#he. unfortunately. lives in my head rent free | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mochikage · 2 years

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i am so down bad for college!/roommate!kakashi and I meant to send this in a while ago but forgot but I feel like if you left your bag or something on the subway while riding with Kakashi, he would literally sprint to the next stop to try and beat the train to get what you left behind. and no matter how much you begged that it wasn’t important and felt bad he went to such an effort he couldn’t bear to see you sad/disappointed

(Also maybe that seems unachievable but in Boston where I ride there’s sometimes less than a block between stations I feel like someone could do that lmao)

thank you for blessing me with this idea...i also have it down bad for college/roommate!kakashi and I’m gonna be honest...i don’t know if I’ll ever stop writing for him or for this certain AU...also i changed the settings just a little bit im sorry

“Just relax, you’re going to be fine.” Kakashi comments. He’s sitting next to you on the nearly empty train. It’s relatively early in the morning, so it was nice to have a calm environment before your big interview. The white flashcards in your hand are shuffled again, deciding that you could go through them one last time before your stop.

“I just don’t want to forget anything.”

The train gently rocks you two back and forth, and if neither of you were preparing for anything, you would’ve easily fallen asleep on his shoulder.

“Do you want to practice with me one more time?”

“No, I think I’ve bothered you enough this past week.” You smile kindly at the man next to you.

In the last week, you have gone to him nearly every night to practice your presentation and ask for some feedback. Unbeknownst to you, after the third time you’ve asked he’s stopped listening to what you’re saying and just appreciated your presence.

He’d take the opportunity to look over your shy expression, giving you an occasional smile for encouragement, a smile that you’ve come to find comfort in. He’d have to hold back a chuckle of endearment when he’d notice the hand gripping at the hem of your shirt and he wants nothing more than to take it in his hand and reassure you that everything will be fine.

“Not a bother, besides you helped me with my presentation too.”

“Still can’t believe you’re not going through it right now.” You shuffle through to the next card. Your eyes scan over the words but at this point all your attention is on Kakashi.

He stretches his long legs out in front of him and crosses his arms over his chest. His head leans back against the window and he closes his eyes. How someone can be so relaxed before something so big is a complete riddle to you.

“I had a nice girl help me. Don’t want to forget her pointers and mess it up.”

Your cheeks warm up at his words. You’re grateful he doesn’t get to see you flustered and you turn your attention once again to your cards.

“You know, once you get the job and everything and I ace this presentation, I think we should celebrate.”

“What were you thinking? Takeout from China Stix?”

“Not takeout. Maybe we can...I don’t know go to the sushi place that opened downtown?”

You stop reading the words on the cards to process what he said. Is he asking me on a date? You turn to look at him and what a mistake that was.

Silver eyebrows are completely relaxed, his eyelashes resting on the tops of his cheeks and lips in a soft pout. If he was asking you on a date he would probably be more clear about it. He’s always been blunt with you, so why would he stop now? Physically shaking your head from side to side, you clear your mind of any irrational and illogical thoughts.

“Y-Yeah,” you clear your throat, “that sounds like a plan.” Disappointment settles at the pit of your stomach, but you have no one else to blame but yourself and your pitiful daydreaming.

The bell of the train chimes out before the conductor announces the next stop. Your chest tightens momentarily and heartrate picks up. You take a deep breath and begin to gather your belongings.

“Guess this is me.” You take another deep breath in an attempt to calm your nerves. You straighten out your clothes and start to walk towards the door.

“Y/N.” Kakashi calls out to you. You turn to look at him, hand gripping your bag tightly.

“You’re going to ace it. Just breathe and get it over with.” He gives you a small, charming smile. A smile that has you forgetting where you are. One that makes your stomach churn in excitement and heart beat happily in hopes of seeing it again. In hopes of being the reason he smiles like that.

The chime of the bell brings you back to the present again and you rush out the door, nearly missing your stop. The crowd moves with you towards the exit, the station more crowded than your cart was.

Back on the train Kakashi is still staring at the doors you walked through. Gaze lingering there in case you magically appear with that smile that took his breath away. He leans back in his seat and rests his hand where you were just sitting.

“Shit.” The curse falls from his lips when his fingers touch the flashcards you had moments ago. Right next to your phone. In seconds he has them tucked away in his bag and he’s standing by the train doors to get off of the next stop. He checks his phone for the time and sprints out the door.

He nearly runs into someone carrying a tray of coffee, body leaning back and away from the four cups. He apologizes quickly before taking off again, weaving through the crowd and shooting up the stairs, taking two at a time.

You’re reciting your speech in your head as you walk through traffic, proud of yourself for remembering most of the key points from your practice on the train. Looking ahead, you see the building where your interview is. If you land this internship, you’ll be pretty much set for the next few years both financially and net-working wise. To say that it was a chance of a lifetime was an understatement. You still don’t really know how you landed this interview since you’ve heard people being on a wait list for months before being approved for an interview. Either way, you’re thanking your lucky stars.

As you near the building, you reach in your bag to go through the flashcards just one more time. Your hand searches for a minute or two before you take it off your shoulder to get a good look in there. Panic starts to settle in your chest when you don’t see your cards or your phone. You’re about to dump your bag out onto the street before you hear your name called.

You turn around, eyes wide and tears ready to fall from the disbelief of your stupidity. Out of all days to forget things today was not the day. Your eyebrows furrow in confusion when you see Kakashi sprinting over at you, holding white little rectangles up in his hand.

Holy shit.

He finally reaches you, holding out your cards and your phone in his hand. He sets his hands onto his knees as he tries to catch his breath.

“Kakashi...” You’re shaking your head, unsure of how to even start thanking him for doing this for you, “You didn’t have to--”

“You would’ve freaked out.” He cuts you off, standing back up to his full height, “you would’ve freaked out if you didn’t have them with you. Besides, how else am I supposed to find out that you got the position?”

You shake your head once more, looking at the man in front of you. Looking at the handsome, out of breath, crazy roommate in front of you with the stupid charming smile he gave you earlier on the train. The stupid charming smile that’s so contagious where even on your worst days does not fail to make you smile as well. You’re shaking your head with a smile of your own now, still unable to believe that he ran all this way to help you out.

The two of you stand there, smiling at each other like idiots. Kakashi’s just now catching his breath. He watches you reach for his tie and tug it down to your height. It doesn’t register to him when your lips meet, brain short circuiting the second that they press against each other. You pull away, unfazed by what had just happened, acting so casual for just making his heart stop.

His mouth opens and closes, trying to say something before you leave, anything. The glass doors of the building close before he can say something, and he’s stuck staring at his reflection.

You walk through the doors and towards the front desk, letting the receptionist know you were there for an interview. You go through your flashcards one last time before hearing your name get called. The receptionist leads you back through some double doors and in a long hallway with black marble floors. They let you know that the third door down to the right is where your interview will be held. Thanking them, you take one last deep breath and head to your destination.

It’s not until your hand touches the cold metal of the round doorknob that you have the realization.

You just kissed your roommate.

#kakashi hatake x reader #kakashi x reader #roommate!kakashi #vanilla mochi #i miss roommate!kakashi and i don't even live with him #but he DOES live rent free in my head #unfortunately for all of you

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multi-lefaiye · 5 months

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girl (gender neutral) help, i'm thinking about ideas for cool animatics i could make about spencer middleton again

#multi makes text posts #unfortunately he's living in my head rent free again

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legendariium · 1 month

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i love my mod verse Tilion tbh

#i accidentally made him as such a homage to many of the dancers I’ve met in my life #unfortunately Tilion just doesn’t come out to play as often lately #but he still lives rent free in my head

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coppahsulfate · 11 months

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Why, greetings to all of thee in the audience!

‘Tis Cooper, thine gorgeous, sulfuric excellence,

And I present to thee my newest, greatest masterpiece!

A gentle man, though crazed, from a play I watched today:

Joane, the Fool! For he has only one rule,

To taunt Satan himself, O, so cruel!

#joane lives rent free in my head #he's such a goofball i can't-#the play is also called Auto da Barca do Inferno #16th century old and super underrated too #unfortunately there's barely any translations in english :(#art #fanart #character art #auto da barca do inferno

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acacia-may · 1 year

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Sweet Like Cherries

Description: Finesse excitedly prepares to welcome a long-wished-for child amidst a frenzy over the impending birth of the future heir to House Vaude. Never one for the spotlight, she wishes that everyone would stop fussing over her and worrying so much--particularly her husband whose concern for her grows only stronger the longer she is on bedrest. It's a relief when she receives a surprise visit from her level-headed sister-in-law who offers her light-hearted and affectionate sympathies as the only other person who truly knows what it's like to be pregnant and fussed over by a concerned and protective Vaude boy 24/7! Vanessa admits, however, she'll never really understand what it's like to be married to Langris. Finesse is not sure she fully understands it herself yet, but she has never doubted how much he cherishes her.

Not all love is fanfare and fireworks. Some love is quiet and steadfast showing up in the smallest every day things--sweet like cherries.

Rating: T (for one bad word but really this is nothing but fluff)

Warnings: One (1) bad word but this is all fluff otherwise (and honestly kind of silly so please don’t take it too seriously!)

Fandom: Black Clover

Genre: Domestic Fluff, Family Fluff, Friendship, Babies

Relationships: Finesse Calmreich/Langris Vaude established relationship, Finesse Calmreich & Vanessa Enoteca Friendship/Family, Finesse Calmreich & Finral Roulacase Friendship/Family, Vanessa Enoteca/Finral Roulacase established relationship, Langris Vaude & Vanessa Enoteca Friendship/Family, Langris Vaude & Finral Roulacase Brotherly Relationship (A/N: look at my boys actually getting along...sort of...)

Characters: Finesse Calmreich (POV Character), Langris Vaude, Vanessa Enoteca, and Finral Roulacase

Word Count: 5087

Link to original post on AO3. Please do not repost to another site.

Note: This story was originally posted to AO3 exactly one year ago today so I'm posting it to Tumblr for its anniversary! 🥰

Story Below the Cut. Thank you for reading!

“I didn’t know what to bring you…I thought about bringing the kids but that would really just be bringing you a headache,” said Vanessa with a wink and a laugh as she took a seat at Finesse’s bedside.

“I would’ve loved to see them,” Finesse answered with a slight smile. “It’s been so long. I bet they’re getting a lot taller.”

“Taller. Louder. Crazier…harder to corral,” Vanessa joked, then reached into her bag and pulled out some papers. “They sent these for you.”

Finesse smiled as she looked through the brightly colored drawings. “How sweet. They’re lovely.” She stopped on a picture of several flowers, and Vanessa peered over at it.

“I think that’s your garden.”

Finesse sighed glancing over at the vase of wilting lilies on her bedside table. It was nice to have a bit of her garden with her, but she missed being able to visit it herself. It had been so long since she had been out in her garden—or out of the house.

Vanessa tilted her head almost knowingly and sighed. “How are you holding up?”

Finesse felt a blush rise in her cheeks. Vanessa’s intuition was always so strong—as if she was a mind-reader rather than just a string mage. “I’m alright,” she reassured her with a slight smile as she rubbed her hand across the curve of her stomach. “And so is the little one.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” said Vanessa with a smile. She tilted her head slightly. “I’m sure it’s not easy though. I’d go crazy cooped up in here if I were you. We’ve been wracking our brains trying to think of something to bring over for you, but the best I could think of was company. Are you sure there isn’t anything that you want?”

“That’s very sweet, but I don’t…” Finesse began to protest, but Vanessa cut her off.

“Maybe a food of some kind—something you don’t have in the house?” Vanessa paused and rolled her eyes with a chuckle. “What am I saying? I’m sure you have every food imaginable in this house.”

Finesse stifled a laugh covering her mouth with one hand while she pressed the other to her stomach. Based on the amount of movement, she thought the baby must be amused as well. The thought brought a smile to her face that reached her eyes.

“I bet he’s kicking you all the time now,” laughed Vanessa. Finesse nodded.

“Do you want to feel?” she asked almost sheepishly as she held out her hand to Vanessa. When Vanessa had been expecting, she had always been kind enough to let Finesse feel the movements of her niece and nephews. They were memories Finesse cherished fondly, and she was very happy to be able to return the favor.

Vanessa smiled. “Of course.” She leaned in closer as Finesse pressed her hand to the spot where she could feel the baby’s feet, and said, “Hi there, kiddo. It’s your Aunt Vanessa. I’m your cool aunt…well, actually, I’m your only aunt, but I’m the coolest. I might not be as great as an aunt as your mom is to my kids, but hey, when you get old enough I am going to teach you all kinds of cool stuff—like how make cocktails, do shots, recover from a hangover. I’ll teach you all about wine too—white, red, rosé, ”─the baby kicked─ “Oh, nice choice. You’ve got good taste. Just don’t tell your dad…he would have a heart attack,” she teased, and Finesse laughed aloud, unable to stifle it. Vanessa looked up at her with a smile.

“What foods has the baby been wanting these days—well besides wine of course?”

“Um…well…” she blushed but shook her head. “Nothing in particular.”

“Oh,” said Vanessa narrowing her eyes. “Mine wanted all kinds of crazy stuff. Unfortunately, none of them ever wanted cheese. It’s my favorite food, but I couldn’t stand the stuff when I was pregnant.”

Finesse patted her stomach considering herself lucky that the baby liked her favorite food, vegetable soup, well enough. She sighed. “Um…Vanessa? Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. Shoot,” she answered with a shrug and sat back in her chair.

“Um…when you say your kids wanted all kinds of crazy foods, were any of them ever…” she stopped. “If they weren’t your favorite, were they…someone else’s?

Vanessa narrowed her eyes. “Like whose? Like Finral’s?” She shook her head with a shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe. His favorite food changes almost every day—he’s very indecisive. I’m sure you’ve noticed,” she added with a laugh. “Why? Are you really craving cherry tarts or something?”

Finesse’ cheeks felt hot, and she pressed her lips together staring down at her hands. “More like cherry anything…I’ve been dreaming about them…” she admitted sheepishly. Vanessa laughed loudly and brightly, and Finesse couldn’t help but laugh a little herself. Vanessa had that effect on people—she could make anyone feel at ease.

“Why didn’t you just say something?”

“I don’t know…I felt…embarrassed…and everyone is already so worried, I didn’t want to burden anyone by asking for something special. Besides, cherries are out of season.”

Vanessa smiled. “I’m sure Langris would travel all the way to the Heart Kingdom to get you cherries if you wanted them. They’re in season all year there. Plus, I think he’d be grateful to have something to do, and you’d probably get a little peace. I’m sure he’s driving you nuts with all that nervous energy.”

“No, not at all,” Finesse shook her head. “He’s been very attentive…but he hasn’t been sleeping…” She sighed pressing a hand to the curve in her belly. “I’m worried.”

Vanessa patted Finesse’ hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. Men are just like that--especially these two. I’m pretty sure Finral always slept less than me when I was pregnant—which is saying a lot since our kids are basically nocturnal and always moved around like crazy in the middle of the night. Not sure if that’s comforting or not…” she joked, then sighed. “I tried to be understanding with Finral—his mother died in childbirth so the whole experience was hard on him. I’m sure it’s a similar thing with Langris. Your health is delicate, and he has always been a nervous wreck over it—and with this happening so suddenly and you on bedrest and all, it makes sense he’d be worried.”

Finesse sighed. He always had been so worried about her and her health—making sure she was getting enough water and rest, checking to make sure the house wasn’t too drafty, and calling the doctor at the slightest hint of danger—it was the main reason he had given for not wanting to have children, completing ignoring the fact that producing an heir to the House of Vaude was the whole purpose of their arranged marriage in the first place. Though Langris had always cherished and loved her, he always kept her at a safe distance, afraid of what a pregnancy and childbirth would do her already frail constitution. Meanwhile, she watched as her brother and sister-in-law welcomed three children. She loved hearing the alabaster walls and marble halls filled with children’s laughter when her niece and nephews would come to visit and longed for children of her own. However, she was always too shy to press the issue too far with her husband, who, insisted he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if something happened to her because she was carrying his child. Needless to say, her pregnancy hadn’t been planned—probably something that just added to Langris’ stress. “I know. That’s why I didn’t tell him…I just didn’t want to add anything else to his plate right now. The cherries just aren’t that important.”

Vanessa’s violet eyes were so kind as she tilted her head. “Well, I don’t think he’d agree, but you don’t have to worry about him. I’ll get you some cherries.”

“Oh no, Vanessa, I couldn’t…” Finesse protested, but Vanessa’s smile just widened.

“It’s no trouble for me. We’ve got whole jars of preserved cherries down at the restaurant. If Charmy doesn’t have any back in the kitchen, I know I’ve got several at the bar—more than enough to spare.”

“Vanessa…” Finesse began to protest, but Vanessa cut her off laughing as the baby kicked and jabbed at her hand which was still pressed to Finesse’ abdomen.

“The baby’s excited! It’ll be his first gift from his Aunt Vanessa.”

“Well…thank you…so much!” exclaimed Finesse. She patted her bustling belly. “From both of us.”

Vanessa laughed and teased with a wink, “You’re lucky your sister is a bartender.”

Finesse smiled but sniffled. She blinked her watering eyes rapidly not knowing what had come over her all of a sudden.

“Oh!” exclaimed Vanessa. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” sniffled Finesse. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s just the baby—not your fault,” Vanessa reassured with a kind smile. “But if you want to talk about it…”

Finesse blushed but feeling a bit bold she said, “It’s just…you said you were my sister…do you really feel that way?”

“Um…yeah,” Vanessa admitted with a shrug and a kind smile. “You’re family.”

Finesse wiped her eyes. “I always wanted a sister, and I think of you as one. But um…I just wasn’t sure…” she paused. “When you and Finral got married, I was…worried…” her voice began to trail off and her cheeks turned pink, but Vanessa patted her hand reassuringly. “I’m just so relieved that you don’t hate me.”

“Hate you?” repeated Vanessa incredulously. “Are you crazy? You’re the nicest person ever. Nobody in their right mind could hate you. Besides,” she teased. “Langris would kill them.” Finesse laughed lightly which turned into a slight cough before she continued.

“It’s just…after everything…I thought you would resent me,” she sighed with flushing cheeks. “We weren’t together very long, and of course, it didn’t work out between us but…if you loved him when we were engaged…”

“I didn’t,” answered Vanessa. “Not then--not like this. I wasn’t like Langris. That boy pined after you for years but stepped aside so you could marry his brother. Even though things didn’t shake out that way, if someone was going to resent you, it would be him, but he loves you, so…” Vanessa shrugged, and Finesse’ face flushed. Even after all these years of marriage and a child on the way, to hear it said so forthrightly made her blush a little. She saw Vanessa stifling an affectionate laugh which faded into a compassionate smile. “If anything, I should thank you. I mean, you’ve spent enough time in this place to know how awful it must have been for them to grow up here—how they must have suffered—Finral and Langris both. You were the one good thing in Finral’s entire miserable childhood, the first person who ever encouraged him and genuinely cared about him—and he loved you for it. I could never resent that.” Vanessa squeezed her hand, and Finesse sighed with relief.

“Also, I know you’re the one that broke things off with him so I guess I owe you one,” teased Vanessa with a wink. She laughed. “To tell you the truth, I’m really just glad you have no hard feelings against me. I mean, you ended up married to Langris.”

Finesse stifled an affectionate laugh behind her hand. “He’s really very sweet actually…” she said as her cheeks turned a bit rose.

“Alright…I’ll take your word for it,” Vanessa chuckled and winked at her. “But I’m not sure it’s worth living here in House Vaude—is it? I mean the Lord and Lady must be driving you crazy—what with you carrying the future heir and all.”

Finesse shook her head. “Langris tries to keep them away from me--tells them I need my rest. Liliane was in here yesterday, but just to pick out some things for the nursery and to ask me about you.”

“About me? Why?”

“I think having the Princess of the Forest of Witches as a daughter-in-law gives them some bragging rights among the aristocracy,” she answered thoughtfully. “More than just having the king’s grand-niece as one.”

“Great…so I’m their trophy now? I married the son they disowned--does that never come up?” Vanessa huffed and rolled her eyes. “I can’t stand these people.”

Finesse stifled a laugh at her honesty but admitted, “They’re…definitely difficult to like sometimes...”

“You’re giving them too much credit,” Vanessa huffed with a shake of her head. “Given where they grew up, it’s amazing Finral and Langris turned out as well as they did,” she sighed. “I mean they’ve both got their issues, sure, but it could’ve been way worse. House Vaude is a mess…I can’t believe they were fighting over which one of them got to run the place at one point.”

“Well, I suppose it’s not their fault they were born into it,” sighed Finesse sympathetically. “We can’t choose family.”

“I guess that’s true, but we married into this shitshow so what does that say about us?” Vanessa teased with an exasperated sigh, and Finesse laughed breathily. “Don’t tell Langris I cursed in front of your kid…” she joked giving Finesse’ stomach an affectionate pat. Then she sighed thoughtfully. “I guess, it’s not entirely fair to throw you in there with me since you didn’t have much of a choice in the matter—with the arranged marriage and all.”

“That’s not entirely true,” she admitted shaking her head. While, yes, she had been caught in the middle of years of drama at House Vaude due to a betrothal arranged by her grand uncle, the king, and Lord and Lady Vaude, in the end…

“Hmm?” Vanessa hummed.

“Well, it’s just… Langris offered to break off the engagement,” answered Finesse her cheeks feeling suddenly warm. “After he was reinstated as the heir, I mean. He said, he didn’t want me to feel like him and his brother were passing me back and forth like some sort of toy. He told me he only wanted me to marry him if I wanted to. That’s when I asked about why he had stepped down as the heir in the first place—stepped aside for his brother—and he told me it was for me…because he thought he couldn’t make me happy but Finral could.” She blushed still genuinely moved after all these years. “He said he gave it up because he wanted me to be happy.”

“He really is such a tsun isn’t he?” laughed Vanessa. Finesse chuckled as the baby’s feet fluttered in her belly. “I think the little one agrees,” she added patting Finesse’ stomach. “He knows him so well already.”

Finesse chuckled breathily. “He always kicks when he hears Langris’s voice. I mentioned this to him so now he’s taken to reading aloud to him sometimes—though mostly just whatever he’s working on so a lot of reports.”

Vanessa raised her eyebrows. “You sure you don’t have hard feelings?”

“None at all,” said Finesse with a smile. “I think things worked out for the best in the end. I know you don’t believe in fate all that much, but I like to think it was meant to be this way. Even if it took us a long time to get here, I like to think that we’re all happy.” She returned Vanessa’s wide smile before rubbing her hand across her stomach, “And I’m very happy that this little one will have a wonderful aunt and uncle and lots of older cousins to play with.”

“And a younger one,” said Vanessa as she smoothed the skirt of her dress and pressed her hand to the slight curve in her abdomen it had been hiding. Finesse gasped.

“What? Really?”

Vanessa shrugged. “Yeah. Number 4—total surprise, and I’ve started to get huge already...” she sighed as she framed the small but definite bump with her hands. “Don’t ask me how far along I am…I might cry,” she joked.

“That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you.”

“I know it doesn’t look like it but it’s still early. We haven’t really told anyone yet. We didn’t want to take any attention away from you. Not sure that we could what with you carrying the future heir of the Noble House of Vaude and all…no pressure though,” teased Vanessa.

Finesse gently stroked the curve of her belly. “I have a feeling it’s a boy, but it could always be a girl. I would be happy either way, and Langris says he’ll be happy as long as both the baby and I are healthy and safe.”

“I bet the Lord and Lady would be particularly agitated to hear that. If you have a girl, they’ll probably start hounding you about trying again. I’d be worried that would kill Langris though…” Vanessa teased.

“Oh, he said we are never doing this again,” chuckled Finesse lightly. “If we have a girl, we’re just going to leave the House to one of your sons.”

“Let’s hope that the Lord and Lady won’t still be around by the time he’d have to take it over...” Vanessa crossed her fingers. “Nothing personal, but I hope you’re right about having a boy—especially since this is a one-shot deal,” she teased.

Finesse smiled but sighed. “I wouldn’t mind… having more than one…” she admitted quietly as a blush rose in her cheeks. “But I don’t think my body could handle it…” her voice trailed.

“Or Langris’ psyche…” joked Vanessa trying to lighten the mood, but her face softened as she reached out to place a comforting hand over Finesse’. “I’m sorry. I know that must be hard for you.”

“That’s okay. I’m just glad we’re having this one,” she said with a soft smile as she patted her stomach. Her smile widened. “Though you’re very blessed to have so many.”

Vanessa laughed. “I can’t imagine my life without them...but it is pretty chaotic sometimes,” she joked affectionately. “You know, you can always borrow some of mine for awhile if you want to know what it feels like to have a big family.” She winked before resting a hand on her middle with a sigh. “4 kids is a lot…”

“4? I thought you had 3?” questioned Langris appearing in the doorway: a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a stack of files in the other. Finesse smiled and pressed a hand to the place where the baby started kicking excitedly at the sound of his voice. “You’re not honestly thinking about adding another one are you?”

Vanessa shrugged. “Too late.” She smiled and patted her stomach, “Surprise.”

Langris sighed and shook his head. “My dumb brother…I am going to smack him…”

“Pretty sure this one’s on me…” admitted Vanessa rubbing her hand across the slight curve in her belly.

“Oh…gross…” huffed Langris rolling his eyes. Vanessa laughed as Finesse stifled a chuckle that turned into a cough.

Langris turned towards her with a start. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she reassured with a smile. “Just laughing too hard. I’m so glad Vanessa came to visit.”

“Well as long as it’s not too much for you,” said Langris—his demeanor softening as he took a seat. “The doctor says you need to rest and shouldn’t push yourself too hard. If you’re too tired, just tell her and she’ll leave.”

“I’m okay. Really. Please don’t worry,” said Finesse reaching out to pat Langris’ hand reassuringly. A blush filled his cheeks.

“You tsun,” teased Vanessa affectionately ruffling a hand through his hair. Langris wriggled out of the way though his blush deepened.

“Stop that,” he huffed as he patted down his hair trying and failing to fix it from the unkempt mess Vanessa’s playfulness had turned it into. Finesse covered her mouth with her hand and tried not to laugh.

“You’re no fun, Langris,” teased Vanessa draping an arm around him. “And goodness are you uptight!” She gave his shoulder a friendly squeeze. “You carry stress in your shoulders just like Finral. You need to relax…” Langris squirmed away from her with a huff.

“Get off of me,” he snapped, red in the face as he tried to regain composure. Finesse smiled—she had always found this awkward side of Langris somewhat endearing. “Just because my brother doesn’t worry about you…”

“Oh no, he does. He worries about you and Finesse too. He’s been losing sleep over this…” She gestured towards Finesse who stared down at her hands.

“He has?” she asked guiltily.

Just then, as if on cue, a sparkling portal appeared in the wall and Finral stuck his head through.

“Hey, is everything okay?” he asked.

“Hello, Finral. It’s good to see you,” said Finesse with a smile.

Langris huffed at him. “What are you doing here? This is not a party.”

“Well, when Vanessa didn’t come home, I started to get worried that something was wrong.”

Vanessa sighed gesturing to Finral. “See…” she said proving her point, but she smiled reassuringly. “But he’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“Worry? What do we have to worry about?” he repeated visibly agitated. He turned towards Finesse. “Is everything really okay with you and the baby?” he asked. Finesse nodded, and Vanessa sighed.

“Yes, Finral, everything is fine. Don’t worry.”

“What about you?” he asked turning his attention to her.

“I’m fine too,” she said, and Finral sighed in relief.

“Ah, I’m glad. And the baby?” he stopped abruptly—seemingly remembering that Finesse and Langris were there. He gasped and covered his mouth with his hands. “Oh! Oh sorry, I…” he looked from them to Vanessa before smiling almost sheepishly. “Well…we’re um…”

“They already know….” Vanessa interrupted, and Finral tilted his head.

“Huh? You told them without me?” He almost pouted before Langris lightly smacked the back of the head. “Ow!”

“That didn’t hurt, moron,” huffed Langris. “Now get out. She needs rest. All this excitement is bad for her and the baby.”

“Lady Finesse or Vanessa?” asked Finral earnestly, and Langris threw up his hands.

“Both of them!”

As the brothers continued their concerned bickering, Vanessa sighed and rolled her eyes, turning towards Finesse with a teasing smile, “Let’s run away together. Leave these dummies to calm down.” Finesse laughed as Vanessa added quietly, “You know now might be a good time to mention those cherries. It might help if they had something to do…”

“Oh…um…well, okay…” Finesse whispered unsurely, but Vanessa winked at her.

“Hey boys!” Finral and Langris stopped their heated discussion to turn to look at her. “Finesse was telling me earlier that she’d really like some cherries.”

“Cherries? I can get cherries,” answered Langris immediately.

“Well…I can I help. I can get cherries too,” added Finral.

“I am perfectly capable of getting cherries for my wife, Finral. You have your own wife and kids, why don’t you get them cherries?”

“Yeah. Yeah. Right. Okay,” he answered nodding. “Vanessa, do you want…?”

“No,” she cut him off. “But you’re going to have to go with Langris. They’re out of season here so you’re going to have to go to the Heart Kingdom to get them. Go get ready to leave. I’ll be right there to stay with the kids. Keep the portal open for me,” she said giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Right, yeah. Langris, I will be back to get you,” he called before disappearing. Langris waved a hand almost dismissively at his brother as he focused his attention on Finesse.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay if I go to Heart Kingdom? With Finral’s portals, it shouldn’t take too long.”

“You really don’t have to do this…” she insisted placing her hand over his.

“No, I want to,” he said gently with a kind smile that reached his eyes. “I will be right back.” With a gentle smile, he tenderly pushed a piece of hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. Finesse felt the blush rising in her cheeks even after all of these years as their child fluttered excitedly inside her—like butterflies in her stomach. He really was very sweet, she thought.

“Aww…” sighed Vanessa affectionately. Abruptly, Langris pulled away from Finesse and bristled—his face turning a deep red as if he had completely forgotten their sister-in-law was there.

“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” he asked in the stiff voice he only used when he was embarrassed.

Vanessa shrugged. “Wouldn’t you rather me stay here until you’re ready to leave? I can take these…” she said reaching for the flowers Langris still had in his hands. “Go put your files away.”

“Right,” agreed Langris picking up the stack of files he had sat down on the side of the bed when he had come in. He gave them a curt nod before disappearing through the doorway.

“You didn’t have to embarrass him like that…” sighed Finesse though she smiled slightly.

“I know, but I only do it out of love and because it’s so easy,” Vanessa teased. “He’s very cute.”

“He’s very fond of you too—more than he lets on,” said Finesse as Vanessa replaced the wilted flowers with the bouquet Langris had brought with him. Finesse smiled–lilies from her garden, her favorite.

She sighed. “Are you sure it’s fair to ask him to go all the way to the Heart Kingdom just to get cherries?”

“I told you he’d do it, in a heartbeat, if you asked,” Vanessa said with a wink, and Finesse blushed.

“But why didn’t you tell them about the ones at the restaurant?”

“Why do you think?” she laughed. “With any luck, their little adventure will help them get out some of that nervous energy.” Vanessa shook her head rolling her eyes, but she smiled with an affectionate sigh. “Those dummies…”

She stood up and gathered her things but turned to pat Finesse’ stomach one last time. “See you later, kiddo.” She gave Finesse a quick, one-armed hug. “I’ll try to come back to visit soon. Maybe bring the kids next time…”

“I’d like that,” said Finesse with a smile. “Tell them I miss them and send them my love.”

Vanessa smiled, but before she could respond, she was interrupted by Finral sticking his head through the portal again.

“Vanessa, do you know where I left that map of the Heart Kingdom?” he asked somewhat frazzled.

“I didn’t know we had a map of the Heart Kingdom...” Vanessa sighed. “Hold on, I’ll be right there and help you look.”

“Okay, if you could hurry…that would be great. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this open…,” he chuckled awkwardly.

“Okay just a few more minutes.”

Finral fidgeted a little but sighed. “Okay, but I’m running out of mana reserves, and I still have to take Langris to the Heart Kingdom.”

“Hold on.” In a swift motion, Vanessa turned and threw her arms around his neck kissing him full on the mouth. Finesse gasped and covered her mouth with both hands in surprise and embarrassment, but before she could look away it was over. Finral blinked rapidly—dazed and confused like Vanessa had hit him on the back of the head. Vanessa, however, seemed unfazed. “Better?” she asked.

Finral managed a nod as he tried to catch his breath. “Ye…Yeah…” he choked. “Take as much time as you need…” Vanessa smiled and ran an affectionate hand through his hair before he disappeared through the portal again—red in the face.

“Sorry,” Vanessa turned towards Finesse whose face flushed in embarrassment. “I’m not sure how Langris is, but Finral’s mana reserves are tied to his mood. He just needed a little boost to get them to and from the Heart Kingdom--he’ll be fine. But still…I probably shouldn’t have kissed him like that in front of you…or anybody…”

“You kissed my dumb brother in my house?” huffed Langris exasperatedly, appearing in the doorway. “Ew…”

“Just be glad you didn’t have to see it,” joked Vanessa with a wink.

“Shouldn’t you be going?” he asked.

“Yeah, why don’t you just come with me? You can take off for the Heart Kingdom from our house—save Finral another trip over here. He’s depleting his mana reserves already with all these portals. I wouldn’t want you to get stranded.”

Langris sighed and conceded. “Alright.” He turned to Finesse. “Please take care of yourself while I’m gone, and if you need anything, contact me with a magic item or ask Vanessa or the servants or somebody for help.”

“I will be fine. Please don’t worry about me,” said Finesse, who feeling a bit bold, pressed her palm to Langris’ cheek. She took his hand and pressed it to her stomach where the baby was kicking and smiled. “We’ll be waiting for you when you come back.”

There was such a gentleness to his face when he gazed down at their hands, and he met her eyes and smiled at her with such tenderness, her heart could have melted. They weren’t a particularly affectionate couple--both rather shy about their feelings and neither of them touchy-feely like Vanessa especially not in front of other people. They were never going to be the type for grand romantic gestures, but it was moments like these—the subtle, everyday things, like a tender smile, a kiss on a forehead, a bouquet of her favorite flowers, or a trip to the Heart Kingdom to get the cherries she wanted—that showed how much they cherished each other. Finesse stroked Langris’ face with her hand. Then, she leaned in and kissed his cheek gently. “For luck,” she said quietly as Langris’s face turned bright red.

“Ah what do you know, they really are alike after all,” joked Vanessa. She winked at Finesse who blushed—knowing Vanessa must’ve picked up on a slight change in Langris’ mana.

“Come on. Let’s go,” said Langris trying to sound curt though he was blushing furiously as he turned towards the portal. He said farewell and then stepped through the portal followed by Vanessa, who turned back to wave at Finesse with a wink.

“Hang in there! Soon you’re going to have every cherry in the Heart Kingdom.”

Finesse laughed. Surely, they wouldn’t bring back all the cherries…right?

#And then Langris (and Finral) proceed to scare the living daylights out of all the poor unfortunate cherry farmers in the heart kingdom #just kidding... unless?#it's my ao3 anniversary and this story is officially one year old today #i really want finesse and vanessa to be friends in *any* universe #lady finesse is underrated #langris is such a tsun #i just love him okay?#he's trying his best #one universe of many that lives rent free in my head 😅#please don't take this too seriously #i just want good things for all of them okay?#look at my sons actually getting along with each other #spatial mage brothers #my boys 💚💙#langris vaude x finesse calmreich #i just think they're cute #this ship is underrated in my opinion #finesse calmreich x langris vaude #langris x finesse #finesse x langris #vanessa enoteca x finral roulacase #finral roulacase x vanessa enoteca #finral x vanessa #vanessa x finral #finessa #(yes this ship name is confusing 🙈)#i'm such a multishipper now and i blame you Black Clover #finesse calmreich #langris vaude #black clover fanfiction

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angelltheninth · 2 months

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I think one of my favourite orc x Human trope, I honestly can't remember if I read it somewhere or made it up. But it lives rent free in my head. A follow orc trying to court a Human with their customs. Showing off strengths, huntmenship etc. Human works at a local bar, so their pretty custom to courtship from watching couples in the bar, but unfortunately their a bit dense and don't get the hint that the orc likes them and isn't just showing off.

That sounds hilarious. I have to write this.

Pairing: Male!Orc x Human Fem!Reader

Tags: fluff, courting, flirting, showing off, size difference, love confession, oblivious Reader

A/N: I would know but I think I'd want someone to spell it out for me.

He stood no chance from the moment he decided to be subtle with you

Taking his time, slowly courting you would last forever, it lasted months

Poor guy thought you weren't interested

Which was odd because out of every orc in his group you talked to him the most, you always payed attention when it was his turn to show his strength

Brought you many kinds of meat and animal pelts to keep you warm

After being told that his way of courting won't work on you he tried mixing in some human ways too

The only thing was that he always complimented you, he always talked to you long into the night, he was always protective, he always walked you home, he always bent forward when sitting at the bar so you could be at the same eye level

None of these things seemed like out of the ordinary to you

What tipped you that he might have feelings is when he got one of his orc tusks broken in battle and gave you a necklace with it on

Even you knew this was a big deal for orcs

This kind of thing is usually done by married individuals

You had to ask him about it, it might have been a mistake of some kind

His grin is now pretty lopsided, but as soon as you approach you can see him puffing his chest out, flexing his biceps

As soon as you're in his arms reach he scoops you up and spins you around, promising to be the best mate and boyfriend you could have ever dreamt of

Oh... it finally made sense to you, that all those things he was doing were ways of flirting

#monster x reader #monster romance #monster boyfriend #monster lover #orc x reader #orc x human #monster imagine #monster headcanons #orc headcanons #monster x human #monster x girl #monster fluff #orc fluff #orc boyfriend #terato

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nyrandrea · 7 months

Text

Everything's Fine

As you try to deal with everything that has been thrown at you so early into your journey: forced leadership, mindflayer tadpoles and taking on everybody's personal problems, it all just gets a bit too much for you.

(Takes place during Act 1)

Word Count - 3.5k

Also available to read here on AO3!

Enjoy!

xxx

You felt your patience starting to wear incredibly thin when you realised Astarion had been staring at you for over five minutes now.

Not directly, he would never be so conspicuous—at least, not intentionally— but you kept catching those fleeting glances he was throwing your way; the corners of his red eyes crinkling every so often before returning to whatever book he was pretending to read. It wasn’t one of those charming, smouldering gazes he would sometimes give you after a night of feeding, asking if you were alright, knowing full-well that your answer was a resounding ‘I’m fine’, and that you would provide for him again soon.

No, what he was doing right now—very carefully—was scanning you, studying you, judging you. It was as if he was trying to leer right through to your very soul.

You almost had half a mind to stomp over to his tent and demand what his problem was, but there were other unfortunate issues to contend with.

Namely Shadowheart and Lae'zel.

“I already told you that the artefact is my responsibility,” Shadowheart said, her aloof demeanour and confident tone betrayed by the hand hovering over the hilt of her dagger. “This way it will protect us all, I thought we had already established that!”

“We have established nothing,” Lae’zel hissed back. “We only agreed not to slit each other’s throats in the night, though...,” she grimaced. “I still have no reason to trust that you will not try again.”

“At least there’s still some sense in that bullish head of yours.”

“Tsk!” Lae’zel spat at Shadowheart’s feet, much to the latter’s disgust as she recoiled back. “However, the matter still stands that the relic you hold onto belongs to my people. Therefore, it should be in my possession!”

The cleric sneered. “I would sooner slit my own throat.”

“Then go right ahead. Nobody will stop you.”

Rubbing at your temples to try and ease the incoming migraine that, for once, was not caused by the mindflayer parasite living rent-free in your head, you decided to step in-between the two women, not really caring about risking a gutting from their trigger-happy blades.

“C’mon, we’re not seriously having this fight again?” You huff incredulously, the question already sounding stupid as soon as it left your mouth. Because of course they were having this fight again. They had it yesterday, and the day before that, and they were probably going to have it tomorrow as well.

“We are, as it happens,” Shadowheart replied, her eyes flickering briefly to you before narrowing forward again. “Because this savage bitch won’t leave me alone!”

Lae’zel bared her teeth in a cruel grin. “Better to be that than a revrykal of Shar.”

At the mention of her Goddess’s name, Shadowheart practically lunged herself towards Lae’zel with an enraged scream, her dagger raised high with the intention of plunging it straight into the githyanki’s chest, who in turn raised her shield to protect herself. In that moment, you were nothing to them but a speck of dust in the wind.

It wasn’t until your hand shot up in a blind panic when Shadowheart realised what she was doing, forcing her to suddenly pull back to avoid injuring you, only a moment too late as her knife slashed the palm of your hand. Blood sprayed across the ground as your short but pained cry echoed throughout the camp.

“Oh Gods...” Shadowheart muttered as everyone was suddenly on their feet and crowded around the three of you in a matter of moments. “I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t... mean to...!”

“What? Attempt to kill our leader in cold blood?” Lae’zel muttered as she took your trembling hand to examine it, you only stared ahead as the shock took a moment to wear off. You didn’t even register her uncharacteristically gentle touch as she turned your palm up. “Only a flesh wound, you will live.”

“Still,” Astarion piped up from behind. “Perhaps it would be best to get that dressed up lest you attract any...*ahem* unsavoury visitors.”

“It would seem we already have,” Lae’zel replied, to which the vampire put a hand up to his chest in mock offence.

“Lae’zel, you depreciate me,” he pouted. “I’m hurt.”

Astarion’s sudden cold grasp on your wrist startled you as he decided to examine the cut himself in a much less gentle manner than Lae’zel. “Not that I would be able to get much from this anyway, even if I tried.”

You were slightly worried that he was pondering the idea the longer he stared at the wound; you could practically see him drooling. It wasn’t until you cleared your throat that he snapped out of his daze.

“Well, we should probably get this cleaned up anyhow,” he finally said. “To avoid infection and whatnot.”

“...You’re not gonna lick it clean, are you?” Karlach asked with a grimace.

“Of course not!” Astarion bit back, much more flustered this time. “I’m not some savage beast, you know.”

“That’s... debatable,” Gale piped in.

“Well! It’s lovely to know that you all think so little of me; the feeling is very much mutual,” Astarion said with a fake smile before taking you by the shoulder. “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I’ll have to nurse this poor wounded soul, as well as my pride.”

He started guiding you away from the rest of the group, you only allowed him to because the whole situation had you in a bit of a daze, but not before Shadowheart tried to get in another “I’m... I’m sorry.”

“It’s... I’m fine,” you replied with whatever level of composure you could muster up with a smile in a small attempt to reassure her before allowing yourself to be led towards Astarion’s tent. Your words seemed to satisfy her as Shadowheart returned a sorrowful but grateful nod, though her expression turned sour when Karlach stepped between her and Lae’zel.

“Alright now, ladies, what do you two say we let out our pent-up aggression towards each other in a healthier and less murder-y way, huh?” The tiefling suggested before holding up her finger to not let the other two get a word in edgewise. “And before you ask, I will not be taking no for an answer.”

A small smile graced your lips at Karlach’s enthusiastic yet surprisingly pragmatic way of taking charge, and it seemed to be working as Shadowheart and—to your utter astonishment—Lae’zel agreed to whatever training regimen she had in store for them.

‘Perhaps Karlach should take over as leader...’

The idea was extinguished as soon as it had entered your mind, replaced with thoughts of the tiefling messing everything up, of her killing you in your sleep, that you shouldn’t trust her to lead your party. The only one who should have any authority over these subordinates is you. Only you are worthy.

The voice quieted down after a few moments, leaving you only with a pounding head—just another one of the many wonderful side-effects of the parasite.

You didn’t take any heed of whatever thoughts the tadpole forced upon you. You knew that Karlach would never hurt you, or any of the others for that matter—not by choice, anyway. However, those flashes of betrayal and blood were starting to wear you down a bit, especially with the lack of sleep; the very notion of it had been non-existent since you escaped the nautiloid and accepted the leadership that everyone had practically forced upon you.

You weren’t exactly a natural-born leader; hell, you barely managed to keep yourself alive never mind a whole group of people.

“That’s going to need stitches,” Astarion said as he observed your hand more closely now that the two of you were in the privacy of his tent. Heat flushed around your cheeks at how close the two of you were. Flashes of that night you had shared a bed—or well, the forest floor—came to mind, and you hated how flustered it made you. It was a one-night stand, a bit of fun to ease the stress of adventuring; clearly it meant nothing. At least... that was what you were made to feel.

What had been a night of passion for you, had been the same old dance for him.

“Take a seat there,” Astarion’s said, his voice cutting through your thoughts like a knife. “I should have a needle around here, somewhere.”

“You know how to sew?” You asked, settling down on a cushioned stool.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said, and a sting of guilt surged in your chest. “How do you think I’ve kept these clothes looking so good for over two hundred years? Certainly not by magic.”

“Why not just buy new clothes?”

Your prodding seemed to hit a nerve as he paused for a moment.

“Why waste the coin?” He finally replied, sounding a little dejected.

“Sorry,” you said, biting your lip as you tried to think of a way to quickly rectify your carelessness. “You do look great, by the way—y-your clothes, I mean,” embarrassment takes over as you trip over your own words. “The gold embroidery is um *cough * it’s nice.”

Astarion seems amused at your inability to grasp basic English as he chuckles, the sound deep and almost musical. “Why thank you, darling. I’m glad someone around here appreciates the finer details.”

The vampire kneels next to you and threads the needle before gesturing for you to hold out your hand. “It has been a while so... let’s just hope I’m not too rusty, hm?”

Those words don’t instil a great deal of confidence within you, but you won’t allow it to show, trusting in him to get the job done. If you ended up getting sepsis, well... Withers was always on stand-by.

“Now, hold still,” Astarion instructed. “This may sting a little.”

You nodded, only wincing a little when he made the first stitch, the pain became more bearable as you watched him focus with the kind of laser-like precision that only came with a practiced hand; it made you wonder how many times he had done this. His methodical movements almost lulled you into a sort of relaxed trance, had your mind have not been working overtime, you honestly might have fallen asleep: Gods know you could have done with a bit of shut eye.

Ever since the ship crashed, your problems just seemed to keep piling on top of each other: Lae’zel was hellbent on getting to that githyanki creche, and there was the matter of Karlach’s engine, Gale was close to blowing to kingdom-come if he didn’t get another magical item to consume soon, Astarion would probably need another feeding at some point, not to mention the dog, Scratch, and the owlbear cub who had started hanging around the camp. A dog was one thing but how much did owlbears need to eat?

It was fine, you reassured yourself. Everything would be fine.

“There we go,” Astarion said, relinquishing your hand back, freshly stitched and cleaned. The pain was still there, dull and throbbing, but it wasn’t anything a quick healing spell couldn’t fix.

“Not my best work but it will just have to do for now,” he huffs, as if he was annoyed with himself. “You’ll have to excuse the sloppy stitching, it’s... been a while.”

“It’s beautiful work,” you can’t help but admire the stitching; it was flawless. “Thank you, Astarion.”

His gaze remains on you for a moment, as if he were expecting some sort of quip or punchline, and his eyes widen slightly when he realises you’re being genuine.

“I... uh... you...?” He pauses and squints; still nothing. “You are... most certainly welcome.”

You raise an eyebrow; did he really think so lowly of you that he believed you simply weren’t capable of a simple 'thank you'? Or was it himself that he had no confidence in? Your thoughts turn to when you asked him about how he came about becoming a vampire. Astarion kept most of his history closed off from you but told you just enough to let you know that this ‘Cazador’ fellow had treated him poorly. Belittled him. Enslaved him.

You couldn’t begin to imagine how horrible it must have been; no wonder he didn’t trust anyone.

A part of you wanted to pry into his thoughts, to let him know that you were here for him should he ever want to talk, but a new figure entered the tent, startling you into closing your mouth.

“Hello!” Gale cheerily greeted with a smile, his eyes latching onto you immediately. “How are we feeling?”

“Oh, we’re feeling quite dandy, thank you,” Astarion interjected with a frown. “You didn’t think to knock before deciding just to barge in?”

“Well, given the materialistic structure of this very sound establishment, I think you’ll find it’s a little difficult to uh...” Gale trailed off, attempting to rap the tent flap to no avail. “...knock on.”

“Then why not just knock on the wooden beams with that...” The vampire waved lazily towards Gale’s staff. “Very large stick of yours.”

“Duly noted, but I think we’re getting a bit off track here,” the wizard said before turning to you. “I need a word.”

You were taken aback slightly by his bluntness, and you couldn’t help but notice the almost pained way he was wringing his hands and how his eyebrows subtly twitched. He looked incredibly... uncomfortable.

His hand hovered over his chest briefly, just above the mark that glowed whenever he consumed magic.

Shit. Was it that time already? But hadn’t you given him something only yesterday? Or had it been a few days now? With recent events, it was hard to keep track of the time anymore; day and night just meshed into one big messy blur.

Judging by your panicked look, Gale held up his hands in a placating manner. “Now, I know you’ve had a lot on your plate recently but this little uh... situation of mine is growing quite dire again so... if you could just relinquish whatever magical artefact you have, then all will be fine and dandy.”

“I... don’t have anything on me at the moment.”

Gale’s expression dropped. “Come now, you must have picked up something along the way, surely?”

You grimaced.

“In a dungeon? Along the road? What about that little goblin camp you rampaged through recently?”

His sudden passive-aggressiveness made you feel uneasy.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Astarion cut in, folding his arms. “But we were a bit preoccupied with fighting for our lives to be on the lookout for any magic boots for you to chew on.”

Gale chuckled dryly and drew the vampire a dirty look. “I don’t think you quite understand the gravity of what might very well happen if I don’t find something to contain the beast within me very soon- “

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, darling.”

“This isn’t a joking matter!”

“Ugh! Just shut up!” You snapped. “I do get it, Gale. Because you remind me Every. Damn. Day. About this big, scary, mystery catastrophe that might happen without actually explaining anything about it! A bit of context would go a long way!”

Gale’s hurt wince suddenly had your stomach churning in guilt; you shouldn’t be snapping at people; you were better than that.

“I’m sorry,” you quickly apologised. “As soon as we’re out on the road again, I’ll make it our priority to look for an artefact for you, alright? You have my word.”

Astarion scowled and Gale forced a smile; his lips too strained for it to be genuine. It seemed like you couldn’t please anyone today.

“That’s all I can ask for, and I promise... all will be revealed soon, otherwise the tadpoles will be the least of our worries.”

When Gale left, you plopped down to the ground and took ragged breaths to calm your nerves, you couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt as you nestled your injured hand in your lap. Had Gale only checked in on you so he could ask you for a magic item in return? Was he really that desperate? He must have been, seeing as you had completely forgotten about his predicament.

What kind of leader were you?

“You know, you can’t go making promises all willy-nilly like that,” Astarion said. “We have enough problems as it is without having to worry about...”

His chastising faded into white noise as you grasped your head, the sting of your fingers curling and tugging through unkempt hair was just enough to distract from the pounding that came from within your brain. The ability to focus was suddenly lost to you as your heart raced, and dark emotions swirled within your chest like a wild tornado; it was tempting to let them sweep you away, to ride the waves into the unknown. To be anywhere but here without anyone depending on you for so, so much.

“Hello?” Astarion drawled. “Are you even listening to- Darling...?”

He moved closer to you; his steps measured and deliberate as he lowered himself down next to you, still allowing you enough space while being close enough to reach out a hand to your trembling shoulder, his touch cold yet oddly comforting.

“Hey,” he spoke in a soothing, soft tone, his crimson eyes locking onto yours with unwavering support. “I’m right here with you, you’re safe, just breathe along with me, alright?”

You nodded, albeit shakily, and tried to mirror his calm, measured breaths, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, attempting to regain control over your racing heart.

Astarion’s voice never wavered as your frantic gasps slowly started to synchronise with his calm breathing. “I know things are tough right now, but these feelings will soon pass. You’re stronger than you think, darling.”

He continued to gently rub your back, tracing comforting circles with his fingertips, a rhythm that matched the cadence of your breath. Your hands slowly unlatched from your hair as you felt Astarion’s reassuring presence and honeyed words grounding you.

“There we go, you’re regaining control,” he encouraged softly. “Now, I’m going to get you a glass of water, will you be alright for a moment?”

You nodded again, and with a quick squeeze of your shoulder, he left. As your panic attack started to ebb, your breathing evened and your heart slowed as you felt yourself returning to the present moment, the tension that had your body rigid starting to ease.

Astarion was back by your side within moments, gently pushing a glass into your hand and helping you lift it to your lips for a small sip of water, the cool liquid soothing your parched throat.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m-”

“And don’t you dare say ‘I’m fine’,” he scowled. "Because we both know you’re clearly not.”

You racked your brain to try and find a way to explain that you were okay and that this was just a small moment of weakness, a blip in the road, that there was nothing to worry about and you had it all figured out.

But the words never came, instead you draw your knees up and hug them close to your chest as if to hide away from his piercing gaze.

Astarion lingers by your side for a moment, his expression unreadable.

“Would you like to stay in here for a while?”

Unable to find the energy to speak, you simply nod.

“Then come on, scooch over.”

As you shuffle slightly to the side, Astarion sits down next to you, draping an arm over your shoulder and allowing you to settle your head into his side and cling to his shirt in a way that a child might cling to their mother.

“...I’m sorry."

From the corner of your eye, you could see Astarion’s expression soften as he waved a nonchalant hand. “Oh, you have nothing to be sorry for, dear. If anything, I should be the one apologising, who knew being in my mere presence would be so breathtaking?”

You managed a small chuckle at that.

“But in all seriousness,” he continued. “I know a thing or two about putting on a façade and... well...,” he paused. “Just... know that if you ever want to talk, I’m all pointy ears.”

You hum in acknowledgement, though you can tell by his undertone that he’s being disingenuous, kindness wasn’t exactly his forte after all, but you appreciated the attempt all the same. But you were just content to sit in his arms for a while, and he seemed pleased enough with the silence. So, for now, you inhale the comforting aroma of bergamot, rosemary and brandy, letting yourself get lost in his comforting presence.

And exhale.

xxx

Hellooooo Baldur's Gate 3 has me in a chokehold and the brainrot is real. I'm only in Act 1 hence why this fic takes place so early in the game but this idea wouldn't leave me alone so here we are. Apologies for any inconsistencies :'3 Let me know what y'all think!

*Edit - since this has been pretty well received, I've opened up requests! Pop me an ask if you would like one :)

#astarion x reader #astarion x mc #astarion x tav #astarion bg3 #baldurs gate 3 #my writing #tw panic attack

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