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scoonsalicious · 10 months ago

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Unwanted: Chapter 12, Unlucky - Pt. 2

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Fem!Reader

Summary: When your FWB relationship with your best friend Bucky Barnes turns into something more, you couldn’t be happier. That is, however, until a new Avenger sets her sights on your super soldier and he inadvertently breaks your heart. You take on a mission you might not be prepared for to put some distance between the two of you and open yourself up to past traumas. Too bad the only one who can help you heal is the one person you can no longer trust.

Warnings: (For this part only; see Story Masterlist for general Warnings) Language,

Word Count: 935

Previously On...: It's finally time to present your Crisis Prediction Algorithm to the Stark Industries' Board of Directors! EEP!

A/N: Another short part, but I'll be honest and tell you that this one has my all-time favorite Pocket/Tony interaction in it, so it was *so* much fun to write! I just love the dynamic between the two of them. And for a little Good News/Bad News: Bad News-- I'm heading off to New Orleans in a few hours Spring Break (like, I have to leave my house at 2:30am, it's godawful), so I'm not going to be very active on here for several days, and I'm not bringing my laptop (which is how I prefer to Tumblr, tbh). The Good News? I'm setting up scheduled updates so you'll keep getting your Unwanted segments in a timely fashion! I just won't be very interactive during that time period to update chapter links; you'll just have to find parts by navigating my feed. Sorry! I'll make it all better when I come home; promise.

Banner By: The absolutely amazing @mrsbuckybarnes1917!

Thank you to all those who have been reading; if you like what you've read, likes, comments, and reblogs give me life, and I truly appreciate them, and you!

Taglist: (Please let me know if you’d like to be added!) @jmeelee @cazellen @blackhawkfanatic @les-sel @marcswife21 @buckybarnessimpp @mrsbuckybarnes1917 @erelierraceala @hayjat @capswife @itsteambarnes @jupiter-107 @marygoddessofmischief @sebastians-love @learisa @lethallyprotected @rabbitrabbit12321 @buckybarnesandmarvel @fanfictiongirl77 @calwitch @fantasyfootballchampion @selella @jackiehollanderr @wintercrows @sashaisready @missvelvetsstuff @angelbabyyy99 @keylimebeag @maybefoxysouls @vicmc624 @sashaisready @j23r23 @wintercrows @crist1216 @cjand10 @doublejeon @pattiemac1

To your absolute delight, and no surprise to Bucky, the presentation went off without a hitch. The board was impressed with the level of detail you’d put into your work, and the extensive data you had to show from your months of trials. You’d managed to succinctly answer every question they brought up concerning protecting civilian privacy, system security, and cost/benefit analysis to their satisfaction.

When the time came for the board to vote, you held your breath, squeezing Bucky’s hand under the table as each member called out their ‘yay’ or ‘nay.’ When it was all said and done, the overwhelming majority had voted for Stark Industries to fund the implementation of the crisis prediction algorithm system, tentatively now called C-PAS, with the only votes against being concerned about cost, and not the benefits or merits of it. You couldn’t have been happier.

In celebration, Tony and Pepper took you and Bucky out to dinner at one of the most exclusive rooftop restaurants in the city. Now, as the Stark Industries’ CTO, you were definitely not hard up for money, by any stretch of the imagination, but the atmosphere around you was beyond anything you’d normally immerse yourself in.

“Here’s to our girl!” Tony exclaimed, raising a glass of 1998 Rosé Dom Pérignon. You blushed as Bucky and Pepper raised their glasses in your honor before you all took a sip. “I’m so proud of you, Pocket. I couldn’t be prouder if I had done it myself, so you know that’s saying something.”

You laughed at that. “Thank you, Boss,” you said, raising your glass to him. “That is truly a rare compliment, coming from you.”

“Don’t mention it, kiddo. Can’t think of a single person more deserving of the success than you.”

You ducked your face, trying to hide the flush of pride and embarrassment that was now coloring your cheeks. No matter your accomplishments, you would never become accustomed to being acknowledged for doing something well.

Bucky grabbed your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before bringing it to his lips. “He’s right, sweets. You’ve worked so hard for this, and you deserve to be celebrated for it. Not that often Stark and I can whole-heartedly agree on something, but we’re of like minds on that.”

You hid your face in your hands as Tony smirked at Bucky and raised his glass in salute.

“Boys,” Pepper interjected with a soft laugh, “while I completely agree with your shared assessment, you’re going to kill Pocket from embarrassment.”

“Thank you, Pep,” you murmured through your fingers.

“Alright, alright,” Tony said with a laugh, “subject change. So Barnes, when are you going to make an honest woman of our girl and weirdly become my brother-in-law? Huh– there’s a phrase I never expected to utter.”

You nearly choked on the piece of bread you’d been nibbling on as Bucky began spluttering on his mouthful of champagne. You cleared your throat and put a reassuring hand on Bucky’s knee. “If that becomes a topic that needs to be discussed, Tony, you will definitely be one of the first handful of people to know.”

“The first handful?” Tony cried, face affronted. “I should be number two, at least!”

“Number two?!” you asked him incredulously. “Come on, you egomaniac! How the fuck do you figure that?”

“Easy,” Tony said, leaning over the table toward you. “Barnes knows first because he decides he wants to marry you for some reason known only to him and his maker, he asks me for my blessing, and then you can find out after. So, number two! Come to think of it, you’ll probably be fifth to know, because I’m sure he’ll tell Capsicle after me, and of course I’ll tell Pepper, so it’s actually you in the first handful, not me.”

You rolled your eyes at him. “Oh really?” you asked, and he nodded, smirking at you. “Well, in that case, what number is Pep going to be when you decide to get your ass in gear and make an honest woman out of her? No offense, Pep,” you added quickly.

“None taken, honey, but are you both positive you’re not actually siblings?” Pepper laughed.

You and Tony both snorted, rolled your eyes, and muttered “He/She wishes” at the same time, which caused your entire table to laugh, breaking any tension that might have remained following Tony’s mention of a possible engagement.

From there, the conversation flowed to much less loaded topics, and soon your third course dishes were being cleared. You were feeling slightly buzzed from the champagne and were devilishly seeing how far you could push Bucky by tracing your hand along his upper thigh when Tony’s phone rang.

“Tony,” Pepper chastised as he pulled out the device to look at the screen. “I thought we agreed on no calls during couple’s time?”

You quickly shot Bucky a teasing look as if to say “see?”

“Sorry, honey, but it’s the emergencies-only line.” He put the phone to his ear. “Talk to me, Banner. … When did they get in? … WHAT?! … How? … Is he…? … No, I got it. We’re on our way.” Tony stood up abruptly from the table, ending the call.

“Tony, what–” Pepper began, but Tony put his hand on her arm, pulling her up and cutting her off.

“Wilson, Carthage, and Rhodes just landed from the Malaysia mission,” he began, his face stone serious. It was a look you hated seeing on his face, because it meant something was horribly wrong. “Rhodey’s been hurt. It’s bad. We need to get home. Now.”

<- Previous Part / Next Part ->

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x you #bucky x reader #bucky fanfic #bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky x female reader #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes fanfiction #james bucky buchanan barnes #james buchanan barnes #mcu bucky barnes #james barnes

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changewingwentz · 5 days ago

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Apparently I never yap In-depth in designing the Victorian au (vessels are won’t to lie) amd I never fully explain it in-depth what it is besides au in a Victorian era au

Copy pasted this from my Instagram cuz my hands hurt, warning I’m a big yapper

(i call it vessels are won’t to lie”) where they’re dressed in the 1890s-1900s my personal semester break project to combine my two obsessions , music and the Victorian era but inspired by the great ace attorney chronicles !! Basically They’re not prosecutors or lawyers just eye witnesses who may look strange to average londoners( where the game takes place ) so it’s also a half normal Victorian era au really

Iv- The idea is the Victorian equivalent to a punk battle jacket stage fit is a snazzy looking fellow who doesn’t fit in society standards, stripes (of his pants) was a must cuz they were a thing during 1890-1900s also it fits ivy’s “brand”, purple long time ago were expensive I wasn’t really deep in thought with the palette hes purple coded to me it could mean he’s trying to look important (eventually they will be…)👁

iii- not surprising he’s the easiest for this he already dressed pretty Victorian like I don’t have much to say besides the end straps of his suspenders was based on his chain bass strap and some dgs characters have implemented chains in their design, there’s this dress from the 1890s that just goes back to his fucking wembly stage fit I’m in tears/pos he’s literally fashion goals in my eyes

I checked a lot of fashion plates and websites to make sure they’re accurate and archives of the art book from online made by the character designer , Kazuya Nuri to make sure it has the flare of the game( I mean e for effort hopefully )so some of the inaccuracies are on deliberate for creative purposes apologies if there are accidental ones especially with the collars and vests

ii-The thing I like about dressing him up with the other eeps is keeping in mind their silhouettes and tribute to their stage fits , his being simple but also manage to be unique was hard…designing mens clothing that doesn’t look the same was also hard … a hunters outfit fits him nicely it also ties back on the being “hunted” and hunting theme like the one quote from the teeth of god and additional to the blood sport symbol on the gun/knife holster aha…don’t think too much abt that /j

, I also ref some semblance of Ryunosuke’s DLC outfit but let’s ignore that,

#vessels are wont to lie #hackus rambles

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sunshinecrashed · 5 years ago

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falling for you

kamado tanjiro x reader

training turned tension starters, “...do we always end up on top of each other?”

summary: the two times you fall onto him, and the one time he falls onto you.

word count: 1,800+

warnings: minor injuries, fighting demons, just a tiny bit of suggestiveness mainly just fluff tho :)

a/n: i enjoyed writing this *so much* holy shit

• ﹒• ° ˚ ° ⋆ ✧ ✧ ✧ ⋆ ° ˚ ° •﹒ •

The first time you “fell for him” was during the Final Selection.

Dusk was settling over the forest fast, and you were snoring away in a dreamless sleep. You were currently high up in one of the trees laying on a branch with your back to the trunk, your Nichirin blade laying across your lap.

This had quickly become a routine for you; regain your energy by sleeping during the day, and slay the demons in the forest at night. But the exhaustion must have finally settled in, and you haven’t woken up yet despite the setting sun.

On the forest floor, a young demon slayer with a hanafuda earrings was already awake and alert, prepared for the night to come. As the wind shifted direction, his nose caught the scent of... someone new? Under the first layer of dirt and dried blood (an expected combination that he had become familiar with), he caught the faint scent of cherry blossoms and something that vaguely reminded him of warmth.

Tanjiro closed his eyes in concentration as he tried to pinpoint the owner. With a little "oh!”, he found himself looking up towards the tree tops where he caught a glimpse of you sitting on a branch.

“Ah, that makes sense.” he said with a smile. With all of the other demon slayers scattered around the forest, it had been a little while since he had come in contact with another person.

Should he try to get your attention? Night was quickly approaching and it would be immoral for him to just leave you there vunerable.... and it didn’t look like you were going to wake up any time soon with how deep in sleep you were.

“Umm.. Excuse me?” He cupped his hands and tried to call up.

Not even a peep from you. You snored away, blissfully unaware. Tanjiro tried again, this time a little louder. “Hello?”

A twitch of the leg. Hey, at least he was getting somewhere!

And finally, after one last “HELLO???” you jerked awake with a loud gasp, sitting upright with too much momentum. Tanjiro’s eyes widened as he saw you lose your balance and not-so-gracefully tumble out of the tree.

You yelped in fear, preparing to hit the ground before you were caught in someone’s sturdy arms. But nothing could have prepared Tanjiro for the impact, and you both crashed to the ground, which was still better than falling straight to the ground out of a tree.

“Ouch...” You rubbed your head a little before you realized that you were currently interlaced with someone else. Your eyes met with gentle dark red ones and at last you said, “Oh my god! I am so so sorry--” as you helped him up.

The demon slayer laughed brightly as he took your hand.

"It’s no problem! Really, it was my fault for surprising you in the first place.” He commented with a nonchalant smile. He looked really handsome when he did that, especially in the last few rays of light before nightfall.

You smiled back with a light blush on your face. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m [Name], it’s nice to meet you!” you introduced.

“Nice to meet you, [Name],” he said brightly. “My name is Kamado Tanjiro. Want to stick together until we’re out of this forest?”

-- -- --

The second time you “fell for him” was on Natagumo Mountain, against the Spider Family.

After the Final Selection a few months back, you and Tanjiro accompanied each other through every mission. You actually got along really well with him, and his kind-hearted nature let you two bond together seamlessly.

Along the way, you got to meet with his sister Nezuko, who (after you got over the initial shock of) you discovered was very sweet and filled with curiosity. Zenitsu was a real oddball at first, begging you to marry him and later clinging to you at the Drum House. But, like with most people, he grew on you after some time, and you enjoyed teasing him about his loneliness (to which he would playfully hit you with his sleeves and halfheartedly cry in denial). Inosuke on the other hand... was an interesting thing. Some days, he would quietly absorb your praise as he processed your kindness to him, and other days he would yell at you to fight him so that he could confirm his strength.

This little group of weirdo’s that you’ve somehow been wrapped up in has found its way into your heart, and you wouldn’t trade them for the world. Yes, you valued your friendship with them, but you couldn’t help feeling that what you had with Tanjiro was... different.

The four of you (and Nezuko) were currently deep in the Natagumo forest, clashing swords with the puppet Mizunotos.

As your blade met a puppet’s with a sharp clang, you gritted your teeth and called out to Tanjiro, “There’s a few more over here! How do they just keep coming--”

Before you could finish your sentence, you hardly realized that the tiny spiders had connected their threads to your arms and shoulders, and you were pulled up into the trees, wrists tied together.

Tanjiro whipped around when he heard your cry and the sound of your sword falling.

“[Name]!” He gasped, abandoning his current fight with a different puppet. Your arm was being pulled into a brutal position and tears welled up in your eyes as you cried out in pain.

His body moved before he could even process it, and before he knew it, he had slashed the threads holding you in place, dropping you both to the ground. With a crash that was all to similar to the first time you met, this time you found yourself on top of him while he looked up at you concerned.

“Shit, [Name] are you okay?” He asked worriedly. You brushed the tears from your eyes as you quickly nodded and confirmed, “..Yeah, I’m alright. Thank you, Tanjiro. That could have gotten really nasty.”

“Of course.. but will you be able to fight with that arm?” His eyes scanned you for any more injuries. You gave him a reassuring smile. “It was my non-dominant arm. They’ll have to try a lot harder to get me!”

Tanjiro let out a breath of relief that he didn’t know he was holding.

“Thank goodness. You’re really important to me.” His eyes widened before he stuttered out, “I-I mean, what I was trying to say was--”

It was only then that he realized that you were still on top of him, and a blush steadily grew onto his face as he froze. He could feel the warmth of your body through your uniform, and as a fleeting thought, he concluded that he really enjoyed your scent this close up--

“HEY! QUIT YOUR YAPPING!” Inosuke interrupted, as he charged towards you both with the intention of head-butting you both.

“eep!”

-- -- --

For the third and (hopefully) final time, it was actually Tanjiro that fell for you.

All of you guys had been staying at the Butterfly Estate under the care of Shinobu and the other kind girls. You came out of the Natagumo attack with relatively light injuries, except for your arm, which you later found out had small fractures in it that needed a few weeks to fully heal, and a shoulder strain. But Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke had it the worst, with a large handful of concerning injuries spread between all of them.

Even as your arm recovered, you still stayed at the Mansion to partake in the daily training exercises and practicing Total Concentration: Constant. Tanjiro was the one working the hardest to master this, and to your bewilderment, he even went out on the rooftop while everyone was asleep to fully immerse himself.

You rubbed the sleep from your eyes as you glanced around the room, realizing that Tanjiro’s bed was empty.

‘Is he out meditating again?’ you wondered.

Inosuke laid on your left side sprawled out in a star-fish fashion, his boar’s head still on his shoulders even in sleep. A few beds over, Zenitsu was curled up in the fetal position while he snored remarkably loud.

‘One of these nights I’m going to smother him with a pillow--’ you thought while you slid your legs out of bed and shuffled over to the door, shivering at the cold ground.

Just as you thought, Tanjiro was sitting on the rooftop, eyes closed, sit in a criss-cross fashion to keep himself upright. You sighed as you carefully climbed up to sit beside him, gently coaxing him out of his meditation with the soft calling of his name.

‘--anjiro. Tanjiro..?’ He opened his eyes to see you already looking at him, with pink dusted over your cheeks. You hoped that your blush could be passed off as an indication of the cold air. Definitely not my feelings for Tanjiro, nope.

Your lips quirked up, making his heat beat a just a tad bit faster at the sight. “Sorry to bother you,” You tucked some hair behind your ear. “I got a little curious when I saw that you weren’t in your bed.”

“Don’t worry about it! It’s a little chilly out, so lets go back inside.” He stood up and reached his roughened hand out for you to steady yourself onto. Once he felt your softer hand in his, the butterflies in his stomach that he was trying so hard to brush off erupted, and he couldn’t fight the beaming of his smile.

And once you saw him smile, you knew it was over for you too.

As you both made your way down from the roof, Tanjiro’s hand slipped from yours as he lost footing with a yelp.

“T-Tanjiro!” You reacted as quick as you could, your practiced reflexes jumping into action as you caught him before he could hit the ground. You dove into a roll so that you didn’t hurt him, and ended up with his legs tangled in yours.

This time the roles were switched as you held him in your arms, both of you sharing the same wide-eyed expression. Tanjiro was the first one to snap out of it, asking “..Do we always end up on top of each other?” with a soft smile.

You quickly stood up with him and began your stuttering apology before he cut you off.

“What are you--” Tanjiro gently shushed you by pulling you by the waist and pressing his lips against yours. Your whole body froze up as you realized that Tanjiro was kissing you.

He broke the kiss after a second and immediately gasped, letting out a hurried “I’m so sorry-- I should have asked you first!” He closed his eyes and prepared to face the backlash.

But he faced none as he was only met with the feeling of soft lips against his own.

Once he understood that you were okay with it (more than okay with it), he smiled against your lips and pressed your warm body into his. In return, your hands found their way around his neck and into the curls of his dark red hair.

Somewhere in between all of the tumbles you both took, you must have truly fallen for each other.

#kamado tanjiro x reader #tanjiro x reader #demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny x reader #x reader #oh fuck i rlly loved writing this ^v^

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thiswasinevitableid · 4 years ago

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3. Sweets for OT4 because Barclay making sweet things for his polycule is the soft that I need! Sfw, with mer Duck and Joseph?

Here it is! Joseph’s design is based on a Spotted Drum, Duck’s on a Mahi-Mahi.

Most days, Barclay’s house resembles a cookbook library. Today, it looks like a cookbook library that got hit by a catastrophic earthquake.

His goal is to find three perfect recipes to bring to the beach with him tonight, but he keeps changing his mind; whenever he settles on a menu, he turns the page or turns around and finds another contender staring at him from its glossy photo.

Indrid is the simplest; he likes sweet food in all his forms, though he’ll make concessions to the rest of the tastes from time to time. It was one such concession (to sour) that first introduced them. Indrid was shooting a fashion spread in town and came into Amnesty Lodge, where Barclay was working the counter at their little coffee bar.

“I suppose I should get a slice of the key lime pie, since we’re in the keys.”

Barclay cut him a generous slice because he liked the curve of his smile. Indrid sat at the counter, took a bite, took a second bite, and then ate so fast his fork was a silver blur. He licked his plate clean when he thought Barclay wasn’t looking. There was a dot of whipped cream on his nose that Barclay almost offered to kiss off. But he exercised restraint and gave him a napkin instead.

Indrid came back the next day, and the next, and the day after that too. When Barclay asked how long the shoot was, Indrid admitted it was done three days ago.

“I, ah, I’ve been coming down from the city just for your food.”

“That’s the best compliment anyone’s ever given me.” Barclay leans across the counter, smiling when he spots Indrid’s eyes giving him a once over from behind his red-lensed glasses.

“May I have the chance to pay you some more? Perhaps tonight if you’re free?

He was, and Indrid complimented him before, after, and during the night they spent together. Barclay would have been fine with a one-night stand, let the memory of Indrid’s tan, angular body under his hands carry him for the next few months. But the photographer came back at least three times a week and took Barclay out as much as possible. He learned Indrid was a big enough deal that he could pick and choose assignments and that he traveled often, but the longer they were together, the more he talked about moving his headquarters to Kepler.

Two years later, his office and studio are ten minutes from the apartment he and Barclay share. When he’s in town, he’s glued to Barclays side.When he travels, Barclay gets postcards signed with hearts or filled with sketches of what Indrid’s seen (and he always comes home laden with local delicacies for Barclay to try).

Wait, what were those hard candies he brought back and then ate all of? Yeah, that will work. Barclay checks to be sure he has heavy cream and makes a note to get pineapple from the grocery store. He’d hoped to avoid a trip out, but Indrid is worth it. Indrid is one of the best things to ever happen to him.

He’s also the reason Barclay has to find three recipes and not just one.

A year ago Indrid was location scouting for a dramatic oceanside shoot. On a remote outcropping, waves splashing around him, a man popped up from the water to ask what the hell he was doing so far out and didn’t he know the tide overtook this rock real quick?

Indrid, a little strange himself, recovered quickly from being scolded by a merman. And promptly asked if merman would like to pose for a portrait. If not, would he be able to show Indrid some good locations for photographing rays?

Duck, green-finned and strong, became Indrid’s guide to the reef. It didn’t take long before Barclay noticed Indrid getting dreamy-eyed when he recounted their adventures. Maybe he should have been jealous, but he was just happy his boyfriend found a hunky merman to show him the wonders of the sea.

These days, he considers Duck one of his best friends, a friend who also happens to make Indrid’s face light up like the Vegas strip whenever he smiles at him.

Duck’s palate tends towards the savory side, and on days when he needs a pick-me-up Barclay will bring him a travel bowl of french onion soup and a hard seltzer, the two of them sitting on the sand and comparing notes on troublesome customers (or, in Duck’s case, park guests in the aquatic campground on the far edge of the reef.

Actually, that gives Barclay an idea. He grabs the flour from the cupboard, sets it next to the jar of yeast and a bottle of wheat beer. They may be metamours and not partners but, as Barclay often jokes, he owes Duck big time.

See, shortly after meeting Duck, Indrid guided Barclay down to a hidden patch of beach.

“I want Duck to meet you, dearest. He also has someone he wishes to introduce to us.”

Duck barely had time to emerge before another merman pulled himself onto the beach and began asking questions.

“See, this is why I asked him to come. Joe’s fascinated by the human world. Even swam under a glass bottom boat tryin to get a look at some tourists. Which was real dangerous.”

“You didn’t seem to mind disciplining me for it” Joseph shoots a smile at the other mer, then continues his examination of Indrid’s camera.

With black hair, blue eyes, and a stunning white and black tail, Joseph is the most handsome man Barclay’d ever seen. Later, when he had to explain the fact he was attracted to both him and Indrid, he’d say that the difference in his boyfriends was like the difference between being fed by a classically trained French chef and Spanish chef pushing the boundaries of molecular gastronomy; radically different, but equally amazing.

Joseph, inquisitive and clever, began asking to see them whenever he could. Barclay started bringing food down for Joseph to try, played him movies on his phone, and fell harder for him whenever he laughed or smiled or made a bad pun.

Some nights Duck, Indrid, or both joined them. Other nights it was just the two of them and water, Joseph lazily waving his tail back and forth as they talked. One evening, he dragged it across Barclay’s legs by accident and the human wasn’t quick enough in hiding his reaction.

“Should I do that again?”

“S-sure.”

“Can I kiss you at the same time?”

“Yes! No, fuck, wait we, we need to talk to Indrid and Duck about this.”

“I suspect they won’t mind, but you’re right. We’ll take a rain check, big guy. And please pass me that cake.”

In addition to his other good qualities, Joseph has the most sophisticated palates of anyone, mer or human, Barclay knows. As in he can taste the notes of blackberry or chocolate that a wine label insists are there but Barclay can only sort of get a hint of. Barclay once bought him a sampler box of expensive wines, cooked oysters over a driftwood fire, and hand fed both to Joseph as he moaned and wiggled with delight, outlining in no uncertain terms what he’d do for Barclay as a thank you.

(He still can’t look at a bottle of white wine without blushing)

That means Barclay has to make something that's as sweet and sophisticated as the mer himself. Ripe peaches tickle his nose. He grabs his copy of Dessert for All Seasons, flipping to summer with a smile.

------------------------------------------------------------------

“Okay, so” Barclay sets the bags down on the picnic blanket, “I, uh, I decided making one sweet thing wasn’t enough. I know that’s kinda silly but you three are so fucking important to me I wanted to do this right.”

“Doubt you’ll get any complaints from mr. sweet tooth.” Duck smirks. Indrid, lounging in linen shorts a moth patterned Hawaiin shirt, sticks his tongue out. The mer just blows him a kiss in response.

“And there’s no need to apologize for being thoughtful.” Joseph drapes his tail over Ducks, “it’s one of your best traits.”

“Thanks, babe. Uh, so, Indrid, this is for you.” He lifts the pie plate from the ice chest, “it’s pineapple cream with vanilla whipped cream on top.”

“I love you.” Indrid takes the dish with wide-eyed appreciation.

“Duck, these are for you.”

“Oh hell yeah, pretzels. Wait, is this-”

“French onion soup dip? Yep.”

“I’m gonna eat the hell outta this.”

“And, uh” he slides the cake carrier towards Joseph, “I found a recipe for a peaches and cream Prosecco cake. Hope you like it.”

Joseph lifts the lid, licks his lips, then pushes the carrier into the center of blanket so he can roll and put his head in Barclay’s lap.

“You’re the best.”

“Indeed. Which is why we have something for you as well.” Indrid stands, stepping over Duck and then eeping when the mer gently whacks his ass with his tail. When he returns (stopping to bend down a pinch the sensitive upper back of said tail), it’s with the cake carrier Barclay looked everywhere for earlier today.

Beneath the pink plastic lid is a cake coated in milk chocolate frosting.

“‘Drid said this was the one you made yourself for your birthday.”

“Oh fuck, the chocolate malt one?”

“The very same. We had to get a bit creative cooking it; Joseph suggested making the layers in cast iron over a fire, which worked well. After all, we didn’t want to ruin the surprise.”

The frosting message of “happy one year anniversary” gets a little blurry, and he wipes his eyes, “this is so fucking sweet, you guys.”

“You deserve it.” Joseph kisses his hand as Indrid rests his head on his shoulder, Duck scooching over to lay across Indrid’s lap.

Barclay smiles, “We all do.”

#OT4: Government Men and Their Cryptid Boyfriends #mermay fills #mermay #Indruck #sternclay #duck newton/agent stern #Indrid cold/Barclay

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howdoyousleep3 · 4 years ago

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Miss K a while ago there was a trend on tik tok in which Someone texted their significant other a dirty message or sent a nude when they were with a bunch of people and recorded their reaction and I just have to know how Daddy Steve and James reacted to their babies doing this to them during an Important Meeting they let their babies sit in on

Ahhhhh, I answered this a while ago but I can’t find it! It was Bucky and Daddy Steve though. I remember thinking that Bucky would be thinking he’s super slick, that he’s gonna get his Daddy good, but that Steve responds in a super nonchalant way, gives Bucky a wink and makes a show of looking at the picture, eep.

Now at work! I can’t imagine, oh. I see this with James and Steve in my head perfectly. Steve is sitting off to the side, has his little space he works at, his little desk. Maybe he’s taking a break and laying out on the couch, scrolling through old pictures on his phone, finds some spicy pics of his ass that gives him an idea. He’s sneaky, so sneaky, heads to the bathroom attached to Daddy’s office, snaps a saucy pic of his ass propped up on that countertop, little devilish grin tossed over his shoulder. It’s quite tame but that’s okay; Daddy likes any picture.

No one would notice Steve settling back onto the couch and he makes sure he’s on his belly so he can see James’ reaction as he hits send. There are maybe seven other people around James at his desk, chairs pulled up, and Daddy looks indifferent, bored even, a look that makes Steve half-hard every time he sees it. He’d watch as James sees his phone light up on the table, picking it up and looking at it. No reaction. No raise of the eyebrows, no noises, no nothing.

Steve is almost disappointed until James speaks up.

“Steve. C’mere.”

Someone is talking when James speaks up. Steve barely processes James’ two words, already going a little stupid at the show of power. He scrambles, slow and cautious, cheeks going up in flames, making sure to not look at any other person in the noiseless room. When he reaches James, chin tucked and heart pounding, a big hand grabs onto his hip and he’s being pulled right down into Daddy’s lap, right in front of all these people.

Steve wonders how he looks to these strangers, side saddled up into his Daddy’s lap, pretty young thing. He just wanted to play a little prank, just wanted to have some fun, and look what he’s managed to get himself into.

“You bored, doll?” James asks as he tips Steve’s chin up. A small dumb piece of his brain allows Steve to hate the part of himself that lets James turn him into this shy little thing. He’s a confident person, boisterous personality, loud. But sit him in Daddy’s lap and coo at him and he struggles to make eye contact, doesn’t want to speak unless spoken to. James’ voice is low, pitched in that voice reserved only for Steve, and Steve’s eyelids feel heavy when he breathes back, “Maybe…”

“Everyone out.”

Daddy wouldn’t miss a beat. His boy upset in some fashion, bored, unhappy? Unacceptable.

Steve would definitely throw a bit of a fit, whine and shake his head. He doesn’t want to be a bother, but that almost makes things worse.

“Hush. I’m getting’ bored too, honey. They’ve got no good news for me, nothin’ but shit. Out.”

Steve would be so hard he could barely stand. it. The power, y’all. The power! How spoiled Steve would feel, the attention, the devotion. Steve would start sucking on Daddy’s neck the moment he heard the hurried rush of shuffling and footsteps. By the time the door slams closed Steve would be straddling James’ thick waist, those fucking thighs, would be pawing at Daddy’s chest while the older man just sat there and let Steve plunder his mouth.

“You thinkin’ you’re cute sendin’ Daddy pictures of your ass while he’s in a meeting?”

It would make Steve’s brain all foggy, the fact that Daddy won’t touch him, just lets him sit and grind and whine in his lap, kisses eager.

“I didn’t, no I—”

A smack on the ass makes Steve keen, all high-pitched voice and fat bottom lip pouting.

“Don’t you dare lie to me, sugar. You get bored and your mind always goes a bit slutty doesn’t it? Huh?”

And what, Steve is supposed to lie? James isn’t entirely wrong; Steve’s mind is always a bit slutty.

One slightly innocent picture of his ass sent to Daddy during a meeting for a little amusement leads to this: Steve on his knees behind Daddy’s desk, mouth sloppy and full, Daddy’s hand in his hair, under his chin, as he tells Steve to speak up, to let everyone hear him suck on his Daddy’s cock right here in his office. No one can hear, Steve knows that, but damn do his cheeks turn beet red at the thought of people hearing him being used as a way to relieve his Daddy’s boredom…

#askK

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moonlit-nightingale · 5 years ago

Text

.:RP:. Cursed

Warning(s): Trigger warnings for suicide and blood.

Characters: Saranqerel ‘Sari’ Qalli (male Xaela), Akio Obinata (male Xaela), Botan Kurenai (female Raen)

Origin Date: 22 Feb 20

“Death is easy. To live is the most painful thing I could imagine and I’m weak and no longer willing to fight.” —Hannah Wright

Everything is in place. Sari has left his farewell letters and wrapped up his affairs. And so he goes to depart in the quietest way. Though a new friend picks up the signs too late...perhaps the Qalli’s story isn’t over yet.

(Note: This is from an RP session. So there is a back and forth of writers. A - in between paragraphs indicate a change in narrator.)

< Hingan >

> Xaelic <

----

A letter and small box would have been left outside Akio's room a sennight after his and Sari's last talk. Enclosed within the envelope are two documents. One is a letter, one is an official document endorsed by a Gridanian embassy, complete with a corn-yellow seal. It states that Akio is, legally, Enqtani’s legal guardian. There is also a small box like those used to sell the tokens at the charm counter.

My friend,

I know we haven’t known each other long so please forgive my selfish requests especially after I’ve placed such a burden on your shoulders. Enqtani is loved by many at the temple, however I haven’t seen her attach to anyone as closely as you. It has been a short time but a child just knows. The sealed document is official documentation that you are now Tani’s guardian. It may just be a piece of paper but with it I’m trusting you to look after her best interests in my absence.

You have been kind and a wonderful friend. And I have the utmost faith that you will be a kind and wonderful father for Tani. You mentioned once that she should know her roots. There is little to tell. I found her abandoned on the Steppe during a hunt. All I can surmise is that she was a child conceived unwillingly. She has features or the Oronir tribe which were once the leaders of the Steppe and still hold themselves in high authority over others. Not all of them are bad but it is a privileged tribe. I expect you can follow my path in thinking of what may have occurred. If Tani wants to see the Steppe with her own eyes one day, seek out Khenbish of the Buduga at the town of Reunion. He is a healer and a good man. If you can’t find him, search for Yesulun of the Qestir and her mate Khaljar of the Oronir. They are among my dearest friends even if we have parted ways. Unfortunately I am unsure of their whereabouts but their names should be known in Reunion.

Ah, but I’ve rambled on. I wish to make this process as easy as possible for you. Please rely on the others if needed. Mr. Aoki is a stern man but he has looked after Tani many times when I needed assistance.

It is little payment for what I ask for you, but I hope this gift is acceptable. Thank you, Akio, and I thank you on behalf of Tani.

Winds carry you,

-S.Q.

Inside the box, carved from a reddish wood, was a crane. Its wings are spread, every feather meticulously detailed in its carving despite the small size as its long neck and head were raised high in a cry. The figure could rest on a grown man’s palm.

Akio's shift for guard duty had ended earlier than expected, that night. And though he was tired, the Eastern Xaela had been in a surprisingly good mood, that ever-present smile a little more genuine as he took long, measured strides to his quarters. A good night's rest after some meditation sounded absolutely splendid to the man.

The presence of the letter and box caused the samurai to pause, however, tail quivering just slightly in alarm as he watched it with keen black eyes. But with heightened guard, there was little worry of it being any sort of trap or bait; he kneeled, slowly, picking it all up and entering his room.

In the privacy of his quarters, he allowed the mask to slip from his face; a frown pulled at his expression as he opened the box, looking over the figure with a delicate awe, and then the letter, reading over the words swiftly.

What laced through his blood could only be described as ice-cold panic as he realized what these words meant.

A Hingan snarl dropped from his lips as he spun around on his heel, movement swift as he threw open the door and bolted down the hall towards Sari's quarters. No doubt the man would want to do it there; the clinic was far too impersonal, and even from their short time, he knew Sari would never wish to inconvenience the clinic staff or distress the patients there.

Thank the Kami he was relieved when he was- it gave him some small hope that this time he may not be too late.

But no, the room would be empty if he should knock and try to enter. The wards' rooms couldn't be locked. It was part of the temple's design. Why would a ward of this place have secrets to hide? The futon would be folded neatly in a corner and the room immaculate. Sari never really had too many personal effects and it seemed even those were gone.

The only thing left was a small bundle of letters, left for whoever may have peeked their head in.

Another swear, and he turned on his heel, heading for the clinic itself. If Sari wasn't in there... He had no idea where to look. But he wouldn't stop looking.

His rush nearly made the clinic's night time attendant eep loudly. There was something about an empty clinic in the dead of the night just just spooked this particular Auri young lady.

"Obinata-san, kami help me." She rested a hand over her chest.

Akio paused, examining the lady for a long moment; the mask was back on in an instant, though the smile was strained, showing just how much of a rush she was in.

"Have you seen Sari-san?" he asked quickly, tone leaving little room for questions.

That tone has the girl nearly eep once more. She shook her head. "Ah, I mean, he came in earlier for a few moments to tidy up and then left about a bell ago."

Tidy up? Why on earth would he need to tidy up the clinic?

"Did he say where he was going? This is- he must be found." He'd apologize to the poor girl properly later- no doubt he was an intimidating sight, agitated as he was.

"He is planning to kill himself."

She covered her mouth at those words. "Sari-san? But..." He was always so kind! And quick to help when she'd taken over the clinic duties just a sennight ago!

"I-I don't know. I thought he was going to visit a patient because he took supplies for the intravenous bags!"

"Intra..."

Akio murmured as he went over the word in his mind, taking a moment to translate it before another swear fell from his lips. Without another word to the poor attendant, he spun on his heel and ran out. Where could he be?!

Perhaps he left the temple grounds? But if he did, it made it nearly impossible to find him. Unless...

But Jebe never left Sari's side, and so the little bluebird would be little help, even if Akio could find the bird in time to find Sari to keep him from doing the irreversible. Damn it...

His mind was racing as he ran through the temple grounds, searching for any clues to where the Qalli might have gone.

As he went by the gardens, there was angry chirping nearby. At this time of the evening? Odd. It was near the small pond where Sari often took Tani to play when she had excess energy.

The bluebird was puffed in anger, flying about the small cage propped up on a rock. It was placed near the walkway, enough that some attendant would have found it the next morning and not endangering the small bird at all.

Akio froze when his horn caught the angry chirping, head snapping over.

The Kami were merciful this day! He rushed over, kneeling down with a soft clicking noise as he fiddled with the latch to open the cage.

"<I am here,>" he said quickly, throwing the cage door open for the little bird. "<Take me to him.>"

Oh angry birb was angry. He instantly dive-bombed Akio's face before flying off at a surprisingly quick pace down the stone path that led out of the temple.

Akio made a short 'pbbth' sound out of reflex. Hey, he was trying to save the man!

But he didn't have time to be offended at the little angry puffball, instead darting after Jebe as fast as the two of them could go.

How could such a small lil blue puffball be so quick? Jebe darted over Shirogane's infrastructure, heading down the slopes towards the beaches. Even then he still flew, heading away from the beach chairs, the awnings, away from what would populated areas in the day.

The beach... Water...?

It would be out of the way, for certain, leaving it near impossible to find the body. Was that what he'd wanted?

Akio was nearing breathless as he kept on the tail feathers of the small bird, eyes searching for the Qalli in an almost desperate fashion.

Rocks dotted the sand in some of the more remote parts, harder to climb and navigate over, rougher terrain.

And that's where Sari sat motionless. He was leaning against one of the rocks facing the water. The IV line ran to that flesh arm, put in with an expert hand. The sedative bag he'd stolen weeks ago was empty, rigged up over a stick.

At least he could watch the water he enjoyed under the silvery light of the moon as he’d fallen asleep.

No no no no no no no no!

Akio felt as if he'd been kicked in the chest by An Yeung, breath leaving him in a wheeze as he scaled over the rocks. Normally, he wouldn't have so much as slipped, but tonight he stumbled once or twice, hands flying out to keep himself moving forward.

"<What have you DONE?!>"

The question came out in Hingan, far harsher than he'd meant it, a near roar as he slid to one knee next to the Qalli. The damnable idiot! The stupid... Poor, pained man.

Akio knew better than to let anger lead him to blame. He knew what this was like. But Sari deserved better. To die like this....

"<You're not dying tonight!>" he hissed sharply.

But it appeared to be far too late. Sari was a healer of both traditional and aetherial means. He knew well enough of what would happen with a fast drip of a sedative of this nature. A sleepy death, far more peaceful than what he'd deserved. No mess for others to worry about if his body was found.

He hoped no one found him. That those letters were enough.

But those hopes were gone. His breathing had stilled, no rise and fall of his chest under the Eastern cloth. Silvery hair obscured most of his face, that one eye closed, head lulled against the rock and his shoulder.

Akio had been too late, by far, it seemed.

No...

Once more, Akio found himself holding a body in his arms, the Xaela quick to gather the Qalli to him as he tried to check for his pulse, his breathing, anything. Teeth gritted against an all-too familiar pain, he snarled, tail lashing against the sand and rocks. Fingers curled into the fabric, head lowered as long blonde locks fell over both his own face and Sari's chest, forehead pressed to his still breast.

"<No, please,>" he whispered, pleading, begging. It was all far too familiar, and the mask cracked, old wounds bleeding once more as he hunched there.

"<You silent, selfish fool.>"

He knew it wouldn't be heard. Knew the Qalli wouldn't be able to retort.

"<What of Enqtani?!>" he yelled now. "<You were her father! No one will replace you in her life!>"

It was quiet for once.

A quiet he used to only be able to find in the peace of the Shroud's embrace, days on his own in the Twelveswood. Soon though, even that place became haunted to his memories. There was always...something. Something to drag the Xaela back to the dark.

So he'd given up fighting it. Fell into sin and the bottle without care.

And it was why he finally had the resolve to fade away. He was a ghost. No one would care. Everyone had their lives, their loved ones, their families. Perhaps he was envious. But he was also glad for them.

So he'd smile and wish them all well, even as he faded from their thoughts. And he'd be left to the grey shadowy mist that had become his life. Ever since that day he'd walked into that empty house, a newborn in his arms.

Ever since he'd knew, with certainty, that a happy ending never awaited a ghost.

'>You fought me with such ferocity before. Where is that beast now?<'

The drums, he knew this from before. Before when they had met, it had been a raging river, blood, and mud.

'>I am most disappointed. I cannot allow my vessel to fade in such a pathetic manner. Show me that ferocity, that fire.<'

And suddenly Sari shot awake, falling to his side and away, retching. Breaths forced into his lungs, some force pushing that deadly toxin from his body in no way that should be possible.

Akio let out a small, muffled noise of surprise, eyes widening as he let go and nearly jumped back, hands up. What the...

He'd been dead... Dead! There had been no breath in his breast, no pulse underneath his fingers! And so he stared, wide-eyed and startled. How...?

He didn't speak, hands lowering, before one placed itself gently on the other male's back, some minute attempt at comfort.

Oh it burned, it hurt, yet was so unbearably cold at the same time. Shudders wracked his slender frame as he retched again and again into the sand. Toxicity was black on his lips, something having gathered all that poison he'd given himself and thrown it out in some unnatural way.

By the time he stilled, he was breathless, gasping for air and covered in sweat. Still not fully grasping what had happened.

An exhausted look to one arm that propped him up. The IV was still there. Then...what had happened?

"<You're alive...>"

If it weren't for the breathless awe and disbelief in Akio's tone, one might think he'd been answering Sari's unspoken question. But he wasn't; he was trying to affirm the truth for himself, in his own eyes. Sari was alive. Somehow, in some way, something had saved him.

Even he knew this shouldn't have been possible. And yet here he was, breathing, if barely. "<Easy, Sari-san, easy.>"

Sounds were beginning to return outside of the wild pounding of his heart echoing in his horns. The sound of the waves over the surf, a familiar voice. Sitting up, shaky, he saw Akio at his side.

He rubbed his mouth with a wrist, still feeling that sickening bile there. "...Akio-san... How..."

It was night, he hadn't been...out...long then.

"Why am I not..."

Gods, had he failed at this too? Could he even not kill himself correctly?

"You were," came the answer, soft and haunted, but he smiled, despite the pain in his eyes. "And now, you are not... I do not know why. I do not know what happened."

He sighed, pulling off the top part of his kimono to drape it over the Qalli, reaching to gingerly take out the IV. It was freezing out, especially at night by the ocean, but...

He didn't seem to mind, simply holding Sari's arm to stop the bleeding from the injection site.

"Why would you..." he trailed off, hesitating as deep black eyes flitted over to Sari's face.

"... What pain you must endure," he finished with a soft murmur.

...why? Why couldn't he even do this right? His throat tightened, foul taste still in his mouth. Had he guessed wrong? No, a full bag at that rate of drip, it couldn't have been metabolized in time for him to live. And if what Akio said was true...

A harsh swallow as the other Xaela tended to him, Sari not fighting it one bit. His own mask was in shambles, magitek hand going to cover his face as a sob escaped.

"...I just wanted it to be over," he strangled out. "I don't want to be here anymore, please."

Akio paused at this, a small frown pulling at his features as the mask slipped once more. Ah... What should he do?

He knew that people would need to be informed. The priests, for certain. Perhaps the guard, and the clinic staff. Those who would be able to keep an eye out, an eye on the man.

And...

He knew it was improper, but he'd spend enough time in the West that he was able to cast aside his upbringing's teachings for a moment to simply... pull the man into a tight hug.

"...You are much too desired in this world, to leave it so," he murmured softly.

"That's a lie!" was the sharp denial and he wanted to fight the hug so badly but he had no strength to, even more so as the tears flowed from that one blue eye. "They all leave, they always live, no one stays. Love doesn't mean anything. Not with me. I'm all alone."

The words he'd held back for so long, for years, gushed forth without stopping. Every little thought that had passed through his mind, that he wasn't good enough, that he wasn't worthy, that he was unwanted.

Akio didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to soothe the pain the Qalli suffered, or how to comfort him. So he simply sat there, for the time being, holding Sari, rocking him back and forth and shushing him gently.

"<You're not alone,>" he answered finally, wiping away those tears with one thumb. "<Through all the pain, you are not alone. Your death would leave a hole in the hearts of many, one that could never be filled again. I know not what words to say to convince you of this truth. I can only speak it plainly.>"

He let out a breath, cradling him as Akio sat there, eyes closing.

"<I'm not lying. I promise this.>"

"It is a lie. You're lying. I'm sorry." An instant apology at the accusation but it was true. Everyone lied.

Even as he listened to those Hingan words, his spilling out of words continued in Common.

"He said that, too. He said I'd be safe. That I could cry. That we'd be happy. And that he'd never leave me. It was a lie, again and again it was a lie!"

Voice rising to a wail, uncaring of who heard, how much a mess he was, damn his mask.

"<Then he was a liar, and a fool, and he never should have held your heart in his unworthy hands.>"

And still, Akio rocked, gently, like the ocean they sat beside as he held the wailing Qalli, holding him securely in his arms.

"<But you have family. Family, and a child, and friends, all of whom adore you and your presence.>" His words came across far better in Hingan; he didn't mind that Sari spoke in Common. He understood him, and so he could get across his meaning better. That was what mattered, just then, to the Eastern Xaela.

"<I'm sorry that you weren't safe... You deserved to be. You have always deserved to be.>" A small, gently squeeze in that hug, the taller man curling over the smaller just slightly. "<If only I could find him and force him to his knees to beg your forgiveness.>"

No no no no no. It was still lies. No one wanted him about unless they needed him for something. And Sari wanted to be angry but he couldn't be. They'd found happiness. He hadn't. He couldn't fault his friends that had found peace.

But it was godsdamned lonely when he'd been so close to the same and it had drifted like smoke through his fingers.

"...n-no. He left because I wasn't..."

Good enough? Worthy?

"<Because why...?>" came the gentle prodding, one hand rubbing Sari's back gently.

"<If you say it's because you weren't good enough, then you view yourself too poorly.>"

Exhausted, face red with his tears and sorrow, he rested his chin on Akio's shoulder and nodded. It was true. He was disgusting, used, weak. That was why. Not smart enough, strong enough, charming enough, brave enough.

"<I refuse to believe that,>" Akio retorted firmly, resting his own chin on Sari's shoulder. "<Whoever this weak-willed man was...>" He trailed off, shaking his head.

"<I don't have the words to describe the kind of filth he was.>"

"No, he..." His hands weakly rested against Akio's back. "...he was good. I just wasn't...meant for him. I trapped him."

That's what the bonding had done. Khabi had seen what a weak person he'd tied himself to. That's why he'd left, right?

"<If you simply were not meant for each other, then why did he not say so?>"

Akio shook his head. "<If he wasn't able to tell you such things, to talk to you about it, he was weak.>" He pulled back, looking at Sari with a firm expression, mouth pulled into a frown as he stared the Qalli in the eye.

"<It is not your fault, Saranqerel.>"

...it was. It always would be. Why did everyone always leave? There was only one constant in all of that. Those words threatened to spill out but he was so tired, so frustrated that he couldn't even do this deed right.

Shaking his head, Sari looked to the sand. How could he still be crying?

"Can you..." Shite, he was fighting hiccups. "...leave me here?"

"No."

The word was spoken in Common now, as he shook his head. There was no way in the seven Western hells he was about to leave Sari alone right now!

"I am afraid I cannot do that."

"Please."

How could he go back now? Everything was in place. Things were finally ready. There was finally going to be quiet.

But there was little fight left in the Qalli as he begged. Just let him rest where he wasn't a burden to anyone.

"Iie," he repeated in Hingan. "You may rest with me. But I will not be leaving you alone. This is final."

Akio's tone left little room for argument- or at least that was the intent. He didn't know what else the Qalli might do, but he was damn sure not going to let him try again.

"...you'll leave...in time."

That was a guarantee. Just wait it out. Like everyone else. As he relaxed his hold on the other Xaela, his hand brush the hilt of that katana the samurai had at his waist.

A weapon he'd learned to use from someone else that had abandoned him, turned against him. There was a flash of anger somewhere deep and before he knew it, Sari went to draw that blade in a swift motion as he leaned back. Quickly he got to his feet, though stumbling a bit as he did so.

There was the softest 'sorry' as he raised the blade, going to drive it into his chest.

Akio swore, and in an instant he was on his feet, surging forward to grab at Sari- the sword, his arm, whatever he could grab.

Likely the sword, and the razor sharp blade would cut into his fingers, a pain he would brush aside in favor of throwing the sword away from the Qalli. "<ENOUGH!>" He bellowed.

It was just a bit too late, that magitek arm giving the former Adder the strength advantage.

...yes, pain. But it was nothing he wasn’t used to. The sword impaling him through and through before Akio ripped it from his grasp.

...had it been enough? He sunk back down to his knees in the sand.

Akio snarled, throwing the sword away now as he grabbed for Sari. If that was how it would be, then so be it.

He was swearing up a storm that would make a seasoned sailor tremble in fear. His goal would be to pick up the Qalli and rush him back to the shrine.

"<I will NOT have your blood on my blade!!>"

No! A return of that snarl from the smaller Xaela.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Anger rising to meet anger. Everything had been arranged. It was time to go. He swiped with the claws of that weaponized arm but he was already feeling faint, unable to fight it when the samurai lifted him from the damp sand.

"I will not abandon you," came the snarled reply as he bolted over the sand and rock, booking it as fast as his legs could go.

He needed to call ahead, but his arms were full, and so he simply ran, pushing until his legs burned then pushing further.

The anger soon faded as the blood loss began to drain him of such things. Soon his head rested limply against Akio's chest. ...and then again he gasped for breath violently, so much like before.

No no no. Could he...not...

>A small spark of that fire, not nearly enough. Impress me, child of the moon.<

Once Akio finally reached the shrine, he burst in through the door, offering a silent apology to the resident Kami. Any damages would be repaired later, the Xaela was on a mission.

He called out for the night clinic as he rushed to it, ground Sari as if he were the one dying.

That poor young woman was still there and anxious. But at least she had a good enough head on her shoulders to have things ready for the worst. And when she saw the two Auri men, and that blood, she directed Akio to the closest bed.

"...I can't die," Sari mumbled.

"No, you cannot," came the response, though Akio misunderstood what it was Sari had meant, immediately rushing the man to the nearest bed and setting him down, immediately backing up to give the woman room to work

. He looked haunted, tail lashing violently as he stood there. "Anything I can do to help, instruct me."

There was the sound of books falling over in the back. Botan had been given a room, and yet...she was asleep under a blanket that was under a pile of books, half beneath the low sitting table. A yawn left her as she stretched herself out and nose wiggled at the scent of blood. The shadows eager, but she stilled them. Least another ghostly movement spook another clinic worker.

She got up, dressed in the standard shrine attire she had stolen from the common rooms. Her wooden sandals clicking on the floor as she approached. "Assistance needed?" She inquired with unblinking eyes. "It seems the answer is 'yes,' but will not invade unless wished for."

That tail was still, lips in a straight line, and eyes unblinking as she stood before the scene without an iota of emotion portrayed.

Ah the poor healer never ceased to he spooked by Botan, even after knowing she was there!

"Yes, please. This may require stitches."

Though Sari was obviously dazed by the blood loss, he knew...he knew. Why hadn't he died on the Steppe before being found by Khenbish? Had that plunge in the river, those drums...what Shonkhor had seen.

Not a crazed vision?

Akio simply bowed his head and stepped out of the room, remaining out of the way of the two medics as he stood against the wall, closing his eyes.

Blearily the Qalli tried to get his bearings. The familiar scent of the clinic. He'd been in here just bells before... His mind was still reeling from the revelation. If that's what it was and not some nonsensical shite.

Botan was in the room. No ceremony to the matter. Just pulling out a pouch of the pain killing incense from her sleeve and filling the bronze incensor before lighting it on fire. Then she was sitting over Sari. Her hands resting over that wound in the gut, fingers lingering over it as she focused on the composition of aether and murmured calculations on the fly as she steadily studied Sari's biology through the geometric patterns she etched in her mind.

Every bit of her form was still. The shadows seemed to withdraw, shrinking in towards her and feeding into her power as she focused. They were every bit an extension of the small raen woman.

To her eyes, she may have seen the shadow that had curled itself tightly into Sari's aether. Foreign, spread evenly through every aspect of the Xaela and content to be where it was. Oddly dormant, just...there. It was nothing like the near feral aggressive curse of the kitsune that he'd suffered from for a good year. In fact, that curse has been completely obliterated by this new presence.

Botan was aware of that presence, but did not disturb it. No. She would simply work around it, add it to her calculations, and apply new formulaic patterns of aether into Sari's own. Those that would encourage flesh to stitch itself together and slow the bleeding. Her brow creased and lips pursed together as calculations were rumbled off.

If it would not allow her to heal him, she would simply brute force her way past it. That or she would show it who the scarier creature was. Not that she thought she could bully something like this...something far older than she; a mere raen youth of twenty-some-turns.

Oh the presence didn't fight the healing, no. In fact it held strands of aether close, not letting the flesh fall into death. A threshold of sorts. Sari could very much end up close to death but that final step into the lifestream wouldn't be taken.

Interesting.

The work was slowly finished and her fingers pressed against the fabric over the wound. Those digits dipped in blood and eyes open again as she sensed how flesh gave way to her calculus. There was no grin of victory. No whoop of astonishment.

No.

This was peculiar. Curious. The violet false eye with its mandala like patterns fixed on Sari.

"You have ventured far and brought shadow back with you."

The pain killers helped sooth her own pains. A twist in her gut told her she had pushed herself too far aetherically, but she ignored it. That tail ticked and she lifted her hands away to look at the blood. No blinking, just...rubbing fingers against one another.

"Fate is not done with you yet, Saranqerel." Then she looked at the woman. "Clean. Stitch the surface wound that remains."

Then there was a yawn. Botan was ready to retreat back to where she came. Like some horror slinking away into their closet until the next time someone had need of her and her arcanistry.

The Auri nurse watched with some nerves. How could one not be unnerved watching Botan work? But she nodded and went straight to work. Ritsuka didn't hire weak-willed employees, after all. Especially for the clinic.

The stitches were made evenly, front and back where the blade had pierced. Then wrappings about his middle. And, in some irony, an IV attached for fluids and antibiotics.

Putting everything away and washing her hands, she went to peek out into the hallway. "Obinata-san, he'll be alright."

Akio turned his head, and, mask back in place, he smiled, despite the blood that coated his front. It wasn't anything he was unused to, and so it didn't seem to bother him. At least, now that Sari was okay.

"You have my deepest thanks," he said with a low bow.

Botan just looked at Akio. The raen quiet, and unmoving in that moment before her stomach growled to cut into the moment.

All she said: "Beef Udon. Three sets."

Akio turned his head to look to the other Raen with a chuckle and another bow. "My thanks to you as well- if it will serve to repay even a small portion of my debt to you, I shall see it done."

He turned then, setting off unless stopped, to go get that Raen some damn beef udon.

Botan sat on the stool in the room, and just waited. That tail swishing. Good. Though her attention was fixed on Sari again. Academic curiosity in that gaze.

The nurse was sure to return the bow with a smile before returning to the clinic. She had to write everything in the changeover log for the day shift and what supplies had been used...as per Mitsue and Mashuel's rules.

As for Sari, he drifted in and out of awareness. But that gaze on him pulled him more to reality. He tiredly looked over, pale and a mess from his sobbing earlier. "...can you see what it is...?"

"A thing of the Steppe. This is what their old knowledge tells me..." A hand lifts and taps one horn. Though the shadows are watching. "Well it is my knowledge now."

This is a reference to the Xaela back in the Steppe she had first aetherically devoured to fix her own aether. With it perfectly assimilated she was back to the pale flesh and red hair rather than that ugly dark complexion she never liked. Not that she was a vain creature. Not like her mess of a dead father.

"It is what kept you alive."

"...then it wasn't a nightmare." Slowly he pulled the sheets up to his chin. Ugh he was utterly drained on every other possible level. "I can't die then."

Of course...of course. The one solace he could bring to himself, denied.

"Death is not an escape." Botan said in an observant matter. "You simply pass the burden of pain to those you leave behind." A flick of the tail. "Look at your friend who tried so hard to fight to keep you alive too."

"...he shouldn't have."

Why? Yes, he and Akio had had some good times. But they'd known each other for a few moons. Why would he...bother?

Botan didn't even frown. She just fixed her unblinking gaze on Sari. What a dumb question. The tail flicked and she simply breathed deep of the pain killing smoke.

"Every life is precious, even those that are destined to be eaten." Botan explained. "It's not about the why and the who, it is about the preciousness of that gift. The holiness of that cycle."

"I don't want it..."

How was any of this a gift? Being left alone again and again. Never being granted a happy ending...

"...can you check on Obinata-san? I think he hurt his hands earlier."

It was just then that Akio entered once more, hands wrapped to keep that blood from getting into the udon.

"I do believe I have a delivery!" he announced, far too cheerful for what had happened and how he'd felt not a quarter bell earlier.

He smiled bright, looking to Botan as he held the noodles. "Where do you want me to put these?"

Botan looked at Akio.

There is something broken in this one.

Though she at least kept the thought in her head and didn't blurt it out with the same heavy handed honesty she served Sari. That ivory tail flicked, and hands reached out for the udon. In an instant she had the chop sticks plucking up a swirl of the good beefy udon to take a bite.

Any harsh words of knowledge were lost for now. She would just chew and think. Though she did look at the wrapped hands.

No it required none of her energy, let the other woman handle it.

Meanwhile in the bed, Sari had to look away. Hand clenched in the sheets. How could he look at Akio after that?

Fortunately he was saved as the nurse came by after cleanup to see that blood. "Obinata-san! What are you doing? Over here!" She grabbed his wrist, trying to pull him over to a medical station.

Akio had opened his mouth, wanting to speak with Sari- but then he was dragged away, and he laughed slightly. It would be easy for him to resist, but he let himself follow as if he were no stronger than a child, tail fluttering behind him.

"Hai hai, my apologies miss!"

Botan had a moment where she felt like laughing, but didn't. Though her gaze went back to Sari.

"Fate, the Twelve, the Kami, or whatever has given you something, Sari. An opportunity." She moved chopsticks lazily through the soup, gathering noodles. The fat things rolled around through the beef brother as she seemed to play with her food. "An opportunity that you can take, face them down with, and carve your way through the hell you've been given. The question is," she lifted the roll of noodles hanging from the chopsticks, "will you tear down your tormentors, or let them devour you?"

Those eyes looked to him unblinking. "After all, the thing attached to you does look delicious."

"Then take it." There may have been a bit of a snap to his tone.

Botan shook her head. "Looking delicious and wanting to eat it are different things." Udon noodles were slurped in not-so-graceful a way. "I want to see you challenge your path, Sari. Show whatever gods there are in this world that you will not sit under their heel no more. That is what I really want, because you're a dear friend not a morsel."

"I don't give a shite about any of that!" he snapped, fangs bared.It seemed sorrow had warped to anger.

He covered his face. It was so unlike him to be like this.

No one understood. No one got that he was so bloody tired!

Akio, from where he'd been taken by the nurse, looked up. It hadn't been hard to hear that in the quiet of the clinic. How he wanted to go to the poor man's side, offer him some comfort, even if he didn't want it.

A soft sigh escaped him, and he looked down once more, to watch as the Raen woman did her work.

Botan shrugged. The girl wasn't going to push back and forth with him, and simply moved to stand. There was a look at Akio, and she just left the room to go back to her hiding place in the back room to finish her noodles and get back to sleeping. It wasn't her place to fix broken minds and hearts after all.

The Auri nurse was very obviously troubled with the back and forth, but unsure of what to say. So she kept to bandaging Akio's hands, both disinfected and wrapped firmly.

"There. I know it's difficult but try to limit as much use as you can. Ask for help in tasks, alright?"

Akio smiled warmly, tilting his head to the side. "Hai," he said with a playful sort of reluctance. "If I must trouble others, then I shall under the doctor's orders." A crooked grin given to the Raen woman, before he stood with a bow of thanks, making his way back to Sari's bedside.

The Xaela's anger still simmered but there was no one to direct it towards and it quickly fizzled out as he stared out the window. A cold rain had started, obscuring the moon's light over Shirogane. Depressing. Fitting.

"Sari-san..."

The name was soft, gentle, as Akio watched the other Xaela, expression turning sympathetic, perhaps almost sad, if not for that smile staying in place. It ill befitted the scene.

That burned side was closest to Akio, hiding the one good eye which closed at the sound of his voice.

Anger that he'd been stopped.

Anger that, even if he hadn't been, it wouldn't have meant anything.

Sorrow that someone had to witness all of that.

It's why Sari had slunk off and away.

"...I'm sorry. You should take some painkillers and rest."

"I am not leaving you alone."

Despite the gentle tone, it was, once again, firm. Resolute. Akio simply watched as he sat there, watched the Xaela stare out the window, at the rain.

He wanted to be angry, himself, but he couldn't bring himself to be. He was just.... sad. He wanted to help, even if the two of them were near strangers.

"I will be perfectly fine," he added now, tail curling to one side as he leaned back, smiling. "It is nothing I have not endured before. Perhaps less so."

The Xaela chuckled, tilting his head to one side.

"....I am sorry to have stopped you, Sari-san..." Once again that quiet, gentle tone. Almost regretful, but not quite.

What could he say to that? That he accepted the apology? No.

He'd wanted to go. He still did. But that wasn't an option anymore.

....so what did he say?

"Please don't tell anyone else. I don't want to..." Deal with it.

They'd care for a few moments, fuss over him. Then fade back into their happy lives once more. He didn't want to ne envious, bitter. Sari was glad those he knew had found peace. But...he'd wanted it too.

"...You need help."

It was a quiet observation, the Xaela almost frowning. Almost. He couldn't let the mask drop again, not like that. By the Kami....

He lowered his head, hands folded together against his forehead as he stared at the floor. What did he answer with? He couldn't just not tell the priests, or Ritsuka. Sari needed to be put on suicide watch, to keep him from doing it again. He needed help....

He needed to want it first, though, this much Akio knew. It was a universal truth to many problems. Someone who didn't want help would only reject it.

"I am certain you are angry with me," he said softly. "And I am certain that you will be angry with me for my answer. But you must understand, I am bound, by contract and honor, to report this."

"Feck honor," was the snap, though he kept staring at the window.

What did honor do? The twisted pride of the Steppe? The samurai code those at Kotodama supposedly adhered to? The Grand Company that had thrown him aside because of something he couldn't control?

Akio let out a breath, brow furrowing now.

"I will not throw aside mine to suit the ends of another."

Grumbles in Xaelic as Sari rolled over despite the pain of his injury. No, he didn't want to deal with this. He may say something more he'd regret.

Safe from death, perhaps, but not safe from the recovery that came of the incident.

Another sigh, and Akio settled back in his chair, arms crossed over his front as he closed his eyes. He likely wouldn't sleep tonight, instead meditating. Some form of rest, while keeping alert.

"I said I would not leave you alone, Sari-san," he said gently. "I mean this, as an oath." And Akio did not break his oaths.

"I didn't ask for your oath," was the grumpy mumble as he pulled the blanket over his head.

Nor did he ask for acceptance. But he didn't voice this aloud, simply remaining silent now.

And silence met silence as Sari tried to sleep. As much as he didn't want to, the stress of high emotions and whatever his body was doing sapped him.

Eventually with the sound of the cold winter rain, his eye shut and he drifted off in the darkness of his blanket lair.

#roleplay

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loveotomization · 8 years ago

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Are requests open? I want to request a Komamiki too!

Thank you so much for your being patient on this! Sorry for the wait!

Also posted on Ao3!

The scene at breakfast that morning reminded Komaeda of one of those ‘spotthe difference’ puzzles for young children.

At first glance, everything appeared to be the same as it had been for the pastfew mornings, some chatting over food, while others sat more quietly, not quiteyet having come to terms with the concept of being awake for the day. It washard to blame them; Komaeda himself had found it difficult to sleep some nightsever since they had found themselves on the island. There were so many thingsto mull over, between the murders and everything else. Besides, once someonefinally took him up on his offer to provide a steppingstone toward theirescape, he would have a good, long rest then, wouldn’t he?

Even without a sound sleep the previous night, however, Komaeda could seeright away what was missing from the picture.

Tsumiki Mikan.

She wasn’t being called names seated beside Saionji, nor was she lying onthe floor covered in food in an ill-advised cry for attention.

Being late was unlike her, oddly enough. Although it would have given hersomething new to make a scene over apologising for, generally she was one ofthe first to emerge from her cabin in the morning.

Without a word, Komaeda turned back around, taking stairs back down to thepool area, before heading toward Tsumiki’s cabin. oddly enough, it turned outthat as long as he managed to keep his mouth shut, no one really seemed tonotice him come and go.

No one answered his knocking at the door. Even if Tsumiki hadn’t beenfeeling well, she would normally (and quite literally) trip over herself toanswer. Although no Body Discovery Announcement had interrupted their morning,that didn’t mean something dire hadn’t happened to her, only that no one hadfound out about it yet.

His heart sank at the thought. Why wouldn’t anyone listen to him? He’d makea much better sacrifice in the name of hope than the only medical professionalin their midst. Skill set aside, Tsumiki was interesting, and generallypleasant to be around, despite her protests to the contrary. The handful oftimes they spent together, the girl had proved herself to be a competentconversationalist, so long as one was willing to be patient while she gatheredher thoughts. She was smart. Too smart to get herself killed, Komaeda was sureof it.

So she wasn’t in the cabin. No need to pick the lock with the tool he hadtaken with him from the convenience store, then.

Then where else could she be? No matter- if Komaeda began walking, he wascertain that his luck would lead him straight to her.

Unfortunately, come sundown, he had still yet to find her. He had evenconsidered at one point approaching Hinata for help, however he knew that theother boy no longer trusted him, and who knew, maybe he had finally noticed herabsence on his own and was searching for her elsewhere already.

Just as darkness was beginning to creep its way in, Komaeda ceased walkingaround the island. This was largely because he had just tripped over a root,toppling over the side of a ledge to find himself with a lovely view of thestarry sky, aided by the fact that he came to lay flat on his back in the dampsand.

“K-K-Komaeda-san!?”

“Ah…who knew that the angel of mercy sounded just like Tsumiki-san? I neverwould have guessed that I’d finally die by falling down a cliff…” Komaedachuckled weakly, making no attempt to lift himself off the ground.

Suddenly, his view of the clear sky was over taken by a panic-stricken facehovering over his own for a brief moment, until a curtain of dark hair cascadeddown into his eyes.

“Everything’s gone dark. I suppose this really is the end for me!” heremarked cheerfully.

“I’m sorry! I’m so, so sorry!” His vision cleared just as quickly as Tsumikileapt away from him. “D-do you think you have a concussion? Y-you shouldn’tmove until I can examine you.”

A gentle, yet quaking, hand lighted upon his shoulder.

“I’m fine, Tsumiki-san, really. I was just a little surprised to havefinally found you, that’s all.” Komaeda attempted to sit up, only to findTsumiki’s grasp on him become surprisingly firm as she pushed him back down.

“You…you just fell down a cliff…” she insisted, hand slowly working its wayalong his arm in a massaging fashion- what he could only assume to be her checkingfor broken bones. He became aware of how close her face was once again, themole beneath her eye just barely visible by the moonlight placing its milkyhalo around her.

“It wasn’t a very big cliff.” Komaeda remained still, resigning himself tohis fate for the moment. It wasn’t as if it didn’t feel nice to be doted on so,even if her time and effort would be better spent elsewhere. “Speaking of that,Tsumiki-san, why are you down here?”

“…You did say that you had ‘finally’ found me, d-didn’t you? Does thatmean that you were actually looking?!”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Oh…” Tsumiki averted her gaze, looking instead toward the salty waterlapping against the sand some feet away. “I… Well, the truth is…I thought thatno one would miss me if I wasn’t around. In fact, every one would be better offwithout me, so I left. I-I thought no one would find me if I climbed downhere…”

As Tsumiki loosened her grip, Komaeda took the opportunity to seat himselfupright. “If someone were to get hurt, they’d certainly need you.”

Tsumiki’s eyes darted forward once more, shinning in the dark. “That’s allI’m good for, though! No one…no one likes me as a person…”

“Tsumiki-san, it is true that I value your talent very much. Your skill inhealing people is incredibly admirable, and will surely aid in achieving thehope we need in order to leave here. However, I noticed that something wasmissing right away when I came up for breakfast this morning. You’re lively andfunny, and your always willing to give people something extra off of your plateif they don’t have enough. I found that I just couldn’t sit down and eatwithout you there.”

At this, Tsumiki’s lower lip began to tremble. “N-no one’s ever missed mebefore! And you fell all the way down here because of me… I’m so sorry!”

Komaeda imagined that if it had been lighter out, he would have seen tearsforming. “I told you, I’m fine. In fact, I’m more than fine seeing as my luckcame through again in leading me to you. Please relax, Tsumiki-san… By theway, speaking of breakfast, have you eaten at all today?”

The girl wiped at her cheek, answering weakly. “No…”

While Komaeda was used to forgetting to eat during the day, he wasn’tcertain about Tsumiki’s own typical eating habits. “Let’s get back and find yousomething to eat.”

Komaeda stood, offering a hand. Truth be told, it felt a little odd to beattempting to aid the nurse, rather than being on the receiving end, althoughhe couldn’t help but feel a rare spark of usefulness at the thought.

It was sort-lived.

“Ah. My bad.“ After allowing a moment or two to pass without Tsumikitaking the hand, he let drop by his side. “Of course you wouldn’twant to touch someone like me. Do you think you could find your way back onyour own if I get a head start? So you wouldn’t have to walk beside me, Imean.”

“No!” Tsumiki launched herself off the ground with the speed and fervor ofsomeone who had just realised that their underpants were quickly becomingmobile home to a mound of ants. “I’m sorry! We’ll go back! I’m just…so happyyou came to find me…”

It turned out that the ‘cliff’ could hardly be called such after all. Thetwo easily pulled themselves up it, and back onto the path above.

The two traveled side-by-side for a time, in a twitchy sort of silence.

“K-Komaeda-san?”

“Mm?”

“Please don’t think that I’m doubting you! I’m really sorry in advance forasking this, but are you sure we’re going the right way? It’s, it’s so dark-Eep!”

As she spoke, Tsumiki sailed forward, having tripped on a rock.

Instinctively, Komaeda held out an arm to catch her, however, the moment hefelt her soft, warm form cradled against him, instant guilt washed over him. Ifshe hadn’t wanted to touch his hand, then surely she must be repulsed at beingheld by him? As soon as she was steadied, he relinquished his grasp, beforewordlessly continuing onward, only to feel something brush his hand.

The touch was so light, at first Komaeda thought it was nothing more than astray moth.

When he did finally realise what it really was, an odd little pang arose inhis chest.

“We…should hold hands so we don’t get lost…if that’s alright with you!”

“I would like that very much.”

End

#komamiki #mikan tsumiki #nagito komaeda #super dangan ronpa 2 #Dangan Ronpa #please reblog and leave kudos if you can!

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