#secret server swap

[cryptiddeer]

My favorite type of crossover fanfiction unfortunately only exists in my head, but it's essentially that everything exists in the same universe. Everything. Maybe on different planets, at different times and places, but its all the same universe

This of course presents the dilemma of trying to explain why certain differences between unrelated media can exist at the same time, ie: why Russia doesn't exist in Steven Universe, which explicitly happens on the planet Earth, but Russia DOES exist in Honkai Impact 3rd, which also explicitly happens on the planet Earth

Is this type of crossover very handwavey and vague in its world building? Yes. Is it Extremely Funny to imagine Monster High, Undertale, Monsters Inc and Lilo and Stitch all existing on the same earth and the weird political implications of that? Also yes

[gyorouis]

── ✦ wit it this christmas.

⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚 ˚⋆ synopsis⸝⸝ 'tis the season for some love-giving

꒰ genre⸝⸝ romcom, fluff, slight-suggestive pairing⸝⸝ party crasher!beomgyu wc⸝⸝ 1.6k warning⸝⸝ mutual pining, alcohol mentioned, reckless decision-making (breaking into places), they are both BIG flirt tune in⸝⸝ ariana grande —wit it this christmas ୨ৎ ꒱

“i’m telling you, this is the stupidest idea you’ve ever had,” beomgyu muttered, tugging at the lapels of his blazer as he stood outside the towering mansion.

“oh, come on, gyu,” soobin drawled, arms crossed, leaning casually against the hood of his car. “what’s christmas without a little chaos? you’re always saying you’re the life of the party. prove it.”

“yeah,” taehyun added, a smirk tugging at his lips. “or are you chicken?”

beomgyu scoffed, running a hand through his perfectly tousled hair. “first of all, i’m not chicken. second, this party isn’t exactly my scene. who even throws black-tie christmas parties?”

“rich people,” kai piped up from the backseat, grinning.

beomgyu rolled his eyes, but his pride wouldn’t let him back out. “fine. but if i get kicked out, you’re all buying me dinner for a month.”

“deal,” they chorused, clearly entertained.

with a dramatic sigh, beomgyu straightened his blazer and made his way to the front door.

the party was... fancy. too fancy. twinkling lights adorned every corner, a towering christmas tree stood in the center of the room, and servers in crisp uniforms carried trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. beomgyu stuck out like a sore thumb—not because of his outfit (he cleaned up well), but because he couldn’t shake the urge to do something stupid.

he grabbed a glass of champagne off a tray and scanned the room. just as he was debating whether to “accidentally” knock over a decorative wreath, his eyes landed on you.

you weren’t like the others, either. while everyone else mingled politely, you stood near the dessert table, inspecting a plate of macarons like they held the secrets of the universe.

beomgyu smirked. target acquired.

he sauntered over, leaning casually against the table. “you know, if you stare at them long enough, they might tell you which one tastes best.”

you glanced up, clearly unimpressed. “and if you stare at me long enough, i might ask you to leave.”

his grin widened. “feisty. i like it.”

you rolled your eyes but didn’t move away. “let me guess. you’re not supposed to be here, are you?”

“what gave it away?”

“the way you’re standing like you’re trying to blend in, but you’re also dying to cause trouble.”

beomgyu laughed, genuinely impressed. “okay, you caught me. but in my defense, this party could use a little trouble.”

you raised an eyebrow. “and you think you’re the one to bring it?”

“oh, absolutely.”

“prove it.”

within ten minutes, you and beomgyu were sneaking down a hallway marked “private.”

“you’re terrible at this,” you whispered as he struggled to pick the lock on a door.

“excuse me, i’m an artist,” he hissed back, wincing as the bobby pin snapped.

you pushed him aside, pulling a paperclip from your pocket. “move over, rookie.”

“where did you even—”

“shh.”

the lock clicked, and you smirked, pushing the door open to reveal what looked like a library straight out of a movie.

“wow,” beomgyu breathed. “okay, this is actually kind of cool.”

you grinned, grabbing a random book off the shelf. “think anyone would notice if we ‘borrowed’ something?”

“you’re worse than me,” he said, but his tone was admiring.

the night spiraled from there. you dared him to climb the tree in the front yard (“for science,” you claimed), and he dared you to “accidentally” switch the labels on the hors d’oeuvres.

“you’re insane,” he said, watching as you swapped the name cards for smoked salmon and candied figs.

“says the guy who tried to juggle champagne flutes.”

“i was proving a point!”

“yeah, that you’re terrible at juggling.”

hours later, the two of you found yourselves sitting on the mansion’s roof, legs dangling over the edge, sharing a stolen bottle of champagne.

“so,” you said, glancing at him. “what’s your deal?”

“my deal?”

“yeah. crashing a party like this, making a scene... what’s the story?”

he hesitated, then shrugged. “my friends dared me. they think i’m too boring these days.”

“boring? you?”

“shocking, right?”

you laughed softly. “well, for what it’s worth, you’ve been the most fun i’ve had in a while.”

he looked at you, his usual cocky grin replaced with something softer. “yeah. same.”

silence stretched between you, but it wasn’t awkward. it was... nice.

“hey,” he said suddenly. “what’s your name?”

you smiled, leaning back on your hands. “maybe i’ll tell you at the next party you crash.”

he laughed, shaking his head. “you’re trouble, you know that?”

“you started it.”

as the night wore on, the air between you grew heavier, the charged kind of silence that wasn’t meant to last.

“you know,” beomgyu said, his voice lower now, almost hesitant. “this might sound crazy, but i’m glad i came tonight.”

“even if you get kicked out?”

“even then.”

your eyes met his, and the world seemed to shrink until it was just the two of you.

“you’re staring,” you murmured, your voice teasing but soft.

“maybe i’m waiting for you to tell me to leave,” he replied, leaning in just slightly.

“maybe i don’t want you to.”

the space between you disappeared in an instant, his lips brushing against yours in a way that was both tentative and electric. the champagne bottle slipped from your grasp, forgotten as his hands found your waist, pulling you closer.

your heart pounded against your ribcage, each beat echoing in the silence that surrounded you. his lips were soft but urgent, like he’d been waiting for this moment far longer than he cared to admit. the scent of pine and cold night air mixed with the faint trace of his cologne, making your head spin.

“you’re insane,” you whispered against his lips, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth even as you fought to catch your breath.

“you like it,” he shot back, his voice tinged with that familiar cocky edge, but his eyes betrayed something softer—something vulnerable that you hadn’t seen before.

“maybe,” you admitted, your hands sliding up to tangle in his hair, feeling the silky strands between your fingers.

his lips curved into a smirk against yours, and you felt his grip on your waist tighten, grounding you in the moment. the kiss deepened, growing more intense, as if the world had shrunk to just the two of you. the chill of the night air was a distant memory now, replaced by the warmth radiating from where your bodies pressed together.

the muffled sounds of distant laughter and music from the party drifted up to the roof, but they felt like echoes from another life—a life that didn’t include stolen moments and impulsive kisses under a blanket of stars.

when he finally pulled back, his breath mingling with yours in the cold air, he didn’t let you go. his forehead rested against yours, his fingers still tracing lazy patterns on your sides.

“you’re trouble,” he murmured, his voice low and husky.

“you started it,” you repeated, your voice barely above a whisper, breathless and lightheaded.

he chuckled softly, the sound vibrating against your chest where you were still pressed together. “i didn’t think tonight would end like this.”

“what did you think would happen?” you asked, arching an eyebrow, though your lips were still curved in a playful smile.

“i thought i’d crash a party, maybe get thrown out, and laugh about it with my friends,” he admitted, his thumb brushing over your cheek in a gesture so tender it made your chest ache. “i didn’t think i’d meet someone who could keep up with me.”

you scoffed, leaning back slightly, though his hands stayed on your waist. “keep up with you? please. i left you in the dust the moment i picked that lock.”

he laughed, shaking his head. “okay, fair point. but you’ve got to admit, i make a pretty good partner in crime.”

“debatable,” you teased, though your grin softened the words.

he leaned in again, brushing his lips against yours in a kiss that was slower this time, more deliberate. his hands moved up your sides, sliding over your back as if memorizing every inch of you.

“what happens now?” you asked softly when you broke apart again, your voice barely audible over the sound of the wind.

“what do you want to happen?” he countered, his eyes locked on yours, his usual confidence tinged with genuine curiosity.

“you mean besides breaking into another room and seeing what else we can get away with?” you quipped, though your tone carried a hint of seriousness.

“i like the way you think,” he said with a grin, but then his expression shifted, becoming more serious. “but... if you’re asking me, i’d say we stay right here a little longer.”

“just a little?” you challenged, tilting your head.

“maybe a lot longer,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “depends on you.”

you didn’t answer, not with words. instead, you pulled him closer again, your lips meeting his with renewed intensity. the stars above seemed to burn brighter, as if they were cheering you on.

his hands slid under the hem of your sweater, the touch of his fingers on your bare skin sending a shiver down your spine. “cold?” he asked, pulling back just enough to study your face.

“no,” you replied, your voice firm. “not even a little.”

he smirked, his lips brushing the corner of your mouth. “good.”

the minutes stretched on, and the air around you seemed to hum with unspoken promises. his hands continued their slow exploration, every touch igniting a fire that you didn’t want to put out.

“beomgyu,” you said softly, your voice laced with something that sounded suspiciously like vulnerability.

“yeah?” he replied, his tone matching yours, his eyes searching yours as if trying to decode your thoughts.

“don’t let this be just a dare,” you said, barely able to meet his gaze.

he cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing over your cheeks. “it’s not,” he promised, his voice steady and certain. “it never was.”

and with that, the line between chaos and connection blurred completely, leaving nothing but the two of you and the infinite possibilities of the night.

gyo's note: just cocky beomgyu??? good heavens, i’ve been wanting to write something suggestive with beomgyu for ages, but every time i try, i end up blushing so hard i can’t finish it lol (i mean, can you blame me? i have a HUGE crush on him. i’m just a girl, please understand). this is only half of what i could've done and i can't believe that this is what i wrote for his holiday tales uhuu. anyway if you made it this far, thank you! (,,>﹏<,,) you will be loved, xoxo!

✮ 2024 gyozies, all rights reserved.

[izunaweek]

🔥 Izuna Week 2025 | Feb 10th - 16th 🔥

⚔️ More details can be found on our carrd ⚔️

Carrd | Event Server | #IzunaWeek2025

10th | FREE DAY | Celebration 11th | Izanami | Accidental Child Acquisition | Bloodline Swap AU 12th | Genin Team | Secret Relationship | Star Wars 13th | Kamui | Mission Gone Wrong | Eldritch AU 14th | Gunbai | Impaired Vision | Ninshu AU 15th | Seven Swordsmen | Mistaken Identity | Succession AU 16th | Mangekyou Acquisition | Tied Together | Actor AU

Tag #IzunaWeek2025 or @izunaweek to have your work shared ❤️‍🔥

[biggest-geo-oogami-enjoyer]

can you write relationship headcanons for hyugo please? he's so underrated oh my god- btw love your blog, i'm so happy there's more people in the tkatb fandom <33 thank you for your service!!

My Exaltation (Hyugo x MC/Reader - Relationship HCs)

Thank you for the ask, Anon! And especially thank you for the kind words! :D

- Signed by biggest-geo-oogami-enjoyer Exaltation: a feeling or state of extreme happiness. Trigger Warnings: NSFW and sexual mentions (nothing too crazy though).

A/N: (Check down the bottom for more info: but here's the server skeleton I've made: Link: TKATB Server).

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SFW

I see Hyugo as somebody very affectionate, like a puppy. (He literally gives puppy-dog eyes like c’mon). Also is capable of becoming as feral as one.

Definitely will be the type to walk up to you randomly and beg on his knees request to do something, considering I feel like part of the reason he has so much on his plate is due to the fact he can't stand having the same routine day after day. He needs spice. And you'll happily oblige.

Also very protective. Hell, this guy killed someone(s), so he’d be more than willing to defend you if it comes to that. Owns weapons 110%. Is also very capable at using them.

Hides all his suspicious activity from you. Not because he doesn't trust you, but mostly due to the fact he doesn't want you to get involved.

When If you move in together, he will make sure to enroll you in self-defense/weapon training classes (or he'll teach you himself, who cares about the law he's committed about 56 crimes in the span of a month /jkjk).

Is alarmingly strong, for someone of his stature and build, he often ensures to work out, because, well, he never knows when someone will come after him now does he?

Is paranoid about your safety 25/8, he's alert and vigil every waking moment. Ever since the cinema incident, he's been freaking out internally. (What if they find out about you? What if you go missing too?). Will hide it though, he can't afford you to be scared of him, now can he?

Crime hustles aside, Hyugo is genuinely a very loving and #goldenretriever boyfriend. Will use petnames as much as humanely possible, usually the flirty ones like 'darling'.

If you are a clothesnapper, expect him to start stealing back, eventually both your wardrobes will be swapped. You both don't care though, because both your horny asses will be relishing in the smell of each other in secret teehee.

Will be pulling the biggest 'Aww you look so adorable!!!!!' face known to man the first time you stole his clothes (probs a sweater or overshirt). Will tease you about it.

Makes puns 24/7, actually a master at them, it's kind of unnerving.

If you're ticklish, do not, under ANY circumstance, let him find out. You will be on the verge of dying each time he tickles you.

Hyugo's heart melts if you wanna watch his favourite movies with him: "Uh...Oh my God! MC! The new *insert movie title* came out...wanna watch it together this Sunday?" *insert massive puppy dog eyes, a cutesy little pout and two slender hands clasped together in a praying motion*

You agree, because...of fucking course you will.

Doesn't care enough to cook most of the time, but will try for you. :]

If you're cooking (or baking desserts), he'll spawn right behind you and hug you.

Will make you game with him, you don't have a choice, this guy needs action in his life (totally not like he doesn't already have any right-)

He's the little spoon, loves being smushed into your tits/pecs pressed against your torso, it means he can hear your heartbeat. It means he can fall asleep knowing you're safe.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

NSFW (I am aware these may seem short. But. uh. I'm rusty cut me some slack).

I see Hyugo as a power bottom, or even a switch. (Emphasis on the 'power' part, this guy is strong).

Is capable of serving cunt/cock scarily well. Like you have no clue how he got this good.

Don't pull his hair too hard, a bit'll make him whine groan, but he doesn't seem the type to be into hair pulling unlike Sol and Crowe teehee

More funny during sex imo, depending on how intimate it is. If it's a sudden need then he'll be silent as the grave and going all out on dishing his horniness out, but if you're both chill and happy then he's much more jovial.

Masterful at aftercare, will murmur praises for how good you were, how much he loves you, etc. into your collarbone.

You are everything to him, his lover, his vehement source of peace, and his exaltation.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: So, @hayooni mentioned that we should probably have a Discord server or something, so I made one. It's pretty mid so far, and I'm definitely going to hand off admins to other people who're superior when it comes to Discord server making, but hell, how about we make sure this community is as nontoxic and interconnected as possible. We're the OGs and veterans of this fandom; we might as well make it a fucking good one.

Link: TKATB Server

[ppssession]

The hottest server

Long is a huge fan of body-swapping and other genres and is often on various Discord servers to talk to you about his interests.

One day, on a discord server, a strange link suddenly appeared. The sender said that it was a link that would allow those who clicked on it to receive a new body, and he also sent many pictures of handsome men, claiming that they were all his bodies.

On the first day, he sent me a picture of a big muscular guy.

The next day, he sent me another picture of a cute guy.

Of course, most people on the server don't believe it, they think it's a picture that the person copied from the internet.

But strangely, long thought that what this mysterious person said was true. long spent hours thinking about whether to click on this strange link, hoping that it was not a virus that would destroy my computer. long thought anxiously. Finally, he chose to click on the strange link.

As soon as I pressed the strange link, the computer screen turned completely blue. A message popped up. "Will you keep this a secret from society?" Long didn't hesitate to press OK immediately. A series of messages popped up one after another. "We will allow you to tell this to people who have the same interests." Okay. "This has a cost. Are you sure you agree?" "Okay." When Long pressed all, the user window appeared. This is a website for you to choose your new body. Here, there are many bodies for you to choose from, both male and female, of all ages, of all races in the world. We will let you use the body you choose for free for 1 hour. If you want more time, you have to upgrade your floor.

This website has a very good management system. It's been a while since I've found the race I want. He selected for a while and then pressed on the body of a handsome man. A message popped up asking if he wanted to use this man's body. "Yes." Note: Your old body will be paralyzed. You should put your old body in a safe place to prevent harm (including malnutrition from not moving for a long time). Do you agree to possess this man's body? "Yes."

As soon as the screen was pressed, it turned white, leaving the last message, Have fun. Long's body felt the electricity flowing into his body, his body slowly twitched, the images gradually darkened, long felt the surroundings gradually changing like he was swimming in a current. Cut to the handsome guy that long had chosen, his body while he was playing with his phone, his screen turned blue, a message popped up, Have fun. Suddenly, electricity slowly flowed into his body. It came from the fingers that touched the phone, the electricity slowly flowed up to his arms, neck, face, ending with the electricity. He went into the man's brain. "Ah." The man stretched out his chest, his body twitched, his eyes rolled back and forth until after a while, his body slowly calmed down. Long slowly opened his eyes in his new body. He liked the feeling in this body very much. He started to explore the young man's body back and forth, finally stopping at the large penis of the body. "Wow, it's not even hard yet, it's already this big." Long smiled before noticing the phone with the message on it.

He read the text on the screen of his phone, You are in Li Bai's body, then followed by some information, this man's age, birth date, family, when I read further, I saw the information of the website.

This website is a website where you can choose a body of any gender, age, or race. It is a secret that only some people know. The length of time you can possess a body depends on your level. When you register for the website, the system will set you to the "Pron" level, which has the right to use the body of another person for 1 hour. You can upgrade your level to receive more time. Long read until the point where you can upgrade your level.

Upgrade from Bronze>Silver(You can possess other people for 10 hours, cost 10,000$)/per month

Upgrade to Gold level (You can possess other people for 20 hours Receive memories immediately upon possession without reading history., cost 100,000$)/per month

Upgrade to Diamond level (You can possess other people's bodies forever without having to return to your original body. Not only that, you can immediately receive the memories of the body you possess without having to read the history that we will possess you via your mobile phone. We also have a security system that when you have an accident or are in prison, we will move your body to the safest body near you. The cost is 1,000,000 $)/per month

When Long finished reading, he noticed that thirty minutes had already passed, so he looked at how he could pay to upgrade his level. Fortunately, the website could accept transfers from all currencies and from all over the world. It would be no problem if he paid with his Yuan in $. However, he thought about where he would find so much money. He remembered to open the account of the body he was possessing, Li Bai, and found that there was so much money that he could possess this body easily. Li Bai was a very famous person in the country. He must have a lot of money as a top celebrity. He chose to upgrade to diamond level, the website immediately displayed a thank you message, “Thank you for upgrading to our highest level, hope you will stay with us for a long time.” Long didn't care much, he exited the website, he rejoined the discord with the strange link again, sending a picture of his new body, “Hey everyone in the server, I want to say that this link is real, you can have the body you want at a great price.” Sending Li Bai's picture into the group.

Don't forget to send me a picture of you in your new body. I'm looking forward to it, but I have to deal with the erection in my pants first… The new Li Bai.

[taracandycorn]

Part of the Secret Solstice Swap on the SPOP Creative Flex discord server…this one is for astrynserene!

[alyanetteaugust]

Alyanette August 2024

Alyanette August is just around the corner!! Are you ready?

Be sure to tag me in any work posted and use the tag #alyanette august starting August 1st!

Please don't include any leaks or major spoilers, S5 and specials (Barring the London special) are fine

please add the prompt title in the tags so I can sort through them easier

I won't reblog any NSFW or age-restricted works, but make whatever you'd like!!

Have fun and take it easy!

prompts below

 Coffee shop

 Trust

 Secrets

 Awakening

Kwami-swap

Crown

 Water Balloon Fight

 Unexpected Visitor

 Ghost Stories

  Arcade

  Hot Chocolate

  Reconnection

  Photography/Photograph

  Homework

  Coming Out

  Cottage

  Stargazing

 Flower Picking/Flower Crowns

 painting/crafting

 Mystery

 Modelling

 Ghost-hunting

 Spirits/Demons

 Beach

 Lucky Charm

 Party

 Interview

 Cookies/Baking

 Suspicion

 Aberration

Reveal

If it goes well, a discord server may be made dedicated to Alyanette and Alyanette August Special thanks to @monflures and @what-is-going-on-im-confused for help with the prompt list, and @ninadove for helping tell me how to do this!! You're all wonderful <3

[planefood]

Instead of secret santa we did a valentines day swap for our objectum server! This was my piece for @vidoeslot

[regularconvexheadcanons]

Headcanon 21

Again, not a headcanon but a Thought before I continue with my day.

If Scar couldn't be in a Life Series sessions and he got Cub to stand in for him, Cub would definitely trap his base and prank him with signage and probably a secret base, and then go around everyone's bases being a menace to society. He'd probably die at least once by being reckless, or he'd be super protective of Scar's lives and get him back as many as he can by murdering people with firework crossbows and TNT traps that blow up the person's entire base with 0 remorse.

He might even get a penta-kill and just shrug it off as nothing while the rest of the server are screaming and freaking out.

And the week after, Scar would be referencing Convex at every opportunity he could, even though Cub either made up some completely different lore or no lore at all.

Cub: so Scar's feeling ill, and I offered to step in for him this week

Scar: Our magic vex connection caused Cub to take my place for a week! Did you know, Vex can body-swap whenever they want and... *Invents endless lore for us with the Convex tism to scrawl down and remember for the rest of time and use as an excuse to say the Convex are coming back at some point very very soon.*

[moltensmusings]

Enjoy making fairy tail fanart? Do you like secret Santa swaps and Halloween? We'll this October I'll be hosting a Halloween mystery swap for any who want to join.

RULES:

You must fill out the application by September 30, 2024 to join.

Redesigns are allowed but make sure to provide references

Do no post art from the swap until October 31.

Please join the discord as I'll be messaging everyone through it!

Discord and application link below:

[noxvee6]

➼ This is a Masterpost for the Sub-Zero AU created by– well– me! The AU is about a rogue Leo running around the multiverse in an attempt to over correct a mistake out of guilt and pride.

➼ The fella in the image above is just another Leo, but he's given himself the name "Null" so he could be removed from other Leos in the multiverse.

➼ Read the fanfic! (Still a WIP)

➼ AU tag on my blog (#rottmnt sub zero au)

➼ Listen to the Spotify playlist! (Not public right now)

➼ Any Q&As on my blog about this AU!

➼ Null's Blog

➼ PORTAL FAM SERVER LINK!

➼ Characters for Sub-Zero Intros

➼ Casey Jr! Casey Runs around with Geo usually. The two are on a mission to get Leo back.

➼ Geo! (Mikey) Geo- which is a nickname for Mikey- is Casey's #1 companion in their multi-dimensional travels.

➼ Robot Donnie! (DESIGN UNAVALIBLE ATM) Donnie is the person to get Mikey and Casey traveling as much as they do. As always, he's the brains behind everything and has a secret up his sleeve.

➼ Robot Raph! (DESIGN UNAVALIBLE ATM) Raph keeps to himself and mostly works beside Donnie instead of traveling with Geo or Casey.

➼ "Who are all these people?" Null interacts with a bunch of other AU characters that my friends have made. You can find information about them below!

➼ Hop!Leo (AKA Hop) is @nights-flying-fox 's AU! You can find out more here! Hop is like a younger brother to Null. The two are very close

➼ Twin-Sync twins (AKA Callisto and Ganymede) are from @little-banjo-frog 's AU! You can find more out here! The twins are closer to Hop than they are Null, but Null still considers them family.

➼ Satin is a Leo created by @3mutantsinatrenchcoat ! This little guy was a Leo that Null had killed, but the naïve little spirit took a liking to Null and started seeing him as a father figure. Null later accepts this relationship with the spirit and cares deeply for him.

➼ Captain is from @veearrifarrariboom 's AU! You can find out more here! Captain and Null are close friends. They bond over the fact that they take care of younger Leos like their children. They're basically two dads bonding over dad things.

➼ My art for this AU

First Hop and Null comic –¤�� Colored Panels –¤– Hop and Null art Null and Brat art –¤– Casey Jr. Art! –¤– How Null met the twins Aprils Fools 2024 costume swap art –¤– Casey and Geo art! Null and Satin doodle –¤– Geo and RoboDonnie!

➼ Other's art for this AU!

"It's December 10th!" Art by Nighty –¤– Hop being a monkey by Nighty –¤– POKEDANCE! By Banjo –¤– Null art by Mike –¤– Null and Satin art by Three

[coffeegnomee]

um can i get an explanation of what pb&js plans were in S5 that didnt hold up (help)

Basically Minute, Jumper, Pentar, and Ashwag had a secret plan that they refused to reveal but would only say "trust the process" over and over and assured chat that it was going to be awesome.

They basically streamed 0% of the ideation process, 0% of the struggles, 0% of the surprise successes.

Then on the infamous day, Lifesteal Sunday (5/19/24), Ash went live to build a new pb&j base, so imagine, you're just watching the most normal boring chill base building stream.

Jumper goes live and starts talking to Mapicc about wanting him to ban her because she doesn't agree with her team killing people to make peace on the server, it's a tbh sus but also great moment of improv lore, interesting character development from Jumper. It was all just a lie though. So it wasn't even a real lore moment. (I'm not salty at all. nope)

She leads him around the server, and halfway through her sentence he pops like a grape. Killed (and banned bc it was hardcore mode) instantly by a claymore, a *special* arrow cannon. we already saw arrow canons this season. it was. omg it was so unoriginal and uninteresting and IMMEDIATE, no banter from Mapicc, no evil speech, no possibility of escape, just instant shotgun to the head.

Swap back to Ash stream and him and Minute are absolutely celebrating for a job well done, "thanks for watching the show". What show. You were building a base.

And that was the "trust the process" plan.

But it wasn't quite over. They got wemmbu on and for pt2 of their epic plan they do *something* and suddenly wemmbu isn't immortal anymore so they 4v1'ed him and he died almost instantly.

No explanation, no lead up, barely a villainous speech. While they were gloating and trying to figure out how to further chunk ban wemmbu to make sure he couldn't play anymore Ash finally explained that as a part of Minute's final Presidency Decree he added a mod to the server that meant they could manually turn of Wemmbu's immortality just like wemmbu could manually turn it on. So it was something completely behind the scenes to a degree unfathomable.

Basically, their plan worked flawlessly but it was the most unsatisfying thing to watch of all time. It was too secretive, they allowed for no error, they didn't give the opps a chance, they didn't do an ounce of real rp, and they killed ALL their opps in one fell swoop.

This all after about 2(?) months of doing NOTHING on the server, barely playing, not streaming, refusing to fight, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash a perfect plan.

Also as an additional aside, the Original Perfect Plan(TM) was creating a void trap in Jumper's base to trap Mapicc or Zam (yes. after she stopped them from opening the void). The mining out was streamed but how it would go down was also kept totally secret and then it just got dropped in favor of the claymore. Basically pb&j promised a lot but took their sweet time making it happen to the point where it was very unsatisfying and then they lacked the rp pizzazz and whimsy to make it interesting in other ways.

[bad-traffic-smp-ideas]

Wildcard idea, the server they are on swaps, and they are thrown through the seasons, also when they get to secret life, badtimeswithscar is there being secret life scar bc he's still stuck there, but they can buy stuff from trader scars <3

(this ends with the 2 scars making a rollercoaster and being crazy, everyone is concerned)

(Also secret life scar is unhurtable for the bit)

(and played by either oli or a rollercoaster building expert)

So secret life scar... has a good time... with scars... because he can't get hurt. Am I getting that right

[clownworp]

The bloodweave server I’m in had a secret Santa event where you request art or fics from your secret Santa and it ended today so I can finally post this :3 my reciver’s ask was for “any AU” and I took that personally so here’s a bloodweave pony cutiemark swap and Pikmin

[lilacliquors]

pairing: matt murdock x reader

word count: 968

inspo song: a holly jolly christmas

notes: on the second day of ficmas, lilacliquors gave to me ... matt murdock at a christmas party!

the restaurant was packed, full of chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the scraping of silverware against plates. everything felt cozy, the atmosphere was cheery, and you felt good. you were sitting at the end of the table, across the table from your boyfriend, matt, and you could tell he was also enjoying himself. good food and good company was always the perfect combination, no matter what time of year it was. 

your friend had been kind enough to host a christmas dinner party for all of you and your favorite hang out spot, and you couldn’t deny that it was fun to get together and see everyone again. catching up with people, finding out how their years had been, what their other holiday plans were, it was always a great time. plus, there was still the secret santa portion of the evening to get to, which was always your favorite part. you were a gift giver by nature, and shopping this year had been fun. you’d been lucky enough to get your best friend, and shopping for them had always been a breeze. you shared a lot of the same interests, and you knew they were going to love what you’d gotten them.

as the eating and drinking died down, and the servers had cleared the plates, it was time for the gift exchange. everyone had gift bags with them, and one by one, they were all set on the table where your plates had been moments before. one by one, your friends swapped gifts, and you were surprised at how orderly it was. the host had been smart about the gift exchange, especially since the previous year was fondly referred to as a fiasco. it had been fun, but chaotic, and thankfully there would be no repeats.

when it was finally your turn, you got up and gave your gift to your friend, and their eyes lit up with excitement.

“i should have known!” they exclaimed reaching into the shimmering gift bag you’d brought. they pulled out a custom made recipe book that you’d spent weeks gathering materials for. it was a black binder that you had attached mini kitchen utensil pieces to, and inside were dividers that separated the various sections most cookbooks would have. there was an appetizers spot, mains, desserts, drinks, breads, and a few others. and already in the slots were recipe cards of their most used dishes.

they quickly got up from their seat to hug you, and you smiled as you returned it. you squeezed one another for a moment, then they let you go so you could sit back down. only a few more bags remained on the table, and as you sat down, matt smiled over at you.

“i knew they’d like it,” he whispered, and you took his hand in yours.

“i’m like a psychic,” you murmured, and he laughed softly.

“matt, since you’re all giggly and gossiping over there, maybe you’d like to go next?” the host asked, and he sat up straight, turning in the direction of the sound of the voice. he smiled, then nodded and reached down to grab his own bag. it was small, and a few people tilted their heads as he moved around in his seat.

“well, this year, i was lucky to get this one,” he gestured to you, “as my gift recipient. which made everything a lot more exciting.”

you could feel your face warming as he carefully eased himself down onto the floor. suddenly, it you two sitting at the end of the table made much more sense, and your heart started to pound. your friends all gasped, and few made some excited, squeaky sounds as he tilted his head towards your seat.

“i can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that you’ve been the best thing to ever happen to me,” he began taking one of your hands in his. some people around the table ‘aww-ed’, and you smiled a bit.

“you’ve made me a better man, you’ve always had faith in me, and not once have i ever felt like i couldn’t confide in you. when i wake up next to you in the mornings, whether it’s in bed or on the couch, and i hear you sleeping so soundly, i know i’m the luckiest man alive. and i can only hope that, for the rest of our lives, i can keep feeling that kind of comfort. i don’t want there to ever be a day that i’m without you, i don’t think i’d survive. so … would you do me the absolute honor of marrying me, and letting me make you the happiest person on earth for the rest of our lives?”

you could feel yourself tearing up as he pulled a small velvet box out of the bag he’d brought, and opened it up to reveal a dainty, gorgeous engagement ring that sparkled in the warm light of the restaurant. your heart threatened to beat out of your chest, and you swallowed before answering, not wanting your voice to be too thick.

“matt, oh my god,” you whispered, and he grinned.

“is that a yes? i hope so, it’s not comfy down here,” he said, and you laughed a bit.

“of course it’s a yes,” you said, and his smile got impossibly wider as he slipped the ring onto your finger. you admired the sparkle before he got back up, and you stood to press a kiss to his lips as your friends clapped and cheered. one of his arms wrapped around your waist, and your had settled on his chest as you pulled apart.

“merry christmas, sweetheart,” he said, his forehead resting against yours.

“merry christmas, matt,” you replied, hugging him tightly.

it was surely a holiday you would never forget.

[bardic-inspo]

Time Well Spent

Pairing: Astarion x Evelyn (Named Tav)

Rating: Mature

Key Tags: Holiday traditions, silly fic, fluff, a tiny touch of angst, overtures of future dadstarion

Summary:

“The Winter Solstice is a vampire’s favorite day,” Astarion drawls, fingers stroking pleasantly through her hair. With her ear settled near his sternum, his voice is a lulling, gentle lullaby.  “Do you know why?” “Hm,” Evelyn says, struggling against a yawn. “Because it’s the shortest one?” “Clever girl,” he purrs. “The shortest day. And the longest night.”

Astarion means to make the very most of his solstice spent with Evelyn.

A/N: A server secret santa gift for the ever-lovely @nyx-knox, who is a daily inspiration and a wonderful friend! The Tav (Evelyn) in this fic is hers. I hope I did her justice! Occurs sometime after the final battle with the Netherbrain, and/or in a dream if it better suits Evelyn’s story. :)

Also: Imposing American Christmas traditions on Faerun's solstice for funsies.

ALSO: Huge credit to my wonderful husband for helping me find direction with this fic, and for offering silly (and effective) solutions whenever I got stuck.

Click here to read on AO3 instead

“Well, well,” Astarion smirks with a self-satisfied sway of his hips. “We’re nearly there, aren’t we? Only one more sleep away.”

He looks like sun-kissed marble with the glow of the hearth soaking over his sculpted chest and lining the rest of his bare, stunning figure. 

Evelyn sprawls on the chaise where he left her, still panting with the aftermath of their pleasure. A wayward shiver shudders down her naked spine. Even though her lover may be cool to the touch, he has a way of melting the sharp edges of the cold into something pleasant. Something soothing. Like a dip into a cool pond, his embrace brings a weightless calm she’s come to crave. Without him, the chill has teeth that not even the crackling fire can dull.

Six chimes call out across the city, echoing through the walls of their private suite in the Elfsong. The sun will rise in another hour or so. Astarion pulls the curtains closed over the frosted window, sealing them off from the snow and wind whistling against the panes.

“O-Oh?” Evelyn gasps, teeth chattering. “I never knew you were the festive type, Astarion.”

She was sure that this sojourn to the surface, as Astarion called it, was all for her sake. She’d seen the pitying look on his face when Gale’s transmutation scroll arrived in their Underdark settlement. Evelyn had all but run to the nearest towering mushroom, eyes alight with glee as the spell swapped it for an evergreen. Maybe it was her use of frayed rope as garland that compelled him to humor her. Or, the ‘tree’ shedding all of its needles only a day later.

Although they have a supply line to the surface, Evelyn would hardly strain their resources for extra sugar and flour to celebrate a season that doesn’t even really reach the persistent humidity of their Underdark home. Nevermind the fact that none of the other residents of their settlement could enjoy sugar cut-out cookies or other festive delicacies. Vampire spawn don’t care for caramel and cinnamon. Though, she knows a few who would settle for a good spiced wine.

One such vampire stands before her with such an earnest sparkle in his eye. His excitement sets her heart skipping. Perhaps this visit is as much for Astarion as it is for her. They hadn’t made firm plans, other than seeing Baldur’s Gate steeped in snowfall. But she’s intimately acquainted with the mischief lifting her lover’s perfect lips.

Astarion turns to her again, his smile softening in sympathy. He plucks the plush blanket pooled on the floor where they left it. Spent and shivering as she is, she can’t help the fresh heat that sweeps her brow at the sight of him, lithe and licked in light and shadow, sauntering over to her with an effortless elegance. A low chuckle rumbles in Astarion’s chest as he slips behind her on the chaise and shrouds them both in the blanket.

“It’s not just any holiday, darling,” he hums, sighing contentedly into her hair.

“Enlighten me,” she says, snuggling against his chest. A serene sigh leaks from her lips as she settles.

“The Winter Solstice is a vampire’s favorite day,” Astarion drawls, fingers stroking pleasantly through her hair. With her ear settled near his sternum, his voice is a lulling, gentle lullaby.  “Do you know why?”

“Hm,” Evelyn says, struggling against a yawn. “Because it’s the shortest one?”

“Clever girl,” he purrs. “The shortest day. And the longest night.”

His scent of brandy, bergamot, and rosemary tingles against her nose. They could be anywhere, and it would still be home, so long as the smell of him still surrounds her. Her eyes grow heavy, gradually slipping shut.

“Sleep well, my little sorceress,” he whispers, sealing the sentiment with a tender kiss atop her head. “We’ve quite the night ahead of us, after all.”

Sleep claims her before she can ponder the promise brimming in his words. 

And all too quickly, her dreams are snatched away by familiar hands. Astarion’s touch is firmer this time. He nudges her side insistently.

“Wake up, little sorceress,” Astarion hums in her ear. “We’ve a solstice to celebrate!”

Evelyn groans groggily, turning to tuck back into the covers. She stiffens to the sound of a throat clearing -- one not so near as her lover.

“And,” the warm but stern voice says pointedly, “an old friend to say ‘hello’ to, in addition to a very hearty ‘thank you’. Though, the latter is Astarion’s burden to bear. I have the sense this was hardly your idea, Evelyn.”

Evelyn clutches the quilt for dear life, eyes ripping open to see--

“Gale?!” She blurts.

Sure enough, the wizard stands at the foot of the bed, clad in violet, fur-lined robes, with fresh snowflakes still wetting his windswept hair. Evelyn’s heart leaps. Perhaps this is what Astarion was alluded to -- a surprise solstice reunion with old comrades!

“I’ve already paid you your thanks, wizard,” Astarion says with a scowl. “And it seems it was for naught at all!”

Gale sighs wearily, muttering intelligible words beneath his breath. It sounds an awful lot like a curse, but when he raises his hands, the spell furling between them carries a gentle warmth.

“Astarion!” Evelyn laughs, the flutter of magic brushing her skin with a fleeting, greenish glow. “What’s going on?”

He leans his head against her shoulder. The plaintive pout of his lower lip banishes any inkling she had of chiding his rudeness.

“We’ve only so much nighttime to spend, even on the longest one,” he says earnestly. He fidgets with the sheets bunched in his fist. “I mean to make the very most of our evening together, darling.”

Evelyn huffs softly, but she can’t fight the grin from her cheeks, not with the tentative one creeping over Astarion’s.

“I cast longstrider on you both,” Gale clarifies. “It will help speed you through your festivities. I understand you’ve a lot of them to attend to. I’m less certain Astarion has grasped the concept of quality over quantity.”

He drifts towards the door. Evelyn sits up, still swaddled in the sheets. Melancholy spikes in her chest, the closer her friend slips towards the door.

“Wait!” She sputters. “Gale, I haven’t seen you in ages! Can’t you stay for--”

“No, he cannot!” Astarion interjects. “We've got things to do, darling! Gabbing with Gale is not on the list!”

Evelyn’s jaw drops. The list is literal. Astarion brandishes a curled parchment from his breast pocket. She’d scarcely registered that he’s fully dressed -- and rather handsomely, in a deep burgundy day coat with black trousers. But her admiration is put on hold as her attention sticks to the scroll unfurling down the side of the bed and rolling halfway to the door. Dimly, she recognizes bits of Astatrion’s script: snow angels, sugar cookies, plum pie, mistletoe, hot chocolate...

She blinks, dumbfounded. “You made plans? You made…all of those plans?”

“What can I say?” He preens. “I’m a man of many talents.”

“Including getting Gale to come all the way from Waterdeep so he can make us walk faster?” Evelyn giggles in disbelief.

“And getting him out of our hair after,” Astarion says with a pointed side-eye. The wizard in question shuffles sheepishly for the door.

“Don’t you worry,” Gale groans. “I won’t take up any more of your precious time. Tonight, at least. I expect to see you both tomorrow for supper, or I should consider your debt unpaid!”

“Good!” Astarion smirks, once their friend has taken his leave. “And good riddance! We’re already late to see the lights!”

Without warning, Astarion snatches the sheets, with Evelyn still twined in them, and tugs them towards the edge of the bed. She shrieks as she’s taken overboard, pouring onto the floor with breathless laughter. 

Astarion peers down at her, his face haloed in silver curls. “Do get dressed, dear,” he says, his reproach softened with a smug smile. 

For a moment, she’s mesmerized. But something tugs on the back of her mind; his coat matches his eyes so brilliantly. And his smile doesn’t reach them.

Evelyn emerges into the nipping night air. The street is alive with glowing lanterns, simmering like coals in deep, velvet dark of only four chimes past noon. Her breath clouds in front of her, mingling in the air with the warm scent of cider and spice. Snow lines the avenues, coating the rooftops in a sugary shimmer. The crunch it gives underfoot makes her think of crumbling wafer cookies. 

Hauling every layer they had with them turned out to be a worthwhile effort; her hat, scarf, and boots stave off the worst of the cold from her extremities. The mysterious, fur-lined frock coat she found among her other garments doesn’t hurt, either. It’s the same winey red as Astarion’s, with a stark white fur on the inside so soft, she could melt into it. Fondly, she traces the holly-leaf embroidery across her shoulders with a gloved hand. Astarion hastily snatches it. Evelyn raises a brow as Astarion clutches it tightly, planting a chaste kiss to the leather on her knuckles.

Without warning, he starts off down the street at a jog, his hand still locked with hers, and Evelyn helpless but to follow.

“Astarion! What exactly are we running f-- I -- oh!”

A fizzing sound tears past them. Evelyn tracks the noise, craning her neck up to see dazzling, silver sparks streaking through the sky.

“The lights, darling,” Astarion coos in her ear. Her eyelids flutter to the drag of her lips along its slightly angled edge. The soft sound gives way to a frustrated groan as they come to a crowd clogging the avenue. Evelyn strains, standing on tippy-toes to peer past heads and hats to catch a glimpse of the spiralling magic flaring somewhere in front of them.

“Oh, forget this,” Astarion mutters. “Come on!”

He leads her around the edges of the audience. Her excitement spikes as they duck into a narrow alley and she sees what he intends. Effortlessly, he scales the brick walls to reach the folded ladder on a balcony above. With a few nimble flourishes, the ladder drops down to where she waits. She takes the rungs to the top, and takes Astarion’s hand again once she’s there. With a mischievous grin, he pulls her up above the balcony and onto the angled rooftop.

Her stomach swoops as her feet slide against the slick shingles. A deft grip catches her.

“Steady, love,” Astarion purrs, and she can’t help but blush.

A rosy glow blooms in the air behind him. Eagerly, Evelyn peers past his shoulders to the show unfolding below. Astarion carefully steers them both into a seat along the rooftop. From their vantage point high above the other spectators, she has a clear view of the wizards working their spells at the heart of the crowd. Their magic twines and tangles in mesmerizing patterns. The weave itself dances before her eyes. 

And yet, even in the wake of such sparkling showmanship, Evelyn still finds herself turning her cheek to a vision far more striking.

Emerald greens and vivid reds flash across her lover’s face, glimmering in crimson eyes that seem too busy skimming the crowd to soak in the spectacle he hurried them to. A golden orb bursts overhead, breaking into sizzling cinders and setting a tangy static in the air. The magic crackles pleasantly against Evelyn’s skin, but she’s awestruck by the way it seeps over Astarion. For one wonder of a moment, he’s bleached in radiance. The dark circles beneath his eyes dissolve in the brightness.

As if he’s standing in the sun again.

“There!” He points suddenly, breaking her reverie. 

“What is it?” She asks, following his finger with a slight frown.

Astarion licks his lips. He says the word with the same rolling, hungry growl he uses when a hunt is on his mind. “Gingerbread!”

Evelyn balks at him. “Since when do you eat gingerbread?!”

“I don’t. But you’re going to,” he says firmly, as if the matter’s settled. Before she can manage a word in edgewise, she’s thoroughly unsettled. Astarion scoops her from her seat, deposits her back onto the balcony, and makes it halfway down the ladder again before she’s managed a breath.

“The show isn’t over yet!” She calls after him. “Don’t you want to--”

“Exactly. We’ll beat everyone else to the bakery, and in so doing, be sure that all sorts of delectable things find their way into that gorgeous mouth.”

Well, when he says it like that…how could she say no? Evelyn swallows hard. Her rakish rogue could make a swamp sound like paradise with all the magic in that silver tongue of his. 

She hurries after him, skirting the crowd, and pushing inside the corner patisserie. Astarion’s low, rolling chuckle teases her ears as her eyes flutter shut and a satisfied hum leaks from her lips, unbidden. Sweetness floods her senses: the tartness of sugared plums, the butteriness of fresh pastries, and the warmth of rising dough. Her mouth waters.

“Open up, darling,” Astarion bades her.

She’d follow that man through the hells (again) if he asked. But when she acquiesces to this simple command, it’s heaven she gets in return. Icing melts against her tongue and it's divine. With a plaintive groan, Evelyn takes the cookie from Astarion’s hand and takes a proper bite. 

“Good?” He prompts with a raised brow.

“So good!” She replies emphatically. 

“And this one?”

“Mmmm.” This one is a thin wafer coated in smooth dark chocolate and tingling with peppermint. It’s good enough to get her toes curled inside her boots.  

“You did pay for these, right?” Evelyn asks, brushing crumbs from her coat.

He doesn’t deign to answer. And she doesn’t hesitate to take the third cookie he conjures from seemingly nowhere.

More patrons trickle in, brushing past Evelyn’s shoulders. She shuffles to the side, eyeing Astarion suspiciously as he seems to look anywhere but her. He peers past the shuddering doors, back out into the avenue, searching for something he can’t seem to find.

“Perfect!” Astarion declares abruptly, eyes glinting with fresh mischief. She’s caught in his whirlwind again, his hand latched with hers, dragging her back out into the frosty night.

“Mmmf!” Her protest is muffled by gingerbread. “MMmhariammm!”

This time, he pulls her along down a short footpath to the docks, where the Sea of Swords is sealed in a pearly sheen of ice as far as the eye can see. Her jaw drops slack. Her confusion -- and growing concern -- over Astarion’s hastiness is cast aside in the wake of utter amazement. 

“It’s saltwater,” she says, marvelling at the shimmer. “It never freezes like this!”

Astarion offers a conspiratorial smile. “For just one night, and just a touch of magic, it does. Shall we?”

A flash of silver catches her eye. He snags something from the shrubbery behind them -- a pair of skates for each of them.

“Oh!” Evelyn grins, giddy even though her eyes narrow. “Did you pay for those?”

“These are simply borrowed,” he shrugs, unrepentant.

And, of course, they fit perfectly. Astarion knows her every inch like the back of his hand. Together, they pick their way carefully down to the frozen sea. Astarion glides effortlessly across the surface, as if it were easy as breathing. He turns back, offering a hand and the slight lift of his lips that she loves so dearly.

“If I take your hand,” she says with a sly smile, “promise we won’t go tearing off across the sea Alaron? Or to the other side of the city for at least five minutes? I’m sure it’s beautiful, but I think we have our own piece of paradise right here, hm?”

“Hm,” Astarion echoes, though the humor in his tone doesn’t touch the tight corners near his eyes. “I suppose I can manage that.”

She takes his open hand, and out onto the ice she slides. 

“You must’ve done this before!” She pants against Astarion’s shoulder. 

His other hand presses the small of her back. He leads in fluid, elegant movements. Twined together like this, they could be dancing in some Lord’s pristine ballroom. All the better that out here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, it’s only each other and the quiet woosh of frostfall that keeps them company. 

This corner of the world is calm. Serene. Smooth and stunning as porcelain.

“No, I haven’t,” Astarion chuckles softly. The sound vibrates pleasantly against her ear. “Not that I can remember, anyway. But I am good at it.”

And gods, does he look good when he lets himself savor the moment instead of hunting for the next one. The moonlight casts a glowing, ivory crown around his head. Dimly, she’s aware of others taking to the ice, but she’s too swept up in his tender gaze to care. Footsteps crunch through the snow along the banks. Evelyn’s heart thumps within her ribs. The world smears as Astarion spins her out away from him, and then reels her back against his chest. Her lips tilt towards the cool caress of his lips.

But they don’t meet hers. Instead, a burst of sudden, hard, frigid cold breaks against her shoulder. Evelyn’s hand flies to her mouth, muffling her startled shout.

Astarion bristles, eyes tearing after three figures streaking through the dark: two young boys pelting another, younger one relentlessly with snowballs. The one that hit Evelyn must’ve been a stray. They’ve clearly no care for fairness, or collateral damage.

“Oh, the little scamps!” Astarion fumes. “Shall we show them to pick on someone their own size?”

“Let’s,” Evelyn says, magic coiling in her palm. Wind rushes from her fist, barreling towards the snow banks and carving fresh ammo for their arsenal. By the time they’ve reached the shore, a half-dozen snowballs await them. Evelyn redirects her magic, fanning out the gust until it forms a makeshift barricade of snow for them to crouch against.

Up ahead, the pair haven’t let up on their onslaught of the third. The boy cowers, arms shielding his face.

“Excuse me!” Astarion calls out. “You ought to get over here behind cover, no?”

The pair pause their assault, turning towards Astarion, incredulous.

“Oh, not you!” Astarion snaps irritably.

It’s then their newfound ward realizes his luck; the boy’s eyes widen as they meet Evelyn’s. Hastily, he scrambles towards their makeshift shelter.

“That’s better,” Astarion huffs. “Now,” he tells the boy, placing a snowball into his quivering hand, “take this, and take your revenge.”

It falls short -- or it would have, if not for the gust of wind Evelyn sends after it that sends it splatting against their adversaries’ legs.

“Not quite,” Astarion says gently. “Like this.”

He demonstrates with master precision; a pair of snowballs pelt the older boys square in the chest, sending them staggering back. She thinks he means to press his advantage, but instead, he plants another snowball in the younger boy’s palm. Evelyn watches, mesmerized, as he fixes the child’s grip, guides the boy’s arm back, and thrusts it forward with a measured force. 

The projectile meets its mark against a gangly shoulder.

“Woah,” the child gasps. 

“Cheater!” One of the older boys blurts. 

“You’re not cheating,” Astarion tells their new friend firmly. “You’re just…resourceful. There’s no harm in having help. Now, try another on your own.”

The boy’s brow furrows fiercely in concentration. He reels his arm back, and throws. Smack!

“Better,” Astarion smiles.

In no time at all, the tides of battle turn. The bullies flee in short order, their one-time ally tearing after them with a wild cry, pelting snowballs at their heels. Evelyn laughs herself breathless, watching them dart off into the dark.

Astarion leans back against their snowy fortifications with the sort of sated grin he usually wears after feeding. He looks relaxed. Carefree. Happy.

“You’re good with them, you know,” she says softly. It was on her lips as soon as she thought it -- before she could consider if it was a thought that should be said out loud at all. 

She always relished seeing this soft streak in him. The way he treats children. The way he treated Arabella, and Yenna. It wakes a warmth in her, the same, hopeful lift in her spirit that comes when winter thaws to spring.

She’d never had to worry about censoring herself with Astarion. But now, she babbles for something, anything else to say to staunch the flabbergasted look on his face.

“I beg your pardon?!” He blurts.

“I-I said, ‘is that mistletoe’?”

His eyes narrow, like a predator fixing on its prey. “Mistletoe!”

Oh, no. Evelyn groans inwardly. That must’ve been another word from the list that’s driven him from every moment she’s wanted to linger in tonight. He’s already feverishly untying his skates when she holds up a hand.

“Astarion, wait!” She pleads.

“Wait?” He whines, a faux pout on his lips. “But darling, I’ve been dying to kiss you all night.”

She feels the static building on her skin from his coat brushing hers. It’s a welcome friend, a familiar, pleasant sensation for a storm sorceress such as herself. One that might just make him listen.

“Then why wait any longer, love?” She says, soft and sultry. Her fingers tug along Astarion’s collar as she leans in and hovers.

He doesn’t disappoint; with a hungry groan low in his throat, Astarion dips his lips to hers.

Snap!

The static bursts across their mouths, the pleasure and pain equally brief and tantalizing. Astarion draws back only slightly, his nose nudging hers playfully.

“Is someone starved for attention?” He snickers. More earnestly he says, “You have mine now, love.”

“Astarion,” she says pointedly, “what is this all really about?”

He eases back, tilting his head. “Whatever do you mean?”

Evelyn raises a brow.

He gestures broadly, as if the motion itself is an explanation. When it evidently isn’t, he adds hastily, “Oh, it’s the solstice! It’s merry and joyous and bright, or whatever!”

Evelyn crosses her arms. “I don’t believe you care this much about the solstice.”

His head bobs sheepishly. “Maybe I didn’t before, but you do, and I adore you thoroughly.”

Evelyn dips her head, finding his eyes again. “Then why are we doing more rushing than we are relishing, hm?”

Her heart clenches as his shoulders slump. Ruefully, he meets her gaze. “I-I know it isn’t -- I mean, I know you said this is what you wanted,” he says, gesturing to himself hesitantly, “but the Underdark can’t be everything you wish for. If only for one night, I wanted you to have everything you long for. Everything a vampire spawn can give you, anyway.”

“My rakish, foolish rogue,” she says, throat thick. “The only wish I have left for tonight is that you enjoy it, too. This time is special because it’s ours. It’s spent together. Starting traditions! Making memories!”

She reaches out a hand to cradle his cheek. He leans into the touch at once, lips pressing tenderly to her inner wrist.

“I want to make all of them with you,” he whispers, reverent.

“Maybe not all in one night,” she says with a fond smile. “And maybe we don’t need the mistletoe, hm?”

She gets to taste that tender, secret smile of his as he leans forward and catches her in an eager kiss. Astarion reels her close, the scent of bergamot, brandy, and rosemary caressing her cheek as he cradles her jaw. Her eyes flutter shut, her satisfied hum thrumming from her lips to his.

The snow, the wind, the world around them melts into dull distance. They could be anywhere, but with him at her side, it could only be called ‘home’.

A/N: Per Mr. Megh, 'ladies love pre-planned activities'. 😆 Specific credit to him for pointing out why vampires might like the winter solstice, the idea of dragging poor Gale into this, and setting Astarion on his quest of holiday over-achievement. Divider credit to @firefly-graphics.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING!! <3 <3 <3