#well not heart yet but interest to say the least HAH

[jeeaark]

how did greygold react to wyll attempting to flirt with lae'zel?

Baffled

[fanfics-with-coffee]

Wants

More ramblings of an insomniac, still not proofread but i wanna throw this out here. We're back on our smut roll as well!

No one really cared what Astarion wanted or didn't want to do. He'd stopped resisting at some point, just letting whomever had higher status overrule him even when it came to his own body. But you, you didn't do that. You never asked him to do something he didn't want. So he asked himself; what did he want? You. He wanted you. Could he have you?

Genre: Smut Pairing: Astarion x (fem)reader Kinks: PiV, little bit of orgasm control, biting, marking, dirty talk Words: 7400+ Need something to listen to? This is what I listened to while writing this: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XkxtmnNB3RI55o414xpdx?si=ef01f7ab913f4a26

Astarion wouldn’t say that you liked him per se, it’s doubtful you even enjoyed his company unlike how you enjoyed the company of say Wyll or Shadowheart. Yet you couldn’t possibly dislike him either, after all; who let’s a vampire drink from them if you didn’t at least tolerate him. 

“Is he yours? He’s quite handsome, that can’t be a coincidence, you know how to pick them.” Her eyes scanned him, a smile tugging at her lips as he seemed to evaluate his very existence.

“...You mean Astarion? I didn’t pick him, he’s here ‘cus he wants to be. Besides, if I knew him beforehand it’s doubtful I’d pick him anyways.” You replied, arms crossed over your chest.

“Hah! You’re funny, well he’s clearly under your command anyways. Won’t you let me borrow him? I’ve always wanted to be bitten by a vampire you see…” She drew closer, her eyes still looking him up and down. Nausea grew in his belly, his throat closing up.

Astarion wouldn’t say he liked you either per se, you didn’t make yourself the most personable exactly. You were blunt, which he enjoyed, as long as it wasn’t directed at him. Yet you weren’t afraid to speak your mind when he tried to play with you. Every and all attempts to get under your skin was answered with distinct indifference, not full rejection but without skipping a beat you continued whatever line of thought you had started. The most he could pull from you was the occasional laugh at his antics, mocking his clearly practiced recitals of lines he’d used dozens of times on hundreds of other people. You often replied with your own dry sense of humor. Sometimes though, he could swear that your cheeks flushed ever so slightly, but it was hard to tell since these few times were also those when you promptly turned your face away from him, suddenly a lot more interested in a bird or bush. And if he pushed, you were suddenly convinced you heard Karlach break something or Gale needing help with supper. He considered giving up, treating you with the same distance he kept to the other companions, yet you always seemed to gravitate back to his tent, to the spot next to him or simply to wherever he was. He wouldn’t say he liked you, but he couldn’t deny that he enjoyed your company.

“Well, I’m a spawn technically so you know, not a true vampire.” He managed to keep his voice light and comical, a half-hearted attempt at dissuading her, to keep her hands to herself. “Besides, I think I’d like to keep my teeth to myself this time.”

“Mh… Well no matter, you’re pretty enough to make it an overseeable difference. But I didn’t ask you, spawn.” The word was an insult. “I was talking to your commander here, or is it master? I can make it worth your while.”

The bite in your words and the general lack of give to his pushing and pulling gave him a weird sense of comfort. He could spew whatever lines he’d used before, chewed up and spit back out over and over again and you just… moved past them. You were bored by them, but not by him. He felt comfortable telling you about Cazador, about his scars, both physical and mental. You’d never gone too deep, but you had listened and you hadn’t let it color the way you treated him. There was a certain respect to the way you kept him at a distance, he couldn’t trap you under his thumb even if he tried. Yet you stayed besides him.

“Why in the nine hells are you asking me? I told you, I don’t own him, he can do whatever he wants. Mostly anyways. But he seems to be disinterested in whatever you’re offering so.” You didn’t spare him a glance, instead keeping your eyes on the drow woman. You were cautious too.

“Tsk, well if you’re unwilling to barter, I guess I’ll just have to go directly to the source.” She looked annoyed for a second before putting a face of seduction, temptation. She sensually moved her hair away from her neck, draping it over her opposing shoulder and tilting it towards him. She began to walk closer. Astarion could feel panic rise in him, instinctually taking a step back, unsure of what to do. “Come on, spawn, isn’t this what you were born to do? Feed?”

And when he was desperate, hungry and weak that night in the forest, his first instinct was to feed from you. Not because he hated you, far from it. But because he respected you and because he knew that if you found out; you might not judge. He hadn’t been careful enough when he hovered over you, accidentally waking you from your slumber. He had scrambled, fearing that this was it for him. He had slipped up and now any and all trust he had accumulated, though perhaps unfounded, would be wasted and he’d be banished if not worse. Yet you understood. He doesn’t know why, but it seemed like you did. And that night you let him feed from you, despite the pain it undoubtedly caused. And in the morning, you pretended like nothing had happened, like last night was as peaceful as all the others.

Maybe he did like you, just a little bit. You’d at least earned that much. But he had done nothing to earn that same sentiment. 

Yet…

“One step closer to him and I will be the one to spill your blood instead. He said he didn’t want you or whatever it is you’re offering.” 

You had taken a single step to place yourself between the woman and Astarion, keeping her from getting any closer to him. It was doubtful that you’d actually do anything against her in the very center of Absolutist territory. But he wasn’t certain, the way you firmly placed your feet on the ground and the way he could see your muscles tense beneath your armor from this far away told him that you just might. There’s the distinct tension of magic in the air, crackling just beneath the surface of the weave but enough to make the hairs on the back of his neck stand. It lasts only a brief moment before the drow relents.

“Fine, do as you wish. What use do you have for a vampire that won’t even do something as simple and natural as bite a willing victim? Even if he is a spawn.”

“What reasons I have for keeping him around is none of your damn business. Now did you have anything more interesting to say or are we done here?”

There was nothing else you needed from her and as quickly as things had escalated, it had passed. It was still a couple hours before you decided to call it a day and lead them back to the camp to plan your next move and eat dinner. Astarion hadn’t brought up what had happened with Araj the whole time, yet it kept replaying in his head. If he could dream, he would’ve assumed this was the pleasant relief of sleep. But it wasn’t, you had stood up for him. Not only that, you had kept him from doing something he would regret, because he knows that if you hadn’t stepped in or even asked him to do it… He would’ve. Weak willed as he was after all the times he had broken his own boundaries for others. 

Night in the Shadowlands was somehow darker than the days, despite the lack of sun no matter the time. And as if the darkness could swallow any sound, silence lingered in the camp. Everyone either occupied with their own issues or idly putting their hands to work managing their gear. Astarion had wandered away from his tent and from the campfire, safe thanks to the pixie’s blessing and comforted in the shadows. It was a sense of familiarity that was bittersweet after todays events. 

The air was cold, the breeze rustling the blood red leaves of the few trees that could survive this darkness. The temperature didn’t bother him, he had long ago forgotten how cool the nights got. He could smell the dampness of the earth and of the rotting trees, the smoke of the campfire a vague note beneath it all. He surely smelled of smoke as well, it stuck to his clothes and hair despite how much he tried to cover it. ‘Rugged’ had never been a good look on him, he much preferred the sweet notes of incense and wine. But the worries of everyday issues were forgotten as he let himself fill his lungs with the fresh air.

Crack

The sounds of footsteps brought him back to the moment and he quickly turned around, the thought of a shadow cursed boar or harper still a relevant danger. Instead he was met with a friendly face. A friendly frowning face.

“What are you doing out here? You didn’t even bring a torch or anything, no one knew where you had gone.” You stopped a few meters away from him, half expecting to be able to return to the warmth and glow of the campsite since you had found the lost vampire. A light cantrip had been cast on the crossbow you kept strapped to your back, you always kept it within reach.

“Oh it’s just you, hah I thought I was about to be ambushed for a second. Were you looking for me? Awh you even asked the others where I was, how cute.” He teased, giving you a playful smile before turning his back to you once again. He heard you sigh before your footsteps grew closer.

“You shouldn’t wander off while we’re here.” Your words held no weight, you knew you couldn’t stop him if he was to actually wander away from camp. They were more like an attempt to keep any guilty conscious from getting to you if he did get hurt. But he still liked the thought that you might actually have been worried. “...Are you looking for something to feed on?”

“Around these parts? Gods no, I wouldn’t even touch a dead squirrel with a ten foot pole around here, not after that damned raven. I’ve accepted that I’ll just have to make do until we’re in sunnier parts.” He could feel his stomach writhe at the thought of something to dig his fangs into. He knew you had let him feed from you before but he had never been the one to ask, it’d feel like breaking an unspoken rule.

“Makes sense, those things came out of nowhere. Even the corpses have been cursed…” There's a pause and hesitation to you, an abnormality in your conversations. “Why didn’t you drink from the drow?”

He knew you’d ask, yet his face grimaced at the mere thought of her and her blood.

“Bah, she’s a blood alchemist, who knows what kind of stuff is running through her blood? I’m sure I wouldn’t be allowed to keep anything down if I drank from her.” He quickly recovered from the unintentional show of genuine disgust. “Besides, what’s the fun in a willing victim?” He turned his head to look at your face finally, putting on another playful smile and hoping you’ll take his joke as a response.

You don’t. Instead you cross your arms and raise your eyebrows ever so slightly at him, waiting for the real response. He’s unwilling to give it and instead looks away, gazing down into the valley beneath the cliff you both stood on. 

“C’mon, give me a real answer Astarion.” You lightly bounced your shoulder against his, the casual touch a surprise but not an unwelcomed one.

“Ah, you always have to dig your nose into things, don’t you… Fine, I simply didn’t want to. But that’s no reason to turn down whatever aid she might’ve had…”

“It’s as good a reason as any.”

Silence.

You hadn’t judged him. You just… took his choice at face value. Did you really nearly spill blood on the floor of Moonrise towers simply because he didn’t want to bite her?

“That’s it?”

“...What? Is there another reason you didn’t want to? You should’ve just told me from the beginning then, but go on.”

It’s almost funny how seemingly clueless you are. A dry laugh escapes him.

“No, it’s true. I simply didn’t want to. But you’re just so casual about it! Who knows what kind of powers she could’ve given us? But you decided to threaten her instead, it’s highly unlikely she’ll sell us as much as a health potion or even an antidote from now on.” He waves his hands around, frustrated by your seeming lack of care.

“You said no.” You shrugged.

“I-” He pauses, dumbfounded. “I said no… I didn’t want to bite her and you respected that… You even stood up to her for me, even though you don’t like me. I just can’t seem to understand you.”

You suddenly look just as confused as he did a moment ago, turning to fully face him for the first time since you joined him in the dark.

“...Who in the hells said I didn’t like you?”

“Well… Well no one said it, but I mean it’s not like you enjoy my company. It’s obvious everytime we talk. You don’t even give me as much as a smile when I tell you you’re beautiful, and when I try to playfully ask you to bed you just mock me. Yet you always come wandering over to me and so I try again, I mean why else would you want to talk to me? I may not be a mindreader, darling, but you’re sort of sending mixed signals here. I thought we just acted on the basis of respect here.”

Did you want him to try harder? Or stop fully with his advances? He really didn’t know what you wanted.

“I… Well…” In the darkness, with you backlit by your crossbow, he might be mistaken but there seems to be a blush creeping onto your features. “Didn’t you ever think that maybe I just don’t know how to respond?”

Oh.

Oh.

Aren’t you just adorable? Smugness builds in his chest and he opens his mouth, about to speak but you’re quicker.

“Besides, it’s obvious you’re just a flirt and I… I didn’t like being so affected by someone who isn’t serious. It’s embarrassing falling for something that's so fake, so practiced. So I ignored the flirting, I knew it was just lighthearted fun after all.  And I still like you outside of the compliments and teasing.” You hold your crossed arms even tighter together, unable to look at him. Instead you watch the slow fog rolling across the barren land. Your face lit by the soft glow of the moon just above Last Light Inn.

Astarion hadn’t even had the thought that you simply hovered around him because you… liked him. It was such a simple answer and yet it would’ve been the last thing he could’ve guessed. 

He liked you too.

A lot.

A lot more than he had previously allowed himself to feel. Could he even allow it now? What if he had ruined his chances of something more than… than what already was. The status quo had grown comfortable, predictable.

“I see…”

It’s all he can say. He can see that it wasn’t what you had hoped he’d say even if you weren’t looking at him.

A moment passes in silence.

There’s a look on your face suddenly, it looks almost pained or embarrassed, maybe it was both but just as quickly as it had flashed over your features it was gone. You let out a sigh and let your arms fall to the side, turning away from the outlook, clearly about to leave.

“Well that was… the worst. Anyways, I’m heading back to camp. Take your time, I’ll make sure there's supper left for you when you come back.”

Astarion realizes in a heartbeat that he was allowed to want something more.

You don’t even get one step away from where you stood before a hand grabs your arm with unnatural speed, holding you back from moving any further away. You nearly jump out of your skin by the motion, staring at the rogue. His face and eyes now lit by your crossbow, his eyes are wide as he watches you like prey. A shiver runs up your spine, he’d never looked at you like this before.

“Earlier today, when Araj asked you to let me bite her, you said I could do whatever I wanted.” His eyes don’t leave yours and there's something about their intensity that makes your cheeks heat up.

“Mostly, anyways…” You repeat what you had told Araj.

That seems to have been all the confirmation Astarion needed, suddenly closing the gap between you as he takes a step closer and pulls you into him. You catch yourself on him, the sudden movement taking you by pure surprise. Before you can register what has happened properly, his other hand has grabbed your chin in between his thumb and forefinger with a firm grip and tilted your head up to face his. His unnaturally cool breath hits your lips as he’s leaned in, inches from yours but he stopped there. You’re trapped in his presence, it’s overwhelming in a way you always tried to avoid. But you wouldn’t dare move now, afraid to ruin whatever was happening.

“Then I want to kiss you…” His words are low, soft even.

“...I’d like that…”

In an instant his lips hit yours, soft and velvety. They feel just like you had thought so many times when you’d watched him talk. They’re cool compared to yours, something you hadn’t thought about but it somehow made everything feel so much more alive. Every soft stroke of his lips against yours was vivid as they parted and pushed up against each other, over and over again. The hand that had grabbed your face had smoothly slid to the back of your head, making sure he had you where he wanted you. The other hand had left your arm and was pulling your body against his, keeping you as close as he could physically keep you.

Astarion pushed into your body with a want, a need and a hunger you hadn’t ever seen him exhibit before.

He pulled away from your lips too soon. You didn’t realize how much you needed air before it filled your lungs abruptly in a labored breath.

In the glow of the moon and your makeshift light you could see his face. He was smiling at you, his fangs just barely peeking out from behind his lips. His eyes weren’t as wide anymore, instead crinkled at the edges from his smile but the look of predator remained in them still. He needed you.

“You taste divine, my dear.” You try to scoff, the comment was stupid in relation to simple kisses after all. But you don’t get much of a chance to react to his flirtatious attitude before he’s leaned back in, this time hovering over your neck with his mouth. His nose nudges the underside of your ear as he keeps your head still with the hand still firmly holding the back of your neck.

“But I want to taste your blood, if you’ll let me.”

Goosebumps spread down your arms and your breath catches in your throat. The hidden meaning of what he’s asking of you isn’t lost, not after today’s events. He wants your vulnerability, your submission, your blood. You had always been the one to tell him when he could feed from you, now he’s asking directly to do so. He wants to see your trust in him. That even when he’s a starving animal, he won’t hurt you, won’t take more than he needs. 

And he wants to show you how much he wants you.

His teeth graze over the soft skin of your neck, waiting for you to give him the sign. You nod.

His teeth pierce your skin, familiar pain shoots from the bite. You clench your teeth for a second before you relax, letting out a shaky breath. The pain dulls with his hands slowly starting to roam your body, one carefully tangling in your hair as he brings it up. He takes a soft grasp on it, using it to meaningfully guide your head to the side and giving him more space to drink from you. You don’t provide any resistance, all hesitations towards his advances were being washed away with each wave of pleasure and pain.

There’s no rush to him, no tension as he takes his time to enjoy you. Instead of the usual controlled and precise way he usually fed from you, when you both believed it to simply be an act of survival. Now he lets his tongue lap over the wound, the odd feeling of your hot blood and his cool tongue intermingling against your skin. He momentarily leaves the spot to kiss up your neck, intentionally letting your blood drip down and leave a trail as you shudder from the pleasure. His body is still firmly pushed against yours, his free hand carefully sneaking under your shirt to push against your bare skin. He’s pulling you against him and you've realized there's a rhythm to it, a slow and teasing tact to his grinding. It feels good, being so enveloped in him. When he feels ready again, he dips down to lick up the strip of scarlet that had formed, finishing with an open mouth kiss back where he started. The sharp inhale you make is punctuated by a soft moan, giving away your feelings and you realize you’ve been caught enjoying this maybe a little too much.

Embarrassment burns through you as Astarion pulls back to watch your face, a chuckle rumbling in his chest and spilling out between his lips, putting fuel to your fire.

“Now wasn’t that just adorable, I never expected you to make such cute sounds. Why haven’t you let me hear those when I’ve fed from you before?” He’s messing with you, a playfully mean glint to his eyes.

“You know why.” You say defiantly.

“Maybe…” He pretends to think about it, leaning back into you to place soft kisses along your jawline. The hand in your hair keeps you in place as he does. “But I want to hear you say it.”

“It feels good… this time…” You whisper but you know he’s heard you by the way you feel him smile against your skin.

“Is that so? I didn’t know you were such a masochist but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, who else would be so turned on by being bitten by a vampire.” He mocks you, the way he laughs leading to even more embarrassment and frustration coursing through your body. Partially by the way his laugh makes desire shoot right to your core.

He’s mean but it somehow turns you on even more, though you’d never tell him that. This is what you were trying to avoid after all, being so easily wrapped around his finger and put under his control. A part of you is still fighting his control and you try to step on his foot as payback.

Your foot only hits soft dirt as he quickly moves his own. Suddenly the grip in your hair is tightened and he pulls your head back further, forcing you to stare into his eyes directly. You’re scared that you were going to be met with anger or even hurt over your sudden and involuntary rejection. Yet all you’re met with is delight when you look into his eyes, his heavy breathing filling the night air with the smell of blood. 

“There it is, I always did enjoy the way you pushed back. I was worried you’d have gone soft on me.” He seemed ecstatic by your actions and you flushed again, he really did like it. “But just to make sure, darling… What do you want?”

For a moment you’re frozen, your head spinning from everything happening and partially from the blood loss. Not to mention the blood that had pooled somewhere further below. Yet worry brewed in the back of your mind and without thinking you blurted something out.

“What do you want, Astarion?”

You needed to know that this was what he wanted, despite him having taken the main lead, you wanted to make sure he had an out and that your own desires wouldn’t shackle him too.

“Oh sweetheart, you’re too considerate. But I strongly believe we want the same thing right now.”

“I want you.” The words spilled out of your mouth before you could think again and Astarion drank them up like wine spilled from the bottle.

“That’s what I thought,” he kisses you again, the taste of iron still fresh on his lips. “I want you too, afterall.”

His kisses distract you as his skillful fingers leave your hair and skin, instead grabbing the buckle of the crossbow holster that was strapped across your chest. He can't seem to keep his mouth quiet while he does it though, not that you should expect Astarion to be able to keep his mouth from running.

“I want you below me, I want to hear you gasp and cry out in pleasure…” He’s breathless, wrangling the strap of leather over your head, mindlessly chucking the crossbow somewhere nearby. The light still reaches you two, if just barely. Darkness claws it’s way closer, you pray it’s enough to keep you hidden away from wandering companions who wonder where you’ve gone. “I want you exposed and naked, darling, I want to dig my teeth into places only you and I will see.”

His fingers dig the rest of your tucked shirt out of your pants, his nails pleasantly scratching against your skin as he grabs bunches of the fabric and pull it up over your head as well. The cold air is suddenly intruding on your warm skin and you gasp. Astarion is quick to place his lips onto the newly exposed skin, placing kisses across your collarbone and to your shoulder.

“I want to feel your warmth against me, I want you to take me as you dig your nails into my back. I want to push you down just to feel you push back.” Your hands find purchase on his shoulders as his own hands grab your behind, using the leverage to once again pull you in close. You can feel the hardness that had grown between his legs. He keeps going, talking in a daze in between the kisses. You don’t know if he’s drunk on your blood or just aroused, maybe it’s a combination of the two. He’s grown warmer to the touch thanks as your blood reinvigorates him. “I want you to feel me, feel every thrust as I ruin you. I want to tease you until you cry, I want to punish you for holding back on me this whole time. I want you to feel what you’ve done to me.”

You don’t get a moment to respond to him, you don’t even know what you could say. He takes your hand in his as he helps you both lower yourselves to the ground, the grass tickling the palm of your hand as you find purchase. He pushes himself over you, his knees firmly placed between your thighs, still holding your hand to push you down until you're laying below him.

“I want you to want me, just as I am.”

There’s a vulnerability to his voice and his eyebrows knit together ever so slightly as he takes a moment to take you in. You look up at him, his white curls a little more messy than when you arrived and his lips a little more flushed. The moon is still high in the sky and though not as bright as usual, it’s enough to shine down on him and he looks… Ethereal. 

You take the pause in the flow to heave yourself forwards, pushing back and he lets himself fall back to sit on his knees as you kiss him again, slightly surprised. 

“I do, Astarion, gods be damned I do.”

You can’t take it anymore, he’s still fully dressed and you're desperate to see more of him and tired of being the only one exposed. Your hands grab at his shirt, messily working it out of his pants with a furrowed brow. A smile grows on his face and he laughs at your clumsiness before deciding to help you out. It only takes a moment for his own shirt to be discarded in the grass somewhere nearby. 

“You’re so forwards, did I really rile you up so much? I thought you didn’t like it when I ran my mou-” You interrupt him with a forceful kiss and he doesn’t hesitate to lean into it. Your hands finally touch his bare chest, letting your nails lightly scratch his skin as you run them further down. You feel him shudder.

“I like hearing you talk and you can run your mouth for hours but…” Your breaths are heavy as your hands reach his thighs, softly grabbing his legs. “I need you to touch me while you do it…” You’re trying to be bold but the desperation seeps through your voice and you look up at him through your eyelashes, unable to fully face him.

“Shit… Aren’t you just perfect? Who am I to deny you what you need…” He gives in to you, pushing you back enough to let him untie the lacing on your pants. It only takes a moment of shuffling until he’s rather expertly slid your pants off of you, leaving you in your undergarments. His hands grab your knees and part them enough for him to settle back inbtween them before they slide up your thighs. You're already working on the lacing at the front of your bra, pulling and tugging on the ribbons hurriedly. It gets even harder when Astarion decides he wants to taste you again, his lips finding your neck and hungrily licking for the taste your blood as left. He’s sucking hard enough that you’re rather certain there will be a bruise in the morning but you don’t care enough to reprimand him now. 

“Having some issues there, darling?” He teases as he feels you continue to loosen your bra, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin on the inside of your thigh.

“No, it’s fine, ah! There, I got it!” You finally get it loose enough to pull over your head but Astarion doesn’t waste any time. As soon as you’ve managed to get it above your chest, his mouth has found your breast and taken a nipple inbetween his lips. Your reaction is instantaneous as you arch your back into him with a loud gasp, your arms freezing above your head with the bra still tangled between them. 

His cold tongue swirls around the bud skillfully and you're sure you can almost feel his fangs grazing against the sensitive skin. You're unable to keep quiet and even when you purse your lips together, the sounds betray you. But Astarion prides himself on his multitasking, one hand finally reaching below the edge of your panties. You’re already drenched thanks to his previous actions.

“My-my, you’re soaked. How often have you imagined this? Everytime you’ve let me feed from you? Everytime we’ve been alone together? Or just when I’ve put the thought in your head, hm?” His fingers slide between your wet lips, slowly spreading them as a finger found and began to circle your clit, not quite touching it.

“It’s not like tha- ah!” He doesn’t let you finish, instead taking the moment you opened your mouth to slide two fingers into you, curling them ever so slightly.

“What did you say?” He mocked confusion, continuing to slowly thrust his fingers into you.

“I… I haven’t…” You manage to get out between moans and heavy breaths, your brain going into overdrive trying to focus on what you’re saying. Astarion clicks his tongue and suddenly his free hand has pinched your nipple inbetween two fingers and his thrusting has gotten quicker.

“Lying is a sin, didn’t you know that my dear? Are you afraid of hurting me? Here I was, hoping you’d think of me daily. The thought of you touching yourself just because of my bite would simply delight me.” He rolls your nipple inbetween his fingers and you can’t think anymore, all you can do is roll your hips against his hand and writhe underneath him. “Come on, confess to me, beautiful.”

“I…” You struggle to formulate any sentence but his attention doesn’t falter, instead he looks like a cat whose playing with a mouse. He shifts his body so your leg hooks over his thigh, pushing further up as he keeps pumping his finger into you. The new angle lets him hit that spot you can never quite reach yourself. The closer you get to formulating words, the quicker he goes until the lewd sound of his hand hitting your soaked pussy is all that can be heard. You’re getting so close. “Fuck- I have, I-I’m sorry-”

Suddenly he laughs, loudly and with a sharp edge of ridicule. His hand slows to a near stop, simply pushing and curling his finger as he grinds the palm of his hand into your clit, keeping you close to that edge of cumming. You’re dazed and confused when you look at him, why is he laughing?

“Oh you are simply a riot, you sweet thing.” He smiles too kindly as he pulls his fingers from you, leaving you clenching around nothing. He leans back as he sucks your juices from his fingers and push yourself up on your hands.

“Did I say something wrong?” You’re nearly panicked, worried you messed up and told him too much.

“No, no, not at all. The opposite actually.” He gives you a grin that clearly shows off his fangs.

“T-then why..?”

“You were close to cumming on my fingers, right?”

You nod, dumbfounded.

“I don’t want you to.”

“Huh? W-what, why?” Your brain is still hazy and you can’t think straight, his confusing answer didn’t make it easier for you either.

“Simply didn’t want you to.” You consider that maybe you did this to yourself, teaching him the power of simply refusing. You wanted him to have agency, but in this very moment you also wanted to cum. You wanted him to want you to cum. You can only guess that you looked especially conflicted because you were pulled from your thoughts by Astarions laugh again. When you look over to him, he’s untying the lace of his own pants. “Okay, no, I didn’t want you to cum on my hand because I want you to cum on my dick, simple as that actually.”

“Oh you’re such an asshole…” You mutter under your breath but his grin tells you he heard you as he pushes his pants and underwear down his legs. You take the moment to pull your own panties off.

“Ah, did you want to cum at all tonight, pet?” He threatens playfully as he finds his place between your legs but whatever reply you had died in your throat as your eyes land on his cock. You had imagined it before yet embarrassment had kept you from thinking of any details, yet there it was. Hovering over you, Astarion used one hand to hold himself up, the other softly tracing up your thigh as he took in your reaction and in turn observed your beauty. You laid beneath him, bare and vulnerable. Trusting and turned on. Just like he had wanted you. “Hm? Cat’s got your tongue? Come on now…”

He leaned in, kissing your lips once before once again lavishing the skin of your neck in open mouth kisses and playful nips that had you jolting under him. His cock just barely rested on your pussy lips as he slowly and softly moved back and forth.

“Fuck… Ah…” You sigh in pleasure but it’s not enough to satisfy Astarions ever growing need to embarrass you.

“Words, darling, use them. What do you want?” he whispered against your skin, pressing his cock further into the softness of your cunt with the base of his thumb, slowly fucking the space between you and his hand. Your slick coats him and he can’t help but sigh in relief. “Tell me, or I’ll just use you like this until I cum and leave you as you are.” It’s a threat without any truth, but it’s enough to push you to speak up.

“Maybe you should just… Shut up and fuck me, Astarion.” Your hand grips his hair, pulling it enough to guide his head back up to meet your eyes. The spark of your rebellion to his teasing thrills him to no end. “I want you to fuck me, is what I’m saying.”

Lips and teeth and tongue suddenly clash as he presses his mouth to yours. It’s messy and rough, you bite his lip and he moans. Your arms wrap around his neck. He finally guides himself to your opening and pushes the tip in. You both shiver, momentarily pulling away to whimper. And then all at once, Astarion pushes the rest of himself into your heat and you feel divine. You're forced to pull away and the feeling makes you drop your head back as you take a sudden, sharp inhale. Pleasure crashes over you and just as you feel like you can recover, Astarion is already ahead of you and starts to thrust. Whatever recovery you thought you could get is quickly washed away as moans and whimpers are all the things you can utter in that moment. His desire and desperation can be felt in the pace he quickly falls into, his mouth finding your breast once again but this time his earlier control seems to be gone. He bites into the soft flesh, his fangs sinking into your skin and you gasp. The pain and pleasure is overwhelming, the signals getting mixed up and all you know is that he feels good.

You lost count after the first three bite marks Astarion leaves on your body, you weren’t even sure if all of them broke skin or would leave any marks but surely some were. The thought crossed you, of meeting your companions when morning light comes and the view of the marks up and down your neck. And you, who had worked so hard to keep your attraction to Astarion pushed so far down, suddenly it’d be obvious you’d become his plaything. And yet the thought made you clench around Astarions cock, ecstasy taking over whatever shame you had just felt. 

Your peak was quickly building back up, and you repositioned your arms to grab around his shoulders and up his back. Letting your nails dig into his marble skin just like he had wanted.

“Hah, to believe you’d take me so well… Especially after all that grandstanding about- hah, fuck… not falling for the sweet things I say.” The smugness in his voice was annoying yet you felt your core tighten even harder at them. You dug your nails even harder into his back in response and you felt him stutter in his pace, a pleasured whimper slipping out from under his breath. “Shit,  yeah just like that, sweet girl.”

Of course he’d like it. You hide your face in his neck, unable to do anything else. You’re getting so close again.

A hand pushes inbetween you two as Astarion slips his thumb where you two are connected. He quickly finds your clit and presses down.

“Come on, I want you to cum on my cock… I want to push you over the edge, watch you cry out in pleasure…” You’re both dazed as he starts to rub your clit. Your back curves and you gasp, letting go of Astarion as you push your hands into the grass over your head, gripping it. “That’s it, cum for me, beautiful.” 

The last thing you register is his smile and his fangs glinting in the moonlight as you finally tip over the edge. You're flooded with white, hot pleasure as you screw your eyes close and arch your back off of the ground. Astarion doesn’t stop, his thumb relentless as he rubs you through your orgasm. He’s pounding into you, fast and rough but as you keep clenching around him he can feel how he’s losing himself. You’re still riding your high when his hands hit the ground on either side of your head and you can barely register his face as it hovers above you. He’s breathtaking, mouth slightly agape and eyebrows scrunched together. You see his white eyelashes as he closes his eyes, fully focusing on how good you feel around him. His pace becomes an uneven mess fueled by a frenzy and his feral need for you. Each hit of his cock against your inside sends another intense wave of pleasure bordering on pain and you take it, whimpering.

And as he pushes into you as far as he can the scales finally tip and he cums, flooding your insides with his cum. You can feel the pulsing inside you as he collapses over you, you both breathing heavy and slowly coming back down from your highs. 

It takes a minute before you're both in any condition to move, using the little energy you had gathered to roll over to your sides, facing one another. There's a comfortable silence as you let whatever happened to tonight soak in. Astarion is carefully watching your face, looking at the myriad of marks he’d left on your neck without even thinking. He never left marks usually, the proof of the nights spent with others made him nauseous. But his brain had been telling him that he should… that he needed to. He wanted you, after all. Reaching out with his hand, he carefully traced one of the bite marks. Your eyes suddenly widened.

“By the gods- What in the hells am I going to tell Shadowheart…” You groaned and hid your face in your hands. Astarion raised an eyebrow.

“...Was there something between you two I had just missed? Cus in that case I might not be able to come back to camp for a while.” He joked.

“No, no not that. I had just… mentioned to her that I wasn’t falling for your stupid flirting and how it was obvious you liked to fuck around and I just… Didn’t want that to be me. I’m pretty sure I called you annoying as well.”

Astarion once again laughed at you, the fact that you would both be facing a very judgemental Shadowheart was very amusing to him. He’d rub it in her face if he could, but the hickeys and bitemarks on your neck was probably enough.

“But now that is me… Ugh.”

“... You know I didn’t bed you just because I could, right?” Astarion spoke up, awkward in his approach.

“Well yeah the whole ‘I want you’ thing was pretty consistent. But what do you want with me?” And there was that straightforwardness he always found a little intimidating.

“I… I don’t know, but I want you. That’s all I know.” He studied your face before turning to lay on his back and look into the starless night. “Do I have to choose what that means now?”

“...No. Just… Tell me when you know I guess.” You shrug and turn to look at the sky as well. 

“Can I want you to come closer?” Astarion spoke into the night, his voice barely heard over the breeze in the trees.

You don’t answer, just shuffle closer to him, putting your head on his shoulder. He smiles, it felt nice having someone close even after you were… done.

“Though we shouldn’t stay here too long, I’m pretty sure I have grass up my ass crack and it’s colder than the hells out here. Sorry but you don’t exactly help either.”

“Oh aren’t you just charming, didn’t you ever learn some manners?” You both laugh and the shadowlands feel a little less… bleak, at least for tonight.

[danieyells]

care to spoil any interesting dialogue Haku has when you reach higher affinity levels? Would love to know!

Haku's so. . .normal, it's kinda cute? Lol. But yeah I'm pretty down for that! I wanted to share one of these things but held my tongue lolol but since you're asking here're some of the ones that were more interesting or otherwise appealing to me!

I've amended this post to be all of Haku's home screen lines. Enjoy!

Hello: (the first time the game is opened after that character is set as home screen NPC. Only happens once per day, unless the character is switched out and back.)

"Oh, finally here, huh? I'm not really ready for you yet though... Ha ha. Wait over there for me, would you?"

You've Got Mail: (whenever there's something in the inbox, usually Arena rewards)

"Oh, looks like you've got a letter. If you don't open it soon, I might sneak a peek."

Default: (requires no affinity, has no time constraints)

"How's the search for clues about your curse going? Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you ever want to talk, I'm happy to listen."

"Most people in Hotarubi have something they put their heart and soul into. That doesn't really work for me though. I lose interest in things way too easily."

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you've gotten yourself mixed up in something again."

this is a very funny one to have him say when i use the sinostra casino as my home screen bg

"Haha. Don't expect too much from me. Ghouls are just glorified street magicians, really. Let's keep it light, huh?"

'glorified street magicians' is a hell of a way to describe. . .a lot of the stigmas we've got going here lmao

"Boo! Ha ha, didn't think you'd get that scared. I was just getting rid of the shadow imp that was sticking to your back... I'm kidding! There was nothing there, I promise."

Affinity 1: (between 5am and 11am)

"...So, how about we take a walk? This dorm's seen better days, so it's tough work checking all the places that need repairs."

Affinity 2: (between 11am and 4pm)

"You've adjusted to life at Darkwick pretty well, haven't you? Not that anomalies and missions are something you'd want to get used to..."

Affinity 3: (between 4pm and 8pm)

"Today doesn't really work for me... I'm going to be getting back to the dorm pretty late, so can we do tomorrow instead?"

Affinity 4: (between 8pm and 5am)

"...Hate to be the one to tell you this, but there's something untoward lingering behind you. Don't look! Hah, I was just kidding. It was just a little dust, see?"

Affinity 5: (between 8pm and 5am)

"Twilight has been a lot quieter than usual today... I hope that's not a bad sign."

Affinity 6: (between 4pm and 8pm)

"Subaru's just too nice. Keeping all the eccentrics in Hotarubi in check's gotta be rough."

Affinity 7: (between 11am and 4pm)

"Everyone here comes from different backgrounds and has different gifts. There's no reason you should feel out of place."

'we're all unique, including the most ordinary among us.' good lesson!

Affinity 8: (between 4pm and 8pm)

"Looks we're going to make it through today without any disasters. At least I hope so."

Affinity 9: (between 8pm and 5am)

"What are you doing out here? You shouldn't walk around at night with your guard down. Don't come crying to me if you get possessed by a fox spirit, you hear?"

Affinity 10: (between 10pm and midnight)

"Your parents ever tell you ghosts would get you if you don't go to bed? For some reason Zenji's the only one who gets spooked when I say that..."

after the reveal that zenji is a ghost this is so funny actually I LOVE THAT ZENJI IS A GHOST WHO'S AFRAID OF GHOSTS AND THE DARK.

Affinity 11: (between 5am and 11am)

"All these geniuses and their lectures are giving me heartburn. Wouldn't mind hearing the woes of someone long-suffering instead every once in a while."

(this sounds cruel but from what i can tell in Japanese he says he'd rather hear stories about hard workers/people who struggled from the bottom than prodigies. Basically he's more interested in, y'know, ordinary folks than people who're really special.)

Affinity 12: (between 11am and 4pm)

"That video I took of Zenji today? I'm just going to do some quick editing and post it. I don't know why he doesn't just focus on content that's more his style..."

Affinity 13: (between 4pm and 8pm)

"I saw Tohma a little while ago. Been a while since we last had a real chat. Sounds like he's got his hands full, as always."

so i initially left this one out of this post because i didn't think much of it but. . .the way Haku regards Tohma is so much more casual than Tohma regards Haku in retrospect, it seems. To Haku, Tohma's just the usual hard worker. Someone he'd actually enjoy having a conversation with. But Tohma speaks to Haku almost as if with suspicion or disdain. . .then again he speaks kind of coldly to Jin too. Maybe that's just how he is with people he kind of knows or views as more on his level. Or it's something more sinister. Who knows.

Affinity 14: (between 5am and 11am)

"Mornin'. You've got a sleep mark on your face. Yeah, right there. Good to know you got a good night's rest."

Affinity 15: (between 5am and 11am)

"You haven't collected all the papers that were supposed to be submitted by today's deadline yet? Who are you waiting on? Got it. I'll go get them for you."

Affinity 16: (between 11am and 4pm)

"I don't mean to scare you, but... be careful with your right leg. Especially when you're in the main building."

Affinity 17: (between 10pm and midnight)

"Getting cold feet when you try to jump into the deep end is just proof you're a normal human being. We're the crazy ones."

Affinity 18: (between 8pm and 5am)

"Can't sleep? In that case, let's go for a little walk. There's actually something I want to talk to you about."

pretty high affinity to be having chats on night walks. . .i wonder what he wanted to talk about.

Affinity 19: (between 10pm and midnight)

"Just having someone you care about at your side is all you really need... Ha ha. That was a little out of character, huh? My bad."

Affinity 20: (between 5am and 11am)

"Oh, you're awake. I was just about to make some tea to wake myself up. Want some?"

Affinity 21: (between 11am and 4pm)

"It's not very often I get to kick back like this in the middle of the day. Maybe I'll take a nap."

Affinity 22: (between 4pm and 8pm)

"None of us wanted to become like this. Living an ordinary life, and dying an ordinary death— why go after more than that?"

He just wants to be normal. And he can't. It's kinda tragic lol

Affinity 23: (between 8pm and 5am)

"(Yawn) Oh, didn't see you there. Haha... Guess I've been letting my sleep debt build up. I'm going to bed."

Affinity 24: (between 10pm and midnight)

"Being cursed really sucks, huh? You can't help but ask yourself, "Why me?" all the time, even when you know it's a question with no answer."

Affinity 25(max): (no time constraints)

"I know I'm being selfish— but sometimes, I wish you'd just forget about me..."

WHY. . .ARE YOU THE SUS ONE AND YOU FEEL BAD THAT YOU'LL BETRAY THEM? DO YOU JUST FEEL LIKE YOU'RE TOO LUCKY HAVING HAD FALLEN FOR SOMEONE NORMAL WHEN YOU KNOW YOU'RE NOT NORMAL ANYMORE? DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE PC DESERVES SOMEONE NORMAL AND TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK TO A NORMAL LIFE BUT BEING WITH YOU GUARANTEES THEY WON'T? WHY DO YOU WANT THEM TO FORGET YOU. . .he's so interesting to me simply because of how much he tries to keep himself apart from his being a ghoul(and, y'know, seeing spirits and shit--) so he can try and just be any other guy. . .and he can't lol his surroundings, who and what he is, he can't go back to being normal! It's a charming way to have a boy next door sort of personality i think lol

Spring: (March-May) (between 5am and 11am)

"I've been noticing more birds in the garden lately. Is that a bush warbler? A white-eye, maybe? A lot going on during spring in Hotarubi."

Boy knows his birbs.

(between 11am and 4pm)

"Heading into another nice, warm afternoon. Maybe I should take a nap...? Oops, nearly forgot I promised Zenji I'd film him."

(between 4pm and 8pm)

"Must be nice being a ghost—no hayfever, and no hangovers. Spring really is the embodiment of human weakness."

How drunk did you get last night buddy. . . .

(between 8pm and 5am)

"My family home is pretty famous in our area for its cherry blossoms... When I was a kid, my friends and I used to go exploring through them at night."

Summer: (June-August) (between 5am and 11am)

"It's so humid... Days like this make me miss Frostheim..."

He's former Frostheim! Maybe that's why he and Tohma seem to have some history. There's also Jin's friend who left that Tohma helped to switch houses. . .but Haku was a second year then so would he have needed it?

(between 11am and 4pm)

"Today, I've got to go round and check the stalls for the festival Hotarubi is holding— wouldn't want any dangerous charlatans sneaking their way in."

(between 4pm and 8pm)

"Zenji's off roaming around somewhere again... People are more sensitive this time year, so I wish he'd just stay put..."

AGAIN, BEFORE WE LEARNED HE WAS A GHOST I READ THIS AND THOUGHT PEOPLE HE MEANT LIKE. . .SENSITIVE EMOTIONALLY TO NOISE AND ZENJI'S BIWA PLAYING. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT HE WAS WORRIED PEOPLE WOULD REALIZE ZENJI WAS THERE.

(between 8pm and 5am)

"You're not going to wear a yukata? Eh, I just thought it'd be cute to see. That's the kind of thing guys think about, don't know what else to tell you."

It reads like he's a little disappointed the girl he's into friends with isn't gonna wear something he thinks is cute lol

Autumn: (September-November) (between 5am and 11am)

"They say fall is the season of the arts, but I'm a really mediocre flute player. I'm about as uncultured as you can get."

funny thing for an ex-frostheimer to say.

(between 11am and 4pm)

"You can hear the biwa, right? He's been going for three hours now. People are going to start getting pissed off, so I'll go tell him to stop soon."

(between 4pm and 8pm)

"Nightfall can catch you unaware this time of year. It'll be dark soon, so let me know when you're planning to head home. I'll walk you back to the cathedral."

(between 8pm and 5am)

"It's a stunner of a night. Maybe I'll grab a drink and do a little moon gazing."

don't drink too much you're trying to quit smoking, the solution isn't to replace it with another addiction--

Winter: (December-February) (between 5am and 11am)

"You'll catch a cold dressed like that. It's already pretty chilly out there, you know... Here, take my coat."

(between 11am and 4pm)

"Winter rain really chills you to the bone. Sorry, walking through the garden must be rough for you this time of year. Come a little closer."

I'm a bit of a sucker for huddling together in the cold lol

(between 4pm and 8pm)

"It's cold again today. Now that I think of it, Subaru said he wanted to make hotpot with everyone. Guess I'll go grab some things and make it happen."

(between 8pm and 5am)

"Your hands hurt because of the cold? Let me see. Oh yeah, your fingertips are all red. Here, stick them in my pockets."

Is that your flute in your pocket or are you completely unaffected by the cold

His birthday: (July 26th)

"Wait, you got me a birthday present? You're so conscientious. Oh, I didn't mean it in a bad way. Thanks, I appreciate it."

Your birthday:

"Hey, come over here a sec. Here. It's nothing special, but I got you a something. Today's your birthday, right?"

why is this worded like he's asking you to come into a shady alley in secret to give you a birthday gift lmao

New Years: (January 1st)

"Happy New Year. I know it's a cliché, but I hope this year's a good one for you."

Valentine's Day: (February 14th)

"Whoa, chocolate? I didn't think you'd give them to me too. Guess I better think of something good to get you in return."

White Day: (March 13th)

"Here, for the chocolate you got me last month. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I got the ones I remember you said were good."

April Fool's Day: (April 1st)

"A bunch of spirits have been following you around all day, are you okay? Psych, just kidding. Seriously, I was joking, I swear."

Halloween: (October 31st)

"Looks like you've had your fair share of tricks today. I'll narrow down your options and just make it a treat, then."

Christmas: (December 25th)

"You look like you're having fun. Do you have a present for me, Little Miss Santa? Haha, I'm just kidding. Here you go. Merry Christmas."

Idle: (about 20 seconds without interacting with the game) (below 13 affinity)

"...Hey, you alive? Not much point me just standing here waiting around. Guess I'll take off."

(13 affinity and above)

"I know I look like a slacker, but I do have stuff to do. Guess I'll nap till she gets back."

Absent: (logging in for the first time in 2 or more days?)

"Hey there, stranger. Everyone's missed you, you know. ...Even I was starting to get a little worried."

Those're the ones that're most interesting to me I think! 'u' there are some that aren't up there though, like some of the ones that show him being responsible and worrying about his teammates haha. Hope you don't mind my little commentary here and there!

A while later and I've amended this post to include all of the home screen voicelines, not just the ones that appealed to me most in that moment! Haku's interesting in how. . .normal he is. Aside from the seeing spirits and things anyway lmao. He's just a casual flirt who wants to escape the abnormality that his becoming a ghoul got him. I feel like his lines don't really reveal anything about him. . .but also 19 in particular feels. . .a little lonely? Maybe because of how he had to leave Frostheim, he doesn't really feel as connected to the Hotarubi ghouls yet, compared to how he was with Jin before? Or, if he is the spy, he feels like all of his relationships are fake. . .and man that 'I wish you'd just forget about me' line is sad but also SO SUSPICIOUS. WHO SAYS THAT IF THEY DON'T PLAN ON LEAVING YOU OR STABBING YOU IN THE BACK.

[3rizu]

A Weeping Willows Dream

His pretty toy

Contents: Gojo x fem!reader - Shoko x Utahime - modern au! - pet names (sweetheart, pretty girl, and etc) - ooc

Word Count: 2,519

A/N: This is a bit shorter bc I had a project but the rest will be 5k+

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

It was nice and warm in the morning due to Utahime keeping the heater on, and Shoko had woken up, though she was a bit angry after Utahime told her about what Suguru had said and done to you.

“Gosh, you know he’s such an asshole. I can’t believe he did that to you.”

“You can say it; I know you want to.” You said knowing she wanted to say that she was right all along, and you messed up by not listening.

“I’m not going to be bitchy—I told you so. I’m sorry, you know I had to; it was tempting.”

Shokos said apologetically, though she was a bit glad Suguru was going to be gone from your life. Although Shoko hated the way he had hurt you before leaving, she was happy he left. At least for a little while, and hopefully enough time by the time he came back, you had someone else in your mind, preferably not somebody who was just as toxic as him.

“Nope, I knew you would. Although I am definitely taking your advice next time, I do not want to repeat those things again.”

"Well, I’m just glad you’ll finally be able to get over him. Though there’s a party happening, it's the birthday party of some girl, but everyone’s invited, so wanna come with me and Utahime?” She asked, though she was a bit nervous if you rejected the offer, knowing it’d either be because of Suguru or you just don’t want to go.

“Oh, really? Uhm… you know why not?" You said after thinking about it in your mind for a bit.

"Okay, that’s great. I’m sure they’ll be umm guys for you or whatever you like." Shoko said trying to coax you into coming with her and Utahime

"Yeah, after what happened, maybe not, but if I feel like it, I’ll definitely come with you guys.”

“Hah! Come” Shoko laughed at your words before settling down.

“Shut up”

—

11:31 pm

It was already late at night while you were watching a movie after not being able to sleep and having been worried if the girls would need a ride home. So you decided to watch whatever movie seemed interesting to you. Your phone rang, thinking it was Shoko or Utahime. You grabbed it and answered, not stopping to check the contact name.

“Shoko? Utahime?”

“Hey, sweetheart. It’s Satoru, not whoever you’re calling out to.” He said softly to you after hearing the worry in your voice.

“Oh, it’s you?” You said taking your phone away from your ear to see his contact name, ‘Weirdo🐇’

“Yes, I was calling to see if you hadn’t slept yet.”

"Well, I haven't, so is that all?”

“No! Uhm, I mean no. Anyway, I was going to ask if you wanted to come over tonight.”

"Uhm, I’m not sure about that.”

“Pretty please? I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

"Fine, I’ll come; just you pick me up. I don’t feel like driving.”

“Got it, princess.”

—

Gojo hummed while he walked to your door, knocking on it, waiting for you to answer. You opened the door a bit surprised, forgetting that he was coming to pick you up.

“I completely forgot that you were coming.”

“Have you really forgotten me so easily, sweetheart?” He said, acting dramatic and putting his hand over his heart as if he were truly hurt by your words.

“Yes.”

“I hate you.”

“Yeah, you’re a liar.”

“I know, I could never hate my future wife.”

You rolled your eyes at his comment while you closed the door behind yourself. His hand grabbed onto yours, leading you into the car and opening the door for you.

“Such a gentleman, hm?” You hummed getting inside the car.

“Of course, why would I ever treat less than you deserve?” The door closed while he walked to the driver's seat.

“Do you want to stop anywhere before we go to my place?”

“Uhm, no, I’m fine; we can just go.”

“Yes, ma’am. Though do you want any music playing?”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Alright”

He continued driving while you kept your gaze on the road, turning your head to your window to watch as you both passed buildings. He looked at you while the light was red. Seeing if it was alright to hold onto your hand, you shook your head. You weren’t yet ready to start with another guy; your heart was still recovering from Geto. He nodded as you declined with a shake of your head, and he put both of his hands back on the steering wheel.

Finally, after a couple minutes, he arrived at his place. He opened your door as per usual. His hand led you inside the house while he locked his car and closed the door behind the both of you. He turned on the lights so he could see you more clearly and also so neither of you would run into something by accident.

“So what do you want to do, sweetheart? Watch a movie? Or do we want to bake something together?”

"Mm, you know what baking something sounds like?”

“Alright, what should we bake?” He said turning on the kitchen lights and heading to his pantry, which was stoked up on a lot of junk food, though he had some healthy things.

“I hope you actually have a healthy diet, but uhm, I’m not sure. Maybe a cake or cupcakes?” You said after having glanced inside his pantry.

"Oh, don’t worry, I do, but uhm, we can do both if you want to.”

“Really? Can we do both?” You said, smiling happily at his words.

“Yeah, of course, anything for my sweet girl.”

"Okay, but if you play careless whisper, I’m out." You said it jokingly while he frowned at your words.

“You wouldn’t dare, and I was going to play it, y'know, be romantic again.”

“Oh yeah, definitely you had me on my knees.”

He chuckled, smiling at your words. His smile was beautiful; gosh, if you hadn't known any better, you would’ve thought he was an angel.

"Yup, I did.” He said, finally grabbing the ingredients for you and him to make the cake and cupcakes.

"Totally.” You giggled before helping him out with grabbing a bowl and a whisk. He hummed, pulling you closer to him.

“What’s with you?” You said look as his hand wrapped around your waist.

“Can’t I be romantic? I mean, you’re going to be my future girlfriend.”

"Yeah, calm down, mister, it's not going to happen.” You said, patting his shoulder before focusing your attention back onto making the cupcakes.

“Well, I’ll work on the cupcakes, and you can make the cake.”

"Alright, I got it, ma’am.” He said moving away and starting to work on the cake.

"Great, now it better look decent.” you said, starting to grab the eggs out of the fridge for the both of you.

“Of course I'll try my absolute hardest to make it look as pretty as you.”

He said, cracking the egg against the edge of the bowl, letting the egg fall into the bowl. His movements continued, and you watched him. You liked the way he looked, the way he spoke to you kindly, his beautiful diamond eyes, and most of all, the way he treated you.

“Princess? Are you okay? You’re staring at me." His said his tone soft while he seemed concerned. You shook your head no and focused on making your cupcakes.

“Wanna listen to some music?” He said, looking at you before his gaze focused back on the bowl with the batter.

“Can we listen to Heavenly?” You said focusing on your own batter of cupcakes.

He smiled at your words and then spoke with that soft tone he always used when speaking to you. “Cigarettes After Sex? I would’ve never known.”

“Well, Alexa? Play Heavenly by Cigarettes After Sex.”

"Well, I just like it. It sounds nice to me. It’s kind of calming or peaceful.”

—

After having baked and waiting for the cake and cupcakes to cool down, Satoru ate some then went to bed. Although there he was watching over you while you slept like a guardian angel, he loved looking at your peaceful face. He knew you were home, and he hoped whichever spiritual being existed that they blessed him with having you in his arms. Gosh, how he longed to feel you in his arms; he’d treated you beautifully like a queen; no man would ever hurt you in his presence.

You shifted in your sleep, causing one strand of hair to cover your face. He hated that, so he moved it and tucked it behind your ear. He smiled as you moved and tried to get warmed under the blankets. He kissed your forehead and went back to his own bedroom to fall asleep thinking about you.

—

You were back at home, and Shoko was asking you all types of questions, asking who you were with last night. She seemed eager to know who interested you so much you stayed overnight. Although you kept dismissing her questions and got ready to go out to the mall together, she was already ready, and so was Utahime.

“Come on? Answer me” Shoko said, obviously impatient, and she had to know which man it was and if he was a good man to you.

“Shoko, he’s just a friend.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at your stupid words. “Ha! You expect me to believe that bullshit?”

“Fine, he may or may not be someone who’s interested in being with me." The words came out of your mouth softly and too quickly for her to fully understand, but it clicked soon enough.

“Is he a good man? No more Suguru situation, right?

“Yeah no. He’s uhm something.” You said a bit nervous; you still weren’t sure what you classified your relationship or friendship as.”

 

“That’s great, gosh, am I glad it’s not some toxic guy? Anyway, come on, let's go to the mall now.”

 

—

 

Shoko and Utahime were looking at jewelry, and you wandered off still near them, but instead you entered another store and looked around. It was a candy store where you wanted to see if they had anything you liked, so you kept looking around till you finally found something you liked. You grabbed it and looked for anything else, grabbing other things. You went up to the cashier and bought your candy.

 

Finally, Shoko and Utahime came back after Shoko bought Utahime a necklace. You left the store and went into another to see if you wanted any clothing.

 

"Oh, this would look great if you tried it on.” Utahime said sweetly to you, and you listened, going into the changing rooms while they followed and sat on one of the benches. You changed and looked in the mirror. You looked nice just as Utahime said you would; you opened the door, and Utahime nodded. 

 

“You have to get it. It looks beautiful on you.” She smiled, and Shoko nodded, agreeing with her girlfriend.

 

“Really? You think so?” 

 

You went into the changing room, looking at yourself in the mirror. You looked lovely, but at that moment you didn’t think of that but how Satoru would react to the dress.

 

“Maybe your ‘friend’ will love it.” Shoko said, making air quotes while saying friend.

 

“Shut up.” 

 

She shrugged as she kept speaking. “The truth hurts.” 

 

"Well, we can leave after this because that should be all for us, right?”

 

“You we’re done.”

 

—

 

Utahime and Shoko had long left to go out together for a date while you texted for Satoru to come over. 

 

You: Wanna come to my place, Gojo?”

 

Weirdo🐇: Yeah, that’d be lovely.

 

You: Okay, come over now.

 

Gojo🐇🎀: So demanding, sweetheart.

 

You: I’ll see you in a bit.

 

Gojo🐇🎀: Okay, bye, honey.

—

He made himself comfortable on the sofa while you both watched a movie. You decided to watch a kids movie. He didn't mind at all if anything; he found it adorable that you would want to watch such a thing with him, and you must’ve been comfortable to watch such things as Sleeping Beauty. A blanket was draped over the both of you while you leaned a bit closer to him. He wrapped his arm around you and kept you close to his chest.

 

“Why is the beginning so long?” You hummed as the beginning was a bit too long for your liking and also because you were impatient.

 

“Just wait, princess. I promise you’ll like this movie.” 

 

"Mhm, I will." You hummed, focusing back onto the screen, the fairies appearing and giving Aurora one gift. The singing was nice and peaceful. You loved the way it was made; although it was years ago, it was your second time watching after forgetting what happened when you watched it for the very first time. 

 

 

He nodded and kissed your forehead while still focusing on the movie. You tucked yourself deeper into the blankets, sleep overtook you slowly but surely, and you got tired. Satoru noticed your sleepiness and smiled. He let you doze off; you closed your eyes and opened them, drifting in and out of consciousness.

 

He chuckled and kept you closer soon enough; your head lay against his chest fully, and you were asleep. He turned the TV off and carried you into your bedroom, laying you under your blankets.

 

"Satoru, don’t leave." You mumbled sleepily, and you grabbed onto his arm. He seemed conflicted but nodded and got into bed with you. He held you close enough that you were practically molded together. 

 

You smiled, and he closed his eyes, finally falling asleep with you in his arms.

—

It was 7:30 am, and Satoru was still in bed with you snoring softly and his leg thrown over your body. It felt somewhat suffocating, but it was fine; you didn’t mind one bit. The only thing on your mind at the moment was how pretty he looked over the night. You had changed positions, and you could see his pretty face. You moved closer to him, and his arms instinctively wrapped around your body, pulling you closer to his chest.

 

“Oh princess?” He said a bit groggily he had just woken up and his eyes opened, taking a bit to adjust to the light peeking from your blinds.

 

“Yes?” You said while he moved one of his hands away from you and clasped it with yours.

 

“Nothing; you’re so pretty." You smiled at his kind words, cuddling ever closer if it was even possible to do so.

 

“Wait, how come you’re in my bed?” 

 

“Last night you asked me to sleep with you; not that way, just sleep.”

 

“And you stayed?” You said a bit taken aback he had listened to you, although you were half asleep while saying it.

 

“Should I go? No, yeah, I totally should’ve let you sleep." He seemed a bit nervous and scared to hear that you were weirded out by him.

 

“No, stay, Satoru; you're like my personal heater.

[alanbergfan]

"Chains"

Contains chains, heart torturing (a little), cardiophilia.

Alan was in his bedroom... and the only thing on his mind were hearts. Lots of hearts. Real. Human. Hearts. The way they sound, the way they are felt... and even the way they look like... these things in hearts were keeping him go crazy. And they do this even now, when he just lays on his bed.

⛓️🪑🫀

The idea pops out of his cardio-mind... He wants someone to tie him up... so his heart would pound... and maybe accelerate at least for a little bit. But not only his body... and not with tge rope...

His heart will too be tied up... or better say... chained up.

[The Call]

[Alan] - Uhm, hello?..

[???] - Hello there. Anything needed?

[Alan] - Yeah, come to my house today. There is a quest for you to do.

[???] - Huh? Um, what quest?

[Alan] - I'll give it when you come to my house.

[???] - Can't you just give it now?

[Alan] - No~ That won't be interesting.

[???] - Hm... you're right. Ok, see you soon then.

***

And now, you came visit him. His house inside is quite cozy... You never expected his house insides to be pleasant. And now you see this with your own eyes.

[Y/N] - So, um, what quest do you want to give me? Can you tell me right now?

[Alan] - Let's go to my room first. Ok?

[Y/N] - Um... Ok?..

Alan leads you to his room. As you both enter it, you see how common it actually looks like.

[Y/N] - Hm... I thought your room would look like a basement or... something like that?..

[Alan] - Why did you think so?

[Y/N] - Well, uh... because you have... uh... how can I say, uh... oh, unusual interests. Yeah.

[Alan] - Ah, this? Not all people like me have a dark room of theirs.

[Y/N] - Uh-huh...

[Alan] - Ok, we're here not for this. Right?

[Y/N] - Right.

Alan drags the chair almost to the center and sits on it like a student. With hands on his thighs.

[Alan] - Ok. What I want from you is to find the cgains and tie me up here. And don't forget to equip the x-ray gloves.

[Y/N] - X-Ray gloves?..

[Alan] - Yeah. They look like ordinary ones, but... they have little blue sparks on them.

[Y/N] - . . . are you serious?

[Alan] - Yes, I am. Just do it, ok?

[Y/N] - But why should I put the gloves on?

[Alan] - You'll see soon.

Some time later... after you've found gloves and the chain... you come in his room again.

[Y/N] - Well, I did what you said. What now?

[Alan] - First... chain my heart up.

[Y/N] - You mean... me-

[Alan] - I mean literally. That's why I said you to put them on. You can enter my chest with them.

[Y/N] - And how am I supposed to see anything inside your chest?

[Alan] - You'll see.

You hesitate to enter his chest with smaller chains, but... you do this. Yeah, you could escape but... the thing is you don't want to upset him. You promised. You want to break that promisr but it's too late. You're so used to it that it's too hard for you to break it now.

His heart is now chainee up. You saw his heart. It was normal. And seeing it almost chained up is quite a sight... you start to... like it?..

Now it's time for his body.

[Y/N] - A-are you sure you'll be ok with this?..

No response. He is a bit in cardio-trance now... you have to continue...

The time passes and he's fully chained up to his chair. The chains, like a rope, hold him really tight. But not tight enough to hurt but enough to make him suffocate a little...

You wait the time when he'll say "Stop"...

But this time hasn't come yet... His face looks like this now: 🥴💓

And each second of you waiting for him to say "Stop"... you get slowly excited by his statement. But why?.. who knows.

[Alan] - Mmm... I love this~♡ 🥴💓⛓️ I don't know if I... hah~

He now feels his heart pounding harder. It was fast. Really fast. But not even close to 200. Not even close yet. 140-150 BPM maybe...

You don't want him to die like this, so... you untie him and his heart. You release him from the cold pressure he had felt.

He is a little upset but thankful for you doing this...

[Alan] - Phew... Thanks. Really, thank you for this. I don't know what'd happen to me if you didn't do this. Oh wait I know. I'd die from the cold and pressure my heart was feeling.

[Y/N] - Now promise me you won't ask me the quests that could hurt your heart. Will you?..

[Alan] - ...I promise not to do so. Honestly.

[Y/N] - I'm glad you do.

[Alan] - But... will you stay a little here? 🥺

[Y/N] - Um...

[Alan] - Just a bit. At least for 5 minutes. Will you?..

[Y/N] - ...ok?..

[Alan] - Thanks. I just want to spend some time with you before you leave. That's it. Nothing dangerous.

The end

[silverynight]

The bride

The barbarians have come to the village so their King can choose someone to get married to, or at least that's what everyone's talking about those days. Izuku is not sure what to think of it, he knows it's important for his village to form an alliance with them because they have protected them countless of times, but he truly hopes both the King and his future bride are happy with the decision.

He doesn't have the time to see what's going to happen though because he needs to start traveling again; he's gathered so much information on his notebook about magical creatures (especially dragons) although it is not enough in Izuku's opinion.

However, his attention is drawn towards one of the barbarians; it's a tall and well built blond boy with a constant scowl on his face whose back is completely inked. He has a huge dragon painted on his back. Izuku has heard the ink stays permanently on the barbarians bodies so it's very fortunate that the person who inked him was very talented.

The ink is completely dark and yet Izuku recognizes the type of dragon immediately.

He gets excited and forgets is not safe to approach a grumpy stranger with many weapons on him like they have known each other their whole lives.

"Is that a red dragon, right?" Izuku can't stop himself at that point. "I can tell by looking at the shape of his wings!"

"Hah?" The initial irritation disappears from the barbarian's face as soon as he turns around to look at Izuku. "How do you know?"

"I've seen them!" Izuku beams. "Never too close, but at least enough to draw a couple on my journal... They're very powerful, one of the most powerful dragon species... Oh, I'm sorry, sometimes I can't stop myself from rambling..."

"It's alright," the barbarian smirks, grabbing his face with one hand, squeezing his cheeks. "I suppose it's normal for a nerd like you. What's your name?"

"Midoriya Izuku," he says, finally stepping back.

"Deku?"

"No, Izuku! Besides, we just met, you have to call me Midoriya!"

"I'll call you however I want, Deku!" The barbarian doesn't look irritated though, he almost seems amused.

"What's your name?"

"Katsuki."

"That's your given name, what about your family name?" Izuku asks, rolling his eyes as he notices the huge grin on Katsuki's face.

"I won't tell you."

"Then how am I supposed to call you?"

"Katsuki," he says like it's obvious, then he leans closer to Izuku only to cup his face with both hands again.

It seems barbarians know nothing about personal space.

"I can't, we just met!"

"I don't care!"

"Then I'll have to call you Kacchan," Izuku says, trying not to chuckle as Katsuki narrows his eyes at him. "It's only fair since you call me Deku!"

"Tch! Fine!" Katsuki huffs, surprising Izuku by agreeing way too fast...

"Are you one of the King's guards?"

For a moment it seems he offended Katsuki somehow, but his expression changes quickly and the blond nods.

"Yes, that's exactly what I am... A guard."

"That's amazing! So you'll probably be with him when he chooses his bride!"

"Exactly," Katsuki grins, pinching one of Izuku's cheeks, making the green haired boy pout. "I know I'm supposed... I mean he has to choose someone from all the people they'll present to him, but actually anyone from the village will do."

"I just hope they both agree to this," Izuku comments, a little bit worried as he rubs his cheek.

"So... You like to travel, right, Izuku?"

"Yes!" The green haired boy nods enthusiastically. "The world has a lot of interesting things I can't wait to see!"

"We barbarians travel a lot too, you know? You can come with me if you want..."

"Really?" Izuku grins. It'll be interesting traveling with them, at least for a while. "Yes, thank you! I'd love to!"

"Great!" Katsuki smiles from ear to ear like it's the best day of his of his life. "Now come with me to the selection."

Izuku doesn't have much of a choice actually, since the barbarian has grabbed one of his hands and is using it to pull him next to him.

They get to the heart of the village where the curious people have gathered around a line of boys and girls with the most expensive and beautiful clothes he's ever seen. Izuku knows the elders would never present someone like him as potential bride for a King. At least he feels relieved when he realizes everyone in line looks very excited about the whole thing.

They're standing in front of a strong barbarian woman who actually looks a lot like Katsuki. They call her Queen mother... She must be Bakugo Mitsuki... But it doesn't make any–

"Old hag!" Katsuki says, prompting Izuku to look in shock at the rude way he speaks to the Queen... Why is he doing that? "There's no need for this, I've already chosen someone!"

"I can see that, brat," she smirks, eyes finally meeting Izuku's. "He's too pretty for you though..."

Oh, no. Katsuki is not... He can't be–

"But my King," one of the villagers protests. It seems one of his daughters is in line. "Midoriya is a nobody..."

Katsuki growls, startling the man.

"Don't you dare say that about my future bride again!"

The people in line sigh in disappointment before quietly leaving the place, the man shivers, but nods before bowing in front of Katsuki, Izuku and the Queen.

The green haired boy is too confused and shocked to react. He's not... The crowned King cannot be Katsuki and he didn't just call him his future bride.

That didn't happen.

"Are you the King?"

"Of course, Deku!" Katsuki turns around with a grin on his face, he leans closer to nuzzle against the shocked boy's cheek. "And you'll be Queen consort soon."

"But..."

"Don't worry, cutie, I'll teach you everything you need to know first," Bakugo Mitsuki assures him. "There'll be plenty of time for that since my son has to win your heart first."

"I never lose anything, Deku," Katsuki grins with confidence before pulling the flustered boy against his bare chest.

"Please do ignore my son," she says, ruffling Izuku's hair affectionately, prompting Katsuki to growl at her. "You can say no at the end of the courtship, but at least give him a chance."

"O-Okay," he stammers, still having no idea what he got himself into this time. Although he can't say he's not attracted to Katsuki already.

"Great!" The blond smiles triumphantly scooping him up before walking towards one of the red tents in the middle of the village. "We have a lot to talk about, Deku!"

"Oi, brat! He won't be sleeping in your tent! So don't get any ideas! You haven't even given him his first courting gift yet!"

Katsuki purposely ignores her, although he puts one of his own necklaces around Izuku's neck once they're alone.

"Are you sure about this, Kacchan?"

"Of course I am," the barbarian says, almost outraged at the question. "I'll win your heart, Deku! You'll be mine!"

Izuku's face turns bright red and he wonders what kind of trouble he's in right before Katsuki pulls him closer and kisses him on the lips until all his worries disappear.

He can definitely get used to that.

***

Patreon

[foli-vora]

run to you: chapter one

marcus pike x f!reader

A/N: what's this? What is this? Hah, surprise! The plan was to save this until I finished 'Glory & Gore' but I physically couldn't stop myself so here we are! Thank you for all the interest in this little universe, and for being so patient while I worked the deets and organised everything! I hope you enjoy the first part x

Summary: Following on from ‘Traitor’ and 'You’re Somebody Else’. An unexpected visitor throws you right back into the life you thought you left behind. Working beside the man that put you behind bars is one thing, pretending like you never loved him is another.

Word count: roughly 3k

Warnings: angst right off the bat, blood, description of injuries, swearing, mentions of previous undercover relationship.

main masterlist | series masterlist

This story will have explicit sexual scenes in the future so 18+ only.

Present. 

Bile builds in your throat as you drop to your knees, uncaring as the rough floor scuffs the skin of your knees through the thin material of your dress. You tug desperately at his jacket, rolling him over and clawing at his body until he sprawls over your lap, heavy and unmoving.

“Marcus? Marcus, look at me,” you beg softly, a strangled sob falling from your throat when his eyes eventually flutter open languidly and focus tiredly on yours. “What did you do? God, what did you do?”

His lips part, words building on his tongue, but before they can fall from his mouth he jolts in your arms, heaving and coughing and sputtering. It sounds fucking horrible.

You watch the blood ooze from his lips, creating a stark trail of bright red that melts into his faded stubble and slides down along his jaw. You push at his jacket and feel your heart plummet to the floor at the deep maroon patches outwardly soaking the crisp white shirt from the holes in his torso.

“It’s okay,” you soothe shakily, wiping the blood away from his lips with your thumb and feeling your stomach jolt with the wet sticky feel of it. “It’s okay. Keep looking at me, okay? I’m here. Somebody help me! Marcus, please—hold on, please—”

Six months ago.

It’s not home.

It’s been three months since your release, and you still haven’t managed to quite get the feel there. The apartment is fine, albeit much smaller than what you had before, but at least it’s in a nice building.

Well, anything was better than the cold and cramped cell you had lost a year to.

Now you were left to try and make sense of the pieces left behind after your world was shattered. Mostly everything had been stripped from you. Your apartment – your home – seized and sold off, along with ninety nine percent of your belongings.

It was a startling reality, coming out to nothing but a letter from your attorney saying to collect what had been put aside in a storage locker downtown.

An application had been put through for an apartment in your name, and accepted a few days before your release, so it was ready and waiting by the time you blissfully walked free of the gates.

Some clothes, five boxes, a couch and your bed. That’s it. That’s all you had of your old life. You didn’t even get to say goodbye to any of it. 

The art that used to line the walls – gone. The borderline ridiculous amount of houseplants you had grown from seedlings or bought on lazy Sunday mornings at the market – trashed, probably. Your trinkets, and furniture, and memories...

You ache for it, for the life you had before it all went to shit. 

It had taken a couple of weeks, but you eventually managed to get a job – a part time thing at the diner close to your building. It wasn’t a lot by any means and the pay was awful, but at least it was something.

You worried about rent, until your kind elderly landlady said the first couple of months had been taken care of, showing a letter from your attorney organising to pay said rent.

Six whole months were taken care of and already paid for in advance and a weight lifted from your shoulders. You didn’t need to panic just yet and slowly, week by week, you somewhat found your feet again, but the ache of what had been lost didn’t fade. You were learning to live with it, though.

It was all behind you, and now you simply wanted to look ahead.

You should’ve known… it’s never that simple.

A firm, brisk knock on your door jolts you from your thoughts as you leisurely flick through a book huddled on your couch, and your brows furrow in confusion as to who it could be.

A neighbour maybe?

You eye the front door, softly setting your book aside and throwing the blanket off your legs before standing and striding over to answer it. 

It’s crazy how fast everything fucking crumbles.

It all hits you immediately the instant you pry the door open.

Anger—rage. Heartache. Sorrow.

It floods you in heavy, overwhelming waves and you struggle to keep your head above it all. What the hell is he doing here?

He’s got a lot of fucking nerve. You hate that the sight of him could still make your heart jump in your chest, even after fifteen months. No. It was never him, you remind yourself. He didn’t make your heart jump like that. 

Seconds pass as you critically eye his appearance, scanning the freshly shaved skin of his jaw to the crisp dark grey suit and light blue tie. You’re loath to admit it to yourself, but he looks fucking good.

God. What a dick.

“Hi,” Marcus finally says, seemingly unfazed by your scowl and merely tucking his hands into the pockets of his slacks. 

You inhale deeply, straightening your shoulders and curling your fingers tightly around the door knob.

“Will I get arrested if I slam this door in your face?”

A twitch of a frown creases his brows, “No –”

“Good.”

It’s loud.

Your windows rattle from the force of it. You don’t care that you probably just disturbed most, if not all, of your neighbours. The once steady beat of your heart has turned thunderous, beating against your chest and making you dizzy from the rush of blood pounding through your system.

Had you not been clear enough? You never wanted to see him again, and now he’s at your front door? How does he even know where you live? The bitter reminder of who, and what, he is hits you, and you start to wonder if you’re under surveillance or something.

Are they watching you?

Suddenly, you start to question everything.

Had they been following you on your morning walks to the coffee shop? The book store? Getting groceries? Do they watch you now, coming and going from your apartment? Do they look through your window?

Your chosen safe space to explore your ideas doesn’t feel as safe, as comfortable anymore.

You eye the large window looking out onto the busy streets now, and the thrifted armchair you had dragged in front of it to enjoy the long stretches of sun that would shine through the glass. Various art materials are scattered around it and lining the window sill, your sketchbook and art journals stacked on the small side table beside the well loved seat… it was your spot.

Your favourite spot.

Had they been watching you while you sat there for hours? Had he been watching?

It’s violating. You feel sick, repulsed by the idea of sitting there or going anywhere near your windows. Goddamnit, when will he stop taking from you?!

“I know I’m the last person you want to see,” he speaks through your door, “and I’m sorry for showing up like this, but we need to talk.”

“I told you to leave me alone, Pike!” You hiss, rushing towards the door and pounding your fist against it to try to channel some rage out of your system. It doesn’t work.

“What the hell did you not understand, huh!? Does your stupid government brain not comprehend simple English?”

“I understand your hostility—” he replies calmly. 

You snort harshly, tearing open your door and fixing him with a vicious glare. “My ‘hostility’? Are you fucking kidding me?”

He exhales softly, gazing down the corridor before his eyes fix on you once more. He doesn’t seem put off by your anger. In fact, he looks braced for it. He’s playing the cool and calm agent perfectly. 

Are you shaking?

It takes you a moment but, sure enough, you feel a tremble in your hands. Rage simmers, hot and heavy, under your skin and you swear your heart’s about to beat out of your chest. The silence stretches on and you just seem to get madder.

Eventually, he sighs softly. “Can I come in?”

“No.”

“This won’t take long –”

You force a tight, sarcastic smile. “Do you have a warrant, Agent Pike?”

“No. I’m not here to –”

“Then you can contact my attorney and we’ll talk then.”

Fuck you and your stupid badge.

The door starts to swing shut, the temptation to slam it in his face again bubbling beneath the surface. You’re just so fucking angry. The last thing you expected when rolling out of bed this morning was to be greeted with him of all people. 

Despite trying your hardest not to, he ever so slowly seeped through your defences to the forefront of your mind, and you found yourself thinking about him almost regularly. It was enough to drive you mad some days, filled with so much harsh resentment and bitterness it oozed into your art.

You’d spent months thinking over your relationship with him – with Alex – while in your cell, picking through every single interaction and moment spent with him, analysing every memory, every word, every touch, until you feared it was starting to get obsessive. You grumbled for days, weeks, on end. 

There hadn’t been any warning signs or red flags. He’d been just right, fitting so perfectly into your life you thought the universe had finally decided to cut you a bit of slack and grant a little wish come true. His curiosity over your work had come on slowly, and simply felt so natural that you didn’t even think anything of it.

It’d been the performance of a lifetime. The government should really look at giving out fucking Oscars, or something. He had played his part immaculately if the icy cold ache left in your heart was anything to go by.

The door jolts to a sudden stop.

You blink in vague surprise, a quick scowl forming with the longer his hand stays splayed on the door to keep it from closing.

“Just a minute of your time – that’s all I ask. Please.”

For the love of –

You exhale deeply, your eyes tracing the doorframe of the apartment opposite before you silently step aside, allowing him a small enough space to accept as an invitation in. A minute only. You start to count the seconds.

He gives a quiet murmur of thanks and you ignore it, simply closing the door behind him with your stomach turning to knots. Your arms cross defensively over your chest as he wanders deeper into your apartment, a barely there flicker of curiosity pulling at his features as his eyes roll over your things.

You hate it. You don’t want him here. You don’t want him tainting the life you had, the new life you had created by yourself. You don’t want him in your new space; your new home, free from the memories of what you had shared with him.

No. You had nothing with him. You had something with Alex, but then again… did you? He didn’t exist. He was a lie, a sham. None of it was real. You’d fallen in love with a character thought up in a room full of federal agents wanting to close a case. 

The rage returns. 

“Out of curiosity,” you mutter, grimacing at the way he eyes your apartment and feeling your eye twitch from the fury pumping through your system, “how many years would I get for assaulting a federal officer?”

He turns at your question, mirroring your stance and crossing his arms across his chest. He oozes authority. He looks like an agent, all stiff-postured in his suit and carefully concealing any and all emotion. He doesn’t give you any reaction to your question.

Instead, he merely does a once over, studying your own posture and deciding you’re of no threat whatsoever. 

“I wouldn’t press charges, so none.”

“Oh? You don’t want to lock me up? But I thought you were quite good at that,” you spit. “I’d offer you a drink, but I don’t give a fuck about you and I hope you dehydrate on my shitty rug, you lying piece of shit.”

The words sit in the air and he blinks, his brow quirking slightly at your little outburst. “Feel better?”

You shift in your spot, your tongue swiping along your lower lip. You do actually. Ugh. Bastard.

“What do you want, Marcus?”

“I know this must be very unexpected for you and I can't imagine what you're feeling right now, but I – we – need your help—”

What?

“Get out,” you snap before he can even continue, infuriated by the mere idea that he’d come to you for help after everything.

“No, I’m fucking serious, Pike. Get out. You think I’d help you? After everything you did to me? You fucking broke me, Marcus! You ruined my fucking life!”

A small, logical part of you reminds you that, ultimately, it was your doing in the end. You chose the life you had, choosing to do what you did. There was always going to be a chance it would come crashing down, but that doesn’t alleviate the pain of having the one person you thought truly had your back assisting in bringing it all down around you.

You’re surprised when the slightest flicker of sadness shines through his eyes.

“I know,” he murmurs, head falling into a small nod, “and I am sorry for that. It was never...”

He doesn’t continue, his sentence merely leading into silence as he struggles for words.

It was never what? It was never meant to happen? It was never meant to get as far as it did? It was never meant to end like it did? What?

You look away, not entirely sure you even want to hear him continue. It had happened, and no amount of apologies or excuses would ever make it better.

“I’d like you to leave,” you mutter weakly, hating that tears start to sting the back of your eyes. 

It shouldn’t hurt anymore. It’s been so long – why does it still hurt?

Why does it feel like you’re still in the holding cell, desperately clutching your chest in an effort to hold your heart together? It shouldn’t hurt, not like this.

You hurriedly wipe away the single tear that falls, now fully unable to look at him knowing he would’ve seen it. 

“Okay,” he murmurs soothingly, taking a small step towards the door. “I know we have no right to ask you this, but there are people getting hurt, and I—”

You huff in pained amusement, “No one cared when I got hurt.”

“This is bigger than you and me,” his voice is quiet and thick with emotion, but when you look at him, he shows nothing on his face.

“Look, if you’re not interested, that’s fine, but please just… just think it over, okay? You could really make a difference in our investigation, and if you do happen to change your mind—”

“Not likely,” you cut in, but he carries on as if he doesn’t hear you.

“—then give me a call.”

You glare at the card he holds out to you, but figure he’ll leave quicker if you take it so you snatch it from his grasp and nod, averting your gaze before it could meet his. You see him hesitate from your peripheral, almost as if he were contemplating saying something more… but nothing comes.

No words fall from his mouth, and instead he merely clears his throat and lets himself out of your apartment quietly. The door closes softly behind him and your fingers immediately tear the small white card in half.

—

It plagues you for days.

You toss and turn at night, unable to calm your mind long enough to get a restful night's sleep. Instead, it’s painfully interrupted, and mostly consists of you staring through your ceiling and bedroom walls until your body can no longer fight the wave of heaviness coming over your eyes.

The pieces of Marcus’ destroyed business card sit on your countertop. You play with them over your morning coffee, sliding the pieces together as if it were a jigsaw puzzle before flicking them apart and attempting to ignore their presence as you went about your usual routine.

You couldn’t bring yourself to throw them away.

The thought of people out there – nameless and faceless and nothing to you personally – getting hurt simply sat wrong in your stomach.

What kind of person would you be if you didn’t at least try to help? You could be bitter over your situation and no one coming to your aid when you needed it, but would you really let that bitterness stretch out onto others? Could you live with yourself knowing you had done nothing when, maybe, you could have made a difference?

It’s those thoughts that propel you to just do it.

You slip the pieces together and dial the numbers printed neatly under his name, ignoring the feeling of tightness wrapping around your lungs as you bring your phone to your ear. It rings three times before he answers, and you spit out the words before you can change your mind.

“I’ll help, and then that’s it, okay? I want no more of this. You leave me alone – all of you— for good. I want to live my life… understood?”

Had you spoken too quickly?

It had all come out so fast in your hurry to get the call over and done with. A part of you still wants to completely forget he ever knocked on your door… too late now.

This could be good, would be good. You’d do your part, you’d help and then you’d be able to sleep peacefully knowing you had done what you could for those getting hurt.

“Understood,” he replies, and that seals the deal.

You’re involved in his investigation now.

“Okay, so… what now?”

-

tags (will also be continued on reblogs): @maievdenoir, @william-butcher, @lv7867, @dihra-vesa, @katronautt, @radiowallet, @januarystears, @missminkylove, @beskarprincessjenny, @mswarriorbabe80,@danidrabbles, @sergeantbannerbarnes, @amneris21, @eri16, @absurdthirst, @hnt-escape, @acourtofsnakes, @ezrasbirdie, @mstgsmy, @lovesbiggerthanpride, @coaaster, @sherala007, @kelseyxyeslek, @greeneyedblondie44, @wyn-n-tonic, @you-got-me-starry-eyed, @shirks-all-responsibilities, @withasideofmeg, @harriedandharassed, @andruxx, @buckybarneshairpullingkink, @spideysimpossiblegirl, @prostitute-robot-from-the-future, @tanzthompson, @mad-girl-without-a-box, @hope-for-the-best-98, @fangirl-316, @christina-loves, @jediknight122, @hallway5, @xoxabs88xox, @nicolethered, @churchill356, @massivecolorspygiant, @just-here-for-the-moment, @gracie7209, @pinkie289, @lavenderluna10, @goodgriefitsawildworld, @h-hxgirl

[yourpalmickeymouse]

Hello Mickey! How ya doing pal? (Hope you’re having a swell day)

I wanna ask, what do you think about your nephews Morty and Ferdie? I assume you’re kinda close with you considering well. You’re their uncle and I feel you do fun stuff with them sometimes. And another question is, what’s your current job right now? Do you enjoy it (or do you feel you wanna do something more fun. That you clearly enjoy the most)?

That’s all! (Sorry if it’s too long) see ya later Mickey :)

-Sunny ☀️

Hiya Sunny!

I am havin' a swell day! Thank you for askin'!

What great questions. I would love to answer 'em both.

Oh, I love my nephews Morty and Ferdie. They're just so fun and energetic and every time they come over and visit, I just know that my day is about to be 100 times more interesting. They can sometimes... get into things they shouldn't. But I also was a mischief maker back in the day, so I have no standin' to say anything. In fact, I actually see a lot of myself in them. Just like me, they can go overboard sometimes. But they also have hearts of gold and are usually clever enough to fix it, or at least know when to get help. That's usually when I come in 😆.

I know the boys can sometimes seem as if they are the same person, but they're pretty different. Morty, who tends to dress in reds, is definitely the more rowdy and brave one. He's usually the one findin' the trouble in the first place 🤦. But it comes from a strong drive for life and so much excitement for what the world has to offer. He has such big dreams and hopes and honestly, I hope he goes far. Unfortunately, he doesn't always think through what he does. He tends to run into things head-first and without warning, but he has good instincts that help keep him safe. And a lot of times his spontaneity is just what the situation needs 😉.

Ferdie, the one wearing more blues and sometimes wears glasses, on the other hand, is more shy but is extremely smart and mature for his age. He's usually the one being dragged into trouble by his brother🤷, but I think he enjoys the adventures they go on, just as much as his brother. They help him come out of his shell and be more prepared to face the unknown. He prefers when things are more planned out and can be hesitant to unexpected changes. But it is because he cares about havin' a good future. He was just askin' me about good colleges yesterday and he's not even in high school. He has a very bright future ahead of him and I cannot wait to see where he goes 🌞.

As for your second question,

I'm actually currently workin' as a Detective for the Mouseton Police Department. And honestly, things seem okay so far. I used to have another job, but they weren't treatin' me right and wouldn't let me grow in the ways I wanted to. It was tough movin' from that job as I genuinely thought that it was my dream, and revolved so much of my early life around it. But it wasn't makin' me happy, and I kinda think I misattributed some of the positive experiences I had with my sister, who is still workin' in that field, with my feelin' towards the work. Honestly, it can be tough figurin' out where you belong. And even I still feel like I haven't figured that out yet

Luckily my new job is definitely a step up. For starters, the people I work with are much better. I was already pretty close with Chief O'Hara as he was my neighbor growin' up. He tends to be very supportive and even recommended me for the detective role (even though I think I might be a bit underqualified, I didn't realize how high rank of a position it was 😓). But he says he trusts my skills and convinced the others that it was a good idea. So I guess I better not mess this up. There's so much pressure.

Though I mostly work with the other two detectives. Brick can seem a bit intimidatin' on the outside. He's pretty big. But you'll soon learn that he's neat once you talk to him. If you ask questions 'bout Texas, he'll be your best friend in an instant. Though be prepared to listen to him for hours, haha. Casey on the other hand... Well... He can be a bit of a... challenge sometimes. I think like me, he's also under a lot of pressure, and that causes him to be a bit stubborn and hesitant to get help. He apparently was really strugglin' with cases before Brick and I came into the picture and it probably felt like an attack on his pride when we came to help. But I think he genuinely cares and wants to do a good job. And with the right push, he can do a swell job.

However, it isn't just the people that make this job a step up. I actually think I am enjoyin' the work more. There is just something 'bout investigatin' and solvin' crimes that clicks with me. Every time we get a new case, I don't wanna put it down until I have it all figured out. Maybe O'Hara was onto something when he hired me. And even better yet the work I do is actually helpin' people get justice which is what I really care about. I've always wanted to make the world a better place, and I feel like I'm doin' my part with every sinister scheme I stop and every person I help.

Though, I can't say everything is perfect. While I do enjoy my work and the people I work with. There are quite a few elements of working with the Police Department that... I am not sure how I feel 'bout. It's honestly hard to talk about. I just don't want O'Hara to feel like he made a mistake. But I also want to make sure I'm doin' the right thing.

But hopefully, that answers your questions! 😄 This was pretty long, but I wanted to give you my best answers.

I hope you have a swell rest of your day, Sunny!!!

[onippep]

After

And I was just thinking, like, I actually don't know that much about you. And I admit I haven't been very open or, like, talkative to you about your interests or anything like that, because you're...

(Because I'm like you?)

Yeah, it's like, a preconceived notion that because you're some sorta replica of me, we're gonna have the same interests or whatever, and that's your whole thing. And it's not. It's not fair of me to think of you like that.

(I don't blame you for that, though. Honestly. My existence isn't exactly a one-sentence deal.)

No one's is.

Croak! (Not my point. B-but...) [chuckles]

Lost your point, didn't ya. It's not that big of a deal, anyway.

(Give yourself some credit, Peppino, I think you've done a very good job at caring about me and what I do. Just in different ways than you may be used to.)

Well-- yeah. It's the least that I owe you.

(Your care is not owed. There's no cycle to feed; my affection already has its unconditional catalyst.)

Stop gettin' philosophical with me, demon! Sheesh. I'm trying to be sweet here.

...

...Er.

Hmm!~

WHAT!

(If you want to be sweet, try actually flirting.)

Is that a challenge? Alright. I can flirt. And no, it's not croaking, I've already learned my lesson from that.

RrRRRrrrrrHRHRHHRRHHHRRR!~ (Sorry!)

[Sighing] OKAY. So. "Cutie". Uh. You come here often? Nice suit. You look nice. Handsome even. Yep. Uh huh. Wow, tall too. Double whammy. You know, everyone's taller than me, and that's fine. I like havin' a tall nasty frog to care for me all the time. Oh and the WAAAY you SNUGGLE on up to me at night; fantastic. A+. Like a weird oversized housecat. And you know just what food I like and the shows I like and how I prepare my coffee in the morning when I don't have enough time to do that before opening the store and you carry me when I'm too exhausted and you cook for me and listen to me when I gotta just yell about shit and--

[Has dissolved onto the floor]

--Ah- Oni! [laughs] Hey! Come on! [reaching into the goop] Come ooon. Is that all it takes?? That was nothing! Get back up here, you coward!

(Your face is red.)

It's-- always red! And I'm sorta tipsy! [wheezes]

(I DUNNO HOW TO TAKE THIS RIGHT NOW. ARE YOU STILL PLAYING ALONG OR NOT.)

[stops] Hhah, wh-- playing along? [flabberghasted] Nah nah nah, hey...! I agreed to come out here because I wanted to-- like... humour it! Try it! Not just because I was feelin' bad, you know?

[slowly reforming] MMmmn?... (You're. Serious?)

Y-yeah! I think...! Hah..!

RRRRBBRBBVBVVBWW. VBRVVB... S-- SO DO. UM. (DO YOU--)

Do I whaaat! [grabbing at him] Speak to meee! [chuckling]

(YOU'RE. THIS. IS. THIS IS ACTUALLY A DATE.)

Yes! YES IT IS! IT'S A DATE! I'm on a date with you!

[ugly frog shrieking]

AAHHAHAHA...!! Jeez! What was THAT?!

(Wh-what's with the change of heart?? A-and there was the whole hiding it from your family thing--)

BECAUSE I DUNNO WHAT I FEEL YET! AND-- AND BEING HERE, WITH YOU AND GUSTAVO N' BRICK, and just having so much fun, I feel like I can finally-- think! And not have some fuckin' weirdos watching me from that askbox! Or my family breathing at me! It's-- it's wild! I'M FREAKING OUT! I'M FREAKIN' OUT ONI HOLD ME--

A--BBBUHH?? [gripping him]

IT'S-- IT'S NOT. ANYTHING SERIOUS OR DECISION-MAKING TONIGHT. I JUST. WANNA DO THINGS WITHOUT-- FEELING SHAME. So just. Hold me. Alright?

O-OKAY. RRRRRR.

Everything's gonna go back to routine tomorrow, and who knows what's gonna happen. [chuckles] I don't even wanna go. I just wanna stand here.

Rrrrr... (Can you... explain a little more why you're a little... hesitant about me?)

Ah... jeez, lemme... see if I can word it right. I... have a real hard time letting people in. You see how I live. I haven't even seen Gustavo since before our window got broken. I never have people over. I don't even like talking to customers that much.

(You've gotten better at it. I wouldn't say you have gone back in such a thing, just hitting a wave where it is more difficult than usual.)

Maybe you know me more than I thought. Either way, I... I've never really been a fan of dating. Just in general. All that romance-y garbage hasn't ever worked out for me. It's like a storybook moreso than a reality. Doesn't work the way I do. It's too... strict. Closed. Weird. Ruins friendships. I've lost some good men and women to dumb shit that either I've done or they've done. It crumbles too fast and doesn't feel worth it.

(Is... forging a bond like I have in mind considered... dating?)

I dunno. Is it?

(What you're describing sounds... torturous. Nothing like what I have in mind.)

Is that so. Mind tellin' me what you have in mind, then?

Croak-- MMf-- It-- RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBIT RIBBIT--

Aye, aye! Hey! [squishing his cheeks] Easy! One word at a time. Let's hear it.

RIBBIT. RIBBIT. RIBBIT. RI-- RIb--ribbit... (It's... it's... almost the same as what... we have now. Just... returned?)

That's it?

???

You're telling me this "bond" thing you've been wanting is just, what we kinda do already, but with me "returning" it? Like-- like how?

(LIKE. L-LIKE. IF. LIKE.) [sticks his tongue out]

I already "do the deed" with you.

NO NO-- [leans in, gently licks his cheek] TH-- (I DON'T KNOW THE WORD FOR IT.)

Kissing. You're thinking of kissing--

(YEAH KISSING.)

... [ponders]

HHHNNNN. HHHHHHHHH. HHHHHHN..?

... [gum click] Wow. That, uh, changes some things, actually. And here I was thinking you wanted some sort of enchanted frog prince and princess fantasy bullshit. That's what the askbox tries to make it out as, anyway.

(I'll be honest, I'm not 100% acquainted with the more mortal and human structures of that whole concept. I don't enjoy what you've told me so far.)

[more nodding]... Huh.

...

Well, uh, I got some things to think about now. [chuckles] Lotta. Things.

(Please don't let this ruin anything.)

I won't! I won't. Just forgive me if it takes a while. Heh. We gotta go into work tomorrow, and focus on that, yadda yadda... I'm gonna be a little private about it.

(Shy about it.)

Yeah. [rolls his eyes, smirking]

...

You look so nervous. Hey.

It's okay. Remember what we've gone over.

(R-REMIND ME...)

We'll see what this is. Together. Got it?

(Y-YEAH... yeah... you'resocloserightnowI'mreally--I--)

[smirks]

...

Sorry. Even with some drinks in me I still can't seem to kiss you. [chuckles]

(You tease.)

Just kidding.

[ladyswillmart]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the love ❤️

Hey wow, thanks for the message! I actually had to think about this one quite a bit. I'm not always the biggest fan of my own work, but in recent years I have published a few fics that I ended up liking. These... might be in some particular order? Eh, I dunno! Anyway, here goes:

5.) "It's Up To You" (Portal). The one where Doug Rattmann is trying to repair Grady. This is the last Portal fic I did and probably ever will do (though, never say never, right?). I'm not sure why I envisioned Doug as a fan of Ricky Nelson but it kinda works. Like the rest of my Portal stories, I put a lot of heart into this one, but in the end it felt like a bit of a waste. Oh well, I still like how it turned out.

4.) "Fish is Also a Four-Letter Word" (Gensou Suikoden II). It's sort of a screwball comedy where Jillia kind of asks Klaus to use his strategist super-powers to kill her brother. This was one of those magic stories where it all just brilliantly came together in a matter of days, footnotes and all. Rarer still, it's a story I can re-read and go "oh, that was cute", without cringing!

3.) "Malus" (Soul Blazer). The tiny fic in the tiny fandom that could! The first story I've ever done that was narrated by a goat. It's such a sweet and gentle tale, and I still think this setting is really interesting. There are not a lot of fics for this old SNES game, but I guess it is kind of a niche title. I got about halfway through a follow-up (narrated by a dormouse) so maybe I'll finish that one some time too...

2.) "A Difficult Business" (FF14). Originally a shitpost on Tumblr, which should tell you everything you need to know, if you don't want to actually read the fic summary. It's the one where Y'shtola bribes Nero Scaeva to deep fry Nidhogg's eyeballs in the fry vat at the Husting Strip Galleria food court's Ol’ Mistbeard Fish ‘n Chips.

1.) "Mog House" (FF14). In here, there is only Mog. And House. Huh, this one also involves Nero in some manner of bribery (only this time he's the one doing the bribing).

Ironically (?), my actual #1 pick isn't something that I can link to because it hasn't been published anywhere yet! It's called "Ancient History" and it's a 16-chapter work of Ultima VII (Serpent Isle) fanfic that's going up on my Neocities. For whatever reason, I made the boneheaded decision that it would be the FIRST thing to go up on my website, along with a complete (read: way too verbose) timeline and character profiles and little pictures, the works! All of this is still under construction, HOWEVER the bulk of the actual writing/markup of it is DONE and has been for some time. It's really just down to the getting the formatting just right, plus some light revision and last-minute edits.

Oh yeah! I still need to write the epilogue. Hah!

Unfortunately, it looks like Dawntrail got in the way as it's currently taking up my "writing" time slot. 😅 However, I'm also making my way to the end of all that so I expect I can get back into finishing my website pretty soon as well.

It's something I don't really expect people to be interested in so I'm not putting this story on AO3 or anything like that. I'm really proud of the work I put into the website and the story and the little AU world I crafted around it, but in the end, it's something I did just for me. 😛

[secondsonaym]

“In my heart?” Narinder echoed.

“Forgive my colorful language--Your bias, in essence. As you said, your instinct was to finish what had been started. Thus, you see something confirming that instinct. But the cards lack proper tongues, so to put words in mouths that do not exist, well… It’s amusing.”

A click of the tongue escaped Narinder’s mouth as he looked back down to the cards.

“You deign not to involve yourself with others, yet still have the arrogance to mock one’s interpretations of some slips of paper.” he grumbled.

“You’re the one who came to me for guidance, oh former god of death.” was Clauneck’s response, with only the slightest traces of amusement, as typical of the being’s tone. “You also know full well my services start and end with these readings, even for one such as yourself.”

Narinder looked back to Clauneck, and his eyes narrowed.

“That’s a lie.”

If Clauneck had been upset by this accusation, they did not let it show, merely tilting their head slightly as they looked down at him.

“You’ll do whatever is asked of you for coin. You put yourself out as a seer first and foremost, but all you care about is filling your pockets.”

“Not to Midas’ extent, you can at least agree?”

“Perhaps not.”

“Then tell me, what do you wish to imply by outing my falsehood?”

Narinder snorted.

“I’m not implying anything. My vision was limited while chained, but as Star continued on her quest, it grew, and I learned some interesting things while observing Shamura.”

“Ah.”

That was all Clauneck had to say. They reached out and picked up the cards, looking them over for a moment before slipping them into their sleeve, vanishing in the mass of feather-like leaves.

“They spoke to you before Star arrived at the Silk Cradle. Claiming they weren’t happy with what you had done.”

Clauneck remained silent, staring Narinder down as they mulled things over. They were not one to express any major discomfort, but it was becoming more and more clear they were getting agitated by this line of interrogation.

Finally--

“I suppose there is no benefit to me keeping it quiet, especially since Shamura’s plan failed in the end.” They said, though the tightness in their voice was more apparent now.

“Out with it, then.”

Clauneck took a deep breath, then began.

“Shamura had… Enlisted me, I suppose you could say, to look after a pair of lambs. This happened right after the death of one of your Berserk vessels… The lamb of prophecy’s own mother, even, if I recall correctly.”

Narinder remembered that. Solaria, was it? It wasn’t long after that he had sought the assistance of Ratau.

“I was to keep them alive, for what reason I was not told. So, that I did. They were too young to know their own names, so I gave them new ones--The younger one was Azazel, and the older one was Starwatcher.”

“You don’t strike me as the parental type.” Narinder noted.

“Correct. I was not told to care for them, nor is parenting anything I enjoy. My only instructions were to keep them alive.

“I watched them grow up, taught them cartomancy, but ultimately their development was entirely on them. Azazel was not very open to the winding river of fate, and ran off some years before the culling started--And when it did, Shamura themself had come to collect Starwatcher, so I made no move to stop them.”

Narinder exhaled audibly as he took it all in. No wonder Star had issues with connections to others. As hands-off as Clauneck preferred to be, they had done so much damage by simply doing nothing.

“Well, Star hates your very existence now.”

“Hah, yes. Likely because of my lack of action during the culling. I should consider myself lucky she has not turned that hammer of hers towards me, mm?”

“And what of this ‘Azazel?’” Narinder couldn’t help but ask.

“They are still alive. Though they go by a new name now. A more… Ironic, one, you could say.”

What?

“Excuse me?”

Clauneck produced a full deck of cards from their form, shuffling it idly as they spoke.

“They’re a broken thing, that is to be said--Well, their cracks are more apparent than Star’s, at the very least. And before you ask, I’ve no idea where they are. I simply know they are alive.”

Clauneck produced a card, looking at it for a moment before briefly turning it to Narinder so he could see--The Diseased Heart--and then shuffling it back into the deck.

“But we have gone off-topic. You came here for guidance; for a reading. We have done just that. I did that for free as a favor to one of a status such as yours, but if you wish to prod further, it will be at a cost.” finished.

“… Right.” Narinder mumbled, clenching his fists as he stood up.

“What do you plan to do?” Clauneck prodded, catching him off-guard. “The lamb is of no use to anyone right now. She’s already been through so much. Will you give her a mercy, and take things over as you had originally planned? Or do you hesitate to settle back onto the throne?”

Narinder… Didn’t have an answer.

He had no idea what had happened to Star, but he did not like the Yellow Crown being in the hands of the Fox. However, it was still unclear if the crowns were going to exact some form of revenge on the Red Crown.

Should he wait? See what happens next? But that could risk his life, too, and he wouldn’t exactly be able to do much dead, the possibility of revival aside.

It wasn’t long before the feelings of helplessness began to loom over him again. They had been around since Star had spared him, but every time he was reminded of just how little he could do now, they came back full-force.

Why do you hesitate on such an easy decision? that familiar voice in the back of his head whispered. It was his own, of course, the part of him that still believed the domain of death was his right. The lamb is used to being used. She’ll understand. It’s not as if she can fight back this time.

And yet…

I am more responsible for her life than I had initially thought.

He had thought to kill the bishops by the means of a vessel would mean he would feel no guilt over it. It wasn’t his hands that had finished them, after all.

But this small form, this weak body, it did not allow him to escape the gnawing despair he tried so hard to swat down.

He killed his siblings. It was his fault. They were gone.

To kill Star now, when this regret had started to build… What would it even say?

Death and Life… They were intertwined. Would it be fair of him to submit her to death, after she had a life that was not truly her own?

“I don’t--” He started to say, voice strained, only to be cut off by the sound of footsteps approaching him and Clauneck.

He swiveled his head, and who he saw looking back at him made him freeze.

[timelessxmemories]

Sera for short.

Lock x Seraphina Drabble

@miss-midnightt

A tall, black haired male approaches the woman, kicking a Blitzball to the side as he digs his claymore into the ground, as the handle chains rattle. He then stretches out, rubbing his neck as he peers over to the woman, before raising a eyebrow.

"Jus' gonna stand there? Say somethin'!"

His grin is rather cocky and sheepish, as if he expects her to recognize him and praise him, afterall, he is the Star Player of the Zanarkand Abes.

The woman looks up at Jecht with a bit of confusion, tilting her head to the side with a puzzled and curious look on her face as she looked around before realizing he was talking to her, she raised a brow before looking up at Jecht with a puzzled look on her face, her wings raising in curiosity.

"Uhh... hi?"

She cocked her head to the side, clasping her hands behind her back, looking up at him with curiosity.

She clearly didnt recognize the most popular blitz ball player in all of Zanarkand.

Which in turn, causes Jecht to look shocked for a moment, before realizing she wasn't recognizing him, in fact it seemed that she hasn't even heard of his name. Well then, that won't do. With a cocky grin, he puts his hands on his hips.***

"Well well well, don'tcha know the legendary Jecht, star player of the Abes? Helloooooo? I thought you'd be more excited to see me! Hah!"

The woman finally shakes her head, still a slight bit puzzled as she finally speaks up, tilting her head to the side while her angel wings tuck in rather neatly as she stares out to the ocean with an amazed and awestruck expression, leaning on the railing in front of her.

"I'm sorry, I don't have the foggiest idea as to who you may be."

Jecht's grin fades a bit, he looks at her with a surprised expression. Jecht then takes a deep breath, a bit insulted that she didn't recognize him, he thought everyone would know his face.

"Hmm... Well that can't be right! What's ya name, miss? You sure look pretty, and as pretty as they come, you should know who I am, I mean I got more fangirls than any other person in the whole city!"

She shook her head, giving a long sigh with a small, yet genuine smile.

"My name is Lockette, but it's easier for people to call me Lock for short.."

She gave a small shrug, looking out onto the ocean's horizon, taking in the fresh scent of the ocean breeze, a smile coming to her face before raising a brow, turning her head towards him.

"My apologies, but I *really* don't know who you are or even what you're known for."

Jecht tilts his head to the side, before realizing that she really wasn't joking, she doesn't recognize him whatsoever. Jecht crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow, thinking to himself. He then chuckles.

"Well then let me educate you. I'm Jecht, star player of the Abes, and one of the best blitzball players in all of Spira... and also the father of Tidus, that's a pretty big deal. Ya got a boyfriend miss Lockette, or is your heart up for grabs?"

In response, Lock gives a soft laugh, shaking her head softly before smiling up at him, giving a gentle sigh as she stares ahead of her, looking at the rippling water with awestruck eyes.

"No. Unfortunately, it is not. I'm quite taken."

As if right on cue, Jecht's cocky grin fades a bit, he wasn't used to being rejected, but he would play it cool for now. He lowers his hands, as if he could just change the subject.

"So who's the lucky guy? I mean he has to be pretty handsome to get a pretty lady like you to keep her eyes off... well just off me in general."

He says in a slightly teasing tone, looking her up and down, trying to picture her with someone. Who could have possibly caught her attention?

Smiling fondly, she then decides to explain.

"It's a girl, actually. I have a wonderful, beautiful girlfriend.."

Jecht stops, his mouth wide open as his eyes narrow slightly. He then blinks and nods his head, trying to contain his expression. This pretty girl wasn't interested in him in the least, and in fact she had a girlfriend. His interest was piqued even more, if this girl had such a pretty girlfriend, she would have to be quite beautiful as well. He clears his throat, trying to act as if he wasn't surprised.

"Oh... Oh, right right... So you a lesbian then?"

She laughed once again, amused at his oblivious and assuming nature.

"Nope, I'm what people collectively call Pansexual, interested in not just one gender, but rather both and more. Personality is what attracts me."

Jecht nods, his expression relaxed a bit, now he can't be mad at a girl that just likes everyone. The fact she had a girl just intrigued him more, was her girlfriend really as pretty and beautiful as her? Or does she just think women in general are beautiful? He clears his throat, ready to get this conversation going again.

"Hmm... So... is she here? With ya?"

She gave a warm smile, turning around to finally face him fully.

"Yeah, but she's asleep right now in our hotel room, so I just decided to go outside for a smoke and a walk."

She nodded, taking out her lighter and placing a cigarette in her mouth, lighting the end and taking a long drag.

Jecht looks quite surprised, he's a little shocked even. She's just out here smoking, enjoying the ocean, all by herself? Why's this girl not with her girlfriend? What's going on?

"Hmm... So... Just you by yourself then? Why's that? Why's she asleep?"

He says, trying not to sound too interested, yet it's clear that he wants to know more about her and this situation.

"She's what I like to call, 'chronically tired all the time'. I decided to let her sleep, besides, this place is a whole new area to us, and it's also late at night and I didn't want her to get sick so I just let her sleep."

She explained, flicking the ashes off of her cigarette.

Jecht cocks his head to the side, he's not sure what she meant by 'chronically tired all the time', but he nods his head in understanding, he can respect her wanting to take care of her girlfriend. He then lets out a small chuckle.

"Well, you're very considerate of her feelings, is she always like this?"

She takes another drag of her cigarette, staring out into the ocean as she gives a fond nod.

"That's right. She's always so sleepy, she'll fall asleep anytime and anywhere, you turn your back on her for 2 seconds and then when you look back she's probably asleep!"

Jecht is amused a bit, her girlfriend almost sounds like a cat the way she puts it. Then he begins to wonder, why doesn't she just lay down with her girlfriend, cuddle with her during this relaxing time? He clears his throat, ready to ask her why.

"Well then why... why aren't you just laying down with her, keeping her warm and cuddling? That's what... normal couples do, right?"

"I needed a smoke and I didn't want to smoke inside, so I left a teddy bear I gave her a while ago in my place while I'm gone. She'll be fine, I know it.."

She gave a kind smile as she spoke, clearly very fond of her girlfriend.

Jecht raises his eyebrows, she had quite the soft spot for her girlfriend, even going as far as to leave a teddy bear in her place, to make her feel safe. The way she explained her love for her made it seem like they had been together for quite a long time.

"Aww... well... you sound quite fond of her... how long have you two been together, if I may ask?"

Lock turns her gaze over towards the man, lifting a brow in question before a warm look appeared upon her face as she finally replied after a few moments of silence.

"About 3 years now.. I love her.. a lot.. she means so much to me.. I don't know what I'd do without her.."

Jecht's face softens a little bit, he looks back at her, smiling a bit, almost impressed. He couldn't help but notice how sweet and loving she was of her girlfriend, was she really so devoted to this girl?

"Well I can see why you love her so much, you talk about her with such care and affection, 3 years is quite a long time... What's this girl look like? Bet she's almost as pretty as you."

Lock stares up at the deep night sky, up at the glittering stars, finally putting out her smoke with her foot.

"Well, she has this beautiful white blond hair, these beautiful green eyes that if you looked in them long enough you could get lost in them.. her smile could light up the whole world if it was possible.. and her personality.. don't even get me started on her personality.."

Jecht lets out a small chuckle, he can tell just by the way she talks how much she loves this girl. It's interesting though, white blonde hair and green eyes? She sounds quite lovely, although he wouldn't mind seeing her herself, if she really is as wonderful as Lock describes her to be. He clears his throat, ready to ask the final question.

"Hmm... Well, what is her name? I'm quite curious as to what you've fell in love with."

She shifts her gaze down onto the moonlit ocean below her.

"Seraphina. I call her Sera for short.."

[arcstral]

The first friend she had made upon enrolling here stood before her, blue hair and eyes beautiful as the sky above them, a kind smile that was nostalgic yet unique to him alone. Despite their first meeting many moons ago being a little awkward at first, his welcoming nature made forging a bond much easier.

What she wished to convey today was gratefulness for that day but most importantly to celebrate that he exists in this lovely world. "Today's a special day, Marth. I brought two little gifts to celebrate."

She trailed closer to the archanean, a curve forming on her lips as their distance was cut short. In silence she placed a small box in one of his palms the contents inside were a pair of earrings with a simple design, golden with a small blue gem incrusted in them. Alear had noticed his ears were pierced, although the design wasn't close to what she had seen him wear the color of the gemstone reminded her of his eyes.

On the other box that she held as to not busy his hands rested a necklace, a golden chain with a charm at the center of it shaped like the falchion incrusted in the place were the red gem of the sword would be rested one mimicking her hair color. This gift was complicated to find someone capable of making it but she was glad it was able to be completed. "I am so happy to know you and the bond we have, you were the first to welcome me when i joined the academy, that day is special to me. It's truly an honor to stand by your side as friends, now and always."

"Your life is precious to those who love you so i wanted to tell you... happy birthday Marth!"

To enter into another year of life spent beside countless loved ones and allies is bliss enough for the Altean king. Which is to say, Marth does not often desire for material possessions, either on the day of his birth or any other. His interest is captivated by the gifts already planted into his hand; an Archanea unshackled by conflict, the daily pleasures of life attainable due to a world at peace, and - last but not least - the priceless bonds regarded as his treasures. Those maintained from old as well as those newly forged.

"A special day, you say? Hah. I am truly happy that you think so. To me, it is not that special when compared to every day I spend in enjoyment of life." Cerulean gaze sparkles warmly, pleased and amused in equal measures by the Elyosian woman who numbers among said bonds. Her honesty easily met with his own.

But his attention soon switches tacks, awe occupying a wonder-filled face as he is presented with two gifts. A fashionable pair of earrings alongside a resplendent necklace, one evocative of his emblematic blue color and another of Falchion itself. Their quality is easily discerned even by one who knows mandates and laws better than precious metals and gemstones. The heart he expresses is deeply touched and above all sincere: "Goodness, I am at a true loss for words! They are beautiful gifts and your consideration for me has gone to lengths I scarcely deserve."

Her regard alone would have been enough to make this a shining occasion. Not for the first time he finds the aura surrounding Alear to be curious. Though earnest, thoughtful, and undoubtedly kind, from their first meeting across the monastery grounds he could sense a certain way about her deeper than all those things - just as he'd observed of the male Alear. A phantom familiarity, perhaps; as one might judge of a tune or cuisine reminiscent of childhood.

And, naturally, what is familiar to Marth is comfortable.

He smiles, gratitude mingling with friendliness, an expression tenderly warm. "You have my thanks, Alear, for gifts and sentiments both. Let today not merely be a celebration of myself, but also that of our friendship. I would like to imagine us always at the sides of one another. . .as welcome allies."

[sunny6677]

Spooky Month: The Dating Sim

Part 26

(I'm mainly just doing this because it's fun to watch, but this is basically a spooky month interactive thing/poll which is kinda like a dating sim. Of course, only the adult characters can be your love interests. So do take that in mind.)

(Sorry this took so long. Schools been a pain in the ass when it has come to me writing shit lately.)

————

You calmly told him that you were babysitting Skid.

Frank still had a brow arched, his muscular jawline still visible in the shadow of the car. He was quite the large man. You felt a little intimidated, knowing full well that he could easily beat someone's ass if they pissed him off enough. You could feel yourself nervously sweat at the very sight of him. Yet even so, he simply uttered, "..oh."

Skid then chimed in, "Oh yeah! This is our new friend!" Skid eagerly gestured toward you, the grin through the mouth hole on his mask still visible. Pump looked at him, his eyes shimmering with child-like delight. Skid grinned and said, "They're friends with my mom too!"

"...uh.. really? Well.. I don't really sell to adults, but I guess I can give them ice-cream too. Haha.." Frank awkwardly chuckled. He then rummaged in a certain area of his van again, and after a few seconds, he whipped out three ice-cream cones. One was a vanilla ice-cream, looking freshly-made. One was a sherbert ice-cream, orange in its color and slightly melting. And the last one happened to.. actually be your favorite ice-cream! You wondered if Frank somehow just guessed that(and if so, you wondered if you were just that easy to read)m or if it was by chance.

Skid and Pump grinned, and beamed, "Yay!". Jumping up, Skid took the vanilla ice-cream, while Pump took the sherbert ice-cream. Nervously, you looked at Frank's hand, and reached your arm out. You took the ice-cream from his extremely large hand, and slowly raised it to your mouth. You began to lick at it, and unsurprisingly, it tasted pretty good. You could practically hear both Skid and Pump destroying their ice-creams though, considering they were very loudly licking at it. You wondered why they were both so incredibly loud..

Skid then suddenly spoke up, "Let's go get a hot-dog!". Pump then added excitedly, "Yeah! And then let's go watch a movie!".

You paused. There was a hot-dog place around here? You didn't really see that whenever you went exploring. You weren't exactly sure of whether or not you could watch a movie with them in the spare time Lila was away though. You tried saying that maybe you shouldn't, since Skid's mother wouldn't be gone for that long. Well.. you weren't sure if she'd be gone that long. You were certain she'd text you whenever she'd be back.

Though as you said that, Skid and Pump's faces saddened. "Awww.." They said in unison.

You quickly felt your heart break a little at the sight of their slightly sad faces, the sight of their frowns. You could immediately feel your mind giving into their wants, and almost immediately, words poured out of you. You said that you could go see a movie, but that you would have to leave with them both if Lila ended up returning while they were there.

Skid and Pump's faces lit up, and smiles quickly appeared again on their mouths. "Yay!" They beamed in unison, jumping up and down. A small but warm smile formed on your face at the sight of their happiness. You were at least glad they seemed happy again. You could swear you felt a small gaze upon you as you watched them eagerly jump up and down though.

You looked to where Frank was. You could see him staring at you. But his hard and dark gaze seemed to have.. softened up a little.

Skid and Pump then turned to face Frank before you could open up your mouth to speak. Pump asked, "Can you take us to the hot-dog stand, Mr Frank?".

Immediately, Frank's soft gaze dropped. A bead of sweat appeared on his face. He laughed nervously, "Uh.. nah, kids. Hah.. I still have to make ice-cream." Frank then started up the car, the engines revving within his van. You arched a brow, a little confused on why he seemed so nervous all of the sudden.

Frank quickly said, "Bye, kids!".

Looking a little confused themselves, they shrugged. Even so, they simply waved, and eagerly said in unison as the vehicle began to slowly drive off, "Bye bye, Mr. Frank!"

The white vehicle slowly drove off into the distance of the road. Frank, huh? He seemed to be pretty nice to the kids. Maybe he wasn't that bad of a guy? He did seem oddly nervous at random times though, and you weren't sure why. It was probably nothing though. You could get a little anxious for no reason yourself sometimes, so maybe that was what it was. Or maybe he was hiding something. But it couldn't have been anything too bad.

You then opened your mouth to ask if the kids knew where the hot-dog stand was since you yourself didn't even know there was once.

Yet once again, you felt your hands suddenly be forcefully grabbed. And with sharp winds blazing behind you, you yelped as they began to drag you off with eager smiles on their faces yet again.

————

Buildings zoomed past you, and as did many vehicles on the road. Plenty of people who walked by were staring at you with confused, or even amused expressions. You couldn't exactly see them though due to how fast Skid and Pump were dragging you. The sun still shined down, and bugs buzzed from nearby places. The heat was almost unbearable, and you still didn't even believe that there were winds with how hot it was.

You were about to open your mouth to beg them to slow down a little, but before you could.. they stopped. Pants began to escape your mouth. Sharp pants at that. Sharp and heavy breaths. You could feel your eyes watering from how hot the weather was, and your heart was beating uncontrollably fast.

You could then hear a.. oddly familiar voice speak from before you. "What do you want?" It sounded monotone, and almost bored, and masculine. And..

Wait.. you knew that voice.

You looked up despite your exhaustion, and you blinked. A tired but familiar pair of eyes sat before you. The man had brown hair, and he was wearing a cap on the top of his head with some strange yellow and red uniform. He was standing before the hot dog stand, his lips curled into a empty frown. It.. it was that man you bought the doll for.

He looked at you, and merely blinked. "..what are you doing here?" He blankly asked. His tone sounded a little more quieter when he spoke to you though, even if his expression didn't change.

Pump looked up at you, raising a brow. "..wait, you know this guy?"

[suginami-division]

ARB Birthday Special: Maki Umemoto

~ January 17th ~

“You should never let your fears prevent you from doing what you know is right.”

Login Lines:

“When does something’s destiny finally come to fruition? Is the plant complete when it flowers? When it goes to seed? When it goes to seed? When the seeds sprout? When everything turns into compost? It’s a quote I read recently, that has been plaguing me now that my anniversary of birth has dawned.”

“Why, I never expected to receive a gift from you this year. Thank you, my dear friend.”

Voice Lines:

“I’ve been reading a book on an American’s perspective on wabi-sabi recently. Although its casually combined into Japanese belief today, it’s origins were less light-hearted as we see it today… Sorry, I’m rambling. I’m just trying to say, I hope this year, I can incorporate this concept to view my aging in a more beautiful, if not remorseful perspective.”

“Students from my classes somehow remembered my birthday and went further than the usual words of goodwill this year. Seeing the entire chalkboard covered in drawings and words was… Touching, to say the least. It pained me that I had to erase it for the my morning lecture. But alas, their education is what they came and paid for.”

“Well well well… My baby brother has gathered up something for me, has he? No, I wouldn’t dare judge your gift. Probably. Enough of your bickering, let me open this up and see for myself.”

“Hmph, a book I see. Didn’t expect you to even bother walking into a place like that, much less for me… Alright, alright, I’ll quit picking on you. This is definitely an interesting pick. This is from a monk that’s been supporting some movements, correct? Hm? Oh, I’m not sure if this is good yet. I’ll let you know, Ryuko. In the meantime, thank you. I appreciate the gesture.”

“Detective. No need to be nervous, step up. Let me see what you have there. I promise, I won’t bite.”

“My, a wagashi assortment box? And such beautifully crafted ones as well… Thank you, detective. This is a lot… Too much in fact, so why don’t you sit down and try some with me? I’d invite your sisters here too but, you know how I feel about them.”

Ryuko Lines:

“Shut it with that condescending tone and just take it. Already know you’re gonna fucking judge the hell out of my pickings… Hey, I heard that! Fucking… Quit idling around and open it already!”

“Yeah, a book. What did you expect? Hey, I’m not illiterate you asshole! Don’t tell me to calm down when you’re the one fucking picking on me- Hah? Yeah, at least that's what I know about it. I overheard a bunch of my coworkers talk about it all hush hush in the break room. Figured since you have that habit of supporting this sort of stuff, you’d get a kick out of reading it. What? You don’t like it? Oh, that makes sense… Yeah, save your thanks for when you finish it. Just enjoy the rest of your day, alright?”

Shuu Lines:

“Maki? S-Sorry! Here, it’s not much, but please take this!”

“Mhm… I got gifted some as reward for a job so I thought I could buy some for you. You’re welcome. Yeah, I might have went a little overboard with buying the box, but hey, sweets are yummy, right? H-Huh? Oh, you want to share with me? O-Okay! Thank you teach~!”

[aladaylessecondblog]

Next chapter of Faal Hah Wuld

Summary:

The trip is silent until the first stop; Torovan is inquisitive and some arguing happens.

Follower

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

15th of First Seed, @@@@@@@ 4E202, Afternoon(?)

The journey so far is relatively quiet, though I could do without seeing that one piercing eye of Torovan's when I look back to check he's still there. It's not the eye itself, it's just...the stare. I feel there's a lot behind it, but again...no questions asked or answered. He could be anyone for all I know. Whatever is going on, I'm getting paid for the job--and THAT is what matters.

We've stopped just inside Alftand, to warm up and to have something to eat before continuing on down into Blackrockreach. The chill is getting to both of us, but at least it makes things simple. I can't be concerned with anything and everything when it's so damned cold out.

Weather, like @@@ battles, is simple for me.

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

Torovan took the bottle the instant Sadrith had it out of her fur robe, and then moved to the other side of the fire. He didn't speak a word until he'd eaten--she attempted to eat something as well. But her appetite was still stone dead from the skooma, so all she managed was a slice of bread and a small slice of cheese.

It wasn't until she happened to look in his direction that she realized he was watching her, and when she pulled out a book she glanced up a time or two to find he was still doing it. Through some of the lower bandages she could see a slight sneer.

"Did I drop something?"

"Words of Clan Mother Ahnissi to her Favored Daughter?" Torovan asked, gesturing, "Forgive me, I thought you were a Dunmer, not some cat."

"I grew up in a Khajiit caravan," Sadrith huffed, "It was like...a bedtime storybook for me. Comforting."

She looked back at the book in an attempt to distract herself from the weight of his stare.

And they gave birth to S'rendarr, the Runt. "S'rendarr, we give you mercy...

"We're not stopping now."

"I know." She didn't look up. "I didn't say I meant to."

The bottle in his hand was set back on the floor. "Yet you seem to be getting comfortable enough to do so. Are you not worried about the Falmer? The chaurus? Bandits, perhaps?"

"I would hear them coming long before they had a chance to see me," Sadrith replied. This time, with no small amount of annoyance, she did look up from the book for a brief moment. "I might LOOK like I'm not paying attention, but I am."

"You wouldn't last a minute in Morrowind."

Back to the book. This time she refused to look back up at him. Escort mission or not, she would not be mocked.

"I've lasted plenty, I just haven't been back recently."

Note to self, write mother a letter when we get to Riften...

There was a brief pause, and for that silence she hoped enough had been said that he'd be satisfied.

And the Heart of Lorkhaj was filled with the Great Darkness. And when he was born, the Great Darkness knew its name...

"Which of the Houses do you hail from?" he asked, "Clearly not Dres, if you're consuming that sort of literature."

"None of them. My mother comes of the Urshilaku tribe."

"And your father?"

"She never told me," Sadrith shrugged, flipping over another page, "She said he was an arrogant ass and I was better off not knowing him. At her age, she didn't expect to have...nevermind. Either way, I never knew him."

"He was probably a Telvanni," Torovan made a sound in his throat almost like a laugh. "That sounds rather like them."

The children of Fadomai tore out the Heart of Lorkhaj and hid it deep within Nirni. And they said, "We curse you, noisy Lorkhaj, to walk Nirni for many phases."

"And you?" she asked.

"What about me?"

"Are YOU a Telvanni?"

"I believe Sigurd told you not to ask any questions," Torovan replied flatly.

(Still, that stare persisted. It was not one of interest, she could see that much. But it felt like he was studying her, like she was a specimen under glass.)

"You were asking questions about me, it seemed only fair that I ask one in return."

"YOU are the one being paid here, therefore I will be the one asking questions about your background."

"I'm the dragonborn, what other background do you really need?" she shrugged. "I go all over Skyrim doing things any sellsword would do, and they get done because I have the dragon tongue."

She looked down at the pages, noting with an increasing irritation that she was reading the same one for a third time and yet still wasn't making progress on it.

...as is proper for Nirni's secret defenders.

Torovan didn't reply to her statement with anything more than a huff, but he soon added, "Let's keep moving. I'd prefer to cover as much ground as possible, to avoid running into too many of those Falmer."

"We're going to hit them regardless," Sadrith said, "And I imagine you'd welcome the opportunity for something to drink...to conserve the bottles, I mean. Blood is blood. And if you're worried about the danger..."

"Blood is not all the same, and I am not worried about being in any danger, only the inconvenience."

She tucked away the book as he kept talking; his complaints were in a similar vein. When she finally had her bags arranged again she stood. "If you needed to be done within a certain period of time, you ought to have told me that."

Torovan bristled slightly. "I shouldn't have to tell you--"

"Sigurd told me he wanted you kept hidden, he didn't say anything about doing it in a hurry. Haste and stealth do not pair well together. Even with Nocturnal's--"

Sadrith stopped the instant the word was out--but it was too late.

Torovan looked in her direction, and though she could not see the raised eyebrow, she was sure she could feel it in the way his head was tilted slightly.

Deep breath. Deep breath. It's not that big a matter. It'll be helpful. ...Gods, I should've guessed this would happen, it's past noon. The skooma sometimes wears off early...you should've KNOWN this would happen. ...but if I'd taken another sip, I wouldn't eat until tomorrow, either.

Her spiraling thoughts were broken by Torovan's question.

"You serve Nocturnal, then?"

tk tk tk

(A dwemer construct in the distance, she thought, the sound wasn't so loud)

"And if I do?" She took a deep, only slightly shaky breath. "I am a master at staying hidden when I wish to do so. Why do you think the Archmage chose me?"

"He told me you were discreet," Torovan replied with only a slight glare. "But I suppose it's only natural you should have the Mistress of Shadows as a patron. And your service--will it interfere with the trip to Riften?"

"No," Sadrith replied, "Not unless something goes terribly wrong."

TK TK TK TK TK

"Spider," she said suddenly, and when Torovan looked at her with slight confusion she added, "A dwemer spider's getting close by...maybe more than one, I can't quite tell. I'll go and handle it, just sit here for a minute."

Torovan's head tilted, and then he seemed to hear it too.

"As many times as I've been down here, they never seem to run out," she grumbled, and reached for Chillrend. "They don't usually come this far up, though...that I remember."

"I am perfectly capable of defending myself," he replied suddenly, "I'm not sure what Sigurd wrote in that letter but I am NOT going to be treated like some sort of invalid."

"Then get your things together, or the soul gems will be all mine."

She smirked.

Torovan huffed, and turned away to grab his bags.