#ladya writes

[theoriginalladya]

Summary:   Commander Caleb Shepard's warnings of the Reaper invasion have come to pass, and now Earth is in a fight for survival. While Shepard fights to unite the galaxy against the worst threat imaginable, those left on Earth do their best to hold on until help comes. Led by Major Ryan Coats and Lieutenant Commander Abigail Williams, two of Shepard's closest friends, Earth has a chance. But, if London falls...

Note: This is a side series to Giorraíonn beirt bóthar, Caleb Shepard’s series.

Tags:  Side Series, Mass Effect 3, Big Ben, War, London

Characters: Major Ryan Coats, Lieutenant Commander Abigail Williams

Chapter 5: Underground

Excerpt: 

Drowsiness stalks Abby like a rabid dog, annoyingly persistent and refusing to let go.  She’s been fighting against it for days now, five to be exact, and it’s beginning to win out.  Tilting her head, she can just see the short bristle of hair peeking over the end of the stretcher nearest to her.  The world around her slows, the welcome temptation of rest pulling her closer, but she pushes against it just a bit longer. 

Reaching up, she brushes a finger along his temple.  Don’t you die on me, you bastard.  I bet everything I have – and some things I don’t! – that you’d still be alive in that tower.  Don’t you dare die on me now!

Doc continues to work quietly, checking his vitals, replacing bandages, taking notes.  She’s humming too, something soft and warm that reminds Abby of home.  Of her own mother, God only knows where now, and her childhood growing up.  Of her sisters and her father. 

It’s in minutes like these, dark and dangerous, that emotions win out and she fights to swallow back a sob. 

Come back.  Please...come back.  I bet you’re just as stubborn as Sealgaire.  You have to be!  We need you!

~~~

Read Full Chapter Here // Read From Beginning // Read Series

~~~

It's been over two years since the last update, but the muses were kind and have come back and *fingers crossed* will stick around to complete this story! Enjoy!

[stormcallart]

me w/ ur art ✨ you’re doing god’s work

i love this, thank you! glad to brighten someones day even if it is with giant man tiddies

[theoriginalladya]

Everybody Loses It - The Hunt Begins

(commissioned art of Rhys Shepard and Kaidan Alenko by @xla-hainex)

Everybody Loses It

Summary: One of the first human biotics, prothean specialist Dr. Rhys Shepard has fought for years to distance himself from the events at BAaT and distance himself from his parents and their military careers. When a prothean beacon is discovered on Eden Prime, he snatches the chance to finally prove himself.

Until the geth attack and he comes face to face with a part of his past he thought long dead...

Chapter 5: The Hunt Begins

Excerpt:

The knock at his door comes sooner rather than later, and, though it could be one of several people – Williams, coming to check up on him, Sara wanting to talk about what happens next, Dr. Chakwas to check on how he’s feeling – pure instinct tells Rhys it isn’t any of them.  Nevertheless, it’s expected.  “C’mon in.” With Kaidan’s advancement to Captain of the Normandy and all the benefits that come with it, Rhys inherits the XO quarters.  It’s only now as he’s putting away his few belongings and searching for a good place to hang his hat when he discovers just how tight a fit the room is.  Just a few paces across either direction, enough room for a bunk, a desk, and a small table with two chairs.  Tucked snug against the bulkhead is a storage compartment for the rest of his clothing and carved out low near the floor, space for his boots. The door opens as he drops his shaving kit into a drawer and closes it, making a mental note of a few items he should pick up the next time they’re in port.  Only then does he turn around.  “Settling in okay?”

~~~~

Read Chapter | Read From Beginning | Read Series

~~~~

Just a few things to note:

1) Rhys is a slightly older Shepard, a combination of a spacer and Earthborn background, and non-military. He goes off to college and graduate school and becomes a prothean specialist

2) He and Kaidan have known one another since BAaT. They have a history together.

3) Kaidan is the Commander of the Normandy. He essentially takes over the role of Shepard in the ME canon timeline

This story isn't a retelling of all of game 1, but will use bits and pieces of it that fit for their story.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed writing them!

For anyone interested, Rhys has two playlists on Spotify.

This one is associated with his story The Barn called Shore Leave on Mindoir

And this is his general playlist that I listen to while writing for him. It may change some as his story continues.

If you have any questions about Rhys, feel free to drop an ask! I love to talk about my characters! :)

Enjoy!

~~~~

Note: I honestly thought I'd posted this chapter months ago. Whoops! But Rhys woke up this morning asking if I would go poke at their story and I discovered I hadn't. Time to get the show back on the road for these two!

[theoriginalladya]

The Dragon, The Viper & The Crow

Chapter 2: The Viper

Series: Paulo Draco

Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Summary: Minrathous, the capital city of Tevinter, and home of the Dragon. It is also the home of the Dragon's heart; the Viper. By day they protect the city and its people, by night they protect one another. Until the Dragon, a man used to making decisions and living with the consequences, is sent away and has his heart stolen by an Antivan Crow…

Relationships: Rook/Ashur|the Viper, Rook/Lucanis Dellamorte

Characters: Rook, Ashur|the Viper, Lucanis Dellamorte, Spite, Charon Mercar, Dorian Pavus

Tags: angst, drama, pre-game background development, romance, idiots in love, developing relationship, established relationship, past relationship

[tags will be adjusted as the story moves forward]

Excerpt:

Someone was following him. The day had started well enough for Nicias; a breakfast he was actually hungry enough to eat, seeing his father off to rejoin his troops as they headed off to face the Antaam threat in the south, and, for the first time in weeks, a sense of hope filling his chest.  But almost from the minute he stepped out onto the streets of Minrathous, as he joined the lively and chaotic mass of people, markets, and gods only knew what else, an old and all too familiar sensation crept up his spine settling at the back of his neck.  A sensation he had thought he left behind with the Legion.  Someone had their attention focused on him, and they were close. 

~~~~~~~~~

So excited to start sharing some of the background story for Nicias Mercar!!! For reference, this Rook is a Shadow Dragon mage who will romance both Ashur|the Viper and Lucanis Dellamorte.

Read Series | Read Story

[theoriginalladya]

No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home

Rating: Teen +

Characters: Mrs. Alenko, mShepard, Kaidan Alenko, Mr. Alenko, Admiral Hackett, Zero (the dog)

Pairings: Mrs. Alenko & Kaidan Alenko, Mrs. Alenko & mShepard, Mrs. Alenko & Admiral Hackett, Mrs. Alenko/Mr. Alenko, mShepard/Kaidan Alenko

Tags: Mass Effect, post-Mass Effect, Post War Recovery, Hurt/Comfort, Loss of a Loved One, Angst With Happy Ending, Parent & Child Relationships, Friendship

Summary: Not unfamiliar with pain and hardship in life, Emily Alenko cherishes the closeness she, her husband, and her son have. Until the Reapers arrive. Nothing could ever have prepared her for their style of warfare, nor the consequences. Now, with her husband dead and her son missing in action, she must find a way to rebuild her life. Alone. Until one day, a stranger knocks on her door and changes her life forever…

~~~~~

Excerpt:

She was just about to open the front door when a knock sounded from the opposite side.  Startled and not expecting anyone, she managed to keep the tea from spilling and pulled it open cautiously.  The sun was bright today, and she had to shield her eyes.   Before her stood a tall man and a medium sized dog who sat by his side.  “Good morning, ma’am.” His voice was low and mellow.  Non-threatening.  Brushing a few strands of hair out of her eyes, she found a smile as she greeted him.  “Good morning.  May I help you?” He appeared to be of a similar age as her son and had a muscular build, one used to hard work or, more likely, holding a weapon.  His dark hair was short, but not what might be considered a military shave.  He wore rough and ragged jeans that had clearly seen better days, and his navy t-shirt was clean, if wrinkled.  Over that, he wore a buffalo check flannel shirt.   It reminded her of the ones Kaidan liked to wear when he was home on leave.

~~~~~~~~~

Finally I get to reveal my entry for the 2024 Mass Effect Big Bang! This time around the awesome @calypsotea chose my story and oh man, did she do a FABULOUS job with the art! Both the story and the art can be found over on AO3 here and the art can be found on her tumblr, here! Thank you so much!

HUGE thanks also to @happychica and @shadoedseptmbr for betaing for me! I don't know what I'd do without you both!

Also, a HUGE shoutout to @urdnotflexthejedibard who helped in some of the early brainstorming of this project to help me narrow down the scope of the story! Thank you, friend!

And one last thank you to Azzy and the MEBB team for hosting this event! Every year seems to get better and better!!!

[theoriginalladya]

The Dragon, The Viper & The Crow - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Divine Intervention

Series: Paulo Draco

Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Summary: Minrathous, the capital city of Tevinter, and home of the Dragon. It is also the home of the Dragon's heart; the Viper. By day they protect the city and its people, by night they protect one another. Until the Dragon, a man used to making decisions and living with the consequences, is sent away and has his heart stolen by an Antivan Crow…

Relationships: Rook/Ashur|the Viper, Rook/Lucanis Dellamorte

Characters: Rook, Ashur|the Viper, Lucanis Dellamorte, Spite, Charon Mercar, Dorian Pavus

Tags: angst, drama, pre-game background development, romance, idiots in love, developing relationship, established relationship, past relationship, Lucerni, Divine intervention

[tags will be adjusted as the story moves forward]

Excerpt:

“There you are.”

His thoughts were elsewhere, and as the voice reached him out of the blue from the shadows lining the streets this late in the day, Nicias nearly jumped out of his skin.  The sudden appearance of the man who had been dominating his thoughts Nicias back to the present.  Blinking through the rain, he was speechless and could only stare. 

It was a gift, he decided as astonishment faded into acceptance.  And one he would take.  Finding a smile, he laughed and offered a sheepish smile.  “Here I am.  You’ve found me.”

Dressed in his usual hat and face covering and standing in the darkest of shadows, it was difficult to get a good look at Ashur at first.  Until Nicias realized that the shadows he had thought were due to the angle of his hat weren’t just due to the lack of lighting but were aided by dark smudges beneath his eyes.  Combined with eyes that pinched tight at the corners, Ashur looked...beyond tired.  Exhausted. 

Concern stirred and Nicias stepped towards his friend.  “You all right?”

Even Ashur’s smile was tired, more of a sagging struggling thin line than an upward curve at both ends.  “I’m fine.  It’s been...a busy few days.”

Nicias smiled in sympathy.  “Sounds like a story there...”

~~~~~~~~~

So excited to start sharing some of the background story for Nicias Mercar!!! For reference, this Rook is a Shadow Dragon mage who will romance both Ashur|the Viper and Lucanis Dellamorte.

NOTE: Sorry for the delay in posting the next chapter. I've spent the last month toiling over my story for the Dragon Age Big Bang. BUT! It's written and in in the hands of my artist while I await edits from my betas, so I can now focus back on my boys!

Read Chapter | Read Story | Read Series

[theoriginalladya]

The Dragon, The Viper & The Crow - Nicknames

Chapter: Nicknames

Series: Paulo Draco

Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Summary: Minrathous, the capital city of Tevinter, and home of the Dragon. It is also the home of the Dragon's heart; the Viper. By day they protect the city and its people, by night they protect one another. Until the Dragon, a man used to making decisions and living with the consequences, is sent away and has his heart stolen by an Antivan Crow…

Relationships: Male Human Mercar/Ashur|the Viper, Male Human Mercar/Lucanis Dellamorte, eventually Male Human Mercar/Ashur|The Viper/Lucanis Dellamorte

Characters: Male Human Mercar, Ashur|the Viper, Lucanis Dellamorte, Spite, Charon Mercar, Dorian Pavus

Tags: angst, drama, pre-game background development, romance, idiots in love, developing relationship, established relationship, past relationship, Lucerni, Divine intervention, eventual poly relationship

[tags will be adjusted as the story moves forward]

Excerpt:

It was Nicias’ turn to contemplate his move.  “But...the Viper?” Ashur chuckled warmly.  “Well, I had half considered The Dragon, but you seem to have the corner in that market.”  He dropped his voice an octave as he added, “Paulo draco.” The chess piece Nicias had lifted slipped from his fingers, clattering loudly onto the board.  A quick scowl wrinkled his brow as he protested, “Dorian told you.”  It had to have been his cousin; his father had been off with the Legion for months now. Ashur’s smile did not fade.  If anything, it softened.  “I like it,” he replied, neither confirming nor denying the accusation.  “Dragons are fierce protectors.”

~~~~~~~~~

So excited to start sharing some of the background story for Nicias Mercar!!! For reference, this Rook is a Shadow Dragon mage who will romance both Ashur|the Viper and Lucanis Dellamorte.

Read Chapter | Read Story | Read Series

[theoriginalladya]

The Dragon, The Viper & The Crow

Chapter 1: The Dragon

Series: Paulo Draco

Fandom: Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Summary: Minrathous, the capital city of Tevinter, and home of the Dragon. It is also the home of the Dragon's heart; the Viper. By day they protect the city and its people, by night they protect one another. Until the Dragon, a man used to making decisions and living with the consequences, is sent away and has his heart stolen by an Antivan Crow…

Relationships: Rook/Ashur|the Viper, Rook/Lucanis Dellamorte

Characters: Rook, Ashur|the Viper, Lucanis Dellamorte, Spite, Charon Mercar, Dorian Pavus

Tags: angst, drama, pre-game background development, romance, idiots in love, developing relationship, established relationship, past relationship

[tags will be adjusted as the story moves forward]

Excerpt:

“I thought he might be of some...value in helping our mutual friends,” Charon concluded.  “Should they have interest in such a thing.” Mutual friends?  Nicias stared at his father in confusion, but Dorian quickly jumped in.  Using a hand to rub his chin thoughtfully, the magister replied, “I daresay you may be right, cousin, and Maker knows we could use the help.” Clearing his throat, he waited for both men to look at him before asking, “Mutual friends?” Dorian blinked and from one second to the next, his face relaxed, a soft huff escaping his lips as his eyes sparkled.  Sparing Charon a look, he asked, “You haven’t told him?” Charon, not one prone to outward acts of amusement, chuckled as well.  That was probably more disconcerting to Nicias than not knowing the topic of discussion.  “I keep that information as secret as my battle plans, as you well know.” A smile widened across his face as Dorian turned his attention back to Nicias.  “Well then, where shall I begin?” Before he could, Charon raised a hand, palm outward, and asked, “Is it safe to talk here?” One elegant brow arched higher than the Archon’s palace.  “It is safer here than anywhere in Minrathous,” Dorian assured him.  “My people can be trusted.”  He turned back towards Nicias.  “Now then, are you familiar with the Lucerni?”

~~~~~~~~~

So excited to start sharing some of the background story for Nicias Mercar!!! For reference, this Rook is a Shadow Dragon mage who will romance both Ashur|the Viper and Lucanis Dellamorte.

Read Series | Read Story

[theoriginalladya]

Teas & Trees

(artwork by @cherieofthedragonsart)

Title: Teas & Trees

Summary: All Inquisitor Anaya Trevelyan wants to do is find a quiet corner and enjoy a cup of hot tea, but sometimes life sets you down a different path…

Characters: Inquisitor Anaya Trevelyan, Dorian Pavus, Cassandra Pentaghast

tags: fluff, humor, family trees, once again DA writing is inspired by food and drink, silly nonsense written 4 years ago that I never published

Excerpt:

“What do you find so amusing?” Covering his mouth with the back of his hand, Dorian coughed to clear his throat.  “Oh, nothing that need concern you, cousin,” he replied.  Anaya emptied the pot, added the leaves, then filled it with the now boiling water.  She’d noticed the slight emphasis on the word.  “Dorian.” Thankfully, he was weak-willed when it came to a sterner tone.  Or maybe he was desperate to share his news.  Either way, he nearly burst as he announced, “It’s Cassandra.  We ran into one another -- quite literally, in fact -- as we were passing through the hall and after a few heated and delightfully disparaging words to one another, I dropped what you might call a bomb on her.”

[theoriginalladya]

God Cages & Spirit Memories

Title: God Cages & Spirit Memories

Summary: After defeating Ghilan'nain, Rook ends up alone in a strangely familiar place and must find his way out if he is to finish what he's started. Along the way, he meets someone unexpected, and finds out a truth he's always known, deep down.

Rating: General

Relationship(s): Rook & Varric Tethras, Lucanis Dellamorte/Rook

Characters: Rook, Varric Tethras, Alistair Theirin

Tags: Dragon Age Veilguard, Dragon Age - all media types, Dragon Age Veilguard - spoilers, Also some AU shenanigans because Bioware disappointed me, grief/mourning, truth revealed, surprise twist(s), Shadow Dragon Rook, Mage Rook, male Rook

Excerpt:

Rook groaned, hunched over on his knees and a dull ache pressing the back of his mind, a reminder, or maybe the remainder, of his connection to Solas. The ancient God of lies, treachery, and rebellion.  Depending on the story. Grunting with effort, Rook pushed himself to his feet.  Only then did he take a good look around him.  Shock and surprise stopped him.  “Wait...”  He was in the Fade, and he wasn’t asleep.  “Damn, you, Solas!” Rook knew this place, of course; the prison the Dread Wolf had made for Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain but had gotten caught up in himself when Rook disrupted his ritual.  Prison.  Well, that was one way to describe the Fade.  There was no rhyme or reason to it – broken bits of thoughts and ideas, of past and present, of architecture and... I molded you into someone this prison would accept in my place. Never in his life had Rook allowed defeat to win out over him, even when he was on the losing side.  Always, he had taken the lessons and learned from them.  A battlefield at Ventus.  A refused promotion by the Magisterium.  Being chased out of his home city by those he considered friends because he had angered the Venatori.  But this time...

~~~~~

GAAHHHHHH! The muses are BACK, BABY! whooo!

So, I fell deep into Dragon Age Veilguard - and unexpected turn of events, to be honest, but a delightful one nonetheless. And that fall seems to have brought the muses back to my sandbox! I could cry, I'm so happy!

Though the first installment of my Paulo Draco series, this piece occurs late in game, so if you haven't finished playing the game, you may want to wait until you have. I HAVE taken a few liberties to, shall we say, make a few adjustments, shall we say? (yeeting things I don't like, pulling in things I do that Bioware should have but didn't!). This series will be about my 'story' Rook - made specifically for writing. Here's a little bit to know about him:

Name: Nicias Mercar

Shadow Dragon

Mage

'related' to Dorian through his father

romance: Lucanis Dellamorte

Other bits and bobs will come out as more of his story is written and posted.

Anyway, thanks to all who have/will read! HERE I hope you enjoy my take on things!

[theoriginalladya]

I recently commissioned @me1onmi1k for a picture of Kaidan Alenko and Reyes Vidal for my The Golden Boy & The Shady Bastard series of fics and oh man, did they DELIVER!!!!! LOOK AT THEM!!! These two snuck up on me and stole my heart and now I have actual art of them TOGETHER! <3

sigh I suppose this means I now have to write the fic to go with this picture. Oh darn. ;)

Thank you so very much, @me1onmi1k - your art, as ever, is just perfect! <3

[theoriginalladya]

WIP Whenever

Went to Starbucks this morning to do some writing and Kaidan finally started to cooperate for my Rydenko stories! <3 Here is a snippet from this morning's writing adventure...

Setting: Milky Way Galaxy, 2185

~~~

There it was again, that hint of worry and apprehension from before.  Something else was going on here that Kaidan couldn’t quite pin down.  “From the sounds of it, things are just about ready to go?” “They are.  We are down to a matter of weeks before departure now.”  Turning towards him, she asked, “Tell me, Major Alenko –” Kaidan straightened and lifted a hand.  It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate it, but it felt so hypocritical to still call himself that.  “Please, it’s Kaidan.  I left my rank behind when I was discharged.” She remained silent, but her eyes seemed to survey him with new intensity.  “All right, Kaidan,” she agreed at length.  “So, tell me, why did you decide to join us at such a late date?  Alec said you were a damn good marine.  One of the best, as I recall.  Why leave the Alliance and join our number?” And there it was, the core of the matter.  “My reasons for joining are similar to those when I first joined the Alliance,” he began.  “I’ve always had an interest in exploration.  In traveling to distant places and meeting new people.”  It was true.  After his experience at BAaT, that was what had drawn him back to the Alliance long-term. Her lips pressed tightly together as she watched him.  “I know who you are, Kaidan,” she said quietly.  “Where you come from.  So does Alec.  We weren’t blind to the reports that came out a couple of years ago.” Ah. 

[theoriginalladya]

Will & Might: The Test of Time

Title: Will & Might: The Test of Time

Fandom: Dragon Age

Word Count: about 12,000

Rating: T and Up

Summary:

William Trevelyan and Cullen Rutherford spent ten years together as Templar recruits at the Chantry monastery in Jader. Closer than brothers, until a revelation forced William to leave the Templar life behind. Reunited fifteen years later, their friendship is put to the test a second time by the same choice that drove William from the monastery. The world may be falling apart around them, but perhaps a reforged friendship is just what these two old soldiers need.

Characters: William Trevelyan, Cullen Rutherford, Varric Tethras, Solas

Pairings: William Trevelyan & Cullen Rutherford, William Trevelyan/Dorian Pavus

Tags: Friendship, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Drinking, Drunkenness, Mentions of addiction (lyrium), mentions of withdrawal (lyrium) Chess, get by with a little help from my friends

Snippet:

He should have gone the other way. “You look like you’ve got your hands full there, Inquisitor. Let me get that door for you.” In all his days, back in the Free Marches or even during his years at the monastery for training, William Trevelyan had always maintained a fine sense of humor. Puns, witty one-liners, word play of any kind – “It’s knight errant, not knight errand, you arse!” – Will savored and appreciated it all. He’d built a reputation for himself of being quick witted and, when necessary, as vicious with his words as he was with his blade.  Until tonight. Maker, but he’d forgotten that the easier route to his destination would bring him right past the dwarf currently sitting at the table in the Great Hall in front of the hearth, an inkwell, quill, and bare pages open before him. Right in front of the door Will needed to get through, and almost as if expecting he would come by. 

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

I decided to go back to my roots in Dragon Age to try to get my writing mojo back and participated in the Dragon Age Big Bang this year with a (not so) simple story about friendship, separation, and the reforging of that friendship fifteen years later.

I was fortunate enough to get paired up with @blasteddoodles as my artist, and oh man, did she bring my Inquisitor, William, to life! Thank you, my friend! Also huge thanks to @shadoedseptmbr and @happychica for betaing for me!

Enjoy!

[theoriginalladya]

WIP Wednesday

Been absent for a while due to life and troublesome muses and such, but in the last couple of weeks, life is finally wrangling into better shape and I think the muses are as well. So, in an effort to try to be more present, have a snippet for WIP Wednesday (if that's even done anymore lol).

From my Rydenko series Straight On Til Morning:

~~~~~~~

Setting: Tempest, Heleus Cluster, Andromeda Galaxy

“What do you miss most about the Milky Way?” Scott hadn’t been asleep exactly and Kaidan’s question was enough to nudge him just a bit closer to consciousness.  Still, it was a tough sell.  Lying all warm and cozy, snuggled under the blankets, wrapped securely in the Pathfinder’s arms... “Hmmm?”  Forcing himself to move, Scott flopped awkwardly onto his back and blinked. It was worth it to meet the thoughtful amber gaze focused on him. Kaidan lay on his side and one arm loose but secure around Scott’s torso.  He didn’t flinch with the movement, simply kept his attention on Scott through the darkness.  A lopsided smile traveled across Scott’s lips.  “You’ve got your ‘thinking’ face on again,” he teased. Kaidan’s lips twitched at the corner and puff of warm air brushed across Scott’s cheek as he huffed out a laugh.  “You aren’t the first person to tell me that.” “This isn’t the first time I have, either.”  Lifting a hand, he brushed his knuckles across Kaidan’s cheek.  In fact, he could remember at least twice back in the Milky Way when he’d made similar comments.  He’d already lost count in Heleus.  Pulling his arm free, Kaidan caught Scott’s hand.  He held it close to his cheek for a moment, tipping his head into the touch, before lowering it once more.  “I just found myself thinking about everything we left behind,” he explained, his voice thoughtful even as his gaze shifted from Scott out the window behind their bed to the stars beyond.  “I’m not naïve enough to think there wouldn’t be times like this, but...” Settling his arm behind his head, Scott considered the question.  “Hmm.  I’m guessing you mean things we couldn’t bring or people we left behind?” “Anything, really.  Whatever you miss most.”

[theoriginalladya]

Ostinato (update)

(commissioned artwork of Lachlan Shepard and Kaidan Alenko by @me1onmi1k)

Guess who started whispering into my ear today!

Going through some old (and I mean OLD!) prompts to see what I can come up with! (so old I can't even find the original ask for it!)

Prompt: In the moonlight/celebration

On AO3 in full here

OTP: The Music Lives On found here

Excerpt:

Lachlan once heard that night skies are the best skies because they hold secret and safe the stories of the different worlds they envelope.  He’s been under many night skies over the years.  The double moons of Mindoir.    Terra Nova for one night before all hell broke loose.  The unpolluted darkness out at the Alenko orchard.  Numerous other worlds over the years of serving with the Alliance. 

But the night sky of Elysium, at this moment in time, is the most brilliant and beautiful and he never wants to forget it.

A heavy glass clinks lightly with ice as it’s pressed into his hand and the peaty aroma tickles his nose.  Smiling, Lachlan leans back as his husband’s arm wraps around him and he sighs softly, humming his appreciation.  Kaidan clinks their glasses together, laughter filling Lachlan’s ears.  “To us.”

“Hmm.  To us.”  Lachlan straightens to sip his drink, savoring the taste as he continues to look up at the star-lit sky.  Turning, he rests his hips against the balcony railing and focuses his gaze on Kaidan.  “D’you ever think about how damned lucky we are?”

[theoriginalladya]

WIP Whenever

I haven't had much going on with any of my boys of late as my brain has been hijacked by a couple of original fic ideas, but I went to sleep last night with the following snippet in mind and I managed to get it down on a page more or less how I imagined it. Proof that Caleb and Kaidan are still kicking around inside my head, despite work, Real Life, and original fic ideas! <3

Setting: 2168/9-ish, post Reaper War, on their honeymoon, Santorini, Greece, Earth

~~~

A mug in each hand, Caleb slips out onto the back patio and pads his way barefoot across the space.  Even now, and despite still recovering from his injuries, he manages to keep silent, and though he isn’t looking at Caleb, a smile of welcome slides across Kaidan’s face. 

Caleb laughs to himself. There are some benefits to having biotics, after all.

As he nears, Kaidan inhales deeply and sets aside the pad of paper and pencil he’d been using, but not before Caleb catches a glimpse of lines and shape.  Another smile, this time his own, as he recognizes the scene beginning to form on the page; a lone figure (himself) staring intently at some ancient Greek ruins. 

Kaidan’s brow rises.  “Something amusing you, mo shearc?”

Shivering in appreciation, Caleb hands over one of the mugs. Mo shearc.  Caleb knows Kaidan loves him – he shows it all the time and in so many ways – but hearing him say it and in Irish no less… 

Caleb’s smile broadens into a full-fledged grin.  “Let’s just call it art appreciation, mo ghrá, and leave it at that.”

Kaidan's laughter - deep and rumbly and warm - fills the air around them as he shifts on the chaise lounge to make room. Caleb straddles the chair to sit behind him.  “You didn’t have to stop, you know.”

Kaidan huffs softly as he takes a sip of his coffee.  The smile that spreads across his lips assures Caleb he got it just the way Kaidan likes it, and that's a relief.  This isn't like back in their Alliance days together, sharing a quick cup of liquid tar to keep awake during a watch shift or to help ground themselves after a rough mission. This...is something more meaningful, more important.

After so much of his life spent actively avoiding the kind of closeness that leads to long-term relationships, Caleb is still learning how to express himself through little things like this. 

Kaidan exchanges his mug for the pencil and pad, leaning back against Caleb’s chest to keep them close.  “Didn’t want to mess it up,” he replies as he flips back open to the page he'd been working on.

The cream colored page is a mass of lines and shapes, just hints of features starting to clarify. Hints of shadow to define the blocks of stone and a few seemingly stray lines barely darkening the paper that are blades of grass. With one arm wrapped around Kaidan's waist, Caleb rests his chin on his husband's shoulder and watches the magic unfold.

He still remembers the day, purely by accident, that he discovered Kaidan's talent for capturing the world around him. The shock at not only realizing Kaidan had kept it such a secret from even his closest friends, but that he was so skilled. Amazement. Astonishment. Utter delight. In those early years after they first met, Caleb had thought of Kaidan's biotics as 'magic' - space magic, Kaidan had joked - but his ability to take a scene and use precise strokes of a pencil to make it real, well, that was magic in its own right.

As he watches now, their visit to the ancient Greek ruins earlier that afternoon takes shape right before Caleb's eyes. Down to the squirrel scampering along the stone rubble. He can almost hear it chittering in his ear...

With a soft sigh, Caleb squeezes just enough to share the emotion, yet careful not to jar Kaidan's arm. “You never cease to amaze me, mo ghrá.”

Kaidan snorts, but his grin returns. “Isn’t that my line?”

“Not tonight.”  Caleb brushes his lips along the side of Kaidan’s neck. "Tonight it's my turn."