied and bellies were full. Only the chittering of crickets could be heard amongst the trees.

The forest, usually dressed in potent darkness, stilled beneath the moonlight. A serene, subtle beauty of the night – one Astarion was very accustomed to knowing, to living . He had done this so many times it had become second nature – the salacious rendezvous, the secrecy and fleeting thrill of them all. 

He had contemplated before, the image of you melting in the throes of pleasure. He wondered whether you preferred his hands gentle or rough, what sounds would dribble from your lips – if they sounded as sweet as you tasted. 

Though nothing could prepare him for the reality, which far surpassed fantasy; the pretty little thing you were, bare figure caressed by the lowlight, slowly making your way towards him.

“There you are. I’ve been waiting.”

You offered him a coy smile, cheeks still warm and rosy. An ache rushed between your legs at the sight of him sauntering forward, his well-formed broad physique. Lean, yet muscular – and the soft details of his appearance; the crease of laughter lines, the curl of his lashes. Just the anticipation of it all served enough to make you wet.

“Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting to have you,” he leaned closer, desire coating every syllable.

“You don’t have me yet,” you matched the pulse of his words, emanating a playfulness to goad him on further.

Greedy lips suddenly met yours, and you were pressed against the tree trunk. His palms gripped the back of your thighs, swift dexterity almost catching you off guard. You instantly melted, like a puddle, in his grasp; your soft lips just as eager, skin aching and impatient for his touch. You never realized how sensitive you were, how truly touch-starved until you fought the gasp that escaped your throat.

Astarion didn’t waste a beat, carefully laying you onto the grass below while he drawled slow kisses along the curve of your neck. Fervent yearning permeated from your skin; you wanted more, and he was prepared to give you everything .

He drank in the sight of your arousal, eager to please you yet potently roused from the position he was in: you were such a delectably pretty thing sprawled beneath his weight, completely bare and vulnerable. Wide eyes bashfully beckoning him to just taste you.

“Part those precious legs for me, beautiful.” He directed, his voice less of a growl this time – instead more sweet. Soft. 

You could feel your face heat up further at his words, following his command without hesitation. Tender hands trailed along the soft skin of your thigh, his intense eyes briefly leaving yours to watch his fingers lingered over your folds – you were glistening with slick , fevered arousal.

“Oh my, you’re already so wet for me.”

His voice was almost a whisper now, as a keen excitement rushed through his veins. A twitch pressed against his briefs, his cock already hard and eager especially when his eyes darted towards your rosy. So willing, ready to indulge his every whim. For a moment, he settled in your vulnerability – a sight he didn't expect to see. You were always full of such delicious surprises.

He shook the thought from his mind, allowing a sly smile to return to his lips.

“Who knew you were so needy?”

Your cheeks flushed, timid lips scrambling to form a defensive retort before he slipped two fingers inside. Only a quiet gasp left your mouth as your soaking warmth struggled to adjust, tightening around his digits. You were barely able to comprehend the words he said, instinctively bucking your hips.

“ Astar ..” your breath hitched before you could even finish, when his fingers began a slow pace. Teasingly slow, you would beckon, but there was nothing you could even fathom whispering anymore. Your walls began to clench, eager to receive his unwavering attention.

Hums of pleasure pulsed through your every nerve, rapidly as he fastened the curling pace of his fingers. Every hitched and quiet whimper encouraged him, his palm soaked with your slick. He relished the sight of your round breasts rising and falling feverishly, your heat clenched around him – his cock further hardened, precum no doubt pooling on the fabric of his briefs. 

All you could manage was to focus on the pleasure mounting between your legs, thighs now quivering with anticipation. His thumb slid up to your swollen clit, never breaking pace, to draw teasingly slow circles. He adjusted his weight to lean closer to your face, the sudden attention causing an overwhelming shyness to press your eyes shut. Your thighs trembled more now while his fingers beckoned and lured your pleasure to spur closer and closer.

“Look at me,” he whispered, his voice the gentlest you’ve ever heard. 

He couldn’t place the sensation – of feeling entranced in a sense, when whimpers of pleasure fumbled from your beautiful lips. Astarion almost felt lost, nearly mesmerized, when you kept those pretty eyes trained on his. He could feel his eyes soften at your vulnerable stare, and all at once everything inside him craved to slide into your warmth. To feel you melt into him, to hit every right spot to make you sing, for every sweet prayer cascading from your lips to be for him.

“Mmf..” You were left in a sudden foggy haze, a mix of pleasure and confusion when he abruptly withdrew his fingers. You couldn’t fathom any words to speak, only furrowed your brows in a hazed and disorientated manner.

“I’m sorry, love.” His breathless laugh seemed dazed before the low, heaviness returned to his tone, “You were practically just begging with those lovely eyes of yours.”

He leaned downwards to plant soft, reassuringly delicate pecks across the nape of your neck; each a mantra to affection, leaving a buzz in their wake. Carefully he peeled down his briefs with a wasted moment to rub his eager cock against your slick warmth.

Your moans sounded even sweeter closer to his ear, and a delighted sigh pressed from his lips onto your skin. His throbbing cock was met with some resistance as the length and girth was suffocated by your tightening walls, warm spasms at the sensation being filled. 

A guttural, low moan hummed from his throat. Fuck, you were so perfectly tight.

His cock pulsed at the sudden attention, aching with pleasure and a warm buzz radiating through his skin. He paused for a moment, needing to relish every second it felt to be now pressed so deep inside you. The softness of your skin, delicate cues of pleasure washing over your face, how your warm walls enveloped his cock.

You moaned as he pushed more of his length inside your needy warmth, tears beginning to well up in the corner of your eyes. Pleasure and slight pain blurred, the tip of his cock almost pressed against your soft cervix and a rouse of heat traveling up your spine. 

His hands gripped the globes of your ass to adjust his leverage, slowly but deliberately digging his hips against yours with each thrust. His body was achingly ready, alive with frantic urge. He was incapable of any pretty words to whisper, tangled groans replacing his usual velvet tongue.

As he pounded quicker into your warmth, your pulsating soft walls sucked his cock tighter and deeper with each buckle. He nestled his head into the nape of your neck. Sweat formed on his pale forehead as he wrestled with his restraint, his cock stroking in and out, hitting pleasure points you never knew existed and relishing in your shameless cries – desperate for him.

Soft, warm pleasure unraveled across you in hot waves. If you had the mind, you could only hope that no one could hear you two – the sounds and wet smacks of his skin colliding against yours – but all you could do was turn your pleasured cries and whimpers into soundless gasps.

Your lips parted, hips bucking before your back arched from the ground. Every fiber of your body attempted to get closer to him, and his to you. Of some act of grace, your hand caressed his face, lifting him to face yours.

Oh, how he wanted to melt right there. 

Eager eyes met each other, brows furrowing together into a soft, tender stare. Astarion’s hips began to buck erratically for a moment as he struggled to regain his resolve. Once steadied, he continued to bury deeper into you in every perfect way. You were clenched so tightly, so divinely around him while his name trickled as a whisper from your lips. 

“You – fuck .. “ you couldn’t be bothered to form a proper sentence, every whim of comprehension overwhelmed by new heights of white pleasure. You were lulled into a stupor, and his grip tightened at your garbled pleas.

“Thaaat’s it,” Astarion practically begged, voice ragged, his eyes never leaving your beautiful face as it twisted with sweet expressions. An eagerness gnawed inside him, to push you to the edge of your pleasures. You were so perfect while you cried his name, taking all of him so well. 

“Come for me, sweet girl –” Hushed and delicate was his tone, only causing you to surrender any inhibition.

Heat wound tightly in your abdomen, lashes wet with the tears trailing down your warm face. Every nerve was wound so tight, finally snapping into a rush of white hot pleasure that left your skin flushed and tingling. You tried to whine out his name, but it spilled out into broken gasps as you reached your fingers to grip his silver curls. 

His hips began to stagger, riding out your pleasure until he could no longer postpone the succumb to pleasure. They lost their rhythm, and a low moan rumbled from his throat as he surrendered to the overwhelming sensation of your tightening walls, pressing into you.

You could feel his cock throbbing in you, as your nerves are slow to fizzle from the glowing buzz, and it swelled. Your slick walls were overstimulated nearly by his desperate, choppy thrusts before a cry escapes his lips – his cum flooded into you, thick and hot. He felt waves of warmth, so real and alive. So helplessly right.

The air was silent, as you both collected your breaths in hurried gasps. Astarion peeled his weight off of you only to roll onto his back, by your side. Your body felt light and completely slack, almost boneless as you sunk into the earth underneath you. Aftershocks of pleasure still rippled throughout your nerves. 

Both of you laid sweaty, flushed, exhausted, lacking the energy to care. You broke the silence with a wobble in your voice.

“Fuck, you came inside me..” you stated the obvious, reeling from pulsing nerves and vision hazy. 

“I’m sure the druids have something that’ll take care of that..” Astarion said breathlessly, extending an arm to wipe the sweat glistening off his forehead. 

He waited for a quiet laugh or a retort, but neither came.

Turning his head, he was met with the vision of your exhausted figure fast asleep. Slowly your chest rose and fell, face at ease – a vulnerability he had only seen when you were in deep sleep, if you weren't tossing and turning.

The quiet sat with him while he attempted to gather his thoughts, his experience. He had seen an entirely different side of you – exposed delicate. Part of his conscience pooled with guilt. 

He had a plan. A nice simple plan. It wasn’t foreign to casually bed strangers, seducing and manipulating them into following his every whim. Hells, this had been routine for two hundred years . The count was lost on how many nights he spent using people like ragdolls, only to be lured back into the hands of Cazador.

Astarion returned his gaze to the stars glistening above, attempting his best at reducing it to the odd circumstances or perhaps he was simply out of practice. 

Regardless – even if it was more than a fluke – he had already fucked things up. The thought felt tainted now, uneasy and riddled with remorse. 

Little did he know that evening, that was the beginning of his plan crumbling apart.

[sansaorgana]

I don't quite understand if the requests are open, but I can't get it out of my head. Can you write something ​​about Gale Cleven/reader ovulating? (with smut please 🙏🏻🙏🏻)

I really love your writing!!!😭💗

hello, babes! 😊 I tried to write the first request of the Reader ovulating and them trying for a baby with Buck being some sort of a soft!dom and I hope he's soft!dom enough in this fic haha I always imagine him super sweet and vanilla personally tbh 🙈

I had to currently close the requests because I got so many so I'm working on them atm 🙏🏻

🔞 THIS FIC IS 18+ 🔞

You had a busy day running errands all around town since early morning so you sighed with relief when the evening finally came and you could take a long, relaxing bath before putting on a nightgown and go to bed to read a magazine. Your husband was in his study room downstairs where he was working on some papers for his work but he would usually join you in bed an hour before midnight to read a book as well. You enjoyed those quiet evenings the most out of the whole day.

You sat comfortably with your back resting on the pillow and opened the magazine to look for interesting articles. On one of the pages you spotted a nice advert of a new cosmetic brand. You tilted your head and bit on your lower lip, deciding you would like to try it. So, you opened the drawer of your bedside table and took out your small calendar to write down the brand’s name.

It opened on today’s date and your heart skipped a beat at the sight of a little heart that you had drawn there some time ago. That little heart could mean only one thing – you were ovulating. And because of all your errands on that day, you had completely forgotten about it.

You were actively trying for a baby with Buck. You had wanted a baby before his departure to Europe, actually – you had wanted to have his child in case he wouldn't come back. You hadn’t succeeded back then but in the end it had been for the best. If you had gotten pregnant then, Buck would have missed all of your pregnancy and the first year of your child’s life. But now he was back and the war was over. It was the best time to have a baby and you were determined; tracking your cycle, marking the fertile days in your calendar and following your doctor’s advice about the diet to increase your chances.

You put the calendar and magazine down before jumping out of the bed and fixing your hair quickly in the mirror; taking the rollers out as fast as possible and brushing the waves. Then you put some perfume on and caressed the slight creases on the nightgown’s fabric as you put on a gentle smile and walked out of the bedroom.

You went downstairs and knocked slightly upon the door leading to your husband’s study room. However, you didn’t wait for his reply because you only knocked to announce your arrival so he wouldn’t be startled – you didn’t do that to actually wait for his permission to enter. You pushed the door open and saw Buck sitting by the desk as he sighed at some paperwork in front of him.

“Baby,” you called for him softly and he raised his tired eyes at you.

“What is it, love?” He asked, gently.

“How busy are you?” You stood behind him and put your hands upon his tense shoulders to give them a quick massage. He hummed to himself at the feeling of your soft fingers squeezing all the muscle knots.

“Pretty busy,” he answered and you pouted. “What is it, sugar?”

“I’ve just realised that today’s the best day to make a baby this month,” you whispered, a little shyly. Buck looked up at you with a soft smile and you felt your cheeks heating up.

“Really?” He asked and you nodded. “Oh, well, then that is more important. Come here,” he invited you to sit on his lap as he moved away from the desk to make some space.

You sat across his thighs and threw your arms around his neck to clasp your hands behind his head. Buck pulled you closer by your hips and leaned in to place a gentle kiss upon your lips. When you broke the kiss, you pressed your forehead to his and rubbed your noses together. You moved your hands to his cheeks as your fingertips caressed the thin scars scattered on his face.

“I want to have your baby,” you breathed out. “Please, I want to make you a daddy,” you pleaded.

“Don’t you worry, baby,” Buck kissed your lips again, “I’ll give my wife anything she wants,” he promised with a playful smile. “Come, sweetheart, let me put a baby in you,” he lifted you up as you squealed with a giggle.

Buck moved all the papers to the side in one swift move of his hand before placing you gently on the top of his desk.

“You want to make our baby here?” Your eyes widened at him and he froze with his hands on his belt as he raised an eyebrow at you.

“What do you mean?”

“Take me upstairs, baby,” you whined and put your foot on his chest playfully as he grabbed you by your ankle.

“You’re being a brat, Mrs. Cleven,” he warned and you chuckled. “You’re lucky that I’m so in love with you, you know that?”

“Sure, I do, Major,” you saluted and he rolled his eyes before lifting you up bridal style. You threw your arms around him and hid your face in the crook of his neck.

Buck opened the door of his study room with his shoe before taking you upstairs, taking each step very carefully because he didn’t want to drop you or fall down with you on top of him. You took that time to suck on the soft flesh below his ear.

When you finally reached the bedroom, Buck laid you down on the bed gently and admired you for a while.

“You’re glowing, baby,” he admitted.

“Yes, I am,” you nodded, “because it’s time for you to put a baby in me,” you reminded him. “So, what are you waiting for?” You panted and reached out for him as he shook his head and chuckled softly.

“I should teach you some patience,” he took his shirt off and put it neatly on the chair by the vanity table. A Major indeed – he would never just throw it on the floor.

“Perhaps. But we know you won’t because you love to spoil me,” you giggled as Buck took his belt off and put it on top of his shirt. “God, you’re taking so long,” you whined. The idea of him putting a baby in you was exciting enough but seeing him undress was making it worse.

“Alright, come here, little mama,” he finally joined you in bed as he positioned himself above you, wearing nothing but his underwear. “So impatient for your husband to take care of you?” He teased and caressed your face to get your hair out of the way.

“Just want my man to put a baby in me,” you crossed your legs behind his back as your nightgown pulled up and revealed your panties.

“Oh, I’m gonna. I’m gonna make love to you all night long,” he promised and put his big, warm hand on your womb. It made you giggle as you already imagined yourself swollen with his baby. He’d be the best father in the world just like he was the best husband and you wanted nothing more than to give him a child. It would make your family complete.

Buck joined your lips together in a sweet and gentle yet passionate kiss as he allowed his fingertips to run freely all around your body, making you shiver as goosebumps appeared on your skin. You pressed your hands to his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat under your palms. You loved him so much that it was making you dizzy to have him so close and all yours – after all those long months of him being so far away from you… you had been starting to forget that your husband was a real person made out of flesh and with a heart pumping his blood, with beautiful blue eyes and golden hair, those pretty long eyelashes and an adorable smile that reminded you of a little boy. You hoped your child would have the same.

But now he was back, he was here. You hadn’t made him up, he wasn’t a make-believe lover. He was real and he was yours and yours only.

You arched your back to give him better access to your breasts as he sucked on them gently and hummed to himself as he was holding you by your ribs.

“They’re gonna swell soon, little mama,” he murmured while he kissed you all around one of your nipples and then he moved to another. “Gonna be full of sweet milk for my baby.”

“Y-yes, daddy,” you tangled one of your hands in his golden hair to pull on it gently and caress it.

Buck looked up at you with his beautiful eyes as one golden hair strand fell down on his forehead and you gasped at how pretty he looked. It made him blush a little but also smirk. His hands moved down and slid your panties off of you easily. He tossed them aside on the bed and opened your legs further as you revealed to him your glistening womanhood. You would always get so much wetter than usual during your fertile days. And so much more needy for your husband.

You reached your hands out to the outline of his hard cock, desperately wanting him inside of you already. You pulled his underwear down clumsily before he shushed you softly and pushed your hands away. He took it off on his own as it joined your panties on the side of the bed.

Gently, he grabbed you by your thighs and moved you closer to him as easily as if you were light as a feather. He was strong and you loved it – especially the way he was able to make you feel so small and vulnerable under him. Your nightgown pushed nearly all the way up while you were being pulled down to line your entrance up with his cock, revealing your abdomen to him. You moved the sheer fabric of the nightgown out of your face and watched him carefully pressing the tip of his cock to your swollen and wet clit.

A shiver went down your body at the feeling as you moaned. Your fingernails digged into his bicep as the other hand tugged on the sheets.

Buck would always take his time with preparing you for his fat cock. He never wanted to cause you any pain or discomfort. He would rub circles on your clit with his tip as your muscles relaxed and only then he would slowly start to push the length inside, inch by inch, watching carefully your every facial expression and every sigh, every moan, every eye-roll. He savoured them but he also stopped all his movement whenever he’d notice you were in any amount of pain.

Breathing heavily, he lowered himself down as he finally pushed all of his length inside and gave you a while to adjust to his size. Your thighs were surrounding his waist, pulling him even closer as if it was possible. His face loomed over yours and he put his hands on both sides of your head.

“Open your eyes, baby, keep looking at me when I make you a mama,” he whispered and you followed as your eyelids fluttered open. You gasped at the sight of his face so close, his beautiful eyes looking deep into yours as he began to thrust his hips, rutting as deep into you as he could, determined to put a baby inside of you.

You moaned and moved your hands to his muscular shoulders, digging your nails deep into his flesh at the overwhelming sensation of his fat cock stretching you out and making you feel full. You looked down for a brief moment and got dizzy at the sight of your belly bulge and his cock’s outline so deep inside of your pussy. With each thrust he was hitting a spot that was making your toes curl and tears of pleasure pricking your eyes.

“Eyes up, baby,” he crooned and you looked at his face again. “Good girl,” he praised and your walls squeezed around his cock. “My good girl,” he added, knowing perfectly well how his words were making you feel. “I’m gonna fill you up with my baby, you’re gonna be all swollen and sweet for me, I’m gonna take care of you,” he whispered his promises but with time his words were getting less coherent and audible as they were turning into grunts of pleasure.

Buck pressed his forehead to yours as his golden hair strands stuck to his sweaty forehead and you felt his body tensing while his hips’ movement became chaotic. He was close and you cupped his face; his cheeks pink and his full, soft lips slightly parted. He was a sight.

“That’s right, baby, just like that,” you encouraged him, “give me that, all of that, baby,” you pleaded as his spasmodic thrusts were bringing you closer to your own peak, too. “Make me a mama and I’m gonna grow your baby, I’m gonna make you a daddy,” you promised.

Buck moved one of his hands down and put it on your womb, pressing on it gently as your eyes rolled to the back of your head, you could no longer force yourself to keep them open at the overwhelming feeling and a knot in your lower abdomen finally relaxing as you reached your high with a loud moan of your husband’s name. He spilled himself deep inside of you with a groan into your ear but he didn’t move an inch once your highs were gone. Still inside of you, he grabbed your thighs and moved them up to press them to your chest before joining your lips together in a sloppy kiss.

After a while you felt him softening and that was when he finally slowly pulled out but he kept your bent legs pressed to your chest in a steady grip as he glanced at the clock on his bedside table. He would usually keep you like this for at least five minutes for his seed to take.

“You’re so beautiful, baby,” he cooed to you. “Gonna be even more beautiful carrying my baby, you know that?”

“Why would I want it so bad if I didn’t?” You chuckled and he shook his head with a soft laughter. He let go of your thighs and you sat up to cling to him and pepper his blushing and sweaty face with soft kisses as your hands moved across his chest and arms to caress them. Buck put his hands on your hips and pulled you closer to kiss you all over your cheeks as well. Both of your naked and exhausted, sweaty bodies were tangled with each other as you were sitting on your bed and sharing dozens of sweet little kisses.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” you whispered.

“For what, sugar?” Buck moved away slightly as he cupped your cheek with his hand and raised his eyebrow at you. “We don’t know yet if we’ve made our little baby,” he smiled softly.

“No, I know. But thank you for coming home to me,” you caressed his ruffled hair to move it away from his forehead. “Thank you for being such a good husband to me.”

“You make loving you so easy, sweetheart,” he assured you. “You were right. I love spoiling you because you deserve the world.”

“I don’t want it,” you shook your head as your eyes widened. “I only want you, Major Cleven. You are my whole world.”

Visibly moved by your words, Buck laid you down carefully as if you were made of glass. He lowered himself as well, pressing a kiss to your womb and laying his head on top of it while his arms hugged your waist.You played with his hair and smiled softly at your husband.

“I hope you hear me if you’re there, little one,” he whispered into your abdomen. “You are so loved already,” Buck assured. “And so lucky to spend the next nine months under your sweet mama’s heart,” he added.

“And to have a daddy like Major Cleven,” you played along as you caressed Buck’s cheek. “I chose you the best daddy you could ask for, little bean.”

MASTERLIST || BUCK MASTERLIST

[undiscovered-horizon]

(tw for self-harm -> literally hitting a tree with a bare fist)

[Tav has to carry the world on their shoulders. But when they begin to question this responsibility and the unfairness of it, they need someone to make sure their grief doesn't destroy them.]

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Astarion knows that something is very off when you drop your bag and disappear behind the tree line, never even acknowledging his existence. The certain skip in your step, a bravado of "There's no mountain I can't move" is completely gone, nowhere to be seen. Now, something more sinister has taken its place - a darkness looming over your shoulder that makes even him shudder. Like you've switched places with another creature.

He notices Shadowheart and Gale watching your departure, both of them fidgeting in their stillness. Their hesitancy is all too obvious. Then, they exchange a look of both concern and inquiry. In awkward silence, Gale and Shadowheart part ways, simultaneously deciding to let you have your space.

Be it his curiosity or worry for you that he so vehemently denies, Astarion marches off in the direction he has seen you go, only to disappear behind the trees. He passes by Gale, who grabs Astarion's arm. The bruises on the wizard's face look almost black in the twilight of the campsite.

"I wouldn't do that, Tav is a little..." he hangs his voice as his eyes glance towards the dense forest, "beside themself."

The vampire wears his scowl like a crown. He yanks his arm from Gale's grasp and makes a show of straightening the fabric of his decorative shirt. "Wonderful advice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to happily ignore it."

Without awaiting a rebuttal, Astarion continues his march towards the dense, dark forest where he hopes to find you.

The warm, yellow hue of the campfire quickly disappears as the man ventures into the woods. Low shrubbery keeps nipping at his clothes, almost making him more worried about the state of his pants than your well-being. He is about to call out your name when he hears a loud, muffled thud.

What in Hells is that?

Following the sound, Astarion finally finds you - beaten, bruised. Your clothes look like you haven't washed them since crawling out of the Nautiloid. The blood covering your knuckles glistens in the moonlight as you take another swing at the tree trunk. Another thud resounds in the empty forest. A dent behind to show in the wood where the bark has already been broken off. Just how long have been doing this? More importantly: why are you doing this to yourself?

No matter his confusion and burning worry, Astarion manages to pull himself together. He knows that the last thing you need right now is him blowing up at you, masking his fear for your state of mind with irritation.

"And what did this poor tree ever do to you, darling?" he finally calls out in a light-hearted tone. Truthfully, he couldn't be farther from playful jokes and jabs.

"Just leave me alone," you answer in a harsh tone as you punch the tree trunk once more. A whine escapes your lips as your tender, wounded hand meets the hard wood again.

He's taken aback - you don't normally talk this way. This unforeseen and much unwelcome, sudden change makes him all the more concerned.

Astarion stops close behind you, his arms crossed across his chest. He's unsure what to do. "Not until you tell me what's gotten into you," he states in a firm tone.

You growl in response. "It's so," you hang your voice to hit the tree, "fucking" you punch the trunk again, "unfair!" you scream out.

Your bloodied, trembling hand is about to land another punch but something, someone, stops you. Astarion lunges forward, pressing his chest against your back and grabbing your arms. His firm grasp forces you to keep your hands close to your body.

"Why do I have to decide who lives or dies?!" you continue yelling as you try to ineffectively wiggle out of the man's iron grasp. "I never wanted to be the hero who saves the world! I never asked for any of this!" Suddenly, your defiance disappears. Tired, hopeless and sore, you let yourself lean against his chest. "So why does it have to be me?" you whisper in a weak voice. Then you shudder as tears begin flowing down your cheeks.

The great hero falls and it is only natural that their fall must be of equal grandeur.

Astarion feels your hands shake but he's not sure whether it's because you've scraped their skin down to raw muscle or because you're crying out all the pent-up anger, grief and anxiety. No matter what's the truth, his undead heart breaks all the same.

"My sweet, sweet love," he whispers into your ear. His cold lips brush against the conch before he softly pecks your neck. "Anyone else would do it wrong."

Part of him wants to add 'except for me, of course' but he knows, deep down in his viscera, that even he would falter. So he remains quiet until your sobbing silences and your trembling comes to a stop. Astarion's grip never eases down until you've collected yourself, holding you tight against him as though you're fine porcelain that even a mere gust of wind could shatter into pieces.

__ Guys when I tell you I almost tripped running to my laptop to write this

[trappedinafantasy37]

"Oh, I don't like Minthara cause she's mean to the other companions."

Shut up. All of the companions are mean to each other. Did you just like, completely skip over the passive aggressive comments between Shadowheart and Lae'zel throughout all of Act 1? Did you just skip over the confrontation in which the two of them actively try to kill each other in the gayest, most homoerotic way possible? Or did you just make an exception for Minthara and decided she's the only one not allowed to be mean? Larian had to de-bitchify Shadowheart cause she supposedly was too mean in EA, and she's still a bitch in the release version (and I love her for it). For fucks sake, Astarion is the fan favorite and one of the reasons is because he's an ass to everyone.

"But but her third son comment to Gale is so mean and cruel!" Shadowheart literally tells Astarion he deserves to be publicly executed. You do not have a problem with companions being assholes to each other, you just don't like it when Minthara does it for whatever dumb reason.

Just another example that shows that people have either 1) never recruited her and don't know the full context of her comments and miss out on all the positive things she has to say for all the companions and/or 2) hold her to a standard that they do not hold the rest of the cast to when they are all guilty of the same shit.

To me, this is just a lazy excuse for someone who doesn't actually have a valid reason to dislike Minthara.

[garlicbreadbatstarion]

BG3 Companion Headcanons

🪩🥂🌹Going to a ball🌹🥂🪩

Wyll:

We all know Wyll is definitely the best dancer

And everyone would recognize him and want to chat and don't even get me started on the ladies absolutely swooning over him

But he'd be sure to show you off and focus in on you in such a way that you never doubted that he only has eyes for you

Give him a tune and he will make it happen: he can dance ballroom, waltz, tango, salsa, swing, and more!

It would also be super important to him to learn dances from your culture to show you how invested he is in you🥺

Will always have one last dance with you after you stumble home, just the two of you as he hums in the twilight of the kitchen

Lae'zel:

Would complain about having to dress in impractical clothes the whole time getting ready

Until she sees how stunning you are and, although she still says it is impractical, she would definitely tell you your elevated look is beyond satisfactory

Would probably hop into random conversations she finds interesting and scope out the whole event

Though she'd resist dancing in front of strangers, you'd catch her tapping her foot to the music

And on the walk back you could twirl her around (very briefly) and crack her tough exterior just enough to see her smile but she would deny any such thing if you ever tried to mention it again

Astarion:

Doesn't remember much about actually learning it anymore, but ballroom comes really easily to Astarion and it brings him a lot of joy to feel something his torment could not successfully erase

He also loves that dancing with you is an easy excuse not to talk to the high society crowds that often show up at events like this, and instead you can gossip together the whole night

"my dear we should get one of those for you!" And he'd wiggle his eyebrows and gesture to an over-the-top man in a bright green tailcoat, an 18" powdered wig covered with tiny Baldurian flags and ribbons atop his head. You'd slap his shoulder playfully and try to conceal your laughter

Even when you take a break from dancing, his hand is (respectfully) around your waist to protect and guide you through the crowd

Would 100% get drunk with you and sneak off into a non-party area of the venue to make out

Karlach:

A little too excited bc she lovesss parties of any variety

Does a frantic fashion show while you get ready, panicking about what go wear

She definitely does crazy moves in each outfit to test out it's danceability

Would turn into a dad the way she makes friends literally the whole time; it takes 10 minutes just to get inside because she can't stop chatting with the doorman

She asked Astarion to teach her to dance as soon as she found out you were going to this, that way she can successfully woo you on the dancefloor!

Gale:

He was very nervous to dance because he always skipped his school dances at the academy so he could explore forbidden places while the rest of the school was preoccupied

He definitely confides in Wyll on all this, and our lovely homeboy teaches him then and there how to lead💃

Gale can't stop the bi-panic when Wyll dips him almost down to the floor, with a cheeky wink

But now that you're here he's excited to listen in on the conversations of the many researchers and society members here!

He would get engrossed in conversation and you'd go dance with some friends that were there and it's like a romcom when he turns and sees you twirl across the floor🥲

He completely abandons his colleagues and appears out of nowhere, hand on your waist, waltzing you around

Wyll does a sly lil fist pump "yes, my man!" as he sees Gale spin you from across the floor

Shadowheart:

She lovesss getting ready and helping you get ready as well

Loves the tiny hors d'eouvres and smallglasses of wine and champagne they serve at events of this scale

It unlocks a core memory of her mother reading her fairytales as a girl, and she quickly wipes a small tear before it can fall

The quadrille is her favorite, she loves that it's social and friendly without having to hold a full conversation with a stranger

Would pepper your face with kisses on the way home thanking you for such a lovely time

Halsin:

He's not super used to the formal dance styles of the city, but he's ready to learn as he goes for you!

But he also flirts with the violinist and easily convinces him to play a little jig so he can show off

Also loves the food; I firmly feel Halsin would be a really adventurous eater and he'd be excited to try the variety of new spices and flavors they have at this event

Has 0 clue but the entire venue is ✨obsessed✨ with him

[ladykailitha]

Sweet Surrender Part 4

Here we are guys, the end of the sequel of the summer Valentine fic. Thank you all who liked, commented, and reblogged this lovely story. I love seeing my regulars interact with their comments and tags. It's makes me so happy.

And if regularly do and haven't lately: I get it, it's not always easy to comment (whether as a comment or in the tags) on every part, just know I missed seeing them.

Sadly no prom-posal because they can't really go together-together, but Eddie did go over and ask in person. He's not a complete idiot.

This is my longest "chapter" I've written clocking out at 3700+ words because I refused to split it up further dammit!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Damn it scheduled for 10pm not am but here we are just a few minutes late.

~

Eddie sat at the back of the class as he always did, trying to come up with ideas of what to do for prom. Because of course Steve said yes.

Steve’s eyes lit up and he swung Eddie around chanting, “Yes, yes, yes!” until the pair of them fell to the floor giggling like children.

They kissed and laughed until they couldn’t breathe.

Steve already had a suit, he really hadn’t grown that much since the funeral and just needed a nice cummerbund to make it school dance worthy. So he didn’t go with the Hellfire boys to get their tuxes.

Jeff had gone for a blue suit jacket with black pants and bow tie with a white button up. Gareth went for a double breasted black jacket and bow tie with matching pants. Brian had picked up a white jacket and bolo tie with black pants.

Eddie though?

Eddie had gone for a thin black neck tie and tight dress pants and then was going to wear his leather jacket over the top.

Steve was positively salivating at the thought.

They were sitting at the table discussing prom ideas when Nancy came up to Steve.

“Hey, do you have a date to prom?”

Steve and Eddie shared a concerned glance before Steve just shrugged.

“These guys didn’t get dates either,” he explained, “and offered to let me go with them as a group. Why? You asking?”

Nancy’s face twisted in disdain. “No, of course not. I’m not going to that meaningless high school mating ritual.”

Steve huffed out a laugh. “Jonathan didn’t want to go, huh?”

“He won’t let me pay.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her foot.

Steve rolled his eyes and shared a glance with Eddie who shared his exasperation.

“What do you want, Nance?”

She pursed her lips and looked down at the floor. “I thought that if you had a date, then we could double and Jonathan wouldn’t feel pressured to spend a lot of money.”

Jeff and Brian looked at each other and then burst out laughing with Eddie joining in.

“Tell me you’ve never been poor without telling me you’ve never been poor,” Brian huffed out between gales of laughter. “Jesus H. Christ, he’s gonna feel even more pressure to spend a lot because he’s gonna see Stevie here go all out for his date and he’s going to get flustered and upset he can’t do the same for you then there’ll be huge fight, leaving you stranded at the prom waiting for Mommy Dearest to pick you.” He wiped away a tear of laughter.

Steve nodded and then half shrugged. “I’m with him on that one. It’s a guy thing. You’re out to wound his pride and you’re only going to catch hell for it.”

“Here’s a thought, Nancy Drew,” Eddie said with a menacing grin, “why not skip it and do it next year. At your actual senior prom since he’s so worried about it. Give him time to save up for it so he can do something nice for you and stop pushing people around.”

Nancy’s jaw dropped and she turned to Steve. “Are you just going to sit here and let him talk to me that way?”

Steve swirled in his chair to look up at her. “We aren’t dating, and he’s not wrong. Plus, I’ve been asked to prom by a couple of very forward girls and had hints broadly dropped that I should ask them to prom. Tammy Thompson was the worst of the lot. Talking about how a king should be with a proper queen or some shit like that. And I’ve turned them down because all of them want the Harrington charm and money and not me, also they’ll want sex or worse, to go steady and I just can’t handle that right now.”

He looked pointedly at her.

She frowned for a moment and then her eyes went wide and her mouth formed a silent ‘O’.

“Yeah,” he said, turning in his seat to out his back between them. “So you’ll pardon me if I don’t want to do you any favors.”

She slunk off back to the table with the rest of her friends and Jonathan.

Gareth shook his head. “The absolute nerve. Jesus Fucking Christ.”

Steve could only agree.

~

“Come on, man,” Gareth huffed, crossing his arms. “If we all pool our money we could rent a limo and show up in style.”

Steve threw back his head and laughed.

They were all sitting around Gareth’s garage making the final plans for prom.

“Dude, you could,” Steve agreed. “But those things take up at least three parking spots and you will have the rest of the student body hate your guts for all of time for it being in the way of everyone else.”

Gareth slunk further into the couch with a sneer. “It can’t be as bad as he’s making it out, he just doesn’t want us to have any fun.”

“That’s because you were a freshman when Tommy H. and Carol Perkins did it for junior prom last year,” Steve said, shaking his head. “They got so much shit for it, and it took Tommy bullying certain people to get it to stop.” He raised his hands. “Something I didn’t condone by the way.”

Jeff winced and shook his head. “Hard pass on being hated more than we already are.”

“I’m with Jeffy on this one Gare-bear,” Eddie said with a grimace. “Let’s take Mr. Romance’s advice on this one, yeah?”

“Fine!” Gareth growled. “But I refuse to get in the fuck ugly Bimmer of Steve’s and I’m not to be seen in these nice suits in Eddie’s van.”

“I never said we couldn’t rent a car,” Steve said reasonably, “just that we shouldn’t rent a limo.”

Suddenly the four other boys were leaning forward in their seats, looking at him in rapt interest.

“What did you have in mind, Stevie?” Eddie asked, slowly licking his upper lip.

“Who hasn’t had the dream of showing up to school in a shiny convertible?” Steve asked with a smirk. “It’ll be nicer than a limo, and most likely cheaper, too. And of course I bet we could get Eddie’s Uncle Wayne to rent it for us, with the little bribe that he gets to drive it around first.”

Eddie threw back his head and cackled. “That would work! He would love the little bribe, too.”

The other three boys looked at each other before Jeff said, “All in favor of getting nice convertible for prom?”

All the hands went up and Steve sat back, looking like that cat that got the cream.

~

Steve stayed over at Eddie’s the night before the dance. The plan was that after lunch, Steve would go home and get ready for the dance and then Eddie would pick everyone up for dinner then they would go to the dance.

Eddie had other plans, of course, but Steve didn’t know about those. Yet.

Around ten o’clock in the morning, with the two boys still tangled up in each others limbs there was honking of someone’s horn, followed by Wayne yelling at them to get the hell out of bed.

Steve and Eddie blinked bleary-eyed at each other for a moment before the fog of sleep cleared and they were on their feet in an instant. Steve threw on some sweats as Eddie yanked on a pair of jeans. They were out the door before Wayne could honk again.

He was leaning up a red 1984 Chrysler LeBaron five seater with white upholstery with the top down. His arms were crossed and had the biggest smile on his face.

“So what do you think, boys?” he said cocking his head to the side. “You think it’s fancy enough for that dance of yours?”

Eddie and Steve shared matching grins. They ran down the stairs in their bare feet up to Wayne and the car.

Steve was already running his hands over the body of the car. “Wayne, she gorgeous. She wasn’t too much was she?”

Wayne shook his head. “You boys’ money more than covered it for the night. I’ll return it tomorrow with a full tank of gas, no worries.”

Eddie hugged his uncle tightly. “Tonight is going to be the best night ever!”

Wayne hugged him back as Steve continued to admire the car.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to find one that would fit all of us,” he breathed, “but fucking hell. It’s perfect Mr. Munson!”

“I’m glad you’re happy with it, Steve,” Wayne murmured as Eddie let go of him to follow Steve around the car. “Brian will probably have to sit in the front seat to be comfortable, but other than that, you’ll be golden.”

“Well, old man,” Eddie said after Steve and he looked over every inch of the car, “She’s all yours. Just bring her back by five so I can pick everyone else up.”

Wayne chuckled and opened the driver’s side door. “She really is a beaut, Ed. I can’t wait to let her unwind on the open road.”

Steve smiled and shook his head, knowing that he wanted to do the exact same thing. He followed Eddie into the trailer, a skip in his step.

Eddie made for the kitchen to starting making them breakfast and Steve sat down at the small table they had nearby.

“So we’re going out to eat at Enzo’s,” Steve murmured. “Which I really don’t want to know how Gareth pulled that off, considering everyone goes there for prom and getting reservations are vicious. It’s almost a blood sport.”

Eddie chuckled pulling out the eggs to scramble. “Gareth’s mom is friends with the owner and she always has a standing table there.”

“Well that’s a relief,” he said wiping his brow. “I thought he had murdered a couple of our fellow students for the privilege.”

“I love that it’s Gareth you think would be the murderer,” he called over his shoulder, “instead of anyone else coming with us tonight.”

Steve half shrugged and started counting them off on his fingers. “Brian is a staunch pacifist, Jeff gets sick at the sight of blood and you are so sweet that it’s impossible to believe that would harm anyone unless they started shit first.” He tapped his fingers on the surface of the table. “But Gareth is the quiet one and everyone knows that serial killers are the strong and silent types.”

Eddie poured the beaten egg mixture into the heated frying pan and began to stir it around.

“I guess that makes sense,” he said after a few moments. “I love your absolute faith in me, by the way. If there were any serial killings in this town, the mob would come after me first.”

Steve sighed. “True that. Unfortunately.”

Eddie scooped the cooked eggs onto two plates, bringing them over to the table with a couple of forks.

They settled down to eat. After a few minutes of silence Steve asked. “You thinking of doing anything after the dance? I know we haven’t really talked about what we’re doing after.”

Eddie got that soft secret smile that made the butterflies in Steve’s stomach take flight. “There might be a couple of things I might have in mind.”

Steve shook his head fondly. “And let me guess, it’s a surprise and I’m not supposed to know?”

“Yup!” Eddie replied with a grin. “No eat up, I have plans for this morning...” he wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

Steve started immediately shoving egg into his face to Eddie’s cackling glee.

~

To say Steve was nervous would be a fucking understatement. He’d never been picked up for prom before and not knowing when Eddie was going to show up only made his anxiety spike further.

It wasn’t that Steve didn’t know when Eddie was going to leave to start picking everyone up, it was that Steve was third after Brian and Gareth, who were first and second respectively.

In his hand was a corsage for Eddie. It was black rose wrapped in a silver ribbon. And he was doing everything in his power not to crush the clear, plastic box it was in.

There was a knock on the door and Steve’s face fell a little when he saw it was Gareth at the door.

“Wow,” Gareth snarked, “don’t look all excited and shit to see me or whatever.”

“I–I guess I was expecting Eddie...” Steve muttered. He shook his head and tossed the box on the table. “I’m ready to go.”

Gareth frowned a little bit and then his expression cleared when he saw what was in the box. “Oh hell no.” He held up a finger and dashed back to the car. He yanked Eddie out of the driver’s seat and toward Steve’s door.

As they neared Steve heard Gareth grumble, “You are not fucking this up already!”

Eddie opened his mouth to protest when he saw Steve at the door looking dejected. He snapped it shut with an audible click. He saw the box on the table and looked back at Steve.

“You got me flowers?” he breathed. He couldn’t believe it. He had told Steve that he was taking care of everything.

But he forgot one thing and the fact that Wayne hadn’t brought it up, meant that Steve had gotten it for him as a surprise but told Wayne to keep Eddie from buying one for himself.

Steve gulped down the lump in his throat. “It’s just a silly corsage. The other guys aren’t wearing one, so I’ll just tak–” he reached up to remove his own white rose corsage when Eddie put his hands over Steve’s.

“No, sweetheart,” Eddie murmured. “I screwed up. I was supposed to be wooing you tonight and I already misstepped. I should have come to the door to pick you up. That wasn’t fair to you.”

“It’s not a big deal,” he mumbled still trying to remove his corsage.

Eddie took his face in his hands and pressed their foreheads together. “Baby, it is. Because it’s important to you. So what we’re going to do is, you’re going to stop trying to remove yours so it doesn’t get ruined,” and immediately Steve’s hands dropped to Eddie’s waist. “Good boy, now the next thing you’re going to do is pin that pretty flower you got for me on my leather jacket and then we’ll go get Jeff, okay?”

Steve let out a shuddering breath and then nodded. Then with trembling hands he took the black rose out of the box and pulled out the pin that would be used to attach it to Eddie’s jacket lapel.

Eddie wrapped his hands gently around Steve’s quivering hands again, this time to calm him. “Take your time, Stevie.”

Steve took a deep breath and looked Eddie in the eyes.

“There you are, princess,” Eddie cooed at how much calmer he looked now. “If it helps, I can knock on the door and we can start over.”

Steve shook his head but took a step back. He brought Eddie’s lips to his and kissed him deeply. “This will just be some stupid story we tell our grandkids when we’re old and grey.”

Eddie burst out laughing. “Only a month in and you’re already planning our grandkids! And I thought I moved fast.”

“Nope!” Steve teased, kissing him again. “You move fast, I move faster.”

Eddie giggled as a more confident Steve pinned the corsage to his leather jacket. They walked out and got into the LeBaron. Steve hopped into the back seat with Gareth who grumbled under his breath.

“I told him he should have gone up there and not send someone else, but noooo,” he muttered darkly. “I’m a little squashmore who’s never gone on a date in my life, what would I know?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie huffed. “Rub it in. And where oh font of wisdom did you gain such knowledge, hmm?”

Gareth erupted, throwing his arms in the air. “I watch movies!” he huffed as Eddie pulled out of the driveway. “My mom and brother love romantic comedies. The dude always goes to the door unless he’s meant to be the douchebag loser.”

Steve burst out laughing. “He’s got you there, Eds.”

“Mistake made,” Eddie said dryly, “lesson learned.”

They got to Jeff’s, who’s mother had gotten Brian, Gareth and her son all corsages. They all had a single red rose to match Eddie’s black and Steve’s white roses.

“Ooh,” Eddie murmured. “Uncle Wayne was playing the long game, wasn’t he? He told you not get me and Steve corsages because Steve had them covered, didn’t he?”

Mrs. Laurence shook her head, barely containing her smile. “Steve coordinated it with me and I filled your uncle in.”

Eddie shook his head fondly and took Steve’s hand.

She took pictures of everyone in the tuxes and then sent them off with a wave.

~

Dinner was amazing. Especially with Steve gently guiding them with which forks to use, the meal was delicious and company was even better.

Their waiter even commented that he wished him and his friends had thought about just getting dressed up anyway and going to prom as friends. It would have been better than them sitting at home eating pizza and feeling sorry for themselves.

Steve just smiled up at him as the rest of them filled him on the rest of their plans. Well... all but Eddie anyway.

They got to the dance and while Mrs. Click was absolutely fuming, she couldn’t bar their entry because there was nothing in the rules that said they had to bring dates and as long as they had their tickets, she had to let them in.

Eddie took great pleasure in smiling at her as they walked into the gym.

The theme was of course Sweethearts so the gym was decked out in hearts of every size and of every shade of pink and red imaginable.

Steve chuckled as Jeff and Brian gagged. Gareth smacked them upside their heads and went off in search of punch, the other two boys shuffling behind him.

Eddie and Steve stood at the entrance a moment.

Eddie rocked back and forth on the balls on his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets to hide how never he felt. “So what do you do at a dance when you can’t dance with the one you want to?”

Steve looked over at him and tilted his head. “Make yourself as big a menace as possible, of course.”

Eddie grinned as Steve grabbed his wrist and they melted into the crowd.

~

About an hour into it, Eddie led Steve away from all the loud music and sweltering mass of teenage bodies.

“Eddie!” Steve protested with a laugh. “Where are you taking me?”

Eddie just cackled and kept pulling him along. They got the drama room and Steve was amazed he could hear the music.

“How?” he whispered.

Eddie grinned again. “They have speakers in here from the gym. They’re usually turned off as some brave stage crew managed to figure out a way to stop it from streaming in so kids could practice their lines and shit and not have to listen to basketball scores, but I got someone to turn them on for us.”

Steve turned to him in shock. “Us?”

Eddie nodded and led Steve further into the drama room. It was decorated in fairy lights and sparkling hearts.

“Oh, Eds...” Steve breathed. “It’s beautiful.”

“I paid one of the drama kids to do this for me so I could surprise you,” he murmured.

Just then a soft love song came over the speakers and he held out his hand to Steve. “Dance with me.”

Steve let out a watery chuckle and folded into Eddie’s arms. They danced cheek to cheek to the music and were still dancing slowly when the song changed to something more upbeat.

“I was so worried I couldn’t dance with you up there,” he murmured into Eddie’s ear, “and then you went and found a way for us to do it down here instead. God, I love you so much, sunshine.”

They kissed and danced until the announcement came over the speakers that they were crowning the prom king and queen. They walked back to the gym hand in hand.

“I tried to get myself removed from the ballot,” Steve said softly just as they reached the doors. “I told them that I didn’t want even be here, but they refused. Said that I was nominated by someone else and only they could remove from the ballot. They wouldn’t even tell me who. But then you came along and I still don’t want to be prom king, but I figured at least being here with you would be worth the price of admission.”

Eddie smiled and kissed him gently. “I think you’d look pretty in a crown, darlin’.”

Steve let out a nervous giggle. “You would.”

They let go of their hands and walk back in.

Steve made prom king. Like everyone assumed he would. And even though Billy hadn’t been on the ballot he came in second place with a lot of write-ins. Steve suspected that Billy had actually won, but as he wasn’t on the ballot and the principal not wanting it to go to a thug like Billy Hargrove had cinched Steve’s bid for the crown.

Prom queen was Tammy Thompson. Which she obviously had insider knowledge of when she broadly hinted to him to take her to prom. She even hissed about him probably wishing he had taken her when he had the chance as to not leave her poor date standing there on the sidelines.

Steve just smiled and nodded and suffered through their dance.

Once it was all done, he handed the bouquet of flowers to Jeff, the sash to Gareth and the crown to Brian.

“You’ve got nothing left, baby,” Eddie murmured as they walked out of the gym and into the darkened halls of the high school.

He gave Eddie’s hand a quick squeeze. “No, Eds. I’ve got you.”

That night after they had done all their after dance activities, they would make love in the back of the LeBaron under the stars at the quarry after they had dropped everyone else off and in the morning after they waved off the LeBaron as Wayne drove it back to the rent shop, Steve would drag Eddie back into the shelter of the trailer and kiss him senseless.

But until then, they had each other and that was enough.

~

Also if you saw this yesterday NO NO YOU DID NOT!

Tag List: COMPLETE

1- @mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @spectrum-spectre

2- @slv-333 @zerokrox-blog @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson

3- @messrs-weasley @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv

4- @wonderland-girl143-blog @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @dam28lh

5- @anne-bennett-cosplayer @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten @genderless-spoon

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @fullpoetrybread

7- @disrespectedgoatman @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @moonshadows-13

8- @skyewaytohell @swimmingbirdrunningrock @croatoan-like-its-hot @lolawonsstuff @lololol-1234

9- @dotdot-wierdlife @ravenfrog @dauntlessdiva @thelittleclare @steddieyourself

10- @w1ll0wtr33 @kultiras @sadisticaltarts @micheledawn1975

[darlingdekarios]

soothe this soul.

RATING: mature [canon themes] — LENGTH: 2,976 — Gale x DarkUrge [gn!reader]

CONTENT: hurt/comfort, trauma, set during act I after the goblin camp before adventuring onward, fluff [gentle touching, hand holding], self-harm, Gale talking Durge through big feelings, canon-accurate dark urge memory loss, mentions of corpses/blood, no pronouns used but reader is described as having nails/claws

Gale offers you peace in a moment of darkness.

Quiet is what you needed tonight - you'd decided that hours ago, practically the moment the day had started. Still not managing to get a complete night of sleep and increasingly unable to silence the depraved thoughts in your mind, just an hour beside the water of this camp before the adventure continued on tomorrow would have done you some good.

At least that was the conclusion you'd come to for yourself. Fate seemed to have other plans for your time, however.

Or perhaps it was the will of one singular man.

“I have noticed you often skip over introductions…”

There was something soothing about his voice that even you were not immune too, his gentle nature balancing your violent one like cool waters on a raging flame. If it was going to be anyone interrupting your alone time now, it was befitting to be him, at least. If it had been anyone else, who knows what the consequences could've been.

“Please, not now.”

Your voice was marred with the kind of pain he was familiar with - ever-present, unignorable. Spoken through gritted teeth, your lack of patience was evident in every syllable. He'd never tell you he pitied you, but that didn't make the statement true.

“Forgive my insistence…” his dulcet tone filled your ears like the flow of a river, sustaining and forever. If his words could replace the urges perhaps some of your problems would subside. “But if not now, then when? We can all tell you’re avoiding something. Wyll and I agree that -“

“It is wonderful to hear I am the topic of camp gossip."

“It’s not like that,” you didn't know previously that one human could sound so believable - so honest. Though some of your other companions had taken him hiding his condition as a lie you never had, understanding his reasoning and trusting him through it all. You had no reason not to trust him now. “We care. For you. I care for you a great deal. I see how it…whatever it is…wounds you and festers at your soul each time we are somewhere new.”

“What is your point?”

The defense mechanism like a rose's thorns - if they didn't get close enough they couldn't be hurt, and your sharp demeanor was without a doubt a way of keeping everyone far enough away from you to keep their blood from spilling.

Gale, with increasing insistence of late, seemed determined to feel the softness you could offer too - he could see it in the depths of your eyes, just within his reach. He'd not stop until he earned the chance to be delicate with you.

“That I want to know you,” even now he was so delicate - had anyone ever been so with you before? “That I want to help.”

You could've drowned in the pools of sincerity in his eyes.

It had been hard to hide Alfira, and even harder since not to come clean to Gale - with each passing moment it was increasingly difficult to ignore the new urge that had formed within your being, a new desire that influenced your decisions. You craved something you were almost certain was new - connection - and you yearned for it with him.

Honesty was the first step - in these things, it always was. With Gale, you were fortunate to have seen in the darkness that festered within him when he allowed you a glimpse at the Orb, feeling the familiarity of a deep abyss. Though you were quite certain the darkness within you was much worse, much more primal and instinctual in ways he could never be, it was some comfort that he could look at you like this now - sweating, shaking, and neglecting to give his words a fitting response - and hardly bat an eye.

But how long would that be the case if you opted for complete honesty, and at this point could you even stop it? If allowing him to see into the void was inevitable, why deny what came closer with each tick of a clock?

A deep breath prepared your lungs for speaking truths into the night that you wished to keep buried in the depths of your wretched, dark heart.

“You've heard me introduce myself as The Dark Urge. That is all I can remember of myself. I crave murder and death and…corpses. Piles of my victims bruised and bloody displayed like a museum…crimson pools running warm then cold…"

Your words trailed as you clenched your eyelids tight, your nails beginning to dig into the tops of your thighs, seeking the focus that sharp pain would bring - so deep that blood quickly began to paint the tips of your fingers and your thighs.

You often felt Gale's bravery was to be commended, far more than it was by your companions. He'd never seen combat, never needed to face violence head on and take it for what it was. And yet, despite his inexperience he was still fearless with you, one of his gentle hands reaching out to lightly rest atop your shoulder.

Taken off guard your nails stopped their assault on your own skin, eyes wide as your puzzled face met his - patient, understanding, eyes soft and lips pressed into a thoughtful line as he awaited you to fully return to yourself.

"But though my mind is overrun with voids and seldom dreams up more than pools of blood…I want to be more than that. I think I am more than that…or that I once was, perhaps.”

It felt wrong to speak against the Urges, like you were lying to yourself and pretending to be someone your instincts proved you weren't, but it was the truth - it was you, no matter how deep within you had to pull it from. Gale, no stranger to darkness within and the chasm of emotions it could construct in one's heart, recognized how hard it must be for you to be vulnerable - after all, he had been in that very position merely days ago.

“I think you’re more than that already, despite everything. And if you disagree then we shall work together to make you see yourself the way I do."

Every sentence he spoke was saturated in a promise renewed with each word. You could feel the pull of your eyebrows coming together tighter, an expression that would do nothing to aid the headache that raged within your skull, but the only one your face could settle on as you pondered what you'd done to deserve such a kindness.

If you did even deserve it.

"I’ll help you. Through any urge along the way, say the word and I am at your side."

You remained utterly speechless under the power of his words, your expression still every bit as pained and puzzled than it had been when he first interrupted your time alone. What bravery it took - the same echoed now as his hand covered yours atop one of your thighs, the warmth seeping into you, wrapping you like a blanket during shock.

A quiet sigh passed your lips, defeated and communicating so much more than what your words could. A gentle squeeze to your hand, the softening of his eyes - you'd not be surprised if this was some sort of spell, if you didn't know better.

“I just don’t know how many more people I can introduce myself to this way,” as you finally met his eyes in full he was struck by the sight of tears sparkling in your eyes, the façade abandoned allowing him to hear the shake to your voice as your breathing picked up. “You apologized for your improper introduction, yet it is I who can’t even remember something as fundamental as my name. I know I have one, I can feel the echo of it in my mind…but it's just not there. Or perhaps I was a monster never deserving of one.”

For all of your companions' issues, Gale knew that what you faced was unlike anything any of them could relate to. Being unable to remember something as basic as your name and only experiencing your past in bloody glimpses of wicked memories - there was nothing he could say, so instead he listened.

"And I worry that I will hurt one of you," each word pained you more than the last, each one adding to the risk that he would leave - that he would come to his senses and see you for what you were. He certainly seemed to be trying, judging by the intensity with which he continued to gaze into your eyes. "That I'll hurt…you, Gale. I don't want to hurt you."

Sympathy - feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. You could see it filling his eyes as he squeezed your hand again, moving closer without hesitation so his free hand could raise to your face. He caught a freshly falling tear with his thumb, a delicate touch you recoiled from, your eyes wild with question and panic for a moment before they glazed over, warming under his touch though you remained so frozen you weren't breathing.

Sympathy was joined by patience and hope in his eyes, and he waited, hoping. Unimposing and unintimidating, free of judgment - willing to be so until you gave a sign to be anything otherwise.

A stiff nod was good enough.

His hand cupped your cheek fully, the feeling of your skin against his always enough to bring the softest of smiles to his face, no matter how fleeting it was. Cherishing the new feeling for a moment he did little more than that beyond the gentle stroke of his thumb across your cheek for several moments.

No monster he had read of melted so under the touch of a human - leaning into his touch further, you continued to prove he was right about you.

"We all have monsters inside of us. That doesn't mean it's who we are," admittedly, it was hard for even him to find the right words right now - particularly with his focus on you, the warmth of your skin against his hand, the way your jaw was unclenching and your features calming. A quick glance confirmed you no longer clutched your leg, and for a moment your hands were not shaking - because of him. "And it's not who I think you are. No matter what your name is, no matter who you once were: I see you."

A sentiment echoed in your mind - had you ever been cared for like this? Whatever the truth to that question was, you could feel how addicting it could be to be soothed by him.

“You must be tired,” it was a lazy - and obvious - interruption, a distraction from falling much further into his delicate grasp, parts of your mind still fighting against vulnerability, an instinct that had probably always been within you not to trust trying to set you on edge again. “I don’t want to keep you from rest.”

If he was aware of the hint you dropped in trying to return yourself to solitude, he opted to ignore it - not out of disrespect for your wishes but in hope you'd change your mind, hoping his presence could offer an enticing alternative.

If offering his presence to you would bring you any amount of comfort, he had to try. If it meant he'd have to bashfully ask Shadowheart for healing before sleep found him - so be it.

“Your company is well worth a little less sleep,” he desperately hoped you wouldn't mind that he was trying to lighten the mood - when your features curled into the slightest smile, he decided it was actually what you needed. Whatever you needed of him, whenever you needed it. How funny his very soul had adopted that new mantra so fast. “Or a lot, depending on the evening’s activities. I'd be grateful to enjoy your company a while longer, if mine isn't unwanted."

Your smile spread a bit more, cheeks heating up over his flirtations, your heart fluttering faster in your chest as you avoided his gaze briefly, taking the steady breath your lungs had been begging for, repeating it once more for measure. He matched the second with you - just another way to show he was here with you, supporting you.

Even still, you could only nod your response for fear of the words that may leave your mouth if you opened it.

The thing about Gale - the thing that made it more near impossible with each day he displayed it - was that as much as he loved to tell you what he could offer you he loved to show you even more, even if it meant sitting in complete silence for the next couple of hours. The time passed calmly with him beside you like this, offering you a pillar of strength to lean yourself upon in both a figurative and literal sense, his warm hold irresistible.

He accepted you leaning your head against his shoulder as quietly as you offered it, wordlessly deepening the embrace by wrapping an arm around you. If that was all that was offered you'd not hear a complaint from him, the gentle affection more than enough to fill his stomach with butterflies and heart with what he hesitated to call love.

When one of your hands lifted to rest on his thigh, the hesitation was gone. Love - at its most basic definition, an intense feeling of deep affection. How could he even attempt to describe the way he felt toward you with any other word, not yet finding one in the many books throughout his life that would describe the feeling nestled in his chest as sufficiently.

The sun sparkling against the water turned to stars dancing across its surface instead, the noise of your companions behind you fading as what was clearly hours passed. Your eyes had been closed for a while now, so long that you didn't notice - or at least didn't move - when Wyll had approached with food, unknowing that Gale silently waved him off.

There would be food in the morning, his stomach could wait if that was the sacrifice for your comfort. Comfort which he hated to disrupt - though after a while, the hard ground was far too unkind to his aching joints.

"Are you ready to try for some rest?"

Your eyes opened and you twisted your head to look behind you, at the very companions who were now settling onto their own bedrolls or into their tents for the night. Even in the dim light he could see the trepidation in your face, sense the tension thickening the air around you again.

How desperately he wished to resolve it, offering the only solution his heart could think of before his mind could catch up.

"Perhaps alone tonight…in my tent, beside me?"

The Wizard of Waterdeep blushed the moment the proposition left his mouth, and you'd fallen for him all over again. You nodded, and in that moment gave him everything he needed as a thank you from you.

You were both exhausted, so the motions of returning to Gale's tent blurred together - he stood first, offering his hand to you and pulling you to your feet, hand staying in yours as you walked through camp. He shot Astarion a look of warning when the Pale Elf raised his eyebrow when you walked past, entering Gale's tent without a word.

Explanations would certainly be expected in the morning, a fact made clear by the vampire's expression as Gale collected your bedroll before joining you in the solitude of his tent, closing the flap to separate the two of you for a while. Soon enough, you'd both found what felt at least a little like a word that made you both feel sick for profoundly different reasons - home - as you lay beside one another.

It was a longing gaze - you were desperate to hold his eyes in the hopes you'd see them tonight in your dreams rather than debauched things you hoped weren't memories, while he was desperate to memorize your face as he remained ever-aware of the looming apocalypse in his own chest.

A pair of your hands met between your bodies, his resting atop yours, calming the subtle and ever-present shake. Thumb brushing against your knuckles, he lulled you back into a subdued state, happily indulging you when you asked him to tell you a bedtime story from Waterdeep.

Though he spoke, he was the one to drift off first, blissfully so beside you. No matter how safe it felt to be beside Gale, no matter how much warmth filled every bone in your body - sleep would still avoid you for a while yet, and you'd be left with your thoughts and his sleeping form.

As the night continued to grow darker, as would your heart — if you even had one — and mind. It was dangerous to tempt nature like this, a steak dangled on a stick before a wolf. He would make the prettiest corpse - his own blood would paint his skin like the fine canvas it was and you'd view it as the exhibit it was, art in a museum entirely curated for you. How beautiful he would look, how sublime, how utterly delicious…

Ultimately, the urge to see him lying beneath you as a beautiful, wide-eyed body was quieter than the urge to see his eyes honey in the fire and the tousle of his morning hair as he passed you breakfast, expression eager to see your reaction to a meal prepared by him. You'd sooner remove your own hands before you used them to hurt him.

Seeing his chest rise and fall as he slept tonight and hearing the ring of his laughter tomorrow was worth far more than anything your sick mind tried to force you to see.

masterlist. baldur's gate III masterlist.

[phefics]

okay okay—I know you asked for other fandoms not to long ago, and it’s completely fine if you don’t want to do this, I understand. But what if you did THG Boys x Chubby!reader? Maybe not smut, but you choose! I’m okay with anything. And it’s okay if you skip over this, like I said, I understand🫶

i hope i did this justice ahh i’m sorry in advance if it wasn’t what you were looking for!! ty for the request💓

before i get into the headcanons i think that being chubby is seen as a good thing in the districts and possibly the capitol as well, sort of how like in medieval times it was seen as a sign of wealth to be bigger. the capitol people do canonically engage in disordered eating habits but they claim its just to be able to eat more, not necessarily to stay thin, so i do think canon context would mean that the characters would be less likely to judge a chubby person negatively for their size.

peeta loves your body and makes sure you know it. he always wants to grab and kiss at your thighs and belly, and because he’s so strong, he likes to make a show of picking you up if you say you’re too heavy for him to do so.

gale is honestly a little jealous of your body, having never had much of a change to build up muscle while experiencing all the food shortages in district 12. he sees your size as something that makes you healthier and wealthier than him (even if you still come from a poor district) so while it doesn’t make him any more/less physically attracted to you, there is a little bit of bias there i think.

finnick thinks you are absolutely gorgeous. he loves your curves and is always reminding you how absolutely beautiful you are. district four is a place where people manage to get food easier than other districts and so a lot of the people back home are built like you, and he isn’t exactly scrawny either.

coriolanus is a bit like gale, having being hungry beyond belief many times in his life, so he would view your body as a reminder of what he doesn’t have. he gets over that way quicker than gale, though, because unlike gale, the bias is short-lived and quickly replaced by physical attraction.

sejanus loves to hype you up, buying you fancy clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, and he is huge on worshipping your body from head to toe, murmuring praises and compliments into your skin.

[galesleftearring]

Starry Night

(thank you to @wolf-weave who asked for this and this list of prompts)

Gale x M!Reader Fluff (PG)

One night, stargazing with Gale, you accidentally let slip that you're in love with him.

CW: Mentions of other companions. Alcohol.

Gale had been talking nonstop about astronomy since your party had found a book of constellations in a chest while exploring. The book, he said, was one he had never heard of before, and he was excited to get back to camp and read through it with his telescope that night. Lae'zel had scoffed at his lack of attention to the road ahead, and Shadowheart had stayed brooding in moody silence as he mused on the stars, but you were enthralled. Any opportunity to listen to Gale talk about his interests was one you would gladly take.

When Lae'zel finally agreed to make camp for the night, Shadowheart dismissed herself to her tent almost immediately. "Goodnight Lae'zel, boys. Don't stay up too late. We'll have an early start tomorrow."

Gale had set up his telescope in a clearing near his tent and was consulting the book when you wandered over.

"Mind if I join you?" you asked, coming up behind him.

Gale turned to grin at you. "Of course," he beamed, "I would be happy to share my findings with you. If you're careful, perhaps I will even let you look through the telescope." His eyes undermined his false sternness, glinting with the ghost of a laugh.

"Well in that case," you pulled a cask of wine and two goblets from the bag you carried.

Gale tutted approval and looked back to the page he had been reading. "Fine wine, clear skies, and good company... Why, I don't know if I've felt this at home since waking up with that blasted parasite." He was quiet, half talking to himself, but your heart skipped a beat. Pouring him a glass, you felt your hands shake. Was he... flirting? Or was he just being friendly?

"I'm glad you enjoy my company," you smiled. "I... I'm excited to learn about the stars."

Gale sat on the ground next to you, keeping a respectful distance as he sipped his wine. He looked so handsome like that--reclining into his elbow, hair slightly disheveled from the day's journey, staring up in profile at the wonder of the night sky. He was completely unreserved in this moment, and you felt as though you were being included in a private moment. This wasn't Gale the wizard, this was Gale the man.

"What do you know about astronomy?" His low voice cut through your thoughts.

You tried to recall what little you knew of the constellations, naming one and pointing to it. Gale shook his head, brow furrowing. "That's not where Amaunator's belt is. Also, it's only viewable during the summer, so it's a bit late in the year. What you're pointing to is one of the Arrows of the Gods. See where the other two are?" His gentle hands repositioned your arm, pointing your finger to the other two lines of stars.

The contact made your heart skip a beat, and you hoped he hadn't noticed your sudden loss of composure as you nodded.

"Is that the only constellation you know? Or were you just unlucky with your first guess?" He moved his hands back to his lap, all scholarly interest.

"Um, yeah, I think that's it."

Ever the teacher, Gale clapped his hands together. "Well! We've lots of ground to cover, but thankfully this book we found has lots of information in it that should pique your interest." He opened the book to the first page this time, and scooted closer to you. "May I?" he gestured to the space between you.

"Of course." You closed the gap yourself, sliding next to him, your arms brushing.

Gale began to read to you from the book, gesturing with his right hand to the stars described, pointing out lines and circles making mythological shapes out of the weave that you could never have seen on your own. Time seemed to slow down and speed up all at the same time: you were transfixed by his voice and desperately aware of how short this evening would be.

Mistaking the look of pending disappointment on your face as one of disinterest, Gale stopped reading. "My apologies, I got a bit verbose there. I'm sorry if I'm boring you, this is just a rather exciting topic to me and I failed to consider that you might not be quite as interested in the minutiae of star mapping as I am."

You shook your head vigorously. "No, no, this is fascinating! I love hearing you read out loud. This is... this is amazing. This night is perfect. You're perfect." Your voice dropped to a whisper, and before you could swallow your words, you heard yourself say the words you had been avoiding for the past month. "I love you."

Silence fell. You could feel Gale's eyes on your face, but couldn't meet his gaze, staring at the grass in embarrassment. Oh gods. You hadn't meant to share that little tidbit. You didn't even know if Gale was interested in men, let alone in you... he only ever spoke of his relationship with his goddess, no past lovers ever mentioned, regardless of gender. You didn't want your blossoming friendship to wither just because you couldn't hold your tongue.

"You... what?" Gale sounded shocked. "You love me?"

You could feel the color drain from your cheeks. It was too late now, you thought, too late to go back and take the words back. Too late to lie. "Yes."

Gale's warm hand tucked under your chin, gently forcing you to turn to his gaze. Your eyes met his, warm and brown and full of hope. "You love me," he said again, searching your face.

You nodded. "Yes, Gale. I've loved you almost since I watched Lae'zel pull you out of that portal. You're... you're..."

Before you could finish, he pulled you in for a soft kiss. His beard was scratchy on your chin, but his lips were plush against yours. It was a chaste kiss, almost over before it began.

"I love you, too," he said simply. "You're... You're very special to me. I wasn't sure if you shared my affection."

This time you were the one who pulled Gale's face close to kiss him, swallowing his doubt as you deepened the kiss and wrapped your arms around him. "Mm, I do, I most definitely do."

The astronomy book lay forgotten at his side as your lips met for the third time.

[succubusdaydream]

By The Grace of The Moon || Astarion x Werewolf!Selunite!Reader || PT5

A/N: I’ve explained in an update (see here) but I’ll say again to those who didn’t see. This story was originally going to be one or two parts so I’ve been pulling a lot of this out of my ass. But, with encouragement, I’ve tried my best to write some of the underdark but have skipped the creche. I’ve also tried my best to write in Wyll, Karlach and Lae’zel but since I totally forgot about them, I’ve struggled for days to write them in. Because of this, I have ultimately decided to leave them out of this series. I love them and have even become a Wyll girly (have a fic idea that i've started) but I just can’t get them in properly. I’ve drained my writing trying to get them in, but nothing is fitting. I'm so sorry for that and I’m so sorry for the wait but FINALLY here is part 5 <3

Warnings: typical BG3 violence | made up lore about Lycans and Selune | kind of filler/fast paced

Masterlist || Word Count:4065

PT1 || PT2 || PT3 || PT4

---

The bright sun once again woke you up. Its rays pierced your closed eyes as you struggled to open them. For a second, you couldn’t remember what you were doing the night before. But then you remembered. You could still feel the touch of your mate’s cold hands as you sat up to look around for him. And you didn’t have to look far. He stood in front of you, arms stretched as he embraced the sun’s warmth for all it had to offer. On his back was a large scar. Carved into his porcelain flesh.

                His scent lingered in the air as you drank in his beautiful body. “Not staying for a cuddle?” Your confidence had skyrocketed overnight. No longer as shy around the one who you were bound too.

                “You sleep light.” He turned his head, looking at you from his peripheral. “I thought you’d be exhausted after last night.” His voice was light, and his arms lowered as he turned to look at you.

                “I could always go again.” You were quick to pull your knees up and hug them to you. The confidence was quickly gone as he turned to your still naked body.

                He smirked. “Tempting. But this might not be the time or place.” He reaches down and grabs something from the forest floor. Your shirt. He held it out to you. “Now, shall we go on? I want to go before anyone else thanks me for saving their tails.” You stood and completely dressed, finding your pants not too far from where he grabbed your shirt. “Oh. And don’t feel the need to brag to the other about our little tryst. Given the noise you made last night, I’m sure they already know.” With that, your walk back to camp was silent and your face once again a dark shade of ruby.

---

                No one had said much when you arrived back at camp. Gale was once again cooking, though this time it was a smaller pot, and Shadowheart was ushering out the rest of the hung-over Tieflings that had crashed in your camp. So after eating and gathering your things, you approached Halsin, who had made earlier promises to explain the next step in removing your tadpole.

                “I trust you enjoyed your evening. After all your efforts, it was well deserved. And it may be some time before you’re awarded another such night.” He told you about the cursed lands that surrounded the towers and two ways to get to it. An overpass through the mountains or a path through the underdark. Either way, your group would be faced with plenty of monsters and conflicts.

                So over the next few days, the four of you accidentally blew up an old temple of Lathander and then turned right back around to descend into the underdark through the now empty goblin camp. You had been trampled by a Bulette, been recruited by large fungi sovereign to kill nearby Duergar and then blessed by said fungi sovereign after fulfilling their request. The next thing they asked for was the head of a Drow, Nere. In their ‘camp’ you had helped a poisoned deepgnome and traveled across a large, dark lake to find and free her people. A large forge, the Lost Adamantine Forge, greeted your party when you docked, as well as some more angry duergar.

They too had a request for you. Help free your ‘fellow true soul’. The True Soul being the same one that the Sovereign had requested the head of. Nere. So with a bomb you picked up a while ago, you cleared the rocks he had caused to fall and easily defeated him and the rest of the Duergar that were around. It was an exhausting couple of days but after many sidetracks of requests, you and the others had finally made it out of the Underdark and into the Shadow Cursed Lands.

---

                The door creaked open and the light from your torch barley lit the way in front of you. It felt cold as you stepped out from Sharran building, a shiver running through your spin. Everything about this place set your senses to eleven and your grip on the torch tightened.

                “Halsin wasn’t lying. This place really is….” You couldn’t even find the words as you walked deeper into the shadows. You made sure to go slow and stick close to the others. If you had the confidence, you’d make sure to hold Astarion close to ensure his ultimate safety.

                As you walked deeper, Shadowheart’s whispers echoed through the whispering dark. “I can feel the shadow’s power here… but they don’t seem to be harming me. The Dark Lady shields me. I can feel her.”

                You quickly stop and turn towards her. You had of course already concluded that she was a worshipper of Shar. Her distaste for your Selune worship and the attempt to rebuild an altar of hers in the Goblin Camp had given it away. And her words of ‘the lady of sorrows guide us.’

                “Did you say something, Shadowheart?”

                “The Shadow Curse… it doesn’t seem to affect me like others. Not as badly, at least.” She stepped forward, a smile on her face. “Do you know what this means? I must be blessed. Lady Shar is protecting me where others are left to her wrath. She loves me. She must do.”

                In a spit of your own disgust towards her goddess, your words seemed harsher than you wished for them to. “Your mistress rewards you with survival against her own corrupt power? That’s not love, Shadowheart.” You too felt protected from the curse. You could still feel it, but it wasn’t overwhelming. Just as if the shadows were itching to get to you. Your own blessing from Selune protecting you. You hoped it protected your mate as well.

                Her brows furrowed and you immediately felt awful. You were never one to judge other’s beliefs, but Shadowheart’s adoration of your goddess’ enemy irked you more than you wished. “The darkness is the truth, Selunite. In the end, there with only be endless black. And those that Lady Shar has embraced.”

                Yous sighed and tried to wave it off. “I apologies, Shadowheart. I truly did not mean to offend you or your goddess. It seems my own blessing has secured me from these lands as well. Please, continue.” You nodded and her face softened. It was the harshest you had ever been to someone else and didn’t want to lose a close friend to something as petty as this.

                She nodded back before speaking once more. “Lady Shar wouldn’t bless me like this for no reason. There must be something she wants of me.” And with an agreement to try your best to help, your group continued through the lands.

---

                It didn’t take long to face the creatures in the dark. Not far from where you emerged, you had run into a group of people. One was quickly taken by the curse and attacked with more shadows. It took a little effort but after defeating them, you followed the group back to where they hid. Last Light Inn. Protected from the curse by a beautiful white dome. When you passed through the barrier, it felt warm. Familiar. Selunite magic.

                You didn’t get far before your feet were anchored into the ground with vines. A druid, Jaheira, had stopped you in your tracks and held a mindflayer parasite to you. She spouted about how ‘you shouldn’t have come here true-soul’ before you could even try and defend yourself. Luckily, you didn’t really have to since a small voice rang out from behind her.

                “Stop! What are you doing?! They’re the one that saved us!” A young Tiefling sprinted up beside Jaheira, panting and waving her arms around.

                “This is the one that saved the Emerald Grove?”

                “Yep! Saved one of my friends from a mean snake to.” And with that, Jaheira released you with an apology and a request to join her for a drink. She had spoken about how her and her harpers were also after Ketheric Thorm who was hidden in Moonrise Towers. She had fought him before, ultimately failing due to his immortality. She had also tried to lace the wine she wanted to share with you, questioning you about the tadpoles in your head.

                After deeming you and your group trustful, she pointed you upstairs. There was a cleric that had cast the barrier around the in, keeping it and its residents safe from the lesser affects of the shadow curse. And with a nod and a promise to scout out the towers, you all made your way upstairs. You recognized many of the Tieflings from the Grove but there seemed to be less, and Zevlor was nowhere to be found.

                 Reaching the double doors of a room, you lightly knock and when you hear no response, you peek inside. There was no one in sight but your ears picked up sound coming from the door on the other side of the room. Your soft footsteps creaked the floorboards along with the door you opened. On the other side was a white-haired woman in silver robes. You watched in awe as she summoned a magic orb and let it fly to the barrier, adding to the shield. The magic felt familiar, Selunite no doubt, and you felt warm.

                The women coughed and turned, slightly jumping. “Oh, pardon me. I didn’t realize I had an audience. Let me guess, you’re the true soul who’s going to save us all?” She walked past you and into the room, stopping in the middle. “Did Jaheira’s sent you to beg a protection spell of her favorite cleric?” She barely gave you a chance to speak before raising her arms, her body glowing as she sent a beam of light towards your group. The magic that flowed through you felt nice and almost like home.

                From her point of view, the symbol of Isobel’s goddess flashed on your skin and small ears of light appeared above your head before disappearing. “Ahh. A hunter of the night, I see. I’m sure our Lady has already blessed you with some protection, but now your group is alright as well. It will only keep you safe from the lesser effects of the curse, you’ll need to find a much stronger solution of you wish to make it to Moonrise. “

                Behind you, Shadowheart growled. “Selunite magic. Dark Lady forgive me.” The wound on her hand flashed and she winced. She continued to glare at Isobel, crossing her arms.

                “Good nose. Like a nasty little terrier.” Isobel retorted.

                Before Shadowheart could fire back, you stepped in front of her. “Thank you, very much. But, what did you mean hunter of the night? Are you talking about…” You trailed off, still nervous to reveal your nature even if she might already know.

                “Your Lycanthropy? I can sense it in you, and it was revealed when I blessed you. Lycans blessed by Selune are her ‘Hunters of The Night.’ They served has protecters, much like familiars. It seems she’s blessed you with full control of your abilities.” She held her hand up, an illusion of Selune appearing in her palm with a few wolves around her, standing protectively with her symbol on their snout just like yours.

                “Lycans are much different than werewolves. Werewolves can’t control their shift and are led by anger. They are no longer human, too lost in their animal side to return. Lycans though, are blessed to keep their humanity. Selune protects them and allows them to shift between shapes. I suppose you’re like a druid, in a way.”

                You nodded in awe. You and your parents still hadn’t discovered a lot about your blessing, your village too small to hold any information. “I see. Thank you. We should probably take our leave though, much to do.” You chuckled and stepped back, awkwardly pointed to the door.

                “Wait. Please be careful. Ketheric is a frightening man. But you have something that he doesn’t: allies worth having. While you’re busy in the towers, I’ll be sure to…” She stopped, turning to look up and around. “Did you hear that? Somethings wrong.”

                Everything suddenly went to the hells. A corrupted and winged Flaming Fist, Marcus, had crashed into the room. He was ranting about the absolute and used his own tadpole to connect to yours. He thought you were on his side and demanded your help to capture Isobel for Ketheric Throm. When he realized you wouldn’t be of help, he let out a roar and winged ghoul descended onto the Inn.

                Magic and arrows were flying, and you tried your best to protect Isobel from the man. In the chaos though, a yell of pain caught your attention. Behind you, a ghoul slipped through and swiped for Astarion, slicing his porcelain skin, and knocking him to the ground, paralyzed. Your vision went red, and you let out a roar of your own, growling and sprinting towards the monster.

                You weren’t exactly sure want happened. You swiped your hand at the monster, and it let out a screech, trying to swipe back but you shoved into it. Your hand bones cracked, and it felt like they were extending as claw took the place of your fingernails. You continues to slice at the monster, it’s blood coating your arms and body. When you realized it was dead, you were breathing hard and had already set your sights on your old target.

                The True-Soul finally died after a long battle, as well as the rest of his winged ghouls. Blood scented the air and stained the wooden floors. Your breaths were still hard, and your heart was pounding in your ears. Your vision was blurry, and you could make out Isobel’s shape walking towards you.

                She placed her hand on your shoulder, calling your name and pulling you aside. “Are you alright? You lost it there. I-I’ve never seen someone so angry.” You looked down at your hands, blood staining your soft skin and armor, and looked back at Astarion. He had gotten back up in the fight and was now being looked over by Shadowheart.

                “I saw him go down and I… I just lost it, I guess. I’ve never felt so angry.” A look a realization came across her face and you avoided her gaze. If you yourself had thought that having a vampire mate was a curse from your goddess, you weren’t sure what a cleric of hers would think.

                “I see.” She didn’t say much and before she could, Jaheira had busted into the room.

                “Isobel! Are you alright?” Isobel nodded. “Marcus has been with us from the start- they’ve been tracking us this whole time. This wasn’t a random attack. You were the target, Isobel. They know how important you are.” Jaheira paused and turned to you. “But they don’t know about you. Ketheric will strike again. We need you to strike first. Discover the source of his invulnerability. Make him mortal, so that we may make him bleed. Good luck.”

                With a determined nod, your group set out. You met a group of Harpers at the Inn’s bridge. They had a plan to steal a source of protection from the curse in an ambush of Absolute cultists that should be making they way to the towers. After gathering extra supplies and making sure everyone was good to go, your group set out with the harpers.

                The Harpers were correct in their ambush. A Drider led a group of cultists with a Moon Lantern, its aura shielding them from the cursed. The fight that insinuated wasn’t too difficult. The goblins went down fast and the Drider soon after. You were luckily able to keep all the Harpers safe, everyone only receiving some cuts and bruises. The moon lantern you looted from the Drider held a fairy and her muffled voice cried out for help. In return, she blessed your party, keeping you safe from even the darkest part of the curse. So after bidding farewell to the Harpers, you all made your way to moonrise towers.

---

                The trail to the Towers was long and your party had run into many shadow-cursed enemies, but after hours, you had crossed the bridge into the towers. The guards at the entry questioned you, but it wasn’t too hard to trick them. The walls of the towers stood high above you. The stone walls and darkness made the place feel cold and you grimaced as you walked through it. The smell that lingered in the air was rancid and it made your hair stand up.

                It seems you weren’t the only one who could smell it as Astarion grimaced behind you, holding the back of his hand to his nose. The closest scent in the air was coming from a door to your left, and as your curiosity got the best of you, you made your way towards it. On the other side, a drow woman stood in front of a table, bottles and vials of blood scattered around its surface.

                Her attention turned to you as the door creaked open and she made her introduction. “Araj Oblodra. Trader in blood and the sanguineous arts. It’s a pleasure to stand before a true soul. And your pale companion.” The way her eyes raked over Astarion’s form made your own twitch and your fists curl. “I’d like to offer my services, if you’re willing?” She offered a potion in exchange for some of your blood, and since it was only a bit, you held your hand out. It didn’t take her long at all to brew you a strong potion, gladly giving it to you.

                “Before you go, tough, there might be one more thing we could discuss?” Her eyes once again drifted to Astarion. “Your friend. He’s a vampire, no? Or at least a spawn?” Her tone made your blood boil and the look in her eye made you want to rip out her throat. How dare she look at your mate that way? Use that tone to him?

                “Oh don’t worry,” Astarion began, “We’re all friends under the Absolute. I won’t bite.”

                She smirked and let out a soft chuckle. “Oh, I prefer if you did.” She turned to you with a raised brow. “I assume he belongs to you?”

                Your eyes widened and you stood agog. “Excuse me? He doesn’t belong to anyone.” You growled out and your nails began to dig into your palm.

                She let out a scoff. “Oh, I’m sure he believes that. Do you have a name, Spawn?”

                Astarion took a step back, “Astarion, b-but hold on-“

                Araj immediately cut him off, a smile on her face. “Good. Now, Astarion, I’ve always dreamed of being bitten by a vampire. Ever since I was a young girl.” Your ears started ringing and your body grew hot. The voices around you became muffled as she attempted to push herself onto him. It was only when she raised her voice at you that you snapped. “Ugh! Can’t you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?!”

                Your eyes glowed a pale yellow and your hand wrapped around your throat, claws sprouting from your fingernails and digging into her skin. You shoved her body against her desk with a loud growl. “How DARE you speak to him like that? Do you not know the meaning of the word ‘no’?!” You companion behind you stepped back as fur peaked from beneath your armor.  Beneath you, Araj struggled and attempted to speak. You leaned down, bringing your growing fangs to her ear. “If you so as much glance or even think about my mate,” you tightened your grip, “I’ll tear your gods damned throat out. Do you understand?”

                She frantically nodded, and with one last shove, she fell to the ground, holding her throat and coughing. You took a deep breath and glanced down at your hands, watching as your claws retreated into your bones. Whatever has been happening to you recently, it was starting to scare you. You shuddered and shook your head, turning back to your group who was all looking at you concerned and with slight fear.

                You cleared your throat and pushed past them. “L-Let’s go find somewhere to camp, I’m exhausted and this place reeks.”

---

                The fire roared in front of you as you hugged your knees close to your chest. Your friends had kept their distance from you ever since making camp and you figured they were still nervous after your outburst earlier. You had been sitting alone for a while when soft footsteps reached your ears, and the scent of your mate met your nose.

                Turning your head, he sent a small wave to you. “Do you have a moment. I think we need to talk.” Your heart clenched and you stood, following him back to his tent. He turned to you, a look of nervousness in his eyes. “I uum, I want to thank you.” His voice was soft, keeping in mind the others in their own tents.

                You raised a brow. “For what?”

                “For what you said, when I was in front of that vile drow. I spent two hundred years using my body to lure pretty things back for my master. What I wanted, how I felt about what I was doing, it never mattered. You could have asked me to do the same- to throw myself at her, what I wanted be damned.” His voice raised and he threw his arms out, but quickly brought them back in, his eyes softening. “But you didn’t. And I’m grateful.”

                You smiled. “Astarion, I would never make you do something you don’t want to do. And I’ll hurt anyone who tries to force you to.” You clenched your fists again, the thought of that drow heating up your blood again.             

                “It’s a novel concept, I admit. And a little intimidating.” He looked down and sighed. “Look. I had a plan. A nice, simple plan- seduce you, sleep with you, manipulate your feelings so that you’d never turn on me.” He let out a chuckle, and in your chest your heart pounded. So he didn’t feel the pull. He had been using you this whole time? “It was easy, instinctive. Habits from two hundred years of charming people kicked in.”

                You took a small step back, holding your hand over your heart. “Astarion, I…I…” You couldn’t even speak; no words came to your mind as he continued talking.

                “All you had to do… was fall for it.” He let out another sigh. “And all I had to do, was not fall for you. And that is where my nice, simple plan… falls apart.” His eyes bore into yours, and you could see no deceit. He truly meant it. “You… you’re incredible. But you deserve something real. I want us to be something real.” He stepped forward, grasping your hand in between his own.

                Your heart pounded in your ears and sparks shot through your skin beneath his. Minutes passed, and without your response, he stepped back and sighed. It snapped you out of your gaze and you reached back out to him, stepping forward and wrapping your arms around his waist softly. It stunned him for a second, but he slowly lowered his arms around you in return.

                His scent was all you could smell as you nuzzled into his chest with a smile. “I want us to be something real too. More than anything.” You stepped back, moving to hold his hands in yours.

                He let out a breath. “You… you’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” A smile broke out on his face, and he leaned forward. “Honestly, I have no idea what we’re doing. Or what comes next.” The grip on your hands tightened. “But I know that this… this is nice.” His smile was soft, and he brought up one of your hands, placing a soft kiss on your knuckles. “I- I do have one question though. I couldn’t help but overhear what you told that drow.”

                Your brow raised and you tilted your head. You hoped it didn’t show on your face, but you were worried.

                “What did you mean, when you said, ‘my mate?’” Your blood ran cold, and all you heard was the pounding on your heartbeat.

---

Masterlist

PT1 || PT2 || PT3 || PT4

Taglist: @saturns-angel || @bdudette || @simon-e-mallory || @caskyywrites || @emo-with-headphones || @ophelias-flowerss || @sarawithasword || @stonedstargazer666 ||

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Comfort ❤️

Summary; I love thunderstorms but thought it would be nice to write something where Eddie comforts the reader who's scared of thunderstorms.

There's a massive storm while everyone is at school, it's winter and the storm hits during the afternoon instead of night.

Eddie comforts the reader when they find themselves together in an empty classroom.

Warnings; Anxiety attack, mean Eddie, enemies to lovers, fluff, much kissing, comfort. minors dni

I don't give anyone permission to copy, reuse, or repost my work.

❤️

❤️

The biggest storm to hit Hawkins in years happened while you were in class.

It was the usual day, Eddie was your partner and seemed intent on irratating the hell out of you.

That was the thing with him. Half the time he pissed you off, the other half you wanted to kiss him. The latter part was something you kept secret.

You were barely paying attention to what Mrs O'Donnell was saying, mind focused on cheer routines and the way the wind seemed to be increasing by the minute, the howling growing louder, rain battering of the windows.

It was fine, you were fine you tell yourself trying to stay calm. The truth was though you didn't like storms very much, these ones weren't too bad but add thunder and lightning to the mix and you panicked.

The weatherman said to expect thunder and lightning, gale force winds. A big storm was meant to hit tonight but it appears it was arriving earlier than planned.

It seemed to get progressively worse, the sky darker, the lights were flickering on and off and your friends and other students seemed very excited.

All through classes everyone was on edge or anticipating something big happening.

What if the power went out completely, it's not like anyone could go home. It was too dangerous.

What were you going to do at the end of the day? You could hear teachers talking about it, thinking that it was the best for everyone to stay here until the storm calmed down.

You kinda wished you had listened to your gut instinct and just stayed in bed this morning.

"Princess you keep gripping that pencil like that and you're gonna break it" Eddie points out to you and you drop the pencil.

"What's up with you anyway? You break a nail during cheer practice?" he asks with a smug smile on his face and his barb momentarily distracts you from being nervous.

"Bite me, Munson" he's just about to retort but the bell rings signalling lunchtime and you'd rather get as far away from him as possible.

No such luck though. He follows you, gently tugging on your ponytail to get attention and you huff, turning around and glaring at him.

"Are you five years old or something? God, you're such a dick" he shrugs.

"Had to get your attention somehow princess priss, haven't heard you call me an asshole for three hours now, I got worried"

That nickname irritated you but you still feel your heart skip a beat as he moves closer to you, does he feel that spark too?

There's a clap of thunder and you startle, Eddie watches you his eyes full of mirth.

"Asshole" you yell over your shoulder as you walk away, his laughter follows you down the hall.

❤️

Around fifth period the lights went out completely it was already dark being the winter months so there wasn't much light.

Mr Arnolds tried to calm everyone down but it was hard to hear him over the shouting. Shouldn't the school have a backup generator or something.

The lights going out had sent everyone into panic mode. Except for the students who seemed more prepared than the teachers, you had brought a flashlight to school just in case of this happening.

Better to have some sort of plan you reckoned.

Despite that all the worried voices coupled with the storm outside was making your anxiety spike even more.

You find an empty classroom and try to get control of your racing thoughts.

Except you're not alone, as you shine your torch you notice Eddie seems to have had the same idea as you.

"Shouldn't you be in class sweetheart? Keeping people's spirits up with your peppy cheer routine" you snort with laughter.

"Good one Eddie, it take all your time to come up with that zinger?" he smiles back at you, it was weird. Sometimes you think he likes bickering with you, sought you out.

Like you did with him.

Hesitantly you peer out the window and the tree branches slam against the window causing you to jump, thunder rumbles, it's so loud it makes you immediately tense.

"Aww, what's wrong princess? Scared of a little thunder and lightning?" Eddie mocks as he watches you and you turn around ready to snap back when there's a rumble of thunder again, the lightning flashes perilously close to the window.

Fear floods through your body and you look around the room trying to stop yourself from panicking.

Five things you can see... Eddie's smug irritatingly cute face. Your book for your English report, the anxiety in your stomach grows even more, this isn't helping.

"Hey, hey look at me" Eddie kneels down beside you, taking your hand in his, mocking look gone and replaced with concern.

"I hate this" you whimper and he softens as you tighten your grip on his hands.

"Sweetheart, you're safe with me okay? Do you think I would let anything happen to you?" you stifle a smile.

"I irritate you, drive you up the wall" he smiles, all dimples.

"Yeah, no shit but you're sweet when you want to be, smart, beautiful and brave, this is like a dnd quest okay? The knight and his badass princess sheltering from a storm and working together to keep each other calm"

This begins to relax you. "Maybe a little bit different from your usual quests, you pause and your heart skips a beat, you think I'm beautiful?"

He blushes a little bit. "Maybe" You tilt his chin up so he looks at you, his big brown eyes wide.

"Maybe I think you're cute," you tell him and wipe your tears away. He pulls you tight against his body and you rest your head on his chest.

"Talk about anything please, take my mind off this" he obliges and begins to tell you about the movie he watched last night, the songs his band Corroded Coffin performed at the Hideout.

"We had like four drunks princess, think that's a record" This causes you to giggle.

"I'd like to see you perform" he rubs your arm as you flinch when lightning flashes again.

"Shh, just focus on me kay? I'd love to see you at the Hideout princess, can you bring your pom poms?" he teases and you grin.

"It's a date... I mean, shit" Why the hell did you say date? Cringing you play with his guitar pick as his breath hitches.

"I'd like that a lot. It's definitely a date" The storm suddenly seems quieter or maybe it's because Eddie is looking down at you with warmth in his big brown eyes.

"Better?" he probes, stroking your cheek then leaning to kiss you. Nothing else matters as you kiss, you lose yourself in how amazing it feels.

"Think I'm starting to like storms now" you admit but then the thunder starts again and you wince.

"Okay, maybe not"

"Guess I'll have to distract you some more" Eddie smirks and kisses you gently. It turns more intense and the storm rages on all afternoon.

With Eddie kissing you like this though it's easy to forget it just for a little while.

❤️✨

[knightfuryvawannabee]

🏹 I Trust You 🩸

Astarion x FtM Named Tav

Minors do not interact, this is smut.

This is basically just Astarion and my Tav trusting each other enough to have sex. Yay! :D

- Fluff, Smut, PiV sex, lots of kissing, neck biting, brief mention of blood drinking, allusions to trauma but I didn’t use specific words in this one, self-indulgent, ask to tag

- 5,699 words

I originally posted this to AO3, but I figured people here would like it as well, I did fix some grammar and wording issues (namely Astarion saying “my sweet” enough to send someone to the ER in a drinking game), so I’ll update that over there when I’m off work.

[ID: Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3 kissing an elven man with a long braid.]

Claesong tossed and turned a lot in his rest. It was normal for him to have trouble. But this night seemed like something else. His thoughts were racing and his heart pounded in his chest every time he went at all close to the rapid eye movement stage of sleeping.

Eventually he quietly, but hastily dug through his bag, and grabbed the spare shirt he’d been given by Astarion. He laid back down and held it close to his chest. It still smelled like him. Unfortunately it seemed to have the opposite effect he’d hoped it would, seeing as his thoughts only raced around more. Some of the thoughts made it particularly difficult to even close his eyes. So he just stared up at the starlit sky and held it absentmindedly. His thumbs rubbed the fabric back and forth.

“Are you alright, my sweet?”

Claesong turned his head to see that Astarion was sitting up in his bedroll.

“Just having trouble resting…I take it it’s the same for you?” he asked in a hushed tone.

Astarion shrugged, but then nodded.

“I suppose there’s a lot to think about. Especially on a night like this,” he responded. Though he didn’t seem to put as much care into keeping his voice down. Seeing as Karlach was snoring like a train, and Gale was sleeping in his tent as opposed to the bedrolls by the fire.

He tilted his head at Claesong, trying to figure out just what was going through that elf’s mind. But even Astarion was having trouble reading him completely. So at that point he just asked the question that jumped into his mind.

“Would you prefer to just rest in the tent with me? I bring it up because, well,” he gestured at Claesong holding his shirt so closely.

Claesong almost immediately nodded at the invitation. When he realized how quickly he responded, his eyes widened slightly, and he looked to the side awkwardly.

“I- pardon. Yes that idea sounds nice for tonight…if it’s okay with you,” he sheepishly muttered to Astarion.

Astarion chuckled delightedly at Claesong, before standing up and offering his hand. He grinned when Claesong took his hand with a bashful smile. His thumb carefully ran over his knuckles before he raised his hand to press a tender kiss to the back of it.

“You’re always so charming when you get all blush-like around me,” he cooed at him.

Claesong’s cheeks went rosy as he looked to the side again.

“Astarion…” he said whilst he bit the inside of his cheek.

The two elves still held each other’s hands for the short walk to the relatively small tent. Astarion carefully but purposefully pulled Claesong down with him as he laid down. His arms wrapped around his body, as he made sure his head laid on his chest. He smiled and kissed him on the top of his head.

Claesong hummed happily and nuzzled his cheek against Astarion’s chest. The coolness of his sanguine skin always reminded him of a cold pillow. He smiled contently and looked up at him as he hugged him.

Astarion chuckled as he brushed a hand through Claesong’s long hair.

“You are so adorable when you’re like this, you know that?” he asked with a skip in his voice.

The statement made Claesong blush again, and he covered his eyes with his hand.

“You know that makes me blush to hear…” he admitted as he looked through the space in his fingers. “Are you trying to get me all flustered?”

Astarion giggled and continued to brush a hand through Claesong’s hair. His opposite hand slowly rubbed circles on his back.

“I’m just trying to make you feel loved, my darling. But if it’s making you feel something more…then I certainly won’t complain if that’s what you’re seeking.”

Claesong smiled as he let his weight sink into Astarion’s embrace. His mind continued to wander and race as he let him lovingly play with his hair and body. Many of his thoughts were pleasant. The idea of many more nights of quiet slumbers together. Or perhaps the thought of just a moonlit stroll together as the two reflected on the day whilst trying to pretend they weren’t utterly disgusted at the dry wine they’d accidentally bought instead of sweet wine. But Claesong’s mind also wandered to places that made him question wether or not it was okay for that to happen.

The night of the tiefling party still weighed heavy on Claesong’s mind. He knew that he’d fallen for Astarion. And he knew he wanted that feeling of intimacy. Even if it was only for a moment. But all he could think about was just how he froze up, how petrified he was. And in that moment being able to confide in someone who knew. Who knew what it was like. Even if that night hadn’t gone the way either of them wanted, he was still forever grateful at the comfort and understanding they’d formed together.

But it felt like so much time had passed since then. And there were newer encounters they’d shared. From Astarion telling him he didn’t want to be viewed just for sex. And the confession of how scared he was when he realized that the moments that he shared meant something looking back. And now those moments meant everything. Parts of his heart ached for these moment of closeness. Other parts appreciated the fact that someone trusted him enough to actually love him, regardless of his past and how it affected his present. But there were still parts that yearned for healing from the both of them so they could share each other fully.

Astarion happened to feel Claesong’s pulse racing. When he looked down at him, he was still holding his spare shirt, and just idly looking in one direction. He tapped his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Are you alright, my dear? You’re staring into nothing. What’s on that mind of yours?” he asked as he tilted his chin up so their eyes met.

Claesong shrugged.

“I really don’t know what’s on my mind… Well actually that may not be the most truthful statement. I’ve been thinking of you most every night. But it’s just that…tonight it’s going all over the place and I don’t know what to think of it or what I want from it,” he admitted. When he looked up at Astarion’s eyes, he felt his heart flutter and abdomen turn about.

“You already know my…complicated feelings regarding intimacy and sex…”

Astarion nodded with a somber face. His hand that was brushing through Claesong’s hair now cupped his cheek. Claesong sighed and leaned his head into his hand.

“And I also know your complicated feelings with intimacy and sex too,” he added to his previous statement. “I think I’m sort of having that same sort of…for lack of better term, conflict you told me of.”

His words confused Astarion. But not for the reason one would immediately think of.

“I love you my darling…but I do need you to specify which conflict I’ve told you about,” he admitted with a lighthearted laugh.

His laughter caught on with Claesong too as he let out a quiet chortle. He sighed and sat up next to him.

“I mean your conflict of…you don’t know what real looks like… I don’t know a lot of the times if my… wants are just my body trying to block out my hurt like you said…or if it’s because I actually want to have sex…” he trailed off and looked down a little. “And then I know you said you don’t only want to be viewed as a means to and end, or only viewed for sex…and I’m worried that if I try to express what’s going on at a given time that, it’ll feel like I’m only viewing you that way…” he added with an almost shameful tone.

He hugged his knees to his chest and forced himself to look at Astarion, who was now also sitting up with him. Astarion smiled softly and gently rubbed his shoulder.

“If it’s of any consolation, my darling…I know that you don’t only see me for sex…someone who does, wouldn’t go so far out of their way as you have for us to enjoy each other’s company in ways that don’t involve it…the little strolls we take, or the stargazing for example,” he told Claesong with a soft voice. “You do so much to make sure that I know your intentions, and you also do so much to make sure I’m okay with an action before you perform it…” he added.

Astarion held his arm out around Claesong. He watched as Claesong leaned towards him, and the two wrapped their arms around each other. The pale elf squeezed his arms tightly around his lover before pulling away to give eye contact.

“In the same words you said to me…we can figure out what ‘real’ looks like, together. No matter what happens…I want to show you the same patience and kindness you’ve shown me…and I swear to always be with you for every step, okay?” he asked and promised.

Claesong nodded. He felt Astarion rub his thumb over his cheek before watching as he glanced down at his lips and back up to his eyes. He knew what he was asking, and he nodded with a comforted smile. Astarion carefully pulled Claesong close as he leaned forward to tenderly kiss him.

When the two pulled away from each other, Claesong took Astarion’s hand into his. It definitely piqued his curiosity when he did. Claesong sighed and tried to find his words.

“I don’t have the words to say what’s on my thoughts…or the best way to ask for what I want…is it okay if I show you instead?” he asked quietly.

Astarion looked surprised, but he still nodded. His hand was taken and placed where his fingertips were pressed to Claesong’s temple. He could tell he was opening his mind to him, so he followed suit.

He saw lightened images of the two bantering and playfully fighting together. There were images of the two laying together under a tree’s shade in simple bliss. The pictures melded to ones of them finding each other the night of the party in the past. Perhaps just thoughts of what could have been. But then those same thoughts changed again. Astarion saw himself laying fully barren with Claesong. Their bodies fully intertwined together in soft passion.

After a few moments of the final image, Claesong took Astarion’s hand away. His golden eyes looked at his red eyes as he felt his heart pounding and racing just beneath his skin. It took what felt like all of his effort to keep his breath steady. All he could do in that moment was just wait. Wait for something to be said, to be done.

Astarion looked at Claesong with widened eyes before he started to laugh happily. He grabbed his own hair for a moment as he processed everything that he had just been shown.

“I- wow-! You really are full of surprises!” he exclaimed through his laughs that Claesong had grown so familiar to. “Well first off…those first things you showed me…gods that sounds so amazing…do show me more of those when you get the chance. Please,” he practically begged.

Claesong blushed and laughed. He squeezed his legs together as he nodded at Astarion’s request.

“I think I can make arrangements for something like that,” he said with an almost swirl in his voice.

The reaction from Claesong made Astarion giggle and smile again. He really loved seeing him like that. Then he cleared his throat to try and get back on track.

“And in regards to the other things you showed me,” he started, his voice a bit more serious now. “Even if I may not be in a place to do it at every opportunity…I want you to know that I will still do whatever I can to make sure you fill fulfilled…loved…wanted,” he quietly proclaimed as he reached his hand to stroke Claesong’s cheek.

“Please don’t ever feel like you have to hide things from me…especially as it pertains to your wants, needs, even your health and how certain things are affecting you…I know what it’s like to have to go through those things alone, and not have anyone to verbalize those feelings to…and I don’t want to see the love of my life go through that,” Astarion expressed before he touched his forehead to Claesong’s.

Claesong smiled and had to wipe a grateful tear from his eye as he leaned his forehead back against Astarion’s.

“Thank you…” he whispered through a smile. When Astarion pulled back, Claesong pressed his lips and then his legs together. His abdomen turned again just looking at him after their shared closeness.

Of course Astarion noticed it right away, and he chuckled and tilted his head.

“My dear, is it okay for me to ask if there’s something…in particular you want? Perhaps relating to what you showed me?” he asked with a grin on his face.

It made Claesong blush to think about it. But he couldn’t push it down any further that he just really wanted a moment like this for once. He still had slivers of doubt in his mind, so he wasn’t certain if he could answer with just a ‘yes or no’.

“I think that’s what’s going on, yeah,” he admitted with his cheeks flushed. “I just don’t know how ready I am tonight.”

Astarion nodded in understanding.

“It’s alright, darling. Tell you what…why don’t we just…take it slow. We can gauge where you’re at and how you’re feeling tonight…if we go to a certain point, lovely. If we stop at a certain point and just spend our time laying in each other’s company, then that’ll be wonderful, too. I just want to make sure that this is what you want,” he said with love and care in his voice.

In response, Claesong nodded back to him.

“That sounds like a good idea, yeah…” he said with a warm smile on his face. He gently grabbed Astarion’s hand and squeezed it in his. “I trust you.”

Those three words were really all he needed to say. Astarion beamed and raised Claesong’s hand and kissed one of his knuckles. “And I trust you too.”

Claesong leaned closer to Astarion, and softly kissed his lips. His arms wrapped around his torso as he carefully rolled and laid back down with him, his body underneath Astarion. All he could think to do in that moment was to share soft and tender kisses with him, hoping that he would take more of a lead this night.

Astarion smiled against Claesong’s lips as he reciprocated each kiss he was given. While one of his hands continued to hold Claesong’s, the other started to brush against his cheek. He pulled away from the mutual embraces to check in on him.

“How’s this, my love?” he asked quietly.

Claesong smiled and nodded up at him.

“It…tickles a little, but it feels nice,” he said as he squeezed his arms around Astarion’s back.

The statement made Astarion nod, and he moved his hand down towards his neck. His nails trailed against his delicate skin.

“And this?”

Claesong nodded again. So Astarion moved his hand lower. To his shoulder, his collarbone, across the broad of his chest. Down towards his abdomen, and even brushing against his side. It startled Astarion when Claesong jumped a little when his hand brushed the side of his waist.

“Shit are you-“ he was cut off.

“I-I’m okay! I’m just very ticklish, I swear!” Claesong exclaimed through giggles. “You’re okay to keep going, love,” he affirmed as he smiled and softly kissed Astarion on the cheek.

With a relieved sigh, Astarion continued to move his hand just a little lower. He stopped at the hem of Claesong’s shirt, and he glanced his eyes at him.

“How do you want to go about with this?” he cooed with his question.

Claesong’s cheeks flushed and he chuckled.

“I’m fine with having it off for tonight…and besides, you seem to like it as much as I do when I go without,” he remarked with another chuckle. The statement made Astarion giggle and fan himself a little. If his blood ran as it did when he were alive, he would have undoubtedly blushed in that moment.

Astarion gingerly moved his hands under the hem of Claesong’s shirt. And even more carefully started to pull it up and off over his body. When the shirt was completely removed, Astarion folded it neatly and set to the side of the tent. As he turned back to Claesong, he felt a fluttering in his abdomen. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen Claesong without a shirt before. He just chalked it up to tonight being different.

“By the gods you are beautiful... Oh, by the way, how’s your tape holding up? I know we had quite the day today,” he mentioned as he gestured to the tape binding Claesong’s chest.

Claesong ran a hand over his chest and then gave Astarion a thumbs up.

“Hasn’t moved a centimeter! Thanks again for helping with this,” he gratefully said with a smile. His smile faded to a smirk as he tilted his head.

“Now are you going to keep yours on or would you like to have it off as well?” he asked Astarion with a tone of want in his voice.

The question made Astarion feel a welcomed tightness in his cheeks. He chuckled happily as he carefully pulled his own shirt up and over himself, before folding it the same way he did Claesong’s. Astarion laughed and smiled before laying back over Claesong, exchanging soft but needy and passionate kisses with him. His hands sensually rubbed over his chest, and he could feel Claesong’s hands rubbing over his.

A quiet moan escaped from Claesong as he let himself take in this moment. He continued to share kisses with Astarion, smiling against his lips the entire time. At the same time he could feel an undeniable warmth growing between his legs. He felt a only little embarrassed by it. The overwhelming majority of himself welcomed it.

Astarion giggled under his breath when he heard Claesong moan. He pulled away from kissing him and he smirked down at him.

“Someone’s a little excited, hm?” he teased as he brushed his fingers down Claesong’s cheek and neck. “I can hardly say I blame you though,” he whispered before leaning down and kissing him on his neck. “You really do certain things to me…sometimes without even trying it seems.”

Claesong quietly moaned again when his neck was kissed, and he blushed heavily at Astarion’s compliments. He pressed his legs together in an ultimately vain attempt to relieve the pressure in his groin. It only seemed to make it more intense. What didn’t help matters was that he could see Astarion’s cock straining against the fabric of his trousers.

“Doesn’t that feel a little sore?” he asked him with a tilted head.

“Does what feel sore, darling?” Astarion asked, rather confused. He saw Claesong glance down to his lower body, so he tilted his head down and noticed it. It immediately made him start laughing, to the point he had to sit up on the ground of the tent.

“I- forgot to mention that-!” he exclaimed while he laughed. “Because my blood doesn’t flow normally, I can’t actually feel when…that happens. The most I was noticing until you pointed it out was just a little friction that anyone gets with movement,” he explained, his voice a little winded from his laughter.

Claesong started to laugh alongside him, but he quickly tried to control his volume.

“We- should try to keep our voices down a little-“ he mentioned as he was barely keeping his own laughter in. Astarion agreed with a nod, finally having managed to catch his breath. Claesong smiled up at him and brushed a hand through the curls of his hair.

“Gods I love you…”

Astarion grinned and kissed Claesong on his neck.

“And I love you too…so much…” he cooed. Then he looked down and brushed a hand through his hair. “You seem reallycertain about this tonight…and I’m glad,” he started as he continued to brush his hair. “But if at any point we need to stop…please tell me…,” he added, begging with his tone.

Claesong nodded and caressed Astarion’s cheek.

“I promise, my love…” he whispered. His hand pulled Astarion down and he softly kissed his lips in assurance.

With a sigh of relief, Astarion smiled down at Claesong. Then he leaned down and gently nibbled on his neck while he started to grind his hips against him. He quietly let out a soft moan against his neck.

“Gods…”

Claesong laid his head down on the pillow of the bedroll as he let out a long exhale. It felt nice. His arms locked around Astarion’s shoulders as his breath became a series of quiet, controlled moans. Then he started to rock his hips back and forth in tandem with Astarion’s.

“It’s…really good…” he expressed through a shaking exhale.

“Wonderful,” Astarion breathed as he continued to move his hips against Claesong’s. His quiet moans sounded to get ever more desperate as he hugged Claesong close to him. He could feel himself leaking precum, and the feeling was just a little distracting to him.

At the same time, Claesong could feel himself getting more and more wet between his legs. He was grinding his hips up into Astarion’s with just slightly more fervor as his buried his head into the crook of his neck. It was honestly a surprise to him at how good it felt doing this with him.

“Astarion…” he whispered as he looked up with an expression of yearning in his eyes.

Astarion leaned up and looked down at Claesong. The want in his eyes was obvious, but he still wanted to be careful with him.

“Are you sure?” he asked him gently.

Claesong nodded as he looked up with yearning in his eyes. “I’m sure… I want this, my love,” he said to him quietly.

With a quiet sigh and nod, Astarion very carefully started to push Claesong’s trousers down his legs. And then he similarly folded the clothing and set it to the side as he did with their shirts. When he looked back and saw his exposed vulva, he felt his stomach flutter again.

“I…wow…” He was otherwise speechless.

The sentiment made Claesong blush heavily and turn his head a little. He still managed to laugh under his breath despite how embarrassed he felt in that moment.

“You’re acting like you’ve never seen, much less touched it before…” he murmured, recalling the few times they were able to share some form of intimacy together.

Astarion chuckled as he smirked at Claesong.

“Well, it’s not my fault that you always look so…delectable. Especially when it’s in this situation,” he swooned as he ran a hand down Claesong’s leg. He smirked again before he sat up and pushed his own trousers down and off of him.

Claesong blushed profusely when he saw Astarion’s fully barren body. He laughed quietly and shrugged his shoulders.

“You know what, I see your point now,” he managed through flustered giggles.

His flustered demeanor made Astarion quietly chortle in response. Then, he slowly and carefully leaned himself back over Claesong. He then stopped down and softly kissed his neck, the tip of his cock prodding his entrance when he did. The sound of Claesong shakily inhaling made him push himself up from him.

“Do you need a moment, love?” he asked quietly.

Claesong took a moment to think before shaking his head.

“No, I’m okay…I know I’m safe…” he muttered quietly. He opened and closed his hands as he tried to control his thoughts. “Is…it okay if I still hold onto your hand?” he asked sheepishly, feeling almost immature for even having to askin the first place.

Astarion, however, smiled warmly and nodded. He didn’t even say anything before interlocking his fingers between Claesong’s.

“There…how does that feel?” he asked gently.

“It feels alright,” Claesong replied as he squeezed his hand. It took a long few minutes for him to work up the courage. But then he finally took a deep, and quiet inhale, and he nodded up at Astarion. “Okay…I think I’m ready now…,” he expressed with want in his eyes.

So, Astarion took a deep sigh. He slowly moved his hips forward, moaning quietly as he felt himself pushing into Claesong. His voice caught in his throat as he stopped himself from pushing in fully. Astarion looked down at Claesong, doing his best to control his own breathing.

“Is- this okay…my love?” he asked. “Oh gods that’s-,” he whispered to himself. Really, really quietly.

Claesong nodded. He squeezed Astarion’s hand and his eyes shut as memories tried to flood back. His breath became more heavy and slow as he also had to get used to the sore feeling between his legs. He knew it would hurt a little based on what Astarion had told him. Then he felt his cool hand on his cheek, and he opened his eyes.

Astarion was looking down at Claesong with a warm and patient smile. His thumb rubbed his cheek back and forth to try and provide some sense of comfort.

“It’s okay, my sweet…” he cooed.

It took Claesong a few more moments of just laying still with him. Then he squeezed Astarion’s hand and nodded up at him again. When he felt himself being pressed open again, it made him quietly gasp. It was such a new feeling to him. But it was also a wonderful and comforting feeling. Claesong took his hand from Astarion’s, and then locked his arms around his shoulders.

“I love you, my moonlight…” he whispered.

“And I love you too, my darling…” Astarion replied with a purr in his voice. He leaned down to press a kiss to Claesong’s lips as he started to rock his hips back and forth. His breath shook as he let out almost desperate sounding moans.

“Fuck…Claesong…”

Claesong was also quietly moaning as he kept his hands around Astarion’s shoulders. He could feel every part of his inner walls being pressed open and pushed against in a calming manner. But he also found the way his body was intertwined and pressed with Astarion’s to be incredibly soothing too. The only thing he could think to do was to quietly moan his name between exchanged kisses.

Astarion wrapped an arm around Claesong’s back and pulled him close in a tight hug. He eagerly moaned against Claesong’s lips while he smiled. When he pulled away to take a breath, all he could do was laugh and smile before pressing his forehead against that of his lover’s.

“Have you any idea how much…or how long I’ve wanted this…and for this to be with you?” He asked as he continued to slowly rock his hips into Claesong.

The only thing that Claesong could think of for an immediate response was to chuckle and smile. He couldn’t stop himself from moaning as Astarion continued to make love to him. His legs wrapped around his, and his hands around his torso and back. After a few minutes, he finally managed to answer.

“I…imagine it’s been for a while…” Claesong started, trying to keep his breathing under control. “Thank you…so much, for being so patient with me…” he added while he squeezed his arms around Astarion, and touched his forehead to his.

Astarion smiled softly and kissed Claesong, holding it for a few moments. When he pulled away, he continued to smile down at him.

“I feel like I should be the one thanking you…for, well, everything to this point…” he said to him gently. “I…never thought I’d get to a point again where this felt like…well, this…”

He continued to smile as he pulled Claesong close for another kiss, smiling against his lips when he did.

Claesong gladly leaned into the kiss, quietly moaning at the same time. He started to rock his hips in the same gentle motion and slow rhythm as Astarion. His hands trailed down his back, and then traced gentle circles.

“I love you…” he whispered and then repeated.

“Oh my love,” Astarion sighed as he tilted his head back to let out quiet whimpers. He desperately grabbed at Claesong’s back with one hand, while he used the other for support. His soft noises grew more and more needy as he continued to make love to him.

The two continued to share moans and kisses. After a few minutes, Claesong tilted his head to the side, exposing his neck to Astarion. He saw him smile, and lean down. Then he felt the familiar icy, and soothing sensation of his bite. As his blood streamed out of him, Claesong felt his body shake and grow more sensitive.

His hands trembled slightly as he quietly whined through sighs of pleasure. Claesong’s hands traveled further down Astarion’s back until his hands were resting in his rear. He gave a quick glance up at him, and saw Astarion just subtly nod in approval before he kept on lovingly fucking him. Claesong squeezed his rear, and pushed and pulled in tandem with Astarion’s movements.

The gesture made Astarion let out more quiet, but pleased whimpers. He then leaned down and began to kiss Claesong’s chest where the tape was securing him. His left hand almost nervously traced down the length of his lover’s body. It was such an unfamiliar sensation, being able to be intimate in a way that to him felt more like a shared appreciation, or perhaps just an exchange of hearts. There wasn’t the feeling of this almost being transactional, or something done reluctantly to gain protection. To him this was just…nice, or pleasant.

Astarion could feel Claesong tightening around him while he continued with kissing his chest. He could also feel himself growing more sensitive as his cock was starting to leak and twitch. His pleasured noises started to sound more desperate and more vocal. But he still remained gentle and mostly slow with his movements.

“Claesong…I don’t think I can hold out much longer…” he whispered with his voice strained.

Claesong heard the statement and nodded in return as he was still moving his hips along with Astarion’s. He took his hands away from his rear, and instead hugged him tightly around his torso. His head leaned back as he sighed and moaned in pleasure, with his body shaking a little as well.

“I…think I…fuck, Astarion…” that’s when Claesong suddenly gasped and sighed, as he felt his entire body tense before immediately relaxing when he’d hit his release.

Astarion in response held an arm around Claesong’s back and pulled his upper body up close. When he felt him release around him, it seemed to push Astarion over the edge himself.

“Gods- I- please, Claesong- oh, fuck-!” he quietly exclaimed as he buried his head into the crook of his neck while cumming inside of him. His arm around his back held Claesong tightly as he moaned and whimpered through his climax.

It took a moment or so before Astarion laid Claesong back down, and then laid his head on his chest. Both of them were breathing slow and steadily to catch their breaths. Claesong was running his hand through the curls of Astarion’s hair, while Astarion was nuzzling his cheek against the warmth of Claesong’s skin.

“I love you…” Claesong whispered. He felt Astarion squeeze him firmly and nod against his body, and he heard him whisper the same words. His free hand gently trailed up and down Astarion’s back, and he planted a kiss on the top of his head.

Astarion smiled warmly as he laid in silence, listening to the calming sound of his lover’s heartbeat. He eventually tilted his head up and sweetly kissed Claesong on his cheek. That's when he looked down, realizing they were still intertwined together.

“I…okay…,” he chuckled somewhat awkwardly. “I didn’t- expect this tonight- do you happen to have something we can use to clean up with?” he asked very quietly, sounding quite embarrassed but still very happy to have had this time with him.

Claesong laughed sheepishly and shook his head.

“I didn’t expect it to go this way either…” he admitted while still laughing. “We could go to the river and get cleaned up before everyone else wakes up…if that’s okay with you…”

Astarion listened, and then nodded.

“Yeah that…that sounds good…” he said with his voice still shaking from pleasure. “I’d like to stay in this moment a little longer first…” he added on with his voice low, almost sounding tired.

The suggestion made Claesong nod and smile up at him.

“I’d like that too…” he told him as he pulled him back down into a cuddle. “If…you’re okay with it…do you think we could just rest together like this for tonight…? We usually wake up far earlier than anyone else…we can get our rest in, and then get cleaned up before anyone knows…?” He asked him with an almost plea in his voice. He really didn’t want this moment to end.

There was silence for a moment. Then Astarion nodded with a smile as he squeezed Claesong close to him.

“Yeah…I’d like that a lot,” he told him. Then he leaned up and softly pressed his lips to his. He felt Claesong hug him close in return. Both were smiling against each other’s lips. When Astarion pulled away, he caressed Claesong’s cheek and smiled happily.

“My little sweet…”

“My Little Star…

[lirotation]

I Hail from Silverymoon: The Clash

Pov my little fanfiction: Astarion x Amaara (my wizard Tav). Angst I guess? This one is not a particular in-game scene, but the general feeling of Act II. The battles became hard, the atmosphere depressing, I was on edge the entire time while in the shadow cursed land. My Amaara was just a nudge away from flipping out. Also, while Dark Urge was like a person that the companions care about, Tav was more like a "Tool And Vessel". They'd dump their problems and requests on her without even asking, "Hey, how are you holding up?"

___________________________________

Amaara sat alone in her tent, absently cradling herself for comfort. She had skipped dinner, the day's events roiling in her mind. First Astarion had learned the sinister truth behind his scar, a revelation that shook them both. Then Arabella's parents were discovered murdered, despite Amaara's promises to save them. The girl's devastated screams and refusal of any consolation would haunt Amaara's dreams. She should have protected them. Should have been wiser, stronger, quicker. But she failed.

The impenetrable shadow curse loomed over the camp, an almost physical pressure exerted on Amaara. She can scarcely breathe. She sat, on the verge of tears, while everyone else tended to their own troubles. No one had even noticed her missing from the campfire tonight. Not that she blamed them; the quests pressed heavily on all. But a small voice inside still whimpered that she didn't matter.

With a shuddering sigh, Amaara pulled a blanket tight around herself. She wished it were Astarion's arms instead. This was one of those nights she would give anything just to lay her head on his shoulder and let him soothe her fears away.

But no, her thoughts drifted to him, remembering the first night they spent together. It was her very first time and he made it the single greatest experience in her life. She was completely lost in him and truly thought their souls bonded that night.

However, the second time was different. Her eagerness was clouded by doubts. She was also armed with new knowledge from Gale's books. She paid more attention to him that time, wishing to bring him pleasure, mend the bond they have. What she observed shattered all her hopes. His eyes were distant, withholding a hint of disgust and loathe. She didn't know what she did wrong, all she knew was the hurt in her heart and even more doubts in her mind. She didn't say or do anything though, still clung to him.

When they finally arrived at the shadow cursed land, there was no time to have a discussion because everything was thrown at her all at once. She could not seek comfort from him, for she didn't even know what his true intention was.

Suddenly Amaara heard soft footsteps outside her tent. Astarion popped his head in, giving his usual roguish smile. "Bad day?"

"The worst," she murmured. Carefully she allowed a tiny warmth kindled in her chest at the sight of him.

"I heard the girl yelling all the way across camp. This is what you get for helping every sob story that comes along."

Amaara sighed. "I had to try. I just wish I'd been quicker."

"Don't trouble yourself with every stranger's burden. You can't carry the world on your shoulders." Astarion's eyes glinted. "Although…we could have saved them if we had more power."

Amaara shook her head. "I did my best. Gave it my all."

"Did you?" Astarion pressed. "You refused to use the tadpole. But that was said and done. Now think - if I ascend in Cazador's place, we'll have might beyond imagining! You could help whoever you wished."

Amaara's eyes widened. Her heart turned to ice. He wasn't here to comfort her after all, "Don't." She snapped, then softened her tone, "please, not now, not today. We will discuss this some other time."

"Such innocence," he chuckled. "You know nothing of the choices survival forces upon us." His eyes flashed with cold ambition. "The power is there for the taking, if you'd help me grasp it. "

"There will always be a better way than violating our principles!" Amaara shot back, unshed tears shimmering in her eyes.

Astarion stepped closer, his voice dropping to a cruel whisper. "YOUR principles. They make you weak when ruthlessness is required. You couldn't even help a simple peasant girl."

His words had weaponized her own guilt and doubts, leaving her consumed by grief. "How can you even consider the profane ascension, when you know what it entails? You said you just wanted to be rid of your old master, you didn't even want to be a true Vampire. what changed?" Anger started to set in, for his lack of consideration of her emotions. Harsh words lashed out, firm and curt, " NO, I won't allow it. "

"YOU WON’T ALLOW IT?" He bit down on every word as if to chew them into pieces. Rage erupted inside him and his vision went red, "When I was being flayed, you danced carefree. When I was seducing victims to their death against my will, you shared kisses with your bard boy on the Moonbridge. While I endured unimaginable torments, you spent your youth immersed in books and childish romance. you are nothing but a little mageling with no experience of the evil in the world, and your naïvety will be our undoing." Astarion's words were soaked in venom, "Powers that could help us lie within easy grasp, yet you cling to frail morality, chaining me with it too. "

He imitated Amaara's voice in a mocking way, "Astarion, don't bite thinking creatures. Astarion, don't kill the monster hunter. Astarion, don't use the tadpole's power, Astarion, don't ascend and be truly free." He sneered.

"Does restricting me give you purpose? Do you seek to become my new master? After all I endured…you presume to command me?" He spat, "Too bad, you do not dictate my fate. when the time comes, it is not your decision to make."

Astarion's cruel condemnation cut to Amaara's core. As fury boiled up inside her, the last thread of restraint snapped. "How dare you!" she shrieked, voice shaking with rage. "You know nothing of my life, yet boldly presume to judge me!"

"I may be young, but I've seen darkness across Faerûn that you in your cage could scarcely dream of." Amaara blazed, fury and pain etched on her face.

"You think I don't comprehend evil? I fought in wars, trudged through the wreckage left by those drunk on power. Held the hands of the dying and broken. Heard the screams of children orphaned, peasants crushed beneath the heels of tyrants! The Drows sought power, and drove the War of Silver Marches. The Ogres sought power, and led the siege on Silverymoon. My home in rubbles, my parents slaughtered before my eyes!"

She trembled with rage and grief. "And now mind flayers spread madness, and I'm cursed with their filth in my head! Every time someone grasps for might, I lose something precious!"

Amaara's shoulders slumped in defeat. "So do not lecture me about power's lure or necessity. I crave power too. If I were stronger, perhaps I could have saved my parents, kept my friends safe. I toil endlessly to hone my skills, master new spells, learn new recipes, anything to gain control." She lifted her head, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. "But never at the cost of my soul."

"I offer you only compassion, yet you twist it into chains! Am I your enemy just for wishing you to retain your humanity?" Amaara wrapped her arms around herself, believing this is the source of their problem and the origin of his contempt. To her dismay, this is something unresolvable.

She felt utterly broken inside. "So choose your path, take your power, rule over ashes and bones. Lose yourself fully. It matters not, for I will have lost all I hold dear anyway. It would just be one more beloved thing sacrificed at ambition's altar. no big deal. I'm used to that by now."

Astarion stood there, his own anger overshadowed by the torrent of emotions that Amaara's words had stirred within him. Her confession had caught him off guard, and for a brief, bewildering moment, he felt a pulse of something he hadn't expected. But his well-practiced instincts to deflect kicked in, and he quickly composed himself.

"I do apologize, darling," he said, his voice carrying an unusual softness. "I didn't know. I suppose we're all products of our past, and you've certainly had your share of trials."

Astarion took a step closer, let out a small laugh "It was a bad choice of timing, I admit. In my eagerness after learning about the ritual, I got way ahead of myself. We don't even know if it can be done or not. We're practically bickering over theoretical situations. Silly of me, really."

His voice softened further, a familiar seductive tone seeping out. "Now, my little pet, would you like me to stay? I'll make it up to you, promise."

Amaara blinked, a mixture of anger and bewilderment stopping all her tears. The absurdity of his offer slammed into her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"Get out," she finally said, her voice carrying the weight of her exasperation and disbelief.

"Sweet dreams." And with that, he turned and slipped away.

"It's over," she whispered, the bitter truth settling in. Perhaps there had never been anything real between them at all.

The weight of it all pressed down relentlessly until she buried her face in the bedroll, sobs wracking her body. Oblivion seemed the only appeal now, far removed from this anguish. I should have perished alongside my parents, she bitterly thought, sparing myself this grim future.

The group's fate beckoned in the darkest corners of her mind. What purpose did she have to go on? To keep fighting? When all the efforts were in vain and all that awaited was more pain at the hands of those she foolishly dared to trust.

That night, sleep evaded Amaara for hours. When it finally came, it brought troubling dreams. She found herself surrounded by a swarm of mind flayers, their tentacles grasping, a loud murmur of "Join us" seemed to come from all around her, then the ground collapsed under her feet.

Amaara fell screaming into darkness. She landed with a painful thud next to young Arabella. Tears streamed down her face. "You promised to save them! You promised!" she wailed, before blinking away. In her place, Halsin appeared out of thin air, who glared accusingly. "The curse remains. Are you even trying to aid me?"

Before she could respond, Halsin vanished. Wyll appeared next, panic in his eyes. "You must hurry! My father's life depends on it!" He too disappeared in a wisp.

After Wyll vanished, Amaara wandered alone through the shifting dark landscape, disoriented and afraid. Suddenly she spotted Karlach's broad form standing nearby, back turned.

Hope bloomed in Amaara's chest. "Karlach!" she called out, hurrying toward her friend, desperate for an anchor amidst the nightmare.

Slowly, Karlach turned to face her. But as she did, flames erupted across her body, consuming her. Amaara cried out in horror as Karlach melted away right before her eyes.

Reeling, Amaara staggered back, only to hear Gale's voice behind her, "goodbye, my friend." She whipped around.

Gale clutched his chest in agony. "This is my fate." He gave her a pained smile, with that Gale exploded in front of her with a force that sent her falling once more.

As Amaara plunged into darkness, she saw Shadowheart drifting alongside her, floating limply.

"Shadowheart!" Amaara cried out, grabbing for the cleric's hand.

But Shadowheart only gazed back blankly, no recognition in her eyes. Sinister shadowy hands materialized, seizing the helpless cleric and dragging her down into the abyss.

Amaara screamed and tried to hold on, but Shadowheart slipped away into the shadows' embrace. Amaara could only watch helplessly as her companion vanished, the void widening between them.

At last Amaara managed to land. As she struggled to get on her feet, a hand shoved her back to the ground. She tried to rise but froze at the sight of Astarion looming over her. He wore a sinister smile, "on your knees, darling," He commanded, fangs bared and eyes full of malevolent hunger. He descended upon her exposed neck as she screamed…

Amaara awoke, her throat raw from screaming Astarion's name, and her body drenched in a cold sweat. The remnants of her nightmare still held her in a tight grip, refusing to let go. As her ragged breaths echoed in the darkness, she felt Astarion rushing towards her, and she recoiled instinctively.

The companions had been roused by her cries, and they gathered around her tent, concern etched across their faces. Some of them reached out to offer comfort, but she flinched away from their touch, her eyes wild and desperate as they scanned the faces before her.

Amidst the chaos, Astarion's concerned voice cut through. "Amaara, what's wrong?" He moved toward her, only to be met with a forceful shove and a bolt of magic missile straight to the gut.

Staggering back, Astarion looked at her with bewilderment and alarm. He had never seen sweet, patient Amaara lash out so violently, especially toward him. Her usually calm demeanor was now overtaken by distress he didn't understand.

Before anyone could make sense of the situation, Amaara stumbled out of the tent, right into Lae'zel, clutching at the gith's tunic as if it were her lifeline. Lae'zel's eyes widened in surprise, yet she reacted with an unexpected gesture.

Slowly, deliberately, Lae'zel put one arm around the distressed wizard, while her other arm extended in a protective barrier, blocking Astarion's attempt to approach. Though her posture remained rigid and defensive, her singular embrace became a shield for Amaara.

Halsin's voice carried a sage wisdom as he addressed the group. "She had a nightmare, let's give her the space to collect herself."

Lae'zel met Astarion's incredulous stare with an unyielding glare. She then turned, guided the broken down wizard to her own tent, away from everyone else.

As the rest of the party scattered, Astarion stayed, completely dumbfounded. His determination to follow Amaara was halted by a firm grip on his elbow. His body tensed as he instinctively pulled away, his voice laced with an edge of desperation, "DON'T. TOUCH. ME." It was Gale who had caught him, trying to prevent his impulsive actions. Astarion struggled against Gale's grip, his frustration and anger evident in his eyes.

In the midst of their struggle, Gale cast a "Hold Person" spell on Astarion.

"Let go of me!" Astarion's voice seethed with impotent fury. Gale positioned himself in front of Astarion, blocking his line of sight to Amaara. "You need to collect yourself first," Gale stated firmly. "And I need to have a word with you."

Astarion's glare intensified, his lips curling in a snarl.

"Look at you - a feral animal. You'll only frighten Amaara more in this state," Gale admonished with a weary sigh.

Astarion glared venomously but slowly relaxed his aggressive posture under Gale's stern gaze.

"Congratulations, Astarion. You've accomplished the feat of enraging our gentle Amaara," Gale remarked, tone laced with sarcasm. "Keep it up, and one of us may gladly take your place."

Astarion let out a bitter laugh. "I'm sure you're all just waiting for that opportunity."

Gale's expression turned solemn. "I don't know what twisted game you're playing. But understand this - Amaara has options, far better ones than a deceitful leech like you."

Astarion's retorted defensively, "Hahaha, yes, a ticking time bomb, a murderous gith, and a druid who's more bear than man? Don't make me laugh. Amaara is mine."

Gale's gaze held steady, his words piercing through Astarion's façade, "Go on, Astarion. What is she to you?"

Caught off guard, Astarion faltered. "She's my…" He was at a loss for words, struggling to define the complex emotions that swirled within him.

"I thought so," Gale's voice softened. "For her sake, I hope you can find the answer to that question before it's too late." With a wave of hand, Gale lifted the spell before he turned and walked away.

Astarion stood there, his thoughts a tangled mess. Amaara's reaction had struck him to his core. She had never recoiled from his touch like that before, never met him with physical aggression. He replayed the events of the evening in his mind, trying to piece together where things had gone wrong. What had his intention been when he sought her out earlier? He recalled that it had been a pretty good day for him - finally learning about the truth behind his scars and the battles had not taken too great a toll on him. He had been in a good mood since Amaara promised to help him against Cazador. He was hoping to have a deeper discussion about the new information with her, and maybe offer some comfort for the disheartened little heroine.

And then it all unraveled. But how? What had he said when his temper had gotten the best of him? He struggled to remember the exact words that had led to their heated argument. But that hardly matters now, right?

The notion of losing Amaara utterly terrified Astarion. He had believed her to be hopelessly enthralled - whatever he did or said to her would have no consequences, she would always come back to him like a kicked puppy. But now doubt plagued him. Was she truly so spellbound? Or had he pushed her too far this time?

In desperation he scrambled for ways to regain control, to mend the cracks in her devotion. But even that impulse gave him pause.

Because the more he pondered, the clearer a startling truth became - it was not merely her compliance and thrall he feared losing, but her. For so long he had seen her as merely someone to manipulate and seduce. Yet now, the threat of her absence stirred a different emotion entirely. Not just wounded pride at losing a plaything, but the ache of something far more profound slipping away.

The gentle soul had offered him everything - compassion, patience, love freely given. At first she was just an amusement to him, a powerful wizard reduced to a toy. But she had tried in her own way to connect to him as a person.

He remembered the sweet taste of her blood, a gift freely given, and accepted without judgment.

He remembered the way she had looked at him when she had shared the beauty of her own world with him - her room she had conjured, the view of the Moonbridge. He now realized it was a gesture meant to forge a connection, her way of opening up and letting him in.

He remembered her using a figment illusion to show him his reflection when he had been wallowing in self-pity; He thought back on her shy smile, the kiss she planted so delicately on his conjured image. He now realized it was her creative way to show affection because she had noticed his adversary to touch.

He remembered when she carefully traced his scars, Remembered her relentless determination as she had spent the entire night trying to piece together the infernal letters. The disappointment that had clouded her expression when her efforts had yielded no results.

He remembered her words, "Of course I am with you," when she aided him against the Orthon - she had given, and asked nothing in return.

He remembered her bright-eyed smile and adoring gaze. A gaze unlike those he encountered before. It had held no lust, no violation. It was filled with simple admiration and joy.

He felt seen, wanted… even loved.

Never in life or unlife had he been shown such empathy and care without ulterior motives. Never in life or unlife had he asked for help and met with help, asked for compassion and met with compassion, asked for indulgence and met with indulgence.

He didn't care

No.

He thought he didn't care.

NO.

He didn't know he cared.

He felt like an idiot now. How stupid had he been? He had messed it all up. He had pushed her away, misread her intentions, and allowed his insecurities to tarnish the connection she tried so hard to build.

Now, the very idea of her slipping away made his blood turn into ice. What they had shared had been real, and he finally realized how much light she had brought into his bleak existence. Light he would give anything to get back, if only he knew how.

[vagabondfandoms]

Falls on Me

Day Four: Afternoon

Rating: Mature (Just in case)

Previous Chapters: Chapter One , Chapter Two , Chapter Three , Chapter Four , Chapter Five

Characters: Gale Dekarios, Karlach, F!Tav: Copper, Wyll Ravengard, Astarion, Lae'zel, and Shadowheart.

Warning: Gale POV, Gale x Female Tav, slight mention of female nudity, sexual innuendos, teasing, bullying, fighting/arguing between many people.

The team is divided about the best way to approach the Goblin Camp. Gale and Karlach look for Copper who was missing from the heated discussion.

---

Day 4- Afternoon

When the scouting team came back, they reported only a minor skirmish at the gate because of a feces incident between a goblin and Astarion. Otherwise, Wyll said they were allowed to waltz right into the ravaged temple where the Goblin Leaders resided. Since all the goblins were easily swayed by the powers of the tadpole.

Hearing the news, Gale thought this would be an easy rescue mission. Walk through the drunken goblin party, find the worg pens, retrieve the druid Halsin, and sneak back out.

Gale didn't want to think too much about the unease he felt in the pit of his stomach at the thought of the poor tieflings trying to survive the road to Baulder's Gate. But their team couldn't agree on the best course of action. 

Wyll and Karlach were all for killing the goblin leaders. But Astarion and Shadowheart wanted to be more practical and focus on finding the druid so he could heal them of their tadpoles. Lae'zel wanted to skip the whole goblin camp and head towards the Githyanki Creche in the mountains. 

Gale was surprised the young warrior wasn't heading out on her own but she must have had more loyalty to their tadpole troupe than he thought. Or at the very least Lae’zel didn't want more mind flyers floating around if her (forced) companions failed at finding a cure.

Gale notices halfway through the heated discussion that he wasn't hearing Copper chiming in. She surely would side with Wyll and Karlach about protecting the tieflings but the monk was nowhere to be found. 

After tempers subsided, everybody agreed to find Halsin first and go from there. Karlach pulls Gale in for a talk. “Hey, I wonder where our soldier went? I wanted her around to help argue our point for protecting the refugees.” 

Gale doesn't know why Karlach calls Copper "soldier" but he chalks it up to one of the fiery tiefling’s charming oddities. “It's been over an hour since I last saw Copper. I think we should go find her just in case something foul falls upon our charming monk.” 

“Agree!” Karlach says enthusiastically. “We’ll be leaving soon for the goblin camp and we'll need Copper to bash in some heads if we get into a fight.”

“Well, the whole point of that argument just now was that we wouldn't get into an altercation with the goblins.” Gale frowns.

“Come on man!” Karlach huffs out in frustration, “I know you don't feel right leaving those tieflings to fend for themselves on the road if we don’t kill the goblin leaders.”

Gale slows down his pace. He doesn't feel right about this decision. But there's a chance if they rescue Halsin he could stop Kagha from completing the Ritual of Thorns, giving the tieflings more time in the grove, and curing them of their tadpole. 

Before he could respond, Karlach put a hand out to fully stop Gale in his tracks.

“Whoa, there,” Karlach says in a hushed tone that still carries over the sound of the waterfall that feeds the stream they camped next to. “We found her.”

Gale looks around and spots Copper sitting under the waterfall, her auburn hair barely visible under the gush of falling water. He could only speculate that the monk was completing some sort of meditation because it didn't make any sense to bathe right before entering a filthy goblin camp.

Karlach walks forward and calls towards Copper to get her attention. The woman must have heard the tiefling because soon she starts to move and wades through the water towards them. 

Gale notices right away that the thin white shirt Copper is wearing is soaked through and not leaving anything to the imagination about the state of her, umm… ample chest. Gale feels the heat of embarrassment flood his face and he quickly turns his head away. Trying with all his might to will away the arousal that was spreading through his body. 

“Such a silly thing to get excited about. I’ve seen hundreds of breasts before.” Gale internally mocks himself but doesn’t acknowledge his thoughts didn’t go as far as to include most of those breasts were illustrations in books. 

“Whoa, that water must have been cold.” Karlach laughs. “You're going to poke somebody's eyes out with those things.” She gestures towards Copper's nipples, peeking through the wet shirt. The monk only gives a quick glance down before letting out a small laugh of her own. 

“Hey, they aren't that bad!” Copper grins, water droplets running down her face before the smile falters as she notices Gale’s embarrassment. 

“Sorry.” Copper says, fidgeting with the wet neckline of her shirt, hoping for some way to cover herself in front of the wizard but failing. “I’m not used to having much privacy in the barracks, sometimes I forget other people aren't comfortable with nudity.”

“Nooo, it's quite alright!” Gale nervously glances at Copper but tries his hardest to keep his gaze up at her face instead of her chest. “But I do think it's breast. Umm, I mean best if you get dressed. We’ll be heading out shortly for the goblin camp.”

Karlach gives out a loud snort of laughter while Gale just wants to sink into a hole and disappear. 

“Urgh!” It always feels like he's fumbling his words around Copper lately and Gale doesn't want to investigate the reason why. Especially not now while the woman is pulling up a pair of pants in front of him. 

Besides, the orb in his chest and the tadpole in his head cut short any sort of romantic attraction his body might be feeling for his monk companion. 

In his desperate attempt to be a gentleman and ignore the half-naked woman in front of him, Gale almost misses Karlach's question. “Hey soldier, why were you sitting under that waterfall anyway? Feeling too hot in this summer heat?”

Fully dressed and wringing out her hair of excess liquid, Copper looks up, her grey eyes drifting in a far-off direction before focusing back on the tiefling.

“I was…purifying my body for the fight ahead.” Copper answers slowly as if she is deliberating on something before deciding to confide in her companions. “I am getting a strange feeling in my gut that there's something in the goblin camp I have to deal with.”

“While you were ummm, busy purifying yourself.”  Gale fumbles out, still trying to recover from his earlier embarrassment. “The team decided to avoid confrontation with the goblins and go straight to rescuing the druid Halsin.”

“That's a bullshit idea, Gale, and you know it!” Karlach fumes out. “If we don't take out the goblin leaders those tieflings in the grove are as good as dead.”

“Don't mistake my practicality for cold-heartedness,” Gale passionately retorts. “I do not wish any harm to come to those refugees. But there are too many variables for us to consider when charging into an enemy base. Proverbial magic missiles ablazing. For that to happen, all of us need to be on the same page.” Gale pauses before adding. “Which we are not.”

Copper frowns in thought but otherwise stays quiet. Before either of the women could add to the argument. Gale wants to remind them of the bigger picture. 

“First and foremost we need to get rid of these little parasites squirming in our heads. Rescuing the druid could be the fastest way to do so and is currently the only plan Astarion, Lae'zel, and Shadowheart agree to.” 

“Urgh, wizards!” Karlach mutters, clearly not liking the logical steps Gale outlined for her. While Copper didn’t show any outward signs of disagreeing. Gale had a sneaking suspicion, even without using the tadpole to pry, that the monk also didn’t like this course of action either. 

The walk back to the main part of the camp was quiet. Gale felt he already said enough and he didn’t want to further irritate his companions so he just followed after the two women. If he learned one thing from growing up with a household of women (his mother, an occasional aunt, and even Tara) it was how to hold his tongue.

Copper drifts off to hang up her wet clothing while Gale and Karlach finish packing their day bags. Gale does not want to eat or drink anything found in the goblin camp so he packs an extra water bottle, a loaf of bread, and some walnuts he found in an old crate, surprisingly still fresh. 

By the time Copper came out of her tent, the whole group was ready to head out.

“Well, let’s get going, shall we?” Astarion calls out to everyone. “The sooner we find that druid, the sooner we’ll be free of these tadpoles and we all can go our merry way.” 

“Aye, let’s get this charade done,” Wyll mutters, frustration appearing on his brows as his head dips forward from the weight of his new horns.

Astarion gives him a mischievous glare and is about to take a jab at the warlock when Copper steps in between the two men. “OK, let’s head out. No point in starting a fight when we are trying to avoid one.”

“Oh, darling,” Astarion says mockingly. “You misunderstand me. I was only going to offer to rub Wyll’s back. He still seems sore about our earlier decision...”

“Enough, Astarion!” Wyll growls. “You got your way, so drop it.”

Feeling a bit miffed about the unnecessary teasing, especially with Wyll being the target since he was a good kid. Gale decides to rile up the pale elf in return. “Astarion, how old are you exactly? From your frown lines it looks like you're beyond the age to act like a schoolboy who only knows how to tease a crush.”

Gale smirks at the stunned look the elf gives him. After the initial shock, a blush of embarrassment rises on Astarion’s pale cheeks. He’s about to open his mouth to unleash a string of curses at the wizard when Shadowheart steps in.

“This whole discussion is wasting time!” The Cleric says sternly, clearly getting tired of the boys’ actions. “We could be halfway to saving Halsin right now and getting rid of these damn parasites.” 

The other three women agree with the statement and give disapproving stares at the men, daring them to say anything more. Gale for one doesn’t want to irritate the women further so he keeps his mouth closed. 

“Fine, fine. I was just trying to have some fun and liven up this party a little.” Astarion complains and swigs his pack onto his shoulders. 

Taking that as a cue to push forward, everybody hitches up their day bags and heads out to the enemy stronghold. Pleased they can move forward without another fight.

[fullmoonandstar]

Request: Astarion or Gale (romantically interested in Tav but has not confessed yet) reacting to Tav having wings (because she is a winged aasimar) and she just quietly extends a wing over his head to shield him from the rain when she notices it bothering him.

I forgot that this was supposed to be feminine pronouns XD

Shield you from the Rain

Gale x gn Tav / Reader Fandom: Baldur’s Gate 3 Rating: G Word count: 0.2 k CW: none?

The rain poured from a grey sky, covering everything in sight with a cold layer other wetness. Gale had pulled the hood of his cloak deep into his face, but the wind made his endeavour to not be completely drenched impossible. The flap of wings announced their leader's return. 

"There's a hut ahead, maybe 20 minutes by foot?"

"Thank the gods," Gale said. He brushed the water droplets out of his face with his hand. 

They all started walking. Gale's boots sank into the muddy street with every step, and he wondered which spell he could use to make the walk easier. He wiped his face again, grimacing at the futility of it. The orb throbbed in his chest, only adding to the overall uncomfortable feeling of this day. 

A shadow blocked more of the dim light, and he looked up to see their leader's wing over him. 

They walked next to him and Gale locked eyes with them. 

"What are you doing?"

A nervous smile tugged at their lips. 

"You looked uncomfortable." They said simply and reached for him, hooking their arms around his. His face burned and Gale's heart skipped a beat.

"It's easier like this." They said with a shy smile. They looked ahead as Gale synced his steps to theirs.

Mastrelist