#schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Toffee Apple

Pairing: Alex X Male farmer/player

Rating: Teen

For the past couple of years Alex had skipped out on Spirit’s Eve. It had gotten pretty stale. Fake plastic hedge maze, shitty plastic scares, and even shittier food that might as well have been plastic. Just bad all around.

This year, though… on top of keeping his farm afloat Colton had volunteered to grow a huge corn maze on his land for the town’s Spirit’s Eve celebrations. And the rumors had been buzzing around Pelican Town since: Colton had recruited the weird wizard dude who lived in the woods to provide spooks for the haunted corn maze, Gus had been inspired by Colton’s enthusiasm and dug up new recipes for Spirit’s Eve treats, Marnie wanted to set up a hayride for those who wanted a calmer vibe. Everyone was excited to see this year’s festival, Alex included. Even if he hadn’t cared about the event, he had a personal reason to be excited this year. Colton had straight up asked him on a date.

“I may not look it, but I’m a giant scaredy cat. I need a big, strong date to guide me through the maze. You up for it, dude?”

Haley had been staring at him so intensely that Alex could practically hear her brain screaming at him to “Just say yes, you big dope!” For once, he didn’t need her intervening, he’d said yes almost immediately. Colton’s smile and faint blush was worth the awkwardness of Haley standing there looking like she wanted to scream with delight.

Now the big night was here and he was nervous as hell. This was his first real date in a while and his first date with another dude, period.

Alex looked himself over in the full-length mirror in the hall outside his room. He’d chosen to wear a grey hoodie under his old letterman jacket and his cleanest jeans. Hair perfectly coiffed then perfectly re-coiffed, his usual hour-long hair care routine had lengthened into two. He anxiously looked over the cologne Haley had forced into his hand that morning.

“Spiced Orange. Seasonal and sexy!”

He sniffed it warily. It did smell nice… ah, what the hell. He sprayed himself then tossed the bottle through the doorway onto his bed.

Alex wished he had someone other than his grandparents to give their opinion of the end result.

His grandmother was terribly biased, “You always look handsome, dear!”

And his grandfather was not biased enough, “Hair is hair. You look like always do.”

Out of desperation, he’d asked Dusty’s opinion too. “What do you think, boy?” He gently scratched his old dog behind the ears. “How do I look? Underdressed?”

Dusty huffed a quiet doggy noise of reassurance and licked Alex’s fingers.

Alex set his jaw, chiding himself. (It’s a haunted corn maze, not the fucking opera. Just chill.)

It was definitely going to be a cold and spooky night. Alex’s breath misted in the air as he headed out of town toward Gullwing Farm, hands shoved in his jacket pockets for warmth. Fog swirled around his ankles.

Alex’s jaw dropped as Colton’s farm came into view. He’d really gone all out. Orange and purple fairy lights were strung everywhere. Ghost and witch decorations hung from the trees. Menacing scarecrows leered in the fields. Dozens of jack-o-lanterns lined the lane that led into the farm.

Right at the main gate to Gullwing there were two signs, both decorated with childish drawings of different townsfolk being scared by different monsters. Alex recognized Vincent and Jas’s handiwork straight away. One sign said that entry was free, but there was a suggested donation of five dollars. The second sign was slightly ominous, simply stating that the “Ghost Show” was at midnight… whatever that meant. Alex put fifty bucks in the slotted box nailed under the first sign and went through the gate.

Gus had a canopy set up under which he and Emily were busy doling out food and drinks. Trays of toffee apples, buckets of popcorn in three different flavors, ‘devil hot’ potato chips, pumpkin cookies, ‘mini brain’ cake pops, ‘graveyard’ cupcakes, apple punch, and hot cider. It must’ve taken them all day to get things ready.

Haley was hanging out with her sister, looking vaguely bored and eating a cake pop. When she spotted Alex, she gave him a quick once over and a round of brief silent applause. Feeling slightly better having his friend’s approval, Alex waved at her as he went by. The food looked delicious, but Alex was still mostly nerves. He didn’t think he could eat anything right now.

Pierre had set up his stand too, of course, selling Spirit’s Eve t-shirts and decorations. Alex bought a little plastic bobble ghost for his gran. She liked these weird, cheap little things for some reason. She had so many that she’d had to buy an enormous bookcase to display them.

The corn maze loomed in the distance, looking intimidating and surprisingly eerie in the fog and dim, colored light. It really was huge, it would probably take a couple of hours to get through, maybe even more. Alex was impressed by the enthusiasm and effort that not just Colton, but everyone had put into this. The whole town had really pulled together to make things better than before. Colton seemed to have that effect on people, Alex included.

Jodi was standing outside the maze with a tearful Vincent, telling him that it was too scary for him and trying to convince him to check out the more laidback hayride Marnie had going not far away. Sam, Abigail, and Sebastian stood nearby, pushing each other around and laughing.

Sebastian caught his eye and waved. Alex waved back. This is what he’d meant by Colton having an effect on him too. Old Alex dismissed Sebastian as “that weird guy” without a second thought. But when the weather had gotten colder and their morning beach runs had evolved into morning hikes in the mountains, Colton had invited Sebastian to join them sometimes and Alex had been surprised to learn that not only could Seb keep up with them even though he was 95% skinny legs, but he also knew a lot about wildlife (frogs mostly). He’d also discovered that they actually had things in common. They were both really into an old adventure-fantasy comic series that had been all the rage before either of them was born. Sebastian had even lent Alex two of the comics he was missing from his own collection. New Alex had learned not be so fucking judgy. He was liking New Alex way more than Old Alex.

Abigail linked arms with Sam and marched him into the maze. Seb pointed to a little picnic area where people were milling about eating treats, waiting for their turn on the hayride, or just enjoying the atmosphere. Alex could see Colton waiting there, munching enthusiastically on a toffee apple. Willing himself not to blush, Alex nodded his thanks to Sebastian and made his way over.

Colton towered over literally everyone around him and Alex was relieved to see that they had similar outfits on. He was wearing a fleece lined black-and-teal plaid jacket over a dark sweater and faded jeans. Now that it was too cold to surf every day, his tan skin had lost its golden luster and his hair had faded from bleached back to sandy blonde, but Colton was still super hot, to use Haley’s words.

Colton spotted him and quickly swallowed a bite of his apple, “Hi, Alex!” Like Haley, the farmer gave him a once over and Alex felt his chest tighten with anxiety. “Looking very spruce tonight, dude.”

Oh, thank fuck. “Thanks. You’re looking good yourself.” Alex was impressed with how chill he sounded, despite feeling very unchill. “Did you do all this yourself? It looks awesome, I barely recognize the farm.”

“Thanks! But nah, I had a lot of help. Demetrius helped me design the maze, but I did all the planting and watering and maintaining. Vincent and Jas helped with decorating and Marnie’s handling the hayride. Gus and Emily are in charge of the food and drink, of course. Rasmodius also said he’d provide scares for the maze and something called a ‘ghost show’. Not sure what that means, I’m kinda nervous about it to be honest—"

A scream came from the maze, startling Alex and sending a ripple of murmurs through the picnic area.

“I think that’s Maru, poor woman’s been in there for a long time. Even Harvey made it through the maze before she did. We should rescue her if we find her.” Colton finished off his apple and tossed the stick into the trash. “You ready to guide my wussy ass through this maze or would you like some food first?”

“Let’s get our maze on.” Ugh. New Alex still sometimes said mortifying shit.

Colton seemed charmed by it, thankfully, and they entered the maze. Alex didn’t scare easily, but he had to admit it was pretty creepy in here. The corn was so thick you couldn’t see through it, and it rose high over even Colton’s head. The only light in the maze came from the full moon and the fairy lights that occasionally criss-crossed overhead and it was like outside noises were muffled somehow. The ankle-deep fog outside the maze became knee-map inside. Somewhere ahead they could hear Sam whimpering and Abigail calling him a baby.

The first scare that Rasmodius conjured up, maybe literally, came running at them from out of the corn. A skeleton that glowed a sickly green sprinted right for them with arms outstretched. Alex jumped as Colton screamed. The skeleton blew right by them, bony fingers scratching at the farmer’s arm before disappearing into the corn again. Alex’s stomach flipping had nothing to do with the scare and everything to do with Colton grabbing hold of his hand.

“Sorry for making you jump, Alex. Did warn you I was a big ol’ scaredy cat.” Colton sounded self-conscious.

Alex hated to hear it. Didn’t feel right, that someone as awesome as Colton was feeling bad about himself. He gave the farmer’s hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled. “Nothing to be sorry about, dude. Happy to be bodyguard and date tonight.” Or any night.

And Alex played his part well. The wizard’s scares definitely weren’t of the plastic variety. Giant spiders, weird noises in the corn, invisible hands that brushed at their ankles and arms, figures in the fog, drooling red-eyed hounds, big swooping bats, footsteps that ran up behind them with nothing there when they turned. Colton didn’t scream every time, but there was always someone else screaming just out of sight.

By the time they reached the middle of the maze, Alex had one arm wrapped tight around Colton’s waist. The farmer looked around nervously. There was nothing here in the center of the maze except a creepy statue of what looked like a guy with an octopus for a head. Poor Maru screeched again, but it sounded distant. It seemed she might actually get out sometime before dawn.

Colton looked at the faintly glowing display on his watch, “The ‘ghost show’ starts soon. Wanna see what that is before we try making our way out?”

Alex nodded, even he needed a break. “Sounds good.”

The wizard’s ‘ghost show’ started at exactly midnight. Vaguely human-shaped figures, glowing pale blue, drifted up through the corn and started swirling over the maze. Fast, slow, they zipped and twirled overhead. There were a few surprised squawks from the maze dwellers, then a murmur of amazement. Considering what they’d been through already tonight, this was actually kind of… soothing.

(And romantic?) Alex’s brain supplied oh-so-innocently.

No! Don’t be stupi—Alex swallowed thickly. Apparently, Colton agreed with Alex’s brain. He’d turned to face Alex, leaning in slightly. The anxiety in his deep brown eyes had melted into something very close to desire.

(Okay. The hottest man in the valley wants to kiss you, don’t fuck it up. Shit. I can do this. Okay. Fuck. C’mon, Alex, you’re not afraid of ghouls and shit, but you’re afraid of a kiss? Just--)

He blinked. Colton was suddenly angling away, looking a little embarrassed. Belatedly, Alex realized that the other man had been politely waiting for him to lean in too and had taken his getting momentarily lost in his own panicked brain as disinterest. Great. Fucked it up instantly.

“Then unfuck it, doofus!” He heard Haley’s voice so clearly in his mind it was like she was swirling overhead with the wizard’s ghosts. Hoping this didn’t make things even more awkward, Alex slid his arms around Colton’s neck and leaned in. The embarrassment faded instantly. Colton leaned down… and holy shit, they were kissing, the farmer’s body very warm and very firm as it pressed against Alex’s. Colton tasted like toffee apple and he smelled like rain in the woods with a hint of the sea underneath. Then his fingers hooked into Alex’s belt loops to draw him closer and who knew that such a small thing could be so fucking sexy?

They parted, both slightly breathless, as the ghosts above faded out so that near darkness settled over the maze once again.

“That was nice.” Colton murmured.

Alex agreed wholeheartedly. “Yeah, it was.”

He shivered as Colton’s lips brushed against his ear and his fingers tightened in his belt loops. “You smell amazing, by the way…”

Score one for Haley, she’d be pleased to hear it. Alex was trying to form some kind of reply that wouldn’t want to make him shrivel up and die when somewhere to their left they heard the sound of Abigail screaming and Sam laughing long and loud and very donkey-like. Their little romantic moment was over, but not ruined.

Colton’s lips were at his ear once more. “Get me out of this maze alive and I’ll kiss you again.”

If it wouldn’t have ruined the experience for everyone else, Alex would’ve bulled a straight line through the corn and made his own exit.

Oddly, kissing Alex seemed to have bolstered the farmer. He was much less jumpy as they navigated their way out and only screamed twice. Alex felt his ego puff up. Just a bit.

Someplace ahead of them they heard Maru shriek again, but this one was different. It was a scream of triumph, “Heck yeah, I survived! Emily, two cupcakes, please!”

Colton laughed, “Guess she found her way out.”

A few more twists and turns and they found their way out as well, Colton breathing a sigh of relief in the cold night air.

“Thanks, Alex. My hero.”

True to his word, Colton was moving in close again. Alex moved as well, perhaps a bit too eagerly as their noses bumped lightly. Colton only chuckled, tilting his head just a touch more so their mouths slotted together perfectly. Goddamn he tasted and smelled and felt so good. Alex could get used to this…

Afterward they bought some snacks and cider and went to join Maru and a few others in the picnic area. Haley had disappeared, probably went home a while ago. Spirit’s Eve wasn’t really her thing. She’d likely just come to give her sister and Alex some support. With the kids in bed and the last few stragglers exiting the maze, Marnie was dismantling the hayride and loading her ponies into the trailer behind her truck. Alex took a bite of the toffee apple he’d bought, a sheepish grin on his face. He knew it was kinda goofy, but he wanted to relive the taste of Colton’s lips a few more times.

They were halfway through their snack feast when Sam, Abby, and Sebastian emerged from the maze, taunting each other about who was the biggest baby.

“Didn’t hear Seb once so he’s obviously the champ among you three.” Colton called out with a teasing smirk.

Abigail laughed as the trio came to a stop beside their table. “You and Maru had a chorus going.” She teased back.

“Oh dude, yeah, I definitely would’ve dropped dead five feet into the maze without Alex to protect me.”

Alex’s cheeks flushed as he felt Colton’s hand slide over his wrist. Abby and Sam’s eyebrows raised in surprised, Sebastian just looked smug that he’d known something his friends hadn’t. Old Alex would’ve cared, probably too much. New Alex didn’t give a fuck.

He just smiled and gave Colton a nudge with his elbow. “Don’t sell yourself short, you didn’t shit yourself on the way out.”

The five of them laughed together. It felt nice.

“Walk me home?” Colton asked as they threw their trash in the bin, gesturing to the farmhouse in the distance.

“Yeah, of course.”

Alex felt more sets of curious eyes on them as they walked off hand-in-hand. He still didn’t give a fuck.

As soon as they entered the farmyard Finn, Colton’s dog, came barrelling out of his doggy door and jumped all over Alex, barking excitedly trying to lick his face.

“Oh, I see who his favorite is.” The farmer smirked.

Alex laughed and scratched Finn around the neck, trying and failing to keep all four of the dog’s paws on the ground. “Hey, buddy!”

“Thank-you, Alex.” Colton said as they ascended the stairs onto the porch, Finn racing in circles around both of them. “I had a lot of fun with you tonight.”

A pleasant little knot of warmth formed in Alex’s stomach. “Me too.”

“No hike tomorrow. Gotta take all this stuff down.”

“Not by yourself, I hope?” Finn impatiently butted his head against Alex’s leg and he reached down to pat him.

“Nah. Wizard dude is taking care of the spooky stuff tonight. Marnie, Gus, and Pierre are taking care of their areas tonight too. Tomorrow morning Marnie, Shane, Seb, Sam, and Abby are coming to help with the rest.”

“I’ll help too. What time?”

“Yeah? I thought it’d be kinda tacky to ask my date to help me clean up.” Finn was harassing Colton for pets now, and he ruffled the dog about the ears.

“Nah, I want to help. Just tell me when to show up.”

A fond little smile curved Colton’s lips, “Why don’t you come by a bit earlier than the others? I’ll make pancakes.”

Alex felt his cheeks go red, “…I’d like that.”

“Seven, then?”

“I’ll be here.”

His affection quota satisfied, Finn slipped back through his doggy door into the house. Colton’s affection quota not quite satisfied, he placed a soft kiss on Alex’s jaw. “Goodnight, Alex.”

“See you tomorrow, Colton.”

#stardew valley #stardew valley alex #supportive bestie haley #supportive bestie sebastian #supportive doggo dusty #alex x male farmer #alex x male player #schmooples fic #farmer colton #colton x alex

[greypetrel]

🦐shramp.

Hiiiii, thank you so much! :D

Tis the prompt list

🦐 - tell me about a character or story that is giving you shrimp emotions right now

Going into fiction here.

I'm having a Pavus moment these days. Aka: reading and thinking more about all three of them and rolling them around in my brain like a tumble-dryer.

It's for a fic but... Eh.

A divorce-core, but where people stay together because whatever duty they think they have. Making everyone miserable out of love, not spite. Which makes everything that much tragic and desperate and nasty, to me.

Last Resorts of Good Men would have been a lot less powerful and tragic if Halward had been openly spiteful and professed just hate towards Dorian, in my opinion, and not admit that what he did, he did it out of VERY misplaced love, a twisted idea of it.

Also discovered these two snippets on mama which are fun.

Do you think Dorian and Cassandra did the spiderman meme pointing at each other when they met in Redcliffe or Havenand recognized each other?

Headcanon: Dorian is actually terrorized by nugs.

Leliana uses Schmooples as a way to make him behave.

#personal crap #low stake asks #meta #dorian pavus #insert the gif of the man attaching strings to papers on a wall to prove a conspiracy #it's me when I start talking about the pavus or the alexius #I can't wait to see tevinter in DA4 and just how much fucked up it actually is #bioware please don't sugar coat it #again

[sulky-valkyrie]

Find the Words

Rules: Search your works for the given words and post the context of what you find! My given words (from @squadron-of-damned) were youth, hypocrisy, burrow, and biased.

YOUTH - I couldn't find this anywhere, but here's a bit of "young" from The Room at the Top of the Pearl

A young man with dark hair walked in, followed by a huge chair - presumably it was being carried by the butler, but all Fenris could see were fingers. He was handsome enough, but in a bland forgettable way. “Serah Sparkle! Will this do for your escort?”

HYPOCRISY - I hope a bit of "hypocritical" will suffice from Anything for Her, Even This

One hand reached back for Alistair’s, twining their fingers together, as the other reached forward, brushing hair back and cupping Morrigan’s cheek, and Maker, the way the witch leaned into Ris’ touch answered every question. He’d just slept with her, and somehow, he was the one intruding. No words were needed. The elf glanced back at Alistair and squeezed his hand. He nodded. It would be terribly hideously hypocritical of him to object. Really, as long as Tabris was happy, he didn’t care.

BURROW - from Dark Promise Broken

"Schmooples isn’t too fond of snow, but as long as I have a blanket for him to burrow in, he’s as happy as a pig in mud. The Guardian is still here, but doesn’t come out often - it seems he only challenges people once, and only a few of the scholars are able to make the climb up to the mountain."

BIASED - this is from an as yet unpublished fic @glowing-blue-feathermage and I have been working on for over six months

Anders shook his head tiredly. "She was in a cage, Fenris. For dogs. That might be how you train dogs, but it isn't how you teach a person." "A cage," he repeated. "An actual cage? Or is this what you've decided to style the Circle as?" The mage groaned and rested his forehead on the table. "Someone else tell him, alright? I'm too biased to be trusted and too tired to argue."

I obviously have to tag @glowing-blue-feathermage because she's the literal best, but I'm also gonna have to no pressure tag @justcallmecappy @blarrghe and @rosella-writes to go a hunting for majestic, feral, kinship, and impact.

#tag games #excerpts #wip excerpt

[danceswithdarkspawn]

Please note: many of my works explore dark topics such as mental health, abuse and more. I strongly urge minors to DNI.

Published

BROKEN BIRD | World: Origins | Type: Chaptered | Status: Ongoing | Length: 68.9k (current)

Summary:

Ariel Tabris, distrustful of humans, struggles to come to terms with the events that lead her to becoming a Grey Warden. When a lay Sister joins the party to help end the Blight, she finds herself cautiously intrigued by the woman’s colorful past.

Additional Notes: This is a quasi-novelization of the events of DAO that diverges from canon in an effort to explore a darker undertone of the in-game universe and to bridge some gaps between Leliana’s jumbled backstory. The fic is narrated in first person via Ariel Tabris, a city elf, as she, her brother, and a menagerie of others combat the Blight. Please be aware of the tags, and/or read the author’s note on chapter 1.

GRIFFONHEART | World: Inquisition | Type: Chaptered | Status: Ongoing | Length: 54.4k (current)

Summary:

A chapter-fic spanning between the events of Adamant and the Arbor Wilds/Valence, wherein I punch a few holes in the canon to get the Hero of Ferelden to visit her bard.

Additional Notes: Set in the same continuity as Broken Bird, twelve years have passed since the start of the Fifth Blight. Following the events at Adamant, Leliana goes searching for her lover, Warden-Commander Ariel Tabris. She’s unsuccessful, fearing the worst, until Morrigan offers her aid. This fic is mostly slice-of-life with a bit of a darker tone, exploring separation, grief, and loss of faith. (it’s also a bit of a dumpster fire but I still love it.)

FOR THE LOVE OF NUGS | World: Inquisition (post-Tresspasser) | Type: Oneshot | Status: Complete | Length: 1.1k

Summary:

Schmooples the Terror may be gone, but his grandchildren carry his legacy.

STRICKEN CANTICLES

World:Dragon Age: Origins

Type: Oneshot

Status: Complete

Length: 358 Words

Summary:

The newly-appointed Warden-Commander quickly grows tired of Divine Justinia’s inauguration and its festivities. Fortunately for her, Leliana knows how to escape the fuss.

Additional Notes: Set between the events of Broken Bird and Griffonheart, a short oneshot from Ariel’s perspective of a night spent at the Grand Cathedral. Short and simple, and fandomblind friendly. Includes non-explicit/implied sex, religious language and body worship.

Upcoming

REMOVE THE MASK

World: Inquisition

Type: Oneshot

Relationships: Gen, M!Warden/Leliana

Status: Unfinished

Summary:

Civil war tears at Orlais amidst the opening of the Breach and Corypheus’ attempts to enter the Fade. The Inquisition, having learned of a plot to assassinate Empress Celene, attends a grand masquerade to thwart the would-be killer, or raise another onto the throne. But while the Inquisitor works tirelessly to uncover the murderer, Inquisition spymaster Leliana has her own shadows to deal with.

RULER

World: Inquisition (Warden!Inquisitor)

Type: Chaptered

Relationships: M!Warden/Leliana, M!Inquisitor/Leliana

Status: Planning Phase

Summary:

Graham Cousland agreed to attend Divine Justinia V’s Conclave in the auspices of attaining peace between the rebel mages and templars. Unfortunately, fate had different plans that saw the Divine’s death and Graham thrust back into world-ending crisis-solving. He now leads the fledgling Inquisition, marked by the Anchor, and must stop Corypheus before he ascends to godhood and destroys everything. But shadows of his past still linger, and old regrets fester as he is forced to work alongside former lover and traveling companion, Inquisition spymaster Leliana, Orlesian bard and Left Hand of the Divine.

Additional Notes: This is exactly what it says on the tin, but includes family drama, infidelity, unrequited love and an unhappy ending.

#Dance's Fic Masterlist #for masterlist

[jarakrisafis]

DA Origins mini fic

“He can’t have gone far, I’m sure we’ll find him.”

“Oh, I hope so. I can’t bear to think of him out there, all on his own.”

Faren hummed to himself as he kept the fire at just the right heat. Dinner was going to be good today. The rest of the camp bustled round. Oghren was telling some tall tale that didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. Sten and Zevran were both seeing to armour and weapons. And Wynne, Leliana and Alistair were pulling the camp apart to look for something.

“I’ve checked in all the tents, it’s definitely not in them.”

“He. Not it.”

No doubt Faren would find out eventually, though he couldn’t say that he wasn’t curious. Alistair wandered over, “don’t suppose you’ve seen Schmooples have you?”

Have I seen what?” Faren asked as he added another couple of logs to the fire.

“Schmooples. Leliana’s nug.”

Faren stilled, eyes tracking over to where the bard in question was shouting into the forest around camp. “Ah,” he said finally, “this may be a problem.”

#dragon age dwarves #warden brosca #jaraks fic

[ranawaytothedas]

Random Maeve and Cullen HC - 

(because I am plotting the fic that a lot this happens in the background of and IDK if I can fit all the little bits in the length I have planned...lol)

They fall in love on the docks in Haven.

This isn’t like love at first sight, it’s over the course of several months of late-night conversation. Maeve sleeps about as well as Cullen and all the recent events just make matters worse. Cullen finds her one night out by the docks, just outside Haven. He asks her what she was doing, and Maeve just tells him “Regretting every choice I have ever made...” Which she was serious about but Cullen actually laughs a little and joins her. They talk till almost dawn that first and most nights Maeve is in Haven. She and Cullen end up meeting at the docks and talk.

At first, they talk about very bland things. Books they enjoy. Maeve’s knowledge of Antivan langue and Culture from living there with Zevran for several years before the conclave. He asks Maeve to teach him some really basic, nice... he puts an emphasis on nice... things to say to Josephine to make her feel more welcome. Maeve takes several nights just to do this and teaching him several phrases. All of which Cullen gives an A for effort, a solid C- for pronunciation. Josie thinks it’s very sweet of both Cullen and Maeve (who often speak Antivan with Josie) to try and make her feel so welcome. 

One of my favorite of the little conversation is when Cullen asks her if she ever had a pet? Maeve tells him about Schmooples and Barkspawn but ads “My sister never let me have pets of my own... she said I created enough mess.” and notes that she has always wanted a black cat. Cullen asks her why. Maeve gets nervous because she knows that most Templars wouldn’t look kindly on a shapeshifting mage, but in the end, she tells him the truth. “Because the one animal I can shapeshift into is a cat. A black cat. My sister can do several... but I always thought of having a cat as a pet and being able to mess with people would be a lot of fun. They think it’s my pet, but it’s really me. I would be a better spy than Leliana.” Cullen points out that he has seen a black cat around Haven, it rubs up against his leg. Maeve doesn’t admit at the time it’s her (but it totally is) but just laughs. Cullen is a little unnerved around black cats after this because he never knows if it’s Maeve or not.

Through their conversations, Cullen ends up sees Maeve in a way most other people don’t get to see while at Haven, he comes to see just how scared, how unprepared, and traumatized Maeve is. Her childhood was far from easy, she makes light of a lot of things and claims not to remember the blight or anything before it to just about everyone else (save Leliana and Alistair), but Cullen knows she is lying because she tells him at various points during their talks about things she remembers. At first, it’s just little things, like how she remembered Alistair buying her a necklace in Denhrim because it was her birthday and how when she sees a lot of smoke it makes her think about standing outside the hut watching the smoke rise from Ostegar as it burned, Morrigan yelling at her to get back inside. That nothing scares her more than Darkspawn (and her mother). 

Cullen also is the one that finds Maeve when she disappears after locking herself in her cabin for three days after returning from her meeting with Mages. Her cabin door was left open and she disappeared in the middle of the night. Everyone freaks out but Cullen says “I know where she is..” He and Alistair argue about Alistair going with him because he knows why she is upset and he can help. Cullen tells him he will only make things worse... and he would have... Cullen finds Maeve, in the middle of a snowstorm, in just her nightgown and blanket huddled up on the dock staring out at the reflection of the moon. She had obviously hadn’t slept in many days, just softly sobbing. Maeve looks over at him when he sits down and says “I am not going back, I do not care how much horrible things the Templars do to Mages I am not going back there... I am not.” She then tells Cullen her account of what happened to her at Redcliffe during the blight and what she saw. Cullen listens, says little but in that moment relizes that Maeve is someone that would understand what he had gone through. That maybe they could help each other. He puts his arms around her and promises her that he will handle things, but she had to get back inside. When Maeve is too cold and tired to walk, Cullen helps her and ends up carrying her most of the way when Maeve can’t make it 3 steps without stopping. 

Those docks and that lake are the background to some of the most shaping moments of their early relationship... 

#inkies:maeve #cullen x inquisitor #cullen romance hc #cullen rutherford #commander cullen #maeve the witch of the frostbacks #the are very emotionally supportive #and they get each other pretty quickly

[sakurasketchpad]

I’ve been getting into the Unexpectables D&D stream and I just got an idea for a crossover fic with Dragon Age. I’m just gonna vent it under the cut and hope people like it (I’m at episode 44 atm so most canon goes up to there so SPOILERS!!!)

First the Sweet Dragon by some strange magic, gets warped into Dragon Age world with most of its employees and some guests

Meryl’s not there b/c she’s went to school, Hassrad I’d imagine not there b/c honestly his snakes probably won’t survive Ferelden winters

ATM because of the show’s current quest, I’m going to probably leave Luistrong out of this

Also I’m hc’ing that the Unexpectables recruited Log as their cleric after they made a temple for Oreyara

Doros is there b/c he’s was visiting Willow and fell asleep there.

Hammergnar and Solly are visiting after the former snuck the latter away from Brorc to see her friends.

The Sweet Dragon and it’s associated buildings all get warped into a part of the Frostback Mountains just after the Inquisition has settled itself into Skyhold, showing off its appearance with a pillar of light and showing

The Inquisitor goes to investigate with her companions, just as the Sweet Dragon residents wake up.

The Unexpectables open the door to the bedroom just as Iron Bull goes over to look at the lion head.

As soon as EVERYONE gets a look at Panic, they think he’s a demon and pull weapons out.

The other staff appear out of their rooms and freak out as well

Also someone comments on Tai’s head and he goes sad

That spurs Borky to attack whoever made Tai sad.

Start of a Tavern brawl

Task summons Tarusk who charges and pins down someone

Panic starts playing the Pipes of Haunting which doesn’t make the Inquisition’s demon assumptions any better

Eventually Helga comes down and subdues Borky and whoever he’s fighting.

“Do NOT fight in Helga’s bar.”

After this, things calm down and the two groups have a talk

Upon realizing they are in another world, some are angry, some are annoyed, some are a little fascinated etc.

Things happen and the Unexpectables agree to help out as long as the Sweet Dragon and its members are protected by the Inquisition

Panic is pretty much stuck because of his appearance until Willow and Dagna work together to make an enchanted item that can apply disguise self on him

SHENANIGANS!!!

Borky somehow finds a nug that he likes and declares it his new pet

It’s not as bad as Tubbs but the weirdness of the nug is strange

Borky also gets help from Leliana after learning of Schmooples

Task as soon as he hears about various fauna around Thedas, wants to go at least once to collect any trophies

Also he and Bull somewhat bond over their cultures’ respect of dragons

Hammergnar is just relieved that none of the dwarves here are like the ones in Alivast. He still gets weird looks since he’s an elf with a beard but he can live with that

When some of the Inquisition members are curious about the other’s gods, The Unexpectables call out Log so he can go over Oreyara’s tale

Basically the picture book storytelling from episode 39

Somewhere along the line, Borky uses Gripples shocks everyone with the result

Everyone in the Sweet Dragon realizes the mistake of forgetting Borky’s morning ritual

Meanwhile whereever Borky is wakes all the people in the nearby area

#the unexpectables #dragon age inquisition #dragon age #the unexpectables spoilers #My writing

[sacredsymbol821]

whoo boy, am I a sucker for my bioware ladies or what:  Today, I’ve had to resist the urge to play mea again just by reading a friends fic for Vetra, then another friend started playing Dai again and said Leliana named her nug Schmooples and I died all over again, and now I’m just waiting for anything Ashley or Liara themed to cross my dash at this point b/c that would complete the quadfecta

#elias.txt #SAPPY

[ageofdragon]

This is a vastly important question for which the future of my fic hangs in the balance (okay, not really) but I have no idea how to go about answering it and have thus come to you for counsel. Thedas definitely has wheat. But does it have Potatoes? Corn? Rice? Please help!

Okay, so according to the Official The Whole Nug, Culinary Treasures of Thedas all these exist in Thedas.

Wheat is a given and they have different kinds (for instance Sothmere is known for their ryott wheat).

Potatoes are used at least in Butter Soup, made by Orlesian peasantry. Also used in a natural remedy to remove warts.

Corn is actually a favorite of Sera’s, she loves oven-baked corn apparently.

and Rice is used in Orlesian Nug Nug (a rice dish shaped into a Nug), inspired by Sister Leliana and her pet Schmooples.

#food #da lore #definitely going to expand this to all mentioned foods eventually #cause this is a good one #thedosian food #theodsian dishes #thedas cooking #the whole nug #world of thedas vol. 2 #lumateranlibrarian #ageofdragon responds #DA Meta

[schmooplesboop]

Drops of Ice-Cream

Pairing: Alex X Male Farmer/Player

Rating: Teen, bc Alex's brain goes dirty for half a second

He was coming. Haley was chattering on about a bunch of new, cute clothes she’d ordered online, but her voice had retreated to the far reaches of Alex’s mind, because he was walking over. The farmer who’d inherited old man Sawyer’s farm at the start of the spring. Colton.

Alex adjusted his cap, hating that they made him wear it. It was so dumb. Why did he need to advertise the ice-cream stand while he was literally working at it? Who would even see it outside Pelican Town? Lame.

His hands were sweating. He picked up the ice-cream scoop just to have something to occupy himself. Vaguely he was aware that Haley had stopped talking. She’d spotted Colton too.

“God, he’s so hot…” She leaned close to Alex, keeping her voice low so the approaching man wouldn’t hear her.

Alex had thought about dudes that way before, but definitely not as much as he thought about women. But… yeah, Colton was different. Taller than Alex by an inch or two, muscular, but not as broad as him. When he wasn’t farming, he was surfing so Colton’s skin was a golden tan and his short, wavy sandy blonde hair was slowly being bleached by the sun’s rays. His eyes were a deep, warm brown that never failed to make Alex feel tingly all over when they fell upon him. So. Yeah. Colton was hot.

Aloud, Alex grunted noncommittally to Haley and she rolled her eyes.

“Hiiiiiii, Colton!” She waved enthusiastically, sounding somewhat breathless.

Haley had an instant crush on the farmer the second he moved onto Gullwing Farm. The jealousy had been confusing at first, Alex unable to decide if he was jealous of Haley liking Colton because he liked Haley too… or because he liked Colton. Turned out, it was the latter. Colton was friendly from the start despite Alex’s chilly, jealousy-fuelled reception. And as the spring went on Alex found out that they had a lot in common. They were both absolute sports nuts and loved the outdoors as much as they loved their dogs. Since summer had begun Alex had gone for a beach run with Colton and his dog Finn (Alex’s own dog was too old to join them, but Dusty still got plenty of pets from both him and the farmer) almost every morning. It was something that Alex was starting to look forward to.

“Hello, Haley!” Colton called out in his deep, friendly voice, stepping up to the little ice-cream cart. “S’up, Alex?”

“…Hi.” Alex replied quietly. Today Colton wore board shorts patterned with palm leaves and a loose orange tank top that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Alex could feel his face heating up. He didn’t know where to look. He felt Haley’s shrewd gaze on the back of his head. “What can I get for you?”

“It’s cheat day, so an extra-large waffle cone with vanilla ice-cream, caramel drizzle, and a pinch of sea salt please!”

Colton grinned. Alex couldn’t decide if that was for him or his cheat day treat so he ducked his head, cheeks burning, and scooped ice-cream into a cone. Out the corner of his eye he could see that Haley had stepped up beside the stand with a funny little smile on her lips. Please, don’t let her blurt out something embarrassing.

She didn’t. “How are things on the farm, Colton?”

“Melons are really finicky, I’m learning.” Colton replied as Alex squeezed caramel onto the ice-cream and sprinkled sea salt on the top. “Had half a batch die on me. Not giving up, though.”

“That’ll be $3.50,” Alex mumbled, holding the ice-cream out, trying not to blush even more than he already was as Colton’s fingers brushed against his as he took the cone from him.

“Keep the change,” Colton said cheerily, handing over enough cash for nearly three ice-creams.

So much for not blushing even more. Alex’s face felt like it was on fire. “Oh, no. I couldn’t—” He stammered. Haley was definitely smirking at him.

“Farming has taught me that standing in the hot sun all day sucks. Keep the change, Alex. Maybe buy yourself your own cheat day treat.”

Those warm brown eyes were on him, making Alex’s knees feel like water and his belly like a knot of hot chilis. “…Thanks.”

Okay. Colton had his ice-cream; Alex had his cash. He could leave now, and Alex could calm down before his face erupted like a volcano. Right?

Colton did not leave. Instead taking a long, languid lick of his ice-cream that had both Alex and Haley staring. “So, how’s the rest of your summer look, Alex. Any plans?”

Alex’s brain was short circuiting, eyes riveted to the drops of ice-cream, starkly white against Colton’s tan skin, that rolled down the man’s wrist before he licked them off.

Thankfully, Haley decided to take pity on him, “He’s going to one of those sportsball training things in a few weeks.”

“Gridball training camp? Really? That’s amazing, dude!” Colton exclaimed.

Yeah. One he had to pay for, not one he’d earned a spot in. Haley didn’t know that, of course. No one did. He didn’t have the guts to tell them. Alex inwardly squirmed in embarrassment and outwardly put on his cocky façade.

“Yup. Gonna be the best gridball player around. Gonna go pro some day!” God, he hated the way he sounded. Like very douche that had shoved Sebastian into the lockers in high school.

The farmer was looking at him like he’d invented fire. It made Alex feel both guilty and pleased.

“Remember me when you’re famous, hey?” Colton chuckled, licking more errant drops of ice-cream off his wrist before slurping up half the cone in one go. Yoba, trying to keep thoughts of Colton sucking on other things like that out of his mind was an ordeal.

“You can be my number one fan.” Alex said with instant regret. Ugh. Why’d he have to say that? So fucking lame.

“Already am, dude.”

Alex blinked. He couldn’t tell if Colton was being serious or not. Haley’s gaze was bouncing between them like she was watching a particularly interesting match of tennis, hands clasped in glee.

Alex was saved from answering when the farmer’s watch began to beep. “Ah, shit! I gotta water my crops!” He jogged off, splattering ice-cream everywhere and raising his free hand in a wave. “Bye, Haley! See you for tomorrow’s run, Alex!”

“Byeeeee, Colton!” Haley called, waving.

“Bye.” Alex wanted to drop dead on the spot.

Haley turned to him, a truly wicked smirk on her face. “Oh, you two have it so bad for each other.”

Apparently, she wasn’t the jealous type.

#stardew valley #stardew valley alex #stardew valley haley #stardew valley farmer #stardew valley male farmer #alex x male farmer #alex x male player #schmooples fic #farmer colton #colton x alex

[schmooplesboop]

Pairing: Alex X Male Farmer/Player

Rating and warnings: Teen, mentions of past and present alcohol addiction

---

At first Alex thought the thunderstorm had awoken him, or maybe the TV. He’d fallen asleep in bed while watching a movie marathon.

He’d spilled his veggie chips. He was grumbling and brushing the crumbs off his mattress when he heard a loud knocking. It wasn’t the storm or the movie playing on the TV that had woken him up. Someone was at the front door, in the middle of the night.

Alex grabbed his bat from the closet and went out into the hall. The door to his grandparents’ room was still shut, but that didn’t surprise him. Both of them were hard of hearing, his grandad more than his nan. Nothing short of an explosion could wake them.

He flicked on the porch light and glanced out the peephole. Colton was standing there, drenched in the pouring rain. His skin had a greyish cast beneath the glare of the porch light and his eyes were wide and faraway. Something was very wrong. Alex tossed the bat onto the nearby couch and quickly opened the door.

“Sorry—” Colton said immediately, though his voice sounded faint. “You were the closest—”

“Colt! What happened, dude? Are you okay?”

He just stood there vaguely, looking dazed, so Alex gently put one hand on his shoulder and drew him into the house. Colton’s sneakers squelched as he toed them off, leaving them on the mat by the door.

It felt so wrong, seeing Colton, who was usually so cheerful and full of life, somber and glassy-eyed. Alex kept a hand lightly on the farmer’s shoulder, leading him down the hall to his room.

Colton’s clothes were soaked through and the shoulder beneath Alex’s hand was cold as ice. Colton shivered constantly and his teeth chattered, but he didn’t seem to notice either.

“Here,” Alex grabbed a clean pair of sweats and an old Jumino Kart hoodie. “You can dry off and change in there…” He motioned to his small en suite bathroom.

The farmer nodded, but it took a full minute before his feet carried him through the door into the washroom. Sick with worry, Alex waited, teeth biting into his lower lip.

“Alex,” still that vague, faint voice. So unlike Colton. “I’m stuck…”

He cracked the bathroom door and peered in. Colton was indeed tangled in his soaked T-shirt. A towel had also somehow gotten twisted up in everything as well.

Alex grabbed a dry towel and slung it over his shoulder, helping Colton out of his tangled shirt and the extra towel, hanging them both over the shower door. Even after being freed, Colton just stood there looking lost, like he wasn’t really sure where he was. What happened?

“Here…” Alex gently patted Colton’s skin dry.

He nearly jumped from his skin when Colton’s arms abruptly wrapped around him, pulling him into an icy cold embrace. Alex’s face burned bright red, suddenly all too aware that he was only wearing his boxer briefs and a tatty crop top. And that Colton was shirtless. And hugging him.

“Sorry…!” Colton lurched like someone had pinched him and moved away. “Just needed… to feel someone. Sorry, Alex.”

“It’s alright, dude.” Alex replied, even more worried than before. “I’ll… just… wait for you in my room.”

He fled the bathroom, darting around his bedroom until he found a clean pair of joggers and pulled them on. Something was clearly going on with Colton. Really not the time to be thinking about how undressed they were.

Clad in his dry, warm borrowed clothes, Colton was shivering much less than before when he emerged from the washroom and his cheeks even had a little color to them, but his expression was still hollow.

“Colton…” Alex led him to the bed and sat down with him. “What’s going on?”

“I was— Finn and I were out for a hike…”

Alex jolted; Finn, the farmer’s dog, wasn’t with him. “Did something happen to Finn?”

Colton blinked slowly then looked at Alex like he just noticed he was there, “No. I left Finn with… when I—after—” The farmer seemed to lose his train of thought and Alex felt guilty for interrupting.

“Sorry,” he said, hesitating before setting one hand on Colton’s knee. “You and Finn were on a hike…”

Colton nodded, his hand covered Alex’s and squeezed. His fingers were brutally cold. “Finn and I were on an after-supper hike, wanted to get a little exercise in before the storm got worse… and Finn… Finn found Shane…”

Oh, fuck. Shane’s alcohol addiction wasn’t exactly a secret, especially with it spilling out into the public more and more lately. Alex himself had helped Shane, too drunk to walk, home just last week.

A million questions arose, but he didn’t interrupt again. He waited, rubbing the warmth back into Colton’s hand.

“There were so many beer cans… I couldn’t believe he was still alive… his lips were blue…”

Alex released Colton’s hand so he could wrap an arm around his shoulders instead. The other man leaned into him, still shivering slightly. Alex knew how terrifying it must’ve been for Colton to find Shane like that. He’d had a taste of it when he was a kid, before his dad took off for good. He’d also dealt with his own issues with alcohol in high school. It had never developed into a full-blown Problem, but he’d skated close enough to scare the shit out of himself and Haley. He’d never drank another drop since.

“I was afraid to leave him and of course there’s no cell reception out there… I had to carry him back to Marnie’s.” Colton’s voice was slowly gaining its strength back, his thoughts and gaze becoming clearer the more the words flowed. “Leah came to look after Jas and Finn. I drove Marnie and Shane to Harvey’s clinic…”

Alex waited on pins and needles. Was Shane…? Thunder crackled ominously overhead.

Colton blew out a breath, “Doc says Shane will be fine… physically, but it was a near thing. He’s going to talk to him about the emotional and mental matters when he wakes up. Marnie’s with him, told me to go home and sleep, but I… I couldn’t. I couldn’t go home. You were… you were the closest…” He suddenly sat up straight, pulling away from Alex. “Shit, it’s so late. I didn’t realize! I’m sorry—”

Alex shook his head, gently drawing Colton back toward him. “It’s fine, Colt. I just wish you’d called me; I would’ve walked over with my umbrella.”

“Sorry,” Colton said again. “…Thanks.” The color suddenly drained from his face once more, “I feel dizzy…”

“Lie down. I’ll get you some water.”

He helped Colton lie in his bed and tugged the blanket over his legs. He trod down the hall passed his grandparents’ bedroom (the door was still firmly shut) and got a glass of water from the kitchen.

“…Will you lie down with me?” Colton asked when he returned.

“Y-yeah, of course.” Alex replied, setting the water within Colton’s reach on his bedside table.

Colton folded the blanket back.

It was a tight squeeze. Both he and Colton were tall and his bed wasn’t really meant for two, but with their legs tangled together and Colton’s head tucked under his chin they just fit.

The farmer’s hands, finally warm, slid up his back. “…Thank-you, Alex.”

At another time, in another moment, that simple motion would’ve had him shivering. Alex hugged Colton close, just wanting the other man to know he’d always be there when he needed him.

“Don’t mention it.”

#stardew valley #stardew valley alex #stardew valley shane #stardew valley marnie #alex x male farmer #alex x male player #farmer colton #colton x alex #schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Cold Hands, Warm... Heart

Pairing: Clive X Gav

Rating: Mature, cuz little bit goofy and a little bit saucy

Summary: What better use of your god-like powers than to keep your boyfriend's hands warm?

---

They had expected it to be cold, but not this cold. In just a matter of hours rain had become sleet and then snow. At this rate they’d be lucky if they weren’t buried by morning.

Usually, the cursebreakers would take care of transporting the Hideaway’s shipments by themselves, but with so many mother crystals destroyed Valisthea’s bandits had become bolder… or more desperate. Thus, Clive had come along to protect this caravan, as it contained particularly important iron ingots for Blackthorne’s forge and medical components for Tarja. Nothing deterred bandits faster than the presence of the “Outlaw Dominant”.

The unexpected snow and impending dusk had forced them off the road in the middle of a vast forest. It was a risk, taking the covered wagons off the path in this weather, but staying too close to the road at night was just asking for trouble.

Clive looked around their makeshift camp. Their three wagons were half-circled around them for protection from both potential enemies and the wind. The chocobos had been unhitched from the carts, rubbed down, and draped with blankets to keep the snow off. Cole, Corrine, and Torgal were all sitting by the roaring fire at the center of the camp, staying warm and eating a meager supper before their turn on watch in a few hours. He should’ve been eating too, but he couldn’t stop worrying about Gav.

They got so little time to spend together these days he’d asked Gav to come along as extra protection for the caravan. It’d seemed a fine idea at the time. Now his lover was out there on watch in the woods, likely freezing his fingers off because Gav had insisted that August take the one pair of heavy gloves they had, because of course he did. He did wish Gav would be just a little bit selfish sometimes.

Unable to stand around and fret any longer, Clive strode off into the trees in the direction Gav had gone, telling Torgal to stay when the wolf tried to follow along.

Knowing Gav, he was concealed in a hide somewhere among the trees and rocks so Clive made as much noise as humanly possible to draw him out.

The camp was far enough away that it was lost behind a curtain of trees and falling snow when Clive heard a soft sound behind him. He turned and found Gav weaving his way toward him through the pines. Clive had walked right by him somewhere, and he’d even been looking for places Gav could’ve been hiding.

“Something wrong, Clive?” Gav asked as he approached. He gestured to the cloak he had on. “Need this back?”

Clive had insisted that Gav borrow his cloak for his turn on watch. It wasn’t heavy enough to provide any real warmth, but it was at least an extra layer of protection and the hood would keep the snow off.

“No, you keep that on.” Clive said sternly.

Gav snapped his heels together, giving him a grin and a teasing salute. “Aye, sir.”

Clive bit the inside of his cheek lightly, wishing Gav hadn’t hit him with the “sir”. He already was feeling a bit feral from Gav wearing his cloak. It was almost comical. He and Gav had been over almost every naked inch of each other, but seeing Gav just wearing his clothes is what got him going? Baffling.

“I came to make sure you weren’t an icicle out here. Let me see your hands.” Gav obediently pulled his thin leather gloves off and held one hand up for Clive’s inspection. Clive frowned; he didn’t like how red the other man’s fingers were. “Put your hands on my chest.”

Gav blinked, looking torn between amusement and fearing for his lover’s sanity. “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I don’t think feelin’ you up in the middle of the woods is going t’ help, love.”

Clive’s sigh was both fond and exasperated, “Trust me, Gav.” He gently took hold of Gav’s wrists and brought his hands up, setting them on his chest, shivering slightly as the blonde’s cold fingers slipped beneath the fabric of his shirt.

“Oh,” Gav blinked again, this time in amazement, as the bare skin beneath his hands started to heat up, like a kettle over a fire. “Knew you ran hot, but not that it could be on demand.” He gave Clive’s pecs a firm, appreciative squeeze, drawing another shiver out of him. “Is it just the tits or…?”

Clive chuckled, “The whole torso, but it’s hard to get at it when I’m wearing this.” He briefly patted his corset with one hand.

Gav snorted softly, “You’re telling me. If you didn’t look so damn good in it, I’d have cut the fucking thing off you long ago.”

Oh. Now there was something else that scratched at the little feral corner of his brain. Definitely not this corset, but maybe he’d let Gav cut him out of a different one…

“You gonna do this for the whole camp by the way?” Gav was smirking at him, a glitter of mirth in his eye. “Usually not the jealous sort, but that might make even me a little green-eyed.”

He laughed, “No. They’re on their own, this is just for you.”

“So good to me, Clive.” Gav purred.

Clive’s breath hitched as Gav’s thumbs pressed hard against his nipples before leisurely circling them, the calloused pads of his fingers deliciously rough against the sensitive buds. A familiar tightening in his groin sent a shudder up Clive’s spine.

His voice came out raw and slightly strangled sounding, “Gav—"

“Sorry! Sorry,” An embarrassed laugh escaped Gav’s crooked grin. “Forgot m’self for a moment, the lads being so mesmerizing and all.” He pressed an apologetic kiss to Clive’s chin, hands sliding onto higher, safer territory. “I’ll behave.”

Clive blew out a shaky breath, unsure if he wanted the other man to behave. He wondered if the others would notice if he just tossed Gav into the nearest covered wagon and fucked him senseless… or had Gav fuck him senseless. Neither of them was particular about what went where. Very likely they would notice. Pity.

“How are you doing, Gav?” He asked after a few moments.

“Well, ah,” Gav cleared his throat, “Blood’s definitely running hotter than it was. Fifty brigands probably passed us by unnoticed because I’m too busy thinkin ‘bout your magic tits—"

Clive laughed softly, pressing a kiss to each of Gav’s palms before tugging his gloves back on. “Well, whenever you need a warm-up, they’ll be here.”

A low chuckle sounded in Gav’s throat, “Thanks, Clive.” His hands gave Clive’s chest another quick, cheeky pawing. “You too, lads.”

#final fantasy #final fantasy 16 #final fantasy xvi #clive rosfield #gav #ff16 gav #clive x gav #schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Of course these two would be the ones to get me writing again after a bazillion years lol

Pairing: Clive/Gav

Rating: 14+

---

Gav tossed one way then turned the other. Rolling onto his back he looked over at Clive, sleeping soundly beside him. He sighed.

(So much for being older and wiser.)

When Clive had asked if he'd like a drink Gav thought he'd meant in the little mess/pub the Hideaway had, but the man had instead led him to his chambers and handed him a goblet of wine so expensive a vintage it would've made nobility spit to know the likes of him was enjoying it.

"Gav..." Clive seemed nervous, toying with his wine rather than drinking it. "I've... wanted to thank you for your help in Rosaria. You saved Jill..."

He moved closer. Clive wasn't that much taller than him, an inch or maybe two, but he was so much broader, always made Gav feel like he was being towered over. Clive set his wine aside and his hands gripped Gav's shoulders.

"You got me out of that dungeon. You saved me."

"Oh, I- " Gav swallowed hard, his throat clicking. Clive was very close. He quickly set his drink aside before he spilled it. His usually quick and clever fingers felt numb and stupid.

Gav wasn't sure which of them moved first, maybe they'd moved together. All he knew was their lips met in the sweetest kiss he'd had in a long while. Then his hands were running through Clive's thick dark hair and then Clive's hands were on his ass and it was all he could do to tumble into bed, yanking and pulling at the lacings on the other man's top.

And now here he was hours later, feeling like a fool. He'd been in this position once before many years ago: an extra piece in a set of two. It had ended ugly, with many tears and a literal backstab, he had the scar on his shoulder blade to prove it. And although he very much doubted Jill was the back stabbing type, he didn't want anymore broken hearts on his conscience.

He tossed some more, rolling away from Clive. What was he going to do now? Should he just sneak out?

"Mmmn... Gav..." The man nearly jumped from his skin when Clive's voice, fuzzy with sleep, broke into his thoughts. Before he could answer he found himself gently rolled onto his stomach, Clive's lips planting kisses down his back, stubble scratching at the skin.

"Clive-" The word came out a single strangled note as Clive's tongue oh-so-gently touched the base of his spine.

Clive must've heard the distress beneath the desire because he stopped immediately. The mattress jounced slightly as the man sat up, hair rumpled, blanket puddling in his lap.

"Gav? Are you all right?"

Gav pushed himself up so he was kneeling opposite. The moonlight highlighted the plains of Clive's body in a muted blue light. He was beautiful. The blond man's resolve wavered and he cursed himself.

(Do it, you fucking coward. Just rip the bandage off.)

"I've just... I've been wondering where I fit in here, what with you and--" He couldn't finish, but he saw that Clive understood immediately.

Clive sighed, running one hand through his tangled black hair, "I'm sorry, Gav."

Gav's heart sank with his stomach, he waited for the words that would make him a bloody fool all over again. Instead, Clive's next words veered off in a completely unexpected direction.

"I first saw my mother's true colors when she realized that her eldest son saying he felt different from most other boys wasn't because the Phoenix had chosen him." The man's mouth twisted in a grimace of a smile. "She grabbed my chin, her fingers left marks, and told me I was being ridiculous and to never speak of such things again."

Clive stood from the bed, the blanket sliding off his naked form. "My father was much more sympathetic, but he was also honest with me: he'd been fighting against these laws and traditions long before I was born and had made so little headway. He told me the nobility, by which he meant my mother, could have me disavowed and disowned. I would not be Joshua's Shield... or even his brother if I was... myself."

Gav knew he must've looked like a gormless fish, sitting there with his mouth agape, but he'd been completely caught off guard. A rare occurrence that seemed to have become more common in the last few hours.

"It was also my father who told me to find someone who would understand, so grudges wouldn't fester. He would betroth us... to protect me." Clive's face softened as he smiled. "I spoke with Jill, she was very understanding of course. We vowed to put on whatever mummer's show the 'nobility' required. I was preparing to live my life in the shadows when it ended instead."

Clive laughed. It was bitter and brittle and it broke Gav's heart.

He turned away from the bed, staring out at the small balcony off his chambers. "So long as it didn't interfere with your duties and the person you were with also had a brand, the Imperials didn't much care who you laid with. But I, like many, didn't dare to get too close. We were cannon fodder. Too many of us died each day. We took our comfort or lust from each other, but no more."

Clive's voice softened, barely above a whisper. "And then I met you... Gav."

He returned to the bed, sitting beside Gav, one hand reaching out to squeeze his thigh. "And it was like a piece I had been missing my entire life fell into place."

Gav gently clasped Clive's wrist, heart pounding, hardly believing what he was hearing.

"I wanted-- I should have told you all this before." Clive continued, his cheeks suddenly flushing with color. "But when we kissed, my thoughts all but fled."

Gav laughed and fell back onto the bed, pulling Clive on top of him, hooking his legs about the man's hips.

"Now that, you don't have to be sorry for. I was very much in the same boat." He ran his thumb along Clive's jawline, expression softening. "And I feel the same. You've been a right ray of sunshine in my gloomy little life, Clive Rosfield."

He tugged and Clive came willingly, pressing their mouths together, kissing him breathless.

"Dunno about you... but my thoughts are fleeing again." Gav panted into the small space between their lips.

Clive chuckled, "Mine too."

#final fantasy #final fantasy 16 #final fantasy xvi #clive rosfield #gav #ff16 gav #clive x gav #schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Best Laid Plans

Pairing: Clive x Gav

Rating and warnings: Mature, bc non-explicit sexy times at the end of the fic. Bit of angst at the start

Summary: Companion fic to this one, Clive's POV of the day he and Gav finally stopped being pining dumbasses

---

Clive was quiet as Obolus sailed them across the lake to the Hideaway. It was a rare thing when he, Jill, and Gav all returned at the same time, but he sat in the back of the boat with Torgal and the oarsman, watching the horizon. Gav and Jill chatted animatedly at the front, Jill occasionally shooting him a curious glance. Clive’s hand slowly sifted through Torgal’s fur as his mind whirled. As the Hideaway came into sight he cast a forlorn look at Gav, the source of his troubled mind.

The last few months, he could feel Gav pulling away from him. Gav was still friendly, that was his nature, but there was a distinct lack of the chemistry that they used to have. He’d also noticed Gav and Cole sitting together at the Tub & Crown more and more often, drinking and laughing uproariously, their knees touching under the table. The sight of them always made Clive feel disheartened and yes, there was a touch of jealousy. An emotion Clive felt he'd no right to have. After all, what had Gav gotten from him over the years other than mixed signals and rumors that he and Jill were together? That Gav hadn’t decided to move on before now was a wonder.

Not for the first time, Clive felt a twinge of resentment toward his past. Loving another man, openly anyway, wasn’t accepted among the royalty and nobility. And his mother had made it abundantly clear that it wasn’t acceptable in any capacity in their family. But Clive was tired of hiding, of these old wounds running his life. They may have cost him someone he cared for deeply, a sobering realization he’d come to the first time he’d seen Gav and Cole smiling fondly at each other.

Obolus docked the boat and hopped out to tie the lines. They walked down the docks, Gav and Jill still in front, and rode the lift to the Hideaway’s main area. As soon as the lift stopped Torgal took off running. Charon or Harpocrates must’ve promised him a treat upon his return. Jill raised her eyebrows slightly, asking without speaking if Clive wanted to talk. He shook his head and she nodded, giving his arm a gentle squeeze before walking off.

Clive watched Gav out the corner of his eye. He’d promised himself he’d talk to Gav when next he saw him, finally just put everything out there. He’d even planned out what he wanted to say. Clive sighed, chiding himself. How could Gav be scarier than anything else he’d faced so far? Just walk over. Ask if he wanted a drink. Pour his heart out. Hope Gav didn’t tell him to fuck off. …Easy. Gav waved at Cole who was chatting with Dorys in the distance and Clive felt a pinch in his gut. If it was too late… he’d just have to live with that. Somehow.

Clive broke into a little jog, catching up with the blonde as he was ascending the steps to the common area. “Gav? Would you… would you care for a drink?”

“Always!”

Gav gave him a brilliant smile and Clive felt his cheeks flush. He really hoped it wasn’t too late. Clive headed for his chambers, knowing Gav was probably confused about that, but he didn’t think he’d be able to speak if they were sitting in the middle of the pub.

He chose a wine at random and filled two goblets, fingers feeling thick and clumsy. His stomach was rolling as he turned to Gav and held one of the cups out. Gav nodded his thanks and accepted the wine, taking a sip and looking like he wanted to be elsewhere. Clive’s heart dropped. He looked down at his own wine, slowly turning the goblet in his hands.

“Gav... I've... wanted to thank you for your help in Rosaria.” He was going off-script already, but he’d lost a bit of his nerve. “You saved Jill...”

He moved closer, trying to muster his courage again. Maybe if he… Clive set his wine aside and reached out to take a hold of Gav’s shoulders. The contact did make him feel a little better, bolder. “You got me out of that dungeon. You saved me.”

“Oh, I—" Gav swallowed noticeably.

That old familiar pleasant tension arose between them, and Clive felt a little bloom of hope. He took a step closer and Gav quickly set his wine down, the tiniest drop spilling onto the table. There was a beat in which neither of them moved and then Gav’s hands settled on his hips, moving to close the last inch of space between them.

That was all Clive needed, that small gesture that told him Gav still wanted him. He wasn’t too late. While he still had his courage he leaned in, doing what he’d wanted to do for so, so long. He kissed Gav. And by the flames, it was better than anything he’d ever imagined. The man’s warm, solid body pressed against him. Lips soft save for a small, healing cut on his upper lip. The rasp of his beard and the slight taste of wine and apple on his lips. His hand slid along the side of Gav’s throat, feeling the blonde’s heartbeat quicken beneath his palm. With a soft little moan Gav all but melted against him, hands running through Clive’s hair and sending shivers tingling down his spine.

Clive’s mind was a jumble, his whole plan tossed over the balcony. All he could think of was how right Gav felt. How well their bodies, their mouths, fit together. Then Gav’s tongue lightly brushed his lower lip and Clive stopped thinking all together. His hands moved from the small of Gav’s back to his ass, squeezing, pulling the blonde flush against him. A purr rumbled in the man’s chest, his fingers hooking into the lacings on Clive’s corset.

The bed hitting Clive in the back of his thighs was a surprise, he hadn’t even realized that they’d been moving, and he sat down hard with a startled yelp. Gav stood over him, an unspoken question on his face. Clive immediately reached up to pull him into his lap, bringing their lips together once more, thinking that he had a lot of missed kisses to make up for. Gav apparently felt the same, seemingly wanting to kiss every bit of Clive he could reach. His mouth, his neck, even his fingers, Clive shivering in delight as the blonde’s lips brushed against his knuckles.

It was quite the ordeal, getting both of them naked, the pile of armor and clothes around the bed growing ever larger. They’d seen each other’s bodies before, in the Hideaway’s communal baths, when they shared a room at an inn, but now Clive actually got to touch the other man. Every muscle, every scar, every last inch of skin. He also got to discover things that one wouldn’t know at a glance, like Gav had a dusting of freckles on his back… and if you paid particular attention to one at the base of his spine it made him writhe.

Clive felt somewhat under prepared. Having sex with Gav, well… immediate sex anyway, hadn’t been part of his plan, but Gav seemed perfectly content to bring him to a hip arching, toe curling orgasm with his mouth. And more than happy to have Clive pin him to the bed after, grinding against him until Gav spent himself on both their stomachs with a characteristic “fuck me…” sighing from his lips.

Then they were snuggled under the blankets, legs tangled together, exchanging languid kisses until Gav fell asleep with his head tucked under Clive’s chin. As he felt sleep creeping up on him as well Clive had a little inward chuckle about his “ruined” plan. They’d talk soon enough.

#final fantasy #final fantasy 16 #final fantasy xvi #clive rosfield #gav #ff16 gav #clive x gav #schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Perfect Gift

Pairing(s): Clive X Gav, Byron X Eugen, Joshua X ???

Ratings and warnings: Teen, bc there's implied sexy times

My brain has the Big Sad right now so I wrote some Christmas schmoop to cheer myself up. Hope y'all enjoy :)

---

Byron was all in a dither today. Truth be told, he’d been in a dither for the last two weeks, ever since he and Eugen decided to spend Yule together… and introduce their families to each other.

Eugen was bringing his sister and her children, all of whom Byron knew well. He’d been friends with Eudora for some time before she’d introduced him to Eugen all those years ago. They’d remained friends even after young Byron and Eugen had drifted apart, and Eudora and her children had spent many summers in Port Isolde over the years. Byron had invited his nephews, Gav, and Jill, none of whom Eugen knew.

Usually, his Yule parties were loud, noisy, and very crowded affairs with every available friend, colleague, and even some rivals invited. This year’s would be small and quiet, he and Eugen deciding that a more subdued party would be the best setting for everyone to get to know each other.

Byron fussed with the decorations on one of the many Yule trees dotted around the parlor for around the one hundredth time. Usually, these things didn’t bother him, but this was his first Yule with his own family in over two decades and his first Yule with Eugen ever. He wanted everything to be… not perfect, but wonderful, at least.

He probably would’ve driven himself, Rutherford, and the rest of his staff to drink ages ago if Joshua, Clive, Gav, and Torgal hadn’t arrived half a week early to help. Joshua and Torgal kept him distracted, his nephew with conversation, Torgal with demands for scratches behind the ears and rubs for his belly. And though Jill couldn’t attend the Yule celebrations, as she was spending her holiday with her brother and his husband, she also helped distract Byron in her own way. She’d sent a lovely letter and an even lovelier wine, which Byron finished off within a few days. At the manor, Clive assisted Rutherford in ironing out all the little details, and Gav was helping with the ongoing effort to decorate the estate.

And when Byron discovered that the boar he’d procured, the centerpiece of the feast, had spoiled, it’d also been Gav who’d vanished into the forest outside Port Isolde with Torgal in tow, returning nearly eight hours later, both of them splattered in blood and Gav dragging the largest boar Byron had ever seen on a sledge behind him. Even offered to butcher it if the kitchen staff proved too squeamish to do it.

“Hope you’re planning to hold onto that one,” he’d muttered to his nephew as they watched Gav pulling his sledge across the main yard, making Clive’s cheeks turn pink.

“For as long as he’ll have me, Uncle.” Clive muttered back as Gav waved at them enthusiastically, a grin on his bloody face.

Byron flitted from the Yule tree to the fireplace, arranging and rearranging and re-rearranging the festive statues of snow moogles on the mantle. Tomorrow evening. Twenty-four short hours before the Yule celebration, even less before Eugen and his family would arrive. He bustled out of the parlor to make sure the guest rooms were still in order.

❆ ❆ ❆

Despite the dusting of snow they were getting, the main marketplace in Port Isolde was packed with people. Joshua rubbed his cold, gloved hands together and shook the snow from his hair before pulling the hood of his cloak up. He followed along as Clive darted from stall to stall, reminding him very much of their dear uncle. His brother was frantically looking for a Yule gift for Gav.

He hadn’t forgotten, in fact Clive had already bought four different gifts for Gav before they even left for Port Isolde, stashing them all in Byron’s bedchamber after they’d arrived. Now it seemed he was going to buy four more, or perhaps the whole market.

“After everything we’ve survived, you’re going to fret yourself into an early grave, brother.” He teased lightly.

Clive shot him a dark look then hurried to another stall, scrutinizing their wares so intensely the poor vendor started to look concerned, as though Clive was going to wreck the stall or steal everything.

“It has to be perfect. It has to show him how I feel…”

Joshua gave his brother a smile that was both incredulous and amused, “Right, because Gav has no idea how you feel about him. You’ve only told him that you love him, gave him grandfather’s ring to wear, made eyes at him the entire time we were journeying to Port Isolde—”

Clive shot him another look and Joshua raised his hands in mock surrender, holding in laughter. He supposed he could understand why Clive was worked up. They all sorely needed this brief moment of respite, wanting it to go smoothly wasn’t unreasonable. Though he still thought his brother was placing too large a burden on himself. He could give Gav an apple for Yule and the man would love it simply because it was a gift from Clive.

And it isn’t as though the perfect gift even exis—oh. His eye fell on a rather handsome set of silver hairbrushes. Well. Never mind. Those would be perfect for—

“Phoenix’s flaming ass!” Clive exclaimed in frustration before turning a sheepish smile on him. “Sorry, that’s one of Gav’s more innovative curses. He must be rubbing off on me.”

Joshua picked up the hairbrushes, handing some gil over to the vendor. “Better my flaming ass than Ifrit’s bountiful bosom.”

Clive snorted out a laugh, all apprehension over finding a gift momentarily forgotten, “Gav did not say that.”

“Oh, he absolutely did. Granted, he was intoxicated at the time, but he did indeed say it.”

His brother sighed fondly, “I love that man.”

❆ ❆ ❆

Byron had seen Clive and Joshua coming down the lane from his bedroom window, returning from the marketplace no doubt, and went down to the kitchen to make some hot cocoa. It was snowing steadily now and his nephews were likely to be damp and cold.

He’d just finished arranging four wooden mugs of steaming hot cocoa and a plate of cookies on a tray when he heard Torgal barking a happy greeting to Clive and Joshua. He picked the tray up and walked down the hall, peeking into the entrance hall.

Both of his nephews were covered in a powdering of snow. Joshua was looking excited, carrying a set of silver hairbrushes tucked under his arm. Poor Clive looked wet and beleaguered. Byron smiled softly. He had a hunch what was bothering his oldest nephew and had just the solution.

“Welcome back, you two!” He called, holding up the tray as he entered the foyer. “Care to join me for a nosh?”

“We’d be delighted, uncle,” Joshua said brightly as he and Clive removed their cloaks and boots.

Byron held the tray out to Joshua, “Could you take this to the parlor please? Oh, and coax Gav out of the library while you’re passing by, he’s been decorating all afternoon. Clive, could you come with me for a moment? I need you for something.”

Clive nodded distractedly; Byron wouldn’t be surprised if his nephew hadn’t heard a single word he said.

Joshua went off with the tray of goodies and his mission to lure Gav away from his work. Torgal followed closely at Joshua’s heels, likely with his own mission to acquire some cookies. Byron led Clive upstairs to his bedchamber.

He gestured vaguely at the cushy chair in the corner of the room, “Have a seat, my boy. This won’t take long.”

Clive sat, still looking like a lost, sad puppy and Byron dug through his wardrobe, “Having trouble finding a suitable gift for Gav?” He asked as he rifled through his clothes.

That got Clive’s attention, head snapping up as Byron found what he’d been looking for and walked over to him with a bundle in his arms.

“Might I make a suggestion?” When Clive nodded, he placed a fine outdoor cloak, thick black leather and lined with dark silver fur, in his lap. This was one of the many gifts Clive had already bought for Gav and hid in his room upon arriving. It’d sparked this idea the moment he saw it, “I think you should give him this. And… this as well.”

He set a heavy, metal cloak pin on Clive’s knee. It’d been forged in the symbol of his, Byron’s, house. He’d given similar ones to Clive and Joshua nearly the moment after finding out that they still lived. The only difference was this pin was the first one he ever had forged when he had the money to do so. It’d been a little personal celebration… and a thumb of his nose to Father, he’d made his house’s symbol as flamboyant as possible. This particular pin was of great significance to him.

Clive must’ve had an inkling of this, because he looked up at him uncertainly. “Uncle, are you sure?”

He waved an airy hand, “Of course I am, my boy! Let him know he’s part of this family. That’s what you’ve really been fretting about since you got here, is it not?” Byron bounced on the balls of his feet, proud of himself. “I can be observant when I really put my mind to it, you know.”

Byron started a bit as Clive’s arms wrapped around his waist, hugging him tightly. “Thank-you, Uncle Byron. For everything.”

Byron laughed too, patting his nephew on the head. “It’s the least I could do.”

❆ ❆ ❆

Yule was here and the estate was nearly decorated from top to bottom, only a few last-minute touches were needed here and there. Gav was helping the house staff hang clusters of winterberry in nearly every important entranceway, standing on tiptoe atop a slightly rickety wooden stool, tongue pinched between his teeth. He knew how bizarre this would look to Port Isolde’s fancy folk, doing menial tasks, but the thought of just sitting back and letting people wait on him, and do all the work, turned his stomach. He would be as tightly wound as Byron.

Frankly, he only felt truly at ease when he was with Clive and when he'd been out in forest boar hunting. That’d brought back memories of his childhood Yules, waking before the sun was even a peek on the horizon and going hunting with his father for the Yule dinner he and his older brothers would help their mother cook later.

The winterberry, bunches of green frilly leaves and berries like large fat pearls, was tied into a little bouquet with a length of golden twine. He finally got the loop knotted at one end of the twine over the hook suspended overhead, hanging up the last winterberry. He was gazing up at it, making sure it didn’t look crooked, when he felt a familiar hand paw at the curve of his ass before squeezing firmly.

“Clive,” He scolded, failing spectacularly at keeping the smile off his lips and the laughter out of his voice, “That isn’t what you do under the winterberry.”

“Oh?” Clive’s innocent tone was belied by the sly smirk on his face. “It’s been a long time since I’ve celebrated Yule. My memory needs to be refreshed…”

Gav hummed out a quiet laugh, nimbly hopping down from the stool. “Well, first you get beneath it with someone…”

Clive’s hands settled on his hips, pulling him forward a bit so they were both squarely under the little hanging plant. “Done. And then what?”

He traced his fingers lightly over Clive’s jawline before cupping his face, “Then, you plant one on ‘em.”

Gav leaned in, kissing Clive soft and slow and thorough, with a flick of cheeky tongue to cap it off.

Clive’s hands squeezed his hips when he made to draw back, “Show me that last part again, Gav…”

There was a tiny, awkward cough and a high voice interrupted them, “U-um. Sorry, excuse me.” One of Byron’s housekeepers had come up on them as quiet as a mouse, cheeks pink and eyes darting everywhere except in their direction. “Lord Rosfield. Sir Gav. Lord Byron’s guests are coming down the lane. He wishes for you all to greet them in the main yard.”

Clive’s face had gone a brilliant shade of red, amusing Gav to no end. Here was the man who’d been so boldly grabbing his ass just a few minutes ago, blushing like a shy lad about to slip into his First Night bed.

“Thank-you,” he said to the housekeeper, as Clive seemed to have lost his tongue. “We’ll be along right quick.”

The housekeeper gave a nod and hurried off. Alone once more, Gav quickly covered Clive’s warm, flushed face with kisses.

“Memory chugging along yet?” He asked with a grin.

Plainly recovered from his embarrassment, Clive’s arms wrapped tight around his waist, “Getting there. Perhaps just once more…”

❆ ❆ ❆

His palms were sweating. Eugen and his family were still a ways away, but Byron surreptitiously wiped his hands on his trousers. Joshua, Clive, and Gav stood with him, all of them looking on with interest. Torgal was the only one who seemed bored with their approaching guests, having a nap curled up in the newly fallen snow.

Eugen and his nephew reached them first, mounted on massive brown-feathered chocobos. His sister and twin nieces were a little ways back, concealed inside a carriage being pulled by two more chocobos and steered by one of Eugen’s men. A handful of Eugen’s soldiers walked behind the carriage; the roads weren’t safe for travelers these days.

“Eugen!” Byron raised his arms then paused, not entirely sure how Eugen would want to be greeted. He was rather passionate when they were alone, but with their families looking on…

Thankfully, he didn’t have to decide what to do. Eugen approached him, hugged him, and kissed his cheek.

“Byron, you old bastard, I missed you.”

Byron laughed, that was the man he loved alright. “And I missed you, Eugen. I was buzzing like a frantic bee all over the manor this morning.” He gestured to the trio beside him, “Allow me to introduce you—”

It really wasn’t necessary for him to do this, most of Valisthea and certainly all of Rosaria knew these three by now, Clive and Joshua especially, but Byron wanted this evening to be a little slice of normalcy for them. They’d earned—no, they deserved it.

“—These are my nephews, Clive and Joshua Rosfield. And this is Clive’s companion, Gav.”

Clive promptly made sure they understood what sort of companion Byron was talking about by twining his fingers with Gav’s. Byron smiled a little.

Eugen shook each of their hands. “Eugen Havel. Enchanted to finally meet you, boys. Although I think I met you once when you were just a babe,” he said to Clive. “I doubt you remember that, though.”

“Not at all, sir,” Clive replied. “I’m delighted to meet you again all the same.”

Eugen chuckled then looked at Gav, “No second name?”

The lad’s cheeks went a little red, “Common born, sir. We don’t have those. ‘M just Gav from Snowbird Hollow.”

“Ah, the North.”

“Aye.”

Clive was frowning, giving Eugen the eye, like he wasn’t sure if Eugen was judging Gav or not. Byron didn’t blame him. Clive didn’t know Eugen. The man could be brusque but he was far from a snob, just endlessly curious.

The slightly sticky moment passed as the rest of Eugen’s party strolled in through the gate. Both Joshua and Clive tensed slightly when Eugen’s sister emerged from the carriage and Byron immediately understood why. She wore a Yule dress very like the ones their mother once favored and had her hair styled similarly as well.

But Byron knew this woman well and there was no one further from Anabella Rosfield than her. Plump, soft, and round where Anabella was all razor thin sharpness and bony angles. Dark where Anabella was fair. Kind where Anabella was cruel.

She didn’t wait for her brother to make introductions.

“Byron!” She thew her arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug that smelled of powdered sugar and vanilla. “It’s been so long, old friend! I’ve missed you so!” She cast a kind eye over the other three, Clive and Joshua both visibly relaxing. “I’m Eugen’s sister, Eudora. Charmed to meet you, gentlemen!”

“I’ve missed you too, Eudora!” Byron laughed as his nephews and Gav murmured their own polite greetings.

The woman released Byron and grabbed her son by the elbow, pulling him forward so vigorously the poor lad nearly tripped, “This is my son Kasir.”

Kasir was near Joshua’s age, if Byron remembered correctly, perhaps a year younger. Handsome and tall, he had his mother’s golden-brown skin, but his amber eyes were his father’s, Eudora’s first husband.

Kasir had his mother’s charming, roguish smile though, “Enchanted.”

“And these are my twin daughters, Chiara and Melia.”

She brought the sisters forward. The twins would be twenty-two now… again, if his memory wasn’t misleading him. Their father was Eudora’s second husband. Eudora insisted that they could be differentiated, but Byron hadn’t been able to yet. Their skin was a shade lighter than their mother’s, but they had her dark eyes and hair, though their curls were free of the silver strands starting to creep their way into Eudora’s. The twins wore perfectly matching traveler’s dresses and had perfectly matching hairstyles. Byron inwardly shrugged. He still couldn’t tell them apart.

“I call them Chaos and Menace.” Kasir said with his roguish grin, making his sisters squawk in protest.

Byron silently agreed, lips twitching as he suppressed a smile. No one had been safe from the twins and their pranks when they were children. When they’d stayed at the manor one long ago summer Byron finally had to scold them for driving poor Rutherford around the bend.

“Well, isn’t this one pretty,” Chiara murmured as Joshua kissed the back of her hand.

“This one isn’t so bad either,” Melia added, eyeing Clive up and down. Gav seemed amused rather than annoyed by this.

Eudora’s sigh was both loving and long-suffering, “Where are your manners, young ladies? We’re guests here. Behave like it.”

“Told you. Chaos and Menace,” Kasir laughed.

The twins gave perfectly matching long-suffering sighs of their own and curtsied.

“Pleased to meet you all.” They chimed out in unison.

“I hope I’m dressed appropriately,” Eudora said to Byron as she smoothed her hands down the front of her dress. “I got this from that shop you recommended. I bought Yule clothes for my children too, but they’ve refused to wear them until dinner.”

Yule wasn’t widely celebrated in Dhalmekia. Eugen had been to Yule parties thrown by associates and friends before, but this would be a first-time celebration for Eudora and her brood.

“You look resplendent as always, Eudora.”

“Oh, Byron, stop,” She cackled, playfully smacking him on the arm. “My brother is right there. What will he think of you flirting with me?”

“He’ll think that you two haven’t changed a lick in the last thirty years.” Eugen said dryly, making both Byron and Eudora cackle this time. “Shall we head inside?”

“Hold on a moment, dearest Uncle. I’ve been reading all about Yule on the journey here.” Chiara said, dark eyes glittering with a cheerful mischief Byron was all too familiar with. “Is it true that once the families come together the younger generation has a mock battle with snowballs?”

“That custom is usually reserved for young children.” Eugen replied. “But I’ve no issue with you partaking if our host doesn’t.”

“None at all!” Byron said jovially.

Chiara clapped her hands in glee, looking over at his nephews and Gav. “You three game?”

Kasir gave his sister a withering look, “Seriously?”

“Oh, big brother,” Melia sighed, bending down to scoop up some snow. “Where is your sense of wonder?”

“Ah hell, why not. I’m in.” Gav said with a shrug.

Joshua still looked uncertain, but Clive nodded, which surprised Byron not at all. If Gav was in, Clive was in.

“This is ridiculous,” Kasir muttered, still bending down to cup some snow in his gloved hands.

Byron didn’t see who threw the first snowball, but it hit Kasir square in the face. And just like that, the years melted away before Byron’s eyes. They were no longer a group of world-weary adults, but totally unrestrained youth.

Gav and the twins took off running, laughing wildly as they pelted each other with snowballs and tossed a few more Kasir’s way.

“Oh… it’s on,” Kasir spat out a mouthful of snow and chased after them, aiming a snowball at the back of Gav’s head.

Clive immediately charged off to defend his love, shaping a snowball the size of a pumpkin in his large hands. Torgal, awakened from his nap, charged into the fray too, yipping like a puppy and tail wagging madly. With a kind of resigned anxiety on his face, Joshua followed along to make sure no one died by snowball.

“Well,” Byron grinned, watching Clive dunk his massive snowball on Kasir’s head before he could hit Gav. “Shall we leave them to it and have a pre-dinner drink in the parlor?”

Eugen and Eudora did an inadvertent but spot-on impression of the twins, answering in unison, “Excellent idea.”

❆ ❆ ❆

“Don’t laugh,” Gav’s voice said from behind the changing screen.

Dinner would be served soon, and the Yule party would follow immediately after. Clive and Gav were in the guest room they shared, changing into what Gav called their “Lord Fancy Pants outfits.” Soon after they’d first arrived at the manor, they’d spent an uncomfortable afternoon allowing Byron’s tailor to measure them for their Yule clothes. Clive could tell that Gav hated the whole process, but the blonde had endured it for Byron’s sake.

“I would never.” The sincerity in his voice must’ve convinced Gav, because the blonde emerged from behind the screen, tugging uncomfortably at his clothes.

Clive suppressed the urge to let out a low, appreciative whistle. Byron’s seamster had done a splendid job, despite Gav squirming the whole time. Snug, dark trousers accentuated Gav’s long legs and his long-sleeved shirt had a plunging neckline that rivaled Clive’s own. But it was the velvet waistcoat that did it for him. The dark royal blue really brought out the green in Gav’s eye and the cut flattered his trim waist and other… assets.

He licked his lips, “You look…”

“Like Farmer Lord Gav from Snowbird Hollow?”

The way he said it hurt Clive’s heart. He moved close, one hand reaching out to cup Gav’s cheek. “Handsome. Breathtaking. And yes, like Farmer Lord Gav from Snowbird Hollow, because there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

Gav’s mouth opened then closed, cheeks turning pink. He leaned into Clive’s hand, “M’sorry. Being silly, huh.”

“Not at all,” He drew Gav close, kissing him gently. He’d been born into this privileged existence and still felt out of place in it. He had a healthy appreciation for how much more overwhelming it’d be for someone born outside of it.

After they parted, Gav’s deft fingers swiftly closed the brass buttons on Clive’s own waistcoat, also velvet but a deep red instead of blue. “You’re lookin’ mighty fine yourself, Clive.”

They kissed again, this time with a little more heat. Clive was just starting to fancy skipping dinner and having Gav instead when the blonde pulled away, wringing a little whimper from Clive’s lips.

Gav laughed softly, thumb tracing over Clive’s lower lip, “Later, love. We’ll have all night.”

Clive sighed but nodded his head. Gav was right, of course. Damn it all.

“…Clive?” Gav was hesitant again.

“Mmn?”

“I know we’re supposed t’ wait until the party for gifts, but your gift is kind of… unwieldy. Byron gonna mind if I give it to you now?”

“Of course not, my boy!” Clive heard Byron’s jovial response so clearly in his mind it was like his uncle was standing in the room with them, “He won’t mind at all.”

Wondering what this unwieldy gift could be, Clive watched as Gav crossed the room and pulled what looked like something very long and very heavy wrapped in green fabric and tied with gold ribbon from the closet.

“Where—” Clive spluttered as Gav sauntered over, depositing his gift on the bed. It was so heavy it made the mattress bounce. “You didn’t bring that with us, did you…!?” It been hard enough keeping his considerably smaller gifts out of Gav’s sight the entire journey. Where had he been hiding this?

Gav was looking proud of himself, “When you told me Byron invited us to Port Isolde for Yule I had it sent here after it was finished. Told Byron it was coming and it arrived by chocobo cart a few days before we did.”

Clive groaned faintly, he wished he’d thought of that.

“Go on, then,” Gav chirped. “Open it.”

Clive undid the ribbon and unwrapped the fabric.

Father’s greatsword!? Was his first confused thought. But no, his father’s blade was long gone. He knew that. This greatsword was newly forged. It just looked exactly like—

“Had Joshua sketch it from memory,” Gav said softly. “Blackthorne forged it, of course.”

Clive swallowed hard. His chest suddenly tight. He ran his fingers reverently down the hilt and over the flat side of the shining blade.

“Gav, I—” His tongue felt heavy. An overwhelming wave of tenderness toward Gav rolled over him. Tears began to spill down his cheeks.

Vaguely through the barrage of his emotions, he heard Gav frantically apologizing and moved quickly to reassure him.

“No, Gav, don’t apologize…” He took Gav’s hands in his, kissing the backs, his knuckles, the long fingers, “I love it. Thank-you.”

Gav’s arms wrapped securely around him, but his expression was still uncertain, “You sure? If I overstepped—"

“I love it,” He repeated firmly, nuzzling into Gav’s neck, kissing it. “I love you,” He nipped at the skin beneath his lips.

“Love you too, but don’t you leave a mark on me right now, Clive Rosfield.” Gav chuckled weakly, still a little shaken by Clive’s reaction to his gift.

Thwarted again. Clive contented himself with pressing another kiss to Gav’s neck before releasing him. He propped his new blade against the wall in the corner of the room, admiring it briefly before taking Gav by the hand. It was time for dinner.

❆ ❆ ❆

There were only nine of them present, ten including Torgal fervently chewing on a bone in the corner, but dinner was still going to be a noisy affair. Joshua could scarcely hear his own thoughts. Eudora and Byron were the loudest by far, followed by the twins, who Joshua suspected were already a bit tipsy. The wine had been flowing freely. Clive was the quietest, murmuring to Gav, who was looking overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cutlery around his plate.

“Dinner is courtesy of Gav!” Byron announced as the staff began to file in carrying dishes and platters. “Saved the whole Yule feast, he did!”

Gav’s cheeks flushed bright red and he took a hasty gulp of wine. Joshua gave him a smile and his knee an encouraging pat. His brother, sitting on Gav’s other side, did the same.

The food flowed in faster than the wine. Heaps of garlic roasted potatoes, mashed parsnips, tossed gysahl greens, glazed carrots (contrary to popular belief, no longer Joshua’s mortal enemy), thick slices of freshly baked bread, dressed eggs, peas and onions swimming in butter, and of course the boar, roasted to crackling perfection.

Joshua’s mouth watered. Molly, the Hideaway’s cook, did a fine enough job when she put her mind to it, but it’d been a long time since he’d had anything that wasn’t some type of stew or soup. He piled his plate with a bit of everything and asked for a refill on his wine. Clive tossed a generous slice of boar meat to Torgal.

Gav accidentally used the wrong fork for the boar. Joshua and Clive used a randomly chosen fork in solidarity. Joshua chose the dessert fork, imagining the look on his mother’s face if she could see him now.

No. Joshua’s lips pressed firmly together. He was enjoying this evening. He wasn’t going to sour it with thoughts of her.

A foot nudged at Joshua’s under the table and he couldn’t decide if it was Kasir, Chiara, or Melia. All three were giving him the eye from across the table. If he’d been a betting man, he’d put his gil on one of the twins. They had already ambushed him beneath the winterberry hung over the entranceway to the dining hall, sandwiching him between them as they each pressed a kiss to one cheek. Chaos and Menace indeed.

❆ ❆ ❆

Dinner had been for family only, but Byron and Eugen had decided to invite a handful of people to the Yule party. Some of their oldest friends who could be trusted not to harass Clive and Joshua and a few musicians to play, as the twins at the very least would want to dance.

Byron lips twitched in a sympathetic smile as Chiara twirled Joshua around the parlor. His poor nephew was one of the youngest, eligible (at least, Byron thought so, though he did wonder who the hairbrushes were for…) lads there, thus he’d been called upon to dance with Chiara, her sister, and even Kasir time and again. Even some of Byron and Eugen’s friends had coaxed a dance out of him.

Clive remained as tightly coiled as was appropriate in public around Gav, his grim expression meant to scare off anyone who wanted to dance. He’d only consented to dance with Eudora earlier in the evening.

A hand slid into his and Byron looked over to see Eugen standing beside him, smiling as Joshua bowed politely to Chiara and excused himself to hide in a shadowy nook with a cup of wine for a moment.

“This has been wonderful,” he said.

Byron’s heart swelled. That was exactly what he’d been hoping for, “It has.”

“…Would you care to dance?” Eugen asked quietly, gruffly, looking for all the world like the embarrassed teenager who’d asked Byron to kiss him in the garden once many years ago.

“I’d love to, darling.”

Eugen’s hand found the small of his back and he put his own hand Eugen’s shoulder as they slowly glided about the room. Melia walked by them, her gaze firmly set upon Joshua, when Gav smoothly intercepted her, holding one hand out.

“A dance, m’lady?” He asked with a grin.

“I’d be delighted, sir!” She giggled, taking Gav’s hand.

Byron chuckled when he saw his nephew mouth “thank-you” with a grateful sigh.

❆ ❆ ❆

Clive sat on one of the lounge sofas watching Gav dance with Melia, his stomach twisting. It wasn’t jealousy, but nerves making him squirm. He’d retrieved his gift for Gav from under one of the Yule trees, anxiously twisting the ribbon tied about the package around and around his finger as he waited.

Gav had recruited Joshua and Blackthorne to forge his father’s greatsword for him. It seemed they were on the same page in regard to their relationship. So, his gift, wanting to show Gav he was part of their family, wasn’t too much, right?

He turned his gaze and his mind to his uncle instead, trying to distract himself. He smiled as he watched Byron and Eugen dance by the musicians. He hadn’t been sure about Eugen at first, but as the day went on he saw the man beneath the brisk surface. The man who loved Byron dearly. The man Byron had waited decades for.

Clive looked back at Gav, his nerves softening into adoration, relieved he hadn’t had to wait as long for Gav. He would’ve, if he had to, but glad he hadn’t needed to.

The musicians changed to something a little more upbeat. Byron and Eugen continued to dance, and a few of their friends and Eudora joined, but Melia and Gav parted, her curtsying and him giving her a deep bow.

“Had to give poor Joshua a breather. Looked like the lad was going t’ pass out.” Gav said as he rejoined Clive on the lounge, stealing a sip of Clive’s wine.

“Better you than me,” Clive chuckled.

“I thought you were my shield, brother.” Joshua teased as he stepped up behind the lounge.

“You’re not in danger, Joshua.”

“Easy for you to say,” His brother replied. Chiara was now eyeing him from across the parlor. “Your feet aren’t at risk of being danced right off, and you’ve Gav to protect you.”

“He protected you, too.”

“True. Thank-you, Gav.”

The blonde chuckled, “Ah, don’t mention it.”

It was then that Joshua noticed the gift his older brother was clutching in his hands, “Well, I’m going to refill my wine and hide in the library for a while. Wish me luck, gentlemen.”

“Luck,” Gav and Clive said in unison as Joshua walked off.

They sat in silence for a few moments, sharing sips from Clive’s wine, before he finally worked up the courage to set the gift in Gav’s lap.

“Happy Yule, Gav.”

“Aw, Clive,” Gav pulled the ribbon off and unfolded the fabric. He let out a quiet, appreciative whistle when he saw the cloak inside. “No more freezing my arse off on watch—” His eye fell upon the cloak pin and picked it up as though it was made of glass.

Clive held his breath. Waited. He knew Gav, clever and observant, would understand the significance of the pin. He would’ve seen the matching pins on his and Joshua’s cloaks before.

“…This revenge for me makin’ you cry earlier?” Gav asked softly.

Clive huffed an equally soft laugh, moving close to wrap his arm around the blonde’s waist. “No. It’s an offer, and a promise.”

Gav looked at him, his face unreadable. Clive’s heart skipped a beat.

Then he leaned in, pressing a brief, chaste kiss to his lips, making Clive all but melt with relief. “Thank-you, love,” He fastened the pin to his new cloak, smoothing the leather around it. “It’ll look good on me.”

“It will,” Clive agreed, heart soaring. He felt like he could float right off the lounge.

Gav smiled thoughtfully, “Y’know, when I first joined the Hideaway all I wanted was a family. Now I’ve got two. I’m spoiled, me.”

“But I’ll spoil you more than Otto will,” Byron stage whispered as he and Eugen danced by.

“Don’t be rude, dear. They’re having a moment.” Eugen lightly admonished.

“It was not rude—”

Clive and Gav chuckled together as Byron and Eugen danced away again, bickering in the loving way they did.

“And I’ll spoil you more than Otto or Byron will,” Clive murmured. “There’s three more gifts waiting for you…”

“Hells, Clive, you weren’t kidding.” Gav laughed.

No one was looking. Clive snuck in a quick line of kisses up the side of Gav’s neck, his gaze still on Byron and Eugen.

“I want that to be us.” The words just popped out and Clive blushed, realizing what he’d said, but he didn’t take it back. He meant it.

Gav looked at him, smirking slightly. “The bickering or the dancing?”

“Older… together.”

The blonde’s expression softened and he looked down at his gift, fingers tracing the design on the pin. “…I like the sound of that.”

Oh, if only they weren’t in a room full of his uncle’s guests. He wanted to kiss every last inch of Gav.

“Would you like to dance while we’re growing old together?” He asked. It’d have to do until he had Gav to himself.

Gav smiled and stood up, holding his hand out to him, “Love to.”

❆ ❆ ❆

The party was over. Byron and Eugen bundled their friends, all in various stages of inebriation, into their carriages to send them safely home. Clive had to help Kasir carry Chiara and Melia to bed, both sisters too drunk and exhausted to walk. Eudora, also a little tipsy, affectionately pinched Clive on the cheek as thanks before tottering off to bed herself. Byron and Eugen followed soon after. Gav lightly ruffled Joshua’s hair and planted a kiss on the top of Clive’s head before he also sleepily weaved away, leaving Clive and Joshua in the parlor.

The brothers sat together in a couple of wooden chairs facing toward the fireplace. The flames were low but provided enough light and heat that neither of them bothered to move to add more wood. Torgal lay on the rug in front of the hearth, gnawing on what was left of his bone.

Clive was tired, but not as tired as Joshua had to be. Hiding in the library had granted him a small reprieve, but it’d only been half an hour before the twins had found him again. He and Gav had taken a few turns diverting their attention with dances, but it seemed their appetite for Joshua was insatiable.

“I believe my toes have fallen off…” Joshua groaned, pulling one of his boots off so he could massage his foot. “I can’t remember the last time I danced…”

“I can’t remember the last time I celebrated Yule.”

Silence fell between them as they realized the answer together. Before the Night of Flames, of course. A night that simultaneously felt like it was yesterday and centuries ago.

Joshua pulled his other boot off, fingers working at his calf muscle. “How different things could have been if—" He cut himself off, sharply shaking his head, massaging his lower leg a little more aggressively than necessary.

Clive’s mouth twisted bitterly. He knew what Joshua was thinking, because he’d thought it himself a time or two that evening. If only their mother had been someone like Eudora, a woman they’d known for considerably less time, but already adored so much more.

“No,” His younger brother said, more to himself than Clive. “I promised I wouldn’t sour this night.”

“You haven’t—”

Joshua cut him off this time, “For you, dear brother.”

He stood from his chair and dragged a large wooden trunk over to Clive. It seemed Gav hadn’t been the only one with the foresight to send a cumbersome gift ahead of time. He’d have to remember that for next year…

Joshua sat down again with an exhausted sigh as Clive lifted the trunk’s lid to peer inside.

“I know many will consider it a sin, to cover up your chest, but I’ll sleep better knowing your heart is better protected.”

New armor lay within the trunk. Greaves and gauntlets made from dark metal. A chest piece with thick black leather cut in the shape of flames and layered over a metal bodice that glimmered red here and there. It would indeed cover his chest.

“You and Gav have been keeping Blackthorne busy, I see…” Clive murmured, lifting the chest piece out of the trunk, looking it over wonderingly.

“An unfortunate side effect of caring about you.” Joshua replied with a tired chuckle.

“Thank-you, Joshua.”

“You’re most welcome, brother.”

Joshua drained the last of his wine, head lolling back against the chair behind him. Clive didn’t think his brother even heard him get up as he retrieved a bundle from beneath the nearest Yule tree.

“This is from both Gav and I,” Clive set Joshua’s gift in his lap, startling him out of his half-asleep state.

Stifling a yawn, Joshua untied the ribbon and opened the package. Inside he found four thick stacks of bound, blank paper, three ink pots, and three chocobo-feather quills.

He brightened, picking up one of the quills and admiring the tiny, intricate carvings in the wooden shaft. “Gav made these! I’ve been wanting to ask him to make me one ever since I saw the quill he made for Harpocrates.”

Clive nodded, “Ambrosia donated the feathers. Voluntarily, mind you.”

“Thank-you, Clive. This is a fine gift. Thank Gav, too.”

“I will.”

Joshua yawned again and pulled his boots back on, taking a few tries to do it in his exhaustion. Gathering his gift in his arms, he stood from his chair.

“…I am going to bed. If I never see another musician again it will be too soon. Come along, Torgal.”

Clive chuckled, “Goodnight, Joshua.” He rubbed Torgal behind his ears, “Goodnight, boy.”

“Until tomorrow, Clive.”

Joshua left the parlor with Torgal trailing close behind and Clive stretched, his back creaking faintly, before standing up as well. He tucked his gift from Joshua safely beside a Yule tree and made sure the flames in the fireplace were out before heading down the hall to the guest room he shared with Gav.

Clive was mid-yawn when he entered, stopping dead in his tracks at the sight that greeted him. All thoughts of sleep instantly fled from his mind. Gav was posed on the bed, stark naked, with a ribbon delicately wrapped and tied with a neat little bow around his—

“Surprise,” Gav looked very pleased with himself. “Got you more than one gift, too.”

Clive locked the door and beelined for the bed, shedding his clothes as fast as he could.

---

I'll let y'all decide who Joshua bought the hairbrushes for, and if they're platonic or romantic lol

#final fantasy #final fantasy 16 #final fantasy xvi #clive rosfield #gav #ff16 gav #joshua rosfield #byron rosfield #eugen havel #clive x gav #byron x eugen #christmas fic #christmas fluff #also christmas angst #but mostly christmas fluff #implied christmas banging #schmooples fic

[schmooplesboop]

Mass Effect snippet - Caged

Warning: violent imagery, disturbing imagery

  ******

  Drifting. Helpless. She watched the Normandy disintegrate in flares of orange and white, unable to make a sound as the air was sucked from her lungs. Ice crystals, sharp as razors, formed in her throat, in her lungs, slicing through tissue. She struggled. She was dy-

  There had been bravery in his voice, conviction and acceptance, but that hadn’t made it any easier. Neither had the knowledge that his death had been instantaneous.  Kaidan was go-

  It had only been thirty minutes, the longest thirty minutes of her life, but they were already down to half strength. The maws trilled to each other, excited by this feast of rich flesh. She was wounded; the side of her face, sticky with blood, throbbed in time with her heartbeat. Her CO had been the last to go. He’d screamed at her to save him before he was set upon by a maw and swallowed who-

  The sun shone, cheery and bright, in a perfectly clear, perfectly forget-me-not blue sky. The grass was green and lush, the air warm and sultry. The day had started out so beautifully… She clutched her sister’s hand, not stopping despite the ache in her lungs and the burning in her legs, not turning despite the gunfire and screaming behind her. Then her sister was suddenly an anchor, dragging her down as she fell, the abrupt halt of motion nearly pulled her arm from its socket. She hadn’t been ready for her sister to fall. Her face struck the ground and she tasted blood. Dazed, she struggled onto her knees. They couldn’t stop. They had to get up. She turned, reaching for her sister’s hand, and the little girl’s name died before it even left her throat. One glassy hazel eye peered up at her. The other was gone, obliterated by the bullet that had bored through her sister’s sku-

    Betty Shepard sputtered; the flailing of her limbs jerked her out of her slumber and she bolted upright in bed. Her shirt clung to her, soaked in sweat, and there was a sour taste on her tongue, like bile. The glowing clock beside her bed told her it was just after three in the morning. She kicked the covers off and was heading for the door when she stopped dead in her tracks. Right. She was under house arrest, locked in her room after 2200 hours.

  The woman turned on her heel and walked over to the windows. Snowflakes were drifting lazily passed the dark glass, promising cold, fresh air. But the windows didn’t open, she discovered. The Alliance didn’t want their detainees jumping to their deaths. Shepard paced the room, stomach churning, beads of sweat rolled down the back of her neck. Panic, the need to get out, welled up inside her. She glanced at her comm, debated calling her watchdog, and dismissed the idea. He was the last person she wanted to see right now. Shepard ran her fingers through her tangled hair, still staring at the comm. She had to get out of here. Now. The woman hesitated a moment more, then called the only person she could think of.

  The comm’s screen blinked on, revealing Anderson wearing blue and white striped pyjamas, and looking groggy. He passed one hand over his face, “Shepard?”

  The woman could feel the cords in her neck standing out. She spoke in a tight, hoarse voice that she hardly recognized as her own. “Sir, I need to get out of here. Now.”

  The sleepiness cleared from Anderson’s eyes, giving away to alertness and concern, “I’ll be right down.”

  The comm blinked off and Shepard crossed the room, quickly putting on her boots and tying the laces into sloppy bows with trembling fingers. Donning a grey zip-up over her tank top, she paced back and forth in front of the door like a caged animal.

  Anderson showed up ten minutes later, still wearing his pyjamas along with a dark blue dressing gown and scuffed slippers. He moved swiftly aside as Shepard blew passed him.

  “I need to be outside.”

  The man nodded, “We’ll go up to the roof.”

  Alliance HQ was no different from the many buildings that encircled it, having a rooftop garden that provided greenery in a city that had very little of it. At the height of summer, it was a popular place to have lunch. Now, in the dead of winter, in the middle of the night, it was utterly deserted and covered in an ever-deepening layer of snow. Some of the bare, scraggly trees had Christmas lights twisted in their branches, but they hadn’t been hooked up and the trees were dark. Light in the garden was provided by the cheery glow in the windows of surrounding buildings.

  Shepard stood in the middle of the garden, gulping in breaths of freezing air. She shivered, more from adrenaline than the cold. The panic was slowly but surely leaving her body, being expelled with every breath of air. Anderson stood some distance away with his arms folded over his chest, looking down at the sea of city lights below.

  “You don’t have to stand out here with me,” Shepard said, pulling up her hood as she came to stand beside him.

  “I know,” Anderson replied. He didn’t move, and a little smile quirked the corner of Shepard’s mouth. “Here,” he removed a battered pack of cigarettes and a lighter from the pocket of his dressing gown, “figured you’d need one of these.”

  “Thanks. Haven’t had one of these in… six years, probably.” Shepard took a cigarette from the pack and stuck it between her lips, lighting it up.

  “Only been a few weeks for me,” Anderson said, removing one as well then leaning toward Shepard so she could light it for him.

  “Guess that’s my fault,” she said, smirking a little.

  “Pretty much,” Anderson teased.

  Their brief laughter tapered off into silence. Shepard flicked the ash from her cigarette, watching the snowflakes drift passed her vision, but not really seeing them. The drone of passing skycars just barely registered in her mind.

  “I was- I di-,” she said, exhaling smoke out through her nose. Anderson was silent, but Shepard knew he was listening. “And you know the thing that shocked me the most wasn’t the fact that I’d been gone for two years… or that my tattoos had been obliterated.” Unconsciously, her fingers brushed against her inner right forearm, the place where her most cherished tattoo had once existed. “It was seeing myself in the mirror for the first time since I d— I made it off Akuze alive, but I was still pretty ripped up. I had a hole the size of a fucking golf ball in my cheek. Three of the guys on the rescue transport lost their chow at the sight of me. And even after all those surgeries I had a goddamn crater in my face.” She flicked her cigarette butt away and it landed in a drift of snow, snuffing out with a brief hissing sound. “When I looked in the mirror, when I saw my face whole and smooth again, it was like… having a stranger looking back at me. I wondered if I was really me. I saw that same look on your face when I came to the Presidium. You were wondering if I was really who I said I was.”

  Anderson mulled this over, taking a long pull on his cigarette. Somewhere in the distance, a car horn blared. Snow settled on Shepard’s nose and in her eyelashes, and she irritably brushed it away.

  “I admit that seeing… the new you was a shock at first, but as your enemies have learned, you’re not so easy to wipe out. It didn’t take me long to see that it was still you, Shepard – no matter how you looked on the outside.” He extinguished his cigarette stub on the lid of a nearby garbage bin.

  “So, not a clone and not an AI who thinks it’s Shepard?” she asked, only somewhat jokingly.

  Anderson shook his head sharply, “Never. You can’t clone everything, and no AI could ever mimic your life, your experiences, your spirit – you’re you. Trust me… Betty.”

  Her throat contracted and Shepard nodded, her mouth twisting a little, “Thank-you, sir -- Anderson.”

  “Ready to head back inside?”

  “I-“ She almost told him, almost confessed that she’d been dreaming about her sister’s death again, after not dreaming about it for so long. But instead she buried it down deep, along with the other unpleasant thoughts she never wanted to think about again. “-Yeah, let’s go.”

#mass effect #mass effect 3 #betty shepard #schmooples fic #warning: violent imagery #warning: disturbing imagery