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ratinayellowbandana · 9 months

Note

Hound "baby boy" of Ill Omen for prompts!

first off, thank you for carrying this whole ship on your back. you are our strongest soldier and we appreciate you.

second, even more thanks for sending this my way! I hope this is something like what you had in mind!

if anyone else sees this and would like to toss a little prompt my way, feel free :)

wc: 934

cw: body horror…kind of? it’s just canonically what the good boy looks like

~~~

Imogen loves Laudna. She does. Quite a lot, in fact.

Because it is a fact.

It may as well be written in stone. In the stars. Recorded on one of those dusty scrolls in elegant script and stuck on a shelf in some stuffy library for the next bored student who may happen across it and learn of two witches who saved the world.

Laudna, it must be noted, is a woman of many quirks.

And Imogen, it must be noted, adores her for them.

They are just as much a part of Laudna as the angle of her nose, the brightness in her eyes. As are her projects, macabre and scrounged as they often are, and so Imogen adores them, too.

(If it takes her a moment to come around, Laudna must never know. Each new creation, presented to Imogen with all the glee of a child in a sweets shop, will only ever be met with enthusiasm. Laudna, she knows, has spent too long squirreling away the odd parts of herself. Imogen is determined to recover them.)

“Come here, darling,” Laudna calls, and the flesh-and-bone creature that scared the everloving fuck out of Imogen the first time he burst from his maker’s chest trots happily to her side, tongue lolling from a fleshless snout.

The hound twines between Laudna’s legs, and she lifts her skirts to allow him through. He leans heavily against the inside of her knee, and Laudna beams. She bends at the waist to wrap the creature in spindly arms. His back arches, and Imogen can hear the vertebrae curving, clacking, as Laudna scratches behind his one intact ear. The ichor-tipped remnant of a tail begins to wag, shaking them both with the force of it.

He spots Imogen several paces away, and his green eyes glow, peering at her curiously.

Laudna has stopped her scritches, and the hound tilts his big head. Laudna looks up, meets Imogen’s fond gaze, and her lips split into a wide grin.

“Go on,” she pats the creature’s sides encouragingly, “say hello if you like.”

The hellhound bounds forward, released from his command.

Imogen recalls the day he learned his tricks.

Laudna had found Imogen lounging beneath a copse of trees one afternoon, just as the sun was beginning to sink, casting the forest in dappled shades of orange and gold. The festering hound loped diligently at her heels. His paws colored the leaf-strewn ground iridescent black in their wake.

“Look!” Laudna had said, chest puffed. She turned to her newest creation and pointed one finger. “You’ve been so obedient all afternoon. I’ll see about giving you something from my collection if your other mom approves of your skills. I should have a deer leg that will suit you nicely.” She contemplated for a moment. “Ready?”

The hound stretched into a bow, muscle snapping over exposed bone, yawned, and shook. Drops of blood and ichor spattered the clearing, but Imogen hardly noticed, too caught up in Laudna’s casual statement.

She had said it nonchalantly, as if she hadn’t just gifted Imogen something extraordinarily precious. As if Imogen’s senses hadn’t suddenly gone askew. As if she hadn’t just sent Imogen’s worldview slip-sliding into something new and dangerous and so welcome that it felt like a homecoming. Her mind spun until she was almost giddy with it. She wondered, then, how something said so simply could feel so significant. If Laudna understood what she had done.

She had appointed Imogen the caretaker of a fragment of her soul. Of a creature that had been born of her, born from her. Crafted from the essence of her with whispered words and a desire to protect.

“Imogen?” Laudna had said then, “Are you ready?”

And Imogen had glanced between Laudna and her hound, who sat on bleeding haunches and looked expectantly at his mother, and it was all she could do to swallow the creak in her throat.

“Let’s see what you can do.”

Now, as the hound nearly bowls her over, Imogen cannot find it within herself to be mad at him. Not even at the dark stains on her dress. They’ll come out with a prestidigitation or two. She knows from experience.

She falls back in the grass and stares down twin emeralds. A broad tongue laps the side of her face, and she laughs, trying to dodge a cold, wet nose against her cheek. Her hands come up to cup the sides of his muzzle.

“Hi, baby boy,” she coos. She rubs at his ears, and he presses harder into her palm, groaning loudly. She can feel the vibration in her chest.

Laudna scolds, “What have I said about knocking people over?” Her hands rest firmly on her hips. “Honestly, Imogen, you could at least discipline him. How will he learn?”

Imogen rolls her eyes, shrugs. “I’m the fun mom. He comes to me because he knows he can’t get away with anything when you’re around.”

Laudna huffs. “I’m sorry that I want our son to be civilized.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” The hound flops to the ground, sprawling over Imogen’s outstretched legs, and she lets out an oomph of surprise. “Are you going to join us down here?”

Laudna sighs and settles beside Imogen, resting her head on Imogen’s shoulder. She runs her hands over the creature’s exposed belly, avoiding the biggest of the perpetually oozing wounds. His jaw unhinges happily. His tail thumps a steady rhythm against her shin.

Imogen presses a kiss to the top of Laudna’s head, and Laudna relaxes into her.

A soft smile spreads across Imogen’s lips.

#this was written in an hour on the highway so please forgive any mistakes #I adore the baby boy #but for real many thanks for letting me take a stab at this #always honored to see you pop up in my notes :)#hope this works!#prompt fill #my fic #imodna #imodna fanfic #critical role #laudna #imogen temult #hound of ill omen #fic #cr3 #critical role fanfiction #ask #horse-immorality

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sparklypinkflightsuit · 7 months

Text

Drugs, Thugs and Pilot Kelson Hugs: Part 2

Pairing: Pilot Kelson x Reader

Warnings: Drugs, Alcohol, Swearing, Sexual Themes, Violence, Slowish Burn, I think that’s it?

Summary: Your friendship with Pilot grows steadily into something new.

- Part 1 Here -

———————————

Over the next few weeks, you saw Pilot a few times at parties and bars and general get togethers. You quickly became good friends, getting to know each other more and more each time.

You also got to know Mason’s friend, Zack, who began hanging out with your group more frequently. Zack was a good looking guy, and he was charming. He asked you out the second time you met, and you had agreed more out of boredom and curiosity than out of actually liking him, but regardless, your date went well and you started seeing each other more over the next few weeks. You weren’t official but you definitely felt that Zack was about ready to ask you to be his officially. You weren’t sure if you would say yes when he asked, he was cute but you just weren’t crazy about him yet.

One night you were invited to Jack and Cassie’s for a get-together. Carly, Porter, Pilot and Mason would also be there, so you’d assumed Zack was also invited and didn’t bother asking him yourself. Truth be told you didn’t really care whether or not he was there, but you would enjoy his company if he was.

You arrived at Jack and Cassie’s apartment, and made your rounds saying hello to everyone who was already there. Mason and Pilot had yet to arrive so you made yourself comfortable.

A few minutes later Pilot walked through the door followed by Mason, but there was no sign of Zack. You hugged Pilot and he kissed your cheek. You said hello to Mason and went about enjoying your evening, forgetting about poor Zack entirely.

Most of the night passed without incident, and you were lounging on the couch next to Pilot and Carly, talking about everything and nothing when the front door swung open.

Zack stood at the front door, face red with anger as his eyes searched the room. You sat upright and looked at him with confusion.

“You!” He pointed his finger in your direction as he closed the gap between the front door and the couch. “What the fuck are you doing here, huh?” He spat.

“Woah! Woah!” Pilot stood and held his hands up to Zack, trying to slow his barrage.

“What are you talking about Zack?” You asked, incredulously, standing from your seated position.

“I went to your apartment to surprise you, but you weren’t there. I tried to call you, but you’re ignoring me! I called Mason, who was kind enough to inform me that you’d be here, without me. An invitation would have been nice, don’t you think? Or are you trying to avoid me so… so you can snuggle up to this guy?” He yelled, clearly slightly drunk.

“Alright Zack, I think you need to calm down.” You said, walking towards him. You tried to gently push him towards the front door so you could both leave and you could walk him home, but Zack took this as you trying to force him out, and shoved you. You went stumbling backwards and Pilot caught you before you fell. This enraged Pilot, and once he was sure you were secure and standing, he launched himself at Zack, grabbing him by his T-shirt and shoving him to the ground. Pilot held him down as Zack struggled drunkenly.

“Listen here you piece of shit, if you ever lay a finger on (Y/N), or any of us ever again, I will personally shove twenty quaaludes up your ass and strap you behind the wheel of your car with your foot on the gas, got it?” Pilot spat, his hand squeezing Zack’s face, forcing him to look at him.

Zack nodded, clearly embarrassed by the situation and that no one was taking his side.

“Good.” Pilot smiled sarcastically, tapping Zack on the cheek as he got up. “Now get the fuck outta here.”

Zack sauntered off, slamming the apartment door behind him. Mason felt the need to follow Zack and ensure he got home safely, so he left shortly after.

“Are you okay?” Pilot asked, walking back over to where you sat on the arm of the sofa, still not really believing what just happened, and that you found Pilot incredibly sexy in that moment.

You nodded, “Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Thank you, for sticking up for me.” You nodded and smiled weakly. You suddenly weren’t in the mood to party. “I think I’m gonna go. I don’t feel so great all of a sudden.” You excused yourself, waving goodbye to the remaining members.

“I’ll drive you.” Pilot said, grabbing his keys. You were too shaken to argue.

The drive home was quiet, you were now contemplating whether or not to speak to Zack and to apologise for any misunderstanding, but you were aware that his behaviour, regardless of the reason, was unacceptable. You pulled up outside of your apartment block, and Pilot got out to help you out of your side.

“You ok if I walk you to your apartment? Just in case he’s waiting.” Pilot chuckled awkwardly. You smiled at him as you closed the car door.

“Thanks, good idea.” You nodded.

You made small talk as you climbed the seemingly endless flights of stairs to your apartment, eventually coming to stand outside your door.

“Well I guess he really did just go home.” You shrugged, relieved.

“Worth making sure, I guess.” He rubbed the back of his head.

“Thank you again, Pilot. For sticking up for me and for making sure I got home safe.”

“Any time.” You made eye contact for a while, mouths saying nothing but eyes saying everything. “See you around?” He eventually said, walking backwards towards the stairwell, both hands in his pockets.

You nodded, “Hope so.”

Pilot made his way down the stairwell, a smile in his face as he went. He got about halfway down, when he heard you calling him.

“Pilot, wait!” you called from the top, looking down at him. He looked up with a grin.

“I have a work event tomorrow night, I was going to take Zack, but I guess he’s out. Do you want to come as my plus one?” You asked, “as a friend, I mean.”

“Do I have to wear a suit?” He joked.

You rolled your eyes, “Just wear a nice shirt.”

“I guess I can make that happen.” He smiled.

“Ok, meet me here at 7?”

“See you then.” And he was gone.

You stood at the top of the stairwell, smiling to yourself. You were excited to see if he cleaned up well.

———————————————

The next evening came round quickly, you got ready and smoothed out the beautiful deep red dress you’d bought especially for the event that matched your lipstick. Your hair was styled elegantly and you felt… nervous.

The knock on your door alerted you that Pilot had arrived.

You had no idea why you were nervous until you opened the door, realising suddenly that it was him. You had subconsciously been worried he wouldn’t think you looked beautiful. But as soon as you opened the door, Pilot let out a deep breath and whistled lowly, taking you in. His eyes turned dark as he made eye contact with you.

“Wow.” He breathed. “You look incredible.”

You suddenly didn’t feel nervous anymore. You smiled at him. He looked so handsome, his hair was still messy but he had made an effort to smooth it down. He wore a button down white shirt, the top few buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up to his forearms.

“You clean up good yourself.” You said, grabbing your purse and locking the door behind you.

Pilots hand came to rest gently on your mid back, as he guided you down the stairwell. You two were quiet the whole time, Pilot focussing on how the dress moved against your figure. You focussing on how his hand felt on the exposed skin of your back.

He drove you to the hall where your work event was being held, and you ran him through who to speak to and who to avoid.

When you arrived you walked in and went straight to the bar, getting a drink for you and Pilot before you began your rounds.

“(Y/N)! How nice to see you!” Your boss called as he and his wife waltzed over to where you stood.

“Mr and Mrs Jamison, lovely to see you.” You greeted them both with a kiss on the cheek.

“I love your dress darling!” Mrs Jamison exclaimed. She was a beautiful older woman, and she had taste, her dress had to cost more than a month of your salary, but she was kind enough to compliment you. “And who is your… friend?” She asked, unsure of who you’d brought.

“This is Pilot Kelson, ma’am. He’s a good friend of mine.” You introduced him.

“He’s a pilot?” She questioned. You chuckled and explained, “No ma’am, that’s just his name.” You smiled. Pilot shook her and Mr Jamisons hands.

“Nice to meet you.” He said politely.

“And you boy. Interesting name you have!” Mr Jamison exclaimed. “Come, let me introduce you to a few people.”

You and Pilot walked around the room following Mr and Mrs Jamison, being introduced to people you hadn’t yet met, and greeting those you had. After about 15 minutes of doing so, you excused yourself and Pilot to refresh your drinks.

You pulled him to the bar and sighed, “This is exhausting.”

Pilot chuckled, “It suits you, you fit in well with everyone.”

You scrunched up your nose in mock insult, “You saying I look like a snob?”

“You do in that dress.” He joked, poking your ribs, causing you to squeal and jump forward slightly into him involuntarily. Pilot laughed as he steadied you with both hands, suddenly stopping as he realised how close your faces were to one another. He could smell the peaches in your perfume.

You cleared your throat and stepped back when the bartender came to serve you. You both ordered fresh drinks and sat down at an empty table.

“So you spoken to Zack yet?” He asked, taking a long swig of his beer.

You shook your head, playing with the straw in your drink.

“No, I think I’ll give it a few days. But I probably should end it in person at least.”

Pilot nodded. A beat of comfortable silence passed as you both people watched.

Couples of all ages took to the dance floor, slow dancing lovingly with each other. It made sense really, almost everyone had brought their other halves, and there were only a small handful of singletons in your company.

Pilot watched you smiling as you gazed on the happy couples. He got up from his seat and extended his hand out for you to take.

“Oh, no way. We know how bad you are at dancing.” You gave him a stern look as you joked. He grinned at you, taking your hand and pulling you up.

“Come on Mrs Kelson, I think it’s time you gave your husband some attention.” He joked loudly. You flushed bright red and hissed at him to shush. Pilot laughed, and pulled you up against him once you reached the dance floor, one hand on his shoulder, his on your lower back, other hands on one another’s as he swayed you slowly back and forth.

“You’ve gotten better. Been practicing?” You questioned him.

“Yeah Jack and I love to slow dance in the living room. We’re romantic like that.” He joked. You smirked at him and rolled your eyes. You both moved gently to the music, and your eyes settled on one another while you did so.

Other couples flitted effortlessly around you, everyone’s eyes watching the sweet young couple now at the centre of the dance floor, dancing slower than everyone else, but your eyes were just on one another, not taking notice to everyone watching you.

“You look so beautiful, you really do.” He breathed, eyes half lidded and dark.

“You look pretty good yourself. I like this-“ you gestured to his slightly unbuttoned shirt, your fingers moving to gently stroke the uncovered skin without thinking.

Pilot let out a soft moan only you could hear over the music.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-“ you pulled your fingers away and made to apologise but you were interrupted by Pilot squeezing your waist, as if to say it was ok. You smiled at him, your heart beating so hard you thought he’d be able to see it.

“That feels… nice.” He admitted, you grinned softly, and sheepishly moved your fingers back to his exposed chest, just underneath his collar bone. His skin was soft, and you traced the little bit of chest hair he had. When you looked back up at him, his mouth was slightly parted, his pupils were blown, and he was breathing heavily. His lips looked so soft.

“Pilot I-“ again you were interrupted, this time by the band switching to a lively song, and everyone started cheering. You quickly pulled away from one another and the little bubble you’d formed around yourself had burst.

For the rest of the evening, things felt slightly tense, and you and Pilot didn’t spend much time alone until he drove you back to your apartment at the end of the night, neither of you speaking about what had happened.

——————————————

- Part 3 Here -

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