I'm apparently up to 390 hours of BG3 now across all playthroughs so about time I do something for it, even if it's barely (read not even vaguely) disguised Atlin. Sort of trying out ideas for @onepixelaway's matching outfit tag. If anyone has any other ideas/suggestions for them I can see what I can come up with. Debating whether the tentacle should remain sensually touching or should be coming out of his toga (or should I add another and do both?).
In addition I have been writing more for the Atton Lost AU, so I'll share a bit of that below the cut. It feels so good to write Atton being genuinely emotional after he spends an entire game/story burying his emotions or else weaponizing them.
Atton squeezes him tighter in spite of the pain, βStay with me, Tae. I don't want to see anyone else, but I don't want to be alone.β
Kartaelin slides carefully onto the bed next to him, holding him close, βIβm not going anywhere, Atton. The only thing that matters to me right now is your recovery. We have a long road ahead, but I will be there every step of the way. I love you, Atton Rand.β
βTae,β Atton whispers, tears streaming down his face again. He can feel the warmth of the Exile's love and his relief that he is alive, awake and aware flowing through the bond they share. He reaches for him through it, his emotions a muddled mess of pain, fear and uncertainty, but also gratitude and love. He doesn't know why it's so hard for him just to say it out loud, even now, after he spilt everything to him with what he thought would be his dying breath. But the bond conveys the message and he's met with a feeling that everything will be alright, an unspoken comfort that's echoed in his partner's embrace. The tears keep coming. How can any man be so kind, so encouraging of others and yet carry so much pain and sorrow? He wants to crawl into his lap and just be completely surrounded by him. He might have done so if it weren't for all the monitors and IVs he's hooked up to.
