You pick Karlach

The campfire crackles softly, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the tents. Karlach sits by the fire, her massive greataxe resting against a log. She’s humming a tune, her crimson skin glowing faintly in the firelight. You approach, drawn by her infectious energy.

“Hey, soldier,” she says, grinning as you sit beside her. “Couldn’t sleep either?”

You shrug, leaning back on your hands. “Too much on my mind. Thought I’d see what you’re up to.”

She laughs, the sound warm and rich. “Just thinking about how much I’d love to let loose for once. You know, have a little fun. But…” She trails off, her grin faltering as she looks down at her hands.

“But what?” you ask, your tone gentle.

She sighs, her fiery eyes flickering with frustration. “It’s this damn infernal engine inside me. Makes it hard to… well, get close to anyone. Literally.”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”

She gestures to her chest, where a faint, fiery glow pulses beneath her skin. “This thing keeps me alive, but it also makes me burn hotter than a forge. Touching me for too long? Not a great idea unless you fancy third-degree burns.”

You chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. “So, no hand-holding by the fire, huh?”

She barks a laugh, but there’s a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Yeah, no hand-holding. No cuddling. No… well, you get the idea.”

You lean closer, your voice soft. “That must be hard.”

She shrugs, trying to play it off. “Eh, I’ve dealt with worse. But sometimes… I just wish I could feel normal, you know? Like everyone else.”

You study her for a moment, then smile. “You’re not like everyone else, Karlach. And that’s what makes you amazing.”

Her eyes widen, and for a moment, she’s speechless. Then she grins, her usual bravado returning. “Flattery will get you everywhere, soldier.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “I mean it. You’re strong, fearless, and you’ve got a heart bigger than that axe of yours. So what if you’re a little… fiery? That just makes you unique.”

She looks at you, her expression softening. “You’re something else, you know that?”

You smirk. “So I’ve been told.”

For a moment, there’s silence, the fire crackling between you. Then Karlach leans closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You know… there are ways to have fun without, uh, direct contact. If you’re up for it.”

Your heart skips a beat, but you keep your tone light. “Oh? Like what?”

She grins, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “Ever heard of a little thing called imagination?”

You laugh, shaking your head. “You’re full of surprises, Karlach.”

“Damn right I am,” she says, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. “But seriously… thanks. For not treating me like some kind of monster.”

You reach out, stopping just short of touching her. “You’re not a monster, Karlach. You’re one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met.”

She looks at your hand, then at you, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she reaches out, her fingers hovering just above yours. The heat radiating from her skin is intense, but not unbearable.

“Careful, soldier,” she murmurs, her voice low. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

You smile, your fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment. “Worth it.”

Her breath hitches, and for a moment, she looks like she might pull away. But then she leans in, her lips brushing against yours in a kiss that’s as fiery as she is. It’s over almost as quickly as it began, but the intensity lingers.

When she pulls back, her cheeks are flushed, her breathing uneven. “That… was probably a bad idea.”

You grin, your heart still racing. “Best bad idea I’ve had in a while.”

She laughs, the sound warm and genuine. “You’re crazy, you know that?”

“Takes one to know one,” you reply, earning another laugh.

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