#multiparter

[ntls-24722]

Filbert Stuart, Presidential Affairs (1823-1825)

Oil on canvas, 97.5 in × 62.5 in

context

@glitterfartsprinkle GET YOUR ACRYLICS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

@ravewing as well bc you were the OP. sorry that papyrus undertale took your man

[yourplayersaidwhat]

[Warlock is consentually possessed by the Ghost of a Paladin who needs to make the "final blow" against a Beholder to be free of his curse. The Beholder is already wounded from Wizard's spells and the party's Paladin's smite. ]

Warlock: Well [Ghost Paladin] I know this isn't your usual fighting style and I kinda wanted to let you borrow my Shadow Blade for this but I hope you don't mind terribly if we just finish this quickly especially for the sake of Monk [frightened] and the Githzerai [several near misses with the disintegration ray]. Since you're possessing me even if I call down the power of my patron upon it this will still count as the "Final Blow," right?

Ghost Paladin: Yes.

Warlock: [*summons Bigby's Hand Tentacles and the Fathomless Tentacles and unleashes them all on the Beholder to devastating effect.*]

Warlock: Are you still doing okay, [Ghost Paladin]? Wanna do the honors of crushing this asshole?

Ghost Paladin [cheerfully]: Oh verily!

[*The Beholder dies Screaming*]

Ghost Paladin: Ah, peace at last.... *Fades away. *

DM: Warlock is no longer possessed.

Warlock: Awwww... he seemed nice, I think I'll miss him.

[droolfang]

uwu

[unorcadox]

i know what i want / but i can’t have it yet (repeated) -- part 1 of a series, [part 2] - [part 3]

[readychilledwine]

Bound by Fate - part 3

Summary - Kaylee's life has been filled with training. But as her mate is left with no choice but to distance himself, it allows another connection to form.

Warning - none really? At least I don't think so? There's fire at the end?

A/n- you know that one song from lion king? Reflections of Mufasa? All I can hear at a certain point in this part is that dramatic build and crescendo that starts around 3:55 mins into the song. Hopefully the writing shows that.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5

Kaylee was panting, her hands on her knees, and sweat dripping from every inch of skin. Despite the two-piece cropped tank top and leggings Cassian had her training in, she was still so hot. 

He handed her water his own sweat making his muscled forearm glitter in the sunlight. "You're doing great, Kaylee. The perfect little partner for me to spar with right now." She looked at his beaming smile, a brow raised, before sticking out her tongue and making the male laugh. "We're done for today, but Rhys and Amren will be coming to work on magic with you." Kaylee looked at Cassian, her brows raised, waiting for the information she secretly knew was coming. 

Cassian sighed before continuing. "Azriel is still holed up with Nesta and Elain at the House of Wind. He's the only one Elain will respond to. I'm sorry, Kaylee. I understand your frustration." She knew Cassian did just based on the distant look in his eyes. 

It had been two weeks since they discovered Elain would only speak or allow Azriel near her. It drove the new feral part of Kaylee's mind and soul to madness when he'd come to bed, reeking of Elain's soft floral scent. He would comfort Kaylee however he could those first few days, but at the start of the second week, a switch had flipped. Az stopped sleeping with Kaylee. He stopped eating lunch with her at the Riverhouse. He stopped sending his shadows to spend time with her.

Kaylee had never been a jealous person before this. She had never once questioned her self worth or value, but this had her wondering why her mate wouldn't spend time with her, why he actively avoided her, when she stopped being enough for him. 

A hand on her shoulder ripped her from the void she was allowing herself to fall into. "Stop doing that to yourself," a soft voice said. "He misses you too. She just-" Rhysand paused to turn Kaylee to look at him. "Elain only eats when Azriel is there, and therefore Nesta will eat. I know it hurts, little bee. I am sorry." Cassian muttered an inaudible phrase before kissing Kaylee's forehead and moving inside. "Take a bath and a nap, Cass. It's an order." Cassian lifted a single finger over his shoulder as he moved inside. 

Rhysand crossed his arms over the black t-shirt he was wearing. He was dressed casually today, indicating to Kaylee they were heading into the forest. "Once she is stable, Kaylee. He will be comfortable coming home." He offered her his arm. "Amren is already in the clearing we will be using." She took his arm, closing her eyes tightly as he winnowed her away.

They had left Kaylee in the center of the clearing meditating. She was acutely aware of every sound around her. From the rushing water in the creek, to every soft scurry of small rodents around her, Kaylee heard it all. 

Even with her eyes closed, she felt as though she was seeing clearly. She was watching the forest move past her slowly from higher than she had ever stood. Strong legs carried what felt like her body. A stable mind moved her without thinking about it's path. She watched as hooved feet moved into a crystal blue lake, enjoying the feeling of the cool water on warm legs.

Two heart beats became one as Kaylee tapped further into that feeling. She focused solely on that rhythm beating into her own chest until it overtook every sense she had left.

And then, to Rhysand and Amren's shock and horror, Kaylee disappeared.

Rhysand ran the clearing, searching in the air for any signs of her, before landing and looked at Amren. "Did she just shatter the shield we had in place?"

Amren smirked, her voice light and airy. "She did. I told you she would. You didn't listen. Idiot."

Rhys immediately called for Cassian and Azriel, cursing himself loudly as Amren smirked and began to walk along the forest line, watching for any indication of the young sister.

While Rhys was too lost in panic causing him to only look for obvious signs, Amren had predicted this day's ago when Kaylee's power first tried to tap into her own being, and then Rhysand's beast form, only to have both of them turn her away. And this was confirmation to one clear thing to Amren, their beasts only turned them away because sweet Kaylee was not strong enough, yet.

Her silver eyes locked on several butterflies and bees, dancing together, twirling together, and flying into the same direction deep into the trees.

Azriel appeared first, his face exhausted from lack of sleep. "What happened?" 

Cassian landed at the same with a loud thud, a brow raised at Rhysand. "It happened, didn't it?"

The High Lord nodded slowly before turning to Azriel to explain. "Amren and I have been working with Kaylee to distract her. She started almost tapping into the essence of an animal in the forest after she unknowingly attempted to tap into my beast form." 

Rhysand held his hand to Azriel as the shadowsinger immediately began to try to speak. The sun had begun to set, and finding Kaylee was going to be impossible in the dark.  "It was almost as if her powers made it so she and this animal could become one being, one mind, one body, one soul."

Rhysand paused. "Yesterday things came to a head. She almost tapped into it fully, but she could not sync something. She became frustrated and we could not figure out why, and she could not express why. Armen suggested quiet meditation today instead of us guiding her, and we learned today what it was. She needed to sync their hearts. As soon as she did, she disappeared. I could not tell what she was linking with before it happened, though."

Azriel felt anger setting in slowly and his shadows immediately left him to search for his mate. "So my mate with powers we do not understand is somewhere in the forest with Gods knows what? Why did no one tell me this was starting? I should have been here! I should have been with her! If you had not ordered me to take care of Elain, I could have been here."

Rhysand wanted to answer but he was interrupted as Amren whistled and pointed up and then to the ground. "The creatures are all heading the same direction." The ancient being began to slowly follow their path. "Are you idiots coming or are you just going to stand there with each other's dicks in your hands?"

They trekked for what Azriel's heart felt like was hours. Every snap of a twig, rustle of leaves, and song of a bird had him on edge. 

His Kaylee, his sweet defenseless Kaylee, was somewhere in this forest, a forest he, Cassian, and Rhysand rarely even entered because of the dangers that lay in it. Not even the trees themselves in this forest could be trusted. They almost moved with minds of their own at times, trapping fae within the hallowed ground that these woods have become. It was filled with wildlife that had a taste for blood, lower fae that enjoyed harming others, and countless predators. This was not a safe place for his mate who had hardly begun to use her magic and hardly knew how to fight. Azriel had already made up his mind. If anything happened to Kaylee while she was alone out here, he'd kill Rhysand, and based off the look his brother had just shot him, the High Lord knew that.

Amren was far ahead of them. Watching closely as each bird flew further and further into the heavy bush. She had no choice but to believe they would lead her to the High Lady's youngest sister. After another few miles, she finally paused, stopping them on the edge of another clearing that surrounded a quiet lake. 

They were all surrounded by countless animals who seemed to be watching with anxiety and anticipation. Rhysand moved to step closer for the ancient being to turn and growl slightly. "Not a single step closer, boy," her voice was hushed and tight.

There centered in the lake, her long blonde hair completely loose from the tie she previously had it in and blowing gently in the breeze was Kaylee. 

She was waist deep into the blue waters, the sunshine was kissing every inch of her skin in golden light. It was as if she was radiating, as if she was almost glittering in her power. It was intoxicating for all of them. Seeing her like this had a small smirk forming on Cassian's face, it had Rhysand's breath hitched in his throat as worry and pride set in, it had Amren feeling her own soul almost buzzing, and something primal and deep in Azriel began to stir, something he hadn't even realized was there until now.

The sight was beautiful, but it was what stood before Kaylee that had Azriel, Cassian, and Rhys on edge. A great  creature stood in front of her. It's head lifted in pride and dignity as it looked down at her form. 

It towered before her on long sturdy legs lean with muscle, its dark red coat shone with health. It was at least triple her size and could easily harm her if it had wanted to. she barely reached its cream underbelly. The beast released a loud call, making the other animals all seem to flutter with joy. Itss antlers were twisted and numerous. Had they been in Autumn, this would have been a prized buck hunted for sport and hung above a mantle. Here, in its domain, though, it was clear this beast was the King of this forest, and on his head did not sit horns, but a crown.

It commanded respect, and clearly was testing Kaylee to see if she would offer it. Kaylee's right hand slowly raised, and she held it in the air, waiting for the red stag to welcome her touch, allowing it to make a choice. She would not force the being to her, but instead let it decide.

Not a single word came from the fae or animals as the King studied her, evaluating if Kaylee was indeed worthy for him in all of her glowing power. Azriel almost laughed as Amren's hand gripped Rhysand's wrist almost anxiously until Cassian's hand found his, gripping it tightly as well in support and worry.

In minutes that felt like hours, the great antlered animal began to move its head lower to Kaylee, and his decision was made as he put his long nose to Kaylee's palm. 

Unknowingly to the four of them, the beast sent Kaylee a single message in the bond that was beginning to form between them. You are enough, little one.

Light came between the two as her skin made contact with his fur. It was white and almost blinding screaming of innocence, of untapped potential. It was warm, welcoming, but fierce in its own right. 

"Beast tamer," Amren finally said slowly. "Kaylee is the Cauldron and Mother's beast tamer."

The two beings began to nuzzle each other closer, and Kaylee's forehead came to rest on the King's. 

Azriel would have given the world to frame this moment. His mate shining as her powers were finally acknowledged and known. The happiness radiating from her soul. The tranquility between her and this monstrous animal was almost deafening.

His Kaylee, his honeybee, blessed with the powers long lost to the Cauldron. 

And in turn, his Kaylee, his mate, cursed by the Mother with powers so ancient they had not been seen  since the Gods of old roamed the lands.

Kaylee felt warm wet tears streaming down her face as the stag released another loud call, causing the other animals around them to begin to cry and call in celebration. 

It is time to step into your power and responsibility. A deep voice rang into her soul. I am glad to be your first companion on this journey, Kaylee. Now go to your mate. He is terrified.

Kaylee turned around, seeing Amren and Rhysand smirking behind her. Cassian was wearing a beaming smile as he smacked a hand to a stunned Azriel's shoulder.  The Little beings of the forest moved, creating a pathway. "Az, I made a new friend."

Azriel moved forward. Stepping into the water and getting close to her. "I can see that, my heart." He moved closer again slowly. "Am I allowed to come get you?"

The king, in response, pushed gently on Kaylee's back, throwing her into Azriel's arms. I will be in the clearing you normally train in tomorrow. He moved with another call, causing the animals to return to their normal lives. 

Azriel held Kaylee tightly as they flew back home. Amren had opted to fly with Rhysand ahead of them, looking back at the two of them and Cassian. 

Once they landed at the Riverhouse, Azriel did not give Rhysand and Amren a chance to ambush his mate and carried her up the stairs to her room. 

He slept in her bed that night, his arms locked tight around her, wings cocooning them in. He fell into a deep sleep, accompanied by dreams of them living in a cabin near that clearing with three small children and countless animals.

Meanwhile, Kaylee's dream was filled with darkness, the only light source coming from the lit torch she was holding. Her footsteps were the only thing she could hear aside from deep, heavy breaths and her own humming.

A huge creature with scaled skin was suddenly looking at Kaylee with one of its black eyes. It roared loudly, teeth bared to her before turning its large head and neck up. Fire erupted along the ceiling, allowing Kaylee to finally see its gargantuan body, rows of jagged sharp teeth, and massive wings. Kaylee woke up screaming in terror for Azriel. Her heart raced as she sat in silence, hand clutched to her chest, breath coming out in uneven shakes.

Azriel was immediately up, comforting his mate as Rhys ran into the room, his eyes wide in disbelief and locked on Kaylee. The high lord and shadowsinger held eye contact. "Kaylee," Rhysand began slowly. "Did you feel a call before you ended up in that cave? Did it feel similar to the buck?" She nodded, trying to calm her racing heart. "Kaylee, look at me. I need you to make sure you do not sync with what you just saw until we have a better understanding of your powers and more control. Bond with it in your dreams, speak with it, but you do NOT sync with it. Am I understood?"

The young sister just nodded. Azriel looked between his brother and his mate before gently touching Kaylee's cheek and moving her head to face him. "Baby, what did you see?"

Kaylee's eyes met Azriel's, they were filled with fear and tears causing his heart to clench. "A dragon." Kaylee took another still deep breath. "I saw a dragon."

Bound by Fate taglist:

@impossibelle @luvmoo @wallacewillow0773638 @nightless @cat-or-kitten @knmendiola

@holb32 @mis-lil-red

[farsight-the-char]

Gay Wizard

[spookcataloger]

I was a commercial diver for an oil and gas company in the 1990s, pt. 3 (2012)

Part: 1 - 2 - 3

[pyro-les]

I have a pretty cool idea for a Regina x reader story and I really wanna write it but I've also never written a fanfic before so idk.

Would anyone take the gamble and read it if I wrote it?

[acourtofpenandpaper]

Just pretending (Astarion x reader)

Pairing: Astarion x GNreader/Tav Length: 800 words Part 2 coming soon

Blurb: When Astarion and Tav get followed by guards of a warehouse they wanted to steal from, Astarion comes up with an unusual way to get them off the back.

Tags: part 1 of a fluffy short, a bit heated moment

The guards weren’t far behind us, and we both quickened our steps. Earlier that day, when I had voiced my concerns on sneaking into the warehouse to steal some supplies and cool gear, Astarion had simply shrugged me off.

“Don’t be such a scaredy-cat, we have pulled off greater heists in the past”, he had boasted while dismissing my worries as mere pessimistic thoughts.

Now, as I caught a glimpse to my side, I could see the sweat glistening on the forehead of the pale vampire as we rushed through the streets of Baldur’s Gate.

Turned out, that said warehouse which, according to Astarion ‘wasn’t guarded heavily’, was indeed heavily guarded. And the plan that Astarion had come up with turned out to have no solution for when we got caught. I reminded myself to never let him plan anything ever again when we both got out of this situation.

I looked behind my back to see two guards running after us, catching up with every second. The only reason they hadn’t caught us yet was because of other civilians standing in their way. But any minute now, we wouldn’t be so lucky anymore. I was starting to feel exhaustion coming in and tried to use the little breath in my lungs to shout towards Astarion:

“What are we going to do? They are still after us!”

Astarion looked behind his back as well and almost ran over the cart of a street vendor but in the last moment, jumped out of the way. He stayed silent, to my dismay because we both needed to get out of this situation and better two minutes ago than later.

I was almost ready to surrender myself to our followers and give over the gear when Astarion’s eyes lit up, he got ahold of my wrist and pulled me into the next alleyway. We took two sharp turns to the right and from the signs around us, I recognized the tavern, we semi-regularly frequented with our friends.

Two steps in front of me, Astarion slowly came to a halt, panting, his chest rising and falling. I almost ran into him because I wasn’t expecting to stop so suddenly, so I caught my breath and asked:

“Why are we stopping? They will come around the corner any seco…”

But before I was able to finish my sentence, Astarion had pushed me against the wall of the tavern and stepped so close to me that his whole body hovered over mine. Then he looked me in the eyes and mouthed:

“Play along.”

“Play along with what?”

Then, without giving me time to process my thoughts, he embraced my face with both his hands and came so close that our noses brushed against each other. I could feel his heavy breath against my lips and was sure that he could feel mine, too. But I just stayed like that, his mouth hovering just millimeters over mine and us both watching each other.

“Let your hands roam over my back.” He didn’t say it out loud, but I could hear his thoughts over our connected tadpoles. Without giving it much thought, I moved my hands from my sides to his back and gripped the fabric of his shirt.

Then, he angled his head and brought it up to my neck, as if he would caress it with his mouth or, drink from it from the look of a bystander. All this without his lips ever touching my skin but his breath burned itself onto my neck and I wished he would really touch me.

My eyes were still wide open, and I couldn’t quite believe what was happening. But in the corner of my vision, I could make out two silhouettes which were looking into every street but eventually, ran past the alleyway we were standing in. Now I understood what he meant by playing along. When I was sure that they had run off, I finally murmured:

“Hmmm…Astarion? They are gone…we can stop pretending.”

“Oh, yeah right”, he said and stepped away from me. “Sorry, that must have been surprising, but I had this idea suddenly and just wanted to get them off our heels. Are you alright?”

His eyes scanned me up and down. I nodded and we continued our way to the camp just outside the city.

“I am okay. Thank God you had this idea, I don’t know if I could’ve run anymore.”

“Same here. Maybe we should better scout the areas we want to get into next time”, he suggested, and I burst into a fit of laughing and playfully pushed him against his shoulder.

“That coming from you? Mr. Wing it? I told you we should investigate the guarding system of the warehouse, but you were all like ‘It will be fine”, I said and tried to mimic his voice.

He scrunched up his nose. “I totally don’t sound like that.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Not discussing this with you”, he said, and we both continued our way.

And I wondered what his lips would have felt like if he had really kissed me…

[triflesandparsnips]

stede bonnet is weird about touch

The beginning of a four-part journey of overwhelming nonsense, featuring more research than was strictly necessary. But fuck it, here we go.

Figure 1. Local man commits to least possible physical interaction imaginable with new fiancee.

Because it was driving me bananas that I was picking up on this thing that very few others seemed to notice, and also because I am desperate for a particular brand of hurt/comfort Stede-fic in this fandom:

I watched the entire series again and made up a bunch of charts detailing all the ways Stede is touched, touches others, and the degree of "closeness" of those touches.

You can find the finished product here -- first page is an overview, and remaining pages are breakdowns of each episode, including notes. If I missed something, or you disagree with a classification, pop in a comment. (You can also see my progress and original notes here.)

Broadly, though:

Stede is both touch-starved and touch-sensitive. And you can see it on the screen.

Because there's so much here, this essay got ridiculously fucking long. As such, I've divided it into four parts -- links to each section will be at the bottom of each post, but I encourage people to engage with whatever part of it they want.

Why is this important, though? Why go to all this trouble?

I think this behavior tells so fucking much about Stede, and that understanding his relationship with touch is crucial to getting a more rounded idea of his character.

I'm this close to calling it criminal that we aren't more thoroughly acknowledging how much nuanced work Rhys Darby and his various scene partners put into this, holy shit.

I want to see this in fic, damn it.

And with that, finally:

✨~My evidence, let me show you it.~✨

-----

1. Stede wants to be touched, but is afraid of it.

Stede expects either violence or withdrawal from loved ones (or ones he's supposed to have a close relationship with, at any rate) if he's done something to displease them.

Nearly every memory of Stede's father involves this on some level: blood on Stede's face (and castigating him for his squeamishness), yanking Stede's arm, bending over and getting into his face specifically to yell at him, and not looking at Stede when Stede's essentially asking for comfort prior to his marriage.

Some of Stede's memories of Mary at the dinner table show her as angry and physically distant from him (regardless of whether that memory is an accurate one). This is repeated later in episode 10 when we see her and the children again on the opposite side of the table.

The anniversary gift scenes in episode 4 are particularly telling: When Stede gives Mary his gift, he starts by dropping to a kneel next to her, his arm up on the table near her -- and then Mary, over the course of realizing what he's done/doing, proceeds to retreat from him three times -- once a little ways, then again farther to the other side of the chair, and then finally leaving her chair entirely to face him. As Mary does that, Stede mirrors her retreat, a few beats behind and in reaction to her withdrawal, finally standing from his kneel, curling into himself, and losing his consistent eye contact with her.

Figure 2. Totally okay and not-at-all concerning body language in response to an upset life partner.

Ed reinforces this belief when he leaves the Revenge with Jack (immediately after Stede has actually expressed anger at someone he believes is Ed's friend).

Considering all this, when Ed almost immediately runs off to find a dinghy in episode 10, leaving Stede alone right after he's participated in an act that's transgressive on multiple counts (gay AND cheating on his wife, tsk tsk)... well. It may not be what Ed intended, but there's a bit of Stede's brain that thinks "Ed left; therefore I did something wrong."

Interestingly, this means that Stede will sometimes initiate the withdrawal if he perceives that someone's displeased with him.

This could be for a couple of reasons: if he does it first, it makes it a choice on his part rather than a rejection on theirs; likewise, if he does it first, then perhaps that might placate the other person (by removing his "wrongness" from their presence). Most likely it's some kind of inseparable combination of the two. We see how this maladaptive practice bears out with:

Mary presenting Stede his anniversary gift. At the start of the scene, he stands next to her, leaning in slightly, with his hands to either side; when he realizes he's insulted her, he doesn't step away but he does clasp his hands in front of himself, effectively removing the possibility that he might accidentally touch her skin (or she, his).

Stede leaving Mary and the children.

Stede offering Ed a nature walk. Ed demurs (using language that implies Stede's suggestion wouldn't be acceptable to various people) and Stede actually subtly leans away from him as his smile drops. You can see it below, particularly if you keep an eye on his relation to the rope in the background between them.

Figure 3. The subtle tragedy of a man whose best friend has just said that maybe his interests aren't actually that cool.

Almost as soon as Ed lets go of Stede's face following the beach kiss, there is a very slow distancing happening between the two of them.

Stede leaving Ed.

Finally, one of Stede's ways of withdrawing from someone else's "space" is by losing eye contact.

This is something he developed after childhood -- while in flashbacks we see that tiny Stede holds eye contact solidly with Father Bonnet (and only turns his head away when he's shocked by the goose's violent death), by the start of the series he's pretty awful with it (dropping his gaze when Olu shakes him; closing his eyes to hide from the Nigel "ghost"; eventually dropping his gaze when Mary yells at him about the model ship).

He improves over the course of the show and as he gains confidence, though it's easiest to tell in scenes of threat/violence where he would previously have dropped his gaze-- this includes his steady stare at Calico Jack when he orders him off the ship, his violent twist of Doug, and his anger at Mary after the murder attempt.

However, when he feels uncertainty, that trouble with eye contact comes back again... including, unfortunately when Ed asks him to run away to China.

Figure 4. Local baby gay in middle of sudden revelation as to own sexual orientation is faced with object of said revelation asking for a life-changing decision instead of just, like, double-checking the kissing thing some more

-----

ONWARDS:

-> Review the raw data and notes

-> Go to part 2: Stede will avoid touch to protect himself.

-> Go to part 3: Stede has found/developed "safe" ways to physically interact with people.

-> Go to part 4: The top three people who touch Stede, or who Stede touches, are Ed, Mary, and Izzy.

[yourplayersaidwhat]

DM: The ghost is asking to temporarily possess one of you in order to get his revenge on the Beholder.

Warlock [sighs]: Alright, I'll do it.

DM: You don't have to, you know...

Warlock (ooc): Look if one of us is gonna do it, it makes sense if its me. You all have like curse removal and exorcism stuff if the ghost overstays his welcome.

Warlock: Alright [Ghost] we'll help you. Though more recently I've come to have a more immediate and intimate relationship with another God, I am also a follower of Tyr as well and I am sympatheticto your plight. You're welcome to temporarily possess me to destroy the Beholder and free yourself of your curse. But you should know however I am sworn and beholden to another so unless you want to bring down the wrath of [Cthulhu] you'd better keep you're end of the bargain.

[kyoshi-lesbians]

I’ve said this before but that mai dating zuko literally makes her gayer is so funny. “I love zuko more than I fear you” and she's STILL SO GAY. that’s crazy.

[unorcadox]

Do you notice it looming over us now?  --  part 1 of a series [part 2]

[readychilledwine]

Eris Week Day 7 - Free Day

Kissed by Fire - Series Prologue

Happy last post of @erisweek2023. You've all met Amelia post mating bond acceptance, but this series is about her journey and the beginning of her and Eris's story.

Warnings - drowning and death

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The Cauldron was cold. The kind of cold you never actually recovered from. It just stayed with you haunting you until death, and only part of Amelia was ready to die. 

She fought the deep water, swimming as hard as she could in a never-ending darkness.

"The oldest sister, the wanderer, the adventurer. I've been dreaming of you, sweet girl," a dark feminine voice caressed her  ears as she let out the last bubble of breath she had been holding onto. 

Her lungs burned, begging for oxygen. She pleaded for someone, anyone to come save her. "I have plans for you, traveler. No longer will you be burdened by confinement. I've been waiting so long for you," a faint golden light came from the inky darkness. 

It reminded Amelia of her favorite time of day. That perfect part during the sunset, where the sun hits the horizon, spraying rays and basking the world in molten gold light. "Golden hour," she had called it once as she braided Nesta's hair into an intricate crown. "It's that last beautiful moment before the sun and the moon realize they must say goodbye again." 

Her veins burned as it flowed into her, through her, igniting every nerve into sheer agony. She tried to scream, but water rushed quickly into her lungs. Please, she pleaded. Just take me.

"Sweet Amelia Archeron. Travel, wander, get lost in this world and all others connected to it. Be free." Darkness spotted in her vision despite the bright light continuing to enter her body.

Amelia stopped fighting at that moment, closing her eyes slowly. Death had finally come, and what was the point in fighting when she could just welcome it?

[fanta2y]

Inherently Worthy Pt.Three

FINALLY ITS DONE HOLY SHIT.

I dont know how I feel about it, I think i like it? but i mainly hope you guys like it.

cw: talk of self-worth issues, some description of blood and gore.

word count: 2.4k

part four

Your recovery had been smooth sailing. Being told by a very stern and scary Shoko that you weren’t allowed on any missions, especially solo ones, for at least a month. And then after that, you could only go on missions with low-grade curses.

You were embarrassed to say the least, being stripped of your strength so easily. Forced to lay in bed all day, do minimal training so not to push yourself. You felt so weak, so coddled. It made you want the Earth to swallow you whole and never spit you out. 

The missions you were scheduled for were a little bit insulting to say the least, low class curses that could easily be exercised by first years were the only thing Sukuna allowed you to do. And it was always him that escorted you, he declined any and all solo missions just to be sure his schedule was cleared for you. 

It made the guilt increase tenfold, it ate away at you. Every night before bed you stared at the ceiling, sleep eluding you as you wondered and wondered. 

Everytime you closed your eyes you were met with the image of Sukuna crying, not eating, sitting by your bedside as you rested blissfully unaware of the pain you were causing. Just because you were too weak, too cocky, to exercise a stupid curse. 

The resentment, the annoyance, he must feel. Having to practically babysit you day in and day out. It irritated you that it was always him, there were plenty of other sorcerers who could accompany you. You were sure that he would much rather be off doing his own solo missions, earning the money you know he needs to take care of himself and his younger brother. 

Many nights you simply couldn’t sleep, you would find yourself pacing your room as the thoughts consumed you. You wanted to free him of you, since all you were doing was weighing him down. 

No matter how much you enjoyed his constant company and warmth, he would help you and guide you. Making sure you weren’t pushing yourself too hard and that your recovery was going smoothly. 

In any other circumstance, you might even think that he felt the same way. With the way he hovered over you, had cooked for you, even carried you home that one time on a mission where you twisted your ankle. No matter how many times you assured him you could walk just fine on your own, he insisted on carrying you all the way back. Not even thinking of letting you go until you were seated on the edge of your bed. 

It made your cheeks flush whenever you thought to hard about it, you were sure you saw a warm small smile on his lips as he took your shoes off. Gently rubbing the bruising skin on your ankle. 

But it was probably just a trick of the light. Had to of been. Too tired and your mind too muddled to properly process what was right in front of you. 

It was after that night that you had made the executive decision to avoid him. 

Every time you saw him in the halls, you would quickly move past him or simply turn the other way. You began training alone again, opting to do it within the hours when you knew he wouldn’t be awake or around. You were determined to show him that you were fine and that he was able to get back to his own life guilt-free. He didn’t need to pity you any longer. 

You currently found yourself sitting outside, just finished up an easy training session with some of the other second years. You could tell they were still going a bit easy on you, and it was probably for the best. Not that it didn’t still bruise your healing ego. 

Eyes closed, face leaned up towards the sun high in the sky. Soaking up the rays with an easy smile on your face. You stayed like this for a while, listening to the trees swaying in the wind, the birds chirping peacefully above you. It all felt serene, you could almost let your worries fly away for a moment. 

Until a shadow moved over your face, you peeked one eye open and saw the last face you wanted to see.

Ryo. 

At seeing it was him, you shut your eyes again. Humming noncommittally to his presence, hoping that if you didn’t entertain him that he would get bored and leave you alone. You didn’t really want to get up from this spot. 

“What have you been up too?” He asks, a certain strain to his voice that you wouldn’t let yourself think to much about. 

If you truly wanted him to be free of you, than you had to detach yourself as well. No matter how much effort it took you to swallow down the question of what was wrong. No matter how much you wanted to simply tug him down next to you like you would have done before. 

But this was better, this was what he deserved. 

He deserved someone better than you. 

You willed yourself not to wince outwardly at your own thoughts, “Training, resting, you know the usual.” You replied, hoping to sound bored. 

He sighed, and you could hear his eyebrows pinching together from where you sat. Didn’t even have to open your eyes to vividly imagine the look on his face, the emotions in his eyes. 

Everyone else thought he was a tough cookie to crack, a hard person to read. But you never understood that, his emotions always showed on his face. And if not there, then you just had to look in his eyes. And in those pools of red, you would find them swirling around in the colors and flecks of gold. 

You were always able to tell what he was feeling, how he was doing. You figured no one else looked hard enough to see him like you did. 

The shadow moved from your face, the sun pouring down on your skin once again. You had released a deep sigh at his departure, but then you felt his presence shift next to you.

He had sat down, leaning on the very same tree you were. Your shoulders brushed together, and It had been almost a week since you guys had said more than 3 words to each other. Let alone been this close. 

You almost recoiled at the shock that ran down your arm, the goosebumps that erupted along your skin. 

You felt pathetic.

“Are yo-..” 

“Im fine.” 

This time you did recoil, you cut him off with harsh words. The irritation you felt at your own patheticness spilled out onto him. Yet again pushing your issues and making them his. 

You wanted to scream. 

“What is your problem?” He asked, the anger he felt bubbling in his own stomach showing. Sukuna was always a blunt person, never had a problem telling people off when they made him angry. He always had the fire power to back up what he was saying, so he never saw a problem with it. 

“I dont have one.” You kept your eyes shut, hoping to force down the annoyance you felt. God, does he not take a hint? You were trying so hard to just push him away and he was making it the most difficult task on planet earth. 

He scoffed, “Clearly.” If your eyes were open, you would be rolling them. You and Sukuna had always got into little spats before, your kind nature and his lack there of tended to butt heads more times than not. But you both had never been mean to eachother, not intentionally. You knew Sukuna was blunt, but never harsh. Not unless it was true. 

“What do you want from me, Sukuna?” Your voice was cold, and his last name felt foreign on your lips. 

You felt him freeze next to you, clearly not expecting your words. Before you could even regret what you had said. He left without another word. You heard his stomping feet, betraying his anger, as he became further and further away from you.

The hot tears pricked at your eyes, guilt and regret pooling through you. You couldn’t even make up your mind, him hating you made things so much easier. He didn’t have to hide behind pity and obligation to take care of you. 

Then why did it hurt so much?

Why could you feel your heart shattering into sharp edges, cutting through your lungs and up your throat. Making each shaky breath feel like nails scrapping down your insides. You could almost convince yourself that you tasted blood as it pooled in your mouth, but you knew it wasn’t there. It should’ve been. Maybe it would be a proper punishment for all your failures. 

– 

You are sitting on your desk, papers strewn about as you attempt to finish the work that Gojo had assigned. Some stupid essay on techniques or whatever. You knew he didn’t actually grade them, and you were pretty sure you were the only one that did them. But the perfectionist in you that preened at the praise couldn’t stop yourself from pouring in hours of your time. 

Typing away idly at the computer, flipping through books and articles. You heard a harsh knock on your door before you could even really respond, the door was forced open. 

Your head whips back to catch view of your intruder, and at the sight of bubblegum pink hair, you felt your heart sink into the depths. You attempted to school your reaction, return your pristine poker face that you had been attempting to prefect in his presence. 

The door slammed shut behind him, and despite your best efforts you felt your body flinch. Tensing muscles curling in tight on yourself, you looked up at him with the best glare you could muster. 

~His eyes softened at the display, he intentionally softened his movements. Quelling his anger if it mean’t you wouldn’t be scared of him.~ 

“You’ve been avoiding me.” 

At that statement, your eyes flittered from his face to the hands in your lap. You tried to get yourself together and put on the show you’ve been performing for weeks at this point. 

“I haven’t.” You kept your words short, knowing that if you talked for long enough you would just spill all of your secrets. Everything you had shoved deep into a box, only letting the emotions that had formed and shifted into thick tar that coated your mind, only letting it show in the darkest of nights. That was for your eyes only. 

In the moment of your unfocus, you didn’t realize how close he had gotten. Quickly swirling your chair around to face him, a yelp of surprise leaving your lips. His arms caging you into the chair you were sitting in, his face mere inches from yours. 

You could feel his breath billowing over your face, his fingers curled around your chin. Forcing your eyes to meet his, wide with shock as the pink dusted your cheeks. The proximity of your bodies getting to your head. His eyes were calculating, searching. He was searching your face for something, you couldn’t tell if he found it or not. 

“You have.” His voice was softer, lower. It sent shivers down your spine to hear it so close, you were stunned into silence. Trying not to choke on your own saliva. 

“Suku-” 

“Not my name.” 

You were attempting to force down the blush that was crawling up your neck, turning the tips of your ears a shade of pink. A sigh bubbling past your lips, fighting with yourself on your next move. You had always called him Ryo, ever since he gave you his first name. The nickname had rolled off the tongue, and when you first said it you weren’t met with a fist in your face. So you considered that a win all on its own. 

Ever since this whole “distance” thing, you had opted to call him Sukuna. This first time you did it, in the training field. He stormed away, clearly upset at the distance he didn’t understand. His anger confused you, but you figured that if you wanted this to work then trying to figure him out wasn’t your job anymore. 

His last name leaving your mouth had always left a lingering bad taste, it felt wrong in every sense of the word. And you could tell that every time it graced his ears coming from your lips, his scowl deepened and he rarely gave you a response. Not that you were speaking to him directly much these days anyway. 

“Ryo.” You whispered, eyes wanting to look anywhere but his. Darting around the walls behind him, even focusing on a piece of dishelved hair. Your fingers itched to put it back in place, to run your fingers through the surprisingly soft locks. 

He hummed at his name, a small smile gracing his features. 

“What’s been going?” His voice still that soft timbre that made your bones feel like jelly beneath your skin. His eyes filled with so much care, so much worry. 

You felt the low voice in the back of your mind, the one you had been entertaining more and more these past few weeks, “It’s pity.” It says, its voice like tendrils curling around your mind. 

“He could never love someone like you.” It reminded you, like it had every moment since that fateful day. Since that wretched curse sunk its filthy claws into you. It almost felt like it had left a piece of it with you, taking refuge in your mind. Plaguing you with thoughts of your own uselessness. 

But you knew that the voice had always been there, always reminding you to go that extra mile in training. To do that extra set, to take on that extra mission. To ask Gojo for private training sessions every weekend, leaving you with no rest. 

It had just gotten louder, and you had started listening again. 

You attempted to push him away, trying to pull the seat out of his strong grip. But of course, you were too weak. He was stronger than you, always had been always will be. 

It was the pitiful show of strength. Him speaking to you soft and sweet, which in any other circumstances would have made you spill. It almost had. 

This time, it filled you with frustration and anger. You wanted to bite and claw and tear, you wanted to feel your nails sink into flesh and feel the warm blood pool through your fingers. Even just to prove that you could, that you were strong enough. 

But instead, all that anger, all those boiling and bubbling emotions poured into one statement. 

“Stop pretending like you care."

tag lists: @moonmalice (if anyone else wants to be added then just comment!)

authors note: OMGGG THINGS ARE GETTING TENSEEE. I wanted to characterize this Sukuna as also being a bit confused about his feelings for you, but after that moment by the tree, he figures it out. which is what prompts him to come find you in your dorm ;) but yeah, i hope you guys enjoyyyy, im thinking of doing like 2 MAYBE 3 more parts depending on how it writes. yeah thank you for readinggg!! much love <333