#i think his body should be like peak physical fitness very good

[spookyprime]

Okay okay your Jason cooks Tim food drawings. The last photo. You have this sort of cool artistically-not-completely block filled background with a few blank stripes here and there, you know? Adds ambiance. But also there’s one just under Jason’s ear. And I thought it was a dangle earring. Which I thought really suited the way you were drawing him. Just wanted to say! You make a beautiful handsome man from him!!!

I love this ask so so so much but I'm also so sorry I am an ugly Jason truther he's NOT supposed to be attractive in that lmaoooo I should absolutely be drawing him with an earring though that's so true

[masochistartt]

okay fuck it jamie self perception post

jamie has been signed to city since he was a child. this is how the academy system works - they recruit players (children) from local grassroots leagues and bring them into their club system, hoping to raise them up to play for their club in the future (or sell them off to other teams for profit). these players are typically between the ages of 9 and 10 when they're first recruited, but can be younger/older. they're evaluated every year, and players can be cut at any time.

i think jamie joined city when he was around 9, solely because of the fact that he said his dad started showing up when he got good at football, and georgie my beloved would not let jamie go on a trip abroad with a complete stranger to him when he was 14. i think james started coming back around when jamie was somewhere between 11 and 12, playing for city's u14 team, and his skill at that age level is how james heard about him (it's not uncommon to hear about great players who are that age. city recently signed a like. legendary 14 year old and i've heard about it (young boys should not be having their egos inflated like that at 14 but that's beside the point)).

that's a whole lot of rambling before i even start touching on the original point – the contract jamie's had signed since he was ~9 that dictates what he must and mustn't do. this is the idea that he's had of himself in his head from that very young age.

screenshots are provided from the 23/24 premier league youth development forms bc honestly i cba to go back and find anything older (i've tried looking and it's not working so you're getting this) but

the scholar here is the academy player. 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 are what interest me here. jamie was obligated to not only train & play to the best of his ability always, but he was obligated to maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times from the age of 9.

think of the thoughts that might put in a young jamie tartt's mind. he had to be at his peak always. if he wasn't at his peak, he was disobeying his contract. he was owned by his club, and he knew that if they sell him, they'll make a whole lot of money off of him (there's a certain base fee x number of years the player was trained + extras = total homegrown player transfer fee algorithm but i don't want to do math rn so im not touching on that). i don't think jamie ever wanted city to sell him, so i think he put pressure on himself to be at his best always, to never let his standards slip, and when james came back into the picture, that pressure only grew exponentially.

it's also interesting looking at the "the scholar shall not" section of the contract. 5.3.1 is interesting bc like. if the club (city) didn't think his house on the estate was safe they could've fully just. Moved Him. but 5.3.3 is insane to me. especially the beginning. "the scholar shall not indulge in any activity or practice which might endanger his fitness". this means no fun roller skating birthday parties. this means jamie probably knew how to ride a bike before he was 9 bc if he "indulged" in learning when he was with city that might have endangered his fitness. no rock climbing. no tree climbing.

and if jamie took things as seriously as i think he did (boy really wanted to play football, that was his dream in life, i don't think he would've purposely done anything to endanger that dream), i think he missed out on some fun in his childhood solely bc he was Keeping His Body In Full Fitness For His Club.

which brings us to Adult Jamie. bc he was raised in this environment, raised with the mindset of My Body Belongs To My Club, My Body is an Asset for my Club, it makes even more sense why he'd put up with the auction at the gala without starting a fight (even if the whole manipulate keeley & possibly bribe bex thing happened behind the scenes).

his club (even though he was on loan, it was his club for the season), was auctioning off Its Own Asset (jamie's body) to the highest bidder for a night. jamie's body, from a very, very young age (does jamie remember much before he was signed to city? i don't think so) has always Belonged to His Club.

this is also part of the reason that i headcanon jamie doesn't like driving - driving is, in his mind an Activity Which Might Endanger His Fitness.

also. for the record. this stuff is also in the professional player's contracts too.

the player agrees to maintain a high standard of physical fitness at all times and not to indulge in any activity sport or practice which might endanger such fitness.

3.1.6 is another reason i think jamie went along with the stuff at the gala too. the player agrees to comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorised official of the club. rebecca/higgins/whoever put on the gala is an authorised official of the club. he kind of. had to by contract not put up a fight with them about this

the player agrees that he shall not undertake or be involved in any activity or practice which will knowingly cause to be void or voidable...policy of insurance maintained for the benefit of the club on the life of the player or covering his physical well-being including injury.

he still can't do anything that might get him hurt. i ignore that he engages in kink practice both in canon and in my own headcanons bc i think the heavier kink stuff really only comes in later seasons' timelines and even then he's engaging in that kink stuff with someone(s) who knows that this stuff is in his contract. they know his limits.

anyways something something jamie's body is an asset for his club (city and then richmond) and i think that says a lot about the way he views himself. you know ?

[devildom-moss]

SIMBARB HURT/COMFORT.

That's all!

Remember to eat, sleep and dont do drugs!

Sincerely, 💜

This one was a little vague, so hopefully you like it 💜anon, and thank you for the request. I wasn't sure what to write at first, but I think it ended up pretty cute. (also I really hope you meant Simeon x Barbatos without MC, because that's what I wrote). I hope you didn't want heavy angst because this ended up so soft.

SimBarb hurt/comfort

(Barbatos x Simeon)

(mentions of slight physical injury) (fluff)

Word Count: +1,600

There was an unusual subtle ache in every muscle of Barbatos’s body when he woke up that morning. The pain concentrated in his throat, which felt drier than usual. He forced himself out of bed and got something to drink, holding onto a weak, fragile hope that collapsed into a void when his morning tea did nothing to soothe his throat. Barbatos sighed, blowing the steam out from his cup. He was sick.

It wasn’t just the sudden illness that annoyed Barbatos, it was the fact that he got sick the very day that Simeon had planned to visit the castle. Barbatos had spent the last three days working harder than ever to ensure he could spend a peaceful afternoon alone with Simeon. He had done everything except make the snacks he was going to serve with tea that afternoon. His mind had spent days imagining long, intimate conversations and a leisurely walk. If they could find some peace and if Barbatos could make his move, maybe they would have some time to get intimate in a more physical sense. Well, there’s nothing to be done now, he figured.

Barbatos went to the supply closet and grabbed a mask. He could have sent a message to Simeon and canceled their plans. He could have informed Diavolo and taken the day off to rest. He could have done a half-dozen other things than washing up and preparing the food he planned to make. As long as he wore the mask and avoided infecting the food, it would be fine; that was the rationalization Barbatos allowed himself. After all, Simeon always enjoyed the sweets he made, and Barbatos would hate to disappoint him. It didn’t matter how much slower he seemed to be moving, either; Barbatos still had a few hours until Simeon arrived – or, at least, he thought he did.

“Good morning, Barbatos,” Simeon peaked into the kitchen. Barbatos had been facing away from the doorway, and he jumped slightly at the sudden intrusion; he was certain he had more time. Simeon laughed sweetly and explained, “I’m sorry to surprise you. I met Diavolo on the way in, so I didn’t have a chance to ring the door. I know I’m early, but when I checked the weather, I noticed that it was scheduled to start raining soon, and I wanted to beat the rain. I forgot to tell you since I was in such a rush.”

“No, it’s alright. I’m glad you made it before the rain hit,” Barbatos spoke, muffled through his mask. He looked over his shoulder at Simeon – careful not to stare too long at the angel.

Simeon heard the muffled speech and saw the glimpse of a mask. He groaned, displeased, and approached the demon. “Barbatos, are you sick?”

“Slightly, it seems, but I’ll manage.”

“Barbatos,” Simeon sighed disapprovingly, “you should stop and get some rest. What in the Devildom are you doing in the kitchen? If something needs to be done, tell me, and I’ll take care of it for you.”

“I’m afraid I must decline your offer. I’m fine – simply not in top form. You needn’t worry. I’m nearly done here.”

Simeon glanced down at the tartlets on the counter. Barbatos grabbed a fresh blood red plum and cut it open. He took half of the plum in his hand and expertly pitted it with the tip of his knife. Simeon watched on in pity.

Without so much as a tickle in his throat to warn him, Barbatos was overcome by a coughing fit that caused him to jolt and slice his palm open, cutting through his glove and a layer of flesh. Simeon gasped and rushed Barbatos to the sink, pulling him by the wrist.

“Simeon, I can –” Barbatos started, but he cut himself off when Simeon looked up at him with a serious gaze – one that chilled Barbatos to the core and warned him not to protest. Simeon removed the glove and ran Barbatos’s hand under the sink until the water ran clear. Through the sting, as slight as it was, Barbatos refused to react or show any sign of pain.

“Do you have a clean rag?” Simeon glanced around the kitchen.

“Second drawer from the top next to the fridge.” Simeon left Barbatos holding his hand over the sink while he fetched the cloth.

He brought the dirty knife and the rag back with him, setting the knife in the sink to be washed later. With a gentle, angelic touch, Simeon pressed the rag directly onto the cut. The first thing Simeon noticed was how warm the palm of Barbatos’s hand was. Pulling his attention back from that warmth, Simeon asked, “You have a first-aid kit in your room, right?”

“Of course, but there’s one in the pantry as well,” Barbatos informed him, although reluctantly. There was no need for Simeon to worry so much over something this insignificant.

“Yes, but we should get you bandaged up in your room.” Simeon smiled sheepishly at Barbatos, who felt his face burn from the suggestive nature of his thoughts, only to be humiliated by his presumption when Simeon added, “You dripped a bit of blood onto your sleeve, and you’ll probably want a new glove once you’re all patched up.”

“Oh.” Barbatos looked down to see a few spots of blood staining his clothes. He nodded slowly. “You’re right.”

“Keep this pressed to your palm as we walk to your room – unless you want me to hold your hand the entire way there.” Simeon nudged Barbatos towards the door.

“I am capable of walking to my room on my own.”

“Yes, I know, but I’m going to tend to the cut for you.”

“I can dress my own wounds,” Barbatos protested.

“Yes, you can, but I can, too. Let me do this for you.”

Once inside his room, Barbatos pointed out his first-aid kit for Simeon and sat on the bed patiently. Simeon joined him and offered his hand, palm up and expecting, waiting to cradle Barbatos’s injured hand. At least Simeon had the kindness to not warn Barbatos of a potential sting as he pressed an alcohol swab to the cut – to allow Barbatos the dignity of presumed knowledge and anticipation. Barbatos sat, quiet and still, through the process.

“Tell me if it’s too tight,” Simeon instructed Barbatos as he began slowly wrapping gauze around his hand. When he finished, he kept Barbatos’s hand in his and caressed along the side of the wrap softly with his thumb. “Is it okay?”

“Yes, thank you,” Barbatos offered him a smile that stayed disguised behind the mask. “You really didn’t need to do that.”

“I know.” Simeon lowered his head and kissed the palm of Barbatos’s hand, then left another kiss on his wrist. Barbatos felt his face burn at the show of tenderness. So rarely had he been at the receiving end of doting affection that he found himself unnaturally flustered. Simeon looked up at him with a sickly sweetness. “You should learn how to allow someone to take care of you, Barbatos.”

“I’m trying,” he admitted – half humiliated to be loved.

“Take off your shirt,” Simeon instructed him.

“Pardon?” Barbatos’s eyes widened.

Simeon laughed, knowing he had successfully caused a stir in Barbatos. “I’ll wash it with your glove before I make some soup for you – assuming I have permission to make use of your kitchen.”

“You always have permission to access the kitchen, but –”

“Excellent,” Simeon cut him off. “The last time Luke got sick, I made him some soup that soothed his sore throat and cleared up his sinuses. I’m not sure if you’ll have all the ingredients, but I can go to the market if I have to. Now, that shirt?”

Barbatos sighed and began to undo his coat before unbuttoning his shirt. “I’m well enough to do laundry and cook.”

“And I’m in better health for both. Or do you not trust me to help out?” Simeon tilted his head slightly. That was a dirty trick.

So, of course, Barbatos had to concede. He handed his soiled shirt to Simeon. “Alright, just don’t push yourself for my sake. You could get sick, too – especially if you go out in the cold rain. We should have enough ingredients – if it’s the soup I think you’re talking about.”

“Oh, right! You’re the one who sent me that recipe.” Simeon laughed at his own forgetfulness as he tucked the shirt over his arm. He glanced out the massive window in Barbatos’s room. Somehow, he hadn’t noticed the gentle rain hitting the glass. It had grown particularly dark, and a thin mist obscured the usual view. A soft, content sigh left Simeon. “I didn’t realize the rain was here already, but I guess we’re both guilty of being oblivious.”

“I beg your pardon?” Barbatos was never – or almost never – accused of being oblivious. Often, he was accused of being quite the opposite. “What makes you say that?”

“You haven’t realized that I don’t mind the risk of getting sick.” Simeon leaned in, lifted Barbatos’s mask, and pulled it down before kissing him gently. Simeon’s hand rested on Barbatos’s bare chest, feeling his heart pound. “You’re worth it.”

Barbatos yanked his mask back up the second Simeon pulled away, determined to hide his smile and blush. “You’re certainly bold, angel.”

“You deserve to be cared for once in a while. I promise that the next time I get sick, I’ll let you dote on me.” Simeon pet Barbatos with a chuckle before sliding his hand down from Barbatos’s soft hair to his injured hand. “For now – at least until the rain lets up – let yourself go and trust in my capable hands.”

Suddenly, Barbatos wished that it would rain all through the night.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Silver, Idia: Believe in the Me that Believes in You

I’m not a huge fan of Silver, but his Broomquet Groovy is one of my favorites ^^ I really love the color of the sky and how the birdies have come to fly with him!

Silver talks about training with Lilia in this interview; I kept thinking of Mulan's training montage during it. He also mentions that Lilia pat his head for the first time in a while and told him he's grown into a fine young man so of course I had to make jokes about how "it'll be the final time" and "Lilia's finally booting Silver out of the house now that he's 18 so papa can fuck off to retirement"—

A Boy in Bloom, and his Flowering Future.

"How do you spend your days off?"

Idia looked up from his clipboard. H-Huh?! Do I really have to ask this?! I-Isn't it obvious what Silver-shi's answer will be? Obviously, an air-headed macho man like him's going to say...

“When possible, I work on my equestrian skills and horse handling technique. Otherwise, I train.”

“O-Oh… right…” Idia failed to curb his lack of enthusiasm.

See?! I totally predicted that!! He’s got zero brain cells upstairs, all the brain cells were beaten out of existence by his muscles! Now all that's left is a space-case!

Silver took one look at Idia’s bug-eyed stare, and a realization (the wrong realization) set in. “Are you curious about my regimen? I’m sorry, I will elaborate.

"As one of the young master's knights, it is my responsibility to protect him. This requires maintaining peak physical performance. To begin with, my regular warm-up involves stretching, then 100 sit ups, 100 push-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 kilometer run."

"B-B-BWEH?!" Idia practically choked on his own saliva. "D-Did you really just say all of THAT for a warm-up?! And you do that willingly? For FUN?!“

"Yes, that's right. It's very light and helps to wake my body up. After that is when the 'real' training begins. I do cardio and focus on different parts of the body depending on the day of the week."

"Wh-When do you find the time to take breaks?! J-Just listening to you describe your daily exercise is making my muscles cry..."

"Ah, you're wondering how I'm able to keep up with my routine."

Huh?! It's like this guy just button mashed his way past NPC dialogue and only got the gist of what I just said!! I didn't think it was possible to meet someone that runs on autopilot IRL!!

"From a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of staying active and fit." Silver smiled fondly at the thought, ignorant to Idia's woes. “He set up obstacles courses and would give me chores that built up my strength. I’d also play tag with the animals when I wasn’t chopping wood or fetching pails of water for us.

“Sometimes Sebek would join me. We’d have a lot of fun together braving spiked pits, climbing cliffs, and surviving in the wild with only the clothes on our backs. We came out of it stronger in body, mind, and heart—they were very valuable experiences for us.”

Serenity never parted from Silver’s face the entire time he described his hellish childhood. Meanwhile, his interviewer had progressively grown paler and paler. Now he was the exact hue of a fresh corpse.

“Hmm? You don’t look too good, Idia-senpai,” Silver noted. Worry suddenly marred his gentle beauty.

He jumped. “N-Nope! I-I'm fine, my health is at max!!"

A lie—the entire interview had been mentally draining for the introvert.

"Are you sure?" Silver stepped closer, his expression turning deadly serious. “If you’re feeling unwell…”

Idia gulped. He wasn’t certain if he was overheating from the scorching May day or if it was his nerves getting the better of him.

“… You should work out with me and Sebek. I’m sure he won’t mind the extra company.”

A freight train slammed into Idia’s gut. He staggered back, mouth hanging open at the audacity of Silver’s suggestion, the one million and one things wrong with it.

"A-Are you crazy or what?! Th-There's no way I'd survive!! The only exercise I do is waving light sticks around for idol concerts, I can't handle anything more than that! P-Plus, a shut-in otaku like me can't deal with being shouted at just for existing, I’ll instantly fold!!"

“I understand, Idia-senpai.”

For a moment, his hopes welled. “A-Alright, GG. We’re done with the interview then. You can get going on the birthday road now…”

But much to Idia’s horror, the birthday boy continued.

“I also told myself, ‘I can’t do this’ and, ‘I want to give up’ when I first started my fitness journey—but throughout all my doubts, my father was there to support me, and Sebek was my friend and rival, motivating me to improve.

“At NRC too… I’ve met people who support me. I can ride a horse as well as I can because Riddle instructed me. I won an arm wrestling contest because my classmates cheered me on. There are many things I was able to do only because others were there for me in my time of need.”

“Where… are you going with this shounen anime protag speech?” Idia asked warily.

“It’s hard to do it alone, but you’re not alone at all, senpai. I will be there to cheer you on, and we can work together to help you accomplish wellness goals.” Silver stated matter-of-factly. “I believe in you, so please believe in yourself!”

“E-Eh…? Seriously, what’s with you… Is everything I’m saying going in one ear and out the other?”

H-How can one person be a literal beacon of light and goodness in the world?! Is Silver-shi really the kind of person who tries to empathize with even the characters fandoms unanimously hate? Would he walk up to a broom and try to shake its hand?

A firm pat on the shoulder snapped Idia out of his spiraling thoughts. He found Silver staring him down, an encouraging smile on his lips.

"I need to head off on the birthday road now, but I want you to know that you're always welcome to my workout sessions, and I'll always be in your corner."

"W-Wait," Idia stammered meekly, "I never agreed to take you up on your offer... P-Please tell me you won’t show up unannounced in my dorm to drag me outside…!!”

WHOOSH!

The Ignihyde dorm leader was silenced by a powerful kickback of magic to the face. The fire of his hair flew around him—and when the flames cleared out of his sight, he saw that Silver was already a dot in the distance.

Petals danced upon the breeze, as white as the clouds stretched across the brilliantly cerulean sky. Night Raven College was drenched in golden sunlight, and spring come out in full force. The day was as picturesque as an image straight out of a storybook.

Thrilled song filled the sky as a procession of birds joined him in flight. Pink, green, blue—a flurry of colored feathers as they hurried to Silver’s side.

One planted a light peck on his cheek, another nibbled on the ribbon trailing from his bouquet. The third paved his way, trumpeting the arrival of a prince, pure of heart, with his beloved animal companions.

It was as though Mother Nature's messengers had come out to wish Silver a happy birthday.

Idia was almost mesmerized by the sight.

Almost.

“Silver-shi really does belong in a whole new world… far, far away from me!!”

[many-gay-magpies]

shhhh if she says ur 5’6 ur 5’6 changbin is now short to u congrats

LOVE cartoon physics on the dark moon boys i think shion and jino in particular would like to test the limits of their immortal bodies like i can see jino learning to be a contortionist for fun and to scare people a lil bc why not??? it’s not like he has normal muscles and tendons ! he’s half dead !

YEAH NOA AS SHENANIGANS ACCOMPLICE. I LOVE IT. going back to an Old ask of mine i can see noa using his darkness/shadow power to cause chaos. shion needs some cover to be nosy? noa’s got it he makes shion basically invisible in the shadows. jaan can’t be bothered to go to class? noa causes a power outage (and lies to heli’s face abt it later). the possibilities are Endless bc noa really can do Anything under cover of darkness!

GOD THAT WOULD RLY BE A LIFE-ALTERING CRISIS TO HAVE. ANOTHER REASON AS TO WHY SOOHA ! SHOULD ! BE ! TRAUMATIZED ! GOD ! DAMNIT ! GIVE HER SOME ACTUAL BAGGAGE YEAAAAA

she’d enjoy sabotaging solon Wayyy too much and she would laugh right in his face when he bangs his head on his locker in frustration at yet Another love confession and she wouldn’t even MIND the jealous girls bc she’s very vocal about not actually having feelings for the guys and just being a good friend anyway. but eventually solon would come to her like “pLEASE WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO MAKE IT STOP” and sooha would smile so evilly and tell him he has to treat her to lunch every day for the next month and she’ll stop advertising his kindness

- vrvr anon

i will now mentally hold this superiority over his head forever thank you

JINO CONTORTIONIST thats such a cool idea bro . contortionists in general are cool but jino as one especially is a wonderful concept. it fits him oddly well, i feel like he'd totally be the kind of guy to screw around and test the limits of his newly-immortal body—how many limbs can he twist in unnatural ways now that he is effectively dead? he'd have fun with it, but ALSO have fun freaking people out lmao. someone jokingly asks him where his spine went once and he replies "idk i think i might have lost it some time in the 1920s". also on the topic of cartoon physics, jaan and sooha could both use their super strength to weild comically large hammers and less-comically wreck peoples' shit, bugs bunny style.

hell yeah noa using his shadow/light powers to assist in shenanigans !! that would be such a great tool to use in so many pranks and heists, and also he could make shadow puppets without using his hands. AND NOA LYING TO HELI'S FACE ABOUT CAUSING A POWER OUTTAGE LMAO YES

REALLYYYYYY THATS WHAT IM SAYING !!!! LIKE. THE GIRL HAS GONE THROUGH SOME SHIT LET IT HAVE IMPACT. GIVE HER SOME TRAUMA. SHE DID NOT COME OUT OF SEVERAL MASSIVE SUITCASE-SIZED TRAUMATIC EVENTS WITH ONLY COIN PURSE-SIZED BAGGAGE. PLEASE HYBE

oh my god i LOVE sooha blackmailing/bribing solon into buying her lunch for a month. peak little shit behavior so iconic of her honestly. the thing is, though, what if that only ENFORCES the whole romantic solon image? because students see solon and sooha going out for lunch together every day for a month straight and go omg are you dating?!? solon feels this bolt of pure FEAR at what sooha might say in response but instead she just goes "nah lmao i blackmailed him into buying me lunch for a month and hes being a big old grouch about it" and he might actually slump over in relief.

the concept of solon and sooha as bickering frenemie-bffs is so much fun to me, i love it so much honestly; i just adore dynamics where people bring out the snarky little shit in each other <3

[thecagedbard]

Oh Look, another Tav story! This is currently posted over on AO3 in its entirety but I thought I’d post it to tumblr as well. If you’d like to sneak a peak at some of the chapter names, if you don’t want to read the whole thing yet, have a listen to the title playlist: here.  There is also just the ‘Here’s what I was listening to while writing' playlist, and my Faetrala Uncaged playlist which serves as inspiration for Vesper’s siblings.  A lot of the songs tend to overlap but who knows, you might find one you enjoy. 

Rating: Mature

Pairing(s): Astarion/Tav (Vesper), Astarion/Halsin, Astarion/Halsin/Tav(Vesper); Mentions of Karlach/Shadowheart/Wyll; Mentions of Gale/AFAB OC

Warnings:  Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Physical Abuse, Canon Divergence, Child Death

Word count: 12,626/300,000+

Summary: Vesper needed someone to protect her from an abusive husband should he appear after she was abducted by mind flayers. Astarion needed someone to fall for him so he had protection from Cazador. He's got two hundred years of manipulation and she has the soft heart of a lamb being led to slaughter. While subconsciously healing each other they both realize they also need to heal the druid of all damned people.

Chapter Two

Be Good. Be Obedient. Be Compliant.

The night passed slowly for Vesper. She could hear water dripping from somewhere, and the skittering of creatures all around her, though she did think some of the sounds were just bugs, and her own breathing woke her up twice from just being too loud. But she didn’t hear sounds from Astarion for hours. The bard was unsure of how long she lay on the stone floor, her attempts to fall asleep were proving futile at this point, but when she sat up and looked at the male who shared her backpack as a pillow she realized he wasn’t breathing. 

His chest did not rise or fall, there was no sound from him at all. 

For a moment she thought he died, and a panic surged through her very soul at the thought of trying to get out of here on her own; she finally remembered, just as her hand hovered over his face trying to feel for a breath. Astarion was undead. He had no need to breathe, no physical compulsion that forced his body to take in air or expel it. He just…was.

There was no way to tell time in the Underdark. It was all just…for a lack of a better term, dark. Turning onto her left side she silently winced at the weight she placed on her shoulder and stared at the candles willing them to guide her to rest. 

For a moment she felt transported. Back to the last time she had done this, curled up in front of the fireplace, every candle in that little home lit and resting in the hearth. She hadn’t had anyone to warm her up then either, she had to be the provider of warmth to three cold and hungry babies. It was as though she could feel their little fit kick against her as the memory warped and she heard the buzzing. The infant coughing and crying. In her memory, she looked down and saw the hornet on her arm and as its stinger pierced her skin, Vesper shot up again. She looked at the place on her arm where she’d been stung, but instead of one angry red mark, that later turned into several as the hornets flew out to protect their nest, she saw only two bruised puncture marks.

“No,” a whine came from Astarion. Her head turned to look at him, his head jerked almost violently. A second protest died on his lips as he too sat up suddenly. 

Vesper turned away to look at the fire. She didn’t ask anything as the high elf wildly surveyed his surroundings. With her head still bowed she cut her eyes in his direction to watch him run his fingers through his hair as he sighed heavily. Vesper rubbed at the place he’d bitten before clearing her throat, “Bad dream?” 

That one question could either be her worst idea or a start to a conversation. 

“Something like that,” Astarion replied as he stood and immediately walked away from the room they were in.

Or it could lead to nothing. Vesper lifted her head to watch him walk away, his trajectory seemed to be headed for that protective gate. She preferred this outcome.

She leaned toward the candles and began blowing them out. It was unlikely they’d have to come back down here, she didn’t enjoy being in the underdark, but she’d rather not risk setting the place aflame. As the drow stood and picked up her bag she heard the scuff of Astarion’s shoes, “Let’s start climbing. Who knows how long this will take us,” he muttered from the arched entry. He waited just long enough for her to stuff a torn piece of bread into her mouth before turning and beginning his ascent up the ladder. 

Vesper thought her arms were going to break off any moment, she kept having to pause, wrapping herself around the sturdy rungs and shaking out her arms or massaging them to stop the trembling. She could hear Astarion grunting somewhere above her, he stopped less than she did, but even the rogue had to pause at least twice, she heard him call down and lifted her eyes, “What did you say?” He was so far above her that she was concerned if she fell he’d just leave her behind. “I said,” he turned to glance down and she could hear him sigh as he realized how far down she was, “I can see the top of the ladder…I’m almost there. Just a bit further little bard…you can rest at the top.” He turned back around and began climbing again.

A bit further.

She repeated it in her mind like a mantra. Just a bit further up the ladder. Just a bit further to find the others. Just a bit further to finding Master Halsin and getting rid of the tadpoles. After that, Vesper had no plan. She didn’t want to return to Baldur’s Gate, but a part of her longed to know if her only living child was alive. Was Carwyn still breathing? Did he feel guilty? The thoughts consumed her mind as she began climbing again, one hand over another. She didn’t dare to look down, but she didn’t look up either, concern over how far she’d gotten would eat at her if she tried to check.

It wasn’t until she reached up, and a hand grasped hers that she lifted her eyes. She’d made it. She let loose a breathy laugh as she pushed with one hand and Astarion gently tugged on the other. He was careful not to pull her arm all the way up. A feeling swelled in her chest. 

He was careful.

“Thank you,” she said as she pulled her hand away and crawled away from the ledge and ladder. Rolling over to lay on her back she closed her eyes, “Any indication of where we’ve climbed up to?”

“Not yet,” she heard him say. The scuff of his shoes indicated he was standing, “Just rest until I can figure something out. We may yet be trapped here…” 

Well, that didn’t sound ideal. The worst thing that could happen would be having to climb back down the ladder, and Vesper wasn’t sure she could manage it. Not if it meant traversing through the Underdark. 

The paths beneath Toril’s surface had always spooked her, especially after she and Vale ran into some sort of monster when she was just a child. Thoughts of the underdark morphed into memories of her and Valere as they snuck through the cave to earn two gold from the village kids. 

Those memories morphed into other memories of Vale and her other siblings. 

Songs came to mind, and she hadn’t even realized she was humming until Astarion called out to her, “Whatever you’re doing you’re going to attract attention with how loud you are!” That silenced her real quick, her eyes even popped open as she rolled back to her hands and knees and stood to walk up behind him.

He was squinting at a stone door, it was so dark where they were she was barely able to make him out. Taking a deep breath she pulled on her innate magic and summoned three light globules that began dancing around each other as they rose above the two. Astarion started at the sudden light and turned to look at her before following her eye line to the dancing lights, “That’ll help…” his tone wasn’t teasing or even upset. He turned away from her again before crouching and pulling his tools from a pocket in his armor. 

With the help of the light he was able to find a place for his lock picking tools to slip into and with a loud click, the stone in front of them began to slide, “It wasn’t meant to open from this side…I had to do everything backward.” Astarion’s explanation was a matter of fact and he looked back to her before putting a finger over his lips, “Quietly now…don’t scream, don’t run. You may need to be charming,” he grinned in her direction, “perhaps we can even find somewhere to clean your pretty little face.” His sudden compliment made her lose concentration on the dancing lights and the two were plunged into darkness again. 

It didn’t take them long to find light, there was a bedroom that led from this strange chapel-like area. Vesper didn’t recognize the symbols on the walls or those on the floor. As quietly as possible they moved together until there was movement just ahead of them, a large ogre was walking past the warm light and a goblin followed behind her talking about something she’d found. “My own little squiddy Polma, I can’t wait to see when he’ll turn. The Absolute must be real proud of what I’ve done here,” the goblin was saying.

 Astarion ducked behind a large boulder leaving enough room for Vesper to squeeze beside him. Silently she began thinking of what incantation she was going to need to use, if this goblin had someone like them trapped it would be better to rescue them, maybe they’d be helpful in finding either the rest of the party or Master Halsin.

Near her ear she felt Astarion’s breath and tensed before she heard him whisper, “I think we’ve made it to the goblin camp…this is probably not the path Shadowheart meant but we’ll have to admit she was right.” She nodded and started to lift from her squatted position, thinking maybe she could sneak by the ogre and see who this goblin had in chains.

Astarion pulled her back against his chest, “You will not put us in unneeded danger, Vesper. If that little green monster has someone who’s about to turn the last thing we need to do is get involved. Go back to the chapel.”

“But–”

“Do what I said,” she turned to meet his eyes and flinched at the seriousness she saw in his face. His face softened a fraction before he looked away from her, “I don’t know if we can take out that ogre on our own or that goblin depending on how powerful it is. And a mindflayer is simply out of the question, we’ll wait for them to sleep then we’ll sneak out.” His tone was softer than before his chin tucking down so he was whispering into her ear again, “Go back to the chapel, I’m right behind you.”

Be obedient. Be compliant.

She waited again for the ogre to disappear from view before she made a run for the chapel. Astarion was indeed right behind her, he held a finger to his mouth again and she nodded, he didn’t have to worry about her saying anything. The sound of tumbling rocks seemed to echo off the walls so she was fairly certain that their voices would do the same. 

Using her pack to pad the back of her head, Vesper tucked herself neatly into a corner and pulled her legs in close, her arms closing around her knees. If they had to wait for the lights and candles to be blown out then she was going to attempt a nap, she knew she hadn’t rested well the previous night or however long ago it had been, and her arms were still aching from the climb up that damned ladder. Astarion spared her one glance before crouching down at the archway to keep an eye on their goblin and ogre counterparts.

She wasn’t sure when or for how long she’d been sleeping, but a voice called out to her. The pain that rushed from her head to the rest of her body almost made her cry out, thankfully she was used to pain. Her eyes opened for a moment and she turned her head to where Astarion was now resting next to her. Only he wasn’t resting, he too was gripping his head, his fangs bared and his breathing ragged. 

When his mouth opened she jumped forward to cover his mouth with her hand, lest he make a noise that carried to those they were still hiding from. Wild, crimson eyes locked on her and she shook her head before falling forward her forehead resting against his shoulder.

“Hear my voice. Obey my command.” 

A sharp pain shot through her hand and Vesper tried to lift her head, a warm liquid sliding down her palm and the back of her hand. Her hand spasmed, but the pain kept her from succumbing to the drowning darkness. 

But as she looked past Astarion as he bit into the dirty flesh of her hand, she saw something, no, she saw people materializing in the shadows of the temple. Her own mouth opened, and her head was pushed back as Astarion covered her mouth as well, his teeth still digging into her hand at an awkward angle, nearly shredding her flesh between her thumb and forefinger. It didn’t stop a whine from escaping her at the pain. 

The shadowy figures disappeared, the voice was saying something but she couldn’t focus on its words. Just as suddenly as the pain began it ended, and a ringing thrummed through her ears. 

The elves sat there in silence, both wincing and trying to keep the other from making a sound. Was that what happened to those goblins when she gave in and used the tadpole? 

Did they feel this pain? 

She wanted to be sick. 

She wanted to cry out but was it from her head which now throbbed or from the pain in her hand?

 Astarion was taking his free hand and pulling her hand from his mouth, she didn’t miss how his tongue had laved at her torn skin and the blood that rushed down. Even in the gray of their current vision, she could see the lighter gray of his eyes disappearing as his pupils dilated from the smell, the taste, of fresh blood. 

Hot tears rolled down her face as she saw how torn her hand was. Was that bone? She pulled her hand back to her and cradled it in her lap, but she couldn’t say the spell to heal herself, what if those monsters heard her? 

Astarion leaned close and for a moment she wondered if she’d bled too much and if he was going to just kill her there, but he reached behind her and tugged her bag from behind her back. Slowly, carefully, he rummaged through the bag and pulled her old tunic and two of her smaller healing potions from the contents. He scooted closer again, uncorking one bottle and holding it to her lips, with a shaky breath she opened her mouth and tilted her head back as he poured it in. As she lowered her head she saw him glancing at her hand, his jaw closed tightly. 

He took the tunic and turned laying it between them before giving it a quick rip. Taking the torn fabric he tugged at her hurt wrist, she wanted to fight back, to keep him from taking it, but again Tavius’s voice rang through her head. 

Be obedient. 

She let him have her hand and silently, his mouth now a hard line he wrapped her hand. His cold fingers felt nice against the heat of her injured hand but she still silently cried. It was a skill she perfected over ten years. Letting her emotions, her tears, flow without being heard. When he was finished he scooted away and looked up at her before looking down and holding out the second healing potion.

Vesper took it and drank again. Usually, the effect was instantaneous but she didn’t know what was being healed at this point, her hand or her mind. Without her bag behind her, she was able to tuck further into the corner and again she pulled her knees to her chest, her hand now resting against her abdomen, even if she was still slight the weight was a welcomed pressure on the injury. 

The second time they awoke it was when someone shook them and said her name. “Vesper,” the voice was loud, louder than either Astarion or Vesper had allowed themselves to be for hours. As her head jerked up she heard a grunt and a choking sound while she saw Astarion practically on top of the person who had been shaking her, his dagger was poised in the air but frozen, “Gale?” the vampire asked before lowering the blade and backing off the wizard.

Gale sat up and looked at the two of them, his normally quaffed hair askew, “I’m so glad I found you–sorry for the startle, I just hadn’t expected–how did you two get here? You fell through the hole we didn’t–we thought–” he swallowed hard as he looked from one elf to the other. 

There was an unnerving glow to his eyes that made Vesper uncomfortable, “How do we know you’re the real Gale?”

The wizard chuckled and pointed to his eyes knowingly, “I understand why you might feel that way. Well then, when I asked for help getting out of the stone, asked for a hand more like…you gave me a high five. Or one of you did, and from the way, Astarion was giggling and you were grinning, I surmise it was one of the two of you. Also, the tadpoles in our heads, we’re on a mission to find the druid leader Halsin, and our companions are me, the two of you, Karlach, Shadowheart, and Wyll…what else…” he licked his lips as he tried to think of something, “ah, and one last one for the–” 

Astarion held up a hand.

“That’s quite enough…how did you find us? Did the others kill that ogre?” the vampire asked as he stood up and turned to offer a hand to Vesper. She looked at his hand before looking down to her right hand, the one he’d bitten into, it was going to be difficult for her to play any instruments until this was fully healed and from the throbbing, she could tell that she wasn’t healed yet. 

Gale also stood to his full height his chuckle turning nervous as he answered, “Uh, aha, well not exactly. I offered myself up to Priestess Gut as a bit of an offering…she,” he cleared his throat, “she acted as if she could remove the tadpole. Turns out she fully intended on watching me turn and wanted to keep herself a–”

“Squiddy pet,” both elves finished his thought and he nodded, “You knew?” Vesper placed her left wrist into Astarion’s waiting hand and allowed herself to be pulled up to stand, her knees cracking and her back now aching from sitting in that position for so long. “We heard that goblin a few hours ago…we didn’t know it was you she was talking about though,” she tried to explain and Gale shook his head while holding a hand aloft. “I do not blame you for not coming to my rescue, I don’t even think the three of us could have taken them both…that goblin was in direct contact with the absolute,” he tapped his head, “she had a tadpole just like we did. I don’t suppose either of you heard the absolute earlier?” 

“Actually…we might have,” Vesper said as she turned to grab her bag, Astarion beat her to it, throwing it over his shoulder. Gale looked at the room he had found them in, “Nasty bit of business, hearing that voice. That little puzzle box of Shadowheart’s protected us,” he explained before looking back to the two of them, “Do either of you feel like turning against me? No?” 

The two shook their heads. 

It’s possible that Astarion biting into her palm and the taste of her blood protected the two of them. She looked to the high elf and caught his eyes lingering on her still cradled hand, she tucked it behind her back.

“You’re injured,” Gale said suddenly, the movement must have caught his attention. He held out his hand before carefully taking her elbow into his grasp and pulling her arm from behind her, “It’s fine, Gale. I cut it during the fall; Astarion was nice enough to bandage me up. I must have hit it when we heard the voice, it's just throbbing terribly is all.” 

Ten years of lying and she was practically a professional now, Gale turned her tunic bandaged hand over and nodded, “Still, better have Shadowheart have a look. I’m not sure how long I’ve been here without them…I left them in the grand reception room before all of this. By the way,” he began to lead them back toward the bedroom they’d been hiding from, “we told the goblins we were here for an audience with the drow. I’m afraid I may have used a spell to look like you for a bit,” he cleared his throat before glancing at Vesper.

“That’s fine, as long as you’re all safe,” she said as they walked. 

Astarion was quiet and as Gale began looking through the bedroom area the high elf grabbed the back of her shirt, “I feel as though I should apologize…for,” he cut his eyes to her hand again. She shook her head, “I’m fine,” she gave him a smile and his head tilted for a moment. “Still,” he said, “I am…” her smile grew again as she interrupted him, stopping his apology, “I’m perfectly fine, Astarion. Don’t apologize for helping me.” Vesper turned from his narrowing eyes and began looking around the room, there in the center of the room the ogre lay. Scorch marks covered her back, “What did this, Gale?”  

The human looked up and chuckled dryly, “A dwarf did that…much more powerful than any of us. Says that her patron has been keeping an eye on her. If you ask me it was that devil we met before that she worked for…” A slimy smile appeared in Vesper’s mind’s eye, “Raphael sent a warlock to save you?” Gale nodded, “I suppose he did…goes to show he does think we’re important. Where did the two of you end up when you fell? None of us expected Astarion to go jumping after you, by the way, I had to stop Karlach from following behind him lest we lose more of the group.” 

“You thought we were dead didn’t you?” asked Astarion as he bent over the body of the goblin. He began picking things off the goblin’s body and placing them into Vesper’s backpack, he found one of the used healing potion bottles and put the scurrying tadpole into it corking it. 

Gale stepped beside the bard and looked down, “Admittedly,” he cleared his throat and nodded, “yes, it’s why I was so confused about why you leaped after her, Astarion. I didn’t take you for the ‘leaping into action’ heroic type, honestly, I had expected that kind of behavior from Wyll but he just dramatically yelled Vesper’s name. They’ll all be quite ecstatic to see you both, of course. Now that I’m thinking about it…I should probably–I’ll return in just a moment.”

They watched Gale as he jogged out the door, careful to not slam it closed before looking at one another again. “I won’t tell them,” Vesper said hurriedly, “unless you want the others to know…” Astarion raised a brow and looked the bard over, “No. It’s time I fight with all,” he leaned forward for emphasis, “my weapons. Teeth included I think. Perhaps I’ll even have the opportunity to drain someone entirely.” His red eyes glittered in what she could only assume was anticipation before the door opened again and slammed against the wall.

Karlach came barrelling in and almost ran to wrap her arms around Astarion, the first one she saw. “Oh, elves! You’re okay!” she cried, she turned to look at Vesper, “When you fell…I didn’t know…I tried to jump but–” Vesper smiled to her, a real smile, “Gale told us. We’re alright…just happened to find the Underdark and some minotaurs.” 

Wyll’s eyebrows raised, “Minotaurs? Gods it's a miracle you’re both alive…” Vesper was nodding, “Yeah, thankfully Astarion thinks fast on his feet. We were able to find a crevice that a couple of halflings or gnomes could fit through so we used the last of our spells to change and went through.” 

Astarion scoffed, “You say that as if you wouldn’t have thought of the same thing.” Vesper met his gaze for a moment, but her attention was pulled by Shadowheart who rushed into the room with Gale following just behind her, “I wouldn’t have. I would have frozen if you didn’t pull me with you, really.” 

Shadowheart swore as she looked over the two, her eyes fell to Vesper’s hand and she stepped over to the bard and took the bandaged hand into her own, “Gale said you injured yourself in the fall. Did you not take a potion or anything?” The cleric unwrapped her hand and both women hissed at the sight, Karlach moved forward and winced, “Oof…that’s going to scar something rough. Looks infected too.” 

Shadowheart shook her head, “Not if I have anything to say about it. This could burn,” she looked up through her bangs to the bard who nodded before the cleric covered the bard’s hand with her own. Since Astarion had bitten her the night before, Vesper had felt a lightheadedness that just hadn’t faded yet despite the rest. It didn’t help that she’d lost even more blood, but as Shadowheart cast one spell and then another she felt the fog over her brain lift and took a deep breath, her eyes blinking rapidly, “There,” Shadowheart said. 

She lifted her hand and turned over the one still in her grasp, “It scarred but you should have most of your movement.” Vesper watched as Shadowheart stretched her thumb first into her palm and then backward away from her palm, she bent it this way and that until she was satisfied. The next words she heard from Shadowheart did cause her to pause though, “With proper stretching could even get your shoulder working properly.” 

The bard pulled her hand from Shadowheart’s hands quickly and forced a smile in her direction, “Thank you, Shadowheart. So…uhm…Karlach, did you go to see Dammon?” The tiefling raised both brows before shaking her head, “No…we were pretty roughed up after those spiders so we bedded down for the night before coming this way. Say, I didn’t know you were a drow…” 

Vesper laughed and nodded, “I know, I don’t look like a typical one. I don’t know what to tell you except I was raised on the surface.” Karlach tilted her head before shrugging, “Who knows…but when Gale looked like you those Goblins just sort of…scattered. Practically rolled out a red carpet for him.” The bard nodded again but it was Astarion who answered, “Happened in that village as well. The first time we went through they were terrified of the drow in the sunlight…I suppose it helps to be as pale as you are.” 

A sense of tension that Vesper didn’t realize she was carrying relaxed, he was behaving normally. Teasing again. She rolled her eyes at his words but looked at the others, “So we’re going to speak to this drow?” Gale cleared his throat, “The, uh, revelers outside assumed we were from somewhere called Moonrise. We could, and should, use that information to learn whatever we can. Shadowheart,” the cleric turned her head to look at the wizard, “you mentioned having the spell Speak with Dead prepared for you today…could you,” he gestured toward the cell he had been freed from, “see if Gut knows anything?”

It turned out the Gut didn’t know much. Just more information about the Absolute. Wyll and Karlach tossed the bedroom area and came up with a key and note about a bear kept in ‘Worg Pens’ wherever that was. “Should we explore a bit? Try and see if anyone knows anything about this Master Halsin. This may be where Aradin and his lousy band of mercenaries abandoned him…” asked Wyll as he pocketed the key. “Really? I would have thought it was the village with all the dead people lying outside its gates,” replied Shadowheart.

Gale was silent as he was considering, “I think we should leave…besides Gut, I’m not certain we can take on the other leaders of this place if that’s what we’ll have to do to get Halsin out of here. If he even is here. We came with the hopes of finding you,” he threw a look at Astarion, “I believed you were dead but the others…they never thought that. It would be more advantageous for us to try and repair Karlach’s engine lest she set fire to the wrong thing and bring this whole place down around us. We have the goblins' trust, if Vesper can lie and say we’re being sent out on Gut’s orders we might keep the others from knowing what happened to her…perhaps they’ll believe Astarion is from this Moonrise and has sent Gut back there.” 

His eyes landed on each person as he spoke before they finally fell on Vesper, “When you fell and I thought you dead…” he dropped his eyes, “I don’t want to see another friend fall. There are a lot of goblins and I don’t think I have the spells to protect all of us. We need to get you proper armor and perhaps a secondary weapon. My vote is we leave and come back another day.”

“Another day?” Karlach nearly shouted, “What if they’ve killed this Halsin by then?” Gale solemnly nodded, “I know that is a risk, but can we really risk our own lives right now?” Vesper looked Gale over, he was pallid, sweat across his brow, she shook her head as she spoke, “I think we can take them…or at least look around some. Maybe we can avoid as much fighting as possible…we could try and convince them that Gut has gone for Moonrise. If that works we’ll go from there…” 

Gale met her eyes and she could see the concern and worry there. “We don’t know what’s happening with these tadpoles, Gale,” she said again as she stepped forward, “if we can manage to get this done, either get out of here or if we have to fight our way out, it’s possible that Halsin could heal us. You heard Nettie. If anyone can help with the tadpoles he can.”

“Nettie did lie about being able to help…then she poisoned you,” Astarion countered as he settled for leaning on his back foot. “If we’re taking votes then I’m for whatever gets us out of this alive, with or without the druid,” he held up his hands before crossing his arms. “Not like his grove will be there much longer if we believe that Kagha,” he muttered as he harshly sniffed the air, “but could we move out of here? The smell of dead goblin is beginning to waft as well as that of the ogre.”

Karlach and Shadowheart both nodded as their noses wrinkled, Vesper looked around, “Show of hands then. Searching this place for information?” She raised her own hand and looked around as Wyll also raised his. “It’s possible that he can get rid of the tadpoles?” asked Karlach and Shadowheart quickly explained what they had been told at the grove by Rath and Nettie. The tiefling took only a second more before she raised her hand, “We should try. We’re already here, it’s only right.” 

Vesper waited a moment and dropped her hand, “In favor of leaving immediately?” Gale’s hand lifted as well as Shadowheart’s. Everyone turned to look at Astarion who was now examining his nails, after a moment of awkward silence he looked up at all of them, “I was waiting for the ‘Those who don’t care’ option….no?” he looked at Vesper, “Then I abstain.” 

Gale glowered at him from across the room and nodded, “Then we’re searching. But please, let’s try and keep from a fight…”

They found a man chained to a torture device. The goblin in charge of his torture was all but too willing to hand his bat to Vesper as he bowed to her. She had looked toward the group when he asked if she wanted to try and get answers, she thought for a moment she could almost hear their answers in her mind.

‘Be confident, tell him you get results.’

‘Smash him over the head.’

‘Don’t just stand there he’ll know you don’t have it in you.’

‘We’ve got to free that guy.’

‘I know Gale said not to start fights but we should do the right thing.’

“I don’t have to try,” she listened to the first fleeting thought that had come to her, and she squared her shoulders and rolled her neck the way she had seen Issac do in the past, “I get results.” 

The goblin bowed, his floppy ears practically scraping the floor as he and his companion ran out of the room. She turned to look at the others and saw Shadowheart and Astarion smile at her while the others gave her a more dismal look, “I didn’t mean it…” She threw the club to the side and turned to the man. She questioned him as she searched her bag for the lock pick set Astarion had given her a day before. “He turned into…a bear?’ she lifted her head, “You’re certain it was a bear…” The man, Liam, nodded, “Aye…he’d told us he fought as nature intended. We thought him a bit eccentric but he took down three goblins before they overwhelmed him.”

Vesper’s head turned and she looked at Wyll, “The bear in the worg pens…” Wyll nodded and pulled the key from his pocket as he whispered, “Guess it's a good thing I took this then.”

She looked at Astarion, “Help me…we need to get him out of this before they come back.” Astarion clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth but when he finished rolling his eyes and looked at her again he sighed, “Get out of the way. It’ll take you half a day to pick a simple lock.” The bard stepped out of his way and he had Liam down in practically no time. She saw his eyes roll as the human’s bloody body fell toward him so she stepped forward to heal the man, “Go… try to get out of here if you can.” 

They watched as he leaped into the darkness nearest them and she looked at Gale, “We know where he is…” the wizard nodded, “I agreed to it…let’s go save the First Druid.” He didn’t look happy about it as he stepped out of the alcove, his hands clasped behind his back. Vesper began to chew on her lip and Wyll stepped up beside her, “He’s just worried…uhm, Shadowheart told us about your shoulder and Karlach told us about what she saw when your tadpoles connected. Gale’s concern is probably attached to that, not wanting to see you hurt any more than the rest of us want to. I won’t pretend to understand, nor will I pry, but if you need to pull back…to stay at camp just let us know. Let me know.” 

His smile was warm as he held out a hand and Vesper looked down at the offered hand before she glanced at Shadowheart’s retreating back, “She told you? They told you?” She looked back to Wyll whose smile was faltering. “It was–Gale wanted to move on with the mission. Neither Karlach nor Shadowheart wanted to give up on you, they told us to try and sway him, I swear they had no intention of that information being used to hurt you,” he explained quickly. 

“I’ve really stuck my foot in it,” he lifted his offered hand and rubbed his temple, “I don’t think I’ve made a right choice since this tadpole was placed in my head.” Vesper’s brows pulled together and she shook her head, “That’s not true Wyll…you helped those tieflings. You were teaching those children…you didn’t kill Karlach. You’re making plenty of right choices…but you can’t help when the right choice has consequences,” she said with a sigh.

The man beside her wasn’t trying to hurt her with words. He’d not said a single bad thing to her the whole time. Hesitantly she placed a hand on his shoulder, “I just didn’t realize things would be shared with everyone without me being the one to share them…” he lifted a hand and placed it over hers before nodding and letting his hand fall again. “I know it may mean nothing, but if I can ever be of help…” he said as he gave her a tight-lipped smile before stepping away and out of the little torture room. 

Vesper looked around the room and cleared her throat. They knew about her bad shoulder. Her child pushing her off a cliff. If Karlach told them what she saw then Wyll and Gale knew about a child being taken from her and being slapped. Inhaling deeply she followed after Wyll, rounding the corner she’d only got a few steps before a hand flew from the next room and wrapped around her arm.

“There is a darkness inside you, child,” said a male voice and a chill ran up Vesper’s spine, she whipped her head to the side and choked for a moment. For a split second, the scarred face of the man speaking to her reminded her of Issac’s. “Are you the one to assist with the prisoner?” he asked, his gravelly voice nearing her as he loosened his grip but stepped closer. “You mean the man they’re torturing?” she asked but she practically recoiled from his answering laugh, “Please. The things they are doing to that man…so crude, so primitive. I was invited to teach them,” he rolled his wrist, stretching his arm as he looked the bard over, “I live for pain. I live for its intricacies, you see…unfortunately, pain without purpose is a terrible thing, would you agree?”

Pain without purpose? Vesper’s eyes narrowed. What purpose would the pain have? 

Approaching footsteps had her turning her gaze from the man beside her, the man who was leering closer practically touching her with his large bulbous nose. Karlach and Astarion were coming out of another room just beside the one she was standing in front of. The vampire’s eyes narrowed as he looked the man over and then to Vesper, but he made no move to interrupt them. Karlach too looked over the scene before she stepped back and poked her head back into the other room.

It seemed that the drow didn’t need to answer this torture tutor though, he took a long breath in before speaking again. “Pain is an intimate thing. It should be delivered with a loving,” he lifted a hand in front of her and she eyed it warily, “and measured hand.” He gripped a fist before lifting his fist higher, with the back of his hand he caught Vesper’s chin and turned her head back to him.

 “Forgive me my dear, but this look in your eyes – something terrible has happened to you, hasn’t it? Something in your past…something you need penance for?” he was so close now, he’d been inching closer and closer until he was right up to her. Vesper swallowed heard, penance? In her mind she saw visions of Ffion taken, she heard Mariwen’s cries and the buzzing of hornets, and her eyes met the man leering at her.

 “How–how did you know?” she asked. Vesper wanted to back away, but ten years of retaliation from Issac had taught her one thing. To back away was to invite ire. Denying a man’s closeness was to invite the back of their hand, their fists, a foot…it invited pain.

“Because, dear one,” his hand caressed her face again, “I see those same eyes when I look in the mirror. All suffer during these dark times, it is little wonder you bear scars of pain and anguish. Both physical and spiritual,” this man’s tone was soft as if he could sympathize with her pain. “Please,” he lowered his hand before taking hers into both of his, “let me alleviate this pain. My work can grant peace and serenity–the likes of which few experience. It will be worth it. I promise.” In her peripheral, she saw a shift in Astarion’s stance but didn’t dare to look away from the man who was gently leading her into this alcove. 

The goblins from before were in here, giggling to themselves as she was led further in. She could hear footsteps following behind and then heard Astarion, “Oh I must see this, don’t you dare say no.” The hairs on the back of her neck raised. 

Be obedient.

Shadowheart must have joined them, “Go ahead–I’m sure you’re in need of a little penance…” 

Be compliant.

Gale, too, spoke up, “Your hide, your choice. Not quite my cup of tea though…” his voice was strained but it didn’t sound as though he was going to step in.

Nothing came from Wyll or Karlach, she risked turning away from the man who led her but both the monster hunter and tiefling were standing outside. Neither looked comfortable with what was happening but they didn’t say anything. When she looked to the other three she gulped hard. Astarion was eyeing the scene with interest and even amusement. Shadowheart had a brow raised but for the most part, seemed uninterested. Gale was the only one of the three behind her who looked uncomfortable, her tadpole wriggled and she could hear him within her mind, ‘Surely she wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t something she wanted.’

This wasn’t something Vesper wanted. 

Above all she detested pain. But she wanted Astarion to protect her, with another glance at the high elf she could hear her brother’s voice once more. Be a good girl. The condescension in his voice was always there, but now, as she heard it again from her own mind it raised goosebumps along her skin and she turned back to the man in his black metal attire.

“What do you have in mind?” her voice, was that her voice, was shaky as she looked back at the priest. The man’s smile grew as he looked her over again, he squeezed her hand before releasing one of his and pointing to the wall, “Oh, I have something exquisite in mind.” His voice which had sounded soft and understanding just a moment ago now reminded her of men before. 

Men who were interested in pain. 

Aroused by it even. 

She felt her knees locking together. “Both Loviatar and I are interested in how you handle pain, dear one. Should you delight her,” he began to pull on her arm again leading her up to the wall at the opposite end of the alcove, “you will most assuredly receive her gracious blessing. Trust me.”

He released her hand entirely this time, “Simply face the wall and we can begin. For a more…intimate experience, you could remove your clothing…” There was a sharp inhale from behind her, but Vesper didn’t turn. She didn’t want to know why; she didn’t want to know who. 

The bard looked at this priest, at least that’s what she was assuming he was now and swallowed hard, “Do I have to?” He shook his head, “No, dear one, you may stay clothed if you wish…I cannot say that your attire will survive your penance but if you wish to remain covered you most certainly can.”

Vesper’s shoulders nearly sagged in relief, but her eyes did close as she released a shaky breath. “Vesper,” she heard Gale but shook her head and stepped closer. Once in the alcove, she felt the man near again and he removed her weapon from her side, “Lest we break your defenses entirely, dear one,” she turned to see him place it on a bench before picking up a mace. Turning back to the wall she quietly said another prayer to Elistaree and closed her eyes.

With the first hit, she wasn’t ready and was flung forward, hitting the wall in front of her. She cried out, if it was from the pain radiating from her shoulder or from her forehead she wasn’t sure, “That’s it dear one. Don’t hold back,” the man encouraged and she stood up straighter, readying her hands to catch herself if she fell again. He wanted a show. To hear her screams. She’d done this before, she could ‘scream prettily’ if that was what he wanted.  

When the second blow hit, across the middle of her back, she wailed, throwing her head back as her hands caught her against the wall this time. “Your voice sounds so sweet, dear one. Keep going!” she could hear the excitement in his voice and prayed he didn’t touch her after this one was done. Let it be the pain and let him go away. His third hit was across her shoulder, this time there was no performance from her, her knees hit the ground as she howled tears breaking through her tightly closed lids.

“That’s it! Let Loviatar hear you!” 

If the others were saying anything she couldn’t hear them. The collar had blunted the blow but it still ached on her left side and she struggled to stand again. The priest gave her a reprieve as she pressed her head to the cold stone before stepping backward, preparing herself for another hit. “Please,” she whimpered, she wasn’t sure if she could take another hit, but it still came. 

Beyond the heat of bruised flesh, she felt the sting of the cuts from the mace. Something wet was running down her spine, she was bleeding. Again. 

“Let the sting of flesh wash away your pain, dear one,” he said before another strike came down across her back. Pain flared from her knees one more time as they connected with the floor one more time. 

She pressed her forehead against the wall and cried out again, wholly crying this time. “Sweet child,” his voice sounded distant until she felt his hands on her shoulders. ‘No, no, please,’ she thought to herself as he pushed his hands under her arms and lifted her to stand, “You bore the pain like a true believer. I am proud to have served you this penance.” 

Vesper was practically a rag doll as he steered her to sit on the bench. He stepped away from her as she lifted her eyes to follow him. Behind him, she could see the others. Gale was now outside the alcove with Karlach and Wyll, Shadowheart’s face was just as stoic as it had been before and the amusement she had seen on Astarion’s face in the beginning was gone. His mouth was closed tight, as it had been after he’d bitten into her hand. Vesper wasn’t certain, but she almost thought she saw regret in his eyes.

The blonde man stepped into her field of vision once more and kneeled before her, with a wet rag in one hand he cleaned her face of tears, “Loviatar herself has found your performance…inspiring. She has deemed you worthy of her blessing.” He reached for something beside him and lifted a satchel of powder, taking a pinch of it he began to bless her, a divine prayer on his lips as Vesper closed her eyes. 

“And,” he sat back on his heels with a smile, “on a personal note, thank you. That was positively divine.” He stood and held his hand out for her to take. 

Vesper looked from him to his hand before reaching beside her picking up her hand crossbow and standing on her own. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said softly before walking past him, she avoided touching Astarion and Shadowheart as she walked between them and out into the hallway. Wyll was watching and held out a healing potion as soon as she was near, “Thank you,” she whispered and took it before drinking it as quickly as possible. 

Karlach cleared her throat, “Maybe we should find somewhere to rest? Your shirt–” Vesper looked up to the tiefling and smiled as brightly as she could manage, “I’m fine. Let’s try to find Halsin before we leave.”

Gale pointed into the room she had seen them exit before. Inside, in a cage, was the bard from before. They had met Volo in the druid’s grove and she played into his little writing fantasy, oh yes a gold dragon, didn’t he see the illithid ship, oh the goblins sang the name of the Absolute like a hymn. She hadn’t understood his questions then, just thinking he was a madman at the time asking silly questions. 

She looked toward Gale who lowered his voice, “He’s been captured like you thought he’d be. I thought perhaps you could convince the goblin in there to release him.” The wizard’s head was bowed his her direction, “She might do it if she recognizes you as a drow…” The brush of fabric against her left arm startled her and her head whipped around to look, wide-eyed, at Astarion who was holding out the larger healing potion bottle. “I told them it was useless, he knew the risks of being here…let him rot.”

The urge to obey was there, to just walk by the room and leave Volo caged. But as her hand closed around the bottle she thought of herself, caged by Issac’s whims. She’d always hoped that someone would rescue her, that anyone would come and remove her villain and release her from the cage that was that house, “No,” she said as she opened the bottle, “we’re saving him.” Astarion scoffed and shook his head before he shifted her bag on his shoulder, “Fine, little hero.”

It took a moment longer for her to drink this potion, but whether it was the potency of Auntie Ethel’s brewing or simply the amount of liquid within she felt the instantaneous relief wash through her. The warmth and comfort eased some of the tension in her shoulders. These goblins knew she was a drow, they expected drow behavior. Vesper summoned memories of Yasmine to the forefront of her mind. 

Yasmine walked with a confidence that Vesper didn’t have, her head was always slightly tilted, and never did the bard hear her sister’s voice quiver in fear or stutter in shame. It felt like a lifetime ago when she’d watched her other sisters mock some of Yasmine’s mannerisms but now she was trying to remember them, to emulate them. She felt a hand brush against her shoulder and jerked it away, her chin was lifted as she turned slightly without opening her eyes, “Don’t touch me.”

The words were swift and harsh, very unlike her own way of speaking. It was Yas. As her eyes opened she saw Shadowheart pull back, “If they want a drow…I need to give them a drow,” she explained and the cleric nodded, “dark elves don’t coddle,” she said it was more to herself, “they also don’t negotiate.”

Vesper loosened her jaw as she walked into the room, nonchalantly reattaching her crossbow to her belt before she looked toward the cage. “Oi! What do you think you’re doing lookin’ at my pigeon!” she heard from beside her, her eyes slowly shifted from the man in the cage who recognized her and was silently pleading for help, to the goblin who was trying to be threatening in front of her. “Your pigeon?” she gave a little laugh and shook her head looking back to the cage, her head falling to the side, “no, I think I’ll have him.”

“And who’re you to take wot’s mine?!” the goblin pulled her primitive scimitar and a glow emerged from around her eye. After using the tadpole to save a deep gnome, Vesper had outwardly declared she wouldn’t do it again. But these goblins thought she was a True Soul, why would a true soul hesitate from using their power. The bard stepped forward and leaned over the goblin, letting the power of the tadpole push from her, “Who are you to question me?”

The goblin stumbled backward as the psychic wave washed over her, “I-I-I’m sorry, mistress. Of course! ‘Ere’s the key he’s all yours, ma’am!” The key didn’t make it to Vesper’s hand, the goblin simply threw it at her feet before rushing past and pushing against the other companions to get out of the room, another apology escaping her.

“Well,” she heard Shadowheart, “that was certainly a display we’ve never seen from you before.” 

Vesper squatted down to grab the key before holding it up, “Gale…you wanted to rescue him.” She thought of how her mother would behave in this sense, never did Huna Faetrala do anything on her own. She had the men do the meaningless work and unlocking a cage to free the man was something Huna would call meaningless for sure.

The key was plucked from her fingers and she stepped outside the room while the others made certain that Volo was alright. A step next to her had her turning, Astarion had a grin on his face, “What is it, Astarion?” He shook his head, “Oh nothing, I’m just enjoying this version a bit…” Neither Huna nor Yasmine would appreciate his volume, leaning forward Vesper looked up through her lashes, “Say it louder and let them know…that will work out for us in the end won’t it?” 

It was the falter in his smirk that made her inwardly cringe, her eyes closed for a moment, “Sorry…caught up. We need to get out of here.” Astarion laughed, his head tilting back before something pushed between them, “What was that…” he said as he looked before they both felt heat behind them. Karlach grinned, “Volo had an invisibility potion. Maybe we should have asked if he had another…for the druid I mean…”

Vesper stepped away from the door as the others filed out. Shadowheart grinned in the bard's direction, “Back in character…we may need whoever that is again,” her voice was lower than Astarion’s had been and Vesper gave a bob of her head. 

They followed the wooden bridge to another room, Vesper looked at the three goblins who were idling and raised a brow, “Where are the worg pens?” One of them jumped to attention and bowed, “Through this door ma’am. The bear ain’t been cooked yet s’far as I know.” Bear…Halsin. They were going to cook Master Halsin?!

She steadied herself and looked back, catching Wyll’s eye she jerked her head towards the door and he rushed forward to open it for her. As she passed she mouthed a thank you to him and saw the corner of his mouth uptick. There was a goblin marching ahead of them, not even sparing them a glance, it gave her a moment to cast her speak with animals spell. As the others entered she walked down the steps, she glanced at either side of her. 

Karlach on one side, Shadowheart on the other, “Check those animals…” she said to Karlach, the tiefling looked down at her before nodding and walking towards two goblins that were chopping meat on a stone table, Wyll followed after her. 

Gale settled himself at the center of the path and raised a brow at her, she nodded in his direction before approaching the cage, glancing to her other side she saw Astarion lean against the wall and his eyes trained more on the area above him. She caught Shadowheart’s eye and the cleric nodded to her with a quirk of her lips.

The two approached the cage where the bear was roaring, Vesper could hear a voice through the roar. “Stop these damned goblins, please!” she heard the man say, and as she looked to the bear she spoke aloud, “Prepare yourself.” 

Beside her Shadowheart shifted, pulling her morning star from her side and the bear shifted its eyes meeting hers, “You heard me? I’m ready…”

Vesper turned toward the goblins and tilted her head, “What are you doing?” One of the tiny children looked up to her, “We’re making it squeal!” it turned towards the other one and bounced while begging for the other child to do it again. The larger of the three before her looked up to her, “Wot’s it look like we’re doing? We’re tenderizing it…” The goblin looked her over, “Should be ready soon.”

“Will you be ready for a taste of your own medicine then?” she asked as she stepped to the side and pushed the lever upward. “Wot’re you doing?!” shouted the goblin as she backed away. 

The gate swung freely as the bear leaped forward. Gale swore as he turned and cast grease on the hallway as one of the children tried to run, screaming about getting help. The second child didn’t have a chance to even yell for help as one of Astarion’s arrows pierced the back of its head and he ducked around the corner to the stairs. 

Karlach’s axe swung through one goblin catching its shoulder and causing it to drop its scimitar, the other in front of her summoned a spider in the center of the room and tried to run by, headed for the worg pens.

Vesper lifted her crossbow as high as she could firing at the goblin that had gone up the steps and she heard a cry of pain. Good, she hit it. The bear attacked the larger goblin, ripping its head from its shoulders in a single bite. It turned and pushed through the small space between the bard and cleric to run after the one headed for the pens.

Fighting and killing was certainly not something the bard was used to, from waking on the nautiloid and having to fight for her life for now she had already lost count of how many lives she had taken. She heard Wyll yell and watched a blast shoot past in the same direction her arrow had gone before Shadowheart turned away from her and a golden beam shot out from her shield and into the back of the other goblin child. Her mace shot outward, towards the spider, and a large two-headed axe appeared next to it. 

Working together it was a quick fight, the goblins going down in quick succession but as they each neared the worg’s pens the two beasts were smashing against the bars. “Open it,” she heard from the bear and all the false confidence she’d mustered before was slipping away, “Open it? They’ll rip us apart?” 

Karlach shook her head, “Nah…if the bear says open it…we can take’em. You get behind the door,” she said to Vesper and the bard skirted a bit of debris to stand next to the lever. 

She was just about to push it up when a secondary body slipped in front of her. Her bag pushed against her and she looked up to see the back of Astarion’s head before pushing the lever with all she had. The gates pushed open and she heard the growling from the creatures as they ran out of their enclosure. 

“Hold the bars,” she heard the vampire in front of her say and she reached around to grab the gate door and pulled holding them close to them. From her spot, she could hear the roar of the bear, the growling of the worgs, and the yelling from her companions. 

It, too, was a rather short-lived fight, thankfully. The final yelp from a worg was cut short by a crunching sound and she felt a push on the gate. Releasing it she stood up straighter as Astarion stepped away, and a golden light surrounded the bear before the spell broke; a large elf stood in its place. 

He was looking over each of them, offering a hand to heal, as he turned to look at the two elves emerging from the corner he was hovered over Wyll’s arm healing a bite. “You speak to bears and release them without knowing if you would turn on you,” his smile was wide as he looked at Vesper, “you are either a great friend to nature or a lunatic.” 

Vesper shook her head, “Or I was looking for a druid who happened to turn into a bear…” she said and watched his eyebrow raise as he stood straighter, “Or that. I am Halsin, First Druid of the Emerald Grove…” he said with a laugh as he bowed his head before standing straighter, “you were looking for me?”

“Vesper,” she introduced herself and nodded, “Nettie and Rath asked us to find you…the grove is…well,” she looked to Shadowheart who cleared her throat as the cleric turned to the druid, “That woman you left in charge is trying to seal the grove. She intends to throw the refugees out for the goblins.” 

Halsin’s eyes narrowed, “What? Kagha?” 

The cleric nodded, “Nettie told us you were a skilled healer…we have other reasons for looking for you as well. We have…a problem,” she had disapproved of Vesper telling Ethel the entire story of their tadpoles and it seemed even now that Shadowheart was guarded against letting people know the entire truth.

Halsin turned to look at each of them before lifting his hand to Shadowheart’s face, the cleric stepped forward and let him do…whatever it was he was doing. When he stepped back he looked at each of them, “You’re infected…but you know you’re infected. How?” Shadowheart didn’t say anything, the others were quiet too, “It’s possible something went wrong on the nautiloid,” when the druid turned his head to look at Vesper she told him everything. From waking up to the mindflayer putting the tadpole in her eye to the escape, even explaining to him about the fall from the crashing ship and how she woke up on the beach just fine. 

“Perhaps…” he started, he looked down to the floor lost in thought for a moment before he lifted his head again. “In other circumstances, I would be willing to stand here and discuss the matter, but with what you’ve said about Kagha and the grove…” he looked at them all again, “I know much has been asked of you, but I must ask one thing more. I cannot leave here without knowing the roads will be safe, goblins are not planning creatures, the leaders here…if they were to die it is likely the rest would scatter. If you aren’t willing to help I will do this alone, but if you would–” 

Gale was shaking his head, “I am sorry, Halsin, before the tadpoles it would have been likely but we aren’t–”

“Wait…” Vesper practically shouted, the others jumped and looked at her. “That man, the one in the torture device…the goblins are looking for the grove,” she looked at each of them and saw as their heads tilted inches in every direction, she waved her hands, “Master Halsin, the tiefling’s aren’t fighters, Zevlor has already told us that much, but the druids…they seem perfectly capable of protecting the grove.” The druid’s brows knit together and he crossed his arms, “What are you saying, child?” 

She stepped forward and licked her lips, “What if we split the leaders? If you go and prepare the grove and the tieflings you could mount a defense…if we convinced whichever leader it is that’s looking for the grove that we could help them…”

“You would lead them straight to innocents,” warned Halsin his brow now raising. He was looking her over, sizing her up. She swallowed hard under his appraisal and nodded, “I know, but you would be there to help Zevlor lead. And we would be there as well…” She looked to the others, Karlach was nodding now, “Yeah-yeah!” the tiefling shouted.

“We tell’em we’re on their side but double cross them once we’re back in the grove!” Karlach grinned and was practically bouncing from foot to foot. “She’s convincing enough, Halsin, if anyone can do it Vesper can,” the praise from the tiefling had Vesper straightening her shoulders just a bit before she looked back to the First Druid. He was considering both of them now, “How can I be certain you wouldn’t turn against us at the last minute.” 

Wyll spoke up this time, stepping around Halsin to stand beside the bard, “Master Halsin, Vesper worked hard to save many of those tiefling children…” he threw a look in her direction, “before she, unfortunately, fell into the underdark we were working our way to somewhere Kagha had been meeting someone. We were going to try and stop the ritual Kagha and the others have been working on.” 

The druid looked the bard over again and nodded, “That would take care of one of them…but there are two more, a goblin and hobgoblin–” he was cut off again by Gale clearing his throat, “Ahem, actually, we would only have the hobgoblin, Dror Ragzlin I believe that Volo fellow called him, to contend with. The Priestess, Gut, has already been dispatched and the rest of this poor shattered sanctum is still blissfully unaware. However,” he looked at all of them again, “we still don’t have Vesper proper armor or a secondary weapon. During our cursory walk around the area, I noticed a couple of giant spiders…the goblins threw a male drow down to them for their dinner. I doubt that even being a female drow would save you from their…pincers.” His final words were said as he looked directly at the bard. 

She looked down at herself, he wasn’t wrong, she was still in her simple trousers and the dusty gray shirt that Astarion had found the day before.

Gods, had it only been a day? 

Halsin’s eyes were now wide as he looked at her, “You’re a drow?” She looked up at him and nodded, “I know…my complexion throws most humanoids off…other creatures, the goblins especially recognize it though. It’s how we’ve made it this far unharmed, I was hoping that it would help convince whoever was in charge I was on their side. Well, that and the tadpole…” She ducked her head and rubbed her hands across her thighs nervously.

The druid looked her over again before nodding, he stepped forward with a raised hand and Vesper stumbled back from him, her own eyes widening. Halsin, seeing her reaction, lowered his hand, “I was going to cast barkskin on you, it won’t make you invincible but even from a long distance I can keep concentration to help protect you. I didn’t mean to–” she stepped back up to him and cast her eyes down while softly saying, “Sorry…I didn’t mean to misjudge.”

Using the flat of her axe, Karlach bumped Vesper with her weapon while looking at Halsin, “We’re all a bit jumpy meeting new people. You heard she was a dark elf and started acting a bit funny…that’s all.” The bard smiled at the tiefling before she felt Halsin’s hand cover the top of her head and an earthy smell invaded her senses. Something tough settled over her skin and before it faded she could have sworn she saw what looked like wood grain cover her bare arms. 

“Once outside these walls I will run as quickly as possible, it will still take nearly a day for me to get to the grove and a day to prepare everyone,” his voice was softer now as he spoke to Vesper. She lifted her head and nodded, “We’ll tell them it’ll take a couple of days then. We will need a rest after all, depending on who it is we need to fight…” The others nodded and Wyll held a hand out to Halsin. The druid gripped his forearm, “Until we meet again,” he said to them before he stepped back and the glow of his transformation filled the room.

Gale looked around and shook his head, “So much for leaving this place once we found the druid…” he muttered. Vesper bit down into her lip, she felt bad about going against her agreement with the wizard but she couldn’t leave it to chance that the goblins wouldn’t decide to cook him that night. Astarion stepped forward and passed the bag he carried from one shoulder to the other, “If it had been up to me, we would have avoided this place entirely. That druid gave us nothing, not even a yes or no on if he could heal us!” 

He turned and looked at the bard, “Time to put on your mean drow act, darling, we’ve got a grove to endanger.”

─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─

As an added offense to deceive whoever she needed to, Vesper had used her disguise spell to physically change herself into her sister, Yasmine. Thankfully the illusion also covered the clothing making it fit better, and at Astarion’s insistence, she adjusted the illusion to change her clothing into something else. Something not as ragged and certainly not torn in the back.

The woman they spoke to had treated the bard fairly friendly. When she offered to show her where the grove was the woman seemed downright kind. They would have to save whatever magic they could to help destroy the stone bridge they told Minthara about, the one outside the blighted village, but they had bought the grove a day’s worth of travel. The goblin leader had clapped a hand on Vesper’s arm, only slightly tilting her head as her hand collided with the collar, but the bard was quick to think on her feet. 

She and Yasmine had been the same height and had the same face the last time she saw her sister. The collar was the only difference, “Before accepting her blessing I was led astray…I allowed a lover to place this on me and now am unable to remove it…don’t let them know.” She threw an indifferent look in the men’s direction and Minthara nodded, “If you are in need of aid to remove it…I am willing to help.” 

The other drow’s friendly reaction threw Vesper for a loop. But she intended to destroy the grove and the tieflings inside. She was looking for the fugitives from the nautiloid and assumed the grove was hiding them, it was likely that Minthara had plans to destroy them too. Vesper knew the fugitives that the drow was looking for included herself, and as Shadowheart had said after slaying the goblins, it was now kill or be killed. Vesper didn’t want to die.

Minthara left, gathering the goblins as she went, she needed to prepare the raiders, and that included those outside.  

That meant the only leader they had to contend with was this Dror Ragzlin. And that night, after Gale ritually cast a teleport spell to get them back to the grove, they stumbled to their bed rolls. Halsin and the other druids healed them but she explained what she had told Minthara, the First Druid ordered the bridge destroyed, “We can shape a new one after all of this.”  

Zevlor had been none too happy with the news that his people would have to fight a large raiding party but didn’t flat-out refuse. It was he and another tiefling who laid hands on Karlach healing her and setting her arm to rights. Ragzlin, in a rage, had dislocated the tiefling’s arm during the fight making it that much harder. The entire party was tapped for magic, they were struggling to sit up.

At some point during her healing Vesper had passed out, a fever was overtaking her and as the world went dark all she could hear was Gale’s lecture on ceromo-whatsits. This couldn’t happen. Not when she’d promised to help the grove.

─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─

“I came just in time. You are transforming.”

Vesper’s eyes opened before her mouth did, a scream leaving her throat before she could stop it. Standing over her in golden armor was Issac. His close-cropped brown hair, the scars all over his face, even the broken nose he had had when they first met. In fact…he had the beard he had worn when they first met as well…

Her eyes narrowed.

“Who in the nine hells are you?” she asked as she sat up and backed away from him. He was on one knee, regarding her with her husband’s face a smile that she never looked forward to on his lips, “Your salvation. And not for the first time. I saved you before,” he said as he willed memories into her mind. He was on the nautiloid. He was there as she fell through the sky. Issac’s face smiling at her…fondly. Vesper was shaking her head trying to will the memories away, this man, this image was not the man that she knew. 

“I’m here to save you again,” he said, the images cleared and he was standing over her his hand held out toward her. Here to save her but taking on the face of her abuser? “Don’t worry,” the man told her, “you will not become a mindflayer. Not while I’m around. I’ll protect you.” She could see the concern on his face, not an emotion she was familiar with from that visage. It looked…wrong. She recoiled from his hand and heard him laugh, if she didn’t look at him, she could pretend it wasn’t Issac. It wasn’t his voice. Issac never offered help, never offered her a hand if she fell or was pushed down. 

Pulling herself up she stood before the armored man and looked everywhere but at him, “Independent…good. Though it seems something of my appearance troubles you…” she scoffed and crossed her arms over her middle, “but we haven’t much time, please listen closely.” Wherever this was, this dreamscape, was beautiful but frightening. She followed behind him and listened as he spoke about some potential within her. Instead, her eyes were taking in the floating rocks, the indigo skies, and the stars, so many stars. 

“-for the sake of both of us, you must learn to wield it,” his voice finally cut through her thoughts and she turned her head to look at him before quickly looking away. Just the sight of that face made her feel sick. He must have realized where her eyes were turning, he turned away and lifted a hand, and the rocks just in front of them moved exposing more to her sight. From miles away she could make out something, it was dark and felt ominous even in a dream, she scooted forward and narrowed her eyes, was it…a skull? 

Prismatic glass moved within the object and she was just about to ask about it before something that glowed dove past the object. “What’s going on?” she asked her body turning toward the armored visitor, he answered carefully, “A fight for the fate of Faerun. A fight we are losing. For now.”

He turned toward her but she refused to face him, she refused to look at that face, “You can change that, but only if you embrace your potential.”

They stood there as more glowing objects, no, no that one had arms, these were glowing people flew past. They weren’t only flying they were fighting each other, she wanted to ask more, but his voice interjected before she could gather her thoughts, “I have to go. The enemy is closing in. I will be back.” 

Purple light reverberated through the skull and the man in the golden armor held one hand up casting some sort of shield while his other lifted in her direction and threw her backward.

[matsbarzal]

Could I request fluff #6 with Jack Hughes?

fluff #6. "you've been my best friend for 10 years, why not change it to husband and wife?"

pairing: jack hughes x fem!reader word count: 1.4k

It was always easy to love him. It was easy to love the friendship he initiated all those years ago, and it was even easier to admit your love bore a little deeper when he admitted his feelings were more than friendly about you. A decade long friendship had blossomed into something more, and it was something neither you, nor Jack had any arguments against.

Jack always brought up your ‘friendiversary’, and you couldn’t help but get a laugh out of the pure joy he always bestowed on you every time he mentioned it. The new kid in school accidentally exploding his yogurt tube all over his desk partner was probably one of the funnier ways to begin a lifelong friendship that would eventually blossom into more.

“So, how are we celebrating a whole decade together this year? Should we go get frozen yogurt? Maybe we can make a re-enactment of what happened in middle school? We could make it a whole thing, make a tiktok about it and everything,” you could feel your eyes rolling involuntarily at his words, shooting Jack a glare from across the room.

“We’re not doing anything that involves yogurt.”

“Not even something sexy?” Wigging his eyebrows at you, your hand immediately reached for the pillow beside you to whip at your boyfriend.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Lil’ Jizzy,” groaning at your words, Jack plopped himself on the couch beside you, instantly pulling you into his side.

Shrugging his shoulders at you, you could see him googling friendiversary ideas out of the corner of your eye. “Babe, we don’t even have to do anything. We could cuddle up and order food and just watch a movie or something, it doesn’t have to be anything special.”

“It’s our ten-year friendiversary, baby. We can’t just do nothing. I’ll figure something out, don’t worry. You’ll love it.”

It would be hard to admit that a trip to Florida in the middle of the season was what you were expecting from Jack. He had practically thrust the tickets into your hand, informing you that you had less than three hours to pack, all while giving you a list of the specific outfits he wanted you to bring.

You knew almost immediately that Jack had definitely not planned the celebration alone, just by the Airbnb that you pulled up in front of. First, you didn’t even realize he knew what an Airbnb was. Second of all, there was no way Jack Hughes had managed to find a place this gorgeous on his own.

Shooting a message to P.K. was your first priority, knowing full well he was the likely culprit behind the gorgeous booking in front of you.

“Okay, so I have a full itinerary. Tonight, we’re just going to chill, relax, get situated, maybe break the house in, you know… the usual stuff,” ending his sentence off with a wink, Jack grabbed your hand and pulled you along behind him.

“Tomorrow we’re going to head out to the marina that I don’t know the exact name of but will figure out and we’re gonna spend most of the day on the water, and then dinner… obviously. Sunday, you have to plan. I’ll pay… but you have to plan.”

Giggling into his ear as you pressed your body closer to his to press a gentle kiss on the nape of his neck, Jack tilted his head to the side with a small grin plastered across his lips.

“Sounds like the perfect weekend, baby. I think we should probably get started on your plans for today.” The grin never left his lips as he whipped around to press them to yours, his body moulding against yours easily.

The next day came quicker than you were expecting, Jack picking out your outfit as you picked his. That was something you both just found easier; there was no one else you would ever let pick your outfit, Jack just… knew you. He knew your style, knew what you did and didn’t like, knew what would fly and what wouldn’t. Small things like that with him were easy, everything was easy when it came to him.

“Well, don’t you look sexy. Damn, I’m so good at picking your fits. Should I quit hockey, maybe get into fashion? You could be my main model, baby.” Laughing as he wrapped you up in his arms with a smile, his happiness infectious.

Shaking your head against his chest, you peaked up at him from between his arms. “I don’t think you should quit your day job, maybe get some pointers before you start making drastic decisions like that. Can’t use you as my future trophy husband if you’re going to up and quit the job that makes you that.”

Pinching your side gently, Jack just smiled as he pulled away and interlocked his fingers with his.

It didn’t take you long to get to the marina in the car he had rented, everyone greeting the both of you politely as they directed you towards the boat Jack had rented for the day. You almost stopped in your tracks when you observed the setup on the boat; a picnic basket set up, non-alcoholic champagne on ice, fairy lights adorning the inside edges of the boat.

“Damn, I didn’t read the fine print when I booked. Just said I wanted the closest setup to an anniversary they could get, guess they went all out,” popping his hip into yours gently with a beam.

“Jack, do you even have your boating license?”

Eyeing the steering wheel with a curious look, you turned towards your boyfriend just in time to see him roll his eyes and glare at you playfully. “No, this place just let a random guy with no boating license rent a boat. Obviously, I have my boating license.”

Rolling your eyes back, you tapped his side as you made your way to the small seat next to the drivers. It only took a few moments to get out from the dock, far enough away that you and Jack could have some privacy without being too far and worrying how you were going to get back.

“Do you remember the first day we met? Other than when I accidentally exploded my yogurt tube all over you? You told me that boys were icky, and all they did was ruin everything,” nodding your head with a loud laugh, you let your mind wander to your first few years with Jack.

“Crazy how things have changed, huh? I remember going home that night and telling my mom I needed to get those stupid yogurt tubes so I could hit them against the desk and do what you did to me, she said no real quick.”

Smiling softly towards you, you could see the love in his eyes the way he looked at you, the softness that crossed his features every time you were on his mind or in his sight. It had been the same look he had given you since you both were fifteen, Jack never having eyes for anyone except you.

Standing up and holding his hand out, you took it and allowed him to pull you from your seat and towards the picnic basket and bottle of champagne.

“It always makes me laugh; I told my mom back when I first moved from Sauga to Michigan that I wasn’t sure how I was going to live without you. She said you’d always be there, even if you weren’t physically there. Pretty sure that was when I realized you were more than just a friend to me, then I moved and wasn’t sure what’d happen. Never really thought we’d get here, honestly.”

Sighing as he sat down, Jack gestured for you to sit in his lap, both of your legs extended out in front of you as he ruffled through the picnic basket beside him.

“I say it a lot, but I’m so glad you sprayed that yogurt all over me. It sucked, but I don’t think we’d be where we are without it,” nodding his head gently as he rested his cheek on the top of your head.

“You know, you’ve been my best friend for ten years, why not just change it to husband and wife?”

Swivelling around to look at him, you almost cried when you saw the little black box in his hand, his eyes glistening at he looked at you. Moving so he was directly on one knee and not sitting, your hands instantly pressed to your mouth.

“I’ve had this thing sitting around since my first season. So, I guess what I’m trying to say here is… I’ve been so grateful for your friendship and your unconditional love these last ten years, so how about we make it forever? Will you marry me?”

You couldn’t contain your body flying towards him, the aggressive nod of your head the only answer he needed.

note: so sorry that this is so late, but i hope you enjoy!! thank you so much for requesting. and yes i did steal mitch marner's proposal idea for this thank u very much simply bc i have reason to believe jack would too

[introloves]

Who's the hardest dom? And who's best at punishments

oop im giving my top 3-

— hard dom! iwa, daichi, ushijima + slapping + punishments + talk of bratty reader + sub / dom dynamics + use of the word ‘cunt’ for iwas scenario

— iwaizumi: to me, hajime is the hardest dom. don’t question his rules, don’t question him when he tells you to do something. he just falls naturally into a roll where it’s his job to protect you, look after you, make sure all your needs are taken care of and always keeps your best interest in mind. that’s why it’s best to follow what he says with a smile, in the end what he does and tells you to do are done with your best interest in mind. a happy and satisfied partner is what he wants.

he can’t stand when you’re being bratty, all he has to do is look at you with a stern glance and it has you almost physically shrinking. he’s not easy on his punishments when you do something real bad, like touch yourself without permission. he hates it when you play with something that belongs to him- he can’t help the possessive nature he has.

“h-hajime.” you whimper, hands numb and throbbing from your weight. it sounded so easy to do when he looked at you with a piercing gaze, telling you to lay back on your hands or else you’d be in more trouble than you were.

the only response to your whine is a swift slap to your cunt, hard enough to make you recoil.

“who said you could talk?” he hisses, pulling away. it seems you’ve forgotten everything he’s taught you. this is what he gets for being soft on you.

you quickly tuck your lips between your teeth, biting down on them so you don’t slip up again, you’ve already pushed him enough.

seeing you try so hard to please him, to try and calm the displeasure of seeing you fucking yourself pathetically without letting him know let’s him relax. why would you exert yourself, pathetically stuffing fingers that barely reach anything when he’s right there for you? you know you can’t do a good enough job to make you cum like he can.

“good. you’re so good to me.” he responds at your desperation. it makes you lean into every word, chasing the high it gives you.

“too bad you were being naughty, makes this so much harder for me.”

iwaizumi detaches from you completely, leaving you drenched in your arousal, alone.

he spares a glance back as he walks out of the room.

“lay there and think about your actions.” is all he says, and you do. you’d wait for him forever if it meant having him finally fuck you in the end.

his punishments are the worst, will leave you in the same spot, hands under you, no touching, for hours. his resolve to keep you whiny and desperate is something incredible, you can beg and cry all you want, but unless he feels you’ve earned it you will absolutely not cum.

— daichi: i don’t think he’s as 100% dominant as iwa, can fuck you with no need for you to submit to him. he’s with you because he loves you, willing to push away any of his own preferences in bed just to see you cum hard. however, he also seems to be a provider, he takes the roll of someone calling shots because he likes taking your pleasure into his own hands. like iwa, he learns your body very quick and knows how to make you feel real good. so why would you need to do anything other than be good and take it? if you’re a good little thing for him, he would reach the sun out of the sky for you.

but if you ever do something naughty, like flirt with someone to get back at him, you’re in for a long night. he can’t stand seeing another try and come in and act like they could treat you better than he can. it’s near impossible. he’s proud to say what a good partner he is. so he quickly swoops in, a kind smile playing on his face while he introduces himself as your man, all the while his fingers are digging into your side, squeezing rhythmically with each sickly kind word that leaves him.

“is this what you want?” he asks, three of his fingers have been curling inside you for a long, long time now. with every brush against a patch of nerves that sets you alight- makes your eyes roll back and hips jump up and down.

“or do you want them to touch you?” he questions, referring to the guy he pulled you away from. he removes his fingers from you while asking, letting you know what’d you be missing if it wasn’t for him.

“n-no! i want you! i want you!” you sob, shaking at how long it took him to just move inside you and now he’s taken that away again. you curl your hands to his shirt, trying with everything you have to bring him close to you.

seeing you like this has him crash his lips against yours, nodding, but promising that if he ever sees you flirt with someone again- he’ll use you to cum, he’ll use your body to finish and pull away everytime you’re about to. it’s not an empty threat and with that, you comply.

he makes you promise, makes you tell him how much you love him and how he’s the one for you while he fingers you, coating his strong hand in your cum and arousal. it’s easy, he thinks it’s so easy to bring you there- he’s mapped out every part of you that makes you feel good because he loves you so much.

his punishments are always fast and intense. daichi is patient and a little hard headed, but loves you so much it hurts him to see you wanting. will bring you to the peak of pleasure over and over again, not fucking you until he- or you can’t take it anymore. it’s an entanglement of limbs, desperate and heavy.

— ushijima: with his stature and build, it comes naturally. with how people regard him, with respect and a little bit of fear he’s fit into a mold that shapes out a person with a sure fire dominant personality. i’d say that he’s the least dom of the three, just because i don’t think he knows what a dominant is, really. just knows that he likes being the one to set the pace, knows it’s expected of him when he’s so big and strong. he doesn’t mind it, likes seeing you teary eyed and whining up at him while he pounds into you.

you should have known now what a bad idea it was to rile ushijima up when he was busy.

but you couldn’t help it, with sweats hung low on carved hips, bulge of him so apparent in the light gray when he’s not even hard! makes you dizzy. but he’s on the phone and has already told you to knock it off. with a huff you decide to go for a dirty trick you have up your sleeve.

it doesn’t take long for you to find a toy, a cute little dildo that you haven’t used- haven’t had to use with a stallion like wakatoshi as your boyfriend- in ages. you use your own wetness as lube, a testament to how much you needed your wakatoshi.

it’s a hard and fast pace you’ve set, making sure to moan as loud as you can, scream out his name to get his attention. if he won’t fuck you, then you guess you have to take matters into your own hands.

and it works, you’re nearly there so close you can taste the sweet buzz it gives you- you don’t hear the padding of his footfalls. he ends the call immediately when he sees you, dripping onto the bed.

he sees the dildo pumping in and out of you, and is angry.

it’s almost an insult to his pride. with long strides he grabs your shaky hands, stopping your movement and the progression of your orgasm.

he slides the toy out, letting it drop to the floor before he pulls you up, grabbing your arms to plop you onto the center of the bed.

“you think that can make you cum better than i can?” he questions, voice something akin to a growl while he hooks his sweats down, proud member already long and hard. it’s stands by itself, bobbing with each jump of his dick, knowing that he’s about to fuck you like an animal.

“n-no.” you answer truthfully, nothing could compare to him. he nods, grabbing himself to line up with you, your eyes go wide. is he not going to prep you?

he responds like he just read your mind-

“you’ve prepped yourself enough with that piece of plastic.” he spits.

he makes you say nothing but his name for the rest of the night, makes you tell him who makes you feel good, makes you tell him what you already know.

his punishments are fast and fleeting, never lasting more than the session. he’s attentive and careful with you, him being dominant is a way to take care of you, never leaving you unsatisfied- no matter how insatiable you are.

[animeomegas]

Hi!!!, first, congratulations on 1000 followers!I wanted to ask you something, could you make a list of omegas that would have worse self esteem during pregnancy.if you can't don't worry, have a nice day and again congratulations.

(Hey, thank you so much for your congratulations!! Hmm, I’m sure I can make a little list~)

Warnings: Insecurities of all sorts, mentions of sex.

Insecure over appearance:

· Itachi – Itachi is worried about how skinny and sickly he is. He’s always been on the small side but pregnancy has stopped him being able to keep much food down, and so he just kept getting smaller and smaller. It’s a small insecurity at first, but he does find himself staring at his reflection and wondering if his mate finds him attractive. Itachi goes a long while without sex because of how sick he gets during pregnancy and after birth, and that feeds the insecurity that his alpha doesn’t find him attractive.

· Tamaki – He’s completely fine until he gets lost in a rabbit hole on some parenting and omega focused forums. He finds all these posts from other omegas about how their alphas don’t find them attractive anymore, and about how they’ve stopped having sex. Now, Tamaki is extremely sexually needy during his pregnancy, so he’s suddenly paralysed with fear. Has his alpha been forcing themselves this whole time? Have they just been doing it to please him without enjoying it themselves? He cries about it quite a bit until his alpha finds out and knocks a little bit of sense into him.

· Asmo – Asmo puts so much effort into his physical appearance. He’s very proud of it and he’s very reliant on his appearance to carry his self-esteem. So, a drastic change of any sort would be extremely distressing. He buys every cream and treatment imaginable to stop stretch marks, and acne etc. but things still change with his body. And because Asmo views his worth through looks, he assumes that his alpha does also. He tries to hide, to turn down sex, but of course, this alerts his alpha immediately to the fact that something is wrong. He never really gets over the insecurities while he’s still pregnant, but his alpha can minimise the effects with copious love and praise.

· Julian – He’s extremely insecure as it is, constantly questioning why his alpha finds him attractive at all but being pregnant adds enough layer on to the pre-existing insecurities. He always tries to reassure his alpha that they don’t have to touch him if they don’t want, that they should leave the room before he gets changed or when he’s bathing because they probably don’t want to see him like that. His insecurities run very deeply, just like Asmo’s, so they can’t be fixed, but they can be helped with lots of comfort and reassurance.

Insecure over abilities (e.g., being weak physically etc.):

· Sasuke – The fact that he can’t go on missions or train pisses him off. And as the months go by, he’s gaining weight and losing muscle definition and it freaks him out because he feels like he’s losing who he is which drops his self-esteem. Training has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Just design some softer workout routines for him with a mednin and remind him that he can still practice throwing kunai before he loses his goddamn mind.

· Bakugou – The physical condition of his body changing isn’t that big of a deal for him. He has a very small tummy, especially considering he’s pregnant with twins, and he knows he can bounce back after the birth because he’s super dedicated to his physical routine. What he’s not so confident about is the slipping control he has over his quirk. He has (had) an iron clad control, and the random explosions while pregnant are so embarrassing. Not to mention the disruption that his quirk causes in his nest. He has to replace so many cushions which makes his instincts go wild because significant changes to an omega’s nest while pregnant is distressing. If his friends tease him about the loss of control, he gets genuinely mad about because it’s something of a sore spot.

· Jumin – Jumin tries to keep his life while pregnant as close to his life before being pregnant as possible and in many ways, he nails it. He buys copies of his favourite suits and has them tailored every other week to fit his growing stomach. He buys non-alcoholic wine and drinks it with a grimace. He schedules lots of massages to keep the aches and pains away, so he feels normal. But there is one thing that isn’t so easy to keep normal: his emotions. Now, this fits into this category rather than the one below because Jumin gets insecure about how his emotional control impacts his ability to work. His emotions had never impacted his career before, but now he can’t help but tear up when he gets overstressed, he can’t work long hours without getting lonely and wanting to go home, he can’t take business trips because he doesn’t want to leave his nest for too long. It makes him feel a little like he’s lost himself because these things are things he’s been doing with ease for his entire life. He’s quite irritated by it and it damages his self esteem somewhat.

Insecure emotionally (e.g., unsure about being a good parent etc.):

· Tamaki –Tamaki also makes it onto this category. His insecurities are very specific, but he worries about being a bad role model socially for his pup. If his alpha is very socially adept, I’m not sure he would worry as much, because he knows that his pup can learn from their other parent, but if Tamaki’s alpha is also a little shy or prefers not being around people, then he gets really worried about it. Him being so shy and anxious has really impacted his life and he really doesn’t want it to impact his pup in the same way. He really worries that he’ll be a bad influence in that regard. (but the prospect of an extremely extroverted child is an equally terrifying concept in a different way haha.)

· Lucifer – He is very worried about being a good parent because all he can focus on is the past times when he wasn’t a good older brother. I mean, Satan hates him, and that’s as close to a father/child bond that Lucifer has, so surely that must mean he’s not cut out to be a father? He’s not good at emotions or reasonable punishments or showing affection or… well, point is he doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a good parent, when all he’s ever had is a shitty father himself, and all he’s ever been, is a shitty older brother that drove his family apart.

· Levi – Levi is insecure about most things that have to do with himself, so it’s not surprising that he gets very insecure about being a good parent which drops his self-esteem to an all time low. He can’t even watch any anime that focuses too much on parent/child relationships because he can’t help but compare himself every time, and he works himself up into a mini panic. It’s difficult to calm Levi’s insecurities but his partner can help him somewhat.

· Hawks – Keigo is very insecure about his abilities to protect his pup. His has this conspiracy theory that the hero commission will try to kidnap his child. They were furious when they found out he was pregnant during the peak of his career and they pushed him heavily towards abortion. Keigo leaked the pregnancy news to the public to force the commission’s hands, but he’s still so paranoid that they’ll stage a 'tragic accident' for his pup to force him back into hero work, or try and kidnap and raise his pup as they raised him. He doesn’t have any proof, per se, but he’s terrified that he can’t protect his pup so he really doesn’t like to leave his alpha’s presence. When he’s close to his due date, he’s too insecure with all his conspiracy theories clouding his mind to even let his alpha shower by themselves.

· V – Jihyun sort of convinces himself that he’s cursed when it comes to looking after people (Rika, Saeyoung, Saeran), so he’s very upset by the prospect that he’ll probably fail at raising his child too. He originally says that he wants to give the pup up for adoption to save them, but eventually you talk him around and start working through his problems. He just doesn’t thing he’ll be a good role model. The longer he waits to have children after the more traumatic events of his life, the less these issues crop up.

Miscellaneous:

· Aizawa – Shouta gets insecure when people pay too much attention to him being pregnant. He doesn’t like people giving up their seats for him on public transport, he doesn’t like his students and colleagues asking invasive questions, he doesn’t like those awful shop attendants that try to shoehorn him into buying baby supplies he doesn’t need. He wishes people would just treat him normally. (and he absolutely starts to activate his quirk every time someone tries to touch his tummy without asking first.) But yeah, all the eyes and attention makes him super uncomfortable and it makes him overanalyse everything he does which does impact his self esteem.

· Light – Light has a very specific insecurities while pregnant which revolve around the fear that he’s lowering himself by carrying a pup. All his life he’s had people tell him that because he’s an omega, he should give up on all his dreams and have pups and stay home instead. It really doesn’t sit well with him that he’s doing what all those awful people told him to do (at least it feels that way to him). He feels ashamed and he hates it. He avoids everything stereotypical while pregnant. He’ll kick you in the face if you try to rub his feet, he does everything in his power to avoid giving in to cravings, and he doesn’t make a nest. It all takes a serious toll on his health but it would take one hell of a stubborn alpha to get him to bend on any of that. It puts a strain on the relationship.

[shokami]

featuring tsukishima, kenma, oikawa, and semi

genre fluff

word count 1.7k

tsukishima kei

if anyone were to be asked “do you think tsukishima likes to cuddle?” their answer would most definitely be no. which is false.

although he will always tease you about it first and foremost, he secretly enjoys his cuddling time with you.

the teasing has to happen, because it is almost always you who’s trying to initiate the cuddling first.

tsukki thinks that if he were to try to cuddle with literally anyone else, he would hate it. it isn’t because he’s not a people person, but because he’s only ever really cuddled with you. so he’s accustomed to the way you cuddle.

cuddling usually starts when you’re both in the middle of your movie binging, and you’ll be all wrapped up in blankets and eating snacks.

you always curl up underneath his arm, and cuddle into his side— or try to find a way to weasel your way into his lap.

your attempts at trying to get as physically close to him as possible, never fail to amuse him. he scoffs at your effort, and repositions you in a way that’s more comfortable for the two of you.

when it comes to finally sleeping, you’re still cuddled underneath his arm but he’ll pull you in more so that you can lay on his chest and entangle yourself with him.

you’re definitely a mess of limbs together.

slowly peaking your eyes open, you squinted at the absurdly bright rays of light that shined through the curtains. that was your que to finally get out of bed, and start your day.

against what tsukishima would have wanted, had he been awake— you decided to try and squirm your way out from under his grasp. you knew he hated that you were an early bird, he detests that about you everyday and he isn’t afraid to tell you.

as you attempted to wiggle out of the bed, you knew there was no way for you to escape his hold on you without waking him up. always unfortunate for you, considering he was a very grumpy morning person.

you could always smooth it over with a few good morning kisses though, he seemed to enjoy those.

just as you thought you could make it, you were almost out of arm's reach when the familiar cold fingers grasped around your wrist and pulled you back down on top of him. “where do you think you’re going?”

“i wanna go shower, tsukki.” you groaned, already hearing the annoyance in his voice before even seeing his expression. “you could always get your lazy butt up, and come with.”

he groaned, tossing you to the side and pulling you into his chest in a new position. “why can’t we ever sleep in? you have an annoying sleeping pattern.”

“it’s not annoying! you just want to sleep in until 10, every weekend. we lose time like that.”

“yeah, obviously. that’s how time works.”

“tsukishima kei.”

“shut up. go back to sleep, and you can be cute later.”

another sigh, and you relaxed against tsukishima and the pillows once more. there was no use in trying to defy his need to sleep in, you wouldn’t win.

kozume kenma

the two of you are always cuddling, there is no doubt about that. not one bit.

if you aren’t cuddling, you’re still finding a way to be physically touching. touch starvation is very real, and you probably both have it.

when it comes to actually cuddling though, kenma prefers to either be the little spoon or be laying between your legs / on your stomach.

it’s actually your preferred way of sleeping too, as you’re both usually on your phones, or kenma is playing a game that you’re not really paying attention to.

you absentmindedly run your fingers through his hair, scrolling through one of your social media apps, and without realizing it he’s drifted off to sleep with his arm wrapped around your waist and his head tucked into your stomach.

this is the comfiest sleeping position, but if either of you tosses and turns in your sleep it’s likely that the direct cuddling will stop.

but, the two of you will still have physical contact. kenma will either hold your hand from the opposite side of the bed, or you’ll still be close enough that your leg is brushing against his underneath the pile of blankets.

eventually though, you’ll probably roll over behind him and koala yourself against his back before repeating the cycle of tossing and turning again.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

“kenma make it stop.” you pulled the blanket up over your head, cursing the alarm.

he made no noise, or movement— sleeping through the sound as if the room was silent.

you didn’t know why either of you ever had it set, it wasn’t like the two of you ever woke up at a decent hour. especially not when the god awful sound of it started screaming at you. it was always shut off, and tossed to the side. you made a mental note to tell kenma that you should just throw it out.

“KENMA! ALARM. OFF.”

finally snapping out of his sleep, he sat up startled by the noise of the alarm and your irritated sleepy voice. quickly slapping at the alarm on the nightstand, he silenced the beeping. climbing underneath the blankets to get closer to you in the dark room, you offered him a tired smile.

it was going to be another one of those days, where you continue to convince each other to sleep in just a little longer each hour. the previous nights antics, of screaming at the television screen at the new game you both decided to play, you were both overly exhausted and craved sleep. again.

“what time did the clock say?” you asked, pecking a kiss to his nose.

“11:30 a.m,” he closed his eyes once more, snuggling into you. “wanna sleep in longer?”

“i thought you’d never ask, kenken.”

oikawa tooru

he is almost always the big spoon. he loves how you fit into his arms, and feeling like he can protect you from the world.

it definitely gives him a certain type of satisfaction that he never really knew he needed, until he got to cuddle in bed with you for the first time.

oikawa being the big spoon helps him feel needed. which is something that he needs a lot of constantly, honestly.

however, there are times when you get to be the big spoon.

these times come after he’s had long tiresome practices, particularly hard days, or after losing a match.

more often than not, you end up in this sleeping position because he asked, or you came into the bedroom after he was already dozing off.

either way, you will always gladly oblige and climb into bed after him.

you always make sure to play with his hair, by softly brushing it away from his face

you were enjoying the body heat that was radiating off of oikawa, the warmth spread through you in the most comforting way. your internal clock could sense that the sun was rising, and ultimately you knew what came with that. that didn’t stop your unconscious mind hoping for the opposite though. you knew oikawa had already had a rough practice the day before, and you wanted nothing more than to keep him in your arms and rest for the morning.

that fantasy was quickly shattered.

the weight of the bed began to shift, and your arms were slowly unwrapped from his torso. attempting his move from the bed, you decided to take matters into your own hands. with ease, you softly grasped the back of his t-shirt and pulled him back down to the surface.

a surprised groan, followed by soft laughter; oikawa stared down at you as if you were a sleepy child. “angel face, i have to get ready for practice.”

“no, just a little while longer… please?” you pleaded, pulling the best performance with your pouty face.

with a soft kiss, oikawa collapsed fully into your arms once more. “20 minutes,” he told you sternly.

an hour passed by, and he was still in bed with you. he just can’t say no to that face. he hates the way you pout, and use it against him.

semi eita

if he wants to cuddle, you better be prepared for him to be grumpy about it.

he doesn’t know how to directly ask you for cuddles without being awkward, or sound demanding.

usually, he’ll just lay beside you and give you very indirect gestures that he assumes you’ll know mean that it’s affection time. ( you've picked up on the indirect hints he gives you.)

it’s very rare that semi will cuddle in any position that doesn’t involve him on top of you.

similar to kenma, he will lay between your legs with his chin resting on your stomach or your chest and just hold you like that.

he is also a very touchy cuddler, meaning he will rub your thigh, your sides, and play with your hair. whatever he can touch, he will. his love language is heavily dependent on touch.

when you’re finally falling asleep wrapped up in one another, he will most likely find a comfy position to lay with his head still on your chest.

we call this position the cradle.

the moment you began to stir, you could tell you were alone in bed. you were no longer intertwined with semi, but you could hear the distant noises of rustling around in the kitchen.

it wasn’t uncommon for semi to wake up before you, sneak out of your grasp, and go on to make a cup of coffee for himself or the both of you. he never wanted to wake you up early, because you looked so peaceful sleeping that he didn’t want to ruin that.

however, that did not stop him from peaking his head into the room to see if you were awake yet. as if on que, you heard the creek of the bedroom door followed by light footsteps.

“eita,” you opened one eye, looking up to see semis drowsy expression staring back at you. “come back to bed, baby. we can sleep in.”

“... but it’s already 7 a.m.”

“7 a.m is really early. we don’t have anything to do today, right?”

“no.”

“so… sleepy time, again?”

semi rolled his eyes, knowing that you would just keep asking if he didn’t climb back into bed. he didn’t know why he bothered waking up early, if you were just going to guilt him into bed again with puppy eyes.

“you’re lucky you’re cute, you know that?” he asked you, wrapping his arms around your waist and kissing the palm of your hand.

a/n this was not supposed to be this long, and this is what it turned out to be... tooth rotting fluff. very nice maki

© All rights reserved by SHOKAMI. Do not modify, repost on any platforms, plagiarize, or claim as your own.

[one-piece-dumpster-fire]

Hello! Could i please have some good good pregnancy and parenting headcanons with a fem!s/o for Law, Eustass, and Zoro please? Thank you so much and have an awesome day!

Oof pregnancy and parenting headcanon make me so soft, thank you very much for this sweet request🥺! I focussed a bit more on the pregnancy part rather than the parenting tho since I've written something similiar for Kid and Law already😅 Hope what I came up with suits you, and sorry for the long wait!

How they deal with a pregnant gf and having a baby headcanon

Trafalgar Law

because of his medical knowledge and observant nature, Law actually noticed the first signs of your pregnancy even before you did

so when you finally realize that you're pregnant and go to confront him with your discovery, he's anything but surprised

"Law, I need to tell you something. I'm-"

"Pregnant? Yeah, I thought so."

he looks pretty unbothered and composed, almost as if this isn't anything new to him, but on the inside he is completely tense and filled with anxiety. A baby just doesn't fit into your pirate lives. At all. However he doesn't want to show his true feelings and possibly cause you to panic. You already got enough on your plate with all the new physical and hormonal changes you're about to go through

personally Law didn't plan on having kids, ever, but what's done is done. To make sure that this is really what you want he'd still offer you the option of an abortion, but when you decline and tell him that you want to keep the child, he accepts your decision

"Alright (Y/N), brace yourself then. A few major changes are upon us..."

everything from the beginning of your pregnancy to the date of birth is planned out by him. Law doesn't want anything to go wrong and refuses to take risks. That means you'll spend most of your time either stuck by his side or in the proximity of another member of the Heart Pirates

Bepo, Penguin and Shachi are super excited for the kid and to be uncles. They all come up with their own ideas on what they'll do with the baby once it's born, and their enthusiasm sort of puts Law at ease. This means he and you at least won't have to deal with everything by yourselves

when you actually go into labour, Law's composed facade drops for a moment and he reveals just how stressed he's been up until now

in order to properly assist you and be there for you while you're giving birth, he forces himself to imagine that this is just an ordinary operation. It's not his girlfriend having his baby, he's not about to be a father in a few minutes-

all the stress and anxiety instantly falls off of him when he first holds the new life you two created.

the first time Law looks down at his baby he's absolutely mesmerized. Sure it's still bloody and screeching its lungs out, but despite all odds it's looking completely healthy and is actually,,,, really adorable? Holy shit, how did he manage to make something so pure-looking-

after cleaning the baby and introducing it to its mother, he brings the little human over to Bepo and lets it rest in the bear's soft fur instead of wrapping it up in a blanket. Not only should that be far more comfortable for the tiny thing, but it's also the first bonding experience with uncle Bepo. And while the baby is sleeping, Law walks over to check in on you and tells you how great you did

as far as being a dad goes, Law belongs to the supportive but distant type. Whenever he's got the chance he'll try to spend time with his kid, but there are often other, more important things he has to take care of

however he's still a proud parent and lowkey hopes that the child will take an interest in his work when it gets older. It shouldn't come as a surprise that one of the first things your kid will be taught by Papa Law is how to dissect a frog

Eustass Kid

his immediate thought when you let him know that you're pregnant is "how can I make this unhappen"

look at him, Kid is not ready to be a dad. Especially when it comes to his level of maturity he's basically still a child himself-

no one on the Victoria Punk is prepared for the big news. Their captain made a baby. There will be a kid running around the ship. Oh shit, everyone better start learning to limit their use of profanities already-

initially Kid acts pretty grumpy throughout your pregnancy. He didn't want this, but it's still happening. And he can't do anything against it. He's almost acting like a pregnant woman himself-

can not and will not handle your cravings/mood swings. Whenever you start acting up he just gets completely irritated and quickly peaces out when he can't come up with a way to deal with you

but what started out as regret turns into excitement when he thinks about how awesome his kid would be. With him as dad and you as mom it's only natural that the result will be amazing

and thus he starts to be a bit more open-minded towards the whole situation. Heck, he even gets lowkey excited and starts building a few baby cribs and closets for the child!

unfortunately tho Kid is anything but compassionate during your pregnancy, and it gets especially bad when you start showing. His immature nature shines through and he makes quite a few indecent comments on how you look a balloon,,,

for some reason he also tends to be more horny than usual. Hey, you already got a bun in the oven, so there isn't anything else you need to worry about, right?

in contrast to how he treated you during your pregnancy, he's actually very supporting and motivating during birth

lmao but that's mostly because he's eagerly waiting between your legs for the kid to plop out and right into his arm like a Christmas present

it's almost like a lottery to him and he's super excited what the brat will look like

however nothing could have prepared Kid for the moment when he gets to hold the baby for the first time. The young man basically beams with pride and grins from one ear to the other while the baby cries like an alarm clock

Kid's first time holding the newborn in a nutshell:

"Hehe, it looks like we got a girl here, ey (Y/N)?"

"Kid... that's the baby's ass. You're holding it the wrong way around."

he definitely comes up with ridiculous names for the child, such as: "Eustass Explosion", "Eustass Chainsaw" and his personal favorite- "Eustass the Destroyer"

putting his excitement aside, the young pirate captain definitely has to grow into the role of a father. At first he almost treats the kid like some sort of new toy or pet

you'll never catch him changing even a single diaper. Most of the time Kid tells Killer to man up, cover the holes in his mask, and take care of it by himself if he really wants to be considered 'the best uncle'

despite his rowdy behaviour he is aware that the child is 'fragile' and usually makes sure to keep it away from any dangerous stuff, meaning that the workshop is off-limits for the little one. Kid also never uses his metal arm when he's playing with or holding the baby; instead he build a more authentic prosthetic that'll allow him to hold the child more properly

Roronoa Zoro

his eye almost pops out of its socket when you tell him

holy shit! Zoro of course knew that sex makes babies, but what are the odds of this happening to you?! Besides he always considered himself to be too controlled and restrained for that to work?! Damn?!?!

despite the initial shock he wants to do his best to help you through the pregnancy. After all he basically caused this-

however Zoro can't even find the way to the grocery store to get some diapers

someone send him help. And by help, I mean Chopper

the reindeer himself doesn't know too much about pregnancies, but he's more than happy to collect some first-hand experience and teaches Zoro all about how to be a dad and what's going on with your body

whenever you're near he keeps his swords sheathed and tucked away from you. Once your stomach starts popping he's wary that if he comes too close to you with a sharp thing you might burst or something

at night he keeps watch like a guard dog, his overprotectiveness shines through and he often refuses to go to sleep before you

you probably go into labour while he's out getting lost or fighting some marines, but once Zoro gets the news he almost drops his sword and hurries back to be with you

but he arrives almost an hour later because he got so excited that he forgot the way back to the Sunny

Zoro really wants to help you and Chopper deliver the baby. He's constantly repeating what the reindeer doc says to you and at some point, when your pain reaches its peak, he even suggets reaching down and pulling the baby out of you with his own two hands lol

but once the first cries fill the rooms, he freezes up. It's done. Those nine months of worry, mood swings, suffering and cravings are finally over. A wave of relief washes over him as he smirks down at you, quietly saying how proud he is

however Zoro strongly refuses to hold his baby at first. He's genuinely scared he might drop it or accidentally crush it.

you and Chopper basically have to yell at him to get him out of his trance and convince the new father to take a look at his child

"Zoro, I did not go through hours of pain just so you can say no to holding our baby. For crying out loud, take your child!"

the second you put the baby into his arms Zoro's protective dad instincts kick in and now he refuses to let the child go again lmao

he's mustering the little one's face like some abstract oil painting, unable to tear his gaze from it and proudly recognizing all the similarities between the baby and its parents

luckily Zoro got some natural dad skills under his belt, and you both share the responsibilities evenly

he's never opposed to changing diapers or feeding the baby, even if the first annoys him sometimes. He also keeps the baby around himself 24/7- during workouts he puts it onto his back, when he wanders around the little one sits on his shoulders, and when he takes a nap on the desk the baby lies on his chest

all of the other Strawhats are more than welcome to take care of the baby from time to time and bond with the newest family crewmember to their heart's content. Well, that goes for everyone except Sanji. You better not let Zoro catch him handling the baby or a fight will break out-

[skellebonez]

Could you write 22 “Oh, you’re just grumpy” with Monkie King and a deage MK?

OOOOH coming back to this? Yeah, I am totally up for giving this another go! MK is having a not so great time, nothing warning worthy but I do HC him not being the healthiest kid. Mild spoilers for season 2 episodes 1 and 2.

Oh, you're just grumpy.

"Noooooooo!" MK shouted, stomping his foot on the ground in anger. "I'm not grumpy, I'm mad! You can't let them leave me behind! Take me back! I'm the Monkie Kid! I have to do this myself! I-"

"You are currently physically 4 years old with all the control over your powers of that age," Sun Wukong rebutted with a soft sigh, frowning and wincing at the high pitched angered scream in reaction he received at that. That was... not the best way to go about this... He needed a different tactic.

He knelt down to be at eye level with his now even younger protégé, holding out his hand. When MK stared at it he chanced putting it on his shoulder and continued when MK didn’t shrug it off or start yelling again. “Bud, MK, it’s ok. I know you’re frustrated. You have every right to be! But we just want to make sure you’re safe until we can get you back to normal.”

This was not the kind of trouble the Monkey King expected to happen immediately before... well, put a cork on that for now. But this wasn't the kind of trouble be expected to happen regardless of time frame. How in the world anyone managed to not only curse an object in this way but find a way to slip it on his student was anyone's guess. But the fact of the matter was that MK, the Monkie Kid himself, was now physically 4 years old. Mentally, he was still the same age he was before the curse, personality and memories still completely intact... for the most part, it became clear to them very quickly that being physically a kid again came with more than just a smaller body. It came with the mood swings and heightened emotions of “kid brain” as Mei called it, when MK immediately burst into tears at just the mention of being left behind so Mei and the others could go after the demon. And then he couldn’t figure out why he was crying, whether from frustration or worry or both or why he even started, which lead to more crying out of sheer confusion, which made everyone feel very bad.

They’d managed to calm him down long enough for the Monkey King get him on his cloud and bring him to Flower Fruit Mountain in case the demon attempted to go after him like this, but that was short lived once they actually made landfall.

"But I can do this!" MK continued, pouting and tears of frustration starting to peak at the corners of his eyes once again, albeit calmer frustration. "I-I beat the Spider Queen! I can handle one demon who had to slap a bracelet on me to make me a kid to beat me, even if I'm tiny! I can kick his butt!"

"I know you can, Bud," Wukong said evenly, offering him an understanding smile. "And normally I'd let you go in guns blazing and know you could handle everything no problem now! You've more than proven you can handle stuff even I couldn't. If you were just shrunk I wouldn’t dare think you couldn’t handle this." He reached out a hand, ruffling his hair far more gently that he normally would. But still rough, rough enough to let him know he wasn't going to just treat him like glass now. "But this is a bit different. Remember what I said when Macaque was having you use your full power?” MK scowled for a second before nodding. “Using your powers like this? Could hurt you. And I don’t want to see you get hurt like that. Heck, even I would have trouble controlling my powers and probably get hurt if I was turned into a little kid monkey man, and if this happened to me I would trust you if you told me to stay safe."

"... you would?" MK asked softly, and Wukong nodded. Maybe it was a... bit of a stretch of the truth. Sun Wukong would probably need some convincing too (Great Sage title leading to Great Misjudgement sometimes, the previously mentioned Spider Queen fight a key example), but that's just one more thing he and MK had in common.

"Course I would,” Wukong said, and given said convincing that was the truth. “I trust you, MK, and-AGH!" He may be the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, but nothing prepared him for the barreling rocket that was a 4 year old launching themselves at him to hug him with all the strength of... well, himself!

"I trust you too!" MK yelled right in his ear and oh if he thought his student had a loud yell before. But that only lasted for a second before he pulled back from the hug, body limp and head rested on his shoulder as the energy seemed to sap a bit from him as Wukong stood back up and he held him on his hip instead of setting him down when he saw the bright red rings around his eyes and how tired he seemed already... Tang had mentioned that he knew MK wasn’t exactly the healthiest as a child... "But... I feel bad not doing anything..."

"Then we can do something, that's an easy fix!" Wukong laughed, and his chest warmed as he was reminded of the few children he had helped take care of or play with while on the long journey centuries ago. He was a softie, really. "No training though, I am not going to body slam you when you come up to my knees."

This apparently was the magic joke to make, making MK devolve into a fit of giggles. A testament to how this cursed object affected him, he never would have giggled at that without it. Probably... MK had an odd sense of humor sometimes. But then again, so did he!

"Actually... I think I have just the thing for us to try."

~

All things considered, Wukong probably should have expected something like this. He did tell MK that he probably didn’t have much control over his powers. And that using his powers was a bad idea. And Tang did warn him he wasn’t a healthy child. The three together were a bad combo when his powers activated with MK’s unconscious reactions to certain things...

“How you feeling, Bud?” Wukong whispered softly, rubbing his back as he laid face down on his couch. He’d barely used his powers at all, just activated his true sight to find ingredients when they were cooking without even thinking about it, but that was enough to make the kid’s head feel like it was splitting open (in symptoms that sounded like a migraine, which... yeah, he felt really bad for him, and the jolt of worry and fear that shot through him surprised him less than he felt it should). “Still bad?”

There were a few of Wukong’s monkeys hanging out on the couch, one in particular was curled up next to MK’s head. Perhaps they were keeping him company while he wasn’t feeling well and nodded off in the process.

“I think I’m ok now,” MK answered, sitting back up and leaning into the Monkey King’s side (he seemed to seek out contact a lot more like this, letting Wukong carry him to the house, leaning on his shoulder when he showed him how to prepare the snacks they were making, now this... it made him wonder just how much physical affection he got as a kid). He looked leagues better than he had just 40 minutes ago, thankfully not nearly as exhausted as he had looked before he laid down. “Headache went away... I dunno, a while ago. But I didn’t wanna get up.”

“Completely understandable,” Wukong nodded in approval, glad that he’d gotten some form of rest. He needed it after everything he had been through. “You feel like getting up now, though? I made us some lunch... dinner... not desert food! Just like I promised.”

“Yeah!” MK exclaimed, immediately jumping off the couch and making his way to the kitchen like a rocket. “How about our snacks, how much longer do they have? Do you think we did ok? Do you think the others are gonna like em!?”

“They still have well over an hour of sitting in the fridge,” Wukong laughed, following him and watching him scramble to sit on one of the chairs at the table. “But I think we did a pretty good job of making annin tofu for the first time. They already look pretty darn delicious.” The almond jelly dish wasn’t as hard as he believed it would be, and using agar even he would be able to enjoy it... once he added some peaches on top, of course! “But that’s for later, for now what do you think of your meal?” MK looked up from his bowl, a spoonful of rice and vegetables already in his mouth. Wukong couldn’t help but laugh. “I think I’ll take that as a job well done.”

The two ate their respective lunches, rice and steamed vegetables for MK and rice and fruits for Wukong, talking about what dishes they could try making together in the future. Being a monkey Wukong had a very limited pallet for what he could (and would, given other circumstances) actually eat, so brainstorming workaround for that was a great way to pass the time before moving back to the couch. They played some, shockingly not Sun Wukong related, games that he had stashed away (and he was very offended by MK’s disbelief that he had media not related to himself in his house, totally offended). The game was one of those ones with a motion controller that you had to move around to play, and MK was having a blast with it.

The monkeys also seemed to be enjoying the show quite a lot.

Before the two knew it the sun had begun to set, MK’s grip on his controller starting to weaken as he sat down on the couch and attempted to keep his eyes open. Even with his rest earlier he was exhausted.

“Did anyone... tell you anything yet?” He asked softly, once again leaning into Wukong’s side with a yawn.

“Not yet,” Wukong admitted, looking at MK’s phone for the fourth time in he hour. “Not since they told me they found out where the demon went. But that probably means they’re focused on catching him! They’re gonna get the guy, I have a good feeling about it.”

“If you say so...” MK mumbled out, the controller slipping from his grasp as he closed his eyes.

“UH.. Bud? MK?” Wukong gently nudged his student, smiling softly when he realized that he’d just fallen asleep. “OK, that game clearly did it’s job a little too well.” He made to stand up, stopping short when something tugged on his clothing. MK had an iron grip on him, holding tight to his side and not looking like he was going to be letting go any time soon.

Well... Wukong didn’t have the heart to make him let go or chance waking him up to move him... so instead he took a hair and poofed up a blanket to lay over top of MK as he made himself comfortable on the side of the couch. It didn’t take long, and it took even less time for the monkeys around the house to curl up around and on top of the duo.

It was nice... Wukong didn’t want to admit it, but he was going to miss this. Not just when MK was changed back to his normal age, but when he had to... “go on vacation”.

He felt bad, lying to his student. His kid, now that he realized he couldn’t keep from admitting that to himself. But he trusted MK, genuinely trusted him in this regard, to keep everyone in the city safe while he was gone and he didn’t want the extra stress of knowing just what Wukong was really doing to weigh him down. He knew how much MK worried, seen how much anxiety he had after Macaque and the fight with the Spider Queen, how hard it would be to keep him from following him into places that were too dangerous for him to traverse without training they hadn’t completed yet.

He... really regretted not training him more in the beginning. Regretted it more than most things he had lately. Maybe if he had he could have explained things to him better. Known that if he did sneakily follow him he would at least be in much less danger.

He couldn’t let himself be too close after this. He’d have to go back to normal, aloof, jokey, “ah you’re fine cool beans good luck bud I believe in you!” Monkey King. For MK’s sake.

As he looked down at the sleeping child curled into his side he had to make himself believe it was for MK’s sake.

Why did that feel like it was a lie?

[mxvladdy]

Unrepentant: Chapter One

Yoz! Finally, I sat down and edited this! (Yaay I'm slow as fuck)

I loved writing Diavolo's True Form piece (Located Here) so I wanted more and really to write this headcanon I've had since he was introduced! It is suggested to read his true form before this but you do you and live your best life.

Anyway idk how long this will be but all the true form stuff will be in this fanfiction :)

Hope ya like!

Word Count: 4k

Rating: General

The Devildom moons glint high above you outside your bedroom window. Their perpetual radiance casting dancing shadows across the walls. The solace of your empty room envelops you like a warm hug. It pulls the stress of the day away off your shoulders leaving you sleepy. Dropping your book-laden bag to the floor you flop face-first into the freshly washed sheets of your bed.

Exam season was rolling in fast and all of the academy was gearing up for the students' and teachers' inevitable breakdowns. From personal experience, you saw firsthand what happens when a demon gets stressed out. Even the lesser demons you know can cause some major damage when they reach their boiling point, though it pales in comparison to the havoc the big seven cause. Just yesterday Beel lost control in the middle of cram school after the teacher refused to let them out on time for dinner. Poor Lucifer was still scrambling to pay for the damages and trying to find a replacement in time for next week's lessons. Then, on the same day at the other end of the campus, Satan all but totaled a classroom in a fit of rage after another student dared to try and correct him. Bless the Old Gods themselves that at least Levi and Belphie were easy to deal with during these times. They were both book smart and beyond capable with their studies, they just lacked the wherewithal to put the effort in. Well, Belphie was more guilty than Levi when it came down to it. Most of the time Lucifer could be seen dragging Belphie to class by the ankle, face stormy with rage. It was humorous to watch-just from a distance.

As for you, you figure it was best to just be out of the direct line of fire. One too many brushes with death in the Devildom for your comfort. During this time of year, it became almost a sport. You got really good at dodging large pieces of furniture and spells during exam week when the brothers finally start coming to blows. Not that you fault them, they were just letting their aggression out as any good primordial being would. But, the lack of sleep and constant fear of annihilation by bookshelf is murder on your grades. After a few meetings with Lucifer and Diavolo, you all decide you should stay in the palace till after exams.

The palace.

You smile softly to yourself tracing a thumb over your clavicle. Your finger ghosts over the healing black marks running down your skin. It was rocky at first, rebuilding your relationship and trust, with Diavolo after your "run in". He acts like you were made of spun glass and eggshells, physically trying to keep as much distance between the two of you as possible. All the while you had to butt head with seven of the strongest and most bull-headed men you had ever met. Their protectiveness towards you tried your patience in ways you never expected. It took what you are pretty sure was your guardian angel to finally get the brothers to relent. With Simeon acting as your chaperone you start to live again. It was nice to finally feel comfortable around the demon again. Seeing him return to his normal candor and temperament again was a breath of fresh air. Thinking of him makes you flush, the cool air of your room burning your cheeks as you recall all the stolen evenings in his and Barbatos's company. All the hours spent laughing at their outlandish assumptions of modern human social norms while they tried to guess if they were correct or not, and then there were the nights where it was just you and the prince. He was nothing but cordial and proper, just conversations between two friends.

A nice glass of port and dinner...maybe an errant brush of fingers when there was no need to touch a time or two. Perhaps a gaze held too long to be considered appropriate.

You groan into your pillows, feeling your heart flutter. You couldn't deny he was fascinating, and yes, perhaps you were a little infatuated with him. Who wasn't? You say it on the daily how other demons fawn over him. He is one of the strongest of their kin after all. Power is a huge part of the Devildom hierarchy, and he exudes it in spades. To a demon, he is the peak of their ideal. Yet, to you, from a human perspective, you enjoyed his personality and jovial nature. It was a side very few got to see of him and you cherish each moment you got to enjoy in the privacy of his quarters.

Of course, watching him crush an unruly usurper without a second thought was kinda hot. Hmmm-

A sharp rap at your door startles you. Was it time already? "Door's open Simeon!" You yell over your shoulder grabbing your robe and go behind your room divider to undress.

"Good evening!" The angel chirps entering your darkroom. With a wave of his hand, he lights your fireplace. The bright flames dancing to life to chase away the cold of the perpetual night.

"Show off." You come back around your divider to face him. He shrugs with a bashful smile offering you the tray he brought with him. His lithe fingers grab the few bottles he needed, leaving the rest for you. You unscrew the lid on one of the jars of salves specially crafted for you. You inhale, humming in delight, and the fresh scent of honeydew and lavender wafting up at you. "This one is new!" You beam dipping a finger in your eye the soft green goop. It was warm to the touch and made your finger go numb.

Simeon nods, twirling his hand in the air to make you turn around. "You mentioned stiff joints last night so I made something to help." His hand strokes over your back while he mutters to himself. "This is healing up nicely, though the color is becoming more opaque." You nod in acceptance. The curse- taint- whatever it was when Diavolo injured you hadn't stopped at just mental damage when it struck you. It took root on your body, burying itself deep and spreading through you like an uncontrollable flame. It wraps and twists itself around your arms, shoulders, and sides joining and merging with itself to rest around the tender skin of your neck. You found it beautiful in its own right. Like those ornate chokers in Levi's animes or the ones Mammon wore in some of his high-end modeling shoots. Yours was just as gorgeous but very permanent.

"These are coming along nicely," Simeon remarks looking over your back. He rubs some of his sweet-smelling ointment into your sides. He traces over some of the more intricate lines, they radiate power heating his celestial skin in a way you could not sense. The marks pulse in warning, threatened by his celestial power. Simeon frowns, taking his hand away. "It looks like Lucifer marks have been consumed completely now too."

"Really?" You crane your neck trying to see Lucifer's mark at the base of your neck. It figures Lucifer's was the last to be consumed. Solomon had hypothesized that since he was the eldest and thus the strongest it would make sense that it would take longer for Diavolo's blight to consume it. So far he has been correct.

Over time you watch as all the brothers' marks were taken over. Their bright colors bleed out to be replaced with an iridescent black. It was a little unfortunate since you loved the colors of their marks, but there was nothing you could do about it.

Simeon hands you a jar over your shoulder while he inspects the growing marks on your back. "I increased the dosage in this, your arms were still itchy, correct?"

You nod, taking the jar. You grimace as your nails scratch the delicate glass. Your skin wasn't the only thing that physically changed after Diavolo's magic took root. Your nail plates gleam black now, no longer clear and flimsy like human nails normally are. They are sharp now with lethal tips. They could gouge stone like it was tissue paper and even pierce the hard shell of a demon's skin. Beel had been impressed by the nick you gave him during P.E. It healed quickly so no harm was done, but it frightened you still.

Tutting, you shoot your fingers a scathing glance. As a defense mechanism, this new addition was great, but daily life was a pain. Your hands tore through everything if you weren't careful. Delicate pillows and sheets were kept far away from you lest they turn into ribbons. It was beginning to look like the brothers had adopted an unruly cat let loose in the halls.

Asmo fussed over you for days trying to figure out the best way to care for them. He wasted some nice clippers on you until he landed on a heavy-duty nail file. Your manicure only lasts a few days at best, but it was better than turning your pillows into pin cushions. Aside from your skin and nails, you could see better in the perpetual night of the Devildom. The blue haze of the twin moons is cleaner now. Every surface their light lands on shines like a beacon illuminating farther than you could see before. Gave Mammon a good scare walking the halls in complete darkness, you didn’t need a light anymore just the moons.

It was utterly fascinating to you, and Solomon. The mage takes every opportunity he could to poke and prod at your changes and charts them down with feverish excitement. So far, much to his displeasure, you show no more magical prowess than when you first arrived in the Devildom but he was certain you should. For now, no one knew what to expect so you were to just monitor yourself and check-in with Solomon and Simeon daily till they deemed this settled.

"There," Simeon finishes examining your back and neck, making sure he covered the entirety of each mark. "Looks like everything is in order. I'll leave you to rest for the evening." He wipes his hands helping you back into your robe before tidying up the small mess he made.

"You sure?" You ask following him to the door. "I feel like we haven't hung out for ages! I could fetch us some tea." You smile up at his soft face. You miss just hanging out with him. As of late all he has been to you is an on-call nurse. It would be nice to talk with him and Luke about something other than you for an evening.

Simeon smiles but shakes his head. "Perhaps tomorrow, Madame Scream has a few new cakes out this month. Luke has been talking my ear off about them and I'm sure he would love your company too." He eyes the door knowingly. "But for now someone else wishes to steal you away." He bids you goodnight then, leaving you clasping the doorknob and looking about into the pitch-black hallway.

It's in the moment you lock your door and turn to crawl into bed that someone knocks on your door. Your heart leaps in with an indiscernible emotion before beating fast with excitement, your brain following along slowly after it. You couldn't stop the smile crossing your face as you made your way back to the door. Something deep within you knew who it was. "Dia!" You swing the heavy door open and hug him tight. The moment your body makes contact with him you feel amazing. The grind of the day is gone, chased away by his warm arms encircling you. "I thought you were busy all evening?"

He chuckles swaying from side to side. "I was! But, what kind of prince would I be if I didn't throw my weight around every so often?" He leans down and nuzzles his face in your crown. He smiles into your hair. You were smelling more and more like him each day, it was titillating.

Dia breathes deeply taking in your sweet clean scent and savoring how his smokey amber smell was mingling with it. It was faint now, perhaps only strong enough for him, Barbatos and Lucifer can discern. Soon though lesser daemons will take notice of his scent mingling with yours. He makes a quick note to tell Simeon to look into a stronger ointment, it will be needed soon. Diavolo pulls away, clicking his tongue. He glances down at where your nails punched through the thick fabric of his waistcoat to graze his skin. "Do you have time for a drink? Barbatos went topside today and purchased a bottle of whiskey barrel age wine. It smells simply divine ." His gold eyes glance up to the large grandfather clock in the corner of your room. It was far past polite visiting hours, but he couldn't give less of a damn, despite the warning of his closest circles.

The nobles were beginning to notice how much he favored you and thus the court was beginning to talk. They were beginning to question his loyalty to the goal of the program, his fascination with one mere human raised concerns throughout his family members. "Why are you spending so much more time with that one?" They ask claws and fangs clinging as they nash and hiss at him, so many of his bloodline still refuse to use glamour believing it was an insult to their heritage. "They are of no importance, playing favorites could lead to a disaster for your crown." He knows many of them would love that.

For him to lose his neck and the crown so the old ones could rule again was a dream for many of them. Diavolo grimaces inwardly, they weren't wrong either. He was infatuated with you. Even Lucifer was beginning to express concern. While having you and the program was raising his ratings and the morale of the general populace, those of royal blood were beginning to create factions again. So far many were loyal, but the ones starting to make waves were the oldest in the circle.

He had plans in place of course, pieces on the board ready to move at a moment's notice. It would be messy when it happens and with you still in his kingdom...such actions were best to be avoided. No, for now, the brothers were enough protection from potential defectors and nay-sayers. He will do as he pleases, especially when it revolves around you.

"That does sound good," You agree tapping your chin in thought. It's been ages since you last drank a human liquor. All Diavolo's ports and sherries, while delicious, did not affect you. You missed the warmth that settled in your stomach after a good drink. "A good drink could calm my nerves. Give me a minute to change?" You step back into your room to scurry back behind your room partition leaving the massive demon to stand at your doorway.

"Nerves? Do you need more time for your finals?" He lumbers in coming to stand by your bed. He licks his lips staring at your rumpled bedding. It was still warm from you sitting there with Simeon. Deep down in his stomachs turns detecting the cherry sweet scent of the angel covering your sheets. He wanted to rub his body on the bedding, erasing that weakling's scent from what was his- He pulls himself back forcing his fangs back down. He trusted Simeon, no one was better suited for healing demonic wounds than an angel.

The prince observes your shadow scurrying about behind the paper screen. "There!" You jump from behind the screen in an oversized shirt. The fabric drapes down to rest just past your knees, the sleeves long and folded several times. "Ready to go?" You come back to his side slipping on your slippers.

"But of course!" He offers you his arm. "Though I am perhaps a little overdressed for the occasion, no?" He ribs, teeth flashing in jest. You accept his arm squeezing it tight and look him over dramatically.

"Yes, very much so...What good is a nightcap if you are still dressed in your day clothes?" You tug at his pressed white tie. For the first time that day, Diavolo laughed freely.

The walk from your room to his was a long one but filled with idle safe conversation. You jump from talks of the upcoming garden parties to what this week's lunch menu will be. Neither of you was blind to the prying eyes and ears lurking in the shadows of the corridors. You were unfazed by them now after months of coming to visit Diavolo and Barbatos during the evening. You became accustomed to their judgmental gazes and gossip over time. You nod politely to one of the visiting earl's and his entourage. They pass, many eyes looking you over curiously. "Earl Jan and his entourage have taken a liking to you." Diavolo rumbles watching the demons wander off to one of his many smoking parlors. "He finds your many human idioms and stories refreshing."

"Really? I have classes with a few of them they-"

"Young Prince." Diavolo stiffens by your side lurching to a halt. His hackles rise.

"Pleasant evening Lady Marquess?" The prince calls out not bothering to even turn around to acknowledge the baroness. You turn though curious as to who drew such vitriol from the normally genial demon.

The baroness scuttles out from where she had been standing, the shadows around her falling off like an elegant cloak. Her pale mandibles click in distaste when your eyes meet hers. Her hundreds of spider-like eyes latching onto you unblinkingly before flicking to Diavolo's tense back. "You missed our meeting on the upcoming festivities. I have some more requests on the dress requirements for the ball." She pauses head listing down to look at you again. Even without lips, you could feel her scowl of disgust. "It would be good for your little pet. Their dress attire at the last one was... lackluster."

Bull. Asmo and Levi had designed your outfit for the last ball. It had been amazing, the crowds looking on with jealousy and lust as you clung to Dia's arm. You don't have to look at Diavolo to feel his displeasure. "Such asinine topics like that can wait till tomorrow." He sniffs pulling you closer. His free hand comes up to grasp your hand around his bicep. “Good night Madame.”

You keep your eyes forward letting Dia escort you. The Marquess hisses quietly under her breath, something dark and biting in their native tongue. Diavolo goes rigid in head-snapping about inhumanly fast. The temperature in the hallway drops.

"Dia." You call in warning, breath wafting up in great puffs from the chilled air. He ignores you, turning his full attention to the interloper. He replies in turn voice simmering with rage. She wilts, head tilting down into a mockery of the usually appropriate bow when speaking to him. Beneath the fringes of her bangs, you could see a smirk playing on her lips. She struck the exact nerve she was looking for. "Dia," You pull on him more adamantly. "Come please?" His shoulders loosen at your words. His gold eyes drifting down to look at you.

"We will speak of this later matrona." He leaves the matter at that leaving with you in haste. The rest of the walk is tense, his eyes now darting to each shadowy corner in case another guest jumps from them.

"I apologize for that." Diavolo sighs the moment the doors to his private quarters close. He loosens his tie and tosses it to his smoking chair by the fire. "Make yourself comfortable, I'll be out in a moment." He smiles at you before disappearing into his bathroom.

You take a seat kicking off your slippers to dig your toes into the plush hide of some animal you didn't know the name of and pour out two drinks for you and Diavolo. Waiting for him to reappear you eye the treats laid out on the table next to you. They looked too good to ignore. Popping a few tarts into your mouth you groan at the sweet citrus and mint creme that coated your tongue. Your ears twitch at the creak of the bathroom door.

Burly arms drape over your shoulders as Diavolo bends to nuzzle your neck. "Too good to wait?" He chuckles. You flush hyper-aware of the sugar cookie crumbs on the corner of your mouth.

"You said help myself." You reply after swallowing.

The prince hums. "That I did." He raises a thick finger up to collect the crumbs around your lips. "Ah- Barb outdoes himself again." He licks his finger coming around to take the seat next to you. Diavolo busies himself for a moment propping his feet up on his footrest and taking the drink you prepared from the table along with a good handful of sweets. Despite his casual demeanor you still could feel his agitation thrumming through your markings.

"I'm sorry." You blurt out. He looks up at you with a frown. "That confrontation in the hall, what the Marquess said was about me wasn't it?" You didn't know what her heated words meant, but the context of the exchange was quite clear.

A glint of pain flashes through his golden gaze. Diavolo goes for his drink, downing half of it in one large gulp. "You have nothing to apologize for. " He licks his teeth deep in thought before dropping his head back with a grunt. "What are politics like in your realm? Are they all-" He waves his glass vaguely.

You sit for a moment thinking hard on what you remember of human politics. "Most countries are no longer run by royal families. Though they still have a lot of sway with laws and the like." You take a sip. "But, back when royal families were more prevalent I would say they were like this." You mimic his little hand wave with a little smile.

"Homicidal and power-hungry?"

"Quite so." You chuckle looking into the fire. "Perhaps I can take you on a mini trip to go visit some old palaces?" Diavolo perks up intrigued.

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Maybe Italy?"

His eyes grow dark. "And why there?" He bites out. You shrug feeling as though you just crossed an unspoken line.

"Just-well. Your name, at least in human culture, is Italian, and you slip into it so casually. I thought you would like it..."

"I am not looking for you to humor me." He cuts you off. His glass thunking heavily on his oak side table, amber liquid sloshing over the side. "I get enough of that from the court. I only wish to spend time with you." You acknowledge him with a faint nod curling into your seat. "Ah-no, no mi giglio." Diavolo reaches for you, scooping you up to sit in his lap. "Forgive my agitation. If it is somewhere you wish to go then I would be happy to take us... The south is beautiful this time of year I hear." A shuttered look crosses over his eyes before he blinks it away. "Shall I get started with preparations?"

He pulls you in closer, your heat seeping through the thin layers of clothes separating the two of you. He feels you melt into the soft planes of his body. His closeness soothing the itching of your bandaged and oiled skin. Dia falls silent listening to you nod off on his lap but does nothing to stop you. Closing his eyes he instead enjoys the feel of his pseudo mark upon your body vibrating in harmony with his magic. Stroking your neck and spine he is unable to control the flood of unwanted memories bubbling to the surface of his mind. As you sleep peacefully unaware of your wishes he spends the rest of the evening watching the flames die down, lost in a waking nightmare.

[thenixkat]

mimic Osmosian thoughts-

1. 4 main limbs, two sets of smaller wing/arms. One on shoulder girdle looking area one on pelvic girdle looking area. 2. Default 'face' a pair of 'eyes' peering out of a heavily shadowed face. (think that one nightmare in Felidae with the faceless doctor and the white void) 3. Spread wings and body to look intimidating and also skuttle really quickly. (think how Spirit from Oban fucking accordions open b4 transforming)

more humanoid stance good for narrow spaces, accordion stance for moving fast long distance in open areas.

exoskeleton-like skin/hide with visible seams at the joints. Covers belly, goin, and soles (palms) with touch matter for protection.

eye tracks are cool and more aliens should have them. eye tracts along the seams of the bits that accordion out with the eyes actually on the limb parts ie. chest /back eyes and hip/groin/butt eyes

mouth-like pouch at base of rib cage area. For storing things like chunks of material to absorb from or eggs or food for later. Can talk out of it

acting human is a very low effort disguise. Tuck the wings, hide the tail, alter face pigment and that's it. Maybe a hat for the antlers if you don't want to look goth

a fake face and a nonobvious real face. Mouth is quite actually large, head can rotate more than a humans. just kinda flips the whole above chin bit back, the the face is a lid and its just many big sharp teeth in the front and massive crushing molars in the back. could just fit a whole sub in there. gone in one.

someone trying to make out with Kevin and finding out that his face is just a drawing on a plane of flesh. And Kevin laughing at them b/c if it really took them getting that close to figure out they coulda been osmosian food if he weren't friendly

oh! in his matter forms not having his 'face'. The others thinking he's just shielding his face with extra material and wondering how he sees while fighting like that

osmosian face mimicry only working on the species they want to mimic and not others? like their default working on humans passably, better if actually decide to mimic them and not just letting superficial similarities carry shit (Kev was raised with humans his default really is 'human'). World have to actively move shit around to trick a tetramand or such

picture, Kevin actively attempting to mimic Argit without absorbing and just moves his mass around and recolors things. He manages it for the most part other than the size

absorbing to shapeshift= energy cost stops at just the transforming? shifting shit to actively mimic things= costy energy to hold nonbase forms but don't have to absorb a sample first? would be a good tactic to get close enough to prey to absorb from them

do love the idea of Ossys with devil tails. Flexible, prehensile, can stab with the pointy ends (arrow, spade, fork type endings). Can shift mass into them or add mass from matter to make the tails stronger/thicker

picture a littler of ossy grubs peaking out of the pouch mouth. tiny babies like how newborn puppies are teeny. Big as hell hybrid babies. (Ossys @ humans: why are yer babies so damn big?)

"I almost died passing that big ass egg! How do you human manage that shit?" "Oh, uh, a decent amount of the time we don't. Plenty of folks had to... just get cut out of their dam." "My condolences to yer fucked up evolutionary history that resulted in that."

Devin: *notices that he's getting concerningly large for the small number of eggs he can tell are forming* Devin: Hey~ Quick question but uh how big are human grubs when they come out? Eva: Oh, uh, between 6-9 lbs. Why? Devin: Oh, no reason. Just gonna go update my will.

am considering just exactly would a hybrid work. Am still attached to hybrids become more apparently ossy over time thing. A baby hybrid being nigh indistinguishable from a regular baby of the nonossy's species? Start getting powers in their early pretweens to mid teens and then getting more ossy physical features as puberty goes on?

which would probably be terrifying for hybrids not informed of the wonderful changes that may happen to their body

i assume hybrids would probably never 100% look like a proper ossy, especially not low content ones, but folks could def tell there's ossy in there

[remsmoonlight]

— title : brownies n’ breaks

— word count : 2.2 k words

— pairing : daryl dixon x reader

— summary : cooking is your love language and it’s time that you are able to finally make something for Daryl, protected from the high walls that alexandria boasts of are you finally able to bring that vision to life

— warnings : absolutely nothing, except sickly sweet fluff

oooo another daryl request if you’re willing!!! maybe once they get to alexandria reader makes daryl some homemade brownies or some shit because she knows he’s never had much homemade food if any just some domestic cute shit??🥺🥺♥️

          ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　requested     　/    requests are open   *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Sweetness flows throughout the air of your new home, sliding into every corner it can find to fill and warm. The smell of domesticy is something you thought perished long ago when the world died, but here you stand.. with a fresh batch of brownies in the oven baking as if life rebooted and got set back to factory settings. You move from the oven, small steps to the door to be able to survey the kitchen area once more, blinking as if to erase it from your vision, to be greeted with the punishing sun and the dirt filled roads lined with ghosts.

A cozy yellow glow is snug in the pit of your stomach as you think about who the sweet bake belongs to, Daryl has been nothing less than golden. From Atlanta, all the way to Alexandria.. he has always been one to step up without even thinking. You’d shared many secluded moments together, talking about your pasts and while he has never explicitly said anything, you have created a picture in your head about what he has gone through. The love not shared healthily to someone who will always put his family first. Even prior to the downfall of society, you loved to cook for everyone you knew.

You settle yourself with a book on the window ledge close to the kitchen, awaiting the arrival of Daryl, a giddiness that could be likened to a snowfall of glitter falling gracefully within you.

“ you know, when we finally find a new home. I will make you the best brownies you’ve ever had! “

“ if y’don’t burn ‘em first. “ he replied, the corner of his eyes crinkle so delicately as he chuckles lowly.

“ don’t be so fucking mean! here I am trying to do something nice.. it won’t kill you! “ you argue humorously, your fist balling up to punch his arm with little force.

Laughter and carelessness had been a rarity after surviving Terminus, your focus on trying to find safety.. no matter how much of a dream it may be. The journey to coming to terms with the fading faces and memories of the prison has been a painful one, comfort was not something that could easily be found, yet you found it in the least conventionally affectionate person you knew.

“ if anythin’s gonna kill me, it ain’t gonna be your cooking. “

“ actually, I cook very well. it will be a good day when I finally get to show you. “

An airy smile brightens your features, the burdenless weight unable to keep your lips stuck together. Many memories you have with him are of the fond kind, of course, the course of your bond with him runs deep but never has it been a calm sea. There have been moments where you wonder if it’s one sided, if you are inventing a picture that you wish to bleed through to reality, then you are proven wrong and he does things that you know in your heart are true. It has taken losing friends, a home, finding new hope to strengthen that bond and while you would prefer to take the easy road, you know that nothing will ever split the two of you into shards of glass that will never be able to be repaired. You’re both strong people, but stronger together.

A figure clad in black and covered in grime makes their way up the flawless road to where you rest, your vision could be awful but you can make out his being anywhere. The book you hold is laid to rest, your feet already carrying yourself to the door to meet him. Days had past since you last saw him and you can now feel the chords of longing pulling as you had missed him.

Your hand encloses the door handle, swinging it open to finally land your gaze on his form, feeling as if it had been years you’d not done so, as opposed to a few days.

“ took you long enough. “

“ yeah, yeah. quit your complainin’.  “

You move aside, Daryl taking the cue from you and entering the house that bares no soul at that present moment. Everyone is out with their own agenda or job, leaving you to potter about to your own devices.

Some peace and privacy for even a few hours is something you are thankful for, two things that had been incredibly rare from your journey from Atlanta. Though, the noise that comes with your family reminds you of the moments you couldn’t wait to be rid from as you grew up are ones that you no longer fail to appreciate.

“ did you find anybody out there? “

Daryl shakes his head, you see the trouble that he wears often become even more apparent as it overwhelms his features intensely. Knowing Daryl as well as you do, you know that while he won’t admit it out loud, every time he goes out there with Aaron to find people and finds no one wounds his spirit more and more. While his desire to save everyone is admirable, it’s often a concern to you that it might be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and he’s often met with your comforting energy of it being simply an unsustainable trait.

“ you know you won’t always find people, right? “ you ask him softly, tucking your legs underneath you as you seat yourself on the sofa.

Daryl refuses to sit, it’s a thought that regularly finds itself bouncing around your mind as to why he can’t relax even behind the walls of Alexandria.

“ yea’, still sucks though. “ he wipes his thumb across his nose, an unconscious habit on his part, discussing his thoughts and feelings has never been easy, raised in a home full of toxicity stunted him emotionally, something he still wrestles with when the occasion arises.

“ there’s going to be a day where you’ve gone and saved everyone! there won’t be anyone left for you to bring back! cut yourself some slack. “

Daryl doesn’t respond, knowing there is truth in your words but he has seen so much death already, the world gripped by dark and dim choke hold, a little dusting of life is something that has been lacking since it died. Avoidance of feelings is something Daryl flees to when the conversation gets tough, he can deal with  words full of anger and rage, but topics so delicate still feel so alien to him.

“ wha’ y’been up to? “ the male questions you, seemingly interested in what you have been up to, watching you from the otherside of the room.

As if a switch had been flipped, your eyes ignite with excitement and joy as you have finally been able to fulfil your unofficial promise to him.

“ remember when we were talking about my cooking? when you insulted it? “ the sides of your lips gently lift with a soft innocence, you feel the elation slowly warming the entirety of your body at the simpleness of it all.

“ y’ain’t gone and poisoned sumn’ have ‘ya? “ asks Daryl, turning to face you from across the floor where he stood. His tone holds a ‘ blink and you will miss it ‘ humour threaded into his words.

“ I should have! “ laughing at him, you fit your fingers between his and lead him into the kitchen with you.

Touch is still something that sends an uncomfortable shiver to travel the distance down his spine, but with everything you have been through and all the time you have spent together, touch is something he’d never turn from when thinking of you. Your relationship has been a strange, never formal one, but it is perfect for the two of you. Unspoken words full of warmth and fondness are a solidity in each one’s souls, and while you both never shared the extent of what the two of you have with the group, they have their suspicions and theories. But if they know one thing, it’s Daryl’s affection for you runs deep.

“ brownies! “

He peaks into the oven that you have opened, the rich smell of cocoa and heat baking the treats hit him like a brick, a pit forms deep in his stomach. This is different from past meals beforehand. You had gone out of your way for him, of all people. Never could he mentally grip why you have been so kind and benevolent with him but it’s something he treasures deeply. In the beginning he was more abrasive with you more than anyone else, but it used to be his go to defense mechanism with everyone in your family. Softness never being something destined for him was beaten into him for a young age, learning only how to loathe and to only say words in anger. It wasn’t until you came along and took your time with him did he let you in, something you have been grateful ever since.. especially since you have been able to discover the colourful soul that resides within him.

“ y’didn’t have to. “ he replies, his mouth watering at the mere smell of the brownies that are close to being fully baked.

“ Daryl… “ a softness in your response that is only reserved for him is heavy, your eyebrows furrowing in dejection. You know enough of his history to be confident in your placed hurt for him being unable to experience kindness in a positive manner. Your hand trails up his clothed arm and rests on his shoulder lightly, allowing for him to decide whether or not to accept the physical affection. He doesn’t shrug it off, if anything he leans more into your touch. “ you know I’m doing this because I want to, you deserve something nice! “

“ thanks. “

“ and they’re nearly done, so you best take a seat. “

Daryl follows your order with little encouragement, a smirk that he conceals from your view and sits at the lengthy dinner table. He’s having trouble connecting the dots of the dead walking and civilisation ended and the pure normalcy of him sitting at a dinner table about to eat home cooked brownies. Even back when the world was bustling with life and people working their nine to fives were home cooked meals a rarity.

“ so this is what y’spent your day on? “ he asks as he watches you with a spark of fondness in his eyes as you work in the kitchen.

“ cooking is therapeutic. “

“ y’ a weird person. “ Daryl quips, staring at you right in your eyes. His expression gives nothing away, though his eyes speak a thousand words and paint a thousand colours that you understand fully.

It’s lucky you know him so well to understand when he’s being serious and when not.

“ but you like it! “

The squares of the baked treats are uneven and jagged, your features contorting into a confused frown at how they could so well until the end. You blame the knife for the imperfection and flaws of the appearance of what lays before you, however your heart knows it’s your inability to present your dishes artistically.

“ now I apologise they don’t look good but they do taste good! “

“ y’never have to say sorry for anythin’ “ he thoughtless says, his mind to preoccupied with the food laid before him.

A picture painted by his mind long ago had you as the perfect person, it’s comforting to know the flaws you have are nothing short of charming in your own little way. With the lack of elegance associated with him, his fingers dig into the irregular shape of the brownie and shoves half of it  into his mouth.

You watch him with your breath holding itself, never have you been a person who has wanted to impress but when it comes to Daryl? You find yourself wanting to do that and more.

“ well? “

He nods with his mouth full, unable to formulate his words. His jokes about your cooking being bad have been nothing more than that, jokes. But even as he’s consuming the small squares he’s surprised at how good they taste, better than he could even imagine.

“ ain’t half bad. “

“ in Daryl speak that means they’re pretty damn great, huh? “ you question him rhetorically, amusement dancing on each word you speak as you gaze steadily on his form.

“ well y’didn’t burn the house down. “

Your mouth opens and eyes widen considerably as your expression twists from being filled to the brim of affection to one of shock, aghast at his jovial words. The laughter tumbles carelessly from your lips as you reach across to swat his arm playfully.

“ you are so rude! “

He joins in with your laughter, a sight so infrequent that you wish you could burn the image into your mind with no chance of being erased by time. It’s moments like these, where you truly feel like the only two people in the world, stolen moments you hold close to your heart. You hope that you will reach a space where you both will be able to freely express your feelings, while the mutual affection is known between the both of you, sometimes you want to use words. So he knows, because it’s something he deserves. To know how much he is loved, without cowering away from the subject.

“ nah I’m just kiddin’. thanks, I mean it. “

[canary3d-obsessed]

Restless Rewatch: The Untamed Episode 09 first part

(Masterpost) (More Canary Funsies)

Warning: Spoilers for All 50 Episodes!

This episode features so many eternal minutes of zombie shambling that I thought I could fit everything into a single post. HA HA HA HA nope. 

Zombie Temple

The trio do their best to fend off the not-zombies in the temple. Lan Wangji tells Wei Wuxian that he can’t go carving them up because they’re not actually dead, and drops a callback to their very first meeting at the gate of Cloud Recesses, when Wei Wuxian caught his attention with his pillowy lips comment on the not-dead cultivator. 

Lan Wangji: You said it in that golden moment that will be seared into my memory for eternity, where I heard your voice and laid eyes on your angelic face and lost my heart forever, remember? Come on, babe, it was our very first zombie! How baked were you?

Wei Wuxian: I jerk off to the sword-fighting memory, not the zombie memory, you weirdo.

Nie Huaisang’s fear of the definitely not undead has apparently gotten him the rest of the way over his fear of Lan Wangji, because he’s now yelling “Lan-Xiong!” right along with “Wei-Xiong!” as he struggles. Note that although he later mentions that his fan is made of some fancy metal, we don’t see any evidence that he wants to fight with a fan any more than he does with a blade. I don’t hate anyone’s fan-fighting NHS headcanon, but my take is that he just isn’t a physical fighter, and that’s ok. 

This is a good time to remember that our entire experience of the Nie clan so far in this story is 1. Clever but hopelessly combat-unready tiny artiste Nie Huaisang 2. Quietly helpful, absurdly pretty sidekick Meng Yao. 

We don’t know yet that Nie Huasang’s gege and Meng Yao’s sugar daddy is literally the toughest motherfucker in the entire cultivation world. But his friends do! Which makes me love these dynamics even more, because not one of them criticizes Nie Huaisang for being the person he is. 

(more after the cut!)

Never Let Me Go

This scene is where Wei Wuxian gives his tacit consent to being used as the eventual agent of Nie Huaisang’s vengeance....ok not really.

But he does make it clear what Nie Huaisang should do when he’s in a pickle. And NHS doesn’t forget things.

Priorities 

Meanwhile, Lan Wangji isn’t nearly as patient as Wei Wuxian, and he drops a silence spell on Nie Huaisang basically out of annoyance. It’s not like they’re trying to be sneaky. 

Lan Wangji: How about you have an exquisitely crafted ceramic cup of shut the fuck up?

Flute Girl

Wen Qing comes to the rescue by summoning all of the not-zombies, who happen to be her extended family, to come toast some marshmallows. 

She’s another person who unwisely demonstrates, where Wei Wuxian can hear her, the power of flutes over zombies. 

This move doesn’t seem to do anything important but it looks cool. 

Brother Dynamic: Bad. Really Bad. 

Jiang Cheng shows up in the temple and trolls everyone, because this is a great time for childish antics. Wei Wuxian is super happy to see him and runs over to hug him, which earns him a shoulder slam. 

This is a regular part of their body language with each other. Wei Wuxian covers his hurt reaction very, very quickly, with a smile that doesn’t involve very much of his face. 

Ow

Wei Wuxian is so good at pretending his feelings aren’t hurt, he probably convinces himself. 

Then he gives a too-honest answer when Jiang Cheng accuses him of...daring to enjoy himself, basically.

That’s more truth than Jiang Cheng was looking for, and he raises a hand to Wei Wuxian, who hides behind Nie Huaisang. This move is interesting because on one level it’s just clowning; obviously Nie Huaisang can’t protect WWX from anything, and WWX doesn’t need protection from Jiang Cheng. 

WWX can easily beat JC in a fight, as he’s let us know before. On another level, this retreat signals WWX’s harmlessness, his childlike-ness, in a semiotic dance that has been playing out for over a decade between the brothers.  NHS is taking on Jiang Yanli’s role in the choreography, this time.   

All of this troubling hostility doesn’t make Jiang Cheng a bad person. He’s young and he’s still under his parents’ control and subject to their abuse at home. It takes time to develop mindfulness about this stuff and learn to treat people beneath you differently than the way you are treated. 

Jiang Cheng isn’t ready for that yet, any more than he is ready to say out loud that he cares about his brother. 

Leave My Boyfriend Out of It

This interaction is noteworthy for Wei Wuxian defending Lan Wangji to his brother, before Jiang Cheng even has a chance to blame Lan Wangji. 

Wei Wuxian says that following Lan Wangji was his own idea, and then gives LWJ the sweetest, warmest smile.

Lan Wangji also gets a pair of totally unearned, delighted smiles of thanks from his two besties when he lifts the silence spell on Nie Huaisang. 

Being mildly dickish all the time works out fine, I guess, if you only make friends with people whose brothers are legendary grouches.

Grilling Wen Qing

Wei Wuxian finally decides he’s had enough of Wen Qing’s crap, and gets slightly aggressive in questioning her.

He’s not actually roughing her up but he is approaching her as a near-enemy for the first time, rather than as someone who wants to be her friend. Once Wen Qing tells him what’s up and agrees to a sort of temporary alliance, he goes back to being his normal slightly awkward self with her. 

I don’t romance-ship WQ and WWX, except maybe as corpse-mountain era FWB, but I do like their chemistry. And their friendship is really refreshing and interesting, based on sharing goals and working together, not on emotional intimacy. It’s nice to see people with a lot of barriers around their hearts, building a strong, trusting bond without having to actually open up very much.

The idea of perfect sharing between people is a nice one, but it’s pretty alien to many of us who are recovering from trauma, or people who just aren’t wired that way, and it’s good to see other models of friendship and love. 

Wei Wuxian, at Lan Wangji’s direction, parts the Red Sea drops a cage on the other 3 cultivators before going to hunt the dire birdy.  

Jiang Chang is, predictably, pissed off about it, in spite of Wei Wuxian’s “you’re good at this” parting words, and says, according to the subtitles, “you bastard!”

“Bastard” is a pretty specific epithet, in English. In the current century, it’s generally used to mean “asshole,” more or less. But it still does carry the meaning “of illegitimate birth,” and since The Untamed is often concerned with legitimacy it seems pretty strong for JC to use with someone who is rumored to be his own Dad’s by-blow. 

Let’s have a look and see what he really is calling him... 你混蛋 =  Nǐ húndàn = “you bastard” per Google translate. Wow, Jiang Cheng, you really went there, huh. 

Wen Granny

Wen Qing and the others in the golden cage watch as the not-zombies try half-heartedly to get to them. Wen Qing is super sad about it, as opposed to the two guys who are just annoyed (Jiang Cheng) or scared (Nie Huaisang).

The first time I saw this, it was just - oh, Wen Qing sympathizes with this poor random woman, she feels bad about what's happening, this is to show us she has a heart.

Now though --  that's HER granny. Maybe not her bio-grandma but clearly a granny of her clan, who she knows well, who later cares for A-Yuan when he's a child, so may very well have cared for A-Qing and A-Ning when they were small, too. Owie.

Dire Bird Hunting

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian run off to hunt the smoke bird together. They are quickly trapped in cool-looking fog. Kudos to the Director of Photography.

They spend some time being confused and also being peak Wangxian 1.0 as they help each other out. 

Lost in the fog and unable to summon talismans, Wei Wuxian is mainly about checking on Lan Wangji, making sure he’s ok, making sure he’s near.  He doesn’t spare any worry for himself.

(We get a rare instance of seeing an actually glowing sword here, instead of just having a character say “I saw the beams of swords!” to save money on VFX.)

Lan Wangji, meanwhile, understands the mental attack they are under, explains it to Wei Wuxian with only a little snark about Wei Wuxian’s overly busy mind, and teaches him how to handle it.

Lan Wangji is super disciplined in mind, body, and sword - his fight moves don’t change, really, throughout his life, but he gets better and better at execution. Wei Wuxian isn’t exactly undisciplined, but he’s super creative and busts out a new skill in nearly every encounter. Lan Wangji sees this and is learning to make use of it.

After Lan Wangji helps Wei Wuxian overcome the confusion that is blocking his talisman use, he tells him which talisman to use. 

This isn’t a talisman that LWJ uses himself, it’s just that he’s paying very close attention to WWX’s battle moves, and has a great memory, so he knows which ones will work. In a pretty short timespan he’s moved from thinking like a solo swordsman to thinking as part of a team with a broad range of battle skills. Very soon, he’ll be starting to use Wei Wuxian’s talismans himself. 

WWX takes a hit from the flying death chain, but uses it to his advantage, as in so many encounters. He’s not just self-sacrificing--he is definitely that--but he’s also a chess player, knowing how to use a sacrifice or an injury to his advantage. Cue Lan Wangji being worried for the entire rest of his life.

Part Two is here!