fictionobsession

[fictionobsession]

[fictionobsession]

this does not apply if you wear exclusively leggings. Those things tear all the time you need like a million on standby

#3 pants #does not include shorts or skirts tho

[fictionobsession]

so I got into grad school today with my shitty 2.8 gpa and the moral of the story is reblog those good luck posts for the love of god

#just in case #reblog bait

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#babes we got this

[fictionobsession]

doubt

Pairing: Alastor x f!Reader

Summary: He wouldn’t give anything for her.

Word Count: 1,494

Warnings: toxic relationship, emotional abuse, manipulation, drinking

A/N: alrighty friends so this is part 2 of devotion and uh… it’s rough. this is not a healthy relationship. I’ve got one part planned after this one. if you like happy endings, please just pretend that devotion had one part, okay?

--

She dutifully followed Alastor through the double doors into the smoke and dim lighting of Mimzy’s. It was early in the day, but as it was still Hell, the bar had a few patrons here and there. The pair approached the bar, where Husker was working on loan to Mimzy.

“My doe, please do stay here with Husker. I have some business to discuss with Mimzy. And if you do get bored, there are a few thugs in the abandoned building at the end of the block that could use dealing with. Oh, and don’t forget you still must go to the butcher, you know the one.”

“The one across town? But Al, there’s a butcher on the next street ov - “ She stops at the raise of his brow. “Of course, Al, I’ll go to the one in Cannibal Town. I know you like it better.”

He doesn’t acknowledge her again, turning on his heel to go into Mimzy’s office to discuss business.

“So how long has he been treatin’ you like that?”

She startles at Husk’s question, but relaxes upon seeing his genuine expression. “Like what, Husk?”

“You know what I mean. How long has he had so much control over you?”

A shrug was all she could muster. “Oh, long before I met him on Earth, I’m sure.”

She could watch Husker trying to figure out the phrasing for his next question, the confusion written plainly on his face. “How’d he own your soul before you even met him, in the living world?”

“Oh! Husk, no, he doesn’t – well, not exactly – he -” she focused her energy inward, a black cord coiling around her middle before snaking off to find Alastor. “He doesn’t own my soul, Husker. He’s my soulmate. Platonically, obviously, not the red string of fate, romantic nonsense.”

It was something she’d never seen in Hell aside from her and Al, but people could hide it, so she had to assume there were others. Based on the look Husker was giving her, though, it wasn’t something he was used to seeing either.

“O...kay… so you’re soulmates. Which means you… share in owning souls, right? If one of you two makes a deal, it’s automatically split between you?”

“Well it’s not like I asked to…”

“Uh huh, we’re coming back to that. But, that means your power is… equal to his. You’re an overlord. Why do you let him treat you like that if he doesn’t own you?”

“He treats me fine, Husk. He’s just – well. you know. He’s Al.”

“When was the last time he consulted you or even told you afterwards about a decision affecting both of you?”

Her lack of answer was answer enough for him.

“That’s what I thought. He doesn’t respect you. He’s using you, just like the rest of his little pets.” He spat the last word with such malice, she couldn’t help but wonder what Alastor was doing with the Sinners whose souls he owned. She assumed they all had decent jobs and responsibilities, like Husker and his bartending. She filed that question away in her mind to consider later.

She gave Husker a warning look, though. She couldn’t just let people refer to her as Alastor’s lapdog. But… that’s what she was, wasn’t she? When had he consulted her about decisions? Well, never, but isn’t that the way she had wanted it?

“I’m sorry, I just…” Husk allows himself to trail off when he realizes she’s no longer listening to him. He fills up her whiskey, her usual drink.

“Husk?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you make me something different? Something new?”

He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding before mixing her a Tequila Sunrise and leaving her to her thoughts.

As she’s finishing her third drink, Alastor emerges from Mimzy’s office, and the day outside had turned to night. She hooked her arm through Alastor’s proffered elbow, allowing him to guide her out. She pretended not to notice the pitying look Husker was trying to hide from view.

When they stepped out into the night, Alastor finally acknowledged her. “And what all did you get up to while I was busy, my dear?”

“Oh, nothing really, just talking with Husker. He made me a new drink to try! It’s called a Tequila Sunrise.” Alastor wrinkled his nose at her description. “Oh, I don’t think you’d like it at all, Al, it’s very sweet. And I know you’re not a fan of… well, anything but bourbons and whiskeys really.”

“That’s nice, dear. Shall we head back home then?”

She nodded, and suddenly his shadows were swallowing them and depositing them back at Al’s radio tower. She said nothing as Alastor fixed himself a drink, turned on the radio, and made himself comfortable on the sofa. She stood motionless, watching him go about his business as if she weren’t in the room.

“My doe, why don’t you come sit?”

She shook her head slightly before glancing up, remembering that Alastor didn’t make real requests. He made demands framed as requests. She crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the sofa cushion, her back straight and tense, her eyes facing straight forward.

“My dear, what is going on with you tonight? You’re not yourself.” His tone gave away a concern his face would never.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, remembering that they were soulmates for Lucifer’s sake. She could talk to him. He couldn’t hurt her without hurting himself anyway, so they’d have to resolve anything like adults – with proper communication. Which, despite his life being in radio communications, Alastor was distinctly bad at.

“Al, do you actually respect me? Or am I just someone to run your errands?”

“Of course I respect you, my dear! I don’t keep people around if I don’t respect them.” Her eyebrow raised in disbelief. “Well, if I don’t respect them or own them, at least. Where’s this coming from?” His eyes were tense, his smile tight, as if he were clenching his teeth.

“You just… I’m never included in business deals. You’ve never taken me to Overlord meetings. People think I’m someone who made a deal with you, not someone who’s an equal partner with you.” She looked down shamefully, missing Alastor’s eyes briefly turn to the dials that signified his rising temper.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to calmly respond. His tone was upbeat and his smile was wide, his eyes the only sign of his inner thoughts. “Why didn’t you just say so! I hadn’t included you in dealings because you’ve never asked! And I would never subject you to Overlord levels of danger and responsibilities if you didn’t want it, ma chérie!”

She looks up at him then, a soft smile not quite reaching the crinkles of her eyes.

“Did Husker make you doubt your place with me, my doe? I can take care of that. Permanently.”

All forgiveness she had been feeling in that moment vanished with the threat on her friend. Maybe her only friend, she allowed herself to think briefly. She jumped off the sofa, Alastor following her with a slightly panicked look on his face. Her eyes flashed green dials, shadows darkening the room, and green strings shooting out to tie everything together. She bared her teeth as her own antlers grew. “You will do – NO – SUCH – THING.”

Alastor took a single step back, his smile not quite faltering. She had never had the confidence to threaten him, not ever. He wasn’t even sure she had known she had that kind of power, let alone how to use it.

“Of course, of course! I wouldn’t hurt someone under your protection, I just wanted you to know that I will take care of any potential pests that would come between us! There’s absolutely no need to worry.” He started taking steps toward her, his hand outstretched.

The moment he touched her, she deflated, coming back into her normal calm state. “I’m sorry, Al. Just… don’t hurt Husker, alright?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t harm a fur on his fluffy little head.” He ruffled her hair, smiling softly down at her as exhaustion took over her features. “Now, I’ve got to do my show -”

“Can I stay and listen tonight?”

“Anything you want, my dear.”

She curled up on the sofa, watching Alastor, allowing her mind to wander to all the wrong places. She knew what he played on his radio show, but where did he get them? She’d never even thought to ask. He hadn’t really promised her anything, had he? Not until she showed her teeth.

She sighed, bringing his attention back to her for a brief moment. He flashed a genuine smile over his shoulder, the screams playing a perfect background to the scene as she brought her hand to the spot she knew their black string of fate wound around her. She watched him, not for the first time, but for the first time really looking for any clues about his true motivations and feelings toward her.

#bedtime reblog #alastor #hazbin hotel alastor #alastor hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fic #alastor x reader

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HEARTBREAKING: character actually mildly interesting to think about but I Dont like their fans

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hyperfixations are so embarrassing like nooo don’t look I have a crush. on this tv show

#this post came into my house and punched me in the face #rude

[fictionobsession]

doubt

Pairing: Alastor x f!Reader

Summary: He wouldn’t give anything for her.

Word Count: 1,494

Warnings: toxic relationship, emotional abuse, manipulation, drinking, soulmate au…ish

A/N: alrighty friends so this is part 2 of devotion and uh… it’s rough. this is not a healthy relationship. I’ve got one part planned after this one. if you like happy endings, please just pretend that devotion had one part, okay?

--

She dutifully followed Alastor through the double doors into the smoke and dim lighting of Mimzy’s. It was early in the day, but as it was still Hell, the bar had a few patrons here and there. The pair approached the bar, where Husker was working on loan to Mimzy.

“My doe, please do stay here with Husker. I have some business to discuss with Mimzy. And if you do get bored, there are a few thugs in the abandoned building at the end of the block that could use dealing with. Oh, and don’t forget you still must go to the butcher, you know the one.”

“The one across town? But Al, there’s a butcher on the next street ov - “ She stops at the raise of his brow. “Of course, Al, I’ll go to the one in Cannibal Town. I know you like it better.”

He doesn’t acknowledge her again, turning on his heel to go into Mimzy’s office to discuss business.

“So how long has he been treatin’ you like that?”

She startles at Husk’s question, but relaxes upon seeing his genuine expression. “Like what, Husk?”

“You know what I mean. How long has he had so much control over you?”

A shrug was all she could muster. “Oh, long before I met him on Earth, I’m sure.”

She could watch Husker trying to figure out the phrasing for his next question, the confusion written plainly on his face. “How’d he own your soul before you even met him, in the living world?”

“Oh! Husk, no, he doesn’t – well, not exactly – he -” she focused her energy inward, a black cord coiling around her middle before snaking off to find Alastor. “He doesn’t own my soul, Husker. He’s my soulmate. Platonically, obviously, not the red string of fate, romantic nonsense.”

It was something she’d never seen in Hell aside from her and Al, but people could hide it, so she had to assume there were others. Based on the look Husker was giving her, though, it wasn’t something he was used to seeing either.

“O...kay… so you’re soulmates. Which means you… share in owning souls, right? If one of you two makes a deal, it’s automatically split between you?”

“Well it’s not like I asked to…”

“Uh huh, we’re coming back to that. But, that means your power is… equal to his. You’re an overlord. Why do you let him treat you like that if he doesn’t own you?”

“He treats me fine, Husk. He’s just – well. you know. He’s Al.”

“When was the last time he consulted you or even told you afterwards about a decision affecting both of you?”

Her lack of answer was answer enough for him.

“That’s what I thought. He doesn’t respect you. He’s using you, just like the rest of his little pets.” He spat the last word with such malice, she couldn’t help but wonder what Alastor was doing with the Sinners whose souls he owned. She assumed they all had decent jobs and responsibilities, like Husker and his bartending. She filed that question away in her mind to consider later.

She gave Husker a warning look, though. She couldn’t just let people refer to her as Alastor’s lapdog. But… that’s what she was, wasn’t she? When had he consulted her about decisions? Well, never, but isn’t that the way she had wanted it?

“I’m sorry, I just…” Husk allows himself to trail off when he realizes she’s no longer listening to him. He fills up her whiskey, her usual drink.

“Husk?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you make me something different? Something new?”

He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding before mixing her a Tequila Sunrise and leaving her to her thoughts.

As she’s finishing her third drink, Alastor emerges from Mimzy’s office, and the day outside had turned to night. She hooked her arm through Alastor’s proffered elbow, allowing him to guide her out. She pretended not to notice the pitying look Husker was trying to hide from view.

When they stepped out into the night, Alastor finally acknowledged her. “And what all did you get up to while I was busy, my dear?”

“Oh, nothing really, just talking with Husker. He made me a new drink to try! It’s called a Tequila Sunrise.” Alastor wrinkled his nose at her description. “Oh, I don’t think you’d like it at all, Al, it’s very sweet. And I know you’re not a fan of… well, anything but bourbons and whiskeys really.”

“That’s nice, dear. Shall we head back home then?”

She nodded, and suddenly his shadows were swallowing them and depositing them back at Al’s radio tower. She said nothing as Alastor fixed himself a drink, turned on the radio, and made himself comfortable on the sofa. She stood motionless, watching him go about his business as if she weren’t in the room.

“My doe, why don’t you come sit?”

She shook her head slightly before glancing up, remembering that Alastor didn’t make real requests. He made demands framed as requests. She crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the sofa cushion, her back straight and tense, her eyes facing straight forward.

“My dear, what is going on with you tonight? You’re not yourself.” His tone gave away a concern his face would never.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, remembering that they were soulmates for Lucifer’s sake. She could talk to him. He couldn’t hurt her without hurting himself anyway, so they’d have to resolve anything like adults – with proper communication. Which, despite his life being in radio communications, Alastor was distinctly bad at.

“Al, do you actually respect me? Or am I just someone to run your errands?”

“Of course I respect you, my dear! I don’t keep people around if I don’t respect them.” Her eyebrow raised in disbelief. “Well, if I don’t respect them or own them, at least. Where’s this coming from?” His eyes were tense, his smile tight, as if he were clenching his teeth.

“You just… I’m never included in business deals. You’ve never taken me to Overlord meetings. People think I’m someone who made a deal with you, not someone who’s an equal partner with you.” She looked down shamefully, missing Alastor’s eyes briefly turn to the dials that signified his rising temper.

He cleared his throat, forcing himself to calmly respond. His tone was upbeat and his smile was wide, his eyes the only sign of his inner thoughts. “Why didn’t you just say so! I hadn’t included you in dealings because you’ve never asked! And I would never subject you to Overlord levels of danger and responsibilities if you didn’t want it, ma chérie!”

She looks up at him then, a soft smile not quite reaching the crinkles of her eyes.

“Did Husker make you doubt your place with me, my doe? I can take care of that. Permanently.”

All forgiveness she had been feeling in that moment vanished with the threat on her friend. Maybe her only friend, she allowed herself to think briefly. She jumped off the sofa, Alastor following her with a slightly panicked look on his face. Her eyes flashed green dials, shadows darkening the room, and green strings shooting out to tie everything together. She bared her teeth as her own antlers grew. “You will do – NO – SUCH – THING.”

Alastor took a single step back, his smile not quite faltering. She had never had the confidence to threaten him, not ever. He wasn’t even sure she had known she had that kind of power, let alone how to use it.

“Of course, of course! I wouldn’t hurt someone under your protection, I just wanted you to know that I will take care of any potential pests that would come between us! There’s absolutely no need to worry.” He started taking steps toward her, his hand outstretched.

The moment he touched her, she deflated, coming back into her normal calm state. “I’m sorry, Al. Just… don’t hurt Husker, alright?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t harm a fur on his fluffy little head.” He ruffled her hair, smiling softly down at her as exhaustion took over her features. “Now, I’ve got to do my show -”

“Can I stay and listen tonight?”

“Anything you want, my dear.”

She curled up on the sofa, watching Alastor, allowing her mind to wander to all the wrong places. She knew what he played on his radio show, but where did he get them? She’d never even thought to ask. He hadn’t really promised her anything, had he? Not until she showed her teeth.

She sighed, bringing his attention back to her for a brief moment. He flashed a genuine smile over his shoulder, the screams playing a perfect background to the scene as she brought her hand to the bit scar that had once made her feel so close to him. She watched him, not for the first time, but for the first time really looking for any clues about his true motivations and feelings toward her.

#alastor #alastor hazbin hotel #alastor x reader #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fic #alastor x f!reader #toxic relationship #tw: emotional abuse #tw: emotional manipulation #alastor is not a good guy #aroace!alastor

[fictionobsession]

‘Temporary’ Names

Vet clinics often have litters of kittens to raise. Either they’re too young for a shelter, too sickly, or the clinic intends to adopt them out when they’re big enough. Whatever the reason, nurses often end up raising kittens and giving them ‘temporary’ names. 

The intention of these temporary names is that if you give the kitten a stupid name, you have something to call it other than ‘the middle black male’, but because it’s a stupid name you wont get emotionally attached and end up keeping it. Again. 

Which is how some nurses end up with cats that have names like ‘Flea bus’ and ‘Trash bag’. 

#OMG I CAN’T BELIEVE IT #TRASH BAG UPDATES????

[fictionobsession]

[fictionobsession]

Tiny M&M as humans 😌

(last one for now)

#this…is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen #I don’t know how I can live knowing they exist

[fictionobsession]

Happy to announce that pre-orders for my Bayou Broadcast pin will open this Friday at 10am CST!

#brooooooooo I fucking love it!!!!!

[fictionobsession]

Experience tranquillity (◡‿◡✿)

[fictionobsession]

crying and sobbing y'all when people said that you only add scenes that advance the plot they didn't JUST mean the overarching plot. they meant the plot of the book... entirely. like a conversation between two friends can advance the plot by characterizing them and grounding them with a meaningful relationship. if your book doesn't have "filler" it's missing emotional beats. which are plot. which are important. fun and whimsy aren't mutually exclusive from what "needs" to happen in your book. the advice isn't bad it's just taken too literally stop come back.

[fictionobsession]

#I shower once a day #but sometimes it’s just a rinse #sometimes its just a wash body day

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#dog #and he still sleeps in the bed with me thank you very much

[fictionobsession]

Black Out Days - NSFW Rugan Fic

Tags: NSFW 18+ only, oral, fem Tav, Dom Rugan, Rugan being an ass and unable to feel feelings, razor thin plot here, fast and loose with lore, PIV sex, general smut and way to much exposition (Im sorry - I wont judge if you just scan for the smut) 🫠

Words: 8000 (SORRY not sorry)

Read below or on A03 here ❤️

Months. Had it actually been months? No, it was just a few weeks, right? Tav wasn't really sure. She frowned, staring at the fire for a moment, goblet poised hallway to her mouth. Her companions sat around her, making idle conversation. She could ask; she was sure Gales record keeping was more diligent than hers but couldn't bring herself to bring up the words. No, she shook her head. It had been over a month, at least.

Time had seemed skewed recently as if the very fabric of realms has shifted. But that wasn't actually the case - she knew that much. It was their continuous arduous war they were fighting that skewed time. Tav felt battle weary in a way she never thought possible. In her very bones. Her very soul ached for the comfort of.... Of what? Mundanity? Normalcy? She couldn't even remember what life was like before this. Would there be anything to go back to? Anything other than this?

Every time she thought they had a handle on the situation, every glimmer of hope for a cure had only led them further and further into new realms of terrors. New foes to fight. New allies to try to help. It was never ending.

But now, finally, a last night in Rivington, a night away from entering the city. Baldurs Gate. Where for better or worse, their journey would be at an end. Baldurs Gate. Where so many weaving threads throughout their journey so far finally came together. How many people had they met along their path had told them to meet in Baldurs Gate? Bitterness crept up in her throat at that thought. Who would have made it? Who had been lost?

Baldurs Gate, where - a thought suddenly jolted back to her, snapping her out of her gloomy musings. A memory so soft among all the terrors she could almost convince herself she dreamed it; a memory of a sweaty passionate night stolen in a cave.

Rugan. She held onto the memory as long as she could like her own secret treasure. But the more perilous their journey got, the dimmer and more far away it felt. At the end of the day she would often fall directly into her bedroll, exhausted in her whole existence, terrified at what the next day would bring. No room for romantic fantasies. Even if she had the energy, it's not like she ever had the privacy to indulge herself in the memory; touch herself in a ghost of the way he had touched her.

But now, here on the cusp of a possible reunion she felt a shiver run down her spine. A little flower of hope blooming in her heart. Elfsong. She remembered that acutely. In another life she had spent many a night drinking there; had they ever seen each other? Would they have met before her life became a waking nightmare?

She tried to recall their fleeting awkward goodbye. The last lingering kiss shared before her party packed up and left. "Try not to die out there." He had said and it seemed there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. She stepped away and gave him a cool reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Months. That felt so long ago now it might have well have been years.

As quick as her heart felt the elation of hope at the memory, a crushing reminder of reality started to smash it back down. It had been months. Did he even make it back safely? If he did, would he even remember her? Even if he did, would he have moved on? They were one night, one single point in time among so many others. Maybe to him she was just another stop along his journey. Here she was acting like a moon-eyed girl when he might not even recall her.

But almost more painful, other than her questions about him, were her questions about herself. She felt eons apart from that silly girl in that cave. She even looked different; leaner, harsher maybe, battle hardened. A scar dragged down the edge of her cheek by her jaw from one of the ghouls below Moonrise. No healing seemed to be able to mend it fully. Gale offered to give her an enchantment that would hide it but she refused. She wore it proudly, sullenly - a harsh reminder to not get sloppy now.

She felt the metal cup slip from her hand as a tremor shook her at the reminder of that cursed place.

"Are you alright, darling?" Astarion’s lilting voice asked from beside her. She nodded absently and picked her cup up, leaving the fire without another word and heading back to her tent. Her thoughts swirled, again taking her from a sudden rush of hope and immediately pulling her back down to the dirt. The city would be the city. Where they had a mission to finish. She couldn’t let herself expect anything other than reality when she arrived. She wouldn’t allow herself to get distracted with disappointment now.

----

Business in the city had been unfortunately bloody and messy; between stopping assassinations, searching for ways to spoil the new Archdukes plans, and dealing with what seemed to be every single person in the whole lower city needing their help – not to even mention helping her ill-fated companions – the whole thing felt overwhelming, to say the least. They had one goal upon reaching Baldurs Gate; stop the absolute. And yet, everyone seemed to want a piece of them and they had been pulled in every other direction than the one they needed.

Tav’s head spun and her mood worsened with each passing day. Even without the help of the tadpole she felt like a vice was slowly tightening on her head and being turned ever tighter with each new morning.

As a result of their multitude of obligations; they decided to split up for this new day. She sent Lae’zel, Gale, Wyll, and Shadowheart off to find the last assassination target while Astarion, Karlach, and Jaheira would go to the Thieves Guild to gather information about this mythical ‘Stone Lord’. It seemed inconsequential to Tav at first what squabbles were occurring in the city, but Jaheira insisted and if this Stone Lord gang had anything to do with the cult, they had to use every opportunity to weaken their hold on the city.

Tav, for once, found herself hanging back from the expeditions. She expected resistance or arguments but it seemed her companions whole-heartedly agreed with her. She had pushed herself to the brink of exhaustion and back again. It was fair time she took her own deserved rest. As the others left for the day she went down to the bar again to try to grab a bite.

Despite her previous promise not to give herself false hope, she still found her head swiveling the first few days every time they entered or exited the Elfsong. But after a few nights at the bar she had given up hope of any sort of reunion, and she convinced herself it was for the best. Whether she liked it or not, she had a duty to fulfill and there was already too much going on. She didn’t need any further complications entering into it.

After a quick drink she went out, deciding on some fresh air. She had hoped a walk, with nowhere particular to rush to, would be a welcome change of paceafter their days upon days of marches. Letting her mind wander, she found that she was trying and failing not to dwell on anything in particular, and once again the rush and worry about all they had to do fogged up her head.

Without meaning to she found herself approaching the docks. The pungent smell of the Chionthar and strong odor of fish wafting up to assault her nostrils. Tav let out a frustrated sigh at the ineffectual walk and had just about decided to head back when a noise caught her ears. A commotion. A quick shout that was cut off sharply.

Her ever growing annoyance at the entire situationin the city and curiosity drove her to go investigate. Someone was pleading, almost on the verge of tears. She turned and headed down an alley to the right which eventually expanded into a larger path and back to the main street.

“Please! I don’t have the money! Please, I’ll have it soon just give me more time.” A man was saying as she drew closer. Tav turned the corner to see two large men in dark leathers pinning what looked to be a fisherman, a vendor most likely, against a building. A small basket of fish had been tossed on the ground beside them, its slimy contents splayed out among the cobblestones.

“You have the money or we have your fingers.” One thug growled at the cowering man, holding a hand up close to his face and wriggling his fingers at him. Tav hesitated, surveying the scene for a moment. Finally she sighed and stepped closer, making her presence known.

“Oy! What the fuck are you doing?” She called out at the thugs.

“Bugger off, lest we get to you next.” The taller man of the two grunted with a glance at her. Tav glanced around herself; the rest of the roadway was blissfully empty, aside from occasional distant noise of people passing on the street at the end.

“Let him go.” She said more sternly, trying to seem intimidating. She knew this was dumb. This was the last thing she needed – getting in fights with thugs in the middle of a shakedown. She should be resting. But something in her had changed. How many times had she seen this exact same scene play out and was forced to turn away? How many times had she participated in a similar scheme? No more. The last few months had left her feeling wild and reckless. She couldn’t save everyone, but she couldn’t just walk by and let this play out.

Her hand strayed to her sword hilt, to show she meant business. The thugs exchanged a look and dropped the fisherman who picked back up his basket and scampered away.

“Oh, did you want a piece instead missy?” One of them said as he turned, cracking his knuckles and drawing a knife from his belt. Tav couldn’t help but feel it looked comically tiny in the meaty hand. She smiled at the thought which drew a scowl from them both as they continued to approach.

They would have been easily dispatched. They should have. Low level thugs on a shakedown like this; it was child’s play. By the nine hells, Tav had fought a god; street thugs couldn’t take her out after that. But her mood and exhaustion had made her tired and sloppy. She forgot a key aspect of the shakedown like this. Two meatheads to do the dirty work and a scout on lookout to deal with any passerby's or do-gooders looking to act the hero.

The tables had certainly turned. A few desperate times, Tav had once been that exact scout and now found herself caught off guard with a knife to her throat; watching the two brutes continue to approach, their frowns both replaced with ugly smiles.

“You should’ve just walked away lass.” A voice hissed in her ear as a strong hand tightly gripped her wrist, halting her movement to her sword. Her pulse pounded, already thinking of how to weasel her way out of this. At least the grunts had stopped their approach, waiting for direction or for her to be dealt with.

“Let me go. I’ll make it worth-” She started, hoping a bargain might at least give her a chance to fight back and felt the grip on her wrist tighten.

“You came a long way from Waukeen’s Rest.” The scout whispered, quieter this time, his breath hot against her ear. Her heart beat heavy in her ears and she had to wonder if she heard correctly. Waukeen’s Rest? How… as her mind reeled she felt the knife almost imperceptibly ease away from her throat. She chanced a turn of her head to the side and saw what she assumed must have been a wild hallucination. Her tadpoled mind had finally snapped. Her exhaustion had taken its grip on her maybe. Or, maybe the man had slit her throat and this was her dying mind conjuring up her last happy memory to ease her passing.

But no. She blinked hard and his face remained. Rugan. Here. Holding a knife to her throat. That was certainly not how she had imagined their reunion going.

“Fight back.” He hissed again and gave her a nudge. She felt his grip loosen on her hand and caught a flash of his eyes as they darted to the thugs then back to her. Oh. Right. She felt dizzy but allowed her instincts to take over, safe – hopefully – in the assumption that he meant to help her and wouldn’t actually slit her throat.

She raised her knee up high and jammed her heel down onto his foot. As his grip released, and for good measure, she thrust her elbow back at the same time, catching him in the chest to shove him back. The knife clattered to the floor.

The thugs, slow on the uptake of the unspoken deal, descended back upon her and tried to flank her to get an advantage. She was ready this time; short sword drawn she finished one quickly with a slice to his arm and a thrust of her pommel to his head and spun around to take care of the other only to see him fall down in a heap before her with a grunt. Behind him stood Rugan, panting slightly, a club in his hands.

He bent to check the men quickly, assuring they were only knocked out and not dead before standing and taking a firm look at her.

“You little fool.” He dropped the club, which fell with a loud thump onto the cobblestone street below them. “Go. Get out of here while I come up with a reason for this mess.” He sighed and looked around, making sure the scene hadn’t been witnessed. Tav was frozen in place, still staring him down. Too many thoughts were reeling through her brain, too many questions. But one stood out. She knew this gambit after all; this was a Thieves Guild play.

“You...you’re with the guild now?” She scoffed and looked him up and down. He was still emblazoned with Zhent gear; the flying serpent patch on the shoulder was a giveaway even if he had traded his typical leathers for a more drab fare. He scowled at her as if she had insulted him and bent down to pick up his dropped knife, sheathing it again.

“No. But the situation here is shite and thanks to some bad luck on my part...I’m out on loan. Zhentarim and the guild have a tentative…agreement for now.” He spat out as though it pained him to say it.

“They’re working together?” Tav frowned again, feeling increasingly out of her depth. Rugan rolled his eyes as if annoyed at her lack of understanding ran a hand over his face.

“Not exactly. But this new Stone Lord has everyone on edge. Better the devil you know and all that.” He muttered. “Go on. Get out of here.” He waved his hand at her dismissively.

Tav opened her mouth to speak but clamped it shut again, still not moving. After all that time spent longing and... he was just waving her off? She stared at him a moment more, and noticed he was looking all around, everywhere on the alley, the thugs, the ground; but not at her. As if he refused to meet her eyes.

“Rugan!” She finally snapped out at him. He sighed and finally looked at her. Beneath the anger, beneath the frustration at the situation, and beneath his scowling face – his eyes betrayed him. He looked almost... scared.

“What?!” He said back, voice trying to convey a tone that his eyes betrayed. Maybe it was the rush of adrenaline at almost getting her throat slit, maybe just seeing him again, or maybe her new found attitude considering the city was going to hells around them; whatever it was, her tongue felt looser than normal. All the feelings she had felt previously, all the anticipation bubbling up and once and taking over her desire to act tough.

“I looked for you at Elfsong.” She finally managed out.

His frown faltered, his eyes softening just a touch.

“I can’t go there anymore.” He said gruffly, hardening himself up again. “You really should go. Get out of here.” He started to turn away but Tav stepped forward and grabbed his arm, stopping him before the words even came to her mind on what she could say.

He turned back, glancing first at her hand then slowly back up to meet her eyes.

“Wait...I…” What could she say? Was she supposed to beg? Was this even the same man she had met before? She decided to speak his language, her senses finally coming back to her in a rush and her own face going cold. “You still owe me money. All that gear-” she started, remembering the deal they had made previously.

“Shhh!” He pulled her closer with her own grip on his arm, almost tugging her off her feet and shot her an angry look, eyes darting around again. She realized all too late that she had no idea what lies he might have spun about what really happened at the Zhentarim base beneath Waukeen’s Rest. Clearly, if he was on loan doing lowly scout duty, they had just barely believed him but even breathing of word of the truth into the air was risky.

“Look. Fine. Just get out of here before anyone see’s you. Meet me at this building tonight and we can settle up.”

He gave her an address she recognized a few blocks away from the Elfsong in an equally shady and run down part of town and shrugged her arm off. He gave her one last almost pleading look to leave and Tav finally turned away, heart hammering in her chest. Pounding the pavement with her boots as if to punish it for the hoped reunion that clearly wasn’t meant to be.

Rugan looked up to watch her leave. He didn’t need this. Not now. He had spent the last month since arriving in Baldurs Gate running from one bad situation to another. It was any wonder he was still alive, although his reputation – what was left of it already – was firmly in shambles. This added a complication he did not need right now.

He let out a deep sigh and looked back down to the body before him, thankful at least he had a witness this time to corroborate that this wasn’t his fault. He could deal with Tav later; he had his own ass to worry about right now.

---

Tav arrived at the run down house at night; there was no specified time so she had waited until everyone had finished their meals and started to settle in for the evening before slipping away. The door to the front was unlocked and she slipped inside, looking around the dark interior. It looked mostly abandoned, but someone had clearly been staying here. She crept further inside, checking the small space was easy; there was just one large living space with a table and a wide opening leading to the bed.

She sighed and lit a set of candles; setting the holder down on the table. Of course he wasn’t here. Tav herself wondered why she had come after their chance encounter. She had been in the city that long and hadn’t seen him? A silly part of her wondered if he had been specifically avoiding her. No, she thought, that’s foolish. She reminded herself of her promise not to build this up into something it wasn’t. Its not a romance novel. Hes a Zhentarim agent. What did you expect? She chastised herself. She gave a sigh at her swirling thoughts and leaned against the wall. She would collect the coin, maybe make sure he was okay and leave. That was it.

Her mind had started to wander and her annoyance had taken firm hold when she finally heard the door swing open. Rugan entered and paused to latch the door behind him before turning back to her.

“I’m surprised you came.” He muttered and looked her up and down. She gave him a once-over as well. He had shed his work leathers for a simple tunic and had a bottle in one hand.

“Yeah, well, we had a deal.” She said, voice icy. He paced closer and gave her a wry smirk.

“Oh, have I done something to piss you off? I saved your life today remember?” He gave her a nod.

“I could’ve handled myself. And I guess that makes us even.” She replied. Without meaning to her mind flashed back to the night in the cave. She shook her head of the thought, determined to remain in control this time. “Actually not quite even. You still owe me my share.” She added, remembering the point of the conversation and their deal.

His face grew dark for a moment but he let it pass and brushed off her words.

“Deals deals deals. Everything in this damned city is deals and coin. And the rich get richer, and we…” he glanced to her, and decided against lumping her in, “folks like myself get tossed aside and left in the gutter.” He rambled on, swinging a hand around.

She cocked her head at him.

“You’re drunk.” She said and crossed her arms. He gave a shrug and took another sip from the bottle he held before walking a couple steps closer.

“Not drunk. Just been drinking. Can you blame me?” He added.

Tav rolled her eyes and leaned away from the wall; still angry at the lost hope the promised hint of joy this reunion would bring. She wondered how she had managed to build him, this very moment, up in her mind like some romantic fantasy; cursing herself again at her own foolishness.

“Well, you smell like a one copper beer and look like…” As she spoke he stood up straighter and narrowed his eyes at her, a slight smirk on his face. Eyeing his lean, tall figure and the sharp features of his face, she found herself suddenly recalling exactly why she had built him up so highly in her mind again and her words fled her.

“Go on...I can take a barb. Tell me what I look like?” He said confidently, daring her to finish the insult. He could almost guarantee nothing she said would hurt nearly as much as anything that happened to him previously.

“Forget it. So, I take it...you didn’t come here to trade coin?” She eyed him carefully. He paced closer still, that same cock sure swagger she had seen previously returning with every step. He raised an eyebrow at her, now only a pace away and Tav found herself backing up until her butt was returned against the wall to avoid bumping directly into him.

“I didn’t. Coin’s gone I’m afraid. Along with…” He hesitated, “well, along with most else of everything.” He gave a humorless chuckle at that, leaving Tav to only wonder what he meant.

“I should go then.” Tav started to move but he reached out his hand to stop her.

“Can’t we catch up first? Have a drink with me. I’m sure you could use it after today. I know I can.” He smirked at her again and held the bottle up between them. Tav stared him down. She had no time for this. There was so much to-do. So much to focus on. She couldn’t let this, him, distract her. Not now. Besides, he seemed to be fully entrenched in his own business and stewing in what ailed him.

His steely eyes assessed her carefully, waiting for some form of response. Ever impatient at her silent calculations, he leaned in a touch closer. “Don’t make me beg.” He purred out, a breath away from being fully on her.

Tav took a sharp breath in, any resolve she had – or resolve she was trying to pretend to have- sneaking readily out of her reach. She stared at him a moment, assessing the sharp lines on his face, trying to glean what was troubling him so much.

“Fine.” She finally sighed and reached up for the bottle between them only to find him pulling it sharply out of reach.

“Ah.” He chastised her with a click of his tongue and a small shake of his head. Tav once again narrowed her eyes and cocked her head at him. He reached his free hand up to stroke a rough hand across her cheek, lingering for a moment on her lips before firmly grabbing her chin. “Let me do the honors. Open.” He said, with a playful but firm tone that left no room for argument. She hesitated, not wanting to acquiesce so easily; but part of her melted at the perceived order and she could feel her blood already pumping hard and rising to her cheeks.

She silently challenged him with her eyes but he just returned her gaze with a wicked smirk, waiting for her to inevitably give in. Her previous annoyance at the thought of being slighted by him was all but gone, burned away by the heat of his gaze; the only thing remaining was the growing warmth in her core.

Tav finally opened her mouth and tilted her head back a touch. Rugan raised the bottle and tipped it forward, giving her a few pours, pausing only to let her swallow the liquid as it accumulated. After a moment she finally held up a hand and pushed the bottle back up and away, feeling like she had practically drank half the contents. She winced as she gave a final swallow, feeling her throat burn at the acid taste of the cheap wine.

She felt the excess drip out the corner of her mouth, spilling down her chin. Before she could reach up to wipe it away he was on her. She heard the bottle clatter to the floor as his hand grabbed her waist, his other hand moving to the back of her head, pulling her in. His tongue licked up her chin, cleaning the remaining liquid before reaching her lips.

Her mouth was warm and slightly bitter from the wine. Rugan found himself stroking her neck, savoring the feeling of her skin. Her supple soft skin. There was a gentle faint cloying smell of old blood that lingered on her but was masked slightly with a soft hint of lavender and something else he couldn't place. She was intoxicating. He felt more drunk off her than the wine and found that his heart was already racing wildly.

Giving fully in to this new fantasy, already lost in a haze of lust, Tav wrapped her arms up around his neck, allowing herself to be consumed, and deciding for the moment, not to question the mood he was in or all that had passed between them that day. His hand on her neck grasped at and tangled in her hair, pushing her further into him, as they continued to kiss deeply.

His hungry kisses left her breathless and she tore her lips away for a moment, sucking in desperate gulps of air. He wouldn't release her, he refused to. He licked and nibbled down her cheek, sucking lightly on her neck. It was too much. After too long. After all that happened. All the misery he had been though. He once again, even more fiercely than before felt an urgent need to devour her as quickly as possible.

They didn't know each other that well; well, in truth they barely knew each other at all. They'd never bothered with any sort of obligatory courtship or relationship building before succumbing to a greater desire. But still, Tav felt a desperation in his touch. A neediness that wasn't there before. A deeper kind of hunger. Not just to fulfill a need to have sex, but a need for her. He couldn’t possibly have missed me, she thought with a pang as his roaming hands and arms finally wrapped around her waist, yanking her even closer.

Mouth still at her neck, his fumbling hands were trying and failing to release the laces holding her tunic tight. She grinned at that; this slick mercenary getting nervous and fumbling over a woman's laces. After a moment of letting him struggle she released her arms and went to help.

He pulled back as she reached her arms around her back, relieving his own hands and taking care of the laces. He stepped back further, taking a moment to tug off his own clothes.

Taking a breath to calm himself, he walked backwards until he reached the edge of the bed tucked away in the adjoining room. He was half hidden in darkness and now fully naked and sat down on the edge to watch her finish undressing.

Tav pulled off her pants and underwear, and realized he had been watching her and blushed slightly. She slowly started to walk forward to meet him but he held up a hand.

“Grab the candle.” He said. Tav grabbed the candle she had placed on the table and continued her approach, specifically swaying her hips, deciding to give him a full show if that was what he wanted. He smirked and widened his legs, reaching a hand down to give his hard cock a long slow stroke as he watched her.

“You are a fucking sight for sore eyes.” He breathed out as she finished her approach. She set the candle down on a nearby table just in the room and then and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“You already used that line once.” She muttered and gave him another long sweeping kiss while he continued to stroke himself. Her hands turned insistent as she gripped his shoulders hard and started to push him back. He resisted and she pulled back slightly, questioning him with his eyes.

“On the bed.” He slipped up from beneath her to allow her access to the bed. She gave him another glance; again struck with the thought that there was something different about him. But she didn’t know him well enough to point to what. Her face flushed again but she went ahead with his request; climbing up on the bed and laying down. He stood at the end, again taking a moment to admire her form, splayed out and ready beneath him.

All the months, all the bad decisions, and close calls, and shit with the guild and the Zhents; he felt it all fleeing his system at once. The only thing that mattered was here and now. The hells could, and probably would, swallow him up tomorrow but tonight he could enjoy this. He gave himself another few strokes, watching her stare up at him patiently. A thought of teasing her flicked through his brain but it was swept away with the wine soaked vision of fucking her senseless instead.

He leaned forward, pawing at her leg as he crawled up on the bed on top of her, sliding his hands up her bare flesh as he approached. His eyes still wandering over her body as he made his way up, taking in every inch he could see and touch. He paused to give her nipple a quick flick with his tongue and he finally reached her face.

His hand had been deliberately slower on the approach and reached the inside of her thigh, giving it a sharp squeeze before continuing forward. He dragged his fingers up and down her slit, feeling her wetness already seeping out.

“You must have missed me.” He said with a smirk, seeing her squirm beneath his grazing touch. Tav bit her lip, not quite sure how to respond. She did, of course she did. She knew that. But she would never admit that to him.

He scanned her face, trying to discern his own answer as he finished his teasing exploration of her folds and finally slipped his fingers inside of her. The sheer pleasure that swept over her face as she moaned out was all the answer he needed. He leaned his body against hers, letting his cock press against the crook of her thigh, letting her feel how hard he was for her.

He watched her face carefully as he pumped his fingers in and out of her. He wanted to drink in her pleasure, to feel her anticipation, swallow her soft gasping moans. Totally consume her in every way possible. In some deep part of his mind he felt a flicker of affection that he was entirely unaccustomed to. She was a delicious fuck; that was all, he tried to tell himself. But why did his heart race so fast just watching her? Why had he wasted so many nights trying and failing to get this same feeling with another’s embrace?

He shook his head of those thoughts and pumped his fingers into her further, ignoring the aching in his cock and lingering feeling that if he was just here for a quick fuck he would have done it already. Tav continued to moan beneath him; already coming undone at his skilled touch. He pulled his face away and moved swiftly back down her torso, finding himself suddenly hungry for more than just the moans she made and simultaneously wanting to see just how loud he could make her scream.

Face flush with her pussy, he leaned forward and gave a few her tender pink clit a few sweeping flicks with his tongue causing her to cry out sharply. He felt the wine fleeing his system now as well, the adrenaline and blood rushing through his veins at being here, with her, over taking his system. He took a moment to smile at her vocal enjoyment before going back in and planting a sucking kiss again directly on her clit.

Her hand reached down, clawing at his scalp and messing up his hair as he continued to pleasure her; pumping his fingers in and out and alternating between sucking and flicking his tongue across her most sensitive area. He took a deep breath in, inhaling her heady scent and the action brought forth another loud call from her lips. He stopped his thrusting and instead pulsed his fingers inside her, sucking hard and feeling her start to shake beneath him. As her moans became breathless and her legs starting to tighten around him, he could tell she was close.

Before she could finish he pulled his fingers out sharply, hungrier than ever for her, selfishly wanting to cum together with her, his mind filled with lust and still clouded with feelings he wasn’t ready for. He raised himself back up and adjusted his hips to line himself against her, ignoring her fierce gaze at being denied release, and without another moment of hesitation thrust himself into her.

Tav gave a sharp gasp of pleasure at sudden sensation and he leaned forward again to grab a quick sloppy kiss, sweeping away the last of her annoyance with his tongue. She reached up and dug one hand into his shoulder, the other clawing at the blanket below them as he thrust himself into her again and again.

This was the feeling he had been chasing. Her face as she panted beneath him, sweat forming on her brow. Her pussy tight and hot around him as he entered her fully each time, his hips snapping sharply. Her moans as they filled the air, punctuated by the sharp smack of his flesh against hers.

No. He shut his eyes and grabbed her leg harshly, fingers digging into her flesh as he flung it over his shoulder and increased his pace. What good was tenderness to him? Affection; feelings; obligations. In his line of work those things got you killed. He caused enough trouble on his own. He pushed all other thoughts aside, focusing instead on the overwhelming pleasure at fucking her and how much deeper the new position allowed him to get inside her.

Her moans increased with his pace, being pushed out of her lungs with every hard thrust of his hips and he found himself moaning in unison, barely able to hold himself back. He leaned down, stretching her further but wasn’t even able to focus enough for a kiss; he was happy just to feel her breath coming out hot and fast on his face.

He finally allowed himself to open his eyes, gazing once more upon her flushed face, her mouth agape. He couldn’t yet admit the reason why, but gods he had missed that face. As if sensing his heavy look, Tav let her eyes flutter open a touch and returned his stare. He increased his pace again, watching her face contort with pleasure as she began to reach her peak.

“Don’t stop…” She panted out, both hands now clutching his shoulders. She had almost forgot how good it felt. How good he felt. He leaned in again, Tav once more feeling a delightfully painful stretch as he bent her leg forward, until he reached her ear.

“Beg me.” He growled out and slowed down a touch. Tav released his shoulders and grabbed his face, pulling it to meet hers. His blue eyes were serious, but a smile played on the corners of his open mouth. She pushed her lips together a moment, forcing back her own smile and refusing to submit. His pace slowed to a crawl, leaving her with an almost aching pain as, once again, her approaching orgasm started to flee.

“Ugh, please…” Tav finally said with a breath. Rugan grinned and thrust himself back into her, resuming his previous furious rhythm. Tav panted, not wanting him to stop again, the building tingle quickly coming back. “Please. Don’t stop…harder. Please.” She whined a word with each panting breath and thrust. He leaned his forehead onto hers, locking eyes and going harder and quicker than before. Finding a growing sensation in his chest was almost as strong as the orgasm building in his core.

It wasn’t long; a moment more and both their bodies had reached their limits, ready to burst like tightly coiled springs. Tav released his face and clawed at his shoulders so hard she could have broken skin, eyes still locked onto his. She finally leaned her head away, squeezing her eyes shut and letting out a loud scream as she climaxed.

Rugan felt her hands clench and her body tense below him and let out a long groan as gave a final deep thrust and came inside of her. He clamped his own eyes shut, releasing her leg finally to bury himself into her shoulder as his orgasm washed through him and all strength left his muscles in a flash. He sucked in gasping gulps of air as he struggled to catch his breath and his body shook with delight.

After a moment the shudders subsided and he pulled out, rolling over to lay on the bed beside her, tucking one arm behind his head. For a moment, indeed for the first moment in months, he felt at peace; that easy, calm, delightful feeling erasing his mind of all previous issues and worries.

Tav let out a sigh and rolled over, resting her head on his chest and listening to his heart beat. He was different she realized; she couldn't point to what had changed but he seemed a little less carefree than before. It wasn’t just a mood. Maybe the years of mercenary work were finally taking a toll on him, she wondered. But, then again, she supposed they both were rather different now.

“I realize, just now, that I don’t know anything about you.” She said and propped her chin up on his chest. He glanced down at her and she saw a flicker of doubt flash through his eyes. After a moment he gave a little shrug, trying to seem nonchalant.

“What do you want to know?” He replied. Tav thought a moment; what did she want to know? What in the realms could she ask now? As she mused she looked across his naked chest once more and spied a scar just on the meat of his shoulder.

"What's this from?" She reached up and traced a finger over the sliver of raised skin as long as her finger. He glanced down and chuckled softly.

"Card game. Couple locals thought I was a bit too lucky. Accused me of cheating." He said up to the roof.

"Were you?" She raised an eyebrow at him. He leaned up again to glance at her face with a playful frown.

"Of course. They had no right to accuse me though." He said with a smirk. “Anyway, things got a little heated and one pulled a dagger on me.”

Tav smiled, satisfied with the small slice of life from him, and traced her hand further down his arm, bypassing the large snake tattoo that curled around it to find another scar on his forearm; a small patch of burned skin, crossed with small lines of scars around it.

“And this?” She asked, trailing her fingers again over the bumps.

“Small incident with some friendly fire. Wizard we had traveling with us one time en route up the sword coast. Acted like such a fucking hot shot. Then, first bit of trouble we get into he practically burned my arm off.” He half-smiled at the memory. “After all was done, he tried a little healing spell he cooked up and almost tore my arm clean off. Needless to say he didn’t last long in the team.” His smile faded as quick as it had come up.

Tav stared at him a moment, his face leaned away so she couldn’t see his expression, but despite his tone decided to keep going with her inquires. She slid her hand back up his arm and approached a rather large clump of raised tissue the side of his abdomen. Before she could reach it and ask the inevitable question he reached down and grabbed her hand, halting her progress.

“You don’t need to do this, you know?” He adjusted and looked down to her again with a frown, propping himself on one elbow. Tav pulled back up and stared at him a moment not sure what to respond with.

“Do what?” She finally replied with a thick swallow.

“Get to know me. We can just have a romp.” He clarified, his tone almost icy. She stared back at him, hard.

“What if I want to get to know you?” She wouldn’t let him do this. As someone who was used to pushing people away she knew the move all too well. He frowned again, clearly not expecting that response.

“Maybe I don’t want anyone getting to know me.” He deflected, his eyes darting away.

“Don’t be a bastard.” She said with a soft smack on his chest. “Between getting-” She cut herself off, realizing for all her probing she hadn’t told him anything about her predicament. The mindflayers. The absolute. Where could she even begin. “I’ve had a really horrible, really long couple months and... meeting you had been the one highlight, so don’t ruin it.” She said, trying to sound annoyed but instead it came out with a tenderness that surprised even her, and his face softened at her words.

He looked away. His heart rattled painfully in his chest. He had tried to dismiss this as just an easy lay. It was easy to say it out loud and easier to repeat it. It was slightly hard to make himself believe it. Now, it was next to impossible, hearing her say that. The more he tried to repeat it now the more it lost all meaning. He heard Tav give a somewhat annoyed sigh and stir, getting ready to move and get up it seemed from the way she adjusted. She pushed herself up on one her arm, sitting up and looking around for her clothes. He reached over, placing his hand on her arm before he could think better of it.

“Its not like I had an easy time getting here either. Being the last man standing…more times than I can count now, well, it isn’t exactly a good look for the reputation. This situation in the city is...” He said up to the ceiling before she could fully move away. She froze and stared at him, waiting for him to continue. He didn’t, but she finally settled back down and resumed her position, laying next to him this time to keep an eye on his face.

“Do you want to tell me about it?” She offered. He turned his head to face her, weighing his growing feelings with his absolute stubbornness to admit he had them.

“No.” He said simply. Tav continued to stare at him. “Maybe later.” He finally offered. She scooted closer, pressing her body against his, venturing into what almost could have been called a cuddle if they both would ever admit it.

“And what about you? Grilling me for information but not offering any up yourself? I’ve seen your crew around the city. Heard the rumors. Just what are you doing here?” He rolled his head back to look at her, intent on giving her the same treatment she had just given him.

Tav hesitated. She was all to happy to have his troubles laid bare, but still not keen on sharing her own.

“What have you heard?” She deflected. He rolled fully over and propped his head up on his hand, eager to offer her the same interrogation.

“Whole lot about this Absolute cult nonsense. Ritual murders. Lots o’ stuff.” He narrowed his eyes at her, wanting her to paint the picture for him. Tav let her eyes shut a moment and sighed. She knew this would be coming eventually. After a moment a thought popped in her head and she opened her eyes quickly.

“How about this; you buy me that drink you owe me and I’ll tell you the whole sordid tale.” She offered. Rugan hesitated but couldn’t help but smile slightly at her request. The whole mess he had landed himself in snapped back in his mind and his smile faded, remembering why he had kept his distance. He was still practically a dead man. The only reason they hadn’t killed him yet was because they needed the men; but before long, he knew his blood would be spilled. Before he could speak, Tav piped up again as if sensing his thoughts. “Whatever this mess is with the guild and the Zhents... I could help, you know?”

He focused his eyes back on her and frowned. He had heard enough to know her and her team had been busy in the city; even if he wasn’t exact on the details. And here she was, offering to help him, of all people.

“You’d do that?” He narrowed his eyes at her in slight disbelief. Help never came free. There was always a price for men like him.

“For a drink. Yes.” She grinned again at him and leaned forward, stealing another long kiss. “Until then, maybe we could make good use of this bed again.” She added with a whisper. He finally let himself smile at that, leaning in to kiss her again.

She pushed him back roughly and climbed on top of him before he could protest. He didn’t even pretend to this time. Finally giving up the semblance of control he was grappling onto so tightly. She grabbed his hands with a grin, pinning them playfully above his head as she rolled her body against his. He found himself grinning against her kisses, finally allowing a little sliver of hope to slide back into his life.

#I loved this #like just the way they both ARE different #but the same