#vesper stop talking to yourself | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

corruptedlynx · 5 months

Text

Naga x Reader

"First Meets"

Asante Thorne [Naga Male - Blue Beauty Rat Snake]

Word Count: 6,118 SFW

Summary: You had been looking forward to this night all week, even with your nerves sitting wild in your stomach since the decision had been made – that you would finally get to meet “Vesper,” a guy you had befriended over the last year from a site that you been frequenting. Despite your excitement initially, your tune is changed at first when a coworker of yours finds you and becomes far too pushy, only for your knight in shining scales slithers in to save you. Thankfully Asante’s presence is a quick turn-around for your mood and you enjoy your night with him.

------

Vesper, the screen name you had known him by for almost a year and a half now, had quickly become a staple in your life upon getting to know one another, having met over a digital tournament where he had consistently beat you by only a hair. Between both you and your opponent's competitive streak and cynical humor the chat had become a crackling trash fire in all the best ways. Fast enough it had led to a friend request, then to more 1-on-1 gaming sessions including voice calls instead of the prior text chats; leading itself to even more intense banter.

Eventually the friendship jumped from the game to other messaging apps and blogging sites, continuing on a regular basis. Messages and phone calls going until one or both phone batteries finally died, and you were forced to stop, or your eyes betrayed you and fell shut.

Either way, it became increasingly clear to all of your friends that you had certainly become enamored with “Vesper,” whose real name you still did not know – he had taken to joking that he would finally tell you the day that you two met in person. Something neither of you had spoken about, assuming the other lived too far away. After all, the chances you lived close enough to just visit one another were likely infinitesimal, or it felt as much, and neither of you seemed eager to get your hopes up.

However, this did not stop the pair of you from talking most nights, with him even learning your name after a particular phone call had led to your slipping up in a half-awake state. You had forgotten about telling him until the next night when he called you by your name in another game and your heart seemed to stop for a moment. He had won that round, and you really could not bring yourself to be annoyed about it.

You knew that you had feelings for Vesper, but you pushed them aside. Despite the teasing and borderline flirting that often transpired between the pair of you, you had never given any indications about your actual feelings. Too needy for physical affection and too scared that being honest could change your dynamic. There was just no need, at least as far as you disputed with your friends, who didn’t seem to believe your half-hearted defense. You had never even seen a picture of him, you had continued to argue, or had a video call – despite his offers, since you had always changed the subject, too nervous about actually seeing him. One of your best friends had only rolled their eyes and called you a coward before shoving you jokingly and acting as though they were counting down the days until something finally happened.

You never say anything about this ongoing war with your friends to Vesper, but you tell him plenty else, just as he entrusts you with information about his life. Still, neither of you had given anything away that could lead to naming where one another lived, and were not pushing the other to divulge, content still to just be speaking together.

And speak you were that night, listening to the coos of apology and snarky responses when you listed off something particularly egregious that had gone on that day or the way in which your managers had handled the situation.

You worked in retail, and while usually your snappish comments or humorous recounting was the byproduct of a noteworthy customer and their absolute meltdown in the store, not this time. This was the effect that one of your coworkers tended to have on you when you were unable to avoid him. He had a nasty habit of overstepping boundaries and getting far too touchy in general. And despite the different ways that you had tried to get him to back off, you had been the one to be reprimanded while they had written his behaviors off as being harmless fun or accidents time and again. It was a side effect of being the owner's cousin, you had reasoned over the phone as you flung a pillow back against your headboard in agitation.

“What did the manager say again when you told him?”

“He just said that it was an accident and I needed to let it go!” you shouted, voice pitching, before face planting into your pillow next to you while your phone remained atop the nightstand on speaker. You didn’t need to lift your head to hear the snarl of anger from Vesper.

“Flat out groping you for the third time this week alone, and everything else he does, doesn’t add up to an accident!”

Vesper had a protective streak over all his friends, and that certainly included you, something you could appreciate. You could hear the drumming of his fingers against his desk – a regular habit of his when he got worked up - and the sound of almost a growl on the other end of the phone before you finally lifted your head back up. “If it’s anything, I at least had a pick me up on my way home.”

Vesper had to take a moment to compose himself and you could hear the shift before he finally spoke again, tone changed to try and pry a laugh out of you. “My wonderful self?” he drawled out.

You could only chuckle, easily imagining him stretched out with a self-satisfied smirk on his face and his feet kicked up. Not that you could really know, but you felt you had a well enough idea of him to imagine how he acted. “Not this time.” Your next words were cut off by the over-dramatized gasp from Vesper, leaving you to laugh, at least a little. “On my way home there’s this little pet shop, and they have these little cats along the bottom of the window like a parade – but somebody went in and drew little wizard outfits on every. Single. One.” you chimed, starting to crack another smile at the thought. “I mean, I feel a little bad because they’re all in marker and that has got to suck to clean up, but for some reason when I saw them, I just started breaking down laughing. They were so cute.”

Vesper was quiet for a moment before he asked if you had taken a picture of any of the little kitties.

More than elated at getting to share them you chimed yes, pulling your phone back over to you and sending a slew of photos of the wizard kitty parade – double checking that none of them had your face reflected in the shop window them before sending. You were still talking about your favorite ones as Vesper hummed in response, until you realized he was being suspiciously quiet. “Ves?”

He seemed to stumble over his words before you heard a sharp intake of breath. “This is gonna sound a little weird, but is this,” he heaved a sigh once more, seeming to rethink his words, “okay, is this Katey’s Kitty Pet Shop? On 4th Ave.”

You froze for a moment at hearing the name of the shop. Glancing at your phone for a moment you had to think; to answer truthfully or lie out your teeth. Even if Vesper knew you were lying, you trusted him not to pressure you any further about it. But he knew, he really did already know, and it didn’t feel worth it to try and deny as much. Besides, a small part of your brain was sending up fireworks that maybe he had been closer this last year and a half than you had ever let yourself think.

Before you could finalize your thoughts, you were brought back by the voice on your phone, with Vesper now trying to change the subject, figuring you were uncomfortable with him mentioning it.

“I’m sure it’s not, sorry” he chuckled, though you heard through the awkwardness of it immediately.

After one more beat of silence you finally responded, getting your mouth to move the way that you wanted. “Yeah, that's the shop name. There’s that, uh, ya know, coffeeshop two doors down called New Beanland.”

Vesper lost it laughing at the mention. “Yeah! Oh, so, I’ve never been inside myself, but it seems like they have enough business, so I guess it’s good?”

“Hey,” you snark at him, “that happens to be my favorite coffeeshop, thank you very much.”

“You always get a London fog; I feel like that’s a low bar to judge by”

“It isn’t! Besides, it’s just funnier to get it there because of the name. Also they’re cheaper,” you reason, rolling over onto your back and moving the phone onto the pillow, right next to your head with a small smile on your face.

“Okay, okay, I’ll give that one to you.” He relented, and once again it was easy to imagine him holding his arms up in defeat.

For a moment everything fell silent before you hazarded asked another question. “So, I guess you go by the pet shop regularly?”

“My sister loves that place, and she drags me out there as many times as she can.” he groans.

You know it’s half-hearted, having heard him doting over his young sister plenty of times in the background of other calls or just talking about her accomplishments in general.

A few more back and fourths were discussed about the pet shop and the very sad looking cat in the window – which Vesper had been forced to deny his sister adopting more than once due to their own cats. But from there the conversation moved on just as naturally as anything else until finally you were bent over on your side in the fetal position, tears pricking the corner of your eyes as you struggled to breathe through the intense waves laughter that wracked your body. It took another minute or two before you finally managed to calm down, eyes still closed as a few ripples of laughter occasionally broke the slowly calming atmosphere.

As you had gone quieter you could hear the humming tone of Vesper on the other end, like he was trying to decide on his next words or was just a tad too unsure of himself to voice them. “What’s on your mind, Ves Man?”

He snorted at the name. “I’m gonna ignore that.” He had to have sat forward because you could hear the creaking of the chair or his bed under his weight as he shifted. “I was wondering something, but I don’t want to push all this too far.”

Your interest piqued you sat back up, head propped up on your hand. “You know you can’t tease me like that,” you chirped, prodding him into spilling.

“I was wondering if I’ve ever seen you before while I was at the pet shop or something. Like if we were just right next to each other and I didn’t even know it.” He stopped for a moment more, fingers back to tapping out a made-up tune against the desk. “I was also thinking about us maybe getting to meet up finally. But I get figure that you’d be hesitant about doing that.”

“Aren’t you nervous about the idea of meeting up?”

“I mean sure, but it’s been more than a year and a half, and I’d like to put a face with the name – more than just your profile pic,” he mused.

You bit your bottom lip, chewing at it while you mulled the thought over. You wanted to say that you needed more time to think about it, but you had been considering the same thing, and had for some time. “I’d like to finally meet up.” Your voice was quiet as you spoke, but thankfully Vesper had picked up on it, you knew because you could hear the excited smile in his tone as he next excitedly spoke. And then you realized it, you could no longer make out his words, a lulling slur to everything he said, prompting you to finally check the time. Your surprised laugh was what stopped his rambling on about what you could only assume were meeting ideas. “Vessie, Ves, my main man, my soulmate,” you teased, enjoying the quiet sound of laughing from your phone, “look at the time.”

“Oh, woah – it is way later than I thought.”

“And you’re more tired than I think you realize,” you asserted, prompting him towards the idea that it was time for him to sleep.

He sighed, but did not argue it any further, “yeah, you’re right, you’re right. But you need sleep too. Don’t you have an opening shift tomorrow?”

You winced at the thought before groaning, knowing that he was right. “Talk about it more tomorrow?”

There was that same excited smile in his voice as he answered, having obviously leaned even further to the phone. “Absolutely. G’night.”

“And good morning,” you chimed, finishing a sentence you both often threw at each other due to your different sleep schedules – tending to miss the other when either one of you would wake up.

That conversation had been a month ago by this point, and you were more than excited that this evening was when you were supposed to meet with Vesper, who you had jokingly reminded was finally going to have to tell you his real name. He had offered to tell you beforehand, but you had instead decided the pair of you could take a selfie when you got there, and you would send that and his real name along to one of your best friends (who was more than excited for you as well, be demanding to know you were, well, not getting murdered). You were a bit more comfortable with the idea of meeting up alone given you knew all the cameras in front of the theaters and how well lit the area was, along with the regular foot traffic. And the two of you had planned to meet right in front of one of the best placed cameras that you knew of. As excited as you were, and as much as you wanted to draw out the mystery, you also wanted to be a bit smart about it, something Vesper still inclined you to be on a regular basis, even with this.

And while he knew your first name, he still did not know what you looked like; you had at least shown him the majority of the outfit that you had planned to wear for your first meeting, so that he would be able to recognize you in the crowd.

Now you were practically flying past the other people who dotted the streets, wind rushing past and bright colors flashing in your peripheral from all the lights and decorations that lined the late autumn streets and stores. Some at least had the decency to string out a few pieces of Thanksgiving décor given the holiday had yet to pass, but most stores were already sporting Christmas looks, not that any of that mattered as you hurried on your way.

Your nerves were going haywire in your stomach, and you almost worried that if you stopped moving you might be sick – though that sounded much worse than it was. So focused on your nerves and on making it to your designated meeting spot, which you could finally see, you failed to hear someone calling your name. It wasn’t until that person had wrapped a tight hand around your arm and ripped you from your course that you were broken from your tunnel vision mission. Dizzy at the rough behavior you finally managed to look up at whomever had stopped you, your stomach dropping the moment that you realized it was your coworker.

Of all the days that you wanted to see him, which was never, this was the worst of all times.

The grin on his face was unnerving, and just added to the discomfort you felt as he spoke. “I was trying to get your attention.”

You froze for a moment before managing to straighten yourself up, but found you were unable to pry your arm away. Instead, you flashed a quick smile, trying to be as nice as you could thanks to the creeping anxiety stopping you from being as rude as you would really prefer to be. “Yeah, I’m meeting someone actually, so I’m kind of distracted.” You tried pulling away once more but your words seemed to have just annoyed your coworker instead, who used his vice grip to pull you even closer to him.

The stench of his breath was too close, and you could not help the way that your face skewed up in disgust before you noticed he was watching you and it prompted you to shift your expression to something passing as neutral. “Look, I really need to look out for who I’m meeting with, he should be here soon, so I’ve gotta get a move on.”

“Just trying to get away from me?” he sneered, glancing around to see nobody paying any attention to the pair of you. “Because I don’t see anyone headed over here for you.”

“He -”

“I got reamed out because of you,” he cut you off, glowering from the side of his eye, his head still turned away while he looked around.

A lie, you knew, as he had gotten less than a slap on the wrist.

Finally, his attention shifted back to you fully.

“Well then maybe you should have kept your hands off of her,” a deeper voice growled from behind you. You recognized it immediately, but before you could turn around and see him, or even speak, you coworker had gotten a single look at the man before shoving you away like you had burned him, sending you crashing roughly into the chest of who you knew must be Vesper.

Unable to catch your balance on your own, you worried you might slip past and fall, until you were steadied by a solid arm wrapped securely around your shoulders. This kept you firmly planted with your back against his chest. And as much as you wanted to finally look up at Vesper, the way that your coworker was watching the both of you left you on edge enough that you did not feel safe taking your eyes away from him.

Finally, your coworker looked up at Vesper and seemed to try and calm himself down, to make himself seem far more respectable than the rat he was. “It was just an accident.”

Vesper didn’t even dignify your coworker’s blatant lie with a response, only giving a guttural warning noise.

Your coworker, never the wisest man, opened his mouth to speak; but you could feel the way that Vesper straightened up, only able to imagine the look on his face as you watched your coworker shrink back and shut up. Apparently feeling as though it was no longer worth his time – and knowing this was a fight he was unlikely to win if it came to it – your coworker only waved you both off with a muffled cuss and turned tail, scurrying off the way that he had originally been headed.

Still, you both waited, not allowing yourself to break your gaze until you finally watched him turn the corner, seeing him shoot you one more dirty look before vanishing.

“He really is a greasy little bastard, isn’t he?” Vesper finally spoke.

At the sound of his voice you finally allowed yourself to relax, shoulders dropping and head falling back against his chest where you could finally see his face. Despite the prior confrontation, when you finally made eye contact with Vesper, looking at you with the softest smile you could imagine, it was hard not to return the look immediately.

You stayed silent for a moment, just taking in the man in front of you, from the crinkle of his eyes to the little patch of blue skin on the outer corner of each, which caught your attention before you were finally pulling away to get a proper look at him.

It was then that you cracked up laughing until you were doubled over once again in a fit, as he often left you on calls.

Utterly confused, he could only cock his head at you like a puppy, leaving one arm out for you to keep your balance.

And finally, finally, you looked up at him with a cheshire grin. “He’s terrified of snakes,” you mused. The man in front of you, who you had automatically assumed to be human without meaning to, followed suit and began laughing as well. The naga man in front of you.

The two of you shuffled against the wall between fits of laughter, realizing the odd looks that other passersby were shooting you and trying to stop anyone from stepping on or tripping over any part of Vesper’s long tail. Instead, he curled it around the both of you as you brushed aside the looks of others and tried to calm yourselves, only for the laughing to continue when one of you would risk looking at the other and crack all over again.

After what felt like an eternity, but had only been about 15 minutes, the two of you finally caught your breath and calmed.

Vesper was the first to speak. “Still need to send that picture to your friend, right?”

You made a surprised noise, remembering the promise you had made to your friend before this night had begun. With little effort you pulled your phone out before handing it over to Vesper instead, who seemed to smugly understand that you wanted the taller of you two to take the photo. This led to him using his tail to push himself further upward until he could rest his arm on your head. Quickly enough though, he returned to his prior position, letting himself drape over you, before you moved one of his arms back around your shoulders and kept your hands there, smiling up at the camera along with him.

Happy with the photo you made a ‘gimmie’ motion with your hands and he happily complied, relinquishing the device back to you. Appeasing himself instead by propping his head onto your shoulder and watching as you typed up your message. He said nothing until you started typing Vesper, causing you to jump when his voice rumbled out right next to your ear.

“Asante.”

You hummed in confusion, tilting your head to look over at him in question.

“You’re using my screenname again, but my name is Asante.”

You made a small noise to acknowledge what he said, looking back to your phone as you flustered from the way he had made himself comfortable, cheek to your shoulder as he looked up at you and spoke, his eyes never seeming to leave your face after he stopped. Quickly you sent off the text and slipped your phone away once more, knowing that you would be getting a barrage of messages as soon as it was seen. And for the moment you preferred to be focused on Asante.

Initially you had thought it might take you much longer to warm up and be touchy with the man you were meeting, but it felt just as comfortable to be right on top of one another, as though you had both been doing it for far longer.

Instead, you just closed your eyes and hummed, letting your head knock against his and stifling a laugh at his short whine in retaliation, not that he even bothered trying to move away from you. “You know how I was supposed to come up with something to do after we met up?”

Asante groaned with a silent laugh as his arms dropped away and he pulled back just far enough to raise a brow at you with an exasperated expression. “You didn’t come up with anything?”

“I was so nervous I thought I was gonna be sick, or like, chicken out,” you whined, bringing your hands up to cover your eyes.

Asante only rolled his eyes affectionately before prying one of your hands away and nudging you to look at him. “But” he drawled out teasingly, “you’re here.”

You smiled back, unable to stop yourself from preening under his fond expression. “Yeah, I’m here.”

“Any ideas then?”

“How about you pick this time?”

Asante broke into a wide grin, and you noticed once again the way that the corner of his eyes crinkled and seemed to light up the moment he did. “So, there’s gonna be a next time?”

“I mean, I hope so, after talking for as long as we have.”

Asante nodded his head, motioning further down the street. “There’s a sandwich shop on the corner, they just have a window to pick it up from – we can order there or online. And there’s a park just a bit further down. We could go and eat at the park and just talk for a bit.”

You swayed in place for a moment before agreeing, nudging him forward as you stepped over the coils of his tail around you. Asante said nothing as he watched you to ensure your balance, moving his tail out of the way before taking his place beside you, allowing the two of you to make your way in the direction of the sandwich shop.

Conversation flowed easily between the two of you and things turned quickly to banter and playful jabbing. You even managed to find a soft spot on his side that had him coiling away and laughing, mentally noting the fact that he was apparently ticklish for a later. It was something he must have realized judging on the warning look he seems to give you, not that it does anything to deter you and you both know as much.

He’ll find something of note about you eventually, if he had not already, but you find that you don’t mind as much.

It takes a bit longer to get to the burger joint due to your fooling around, but you do manage it and get your food before making off to the park, still joking the entire way (and stealing more than a few fries from his tray – though you know he’s freely allowing you to do so).

The spot that the two of you pick is a bit more secluded, but you can still see a few couples and families wandering about the park in the fading autumn light. The nip in the air is only growing more noticeable in the later hour, but it isn’t too bad for you yet. Carefully you glance up at Asante, who you notice is shivering despite his hoodie. So, you slip off your jacket and hold it out to him silently as he munches away at his fries.

Asante raises a brow as he looks at you, and you only shove the jacket further to him.

“You’re shivering,” you comment, shaking the jacket in your hands.

“I’m wearing a hoodie,” he defends.

“Does it count when it has a titty window, slut?!” you exclaim, laughing as Asante almost immediately bends over, nearly choking while he tries to stop himself from laughing.

“It counts,” he growls, though his smile is a dead giveaway as he sneaks an arm around you instead to pull you near him, tail curling around the pair of you securely where you both sit on the cold ground.

You try wiggling out half-heartedly, but Asante keeps his hold on you, humming as he props his head on your shoulder once more, food abandoned by the both of you for the moment.

“I think this works pretty good for keeping me warm,” he murmurs, going slack and making himself comfortable. Admittedly enjoying the warmth that is radiating off of you.

“Asante are you just going to fall asleep on me?”

“You can have my fries if I do,” he assures, voice steadily lulling out, though he tries to fight the overtake of sleep – just unwilling to pull away from you at the moment.

You could only shake your head, placing your hand on his shoulder and nudging him back awake, though you could do little to convince him to move. “You can’t fall asleep on me in the middle of a park, especially if it starts getting colder.” Knowing he was a Naga certainly meant you had more concerns about being out so late in the autumn, but he seemed far less worried about any risks.

Asante groaned, reluctantly pulling away before he really did fall asleep. Though that did not stop him from pouting, which he could see from the corner of his eyes was at the least causing you to smile and roll your own.

“You big baby,” you chide, handing over your own fries to try and get him to drop the act.

It works well enough, and he reaches over to accept the offering from you. “Is it my fault if you’re just the perfect heated pillow,” he asked, gesturing towards you in your entirety.

The comment is enough to fluster you, causing you to look away before shaking your head and dismissing it for a moment; but Asante had caught your reaction and was left grinning, fully ready to abuse this information.

He would hold off for now, not wanting to push boundaries too far in your first real meeting, but it was fun all the same to know. Still, having heard your expressed concerns he knew he likely had that same soft look on his face that he probably had prior in the evening (and as his sister had said earlier in the day upon seeing, made him look like a love-struck puppy and a bit dumb, which he had happily agreed to before hanging up). “You’re still worried about me being cold?”

“Well yeah,” you chime, shoving another fry in your mouth, sandwich having been well and finished off by this point.

Asante motioned you closer, and when you complied, he pulled you flush against his side.

You let him, making sure that he wasn’t about to fall asleep eating, before relaxing against him and dumping the last few of your fries into his own container; Asante took your to-go box and set it under his own before the wind could blow it away. You closed your eyes and moved his arm, blocking out the cold from attacking your nose by burying it in the crook of his elbow. This thankfully didn’t impede Asante’s ability to hear you.

The conversations that the two of you found yourselves having jumped around from topic to topic, falling into familiarity. And after Asante finishes his food, he realizes how quiet you had gone, instead opting to absently trailing a finger over his tail and looking over his pattern. He almost wants to tease and ask you what you’re doing but decides against it.

You, for your own part, don’t realize how long you have been quiet, admiring the pattern of his tail. While you can’t see how the scales fade or taper off on his torso because of the black hoodie and fishnet, along with the wrapped fabric just under that – not that you mind – there is plenty else to keep your attention. A beautiful blue-gray color broken up by black spots decorates the upper portion of his tail, but as your eyesight trails down you see the splattering pattern of white stripes that take over, stark against the lowest portion of his tail as it sits over almost black scales. You have an idea of what to expect snakeskin to feel like, so it doesn’t catch you off guard. But because Asante is still wiggling in place, not that the fact really registers with you for the moment, you catch sight of the muscle rippling right under the surface. You’re still brushing a hand against his tail gently, completely enraptured with it before he finally places one hand over your own, silently amused at the way you jump and look up to him with wide eyes.

“Having fun?”

You shrink for a moment in embarrassment, but Asante does not seem keen to let you do that, intertwining his fingers with yours while his hand continues to rest atop your own. “I don’t mind it,” he assures, tail tightening around the two of you. “Well, I don’t mind you touching my tail at least.”

The significance of his comment it not lost on you, but you say nothing, just curling further into him and getting comfortable, unwilling to remove your hand from his and still thumbing circles against the side of his tail as the two of you continue talking, despite the darkness finally starting to settle in overhead like an inky blanket.

Unfortunately, this means the chill of the air only grows colder, and it can no longer be ignored by either of you when another passes. So reluctantly you both begin packing up, with you stealthily snatching away the trash and running it over to throw it away before he can try and stop you, insisting that you he can be a gentleman at least. He has that small pout once more on his face, but it drops just as fast when you knock your shoulder against his own, fingers brushing just slightly against the skin of his tail.

Admittedly you both seem to be dragging your feet, even though you can just as easily call one another when you have to split ways for the night. But it isn’t the same, and after a year and a half of thinking this would not be possible, you were milking this time for everything you could.

You can wholeheartedly admit that time is now your enemy, and if it could be bothered to stand still for a little while you might be willing to forgive it. Just to buy a little more time here in this moment with Asante.

Seemingly having noticed you lost in thought he tilts your face toward him for a moment. “Are you okay?”

“Is it too much to say I wish we could stick around a bit longer?”

Asante shrugs. “Is it too much to say I wish I didn’t have to go home alone tonight,” he quips, mimicking your words. His comment works and you flush once more, shaking your head before he allows you to pull him into a hug.

“We’ll have to figure something out to spend some more time together next time.”

Asante, more than comfortable sapping your heat away and curling into you, hums in response before pulling back to look you in the eye. “Maybe next time could be a date?”

The way your face lights up is mirrored in his own and you more than happily agree. “I think we could make that work.”

A weight seemed to drop from his chest as he lets out a relieved sigh. “Good, because I've wanted to take you on a date for a while now, and tonight really cemented that” he admits.

“How long?” you asked, genuinely curious.

“Tell you next time,” he promises, placing a chaste kiss on your lip before pulling away and nudging you forward to the exit of the park. He notices the way you freeze for a moment but go soft at the action “But at least let me walk you back to where we met earlier, I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I can call you after we split, if you want. I wouldn’t mind talking still.”

He seems to think about it for a moment but inevitably agrees. “Deal, but you have to sleep as soon as you’re safe in the door, you still have work tomorrow. "Which, if that coworker gives you any more trouble, I have no issues showing up and making him uncomfortable,” he assures.

“You know, it still surprises me how protective you can get. You seem so shy sometimes.”

“I was when I was younger, like hide behind my mom or run-away levels of shy. And then I made friends with people even shier than me and I just kind of stepped into the role. Also, my sister. Also her. She just gets into so much trouble,” he says, completely exasperated.

It has you laughing once more but you say little else, “I’ll let you know if he’s an ass anymore.” You appreciate his promises of security all the same and you’re more than happy to enjoy the comfort of the silence that settles into place around the two of you as you make your way back to where you had originally met those few hours earlier.

#Lynx's Story Corner #Netflix & Nap #naga x reader #male!naga #terato #Asante Thorne #CorruptedLynx

137 notes · View notes

hypequeenves · 19 days

Text

Before the Hotel

This is Chapter One of: Before the Hotel. It is a written work detailing a little bit of what life was like for Vesper before the events of the Blog. Word Count: 2684

Chapter One: Old Grudges Everyone loves a good game, the push and pull of power - the delicate dance of ownership. It begins with a glance, a look across a crowded club – a singular moment of recognition sparking the flame for a blaze of new circumstances.

The prize?

In hell, a bed of sinners all scrambling, scampering over one another to reach the top – there really is only one prize worth winning.

Something far more precious than mere material possessions. The acquisition of one’s very being: their soul.

Angel knew this dance all too well. He knew the give and take, being trapped slowly, limb by limb, not realising the danger until he had already lost.

This is how he found himself where he was right now. Outside the very tower that holds him prisoner on a daily basis – the Princess of Hell standing right next to him. A quick look at Charlie’s face showed him a reflection of his own apprehensive emotions.

With a deep breath, Angel swallowed the lump in his throat – uncharacteristically quiet.

“Are you sure we should be here?” Charlie’s voice was clipped, her usual peppy cadence flattened by the weight of all that’s been left unsaid.

“You want the hotel to succeed?” Angel’s reply was stilted but cut an edge of resistance.

“You know I do” Charlie’s hand finds his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“Then we need her”.

A look of resolution paints Angel’s face as he steps forward, the automatic doors of the Vee’s tower opening obediently as he strides forward.

The screams, shouts and sirens of Hell deaden as the doors slid closed behind them. The familiar thudding of bass, enveloping the two – Angel recognises it as her music. The kind of pop-rock that worms its way into your head, and before you know it you find yourself humming the lyrics while you wash the dishes.

With a small squeeze from Charlie’s hand, Angel recovers enough to put one foot in front of the other. The pounding music gets louder, the deep base vibrating the walls.

“So…” Charlie pipes up, filling the silence with nervous talking. “How did you meet her?”

Angel shrugs nonchalantly, hoping to summon the look of indifference. “She works for Vox, who works with my Bos-“ he cuts himself short “-with Valentino”.

Angel takes a few more strides before he finds himself also needing to fill the quiet. “She- doesn’t like me much”.

Charlie tilts her head, frowning lightly. “Why?”

Angel runs an anxious hand through his hair. ” Cause I, well you know how I am – how I was before this Hotel shit.”

Charlie nods sagely, understanding Angel’s boundaries enough now to not press the subject further. “Gosh, but a pop star – I’ve been listening to her music since she debuted.” She looks up at Angel trying to judge his reaction, his gaze is still fixed down the hall. “Even Vaggie likes her music.” Angel looks down at her, a cheeky smile on his face.

“No fucking way!” He laughs “Now that’s a surprise.”

Charlie nods in agreement.

“Vesper is…” Angel tried to think of a nice way of putting it “a bitch” he sighs giving up. “Just be prepared for a rejection – I-I’m not even sure she would want to talk to me.”

Angel pulls them to a stop, the door standing impassively in front of them bearing her name, the V looping from a heart into the rest. Charlie adjusts her grip on Angel, swinging him gently to look at her.

“Angel, you are the sweetest, the kindest guy I know” The pep slowly comes back to her tone as she continues “Maybe you weren’t great to her back then – but you’ve grown up a lot since then.” She grips two of his hands and smiles widely at him “You’ve got this! We are doing this for Sir Pentious!”

Anthony takes a deep breath and Angel comes back to him, grinning widely.

♫ ♩ ♫

A heeled boot taps impatiently against the tiled floor of a dressing room. Deep thumping music keeps rhythm with the sharp clicking of her foot.

Inky black boots give way to a dusky pale blue ankle, the splattering of freckles found there trails up to curved hips barely contained by a tight skirt. Above which holds the plane of a flat stomach and a set of Satan-gifted tits.

Said pair of long legs and tits, sits, leaning back in a chair, the backrest emblazoned with her name. One hand scrolling absentmindedly on her phone, the popstar holds a can of sickly-sweet energy in her other – taking intermittent sips.

A team of stressed-looking imps dance around her, pulling and pinning her obnoxiously floor-length hair into a high ponytail.

The picture of a perfect pop star.

Vesper was having a good day. A great day even.

Hour 13 of the music videos for her new EP was going smoothly, as was the ad campaign for said EP and she was having a merciful break from the sweaty studio to boot!

Her thumb double tapped on a photo – Vox, arm wrapped tightly around her waist as she gives the camera the middle finger – wolfish grin plastered on her face. His lips curled into one of his most impressive megawatt smiles, the caption reading: ‘My seventh year working with this absolute powerhouse of a pop star! This one’s for you Ves, here’s to seven more!’

A small fond smile creeps up on her face; he remembered their anniversary.

Speak of the Devil.

A sharp shock of wrists and ankles brought Vesper out of her fond stupor. Vesper’s smile fell, giving way to her normal petulant frown.

“There’s my money maker!” the sound of classic poker slot jingles emended from a spot behind her head.

A middle finger was all Vesper gave the man she called Boss as a greeting. The clicking of wingtip shoes against the tile, a steady hand tilted her chin up from her phone, her eyes found the mirror in front of them.

“What’s got Hell’s favourite Siren so out of sorts?!”

Vesper gave the man a harsh glare through the mirror framing them both perfectly.

Vesper hated when he would do this, checking in on her. You’d think seven years was enough time to gain a modicum of trust from old Pixel Brain, but she had underestimated just how much of a control freak he could be.

It was seven years ago that Vesper had signed the contract. Eight years since she had brute-forced her way into his office proposition in tow. Eight years since that night.

A metallic hand slid around her shoulder, the cold metal leaving a trail of goosebumps on her skin. Vox’s hand found what it was looking for – a chunky V-shaped cuff that clung to her neck. Similarly shaped cuffs adorn her wrists and ankles. Some might say jewellery, but they both knew what it was: a physical manifestation of her contract. A visible message to everyone - herself including – just who owned ‘Hell’s Favourite Siren’.

Vesper wasn’t dumb, nor was she naïve. This was a purposeful transaction. Vesper was a businesswoman at heart, and since her fall into Hell; Vesper had put that heart into action.

Vesper dropped her phone, the sparkling blue tech vanishing into the ether. Handing her drink to the awaiting hands of her hell-born assistants Clay and Cole the popstar finally spoke.

“You messed up my hair with your static bullshit” she growled swatting at his claw and playing with her necklace.

A chuckle came easily to Vox, his companion had always been quick to temper. It seemed he was drawn in by those with a short fuse.

“Apologies, you know I always want you perfect.”

“Let Clay and Cole do their job then! Go back to whatever crawlspace you apparated from and Let. Me. Work.” The popstars ever tapping feet, accelerated – the music keeping up with the tempo change. Electric guitar picks up in the melody – adding a sting of what could only be described as frustration to the catchy beat.

Vox’s steady fingers started working, combing through her tresses, pinning, teasing, and spraying her hair into the perfect high pony. She could feel the drag of cold metal against her scalp, it felt like a ripple of electricity zipping up her spine.

As he finished, he leant down – pressing the plastic of his screen against her cheek. “See. ꝑēɍӻēȼⱦ.”

Vesper rolled her eyes at him a small smile betraying her fondness of her boss, before pushing him away again before standing.

Vox watched the star stretch out - arms above head, assessing her face, the cut of the clothing, the shape of her hips. A hum of satisfaction passed his lips, He had chosen well when he decided to take a chance on this nobody sinner.

“How long do I have?” Vesper grabbed her drink back from Clay. Even when talking her voice was trained, and measured, phone appearing from nowhere in her hand she turned away from him.

“Ten minutes, forty-five seconds-“ Vox is cut short as two figures breech the door of Vesper’s dressing room. Vox’s signature smile falls at the sight of his least favourite porn star. Before his eyes widened at another truly unexpected sight; Charlie Morningstar.

He snuck a glance over at Vesper, trying to gauge her reaction to the unlikely pair walking through the door. Her face was painted with a look of indifference, but the grip on her drink was so tight that her knuckles were white.

She was angry.

His smile returned quickly “Miss Morningstar!” the lanky man quickly cleared the distance between them slinging a casual arm around the princess. “What a surprise! What brings you to my beautiful studio?!” He leans in more lowering his voice “I heard your last trip here was rather… warm?”

You could cut the tension with a knife.

Vesper cocks one hip to the side “Better be careful of any electronics in the area Boss, no one likes a re-run”.

This elicits a chuckle from the CEO, and with a confident stride forward, Vox takes his place standing right next to Vesper again.

“You are so right Ves, so, Charlie - how can WE help you TODAY?!” He pulls Vesper in by the waist and raises an eyebrow at the two expectantly.

“Well…” Charlie begins, pushing down the growing sense of anger in her stomach. “As you know, the Hotel is having… a hard time recruiting new demons.” She pauses, desperately trying to find the right words. “And we were hoping… that Vesper…”

Vox’s grip on Vesper’s waist tightens possessively at the sound of Vesper's name.

“Would come play shows at the Hotel! It would draw in new people and it would be so much fun and you could meet all of Angel’s new friends…” Charlie continues quickly and excitedly like the floodgates of a new idea breaking open. But her speech was nothing but static to Vesper's ears, she was furious. Her eyes pinned Angel to the wall, her grip on her drink coiling, closing until it crumpled under her grip. The sticky liquid flowed down her wrist and fell in droplets from her elbow.

The song blaring against the speakers sharply changes, heavy metal piercing through them.

“God, you are just the WORST.” Vesper's voice was filled with unending malice. Sharp and cruel, an entirely different tone than when she snaps at her boss.

“Oh, here we go…” Angel huffs rolling his eyes.

“After all this time, no calls, not even a fucking text” the star begins to take slow strides towards Angel. “And now, when I’ve finally made something of myself - here you are” Another stride arms stretched wide, she was closing in on her target.

“I would feel bad for you knowing how absolutely pathetic this is, but that would mean I gave a FUCK about you, and clearly” the pop star gestures to the room around her “I’ve got better things going on”. Vesper finally closes the gap, poking Angel directly in the chest. Charlie shifts quickly, pushing Vesper’s arm away from Angel – standing between the two. Horns growing, hair flowing.

Angel was right, she is a bitch.

Vesper laughs, moving backwards – ignoring Charlie completely, centring her deadly glaze on Angel. Her look was probing, assessing; like from one look, she could know everything about someone, right down to their underwear choice. Like she was taking in all eight years of change

‘Using more people to hide behind? Wow, we really have ascended Angel, whose dick did you have to suck to get the Princess of Hell to stand up for you? Never mind, we all know the answer is everyone and anyone” Vesper’s arms crossed with a satisfied smile. The music fades, the tension in the room so thick that you could reach out and grip it.

“And… CUT!” Vox strides back up to Vesper, arm slung around her shoulder – the red dot on the upper right corner blinking off. “That’s gonna go viral Dove.” He whispers into the crook of her neck. Vesper’s smile turns wolfish.

“Well! Looks like you got the answer you came here for!”

“Fuck. You. Ves.” Angel grits out through clenched teeth, his one golden tooth gleaming under the room's neon lights.

Vesper raises a single delicate eyebrow by way of response.

“Okay, I think that’s our cue to leave Angel” the Princess begins to shuffle Angel out of the room.

“You’re so fuckin’ sore about something that happened eight years ago! You should really take the time to bend over and remove the stick from your ass. Uptight bitch doesn’t suit you, Nessie” Angel threw out her nickname like a soldier would throw a javelin.

The spear finds its target. Vesper’s grin drops, contempt quickly replacing it. Vox’s grip tightens as she goes to take a step forward, keeping her in place.

‘I’m surprised you have time to be concerned with my ass – when your heads so far up your own, Toni” She pulls out the weapon made of something that used to be fond and hurls it right back at him.

Before it finds its mark Vox interrupts them “You should listen to your therapist Angel. She seems like the smart one between the two of you.” He pauses looking Charlie up and down before adding “And that’s saying something”.

After one last long glare between Angel and Vesper, the dressing room door slams shut, leaving the two separate pairs seething.

♫ ♩ ♫

“Fucking CUNT – I can’t believe that shit!” Angel spat, one of four hands running soothingly through his locks. “I mean I expected it to be awkward, she had a vicious tongue even back then – but fuck me! That’s not the same Ves I knew”.

Angel was pacing, back and forth in the dingy alley flanking the Vee’s tower. Charlie’s eyes follow back and forth as he does so, seemingly lost for words.

“The Ves I knew, hated Vox. She didn’t take any bullshit from no one”

A flash of a memory: Vesper lying on his couch legs draped lazily over the armrests. It was a quiet moment after one of Val’s episodes. She chucked a note, the folded butterfly landing smoothly on his desk.

“You hold more power than you think Toni. Remember, you’re the prize – not him”

Stuck back into the present - Angel’s pacing paused, turning to his wide-eyed companion.

“How could someone change so much in so little time?”

Charlie hums thoughtfully - taking her time to answer, “You know how you put on the mask of Angel?” Angel gives a single nod in affirmation. “Well, some people just forget it’s a mask – they don’t take it off and it just becomes who they are”. Charlie pats Angel on the shoulder “I think I’m done with this place Angel, let go home”.

Angel agrees it’s been a long night – though a small thought nagged in the back of his mind.

Would he have turned out like that if he never moved to the Hotel?

Guess he’ll never know; he really did luck out when Charlie found him on that corner.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel oc #hellaverse #oc #the vees #vox hazbin hotel #hazbin art #hazbin hotel art #hazbin hotel fanart #hazbin hotel fandom #vox x oc #vox hazbin #angel dust hazbin hotel #angel dust #hazbin charlie #original character #charlie morningstar #charlie hazbin hotel

45 notes · View notes

plazmafields · 1 month

Text

Oh boy you better get your asses ready because I just beat the game again on 2.1+ and I think it actually has interesting implications for Kerry’s romance. SPOILERS FOR THE SUN ENDING SPECIFICALLY!

Like many other players, I got the Sun ending the first time I played, and (other than when I’m roleplaying a new type of character) it’s the ending I always go for and consider canon for my main oc Vesper. Over on the subreddit(s), people seem to view this ending as definitely 100% implying that V finds a cure and lives to see old age. While of course I would love my character to live a long and happy life, I don’t think that’s the case. V free floats off into space toward a several trillion dollar heavily guarded spacecraft filled with the most elite of the elite. That job was a suicide mission, and I interpreted this ending as V going out with a bang so they could finally, actually become a real Night City legend.

I believe Kerry knows this. When he calls you during the credits, Kerry asks you in a casual tone to buy some olives on your way back, then his voice gets soft and he goes, “Actually, you know what, forget it. I’ll buy them myself.” He does this backtracking in conversation several times during his romance, and I always read it as him being uncomfortable talking about his feelings. He stops himself from apologizing to V during A Like Supreme: Kerry gives V the gun he tried to shoot Johnny with, V reminding him that he was actually aiming the gun at V’s head. Kerry says “yeah…” in an apologetic tone and then starts saying “And earlier when–” then stops himself and says “nevermind.” Kerry also does this during Boat Drinks. He starts by saying “You shake things up, V. Make me feel…” trails off for a second, then stutters before saying “uh, I mean.” It sounds like he has a habit of stopping himself when he starts to feel he’s being too vulnerable.

Now, during the Sun epilogue, Kerry doesn’t hesitate when he tell’s V “I don’t want to lose you.” This would normally be a very vulnerable thing to say, and Kerry’s shown that he always backtracks in moments such as these. He even goes so far as to repeat it and make direct eye contact as he says it again. This makes it seem like maybe he’s done some emotional growing and is now more comfortable talking about his feelings, specifically with V. So, if that were the case, why does he restart the habit of backtracking in the credits call? He doesn’t backtrack during the emotional part, when he tells V he wants them to spend more time together and try to be less busy for one another. He only corrects himself when he talks about V coming back. Because he knows V isn't coming back. Even before that, right before V gets on the flying Delamain to head to the Afterlife, he says “Take care of yourself.” to Kerry, which feels very final, like he doesn’t think he’ll see Kerry again.

With all the other romances, saying goodbye in the mansion makes perfect sense. Panam is leaving with the Aldecaldos, Judy is leaving Night City for good, and River expresses that he feels their relationship doesn't feel equal. The conversation V has with Kerry feels very much like any of their other conversations throughout the game: Kerry talks about his stuff, then once he’s gotten it out of his system, asks how V is doing. But with some notable, very subtle changes.

Kerry is always excited to talk about himself, and rarely asks much about V unless he’s making sure V isn’t already dead. The text that actually sparked me wanting to put these thoughts to paper is the one where Kerry takes a personality quiz and it labels him as a narcissist. He’s self absorbed, sure, but he doesn't have the psychiatric disorder Narcissism as far as I’m convinced. Whichever reply you send, his responses are pretty funny. However, getting that text reminded me that the first time I played Cyberpunk I really wasn’t all that into Kerry as a character, and definitely not as a romance option.

So, the conversation you have in V’s mansion in the Sun ending is actually much more V focused than previous interactions with Kerry. When Kerry asks if you’re alright, even if you say everything’s fine, he still insists that he’s there for V and willing to talk, cuddle, fuck, whatever V needs. This is in stark contrast to when you call Kerry on the rooftop before picking your ending. During that call, he definitely notices something is off with V and asks if he’s ok, but doesn’t press any further when V says he’s fine. His dialog in the Sun ending is strangely caring for Kerry, who otherwise always seemed like V was more of a convenient side-piece with whom he shared a mutual friend. Obviously, as I’ve played the game more and considered Kerry’s quests and dialog options from different angles, I really like him as a character and see much more of his depth than I did on my first playthrough.

Now here’s why playing the game on version 2.1+ is important: 2.1 added dates with your romance options to the game (the “I really want to stay at your house” repeatable quest). If you were to consider the new texts, dialog, and gift responses from the perspective of any of the other endings, Kerry’s replies sound somewhat out of character. The phrasing, the word choice, the tone is all Kerry, but the sentiment is decidedly not so. “I really like you, V. Thought I should remind you.” after the first time he goes over to V’s. His response to getting the flowers or car, he’s almost too complimentary; I feel like Kerry would mention everything wrong with the gift first, then admit that he actually likes it, but still find a way to show his appreciation without saying the words “thank you, V.”

However, if you put everything added in 2.1 into the context of the Sun ending, it starts to feel like Kerry is growing as a person. That’s what his whole quest string was about, sure, but you don’t see him put any of those personal changes into practice after Boat Drinks (mostly because all the romance options just stop leaving their houses once you reach the end of their questlines). So the sweet, appreciative texts after dates and gifts, leading into the way he’s much more focused on V and their relationship during the Sun ending, It actually feels like a natural growth for his character. It’s like the dates, the gifts, the cute little replies, are all the beginning stages of him becoming a much more attentive partner in the Sun ending. Kerry even says himself, before V gets on the Delamain, that their relationship has changed his outlook on life and helped him reprioritize things. The 2.1 additions actually make it feel like we watched that journey begin for him, instead of it just being told to us after a time skip.

#maybe im making connections that arent there #but honestly it makes me like kerry even more #i think about this man too much #cyberpunk 2077 #kerry eurodyne #cyberpunk #cbp 2077 #cyberpunk kerry #kerry x v #v x kerry

24 notes · View notes

blorbologist · 2 years

Note

Please forgive my noob soul if I don't do this right...

25. Amphibian warpath with Cass (if you're comfortable of course, 2nd runner up would be Delilah)? No ship necessary unless you want to :)

25. Amphibian warpath.

Cane toads at the edges of their invasive range in Australia actually have different behavior than ones in established areas - actually roaming farther and faster. They’re also a lot more prone to cannibalism than their non-invasive counterparts.

(NGTJRNHKTRN AAAAAHH THANK YOU SM ;; You did great! Have some fluff because boy does Cass need it ;;)

There’s a little pond, in Great-Aunt Melanie’s garden.

(It died, of course, with the Briarwoods, but it lives now and for once, for once in her life Cass would rather not dwell on the terror and death.)

Because this spring - with help from Keyleth and her plants and Percy and his chemistry - this spring the frogs are back.

They have probably been there longer than it takes her to notice - her room faces the courtyard, not the garden, and she rarely spends time in its neglected depths.

But one evening she’s talking governance with Vex’ahlia. About the Patchwood, and farmland and grazing rights and all sorts of bland that Percy had ducked out on long before. And the deepest, most guttering and unattractive croak rumbles through the air.

Cass might be embarrassed by how she picks up her skirts and makes haste to the pond. Might. But she’s suddenly eight again, and it’s not Vex but Vesper startled by her laugh and there’s nothing better than catching frogs in the cool evening.

“Come on!” It’s said without thought, without considering that this is Vex’ahlia of Vox Machina - dignified and shrewd and gorgeous and so far out of Percival’s league Cass could be red with delight - might not want to run through the gardens. But it’s - it’s something, a magic Delilah could not twist, to the memory of pollywog pond. Like a bard, or a tale of a frog-prince.

(Percival had hated those stories. Oh, would he turn green if she reminded him that he was the frog-prince, here, kissed to redemption by a fair maiden? Probably.)

The half-elf could outpace her, easily. At first keeping a dignified little trot, before the enthusiasm catches on and she begins to gambol, springing over freshly-tamed hedges to slow her rush to match Cass’ dash.

Cassandra has to extend a hand to stop her from tumbling headfirst into the pond - it’s almost hidden by weeds, now, almost a danger. The grass is wet with rain from earlier and she slips a little, settles to crouch by the lip of it.

“Darling?” Vex whispers.

“Shh - you’ll startle them.”

Her eyes flash, just the barest hint of a reflection catching the light - darkvision, yes. “I never thought - never heard of human nobles cared for frogs.”

“Oh, don’t kid yourself - Percival wouldn’t have been caught dead doing this.” The grass whispers back to them as she adjusts the curtain of he dress, pulls it away from the water’s edge. “But as youngest, I had certain… allowances, for deviant behavior.”

(Stomps down the thought of Ludwig being here with her. No faces, only frogs.)

“Sneaking out to listen to their singing?”

“Not quite.”

Finally, finally, that bullfrog does its very best grumble. He sounds like he’s all the way across the pond, so Cass waits. There’s another frog - this one trilling, high and sharp. A spring peeper. Up in the trees, a distant observer.

And then the twang of a good, green frog and - ah, there he is. Poised between the reeds, echoed soon after by a competitor somewhere nearby.

Cass lunges -

a little too far, her hands skimming water -

and Vex catches her by the back of the dress with a shriek of surprise, dragging her back. A trail of droplets arcs after, courtesy of the soaked dress-sleeves.

“Cassandra!” laughs Vex. “What are you-”

“Got him!” she declares, clutching the wiggly, very miffed amphibian to her chest.

She bundles her prize in the front of her dress, feeling its impassioned kicks and lunges to get free, and fixes the Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt with a devious grin.

“Frogs,” declares Lady Cassandra de Rolo, “are just about the most unwelcome guests in Percival’s workshop. It’s sporting to see how long it takes him to catch them.”

She stands - burgundy made black with muck at the hem, grass-stained knees, sleeves dripping - and gives her most dignified of looks down her nose. “I would like to see if his time has improved.”

Vex’s grin is one of a sister who has accomplished similar devilry. "You know? I think I'd be curious to know, too."

Oh, they’ll get along splendidly.

(Send me a prompt and I’ll write a ficlet, a HC or an AU idea + share the science fact that inspired the prompt!)

#prompt #fic prompt #birthday prompt game #cassandra de rolo #vex'ahlia #cr vex #critical role fic #i think this is the First purely happy Cass thing ive ever written JKGRNRGJRNE shes so traumatized ok #based on my childhood frog-catching adventures down at my uncles pond yall i am SO good at catching frogs #pro tip dont do it when out of practice tho then u faceplant into the water #campaign 1 #critical role

65 notes · View notes

romeoandjulietyouwish · 2 years

Text

submitted by the absolutely wonderful @demisexualemmaswan

it's part of the happy au, i swear

"Uncle Vax?"

Vesper is swinging her feet as they sit in a tree branch together. he's pretty sure Vex would kill him for letting Vesper be up so high, but his wings last an hour and she's still building up her strength with her wings so really it shouldn't matter.

"Yeah, Squirt?" he asks softly. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see his niece frowning. She frowns like Percy, her eyebrows furrowed as she picks her words with intention before she speaks them out loud.

She is so much like Percy, it makes him laugh most of the time.

But there is too much weight in her expression for him to be anything but worried.

"You and Mama and Papa and everyone are all heroes," she starts slowly.

He turns to face her, to give her his undivided attention and encouragement. "Yeah, but we spent a lot of time getting there first. When we were young we were angry and maybe did some less than stellar things. Why?"

She fidgets, her hands shaking a little bit. Another quirk of Percy's. "And Mama and Papa named me after Papa's eldest sister and your mother...was your mother good?"

"The best," Vax answers honestly, not sure where she's going with this just yet but wanting her to feel loved and supported. To his horror, her eyes begin to fill with tears and he immediately pulls her close. "Hey, hey...it's all right, Squirt. I'm here. Whatever it is, I've got you. Your Mum and Dad will love you no matter what..."

"What if I'm not good enough?" she sobs into his chest, her hands clinging to his armor.

Vax presses kiss after kiss into his niece's hair. "Good enough? Good enough for what?" he asks, trying to wipe away her tears with his thumb, but they're falling too quickly.

"Good enough to make you proud, good enough to be worthy of you all," Vesper whimpers and Vax's heart breaks and hardens all at once.

"Have you talked to your Mum and Dad about this?" he asks desperately, cradling her in his arms like she was a newborn all over again. He knows the answer, but he can't help but let out a sigh when Vesper shakes her head against his chest. "Did something happen?"

Vesper nods, her knuckles white from clinging to him. "I messed up."

"What did you mess up?" Vax questions, desperately trying to think of any incident his sister or her husband have mentioned. When he can't think of anything, he lets his wings act as a shield for Vesper, not knowing what else to do. "Vesper," he tells his teenaged niece. "You could kill someone and I'm pretty sure the only thing your mother and father would have to say about it would be that they'd go hide the body for you. We love you, Squirt. More than anything. You don't have to do anything other than be yourself to be worthy of us. You are already so, so good..."

He presses his forehead to hers to physically anchor her back in the moment, to get her to breathe.

"I see so many good things in you...you are a kind sister. You taught yourself Infernal the moment that Gwen was born so she wouldn't feel alone and would always have someone to communicate with, and you taught her Celestial when she had doubts about her own goodness.

You are a protective older cousin, and you've always looked after the younger ones, making sure they're safe. Remember when Lark got hurt playing hide and seek? You kept him calm until we got him all fixed up.

You are incredibly loyal to the people of Whitestone. Your Aunt Cassandra tells me how much you advocate for them when you go to Cabinet meetings.

Your mother and father absolutely adore you with all of their hearts. I'm sure your dad's got like...a novel of all the things he sees in you and loves about you, but trust me when I say the people closest to you have no doubts about your worthiness. And we all make mistakes. So nothing you can do will make us stop loving you and will erase any of those other things that make up who you are."

He pokes the center of her chest, where her heart is and she lets out a watery giggle. "So what happened, hmm, Squirt?"

Running a hand through her hair, Vesper sighs. "Last time he was here, Grandfather said--"

Vax scowls. "Well, listening to him was your first mistake."

"I'm sure he really didn't mean anything by it," Vesper protests softly.

"Doesn't matter." He has to try very hard to keep the snarl out of his voice. "It still hurt you. That's what matters. That man is allegedly family, he shouldn't be hurting you at all."

Vesper looks down. "This is why I didn't say anything. I didn't want to upset anyone and...and I was scared maybe he was right."

"See, you even care about your shithead grandfather even if he doesn't deserve it," Vax replies, still scowling. "Although maybe a good call on not telling your Dad right away. I always think Fred's one social faux pas away from shooting him in his fucking smarmy arse, not that I think he doesn't deserve it..."

Vesper chokes on a watery chuckle and Vax kisses her hair again. "Thanks, Uncle Vax," she whispers, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Anytime, Squirt," Vax hums, looking out over the expanse of the Parchwood Forest. "Now, we're gonna go back and we're gonna tell your parents what happened, but before we do, I'm gonna tell you one more important thing, okay?"

"Okay?" Vesper asks unsurely.

"If your Dad does shoot your Grandfather in his smarmy arse, just remember that your Granddad started it by being an absolute wretch of a man to your mother and I in the first place. So whatever your Dad decides to do is certainly not your fault."

When the Ambassador of Syngorn came to Whitestone next, he was not shot, but the Lord of Whitestone's well aimed punch left a very noticeable bruise.

And the Lady of Whitestone did not chide her husband for it. If anything, the Ambassador was required to apologize to Vesper de Rolo for his poorly spoken words.

And later that afternoon, wrapped up between her parent's loving embrace, Vesper smiles and realizes how glad she is to have her Uncle Vax as a confidant.

#submitted #submission #oh my god 😭 this is so freaking good #vax being an uncle is the best thing to ever happen and just the way he looks out for vesper and comforts her 🥺#and i cant imagine the weight of the names some of the kids were given and then just being so scared they'll never live up to them but #their parents just want them to be themselves and to be happy #i am so honored that you wrote this in my happy ending au youre truly the best and one of my favorite authors 😭💞#critical role #vox machina #vaxleth #adjacent but im tagging it as that anyway youre not my mom #happy ending au

35 notes · View notes

hourglassstationacademy · 11 months

Text

Falciette Story Chapter 15

Reports went back to the headmistress… everything was a mess, as you entered her office, her face heavily stressed and tired… so you decided not to approach her yet. Back in the infirmary of the school, Pherea walked around giving mental health counseling, while Beatrice treated everyone's wounds…

Suddenly you heard a loud voice.

"I CAN’T FUCKING BELIEVE THIS!!! WHY ARE WE STILL OBEYING THEM!”

“Nakamura calm down… we still need to discuss this in a staff meeting.” “And wait another fucking year till it goes through… we are supposed to protect students.”

He rushed out in anger with Lev following after him with a sigh… Yet being stopped by Helena in his tracks he slowly tried to calm his nerves… she put her arms around his waist and looked up at him… his face having a piercing glare yet… somewhat he also seemed emotionally drained. You walked past him for now to visit the other Falciette students… the first thing you noticed was Tesadelle sitting next to Daires bed… he since the incident has been in a coma according to Beatrice… Tesadelle looked up at you and started to speak up.

“I… can’t imagine how he will feel once he wakes up… if the same happened to me and Gabrielle would be gone…I…”

She started to tear up and cry a little leaning against you… before withdrawing and putting a hand on the bed.

“I… have told my parents I won’t marry Andrew, running away that cowardly… not even providing any support…I would never want to be with someone like that… I… want to decide myself who I wanna be with… and… I want to support my sister more… she is in the other room right now.” Sylvi walked up to you both and sat down next to Tesadelle, as if trying to comfort her and hoping for Daire to wake up.

You followed what the princess said and went into the room Gabrielle should be staying in… just to find Vesper who held a huge dragon plushie in his hand settling it down… Inanna sighed walking into the room right past you.

“Why are you disturbing her rest… weren’t you supposed to get treated yourself?” “I couldn’t leave her alone here… she looks like she needs company.”

Gabrielle didn’t even look in his or your direction… her eyes seemed kinda empty as she looked out the window.

"Cousin…"

You walked up to her inspecting her wounds… as she suddenly spoke up…

“I… just wanted to actually get through to her… I wanted us to get along but now… these wounds… I became worthless as a warrior and a princess.”

It was a shock… she slowly started to let tears fall down her face, Inanna gasped at the sighed.

“She hasn’t cried for more than 1000 years…”

“Gabi…”

“I… want to be left alone for now…”

As she said that, Inanna walked up to her.

“You are still strong… you faced so many things… and even if you couldn’t save her… you kept most of us protected… you should be proud of this, cousin.”

“Yeah what she said… we will always cheer you on.”

“Can you shut up, dumbass? And get out of here.”

“No… he may be annoying but… maybe that is what I needed to hear.”

She washed away those tears and looked up at you three.

“I still wanna be left alone… recover and think about this….”

She avoided her look again… her eyes empty from crying, her wounds still stinging… Inanna dragged Vesper out by his ear out of the room… and you followed right after.

Maybe it was best to talk to the headmistress about this situation…

Vesper by @silent-dragon

Inanna by @twsted-princess

#twisted wonderland oc #twstoc #twstocs #twst oc #twst ocs #twisted wonderland ocs #twst fanschool #twisted wonderland fanschool #hsa story #falciette #twistedwonderlandoc #Gabrielle Ravenor #vesper #Inanna Mušḫuššu

4 notes · View notes

amlovelies · 2 years

Note

30! Hit me with the angst!

not me filling a prompt like six months later 😅 this is some very self indulgent angst about a potential bad ending

from the small details for fictional kisses prompt list 30. this might be our last kiss ever so let's make it last

defeat

pairing: ricardo ortega/nb!sidestep (vesper bui) warning: heavy angst and some violence words: 700 read on ao3

You always knew it was going to end this way. No happy ending, for either of you. Screams and bright splotches of panic fill the air around you. Terror, the press named you well. They’re terrified of you. Terrified of what you’ve come here to do.

Unless you let him stop you.

“Don’t do it.” His voice is firm as he wipes the blood from his lip.

It’s been a hell of a fight up to this point, up until he managed to rip your helmet off, and you sent him flying with a backhand for his trouble.

Your both winded and maybe that’s why he’s trying talking. Or maybe it’s just harder to hit you now that he can see your face, sentimental fool.

“You can stop, right now. No one else has to die today.”

Except they do. They have to pay; someone has to fucking pay for this.

“Vesper, please, you don’t have to do this.” His hands are lowered, eyes never leaving your face. Thinks he’s getting through to you.

“I do, and I will,” you hiss.

“You’re throwing your life away going back in there.”

One step then two, glass crunching under his feet. Coming in closer, hands still held out and there’s no spark in is palm. Is he really so arrogant to believe he can talk you down? That all he needs to do is flash his stupid grin and you’ll give up everything you’ve worked for?

He goes stiff in your arms as your blade enters his side. “You should have taken the chance to stop me, Ric” your voice a whisper in his ear, intimate. Memories rising unbidden at the scent of his cologne, of his sweat, the sight of the small hairs curling by his ears. A flash and pop from his emitter as what has to be the last of his stores is absorbed easily by your armor. After all you designed it for this. Designed it for him.

He stumbles back with a curse; his hand clutches his side as he falls to his knees.

“Perhaps I should have.” He’s angry. Eyes pinches and narrowed, or maybe that’s just pain.

You always knew it was going to end this way. You tell yourself the tears are because of the smoke, not because this is goodbye, for real this time.

He’s watching you, trying to figure out your next move and you wish you knew what it was. You should finish this. Your revenge is within your grasp, you can finish this for good. Should do something besides crouching down to his level,

“Bui, please—” you hand around his throat cuts him off. So fragile. He’s on your list, just as culpable as the ones you’ve came here today to kill.

You wanted this. You wanted him at your feet, wanted him defeated at your own hand. You could end it all now, you’ve dreamed about it. You should be gloating, your victory at last, but it feels so hollow. You can’t bring yourself to tighten the hand around his throat, to unleash the nanovores and let them finish the job their cousins started a decade ago.

Instead, you kiss him. Ortega goes rigid for a moment before softening against your lips. You can taste his blood and his sweat on your tongue the familiar haze of ozone thick in the air. His arm moves as if to cup your face, a familiar movement behind the closed door of his apartment, but he’s not moving to deepen the kiss now. Electricity discharges harmlessly into the night as you knock his arm away.

“I’m not that stupid.”

“I wish you were.”

“Me too,” and it’s an admission you hadn’t planned to make, but the words are said. You kiss him again to stop him from talking, to stop him from trying, from asking again. You’re not sure you have it in you to say no again. You kiss him and he kisses you back, not holding back this time, your breaths mingling as it breaks but neither of you ready to move away just yet. This is the end.

“Vesper,” your name breaks the spell. He sags to the ground as you release him, red stained hand still clutching his side.

“Don’t, Ricardo.” You had your moment of weakness. You can’t afford another one. You don’t look back can’t look back.

It was always going to end this way.

fallen hero taglist: @lilyoffandoms @lord-king-saint @roxaroux @stealthbaguette

#look I finished a thing!#ta da #lovelieswrites #mutual bunny #aml answers #fallen hero #if: fhr #ricardo ortega #fhr ortega #chargestep #oc: vesper bui #ship: under the skin #fic: vesper bui

39 notes · View notes

vaxxy-the-raven · 3 years

Text

Low key, once again, thinking about Percy and Vax hooking up after Vax gets bitten by Sylas Briarwood.

Like, it's the worse thing they could do - Drunk, angry, feeling guilty, hating themselves - but it feels right and good in the moment?

Then the shame and regret hits the next morning when Percy wakes up in Vax's bed, the bite wound having reopened and bled a bit.

Vax waking up, sore and confused, to Percy walking in with a first aid kit, coffee and a potion of numbness.

The two talking it out as Percy fixes Vax up, apologizing to eachother and making promises it won't happen again, that they won't bring it up either and agreeing nothing good could come from it.

Their relationship is shaky for a few days, the shame lingering.

And when Vax is charmed by Sylas under Whitestone Castle, Percy initially doesn't realize what happened and thinks Vax has decided to go against him in the end after what they did.

Then he feels stupid after realising that Vax was being manipulated by Sylas' magic.

And then, after Delilah nearly kills Vex and Vax nearly breaks down completely, Percy decides that he really needs to make it up to the twins.

They've been through hell because of him and he hates himself for it.

But then, one night as he works in his workshop at the keep, Vax walks in with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

There's a look to him Percy can't read, but it suddenly feels like the night Vax was bitten followed up by them hooking up together all over again, Percy growing nervous.

They talk, Vax assuring Percy he doesn't blame him for anything that happened to him or Vex during all of this - "I fucked up and paid the consequences, okay? And Delilah Briarwood didn't have to do that, but she chose to, not you. Stop beating yourself up for things out of your control, Percival." - and that Percy needn't worry about making it up to anyone.

And Percy breaks. He's crying and struggling to speak, Vax pulling him in for a hug and comforting his friend.

Percy doesn't understand, he's hurt Vax and gotten both Vax and his sister hurt, why doesn't Vax hate him?

And he asks this out loud, genuinely confused.

And Vax softens, "You think you hurt me that night? Perce, I really enjoyed that, but it wasn't healthy for either of us."

"But I reopened your wound!"

"Percy, I've reopened the bloody thing every night I've gone to bed since it fucking happened, that wasn't you."

And Percy just stares, dumbfounded.

It shouldn't be so shocking, really, but then Percy is laughing and it's Vax's turn to be confused now.

"Perce? You good, friend?"

And it's the "friend" that has Percy stop, wheezing and doubled over, gasping for air.

After all of it, Vax still considers Percy his friend.

And that does it for Percy.

If anything happened to Vax or his twin, Percy would never forgive himself. He loves them.

And Percy does calm down, does take deep breaths before fixing himself up.

"Sorry, I just realized I'm a colossal fucking idiot, that's all." Percy would then give a crooked grin, cheeks a faint pink and his eyes wild.

And Vax laughs, grinning back.

"Ey, welcome to the club, we have free cloaks." He jokes.

And yeah, Percy softens.

Because he loves Vax and he knows it can't ever happen.

He mentally curses Sylas out for that fact, blaming the Vampire for biting Vax and pushing them to do what they did, ruining any chance of them ever getting together.

Whether it is or isn't Sylas' fault, however, Percy is happy enough to just be Vax's friend.

Friends love eachother, he knows that, so he doesn't feel too guilty about his crush.

Though, when he does eventually end up dating Vex in the end, he can't help but wonder about if he had ended up with the other twin instead.

And seeing the way Vax reacts to them in the beginning, Percy thinks that maybe Vax keeps wondering that too.

But they'll never know now, not after Vax is killed by Vecna and Percy marries Vex.

Not after Vesper is born and Keyleth is left crying every night over a love that never had a chance to blossom, hanging onto Percy as she drunkenly rants and raves about how evil The Raven Queen apparently is.

But Percy still dreams of that night in Vax's room, Vax's hands pulling at his hair as Percy gives Vax his all, Vax letting Percy in even after Percy's past had literally came back and bitten Vax.

And Percy can't help but laugh and cry over a glass of red wine as he thinks of how of course it was Vax who Vecna would kill in the end.

Vax, bitten by Sylas.

Vax, who Percy fucked out of anger and guilt.

Vax, who was charmed into helping the Briarwoods work to bring Vecna back.

Vax, who's sister nearly died to Delilah Briarwood's hand.

Vax, who so bravely risked his life to save Percy's long thought dead sister.

Vax, who sold his soul to save his sister from The Raven Queen after he, Percy, accidentally caused her death.

Vax, that bloody charming rogue bastard who had stolen Percy's heart so early on.

Of course it was him.

The framed painting of Vax above the fireplace in Vex and Percy's office doesn't do the Half Elf any justice, Percy tells himself over a bite of dark chocolate one day.

Nobody could ever, he thinks.

Because Vax'ildan, for all his faults and flaws, had been full of love and had forgiven him.

Had forgiven Percy even when Percy's history quite literally ruined Vax's happy ever after.

Had given his blessings to Percy when Percy married the other twin in the end.

Sometimes Percy lies awake at night, Vex sleeping at his side, and Percy can't help but picture Vax there instead.

What if? What if?

But he's glad Vex is there, that she's not her brother.

Besides, Percy doesn't think he could ever make it up to Vax after everything it is that Vax had done for him.

And he isn't with Vex in place of Vax, Gods no, he loves her for her and couldn't ever replace her with anyone.

Even if Vax was still here.

But he'd be lying if he ever said he stopped loving Vax too.

That he doesn't regret not letting things develop after that cursed night in Emon.

Because he does regret that, he does still love Vax.

And that'll probably never stop.

#critical role #cr spoilers #cr c1 e25 #cr c1 e34 #vax'ildan #percy de rolo #perc'ildan #the briarwoods #vex'ahlia #perc'ahlia #keyleth #vax'leth #lynias shut up challenge #long post #critical role headcanons #critical role au

54 notes · View notes

arcadia-city-stories-if · 3 years

Note

For Shae: making eye-contact with your lover from across the room, gesturing for them to follow you outside

You try your hardest not to let your eyes glaze over as the councilman continues to drone on about all the ways the City is going to improve your life, in comparison to your "quaint" hometown origins.

At first you'd almost been hoping he'd slip up, drop in a 'podunk' or 'hillbilly' comment, something just obnoxious enough that it would be well within reason to excuse yourself from his presence. But, by minute 30 of the nonstop drivel pouring from his mouth, you'd had to accept defeat and admit, begrudgingly, that he had enough political savvy to not give you the opportunity.

So, here you are, still listening.

You're going to throttle Murphy tomorrow.

You should have been more suspicious when he'd foisted this little get together on you, insisting you take his place, to "acclimatise yourself with the upper echelons of the Agency hierarchy". Insufferable ass.

Your eyes drift wistfully to the window overlooking the gardens below. You gaze longingly at the people out there, enjoying their freedom, all while you're stuck with this indomitable soul sucker as he drains you of the will to live.

"Don't you agree, Agent?"

The question snaps you out of your reverie, your eyebrows shooting up into your hairline, eyes widening, as you desperately try to replay the last part of the conversation in search of some clue of what he could be talking about.

When nothing is forthcoming, you force out a huff of laughter, a faux apologetic smile in place as your eyes land on Shae, oblivious to your plight and currently fighting their own tedious battle on the other side of the room.

"Actually..." you declare, loudly, "If you could just excuse me for one moment Councilman. I just need... to..." You're already stepping away, unable to stop yourself from fleeing now you finally have momentum. You turn on your heel and march across the room, your eyes locked on Shae as you make a break for the exit.

Look at me. Look at me.

Their eyes meet yours, their eyebrows furrowing slightly in concern as you nod your head towards the door in an unspoken invitation. A frown flickers across their features, their confusion clear as their lip twitches and you can practically hear them asking 'what?' from here.

You gesture again, more animatedly, your crude miming starting to draw attention from some of the nearby guests. Shae's eyes widen before they give a brief nod, a subtle flick of their fingers indicating the need for two minutes.

You nod and head out the door. Time to make this evening more tolerable.

When you finally spot Shae, hiding not-so conspicuously behind a gaudy pillar at the entrance to the garden, you can't help but grin. You make your way towards them, holding out a martini glass for their perusal as you sip from another. "Can I offer you a drink?"

Shae frowns for a second before they realise it's a Vesper Martini, their preferred drink of choice. An amused smile pulls at the corner of their lips as they accept the glass, shaking their head, obvious confusion colouring their voice. "Where on earth did you get these?"

You gesture across the courtyard to the building opposite. "Private party." You meet their eye again, grinning. "Open bar. Would've been rude not to."

Shae snorts, the laugh seeming to surprise them as much as you. They watch you over the rim of their glass as they savour the first sip, a pleased sound escaping them as the liquid burns down their throat.

You settle yourself beside them, leaning against the pillar they're using as cover from the windows above, both of you relaxing into the relative quiet, reveling in the cool night air as you enjoy your drinks.

You don't want to ruin the moment, but you know it can't last forever. So when the glasses are empty, you let out a dramatic sigh, trying to keep the mood light. "I guess we should probably be getting back."

Shae hums, a vaguely affirmative sound, but they make no attempt to actually move, their eyes still on the garden before them. You watch them carefully from the corner of your eye, while they pretend not to notice. When they speak, you can hear the gentle smile that wraps around their words. "I think we could stay a little longer yet."

#shae #prompts #eye contact across the room #gesturing for them to follow #politicians are always tedious #no matter how interesting their city is #ro asks

33 notes · View notes

eldritch-spouse · 11 months

Note

Okayokayokayokay one niche kink I never really get into because if it were real it would be gore and I dislike seeing it in art because it’s anatomically sanitised (if that makes sense) is “all the way through”. But since you’ll def write gore I HAVE to ask

Would any of your OCs fuck somebody to death this way? Like I know many wouldn’t have the body type to actually manage this, but those who do.

(And on the other side, who would like to be fucked like this? Aside from Patches the Whore)

[I think you're talking about the types of goofy porn where someone gets fucked through but it's just the head popping out the mouth, that's funny as shit.]

TW: Absolutely nasty levels of gore.

It's not really that surprising who'd go for this.

Kalymir is a big fan of impalement. And he doesn't always get to do it, so he cherishes the times he does. He remembers the old days, where a couple of humans would be stupid enough to summon him, but they never provided big enough sacrifices of flesh, so he'd take matters into his own hands and snatch the nearest cock-sock available. Mouth? Ass? Who cares, it's going in one hole and out the other! He finds it funny really, seeing the guts get squeezed out of his fucktoy with only a couple of thrusts. Kalymir makes sure the other ones are watching when he lets the broken pile of a former person drop to the ground before he picks a new, tighter little fuckpocket. If you're sick enough for it, you could suck the tip of his cock after he skewers someone on it. He'll really lose it.

Vesper isn't often that violent, you know this, but foul moods are still foul moods- And maybe you have to fuck them away. Sometimes he's cruel enough to shove both massive cocks into someone's poor hole, but they usually tear in two before he can reach the mouth, which is a shame, it tends to happen no matter how hard Vesper tries to hold the fucktoy together. Other days he'll only use the tendril between his cocks, jerking off to the sight, extending some magic to make sure his little meal keeps squirming long after they're supposed to. It's more practical to just impale two at once, flex his dicks and watch them hover like depraved little cock rings. Hah.

Krulu has had many opportunities to treat humanity like the garbage it is. And you, his sweet chosen, are often the one who goes hunting for his next warm toy. They usually start dying from exposure to him before he's even properly started, so the sensation of being impaled is probably only a tad more aggravating. Nevertheless, Krulu fucks them open hard and fast, which means he burns through fuckmeat pretty fast. But it's worth it, right? All that work is worth it because you can see his face twist in mad pleasure, his id fully satisfied in these moments as he gets to deform and disrespect the creations of his brethren, cum-soaked guts splattering on the altar.

Miara hasn't done this in ages. But it can and will happen when she wants to deal with wastes of breath on her own. It's not exactly hot for her, so much so as it's done out of pure malice. However, taking a sharp turn, if you were to present yourself to her and plead to die impaled on her cock (an honor), she would happily grant that end to you, affording you time to schedule it and making sure all of your last moments will be spent in pure ecstasy, even as your poor body tears at the seams to welcome her girth. People will remember you fondly, as someone whose devotion was unmatched. Miara will miss you.

Zizz doesn't really do it on purpose. He's just... A big boy. And sometimes he forgets to lend magic to his casual bed partners, especially when he's sleepy. And it's hard to notice when he's going too far when he's basically half-conscious, they don't get to scream for long anyway before he breaks the parts that let them do that. Yeah sure, it's weird how wet it's getting and there's an odd smell in the room, but it feels nice. Really nice. So nice. He doesn't want to stop it, even if it's evident something's gone wrong by that point. Then Zizz cums and promptly realizes he's holding onto a disemboweled sack of a person.

Gallon has done this. Very rarely, but he did. Slimes in general can be horrifying killers. The most skilled of them easily climb into your insides via a big-enough orifice and can effectively expand inside your organism until you hemorrhage internally and tear apart. He's more fond of just using his tendrils to suspend someone and carelessly push through every section of their insides. It seems to amuse his clientele too.

Vinnel would do it the exact same way if he didn't fear dying with enough mass outside of his own suit. Cured Vinnel definitely does this regularly, with several tendrils at once, taking a wild sexual thrill from it.

Sever has never impaled someone, but he might if angered enough. It's more of a domination thing than a kink for him.

Magus has no real desire to sexually skewer someone on his cock, but it has happened on a handful of occasions. Mostly when some unlucky small mer stumbled upon the bigfin squid mermonster while he was in heat. He didn't even think, just senselessly bred them to death, their bleeding body glowing a faint bluish hue from top to bottom. He doesn't feel particularly bad about it, as anyone with two brain cells can scent the male in rut, so only a fool would swim to their certain death.

I can't really think of anyone who would enjoy getting fucked this way apart from Patches, to be honest. Maybe Shags. He does love his erotic self-harm, and shrooms live through very grievous wounds, so it's likely he'd take enjoyment from feeling his insides get a little ruined. Not enough to die.

#Krulu oc #Kalymir oc #Mother Miara #Magus oc #Gallon oc #Vinnel oc #Vesper oc #Patches oc #Shags oc #Sever oc #Zizz oc #vaya-mernda #cw: gore #tw gore

85 notes · View notes

spacentimecreature · 2 years

Note

1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30 for soft asks? (https://jesterplays.tumblr.com/post/678955704422367232/soft-asks-to-get-to-know-people)

1. What song makes you feel better?

I have a lot of songs that I like to play and listen to, and honestly it's more like just listening to my favorites list on shuffle. One of them might be 'little poor me' by layto, and another would probably be 'part of me' by katy perry.

5. Who do you feel the most you around?

-I can very easily say that it's probably my dad when he's in a good mood in real life. But tbh it's probably my friends in our discord server.

6. Say three nice things about yourself. (3 physical, 3 non-physical)

-I think I'm pretty athletic, and I'm helpful at times, and I'm passionate. (Sufficient answer?)

9. What calms you down?

-stretching out my hands, like the opposite of a fist. Stretching in general, ranting, and playing loud music.

10. What are you excited for?

-My next week of vacation! Kindaish. And I kinda want to start a campaign with some of my friends, and I REALLY want to finish a code CYOA game I've got going on, AND I wish to finish watching bungo stray dogs.

13. What is your comfort food?

-i don't really have a comfort food. I really do like more creamier stuff when I'm sad, and I've eaten an half of an ice cream bucket at some point- but mostly it's whatever leftovers are in the fridge, maybe some chips.

18. Do you still love stuffed animals?

Yep! Even if I don't use them, I adore them.

19. What's the most important thing in your life?

-Heavy hitters now I see. I'm not really sure! Probably my brother, maybe just. Me. Like as in work/life/mental health in general. I don't have enough energy to put my focus out, you know?

20. What do you want most in the world right now?

-A conversation with my mom.

21. If you could tell yourself in the past one thing...?

-You DID do what you could, you DID ask her, and you were there in the morning. Stop thinking 'what if I...' because you DID.

24. How do you de-stress?

-ESCAPISM! I hop on my computer or my phone and read or do Tumblr things or bug my friends on discord or i just. Lie on my bed on my phone.

25. Best personal gift?

-My grandma used to make crocheted blankets, and I used to have one of hers. She taught me to sew and tried to teach me how to crochet.

26. What movie would you want to live in?

Oh heck, I really don't know. Maybe HTTYD? Or rise of the guardians or guardians of gahoole, assuming i become an owl if I go there- (because guardians of gahoole is amazing)

27. What character would you want to be?

Probably one of my OCs from Warm Blood. Probably Vesper or Tabitha, or maybe one of the ones I haven't talked about yet :)

30. What reminds you of home?

When it's an overcast morning and the clouds make the sunlight look silvery- a coldish sunset on a cloudless day, the taste of salt and the smell of the sea from the ocean and harsh rain being blown in from the sea breeze.

#ask game #aomitois!

2 notes · View notes

valentin-talbot · 2 years

Photo

“This is the last part.”

“Lovely.”

“We hope it didn’t take too long...”

“Oh, no, no, no, don’t you worry. The tea was delicious. On the contrary, I fear I could’ve replied with less words. I hope I didn’t hold you up with all my babbling.”

PART 7: SELF IMAGES & OTHER

Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?

“I wake early, with the first chimes of Saint Mary’s, so 8 o’clock. The Parish opens for inquiries at 8 o’clock, so I must be up and ready before that.I wash, I get dressed, I feed Osiris and go to open Saint Mary’s. I pray. When I return, I find Mrs Lancashure at breakfast. As most people, I read the news and my letters while I have my tea. There’s usually some people who visit before lunch and I try to help them as best as I can. I also respond to my correspondences and work on my duties, like figuring out charities, money, and of course, the sermons. Though, you know, they take up quite a small portion of my day, you’d be surprised. Well, after lunch, I put on my clerics and I make my way for Saint Mary’s again. It’s not far but you’d be surprised how long it takes me to get through the people stopping me to talk.” A chuckle. “It’s usually afternoon by the time I arrive, and there’s always one or two parishioners waiting for some guidance. So we do that. The afternoons are a bit more relaxed. Sometimes we have visitors from out of town, sometimes there’s a Lighthouse Society meeting, some days there’s choir practice, some days I teach children. I have dinner at 6 o’clock, and usually I can barely pay attention to it because at 7 o’clock Saint Mary chimes for vespers, and my mind’s busy with studying the sermon. The Parish is open until 8 o’clock, so when I come home I usually just finish work and reply to correspondences again and try to wash and dress for bed as soon as I can. Terribly boring, isn’t it?” But more than that... As he said all this, and the ever-same words fell, over and over again, Parish, Parish, Parish, Saint Mary’s, Saint Mary’s, Saint Mary’s, he realised how small his world had really become. And this was it, wasn’t it? It would never broaden again...

What is your greatest strength as a person?

His mouth opened, closed again. In the end he just shrugged.

What is your greatest weakness?

“That I’m at all weak”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Valentin had read and analysed enough of stories to know that there was a difference between what the protagonist wanted and what he needed. What he wanted was simple: “I’d be braver. I’d be able to protect others.” But he knew that this would make him Alastair. And he knew that wasn’t what he needed.

Are you generally introverted or extroverted?

“Introverted means one recharged when alone, extroverted means one recharges among others, yes? I suppose I’m an extrovert. I do appreciate my moments of silence and solitude, but in the end I’m happiest when my friends are around.”

Are you generally organized or messy?

“Organised. Or I try to be, anyway. I don’t mind mess, it’s not making me anxious like others, but I fear I’m not enough of a genius to live in sheer chaos. I need my system and routine to feel like I’m doing everything right. Which, I suppose, answers your first question. I’m fine when people interrupt my organisation or routine. Life’s full of chaos and so chaos makes me feel alive. But that’s because it’s chaos within my structures. I know what’s being pushed aside in favour of fun, I know which part of my day was messed with, I know how to catch up at the end of the day or tomorrow.”

Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.

“Oh.” He thought about it. For a long time. “I’m not too bad at creating from nothing. I’m not bad at recognising patterns and making sense of chaos. And I’m good at-... Good at forgiving.” The rest of the answers came more easily. “I’m terrible at being that one person of a party who starts walking and everyone just starts following. I’m so bad at saying dirty words, or, rather, adult words.” He laughed. “And I’m truly, very bad at not wanting what I’m not supposed to want.” Like touch. Not the sexual kind. Just touch. Holding hands. A head resting on someone’s shoulder. An embrace. None of it proper unless it was with a sibling or a spouse, and even then, never in public! And wasn’t that the worst crime of polite society? Leaving Valentin with frozen fingertips and feet running into the wrong direction.

Do you like yourself?

“Is that of importance?” Genuine confusion.

What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?

“Getting through it without displeasing the Lord?” What a terrible answer.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Ah. He thought of the first question of this part. “Here. I suppose.” Forever, here.

If you could choose, how would you want to die?

Not in here, that’s for certain. “Don’t laugh, but I thought about this a lot. And I think-, I think I’d like to die on a Summer meadow, one full of wild flowers, and by my side there’s someone and their hand’s in mine and-, and there’s nothing left to say, nothing left to do but to watch the clouds above pass.”

If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.

It was funny, wasn’t it? How quickly thoughts so full of hatred could arise. He shook his head, almost as if hoping to rid himself of them like that. Unfortunately, what remained wasn’t much more suited for this interview. I’d go back to Oxford and finally... Was this how life was? A series of events you never dared to do? “I suppose I would write letters and ask for forgiveness.”

What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?

“My stories. And that I loved. That I truly, genuinely loved.”

What three words best describe your personality?

“Quiet. Soft. Unfinished.”

What three words would others probably use to describe you?

“The same, but with a ‘too’ in front of each word.”

With that, his voice died indeed.

#pasternosterlift #stmdevelopment

5 notes · View notes

spoiler1001 · 3 years

Text

Percy wanted children once he settled down. Vex seemed to want them too. After Vax died, Vex wanted them more, Vesper was a surprise. Vax’ildan was planned, to the extent that they wanted children, but the exact date was a surprise. Vesper was 2 years old at the time. Sophia was planned. Timed and everything. When she was born with her tail wrapped around herself and two bumps where the horns would grow, he was surprised.

The chirping was a surprise. Percival had known about Tieflings’ purring. He was a bit thrown when his child chirped before she cried.

Most of Vox Machina had thrown names at Percival for this kid and he liked them all. Vex arranged the name order.

He almost felt bad for laughing when he noticed.

There was a long time between Sophia and the Twins. They wanted to take a break after Sophia to get used to raising children with magic. Ten years passed between Sophia and the twins. They were not expecting twins. They didn’t expect a lot of things.

Like the invasion onto their property when the twins were just born.

Percical was reading a book on the porch, not quite seeing the words and mostly listening to the area around him. His time as an adventurer gave him the skill of listening for all potential dangers and logging them in his mind. He knew what sounds were from his children.

He knew what sounds weren’t.

He was forced to his feet before he realised something was wrong. His son was running out of the woods, scared out of his mind. He was scrapped up and bloodied but otherwise fine.

“Go to your mother.” Percival commanded, his heart sinking. The sound of crunching leaves was absent, but there was a loud bang and a pained screech. The screech was echoing. Percival felt it in his chest more than he heard it. Trees shook from the...sound? No this was some kind of spell. Snow and leaves fell off the trees and wood creaked. Percival ran towards the sound, his footsteps were muffled by the recently fallen snow.

The trees were bent towards the perimeter of the makeshift forest that Keyleth had planted to help rejuvenate the land. The younger trees had broken completely at a 90 degree angle and the older trees were cracked.

Sophia was on the ground, half on her side, her hand clutching her face. Blood dripped from between her index and middle finger. She seemed to be looking blankly ahead of herself, not quite looking at anything. Small little sounds left Sophia as she was frozen against a dead stump.

Three men stood in the wooded area. They had cheap mockeries of the weapon that he had created. The weapons did not look like they were strong enough to fire the calibre that Percival used to fire, but they could still do damage. Percival was pissed.

Black smoke built around Percy. His anger seemed all consuming. All of his grief from losing his family seemed to be resurfacing.

Percival knew what he did on a basic level. He just couldn't remember it. His memory went from seeing his daughter injured to black smoke to holding his daughter and stumbling out of the area. Percy knew that he had broken those men when they were blinded by the smoke.

He knew that those men were still alive when he left them there. He just knew that they won’t be getting up again. Too many crushed bones and bloodied wounds.

Sophia clung to Percival’s coat, the cold seeming to be getting to her. Her tail hung limply and she just seemed to shiver.

“It’s ok, Sweetheart. It’s all ok.” Percival whispered. Sophia just hummed. The blood seemed to soak through the coat. It was near boiling against the cold. The steps seemed to get heavier and heavier for Percival.

Vex seemed to be waiting for them outside for them to return. A snowstorm was building on the horizon. The air crystallized around them. Precipitation fell from the sky. It stung against them. Vex placed her hand on Sophia’s back. Sophia turned to face her mother, blood still dripping down her face. Percival put her down, both of them now soaking wet and shivering.

“Sophia, look at me, darling.” Vex kelt down to look at her daughter, the child still clutching at her eye. The self-comforting sounds she made as an infant were audible. Vex grabbed her wrist and gently pulled the hand away.

The eye was gone. It was a gory mess and even with the best magic, there was no saving it.

“Get the doctor.” Vex looked up at Percy. “It’s going to be a long night.”

The operation was long and despite the fires, the wait seemed to make the room colder. Hours seemed to fly by and seemed to take lifetimes to pass. Night seemed to arrive with Keyleth and Pike traveling to show their support. Percival numbly relayed what had happened, at least what he remembered. Shame made itself known on his face.

“What did she see, Darling?” Vex asked. She knew what exactly Percy was scared of. He was letting his fears eat at him. Keyleth picked it up too.

Finally the surgeon went to them.

"She'll live. The bullet didn't go far. She'll wear a patch for the foreseeable future, but she'll be fine." The doctor promised. Vex made it to Sophia's bedside first.

"Oh, darling." Sophia was deep asleep. She had a cloth covering over her eye. The whole room smelled of sanitary cleaners, and she seemed so still.

Logic told Vex that Sophia was alive. Vex's emotions told her that Sophia was too still. There should be a chest rise. Vex had to get close to hear Sophia breathing. Percival sat by the other side of the bed. Her skin was burning against their hands.

“This cannot be allowed to happen again.” Percival frowned. “I will look to see where they got in.”

“I will go with, Help build something to fortify the wooded area.” Keyleth spoke up.

“I’ll have Trinket keep watch. I want to see where this happened.”

Keyleth and Vex were surprised that the trees had been knocked over. The snow had stopped falling and the sky was painted orange as the sun was setting. It reminded Percy of the fires of his forge.

“This is very powerful magic.” Keyleth noted, looking at the downed trees, the stumps stained black from the smoke of Percy’s fury.

“This was panic and a call for help.” Percy stopped right at the clearing. Snow covered the bodies, but it was obvious what they were.

Ketheth looked for a moment and took a deep breath summoning vines to cover the bodies and pull them into the earth, tiny tree saplings covering the whole area.

“How badly beaten are your knuckles, Percy?” Vex asked, grabbing his hands. Even through his gloves, she could feel the swelling around his joints and he made a small pained grunt. Keyleth sent a healing spell his way. The gloves were no longer clinging to his hand.

“It’s nothing. I just-” Percy shook his head. “I made an effort to try to keep my cool around my children and now-”

“Percy are you scared of our children being frightened of you?” Vex turned to face him in the eyes.

“I want them to not be afraid of me.” Percy admitted.

Keyleth looked around asking various critters that were brave enough to return to the flattened area. They led her to a heavily damaged wall, probably from the revolution more than fifteen years ago. Age had made the structure weaker, more climbable.

Keyleth easily fixed it with a tone shape spell, turning dirt around her into stone for more material to work with. As she was working, three small pieces of parchment fell out of the wall. They were notes for loved ones explaining why this happened. She frowned at the thought of this. This was premeditated. These men planned on dying over this. Keyleth brought the letter to Vex and Percy. Percy crumbled them for a moment.

“Let’s leave them where we found it, hide some guards to keep watch. Let’s see who picks that up.” Percy walked away to talk to Casaundra.

The younger De Rolo sibling made her way to the door.

“Was this Briarwood?” Cassandra asked.

“Nothing so composed. Some of the people in our city seem to group my daughter with the Briarwoods and don’t want another ‘monster’ as they put it ruling them.” Percival spat. “Forget the fact that I-”

“You are not a Briarwood. You Are a De Rolo and so is Sophia.” Cassandra countered. “If they want to attack our family, we will deal with it. Should we send-”

“I don’t want to send my daughter away, what if they go after her.” Percy ran his fingers through his hair.

“Then what?” Cassandra asked. “We have to be careful. Where are the people who attacked her?”

“Dead.”

“What?”

“I beat them to death.”

“Oh. did she-” Cassandra gasped.

“See? I don’t know. Frankly I’m scared to ask.” Percy sighed, his voice cracked.

“Do you want me to talk to her? Acknowledge and make an official statement?” Cassandra hugged herself.

“We’re waiting for some conspirators to come around, let's put them on trial.” Percy’s mind was moving many miles an hour.

“Percival. Talk to your child.” Cassandra grabbed his arm, which was shaking.

“What if she sees me as a monster?” Percival whispered.

“She won’t.” Cassandra promised. “You see yourself as the monster. She’ll see her father.” Percival followed her advice.

He went to the room where Sophia was resting. The bed was empty. Percival’s stomach dropped. He looked around to see her bent over a small pot, her tail squeezing around herself and her whole form shivering. Retching sounds came from her small form. She seemed to be gasping and damn near hyperventilation. She wasn't aware of his presence, and her back was to the door. Angry hissing noises came from her.

“Sophia?” Percy asked, his voice soft, the sound a mere ghost of his usually quiet voice.

She turned towards him, not quite facing him. The spade of her tail twitched and the tail loosened its grip around herself. He had her attention. He couldn’t see her face, but he could see that she was tense. “About what happened…”

“You melted.” Her voice was strained. “And there was yelling.”

“Is that what you saw?”

Sophia nodded.

“Why did you vanish?” Sophia looked at him head on, a bit of bile still on the corner of her mouth. Her eye was wide and wet. The other was covered in cloth.

“It’s just something that I can do. You know that black smoke that was there?”

Sophia just nodded.

“That was me. Magic. Like your Aunt Keyleth.” Percy knelt down and looked at her. Sophia stood up shakily. She used a sleeve of her nightgown to wipe at her mouth.

“You didn’t leave?” Sophia asked.

“No. I was there. I got you out.” Percy sighed.

He felt the full force of Sophia as she made her way as fast as she could and hugged him. He hugged her close.

“Don’t just disappear again.” Sophia demanded.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Percy promised. “Now let's get you to bed.”

Percival picked her up and placed her in the bed, placing blankets on top of her. The high temperature had gone down, but rest definitely helped. Percy pulled up a chair and sat next to her.

Soft childish snores filled the room. She was back to sleep, but with heavy chest movements this time. She was doing better.

“How did it go.” Cassandra asked, sticking her head through the door.

“She thought I had vanished on her.” Percy’s jaw clenched.

“Oh. poor thing. She probably needs more rest.” Cassandra smiled sadly.

“She’s stronger than me.” Percival sighed.

“She’s stronger than a lot of us. We found someone picking up the notes. Two women.”

“Sisters or…”

“Wives”

“Put them on trial.” Percival declared.

“And their children?”

“Put them through school. Don’t let their parents’ mistakes be their own.” Percival nodded.

The next days were tough. The fever came and went. Sophia was tired and could barely keep broth down. The trial was had and went. There were veers at the women and some tomatoes were thrown at Sophia. Percival frowned at this.

Sophia didn't talk much after what happened. She was quiet, constantly thinking and taking in her surroundings.

“Sophia, have you considered what you want to do with your eye?” Vex asked. Percival was at a distance but was listening in on this conversation.

“I want something that’s obviously not an eye that looks super cool.” Sophia nodded.

“Aren’t you worried about-”

“Not really.”

“You really are something else, darling.” Vex smiled and played with her hair.

“I think it would be cool.” Sophia shrugged.

The next day Percival, sweaty and exhausted, gave Sophia a white eye with bubbles where the pupil will be.

#tw blood #tw corpses #tw eye damage #percival de rolo #critical role #percival fredrickstein von musel klossowski de rolo iii #vex'ahlia #keyleth

28 notes · View notes

rorikoa-xiv · 3 years

Text

Where There’s Smoke

The desert sun beat down on the Silver Bazaar as Talon stepped through the town gate. Adjusting his shades, he scanned the stalls and stonework for anyone of interest. He eventually settled on a black-haired midlander waving his finger at some men in wet, raggy clothing.

"I thought you sailors were supposed to have spine! Instead, you--" The furious fellow turned to see the stranger approaching him, and let out a tired sigh. "Yes? Can I help you?"

The miqo'te shrugged. "Maybe. I'm lookin' for anyone who knows about the recent sahagin sightings."

The hyur let out a bemused chuckle. "Sahagin! Don't you talk to me about sahagin! Do you have any idea how much trouble those bedeviled beastmen have made for my master's enterprise?"

"Quite a bit, I'm guessing." Talon set his hand on his hip, and cocked his head. "Care to elaborate?"

Taking a deep breath, the man bowed his head in greeting. "Aurton, servant of master Adalymo Totolymo, owner of Totolymo Munitions. And you are?"

The miqo'te straightened his posture and patted the wand on his hip. "Scorching Talon, of the Ashen Wolves. Here to solve the fishback issue."

The servant looked to the sky and clasped his hands. "Oh, thank the Traders! You must help us retrieve our grenade cores before the saha--"

"Whoa, hold up!" the Ashen Wolf threw his hands out. "Grenade cores!? Shit, I get that you're in the gunpowder business, but enough of those things can level a damn tower if you ain't careful!"

Aurton cleared his throat. "Which is precisely why we can't well leave them in the hands of their scale-skinned thieves. My men here were sailing from Vesper Bay when they were driven from their boats at spear-point. Had to swim their way to shore."

The seeker glanced at the drenched men and thumbed his chin. "Didn't occur to you to maybe take a land route?"

"And get gutted by tolls at Horizon?" The hyur crossed his arms.

One of the sailors, a dunesfolk, shook his head and muttered something obscene. The midlander shot him a look of disdain, and he zipped his lips.

"Tch, tch, tch… you know, I've monkeyed around with a grenade core once or twice." Talon rolled his shoulders, and clapped for the black-haired man's attention. "Whatever those two-legged guppies want with 'em, they must be putting 'em someplace dry. Otherwise the things'll go inert."

The hyur gave one last menacing look to his employee, then rubbed his neck. "The boats my men were on aren't meant for deep-sea travel, actually. It's unlikely they went far with their cargo."

The lalafell perked up. "A-actually, I might know where they are!"

Aurton cocked an eyebrow. "Well… go on then. Daylight's burning."

"Was sorta hopin' there'd be a bonus for telling?" the dunesfolk said with a nervous chuckle.

The servant's mouth went agape, then twisted into a sneer. "Why, yes! The bonus is, you get to keep your godsdamn job, Babayori! Now spill it!"

"A cave! A cave!" A look of terror appeared on the little man's face. "There’s some grottoes in the desert islets off the coast! I steal away to 'em now and again to catch forty winks and I, uh… that is…"

"Ohoho, you filthy little filcher!” The hyur stomped his way toward the dunesfolk. “First you try to shake me down for my own product, then you admit to napping on the job?! Well that's it! Your sorry ass is--"

"Enough!" Talon put himself between the two. "This ain't getting us anywhere. Look… Babayori, right? Can you take me to this cave where you think the sahagin're hiding?" The lalafell nodded emphatically.

The Ashen Wolf turned back to the midlander. "Then how 'bout this: let the little dude take me to the cave, and if I find the cores, we call it a job well done." He then glanced at the small sailor. "Oh, and you keep this schmuck on the payroll."

Aurton's brow twitched. "Keep him? Pah! And just what's your interest in his job security?"

"Can't really say." The mage shrugged back. "Just feelin'... generous. Alternatively, I can leave the same way I came, and you can sort this out yourselves."

A cool breeze rolled through the bazaar. The hyur inhaled, and eyed his employee. "Thank your lucky stars, Baba… you've got a deal, miqo'te. Get going."

The sailor and the seeker began making their way to the pier. With his boss well out of earshot, the dunesfolk spoke up. "Hey… thanks again, mister Talon. My family and I owe you one."

"Ah, don't mention it." the thaumaturge said with a wide smile. "Guy was a friggin' asshole. You've got my deepest sympathies." The pair laughed boisterously as they continued down the dock.

*********************************************

The nauseous scent of fungus and rot yawned out of the pitch-black cave now looming before Talon and Babayori. Just within its mouth were the stolen boats, with their cargo nowhere to be seen.

As the miqo'te began climbing off, the dunesfolk stopped him. "H-hey, just so we're clear, you're not expecting me to go with you, right?"

The thaumaturge gave a halfway grin, and shook his head. "Wasn't countin' on it, no. You just keep the boat here for when I come back with your boss's shit." He then hopped from the boat, conjured a flame for light, and headed in.

The sailor saluted him and nodded. "Come back safe, you hear?"

Deeper within, the pyromancer had to narrow his eyes. The damp air hampered his lightsource, and the skittering of vermin filled his ears. A chill ran down his spine as some unnatural growl echoed all around him.

Hurrying his pace, he stumbled upon a trail of webbed tracks leading to a tight passageway. The mage smelled something putrid coming from the other end, but it was interlaced with the scent of smoke.

"Found you." he said, and ducked into the passage. He anxiously whispered a prayer to Azeyma, and soon found himself in a dry, dimly-lit cavern.

Rotting fish and half-eaten rats littered the ground. Pinching his nose, the Ashen Wolf slowly moved forward until something caught his eye.

Several crates lay at the far end of the room. They smelled like charcoal, and had a faint glow. Talon hurried over and began inspecting them.

Finding nothing suspect, he carefully opened one of the crates. Inside were many densely packed orbs, emanating dry heat. He plucked one out, and gazed into its orange glow with a nostalgic smile. "Bee-youtiful…"

KSSHHHICK!

The thaumaturge screamed as something cold and steely plunged into the base of his back! He fumbled to try and pull whatever it was out, but a slimy foot planted itself on his back and kicked him to the floor!

His wand fell into the dirt beside him. Gritting his teeth, he crawled toward it, but a sudden stomp on his spine held him in place.

A pair of mucus-filled voices hissed above him. "Keep thisss one alive; fear will make its flesh tassstier for brothers!" laughed one voice. "No, no!" growled another. "Sssmoothskin is wielder of fire! Burning, burning! Too dangerousss!"

Talon jerked and wriggled to escape his attacker, but to no avail. He felt the weight shift above him, and could almost sense the sharpened steel hanging above his neck.

At just that moment, the pitter-patter of footsteps could be heard from the cavern's entrance. Babayori's voice echoed out, "You let 'im go, you big ugly whoreson!" The lalafell swung his oar wildly, only for it to thud against the scaly back of a sahagin thrice his size.

The creature let out two irritated grunts, and turned to the little man. In the faint light of the lantern on his hip, the sailor could make out a towering, violet monstrosity, armed with a trident. Most frightening to him, however, were its two hideous heads.

Both of its faces twisted into scowls, and roared at Babayori. He fell to the ground in terror, and crawled back. The abomination stomped toward him, preparing another thrust of its weapon.

FFFOOSH!

An orange flash filled the room. In an instant, a whip made of flame was coiling around the creature's waist, and slithering up its body. It let out a blood-curdling howl, and turned to see Talon propped against the crates, gripping his wand.

With growing fury, the beastman took several heavy steps toward the Ashen Wolf. "These onesss will eat your entrailsss!"

Babayori watched with awe and horror as the thaumaturge pulled out a grenade core and focused on it. When the sahagin had nearly reached him, the glow from the core dimmed into nothing, and the fire-whip burned even brighter.

With a yank of the wand, the coil tightened, searing through the creature's scales before tearing it into a pile of smoking chunks.

As the scent of charred flesh filled the room, the miqo’te fell to the ground and rolled onto his back. Through harsh breaths, he beckoned, "Good… work, Baba… n-now… c'mere…"

The lalafell rushed to his side, and began inspecting him for any visible injuries.

"W-wait. First… left pocket… yellow vial. Need it…" Talon shut his eyes, and felt a bitter liquid pour into his mouth. Swallowing it all, he sat up. "Alright… better. Now, I need your help to patch my wounds, but after that, we get those crates and get moving. Two hauls should be enough."

The dunesfolk's eyes widened as he poured a canteen over a makeshift binding. "Two hauls? After all that? Are you trying to kill yourself?"

The seeker's brow twitched, and he barked back. "I'm not sticking around for that… thing's friends to show up. And I'm definitely not leaving them their plunder!"

He then lifted his shirt, and cringed as a whiskey-soaked cloth was used to bind his wounds. "Fuckin' circus freak… what in the hells were these guys doing playing with that much firepower, anyway?"

"Nothing good, I'm sure." Babayori replied as he rummaged through the thaumaturge's pack. "But at least you helped stop 'em, huh?"

"No." The pyromancer grabbed the sailor's hand when he was offered a potion. "We helped stop 'em."

#ashen_wolves_xiv #ffxiv #thaumaturge #miqo'te

6 notes · View notes

sometimes-i-write-4-you · 4 years

Text

Blimey - JJ Maybank x reader

a\n: i was feeling kinda un-inspired from writing requests so i wrote whatever came to mind and i’m actually happy with the result. @mclementine6 said JJ so there ya go.

trigger warning: underage drinking, cussing a little bit

plot: JJ is in love with the daugher of the owner of the hotel he works at.

word count: 2613

JJ Maybank was every girl's dream. He was the blond surfer with the blue eyes, amazing body and this reckless charm to him. He was a bad boy that you can bring home. The problem was, he has one girl in mind, and she was, somehow, the only one who was able to resist his smile. Well, her and Kie.

This girl was (y\n). her father was the owner of the hotel he worked at, so he got to see her often. He has been trying for years to get her heart, and she kept turning him down.

"why isn't she into me? I mean, not to brag, but look at this" he said, motioning all over his body. He was sitting with his friends at John B's, enjoying the empty place since John's uncle was away, as usual. "maybe it's the cockiness" Kie said, and JJ scrunched his face at her, repeating the sentence in the worst female impression to ever be made. John laughed lightly, "maybe she's just not into this" he said, motioning around the dirty floor, cheap beers and empty chips bags.

"(y\n) is not like that" JJ insisted, "if she was, she wouldn't be as nice to me, but she is always greeting me, with a smile, even when she's with her stupid boyfriend" he explained. "she's just nice, especially for a Kook. Even I like her" Kie says. "did it cross you're mind she's not into you… because she's into her boyfriend?" Pope said, sipping his beer. "come on, I don't know if I would even consider that nerd a boyfriend, what is he going to do, recite the whole pie numbers until the boredom kills me?" JJ sighs, finishing his beer and grabbing a new one. "no" John B stops him, "we cannot afford the amount of Beer you consume". JJ laughs, "good point buddy" he says, "have a shift in a few hours anyway. There's a Kook ball tonight at the hotel, a charity event for-" "Ocean Friends" Kie says, "I'm so exited those rich monsters are finally helping with their money". "you're one of them" John teases, but she ignores him. "well, I should get going, I need to change for the event" she says, getting up and handing JJ the half empty beer bottle. He's exited and reaches out to grab it, but she flips the bottle and spills the beer on poor JJ's hair. "oh, oops" she says, not even attempting to sound like it was really an accident. "Kie! What was that for?" JJ says, his hair dripping beer all over the floor. "you stink, you need to shower, this is a big evening, buddy" Kie says, staring to leave. "I wasn't stinky before you-" "you were" Pope cuts him off. "yeah bro, surfing might involve getting wet, but it's not a shower" John B agrees. "you guys are-" JJ started, but gave up and made his way to the bathroom at John B's.

"oh, sweetie, you look so beautiful" (y\n)'s mom said, leaning at the door frame, admiring her daughter. "thanks" (y\n) replied, checking out the different angles in the mirror. "Shaun is gonna think the same" (y\m\n) added, walking inside her daughter's room. "Shaun dumped me" (y\n) admitted, "decided I wasn't smart enough for him". "well, that was not smart of him, love" (y\m\n) said, smiling at her pun and redoing the braid that fell down (y\n)'s back. Her daughter was not as satisfied. "too soon?" her mom asked, placing the braid and her hands on (y\n)'s shoulders. "no, no. I just… I guess I just don't care as much as I thought I would" (y\n) said, resting he right hand on her mom's left hand before turning around. "maybe you didn't love him" Mrs., (y\l\n) says, looking at her daughter's face. "maybe" (y\n) sighed and started leaving her room, still holding her mom's hand. (y\m\n) pulled on her daughter's hand, causing the teen to stand in front of her again. "maybe it's because you love someone else, let's say, a certain handsome young waiter?" her mom asks. "do you mean that Maybank kid?" (y\n) laughs, "no, hell will freeze before I'll see him in a different light. Not just metaphorically, but also, any other light that is not of the dining or ball room, because I won't see him outside of work" she's quick to deny liking the Pogue as more then a co-worker. Was he a friend to her, or was she secretly hoping for something else?

"okay" he mother said, putting her hands up to show she surrenders. "okay" (y\n) says. She gets to the stairs, her father already waiting. Her mom joins, and they all enter together, her parents holding hands and she's all alone.

"hey there, (y\n\n)" a familiar voice says, "do you want a fine, red wine or do you want me to sneak you some Coke from the back?" the blond boy winks. "hey JJ, water is just fine for now" she replies. He smelled nicer than the usual sea, sweat and cologne mix that was unique to him. "you are so boring" JJ sighs, but goes toward the bar to get her water. She looks at him as walks away. "maybe it's because you love someone else, let's say, a certain handsome young waiter?" her mother's voice whisper in her head, but she ignores it.

Sure, JJ was handsome, hardworking, caring and extremely persistence. He's been attempting to get her to go on one single date with him for almost a year, ever since he got the job at the hotel. She worked with him – it was her father's idea, that she'd work at the hotel. That way she can keep a close eye on the employees and learn work ethics and to appreciate money even though it came easily to her family.

"your water, M'lady" the blond boy smiled, handing out a glass. "well, thank you, sir Maybank" she replied with her charming smile. "so, I saw your boyfriend, but he didn't walk with you. Isn't that some weird Kook tradition, to walk in with your significant other-?" "he broke up with me" she cuts him off. "oh, why's that?" JJ asked. in his eyes (y\n) was perfect – why would a guy who can't get better and not only because there's no such thing, but because (y\n) is already out of his league- why would he break up with her?

"I'm not smart enough, apparently" she laughed, "but it's whatever, I don't care". "not smart enough? But you use all of these fancy words like… like that one time you rejected me and said that I'm a hedonist. I had to google that later" JJ said. "between the two of us JJ, I google search fancy words and use them to sound smart" she admits. "well, that is very smart of you" JJ smiled at her. "whatever" she rolled her eyes. "no, really. I think you are a smart, beautiful young lady. His loss" JJ says, taking a step closer to her. "god, JJ you are such a sycophant" she sigh. "you're doing that again!" JJ laughed. "excuse me" an older man says, "can I get a vesper Martini?". JJ nods, "sure thing. shaken, not stirred". The old man seemed confused but waited for JJ to come back with his drink. Meanwhile, he talked to (y\n), who pretended to care about his new boat and how his middle son got a house in the Bahamas. "enjoy your drink agent 007" JJ said, handing the old man his drink as promised.

The old man left, and JJ tried to revive the conversation. "so, where were you?" JJ asked. "I called you a sycophant" (y\n) replied. "right" JJ smiled. "look, JJ, you should work, and I have to talk to people" she said, and JJ had no choice but to agree. He did have to work.

"hi Kiara, Mrs. and Ms. Carrera" (y\n) smiled at her friend. "(y\n)" Kie smiled politely, hugging the other teen. "oh, you look so lovely, (y\n)" Anna said, "this dress looks great on you". "thank you, Ms. Carrera, you look absolutely ravishing yourself" (y\n) smiled. Both Kie and (y\n) are trying not to laugh at the ridiculous politeness, but the adults are in awe. The music changes, and (y\n) holds her dress up for a bow-like gesture, "Kiara, would you like to join me for a dance "oh (y\n), I would love to accompany you" Kie bows back, and the moment they are far from the Carreras, Kiara released the laugh she was holding.

"what was that, (y\n)? you sounded ridiculous. Good thing you didn't threw in a British accent" Kie said. "hey, it was hard not to do the British accent. my parents asked to be extremely nice and polite. Adults love when a 16-year-old uses fancy words" (y\n) explained. It was a very important fundraiser. Her parents were barley convinced to host it, but it was important for her and her best friend, so she worked hard to make it happen.

Kie and (y\n) were dancing, and JJ looked at them, charmed. The way (y\n) laughed as she moved right on the beat, loosening up a bit. She was usually very uptight, but every time her act slipped, he fell harder and harder. Every time she accidently cursed or was less then the perfect daughter in any way, she was something better: herself. Her fun, smart, sarcastic, self. Her happy self. He knew that dating Shaun was a reputation thing, and deep down he knew she can't choose him because of reputation. Her parents loved him, that's for sure, but will they be supportive if anything other than the weird friendly rivalry bloomed between them?

(y\n) left the dance floor to have some political interactions. She was born as a Kook and she was doing a great job acting like one with her "small person who uses big words" persona. She enjoyed it, it was like doing theatre only it was a nearly 24\7 show she couldn't really quit.

After a round of the different variations of "oh, your son's fiancé is so beautiful", "what a lovely little creature" and pretending to care about the new yacht model someone got, the music changed into a slower one. Most of the adults she had to talk to were there with a date, so she was left alone and finally, she could go look for Kie.

When she finally spotted her friend, she was on the dance floor with another friend you recognized as Pope. oh well she thought to herself, at least I get a break.

Someone tapped on her shoulder. He was holding up a black tray, with a few glasses on. "a drink, M'lady?" JJ asked, and she sighed. "yeah, sure" she said, and he handed her a tall glass filled with a pink-tinted beverage. "on the house" he smiled, and walked off. She thought he was leaving, but he returned after putting the tray down on the table near him. "look, (y\n), I know you constantly reject me, but I know you love this song and it's a shame if you won't dance to it" the blondie said. She took another sip of her drink, that was surprisingly sweet. "is that why you gave me a drink, to get me to dance with you?" she asked him. "maybe. Did it work?" JJ said, and she smiled at him. "you know what? it might have" she said. He offered her his hand, and she rested the drink on the table near her to take the offer.

They made their way to an available space on the dance floor, and she placed her hands on his shoulders. He seemed a bit confused for a second, not sure what to do with his hands, but he looked around to find his next move. "you're supposed to-" (y\n) started, but JJ cut her off with a "no, I know" and placed his hands on her waist. The space was awkward, and so she took a step closer and closed her hands behind his neck. He locked his hands behind her waist, blushing. She laughed. "you look like a tomato" she teased. He looked at her, slightly offended, "shut up, you look like a…strawberry yourself" he said, getting all defensive. She bit her lips to hold in the laugh, "really?" she asked, looking up at him. they locked eyes, and both turned even rosier. "yeah, but you're still looking absolutely ravishing" he said, adding a British accent to the last words. (y\n) laughed, "did Kie told you about that?". "oh, she did, she told me and Pope, and I texted it to John B" he said, "but I think it's cute. You're a small person using big words" he added once he noticed the slightest hurt in her eyes, and she couldn’t help but return the shy smile.

They danced, and the silence wasn't awkward at all. They couldn't take their eyes off each other's. The eye contact made both feel the butterfliers they heard about so much. "hey, JJ, can I ask you something?" she suddenly said. "sure" he said, nodding. "why do you keep chasing me even though I have turned you down so many times?" she says, her voice so quiet it's almost a whisper. "well" he answers, "there's something special about you. You're… interesting, there's more to you than what you let most people see, and every time you crack the good-girl act next to me, I'm like 'shit, I really want to know this person better', ya' know?" he said. She nods slowly. "that, and the fact you don't want me back is so hot" JJ added, ruining the moment. "you were so sweet for a second there, JJ. Almost gave up" (y\n) said, looking right in his eyes with a sweet yet somewhat devilish grin. "oh, shit" JJ laughed, "can I try to change your mind?" he raised his eyebrow and getting a bit closer to her. "JJ, this is not the place or t-" she says, looking around. One hand left her waist and brushed her jawline, forcing her to look at him. The boy has made the decision. He leaned closer to her, and the questions filled her head. She knew she wanted to kiss him just as bad as he wanted to kiss her, but what does that mean? What happens next?

The moment they locked lips, everything disappeared, the only thought she had in her mind was him. his hands cupped her cheeks when she returned the kiss. It was short, but sweet, and full of emotions. It felt different than the way kissing Shaun made her feel. She was exited, and happy, and sad about the fact it couldn't last forever.

"wow" she let out with a light laugh when JJ pulled away. "don't you mean… I don't know, what's a fancy way to say 'wow'?" he mumbled under his breath, tempted to reconnect their lips. "blimey" he remembered a word that can fit, "don't you mean blime-" he said, her laughter cutting him off. "shut up JJ, you are ruining the moment!" she said, punching his chest lightly. "well, I do have a bachelor's degree in ruining the moment, so" he says, leaning down for another kiss, surprised when he wasn't pushed away.

"wait, does it mean you'll go on a date with me?" he says once the kiss ends for the sake of breathing. "I guess so" (y\n) smiled at him, and his smile was bigger and brighter then usual. She never noticed how his smile lights up his face, and the whole room. "cool".

tag list: @mary-grace-milne @loveylangdon

#jj #jj x reader #jj imagines #jj imagine #jj maybank #outer banks #outer banks imagines #outer banks X reader #outer banks netflix #obx #obx netflix

371 notes · View notes