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cabinofimagines · 7 days

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Chapter V; consequences

This chapter has been ready for so long to be posted i don't remember what I wrote! Just a heads up that comments/reactions do actually give me a will to write and given that I could be wanting, somehow, to write up till TSAT I really need that

Word count: 1.1k

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-Asnyox

After you had helped Nico finally convince Percy to go take a dip in the river Styx, you returned to camp. It wasn’t your place to accompany Nico and Percy on this quest, you would be either in the way or in danger and as camp was already running low on resources you were needed. You only hoped you would see them again. You had wanted to ask Nico to stay, but you knew he wouldn’t, not yet at least. Unbeknownst to you, Nico had wanted you to go on this quest with him, he knew he longed for some companionship especially besides Percy. For some reason, even in the fleeting moments he saw you, he always felt more at peace. Maybe, in this rigid world, you could be an anchor for him, a home.

Unbeknownst to you, Nico had wanted you to go on this quest with him, he knew he longed for some companionship besides Percy, as being next to Percy made him nervous. Besides this, there was still a risk involved and Nico knew that Percy did not trust him entirely. He didn’t blame the son of Poseidon, but somewhere along the way he had started considering you a friendly face, and that is something he did not see a lot of.

But Nico did not dare to even consider asking you to join, he only brought hurt to those around him. He did not deserve to have you next to him. Instead, he urged you to stay at camp, the camp that betrayed him but could be a shield for you. Some protection that he knew he could not offer you if you were next to him.

As you made your way out of the forest, you felt restless. Sure, you did your part, you helped Nico and reinforced your bond with him, but still. He was to go on this quest practically alone, he is just a boy, and he should not have to deal with all of this. No one should. But how do you offer help to those convinced that they don’t deserve it? You really hoped that he would be alright- and Percy too. It was unfair how the world seemed to treat the children of the big three, but what can they do except try to survive the horrors thrown their way. As these thoughts plagued you, you made your way back to the infirmary, figuring that you should make yourself useful again.

“How did it go?” Will asked as you approached him in the infirmary. “Percy agreed, I really hope Nico is right about this.” You sighed and Will. “Do you not trust him?” Will quirked his eyebrow. “I think I do, but the plan is just dangerous and if something goes wrong-” you sighed, “everything is just so tense.” “It’ll be fine,” Will tried to reassure you. He knew he couldn’t promise much, not after he lost his brother, Lee Fletcher, a few months ago. There were currently many responsibilities on his shoulders, and you felt for him. It wasn’t much, but you did want to help- even if it simply meant not making him worried about you.

Preparing while waiting for Percy to come back wasn’t easy. You had no doubts in Nico- you knew he would not betray anyone like that, or at least you opted to believe that. You started helping the Apollo campers prep healers kits- one for anyone who wasn’t half bad with the kit, plus extras just in case. You got a weapon from the weapon shed and made sure it was easily accessible. Yet, as the preparations started coming to an end, and everyone stood ready to leave camp and go to war. Except for the Ares cabin. Clarisse had decided to not even show her face outside of the cabin, and everyone was nervous about them not joining. Yet, that was forgotten as Percy reappeared in camp. You weren’t there when he arrived, however it didn’t take long before you passed by the son of Poseidon.

Percy’s gaze towards you made you stop in your tracks. Was there something wrong? He gestured to you to follow him, and as you looked around and saw no one else, you walked his way.

“Did you know?” Percy asked as soon as there was no one around. You had never felt intimidated by the son of Poseidon, but as his stormy eyes focused on you, you wished to run away from him. Unconsciously you stepped back, without answering his question, so Percy spat out the next one. “Are you the traitor?” Percy felt angry, Nico’s betrayal in the underworld had not left his mind, and he wanted to focus on more important matters now but he couldn’t.

“Traitor?” you got out, and you shook your head, “Is Nico okay?” you asked Percy. Something must have happened while Percy got the curse of Achilles, and you hoped your friend was alright. “Nico is fine.” Percy bluntly said, “(Y/n), were you aware of Hades’ plan to capture me?” Your eyes widened at Percy’s words. “No, I didn’t know-” something, camp matters, something, Silena intervenes.

“Percy, that’s enough.” a voice spoke up, and you quickly saw Silena Beauregarde standing there, but Percy did not pay her any mind, his eyes still on you, “Percy, it is no use trying to figure out who the traitor is. If it’s (Y/n), they won’t tell, and if it’s not they won’t convince you, right?” Percy huffed, but his stance relaxed a little as he took a step back, listening to Silena. “When we’re out there- I need you to stay safe.” Will grasped your shoulder, “I know we’re not from the same cabin, but please try your best to not get injured.” “I promise,” you grabbed Will’s hand off your shoulder, let it down and hugged him, “Promise me you will be safe too?” You slowly let him go and he nodded. Will hoped that his heart beat would calm soon - certainly it was because he was anxious about the fight - and he stepped away. “Let’s go.” he pressed a first aid’s kit into your hands, as you joined the other campers to head out.

#request #requests #solangelo x reader #poly!solangelo #xreader #xyou #x reader #SFU #will solace x reader x nico di angelo #very slow burn #cabinofimagines #admin asnyox

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farshootingstar · 4 days

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Chapter 4 of The Nature of Sacrifice is now up! Thank goodness.

I’ve even started playing on a new save file to line up the timeline a bit more, though there is a new conversation for the end of this second crusade, since I moved The One Who Waits’ lines to the end of the first crusade. That was the preview I posted before and it only had a very slight tweak by posting time.

#cult of the lamb #cotl #fanfiction #fanfic #narilamb #true devotion #slow burn #VERY slow burn #you have been warned

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savage-rhi · 5 months

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Mending Shadows // Chapter 28

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

While Y/N admired Loqui for his grit, it became obvious throughout the night that it was a handicap.

It all started once Y/N had their fill of dancing and conversation. Loqui was challenged by Accordo soldiers to a drinking game. Of course he bragged about his intelligence regarding Altissa's flora and fauna. And of course, he had been lying.

Several drinks down the hatch, and Loqui's face was redder than the Vixen itself. He humorously attempted to apologize for his inhibition, but his words were so mangled that his manner of speaking was on par with a newborn babe grasping babble. Y/N was prepared to escort Loqui back to the residence, until the same soldiers who created this mess offered a hand. The argument being that it was only fair because they had unintentionally ruined Loqui's date. As a precaution, Tuti also joined the group.

Y/N didn’t know how to feel about that, nor how to deal with Loqui's confession from earlier. It made them more thankful that their plan to return Loqui home wasn’t seen through. Though Loqui didn’t give the impression he’d perform anything nefarious, Y/N didn’t want to take the risk. Not when emotions were high, and certainly not when he was drunker than a skunk.

Not long after Loqui had been tended to, Y/N snuck out of the Ceremony House and ventured into the night. The glow of lanterns and the full moon above led them down a road that eventually sprawled into a dirt path. The salty pungent odor of the beach drifted through their nostrils as the sound of waves crashing along the shore beckoned them close. At the end of the dirt path, Y/N took in the sight. The moon shimmered against the oceans surface, and highlighted the small grains of sand on the beach. It was as if the sun had never set, but instead covered itself in a dark veil. A cool wind drifted through Y/N’s hair, and they smiled.

Bending down to their shoes, Y/N slid out of them. The relief they felt when the sand hit their feet was indescribable. They closed their eyes, letting their toes wiggle through the soft texture. It almost felt like they were back in Galdin Quay. As Y/N opened their eyes, it dawned on them how quick time had passed since they left their apartment. It contrasted with how living in Niflheim felt like an eternity.

Y/N paid no more heed to their thoughts and began to walk toward the tide. The coast was warm, and Y/N felt the temperature welcome them via the humid whisps that the surf pulled in and out. As soon as Y/N’s feet splashed in the water, they heard a snap. They faintly gasped and their head whisked around. At first Y/N couldn’t see anything, and had to squint. Heavy steps soon followed, and then the silhouette of messy hair came into light followed by a pair of golden eyes.

“Ardyn?”

“It would appear you escaped,” Ardyn mused. He stepped out of the shadows, now fully cast under the moon. Much of the wrinkles on his face were hidden, smoothed out by the cool palette of the night. His lips quirked into a smile as he approached Y/N and watched their feet card through the sand.

“Speak for yourself!” Y/N laughed in surprise. “I thought you were going to spoil Betrys for the night?”

“Hmm?” Ardyn blinked, caught off guard for a moment. “Nothing scandalous occurred, I assure you.”

“Then what happened? It’s only been two hours since I last saw you!"

Ardyn shrugged. “She decided to call it off.”

Y/N’s eyes widened before they scoffed. “I'm not buying that, given her persistence.”

“Would I lie to you?”

“On numerous occasions.” Y/N quipped.

Ardyn let out a laugh. He sighed and admired the stars before answering further.

“She called it an act of mercy," He began. "She said and I quote, ‘you have bigger problems than dealing with me tonight’.”

It took Y/N a second to ponder on the meaning behind Betrys's statement. Their pulse began to rise at the implication.

“So Y/N,” The softness of Ardyn's tone carried in the wind. “Do I have a problem to contend with this evening?”

“Not unless you’re looking for one.” Y/N shivered, and quelled their nerves with a small laugh.

Ardyn raised his brows. It was obvious this wasn’t the answer he was seeking, but he chuckled nonetheless. He calmly stepped closer to Y/N, then gestured with his head for them to follow his side as they walked along the beach together.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Pardon?"

"During the wedding when you squeezed my hand, you looked upset. Are you better now?"

“In many ways, I’m relieved.” Ardyn breathed. “I was ambushed from the past.”

Y/N nodded. “I could feel through the scourge that something hit you hard.”

Ardyn regarded Y/N for a moment. He could see the lights of the city from afar, looking like small fireflies in the distance. The image of Aera briefly crossed his path, and he averted his gaze to the sand at his shoes.

“I was thinking of my wedding day. How Aera and I exchanged vows before the six.” He murmured bittersweetly, bending down to pick up a pebble. He tossed it up and down in his right palm. His eyes fixated on the object as a rare and genuine smile fell upon his lips. “It was a beautiful affair, the whole thing. Probably the most joyous day of my life. So simple. So weightless like this stone. The burdens of gods and men couldn't touch us. Nothing could."

As quickly as the smile came, it left. Snuffed out like a candle that had been pinched by fast fingers. The frown on Ardyn's mouth and the sorrow in his eyes had Y/N let out a breath they had been holding. They watched as he tossed the pebble one last time into the air before throwing it out for the ocean to swallow.

“Our union was over in just a few skips. All because of my hesitation. If I hadn't shown up to the damned citadel, and hadn't been easy on Somnus...if I hadn't been merciful in our duel, she would've..." Ardyn sighed. Unable to finish the sorrowful incantation.

Feeling Y/N's touch suddenly upon his shoulder, Ardyn furrowed his brows. He tensed for a second, and then his own right hand reached up to settle upon Y/N's. Both soothed and incensed, mixed feelings pooled in Ardyn's stomach.

“Am I crossing a line?” Y/N murmured.

“No,” Ardyn replied. He could feel the fear that hung in Y/N’s voice, and his fingers gently touched over theirs. “Not in this circumstance.”

Y/N--still unsure of themself and of his answer--slowly retreated their hand away.

Ardyn adjusted so he was fully facing Y/N. He lingered on their gown, admiring the way the moonlight above seemed to make it glow. For the briefest of moments, he was reminded of the crystal. The damned relic of the gods. He hated how this moment was tainted by his disgust, and frowned.

“I’m sorry,” Y/N spoke up. “For kissing you at the springs.”

“Why?”

Y/N blinked. He sounded so calm, it was almost uncharacteristic of him.

“I don’t know..."

“I think you do, otherwise you wouldn’t have said anything.” Ardyn stated. He glanced over their eyes and lips, softly smirking. “We have all night. So speak, and I shall listen.”

Damn it…

He sounded so smug yet understanding, and made Y/N that much more nervous. Y/N's eyes drifted to the sand, then met the waves in the distance before getting the courage to look at Ardyn. To really look at him. So that he'd know there were no other layers that needed peeling back.

“I’ve been feeling so much during these last months,” Y/N started. “And even though you're the one that dragged me into the heap of this mess, you're the only thing keeping me from losing what I have left."

Ardyn’s curiosity was piqued. “What do you mean by that, losing what you have left?”

“My spirit or whatever is keeping me from walking into the ocean so I can drown.” Y/N replied. “I hate this. I hate living with the scourge inside of me. How painful it is, and knowing one day I might kill people again. Yet I hold on. It's all your fault for giving me the courage to keep fighting."

Ardyn let Y/N’s words sink. He was unsure how to truly feel--given what he knew that Y/N didn’t--but he allowed himself to ravish in the little joy that sparked in him.

“And here I thought you loathed the very nature of my being.”

Y/N suppressed a laugh. “Don’t get it wrong, I still think you’re an asshole but…I like you.”

“Yet another feeling you and I have in common.” He huffed in amusement.

“You like me?”

Ardyn nodded. “I have for a while now.”

“In what manner?”

“Finish what you started first.” He teased.

“Oh,” It dawned on Y/N they had gone off on a small tangent. Although they could argue it was Ardyn’s fault, Y/N didn’t bully him for it. They gathered up their wits before speaking.

“I feel something toward you. It’s always been there since we bonded through the scourge. And when you talk about Aera, how much you loved her, I feel so guilty for it. I’ve been inside your head. I know what she meant to you, and I felt that when I kissed you, I spat on her memory--your memories--that you have buried underneath all that,” Y/N gestured at Ardyn’s body, emphasizing nonverbally how he was the embodiment of the scourge itself. “That’s why I’m apologizing. Does any of this make sense?”

“Not in the slightest,” Ardyn replied. He gave Y/N a smile upon catching them furrow their brows, a subtle reassurance he was jesting before he sighed. “This was bound to happen at some point.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Ardyn made a face, trying to find his words. “You and I share an intimacy through the scourge that can't be accounted anywhere else on this star. With the hivemind at play, and the scourge wanting unity, it's only natural that we'd feel...overwhelmed by the other at some point in time. Hence, what transpired in the bedroom. ”

Y/N’s heart dropped. From what it sounded like, everything about their feelings toward Ardyn had been artificial. A byproduct of the scourge attempting to return to its master. The sad thing was, it made sense to Y/N. The timing, the bleed throughs, it was all connected.

“So the scourge is feeding off our emotions just so it can become whole again.”

“More like feeding into them,” Ardyn corrected. “But you seem to understand the gist.”

“Into them?”

Ardyn glared as if he had been confronted by a nemesis from the past. Someone who had left him to bleed out. To Y/N, he looked as if he wanted to both confront and flee from his rival, but had no strength to perform either. It surprised them when he pushed through the silence and spoke.

“This whole week I’ve pondered the enigma between us. Each time I’ve examined the facts, I always reach the same conclusion.” Ardyn paused. Whisps of his wine colored hair drifted across his face. The cool drop in temperature offered him solace if only for a minute. “Even with how putrid my soul has become, there’s still a root buried underneath the tainted soil. It begs to sprout though aware the rays of the sun can’t pierce the veil. Yet somehow, a little light made it’s way through the cracks. And slowly, tiny leaves have grown. Reaching out through the nothing to grasp at a morning sun.”

Ardyn’s voice trailed as he finally stared at Y/N. The glow in his amber eyes increased, adding a ethereal presence to him that kept Y/N grounded while they stared right back. He bit the inside of his bottom lip.

“No one has bewitched me in ages. Not like this."

Y/N felt as if every blood vessel in their body had opened to the fullest extent possible. His words trudged them through the thick of their feelings. Somehow through the explosion, they fell back to Eos and replied with a whisper of uncertainty.

“So what do we do now?"

Ardyn’s eyes drifted over Y/N’s, drinking in what he’d allow himself to behold before capping. He had lost his vigor as the reality of his and Y/N's fate breached the surface.

“I'm contractually bound to the vengeance I seek, just as I am bound to one day relieve you of suffering." His voice had all the confidence in the world, but the root he had spoken of refused to let go. It refused to stop sprouting for his sake. Not when it was being nurtured by hope.

Hope…

It was such a fragile thing, yet it burdened Ardyn. No matter how hard he tried to strangle it, it couldn’t be snuffed away. Not when Y/N’s eyes regarded him. Peering at him with not the wonder of Eos, but as a human who saw through his masks and could see the man that hid in wait to be cut loose.

“I don’t need a partner,” Ardyn confessed bitterly. He was too craven to make such a bold request, but he allowed himself one little morsel of reverie. “But...I do desire a friend.”

A woe curtly wandered into Y/N's heart, and was extinguished by joy at hearing his request. This was enough for now. It had to be.

“I can be that for you.”

Ardyn smiled genuinely as he shook his head. “You already have. I just blinded myself. Not wanting to acknowledge it.”

Y/N smiled so hard it hurt, only to frown curiously when Ardyn cleared his throat.

“I’ve noticed Commander Pierce’s boy has had an eye on you,” Ardyn began. He felt his body tense with apprehension at his own words, but proceeded. “Should you choose to pursue him, I wouldn’t hold any ill regard toward a union.”

Y/N shook their head with a grimace. “That’s…kind of the last thing on my mind right now, but thanks.”

Even though Ardyn tried to hide it, Y/N noticed the small victorious smile that formed upon his lips.

"So...we're friends, right?" Y/N asked to clarify.

"It would appear so." Ardyn mused with a faint smile.

"Is that what you want?"

Ardyn swallowed. "Yes."

Be it the weight of the conversation, or emotions simmering down, Ardyn and Y/N proceeded to once more tread along the beach. Both were reticent while their minds settled on what had been discussed. Y/N felt that a mass had been unburdened, but through the scourge, they still felt there was unfinished business. However, it could wait. There was no sense of urgency to pry anything more out of Ardyn. Not when he looked at peace. Y/N reveled in the sight, knowing from shared memories that he hadn't felt he could let his guard down in centuries.

“I’ve been ruminating on an idea,” Ardyn hummed. “I believe it would benefit us both if I taught you how to heal. To learn the tools of the trade of my maternal line."

With the near smug look Ardyn wore, Y/N was uncertain if he was pulling their leg or not.

“Are you being serious?"

“But of course!” He chortled.

“But why?" Y/N questioned. "With how you talked about the tradition, it sounded like a closed practice."

“I believe my mother broke the mold when she taught me, therefore, it’s not something to fret about.” Ardyn chuckled. He could see Y/N was still apprehensive and proceeded to explain further. “Here is my thought process: I can't feed off you for strength and risk bleed throughs, and now we are sharing wounds through the scourge. Therefore, it would be wise if not one, but both parties were well versed in medicinal magic and it's propriety. Should circumstances go astray in future altercations, we can count on each other for back up."

“I can't argue when you put it like that.” Y/N murmured, finding themself warming up to the idea. “To be honest, having more use than being a prized medal for Niflheim would feel great.”

“I’m relieved we're on the same page,” Ardyn said. “When we cross back into Niflheim, we’ll begin study. I must forewarn that I’ll be more stringent with you than I have been in lessons of etiquette. Medicinal knowledge can be quite dangerous, especially in regards to plants. If you aren’t precise, it’s a sure path to death.”

“Given the circumstances with you being immortal and me having a death wish, I didn’t think that would be an issue.” Y/N couldn’t help but quip, adding light to the conversation. They offered a nervous grin when Ardyn glared initially, before he too found humor in the jest and scoffed while playfully swiping at their shoulder.

“I can’t afford to perish and respawn. Not when so much is lying on the table.” Ardyn admitted before he slyly added. “And for the record, you aren’t useless.”

“That was very tender of you.” Y/N goaded.

“Don’t go getting too attached now. As Chancellor, I can’t afford to have favorites among adoring citizens. No matter how charming they try to be.” Ardyn darkly teased. He took delight in the quibble fear that crossed Y/N’s face as he chuckled.

“You can be a jerk sometimes, you know that?” Y/N sighed.

“I aim to please!”

Y/N bit the inside of their lip, trying not to laugh. The conversation at large felt childlike--idiotic in ways--but it felt right between them, and only them.

As Y/N prepared change the subject, they stopped. Their right hand stretched to the side, blocking Ardyn at his waist. He let out a grunt, raising a concerned brow while Y/N gestured out to the waves.

“Look!”

At first, Ardyn didn’t see anything. From how Y/N sounded, it seemed it should’ve been obvious something was afoot. Nevertheless he couldn’t decipher what was going on. He blamed his damned vision, and regretted not having his glasses handy. He blinked a few times, and then caught it. Astonishment graced his features and his mouth fell open.

Along the surf and into the shoreline, the ocean began to spark with little blue lights. In clusters of hundreds, they swayed through the waters and glowed with the same shine as the stars above. Like Y/N, Ardyn felt captivated by the sight.

“It’s a plankton bloom,” Y/N whispered. Their eyes widened with childlike fascination as the waves became more illuminated by cerulean hues. “I heard about it in Lucis. These little creatures glow to attract mates or ward off predators.”

“Messengers of Leviathan,” Ardyn murmured. He could feel Y/N’s gaze upon him as he smiled nostalgically. “That’s what we called this phenomena in my time. It’s a sign that the goddess of the sea is near, and listening to devotions.”

In a split of a second, Y/N began to disrobe out of their formal attire. Ardyn did a double take, feeling his pulse rise into his throat. Eyes widening, he was both impressed at how quickly Y/N discarded their clothes, and felt embarrassed for suddenly gawking at them.

“Y/N, what are you--” Before he could protest, Ardyn watched in horror as Y/N rushed toward the water. Their earlier words of fighting temptation to toss themselves into the waves and drown echoed in his mind. He felt fear grapple in his chest as he began to sprint after them and shouted.

“Y/N!”

“I always wanted to do this!” Y/N gleefully exclaimed like a kid who had discovered magic again in the world.

The euphoria in their voice had Ardyn stop in his tracks once his boots hit the foam of the shoreline. Startled, he observed Y/N dived into the waves, and watched them rise. The plankton surrounding them disappeared, and then returned in a captivating swirl of blues as Y/N chased down the specks. Ardyn sighed in relief once the adrenaline died down.

He watched the spectacle for a time, finding delight in Y/N’s bliss. There was a moment where Ardyn could've sworn he heard Aera's laugh. Fear traveled through him. Perhaps Leviathan was near--messing with his mind. He felt paralyzed as darkness began to dwell in his heart. As quick as it came, Ardyn felt his anger dwindle when he saw Y/N stop in their tracks.

Standing waist deep in the water, Ardyn watched Y/N extend a hand out in welcome with the biggest of grins anyone could muster.

"Come join me!"

"I don't think so!" Ardyn shouted.

"Why not?" Y/N hollered back with a laugh.

Ardyn made a face. "Remember our conversation about large bodies of water?"

"Oh yeah, that's right!" Y/N laughed. "You're terrified!"

Ardyn stumbled. He growled under his breath. "I'm not frightened!"

"Then what's stopping you?" Y/N countered as a wave knocked them forward.

Ardyn had to admit Y/N had him there. He wasn't sure what it was, but the compulsion to join grew more and more with each passing second. It was maybe a minute before Ardyn made his choice. He began to disrobe out of his layers, tossing his articles of clothing on top of Y/N's. Down to his pants, Ardyn took in a deep breath, and bolted toward Y/N. He ignored how both refreshing and cold the water was as the ocean began to hug his torso the further he went.

Upon meeting Y/N, Ardyn grabbed a hold of Y/N's hand to stabilize himself. A laugh was shared as he jumped from a small wave pushing him to the left.

"See? Not so bad!" Y/N exclaimed. "I owe you one for this!"

"In that case," Ardyn shot Y/N a devious grin. He was absolutely eating up the dread that crossed over Y/N's eyes. "Allow me to take you dancing again!"

“What do you mean by aga--ahh!”

Ardyn snickered as he flung Y/N headfirst into the water. Y/N rose to the surface and attempted to return the favor but with little luck. The two laughed as Ardyn struggled against Y/N's grasp before he fell backwards; taking himself and Y/N down with him. Their bodies tumbled as the current pulled them further into the sea. It took them a moment to register they had gone into deeper territory, and on instinct they held hands and remained close.

Holding their breaths, Ardyn and Y/N glanced through the darkness. The ocean felt like another universe, where gravity and the world of men held no bounds. The ambience of such feelings were further inflamed when the plankton once more made their presence known. Thousands of small bodies lit up like city lights and illuminated both Ardyn and Y/N while they swam together. Both admired witnessing such a natural majesty for a time, until Y/N pulled from Ardyn and caught a handful of the plankton in their hands. A pure glow surrounded their fingertips and highlighted their features.

As Ardyn floated near in awe, he had an epiphany. Had he been the once pious man he was known for, he would've felt the six shining through Y/N. There was something magical about this moment that stunned him. Almost as if Eos had forgiven him of all trespass.

Y/N turned their head and smiled at him. Ardyn returned a soft expression as he saw small bubbles leave their nostrils. He hoped that when he died, if there was an afterlife that awaited, he could take this snapshot with him to the grave. With that thought having left, he swam forward. The two encircled the other as they kicked through the plankton and followed the light back to the beach.

Gasping for air upon rising, Y/N relied on Ardyn as he coaxed both their bodies into shallow waters. Once they were in water that was up to their knees, they stopped to catch their bearings.

In between breaths, Y/N met Ardyn's eyes as he moved his hair out from his face. He smiled at them with a sincerity that had unintentionally caused the dams in Y/N to break. Their throat clutched as they started to sob.

“Y/N?”

“I’m sorry,”

“Y/N…” He began to look them over, checking for any signs of wounds. When Ardyn found nothing, it dawned on him that Y/N was suffering from injuries of the heart. Though concerned, he remained neutral. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Y/N shook their head with a sniffle. They smiled at him, trying to tamper down whatever this was. “This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time. That's all.”

Ardyn frowned as the scourge told him everything he needed to know. The emotions were fleeting, but Ardyn honed in. He hadn't felt the fear of mortality in ages, and through Y/N, he could feel how it slowly breathed along their neck; reminding them that this was it, and to cherish what little happiness had come their way. Being immortal, Ardyn himself longed for death, and up to this point, assumed Y/N held no qualms regarding their fate. He couldn't have been more wrong, and in a way it hurt him, but in a matter that felt even foreign to the likes of himself.

With no further words, Ardyn pulled Y/N into his chest and embraced them. His heart stammered as he felt Y/N hold onto him as if the gods would strike them down at any time. Burying his face some into Y/N's dampened hair, he whispered all the comforts one could give. All the things he would've said to Aera had she been in the throes of existential dread.

“Shhh..." Ardyn murmured throughout. He let out a small grunt, feeling Y/N's cheek against his chest. “What may come of us, we’ll be alright. Do you trust me?”

Y/N nodded weakly. They shuddered as Ardyn continued to soothe them, and managed to peer up into his gaze.

“There you are!” He smiled.

Y/N didn't know what was so funny, but they grinned as a laugh came and went. They felt one of Ardyn's hands retreat from their waist as he settled it upon their cheek. His touch was cold, but the warmth he emitted made up for it. As the panic began to dwindle, Y/N let out a breath as they gazed over him.

“Friends don’t hug each other like this.” Y/N murmured

“True, but we're an exception.” Ardyn mused. He felt a tremor run through Y/N’s body, and chuckled darkly. “Do you have regrets now, about your little stunt to swim out here?"

“Maybe a bit,” Y/N admitted with a tired laugh. They could feel their body growing colder by the second. “Maybe we should get out.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Ardyn smiled. He gave the side of Y/N’s face a gentle squeeze with his palm before taking them by the hand and leading them back to the beach.

“Let’s get you warm."

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ffxv fanfic #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv fanfic #ardyn x reader #reader x ardyn #gender neutral reader #x gn reader #canon x reader #slow burn #very slow burn #ao3 fanfic

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olli-online · 9 months

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my oc having a slow burn romance im gonna be sick

#VERY slow burn

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hr-nm-grnd-zr · 1 year

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Okay so I want to finally write this very complex Weasley twins/George Wealsey fanfiction that's been spooking around my head ever since vampires where a thing.

But

I will have to reread the books in order to make my perfectionist brain happy (I don't want to miss anything or get something wrong) so it will be a lot of work. Slow updates and probably take years.

I barely ever write anything because my motivation is low but I've liked this idea for such a long time I really want to see it done.

So would anyone be interested in reading George Wealsey and vampire!oc very slow burn friends to lovers? Also the Weasley twins part will take a while (very slow burn) because I gave her too much background story that I'd like to share.

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lavenderjewels · 9 months

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I wonder if kenjaku will be kind of controversial for anime fans like how they were for a while after the reveal

#I might’ve just been lurking around specific corners so don’t wanna apply to in general #but I remember seeing a lot of things about kenjaku being boring or that it should’ve stayed geto as the main villain #which felt. fair I guess after the reveal since we didn’t know them #very slow burn #jjk spoilers #kenjaku in the story is such a given at this point that looking back at it I cannot imagine not having their character #not ready for more takes about kenjaku being a generic mastermind villain trope though 🤢

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greenmtwoman · 1 year

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Jaime has some things to learn about being a father.

#jaime x brienne #brienne of tarth #Jaime Lannister #asoiaf fanfiction #farm life #alternative universe #arranged marriage #very slow burn

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misch3fbunni3 · 2 years

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Chapters: 53/62 Fandom: Biohazard | Resident Evil (Gameverse) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Chris Redfield/Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield/Albert Wesker, Jill Valentine/Albert Wesker, Chris Redfield/Jill Valentine/Albert Wesker, Sherry Birkin/Jake Muller Characters: Albert Wesker, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Jake Muller, Sherry Birkin, Rebecca Chambers Additional Tags: Emotions, Whump, Poor!Wesker, Self-Indulgent, Discovery, Request for Death, emotions running higher than a fucking kite, angry!Chris, vague mentions of attempted suicide, Injury, Blood and Violence, Past Relationship(s), Vomiting, Blood and Injury, Angst, Seizures, Broken Bones, Temporary Character Death, Resuscitation, Mouth-to-Mouth, chest compressions, Explicit Language, lung injury, Blood and Gore, nonsexual non-con, Jill is a badass, hospital rooms, Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Anxiety, Circular Thinking, Touch-Starved, 3rd person POV memories, Memory Loss, therapy sessions, Prescription Drugs, Non-Consensual Drug Use, Mental Health Issues, Mental Anguish, Awkward Tension, MF smut, Vaginal Fingering, Vaginal Sex, Semi-Public Sex, coworker sex, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Non-Consensual Electroconvulsive Therapy, Nightmares, Zombies, Flashbacks, Baiting, Bladder Control, Pegging, Threesome - F/M/M, Drug Withdrawal, Rescue Missions, Confrontations, Character Death, Eye Trauma, Needles Summary:

It was supposed to be a routine mission. Checking a few rumors. In and out. Too easy, right?

But nothing is ever easy. Not when you're staring at a ghost that's been dead for over a decade.

#albert wesker #chris redfield #jill valentine #whump #slow burn #very slow burn #trauma #chrisker #weskertine #chriskertine #chris x wesker #chris x jill #wesker x jill #wesker x chris x jill

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topazshadowwolf · 1 year

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I know, I know, it is another WIP, but this is for Feb... This and the HouseKeeper will be put on pause after Feb until Aug for Soriel week (which will be soriel month for me)

Summary: In an attempt to save an AU from becoming another DustTale, Dust ends up fighting a hacker who decides to destroy everything in revenge for its fun being interrupted. Now all that is left is one lone Toriel who doesn't understand what is happening. Feeling guilty that he failed to save her world, Dust tries to do what he can to help her.

#Slow burn #Very slow burn #Super slow #dust!sans #toriel #nightmare!sans #This does happen around the same time as The HouseKeeper #Not canon to HNBD #Off shoot of the fic though #Background FuzzyNight

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elledelajoie · 2 years

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A Fork in the Road

Some slightly different choices on Kurt's part cause big changes, not only in his life but in others' lives as well. What if Kurt had gone on an official school visit to Dalton?

“Why don’t you poison them old folks’ Jello? Or go spy on the Garglers? I’m sure the feathers would fit right in,” Puck suggested.

“Fine,” Kurt said. He took the two idea boards he had worked on for hours and left the room. He stepped into the hallway, where he nearly collided with Karofsky.

“I was just on my way to see you.” He dumped the slushie in his hand over Kurt’s head. It dripped down his face onto the idea boards he was carrying.

Kurt couldn’t formulate a good comeback. He just wiped his face the best he could and walked to the nearest girls’ restroom. He cleaned himself up the best of his ability, and then marched straight out the building.

Karofsky watched as Kurt marched down the hallway with his head held high and defiant. A wave of nausea passed through him, but he reined it in by moving quickly to his US History classroom and taking a seat as far from the teacher’s desk as possible and put his head down to take a nap.

Kurt tossed the boards into the dumpster as he crossed the parking lot. He reached under the driver’s seat and pulled out the vinyl tablecloth he had customized to fit the driver’s seat right after he got the Nav. He climbed in the front, and used self-restraint to stop himself from slamming his baby’s door. He drove home, showered quickly, and changed clothes.

Once he was ready, he looked up Dalton Academy to find out exactly where it was located. He looked over the website and the phrase “zero-tolerance, no-bullying policy” jumped out in the part of the paragraph he was reading. After that, he read more carefully. He clicked several links and finally found one that listed the cost of attending the school. Once he saw the tuition, he clicked the page closed. For that price, he could probably get a private tutor or go to OSU Lima.

Now complete. Read on AO3.

#Kurtofsky #very slow burn

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celestialhighwind · 2 years

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Fatal Seduction

Chapter two, of a title unknown.

The Blood.

It’s not like I haven’t been bloodied from battle before, why do I care? Taking off my boots, the tiny droplets of the splatter dance before my eyes, seeming to form a pattern. I blink and it recedes; I need sleep, and soon. I had forgotten how long it had been since I had slept in an actual bed, yet alone had a hot bath.

The faucet is turned with one eager twist and the water begins to flow free, bringing with it the smell of the ground and iron from the pipes, clean and fresh hits my nose instantly relaxing me. The water, now hot, creates a more humid environment in the room, which contrasts the days spent in the cold and barren Coerthan winds. Toes now free of my boots and wet socks from the snow now feel hot in my body's attempt to acclimate back to a normal temperature, best not to burn them further in the hot water yet. I sit at the edge of the cold marble tub and place both hands wrapped around one foot at a time to help the process while thoughts wandered, reflecting upon the events that had unfolded in the last few days.

The screams, I can still hear them ringing in my ears, but why? It was just a dragon to be summoned and slayed for the benefit of a stupid trial of Alberic's to prove my worth, which made no sense since I was somehow chosen already. Although, he did make mention of a ritual, but I haven't a clue how that ties in with anything just yet, especially since out of fear I failed to relay to him that I had absorbed whatever aether that creature released at its demise. I wouldn't want to be overheard and someone claim that I was now a Heretic. Gods, what have I done?

My toes are now a normal cool to the touch and are ready to meet the water, so I oblige their need. I place my steel outer armour upon the racks and proceed to slip the sleeveless black undershirt over my head and toss that on the floor to pick up later.

A warm, full sensation felt on my shoulder.

I move my hand up my shoulder and feel nothing, so I spin around to identify my intruder. Nothing. I am alone. Now paranoid, hands unsteady, I pick up the closest blunt or sharp object that I could quickly find, which happened to be my lance propped up on the wall near the tub of water and peered into the next room, scanning every shadow that filled the Inn room. I move slowly towards the stone window, dark curtains pulled back and moonlight caressing the wooden floors in the center of the spacious room before me. Candles steady, I see no air upturned by a visitor, and drop my lance to my side. I do one final scan, peering under the plain bed in one darkened corner of the room, and making sure my eyes see nothing out of the ordinary behind any chests, boxes, or shelves. So far I have not seen any Asciens since coming here, but I’ll be damned if I ever do. I continue undressing and slip into the soothing hot water to melt my troubles away, if only temporarily.

—----------------------

With my lance next to me, I crawl into my sleep sack, against the boulder heated by the fire. The smell of wet cedar still lingers in the pile of ash as I allow my eyes to adjust back to the dark shadows in the cavern. No trouble stirring and I am perfectly hidden from predators. My eyes wander back to the open mountain range, taking in the white snow caps visible under the moonlight as sleep takes me slowly, peacefully tonight. Visions of the trees as I once knew them, danced before my eyes, emerald green leaves glittering as they tickle the sunlight from above their canopy, warm breeze caresses my face as my body feels heavier with relaxation. I suddenly realize my aching feet under the wool, but my arms are too heavy to reach them.

The sound of running water.

I imagine a river, once flowing freely in the summer, now overtaken by a thick sheet of ice. Oh, how I used to run through the streams, bare feet slapping against sunkissed rocks, cool water splashing against the warm grass as we used to chase toads, and sometimes springing from boulder to boulder in mimicry of them. A memory that has become all too distant with just an emotion left behind.

Grief. An ache in my chest.

I suddenly remember my aching feet and reach down to them. My toes feel as cold as ice in my hands. I see visions of blood splatter against my boots. Nay, not my boots, they are too far away for me to reach from here, and I am not wearing boots.

Anguished screams ring through my ears, but they are not mine.

I see a woman in the river, sitting on a boulder. Her hair beaming hues of fire in the bright sunlight, and I am reminded of the woman that came looking for me a few days ago. Her skin is slightly tanned from sitting in the sun and she is holding a clear flask, emitting a strange aether. Something about this scene causes something within me to stir, so I take a few steps toward the woman to get a better view. As I draw closer, I could see the liquid within the flask is a very dark burgundy color, emitting purple aether and my breath ceases. Dragon’s blood! I quickly close in the space remaining between us and place a hand on her shoulder to stop her. She quickly spins around, and I see her face, as bright as the sun now beating down on us. Green eyes, I am taken aback.

Celestial!

The flask drops to the ground, unbroken, and the purple aether forms into two faces of familiarity. Scales glowing in their images, Greywine and Archeoavis snarled at the sight of me. I jump as they see me, fangs bared and a low growl from one of them. I reach my hand towards Celestial once again and try yelling her name, but no sound comes from my mouth.

“Celest–” I manage trying once more, but not before the scene becomes blurry and I am back at my camp, shivering and glistening in fresh sweat from the nightmare. Worry that hadn’t been there now grips me. Have I seen a vision? This was the woman that Alberic had sent for me, had she consumed dragon’s blood?

#estinien x reader #chapter 2 #untitled #ffxiv headcanons #ao3 #Non consensual blood drinking #anguish #trauma #very slow burn #slow burn #eventual smut #estinien varlineau #estinien x wol

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