#🖌️. » MARVIN. the air in your lungs is like thunder. the colors blend seamlessly at the touch of your lips.

[intcritus]

[BELIEF]: in a moment where the receiver is lacking in self-confidence, the sender cups their face tenderly and professes their faith in the receiver's abilities. //Marvin @ Salem

   Frustration and hopelessness grips Salem, staying in their hand as fingers curl around one of their paint brushes. How many times had they been in this situation ? And how many times had the phoenix been unable to do the one thing they were brilliant at ? And truly, it’d be so easy to dip it into color, to stroke along the blank canvas. To even dip their hands into clay, molding it into something significant but no inspiration comes to them and even when it does, what comes out is pure shit. And if they were better at this emotional bullshit, they wouldn’t be knocking the easel away from them, an angry huff escaping them and the feathers in their hairline standing with their ire. 

And truly, it's only anger because sadness is too empty, it doesn't fully encapsulate the desolation of not being able to fall into his craft, doesn't truly comprehend how Salem feels like a fucking failure. Self-confidence ? Doesn't know her anymore. And they want to. To ease back into what they love with vigor but its fear for mistakes, of thinking they're utter brokenly that keeps him from stepping forward. To diving off the cliff and spreading their wings.

Salem ?

Brows furrow, teeth gritting at their lack of action and they're tempted to tear the easel apart just looking at it. A hand finds it's way into golden strands, gently ruffling through them before another hand joins it on the phoenix's cheek, drawing their gaze toward their bonded beloved.

Breathe. You can do this in your sleep. Put your fear into your art. Let it bleed away. Let your anger and frustration out onto your canvas. You've always made magnificent, emotional pieces even when you aren't discouraged.

Staring up at Marvin, the avian realizes he's right, that so many emotions go into their art, why should this stop them now ? It doesn't have to be now. Fingers brush across tear-stained cheeks, a soft kiss pressed to their forehead then to the feathers that have laid flat against their hairline once more, an understanding and loving smile just for them. I have complete faith that you will do what you love. That you'll be creating non-stop before long. Careful, gentle hands guide them to the easel they'd knocked over moments prior, picking it up along with the blank canvas and setting it right.

Something about that, the tenderness of the action makes them ache, throat thick with emotion. Because Marvin's faith, not in just their abilities, but in them. Nothing could last, not even the bad times. The darkness parts easily, showing him the sunshine behind the clouds and has more tears spilling over their cheeks, love and awe shining in their eyes. Oh. How many people could say that they had this sort of unending faith ? To be loved enough to break through, to just know what they needed to hear. Turning away from the canvas, they go into the equine's arms easily, trilling tearfully, joyfully as tears are kissed away. Yes, maybe it had been this simple all along, or maybe they just needed this moment.

to be loved is to be understood. | @nvrcmplt

[intcritus]

❛  you can do whatever you want to me.  ❜ //Marvin @ Salem

how many times had salem heard marvin say those words to them ? and how many times had the avian happily took those words to heart. now though, it's nothing sexual, but even more intimate. they sit in his lap, in just the equine's shirt and sheer thigh-highs adoring their legs. chin is taken in hand, a kiss pressed to that pretty mouth, something slow, meaningful, deep. where they can slowly savor marvin in all his beauty, can fully taste the man who so happily claims them.

after a long moment, salem pulls back, delighting in the way marvin's eyes are closed, his tongue licking over his mouth as if savoring their taste. a low, pleased trill escapes them, mouth easing into a tender smile. mismatched gaze trails down throat to marvin's chest where their hand presses over heart. they've contemplated this plenty of times, where they claim someone to be theirs, to mark them. salem would've happily danced around, some silly mating thing that they know marvin would've loved, but this moment feels different, something more permanent, something marvin can be entrusted with.

the fire within their veins brightens just beneath their skin, fingertips dancing in colorful, vibrant flames like a kaledioscope of colors on a empty canvas. and those fingers press into marvin's skin, shoulder and down to his right pectoral, a faint burn ( nothing more than a warming sensation ) and the phoenix traces over the path over and over like a paintbrush to canvas until one could see hues of blues and greens entwining into a feather.

❝ ━ i trust you. and i love you so much, and i don't plan on choosing another other than you. ❞ salem had never attempted this but it felt right. a watery smile curves their lips, blinking away tears before they could bother to gather in lashes, ❝ ━ i planned on rocking your world, but this seemed like the right time to give you a part of me, so you never have to worry about whether you own every part of me. ❞ there are no words to impose the gravity of said feather etched into marvin's flesh, even if their final life cycle came, salem never had to worry about a thing, because the best and most important part of him would always belong to marvin.

in which the phoenix marks their partner for life. | @nvrcmplt

[intcritus]

❛ you are divine violence so burn it all. ❜ //Marvin

Salem's mind was a fractured mess. If it wasn't burning in their own flames, it was the rapid shift of emotions that came with the forced rebirths.  Now they're out in the middle of the forest, a lake beckoning the phoenix's attention, watching the still water ripple with a frog's departure. There's rage simmering beneath flesh, his veins filled with fire more prominent and a quiet exhale brings steam with it.

How long has it been building this way, no outlet, just rage and fear like unshapely blocks that barely fit together and leaking out with every aborted stroke of a paintbrush.Expanding their senses, partly relieved that it's just them two. massive, rainbow-colored wings unfurl from their back and with it, the beautiful and dangerous flames that explode outward. divine violence ? yes, they would burn it all, until nothing remained but cinders and in those ashes, this place would be lush greenery, even more vibrant and sturdy than before Salem's desecration.

Their beloved was safe within the lake’s waters, but their head pops above the surface when the avian’s scream echoes through the silence, it’s filled with grief and tears stream down their cheeks, flames spreading quickly. Anyone above the treeline wouldn’t understand the waves of rainbow tinted flames, but knew to stay away. 

Who knows how long Salem does this, but eventually, when there’s nothing in the clearing but the lake that ripples with Marvin coming out of it, Salem sags into the equine’s arm, sniffling as they burrow into his chest. Did they feel better ? Absolutely. But now all they wanted to do was doze in Marvin’s arms and forget about the woes that plagued them. / @nvrcmplt

[intcritus]

marvin & salem. @nvrcmplt

salem, i believe, if granted the chance would want children with marvin. they think about it a lot because marvin is their world, its easy to see a life beyond with him because there's no one else they could ever want. when they think of fear, marvin is the complete opposite; he's the breath of safety, he's the loving arms they fall asleep in. and salem knows any child the gods would grant them would forever know the love and protection that marvin would bestow upon them.

[intcritus]

in which, draco's experiments run it's course. / @nvrcmplt

     The thing about Phoenixes is that at the end of their life, whether it be because of a fatal wound or because they got sick, they perished in their avian form. It was a failsafe for their chosen mortal forms. Unlike Elliot, Salem didn’t always allow their wings to form on their mortal form, only when they needed to reach great heights for a painting or sculpture. Or when Elliot’s dumbass decides to smack them with a wing, and well like the sibling they are, Salem can only respond in kind. Childish yes, but they’re siblings none the less.

While they digress, the point is, the burning beneath their flesh that early morning while in Marvin’s arms is puzzling. It’s agonizing, stealing their breath as they jerk out of Marvin’s arms and off the bed. Pain zings through their limbs, Wings tearing from their back, bloody. They ache, and the pain is torture, because it isn’t like a quick flash and their body turning to ash. It’s like being beneath Draco’s needle again, the torture of it drawing choked sobs and pained squawks from their jaw. 

They can feel the ashes filling their throat, the process of dying happening from the inside out as every part of them is setting aflame. Veins bursting, vision going out and pale skin disintegrating in spurts. What was going on ? There’s no breath in Salem’s lungs, just blood and ash, a choked scream tearing from them as the body took its last moments, burning like nothing they’d ever felt.

The rebirth isn’t easy, and Salem comes to, someone’s hands on him, fingers stroking at their cheek, in their hair and fear surges through the avian, unsure of where they are, just who is touching them ? Haven't they suffered enough ? Hysterical laughter leaves pink lips and the sound of their name in a familiar voice has eyes blinking open. Oh, they were beautiful. Had the phoenix slept with them ? Gods, wouldn’t that be a blessing ?  ❝ ━ Hello, pretty. Who are you ? ❞

   Why does he look so familiar ? This pleasant feeling in their chest says they know this man intimately, emotionally – that they’re mates? Something special, something for life. Yet Salem’s brain isn’t quite sure if it was because of a wonderful night of passion or if this was just their imagination. A memory flickers through their mind, a migraine following behind it then another scene of being held, kissed, soft, loving words between them. 

                               I love you. 

                                               I’ve got you, you’re safe. I heard you. 

❝ ━ Marvin ? ❞ Pain and confusion laces Salem’s words, fingers reaching out to grasp their lover’s wrist, tears streaking down their cheeks. How could they forget ? How did they forget ? Scrambling into a sitting position, Salem throws arms around the equine, features burrowing into his neck, sobs tearing from their mouth. Gods, they’d never experienced a rebirth like that. Forgetting ? Forgetting the most important person in their life ? What was happening to them ?

[intcritus]

Throne sex while the world is on fire is such Marvin and Salem core.

[intcritus]

relationship tags. ( 2/2 )

[dcwnrisen-aa]

❛ well, i do feel better now that you're here. ❜ // Marvin @ Salem

a grumpy equine is one who had his men standing at attention, casting wary glances and spine erect. it shouldn't make them laugh but salem liked when marvin was a little grumpy, he was so cute. not that saying that aloud would loosen the sullenness of his expression but the artist could hardly be deterred. drawing their lover down, a kiss is betowed upon lips, a happy trill leaving the phoenix. ❝ ━ your hair is all messy, were you frustrated ? ❞ the words are quiet, albeit teasing as they run slender fingers through dark strands to bring some order to them. ❝ ━ come on, wrap this stuff up and we'll go walk off this mood. or you could make them leave,❞ the phoenix shifts, teeth nipping marvin's earlobe, voice dropping to a sultry simper, ❝ ━ and you can use me to your hearts content, right here. ~❞

[dcwnrisen-aa]

💋💋💋💋 Marvin feels deprived because I haven't sent him over for his birb.

salem reaches for marvin, drawing him down for a kiss. they both feel deprived, and the phoenix seeks to rectify that. ❝ ━ hi, handsome. ❞ a smile against lips, thumbs brushing over the curve of his cheek. it's been awhile, their rising fame seeks to take all of the phoenix's time with their equine, but they would never allow such a thing. ❝ ━ mm, you smell like my bodywash, ❞ they murmur, stealing another kiss. and he does, something minty, some expensive stuff that elliot got them as a gift. hands slide down over throat, then shoulders as they're lifted, ❝ ━ ...missed you, couldn't sleep without you last night. ❞ they sigh into the next kiss, giving themself up to the quiet pleasure of kissing their beloved, there's nothing quite like it.

put a 💋 in my ask if your muse wants to kiss mine / @nvrcmplt

[dcwnrisen-aa]

he touched me and it became my salvation.

salem about marvin.

[dcwnrisen-aa]

[ LEAN ] — sender leans against receiver in a state of exhaustion //MArvin @ Salem

staring down at the mushroom risotto in the pan, they deem it sufficient finished -- hovering only to make sure it doesn't become overcooked. roasted, honey glazed carrots sit in one dish while the roast sits, covered, steam rising from beneath it's covering. mm, done just in time for their beloved to join them. head cants, brows furrowing then marvin weight leans onto them and almost immediately does salem turn to him, one arm slipping around the equine's waist while the other traces delicately over the exhaustion lining his handsome face.

tender is the expression that eases over their features. shifting, salem rubs at marvin's back as they lead him to the bedroom, and sits him on the bed. dead on his feet would've been an understatement. kneeling, they take off shoes, socks then help him with his shirt. leaving the pants on for now, they brush a lithe hand over forehead before pressing a kiss there, ❝ ━ stay here, i'll draw you a bath. ❞ and so they do, drawing a bath, with lavender and epsom salt. once the tub is full, they come back to their beloved, hiding a grin behind their palm at him looking so adorably sleepy.

it's a quiet affair from there, soft, whisper-like kisses over damp skin, soapy cloth following so the equine is clean. salem lingers to wash face and hair before grabbing one of their huge, fancy towels and helping marvin from the tub, letting it drain as they dry him. they're giddy to realize that plenty of marvin's stuff is here, so they grab a pair of underwear and pajama pants and helps him into it.

❝ ━ my love ? ❞ half-lidded gaze meets their own and salem's heart flips then melts, ahh, what were they supposed to do when marvin is just so cute. chuckling to themselves, they help their beloved into bed, tucking him in and sitting by his side when their hand is grabbed and held onto, head finding itself in their lap. fuck, there went their heart again. so they stayed, hand stroking over hair, face and shoulder until slumber finally took the equine and though they know food should've been first, there's always the morning. for now, they'll sit here, watching over their tired and lovely equine while he rests.

[dcwnrisen-aa]

lifting the glass of champagne to his lips, elliot trails along with salem, careful to avoid guests while they browsed. but his grey gaze slid to his friend then the two men who seemed to be watching over him with a faint smirk. ❝ ━ are you a princess now, salem ? can' leave your castle without protection, ❞ he joked, though he knew the truth. and truly, elliot was just glad someone other than himwas watching out for his fellow phoenix. didn't mean the scolding look through his way didn't humor him. ❝ ━ hey, don't give me that look. you're just missing a crown.❞

❝ ━ it's like you're trying to tick me off tonight.❞ some days, salem was unconcerned about how much they wanted to throttle their friend, it would've provided grate entertainment but then they'd have to deal with elliot's incessant whining. ❝ ━ just because i have someone who cares about my safety, doesn't mean i'm suddenly fragile, dumbass. ❞ at elliot's snort, lithe fingers tip up the end of the flute of his glass, smirking when their friend choked on the excess champagne. ❝ ━ besides, i can't get myself into trouble if marvin has someone watching me. now stop teasing me, it's making me cranky.❞

[dcwnrisen-aa]

❛  go back to sleep. i promise i’ll be there when you wake up.  ❜ //Marvin @ Salem

throwing a leg over marvin, just so he can't move, salem nuzzles into their beloved's bare chest, cheek pressed to his pectoral. the thrum of his heartbeat is soothing, and reminds salem that marvin is here, in their bed, beneath them. sometimes object permanence was subjective when they lived several lifetimes. they're only half-sleep but they don't want to go back to sleep just yet. ❝ ━ i love you. ❞ it's quiet, the words murmured just between them as lashes feather close over mismatched gaze. i hope there are many more mornings and nights i can wake up to you like this. the lull of the equine's heartbeat sends them back to sleep, a smile curling their lips.

[dcwnrisen-aa]

Marvin reaches out to snag Salem's hand in his own as he steps alongside the duo of feathered creatures. His men parted ways not needing them now he was here with his beloved phoe' and friend. "Lunch? On me." He offered with a soft smile towards the two.

❝ ━ i'm just saying, you look gorgeous in that skirt. it's all long and flowy. don't fly above anyone with that though, i'd hate to see your beau kill someone for looking. ❞

salem lifted a hand to cover their mouth, chuckling at the imagery of that. looking down at the lavender, pleasted skirt covering their legs, the phoenix twisting to and fro to make the fabric shift. ❝ ━ he's not that bad. besides, have you seen him ? gods, if i could wear his shirt and nothing else, i'd never leave the house. the man is my source of inspiration. ❞

elliot snorted, more than a little giddy with seeing his friend in love. it's nice to see the progression of grumpy bird to someone whose flourishing and happy infront of his eyes. then again, salem always had the propensity for greatness, so it's always a pleasure to be able to watch it in real time.

head cants as marvin, lord that man was beautiful, takes his bestfriend's hand, then brows quirk upward. ❝ ━ ooh, let's. nice to meet you, sir marvin. thanks for taking care of my friend, they certainly need it. ❞ side stepping salem's pinch, he grins, gesturing for the pretty couple to lead the way.

salem brings joined hands to their mouth, lips brushing over marvin's knuckles as mismatched eyes gaze up at him adoringly, ❝ ━ you look handsome, that color was made for you. also, don't mind that idiot, he's my oldest friend, can't really get rid of him. ❞ elliot's squawk of protest makes salem smirk as they lean against marvin's side, ❝ ━ you'll live long, we were just gossiping about you, baby.❞ / @nvrcmplt

[dcwnrisen-aa]

something else soft? the way salem settles down from their hopping and chirping when marvin holds them close. just the utter content in their features whenever marvin is around.

[intcritus]

❝ i know you’ve been having a shit time so i brought some food. ❞ // Marvin @ Salem

     Shit time was an apt description for the way Salem’s life had spiraled. And honestly, it could be worse, but what’s worse than slowly losing their mind and the memories that fracture and can’t really be pieced back together ? It’s enough that the forced rebirths have slowed recently but it does nothing to the way Salem wakes up some days and doesn’t know where they are. That even if their body remembers Marvin’s touch, the man himself isn’t recognized. Thankfully, it didn't happen today.

The day had gone relatively smooth, they ate breakfast together, went out to buy some more brushes and groceries and the Phoenix had been on the roof for the better part of the afternoon, staring down at a small canvas, a blank one that they’ve yet to do anything with. Tears of frustration wet pale lashes and then put the canvas back down, knowing nothing will happen right away.

The smell of food draws the avian’s attention, then Marvin’s words as he joins them on the blanket they’re sitting against has Salem smiling a little, gnawing on the corner of their lip. ❝ ━ Thank you, mo stóirín. ❞ Reaching out, they take the food, leaning over to press chapped lips to Marvin’s cheek. The truth was, food was probably going to improve their mood, even if mentally, they were feeling raw. ❝ ━ I couldn't create anything today. But I was able to pick up a brush, to gain some inspiration to do anything. I'll try again tomorrow, maybe...maybe I'll do something small....that's okay right ? ❞

a study of finding themselves once more. | @nvrcmplt