i am experiencing monthly astarion brainrot. i need him tickled bad. took matters into my own hands. oh and because i'm a fucking nerd i decided to write a short fic to accompany it. also click for better quality!
Warning: This is a tickle fic.
Features: lee!astarion, ler!tav and ler!karlach (with lee!tav and ler!karlach at the beginning, couldn't help myself)
Spoilers?: None! This does take place in Act 3, though.
Word Count: 885 (short... can you even call this a fic </3)
Karlach’s laughter rings through the camp, disturbing Astarion's tranquil, meditative state. Tav’s laugh follows. The vampire huffs and opens his eyes, rising from his bedroll. The sun has only risen minutes ago, he assumes, and it is not time for the party to set off yet. Any individual with a brain, whether it be infected with a parasite or not, would still be asleep, or awake and avoiding waking the others until they decide to wake themselves. And of course, as Astarion had learned long ago, Tav and Karlach lack said brain. What are they up to now?
Stepping out of his tent, sunlight hits Astarion’s face. The elf squints; he’s yet to get used to it. Tav’s laughter, by now, has risen an octave, assaulting his ears. A frown painting his face, he approaches the source of the noise – Karlach’s tent – to perhaps grasp what could be so funny this early in the morning. He is met with a sight that… he has not seen before.
“KAHAHARLAHAHACH!” Tav is red to the face, lying on the ground with their arms and legs flailing around helplessly. Karlach, clearly overpowering them, is sitting on their thighs, fingers mercilessly wiggling around their entire torso. Astarion barely registered their movement, as no spot on Tav’s torso was left untouched. The tiefling has a smile on her face, a devilish one, as her hands move, skillfully dodging Tav’s almost pathetic attempts at grabbing her wrists to cease their torment.
“What? You started this. Revenge is best served hot, my friend,” Karlach says, not stopping her hands for even a second. And there was Tav, losing their shit. Children, is all Astarion can think to himself at their behavior.
The elf clears his throat loudly, catching the attention of Karlach, who finally stops her hands, hovering them over Tav’s sides. They continue to giggle, panting to catch their breath as they open their eyes, wiping tears of mirth. Both look up at Astarion.
“What, if I may ask, in the Nine Hells, are you doing?” Astarion crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised. He wasn’t exactly mad with them, simply annoyed at how loud their antics can get.
Karlach released Tav, finally, standing up and dusting her hands off. “Tickling the shit out of Tav. That’s obvious, isn’t it, soldier?” She smirks, eyeing them as they sit up, rubbing tingles off their sides.
“I have two functioning eyes, darling, I can see that.” Astarion’s gaze follows hers, watching Tav recover. He never understood why some fold so quickly at something as silly as tickling. Not that he has experienced it in the past two centuries of his life, but that doesn’t change his stance. The act is ridiculous on its own. “My question is why you felt the need to do it now, and this early in the morning. The whole damn camp must be up in arms, thinking our poor Tav has been hit with Tasha’s Hideous Laughter by an enemy.”
“Sorry, Astarion,” Karlach replies, shrugging. “But blame Tav. They tried tickling me first.”
“To be fair, you have vampiric hearing,” Tav mutters as they sit up, dusting off their clothes. Seems they have finally recovered. “I didn’t laugh that loud.”
“Trust me, you laughed louder than an owlbear squeals,” Astarion retorts, earning a huff from Tav.
“You’d laugh too,” notes Karlach, backing up the one who was her victim a mere minute ago. “If I got my hands on you.”
“My dear, I am nearly two centuries old. Do you really think I’d succumb to tickling? Don’t make me laugh,” taunts Astarion, tilting his head to the side. Not that knows if he would succumb or not. He’d rather not wait here to find out, though. The vampire was not liking the look Karlach and Tav exchanged as he said that. “Anyway, as lovely as it was conversing with you… intellectually challenged individuals, I do believe our dear Wyll is making breakfast for us.”
“Won’t succumb, huh Astarion? Sure, let’s see about that.” Karlach’s voice sends a shiver down his spine. The elf spins to face the duo again, just for his arms to be caught by Karlach’s hands. He has to give it to her, she is one strong woman, and he can not pull his wrists from her grip. In an attempt to save himself, he steps back, only to feel Tav’s chest against his back. They were smiling too. Fuck.
“Seriously, this is childish- mmh!” His back arches as Tav’s hands meet his hips, earning them a panicked smile on Astarion’s face.
“If it’s so childish, you won’t laugh, right?” Tav adds on with a sing-song tone, and to Astarion’s demise, they begin to wiggle their fingers.
“Yeah, soldier. You can handle some silly tickling, can’t you?” Karlach’s voice did not make Astarion’s situation any better. Pulling away from her is no use, even if his body is fighting her hands on its own anyway, and he has too much pride to say anything that would get him out of this ridiculous position.
All he has left to do is pray to the gods that he can handle himself, or that someone will come to his rescue. Though, knowing the band of idiots he’s found himself with… they will only join in. “Ah!” Tav’s hands have found his sides. Gods, help him.
Summary: A telepathic enemy informs Astarion that his partner that he trusts oh so dearly is hiding something from him. The truth behind it is surprising to say the least [THIS IS A TICKLE FIC]
can you say... wish fulfillment? also wanna say thank you to everyone who comments on fics yall are like 50% of the reason i keep writing
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Astarion had come a long way since first getting his tadpole. Sure, he saved the world and defeated an Elder Brain, but more importantly he was learning to love again. Truly love, not sex and manipulation wearing the skin of what was once love.
At the center of it all was Tav. Astarion never would've given someone like Tav a second though. They were a strong paladin, a goody two shoes type. They charged into combat fearlessly and would stop their day to help a child tie their shoes or whatever they thought was an injustice of the world.
Astarion used to hate those types of people. But this journey he had been on for the past however many months had changed him. Now whenever Tav helped a child find their parent or gave some food to a beggar, Astarion would just smile knowing that they were his. That giant marshmallow chose him.
Tav was big, strong, and a fearless leader. They always had an answer to everything even when they honestly shouldn't.
So why oh why was he doubting his partner?
Well it started on the party's last battle. Astarion didn't pay attention to specifics but they were up against some humanoid with telepathic powers. Astarion might've gotten along with it in years past as it was very happy to engage in psychological warfare, taunting them with visions and words in their minds. It begrudgingly reminded him of their many escapades with mind flayers.
"You mean a great deal to the paladin, pale one." Words like honey oozed into his mind. "Yet they don't trust you. How sad."
Astarion's tempers flared. "You're lying." He said under his breath, knowing his thoughts alone would reach the creature.
Karlach swung her axe at the thing but it continued taunting while it dodged.
"I just visited your companion's mind and they were guarding something in the back of their mind very deeply, even from you. I wonder. What could be so big a secret that a leader doesn't even tell their partner?"
The creature was quickly slain by the weapon of the very person being doubted. Tav shot a victorious grin to Astarion who instinctively returned it, though the back of his mind was now awash in anxiety and doubt.
They've bore their souls to each other. Astarion told Tav things he's never spoken aloud before.
It was probably nothing. Everyone has their secrets.
But Tav? What could Tav be hiding?
...
Astarion was sipping wine on his bedspread when Tav entered his tent.
"Hey, Star. How you doing?"
Astarion hesitated. "I'm doing alright, Darling."
Tav clocked it immediately. They had always been perceptive.
"You okay?" They seemed a little panicked which was odd.
"I'm fine. I'm just... thinking about our little skirmish earlier."
Astarion raised an eyebrow. They looked like a deer in headlights.
"What did it tell you?" Their voice was soaked in anxiety.
"Why do you ask? Is there some big secret you've been keeping from me? Bigger than anything I've told you in our time together?" Astarion didn't hide the bitterness in his voice.
"I mean... define 'big'"
"So it was telling the truth. There is something you've been keeping from me."
Tav held up their hands with wide eyes. "It's nothing huge, I promise."
"Then why? Why do you feel the need to hide it? Tell me, Tav."
"Cause it's embarrassing!" Tav shouted. Astarion was a bit caught off guard.
That wasn't the direction he was expecting this to go. He had assumed it was something big and notable. Something that could change their relationship. Why else would the creature taunt something like that?
Maybe it was just scrambling to sew discord amongst the party attacking it. Maybe it found something small and was grasping at straws to save its life.
Either way, a reason to make Tav squirm was a welcome one. Tav was, of course, strong and fearless... with everything aside from their relationship.
It was honestly an immense treat watching Tav first succumb to their obvious crush, going from confident and brave to flustered and blushing. It was disgustingly adorable.
Even now so much as holding their hand never failed to shade their cheeks a lovely pink hue.
Astarion's whole demeanor shifted in that tent from defensive to intrigued.
"Embarrassing you say?" Astarion leaned forward and swirled the wine in his goblet. "Do tell."
Oh how he loved the way Tav went pink in the face and rubbed their neck.
"Um..." They looked to the floor. "You can't tell anyone this."
Astarion's smile grew to show his fangs. "Not a soul."
"S-something I find, uh, appealing with a romantic partner..."
Astarion could feel the gleam in his eye. "Go on."
"It's, um... I, uh-" Tav took a deep breath. "I really like, uh..."
"Oh for Gods' sake just spit it out."
"I really like tickling. Like.. a lot."
There was silence in the tent. Mostly because Astarion didn't know what to make of it.
"Tickling... When you mean a lot-?"
Tav inhaled and quickly spat out their words so as not to lose their nerve. "I want to be tickled so bad. A-and I want to tickle you too if you don't mind."
After a lengthy pause Astarion snorted and broke into amused laughter. Honestly, how could he not? Tickling?! He laughed and laughed and laughed. When he wiped a tear from his eye he saw Tav looking more dejected than he'd ever seen them.
Realizing his massive fuck-up he quickly scrambled. "I didn't mean anything negative by that, love. It's just... I had all these scary ideas in my head of what that secret could be and it's as simple and harmless as you wanting me to tickle you?"
"I know it's weird."
"I'm not going to lie. It's definitely unusual. Is this a kink?"
"I don't think so. It's not really sexual. It's more of a fixation."
The vampire waved his hand. "Well whatever you want to call it, I'm sure I can have some fun with it." He placed his goblet on the chest by his bed and stood. "So, tell me dearest. What exactly do you yearn from me?"
Tav bore a shy shaky smile and avoided eye contact at all costs. Astarion could get used to this.
"You're the one who always insists we need open communication, and after all this secrecy I believe I deserve the entire truth. If you're too embarrassed to give me a straight answer I guess you'll never indulge in this hidden desire."
"I want to be, um... tickled. And-" Tav lowered their voice for a moment. "-teased. I don't mind like... being a little embarrassed. It's, uh, kind of... fun and flirty, I don't know. I want to laugh and b-be helpless. With you."
Astarion was beyond delighted with how the day was going. "Ticklish. Bashful. My dear, blushing Tav. I think I can make this work."
He had to hold back a chuckle when he watched Tav pretend to itch their face when clearly it was an excuse to attempt to cover up their flushed appearance and growing smile.
"Red is a gorgeous color on you, my sweet. Now... come here." Astarion beckoned Tav close with a single teasing finger. They stiffened and their smile grew the slightest bit, still shaky and shy as ever. They slowly approached, eyeing the ground.
"Look at me." Astarion sang in his sweetest teasiest voice.
Tav looked up through their eyelashes. They not so subtly covered their smile with their hand.
Astarion closed the distance and gently held their chin with his thumb and index finger. "We're going to have so much fun tonight, you and me." He leaned in for a kiss. Tav lowered their hand and accepted. As they kissed, Astarion started gently tickling under Tav's chin with his finger. He enjoyed feeling Tav's smile grow. Eventually they pulled back and scrunched up like a turtle.
"Do me a favor, darling and lay on my bed spread. I need full access for tonight's activities."
Tav obeyed, though a tad hesitantly. They laid on the bed spread with their hands resting on their stomach.
"Now, love... do you happen to know where exactly you're the most sensitive?"
Astarion chuckled when Tav, seemingly unknowingly, shifted one foot in front of the other, as if protecting one from an oncoming onslaught. There was one spot.
"Um, not really."
"Is that so? Well, just a hunch, but I believe you to be lying. What do you say to that?"
"I'm not really... that ticklish. Just a little bit."
Astarion knew what they were doing. They were digging theirself a giant hole. They said it theirself... they liked a little teasing and embarrassment. They wanted to be proven wrong.
Who was Astarion to turn down this little game?
"Two for two with the little fibs. I know you, Darling. I can see right through you. Maybe I just have to search for all your most ticklish spots myself, hm?"
Tav flinched at a very specific word and covered their wobbly smile with their hand.
"Whatever is the matter? Feeling ticklish?" Astarion tested out the word again, smirking as he heard their heart skip a beat. Vampire abilities had their uses but in this moment, his ability to hear every beat and skip of their heart and rush of blood in their face was a valued one.
Tav let out a few stutters and stammers. They were so clearly embarrassed and flustered and it was definitely doing something for Astarion. This wouldn't be one-sided fun for Tav. Astarion dared to guess they would both be enjoying this evening equally.
He placed his index and middle finger on Tav's side and slowly walked them up their ribs. "I guess I just have to figure out all your deliciously sensitive spots for myself. So sad. I bet you'll just hate that."
Tav's eyes were transfixed on his fingers and their eyes were wide as the smile decorating their face grew. The twitched at each 'step' his fingers took.
"Where should I go first?" Astarion used his other hand to stroke his chin as if in deep thought while he used his index finger to lightly draw little circles and swirls across Tav's ribs. He felt his own grin grow at the little hitches and gasps in their breathing. He could hear their heart going a mile a minute.
"I should try and find a spot right off that bat that's the most... ticklish." He accentuated that word and and couldn't help but snicker at the little squeak it elicited from his partner. "My, my. Do we have a little mouse in our tent?"
Tav avoided eye contact as if Astarion's eyes were the sun. They looked to the side and covered their blushing face with one of their hands.
"You know... I don't think I've ever heard you laugh before. Really laugh, I mean. I suppose this is my chance. Handed to me on a silver platter." Astarion quickly let his fingers flutter across Tav's bicep just above their underarm.
Tav let out a small stream of high-pitched giggles and slammed their arm to their side.
Oh. Those giggles along with the smile, the blush, the shyness... Oh this was definitely doing something for Astarion.
Maybe he liked this tickling thing too.
Astarion felt he gave plenty of build up. He began skittering the fingers of one hand across Tav's torso. The paladin began flinching from side to side, away from wherever his fingers hit a particularly sensitive spot. They covered their mouth with their hands and curled in on theirself, shaking with concealed giggles.
"And now you're trying to keep from laughing. What's this about?" Astarion asked, genuinely confused... until he saw Tav's eyes gazing up at him with excitement and challenge. "Oh, I see. You want to resist so that I can break you." He said slowly, as if explaining to a child. Tav throwing theirself back with eyes squeezed shut graced his face with a smug smirk.
Astarion could hear grunts mixed with giggles as Tav desperately fought their already growing instincts to give in and laugh. He almost felt just as desperate to hear and see them laugh
Unluckily, or luckily for Tav, their partner had been scanning every jolt, flinch, and cringe, letting him make a pretty accurate map of where Tav was most ticklish.
Astarion was pretty good at finding weak spots on enemies and precisely attacking right at what will do the most damage. Let's see if that carried over to tickling.
Astarion began rapidly wiggling two fingers riiiight at one specific little spot right under Tav's ribs at their right side.
Tav exploded in happy laughter immediately, back arched and hands balled into fists at their sides.
"S-Stahahahahar, nohohohahaha- Dahahahamnit!"
Surprisingly, Astarion didn't make a quip right away. Maybe it was because his undead heart was being warmed by the frankly adorable and hearty laughter of his lover.
He could only imagine how sappy he looked. Luckily, Tav was far too distracted to notice.
Tav, seemingly unable to take it, turned onto their right side, blocking it from the tickling. They curled up in a ball, still giggling all giddy and shy, even though Astarion had ceased his onslaught.
"I hope you don't think we're done, darling."
That elicited a few more giggles.
"Ihihi-it's soho much more intense than I imagined."
"That? That was intense?" Astarion snickered. "Love, you are not ready for what I have planned."
Tav looked up at them from their fetal position. "I-I can take it. Just yesterday I got half-mauled by a worg."
"True, you're quite familiar with pain and danger. Yet you can't seem to handle tickling of all things."
Again, Tav covered their face with their hand at that word.
"How about this," Astarion held up his hands with his fingers in a 'claw' position. "Imagine these are the terrifying talons of an owlbear. That should be more familiar, hm? They're coming for you, darling."
Tav giggled nervously and curled up more. That wouldn't stop their partner though who so lovingly wanted to tickle them to pieces.
He brought those wiggling claws down on Tav's left side and partially exposed belly. Instantly Tav was thrashing side to side and tittering endlessly as the claws followed them every which way.
The vampire got a marvelously mischievous idea and lowered their head to Tav's neck, lightly nibbling the sensitive skin with his fangs. Not enough to puncture skin, but enough to tickle like crazy.
They honest to Gods squealed and their giggling kicked up an octave.
"The mouse returns." Astarion chuckled into their skin. Tav's shoulder's were up to protect the new tickle spot and hands lightly pushing at their partner. Definitely not enough to actually push him away. Tav was strong. They could easily escape if they wanted, but everyone in that tent knew Tav didn't want it to end yet.
With their hand and shoulders up, Astarion's true target was valunerable. He quickly shot his wiggling fingers to their armpits and tickled with as much speed as he could muster.
The rogue flinched back in surprise when Tav shrieked and exploded into deep belly laughter. Their feet were stomping on the bedroll as they threw their head side to side and tears of mirth flicked through the air.
"Well now, it seems we've found a tickle spot. Ticklish pits? This must be torturous, My delicately manicured nails teasing and tickling what seems to be a horribly sensitive area. If your hyena cackling is anything to go by, I'd say you were hit by Tasha's hideous laughter. But alas, no spell is needed to turn you into this helpless ball of laughs, only wiggling fingers."
Astarion's grin grew along with Tav's scorching hot blush. So much delicious blood sent to their face due to sheer embarrassment and laughter.
He could hear their heart pounding as if they'd been running from a horde of monstrosities.
But no.
Just tickling.
Even in such a small spot as underarms there were weak points. His attention to detail was being worked tonight, allowing him to locate every fragile nerve to toy with.
The vampire began firmly pinching the flesh between the chest and the underarms, hearing and seeing the desperate howls of laughter it drew forth and wanting more. Within two seconds of honing in on this spot Tav flung theirself half across the tent with a mix between a cackle and a shriek.
They collapsed on their belly with their hands protecting their pits and continued laughing, now face first in their lover's rug.
Astarion watched their lover undone awash with adoration and sadism. Only because of their immense level of trust did he allow himself to crack up into giggles of his own at the silliness of it all.
"Gods you're adorable." He purred. He didn't know if Tav heard him or not. Usually they blushed at any comment like that but their face was already ten different shades of ruby so who's to say.
Tav curled on their side facing towards him. "You're unnaturally good at this."
"Or maybe you're just unnaturally ticklish."
"That just may be the case." Tav sighed and put a hand over their eyes and face, though Astarion could tell that smile wasn't dropping anytime soon.
Oh, Tav. Putting theirself in such a vulnerable position and covering their eyes? Was Astarion NOT supposed to attack them in that state?
Quietly, Astarion darted to their legs and ripped off their boot.
"Wait a minu-" Tav started as they felt the cool air hit their sock. As soon as Astarion swiped a few nimble fingers over their sole they were cut of by a loud snort followed by a hiccup.
Astarion let out a genuine string of amused chuckling at his partners expense. He laughed even harder when Tav groaned and collapsed on their back with their arms over their face.
"Just forget you ever heard that." They moaned pitifully.
"Never gonna happen, my sweet." He raised Tav's leg and held their calf under his arm with a hand at their ankle for good measure.
"Oh, gods, nohohohoho." They began giggling. Mind you, Astarion wasn't even touching their sole.
"What now, darling?" He said with nothing but the sappiest of love.
"It's gonna be sohoho bahahahad."
"It's going to... what so bad?" Astarion wasn't bothering to hide his shit-eating grin. Tav had their eyes covered. Even if they didn't, he'd still be taunting them with an expression.
"Yohohou KNOW whahahat."
"Is it going to... tickle? It's going to tickle really bad?"
Tav shifted their arms to their mouth to muffle the growing giggles, though their eyes were still squeezed shut.
"Don't think I haven't noticed your response to that word and any of its variations, my dear. I think we need to use the word more often, though. Tickle. It's perfect to describe you. Ticklish. I'll have to say it all the time now. Tickle... Tickle... Tickle..."
"Ehehehenough!" They half-shouted, their laughter growing.
"Goodness. Do you think you're in any position to be making demands? When I have the key to your demise resting at my fingertips?" He quickly skittered five fingers up the arch and nearly fell backwards at the yank of the foot it elicited, though he beamed at the loud forceful stream of laughter he heard.
He could hear them struggling through some deep breathing to stop laughing, though their breaths were stuttering and shaky the whole time.
"This may tickle," Astarion spoke slowly and delicately, "just... a... BIT!" Without a moment more hesitation Astarion furiously scribbled his fingers up and down the sole in his grip.
And, oh, the scream that came out of his partner... he'd never forget it.
Said scream was quickly overcome with laughter, truly hysteric and desperate. It took all of Astarion's strength to not only keep the foot in tickling range, but out of face-kicking range.
"DAHAHAHAMMIT- STOHOHAHAHAHAP!" Between each long stream of cackling was a period of silent laughter, their stomach seized up and face beaming bright as tears fell across their scorching red cheeks. After each silence Astarion would hear a stuttery wheeze and a return to helpless laughter.
"PLEHEHEHEASE-" They gasped between bouts of cackling "STAHAHAHAR!"
Astarion let go and clutched his stomach as he fell into a laughing fit of his own. It was just so... ridiculous! Usually he would never let himself lose him composure like that, but with Tav practically dying of mirth, his own amused chortles were stoic hums in comparison.
The vampire recovered from his tittering far sooner than Tav who had assumed a fetal position while rubbing at their soles, still giggling through tired panting. They fell into a small coughing fit and Astarion gently rubbed their back with a firm palm while they rode it out.
"So..." Astarion cooed. "How'd that feel?"
Tav's grin grew shy and they rolled onto their back with their elbows covering their face. He could hear a muffled word from behind their arm barrier but couldn't make it out.
"Speak up, dearest. I know you can. Your cries of ticklish hysteria were certainly loud enough."
Tav raised their arm barrier to cover their eyes alone, showing their bashful smile for a moment. "It was amazing."
Astarion tried and failed to smother an amused chuckle. "I'm glad. Because this certainly won't be the last time I toy with this weakness of yours."
There was a pause. And then a muffled 'Good.'
The vampire sat beside his lover and rubbed their back, gazing down at them with adoration and care.
A/N: I've had a stressful couple of weeks and wanted to write a quick story with ler!Astarion and lee!reader. This was inspired by one of the helping lines he has where he says "you look good helpless". @tickly-deer-boy here is a quick Astarion fic!
Summary- Tav is stuck, and Astarion comes to get them out of trouble. He had no idea that they were ticklish…and gods, is it entertaining.
Paring- Astarion x Tav (platonic).
Word Count- 1.8k.
Warnings- None. But please note this is a tickle fic!
Tav grunted in frustration as they tried to wriggle free from the narrow space between the crates. Their movements only caused them to get more wedged in the spot. They were reaching forward, straining to reach Lae’zel’s outstretched hand, only to just be out of her reach.
“K’chaki. I told you to go around.” Lae’zel grumbled in exasperation. She withdrew her hand. “We waste precious time while you struggle. At any moment, we could become ghaik.”
“I know that,” Tav groaned and tried to launch themselves forward. They barely moved an inch, and now their waist was fully stuck between the crates. “It’s almost like you’ve been saying the same thing since we crashed! If you’d shut up and give me your hand, I’d be out of here already.”
“You cannot reach my hand,” Lae’zel pointed out as if it was as obvious as day. “And I have no time to wait and make up for your shortcomings. Had I known you would slow me down, I would have left you to your fate on the nautolid.”
“And you would have no astral prism. You’d turn into a mindflayer before me,” Tav grunted and decided to change tactics, twisting their hips to try and dislodge themselves. It didn’t work. Lae’zel checked her pack, believing she’d been the one carrying it, only for Tav to give a mocking sneer. “Honestly, it’d be an improvement. You wouldn’t be talking so much if you had a mouth full of tentacles.”
Lae’zel scowled. She took a step forward, hand on the hilt of her sword. “You think it’s wise to provoke me in your position?”
Before you could challenge her, Astarion’s silky voice sounded from somewhere behind you. “Now now, darlings. Let’s not turn our blades on each other. We’ve so many enemies we could stab instead..”
Tav heard the sound of his shoes crunching over gravel as he approached them. The sound stopped when he froze, taking in the scene of the trapped leader in front of him. “Oh. Oh dear. Someone’s gotten themselves in a spot of trouble, hm?”
Tav didn’t have to see his face to know he was smirking. They bristled, and they would’ve turned to leer at them if they hadn’t been pinned at the waist. “Hilarious, Astarion. Truly. How about doing something useful and helping me?”
The vampire clicked his tongue. “My, so touchy. I’m almost tempted to leave you there. Who knows what a less friendly adventurer would do if they found you?”
“You wouldn’t,” Tav retorted. “You’d miss me too much. Who else would wake up day after day to tell you how handsome you are?”
“Cheeky,” Astarion smirked. “Still, I’m not convinced to help you. If only there was a word you could say that would make me reconsider. Something like, oh, I don’t know…please?”
“To hells with that,” Tav palmed the sides of the crates and pushed at them. Besides the occasional, minuscule move, they remained right where they were. Their face contorted with exertion, and they heard Astarion snickering behind them.
“That’s four words, and I'm not looking for any of them.” Astarion stepped closer and leaned against the crates. “But by all means, keep squirming. You look good helpless…”
The heat rose to their cheeks, or maybe that was from all of their struggling? Tav wasn’t sure. They gave up on pushing the crates and twisting their body to and fro. Then, exhaling through their nose, they grumbled, “Fine. Please help me, Astarion. There, happy?”
“Your groveling skills need work,” he snorted. “But it would be cruel for me to expect a grand performance in your state. So of course, my dear, I’ll help you.” Astarion moved behind them, hands outstretching to rest on their sides. His touch was surprisingly gentle, and he rotated them to determine the best angle to pull them from. The light touches sent shivers up their spine, though he didn’t seem to notice. If anything, Tav would’ve chalked it up to the cold. Astarion moved his hands higher, now resting just below their rib cage. His fingers slid along their skin, looking for gods know what, and they jolted.
“What are you doing?” Tav cried incredulously. Lucky for them, he couldn’t see the grin tugging at the corner of their lips. Lae’zel had already stormed off, leaving the two of them alone.
“Helping you. Obviously.” Astarion rolled his eyes and readjusted his hold, returning to their sides. This time, he was squeezing them in an attempt to get a better grip. “And I’d have an easier time if you would hold still.”
Tav choked on a giggle. They did the opposite of what he said and fidgeted some more. Suddenly, the impossible feat of getting themselves out on their own didn’t sound all that impossible. “Forget it, Astarion. I’ll d-do it myself..”
“Nonsense. Stop squirming, and I’ll pull you out.”
“No, but-”
Astarion’s fingers ghosted over their stomach, and they squeaked. He froze, and Tav felt their heart do somersaults in their chest.
“What is the matter with you?” Astarion took his hands away from their belly, fingers resting just above their hips. The confusion was as clear as day in his voice. “You’re acting as if I’m hurting you.”
Tav remained quiet. They feared that they’d end up giggling if they spoke.
“Tav? Am I hurting you?”
“...No.” Tav hesitated, shaking their head. They wracked their mind for a plausible explanation. “It’s just, uh, your hands. They’re cold.”
“Cold enough to feel through your clothing?” Astarion raised a brow, tone flat. “Odd. You haven’t told me that before..”
Tav didn’t even believe the tale they’d spun. “W-Well, they’re just that c—ah!” Tav squealed when he lightly pinched their hip. “Don’t do that!”
They went to smack at his hand, but hit one of the crates instead. Although they couldn’t see it, Astarion’s eyes brightened with mischief.
“Oh, now I understand…” Astarion grinned a predatory grin, rolling his knuckles against their hip. Tav squirmed, biting down on their lip to trap the impending giggles. “You’re ticklish, aren’t you?”
“Noho!” The word alone sent butterflies in their stomach. They brought one of their hands up to their mouth, their other hand uselessly hitting the top of the crates. “Damn it Astarion, just pull me ouhuhut!”
“I’m trying, Tav, but you’re not making this easy for me.” Astarion shuffled closer to them, now using his thumbs to deliberately knead into their hips. Tav gasped and giggled into their hand, feet stomping into the dirt. “It’s impossible to get a good grip with you kicking around like this..”
“You’re nohoht trying!” Tav argued, bucking their hips as Astarion kept kneading into them. The ticklish sensations surged through them like electric shocks, and it was harder to suppress their frantic giggling. “Gah! S-Shihihit! When I get out of hehehehre, you’re dehehehad!”
“I’m already dead,” Astarion snorted. “But do tell me, what is so funny? Surely I am not tickling you?”
Tav growled in between their giggles. They giggled harder when he changed tactics and squeezed their hips again, again, and again. Both hands flew to their mouth to muffle their squeals.
“Darling,” Astarion purred, “I need an answer.”
“Gohoho to hehehell!” The dam broke, and Tav giggled freely. They twisted and bucked as much as their trapped position allowed, clawing at the crates. “Stohohohp it!”
“Stop what?” Astarion feigned confusion, nails skittering along their waistline. “I’m only trying to help, just as you asked! You’re stuck in here good, I’m afraid.”
“Nohoho! I’ll f-freehehee myself!” Tav sputtered as he dragged his nails up their belly. They shouted and shook their head back and forth, laughing loudly. “Let gOHOHOhahaha!”
“I can’t do that, dear. That would make me a terrible friend,” Astarion tutted. He stopped scritching at their belly, teasing their sides with featherlight strokes. “And, while I’m on the topic, do you know what else sours a friendship?”
Tav’s laughter died down to short, breathless giggles. Their cheeks were well beyond flushed, and they fidgeted in anticipation. “I—hah—don’t know... what?”
“Lying,” Astarion grinned and gently pinched just beneath their rib cage. Tav squealed and bucked. “For instance, pretending not to be delightfully ticklish when you very clearly are.”
Tav’s eyes widened, panic flashing across their face. “I’m—I'm nohot—”
“Ah-ah, there it is again.” Astarion double downed on his efforts, kneading one of his thumbs into the side of their belly. Tav shrieked and kicked their legs uselessly, falling back into another laughing fit. “You are an insolent little pup, aren’t you? Lying is one thing, but lying to a friend? Lying to me?”
As if they weren’t already stuck enough, Astarion wrapped his free arm around their waist, making it much harder to squirm or kick. He continued tickling their stomach, alternating between gently scratching along their skin with his nails and kneading with his thumb. He moved at a leisurely pace, as if he had all the time in the world. And, truth be told, he did. Tav’s laughter took on a more desperate note, and they threw their head back.
“NAHAHA! Alright! Okay! I’m sohohohorry!” Tav shouted and pounded their fist against the damned crates. They doubled over, or at least made an effort to, and squealed with laughter. “I’m sohohohohrry!”
“So you are,” he hummed. “And yet, I’m not fully convinced. You’ve already lied to me once. Who’s to say you aren’t doing it again?” He dropped to his knees, lazily raking his nails down the backs of their thighs. Tav shrieked and kicked around even more.
“I’m nOHOHOHohohot! I’m not!!” Tav grit their teeth and giggled madly. They tried to lift their legs out of his reach, but he chased after them with minimal effort. “PLehehehehease! I’m nohoht lying!”
Astarion laughed. “You learn fast. It’s still a no, though. I’m just gutted that you would lie to me.” He pretended to sound sad while he spidered his nails along the backs of their knees. Tav howled, curling in on themselves as much as possible. “After all of the time we spent together! After I offered to help you..”
Tav cackled when one of Astarion’s hands snuck back up to prod at their belly. He swirled his pointer finger in random patterns, scritching just shy of their hip bones, around their navel, and ending at their lowermost ribs. He did the same thing in reverse, eventually settling back on the ground to squeeze and tickle their knees and thighs. His fearless leader was a puddle of squeals and giggles, and that’s one crime he was happy to be guilty of.
“I CAHAHAHN’T!” Tav went back to pounding their fists against the crates, eyes shining with tears. “Astarion, plehehehehehease!”
After what felt like forever, Astarion stopped tickling them. He gripped their hips and, with one firm pull, dislodged them from their trap. They fell back into him, and he held them up, still by their hips. “There you are, you’re free!” he snickered. “You’re welcome.”
Tav exhaled, shutting their eyes. They were coming down from the ticklish sensations, chest rising and falling from each breath they took. They were still smiling a bit, so what they said next had very little bite. “Bastard.”
“Careful,” Astarion tapped his fingers against their hips, and Tav lurched forward. “We wouldn’t want this little secret to slip to any of our friends, hm?”
Summary: Shadowheart accidentally tickles Tav with her healing magic and learns something new about the bard.
Characters: Tav(he/him), Shadowheart
Word Count: 1,366
A/N: Inspired by a post (thank you for the inspiration!) I read last week that pondered the possibility of healing magic tickling someone. Shadowheart does have a little bit of a playful side to her so I thought it would make sense to test out the “magic tickles” theory, being a cleric and all. And of course, we have my bard Tav as her victim patient. Enjoy, everyone!
In the privacy of his tent, Tav hissed as a stinging pain radiated from the wound on his side. Injuries aside, he lamented his now shredded vest, and not looking forward to Astarion's help to repair it or what the rogue would ask for in return.
Wasting no time with greetings, Shadowheart entered Tav’s tent, now finished with treating the other companions. “All this blood better not be yours,” she said with a huff as she knelt beside him.
Tav gingerly removed his arm from his side, revealing the claw marks that ripped apart both fabric and skin, “how does it look?”
Shadowheart cursed under her breath then reached out to remove his vest.
“Ah! Wait!” Tav yelped.
"For what, exactly? For an infection to take hold?” She stopped fiddling with his vest and crossed her arms, “Fine! But take the bloody thing off! Your shirt too."
Tav was in too much pain to snap back. He knew Shadowheart was right, but it was difficult to remove his garments in this state.
“Nine Hells, even Gale didn’t come out of that with something so egregious, how did this happen?” She noted as she inspected the open wounds.
Tav grinned sheepishly, “I might’ve tried to reason with the beast.”
“Reason with an owl bear?!” Shadowheart sighed, “did you learn nothing from our last encounter with one?”
“That one had a cub. This one was a lone male taking a nap in our way. I figured we had a better chance of convincing it to let us through. I even tried offering it some food!”
Shadowheart rolled her eyes, “next time, just wait for the damn thing to leave.” She held up her hands, now illuminated with magic. “Now stay still, this might take a minute.”
Tav squeezed his eyes shut, trying not to recoil away from the new sensation.
“Gods, you’re such a baby.”
Tav growled, “no I’m n– fuck!” He gasped, “be careful!”
“Shut up. I’m being as careful as I can.”
Tav sucked in a deep breath and let his head fall back, sweat dripping from his brow. He trusted that Shadowheart knew what she was doing, he just wished she would be gentler about it.
The throbbing pain was soon replaced with a blanket of warmth that rippled gently over his side. Tav exhaled, the worst seemed to be over. Until his nerves were assaulted with a new sensation, one he was more familiar with than he’d like to admit.
Tav twitched.
“I said stay still,” Shadowheart scolded.
Panicked, Tav glanced down, the wound was no longer shimmering with blood like before, but he could tell it was still mending. “How much longer is this going to take?” He stammered as wave after wave of magic caressed his side, making him jolt involuntarily.
“As long as it needs to take. Ugh! Tav! Stop squirming!”
“I’m not!” Tav protested, his voice rising in pitch. He covered his mouth, trying to will his body not to react to the magic’s touch. No, no, no! Not now! Why now?!
Tav was no stranger to healing magic, he’d experienced several times already out in the open alongside Shadowheart and the others. It always came quickly, only leaving him feeling refreshed and invigorated. Could it be affecting him like this now that she was using it gradually instead of casting it all at once?
“Wait…” Shadowheart’s magic went still against Tav’s side. “This… this doesn’t tickle you, does it?”
Tav looked at Shadowheart with widened eyes. He didn’t dare remove his hands from his mouth, so instead, he shook his head in denial.
Shadowheart narrowed her eyes... then the magic resume its gentle waves.
Tav whimpered, pressing his hands harder against his mouth but that would not stop the rest of him from writhing.
Shadowheart chuckled, “this is rather adorable, actually. Has this tickled you before?”
The whole camp already knew that Tav was incredibly ticklish, given that Astarion and Karlach had been tormenting him with it ever since it was discovered. So it couldn’t have been much of a surprise to Shadowheart. However, Tav had never expected her to take advantage of it as well.
“Shadowheart, please!” Tav pleaded, having uncovered his mouth.
“You can take it, Tav. Just a little longer,” there was a playfulness in her tone that made Tav think that wasn’t the case. He needed her healing, so he didn't dare stop her. But then the magic shifted further up his torso...
Unable to help it any longer, boyish giggles spilled from Tav’s lips as warm puffs of magic glided over his rib cage, arms, and neck. He arched his back and trembled in place as the invisible tickles traveled across his skin, erasing any scratch or bruise in their path; changes he wouldn’t notice until later.
But then magic descended again, spinning over his belly, and Tav’s giggling became louder and steady. He felt so giddy and smiled so wide that his cheeks began to ache. Swirling back up his midsection in what felt like a cloud of feathers, Shadowheart’s magic didn’t leave a single ticklish nerve untouched.
Eventually it faded, leaving Tav curled on the tent floor, shaking with residual giggles.
“Well, you look like you had a lot of fun,” Shadowheart said, sounding amused.
Tav hugged himself, stuck with a permanent smile and so happy that he couldn’t even think to reply. For once, he didn’t have to suffer through Astarion’s torturous tickles.
“A word of advice: next time you want to be tickled, I recommend you go a safer route and just ask Astarion to do it.”
That was enough to immediately snap Tav out of his blissful state, “what?!” He sat up instantly. “No, no, no – I didn’t like that at all!” He forced out an awkward laugh and proceeded to stammer a reply, “Why–why would you–of course I didn’t like it! That’s so utterly foolish! So childish!”
Shadowheart snorted, “if I had any doubt before, I certainly don’t now.” She wiggled her fingers at him, embracing a playful side Tav had seen only once until now, “does our charming little bard like to be tickled? Hm?”
Tav’s face flushed a dark red. There was no hiding it now, ‘the cat was out of the bag’ and there was no shoving it back in. He scurried to the tent flap to peek outside, relieved to see the others were around the fire, seemingly oblivious about what just happened.
“Okay, fine, I like it,” Tav whispered harshly, closing the tent flap. “But please, please don’t tell anyone else!” He faced Shadowheart, “especially Astarion!”
Shadowheart raised a brow, “it seems the man already takes advantage of it whenever he can, why would him knowing you like it make any difference? Wouldn’t that make it better?”
Tav sat back on his legs and looked at his hands, “I’m… I…” He hung his head, struggling to find the words and wrestle internally with his feelings on the matter. Usually he was so quick with words but when it came to this, well, it wasn’t so easy…
Fortunately, Shadowheart seemed to take pity on the poor bard, “I don’t quite understand. But since you asked, I won’t tell anyone.”
Tav lifted his head and beamed, “oh, thank you. Thank you!”
Shadowheart shrugged, “consider this repayment for not prying into my personal business, despite your curious nature.” She stood up and smiled at him, “you’ve no idea how much I’ve appreciated that.”
Tav rubbed the back of his neck, “then I suppose we’re even.”
Shadowheart lifted her chin, “now, any other wounds need tickling?”
Tav stood up to look himself over, relieved to see no more bleeding, oozing wounds anywhere nor the stinging pain that accompanied them. “Nope! I think I’m all put together again, thanks to you! Well, aside from my clothes–”
He froze, realizing his mistake, then stared at Shadowheart, “oh, you’re think you’re so funny, don’t you?”
“You seemed to think so,” Shadowheart winked and left Tav in his tent.
Tav sat down again with a groan. He rubbed his temples, mentally recovering from that embarrassing encounter and pondering exactly why he didn't want anyone to know his secret…
Hiiii I'm obsessed w/ BG3 at the moment and wanted to write a fic hehe.
Warnings: this is a tickle fic, so tickling. Also swearing, and fluff :)
Hope you like!
Days and nights spent in close proximity on the road to Baldur's Gate were bound to result in people becoming closer. Some teammates were even starting romances or casual flings. Though you didn't think of any of your companions romantically, you couldn't help the ache in your chest watching the others interact with affection and playfulness.
You first realized you wanted connection when you were sitting outside alone, sharpening your dagger. You noticed Karlach and Lae’zel were wrestling one another, Halsin spooned Wyll by the fire, and Shadowheart played with Gale’s hair.
A melancholy feeling took you over, and you realized you didn't have that kind of relationship with anyone here. You didn't know how to, and were to ashamed to ask for it. You got along with all of your friends well, sure, but physical touch had never been a part of the equation. Maybe it could be? For Mythra’s sake, Karlach was literally burning hot and still found ways to touch the others.
You decided to try to push down the sadness, you had other more important things to worry about, such as the tadpole in your head. You retreated into yourself, trying not to think about the softness you craved. You were a paladin, supposed to be tough and strong, only in need of your patron goddess rather than human connection. At least, that's what you tried to tell yourself.
—
One evening, after a day of tough battles, you sat around the fire, passing a bottle of of wine you had pillaged that day. The air was cool, and the wine made you feel a bit relaxed and warm inside. You watched your companions as they talked and laughed.
Gale and Astarion were having a good natured argument, when the wizard said something very, very stupid, “You may be a vampire, but there's no way you can overpower me, even without my magic!” It was like he was asking for a fight, and knowing Gale, maybe he was. He and Astarion had something going on, and you thought he liked having Astarion all over him.
You swore you saw Astarion's red eyes flash in the firelight as an evil grin spread across his face. “Oh really, wizard of waterdeep? I don't even think I need a quarter of my strength to take you down.”
“–AH!” Gale yelped as Astarion deftly lunged at Gale, knocking him off his log and onto the dirt. Everyone turned to them now, snickering at them as they wrestled.
“The wizard is so weak, of course he’ll be easily overpowered by Astarion” Lae'zel snarked.
“I don't know, I think Gale might give him a run for his money,” Shadowheart chimed in.
Gale looked like he was about to get the upper hand, climbing on top of Astarion and about to pin him when the vampire shot his hands out to squeeze Gale’s sides. The effect was immediate, Gale made a strangled noise and curled in on himself like a pill bug, falling to the side.
“Oh, it seems I've found a wonderful weakness for our most obnoxious companion, he’s maddeningly ticklish!” Astarion purred.
Your cheeks went hot at the mention of, well, that word. Ever since your days at the convent, wrestling with your paladin siblings, you had known about your fondness for tickling. There was something so light and fun about it. You yearned to connect with the people you cared about in this physical way. You grew even redder at the thought of switching places with Gale, having everyone know how sensitive you actually were. Multiple members holding you down and–
“Eep!” You were pulled out of your thoughts by Wyll playfully jabbing you in the back. You flinched at the touch, looking at Wyll in confusion.
“Whoa! Never heard that sound come out of you before. Are you okay? You were completely zoned out looking at those twits,” Wyll pointed a thumb in the direction of the men. Astarion now had Gale's arms pinned under his knees, and was viciously attacking Gale's upper body. The wizard laughed and spluttered, trying and failing to reason with the pale elf.
Wyll snapped his fingers in front of your face, “Hellooo? Hells, Tav it's like your mesmerized by them,” he chuckled.
“No, nope, not sure what you're talking about, goodnight.” You swiftly got up and walked to your tent, not looking back. You could not break your façade of the stoic paladin this way. No, you had to be strong, and under no circumstances would you let anyone find out about your weakness, even if deep down that was exactly what you craved.
–
As you walked away, gears started turning in Wyll’s head. He and the others had noticed your withdrawal from the group. They all cared about you and understood you had baggage and might not always want to talk, but they wished you wouldn't be so prickly all of the time. He couldn't be sure, but the way you acted made him suspect you were very ticklish and very bad at hiding it.
He began to concoct a plan, moving to the log Shadowheart was on and whispering in her ear.
—
You were restless that night, tossing and turning, desperately trying not to think about the events of that night.
Definitely did not think about fingers sliding up and down your sides, wrestling while giggling and squirming. Nope, definitely not.
Your group was on a serious mission, no time for frivolity. It was fine, you were strong and didn't need physical affection.
You knew you were lying to yourself, even inside your own mind. You drifted to sleep with the thought of ticklish hands at your sides.
—
Outside your tent, Shadowheart and Wyll looked at each other, jaws slacked. They had heard your thoughts through the tadpole and understood, not only were you ticklish but you wanted it.
This was going to be glorious. Shadowheart had a glint in her eye, and cast her spell on Wyll.
—
*scrape, scrape*
Your eyes flew open; someone, or something, was scratching your tent. There was no moon tonight, and the fire had long since been smothered.
*scrape, scrape*
“Who–who’s there?” You asked, propping yourself up on your elbows.
The knots on your tent were being untied, one by one, you froze. Who would open your tent at this hour? You readied yourself for a fight, starting to sit up, as the flaps flew open.
Towering over you was a tall horned creature, with four arms. It was still too dark to see their face, but their voice boomed in your mind.
Hello Tav, can't sleep?
Something sounded familiar about the voice, but we're too panicked to think about it further. You gulped, trying to speak but instead stuttered, “w-wh–?”
I think I might be able to help, hold still
Suddenly, the beast darted forward clamoring on top of you. Stuck under your blanket, you couldn't move as two of its four hands pinned your arms down and seated atop you.
“Ngh–HEY let me go!! HELP!!”
No one can hear you Tav, No one is coming. The thing sounded giddy, almost teasing.
You stopped yelling to listen, and realized you heard nothing outside. The bugs had stopped chirping, there was no breeze, and no one was coming to save you. You looked at the monster and swallowed. You couldn't make out its features, just arms, horns, and darkness.
I know what you want
Your mouth went dry, recalling your fuzzy dreams, “I-uh, I don't know what you're talking about."
I think you do
You struggled against the creature, “Who are you?”
Isn't it obvious? I'm the tickle monster.
You went rigid, too stunned to move or speak. The creature started shoving your blankets away, while pulling your wrists over your head with the other two. You just lay there like a dead fish and let it happen. You knew you were absolutely, undeniably, screwed. This had to be a dream, right?
Hm did I break you already? I haven't even touched you yet. Let's see, where to start… ah!
The monster began prodding at your stomach with its two free hands.
“Ah-ihi don't – wha–A!?!” you were in instant hysterics, not just from the light pokes but from how fucking flustering and embarrassing this all was. You were too shocked to fight back, and just exploded into giggles.
Oh my, what a sensitive one I’ve found
The monster started vibrating its fingers into your stomach.
“OhMYGOHODSpleahehease”
Ah that got quite the reaction from you, let's try that again
The monster vibrated it's hands from your stomach, all the way up your sides and back down. This thing was absolutely ruthless, you could barely catch your breath to wheeze, “pleahehease have mercyhyhy,”
The monster paused it's assault, instead gently tapping fingers on your sides in thought.
Don't tell me you've had enough already? This is what you want, is it not?
“Ihim a paladin he–i only want what my Goddess does–hehe”
The tickle monster retracted all of its limbs, and sighed.
Do you not eat and drink? Do those not further your service to your god? You must feed your body as well as your soul to further your oath. Do not use your profession as an excuse to deny yourself pleasure
You were stunned, what was happening right now? You couldn't possibly be entertaining the idea of wanting anything for yourself, especially not something as asinine as tickling. “P-pleahehease just let me go-” you whined.
Hm, let's make this interesting. I will let you go if you promise to ask for affection next time you want it.
“Wh-whatno! Just leave me alone!”
Always taking the hard way, are you Tav. Tsk tsk
The monster sat up straight, and sprouted a third set of arms. You felt one set of hands on your thighs, one set on your ribs, and the final set pinning your arms back above your head.
You giggled and babbled nervously, “hehe heY waitwaitwait hahaHAHAA-”
The tickle monster squeezed just above your knees with both hands, making you shriek and kick out, “PLEASEPLEASENONOAHahaA”
You flailed around, unable to shake the hands off. It then raked fingers up and down your ribcage, causing more boisterous laughter. Soon it kept you guessing, switching back and forth between the two spots. The unpredictable nature of this attack completely destroyed any sliver of composure you might have had left.
The monster could feel you becoming weak, and began withdrawing from your legs and torso. It let your arms down, and gently curled its fingers around your ears, neck, and collar bones to keep you giggling. Once your laughter went silent, it knew you were ready to submit.
You were absolutely destroyed, unable to think or feel anything besides it tickles, it tickles, it tickles. You twitched, vaguely trying to escape but not having the energy for it.
Ready to agree, little one?
“I-*wheeze*-okahay I'll do it illdoanythingpleasehehe,”
Promise to ask for affection, the monster punctuated affection with a squeeze at your hips, making you yelp and jerk.
“OKAY OKAY I PROMISE I'll pursue affection for myself! Pleasejustletmego”
Suddenly, you felt the pull of the tadpole connect with the monster, making the tickle demon pull back. It felt familiar, you felt its intentions to be kind and playful with you. You cocked your head slightly and cast light into the tent. Finally, you could see the face of the monster whom you recognized.
“Wyll??!! What the in the hells?!”
He looked at you with a grin on his face, “Surprise, I'm the tickle monster!” he chuckled. His voice was more normal now, it had sounded deeper and booming in your mind.
“B-b-but? But? What?!?!” You stammered, absolutely dumbfounded.
“I noticed you were upset tonight, so Shadowheart and I–”
“Shadowheart knows about this?!?!” You were regretting bringing lights into the tent, as you knew your face was burning hot now.
Shadowheart popped around the corner of the tent, “how do you think Wyll got all those arms? And didn't you wonder why no one came running? You were screeching so loudly I bet they heard you in the underdark. Tonight was made possible by a modified silence spell and a shape shifting spell, obviously.” With a snap and a wink from Shadowheart, Wyll's extra arms disappeared.
You looked at them both in astonishment, “b-but why? Why would you – I don't–?”
Shadowheart’s face dropped, “Tav, you were so uptight tonight, we thought we could play a funny prank on you when we… well… don't be mad please? We heard your thoughts, your dreams, through the tadpole and… well it seemed like you could use a laugh.”
You stilled, everything clicking together now.
“And you didn't think it was… odd?”
“Tav, have you looked at our group lately? We all have tadpoles swimming in our minds and enough combined baggage to fill an owl bear cave. Your… preference is not odd,” Shadowheart said.
Despite trying to keep a brave face, slight tears started forming in your eyes. “O-oh. Heh, I guess that makes sense.”
“Please Tav, we just want to be close to you, you're not weird,” Wyll said.
Your heart truly soared. You reached forward and hugged Wyll and yanked Shadowheart into the hug too.
“I-I really care about you, and the whole crew. I don't know what I'd do without you. The tadpole, getting to Baldur's Gate – it's all so terrifying. Sometimes I think it would just be nice to relax and be playful with my best friends.”
“Well I had a ton of fun,” Wyll grinned.
“You're very squirmy, maybe I'll get Gale to cast “hold person” on you next time, Shadowheart teased.
You went bright red at the suggestion, causing Wyll and Shadowheart to laugh. They might be the death of you, and you loved them all the more for it.
A/N- It's been a while since I've written anything or played BG3, so I wanted to write something for ler!Karlach and lee!Tav. The tav (male- uses he/him) is a durge ranger I made in game who has embraced the urge so far but could be redeemable depending on how his story goes and/or who he romances. I also have it in my head where he's the best friend of my durge cleric of Illmater named Phoebe. Anyways, I had fun writing it and I hope whomever reads it likes it too :D.
Fandom- BG3
Pairing- Karlach x Durge Tav (male- uses he/him pronouns in the story). Their relationship is platonic but Karlach does tease him quite a bit. Spoilers for Act 2 included.
WC- ~2,660.
Karlach's able to touch again and the one of the first things she asks for is a cuddle. Tav isn't going to turn down the free heat in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, but he also doesn't anticipate her tickling him.
"How does this feel?"
"Fine. Now stop moving."
"Right, sorry."
…..
"It's been so long since I've done this," Karlach breathed a hushed giggle into Tav's ear. "I almost forget how."
"It's actually quite simple if you'd stop moving and shut up."
There was no true venom in Tav's words as he pressed his back into the tiefling's chest. He was used to the cold and dark. Spending his youth Underdark lended itself to that. But the cold brought on by the Shadow Curse was unnatural. Seizing. It was the kind of cold that seeped into the bones and weighed someone down as if with lead. Tav didn't get cold; but under the Shadow Curse, he was cold. He never thought he'd see the day where he'd be grateful for the appropriately named Last Light Inn.
That was until he realized that they did not have enough beds for everyone to get their own.
If it wasn't for Isobel's shield over the inn, he would've slaughtered everyone that he could get his hands on, including her. He's killed people for less. And honestly? The thought of it made the dark voices in his head purr with delight. Maybe if he coated himself in the Harpers' and tieflings' hot blood, he wouldn't be so cold.
The gentle hum of Karlach's cooled down engine brought him out of his happy, murderous thoughts. He exhaled through his nose. Fine, he grumbled to himself. He'd keep his hands off his scimitar and settle for the free heat he was getting from his companion. There was a tiny part of him that liked to see her happy, gods know why, and he didn't want to cut the moment short. It fascinated him that after spending ten years fighting in the Hells and finally being granted the ability to touch again, the first thing this tank of a woman wants is a cuddle.
"Don't be like that," Karlach huffed again. She moved herself closer when he backed into her. Tav bit back a content sigh when the heat hit his back. "You said it was alright to share the bed. Having second thoughts, soldier?"
Tav clicked his tongue. "No," he muttered. He took a breath before continuing, as her warmth comfortably rolled up his back. "But I would like to sleep."
"I know. I'm just so happy," Karlach's breath hitched as tears pricked her eyes. Gods above, Tav thought. Don't let her start crying. "Ten years is a long time to go without being able to touch someone. I never thought I'd be able to again. And now that I can? I'm buzzing. Things are finally starting to look up for me."
Tav pursed his lips. Dammon told them that her engine fix was temporary. That eventually, it'd burn out and take her with it if she didn't go back to Avernus. So what was one moment of happiness if it didn't last? Either Karlach would go back to the very hell she fought to escape from, or die. None of this mattered.
These words replayed in his mind, waiting for the opportunity to be free, but that moment didn't come. He swallowed them down and instead said, "…Glad you got what you wanted."
Ugh. That felt weird. Maybe the tadpole was starting to affect him.
"Heh, I'm just getting started," Karlach grinned. "The world's probably not ready for unleashed Karlach but it's getting it anyway. Shadowheart said she'd braid my hair next time we're at camp, and Wyll and I are going to wrestle at some point. He actually thinks he's got a leg up on me, and-"
Tav's eyes drooped closed while Karlach spoke. He was too tired to tell her to shut up again, and the likelihood of her actually doing it was slim to none anyway. He breathed heavier, lulled by the heat and the oddly soft pillow that cradled his face. Her voice faded into the background. He was just drifting off to sleep when—
"…Hey soldier?"
Gods dammit.
Tav groaned and begrudgingly opened his eyes. "What?"
He felt her shift behind him. The heat radiating off her got a little bit hotter.
"Could I hold you?"
Tav's brows furrowed. He propped himself up on one elbow and ungracefully turned to face her. "Are you serious?"
If this was a joke, she was gonna be the first person he killed, whether he had his scimitar or not. Surprisingly, there was some nervousness mixed in with her genuine smile.
"Yeah," she nodded. "I'll be honest, Tav. I love hugs. And cuddling. You probably wouldn't guess it by looking at me, but you'd never find someone desperate for a cuddle more than me. Pathetic, I know. But the engine wants what it wants."
Tav stared at her without a word. He was still waiting for her to say that she was joking so that he could wrap his hands around her throat. The dark urge was yearning for that. Karlach continued, smiling a bit wider.
"We're already close together anyway," she gestured to the small, almost nonexistent sliver of space between them. "And if I make you uncomfortable at all, I'll roll onto the floor and sleep there instead. So…can I?"
The tips of Karlach's flames turning blue told him that no, she wasn't joking. Far from it actually.
Now it was his turn to falter.
Sharing a bed was already something that typically wasn't in the cards for him. This wasn't from a lack of candidates; similar to Astarion, Tav had a high opinion of himself and could bed just about anyone. Karlach wasn't asking to get into his pants though. What she was asking for was innocent and sweet. And that is was gave him pause.
He felt the unfamiliar sensation of his pulse quickening. A butterfly in his stomach. He continued to stare, to remain silent, still looking for any indication that maybe she was in fact joking.
Nothing. Nothing but that same eager, almost puppy-like expression and hopeful smile.
Finally, Tav gave a slow nod. He was still feeling a bit cold anyways. Why not take advantage of the additional warmth?
"Alright," he agreed in a low whisper. He turned his back to her again and laid his head back down on the pillow. "Though try not to get too excited."
Karlach laughed at that. "Ooo, listen to you. 'I'm a dark and scary ranger who thinks a woman's brain will turn to mush the moment he gets a little close'." She even dropped her voice so that it was a lower baritone like Tav's. Then, she wrapped her big arms around him, holding onto him like a teddy bear. "Well too bad. I may enjoy a cuddle, but I am not—"
"Brain?"
Tav interrupted and peeked back at Karlach with a questioning expression. The tiefling mirrored that look. Tav smirked, "Ah, I forgot you had one of those."
Karlach laughed again, this time louder, while she absently prodded into Tav's side. "Fuck you."
Tav was already chuckling but the prodding had him flinching away, snickering louder. She paused, he paused, and the new discovery hung in the air. Then she grinned.
"Don't tell me you're ticklish, soldier."
She was still holding onto him, still facing his back, and her claws experimentally walked along his torso. Tav squirmed and grabbed at her large hands. All of a sudden, he wasn't feeling so tired. Before his companions, he wouldn't have had a clue what tickling was. It wasn't a violent act and didn't enter the equation when he took people's lives. As for who tickled who first, he couldn't remember. All he remembered was that he viewed it as an accessible weakness. Tav didn't have any of those. Or so he thought.
What a difference a tenday made.
"I'm noh-hot—," he lied. As much as he wrestled with her hands, her gentle scritching ended up on his lowermost ribs, where he jolted and chuckled louder. He tried to stifle his chuckling through sheer willpower, pursed lips, and gritted teeth. None of those helped him."Cut that ohout, Karlach!"
"But you said we could cuddle," she argued. He was strong, Karlach had to admit it, but him being tired was currently working in her favor. His movements were unpolished and sloppy and were much easier to counter. As carefully as she could, she pulled him flush against her body and draped one of her legs over his, pinning him. "Don't go, Tav. I just wanna cuddle!"
"Thihis isn't cuddling—" The butterflies in his stomach hit him like a carriage as he covered his mouth with one of his hands. His other hand fruitlessly tugged at her wrist. The realization of oh shit, this tickles fell on top of him and he didn't really know how to handle it. The chuckles were coming faster than he could stop them, so he settled for stifling them. He growled in between chuckles, "I-I'm gonna k-kihihill youhu—"
Karlach giggled. "Promises, promises . How do you expect me to be afraid when our grumpy leader's got these ticklish ribs?" She accentuated her teasing by giving a good squeeze to the side of his rib cage. Tav spluttered and writhed against her. "Makes me wonder if you've got any other tickle spots.."
Instead of answering her, Tav focused what little energy he still had into battling with her hands. He was gaining some ground and Karlach was quick to scribble her claws across his stomach. Tav bucked in her hold and bit his lip to trap the incoming laugh. Karlach brightened and gently drilled her thumbs into the sides of his stomach. This spot was much easier to get to with his thin camp shirt.
"Oh?" Karlach hummed, grinning. "Looks like I've got something…~"
Tav curled in on himself, as much as he could while pinned against her, and shook with the effort of keeping his laughter from breaking free. Half of his smile was buried in his pillow. Any threats he planned on making were also trapped. Karlach's tail thumped behind her as she worked through his defenses with every ticklish prod.
"Taaav," she crooned. "Are you sure that this doesn't tickle?"
Tav shook his head like the stubborn ranger he was. He turned his head so it was completely hidden in the pillow. He was still shaking with restrained laughter, and she was still tickling, poking at especially sensitive spots near his navel. She snickered.
"You're a tough one to crack, huh?" Karlach made him jump by squeezing his sides only to return to his stomach. "That's our Tav. The strong and silent type. Our very own lone wolf. If you weren't so grouchy, I may have had the hots for you. There's definitely something about you."
The dam was about to break. Tav's legs drummed against the bed. He seized her hands yet again, having an arguably good grip on them, but she wasn't letting go. A wobbly grin etched its way across his face. The quiet, but steadier laughter was easier to come by, though muffled by the pillow. Karlach teased him by swiping from his stomach, sides, and lower ribs like an enthusiastic kitten.
"Heh, you're definitely got some muscle to you, that's for sure," She continued yapping, her tickles finding their way to skin thanks to all of his squirming. "That's hot—"
Tav couldn't take it anymore. His head snapped up from the pillow, and what was supposed to be a growl was a series of choked laughter.
"Would youhuhu shuhut up!"
There was no reeling the laughter back in now. It wasn't a loud and chaotic sound. Instead, it was quieter and deeper, but still just as frantic. It fit him, Karlach noted, and there was something adorable in that.
"Nope, not a chance," she returned. She tickled him in earnest now, poking into those spots around the navel again that got him writhing. "You think you're so tough, huh? What's so funny? I thought you weren't ticklish."
"Sh-Shuht—" He tried to repeat himself but couldn't, bucking as one claw circled and scritched around his navel. He curled in on himself even more, but that somehow made it worse. 'OAhahaaha! Youhuhu're dehehead!"
"Nuh-uh! I've got a new lease on life," she teased. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck from behind, switching from quick scratching to kneading and pinching into random spots along his tummy. "Plenty of time to tickle my friends."
"Grrr-gohohonna cut that shohohohrt!" Tav's laughter picked up as he gripped her hands tighter. The ticklish sensations were settling into him and as much as he bucked in her hold, she wasn't letting go. There was another unfamiliar sensation of his cheeks flushing.
"Ooo I'm sooo scared," Karlach pretended to be terrified as she wrestled him onto his back with a decent amount of effort. Now he was pinned between her and the mattress. Her frame alone was enough to keep his arms and legs down. Tav grunted, and the playful grin still donning her face made the metaphorical butterflies in his stomach go wild. "Gonna get you now, soldier."
Tav took the opportunity to catch his breath during the lull, chest rising and falling with each breathe he took. "Karlach," he began, still trying to reign his chuckles in. "Let me up, and I promise not to—"
"Say you're ticklish then," she grinned. She held her hands just above his torso and wiggled her fingers. "Say it and I'll let you up."
Tav's cheeks flushed some more. "Why would I admit to something that you can clearly seeeehehehehe!" He jolted when she suddenly reached underneath his arms and buried wiggling fingers into his armpits. He brought his arms down over her hands and drowned in giggles that he'd surely deny later. Karlach cooed above him.
"Wrong answer, soldier," she snickered. "Say ittt~."
She pulled her hands free and kneaded her knuckles down his rib cage. She lingered in between the bones as his giggling deepened.
"Kahahaharlach!" Tav twisted his torso from one side to the other, belting out a louder laugh whenever she pinched a rib or dug in just a little more. He heard her giggle right before she honed back in on his stomach. She didn't tickle right away, just poking at the now exposed skin and marveling in the fact that she wasn't burning him. Tav spluttered again, his giggling jumping to short bursts of frantic laughter. "D-Dohohohn't you dahahahare!"
"I dare," she smiled. "But I'll give you five seconds to change your mind. Five,"
She pinched one side of his tummy, snorting when he squirmed in the opposite direction. The smile on his face was wide enough to metaphorically split his face in half.
"Leheheht mehehe uhuhp!"
"Four," She brought both of her thumbs down and kneaded both sides of his stomach. The bed creaked as he began bucking, laughing harder.
"KAhahhahaha!"
"Three. Better hurry Tav," She was smiling almost as much as he was while she kept up the ticklish onslaught. "You're running out of time."
In truth, Karlach wasn't really good at waiting. Or count downs. So she definitely got ahead of herself when she started raking her claws up and down his stomach in a steady rhythm, only letting up when she blew raspberries just above his navel. Tav's deep cackling threatened to wake up any of their sleeping neighbors.
……
By the time Karlach stopped tickling him, he was exhausted. He was tangled back up in her arms while coming down from his laughter. Karlach nestled her head back onto his shoulder, and the ranger mumbled sleepily.
"Prick," he again said without any true venom. Karlach snickered.
"Takes one to know one, soldier," she returned, finally yawning. She paused for a moment before adding, "You don't hate me though, right?"
Tav shook his head. He chalked it up to his sleepiness but, for the moment, his urge was quiet. He guessed he could tolerate her cuddles and let her live to see another day.
Omg... can I please beg for a tickle fic/ headcannons *anything* with Bg3 Raphael and tav? Him being a devil and all, I'm sure he would tease you relentlessly if he discovered how much tav enjoyed tickling... oh please oh please!
Secrets
Haarlep has been letting Tav in on some of Raphael’s dirty little secrets. Some of these secrets have come from what should have been Raphael’s private diary. When Raphael finds out, he’s less than enthused, and order must be restored to his House by any means necessary. By doing so, Raphael uncovers a not-quite secret about Tav.
Warnings- Mentions of sex but nothing explicit. Also MDNI!
Pairing- Starts with Haarlep x Tav, ends with Raphael x Tav.
WC: ~3400.
Read on Ao3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63870748
A/N: I hope you like this anon! I wasn't sure what direction I wanted to go in, but I had fun writing this.
“He isn’t?”
Tav, fully clothed and perched on Haarlep’s lap, stared up at the cambion in bewilderment. Haarlep loved how they looked up at them; there was such wonder, such innocence, in those pretty eyes.
They could definitely see why this one was Raphael’s favorite client.
“He is not,” The cambion chuckled. “Raphael is always below me, never on top. And he never looks so beautiful when he is on his back for me. The sight could bring a tear to the eye.”
Tav snickered. “Surely you are exaggerating. With his poise and theatrics, Raphael seems like he would be a better lover.”
“All an act, little one,” Haarlep sighed wistfully. “Raphael loves only Raphael. He cares only for his own pleasure. I am tasked with bringing him that pleasure. And he, darling brat that he is, lays there and takes it beautifully.”
Tav tried to picture this in their head. The magnetic, dangerous, and poetic archdevil Raphael, a bonafide pillow prince? Not that there was anything wrong with that, nothing at all. But they couldn’t imagine—
“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?” Haarlep’s deep purr reached their ears, and Tav jolted forward with a squeak.
“No!” Tav answered quickly, too quickly, their cheeks flushed. Haarlep laughed and pulled them back flush against their body.
“You were, naughty thing. I had no idea that you were interested in hearing about our bedroom activities.” Their hands curled around Tav’s waist, where they squeezed and pinched over their skin. “Are you wondering how he sounds? If his eyes roll back in ecstasy?”
Tav squealed and tried to lurch forward again, but Haarlep wouldn’t let them. They squirmed and giggled as Haarlep kept squeezing and kneading their waist.
“NahHAHAha! I wahahahahasn’t!” They argued, still lying, while trying to fold in on themselves. Haarlep dropped their hands lower to knead their thumbs into the adventurer’s hips.
“Oh, darling, you cannot lie to me.” Haarlep smirked as Tav’s giggling jumped to startled laughter. “I can see right through you. I’d bet you wish it were Raphael’s hands all over you instead of mine.”
“HAahahrlehep!” Tav bucked and uselessly kicked around the bed, head tilted back in laughter. Haarlep snickered and, showing mercy, stopped. They kept them pinned against their body and rubbed their large hands over their hips.
“You are adorable,” Haarlep chuckled. They leaned in to press a chaste kiss to their forehead and cheeks. “I can see why he likes you. Perhaps you will soften his selfish heart..”
Tav exhaled and laid their head back on the cambion’s shoulder. They lightly pursed their lips. “I think I should get two extra secrets for that, sneaky devil.”
Again, Haarlep laughed. “Why stop there?” They pointed a red finger towards shelving on the wall opposite the bed. “Raphael keeps all of his diaries just on that shelf. The shelf is, of course, protected by magic. But, with the right incantation, anything is bound to happen..”
Tav followed their gaze over to the shelf. Then, they looked back up at them, eyes alit with curiosity. “And, you know this incantation?”
“Hmmmm,” The cambion hummed thoughtfully, leaning back into the bed with Tav still in their lap. “It isn’t fresh in my mind, but I could try and remember if something could jog my memory..”
They tapped their own cheek with their claw, smirking broadly. Tav grinned and, rolling their eyes, leaned in to kiss the cambion’s cheek. Then, Haarlep tapped their other cheek.
“What was it again?” They mused out loud. “Something that started with an ‘a’? No. ‘C’ perhaps?”
“You’re pushing your luck, Haarlep.” Tav chuckled and went to kiss their other cheek. Before they made contact, Haarlep caught their chin and held it in a gentle grip.
“Listen closely,” Haarlep felt Tav’s cheeks heat up as they leaned in. Hells, if he wasn’t keen on stirring up some trouble for Raphael, Haarlep would’ve wanted to keep this one all to himself. They whispered the incantation into their ear, and then released them. “Go now, bring us that diary..”
Haarlep kept his eyes on Tav’s hips as they hurried over to the shelf. When they returned, he patted his lap, and they retook their place back on his lap. “There we are. Let’s see what he’s been thinking.”
Raphael’s handwriting was impeccable, no surprise there. There were poetic musings about his fascination with mortals, and his burning determination to seize the Crown of Karsus. But besides that, Tav was mentioned by name more than once, and their name didn’t just come up when he wrote about business. Tav felt the cambion’s head slink down onto their shoulder.
“Anything interesting, my dear?” Haarlep nuzzled into the crook of their neck, bright eyes scanning the page from behind. Tav’s finger traced over their name on the page.
“He’s been writing about me..” They murmured, smiling a soft smile as they traced the cursive. Haarlep made a big show of ‘awwing’ and cooing in their ear.
“So it is true then. You are more than a means to an end to our dear Raphael. How sweet.” He pressed his head against Tav’s, giving a little pout. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’ll forget about me.”
“Of course not,” Tav nuzzled back into them and pecked his nose. “How could I forget about my favorite partner in crime?”
Then, there was a rattle at the door. Both looked towards the sound.
“Speak of the devil,” Haarlep chuckled and sat up straight. “He’s home.”
Tav’s face fell. They slammed the diary closed. “You said he was miles away—”
“It appears he’s cut his trip short,” Haarlep wound an arm around their waist. “Stay calm, pet. I will distract him so you can excuse yourself. He will be none the wiser.”
Somehow, Tav doubted that, but they didn’t have time to question them. Tav also didn’t have enough time to run and put the diary back. So, they threw it into their pack. The door opened, and Raphael strode in the room.
“Welcome home, master..” Haarlep threw open an arm in greeting, his other arm still around Tav’s waist. “You’ve returned early. You must have missed me, hmm?”
“Your opinion of yourself is unreasonably high, Haarlep. I have spent more than enough of my time with you. And I would have spent more time away had the client I pursued been worth the headache.” Raphael grumbled and swapped into his more comfortable cambion form. His eyes flickered over to the adventurer in his lap. “Oh, little Mouse. This is a surprise.”
Tav’s heartbeat quickened as he regarded them. A small, nervous smile tugged at their lips. He was going to find out about their snooping. The jig was up. The jig was—
Haarlep pulled them out of their thoughts by snuggling them. “Well, I had to find my own entertainment while you were away,” he chuckled. “And your mouse here is so enticing…”
“Y-Yehes, well. I was actually just leaving.” Tav palmed the cambion’s cheek and wriggled out of their arms. “It was good seeing you Raphael.”
“Oh? You are leaving so soon?” Raphael hummed curiously, eyebrow arched. “I am wounded. You would grace Haarlep with your illustrious presence, but not myself?”
“I-”
“Jealous, master?” Haarlep grinned and climbed off the bed, approaching him with a sultry strut. He put a hand on each shoulder from behind, pressing kisses into his neck. By doing so, he was acting as a barrier between Raphael and the door. Tav had to be quick. “Don’t be. You know you’re my favorite..”
Tav gathered their pack from the floor and scurried towards the door. But Raphael would not be easily seduced. He shrunk away from the affection and pushed the other cambion away with a grunt.
“I haven’t the time for your games tonight, Haarlep. I must draft a new contract to pursue another deal.” Raphael stepped away, moving towards his bookshelf. Korilla helped with keeping tabs on his clients, but he had his personal records that even she didn’t see. Tav heard him call for them over his shoulder. “A moment, Mouse. Surely you can spare me a moment of your time before you rush back to saving the world.”
“N-No, I really should be going.” Tav finally stepped into what they believed was the safety of the hallway. They pushed the door shut before hurrying down the corridor. But, when Raphael’s booming voice followed them, their heart sank to their knees.
“Where. Is. My. Journal?”
Uh oh.
There was a war of words between Raphael and Haarlep before the door slammed open. It thudded against the wall and made Tav jump.
“MOUSE!”
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. He’s gonna kill me. Tav broke out into a run, but it was useless. Raphael materialized at the end of the hallway in a fiery blaze. They nearly tripped over themselves as they skidded to a stop.
“I read a play during my last trip to the Material Plane..” Raphael stalked up to them like a predator approaching prey. Tav continued to backpedal. “Shakespeare’s Othello. ‘Guiltiness will speak, though tongues were out of use.’ You seemed rattled when I returned— not because I interrupted a rendezvous. No… it was something else.”
“I- don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tav played dumb, staring up at him with big, innocent looking eyes. They, however, radiated with giddy, nervous energy, and they fought back a smile more than once. Raphael’s eyes narrowed.
“You are lying,” Raphael growled. “And it is a poor attempt at a lie at that. You, a guest in my home, would rifle through my things and believe I wouldn’t notice? How foolish..”
Tav opened their mouth to speak, to explain. Raphael ignored them, snapped his fingers, and teleported them to his private quarters. The room was adorned with crimson and golden decor that mirrored the rest of his house, but the air was calmer. Still. This was a place that even Haarlep knew not to visit unannounced.
Tav found themselves on another bed, but this one was bigger. It had darker, redder sheets.
And this time, they had a vexed archdevil looming over them.
“Wahait, Raphael. I can explain--”
Tav made an ‘oof’ sound as Raphael pushed them down. They scrambled to sit up, to get away, but this little mouse wouldn’t be escaping. He made sure of it by pinning them down at the waist with his legs. Restraining their wrists would soon follow.
“Spare me your explanations,” Raphael sneered. “I wrested the details from Haarlep, and they will be dealt with accordingly. Now if you have any last words, Mouse, make them quick. It will only take a moment to finish you.”
Tav didn’t need to dig themselves into a deeper hole. But, against all logic, they did.
That small, impish smile returned. They remembered what they gossiped about with Haarlep.
“You know, that’s twice as long as Haarlep said it takes to finish you.”
Now they’ve done it. Raphael bristled and raised his hands, poised to strike.
“You contemptuous creature!”
If Raphael hadn’t been fond of Tav in his way, he would’ve had them flayed. And that would’ve been the merciful option. But, he’d learned so much about them and, by extension, mortals. How they expressed fortitude in the face of danger. How they rallied together to fight evils.
How ticklish some of them were. And the Little Mouse was no exception.
Raphael went for their ribs first, hands curling around them and fingernails skittering along the bones. Tav screamed and arched their back, descending into a giggling fit. Their hands blindly chased after his, but they were soon pulled up and over their head, bound by some Infernal magic. The ticklish panic weighed on them, and they bucked and squirmed as he kneaded between the bones.
“NAhahahahahaha! Raph, dohohohohn’t!”
“You’ve brought this upon yourself, dear,” Raphael scoffed. His hands dropped down, kneading his thumbs into their sides, and smirking when they giggled harder. “My home is a place of order and decorum, not thieves and mischief. I thought you were better than this, Tav. But it seems I was mistaken. You and your accomplice will be corrected.”
“Nononohohohoho! Ahahaha! I’m sohohohohorry!” Tav pleaded. Their wrists strained against the magic holding them above their head. Suddenly, the devil dug into their stomach, and their scream was probably loud enough to hear in the Material Plane. They arched off of the bed, laughing loudly as his large hands scampered up and down their tummy. Their shirt didn’t really protect them from the tickles; it was decoration if nothing else.
“You’re sorry?” Raphael echoed them in a mocking, pitying tone. “Another lie. You don’t know the meaning of the word. In fact you are only ‘sorry’ that I returned at a most inopportune time and caught you in the act.”
Tav pinched their eyes shut, thrashing and laughing as the tickles continued, gradually getting faster. Much to their surprise, Raphael paused abruptly, walking two fingers up their side and back towards their ribs.
“Although,” he mused. “I don’t believe this is much of a punishment for you, judging from what I observed amongst you and your companions..”
Tav’s eyes snapped back open. They squealed as he repeatedly pinched their lowermost rib, kneading it between his fingers. “Whahahaht?!”
“Do not be coy with me,” Raphael dragged his fingernails in between the ribs, earning deep, desperate giggles. “I have learned a great deal about you during this perilous journey. Mortals and devils are as different as night and day. We crave similar things at times, and yet we still do not hold the same eccentricities. We do not seek out the touch of another in order to laugh. And yet, you do.”
Tav’s cheeks burned with realization. Still, they opted for playing dumb. Their heart was doing somersaults in their chest. How in the hell did he know? “I dohoho nohohoht—”
“I have kept my eye on you. I’ve seen how easily you crumble should Astarion merely rest a hand on your waist,” Raphael toyed with their ribs like a piano, alternating between kneading in between one rib and pinching another. Tav bucked their hips again and tried to curl in on themselves. “Or when Karlach gathers you in her arms, you make a show of kicking and squealing, only to give little resistance when she finally has her hands on you. There is still the matter of addressing your thievery, but as for this?”
His hands shot up suddenly and buried into their exposed armpits. Instead of continuing to try and curl inwards, Tav bucked their hips, their giggles jumping in both pitch and volume. They tugged against the magic keeping their arms up, but their arms didn’t budge. Raphael had free range to dig deep into the hollows, scritching away.
“You enjoy being tickled,” he asserted, his lips curling into a knowing grin. “And since I do not want to harm you, I am satisfied with correcting your behavior through this…unorthodox method. In fact, this begets the question of poking your nose in my belongings. Were you simply curious, or did you want my attention?”
By the hells. If Tav’s face got any hotter, they were gonna ignite. They were giggling too hard to give a coherent answer, and the only thought swimming in their mind was how much they wanted to bring their arms down. That thought was quickly replaced by another surge of ticklish panic as his hands worked back down their torso.
“Waitwaitwait!” They gasped, “I’ll give it bahahack! It’s in my pahahahck! Nohohoho!”
Their pleading fell on deaf ears, and Raphael’s nails skimmed over their waistline. Tav jolted upwards and let out panicked giggles. Not there, not there.
“Alas, it should still be in my bookshelf, along with my other books.” Raphael hummed. “You have only succeeded in further implicating yourself. Though that is not what I asked. Why did you rifle through my private journal?”
Tav wheezed as he dragged two fingers across their waist in a slow, slow line. Their head tilted back as they struggled to say something at least partially coherent. “I-I dihihdn’t—Haarlep—”
“Will be appropriately dealt with, as are you,” he reminded. “In truth, I expect this sort of misbehavior from them, but not from you. And I grow tired of this back and forth, this endless web that we weave..”
Raphael rested a thumb on each of their hips. Tav shrieked, further sealing their fate, and giggled for no other reason than pure anticipation.
“Why?”
He would not ask them again. That was clear enough from his tone. His thumbs tapped, tapped, tapped over their hip bones, and the poor adventurer jumped from each one.
“Curiosity!” They panted, giggling loudly. “I was curious! Plehehease, not there-”
The archdevil’s fingers stilled. He hummed; whether that was from satisfaction, amusement, or both, Tav was not sure.
“Where, Mouse?” He suddenly started squeezing their hips, and Tav immediately fell into a fit of deep laughter. “Here?”
“NAHAHA! RAHAHAPHEHEL!” Tav shrieked, bucked, and cackled as he pinched over their hip bones. Somewhere amidst their laughter, they heard Raphael chuckle.
“My my, you are a sensitive one,” he mused. “I can certainly see the appeal your companions have towards tickling you. Their brave, selfless leader, reduced to a state of laughter with just the right touch.”
Raphael was gonna be the death of them, they were sure of it. He slowed his assault to a crawl, with two fingers skittering from hip bone to hip bone. This touch mirrored Astarion’s light, nimble fingers.
“Do you have a preference, I wonder?” He raked his nails just a hair above the bone as he thought out loud. Tav hiccuped and laughed harder. “Do you prefer the rogue’s dexterous hand? Careful and assured, able to pick apart even the most iron-clad lock. Or..”
His hands jumped back to their hips, squeezing with a fervor that fell in line with Karlach’s enthusiasm. “Is the barbarian’s style more enjoyable to you? A hand touched by the Hells, her touch mirroring its flames by how eagerly it engulfs you, and yet provides a warmth that you can get from no other.”
As if he cast the fire bolt cantrip, Tav cheeks flushed deeply. They were laughing too hard to answer, their mind swimming between how right Raphael was, and how much it tickled. Raphael slowed the tickling down just enough to leave them gasping and giggling.
“I would like an answer, my dear.”
“I dohohohn’t hahave ohohne!” They squeaked, not quite lying. They enjoyed the closeness and silliness that came from tickling, and didn’t care who had them on them on the receiving end.
And yet, being at this archdevil’s mercy started to tell them a different story…
“Oh no?” Raphael suddenly squeezed their sides, and they let out a surprised shriek. “They will be gutted. Surely you must have a way that you enjoy being tickled..”
Raphael, halting the tickling altogether, waved his hands over Tav’s wrists. The magic that had been holding them up dissipated, and they were free to bring their arms down. Tav blinked, confused.
“I don’t-”
That confusion only lasted for a second. Raphael’s hands found their waist again, where he scribbled and tickled with fervor. Tav yelped and scrambled to grab his hands, succeeding only in palming his knuckles, and noticing that they weren’t trying that hard to push him away.
Raphael noticed that too.
“RAHAHAHPH!”
“Ah, I see…” Raphael purred and easily shook their hands away, reaching behind him to squeeze just above their knees. Their breath hitched for a moment before they fell back into a laughing fit. Their legs kicked against the bed as they squirmed, but even then, they weren’t making much of an effort to flee. “It would seem you prefer my way.”
Yes.. The word was on the tip of their tongue, but they weren’t going to give him the satisfaction of proving him right. Again, Raphael paused, giving them a chance to breathe.
“I am flattered. Though you should know that there is no need to give in to Haarlep’s antics to get my attention. It does, as with most things, come with a price.”
Tav tilted their head up, unsure of what he’d ask of them. Did they bite off more than they could chew? Raphael held his hands above their torso, smirking.
“If you want me to tickle you, you must ask. So be a good mouse and ask.”
Could I request ler Shadowheart x lee reader? I feel like Shadowheart would be such an evil teasing ler given how teasy some of her lines sound
Sandcastles
Now that Tav’s taught Shadowheart how to swim, they take nightly dips in a cool spring not too far from Baldur’s Gate. Freed from Shar’s grip, she’s able to explore a more lighthearted, playful side of affection, and her darling happens to be oh so ticklish…
Warnings- Spoilers for Act 3, Shadowheart's romance [Selunite].
WC: ~1800
Pairing- Shadowheart x Tav (romantic)
A/N: I hope this is to your liking, anon! I'm not confident with this since I don't usually have Shadowheart in my party (only once in 3-4 playthroughs) but I wanted to try anyway. Still, I hope you enjoy.
Read on Ao3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/63579712
It was a long, tiring day of adventuring. Tav’s bags were bursting with the group’s newly acquired loot. Scrolls and books for Gale, wine and daggers for Astarion, and an oddly specific cheese that Minsc insisted Boo wanted. They trudged over to Shadowheart’s tent and plopped down on her stool with a weary sigh.
“Tired, love?”
Tav felt two familiar hands rest on their shoulders from behind. They turned and smiled up at Shadowheart. They were still getting used to her new white hair, but she never looked so beautiful. The lighter hair color softened her features. Tav swore she was an angel in disguise.
“Exhausted,” they admitted. They craned their head up for a kiss. “I missed you. You’re like a tall glass of water at the end of a long day..”
She smirked. “Well, that’s certainly romantic. I haven’t heard that one before,” she chuckled and met them halfway to peck their lips. Tav hummed and moved to deepen the kiss, but she pulled away suddenly, putting a finger where her lips were. “Though I hope you’re not too tired to deliver on a promise you made this morning.”
“Never,” Tav kissed her finger, then her palm before she could move her hand away. Grinning, they pulled the cleric into their arms, sitting her down on their lap. “I’m looking forward to making sandcastles later. The date is still very much on.”
Shadowheart giggled, fidgeting in their arms until she was able to straddle them. She cupped their face in her hands and leaned in, her hair tickling their nose. “Good. I’m glad you take your promises seriously.”
It seemed as if she was going to kiss them again. And, with the way they gazed up at her, it seemed cruel to deny them.
But kiss them she did not. Tav had already closed their eyes, had already pursed their lips, only to be left wanting. They opened their eyes, confused, and Shadowheart’s smirk broadened.
“Tonight, then. Do not keep me waiting.”
Oh, she could be cruel. But honestly? Tav wouldn’t have it any other way.
When night fell, and the rest of their companions were engaged in their own plans, Tav found Shadowheart in the same clearing where they previously spent the night. It was quiet, save for the chirping crickets or the sound of the waves lapping at the shoreline. Shadowheart didn’t turn around immediately when they approached. It seemed as if she was lost in thought; her eyes scanned the water for something, and whatever it was, Tav didn’t see it. Tav cleared their throat.
“Everything okay, love? You aren’t having second thoughts, I hope?”
Shadowheart finally turned around. She shook her head. “No. Just getting lost in my head again. But, we can talk about it another day.”
It warmed Tav’s heart to know that she finally trusted them enough to talk to them. It made their love that much more cherished to them. Tav nodded understandingly. There was a beat before Shadowheart arched a brow, making a turning motion with her hand.
“Well, don’t just stand there. Turn around.”
Tav blinked and, chuckling, did what she asked. They folded their hands behind their back while they waited for her to disrobe. Shadowheart hummed, amused.
“You’re not even trying to peek?” She feigned bewilderment, letting her cloak fall from around her shoulders. “I’ll admit, I’m a little offended.”
Tav faced a decision: take Shadowheart’s bait, or behave themselves? Their mind pulled them in two opposite directions.
Look at her.
Don’t do it.
Do it!
Don’t--
Oh, to hells with it. Tav slowly turned to face her.
“You just asked me to﹘”
Discarded clothing hit them square in the gullet before they could finish. Tav tumbled back a few steps with a surprised yell. Unlike before, Shadowheart wore a purple bikini, the likes of which they found at Carm’s Garms. She looked good in any color, but purple was her color.
“You’re lucky all I had to throw was my clothing,” Shadowheart’s laughter carried on the wind as she hurried to the water. Now that this wasn’t her first time swimming, she felt more confident to enter the water on her own. Tav tossed her clothing somewhere on the sand, stripped to their own swimwear, and chased after her.
Tav was a seasoned swimmer, so it didn’t take long for them to catch up. They moved through the water like a fish, or a mer-folk, and gave her a good splash the second she turned around. Shadowheart sputtered and recoiled, hair now soaked.
“Hey!” She shouted and palmed her face, wiping the excess water away. Tav grinned.
“You’re lucky all I had to splash you with was water,” Tav playfully echoed her and splashed her again, laughing at her indignant squeal. The ex-Sharran’s expression darkened into something mischievous.
“You’re going to pay for that.”
Suddenly, she lunged at them. Tav screamed and brought their hands up to defend themselves. Water and hands were flying until her slender fingers prodded into their tummy. Tav screamed even louder before giving way to startled laughter.
“Nahahaha! S-Shihihit! Ah! Shadowheheheheart!” Tav squealed and alternated between batting at her hands and keeping themselves afloat. “Nohoho! I-I only splashed youhuhu-!”
“You did. Two times in fact.” Shadowheart kneaded her thumbs into their hips, and they laughed louder. She kept it up even as they tried to grab onto her hands. “I think I’m owed more than a little payback.”
“Nohohot tihihihickles!” In truth, Tav didn’t mind tickling, and Shadowheart knew it. It’s just that whenever she got her hands on them, she could be wicked, a situation that seemed likelier the more she scribbled away at their hips, sides, and tummy. Tav flopped around like a metaphorical fish out of water before an escape opportunity presented itself. The water and their squirming made it hard for her to maintain a firm grip, so when they were able to slip away, they swam towards the shoreline as fast as their legs would take them.
“Oh no you don’t!”
Tav heard her swim after them, and they weren’t ten steps onto the shoreline before she tackled them down. She easily pinned them on their back and hummed.
“Did you really think I’d let you escape?” Shadowheart rested her hands on their rib cage, subtly curling and uncurling her fingers against the bones. Tav squirmed, giggling nervously. They tried again and again to sit up, but she wasn’t having it. “You should’ve known better than to start a fight that you couldn’t finish.”
“I was just--hahaha! Just plahahahying!” Tav squeaked and curled inwards, giggling madly. Shadowheart grinned.
“I see. Well then, this is how I want to play..”
Shadowheart dragged her nails up to where their ribs met the start of their armpits. She’d follow the same path and return to their ribs instead of digging into the hollows, intentionally toying with them. Tav thrashed and arched their back, squeaking and giggling. The volume of their giggles would change depending on where she went; soft giggles as she moved to their armpits, loud giggles when she skimmed over their ribs.
“Ohohoho gahahaha! Nohoho!” Tav flinched and threw their head back when she slid her fingers up and down their ribs at an intentional slow pace. “Geheheht off mehehehe!”
“Oh? You’ve never complained about me being on top before,” The cleric smirked and gently clawed at the spaces between the ribs. “Quite the opposite, in fact.”
Tav thrashed and tried to roll onto their side. Their cheeks flushed under the glow of the moon.
“Thahaht waahahasn’t the sahahame!” They made an attempt to argue, only to wheeze when she squeezed further down their torso. This time, she traced patterns over their sides with her nails, occasionally poking at their belly. Tav’s legs kicked against the ground as their giggles picked up to laughter.
“Not all too different. Here you are, beneath me, making the most adorable sounds..” She cooed and moved her pointer finger in small circles along their belly. “I can recall many a night where you did the same.”
“Shahaha! Shadowhehehehart!” Tav bucked their hips and squealed as she pinched the side of their belly. They knew what was coming, and the ticklish anticipation weighed on their bones. “Plehehehease! I’m sss—ahhh!”
Shadowheart toyed with them for long enough. She suddenly worked her nails up and down the length of their tummy, kneading and scritching, and Tav screamed. They threw their head back again and cackled. Amidst their laughter, she quietly chuckled. “Hmhm, adorable.”
If Tav’s cheeks flushed any more, they were sure they’d catch on fire. Her hands dipped lower to their hips, another awfully ticklish spot, and she kneaded over the bones. Tav bucked their hips and laughed harder.
“NOHOHOHO! D-Dohohn’t—tahahahaha!” Tav tossed from one side to the other, but her hands stayed put. “I’m sohohohohorry!”
“Sorry enough that you’d splash me twice?” Shadowheart lightly scoffed. “Unlikely. I think you can give a better apology than that.” She gave what could be called encouraging squeezes just a hair above the hip bones, then jumped back to their sides and tummy. Tav dipped further into hysterics.
“I cahahahan’t,” Tav’s loud laughter dropped back to giggling as Shadowheart slowed her determined tickling back into softer, teasing strokes. Her fingers creeped up to their armpits and, even with them keeping their arms down, she was able to prod into the hollows.
“Maybe you just need more encouragement,” Keeping one hand scritching into their underarm, Shadowheart swiveled her head and brought her braid over her shoulder. Surely she didn’t mean to-
Then they felt it. The tip of her braid stroked over their tummy, sides, and hips in featherlight strokes. This time, Tav’s squealing laughter could most likely be heard by the denizens of Baldur’s Gate. They inadvertently snorted as they helplessly writhed and bucked underneath her. Somehow, her braid felt even more ticklish than a feather would have been.
“Keep laughing like that, and someone’s bound to hear you in the Elfsong..” Shadowheart smirked and dug her thumb into their other armpit, hair braid moving in circles around their navel. “You’ll have our friends wondering why making sandcastles is so entertaining.”
Tav’s eyes shut from the force of their laughter, trapping the mirthful tears. Eventually, Shadowheart eased off of them, tossing her hair back over her shoulder when they were just a puddle of giggles. They panted and looked up at her.
“You’re ehehevil,” Tav accused, still giggling and now blinking away the tears. She laid beside them and pecked both of their cheeks.
“Perhaps. Though I’d argue that you enjoyed yourself, as I did..” She gently tugged them closer to her and pulled them on top of her. Tav blinked again and put an arm on either side of her head, the question clear in their eyes, only to be answered with her arms looping around their neck. “But I still want my sandcastle…”
