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moondirti · 11 months

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animalic (1)

series masterlist

pairing: Miguel O'Hara x F!Reader rating: mature word count: 1.9k summary: he won't stop until he gets you warnings: enemies to lovers, injuries, kissing, minor ATSV spoilers, size kink (?), mentions of gore and death, not spell checked nor edited, honestly not my best work but the horny is all that matters notes: stayed up all night for this because i had to get it out of my system before finals. there'll be a few more parts, i promise i'm not this cruel haha

“I thought grace was a prerequisite for your little spider-club.”

Your quip sounds disjointed – even to your own ears – entwined with wheezes that rattle your splintered rib cage. In all honesty, the circumstances don’t seem to be favouring you; he’s got you confined upon the wreckage of your own fight, hanging off the remnants of a crane that dangerously tips over a quarry. And though this isn’t the worst you’ve faced, Miguel’s presence always seems to make things more complicated than they need to be.

You’d had a stable hold on the beam, ready to pull yourself up and dematerialise to wherever he wasn’t. Until, of course, the asshole kicked your elbows off. Now, your fingers remain as your only attachment to the structure, shaking violently with their diminishing strength. Your torso isn’t faring any better, either – the bleeding both internal and trickling from the gashes in your hoodie.

(You wonder if he’s toying with you, like a panther with its food. Of the rare times he’s assigned another spiderman to pursue you, they didn’t tend to drag it out for this long.

But, you suppose, Miguel’s different.)

He takes a small step forward, lifting his foot over your digits. He could crush them like this, turn the bone to powder and keep pressing until it macerates in the gore. You can’t put it past him, really, not if you utter one more self-sabotaging word. You’ve seen him rip through steel and silk alike, fueled on the resentment that simmers deep within his very essence. Yours is merely the same fate that’s befallen every other obstacle that’s dared to come his way.

But the tension buzzes between you two, thickening until it’s palpable enough to taste. Miguel is quiet as ever, completely still save for the flickering light of his dimensional travel watch. You envy his position – that resolute stature, brimful of power as his shoulders square, his calf rippling with subdued strength, still stretched over your hand. You blame that, or the mask, slick with sweat and humid as it sticks to your nose. Or the glasses that slowly slip to reveal your squinting eyes. You blame anything apart from what it is; that fear that steadily begins to flood your senses, numbing it all into one, cohesive panic.

You’ve never been good at life or death scenarios.

“Or, maybe, the big boss thinks he can break his own rules?”

The air snaps. With an infuriated roar, he lunges at you, razor-sharp talons swiping at your face. In your frenzied dunk to avoid them, your fingers drop.

You plunge to the bottomless chasm below.

Okay. Let’s try to get this right, one last time.

Your name doesn’t matter. It hasn’t, not for a while now.

For the past year, you’ve been on the run from the Spider Society. You don’t exactly blame them for it, either. Every world you’ve crashed has gone to shit, despite serious lack of trying. Food-barren wastelands, borderless warzones. Truthfully, after the mantle of Earth 7BB-1 convected in on itself, you were inclined to turn yourself in.

Independant of the fact that Nueva York seems to be the only place you can’t fuck up. Regardless of the relatability you have with the residents of its lobby. You were bitten by a radioactive spider just the same, and for all the good you’ve tried to do, you’ve never been a spider-hero. If it meant that no one else got hurt, you really would have been able to cope with lifetime confinement.

(Greater good and all that.)

Would’ve. Could’ve. If it weren’t for Miguel O’Hara’s interjection, and his goddamn alternative solution, things just might have turned out that way.

You’re not dead.

The realisation whips your consciousness into high alert, eyes snapping open to survey your surroundings. You process the light first, its brilliance piercing through the bromine-doused cotton that stuffs your skull. Then, it’s the pain that, up until this point, had been thrumming in the background. It crackles, marrow-deep, tearing down the tendons in your shoulders to the throbbing area around your ribs. They’re in doubtlessly worse shape than they had been at the quarry, the ache searing across to engulf your spine too.

He had let you fall on your back, that dickhead.

But–

You’re not dead.

It doesn’t take you long to figure out why that is.

A red forcefield entraps you, droning its monotonous hum, partially obscuring everything beyond your own reflection. You can see the faint impression of a silhouette – no, multiple – stalking you on the other end, a great shadow court. They warp and grow with every passing second, gorging on your offered vulnerability, awaiting some wordless signal from the harbinger of death, to execute justice upon the one who’s been causing them so much trouble. Jess Drew. Hobie Brown. Ben Reilly.

(They’d been more forgiving, once. Willing to negotiate peace, to treat you more than the screw up you’ve proven to be.

His voice overrode theirs. Always.)

It’s easier to make out the devil himself – more so than the others. You’ve come to memorise the slope of those shoulders, how his fists clench at his sides as he circles you. You imagine the smug set of his jaw and those eyes, just as luminous as the cage you curl within. The puck at the base is recognisable, akin to the capture weapons he’s thrown at you previously. He’d saved your life, then.

On a technicality. You’ll bury that thought to rage over later.

“How–”

The question hardly forms before you’re ripped in two, the atoms of all but your spirit splicing into one another in a defect of blue and orange. The glitch exacerbates the fractures that threaten to knock you out, racking through your system as it rearranges your matter into amorphous forms. It’s only when something is thrown into the enclosure do you snap back to. A bracelet clatters to the floor.

“Didn’t know whether you’d be used to the glitching yet.” A disembodied voice remarks. It’s at a particularly whiny pitch – you assign it to Ben.

“We… tried to get it on you, kid. But you–” A feminine inflection crops up. Jess sounds the same since the last you spoke.

You glower at them from the corner of your eye – unsure if they can actually see you – and snap the day pass on. Your spectral abilities were handy at the best of times; to shift from the corporeal, coming into immateriality, makes the most complicated situations evadeable. You credit it for your continued survival, if nothing else. Yet to speak like you could control it, especially while unconscious, was pushing it. You clearly weren’t able to activate it when you needed it the most.

And now you’re here.

“I’m not going to ask what you want, so let’s keep this short– y-yeah? Either you let me go, or this Earth’ll be the next to unravel.” Despite your intentions, the demand escapes you in a long-winded croak. You hear Hobie snicker, the laugh teetering the edge of approval. Anyone can tell the promise has no foundation.

“That won’t be happ–”

“Leave us.”

The room clips into white noise. You fail to focus on anything but that echoing order.

His voice comes across clearer than all else, too, cadence resonating past any natural boundary, tugging your heart right where it’s tender. There’s that fear again, that singular dread, only ever triggered by his indifference. Perhaps more potent than fury, his patience gives away an all-assured determination. Deadly.

You bite your cheek, steeling your expression into one of similar apathy. It feels like a child’s attempt at dress up, grubby hands clutched around mother’s lipstick, painting on a clown’s complexion. Crackling apprehension brushes across your most vulnerable parts; layer by layer, you’re skinned as the group files out. Bare nerves are all that’s left for your faceoff with the hulking man.

He throws another puck to the floor. His own forcefield conjoins to yours.

His cheeks have gotten hollower, you notice, emphasising the cheekbones that are just as keen as everything else about him. He offers no smile, no grand boast of victory. Instead, he breathes – calmly, fixedly, and lets you absorb the overwhelming magnitude of his size once more. He’s aware of what it strikes in you, can see it in the way you falter upon every reintroduction. Miguel is colossal, a reality that has never been more apparent than in this cramped enclosure.

You know that if you stop to ponder it, it’ll ruin you.

Rearing on your heels, you bounce from your place on the ground, making a grab for his watch. He anticipates it, having caught the decision blaze in your pupils, and side steps, pivoting to gain the upper hand while your back is still turned. You rebound off the field wall, stumbling back when he yanks you by your hoodie. Your shoulder presses into his chest, and he moves to wrap himself around your form.

Your skin prickles. His body passes right through you.

His recovery time is nearly nonexistent relative to your last fight – quick learner – but you’re still swift on your feet, bolting to his watch again. It’s a millisecond too slow, for his talons sink into your forearm when you start to pull away.

Your pained yelp loses momentum as he slams your back against the wall, using a knee to pin your other arm in place, his free hand wrapping around your neck.

He’s close. Too close. Your stomach flips, pushing up on your oesophagus until you choke with the bile that sears its lining. Your breaths are as deep enough as his clutch will allow, index and thumb cutting off the circulation on both sides of your neck.

Ichor blooms from the puncture points at your wrist, the warmth puddling at your palm, not yet heavy enough to drip down onto the floor. You don’t think he realises how deep his claws are, how near he is to scratching bone. You don’t think you do, either. It doesn’t hurt as much as it should, and while you’re sure you’ll regret not prioritising it sooner, you don’t think– Don’t think–

“I-I’m not goi…going home,” You gasp.

“It’s not up to you, Wraith.” Miguel growls, chokehold loosening.

It hits you, then. Animalic. He smells addictingly animalic. Like musk, a blend of brine and hot air and hints of a patchouli aftershave that still clings to his jaw. Your eyes flutter, seeking all you can get of the latter. Unwittingly, you move in closer.

You haven’t been this close to anyone in a long time.

His expression oscillates between a sneer and a grimace, nose pulling up to reveal the very pointed ends of his two canines. Set side by side with plush lips, you zero in on the thought of experiencing the contrast with your own.

He’s huge.

Closer.

Completely overwhelms you, in size and presence and–

Closer.

Your ribs ache. Your back groans. You’re quickly losing feeling in your fingers, and movement – soon – if you don’t do something.

Your breath weaves with his. He doesn’t reciprocate when your lips brush, but he doesn’t pull away, either.

You kiss him for longer than you should. Longer than you need to. It’s firm, and not unlike what you expected.

(World-shattering, all the same.)

Your skin prickles. It takes all of your rationale to pull away – dematerializing out of his grasp, and into the portal you’d activated from his wrist.

chapter 2 →

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killerpancakeburger · 5 months

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Outpace the dawn

Gif by @silverformymonsters

Summary: BG3 Spawn ending Fix It fic! Because I refuse to let him deal with the sunlight alone.

Pairing: Astarion x Reader

Warnings/tags: SPOILERS obvsly, angst/comfort, non canon compliant.

Words count: 936 words.

A/N: It should be Gender Neutral, but if I fcked up since I tend to write from my pov, you can tell me and I'll correct it.

Yes the title is from that Hozier song. It got me thinking how Astarion would need to outpace the dawn from now on.

Astarion’s voice cut through the silence that followed your last battle, as your little group was gathering on a pontoon.

“So, what’s next for us?”

You had been thinking about what was to come for a while, actually. Probably longer than any of your companions have. Some might argue that it wasn’t the time for that, that you should have been completely focused on defeating the Netherbrain. But you couldn’t help it; it was a matter of life and death - Astarion’s life and death. Or rather, undeath and death. Since you’ve known that the brain was within reach, it had become an omnipresent apprehension in your mind.

The slaughter of the brain sounded the death knell of the tadpoles, and their disappearance inevitably meant that Astarion’s resistance to the sun would vanish like it never existed. Like nature rightfully reasserting itself by getting rid of this aberration that had been a vampire walking in the sun in the first place.

This knowledge has been haunting you for days and nights now. It was your first thought when you woke up and your last when you fell asleep. A knot of dread had settled inside your stomach, making it hard to fall asleep and to interact normally with the source of your worries. And right now, following Astarion’s question, the knot in your guts got even tighter, even more painful.

At any moment, any second from now on, your vampire lover would catch fire as surely as straw in the summer.

It was fine. You planned. You prepared for this. You procured a large, thick, hooded coat that was guaranteed to block the sunrays. It was even imbued with magic that made it impossible to tear, pierce, or rip in any way. It hadn’t been easy to acquire, but Astarion didn’t need to know that.

You were on the lookout for any sign of burning, wound as tightly as a spring while still trying to appear normal to the others.

“The world is our oyster, and she has many pearls we can choose from.” claimed Astarion, blissfully unaware of his fate.

He illustrated his remarks by spreading his arms far apart with vigor. The genuine excitement, the happiness in his voice almost made you sick to your stomach. Astarion’s displays of authentic joy were few and far in between, and this one would end as soon as it started. As fast as a vampire spawn left in the sun, as a pile of ashes on the ground.

You could barely bear to look at him. You didn’t have the heart to remind him of his imminent doom. He obviously had forgotten about it for the time being, and while the cruel reality was taking up almost all the space in your brain, like blaring alarms, you’d be damned if you took away from him his last, his only instants of light and warmth, of complete freedom, by reminding him. No Cazador, no tadpole, no mind control, no deadly sunlight, no slave and no master. Just an immense ocean of liberty, intoxicating, vertiginous.

“I honestly don’t mind what we do, once we get to- Ow!”

You instantly straightened up at the sound, like a wild animal who picked up the sound of an upcoming danger. For a terrible second, there was a twisted part of you who felt relieved. Finally, your gnawing, agonizing wait was coming to an end. Then, swiftly, the relief disappeared, flooded with your concern for Astarion.

“What the- Oh no. Oh Gods.”

Already his hands were fuming, his beautiful pale face sprinkled with silververy cracks like delicate porcelain. He had always looked more like a piece of art than a living being after all. The frantic panic in his voice was like a punch to the chest. In all your battles and struggles together, you had never seen him so horrified. Even against Cazador. Even a True Vampire had to yield to the Sun.

He threw you a harrowing look, like he was bidding you goodbye before bolting. As if you were going to leave him to deal with this alone. Already you were rushing towards him, the life-saving coat in hands. You wrapped it around him as fast as your hands would allow, put the hood on, and gently grabbed him by the shoulder, turning him so his covered back would take the blunt of the light.

“There we go, you explained softly. This will block the sun.”

“You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.” you added, mirroring his own words.

You were smiling sadly, trying to be supportive, to not add to his burden. The look in his eyes was hard to describe, an intense blend of heartbreak, vulnerability, and gratefulness.

“Well… It was… it was nice while it lasted.” he managed to articulate, his voice breaking like he was about to cry.

You could feel your heart break in response like an echo.

The magic sunproof coat was in no way a solution. Barely a bandage on a sinking ship. You had to get out of the sun, quickly.

“Come on, love. Let’s get you some shadow, uh?”

Your encouraging smile was as fragile as a spiderweb. You could feel it teetering on the edge of an abyss.

Astarion simply nodded, like he didn’t trust his voice anymore. It was fine. He was already expressing so much through his gaze.

You put your hand on the small of his back, barely applying any pressure, threw a telling look over your shoulder at your other companions, and you both started your search for protective darkness between the walls of Baldur’s Gate.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 spoilers #astarion #bg3 astarion #astarion x tav #astarion x reader #astarion x you #astarion fanfic #fanfic #fic #bg3 fanfiction #yes i know i said i was doing rolan - lol - but i already written half of this one so i might as well finish it right?

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primoredial-jade · 4 months

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to you, 500 years from now.

" i wonder if you remember me as i was. sometimes, i think of those days. do you? " —dishonored

prompt: he wishes to see you again one day, in a world that is kinder for a soul as beautiful as yours.

pairing: neuvillette x gn!reader

cw: reincarnation alternate universe, heavy themes and depictions of death, neuvillette story quest spoilers, fontaine archon quest spoilers, a light-hearted scene sprinkled in, reader is an oceanid in their past life, reader is a geoscientist in their current life

as a part of @seraphiism's 2023 writing event 🤍 merry christmas!

500 years ago.

seldom did visitors grace the presence of the hydro dragon.

adorned with shimmering scales that reflected the hues of the deepest ocean, piercing violet eyes that sparkled like the shiniest amethysts, and hailed as one of the strongest sovereigns of the world– his reputation preceded him. thus, the hydro dragon chose to live in seclusion in the salacia plains.

time worked differently for a being such as him. in a momentary lapse, the hydro dragon had shut his eyes for what he thought was a brief respite, only to be roused by the gentle murmur of bubbling water. as his eyes fluttered open, he remained unaware that several years had slipped away during his tranquil slumber.

with seemingly no fear at being in the presence of the hydro dragon, a beautiful oceanid floated before him, blowing bubbles in his direction. twirling around him, the oceanid radiated a warmth that the hydro dragon could not resist. drawn by the mesmerizing glow of his scales, the oceanid came closer.

the hydro dragon sat up in his full form, extending his wings and towering over the oceanid, gauging its reaction. he knew he was terrifying like this. the oceanid did not flee in fear, rather, gazed up at him in amazement and wonder.

"what is your name?" the hydro dragon asks.

you offer it to him, easily.

days turned into nights into years as the hydro dragon finally had someone to call his companion. you followed him everywhere he went, offering him countless condessence crystals on your trips, "because it resembles your eyes."

with time, the hydro dragon had discovered a love that transcended ordinary within you.

fate, as cruel as it could be, had other plans. the heavenly principles had descended to wage war against the seven sovereigns. the hydro dragon urged you to stay away, to not get involved. yet, you refused, promising that you would never leave his side.

the heavenly principles, having sensed the unconventional bond between the hydro dragon and his oceanid, instantly killed you before the hydro dragon could even think to intervene. dying in his hands, you apologized.

"hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don't cry," you murmur, placing one last condessence crystal in his palm.

filled with agony and rage, the hydro dragon unleashed his elemental fury upon the heavenly principles.

still, it wasn't enough. he couldn't save you, he couldn't avenge you, and now, he was to also perish by the hands of fate.

as he lay dying with the condessence crystal in his hand, he wishes to see you again one day. in a world that is kinder, and more forgiving for a soul as beautiful as yours.

500 years later.

the stars are keeping you up tonight.

ever since furina had given up her position as the hydro archon and the prophecy was deemed to be untrue, you had felt a shift within yourself that you could not really explain. when you had been enveloped by the water of the primordial sea, you had felt... at home. tranquil, even.

fontaine's winter festivities were in full swing, and the city's lights twinkle slow as children zip past you through the streets. red and green decorations are adorned on every wall and lamp post. you raise a hand to catch a delicate snowflake– rarely did snow ever reach fontaine, but it was a welcomed change for the season.

you shiver, pulling your coat closer to your neck. it was probably reckless to be out this late when the night was this chilly, but you just couldn't shake the feeling of having to be out here. something was pulling you here, but you didn't know what.

"good evening," a voice calls your name and you startle, hand over your heart. you turn to meet piercing violet eyes and an easygoing smile, one that you meet sheepishly.

"good evening, monsieur neuvillette," you answer, inadvertently straightening your posture.

"i thought it was you i saw..." neuvillette trails off, clearing his throat. he gestures up to the palais mermonia, quite a ways away. you tilt your head in bewilderment.

"you could see me from there?"

"well, not at first," he answers, lightly tapping his cane on the floor. "you could say it was instinct, perhaps. i cannot find the words to really explain it, but it had to be you."

you would be lying if you said that one of the reasons as to why you had felt so on edge since the flooding didn't have anything to do with neuvillette.

as a geoscientist investigator for the marechaussee phantom, most of your interactions in the past had been strictly professional in solving cases and exonerating or indicting those on stand. after the failed prophecy, neuvillette had begun to seek you out for casual conversation. of course, you welcomed it. you were easily drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.

something about the way he had interacted with you since then with a longing gaze in his eyes had you feeling as if he knew something that you didn't.

it did not do any favors to your heart. he was a gorgeous man with a kind and respectful personality to boot.

you shouldn't get this excited about him finding you, but your blood thumping in your ears betrays you.

"ah- i see... it's funny you say that, because, well- likewise," you manage to say, flustered and feeling the urge to bolt on the spot.

neuvillette smiles at you, nodding toward the brightly lit street. "would you take a walk with me?"

speechless, you nod. what would fontaine think seeing you strolling around town with neuvillette this late at night, shoulders so close?

"there are a few stands around with festive goods and the likes. there's actually a..." you pause, a sudden memory making you laugh, "a water taste-testing booth made by your fanclub. would you want to check it out?"

neuvillette's eyebrows raise in amusement. "it would be my pleasure. i had not even been aware i harbored a fanclub."

you absentmindedly lean closer to his side, "well, you are quite popular among fontainians, monsieur neuvillette. many of them admire you for everything you have done for fontaine."

"and what about you?" his eyes meet yours expectantly.

you're caught off guard by his teasing. ears burning, you focus your attention on the path. "well, of course, i do too," you mumble. you can't see it, but he smiles.

a brightly lit booth in blue finally comes into view. its banner reads, "water around the world!" with a small, cute drawing of neuvillette's face in the corner.

"surely that's breaking a law in copyright infringement?" you joke.

"the oratrice would surely find them guilty," he nods, and you cannot suppress your laugh.

"hello, and welcome to- monsieur neuvillette?!" the teenager running the stand jumps out of her seat at the sight. she sputters, waving her hands around frantically. "it- it's so nice to see you, monsieur! are you interested in trying out some of the water we've collected?" her outburst spawns members of neuvillette's fanclub whispering excitedly behind her, to your amusement.

"i would be delighted to, along with my companion, if you would be so kind." he gestures to you, and it is only now that the fanclub seems to notice you. a few of them audibly gasp, and you already feel the dread of having your name front and center on the steambird come tomorrow morning. "monsieur neuvillette and the esteemed geoscientist: on a late-night excursion?"

they're quick to place multiple cups of water in front of you. respectively labeled cider lake, samudra coast, dadaupa gorge, sal terrae, and the suigetsu pool. neuvillette takes the one from cider lake, swirling it, and taking a leisurely sip not unlike wine. he hums, encouraging you to take your sip as well.

as you go down the line, truthfully you cannot tell much difference between them all. but, your heart warms seeing neuvillette take this very seriously, to the delight of his fanclub.

"did you like them?" you ask as you both depart from the booth, truly curious.

neuvillette nods, a smile on his face. "they all tasted quite fresh."

you cannot repress your own grin at his honesty. "i'm glad, monsieur neuvillette."

as the snow gets heavier and the night turns darker, booths begin to shut their lights down with people scurrying back to their abodes. you get the occasional double take at being with the chief justice, of course.

you watch neuvillette as he slows to a stop to stare up into the sky. delicate snowflakes fall into his long hair and eyelashes, and yet he seems completely unbothered by the cold. he's beautiful.

you heart suddenly aches in a way that feels like the breath has totally escaped you. the feeling is so unknown that you wonder if this moment is even real at all.

you'd had nightmares about it that you didn't dare tell a soul, of how you had died once. it was impossible- unfathomable.

but if it was, then how could you vividly remember in your last moments the feeling of being held by warm, protective hands?

neuvillette is already looking at you when you come to, like he knows.

"maybe we should call it a night." your voice is thinned.

neuvillette takes a step closer. "may i?"

you can only nod, breath hitching. he's standing closer than how he usually allows himself to be. you move, but one of his hands lift to gently cup your cheeks.

instantly, tears begin to well up in your eyes. his touch feels so familiar. "i'm sorry," you whisper.

with his free hand, neuvillette unclips the brooch at his neck and places it in your hand. seeing it up this close, your eyes widen.

"this is a condessence crystal."

neuvillette's eyes meet your own. he closes both of your hands around the crystal, and you see white.

"what is your name?"

"it resembles your eyes."

"i love you."

"i won't ever leave your side."

"don't leave me by myself."

"hydro dragon, hydro dragon, don't cry."

your knees suddenly grow weak, but neuvillette is quick to catch you.

your mind is running at a thousand miles a minute, swirling with questions that repeat themselves in your head, what is wrong with you, what is wrong with him, what is wrong with fate.

"so it is real," he finally says, eyes so solemn yet relieved. his words, resolute and cutting, make you still.

"i– what is?"

"us."

you didn't realize that you needed to hear it from him to finally understand. his eyes are darting across your face, trying to get a read on your expression.

"ever since i was given my authority back on the day of the prophecy, i remembered everything of our past life together, traversing across the seas of the teyvat," he explains, thumbing a stray tear that escaped your eye.

“for a long time, i wondered why i had this when i was reborn into this form,” he squeezes your hand with the condessence crystal, “and then it all made sense.”

"i remember now too," you say, "neuvillette, i remember."

this world is much kinder for a soul that is as beautiful as yours.

"would you give it a chance?" he asks.

"why, neuvillette?"

"because i know," his beautiful eyes don't falter from your own. "i know of the one life i spent where i lost you."

the chill that runs up your spine is not from the cold.

"and now, i have finally found you again."

you don't know who moves first, but his lips are on yours in the next breath you take. you are anguished, confused, happy, at peace.

even in the snow and the pretty lights, all you can see is him.

#neuvillette x reader #reincarnation au #neuvillette reincarnation #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin x you #fontaine story spoilers #fontaine spoilers #oceanid reader #past life au #neuvillette #seraphiism’23 #neuvillette | primoredial-jade

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asukaskerian · 11 months

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peddling svsss (spoilers abound)

lovingthatofficeyfeel: ok. Now try to sell me on SVSSS because I read the summary and go 'nope, nope, nope icky power dynamics do not want, nooooope' because if it is not that I am also amenable (Book summary: "Half-demon Luo Binghe rose from humble beginnings and a tortured past to become unrivaled in strength and beauty. With his harem of over three hundred wives, and dominion over both the human and demonic realms, he is truly the most powerful protagonist—in a trashy web novel series!

At least, that's what Shen Yuan, online alias "Peerless Cucumber," believes as he finishes reading the final chapter in Proud Immortal Demon Way. But when a combination of rage and a poor meal choice leads to his death, Shen Yuan finds himself reborn into the world of the web novel, in the body of Shen Qingqiu—the beautiful but cruel teacher to a young Luo Binghe.

Although as Shen Qingqiu, he now has incredible power and abilities as a cultivator, he’s destined to be horrifically punished for crimes against the protagonist, so this new Shen Qingqiu has only one course of action: get into Luo Binghe’s good graces before the young man’s rise to power. That’s the only way he’ll escape the awful fate of a true scum villain!")

lovingthatofficeyfeel: ^ like based on that summary, I would never read that light novel on my own

Askerian: oh man yeah it makes it sound like grooming as fuck Askerian: grooosssss

lovingthatofficeyfeel: exactly! lovingthatofficeyfeel: its like this for most of the danmei!

Askerian: it's not like that at ALL

lovingthatofficeyfeel: which is why I want to know why people like it so much

Askerian: ok first of all, the guy he's stuck inside of is a high ranking ice bitch, so he has to speak that way too, BUT! he's a huge nerd inside! Askerian: the contrast between the speech and the narration is sometimes completely hilarious Askerian: also. his screen name peerless cucumber is a dick joke. and the book author's airplane shooting toward the sky is also a dick joke Askerian: this guy is the kind of oblivious demisexual who will read a 600+ chapters harem story for the worldbuilding

Askerian: and the protagonist! he LOVES the main character, so he also looks favorably upon him getting everything life owes him including sex, he supposes, but! none of his wives LOVE HIM PROPERLY. hm. let's flame the author over that. Askerian: anyway so then he lands himself in the body of a teacher to a 14 year old abused kid. who is a kid! and a very adorable kid. yeee time to spoil the shit out of him Askerian: the issue there is that there's a system/game manager forcing plot points and assigning quests and no matter what he does some things must happen, such as his betraying his poor clingy baby student so that he can rise magnificently from a hell dimension and take his place as a demon king Askerian: so when his adorable little student comes back Pissed and starts doing things that look very similar to what happened in the book just before murdering his evil teacher, he starts running. but he also really wants to help his student survive and even thrive! but also, not die in the process PLEASE.

Askerian: meanwhile luo binghe went from abused by sensei to spoiled by sensei to "i will marry sensei when i grow up" to "STOP RUNNING FROM ME AND EXPLAIN"

Askerian: main character can't explain, btw. he'd die.

lovingthatofficeyfeel: ahahahahahahah OMG lovingthatofficeyfeel: see THIS, this is my shit lovingthatofficeyfeel: this sounds freaking God Tier hijinks humour

Askerian: it's so damn fun XD

lovingthatofficeyfeel: you should write the summaries for seven seas' danmei books

Askerian: also the System sells "small scenario pushers" for points Askerian: guy "what's that, ok, let's buy, maybe it'l save my life" => WHY DID I END UP HALF NAKED AND DRENCHED Askerian: luo binghe : hhhhhhh 🍆

lovingthatofficeyfeel: ahahahaha omg, wet hanfu Saves Lives XD

Askerian: shen yuan: idk what distracted him but time to run Askerian: luo binghe: D:< wAIT STOP BEING NAKED AROUND MY LOVE RIVALS shen yuan: oh no he wants to kill me twice as much Askerian: he's Oblivious (tm)

lovingthatofficeyfeel: omg. 'oblivious demi-sexual keeps running away from future-demon-king trying to seduce him'

Askerian: yiss

lovingthatofficeyfeel: this is a fanfic plot in the best way

Askerian: YISS. Askerian: i kinda love luo binghe's character too tbh. he's so nice! but he's such a yandere sometimes Askerian: i mean, nice. :X Askerian: "my fantasy life is to be my master's little housewife and i will burn down the world to make it happen" dude :X

lovingthatofficeyfeel: honestly, good on him for having balanced life goals XD

Askerian: as a kid he's adorable but also already "i hear what you said! i understand it! gonna do what i felt was right tho" Askerian: after he's been given unconditional love by sensei!!!!! but also betrayed by sensei!!! he doesnt know which way is up anymore. it's kinda clear that in the book he was from, his original version was using "seduction and sex with this random new girl that will disappear from the plot in five chapters" to paper the holes Askerian: like, couldn't trust anybody's love because he never had any, but desperately needed it. Askerian: this one's had a taste before, and doesn't know what he must have done to lose it, but he will fix it!! but only sensei will do Askerian: main character keeps expecting him to hook up with dozens of girls and it never happens and he's ?? while also totally missing all the admirers HE is gathering Askerian: also issues because he's a half demon, and sensei said he thought good demons must exist, but he was still rejected on reveal, so does that mean "there can be good demons but you're not one" Askerian: and since he's naturally smooth and it easily goes into manipulation, everything he does or say, sensei takes it as some underhanded threat or plot! he was a demon king in the book ok?! Askerian: book him was NOT nice Askerian: anyway a REALLY fun read

Askerian: though don't expect the sex scene to be good because it's a half-feral "fixing you via magic sex" and he canonically has huge meat :X Askerian: and since he has ZERO experience it uh, goes badly Askerian: tbh the author's gift does not lie with sexy porn

but tbf the point of the scene was NOT to be sexy, soooo...

#svsss #i fell into it now i'm taking all of you bastards with me

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leviismybby · 1 year

Text

Sun sets early

Levi Ackerman x gn!reader

Angst so much angst but there is a little fulff...

!Heavy spoilers for season 4!

Levi hated sunsets, he hated them. All they bring were bad memories no matter how stunning the colors in the sky were, Levi hated sunsets.

It had little to do with his past and a lot to do with his regrets. His experience with them was never something he likes to get reminded of.

He looks around the plane and sees you with teary eyes, the loss of Hange has left both of you devastated. But the way you look completely broken and tired makes his soul shatter.

You're both tired of fighting, tired of constantly losing the people you love. Levi can handle that weight better than you or so he thinks as he grips the hand he saluted Hange with earlier.

The world has been cruel to your love, both of you were always so close to each other but also so far apart, divided by your duties as soldiers for humanity.

You look towards Levi and your eyes lock, this could be the last time you're seeing him. All of your world before you, a reason why you kept going.

Earlier you begged him not to fight, to stay in that ship however you knew that it was going to happen. He was going to fight to free humanity till the end, that's your Levi. The Levi that you fell in love with.

The two of you don't need to say any words, your eyes are speaking. Those grey orbs have very little light left in them and you would do anything right now for all of his pain to be your own.

You hated seeing him like this, with a weight of the world on his shoulders, hope long gone, all there is left is to fight.

And now you start to wonder if you do manage to save the world, how would it look? Would you finally be free?

Levi starts to replay all of his favorite moments of you in his head, all of those midnight talks the two of you shared, that dumb little smile when he would make one of his poop jokes, those eyes that hold the world in them when you explain something you're passionate about.

That kiss the two of you shared before Shiganshina because you two didn't know if either of you were coming back. It was brief and sure it wasn't the best kiss but it meant so so much to both of you.

It assured you two that if something was to happen, you both loved each other endlessly.

Now that seems to upset Levi in a way, he doesn't want you to be in pain if he were to die out there and Levi knows that he will never be able to cope if something happens to you.

The plane starts to malfunction and you fall on the ground, holding yourself up, you swallow the cry threatening to fall from your lips. This is it.

Levi glances at you and everything starts to fall into place for him. If both of you make it out alive, he will never ever let you go ever again.

The smoke clears and you look at your hands, realization starts to hit you.

You look around to see everybody hugging their loved ones and panic as you don't see Levi anywhere until Connie grabs your shoulder and points his finger.

Levi is sitting up against a rock, tears streaming down his face. You rush to him without another word, never in your life have you run faster than you are now.

Kneeling before him, you wipe his tears away. "You did it. We did it." His hands reach out to you and you hug him tightly feeling him cry into your shoulder.

Currently here, it didn't matter. Nothing mattered. The cries of Jean, Connie and Amrin are fated in the background as they see Mikasa with Erens head in her hands is hurtful but you allow yourself to be selfish for Levi.

Both of your cry against each other for a little while before Levi pulls away his hand gripping the side of your face. Words can't leave his mouth and you gently play with his hair. "I know."

The sun starts setting as you help Levi back on his feet, putting his arm around your shoulder. Your eyes land on Mikasa and your heart smashes to pieces, that could've been you. It could've. And seeing how much she loved Eren makes you wish that such a thing as love didn't exist.

But that's anger speaking, you wouldn't know how to live any differently without love, it is the only reason you're here now, because despite the odds, you wanted you and Levi to have a future together.

And it feels like the sun set early, the smoke cleared and you are left in the aftermath of the war. There is too much to process. And you're sure that with Levi by your side, these scars will fade eventually.

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

Taglist: @youre-ackermine @the-milk-anon @sixpennydame @mrsackermannx @svftackerman @luvjiro @ackermendick @laraackerman @levisbrat25 @notgoodforlife @levisgreyeyes @lovolee3 @evas-leslas @whynotsleepp

#levi #levi x reader #levi ackerman #aot levi #captain levi #attack on titan #levi attack on titan #levi x you #levi ackerman x female reader #levi fluff #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman fluff #levi ackerman angst #levi ackerman x you #levi fanfiction #levi angst #levi x reader fluff #levi x reader angst

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edenmemes · 11 months

Text

tloz: tears of the kingdom starters

WARNING: spoilers !

❝ there doesn’t seem to be any danger at the moment. ❞ ❝ history and legend sometimes blur together. ❞ ❝ i think you’ve caused quite a stir since your arrival here... ❞ ❝ i think you do look weird. so there, chew on that. ❞ ❝ i feel like i should apologize for dragging you into this mess. ❞ ❝ there’s no need to get so worked up. ❞ ❝ you allowed your heart to falter. that is the quickest way to fall on the battlefield. ❞ ❝ i’ll fight by your side till the very end. ❞ ❝ as with any leader, it is my duty to safeguard and protect my people. ❞ ❝ you are burdened with a mission of monumental importance. ❞ ❝ it was my hubris that set us on this path. ❞ ❝ i get it, you’re young --- you feel invincible. ❞ ❝ i thought you had harder bark on you than that. ❞ ❝ this little village used to be as quiet as a dusty old tomb. ❞ ❝ i don’t know who you are, but i’m sorry you have to see me like this. ❞ ❝ i feel a lot better after talking to you. ❞ ❝ you should have seen the look on your face. ❞ ❝ please, no need to look so petrified. ❞ ❝ you’re alone too, right? alone is good. ❞ ❝ you have disgusting, unwavering commitment to do ‘good’. ❞ ❝ i apologize. i keep getting lost in my thoughts. ❞ ❝ you’re finding this all a little scary, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ did you hear me singing? how embarrassing. ❞ ❝ you might want to make other plans...if you value your life. ❞ ❝ i suppose fate really wanted the two of us to run into each other again. ❞ ❝ you use your power to crush the weak...to serve evil. ❞ ❝ you will die knowing that you failed. ❞ ❝ you heard that strange voice too, right? ❞ ❝ this is a lot to learn all of a sudden, i know. ❞ ❝ did you know if you put your ear to a well, you can hear the wailing of the dead? ❞ ❝ i see the shadow of death upon your face. ❞ ❝ it seems skill and confidence is in short supply. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve gotta say. your stories are always so wild. ❞ ❝ did i manage to keep a smile on my face? ❞ ❝ you take for granted the godlike power you have in your hands. ❞ ❝ nevertheless, i can’t shake this strange tightness in my chest. ❞ ❝ why do i get the feeling we’re being watched? ❞ ❝ sorry you had to listen to me go on and on like that. ❞ ❝ anyway, i’m sorry for teasing you. ❞ ❝ uh...what’s with the face? ❞ ❝ what was it you wanted to discuss with me in private? ❞ ❝ were you looking for me? i’m honored! ❞ ❝ one cannot accomplish great feats without allies at one’s side. ❞ ❝ it’s important to help each other in times of need. ❞ ❝ i hate the way rain feels, but i don’t mind how it sounds. reminds me of waves crashing on the beach. ❞ ❝ you look distracted. what’s wrong? ❞ ❝ things with ‘legendary’ in the title are usually just stories. ❞ ❝ do you really think i hadn’t realized your deceit? ❞ ❝ what are you doing in a place like this? ❞ ❝ i never thought i’d see such a marvel with my very own eyes. ❞ ❝ thank goodness. if something had happened to you...i... ❞ ❝ how did you find this place? what cruel ploy are you plotting? ❞ ❝ it seems that the world is still in a wretched state. ❞ ❝ enough is enough! you are not acting like yourself! ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. you are yielding to the fear of losing someone you love again. ❞ ❝ i can see it in your face. i don’t hold that special place in your heart. ❞ ❝ light and dark - one cannot exist without the other. ❞ ❝ do not get lost in the past. you must keep moving ever onward. ❞ ❝ it is best when those who care for each other are open and honest, even when it is difficult. ❞ ❝ push yourself too hard and you become your own worst enemy. ❞ ❝ look at all those scars...you must have fought a lot in your life. ❞ ❝ i am hesitant to admit it, but our success was thanks to your support. ❞ ❝ you look very pleased with yourself. ❞ ❝ i was giving in to my fear of once more losing someone i love. ❞ ❝ hold still, and don’t fret. i’ll take care of everything. this won’t hurt a bit. ❞ ❝ did you think i’d deceived you? perish the thought. ❞ ❝ i’m always here. should you ever have need of me, you need only ask. ❞ ❝ it’s amusing, isn’t it? our little back-and-forths. ❞ ❝ i just don’t want anyone to drop dead right in front of me. that’ll give me some nasty dreams. ❞ ❝ there it is. that inexplicable smirk upon your face. ❞ ❝ what were you praying for? long life? wealth? ❞ ❝ you get even cuter when you’re blushing. ❞ ❝ it is all right. i swear it. i am not going anywhere. ❞ ❝ i never thought...never dared dream...that i’d live to see the day we could all laugh together again like this. ❞ ❝ i’ve seen enough faces in this job that i can tell from looking at one if someone’s lying to me. ❞ ❝ you’ll come visit me again, right? ❞ ❝ i hope that ours will be a long and profitable relationship. ❞ ❝ this must be what the end of the world looks like. ❞ ❝ there’s nothing wrong with asking if you can help, you know. ❞ ❝ i knew there was a bright smile in there somewhere. ❞ ❝ let’s not pretend it won’t look absolutely dashing on you. ❞ ❝ no matter. you will not live to see another sunrise. ❞ ❝ you cannot hope to escape your fate. ❞ ❝ i’m sorry. i know i’m always throwing you into dangerous situations. ❞ ❝ hear my name and tremble in fear. ❞ ❝ it seems you have met with great danger once more. ❞ ❝ i actually...secretly followed you. ❞ ❝ there’s no shortage of strange happenings these days. ❞ ❝ anyone tell you it’s rude to stare? ❞ ❝ sitting here feeling sorry for myself won’t solve anything. ❞ ❝ at my age...well, very little surprises me. ❞ ❝ there are more mysteries waiting for us down here, i know it. ❞ ❝ i’m only telling you this because you seem like a trustworthy sort. ❞ ❝ we are bound by fate, you and i. ❞ ❝ i’d have preferred to stay with you a while longer. ❞ ❝ you will have to do something about that fear eventually. ❞ ❝ now i live for vengeance. ❞ ❝ so you’re our saviour, eh? i thought you’d be tougher looking. ❞ ❝ sorry about that. the sadness just gets to me sometimes. ❞ ❝ you were involved, weren’t you? ❞ ❝ i’m sorry, i’m just surprised. i mean, you don’t seem all that strong. ❞ ❝ did i...see what i thought i saw? ❞ ❝ just forget it. it’s not important. ❞ ❝ we cannot afford to stand still at a time such as this. it is imperative that we act. ❞ ❝ disappointed that i wasn’t shocked and aghast at the very sight of you? ❞ ❝ you must be pretty strong beneath the surface. ❞ ❝ what happened? is this your doing? ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. ❞ ❝ just watching you move, i can tell you’re no ordinary person. ❞ ❝ whatever is troubling you? why are you hesitating so? ❞ ❝ good...evil...that’s the futile perspective of narrow-minded beings. ❞ ❝ are you here because you’ve heard about me? ❞ ❝ one difficulty has been overcome, and yet another has appeared in its wake. ❞ ❝ once i rest up, i’ll be hitting the road again. i’ve stayed here too long as it is. ❞ ❝ we have to train. we have to get stronger. we have to get ready for what’s next. ❞ ❝ is everyone all right? nobody’s injured? ❞ ❝ i’m the one who made such a mess of things, after all. ❞ ❝ it is a mighty opponent, certainly, but we must not falter. ❞ ❝ what’s with that look? you don’t think i can do it? ❞ ❝ what’s the matter? you can tell me, weirdly handsome dude. ❞ ❝ why is everybody so quick to believe the silliest things? ❞ ❝ i dearly wish that i could believe what you are saying. however, at present...i simply cannot do that. ❞ ❝ wow, listen to me. with every breath, i spew out brilliance. ❞ ❝ for a long time, i have been concerned that you are holding yourself back. ❞ ❝ i feel like you weren’t getting what i was going for there. way to kill the mood. ❞ ❝ can’t talk my way out of this one... ❞ ❝ this is normally where i’d give you a chance to respond, but i’d like to talk about me instead. ❞ ❝ never forget that we are all standing beneath the very same sun. the only distance that matters is the distance between our hearts. ❞ ❝ i lost my head a little there. i’m not too proud of the way i behaved. ❞ ❝ i’m sure an answer will come to you. wisdom takes time. ❞ ❝ i must truly be getting on in years to have allowed a mere monster to catch me off guard. ❞ ❝ you really don’t know your place, do you? ❞ ❝ do you really think we hadn’t realised your deceit? ❞ ❝ you heart is like a chicken’s egg --- easily given but easy to break. ❞ ❝ your wounds were severe...i am relieved to see you escape death. ❞ ❝ i’m told that your skill in swordplay is unmatched. ❞ ❝ what, you’ve never heard of me? ❞ ❝ where were you? you disappeared on me so suddenly. i was worried sick. ❞ ❝ oh my. i’m surprised to hear you say such a thing. ❞ ❝ i wonder how many times we’ve met in our past lives. ❞ ❝ so what if you don’t say what you really think. i won’t hold that against you. ❞ ❝ though our time together has been brief, i am so happy that we finally met. ❞ ❝ what’re you thinking, strolling into this war zone? ❞ ❝ you’ll keep your trap shut if you know what’s good for you. ❞ ❝ i sense a fierce battle ahead, the likes of which we have never before faced. ❞ ❝ i can feel the moonlight pouring down, cleansing my spirit. ❞ ❝ you’re not needed round here any more. ❞ ❝ that mystery just leads us straight into another. ❞ ❝ it is very difficult to rest peacefully when things like this happen. ❞ ❝ sometimes i’m so smart, i scare myself a little. ❞ ❝ ever try getting info out of a boulder? well, that boulder’s ME. ❞ ❝ i prefer to keep work and my personal time separate. ❞ ❝ sure, you look like a strong breeze could blow you over, but you are solid as stone. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve been abandoned by love...by luck...by happiness. ❞ ❝ at last...i have been waiting for you to arrive. ❞ ❝ i am stunned. i am in complete and utter awe with you. ❞ ❝ despite all we have endured, my feelings for you have never altered. they never shall. ❞ ❝ am i some sort of villain? or a force for good? ❞ ❝ i’m just fated to be unhappy. steer clear or you’ll catch my misfortune. ❞ ❝ you’re your own worst enemy sometimes. ❞ ❝ i will crush any opposition. i will rule. ❞ ❝ that’s an old dangerous road absolutely crawling with monsters. ❞ ❝ now that you’ve seen it, i can’t let you live. ❞ ❝ you look like a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt anything. ❞ ❝ my body...my mind...everything. i’ll sacrifice it all to destroy you. ❞ ❝ i had almost forgotten the thrill of battle. that feeling as blood surges in my veins... ❞ ❝ i bet evil always scatters when you show up. ❞ ❝ it’s important to remember that luck and love aren’t things that run out. sometimes they just take the long way to get to you. ❞ ❝ i’m gonna make my ancestors proud today. ❞ ❝ this world should be shrouded in darkness, not bathed in insufferable light. ❞ ❝ it would have been more...satisfying to overcome a worthy foe. ❞ ❝ a mere mortal will not stand in my way. ❞ ❝ you’d walk away...from someone in need? ❞ ❝ you have proven yourself, and you no longer need me. ❞ ❝ i have some heartbreaking news to share. this will be tough to bear, but i ask that you stay strong. ❞ ❝ you might think of this as ‘hush money,’ and...yes. that’s what it is.. ❞ ❝ now, let’s both pretend like this never happened. ❞ ❝ you might think i’m a hopeless coward...and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. ❞

#rp meme #rp starters #roleplay meme #roleplay starters #totk spoilers #loz spoilers #tears of the kingdom spoilers

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serenit-teas · 7 months

Text

This is the product of too much brainrot and an almost concerning level of needing to ramble.

Major spoilers for Lies of P under the cut!!

Okay but just imagine, someway somehow being young friends with Carlo, sweet and darling childhood friends. Being his partner in crime, an unwilling (so you say) accomplice to any mischievous schemes he's cooked up. Racing about the streets of Krat, dodging this way and that, weaving through the alleyways and corners with a second natured ease due to each and every prior antic you two have had.

I imagine that only after narrowly dodging the poor soul who gave chase to you both has finally given up, does Carlo turn to you, a cheeky but rosy grin thrown your way. You can only huff and turn your head, complaining at once again being dragged into another one of his hair brained plots. 'This is the final straw', you think to yourself, 'no more of these chases'. Always the voice of reason you called yourself, the only one who cares enough to keep the two of you out of scuffles and minimizing consequences. The other half of your duo would simply angle his brows, matched with a boyish smile, brown eyes warm, a teasing call of, 'Worry wart', aimed your way.

You'd stay firm in your silence.

Seconds of the silent treatment turns to minutes, and you truly could have lasted longer, but the floor is uncomfortable and your legs are going numb, and it certainly doesn't help that Carlo keeps shuffling around in the already cramped space. You know what he's doing, trying to goad you into breaking your 'punishment' and demanding he knock it off. It takes all you have not to heave a sigh. It truly makes you wonder how you've both become such good friends.

Finally having enough of your hiding spot and the scuffing of Carlo's shoes, you turn your head, relenting. And he's close. Far to close. Clearly he's never once heard of personal space, face in your personal bubble. A startled yelp is ripped from your lips and you scramble back, knocking your back into the wall.

He doesn't have the decency to even attempt to hide his snort of laughter.

A menace to the core, mischievous Carlo.

You want to be peeved, annoyed at his inability to take anything seriously. But you see the joy in his smile and hear the way his laugh rings loud and true, gaze fond and sweet directed your way and soon enough you're laughing as well, giggling and smiling. Stomach aching, 'It hurts' , echoing somewhere in your head. It doesn't matter though, not when your head feels light and your cheeks warm. Tears welling at the corners of your eyes as you gasp for breath.

It's a simple and sweet bond, crafted out of trust and comfort, familiarity and warmth.

The news of his death rattles something terrible in you. A hollow, numbing feeling pools, spreading like tar, thick and heavy in your body. Fog building in your head, an anchor on your tongue. He's died, and with that has taken something of yours with him. They call it 'mourning', you've learned, something people do when a great loss is suffered. Meant to process grief and what was taken far too early. To cope, live on despite.

Whispers of sympathy and prayers permeate the streets, details of the accident are few and talk of honoring his life are fewer. Carlo and his fate hang over the city of Krat.

Haunts you.

Far too young are you to feel such a cruel twist of fate, the unsettling truth of what happens to everyone and everything. Something changes, curdles in your chest when made way to grieve. He's left you behind with the knowledge of the irrefutable.

Hours turn to days which bleed into weeks, and soon tragedy is washed away with the rainstorms that berate the city. Between the haze in your mind and the bustling murmur of the crowded streets, it's a miracle that you hear the call of your name.

He approaches you in the streets little more than a month after the news broke out, a light spring in his step. For a corpse, he seems plenty lively. Bright grin plain as day on his face, freckled cheeks scrunching with that familiar mischief swimming in his blue eyes.

But Carlo is gone. Cold and dead, mourned and missed, and you don't know who this is. You look a little harder, gaze sharper.

Blue. Wrong. Fake.

Get away.

You reel back with your heart thumping wild, ignoring the confusion that shows on his face, tears forming with a barbed response on the tip of your tongue and an awful ringing buzzes in your ears. What a sick joke.

Eyes still glued to the stranger, you step back. Slow at first, timid and careful, all before bolting away, ears picking up on the squawk of surprise sounding behind you.

You don't know where you're going. There's no plan in escape, you just have to get away from whatever that was. You barely have it in you to call out apologies for the people you nearly bump into. Your legs carry you between tall buildings and hidden corners of the streets, ducking and weaving, narrowly avoiding clipping your shoulder on the hard stone and splintering wood. Before you know it, you recognize the similar darkened streets that you had used in your own escapes with Carlo so many times before.

This part of the city was always dim, secluded and safe, street lights had not yet been installed around these areas, much to the frustration of those who lived in these parts. It never took long for a blanket of darkness to fall over the buildings and homes when the sun began it's descent and shadows would set just right.

Heartbeat drumming in your ears and chest aching, you reach blindly, feeling for a wall to lean your weight on. Panting, hunched over and gulping air down like a fish desperate for water. Head numb and mind humming with exhaustion.

'What was that? Some elaborate scheme? A prank?'

Any further thoughts are halted when you notice the pounding of footsteps behind you. Calculated and heavy, he, it, knows where you are. Probably followed you the whole time.

It's close, and with dread making it's home in your veins do you realize that you've nowhere left to go, you've lead yourself to a complete dead end. That fake will round the corner any minute and you'll be a sitting duck.

The sound of footfalls slows the closer it gets, you'd almost call it hesitant if you weren't scared out of your wits. Steps echo between the corridor walls, that awful, full body shake inducing panic shoots through you once more, an ice cold fear nestling deep in your bones.

'Leave me alone. He's gone. Please stop.' Stress plucks at your fears like an instrument, each strum yanks at your heart, leaves you anxious and paralyzed.

Had your heart not been hammering in your chest and pulse thrumming in your fingertips, you'd probably feel much more self conscious about the whimper that leaves your lips, weak and pitiful. Loud. Palms fly to your mouth, your hands clamping tight with a sting. Eyes screwing shut in fear.

The steps halt altogether, the only sounds you can register is the beat of your heart and the shallow, rapid breaths leaving your lips. It's cramped and cold where you are, jagged stone digging into your back.

A few feet away you hear a breath catch in someone's throat, and like earlier, a call of your name, only this time it's said with as much tenderness as a lullaby. Gentle. Soothing. Your eyes twitch just for a moment. It's unfair, using Carlo's voice like that. You know if you look there will be no going back, no denying what's happening.

You hear the call of your name ring out one more time, small and fragile, and you open your eyes.

There he stands, confusion clear on his face, brows loosely raised and lips set into a small frown. Taking your subtle acknowledgment as encouragement it looks as if he intends to close the distance between you, though the hope is quickly dashed when he sees you scramble at his advance, pushing yourself as far as you can go into the corner furthest away from him. You remind him of a wounded animal, an uncomfortable feeling clambers in his chest at the thought and his frown deepens.

A different approach is what he goes for this time, slowly, at a snail's pace, does he reach his arm out. Even in your manic state you still manage to toss an incredulous look his way, taking every bit of his common sense and resolve to not laugh at the expression. He'll gladly take whatever he can get, he'd do anything to prevent that fearful gleam in your eyes, squash any chance of being the cause of it himself.

You both stay in this standstill for what feels to be an eternity, eyes locked and unwavering, waiting to see who will crack first. A genuine gasp leaves his lips when he sees you reach out, shaking fingertips lightly brushing against his own. This is your call, he will follow your lead in this dance.

Finally, you stand to your full height and at a much slower pace does he do the same, and then you're back to staring at him, eyes flicking about his person this way and that, analysing everything. Normally he'd say you're overreacting, call you a 'worrier ' and be done with it, but he knows better. You've changed, something has happened to you in his month's absence and he doesn't like it one bit, you stare at him like he's a stranger, ran as if he'd flashed a weapon from underneath his sleeve.

So wrapped up in his own thoughts, he barely catches what you've said to him, mind struggling to put the puzzle pieces together. Ever the merciful out of your duo, you repeat yourself,

"What are you?".

'Huh.'

(Basically!!!! What if Carlo still perished, and P was still built to replace him, and Geppetto, in a frantic and guilt ridden haze builds a new son at an astounding speed, and with using such a, uh, 'fresh' Ergo leads to P 'waking up' nearly instantaneously. So rather than being a puppet becoming human, P is a 'human' coming to terms with what he actually is.

This is all over the place, but I imagine Geppetto would keep P's interactions with others to a definitive minimum, if P ever asked about it Geppetto would chalk it all up to his son being weakened so severely by his accident that he would need near constant supervision to maintain his health. Tells P that Ergo is what is keeping him alive, it's why his eyes are now blue and how he can wield the weighty legion arm with such ease.

Only a trusted few are allowed to know of his existence. I mean? The entire city mourned his son, he can't exactly have an almost carbon copy strolling about the streets. Reader is probs not at the top of Geppetto's 'can tell list' lol. I'm fully leaning into the idea that Carlo/P snuck out and went absolutely wild looking their bud lmao. Poor fella doesn't know that visiting reader is gonna come with a side of confusion and an unwanted existential crisis/soul searching😔

And final thing! I have not finished Lies of P, nor have I even reached a single ending (but I'm making progress every day! <:) ), so I apologize if any details are choppy, confusing, or don't align with what is canon! I don't know how Carlo died, and I do not wish to be spoiled, this was just a fun sort of AU(?) thought that just kept snowballing ^^; Thank you everyone for your time, I sincerely hope this wasn't too much of a mess, and that it was at least an entertaining read! <:) )

#lies of p carlo #lies of p pinocchio #lies of p x reader #pinocchio x reader #writing post #augh goodness im so so scared to post this ^^;#i havent written in months and this is the most substantial thing ive posted on tumblr in YEARS #I need to steel myself ive been working on this thing since 2:06 pm yesterday and it is currently!!!! 4:56 am!!! girl get help!!!#writers i lomf yall so much how?? do you bring your thoughts and feelings and ideas into cohesive words i am asking for a friend #chels mumbles #chels writes #😳

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stargirl-writes · 6 months

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[chapter three] the secret history of anakin skywalker

common ground

pairing : assasin! reader x anakin skywalker

word count : 2.1k

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sypnosis

you have only known one truth about this war, the republic and the seperatists are two sides of the same coin. but now, your master count dooku has disposed of you after your consequent failures. his betrayal fueled your thirst for revenge. and in the cruel twist of fate, you have found yourself with an arrangement with the enemy. general anakin skywalker is willing to do what it takes for the republic to win, even if it meant dealing with you, his nemesis.

chapter summary

a clue tipped by the jedi council leads anakin skywalker back to your cell. now his anger has passed, he wants to clarify the terms of your new alliance.

on the way to nal hutta, anakin skywalker steers the conversation to his fascination over your beliefs— which legitimizes the doubts he's been having about the republic.

warnings : involves spoilers for star wars 'the clone wars' episodes 15-16. i also used some lines from 'tales of the jedi' episodes 3-4, so spoiler warning too?

notes : hi doves! i'm going to try to update every week on wednesdays pst 😄 a lot of talking for this chap but we'll be back to more action on the next one i promise !

likes, comments, reblogs are highly appreciated!

"Remind me again how the Jedi Council tracked Hardeen so quickly?" You asked.

The sniper had been identified. Rako Hardeen. You recalled the name as a bounty hunter you probably have commissioned before.

"I don't know" Anakin Skywalker answers, too casually to have been a lie.

You sigh, you'll have to trust the Jedi Council's clue, despite your doubts.

Like Skywalker had promised, he appeared in your cell the moment he got a lead.

When he enters— you can't help but brace yourself, half-anticipating the voracious Jedi to come swing a lightsaber again. It's hard to shake the feeling entirely when only yesterday, he was so latched with a rage that almost killed you.

Even Skywalker acknowledges your reaction. You caught him looking at your hands— as if he was checking if it trembled. Like he was expecting you to be scared.

But in the light, he no longer looked... dangerous. No trace of the unstable warrior, or the angered boy. You allowed yourself to breathe evenly.

You'd never forget what he was, what he's capable of. What he'd been trained to do—what he almost did.

But at this moment, he was... fine.

You tugged your hair back, tying it away from your face. If you were to head at Hardeen, who managed to kill a jedi, you can't have your hair be a distraction.

"Nal Hutta, that's where they say he is" Skywalker briefs.

You nod in comprehension, tucking your hands in your pockets, feeling awkwardly empty. You wished you had your satchel, everything you'd need would be neatly prepared in there.

You turn to face the jedi— giving him a long look, wondering whether it would be worth the effort to ask for your saber back.

It would be stupid to go to a fight with nothing.

"If you want to find a low life, you'll have to start at a saloon" You began as casually as you could. "Unfortunately, Nal Hutta isn't really fond of me" You said with a deliberate slowness, just in case he hadn't caught what you were hinting at.

Skywalker crosses his arm— you prayed to every God for a small mercy.

But then he spoke "Lucky for both of us, you're a master at escaping" with his lips curling to the side.

"Though I admire the attempt"

You rolled your eyes. "C'mon, you have to give me a chance to defend myself"

Skywalker's playful grin melts, and your heart thuds, your thoughts reduced to a list of words; dangerous, unstable, full of rage.

He looks down like he'd find the words on the ground.

"About that" He begins. You recognize the expression on his face as a semblance of shame, or regret, perhaps.

"I'm not going to hurt you" His eyes pressed on yours "So stop looking at me like that" He exhales.

His words made you flinch, you glance awkwardly behind him, unsure what to say.

Skywalker seems to see your reluctance and his jaw clenches. "I was wrong to accuse you, I don't know what came over me, it was like all that anger..." He drifts off

Your eyes narrow at his hesitation. Maybe he's not yet made peace with the rage he displayed. Maybe he thinks denying it would not bring it to life.

"I overstepped, I won't do that to you again."

He moves towards you— determined to commit to this informal apology. His blue eyes continue to study you, waiting expectantly. You could almost feel his gaze on your skin.

"Alright" you answered.

You wondered if it had been the right thing to say. You could push away your anxieties, for now. Utilizing Anakin Skywalker would prove to be at a larger advantage than trying to pursue your revenge alone.

Besides, he's already doing this alone. Away from the Jedi Council and the Republic's righteousness.

You pondered on his moral code— you definitely have never seen any jedi exhibit such blurriness.

But perhaps your old master was right when he taught you that you can get any man to do anything— if you convince them it is moral.

You could almost laugh at the irony. You and him were the same— in that manner. Driven by the need for justice.

You for yourself, and he for his fallen master.

Though the thought of being in the same room as him will always make you uneasy, you'll have to adapt.

Skywalker's gaze softens. "I realize we have to set some terms if we were to work together"

"I'm surprised you thought as much" You couldn't stop the retort from escaping your lips. "My freedom. I told you I want a full pardon"

Skywalker leans his back to the wall behind him.

"But since, apparently, I'm not in Jedi or Republic custody, that is no longer a possibility" You proceeded.

"Clever" He remarks "But not to worry, wraith, I can take you out. Besides, to their eyes, you're still on the run"

You raised an eyebrow, not quite following what he had planned.

"If somehow, I had found you and theoretically killed you, they'd be off your tail" He says cajolingly.

"That's your brilliant plan?" Your voice raised in disbelief.

"Tentative" He defends, pursing his lips. "Of course, I could still choose to turn you in if things go south"

You sigh. A full pardon will grant you peace outside the war. A fake death is not secure. But then again, you can't just... try to appear as some twisted hero willing to aid the Jedi to atone for all you've committed. It doesn't equate...

"Right"

"You don't trust me, that's the smartest thing you've done yet, seeing you rarely reason" You didn't back down from spiting.

"But, you'll have to trust my decisions, even when you don't trust me." You named your term.

You waited for him to react, but he only nodded.

"And Dooku. You'll leave him to me" You stated finally.

Anakin Skywalker studies you. You curse the Gods for enabling him to access the force, for allowing him to know the grief that was fuelling you.

Then the silence hung, too prolonged— too tense.

"Now will that be all or should I take a pen to write your long list of demands?" He says light heartedly.

Looking up, you forced a smile"My weapon would be nice"

Skywalker smirks "Absolutely not"

A ship waited for the both of you in the hangar.

You tugged on the robe Skywalker gave you to conceal your face. Skywalker did not bother to find one your size, you recognized from the color that it might have been one of his, so the robe hung past your knees and just above your ankles. You can't find the point to complain, as long as it does its job.

The hatch opens and you step inside, the Jedi following closely behind you.

Skywalker sits down by the cockpit, starting up the engines.

Soon, the ship exits Coruscant's atmosphere and jumps into hyperspace. You sat down to the seat next to him, Nal Hutta is in the outer rim territories, it would take some time.

You could feel Skywalker studying you. He didn't really take shame in staring.

You tried to brush it off, but when you can no longer stand it, you speak up "Something in your mind, Skywalker?"

His lips curl to the side, as if he was amused by how he was irking you. He leans his back against his chair, facing you.

"No, I was only wondering why exactly you aren't welcome in Nal Hutta"

"It's a long story" You answer.

"It's a long flight, delight me"

You blink, an idea of wanting to jump in outer space instead of enduring his intense gaze crossing your mind. Not satiating his curiosity would just mean he'd keep finding other ways to annoy you.

"It's Huttese territory. Dooku thought assigning bounty hunters is below him, so he sent me to find them. Because the credits are high, they'll compete" That much you could say.

Skywalker tilts his head, "Then what, you didn't meet your end of the deal?"

"No" Your eyebrow raised at his presumption. "I needed to hire who's most competent and I had to filter out the... excess. Think they took it personally"

He huffs a laugh. "Right"

The silence hung, Skywalker's gaze falls to the interwoven stars zooming past as the ship travels through space.

"It doesn't make sense that Count Dooku would want to kill Obi-Wan. I always thought he somehow had some reservation for Master Qui Gon's padawan" He ponders.

"Why the sudden need to go so far?" His eyes painted grief.

You pursed your lips, unsure whether it'll console him to know Dooku is just plain heartless. It felt like it would only add to his anguish.

"My master—" You pause.

"—old master" You clarified. "does not like appearing weak after a loss, so he'd counter attack to fiend strength"

"So, he really has abandoned you then?" His eyes narrow in focus, registering what you said, perhaps thinking you were the 'loss' Dooku suffered.

"Umbara was a crucial supply route. Millions will go into famine. If he wants the Confederacy to believe in him still, he'd have to find a way to keep their faith" You answered, the images of the fallen city plaguing your mind.

"And his solution is to kill a jedi?" Skywalker's voice was covered in spite. "I don't understand why you'd want to follow him"

You swallowed, "I fought for the Alliance. Not for Dooku"

Skywalker shifts in his seat, eyes intent on you. He was so close you could make out the two new scars by the end of his chin. "And what, now you want to appear as some twisted hero by killing your master? Won't that just guarantee the Seperatists will fall?"

His words stung. Your shoulders tense and your fingers grip the insides of your robe.

"You're a soldier, I wish I had your simplistic view" You retorted. "Why do you think so many systems allied themselves with the Confederacy of Independent Systems?" You deflected.

Skywalker does not answer.

"These systems, most of them are not developed enough to have a government. So they do not have someone representing them in the Senate, and when they do, these Senators live lavishly in the Coruscant, corrupting their planets of its resources." You lead on.

"Besides, the Republic only caters for the systems who can afford to have a government. The very reason the movement was even born is because they hoped to reestablish a system that would care for all. That would serve the people of the republic not the senate and its senators."

Skywalker's jaw clenches. "Waging a war will not solve the problem"

"Yeah?" You challenged his view, "And I suppose we can trust the Senate to hear us above their own interests?"

Recognizing the subtle manifestation of his doubt, you pressed on "The corruption in the Senate fails the ideals of the Republic it represents, I'm sure you've taken notice" Your eyes dared him to contradict you, but he looks down.

"And the Alliance will find a way to have someone else lead, it'd be best to, Dooku's strategies are not really helping in communicating the reason for our resistance."

You lean back on your seat, taking a moment to breathe more slowly. You fought for the Alliance, it was something you once believed in.

Maybe, he really thought it was just plain black and white before.

"I still don't think leading with violence is the answer" He makes up his resolve.

You sigh. It would be hard to make a person who grew up sheltered with Jedi ideologies to understand.

It would be easier to accept that the 'Seperatists' Alliance is purely wrought out of wanting to usurp the current Republic, that it is inherently evil. The truth of it being a united movement of people hoping to find salvation from famine, slavery, and death is unsettling.

You don't expect Anakin Skywalker to understand; the Maker granted him an excess of obliviousness you wished to have.

"This is a war" You answered plainly, not denying your side's faults.

"Yeah, no kidding"

The board lights up, indicating you were nearing Nal Hutta. Skywalker presses on the controls to take the ship out of hyperspace and soon after, you land on the planet.

Your mind went over Skywalker's hesitance. Perhaps, he wasn't so blind to completely dismiss the Senate's corruption. At least, his sense of justice isn't entirely based on the Republic.

You don't intend to enforce your beliefs to him, only to make him admit to the truth of the hypocrisy of the 'good side' he was fighting for.

And this exchange resonated that he is not entirely closed off to the idea of it.

He's not impersuadable. And for that, you'll go with him.

taglist : @etheriaaly @nyaaaaa008

let me know if you want to be added to the taglist and be notified when the next chap comes out 🫶

#tshoas #anakin skywalker #star wars #sw #anakin x reader #anakin x you #star wars anakin #anakin #anakin fanfiction #anakin skywalker fanfiction #anakin skywalker x reader #anakin skywalker fic #anakin angst #sw anakin #anakin star wars #graciella's

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ficnation · 10 months

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Chapter 1: The Comfort She Brings

Series: “She”

Word count: 2,1k+

Pairing: Angel Reyes x Female! Reader; Past! Angel Reyes x Luisa Espina

Warnings: SPOILERS for Mayans MC season 5 episode 7, mayans mc typical warnings

A/n: Gosh, this episode hit me like a fucking truck. I have so many ideas for angsty pieces. This is just the beginning of it. Also this is gonna have a few parts because I just love Angel and lil Maverick.

𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐌.𝐂. 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓

NEXT CHAPTER

When Angel comes home that night, holding crying Maverick in his arms, he doesn’t expect to see you there. He steps inside, trying not to panic because Luisa still hasn’t called, and he has that feeling in his gut that tells him something terrible has happened. He looks around, his eyes searching for his woman, but the house is oddly quiet and swallowed by darkness.

He walks in further, turning the light on, and that’s when his eyes find you, back leaning against the kitchen counter as you cross your arms over your chest. The expression on your face tells him everything he needs to know. Luisa isn’t coming back. The woman he loved with all his being, the mother of his little son—she’s gone.

You can’t look him in the eyes, focusing instead on the wailing child in his arms. Angel sees straight through you, though. He sees the broken expression on your face that you try to mask so hard, but you’re unsuccessful. You could always keep your feelings concealed away from everyone but him. That’s the difference between you and him, you are good at lying, at hiding stuff, and he sucks at it—he is an open book, far too easy to read.

The man has no idea how to react. His whole world is burning, and he doesn’t know how to make it stop. He feels hopeless to the point it almost turns into numbness. Fate has always kicked his ass. Angel knew it was all too good to last forever.

He lets you take Maverick out of his arms, staring as you sway him in your hold, pecking the top of his little head. He backs you against the counter, taking your chin between his fingers and tilting your face up so that you have no choice but to look at him.

“Where is she,” he asks, his eyes filled with dread. “Please, just tell me where she is.”

You stay silent for a while, still trying to avoid meeting his gaze. You don’t want to say it out loud because you know if you do it—it’s gonna make it real. Angel trails one of his fingers up and down your jaw, and it makes you falter. “I’m so sorry, Angel,” you mumble out.

His heart drops at your words. He doesn’t have to hear anything else. The man stares into your eyes, a flicker of anger crossing his expression but it vanishes just as quickly as it came. He drops his head, eyes closing as he tries to stop the tears from forming.

“I’m so fucking sorry,” you repeat like a mantra, and Angel knows he doesn’t have it in him to be mad at you.

“She—” he starts in a choked voice. He still can’t wrap his head around the fact that she’s gone. That she’s not coming back. “She was my whole world…”

You duck under Angel’s arms, stepping away from him. You can’t look at him. You can’t look at him and see the agonizing pain in his eyes.

“We have a son,” he mumbles out, gazing mindlessly at Maverick’s face, swollen from crying all day. You sway him in your arms, shushing him with a gentle voice. It starts setting in. His son doesn’t have a mother anymore. He’s lost her just like Angel has lost his—taken away from him by somebody’s cruel hands.

He’s quick on his feet as he reaches you again and wraps his arms around you. He rests his cheek on Maverick’s head and listens to him breathe. The boy continues to cry into your shoulder, his tiny fists clenching your shirt. “It’s gonna be okay, sweet boy,” he whispers, kissing his head.

You breathe shakily, trying to keep your emotions in check, but it becomes harder and harder with every passing second—with every word leaving Angel’s mouth and with every weep of the little boy in your hold. The pain of losing her makes your heart clench painfully.

Angel knows how much Luisa meant to you, how much she’s done to keep you safe. She saved your life and helped you escape the people that were after you. She was your family. But now she’s gone, and you can’t do anything to bring her back—you can’t do anything to go back in time and prevent it all from happening.

“It’s my fault.” You can’t keep it in any longer, and the sobs wreck through your whole body. One of your hands reaches out to grasp the back of your friend’s shirt as you rest your forehead against his chest, letting tears spill out your eyes. Maverick cries louder.

“No.” Angel’s voice is soft but stern as he pulls back. He cradles your face in his palms, making you look at him. “I know you’re not the one to blame. It’s not your fault. It’ll never be your fault.” He kisses your forehead, his thumbs tracing over the spot as if trying to soothe you.

“I could’ve done more. I could’ve gone with her. Maybe she’d still be here then.” You close your eyes at Angel’s touch. You expect it to comfort you, but it doesn’t. Not this time. You only feel more guilty as he looks at your bawling face. You should be the one comforting him, not the opposite.

His thumb traces along your jawline as he leans down, pressing his forehead against yours. “You know that’s not true,” he says solemnly, a somber expression spreading across his face. “She made a choice to protect you. To protect Maverick.” He pauses, taking a shaky breath. “She always made her choices based on what was best. For you and for Maverick. She’s always been like that.” You can hear the pure sadness in his voice.

“No, I know I could’ve helped her. If only I came with her—”

“Cariño, you can’t think that. Maybe you could have gone with her, but if you had, the ending for you may have been the same. This was her choice and we have to respect it.”

You can feel his heart beating rapidly as he tries to imagine how it all went down. His eyes fill with tears, he wants to be strong for you and Maverick, but he can’t bear it. He needs someone to ease the pain.

“We need to stay strong,” you mumble out finally as if reading his thoughts. “For this little guy.” You kiss the baby’s salty cheek, stepping out of Angel’s grasp. You don’t want to mourn in front of Angel; he needs your support just as much as you need his.

Your words snap him out of his trance of despair. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

You let out a deep breath, focusing on the child in your arms. “What’s happening, little boy?” You sway him in your arms, walking up to his crib and placing him inside on the freshly cleaned mattress.

“I think he’s sick.” Angel explains, following your retreating figure with his gaze.

“Poor baby. Does he have a fever?” you ask, worried, gently pressing your palm against his forehead. It’s a little warmer than it should be, but nothing to be concerned about.

You look over your shoulder at Angel, noticing the bag of medicine that he brought inside when he came home. You walk over and look inside the plastic at the set of different boxes. You choose one of them and open it to find out what’s it for and how to dose it.

“I— I don’t know how much to give him and which one will work. I have no fucking idea,” he says, shrugging his arms hopelessly.

“Hey, don’t worry about it.” You take out the little measuring cup from inside the box and pour the medicine, checking if it’s the correct dosage for his age and weight. “We’ll give him some of this. It should do the trick. Soothe his belly.”

The man steps closer and places his hand on your back, rubbing it up and down in a comforting way. “You know what you're doing?” he asks just to be sure, but all his concerns disappear when you respond with a low hum.

Angel observes as you walk back to the crib and help Maverick drink it. Your confidence makes him think you’ve done it a thousand times before. He wants to ask about it, but he doesn’t, choosing to wordlessly accept your help for now.

The infant lets you place the edge of the cup against his lips, grimacing at the unpleasant taste. He responds with a sob, trying to stand up, but you hold him back and gently lay him down on the mattress. You know he’s tired; he needs rest after spending the whole day awake with a hurting stomach. When he wakes up, he should be feeling a lot better.

After a few minutes of caressing his head, the baby closes his eyes. You continue delicately running your fingers through his soft short hair, waiting until he’s fallen asleep before you step back.

Finally, the house is quiet. All you can hear is the gentle sounds of the outside world, the birds, the wind, and the occasional cars going by.

You rinse the cup and put it back inside the box, sighing. “Are you gonna be alright?” you ask Angel, looking at him expectantly.

“I’ll be fine,” he says, meeting your eyes. “Maverick needs me. And I need him.”

He moves closer until his forehead touches yours. You can feel his racing heart and the shakiness of his breath. He reaches out, rubbing over the spot on your cheek where the tears had stained it. His thumb draws a line down your face, wiping away the salty streaks.

“Angel, you need to grieve,” you tell him as you notice his eyes wandering toward your lips. You push him away gently. “But not this way.”

He stops in his tracks. You can see the hurt on his face. That’s the thing you’ve feared, hurting him. The last thing you want is to cause him any more pain than he already feels, but you know it’s for the better. You’d both be filled with regret come tomorrow morning. Pushing him away was the right thing to do.

“I’m sorry... I’m just—” he catches himself before finishing. He leans his back against the counter near you, sighing. For a moment, Angel doesn’t say anything, lost in thought.

“You’re right. I need to grieve,” he finally agrees with your words. “But I’m so fucking scared.”

“I can stay here if you need me to. But I’m not going to…” you trail off, but he already knows what you mean. “I can’t. We can’t do this.”

Angel takes a deep breath. It’s as if the words you’ve just spoken make him realize just what he’s been thinking about. The thing he thinks will make it all better.

“No... you’re right,” he says. “It wouldn’t be fair.” The man takes a step closer, kneeling down in front of you, taking your hands in his. He hears your breath hitch in your throat as he rubs over your knuckles gently, looking at your hands. The ones that have grasped his shirt tightly as you mourned the loss of your dearest friend—the woman he loved so much.

You lean down to press a kiss to his forehead, staying there for a minute, unmoving, before you pull away. “You should get some sleep.”

“Can I hold you for a minute?” he asks softly, but his voice is begging. You’ve already said no to his advances tonight, but he knows that’s all it’ll be. Just one hug—a comforting touch of another human being.

“I just want to hold you,” he whispers.

You think about it for a moment before you nod in agreement. You have no heart to refuse him that. You pull Angel up to his feet and walk him to the bed. The bed he once shared with Luisa. The thought of it makes your heart break even more, but you don’t let it show.

“Hop in then.”

Angel smiles at you slightly, his eyes full of sadness, but his face lightens by your compassion. He climbs into bed, wrapping his arms around you as you lay down beside him.

“Thank you.” You feel his warmth, heat radiating off his body as he holds you tight. “For being here.”

“Whatever you need, Angel. We’ll figure it out,” you reassure him and yourself, meeting his gaze.

You feel his arms pull you closer, so close that your heads are resting next to each other on the pillow. You can hear his breath slow down as he closes his eyes, trying to find the sleep he so desperately needs.

“I know…” he murmurs against your cheek.

#angel reyes x reader #Mayans MC #mayans m.c.#mayans mc x reader #angel reyes imagines #angel reyes fic #angel reyes x female reader #the comfort she brings #mayans x reader #mayans m.c. x reader #x reader #angel reyes x you

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dreadfutures · 6 days

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impressions from the hades ii technical playtest

absolutely chock full of spoilers but also theories

Amazing gameplay, feels just as good as Hades 1 with improvements and creative changes. So many different builds/play styles will be possible. in the dev stream they talked about melee close quarters vs sorcery ranged, but I find myself doing HEAVY spellcasting while also stacking in heavy melee boons on the knives, and mixing and matching.

The boons have a few familiar perks but so many of them are new and creative, even for gods we know from the first game. All of them feel really good.

The SOUND EFFECTS are amazing. The sounds of your weapons change based on the boon equipped to each attack. the sounds of the arena change depending on the god at the end (if any). Nothing and I mean nothing makes the dopamine go off more than the sound of Hephaestus' boon blasts when I do my fan of knives and they all explode. PING PING PING.

I find myself doing "resource runs" and "story runs." they do overlap. It's tough to only have one harvesting item equipped at a time and I spent so much time looking for silver and looking that my eye has started slipping over the lone spirits who gives you psyche, even when Selene leads me to them lol. I do like that they have her guiding light, but it is subtle. I also like the way you can pin certain items when you're in a run so you can remember what you needed for a recipe.

Unfortunately I did so many harvest runs that I actually got all the recipes before I had a chance to USE forget me not on a run so.... woops on that fated list lol.

We are maybe going to romance Moros or Nemesis (probably both are options?) but maybe not both at the same time? since they're siblings technically (technically) (I wouldn't mind though). I love all these children of nyx and want to protect them and smooch them all.

EXCEPT. Mel is a Silver Sister, with Artemis and Selene. Does that mean she's gotta be a virginal girl squad? lol

I love sister Artemis. I love that she throws snacks!!!!! which is even more endearing bc it's fried and a chocolate bar and soda. I wonder if sometimes I hear a note of disapproval from her and I wonder where her plot will go later. Selene it's said may not be able to reach us in Tartarus, but Artemis might.

Speaking of found family.

I fucking adore Odysseus. I love Od. So. Much. Like I loved Achilles but Od is such a good girl dad for Mel, and his pep talks are the best and so sensitive ;_; what a guy I love him.

I think? that Hecate's familiars must be placeholders, since they're just little statues that vibrate when you give them treats. I can't wait to see where they go in the full game.

It's an interesting take on Hestia, that she hates everybody. It makes me wonder if we'll see Hera or not, since I kind of expect that behavior from Hera.

Hephaestus and Demeter and Aphrodite remain my favorite boon givers.

As far as I can tell there is no fishing rod in the playtest but there will be in the full game and I'm excited.

Arachne's self esteem hurts me 😫 I love you little bug!!!! I wonder if we'll find her shop in Olympus or in Tartarus -- and I worry about her. At least Athena is too busy to bother her! I hope! I love Mel's different outfits.

The amount of pets that Mel gets to have is delightful. I love her frog so much.

Hecate is fascinating. She is SUCH a mother, she is SO compassionate to Mel and trying to build her up! She is wry and dry but never cruel or negative. I love her sm. Poor Mel has some low self esteem and understandable doubts and is putting so much pressure on herself. And I really wonder about Hecate's relationship with Persephone and the house of Hades and with nyx. Nemesis says something that makes me wonder if Hecate is innocent. Either way I don't think she'll really be a villain. My heart would break if so. Mel would break.

Mel is so sweet and pure. ;_; and she says "death to chronos" so coldly. When she says "Hence I go" I just hear her as a little baby playing hide and seek with Hecate and it gives me so many feelings.

I want to know about Mel's arm!

I can't wait to see the other regions just from the Crossroads, since there's currently two doors we can't enter.

Also what are we going to DO with the fish?

Very exciting stuff.

#hades 2 spoilers #hades 2

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reallypleasanttree · 3 days

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Demon Slayer spoilers- Obanai's reaction following Mugen Train Arc and obviously Obamitsu content. 🩷🖤🤍💚

Several of the Hashira were in residence in the corps headquarters including Shinobu, Gyomei, Sanemi, and himself. In the last letter he received from Kanroji, she was coming back today after visiting her family. It was possible she was already back and unpacking her bags. They had plans to go out with the rest of the Hashira tonight. He sighed. It had been a month since he last saw her. They regularly exchanged letters, but it was a poor substitute for speaking in person. He missed seeing her wide smile and cheerful voice. Even the way she met his gaze out of the corners of her eyes during Hashira meetings.

Tomorrow, Master Ubuyashiki was sending him out on a patrol further north around Fukushima. There were accounts of several lower level demons ambushing travelers. Two demon slayers came back severely injured when they went to investigate. Weaklings.

From his perch on the roof, Obanai glowered as he thought of the younger demon slayers. With every Final Selection, the corps grew weaker. It was one of the reasons they had not been able to kill an Upper Moon in the past 100 years.

To his knowledge, the last person to have contact with an Upper Moon was Kanae Kocho. It had been four years since she was killed. He only met her a few times in passing. Sanemi spoke highly of her though he was biased. Sanemi had planned to confess his love when the Flower Hashira returned from the mission that ultimately killed her.

An ill omen for any Hashira that loved someone. He closed his eyes and saw Mitsuri’s face in the afternoon light. Obanai was never going to tell her, not when it was his fate to die. She would be disgusted if she ever knew. A filthy, pathetic man pining after her. Mitsuri could never love a person like him. They were friends. Besides, she was in love with someone else. His mouth twisted and let his thoughts drift back to his original train of thought.

Since Kocho’s death there had only been rumors of the higher ranked demons. His blood boiled. Every year that passed, the demons grew stronger while the corps grew smaller. He gritted his teeth. Mitsuri asked him to give the new slayers a chance to prove themselves. It was difficult when one was a nervous wreck, a boy raised by boars, a girl who could not make a decision without tossing a coin, Sanemi’s brother who had no swordsmanship skills, and the last one. Kaburamaru hissed, recognizing the shift in Obanai’s mood.

The last one was the Kamado boy who carried the box that contained a demon. He claimed the demon was his sister. She may have been his sister, but she was long dead. The creature that replaced her was a cruel, sadistic demon. It was only a matter of time before the girl went on a rampage and murdered innocents. A muzzle would do nothing if she was enraged, not even her brother would be able to stop her. At the trial, Master Ubuyashiki ordered him and Sanemi to stand down and not to harm the boy or demon. He clenched his fist. He respected the leader of the corps, but he was making a mistake in trusting Kamado and the box demon.

Three of the new slayers were sent out to assist Rengoku with a mission along with that demon. Rengoku was one of the strongest Hashira and would have no issue killing the girl if she acted out of line.

Obanai tapped his thumb to each of his fingers. Out of the corner of his good eye, he saw a lone crow soaring towards him. Great. Let’s see how this crow can make my day worse. The bird landed and stared inquisitively at the Serpent Hashira.

“Get on with it,” he ordered gruffly. Kaburamaru turned to stare at the bird, flicking out his tongue in displeasure. He reached his hand up to stroke the white scales as a means to calm himself.

“Cawww! Kyojuro Rengoku is dead. Upper Moon Three killed the Flame Hashira,” a crow called out. His eyes narrowed on the crow as his heart froze.

“I won’t believe it,” he said as he frowned at the bird. He stood on the roof of his house, staring at the clouds. There was no way Rengoku was dead. It was not possible. Kyojuro was one of the strongest Hashira. An ache built in his chest, one he was unfamiliar with.

“Kyojuro Rengoku is dead,” the crow said again as if Obanai had not heard it the first time. The bird flapped its wings and flew off the roof. It kept announcing to the world that the Flame Hashira was dead. The crow would not lie. This creature did not have the capability to lie or be malicious. What purpose would it serve?

“I won’t believe it,” he whispered to Kaburamaru, repeating the phrase. I don’t want to believe it. Obanai was raised with Kyojuro and Senjuro following his family’s deaths. Kyojuro always wore a smile and spoke with unmatched enthusiasm. He was one of the only Hashira that even matched Obanai’s logic and intelligence when it came to battle strategy. He would never get to talk to his friend again.

Obanai stepped to the edge of the roof and stared at the ground before jumping off. The ache in his chest was building and he could feel the corners of his eyes stinging. The other Hashira would be hearing the news as the crow flew from estate to estate.

He needed to check on Mitsuri. She had been Rengoku’s tsugoku and they shared a close bond. She would be devastated when she heard. He turned and ran in the direction of the Love Hashira’s estate, ignoring the looks from the people he passed.

Before long, he stood in front of Mitsuri’s estate. It was bright and inviting, much like its master. The wood stain was a warm tawny shade with an open concept. He could hear the crow still announcing the news. If she were here, she would know. Mitsuri, please, be okay.

Obanai knocked on the sliding door and waited. It was not long until the door slid open and he saw Mitsuri’s attendant. The woman’s dark eyes widened seeing the Serpent Hashira, but bowed deeply as she moved to the side to allow him entry.

“Miss Kanroji is in the kitchen, Sir,” the elderly woman said. Obanai barely glanced at her as he swept her and sped towards the kitchen. He smelled a mixture of vanilla, matcha, and ginger. His nose wrinkled at the contradictory scents. He stepped over the threshold to see Mitsuri sitting in the middle of the floor. Her eyes were red, cheeks puffy from crying. She held a bowl in her hands as tears fell.

“Miss Kanroji,” Obanai greeted her in a concerned tone. Her head turned towards him, green eyes haunted.

“Iguro-san,” she hiccupped. She set the bowl aside and moved to sit up, but he raised his hand to stop her. He put away his usual restraints. The Serpent Hashira sat down beside her and brought her into his embrace. Grief made her shiver against him. “He’s gone,” she buried her face into his chest.

“I know,” he murmured calmly. He hardly ever let himself touch her unless she initiated it. His hands were stained with the sins of his family. He covered his hands with his haori often to avoid tainting anyone, especially her. Except she sought out his touch whether it was to hold hands or hug him. It was during times of distress he let himself hold her, like now. Kyojuro had been her mentor and friend. They were similar. Kind, generous, empathetic. Better people than him. A snake slithering in the dark seeking to steal their warmth. He glowered at himself. There was no room for his self loathing when the love of his life needed support. Miss Kanroji was his priority.

“Rengoku was one of the best people I ever knew,” he began. He felt her inhale sharply as she tried to control her breathing. Tears stained his haori. “He was easy to talk to, made friends easily, and never let people down.”

“He looked out for me and-” she hiccupped. “He always gave me the last dumpling when we went out. He was like my brother,” she sniffed and tightened her hold around him. Her strength pushed the air out of his lungs and he coughed. Mitsuri loosened her grip and gave him an apologetic look.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. He bent his head and held her gaze steady. How and what he felt did not matter, only Mitsuri mattered. Seeing her this sad and defeated was not something he ever wished for her. He touched her cheek, wiping away a tear with the sleeve of his haori. “We’re all going to miss him,” he added, his voice cracking.

“When- When we were younger, Kyojuro liked to act out some of the plays he read. He forced me and Senjuro to join him and threw Shinjuro’s old clothes over us as costumes. It was comical, really. Three young boys in clothes too large and tripping over themselves. It was one of the few times I felt normal-” Obanai paused, studying Mitsuri’s face. Her mouth opened slightly and waited for him to continue.

“Kyojuro always knew how to make others feel better. It’s who he was. His last action was to protect his juniors. It would have been his honor to do so,” Obanai swallowed. Kyojuro’s mother, Ruka, instilled a strong sense of justice and the need to protect others into the Flame Hashira. The strong were meant to protect the weak. Mitsuri grasped the back of his striped haori and he brought her head into his chest again.

“You know wherever he is now, he’s not alone. He made friends wherever he went. People were drawn to his charisma and outgoing nature. Not even death will keep him down,” Obanai said.

#obamitsu #obanai iguro #mitsuri kanroji #obanai x mitsuri #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #kny spoilers #rengoku kyojuro

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hanrinz · 1 year

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A PUPPET WHO BEARS NO HEART.

pairing. wanderer x fem! reader ( word count. 0.9k ) genre. past lovers

synopsis. betrayals were so familiar to him, yours were far more special.

content. angst & small fluff, death mentioned, small spoilers for lantern rite & possible spoilers scara's story quests, minimal proofread.

notes. first time writing for genshin, i'm starting with scara!! i kin him lmao

"come on, kuni! the lanterns are fleeting,"

a hand clutched to his, warmly he noted. as you tighten your grip hoping to keep it with yours. confused by your statement about this 'lanterns' you speak of, nevertheless he lets you drag him away from the comfort of your own home.

up to the cliff he's oh so familiar with, the times the both of you have spent there coming to him, as he finally see the lights that float above the sea like the stars of the sky. lanterns from the lands of liyue, a once in a blue moon taking.

your grandmother used to tell you the stories of it, how the anemo archon blows the wind from the city of freedom, through liyue and taking every lights of wishes to other nations, a reminder of those who have passed, it was a message she says, a farewell that has long been said.

"quickly, make a wish kuni!" as you look at him excitedly.

a wish, you say? he doesn't understand humans that well, but the joy in your eyes tells him that it wouldn't hurt to try.

"i wish-"

"don't say it out loud, silly!" you giggle as you poke his cheeks and he looks at you confused once again.

your eyes telling him 'follow me' as you look up at the sky — him copying you, but his eyes still focused on you.

"close your eyes, kuni" speaking so softly, as you followed suit by whispering your wishes into the air. he didn't hear it by any means, but he hoped to catch whatever you had told the wind.

࿐ ·

he has no name anymore, it was long gone; dead and buried with his past.

alas, the memories of a girl who you were once with him stays. the world may have forgotten you and him, but your name stay within him — a secret he had to take from the irminsul tree, the god of wisdom did know, but knowing he had paid the price a new birth gift it was for him.

he will never know what you have whispered to the wind on that day, he had hoped it would be true.

as for him, he had wished for your eternity. falsely, it had never come. as he bore holes to the lights on his hands the traveller has given to him, he couldn't help but still wishes to see you for the last time.

"ah, a wanderer from another nation? say, what does your heart urge you to own?" his clothing in green, a cape that accompanies it — a bard he presumes. how laughable, he doesn't have a heart and yet he yearns for something, like a human.

"tsk, i have no interest in humans stupid traditions, an archon in a bard's clothing how does one dwell in such a foolish occasion?" though, he might have changed, the same venom drips from his lips.

"how cruel! and here i thought i could be of service to the calls of your heart." dramatic, as always. "one that belongs have wished from the past, wouldn't one be curious for the things that last?"

he could've said something, he could've rejected the offer, what was stopping him from doing so? silence fills the air as the bard himself hums a melody.

"i wish to keep kunikuzushi away from any pain."

and there you were like the very first time, in front of him. eyes closed like the memory he had once remembered.

he stayed there, not moving afraid these fragments of your time might break and he'll have to see you go again. isn't your wish ironic? you've been the one to cause the pain, his pain.

aren't you cruel? still beautiful as ever, still the same, it's still you.

he doesn't realize it, his eyes now glittering with tears. the time he has cried again, once when he was abandoned. but, no you didn't abandon him. fate was rather jealous, taking you out of his grasp.

death was inevitable, yours was something he couldn't fathom. you were something so precious and pure, a human who the world doesn't deserve one bit.

as he sees you smile once more, turning to him. he felt like he was himself from years ago, the kunikuzushi who you had showed the wonders of the world.

"i'm sorry, kuni" oh, he remembers this now all too well. it was just a simple thing, so why did it feel like he couldn't breathe and his heart was being stabbed so slow?

he hates how all these years, you still have that effect on him. humans were nothing, fragile and useless. how did such a human like you evoke such feelings from his non-existent heart?

and then, you were gone.

he looked around once more, he was still at the outskirts of liyue, a lantern in hand, the bard was gone. no one in sight, as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hands.

you were very fond of the anemo archon, he remembers. always talking about how one day, you'll visit every nation and come to the land of freedom. asking him one time if he'll join you.

of course, he would if he was still the same kuni you've known. he'll say it out loud and take your hand to everywhere the wind will take you.

but, those were all memories from the past and yet, he keeps it like a treasure.

one more wish and he'll never ask for anything again, not the gnosis, not his name, not even his own mother.

nothing but you.

he whispers to the wind, like a fool. but, what can he lose now? like a desperate prayer, he released the lantern to the sky.

"come back to me."

— ♡ is he a little ooc?? im gonna cry lots. likes & rb's are much appreciated!!

#roses ‘r rosie #scaramouche x reader #wanderer x reader #genshin impact x reader #scaramouche #wanderer #scaramouche x you #wanderer x you #genshin impact angst #scaramouche angst

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galderthefuzzy · 4 months

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The Tale of Myrkalfa Earthshaker

(BG3 Major Spoilers Ahead)

The Tale of Myrkalfa Earthshaker (BG3 Major Spoilers Ahead) begins in a way unlike most any other drow; in the light of the sun. Having abandoned the Underdark before even learning to speak, this child was shielded from Lolth's cruel embrace by her war-dancer parents for most of her younger years. At a tender age no older than twelve, she and her childhood friends were caught unawares by a drider in the forest, whose vile poison cost her nearly all those she held dear. Seeing the danger posed by her under-dwelling kin and their dark spider-goddess, the young drow made a vow to herself, to help nature reclaim balance in the world, and expunge all those who would seek to harm rather than help. Upon coming of age, Myrkalfa would grow into the Circle of the Moon, mastering the art of shapeshifting in accordance with the teachings of Elistraee as she spoke to the drow people: “A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow.”After escaping the crashed nautiloid, Myrkalfa would join forces with the charming evoker Gale Dekarios, as well as the fierce gith'yanki fighter Lae'zel and mercurial Sharran cleric Shadowheart.

By fighting shoulder to shoulder, and recruiting a host of allies with their valiance, they would travel from the hilt of the sword cost to famed city Baldur's Gate, slaying every evil in their path without heeding the call of the foul Emperor. With blade and sorcery, not a single epic opponent was spared their onslaught, from the immortal Ketheric Thorm to the undying Heart of the Gate. The Master of the House, the Murderer of Mothers, the Black Hand of Bane and his foul Titan Creation. In a single swoop of their combined might, four heroes did free this age of so many evils that they are honored still among the likes of High Harper Jaheira, Nerys Kathon of Kelemvor, and Minsc of Rashemen. And in so doing, found also the light within themselves, whether it be from the Prince of the Comet, Our Lady of Silver, the Mistress of Magic, or the bright wilds of the Dark Dancer.

Not a single tiefling life was lost for the actions of these heroes, and but an ally did fall in their fight against the Absolute. Friend Yurgir, in his zeal for battle, found himself poorly placed among the party's plans for Raphael. In so doing, he gave his life, the single friend lost to none other than fate itself. At their sides in the final fight though were Zevlor and his hellriders, Dammon and the owlbear cub, Rolan and the Arcane Tower, Dame Aylin and the cleric Isobel, Jaheira and her Harpers, Nine-Fingers and the Guild, Valeria and the City Watch, Duke Ravengard's personal guard, Florrick and the Flaming Fist, Halsin and Thaniel, the free Gondians, Arabella, Mol, the Gur monster hunters, Kith'rak Voss and his red dragon, Orpheus the Prince of the Comet, and Volo the Chronicler.In the end, Shadowheart freed her parents from the shadowy grip of Shar, instead embracing the Life Domain and the teachings of the goddess Selûne. Lae'zel saw the flawed ways of the lich-queen, choosing rather to follow the teachings of the fallen Prince Orpheus, and in their name, journeying to the lands of the gith'zerai.

Gale Dekarios, formerly Gale of Waterdeep, the Chosen of Mystra, became a professor of magic at Blackstaff Academy. Archdruid of the Moon Myrkalfa Earthshaker lived up to her namesake despite adopting a new surname, cleansing the shadowlands of Ketheric's taint and Shar's corruption and allowing nature's peace to flourish once more in Baldur's Gate. The parties were chosen to safeguard a Netherstone each. One with Shadowheart, always on the move. One with Lae'zel, beyond the cusp of the stars. And one with the Dekarios household. Those locations would seem obvious to some, but in truth, it is a dare. An invitation for the Dead Three, or any other force of evil to rear its foul maw again.

I had the pleasure to work on this piece for jæja. The project was quite exciting and very complex, but I have enjoyed every step and really like how it shaped up. As a fan of Bg3, it was quite a treat to be able to combine my stained glass style with some of our beloved companions. I hope you like how it turned out!

Thank you for commissioning me!

#fantasy #gaming #digital #digital art #digital painting #oc #bg3 fanart #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #shadowheart #gale of waterdeep #lae'zel #commission #stained glass #stylized #digital illustration

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