#Verine x Reader

[saphirered]

Critical Role NPCs Masterlist

Last Updated: 09/19/2023

(Essek)

Secrets and Confessions

First Times (poly Essek x reader x Caleb headcanons)

Promises

Siblings (sibling!reader)

Serenity

Hell Hath No

Gifts

Betrothal pt1

Betrothal pt2

Poisoned Sting

Perfect Dream

(Verin)

Like an Artificer

New Friends

Good Company

Family Visits

Star-Crossed Lovers

The Runaway Bride and Her Warrior

Lightning and Storms

Demons

Peach Tarts

(Lucien)

Game Over

Game On

Ghost of the Past

Conditional Love

Fan the Flames

Phantom Feelings

(Artagan)

For the Love of a Not-God

Favour In Kind

Terrible Puns

Crossing Paths pt1.

Crossing Paths pt2.

(Yussa)

Glorious Performance (headcanons)

Home Again

(Bryce)

Letters (headcanons)

[lotties-ashwagandha]

STILLED (nsfw)

moiraine sedai x fem!reader

moiraine has been ignoring you in her search for the source during your stay with verin and adeleas sedai, but she makes it up to you. word count 1.3k

Moiraine had been ignoring you for weeks. 

Ever since she’d lost her connection to the Source she’d been distant. She hardly talked to you anymore, spent days locked up in her study and hardly came down. More often than not she would spend nights there as well, leaving you on your own. It felt like you were hardly together anymore. 

You tried being patient with her about it. You knew how hard it must have been for her, and you wanted to do whatever you could to help, but she wouldn’t let you. 

You’d tried talking to her about it in her office with her. She brushed you off, and you got upset, slamming the door behind you and leaving things between you in pieces, spending the rest of the day avoiding her as much as she seemed to be avoiding you. 

You laid in bed that night, trying to get to sleep but the memory of your confrontation earlier still haunted you. Only when you’d stormed out of her study had Moiraine really seemed to realize how upset you were with her, and while you were glad she finally understood it you were also victim to a thousand contemplations running through your mind arguing over if you’d been too harsh on her or not. You craved the mental silence of sleep, but it never came. 

The door to the bedroom opened, and you tensed. You were hardly awake anymore when Moiraine came to bed — if she came to bed. 

She slid into bed beside you. A fresh wave of hurt crashed over you, for you wished more than anything to turn over and curl into her embrace and never leave her arms, but still you had a point to prove and still you were upset with her — but it was hell to be mad at her. 

Moiraine looped an arm over your waist and sighed. You waited. For anything. 

“I know you’re awake,” she said. 

You were silent. 

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and you rolled over to face her. “I haven’t been fair to you.” 

“I just want you to talk to me,” you said. “You don’t have to tell me everything, but tell me something. I’m worried about you.” 

“I know,” she said softly, her hand coming up to cup your cheek gently. Your eyes fell closed for a moment, and you allowed yourself the comfort of her touch. “It’s been so difficult,” she said, and you opened your eyes. “I’ve hardly ever been without the Source. I don’t know who I am without it.” 

You nodded in understanding, holding her hand in yours. You didn’t give advice, there was none you could give, and you would never understand her pain, however hard you tried. You’d heard of Aes Sedai severed from the Source, and of the bitter end they’d all suffered. It made you fearful that the prospect lingered of Moiraine serving the same fate. 

“What are you thinking about?” She asked, and you were silent for a moment before responding. 

“You,” you said quietly. “Always you.” 

She watched you for a moment, contemplating your state before gently pulling you into a kiss. You relaxed into her touch, but giddiness spread through you — it had been ages since she’d been this attentive to you. 

“I’ve missed you,” you said when she pulled away, and she blessed you with a small smile, a rarity you would tuck away in your memory and treasure in her absence. 

She began to kiss your neck, sucking and nipping marks in her wake. She kissed up to the base of your jaw, and then pulled you in for another kiss. She dominated it, taking control over you in every way and guiding your movements to her satisfaction. You were in euphoria under her command. 

“Let me make it up to you,” she said once she’d pulled away. Her hands slipped under the hem of your shirt, resting at your waist. “Let me show you how much I want you.” 

You nodded in approval and quickly she took your shirt off, your pants following, until you were completely bare before her. She looked over you with reverence, and shyly you averted your gaze. She was still fully clothed above you, and it made you feel impossibly more vulnerable. 

“So fucking gorgeous,” she breathed as she watched you, quietly as if any sudden sound, any sudden movement would cause you to break. 

You pulled her into a kiss and one of her hands slid up to your chest. Her thumb circled your nipple and you moaned into the kiss, pulling her closer. You were growing more desperate for her by the second, and even when you parted you could hardly breathe so long as she was touching you, manipulating your body in every way she’d perfected. 

“My perfect girl,” Moiraine said, and her other hand slid down your abdomen to rest at your hips. Slowly her hand slid between your legs as she began to kiss your chest, and in desperation you whined, a speechless plea for her touch. “Do you need mommy to take care of you, baby?” 

“Yes,” you breathed, holding back a moan as her hand finally trailed between your legs. As she ran a finger through your folds you gasped — her hands were cold against you, not unpleasantly but enough to reveal how sensitive you were to her touch. 

“Stay still for me, baby,” Moiraine whispered as you began to squirm when she started to circle your clit. “You can be my good girl, can’t you? I know you can be mommy’s good girl.” 

You whined, moaning when she kissed you. You tried your hardest to stay still but she was making it impossible with the way she was fucking you, the way she had just slid two fingers into you with impeccable ease. Your hips bucked into her hand and your back arched slightly off the bed as you whimpered, possessed by the pleasure only Moiraine could give you. 

“Still,” she reminded you sharply. You moaned, your only comprehensible thoughts all circling around her touch, her commands, how euphoric every moment of this felt. 

She began to kiss down your sternum and abdomen, and through the pleasure clouding your mind you could tell what she was working to as she kissed down your body, but you stopped her, pulling her back up to you. 

“I want you close to me,” you murmured, breathless. “Stay with me.” 

In response she pressed a kiss to your jaw, a smile ghosting over her lips as she quickened the pace of her hand, eliciting a moan from you. You were close, you could feel release building within you that made your mind go blank and your eyes fall closed with the intensity of anticipation. 

“Cum for me, my love,” she purred, and it washed over you immediately. Pleasure like fire swept through you, claiming your entire body until you were lost in it, all of eternity collapsed into a single moment. Moiraine kissed you, and for a second longer it was prolonged, perpetual, before all at once it was gone and you collapsed into her embrace. 

“You did so well, darling,” she praised, and something akin to pride rose in your chest. She held you close, pulling you over so that your head was laying on her chest as the two of you laid in the comfort of your bed. 

“Stay here with me,” you said, repeating your phrase from only minutes ago, but you meant it. You had missed her indescribably, and only her love could save the possibility of the future. 

“Always,” she promised, and you believed that she meant it with your same enthusiasm. And in her assurance, you allowed yourself to relax in her embrace, your breath evening to a steady rhythm as you succumbed to the gentle grasp of sleep.

***

wheel of time taglist: @thepotatoislost @madamevirgo

[afterlifeimagines]

Hello! Great to see imagines blogs rising up for this new game :)) anyways, I wanted to request 🖤 for Theo, Cyrille, and Verine. I hope you have a nice day ㅎзㅎ💕💕

Cyrille: 

🖤 Do they enjoy loving or being loved?

To Cyrille, it’s ten times easier to be loved rather than love another person. He can’t say he doesn’t enjoy the feeling of being in love when the feelings are reciprocated but he’d much rather it be the other way around, with him having fans trail after him while he lets them down gently (soaking in the attention while he could). He’s very unused to having someone love and care about him genuinely so he can’t help but want to bask in it, his inexperience with romantic relationships making ‘loving’ an uphill battle as he tries to figure out what works and what the best way to get his feelings across are. 

Theo: 

🖤 Do they enjoy loving or being loved?

Theo feels like loving comes more naturally than being loved. He knows a plethora of things he can do to make you happy as he has a good memory when it comes to you but he also has a tendency to stress himself out when it comes to taking care of you. Cleaning your living space so that he can also be comfortable in it is probably the most ‘selfish’ thing he’ll do and though it’s frustrating when he interrupts a romantic moment to wipe something done you know it’s his own way of showing you how much he loved you. 

Verine: 

🖤 Do they enjoy loving or being loved?

Verine thinks there needs to be a healthy balance of both for a relationship to be a beneficial and positive one so he’s pretty divided on which he enjoys more. There are times where he likes to attend to your needs, to show he can take care of you and that he’s very conscious of your needs. There are other times where he just feels so tired that he wants to be coddled and loved (by you and only you), where he just wants to lay in your arms and have you stroke his hair so 

[railroad-migraine]

Critical Role Campaign 2 Headcanon Masterlist

Works by Poet / @railroad-migraine

Critical Role Fanfic Masterlist

Critical Role Headcanon Masterlist

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* = my fave posts

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MAIN CAST ✨

The Mighty Nein 🧁

Crushing on a Circle of Stars Druid * (part 2)

Nicknames for you *

"Can I Kiss You?" * (asking for a kiss)

Giving them a surprise kiss after battle (ft. Kingsley + Essek) *

Tight Squeeze * (hiding in an alley together)

-

Beauregard Lionette 💜

With a telepathic s/o *

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Caduceus Clay 💜

Friends with a druid!reader

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Caleb Widogast 💜

Sitting with him on watch

With a telepathic s/o *

Comforting the reader after a tough battle *

Reassuring fem!reader about body hair

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Fjord Stone 💜

With a flirty crush

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Jester Lavorre 💜

With a telepathic s/o *

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Mollymauk Tealeaf 💜

Comforting him *

Hand holding *

With a telepathic s/o *

Confession

Being protective of s/o

Matching Tattoos

S/o has thick thighs *

Reassuring fem!reader about body hair

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Kingsley Tealeaf 💜

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Nott the Brave/Veth Brennato 💜

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Yasha Nydoorin 💜

Fighting duo in an arena

Reassuring fem!reader about body hair

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NPCs ✨

Essek Theylss 💜

His plus one at a party

Being protective of s/o

Nicknames for you *

Reassuring fem!reader about body hair

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Verin Thelyss 💜

Taking a hit for bard s/o

Crushing on a strong!reader

-

[gaetoeinhaler]

PERIOD DRAMA || DILUCULO

masterlist

rules

includes ; female reader, youssef, mori, quincy, verine

scenario :

        you had just woken up from the night's sleep, feeling refreshed. doing your usual morning routine, you get up. though, something feels off this time. something felt wet. turning around, you noticed the red splotch and marks on the bed sheets. not long after, pain comes crashing into just below your stomach.

        putting two and two together, you could make out what was happening. what you thought you had escaped from in your life as a human, has followed you over into your after life.

        soon, there's a knock at your door. trying to at least change into a new set of underwear and pants, the door opens and reveals the person from the other side.

_______________

Youssef :

• actually knows what's going on from the red marks on the bed sheets

• will offer to take you to the human world to get pads/tampons. as well as any medication (ibuprofen, tylenol)

• if you have mood swings, he will remain calm during them. if you become angry, and you need to rant out your anger, he will be there to listen to you.

• will offer a hug if you need it. maybe a kiss. depends on how needy you're feeling.

• helps with keeping the rest of the reapers in line. if you have a headache, he'll make sure the reapers aren't being too loud and will bring you some medication for your headache as well as a warm drink.

• makes sure your needs are met, to an extent though. he will make you a warm drink, help with work that nyang leader manager has given you, and give tummy rubs if needed.

• offers to clean your blood stained clothes, and sheets.

_______________

Mori :

• probably into something sexual when it comes to periods, we may never know

• besides that, he'll point it out, to make sure yes in fact you are on your period

• offers the help for going to the human world, but don't trust him with pads/tampons.

• its not as if he's going to do something bad with them, its just how confused he'd be when it comes to size and brand.

• he may be a man of many (secret) talents but man is he lost when it comes to pads.

• medication? he'll try to find the ones you mentioned, may end up going to verine for the medication seeing as the reaper takes them all the time and might have the medicine you asked him to get.

• he's not big with sweet food/desserts, but will try to find something that he thinks would help your cravings

_______________

Quincy :

• hes got no idea what in the hell a period is.

• will think you're injured or killed someone in your sleep.

• have to explain what a period is.

• cue the shocked face he gets.

• "you go through that? why? doesn't it hurt?"

• good luck escaping his questions. he'll witch hunt you for you to answer his questions.

• insists he comes with you to the human world. and when he sees what the tampons/pads look like, he has more questions.

• "why does it look like that?" "does it hurt to put it in?" "how do you take it off?" "does it really absorb the blood?"

• will hug you if you need a hug, but he isn't your doll (his words) so be careful on how much touching you do with him.

_______________

Verine :

• cue the mass coughing as his words get stuck in his throat, staring at the splotch

• he knows what it is, he isn't oblivious. he'd learn about it in school, since everyone does no matter what.

• offers to help change the sheets, or at least take them down to the washer so he could put them in it.

• is polite and patient, might not survive your mood swings though. however, he will be kind about it.

• he's used to being insulted by quincy as well as being yelled at by him, so he won't flinch much when you yell at him when one of those moods come

• has medicine ready for when you have cramps. as well as a drink on hand.

• he may not be good with sweets, but he'll try to talk to nine about making some of his chocolate chip cookies, because lets face it. nine's cookies would be *insert chef's kiss*

• a good person to go to when you need to rant about whatever is stressing, angering, or just bothering you in general.

• not the best with physical affection, but will give a hug or two if needed.

[pastafossa]

Flufftober 2021, Day 22 - Flirting at Work

You can track my progress here on my Flufftober list, and you can find the official flufftober tumblr here!

Ship: Matt Murdock x Reader       Rating: SFW       Wordcount: 451 Warnings: you two being all touchy and flirty and affectionate

“I know you can’t read braille, but if you run your fingers over this line right here,” he murmured into your ear, using his warm hand to gently glide your fingers across the array of tiny bumps, “this section of your contract is very clear about involving third parties.”

You sighed as if in disappointment, tilting your head ever so slightly until your cheek brushed his. He had his head over your shoulder, the heat of him radiant against your back like the roar of a bonfire, so you didn’t have all that far to go for you to touch him. “That’s unfortunate. Nothing you can do on that clause? You are my lawyer, and you’re… quite charming. I was hoping you could talk your way around it.”

“Mm, I’m afraid you’re backed into a corner on this one,” he breathed, leaning in until his chest was pressed to your back, all hard muscle and burning warmth, faintly scented like cinnamon and copper. He only got closer when you reached back to hook his tie, slowly pulling him in closer until he’d slotted up against your back fully, doing the best he could with the chair’s back  between you. His voice warmed to a purr. “At present, there are no exceptions contractually, even for someone as beautiful-sounding as you.”

“You guys realize I’m still here, right?” Foggy said loudly, rolling his eyes and tapping your contract, which was also in front of him. “Cause I am. Been here the whole time. For an hour. We solved your contractual issue forty minutes ago, in fact, before you two started dragging this review out, line-by-line, like some kind of weird legal foreplay.”

“It doesn’t hurt to be thorough, and we have at least thirty minutes left.” Matt’s voice was nothing but innocence, his brows arching in almost comical disbelief that did nothing to distract from his widening grin. “We wouldn’t want a clause to slip past us, and certainly not for our best client. We have a reputation to maintain, Foggy.”

“And after all,” you told Foggy solemnly, tugging on Matt’s tie again until he leaned down to nuzzle against your neck with an eager hum, “Mr. Murdock told me that Nelson and Murdock takes every case… very personally.”

“So personally that one of them marries a client and then they become my nightmare,” Foggy scoffed, rolling his eyes again when Matt dragged his cheek across your neck, blatantly scent-marking you without making any effort to pretend otherwise. 

“I think he’s insinuating something, Mr. Murdock,” you told Matt with a theatrical frown.

He chuckled against your skin, winding one arm around your waist and rocking you a little. “I assure you, Mrs. Murdock, he would never. We’re fine, upstanding citizens here.” 

“I’m about to up-stand and leave this room,” Foggy groaned. “Newlyweds. God.”

-x-

Tagging 🔥The Church of Saint Murdock🔥 taglist (to be added, click here): @thenerdlordparade @nurisiliel @psychedelic-star @weeb-verine @acrabbybish @nostalgicslumbers @shadows-echoes @the-bluest-hour @tashas-cauldron-of-tomato-soup @coolhairdocroissantpickle @andthewishingwell​@juniebugg. @starry-ocean-floor.@strawb3rrydr3ss​@bohemianrhapsody86​@moonyinthestars​ @caswinchester2000​@thequeenofthefallen @elementec​ @phantomkindalikejaiden​@greatmoonchild​ @lov3vivian​ @mackycat11​ @ownerofthehighground​ @melodicmel​ @vx-vexedvixen​ @bellamy-barnes​ @junipermurdock​ @claire-of-asgard​ @tripletstephaniescp​ @fanfictionreblogs​ @smemento @coldwetbasementnoodles @fuckingcams @pantaeudaimonia @janesofia7​ @catsnow14​@navs-bhat​ @hopplessdreamer​ @onemarvelouscleric @fulloffeels​ @belladonichaze39 @theheartshaker​ @lady-loves-a-lot​ @somanyyumypeoplejustletmehave1​ @janesofia7​ @aquamarinerose​ @youcandalekmyballs​ @shen-hongzi​ @pastamomma​ @lykaiosmedia​ @glxwingrxse​ @inaretuza​ @scorpiowidow @theoneonly-huntress​ @elizabeth-or-lily​ @untraveled-road​ @lavenderluna10​ @shoppingcartlover69 @stardust-galaxies​

[peach-the-owl]

The Shadowhand and the Taskhand

Essek & Child!Sorcerer!Reader

Request: Maybe another Essek x Child!Reader where the kid meets her uncle Verin for the first time and Essek is afraid that the child might like his brother more than him. And at the end of the day the child is like "It was fun with uncle Verin but damn he is exhausting me." and Essek laughs because "Same kid same" and the child maybe offhand saying that they love their dad Essek and Essek.exe stops working for a while

So I defiantly took a shot in the dark with Verin's personality, since we never got to see him in C2, but I think it works. This is a special request from @sirkekselord, so all bets are off the table… Anyways, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVELY FRIEND!! I hope I did you well 😁

Today was going to be a bit different, you weren’t told what, just that it'd be different. Sure you did like routine but getting to go and do something different was exciting (have I said different enough yet), although Essek did seem just the slightest bit reluctant about this.

"Are you okay? You look a little nervous." You say, seeing the more stern look resting on Essek's face. He blinks, clears his throat and looks down at you.

"Ah, well-" Before he can finish saying anything another voice cuts in.

"Brother! So good to see you again, it’s been a while!" You turn your head in the direction of the voice and see another drow walk over, wrap Essek up in his arms and ruffle up his hair much to Essek’s dismay.

"Hello to you too, Verin." Essek greets back monotonously, an unamused look on his face. You try to hold back a laugh at the personality difference between the two… keyword try. Your little snorts of laughter gain Verin's attention as he lets go of of his brother and walks up to you.

"Hi there little one, if I remember you’re (y/n). I’ve seen you before but we’ve never gotten to meet properly. I'm your uncle Verin… wait I just realized I’m an uncle now! Haha! Well Essek, didn’t think you’d ever have it in you to start a family. I’m very glad I was wrong." Verin shoots his brother a smile, placing one hand on his hip and the other patting Essek’s shoulder. Essek just sighs, rubbing at the bridge of his nose.

"It’s really nice to meet you too." You greet back, doing little to hide your giggling from Verin's antics. He kneels down as ruffles your hair before effortlessly lifting you into his arms and placing you on his shoulders. "Hey, what are you doing?" You question in delighted surprise.

"I thought you might like to see what good ol' Verin is made of." He looks over his shoulder at you, you stare back curiously and nod. "Come now, I shall be your valiant steed and we shall head to the training grounds. Hold on tight!"

"I wouldn’t-" Essek once again doesn’t even get a chance to finish his sentence before his brother takes off with you wrapping your arms around his neck so you don’t go flying off. He stares at the area where you and Verin once stood, wondering if he should follow. You looked surprisingly excited over this and while a part of him said to go after the two of you to be sure you were okay, another part of him said to leave it be, let you have your fun. He sighs to himself, was he jealous? Perhaps, but there was no way he’d admit that out loud, besides… there was also no way Essek was leaving you alone in the clutches of his brother. He makes his way down one hall and the next, keeping a steady pace as to not come off as desperate to get to his destination to those around him. When open field comes into view he quickly spots you standing off to the sidelines, applauding Verin as he spars with another solider. One short fight later and having barely broken a sweat, Verin makes his way over to the two of you.

"Well, what’d you think of that? It’s all about timing and using your opponents strength against them." He kneels down to you height, staring patiently as he waits for your reply.

"That was really cool. I can defiantly see why you’re a commander to an army. All I can do is this." You then cast a Magic Missile spell towards a target, hitting close to the centre but not quite a bullseye. "See, I’m getting really good at it but I still have a lot to learn."

"Not bad, but try lowering your stance a little, it’ll balance yourself and you’ll hitting bullseyes left and right." Verin advises. You test his methods and sure enough get a more direct hit, three runes becoming more visible on your skin from using your spells. "So that's what Essek meant when he said you were a Runechild." Verin examines the runes shown on your forehead and arms.

"Yeah, it's fine I guess." You say a little sheepishly, a part of you still feeling just a little insecure about the attention. While all this is happening Essek is watching a short distance back, watching the two of you interact and share a joke and a laugh carefree of anyone or any responsibilities. It all left an unpleasant feeling bubbling inside of him, a feeling that went a little further then jealously. Worry? No, not quite. Afraid, he was afraid you may have found someone better then him in his brother. He tries to shake off these thoughts, you were his kid, he took the responsibility over you and you responded positively to it. So why did he feel a tug at his heart at the prospect of you favouring someone else over him, and why did another emotion, one he couldn’t quite place, arise at the idea of you being his kid? So much was happening in such a short amount of time it was all just overwhelming, that’s it, he was just overwhelmed with everything that’s been happening. A slight shake on his shoulder has Essek break away from his thought process.

"Are you still in there brother? Or has your mind merged with the Luxon?" Verin gives a smirk, a playful tone in his voice that has Essek rolling his eyes and removing his younger siblings hand from his shoulder.

"I’m fine, just in thought." Essek looks like he’s about to say more but a light tug at his cloak has him looking down at your smaller figure instead. You look up at him with big eyes and let out a small yawn. "Tired?" He asks, earning a nod from you.

"I suppose more time went by then I thought. I shouldn’t keep you two, best be on your way. It was lovely to meet you again (y/n)." Verin waves you both off.

"Bye uncle Verin." You call back with a wave of your own followed by another yawn. After walking a good distance away from the training grounds Essek lifts you into his arms and carries your sleepy form, you let out a sigh. "I think that was fun. I was nice to spend time with uncle Verin, but wow is he exhausting." Your comment pulls a small laugh from Essek.

"If you thought that was exhausting, try living with him throughout your childhood. I’ll admit it could be entertaining at times, but he’s always been a bit of a handful." Essek reminisces a bit, making you let out a giggle.

"I’m good," you rest your head against his shoulder, another yawn escapes you as you shift a little in his grasp to get comfortable. "I think I’d rather spend my day with you anyways dad." Essek makes a full stop at this, wondering if he just heard you correctly. He looks over at your now sleeping figure, resting peacefully in his arms. It hadn’t fully dawned on him the idea of being an actual parent, sure you easily referred to Verin as your uncle but hearing you say that one word to Essek finally let it sink in. While shocked at this revelation he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride over all this, any and all concerns he had were pushed to the side for this one moment, in the solace of knowing you would choose him over anyone else.

[idydla]

↝ megumi fushiguro x reader

wattpad: idydlaa

tür; sfw, fluff.

word count: 1265 kelime.

⋆

Güneşli ve boğucu hava içini eritse bile sesini çıkarmadın, onun binbir güzel düşünce, büyük bir heyecan ve sonsuz hevesle yaptığı bu anı hiç bozmak istemezdin.

Arabadan indiğiniz anda seni kucaklayarak ormanın içine kadar taşımıştı, ne kadar direnirsen diren seni sımsıkı sarmıştı. Örtüyü serip yere oturduğunuzda elindeki sepeti yere koydu ve içinden meyveler, cipsler, sandiviçler, tatlılar ve içecekleri çıkarttı.

Yaptığı bu jesti çok beğenmiştin, son zamanlarda ikiniz de yoğundunuz ve değerlendirebileceğiniz anlar çok kısıtlı oluyordu. İşleriniz yüzünden o kadar az görüşüyordunuz ki, her buluştuğunuzda Fushiguro bundan dert yanıyor ve sana söyleniyordu.

Piknik de onunla yapmak istediğin bir etkinlikti, birlikte yapacağınız tüm aktiviteleri not aldığınız o defteri okumuştu demek...

Bu düşünce yanaklarının kızarmasına neden oldu.

"Seni seviyorum, Megumi Fushiguro."

Sen bunu söylediğinde Megumi'nin yüzündeki gülümseme büyümüştü ve görülmeye değerdi. Ellerini arkasına yasladı, kafasını gökyüzüne kaldırdı ve büyük bir kahkaha kopardı.

"Şu an o kadar mutluyum ki Y/N..."

Megumi, seni dudaklarından öptü.

Arkasında bir kutu vardı, ellerinin titremesinden dolayı veremediği bir kutu. Lacivert, üzeri altın renkli işlemeli, sert kapaklı, kare bir kutuydu bu. Saatlerdir avucunda saklıyordu, kalbindeki yarışı ve ellerindeki terleri durdurabilirse sana verecekti.

Aslında buna alışkın değildin. Fushiguro hep cesur, utanmaz, açıksözlü ve sabırsız biriydi. Kutuyu ve içindekini Yūji sayesinde bilmene rağmen buraya geldiğinizden beri suskundu.

"Uhm... Tanıştığımız ilk günü hatırlıyor musun?" dedi, Megumi.

Bilet bankosundan ayrıldığın sırada, sen boş koridorda yürürken biri, sana bağırıyordu.

"Hey! Durun!"

Arkadan gelen bir erkek sesi vardı, nefes nefese kalmıştı. Adımlarının sıklığından ve çantadaki metal anahtarlığın çıkardığı sesten dolayı koştuğu anlaşılıyordu.

Koridorun diğer ucundaki lacivert saçlı adamı fark ettin, adımlarını durdurdun, arkanı döndün ve onun koşuşunu izledin. Yanına vardığında, ellerini dizlerine koyarak eğildi ve derin nefesler aldı. En sonunda, vücudu dikleştiğinde, karşındaki adamın kıpkırmızı yüzünü gördün.

"Elinizdeki bilet... Ona çok ihtiyacım var. Lütfen, istediğiniz kadar para vereceğim, lütfen... Onu bana verin, lütfen..."

Kaşlarını kaldırarak o adama baktın, yalvaran gözlerle sana bakıyor ve ağladı ağlayacak gibi gözüküyordu. Bu kadar mı ihtiyacı var, diye düşündün.

"Haftalardır... Haftalardır, bu fakülteye adım attığımdan beri, bu semineri bekliyorum. Lütfen... Vize ödevim için bu seminere çok ihtiyacım var..."

"Matematik mi okuyorsun?" diye sordun, şaşkınlıkla.

"Evet... Hoca vize için tez istedi ve-"

Lafını kestin. "Ama ben seni hiç sınıfta görmedim," dedin hâlâ şaşkınlığını geçirememiş bir şekilde.

"Ah, sen de mi matematiktesin? Belki de aynı sınıfta değilizdir. Ben Matematik B'deyim," diye yanıtladı verdiğin cevabı es geçerek.

"Ah, görmemem çok normal, ben de A'dayım," dedin gururlu bir edayla.

"Akıllısın," dedi seni süzerek. "A'ya geçmeyi nasıl isterim bilemezsin. Hoca bana gıcık olmasa şimdiye ezmiştim herkesi," dedi yere bakarak, üzüntüyle. "Lütfen... O bileti bana ver."

İçindeki merhamet duygusu yer alırken, kendi zorunluluğunu neredeyse unutuyordun. Senin de aynı hoca yüzünden verilecek bir vize ödevin vardı, bunu az daha unutacaktın. Tam vermeye yeltenirken başında şimşek çaktı.

"Ben... Benim de ödevim var," dedin pişmanlıkla. "Ben gideyim, semineri sana anlatırım."

"İşitsel olarak anlayabilseydim emin ol istemezdim. Kontenjan dolu, en son alan sensin." Alnına vurdu. "Salak kafam! Evden daha erken çıksaydım bunlar olmayacaktı."

Vicdanın konuştu ve elindeki bileti ona verdin. "Sınıf düşmem sanırım, birinciyim." Onun gözlerindeki mutluluk ve azim, doğru bir karar verdiğinin teminatıydı.

"Çok teşekkür ederim!" dedi ve elini tuttu. O, bileti alarak hızlıca koşarken, elini tuttuğu elin ısınmış ve yanakların kızarmıştı.

"Unutmam mümkün değil," dedin mutlulukla. "Eğer o bileti sana vermeseydim, şu an böyle olamazdık. Ne kadar doğru bir karar verdiğimi idrak ediyorum. O sınıfı atlayamasaydın ve aynı yere düşmeseydik, yanında olamazdım belki de. Ve senin bana yaptığın o iyiliği unutmam mümkün değil."

"Aman tanrım! Çok teşekkür ederim!" Mutluluğun yüzünden okunuyordu. Karşındaki çocuk da tebessümü ile seni karşıladı.

"Rica ederim, benim için bir zevkti." Yasak olduğu halde, telefonu ile semineri video kaydına alıp sana izletiyordu. Bu, sana kendini değerli hissettiren küçük bir eylem ve kalbinin deli gibi çarpmasını sağlayan bir şeydi...

"Beraber çalışalım," dedin gülerek. Telefonu ortanıza alıp ödevlerinizi yaparken Megumi aslında telefonu değil, seni izliyordu.

"Ödevini yapsana," dedin öğüt verir gibi. O ise önündeki bomboş kağıda baktı. "Ben izledim zaten, gerek yok," dedi cesurca. Yanakların kızardı, utandın ve tekrar tekrar teşekkür ettin. Ondan hoşlanmaya başlamıştın, bu küçük, ince hareketi bile seni mest etmeye yetmişti.

Anlık bir cesaretle onu yanağından öptün. Şaşkınlıkla yüzüne bakarken gülümsüyordu, ama bu onu tatmin etmemişti sanki. Dudaklarına bakmaya başladı, sanki senden izin bekliyordu. Gözlerini 'yap' edasıyla kırptığında, dudaklarına yumuşak bir öpücük kondurdu.

"Ah... Çok hızlı olduğunu biliyorum ama eğer pısırık olsaydım bana asla benden hoşlandığını söyleyemezdin," dedi haklı olarak.

Sana döndü, boğazını temizledi ve örtünün üzerinde dikleşti.

"O günden sonra, vücudumda büyüyen bir his vardı, kalbimi delip geçen ve içimi yiyip bitiren bir his... Kalbimi bir yarıştaymışcasına deli gibi çarptıran o duygu... Yatarken yüzün önüme geldiğinde, odamdaki boş duvarı izlerken yüzün bir tablo gibi duvara çizildiğinde, her matematik dersinde kapıdan girip bana baktığında, güldüğünde, vize ve finallerinden aldığın iyi notu duyduğundaki o sevinçte, benimle çıkmaya başladığın anda, bana, benden hoşlandığını söylediğinde, mezuniyetimizde benimle dans ettiğinde, mezun olduktan sonra iş bulup bana heyecanla koştuğunda, kısacası her günümde, her sabahımda ve her akşamımda... Hayallerimi süsleyen bir insana denk geldim, sana."

Boğazını tekrar temizledi ve yutkundu, kafasını eğdi, sonra dikleştirdi ve konuşmaya devam etti.

"Ben en son biriyle konuşurken ve başbaşa kalırken ne zaman bu kadar utandığımı, en son ne zaman bu kadar her bir hareketimi elli bin kere tarttığımı hatırlamıyorum. Senin yanındayken elim kolum bağlanıyor sanki, sana layık olabilmek için kendimle savaşıyorum."

Eli arkasına gitti, lacivert kutuyu arıyordu.

"Bir yıldır, sırf okulumuz bitsin ve senin karşında cesaretimi toplayabileyim diye bekledim. Bu konuşmayı yapabilmek bir yılımı aldı. Şu an çok pişmanım, keşke bunu daha önce söyleseydim sana."

Kutuyu kaldırdı ve açtı, içindeki yüzük güneşte pırıl pırıl parlıyordu. Alyansın üzerindeki pi sembolü (π), eski bir anıyı hatırlatıyordu.

Oturma odasında otururken Megumi'nin yanına gelmesini iple çekiyordun. Canın sıkılıyordu, onu istiyordun. Ona kırgın olsan da bunu belli etmeyecektin, bugün bitene kadar hâlâ içinde bir umut vardı.

Büyük bir kutu ile yakınına geldi, bir elinde pakete sarılmış o kutu varken diğer elinde de bir pasta vardı.

"İyi ki doğdun, Y/N; iyi ki doğdun, Y/N..."

Fushiguro bu şarkıyı söylerken şaşkınlıktan elini ağzına götürmüş halde durdun.

Pastayı önüne getirdiğinde tebessüm etti ve sana sarıldı. "Mutlu yıllar, sevgilim..." diyerek kafasını boynuna gömdü ve seni boynundan öptü.

"İlk önce hediye," dedi. "Adeti bozmak istemem ama hediyeye vereceğin tepki benim için daha önemli..." dedi gülümseyerek.

Paketi açtığında içinden bir bilgisayar kutusu çıktı. Gözlerine inanamadın, geçen hafta bozulan bilgisayarının karşılığında sana bu son model bilgisayarı hediye ediyordu.

"Buna hiç gerek yoktu ki..." dedin kısık bir sesle. "Hayır," diyerek sertçe böldü seni, sitem eder gibiydi. "Bilgisayarın benim yüzünden bozuldu, bunun üzüntüsünü yaşayamazdım... Ek olarak, dosyalarını kurtardık. Sunumların ve öğrencilerinin vizeleri kaybolmadı yani... Aslında... Bu yüzden bu kadar uzun sürdü," dedi biraz buruklukla. "Hatamı ancak böyle telafi edebildim."

"Cidden, hiç gerek yoktu ki sevgilim... Çok teşekkür ederim," dedin minnetle. Sonra pastayı eline aldın ve büyük bir heyecanla üfledin.

"Dilek tuttun, değil mi?" dedi soru sorarcasına. "Tabii ki," diyerek yanıtladın onu otuz iki diş sırıtırken.

"Biliyorum, dilekler sorulmaz ama... Söyleyemez misin?" diye yalvardı sana.

"Dedim ki... Matematikle ifade etmem gerekirse... 'Pi sayısı kadar sonsuz olsun birlikteliğimiz.' Dileğim buydu."

O da tebessüm ederken, hızlıca onun dudağından öptün.

"Pi sayısı kadar sonsuz olsun birlikteliğimiz. Benimle sonsuzluğu paylaşır mısın?"

Gözlerin dolarken boğazın düğümlenmiş gibiydi, konuşamadın. Sadece hızlı hızlı başını sallamakla yetindin.

Parmağına yüzüğü taktı, seni ayağa kaldırdı ve kucağında döndürdü, kahkahalarınız ormanda yankılanıyordu.

⋆

[saphirered]

Hiya! If you're still write for Verin I was wondering if I could ask for something where he is absolutely smitten for a baker in town and the mighty nein (and maybe essek?) are trying to be his wing-posse? Love your writing!!

I had a plan. Then I got side tracked. I blinked and the word count grew larger than I expected. Hope you enjoy it regardless and sorry for the wait. 😘

Verin doesn’t know what the fuss is about. Ever since his last visit his brother’s friends-his friends, he supposes, have been going on and on about this little shop providing the best baked goods in Exandria and beyond. The bubbly one; Jester has told him so many times he can’t shoot down those baked goods before he’s tried them. He suggested taking a bite of the cupcakes she bought but she insisted he needed the full ‘experience’ or whatever that’s supposed to mean. How good can something baked be when it needs an ‘experience’ to make it good? Then again, the places he’s spent the last few decades at are hardly the centres of decent cuisines, let alone delicacies, so who is he to judge? Perhaps it’s the curiosity he and his brother share that pushes him to want to learn more about this mystery bakery. Perhaps it is that same stubbornness that compels him to go find the place on his own. Though it might be more likely he doesn’t feel like dealing with several loose cannons that will not doubt to make a fool out of him. It already took him nearly grovelling at his brother’s feet to swear him to silence for a disguise spell so he would pass freely through the streets without concern given his being and the still shaky relationship between the Empire and Dynasty. 

And so he strolls down the streets looking for the bakery. Verin realises he’s made one great error; he never caught the name of the shop. Given this is the capital city, the amount of people and those people needing food, there’s many bakeries around, some better than others. He relies entirely on his senses. He remembers the smell of the bag of baked goods Jester stocks up on before a new voyage, or the ones Caleb would pick up on his way home from work. He has some sense and with difficulty tries to match what he can find but to no avail. He must have passed a good dozen or two bakeries while wandering and none share that particular aroma he recalls. Not until… Something- or rather someone runs into him. 

“Oh dear, Moonweaver, I am so sorry!” Verin is caught off guard for just a moment because in that brief moment of closeness he is hit with the exact air he’s been looking for; fresh dough, slightly herbal at times but complimented with a balanced sweetness. It’s unique in every sense. He never thought he’d be able to tell apart one bakery’s scent from another but your being stands out from all of them, you carry it naturally, as if you’re surrounded by it day and night, perhaps you are. 

Verin managed to catch you before you could fall and straightens you, to make sure you’re on steady footing once more. He takes you in; lovely features, sleeves rolled up, apron tied around your waist, but what stands out to him is the brief moment of shock in your eyes when you meet his eyes, your mouth slightly agape. He’d perhaps not-so-jokingly boast about catching someone off guard with his handsome looks were he not supposed to be disguised as the plainest of individuals through his brother’s spellwork. A quick glance at his hands shows he should still be, so why do you look like you see right through him? Verin is instantly on guard. But then the shock disappears, and your eyes soften until a grateful smile graces your features. It makes him question wether he’s just gotten paranoid and he imagined it or if this is something more. 

“Thank you for catching me.” You pull at your sleeves, shuffling a bit and brush off your apron, still somewhat smudged with the remnants of flour. 

“It’s no trouble. It’s not every day someone so lovely nearly tackles you to the ground. Though, if this is a reoccurring thing for you, might I suggest some more stable footing so you don’t end up being the one on the ground, or needing to be saved by a stranger?” Verin finds it within himself to humour you. Your light laughter at the joke has him feel warm inside, his chest tingling. It’s been a while since he’s felt this upon a first meeting. He can’t say the feeling is entirely unwelcome. 

“Well then, I shall share with you my secret; is it not fairytales where one stumbles into a knight in shiny armour to save them?” You retort with ease. It surprises you how easy it is to talk to this individual. 

“Oh, so I’m a knight in shiny armour now, am I?” Disguise or no, that half grin is as charming as ever. You look him up and down; tall, somewhat strongly built, light eyes, plain features, very nondescript attire. These are the looks of someone who doesn’t want to stand out, be remembered, but you see past the illusion for your sight is true. In front of you stands a handsome drow of tall build sculpted like someone who spent years, perhaps even decades honing skills befit of a warrior, and using them given by the few visible traces of restored injuries, white hair is pulled away from his face somewhat messily and accentuates the violet eyes that stare upon you. Were you anyone else the elf in front of you might have been in trouble, but you’re not. You see him as he is, like you see the one who comes by your shop sometimes as he is too. You suppose they do look similar, in a way. Similar features though the one that holds the arm of the transmutation professor of the academy is built more slim as opposed to the drow in front of you now. 

“Shall we find out?” You take a step backwards, and another. “Because I must be going.” 

“Wait! I don’t even know your name.” The warrior says, the smile in his voice is clear even when you turn your back to him and take another few paces. Though you cast one final look over your shoulder.

“You may earn it at Sinful Delights if you’re daring enough.” With a proud grin Verin places a hand over his heart and bows. He sees you shaking your head as you continue to walk and leave him the streets. His eyes follow you, until you are out of sight. He feels weightless, and the feeling doesn’t disappear when he hears his brother’s voice in his mind telling him that spell is about to run short and he better hurry back. That encounter with you is entirely ethereal and might as well have been a dream. He replays it over and over again and comes to the conclusion; he will take you up on that offer and now he’s got something to go off; find the mysterious bakery and the gorgeous baker to make good on the challenge placed before him. 

So comes another day, and another bargain with his brother. Essek commented on his absent minded state, claiming Verin’s head to be in the clouds. While Verin would pride himself decently capable at covering his emotions if he so chooses, he had chosen not to and some of the Nein might have caught on. Before he knew it he was interrogated like never before, and he simply gave in admitting he’d met someone he’d taken a liking to on his stroll about town. That’s about all he revealed though. He’s not entirely foolish. But now he finds himself in that same disguise wearing the face of another, while he walks the streets, looking for a bakery; Sinful Delights. Stubborn as he might be he manages to ask a stranger for directions and find himself in front of a quaint shop, the smell of freshly baked goods permeating the near vicinity pleasantly. Through the windows he sees customers, the door opens and closes for patrons; the shop is busy. Given the smell it has good reasons to be. It’s delicious and so Verin steps forward, to the door, the bell ringing as he enters. 

You’re moving to and from, collecting order after order for the customers and sending them on their way. smile never faltering, not for child, not for old man, not for the rude nor crestfallen, you offer comfort in your unique way, It’s magnificent to see in action. Your eyes fall on him and you smile wider, eyes twinkling with amusement. Once again Verin feels that fuzziness within that goes accompanied with a crush. When Verin had taken a seat you’d plated some slices of bread with a few dollops of jams to the side and set it at the table near the window. He’d graciously taken what you offered even though you barely had time to say hello, you did. He likes to watch you move about with that smile simply because he can see the joy and fulfilment you get out of what you do, the pride that shines in your eyes when the customers compliment your baking, and thank you on their way out promising to see you again come morning as they always do. But finally the rush hour calms down and you’re left alone in the shop, only the other workers in the back preparing the next batches of goods while you take a break and sit down opposite of Verin. 

“I have to say I’m impressed, not only did you go through the efforts of finding this place, but you also stuck around for a good hour without even a single word of discontent.” You are impressed. Very few people show that kind of patience. Though, you do feel sorry for this familiar stranger and leaving him waiting during the busy hour. If anyone could take over you would have told them to do so, but you stood alone this morning. 

“You were busy.” Verin simply states. He may not be someone with a conventional job, nor ever have had one as mundane as working in a shop, but he has an understanding of them. He sees the beauty in that orderly chaos, the people, and the gratification one gets from it. Though it might not have the excitement and adrenaline rush of facing some demon from the pits of the Abyss, and or stand victorious against an enemy, that does not make your job any less fulfilling nor important. If he looks back upon his life now, he’d wish for that what you have, were he ever given the choice even though he would not trade his current life. He sees you see it to, in his eyes; simple acknowledgement, even at a lack of understanding the details of his life. You understand and so you smile at him, radiating a welcoming aura. 

“Well, thank you for your patience-“ 

“Verin.” He gives his name. “You may call me Verin.” It’s been quite some time someone called him by his name as is simply for who he is and not as a fellow warrior, a commanding officer, a member of Den Thelyss. Even with the Nein it felt different. They know his story, or at least part thereof, they knew it before they met him where you do not. You see him as he is, see through the disguise. That’s something he’ll have to ask about later but for now he’ll put it to the side. 

“Verin.” You repeat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Verin. I’m-“ You are cut off by your name being shouted from the back of the shop. You sigh exasperated and rise, excusing yourself for a moment. In your absence the drow finds himself repeating your name in his head, growing accustomed to it. It fits you well. Before he knows it you’ve returned and sit down with a sigh placing two plates on the table. The scent of savoury with just a dash of sweet hits him and he knows now, what he’s been associating this place with; you. It’s unique and so natural. 

“What’s this?” He asked.

“This-this is breakfast. I don’t really like eating in my own and if you don’t mind the company, we can do this more often?” You suggest. You’re forward but not entirely. Your approach is gentle and innocent, leaving him to make a decision without being pushed or pressured to make one, and giving him space to think, change his mind if he so decided. You do not wait in anticipation, and instead pick up the knife and fork you brought, cutting the savoury breakfast with a hint of sweet in half and taking a bite. Verin feels a smile creep on his face and so he, instead of a reply simply digs in. Over your belated breakfast you talk about everything and nothing at all. The weather, the city, your day, his day. He learns your favourite colours, foods and other things you like and so he tells you his own preferences in return. The banter is easy-going, never too personal and leaving plenty of room to back off or avoid personal answers if either of you is not feeling obligated to share those details. It feels so natural, and more homey that Verin has felt in a long time. He feels free of who he is when he is in your company. It doesn’t change over his next visit. Or the one after that, or the one after that. Or after that… 

—————

Over his next few visits, it’s become a regular occurrence for Verin to find himself in his brother’s presence asking for yet another disguise, to the point where the former Shadowhand has been working on enchanting something instead to provide his younger brother with the same level of security to pass through the city freely without having to bother him every morning at the same time, refusing to discuss where he is going and calling upon some brotherly pact to swear him to secrecy. Verin takes some amount of pleasure in having pushed his brother to such limits and be granted a semblance of what they had before they became what they were among the Dynasty. Even Essek cannot deny the positive effects of his brother’s wanderings into the city to go wherever he does. He’s attempted to scry but to no avail. Verin is safeguarded from such magics and he’s too good a soldier to allow himself to be followed. The Nein has tried after they’d grown suspicious. They had theorised Verin might be plotting something, for better or worse but that was quickly shot down. Others suggested he might have some embarrassing hobby. Essek doubted that. His brother is rather shameless. Many more theories came and went until the friendly firbolg stated that perhaps the Taskhand of the Dynasty was simply smitten. He would be right. 

The bell to the front door rings upon its opening. You dance around the counter to greet your friend-little more than friend you suppose though neither of you have put proper thought in what you are, or might become. Nevertheless you smile brightly, mirroring Verin’s own as you wrap your arms around his neck. His fall to encompass your waist, lifting you off your feet briefly before setting you back down again. You lightly brush your lips against his cheek as you take his hand and lead him to your usual table; already set with yet another delicacy made just for the two of you. You dig in once more, talking about your days apart, omitting the more sensitive details for the sake of the public, but you know. You know what secrets Verin holds and while you might not know all of them, might not want to know all of them, you know enough. 

When Verin came clean to you about his home, his place there, he expected you to run and never look back, to shout at him, call him a liar but you did none of those. You simply clasped your hand over his, and told him your sight is true, you see him for who he is and that is a good man, that’s all that matters to you. You know not the commander of the forces that fight evil in Bazzoxan. You know not the Taskhand of the Dynasty the Bright Queen commands. You know not the remaining prodigal son of Den Thelyss who needs to live up to expectations after his brother’s departure and disappearance. You simply know a man who could use some kindness in his life, and someone who sees him for him. That’s how you learned to know him. That’s how you’ll view him. All that other stuff doesn’t change a single thing about the man you ran into on the streets, and have been eating breakfast with since whenever he is in town. 

“So how has your latest adventure been?” You ask pouring some tea into the cups set out. 

“Madness. As per usual. It never ceases to amaze me how this unorganised bunch has managed to survive this long on the merits of luck and stupidity.” He laughs. You both know he wouldn’t have it any different. The chaos keeps him on his toes, keeps things interesting and fresh, even if sometimes he’d be tempted to feed certain members of the Nein, his brother included to the demons in the darkest pits of the ancient temple for their recklessness. 

“I’m not surprised.” You retort. “Though you seem to not have been so lucky.” You hint to the bandage wrapped around his lower arm, mostly hidden by his shirt. He’d hoped you wouldn’t notice but he should have known better; you see all. 

“No need to worry, love. Nothing but a scratch. Almost entirely healed already.” Verin uncovers the wrapped injury to show it looks just fine. He sees some relief from you and when you go to touch the bandages he instead laces his fingers with yours. “Still sensitive.” He defends.

“Oh, I thought you said it’s not that bad. You wouldn’t mind me taking a look would you? Or are you simply scared I’ll have your head once I ask for the full story?” Verin knows you’re only half joking. You will have his head when you find out he’d recklessly put himself in that place, and is more like the Nein than he might care to admit, if only to not succumb to the teasing his brother had fallen victim to in his initiation into the group. 

“Words out of my mouth.” The warrior retorts and you simply blow him a kiss and your late morning continues until you must separate once more, promising to reunite the next day. The time apart sets you to think. What are you? What have you become? The kiss on the cheek he gave you before he went off, is more than just friendly, same was yours. The endless flirting is not something that feels just friendly anymore. Slowly you’re transitioning into different territory. Neither of you seem to mind as far as it goes, but you’re reaching a point where you might have to have a more serious talk. Tomorrow, you tell yourself. Tomorrow, Verin tells himself. Tomorrow you’ll talk. You both feel the butterflies in your stomach. 

————

The next day comes rolling around. Morning comes far too early and perhaps Verin should not have taken up the intimidating woman in a drinking game because she absolutely obliterated him. The monk’s words ring in his head still; ‘no one defeats my badass’ and so it holds true, testimony by his hangover, and pounding headache. Luckily the herbal scent of a steaming cup of tea reaches his nose from the table next to the couch he crashed on. However, his awakening is a rude one as the blue tiefling pokes his shoulder with a force sure to leave a bruise repeating his name over and over. With a groan he rolls onto his other side but the warmth of the blanket he’d wrapped around himself is pulled away and he’s left with Jester’s mischievous eyes staring down at him. 

“What can I do for you this fine morning, Jester?” Verin groans rubbing his brow and sitting up. He doesn’t think twice and grabs the steaming cup of tea. 

“We’re going to the bakery and you’ve been avoiding going there for long enough. Come on, Verin! You totally have to try their cupcakes, oh and jelly tarts, and fruit biscuits. And the cherry pie is just to die for! You have to come along, Verin. Please, please, please?” Jester begs, making puppy eyes rivalling those of the Nugget the Blink Dog. That’s simply not a face anyone could say no to but Verin wasn’t born yesterday. He’d rather keep things on the down low and doesn’t think bursting Jester’s bubble is fair either. He wanted to tell her he’s already been there, has been going there for a while now, but has simply been waiting for the right time to say so and the right way to explain it too. That time simply hadn’t come. 

“However much I’d love to, I have somewhere to be later this morning. Perhaps next time?” He tries his usual excuse. 

“But you always say that!” Jester huffs disappointed looking for help around the empty living room; or so Verin thought because as it proves his brother is a traitor in more ways than the obvious one.

“Yes, brother, why have you been avoiding something as mundane as a trip to the bakery?” Essek’s lack of footsteps are something he’d gotten used to but that doesn’t make his older brother any less annoying, especially for outing him like so, like he’d been waiting for an opportune moment, and had found it right here, right now. He casts a glance at Essek as Jester looks between the two of them, catching on that the wizard might just know more than he’s letting on. She wants to know. She will find out. 

“Because I have some errands to run, brother.” Verin urges him to back off, but Essek wouldn’t be his brother if he backed down so easily. Some sibling rivalry still remains, will forever remain and they both take great pleasure in it, but in this very moment Verin damns his brother to hell and back again. As expected, wherever the wizard goes, the other is usually not far behind. A somewhat still groggy Caleb wanders down the stairs and finds his usual spot next to Essek. He knows he’ll find no aid in the redhead and won’t look for it either but the man’s next words leave him to consider, his brother might have shared some suspicions and secrets with than he’d hoped. 

“Ah, you can join us on our trip, then. We planned to go shopping together this morning.” He can’t say no. He won’t say no because no matter what, it’ll rise suspicion. At least he’d get a chance to distract from visiting your bakery, get this shopping spree over with and meet up with you in time for your usual appointment without blowing his cover. It’s a blessing and a curse to be in this place and he looks forward all the more to that moment of peace away from the Nein, to tell you all about everything and finally address his more-than-crush on you in the privacy of your brunch far away from prying eyes and ears. 

————

This plan backfired miserably, absolutely miserably. The Nein were quick, going through their shopping lists fast, and all were starving for some good food. None of the Rexxentrum places were good enough, they were craving the baked goods of your shop, and your shop only. It was getting close to the hour he’s supposed to meet you and knows the shop will be relatively empty between rushes and usual meal times. No matter what alternatives Verin suggested, they were adamant and he fears his brother, the wizard and the monk had caught onto something, whereas he was absolutely certain the pink haired firbolg read him like an open book but thankfully showed him mercy and did not question or reveal anything to the others. Still he got more antsy the closer they got to the familiar street, and he found himself fumbling with his fingers when standing in front of that door, hearing the ringing of the bell, and being dragged in by the arm by Jester. 

A quick scan around the room reveals the usual table in the corner by the window has been set ready. You’ve just finished up with another customer and smile brightly at the Nein. Verin notices your eyes linger just a fraction longer on him, than they do on the others but your pokerface remains in place. You’re doing far better than he has and it leaves him wondering the true extend of your acting skills, if you can keep these people fooled. 

“Good morning, Mighty Nein! It’s always a pleasure to see my favourite customers grace my shop again. What can I do for you today?” Your charm shines through loud and clear. Verin has seen you around customers, but never where he has been part of that group where it’s directed at him the way you do now. Not to say you are not charming, it’s just… The charm you show him is far different, more personal and intimate. That’s a revelation he might not have had, an assurance too, if it were not for the Nein being persistent. In his train of thought Verin’s missed Jester going down a long list of baked goods she wishes to bring along on her next journey with Fjord, as well as a ‘quick’ order for her parents. The half-orc is left wondering if she intends to feed the entire crew of the Nein Heroez for the journey by the looks of it. Nevertheless, you make sure to start packing right away, filling boxes with what’s already on display and venturing into the back to gather more. Verin has been following your every move with admiration until you leave his sight, and he is back in his own mind, until pulled back to Exandria that is. 

“Ooh Verin, have you gotten a taste for sweets?” Beauregard speaks suggestively. He freezes for a fraction of a second but that’s more than enough for the more insightful ones to catch on. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Verin speaks a little too quickly and not even an innocent smile can cover that mistake for him. Luckily for him you return and cut short whatever might have been brewing in questions as you help the blue tiefling put the boxes and boxes of pastries, sweets and more in her pink haversack. Fjord lends a hand by stashing what’s on the counter in his bag of holding too and when the last box is packed, and you turn to the others, he’s the first to call upon you.

“So, our friend here, he’s new in town and we’d hate for him to miss out on the experience of your freshly baked delicacies. You don’t happen to have anything right out of the oven, do you?” Fjord asks, a little too innocent and when you see Jester wrap her arm around his, you know this is a silent pact in the making. So you simply play along. 

“A friend of yours is a friend of mine. As a matter of fact, I do. I got some peach tarts, cooling down and ready for eating in about a minute if you don’t mind the wait.”

“Not at all! Not at all. We have plenty of time, don’t we?” Even Veth is in on it it seems, given the looks she casts between you and Verin, and especially the Nein’s instant agreement. You wait and pack up the other orders they have. 

“So our friend here, he could use some familiarity in the city when we’re not always able to join him. I’m sure he’ll be sold on your baking from the moment he tries it, and you’ll have another loyal customer at your doorstep every day he visits.” Caleb implies. 

“You speak far too highly, Mr. Caleb. Though, your compliments are much appreciated.” You smile. 

“So what have you been up to lately?” So the small talk starts but no matter what or who speaks, somehow some way it always falls back to Verin, talking about how he’s pretty great, how he has a sweet tooth and your baking will be just perfect, he’s new and maybe you could show him around some time, especially after you mentioned you haven’t been out in a while so you could have some time off together. Each and every little comment made Verin want the earth beneath his feet to swallow him whole, yet you still played along. There were some slip ups he noticed, not just on his part but yours as well, but if anyone noticed, they did not call you out on it. This continued until you managed to excuse yourself, to get the peach tarts you promised, and you return with them served and ready, setting them all on the counter, given that your usual table is occupied. 

“Were you expecting someone?” Yasha asks eying the set table. 

“Oh, no. Not really. I was just about to have a late breakfast when you came in.” You excuse but there’s some suspicion in the ones that don’t entirely buy your half truth and so you opt for distraction by handing out the tarts to each one of them. Some wait until everyone has theirs, while others, dig right in. Verin is the last to receive his, and eyes fall to him, as he takes a bite. They watch him, awaiting his response as he chews and swallows his bite awkwardly. To avoid further complications he simply focuses on you. Peach tarts. He told you he liked peaches. Told you how he hadn’t had proper ones in quite a while and looked forward to enjoying them again when the opportunity arose. You made him his favourites. You share a brief moment of understanding, and he watches your cheeks flush lightly when his eyes speak thankfulness. You remembered. Of course your remembered.

“Well, how is it?” The anticipation is killing Jester. 

“Good. It’s very good.” 

“Ugh! But what do you think?” she complains, not satisfied with his nondescript answer. 

“Delicious. They’re my favourite, peaches. I can’t recall the last time I found them so-so unique. Truly remarkable.” 

“Yeah, and now about the tart.” Verin realises he’s been looking at you and just you when he spoke. It might have been a bit too dreamy of a gaze. Some of the Nein manages a chuckle or muffled laugh at the starstruck drow warrior. 

“That’s very nice of you, Verin.” You thank him. A pin drops. Time stops and all eyes turn to you. Confusion. Shock. Revelation. And the air of puzzle pieces being put together. You clasp your hands over your mouth, regretting your mistake instantly and sending Verin an apologetic look. He doesn’t seem angry or even upset in the slightest, and if so, definitely not at you. There’s a hint of relief if you look closer. No more hiding, you suppose. That’s a good thing. But either way, you’d hoped to let him do this on his own terms than accidentally calling him by his name; a name you had not gotten in this interaction mind you, and revealing you two have a deeper connection. 

“Wait a second…”

“No way.” 

“Way.” 

“You two know each other?” 

“Verin, you lied to us?” 

“I-we uhhh- yes?” The two of you stumble in unison. The cat’s out of the bag. What comes next? So many things still to be figured out but now this to deal with first? 

“Okay, so we’re here totally trying to butter you up, get you to see mister charming over here, and get him to admit to this crush of his when you’ve already been doing gods know what behind our backs for how long?” Beau complains. Your heart skips a beat when the monk blatantly calls out Verin’s affections for you, and being faced with how obvious they are to them, you can no longer deny the chance he might not return your affections. 

“So every time you came and asked for help, you came here?” Essek asks even though he already knows the answer. He’ll take satisfaction in catching his brother redhanded and confronting him that his older brother still has the upper hand. 

“It’s still fresh, isn’t it?” The friendly firbolg looks between the two of you as you glance at each other, share a look that says it all and speaks volumes. “How about we leave the kids to set their thoughts straight for a moment?” Cad suggests and while some of them might not be entirely in agreement, they can’t argue with his logic. There’s more going on, and if they want to pry, want further answers, giving you a chance to convene, might just work in their benefit. So they leave your shop with some goodbyes and promises to come back later, leaving just you and Verin. Silence looms but not uncomfortably so. Neither of you really know what to do or say at the moment. 

“It’s very sweet of them to try help you out in your blatant crush on me?” You chuckle. The hint of tension disappears entirely. 

“You just love to see me squirm. But if we’re comparing, I’d say my own actions have been a mirror of yours, if I’m not misinterpreting.” He raises an eyebrow. 

“You’re not.” You state as a matter of fact. Verin’s focus shoots to you, in an instant. 

“Is today the day of confessions?” He finds himself toe to toe with you, engulfed in the warmth of a thousand suns yet not painful, not bothersome. It’s been quite some time but he finally feels like he is where he’s supposed to be, Verin feels like he belongs; opposite of you, where he can see you smile at him, where he can see the light in your eyes and allow it to lead him out of the dark he’s been wandering for far too long. 

“You ask too many questions.” 

“And I’ll ask one more.” He takes your hands in his, brings them close to his chest. You simply lace your fingers with his and offer a light squeeze of acknowledgement, urging him to continue. It’s not exactly what Verin had in mind. If anything this is the furthest from it. Still, he feels nervous, he feels as if what he is to ask next, his world might crumble depending on the answer, regardless of the signs you’ve given him. 

“Ask away, then.” You invite and so the worries disappear, the sheer tone of your voice banishing any insecurities that might have risen. He feels like himself, his true self. He is without the act, without responsibilities and demands of others. You allow him to be himself unapologetically. You embrace him for who he is, have accepted him from the very beginning and so comes his question.

“May I kiss you?” The question already hung in the air, the reminder of your closeness all the more clear, and while you cast a quick glance through the shop front window to see the Nein pretending not to look, while some of them leaned against the glass panes to catch a glimpse of what comes next. You’re not one to make a scene, nor to give a show but you’re feeling bold and so you untangle one hand from Verin’s, place it on his cheek and guide his face down to yours. Your lips touch his softly, the faint taste of peach tart still present. 

It’s over all too soon, as you remain foreheads against each other, eyes still closed taking in the moment and you both realise; this tastes like more. Who are you to not indulge into this? Lips meet, repeated pecks, discovering, exploring, until they grow longer, less careful, and more passionate. Your lips move against each other, arms wrapping around Verin’s neck while he holds your face to his, stroking his thumbs over your cheeks, affectionately. You forget entirely about your audience. You forget where you stand. You forget about the past, and the future. You live in the moment. You live. Verin lives. No matter where this leads, or where it goes, you’ll both live in the moment and that moment is together. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

[heavenzfiend]

Fanfic: Take Your Medicine (Verine x [GN] Reader (Manager))- AfterL!fe

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25732969

Word count: ~1300

Warning: SMUT

Summary: When Verine refuses to take his medicine, you find a creative way to assist him.

Author’s Note: I feel bad that Verine has to take so many meds, even in his afterlife, so I wrote something to help him with it as his lover! Manager is gender neutral in this piece as the focus is not really about the reader/manager but all about Verine. This was supposed to be just a fluffy piece, ending with a kiss, but it got out of hand and turned NSFW. Thank you and enjoy!

[afterlifeimagines]

May i ask for “ hold me ” with verine? Btw your works are amazing, keep it up!!!

Verine: 

This morning Verine truly had no energy.

He wasn’t unused to feeling awful when he first woke up but he could tell he was going to have a bad day from the very start, his body aching and his mind in a fog. He’d tossed and turned all night in discomfort meaning his condition could also be from lack of sleep but he didn’t have the energy to question this decision. He hated asking for help but feeling how he was it would be dangerous to walk as he could pass out on his way to the kitchen and that would lead to another set of injuries he didn’t much feel like dealing with. Mustering up the willpower and trying to push back the shame, he sent you a quick message that had you in his room in less than ten minutes.

You were unsurprisingly prepared for such a situation, providing him with his daily vitamins as well as some medicine to help him at least be able to sleep. You didn’t voice your worries as you didn’t want to irritate him but it was clearly written across your face, quickly helping him change to a lighter blanket so he wouldn’t overheat as he slept and keeping his curtains as drawn as you could. You’d even managed to message the manager before he had the chance to to let them know that he was currently out of commission, typing back quickly as you confirmed you were handling the situation and caring for him. Verine generally preferred to be left alone when he was truly sick, just needing the time to himself to rest and relax, but right now, seeing your face, he didn’t feel like being alone.

“Can you hold me for a bit?” His pink cheeks are barely visible in his darkened room but you know they’re there, Verine not often one to ask for affection. You can’t turn him down, sitting yourself beside him and wrapping an arm around him as he rolled over to lay his head on your chest. The sound of your heartbeat is better than any lullaby he’d listened to and his eyelids grow heavy almost instantly, body relaxing against yours. He tried to mumble out that you didn’t have to stay long, just until he passed out at least, but he’s feeling so at ease he can’t bring himself to say it.

Perhaps he should’ve invited you to his room last night so he could’ve slept and avoided this entire situation.  

He’ll have to keep that in mind for next time.

[afterlifeimagines]

Thank you for spending ur time to answer us!! Love both of ur work and you (as always) ọwo)❤️💖 Can I have ❣️ for Theo and Verine /// 💦💖💖💖✨✨

Theo: 

❣️ What makes them blush/gets their heart pounding?

Simply being close to him can make Theo’s heart start racing and when you openly talk about the things you love, it makes him quite happy to know you’re trusting him with this information. Doing or saying anything that shows you think of him positively, doing things that show you return his feelings, just being your real self around him… Theo can feel his heart rate increasing every time he so much as looks at you due to how intense his feelings are, and he worries that he’s being too obvious even if you’ve never called him out on his behavior.

Verine: 

❣️ What makes them blush/gets their heart pounding?

Verine finds he doesn’t get as annoyed with you as he does others when you check up on him even if it’s incessant, knowing that you’re doing it out of genuine care. When you give him items or meals to help with his health or when you show you don’t mind relying on him despite his sickly nature he falls even deeper in love with you, knowing that you were a caring person who truly did care about him as a person. He likes when you dote over him and give him your full attention though he feels guilty if you do this too often, not wanting to take up all of your time.

[afterlifeimagines]

can i request a verine fluff where you're both sick :>

Verine: 

There was nothing better than a morning spent sleeping in.

Since you were both sick at the same time there had been no issue with quarantining yourselves together, curled up in bed and dozing away. He’d found his way to your room some time last night, wanting to check on you despite his own condition, and he’d found himself too weary to make his way back to his own room. After falling into a coughing fit he’d accidentally woken you up, being quite apologetic and ready to see himself out before you told him to just sleep with you. He was already feeling guilty as his own sickness was likely what had gotten you as you’d diligently tried to take care of the him the past week but you’d told him you didn’t hold it against him since you were the one who decided to take care of him in the first place. Watching you pat the spot beside you invitingly was all Verine needed to make himself comfortable, practically tripping into your bed and finding it was even more comfortable than his own.

“I don’t like being sick but I think I can get used to you sleeping next to me,” You mumbled sleepily after waking up from your momentary rest, turning on your side to face him; Verine was only half-awake but he nodded his head, knowing he would think back on what you said when he was more awake and become far more flustered about it. “How are you feeling? Any better?”

“…Don’t worry about me.” Verine coughed into his hand, nearly groaning at how sore his chest felt. “How are you feeling?”

“Definitely better. We should probably try to contact the outside world to feed us something… the poor manager sent a message a few hours ago asking if we needed anything. I don’t wanna bother them but…”

Verine had started to drift away again but suddenly jumped back to life when your hand caressed the side of his face, his heart beating hard against his chest. He knew he was the one who’d willingly come into your bed to be sick alongside you but he was still unused to your gentle touches and caring words, following your hand as you pulled away, wanting even more. You recognized this with a smile and reached back over to cup his cheek, thumb stroking off the soft skin fondly as Verine’s eyes fluttered shut once more.

Maybe being sick like this wasn’t so bad when you had someone you loved to cuddle with.  

[afterlifeimagines]

Hey! Would you be interested in writing up some headcanons for Verine with a chronically ill S/O? I’d love it if you could!

Verine: 

Tries to study your condition inside and out. He knows what makes him feel better and other things to stave off pain but if you have one different from his own than he wants to know the ins and outs of it. He wants to adequately be able to take care of you even if you think he shouldn’t have to know because he cares deeply for you and that’s what people in love do, take care of one another.

But he’ll also actively try not to treat you like a delicate flower who might fall over when the wind blows. He hated being doted over too much as it often made him feel even worse and he’d hate to do that to you, too, knowing all the bad experiences he had. For once he’s on the other end though and he can understand why people want to take care of him just by looking at him.

Your relationship is not defending by the fact you’re both chronically ill and it’s just the way Verine likes it, not just being seen as his illness but as a person. Having someone who understands his struggles and who respects him, who loves him when he needs it, who cares for him when needs it, was something that he would never take for granted. 

[railroad-migraine]

Tall, himbo brothers with pointy ears make me WEAK

~ Poet

[saphirered]

Could I ask for a fic with Verin and a bard s/o, both of them are in the middle of a battle and s/o gets hit HARDDD like almost unconscious then Verin come out of nowhere and get hella protective + some wound tending fluff!!

Oh boy this one was one I couldn't make my mind up over but finally did! Hope you enjoy it and sorry for the wait 😘

Bazzoxan knows many dangers, most of which of some kind of fiendish nature. Verin has been disposing of these creatures as long as he’s been held up in the town at the foot of that cursed mountain. He doesn’t quite know why so many fools choose to stay and live in this hellscape overlooked by an ancient temple to the betrayer gods but he sure knows he has plenty of entertainment to keep busy. He’s fought a manifold of battles and slain an equal amount of poisonous beings wishing not but death and ruin upon those he has vowed to protect but such is the way for living in Xhorhas. The entire continent still feels the effects of the Calamity and whatever other dark dealings have been rising. But those are simply not his problem. His focus lies here. Quell the incursions, keep the people safe and find a way to close yet another rift, or prevent the ones already there from tearing further. 

That’s where you come in. At first he didn’t think much of you. No offence to you of course; he simply saw no reason for you to be putting yourself at risk here at the demon’s back alley. You’re someone of words and wits, a talker rather than a fighter. Sure you may be somewhat knowledgable on the ways of steel but when it comes down to it, do you truly have what it takes to choose between one life or preserve those of the many? He guessed not. Perhaps he guessed right once. You have a fighting spirit. Where your knowledge might be that of a scholar; an awful reminder of his brother, it also allowed him to fall back into old habits; tease the brains of the operation. Tease he did, and unlike his brother who would huff and puff, or get into a verbal back-and-forth until he got too frustrated and dismissed Verin, you did not back down, and nor did you give in. You’d admit defeat when he got you. You’d grin in victory when you won. You explored boundaries, and stopped when they were drawn, he did the same. Among the chaos of it all, and among the differences between your life you found company and normalcy where you both desperately needed it. 

You found yourself becoming a constant in Verin’s life and long story short, it was no surprise to the others, that when they’d see you stroll through the streets together, you’d changed to walking hand in hand. When you’d go your separate ways, that simple goodbye would now be sealed with a kiss and the promise to reunite soon. The excuses of business visits faltered and were quickly replaced by a simple statement and offering no further excuse or explanation. There’s no room for argument from someone else when you wanted to see each other. While Verin would always make sure he’d be on time of anything official, there have been occasions he’d be a few minutes late to training or shift his usual routine. Those daring enough, or simply close enough friends of both you and his would give him shit for it and he’d tell them to shut it, even if there was a sense of pride within him; you chose him after all and he you. Neither of you were shy about this. 

The incursions of demonic activity kept increasing. Watching from the sidelines was simply not an option. Nor was studying the after-effects and remnants to cross reference them with your lore; songs of old, stories from endless collections, and simple word of mouth tradition. A rift needed to be closed. You found a possible way but you’d have to get up close to the danger. Verin refused initially. Sure, you could hold yourself in a fight but these are not simple dangers found within the wilds of Xhorhas. These are the type of creatures that fell someone in a single clean sweep, and knowing you’d potentially stare that right in the eye, feel that breath on your face. It made him uneasy and lead him to insist you procrastinate, find a way to stay at a safe distance at least if you must but time was running out and so he admitted defeat. 

And so you find yourselves at a new rift. Newly discovered at least. The dungeons are dark, as is anything in this temple; cast in shadows lit only by burning fires. Jagged decor lines halls and chambers befitting the architecture of what you’d expect a betrayer gods’ temple to look like. A mirror shows twisted reflections, or it did, until it showed only way into another plane of existence. Within the chamber itself, screams and shouts of battle rage on. The Dynasty came prepared, Verin made sure as you’d be given a chance to work your magic. At the sacrificial altar, once used to worship the very creatures you intend to send back, is now your base of operations. You have your ingredients. You have your precious books. All the noise drowns out when Verin hears only you, your words echoing, vibrating through the halls like a curse on itself. He knows this is not something that should ever be spoken. He knows that to use the powers that belong to these betrayers and the creatures they command, comes with a price none of you know. It’s a price you were willing to pay, no matter his arguing; one of the few things you two truly disagree on at all. 

The first demons are but mindless tools. They’re easy to dispose of. Verin catches you meet his eyes every so often, keeping tabs and assuring he’ll be alright, or perhaps wield a little of that arcane magic at your fingertips for his benefit. Any time he sees you reach for your components instead of focussing on your own task, he shouts at you to over the sounds of steel meeting steel, the tearing of skin and muscle and screams of the wounded and dying. He shouts at you he’ll be fine. Stubborn as you know him to be, you relent and do as you’re told. You are not dealing with your lover right now. You’re facing the soldier, the Taskhand and right now, your commanding officer. Normally you’d insist you can multitask just fine. Now is not the occasion for your usual banter, nor your flirtations. This is life or death. 

But even with the amount of forces the Dynasty brought for this task, it’s not enough for the never ending onslaught seeping through the cracks. The mindless tools are replaced by more capable creatures and soon count creatures of higher intelligence among them. The latter not only feel your intent but seem to have orders to come for you, end you along with whatever you are trying to accomplish. The first demon that seeps through in close enough range taunts you. It doesn’t faze you whatsoever. Verin tries to reach you but the amount of creatures in his way makes that more difficult. Still he tries. You reach for your components, halt your ritual to draw a miniature sword from your components. and slam it into the altar. It springs to life and before the demon can strike its blade down upon you, it’s defected by a beautiful ethereal sword. An echo you’re all too familiar with is at your side before your Taskhand is ready to strike against the creature and so it does, so he does. You continue but you’re not nowhere near ready with this ritual. It’s taking too long. 

“Verin, get your people out of here!” You cast a glance over your shoulder as your fingers continue drawing out the familiar sigils you’ve practiced a thousand times over to make sure you’d get them right.

“I’m not leaving you undefended!” He speaks through gritted teeth deflecting another blow from the demon who roars some sort of curses at him. Not that he understands the words. 

“I’m not asking you too! This is a losing battle and if you hadn’t noticed, they’re trying to trap us.” Verin is pushed against the altar, missing you just barely and knocking over some of the candles you had set out. You reach out, touch his shoulder allowing the arcane magic to run through you and imbue him with what healing you can afford to expend right now. You’re right. He had made a grave mistake. In his goal to protect you, he’d lost sight of the picture as a whole. He’d been looking forward and hadn’t caught on the more these creatures began encircling them, driving them closer to the rift instead of away from it. 

“Fall back!” Verin gives the order. Response is quick. Trained warriors would not ignore an order. Yet Verin himself remains with you. His echo is disposed off and before he gets the chance to summon it once more, you’ve taken a hit. The jagged blade of the demon slashes across your back as you gasp through the words of the ritual, to keep it in place. You complete another sentence and after which you curse all the stars in the sky and dirt below. If it weren’t such a tense situation Verin might have laughed at your colourful choice of words but instead he’s driven by a silent fury to strike back and so he does. 

It’s not too terribly difficult to figure out which ones are the more tedious of fiends to face, especially now as their focus on the rest of the aurora watch making their escape turns to the stragglers instead; easy targets. However, the ones thriving on minds of their own they come for you, now having been given a clear path. You just need to hold a little longer. You’ll have to last a little more. But it’s not just swords and claws; arrows and spikes find their target too and there’s only so many Verin can stop, only so many he can take himself. Given the circumstances, before the minute passes, you’re worse than he is by a long shot. Your concentration on the summoned sword has long since dropped and your priority is keeping the ritual going. The gate is closing, slowly but it is closing. You’re almost there. You can do it. You’re sure you can. So much so you don’t hear Verin shout for you to leave. So much so, you pull yourself free from his grasp, as you step over closer to the mirror. 

“Run back to your masters. Now!” Your voice is deadly calm, entranced almost, as you cast a glance over your shoulder to the creatures. Some of the fiends enter a similar daze and by whatever magical hold you have over them, return towards the rift, set foot through it. It takes some enemies out of the equation but still leaves plenty behind. Verin sees it wear heavy on you, sees your step begin to falter and your movements become more shaky. You’re not doing well, your skin turns ashen, eyes heavy. You’re struggling to even stand on your feet. A poisonous spike pierced through your thigh one of the potential causes of it. Verin looks back, his people are getting themselves to safety. They’ve been given the window they need. He looks back at you and curses to himself as you fall to your knees, struggling to keep yourself upright as you keep drawing the next sigil, followed by the mumbling of the next sentence in that ancient language he can’t even begin to comprehend. He runs to you.

You feel an arm loop behind your back, the cold fills you with shivers, but most of all stands in stark contrast to the warmth of your own blood spilling from the long gash crossing from shoulder to down to side. Spots dance in your vision, sound becomes both muffled and skull piercing. Your body feels heavy but you have to keep going, even if your strength is draining fast. You need not look to see who aids you. You already know. You trace your fingers over the mirror, find the true reflection and see yourself draped against Verin. He’s battle worn; covered in blood and sweat and grime you cannot begin to identify. His features are burdened and he speaks but your cannot understand the words. Through the mirror you make eye contact with him. The last syllables of the ritual leave your lips. The hellscape image begins to fade and turn into the reflection it’s supposed to be. Dark wisps connect the sigils and markings akin to the ones you’ve been drawing out and so at last you are successful.

The remaining demons, now trapped turn to the one who deprived them of the way out. Verin is ready to rise to his feet but you wrap your arm around whatever you can reach, urging him not to. 

The whispering command of the arcane words he knows so well, open a magical doorway, and Verin finds himself falling through it, with you in his arms. Outside the temple you reappear. Safe. You’re safe. You succeeded. Your work is done. But Verin’s is not. You’re getting worse by the second. Hallucinating, and fading from consciousness. Lifting you from the ground and further into his embrace he rushes you to the healers for the antidote to this poison. It’s not an uncommon injury among the warriors of Bazzoxan. The healers are busy, take care of the more severe injuries, enough to make sure your life is not at risk but leave you in Verin’s care to tend to the ones still unsure of their fates. With supplies provided, he returns you to your humble abode. You’ve woken several times since receiving the antidote but are nowhere near true conscious yet. 

————

For the next few hours Verin stays at your side. Some of his fellow have come to check on him and you occasionally but knew better than to stick around too long. The post battle jitters are familiar to him and Verin has preferred his solitude after a particularly negative experience. His focus is on you now, waiting. He’s taken to a book, some old gift his brother once gave him but he has never gotten beyond the first few chapters. Now is no different. He tries to focus on the words on the pages but fails to do so. His mind keeps veering back to the events earlier in the day. Tactical analysis is certainly one way to put it, though he most often repeats what you did. If it weren’t for you, that chamber would have been overrun by hostile creatures. If it weren’t for you, many lives could have been lost. You gambled, and while you gambled right, it came at a price he’d rather not you have had to pay. 

Perhaps that is overprotective of him. Perhaps it is simply reasonable. While battle often comes with necessary sacrifices, he is not willing to let you be that sacrifice, no matter the situation. It conflicts against everything he’s ever been taught. It conflicts against his sense of right and wrong. But whatever doubts he might reasonably have, they disappear when he sees the rising and falling of your chest, sees your eyes flutter behind your eyelids and hears the mumbles and groans. You stir, brow furrowing and raise your hand to alleviate some of the discomfort you’re clearly experiencing. A weight lifts from Verin’s shoulders. 

“Fuck.” You gasp, trying to sit up. In a heartbeat you feel a warm arm loop behind you somewhat awkwardly and lift you to a sitting position. You’re confronted with why, when you feel the burn and pull of muscle and skin. Well aware of the previous events, and many injuries in the past, you feel safe to assume you’ve had plenty worse but that doesn’t make the discomfort less present. 

“About accurately sums up the events of the day, if you ask me.” Verin speaks and you hear the grin in his voice, especially when you weakly swat an arm at him. 

“Sweet Luxon, let me slip back into unconsciousness if I am to deal with a smart-ass for I doubt I have the strength to deal with these dramatics.” You rub your eyes.

“Now who’s being dramatic.” Verin grasps your hand before you can complete the somatic components of your cantrip when you give him a deadpanned look. He’s glad you do and are already back to your usual teasings. He’s even more pleased when you entwine your fingers with his and pull at this arm, making your best attempt to scoot over and make space for him in your bed. He takes to sitting on the edge much to your disappointment it appears, and you turn more disgruntled when he pulls away the warm comforts of your blanket. You try to get it back but with what little energy and resources left, your magic is a no go and you’re not about to engage in a test of strength; something you’d lose in under a second flat on your best of days. Instead you pout. He smiles and reaches for the supplies on the bedside table. 

“This is going to suck, isn’t it?” You ask rhetorically knowing what time it is. You’ve been in this place before. Perhaps not for an injury like this, and definitely not under these exact circumstances, if anything you were the one to fix up Verin when he got into many a scuffle. It’s been a habit of yours to care for the other when injuries come around. Your back’s up first, as he gestures for you to scoot forward allowing him to unwrap the previous bandages. After he finishes you can assume a more comfortable position wrapping your arms around your legs and leaning your chin on your knees trying to ignore the dull throbbing pain in your thigh. Comfort is relevant. You hiss as you feel Verin touch the tender torn skin. 

“Definitely.” The warrior hands you a vial. You need not ask what for, uncork it and drain the contents in one go. Arranging all the supplies needed Verin waits for you to give him the all clear, the contents of the potion taking effect and once you do, he gets to work. Care and precision. Trained like an expert, perhaps not an expert healer, but they had already treated you. He’s cared for his own injuries before he met you. He knows the routine well enough but the tenderness and gentle, careful touches he practices with you have been a new development. The whole routine of wound care has ceased to be something he’d just get over and be done with and has turned to something he actually takes confidence and pride in. An injured warrior is a vulnerable one and to be able to trust in another like so, essentially hand over one’s life and place it in the care of another, that’s something he never expected to be able to do, nor have someone extend that very courtesy to him. 

“Please tell me it worked.” You mutter to silence a hiss in discomfort when Verin cleans a particularly sensitive spot, even with the numbing potion. 

“Worry not, my dear, if it were not for you, a decent amount of demons would not be trapped on this plane behind the closed temple doors.” You groan but it’s clear to Verin it’s out of discontent rather than pain. You make it quite obvious. The grin while he works grows. 

“Is that what you call me risking my own hide to save your ass?” 

“I remember coming to your aid as you were about to be cleaved in two.”

“Did you now? Was that before or after I told these demons to literally walk back to hell?”

“Demons come from the Abyss. It’s devils that come from the Hells. Or so you have kept informing me for several months now. Oh dear, you must have been hit in the head.” Verin shifts, bringing the back of his hand to your forehead as if to check your temperature. You swat it away and he goes back to work, you can almost feel the room vibrate with his muffled laughter. Perhaps that’s just you, though. Finished with your back, Verin wraps it properly and moves to sit face to face with you taking your leg into his lap and you cross your arms defiantly. 

“My head’s fine, thank you very much.” The moment the words leave your lips you realise you fucked up. None too innocently Verin looks you straight in the eye, eyebrow raised and with a somewhat wicked smirk. 

“I’d know all about that, wouldn’t I?” You scoff at his response and just glare. Verin, very pleased with himself tends to your thigh. The worst of the damage is already healed, but he still warns you whenever he knows he’ll touch anything that might hurt, and apologises every time you groan, hiss or mutter a curse under your breath. Soon he wraps it back up with fresh bandages, ties off securely and pats your knee affectionately. You bend your legs, allowing yourself closer to him, and lean forward as much as your body allows without severe discomfort and pucker your lips. Verin takes the hint gladly and presses his lips to yours once, twice thrice before he allows it to deepen. Your hands slide up his chest, under the neckline of his shirt and you can feel him tense, or rather fight doing so and you pull back, giving him a look. He goes to kiss you but you lean back. 

“Take off your shirt.” 

“I hardly think you’re in a state to-“ Counter wrapped in a half truth deflecting from the actual matter at hand. If only you knew how much of a family trait this might just be. You’d have a field day. Perhaps it’s better you don’t. Either way he is unsuccessful in dissuading you given your look and reaching for the hem of his shirt. 

“Cut the crap, Verin. I know you’re hurt. Now take off the shirt so I can assert damage and fix it.” 

“Don’t over exert yourself. I’ll go see the healers in the morning.” 

“No you won’t.” You stare each other down for a solid minute before he sighs and relents. Verin removes his shirt with some difficulty and you see the partially healed puncture of his skin. It looks like a spike had gone between the plates of his armour and found some decent purchase. He’d have been in a similar state to you previously had he not gotten his hands on an antidote but has neglected the proper care the wound should receive. You don’t say anything as you reach for the ointments and cleaning supplies. 

First, Verin feels your freshly cleaned fingers graze the skin around feeling for any inconsistencies that might not be visible to the naked eye. Next you clear out any remnants that might lead to infection and last you apply ointment around, as well as on a multitude of bruises. As you go and cover his ribs one by one, following along the bones he finds some more sensitive than others. 

“You bruised some ribs. You’ll be sore for a while.” You assert the damages correctly. Verin expected as much but since he didn’t struggle breathing he thought himself relatively fine. You appear to disagree with this sentiment. “I recommend plenty of rest and some proper care.”

“Well as long as the company is good I see no reason to leave this place more than necessary…” Verin ponders as you grasp his face in both your hands. 

“I will tie you to this bed if I have to.” 

“Is that a threat?” He grins.

“It is a promise.” You grin back but Verin is very much aware you will make good on your word if he does not take proper rest. You’re not above resorting to other means to persuade him to take it easy and draw his attention. He might just provoke you just because. You wouldn’t complain.