#shadowidomauk fluff

[thebest-medicine]

Day 2: Accidental

Tickletober 2023 - Critical Role - Campaign 2 - lee!Essek

[see my other tickletober 2023 fics]

A/N: It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this? It was only a kiss. It was only a kiss. (Shadowidomauk but Caleb is out getting groceries or spell supplies ok.) [read on AO3]

Words: 661

—

From the floor, Essek makes his best attempt at a glower, his face fixed on Mollymauk, who sits above him, a few inches away, on the love seat. He tries his best to ignore the burning feeling rising in his cheeks as he takes in Molly’s absolutely devious grin.

They both stare, energy tense and prickling in the air, waiting for the other to make a move. 

Instead of attempting to dissuade him or plead, when Essek opens his mouth it is to start the incantation for Misty Step. Not the brightest move, but he was still yet unaware of just how good Molly was becoming at hindering a spellcaster in close range (thanks, Caleb).

“Well,” Mollymauk interrupts as he pounces off the love seat and onto the drow below. “This afternoon just became much more interesting.”

– 

A few minutes earlier, Essek had been thinking things would take a very different direction. He was laying against the love seat in the study he shared with Caleb beneath a very persuasive tiefling. The books the wizard had been studying lay strewn about on the nearby table. He had gotten less than an hour of studying in while Caleb was out before Molly traipsed into the study and demanded affection. He had asked Essek to read something to him on the chair, but that quickly devolved into him snuggling into the drow’s chest and starting to pepper kisses on his cheeks, taking his lips soon after. The book Essek brought over tumbled out of his hand as he readjusted to kiss him a bit deeper.

This was still rather new for Essek, Molly was quite a different type of partner than Caleb. They both shared a streak of mischief, though Molly was much more ornery about it. Mollymauk also showed his affection much more openly, and while Caleb pushed his mind, Molly pushed his… buttons. In the best of ways. Though it was sometimes not without inconvenience or embarrassment. Speaking of embarrassment… 

They made out for a few minutes before Mollymauk’s kisses began to trail off of his lips and catch the edge of his chin. Essek leaned his head back, eyes fluttering shut as he hummed. Molly kissed his way down Essek’s neck, nipping once or twice playfully. Essek was smiling, a pleasant squirm baring his neck further. Molly kissed just below his ear and Essek tensed up a bit, shaking it off when he pulled away.

Molly gave him a curious look, one that Essek barely registered, eyes trained on Molly’s lips, and leaned down and nipped at the side of his ear.

Essek let out a squeak, his whole body jumping with a flinch. 

Molly made a pleased sound and started to kiss and nibble the edge of his ear, from base to point. Essek screeched, hands coming up to push at Molly’s head and shoulders. “Wait- wait!” He laughed as his voice caught up to his brain. Molly blew slightly into his ear and Essek scrambled to the side, sliding out from underneath the tiefling and onto the floor, his cheeks bright. “Molly.”

– 

Essek would like to think he doesn’t shriek when Molly bounds after him, the attempt at Misty Step fizzling off his lips. Instead of somatics, his hands scramble to grab Molly’s arms. He rolls a bit, squirming to get out of the way. 

“Light above- you- you’ll kill me!” Essek cries out. He shuffles on the ground beneath Molly, wrists pinned near the sides of his head.

“Oh, I’ll do no such thing.” Molly pouts. He sounds so sweet, almost songlike as he continues. “So, tell me, are your ears the only place you’re ticklish?” 

“No!” Essek flushes more. “I-I mean, yes- I- I-” He feels giggles already starting to build up in his chest.

“Well which is it? No? Yes?” Mollymauk teases. 

Essek’s eyes meet his, frantic and bright. He shakes his head as he fights off a smile.

“Guess I’ll have to find out for myself.”

[languishedlaughing]

Rating: T

It wasn't often that Caleb woke after Molly. Draped over lavender chest, an embarrassing trail of drool puddling on inked peacock feathers.

[rainbowcaleb]

FICLET FRIDAY | Home Is Where The…

Prompt: warmth | Rating: G | Pairing: Shadowidomauk | CW: none | Words: 360

“Move over.”

The words came only seconds before a leg pushes into the lack of space between all the pillows, cats, and two bodies. The cats are the first to startle, Ava jumping down to the floor to arch her back in a stretch and swish her tail as she resettles on the carpet. Olly tumbles from the precarious cradle of someone’s knee and catches himself with claws on the blanket before hopping back into the jumble.

The leg belongs to a body that flops down in between the two others. “Any blanket to spare, or are you hogging it all for yourself?”

Caleb levels Mollymauk with a bemused expression. “Perhaps with a little warning, space would have been made.” He shuffles as much as he can on the small couch, pulling his legs in to let Molly lean back into the space.

“And what’s the fun in that?” They pat Caleb’s thigh, now easily in reach, and turn to the other couchfellow. “Oh hello, bedhead. Did I wake you? I didn’t know you actually slept.”

Essek huffs out a fond noise. “Then I guess we shall give away the large bed upstairs, if it seldom needs use by three.” He reaches up to try and smooth the mussed curls of his hair, his sideways position upon the pillows having squished any style down into a pancake.

Molly catches his hand. “I’m teasing. Leave it, you look cute like this.” They twine their fingers against Essek’s own.

“Well, I was going to make room for you, but you’ve rather taken away the ability of my hand.” Essek tugs on Molly, who repositions to let Essek drape his legs across their lap.

Caleb scoops up Olly, who mrrps in confusion before settling back to sleep in the crook of Caleb’s arm. “Want a cat blanket?”

“I’ll never say no.” Molly laughs as Olly is deposited without even waking; he simply flops to his back to show stomach fluff to the sky. “This little one loves people so easily, doesn’t he.”

“Reminds me of someone.” Caleb smiles, all years of fondness in the crinkle of his eyes.

[critter-rarepair-reccs]

Hello all! I hope you're having a lovely day. Today I bring you our very first recc list, featuring eighteen fluffy fics! Some are pure schmoop, some come with a side of angst, and a few with a touch of smut as well. You can find them below the cut and I highly encourage you to check them out, and leave kudoes and comments to spread the rarepair love 🩷

To Keep It All In by rabbitxheart (2071 words, Teen) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: Drug mentions

Fjord touches a weird mushroom thing that makes him high and sick and has to be babysat until the clerics can heal him the next day. While Caleb is sitting with him he tries to make a confession.

Reccer Says: It's really cute and Fjord has sweet moments with Beau and Nott too. Just great sickfic fluff

lips pressed to the palm of your hand by vietbluecoeur (2410 words, General) Pairing: Yussa Errenis/Marion Lavorre (Rubygold) Warnings: None

Yussa does Marion's makeup for her before a performance. She returns the favor. They kiss about it.

Reccer Says: It's just SO beautiful. Every word feels gilded or done up in the cosmetics that cover Marion's vanity. The whole thing is poetry, not least of all the relationship between Yussa and Marion. They're so sweet and you can feel the affection they have for each other in every sentence. The way they banter and tease each other is adorable and Viet's voice for Yussa is also just so fun (let that old man say fuck! XD) Also, the way the title ties into the fic is just so sweet.

a place for us to dream by glossolali (1105 words, General) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Shadowidomauk) Warnings: None

Essek, Molly, and Caleb share a cozy and domestic summer afternoon.

Reccer Says: I am a sucker for cozy cuddly domestic fluff and for Shadowidomauk and this combines the two in the sweetest package. They're snuggly and in love and it's absolutely wonderful.

cheap wine and new beginnings by bunnymauk (2618 words, Teen) Pairings: Past Lestera/Mollymauk Tealeaf, Hinted Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss (Shadowmauk) Warnings: Referenced drug use, referenced car accident

Essek and Molly leave the club early and hang out at Molly's place together, there's cuddling <3

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

fledgling pledges by hanap (3100 words, Teen) Pairing: Astrid Beck/Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Blumenshadow) Warnings: None

Caleb, Astrid, and Eadwulf go on a date with Essek, and each try to woo him.

Reccer Says: Its adorable

she said "take care", but i take more than i bring by MouseInTheCastle (3385 words, General) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss Warnings: None

Molly and Caleb are together, and Caleb and Essek are together, but Essek and Molly aren't - Essek gets sick and Molly takes care of him

Reccers Says: Warm and fluffy and cozy, very very sweet <3

December's Language is Imprecise Grief by Marvelouska (2688 words, Teen) Pairing: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast (Shadowidomauk) Warnings: None

Molly, Caleb, and Essek staying in the dorms over christmas break, and Molly and Caleb try to make it a great holiday for Essek.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

someone as lost as you by floralprintshark (6500 words, Teen) Pairing: Beauregard Lionett/Jester Lavorre (Beaujes) Warnings: None

Jester asks Beau about her first kiss. The conversation leads to a question Beau didn't expect.

Reccer Says: It's very sweet and has a lot of mutual pining and disaster lesbian Beau

Thread by Crewe (2256 words, General) Pairing: Fjord/Caleb Widogast (Widofjord) Warnings: None

Fjord and Caleb develop a routine at night, Caleb reading his books and Fjord mending his and his friends' clothes.

Reccer Says: It's quiet and domestic Widofjord from the very beginning of campaign 2.

Maybe by Tulikettu (3389 words, Explicit) Pairing: Shaun Gilmore/Vax'ildan (Vaxmore) Warnings: None

Vax thinks a good cuddle will really set him right. And Shaun must give the best hugs. (Fluffy smut ensues)

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

Vivere, Ridere, Amare by noconceptoflife (20189 words, Mature) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Anxiety

AU where Caleb meets the Brenattos soon after leaving the asylum and hides with them in plain sight. Pretend poly marriage turns real.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

The Maps are Gone (So Are Our Footprints Too) by J (6514, Explicit) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: Consensual voyeurism

Yeza knows Caleb and Veth have something special, and decides to show Caleb how best to take care of Veth on their travels.

Reccer Says: I enjoyed it!

Not Fancy Stuff by CriticalRolemance (3216 words, Teen) Pairing: Shaun Gilmore/Vax'ildan (Vaxmore) Warnings: None

Vax and Gilmore take a moment to forget about the looming existential threat of dragons and have a picnic dinner on the roof of Whitestone Castle.

Reccer Says: All the fics in this series are simple sweet fluff, but this one is probably my favorite. They're just a pair of romantic idiots and they deserve to get to be stupid in love together.

something sweet by roundtriptojupiter (4988 words, General) Pairing: Percy de Rolo/Grog Strongjaw Warnings: None

An oblivious, and very confused Percy, becomes subject to Grog's tribe-specific courting rituals when the goliath gets a crush on him. (He eventually gets the hint)

Reccer Says: It's a very niche ship written in a way that feels very authentic to the characters. It also completely got me onboard to the possibilities of said ship! As well as that, it's just a well written, very sweet fic. A great way to get acquainted with what is probably one of Vox Machina's rarest pairings.

The Scientist's Guide to Being Loved by tangereen (1237 words, Teen) Pairing: Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss (Esswulf) Warnings: None

Essek tries to figure out if Eadwulf is in love with him using logic.

Reccer Says: Essek is a goofy little guy trying to use science to explain emotions. I think it's cute.

bifurcation of heart and bone by 917651827 (2372 words, Explicit) Pairing: Eadwulf Grieve/Essek Thelyss (Esswulf) Warnings: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics

After his pregnancy, Essek can transform his body and fuck his partner the way he prefers.

Reccer Says: This esswulf focused entry in an Astrid/Eadwulf/Essek/Caleb series is so sweet! After he gives birth, Essek is able to get his dick back and fuck Eadwulf. They're both so loving and gentle with each other. It makes my heart burst!

Through the Years by piratesPencil (5649 words, Mature) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast Warnings: None

Scenes of how Caleb and Essek and the Brenattos' relationship grows over several years and they eventually form a polycule.

Reccer Says: I love each one on one scene between Essek and the others. Also great demi Essek feels 💕

And we have two reccs for; Today I Love You Even More by wtgw (5687 words, Teen) Pairing: Yeza Brenatto/Veth Brenatto/Caleb Widogast Warnings: None

Yeza encourages Veth to pursue her crush and is surprised when he ends up developing one of his own. Takes place in Xhorhas between the time Yeza is rescued and the time they’re able to relocate him; a very sweet fic about Yeza slowly falling for and awkwardly romancing the Wizard boyfriend his wife picked up on the road.

Reccer 1 Says: I loooooove Yeza's characterization his dynamic with not just Veth and Caleb but the rest of the nein is great Reccer 2 Says: I always love any story fleshing out Yeza and his personality+motivations, and this one does it so well! His patience and kindness in letting Nott persue Caleb, and then his own developing feelings, are just so endearing and fun to read about.

Thank you for joining us for our very first recc list! We'll be doing these every Wednesday for the foreseeable future 🩷 All enclosed recommendations were submitted by the community via our submissions form, which you can find here. All fic information is as it was provided by the reccer, so it may not be accurate to the author's intent or the precise contents of the fic itself. Please assume good intent from all parties 🩷

Submissions for next week's list are already open! We'll be featuring Modern AUs. If you have any you'd like to highlight, you can send them in here. The week after that, the theme is Whump, and you can also submit fics for that now!

If you want more rarepair fic, check out @cr-summer-wildflowers and their event collections on ao3! If you want some friendship after all this romance, take a look at @critter-genfic-events and their recc lists! And if you're interested in everyone's favorite wizards, you can't go wrong with the lists at @aeor-is-for-reccing !

Thanks all and have a lovely day/night/timezone! 🩷

[glossolali]

Shadowmauk

1.9k

fluff, language of flowers, gift-giving, pre-relationship, confessions (sort of), polyamory, background Shadowidomauk

–

Molly gives him a funny look once or twice, and receives no answers, just anxious, furtive looks. He looks slightly annoyed and… constipated perhaps, so Molly probably said or did something untoward and didn't notice and he's about to tell him off about it.

In proactive retaliation, he's wondering which would be more fun, and which would show him even more special, secret sides of Essek – let this get drawn out till Essek says something and simply sit back to observe, or just corner him and antagonize him a little– gently, socially?

–

happy birthday quinnieeee @quinn-of-aebradore

💕🥰 love youuu pls enjoy the ourps 🤲💜

[grayintogreen]

Top Ten CR Fluff Fics

Hooo boy. These are gonna be pretty... Not varied because man I don't have a TON of fluff saved in my bookmarks because my draw is the delicious pain, so this is once again not going to be TOP ANYTHING, but ten fics from my bookmarks that fit the genre that I really, really enjoy.

hey, soul sister by invoked_duplicity. This one PROBABLY should have been on the last list. It's an ADORABLE Beau and Jester fic.

Naming the Stars by eponymous_rose. This fic is woefully so beyond being canon compliant, but it's a really fluffy Nott and the M9 fic.

AILUROMANCY (The Ballad of Caleb and the Meowty Nein) by Mikkeneko. An adorable fic about everyone but Caleb getting turned into cats because of an arcane trap and all the hilarity and cuddling that involves.

Cadentia by Chandri. A Shadowidomauk fic that was written after 140 that is just SO SOFT.

A Fur Lined Cloak by chaya. This one really pushes the definition of "fluff" but EH. IT'S WHAT I LIKE IN A FLUFF PIECE. It's Widomauk and deep cover missions.

What To Make of Me When I'm Gone by Angel Ascending. Morbid fluff with the Bell's Hells.

DETERMINATION by Senor_Sparklefingers. Another one that kinda meebles on being straight fluff, but fuck it IT FILLS ME WITH WARM FUZZIES AND IS THE ONLY SOULMATE AU I HAVE REALLY LOVED and also written by one of my fav authors.

Daydream in Blue (Almost) by stardustedknuckles. Beauyasha fluff and humor.

path of the traveled sun by mousecookie. A really sweet Verin and Essek fic.

He Did the Goat Dance Very Well by Operafloozy. A really awesome Kingsley piece dealing with figuring himself out.

Well, I managed to make them more varied than I expected!