#reader x ardyn

[savage-rhi]

Mending Shadows // Chapter 1

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

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Two years before the fall of Insomnia…

Eos’s night sky was scattered with stars and bustling with vibrant colors. Purples and blues danced side by side in the cosmos while constellations signaled their presence. There was a robust earthy scent throughout the Duscae region, symbolizing that the spring rains had dwindled down. Even with the engine of the car roaring, Ardyn occasionally heard Anaks and other creatures let out their nightly bellows and chirps. The Lucian kingdom was always active. Life could flourish in even the darkest of crevices. Even someone such as Ardyn himself. 

Static began to chime from the Vixen’s radio. Ardyn adjusted the frequency so he could listen in. 

The war continues to rage between Niflheim and Lucis. The impasse among political leaders is still in effect. It has been reported from King Regis’s councilmen, that Emperor Adlercapt and his advisers have rejected the proposed consolidations. “...We have failed to appease Niflheim’s tyrannical appetite, and we strongly urge the imperial representatives to reconsider our offer.” A spokesperson stated. 

King Regis had this to say about the failed negotiations. “...Our doors remain open to Emperor Aldercapt should he wish to meet in the middle. This does not mean the people of Lucis will tolerate this ongoing grotesque invasion from Niflheim. If an inch of Lucian soil is tainted by the empire's weaponry while both countries remain locked in negotiations, I will respond with strength.” 

King Regis’s statement has been met with praise and contention. An imperial councilman stated the following: “...The king assumes Niflheim is full of savages. We imperials wish to usher in a new era by spreading our wealth among the Lucian kingdom. Niflheim’s technology and advancements are essential to the world at large, and it is Emperor Aldercapt's wish to ensure the people of Lucis don’t get left behind.” 

An imperial adviser who was at the negotiation table between Lucis and Niflheim had this to say regarding the recent fallout. “...The people of Lucis have been grossly misinformed. Emperor Aldercapt has declined to accept anything for now until Chancellor Izunia returns from his leave of absence. As an act of good faith, Emperor Aldercapt will establish a ceasefire, until he hears his final advisements from the Chancellor and his counsel." 

It has been reported that Chancellor Izunia has taken to illness. There is no word for when he will return to the Emperor's side. 

Both parties of the war have reported feeling relief from the ceasefire recently established. King Regis stated his appreciation earlier this week, giving hope that the next round of negotiations will bear fruit. “...I will forward the courtesy to the Emperor. The armies of Lucis will stand down for as long as the imperials halt their movement. I wish Niflheim’s Chancellor good health while he rests.”  

The kingdom of Lucis will be celebrating prince Noctis’s 18th birthday next week. The prince couldn’t be reached for comment. King Regis will--

“Spoiled brat…” Ardyn huffed and turned the radio off. He sighed, having enough of the real world for the time being. His place in the war was important, but in the grand scheme of things it was of little consequence to his personal endeavors. So long as he could get Niflheim from point A to point B, Ardyn didn’t care much about current events or the emperor's trivial affairs. He lazily gripped the steering wheel of his car and made a left onto a back road after coming to the edge of the highway. 

The detour Ardyn took was a perilous one. He was surprised the Vixen was able to withstand the intense vibrations generated by the debris below the tires. Every few seconds, the car would bounce, causing his body to shift uncomfortably in the driver's seat. Ardyn gritted his teeth and bore most of the impact. Occasionally a curse would depart his lips, but he was quiet. Had it not been for the companion on the passenger's side, there was no doubt Ardyn would’ve behaved irrationally. At the very least, he would’ve loudly exclaimed his disdain for the road. He wasn't one to shy away from road rage on his lonesome. However, in the presence of company, Ardyn liked to keep up appearances that he was precise and collected. A gentleman by all counts. For the public to see his true colors, it would unravel everything he had worked hard to manipulate. 

Y/N was sleeping soundly curled up in the seat opposite Ardyn. The Chancellor's long black coat draped over them like an oversized blanket. Ardyn side-eyed Y/N’s body, turning his head when it was safe to take his eyes off the road. Even in the darkness, he could make out their exhausted features. The spider web veins of the scourge had receded away from their face. He was disappointed that patches remained, but progress was progress. At least Y/N’s color was returning. 

“Oh dear,” Ardyn quietly sighed. His shoulders slouched while he leaned back into the driver's seat. From the distance, he could see the first rays of the sun begin to peak over the mountains. It was only a matter of time before his skin would burn from the warmth of the light.  At this point in the game, Ardyn was used to it. His cells could regenerate quickly enough to where there would be no long-term damage. It didn’t make the experience any less painful. Alas, Y/N needed the protection of his garb more than he did and thus Ardyn allowed Y/N to continue resting. He could get his coat back at a later time.

Though he was calm, Ardyn was enraged at himself. He should’ve disposed of Y/N. Killing them would’ve been the ultimate act of mercy given how the scourge ravaged their soul. Ardyn could practically feel Y/N’s very atoms call out for release. The daemons and minds he carried in himself debated against his choices. Ultimately, the ends justified the means as far as Ardyn was concerned. 

“Ridiculous though, isn’t it?” Ardyn said aloud to himself. He doubted Y/N could hear anything, much less be conscious enough to comprehend his words. “This…wasn’t part of the plan.” 

For as confident, as he was, Ardyn didn’t anticipate a wrench being thrown into his plans. The fault lay with him though he tried to pin it on Y/N. He knew deep down the little spark of hope that was his humanity, appealed to his callous nature to take pity on them; to find purpose in keeping Y/N around. 

“If this is your doing,” Ardyn bitterly said while his eyes briefly looked up at the stars. “I’ll make sure that you get a taste of misery when the end comes for the brat prince and myself.” 

He doubted the dragon king--the great Bahamut--would pay his words any heed but it did erase some of the tension Ardyn had been bottling up. 

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind, to say the least. Not that it hadn’t been entertaining . Ardyn’s mission was a dangerous feat and no doubt would cause trouble. He wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, he was a far cry from the healer he once claimed to be. This Ardyn, Chancellor Izunia of Niflheim, thrived on chaos. He wielded it like a child that discovered his parents locked gun, and learned quickly how best to play with fire. In this case, even if Ardyn failed he’d still win in the end. Sabotage and diversion was part of the game and he managed to score both thus far against his opponent. A common foe he shared with Y/N which in turn led him to this odd relationship. 

“What am I to do with you?” Ardyn thought aloud. His hardened gaze once more landed on Y/N’s body. The muscles around his eyes eased, and Ardyn could feel himself relax. It was kind of nice having a partner in crime. Not that he’d admit it aloud. As far as Y/N was concerned, Ardyn didn’t want them to get the idea he did them a favor out of the kindness of his heart. No. Every action carried a price. That was how Ardyn viewed his relationships with most. The mentality left little to no room for emotional attachment. 

“Yet here you are,” Ardyn muttered bitterly. His hands gripped the steering wheel, concentrating his frustrations into the pads of his fingertips. The Vixen continued to stroll over the endless terrain with Ardyn determined to keep driving until he reached his checkpoint. 

Hours passed since Ardyn began his journey, and he settled down at an establishment with Y/N in tow. When asked about Y/N’s precarious state of rest, Ardyn concocted an emotional tale on the fly to the bookkeeper. The story worked its charm and gained the sympathies Ardyn was looking for. The hush money he added as “tip” also garnered him privacy in case his adversaries decided to snoop around. 

Once Ardyn placed Y/N on the couch, he looked around the hotel room and rubbed the back of his head. The face he made was one of indifference. The place was shallow compared to Ardyn’s refined tastes, but it would make due until Y/N would wake up again. 

Sleep was a commodity an immortal such as himself didn’t need much of, the same could be said for food and drink. Ardyn however needed a break. Laying dormant for a few hours and letting his body be was the best medicine for his current ailment. Having the scourge was a painful curse. Every day for every hour and second, Ardyn’s body was in a state of turmoil. Akin to being stabbed twice over in all the nooks and crannies his vessel contained. If the daemons and minds he absorbed weren’t giving him strife, his physical form took the mantle. Despite being numb to the scourge for 2,000 years, even he had his bad days. 

There had to be drawbacks to his immense power, and having the gift of immortality. The Gods needed to have their checks and balances. And on Bahamut’s end, give Ardyn that extra push to carry out the prophecy of ending the Lucis Caelum bloodline. Ardyn understood that even if he didn’t wish to proceed with familicide, living forever wasn’t an option. Not in this sorry state. 

While Ardyn made himself comfortable in the room after tucking Y/N in, he grimaced hearing the sound of his cell phone going off. Nonetheless, he was quick to answer the device. 

“Are you enjoying your little escapade in Lucis, my friend?” Verstaels' voice cracked with amusement on the other end of the line.

“Very much so!” Ardyn chuckled. He was sitting on the edge of the bed now, kicking off his boots, and shimmied out of his vest while keeping his cell phone pressed between his ear and right shoulder. 

“MedZin is in shambles at the moment. Whatever documents they held dear relating to the scourge, and our research has been destroyed. All their drives were wiped along with key witnesses.” 

“That a fact?” Verstael mused on the other end then hummed. “I didn’t anticipate you’d be so thorough in such little time given how tight security was reported.” 

“It so hurts my feelings you doubt my prowess,” Ardyn smirked. He could feel a sense of pride swell in himself. He loved undermining Verstael’s assumptions. The old man had a dime a dozen these days.  

“I made no such proclamations.” Verstael scoffed. “I must say, perhaps you are projecting? I sense from your voice that you are… winded .” 

Ardyn glared while he adjusted his cell phone, now holding it like normal to his ear after his necessary clothes had been stripped away. He stretched his legs and grunted. 

“I assure you, my friend, I am most euphoric.” Though they were cordial and had a respective friendship, neither Ardyn nor Verstael could deny the cold facts regarding their personalities: that each man had ambition and a large ego. It was inevitable they’d take friendly swipes at the other. 

“Given your state of being,” Verstael began. “I assume you won’t be too upset when I inform you that your rendezvous point has been moved.” 

“Moved?” Ardyn was appalled. He raised a brow. 

“Yes. Moved.” 

“I take it I’m not traveling to Galdin Quay as planned?” 

“I’m afraid so,” Verstael sighed. “You’ve been out of the loop while playing your role, so allow me to explain what has been going on during your absence. Negotiations between Lucis and Niflheim have failed. Emperor Aldercapt claimed a ceasefire and Lucis agreed to it. While the armies are on break and focusing their efforts toward the west of Lucis, Aldercapt is moving the Niflheim armada to the seas between Lucis and Accordo. Should anything happen, you cannot afford to be seen in that vicinity. As far as Aldercapt is aware, you’ve been at a research lab recouping with my aid.” 

Ardyn sighed and rubbed his forehead. He begrudgingly replied. “Of course, our beloved emperor would make such a bold move. He might as well offer the armada on a silver plate to the Lucian army at this rate.”

“For what it's worth,” Verstael interrupted. “I did try to persuade him otherwise. He wouldn’t have it.”

“Nothing I can’t fix when I return.” Ardyn mused. His tone was sly while his mind already concocted ways he could mold this unfortunate situation to his benefit. “I’m positive I can convince Aldercapt to take a more diplomatic approach.” 

“That’s the spirit!” Verstael laughed. “As much as I’d enjoy ransacking the Lucians on the coast, it’s definitely not an area I’m keen on destroying. The resources alone are worth more than the armada itself.”

Ardyn was beginning to grow tired of the conversation. The more relaxed he became, the more his mind drifted into a numbing fog. A rare treat for the likes of himself who was constantly bombarded body and soul. Ardyn wanted to relish in it while he could, especially with not having to entertain Y/N while they slept. 

“Where can I anticipate meeting with Niflheim’s finest?” Ardyn cut to the chase as the upper half of his body collided against the mattress. His legs continued to dangle off the edge of the bed, toes flexing every so often. 

“Head toward Cape Shawe, but keep yourself northbound and inland. There’s a spot with no civilians where an airship can pick you up without detection. You’ll know when you see it. Personal guards will be at your disposal too, led by Commander Tummelt.”  

“Grand,” Ardyn murmured. He didn’t have the energy to tell Verstael to be more specific. Not when he was so close to checking out his consciousness. Ardyn prepared to hang up until Vertsael cleared his throat, signaling he had at least one more matter to discuss. 

“Did you happen to pick up anything or anyone from your little getaway? It’s imperative I know about it now.” 

“Perhaps.” Ardyn chuckled. 

“Perhaps?” 

“I’m playing with an idea. That’s all I can elaborate on.” 

Ardyn tensed. His head leaned up from the mattress, eyes locking onto Y/N who remained sound asleep on the couch with his coat bundled around them. He made a face, knowing he couldn’t remain silent forever nor keep Y/N’s presence away from his militant companion. The old man would find out sooner or later.

Verstael sighed. “This better not become a passion project that’ll get in the way.” 

“Oh come now!” Ardyn laughed. “I thought you enjoyed it when I brought unwilling participants into our little schemes!” 

“Not denying it,” Verstael scoffed. “But given the circumstances and risk of you being in enemy territory, I’m afraid I can’t ravish the thought.” 

“You’ll come around, I’m sure.” Ardyn smiled and while the opportunity presented itself, he hung up and shut his cell phone off. There would be no more interruptions for the night. 

Ardyn let out a breath he had been holding back and his racing thoughts dwindled down. He brushed some of his long locks away from his face, letting the deep maroon strands drift across the pillow behind him. He thought about his previous words. The muscles in his body tensed while he made a fist with his right hand. 

It would be so easy to give Y/N to Verstael for experimentation. Ardyn had done it numerous times with many people. It was all part of a little game he and his companion shared to keep their projects cost-effective and without alerting Aldercapts treasury. Ardyn would use his charisma and status to lure people into his inner circle, and when the victim grew trusting toward him in full would he reveal the trap. He picked his targets with careful consideration, especially if there was a high likelihood they’d bear fruit toward Verstael’s experimentations with the starscourge. 

Verstael wasn’t going to lay a hand on Y/N, that much Ardyn knew. Though he considered himself a corrupt man too far gone in his own misery, Ardyn prided himself on keeping promises. At least when he truly valued the other person. Y/N was still a precious commodity he needed. He’d keep his word to them, for now at least. 

A painful throb began to flex on the underside of Ardyn’s skull. Grunting, he shut his eyes. Flashing images sprang forth into his peripheral while sounds echoed against his eardrums. Laughter, warmth, cities, and faces came and went. People Ardyn didn’t know but felt connected to. Experiences he himself never endured, but his body could remember every touch. Ardyn wished that Y/N’s memories were more coherent. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could undergo these random trespasses to his psyche. 

Ardyn turned and lay down on his right side to ride out the experience. His golden eyes traveled down the length of his body, once more lingering on the couch. He watched Y/N’s chest rise and fall underneath the darkness of his long coat. Their breath was faint, and every so often they’d adjust and pull the jacket over themself when it would fall from their flesh. Ardyn glared at them. The contempt in his eyes was noxious. He wanted to snuff them out right then, and not have to worry about their welfare. Alas, a wave of possession forced Ardyn to relinquish the intrusive thought. 

“Should’ve just left them behind,” Ardyn muttered bitterly to himself. Things would’ve been easier if he didn’t let his heart out of the cage for the first time in centuries, but he made his bed and needed to lie in it. 

Ardyn closed his eyes, allowing remnants of what he assumed sleep felt like to wash over him. Maybe this time around he’d dream. Maybe he’d finally see a familiar face that wouldn’t haunt him. He had to hope. Just this once. 

Notes:

This is my first attempt at writing a reader x canon fic, and writing with they/them pronouns. I myself am nonbinary, and I acknowledge that certain story elements are influenced by my experiences being a female bodied person. I hope despite this, that most readers will be able to enjoy themselves in this work. I don't have a timeline for chapter updates, other than to post when I have the spoons/hit points. Thank you for reading, and for being supportive 💙

[seradyn]

Not me scrolling the Ardyn x reader tag because I’ve fallen back into his madness and seeing how absolutely DESOLATE it is 😭😭😭😭

[hauntedadagium]

Caged || Pt 7

Ardyn x Reader || Previous chapters: Caged (1) || (2) || (3) || (4) || (5) || (6). CW: suggestive themes, stockholm syndrome. Words: 4.7k

You wished you’d dreamt of anything else that night, but you didn’t. You dreamt of him. Even in sleep, he was inescapable.  But everything that happened before; could you truly have hallucinated so severely? ...A prolonged nightmare?

You remembered Ardyn’s hand between your legs, the brush of his stubble against your cheek, his warm lips upon yours.

Your eyes opened slowly to the same room you’d woken up in for the last… how long had it been, exactly? Shifting uncomfortably, you sat up, swinging your legs over the side of the bed. It was easier to give into the fog in your mind; remaining lost in it provided a comfort taken from you by reality. It was obvious Ardyn grew impatient with your lack of cooperation, but he had all the time he saw fit to pry what he needed from you. Surviving was all you could do.

Despite being deprived of the most basic sensations, something lingered with you. You thought of it as if recalling a fond memory, stirring something within your gut.

Footsteps echoed outside, and then came a gentle knock at the door. You didn’t answer, simply continuing to ruminate the conflicting feelings.

The door opened slowly regardless, and Ardyn took a step inside, shutting it quietly behind him. You lifted your head and suddenly, your heart started beating. It pounded in your chest as he took his time approaching you, but this time, for different reasons. It didn’t pound from threat or fear or apprehension—

“Good morning, my dear.”

There it was. The subtle quirk of his lips. His confident stance. You had to look away.

“Is something wrong?” You could see him tip his head out of the corner of your eye.

“You broke your promise,” you said quietly, looking down. “You… you said you wouldn’t… touch me.” This was the only leverage you had. But it was nothing, less than nothing, even. But you clung to his promise for some semblance of power. You hadn’t an ounce of it in this place.

“What ever do you mean?” Again, that mock innocence presented itself. His games had begun.

You stood abruptly up and looked at him. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” You were tired, Gods, you were so tired. It was a given that he wouldn’t take you seriously, but what else could you do? Stalling him with what little you could was only buying you additional time until he inevitably disposed of you. 

It was clear now that Noctis wasn’t coming to save you.

Nobody was.

“It wasn’t a dream.” You shook your head, unconvinced of your own words. “You tricked me.” You frowned, edging closer to him. “You—you wore his face.” Another step. “You dangled my freedom in front of my face.” You were face to face now, his satisfied grin glaring down at you. “Why? Why are you keeping me here?” Your hands balled into fists. “I’m not telling you shit!” You shoved him with all your might, causing him to stagger back onto one foot. “Why don’t you just be done with me already!”

Steadying himself, he only grinned harder.

“Fuck you!” You screamed and shoved him again. “I hate you!” Your weak fists pounded on his chest, eliciting no reaction. “You—you said you wouldn’t touch me. You… you tricked me, you… kissed me.” You stopped hammering on his chest, letting your hands slump to your sides. “And I…” 

That damn memory. It breached the fog in your head and settled itself front and centre. Your heart started pounding again.

“And…?” He finally said, his low, dulcet tone above you.

“And?” You scowled, looking up at him. You knew it wasn’t just a dream.

Ardyn huffed, like he wanted to laugh. “I suppose I’ve taken quite a liking to you.”

You were speechless. You were not some puppet to be played with. You were an intimate colleague of the enemy. You should have been nothing but a pawn to him.

“Enough,” you said, taking a step back, but he soon closed the gap between you. “I won’t play your games anymore. I—”

His eyes bore into you. “Careful.” He said more seriously, words tainted with threat.

“I don’t care.” He continued to approach you. “If it wasn’t enough that I wouldn’t talk before, then I’ll continue to show you. You—you’ll kill me before I’ll talk.” Soon, you were backed against the wall.

“Don’t tempt me,” he said deeply, bearing his teeth as he shoved his face in front of yours. 

You were steadfast in your courage, refusing to turn your head away. “You’ve taken everything from me.” 

All you needed was an opportunity, and he knew that was dangerous. It tipped the scales in your direction where they’d been such in his favour before. An unattended weapon. An unlocked door. No matter the risk. No matter how long it took. What else did you have to lose?

“Not…everything,” he said, face softening as he glanced at your lips then back into your eyes. The ghost of his touch prickled heat up your neck. “But perhaps you’re right.” Tilting back slightly, he instead leaned over you with one hand steadying him on the wall beside your head. “If I’ve taken everything from you… we’ll see what else you’re willing to give to me.”

Your throat went dry. Were you mistaken? He couldn’t possibly mean—

Without warning his free hand flicked his dagger out of its holster and lifted it to your neck. You knew then that he was about to take the last thing he could from you.

Not your life. Not yet, no.

Your promise.

“Now that you’re of little use to me, what’s say we…retract our little promise, and I’ll let you live for a while longer, hm?”

“That’s—you can’t threaten me to give you permission, you might as well take it yourself.” You trembled as the sharp blade kissed the delicate flesh of your throat.

“Give it to me,” he demanded, an animalistic growl behind it.

You swallowed and shut your eyes tight. “No.”

You heard a frustrated hiss escape him. “Give it to me,” he repeated close to your ear. The sharp edge of his dagger tilted up against your skin. You tried not to breathe lest it pierce you.

“I—I won’t.” Your voice quivered, preparing for the cold flash against your neck, and then darkness. For the nightmare to reach its inevitable conclusion.

But it never came. 

“You continue to surprise me.” Ardyn withdrew, sheathing his weapon. You opened your eyes, watching him turn nonchalantly. “Why don’t we come to an agreement instead?”

This certified one thing at least; that he was desperate to touch you. Desperate to regain some of the power he’d lost by making this promise in the first place. But why? So he could torture you? So he could push you around? So he could…?

“Tell me something you want, and I’ll consider it.” He folded his arms and took a step back.

“Freedom,” you answered quickly, almost surprised you’d even spoken aloud.

He laughed. An arrogant sound. “Something besides that.”

You thought hard. What was akin to breaking the promise? You needn’t ask for food or hot water, these were necessities that, thank the Gods, he’d provided you already. But what else?

“I—I want to go outside.” You turned your attention away from him. Even the request felt infantilizing.

There was a long silence.

“Fine,” he replied plainly after some time, extending his hand for a handshake.

This was it. Tantamount to signing your body away. You hesitated, watching his golden eyes stalk you. It was the opposite now—it felt like you were giving him permission to do what he wanted with you.

Still, your mind lingered on the kiss. Whether it was real or not, it wouldn’t leave your mind.

Reaching for his hand, you took it. You felt his gloved palm against yours, coupled with the gentle squeeze of his fingers. You both lingered there before letting go.

“Get dressed,” he said, before turning to leave. You watched as he headed for the door, securing it behind him.

A deep feeling of dread washed over you.

What have I done?

* * *

Time passed, and you still hadn’t summoned the energy to dress yourself. A choking feeling twisted at your throat and at times, you could still feel Ardyn’s dagger against your skin. It was difficult to shake yourself free of his vice grip even without his presence. You suspected this was all part of his game, but to what end? He’d initially kidnapped you for information but to no avail—so what use was keeping you around? The Crown did not negotiate. The likelihood of a barter for your safety was nil, so even that leverage was defunct.

The guards had left not only the clothes you were taken in, a now filthy pair of pants and a shirt, but something fresh to wear every other day. They would occasionally launder the clothes Ardyn chose for you; a scant night dress, pants, shirts, tank tops. Everything was fairly plain and simple. Usually they would leave everything in a closet and thankfully now, you were left alone to bathe and dress.

Treading carefully over to the wardrobe, you pulled the handle to look inside, expecting to see a dull array to clothe yourself with. But instead—

“What’s this?” You whispered aloud, tugging the only hanging garment in the closet down. Besides that, the whole thing was empty.

It was a sundress. A soft, mid-length white dress decorated with subtle blue flowers. You thumbed over the delicate stitching. 

Sylleblossoms.

Your favourite flower.

It was beautiful, but it made you wince. You could feel your brow pulling into a taught grimace as you clutched the thing in both hands, thinking of wearing it in front of Ardyn. At his behest, no doubt. But it was either that or go outside in your nightdress; logically the former was the least humiliating, so quietly you took yourself to bathe and slip on the dress before someone inevitably arrived to collect you.

It made you nauseous as you observed your reflection, smoothing down the fabric with your palms. He'd taken his time selecting this, he'd thought about you wearing this—everything about it was as sickening as it was nerve-wracking. 

You had just finished combing your hair when a guard barged in, sending a jolt down your spine. You turned, heart hammering, suddenly feeling very exposed as the man looked you up and down in silence.

“This way,” he commanded, holding the door open for you. Padding over with bare feet, you halted in the doorway to take one last steadying breath.

Shoes were something you weren't afforded in captivity. Likely to hamper any attempt at escape, or to make you feel as if the place was home.

Once again you entered that corridor, memories of being dragged kicking and screaming into the interrogation room causing you to sweat. When you passed it, you breathed out, instead being led into a room just beyond. 

Inside, Ardyn was waiting.

The door slammed and you jumped again, Ardyn turning to face you now that you were alone. You couldn’t help but tilt your head and look away whilst he studied you for a considerable while. Your cheeks burned as the silence stretched, picking the skin at your fingernails to occupy yourself.

As he did, you noticed this room had windows; long, bright, floor to ceiling windows; sunlight streaming through. It felt like a lifetime had passed since you saw daylight. Real daylight. 

The bright blue sky was littered with fluffy clouds as far as you could see, surmising you must be on the highest floor of some kind of building. You hadn’t expected him to comply with your deal quite so soon, and it took you seeing the sky to realise how desperate you were for it.

“There is one more thing before we go,” he said quietly, approaching you. Your heart agonisingly fluttered. “You understand this is a…sensitive situation. It would be foolish of me to reveal our location.”

In an instant, he was behind you, hands placed gently on your shoulders. You shuddered, realising the promise was well and truly behind you now. The cool leather of his fingerless gloves caressed you for a moment before they were gone, hearing him retrieve something from his coat pocket.

It was odd—he was dressed head to toe, as usual, to go outside on what looked like a relatively warm day. 

You yelped quietly as darkness shrouded you, Ardyn placing a soft blindfold over your eyes.

“Wait—” your hands flew up to touch it, but he softly guided them down by your sides. “You can’t— this wasn’t—”

“I agreed I would take you outside,” he started, deep voice washing over you, “the circumstances, however, you left to my desire.”

The dress. The blindfold. You should have known better than to be vague with him.

And oh, how desirable this is. You could have sworn you heard his voice in your head, something so subtle, nothing above a whisper.

You don’t realise how much you need every sense in its entirety until you lose one, sight perhaps being the most impactful of all. You were getting exactly what you’d asked for, but it would be completely under his control—he was left to guide you, direct you, and test you by tempting you to remove it.

You took in an unsettled breath as he ushered you with a hand on the small of your back to walk forward, hoping he wouldn’t trick you into injuring yourself. 

Slowly he guided you, hearing the quiet click of his boots against the wooden floor and feeling his large hand at your lower back. You walked until you heard his boots hit what sounded like metal, an odd sound. Removing his hand, you felt instantly lost—the space around you was unimaginable—cramped or large, occupied or empty, your mind went into a frenzy before you felt him brush up against you to stand side by side.

The space around you shuddered and suddenly, you felt movement.

“What’s happening—” your panicked words were followed by a hand reaching out to touch him, gripping the side of his coat for support.

“It’s alright,” he said quietly. “You’re safe.”

Safe. You could have laughed. You were anything but safe with him, a man who had kidnapped you, interrogated you, berated and belittled you. But in that moment, completely blind, he was your only source of safety.

With the loud hum of a machine, you deduced you were in some sort of elevator—an odd contraption for a building you assumed was extremely old, but by the feeling in your stomach, instead of going down, you were going up.

“W—where are we going?” You clung to him tightly as the elevator came to an abrupt halt.

“Where I promised,” he said, peeling your hands away from him as he returned to guiding you gently from behind. 

You took cautious steps, certain he would be irritated at your slowness, but terrified you would become dizzy and stumble. If you were on a high floor, you could stumble to the edge—what if you fell?—what if he pushed you? Suddenly it felt as if you were confined to a cage, sightless, senseless, about to cry before—A sound, something mechanical, like a door sliding open, and then—

A breeze. A warm, gentle breeze. Sunlight on your cheeks. The gentle rustle of leaves. The smell of fresh flowers.

Tears would have rolled down your cheeks if not for Ardyn’s blindfold. You thought this is what the afterlife must feel like. Peaceful. Beautiful. Free.

After walking for a little while, he stopped you, turning you presumably to face him.

“Please,” you asked, “let me see it.”

A moment later, Ardyn’s arm brushed past your ear, untying the blindfold, slipping it back into his pocket. You took a second before peeling your eyes open, letting your vision flood with light and colours. 

At your feet, tiny white stones and dirt; bright green foliage topped with vivid blue petals; a path through a field of ten thousand flowers. Above, the sky was blue and the sun shone on your cheeks, now wet with tears. 

It was one of the most beautiful things you’d ever seen. For miles it seemed the flower field stretched in every direction, never ending, it wasn’t even clear where you’d come from.

You twirled around, away from him, soaking in the delicate scent of Syllblossoms.

“It’s…” You could hardly speak. Everything that has been, everything that was slowly melted away. “It’s—”

“Beautiful.” Ardyn finished your sentence, and you turned around to face him. 

But he wasn’t looking at the flower field.

He was looking at you.

“I don’t know what to say,” you almost whispered, looking up at him. “Thank you.”

Ardyn simply nodded, lifting a finger to your chin. He poised the digit just right to angle your face up to him, and just stared at you. For a long time you watched as the breeze blew his hair gently in front of his face.

After some time, his hand moved to cup your cheek in his palm. There was pain in his eyes, something you couldn’t place; it wasn’t sadness or regret. It was the first time his hard exterior had fallen in front of you—there was something genuine about it.

“I’m sorry,” he said, without explanation.

It was as if the words weren’t meant for you. Like his eyes were as entranced with what he saw as you were with the field of flowers.

Your heart was beating again, but you weren’t afraid. His touch was soft, so soft.

“Ardyn,” you addressed him by name, probably for the first time since you’d arrived. He seemed to visibly flinch, as if broken from some reverie.

He quirked an eyebrow and swiftly his hand withdrew, cold exterior returning. You regretted breaking him from whatever dream he was trapped in.

“Where are we?” You hesitated to ask, but nothing made sense. This couldn’t be on top of a building, it was a field in the middle of nowhere. “I don’t understand.”

“Does it matter?” He sounded defeated. Tired. “You seem to quite like it.”

“I do,” you said, too enthusiastically. It was like you’d forgotten where you really were. “Can I stay, just…for a while? …Please.”

Ardyn just nodded.

You beamed. The first genuine smile you’d felt in eons. Pure happiness. 

You started running, feet crunching in the bare dirt as soft foliage sped past your ankles and the smell of gorgeous florals flooded you. Alive. You felt alive again. 

Your mouth fell open in a laugh, giggling as you ran and skipped and twirled in the field, the giant sun above arcing over you as you went. The further you went, the more odd it should have seemed; nothing changed, not the field nor the sky nor the ground.

But you didn’t care. You just wanted the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the dirt under your feet. The exhaustion dissipated, the ache in your legs subsided, each breath felt as if it were a stream of life pumping directly into your veins. The sweet pull of freedom whispered to you, a dream of something so far away.

“That’s far enough,” Ardyn said directly from behind you, pulling you to a halt by the wrist.

You faltered, spinning to face him, out of breath but still smiling. It hadn’t even occurred to you how he had appeared immediately at your back.

“Please, a little more—” Your words were jerked from you as he yanked you toward him, colliding with his chest, hand pinned between you both. His honeyed eyes stared down at you, that same, soft expression on his face. “Ardyn…”

“Yes…” He said oh so quietly, never taking his eyes off you, nor his hand from your wrist.

“What are you—”

With his free hand, he moved to caress the side of your neck. His touch was warm, gentle, like the flow of a shallow river. The sun spilled across your features but couldn’t reach his, protected by the shade of his hat. “Beautiful,” he repeated.

You were speechless, certain this time that he was talking to you. Your high remained, heart fluttering again. It was only now you really saw him; his deep golden eyes, the slant of his jaw, the curve of his lips. He was fiendishly handsome, and somewhere deep down, you hated yourself for even thinking it. But you had to ride this high as far as it would go, your body burned for it, needed it.

When he leaned toward you, you didn’t pull away. You knew he was going to kiss you and you did nothing to stop him.

His lips settled upon yours in a soft kiss, one that stilled your heart and stole your breath.  You found yourself reaching up to touch his neck, thumbing over his pulse. His heart was beating fast.

Your tender flesh basked in the sunlight as a hand at your back pulled you closer, and with another breath he tilted his head, opening his mouth to slip his tongue onto yours. You moaned quietly into it, letting him take over, feeling his heart beat more quickly all the while. One hand snaked down the curve of your spine and to your behind, sweeping forward past your hips again to settle at your inner thigh.

It was a moment of pure bliss, until—

Something heavy crashed to the pit of your stomach, like waking from a nightmare. It knocked the air from your chest and you pulled away instantly, breaking free of his grip and planting your back foot into the dirt.

“No…” You whispered. “I—” There were too many conflicting feelings, too much pressure built inside you, too confused to think and simultaneously too exhausted to understand. “Stop…”

Your weakened pleas must have been an enticing sound as he once again forced proximity between you. “Don’t you want this?” He mused, brushing your cheek with the back of his hand. “Everything you see here…can be yours.”

Your neck crooned toward his touch. He was manipulating you, and it was working.

“My—my freedom, I—” You hesitantly tore yourself away. “This…this isn’t real.”

“I can give you so much more,” he continued, something dark in his tone. “If you let me.”

“No…” You repeated. He’s your enemy; your mind was screaming at you, but your heart was dissonant. If you refused to comply, history would repeat itself.

“Don’t lock me back in that room, please—please I’m begging you.” You pulled on the lapels of his coat. “I want to stay here, I want to—”

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” his sultry tone crept into your head and poisoned your thoughts. He was so difficult to refuse. “We could work together, you and I.”

“Stop it,” you pleaded again, “I—I can’t.” A wave of nausea overcame you. But not over the events of him kissing you, no. More toward the fact that you had enjoyed it. A sliver of comfort, of passion, a moment of weakness—the exhilaration had left you hopelessly complacent.

When you attempted to pull away, he pinned your bodies together. 

“There's no escaping this,” he whispered, “why not just...succumb to it.”

For the first time since your capture, you wanted to. Your old life had become a distant memory. “Please…” you whispered, pinned against him. “Just…please, let me come back here.”

Ardyn ran a hand through your hair, sweeping it back in a loving motion that left you feeling weak. “If you insist.” His fingers pressed on the back of your head to tilt in down, feeling him plant a soft kiss atop your head.

His actions towards you were that of a man in love. You knew it wasn’t real. Your heart knew he  was acting; playing his part until eventually you felt comfort in his presence instead of fear. Your defiance had not earned you freedom, not in life nor death. It had simply earned you a place in a different game entirely.

One that was arguably more difficult to resist.

Your time was up; Ardyn withdrew the blindfold once again and you were plunged into darkness, eventually feeling the warmth of the sun vanish from your skin. You noticed it again, the same strange sound of a mechanical door opening before you travelled down the elevator together, this time, his hand interlocked with yours. It was not long before you found yourself with your vision restored, locked with him inside that room of yours.

“I trust you liked my…gift,” he said, releasing you and tucking the blindfold back in his pocket.

You had almost forgotten you were wearing the dress. “Oh.” You looked down past the dress at your muddy feet. “I—It’s…lovely.” A thought crossed your mind to bathe, and as if he could read your thoughts, he approached the bathroom.

“I’ll draw you a bath.”

Before you could even protest, he disappeared behind the door, hearing the water gushing into the tub. Without him beside you, reality crashed into you like a freight train, too galling to ignore. It reminded you of your previous escape attempt with the guard, beginning to wonder if you might be able to attempt the same.

With Ardyn distracted, you padded quietly over to your bedroom door and tried the handle. Of course, it was locked. The gold plate brandishing the handle and keyhole was scratched where you had attempted to pry the lock previously. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Defeated, you sank against the doorframe, slumping onto the floor.

It really is pointless, isn’t it?

The water was still running, giving you time to think, but your mind was anything but clear. Anything but rational. Clarity was so often something crooked or misshapen here, but one thing remained; you were still bathed in the love and warmth of your time outside, looking forward to sinking into the hot water of a bathtub. It reminded you of home.

When the water stopped, you pushed yourself to your tired feet, hesitantly entering the bathroom. Inside, Ardyn had removed his hat, coat and waistcoat, leaving them neatly hung up on the wall. It was strange to see him dressed down like this, only in his shirt and pants, red scarf draped lazily over his shoulders.

His sleeves were rolled up and one arm dripped water onto the marble floor, suggesting he’d tested the temperature for you already.

You swallowed, approaching the tub. Lavender scented steam rose in wispy tendrils toward you; the water looked inviting. 

There was a deadlock when you looked up at him. You had expected him to leave shortly after, but instead, he remained. Like he was waiting for something. You suddenly blushed profusely, yet not a word was spoken between you. 

D-does he expect me to…undress? In front of him?

“I—I…uhm,” you stuttered, prolonged stalemate making you heated. “Do you…are you going to stay?”

Ardyn folded his arms. “Would you like me to stay?”

The question caught you off guard. Taking in a shuddered breath, you stood beside the water. “I think I should…be alone.”

He bowed his head. “As you wish.” Retrieving his belongings, he stopped in front of you before he left. His thick lashes blinked slowly as he towered over you, observing you from head to toe in silence one final time.

“You may not see me for some time,” he addressed you by name and your heart skipped a beat. “I’ll return when I can.”

Before you could process his words he turned to leave and you reached for him, tugging at his shirt.

“Wait—” your eyes searched his expressionless face. “What do you mean?” You didn’t want to be locked alone in that room for days on end, not again. “You said you would let me walk outside again—”

“When I can,” he interrupted, apathetic tone causing your heart to sink. “My guards will take care of you.” He pulled away, heading for the door.

“I don’t want your guards,” you blurted out, “I want—”

You. Your thoughts betrayed you. Though you hadn’t spoken aloud, what you meant was clear. Just hours ago you had screamed at him, confessed your utter hatred toward him, and now?

A subtle movement curled Ardyn’s lips into a wry smile. 

Without so much as another word, he left, exiting the bathroom and locking your bedroom door.

You collapsed to your knees beside the tub, arms hanging inside the warm water. There you were again, left alone, nothing but your frantic thoughts for company.

[houdinicorbini]

✧ Masterlist ✧

Identity V:

"Late night thoughts" Alva Lorenz x Anxious/paranoid! Reader

"Before party anxieties" Joseph x Anxious! Reader

Ada&Emil x Reader poly headcanons

Joseph Desaulnier relationship headcanons

Leo Beck/Hell Ember headcanons (request)

Protective! Naib x Reader (Request)

Aesop Carl x Reader Birthday headcanons

Victor Grantz Headcanons

Aesop Carl headcanons

"Comforting Silence" Aesop Carl x Reader

The Arcana: MC bringing breakfast to the main 6 in bed

Asra x Sick! Reader

Julian relationship/fluff headcanons

Muriel relationshio/fluff headcanons

"Don't go" Muriel x Reader

Final fantasy XV:

Ardyn date headcanons

Ardyn/Ravus/Gladio x Clingy! Reader headcanons (request)

"Five more minutes" Sleepy! Ardyn x Reader (Request)

"Late night drive" Ardyn

(Another one I can't think of a title for) Ardyn x Autistic! Reader (Request)

"A pleasant surprise" Ardyn x Reader (Request)

Pursuing Ardyn headcanons (Request)

Calming Ardyn down headcanons

(Still can't think of a title for this one) Ardyn x Reader who faints a lot (Request)

"In silence" Ardyn x Phonophobic! Reader

"Hidden Jealousy" Ardyn x Insecure! Reader (Request)

Ardyn x Reader Birthday headcanons+scenario

"Childhood crush" Ravus x Reader (Request)

"A new life" Ardyn x Pregnant! Reader (Request) Ardyn x Kind! Reader headcanons (Request)

"Only a nightmare" Ardyn x Reader (Request)

Overprotective! Ardyn x Reader headcanons/scenario (Request)

Ardyn x Sick! Reader headcanons (Request)

"An unexpected raincheck" Ardyn x Reader

"Falling asleep at the desk" Ardyn x Reader

Ardyn general headcanons

Ardyn relationship headcanons

FNAF Security Breach: "A fixer upper" Monty x Female! Nightguard! Reader (Request)

Sun&Moon relationship headcanons

Chica relationship headcanons

Some of my au headcanons for Monty

Monty Gator x Reader headcanons

NiGHTs into dreams/Balan Wonderworld: (Can't think of title) Dragon! Lance x Royalty! Reader

Lance relationship headcanons

Reala (Romance?) headcanons

NiGHTs headcanons (Request)

Pre rebellion NiGHTs headcanons (Request)

Other:

Madhouse Mike relationship headcanons

Goliath x Female! Human! Reader family headcanons

Nuclear throne Chicken headcanons

Portgas D Ace x BPD! Reader

"Nothing special" Guzma x Reader (Request)

Guzma relationship headcanons

"Movie date" Douxie x Reader

Douxie relationship headcanons

[krisssssssy]

This is a reader-insert, you're a diplomat in Gralea and attending a Gala where everyone's favorite Chancellor bag-o-daemons shows up.

I HAVE NO SELF CONTROL

I'm writing the second part soon I promise

[agent-cupcake]

heavensent

Pairing: Ardyn Izunia x f!angel reader

Synopsis: For the prompt Ardyn + holy. Fallen angel daemon Ardyn rejected your offer of salvation, deciding that it would be more fun to ruin you instead.

Warnings: explicit smut, noncon, minor elements of torture, violence

Tags: au: angels and demons, tentacles, double penetration, throat fucking, voyeurism, cum eating, spit kink

Notes: I'm sorry about the blaspheme :(

Words: 7.1k

Pain was the crude cudgel that forced you awake. It hit without any subtlety, demanding your urgent attention the second you managed even the slightest hint of consciousness. Every muscle burned, each pulse of blood through your head pounded like a hammer against your temple, and your wings, only half folded, hurt. They hurt very badly.

Why?

“Are you awake?” a man’s voice asked, the words muffled and far away, nearly beyond your comprehension. You groaned weakly. The sound of a storm howled away outside, a riotous gale of wind and rain and thunder clapping angrily. Its chill crept up your clammy skin, making you shiver. It was so cold. “How you could manage to sleep through a storm like this… Well, it’s beyond me.”

Trying to fight through the fog of dissociation, you blinked a few times, getting a blurry look at your surroundings. The room was dark and empty. Everything, save for the pain itself, was icy cold. And all of it, every piece of the situation in which you had awoken, was horribly, utterly wrong. That allowed you some clarity beyond the pain, beyond the confusion. Enough to realize you were chained to a chair with metal handcuffs, your back aching from slumping forward and your feet bare and numb. A collar sat heavily around your neck, set with a chain that snaked somewhere behind you.

The speaker, a man who loomed as little more than a shadow with the light of a storm behind him, watching you from across the room. His eyes glowed in the dim light, a cruel, malevolent yellow.

“You will forgive me,” he told you, his voice smooth and friendly. Adjusting yourself with a painful heave upright, you attempted to shake out your wings, acting on the animal impulse of fight or flight. Flight, always flight. But you realized immediately that the right one refused to extend, shooting red hot agony down all the way to the base of your spine. The left fared slightly better, but the pristine white plumage was coated in tar-like ink. Dried blood matted the feathers. Your blood. “I’ve never kept birds before, I’m afraid I wasn’t entirely sure how wings are best clipped.”

“What did you do?” you asked, horrified as you looked at the wreckage. For some reason, they weren’t healing the way they should have been. Your mouth tasted like blood, the words stilted and heavy.

“I didn't want my little birdie to fly away so soon."

Finally, it hit you, memories filtering in past the pain and fear and discomfort. “Ardyn,” you said, identifying the man in front of you. Lightning flashed behind him, haloing his curls. Wingless and condemned and fallen, but still Ardyn. That was why you had descended, why you took the risk of a mortal form. After finding him, you had hoped he would speak with you. You couldn’t remember what happened after that.

“That He would send his favored daughter to put an end to my life is most telling, don’t you think?” he asked, crossing the room with a casual, stilted gait. Each fall of his boot was unbearably loud. “It rather hurt my feelings. Whatever could I have done to earn His ire?”

“No, He didn’t,” you said, your voice soft and hoarse. Tears blurred the sight of him looming above you, looking every bit the shadowy daemon he had become, a creature corrupted by starscourge and the sin of man. One who had clipped your wings. The right one still refused to extend or fold, stuck in a crooked, half unfurled position. Even if the feathers weren’t chopped, flight would be impossible.

Ardyn crouched down to meet your eye, his head cocked at a curious angle. “What was that?” he asked. “You don’t mean to tell me you’ve come in defiance of His orders, do you?” Whatever expression you made, most likely one of crippling guilt and regret, made Ardyn smile. “Oh, that is flattering. You were always so exhaustingly dedicated to following the rules, I must have really ruffled your feathers if you were willing to go to such extremes to kill me.” He looked pointedly at your injured wing before donning an over-the-top apologetic look. “That might have been a poor choice of words, I beg your pardon.”

“Not kill you,” you told him, refusing to be distracted by the cruel jab. If he thought you were an assassin, perhaps you could understand why he would do this. You just needed to make him understand, to convince him of your intent. Hopeful, pleading, begging him to listen. The Ardyn you once knew would understand, of that you were certain. “I came to save you.”

Ardyn didn’t move for a long moment. The storm raged, your heart raced, the pain pulsed. And still, you hoped. Prayed.

Slowly, crinkles fanning out from his eyes first, the corner of his lips curling up, he smiled. It was a horrible, evil expression. Dread enshrouded him, crushing against you as firmly as a vice. It was all you could do to meet his eye, air catching raggedly in your throat.

“No, no, no, darling,” Ardyn cooed. “That simply will not do.” His hand played along the length of chain connected to the metal collar around your neck before closing in a fist, roughly tugging you forward. You yelped, caught suspended as the chain securing the handcuffs pulled taut. The strain made your shoulders scream, your back muscles unintentionally flexing and hurting your injured wing all over again. “As I hope you'll come to understand, it is not I who is in need of salvation.”

Your breathing had become too fast, too frantic, tears making fresh tracks down your cheeks. In your weakened mortal form, flight was one of the few magics you were able to retain, and he’d already stolen that. The only reason for an angel to take the shape of man was to walk among them, you had to sacrifice much of your true form for it. That meant power, that meant knowledge, that meant divinity. That meant you were stupid and injured and trapped and you didn’t know what to do, didn’t know where you were or what was going to happen.

“Hush,” Ardyn cooed, releasing the chain so you could fall back and ease the strain on your arms. “There will be plenty of time for that later.”

You sobbed, shaking your head. The human emotions were more intense than you were prepared for, primal in the way they festered and erupted. In a time when you desperately needed poise and control, you faltered. The angelic part of yourself was easily overpowered by emotion, by fear.

“Ardyn, please. I wa-want to talk. Please just listen.”

He waved a dismissive hand, standing up. “Oh, do spare me your holier than thou drivel, it’s positively sickening. I do not want for salvation, nor do I have any desire for forgiveness. The time for that has long past, and I will not suffer the insult. As you can tell, I’m quite happy.” He turned towards you, arms outstretched and his smile glistening in the half light. “It suits me, wouldn’t you agree?”

It was as you had been warned. There were no traces of the kind, gentle soul you had once known. Rotted through with corruption and the daemonic scourge of man’s folly. You had, with only the best of intentions, brought yourself to the devil’s door. Heaven felt so, so far away, your mortal form severing your inherent connection. All the power, all the light, wasn’t strong enough to pierce this place.

“Don’t cry,” Ardyn scolded. “Rejoice in the chance I’m gifting to you. You have the privilege of setting an example, of being a martyr. Your fate will be a tragedy, a warning to those who believe His power to be greater than mine. Another angel fallen, stolen from the heavens and delivered into the corrupting embrace of sin. Think of it, my dear.”

You gasped, shaking your head in mindless, mute rejection. The utter magnitude of what he was saying was borderline incomprehensible, but the sinking terror of it had you sobbing, your shoulders straining and the metal cuffs biting painfully into your wrists. You knew that taking a mortal form made you emotional, irrational even, but that wasn’t enough to steady you. All you could do was cling to belief and faith, to whatever righteous conviction you felt that brought you to making such a reckless choice.

“You cannot make me,” you told him. “I will never relent to sin. I will never fall, no matter what. Not like—” You cut yourself off, unable to finish that biting, cruel thought. But Ardyn knew, his sharp smile made that obvious.

“Not like me, hm?” he asked. Ardyn gasped dramatically, a hand covering his heart. “You wound me.”

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” you told him softly. “He will forgive you, He will forgive anything. Ardyn, please, listen to me-”

“I considered that I might recreate my own torment and leave you here to rot for a century or so,” Ardyn said, breezing past your appeal. “But it does seem like such a waste. I would prefer to savor this moment. To see the look in your eyes as you’re dragged down into the darkest depths of hell, to know the taste of despair from one who has been promised eternal paradise. And so I began to wonder what the effects of sin might have on one such as you, one who is pure of mind and flesh. One who cannot hope to have any defense.”

“Ardyn, please,” you begged. “Please stop.”

“Sin,” Ardyn said, practically purring the word. “Not pain, I shall spare you that torment for now. Carnal sin. Lust, desire, pleasure. Have you any idea of what I mean, my dear?”

“Ardyn, please,” you begged again, knowing your words weren’t getting through but unable to come up with anything better. You thought this would be so easy, that he would see, that he would understand what seemed so obvious.

“Alas, I am unable to do anything of the sort with my own hand,” he said, crouching down in front of you again. “You are positively irradiated with His light.” Ardyn raised a hand, brushing a single fingertip across your cheek. Although all you felt was the zing of his touch, flinching away in fear, he hissed, something like smoke twisting up from where his flesh had met your own. “But it need not be by my hand that you are debauched, only my orchestration. I don’t doubt that there will be much you stand to lose even after you’ve been stripped of His blessing. But until then, a proxy must suffice.”

“Stop,” you begged again. Saliva pooled thickly on your tongue, as if you were speaking through sludge. You may as well have been saying nothing at all for the effect it had.

“But I’m getting ahead of myself, you really must forgive my anticipation,” Ardyn said, standing up. He walked around you, behind the chair. “Allow me to free you of these gaudy shackles. They’re unfit for such a devout servant of heaven.” You flinched when he lifted the chain connecting your wrists, but you felt the weight of a key. Felt the unclick of the lock.

“Are you ready?” Ardyn asked as the metal cuffs clanged to the floor. You hadn’t felt him get close, but the air of his words disturbed the hair around your ear. You turned to face him with your shoulders high, toppling out of the chair and onto the floor with a heavy exhale in your desperate to put space between you.

Ardyn wasn’t there. Instead, something caught you from the other side, catching the chain connected to the collar and jerking you back. You lashed out with fingers curled like claws, mindlessly thrashing, but your wrists got caught. At first, you thought it was Ardyn, you craned your neck around to see him, but there was nothing. Whatever held you emerged from the darkness, but it was tangible. Cool and smooth. Not quite flesh, yet unmistakably alive, undulating and pulsing as the inhuman limbs moved up your arms, binding them together behind your back. When it hit your injured wing, you howled, but no matter how much you struggled, the tendrils only continued to grow, slithering up your arms, crawling over your skin like vines.

“What is this?” you demanded, panic and dread building at the profane touch.

Only the howling wind answered the question, pounding against the windows. A second shadow limb wrapped around your ankle. Yelping, you tried to pull your foot away. Another caught your other leg. Snaking up your calves. The tendril that had originated around your arms had split, one of them wrapping around your waist to wrench you upward. How many were there? Pulsing and growing and splitting to well and truly bind you, to hold you still. They looked like shadows given form, almost. Glistening like ink, but not wet. Crackling with profane violet sparks of magic. Black smoke faintly rose up from wherever the things touched you, but they didn’t shrink away in pain the way Ardyn had. It made no sense that such things could be alive, but they felt alive. They seemed to move with intent.

“Stop this,” you begged, jerking and lurching against the bindings.

Ardyn laughed. You hadn’t seen him move, but he sat in front of you in your vacated chair, watching with those unnervingly yellow eyes. The shadows, the tentacle-like mass of starscourge, was quickly encompassing your entire body. It came directly from him. And his face, shown now in truth, was ashen and dripping the inky liquid, crackling with purple daemonic magic. A daemon.

“I wouldn’t fight them if I were you,” he said. “You could hurt yourself.”

“What is this?” you asked, your voice shrill with fear. “Stop it! Ardyn, please.”

“One might think you wanted this to happen, coming to me in such a tempting form.” His eyes scanned you slowly, nearly as invasive as the tendrils sneaking beneath your clothes, searching for skin. “Although, those clothes do you no favors,” Ardyn muttered. Just like that, your clothes withered to black dust, a rot that originated wherever the tendril touch them and slowly burned its way through. He had nothing to hide his true intentions, but that was the thing that made reality set in. Your long, shapeless dress, your bra, your panties—all of it, dust. Sin, he said. Carnal sin. “Ah, yes. That’s much better. Let there be no secrets between us.”

Your left wing trembled, trying to extend, to cover yourself. As soon as it moved, another shadow tendril secured it to your back. The right was, mercifully, left alone, but it was useless, twitching weakly, painfully. The way your arms were held behind your back forced your chest forward, nipples stiff in the cold air. Chills covered your body, disgust and shame the only real source of heat in this terrible, cold room. You had always thought that hell would be hot, but this was worse. Here, in this cold place of evil and of stone, Ardyn intended to use the material representation of sin itself to defile your flesh. You closed your eyes, desperate to shut him out. No matter what, he would not sway you. He would not ruin you.

“I like that look,” Ardyn said. “You truly believe that you are beyond corruption. I have no doubt that you will cling to your faith throughout this night and the next. You will falter as time wears on, but you will stubbornly refuse to be brought low no matter what fun we have.”

A shadow circled one of your painfully stiff nipples before curling around it. Shocked, disgusted by the invasive touch, your eyes opened wide to look at Ardyn, but he only smiled, elbows casually braced on his knees. You gasped in something like pain when the tendril pinched your nipple, sparks of mindless sensation scattering through your gut. Another slithered between your ribs, doing the same to the other breast.

“Stop,” you begged, closing your eyes again to shut it all out. At this point, that was impossible. Your entire body was hyper sensitized, it was all you could feel.

“But there will come a time, my dear, that you no longer remember what it is to hope. The pristine feathers you so proudly flaunt will blacken, and you will think only of the betrayal you have suffered. Damned to an eternity of being the devil’s plaything by the Father you revere. And for nothing more than the sin of your foolish kindness.”

“No,” you said, your voice breathless and tight. “Never.”

“Well,” Ardyn responded dismissively. “I told you it will take time. It is best to live in the present, don’t you think? This is, after all, a very special moment.”

One of the tendrils began to crawl up your thigh. Its destination was obvious, but you screamed when it bumped the outer lips protecting your pussy, thrashing like a wild beast. Mindlessly terrified, disgust swelling up in your throat. Tightening around your thighs, the shadow jerked your legs open wider in response to your pathetic attempt at escape. Your hips twitched, muscles trembling with strain, but there was nowhere for you to go with the scourge limbs keeping your thighs spread, another holding your hips to keep you from wiggling away.

“Stop,” you plead breathlessly, dizzy from how fast you were hyperventilating. “Stop it, now!”

“Would that I could, my dear, but I think they’ve taken a liking to you.”

All you could do was let out a pathetic, whimpery wail. It would be better to let this happen with some grace, to shut your mind off to the exploitation of your body and rise above it. To refuse to engage in your own ruination. But you couldn’t. The ones on your nipples continued to pinch and pull, never overstepping the line of pain but always threatening it. All it did was incite disgust and horror, but there was a purely physical reaction you couldn’t control. And, ignoring your attempt at displacing it, the shadowy tendril exploring between your legs continued to gently probe between your legs, smooth as it slipped past your slit to slide across the warmer flesh.

When you screamed at the unwanted touch, a thicker tendril shoved past your lips as if waiting for the opportunity, muffling your cry. Starscourge tasted of ink and ozone and blood, a foul combination. Although it only rested shallowly on your tongue, it made you gag, your body attempting to heave despite the lack of movement you were allowed. Worse was the feeling of it. The way its smooth surface seemed to pulse, constantly twisting and writhing.

If you vomited and choked, would Ardyn stop this? You weren’t sure. You had to focus on your breathing, on controlling your body. As soon as you came to that conclusion, you were given a little shake, your legs pulled even wider, and the tendril between your legs landed against your clit. The way you screamed pressed your tongue against the thing in your mouth and you felt the way a shudder worked down its length. Continuing to pulse, it thrust shallowly into your mouth, swelling up enough to make your jaw burn.

“Breathe through your nose,” Ardyn instructed you brightly, like he was offering a tip while training. “If you faint again, who knows what I might be forced to do to revive you.”

Focusing on his words was impossible. Between your struggle to breathe past the shadow thrusting languidly into your mouth, the one rubbing little circles against your clit, and the ones secured around your abused nipples, your brain was more than overloaded. Drool slipped past your lips as the scourge limb pulled out, sliding past your chin and onto your chest. Something else was coming out of it, another fluid joining the deluge of saliva. Thicker, tasting of scourge. It filled your mouth and you couldn’t get rid of it fast enough whenever the tendril pulled out, having no choice but to swallow.

“O, Father,” Ardyn called dramatically. “We ask thee to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy accursed son. Amen.”

You sobbed, a flicker of genuine hatred sparking within you that he would mock something so sacred as sacrament.

“Was that too far?” Ardyn asked. “I’d have thought you would embrace a reminder of the familiar.”

A weak moan of protest rumbled in your throat, silenced before it could really be voiced. The tendril between your legs pulled away for a moment, giving you a second of hope that it was over. When it returned, however, it was slightly thicker, slick with what you could only assume was the vile liquid you were choking on.

This time, it was rougher, rubbing hard and fast circles against your clit. You couldn’t help the way your body responded, it was the same as choking on the limb fucking your mouth and the same as the sparks of sensation the ones on your nipples continued to send through you. A bodily function, not one of your mind.

You couldn’t help it.

“Just like that, darling,” Ardyn said, his voice low and smooth.

You whimpered, twitched. Your entire body strained against the various shadowy limbs holding you still, your hips attempting to move away from the pleasure being forced into you. Dizziness had crawled from the base of your skull and left your mind buzzing numbly. Thunder struck and you peeked down at the pair of evil yellow eyes watching you unravel.

“Go on,” he encouraged you sweetly. So sweetly.

You squeezed your eyes shut as you came. Unable to move, the most you could manage was the slight tilt of your head, the tightening of your muscles beneath their shadowy confines. The feeling had an indescribable heat to it, a bright flash of sensation and then the warmth. It was like nothing you had ever felt before, at least not while wearing a mortal form. Pain and emotion were much stronger to a human brain, but so was pleasure.

The tendrils around your nipples had finally tipped over the edge of pain, pinching too hard considering how sensitive you had become. But there was nothing you could do about it, not with the rush of pleasure as the one between your legs continued its assault against your clit, and not when your mouth was still being used by the thicker scourge limb. At this point, the inky liquid it secreted was coating your chin and chest. You dared not consider how much of it you had swallowed.

Once you finished twitching and trembling your way through your first orgasm, the tendril between your legs moved downward, leaving your swollen clit to rest. Pleasure wasn’t enough to make you ignore the danger as it prodded at the fluttering muscles of your entrance. You knew full well what it intended, but your rejection was reduced to nothing but incomprehensible grunts as the thing continued to use your mouth.

“I’m afraid to say, my dear, that you’re positively dripping,” Ardyn said. You tried to object, but your words were muffled. Looking down at him was difficult, the thing in your mouth keeping you from moving your head too much. In your teary periphery, you could see that he had pulled his chair closer, lips pursed as he inspected you. “What a cruel little minx you are, tempting me in this way.” Ardyn sighed, sitting back. “Fortunately, I have learned a great deal about patience in recent years. You will have what you want for now, I’ll claim my share later.”

The tendril resting against your entrance shuddered in the same way the one in your mouth had, swelling up and secreting more of the inky liquid. It was slightly sticky, thicker than your saliva. As if to distract you, the scourge limb fucking your mouth—reaching all the way back into your throat at this point—began to pulse and shudder with a final surge, dumping more and more of that viscous liquid down your throat, overflowing from where your lips were stretched around it and you choked and gagged and whined in distress.

“By the time I get my turn, I daresay you’ll be an expert at that,” Ardyn said cheerfully as the shadowy tendril pulled out of your mouth. Gasping for air, you tried to spit out as many sticky globs of the thing’s secretions as possible, but it had infected your mouth, your throat. You could have sworn you felt it in your belly, swishing around your insides and infecting you from the inside out.

Finished with whatever preparations it intended, the scourge limb between your legs pushed firmly against your entrance. You opened your mouth, intending to object, but Ardyn cut you off.

“Careful,” he warned. “I’ve no interest in hearing you complain incessantly. There are better uses for that mouth of yours.”

“It won’t fit,” you said tightly, watching the shadow prod between your legs. Ardyn didn’t respond, his eyes dark as he watched the thing push at your entrance again. The flesh between your legs was coated with the same dark, stick liquid coating your chest, laying heavily on your tongue. The same that dripped down his face. The blunted head pushed into you with a solid thrust, heavy and uncomfortably hard around the clenching muscles. You could feel its wrongness, the too-smooth texture of its flesh, the way it seemed to pulse and undulate beneath the surface.

“Oh, would you look at that,” Ardyn said, feigning awe. “It looks as if it fits to me. What do you think?”

You weren’t sure if you meant to say something, or if the open-mouthed shock of sensation was the only response you were capable of. The tendrils holding your body forced you further down onto the scourge limb, cruelly pushing it deeper in little jolting bursts. It split you open, relentlessly making your pussy stretch around it while it trembled and twitched, its surface continuing to inhumanly ripple against your inner walls.

“Stop,” you finally got out, sobbing and panicked at the unbearable ache of being stretched open. “No more, it—it hurts.”

“What did I say?” he asked.

You couldn’t remember. The only thing you could possibly focus on was the intrusive pain as you were dragged down a few more inches, your body unwillingly yielding. When you screamed—if not in pain, than in objection—a new tendril pushed into your mouth just as the last one had, shuddering and swelling and coated in even more of the inky liquid.

“You can’t say I didn’t warn you,” Ardyn told you. Surprised, you clamped down hard around the scourge cock—and what’s what it was, wasn’t it? What else could it be?—buried deep into your cunt, crying as it settled. Likely because to go any further would seriously damage you. As it was, you could only imagine what the thing was doing to your insides.

Instead of fucking your mouth like the last one had, the shadow seemed to want to explore, its tapered tip feeling around your mouth in a way you’d almost call curious. The effect was the same, your cries and groans and pleas muffled, but maybe you were grateful it was being more gentle. When your tongue nudged against it, an absurd amount of the inky liquid dripped out of it. There was nowhere for it to go other than down, slick in your throat, heavy in your stomach. At this point, the foul taste barely registered.

“An angel would never deny sacrament, would she?” Ardyn asked. “Good girl.”

You whimpered, wept. Your uninjured wing twitched, your fingertips and toes fluttering. Not that it mattered.

The shadowy mass of limbs worked together to fuck you, dragging you up and down its cock no matter how you twitched or struggled. The aching pain of being split apart wasn’t as insistent as you might have thought, but the wrongness was gruesome. There was no sound of flesh meeting flesh, just the lewd noise of so much wetness being squished in and out, of the guttural noises you couldn’t help but make, muffled by the thing in your mouth. It wasn’t going fast, but it went so deep each time. Too deep, pressing into you until pain made you spasm around it.

The tendrils around your nipples had never stopped either, even though the pleasure had long since become painful overstimulation. The one in your mouth seemed content to simply remain there, maybe because Ardyn wasn’t thinking about controlling it directly, his attention focused elsewhere.

Ardyn groaned, low and long, and you finally dared to open your eyes. It made sense that he would be touching himself, that this would bring him pleasure, but the sight was more than you could bear. Someone you once trusted, that you once respected, reduced to a daemon watching your violation with a lustful gaze, his hand slowly working his cock. Luxuriating in this.

Feeling you looking, Ardyn caught your eye, his gaze alight with mischief and cruelty. No shame, of course. The shame was all yours, and it blazed as acutely as the pain and the disgust. Thunder clapped from far away, lightning lending temporary radiance to his frightening face. Then it faded and you squeezed your eyes shut.

“There’s no escaping this,” he told you. “You are just as guilty as I, taking pleasure in your desecration. I fear the pearly gates will be locked shut from now on.”

He couldn’t hear your words of despairing denial, but your muffled sound made Ardyn laugh nonetheless. To prove his point, the larger limb wrapped around your waist split, dropping down over your pelvis. It pressed down there, making you aware of how deep the scourge’s cock went with each thrust, the heaviness of it inside of you. Your hips twitched again, mindlessly lost in a second of sickening pleasure. You realized that he was right. At the very least, if this kept up, you were going to come again. Disassociating from the sensations wasn’t an option, you couldn’t mentally reject this.

Not finished proving his point, the tendril curled down, settling against your swollen clit. Each time you were dragged up and down, it rubbed those same circles against you that had been your undoing before.

And then it was all you could do to beg for forgiveness because you knew what was going to happen, you could feel your pussy tightening as your body tensed up in preparation to come again. The smooth flesh with its unnerving movement felt so good inside of you, rubbing your inner walls in a way that felt just as wonderful as the one against your clit. So deep. Pressing against the tendril settled against your pelvis, giving you the measure of how thoroughly you were being used. It should have been a terrible thought, but it wasn’t.

Ardyn moaned, and that was all it took to send you over the edge. Now that you knew what was happening, somewhat, the pleasure was even more intensive. Expansive. Bright and so, so good. Unbearably good, you luxuriated in the way its cock filled you up, the way it touched your clit, the odd texture. Even the tendril in your mouth, lazily spurting out globs of the inky liquid, was deliciously pleasurable.

It didn’t stop. You came down but the torment didn’t so much as pause, working you right back up.

“You like being used, don’t you? A rather detestable trait of the servile. What a pathetic little thing you are,” Ardyn said, his voice low and laden with lust. You groaned, your back arching as you came again, tightening and shuddering in the embrace of his shadows. He laughed. “I intended to save this surprise for another time, but it seems as if you’re ready now.”

One of the shadow tendrils had made its way behind you, leaving a slick black trail until it landed against your puckered back entrance. Your eyes snapped open, some sense of reason returning with a deluge of panicked disgust. Even lost in a wave of filthy pleasure, you were aware enough to know that sodomy was a step too far. Beyond too far. Dirty, filthy, crude—you tried to tell Ardyn that, biting at the shadow in your mouth, but it didn’t matter. Ardyn watched with a vague amount of amusement at your pointless squirming, his eyes dark.

“Oh no?” he asked, feigning cluelessness. “You’re not ready? It’s terribly hard to hear you, my dear.”

You wailed. It hurt to move, but you didn't care. There was no way he would go this far. It was disgusting, surely he wouldn't.

“Calm down, I understand,” Ardyn told you indulgently. “I really do. But don’t you think you’re being selfish? Everything I’ve given you, and you would deny me this? I thought better of you, I truly did.”

Ignoring him, you thrashed as hard as you could, taking advantage of the way some of the limbs had loosened. But then they tightened, painfully digging into your thighs and arms and torso. Rather than risk letting you escape, the second cockhead which had only been teasing the ring of muscle roughly pushed in.

“Serenity,” Ardyn said as you went completely still, whimpering like an injured animal. “Surely you can remember that. With me now—Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.”

You groaned, the sound stuttering as the shadowy tendril in your mouth steadily fucked your throat. And then you just wept because there was nothing you could do, nowhere for you to go. The starscourge cock in your ass was following the same patterns as the others, shuddering, producing more of that liquid to ease its way, and getting thicker. It wasn’t as rough as the one in your pussy, at least, but the distress and pain of something so unthinkably, unbearably wrong was worse than any pain.

The entire time, you were jerked around by the one thrusting into your cunt, given no peace by the little tendril against your swollen clit. The second scourge cock seemed content to simply settle shallowly in your ass, letting you deal with the agonizing burning stretch while being exploited pleasurably otherwise.

Pleasure. You cried louder as you realized what was happening, what you were being pushed into again. Another orgasm, even like this, even being used for one of the most sinful of acts. More and more of the liquid coated your throat. You were losing control, your body giving into the assault. To spare itself, maybe, but also because it felt good.

When you came, the cock in your ass pushed deeper. It had produced more than enough of the slick excretion to make it an easy slide, and even the stretch was less distracting when you were more focused on the way your pussy clamped down around its other cock, your clit pulsing against its smooth touch. At this point, your jaw just hung slack so your mouth could be used however it wanted, your throat sore but still managing to swallow. You were being used in every way you could be used. The weight of it all was sublimely terrible, excessive in the worst, most terrible of ways.

“And you seemed so sure you wouldn’t like it!” Ardyn exclaimed in a teasing tone. “You really should trust me, my dear. I know best when it comes to these things.”

You groaned weakly. Wanting to beg him to stop as you came down from that high because every single one of your muscles was trembling, worn out and miserable. For a moment, you thought that overstimulation had become numbness, but another thick glob of the inky liquid was shot down your throat and the fire rekindled somewhat. They weren’t finished yet. No, Ardyn wasn’t finished yet. You could hear the filthy sound of his hand working up and down his dick. He’d been taking this slow, savoring it.

The scourge cock in your ass had begun to thrust in time with the one in your pussy, spearing you in a jolting back and forth. Both were, for want of a better word, selfish. Likely in the same way Ardyn himself was. They were trying to fuck you hard and deep, to claim you fully regardless of the fact that you felt full to bursting, ready to split between them.

Your mind was far gone enough to relent to it all. The touch on your clit and pinching your nipples helped, even if overstimulation had driven the sensations beyond what could be considered pleasurable. The cock inside of your ass shuddered, releasing more of the sticky liquid to ease any uncomfortable friction. It didn’t hurt anymore. It felt good. You weren’t sure why, but it did. It made you come again, shuddering apart and crying around the tendril fucking your mouth. They didn’t stop, they didn’t even slow down. It just continued.

You had become entirely limp, unable to tell if you were coming again or if the pleasure was just too intense to rationally sort through. Ardyn was moaning, but his words fell on deaf ears. It was all you could do to keep from shattering. Each second you felt convinced you couldn’t handle another moment of the torment, and it still didn’t stop.

The tendril pulled out of your mouth and you wilted, weeping and whimpering and wrung out beyond rationality. “Please,” you begged, globs of blackened saliva dripping onto your chest. You couldn’t open your eyes, your breathing was wild. A high pitched keen left your mouth as you came again, squeezing both cocks as your body drew tight all over again. That sound collapsed into a sob, a moan. There was no difference. “No more, no—”

You didn’t get a warning before the mass of scourge tentacles disappeared in its entity. They didn’t pull out, they didn’t relax, they were simply gone. With a cry of shock and a grunt, you dropped painfully onto the ground, your body loose and heavy and empty. Small mercy that you had been tilted forward, falling onto your front rather than onto your injured wings. Agony radiated up your legs, shooting up from your knees. When you tried to get traction, you slipped. The floor was cold and covered in a mess of slick inky fluid.

Before you could make sense of any of it, your head spinning, you heard the squeal of chair legs on stone. And then, from far off, the clap of thunder. The paradoxically cheerful chiming of chain links. You were wrenched upward by the collar around your throat.

Lightning flashed, giving you a view of Ardyn above you. There was no pretend in his dark eyes now, only the inhuman cruelty he’d embraced. He was touching himself still, fast now. With intent. Each pump of his fist brought the flushed red tip of his cock close enough to your face that you could smell him. There was no place for you to escape, the grip he had on the chain connected to your collar was unyielding no matter how you tried to squirm away.

“Look at me,” Ardyn said. The sound of his voice made you flinch, whimpering. But you did, looking up at him with fresh tears in your eyes. “Oh, what a look that is…” He groaned, his words teetering on the rapturous cusp of release. “Open your mouth for me… Yes, and your tongue…” You felt nothing about your immediate obedience, only wanting it all to end. Ardyn groaned happily, tugging even more firmly on the chain. “Be a good girl and swallow.”

When the first spurt of cum hit your tongue, you weren’t expecting it. It made you flinch back again, kept in place by the collar. He pulled the chain even harder, painfully jerking you forward. Whimpering and squeezing your eyes shut, you managed to keep your mouth open and tongue out, holding still for each burst of salty, musky cum as Ardyn worked himself through his orgasm. It felt like it took hours. Hours of horrible discomfort and pain and cold. You had to swallow even with your mouth still open, forcing down globs of cum so you didn’t have to taste it, to get it over with as quickly as possible. Your jaw ached, your throat hurt.

“Go on, my dear,” Ardyn said when he was truly done. “Don’t waste a single drop.”

Wincing at the taste, you closed your mouth and laboriously choked the rest down. It was probably better than the scourge, but towards the end, you’d grown almost immune to the taste of that liquid. This was different. But you did it.

“So obedient,” Ardyn cooed, his voice disgustingly saccrahine. “Let me see now.”

You opened your eyes, unsure of what he meant and wanting nothing more than for this nightmare to be over.

“Your mouth,” he prompted, crouching down to get a better look at you. He smiled sweetly, innocently. “This is the last thing I’ll ask of you, I promise.”

Numbly, you opened your mouth for him once more. Ardyn inspected it with bright eyes, that smile fixed in place. You didn’t expect him to suddenly jerk the chain to pull you forward, or for him to spit into your mouth, but all you could manage as a reaction was a whimper, your face scrunching up in disgust as you unconsciously swallowed that too.

“Such a filthy little thing,” he said softly, smugly. “I promised you martyrdom, but I fear that you’re too depraved to claim such a title. You spare yourself pain now, but at the cost of your virtue. It really is too cruel, isn’t it? You poor, pathetic angel.”

Ardyn gave you a look of exaggerated pity, frowning in pretend sympathy of the way your face was crumpling into a fresh bout of tears. When you tried to pull away, he didn’t stop you, releasing the chain and standing up, fixing his clothes. You collapsed to the floor, curling in on yourself instinctively.

“I must go now,” Ardyn said, his footsteps loud as he left you. “Do be good while I’m gone, hm?”

At first, you didn’t think you had the strength to speak. You tried once, but couldn’t get the words out. But when you heard the sound of a door, you realized what was about to happen, and immediate fear became more important than anything else. “You’re leaving me here?” you asked again weakly, sniffing and wiping your face as best you could. Everything was damp and sticky, all you were really doing was smearing it around.

“Well you can’t expect me to take you out looking like that,” Ardyn responded, turning halfway toward you. His eyes scanned your form critically. As if he wasn’t the reason you were in such a sorry state. “Another time, perhaps. But don’t worry. The windows aren’t locked. If your faith is justified, you should be able to fly away whenever you want.”

Ardyn laughed at that as he left, the sound echoing against stone, knocking around the walls.

The door slammed.

You sobbed, and you prayed in hushed, broken whispers. The only answer you received was that echoing laugh, knocking around in your head.

[shellswritesstuff]

ardyn soft headcanons, ya kno if he has any left in him lmaooo <3333 trash man

THANK YOU FOR THE ASK !!!!

Soft Ardyn HCs!

Calls you his "Starlight." During his endless years on Eos, the only thing that remained consistent was the stars above.

When you laugh about the nickname as he explains it to you, Ardyn will be quick to remind you... he's extra. A exaggerated sigh followed by him throwing his head back, the whole thing. A hand on his head. "Oh how, could you betray me so! "

Literally if there was a photo by the word extra in the dictionary, well.. The definition would be covered up because the guy pasted glamour shots of himself all over the page.

Ardyn was once royalty, and he keeps surprising you with all the skills he's learned. Art is one of his favorites, and while he waves away your praises at his little doodles, it means quite a lot to the man.

You tend to find little drawings on your papers, sticky notes, really any paper you have lying around.

As a date night idea, you proposed the two of you start a sketchbook!

It went well, and you pass the book back and forth every so often.

Seeing quite the impressive portrait he made next to your small cat doodle, it makes Ardyn smile.

[blossom-adventures]

Ok ok, so I found out that yesterday was Seradyn’s birthday! So I have done her a special little story to celebrate!

Happy Birthday @seradyn

Birthday Plans!

Working as secretary of Chancellor Izunia was an odd experience, everyday you came into work not knowing what you would be faced with. Sometimes the Chancellor was in his office, sometimes you saw him leaving, or he was arriving as you were about to finish for the day, but more often than not, he was not there at all, today was one of those days.

You never particularly liked working on your birthday but it wasn’t something you could get out of, unless it fell on a weekend. So you arrived at work and made your way to the Chancellors office, as usual there was a hand written schedule waiting for you on his desk, it had the usual requests on it, until the last thing on the list, in Izunia’s elegant hand writing. 19:00 - wait outside your apartment

“Huh? That’s odd” you mutter as you reread the other requests on the schedule, everything else seemed normal; deliver some files to Lord Basithia’s office, collect the transcript of a meeting the Chancellor missed from the Emperors secretary, and tidy the office.

You got back to your apartment just after 5, unlocking the door and stepping in, you stop at the open door, staring into the room. On the coffee table in the centre there was a large bouquet of flowers in a vase, next to it was a large flat box.

The fact that these had turned up while you were at work prompted you to check every room, door and window, all of which were clear or locked, so you returned to the main room and sat down in front of the coffee table. The flowers were all your favourites, all expertly arranged. On top of the box there was an envelope, you open it and read the letter inside. If I had known before today that it was your birthday, I would have let you have the day off. I hope these gifts make up for me making you work on your birthday, enjoy the rest of your day, A

“The… the Chancellor got me these?!” You mutter as you admire the flowers. Wait… when have I mentioned when my birthday is… or what my favourite flowers are?

Your eyes drift down to the box and slowly lift the lid, you sit in shocked silence for a while as you look at the gift inside; a blood red dress, sitting on top of it was a note. Wear this tonight, be outside at 7, A.

“By the Six!” You gasp as you lift the dress out of its box, you had never owned anything so expensive! It had a low neckline and no back and it was made of such fine fabric.

You spend the next hour or so preparing the rest of your outfit as well as your hair before getting the dress of, and it fit perfectly

Gralea was dark by the time you left your apartment, there were 3 cars parked in the apartments parking lot, 2 you knew belonged to residents, the 3rd looked like one of the cars you’d see on the way into work, one of the Keeps private cars, leaning against it was Chancellor Izunia, but he wasn’t wearing his usual outfit, you could feel your cheeks start to flush as you stared at him; he was wearing a blood red, button up shirt, black diner jacket and matching trousers and long black coat, which had gold accessories. He also wore one of his usual patterned scarves in place of a tie, and his hair, though still unruly in places was tied up, revealing more of his jawline and neck than you’d ever seen exposed before. The only thing - other than the scarf - that seemed to be the same were his fingerless gloves.

As he caught sight of you he gave you one of his usual smirks and walked over to you.

“Well now, I must say, that dress looks beautiful on you”

“Thank you… Chancellor” he let out a light chuckle

“My dear, please, call me Ardyn” He reached out and took your hand, and brought it up to his lips. You were certain that the blush you had was now as red as your dress, but Ardyn didn’t comment on it. “Now, I have a table reservation for us, so we should go” Ardyn turned and returned to the car before noticing you hadn’t moved. “You need not be nervous, my dear, it’s just dinner, what do you say?” He held out his hand and waited for you to move

“I… I’d be honoured Chan… Ardyn”

Happy Birthday Seradyn! 🌸

I’m sure you’re familiar with the outfit I’ve described for Ardyn but if not, it’s this one from Noctglaive 😉☺️

[itsgeecheebitch]

Until Darkness Descends

Chapter: 42/?

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV

Rating: Explicit

Series: The Fall Part 1 of 4

Main Pair: Ardyn Izunia x Reader

Sec Pair: Gladiolus Amicitia x Reader

    A few days passed when the team finally located the regalia. Turns out  the empire had it all along just as Gladiolus had suspected. With the car back in your possession, and your plans for Cape Caem falling into place, you and the boys made your way to Lestallum. None of you had any intention of leaving Iris and the others in the city while you sailed east to Altissia. 

      Cid had informed you of a safe house he built near the lighthouse in Caem. Quiet, spacious, remote, a perfect hiding place from the empire. Iris, Talcott, and Jared would be safe there unlike in Lestallum. While Iris and the others were currently living amongst refugees from the capital, strength in numbers didn't mean much when they had a close connection to the five most wanted ‘fugitives’ Nilfheim was after. 

       Leaning your head back, the sun beamed down on your face, turning the inside of your eyelids red as you closed them. You hoped they would agree to go. While Cape Caem wasn't as exciting as a bustling city, it was safer and they would be surrounded by guards who would protect them. The deep rumbling of an engine disturbed your musings, alerting you to something huge flying overhead.

        Opening your eyes, you saw a massive platform soar through the sky. The insignia for the empire stared back at you from the platform’s edge. A dizzying bout of unease rushed through your system. It was flying in the direction of the city. Lestallum had remained a free city state for so long, but something told you it would be the empire’s next destination…and soon. So soon it made the back of your neck prickle with raised hair. You needed to get the three of them out of the city before that could happen.

       The sounds and smells of the city greeted the five of you as you arrived. The fetid stench of sulfur from the factories curled around your nose, nearly burying the savory scent from the food stalls that dotted the industrial landscape. Parking the car, you and the boys made your way to the Leville. 

         The sun was on your back, heating your skin till it glistened with sweat. Once you arrived at the hotel, you found Iris standing in the lobby alone. Her cheeks puffy and her eyes rimmed red. Dread froze your stomach solid. You knew something terrible had happened even before she said it. 

       “Oh Gladdy…”, she whimpered.

       Muscles tensed, Noctis approached her. “What's wrong?”

      “It's Jared…something happened!” Iris cried. Without another word, the boys escorted her to one of the rooms you had pre-booked, your gut in knots as she revealed everything that had happened. A few days ago Niflheim soldiers had stormed the Leville, looking for you and the boys after you had regained the regalia. Enraged that you weren’t there, they slaughtered Jared in your stead. 

       Ice spread over your chest like a tumor till all you could feel was guilt. You knew Jared for as long as you knew your boyfriend and his sister. Although he had alway maintained a certain level of decorum, as dictated by his profession, he was always warm. Kind. He didn't deserve to die when he did nothing wrong. A tear slid down your face before you realized it had fallen. 

      You wondered who it was that ordered the manhunt. Was it Ardyn? Was that why he allowed you and your friends to drive off with the regalia? A shudder rushed across your body. You knew they would retaliate for what you did to their base, but you didn’t think it would result in one of your own paying the price for it.

      The door hinges keened as it was forced open. Your heart broke in two when you saw it was Talcott standing in the doorway. Rising from his chair, Noctis knelt in front of him, opening and closing his mouth while he tried to find the words to say.  “It's not right, we should've been here.” He said.

     “I…I couldn't stop them!” Talcott cried.

      A part of you wanted to comfort the boy too. Pull him into your arms and promise that everything would be okay, but you knew it wouldn't be. At the end of the day he would still be left without his grandfather, the only family he had left. It was probably Ardyn's fault that he was orphaned a second time.

      You missed the rest of the exchange and watched as the little boy walked away. The ghost of his tears haunted you and made your chest swell with unshed tears.

      “I'm taking Talcott and we're going somewhere else.” Iris said, wiping her eyes with the backside of her hand. “Lestallum isn't safe anymore. We can't just stay here and wait for them to come back!”

      Gladiolus knelt down beside her and placed his hand over hers. “We actually came here to make arrangements for you and Talcott to go to Caem. We'll make sure you guys get there safely so you don't have to worry.”

       “Who's taking us?” She asked. 

       “Monica more than likely. she seemed on board when we last called.”

       “Okay...are we leaving together?”

       “Unfortunately, no.” You whipped your head around to Ignis who was leaning against the wall. A frown was on his face as he delivered his next words. “It'll take Monica a little over two days to reach here from where she is currently stationed. We cannot risk delaying our arrival.”

      A shadow of disappointment darkened her crestfallen face. It didn't seem fair to leave Iris and Talcott all alone after what happened. They already spent so many days alone with their grief only to be told they had to do it a second time. But it couldn't be helped. Noctis needed to get to Altissia as soon as possible. During their encounter with Gentiana, the group found out Lunafreya planned to awaken the water goddess.

      You guys had no way of knowing when she planned to do it, which was why you had to get there as soon as possible. But still, this situation didn't feel right. 

       Your boyfriend seemed to agree since he said, “don't worry I'm not going anywhere.” Then he turned to address the rest of you. “I'll hitch a ride with Monica and keep Iris company.”

      “No, I'll stay back.” You said before you could stop yourself. “Noctis needs his shield, he can't risk losing you while the empire is on our trail. In fact, if any of us is going to stay back then Iris may as well ride with you guys. there'll be room in the back and I'll just hitch a ride with Monica and Talcott.”

       Gladiolus stood up from his position on the floor and folded his arms over his chest. “Nah, it'll be too dangerous.”

       “So is leaving her with Monica as her only defense.” You reasoned. “The empire knows our faces, they may even know that Iris is an Amicitia. if the empire wants to strike someone close to the crown, then they would do it whether or not she is with you. Iris would be more protected riding with the four of you than with Monica.”

        The room fell silent with everyone contemplating your words. Ignis was the first to break the ice, rubbing his chin in that way of his that let you know he was thinking. “You make a rather compelling argument.”

      “I say we take her with us, it might be fun.” Prompto said.

       Noctis turned to you. “You sure you're okay with staying behind?”

      “Yeah.” You replied. “It's the least I could do.” It took some convincing but Gladiolus agreed eventually. When that was settled, Iris went back to her room, leaving the boys to discuss their frustrations over Jared. Prompto proposed getting revenge on the empire and Noctis remembered the flying Niflheim base they rode passed on the way here.

        It was a unanimous decision once the suggestion was made and the boys took off in search of the base, leaving you to watch over a heartbroken Iris and tearful Talcott. You tried to cheer them up as best as you could for the rest of the day, rented movies from the hotel’s cinema library, played cards, and strolled through the building.

       But at night with the kids tucked in bed, it was you who was swamped with thoughts. The room was dark with only a thin stream of silver light to illuminate the four walls of the room. Noctis and the others weren't back yet and would more than likely not return till tomorrow. It was in that moment that your mind began to play, haunting you like a tune echoing through an abandoned opera house. 

       Memories you hadn't thought about in a while floated into your head like notes of sweet perfume, making your chest twinge with bittersweet nostalgia. You remembered the first time you met Jared. It was on a cool evening. The desert wind was cruel as it whipped your face and brushed the ring of inflamed flesh that was around your neck.

      You were eleven at the time. Ardyn hadn't visited you in over three weeks and your parents were becoming crueler by the day. Thoughts of running away were what propelled your legs despite the burning in your chest. Pins and needles danced on your face, freezing the tears rushing down your cheeks. You turned a corner and bumped into something solid and warm before crashing onto the ground. 

      When you looked up you saw wisps of white hair and a face weathered by years of hard work. Panic bubbled in your throat at the first trace of recognition. You’ve seen this man a few times before. At a distance and occasionally accompanying the Amicitia family heir. He worked for them. If he worked for a powerful noble family then that meant he more than likely knew who you were. 

        The bubble in your throat popped, flooding your body with searing adrenaline. What if he asked where your parents were? What if he took you back? Your mind raced, competing with the thrashing of your beating heart. But instead of one of your nightmare scenarios coming to life he knelt down on the ground, dropping his bags of groceries as he did. 

      He asked if you were alright. When you didn’t answer you saw his eyes zero in on the angry welts wrapped around your neck. You slapped your hand over the marks and quickly healed then. Much to your surprise, he didn't ask about them and instead offered to buy you tea and a warm meal, which you accepted after a brief moment of hesitation. Since then, Jared had become something of a grandfather to you. He was aware of what most people pretended to not notice. He helped you befriend the Amicitia children so you could have a home away from home whenever you needed an escape.

        You released the balloon building in your chest and sobbed into your pillow. He was a good man. He didn't deserve to die. Never again would you be able to see his warm smile, or taste his pancakes, or even talk to him. A sharp pain cleaved a chunk of your heart. You just keep losing the people you care about left and right. You lost your circus family and now you lost Jared…and it could've been Ardyn's fault.

       The door groaned and you sat up. Wiping away your tears, you expected to see Talcott or Iris when the clawing scent of citrus hit your nose. Your eyes hardened at the towering shadow moving through the dark. A blade of silver light peeled the shadows from his face, revealing his brilliant amber eyes.

      You turned away. “What do you want?”

       “I came to check on you, my dear. I know my...affection must've troubled you.” Ardyn said. Warmth leeched down your legs at the memory his words had inspired.But you choked it down quickly before it could reveal itself on your face.

        “That kiss is the farthest thing from my mind right now” You mumbled. Your glare cut through the darkness till you found his gaze. “Did you send them? The soldiers that came here, did you order them to kill someone close to the prince?”

         The floorboards creaked the closer he came to your bed. “No, but I was aware of it nonetheless. It was Lieutenant Fleuret who orchestrated the ambush. I advised against it, but it seems he heeded none of it. I truly feel sorry for your loss, my dear.”

          You felt your animosity, as fragile as it was, crumble to dust and float away on the wind. An all encompassing despair took its place, slamming into you like violent waves against a rocky cliff. The bed dipped. His hand wrapped around the back of your head and guided you down to his chest. Your fingers curled into his coat as you sobbed.

          You breathed him in, soaking up that tropical scent that accompanied him wherever he went. It flooded your lungs, warming the melancholy that trapped your insides in a block of ice. Then you remembered yourself. “You need to go.” You pulled away but Ardyn refused to let you go. “You can’t be here.”

       “I come as a friend and nothing more, you have my word.” It was a weak argument but it was enough to shatter the last of your defenses. You didn't fight him as he guided you back into his arms. You knew this was anything but platonic. There was love in the way he rubbed your back. His lips were a feather light touch on the top of your head. Now that his affections were made clear as day, you couldn't read his touch as anything else than what it truly was. 

       Instead of turning it away, you invited it with open arms. You cried into his chest, knowing it wasn't right to find comfort in the arms of another man. You just made a promise to yourself that you would be a better girlfriend for Gladiolus, all it took to discard that promise was one little visit from the man you never truly stopped wanting. 

       You were foul in every sense of the word but at this moment you didn't care. Gladiolus was miles away and left you to face your grief on your own. You weren't strong enough to stand under the full weight of it by yourself. Nor were you strong enough to withstand the full depth of your failure. Twice had you failed the people who needed you most. You weren't there when king Regis fell to his enemies and you weren't there when Jared met his demise. 

       Glittery green light swirled around your fingers like fireflies, as if reminding you of the power that coursed through your veins. You sighed and the light faded away from your hand. What was the point of having the ability to undo death if you couldn't use it to save the people you cared about? 

       Your face lit up with an idea. You looked up at Ardyn with a face damped with tears. “What did they do to his body? to Jared's?” You said. Hope rode hard on your lungs, making your breaths come out in thin gasps. Maybe there was a way to bring Jared back. Ardyn was a prominent politician in the empire, one with enough power to bring you Jared’s remains unquestioned. 

       Sympathy flitted across his face and your hopes died on a whimper. “There is nothing left to salvage of his remains, I'm afraid.” His arms tightened around you. “Even if I could scrap up what is left, it would not be enough to revive him, I'm sorry.”

       Ardyn rocked you, silencing your anguish with gentle shushes and feather light caresses. He tucked you in once your tears finally stopped. Without a word, he rose from the bed and approached the door. Only stopping when you whimpered, “don't go…”

       The shadows masked the way his shoulders tensed and he came back to the bed. Your side warmed as he laid down beside you and pulled you back into his arms. 

      It was about an hour or so ago when you fell asleep, but Ardyn remained. The moon shone brightly against your face, illuminating every lash that laid against your cheeks. His finger whispered across your jaw, so softly, barely touching, as though you were a freshly painted portrait he didn't want to disturb. 

       Almost two weeks had passed since he began to wonder who you really were. The more he looked at you, the more that crushing agony devoured his chest. He had longed for you for so long. Longed to touch you, to kiss you, to talk to you, now that he had you he was about to lose you all over again. 

        This time by his own hand. Over the past two weeks he agonized over his options, combing through every scenario in the hopes that one would leave you alive. He considered just killing Noctis. But just like you he was under the gods’ protection. He wouldn't die until he became the chosen king and fulfilled his role.

      Ardyn considered stealing you away ahead of time. Hide you within the heart of the empire and kill Noctis when the time comes. But just as the prophecy dictated, if he allowed himself to be happy with you, to fully embrace his love for you, his powers would weaken and he would succumb to his brother’s descendent.

      No matter the scenario the end result remained the same. Unless he was willing to forsake his revenge he had no choice but to hurt you. Ardyn held you tighter against him. There was another option he considered, but only briefly. He could spend his final days with you before offering himself up to the slaughter. It was the only option that would leave you happy and live, the only one where he would be able to enjoy his wife before losing you forever. But it was an option he could not take.

       He had come too far to let it all go to waste now. No matter how much he cared about you it would never be enough to quench his need for revenge. If that was the path he chose then he did not deserve to be with you. He did not deserve to hold you in his arms and bask in the temporary peace it gave him. Peeling away from you, he rose from the bed and conjured a piece of paper from thin air. 

       Scribbling a quick note, he left his number at the bottom of the page and left the note for you on the nightstand. His heart was heavy as he reached for the door. He knew he shouldn’t have but he looked back at you one final time. You didn’t deserve what he was about to do to you. But Ardyn was no longer the selfless healer you fell in love with 2,000 years ago. He was a hardened monster that could only deliver pain and the only thing you would ever receive from him was pain. Opening the door, he walked away with his heart breaking off piece by piece.  

[simple-simpin]

a rude awakening

Ardyn Izunia x GN! Reader

Summary: You are an assassin sent to kill one 'Somnus Lucis Caelum'. Now if only you could tell the difference between east and west.

CW: Attempted murder

Words: 2.2k

Every night sky in the now fallen Solheim was filled with thousands of memorable constellations. Many of them were dedicated to the Astrals, such as the Hand of Titan, or Bahamut's Blade- both of which were visible tonight. It was getting rather cold this late in the year, further accentuated by the faint white clouds that escaped your mouth. From your pocket you pulled out a crinkled envelope that had already been opened hours before. The letter inside was neatly folded but you swiftly straightened it out.

"Target, Somnus Lucis Caelum. Residence..." You whispered silently to yourself, needing to double check every piece of information before doing the job. Further down the page you reviewed the information on your target's location. At this time of night, he was expected to be fast asleep in his bedroom, located within the east wing of the castle. According to hearsay, he was a very heavy sleeper so the job shouldn't be too hard.

"Not too hard." You recalled the words of your employer. You were breaking into a fortified castle housing the land's most prominent nobility, how on Eos was this supposed to go smoothly? Just then you recalled the reasoning behind this job, why you absolutely had to succeed. The Caelum brothers would one day rule this land, there was no doubt about that, but the previous idea of them doing so together was no longer a possibility. If only their parents could see the rift between them now. From what you’d heard, it was hard to believe that the two were even related.

If Somnus was allowed to live, countless hardships would transpire under his leadership. The people needed Ardyn as their ruler, lest more innocents be slaughtered in his younger brother's wake. That is why you lay in wait amongst the flowerbeds of their elaborate garden. You tried to keep a level head. "Just finish this quickly..." You spoke in your mind. You were rather out of your element with this job, having travelled very far from your home village, and yet you felt more annoyed than stressed. You would prefer to be laying in your own bed right now.

When the two guards by the garden left for a perimeter check, that was when you made your move. You ran quickly, but quietly along the soft grass and began climbing the west wing of the castle. Your agility was actually one of the reasons why you became an assassin, well, that combined with poverty and grey morality. Climbing up the old stone bricks wasn't an issue; as the aged cracks and intricate designs presented many places for you to latch onto.

Soon, you found yourself up by one of the smaller windows. With one hand gripping the bricks, you unsheathed the dagger from your belt and thrust it between the window frame. When you forced the handle down, a small crack could be heard from the lock snapping apart. Just like that, you found yourself stepping into a grand, pale hallway. It was so majestic for such a bleak part of the home. At the end of said hallway stood what must have been the door to your target's bedroom. The nameplate said only Lord Caelum.

Off in the distance, you could hear either guards or servants speaking in calm voices. No one had yet been alerted of your presence. A simple twist lock was now the only thing standing between you and your target, the type of lock that any idiot could learn how to trick open with enough time. You spent a minute messing around between the handle and doorframe before it clicked open. There would be no turning back now.

Click. You closed the door quietly behind you. Taking a deep breath, you felt nerves clawing up your chest. 'Here comes the hard part...' You thought, lifting your forehead from the wood and turning to face the dark room. You never did enjoy the aspect of killing in your line of work, which is why you only accepted the vilest of targets. A fact that you had to constantly remind yourself of. Aside from your practically silent movements throughout the room, the only sound to be heard was soft breathing from your target. The moonlight from outside cast a faint spotlight upon his sleeping form, allowing you a better look once you approached.

He looked... so peaceful as he dreamt. Occasionally, his eyelashes would twitch, or he'd take a deeper breath than the last as he explored the product of today's memories. The corners of his lips tugged just barely into a natural smile, surrounded by well-kept stubble. Long, dark, maroon hair lay splayed out messily against the pillow and his arms were crossed loosely across his diaphragm. His blanket seemed to have gotten twisted in the night as it barely covered half of his body. For an unidentifiable reason, part of you almost wanted to fix it for him.

You shook your head irritably. That is not what you were getting paid to do, you had a job to carry out. Shakily, you gripped the handle of your dagger once again, this time raising it almost above your head. Just one good stab and it will all be over... You'd already ended a handful of monsters in your life, this was no different. With a short inhale and a rush of adrenaline, you brought your hands crashing down toward his chest, blade aimed directly at his heart.

It didn't pierce. All of a sudden, you felt a strong grip around your wrist and you were pulled down onto a soft surface. It took a moment for your brain to catch up, a little dizzy from being tossed around so quickly. When you finally opened your eyes, you were staring up into light brown one's that twinkled in the moonlight. He looked down at you with weary amusement, clearly tired from being woken up before dawn. His hands did not falter as they kept yours firmly against the mattress.

"I will grant you a moment to explain yourself, but do not take me for a fool." He spoke, voice rough from waking up. His hair hung forward in locks, just barely tickling your now burning skin. Your mind went into overdrive, torn between coming up with a good excuse and trying to not look down at his practically bare body. "I-...I was-" You couldn't muster anything as your brain blanked. His head cocked a little to the side as he waited. Just then, his thigh felt the most curious crinkling of paper in your pocket.

He released your hands to open up the envelope. "Wait!" You tried to sit up, only to be sent back down against the pillow. Being straddled was not a scenario you had expected for this job. ‘Not too hard...’ The words of your employer rung once again. Damn him. You glanced around for your weapon and saw it discarded on the floor. "Ah..." Your target piped up. "Perhaps I should ask you to explain this instead?" He held the note up after he'd finished reading.

You went into salvation mode. "Please I- My family is poor. A stranger cornered me and- He threatened to hurt them, I-" Your voice died in your throat. The man on top of you glanced over the note one last time before folding it up. "You expect me to believe you made it up here with no prior experience?" He asked in an almost condescending tone.

You dropped the faux fear that once distorted your features. "Very well." You voice was now cold, monotone, and rather vexed from having your work interrupted. Quickly, you bolted up and grabbed the back of his hair in your fist. As you pulled him aside, you wrapped your now free leg around his waist, effectively reversing your roles. "I accepted this job for the money- and to rid this world of an especially cruel man. Two birds, one stone." Your hands rested firmly against his chest. He didn't fight back, at least, not yet.

Instead, he chuckled. "In that case, I'm afraid you're out of luck... Your letter states that you are looking for Somnus, and yet, you've stumbled into the wrong bedroom." He smirked, hands still resting calmly at by his sides. If it were not Somnus whom you'd just attempted to murder, then this must be... Realization swept over you like the waves of Leviathan. You had just tried to assassinate House Caelum's eldest brother, Ardyn... The one who was blessed by the Gods, revered by the people. Killing him would bring down a wrath most unimaginable.

How could you have been so irresponsible? Had he not woken up, your actions could've guaranteed a evil tyranny take place. Cursed be your employer for not including a physical description.

"You’re-… It seems I'll have to take my business elsewhere, apologies for disturbing your rest." You were just about to leave when his hands moved to your waist, pulling you back into place. The touch caused your breath to hitch in an unexpected, albeit pleasant way. "Oh? Am I supposed to let you sneak out of here and take my dear brother's life?" He asked, almost offended that you would disrespect his duties as an older brother. Somnus may have torn many families apart and stolen hundreds of lives, but Ardyn could never wish the same to befall his own flesh and blood.

You smirked as a glimmer of his protective nature shone through. "Am I to understand you wish to fight for him? It would be a shame to destroy this lovely room in such an unsavoury way. " You said slyly. Whilst the furniture didn't look particularly expensive, just about every visible item looked like it could hold sentimental value. "I have no desire to harm you, of that you are already aware. No, I wish to make you an offer." He spoke. There were only two reasons why anyone would typically strike a deal with you. Either they were trying to undervalue your work, or they were bargaining for their life. You preferred to stay away from them and protect your reputation, but no one is perfect.

"An offer?" You asked with intrigue. There were plenty of things that a man of nobility could tempt you with... so long as it wasn't a flimsy IOU. Those never paid off very well. "I can pay you triple that of your employer, if you will spare my barbaric brother's life tonight." Ardyn spoke calmly from under you. Currency was a wonderful thing, but loopholes were far greater.

"That is very generous my lord, but do tell me, what is to stop me from accepting your offer and doing the job regardless?" You test him, your hands sliding playfully up to his collarbone.

He hummed thoughtfully, eyes trailing down to your mischievous hands. "Because you will stay here tonight, under my supervision... and in exchange I will sweeten the deal for you." His lips drew up in a most suggestive way. It was only then that you noticed how firmly his hands still held onto your waist, or how the room temperature had risen from your close proximity... how your fingers had been absentmindedly tracing patterns along his skin.

Had you been getting seduced this entire time, or had you been unwittingly seducing him? It seemed this man wasn’t as pure as his people claimed. "How sweet are you offering?" Your tone changed with interest.

You were only human. Of course, you had fantasized about such a thing happening on the job before, but never expected it to be a reality. There was something special about Ardyn though. Perhaps it was his face, his voice, or even his aura that made you feel like you could trust him completely. Or maybe it was just the fact that he didn’t chastise you for your line of work, at any time he could’ve run for the guards and had you locked away like beast.

Ardyn sat up slowly, removing a hand from your side to reach toward your face. His fingers lightly caressed your jaw before cupping your already warm cheek. "Only as sweet as you'll allow." His voice was soft as he spoke, luring you further into his welcoming embrace. There was no ill-intent to be found in his words, only the promise of passion between two weary souls. Once more did you glance toward the knife in the middle of the floor.

“I can feel your heart. It yearns to beat in pleasure instead of anguish, to experience the warmth of another, as opposed to the cold sight of their death.” He whispered almost lovingly. In a way it was like he was asking you to change your course, and for the first time it felt possible.

No wonder he had such an effect on people. You returned the gesture and dragged a hand along his stubble. "It seems your true gift lies in reading people… yet your kindness makes you naïve. Do you truly believe seductive words can alter the course of one's life...?" You made the first move to close the gap, lips pressing against each other in a explorative way, eager to learn each other’s patterns.

Your fist found his hair for the second time tonight, though this time in a much gentler way as you bunched it up in your hand. His touches were far more careful than yours, not being one to push people's boundaries. Ardyn pulled your torso closer to his, your chests almost flush together, before slightly leaning back from the chaste kiss. You were practically chasing him for more.

"Let us find out."

Randomly went from plot to horny rip

Kept it light for my first one but plan to get spicier in the future 🌶

[savage-rhi]

Could I request this prompt? Yeah, I killed him! He used to hit you! What did you expect me to do?! Leave him alone? For Ardyn x Reader

I imagine Ardyn saying something like this when he finds out that the reader used to be in a violent relationship and he “takes care of it,” of course, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this prompt I totally understand, so I’ll also put forward this one too I’m not going anywhere

Hope you’re having a good day ☺️

@blossom-adventures I had fun writing this all out, and I hope you like it! Thanks for checking in on me too. I hope you're well!

Y/N let out a deep breath as they traversed through the grand hall of the imperial palace. They were marching their way toward Ardyn’s chambers since he couldn’t be found in his office. There were so many mixed emotions that brewed within Y/N that they ignored the prying eyes and whispers of fellow Imperial Helpers that were maintaining the palace. Gossip and rumors didn’t hold a torch to the kind of frustration Y/N was feeling at this moment. What mattered now was finding the Chancellor.

A heaviness lingered in Y/N’s gaze as they gripped tightly upon the envelope that was in their possession, and the events of the morning began to play out in their mind. 

It all began with a knock on their apartment door. With caution, Y/N opened it up to reveal an Imperial Martial. Within Niflheim, getting a visit from one of these guys meant time in jail would be around the corner. Though Y/N was well aware they hadn’t broken any laws or violated policy when it came to their job, the fear of being taken away over something minuscule instantly had them on edge. It seemed the Martial caught on quickly, and he did his best to soften his hardened features. 

“I apologize to be calling on you like this, but are you Y/N Y/L/N?” 

Y/N nodded. “Yeah, I am. I don’t recall breaking any laws but if you need my compliance, I’ll--” 

“No, no, no,” The Martial calmly raised his hand at them. “This isn’t one of those calls, fortunately. However, I do have some rather terrible news. Is it true you were once in a relationship with a man by the name of ---- ?” 

As soon as Y/N heard the name, their mind immediately blocked it out. It was strange. Y/N could see the Martial’s lips moving, but when he said their ex’s name, only a dull static would register in their ears. Even though Y/N had been free of the man for years, their body still kept the score of his trespasses. Nonetheless, they nodded and tried to keep calm and collected. 

“When was the last time you spoke with ---, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Um,” Y/N closed their eyes for a moment and swallowed. “I haven’t said a word to him in years. We didn’t exactly have an amicable breakup. He’s tried calling here and there, but I ignored him. Did something happen?” 

“I’m afraid so,” The Imperial Martial said and furrowed his brows. From what Y/N could tell, the man looked disturbed momentarily. “---’s body was found three days ago. He went on a camping trip with some work colleagues and met his fate.” 

“Gods be damned,” Y/N muttered. Their eyes slightly widened in shock. “What happened to him?” 

“I’m not a liberty to discuss--”

“Please,” Y/N pleaded. “I need to know.” 

The Imperial Martial debated with himself while he glanced over Y/N’s eyes. He was in no position to judge a complicated relationship, and feeling sorry for them decided to be honest.

“Well, since the investigation is over, I guess it won’t hurt anything,” The Martial sighed. “Witnesses said ---- ventured away from camp, having heard something. His colleagues then heard him scream and went to find him but whatever attacked him took off quickly. That was two days before he was found. Based on multiple wounds and fractures, we believe ---- was mauled by an animal, most likely a rogue flexitusk. That’s the official statement, although it’s not conclusive.” 

“Why is that?” Y/N asked in puzzlement. 

“Well,” The Martial took in a deep breath through his nose. “There was almost nothing left of the body when it was recovered.” 

Y/N’s mouth hung open. They could feel their blood, even down to the most simple of cell structures in their body, turn cold. Y/N averted their gaze from the martial, giving a nod that they registered what he said. 

“Anyhow,” The Martial cleared his throat and glanced down at an envelope he had been carrying. He presented it to Y/N, watching their shaking hands take it with hesitance. “---- had no next of kin, but we did find that he had a deal with his bank to leave his remnants to you in the event he passes. In the envelope is your portion of his life earnings, with the rest going back to the empire as per Niflheim rule. You will also be receiving his incident report for record keeping. I am sorry for your loss, and must be on my way.” 

“That’s fine. Thank you.” Y/N muttered. The Imperial Martial gave a curt nod with his head and left.

As the initial shock of the news began to wane, it didn’t take long before Y/N’s mind had a terrible thought, and this terrible thought led them to rush toward the imperial palace on their day off to confront Ardyn. 

In the present, Y/N approached the entrance to Ardyn’s chambers. They wasted no time shoving the doors open. This broke many palace protocols, but Y/N didn’t care. Nothing mattered but this terrible burden that was on their mind, that they hoped against hope was wrong. 

In his living space, Ardyn was standing by the large windows of his balcony with three members of the imperial council, conversing about shortages due to the war. From time to time, Ardyn sighed while looking over some papers, not before he did a double take seeing Y/N walking right up to him.

“Y/N?” Ardyn furrowed his brows in surprise, ignoring the confused looks on the councilmen, and he quickly approached. “What are you doing here, isn’t it your day off?”

“We need to talk,” Y/N whispered. They swallowed, glancing at the councilmen briefly before focusing back on him. “Alone, preferably if you can do that.” 

“Of course,” Ardyn murmured gently. He turned his attention to the councilmen and gestured. “Leave us. We’ll go over the rest of this nonsense at the meeting tomorrow.” 

“Thank you for your time, Chancellor Izunia.” One of the councilmen smiled. They each bowed their head toward him to which Ardyn returned the gesture, and with haste departed from the dwelling. 

Once the men were gone, Ardyn’s features relaxed as he let out a sigh of relief and laughed. “I never thought I was going to get out of that mess! You saved me from utter boredom just now.” 

“Ardyn--”

“You are a sight for sore eyes,” Ardyn teased playfully before concern crossed his features. “And you look absolutely winded. Can I get you something to drink or--”

“Did you have anything to do with the death of my ex?” Y/N interrupted before Ardyn had the chance to finish his sentence. They watched as his expression went from inviting and worried to cold and shocked as if he had been slapped. A foreboding silence fell between the two of them not long after, and the chambers began to feel heavy. It was enough to give Y/N the courage to speak up again.

“Two weeks ago, in these chambers, I confided in you about my past. The good and the bad. You told me I was safe here. That my words were safe here. Now I’m scared that I got somebody killed because of my words.” Y/N tossed the envelope down onto the floor, revealing the papers. 

“He hurt you,” Ardyn whispered bitterly as he made a fist while looking at the documents.

“Gods,” Y/N shook their head and took a step back. The stress from the morning finally broke through as they boldly began to raise their voice. “You actually did it!” 

“Yeah, I killed him!” Ardyn admitted with great anger.  He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. A sadness dwelled in the flames of his amber eyes as he forced himself to look upon Y/N. “He used to hit you! What did you expect me to do, leave him alone?!” 

“What he did to me was awful, but---Ardyn, that wasn’t your call to make!” Y/N countered. “Is it so easy for you to disregard the life of another, to make it look like an animal ripped him apart?” 

“I was protecting you!” Ardyn said in his defense. “Niflheim’s justice system failed to keep you safe when you sought help, and so I took matters into my own hands!” 

“As true as that may be,” Y/N shook their head. “Ardyn, I told you I didn’t care about getting justice anymore. As long as he left me alone, I would be alright! Why didn’t you take me at my word?”

“He kept trying to contact you!”  Ardyn seethed, catching himself yelling, and dialed back. “Y/N, I work with men like your ex. Once they want to tarnish something, they become relentless in the pursuit! It wasn’t a matter of if but when he’d try to hurt you again! I couldn’t let you take that risk! Now you have peace of mind that he’s gone and you have financial restitution! Isn’t that generous!?” 

“Ardyn, I didn’t want this!” Y/N began to tear up. “I told you what happened to me because I felt safe with you. I never told anyone, but you. And now I feel like I played a hand in a murder. My ex was vile but---not even he deserved what had been done to him. I feel so sick. Now I’m scared that if I tell you that someone so much as looked at me weirdly, you’d just discard them like trash.” 

“Y/N,” Ardyn sighed, shaking his head. 

“I don’t think we should be speaking to one another anymore,” Y/N swallowed. “You’ve made working here bearable, and I like you…a lot, but I’m terrified. I’m really fucking terrified, Ardyn.” 

Ardyn shook his head and averted his gaze. Although enraged at being confronted, he sat with what had been thrown his way, knowing he had no right to be upset with Y/N’s reaction. He quietly glared toward the windows of his abode, hearing the sound of Y/N’s footsteps as they ventured for the exit. He knew he should let them go, it would’ve been the right thing to do, but selfishly he shadow-stepped, popping right in front of Y/N causing them to jump back. 

“Y/N,” Ardyn breathed, his eyes held a silent plead in them as he met their tired gaze. “I refuse to apologize for what I’ve done. That being said, I can and will atone for you.”

“How?” Y/N sniffled, shaking their head. 

“You and Verstael are the only souls in Niflheim that know I am Adagium,” Ardyn said softly. “You could bring me to ruin if you wanted, undo all I have planned if it would bring you peace after what I’ve done. However, I won’t lose you. Do you hear me? I already lost everyone I’d held dear in my life, everyone but you.” 

“What are you saying, really?” Y/N knew Ardyn well enough to know that when he overexplained himself, there was usually something much more simple he was trying to convey. 

“I---” Ardyn’s brows knitted in a glare, frustrated with himself. “I can’t say, but perhaps I can show it?” 

With hesitance, Y/N nodded and observed his features, while also watching Ardyn slowly taking hold of their right hand into his. He had them place their palm upon his chest where his heart lay and took in a deep breath before his eyes became muddled with darkness. Only the honey color of his irises remained as his daemonic features began to manifest.

Y/N locked their eyes with Ardyn, staring with awe and fear. Then they felt it. His pulse picked up, and the powerful thrum of his heartbeat pulsed against their palm. 

“There are millions of voices that dwell within this body. It’s quiet in my head when you’re around, to where I can hear myself underneath it all.” Ardyn murmured inhumanly while his daemonic eyes held Y/N in high regard. 

He was scary. This situation, this relationship--whatever it was between them, was scary, but there was something in Ardyn’s voice that pulled Y/N away from the fear. Enough to where they drew close and embraced him with shaky arms. He returned the gesture, and Y/N noted how Ardyn was mindful not to be too rough as he hugged them back. 

“Are you still in there?” Y/N muttered against him, still crying but for another reason as the pain of his earlier words resonated. 

“I am,” Ardyn gently reassured. “And this soul cares a great deal for you. I promise I'll fix what I've broke."

Y/N pulled back from his chest and felt Ardyn’s right hand tilt their chin up. A contemplative look crossed over his features, and he pressed his lips to their forehead. The kiss lingered like a warm welcome and Y/N felt as if somehow Ardyn was taking every ounce of their sadness, their anger, into himself. Ensuring they wouldn’t suffer much like he had done as a healer from 2,000 years ago. 

“Stay with me. Please.” Ardyn whispered against their skin. 

Y/N couldn’t say no to that and remained in his embrace. Somehow, it would be alright in the end. Y/N had to believe it. They had to believe in him, that Ardyn would do right by them.

"I'm not going anywhere."

If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!

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[seradyn]

Royal Respite and Midnight Melody!

The two I’m most excited about 🤤🤤

I’m going to start with Midnight Melody cause I wAnT tOO

This is a short one shot I thought of when I reexamined some of Astarion’s lines post Cazador. When the player asks how he feels directly following the event, he explains he feels ‘numb’. From my own experience and what I’ve learned about surviving abuse, often people can struggle coping with a world where their abuser is out of the picture, because so much of their life was consumed by them, either physically or mentally. We see this not only in Astarion, but in Karlach too, who has similar feelings after Gortash’s death, because all the rage she built up around him has nowhere to go. It’s still there, but now it’s trapped inside without an outlet, instead of being healed when her abuser went away like they think it should have.

Astarion is the same way; without Cazador, where is he supposed to direct all his energy, his hatred, his rage over what happened to him? It’s still there, even though he’s dead, and it’s not fair. I wouldn’t be surprised if he struggled with his purpose after Cazador’s death. This happens with real survivors too; their whole world revolved around their abuser for so long, once they’re gone they just feel so empty and lost.

This fic is a take on that, where reader helps reassure Astarion that he doesn’t have to know what he wants right now, and they’re more than happy to help him figure it out. He tells them he doesn’t have a heart to guide him, but that’s not true. Is it not reader’s blood that flows through his veins? Does reader’s heart not beat for him? They remind him, hold his head gently to their chest so he can listen, can hear the heartbeat that is not only theirs, but one they give freely to him, too.

Basically more tooth rotting fluff and non sexual intimacy. Baby boy just needs to be held and I’ll be damned if I don’t smother him in affection. He deserves it.

Here is snippet:

~

“It’s nothing serious, of course…” he said quietly. Another lie, but you didn’t say anything, simply cradling his hand to your chest, a precious and fragile part of him. It gave him time to work up the courage to continue.

“It’s just that…When I was under Cazador,” he hissed the name, fangs poking out over his bottom lip, “every thought I had, everything I did was for him. He dominated us, mind, body and soul, and used that dominance to make our whole world about him.”

His eyes were wild with anger, that grimace back on his face, because it was so much worse to say it out loud, to acknowledge how much of his life belonged to his old master. You squeezed his hand to encourage him to keep going. This needed to come out, lest he push you away to protect you from the rot that did naught but burrow and consume down into his being.

“Even after the nautiloid, he inhabited so much of my thoughts,” he went on, his voice slightly rasped and shaking. “Though instead of fear or obedience, it was anger and determination to kill him. Even when he lost control of me, all I could think about was him. Even with his body rotting in the dirt, I cannot get him out of my head.”

“And now that he’s gone…I can’t help but wonder…what am I supposed to do?” His eyes filled with sorrow then, displeasure with himself. “With Cazador dead…I find myself losing all sense of direction.”

Your heart broke for him, jagged pieces of it left on the floor for you to step on. You cupped Astarion’s cheek, lifting his face to look at you. His eyes were wide, glistening in the dim candlelight as they filled with pain and worse: self loathing. You didn’t need the tadpole to hear that treacherous little voice in his head, one you knew like an old friend that whispered pathetic, worthless, weak. You knew he wanted to protect you, wanted to give you the life you deserved, yet he hadn’t the faintest idea how to do that, where to even start, and it pained him.

Gently, allowing him to pull back if he so desired, you led him into your arms, wrapping them around him so you could rub at the tension in his back. He nearly collapsed into your embrace in relief, immediately wrapping his own arms around you and crushing you to him. You massaged his shoulder blades while he pressed needy, frantic kisses into your hair, afraid you might pull away and leave should he stop.

“It’s okay not to know,” you said into his chest, kissing his sternum. “We can figure it out together. I’ll always be here with you, no matter what future you decide you want.”

He let out a tense breath, burying his face in your neck. “I know,” he mumbled. “I know whatever future awaits, I want you to be a part of it.” He leaned back, just enough that he could meet your eyes, so you could see into the dark abyss where his mind lingered. “The problem is, I don’t know what I want our future to look like. What I want it to look like.”

It was then you fully realized that what Astarion had been feeling since the confrontation with Cazador was lost. So, so lost, in a world without his master to contend with. The hopelessness you heard on his tongue was a knife piercing your tender heart, a sharp pain burning through your chest as it tried to beat around it, blood gushing from the wound and radiating out across your skin. What was freedom to one who didn’t know how to live with it, didn’t know how it felt? Though his chains had been broken, the memory of them still pulled him down and suffocated him. You wished so deeply to spare Astarion this pain, for he lived so long in the shadows of the world, you wanted to shower him in the light until he was blinded.

Abruptly, he shook his head, a growl ripping past his lips as he pulled himself away from you. It should be so easy, to move on and enjoy life now that he was allowed to. His desires could be fulfilled, instead of remaining the desperate wishes of a slave who longed for escape. The world was his for the taking, his life his own once more.

So why did he still feel so broken?

“Now that I’m free, I’m supposed to be able to do whatever I want. Follow my heart, as our companions said.” He spit the words; they tasted foul in his mouth.

“How am I supposed to know what I want without a heart to guide me?”

~

I’ll send you the full version once the first draft is done. Hope you like it 💕

Royal Respite has a similar vibe, and is also pure tooth rotting fluff/non sexual intimacy. It’s a one shot in which reader gives Ardyn a massage after he delivers the peace treaty proposal to the Lucian council. Just letting reader dote on him while he talks about his day, and letting him relax before everything goes to shit, basically. Ardyn has been working to make this plan come true for literally decades. I think he deserves some rest before it fully comes to fruition.

No snippet for this one yet, since I’ve been hyper focused on some of my Astarion fics *cough* see above *cough* but hopefully it doesn’t take too long to get on paper. You’ll be the first to know when there’s a rough draft 💕

[hauntedadagium]

If y'all could help me with some short-ish Ardyn prompts (nsfw encouraged but anything is fine) to get me back into the swing of things I'd love you forever.

Drop em in my inbox.

[houdinicorbini]

Hiii ! I’m at my aunt’s house but I got enough Wi-fi to send my request 🎉. Could you please write a touch starved and really clingy reader with Ardyn and maybe Ravus or Gladiolus ? I don’t know if you write for the others but I love them sm jdkdbxk ANYWAYS love your writing it’s so pleasing to read ! You’re one of my fav writers on tumblr even tho I just discovered you!! Have a nice day !!

Oh thank you so much! And I’ll write for almost anyone in the game

But this will be my first time writing for Gladiolus specifically

I hope you don’t mind it being headcanons since I am going to do all three!

Trigger warnings: none

🗡️Ardyn 🗡️

✧ Ardyn wouldn’t never shame you for being touch starved, especially if he knows the reasons as to why.

Hell, he’s a bit touch starved too after everything he’s been through as well.

So you’ll both have your moments of needing extra attention, it’s just Ardyn has learned to hide it more and suppress it.

~~~~~~~

✧ If you’re having a day where it is particularly bad, Ardyn will do his best to try and comfort you through it.

Like telling you that everything is going to be alright, cuddling, just making sure that he’s near you until he sees that you’re alright.

I can see Ardyn reading as he has his arm wrapped around you while you’re also doing your own thing.

He’ll make sure you have moments like that with him. No matter the time of day.

~~~~~~~

✧ Now with the clinginess, he really understands, but he tries to slowly get you out of that habit.

He has to travel a lot and he doesn’t want you having a near breakdown when he isn’t there.

Ardyn won’t do anything big at first, just small things to slowly become less clingy.

It’s not that he finds it annoying, he just overly worried and wants to make sure you’re alright.

And Ardyn definitely has his moments where he can be clingy, but again, he hasn’t experienced love in so long so he can sometimes get a tad bit carried away.

But you two are definitely in it together!

~~~~~~~

✧ Even though he’s the villain, Ardyn used to be good guy, and he had a lover of his own. So I can see him being great at comforting when he needs to be.

And like I said before, he has his own issues so there’ll be times where you’ll have to help him out too.

You both can be a clingy mess on bad days.

But I guess it actually works out a bit.

~~~~~~~

✧ Overall, you both help each other through the problems you have, each having a reason as to why you have them.

And he’ll always be there for when you need him, just like you’ll be there for him too!

So you two really balance one another out.

~~~~~~~

🤍 Ravus 🤍

✧ Because of losing his parents at a young age and the empire taking over his kingdom, Ravus is also very touch starved and clingy to those he really cares about.

So the both of you can also be a very clingy mess.

And like Ardyn, he’d hide it. But that is also because he kind of has to do to the empire.

But he’ll do his best to help you. When he has the time of course.

~~~~~~~

✧ He can definitely relate to how you feel so he can get an idea on what to do and how to help, even if it’s just sitting in each other’s company on a couch.

Ravus wouldn’t mind something like that at all

In fact, he’ll even try to set aside time so you two can have moments like these.

But that’s only when you two have known each other for a while and you’re deep in a relationship.

He unfortunately has an image he has to uphold.

~~~~~~~

✧ There are days where the two of you can just spend hours doing nothing but sitting in silence, but you’re both content with it.

Sometimes it’s all about the presence and not the talking.

Ravus understands that a lot and relishes in moments like that.

Unfortunately they just don’t happen often enough.

But he tries to make time for them to happen.

~~~~~~~

✧ Like with Ardyn too, Ravus has days where it’s harder to mask so you’ll have to help him.

Which you never mind, you’ll definitely give him the same love and curtesy that he’s given you all those other times.

Even if he denies that he needs it.

He’ll soften up if he sees cuddling or any form of hugging is going to be involved.

Ravus definitely returns the favor for you as well. Almost immediately too.

~~~~~

🖤Gladiolus🖤

✧ Out of the three, Gladio is not as touch starved, but he does do his damndest to make sure you know you’re loved and all that.

He may not be all too good with words, but his actions are louder!

Much louder.

~~~~~~~

✧ If you have bad days where things are worse, Gladio will offer to go out and do something in each other’s company.

Even if it’s something like working out or going to his favorite ramen shop.

He is also someone who wouldn’t mind just sitting down with a good book while you either read or do whatever you want near him.

Actions are definitely easier for him to handle.

~~~~~~~

✧ You might’ve had to explain a little bit about how you are and why, but he understands.

I feel like he has a harder time with emotional things and tries to tackle the problem head on, which can be good, sometimes.

But he quickly learns that this is not something that can be dealt with so easily.

He means well, but he can be a himbo at times.

~~~~~~~

✧ There are times he has seemed a tad bit insensitive, but it has always been a misunderstanding and he means well.

Again, emotions are not his strong suit so you’ll have to be patient with him.

Gladio will definitely to his best to make you feel content and loved in the best ways he knows how.

Cuddles.

~~~~~~~

I know it took a while and it’s short for as long as it took, but I hope you enjoy!

Do give me feedback if you have any!

[krisssssssy]

I should be focusing on my other fics but here have some weird smut.

Please mind the tags.

I think I’m going to update my In the Shadow of the Six fic next. I have some really good ideas for it, and I’m letting Precarious Games simmer a bit because every time I try to write the next chapter it feels off and doesn’t flow properly. I’m sorry for any fans of that one 😭 But I’m not giving up on it, just waiting for inspiration/motivation.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me and my writing!

[carissimipaixao]

hello!

i'm doing an anniversary celebration for september, and sign-ups begun in the beginning of the month.

unfortunately, it's not going too well. i only have 2 possible people who signed up for the celebration (and they aren't even following the rules properly, but i'm keeping an eye on them).

so, if you're a lupin fan or even other fandoms (as i'll put the tags i write for), please check out my blog and if you'd like to join the celebration, check out the respective post.