#I needed something sweet between the two of them

[lemmesayimyourbiggestfan]

frontman x reader whos a player but not because of debt but because she was investigating with gi-hun and ju-hon and got in the limousine and then in-ho falls in love with her and gets her out of the game with him like at the end of the season

can u also like not write it like a hate love relationship? like readers conflicted but still likes in-ho

Keeping you safe

Hwang In-ho x reader

hiii, pleasure writing your request! hope it’s the way you imagined :)

Word count: 3,3k

Warnings: violence, murder,…

Requests are open! i would also like to write something about Jun-ho or the salesman, so hmu

When you jumped into the limousine after Gi-hun you didn’t consider its consequences. Jun-ho trusted you to keep your eyes on Gi-hun at all costs and you were going to keep your word, even when it meant making yourself vulnerable.

The gas was sweet on your tongue and Gi-hun already slumped down on the plush leather of the limo seats. But you were wide awake, somehow defying sleep’s influence, shaking, still processing what the deep voice implied and Gi-hun demanded. “Put me in the game. But leave her out of it.”

Those words were followed by a dry laugh. You knew that meant there was no way out of it now. You started whispering into the intercom to Jun-ho, saying how sorry you were. His panicked voice was cut off by you turning off the device while you prepared yourself for the Frontman’s reaction, closing your eyes and taking shallow breaths.

“No. Those are my games and my rules. Might make them more interesting, don’t you agree, player 456?”

Then the gas started rising up from the floor. Gi-hun grabbed your hand, rumbling about how sorry he was. You smiled wearily, pressing his hand. “It’s okay, Gi-hun.” You both knew it wasn’t. It was as far from ‘okay’ as possible.

His fingers went limp and you resigned, waiting for the inevitable. With muted senses you watched the tinted protection shield go down. Behind it was the man in the mask himself, looking at you over his shoulder. Just when his gloved hand hovered over his mask, shrugging it off, you were engulfed in darkness.

***

After the first game, you thought that nothing could surprise you anymore. As much as Gi-hun tried to keep you from all the bloodshed, even he couldn’t cover your eyes and ears every time there was a gunshot. Still pale and shaken, digging dirt and blood from beneath your nails, you sat on your bed with the provided food in your lap, watching your surroundings. At least Gi-hun could be happy he found here his long lost friend, with whom he was now talking. You still didn’t speak to anyone else. You were scared that if you did, they would be dead by tomorrow.

You barely noticed there was any commotion until the sudden silence peaked your interest. There was a skirmish between three guys, two of them working together, which made the outcome of the fight quite obvious. There was another player stalking towards the group, trying to break up the fight.

“I said save the lecture for your own damn kids.” one of the guys shouted at him. That’s when you noticed the player’s still frame, like a cat before launching at its prey. And you were right; within a blink of an eye, he put both of the guys on their backs, not even breaking a sweat. You looked closer at him, reading the number 001 on his back. Even from afar you could see how deadly calm he was while choking one of them. After a moment the rage left his body and he released his grip. You didn’t expect the applause that followed his actions. You exchanged a look with Gi-hun. Were you the only one who sensed something foreboding?

You turned your attention back to the food in your lap and decided that even though you weren’t hungry, you desperately needed the energy. But in your mind, all you could think about was the player 001. Was he a police detective like Jun-ho or a former marine like Jung-bae or Dae-ho? Or something else entirely?

It took you a while to get out of your head and notice that his bed was right next to yours. With a sigh, player 001 sat down, grabbing his unfinished food. Just then he noticed your searching look and gave you a tentative smile.

“Hello, sir,” you began, looking down at your hands. A sudden wave of nervousness came over you. “I��m Y/N. Do you mind telling me your name?”

“No bother, Y/N,” he replied and you stared at his lips, at how perfectly they formed your name. “I’m Young-il. Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” you grinned at him in response, holding out your hand that he tentatively shook.

“Nice moves there,” you pointed your chin to the middle of the dormitory where the fight took place. “You could teach me if you had time, I’m terrible in combat.” A lie. Jun-ho himself taught you how to hold yourself and how to hold a gun. You were just trying to find out who Young-il was.

“If we have time, yes.” he nodded absentmindedly, scooping up a mouthful of rice.

“Do you mind me asking? I was just wondering if you have any children.” you said carefully.

“No, I don't.” Young-il replied, suddenly his gaze sharp.

“Well, I just thought that, based on your reaction to what that other player told you-“ you searched for the answer in his closely guarded expression. “You lost your child, didn’t you?”

Young-il didn’t say anything to that, his cutlery going limp in his hand.

“I just- I’d know that look anywhere. I know it’s not something to bond over,” you gave a startled laugh, fidgeting under his everlasting gaze, “but if you’d like to talk about it-“

“Thank you.” He reached out and squeezed your hand. His touch was calloused and warm. “I mean it.”

You smiled softly, squeezing his fingers in response. “I know.”

Preparing yourself for lights out, you couldn’t ignore his lingering gaze following your movements. Thankfully Gi-hun approached you and sat next to you on the bed, guilt visible in his expression.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N. I never wanted to drag you into this. And I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe-“

“Don’t worry about that, sir. I can take care of myself. Anyways, I was only following Jun-ho’s orders. It had nothing to do with you.”

Unconvinced, Gi-hun sighed and moved to his own bed, not having the energy at the moment to argue with you. You finally lay down, moving the thin blanket over your body, curling up on your side.

“I overheard you talking about Jun-ho, and I couldn’t help but notice how familiar that name sounds to me,” Young-il broke the silence, looking at you with curiosity in his eyes.

“Well, he used to work as a police detective so that’s why you might know him.”

“Oh, yes, that might be possible,” Young-il gave you a restrained smile. “And he is to you-?”

“A friend. I used to work as a secretary in his department, that’s all.” you smiled back.

“Oh, sorry to pry.” he looked at his hands.

“Not at all.” He looked into your eyes and your eyes crinkled with another smile. Only when he looked away did you turn around in your bed. A few minutes later you heard Gi-hun and Young-il talking and even though you didn’t want to, it was impossible to not overhear. Young-il was explaining the story of why he’s in the games and why he chose to continue playing - how his pregnant wife was gravely ill and he needed the money due to her medical bills. Somehow, this answer shocked you, even though you shouldn't have been thrown off by it. Of course he was married.

Only after the whole dormitory fell silent did you finally fall into a fitful sleep.

***

“Thank you, Young-il.” you whispered to him, gratefully touching his shoulder. Young-il turned his gaze your way and the corners of his eyes crinkled under the influence of a smile. Only his supportive words during the six legged pentathlon could calm you down, which resulted in you successfully completing your mini game. The memory flashed through your mind - tears welling in your eyes, hands shaking as you reached again and again for the gong-gi pebbles. You could sense your teammates’ growing unease but that even worsened your situation. After the third attempt, Young-il grabbed you by the elbow, leaning closer as he said: “Ignore everything else okay? Just listen to me and focus.”

You nodded, bewildered eyes setting again on the pebbles. You were kneeling in a puddle of blood, which didn’t exactly help calm your nerves.

“Just concentrate. I know you can do it. Look at you, all flushed red and focused. This look suits you.” The pebbles balanced on the knuckles of your hand, just one more throw. You looked up at Young-il, lips slightly parted. Were you hearing correctly? Maintaining eye contact, you threw the pebbles op with a sudden surge of confidence and caught them flawlessly. Everyone cheered and you were hoisted up by your team, but all you could hear were Young-il’s last words whispered in your ear: “Good girl.”

Now he was looking at you, this new tension between you two palpable.

“Anytime.”

***

While you tried to act nonchalant, it was just impossible. The way Young-il now watched you at all times drove you crazy, feeling his gaze like a branding on your body. You were grateful for keeping a watch during the lights off, thinking that it could distract you from your own dirty thoughts. But it was quite the contrary.

Overlooking the silent dark room, those words echoed in you even more soundly. Good girl. With a sigh you stretched out your legs, trying to ignore the tightness in your underbelly. You were annoyed with yourself. Why did the words of a stranger make you feel this way? Words of a married stranger, more like it.

“You seem distracted.”

You jumped at that impassive raspy voice. Thankfully, once Young-ho sat down next to you, he couldn’t notice your flushed cheeks due to the impassable darkness. Your shoulders touched and to your surprise he didn’t immediately move away.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really.” you smiled with your head bowed, nearly chuckling at how clueless he must be.

There was an awkward silence following your reply, so, without thinking about it, you said: “Thank you again for today, truly. You helped me a lot.”

Young-il looked at you, searching for something in your expression. Apparently he found it. “You think about that a lot, don’t you?”

“Sorry?” you stumbled over your words, not knowing how to react, what to say.

“My words alone made you quiver. Now imagine what my tongue could do.” he whispered, teasing you, a spark in his eyes.

“Young-il-“ you breathed out, suddenly aware of how close his face was to yours. You felt your underwear getting wetter by the minute. But you put that all in the back of your mind as you said: “I know you are married. Expecting a child, even. You shouldn’t say things like that.”

He blinked, taken aback. “Does that bother you? Or are you bothered by the effect I have on you?”

You sighed, looking away from his handsome face. Was he sent here just to test your boundaries?

“I still have enough self control to know right from wrong.” But your body wasn’t in line with your thoughts.

Young-il stared at you for a moment, then sighed, irritated. “My wife and my child are gone. I just don’t enjoy talking about them in past tense. I joined the games out of misery, nothing more. Are you happy now?”

You froze, looking at the way his arms formed into fists at his sides. It was like having ice cold water poured all over you.

“Young-il, I’m so-“

“Don’t be. It’s been a long time.” Eyes meeting, he smiled at you tentatively. You squeezed his warm hand and he relaxed, loosening his fist.

“Right now, I don’t care about anything but you.” He caressed your cheek with the back of his hand, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Moving closer, he kissed the bruise already blossoming on your jaw. And you let him.

“I don’t want to scare you away with my… infatuation. But right now, I’m so desperately weak for you.” Your breathing hitched as he moved his lips to your ear.

Just when you thought he would kiss you, he suddenly pulled away.

“I’ll take over the watch. You should sleep, muster some energy for tomorrow.” You nodded as if in a trance. He helped you stand up and led you to your bed. Young-il left you standing there, leaving only the whisper of his lips branding your cheek.

***

The third game was a whirlwind of movement. Only thanks to Young-il were you still alive and breathing. Every time a number was announced, he firmly grasped your wrist and dragged you with him wherever he went. Not that you were complaining - you were so overstimulated by all the commotion that you were glad you could keep up with him.

When one player tried to separate you from him, Young-il bared his teeth and kicked him square in the chest. “She’s mine,” There it was, the cold expression and clenched jaw. Even though you were on the brink of dying, a shiver ran down your spine.

You made it safe with your group into one of the rooms and soon were walking out to play the last round. You knew exactly what the woman’s voice was going to announce and you were right: “Two.”

Young-il was already moving, pushing people out of your way. Everything seemed to go smoothly, until you reached the room; a player was already inside.

“Get out.” Young-il growled and reached the man, trying to get him on his legs and out of the room.

“We were here first,” the player whimpered. You noticed other players running to the door you were standing next to and panicking, you closed it, pushing your whole body against it.

You looked over your shoulder at Young-il, wanting to see if he was any closer to pushing the player out through the doors. But you froze when you saw he was holding the man in a headlock, choking him. All you could do was stare.

Young-il was looking straight back at you. And with one smooth motion of his arms he broke the man’s spine, leaving him staring at the ceiling, going limp in Young-il’s grip.

“I’d do anything for you, Y/N.” Young-il said, slowly getting up. You couldn’t tear your gaze from the lifeless body on the ground.

Only when he knelt in front of you did your eyes meet his. He grabbed your cold, shaking hands, kissing the knuckles while staring into your eyes.

“You’re scaring me,” you whispered, a tear rolling down your cheek.

“You poor thing,” Young-il said absentmindedly, wiping your tears away. “I can keep you safe, Y/N. I promise. All I’ve done was to prove that to you.”

“It’s scaring me how far you’re willing to go for me,” you sobbed, fighting the urge to flinch when he caressed your cheek. Still, you couldn’t find a reason to hate him. All the things he was saying were true, he did all of this for you, he killed a man for you, for your own safety.

The lock on the doors clicked and you closed your eyes, letting yourself be guided by Young-il out of the room. You knew that if you looked once more at the corpse, you would never let Young-il touch you again.

So you kept your eyes closed, choosing the easier path.

***

When the lights went out, all you could do was hold Young-il as hard as possible and count the minutes until the slaughter was over. Head against his chest, you concentrated on the sound of his heartbeat, every other sound pushed into the background. His hand was on your lower back, holding you as close as possible.

“I want to go home.” you whispered, clutching the front of his T-shirt like a small child. It was all a mistake. You shouldn’t be here.

“Okay, you will, okay? When we disarm the guards, you stay hidden, but once we take control of the rest, you have to come to my side, you understand?”

You nodded into his chest. Young-il kissed the crown of your head before leaving you under the bed as the guards tried to take control of the situation.

After many gunshots fired, you were crawling to the group of players formed in front of the main doors. Without hesitation you claimed one of the smaller guns for yourself. Somehow, the familiar weight of it calmed you down a bit. Young-il looked at you with tenseness.

“Keeping secrets, I see.” In reply you just loaded the gun, staring back.

Gi-hun looked your way over his shoulder, sending you a quick nod. The group exited the room, moving quickly down the corridor. Young-il stayed back, moving slower than the rest. Once the first guards got in your way, he pushed you to the side, saying: “This way!” Looking over your shoulder, everyone was shooting at the enemy, moving the other way. You looked back at him, unsure.

“You wanted to go home, didn’t you? Well, this is it.” seeing how indecisive you were, he sighed, “You trust me, don’t you?”

Hesitant, you followed his lead. You took the side stairs up and you got a bad feeling in your stomach. Young-il didn’t bother to check the corners, nor the other stories as you climbed the stairs. He walked like someone who knew this place, someone who wasn’t scared that he might be shot.

You stopped in your tracks, aiming your gun with a trembling hand. Young-il, upon noticing you were not following him, turned around. There was something like betrayal shining through his demeanour.

“You’re going to explain.” you said, trying to keep your voice and hand steady.

“Oh, Y/N, I think you already know.” Young-il pointed out, a corner of his lips curling up. He took one step towards you.

“What. Is. Your. Real. Name.” you said through gritted teeth, cocking your gun.

“Hwang In-ho.”

All this time, he was the long lost brother Jun-ho was trying to find. You felt the sting of betrayal in your bones.

“Was any of this real?” Tears stung in your eyes and you hated yourself for being so vulnerable.

“Oh, baby,” In-ho sighed, walking to you, kneeling in front of you again. The muzzle of the gun touched his forehead, which he seemed unbothered by.

“Everything.” he said, looking up at you.

“I keep trying to hate you,” you whispered, trying to muster at least some hatred that would make you pull the trigger. “It would be so much easier if I did.”

In-ho reached out and gently took the gun from your trembling hand. He threw in on the ground, making it slide on the floor.

“I know,” he whispered, grabbing your hips with his hands. He stared at you yearningly. There was a burning ache in your chest clawing its way into your throat.

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“I can’t. And I don’t think you want me to either.”

The worst part was that he was right.

“I know I should stay away from you, but I can’t. It’s not that simple.” A sob tore out of your throat, making it hard for you to breathe. There were so many emotions in you that your head was spinning. All you knew was the fact that you couldn’t hate the one person who deserved it the most.

“Stay with me, love. I beg you,” In-ho said hoarsely, gripping you harder, trying to make you understand. “You will be safe with me. I will not break that promise.” His eyes were filled with hope. “You felt it too, I know.”

You closed your eyes, composing yourself and your thoughts. You knew it was wrong. But you always had a weakness for the forbidden.

In-ho stood up, taking your face in his hands. He kissed your forehead, your temples, your jaw. And when he kissed you on the lips, you let yourself melt into the touch, forgetting everything else.

“You’ll be the death of me.” you whispered against his lips and he smiled into the kiss, knowing you were his.

[gaypirate420]

Viktor running his fingers through m! Readers hair and Jayce is getting jealous of us so Viktor starts giving him a scalp massage too.

This was inspired by that viral post of Viktor High Key being a Dom.

Here nyehehehhe, very short I'm sorry.

Puppies// Jayvik

S1!Jayvik x male!reader.

Summary: Viktor has two puppies in a lab.

Suggestive. Fluff.

Viktor takes a small sip from his drink, the sugary taste of the sweet milk traveling down his mouth, his amber eyes looked down, you and Jayce where on the floor, a chalk in hand as each of you drew his notes on the literal floor of the lab, per his request, something about scaling.

"Is this big enough for you?" You asked a little breathlessly as you leaned back on your knees, going backwards trying not to mess the chalk drawing, a small pout adorning your face as you placed chalk, ruler and measuring tape to a side, you were the first one to protest against this idea.

"it gives me a better view, sweetling." The pale man answered back before returning his lips to his mug, Jayce sighed and shook his head, the sound of chalk and his tired breaths filling the air for a moment.

"Bigger papers exist, V." The tall one mumbled as he kept drawing, his knees already feeling a little sore after being in the cold floor of the lab.

"No need to whine, love, a little mopping will get rid of it." Viktor answered back before taking another sip, you rubbed your eyes, a soft yawn escapes your lips as you rest your head on his lap, avoiding his brace for an inch. His brows were furrowed deep in thought as he saw his blueprint on the floor.

"We have to take a break, we're going insane! We're drawing on the floor! We're scientists not cavemen." You mumbled against his thigh, the sound a little muffled. Viktor shushed you gently and returned to his own little mental palace, one of his hands left his mug, his pale and slender fingers finding your hair. He could feel your tired exhale against his leg.

His touch is gentle, slow, his eyes focused on your tense shoulders, he carefully digs deeper, massaging slowly. Almost as an apology for the burden of making you drag yourself around on the floor drawing.

Jayce finally finished his part, looking down at the whole layout and starting to take mental notes, he steps back to allow the zaunite to see the drawing completely. He claps his hands, getting rid of any chalk dust in them.

The taller man's hazel eyes catch the tender scene, you, on your knees by Viktor's side, your hair getting played with, he feels a warmth creeping on his cheeks, he looks away quickly and tries to focus on the drawing but something else start to brew. Jealousy.

"Hm." Jayce sat down on the floor too, perhaps a little inspired by you on Viktor's left side, he swallowed as his eyes focused on the drawing almost too much and too intensely. Viktor placed his mug between his thighs, he smirks ever so faintly and his hand goes to brush the taller one's hair back, the reaction is immediate, a soft sigh hangs on the air, he leans against his thigh too as Viktor brushes down his neck.

"I can picture your tails wagging perfectly." Viktor said with a teasing tone, you chuckled against him while Jayce whimpers and hides his face on his thigh. Both of you are blushing though, neither pulling away from his touch.

A/N: HEYYYY, hi, how are y'all...I know I KNOW I have some promised fics on the waiting but I'm picky and I want to enjoy my winter break I'm sorry, arrest me. Hope y'all liked this!

[erosastro]

Your future spouse/partner: Pick a pile Tarot reading

*************

Pile one - Amethyst

Who are they?

This seems like someone who likes to be in control. There’s certain structure and order to things that they like to maintain and anything that happens that they didn’t anticipate they tend to panic but they also don’t like to show it. This need for control and power and staying stuck in a very masculine energy is from a need to work on their self-esteem. I think deep down they know they don’t “fit in” which is what makes them overcompensate in other areas of their life. They could mirror your energy a lot as well. Deep down they’re emotional beings and all they need is love and comfort, though again they might not say it out loud. they’re sensitive too but cover it up with a hard exterior. They may not like to show their emotions easily to others. They’re probably very creative and intelligent as well, though they may be hesitant to take any risks. They also value their solo time or are in desperate need for it. They probably have a lot to unleash creatively and may be working on it. Their feminine energy is begging to be released, to create some sort of balance and again they may be working on that right now. They’re very protective over people they love and might share a very close relationship with their mother or a maternal figure in their lives. In a relationship they’re receptive and nurturing and there’s a quiet tenderness to them that draws people in.

* Capricorn, Pisces and Virgo or Taurus might be significant placements

What the relationship will be like?

I think that this person might be used to surface level relationships because they’re so scared of opening up but with you there’s a sense of familiarity and it forces them the reckon with their old ways of thinking and communicating and overall how they go about their relationships. There might be some time for them to open up and share their feelings candidly with you but once they do, the flow of communication between you two will be loving and understanding. You’ll slowly bring them out of their shell. You’ll bring about a sense of balance in their lives and they probably will be able to show a lot more of their creative and sensitive side to you eventually because of the trust that’s been built between you two. They might initially want something casual or not that serious at first but because of the connection they feel with you, they’re going to be forced to face things they’ve been pushing away for a long time. It’s very tender and sweet between you two and your love language might be words of affirmation or acts of service

Pile two - Rose Quartz

Who are they?

They’re hard workers and very loyal but there’s a playful and passionate side to them as well. They’re the type of person that everyone is happy to be around and there’s a sense of childlike wonder to them that makes them intriguing. They could lowkey be players but they are very loyal once they’re in a relationship. They love to have fun and they could also be weird in an endearing way. I heard “match my freak” lol. They could be sensitive to other people’s energies and they don’t like seeing or making other people upset. They’re unconventional in a lot of ways. They’re intelligent and open minded though they could be moody sometimes. Especially if they get burnt out from work. They don’t get pissed off easily but once they do … they could be quite harsh with their words especially. The energy is delightful and quirky. They could be geeky as well.

* Gemini, Aries, Sagittarius and Libra energy coming through strongly.

What the relationship will be like?

Okay firstly words of affirmation might be a bit love language between the two of you. They value you. They could put you on a bit of a pedestal actually, lol. They’re very thoughtful as well and I heard that things are easy between you two right off the bat. Like conversations flow easily and banter. They’re soooo loving. Like they love to express their love to you and they find you hella attractive. They may think you’re out of their league. I’m picturing Leonard and penny from big bang theory. That might be a show you both love as well. You love to make each other laugh and the intimacy between you is otherworldly. They notice the small things about you and you both value each other. They may the first ones to say “I love you”

Pile three - opalite

Who are they?

They’re fiercely loyal and protective and they’ve been through a lot in the past. Lots of heartbreak that may have caused a sense of insecurity within them. But they love like no other. They’re protective and trustworthy and are big on building trust in a relationship first, no matter what kind of relationship it is. I sense that they might be spiritual as well.hard to grasp too much about them so they might be mysterious too. Their souls are beautiful and they might have gone through a major spiritual transformation or awakening recently. They might be working on healing their heart chakra due to the trauma from previous relationships that they’ve faced. But I get such a strong energy from them either way. Like when they love someone they love HARD.

*Leo energy is super strong in this reading as well as Libra and Gemini

What the relationship is like?

There’s so much of Leo energy here id be surprised if they didn’t have Leo placements of fifth house placements. This relationship is sooo supportive. You guys are each others biggest cheerleaders. I said “aww” so many times for this part of the reading. You make each other super happy and you’re both willing to work hard on the relationship. Like there’s mutual effort here and understanding. You might have manifested this person into your life. I heard “long time coming”. You may already feel this persons energy strongly. You have a way of helping each other through any anxieties or doubts easily. For some of you** there could be babies that come in very early and the relationship might move quite quickly. But it’s because there’s like no doubt about each at all. You both know you’re each others person right off the bat.

Pile four - Aquamarine

Who are they?

They’re very blunt lol. But they have a way with words. They’re extremely charming and intelligent. And they value family a lot. They’re highly intuitive too. They’re very self assured and they’re loyal too, to everyone they love. They’re very direct to people about how they feel and they may come across strange to some. But there’s still something super intriguing about them because their energy is very high vibrational. They might not like beating around the bush and are good at observing others. I feel like it would be hard to lie to this person too. Like they immediately pick up that you’re speaking shit lol. They’re very spiritual and creative. They could be big on being very healthy and like fitness freaks too. They’re the types to love studying even if they don’t always need it. They love learning about new things all the time and the way to their heart is probably through their minds first. They could have psychic abilities as well and can be hypersensitive. They’re very sure about what they want in their lives too.

Strong Gemini, Aquarius, Libra and Leo

What is the relationship like?

Pile four this might be your divine counterpart. The energy is very strong and this relationship is extremely important in your lives. They might have taken a while to come into your life and vice versa but patience is virtue! And trust me it’ll be worth it. They feel very lucky to have you in their life. They love you so unconditionally and you guys get a long like a house on fire. There’s beautiful energy flow between you two and you’re very supportive of each other. You accept each other wholeheartedly and I hear that it’s not something you’re used to. You might have been in very difficult relationships before. You two have a lot in common and can relate to each other in a lot of different ways. They expose you to new ways of loving and spirituality and sexuality. It might be scary to go into this relationship heart first but something about them makes both of you embrace the unfamiliar. Beautiful energy again. Air signs coming through strongly again.

[thef1diary]

i was the anon who was talking about how dirtbag danny would use the whole inexperienced reader roleplay as an excuse to be gentler and sweeter and oh my god, what you wrote in response... it's got me thinking

i could definitely see daniel going through something, and he finds it very hard to be vulnerable with the reader so he obviously doesn't tell her what's going on. but suddenly he's always needing something slow and deep and intimate in bed and he's being sweeter, and he's holding her closer than usual afterwards. and she kinda wants him to go back to being mean and degrading because everything is easier when there's some emotional distance between the two of them. and because when it's all slow and intimate between them, it feels a lot like making love and that's obviously not what they're doing... right? 👀

— I’m so glad you liked it! One roleplay after another, yet they were all the same: soft, sensual, sweet. the things you weren’t familiar with from him, the ones you didn’t want to be familiar with. While it was confusing, you weren’t sure if you hated it. 18+ content below

Daniel had been different lately. His usual edge—the sharp dominance, the biting words—had softened into something quieter. He didn’t explain why, of course. He never did. Instead, he threw himself into this… roleplay. That’s what you told yourself it was. That’s what he said it was.

It had started a week ago, his hand on your cheek as he looked at you with something just shy of tenderness. “You’ve never done this before, huh?” he’d asked, his voice low and teasing, like it was all part of some game.

But this was Daniel. Dirtbag Daniel. He didn’t do tender. He didn’t do sweet. And yet here he was, night after night, coaxing you into his bed with soft words and slower touches, guiding your body like he was teaching you how to feel good for the very first time.

And tonight? Tonight was no different.

His hands were on you now, rough but measured, sliding down your sides with a reverence that made your skin burn. You lay beneath him, his body pressing yours into the mattress, and for the hundredth time, you felt the cracks in his persona. His hips rocked into you, slow and deep, every thrust deliberate, every drag of him inside you speaking more than his words ever did.

“You’re so good for me,” he murmured, his lips brushing your temple. His hand slid under your back, pulling you impossibly closer. “Letting me show you how it’s supposed to feel.”

The words made your stomach twist, and not in the way they used to. You almost hated how soft his voice sounded, how his gaze pinned you in place like you were something fragile, something precious. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. This wasn’t supposed to feel like…making love.

You tried to push back against it, to claw your way back to the usual dynamic. Your hands slipped over his shoulders, pressing against him in a bid to flip him over, to change the pace, to remind him who he was. “Let me ride you,” you whispered, your voice shaky but determined.

But he didn’t budge.

“Uh-uh,” he said, his tone still soft but firm enough to pin you in place. His hands gripped your hips, holding you down against the mattress as his thrusts continued their maddening pace. “Not tonight, sweetheart. You stay right here.”

There it was—the dirtbag edge, the flash of dominance that usually had your body tingling and your mind spinning. But even that felt different tonight. The smirk on his face didn’t reach his eyes, and when he leaned down to kiss you, it wasn’t the usual teasing brush of lips before he pulled back to make you beg.

This kiss lingered, soft and unhurried, his tongue sliding against yours in a way that made your heart stutter. You whimpered against him, trying to take control of the moment, but his hands tightened on your hips, grounding you.

“Let me take care of you,” he murmured against your lips, his voice breaking just slightly. “Just let me, okay?”

Your chest tightened at the words, your nails digging into his shoulders as he rocked into you again. It wasn’t supposed to feel like this. It wasn’t supposed to feel like more.

“Daniel,” you gasped, unsure of what you were even trying to say.

He pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his hand cradling your cheek. “What is it?” he asked, his tone gentle, almost concerned. “You need me to slow down? To stop?”

You shook your head, swallowing the lump in your throat. “No… I just…”

“Just what?” he pressed, his thumb brushing over your cheek. His movements didn’t stop, his thrusts slow and steady, building a pressure inside you that you couldn’t fight. “Tell me, sweetheart. What do you need?”

The question made your head spin. What did you need? To break the tension? To push him away? To rebuild the distance he was so carefully dismantling?

But you couldn’t speak. Not when he was looking at you like that. Not when his body was pressed so tightly to yours that you couldn’t tell where he ended and you began.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered, his tone softer than you’d ever heard it. His thumb brushed over your cheek, coaxing your gaze back to his. “You’re doing so good, baby. Just let me feel you.”

When you nodded, his hips shifted, his thrusts growing deeper and faster, you couldn’t stop the moan that tore from your throat. He buried his face in your neck, groaning as your walls clenched around him, and you felt the crack in his persona like a lightning bolt.

“Fuck, you’re perfect,” he murmured, the words shaky and uneven.

The way he said it made your chest ache, and you hated how much you wanted to believe him. This was supposed to be fun, dirty, and detached. It wasn’t supposed to feel like he was pouring everything into you, like he was holding on to you for dear life. His lips found yours again, the kiss slow and deep, and when he pulled back, his gaze didn’t waver.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” he asked, his voice barely audible.

Your breath hitched, and you shook your head, trying to deny it, trying to hold on to what little control you had left.

But he didn’t let you.

“Don’t lie to me,” he said, his tone soft but unyielding. “I know you feel it. You’re not as good at hiding as you think.”

His words shattered the last of your resolve. The pleasure building inside you reached its peak, your body trembling as you came undone around him. Your nails dug into his back, holding him closer as you cried out his name.

Daniel groaned, his hips stuttering as he followed you over the edge. His arms wrapped around you tightly, his body pressing you deeper into the mattress as he buried his face in your neck.

But even then, even as his breathing slowed and his body relaxed against yours, he didn’t pull away. He stayed there, holding you like you were the only thing keeping him afloat, whispering words you weren’t ready to hear.

“You’re mine,” he said softly, his voice trembling. “You’ll always be mine.”

And for the first time, you couldn’t tell if it was still part of the roleplay—or if he meant every word.

want more dirtbag!danny? send me an ask with your filthiest thoughts and it’ll get answered during one of my dirty drabble days

[palmerzy]

wait it’s funny you say that bc i’ve been in need for some fluff too!! i wrote a spencer fluff post on my side blog a couple months ago abt how he’d act and comfort you on bad days and i just need some fluffiness bc my period is acting up again :(

a little tmi but i’ve been bleeding for 3-4 months straight and the pain never goes away, so i’d like to imagine spencer being so prepared and so sweet when it’s time for your period, because he’d understand when you’re moody, get your pads and your heating pad and your comfort blanket, agh

love love love! spencer is soooo attentive for sure. also, anon, that sounds AWFUL and i hope it clears up at some point 😭

spencer would just be the sweetest when you’re on your period. he’s definitely memorised your cycle, purely because he wants to be prepared and make sure he has everything at his apartment for you.

he 100% has a drawer in his bathroom full of sanity products just for you, and they’re there month-round for whenever you may need them. he remembers what foods you like, the genre of movie you prefer during your period, even what smells throw you off, and he’s sure to only put out candles he knows you don’t mind.

the first time you’d forgotten your favourite blanket and a hot water bottle when at his place, spencer made the journey back to your apartment to collect them - and he was sure to buy exact replicas to keep at his home in case of another emergency like that.

nothing to do with your body could disgust him, and he’s very familiar with blood given his line of duty, so any laundry he has to do when you’re there isn’t a bother to him at all. he allows you your free time, letting you bathe in his bathroom for hours at a time, and he’s also happy to sit with you whenever you want it.

usually when you’re lying in bed, he’ll put your heat pad over your tummy, and then lay his head atop it, hoping to give you some comfort with his presence. it’s definitely soothing, getting to run your hands through his long hair whilst the pressure of his body soothes your cramps.

he alternates between talking a lot to keep your mind distracted and saying nothing at all, letting gentle touches convey his care and concern for you. when he’s talking, it’s mostly just him reading to you, or rambling about something he knows you enjoy, because he’s aware that the sound of his voice is soothing enough to you.

he’ll watch movies with you that he usually wouldn’t enjoy, or read a cheesy romance novel so the two of you can giggle together. when he’s reading to you, you’re both laying on your sides, pressed together with your face nuzzled in his neck as he peers over you to recite the words. his free hand gently caresses your waist and your back, thumb rubbing soothing circles until you’re falling asleep in his arms, pain forgotten.

if spencer’s on a case, he’s checking in with you pretty often, calling during any free time. he calls you a lot normally, so it’s doubled when he’s concerned over how you’re doing. usually just short conversations, but it’s comforting nonetheless. “hey, baby, just wanted to let you know i’m thinking about you,” “have you drunk enough water? if you’re dehydrated, your cramps will hurt more, take care of yourself,” and “i’m buying you takeout, it’ll be there in 30 minutes,” even when he’s on the other side of the country.

when you get snappy with him, he remains entirely patient. he doesn’t really try to mediate you, because he knows it’s probably best to just let you get it all out - and you’ll apologise anyways. you’re never actually mean to him, just irritable over simple things. by now, he’s learned what ticks you off, and he ensures his place is free of any annoyance whenever you’re due on.

no matter what, though, he’s there. one way or another, on the phone or in person, he wants to check in on you, especially during that week.

oh lord i definitely need to brush up on my fluff writing skills HAHA

[cherie-doll]

I have this brainrot for a while now

Which cod man would be the most husband material, who waits for the shortest amount of time before getting married? And who would be the one who would be fine with not getting married at all? And where are the rest of them?

How many kids would they want if they want?

I don’t need sleep, i need answers!😭

sorry for the delay my wifi is so slow, we just got a new batch of snow down here and tbh it might be affecting my internet

✧ Price, Ghost, Soap, Gaz, Roach, Alejandro, Rudy, Phillip Graves, Makarov, Keegan, König, Horangi, Nikto

ᰍᩚ Price... he's PERFECT husband material. Cut from the finest cloth I'm SO normal about him. You've just observed his behavior closely and he doesn't do annoying things like leaving his clothes lying around on the floor or leaving unwashed dishes in the sink. He def want to get married, but doesn't wait too long nor asks you right away, he'd time it just right. As for kids? Maybe he could convince you to have one or two...

ᰍᩚ Ghost... he doesn't realize he can lowkey be a good husband. He thinks he's not willing to adapt to anyone, given how much stuff he's been through. A relationship isn't the worst thing he's had to go through, he's gone through worse, so why is he thinking about it so much? He doesn't want to enter a relationship with only half a heart, not mindlessly. But he knows his feelings towards you don't come from nothing. His feelings would have to be resolved before you even started dating, so that afterwards everything progresses pretty smoothly. And after marriage, kids? Maybe idk.

ᰍᩚ Soap... he probably had your entire life planned out before he confessed. He knew he loved you, was convinced he wanted to marry you and needed to have kids. So, he waited the least amount of time to marry you. There's lots of things he could improve on as a partner but the good thing is he's willing to make any and all of those changes for you. His respect will never run dry, he won't let desperation take ahold of him, always letting you know one way or another he still cares. It was up to you to decide how many kids you'd be okay with but if it were up to him... yk what better not go there.

ᰍᩚ Gaz... Perfect boyfriend AND husband material. He loves showing affection with the little things, a cup of coffee or tea and cuddling when you feel down or taking care of chores when you need a break. Simple things that he does on the daily that in the long run fortify your relationship. The amount of time he waits before asking you to marry him depends and it's all on how you want your relationship to progress. He's surefooted in his decisions so after the initial stages of the relationship when he's gotten to know you very well, your faults and what he loves about you, he just lets you know that if you want to take that step, he's more than ready to do so. He def wants kids, at least three.

ᰍᩚ Roach... oh my sweet boy ToT. He's such boyfriend material and in time will no doubt grow into a loving husband. He very deeply cares about your connection and how deep it runs between you both. The topic of marriage comes up at a very proper time in your relationship, it's when all he can think of is holding your hand every day, how comforting your presence is to him and how this couldn't ever revert into something casual. Marriage is a definite yes for him. Kids are something he wouldn't think of right away. Maybe a few years down the lane, and maybe one.

ᰍᩚ Alejandro... you made him wish impossible things. How you've made him feel, the sensations not only running smoothly over his skin but finding a way to penetrate deeply, to make him desire nothing else but a life with you. Marriage was the ideal way to continue living in that daydream. How he wishes the days were endless, so he can rejoice for eternity with you. If this was what made him wish to be better, then he was surely husband material. In time, he'd want to start a family with you, to create life, to have little ones to take care of. Three or four kids would occupy his days.

ᰍᩚ Rudy... is THE blueprint for all husbands out there to follow. He's very patient, his voice soothes you, could lull you to sleep. Always listens to you even if you rant, if you point out a flaw of his he works to be better. Never pushed you into doing anything, even when he could already hear the wedding bells ringing, he wanted you to make this decision on your own. In the back of his mind, he most likely already had baby names planned and asked if you wanted kids. He def did and wanted three. He thought it was the perfect number.

ᰍᩚ Phillip Graves... husband material at its FINEST. He's not only charming and a gentleman as a boyfriend but also as a husband. He just couldn't wait to put a ring on your finger so he did want marriage very soon. There is no way he'd NOT want children, he's just as much father material as he is husband material. I've said it before but he was made to father children and I will die on that hill. He loves going everywhere with his son, showing him how to run a company and then he gentles when his daughter is born, doing everything she wants.

ᰍᩚ Makarov... husband material at the core. Deep on the inside he can be genuine and want to care for someone. He likes having someone to depend on him, under his care, leaning on him for that strange affection that isn't found anywhere else. It would be hard to refuse him with the amount of gifts he sends to sweeten you up and coax you to accept his proposal that came too soon for your liking. But look at it this way, he'll always provide everything you'll ever need and want and in exchange you only have to agree to marry him, live with him and... kids. Yes, he wants kids. A numerous family preferably.

ᰍᩚ Keegan... is quite levelheaded when it comes to relationships so he's fine with staying your boyfriend and living with you or becoming your husband when you marry. He could improve on becoming peak husband material but you're lucky if he picks up his clothes from the floor and places it in the laundry basket instead. He thinks having no kids is better until you get a scare thinking you might be with child and he gets excited until you call false alarm. He felt disappointment and then realized he did want kids after all. Would be fine with just one but wouldn't completely be against having another one later on.

ᰍᩚ König... it's not him you have to worry about when it comes to marriage. He's got to watch out for himself because YOU'RE going to wife him up, otherwise he'd never get around to asking you to marry him. Not that he wouldn't want to but he's thinking when would be the perfect moment to ask and he's always thinking, "I'm going to ask them next date", and another date comes and goes by and then another and another... He'd learn to be so loving with kids you just gotta convince him he CAN be a good father. I don't know how many he could handle though.

ᰍᩚ Horangi... he's fun but he's prob best as a boyfriend. Not that he could never be a husband because he can, but he'd be completely fine with not marrying. If you're expecting him to bring up the question and get down on his knee for you... then you're probably setting yourself up for disappointment. It'd take him a while and you'd have to hint at wanting marriage, because otherwise he wouldn't mind just moving in together. I know I used to say he'd want marriage quickly but idk man my perception of him changed. He might get baby fever (rare) and he might ask for ONE kid them, but don't think he's the type for them much.

ᰍᩚ Nikto... if he does open up to wanting a relationship you've got to work with him on the long run. He might be closed off to certain things simply because he might not see a point in progressing in that field, but once he sees that you respect him and don't force anything, he'd def want to marry you. I'm not exactly sure how long he'd wait before proposing to you, honestly it all depends but once he grows attached to a person he wouldn't want to be apart from them so I'm guessing he'd tie the knot pretty soon. The topic of kids is something he's very hesitant of, he rarely gets baby fever, like ever. It'd have to be a lot of convincing on your part. But he might be okay with one or two at most.

[upuntil6am]

Holy ~ Spencer Reid x Reader

Holy - not like an angel - but like something worshipped that people will never truly understand.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!reader

Summary: Literally just.. munch Spencer worshipping you

Warnings: NSFW content, minors do not interact, oral (fem receiving), brief hair pulling, inaccurate religious comparison, worship kink, glasses reid, munch reid

W/C: 0.6k

A/N: I have not written anything in two/three years, aside from academic papers. Also, I'm not religious, but this still felt a tiny bit wrong.

Inspired by the song Deity by Valeree and no higher being than you

Spencer Reid did not believe in God. He was a man of science, of course. He had seen too many horrors of the world for him to believe that there was someone out there who knew it was happening, and did nothing. Not to mention that religion wasn’t exactly a topic of his childhood. Who would even answer his questions? Not his mother, and surely not his father. This doesn’t mean he hasn’t read the Bible, of course he has. He just doesn’t see it as factual. As stated, he’s a man of science. He didn’t believe in religion.

Then he saw you.

There was something about you that made him question. When Spencer first saw you in the bullpen, he couldn’t look away. The way your hair cascaded down your shoulders. The way the light hits your eyes. The way you carried yourself with such certainty. He’d never had any want or need to get on his knees and pray, but he’d do it if you asked him. He’s quite positive he’d do anything if you asked him to in your cherry sweet voice.

Spencer has stepped foot in churches before, but never before for a Sunday mass. It was often when it related to a case, which also meant that you frequently entered beside him. The sun would cast through the stained-glass windows and light you up in a plethora of colors. Spencer knew he talked a lot. He knew that people often wished he’d just shut the hell up. When he looked at you, he was often speechless. His mind was still racing, but he would be too tongue-tied to spit out what he wanted. 

He didn’t need to. Something in your eyes told him that you knew. The kind of high you gave him was something uncomparable to the previous highs he’s known. And you were not something he could possibly build a tolerance to.

When he first kissed you he was positive he had learned what Heaven was. He could’ve died happy with his lips pressed to yours. With his tongue dancing in your mouth. He couldn’t get the taste of you off his mind, not that he’d ever want to. He knew then, his soul wouldn’t settle until he had tasted all of you. He was so greedy for a taste of you. It’s a good thing he didn’t believe in Hell, he knew his greed would’ve landed him a firm place down there. 

Between your thighs his mind was silent. There was nothing more to think about than your taste and the way you cried. Your fingers in his hair, your thighs squeezing his head, the way you gasped and fucking whimpered when you were close. This was all he needed in life. This was all he needed from life. He didn’t need a church when he could fall to his knees and pray and worship all the same.

He wouldn’t need another altar, there was a perfect one nestled between your plush thighs. That thought alone would definitely land him in Hell, but he couldn’t bring himself to give a damn with his tongue buried in your cunt. His nose rubbed against your clit, his breath fogged his glasses that he hadn’t cared to remove. Why would he? Without them he can’t look up and see your heavenly face.

“Spencer,” you cried in a breathless moan, yanking at his brown locks.

He moaned, his face still buried between your thighs, the vibration of it making you practically sob in pleasure. He moved his mouth to wrap his lips around your clit, his fingers taking his tongue’s place when you whined at the empty feeling. His tongue swirled around your clit, his fingers curled inside you. Above him you trembled, your back arched, your mouth fell open.

The way your body moved as your orgasm hit you was divine. Just as divine as your taste on his tongue. When you came and your thighs clenched around his head he felt holy. 

Spencer Reid does not believe in God. He doesn’t have to. He has you.

[sarushka-01]

Late birthday post for my boy, wanderer (love him, main him, cried for him)

I’m not sure if I can say it’s suggestive; more like non sexual nudity?? okay, maybe a little bit, but really sweet Just wanted to point that out so no one is surprised

gn reader

Soft skin meets porcelain. Warmth lands onto that cold body of his. It’s weird, but somehow, he feels welcomed. With every motion of his hands, you feel like you’re about to be devoured. There’s something endearing in that, though. How gentle he is, yet also bold. It earns a chuckle from you.

When that freezing feeling reaches a certain spot, you shudder. He stops. Eyes laced with worry meet yours. A silent reminder of care. “It’s fine, you can go on” and so he does. Your hands wrap around his waist, to steady yourself. Uneven breaths tickle his neck, you never feel his. It all feels eerily.

He leans in, beautiful eyes staring at you, with that pleading expression you rarely see. You let him, eagerly welcoming that sweet feeling of his lips on yours. It’s the only time you feel his body heat. Deeper and deeper, he ventures, as if you’re some unknown land. Hands roam, with so much devotion even the quietest whispers can’t convey.

For a moment, there’s no friction between you. That human body of yours yearns for more, but patiently waits for the puppet’s choice. With that smile, you seem like a god in his eyes. A god he once tried to be, a goal he hoped to achieve with so much effort put, and so little practice of how to be one. You didn’t need it; you don’t need a gnosis, a perfect body (which you do have, in his humble opinion), a whole palace meant for you, you don’t need anything at all. Just one follower who’d die for your happiness - that is, him. How ironic; faithful followers is what he needed the most (even if he saw them as pests), and now he is that, which he hated the most - someone in love.

Warm skin melts with porcelain, like a candle. Two people turn into one in a dance of gentle love and passion. “Happy birthday. I love you always, and forever. Remember that, okay?” He loved you twice as much.

[hetacon]

I know you've asked for Ravioli/Legend art prompts at the moment, but I'm craving seeing more Wild and Twilight hurt/comfort in your sweet art style lol so I had to ask, just in case you get inspired at a later date (no pressure I hope! 💙). Could I just ask for a sweet hug between them, or a piggy back ride, or Twilight watching Wild with resigned concern while he's stuck in a vision? :3 I just love their relationship soooo much and your beautiful art of Twilight sewing and his soft smile as Wild sits wrapped around his arm makes me tear up so much ahhhhhhh anyway much love to you dear, I'm honestly happy to see any art you create and give to us lol so thanks for reading my derpy rambling either way xD

How about all three? :)))

I will literally never turn down requests for the Wolf Siblings (or Wolf Trio), even if I’m not actively asking for requests! The two of them make me so soft, I love them so much and Twilight taking care of Wild is my favorite thing in the whole wide world! 🥺 And I’m glad I held on to this ask for a little bit before I started working on it, but the explanation for why is a little long so I’ll put it under the cut

These drawings actually ended up being extra special because the first two were my last pieces of 2024 and the third is my first piece of 2025!! What a wonderful way to close out one year and start the next!

(Also thank you so much for the compliments on my art, I’m so glad you like that drawing of Twilight sewing and Wild holding on to him ☺️)

So a little bit of Stan Lore for y’all, I have two siblings: my younger sister who’s a couple years younger than me (who I’ve mentioned before) and my older sibling who’s 7 years older than me, who’s been living on their own for about 8 years after they graduated college. The reason I haven’t mentioned my older sibling before is because I’m no longer on speaking terms with them, and part of this is due to the guy they recently married, the short explanation being that both my sister and I don’t trust him and he gives me bad vibes. My current relationship with my older sibling is actually one of the reasons that Twilight and Wild’s bond means so much to me but that’s a story for another day

Anyways, last Christmas, my older sibling and their husband didn’t come over for our family’s usual get-together, much to my sister and I’s relief, but this most recent Christmas they unfortunately did and so I barely interacted with anyone this year because I didn’t want to risk potentially getting trapped in a conversation with either of them, and I even snuck out of the house for an hour to go on a walk with one of my friends. Their husband even being in my house freaks me out and I’ve had more than one panic attack about just the thought of it so I knew that I needed something to get me through us hosting Christmas dinner this year, and I decided Wild and Twilight art was the perfect thing! Luckily it worked, drawing art of my favorite boys helped me calm down and grounded me! So all that is to say, thank you for sending me this request, I really needed it 💜

[devotedlyandrogynousyouth]

You are amazing by the way, can I please request a fluff fic for Jason Todd with a reader who’s so sweet, super affectionate and loves him literally worships his body and always kissing his scars

Why yes you can :) I live laugh love some body worship with Jason💜

Pretty Boy

Jason Todd x Reader

Lots of fluff!! Y'all are lucky I felt nice today and didn't decide to write another angst

One kiss.

Then another.

And yet another: they seemed like they would go on for ages. Jason wouldn't mind that, of course. And neither would you, for the record. There is absolutely nothing you loved more than making your boyfriend feel as loved as he actually is.

It started early in the morning, when Jason was making breakfast. Today was one of those rare days where he would wake up before you and get up to make food. Believe it or not, he's actually a great cook, especially with breakfast. It's hard to even comprehend how easily he's able to flip an omelette.

"Good morning, Mr. Todd," your voice is barely more than a hoarse whisper as you wrap your arms around his waist from behind, the sound slightly muffled by his skin. Before he even has a chance to response, you press a feather light kiss to the scar ranging from his shoulder to the middle of his back.

"Good morning, gorgeous," is Jason's immediate response, smiling slightly to himself even though you couldn't see it from your current angle. He didn't think much of the kiss at first; he does the same to you whenever you're cooking.

"How did you sleep, handsome?" Sometimes, Jason forgets how sweet your voice sounds. It startles him, in some strange way. If it were anybody else speaking, he would've found the honey-sweet tone to be sickening.

But not with you.

Not with his sweet girl.

"Slept fine..." His tone, however, is a dead giveaway that he's bullshitting you. Jason Todd is many things, but a good liar isn't one of them. Not with you, at least. From the first kiss the two of you had ever shared, he knew that it would be difficult to lie to a woman with such a sweet taste.

And, for a moment, he's almost convinced you believe him. The most you do is let out a soft hum, accompanied with a slight sigh, before pressing a kiss to one of the scars on the back of his neck. He almost let out an actual sigh of relief at your lack of response.

"Bullshit."

Instead, he lets out a soft sigh of defeat. There wasn't much of a point in denying it now, was there? Besides, he can't escape the slight feeling of guilt he gets whenever he lies to you, even over something so simple. Sometimes, he wonders if that's because he told a harmless lie to Bruce before seeking out his biological mother.

Jason doesn't respond for a while, not verbally, at least. His shoulders hunch up a little, almost like they're stuck almost shrugging in response to you calling him out. He doesn't notice, but he does that a lot whenever he lies to you. Hell, he even does it when he lies to Bruce nowadays.

The most you hear from him for what seems like forever is a soft, shuddering sigh. Sometimes, you have to wonder if he tries to convince himself that he was okay, too. Did he do it with other things, like when he has to stitch up his own wounds or hold gauze to a gaping injury?

Probably.

Sometimes, it's like he forgets he has you. Of course he's grateful for you and absolutely refuses to take you for granted. Even with the love of his life there by his side, it's like he's just... Used to bottling it up. You can only imagine that it kills him inside the same way it kills you.

But still, his silence prevails.

A fourth kiss to a scar on his neck. A fifth to one between his shoulderblades. A sixth to the 'J' shaped branding mark on his cheek. You wish you knew him before his untimely death. Before all of the rage and need for vengance consumed him whole.

And finally, finally, you turn him to face you, leaning over to turn off the stove behind him for the time being. At first, he looked confused. Whether it was because of your lips' sweet assault on his body or because you turned him around, you weren't quite sure.

Regardless, the warmth sparked in his body only spread as you started to pepper his autopsy scar in feather-light kisses. The touch of your soft lips to his marred skin was nothing less than that of an angel's on a sinner. Oh, how he prayed to the God's above that he could keep your touch for just the shortest bit longer.

When your lips eventually make their way down to the bottom of his most prominent scar, past his bellybutton and just barely reaching the teail of dark hair down to his pelvis, you give him one more liss before rising. You liked having a guy like Jason who didn't turn a situation sexual at any possible chance. It took so long for him to let you see his body like that, and you would never break that kind of trust.

As your eyes finally meet his yet again, the green orbs practically shining in the morning rays of light, you press a soft peck to the tip of his nose. If this were back when you first started dating, Jason would've undoubtedly flinched away from such a sudden touch.

But now, after months of exploring eachother's bodies and souls? He trusts you. Your boyfriend, for the first time since his resurrection, trusts somebody.

"Come lay back down with me, Jay..." You coo softly, resting your forehead against his while wrapping your arms around his thick neck. To anybody else, this type of affection would be odd. I mean, how could the Red Hood learn how to love gently?

But to the two of you, it's home.

"It's only eight... I've got another hour before I really have to be up for work," you try to reason as the slight bit of hesitation Jason always holds appears in his beautiful eyes. You knew that as soon as you tried reasoning with him in that honey-sweet tone again, he'd crack. "Come talk to me. Maybe you can get a little more sleep to make up for such a crappy night, hm?"

You end up staying home the whole day with him to just talk.

Masterlist

[dreamsgazer]

MISFIRED

Tangerine fucks up, Lemon is disappointed, Reader gets hurt. Warnings: rude language, mention of self-consciousness. The reader is implied to be plus-sized, but I kept her as generic as possible. Angsty, but with a fluffy happy ending.

MASTERLIST

Based on my Scout AU (Reader is a Scout, part of a group that usually gathers intel for their assigned assassins professionals).

The hotel room buzzed with low energy, the kind that settles after a long day. Tangerine sat at the small table in the corner of the room, methodically cleaning his pistol, while Lemon flipped through a battered comic on the couch. Where he found it was a mystery, but he seemed enthralled by it, so it was all good.

All of you desperately needed something quiet and pleasant after the headaches this mission was giving you all. You in particular. As a Scout, having no leads or paths weighed heavy on your shoulders. You are lucky that you and the Twins have a work history because if they had to recommend you based on this particular mission, you would be royally fucked.

Sighing, you shut down your laptop, knowing that a reply from one of your sources wouldn't magically appear just because you were staring at the screen without blinking. The guy needed time, and you needed a little break.

Speaking of nice things, Lemon had his comic, Tangerine was maniacally cleaning his gun - a clear sign of "don't fuck with me at the moment, I'm in my safe space" - and you decided to treat yourself to something tasty. Before crashing at this poor excuse of a hotel, Lemon - god bless him - had insisted on buying some supplies, and surely something savoury or sweet slipped into the plastic bag.

You hovered near the kitchenette, quietly rummaging through the bag of snacks you correctly found, movements slow and deliberate. A muffled, delighted sound escaped your lips, finding a pack of vinegar crisps. "Better share those," Lemon called out, shooting you a grin. Tangerine smirked, barely looking up. "Or maybe skip it, eh? Could stand to cut back a bit." The words struck like a hammer. The bag crinkled in your hands as you froze, your back stiffening.

Your forced laugh sounded too tight and too painful. "Guess I'm not that hungry anyway," you murmured, setting the bag aside and blinking quickly, breathing heavily. Without looking at either of the Twins, you made a hasty exit, muttering something about needing some paper you left in your bedroom. The door clicked shut, leaving the room thick with tension.

"Real nice, mate," Lemon said, his voice low and sharp. He lowered his comic and sent his brother a scolding glare. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Still surprised by your reaction and frozen in the middle of his movement, Tangerine frowned, his grip tightening on the cloth in his hand. "What the heck? It was a joke." "Did it sound like she laughed?" Lemon shot back. "Nah, right? Then maybe it wasn't funny." "She knows I didn't mean it like that," Tangerine argued, but there was a hint of doubt creeping into his voice. "The fuck, you two are always fucking around." "Because we know the limits!" his brother sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Tangerine blinked, the weight of Lemon's words sinking in. His mind replayed the moment, and something sharp twisted in his chest. "You're a right bloody idiot," his brother said, voice laced with disappointment. Tangerine frowned, leaning back in his chair. "It was a joke," he repeated mechanically. "It wasn't funny." "She knows I didn't mean it like that," Tangerine shot back more forcefully, though his voice wavered, betraying his doubt. Lemon shook his head, standing. "She doesn't think it's a joke, mate. She thinks you think she's ugly, yeah? That you're embarrassed by her." He paused by the bathroom door, his voice dropping. "And you're too thick to see what's right before you."

You joined them again eventually, talking about a new lead your contact found. Still, your smile didn't reach your eyes, and every word between you and Tangerine felt clipped and careful, like you were navigating a minefield. The next few days passed in a haze of awkward silences and cautious avoidance.

Tangerine was not the most perceptive guy when it came to human interactions. According to Lemon, he was actually the worst. It was good that he was at least an excellent fighter. However, even Tangerine couldn't miss how you no longer reached for snacks when you thought he might see you, how your plate barely had a dent during meals, how awfully quiet around him you were, mostly keeping the conversation work-related. You didn't tell him about a funny thing you saw on TV or the new book you wanted to read. It was all strictly professional, all work-related. Meals together were strained—your portions smaller, your snacks nonexistent.

Each observation landed like a gut punch, and guilt clawed at him in ways he couldn't shake. Lemon’s earlier words gnawed at him like a splinter. He fucked up, and he didn't know what to say or to do. Fuck that shit, Tangerine thought more than once, trying to tell himself it was not a big deal and you'd eventually get over it. He would never admit it to anyone, but the worst part, aside from realizing he had been a true asshole, was that he fucking missed your chats and the easy familiarity you two previously shared. He wasn't one for apologies, but by the third day, he couldn't take it anymore.

That evening, as you sat curled on the couch pretending to read a folder one of your people sent you with details about the target and Lemon was in his bedroom snoring soundly, Tangerine pulled up a chair and dropped into it heavily. You glanced up, startled, but your expression quickly shifted to wary neutrality. "Something wrong?" "Yeah," he said bluntly, running a hand through his hair. "This." "This?" "This," he repeated, gesturing between you. "You, avoiding me. Not eating. Acting like I think you're… like I've got a problem with you." The slight pause didn't last because you didn't move or say anything, and he couldn't bear the silence. "Is this about the shitty joke I made the other day?" he asked, his voice sharper than he intended. "Because if it is, you need to tell me." "It's fine," you muttered tiredly. "I'm over it." "Don't," he snapped more at himself than you, leaning forward. "Don't tell me it's fine when it bloody isn't." Your heart clenched at his words, but you stayed silent, letting him stumble through his thoughts. He murmured something with an angry voice, dragging a hand down his face. "Look, I know I said something stupid. And maybe I've said other stupid things before—I don't bloody know. But I didn't mean it like that. Not the way you've taken it."

Tangerine avoided saying the rest aloud: he wasn't just some random bloke barking an offhand remark—he was someone you trusted, and he'd chipped away at that, albeit by accident. You were part of the team, and he had kicked a trustworthy ally in the face. He would shoot at the small voice, saying he didn't usually have wet dreams about his allies. "I know you didn't mean it; really, it's fine." You interrupted him quickly, desperately wanting to avoid the conversation. Funny, you were usually the one affectionately forcing him to open up a bit. "It's not fine," Tangerine snapped, his frustration bubbling. "Because I can see how much it hurt you. I'm not blind." You flinched at his words, but when you glanced at him, your eyes were kind. Kinder than he deserved. "I didn't think you'd even notice," you said quietly, your voice trembling. "I just…" You hesitated, your voice trembling. "I thought maybe… maybe you think I'm ugly because I'm not the kind of beautiful woman you'd usually…" "Stop," he said, his voice low and almost desperate. "Don't say that. Don't bloody think that. Ever."

When you finally looked up at him, uncertainty came off you in waves. The tentative, almost fragile smile you gave him was so full of gratitude it made his chest ache. You were thanking him—for what? For not thinking you were ugly? For doing the bare minimum trying to apologize for having been an asshole? There wasn't much that could make him feel guilty, but damn if the way you were looking at him didn't do the trick.

He was not a good man; it was laughable notion to think that someone who killed for money would have a regular moral compass. Yet, he prided himself not to be an asshole with innocent people. He could kill in cold blood and fucking go to a club to dance after. He would not even consider not assessing the situation or not answering in kind if provoked, but he was not cruel, in his opinion. He didn't attack without a cause. He doubted you had the same feeling after what he said.

"Fucking hell," he muttered, his voice rough. Bracing his elbows on his knees, Tangerine looked you straight. No excuses this time. "I'm an idiot, alright? I make stupid jokes because I don't know how else to… I don't know. But you—" He stopped, his jaw clenching. "You don't deserve that. Not from me, not from anyone." The air in the room was thick with unspoken words.

The way you smiled so gratefully, like his apology was some rare and unexpected thing you'd learned not to expect, twisted the guilt more profoundly into his chest. He realized then that you hadn't been simply hurt—you were used to being hurt—by men like him, by careless words, cruel laughs, and thoughtless dismissals. Tangerine felt sick. "Don't smile at me like that," he said, his hands curling into fists. "Like I'm some hero for apologizing."

Your brows furrowed, but you nodded, straightening your pose.

"Okay," you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. "Okay," he echoed, his lips pressing into a thin line as he stood abruptly, nodding. "Good. That's good. Now, let's grab some dinner, alright? On me."

"Thank you," you said quietly, the sincerity in your voice cutting through him like a blade.

He swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. "You don't have to thank me," he muttered. "Not for apologizing for being a bloody idiot."

Your lips quirked into a true smile "I was thanking you for the pizza you are going to buy me."

He smirked "You're bossy, you know that?"

"Yeah, well," you replied with a sincere laugh. "Somebody's got to keep you on your toes."

For now, it was enough. But as he looked at you trotting to wake up Lemon and ask him what pizza he'd like, he made a silent promise to himself: he'd do better. He had to.

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

Hello my darlings, thanks for reading it! As always, comments, reposts, likes are hugely appreciated!

[twst-drabbles]

I love sanctuary au, so maybe if this request is okay something sweet with riddle trying to comfort caretaker after their hands and body shakes from lack of nicotine

Riddle 19

Summary: While experiencing the worst of your nicotine withdrawals, you attend a tea party Riddle's having.

(Tis slow, but I thiiiink I'm starting to shed off the rust off my writing. It's been pretty bad. Hate how stiff my writing's been lately. I need to read more. Also I'll probably be just putting the drabbles in the ask directly just so I don't flood my tumblr blog with more posts. I want it clean-ish.)

You knew this would be a bitch of a habit to break. Throwing away the pack was just about the easiest thing you could do, especially when you had a promise to keep to just about everyone here, but that's about the end of it. Two days have passed, and you wanted nothing more than to dig your nails into your skin just to cast off this growing irritation.

However, as much as you wanted to wallow in bed surrounded by snacks, you did agree to have tea with Riddle.

And now here you are, suffering under the light of the afternoon sun. The little rosebush hedgehogs Riddle made are cute at least, but man are they sharp.

Your tea cup shakily clinked and no matter how you concentrated, no matter how hard you clenched your jaw and stiffened your shoulders, your body craved for another drag. What was once a simple itch became a full body craving, and now you can't stop yourself from shaking, your nerves screaming in frustrated impatience. You can't even keep your legs still.

Tea. You're supposed to be having a nice spot of tea, relaxing and enjoying yourself. Just get your hands still and drink from the cup before you make a fool of yourself and spill it everywhere.

"--and although the painting was subpar, Ace and Deuce did manage to paint all of the white roses red… Caretaker, are you listening?"

You didn't mean to slam down your cup, but that's what ended up happening anyway. Tea sloshed out of the cup and overflowed your saucer. Great, just great, a stain on this nice tablecloth.

"Sorry, I'm just… just hungry." Hungry, plagued by cravings and stalked by a headache just waiting to bite down on your gray matter. Among other things, like your shitty sleep schedule.

You let go and snatched a clean napkin. Furiously, you wiped your hands. Maybe if you scrubbed hard enough, irritate your skin enough, your mind can finally focus and stop wandering back to the store for your next pack of cigs.

Before you could rub your stinging hands raw, a thin root snatched the napkin right out of your hand, and snuggled a delicate rose bud between your fingers, free of thorns.

Riddle didn't turn to you, his sight off to the distance, as if to give you privacy. "Here."

"Huh." The small little thing blossomed into a rose with sparkling pop. Your nose itched but managed to stop yourself from sneezing.

"It's indestructible, no matter how you handle it, it won't rip or tear. As much as I want to, seeing as I'm also suffering from a similar ailment, I can't make anything you can consume. So, this is the most I can do." Riddle sighed, the slightest bit of frustration leaking out, but not enough to be concerning for you.

Right, right. Well, at least the vibrancy of his red petal body has returned. He looked more graceful than ever, but the fragile and brittle edges of his fingers don't escape your notice. And neither do the dull coloring within the joints of his body.

But you don't point them out, especially not when you're worse for wear. Time will pass and this will, hopefully, resolve itself. You just have to endure it.

"…thanks." The petals were rubbery. You squeezed as tightly as you could, popping the dewy beads within. The scent they released was nice. Helped with your head a little.

"You're welcome." Riddle closed his eyes, "Can you finish your tea? Otherwise I'll have to punish you according to the rules."

"Have you taken your nutrition drink yet, Riddle? Otherwise, I'll have to force you to take it."

"…I suppose I can't punish you if I don't see your crime."

"Good Roseling."

[xxnashiraxx]

Happy Fic Moment of the Year

Thank you so much for the tags, @alwaysmauria, @roguishcat, @vividiana, and @andromedaancunin !!!

"Share an excerpt from any fic of yours that you wrote this year depicting a happy/fluffy/cute moment that you're proud of. Let's spread some joy for the last moments of the undeniably fucked-up year that was 2024" <- honestly.

I've chosen this little snip from Chapter 13 of With Stars to Fill My Dream where Ofelia buys the coffee from the Zhent trader in the goblin camp and tests the tadpole connection between her and Astarion to see if he can experience the taste of her chocolate candy through it. :") Plus this screenshot that accompanies it is really cute for them, il them sm. 💕

“What about if I drink it, and we open a connection? Could we test it?” He frowns, about to tell her this isn’t the time, but she looks adamant as she pulls some little sphere wrapped in foil out of her bag. “I suppose…” He trails off, watching her unwrap it to reveal a ball of something dark. Chocolate perhaps? She meets his eyes and he interprets her nod as permission before he links with her, the sensation slightly painful but surprisingly easier than it’s been in the past. Gale and Shadowheart look back at them curiously but stay rooted a few paces ahead as if giving them space. Ofelia lifts the candy to her mouth and pops it in, and he can feel the sensation of it on his tongue almost as if it were his own. For a moment, nothing else happens- he’s just looking at himself through her eyes, and gods is that a leaf in his hair? Honestly, everyone just let him walk around with that in? The nerve- “Oh,” He whispers, pressing his fingers to his lips as the faint taste of something mind-numbingly sweet coats his tongue. It’s novel, smooth, and wonderful as the phantom taste of it flows down his throat. She smiles at him with a fervor in her eyes, which he hadn’t seen before, and through the connection, he gets the impressions of her emotions- delight, adoration, and satisfaction. It all melds into a mix of tenderness he isn’t used to, and he staggers away from the bond with a swift snap. “Did you taste it?” She asks, reaching forward to grip his forearms, and he nods- slightly off-kilter. The twinkle of excitement in her eyes throws him, and with a nervous chuckle, he disengages from her touch to collect himself. “I… thank you. I would like to try the coffee,” He mumbles, feeling lost despite himself. It’s distracting, and he fights for a moment to process the sensation of taste again after two centuries of nothing. “Of course,” She smiles, bright like the sun. He almost has to shield his eyes from it. “When we wake up tomorrow, I’ll brew some and we’ll share a cup. Trust me, you’ll get it- I need the coffee to help me think clearer, fight better. Promise,” She laughs, mocking his little line from when he’d been pleading for a drink, her tongue curling obscenely around the words to try and emulate his accent. It’s an awful imitation, but it feels like honey in his ears as it brushes against his tense muscles. He watches her walk away, eyes lingering on the sway of her wide hips and he shakes his head free of the lingering emotions, likely just a side effect of the tadpole, before following them inside a larger room.

Tagging you all, sorry if this is a double tag since I'm behind!! Ily all! 💗

@pinkberrytea @khywren @bloodinwine @preciouslittlebhaalbae @ladyduellist @verbenaa @inkymoonbunny @lanafofana @elinorbard @badbloodwitch @caffeinatedmunchkin @bardic-inspo @justabiteofspite @bhaalsdeepbat @bhaal-battle-beer-bard @heylittleriotact @nerdallwritey @busy-baker +anyone else!! Please tag me so I can read your wonderful work!! 💕

[glphiess]

in this moment

(wicked 2024)

——-

Pitter, patter. The rain hit against the window of Glinda and Elphaba’s dorm room. Glinda was sound asleep. She did need her beauty rest, after all. Elphaba on the other hand, hadn’t slept at all since before the rain had started. She stared at the ceiling as she lied on her bed. It had been a long day of studying and arguing with Glinda, surely she’d be exhausted by now… but for some reason, she couldn’t sleep. Perhaps it was the rain, she thought to herself. A sigh escaped her before she turned towards Glinda’s side of the room and found herself staring at her roommate in almost what seemed to be awe. She slept so peacefully, her chest heaving softly every few seconds. Elphaba’s lips curved into a slight smile. A few more moments of silence passed… then suddenly;

CRASH

Thunder struck, the loud noise waking Glinda right out of her slumber. She gasped as she sat up and turned to look at Elphaba. What a drama queen she was.

“It’s just thunder.” Elphaba teased, her voice low and subtle due to her weary state.

“Sweet Oz… can’t Madame Morrible do something about this horrendable weather?” Glinda complained. “I doubt that she’s awake.”

Glinda noticed the dark green circles under her roommates eyes. Clearly she had been awake this whole time. “Elphie, have you gotten any sleep? I’ll have you know that lack of sleep can be very harmful to your body! And also-“ “I’m fine.” She interrupted, then continued. “I just can’t sleep. I’ll fall asleep eventually.”

Glinda could sense something was wrong. The blonde stood up from her bed and made her way to the other side of their shared room. She yawned and sat down on Elphaba’s bed. “You know… if something is bothering you, you can talk to me about it.”

She reassured, a promising smile on her face. “ Elphaba didn’t reply. Instead, tears began to swell up in her eyes. Glinda was a bit surprised at her sudden gloom.

“Elphie…” her voice grew worrisome. She pulled Elphaba into a comforting embrace. “I don’t even know what’s wrong, I… I’m so sorry, Glinda.” Elphaba said in between cries. “Dear, why ever would you apologize for having feelings? Emotions can be confusifying… you’ve gone through a lot lately as well.” ’Dear’… She felt like her heart was going to explode right out of her chest. Her tears began to fade away when she felt Glinda’s cold hand intertwine with hers, the other cupping her face. Glinda wanted to kiss her right then and there. She could feel her face heat up while their eyes met each other’s. Elphaba let her head fall onto Glinda’s shoulder. She took in her strong scent perfume that lingered from earlier on in the day. “Glinda… I-“ She didn’t know what to say. The two had grown so close in such a short amount of time. Just weeks prior to now, they were singing about how much they hated each other. Now, here they are, enjoying the warmth of each other. “Can I… can I kiss you?” Elphaba spat out. Embarrassment immediately washed after her as those words left her mouth. Glinda felt her warm, raggedy breath on her neck. Without another thought, Glinda pulled Elphaba into a kiss. Once their lips met, everything else had been drowned out for the both of them. Their lips were soft against each others. Elphie moaned against Glinda’s lips, then Glinda slowly pulled away, her gaze not leaving Elphaba. “Glinda, I- I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”

“Is that so? That’s very funny, Elphie… I’ve been thinking about you too, as well.” Elphaba smiled at the thought that Glinda found interest in her. Glinda this time made the move and kissed against Elphaba’s jawline. Elphie’s eyes shut while she melted into her touch. Glinda’s hands ran up and down her defined, muscular arms. “Oh, Elphie…” She murmured against her skin. Elphaba had completely forgotten what she had been upset about. She was so lost in the moment, and it was only when Glinda began to kiss her neck that she spoke again. “Glinda… that feels so good.” she sighed. “I know it does. That’s why i’m doing it. I want you to relax and breathe… let yourself succumb to your precious sleep…” Glinda whispered. She watched her roommates eyes flutter open, then closed. With a few moments passing, she could tell that Elphaba had fallen asleep. Glinda smiled and her arms wrapped around her slim waist, pulling her into a spoon cuddle. Glinda eventually fell asleep again and the two laid in each others arms until the sun came up.

next morning

Elphaba was the first to wake up. The bright, radiant sun beamed in through their window which in response Elphaba put a pillow over her face. She heard a familiar ‘Hm’ next to her and then remembered what had happened. She looked at the blonde who had lied next to her. Their kiss had replayed in her mind. She felt her heart begin to race again. She glanced at the clock on the wall and it read 12:05 p.m.

Her eyes widened when she realized the two of them had overslept, She quickly hopped out of bed and changed out of her pajamas. “Glinda! Glinda, wake up!” she shouted. Glinda woke up with a melodic yawn. “Mmm… good morning.” “Glinda, it’s the afternoon. We overslept, hurry!” Glinda watched Elphaba scurry through her bag and giggled. “My dear, we don’t have any classes today. Remember?” Elphaba froze for a moment. That’s right… there weren’t any classes today. “Right… sorry.” she spoke. “Come, now. Sit back down.” Glinda patted the empty spot next to her and Elphaba complied. “I wanna talk about last night… and what we did.“

this is my first fanfic so i hope it’s decent

[abswife]

best friend

you and your best friend ellie are spending the day goofing off like usual, but things take a turn when a tickle fight goes a little too far.

hello! i know it's been literal months since I've posted, and to that i have to say... woops! anyway, here's something i threw together in a moment of creative inspiration involving nerdy loser ellie! this might suck so let me know if it's not hot garbage and you want a part 2

cw// sesbian lex, top!ellie, bottom!reader, fingering, cunnilingus, so fluffy, like you might get a toothache this is so sweet, ellie being a big loser and sweetheart, reader is only described as having hair and is afab

word count- 3k

mdni i swear to god

“No, I’m telling you- a T-rex is nothing compared to a pterodactyl!” Ellie insisted, lightly nudging your leg with her sock-clad toes. You giggled at her, amused by her persistence to get her point across. But, despite her obvious knowledge in this particular field, you felt the need to be contrary. You shift back a little on her bed, leaning against the headboard.

“Mmm, I don’t know Els… a T-rex is pretty big.” You hummed, plastering a skeptical look on your face. She scoffed, offended by your audacity to doubt her.

“Well yeah, but they can’t fly! They have little nub arms, like, they couldn’t even grab you!” She curled her arms in front of her, making little swiping motions with them. “See?”

You couldn’t help but let out a bark of laughter at her- frankly- spot-on impression. You shoved her, making her topple back, almost falling off of her side of the bed entirely. She let out a little yelp, catching herself just on the edge. She spun back around with a mock look of shock.

“What? You didn’t like my impression? I’ll have you know I’ve been told no one can do a T-rex like me!” She shouted, clambering up onto her knees. Using the height advantage, she reached down to your ribcage to begin an assault of tickles. You screeched and tried to make a grab at her hands but she scrambled them around your torso, making it hard to get a grip.

“Els! Quit it!” You managed to say through your uncontrollable laughter. You thrashed, but she trapped your legs between her knees. A shit-eating grin adorned her freckled face as she continued her attack. You could feel your face getting hot from exertion but you refused to give in.

Finally, you managed to grab her wrists well enough to pry them from your body, immediately gulping down air while you knew you still could. However, Ellie quickly twisted her wrists from your grasp and grabbed onto yours instead, pinning them against the pillows next to your head. Instantly, you felt a shift in energy. Ellie’s smile dropped slightly as she stilled, eyes locked on yours. You tried to catch your breath, but it was hard with the way she was 1. still on top of you, and 2. looking at you like that.

You and Ellie had been friends for as long as you could remember. You were next door neighbors and, being two girls the same age, you quickly became each other’s besties. Even when Ellie and her dad, Joel, moved across town in middle school you stayed close. You were constantly at her house, it was practically your second home. Ellie was your favorite person in the world. She also happened to be your longtime crush. Ever since the 7th grade, when she started getting taller and grew into her features. You both knew you each like girls, but Ellie always had a crush on some other girl at your school. You didn’t want to ruin the relationship you had with your best friend by telling her you liked her when she obviously didn’t like you back. So anytime your hug lingered a little too long, or you accidentally brushed her arm or leg, you’d get tense and nervous.

You felt your face heat up more, the feeling worsening when you felt her breath fan across your face. Oh shit, was she getting closer? Your gaze flicked down to her lips, now merely centimeters from yours. When you looked back up to her eyes, she was staring at your lips. You let out a stuttering exhale, clenching your bound hands into fists. 

“Els…” You breathed out, and her eyes snapped back up to yours. You pulled one of your hands free from her now slacked grip and rested it on her cheek. She whispered your name and once again briefly looked down to your lips. You slid your hand around to the back of her neck and pulled her down towards you. You watched her eyes slide shut, and then did the same right as your mouths met.

Her lips were slightly chapped, but her mouth was warm and soft against yours. You could feel her hand that still held your wrist tighten its grip, and you scraped your nails across her hairline. She pulled back for a moment to change her angle so she could kiss you deeper and you hummed, enjoying the way her mouth pressed fully against yours. She gave an experimental lick into the crease of your lips and your breath shuddered. You felt her finally release her hold on your other wrist to instead hold your waist, her pinky brushing just under your t-shirt. You reached your arm around her back, tugging her body closer to yours. You both let out a soft moan at the feeling of your bodies aligning as her hips slotted between your parted thighs.

She drew her face back and you opened your eyes. She looked down at you and lightly brushed stray hair on your temple away. She leaned back down to kiss the corner of your lips, then your cheek, then your jaw, and onward along the expanse of your neck. You tipped your chin back, encouraging her to keep going. Her plush lips left wet kisses across your throat, occasionally nipping at the skin and soothing the sting with her tongue. She sucked at a patch of skin below your ear and you bucked your hips up involuntarily. The hand that held your waist slid lower to push your shirt up slightly.

  She paused her ministrations to ask, “Is this okay?” You quickly nodded and tugged her back down into a kiss, needing to feel her lips on you. You felt her hand under your shirt slowly creep up higher until it rested on your ribs, just under your breast. You slid your hand up to fully palm the back of her head and took hold of her hair. A groan slipped out of her and you squeezed her hips between your thighs at the sound.

Ellie muttered out a curse as she once again parted from you. “Can I take this off? Please?” She asked, fumbling with the hem of your shirt, desperation leaking into her tone. You nodded again, but she shook her head and leaned an inch closer. “No, need you to say it.”

You furrowed your brows and pouted, but quickly gave in. “Yes, take it off. Yours too.” You said, bunching the fabric of her own shirt in your fist. The corner of her lips turned up at your request and she leaned back down to give you a peck before sitting back on her haunches. She pulled your shirt up and you leaned forward, putting your arms above your head to make it easier for her. 

As soon as your head and arms were freed from the fabric, you leaned back down and expected her to immediately remove hers. However, she sat with the shirt still in her grip, staring at your bare chest. You blushed, but you weren’t embarrassed. You could tell from the look on her face she liked what she saw. You grabbed her shirt and tugged on it. “C’mon…” You muttered, eager to get your own view. Without taking her eyes away from where they were fixated, Ellie swiftly pulled the garment up and over her head, exposing her small breasts. You mimicked her actions, staring unabashedly at her pink nipples.

Finally, she leaned back down to slide a calloused hand up your waist until she palmed your tit. She bit her lip and couldn’t seem to decide on whether to watch her own hands play with your tits, or watch your expressions. She pinched a nipple between her fingers and rolled, and your breath hitched at the feeling, biting your own lip. “God…” She muttered. She couldn’t hold herself back from kissing you again, and you held her face to keep her there. You whimpered into her mouth as she continued to toy with your nipples, and slid your hands down to do the same. You felt her breath catch when you pressed your thumbs down flat against them and flicked down. You both continued like that for a while, kissing and moaning into each other’s mouths as you played with the other’s breasts. 

A particularly harsh pinch had you tossing your head back and bucking your hips up. This spurred her to reattach herself to your neck and grind down against you, earning her a high pitched noise from you. Ellie began her descent down your body, trailing her lips along your chest and the valley between your breasts. She made a quick detour to flick a nipple with her tongue, then suck it into her hot mouth. You arched your back, chasing the feeling as she continued her journey. Her hands gripped your hips as she sucked marks into your stomach. Your hands made their way into her hair, pushing it back from her face to see her better. Her fingers curled into the waistband of your sweats, just barely inching them down to plant kisses closer to your navel. You squirmed at the sensation, tightening your grip on her auburn locks.

Her fern green eyes looked up into yours, lips hovering no more than a couple inches from the skin of your hips. “You want these off?” She asked, voice raspy and dripping with lust. You whispered a soft ‘yes’, not trusting your voice enough to try for anything more. Seemingly satisfied, she nipped at your hips once more before sliding down farther to give herself room to fully remove your pants. She slowly tugged your sweatpants and underwear down at once before becoming impatient halfway through and practically ripping them the rest of the way off, slinging them off to the side. 

You suddenly felt a wave of self consciousness and clamped your knees together before she could turn back to you. When she did, she frowned slightly. She planted her hands on your ankles and looked up to your face. “Baby,” She started, making your heart jump at the pet name, “lemme see.” You felt blood rush both up to your face and downward, and you wiped your sweaty palms onto the sheets below you. Her hands skated up your calves, coming to rest just below your kneecaps as she sat up higher. She pressed messy kisses to your knees, pushing her thumbs into the insides, trying to encourage you to open up. Despite your- admittedly misplaced- sudden insecurity, you slowly parted your legs, displaying your whole body for her eyes to feast on. And feast they did.

Another curse slipped from her peachy lips, gaze locked on your wet pussy. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do this.” Ellie said, her eyes briefly flicking up to your face. She seemed to take herself by surprise, and a deep blush spread up from her pale chest. Her reaction was oddly adorable, and you breathed out a small giggle. That must have reassured her, as a shy smile appeared back on her face. 

You reached your hand out towards her and curled your fingers in. “C’mere.” You said. Obediently, she crawled her way back up your naked body and let herself be pulled into a passionate kiss. Your fingers brushed her jaw, feeling the ends of her hair tickle your knuckles. She broke the kiss, but couldn’t stop herself from giving you one more peck, and then one to your cheek. “Will you take your pants off too? I don’t want to be the only one naked.” You requested, thumbs circling the apples of her cheeks. Her smile turned impish, and she twisted her head to press her lips to your palm. 

“I can’t believe it. The past ten minutes you’ve been trying to get into my pants?” She jokingly questioned, making you laugh loudly. 

“Believe it or not I have.” You answered, sliding a hand down to give her hard nipple a pinch. She gasped, holding a hand to her chest.

“Well, you could have told me!” Ellie exclaimed, then leaned her head down to litter your chest with kisses. Still softly laughing, you glided your hands up and down her back until she sat back. She twisted her body around to hook her thumbs into her pants and slide them down her legs, her underwear going along with them. As she stood back on her knees to face you again, you caught a glimpse of the patch of red hair covering her mound before she leaned back over you to continue worshipping your body with her mouth. 

Ellie quickly made her way back to her previous stopping point, the stretch of skin right above your navel. She leaned back slightly and brought a hand up, gently pushing your thigh further out to give herself more room. She admired your glistening folds, and slid a single finger right down the middle, collecting your essence. You bit your lip, the anticipation driving you crazy. She finally pressed her thumb against the underside of your clit, rubbing up and down gently. The stimulation made your thigh twitch and your breath catch. Taking notice of this reaction, Ellie pressed down harder, making firm circles. This made your breathing pick up, and you reached a hand up to palm at your breast, needing something to focus on other than her unintentional teasing. 

She used her index and middle finger to part your lips, spreading you out for her. Reaching her head down, she licked a fat stripe from your entrance to your clit. You breathed out her name, sweat beginning to form on your hairline. She shushed you gently in consolation just before diving back into you, tongue exploring. She suctioned your clit into her mouth while flicking it with her wet muscle, and you cried out. You were beginning to wonder if she had actually done this before and just never told you.

Your wondering was cut off when she used the two fingers she had been using to open you up to swirl broad circles over your bud and locked her gaze on you. “Can I finger you?” She asked almost too casually, too caught up in her excitement to be nervous. The eager look on her face almost made you want to deny her, but you were too needy yourself.

“Go ‘head Els.” You said. She grinned and messily smacked a kiss on your aching clit, running her fingers through more of your wetness. Slowly, she inserted her middle finger up to the knuckle, then pulled back until just the pad remained inside. The foreign feeling made you furrow your brows, both out of frustration and pleasure. She found a rhythm quickly and her eyes locked onto the sight of her lazily pumping in and out. Experimentally, she curled her finger upwards towards your front. This action had you clenching down, a whimper being pulled from your throat. Her emerald irises snapped up to your face, noticing how her actions affected you. 

As she pressed a second finger in alongside the first, she bent down to keep licking you. The sensation was immediately overwhelming, and one of your hands shot down to grab onto her short hair. Once again, she curled her fingers up just as they bottomed out inside you and your hips jumped from the bed. Your brain told you the feeling was too much, but your body craved more. She found her rhythm again, slightly faster now. Her tongue laved over your bud, spreading your slick as it leaked from your hole. She hummed, and the vibrations caused your moans to increase in pitch. “Fuck! Like that- ah!” You cried out, encouraging her to continue exactly as she was. Thankfully, Ellie listened, pace never faltering as she fucked her fingers deep inside of you.

You could feel the warmth building up in your belly and knew you would cum soon. Fearing she would suddenly pull away or slow down, your grip on her hair tightened and you pulled her mouth flush to your pussy. Ellie moaned and let herself be shoved into you, opting to suck on your clit rather than lick. Your breath caught in your throat, back arching in a harsh curve as you felt your orgasm rapidly approach. Ellie dug her nails into the thigh she held as they began to shake around her head.

You let out one last pitchy whine as your high crashed over you. Your thighs squished her cheeks as they attempted to close, but she used both of her hands to push them back open, holding your hips down at the same time. Her mouth continued its assault, head moving side to side as she worked you through your orgasm. The feeling quickly became overwhelming, and your palm pushed against her forehead. “Els… too much…” You croaked out. She finally broke contact with your glossy pussy, opting instead to stare at the way your hole clenched around nothing. 

“Fuck baby…” Ellie muttered, reaching up to run a thumb through your wetness, accidentally brushing your sensitive bud and making you jump. Panting, you grabbed her hand and pulled it up, wanting her to come up and kiss you. She seemed to understand this and made a slow journey back to you, leaving searing kisses across your body on the way. Once you were finally face to face you pulled her down for a proper smooch, hands cradling each side of her face. She brushed your hair back from your sweaty face as you tried to peck her on each of her freckles. She hummed a laugh and captured your lips in another soft kiss before pulling back and resting her head beside yours, nose nuzzling into your pulse point. You let out a heavy sigh, letting the aftershocks wrack through you as you rubbed her back.

“I love you.” She said, pressing her lips to your earlobe. 

You smiled and tugged her hair to look her in the eyes. “I love you too.” You responded, thumbing her pouty bottom lip. She kissed your thumb, and held your face in one of her hands. 

Her breath shuddered as your hand slithered down her torso, fingertips playing with the curly hair just above her pussy. “Your turn?”

[spotaus]

Hope you don't mind if I rb off the rb w/ the fan-art haha! Finally I'm back for the big ol' reblog!! (Warning: This will probably be literally every thought I have as I reread the oneshot, which will be a lot of really small notes and/or big side tangents- Aka! LONG!!!)

Okay! First off, i love Nightmare in the first section!! The note about his paranoia and just how thoroughly he kept everything documented is so fun and brings an energy of growth to his character that would've happened recently in the story, but far enough back for him to be comfortable with how he's ruling now! Night in this entire first portion is actually just so so fun, from his confidence with Reaper + knowing just who he needs to make sure is where in order to solve the problem? Man it's SO good! He's a lil guy, he's still young, but he's learned and grown and he knows his own people (family) so well!!!

Along with that, the lore behind the drug is so so fun, I love how ou ended up developing that to make it feel so dangerous and so worthy of needing to tackle asap!

Back to the plan? Night and Reaper puzzling out exactly where their people would need to go to solve the issue is so banger- Night having learned a thing or two from his knights, street smarts that Reaper doesn't have, and Reaper knowing his kingdom inside and out and knowing the dangers? So tasty!!!! (And the lil note that Dust's replacement would end up being Cross + Horror, horror just to make sure Cross doesn't kill Geno, is SUCH a funny re-occurring joke (tho he would) this oneshot, it makes me giggle every time it comes up- Cross holds those grudges like no other!)

Night and Dust's interaction is so awesome too... It's a perfect balance between 'boss/employee' and 'siblings' because, yeah, Dust could just say yes, but Nightmare makes extra sure that Dust is comfortable with the idea and makes sure he isn't lying for Night's benefit! And Dust smiling after relenting to Night's 'please' for the guard to escort him? For Dust and Night to laugh about not telling the others right away lest they deny for him? Oh they're adorable!! And ofc Night's lingering worry....

GENO!!!! Oh this wreck of a man, I love him dearly... His panic here is so silly, but also so valid, like, it's SO good for his arc. He is actively fumbling and worrying, and he rarely does that- And ofc Reaper. Gods I've said it before and I'll say it again, the way you write for these two is just amazing... Every time I read you afterdeath content, suddenly I feel like a hopeless romantic and need to tear something to pieces with my teeth (/pos). Something about this specific scene where it balances the humor of Geno's dread+worry with Reaper being so supportive and soft and sweet? OUGHHH. And the way that Geno has so many internal thoughts that he refuses to admit out loud? I love that for him, he's so so refusing to show weakness, voice it, his pride is still too big and too wounded to be that honest, even in front of Reaper! (His inner dialogue about the greed too? Oh that was good! You're so right, he's driven by his need for more and more and more!) The mention of the other mages too. I love that he has a very very strong opinion on the others from his school and fears the worst if he were to let anyone else venture out with Dust. Geno is the only option, literally ofc, but also morally in his mind!

Geno and those damn horses, I love them sm... Bro could've fumbled worse, but he certainly did fumble often <3

Levitation Spell Specified! Chekov's Gun!! (I couldn't have predicted how that one was going to come back up if I had tried lmao!)

Again, Geno and Reaper being soft... This is just a personal thing to feel free to ignore this, but it tickles my brain how openly affectionate Reaper is (in this fic, in ur other fic, etc-) but like- I say he's like that but I don't ever capture the vibes right- Here?? Here in this fic?? You did it so so well. The little reassurance and stuff right before Dust + the other show up brings me so much joy it had me kicking my feet like a schoolgirl!!

Life mention!! Love to see it!

ROGERS MENTION!!!! (He's so committed to his job, He's my one oc in the back that I love lmao-)

Decor!! I love the little bits of lore you sprinkled in through the castle description! Even though Geno has seen it a bajillion times and acknowledges it, it still is seemless on how easily he recalls the information! and he's a nerd so ofc he'd do that! (And oml Geno reflecting on Reaper's age!!! I am CACKLING- Geno is so chill with it and it so worried for Dust- I know for a fact that Dust is probably very aware (Night is extremely aware of Sanctuary's history after becoming allies, and he mentioned it to the knights one day how old Reaper was, kinda as a way to explain just how solid Sanctuary is as an ally) and he'd totally just be like 'Yeah. I don't mind.' and move on lmao-)

Geno fumbling the name of horse hooves <3 And a gorgeous reunion of Awkward Geno and Chill Dust! (And the horses!!!! I never said anything but Opal and Basalt's personalities + descriptions are so perfect!!) Reaper lowkey definitely wanting to get closer (either to Dust or the Horses) but holding himself back is so fun too- Geno knows him well :]. And freaky Opal moment!! She's so funny, cryptid of a horse, perfect for Dust!

So sorry, the town scenes, no matter how brief, are so perfect- Especially Geno seeing how the city reacts to Dust (and himself though he's kinda missing that) and putting Dust into such an impressive light is so sweet... And imagining that Dust just has people fawning over him and his mysterious self is really funny to me- He deserves it, of course, but it's still really funny!

Geno fumble counter! It's up again! (Poor guy, can't do small-talk to save his life, I get it bro-)

HELL YEAH! Stumbled across Geno's reflection again and! Augh I didn't catch it the first time, but the fact that Geno acknowledges that he was using both Dust, and Reaper, to get to Dust? Hurting both of them in the process without meaning to? Because he was so curious and he didn't even consider how it could backfire? Ough- And ik a lot of this we've discussed before but I love how you have it play out... Oh! And Geno just being SO secure about him and Reaper, entirely unbothered by the idea of Reaper persuing someone alongside himself? I love that bit... (And I love that Geno still has no worries on where he and Reaper stand in their relationship, because they make it work between themselves!)

Opal again! She's judging Geno so hard... I love her!

The addition of that little tourist town is so cool! They found a way to make the beauty and nature safe to traverse, and found a way to keep an eye on the dangerous parts!

Dust asking a proper question!! I loved this bit, because it's Dust's first proper reach out to test the waters (especially in Geno's silence) and Geno takes the opportunity to spill everything about the Mountains and his relations to them haha! Inviting him (and the others ofc, he's making a conscious effort to not be weird about it) to visit! And!!!! I'm so sorry but his infordump??? about the little mice and his favorite flowers?? Oh Geno you're famous to me- (I legit was sitting there reading that the first time and realized that, yes, that would work as a flirting tactic on me. I have the same taste as Reaper, Dust, and Nightmare I Suppose (Geno, Fresh, and Error all do this, I cannot be convinced otherwise haha!)-) And he's so frustrated that he kept talking! No, Geno, it's working!! Keep going you nerd!!

Nightfall and anxieties about being uncertain in things and how uncomfortable it can be my beloved <3.

HE FELL!!! Sorry, sorry, I'm so glad you made Geno fall (harmlessly) off of Basalt while trying to dismount. He needed to have that happen to him, and he needed Dust to see it lmao! (And as always, Basalt is a gorgeous and calm boy!)

Geno's fire is such a fun detail too. I also vibe with the shift in Dust's attitude after the infodump too. He's more willing to interact, and Geno is offering up answers to pretty much every question that Dust is asking! It's subtle, I didn't notice it the first time, but it's a really nice touch! (Also Geno showing off to save his pride, but also having smart reasons, is SO fun!) Along with Dust having his reasons and so much confidence in his horses? I loved this little bit getting to see them interact!! And then ofc gay panic Geno regretting things the moment they start eating, and worse when they have to share the tent! Worrying himself to sleep my beloved!

Oh he got so used to being spoiled in the castle!!! Oh he's so cute 'Reaper always let him sleep in' he's been so comfy!! So cozy! Dude was NOT ready to see Dust haha! And the way he's worried about his appearance now thanks to how it would reflect on Reaper because of their connections? How it's made such an impact that he's worried how he looks around just himself and Dust? Awe!!!

Him making it clear he wants to help too... Big steps... Ad Dust being so unclear about how he takes it is so fun!

The lore for the kingdoms and the two's differing pallettes! Augh moments like this had me eating up all the content from location to location istg! Orchard focusing on animals, then swapping to fruits, and Sanctuary having amazing fish! !!!

And ofc my beloved horses- Opal is so smug and perfect, she deserves the world- And Basalt putting up with the gay shananigans on his back, flustered Geno and chill Dust (who MUST know what he's doing, even if he's entirely justified in doing it-). The "Hold on." and Geno's internal 'Where?!' really kills me every time- Dust having to help Geno across the river w/ Basalt, and then Geno having even more panic. Almost falling off again trying to put distance between them because he started catching feelings again, Dust pulling him back on, gods I love them-

And the reveal that Basalt is Horror's horse! Ofc I had a feeling, but by the gods is it so sweet- Not only that Dust prepped the strong and steady horse for Geno's sake, but also that he went through the trouble intitally of training up Basalt for Horror to ride! W/ his head injury his balance must be awful, and the custom saddle to grip onto, as well as a horse who keeps his balance very well? Oh I love that... (Now this also opens the door for Dust to have also trained up Killer and Cross' horses specifically for them- And Nightmare's- but that's for another time!) Dust loves his brothers so much, and is looking out for their best interests, and that of the horses!

And omg!! Shy Dust at Geno's genuine appreciation and acknowledgement of something he did to help him??? Waugh- The bit looking back on when they first were friends/"flirting" and Dust being shy is so sweet... Dust getting shy and Geno finding it cute... (Also, yeah, Geno finding the murderer, ex-smuggler, ex-crimelord cute is baffling and adorable lmao-)

Reaper being a good king again moment!!! I love that you keep adding glimpses into the structuring and history and economy of Sanctuary, it's so banger-

I love their routine, and them obviously being more comfortable working together (Their little discussion as they decide to keep searching the mine entrances, and setting up camp in a routine now-) And!! Reaper having a weighted blanket! One that Geno wants to add a warmth spell to so that it's more comfortable for him?? Waugh??? They're adorable-

Dust offering up that he was a smuggler, again that inside knowledge kicking in! And Geno being surprised about it (bro has no memory, just like me frfr-)- (Reaper's background checks! Hah! Wonder he still decided to go for it, he loves Geno immensely-) And Geno returning with the lore drop that he was his own provider as a kid!

Geno and Dust having normal conversation!!! And Geno taking a few snorts and (assumedly) positive looks to mean he's doing well. I'm so proud of him...

The final mineshaft time.... Geno being so understanding about leaving the horses behind, and Dust being alright with it and being smart about dismantling their riding gear so they don't get stolen? Grogeous. (Geno's right, Opal IS a diva!!!)

GENo!!! We do NOT split the party in this household!! You beautiful idiot!!!! ESPECIALLY NOT CARRYING A LIGHT!!!!!!

Augh, yeah, they got him- (pre-emptively, I LOVED this section. On god I made some unholy giggling sounds when I read it the first time!!!)

Hi. So. Rover? FABULOUS villain. Peak! He's just deranged enough to make this entire situation make sense!!

I almost lost my mind when Geno was recoognized for being the Royal Mage. I mean, he's a VERY public figure, he does not shy away from being right by Reaper's side as often as possible, he goes out on his own a lot, people KNOW him! It was just really interesting! (And from Rover's perspective? Of course it's a treat to have collared Geno, the Royal Mage, essentially the prized jewel of the King? Powerful magic known across kingdoms? Yeaugh... His plan to have Geno get hooked on the drug then send him back to Reaper like that? On god this dude actually could've had a shot- devious af-) And Geno's magic being unable to even slightly resist the slave collar? Man, that was downright TASTY. He was entirely helpless there, and Rover almost got his way.

AND DUST!!!!! HELL YEAH!!!!! Rover reacting with such Dread to Dus's presence made me SO giddy!!! (Admittedly, sometimes I have so much fun writing about the silly things happening between the Knights and their good times with Night + the others, I forget that they're actually like, extremely capable, respected, and feared figures to anyone who doesn't live in the same building as them! SO ROver having this reaction jolted me back into Geno's mindset of 'Right! Dust is like, actually really really badass and important known over there. This guy in particular would think of Dust as some sort of angel of death! Wuagh!!!) (And Geno being unable to do anything but taking the chance to watch Dust fight <3)

ROVER- my dude just did the medival equilvalent of 'Put a gun to your head- I'm impressed! And ofc it got Dust to stop in his tracks!! And then how Rover continues to speak, trying to get Dust to talk (And ofc he wouldn't know about Nightmare's alliance with Sanctuary, or the fact that he's not actually an evil tyrant, because he was run-out pretty early on! I LOVE seeing remnants of the early days!! Especially from characters who have witnessed it all (Dust) and who only know the era or relative peace + rebuilding (Geno)!!) and Dust is just completely silent!

The panic in Geno when Dust gets dampened, and the smugness from Rover? Perfect... And Rover deciding to snatch Dust's mask?? (And the hesitancy of his lackies??) Dust being furious about it, and Geno feeling awful for thinking he could handle it all and getting their plans all screwed up? And then out of left field Dust starts talking- No, MOCKING this guy! And Geno is under the impression that Dust is helpless with those dampners on (He's seen what any one non-magic attack can do to Dust's fragile bones...)- And ofc Rover has so so much character- Him mentioning how he'll be strong enough to defeat 'Nim's Son' and how Dust calls him out for being a coward and not saying Nightmare's name? Saying Night is stronger than even the people + Geno's magic? OUGH-

Gen connecting the dots finally too! Dust is so smart, and even with how little he says, he gets his point across so easily- (You write for him so so well Ancha!!!) Taunting Rover into trading off the scenario of who has what on? He's so so smart!!

Also Geno (even though he's a little numb) being furious and magic-less, socking Rover straight in the face the moment he's free for a second? That is so him, and I've never been more proud!!

And Dust being SO covered in stuff, things that had Geno entirely powerless, and Rover still being freaked out? Amazing... And then the fact that everything had fallen into place, that Geno can SEE Dust's emotions (bbecause, well, he knows Dust a bit better than he was giving himself credit for) and Dust gets to finally let loose when Rover tries to command him to do magic?? Wowza, it gets me every time I think about it-

The two of them running off and Geno realizing that Dust KNEW he'd be strong enough to escape the things? That he'd been acting? (Well, not really, he told the guys straight up that he let them catch him) and that he was always strong enough? Put himself into that position to get Geno safer? And ofc the shock at Dust's lightning magic that he seemed to pull out of absolutely nowhere-

And then they're running again, and the scene where Geno has to jump and Dust is clear he'll catch him? My HEART!! And in turn Dust trusts Geno when he says to let go when they're falling!!! MY HEART AGAGIN-

When they're safe on the ground and Dust hides his face- And then lets himself be vulnerable and lets Geno heal the weak shoulder? Geno *asking permission* before he does anything?? CHaracter growth??? Oh!! And the addition of the dusty bones! They grey flakes! Of course Geno notices them, and surely it's not what he thinks, right? Right?

Dust clearly feeling out in the open w/o his mask too... man... That bit makes me so emotional for no reason (big reason but you know what I mean haha!) and Geno being supportive and promise they'll right the wrong! (AND Dust being uncomfortable with the flying minecart! It's like a call back to Geno being uneasy riding Basalt! And Geno doesn't judge him or anything! He's learning!)

How easily Dust handles everything and how Geno is just actually kinda smitten by it brings me immense joy! I mean, sure, his partner can kill smth with a touch, but Dust has something about him that makes Geno even MORE impressed haha!

And then Geno being impressed by the machines is SO him. Bro is just curious, what can he say?? Poor Dust is crushing on a moronic nerd- And he reacts reasonably poorly in turn, because, well, yeah! It's a weird thing for Geno to be fascinated by, and it probably reminds him way too much of how Geno looked at him back then-

Rover!!! When he ended up showing up again i LOST IT. It makes so much sense, but I just didn't see it coming at all, and I was convinced I was losing my mind! The cool logic that drug sets off for the magic system is so interesting, and tbh I'm w/ Geno on wondering aboutt how much it could actually do for a person haha! (Dude the casual convo between Dust and Geno, ignoring him, as so funny and perfect for them!) Though, I must say? Fittingly dramatic and intense final line coming from him! Didn't expect it, but I must say that I did enjoy it a lot! Especially since he willingly set off that avalanche on them!

And the avalanche!!! Ogh! Opal is such a loyal and crazy horse, and Basalt, I think, is the mvp of this entire operation, gotta say <3. But fr. Dust knew exactly how to help them get the upper hand, and he was ready to do whatever it took to get all four of them to safety! (Geno, my beloved, clinging to Dust so so much- I would be doing the same, can't blame him-) Them jumping a ravine just barely in order to escape the snow was banger, and- and Basalt and Opal working together, Opal helping him up edges, and Basalt being such a good boy listening to Dust and saving all of them? (Can you tell the avalanche was one of my favorite scenes? Can you? /lh-)

And the calm aftermath- Geno not even realizing he was plastered to Dust, Dust being VERY aware, Geno being extremely more focused on the death he just narrowly avoided? (And the note of probably stopping by a healer because he was THAT stressed out is such a good touch!) And then Dust being very much less stressed because he does stuff this crazy, if not worse, fairly often? (Not to mention if he let himself get distressed, especially on a snow-covered mountain? Yeah, that'd end poorly for them-)

And good gods Ancha, there were many gut-punches here (I think the Collar on Geno and the avalanche were two of the biggest) but Basalt being hurt? That one got me GOOD. Like, I mean I think I actually gasped at that one. Because?? Poor boy did all that just to be wounded in a way Dust *Knows* isn't a good sign? I was SO scared- But then Geno came in clutch... Bro used what little knowledge he had on the subject (Fresh! Yippee!! You taught him something!!) and used it to help out and come up with a better solution! He jerryrigged horse-healing! To help out Basalt!!! He's so resourceful... Even when he was exhausted from doing things before...

The camp set-up is so fun. They're both exhausted, Geno's finally grappling with the severity of what just happened, Dust is trying to push through but it evidently at the end of his own reserves as well (the flint and steel thing sparking off his magic is Such a cool touch btw??) anf they just... sit aorund the fire??? AWE??? (Dust having his mask off is so cool too, so subtle...) Geno mentioning in his head his low reserves for immediate magic due to his soul was awesome too... So many fun souls in this adventure!!

The tipi is so cool too! And the fire bit, I love that the logic here is that the fire Geno is using is like the fire Toriel uses in her house, where you could just crawl inside and take a nap- Imagining little Error curling up in the flame is so fuckin funny too-

AND GENO- Moment bro was free from his warm bed roll he totally subconsciously decided that Dust just had to be near him- I know you mentioned a scene from Dust's perspective of this would be so peak, and I think it very much would be, but Geno just half-asleep deciding to curl into Dust because he's safe and warm and stable? Yeah, I didn't realize I needed that...

I FORGOT ABOUT HIS ALMOST FUMBLE- "What you cooking good- FRIEND" good gods Geno you're my favorite forever and ever-

And them having casual conversations again! Yippeee!!!! Dude them discussing intent and the ways it works, and then Dust TEASING about it?? Crying sobbing, I love them... (Also Dust actually being able to cook, I love him so dearly for that. He had a billion places to pick up the skill and he did! He went for it!)

And the walk, Dust opening the door to talk about magic!! Geno whole-heartedly offering his own weak spot and then explaining how his magic works! Dust being curious! (And Geno recogninzing that Dust does actually listen...) And Geno being SUCH a nerd about it, spilling his guts over how much he adores learning about magic, others magic, all magic! (Dust cannot relate but is starting to piece things together-)

And gods, Geno just giving all the lore? This fits him so so well first off, but second? I LOVE the direction you took his past, Ancha! I wouldn't have even considered same mom multiple dads, but it makes a lot of sense as to how Geno and Fresh and Error made it so long and so strangely, haha! (Also, Ironfields! Scribbling that down frantically for no reason in particular-) And ofc I love the addition that Dust would assume Geno was from Sanctuary, because, I mean, he has to be, right? Those marks and knowing Reaper so well? And then ofc the note of Reaper picking Geno based on his magical skill, and him deciding that if he found another more talented he'd still ask for a date from Geno later? Adorable??? And dude, the bit about both Geno and Fresh looking at Error like their whole worlds? That HURTS- OWIE- But Error being such a calm baby until his magic Exploded their wall? I'm cackling, I love them- (And Dust's little 'Good brother"??? High praise coming from him oml???? Especially with Error of all skeletons, the one he unintentionally or intentionally bonded with??)

And man, the way their talk ends with Dust asking how Error ended up with them? The mutual sadness at that one is killing me- (Also Geno recognizing that Dust was tired from talking? Dude is noticing the social battery! Yippee!!!)

Next morning, Geno's dream? Adorable, hilarious, love that he's embarrassed by it! And dude, I love the fact that Dust left his jacket, that's so so awesome-

And I love this discussion about the magic and the whole collar siuation. Of course Dust would want to hear more about Geno's magic (since he doesn't have anyone to really learn magic from aside from Night) and Geno would want to know why Dust *doesn't* see it the same way! And Dust describing it how he did, a natural force that he guides rather than controls, it's awesome! And Geno is rightfully so enamoured by it and is holding in his awe and need to get to the bottom of it!!

And Geno being honest about his panic compared to Dust's skill in the heat of battle? Dust being 100% understanding fits him well, he rationalizes it for Geno even when Geno refuses to accept it. He believes he should've been more of a help a lot sooner, recognizes his shortcomings and things to improve on, while Dust is just impressed at what he *did* do!

And ofc the iconic shift into Dust questioning Geno's actions before!!!! I squeaked when i realized this was the direction it was heading haha!

Geno admitting right off the bat how shitty he was and then, just rolling into the whole explanation? I'm so proud of him!!! (Ancha you did his arc so much justice here, in this entire oneshot, I loved it dearly-) He explains his logic just like he does everything else in this plot, and even if it's crappy logic, he acknowledges that he wasn't keeping Dust's feelings as in-mind as he should've been. That he doesn't expect Dust to just forgive him. And when Dust drops the other actions, the kiss and the touching, Geno is just like!!! Very alarmed because he hadn't even been thinking of that! Because that one was more genuine! And he's honest with that too! (And yeah, his logic makes sense, because he was so used to Reaper!)

And I think that it's perfect that Dust gives him the silent treatment after this, because the guy deserves some time to think it out and untangle some really intense emotions! (Also, in the night I'm 50/50 on whether that was actually a dream or if Geno genuinely just curled around Dust again, but I'm *guessing* it was a dream lol-)

And then the camping at the cabin?? Dust's lil check to confirm Reaper's interest followed by checking with Geno, and Geno fumbling it SO badly (and still somehow managing to get the message across-). Dust saying that lil line? 'I don't hate you, I just don't understand you"??? Helpp me??? I literally like. Knowing what comes after this??? Crying sobbing??? Anyways, perfect execution Ancha, as always <3

Their return to town!!! Again, I keep forgetting these two are figureheads in their kingdoms that are very known and respected- Dust got his moment with Rover, Geno gets his moment in town! People are rallying and celebrating that the two survived despite all the odds against them! They're happy to see them and want to help! (And Dust slipping coins to those helpful people? So so him, such a good detail!)

The guards worrying over Geno and *Geno* being the one shying away from attention because it's all pointless worrying? Him complimenting Dust and Dust getting shy about it? Ough-

And Reaper!!! I know I give Night all the credit for stressed times in his study, but Reaper! Poor guy! (I can't imagine things on his end. Geno going missing, Dust along with him, two people he loves and cares for? Yeag.) Him instantly going to Geno gives me butterflies, and he's so earnest about wanting to make sure both of them are alright and know he cares for them? Crying. Sobbing. (Especially with the bit later with Reaper hearing about their whole debacle? YEAH. Crazy-)

The sudden Dust pov is so fitting too!! It makes sense for it to be him to percieve this scene, and omg. The way I SNARLED when Dust got up close and personal and debated and then said Geno was a cute nerd and gave him a kiss on the cheek???? I literally made the most unhinged, dog chewing on a stick, gutteral growl because girly giggles were NOT enough.

Like, thematically and for the point of this oneshot, it is SUCH a good conclusion! Geno made a change for the better, both Geno and Dust got to know each other better, they got glimpses into each other's lives in ways that made them better understand the other's troubles! Geno got to learn about just how skilled Dust is and a bit about his past, while Dust. Well. Dust got to figure out why Geno's... Like That. And for all the hardships and the awkwardness and the tension and the laughs, they made it through, and they know they care about one another, and Geno left the choice entirely up to Dust. Forgiveness, love, etc. Dust was able to choose for himself, entirely without any eyes on him and without fear or pressure or weight on his shoulders, and he chose! He's giving it another chance, because now he can expend a bit more trust. He can give it another shot.

And dude, I just know that Geno's goofy happy grin was something he had NO control over. I love that for them...

Okay I think I probably missed some things in the moment so quick bonus list!

The storms on the mountain being calm, I have to guess that's only because Dust was doing such a good job at keeping calm, so while he can't directly control the weather, it was influenced. Like, in the night after the mines incident it was creeping in, while Dust was emotionally drained + magically/physically exhausted, but after it was clear skies, just REALLY cold. If that's the case, GREAT detail! If not, then I've been typing too long haha!

Shout-out to Killer, totally exposing Dust's crush by trying really hard to be a good wingman- He technically helped, but boy did it also hinder-

Uhhhh. Mentioning again how much I love the effort that went into Basalt's role in the story? Opal too ofc, but for some reason my brain has fixated on Basalt and his cool custom saddle to accommodate Horror and how much of a beast that horse is <3 (I WILL be learning how to draw horses so I can draw Opal, Basalt, and the others whenever one of us jumps on needing them for plot reasons haha!)

So. The first scene I actually wanted to sketch out was this final one w/ Dust on his tip-toes and Geno leaning ever so slightly down to meet Dust's height for the kiss. I just. Yeag. I love them.

Also!!! The choice to make it a cheek kiss is so special to me! Especially if Geno had already kissed him on the mouth (teeth?) before because, well, he needs to work back to that point, do it over with a healthy relationship. In the meantime, it's something that he feels in control of, and feels comfortable doing, and both of them can appreciate the emotions and trust behind the gesture! Made me very very very happy! (The way you write romance is something I need to download into my brain forever-)

And.... I need to sketch Geno in his travel fit (Ignore that I already drew the one thing, it's not super far off from his normal fit I imagine lol!)

Lastly! I just loved everything about this oneshot Ancha! I'm so sorry that it took me so long to get to replying for (I've been writing for like 4 hours now haha!) and I'll be adding it to the masterpost tomorrow most likely! I'm honored to have you as a co-writer and this is smth I'm putting in my long-term memory so I can think about it forever and ever!!!! (I don't have emojis, writing on a laptop, but picture the salute emoji and a lot of heart emojis, haha!)

Gifted Oneshot - NewAgeAU - The Mountain

I have been slow cooking and scheming a little something. That stopped being little a while ago.

Also as you notice. Not just a drabble. Straight up an oneshot.

On that note. Because of this I have also decided to upload it to my AO3. In case you prefer reading it there you can by clicking Here.

This is for my friendo @spotaus and their New Age AU, or ours as I am a bit of the co-writer at this point haha.

Fair warning. This installment is far into the future and after the main story line the main story will focus on. This is about the DustedAfterDeath relationship and how they went from toxic to reasonable.

Warnings: past toxic relationship. mentions of drugs. mentions of slave collars.

Also... Euh... it is 33000 words long. Yes you are reading that right. 33K words. Which is why i am terrified to see how Tumblr will react to that many words as I never tried to upload something that long here.

Anyway! Here we go!

*----------------*

Nightmare frowns as he looks back at the files left on his wartable before turning back to the cabinet with many different reports. The cabinet itself is a nice dark brown and made of sturdy wood. It had served him well over the last many years he had been a king.

It was one of many that he had both in the warroom as in his own office. This one specifically he had rolled into the warroom as it had all the detailed reports from the black market dismantling.

Reaper whistles as he leans on the table “I keep forgetting that you document everything.”

Nightmare gives a tiny shrug at his fellow king “It is a habit.” Before he used to keep track of everything because he had been a control freak and perfectionist who was paranoid. The magic of The Ritual had done a number on his mental health and Nightmare sometimes still wondered how he managed to get through that for 7 years before he turned thirteen again. Ccino is honestly a miracle worker.

Nightmare finally finds the reports he had been looking for and pulls them out with a tiny triumphed smile. He lays them across the table and reaper looks at it curiously.

Nightmare speaks “This.” he points at the files “Is everything I have about the dismantling.”

Reaper nods as he looks at the five reports “On the whole black market?”

Nightmare frowns “No? Everything about that is in the cabinet. Those are just about the main drugs rings.” The smaller ones Dust had managed to do in one afternoon at that point. Even with Dust having had to wear multiple magic dampers and without much training he had been scarily efficient at shutting it down. The biggest issue had been with the main branches which required more leg work and a more stealthy approach.

Nightmare just knows that Dust and Killer had returned covered in soot and Killer had looked so excited as he spoke about Nightmare having to hire Dust fulltime. Dust had just looked bored but had felt rather content and proud of himself back then.

Nightmare is pretty sure that is when those two actually started to become friends which would eventually become the almost twin bond the two shared. And Nightmare can know as actual twin.

Reaper looks shocked “That many reports? Why?” even as he asks it he pulls the first report over as he starts scanning the information for stuff he recognises from his own drugs problem.

Nightmare takes a seat and pulls over the information that Reaper had brought with him “With the magic my mind was busy and paranoid. The reports helped. Because each time my mind would think of another detail or something that could backfire I could pull the report open again and search it. Either to help calm my mind that there was nothing to worry about. Or to give me a starting point to make sure this new idea didn’t became a problem.” After he deaged back to his normal age he just kept the habit up of making the reports. Nightmare hadn’t looked at them much in the last 3 years but it was nice to have them.

Especially in situations like this.

Nightmare opens the file that Reaper brought and frowns. It is all about how a new drug has been making the circles in Reaper’s land. In the capital city no less. The effects are mostly concentrated on giving the monster or human taking it a large magical boost. Causing them to be able to perform magic for a short while and to feel energised. The healers and scientists however had found out that the drug does this at cost of soul energy. Meaning that the very magic you gain is taken directly from your soul. And unlike magic users the average soul is unable to perform these activities without consequences.

The most likely consequence is that the one who takes it gets soulburn. A dangerous illness where the soul starts to produce more energy which can cause the soul to burn a way out of the body. An even worse option is that the soul can collapse in on itself as it gives too much of the soul energy. Causing death.

All very serious concerns. Especially if you take into consideration that the drug is addictive. The monster or human taking it will the first few times feel amazing which leads to developing a craving for it. And then it is a slippery slope down towards the worst possible results.

Nightmare can understand why Reaper came here with their treaty to get more help.

It isn’t exactly a secret that Nightmare’s land used to be swarmed with crime. Nightmare knows. Even after ten long and hard years of working on these issues the rumours still remain. Nightmare knows it will take even longer before the bad image of his land is improved. Nightmare is very happy that his brother and Blue are working on that.

Reaper is frowning as he has by now three of the five reports open and seems to switch between the different folders to study the information.

Nightmare turns back to the information offered to him and skips passed the properties and the victims. Instead Nightmare focuses on the section of where it first appeared and if it appeared anywhere before reaching the capital.

Nightmare finds a few locations and goes towards his map table. He touches the side and focusses for a moment. The map in view changes to fit the layout of Reaper’s kingdom. Nightmare walks towards the side of the capital city and touches the map. A small marker appears where Nightmare touched the map. Nightmare refers back to the other location mentions and starts putting it down on the map as he looks at the direction.

Mmh. Strange. It started near the mountains.

Nightmare makes a few careful notes of all the locations and what the layout looks like before making the table show a more detailed map of the mountains themselves.

The mountains help protect Reaper’s territory. It makes his country hard to infiltrate. Not to forget the ocean guarding him on the other side and the small area where the ocean and mountain range don’t meet being the mangrove forest.

Nightmare frowns as he stares at the map. It seems impossible for whoever did this to have smuggled the drugs in from the outside.

Nightmare speaks slowly “It seems likely that they make the drugs in your kingdom itself. Instead of importing it. If it were imported you would have noticed and caught them in either the port area or when they stubbled in through the forest or mountains.” Reaper has his guard watch those areas like hawks. Had they been importing the drugs they would have been caught already.

Reaper frowns as he looks deeply unhappy “That is what I am afraid of. That just means they have settled somewhere in my lands but I have had my guards search the cities and towns. There is no sign of them having settled anywhere, just selling.”

Nightmare frowns as he concentrates back on the map. He zooms in on the Three Lakes “The lakes?”

Reaper shakes his skull “We searched it. And unlike in our own river we couldn’t find any traces of the drugs in the water there.” He sounds relieved. Nightmare understands of course. His main food source is those lakes together with fishing in the ocean.

Nightmare frowns as he looks at the mines “Are the mines still operational?”

Reaper looks up and frowns “Not all of them. We maintain them just in case as we don’t want landslides but some have been locked up and decommissioned.”

Nightmare keeps looking at him and Reaper frowns “The mountains are dangerous. Them settling there would be too big of a risk.”

Nightmare shrugs as he speaks “I thought the same about the gang settling in the old clocktower and below in the sewers.” Dust had looked so damn amused when Nightmare had said it seemed unlikely “But these people… they don’t care about anyone’s safety. Not even their own. If they can gain power and money they will risk everything. Because to them the reward far outweighs the possible risk.”

Reaper frowns as he taps the files and stares at the map “The problem is. The mine shaft. You can’t just reach it. There is a reason we keep a careful eye on those. They are hard to reach and even harder to get the supplies needed up there.” Reaper frowns “Travel can take anywhere from 2 days on foot to 2 weeks on horseback, all depending on which mine you go to.”

Nightmare looks back at the map “Which mine is most likely to hold them?”

Reaper frowns as he taps the map and stares at the different mountains being viewed.

Nightmare takes the files back and looks at the different clues they had found so far. Nightmare frowns “They most likely make it somewhere. So it has to be a place has the ability to make the drugs.” He looks back at Reaper.

Reaper studies the map and points to one “We set this one up to be decommissioned soon. We were planning on going up there in summer to shut it down to make sure there were no accidents as can take up to a full week worth of travel on horseback. Even if you go alone.” Reaper points at the area and the long distance from the main roads “You would have to travel through the kingdom itself before moving up the mountain. The paths are traitorous. Even in summer. Much less now. With it being early spring.”

Nightmare frowns as he stares at the map “How risky is it to wait? Until it is safe to travel the mountain?”

Reaper shakes his skull “We have found multiple people dead already. Soulburns and souls just giving out. More people are looking for this drug. If it starts to spread out of the capital towards the smaller areas.” He frowns “Not to forget if more of the water gets pollinated it will affect us through the drinking water.” He sighs “I need to put a stop to this right away.”

Nightmare nods as he thinks. Dust could make it up there. Dust has more skills with horses than anyone Nightmare knows. Not to forget that even if the weather takes a turn for the worse it will just power Dust enough to maybe even redirect the storm. Dust also has experience in taking down these type of things.

However. Dust works the best either alone or with a very small crew. Most of his knights do.

Nightmare looks back at Reaper “How do you picture this mission?”

Reaper taps the map as he speaks “It would have to be a small group. The paths will be dangerous and having a large group may cause the path to become unstable. But sending someone alone is just begging them to be lost in the mountains without backup.”

Nightmare nods as he speaks “I can send one of my knights.” Dust would be by far the best. But that means sending Dust out to Reaper’s country and… well… Nightmare may trust Reaper with stuff about his country, there is a reason Nightmare no longer needs Dream’s presence for these meetings. But Nightmare still doesn’t quite trust Reaper with Dust. Things have been getting better but… Nightmare is still worried.

Reaper smiles before looking a bit more nervous himself “I appreciate the help. And I appreciate you being willing to entrust one of their safeties to me. But before you say anything or agree to help in that way. I must say. The one I would send would be someone… Very knowledgeable and skilled in magic. The drug works magically. And as you said it is most likely being produced inside those very mountains. Meaning they have some kind of power source or set up. Most likely magical that needs to be shut down.” And Reaper waits.

Nightmare doesn’t like this. His mind spins as he considers what was said. The worst part is that Reaper is right. Nightmare can see the reasoning and the conclusion that was made because of that. Even the very information they have to work with is because of Geno. Geno had been the one who figured out it was a magical drug and how it affect those around them all. Geno was the only right pick.

Nightmare thinks long and hard. Killer would be fine with the actual dismantling but he isn’t the best horse rider. Horror is strong but magically not strong enough to most likely have to battle magically skilled people who are even making this substance. Not to forget that Horror needs one of the sturdier horses. And while they are trusty steeds they are not the best for mountain paths.

Cross is out of the question. Mostly because Cross will end up making Geno go missing. Cross would be fine with the actual fighting and riding the horse all the way to the end location but Cross is also still furious at both Reaper and Geno and doesn’t make it a secret.

Dust is the only option.

Nightmare speaks slowly “I… Dust is the only fit for this mission. He is unchallenged in his horse handling and our expert when it comes to shutting down these kind of operations.”

Reaper looks shocked but then looks to the side as he frowns at the map. Clearly thinking.

Nightmare knows he will make the same conclusion that Nightmare just made. Dust is the only option to send up that mountain. Especially in these dangerous circumstances. And Geno needs to go because he is the one who knows this magic and can shut it down effectively.

Reaper frowns as he looks at Nightmare “You really think Dust can make it up that mountain? Even in early spring? While guiding other horses?”

Nightmare thinks for a moment. If it was in his own territory Nightmare would feel comfortable sending all four of his knights. Knowing that Dust could lead those horses up any area that he knows. But that is the issue. This would be uncharted territory for Dust to lead horses up and around.

Nightmare nods “If it is in your territory? I know Dust can safely lead two horses up the mountain, the only reason I say two is because Dust doesn’t know that mountain. But I would have to request they use horses from my kingdom.”

Reaper looks curious “I am not saying no and will gladly accept that but why?”

Nightmare figured it was obvious but then again Reaper wouldn’t know “Dust trains the horses. Every horse in used by my guards and knights are trained by him.” Which also means that Dust has a bond with every horse in use by those in the castle and that even if someone else is riding it they will listen to Dust’s comments, directions and orders.

Reaper looks impressed before nodding “Of course.” A moment of silence “Are you sure this will be alright?”

Nightmare frowns as he looks to the side “I am not. But this is dangerous. It needs to be stopped as soon as possible.”

Reaper nods as he sighs “I will return home. Talk with Geno. We will remain in contact by letter and whenever works for you and Dust I will gladly welcome his visit and help.”

Nightmare nods “I will ask Dust myself.” If Dust says no Nightmare will have to reconsider who he can safely send. If that ends up the case he would most likely have to send both Horror and Cross. Cross to send up the mountain with the horses and to deal with the ring while Horror would go along to deal with Cross himself.

For now he will just ask Dust.

--

Nightmare watches nervously as Dust looks over the mission plans. His knight had frowned when he saw the location but he had schooled his expression quickly enough to read the mission set up and goal.

Dust nods and speaks “I agree. I am the best fit.” Factual and quiet. Nightmare always thought he could read his brother no problem but turns out that Dust could still hide things from him.

Nightmare doesn’t often miss the magic the Ritual gave him. But the one thing he does miss was the connection he had had with those close to him.

Nightmare misses being able to feel their joy and excitement. He misses being able to feel that connection to their magic and souls. The way he could feel them close in a way that he could never explain.

Being able to notice when they needed help.

It is why he watches Dust closely. Trying to see any signs of distress. Nightmare had promised himself he would not miss those signs again.

Dust nods as he looks up “I can do it. Lead two horses up to the mine shaft and help the mage coming along to shut it down.”

Now the hard part.

Nightmare takes a deep breath and speaks “There is only one option for which mage could be send along to fix this mess.” He waits a moment “Geno.”

Dust’s hand twitches before forming a fist before relaxing it again. Dust nods “Okay.”

Nightmare glares “No. Seriously. Are you okay with it? We can think of something else if it is too much.”

Dust gets this tiny fond smile on his face “You really want to trust Killer to lead two horses up that mountain?”

Nightmare looks to the side and mutters “I wouldn’t have trusted him to do that to begin with. Would have send Horror and Cross together.”

Dust pulls a face “Yeah I can see why you can’t send Cross alone.”

Nightmare looks pained “What did he do?”

Dust looks slightly embarrassed “He did not enjoy the fact that Geno now feels… brave enough to wave and say hello. I am not exactly sure what he said but Cross looked rather happy after the interaction so I assume nothing good.”

Nightmare gets it of course. As Cross had said once. Dust doesn’t move to protect or defend himself so as his fellow knights it is their job. And Cross takes his job as knight, and brother, very serious.

Nightmare is a bit curious about what Cross exactly said but he can try to ask him later. For now “Are you sure?”

Dust frowns as he thinks for a moment “It will be… unpleasant. But if he continues to behave and act as is now I do not see an issue with us doing this mission.”

Nightmare frowns before nodding. Dust seems honestly okay with it. Nightmare points towards the map “We need to move out as soon as possible. I want you to prepare your pack for travel and two horses for the track up the mountain. I will send Captain Rogers with you as escort to Reaper’s kingdom. He will remain there until you return and escort you back.”

Dust looks amused “I don’t need an escort.”

Nightmare doesn’t even bother as he just stares at Dust “Please.” Please. Please just let him do this. Please let him protect him in the tiny ways he can.

Dust gets that fond little smile again before sighing but nodding “Okay. Okay. I will travel with some of the guards. Restock my packs before we leave for the mountains.”

Nightmare smiles as he hands the mission brief over to Dust.

Dust reads it and hums “You may want to keep the others in the dark for a little while. At least until I am on my way there.”

Nightmare can’t help but laugh as he nods “Probably for the best.”

Dust nods and gives the little mock bow before he turns and leaves the warroom. Most likely to go and take care of the horses and get them ready for the long track.

Nightmare really hopes he didn’t make a mistake.

--

Geno feels like he is going to throw up. Even as he stares at his many charged crystals and some spell scrolls.

His soul pulses fast and he feels sick and excited.

How is he going to get through this?!

A soft chuckle and a hand takes his own “My love?”

Geno blinks out of his thinking before staring at Reaper “You are trying to kill me.”

Reaper looks so amused as he tilts his skull “Really? I should have removed my gloves if that was the case.” He joins him on the bed “Are you alright my love?”

Geno laughs and stares at Reaper “Yes? No? I am not sure? I am going to be alone with Dust! For weeks on end!” he stresses the words.

Reaper gives a slow nod as he frowns “You don’t want to anymore?”

Geno groans “No I want to! That is the issue! The problem is… I am not sure… How am I supposed to make it through this week without it ending with him hating me even more?!” the only reason there was the tiny peace was because of Error’s and Fresh’s situation. Dust still avoids them a lot and Geno had only been lucky enough to manage a wave or small hello.

Not at all the small conversations he craves and wants so badly. That connection he had had but lost because of his own stupid and idiotic behaviour.

If those things are already impossible how is he ever going to be able to manage a full week of travel? One on one travel?

Reaper looks so damn gentle and Geno hates how much he still craves that look. He should be fine without it. Yet here he is still craving that look. Same as the awe Reaper would show when Geno showed off his magic.

Reaper takes his hand and rubs the back of it. Carefully, even as he wears his gloves for safety, Geno never saw the deal with that. Not when it was just them. Geno knows Reaper would never hurt him. Geno knows Reaper enough to know that, Geno knows enough about magic to know that Reaper would never kill him with his Touch of Death ability.

Sadly Reaper doesn’t believe this.

Reaper speaks carefully “I don’t think he will hate you, or more as you say it.” he continues to hold his hand and rub the back of it with careful tiny circles. Reaper stares at him with that same love written all over his face.

Geno does not deserve it. But he is selfish and a bastard and can’t let go. He would never let go of this beautiful but terrifying thing. Not as long as Reaper is willing to give it.

It is why it hurts so bad to have lost what he and Dust had had, all because Geno couldn’t stop being selfish and greedy for one moment.

Reaper smiles softly still, probably aware of the mental turmoil Geno is having, and speaks again “You are respecting his boundaries… or most of them.” Reaper shoots the Seeing Crystals a look and yes Geno deserves that jab. Reaper doesn’t dwell on it for longer “You know what you did before was wrong. You are more aware of yourself and your habits. You can use this knowledge to make it through this trip alright. In a way you can see it as your chance to truly show Dust that you learned from your past mistakes.”

Geno is still unsure as he breaks their eye contact.

Reaper speaks softer “I can still ask for someone else to go? Another mage maybe-”

“No!” Geno is slightly embarrassed by his reaction but it is justified!! Geno has gone to a school with mages! He knows how they think and the biggest issue in his old school had been the many different mages all trying to figure out either love potions or love spells. Stupid hormones driven teens.

Geno is very aware he is being a hypocrite but at least he never sunk that low. He never tried to use his magic to force anyone to feel something for him that wasn’t there. He never committed that crime of break of consent. Geno still has the opinion that those spells and potions count as rape drugs and he will not take any arguments against that.

Reaper looks amused “So you will go?”

Geno grumbles as he looks to the side “Obviously! And just because I am obviously the only correct choice for this mission.” He turns back to his many spells and sighs “I am just…” worried scared terrified paranoid anxious “I don’t want to mess it all up again.”

Reaper had worked so damn hard to fix Geno’s mistake. The very treaty had been in danger and Geno had felt terrible. The fact they still didn’t trust Geno proved once again how badly he messed this whole thing up. Just because he can’t look at people like a normal person and has the stupid habit of turning everything in his mind into some weird scorecard or game or experiment or whatever his minds decides on for the day.

Reaper says it is Geno’s own trauma from being forced to be a parent to his younger brothers while having no stable income or secure housing.

Geno just thinks he is an ass.

Reaper hums as he keeps holding his hand and rubbing the back of it “And you won’t. I trust you.”

Geno laughs as he looks to the side “That went well the last time.”

Reaper hums “The past is in the past. You are trying to improve and better yourself. Why would I keep bringing up stuff you did before that you already regret and are trying to improve?” Reaper traces Geno’s cheek with the gentlest touch “Why would I want to hurt you like that? You learned. You are changing your behaviour and working hard to do right now. I think that is beautiful and shows who you really are as person. You just need the chance and time to improve.” He kisses the hand before smiling “I will ask you once more. Please be honest. Do you feel ready to go on this journey? And do you want to? Or do you need more time to grow and feel secure in interacting with him?” and he waits.

Geno thinks for a moment. He honestly feels fine with going up the mountain. To search the mines. He is just nervous about how Dust will react to him. But moreso, he is excited. Excited about the chance to just be near the other. Hear the other speak again. Speak to him again!

Geno nods “I want to go.” there is just one tiny issue “But horses?!” he stresses the word.

Reaper looks amused “Do you want to walk up the mountain?”

Geno glares “I can’t drive a horse Reaper!”

Reaper chuckles as he smiles “It is called riding love.”

Geno groans as he ignores the comment “I prefer walking over falling on my face every time the horse makes a turn.” There is a reason Geno had wanted to use his inexperience with horses to create a moment with Dust before and oh boy now that he thinks about that he sees the very clear red flag that situation is. Geno really is just red flag after red flag isn’t he?

Reaper smiles “I mean. It should be fine. Nightmare will be sending two horses along with Dust. And Dust apparently has good control over the horses and they listen to him. I am sure the horse will behave and make sure you don’t fall off if Dust asks.”

Geno knows of course. He had spied on a few of those horse trainings before he realised he was once again ignoring every boundary and just taking what he wanted. But the fact remains he had seen Dust work with the horses before. He is an amazing rider and knows what he is doing.

Which just makes the fear of falling off the stupid horse and down a cliff even worse. Geno doesn’t want to make a fool of himself like that.

Reaper smiles “Give it a chance. I am sure you will do amazing.”

Geno sighs and nods. It isn’t like he doesn’t want to do it. He wants to do it so badly. A long time alone with Dust? Getting the chance to talk to him and maybe finally be able to at least start to apologise for his own rude behaviour? The mission itself? Finding this magical substance that reacts to the very biology of both humans and monsters? Geno is so curious how it works and how they manufacture it!

Reaper kisses his hands before he gets up “I need to go check if everything is ready for our guests. I hope you will join me in the throne room soon.” Reaper smiles and gives a tiny bow before leaving.

Geno sighs as he stares at his pack stuffed full with crystals and other tools.

He hopes he can make this work. If only for a little bit.

Geno takes a deep breath before looking at his pack with focus. He opens it removes everything he put into it before taking much more careful note of what he will need.

The basic camping equipment will be taken care of by the maids and servants. Reaper called together a bunch of people who have been on that mountain before to handle the actual camp packing. Including rations. Meaning that Geno’s personal pack will just be for what Geno needs to take along.

He takes a deep breath and picks up a few crystals. These should siphon away any large magical energy. Reaper mentioned that Nightmare thought they will be making these drugs locally. Meaning that they will have to have a large magical powersource. Best to have these along.

Next he grabs his army knife. He enchanted it obviously by embedding some of his smaller crystals into it. It should work to cut anything, including metal cables or worse. He also has some lock picking tools in there. Geno isn’t the best with it which is why he enchanted those as well. But he has seen those slave collars making their way around the areas where the drug is also active and he just wants to make sure there is a way to get those off of anyone.

Geno looks at his many spells and feels a bit embarrassed once he notices he grabbed his most complex and powerful ones. Way to be obvious Geno. Way to make it clear you are desperate to show off. Geno pushes them around and ends up grabbing the one for levitation just in case. It is always good to have that one with you when you go to high places.

Some healing crystals are also a must and one of his more complex and powerful ones is the Calm Emotions. Meant to calm down any aggression. Geno never truly had a chance to test it but if it works as he thought it would it may be useful. Next he grabs his shield crystal and checks those.

He obviously can cast spells without his crystals. Geno is a skilled mage. The difference is that the crystals area already charged and ready to cast the spell without having to still take time to cast it and use his limited mana supply. Geno would just need to activate them.

Geno steps back and nods “That will do.” After that he took some extras of the same crystals and closed his pack. Finally packed.

Geno takes a moment to look at himself in the mirror. He closes his sockets for a moment and takes a deep breath “I can do this.” he opens his sockets and stares at himself “You can do this.” He makes sure to make it an order for himself “You will be normal. You will not make him feel uncomfortable. You will remain respectful of his boundaries and you will not ask pushy questions.” Or better said. Just be a decent person.

He can do this.

Geno puts his bag on his back and leaves his room to quickly join Reaper. A small prickle along his nervous and he feels a rush of excitement come over him.

Dust is here.

Geno grins and rushes to the throne room to get there in time.

Geno gets to the entrance hall and stops there. Takes a moment to calm down. And enters the hall. A glance around shows he is still on time and Reaper smiles at him from beside his throne.

The throne is still the same from when Life was the king of this land. It is a beautiful light brown with all kinds of animals engraved into it. It is as old as the kingdom itself. Geno knows that many other kings look down on it as it isn’t that large or imposing and it isn’t made of a rare material.

Geno thinks it is beautiful. There are spells woven into the throne to make sure it remains healthy and alive. Flowers grown unto the throne to fit the season.

Geno knows that no matter what anyone else says Reaper will never do away with any marks left by Life. When asked he says it is to show respect to the original king that made the save haven that is this land. Geno knows it is because Reaper misses his old friend.

Reaper takes his face between his hands and places a gentle kiss on his skull. Geno feels bashful at the obvious affection in the simple movement. Reaper looks amused “Ready love?”

Geno takes a deep breath and nods “I am.”

Reaper smiles brightly before pulling his hands away from him. Just in time it seems as the throne room doors open. Reaper and Geno look up together.

One of the castle guards bows deeply “The cavalcade of the country of Orchard has arrived.” Geno can’t stop the small snort at the way the guard says it while Reaper just shoots him an amused look.

Geno waits for a moment and feels his soul beat speed up when the group walks in. He immediately finds Dust. Dust is dressed in his knight gear. Completely covered and his mask on. He walks side by side with an older man. Geno studies the other and quickly finds the markings that show he is the captain of the castle guard. Yeah, Geno should have expected as much seeing as Nightmare is very protective of his knights.

Geno gets it. He has his own brothers are all.

The captain bows deeply “King Reaper and royal mage Geno. It is a honour to visit and be allowed to aid you in the name of our King Nightmare.” He stands up and puts his fist on his chest, one top of the royal mark on his armour. The sword with a tree branch and the two birds on either side “I am captain Rogers! Our king send my man and I along to support your troops in the lands to help find people who are causing harm while the Knight will help your royal mage to undo the source.”

Dust just nods as he remains quiet. He is always so quiet and mysterious and Geno just now realises just how good he looks in that armour...

Reaper gives a small nod to show he heard and listened “I welcome you in my land and home. My own guard will fill you in on the developments while my maids will show you where you will be resting for your stay.” Reaper nods towards some of his help and they move forwards quickly.

Most of the guard goes while Rogers and Dust remain. Rogers nods and bows again “We appreciate it.” he glances at Dust for a moment before continuing “Will our Knight and your royal mage move out today or tomorrow?”

Dust shrugs and mutters “Today is fine.”

Geno nods his own agreement as he stares at Reaper. Reaper sees it of course and speaks “If today is fine than today the Knight and my mage will go towards the start of the path up the mountain. To enable them to have an early start tomorrow.”

Dust nods “Sounds good. I will ready the horses.” He turns and leaves the hall. Geno watches him go as Captain Rogers says his own goodbyes before following some maids to meet up with his own guard forces.

Geno turns to Reaper “I am going to go… yeah.” He points over his shoulder with his thumb.

Reaper smiles and nods. “Of course. I will join you soon. I just need to check with what has been packed for you two and I will meet you at the gate.”

Geno nods and leaves the throne room. He rushes through the halls as he ignores the beautiful décor. It isn’t that he doesn’t appreciate the beauty. He used to spend his thinking hours staring at the masterfully crafter stained glass. He rushes towards the exit of the castle as the story told in the large ceiling high windows passes him backwards.

Geno knows the story of course. The story of how Life fled her own war-controlled homelands and husband. How she took likeminded people with her and got her most trusted friend to help guide her people. How she travelled for a long time before finding this paradise. Hidden between the mountains with no one there to challenge their will to stay. How Life made a land worth living in. How she made a paradise focussed on safety and healing. Becoming the original king of this land, throwing away the title of queen as she fled her home and became a king to the people who went with her.

Geno had teased Reaper a lot when he learned that Reaper had been Life’s trusted friend. That Reaper is old as dirt. Reaper had been a bit self-conscious about it. Asking Gen if it bothered him that Reaper was that much older.

Geno didn’t really mind. It wasn’t like he looked old. Quite honestly Reaper was hot for someone who was older than the country itself. Geno does worry that Dust may mind… They may have to ease Dust into that knowledge. Geno thinks Dust already knows because it isn’t a secret that Reaper has been king for a long time but even Geno hadn’t realised just how old he had been.

Then again… It had been Geno who ruined everything… Reaper had been an adult and responsible about everything.

Geno gets outside and blinks in the harsh light. He looks around and spots Dust by a group of horses.

One of the horses near him is leaning into his light touches with its eyes closed. The horse looks smaller than Geno is used to but he doesn’t know a lot about horses. The horses is a dark grey and has black feet… hooves? Area near the hooves. Black lower legs, a black snout and black mane and tail.

Geno slowly gets closer when he notices the horse having violet eyes. Is that even possible? Geno always thought horses to have either brown or black eyes.

The horse looks up and huffs as it seems to get more nervous. Dust just pets it over the snout and it calms down. Geno can barely hear him mutter “Easy Opal. Easy.” The horse, Opal apparently, sniffs and huffs but calms down.

Dust nods and turns to look at him. Geno tries to smile but doubts it looks as relaxed as he wants it to look “Hi… How are you Dust?”

Dust hums and shrugs “Fine.” A moment of silence “You?”

Geno grins “That is good. That you feel fine. I have been busy with this whole… drugs mess. Thanks so much you even want to help.”

Dust shrugs again as he focusses on the horse “Only option. Other option was Cross.” And he pets the horse.

Geno winces. Yeah…  yikes… that is a dodged bullet. Cross is still furious with him.

Geno takes a few steps closer “These are your horses?” he likes horses… maybe that will get him to talk? About anything? Maybe?

Dust nods and pets the horse before him “Opal.” He pulls a hand away and waves towards the second horse “Basalt.” Basalt is a dark brown horse. A bit bigger and has black eyes. Geno must admit that Basalt looks exactly like how Geno would picture a horse, a massive one at that.

Dust continues “You will be on Basalt. Basalt will also carry our stuff.” Which is when the door opens and Reaper walks out with one of the survivalist advisors following him.

Reaper introduces them as Cretic and Cretic immediately starts explaining what was packed and why.

Geno feels his soul speed up at the mention of just one tent. Cretic mentions how it is just not realistic to take two tents and expect to find an area big enough to set up camp for two tents. Not to forget how it would just cost more time to set up and break down two tents every night and morning. Furthermore it would make more sense to share the small space of the tent together because that could warm up the space better for them even if they didn’t share a bedroll. They huff and mention that sharing a bedroll would be much better for surviving the cold temperatures but that their king told them that would not be an option.

Geno is very thankful for Reaper for that. Already sharing a tent space with Dust will be a lot. A bedroll?! Geno would just die. Just end up as his soul pulses so hard it would pulse out of his ribcage. And seeing as it is a stupid tiny shard it would probably hurt like hell too.

Dust looks the pack over before nodding as he grabs the packs and walks over to basalt. Then he clicks it in place and pets Basalt’s head. Basalt nuzzles the hand before standing ready again.

Dust speaks softly as he pets the neck “Basalt will carry packs and let Geno ride him.” he walks over to Opal and pats her neck “Opal. My horse.”

Reaper nods as he looks excited at the horses “It is always a treat to see one of the many horses that walk Orchard.” But he remains back and doesn’t approach even as Geno knows Reaper wants to.

Dust checks the pack before looking at Geno and waiting. Right. Shit. Horse riding. Shit. He isn’t good at this horse riding thing at all.

Geno walks over and chuckles “So… eum… I am not good at this riding thing?” Wait!! Shit?! That came out wrong! “You know! Horse riding!” shoot him now.

Dust either doesn’t notice or care as he walks over and strokes Basalt’s neck “Basalt walks by himself. He doesn’t need to be lead.”

Oh. Well… okay then… Geno walks over and puts his foot in the little foot step thing on the saddle. Okay. Okay. He can do this. He hops on and it isn’t as elegant as he wanted but he is on.

And Basalt moves around a bit but he is on it. He is riding a horse.

Dust walks over to Opal and jumps on without looking bothered in anyway. Opal stands up on her back legs for a moment but then back to normal. Shaking her head around. Dust pets her and she calms down.

Reaper looks nervous at Geno “Will you be okay?” Geno nods. Reaper turns to Dust “Do you need anything else? And will you and the horses be okay?”

Dust nods “This is fine.” He tugs lightly on the reins and Opal turns quickly and Geno is convinced the horse was on her backlegs again. How flexible and quick is that horse?

Dust lets Opal walk a few steps and Basalt just follows. No need for Geno to direct it at all. So this is what Nightmare meant with Dust being able to easily guide up to three horses up the mountain.

And they leave the castle ground. They follow the path down from the castle to the main city and Geno watches in awe as Basalt just does it himself without any needed guidance from Geno. Hell probably through any wrong directions from Geno too.

They walk through the city around the castle and Geno can see people look on in awe. Geno gets it. Dust is like a knight in shining armour trope but instead of just being in shining silver armour on a perfect white horse. He is in dark leathers and dark colours with a cloak. A hood covering his skull and a beautiful panther mask on his face. The gloves and mask to fully hide his skeleton traits. On top of a mysterious rare horse which still seems slightly wild and uncontrolled yet it listens. Yeah… Geno gets why some girls sigh and stare wishfully.

They leave the city and trod on.

Geno can’t help but just watch the other. So in his element and controlled. Geno is happy to just stare as Basalt walks just a tiny bit behind Opal and Dust. Geno smiles as he speaks “You are unbelievable good with them…” Is that enough? “It is amazing.” Is he overdoing this? “You must spend a lot of time with them.”

Dust doesn’t look around as he shrugs “Just like the last two times you asked. I still train them.”

Geno can’t help but flinch and look away. Any nerves he had before return with a  vengeance. Right. Why did he think? Geno looks down and tries to find his voice “I… I know that… I just… I thought… Nevermind.” He thought maybe a compliment would go over well… But maybe it seemed like a dig instead? Like Geno hadn’t taken him seriously when he said he worked with the horses? Like Geno hadn’t believed he worked hard? Geno isn’t sure.

Dust remains quiet as they travel.

Most of the day is silent after that as Geno just lets familiar scenes pass him by. As it is still early spring the air is still cold and crisp and the ground is covered with snow. The mountains in the distance are covered with snow as well.

Geno glances down at the snowy ground. Seems like the horses are fine as they walk on. Geno looks up and glances to the side before he mutters “This… probably is a stupid question. How are the horses going through the snow without issue?”

Dust tilts his skull slightly. Geno notices because his hood moves a bit. But then Dust answers “Generally horses are completely fine in all kinds of weather. We did make sure to get their hooves checked before the trip.” And he looks ahead again “It is just west until we need to go north correct?”

Geno nods “Yeah. We need to go where there is a path between the two large mountains. We can go up there and start navigating towards the mine.” There will eventually be some markings near the roads to show the direction. A less travelled path to lead them there.

Dust is quiet for a moment before nodding “You will need to start either leading” oh please don’t let him ride in front and show Dust how terrible he is at this “or you will need to keep the map out and tell me the directions when we get near.”

Oh thank fuck an out “I can do the second one.” Geno will just die if he knows Dust is behind him judging him for how terrible he is with riding a horse. Well, Geno knows he is bad at this thing and Dust obviously know and is probably judging him already but no need to showcase just how bad he is at it!

It is okay. It is fine. You may not be able to ride a horse or anything but you can do magic! You will be able to show off your magic and how that is your element and Dust will think you are cool!

Geno tells himself at least. Fuck. He just doesn’t want him to hate him even more.

They keep going west as they travel in silence. Geno is playing with the reins as he keeps staring at the back of Dust. Trying to think of something to say which will actually start a conversation. As the time slowly goes by Geno becomes painfully aware that he isn’t sure what to talk about. Asking about Dust will just make him uncomfortable or annoyed because Geno just knows he will be repeating questions again. Asking about how his homelife is going will also just be met with suspicion because of Geno’s stupid past mistakes. Same for his fellow knights, family or hobbies. But Geno can’t just talk about what he likes. All he really cares about for hobbies is magic and that is also part of the whole start of the mess.

Geno honestly wishes he could go back in time and punch himself in the face and shake himself. If he had just been just not such an ass! If he had just been a normal person to Dust. All Geno had had to do was be a decent person.

Reaper had asked him if Geno had been okay with Reaper liking Dust and trying to see if it could go anywhere. He had been honest about his attraction and starting affection. Had asked Geno if Geno was okay with it or if Geno preferred for them to remain exclusive and for Reaper to take more distance from the other. Geno had said he was fine with it.

Geno had felt very secure in how Reaper felt about him and about their relationship. Which is part of the reason why Geno had said sure to begin with. The other reason was much more selfish and jerkish. Geno had been curious and fascinated about Dust’s magic. He had felt that power and energy and almost static in it. Geno is unsure how it could be and had been morbidly curious about how it worked.

They both had known that Dust had had a thing for them. A crush maybe, Killer’s meddling had made it obvious.

Geno isn’t proud of the fact that he used those very feelings. Both from Dust and Reaper to enable him to unravel secrets and mysteries that weren’t Geno’s to learn. Of better said, force Dust to speak about.

It just got worse when Geno realised his own feelings had changed. When it was no longer just a simple curiosity but actual interest.

Geno is honestly happy Dust ended up stopping him. Made him back off…

The magic had felt hurt and distressed. So very hurt and panicked.

Geno had… He wasn’t even sure what his plan had been after that. He backed up and just felt worse when it turned out that Dust had also cut off any contact with Reaper. But Geno had been too prideful and too much of a coward to admit to Reaper what he had done.

At least until Error knocked it out of him that is. Or knocked some sense into him.

Dust hadn’t even wanted to look at him…

“Geno?”

Geno snaps out of it and glances up. Dust is looking at him, from behind that mask, while being turned towards him “Is this the correct path?”

Geno turns to the way pointers and quickly grabs the map Dust mentioned before. He checks their location and is quickly able to figure out where they should be. He checks the distance and nods “This is the right spot. We go north from here. We will come by a little settlement, it isn’t on any official map but it is the settlement everyone who goes on tours to the mountains goes by.” It should be calm really. With it being early spring and so the touring season hasn’t started yet.

Dust nods and turns the way they are going. Geno can swear that Opal is looking unimpressed at him before huffing and walking the way her rider directs her.

Basalt calmly follows and Geno grabs the saddle tighter as he shakes for a moment. Okay. Okay. He is still on the horse.

They trot on.

Geno makes sure to keep the map open and folded in a way to make is easier to figure out where they are. Best do the thing he can actually help with.

With horse they make very quick time and Geno watches as they reach the settlement very quickly. Geno glances at their map before looking at the settlement “We got here very quick.”

Dust hums as he makes their horses keep moving “Not a surprise. We went straight towards this area over following the roads. We cut back on travel time.” He glances at the obvious very close by mountains before looking at him “We best try to make a start with the climb before it is time to set up camp.”

Geno nods “Indeed.” He tries not to remember what their camp includes. Sharing. A tent. Don’t think about it. Don’t.

The follow the path and soon walk through the valley between the two mountains. Geno glances down to reassure himself he still knows this part before speaking “The path will soon curve towards the right. We want to go off path there and stay left. Otherwise we will end up on the wrong side of the ravine.”

Geno glances up as he speaks and sees Dust nod “Got it. Left it is.” He tugs very lightly on Opal’s reins and Opal looks up and around as she walks.

Geno can see the curve in the path in the distance and looks around for the small markings of the other hidden path.

Reaper told him that in the past many people tried to climb the mountains without guidance and got hurt badly. To stop this Reaper got some explorers together to actually map out the mountain and find some nice trail options for the people. It started small but grew with time and became a nice and healthy income for the country and a nice economy boost.

Opal stops for a moment before making another sharp turn and walking straight through the foliage. Basalt follows without a moment of hesitation and Geno had to keep the plants out of his face as he keeps a tight hold on both the map and saddle.

It is unpleasant but they get through it and the area opens up a bit more. There are still trees and uneven ground but it is better than before.

Dust glances around and looks back at him. Geno checks the map and nods “We just need to keep going North for a while longer. Try to go up where we can. It isn’t until we are be the ravine that we need to look for another path.”

Dust hums as he turns his skull to look at that sky. He tilts his skull for a moment before nodding as he faces forwards “We can still keep going for a little. Try to make it to this ravine at least.” and they set off again.

Geno smiles as they follow. Making sure to keep a phalange on the map to mark where they are.

But in the end he can’t help but look around. Even with spring not quite having started it is gorgeous in the mountains. Geno hadn’t visited them often, completely his own fault of course, and it was great to get to experience them again.

The partly frozen dirt but the tiny tiny patches of grass peeking through. The trees all look bare with only some traces of snow but those tiny dots of green to signal the leaves are returning.

He takes a deep breath and sighs happily. The crisp clean air. It very light scent of the many plants and flowers.

“You like the mountain?”

Geno blinks before laughing “Yeah I do. You wouldn’t think it with how rarely I visit but I love it here.” He needs to visit more often. Maybe after Fresh fully moved all his animals Geno can convince him to go on a trip with him? Geno would also invite Error but Error seems very against leaving Nightmare’s side.

“Too busy?”

Geno blinks before shaking his skull “Not exactly. It is more that I keep myself too busy to go.” he laughs “Reaper wanted me to explore and get the chance to tour them the moment I set foot on land here…” Geno really need to go more often “Reaper did take me on a skiing and snowboarding trip once. To help me relax.” He can’t help but look hopeful at Dust’s back “Maybe… Once this whole thing is over… You can go on a mountain tour? See the nice parts? I am sure Reaper will be happy to get the best people for it. For you and everyone else too!” Make it less personal. Don’t single him out again.

Dust shrugs “Maybe summer.”

Geno nods as he tries to think quickly “Summer is great to visit the mountains! There will be many wild flowers and animals. I think Reaper told me there are a few species that other kingdoms thought to be extinct that live here still!” think think come on what else “Not to forget the many mountain rivers and waterfalls! There are also the Three Lakes of course but those are a bit out of the way. But there are also smaller lakes all around that create beautiful little spots where you can camp!”

Dust is quiet for a bit and Geno worries he pushed too far again. He is pushing his luck all over again isn’t he? Why can’t he just be normal when Dust is near?

Dust gives a soft hum as he speaks “The others will like that.”

Okay! Not ruined quite yet. Geno grins as he leans forwards before having to quickly right himself. Right. On a horse. Focus Geno. Don’t fall on your face “Winter is also great. Have you even been skiing or snowboarding before?”

Dust snorts for some reason as he shakes his skull “Winter and I don’t mix.”

Geno pauses and tilts his skull slightly confused “I mean. That is what winter coats and stuff are for. Don’t worry. We would make sure you are ready for the mountain and everything.” Wait! “I mean like all of you with you. Not just you. I mean if you came alone you would also be taken care of.” Which is when Geno decides now is time to just keep his mouth shut for a bit. Why is it that the only charismatic skills he has is about manipulating people and lying and not about honest feelings and basic conversations?

Dust is quiet for a bit again before speaking “Will keep that in mind.”

No. Please don’t keep Geno’s terrible conversation skills in mind.

Geno is trying to think of a distraction and sadly his mouth continues to speak instead “Then again. It is fine if winter isn’t for you. Summer is great! The sun will be warm and high and that makes it easier to go to the highest peaks without freezing quickly. People like to try to climb to the highest top in the summer but that is a few months track. They often start mid spring or late spring for those. I personally never really went further than just the main path and a few smaller paths. But the flowers are nice! They are about any colour, shape and scent you can think of! My favourite of the bunch actually grows in the winter but it will still remain in the summer in a smaller form. It is real cool. One of the scientists explained that the flower doesn’t actually use insects to pollinate but instead these very tiny mice that travel around. I know, also a shock that those aren’t in like hibernation or anything. Apparently They have very thick coats and are light enough that they hardly leave indents in the snow. Making them perfect to actually travel in the winter when things are calm without getting attention from predators.” Oh please someone shut him up. “So these mice eat like decaying stuff as well but use the living flowers as shelter when the predators are near. Camouflage and everything. And the flowers themselves mask their scent. Which in turn makes the mice covered in their pollen which they move to the next flowers and new places.”

Geno finishes his speal and is horrified to realise just how long he kept talking about stupid flowers and some random mice of which he doesn’t even remember the name. Why can’t he just?! Be normal?!

Dust hums before looking to the side “I hear water.”

Geno blinks and quickly looks at the map “I… I think it is either the water in the ravine if we are still low. Or one of the many smaller rivers and small waterfalls if we are higher.” He looks around to see if he notices any marks for either option. Geno hadn’t been paying attention to if they were climbing up or not.

Dust nods as he seems to consider their options before looking at the sky again “We need to camp.”

Geno’s soul starts to speed up. Fuck why is he such a mess? He was never this much of a mess with Reaper. Maybe it was because Reaper just makes everything easy and okay? He makes it feel safe. This is so stupid why can’t he just… Ugh!

Basalt moves and Geno is quick to grab onto the saddle to stay stable. That was a close one.

They keep moving for a bit longer. Geno must admit he is starting to feel nervous when the forest area around them starts to darken. Even with Geno knowing that they both as skeletons would be fine with their eye lights it still makes him uneasy. He doesn’t like being unprepared. And walking through the forest as it slowly gets darker without them having a set plan on where to set up camp? It makes Geno uneasy.

Still he remains quiet as he lets Dust lead them. He isn’t going to be difficult about being uncomfortable or nervous. It is nothing compared to what he put the other through. And this isn’t even with any real reason. It is just Geno being a control freak and perfectionist.

It is okay. It is okay.

The light around them is slowly changing towards a yellowish orange as it gets later and later when Dust finally stops them. It doesn’t look any different from any of the other areas they walked through but it must have something special about it.

Dust jumps off Opal and walks towards the packs by Geno and Basalt. Geno watches as Dust calmly unclicks the tent and walks towards the side. Dust doesn’t even look up at him “I will set up the tent. Can you do the fire?”

Fire. Yes! He can do the fire! Geno grins and nods “Of course!” He swings his leg over the horse as he saw Dust do and steps down. His left foot touches the ground and he grins. Easy. He moves to take his right foot out of the saddle and unto the ground only to not be able to do so. And then he loses his balance.

Ugh. That hurt. He blinks open his sockets and sees Basalt look at him with a tilted head. Clearly unsure what to do with Geno. Geno looks at his leg and sees that his boot got stuck on the footpiece of the saddle. Which is why he couldn’t pull free and why he ended up losing his balance.

Great.

“Are you hurt?”

Double great!!

“Just my pride. And my clothes probably.”

Dust hums “Should be fine. No mud in this area.”

That explains why the ground is so hard. Even so Geno manages to twist his boot free as he pushes himself up. He dusts himself off and is relieved to see that Dust was right. Just some dirt. No mud and no rips. That is good.

Geno walks over to where Dust is setting up camp as he sits on the ground. Geno draws a circle in the sand before laying a simple rock in the middle of it. He concentrates and thinks about the nature of fire. The way it can be created with flint and steel. A spark of energy created by the simple rock and metal. With that in mind his magic sparks and a red flame appears, seemingly burning form the rock itself. Not burning anything around it and remaining in the circle he drew in the sand.

“Mh.”

Geno jumps and turns quickly. Only to find Dust right behind him. Holy shit he is quiet!

Dust ignores his jump “Why magic?”

Geno blinks. He turns back to his newly made campfire. He just wanted to show off but now feels self-conscious about it. He thinks for a moment before speaking “I mean… We are still trying to be stealthy right? This fire will function as a normal fire. Just not leave any traces or create smoke. And aside from the little light for our area it won’t be obvious from further away.” And he also really wanted to show off that he could do stuff after the horse disaster.

Dust tilts his skull before nodding “Fair enough.” He walks over towards the horses as he starts removing the packs from Basalt. He lays them by Geno’s side and Geno makes himself useful by unpacking a few of their rations. It is to make sure their mana stays filled up in case of emergency.

Geno lets the fire warm up their food as he watches Dust undo the saddles and laying those over some tree branches. He undoes the reins and grabs a brush to brush out the parts that had been covered with either the saddle or the head piece of the reins.

Geno frowns “Don’t they need to be tied to a tree or something?”

Dust shrugs “Some do. I prefer them free to run if needed.”

Geno frowns more “Aren’t you… scared something will scare them off?” and leave them horseless with all their camping gear and the long track ahead?

Dust shrugs again “Even if they do. They will return.” He finishes brushing the horses before walking towards the fire side and sitting not quite across from Geno but also not next to him.

Geno hands him his food and they eat in silence.

Geno keeps his focus on his food but it is gone rather quickly. Then he just remains close to the fire. Staring at the magical flame. Trying to not be weird or a creep by staring at the other.

Oh fuck he should have just had Reaper send another mage instead of him. He can’t do this.

Some movement to his side. Dust speaks up “We will need to get moving early tomorrow. As soon as it is light out. We best go to bed.”

Oh fuck he can’t do this.

Dust continues speaking “Can you turn off the fire? The light may attract something and the tent is insulated anyway.”

Geno nods “Sure. No problem.” He clicks his phalanges and the fire turns off. He takes his time getting up as he hears Dust disappear into their tent.

Their. Tent.

Fuck how will he be normal about this? He can’t.

He moves towards the tent and pauses by the open flap before pushing it aside.

Oh god their bedrolls are side by side and the tent is so small he has to crawl.

Dust is already rolled up in his. Seems like he only took off his boots but further sleeps with everything on. Okay. Just. Just do the same thing. Even if it will be a bit uncomfortable.

He undoes his shoes and gets into his bedroll. It is still a bit cold but Geno can hardly feel it. Not when he can feel the slight warmth from Dust beside him.

The tent is dark and silent as Geno just stares at the ceiling of it. Trying to ignore the fact that Dust is laying right next to him.

It is so quiet. Geno isn’t breathing and he is sure Dust isn’t either. There is a tension in the air and between them or maybe that is just Geno being hopeful? He isn’t sure anymore.

Geno isn’t even sure if he can sleep like this. He is too aware of the other and Dust being so close and fuck why wasn’t it like this with Reaper? Why was it so much easier with Reaper? Was it because he was focussing on Error being missing? Because he had been more focussed on the fact he was the king and Geno himself was his royal mage? Is it because he already messed everything up once and is terrified of ruining things again?

His mind keeps spiralling even as his sockets grow heavier and heavier.

--

“Geno.”

Mmmh. No… he doesn’t want to wake up… The air outside of his little cocoon of blankets is cold and he does not like the cold.

“Geno.”

Just a bit longer.

A nudge to his shoulder and Geno goes to give whatever servant is waking him the stink eye. Reaper always lets him sleep in and-

That is Dust. Looking annoyed and shit he isn’t wearing his mask yet even if he can spot it on top of his hood.

Geno stares and searching for the words “What?” Just end him.

Dust just looks neutral. Downright bored if Geno didn’t know that was just his neutral face. Dust speaks again “We need to go soon. Can you warm up food while I clean up camp?” and he waits.

Geno blinks before remembering his excuse of the day before “Right! Of course. Right away.” He searches for his boots and finds them quickly enough and oh stars he really did sleep in his travel gear.

Geno never truly cared about how he looks or how others see him. Before he just didn’t care and with time it just wasn’t important. It wasn’t until he started to live in Reaper’s castle in Sanctuary. That is when he started to notice people paying attention to him and being disapproving.

Again, at first he didn’t care. He didn’t give a fuck what some snobby rich person thought of him and still doesn’t. But he quickly realised that how he holds himself and how he looks effects how people see and think about Reaper so he started to take a bit better care of himself and his appearance.

He leaves the tent and goes to the same spot as the night before. It is still dark out but luckily Geno has reasonable good darksight. He holds his hands together and focusses on the nonburn fire he wants to summon again.

It is as easy as breathing and a moment later the fire is burning and shining before him. Glistering like perfect gems. Geno checks their packs and is happy to note that Dust already removed those from their tent which makes it possible for Geno to just grab the food and warm it up easily.

As it warms up Geno shoots some glances over his shoulder. Watching as Dust is already rolling up the tent again before walking over to the already saddled up horses. Seems like Dust had already been awake for a while.

Geno frowns as he looks at the fire “You were awake for a while already?”

Dust pauses his movements before he continues “Not for long.” He tightens the rope around the packs on the saddle.

Geno frowns as he gets the food ready to eat before undoing his fire spell “Still… I know I… haven’t been the best person.” Which is putting it mildly “And I know stuff isn’t just forgiven. But while out here I want to help. We are on this mission together after all…”

Dust turns to stare at him. His face unreadable. Geno misses when Dust at least allowed him to see something beyond his careful neutral face. Dust turns back to the horses “Don’t mind.” and he puts the reins over Opal’s head and Opal shakes his head. Dust messes with his hood and mask and the mask is on his face “Ready?”

Geno nods before actually answering “Yeah. Food is heated.” He hands Dust his warmed food before looking with dread at Basalt. Basalt at least is nice enough to stand still as Geno struggles on top of the horse.

Getting on the horse on equal ground with two free hands it one thing, trying to climb on top of one in the forest on top of a mountain with food in one hand is a whole other situation. Geno ends up managing it and didn’t even need to use magic to aid him.

Geno looks up to see Dust already on Opal’s back. The place that had been their camp is cleaned of any traces of their stay. Dust turns Opal around and the two of them set off again.

It is still very early. Dawn only just broke and there is only the very starts of sunlight making it easier to see.

They follow up the winding path up the mountain. Geno nibbles the food and knows he is pulling a face. The heat made the food a bit better but it are still rations.

Geno glances at Dust and notices he is already done eating “You like rations?”

Dust tilts his skull and shrugs “Not the best but not the worst. Healthy.”

Right. He is used to missions and having to eat rations on the go “That is fair… Must admit that ever since I moved to Sanctuary I have been enjoying the food.” He sighs “The fish is fucking amazing. Then again it is the country’s export.” He nibbles on his food “Orchard was all about like… grains and stuff right?”

Dust shrugs as he mutters “Mostly for cattle. Used to be a lot about meat. When Nightmare took over the country switched to fruits and orchards. Now it is mostly fruits and stuff like it.”

Geno gives a slow nod “Right… the weather and climate changed after Nightmare took over right? None of those weather rituals.” The rituals that country used to do fascinated Geno endlessly. The strange way they used magic to do stuff and make large changes. Larger than most simple or complex spells should be capable of. Permanent drought is very intense and very hard as it forces the unguided and wild being of nature itself to bend to it. Things that are alive are always harder to work with magically. It is why Geno prefers the more direct and unchanging nature of rocks and gems.

Dust shrugs “Nightmare doesn’t like the rituals.”

Geno nods “I get it.” blood magic and sacrifice magics are always disliked. Fascinating but very harmful ways to practise magic. Though both are very strong and have many ways to even alter reality. Necromancy is a close one after those two but not quite on the same level of power. Necromancers just have the worst rep and bad PR.

They walk in silence as Geno looks around the area. It has been so long since he was last up here, he really needs to visit it more often.

The horses stop and Geno looks forwards only to freeze. Because that is a much larger and wild river than it should be.

Dust tilts his skull slightly “Did we make a wrong turn?”

Geno shakes his skull as he double checks their map “We shouldn’t have. I checked as we walked we are right where I thought we should be…” he frowns as he focusses on the map “There should just be a small river here with only a few stepping stones to get past it. Not this large and very much not this wild.”

Dust hums as he keeps looking at the river “Other way?”

Geno frowns “There is another path… but that means we have to go back to the main path and move to the other side of the ravine and follow it along until we find a way further down and back up on another side of this mountain. Instead of going west we would need to go much further up north before climbing the mountain up into the south west side you know?” he follows the map with his phalanges as he checks the routes.

Dust hums “Over the river it is.” Only for him to get off the horse and pet Opal before nudging her. And Opal just jumps over the river before looking back smugly.

Geno stares with his mouth open.

Dust walks over to him and Basalt and stops by the side “Scoot.”

Wait what?!

Geno blinks “What?” his voice sounds much higher than it should be.

Dust tilts his skull “Scoot. A bit back.”

Geno gives a slow nod as he moves a bit back. Dust then just jumps up and over the side and oh god he is right in front of him and where does Geno leave his hands.

Dust gets the reins in his hands and shoots him a look over his shoulder “Hold on.”

Where?!

Dust nudges the horse and Basalt starts to move and Geno holds unto around his waist. Especially when Dust makes Basalt speed up.

Geno tries to focus on just holding on and not on the fact of how warm Dust feels. He is thankful that Dust is wearing armour and leather as that makes it impossible to really feel the other and-

Oh shit they are jumping.

Geno holds on tightly and plasters himself against Dust’s back.

A moment later Basalt lands on the other side of the river and comes to a slow stop.

Dust hums “Up and over.”

Geno is not letting go as his whole body is tense “How did you know he would be able to make it? Why not jump over with Opal?”

Dust hums “Opal can jump alone…” and he shoots him a look.

Right, and Geno can’t. Great.

Shit he is still holding the other and following the barely there curve of his body and- Geno lets go and tries to scoot backwards. Trying to keep his emotions and magic calm when he starts to slide to the side. Dust quickly grabs his arms and tugs him back fully on Basalt as he himself gets off easily.

Geno can just fucking die. This fucking sucks. He is making stupid mistake after mistake and making blunder after blunder.

Dust doesn’t seem bothered as he is already walking over towards Opal and jumps on her back.

Geno frowns as he stares down. Not even sure what to say at this point. Sorry he is a mess? Both with anything horse related and Dust related? Geno is probably making this so much harder than it needs to be.

Geno glances back at the river and mutters “How did you know that Basalt could carry both of us and jump over?”

Dust answers easily “Is Horror’s horse. He is strong.”

Geno blinks and looks at the massive and muscled horse he is riding. Wow. That would explain as Horror is a big guy and carries large weapons. Geno looks up “And that is why you picked Basalt?”

Dust nods “Also easy to lead. I always lead Basalt.”

Geno frowns “Always? What if Horror is riding it?”

Dust sounds amused as he speaks “Horror can’t ride a horse. Worse than you.”

Geno blinks confused. Seriously? Horror is… worse somehow? Geno speaks up without thinking “I almost fell like three times already…”

Dust nods “Better than Horror. Basalt good at balance for a reason.”

Geno looks at Basalt and sees how the saddle he is on has many spots to grab on. Same for the reins now that he truly studies it. Horror having difficulty riding a horse… It would make sense to train a horse to be easy to ride for guests as they listen to someone else. Geno had notices that Basalt didn’t as much look around but just watches Opal and Dust.

Geno also only now realises that Dust messed with the reins and probably put them on like the lead setting over just for Geno to hold onto to balance. He only got them ready to lead the horse when Dust was the one riding it.

He…

Oh.

Huh.

Geno can’t help but smile a bit as his soul does a little flutter “Thanks… I appreciate it…”

A long silence follows that and that is okay. Geno doesn’t truly expect an answer.

“No problem… shared mission.” Dust’s answer is quiet.

Geno grins wider as he can’t help but get the feeling that Dust is being shy. He used to be shy a lot and Geno finds it adorable all over again. Even before his interest changed from just fascination in his magic to feelings for him he always found the other cute. Which probably says  a lot about him that he found a murderer and ex-smuggler and ex-crimelord adorable but Geno is just going to not bother thinking about that specifically.

They don’t come across any other rivers as they walk along the path around the mountain. They talk a bit more about the plan. Which is finding one of the lower mine entrances and entering through those before systematically searching the mine.

Which will be the most time costly part of the mission. As the mines are complex with many tunnels. Geno got the copies of the last made maps but they may not match up perfectly anymore as the mine system is older.

They get in a rhythm after that. They travel throughout the day and when dusk starts Dust sets up camp as Geno keeps an eye on the food rations and the path they must take.

They don’t come across any rough rivers again as they move along the mountain steadily. Geno is only a little sad about it but he keeps his mouth shut. He will just have to be thankful for the chance he got to be that close to the other.

It takes them a total of three days but they finally spot it in the distance. A quarry with a large landmarker that they used to mine, mostly for granite. As they needed that for the construction of the new cities. Geno is pretty sure some of the originally made buildings are still in the capital standing tall and strong. The mine and quarry both just got too unstable to continue to mining operations safely and Reaper had to discontinue the work at this location.

Dust looks around the area “Large mine…”

Geno looks over and nods “It is the oldest and largest in the country.” Which is also why there was a lot of pushback when Reaper closed it for safety reasons.

Geno knows that Reaper took the time to search for a new place to start mining to make sure that the many people working at this location didn’t lose their jobs. Reaper had spent a long time looking for a new location and as the people had to wait Reaper used money form the treasury to make sure no one lost their income.

Geno honestly wonders how some people could say that Reaper was a bad king.

Dust nods as he looks around. Geno wishes he could see his face to figure out what he feels or thinks. Now Geno just as to wait for Dust to speak, which he doesn’t do a lot. Guy is shy and quiet.

Dust turns to him “Where is the entrance?”

Geno frowns “I mean. It should be right there.” He turns and points only to blink. Why is it collapsed?!

Dust hums “By your face. It should be open.” He gets off of Opal and walks over to the opening into the mountain. He looks at the wood and the many many rocks filling up the opening.

Dust speaks up “Wood is cut through. Support beam and all. No marks of a natural rockslide.”

Geno frowns “Sabotage…” That is rough “Well… Good news, we found the mine they are located in.”

Dust hums “Bad news… Entrance is a no.” Dust looks at the entrance before looking back at Geno “Blast open?”

Geno frowns and shakes his skull “Can’t risk it. As I said before, the mine is instable and may collapse. Not to forget the mountain is at high risk of avalanches.”

Dust continues to looks at him “Alternative?”

Geno checks the map and nods “There are more entrances all over the mountain. They are just harder to reach.” He points at some of the minecart rails going out and around the mountain “Helps with the many carts. Most of the mountain is full of tunnels.”

Dust nods and walks back to Opal as he gets on “Where to?”

Geno looks at their map “A bit down again and then we need to follow a narrow path to get to the trail leading to the next possible entrance.”

Dust nods as he turns their horses back to the entrance of the quarry. “Okay.” and they are off again.

Geno directs them back the way they came before getting to the thin ledge they carefully walk over. Dust only asks him how long the track will be once, which Geno answers with it should be about half a day.

Geno just hopes that this one is actually open for them to use.

They follow the path and by the time the sun is starting to set they come to the second entrance, one near a river which leads all the way down the mountain.

Dust stops them and stares ahead. Geno follows his line of sight and- “Those motherfuckers.”

The second entrance is also locked off.

Dust nods “Apparently.” And he jumps off his horse.

Geno blinks “What are you doing?”

Dust doesn’t answer out loud instead he gets the pack for the tent. Geno nods “Fair enough. Camping time.” He gets off Basalt and he is proud that he hasn’t fallen while getting off the horse since day one.

Geno goes about his usual routine to get the fire going and to warm their food as Dust is quick about the tent and the horses. It is nice at this point. Both doing their thing in silence. Geno hands Dust his food before going into the tent to sleep, having set a timer on the magical fire for an hour.

Geno sighs as he gets comfortable in the bedroll. Ready to sleep as he is now much warmer in it. Honestly the magic woven into the bedroll is amazing. He will need to figure out how to do this. Maybe add it to Reaper’s weighted blanket. Reaper gets cold easily and the added warmth to his comfort blanket will be great.

His mind is already slowing down with sleep when he hears very soft shuffles. That is good. That is Dust then. Getting some sleep as well.

Geno lets out another yawn before he lets sleep claim him.

--

The plans ends up being to keep going up the winding paths up the mountain. Which is a rather high risk at the moment as they mountain is traitorous this time of spring. But Geno figures at this point that none of the entrances will be open.

Which leaves them going with the path going straight to the highest one instead of going one up at the time.

Geno grumbles as he has to hold on tightly to the saddle “Why did those idiots even lock everything up? Don’t they need stuff?”

Dust hums “Nah. Only times they go out is when they smuggle and trade. Otherwise lock away and preparing for next trade session.”

Geno blinks as he looks at the back of Dust “Really? How do you know that?”

Dust just shoots him a look over his shoulder. Geno is still unsure how Dust can be this expressive while still wearing his mask and not showing his face. Maybe Geno is just good at figuring out Dust at this point?

He likes that idea…

Dust shakes his skull but Geno thinks he heard a small snort before Dust answers “Used to smuggle. And do crimes. Never messed with drugs however. Too high risk.”

Right… Geno knew that. Because Reaper did a background check on all the Knights before he went to even speak with Nightmare about searching his country for Error. Years and years ago.

Geno can’t help but be intrigued “What was that like? I used to spend a lot of time on the streets but never spend much time in the black markets…” Too much risk for a kid with no adults to protect them. Children got abducted from the streets very often at his old home.

Dust is silent for a bit and Geno looks to the side “Sorry… pushy again?” Why can’t he just…

Dust shakes his skull “Not pushy… surprised…” he seems to think for a while “It was easy money.” And he leaves it at that.

Huh. Well. Geno gets it. Which he makes sure to mention. Dust shoots him another look and Geno shrugs “I used to be young before. No one would hire a child for a normal job and I only had so much time with full time school to actually get money. Shadier business gives better payout.”

Dust keeps looking at him before giving a short nod.

Geno smiles as he relaxes a bit. He thinks it is going well. Maybe Reaper was right. And he just needed to start some conversations and try to be calm and mindful of the boundaries Dust sets.

Geno at this point is honestly just enjoying the track. It is relaxing to be out in the open air. Conversations are going well. They got their little routine going and Geno has managed to get the other to at least let out a few amused snorts and gotten him to look back at him. Geno thinks it is going very well!

By the fifth day Geno is almost disappointed to see the mineshafts in the distance. Meaning that his time with Dust is starting to come to an end.

Dust hums as he looks at Geno. Geno forces a smile to his face and nods “That is the one.” Dust nods and leads their horses closer to the entrance before he pauses.

Geno frowns “Something wrong?”

Dust looks back at him before looking at Opal “Don’t want them to be hurt.”

Geno blinks as he looks at the horses “I mean… We don’t have to bring them all the way up there. We can leave them at a lower spot? Out of view and free to run if need be?” Geno doubts that of course. As Geno has no doubt that Dust and him will be able to take care of those drug dealers easily.

Dust seems to relax and nods. Then he directs the horses a bit closer to start the final climb.

They get to a small patch of trees a bit away from the last entrance. Dust gets off and gets to work on making sure the saddle and reins aren’t ready to be used to ride Opal. Geno gets off himself and Dust does the same with Basalt. He spends some time to check both horses before nudging them deeper into the hiding place. Opal looks very unamused as she tries to walk back over to Dust. Dust clicks his teeth and makes a motion with his hand. Opal huffs and snorts before holding her head high as she trots into the forest.

Geno crosses his arms “Can’t believe I am saying this but that horse is a diva.”

Dust just nods and shrugs as Geno laughs. They walk towards the mine entrance and Geno frowns. It is so quiet here… It gives him the creeps. Dust starts to walk slower and slower and Geno can see him glancing around.

Geno gets to the entrance when a hand grabs his shoulder and tugs lightly. Geno looks back at Dust. Dust just shakes his skull as he continues to stare at the entrance.

Geno frowns “I know it feels… off. But it is the only entrance that is still open.” Geno makes sure to keep his voice low and just above a whisper. They are still being stealthy after all.

Dust frowns before pointing towards one of the higher up rail systems for carts. That disappear into the mountain.

Geno frowns “We can just use this entrance.”

Dust points to himself and then to the new entrance he found. Then points at Geno and waits. Geno just points towards the entrance they are in front of. Dust sighs but nods. Then he turns and starts climbing the wall to reach the new entrance he found. And he disappears inside.

Okay.

Geno casts a simple light spell before going into the mine.

It is old and deserted. There is dust and dirt everywhere. Geno uses his little ball of light to shine out and get a feeling for the distance. The ground is uneven and the walls are all cut out roughly. The tunnel leads onwards with a small decline to it.

Geno follows it. As he walks he keeps looking around him and back. Having the feeling he is being watched.

Geno tries to remember the layout of the mine he studied. He never really studied the upper parts beyond the basics. If he remembers correctly it will open up to a larger area soon. The centre of the upper part where all the mined goods were collected and counted and noted down.

He feels a shiver go up his spine as he feels magic right behind him. He doesn’t think as he turns and makes the ball of light explode into a flash. A groan of someone else and Geno rushes deeper into the mine. Now running with just his natural nightvision to guide him.

Geno continues to run deeper into the mine as the footfall starts to follow him. Shit shit shit.

Dust was so right he should have gone with him. Why the hell did Geno think he knew this kinda stuff better than Dust who had actual experience with missions like this?!

Geno goes to turn a corner but feels the magic charge up and quickly dives to the side to dodge the incoming blast. Purple fire magic?

Before he can get up and continue running hands grab his shoulders and he feels something click around his neck.

“Stand up and stand still.”

His body moves without his permission as it follows the order. Shit. The slave collar. Shit shit shit shit shit.

Geno tries to force his body or magic to move and act but neither seem to be able to. He is forced to watch someone walk out of the shadows of one of the many tunnels. Human by the looks of it. A badly kept beard and very pale and thin skin. Large marks of too little sleep under those eyes. But the eyes are focussed and there is a grin on his face.

The man smirks “Well if this isn’t a treat! I know my people said I had guests wandering the mountain but I never expected it to be the royal mage himself!” he grins as he puts an arm around Geno’s shoulders.

Geno glares and tries to speak but his body just won’t move. Get your filthy limbs away from him.

The man smirks “I am Rover. The head and brains behind this operation. Come come! I will show you the whole place and give you a tour!” he looks downright excited as he moves.

Geno can’t stop his body from moving after the man. Following the order he had been given.

As soon as Geno can he is burning this man to a crisp. Serves him right for trying to control Geno.

Geno can’t even study the people behind him as he can barely move his eye lights as it is. He is stuck following Rover as Rover has a bounce in his step. Fucking freak.

They exit the tunnel into a large open space and this is the main operations of this mining outcrop he had been looking for. As expected it is the place to be. The elevators are operational as they carry boxes up and down into a lower area or up to the small office building near the top. People are walking around closing crates.

There is this strange machine that some people put some kind of powder in. At the bottom these tiny crystal shaped rocks tumble out. That is it. That is the drugs that are at large in the city.

But it isn’t just one large machine. Geno can already see seven of them all working.

Rover grins “Beautiful isn’t it? The small doses we distributed was just the test. Knowing that the drugs are as well received as they are means we can expand! It is a matter of time before everyone wants a bit of my supply!” he walks towards one of the machines and sticks his hand into a crate that is being filled up. He shows the handful off as if he is holding something precious instead of something deadly and dangerous.

Rover grins “Especially now.” he chuckles “The royal mage liking this stuff? That will boost sales so high. Especially as you will make sure the king doesn’t try to stop it anymore.”

Geno glares as he tries to make it obvious he will ever much not do that.

Rover grins “It is okay. You will just need a tiny taste test.” He drops most of it before walking over with one single piece.

Geno tries to pull free from the control keeping his body locked. He tries to blast the other. But nothing. He can’t even mentally activate one of his many crystals. All ready with potent magic to protect him.

Nothing he can do.

He slowly feels his fear increase. He has no idea how his magic and soul will react to the drug. His soul isn’t a full soul after all. Just a shard of one. Geno has a lot of magic already that his soul shard overproduces. He has no idea what will happen if he has to take this and his soul is pushed even further.

Rover holds out his hand “Take thi-AAAAH!” A knife hits his arm.

Geno feels a bit of relieve as the order doesn’t take effect. A dark shadow lands behind some of the people guarding Rover and Geno can see a sharp bone attack impale one of the guards with a crack of electricity.

The guard drops down. Rover turns and Geno can see him look panicked as he whispers “A Knight.”

Right. Rover is originally from Orchard. He would know the full meaning of the masks. Rover looks around panicked as Geno just watches Dust take out guard after guard. Moving fluent and with a grace he hadn’t had had the pleasure of seeing since that one fated training session.

Rover takes a few steps back and yells out “Hold an explosion spell to your own skull!! If he continues to attack you will shoot it!”

Geno feels his soul freeze as his magic starts to unwillingly form the spell. His arm aims at his skull and he can feel the energy behind the magic. He feels the unwillingness of his magic as he has to aim it at his own being. Dust freezes.

Rover pants as he looks around “Okay. Okay. Much better don’t we all agree?” He glares at some people “Get another collar. Now!”

One guard shakes “Boss we don’t… we don’t have more ready. We didn’t have the magical chips prepared to make more.”

Rover pants as he looks around “Then get the magic dampers!” He glares as he looks frantic “What a big show. Since when does the king of Orchard care about other countries?”

Dust just stares from behind his mask. Unbothered.

Rover glares “What?! Not going to speak?”

Dust doesn’t say a word again.

The guards rush back with some magic dampers. Rover considers it as he looks between Geno and Dust. Clearly thinking.

Rover points to Dust “Hands and arms out. Or the king of Sanctuary will have to look for a new royal mage!”

Dust frowns but gives a slow nod as he holds out his arms. Rover snaps his fingers and points at the guard holding the dampers before pointing at Dust.

No. No don’t do that.

The guard puts two dampers on Dust.

Rover sighs and grins “There isn’t that better?” he looks at Geno “Dispel that attack.” Geno’s magic does as told and Geno wants to spit in Rover’s face. Rover grins as he swagger walks over to Dust. He boldly removes the mask which he holds up proudly.

One of the guards looks nervous “Boss. Euh… You shouldn’t… the masks… The masks are important and…”

Rover shoots the guard a look “Yes I know. But I think I am owned it. After all! I outsmarted the Knight and the royal mage!”

Geno watches as Dust glares at Rover. Bloody murder so clear in those mismatched eyes. Geno feels so guilty. He should have just trusted Dust’s instincts and snuck in with him through the other entrance that he found. Why did Geno have to be stubborn? He thought he would have been able to handle this easily with his magic.

Dust snorts “Debatable.” Rover glares at him but Dust isn’t even looking at Rover anymore. He is just looking around the area. Looking bored and unimpressed. Like he has somewhere much more important to be.

Rover sputters and glares “I caught you both! I have this set up! I am on my way to be the greatest and most influential person in the world!”

Dust snorts “Country I guess… and for druggies…” and he shrugs again.

Rover glares and points at Geno “With the most powerful mage under my control it is a matter of time before I have all I deserve!”

Dust raises a brow. Glances at Geno. Then back at Rover. And shrugs again “Not as powerful as my king.”

Rover freezes for a moment as he worries the crate he is next to. Frown on his face “These drugs will get me people. Get me forces. I will be able to take all I want. Even… even Nim’s son won’t stand a chance against me.”

Geno never understood why they wouldn’t say Nightmare’s name.

Dust tilts his skull and has an unimpressed look on his face “You don’t even dare mutter his name. Why do you think you are strong enough to defeat someone with the power of a god?”

Geno frowns before connecting the dots. This man doesn’t know that Nightmare lost those powers already. Dust is counting on the fact that Rover has been out of the loop on the gossip inside of Orchard. Especially because the news that Nightmare is no longer powered by that ritual never left the inner circles until a little while ago.

Dust is counting on this man’s ignorance.

Rover shakes his skull “I will have more people. People who can end him.”

Dust tilts his skull “Only reason you caught me is because I let you.”

Rover freezes as he worries the crate. His eyes shooting between Geno and Dust. Then he gets a grin. He points to some man and snaps his fingers “Get the blockers on the mage.”

Geno blinks but soon he feels his magic be locked off. Rover than points to some guards and to Dust “Keep. Him. Still.” And he undoes the slave collar from Geno’s neck.

Geno feels his ability to move return and the first thing he does before he can even feel beyond the numb feeling is hit Rover right in his stupid ugly mug. Rover groans but guards grab Geno and hold him still as Rover rushes to Dust. And puts the collar on him.

Geno feels himself freeze as Dust just takes a deep breath. Now wearing two blockers and the collar.

Rover grins “There! Much better! Now! With you under my comment I will be unstoppable! Those fellow Knights of yours won’t want to attack you! Surely!”

Dust just stares ahead. Not a single emotion on his face. Rover turns to him and shudders as he looks around for a moment before looking back “Shit that is unnerving. Hey! Speak!”

Geno can spot it. The way that the corner of Dust’s mouth twitches slightly. Almost as if he would be grinning or smirking if he let himself. Instead Dust remains looking neutral as he stares at Rover “You don’t even know what I can do.”

Rover frowns as he worries the crate. Then he points to Dust and speaks “Do a spell and don’t aim it at any of us!”

Dust’s sockets and eye lights look so fucking amused. Geno can feel the static grow and grow and next thing that Geno knows there is a large blast of lightning originating from Dust that blasts outwards. Rover and the guards rush and dodge where they can.

Geno sees the fried circuits of the magic dampers and the slave collar drop to the ground when a hand grabs his hand and pulls him free from the guards who fell back with shock.

Dust and him are running into one of the many tunnels and Geno is trying to get the blocker off but he can’t.

Dust stops them in a tunnel and takes one of his hands “Can’t unlock yourself. It has fail safes.” He studies the bracelet and Geno can’t help but just stare at Dust. Dust must have known. Dust must have known from the start that his magic would be powerful enough to fry all of them at once.

Geno hadn’t know that Dust knows lightning spells! Those are hard to master and very powerful! That is insane to just have as a go to spell.

Geno focusses “On my hip is a knife. It should be able to cut through anything.” Dust doesn’t even check as his hand reaches the spot and finds the army knife Geno took along just in case.

A cut later and one of the blockers falls of. Geno feels his magic return to him and smiles. Dust gets to work on the match of it when they hear running. Which makes them both start to run again.

Geno follows after Dust as they get to a large cavern with an even larger drop. They run across the creaking and instable pathways as Dust glares “Why?”

Geno pants as he runs “I told you! This place is almost fully hollowed out. It is why it was closed! It is instable!”

They get to the end of the pathway only to find it a dead-end. Dust gets ready to turn only to see more of those people coming.

They spot a ledge by the cavern wall and Dust jumps from the pathway to the edge of it. He manages to land and Geno feels his nerves get even worse. What does he do? He can’t do that?

Dust turns to him and holds out a hand. Oh no. Geno looks back and sees the other people coming. He slowly climbs over the railing, having a dead grip on it still as he glances down. It is so dark and deep down there. Dropping in there would be his end. Easily.

Dust snaps his fingers and Geno looks up. Dust holds out a hand and looks calm. Everything about him says it clearly. He will catch him.

He will catch him.

He will catch him.

Geno lets go of the railing and sets off hard. His hand finds Dust’s and Dust pulls him right against the wall. Geno’s soul is pulsing wildly as he stands there. Dust tugs on his hand and starts shuffling along the ledge, away from those following them. Geno follows him even as he is starting to feel sick.

Geno never thought he had a fear of heights before but this feels different.

They are moving along the edge when Rover and his people start shooting at them. The ledge they stand on starts to crumble and suddenly they are both falling. Dust manages to grab unto the ledge with his hand and Geno can feel that Dust has a very tight grip on his hand.

Geno can see the pained look on Dust’s face and Geno is reminded of Dust’s weaker shoulder. Shit… this can’t be good for him.

They hang there and Geno can see Rover getting his guards and people to aim their magical attacks at them.

Geno looks down and the movement causes some of his crystals to be visible.

His crystals.

Oh duh!

He looks up at Dust “Dust! You need to let go!”

Dust looks at him like he is an idiot. Geno grins back “Let go of the ledge! We will be fine!” Dust is clearly unsure and Geno is trying to figure out how to explain it to him. But then… Dust lets go of the ledge.

There is no time to consider what exactly that means as suddenly they are falling.

They are falling and panic starts to fill him.

Geno pulls on Dust to make him closer and Geno pretty much warps as much around Dust as he can. Next he searches for the right crystal.

Please please please- There!

Geno grabs it and tugs it free from his hat.

He holds the crystal against both of them and prays it works as he focusses on the magic.

He feels it and tugs on it. The crystal turns to dust and Geno can feel himself, and Dust thank everything, start to slow in their descent.

They fall slowly in silence and darkness before they land on the ground without as much as a scratch.

They sit on the ground for a moment. Both breathing harshly as Geno lets the adrenaline slowly drain from his body.

That is when Geno suddenly becomes painfully aware that he is still holding unto Dust tightly and that they are pretty much in each other’s laps! Geno quickly pulls away from the other and makes room. Dust however isn’t looking at him at all as he keeps his hood pulled tightly over his face.

Dust gets up first, still not looking at him, as he rubs and rotates his fragile shoulder.

Geno frowns before getting up “Hey… It is totally okay if you don’t want to but… I do have healing magic?”

Dust is silent for a bit. He glances up for a moment before nodding “Fine.”

Geno smiles as he takes a seat. He thinks about using the crystals but decides this is better to do himself.

Dust sits before him and pauses his movements for a moment. But then he undoes his outer armour and puts it aside. Next he removes his hood from his being and Geno sees even more inner armour under the hood with an undershirt under that.

Dust removes the inner armour and frees only his hurt shoulder from the undershirt.

Geno can’t help but stare at the bones. Because he can see very tiny specks of grey on the white bones. But that can’t be what he thinks it is right? Because that is what happens to skeletons when they start dusting. Their bones turn a grey before falling apart in dust particles. Geno wants to touch those spots but he stops himself. Don’t be weird. Don’t be pushy. He hovers his hand above the shoulder and concentrates. Trying to feel what the injury is and what it needs.

Geno can feel the dull ache in his own shoulder. It seems like he overstretched the joints and that it had too much weight put on it. Geno can also feel it. The way the mana lines deep and hidden in the other still has tiny breaks in them. This must be why his shoulder is still hurt after that hit from Horror from a year ago at this point.

Geno stops himself from just pushing healing into those areas as he speaks “Your joints are overstretched and too much pressure was put on them as well. It is easy to heal… I… I also noticed that your mana lines have tiny cracks in them. I think this is what is causing you your weaker shoulder now… I can try to heal it a bit as well…” Only if he is okay with it.

Dust thinks it over before giving a short nod.

Geno feels excitement fill him as he concentrates on his magic. Help him. Heal him. Just make him feel better. Geno wants to be able to help him and make him feel better. Anything.

The soft ache he had been feeling in his own shoulder disappears with each tiny bit of magic he pushes into the old and new wounds. Dust’s shoulder easily accepts the magic. Even as Geno can feel static from Dust’s own magic. Clearly not as okay with this intruding magic as Dust’s body is.

Geno makes sure that his own magic remains calm. He just wants to help. That is all he wants. Please just let him.

The magic doesn’t cast him out luckily and the healing is finished much quicker than he thought it would. Geno pulls his hands back as he catches his breath “There… all done.” Casting spells on the fly always takes more energy than the carefully planned and crafted spells he has.

Dust rolls his shoulder and frowns as he touches it for a moment. He glances at him before quickly getting dressed again. Geno can’t help but feel anxious “Is something wrong?” he thought he had it all now. He thought he healed the other.

Dust pauses and mutters “Feels good…” and he tugs the hood on tighter, his hand reaching towards the spot he normally leaves his mask before frowning even more.

Geno grins and nudges their shoulders together “It is okay. We will get it back and show Rover he was a fucking idiot…” Talking about idiot “I am sorry… I should have listened before when you said we shouldn’t go through the main entrance… I got overconfident.” He messed up.

Dust shoots him a look and shrugs “Easy fix.” He sighs as he looks up “Don’t look forwards to the climb.”

Geno actually starts to smile as he holds up one of his crystals “Oh don’t worry. I got just the spell for that.” Dust looks intrigued at the crystal.

Geno searches the place before spotting an empty mine cart. That will do nicely. He jumps into it and looks at Dust, Dust tilts his skull but follows his lead.

Geno makes sure it isn’t stuck before he grabs the crystal that he has charged with levitation magic. He holds it near the cart and concentrates. The magic needs to be transferred to the holding place of the crystal into the cart itself. He imagines that the cart is magnetically charged and that this one matches the one around it. To make sure that the same pools push each other away.

The crystal falls apart and-

The cart rocks as it slowly starts to float. Dust remains very still as he holds unto the cart tightly. Geno grins as he looks up “Up we go!”

It is kind of like an elevator. They rise slowly up as they sit in silence. Geno sighs as he leans against the cart “What do we do?”

Dust hums as he keeps a tight hold on the cart. Clearly uncomfortable with this way of transportation. Geno blinks and gives him a softer smile “It is okay. The magic will make sure it remains stable and not swing or anything. We will be up in no time.” Dust shrugs as he keeps looking up.

Geno feels a bit bad for taking him on this ride without a warning. Geno sighs as he looks up. What do they do…

Dust speaks softly “We need to stop the production…”

Geno nods as the original plan returns “We need to stop the machines. I can stop them easily enough but the problem is Rover and his man.”

Dust shrugs “I can deal with them.” he frowns as he glances at Geno “But fighting and keeping an eye on you is… harder.”

Geno rolls his eyes. He doesn’t take it personally. “I know I know I am not a fighter. It is fine. I have a crystal to make a shield but I need time to set it up.”

Dust nods “Hiding place for you. I go in and end them. Then you lock up stuff.”

Geno laughs “Sounds a lot easier than it will probably be.” Dust doesn’t look bothered.

They get all the way back to the pathways they were on before and Geno is happy to note they see no one. Dust points further up “We can hide you there. Easy to get around.”

Geno nods and makes the cart fly even higher. They get to an upper cart rail and Dust gets out first. Geno goes after and parks the cart sideways. Just to make sure it doesn’t fall off.

Dust leads him through the upper rail system. They very quickly get back to the main area where they see Rover screaming at some of his workers. About them having to go down to make sure Geno and Dust are actually dead. The workers however clearly don’t want to as they quote the fact the whole area is unstable. Rover reminds them that he will end them if they don’t go. So they can pick taking their chances in the mines or take the certain end by Rover’s hands.

Dust hums as they watch “He is sampling his own produce.”

Geno nods “He is overcharged and his soul will implode soon enough if he keeps using it.”

Dust nods his agreement “Someone else would just take over. Best clean out the whole nest.” And he readies a sharp bone in his hand. He glances at Geno “Shield?”

Geno nods and holds up his needed crystal “Ready.” Dust gives him some space to work with and Geno has the shield up very quickly.

Dust nods before just jumping down and landing right on top of Rover who he stabs right through the chest without a second hesitation. Dust grabs his mask and puts it back on his face. The other stare in shock which Dust uses to attack.

Geno should probably be doing something other than just staring but can you blame him? Dust moves with a grace and confidence that rivals professional dancers. Dust is so comfortable and familiar with himself and his skills that he moves between the forces as if it is nothing.

It is not even a fight. It is a slaughter. A beautiful slaughter.

Dust finishes the last one and moves all the bodies into the same area before looking up at Geno. Geno grins as he undoes his shield “No worries. I got this.” some slow falling and he is on the ground without as much as a scratch.

Dust nods before looking at all the drugs and chemicals. Geno grins “Time to put everything in a crystal. Can you help me move everything into that tunnel start?” he points to one that hasn’t been dug out far yet “I will use that as the vault for now. Until we can send people up here to properly dispose of everything.”

Dust nods and the two of them set to work on moving everything into the tunnel. Aside from paperwork. All the paperwork Geno can find he puts on his person to get back to Reaper as proof.

It takes a long time to get everything to the right spot. Geno sits near the materials and machinery and can’t help but stare in wonder “This is so strange! These machines take the magic from found items and push it into smaller sugar cubes which gain those strange forms as the magic settles!” Geno can’t help but grin. “It is fascinating. So fascinating. I never even thought about taking the magical energy of non-edible stuff and binding it to sugar of all things!” The way the machine pulls the magic out, just leaving the empty husks of the minerals and plants they put in. The fact that made the sugar with chemicals to bind it easily to the magic. And then how the sugar itself almost crystalised and grew spikes to show this infused magic. The difference within the original form and the new form must make it possible for the machine to influence the intent! It is so weird that these people managed to find a way to get a machine to edit the magic as usually that is impossible because of the lack of intent or purpose.

Geno looks back with a grin but frowns at the way Dust is looking away with his arms crossed “We done?”

Geno nods “Yeah… we are done…” what… what is wrong? Maybe he is anxious to get back to his horses? Geno turns back to the small tunnel and gets to work on writing the sigils and symbols for the needed spell. Luckily he won’t need a lot for this.

He touches the stone and takes a deep breath. The rocks change shapes and forms right before his own sockets as the rock all start to grow crystals, Stalagmite and stalactites all to enclose the items hidden within. Geno infuses it with more magic and the new barrier crystalises and forms a stable seal, as Geno does this he pushes his crystal to drain magic into the barrier as well. If anyone were to open the barrier the spell will drain all the magic from everything in the tunnel. Making sure that no one can get to it unless they get a neutralising spell from Geno to stop that from happening.

Geno nods “All locked away. Let’s get out of here.” Dust nods and is already leading the way out. Huh…

Geno frowns as he goes after Dust. Feeling unsure about what went wrong.

They leave the mine but neither of them says a word. Geno is not sure what to say or what could be bothering the other. Maybe nothing is even bothering him and Geno is just assuming stuff.

The get to the horses and Dust is quick to get both ready. Geno stands by the side as he makes sure the proof they found is safely tugged away on his person.

Dust has Basalt ready first and Geno climbs up as Dust gets on Opal’s back.

Geno gets the map out of the pack and studies the route “We can take another path down. One that would be shorter than the original one we took. Mostly because we would be able to take the path straight down instead of going by every other entrance.”

Dust nods and follows the direction Geno points out.

They just get a bit down the path when a loud yell stops them.

Geno looks back confused as Dust just sighs annoyed “He doesn’t know when to die.”

Rover stands on top of the mine gate glaring. A gun in hand.

Geno hums as he toys with one of his crystals. Charging it quickly and getting the shield to activate within seconds “It is honestly quite sad.”

Dust tilts his skull curiously “How is he even alive?”

Geno rolls his eyes as he looks unbothered at Rover “You told me remember? He sampled his own supply. I can only assume it put his soul and magic into overdrive, which effected his human physic.” Geno shrugs “I am not a biologist. I am not sure.” Still, surviving a stab through the chest is impressive. Geno can see the blood covering his front form here.

Dust blinks and keeps staring at Rover “Didn’t know that was a thing.”

Geno shrugs again “Euh. It normally isn’t. It isn’t healthy for the soul.” Dust nods.

Rover glares at them and shoots the gun, the bullet hits the shield and turns to dust, “Stop ignoring me!”

Geno is about to make another comment when he hears it. A soft, very soft, rumble.

Dust noticed too as he looks around. Geno looks anxiously at Rover “No need to shout.”

Rover has a crazed smile on his face as he pulls out an explosive “That is the thing. If everything I did was for nothing. If all of it was for nothing. If this is my end.” He grins “I am taking you two fuckers with me.” And he throws the explosive back into the mine.

A loud explosion and the rumbling gets worse. Rover turns and throws out his arms “Now lets embrace the end!! A white! Cold! Embrace! Of death!”

Geno can see it on the mountain. The snow on the mountain shifting. He turns to Dust panicked “Avalanche.” Dust is already turning Opal around and pulling on Basalts reins.

Geno however yelps as he shifts and gets unstable. He holds unto the saddle but he does not feel secure at all.

Dust glances back at the snow and looks back at Geno “Shield?”

Geno shakes his skull “Not strong enough to hold off an avalanche.” At least. He doesn’t think so. They never had to test it! It is about blocking attacks! Not to withstand natural disasters.

Dust however nods as he jumps off of Opal. Next he goes to her side and cuts off the saddle and throws it off of her. Packs included. He does the same to the reins. Wait is that Geno’s knife?

Geno blinks confused as Dust just pushes him further up Basalt’s neck and out of the saddle. Doing the same with the saddle on Basalt’s back.

Next Dust pushes him back a bit and jumps on top of Basalt as well and takes the reins. He tugs on it lightly and Basalt starts to speed up, Opal following them without needing a comment.

“Hold on.”

Geno doesn’t even think as he locks his arms around Dust’s middle as he leans forwards.

Basalt is off like a bullet. Speeding down the mountain and jumping over and rushing past terrain. Geno isn’t sure what to do so all he does is lean closer to Dust and try to copy his movements. Just stay plastered against his back as he moves with him.

The snow is rushing after them as Opal runs by their side. Needing no rider to keep up and stay on course.

Basalt is a beast. And Geno means this with the upmost respect. Basalt goes over and past the terrain as if it is nothing. While Opal needs to make some small side jumps or multiple smaller jumps Basalt just sets off and clears any gap easily. They rush past the many pine trees but even with the lighter carry load Geno can still hear the snow starting to catch up.

The snow is much faster than they are. But unloading the packs and freeing up the horses to enable them more movement freedom may have bought them some precious minutes…

Opal is running ahead of them before she darts to the side. Dust doesn’t think as he leans to guide Basalt into the same direction. Geno leans with him and feels fear enter his soul as he sees why Opal changed directions. There is a huge cliff and ravine right where they had been going.

They are now not even running straight away from the coming snow anymore. Geno tugs himself closer to Dust. Feeling more panic reach him.

Dust frowns as he looks around for a moment before he just turns Basalt to be aimed at the avalanche!?

Geno looks at him panicked but he looks focussed and determined and Geno decides he will just shut up and trust the other. He pushes his face into the soft leather and scarf around Dust’s neck and shoulders and tries to keep his panic inside.

Opal is faster and jumps up and into the moving snow before she keeps trotting slowly forwards. Basalt can’t do the same as gracefully but does a similar move.

Geno feels the shock of the snow’s force and feels himself start to slide slightly. He just holds tighter unto Dust. Warm and stable Dust.

Dust keeps guiding Basalt using the reins. Managing to keep Basalt on track to not be swept away by the snow. Following the path that Opal leads them down.

Geno glances a look up away from the shoulder and spots what Dust is aiming for. A rocky outcrop. Standing out of the snow like a beacon.

Another rumble and Geno glances up to see another wave of snow start to come lose and barrel down the mountain straight towards them. His arms tighten around the other “Dust…”

“I know I know.” Dust keeps the horses on track and manages to get to the rock. Opal gets up easily and turns to bite some weird leather strap on Basalt’s reins and tugs on it. Helping Basalt up the rock.

The rumbling of rushing snow is louder than ever. Dust points towards Opal and makes a click sound. Opal gallops towards the edge of the rock and jumps!

Only to clear the ravine with ease and to turn around to wait for them.

Dust guides Basalt to look into the right direction. He pets the large horse and mutters “Just this Basalt. Then we can take a break.” Basalt lets out a huff of breathe before starting to run and gallop towards the edge.

Basalt jumps and seems to make it before the backside starts to slide off. Panic overtakes his soul again as he holds unto Dust. Fear gripping every part of his mind and soul.

Then Opal grabs the reins again and tugs as Basalt works hard to get back up the ledge.

And they are on it.

Moments later the second wave of snow comes over the ledge and falls into the ravine.

Geno remains frozen against Dust’s back as Dust pants “That… was close…” Geno just stares at the ruined landscape behind them. Trees had been pulled from the ground and are sticking out of the snow. If he had been in there he wouldn’t only have gotten buried but also risked getting hit by one of those trees or other stuff hidden in it. Only to be knocked out and to freeze under the snow.

If he wouldn’t have been dragged down that ravine for a long and painful fall only to be covered with snow if he even survived it.

“Geno?” Geno shoots Dust a look.

Dust isn’t looking at him. He is messing with the reins “You… euh… arms?”

Geno frowns as he turns to look over Dust’s shoulder that he had been pushing  his face against. He still has his arms in a dead grip around Dust.

Oh!

Geno pulls away only to yelp as he starts to fall off. Dust grabs him to keep him from falling. With Dust’s help he can actually get off of Basalt without the assist of the saddle.

As soon as he is on the ground his knees go weak and he falls to the ground fully. So thankful to be on solid ground again “Oh thank the stars… That took years off my life.” His soul is still beating and pulsing wildly from the stress. He may have to visit a healer once he is home to make sure he didn’t overstress his soul with this trip.

Dust lands next to him and pets both the horses before crouching down next to him “You okay?”

Geno laughs as he still sits there shaking “How are you this calm?! It feels like my soul was trying to escape my body while we were trying to escape… How did you stay that calm?”

Dust tilts his skull a tiny bit and mutters “Trained. Taught… Prepared.”

Geno blinks. Right… Dust is a Knight. He trained and practised responses and plans and everything for these kind of missions.

Geno laughs and looks down “Makes sense…” fucking hell he must look so useless to the other. Geno is just. He is just so out of his depth. This whole trip it was surprise after surprise and Geno never did anything like this. Sure He can do magic and knows magic but he never had to… this is not him. And he truly just made stuff more complicated.

Geno continues to sit in the snow as Dust walks over to Opal and pets and checks her over. He nods to himself before walking over to Basalt. Dust puts his and Basalt’s heads together and leans against the horse for a moment as he stares at him. Then Dust checks his neck and his back before checking the legs and freezing.

Dust crouches down and lightly touches a leg, only for Basalt to step away and moving a bit around before standing still.

Dust looks so sad. Geno frowns as he searches for the right words “Is… is something wrong?”

Dust looks to the side as he tugs on his scarf and hood “Basalt’s legs got hurt…”

Geno frowns. Isn’t that like very bad news for a horse? “Can… Can it heal?”

Dust shrugs “Not here.”

Geno frowns. Okay. That is bad. Because to get somewhere safe or even close to someone to help the horse they need to get down the whole mountain. And Geno doesn’t know a lot about animals. But thanks to Fresh he knows enough to know that climbing down a mountain with a wound on a pet’s leg is a very sure way to make them unable to recover fully.

Geno feels so bad… Basalt got them through an avalanche and now what? He can’t walk anymore? Something that is very important for horses?

Geno frowns at his hands as he pauses. Wait… He looks over and speaks up “If… if you are okay with it… I never healed horses before… But I can at least see what I can do and help? Make it a bit better so he can safely make it down the mountain and towards someone who can fully help him?”

Dust stares at him before giving a tiny nod. Geno pushes himself up from his spot on the ground as he walks over. He pauses by Basalt’s side and looks nervously at Dust “Make sure he doesn’t kick me?”

Dust gives another small nod.

Geno gets to Basalt’s side and holds one hand near a leg. He could have used one of the prepared crystals with some basic healing. But he may as well do it this way. This way the healing is much more powerful and he can feel what is wrong where.

He takes a deep breath and uses the familiar spell. He can feel his soul give an unhappy ping as he tries to heal again so shortly after the last time but he will be fine. It is just to give Basalt a boost. He quickly feels what is wrong, or he thinks he does. His joints feel overstretched and stressed. He also can’t really put weight on one of his legs which puts more pressure on the other to take over. He focusses on the pain in the bad leg first. He feels along the area and gets the feeling there is a break there. He finds it and pushes healing into that area. Promoting the energy and magic in the animal to locate towards that area and promote the area to heal much quicker than it naturally would heal. Mending the wound with new bone.

That is the worst wound by far. Next he focusses on actively relaxing the stretched joints. Which is easy to do, the only thing that complicates things is the fact that the horse has four legs compared to Geno’s two and Geno has to mentally estimate where the pain in his own arms would be relatively located to relax it.

But he does it and has to pull back after a moment. He is panting lightly “That should do it… Can’t do much more as I am afraid I will heal something wrong.”

Dust is by Basalt’s side and gentle touches the hurt spots of before after which he looks at him shocked. “You healed him?”

Geno rubs his neck as he shrugs “Yeah? Told you I could do it…” he glances at Basalt “Did I get everything?” Geno really doesn’t know animals and their anatomy well at all. Maybe the very basics if he is being generous with his knowledge.

Dust seems to just stare at him before looking away, Not really giving an answer as he pets Basalt. Geno frowns as he looks at him.

He feels exhausted. It has been such a long day and Geno still feels tired.

For now he just stares at the forest around them. Letting the cold air calm his racing soul as he listens to the forest settling after the disaster of snow. He can hear some trees creaking in the distance as the snow leans against it.

“Come.”

Geno blinks as he finally looks away from that ravine they had almost fallen into. He looks back at Dust and sees him next to both horses with Basalt’s reins in his hands.

Dust nods towards the forest “We need to get out of the open. Nights get cold.” And he waits.

Geno nods as he gets up, he sat down again? And goes over to the other. Dust leads the way and Geno follows after, making sure to use Dust’s footsteps in the snow to easily move through it. Opal seems to track ahead as she listens and tilts her head. Looking around before looking back to see if they are following her. Basalt walks slowly through the snow. Taking careful steps. Clearly trying to not push his own body too hard.

Geno gets it. He honestly wants to lay down and not move for a while. He is exhausted.

“This will work.”

Geno blinks and focusses again. They are in a very enclosed ring of trees. It is tight but the trees give a reasonable amount of cover. Geno looks at Dust. Dust however has already removed Basalt’s reins and hung those over a branch. Dust is walking around and shoving snow aside as the two horses walk to the side and stand together. Opal digging at the ground and seems to be unearthing roots and other stuff.

Dust stops as he studies the floor. Most the snow has been pushed aside and some of the dirt hidden beneath has been revealed. Dust is now moving some rocks into a circle and cleaning that part out of snow as well. Dust looks over at him and nods to the dirt patch.

Geno moves over to the spot and just sits down. He could have died… multiple times today he got within an inch of dying… He never would have seen Fresh or Error again. Or worse… The slave collar had been on him… He hadn’t been able to move his own body, his very magic hadn’t been responding to him and had been forced to listen to that… that… that freak!

Dust curses and Geno looks up to see him frowning at some flint and steel. He reaches for it again but some magical sparks fly of his hand as soon as he gets near the tool and he pulls his hand back with a flinch.

Right… He had to overuse his magic to fry the slave collar, the dampers and to get everyone to back off…

Geno scoots close to the ring of stones and places one in the middle of the circle. He spots a stone which will work and places it in the middle. He concentrates and his soul gives an unhappy pulse about him pushing his magic a lot with the stress he experienced but it works as a fire starts.

Geno takes a deep sigh as he relaxes near the warmth it gives up. Some movement and Dust is sitting by the fire as well. Staring at the flame.

Huh… He had removed his mask. Geno wonders when he did that but doesn’t ask as he just leans close to the non-burning flame that warms him until his core.

Neither of them speaks and that is okay. He wants to rest for a moment.

They sit there for quite some time and Geno lays his skull on his legs as he lets his core recover from the magic he used. He may be skilled and powerful but in the end he still only has a shard of a soul compared to normal monsters. He is limited with his magical stamina. And it fucking sucks. He wanted… nevermind.

Dust has gotten up and seems to be searching the direct area. He comes back with some long sticks and starts putting those together to make a makeshift tent thing. A tipi he believes. It is small and in a direct circle around him and the small flame. Dust comes back inside and sighs contently.

Geno continues to lean on his knee as he stares at him “Why did you make that?”

Dust looks at the tipi around them and answers “No stuff… Need a place to stay tonight… Small area warms up quicker.”

It is even smaller than their original tent had been.

Geno frowns “Shouldn’t we rush down the mountain?”

Dust shrugs “Why? Those people couldn’t have survived that avalanche. We aren’t stealthing anymore. Basalt can’t carry anyone with his legs and Opal won’t like you riding her. Best to take it slow and walk. Today we rest and recover from what happened.”

Geno nods as he stares at the fire. He is so happy. He needs a moment “Good thing the flame won’t burn us. It will be fine to leave it on throughout the night.” Geno can know as he once rolled into the fire in his sleep. It was quite the shock to wake up inside his own fire. Not as bad as Error having once climbed into the fireplace to sleep in the flame Geno left in there to warm their home. Geno was sure he would have had an actual soul-attack over that one.

Dust nods “Neat.”

Geno watches Dust for a moment. Happy to just watch the other warm his hands on his magical fire. Content. They are okay. They are okay. Geno can’t help but really study the other’s neck. He can’t quite see it and curses the fact he didn’t think about checking it before while he had been healing Dust. What if frying the collar hurt his neck? Or frying the dampers hurt his wrists? Geno didn’t notice anything but the worry is there.

Dust stretches out as he looks at Geno “We should sleep.”

Geno nods as he lays on his side of the fire. Dust lays on the other end and Geno looks at the back of Dust’s skull.

He will probably feel better after some rest. Even if he doubts that his sleep will come easily.

Still he closes his eyes. His mind slows down as he just listens to Dust moving and breathing. The horses outside move around as well and the by now familiar sounds relax him. He is okay.

He is save.

It…

It is late?

Geno isn’t sure how much he slept.

Or if he even truly slept.

It is cold.

He yawns and opens his sockets a little bit.

The fire is behind him now. Instead of in front. But Dust is still in front of him.

He is warm.

Geno sighs as he pushes his skull closer to the other.

He is so warm… Like on the horse earlier. Warm and stable.

Geno yawns and pushes his face into the back of his hoody. Mmh… this is nice.

So nice…

Geno feels his awareness slip away and surrenders to the darkness again.

--

Geno yawns as something delicious wakes him up. He sits up and rubs his eyes as he glances around confused.

He is in a wooden tent thing? He can spot his own magical flame right beside him. Giving him a nice source of heat on this cool morning.

His mind is hazy. What happened the day before?

They set camp to recover and… went to bed early?

Wait they skipped food all together? Probably why Dust is cooking.

Geno gets up and glances at his dirty clothes. Right. He slept right on top of dirt which was slightly muddy because of the snow it had been laying under before. Geno does a quick spell to clean himself up a bit. Make sure he is presentable.

The day before had been a mess but now they are free to travel home! No stress. No mission. Just getting home safely!

Geno feels a sort of excitement as he exits the small stick made tent and spots Dust outside. A normal fire by him which he is roasting some plants on. Huh.

Geno walks over and grins “What you cooking good l-” ABORT! “friend!!”

Dust doesn’t look in his direction. Seemingly very focused on what he is making “Roasting roots… nutritious.”

Geno smiles as he sits nearby “Smells good. When I cook stuff with magic it becomes edible but never quite good.”

Dust shrugs “Needs intent… Magic doesn’t give that?”

Geno nods “We make magic by infusing it with emotions. Same for intent. But magic can’t have intent. We can layer our own intent into a spell which we can feel but in the end magic can’t give intent. So… meh cooking.” He laughs and shrugs. He was always a terrible cook.

Dust nods and shoots him a glance “Always use magic? Easy stuff?” he nods towards the fire and the meal he is making.

Geno grins and shrugs “You can call it cheating. Maybe people do. I never saw it as cheating. I always liked to call it using the skills I have available to make stuff easier for my brothers and me.”

Dust nods and glances at him “Why cook if you can’t? Parents?”

Geno laughs and shakes his skull “Nah. They weren’t around.” And if he ever met his mother or any of those useless fathers ever again he would sooner hit them in the face with a fist.

Dust nods as he gets up “Food.” He hands over a stick with some slices roots and some plants and it smells delicious as he can smell some herbs he smelled before in the kitchen. He gets eating and hums happily.

“It is good.”

Dust looks amused “Basic.” Then he grins a tiny bit and mutters a bit softer “Should make basic food yourself more… taste difference between that and magical prepared food.” And he turns back to his meal.

Geno stares. Did… did Dust just… tease him? That didn’t sound mean. More of a joke? Geno grins as he eats his meal. It suddenly tasting many times sweeter.

They eat their meal before cleaning up. Dust puts the reins back on Basalt and keeps a tight hold of it as Geno uses his map to lead them down. Geno is so lucky that he had had the map on his person, some for the proof of the whole operation in the mountain.

They walk in mostly silence as they search for a path to follow.

They have to track through the forest for a while with a few near slips but they find an old path rather quickly with little difficulty.

Geno grins as he checks the map “This should be the one. We should just follow this south and we will be off this mountain eventually.” And even if they are on another path that one also just needs to be followed southwards until they get to the bottom.

Dust nods as he changes the reins on Basalt. Making it so he doesn’t need to be lead anymore. Trusting the horse to walk with them and to be able to safely make his way down now that they have a stable path to follow.

The horses walk behind them as Dust and Geno walk side by side. The forest is peaceful and beautiful. Geno thought he had seen dark clouds the day before when they were near the mine but seems like those had cleared up somewhere in the night.

Dust glances at him “Use magic a lot…”

Geno blinks and nods “Yeah. Magic is great I love using it.”

Dust nods but frowns “But got tired?”

Geno laughs and nods “That obvious?” Dust just shrugs and Geno doesn’t mind. Geno decides to tell him. Geno knows some weak spots of Dust, it is only fair he knows one of Geno “I don’t actually have a lot of mana available to me.”

Dust shoots him an disbelieving look. Geno grins and nods “It is the truth. I have horrendous magical stamina for a mage. It is why I make these.” He taps one of the crystals “I spend a few hours a day slowly infusing crystals and other rocks to make them hold my spells for me. Means I have a few always prepared and can use my mana for the actual emergencies.” There are other things that matter of course. The faster you cast a spell the more mana it takes. Same for stressful situations. It is because your soul is already stressed and your soul weaves the mana into a spell and magic to use.

Dust nods and glances back at his horses “Why… use mana instead of a crystal for healing?” he rubs his shoulder.

Geno shrugs as he feels a bit embarrassed. He doubts that because he wanted to show off is a good reason. He does for the second reason he did it “It is the same reason with the cooking. Magic can’t give intent. And some spells are depended on that. Sure I got some healing crystals but they aren’t specific or specialised. With your shoulder having already been hit before I didn’t want to risk it healing wrong with a crystal. The same implied for Basalt as I heard that a broken leg for a horse is fatale.”

Dust gives a slow nod and thinks for a moment. “Healing works better with intent?”

Geno nods “Much better! Of course I can put intent into the magic that I put in the crystal. And it will do what I want. But when I heal it directly I can kinda… sense out the injury? I feel like an echo of it in my own body, makes it easier to focus the healing into the spots that really need it instead of everything at once that the crystals do.”

Dust nods as he listens. Dust is a real good listener… Geno hadn’t really appreciated that before. Before when he just wanted information he just wanted to get Dust to start talking. But it is nice to have an active listener to talk to.

Not to forget! Dust is showing interest in magic! Geno finally can talk about all the stuff he knows about it! He will have to be careful to not try and focus on Dust’s magic to make sure Geno doesn’t overstep again but this will work! This can work!

They walk together as Dust hums “Didn’t know magic worked like that.”

Geno rubs his cheek “I mean. Magic works in many ways. It is dynamic and evolving in that way. That it changes when interacting with it. Like… I see it was crystals and minerals. Many different yet similar things that when interacting can make newer forms. When put under pressure can change from one to the other. It is something that endlessly fascinates me. I used to talk with people all the time. To learn how they saw magic. How they interacted with it.”

Dust looks at him “… You… want to understand magic.” he sounds as if he is in disbelieve.

Geno grins “Don’t you? It is everywhere around us. In the plants, in the rocks, in the earth itself, in the sky! It is in the static that fills the air. It is in the newly made technology even when it wasn’t used to make it! Magic gets everywhere and it changes to fit just fine. To belong. It is…” He had wanted to belong so badly. Fit in and belong. Get people to let him stay so he could make a stable home. “It seemed… nice.”

Dust frowns as he looks ahead. Thinking about it. “You know a lot about magic… much studying?”

Geno grins and nods “A lot. Used to be one of the things that came natural to me! Even with my weak mana the spells and magic itself? It just worked like I wanted! It made everything easier. From cooking to cleaning to actually getting jobs. Let me tell you no one will hire a teen for a full time job. Annoying as everything.”

Dust looks at him confused “Parents? Their job?”

Geno laughs and looks to the side “Well… My parents weren’t the best. Dad run out on my mom the moment she got pregnant. Honestly don’t get why she even decided to keep me. Apparently I was a very difficult pregnancy as she would not shut up about that. Maybe she thought getting me would make the guy come back? Either way. It was her and me for a while.” They had managed okay. Geno went to a local school and walked home alone. He had to help with the chores as his mom was out to search for jobs and work. And she couldn’t keep a job down for longer than a few days before switching jobs again.

“Then, when I was about 9ish, she came home with this guy. New guys she met that day, bringing he right home to her home address and young child.” Geno glares ahead.

Dust snorts “That is begging to be robbed.”

Geno waves his hands around “Right?! Anyway. That guy was a piece of work. He would glare and lock me in rooms. The joke is on him. I was already very magical and let me tell you there is no keeping someone inside when you can magically unlock doors or move furniture he placed in front of it.” He grins and laughs as he remembers the shocked look on the guys face when Geno would just appear back in the small kitchen, eating a snack just ten minutes after the guy tried to lock him out of the house. “Of course mother dear didn’t believe me at all. She just said it would take some getting used to him being my new dad and that I wanted her to be miserable and alone forever.” Geno rolls his eyes “I would have been more okay with the asshole if he wasn’t a deadbeat that couldn’t hold a job either.”

Dust hums “Charming. I can see why she liked him.”

Geno laughs at the absolute deadpan voice and unimpressed stone face. Geno nods “I know right? And then. Of course. My idiotic mother got herself pregnant. I think she was trying to baby trap the guy.”

Dust tilts his skull “Didn’t work with the first one. Why would it work with the second?”

Geno grins “Oh trust me. It gets worse. So. The guy. Obviously. Acted as if he was overjoyed. Said that he would finally have a child and a son or daughter to adore. Mom didn’t even bother to correct him when I was standing right there.” He sighs “The asshole kept up the illusion that he wanted this child and when she was in the process to actually get Fresh the guy stole the small amount of savings we had and ran off with it.” he sighs. His mother had blamed him. Said that Geno hadn’t been welcoming to her new love and his new dad. That his behaviour had been the reason why little Fresh would now grow up without a dad.

Geno shrugs “Said that Fresh would now grow up without a father because I didn’t welcome him. Which honestly. Seems more of an his issue if he couldn’t handle one sassy annoying child. Not that it mattered much as mom went back to her old habits of leaving the whole day to work or search for work while I took care of Fresh.” He looks at Dust “Let me tell you this. Catching an active baby and washing him and feeding him? A lot easier with magic and telekinesis spells.” He smiles at the memories of Fresh being the chaotic little baby he had been. Geno adores his wild brother.

Dust frowns “She made you take care of him?”

Geno shrugs “Made is a big word. She did stuff. Just not most of it. And I honestly didn’t trust her with my little brother.” Fresh was his. Same for Error. Those two are his little brothers and he will make sure people know that messing with them means messing with him. “And Fresh wasn’t hard to take care of. Bugger was chaotic and energetic but it was fun. Harder was still trying to get a side job to help with covering school costs as mom barely made enough to keep the house.”

Dust frowns “No covered education? I thought that was a thing in Sanctuary?”

Geno looks at Dust confused before grinning “I wasn’t born in Sanctuary.” Dust looks confused but waits. Geno nods “I am from Ironfields. You know. Across the water and inwards more? I was just lucky that Reaper had the funds to visit all the big magical academia to look for a royal mage. And I made the cut.” Reaper swore up and down that he had picked Geno for his skill. Yes he had liked Geno on a personal and attraction level as well but that was not what influenced his decision on making him royal mage. If Reaper had found someone more skilled he would have offered them the job and gone back to Geno to request a date with him.

Dust nods “But you did parttime stuff when younger?”

Geno nods “All the time. It helped cover the costs for school. Thought it kept me busy. Between school, work and taking care of Fresh and myself it was rather busy. It got easier when Fresh was old enough to go to school too. And Fresh was actually really good when near others so he would be quiet and behave while I worked. He just was a menace at school or at home.” He sighs “And then! My mom came home with ANOTHER guy when I was sixteen and Fresh was six!”

Dust whistles “She got some bad taste.”

Geno groans “The worst! He straight up tried to get her to abandon us. Which what a fucking jackass. She was about to do it too until I reminded her that at this point I was the one paying for the fucking house and that everyone knew she was our mom and it would be social suicide for her to abandon us and try to play happy wife with this man.” She had cursed him out. Told him that he was a fucking freak and demon and was the cause of her unhappiness. That she should have realised Geno was the problem the second the healers told her his soul wasn’t developing right. “She got annoying about it and I just reminded her that she was the one who decided to keep me. Not me. She got angrier about that little fact.” He sighs “And once again. She got a kid with this fucker as well. And as always. The guy noped out at the last moment and stole the savings she had.” Geno is sure the only reason he stayed as long as he had was because he had been looking for Geno’s savings and funds. But Geno isn’t an idiot. He hid anything he earned and only paid the people that needed paying directly. Like hell he was going to trust he deadbeat of a mother with his money. He earned that for himself and his brother, and later brother, not her.

Dust nods “Error?”

Geno nods “Error was born.” He had been seventeen and Fresh had been seven. Both of them had adored Error immediately. Geno and Fresh has both known things would get harder but little Error had been the cutest little thing. Fresh had held him and had stared at Geno with such determination when he declared he would be the best older brother. Geno had laughed and held his two little brothers. His brothers. His family.

Dust nods and crosses his arms “How long until the next guy?”

Geno sighs and shakes his head “She left. Left a whole note about how she couldn’t stay with us anymore. Something about how having three children from different man would hurt her chances at finding true love and happiness. As if we decided to be born over her being a fucking idiot and not terminating us when it turned out to be too rough.”

Dust hums “Idiot.”

Geno nods “She is the biggest idiot. But I hardly expected anything else at that point. In the end it didn’t even get harder. In matter of fact it got easier. No one wanted our old and crooked house and the bank didn’t care who lived in it as long as payments were made on time. They just changed her name to mine on the paperwork and we remained in our house. I took Error with me to class and work and Error was a quiet baby who slept a lot. It only started to get harder to take care of him when his magic developed.” Unlike Geno. Error has a very healthy soul which is very magical attuned. Error blasted their wall and made their house have an open concept kitchen instead of a room with a door. They were so lucky it wasn’t a load baring wall.

Dust nods as he stares ahead of them “Good brother.”

Geno feels flustered suddenly as he rubs his neck “Euh. It was a bit rough sometimes but all in all not that hard… I got lucky with my magic. It made everything easier and less hard. I could cheat and safe time on so many things with my skills. Not to forget that I got a full ride scholar ship to a pristine school for magic to get my actual schooling. I moved my brothers with me to be closer to that school so I could commute and be home in the evening for them.” Not to forget that the scholar ship was more than enough to cover their living costs if he didn’t use it to stay in the dorms as those are expensive.

Dust looks at him curiously “Then how did… Error end up with us?”

Geno sighs “It would take time to settle and move stuff to Reaper’s place. Get my workshop and rooms set up. Search for people to make sure that Error got the right education and Fresh got what he needed with his condition. I had just needed time to make everything perfect. The plan had been that I would go first. Get stuff ready and set up. And then Fresh and Error would both move in with me… Fresh was supposed to watch over Error on the weekends while Error stayed at the academy throughout the week.” He sighs sadly. It had all gone so wrong. And Geno hadn’t known until it was too late to fix it.

Dust frowns as he looks down. It is okay that he doesn’t know what to say, Geno doesn’t either.

They continue to walk in silence for a long time. Eventually Dust stops them saying they should set camp again.

Geno grins as he casts the right spells and copies the setup of the day before. A tent made of sticks and other stuff laying around. A fire both inside and outside of the tent. And all the snow that was on the ground pushed aside and this time the ground magically dried.

Dust looks shocked as Geno grins “See? Told you stuff gets easier with magic. I just didn’t have the mana yesterday.”

Dust looks at him with a tilted head before nodding. Huh. Seems like Dust hit his limit on socialising. That is okay.

They are quickly ready and comfortable in their now reasonably warm tent. Dust actually lays out he own coat to sleep on and Geno copies his actions. It makes the ground a bit softer to lay on.

Geno sighs and goes to sleep.

--

Geno doesn’t want to get up. He had been having a very nice dream. A dream where he had been on the horse with Dust. But his dream hadn’t focused on the terror of the snow following them. It had instead been focussed on the feeling of being that close to Dust. How he felt and how warm he had been. The feeling of Dust’s body against his. Even his scent had made it in.

Which now that he is awake? Holy shit he is being a creep.

Geno groans as he sits up. Finding himself in the tent laying on his coat and- oh… Dust had left his coat by him as a blanket. Geno hides his face in his hands and tries to contain his screaming. How can he deal with this? He can’t. His feelings feel like they will explode his soul and he is really trying to not overdo it or annoy Dust or worse make him feel uncomfortable again.

But… the fact that Dust is trying to make sure he is comfortable should mean that… Does that mean that Dust has forgiven him? Does this mean that they have at least a neutral standing now?

Geno joins Dust outside for another delicious breakfast, honestly how dust can find food is beyond Geno but he is thankful for it, before they continue down the mountain. Most of their morning is spend in silence as they walk together. Only a few comments about what path they should take and how to go about their descent of the mountain.

They do get turned around for a bit as the path they had been following seems to disappear for a bit. Geno and Dust consult the map and their compass to figure out how to get further down.

They make their own path through foliage and bare trees with the horses close by. Dust turns back a few times to help Basalt find his footing as Opal just walks with sidesteps past things.

Geno crosses his arms “Is Opal showing off?”

Dust nods as he doesn’t look away from Basalt “She does that.”

Geno snorts “Must have taken a lot of time to train her. She seems stubborn.”

Dust nods again as he checks that Basalt is still standing okay “She is. But she has energy and wants to learn. It was just a matter of giving her new things to learn and practise. She now knows too much.” He sighs and Geno laughs.

They have to carefully walk down a few more ledges but manage to find the path again. After consulting their map again they follow it eastwards as that should be down.

Dust starts to speak softly “I was wondering…” he glances at Geno “How do you… make your magic do all those things?”

Geno blinks and looks at Dust “I mean… intent matters a lot. But it is also what I have in mind as I craft the spell. Spell crafting, at least in my case, is about picturing what I want and how and how it relates to the parts and elements I mentally connect it to.”

Dust frowns “For you? Nightmare said… It is energy and alive.”

Geno tilts his skull as he thinks “I can see why he saw it as that… from what I know. Magic changes and shapes itself to fit whatever someone thinks about it. It gives different people the ability to do different thing.” He had mentioned the day before, Geno thinks so at least. The day before they spoke about a lot. Or well Geno spoke about it.

Dust nods “So. Alive?”

Geno rubs his neck “Kinda? I never saw it as alive. Just reactive. We push emotions and intent into it. The magic soaks it up and repeats it. In a way we give it feelings and wants. We make it want to do what we want. I think?” Geno grins at Dust “It is weird and complex because everyone thinks about it differently and interacts with it differently. Which means the magic reacts and behaves differently as well. When we first start learning magic or hearing about it people already have opinions that they tell us. It shapes how we see magic and what we think magic is capable of doing. Which sets limits.” Geno frowns “Why did you think your magic could break the collar? I didn’t think it was possible for my magic to go against it but yours did. How did it break free from the control?”

Dust seems to think for a moment. Frowning before muttering “I don’t… control it… guide at most.”

Geno blinks before gasping “The collar couldn’t make it listen… because you don’t believe anything can control it?” Dust shrugs and nods.

“Never saw it as… something I affect. It is a force of nature. It is lightning. Energy. Alive.”

Geno wants to ask so many questions. How Dust came to this conclusion. How he managed to direct it. How he manages his power to remain contained. But Geno swallows the many questions. He pushes it down. Instead he looks at Dust “And… because of that it was free to fight the collar?”

Dust shrugs before he seems to think for a while again. Then he mutters softly “I got… No real control. But I got power… When I first got… picked for being a Knight. I needed four bracelets to keep it down. Nightmare said it grew stronger.”

Four.

Four magic blockers?!

Geno wants to beg Dust to let him see the magic. See how it interacts. But he can’t because it makes Dust uncomfortable. Keep it in. Keep it in.

Geno focusses on what Dust mentioned before “That fits with how you see magic. You, and Nightmare I guess, see magic as something alive that grows and grows stronger. Something wild that can’t be contained much like a natural force. It makes sense than that this manmade collar couldn’t control it. Couldn’t keep it contained. You just… waited for your moment to act upon that…” Geno laughs and shakes his skull “Damn that is so fucking impressive. I couldn’t do that.”

Dust frowns and stares at him confused.

Geno laughs “The whole staying calm and waiting for the right moment to cast a spell. I was panicking as soon as the situation went south.”

Dust frowns and shakes his skull “Wasn’t that bad… Shield. And slow falling?”

Geno nods “That came after. After I had more time to think. Had we fallen before I had a chance to think of it? I doubt I would have been fast enough to cast the spell. It is just. I know I can do magic and it is easy to me. But doing it in moments of stress?” he shakes his skull “I never had to do that before. It showed.” He sighs.

Dust thinks for a moment “Not that bad. You thought of stuff and used magic when we needed it. I am used to missions. I am used to fighting. Before being a Knight I was used to the crime-ring and scenes. Lots of tension. Quick thinking.”

Geno nods as he pulls out a crystal “I know they work. I just. Always tested them in save areas with failsafes in mind. It was never a matter of life and death. At least not while I practised and tested them. I made sure they would work the way they were intended. Then gave the crystals to people actually going on missions…” The only reason he was on this one is because he was the only one who would have been able to magically shut down whatever this drug ring had been.

Dust nods before shrugging “Worked out okay.”

Geno stares in shock at Dust. He seems honest. Even if Geno messed up pretty much at every step but Dust seems to not think that. Or at least not having hard feelings about it.

Geno smiles a bit as he looks down “Thanks to you mostly. The way you just knew what to do and how and when, and how to move and attack. It was fucking amazing.” And that is downplaying it.

Dust looks to the side as he rubs his cheek “I guess… Just practise.”

Just practise. As if Geno hadn’t had a chance to see a bit of their usual training before. Geno laughs and shakes his skull.

They walk silently for a moment before Geno speaks “Thanks. For… being willing to talk about magic stuff… I know you don’t like it.”

Dust shrugs and mutters “Don’t mind magic… just don’t like… mine.” He shrugs again before looking at Geno “Why?”

Geno blinks and laughs “Sorry I have no idea what you are asking this time.”

Dust rolls his eyes and seems to consider his questions “Why… act like you did… before… to get answers… but back up now?”

Oh. Oh! That. That is a loaded one.

Geno looks away “Euh… The very short version of the answer? I am a bastard and asshole.” He looks at the ground in front of them “It is just. Foremost. Reaper and I knew about your… interest and crush for a while.” Dust immediately tugs the hood tighter around him. Geno looks to the side before smiling at him “It is okay! Reaper thought it was cute-” that was the wrong word as Dust lets out a long and quiet groan.

Geno shoots him a smile “If it helps… Reaper very quickly got interested? He was the one who wanted to see where it could maybe go? Lead?” he rubs his neck “Sorry I am not the best in this. Reaper is the emotionally available one honestly.”

Geno takes a deep breath “Reaper asked me if I was fine with it. Him exploring this feeling for you to see where it went. I was okay with it. I knew that Reaper would always love me and just because he started to like you it wouldn’t affect the love he held for me.” He sighs “And well… I must admit. I was fucking curious. Your magic? It is something I never seem, heard of or felt before. I wanted to know how it worked. I wanted to just understand how it could have become the way it was. And I figured… as Reaper and you grew closer I could just… Kinda… Tag along to get the answers I wanted?” He winces at the truth. “I know… I know it is bad. But I swear it was never supposed to get out of hand! I just… I just wanted some answers and figured you already liked me so maybe… just like… giving some attention and affection? Get some answers? And then once I got the answers I would be gentle about like… stopping it?” He is such a fucking asshole “And I figured it would be fine as Reaper was honest and really did like you! That maybe we could become more casual friends or acquaintances while both of us separately dated Reaper?” He sighs and looks away “I know. I am sorry. I am an asshole.”

Dust is silent. Taking it in maybe? Or maybe he is now going back to ignoring and not speaking to Geno again. He would deserve it.

“Then why… Kiss me? Or…” he isn’t looking at him “Tracing lower and stroking my leg?”

Geno feels himself grow mortified and horrified. Right! He did that! He 100% did that! Geno covers his face and chuckles “Because I am an asshole? It wasn’t… part of my plan… But I did end up really liking you. I fucking realised that while Reaper fell earlier I wasn’t far behind. I was a fucking mess. And then I figured… I had already been kinda faking courtship… What difference does it make to make it a real one? I figured… I figured it wouldn’t matter. I wasn’t planning on ever admitting that the whole thing started as a lie.” He looks away “I just… I got greedy I guess. Stuff that used to just be to keep the scheme going suddenly wasn’t enough. It felt good and I was greedy and wanted more.” Reaper never minded. Reaper had set the pace to a lot slower than Geno had wanted but Reaper had had no issue with slowing Geno down. “I figured… If I really overstepped… You would just tell me to quit it or something.”

“I hadn’t… considered the fact that there was a power disbalance between us. I never saw it as that. You were you and I was just me. I never thought of us as a Knight vs a Royal Mage. We were just two guys talking and hanging out… I know now I should have considered it. Maybe make it clear that I wouldn’t be mad or annoyed or ruin anything if you said no or asked me to back off. I hadn’t considered you felt like you couldn’t because of the whole treaty thing… I am sorry.” God. Why hadn’t Geno practised that more? Reaper had told him that if Dust ever gave him another chance to talk to him Geno would have to explain himself and apologise. Why hadn’t he considered better on what to say and how?

Dust frowns as he stares at the ground. Geno looks at him and waits but he doesn’t look up. Geno sighs as he looks away. He isn’t allowed to feel disappointed. He isn’t allowed to feel that way when he just admitted to Dust he had been right and that Geno had been lying and manipulating him to get something he wanted.

He deserves this.

The cold of the weather isn’t even as cold as the newfound tension between them.

They don’t speak as they set up camp.

They don’t interact as they both lay down to sleep for the night.

Geno feels like sleep evades him. He just stares at the top part of the tent as he listens. Dust’s breathing seems different than usual. Like he isn’t sleeping either.

Geno considers apologising again but if it before wasn’t enough what would make it now be good enough. Geno glares as he rolls up and turns towards the wooden tent, his back aimed towards Dust. Not allowing himself to look at the other.

What is done is done. He finally made good on being honest to Dust. Show him that he is a selfish asshole. Geno rolls up to safe some of the warmth as he closes his eyes. He will just have to accept that this little thing and maybe friendship is over. And Geno ruined it himself.

It seems like his sleeping mind and dreams didn’t get the memo.

Because he once again dreams about hugging Dust as they sit together. Maybe they are on one of the horses? Maybe not. Geno can’t focus on anything but how the other feels and the warmth he gives up.

Dust tries to leave in his dreams. Tries to get out of his embrace. Geno mumbles unhappily.

He can’t speak clearly in this stupid dream for some reason. Can’t explain.

“Please stay…” his mind is like cotton. He just wants to have this. Even if it is fake. “miss you…” and he snuggles his face deeper into the nice spot by his neck and shoulders.

Dust doesn’t move for a while. Then a sigh and the body returns to his embrace.

Geno sighs as he pushes close. His whole being purring as he snuggles closer. Trying to get as much out of this dream as he can.

The night goes on and his dream starts to fade out…

--

The next morning they are both still quiet. Geno had woken up by his magical fire with his own coat used as blanket this time. Getting outside explained why. It is freezing outside. But there are still no clouds in the sky. It is calm weather.

Which is honestly a miracle. The weather in the mountains are unpredictable and it is unheard of to have more than two days in a row with just sun. But they have been up here for a week now, the seventh day exactly, and it is still sunny with no wind!

It makes for cold nights and very cold mornings as there is no clouds in the evening either but honestly it is amazing to not have to be afraid for a sudden snowstorm.

No instead Geno can just be afraid and anxious about Dust truly hating him forever and how Geno is going to have to break it to Reaper that he ruined this a second time now and ruined his own second chance.

Geno is completely fine.

One long morning later and they are starting to see some spring flowers and some grass on the ground that the horses happily eat. Geno sighs in relieve. This should make getting down easier.

They follow the now clearly marked path and Geno finds his soul fully calm as he speaks “I think this is the path and mountain we thought it was. Meaning this one has easier paths to follow and some premade camp sites.”

Dust nods “Should make stuff easier at least.”

Geno grins but his grin falls as Dust still isn’t looking at him. Looking ahead of them. Geno puts his hands into his pockets as he kicks a rock once in a while. Feeling hurt and very rejected.

The silence makes the track long and awkward. Geno tries to keep himself distracted but he keeps looking back into Dust’s direction.

They do end up finding one of the camp sites and after considering the time they decide to make it an early night and walk the last part to the foot of the mountain the next day over trying to rush down and risking having to travel in the dark.

They find a nice cabin and set up camp there. Geno goes towards the supply box and raids it of blankets and some snacks hidden away. They are a bit expired but also these are dried snacks and Geno knows from experience they don’t truly go bad as much as go stale.

Geno returns outside to see Dust had set up their little cabin and a fire in the fire pit. Geno grins as he gives one of his found blankets to Dust before putting one down for himself and going inside to put the other two on the actual beds. Geno goes back outside and relaxes by the fire. He hands some of the snacks to Dust before getting comfy in his own blanket and snacks.

The sound of the fire is nice. The crackling gives it an extra layer of experience and Geno sighs as he just enjoys it. It feels peaceful and nice. Like the actual camping trips he had gone on with Reaper. He really needs to do this with his brothers. Enjoy the nature and mountain on his terms and peaceful environment.

“You were honest? Before?”

Geno blinks and looks over “what?”

Dust just stares at the fire “What you said before… Reaper… Reaper was really interested?”

Geno feels his soul pick up “Yes!” Wait! No! tune it down! “I mean. He still is. He honestly is. But Reaper is a lot better at this than I am and is actually able to read other people’s social cues and everything.” If Geno can’t… If Geno ruined this for himself he wants at least his mate to still get the chance for this.

Dust frowns as he keeps staring into the fire. Then he glances are Geno “You?”

Geno can’t look away. Dust’s eyes are mismatched with their colours. There is the tiniest ring of red around one and the other has the same but an even tinier ring of blue in the red ring. If you don’t stare at it the eye lights just appear white. Geno had seen both colours flash brightly when Dust used that lightning spell. So bright with energy and magic. Geno laughs as he looks away for a moment before looking back at Dust “I haven’t stopped falling if that helps? I am not good at this… whole emotion and relationship thing… Reaper did the hard work with our own relationship. But I know I like you. I like being near you and I was honestly happy to spend time with you. It… It hurts to know you hate me and that it is my own fault.” He snorts as he looks at the fire “I don’t know how to make it better… But I do like you. A lot. For a long time now.” Another thing Geno wished he had practised. Fucking hell he knew he had this mission to spend time with Dust he just… hadn’t thought they would have these conversations!

Dust hums as he stares at the fire before getting up “Going to bed.” He waits for a moment by the door and mutters “I don’t hate you. I just don’t get you…” and he goes inside.

Geno stares at the door. Unsure what just happened.

--

The next day travel was both better and worse. Geno felt better knowing the other didn’t hate him but there was a… tension in the air around them. Dust seems content to walk in silence as Geno just lets himself ramble without much thought.

Fuck just end him. Put him out of his misery and his failing at this.

Geno is just describing the process and thoughts behind crafting a new spell and how to balance the magic and mana properly to not make it go towards an already made spell.

“There goes so much more into it than just wishful thinking and putting mana into a spell!” Geno glares “Some mages call themselves masters of the arts when they can’t even properly manage a spell and the outwards force behind it! It is terrible! Not only is it dangerous but it also makes the reputation of actual master mages less trustworthy! And most people can’t just see the difference between an actual master mage and someone who just calls themselves that!”

Dust nods along “Ruins hard work and good name.”

Geno nods “Absolutely! It takes a long time to study magic and get familiar enough with it to craft actual well working spells that others can replicate! Just pushing some stuff together and hoping that it works with a lot of magic isn’t spell crafting!”

Dust snorts as he looks amused “What do you call my lightning? It just happens and can’t level it.”

Geno waves his hands “That is different! You are using a premade spell and editing it slightly to fit you and your magic and mana! You don’t say you crafted a new spell! You don’t act as if you have mastered magic! In matter of fact you treat it as something that makes its own decisions and works with you.” He glares ahead of him as he imagines breaking those fake mage fucker’s necks! “Those assholes however!! Acting as if they made powerful spells only to have those be instable and blasting people!” it is dangerous and a disgrace!

Dust hums and nods “Annoying.”

Geno nods “Very.” He takes a deep breath “Luckily. Reaper let me set tighter regulations for it in Sanctuary. You need an actual licence to perform as a mage there now and the mages are tested to make sure they don’t just have dangerous and instable spells.”

Dust nods “Good idea.”

Geno laughs “Thanks. I just. Magic is beautiful and fascinating but people need to stay watchful and respectful about it as it can be dangerous if used wrong.”

Dust nods along “Like the drugs and collars.”

Geno nods himself “Exactly!”

It is already early afternoon when they finally step out of the forest around the mountain and Geno stretches out “Awesome! Just a clear shot to town now.” hopefully they can send a message from there that they are fine as they get someone to get them back to the capital. Geno luckily is well known enough to be able to get a ride and promise payment once they arrived there.

Geno and Dust continue on and walk into town. Geno is already looking around to spot someone who can help them as Dust makes sure his mask is in place.

Geno spots someone with a big enough cart “Hello sir. I had a request-” Geno can’t even make his offer because as soon as the man he had been speaking against turns around he gasps and cheers.

Geno blinks confused as more people look their direction and more people cheer. Geno glances at Dust and Dust just looks at him. Geno shrugs as he looks back to the man “Is… something the matter?”

The man smiles brightly “Sir! People thought you disappeared on the mountain! And with the avalanche and as people know about the many storms and horrible weather. People feared the worst!”

Geno frowns as that information sinks in “I need to return to the castle in that case. And send a message to our king.” Reaper must be worried sick.

The man nods as he rushes to prepare the cart. Dust makes sure it works for Basalt to be carried as he gets new tools to saddle up Opal. Geno writes a message and sends it off with a carrier as Geno waits for the cart to be prepared.

People offer them food and new clothes to wear as Geno can admit they both look worse for wear. They only take some of the food and Geno can see Dust slipping gold coins and money into the pockets of the people who offered the stuff freely. It is painfully thoughtful and Geno feels his soul speed up.

How can he not be even more in love than he started as?

Geno gets in the by rider seat of the cart as Dust just climbs on top of his horse to ride Opal. Opal seems excited as she stands on her backlegs and whips her head around. She lands and starts running with Dust on her back. Dust easily makes her run in a circle to remain near the cart the whole time but Geno thinks he is having fun.

They need to actually follow the road but luckily this cart is being pulled by strong horses who don’t mind running. Making them make quick time over the calm walking pace of the journey to the mountain pace.

The man asks many questions and Geno remains vague about what he was doing up there. He keeps it as search and a study case which makes Dust snort. Geno isn’t sure why but the man buys the excuse.

Night is starting to fall when they finally reach the capital. By the gates Geno sees some of Reaper’s elite guards waiting and he thinks those are the forces of Nightmare’s kingdom.

The captain of Nightmare’s guard walks over “My Knight! I knew you would return to us safe and sound! Do you want us to take your horses to the stables?”

Dust nods as he gets off Opal before going to the cart. He opens it and carefully leads Basalt out “Watch his legs.” And he hands over the reins of both the horses to the captain, Rogers now that Geno thinks about it.

Rogers nods and leads the horses away.

Geno himself has gotten down from the cart and waves the worried guards away. Mentioning how he should discuss things with their king and rest.

Geno is quick to wave Dust with him as he escapes the spotlight.

Dust glances at him from behind his mask “Don’t like attention?”

Geno sighs “I don’t mind attention. The endless worrying however is unneeded. I am alright.” He pauses “Mostly thanks to you but we will tell Reaper about that as well.”

Dust tugs his skull deeper into the hood in a gesture that Geno by now can identify as shy and bashful. Reaper was right all that time ago. Dust is very cute.

They get to the study and find Reaper awake and looking stressed. He looks up and Geno can see the tension disappear from his form. Reaper is by his side and Geno is in his embrace within seconds. Reaper sounds thankful “You are alive. Thank you for returning to me.” He smiles at Dust “Both of you.”

Dust does the same shy and bashful reaction of tugging his skull deeper into the hood.

Geno hums as he enjoys the embrace “Mostly thanks to Dust. I will tell you everything.”

Reaper shakes his skull “Later. You both need a good meal, need to be checked in case of injuries. Time to clean up and rest. We can talk tomorrow about all you saw. For now let me just make sure you both are okay.” He glances at Dust “Please.”

Dust is quiet before giving a small nod “Message Nightmare.”

Reaper smiles and nods “I will send a message right away that you returned form the mountain.”

Dust nods again and Geno smiles. This is perfect! Now they can at least spoil and take care of him a little!

--

Dust is preparing his packs as the other forces of Nightmare’s guard gets ready behind him. Dust isn’t worried. Basalt is okay for the track and Opal is downright excited.

Geno is watching him getting ready to leave and seems anxious. Messing with some of those crystals of his. A nervous tick he has.

Dust nods to himself as he walks over to him and tilts his skull.

Geno rubs his neck and looks nervous. He looks much comfier in his normal clothes and cleaned up “You sure you will be fine?”

Dust nods as he crosses his arms “More stuff than I could use in four trips.” Reaper had been horrified to hear his mate had gotten collared. And had been so thankful and worried when he heard that Dust had managed to trick Rover into collaring him instead which he made backfire badly.

Dust isn’t worried. It isn’t the first time his storm decided to fry someone. Dust is more shocked that Rover survived the first and second attack he did against him.

Geno nods “Right! Euh… Reaper is just really thankful. And really worried you may have issues with the trip because of leftover injuries… That you got protecting me.” He winces and looks away.

Dust shrugs. It wasn’t that bad honestly. Sometimes it is better to take the hit yourself over letting someone more fragile or vulnerable having to take the hit. Dust may be physically weaker but he has mana to spare and magic strong enough to break most things not specifically designed to stop him.

And nothing is specifically designed to stop him.

Dust glances back “Time to go.”

Geno holds up a hand “Wait! I was… wondering… And you can say no I don’t mind. I just. Was wondering. If maybe… you could see a possibility of ever giving us a chance? For a date? Again?” he looks hopeful.

Dust thinks for a moment to consider all that happened the last two weeks. The way he actually understands Geno now. He makes sure no one is watching them before quickly leaning close. Geno freezes which is good as Dust needs him to stay still. Curse the fact that everyone is taller than him. He manages to reach him and whispers “I figured you out finally. You are a nerd.” And he kisses the cheek and pulls back as he replaces the mask “Cute one.” Geno stares in shock as Dust walks back towards the horses with a wave.

“Lets keep in contact. Next time no mountain missions though.” He gets to Opal and gets on her back with practised ease.

As he looks back he sees Geno grinning madly as he waves “You can count on it! Have a safe trip.”

Dust snorts and nods as he leads Opal to catch up with Rogers and the others.

Maybe this will end in heartbreak again but Dust thinks he got a much better read on them this time. And maybe it will be fine.