#like. its not surprising. but it is still kind of frustrating and sad like.... you guys dont even Know

[princehendir]

Unfortunately the inherent flaw of any successful public health/harm reduction campaign is that after the issue is under control/eliminated then the campaign itself starts to seem stupid and unnecessary. Especially in retrospect by people who do not remember The Before.

[readymades2002]

i turn 25 in almost two months. christ

[alastor-simp]

La Vie en Rose🌹 - Alastor X Reader

Requested by @hitherethea

"Ugh FML!" Groaning out loud, your body was slowly making its way to somewhere quiet. Today was a very unlucky day, as there was many mishaps that left you feeling frustrated and emotionally drained. Earlier in the morning, you dropped a few plates while putting them away for Niffty. Niffty said it was fine and cleaned up the mess, but it left you feeling extremely guilty. After that incident, you were tasked with getting some groceries for the kitchen, only to being catcalled and nearly sexually harassed by some grotesque reptile demons once you started to head back to the hotel. Nothing happened to you physically, but god, why do some people have to be so gross?! Once you got back, your head got nearly speared by Vaggie on accident when you walked in through the door. She wasn't aiming for you thankfully, she was trying to hit Sir Pentious after he accidentally blasted her favorite ribbon with a laser gun. She grabbed the spear and ran away to catch Sir Pentious, yelling out an apology to you as she chased after a screaming snake slithering down the hallway.

Lord you couldn't catch a break. Your only place of sanctuary was the porch in your room. The view always helped you relaxed and the breeze was nice, despite the mass pollution in the air. Entering your room, you slowly made your way to the porch. The sky was covered in stars, but instead of pitch black, it was a dark vermilion. Well, this was Hell, so it was better then nothing. Heaving a sigh, you moved to one of the chairs on the porch and took a seat, throwing your head back as you tried to relax from the migraine that was starting to form. A few minutes went by as you continued to lean back in the chair, listening to the sounds of the cars screeching below and people yelling profanities at one another. "Why the long face my dear?" A static voice appeared next to your head, causing you to jolt and nearly fall off the chair. Looking up, you see a certain deer demon, leaning down due to his tall height, smiling like a jester at your reaction. "Not funny Al." Grumbling from your position, you got up and sat back properly in your seat. Alastor stood up to his normal position, and broke into a fit of laughter, probably still finding your reaction hilarious. "HAHA! Apologies, my dear! I didn't expect you to take a tumble!" He made his way over to the other chair and sat down, placing his microphone against the wall, before turning to you with his legs crossed and hands on his lap. Finding his response ridiculous, you rolled your eyes. "Yeah right. You enjoy scaring the crap out of everyone."

Shrugging his shoulders, he continued to stare at you, smiling widely. "Anyhoo! What seems to be troubling you, my dear?" Alastor asked you, as he continued to stare at you. His sharp smile turn to a more soft grin as he awaited your response. Sighing again, your eyes turn back to gaze at the view. "Not a very good day today. I made a mess for Niffty, almost got raped by some gross lizard-like demons when I left the grocery store, and then the icing on the cake was getting nearly speared by Vaggie from her chasing after Sir Pentious." Alastor continued to listen to you, his face changing a bit from slight sadness to extreme anger, especially when you mentioned the demons who tried to assault you. Looks like he has some hunting to do later. He may be a serial killer, but any inappropriate actions towards a lady infuriates him. Pushing his feelings of carnage away, he continued to stare at you. Your body was slouched on the chair as your eyes continued to stare at the sky. Instead of the kind smile you usually wore, it was replaced with a somber frown. Moving his hand slowly, he placed his clawed hand on your head, giving you a slight rub. He wasn't use to acts of affection, so this was the best he could offer. "Is there something I can do to make that frown of yours turn back into a smile?" Surprised by Al's words, you looked back at him. He was still smiling, but he was staring at you with kind eyes. You found it sweet that he wanted to cheer you up instead of leaving you alone in your negative emotions. Thinking long and hard about what you wanted, you came to a conclusion.

"Um, could you sing for me perhaps?" Al nearly froze at your request. Out of all the things you wanted, you wanted to hear him sing? Oh what a charming doll you were! Alastors smile grew tremendously, almost to the point it broke his face. Grabbing his microphone, he turned to you, positively joyful at your request. "My my! What an adorable request! Now then! What song would you like me to sing my dear? Request away!" Alastor was beaming at you. He was surprisingly cute like this, but you wouldn't tell him that. Any song? This was tough. You knew he was a fan of oldies and jazz and detested some music genres. Soon you came up with the perfect song for him to sing to you. Blushing at him, you looked away from him, twirling your hair with your fingers. "La vie en rose, please." Alastor was actually surprised at your choice, as he tilted his head. "Why that particular song, my dear?" You looked back at him, face flushed. "Well, I heard that you knew how to speak French, so I kinda wanted to see if it was true or not." Twiddling your fingers, you continued to stare at Al, who was still smiling. "Can you really? Speak French, I mean?" Alastor nodded his head: "Oui mon cher!" Oh no, that made your heart race. Al's voice was already amazing as it was, now you get to hear him sing to you in French?! Someone better pinch you to make sure this is not a dream.

Clearing his throat, Alastor adjusted his position, placing his mic in front of him, as he was preparing for his small performance for you.

(Credit to Paranoid Dj on Youtube for this awesome cover)

🎶𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑠

𝑄𝑢'𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑏𝑎𝑠

𝐽𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑎 𝑣𝑖𝑒 𝑒𝑛 𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒

𝐼𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑑'𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑟

𝐷𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑑𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠

𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑖, 𝑐̧𝑎 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑙𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒

𝐼𝑙 𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒́ 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑐œ𝑢𝑟

𝑈𝑛𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑑𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑛ℎ𝑒𝑢𝑟

𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑗𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑎𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒

𝐶'𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑢𝑖 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑖, 𝑚𝑜𝑖 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑙𝑢𝑖 𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑙𝑎 𝑣𝑖𝑒

𝐼𝑙 𝑚𝑒 𝑙'𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑡, 𝑙'𝑎 𝑗𝑢𝑟𝑒́ 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑙𝑎 𝑣𝑖𝑒

𝐸𝑡 𝑑𝑒̀𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑗𝑒 𝑙'𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐̧𝑜𝑖𝑠

𝐴𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑗𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠 𝑒𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑖

𝑀𝑜𝑛 𝑐œ𝑢𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑖 𝑏𝑎𝑡🎶

Two words, HOLY S***! His voice was incredible! The whole time during his performance, you were blushing madly, but also it felt like all the frustration you were feeling before slowly diminished. Singing out the last of the lyrics, a sound of applause radiated from his microphone. "Enjoyed the performance, darling?" Alastor looked back at you, noticing your flushed face and wide eyes. "Darling?" Alastor tilted his head at you, confused at your reaction. Breaking from your trance, you started nodding rapidly. "Yes! I enjoyed your performance very much!" Satisfied that you enjoyed it, Alastor gave a nod, as he placed his microphone back to where he left it. Looking back at you, he raised his hand and grabbed your chin with his fingers. "Feeling better, chérie?" His ruby eyes gazed into yours, almost as if he was staring into your soul. Heat rose to your cheeks as you suspected you were as red as his hair. "Y-es I am. Thank you again Al." No longer feeling upset about the day, your emotions improved and you gave Al a warm smile. Humming with approval, Al still held your chin, but not before leaning closer to the point your noses were touching. "Wonderful my dear! Glad your smile has returned especially since you are never fully dressed without one! If you desire another performance in the future, seek me out."

Goosebumps began to form on your skin, as you continued to stare at Al. He is so close!!! Tongue-tied, you nodded your head. Pleased with your response, Al let go of your chin and stood up from the chair, adjusting his suit and hair. He remembered his previous mission, before he sang to you. Feelings of wrath and rage bubbled inside him, but he hid it as not to alarm you. "Well then! I have some business to attend to at the moment! Have a good evening my dear!" Alastor bid you a farewell, as he diminished in a black shadow, and disappeared from your eyes. Watching Al leave, you covered your face with your hands. It was true you were no longer feeling upset about today, but now you were starting to feel other emotions. Your heart was pounding and your palms were sweating. What was this feeling? It wasn't fear, cause you knew you weren't scared of Alastor, so what was it? Admiration? Or was it something else?

[jjkamochoso]

JJK Men with Insomniac Partner

Fluff

Request from Wattpad JJK Men x gn!reader

Warnings: none

Yuji:

You sighed as you laid in bed annoyed, sleep evading you as it always seems to these days.

"Babe? You alright?" said a sleepy voice next to you.

"Uh huh," you responded, embarrassed you had woken up your beloved bed buddy, "don't worry about it, Yuji. Go back to sleep."

You felt sheets rustle as you could just barely make out his figure in the darkness of the room. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand, lighting up his face that was contorted in worry.

"You sound sad. Having trouble sleeping again?" he asked, his big eyes shining brightly with concern as he reached for your hand, caressing it softly with his thumb.

"Yeah."

His lips formed a pout. "You should've woken me up! You know I'd stay up with you."

You let out another sigh. "And drag you into my bad sleep habits? No way."

"You don't have to deal with this alone, you know."

You felt his arms wrap around you, the comfort of his touch instantly calming you.

"You wanna watch a movie? Maybe something really boring that way you'll fall asleep no problem!"

You heard the smile he was wearing in his eager voice and you thought about how lucky you were to have such a kind boyfriend who loved to try and solve your problems.

You giggled. "That's a good idea, but you holding me is actually relaxing me a bit. Can we just stay like this for now?"

Yuji brought you in closer, pressing a kiss to your head. "Of course. But if I fall asleep again, please wake me up. Preferably with a kiss but if that doesn't work, a slap is fine, too."

You just shook your head, smiling. Your insomnia didn't seem as daunting with Yuji around!

Megumi:

It was 5am and your body had decided it had enough sleep for the night. Granted, you had only slept a mere 3 hours, but it was clear that you weren't going to be resting any longer so you got up, frustrated with how your day was starting. You made your way outside, careful not to disrupt any of the other students. You roamed the empty halls of Jujutsu High, the sun still below the horizon. You decided to go to your favorite spot on mornings like these: the roof of a classroom building. It was peaceful, hidden away from any other unfortunate souls who may be up at that hour. You climbed the stairs and opened the door to the roof. When you stepped out of the doorway, you saw the silhouette of a boy that was extremely familiar to you and your day already seemed to go in a better direction. You walked over, your feet barely making any noise as you sat next to your boyfriend.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked. His voice was softer, not sporting that slight edge that creeped in more and more as the hours passed by.

"Nope. You either?"

"Nope."

You two sat in silence with your shoulders brushing, watching the sun as it slowly rose.

"I knew you'd be here," Megumi said after several minutes. "I hope you don't mind I'm here too."

"You make everything better," you whispered, resting your head against his shoulder. He was grateful that the sun was washing everything in its orange glow so you couldn't see the blush forming on his cheeks.

Yuta:

When Yuta woke up with empty arms and a cold spot where you usually lay, his heart sank. He knew exactly what was going on--your insomnia had struck again. Frowning, he pulled himself out of bed and took hold of an extra blanket before starting his search in the dark for you. He finally found you in the shared kitchen area, the light illuminating your hands cupped around your drink. He felt tugs at his heartstrings seeing your defeated posture.

"Y/n?" he called out softly, not wanting to scare you. You turned in your chair, surprise written on your face.

"Yuta! What are you doing up? It's the middle of the night."

"I woke up and you were gone," he said, putting the blanket around your shoulders before sitting next to you. "I wanted to make sure you were alright."

You buried your face in your hands. "I didn't mean to scare you! And I probably woke you when I got up. I'm sorry, I'm the worst."

Yuta gently took your hands into his own, coaxing you to look at him. "Hey, hey! No more of that. That's not true at all. I think I just subconsciously knew you left and that's why I woke. Not your fault."

He smiled at you tenderly. "I'll keep you company until you finish your drink and then we can walk back together, okay?"

"I'm fine, you have to go get your sleep," you tried to argue, but he wouldn't have it.

"I don't want you to be lonely. Besides," he added timidly, "I can't get any rest without you by my side."

You leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Then I promise to gulp this down so we can get you to bed, you hopeless romantic."

Seeing Yuta get adorably flustered in the dead of night made you not hate your insomnia so much!

Inumaki:

Frustrated with your lack of sleepiness, you did what any person would do: text their boyfriend!

You: hey are u awake? can't sleep☹️

Toge👅: of course i am !!

Toge👅: ooooh you want me soooo bad😈

You: never mind ur annoying

Toge👅: NOOOO PLEASE IM JOKING🥺🙏🧎

You: ur lucky ur cute. be right over

Toge👅: yay😇

When you got to Toge's room, the first thing you did was touch his game console. Feeling its heat, you pointed a finger at him accusingly.

"You weren't awake, you liar! You just turned this off and fell asleep, didn't you!"

"Bonito flakes!" he replied indignantly.

"I should go. I can't keep you up all night," you said, trying to knock some sense into him, but he grasped your arm before you could leave. Pointing to his bed, you took the hint to sit down. Showing you his typed answer on his phone, you saw him raise his eyebrows playfully.

Do you think this is the first time I've ever pulled an all nighter?

"Well, no but-"

He interrupted you with a finger to your lips, typing furiously with his other unoccupied hand.

It definitely won't be the last. Any time I can spend with you I'll gladly take :)

After you read the message, your eyes traveled up to see Toge blinking at you slowly, serenity overtaking his features. You gave him a short kiss before he turned the game console back on, snuggling into your side and low-key thankful for your insomnia to allow him to see you for many more hours--and also for the chance to beat the level he was currently stuck on.

Noritoshi:

After a long night of staring at the ceiling and finding no relief of sleep, you decided it was best to just get up instead of waiting for something that was never coming. You found yourself walking to the campus library, looking forward to losing yourself in an interesting book after 7 hours of dealing with uninteresting thoughts clouding your mind while you laid in bed. Plucking a story from the shelf, you quickly dove in. You were so engrossed that you didn't hear the library door opening and closing, signaling you were no longer alone.

"Y/n," Noritoshi said, capturing your attention. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Me? What about yourself?"

"I asked you first," he replied teasingly, sitting in the chair next to you.

"I couldn't sleep at all," you confessed, your voice coated in disappointment.

"Me neither," he replied. "Is it your insomnia or are you bothered by something?"

"Bothered by insomnia."

He nodded, knowing you had dealt with that for quite a long time.

"Obviously I'm no better off," he started, his gray eyes looking upon you lovingly, "so I don't have advice but I can offer you some companionship if you'd like."

"That would be amazing. Thank you," you told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek that made a faint blush arise on his skin. His smooth robes that brushed against your shoulder as you two read your books in a comfortable silence gave you the sense of calm you were craving all night.

Todo:

You were lying awake in your bedroom, the clock reading much past the time you should’ve been asleep. Your insomnia was hitting hard tonight and you didn’t know what to do. There weren’t many outside activity options available during the middle of the night but there was no way you could take another second being confined in the four walls that granted you no rest.

You: hey do you happen to be awake rn? no worries if not :)

Todo💪: can’t sleep??

Todo💪: I’m coming over!!

You lit up into a big smile when you read Aoi’s texts. He knew you so well and was always there for you whenever you needed him. You heard soft knocks at your door and opened it, greeted by your boyfriend flashing you a grin of his own as he leaned against the doorway.

“Care to go for a walk?”

Yeah—he understood you better than anyone else you had ever met.

“Please,” you said, taking his outstretched hand as you traversed into the night. The moon was hanging high in the sky, illuminating the walkway.

“I’m sorry you couldn’t sleep. Is there anything I can do?” he asked sweetly.

“This is more than enough, I promise,” you said. “I’m sorry if I woke you.”

“Don’t ever be sorry for that, y/n,” Aoi told you, giving your hand a small squeeze. “It’s a privilege and an honor for me to be the person you come to when you need comfort. Thank you.”

He looked like he was ready to cry, overwhelmed by his love for you. You pressed your body closer to his to show your own affection for him as you stepped in time with each other. You were relieved to know that no matter the time of day or situation you were in, Aoi wouldn’t hesitate to be by your side.

Ino:

You were busy making yourself some food in your apartment kitchen after your many unsuccessful attempts to fall asleep. You figured a midnight—well, 2am—snack couldn’t hurt so you got to work, making sure not to create too much noise; not that it mattered. Ino had started snoring at almost the exact moment his head hit the pillow, filling you with envy at how quick he could slumber. Seeing as he probably wouldn’t stir even if a bomb went off in the house, you weren’t too concerned about waking him up, though you were still being courteous. You put the baking sheet full of cookies you just made into the oven and were just about to shut the oven door.

“Ooh yum! Cookies!”

You slammed the oven door shut in your surprise, jumping out of your skin at the unexpected kitchen visitor.

“Oh my god, Ino! You scared me to death!” you chided, holding a hand to your wildly beating heart.

“Heh, sorry babe. Didn’t mean to startle you,” he said with a nervous, crooked smile.

“What are you doing awake anyway? It’s the middle of the night.”

“I got up to go to the bathroom and you weren’t in bed so I wanted to see if you were okay,” he explained. “Although I’m a fan of baked goods, why are you making these right now?”

“Couldn’t sleep a wink,” you said, irritated at your situation.

“That’s no fun, I’m sorry.” He wrapped his arms around your waist and kissed the top of your head. “How about I stay up with you until these are done? Some cookies, a glass of milk, and kissing you doesn’t sound like a half bad way to spend my night.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make you tired in the morning,” you said, concerned.

“I promise I’ll be fine. I can deal with being a little sleepy if it means I can gaze upon your cute face for more time than usual.”

You lightly swatted his chest. “You’re so cheesy.”

He grinned, pulling you into a kiss that lasted until the cookies were done (and then some).

Gojo:

Satoru's eyes blinked open as soon as he felt the bed spring up slightly, your body no longer on the mattress. He laid alone in silence for a few moments, waiting to hear the usual clink of a water glass on the bedside table signaling your arrival, but that sound never reached his ears. Sliding his slippers on his feet, he padded into the kitchen of your shared apartment and was met with you sitting at the table, your body slumped over.

"You still alive down there?" he asked, poking you with his finger.

"I can't sleep," you grumbled, your voice muffled.

"Sure you can, it's easy. Just close your eyes-"

Your head shot up, giving him a glare which effectively quieted him for a second before he gave you a sheepish grin.

"Just trying to lighten the mood," he said, sitting next to you. You felt the comforting motion of a hand rubbing circles on your back as you sighed.

"I'm exhausted, Satoru."

He could tell by the way your eyes were missing some of their trademark sparkle.

"I know. I deal with sleepless nights a lot, too," he confessed. "I don't have any advice. I'm sorry."

He slung a lanky arm around your shoulder. "But you know what should help a little bit?"

"Hmm?"

"Spending time with your favorite man."

You gasped. "Nanami's here?"

Your next few sleepless hours were spent cuddling with Satoru to make up for your teasing!

Geto:

You sat up in bed, exasperated at your body's inability to let you slumber. You had tried to tire yourself out extra today in hopes of making you sleepy, but it had only led you to this moment where you were unable to sleep and extra cranky because you were so worn out. You were about to get out of bed and watch tv in the other room when an arm snaked around your waist.

"What's wrong, my love?" Suguru wondered, sensing your irritation.

"My insomnia strikes again. I can't sleep no matter what I do."

Your boyfriend sat up, lighting the candle that resided on the table next to the bed. You watched the flame flicker as Suguru guided your head to his chest, his arms around you in an effort to console you.

"I wish I could cure your discomfort. You don't deserve to feel this way, not when there are so many others who should never know a peaceful night again. It's unfair."

"Just luck of the draw, I guess," you mused, feeling him tighten his grip on you.

"I know I can't ease your sleeplessness but I promise I will be alongside you the whole time. Tell me what I can do to make you feel better."

"Just... hold me, please."

Although sleep never came for you that night, you were left feeling renewed from your heart full of love.

Nanami:

Having woken up too many times in one night to be considered healthy, you decided to abandon the idea of sleep and start your day at 4 in the morning. You sat down with your laptop and began working, hoping to at least do something productive instead of wallowing in your frustration at your insomnia. Before you knew it, the sun was high in the sky and you knew Kento would be up soon so you decided to make breakfast for you both.

"Good morning, handsome," you greeted him when he stepped into the kitchen, a kind smile resting on his face as he gave you a small kiss.

"Good morning, dear. I take it you've been up a while?" he asked, sipping on the coffee you brewed.

"Not that long," you lied, not wanting to worry him. He looked behind you and spied your laptop that was left open on a document he knew for a fact you hadn't started since the last time you spoke--which was last night at bedtime.

"Having trouble sleeping again?" he questioned, but it came out more as a statement since he already knew the answer. You nodded, taking a bite of your food.

He sighed and took a gentle hold of your hand. "You should wake me when that happens. That way you won't have to be alone."

"You need your sleep, Kento."

"I get enough," he said with no hesitation. "I'd rather be awake and slightly tired than let you suffer by yourself."

He brought your hand his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back of it.

"I hope tonight is better for you," he said, "but if it isn't, I'll be right there with you. Okay?"

You couldn't help the smile that appeared at his stubbornness. "Okay."

Choso:

"It's happening again, isn't it?"

You turned away from the tv show you were watching and saw your boyfriend Choso leaning against a wall behind you, the light from the screen giving him an ethereal look.

"Unfortunately," you replied, not very successful at masking your discontentment toward the insomnia that was plaguing you. Stretching his arms and yawning, he walked over and took a seat next to you.

"How can I help?" he asked, his big brown eyes studying your tired features.

"No, Choso, you should go to bed. You need to rest."

He sent a soft smile your way. "I think I've gotten plenty of rest over the years I've been alive. I want to help you."

You relented, leaning into his side. "I appreciate that but there's really nothing that helps. Nothing that I've found, anyway."

"I see." He cuddled up closer to you, pressing a kiss to your cheek before turning his attention to the tv. "Then I guess I'll have to stay up with you until I think of something."

You had butterflies in your stomach from his insistence to stay awake you.

"Are you sure?" you asked, wanting to double check that he meant it.

"I couldn't dream of anything better than being in your company all night long."

Toji:

You groaned quietly as you awoke for the fifth time that night, not able to stay asleep long enough for any rest to come your way. Knowing that you wouldn't be blessed with any more sleep, you picked up your phone and began to scroll mindlessly, hoping to ease your frustration with some screen time. You held your phone close to your face with your back turned to your boyfriend, not wanting the light to wake him up as well.

"Whatcha hidin' over there?" asked Toji, his voice gravelly as he loomed over you. You jumped, not expecting him to be awake.

"Toji! You scared me," you complained. He let out a laugh, propping himself up with his hand.

"Sorry, didn't mean to, cutie," he said and you could practically hear his smirk.

"Couldn't sleep?" he questioned, taking on a more serious tone as he dragged a finger up and down your arm in a gentle caress.

You groaned again. "No. This is, like, the millionth time I've woken up. I gave up trying to sleep."

"That sucks."

"Understatement of the year, but yeah."

He glanced at the alarm clock next to you. "It's almost morning anyway. How about I just hold ya until the sun comes up?"

You quirked an eyebrow. "Getting sentimental on me in the early hours, Fushiguro?"

He started to lay back down. "Or you could go back to your phone if that's preferable."

"I'm coming over, you big baby," you joked, scooting your body into his, the confines of his steady grip making your heart soar with happiness. It wasn't often that you two could enjoy loving moments like these so you made sure to savor every second in his arms.

[iamthemain-character]

Estel

astarion x reader

gender neutral pronouns

TW: you are sad :(

estel

 noun. hope, trust, *faith

The night was quiet as Astarion laid on his bedroll, the rough off-white canvas of the tent reflecting the glow of the small lantern. The simple blankets weren’t nearly comfortable without the presence of his beloved, the person who had captured the entirety of his cold heart. Without meaning to, he smiled as he thought of you, your own smile that brought spring, the body that brought summer. He loved your personality that was as thrilling as autumn, bringing about the idea of change and good things to come in his wintery soul. 

He gazed around his empty tent, a little frustrated that his lover wasn���t there with him in the moment. While he didn’t really need sleep, he craved the rest that he only found when he was tucked in the bed with the one person who saw him as he was. It was strange still to allow himself to be so vulnerable, to allow himself to want another person. At any moment, he expected you to suddenly disappear, to be whisked away, simply a mirage of the love and affection that he so desperately yearned for. 

As if needing the reassurance, Astarion pushed himself up from the blankets, walking towards the small sliver of light peeking through the flaps of the tent. His ruby eyes followed the flickering flames, watching their glow until it melted over your form. You sat, looking pensive as you stared at nothing at all. You looked so small, one knee hugged close to your chest, as if you could be your own comforter. Though, as Astarion considered it, that might have been your intention; you were just as dodgy with your emotions, shying away from anything that might so much as make your eyes sting  from vulnerability. The vampire elf never could understand how you were so well equipped at drawing out his emotions, untangling the yarn of his trauma and crafting it into a beautiful work of art. Yet you seemed unwilling–or perhaps even unable– to do so for yourself. 

If it had been any other person, Astarion would have turned away, would have resigned himself to a night alone and restless. After all, he didn’t really exude an aura of comfort or trust. But for you...his heart longed to do that. To be the kind of person you needed, that you deserved to have and love. For a moment, he pitied that he wasn’t that kind of person, that his tongue would never use its silver to soothe your wounded heart. As he continued looking at your forlorn expression, however, he realized that even if he wasn’t that person, he would try. He steeled himself, and he left the safety of his tent, allowing the cool night air to draw him towards the fire. You didn’t look up as he approached, seeming completely out of the present, and in a world entirely your own. From the looks of it, Astarion didn’t like whatever sphere was currently tying you down. 

“Hello darling.” The gentleness of his tone surprised even him, a sound that had not often been allowed past his lips. This seemed to stir you from your melancholy trance a little, your eyes flicking upwards to look at him as he approached. His long legs folded under him as he sat down beside you, and after only a moment’s hesitation, he draped his arm around your shoulders. He tucked your bent head under his chin, stray wisps of hair brushing his face as he settled in. He felt a little guilty from how much he benefited from the position; your warmth seeped through your clothes and into his skin, your mere presence providing a soothing sensation to his lonely heart. He could only hope that his cold skin acted as some sort of balm for your internal wounds. 

“Hi.” Your tone was even smaller than your form had appeared, tired and dejected. It nearly broke him to hear you sound so, your personality usually so full of life and light. 

“What are you doing out here, my love?” Despite the gravity of the situation, Astarion still felt nearly giddy that he could call you those two precious words. His fingertips mapped the folds of your sleeve, trasping its peaks and valleys in an effort to find your skin. He nearly preened as he felt you burrow deeper into his hold, your tense shoulders dropping as you relaxed. 

“Just...thinking.” Your vague response barely brushed his ears, and his eyebrows furrowed in reply. Astarion knew that if your “thinking” was anything like his, the thoughts weren’t going to pave a path to enlightenment. 

“That’s dangerous.” He said lightly, falling back on his sense of humor as he attempted to be an ally in your internal struggle. He was rewarded with an appreciative exhale of air from you, just a ghost of your usually musical laugh. Worry twisted in his stomach, as he reminded himself that he was going to do a lot more than share a lighthearted joke or give a physical support. “Care to share any with me? I have a lot of ear to lend.” 

That produced another small huff of laughter from you, and he smiled to himself, pleased at least he could provide amusement. Still, you were too silent, your emotions just beyond his grasp. 

“I’m fine, Astartion, honestly. Just tired.” Your voice broke the silence, but somehow those six words were worse. The elf had lived long enough to know that no one who said they were fine was ever truly fine. 

Yet he wondered whether or not he should push; there was a fine line between a crack and shattering, and he didn’t want to break something he wasn’t sure he could fix. Still, he hated the idea of you suffering alone. “Is that truly what is troubling you darling?”

You stiffened, leaning away from his side a little. “It's nothing, I’m fine.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“I said I’m fine, just drop it!” You snap, your tone harsh. You push yourself up from the ground, preparing to leave Astarion and his inquisitive nature behind. Astarion, however, had just as stubborn a nature as you. 

His cool fingers wrapped around your wrist, pulling you back into him, your chest meeting his. He slipped his other hand around your back, resting it up between your shoulder blades, his forearm lining your spine in an effort to keep you close. 

“My love…” Astarion’s voice comes out as a murmur, soft and overflowing with affection. His crimson eyes swam with emotion, the concern and earnest care evident as he gazed into your eyes. 

The simple phrase breaks you, the stone walls around your heart cracking, and you feel your eyes well with tears. Words fail you, and you just shake your head, dropping it as the tears turn into waterfalls. 

“Oh, darling..” He coos, and he wraps both arms around you, holding you together as you fall apart. 

Astarion guides you over to your tent, getting you settled into a space that he knows will provide more comfort to you. He keeps his hands on you, reminding you of his presence as he takes off your shoes and your heavy outerwear. Occasionally, your tears renew in their vigor, and he has to stop to cradle you, murmuring reassuring whispers in your ear. 

Hours later, the two of you lay in bed together, your body comfortably tucked against his, assuringly locked in by his arms and legs. Your face finds safety in the neckline of his shirt, hiding your swollen face and red-rimmed eyes from unseen eyes that seem to weigh on you so heavily. Your tears have dried, your aching heart set out bare before Astarion. But he hasn’t run, he didn’t take advantage of your vulnerability. Instead, he now lays, his hands carding through your hair. 

His fingers curl the ends of your tresses, feeling the silky sensation. Once again, he finds himself lucky that he is able to be here in this moment, holding you in a way no one else could. It broke his heart to see you so distraught, to hear all the burdens that lay on your shoulders. Yet he feels a change in his heart, as if your own vulnerability has allowed him to do so too. As he hears your breathing even, your body relaxing against his, he realizes that perhaps he didn’t need to be some miraculous support or expert comforter. Perhaps, it was simply enough for him to murmur, 

“I love you.” 

And hold you through the night. 

[coralinnii]

I saw your request were open and got super excited so here’s my request it’s kind of long so I hope you don’t mind

So the idea is that the beast people have mates and you can feel your partner through the bond and it’s not obvious or some kind of communication link, but you can feel that they’re there, and when you see them you know that’s your mate, like that’s who you’re meant to spend your life with. But Leona has never been able to feel the other side of the bond like he was supposed to. And that was just one more thing his brother had that he didn’t. And then all the sudden one day he can feel some thing on the other side of his bond (when the prefect is magically, transported to twisted wonderland) And when he finally see them he know that they are his mate

And congrats on 2.7

❋ We finally meet ❋

↳ Leona finally meeting his soulmate

feat: Leona

genre: hurt/comfort, open happy ending(?)

note: no pronouns used with the reader, Leona is an emotionally constipated jerk (I’m sorry), follows game-canon storyline through Book 3

I genuinely did not think this would be as sad as I thought, but Leona… he got some issues… and I have met people like him which I actually took inspiration from…so I really am sorry. I still hope you enjoy it

2.7K Followers Writing Event 2023

Just like many things, Leona grew to give up on this fated partner drivel. The world kept screwing him over, so it’s better to not bother with trying, right?

Until now…

The fateful orientation at NRC occured. Leona awoke from his nap as he sensed a new warm sensation in his chest, as though his entire being was burning with excitement.

Leona knew it, the moment he saw you. He didn’t have to ask or second guess this primal instinct. The spark burst in his chest as the beastman watched you stumble about in this new world, his world. The beastly side within him roared within, finally meeting his fated partner.

Leona was…angry. He truly wouldn’t be happy at first. Leona was fine not having the bond after so long, but he has to accept that he does now? Not once did Leona feel the pull of a bond or even a spark of such a feeling as described by those lucky b*stards. Was he supposed to forget all about his feelings of frustration when he as a beastman couldn’t feel this so-called bond that was so natural to others.

What frustrated Leona more was that you weren’t a beastman, you weren’t even a person of this world. You probably never had to go through the bitterness as he did, seeing his brother and so many others find their fated mate so easily while he couldn’t even comprehend what that could feel like.

He knew it wasn’t in your control, but he wasn’t going to be alright with this convenient bullsh*t of a happy ending.

The lion ignored you, he wanted nothing to do with you. He fought against his very instincts because he refused to have expectations anymore. So what if you were his fated mate? It’s too much of a bother to take care of a clueless herbivore.

But alas, Leona sometimes couldn’t stop himself as he gave into his natural connection with you. Despite meddling in his schemes, he felt no hate towards you, even when he tried to. When you needed a place to stay after being kicked out from Ramshackles, he surprised even himself to let you stay in his room.

Sometimes he growls at you, but then keeps you close like a protective guard. Leona feigned indifferent to your attempts to befriend him, but just as those annoying beastmen b*stards said, he felt drawn to you as though his world became weightless with your presence.

This complicated story finally reached its crescendo when you couldn’t handle this confusing hot-and-cold game, breaking down in front of him.

“Do you hate me, Leona?”

You found Leona in his usual napping spot in the greenhouse, because of course he would be there. Sometimes, he would grumble and tell you to leave him in peace. But on rare occasions, the beastman would roll to his side as the two of you enjoy each other’s company, sometimes in silence, other rarer times bantering.

But that was the problem.

“I don’t know what to do,” you steeled your voice with all your might but the cracks in your tone exposed the raw frustration you were feeling. “Sometimes you treat me so well and I feel really safe with you, but then other times I feel like you resent my very existence!”

You felt it too. Since you came into this strange world, you’ve seen and experienced things you once thought inconceivable. It took a while but you will through your new life and you were actually having fun in this loony situation. Except, whenever you saw Leona...

“Some days, all I could think about is you.” You confessed in tears, embarrassment be damned. “I want to be around you, like I feel this pull to be by your side. I feel so happy when I’m with you, but it tears me apart whenever you act like you can’t stand me.”

To be rejected by your soulmate is akin to getting a part of your heart being crushed, that connection between the two of you is tearing at the seams and along with it, a piece of yourself. You were going insane as a part deep inside you was begging to stay with the stubborn beastman, but was all this pain really worth it?

“What can I do?” Do you let him go, or fix whatever is wrong with this relationship? You didn’t care what you had to do, you just wanted this pain to finally leave you. “Tell me, Leona. Anything”

But Leona didn’t say a word. His piercing green eyes just watched you, showing no hint of his thoughts. The only betrayal of his unreadable expression was the way his eyebrows furrow as he saw your tear-stricken face and your body shaking from pained rage.

The beastman’s body was still, before he sighed as he lost his internal fight with his primal instincts. His arm reached out to you, pulling your shaking body towards him as he forced you to lay under the shady tree, pushing your head that - to his annoyance - fit so perfectly under his chin, resting atop his shoulder.

“I’ll explain later. For now, sleep. You’re a mess” you wanted to hit him, argue whose fault it was for all this. But your body felt compelled to curl into this insufferable man’s warmth. His scent irritatingly eased your frustrations as his arm warped around you almost protectively, almost like you were something precious to him.

“You’re awful, Leona” you let out a last stab at the senior before surrendering to sleep. Leona smirked sardonically, not the least bit angered by your weak attempt at an insult, even without being overwhelmed by the feeling the sensation of satisfaction having his fated beloved finally in his arms.

“I am, huh?”

[shadowshrike]

Interfering with Halsin's Portal

It's pretty well known that there are a few situations you can get in where Halsin is well and truly angry rather than disappointed or worried, but I don't think a lot of folks know one of those situations is if you mess with his portal to the Shadowfell. It's a heartwrenching bit of acting. It's also fundamental to the plot of my in-progress fic Girdled Roots, so I figured I might share it with the other Halsin-lovers out there who have never seen it.

EDIT: Please be aware this is datamined dialog and may not be visible in game. It appears to be intended to trigger if the player attempts to enter the portal, which I don't believe is possible in the final game, or at least I couldn't find a way in the most recent version. Sharing this is simply to enjoy the incredible acting and get some plot bunnies moving, not to make any commentary about the game's canon.

Halsin's Initial Reaction

Halsin: No! Stop! Halsin: It's gone... that was our one chance. You've doomed this place to darkness! Halsin: I warned you - told you this was my burden to carry. Why didn't you listen?

The pure rage and despair is visceral. Prior to this, Halsin mentions this portal has been a century in the making, but he's so calm and measured (even upon success) that it is easy to dismiss just how much agony has plagued him as he hoped to make things right. This chance is everything to him. It has guided his every action for a century. It is a hundred years of work, prayer, and guilt to rectify the horrific fate of both land and people that came to nothing because a stranger he trusted refused to listen to him.

The portal breaking is the only time we hear Halsin speak the truth of its importance to him without a hint of emotional regulation. He is wild with pain. This man who is always thoughtful and slow to anger in the face of horror with the wisdom of age and suffering to guide him has become too overwhelmed to show any kindness.

Player response

The player is given several different ways to respond, and Halsin's reaction varies a surprising amount depending on how understandable their reason is. In most cases, he states that he needs to be alone afterward.

Option 1: I'm sorry - I acted on instinct. Halsin: Words won't repair what's been done to this land. Nothing will... I need to be alone.

You can hear the ache in Halsin's voice, but he's somewhat understanding of this response. He projects more sadness than unchecked rage. The player has admitted to making a mistake, and Halsin isn't the type of person who hold onto vengeance when an apology has been made, but he's not naive or people-pleasing enough to say "it's okay" or offer comfort either. The safest thing for everyone is for him to step away to grieve when there is nothing more to be done.

Option 2: I did all the work here - I couldn't just let you take the glory. Halsin: Glory?! There's no glory here. Now there's nothing here - only shadows and the total absence of hope. Halsin:  There is nothing more to be said... I need to be alone.

Pure fury radiates from Halsin's response if the player focuses on the idea of being some grand hero rather than actually caring for the outcome. What the player did was an unforgiveable act, dooming everything that Halsin holds dear, and you have the audacity to complain about not getting glory from it. Again, he steps away, but this feels more like he's doing it because he believes you're worthless to reason with rather than because he needs a moment.

Option 3: I saved your grove - I figured it'd be best if I handled this as well. Halsin: We were this close to healing these lands. Now your arrogance has torn open the wounds once more. Halsin:  There is nothing more to be said... I need to be alone.

Halsin is still frustrated with this response and unmistakably angry, but it's significantly toned down from the idea of wanting to go through the portal for glory. More like he thinks you're a self-important idiot than a truly terrible person.

Specialized player responses

There are also three special responses you can give if you have a particular class or diety.

Druid: I thought my powers were equal to yours. Halsin: It wasn't just power this needed - it was wisdom, understanding. I suffered along with this place for years trying to understand the curse... and it seems I will continue to do so. Halsin:  There is nothing more to be said... I need to be alone.

Interestingly, he responds much more intensely to a druid than some of the other player choices. It might be in part because he feels like a druid should know better. He lectures the player like an Archdruid would initiates in his Grove, alternating between angry and explanatory, trying to get the player to understand why they were wrong and the sheer magnitude of their error. He ultimately ends in a much more resigned place here rather than personally resentful. Like a father-figure being forced through further life trials because of a child's foolish indiscretion. Frustrating, but inevitable.

Selunite: I trusted in Selûne to guide me through the shadows. Halsin: My friend - I wish you had trusted in me.

This is probably Halsin's most simple response with the least vitriol. He fully understands this answer, even if he's disappointed by it. The fact he calls the player 'friend' suggests a certain tired acceptance of this being a natural behavior for a Selunite trying to do good. We don't see this calm in other responses where Halsin was surprised by the player's choice.

Sharran: The Shadowfell is no place for non-believers - I couldn't allow you to soil it. Halsin: I should never have trusted an ally of the Dark Lady.

If you've ever taken Halsin along with Shadowheart in Act 2, then you know he is absolutely scathing toward her and her faith. He likely isn't as angry if a Sharran breaks the portal because it is utterly predictable. It merely confirms a truth he already knew and talked himself out of. That Sharrans cannot be fully trusted in matters of their goddess, even if one was good enough to rescue his people from the goblins.

[fuxuannie]

🐠 haii for the requests milestone thingy could u do pavitr prabhakar x reader and the prompt “are we ab to kiss rn” and then the other actually leans in? c: TY IF U CAN ‼️❤️💖

↳ pairing : pavtir prabhakar x g-neutral reader

↳ synopsis : request ♡

↳ authors note : EUEEUEEU this is sosososo cute actually, i love this idea sm. ATSV SPOILERS UNDER THE CUT !!! im not entirely sure if i like this.. bute eeurrueue i tried my best

You and PAVITR had known each other for a while, long enough that he trusts you with his secret of being Spiderman with how close you two were.

Now you were on one of the tallest buildings in Mumbattan, swinging your feet over the ledge as Pavitr sat beside you with his hand unintentionally holding onto yours firmly since there was a small bit of lingering fear at the idea of you falling.

"Jeez, finally.. a break." He sighs in relief, taking off his mask with his free hand as you chuckle. "Isn't being Spiderman supposed to be sooo easy, Pav?" You teased, watching him roll his eyes in amusement. "Well, of course it is. But it certainly is busy, and I really just wanna spend time with you." Pavitr answers honestly, noticing how you seemed to be even just a little surprised and he was very entertained by that idea. You can already see his own little smirk beginning to form.

You clear your throat to hopefully shift the topic. "What made you so burnt-out today then?"

It didn't take long for you to see how his face shifts to a frown, and you knew exactly what he was about to bring up. "Miguel.. he's been so hard on some of us recently, especially the new-comers who he introduced the 'canon events' to." Pavitr runs a hand through his hair, his sigh was a mix of sadness and frustration as he recalls the events that occured earlier in the day. "They just want to save their loved ones.. no one can accept that kind of information and simply allow it to happen, you know?"

You nod along with his statement, unable to even imagine the dread those people must feel, just waiting for the people they care about most to die for their own development.

"But that's a sad topic, and today is supposed to be a nice resting day for the both of us." Pavitr smiles a little to lighten the mood, squeezing your hand softly as you take a deep breath. "Mines not been the best either.."

The smile he tries to hold falters at those words.

"Mom.. she's still very insistent on the arranged marriage." You let out a forced and bitter laugh. "I don't.. I mean, I don't know if I want to marry that person when I'm older. I've met them twice, Pav. And in the future, I have to spend every single loving who is essentially a stranger. Isn't that even a little weird in my parents eyes?"

He hated seeing how hopeless you looked, having no choice in who you want to love is devestating and in some cases lonely. Seeing real couples on the street and wondering what kind of innocent love you're likely missing out on.

Pavitr stands up and your head follows him as he does so, watching his determination-filled face as he pulls you up with ease. "Let's not wallow in sadness, yes? I'd much rather see you smile than frown." His hand makes its way to your cheek, causing you to chuckle softly as you lean into the touch and place your hand over his. "Thanks, Pav."

And without thinking, the next sentence you manage to stupidly utter out is; "Gosh, I wish you were the one I married instead."

You can see the visible surprise in his face when you say that, before you realize what exactly escaped your lips. "W-wait..-"

But it seems like Pavitr seems more affected than you, the hand once placed on your cheek immediately pulled back to cover his mouth and the uncontrollable but flustered smile on his face.

"You want to marry me??"

Instead of a mocking or angry tone, he seems genuinely happy that the person he's had a secret crush on for year or so finally gives some sort of hint that he's more than a friend.

"Do you mean it? Like.. really mean it?"

"I mean, yeah! Anyone would want to marry you.."

There's silence exchanged between the two of you, staring at each other in confusion, disbelief and surprise.

"What? Are we about to kiss right now?"

Pavitr teased to ease his nerves, but imagine how much worse they got when you actually started to lean in. He begins to quietly panic, however in all honesty he wants to do nothing else but kiss you at the moment. What if he never gets the chance to do it again? He couldn't risk that.

He finally presses his lips against yours, albeit very very nervously but a kiss is a kiss and goodness is he into it. Pavitr melts into the intimacy, but is very quick to pull away incase you're uncomfortable.

It seems almost impossible how fast his heart is racing when he watches your eyes flutter open and the realization that you actually kissed Pavitr rushes through your head quickly.

...

"Can we do that again..?"

"Gladly."

[secret-smut-sideblog]

It Will Come Back

Astarion x F! Tav

(Girl Talk part 2)

18+ implied trauma, talks of death, drinking, possessiveness, feelings developing, vulnerability, blood drinking, sub/dom, gender play, grinding, strap on use, penetration (m!), prostate orgasm, tenderness

Their shared night has been tormenting him, after staking his claim he found himself needing to be near her. And after a night of drinking, seeing her with someone else, he had to have her again...

Part 1

-

He was mid wipe of his bloody mouth but was now frozen on the treeline, her voice shouting out into the night.

Though he knew the Underdark would have been much easier he was grateful that she had chosen the Mountain Pass. He already was able to find plentiful wildlife.

When Halsin had insisted that going underground was the better route he saw her body go rigid. Closing her eyes briefly. Taking a steadying breath out.

"I know the Underdark, its... lethal. We're taking the high ground." Her voice uncharacteristically stern. Tone clear, this was not a discussion.

Karlach had reached out to take her shoulder in a reassuring grip and pulled back at the last second, remembering her heat. A sadness in her eyes.

Now, in the darkness of camp she was bolted upright from her trance. "No!" Hand flying to her chest. Her shout breaking the air.

He stepped forward, uncertain.

But Karlach awoke, sitting up quickly. Coming to her side, kneeling next to her as close as possible without scorching.

"You're okay, love." She reassured. "Just a bad dream."

Tav looked up at her tearfully. Hand still pressed hard to her chest. Rubbing back and forth. "Oh Gods, they're starting again."

Shaking her head, looking deep in Karlach's eyes. As if the sight of her could erase whatever she woke from.

"I get those too, soldier. Some nightmares stick. Miserable things that they are." Reaching for her arm again, pulling away frustrated. "Gods I wish I could touch you."

Tav smiled, sitting up. Leaning towards her. "I want that too. We'll catch Dammon on the way, don't worry."

"You want to talk about your dream?" Karlach asked quietly.

"Not really, but it might help." She sighed.

He suddenly felt like he was intruding, staring down at them. Though he did want to console her he was hopeless at that kind of thing.

She froze for a second, turning her head.

"Ah, what did I tell you about trying to sneak up on me?" She smiled, catching him in her peripheral.

"Apologies, I was just coming back from hunting. I'll head back to my tent, but do carry on." He quipped. Chest tight.

"Actually, I dont mind you staying." She shrugged. "Believe it or not your company is very welcome."

He really considered it, but he had been avoiding her since that night and this was far too intimate.

"I appreciate that, but I'll have to decline. Do tell me if you need any hands on help though. Goodnight, sweet things."

His tent wasn't far and he was glad of it. Moving on light feet and closing the flap behind him. Sitting with his back against the entrance.

Their voices were faint but his keen ears were sharper. Their conversation picking back up after a moment.

"Gods I really thought they had gone away. But that fucking dream visitor..." The venom in her voice surprising him.

"It looked like her. My sister." Low now, he could barely pick it up. "Whatever that thing is it isnt afraid to play dirty."

"I didn't know you had a sister." Karlach's voice soft.

"A twin. We're identical." A tired sigh. "She's dead. Has been for, Gods, at least a decade. Even in my long life I dont know if it'll ever feel real."

"I'm so sorry, love." Karlach's voice low and mournful. Moving into a whisper.

He picked at the seam of his pants, suddenly feeling guilty. Given how self assured she was he hadn't even considered that she might have a troubled past. They all had their weight to bear, it seems.

Sitting still in the morning light he felt at peace. Or as close to peace as he could manage. The sun warming him through.

He soaked it in greedily, making up for 200 years of lost time. If he was a religious man he would pray to the morning god Lathandar, but the Gods weren't worth the praise.

"Morning, Star." She yawned, passing in front of his tent.

He squinted his eyes open, something he regretted immediately.

In the morning light her long red hair glowed, out of it's crown braid falling in cascades down her back. The grey ochre of her skin picking up hues of pink and a smattering of freckles he had never noticed before across her nose. Eyes dark and light in equal measure, the subtle ring of green in the white around her pupil contrasting sharply with her red hair.

She looked like an oil painting come to life.

Realizing he was staring he cast his eyes to the treeline.

Too late, she saw. Of course she did.

She smiled, coming to sit down next to him.

"Hungry?" She asked easily, holding up her wrist. Still rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

He stared at it, the soft flesh, the vein blue underneath. Her long fingers curled back elegantly.

"Before you've had your breakfast? How ravenous do you take me for?"

"Oh my heart, I am such a wilted flower I couldnt possibly stand such trials! Oh watch me wither away before your very eyes!" She held the back of her hand to her forehead, leaning back dramatically.

He smiled, despite himself. "I thought you nobility types were of a softer constitution." Taking her wrist gingerly in his fingers.

"Maybe on the surface. In the Underdark its kill or be killed. If you haven't had an assassination against you by the time you learn to walk you're considered a failure." She laughed, but he wasnt sure if she was exaggerating.

"Well I am a little peckish..." He mused.

He wasn't. He had a full meal last night. But the draw of her blood, being offered so easily. Gods she would be the second death of him.

He brushed his lips against the curve of her wrist, breathing in her scent. Apple, cayenne, vanilla. Gods he could get drunk on it.

He sank in as gentle as he could. Her blood bursting into his mouth. Trying to keep some sense of decorum as their companions milled around them. Resisting the urge to grip down and growl.

Vaguely aware of Shadowheart's disapproving sigh. "In front of my oatmeal?"

"Oh please, I know you'd want this too if you were sanguine." Tav smiled, unfazed. Sending her a sultry look.

He glanced up momentarily, seeing Shadowheart's blush at her flirting. Shooting him a quick cut with her eyes. Turning abruptly back to her bowl.

He felt a proud thrill in his chest. That's right, he was the one buried in her wrist. Suck it Shadowheart.

Tav tapped his forearm twice. "Going a little numb here, handsome."

He pulled off with a quiet gasp. "Apologies, I must have been more hungry that I realized." Lies. Lies upon lies.

Handsome, he turned that word over in his head. He wanted her to call him pretty.

Blinked in shock at his thoughts.

Gods this is why he had been avoiding her. That night had been haunting him. He had tried to push the intense pleasure she had milked out of him into the past. The way she had touched him, soft but commanding.

Her words playing on repeat in his mind in the late hours of the night.

"Such a good girl for me."

"You okay, Star?" Her voice low, squeezing his knee lightly.

He realized he hadn't released her wrist, his fingers still circled around her.

"Sorry darling, I'm a little off this morning." He leaned down and licked her wound closed.

Noticed her hand hadn't left his knee, her thumb rubbing back and forth gently. The touch lighting him, little trails of fire.

"Anything I could do to help?" Her voice going soft again.

Yes.

"No, but thank you for offering, sweet thing."

He patted her thigh good naturedly. "Now go get your breakfast. You've earned it."

"Well as long as I've earned it." She winked at him, rising gracefully to her feet. "See you later, beautiful."

Gods he wanted to kiss her. Hard.

Later in camp the mood was jovial. The day, though grueling, walking, always walking. Had turned out promising, closing in on the temple where the Creche is supposed to be.

Someone had opened a bottle of wine and the air was full of laughter and conversation.

Halsin had gotten out his lute and was strumming happily. Wyll stood and offered her his hand in a flourish. She smiled and took it graciously.

He led her in a light waltz and she followed easily, feet twisting and stepping with a practiced grace.

Astarion watched this from a fallen log and tried to hide the seethe in his face.

Why were they always all over her? Gods it felt like he turned his back and another suitor had stepped into place.

Didnt they know she was his?

He shook his head. He had too much wine. He was being ridiculous. He needed air.

Trudging away towards the water, feeling eyes on his back but he didn't care.

Kneeling down he splashed the water on his face. Get ahold of yourself.

Sitting back on his haunches he sighed, looking up at the night sky.

Her eyes slid over his vision, becoming two new stars.

"Brooding all by yourself?"

He couldn't stand it anymore, pulling her head down by the nape of her neck. Her soft mouth meeting his upside down.

She whimpered in surprise, then relaxed into him. Kissing him back in that soft exploring way he had craved.

He twisted under her, turning to face her. Pulling her down into his lap, wrapping his hand around the back of her head with a growl.

She straddled over him, already pulling at his camp shirt, taking it in a fist full. Moaning softly into his mouth. Allowing his tongue to push hot into her.

"My tent?" She whispered as she pulled away to get a breath, his mouth following, trying to get more.

He nodded, practically sprinting to feet. Taking her hand.

They took the long way around, sneaking into the warm cave of her temporary home.

Gods the air swam with her here. It was overwhelming.

She closed the flap behind them securely. Barely enough time and he was pulling at her clothes. Releasing her shirt from her leggings.

"Gods, Star. What brought this on?" She gasped as he laved his tongue up her neck. Pulling her shirt over her head and throwing it far in the corner.

"I cant stop thinking about it." He moaned, undoing the ties on her trousers with one hand. Falling to knees and yanking them down.

Looking up at her through his lashes. "Please touch me like that again."

She smiled, kneeling down to him. Gloriously naked, she reached up to the pins in her hair and released it. Falling behind her shoulders in a carmine wave. So beautiful it made his chest hurt.

He caught sight of a straight scar over her heart, ran his fingers softly over it.

She leaned forward, fingers stroking his cheek softly. Sliding her mouth against his warmly. "I've been thinking about it too."

Pulling his shirt free, angling over his shoulders. "You were so beautiful that night."

He moaned into her mouth as she came back to him. Already painfully aroused.

She pushed him back gently, trailing hot kisses along his neck. Untying his leathers with sure fingers. Pulling them down just far enough that his cock could spring free. Already dripping precum.

She leaned into him, sliding the hollow of her hip against his length. Rocking back and forth slowly. Leg straddled around his thigh he could feel her wetness. Her mouth on his neck so softly kissing and biting.

The pressure of her hip was so good. His head fell back, giving her more room to find him. Her fingers coming up to softly drag along his nipple. The pads teasing back and forth.

She began grinding down on him, her breath catching. Hip sliding harder into his cock.

"Please, more." He moaned.

She leaned back and spat a long trail of saliva on his cock. Pushing into him with her hip again. Looking deep in his eyes.

Oh Gods that almost sent him over.

She pinched and rolled his nipple in her hand. Wetting her fingers obscenely. Bringing them back down.

He whined, arching his chest. Pushing his hips up into her. So close.

"You know, I think your ready." She purred, her hands gone.

He opened his eyes to see her reaching for something. Leaving him to reach inside a chest.

She held up a harness with a faux cock attached. His eyes went wide.

Oh Gods, yes. He pulled off his leathers with haste.

He helped her get it on her hips, pulling down the buckles and straps. She wet it with the slick from her cunt, pumping down it.

"Come here to me." She whispered, sliding onto her back.

He straddled over her, heart racing.

Coming down to kiss at her chest, sliding one of her peaks into his mouth. Reveled in the little moan that left her.

She held the length steady for him as he slowly lowered down. His eyes rolling into the back of his head.

"Take what you need. I want to see it." She murmured into his hair.

Sitting flush to her he felt the stretch inside him. Already so full. His body gripping down eagerly.

He began his ride, lifting his hips and rolling back down. His breath a strained gasping already. Gods it was heaven.

He looked down at her and saw how her hips rocked into him, gripping his thighs. Her face flushed, eyes half lidded.

"So lovely, taking my cock like that." She smiled. Angling her hips just hard enough to hit the spot that undid him.

He lurched forward, bracing himself next to her head. An indignant whine leaving him. He cant be this close already.

She held his hips in place and fucked up into him. His body already starting to shudder in warning. She had found his prostate again and was slamming into it over and over.

"Please, please," He mewled, for what he wasn't sure. Seeing stars already.

She craned her neck up and caught his nipple in her mouth. Suckling down viciously with a delighted hum.

His while body jolted and he screwed his eyes shut. Oh Gods he didn't know if he could take it.

His pelvis contracted like a fist, the first waves hitting him. His mouth fell open in a silent scream. A bone deep shuddering ripping through him. The waves pummeling him in tortuous rapture. He white knuckled around her thigh. It was all he could do not to cry out. His spend spilling hot onto her belly in gushes.

She pulled him into her chest with hushed assurances as he sobbed quietly. A sudden rush of emotion overcoming him. Gripping onto the back of her neck.

"You're okay, you're okay." She whispered into the curl of his hair. Her legs crossing behind his back, nuzzling down into his shoulder. "You did so good."

That made him sob harder, burying his face in her hair. Holding onto her like a life raft in a storm.

"You're safe, you're here."

Laying awake, staring at the roof of his tent his mind raced.

He could lie to himself, say it was just the wine, the long road, his hunger, that had driven him to her arms.

He was a good liar but not that good.

Sighing he turned on his side.

What a fool he was. Falling for his mark. A simple plan shattered into a million pieces at her feet.

She had entranced him body and soul.

He bit back a small smile, his dead heart racing in light and fear.

Tomorrow. He would tell her tomorrow.

~

Part 3

[twst-hottest-takes]

I’m so tired of Malleus stans (and arguably the game) brushing his issues under the rug. He’s not just a lonely guy who’s been isolated by his status and power from his peers who refuse to understand him. Or just some sheltered prince who means well but is a little out of touch and doesn’t fully understand the other races’ norms.

In his dorm vignette, the other dorm leaders get upset about him skipping meetings even after exhausting every reasonable way to get him to attend. His response? Treat them like inanimate objects by teleporting to his location for his convenience. In the second Halloween event, Malleus relates to the ghosts who are sad they missed the Halloween festivities because he also misses many events. His response? Abduct a significant amount of his fellow students into a hostile realm for a party he did not inform them of. And then make everyone else engage in a treasure hunt to find the students. And then he gets mad when he finds out that the others rightfully treated this as a hostile situation and blames them for the possessions that happened to his fellow students. Or how about the multiple instances of Malleus being patronizing towards the non-fae students?

I just find issues with Crown Prince Malleus Draconia constantly being babied for his actions when he should have been taught by now to have a little more self-awareness. He may still be very young for his species of fae, but a crown prince would still be trained to behave in a way befitting of his status. I don’t see any other character (especially among the OBs) get this much defense for misdeeds.

I mean, it's kind of true . . . at least as far as the game is concerned.

Real talk, Malleus can be a cheeky brat sometimes. He gets away with a lot in game and out because of his power, status, and relative immaturity. It's too easy to reason away his actions no matter how inconvenient they are or what problems they cause. The fact that no one has the power to feasibly fight back against his whims (like what's causing most of Chapter 7's current story) makes it pretty frustrating to boot. On top of all that, if the game follows its pattern for how Overblots have been treated so far--and I strongly suspect it will--Malleus isn't even going to be properly punished for causing a potentially world ending catastrophe and putting everyone in danger. He should honestly be expelled from the school at the VERY least!

Don't get me wrong, I love Malleus and enjoy his character greatly, but he's way too powerful to be acting the way he does. In the game it's emphasized repeatedly how stupidly strong he is, and even though I subscribe to the idea of him being not very mature for a fae creature, anon is right that he doesn't seem to get any flack for how badly just his mood shifts affect the world around him. I don't know if it's ever really addressed if his changing the weather when he gets upset is something he can control or not, let alone if he's made any actual strides to be more mindful about how they affect the people around him (despite apparently being told off by Lilia at least once about how much trouble a tantrum can cause).

I can't comment on the state of the fandom defending Malleus' unpleasant behaviors because I haven't seen it myself. However, the game does give anyone who might want to baby him A LOT to work with, so I wouldn't be surprised if anon' observation turned out to be accurate.

Thank you for your take!

[zerobaselove]

where do we go now? | kim gyuvin

pairing: gyuvin x reader

genre: angst, hurt/comfort, fluff ending kinda

word count: 1707

warnings: swearing a little bit. lowercase intended, not proofread

notes: hiii everyone <3 little angst for yall because i've just been in that kind of mood idk. i got a request for a gyuvin hurt comfort and wrote this (only to not realize until after it was written that the request was for bff to lovers MY BAD) but its close enough idk i just got home from work and wrote this so sorry if its ROUGH

tick. tick. tick.

the faint sound of the clock hung on the wall was the only break from the silence that seems too thick to swallow as you sat on the couch, alone. it wasn't supposed to be like this. this was the third time this week that your boyfriend gyuvin had no call no showed one of your dates. 8th time this month if you wanted to get specific, and you were only a few weeks in.

you shouldn't be surprised. you thought to yourself. you could barely get a reply out of the boy nowadays, let alone seeing him face to face or hearing his voice. you were long past convincing yourself he was just busy; that idea died the third time you watched him post pictures with his friends on days where you had stayed up wondering if he was safe.

so when you heard the front door creak open, you didn't even turn around to greet him. your gaze fixed on the clock hands, anticipating the click to the next minute.

"no welcome home?" gyuvin's voice called out, his footsteps getting closer to where you sat.

"welcome home." you said monotonously, still not giving the boy any more attention than he had given you.

his body landed on the cushion beside you with a plop. his hand finding its way to your arm, lightly shaking as if to get your attention. you turned to face him, pressing your lips together, trying to muster the strength to even ask how his day went; the day that was supposed to be spent with you.

"how was your day?" you asked, trying your hardest to mask the emotion in your throat, whether it was annoyance or sadness, you didn't know.

his face lit up like a christmas tree. his smile beaming as he told you about what him and his friends did, the places they went, the food they ate. everything. everything that caused him to not even send you a hello or a good morning, not even a message that he was cancelling.

"that's nice." you said flatly after he finished his recounting of the day. he hummed in agreeance, not even noticing your shift in tone or energy anymore. "so what did you do?" he asked. he was oblivious still.

you only sighed, not even fully turning to look at him. you were sure if you looked him in the eyes right now that the tears wouldn't ever stop rolling. "nothing," you started playing with the ring on your finger, the one he had gotten you nearly a year ago now. "i got ready earlier for our date but i never heard from you, so i took a shower and i've just been here."

admitting it out loud felt pathetic. you had let this ruin your whole day yet again. you had let your emotions get the best of you again. maybe you were the problem, you thought to yourself. maybe you cared too much.

it seems the boy had begun to connect the dots as a sympathetic look crossed his face and an apology spewed out of his mouth, as if on command, just like every other time. it was always the same.

except this time you couldn't shrug it off anymore. you couldn't lie and say it was okay anymore. because it wasn't. it wasn't okay.

"i'm so sorry," he started, reaching out to grab your arm before you moved away from his touch, "it slipped my mind."

you only hummed and nodded, "things like this always seem to slip your mind when it comes to me, don't they?" your voice was laced with venom as the frustration kept building, as if the last month had all been bubbling up to this moment.

"i'm sorry, you know how important my friends are to me y/n." gyuvin immediately regretted the words that left his mouth. his jaw went slack in shock at his own words, but you had snapped back before he had the chance to back up and defend his poor choice of words.

the tears had started welling up in your eyes, your vision blurring more and more by the second. "so am i not important to you? because it sure feels that way."

"that's not what i meant y/n," gyuvin's voice had become raised, mostly against his own will.

"well what else am i supposed to think gyuvin?" the blood in your veins felt like it was bubbling, like your body was on fire and the only way to let it out was through the words you spat out without much thought. "i'm sick and fucking tired of begging for any ounce of attention from you gyuvin. i'm tired of being an afterthought to you."

you stood up from the couch, fighting the urge to storm out of your own apartment. "i deserve more than that gyuvin. i can't keep going if it's going to be like this." your heart hurt, in a mix of anger and pain your voiced raised even louder, nearly yelling at the stunned boy sat on the couch. suddenly it was quiet, there was nothing to drown out the sound of your beating heart as you tried to take a deep breath.

"i think you should leave, before i say something that'll hurt you," your voice was eerily calm, "you shouldn't have to feel like i do."

gyuvin stood up, apologizing profusely as you stood there in silence, drained and emotionless.

after a few more attempts at a reaction from you, the boy left with a slam of the front door. and there you were, alone, again.

maybe it was better that way, at least right now.

---

it had been three days since you let the anger bubble up and spill, burning through you like molten lava. you felt empty. you hadn't texted gyuvin and he hadn't messaged you either, but that wasn't exactly abnormal for him; what was strange was his radio silence online. maybe he hurt like you did.

you had found yourself pondering it all over a cup of once hot coffee, having long gone cold as you lost yourself in your thoughts, opting to merely stir the liquid around as if your answer would appear in the cup like a crystal ball. what were you supposed to do now?

a firm series of knocks on the door broke you from your thoughts. you knew that pattern; the one gyuvin always used to let you know it was him, a special rhythm that you two had settled on early in your relationship, a secret between you two.

reluctantly you dragged yourself from your seat in the kitchen towards the front door. you didn't even bother looking through the peephole before you unlocked the chain lock on your door. it was almost pathetic how happy you were deep down that he was here, choosing to ignore the way this could all go wrong.

"hi." he smiled awkwardly, holding up a bag with the logo of a local convenience store, his other hand firmly grasping a bouquet of flowers. blue hyacinths and baby's breath to be exact. "can i come in?"

you let the boy in without saying a word, simply gesturing him in as you moved out of the doorway.

he set everything on the counter alongside your cold coffee before taking in a deep breath.

"i'm sorry." he started, his voice shaking slightly, "i know i sound like a broken record saying that but i really am. i've been so in my head lately that i've forgotten what is important to me, and how lucky i've been to have you around all this time." the tears welling up in his eyes caused you to mirror the emotion on your own face.

he held up the bouquet of flowers, a small smile breaking onto his face, "mrs. lee from down the road helped me pick these out, because apparently flowers have their whole own language and i am clueless in that department, and apparently in the boyfriend department," a small chuckle left your lips at the boy you've spent all your days loving, even in the rough patches, "the blue ones are supposed to represent apologies, and the little white one's show sincerity and love, and i love you, so it felt fitting." he rambled on, slightly shaking despite the smile on his face. he handed the bouquet to you with a look of hope in his eyes, a hope that you would forgive him despite his flaws oversights.

"they're beautiful gyuvin," your voice was quiet, trying to silence the tears that threatened to spill.

he smiled as you took the flowers with a smile, "i understand if you don't forgive me, and i know i'm going to have to prove it, but i promise i'm going to work towards being better for you, because you were right the other day, you do deserve more than that, and i want to be the one to give it to you, if you'll let me."

you paused to think for a moment, despite knowing deep down you didn't need to think for even a second, you loved him more than your heart knew what to do with, and you didn't want to lose him over this.

"i would love that," you smiled, taking a step towards the boy, "thank you gyuvin."

his arms wrapped around your torso to pull you in for a hug; his grip tight on you as if you were going to float away through his fingers if he wasn't careful.

he pulled away shaking his head, "no, thank you," he exclaimed, "thank you for being so amazing, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me y/n." his voice lowered as his face got closer to yours, your foreheads nearly touching as you felt his breath on your face. "i love you."

"i love you too gyuvin, always." you leaned forward and connected your lips, letting your hands run through his hair gently as if to savor the boy that you had missed so dearly.

gyuvin pulled away, letting the two of you catch your breath as you stood in each others arms, "so how about that date?"

[2kyo7]

𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐌; 𝟎𝟓

metkayina!reader x avatar 2

THE SHORE HAD BECOME tiny after yourself and Tuk had swam such a great distance to reach the destination. At first you'd grown worried about going so far, even with your skills you didn't want her to tire out halfway through, but was graciously surprised when Tuk showed little sign of discomfort or distress. Simply enjoying the delicious food and scenery around her. "Tuktirey do not fear the waves as you swim." You held a steady grasp to Tuk's hand, providing some stability as she attempted to stay afloat comfortably as you did. "The harder you fight, the harder swimming will be."

Tuk let out a strong huff of frustration, "I only want to swim like you ____!" You laugh aloud at her inexperience, "most fyeyn in the clan can not swim half as well as me Tuktirey. Do not worry yourself so much." Tuk seemed to calm at the realization she was not lacking in skill, just you had an over abundance of it. "Woah, really!" You nodded, soon diving your head below the water in order to pick a ripe fruit from its underwater vine. "In truth Tuktirey, you are doing very well—even more so than your older siblings! Truly something only a strong warrior can accomplish.”

fyeyn - adult

She became silent at your words for a moment before speaking once more, "why do you call me that ____? I have never went into battle before like Neteyam and Lo'ak..." Tuk's head lowered slightly, a mix of sadness and anger playing on her features, all directed towards herself. You'd broken the fruit apart, placing its inside contents to her lips. "Being a warrior is not only about fighting. One can be a warrior of many things." Tuk took the fruit into her mouth, looking at you curiously. "Take me, I am a warrior of the water, and you—"

"You are a warrior of great courage. Not many are able to travel so far and stray from everything they've known, especially at your age."

"So...I am a warrior! More than Lo'ak, and Neteyam." Tuk's eyes gleamed with excitement, her arms moving to latch themselves around your neck. "____, if you know all this—can't you be nicer to everyone else?"

The question through you for a loop, but you came to understand why she'd ask this of you. Her family most likely spoke about you amongst themselves, no, you're positive they do, and she heard every word of it. Admittedly you did have your favorite out of the family, and to everyone else, the difference was noticeable. Though you still thought your actions of precaution were just, maybe at some points you took things too far. "I apologize Tuktirey, I've acted immaturely up until now."

"Pänutìng you won't be mean anymore!" Her bottom lip quivered ever so slight, in a silent plea. Wrapping an arm around your middle, you started swimming towards shore with ease despite the added weight. "I pänuting Tuktirey, kindness and respect shall be shown to your family by me from now on."

pänuting - promise

Eclipse over took the sky's bright and shining blues, now exchanging them for dark contrasting purples lined with thousands of stars. Both you and Tuk admired Eywa's enchanting sky view causing your voyage to take much longer than intended. Upon arrival, you notice the Sully's in their usual circle—minus one of course, deciding that your distance was close enough. "I'm afraid this is where we part ways young warrior."

"Come join us for dinner, they won't mind trust me!" Tuk began pulling you closer towards her home, you retracted yourself from her surprisingly vice grip on your arm. "No Tuktirey, I must leave for home myself soon—may eywa grant you peace."

"Goodnight ____." Tuk's pace turned into a fast jog as she approached her family's marui, "see you tomorrow!" You watched as she was immediately greeted by the others, showered with affection after she'd technically disappeared for nearly an entire day, cooing you watched the scene only a moment before the ocean called out your name in whisperers. Allowing herself to sucome to Eywa's waters.

Neteyam soon departed from his shared marui pod, eyes scanning around the dark in search of something—or rather—someone. Ah, he thinks, there you are. "Neteyam? What are you doing, sit. Dinner will be fixed soon." He paused at the entrance, with half his body already out, Neteyam turned to look at his mother pleadingly. "Uh, I'll be back soon, don't wait to eat."

Venturing out of his home at a rather quickened pace, Neteyam nearly tripped over himself to get to you, praying that the slip up went unnoticed.  "____" He called softly, possible the softest he ever would to anyone, so much he'd doubt you'd heard him.

Your ear twitched—you heard him— but the rest of your body remained unmoving. You'd submerge yourself barely waist length into the water, your arms outstretched to feel the bioluminescent squid which swam in circles around you as if you were born one of their own.

Neteyam ungracefully joined alongside by you in the ocean waves that pushed against his body, not only causing him to nearly lose his footing but also scare away your marine life.  "Oh! I truly meant no harm—" You interrupted his apology with a deep groan, silencing yourself by dragging two hands down your face, muffling the next words you spoke. "Eywa give me strength."

He'd really done it now, embarrassing himself not only once but twice in front of you of all na'vi. It's as if he lost all sense in your presence, who could recover from this? "Worry not, brother of Tuktirey, you are not completely to blame for your clumsiness. I am at fault too."

Neteyam lowered his own posture send you a look of surprise, you'd never said something like this to him. "Your sister has made me realize the error of my ways." Your gaze shifted to look towards Neteyam, leaving him breathless simply because of your stare. "I have been unreasonably cruel to you and your family."

Placing a light hand to his shoulder, you wanted Neteyam to understand the truth to your words—your truth. "I am sorry Neteyam."

A toothy grin grew on the younger na'vis face quicker than he could suppress it, an expression of true happiness taking shape. He'd never thought four simple words of an apology would ever make him feel the way he did now, like an opposing force finally released him, now Neteyam felt ten times lighter.

"Irayo ____." Encasing his hand around yours, Neteyam's words were followed by a deep, meaningful silence between the both of you. So much so, you barely took noticed of the lightened squid which not only surrounded yourself but also Neteyam into a circle. What you did take notice of were his round bunny ears, that twitched too often. And every tiny syuratan freckles scattered throughout his face. Your eyes began traveling further than they should've, taking note of his arms, though thin compared to your people, had a thick layer of toned muscle. Wondering the tiniest bit lower revealed a noticeable vline—

irayo - thank you

syuratan - bioluminescence

"I-I don't deserve your thanks," you withdrew your hand from his hold, opting to sway them in the waves. "Tomorrow I will truly teach you the ways of our people, just as I always should have." Neteyam stopped himself from reaching out to hold your limb once again, not wanting to risk losing the new found sympathy, watching while you fully submerged yourself, causing splashes of water to land on him. "Alright. Tomorrow then." He turned to walk back towards the dry surface sand.

"Nìhona unil, ____" Neteyam's smile outshined even thr thousands of stars above you, hoping he wouldn't see your growing nervousness. Simply nodding in response as he walked away.

nìhona - sweet

unil - dreams

You swam with your head atop the waves, enjoying the simple comfort and familiarity of something so known to you—paired with the overwhelming presence of the sky. Tears breamed along your waterline, mixing amidst salty water droplets that already occupied your cheeks. To do this, accepting them, went against the very values you'd built to protect yourself and the clan from your parent's fate. As if you broke some type of taboo by welcoming them with open arms despite knowing their origins.

"Great Mother," you say breathlessly, "guide me well."

[nica-my-beloved]

This is just my impression so far on the MCs of Ikemen Series. I have seen posts about Ikemen MC not having enough spite, dumb, damsel and distress etc etc....and to some point I do agree with it. Even I made a post about MCs being overly positive. But at the same time I feel like this is done on purpose from the writers' part.

Let's just say it, the MCs are not really that relatable even though they try to make it look like that. MCs in these games are very kind-hearted for no reason, overly positive and lack basic common sense. For example, take this scene from Harry's story event:

Harry did mention to her before this that he can detect if a person is lying or not when he makes eye-contact. In the scene mentioned above, a person with common sense can easily tell that Harry lost on purpose. But for some reason Kate thought he lost because she was able deceived him. It is only later that Harry told her and Kate looked genuinely surprised. I don't think Kate is dumb. But I feel like the writers think we players are not that smart enough to distinguish between Harry's lies and truth. It makes me laugh some times.

I just honestly feel like MCs are portrayed this way so that we players could understand the game and its characters better. Like Paimon from genshin, who repeats everything in baby terms so that we could understand what we have to do (even if her screechy noise is annoying). MCs here are played by us, so when male characters has a plan that they don't reveal, MCs try to find out what their plan is so that we could understand. That's it. MCs are here just simplify the story to make us understand the character's better. They'll only ask the male characters what's needed to know right now and not anything extra. If it where a realistic MCs, she would ask more logical questions like:

Is Victor also cursed?

If Crown consists of only 'cursed' people and Victor went around to search these people, are there any 'cursed' people out there who rejected his request?

More questions on their abilities like: Can Harry still detect lies if someone closes their eye? Can Elbert trigger sad memories if a person doesn't have a sad memory? etc etc...

But we don't see Kate asking these questions.

I feel like the reason why we feel sometimes frustrated when MCs act in a certain way is because these MCs are not at all realistic. I'll never believe that someone with common sense did not try to run away after watching a murder happen. I'll never believe that someone with common sense falling into easy traps. Like this one scene from Silvio's story where, Silvio's daddy visits Rhodolite because his lost son is found and he also wants to know if Rhodolite King is dead blah blah blah...you guys know that story (I assume). Emma has to choose the next King without Silvio's dad knowing and they wait for Sariel's call. A servant comes to Emma's room to call both her and Rio. This servant itself is sus because Emma clearly states that she hasn't seen that servant before. When I read this, I immediately knew it was red flag. But even so, Emma and Rio ignores the red flag and goes with the servant and what do you know? They get kidnapped. The scene was very predictable. But it's so frustrating because, realistically speaking I think normal people would feel a little bit suspicious about the person given the situation. Maybe even question the servant. That's why I'm saying...I do feel MCs are not realistic enough. I don't think anyone is overly-kindhearted to the point that they would accept insults from the male leads and be like "I'm going to prove myself to you!". Normal people would just be like "fuck off!" and won't listen to their insults. No one is so dumb it fall into easy traps and no normal person is like "I will work hard to get to know them better." Majority of the people are way smarter and way selfish (not in a bad way though!). Many people have attitude, not everyone are kind to strangers. That's why MCs are not realistic, so there is no use in comparing MC to your personality or your intelligence. They are just tools for explaining the story in a simplified way and moving the plot forward. Because like I said, if Emma and Rio didn't go with the servant and get kidnapped, Silvio's story wouldn't move forward.

That's all. This no hate, this is just how I felt after reading quite amount of stories both in-game and on tumblr. MC's don't have much background because the writers don't really put too much thought about their personality. MCs are basically last on their lists. They just make sure that she's an adult, working woman (doing some odd jobs like a flowershop lady or something, because I've never seen a CEO MC), and they are very kind for some reason. They don't have family (except for Emma), they don't have a story, they don't have anything that impacts their personality. At least it would have been nice to see why a MC is so kind-hearted would be nice. But otome games' main selling points are the male leads. The male leads falls for MC's purity in their dark world.

[hey-august]

Edging anon: Alternate take on this that is more cute and a bit silly rather than hot (Altough I personally still think it’s pretty hot), that I still liked and wanted to share:

It’s fun to tease the little captain while your man’s away at sea, that was the whole point of this excercise from the start. Give that poor little thing (well, big thing actually, with just enough girth to satisfy you immensely and a cute, pinkish tip that makes your mouth water when you look at it) a few light touches during the day, just linger a bit too long after you helped him answer the call of nature, be extra gentle when you tuck this pretty cock in at night…. But also it’s oddly bittersweet to do so while Buggy is out and about. It’s sexy to be so MEAN to him, but also Buggys magic to his cock is frustratingly more reliable the Denden connection in the waters he’s charting trough.

So it’s frustrating to wait on him like this at times. Not even because of sex, but because your funny, handsome, silly clown man isn’t there with you to hold you at night or try to make you stay in bed longer even tough he KNOWS you both have a busy schedule today. It’s hard not being there when he has a bad night, he’ll, it’s harder not knowing if he has a bad night PERIOD and if a warm hug from you would help more making it better than your hand on his dick.

And you can’t help but think about that while you absently wash his cock before you are about to get ready for bed. Carefully, taking the soft washcloth and drawing a big swipe tracing the vein on the underside. This is fun, truly it is fun, but this week has been hard for you in a non sexual manner just as much as it has been (both sexual and non sexual) for Buggy.

A twitch in your hand brings you back to the present. Oh well, just two more days and he’ll be home. Still, you want to somehow make him know hes loved and you miss him, so you decide to give the little captain a little kiss, right below the head of his dick, the peckish and soft kind, a tender little reminder that you want his entire back home beyond just sexual desire.

The spurt of cum shoots out of the cock in your hand so suddenly you accidentally drop it back into the tub in surprise. The load he just blew was HUGE. The streaks barely missed your right eye and you’re certain some of it got behind your ear as well as your hair. You hadn’t noticed how long you’ve been holding him while you were reminiscing about him, but even then, that a tiny little kiss made him cum like a bull is surprising.

You look in disbelief at the cock pathetically twitching and returning to its softened stated under the water. You never realized cocks could look embarrassed. You carefully retrieve Buggys privates from the water, realizing both cock and balls are still going trough the aftershock of a damn fucking good orgasm, spasming every so often.

You almost drop him again when the telltale purupurupuru alerts you to Buggy apperantly being in waters with a better connection now. You pick up the phone, trying not to look into the, now red nosed, snails eyes, because you know where this conversation will be headed and you already feel bad for it’s innocence.

„Buggy.“ „YEAH OKAY SO TURNS OUT THE AREA IS FULL OF SEABEASTS!“ „Buggy is okay-„ „SO I PROBABLY WONT MAKE IT HOME FOR LIKE ANOTHER WEEK-„ „Buggy it’s okay, you were just“ „OR ANOTHER MONTH OR MAYBE EVEN EVER WHO KNOWS WHAT THESE THINGS MAY DO TO ME! MAY EVEN DIE OUT HERE! SUCH A SHAME!“ „Buggy, I think it’s cute you liked it so mu-„ „OH LOOK AT THIS! A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE OCEAN! WHAT A SHAME! TOO BAD, SO SAD! SEE YOU NEVERHOPEFULLYGODDAMNPLEASEFORGETTHATHAPPENEDPLEASE!!“

Being apart from you was difficult. It was hard. Buggy didn't think it was going to be this hard all the time.

It was cute at first. Sweet. You were always teasing him - sneaking up to tickle him, wrapping your arms around him so tightly that he honked, pinching his ass in public, sitting in his lap and "accidentally" moving too much. So even if you weren't physically together (well, more than you currently were), all your taunting touches made Buggy feel like you were right there.

But as the trip dragged on, the frustrations built up. Frustration that you weren't with him. That he couldn't jack off, fuck you, or come at all. That he hardly had enough time to talk to you over a spotty staticky connection.

Buggy thought about asking you for...a favor. Just once. Something little. Quick. Just the tip, you know? But he couldn't bring himself to actually say the words during the handful of calls you two had. How shitty would that be? "Hey, how have you been? Everything okay? Taking care of yourself? Great, can you rub one out for me?"

Fuck no.

...maybe he should have asked though. That might have been better than what actually happened.

Buggy wouldn't admit it, but he liked the nighttime "baths." Even if the routine left him painfully hard and pent up, he enjoyed the attention. It was comforting.

As you dragged the washcloth along his cock, all he could think about was your tongue doing the same. Fuck, he could practically feel your breath, like you were leaning in taste him.

The moment your lips touched his burning skin, it was all over. So soft and plush against his erection. Buggy didn't stand a chance. He felt like the floor was pulled out from under him.

He was doubled over and groaning. Knees weak, threatening to give out. His mind was reeling, trying to catch up to what his body was experiencing. How was there so much fucking cum?

It was like a wet dream but worse. Buggy felt like he should have known it was coming. Ugh. Coming. Fuck fuck fuck. Fuuuuuuuck. You just watched his detached dick explode after a kiss. Not even a sloppy slutty kiss with tongue and spit. Nope. Just a little bit of chaste affection.

Shit, what's he supposed to do now?

[cheynovak]

The shadowsinger  part 2  

Characters: Azriel  x F/Reader Y/N     

Summary:  Y/N, the niece of Lucien, has fled an arranged marriage, only to find herself hunted by her cruel uncle, Beron. Lost in the cold woods, she is discovered by Azriel, who is reminded of his own painful past. He brings her back to Velaris, but the journey is only beginning. 

Warnings: a little jealousy  

English is not my first language 

*This story is my own original story, please do not copy my work, reblog/comments/likes are appreciated* 

Weeks had passed, and while Y/N was still adjusting to the warmth and kindness of the Night Court, she couldn’t deny that she liked it. Velaris, with its welcoming people, was nothing like the cold, calculating world of the Autumn Court. Here, she was free—free to heal, to breathe, and to begin discovering who she was outside of her family’s shadow. 

Azriel checked in on her almost every day, his presence a comforting shadow in the background of her new reality. There was a connection between them, something unspoken that simmered beneath the surface. Y/N couldn’t quite put it into words, but it was there, lingering in the way his gaze softened when he looked at her, the way his shadows seemed to reach for her whenever they were near. 

Yet, there was something else she had noticed—a cold hardness between Azriel and Lucien, an unspoken tension that seemed to crackle whenever they were in the same room. It wasn’t just a simple rivalry; it was something deeper, more complicated, and Y/N could see it in the way Lucien’s jaw would tighten whenever Azriel was around, and in the way Azriel’s eyes would darken ever so slightly in response. 

One day, feeling the need to escape the confines of the House of Wind, Y/N took a stroll through the garden. It was a beautiful, serene space, with flowers blooming in vibrant colours and the scent of fresh earth filling the air. She wandered aimlessly, enjoying the peace, until she heard a soft laugh that made her stop in her tracks. 

Elain. 

Y/N followed the sound, her steps slowing as she rounded a corner and saw them—Elain and Azriel—standing together near a cluster of roses. Elain was laughing, her expression bright and full of life, while Azriel stood close, a rare, genuine smile curving his lips. The sight of it—a smile that she had never seen him give her—sent a sharp pain through Y/N’s chest. 

She knew she shouldn’t feel it, that Azriel had every right to smile at whomever he wished. But seeing him so casual, so relaxed with Elain, it hurt in a way that surprised her. It was as if she was intruding on something private, something sacred. 

Y/N’s heart twisted as she looked at Lucien, who had just walked into the garden. He was standing a short distance away, his eyes fixed on the same scene. The look on his face mirrored the feeling in her chest—an ache, a deep sadness that he couldn’t quite hide. 

Curious and needing to understand, Y/N approached Lucien, her voice soft as she asked, “What happened between Azriel and you?” 

Lucien’s eyes didn’t leave the pair in the garden, but his jaw tightened before he spoke. “Elain is my mate,” he said, the words heavy with emotion. “But Azriel… he’s close to her. Too close. I fear she might be falling for him.” 

Y/N’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But… I thought the mating bond was unbreakable. Doesn’t it always… win?” 

Lucien let out a cold, bitter laugh, finally tearing his gaze away from Azriel and Elain to look at Y/N. “You’d think so,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “But Elain already chose a human over me once. A mortal, weak and frail. I wasn’t enough for her then, so why would I be now? An Illyrian warrior is an upgrade, isn’t it?” 

Y/N’s heart ached for Lucien, hearing the pain in his voice. She knew he didn’t mean it—knew that his words were born of jealousy and hurt. But they struck a chord deep within her, something she didn’t quite understand herself. Because as much as she empathized with Lucien, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of something else—something unpleasant—when she looked back at Azriel and Elain, still wrapped in their own world. 

It wasn’t just jealousy; it was something deeper, something that clawed at her heart when she saw Azriel smiling at Elain in a way he had never smiled at her. Y/N had thought she was content with the connection she shared with Azriel, the quiet none conversations while they read books together in silence or looked out the window not saying a word but the quiet felt nice, the way he seemed to care for her in his own, reserved way. But now, seeing him so open, so warm with someone else, it made her question everything. 

“Lucien,” she began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper, “do you think… do you think the bond can be ignored? That… that someone could choose another over their mate?” 

Lucien’s gaze softened, the coldness in his voice melting away as he looked at her. “The bond is powerful, Y/N, but it isn’t infallible. It can be ignored, even rejected. Love… love doesn’t always follow the rules. And that’s what makes it so damn painful.” 

Y/N nodded to Lucien, her mind whirling with the new understanding of the complexities of love, of the bonds that could tie two people together, yet not always in the way one might expect or hope. The thought of asking Lucien more about how and when he realized Elain was his mate gnawed at her, but fear held her back. 

When she glanced back at Azriel, she found him looking her way. He nodded at her with that same friendly, calm expression he always wore, but she couldn’t help but feel the sting in her chest at the sight. She tried to return the gesture, but her lips barely twitched, and she knew the pain in her eyes was all too visible. 

-- 

That evening, the dining room felt unusually quiet. It was just her and Azriel at the table, the others having left for various duties or to give them space. The meal was simple, but the silence between them was anything but. It hung heavily in the air, thick with unspoken words and emotions that neither of them seemed ready to address. 

Y/N glanced up at Azriel, trying to mask the nervous flutter in her stomach. She needed to know—she couldn’t bear the weight of her thoughts any longer. She tried to sound casual as she finally asked, “Azriel… you and Elain... you eh, you get along well aren’t you?” 

The change in Azriel was subtle, but she saw it. The slight tightening of his jaw, the way his gaze flickered away from hers for a brief moment before he met her eyes again. For a heartbeat, she thought he might not answer, that he might deflect the question like he often did when the conversation edged too close to personal matters. 

But then he spoke, his voice quiet and steady, “Elain is… wonderful. Even when she was human, there was something about her, something pure and kind. I’ve always admired that about her.” 

Y/N’s heart sank as she listened, though she tried to keep her expression neutral. She didn’t want to hear it, didn’t want to know how he felt about Elain, but she couldn’t stop herself from asking. And now, she had to face the truth. 

Azriel continued, his tone thoughtful, as if he were weighing his words carefully. “She’s been through so much, more than anyone should have to endure. I suppose… I’ve always felt a need to protect her, to be there for her in any way I can.” He paused, his gaze softening as he looked at Y/N. “You should get to know her, Y/N. I think you might like her. You could even become friends.” 

Y/N forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah, maybe,” she replied, her voice sounding distant even to her own ears. 

Azriel’s words echoed in her mind long after they finished their meal, each one digging deeper into the wound she hadn’t realized was there. He spoke of Elain with such quiet reverence, such admiration, that it was impossible not to hear the affection behind every word. It was the way he spoke of her, the way his eyes softened when he mentioned her name, that cut the deepest. 

-- 

The days that followed were a blur of self-imposed isolation. Y/N retreated to her room, burying herself in books and convincing herself that her feelings for Azriel were nothing more than a misplaced sense of gratitude. He had saved her, had been kind to her when she was at her lowest—that was all. These feelings, she told herself, were just a byproduct of the bond they had formed in those vulnerable moments. They would pass. She just needed to get through them and move on.  

For three days, she avoided him. She kept to her room, choosing solitude over the risk of seeing him with Elain again, of feeling that gnawing pain in her chest every time he smiled at someone who wasn’t her. The others had noticed her absence, of course, but they respected her need for space, assuming she was still recovering, both physically and emotionally, from everything she had been through. 

But on the evening of the third day, there was a knock on her door. 

Y/N froze, her fingers tightening around the book she had been pretending to read for the past hour. She knew who it was before he even spoke. 

“Y/N?” Azriel’s voice was gentle, filled with a concern that made her chest tighten. “Are you alright?” 

She kept her eyes fixed on the pages of the book, even though the words had long since lost their meaning. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice steady, but hollow. 

There was a pause, and she could almost feel him on the other side of the door, weighing his next words. “I’ve hardly seen you these past few days,” he said, his tone careful, as if he didn’t want to push too hard. “I was wondering if you might like to join me in the living room. We could read together, if you’d like.” 

The offer was tempting, almost painfully so. Reading with Azriel had become something of a routine for them, a quiet, comfortable time where she could be close to him without the pressure of conversation. But the thought of sitting next to him now, of trying to pretend that everything was fine when it wasn’t, felt too overwhelming. 

“I’m okay here,” she said, forcing a small smile that he couldn’t see. “But thank you.” 

Another pause, longer this time. She could sense the disappointment in the silence, but she couldn’t bring herself to look up, to see it reflected in his eyes. She knew that if she did, she might give in, might lose the fragile control she had managed to maintain over her emotions. 

“Alright,” Azriel finally said, his voice softer now. “But if you need anything… you know where to find me.” 

She nodded, though she still didn’t look up. “I will. Thank you, Az.” 

For a moment, she thought he might say more, might push just a little harder to break through the walls she had thrown up between them. But instead, she heard the soft sound of his footsteps retreating, the door closing quietly behind him as he left her alone. 

As soon as he was gone, Y/N let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. She closed her book, setting it aside, and leaned back against the pillows, staring up at the ceiling. The room felt emptier now, the silence more oppressive without Azriel’s presence on the other side of the door. 

She had thought that avoiding him would make things easier, that the distance would help her sort through her feelings, help her push them aside and regain some semblance of control over her heart. But instead, it only made her feel more alone, more uncertain. 

-- 

Azriel walked into the kitchen, his thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and concern. Cassian was already there, leaning casually against the counter as he munched on a piece of bread. The kitchen was warm and filled with the comforting smells of fresh food, but none of it seemed to reach Azriel. His mind was still back in the hallway outside Y/N’s door, replaying their brief conversation over and over again. 

Cassian looked up, noticing the dark mood that clung to Azriel like a shadow. He paused mid-bite, raising an eyebrow. “What’s got you all broody this time?” 

Azriel shrugged, leaning against the counter opposite Cassian. “It’s Y/N,” he said, trying to keep his voice neutral. “She’s been… acting strange lately. Distant.” 

Cassian’s grin was instant, mischievous and knowing, as if he had just been waiting for Azriel to bring it up. “When was the last time you saw her?” 

“Three days ago,” Azriel replied, frowning. “In the garden, with Elain. She seemed fine then, but later that night at dinner… I don’t know, something changed. Since then, she’s been avoiding me.” 

Cassian’s grin widened, and he shook his head with a chuckle. “And you’re supposed to be the all-knowing, all-seeing spymaster,” he teased, popping another piece of food into his mouth. “You really can’t see what’s going on here?” 

Azriel frowned, a flicker of annoyance sparking in his chest. “What are you talking about?” Cassian laughed outright now, leaning forward as if he couldn’t believe how clueless his brother could be. “The girl likes you, Az,” he said, still grinning. “It’s as clear as day.” 

Azriel blinked, taken aback. The idea was so far from what he had expected Cassian to say that it left him momentarily speechless. “What?” 

Cassian rolled his eyes, still amused by how oblivious his brother could be. “Come on, Azriel. You know how this works. She’s been distant because she’s trying to figure out how to deal with her feelings. She probably saw you all cozy and cuddly with Elain.” 

Azriel’s protest was immediate, his tone defensive. “I wasn’t cuddly with Elain,” he insisted, frowning at the very idea. He thought back to those moments in the garden, the easy laughter they had shared. It hadn’t been anything more than that—at least, not to him. But he realized, belatedly, how it might have looked to someone else, someone who cared for him in a way he hadn’t fully understood until now. 

“Anyway,” Cassian continued, waving a hand dismissively, “the point is, she likes you, Az. And she’s probably confused as hell because she thinks you’re more interested in someone else.” 

Azriel’s thoughts swirled in turmoil as he struggled to grasp the implications of Cassian’s words. The realization that Y/N might have feelings for him—and that he had been so blind to it—hit him with a wave of guilt and regret. His protective instincts had always been strong, but now he was facing the consequences of not seeing her as more than just someone to safeguard. 

The two males’ heads snapped toward the door as it creaked open. Y/N stood in the doorway, her face flushed with embarrassment as she caught the tail end of their conversation, all she heard was “you’re more interested in someone else.” 

Her eyes widened when she realized she had interrupted something private. “I’m sorry,” she said quickly, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I’ll just—” 

Before she could finish her sentence, she started to turn away, her shoulders hunched as if bracing for whatever might come next. 

Azriel’s heart twisted at the sight of her, the look of hurt on her face, but he stayed rooted to the spot. The weight of Cassian’s words and the situation at hand made him hesitant to act, unsure of what to say or do. 

Cassian, however, wasn’t so reserved. With a look of disbelief, he smacked Azriel’s shoulder with a playful but firm shove. “Really, Az?” he said, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. “You’re just going to let her walk away? 

Cassian, seeing Azriel’s hesitation, grabbed a plate from the counter piled high with food and thrust it into Azriel’s hands. “Go bring her some food,” he ordered, his voice brooking no argument. “And while you’re at it, use that brain of yours to figure out what you’re going to say.” 

Azriel looked down at the plate, then back at Cassian. The clarity in his friend’s gaze was undeniable. With a resigned sigh, he nodded, realizing Cassian was right. He couldn’t let this moment slip away. He had to talk to Y/N, to clear the air before things got even more complicated. 

--

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Taglist: @paintedbyshadows

[boobav]

Seaside Blue

A canvas of purple and pink paints the sky as the sun gradually falls beneath the sea, leaving you and the land to settle into cool darkness. The sea reflects that range of colour whilst also maintaining that pure blue that the nation of Hydro commonly emitted, and clouds were splattered up above in picturesque perfection. Besides the lapping of waves and peaceful chirp of birds, there was silence all around. 

Teyvat's evenings were consistently beautiful. The colours of the bright sky varied from nation to nation, but always, they were stunning.   

You shift to get comfortable, leaning back on your palms whilst sat on a hill by the Fontaine waters. There was a light drizzle falling, enhancing the overall melancholy that joined you this evening. It wasn't an uncommon emotion, not for you nor anyone else, but it was certainly enhanced by quiet, lonely days that ended like this. It's strange how you tend to end up sad when surrounded by such magnificent nature. It made you wonder- were melancholy and content really such juxtaposing emotions? In times like these, they seemed to fuse, just like the colours in the sky came together to form a blue darkness.  

You sighed, and laid back in the grass.   

Lumine and Paimon were waiting, you knew. They were waiting for you at a hotel in Fontaine, deciding to splurge a bit instead of spending the night camping as you three usually did. You'd been in Fontaine for about two months, and not much progress had been made in regard to talking with Furina... You weren't surprised, not after seeing her personality on show during all these trials, but it was frustrating nonetheless. It felt like this journey was simply your group running in circles, witnessing history that you never intended to be a part of, over and over in an endless cycle. You could sense the frustration building in Lumine too, despite the pure kindness she housed within her heart. In the end, all you could do was keep moving forward. Such a thought should be comforting... But the prospect of doing this forever was not very appealing. Camping endlessly, never settling down, getting involved in root-deep schemes from the Fatui... It was certainly not an easy life. 

Footsteps from behind make your ears perk up. Treasure hoarders? Fatui? Every possible threat passes your mind as you pull yourself to your feet, eyes narrowed, sword in hand- but no, instead of danger, a few meters from you stands the Iudex of Fontaine, the Chief Justice himself.   

"Monsieur Neuvillette?" Your voice comes out meek, but pleased; he stops in his tracks, and there's a moment of silence as he finds the right words to say.  

"I'm sorry for approaching unannounced." He clears his throat. "May I sit with you?"  

"Oh, sure, no need to apologise..." You chuck your weapon back to the ground and return to the floor, patting the spot next to you. He appears hesitant for a moment, as if he hadn't expected you to say yes, but soon strides over. "Any court cases today? I didn't have time to read the Steambird."  

"Only one, but I had a great amount of work to get through, so that's for the better." A soft sound leaves him as he settles on the ground, looking rather out of place in his fancy court garb. His hair is so long it settles partially on the grass, and you wonder, does he have to brush it himself in the morning? Does he have some kind of assistant to help with his daily life? The thought causes a rogue pang of jealousy in your heart. "What did you do today? If you don't mind me asking." His words pull you back to reality.  

"Well..." You start, glancing away from his curious gaze, "I joined Lumine and Paimon for some adventuring. Didn't find much besides confirmation that this nation has stunning scenery, but still, I think Liyue can't be beat in that category." You lean back once more and stare out at the sky as its colours drain to a dark blue; the waves continue to lap in your ears as the trees darken against the skyline, shadows of their former bright selves. You want to say something more, something deeper that'll bring the two of you closer- but you don't.  

You never do, and neither does he.   

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. The nation has certainly gotten livelier since you three arrived." His voice is composed and has a tinge of coldness as usual; you can almost feel it in the air- the heaviness of words left unsaid. You hum in agreement, and turn to see his eyes have yet to leave you. Neuvillette sits stiffly as if he has no clue what to do in this casual setting, too used to standing and sitting straight as a board. It's amusing, really.  

"Are you comfortable in that suit?" You ask, because clearly, he wasn't. You reach over to the button on his ornate waistcoat and pop it open- the choking noise he stifles is not lost on you. "Take your coat off, it's warm anyway."   

Your glance meets his, faces much too close as he shrugs his jacket off. It never ceases to amaze you how absolutely ethereal his eyes are; they're every shade of blue in one, finer than the sky and deeper than the ocean. The words spill softly from your lips, barely louder than a breath, "Your eyes are beautiful." And he looks away abashedly, like he doesn't know how to react to a compliment.   

For a while, the two of you sit together in deep silence, too distracted to focus on neither the sea nor each other. Despite knowing his hard exterior is easier to crack than porcelain, you still find it difficult to find the right words. Though, Neuvillette doesn't seem to mind. He browses the scenery he's viewed a thousand times before with curiosity and awe, his lips unmoving as if words would simply get in the way. He has made his intentions clear by simply coming to see you all these evenings, in his mind. You find that soon, a dull sleepiness washes over your eyes, inviting them to close; you end up leaning your head against his shoulder without even realising it. He tenses, for a brief moment, before all stress leaves his body in a gentle exhale.   

"What do you think love is?" He asks, seemingly out of the blue, and your eyes re-open with effort. You look up, and smile at the curious expression your companion has. Curious, but not unhappy with his lack of understanding.   

"I think..." you start, "I think love is when you really feel alive. You feel emotions deeper than before, without even understanding why. Colours appear richer than before, trees look somehow more real against the sky." Neuvillette's hand hovers over the small of your back, hesitant, before wrapping around your waist. You carefully move his silky hair out of the way, and press up close to him. "Love is just viewing life in a new lens. Those amazing sights were there before... But sometimes you need help to notice them, I suppose."   

His gaze is soft now, not as piercing as usual. He brushes a stray strand of hair from your face, then looks away, back towards the sea.   

"It's an emotion that has eluded me up until recent history." He says, "Not to say I have never felt love. But listening to you explain it is like listening to poetry. Humans have a way of making even the most mundane things sound wonderfully exciting." His cerulean eyes come back to you, and a small, distant smile is present on his lips.   

"I think you're giving us too much credit." You say, but really, he was right. Maybe because only one lifetime is guaranteed, humans tend to find ways to make that short while an adventure, no matter how mundane it truly is.   

"Perhaps." His hand comes to cup your face, and you lean into it. "If it's not too much to ask, would you continue helping me learn what love is?"   

And with a soft, tired smile, you nod. You kiss his palm and feel human love at its highest peak. 

...You weren't quite sure when the rain had stopped.