#critrole reader insert

[a-menagerie]

Maybe something with “25 - finding comfort in their scent” being about Ashton

Ashton doesn’t smell like much tbh. Just a bit earthy and metallic, not in a bad way, and you have to be really sniffing to notice. In its own way, it’s nice.

But one day you notice, after a fight, Ashton’s pressing their face into your neck, holding you to themself and you hear…a deep inhale, followed by another.

At first you think it’s just Ashton centering himself, calming themself down. Because it begins to happen that way after every fight.

But then you begin to notice him leaning into you throughout the day, against your hair, your shoulder, pressing into your belly when he uses your lap for a nap

“Are you…sniffing me?” You ask. Ashton had hid his face in your hair to hide how harshly he was rolling his eyes at whatever conversation had been going on. But they’d lingered there, even as the other dispersed, and you could swear you heard him.

“Does it matter?” Ashton replies, (very carefully) bumping his forehead against you. You pull back and turn some so you can look at them.

“You can just tell me I’m stinky.” You stick your tongue out at them. Ashton rolls his eyes and pulls you back against him.

“You smell good.” Ashton mumbles quietly into your neck, following it up with a quick kiss. “I like breathing you in. Helps me remember….you’re here.”

[c-duceusclay]

Percy: *just trying to live his life*

Taliesin: Woe be upon you *sends Prism to steal from him*

[railroad-migraine]

Mollymauk x gn!Reader - Confession

Anon asked: Would you be able to do a fic where the reader shares a room with molly and they ~finally~ confess their feelings for eachother? Maybe he pulls them in with his tail or something 👉👈

Cute!

Requests are open!

~ Poet

Molly

All this mutual pining was slowly killing the Mighty Nein. Every single flirtatious comment from Molly, stolen glance from you, and the more than friendly banter you shared frustrated the others to no end. Sure, they were rooting for you guys to get together at some point, but could it just happen already?

Another city, another tavern, another night of musical bedrooms. The shuffling of who shares a room with who gets repetitive over time, but it never becomes less annoying. Even though originally you were crashing with Fjord, he was eventually dragged out of the room by Jester to show him her latest graffiti; Caleb shuffled from Nott's side to check in with Yasha; and Beau quickly was organising a stealth patrol with the goblin girl before calling it a night.

Which, inevitably, left you and Mollymauk to your own devices for the evening. You both decided it'd be much simpler (and less disruptive) to just share one of the rooms for the night in the hopes you actually get some rest.

Settling in, Molly took his tarot cards out of his pack, shuffling the deck with an absent mind while you washed your face at the basin by the window and going about your nightly ritual. Clearing his throat, the purple tiefling sat back in his seat, boots kicked up onto the small table. "Care for a reading, dear? It's a good night for fortunes, I believe."

A good hour or so was spent drinking, chatting and interpreting the cards, moonlight filtering into the room through the drapes. Molly traced a finger along the lip of his glass, watching you intently as you squinted at the final card - The Lovers. Uncertain, you passed the card to your friend, who mused on the illustration as he took a long, drawn out sip of wine.

A pause. Then he set both glass and card on the table before him, and met your gaze. A slow smirk spread across his lips. "The Lovers. Being faced with a dilemma, or having a choice to make. Temptations the heart must confront... Would you say that reminds you of something, love?"

You blinked, curious about where this was going. With a heavy sigh, Molly gestured to the space between you with his hands. "This. We're always tip toeing around each other. When are we going to admit to whatever this is?"

Face feeling flustered and hot from the realisation, you quickly excused yourself from the conversation - muttering that the wine had run out and it was best you found another bottle. However, you didn't make it far to the door before the tiefling gently held your upper arm, staying your movement. The smugness from earlier was gone, and he opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He looked at you helplessly, mirroring your own expression.

Eventually the silence became too awkward to handle. Breaking it, you softly murmured "We're pretty oblivious fools, aren't we?"

He laughed, pulling you close and pressing his forehead to yours. His tail curled around your leg and one hand cradled the small of your back. "Pretty? Most definitely. Oblivious? Perhaps. Foolish? Never. 'In love' is a term I'd much prefer."

[themoonlovemuses]

Sea Shanties (Fjord X Reader)

Summary: Concerned for Fjord and the future after the events at the temple under the Diver’s Grave, you decide to head up to the deck of the ball eater and play a melody while you stare across the ocean. Little do you know, a certain someone is also unable to sleep tonight.

Author’s Note: This beautiful art of the the main half-orc himself was done by ABD-Illustrates; an artist I absolutely love, so please check his stuff out here if you get a moment. 

☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆☾☆

As the waves crashed against the sides of the ship, the mighty nein slept peacefully, dreaming of the future and what the world had to offer them once they docked into Nicodranas tomorrow. For some, like Nott who had been downing the whiskey from her flask of perpetual booze since they got back onto the ball eater, sleep came easy. Unfortunately for (Y/N), they weren’t quite as lucky as their little goblin friend. All night since they returned to the ball eater, they had been tossing and turning in their sleep. And eventually, (Y/N) gave up on finding sleep and sat up in their hammock. They never did fare well on ships in the past, but (Y/N) knew that this was completely different from their usual bouts of sea sickness.

Having thought long and hard about what on earth could be causing the restlessness they had, they finally came to the conclusion that it had to be about the thoughts that were still wheedling at their brain; their concern for Fjord.

Even though Fjord discussed his intentions about what he was doing with Uk'otoa, (Y/N) was still concerned that Fjord might still be conflicted about the whole affair. Ever since he fell into the sea from his previous ship, and entered into a pact with the sea demon, he had been very reliant with the powers that he bestowed upon him. A bit co-dependant if (Y/N) was being honest. Could he really give that up? What would he do afterwards? Figuring these thoughts were spiralling out of control again, they got up from the hammock, grabbed their violin, and decided to up onto the deck for some fresh air. They were docking there first thing tomorrow morning anyway, so a few hours of missed sleep couldn’t hurt right?

Walking up the wooden, creaking steps, (Y/N) huddled their cloak tighter to their body, as a gust of cold air rushed past them. Despite the region being known for mostly tropical weather, the nights at sea do tend to be rather bracing. Looking around the ship, they see that no one is around, and decides to sit on the railings of the ship and stare at the sky. The almost black sky twinkled with stars, the only source of light available at the moment, since there was no moon tonight. And looking down into the sea, (Y/N) could barely even see the white foam of the waves as it splashed against the ship, helping to guide the giant hulk of lumber on it’s journey to land. Taking a moment to just admire the view reminded her of a old sea shanty their grandpa used to play on his old fiddle when they used to visit him. So feeling nostalgic, they fiddled with the pegs to make sure the strings were taught enough for the particular melody, and started playing the tune. A melody about a cocky captain sailing to find the very centre of the sea, where there was rumoured of a massive maw filled with enough treasure to be able to do whatever he wanted with it. Unfortunately, this particular shanty didn’t end up with the pirate finding the treasure and live happily ever after with some sweetgirl on his arm. In the end, the captain worked his crew to death, obsessed with the idea of the cave, and ended up being eaten by Idok; the dragonturtle.

“Used to scare me into obsessing over one skill I seem to remember.” (Y/N) mused to theirself as they entered into the final chorus of the song. Feeling a bit more livened up, they stood on top of the railing and danced along the edge, at one moment almost falling in, but luckily saving their balance and ending with a flourish. Once done, they looked over at the scenery again, wanting to get one last look before retiring.”

“Well that’s a song I haven’t heard in a while. Where’d you learn that.” A voice came from behind. Jumping slightly, (Y/N) turned around, and with the moment of fear behind them, they immediately recognised the voice. Standing there, with his hand laying naturally on the hilt of the falchion, was the one that had caused them not to be able to sleep in the first place.

“From my grandpa! I’ve told you about him before right? He was a fisherman and a fiddler from the Menagerie Coast. Used to play in all the local dive bars in Port Zoon when he’d return from fishing trips. You would’ve liked him. How do you know about that song.”

“Oh, I heard it lots of times when visiting the port when I worked aboard the Tide’s Breath. Maybe I've heard him play.”

“I doubt it. He died six years ago to scurvy. Gods rest his soul. But, i’m glad to see another sea shanty aficionado present. But enough about that. Couldn’t sleep either?” (Y/N) chuckled in jest, hopping off of the railing to stand by him.

“Nah, just had a lot on my mind recently.”

“You mean the whole thing with Uk'otoa?”

“Yeah, pretty open book aren’t I?” he mused, leaning a touch more onto the railing, looking out onto the ocean himself in contemplation. Silence spread out around the two of you for a moment, but knowing that Fjord liked to think before he spoke, it wasn’t an awkward silence. It was almost calm, like the breeze that ruffled his hair.

“I just don’t know what to do next? I mean, I don’t plan on releasing him… but what comes next? Will my visions fade? Turn into something else? I’m so used to knowing what comes next, so not knowing what’s to come is a bit… unnerving for me.” He wondered out loud, as if the universe itself would grant him an answer while you both sat there.

“Honestly… I don’t know either. Has he done anything before when you left the sea and travelled to the mainland?”

“No, not really. But then again, I didn’t have these damn crystals in my stomach.” He replied, subconsciously touching his belly as he said this.

“Well, I wouldn’t worry so much about what happens next for now. Whatever happens happens, and we’ll all be there for you if shit goes down. But if you move further from his goal, what will that mean for the gifts that he’s given you? I’m sorry to ask, but I don’t know how it works with making pacts and stuff.” (Y/N) asked, looking up into his yellow eyes as he turned towards them.”

“I guess that’s just another thing we’ll find out once we get to shore.” He replied, turning from the sea and looking up at the sky.

“Just know that no matter how you feel, we like you for who you are, not what you can do. And I’ll keep checking you to make sure you stay afloat.” “...that has got to be the worst sea pun i’ve ever heard.” And despite the deadpan tone he used, Fjord couldn’t help himself and let out a short laugh.

“Oh come on, it can’t’ve been worse than some of the puns Nott comes up with about Beauregard when she’s drunk.” You join in, poking him in the ribs with your elbow.

“Well, as much as I would love to stay up all night making sea jokes, i’m pretty sure we need to get some shut-eye before we reach Nicodranas. Jester’s going to want up to be up bright and early so she can see her mum.” Fjord points out, walking the pair of you back down below the deck to your respective cabins.

“And thanks by the way.”

“For what?”

“For that sea shanty and helping me forget my troubles for a while, even if it was just for a night.” Fjord finishes, throwing you a half awkward wink and opening the door to his room, closing it after himself.

Glad to have been able to help him out a little bit, (Y/N) enters their cabin and settles back into their hammock, the waves rocking them off back to sleep, leaving them dreaming about the adventures and challenges to come, just like the rest of the mighty nein and their crew.

[nilesdaughter]

Day Seven || Spread the Word

Readers: Fic Recs - There’s no secret about this one either. Recommend your favorite fics that you think everyone should read!

Oh, boy, do I have some recommendations for you guys! I’m don’t read as much fic as I used to, mostly because I don’t have time, but these ones are just amazing. The fics below are all multific stories, so the ones in the NSFW category only have NSFW chapters/scenes, but they still need the warning for anyone that’s not into that kind of thing. (Most links are from AO3.)

SFW

1. Metamorphosis: The Herald of Change - @aurianavaloria amazing multific that explores the life of her Inquisitor through the eyes of important male figures in her life. It heavily features chapters from Cullen’s POV. Seriously, 10/10 fic right here. (But also, you just need to read all of Auri’s stuff.)

2. The Mirage of the Opera - A beautiful genderbent retelling of the Phantom of the Opera. It mostly draws on inspiration from the musical, but there are a few nods to the novel, as well.

NSFW

1. AFK: a critrole MMO AU - A beautiful Perc’ahlia slowburn fic that I devoured in a weekend. @shippeh is amazing for coming up with this.

2. As the World Falls Down & All I Ask of You - These are technically the same fic, but one is from Trevelyan’s POV and the other is from Cullen’s. Both are beautifully written, and @cute-ellyna did some fanart for the story, which is how I found it in the first place!

3. Familiarity - Again, I love pretty much everything that @likhoradka has written, and while “Fishsticks” is the first fic of hers that I’ve read, this one is my personal favorite. Because witches.

4. Blood Contract - A Shizaya Halloween AU, based off some (fan?)art of vampire!Izaya and priest!Shizuo. I also love just about anything @rukazaya writes, but this is one of my favorites.

There are also many, many oneshots/standalone stories that I adore that have been written by @heronfem and @diminuel that I couldn’t even begin to highlight, so just go check out their AO3 pages and get lost in the lovely stories.

An additional shoutout to all other oneshots/standalones/reader-inserts that I have read and adored every word. I wish I had the time/patience to hunt every single one of them down to share them.

[a-menagerie]

If requests are open and your comfortable with this ask, could you give your headcanons on how Fearne, Dorian, Ashton, Molly, Beau and Fjord would kiss reader please? Thanks 💖

ehehehehe

Fearne

Fearne, first of all, has no qualms about PDA or anything like that, so she’s very likely to just swoop you into a hug and kiss whenever she gets the urge

I also think she’s the type to lift you off your feet and press a million kisses to your face (you can protest all you like, she wants to sweep you off your feet)

Her favorite way to kiss you: scooping you up in her arms and then depositing you on a nearby surface, one hand cradling the back of your head while her other hand stays on your hip

Dorian

A romantic and a little shy, he almost Always asks for permission to kiss you

He does however easily kiss your hand throughout the day, whether that be a light brush of his lips across your knuckles or a kiss to the center of your palm, all while maintaining eye contact

His favorite way to kiss you: when you’re cuddling in bed and he can lean in and just enjoy some soft slow kisses, all while his arms are around you

Ashton

I’m not saying they’re shy but I think when it comes to you, who he has real full feelings for, that makes them a bit more nervous

I think Ashton would most often give you a kiss on the temple or cheek, especially around the others, and reserve actual smooching for a more private occasion

But! I think if the Bells Hells tease him about being shy or anything, he’d grab you, yanking you too him via an arm around your neck and kissing you in front of everyone (he’s flipping them off behind your head)

Their favorite way to kiss you: Ashton likes to pin you between him and anything (a wall, the couch, the bed) and just take his time kissing you, like dammit he’s gonna enjoy this as long as he wants! He likes resting a hand on your neck so he can feel your pulse with his fingers

Molly

Molly is all about enjoying what he has in life and the best thing he has is you, how is he supposed to keep his hands or his lips to himself?

Molly is the most likely to just stop and kiss you during the day, no matter what you’re doing, camp chores, shopping, fighting. If Molly gets the whim to kiss you, he will

His favorite way to kiss you: when you’ve been teasing and taunting each other and he finally caves, using his tail to catch one of your wrists, one hand catching your other hand and his other hand holding your chin, so he can kiss you

Beau

Beau honestly lets a lot be determined by her partner. If you’re cool with a lot of PDA, you can expect smooches a Lot through the day. If not? Shell reserve that kind of affection for more solitary moments

If she gets excited about something though, she won’t really be able to hold back. Finishing a tough fight or putting together an answer to whatever mystery she’s trying to solve, she’ll run up to you with a wide grin, grab your face in her hands, and kiss the fuck out of you

Her favorite way to kiss you: she loves coming home from work and greeting you with a big smooch, throwing her stuff to the floor in order to wrap her arms around you

Fjord

Gods bless this man, who tries so hard to be suave and collected but blushes hard anytime there’s a ~moment~ between you too

He can generally hold himself together if he’s just kissing the back of your hand but anymore than that and he’s obviously a little flustered

His favorite way to kiss you: when you’ve said or done something to fluster him and he’s trying to sputter out a response and you lean in and give him a quick kiss - but he grabs you by the front of your shirt and pulls you back to him

[a-menagerie]

Hi so I saw you song request thing. The song I was thinking of it’s The prophecy by Taylor swift with Mollymauk and add in Kingsley for a happy ending if you want to.

(pls how dare you)(i made it happy bc ofc i did😘)

Cards on the table

Mine play out like fools in a fable, oh

It was sinking in

You fall to your knees, Molly’s body on the ground in front of you. You can’t bring yourself to even pay attention to the others, you don’t care if the Iron Shepards come for you next.

Molly’s gone. He’s gone.

You’re not sure how, but you get to your feet. You help Beau and Caleb dig a grave. You cradle Molly’s tarot cards to your chest as you leave his coat as a grave marker.

Oh, still I dream of him

You felt like you were in a waking nightmare. Molly’s body but that thing isn’t Molly. Lucien grins at you from across the fireplace and you feel Jester lay a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

Please

I've been on my knees

Change the prophecy

Lucien dead, Molly’s body motionless again. You kneel at his side, even as the resurrection fails. You hear a loud keening noise and belatedly realize it’s you, crying and screaming at the gods.

Who do I have to speak to

About if they can redo

The prophecy?

You’re not paying attention to Caduceus. You don’t register as the ground blooms around Molly’s body until Yasha is shaking you, pointing. You swallow hard, assuming Caduceus is simply encouraging the ground to take Molly’s body.

Then Molly’s eyes fly open, sputtering and coughing.

You don’t know what to do as you sit there, gaping at him. You and the Mighty Nein are all (for once) silent. Molly heaves some deep breaths and looks around.

“Well, that was unpleasant.” Molly says and it is Molly. Molly’s voice, the lilt in his speech and just everything.

You launch yourself at him, ignoring his half nudity and your own bloodied state. He grunts but his arms wrap around you quickly, burying his face in your neck. Yasha scoops you both up in her arms and you feel the rest of the Mighty Nein fall into the mass group hug.

You pull back enough to take Molly’s face in your hands, while he smiled up at you.

“Did you really think they could keep me from you?”

[a-menagerie]

Briaus and Dorian 🙏🏻

idk if you wanted separate or poly but uh brain ran with poly so 👌🏻😘 (I’m patiently waiting for more Braius content, love you Sam reigal)

Braius and Dorian are both incredibly charismatic dudes so I feel like the levels of flirting and sass are through the roof

Dorian tries to be more suave and lowkey about his actions, while Briaus is much more direct and clear

Like flirting with Dorian is kinda cute and sweet and maybe a few innuendos and flirting with Braius…is like no-filter flirting. He doesn’t necessarily mean to fluster you (or Dorian) by how he speaks but he’s amused nonetheless

can you imagine the cuddle puddle of being between Braius and Dorian like damn

The two of them will (playfully) fight over who gets to heal you if you get a small injury but the moment you’re hurt hurt, they’re both pumping any healing they have into you.

They can both be so dramatic that living with them is never boring

[a-menagerie]

Ooh for your song thing, how about Dorian Storm with Honey by. Coastal Club please and thank you <33

I’ve learned to love you, honey

And you’ve got a way with me

You’re wide-eyed and alive, so full of life, I’m mesmerized by your love

You don’t notice Dorian watching you, despite the fact that he finds himself doing it a Lot. He’s not trying to, of course, but you burst into giggles with Fearne, hand half-covering your face and Dorian can’t wrench his gaze from you.

Chetney jabs him in the side.

“Ow!” Dorian jumps. “What was that for?”

“Quite going googly-eyed over them. Just go talk to them.” Cheney huffs. “It’s disgusting.”

Dorian makes some flippant comment at Chetney, waving him off. You glanced up and caught his gaze, your grin growing wider.

“Dorian!” You wave him over from the other side of the tavern and of course he joins you, how could he not? (Chetney is grumbling and rolling his eyes behind him).

“Darlings.” Dorian greets both you and Fearne. It’s easier to be flirty when it’s not just you. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Fearne said you knew this really fancy dance! You did it at the party I missed, apparently. I didn’t know you danced!” You babbled at him a bit, grinning at him.

“And very well too.” Fearne added, throwing him a wink.

“Ah, well, I don’t think I was that good at it.” Dorian waved the compliment away, fighting a blush.

“You were!” Fearne insisted. “Oh! How abouts you two dance? Dorian can show off his moves!”

“There’s not even a band, Fearne!” You widened your eyes at her, trying to silently communicate to her to chill out. Of all the people to figure out about your crush.

“And there’s really not enough room.” Dorian added. He rubbed at the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at you. Fearne pouted before a mischievous smile uncurled across her face.

“Just a moment.” She got up and trotted up to the barkeep, who was uninterested until Fearne set down some gold coins. The man counted them then shrugged, going over to two guys hanging around in a corner table. They had instruments.

“Tell me she didn’t”. Dorian stage whispered. The two guys went to the little raised platform in the tavern and started tuning their instruments.

“I think she did.” You reply.

Fearne walks back to you two, smiling widely. The barkeep was moving some tables to make a space for dancing. At least some of the other patrons seemed interested too.

“There! Music and room to dance!” She sat back down beside you and rested her chin on her hand, grinning.

“Fearne-“ Dorian tried to say, but the two men started playing and another couple of people got up to dance. Fearne waved her hand at you two.

“Go on, shoo!”

“Well, might as well take this opportunity, hmm?” You sigh as you stand, giving Dorian a half smile. “I’ll try not to step on your feet too much.”

“I would be honored for you to step on me.” Dorian joked, giving you a half bow as he held his hand out to you. Fearne snorted a laugh behind him and he shit her a quick, half-hearted glare, even as his skin turned a slightly darker blue.

You weren’t particularly a skillful dancer. It didn’t help that you didn’t know the ‘fancy dance’ Dorian was trying to lead you through. You were stumbling over his feet and your own, hands holding onto him with a vice grip. But you were grinning and laughing and everyone once in a while you leaned forward, hiding your face in his shoulder.

And Dorian was thankful that the dance was ingrained in him because he was absolutely stunned by you. You were glowing and there were stars in your eyes and Dorian had never loved you more.

[a-menagerie]

HOW CAN I NOT ASK NO.10--

Ahem,no.10 with Kingsley <3

Also,I apologize for asking for him back to back,I just don't really see enough fanfics for him in the tags 🙇‍♀️

No worries, I am happy to write for Kingsley and I agree, we need more King Content!! (pls overlook how long this sat in my ask box lmao)

10. Describe their first date

So I feel like the obvious answer would be a boating/ship-faring date but that also feels like a cop out haha

But I’m also not sure Kingsley would really know what’s a “good” first date

He was happily go along with anything you planned (and would honestly adore if you asked him out first) but he’d scramble for his own ideas

Honestly he might would ask Beau for advice (he loves Jester dearly, but her advice was…a little over the top for him haha)

I think he’d pack a bag of good food and drink and take you to the shore; a cozy picnic with a sea breeze where the two of you can talk and just enjoy each others company

Kingsley wouldn’t be above egging you to go swim with him but he’d probably end up flustered if you stripped to your undies and got it

He plays it calm and collected tho, you barely notice he’s so flustered (he really wants the date to go well)

I think Kingsley would definitely want to end the first date with a kiss

[a-menagerie]

I know I’m posting a lot but:

I’ve had the idea to do some little drabbles for Critical Role based on songs either 1) from my randomized playlist or 2) from a song y’all give me and the character

So! Send a message with a character and a song/tell me random song from playlist and I’ll try and write something!

[a-menagerie]

Could you write some fluffy headcanons for Percy x reader but also the whole Vox Machina crew with a totally stressed, overworked reader?

I'm having a million things to do at work, teach prepare experiments, while also applying for jobs and prepare my practical and theoretical graduation exam.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming, some fluffy headcanons would be very appreciated. :)

Sorry it’s taken so long dear ! I hope your exams went/go swimmingly, that you find an enjoyable job, and that you are doing well ❤️

Percy

i think we can all agree that Percy is pictured in the dictionary beside “overworked” and “stressed”

So I’m not sure how long it’ll take for him to catch on that you’re in a similar position

once he notices though, he’ll gently fuss at you to take more breaks or share your work with him (the hypocrisy lol)

if the work can be done by anyone other than you, Percy does not hesitate to shove it on someone else.

If you tell him that you’ll relax so long as he joins you, he’ll moan and complain but put his work to the side. He wants you happy first and foremost and honestly, his work can wait

Enjoys strolling the Whitestone gardens with you as a way to unwind. He’ll tell you the history of the gardens or point out new plants Keyleth has helped him plant

Secretly takes on some of your workload for himself. after you’ve gone to sleep, he’ll slip out of bed and tackle a problem that’s been giving you trouble, leaving you a sweet note when he’s done

Vex

Let’s you keep working…for a little while. But when she picks up on you being stressed and overworked, she’s watching you like a hawk

The minute you stop, just to take a breath or grab a snack or whatever, she’s covertly dragging you away to do something else. But like, as a favor to her

“I didn’t want to interrupt your work, darling, but can I borrow you for a moment?” said with a soft smile, her hands already pulling you away

Doesn’t actually need you for anything, Vex just wants to make sure you’re taking breaks and relaxing

Vax

If you so much as mention being slightly stressed, Vax is swooping in and pulling you away from whatever work you’re doing

He absolutely does not enjoy seeing you be anything other than happy and content so he does anything in his power to help you relax and feel better

Overworked? Helps to figure out if you could delegate to anyone else. If it’s not a necessity that you do the work, then someone else can handle it.

Stressed? Immediately offers a thousand ideas of how you can relax. Let him play with your hair and give you a scalp massage. Go flying with his wings (you don’t think that’s nearly as relaxing as he thinks it is). Just lie in bed together and chat.

Keyleth

Prone to worry and stress herself, she picks up on your troubles quickly. But she hesitated to interfere- she doesn’t want you thinking she’s trying to order you around or that she thinks you’re incapable

She’s gonna try and help you through your workload, to the best of her ability. If it’s really outside of her capabilities, she’ll resort to bring you snacks and reminding you to take breaks

When it comes down to it, she’s not afraid to put her foot down. Whatever work that needs to be done can’t be so important that you’re harming yourself along the way.

Keyleth gets you to take walks with her, maybe go swimming if that’s an option where y’all are, picnics, or even just hanging out with the rest of Vox Machina

I feel like Keyleth is very much an empath. You being stressed makes her stressed. You’re supposed to be the level headed and pulled together one!

Pike

kind of goes into Mom mode tbh

pulls you away from your work, runs you a bath with fragrant salts, and washes your hair for you

is not afraid to roll her sleeves up and help you work, no matter the realm in which your work lies. Even if she’s not familiar, she’ll do anything she can to lighten your load

If you just need to step away from work and try to wind down, she’ll happily accompany you to the tavern for drinks or back to y’all’s room for some cuddling and light conversation

Grog

honestly thinks drinking and/or hitting things can solve most problems

Plucks you away from your work, carries you under his arm like a football, and takes you to the nearest tavern

He’ll put it simply: it’s unfair that you’re overworked, you need to Not do all that shit, just come and drink with him and forget it all

Grogs not the best with words, but he hopes his company is enough to soothe your stress. He does not hesitate to offer hugs or more, whatever you need.

Scanlan

has ~certain ideas~ about how he could get you to relax

but in all seriousness, Scanlan knows the importance of down time and is quick to pull you away at the first sign of stress

plays you original songs he writes, sometimes serious or sometimes goofy, whatever kind of mood he thinks will soothe you the most

encourages you to talk things out with him, if it’ll help sort your thoughts

[a-menagerie]

Starlight, Starshine

-waves nervously and drops off fic- here ya go! once again, shoutout to @railroad-migraine for thinking the idea of this sounded cool lol. the song used is Starlight Starshine by Steam Powered Giraffe

You were like starlight, just like starshine

Casting down on me

“Leave him!” A voice echoed around him, above him? “Come on, move!”

Ashton catches a glimpse of the window sill, of you leaning out of it, a horrified look on your face. That same voice calls your name and a hand grabs your shoulder. You disappear even as his eyes slide closed again. 

“Ashton!” Your cry lingers in their head as the darkness encroaches. 

Starlight, starshine, no longer do you shine so bright

The sun frowns, the moon sighs, sad is the universe through my eyes

The minute FCG drops Calm Emotions, Ashton is pounding their fist into the wall. Everything else had been so murky, why was it your face that stood out? He had almost gotten over you, had almost forgotten the color of your eyes (or at least convinced himself to forget). 

“Ashton?” They jerked their head to frown at FCG, who looked about as concerned as their robot body would allow. 

“It’s fine.” He huffed. Imogen and FCG share a worried glance, but say nothing further. Ashton slams their fist into the wall one more time before stepping away. The wall is splintered and dark purple-red blood drips from his hand onto the floor. 

“Who was that in the window?” Imogen asks. “Their face was the clearest, besides Milo, I mean.” 

“They don’t matter.” The words taste bad in his mouth. Of course you mattered, but Ashton wasn’t going to admit that to them. 

“Are you sure-“ Ashton cuts Imogen off with a sharp glare. 

“They. Don’t. Matter.”

There's a void in my soul (and it leaves me feeling cold)

Will I ever find peace from it's tolls

Bassuras was a sprawling, messy city and Ashton would’ve been pleased to have never returned. As it was, they were here on a mission. Find Tresi and potentially some of the Nobodies (hopefully you). 

Ashton does his best to lead the Bell’s Hells around the city, but keeping everyone in check was like corralling cats. Eventually they gave and just hung back, watching everyone’s backs. After maybe an hour or so, Orym swung around to his side and tugged on his hand. Ashton leaned down to the halfling.

“Someone’s been following us.” Orym says, giving a quick jerk of his head to indicate the direction. Ashton stands up straight again, stretching and looking around before letting his gaze go in the direction Orym indicated. He scanned the crowd and store fronts but didn’t see anything of note…until he saw the figure half-stood in an alley and their gaze locked with yours. 

“Fucking hell.” Ashton growled, stalking off. Orym hurried to catch up but Ashton shot him a look and held their hand up in a silent ‘let me handle this’ signal. Orym stopped with a frown then rushed off, probably to let the others know. 

Ashton turned back, half expecting you to have disappeared, but you were still there. You stared at him with wide eyes. As they neared, you stepped deeper into the alley and away from the crowd. The closer he got, the more Ashton let themself take inventory of your wellbeing. You seemed well enough, maybe a bit sun-burnt and not quite well fed. He stopped a few feet from you and just…stood there. Now that you were in front of him, Ashton didn’t know what to do.

“Ashton?” You said, breaking the silence. Your eyes scanned their face and you bit your lip. “I thought you were dead.”

“Well on my way there but didn’t quite make it, no thanks to you all.” He snapped and you flinched. 

“They told me you were dead. Everything was foggy and I couldn’t remember…I just knew you fell.” You shook your head.

“Couldn’t be bothered to come check? Didn’t wonder where Milo ran off to either?” Ashton asked.

“I thought if I didn’t go looking for your grave, I’d be keeping you alive, somehow.” You laughed at yourself, holding back tears. “I was too afraid of what I’d find, or not find, I guess.”

Ashton paused, a bit taken aback. They’d assumed you’d given up on him but that wasn’t quite how it shook out, it would seem. He opened his mouth to speak when a voice rang out in his head.

“Ashton? Everything okay?” Imogen’s voice asked. A quick look out of the alley let him see the rest of his companions, loitering in the middle of the road. You followed his gaze but didn’t recognize any of them.

“Fuckin’ peachy.” He said, answering her. Ashton turned back to you with a glare. “Do you have a place? Somewhere we can talk alone?”

“I, uh, I still share a room with Sally.” You admit. Ashton grunted, displeased.

“I’m going back to our room. Don’t die or anything while I’m gone.” They said in their head and Imogen’s affirmation came a few seconds later. He waited until the Bell’s Hells had walked away before pulling you out of the alley and towards their rented rooms.

I am not in a dream (and there's no reason to scream)

And this is not the end, or so it seems

The minute you’re back in the rooms belonging to the Bell’s Hells you reach out, taking Ashton’s face into your hands. Ashton stiffens in your hold, lips slightly parting and eyes darting around your face as you pull them towards you. However, your eyes aren’t on his mouth, or even meeting his gaze; your eyes are locked onto the hole in his head. You trace your finger along one of the gold-sealed wounds that go down the side of their head, finally looking him in the eyes. You frown and rub your thumb under his eye, the milky-grey eye, on that same side.

“See something you like?” Ashton asked, arching an eyebrow at you. You release him, flushing, and playfully shove at him. Of course, they don’t budge.

“It’s beautiful.” You admit. At their bemused expression, you gesture to their head, then everything. “You’re beautiful.”

“Are we sure you’re not the one with a head wound?” Ashton countered, laughing a bit. 

“Yeah, yeah.” You roll your eyes and there’s another short pause where you both just stare at each other before you fling your arms around his neck and pull them in for a hug.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Ashton grumbles, but you smile to yourself as his arms settle around your waist. You press your face into his neck.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” You whisper. Ashton let out a big sigh but they leaned their head against yours and you could’ve sworn you felt them press a kiss onto your head.

“I’m glad I found you.”

You were like starlight, just like starshine

Casting down on me

When the light would go down and the darkness was found

You would shine hope to me

[a-menagerie]

A Small Gift for Kingsley

this has been a wip for too long and i finally missed my MN folks enough to finish this up - its short and sweet but i want more Kingsley content

“Just- it’s not a fancy gift or anything! So, don’t freak out on me.” You rush to say, shoving the gift wrapped box at him. Kingsley raises a brow at your rambling, looking at the gift in his hands. 

“Riiiiight.” He shook the box and frowned when no sound emerged. He peeled off the wrapping paper and stared down at the plain, wooden box in his hands. 

“Don’t um - just, put it on the ground.” You tell him then lean over and whisper the command word in his ear. Kingsley gives you an unimpressed look but sighs theatrically, uttering the command word at the box. It springs open, unfolding itself in a small 4-man boat. Kingsley looks between it and you in surprise

“Tadaaaa!” You say, a cheesy grin on your face as you gesture towards the boat. “Your very own boat!” 

“A boat…in a box?” Kingsley walks closer, nudging the boat with the tip of his boot.

“There’s another command word, to make it turn into a ship.” You explain. At the word ‘ship’, Kingsley’s eyes dart up to your face, a smile tugging at his lips. 

“My very own ship, huh? I almost thought my first ship would be…well, I certainly didn’t think it’d come to me in a box.” He laughs. 

“Well, I thought this could tide you over until we find you a true ship to captain.” You bumped your shoulder into his, grinning.

“Until we find me a ship?” Kingsley asks.

“You think I won’t help you get a ship, Captain?” You tease, stepping away and giving him a playful half-bow. He arches an eyebrow at you, reaching out and tugging you closer by your waist.

“I think I could get used to hearing you call me that. Has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?” Kingsley grins and cocks his head to the side. 

“Captain Kingsley Tealeaf, sailor extraordinaire.” You loop your arms around his neck. He leans in and presses a quick kiss to your lips. 

“As long as you’re my First Mate.” He says. 

“I suppose I can agree to that.”

[a-menagerie]

Okay, hear me out, the Vox Machina boys with stealthy reader who has a habit of stealing things and then giving them back as "gifts".

Percy

Absolutely Unamused. He gives you this face a lot 😒

He’s decently perceptive so he might catch you once or twice, but that just makes you be more careful lol

So long as you don’t steal anything terribly important, Percy will…tolerate…your gift giving

You can soften the blow of gifting him his own belongings by adding a handwritten note. Write something sweet and corny, he’ll secretly keep all the notes in a box in his workroom

Hates to admit it, but Percy is impressed by your sneakiness. He does, however, encourage you to try it out on someone else

Grog

Bless his heart, he has No Clue that it’s you taking his things

He is simply excited that you’re able to find and return his stuff! Thank god you’re so good, he would never find his stuff on his own (does this make you feel guilty? Maybe it should)

If you go to him and present his item as a gift, it’ll sound something like this: “oh! I had a thing just like this but…I can’t find it. So this is perfect!”

Is it really fun stealing from a giant baby? (I’m just kidding, Grog is Doing His Best)

Vax

Catches on pretty quick to what you’re doing but he lets it slide…until you steal and then re-gift him Simon

Then it’s War

Vax starts nabbing your things and gifting them back to you. He goes to steal something from you and finds some of his own things that you took

Often holds some of your items hostage, only relinquishing them after being gifted a kiss

If he catches you sneaking around, Vax likes to pretend he doesn’t see you…until the perfect time for him to pop up and spook you & catch you red handed

Eventually offers you a truce and suggests that maybe the two of you team up to prank the rest of Vox Machina this way

Scanlan

He isn’t the most perceptive but he eventually starts to put two-and-two together, especially when it’s always you gifting his items back to him

He might try leaving goofy traps for you, like sneezing powder or maybe a glyph that’ll turn you purple when it’s triggered. But you know what you’re doing and haven’t fallen for it.

Scanlan starts leaving…suggestive items scattered amongst the places you frequently nab from. It’s not surprising, of course, but he seems disappointed when you never steal and gift those items

However, he does start leaving notes and letters and written songs for you in those places as well, little gifts for you to find and keep. They’re honestly quite heartwarming

[a-menagerie]

Authors note: this is some very self-indulgent rambling about reader with Molly & Kingsley. It may not make much sense but I hope at lease some of you enjoy it. Inspired in part by @railroad-migraine ‘s Molly fic “It’s Time You Come Home”.

You had been mourning Mollymauk for longer than you’d gotten to love him.

The thought hit you out of nowhere, your glass slipping from your hand. You waved away the concerned glances, apologizing to Caduceus for making a mess. As you cleaned, you worked to keep the tears at bay.

Days like this, you wished you’d stayed behind with the carnival, convincing Molly to do the same. Still, you knew that would never have happened. Molly was a force to be reckoned with and you would’ve followed him anywhere.

Now, you had all followed Molly, no, Lucien from the grave and across Eiselcross. Any hope you had of Molly still being in there was dashed almost immediately. Lucien was cold and all sharp edges, nothing seemed to remain of your lover.

Fighting the creature that had been Mollymauk was almost a relief. All your pent up anger and sorrow powered you through the fight and as their body collapsed to the ground, you found yourself suddenly empty and dropped to your knees.

You’d never thought you’d get Molly back. When the resurrection failed, you’d already accepted it. But when vines and flowers encompass the body, red eyes open with a strangled breath, you feel your heart start to pound. He glances around, slowly recognizing those around him before his eyes finally land on you.

“Home.”

You have your arms around him before you can think, cradling him to yourself as you cry. Slowly, his hands raise to hold you, leaning more heavily into your hold.

-

Kingsley is not Mollymauk. He doesn’t remember much: a woman in a red coat, some vague sense of familiarity of Yasha, and…you. Not all of you, not all of what you meant to Mollymauk. But you were warm, familiar, and even if he couldn’t remember you, Kingsley could see how easy it would be to love you.

It was…strange. Kingsley was adamant to figure out who he wanted to be, free from the shackles of Lucien and Molly. So, he ran from you. Not literally, of course, but he found himself avoiding your company. It was hard to be with you, knowing that you loved who he used to be.

And yet, he kept finding himself seeking you out. He’d return from the sea with Fjord and Jester and immediately return to your side, presenting you with trinkets and prizes he’d collected along his way. After seizing his own ship, Kingsley offered you a place beside him at the helm.

You join him. Maybe you feel like you owe something to him, to look after him in a way you ultimately weren’t able to do for Molly. Maybe it’s a selfish thing, to keep him in your life. But maybe…you come to simply enjoy Kingsley’s company.

-

“Why are you here?” Kingsley asked one day, when he’s at the helm of his ship and you’re leaning over the railing nearby. You glance to him in surprise.

“Like…on this ship?” He nods. “You asked me to come along.”

“I know that.” There’s a long pause, long enough that you go back to staring out over the sea. When Kingsley speaks again, you can barely hear him. “Why come with me?”

You mull over your words as you walk to him, humming in thought.

“Because I wanted to help you and I care for you a lot.” You see Kingsley clench his jaw.

“You care for Mollymauk. I’m not him.” He keeps his eyes on the sea, refusing to look at you.

“I know. I loved Molly. But I like you too, Kingsley. I don’t want you to be Molly, I want you to be you. And I want to be here to see you.”

After a pause, you ask, “Why did you ask me to come along?”

He doesn’t answer.

Kingsley wants to know what it’d be like to be truly loved by you.

-

Years pass and once Kingsley feels comfortable enough, he reads through Beau’s journals to learn more about Mollymauk. And in the process, you. He’s witnessed your love firsthand but still, the journals surprise him. Kingsley tells you straight that Molly didn’t deserve your love. You laugh and assure him that it’s you that didn’t deserve Molly.

He’s not really sure he agrees with that.

-

You have been loving Kingsley longer than you knew Molly.

The thought doesn’t sting as much as you expected, though there’s still a dull ache. You feel certain that Molly wouldn’t be upset with you for moving on - in fact, he’d probably encourage it. He’d hate it if he were the reason you weren’t happy.

So you lean into the feelings, no longer holding back the love you feel for Kingsley. You can’t tell if he notices (oh, he does). You blindside him with a kiss to the cheek and he’s left off-kilter for the rest of the day. It becomes a bit of a slow dance between the two of you, feeling out how the two of you may fit together.

-

Kingsley’s not a fan of the tattoos littering his body. He had no choice in them and grew to resent them. But there were gaps where red eyes had once been, a gap on the back of his hand, and Kingsley knew exactly what he wanted to fill that space with.

He presents you his hand one day, when the ship is docked off a small isle and it’s just the two of you sitting on the deck, legs dangling off the side. You cradle Kingsley’s hand in your own and examine the new tattoo. Twin flames circling each other in the very center, one flame dark red and the other a light blue. And surrounding the flames was a pair of hands. Your hands, of course, etched onto his skin.

Kingsley explains it to you, though he’s almost a little embarrassed. The flames, he thinks, are obvious: they represent Mollymauk and himself. And how could it be anyone’s hands but yours? You, who loved Molly so fiercely. You, who have cared for Kingsley so vehemently.

You bring his hand to rest over your heart and assure him that you love him too. You’ve loved him for so long, but you didn’t want to put that pressure onto him, not when he was discovering himself and finishing his place in the world. Kingsley just stared at you in wonder.

“Can I kiss you?” He blurts out, his other hand rising to cup your cheek. You laugh lightly and lean into his hand.

“I’ll be disappointed if you don’t.”

-

“I was jealous of a dead man.” Kingsley says out into the dark do the captain’s quarters. You were both lying in bed, in a delightful almost-asleep haze. You raise your head from his chest to look at him with furrowed brows.

“What do you mean?” He’s laying with one arm underneath his head but he raises his other hand to card through your hair.

“I was jealous of Mollymauk.” Kingsley admits. “He had this huge family that loved him, who went to the ends of the world for him. And he had you.”

He laughs a bit at himself. You press a tender kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“That’s why I invited you on the ship. I was too selfish to go without you. I wanted you to myself.” He’s flushed a bit, though his gaze on you is unwavering. This time you give him a real kiss before you settle back down against his chest.

“Well, you have me.”