#gianttiny fearplay

[freshpoof03]

Merman AU with bestie’s (@motiny-tiny-mo ) OCs uwu

[justme315]

Tiny best friend 4/5

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!Warning!

Angst, mental health issues, being scared, panicking, non-consensual touch (not sexual), curse words

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Lucas was panicking. On his knees, he moved a little closer to Jake, who was equally emotionally unstable and scared.

"Jake please don't go, i'm begging you" the boy was very afraid that what he was seeing was hallucinations or that Jake would run away. He didn't want to let either be true. He couldn't lose him again. He would never allow it.

"Jake please don't be afraid" he said in a trembling voice through tears "I would never.." he didn't trust himself not to hurt him but he couldn't live without him for even a day longer.

Meanwhile, Jake was fighting with himself. On the one hand, he was terrified, he didn't want to be here, he was afraid that Lucas would hurt him, and on the other, he saw his only friend in total disarray, he missed him for weeks and didn't want to leave him anymore. He didn't know what he was doing, but he let his heart carry him instead of choosing his mind. He took a hesitant step forward.

"I'm not going anywhere, big man" Jake said in a shaky voice but through a soft smile. Lucas approached him on all fours. Jake was doing his best not to panic and run away. Finally, after so many weeks, he had a chance to meet up with a friend and he didn't want to ruin it. Especially since he also had to help Lucas calm down.

"Jake, I missed you so much" the boy sobbed, placing his hands behind the borrower. Jake immediately tensed up. He couldn't handle being right next to a giant in the middle of a breakdown (so VERY unstable giant) blocking his escape route. Looking up at the shadow Lucas was casting over him, he remembered the words the boy had said the first (and last) time they talked about borrowers, before Lucas found out who Jake was. Jake felt really tiny, he was afraid, but he tried to trust his friend. When he looked at his face, which was filled with tears, he knew that Lucas needed him now. He knew he couldn't leave him like this and that he had to deal with the fear that was eating him up.

"It's okay, it was just a nightmare" he said in a shaky voice, trying to sound comforting. Lucas stared down at him, eyes red, sobbing softly.

"Jake, I'm really really sorry. I never meant to.. I would never hurt you! Why.. Why didn't you come back..." he cried again much louder until it was hard for him to breathe. It hurt Jake right to the heart. He hurt Lucas, not the other way around. He never wanted to do that. After all, they were brothers until recently. Lucas was the only one who cared about him and Jake left him anyway. Guess fear was stronger than love.

"I'm sorry, I.. I was just.. I was afraid. I didn't want to leave you like that but after what you said and how you acted I couldn't.. I'm sorry..." Jake was shaking with fear and shame. Tears began to form in his eyes.

"We're friends! How could you think I'd hurt you?!" Lucas squeaked, squeezing his fingers closer to Jake. Jake immediately reeled in fear. Lucas woke up from his anger.

"Jake.. I.. I'm so sorry.. I promise I'll never hurt you but I can't ever lose you again. Please understand this" he mumbled as he straightened his fingers and placed one against Jake's back and massaged it. The boy immediately panicked even more.

"Don't touch me, please" he begged in horror, trying to pull away from the giant fingers, but he had no ways to escape. He didn't understand what was happening. Lucas always kept his distance and asked if the touch was okay, but now even when he was begged not to do it, he didn't take his fingers away. Jake was afraid. He was fucking scared because Lucas had changed. He turned into someone... unstable. Unstable at best. Dangerous at worst.

"It's just me, Jake. Don't run away" Lucas said, calming down but wrapping his fingers around Jake. Jake panicked. He definitely didn't want that, and he wasn't prepared for it.

"L-Lucas!" he shouted "I'm scared! Please don't touch me!" Lucas's hand immidently stopped moving towards him and moved back a bit. "I'm not ready for touch, please give me some time, you're so.. huge and I..." Jake continued to panic.

"I don't want you to be afraid. I won't hurt you" Lucas was saying "But, I can never lose you again. Please relax and we'll do it slow."

"Slow? It? What are you talking about?!" Jake panicked as he looked at Lucas' face, which turned strangely sad and dark. Fucking dark like villans.

"We're going home, Jake." Lucas grinned scary. Jake had never seen that look on his face before. Lucas looked like a... killer. Like a psychopath. Like a monster getting his prey. Hell no. Jake panicked and struggled. What was he thinking to even get close to Lucas?! This was obviously a bad idea! Jake had no goddamn chance against the human, but the he gave him space and time.

"I don't want you to be scared. I want it to be as normal as possible. Please calm down and let's go home" Lucas said, smiling softly. Jake didn't feel better about it though. He knew something bad was about to happend and he didn't want to get to know what it was.

"Please, l-let me go Lucas" the borrower begged, but looking at the human's face, he knew there was nothing he could do. In the time they haven't seen each other, Lucas has lost his mind and has become erratic and dangerous. He was afraid that Lucas would hurt him. The first time they met like that it was different, Lucas acted strangely and was stunned by what he saw but he wasn't...aggressive. Now he wasn't aggressive either, but there was something terribly dangerous about him that could hurt Jake. It felt like aggression, but it wasn't quite. It was something different but just as powerful.

"How many times do I have to tell you that I won't hurt you?! Just trust me already! Why are you acting like this?!" Lucas began to scream, exploding into madness. "You left me alone with no explanation and never came back and now you're acting completely different! I don't recognize you! Give me back normal Jake! Give me back my brother!" he shouted, grabbing Jake with both hands and lifting him up. Jake burst into tears and began to struggle. Lucas' screams were way too loud for his tiny ears, and he was terrified. Suddenly his friend grabbed him up and squeezed him in his hands, shouting at him. Jake's heart was beating very fast and it was almost painfull. Tears flowed like a river. There was no Lucas in front of him, just some beast. The same one he woke up the first time he asked Lucas what he thought about borrowers and then he told how he killed one. This beast had just gone mad and woke up, now posing a threat to him. Lucas' huge hands pressed with hellish force against Jake's body as he cried and struggled to get out. He felt this might be his end. He felt something snap inside him.

"Please Lucas! I will do anything! We'll go back home! Please!" Jake screamed as his vision darkened and his breathing became ragged. Lucas killed him. Lucas would have killed him if when Jake stopped screaming, Lucas hadn't stopped shouting and squishing his body.

"Home.. we'll go home" mumbled Lucas looking at Jake, waking up from his madness. As soon as he realized what he had done, he stopped squishing Jake and panicked.

"Fuck! No, no, no! I didn't mean to, please Jake wake up! I didn't mean to! Jake! Jake!" Jake could barely hear Lucas' screams anymore, his eyes were too heavy and something in his chest was in the wrong place. He didn't know what was going on anymore. He lost consciousness. The last thing he heard was repeated over and over:

Home.

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Sorry, for not posting for so long, hope you guys enjoyed it!!❤️

[cybersoldier82]

Servers been a lil quiet so I figured I’d spread the link around a bit^^

Cmon down to Sovngarde y’all, we got anything you can think of and more^^

[showrunnerihardlyknowher]

A top tier g/t trope I adore

[entomolog-t]

Flats and a background???? LETS GOOOO

I'm not sold on how I want to have Tamius' tattoos yet, but all I know is they are pen ink.

Poor man is not happy.

[kix-mm]

An Au where Branch and Daisy meet each other much later.

And Branch wears a bag on his head.

Oh, and they’re both in an arranged marriage with each other.

And Daisy tried running away at the alter…

Do you think this unlikely couple will be able to get along? Make the best out of their current situation and maybe even fall in love with each other?

Or will we be rooting for Daisy each time she has the narrowest chance to escape?

Would she even make it out alive?

Would anyone ever want to take her place?

[gtbutterfly]

hide - gt one shot

hey, so I tried writing a one shot in an hour. I want to write more one shots like this in the future, so feel free to let me know whet you think of this one and what I can improve. criticism is appreciated.

______________________________________________________________

It had just begun and I was already out of breath. We were frantically running around looking for places to hide. We were in a forest during early fall on a cool night, all the leaves were on the ground, crunching under our feet. I ended up hiding in a bush, next to a friend of mine. I didn’t know where anyone else hid. It was dark outside, so no matter where, it should have been hard to find them, at least, for most humans. Soon, almost thirty seconds had passed. We couldn’t quite hear the footsteps in the distance, but we could feel them in the ground.  The vibrations were like feeling the face of the drum when it’s hit. They buzzed through our bones as the source of them got closer. Soon, we could hear the creature's footsteps thumping as they hit the ground. My friend was nervous, he had his hands over his mouth to cover the sound of his heavy breathing, which didn’t work very well. His breathing got louder and faster as we heard a scream in the distance. It just claimed its first victim. Then, the vibrations and footsteps got closer and closer. I could barely see the outline of the creature, standing as tall as the trees, their eyes scanning the ground and glimmering in the moonlight. I ran. I started sprinting as fast as I could from the bush, not wanting my partner's breathing to give me away. 

“Hey!” he yelled at me, shocked at my fleeing. I heard them scream as they were caught moments later, but I didn’t dare look back to witness their fate; I kept running and running, trying to distance myself from the large being.

I kept running until I got to a ditch in the ground. I got down on my stomach to hide from the entity that was chasing me. As I looked up from where I was at the naked trees above me. Someone else was hiding in them, sitting on a thick branch and clinging to the trunk. My guess is that they thought since the creature would be looking on the ground, it would be smart to hide up high. Unfortunately for them, it followed the direction I ran in. The white highlights of its eyes were visible from the dozens of yards away where they were standing, and glaring straight at the person in the tree with no emotion at all. The person in the tree panicked as it started to move towards them. They tried to climb down so they could run, going down branch from branch, but they grabbed one that was too weak to hold them. They let out a blood-curdling scream as they fell. I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see them hit the ground, but they never did. I never heard the sound of bones cracking, or they’re body hitting the ground, or their groans of pain. I opened my eyes. The creature caught her. She was in their hand, shaking but unhurt, as it looked down at her. I quietly got up and started running again the the creature was preoccupied. I counted the number of victims that the entity had claimed. The only people left were me, and some other person. I happened to run into them while sprinting through the forest. After we both processed the pain of the impact, they whispered.

“What are you doing here? This is my hiding spot,” They asked,

“I’m trying to avoid them, we’re the only two left,” I whispered back,

“Well go somewhere else,” they said, “I don’t need you attracting them to me,” Just then, the entity was heard stepping towards us. I looked behind me to see it smiling, practically a couple of steps away from us with its size. “Damnit!”

We both started running as fast as we could, the creature basically seconds away from grabbing us off the ground. Unfortunately, the person I was running aside from had always been a faster runner than me, and I had been running this whole time, so I was already tired. It looked like I was a goner, about to be snatched up by the creature at any second. But then, the other person tripped on the root of a tree. I immediately passed them and heard their yelling from behind me as they were picked up by the entity. I was the last survivor. The winner. All I had to do was get home-

THUD! “Owww!”

I rolled my foot on a rock and fell to the ground. I skinned my arms trying to stop myself from falling. Slowly, the entity stood over me. I started breathing heavily as its white eyes glared at me from above. My arms ached in pain as I held them. It got on its knees, staring at me with its large eyes. It opened its mouth…

“Oh my goodness, are you ok? Your arms look like they need to be bandaged,” the giant said, looking worriedly at me. They helped me up with their index finger. 

 “I fine, big guy, just some scraps,” I said, dusting myself off. “That was a pretty good game. You really good at hide and seek,”

“I didn’t go too far again, did I” they asked, embarrassed,

“Of course not, you did great,” I said. Then, there was a muffled voice coming from the giant’s pocket;

“Hey, is the game over? Can we come out?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry, of course,” The giant pulled their “victims” out of their pocket and gently placed them on the ground with his palm. 

“Bro, why did you run away like that at the bush?” The person I was hiding with earlier asked me.

“Your breathing gave us away,” I said,

“Would you have done that if we were really being chased by a giant monster?” he asked,

“Well, probably if I'm being honest.”

“Scew you,” He said, turning away from me. The girl that fell out of the tree looked up at the giant.

“Thanks for catching me back there, I’m not good with climbing trees,” She said,

“No problem, anytime,” the giant said, smiling at her. The last person besides me to get caught scoffed,

“Why do you always have to be it when we play games like this?” They asked the giant. “Uh, because I’d be really easy to find?” the giant shrugged,

“Fine, let's go again, and have you be one of the hiders this time, just to make sure.” they crossed their arms.

“Nah, it's getting late, let's go home.” one of my friends said. 

“Yeah,” said someone else.

“Need me to carry you guys?” the giant asked us. We all nodded. So they picked us all up again, and we went home.

[narrans]

My Borrowed Son | 7 | Tempest and Taxonomy

Chapter Seven | Tempest and Taxonomy

Time had truly flown. It was hard to believe, but a month had gone by and Amanda could hardly fathom she had been taking care of the little boy for all of this time. While he still hadn’t uttered a word during the entire month, it was getting easier to decipher his requests through his body language and simple signs.

Hands up meant he wanted to be held.

Pinched fingers pressed to his mouth meant hungry.

Open hand to his mouth meant thirsty.

Rubbing eyes meant tired.

Wanting to play was spinning either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Bathroom was relatively obvious, but still something Amanda learned to read from the boy.

Every day, Amanda learned to read the boy a little more. The smallest facial expressions were signals he understood or was processing the world around him. Amanda could tell he understood quite a bit, especially when she brought him back to the park bench where she found him.

The little boy would fall very silent, and his shoulders would slouch. He would look around the base of the pole and, after a minute, would try and rejoin Amanda. When she stepped farther away, he would hunker down by the base and patiently wait for her to return.

That was something else Amanda had worked on with him – separation.

Amanda didn’t want the little boy to become completely dependent on seeing her every second to feel secure and would step away a little for longer periods of time before returning. The most she was gone was for two minutes, but it seemed to be conditioning the boy to expect her to come back. He was still clingy and would ask in his own way to be picked up and held for comfort, and each time Amanda would make sure he understood she would always come back for him.

After three consecutive weeks of her returning him to the park bench, Amanda solemnly concluded that the parents of the little boy were not coming back.

What else could she assume?

A month had passed with no signs that anything or anyone had been back to that place under the bench.

The timing worked out well too.

Amanda’s friend, Mel, had managed to secure the paperwork for the delayed birth certificate. One of Mel’s midwife friends who was sworn to absolute secrecy agreed to help her out for a fee. Times were hard and filing a little paperwork that had “slipped her mind” didn’t seem to weigh on her conscious. She managed to be convincing enough that she thought the paperwork had been filed by her trainee at the time and that she had forgotten to check up on them.

In all reality, Mel’s friend didn’t go into specifics of how she was able to get the proper documents to register the child’s birth, just as Mel’s friend didn’t know the specifics about the boy and his size. What all parties understood, however, was that discretion and secrecy were paramount. Everything was meant to be kept under wraps about the boy. Amanda managed to get the necessary paperwork in the end and, all of a sudden, she was a single mother of one with no declared father. Her ex-husband would never have to know since he wasn’t named on the certificate.

There was one last thing that needed to happen before everything was official, however, and that was the name of the child.

Despite every attempt Amanda made, she couldn’t get the boy’s name out of him. His unintentional vigil of silence was hindering the process, and it was getting close to when Mel’s friend needed to finalize the paperwork.

“Mandy, do you think he even has a name?” asked Mel as she carefully handed the child a piece of cracker which he took timidly. His brow furrowed as he looked at the cracker piece, which Amanda learned that the boy did when he was confused or concentrating on something he couldn’t remember.

“I… I think so. He has to have a name, but… maybe he just doesn’t remember? Maybe whatever happened affected his memory and he can’t recall it?” suggested Amanda. “It’s the only explanation I can think of.”

Amanda leaned against the edge of her kitchen countertop and gazed at the little boy, but he didn’t meet her gaze. He was still sitting there contemplatively. Mel sighed and glanced back at her friend, words escaping her.

“Well,” she said as she stood up and looked around the apartment. “The sooner you get his name, the better. My friend is starting to get antsy about the whole thing. Not a threat or to put pressure on you. Just a reminder. Anyway, I have to go. Your place looks nice by the way. Last of the boxes unpacked?”

Amanda glanced at her apartment and saw what Mel was talking about. It was hard to believe she had finally managed to unpack the last box. The furniture was finally out and arranged. The dishes were in the cabinets. The blankets were folded and put away.

The place finally felt like a home.

“Um… yeah,” said Amanda after a moment of being lost in her thoughts. “I kept a few of the boxes since he likes playing with them, but they’re all empty.”

Mel glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her friend. “That’s really cute,” she said. “And, on that note, we’ll have a proper house-warming party next time I come over. Just you and me and probably some Chinese takeout and a bottle of box wine. You know – the classy stuff.”

Amanda rolled her eyes and stepped up to her friend. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Are you sure you have to go so soon?”

Mel nodded and hugged her friend, muttering, “Yeah. There’s supposed to be some kind of big storm tonight and I’m not getting caught in it. Hunker down and enjoy your night. I’ll text you when I get home.”

The two of them exchanged their goodbyes and, with that, Mel set off into the night. The little boy waved a sweet little goodbye as Mel left before lifting his hands into the air, signaling Amanda to pick him up. This made Amanda chuckle.

“You little tyke. Always so affectionate when it’s just you and me,” Amanda teased as she laid her hand down on the counter and the little boy clambered onto her palm. “Mel is a friend,” sighed Amanda. “And she’s right. I need to figure out your name.”

The boy, neck craning upward to look at her, made the same confused face before averting his eyes. His little brow was furrowed again, pinched as he was obviously trying to remember.

Amanda sighed and walked over to the bathroom to begin their nightly routine.

“Do you remember your name, sweetheart? Something your momma or daddy would have called you?” asked Amanda. The boy drew his legs closer to his chest as he kept his eyes averted. “It’s okay if you don’t remember. I’m not mad or upset. I just want to know your name. My name is Amanda. Can you say Amanda?”

It was no use. He said nothing and merely drew further in on himself, confusion and confliction in his features. The question was something he understood, but something kept him silent. Amanda could only guess the trauma was what kept him quiet since he seemed comfortable enough around her.

So, deciding to not pressure the boy any further, she rubbed his back and began running a warm bath, humming thoughtfully some of the songs she knew from her favorite kids’ shows growing up.

Like clockwork, the boy fell asleep as Amanda dried him off and slipped on his pajamas. She carried him to bed and settled in for the evening, mind still preoccupied with the thoughts of what the boy’s name could be.

~~~^*^*^~~~

It was hours later; that much she knew for certain. A deafening crack of thunder sounding like the end of a whip right in her ear had her sitting bolt upright in bed, eyes wide and heart racing. Amanda glanced around and saw her room was plunged into a pitch black abyss.

The power was out.

She knew it the moment she looked around.

The nightlight was off and the electric clock beside her bed had no numbers glowing in red indicating the time of night.

Amanda would have simply calmed herself and turned back over to go back to bed if not for the terrified cry she heard from the boy’s box. It was obvious he was terrified, but that’s not what caught Amanda’s attention.

It was what she heard.

She heard him. The little boy spoke for the first time.

It was undeniable, clear as a bell – and it was heart wrenching.

“Momma! Mommmmaaa!”

The sound alone brought tears to Amanda’s eyes. He was calling out for his mother – a mother who was probably no longer out there and who wouldn’t hear his cries for help. That maternal instinct kicked into high gear and, though unable to see, Amanda carefully leaned over toward the box and laid her hand inside of the box.

“Sweetie? Sweetheart, it’s okay. Amanda’s here. I’m here. Come to me, sweetie. I’ll protect you. It’s just a little rain,” coaxed Amanda. The wind whirled outside, making an odd haunting sound as it pelted the rain relentlessly against the windows. Amanda wondered if the boy might be dreaming and crying out in his sleep. Another streak of lightening illuminated the room just enough for Amanda to see the boy was huddled in the far corner of his box with his hands over his ears.

No. He was clearly awake.

She couldn’t see well, but she could have sworn his cheeks were glossy with tears, face twisted in terror.

Was his mother taken in a storm? There was a storm right as I moved in. Is that what has him frightened so much? Or is it just the storm in general?

Amanda inched her fingers closer to the boy as she called to him again. “Come on, sweetie. I’m here. It’s okay. It’s just the rain. We’ll be okay. I’ll protect you.” The last thing she wanted to do was grab him. Holding him was supposed to be a positive thing. She wanted it to be a source of comfort and let that be a bonding experience for herself and the boy. Grabbing him felt invasive and might shatter her limited trust with him.

Another flash of lightening followed by a crack of thunder revealed little boy once more, but this time he was looking up at Amanda, eyes wide with primal fear. The power flicked on and off, making the night light and the clock flash ominously in the dark room.

Then, as Amanda was about to call to him again, he held up his hands and made that familiar grabbing motion as he, for the first time, intentionally spoke to her.

“Momma!” he sobbed. Amanda was taken aback. She had been taking care of him, yes; but could she dare call herself that? “Mommmaa!” His tears and his cries compelled her to act without correcting him.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. Come to me,” encouraged Amanda as she moved her hand closer to the boy. In a heartbeat, the boy stood and flung himself onto her fingers, once again covering his ears and cowering in her hand.

Amanda waisted no time in bringing the boy close and under the blankets with her, pressing her hand to her chest and slowly rocking back and forth. She couldn’t imagine what he was experiencing. His senses seemed heightened, at least more than a human’s senses. Did that mean the sound of the thunder was amplified? Could he hear her heartbeat over the overwhelming storm outside?

“Sshhh… it’s okay. I’ve got you,” soothed Amanda.

Again, she heard the boy’s cries. “Mommaa!” They were muffled because of her hand, but they were still clear. The boy had quite the clear voice for someone so small. It was gentle and sweet but overridden with distress. Thinking quickly, Amanda decided she had no choice. It felt disrespectful in one weird way or another to his real parents, but perhaps it would help calm him down.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Momma’s here. Mom’s got you. I won’t let anything hurt you,” soothed Amanda. “Please, sweetie. It’s okay. Just take a deep breath for me. The storm will be over soon.”

The sobs and sniffles eased ever so slightly but continued for nearly ten minutes as the storm continued to rage outside. It wasn’t until Amanda heard his cries soften while his body trembled against her that she dared to pull her hand away from her chest and look at him. To see better, she turned on her phone flashlight and pointed it at the ceiling to illuminate the space ever so slightly.

The boy’s eyes were red and puffy, but his soft brown gaze conveyed understanding as he looked up at Amanda. His face was dripping in snot and tears, which Amanda wiped away with a piece of pinched tissue.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Let’s get you cleaned up, yeah? Wipe away those tears?” Amanda smiled. Perhaps it was simply the magic of the moment or maybe they were in the eye of the storm, but something about the way the child looked up at Amanda felt different. It was like the last barrier had broken down and a new relationship between them was born.

With some kind of newfound affection, Amanda asked, “Is that better?” To this, the boy nodded and smiled, leaning into Amanda’s touch.

She wasn’t sure how much time had truly passed. After switching off her phone light and laying there with the boy on her chest, the two of them stayed up and listened to the storm. Amanda continued to hum different tunes to help soothe the child when the storm began to kick up again, but alas he wouldn’t go back to sleep.

It was a pointless endeavor to go back to bed at this point, so Amanda sat up and, instead, began reading one of her eBooks from her phone; one of her personal favorites called “The Hobbit.” It felt fitting with how she was now on this unexpected journey with this child, and it was something she always wanted to share with her own children if and when she had them.

Now seemed as good of a time as any to begin reading.

Amanda started the first chapter and, before she knew it, was reading segments of the fourth chapter before she remembered to glance down at the boy to check and see if he was awake.

He was, with eyes wide open as he absorbed her words.

Now that she had heard him speak, it felt like now was as good of a time as any to talk to him and try and find out some answers. Keeping her phone light on and pointed at the ceiling so she could faintly see him, Amanda readjusted herself and him so she could rest her hand on the bed rather than hold it up.

The rain still pattered against the windows, but the intensity had subsided a little while ago. The little boy repositioned himself on her hand and laid down when Amanda began speaking to him.

“That storm was a little scary, huh?” she asked. The boy’s eyes glossed immediately as he nodded while he leaned into her hand, little arm draping over her thumb as he rested his chin on the knuckle of her thumb. “Is… do you remember another big storm? One when you were outside?”

Amanda didn’t need to look to know he was shivering. She took the answer for a yes.

“Is… that when you were left outside? Where I found you? Did something happen there?” asked Amanda. Again, the boy merely shivered. It was a heart wrenching feeling, and the questions weren’t making it any easier.

She decided to try and switch topics. Perhaps he felt more comfortable now or, in some weird way, perhaps the storm had helped trigger his memories.

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I won’t let the storms hurt you. You’re safe here,” Amanda encouraged. “Do… you remember anything else about that day? Do you remember your name?”

He shivered again and held Amanda’s thumb tighter.

Alas.

No luck.

Whatever he had gone through obviously was either keeping his memories locked up tight or he truly didn’t remember his name.

“Well, that’s okay, but I would like to call you something other than sweetie,” sighed Amanda. She glanced over and saw those thoughtful, soft-brown eyes of the little boy once again. He was looking at her earnestly, as if he wanted to help but couldn’t, and understanding.

Amanda then thought of something. She knew the paperwork was coming in soon and that she needed to come up with something to put on them.

Perhaps he would be willing to compromise? Be called something now and change it when he remembered?

It was worth a shot.

“Would… it be okay if I called you something other than sweetie? Just until you remember your name? Maybe you can help me pick it out?” Amanda asked. There was a look of mild comprehension on the boy’s face, but also reluctance. Maybe he didn’t want to be called something else. Amanda was about to give up on the idea when, to her surprise, the boy nodded.

He actually agreed? He was fine with it?

Maybe he didn’t like being called “sweetie” so many times.

She wasn’t about to question it now.

“Okay? Yes? You’ll help me pick out a name for now?” Amanda confirmed. The boy nodded. Every little boy name flooded her mind and yet vanished at the same time. She wanted something that would fit him, and she didn’t want something that would be too on the nose. Calling the boy Tom in honor of Tom Thumb felt belittling, no pun intended.

“Okay, okay. Um…. How about… Jon?” asked Amanda. The child wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “Not Jon. Um… Gabriel? Levi? James? Gale? Adam? Peter?”

Each name Amanda thought of didn’t quite fit the boy and, more importantly, he shook his head in disagreement. The only one he seemed to perk up at was Peter, but even then he shook his head no. She made her way through a few dozen names, accidentally repeating a few of them, when one came to mind.

It was a name she had always liked, and, in all honesty, she wanted to name her own child this if she had a son. The name also felt a bit on the nose, seeing the place where she found him, but Amanda thought she’d suggest the name all the same.

“What about Parker?”

The child’s eyes narrowed for a moment and his brow furrowed contemplatively. For a long while, he was quiet and made no indication that he liked or disliked the name. As Amanda was about to move on, he nodded.

It was a complete shock to Amanda.

“Yes? You said yes to Parker? That’s what you want to be called?” asked Amanda. Again, the boy seemed to think long and hard before nodding.

That was it.

He had a name; at least, one she could call him by.

“Okay then, Parker. Why don’t we close our eyes and try to get some sleep? The storm is gone, and I’ll protect you if it comes back,” Amanda said, keeping her tone light and pleasant. He smiled and nodded, curling into her hand. Amanda fished out his blanket and laid it over him as he stayed curled in her palm.

Her own lids were growing heavy by the second, and Amanda felt herself drifting off to sleep.

“Goodnight, Parker,” she whispered. Sleep would have taken her if not for the thing she heard next.

“Night… momma.”

Three words. In one day, he had said three whole new words to her after a month of silence. She could only hope they would continue to make progress, but she would think about that later. Instead, Amanda thought about how good it sounded for Parker to call her mom. She felt a twinge of guilt and sadness, but it also meant he was trusting her more and more.

She drifted off to sleep, his nearly imperceptible weight in her hand, as the dream she thought would never be became her reality.

~~~~~^*^*^*^*^~~~~~

Continue

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Beginning

[sm0lprism]

Bite-Sized (1) - A G/t BG3 Fanfic

This contains g/t (giant/tiny content) so if that isn't your thing, then I suggest you stop reading. Thank you!

Read on AO3

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4

Summary: Taken place during Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3. Meet Ria, a 10 centimetre tall (4 inches) borrower who is trying her best to survive out in the wilderness of Faerûn without being crushed underfoot, squashed, or eaten. Astarion, weak with hunger, manages to catch a whiff of Ria's scent, and driven by his bloodlust he tracks her down with the intention of eating her. Of course, things get a little complicated when Gale becomes involved.

[Picture does not belong to me, found on @/dailyastarionpictures]

Pairing: Astarion x borrower!oc (Tav) (slow-burn, Astarion is a complete ass but eventually comes round in future chapters)

Warnings: V*re mention, mouthplay, fearplay, blood, swearing/course language, blood drinking, Astarion is a real asshole to little people/borrowers and doesn't see them as people so be prepared for him being awful.

Word count: 2.5k

Foreboding shadows of ancient trees casted over the small borrower as she fumbled through the foliage on the forest floor. Gnarly roots protruding from the earthy ground threatened to trip her with each hasty step that she took as her breathing quickened. Ria knew for a fact that something – or someone – was stalking her.

She had become so used to the sensation of being watched by hungry predators throughout her young life that she could almost sense when she was being followed. Every single hair on the back of her neck stood up as she swallowed thickly. Being only a mere 10 centimetres tall made her very easy prey to just about everything that dwelled in the dark forest, and there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind that if she didn’t act swiftly, she was going to end up as a midnight snack very soon. Pressing forward, she soon felt small tremors rattle the earth below her feet like tiny earthquakes. Her heart leaping into her throat, she knew that this only meant one thing: whoever was following her was very close. She forced her legs to run faster, adrenaline now spiking her blood as she let her flight or fight response take over. Panic flared in her chest with each approaching tremor, each one getting stronger and more violent than the last.

Her gaze darted around the forest floor feverishly looking for anywhere that she may be able to quickly hide in to prevent her grim demise. She immediately spotted a thicket of thorns – prickly and painful, yes, but that might deter the hungry predator that was gaining on her rapidly. Without second thought, Ria dived into the thorn bush headfirst and immediately felt stabbing pain at her sides. The thorns tore through her clothing and sliced open her skin, her blood now dripping on the ground, but she pushed through it. She was determined not to die as a late-night snack. Grimacing in pain, she pulled herself as deep into the thorn bush as she could muster. Blood now stained her clothing as she glanced down at her wounds, feeling the wetness of her blood on her fingertips. Forcing herself not to cry, she held her breath, anxiously waiting to see if she would in fact live to see another day. The rattling tremors grew ever closer, causing her entire body to vibrate with each footfall.

Wait a minute – footfall? As in, bipedal? Human?

She shook her head. No, humans didn’t eat borrowers. It had to be something else. Something more carnivorous. Something that was intent on following her through the bush just to track her down and eat her. It made her stomach churn. Peering through the twisting thorny stems of the bush, she was just able to see what was outside thanks to the glowing full moon that shone from above.

A pair of dark leather boots appeared in her vision just outside from her spot in the thorn bush. Of course, she couldn’t see the owner of the boots, but just seeing the giant footwear made her heart almost stop right then and there.

“Come now, little one, this would be so much easier if you just surrendered right now.” A loud, masculine voice blared through her eardrums. The voice, however, was not what she was expecting. It had this sort of flair to it that she couldn’t quite describe. But either way, it didn’t deter from her impending fate. She sucked in a sharp breath and hoped that whoever it was would turn away.

“I can smell your blood, darling.” The voice rumbled from above like thunder. “My gods, it smells positively divine. Getting all bloodied up for a vampire is truly flattering, it’s almost as if you want me to bite you in half!”

Vampire!?

Of all the creatures that had to be hunting her down, of course it had to be a vampire. Vampires were known to eat borrowers in a multitude of different ways – biting their heads off to drain the remaining blood, biting them in half, or just simply straight up eating them. An icy chill snaked down her spine as she realised just exactly what she was dealing with. And she had made it even easier for him to find her by smearing her blood everywhere. This couldn’t get any worse.

A tsk tsk tsk noise resonated from above. “I suppose we’re doing this hard way, aren’t we?”

The hard way?!

A piercing scream filled her lungs as the protective thorn bush was practically torn open revealing the vampire in question. Before Ria had a moment to react, a giant hand came crashing down from above and immediately enclosed around her body into a tight fist, yanking her out of her protective thorn casing as if it were nothing. The vampire held her tightly in his grasp, slowly bringing her close to his watchful gaze. Thrashing in his tight vice-like grip, she cried out in protest but to no avail. The icy coldness from the vampire’s skin soon seeped through her clothing and she forcefully supressed a shiver. There was not a single chance that she would be able to escape now. Steadying her rapid breathing, she finally met the gaze of her captor. Piercing giant red orbs met hers and she shuddered out a breath. The man that held her had strikingly pale skin that had an almost ethereal quality to it. His face was sharp and angular, with a cheeky smirk that revealed elongated canine teeth that glimmered white in the moonlight. Long, silvery-white curls framed his perfectly chiselled facial features, contrasting evidently with his crimson blood eyes.

Ria almost forgot to breathe. If the circumstances were different, and she wasn’t going to be his dinner, she would outrightly admit that the man was gorgeous.

“Oh, a little starstruck are we?” The vampire chimed playfully, his smirk growing ever wider, noticing her demeanour. “I can’t say I blame you. I do have that effect on people.”  

Ria opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn’t muster anything that resembled a single sentence. Blood was still leaking out from her multiple cuts making her feel a little light-headed at the blood-loss.

“I must say, I have never actually seen a borrower in person before,” the vampire continued, his loud voice rattling her tiny ribcage with each word he uttered. “I can’t believe just how small you are, I mean, you’re literally bite-sized. How perfect is that?”

The word ‘bite-sized’ shot an arrow of panic straight through her chest. Coming to her senses, her words finally found her.

“Leave me the fuck alone!” A mixture of anger and fear swelled in her chest as the words literally spat out of her mouth.

The vampire’s eyebrows shot up at hearing her outcry, but it only made his grin grow wider. Her outburst, for whatever reason, seemed to please him deeply. “Wow, such a venomous bark for such a small thing. Perhaps if you use some manners I may reconsider,” he chuckled darkly. “I believe I haven’t properly introduced myself. My name is Astarion, and you are?”

Baffled at the vampire’s question, her brain attempted to process what was going on. Was he seriously threatening to eat her and exchange names at the same time? This was hardly the time to be formal and polite, but perhaps if it extended her lifespan just a little, she would play along.

“My name is R-Ria,” she managed to splutter out. “Astarion is a very pretty name.”  

“Changing your tone now, are we?” Astarion replied with a devilish smile. “But flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere in this situation, I’m afraid. Please don’t take this personally, I'm too weak to hunt right now and you’re the easiest snack I could find. All I need is a drop, then that will give me just enough energy to find something more filling.” He paused, licking his tongue over his upper lip. “However, I can’t deny that your scent alone has me salivating already.”

Ria could feel the remaining colour that was left in her face drain away. She attempted to squirm out of his enclosed fist but he only gripped onto her even tighter, threatening to crush her ribcage in his cold grasp.

“Oh, come now, it won’t be so bad,” he said playfully. “It’ll be over before you know it. But before I do, I cannot ignore the blood you already spilled for me. It’d be a shame for that to go to waste.” His gaze raked over her bloodied arms and legs from the thornbush, the blood still oozing from her open wounds.

He suddenly brought her closer towards his face, now filling her entire vision. Hungry crimson eyes stared at her open wounds and he parted his mouth. Stifling back a scream, she could only watch in horror as the tip of his tongue licked the entirety of her wounded arm, lapping up every morsel of her blood that was stained on her skin.

A low moan escaped past his lips and vibrated through the still air as he licked the blood from the multiple cuts across her arm. It didn’t take him long to start lapping at her other wounds along her legs and other arm with the tip of his tongue, savouring every drop that he could find across her skin.

Fortunately, his tongue stopped once all the blood has been licked clean from her exposed skin. At this point, her heart was on the verge of exploding as she realised that she had just been taste tested by a vampire. Hyperventilating rapidly, she glanced down at the parts of her body that she could see in his enclosed fist – noticeably, she could feel that he had only licked her wounds on the lower part of her arms and legs, and very thankfully, not on the middle or near her chest.

“My, my, darling, you taste absolutely delicious,” he hummed with delight, his tongue running across his upper lip with satisfaction. “It is true what they say about borrower blood being so tasty. I can’t believe I’ve been deprived of something like this for so long.”

“Just wait!” Ria finally managed to cry out, tears pricking her eyes. She expected Astarion to ignore her plea, but he remained silent, save for the still ever hungry gaze that lingered in his red eyes.

“Are you sure you want to eat me right now?” she continued, her heart spasming in her chest. “I-I mean, once you eat me, then there’ll be no more left. Shouldn’t something as tasty as me be savoured?”

Astarion remained silent for a few more seconds. She could see the conflicting thoughts dancing across his expression as he mulled the situation over.

“Hmm, I know this is you clearly trying to delay your untimely death, but you do have a point.” His gaze flickered back to Ria’s bloody wounds along her limbs. “But I am in desperate need for a midnight snack, I’m afraid. I would say better luck next time, but I suppose there won’t be a next time for you, will there?”

“Please, oh gods, I don’t want to die!” Ria shrieked at the top of her tiny lungs, tears now flooding down her face like a torrential river. “Please, I’ll do anything you want, but just don’t eat me!”  

“Hush now, my dear, it’ll be all over soon. I’ll be gentle, I promise.”

All Ria could do was watch in utter terror as Astarion opened his mouth wide as his enormous fangs inched closer towards her trembling body. He had her now pinched in between his index finger and thumb, bringing her inside his mouth like she was some kind of tiny finger sandwich.

“Oh fuck, no, please, no!” Ria screamed at the top of her lungs as the front half of her body entered the vampire’s mouth. She thrashed in the vampire’s grip, but it was utterly useless – she had no strength over the giant man. Closing her eyes, her lip trembled, as she slowly began to accept her fate. There was nothing more that she could do. This was the end for her.

“ASTARION!”

A loud, unfamiliar voice pierced the still night air, and Astarion quickly removed Ria from inside his mouth. She immediately felt Astarion tighten his grip around her body as a man emerged into the moonlight. The man had shoulder length brown hair, with purple robes and his jawline was brushed with stubble.

Astarion immediately made a face of pure disgust. “Hello, Gale.”

“What in the gods name are you doing?” The man, Gale, stepped forward. He quickly noticed the tiny borrower that was enclosed in Astarion’s fist. His gaze flickered back to the pale elf with anger.

“Astarion, is that a borrower in your hand?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Astarion said, hiding Ria behind his back so that she was out of Gale’s sight. “A borrower? Can’t say I’ve heard of them before.”

Gale exhaled a frustrated sigh. “Astarion, stop with the bullshit. I saw one in your hand. What were you going to do to them?”

“H-HELP-!“ Ria managed to choke out before she was smothered by Astarion’s cold fingers closing around her tiny form.

“Hand the borrower over, Astarion, or do I have to use magic to get you to cooperate?” Gale persisted, his anger quickly rising.

Astarion pouted like a child handing over stolen candy. “Fine, take her. I wasn’t going to eat her, if that’s what you’re so worried about.” He brought Ria out from behind his back and opened his palm, revealing the tiny borrower.

“He absolutely was going to eat me!” Ria retorted. 

“You were going to eat her?” The wizard gaped, quickly moving Ria from Astarion’s hand onto his. “For fuck’s sake, Astarion, we told you that you aren’t allowed to feed from people, only animals!”

“Fine, so what if I was?” Astarion exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air dramatically. “Besides, borrowers hardly count as people! They’re no different from halflings or gnomes, they’re just smaller.”

“We’re going to have a chat once we’re back at camp,” Gale pinched the bridge in between his nose with his free hand. “I’m so sorry about him. Did he harm you?”

Ria was almost at a loss for words. She was still shaking from everything that had happened. Swallowing back her chattering nerves, she craned her neck to look up at the wizard. “T-thank you, he didn’t hurt me, well, he almost did, but…” Her gaze drifted over to the cuts across her limbs from the thornbush. “I do have these cuts, but they weren’t from him.”

Gale noticed her wounds and glared daggers at Astarion. “I hardly believe that it wasn’t him that did this to you, but I’ll take your word for it. I can take you back to our camp, our cleric, Shadowheart, will have those wounds healed in no time.” He smiled warmly at her. “I’m Gale, but I suppose you already know that. What’s your name?”

“I’m Ria,” she answered thickly, her body still trembling. “A-and thank you, I appreciate all your help.”

“Oh no, it’s the least I can do after the trauma my friend most likely put you through. Let’s get going.” Gale’s fingers enclosed around her frame protectively, and she could almost hear Astarion’s eyes roll into the back of his head as they walked through the forest. Whatever happened next, she prayed that the rest of Gale’s friends were nothing like Astarion.

[smoll-stace]

sonder and char <3

[freshpoof03]

Doodles I made of my fairy boy (mf lost his damn wings 😔)

[justme315]

Tiny best friend 3/5

First part:

Previous part:

Next part:

!Warning!

paranoia, mental health issues, gore, murder (noone really dies), being scared, angst

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Their meeting was not long. Jake begged Lucas to let him go and promised to come back the next day and explain everything, because at the moment he was under the influence of too much emotion. Lucas agreed. He really wanted to come back, but when the next day came he realized that it was dangerous and that he couldn't do it. At least not yet. Many days passed in this way, and eventually weeks. Jake blamed himself for bringing up the subject of borrowers at all, and now he had lost a great friend. Lucas didn't hurt him when he shrunk and released him, but his earlier words and how gigantic he was compared to Jake made him unable to go back there. He tried to force himself to, but he was too afraid. He never wanted to go back there, he was afraid that everything could go very badly. In the end, he decided to give up his friendship, even though he suffered a lot from it and fell into an almost depressive state when he realized that he would never get back what he had before.

Lucas was no better. The boy blamed himself for what he said, but still he couldn't suddenly change his whole way of thinking, all his life he saw the tinies as toys, that's what he was taught by society, and suddenly he saw his friend in this form. It wasn't easy for him. He had many questions but when he saw how Jake was he couldn't bring himself to ask him, he let him go because he believed that he would come back and explain everything. He believed everything would be fine. But Jake did not come back. Lucas was slowly losing his mind day by day, worrying and being mad at his friend at the same time, falling into paranoia. Ultimately, he didn't know what to do with himself, he was waking up at nights having nightmares about Jake and trying to find him around. He didn't want to give up.

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Lucas didn't want to go to school. Recently, he could not eat, drink, sleep or functionate. There was nothing unusual about it, after all he had lost someone he considered family. Jake had a special place in his heart that was empty now, as if pierced through and bleeding. He didn't want to get up, but he knew he was worrying his friends and his mom, who looked like she was considering more and more of locking him up in a mental institution. He understood why they were worried, but he couldn't live like this. It was even worse when his mind played with him and reminded him how he and his friends had killed that tiny and replaced it with Jake. He felt terrible and decided that he had had enough and went to the forest. He hoped his mom would at least think he went to school and lived a normal life, but his plan was obviously different. He just wanted to lie in the woods where no one would see, criticize, or worry about him. When he reached the forest, he lay down and went to sleep. Maybe he'd at last have peace of mind in his sleep.

He slept long. His head was slowly starting to hurt. He heard screams around him, which suddenly stopped. He opened his eyes and saw what he was holding in his hand. Blood ran down his fingers. There was so much blood and broken flesh. This small, delicate creature was in his hand, completely crushed, destroyed, broken, with an unreadable expression on its face, dead. He crushed a tiny. He killed someone again. God, he did it again. He started hyperventilating. He lost his sense of everything. He tossed the ruined corpse away from him and backed away in panic.

"I didn't mean to, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." he started crying and panicking. He didn't mean to hurt anyone. Oh my god, what if it was Jake?! He now understood why Jake didn't come back, he was a monster even in his sleep! He was a murderer who hurt everything around him. He sat down on the ground under a tree, panicking, but as soon as he sat he heard an unpleasant crunch. Hell no. He got up and saw that he had just squashed some more tinies. He sat on them. They were innocent, they did nothing wrong, and they got the worst death under a huge weight, crushed to the thickness of a sheet of paper, destroyed, bled out, with no chance of rescue. He panicked and screamed, trying to get out of there. He did not mean to do this. He really didn't mean to do this. There was so much blood and dead bodies. The bodies were ripped, organs out. He though he would be sick. There were screams coming out from everywhere. There was tiny flesh everywhere. It was all his fault. He did that. He murdered them. He had to run. To leave. A scream pulled him from his run. Lucas got up. It was a dream. Luckily it was just a fucking dream. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, he was covered in cold sweat and his hands were shaking. Even though it was just a dream, the feeling of murder stayed with him. He really didn't mean to do it.

----------------------------

Jake couldn't believe what he saw. When he saw Lucas lying in his forest, not far from his hideout, he wanted to run away and preferably move. But then he realized that the boy was sleeping. He was clearly having a nightmare. Tears ran down his cheeks, he struggled in his sleep. Even though Jake was still terribly scared, he couldn't look at Lucas at that state. He had to do something before the boy hurt himself in his sleep. He shouted on top of his lungs to wake the boy up. As soon as he shouted the boy got up and looked around everywhere and on his shaky hands. He looked like he'd seen a ghost a moment ago, but it was a bit better now. Jake sighed with relief. As soon as he opened his eyes again and looked at Lucas, he saw that his gaze was fixed on him. A cold shiver ran through his body. Lucas was shaking, crying, and now he was looking directly at him. Jake froze in fear. Why did they have to meet like this again? Why did they have to see each other after so many weeks under these circumstances?

"Jake..?" Lucas whispered uncertainly through his tears, not blinking as if he was afraid that when he looked there again, it would turn out to be only hallucinations. Jake took one hesitant step back. That's when Lucas stroke in a panic.

"Don't leave, I'm begging you!"

[wp-blaze]

The Michael Mongeon Fund

My brother Mike is very ill. It doesn’t look like he’ll be with us a whole lot longer. I’m sure there will bills left behind and I’ve never been one for begging. Neither has Mike. Sue tells me he’s got someone from Hospice, which is nice. I could open up a gofundme page but that […]

[smolgloves]

Not So Useless

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Summary: The gang is in the heart of the lair where they must fight the hag

Tw: Blood, gore, violence, mentions of sex, and near death experience

Despite the looming threat of facing a hag, Freya found a glimmer of joy in this dark cave. Tav.

They marched forward ready to strike anything that decided to jump out at them. Freya gave a soft sigh as she stared at Tav, there was just so much to admire when they were half the size as the others yet willing to take the lead to protect the group.

“It's cute, you know.” Astarion spoke in a hushed tone. “Looking at Tav like that.”

Freya snapped her head over to the elf, a puckish grin planted on his lips. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“There's no need to be coy.” He said with a breathy laugh. “You stare at them like a lovesick puppy.”

Immediately, Freya's eyes darted to Tav and the two women to make sure none of them heard what Astarion was implying, she couldn't believe he just said that out loud! “your eyes must be getting dull if that's what you see.”

The borrower's retort only fueled the teasing spark in his eyes as he gestured over to the unknowing halfling. “I don't blame you, Tav is a delicious treat; I would know, I've indulged myself.”

A tight knot formed in Freya's gut, her heart sputtered at the mere thought of them fucking. Was she… jealous? No, Freya was just annoyed that Astarion would bring this up all of a sudden. “Good for you.”

“Oh, don't be so tense, darling. I'm just trying to start a conversation.”

“I'd rather stay focused on the mission.” She said through tight lips.

Astarion scoffed. “You're no fun.”

“It's hard to be when a hag wants to use your people as potions.”

Astarion glanced over at the borrower on his shoulder, his quiet expression only made her grow more tense. “They cast you out, yet you still want to save them, why?” A scowl was painted on his face, yet despite the obvious disgust he voiced, there was a curiosity that lingered in his tone.

“Because they don't deserve to suffer from a hag.”

He gave a haughty laugh. “Really, because if I can't imagine wanting to lift a finger for someone who wronged me like that!”

“Of course, you wouldn't understand.” Freya gave a sharp exhale. “Not all of them are bad people, there's good people.”

“But did the good ones try to stop your exile?”

Silence hung in the air, Freya thought of her dear cousin, who voiced his opinion, yet didn't do much to stop his dad from making the call. Freya wanted to give Kes grace for not intervening more, but there was a selfish part of her that wished he would have told his father off right there! It wasn't fair, she has been more supportive of him than Uncle Eskel would ever be! Yet, he let this happen.

“That doesn't matter.” She quickly snapped back. “There was no stopping my exile once the elders made the decision.”

“And what makes you think your little leaves will be any different?” He shot a look so full of contempt it had Freya scrunching up her nose.

“Oh, why do you care?”

“I'm just wondering what you'll do if your little plan doesn't go over well.” He shrugged. “Where will you go if you never get accepted back to your colony?”

That was a scenario Freya had avoided thinking about because the truth was, she had no idea what she would do. Ideas flitted in her mind all at once, she could always live near the outskirts of the border, then she could at least see Kes. However, the outskirts weren't exactly a safe place to live especially with Goblins and gnolls roaming around. There was always the option to travel and see the world like her father used to, but not only is that dangerous, she would have no one to share the journey with. Defeating the hag and delivering the Aixosfeaf to the colony had to work in favor!

“Hold it.” Tav commanded quietly, making everyone stop and hold their breath. A shrill voice was spewing curses in the distance. Everyone crouched down and pressed forward, the shadows becoming their cloak as they reached an opening. Mushrooms of varying sizes cluttered the pit of the cave, with moss that lined the walls and plants sprouting from the dirt, had the circumstances been different, Freya would have been ecstatic to be in a place that grew such an array of herbs, but the writhing old woman kept her focused on the mission.

“Vile, wretched worms!” The hag wailed out as she plucked herbs and mushrooms that gathered around the area. Freya took note of the plants she grabbed, no doubt she was trying to make an elixir to aid her severed hand.

The group split, with Shadowheart stalking off in the shadows, past the hag without a trace. Karlach and Tav seemed to stick together, hiding behind boulders, but Astarion veered away from everyone, sneaking over to a rocky perch that clung to the shadows. It was the perfect spot to stay hidden while also keeping a tiny woman safe from the action.

As Astarion stayed crouched, Freya kept her eyes on Tav and Karlach, they approached the hag cautiously with their weapons ready the moment the vile wench tried anything. However when she eyed the two, she ceased her agony to throw on a menacing glare.

“Think you'll finish the job so easily?”

Tav gave a short laugh. “I've fought one too many hags to think a wounded hag would be any less dangerous.”

“You're smarter than you look, halfling.” The hag smirked. “Too bad you weren't smart enough to leave when you had the chance.”

Snarls from those redcaps echoed down the tunnels and soon a swarm of the vicious fey circled the two. Tension built up in Freya, she counted at least ten of those things, maybe even more! Tav and Karlach may be tough, but could they take on a whole swarm?

“Detono!” Tav thrust their hands forward as they spoke the words. A boom erupted and several of the redcaps plus the hag were thrusted back!

From the shadows, on the other side, Shadowheart shouted a phrase that sounded like Silentium, and a purple aura surrounded an area of the cave. Freya was about to ask what the cleric did but she got distracted by Karlach charging in swinging her greataxe at the hag. She staggered back trying to avoid being sliced to bits by the barbarian. Meanwhile Tav took on several redcaps at once, knocking them back with ease! However, Astarion drew his bow and shot at a redcap that seemed to be running away.

“What are you doing?” Freya snapped. “You're going to give away our position!”

“I'm trying to make sure Shadowheart keeps the spell up!” He retorted as he hopped down from the rocky perch they once were stationed at. “If her concentration breaks then that bloody hag is going to be able to use spells!”

The spike in adrenaline heightened the borrower's adrenaline, watching as several redcaps stopped their fight with Tav in favor of the woman in the shadows. Astarion chased after them, running into the dome that kept the area magic free. Borrowers weren't versed in magic but even Freya felt a change in the atmosphere, shouts from Tav sounded miles away. She turned back to see a look of shock written on their face; one that would've held her gaze if a sudden lurch hadn't caused Freya to nearly fall from Astarion's shoulder. She grabbed onto his collar, scrambling to keep herself from losing balance, Astarion had stabbed the redcap in the back, making it go limp. He didn't give the borrower on his shoulder a chance to catch her breath before he bolted off to the next one.

This redcap turned back to counter Astarion's attack with its sickle, swiping at him in an attempt to slice open his belly. Fortunately, the vampire was quicker than the redcap but he couldn't seem to land a blow as the creature creature was aware of his tricks.

Finding her footing, Freya was able to sit up and slip the leather collar between her under arm and torso, keeping her somewhat stable during the erratic movements. It was an awkward position but it was the best she could do as she gripped her peashooter and aimed for the redcap. Once it got dangerously close, Freya shot a pebble towards it, hitting it square on the nose.

It staggered back, letting out a howl before being promptly cut off by Astarion as he slashed his blade across its throat. There was a pause from him as he glanced at the dead creature, blood pooling at his feet. “Seems like you're worth more than just being hag bait.”

Freya rolled her eyes. “Just try and keep your shoulder steady!”

“I'll do my very best, darling.” He gave a cheeky grin before making a mad dash to the next prey.

Pride swelled inside Freya's chest when she caught a glimpse at him. Astarion could throw a hundred backhanded compliments her way but it didn't hide the approving look that fired in his crimson eyes.

Astarion's blade pierced another redcap in the back. Just in time too, as it had Shadowheart cornered. She glanced at her ‘saviors’ before shooting a radiant bolt at an enemy.

“I don't think this is keeping her safe.”

“No, I'm keeping you safe.” Astarion fired back with a smug tone that matched Shadowheart.

“I'm fine, anyways.” Freya scoffed, keeping watch for more redcaps.

“See, she can handle herself.” Astarion gave a short laugh. “I'm not sure why anyone doubted her abilities.”

“Careful Astarion, keep talking like that and you may yet like her.” Shadowheart said teasingly.

“It'll take more than a few lucky shots for me to ever like a borrower.” A haughty laugh erupted from him.

Freya broke her gaze from the battlefield to glare at the vampire. If they weren't in the middle of a fight, she would absolutely swing at that smug face of his!

“Look out!” Karlach's voice carried over to the three. A redcap had broken away from Karlach's range and charged after them with terrifying agility. It lunged forward and Astarion only had a split second to duck away. While he and Freya got lucky, Shadowheart was not and got her arm sliced by the sickle. She cried out and in a moment the spell silencing aura disappeared.

“Gods damn it!” Growled Astarion as he backstabbed the last of the redcaps.

There was a chilling laughter from the hag, Freya snapped her head in her direction but she was nowhere to be seen. Dread washed over her as she felt like a sitting duck about to be hunted.

“Keep your guard up.” Shadowheart warned.

Despite her hammering heart, Freya scanned the area for anything out of the ordinary. The battlefield was eerily silent, with everyone remaining still as statues. She briefly glanced at Tav, who looked like they were ready to dash over to her and Astarion, but the borrower broke eye contact when she noticed a large mushroom that seemed to radiate a sickly green color near the halfling. It took a second for her to realize that was Deathsbreath.

“Get out of there, Tav!” She shouted but it was too late, as spores erupted from the mushroom and sent Tav tumbling forward, coughing up bile. The hag revealed herself to lunge at Tav, only for Karlach to rush up and swing her ax at her. Shadowheart and Astarion rushed towards Tav, helping them up.

“I'm alright.” Tav waved off Shadowheart's healing spell to look up at Astarion. “Get her out of here, now.”

“Hol-!” Freya’s protests were cut short by Astarion making a mad dash for the exit. She tugged at his collar urging him to turn back, he didn't even bother to give her an annoyed glance. However, he stumbled to a halt, snarling a bunch of profanities towards the ground. Freya followed his gaze to find twisting vines wrapping themselves around his ankles. He took his dagger and began slicing his way to freedom but for every one vine that was torn away, three more snaked their way around the vampire's limbs!

“Get out of here while you still can!” He ordered.

“I'm not leaving you guys behind!” Freya snapped, she frantically searched for an opportunity to free Astarion. “Maybe I can help!”

“The hells you can!” Astarion bared his fangs at an attempt to scare her into listening. “Don't be stupid!”

“Didn't realize trying to save you was stupid!” Freya sneered, pulling out her tiny dagger in a futile attempt to slice the massive vines. A vile screech from behind broke her attention, Freya turned to see the hag charging at them with her claw-like nails out to attack. The borrower screamed and squeezed her eyes shut, pressing herself into the cold neck of Astarion as a foolish attempt to protect herself.

Then…. nothing. Freya blinked a few times, before finally looking over to where the hag was. To her shock, she stood a few feet away, that menacing glare no longer aimed at them but instead at Tav, who stood in between them. Blood dripped down from their side staining their robes, as each breath they took became shakier.

“To think Ethiel was bested by you.” The hag spoke coldly. “Did you really think sacrificing yourself for those two would prolong their lives? That I wouldn't toss you aside and tear their innards out?”

To the surprise of everyone, Tav responded with a weak laugh. “Did you truly think…. saving them was my only… reason for doing this?”

Using all their strength, Tav thrusted a fist forward into the hag's chest, their hand slicing through like a knife to butter. Blood oozed down their arm, and the hag stared down at the tiny monk in horror. Then her face twisted in pain the further Tav seemed to reach into her chest cavity. Finally, the hag staggered back, clutching the wound in an attempt to stop the blood from flowing out. She dropped to her knees, never breaking eye contact with them. “You… fool.” The hag uttered before finally collapsing on the ground, letting out a final breath.

Once they knew she was dead, Tav stumbled back, wheezing out each breath.

“Shit! Tav!” Astarion scrambled out of the now shriveling vines and rushed over to the halfling. He wasn't even trying to be careful with Freya on his shoulder, but she couldn't blame him as she was ripped out of her shock when she laid her eyes on Tav. Their dark skin grew pale and their eyes were bloodshot, Freya wasn't sure if they were hurting more from the deathsbreath, or from the blood loss, but it was clear. Tav was dying!

“Bloody hells!” Shadowheart exclaimed as she ran up to Tav with Karlach. She quickly knelt down to heal them. “Stand back, I got this.”

Before she could even lay hands on them, tremors made everyone stumble, Freya had to grip onto Astarion's collar to keep from falling off. Stalagmites falling from the ceiling and rocks tumbling forward, the ground cracked around them. The hag may have died, but she wasn't going to go without taking her killers with her.

“Let's get out of here first!” Karlach shouted.

Astarion wasted no time pulling Tav close to his chest. His arms shook as he stood to his full height and ran. He kept his eyes on the two women who were already heading for the exit, but Freya just stared down at Tav. Their eyes squeezed shut. Would they even have time to get out of this crumbling cave before they succumb to their alignments?

Her thoughts were immediately silenced as the quakes intensified and made the quick footed vampire stumble forward. Then the ground cracked underneath his feet and shattered. Gravity did its job in pulling the three down the open cavern, Freya's heart lodged itself in her throat, sealing a scream that desperately wished to break out. All she could do was watch in horror as darkness shrouded the three and they were swallowed up by the earth.

[showrunnerihardlyknowher]

Choose Your Fighter

[voraciousvore]

The Giant and the Princess (8/10)

Part 1 | Previous (7) | Next (9)

Content Warning: Violence/ Death

Word Count: 2.6k

------ Part 8 ------

Iris woke up to sunlight. Ajax’s immense body was still boiling hot, but his breathing wasn’t as labored, and he wasn’t shaking as much. As she stared up into the translucent green leaves, shining like emeralds with the morning sun, a flock of birds scattered across the sky above. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. 

“Ajax? You doing okay?” she called up to him. He didn’t answer, still unconscious. Iris stroked his beard with her fingers lovingly as despair crept into her chest. She was doing the best she could, but she couldn’t save him on her own. 

As if summoned by her thoughts, the trees shook and the ground rumbled with the arrival of giant footsteps. Iris bristled with terror. Ajax might be nice to her, but she knew any other giants would snatch her up and devour her without a second thought. She didn’t have time to run away: They would find her and catch her. 

She needed to hide. Without time to think, she scurried across Ajax’s pectoral and dove into his vest pocket. She huddled into an inconspicuous ball inside, trying to control her trembling. Ajax’s mammoth heart throbbed in her ears, lifting her up lightly with every beat. She squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her hands into tight fists. 

“Ajax!” a rich feminine voice boomed. Iris gritted her teeth to repress a cry of fright. A giantess. “Ajax, are you alright?” Iris couldn’t see outside the pocket, but she could sense a massive presence looming over her. The giantess nudged Ajax’s shoulder to rouse him, jostling Iris in his pocket. She landed in an uncomfortable position, her arm folded beneath her, but didn’t dare to readjust. 

“He’s badly injured,” a stentorian male voice resounded. “We need to take him home.” Two giants. Oh no. Iris began to sweat. Her heart was pounding. She was certain they would be able to smell her, but they were too distracted by the giant’s deteriorating condition to notice an insignificant bug like her—for now. The two giant people, who were Ajax’s mother and father, lifted his limp body up with some difficulty and began to haul him home. 

Iris felt the world shift around her as she was raised into the air. She bobbed up and down with the cadence of their strides. Cautiously, so as not to be discovered, she peeked out of the pocket to survey the area. She ducked her head back in when she saw a giant’s rotund, ruddy face towering above her. He didn’t notice her, but her heart sank down to her feet with dread as she realized she was doomed. A horrific fate awaited her. There was no way for her to sneak out and escape unobserved. Once they carried Ajax home, they would detect her scent, find her, and eat her. She was done for. 

She curled up in the pocket, with nothing to do but contemplate her inevitable death. Despite her current situation, she didn’t regret her decision to stay. She had nothing to go back to. She would stay by her giant lover’s side until the end. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks. She was tired of striving and struggling for nothing. The giant’s tenderness for her was the only thing she truly valued. At least he would finally get the medical care he needed, from giants better equipped to treat his wounds. He would make it, even if she did not. 

Ajax’s parents made it to the house and laid their son in bed. His mother prepared some cold water and rags to temper his fever. She cleaned his eye while his father gathered bandages and cream for his remaining punctures. 

“Are we going to talk about this?” the giantess asked her husband, gesturing to the inadequate attempts by the princess to bandage and treat his arms and legs. “Somebody was here before us.” 

She raised up her hand, pinching the tiny wet cloak between her fingers. “And this was left on his forehead.” 

The giant man focused on the cloak. He sniffed the air, his eyes widening with recognition. The giantess, too, perceived the distinctive scent. Ajax’s father leaned over the injured giant, searching with his nose. With the precision of an experienced hunter, he snaked his hand into Ajax’s vest pocket and grabbed Iris, pulling her into the light. She squealed as he lifted her up and dangled her in front of his face. 

“Well. Look what we have here,” he taunted. “A fresh snack.” He raised her up higher, over his mouth, and opened wide. Iris knew her time had come; begging for her life would be futile. She could only stare with abject terror into the gigantic maw that stretched open below her, full of saliva and teeth and red flesh. The tongue wriggled eagerly, as if beckoning her into the throat that twitched with hunger, ready to receive her. The horrifying display advanced towards her to engulf her. 

“Don’t you dare!” the giantess yelled. Iris was shocked when another colossal hand, this one with slimmer fingers and a thinner palm, coiled around her body and wrenched her away. She was pressed up against the huge woman’s bosom, enveloped in silky softness. 

The giant man stared at her blankly. “Why not?” 

“She saved our son’s life, you dolt!” she exclaimed, her full voice reverberating through her chest and Iris’s small body. “You can’t just eat her!” 

“Who cares? She’s a human,” he argued, waving his hand dismissively. 

“Don’t you understand? This is no ordinary human. She’s special to our son.” Her eyes flashed with a protective instinct that was strong enough to frighten Iris, even if the giantess was coming to her aid. 

“Special? Ugh.” He scrunched his nose with disgust. “That’s just not right. All the more reason to dispose of her.” He reached for Iris, but the giantess jerked her out of range of his hand. 

“No! I won’t let you. Ajax is old enough to make his own choices. He must learn on his own,” she declared. 

The giant huffed and rolled his eyes. “Fine. Fine. So what are you going to do with her?” 

“Take her back to the humans, of course,” the giantess answered. “She can’t stay here, obviously.” She looked at her husband. “Can I trust you to return her?” 

“Me? Why me? You do it.” 

“I have more experience treating wounds than you do. Plus, Ajax needs a maternal touch.” 

“Maternal—ugh, whatever. Alright, give her to me.” He held out his rough, pudgy hand with impatience. Iris whimpered as she was handed off to the giant who nearly ate her. Neither of the giants seemed to give any regard to her feelings, though, as his fingers tightened around her into a fist. Iris felt some nausea as the giant stood up and walked out. She got a last glimpse of Ajax laying in his bed before the giant’s mass blocked her view. 

He stepped out into the daylight, grumbling to himself under his breath. Iris trembled and squirmed, but his titanic fingers didn’t budge an inch. She didn’t believe that he would spare her. He would probably pop her in his mouth at any second.  

“P-p-p-please don’t eat me,” Iris stuttered. “I only wanted to help your son, I didn’t mean to-” 

“Relax, squirt,” the giant rumbled, cutting off her babbling. “If it were up to me, you’d be in my belly already. But I respect my wife too much to go against her wishes.”  

He huffed as he carefully descended the uneven mountain trail. “I just don’t get it. Why would my son get attached to such a weak little thing?” 

“I-I don’t know,” Iris confessed, burning with shame. His words stung, when she knew them to be true. 

The giant examined her in his fist, cocking a brow. “Come to think of it, what kind of human would be brainless enough to hang out with a man-eating giant anyways?” 

“I… love Ajax,” Iris explained. “When I first met him… he saved my life, and spared me from being eaten. And when I met him in the woods again, he helped me find my crown, and he was so kind, and treated me like a person, and listened to me when I told him all my troubles…” Her cheeks grew warm at the recollection of laying on his chest and cuddling in his hands. “He’s the only one that cares about me.” 

The giant sniggered. “Oh, I get it. You’re one of those girls with no self-esteem that’ll throw herself at the first man who gives her the tiniest bit of attention. Regardless of how bad he is for her. Even if he’s a fucking giant!” He guffawed harder, his face growing more sanguine with the effort. 

Iris averted her gaze. She hated to admit it, but Ajax’s father was spot-on with his analysis. “Yeah. Pretty much.” 

The giant held her up close to his eyes, focusing on her intently. “Well, let me wake you up to reality, little lady. You may’ve been lucky so far, and escaped being eaten, since my misguided boy apparently has a soft spot for you. But such a relationship is doomed to fail. Giants crave human meat more than humans crave money. Eventually, if you were to stay with him, he would undoubtedly eat you.” 

Iris stared unflinchingly back into his eyes. “I don’t believe it. I have faith in Ajax. He wouldn’t do such a terrible thing. His heart is kind.” 

The giant snorted. “I’ve known Ajax since he was a boy. He’s eaten countless humans. All of us giants have. And guess what? He still eats humans! I just fed him a tasty woman for breakfast two days ago! He didn’t even attempt to refuse the offer! He licked his lips with glee and swallowed her down like he was starving to death!” 

Iris blanched as she imagined such a gruesome scene. She wanted to fight back against the accusation, and deny that her dear Ajax would kill a woman so callously, but she knew the painful truth all too well. She’d witnessed Ajax shoveling humans into his mouth with her own eyes. In fact, Ajax was blunt in telling her that he couldn’t stop, even when he tried to resist his potent urges. She’d known, all along, that she wasn’t safe around him, but her love for him outweighed common sense, and blinded her to the truth. She couldn’t run from reality any longer, when it was smacking her right in the face. She had no future with him. 

The giant reached the forest at the base of the mountain. “Where do I take you from here?” 

Iris hesitated. She was done with her old life; she wasn’t going back to the castle to be a princess any longer. “That way,” she said, pointing in the opposite direction. She knew that another human town was located there. For a human, it was a long distance to travel, but a giant could walk there in a matter of minutes. Ajax’s father clomped forward through the trees, not bothering to keep his presence subtle. Iris became anxious as he approached the town. 

“This is good. You can let me down here,” she piped up. With a nod, the giant lowered himself the long way to the ground. Iris prepared herself to leap out of his hand, but he didn’t release her right away. He held her in his enclosed fist, just above the grass, as if contemplating something. Iris gulped and looked up at him questioningly. He wasn’t about to change his mind about letting her go... was he? 

“Listen closely, human,” he uttered in a serious tone. He brought her back up to his round face, close to his huge eyes. “I don’t want you anywhere near my son.” He squinted and crinkled his brow in a hostile glare. “It’s not good for him to be around you and sympathize with humans. If I smell you anywhere near him again, I will hunt you down and end you. Mark my words.”  

Iris was speechless. Her face betrayed a deathly pallor at the threat. If she had any lingering doubts that her relationship with Ajax couldn’t last, they were shredded in an instant. She gaped slightly, but could only move her head mechanically in a small nod. The giant acknowledged her gesture and dropped her into the grass. She scrambled away as fast as her feet could take her, out of the giant’s ominous shadow.  

As she ran, and the reality of her situation sank in, tears flowed freely down her face. She had miraculously survived the encounter, but her heart was broken. She had lost everything. She didn’t care about her kingdom, but she would never see Ajax again. Plus, she didn’t know how to live like a commoner, in the real world, without any money or support. She didn’t know what she was going to do, but she’d have to survive somehow. She was free of the shackles of her old life, but burdened with emotional baggage and the weight of building a new one. She wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to survive the harsh world. 

Ajax’s father watched her sprint away, shaking his head. He just didn’t understand it. What did his son see in that little human, that would make him throw away every natural instinct he had to gobble her up on the spot? With a sigh, he rose to his feet and started walking home. At least the problem was taken care of. He couldn’t have his son lusting after a human. Such a romance would only end in tragedy and hurt. It wasn’t right or moral, on any conceivable level. 

The giant, deep in thought, was not very observant of his surroundings. Even if he were, he wouldn’t be able to smell the horde of soldiers lying in wait ahead, due to their magical trickery. After the first fiasco with Ajax, they came better prepared, with a slew of heavy weaponry at their disposal. They readied their catapults and aimed them at the giant’s face, high up in the sky. When he was within range, they fired. 

Their projectiles found their target and slammed him hard, biting into his eyes ferociously. The impact and the pain knocked the giant down. He fell on his back with a whump that rattled the earth and split the trunks of the trees beneath him with a resounding crack. The small human soldiers surged forward on the offensive to incapacitate the colossal man before he could react to the surprise attack. With him on his back, they attacked from all sides, so he couldn’t focus on a single locus point to retaliate. They used their arrows with the paralyzing venom to numb his body and carved up his flesh with their swords. 

One brave soldier hacked at the giant’s neck, slicing into his jugular. The giant reached up and crushed the tiny man like an egg, but the damage was done. With the venom coursing through his body and his blood draining out of his neck, his gargantuan limbs spasmed and slowed until he couldn’t move any longer. 

Ajax’s father was dead. The soldiers celebrated their victory and sawed off his head, dragging the massive trophy back to their city like a colony of ants. They triumphantly skewered the gigantic severed head on a special stand built for the purpose of showing off their conquest, as a warning to other giants in the area. The war between giants and humans had taken its first giant casualty, with many more to come. 

Part 9

[maplesyrupandgt]

Gladiator AU

Giant!Childe + Tiny!Zhongli soft m/m vore story

Silly little Gladiator au ish I've kinda had bouncing around my brain for a while.

Warning for vore under the cut and very mild injury mentions (unrelated to noms)

I will be posting this to my ao3 in a couple days, but this isn't beta read at all so feel free to lmk if you see grammatical errors and stuff ^^

This contains soft romantic stuff at the very end so if you aren't here for ship, you can skip everything after the single dash "-"

5.8k words, complete

Childe stirs with a soft groan, lifting a hand to rub at his cheek. Weird texture. There’s a murmur of voices both surrounding and distant and he sighs as he stares up at the sky. Why is he outside? He definitely fell asleep in a bed last night. He lifts his hand above his face to block the sunlight, squinting at the unfamiliar fingerless glove and bracer he has on. More murmurs, like tiny surprised gasps echo around him and he looks toward the sound, turning his cheek to rest on dusty ground. This is all going to be in his hair-

Huh.. Childe squints a bit, observing the stadium stands. They look familiar, the architecture classically old, like those of the abyss. And they’re packed with people. All a little too far away to make out the details of their faces, but they’re all shifting and making noise. The weirdest thing about it is that he can't tell how far away they are. They seem incredibly distant from his perspective, yet his depth perception reveals just how close they are. Suddenly, a voice rings out, some kind of announcer.

“The Titan is awake!!!” It rings in his ears, echoing through the stadium and Childe’s brows pinch together. He shifts some, listening to the tiny oos and aas from the crowd. Are they responding to him? He sighs, beginning to sit up and listening to the gasps ripple through his audience. With eyes closed, he shakes his head, trying to get all the dust from his hair. “It moves with unprecedented speed!!” The announcer cries and he finally peeks his eyes open again, only to be met with open air.

“Huh..” He says it aloud this time, but his gaze is drawn down when he hears a tiny scream. Oh. And there are the stands, barely coming up to his shoulders now that he’s sitting up. Looking around reveals he’s in some kind of tiny colosseum. A perfectly detailed scale replica- audience included. The inclusion of the people makes Childe think about the first announcement regarding the titan and things start to click into place now.

He laughs in giddy surprise, looking back down over himself. The outfit he wears is familiar to him as that of some ghostly fighters he witnessed in the Abyss. He’s some kind of gladiator then. His vision still sits on his belt and he assumes that’s why he lacks a weapon now. “Who am I fighting?” He murmurs, half to himself as he looks around. He’s expecting another ‘titan’ or some monstrous beast. He scans the stands, then around the dusty floor of the arena.

“May the first challenger enter the ring!” There’s a clanking of a gate being lowered and Childe’s expression falls a bit when he sees it’s one of the tiny doors around the floor of the arena. He’s still seated, but he knows if he were to go stand next to that thing, the door might only come up to the top of his foot. His ankle at most. He leans back on his elbows again, shutting his eyes to relax. He isn't very worried about who his challenger is. But then a tiny familiar voice rises up to him.

“Master Childe?” His eyes flick open and he straightens up, gaze locking onto the one and only illustrious Mr. Zhongli. He’s just as small as the other audience members, yet Childe can see him clearly, decked in similar garb to Childe but with more gilding.

“Zhongli-xiansheng!” He laughs and then he gets the odd sensation of watching the tiny man flinch at the sound of his voice. It's fun to watch the swirling sands at his feet shift with the vibrations of his very speech. He reaches forward, intending to scoop up the tiny being, but Zhongli raises his polearm in a confident move, holding it up in a warning not to touch. “Don't be like that Mr. Zhongli.” He pouts, mindful to lower his volume just for the ‘consultant’.

“I do not wish to be handled. I fear you may underestimate your strength.” The small man replies, squinting against the harsh daylight as he looks around the colosseum. “I suspect they have pitted me against you?”

“You suspect right. Honestly, it's a little disappointing though,” He watches the brunette’s expression pinch, “I wanted more of a challenge.”

“You do not think I can pose a challenge for you?”

“...No offense Xiansheng, but you’re hardly as tall as my little finger.”

Zhongli’s frown deepens, and the little man stands up taller. “Do not forget so quickly that I have fought gods and monsters of great variety.” Childe wonders which of those two categories he falls into. “I will take up this challenge, if only so that they may release me.”

Childe tilts his head at that, but then the miniature version of his friend lifts his wrists up and Childe grows aware of a nearly imperceptible gold chain which binds them, leading back to the door Zhongli came from. In a blink, he can no longer see the chains. “Oh? Why don't I just break us both out of here?”

“I am afraid that would be a fruitless affair. One of us must win for our chains to be dissolved.” Childe looks down at his ankle, feeling a ghost of a weight on it now for a flash before it’s gone again.

“May the fight between the titan and the golden god commence!” The announcer cries and Zhongli lifts his polearm again, resuming his defensive stance. Childe sighs, wondering how quickly he can get this over with then. What is the best way to incapacitate someone so tiny without killing them? He doesn't exactly want to see old Rex dead. Would pinning him down count?

He registers Zhongli is moving toward him now and it's kind of adorable to watch. He doesn't cover ground very quickly, giving Childe plenty of time to review strategies in his mind. The Liyuen is just nearing his hip when Childe decides to make a move. He lifts his hand, summoning a small wave with a flick of his wrist. Zhongli does not pause, summoning a shield with a slash of his polearm that Childe’s hydro flows right around. The ginger frowns, recognizing Zhongli getting near to him. He sends more water, but that tiny shield holds strong. So maybe Zhongli does have some power to back up what he was saying.

Childe doubts the tiny man could manage to kill him so this whole fight is just an effort at incapacitation. The tiny audience is silent, clearly paying close attention to their ‘fight’, but Childe nearly forgets their existence. Zhongli’s near enough to come to a stop and he seems poised to throw that polearm of his.

The giant brings his hand down, slamming it into the ground. Zhongli, shook by the force of it stumbles, a look of surprise taking his expression and then it steels into something more determined. There’s shouts of surprise from the audience with the resulting earthquake and Childe leans his weight onto the hand, finally pushing himself up to a stand. Like this, he simply dwarfs the colosseum. It doesn't even come to his hips in height and all the tiny gasps and cries fade into nothing at this height. It feels like he could stretch up and touch the clouds.

Looking down reveals Zhongli, gazing up at him in some awe. Childe feels a little flutter in his gut and he grins down at the tiny man. He was right about the height; beside his foot, Zhongli doesn't reach his ankle in size. Probably six centimeters tall at most. The man backs away a few paces and Childe wonders how light he is right now. He can't weigh any more than a mora. Even a cicin would dwarf him.

Seeing him down there next to his sandal, Childe realizes that he could end the match very quickly. All it would take was a shift of his weight, a half step forward to take the victory for himself. But he doesn't really see the need to kill Zhongli. Just pinning the tiny man should be good. It would be like stepping on a bug, just light enough not to crush him. He can see the second Zhongli reinforces his shield, arms spreading out at his sides and a tiny breeze of geo shimmer washes over Childe from about his mid calf down. It tickles.

He starts taking the step forward, lifting his foot over Zhongli. The announcer’s voice returns narrating his moves, but he pays it no mind, starting to lower it down. Surprisingly, he doesn't see Zhongli attempting to run away. Instead, crackles of a dust storm gather around his shin and then out comes a meteor. It petrifies his leg from the knee down and Childe’s left with the eerie numbness.

“Woah-” He laughs brightly again, and now he can see Zhongli dashing out from under his sandal. He sets his foot down anyway, feeling how heavy it is. It takes a few seconds for the feeling to fade and by then Zhongli’s thrown his polearm. Pain spikes into his calf and Childe hisses softly, looking down to see the splinter of a weapon embedded in the skin. It doesn't feel that bad. Nothing more than a scratch, but now he looks at the small man, a frown in place. “Come on Xiangsheng. I was gonna go easy on you.”

“I will not back down,” Zhongli looks fierce, ponytail whipping when he moves. Childe bends down, pinching the polearm to tug out of his calf and then snapping it in half. It's easier than breaking a toothpick.

A hush falls over their audience as a growl rings through the air. Even Zhongli’s expression shifts, and he seems a bit unsure hearing it. Childe blushes at the sound himself, horrified at the timing of it.

But then he thinks about it. “...You know Xiansheng, I’ve just thought of a new way to win.” He notes softly, dropping down to his knees. His weight falls quickly enough to cause an earthquake on impact and he gets a small thrill as watches the very god of geo fall to the ground with the force of it. Zhongli is still pushing back up to a stand when Childe’s hand snaps out.

In a flash, he has grabbed Zhongli. And this time without any possible opportunity for interference. His audience gasps again and Childe is quick to lift Zhongli up to his eyeline. He holds him gripped in a fist, fingers concealing everything from the shoulders down. He can just feel the tiny squirming efforts against his fingertips, but there’s no way Zhongli could break the giant’s hold. Childe knows he hasn't had enough downtime to summon another meteor either.

“I yield.” The small man goes limp in Childe’s hold, apparently deciding some kind of polite draw is necessary here. Childe pauses at that, sighing softly.

“Really?” He looks around, waiting for the disembodied announcement about his victory.

“Truly. You have this win.”

“But that’s so boring.” Childe sighs and Zhongli is about to speak again in defense of his decision judging by his facial expression when the announcement finally comes.

“Victory goes to the Titan!!!” And the crowd bursts into cheers, but Childe is all too aware that the chain on his ankle still binds him. He frowns, uncurling his fingers and holding Zhongli flat on his palm.

“Are you free?” He ask softly, squinting at those tiny wrists. Zhongli is busy catching his breath, but eventually he lifts his arms, showing off the golden cuffs still imprisoning him.

“I don’t understand.” The Liyuen’s expression is tender with confusion and a bit of betrayal, “I was told a duel would be the way to freedom.”

“Titan, you must go to the empress with your victory!” The voice instructs before Childe can reply and he raises a brow, looking back to the stands for a moment when he is directly addressed.

To his surprise, he spots a small platform containing a small throne and seated on it is yet another familiar face. He stares for a few seconds before shuffling closer. He feels out of place for the first time here, knelt before this tiny little platform with Zhongli still held in his hand. He was right about how weightless the man is, barely heavier than a grape. All these tiny humans around him and they probably collectively weigh less than Childe at the moment.

Zhongli is rubbing his brow upon realizing who the ‘empress’ is.

“Zhongli~ That was so impressive!” Hu Tao claps delightedly, kicking her feet some. They don't reach the floor. “I didn't think you’d really be able to take on Titan Tartaglia!” She says the title like it's something renowned. Childe certainly has never heard it before and he somewhat hates the alliterative choice.

“Miss Hu, I thought I would get my freedom.” Zhongli’s tone has taken on a sincere weight, tired and used to the antics of his boss.

“Oh, but that was only guaranteed if you won! Mr Mountain here won, so now it’s up to our audience what happens. Or me~” She giggles, “The giant-”

“I have a name.”

“...ahem. The giant won the spar, but the fate of his prey will be decided by the empress and audience.” She speaks with confidence and Childe frowns deeply, watching Zhongli flinch at the word ‘prey.’

“And how do I get free?” Childe asks.

“Well you’ll have to fulfill the judgment of the audience of course! You gave them some pretty creative ideas for how you might deal with your opponent, so between you and me,” And she cups her hands around her mouth like she’s sharing a secret before speaking with just the same volume as before, if not more, “They’ll probably want you to finish him.”

“Excuse me?” Zhongli says at the same time as Childe mutters, “What!?”

He forgets his volume and though Hu Tao’s grin remains in place, the tiny woman lifts her hands to cover her ears.

“Sorry big guy, I don't make the rules.” Hu Tao shrugs, and Childe is sure that she, in fact, does make the rules.

Childe guesses he really was gonna go through with eating Zhongli if he hadn't chosen to yield, even if he hadn't said it before so he can’t blame her for such brutal rules in place. Maybe he would have halted once Zhongli was in his mouth. What would that have felt like?

His small opponent is now actively standing on his palm, walking to the edge of it to jump off onto the platform. Hu Tao seems amused by this, and before Zhongli can even get near her, guards rush out, gripping the tall adeptus by his shoulders and holding him still.

“What is the audience’s judgment?” He asks and Zhongli gives him a pleading look, as if begging him to take back the question.

“Oo, let's find out!” Hu Tao claps again and the crowd goes silent. It’s eerie how quiet things are. “What do the people want our victor to do?” She asks and the question is echoed by the announcer. It's quiet a few seconds longer before he hears a cry.

“Eat him!” It’s one voice, followed by another shout somewhere else of, “Show him mercy!” “Crush him!” Then the crowd's cries grow louder until it's a roar of opinions, some inventive and horrible. One particular chant of freedom emerges yet Hu Tao’s eyes seem to be growing wider, sparkling with amusement this whole time.

“Well,” She says softly, and the crowd falls quiet instantly, “I’m thinking we have a winner Mr. Titan.”

Childe bites his lip, wondering if he will have to debate any of her wording. It is the thing that will gain him his freedom and he has a deep feeling that things will work out just fine. Zhongli is fighting to tear out of the guards’ grip, but they hold him strong, marching him to the edge of the platform. Raising a brow at this, Childe looks back to Hu Tao.

The tiny undertaker sticks her hand out, then gives a thumbs up. Childe sighs in relief, starting to sit up, but Zhongli’s response is quite erratic. The tiny man lifts a shield and the two guards on him are forced away. Hu Tao clicks her tongue, waving Childe back down.

“Don't you know colosseum etiquette silly?” She asks, “Thumbs up is bad! It means you have to finish him~” She pumps her fists dramatically as she speaks and Childe immediately objects.

“But the people's vote ruled for his freedom?” And Zhongli is nodding adamantly. Up on this platform, he can't jump down without injuries it seems. Childe lifts his hand, aiming to help, but Zhongli twists to glare at it, lifting a newly summoned polearm up to wave at him. Childe had wondered why he hadn't objected, but he can now see the slim gold collar preventing him from being a part of this conversation.

“Ah, but the judgment is decided by the audience and the empress!” Hu Tao shakes her head like this is clear. “Zhongli’s fate is sealed, right in there!” And she points to Childe’s core, which decides to growl just then.

The man curls on himself, eyes wide. “So you made that decision all by yourself.” He glares at her, but she is fearless.

“Well, not really. At least a three eights of my people wanted it to go this way!” She shakes her head, “And my vote counts as a fourth of theirs.”

“You were the deciding vote Hu Tao.” He deadpans and she giggles again, waving to her guards to grab Zhongli again when the consultant’s shield fails.

“I guess I was. But you were planning to eat him anyway~ Isn't this just perfect? You get a snack and your freedom!” Childe wonders if the woman is crazy.

“If I crushed your precious audience, you’d have a lot more funerals to arrange,” He threatens or maybe just negoriates by her standards, and she tuts at him. He’s at least thirty times her size and she tuts at him!

“Nono. You wouldn't be allowed to do that. You can just take your prize and leave.” Childe groans, dropping his forehead down to rest on the platform. From here, he can hear Zhongli’s growls of frustration.

“You have to free him first.” He finally mutters, lifting his head again and bringing his palm up in front of the platform for Zhongli.

The Liyuen man turns to view him with wide eyes, and he seems tired again. Hu Tao hums as she thinks about it, then she looks up to meet Childe’s gaze.

“You pinky promise you’ll eat him?” She asks, holding out her tiny hand, pinky extended. Childe frowns at the words.

“I take a pinky promise very seriously Empress. You know me well.” He grumbles, but he reaches out and Childe knows if Zhongli had a tail right now, it would be lashing furiously. The snezhnayan ends up hooking his pinky over her whole forearm, but she shakes it up and down and when he’s pulled his hand away, he gets to watch the empress skip over to Zhongli. She reaches up to pinch his cheek before she reaches down to his neck. She slides her fingertips across it and in a poof of golden dust, the chain around his neck is gone.

“Hu Tao, this is unreasonable.” Zhongli begins immediately, angry at her antics. She ignores his words as she lowers her hands to his wrists. Two more small poofs and the chains are fully gone. Zhongli rubs his wrists, continuing his speech the whole time. “Our deal was that I should be freed if I fought him. You cannot ask him to eat me, that is signing my very death warrant. Have I not an amicable employee?” His words go on even as the guards walk him to the end of the platform and he’s only silenced with a soft grunt as Hu Tao quite bodily shoves him off the platform. He drops the couple feet down onto Childe’s palm, finding himself on his hands and knees and more than a little shaken.

Childe can feel the nearly imperceptible shivers wracking the man and he does feel a little bad. Maybe he can make it gentle for Zhongli. Even if the Liyuen did stab him.

“Eat up, big boy!” Hu Tao calls, settling back onto her throne and Childe cringes at that title. Her creative nicknames are particularly grating. He lifts his ‘prey’ up to his face, looking over him.

“Childe?” Zhongli’s tiny golden gaze is desperately imploring him to rethink this, but they both know it’s a sealed deal.

“Sorry Xiansheng… I made a pinky promise.” He shrugs, bringing his palm to rest the side against his lips. Zhongli’s shivering increases and Childe curls his fingers a bit before he pulls his hand away again. “How do you want me to do this?” He asks, hoping for the smaller’s preference. He doubts Zhongli wants him to do this in any way, but he knows the smaller is a constantly thoughtful man and will have processed some best idea.

Zhongli is quiet for a few long seconds, glancing between Childe’s lips and eyes. “Perhaps you merely need to hold me in your mouth. That is how you eat sweets, no? I am certainly about as bite sized to you as candy I’m sure.”

Childe wants to agree, but he’s sure Hu Tao wouldn't qualify that, “Those get swallowed eventually when they melt.” He replies, watching the little wilting reaction, “You don't eat gum, just chew it. And I doubt you want to be chewed.”

“That would certainly be a swifter way to finish me.” Zhongli sounds morose now and Childe pouts, lifting his free hand up. With a precise and gentle touch, he rubs the tiny god’s spine. He can feel just how the man leans into his touch and the inkling of guilt returns. At least the peanut gallery is silent for once.

“I won’t be chewing you Zhongli. But, I probably shouldn't take you in dry, so I’ll need to lick at you some.”

“I have decided I do not enjoy being your sweet-heart in this way.” Childe can't help but laugh in surprise at the pun. “Will you wake up soon, love?”

“What was that?”

“It's nothing.” And in fact it feels quite like that. Childe can't quite remember what was spoken after the pun.

“Hey, Dragonspine!” The little empress shouts and Childe glances back down, remembering her presence. “You made a pinky promise. Give the people what they want!”

There’s a nearly automated return of sound to the stadium, tiny cheers crying for his final move.

“Oh hush. I’m getting there,” He huffs.

“This isn't supposed to be a tragedy! It’s a drama! Give us action! Fear! Intimidation!” Hu Tao calls valiantly, and a roar of cheers comes back. Childe glances to Zhongli again and the man seems to have composed himself with some tiny deep breaths. “If you don't do well enough, you might have to stay longer.” Ugh.

“Any preference?” Childe asks one last time, and the adeptus shakes his head, closing tiny golden eyes and surrendering to his fate.

Well, if it's what the people want… Childe shifts, halting his petting and instead lightly pinching Zhongli’s sides. The man’s eyes flash open and he starts to protest but Childe lifts him off his palm, bringing him up above his face. He can feel the tiny racing pants, but this time, he ignores the small guilty voice in favor of leaning into his predatory side. Childe feels the very second the tiny man regrets his submission.

“Wait!” Zhongli objects suddenly, smacking tiny open palms against Childe’s fingertips. Things aren't moving at his pace at all anymore.

Childe smirks at him, listening to the roaring cheers as he brings the little squirming body up above his face. He tilts his head back, opening up his mouth and sticking his tongue out to catch the little form. He releases Zhongli, dropping the tiny man down.

Childe feels the miniscule hands slap against his lip before gravity wins, pulling the golden god inside his mouth. He levels his head, feeling the small weight distinctly on his tongue. Zhongli must be disoriented for a second, but Childe feels him turn and start to crawl along his tongue, fighting for a chance to get back outside. The titan is slow to close his mouth, letting Zhongli get as close to his teeth as he safely can before he clicks his teeth shut.

Soft cries of frustration make it out past his lips before he seals those shut too and he looks down to give a grin to the empress. She’s on the edge of her seat, clapping gleefully. At least, she’s enjoying the show.

Childe has never had a mouthful fight back like this, and it's kind of thrilling. He can feel Zhongli’s hands desperately applying pressure to his teeth and the little man’s fingers explore around Childe’s gums in the dark as he seeks a way out. Childe shifts his tongue, hearing the little yelp of shock in response. He can hear Zhongli’s voice quite clearly and he wonders if that’s normal for sounds produced inside the mouth. It's not as though he’s ever had something inside to know before.

“Childe, I implore you to rethink this!” He pleads and in response, the ginger shifts his tongue again, sliding it forward to pin the small body against his front teeth. He laps at him this way, letting his saliva pool some to soak Zhongli. The little Liyuen seems to be making an effort to struggle, but Childe barely notices. He creates gentle suction in his mouth, pulling the small body onto his tongue once more and pressing him up against the point where his palates meet. The feeling of Zhongli squirming there tickles and Childe scrunches his nose so that he doesn't sneeze. Zhongli tastes lightly of vanilla and silk flowers.

He can feel just how small the brunette is in this way. It shouldn't take more than one firm swallow to get him down. Childe tilts his head back again, easing his soaked prey back toward his throat.

“Ajax- Childe, please slow down!” Zhongli begs again and something stirs the guilty little voice again. Sighing slowly through his nose, Childe relaxes his tongue. He keeps his head tilted back and he can feel the wet little form sliding down the slope of the striated muscle. Zhongli is still out of breath, and Childe feels the odd sensation of fingertips digging into his taste buds to hold the morsel in place. He’s a bit impressed at Zhongli for managing that.

Everything is quiet for a few beats and nothing but the tiny heaving breaths really hold Childe’s attention. He can feel the smaller starting to calm so he flexes his tongue, relaxing his throat at the same time. Zhongli gasps as he loses his grip, sliding down the rest of the way. He’s so small that he starts slipping into Childe's throat right away. The wet flesh kneading at his tiny legs as the two centimeters of his body sink into the passageway. It will indeed only take one thick swallow and Childe inhales and exhales three shallow times before he wills himself to.

It's effortless. Zhongli doesn't cry out this time, and in fact he barely squirms as he's drawn down into the hot depths of Childe's core.

Childe feels the little weight drop into his stomach and he lifts a hand to press against it. It growls in response and he can feel the little form inside startle at the noise. He rubs lightly at Zhongli and though the touch is hesitant, he can feel the smaller push back at him.

There's raucous applause from his audience and Childe looks back to them now. The voice of the empress rises up again calling his name (finally) and Childe turns his gaze to face her.

“Happy?” He gives her a flat look when she beams at him, waving him down to her.

“Let me take a look,” She requests, “Gotta be sure there's no Mr. Zhongli hidden away in that cave!”

Childe rolls his eyes, but obediently opens his mouth up. He sticks his tongue out and lifts it at her command, turning his face slightly so she can inspect all angles and eventually mumbling, “You're welcome to go down and check. There's plenty of room.”

“Ah! An exciting offer Titan, but that will have to wait for another day.” He looks expectantly at her, waiting for the freedom he’s been guaranteed. She blinks up at him, wide eyed and nearly innocent- or forgetful maybe. “Oh right!” She claps her hands together. “Okay! Stand up and I’ll release you.”

He’s quick to obey this also, shuffling close as he safely can to the platform so she can reach out to wave her hands to make the chain evaporate. She waves away the large cloud of golden dust, looking high up to meet his gaze.

“So sad.” And suddenly the colosseum seems to be growing rapidly- Or he’s shrinking!? Hu Tao reaches out her hand, pulling Childe up onto the platform with her as he finally lands at his typical height. Panicked, he rests a hand against his gut, feeling the now, well, minuscule form still sprawled within him. “Well, you’re free now.” She sighs, shaking the hand she’s been holding.

“Wait, what do I do about Zhongli?” He asks, looking for a solution to this. Hu Tao, knowingly, gives no answer.

“I like the gladiator version of you. Very impressive.” She giggles again, picking at the white fabric layers of her own toga. “You’re always welcome back here! Maybe next time I’ll let you pick your prey from any of the champions you know~” She offers before pointing to a door behind her throne. Childe swears it hadn’t been there earlier.

“I- Thank you?” Childe feels disoriented but the guards start leading him out and he looks back just in time to see something very confusing. It’s himself on that titanic scale, still out there sleeping relaxed like he was before the match. Hu Tao turns toward him, lifting her finger to her lips and giving him a wink before she turns away to officiate once more.

Is that how big he had been? Damn.

He steps out through the door and he’s met with a wicked falling sensation.

–

Childe sits up with a gasp, blinking in the moonlit room.

“Baobei,” Zhongli’s voice calls softly to him from his side and Childe turns to face the man with wide eyes. “Come back to me, Ajax.” The man seems a bit ruffled himself, but his voice is honeyed with sleep.

Childe sighs, lifting a hand to rub at his cheek. He slowly lowers himself to lay again, scooting closer until he can lay in Zhongli’s hold.

“Mm… Had a really interesting dream.”

“I know.”

“Oh?”

“You pulled me into it quite swiftly, Ajax.” The old god chuckles softly and Childe’s cheeks warm at the realization.

“Oh celestia, I just ate you!”

“With relish.” The other man agrees, pressing a kiss to soft ginger curls. “I did not know you wished to devour me so.” His laughter is warm and Childe relaxes into his hold.

“So, you’re not mad?” He asks, closing his eyes.

“With you? Never.” Zhongli confirms, “Your imaginary Hu Tao, on the other hand, was quite a menace. I never wish to see her in a position of unrivaled power.” Childe can’t help but let out a soft laugh at that and then he gives a long sigh.

“Mm… Is that what it would really be like?” He receives a confused hum, “I mean swallowing you. I could taste you.

“Ah,” Zhongli’s hand shifts where it’s curled over Ajax, gently rubbing his stomach. It feels nice. “I cannot say for sure. I am sure that thanks to our bond, the sensations were indeed more realistic than they would otherwise have been, but I cannot guarantee that is the precise experience one could ever have outside of a dream.”

“That makes sense.” Childe nods, yawning softly. “Did you have to enter that dream though?” He asks, flustered again.

“Ajax, your thoughts bled into my own sleep, prayers that I would be in attendance. How could I resist a glimpse into your private fantasy when you asked so nicely?” The flush gets worse and Childe turns to bury his face in the pillow.

“Oh my god,” The younger man mumbles in embarrassment.

And he receives a very amused, “Yes, that’s right,” as Zhongli continues to pet his core. Childe reaches to pinch Zhongli’s arm in response. “What’s this?”

“That’s for stabbing me.” He turns back out of the pillow, looking over the way moonlight catches on a small glass figure on their bookshelf. A tiny warrior.

“I was quite sure you had already repaid that wound tenfold, Ajax.” Zhongli pulls Childe a little closer and he goes willingly into the hold.

“Maybe,” The ginger admits. “If you knew it was a dream, why were you so scared?” He’s unable to resist the question despite knowing this could be a conversation that will bleed over into the morning.

“Hm. You are quite the torrential force Baobei.” Zhongli’s answer is unexpectedly short.

“What do you mean?”

“Imagine I were thirty times your size and intended to consume you. That my actions from the start showed no mercy.”

“I think I would find that hot,” Zhongli doesn't seem at all surprised by this response.

“Now, imagine you knew I -as your titanic lover- wanted prey that would squirm.”

“You were acting!?” Childe shuffles to try and pull away, intending to roll over and face Zhongli to read his expression. The adeptus does not allow him such mobility, pulling him back close. Begrudgingly, he settles into the hold once more.

“Perhaps that is the case. But I will say, I was certainly leaning into the excitement of things.”

“But I felt guilty knowing it was you!”

“You did not act very guilty, Ajax.” The man behind him hums in amusement. “You may have the peace of knowing I would willingly do anything you asked of me.”

“What if I had killed you, Zhongli!?” The former ‘titan’ glares at the opposite wall, unable to direct the look back to his lover.

“Do you truly think something as mundane as one mortal’s digestive process could take me out?” Zhongli seems amused that he could think that and that gentle touch returns to rub Childe’s stomach. “Be at peace, Baobei.”

And he is. Zhongli somehow has a way of addressing every issue in the most avoidant and direct way possible. He’s soothed all Childe’s dream specific anxieties with patience and affection. “Alright, Xiansheng.” He sighs, yawning once more.

“Sleep. I will keep your dreams at bay,” Childe knows he will. The young man shuts his eyes, allowing his breaths to fall into pattern with his partner.

“Good night Zhongli.” Another kiss is pressed to his hair.

“Goodnight Ajax.”

[ecoamerica]

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