#and rex bless his heart

[kissingarthurclaus]

Ok one more thought before I try to get some sleep. Obviously a good source of comfort is to think about f/o stuff and it would be...objectively kinda hilarious if Brea fell down a flight of stairs as well 😂😂

Anakin tries to give her shit about it like "youre a Jedi, you've fought countless battles and the stairs is what gets you?" And she's like "Skywalker I've probably seen you fall down twelve flights of stairs in our life >:/"

And I was talking to my friend Jude about how Rex doesn't have a ton of first aid knowledge, thats really Kix's forte and even then its field medicine. So he'd be fretting over me and trying to do things that don't actually really help before I grab his hand and tell him the only thing I really need is a little emotional support 🥺👉👈 and he smiles and kisses me and says that that is something he can handle, and probably just sits with me or let's me rest against him

[sparklecryptid]

Anyway because I’m self indulgent I think Fengyan should be buddies with Xiao and that maybe he should have a spot in a zhongli/Childe/Xiao poly mess.

You know.

For reasons.

[azen13]

CW: Yandere Themes, Imprisonment, Mentions of Starvation

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Something I think we don't talk about enough is how interesting Yandere!Zhongli would be in the past, when he took a more active role in Liyue's rule, under the name Rex Lapis. More specifically, I continuously go back to the idea of Rex Lapis falling in love with one of his most loyal mortal worshippers.

Every day, he can hear your prayers floating across stilled air, stirring up the more draconic instincts in his heart. Such beautiful songs, all for him. Your prayers alone are the greatest blessings he's ever received in all his years as Liyue's Archon, but you've also given him frequent offerings, from grains harvested to jewels mined. Sometimes he cannot help but feel concerned, hoping you're not living in squalor due to your unceasing devotion.

Every night, he enters your dreams and claims them as his own. He never reveals himself, but he stages scenes where he plays the part of the heroic lover, protecting you from harm. For you, it provides protection, soothes your worn mind from labor done during the day. For him, it quells the possessive desire to have you in the palm of his hands, pampered and doted upon, treasured for all eternity.

It isn't enough. Rex Lapis knows it isn't enough, but he pretends as though this little share of your life is satisfactory, even though the depths of his heart stir with displeasure. He wants to be your world in every way.

Luckily for him, he soon gets the opportunity. A famine of unparalleled magnitude—the most devastating disaster Liyue has faced in three centuries—strikes. Not only that, but the heart of the ruin centers around your village. Your prayers become more fervent and frequent. At the sound of your sobs, he can't hold the draconic side of himself back. Rex Lapis may not be Morax, but like his past self he is neither mortal nor moral, and does not abide by the laws of humans. Freedom is not a blessing to be granted, but a cantrip to contain by means of contracts and laws.

That very night, when he comes into your dreams, it is with the sole intent of coercing you into his private adeptal domain. Go with him, and not only will he protect you for eternities upon eternities, but he will protect your village—and all who you love within it—with his life.

The only price you must pay for such a bargain is with your freedom.

Don't worry though. Should you decline, Rex Lapis would be remiss to bind you to him through force. No, he'd much rather let you learn the consequences of contumacy, the many follies of freedom you seem to cling to with such pitiful desperation. Instead, he'll let the days pass by, every second wasted avoiding an inescapable outcome. While those you hold dear begin to grow weak and starve, by some miracle, you stay strong.

Each night, visions of luxurious domesticity pass across your eyes, as thick and syrupy sweet as honey. After the montage, Rex Lapis returns, contract in hand and a knowing smile playing on his lips. Though he says no words, his argument is clear as day: should you agree to fulfill your destiny, your village will need not fear the threat of famine ever again.

Finally, as expected, you crack. The minute the quill you write with leaves the parchment, you find yourself transported from one dream to the next: a picturesque diorama surrounds you, the landscape a perfect replica of Liyue's scenery. A few yards in front of you rests a house as big as your village. "Our home", Rex Lapis tells you, his expression indulgent, though you see in his eyes the depths of his devotion and what lies within them: an insatiable desire to possess you wholly.

"Where you will stay. Forever, my treasure."

[avocad1s]

Requests are open and the latest sparked some ideas so…

Imagine the reader not having specific favorites, but more groups favorites, like a reader that’s a big fan of the Knights of Favonious or The Akademiya

Note: KoF, Adepti, Akademiya, Fatui, and the Abyss mentioned with some small snippets from characters in those groups. But all of them have a small overview of how they view your favoritism over them.

The Knights Of Favonius are pretty humble unlike the other nations. Although they may be criticized by a certain tavern owner, even he won’t question your favor towards the Knights (openly). Having your favor feels like a blessing from the Anemo Archon, many of them even believe that handling the stormterror incident themselves made them win your favor.

Although he isn’t around currently, daddy I mean— Varka feels a sense of pride knowing he left the wellbeing in Mondstadt in good hands. He is looking forward to finally meeting you once he returns. Jean constantly overworks herself, but she’s knows that it’s worth it if she can keep your favor. Mondstadt might seem “inadequate” when compared to other nations when it comes to where you should stay but Jean will make sure you’re never uncomfortable.

When it comes to your comfort, Jean would turn to Diluc, he may not be apart of the Knights but he does own the Dawn Winery and everyone knows you’ll enjoy staying there. Outrider Amber will make it her responsibility to guide you to the heart of Mondstadt and back to Dawn Winery during your entire stay. She’ll teach you how to glide! Just be sure not to mention that to anyone else… some might be upset that she could’ve put you in danger.

Speaking of danger, Klee adores being able to play with you! She will take you fish blasting! Yes it can be a bit dangerous but it’s fun! However once someone realizes that Klee and Their Grace hasn’t been seen in a while, they begin to panic. Usually Albedo, Kaeya or Rosaria are the ones to find you first, then the fun is over. (Klee may or may not get solitary confinement 💀)

Kaeya is a smooth talker and very charismatic that it’s difficult to discern just how flustered he’ll get in your presence. He’ll use his good talking skills to get you to himself, usually inviting you out to Good Hunter or even for a drink (if you’re a drinker) but being in your presence and knowing that he is apart of the group you openly favor over anyone else in Teyvat makes him tremble. Although in front of you he’ll just give a simple smile and charm you with his flattery.

———

Oh the Adepti are so respectful towards you. I mean, they served directly under Rex Lapis for centuries. They do not allow mortals to disrespect Rex Lapis, I’d be surprised if they even let anyone have a thought that could be considered disrespectful towards you. They feel a sense of pride knowing that they are your favorite. However unlike the others, they aren’t too vocal about it.

Sharing tea with you is by far their favorite thing to do. Inviting you to Jueyun Karst to enjoy the finest of tea and meals while reminiscing about Liyue’s past is something they all always wanted. During the Archon war, while they all fought for Rex Lapis, everything was still in your name. So now that Teyvat is at peace, (for now) they just want to enjoy an eternity with you.

Xiao is usually the one who tries to stay away from you. It’s not that he doesn’t want to be around, far from it, but in his mind he feels as if he’s only useful to you if you’re in danger. When you spend time with the adepti he is unsure if he should come. Would you even want him there? But the second he hears you call his name, he’ll appear no matter what. Prepared to face any danger you might be in… but there’s none. In fact it’s just you, Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Ganyu. Xiao would remove his mask and place down his polearm silently enjoying his time in your presence.

Xianyun who has just recently began visiting Liyue Harbor in her human form again is definitely most open when it comes to you. Spending all her mora to buy things she knows you’ll like (and getting scammed) and inviting you to join her and Shenhe for tea. If you’re not in the mood for tea? Why don’t the two of you dissect these new human inventions that managed to capture her interest. How exactly does this machine from Fontaine keep a kite floating?

———

The Akademiya values their wisdom over anything else, and now they have your favor? Well, they’re kinda smug about it, you know? Many of them already believed they were better than the other nations (cough, cough, the Grand Sage) and having you in their corner might just make them a bit more insufferable. Unless it’s after Nahida takes back the reign.

The Akademiya would prefer if you stayed in Sumeru. The second you’re ready to settle down, Kaveh will be the first to approach you, he would be honored to be the architect that builds your palace. Mora is no problem! (Because no one would dare charge mora for Their Grace) No matter, Kaveh is very good at what he does, do you have any preferences when it comes to the construction? Please tell him, he strives to make you happy and show off his skills to you.

The acting grand sage of the Akademiya, Alhaitham enjoys living a comfortable life and is not fond of being in the role of a leader. The second someone worthy comes around, he will resign as the acting grand sage and return to his previous position as the scribe who was never around during working hours. Despite his… unambitious tendencies (only doing what’s necessary), he’ll try when it comes to you. If there is something you desire or some type of knowledge you going through the Akademiya for, he’ll offer his help. Although he can be pretty nonchalant, he does enjoy being in your presence and if your favor towards the Akademiya began after he took on the role as acting grand sage, his ego may swell a bit.

———

As if the Fatui didn’t have enough power across Teyvat already and now you favor them. Her Majesty and the harbingers are extremely grateful of having your favor in their corner, but they are definitely going to exploit this. It’s so easy for them to obtain more and more power in the other nations with the simple use of your name.

However even thought the Fatui can all collectively agree that having your favorite benefits them all, they are still incredibly selfish with their own intentions. The second you enter the Zapolyarny Palace, the harbingers are quickly scheming on ways to get you to themselves.

Pantalone, by far the richest of all the harbingers, will always offer to take you shopping. You’re the Creator! You can have as much jewelry, clothing, and other accessories as you want. Just be sure to follow him before one of the others pull you away.

Arlecchino is fully aware just how… unsettling her true side might be to you. But worry not! If there is one person who can keep her sane, it’s you! Want to see a magic show? Or maybe even an opera? She’ll take you! Cracks of her true personality might show if the others try stealing you away though.

Capitano is truly a legend on the battlefield, no matter how the others feel about him. One thing none of them will never deny is his strength. He holds a sense of righteousness that some (one puppet in particular) criticize. But his righteousness shines through with you. If you show any interest in learning to fight, he would be honored to teach you. Or maybe you already have incredible abilities, you are the God of Gods, he would love to test his strength against yours. No matter who wins, he’s willing to go again and again… just don’t go to a certain ginger asking for a sparring match.

Pierro, the first to be betrayed by the Seven when they destroyed his home. Many would think he would hold some type of resentment towards you, but he doesn’t. He is the director of the harbingers and they listen to his orders (usually coming from the Tsaritsa) so when you visit Snezhnaya he is usually the one to assign one of the harbingers to look after you. However he’s not afraid to use his power so he can be the one to look after you. Much to the other’s dismay.

———

You favor… The Abyss? Sorry, I need to rub my eyes and read that again.

No one understands your favoritism towards the Abyss. “They hate humanity Your Grace… Perhaps you should stay away from them?” Is what you hear all the time. But no one can technically force you to stay away… not to mention no one really knows what the Abyss actually is.

Very few know of the leader of the Abyss, the Prince/Princess or rather the travelers sibling. They can’t see you as often as they’d like but on the rare occasions they can, they love speaking to you about their plan. Sometimes they’ll even ask you questions about the traveler, curious how their journey of meeting the Seven is going.

Although he is not apart of the Abyss, at least not anymore. Even Dainsleif wonders what about the Abyss is appealing to you. Even if you do not know it, he’ll be sure to keep an eye on you just in case anyone or anything tries to harm you.

Note: While I was writing this and reading about some of the harbingers personalities on the fandom wiki, I might have accidentally gave myself a crush on Capitano 💀 I just know he is fine under that mask.

© avocad1s 2024

[lilimalia]

MOURNFUL // zhongli

SYNOPSIS... how can a god with such a stain on her hand survive the eyes of her beloved. looking away from his own adoring gaze on a woman you could never be brings back the disdain you had tried so very hard to bury in your core. nothing you had ever done was good enough, right zhongli?

CHARACTERS... traveller/aether,, zhongli/morax,, streetward rambler,, guizhong,, cloud retainer/xianyun,,

DISCLAIMERS... angst ,hurt/comfort , sort of desperate love blinded reader, unrequited love female reader , series part III

BARISTA'S INTEL... This persons art style is too die for. Oh my goodness.

TAG LIST... @nightrayseishina , @hiqhkey , @aethscend , @kgogoma , @patchi-chi , @ittosoneandoniwife , @neverlandlostchild , @milkiemei , @seyboo , @lumpywolf , @simpcreator , @rjreins , @chuusposts , @thelonelyarchon , @iiyumiii , @gellitu @almighty-raiden-shogunate , @plusea , @swivi , @juminsamore , @hekkappo , @tanspostsblog , @mysteriouslydelightfulchaos , @binar-es , @loyal-mad-dog , @heeseung-lover686 , @anniejourn , @yelshin , @floffytofu , @yuminako

CAFE TUNE... Where Is My Love // SYML

Your heart aches overwhelmingly, its beat sending out signals that tear you down an inch for inch. The longer you stay in the warmth of embracement from Cloud Retainer the more you fear to turn even your head towards him.

Zhongli whose voice breaks into as he calls for you.

"[Name]..."

"Won't you look at me, old friend?..."

The sound of his melodramatic voice rings across the blooming city. You see the flickers of lights and lanterns, floating into the air as prayers are set and blessings are wished for in the corner of your eye. The world around is stilling to a pause as you nuzzle deeper into Cloud Retainer's chest. Her arms tightened in, wrapping in a way that almost made you break in half. Her own heart is beating rapidly, thumping in pace with yours as you feel her protection rule over your own emotions. It's daunting to sit still, waiting for whatever would snap you out of it.

"[Name]? Where have you been all these years? This, Ms. Xianyun, had this been arranged before? This gathering, had you known? Duànzào?... why." he's whimpering it almost feels like. The closest you've ever seen the great Rex Lapis stumble. His words broke and shifted under the weight of the thick air.

It almost tore your heart how he called your name. Like a beckon, a beg, a sob for you. But the use of a name for the very woman you had confided in for so long, that you hadn't recognized, resounded in your head. The space between your past and their present.

The present you had missed out on for so long.

A sob you'd had hoped to hear from his lips for so very long. The way he kept repeating over his own words unceremoniously, in a mantra.

You.

You had broken him like this.

If you turned around now, could you face him as the man he was to you? The man he was, but now is?... Could you look him in the eye and take in the way your heart shattered in your own mind. The way its pieces couldn't hold together, not even with the strongest binding made by immortals?

Was he even still a god?

His footsteps are nighing, every clink of his boots drawing your racing heart to a deafening stop. It feels like no shield could halt his nearing presence. Your eyes watering in small candescent drips, your cheeks burn and ache as you desperately try to lodge yourself back into the comforting cradle of your friend- no, Xianyun. A name newly bitter on your tongue.

Yet another thing that has changed. While you remain stagnant in your fickle emotions that tore your body down like a potter’s reclaimed porcelain clay.

Over and over your feelings run through you, recycling what could’ve, would’ve, should've, happened.

“Turn around Morax. There is no... There is no Duànzào here, she’s long died in the aftermath of war all those centuries ago."

“And yet I see her ghost haunt me right as I breathe and stand.”

He’s muttering again, his stupid melodic voice sniveling as his cold, so very cold hand, pulls you away gently from your tight hold on Xianyun’s waist.

When had you even found it in you to grapple around her like that? It was as if you were unconscious of even what your own body sought out to seek.

Cloud Retainer’s eyes are darting towards your feeble state, watching ever so reluctantly as she withholds herself from you. Glancing up as your eyes pathetically glance away from her gaze. For you to come so far in your tantrum only to feel the shame crawling up your legs now. The irony was comedic. Almost.

"One hopes that you are able to find the peace you've barren yourself from [Name]"

In a small scoff, she steps back into the shadows cast by Liyue’s ever-glistening moonlight watching keenly as Zhongli’s outstretched hand that’s been placed on your shoulder breathlessly withdraws. In the back of your mind, your fears are endless, but as you turn to face the man you once knew, they silence.

Every gnawing apprehension you had held tied itself down in chains. His marble eyes watching over you in such agony it almost took you back.

The way his lips thinned into each other, pressed firmly as his face hardened and connected with your own eyes. The swaying light that loomed above and cascaded down onto the ground from the lanterns made his eyes almost shine like jewels cast out from ore…

But try as you might, no bewitching sight could take away the scene that laid itself in front of you, Zhongli’s stern look as his eyes, oh his eyes, melted. Pure unadulterated throbbing pain flashing through his milky sunsettia colored eyes. Not a single word spoken and yet, staring into his face for the first time in centuries conveyed words you could never dream of speaking out loud.

It burned to even glance over him, he looked so… Disgusting. Disappointed, disappointed in you. The longer you watched his face flicker in all sorts of turmoils, the harder it became to even face him with a single word. He was angry in a way you had never seen before, anger that flashed in his eyes and yet washed over with want and defeat. His eyes, they told so much and yet so little, what would he say? When he found out you had killed the very beloved woman he trusted by his side?

What would he say, when he learned about you?

The whole of you that you could never share to any god nor man. The disgusting part of you that you had so miserably prayed would have frozen and stoned away in the amber penitentiary you had locked yourself away in.

“Ms. Xianyun, I believe it would only be right if you left us to our duties. It seems there are many things I have left to settle with this dear acquaintance of mine.” If a man as graceful as Zhongli were to ever feel wrath, you supposed this would be it.

His voice is sharp and toned, in a way that was uncharacteristically seething. As he sharply turns away your only barrier from his fury. Adeptal strength carrying Xianyun's body elsewhere from what you could feel.

You need not even look, as you feel the presence of your savior nod and blend skillfully away from the alley.

Sucking in a breath, you’ve steeled your eyes sharply against Zhongli’s.

It’s time you’ve faced your greatest enemy.

…

His boots are sharply stepping towards you. Agonizingly clicking,

One

Two

Three

Steps he takes. Glaring at you, seething through his pursed lips as he backs you into the wall.

While you may be a goddess, in all your might and power, you are still a goddess under Morax the Archon of Geo.

“You. In that great calamity all those years ago, Cloud Retainer had said you had perished amid battle, disappeared in the war. She had pronounced to me, to everyone that you had sacrificed yourself heroically to save the men who called your name and prayed you’d sharpen their blades and brandish their spears-“, he pauses, taking one long, dignified step, caging you finally into the wall as his breath swooned around you.

The air was so dense with tension, you wondered if he had played some all godly trick to hold the air.

His breath is still tantalizing staining you, piercing right through you as his face inches in closer in such clear detail it shocks you to your core.

Each and every breath he inhaled and exhaled, showed a puff of smoke against the clean cool air of the port. If it was Zhongli’s mortal breath or the angry puffs of smoke from an upset Rex Lapis Loong it was hard to tell at this point. It felt almost... Sacrilegious, to speak.

"Imagine my surprise, when I find that the very god these mortals partake in blessing, comes to stand on the very day of the Lantern Rite. Had you really spent all these years alive? The soldiers these people set out their lanterns for, to guide their ways home, was that you?...", he's yet to lay a single hand on you, simply towering over you with his stature, although it feels like you're trapped in a cage.

"Tell me [Name], had you demanded of Cloud Retainer to lie on your behalf?... Why would you leave us in ignorance of you?...."

"What would you like me to say Morax? No, I apologize, Zhongli. Would you like to hear that I had died in battle gracefully and yet have come back to part ways? Or would you instead like to hear of my betrayals, the life I lost in that war? What would please you to hear my dear Zhongli?" your words held such bitterness to him that it almost shook you. Taciturn words laced over your tongue as you spat your disdain at him.

Its no wonder you couldn't ever face the reality of him.

Doesn't it feel childish to you [Name]? Aren't you ashamed? Aren't you ashamed of this act you're putting on?

He's not replying. He's not even moving.

You realize.

You're scared.

Scared out of your mind, falling again into a pit of overwhelming, surging, urge to run away. Your body won't move, you can't run even if you wanted to.

It is before he speaks, that he finally seems to snap out of his own trance, that his cold, so very cold, hand takes to your cheek. Landing softly on the side of your jaw, reeling you in so wretchedly close. His breathing stilling to a slow, shakingly let loose. Even in this state of distraught, he's gorgeous in every way. His hands were warmer now, stroking from your jaw to your cheek pulling you in closer by the minute. Your foreheads touch, as he lowers his gaze from your cheek to your grey eyes, now pooling in a mix of [e/c] the longer he holds you. As he stares, there's some mixed emotion you can't figure out, the closeness of it all, was this purely the effect of a friend?

Is it wrong to hope he means for more?

"I... I miss you."

.

.

.

With every ounce of your being, a strangled cry let loose, this forlorn cacophony not even slaughter could bring.

Your wailing, sobs wrench themself out of your lungs, caged from all those years ago as you refuse to hold him in the moment of your weakness. Haunted by the ghost of you, you that you could never explain to anyone, not Cloud Retainer, not Zhongli, not Streetward Rambler. A dam built up and broken down by the hurt you felt, forgotten and cast aside, only to be torn down by the gentle embrace he hugged you in.

But Zhongli, as godly as he was, had never looked as ethereal as he did now. That same so longing look disappeared as his eyes closed, silence speaking louder, thrumming harder, as he pulled you closer into his arms.

Is this what old friends do? You’d like to ask.

It doesn’t feel like it.

He’s leading you on, trapping you in this cozy little cage he’s made. Pressing you against his chest as the symphony of his heartbeat strums a rhythm so ruthlessly seductive that your sniffling chokes to a stop.

He’s yet to say a word.

But your struggling to say less.

The tears that run down your face stain his garments. Loose wet pools splayed out onto the rough silk embellished coat he wore. But yet he holds you, falling forward into the wall as his heart continues to fiddle its melody.

A century felt like nothing as the man of your qualms held you so adoringly.

So you stand, you stand as you weep, grieving the person you lost. Grieving the woman you were, regretting the man you had given up your life for. So you stand, weeping for the person you trapped away in a prison you designed. As you stand, as you stand a cry, he holds, holds tightly, cradles gently. Pushing against the wall as his hands wrap tenderly around the space of your back. Rubbing up and down, stroking with his thumb as he begins to breath in a deep sigh.

You’ve yet to see his expression, has it changed? Is he… angry? With you?

“How lonely I must have made you feel Duànzào”, his hands stopped. Instead returns to his side as he steps back, looking you in the eye.

It takes every bone you have in your body not to follow his figure forward, wrap yourself back into the solace you’ve newly accustomed too.

“I apologize [Name], for not being the proper pillar you needed.” Now, he bows, deep all the way down as he lifts his head up slightly to return your soaked eyes.

It takes a few minutes to process his apology. Watching as he holds his breath and waits for your permission for him to raise.

Isn’t this what you wanted?

It didn’t feel right, did it?

“Can you fix me?” Your asking, reaching a hand out limply, curling your fingers in as you take in his cheek.

“Can’t you fix me now?”

When he rises, he only looks deeper in anguish. Looking shamefully away as darkened black shadows of people pass by.

Another tear drips, watching as he fails to answer.

“Truthfully… I am not sure. How can I, Rex Lapis, fix another god? When I am imperfect myself.”

“But you aren’t, you aren’t imperfect.” You're gasping out, surprised by his degenerative words.

“Your gorgeous Mor- Zhongli. Your are so beautiful it hurts. It hurts to stand here and beg you to save me when I've cast myself out away by my own accord.” The words you're spewing out don’t sound like yours. They feel like the storytellers, the watchers, the observers.

“Don’t you understand Zhongli?… I am the imperfect one, I am the forsaken god. The flaw in your flawless self.”

What overtakes you now, you're not sure, but it embarrasses you. Stomping down on your every hurt, as the tears stop rushing down your face. Your clothes are stained dark as the cool air breezes over them. Leaving you to shiver in their sharpness. You're asking questions you don't know the answer to, you're begging for an answer that isn't there. You're wishing he'd look at you and say he knows how to fix you when you know the problem and its solution.

When he looks at you now, his eyebrow perks up, the pools that decorated his eyes glowed with sudden sparked curiosity.

“How could you ever be flawed?", he asks. This genuine tone in his voice peeks in confusion as he takes to lifting your chin again. Beckoning you to look up at him, take his glory as those glowing eyes scan over you. Taking in your fault, your flaw, as you're stained in your own tears, shaking under the breezy wind, broken down into something. Something less than a god.

"When Cloud Retainer spoke of your death, she left much vague," he starts, rubbing your face over and over again, soothing your hasty breaths down from your panic.

"Would it be wrong to assume, instead, that you had fled? Had I, Rex Lapis, so horribly failed at being an Archon you could depend on that you had taken to running away from us all?"

"Was I, what you feared?"

If there were tears left to cry, they've fled and left you stranded. Why is it that to explain how it tore you inside out that you, the divine, couldn't sedate the coarse emotions that ran through you, felt like driving a stake down your heart. How could you ever admit that in the face of calamity, in fear you ran from your responsibilities, hiding away from your problems.

Staring now, back into his eyes, your [e/c] felt dull in comparison.

"Would you believe me, if I told you when I fled, I fled from myself?"

"I can't seem to understand... Please, won't you elaborate?" he perks up, raising a questioning brow.

"I loved you. Once."

...

When he looks at her, the memory of her death flashes through his mind like venom. The dripping cold sweat that had run down his face when he had heard from his dear old trusted ally that you had not returned home.

He remembers that somber night after the news of your passing.

"One is sorry that one was not there to save her in time Rex Lapis. If only one had been there under her arms to aid", Cloud Retainer had responded, sitting side by side with him on the peak of Mt. Aozang on the stone-carved stools.

As she poured steaming tea down into his small cup, softly held in his hands, she looked up at the moon. Hot osmanthus tea shined in pearl-like wonder as they both shared a clink of cups in honor of their fallen comrades.

His eyes are welling into tears, his vision of the rabbit moon blurring the longer he stares.

He weeps for her.

"Rex Lapis... She had died valiantly for our sakes. One wishes you to at least feel peace of mind over that", Cloud Retainer nods, shakingly covering her eyes as she adjusts her red rim glasses. Hiding away the shed of a tear behind the disguise of it.

When two gods tinker and drink to their loss, he is left reminded that in the deep dark of the night two had not returned to join their banter.

Where were those to share the memory?

He is reminded that they are no longer there.

...

So when he looks deep into the god he had for so long thought had died, there's a mournful feeling he can't seem to shake away.

When you had died, had he missed you more then he missed Guizhong?

When you had left him so wrongfully that night, had he weeped because he loved you?

"I loved you. Once"

She said, clear as running water, yet as full of desperate anguish as a soldier in their last battle.

Does he love you? Is he the reason you had thought there was no other escape except for death?

He's yet to process his feelings, perplexed and lost. He's swimming in grief so deeply sewn into his wounds that it's almost impossible to grasp that there is love in her.

The timing isn't right. He can't do this here. Not now, he doesn't understand it all.

But her eyes, stare back at him, despairingly grabbing at him, not with her hands, but with her gaze, reeling him in. Pleading at him to understand, but he doesn't. He can't.

It hurts to even look her in the eye.

Can't she see how much she's done to him? The way she's brought an Archon even to her feet.

"When you had left, had you flee because you loved me?",

Did she run away, did she run away from him?

So why did she come home?

"I'm... Not sure. I'm not sure at all Zhongli."

"Would you hate me if it was?"

In him, he fails to find the words to describe it. The scattered emotions left out to dry ever since the Archon War. The bleeding heart and emotional wounds he's never healed from. Scars that litter his body inside and out, because as god, he is cursed to live with them.

While he fails to find the words for the feelings he feels, he also struggles to say anything back. He could never hate her could he. Not when he had been so graciously granted a second chance at her, at them and the memories.

As long as he stares, he fails to pinpoint what he feels for her. He closes his eyes, letting his body soothe. Releasing the tension he hadn't noticed developed in his shoulders. Letting the whole of his body relax.

He steps forward, opening his eyes, grabbing her face.

"I cannot give you an answer when I have yet to fully face what has happened. But if I could be so bold to make a request in your honor," he pauses, watching tenderly as you soften under his clasp. Breathing in hard as your eyes connect again for the longest time.

"Allow me to face you," he leans in, noses touching.

"Allow me to take the you that you have demonstrated to me this fateful night. Show me the you I could not receive, and I will seep it in with my whole being," lips closing in painfully slow,

"Allow me to try and love you my dear [Name]."

He closes his eyes, the last image of you being as your eyes widen in surprise at his closeness, and tenderly places his lips against yours. Grazing his hands ever so gently on your cheeks as he sinks into you, encasing your lips with his own. Soft and warm as he presses you up against the wall, softly stroking your cheek as he blindly collapses against you. Only opening his eyes once more when he's felt that the last of his breath fails to hold.

A tear trickles down your face, and he prays that it'll be the very last one he causes.

"I think [Name], that Rex Lapis was a very unfortunate man to have lost you." He murmurs, stroking away the tear with the flick of his wrist. It flings with a shine.

"May I love you in his place?", he pauses, waiting for you to reply.

Deep down he fears he's lost you already,

His heart spikes as he fears he's crossed boundaries.

Only to suck in a breath as your lips collide once more. Gnawing desperately against his he's tilting his head to take in the sweet chaste kiss you share. Both of you breathing desperately as tears fall between you both, cold in comparison to your shaky warm exchange.

"I love you," He thinks.

AFTERMATH (bonus)

He's got you swept over his lap as he sits on the wooden bench. Gazing out longingly from the pavilion as he waits for the women behind him to seat down beside him. Sighing tiredly as he listens to the last of her prolonged recap.

"One is most surprised that you Zhongli had taken this long to realize she had the utmost adoration for you", Xianyun snickers, sitting down beside him as she too stares sweetly at your resting body. Taking in quickly the way the under bags of your eyes were puffy as well as the way your eyelashes were clumped up in barely noticeable bundles.

He shades his hand over her face away from her teasing look.

"I would have never thought that her distrusting glares and offish behavior had been from her belief that her love was unrequited..." he replies, awkwardly coughing as he shields his gaze conveniently up to the moon.

"Well, it would seem to One that you had never been good at personal affairs. After all, Duànzào had always been the diplomat." she chuckles, pouring from a steaming pot into two solid stone cups. Steam bubbled up in wisps as the aroma of herbs wafted into the air.

"I simply wish that you had not lied to me Ms. Xianyun"

"Oh? And what would the old Rex Lapis have done? Chased after her and corner her into confession? It's almost amusing to consider how you would have tormented the poor women", she chuckles, passing him the warm cup, as she takes her own in two palms.

"Mm... Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise. For us immortals to be reunited after all these years." Blowing on the steam and inhaling the cup awkwardly to the side to avoid your face as your chest rose in every breath.

"Hmph! A blessing indeed."

As the both clink cups the stone reverts the sound. Sharing a sip of the new brew, their eyes glance up at the stunning moon. Intaking the silent night left after the joyful Lantern Rite activities.

As two gods sit in a breathtaking view, after a night of floating lanterns and fireworks shared between the old and new, they share a pot of brew.

Sighing in unison, both look adoringly at the peaceful figure laid adoringly draped upon one of their laps.

As a third god returns home to share the memories.

SPECIAL BREWS...

Loong // chinese word for dragon

Lanterns // one of zhongli's voiceline refers to how in the old days of Liyue during war people would light lanterns as a way for soldiers to find home, because many related the Goddess of the Forge (reader) to good armour when they would light these lanterns they would pray for a safe journey guided by (reader), zhongli assumes she helped guide their paths when presumably dead, this is untrue of course since she was trapped in prison (it was merely good fortune for most)

Diplomat // a reference to part II dialogue, during the old days as zhongli was considered more hard headed, (reader) would be in charge of negotiations, Xianyun references an old convo

BARISTA'S INQUIREMENT... as of 2024 this is now my longest fanfic, i want to give special thanks to everyone who patiently waited over a year for an update and I hope that this series ending fufilled at least some of your guys expectations. i am so proud that my tumblr journey starts and continues with this fanfic <3, thank you guys for reading!

word count. 4,017

tag list !

PREVIOUS // FINAL

©lilimalia... Please do not plagiarize, themes are edited by me, reblogs allowed, do not repost on any other platform!!

banner credits: @DonaldAkron on twitter

[dragon-ascent]

You see Liyue's god, Morax, on the street and you lose your mind.

★彡takes place centuries ago, when Rex Lapis was said to be close with his people, Rukkhadevata still existed, etc.

In Teyvat, where gods and monsters roam the land, it is only natural that stories of the divine weave their way into daily life. As a child, you'd been accustomed to poring over books and pictures of the gods of other nations. Like Baal with her elegant, thundering might that could cleave whole islands in half in one stroke, and the playful Barbatos, who could blow away even the tallest mountains with a single gust of wind. They were all so charming, so ethereal, so complex. Your own god was no less impressive - the beautiful and divine Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, whose blessings of wisdom gave rise to your thriving nation.

The god that fascinated you the most, however, was Morax - or Rex Lapis, as the people of his nation so reverently called him.

In all the stories you'd read and the plays you'd seen, Rex Lapis was depicted as a fierce warrior god who could overcome any adversity thrown his way. He'd minted Mora from his own divine body, altered the landscape of Liyue during major battles, and bestowed blessings of illumination upon his adepti companions.

Most importantly, he is handsome.

Yes, it's a little silly to swoon over a religious deity, but...look at him. Every story you've read depicted him in the same way, be it in Inazuman manga or Sumerian amar chitra katha: long dark hair that was securely fastened by a gilded pin; toned arms that shimmered with hues of black and gold; and glimmering amber eyes set upon a face that seemed to be chiseled by Celestia itself.

Honestly, Rex Lapis is the main reason you're interested in pursuing higher studies in Liyue rather than in Sumeru, much to your parents' disdain. Why go to Liyue when Sumeru has a perfectly reputable Akademiya with well-established Darshans? But they know they cannot stop you: when your reverence for Rex Lapis has far transcended your devotion to Rukkhadevata almost since the moment you were born, why shouldn't you gain the opportunity to get closer to the god you love most?

So the day you get the acceptance letter from your dream academy in Liyue Harbor, it's a most joyous occasion indeed. After much jumping and screaming and cheering, you lay out your plan for when you first get to Liyue to settle into your dorm for the academic year:

Step 1: Find Rex Lapis.

Step 2: Woo him and become his consort...or something.

A masterfully-crafted plan, is it not?

---x---

It's not a far journey from Sumeru; the two are neighboring countries after all, and it takes about a day and a half by cart to get to the harbor. That's where Rex Lapis is most active, so you should certainly be able to catch a glimpse of him at least once during your fortnight here, yes?

Throughout almost the entire journey, your nose is buried in stories of Rex Lapis mingling with his people. Oftentimes this is done while he is incognito, his golden eyes the only thing giving away his identity.

Yes, that's another thing about him that wildly interests you - out of all the archons, he's one of the closest to his people. That's the whole basis for your master plan, no? It wouldn't work if he were to be cooped up in Taishan Mansion like he was originally supposed to be.

The scenery shifts from thick forests to vast valleys, and before you know it you've crossed the Sumeru-Liyue border. The landscape shifts to warmer colours, the ever-present green now blending with hues of red and gold. Mountains dot the horizon, and your heart pounds with excitement at the thought of Rex Lapis having formed them all himself. And, the moment you see a Statue of the Seven come into view and it's Rex Lapis instead of Rukkhadevata, you find yourself squealing for the carriage to be stopped for a moment.

Hurrying out and almost tripping over yourself with giddiness, you make your way over to the statue. "Oh my gosh!" You can hardly believe it yourself, but his stone likeness sits upon a throne, his face shrouded by a hood as he gazes contemplatively at a cube in his hand. With the way he's sitting...surely you can nestle yourself on his lap!

The carriage's coachman pulls you back before you can climb up the statue and incur your first penalty in Liyue.

---x---

Fortune is on your side for the most part, for your dorm is located in the perfect spot near your academy-to-be, and you get a lovely seaside view from your window. The rent came cheap as well, and you had a smooth and seamless moving-in experience.

The area where fortune is not on your side, however, is in the fact that you've been here for a week and haven't seen neither hide nor hair of the Geo archon. You'd been traipsing around the harbor all week to the point that you could probably point out all the landmarks like a local, but there was no sign of a certain golden-eyed man at all. (You knew this because you'd made sure to look into everyone's eyes - not long enough to be creepy but just long enough to get some confused looks.)

One consolation was the fact that the people of Liyue loved talking about their experiences with their god: how he had once used a spoon from this place to try food from that stall, how he had written a poem for this store and had personally named that restaurant...his presence was interwoven with the stories of this city and could certainly not be de-threaded from them.

So where on earth was he now?

Your question is answered when you're out buying potatoes at the market ("Rex Lapis himself had suggested this place sell potatoes!"), when the vendor nearly knocks your bag over as he bows deeply to the tall man who has appeared beside you. "Rex Lapis, it is an honor and a pleasure to see you back here again!"

You nearly drop those damn potatoes.

"Ah, think nothing of it, my friend. The vegetable arrangements you craft out of food waste are simply a delight to behold - and economical, as well. One might even say that..." As his rich, deep baritone engulfs your ears, you finally muster the courage to look up at him. The moment you do, your jaw practically drops to the pavement.

The manga and amar chitra katha weren't lying. If anything, they weren't even doing justice to his appearance.

Beautiful amber eyes set upon a chiseled face that exuded equal parts royalty and congeniality; long, silky dark hair held together by a lustrous gold pin; and through his archon robes you could make out the shape of his toned and muscular body.

"Ohmagaissreallyyouohgaohwhadahek..."

You hadn't realised you'd just babbled something until the god stops mid-conversation and turns to look at you curiously.

"Pardon me, little one, I didn't quite catch that."

Your legs feel like they're made of water; yet somehow you don't fall to the ground. He's looking at you, oh gods he's looking at you. "Uhhhhhh," is all you can utter.

He offers you a warm smile that could put even the morning sun to shame. If your voice worked, you would scream "I'm in love with you" at him. "Yours is a face I have not seen around here before. A visitor to my land, I assume?"

The only thing you can do right now is nod meekly. The god's eyes twinkle.

"Well, I do hope you enjoy your stay here. Liyue has much to offer, regardless of what it is you may be looking for." You nod dumbly yet again as he finishes his conversation with the vendor and, with a nod to you, Rex Lapis begins to stroll down the street.

Clearly his presence is not an infrequent occurrence, for everyone who passes by him merely greets him with mild nervousness and reverence, as opposed to hurling themselves at his feet and wailing words of praise at him.

Finally, your legs start working again. Before you know it, you find yourself running towards him. Rex Lapis, sensing your footsteps, turns to look at you.

You pause, catching your breath. Your heart is hammering away in your chest, and it's not because of the running. "I...have something I want to say to you...m-my lord!"

"Yes?" He eyes you curiously, head slightly cocked.

You bite your lip, your mind reeling. So many things to say, so little brain juice in you... "I - I think you're very handsome!"

Saying this, you run off, leaving the god to stand there and process what had just transpired. Classy.

[kamisatomay018]

Happy New Year, Mrs. Neuvillette!

Lots of fluff, new year special fic!

Neuvillette x fem! Reader

“My love, you look simply divine tonight..” you heard your boyfriend’s deep and soothing voice say as you turned around, feeling your heart skip a beat seeing him in an elegant suit, his long hair flowing freely. You blushed and approached him, fixing his tie and kissing his cheek. “Thank you Neuvi, and trust me, you look so heartbreakingly handsome..” Your sweet dragon tilted his head in slight confusion, not understanding your words of endearment correctly. “Heartbreakingly? Why my dear, I never wish to do that to you..” Your sweet laughter echoed through the room as you felt your heart melt, making you kiss his cheeks again. “Aawww don’t worry Neuvi; it’s just an expression! I know you’d never break my heart!”

He smiles in relief, holding your hand and kissing your palm. It was a habit he had developed ever since you started dating. “That puts my heart at ease Mon Amour. Now then, shall we get going? It is 11:30 pm.” You nodded excitedly, holding onto his arm which he held out for you. Archons, he was such a gentleman. As you both stepped out of the Palais Mermonia, your eyes shone brightly as you viewed the glittering city of Fontaine, everyone excitedly waiting for another new year. Festive lights adorned the city as people were out and about, mingling with friends and family. You and Neuvillette were headed to the Opera Epiclese, where he had stated he wished to show you a surprise. You thought that he must have prepared something for new year and nothing more, but soon you’d find out that you were very wrong. Tonight was going to change your life.

You both boarded the aquabus and chatted merrily with the melusine in charge of the trip. The best part about the aquabus in your opinion was the spectacular view of Fontaine it provided, the bright moonlight illuminating on the surface of the oceans as the atmosphere was simply stunning. Fontaine was so different from your home, that is Liyue, yet you had no problem whatsoever in adjusting thanks to the brilliant man seated beside you, your hand safely clasped in his. You were one of the many adepti in Liyue, who had fought alongside Rex Lapis in the archon war. However as time went by, the Liyue you knew and loved also changed as all the adepti departed to Juyeun karst, knowing their protection wasn’t needed. When the news of Rex Lapis’ passing spread, you knew that your millennia long contract with him had come to an end, and although you still held deep love for Liyue, you were no longer bound to stay there and protect the citizens. With Rex Lapis, blessing you departed from Liyue to fulfil your desire of exploring Teyvat, and soon reached Fontaine.

Who knew that you would end up meeting your soulmate and stay here forever? Meeting Neuvillette was purely coincidental, for he had first laid eyes on you when you were tending to the wound of an injured melusine, using your healing powers to ease her pain. When he saw you he instantly knew you weren’t from Fontaine, and he was completely awestruck by your beauty and kindness. And then, when you turned around to lock eyes with him, your entire world changed as a delicate red string appeared, wrapping around your ring finger and his, connecting not just your bodies, but also your souls together. Neuvillette on the other hand, instantly felt his draconic instincts telling him that he had found his mate, and the magical red string that he saw further convinced him of the same, although he did not completely understand what it was. That was the day you both pledged to love one another endlessly, and you chose to settle down in Fontaine, for you really did not have anyone else to go back to in Liyue. 4 years had passed by already, and your bond with Neuvillette had only grown stronger. You both were devoted to one another, your love deeper than any oceans in Fontaine. Sure it was a little tricky to get used to living in a city as developed as Fontaine, but Neuvillette’s unwavering support helped you through it all.

“Dearest, are you alright?” Your beloved’s voice snapped you out of your memory lane, as you noticed the worried expression on his face. “Oh? Oh yes of course love, forgive me, I was just reminiscing about our past.” He lets out a soft chuckle, placing a chaste kiss on your forehead. “Ah I see, is it perhaps you miss your home? If you wish, you can go visit Liyue any time you want dearest.” You shook your head, resting it on his shoulder. “No neuvi, that’s not the reason, I’m quite alright. Besides, I have no one to visit in Liyue really..we adepti are not that close with one another anymore..”

Sensing your slight sadness, neuvillette gently squeezes your hand, holding you close. He knew of your past, and he knew that you missed the way adepti used to be close with one another before the archon war. Now times had changed, and with it so had the bonds you made. “Know that my love for you is unchanging and eternal Mon Amour. I am with you, always.” You looked up at him with those beautiful eyes of yours, your delicate features being adorned with that pretty smile of yours his heart went crazy over. “I know Neuvi, which is why I wish to stay here with you. You make me the happiest, and as long as I have your support and love, I don’t need anyone else!”

He chuckles sweetly, hugging you close to him, thinking to himself- Dont you worry mon amour, I’m going to make you so happy tonight. Eventually you both got off the aquabus, holding hands as you walked down the pathway towards the Opera Epiclese. “The city looks so beautiful tonight Neuvi, we can sense the joy in the atmosphere! It’s really so lively!” You said, admiring the way people were so cheerful and happy. “Believe me my dearest, the city’s beauty is nothing compared to yours..” and there we go, he managed to make you blush yet again! Giggling shyly, you shook your head, making him chuckle too. Eventually you two reached the fountain of Lucine and Neuvillette left your hand, walking forward. With a snap of his fingers, the water in the fountain started glowing beautifully, the plants and flowers around you both gleaming and shining due to the existing water droplets on them. It looked absolutely magical, making you feel like you were in an enchanted fairy tale.

“Oh my..neuvi this is…oh wow..” you really had no words to describe it, the gleaming water droplets seeming like shining fairy lights. He smiles at you, going to you slowly while taking a deep breath to compose his nervous self. This was it, the biggest step in your relationship was here. “Mon amour, I have something to say..” You looked at him with a big smile, cupping his cheek softly “go ahead Neuvi, tell me, I’m listening..” Well, here goes nothing.

“Mon amour..the moment our eyes first locked, I knew you were the only one my heart and soul was bound to. You’ve taught me love, you’ve given me the honour of being with you and experiencing what true happiness feels like. Without you, I am nothing. You fill me with so much joy, so much hope and so much love..before you entered my life, I was alone and merely just…existing. But with you I’ve realised what living life to the fullest feels like..You are simply magnificent, one of a kind. My love for you is everlasting and ever growing..I wish to spend my entire life with you, just like this, holding your hand in mine. So…” getting down on one knee, he opened a beautiful engraved box. On a velvet pillow lay a beautiful ring, with a big diamond in between, surrounded by two shining cor lapis stones. “Will you let me have the honour of calling you my wife? Will you marry me and become Mrs. Neuvillette?”

You were a crying mess by now. Words could never describe how euphoric your felt right now. It was a dream come true; there was no other way to describe it. You nodded vigorously through your tears, falling into his arms giving him perhaps the tightest hug you had ever given. “YES! Yes Neuvi, I’d love to be your wife!!” At that very moment, the clock struck midnight as fireworks erupted all over the night sky. Neuvillette smiled ever so happily, embracing you close to him. He held your left hand, gently slipping the beautiful ring onto your ring finger, right where the red string had shown itself 4 years ago.

“I love you Mon Amour, I cannot wait to marry you.” You smiled through your tears, admiring him so much. He could sense your joy, and it was contagious for he himself was beyond ecstatic. “Oh Neuvi…I love you so much too, you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me..” as you both stood back up, he held you close, leaning his forehead against yours. “Happy New Year my beloved.” You giggled softly, wrapping your arms around his neck, your ring shining brighter than the stars. “Happy new year Neuvillette..”

And once again, you both locked eyes, lilac meeting gold. The two of you were so happy, that nothing else mattered in this moment. Without wasting any more time, he leaned in, sealing the new year with a sweet kiss filled with pure love. This was perhaps the best way to start the new year, one you knew would be the best year of your lives. He was your home, your everything. And now, you were his fiancée. Happy new year, Mrs. Neuvillette!

[aller-geez]

Sneeze The Day!

Vaelyn’s pilot fic 🖤

A platonic snz/sickfic ❤️

For the anon who is already excited for Vee content 🖤 here’s nearly 5k words, set before the venue fire that Vaelyn accidentally caused while he’s part of Rexar’s band, Toad Biscuit, which caused him to go into hiding, and this is before rexar and Remi got close. For more context, please view Vee’s backstory here, or just enjoy the fic without context 🖤

The tour bus jolted lightly over a pothole, causing the stack of crumpled tissues on the edge of Vaelyn's bunk to slide off onto the floor. He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, feeling the steady throb of congestion hammering behind his eyes. The small, enclosed space was suffocating, not from the size but from the pounding ache in his skull and the relentless itch that refused to leave his nose alone.

"Vee, you okay over there?" Rexar's voice cut through the low hum of the bus engine, his usual teasing tone laced with genuine concern.

"I'm fine," Vee replied hoarsely, his voice cracking in betrayal. A fiery scratch clawed at his throat with every syllable. He sniffled wetly, swiping at his nose with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. "Just—" His words hitched mid-sentence, and his breath caught. "Hihh-hhh!—"

Rexar barely had time to look up from tuning his guitar before Vee snapped forward, sneezes erupting from him in rapid succession.

"Eh'ishh!-ishh!-ISHH!-…….. hhHIEESHHuh!"

The force of the fit bent him nearly in half, the final sneeze roaring out of him with a volume that made even Kriia, who was organizing the merch table in the back, poke her head around the corner with a raised eyebrow.

"Bless you," Rex said automatically, pausing to glance at Vee. His freckled face was creased with worry. "Damn, Vee. You sound like hell."

"Thanks for the observation," Vee muttered, grabbing a tissue from the crumpled pile next to him and blowing his nose. The sound was gurgling and wet, doing little to relieve the overwhelming congestion. He slumped back against the wall of his bunk, his blue eyes bloodshot and watering, framed by a puffiness that only made his misery more evident.

"Seriously, dude," Kriia chimed in, moving closer with her arms crossed. "You should sit tonight out. You’re barely upright, let alone stage-ready."

Vee bristled at her suggestion, his pride flaring despite his sorry state. "I'm not sitting out," he snapped, though his voice cracked again, undermining his attempt at defiance. "This is the last stretch of the tour. I'm not letting another damn cold bench me."

Rexar raised his eyebrows, leaning back in his chair. "No one’s gonna think less of you, man. Well, maybe you will, but the rest of us have seen you push through enough. You’ve got nothing to prove."

Vee didn’t reply immediately, instead grabbing another tissue and burying his nose in it for a moment, massaging furiously at his inflamed nostrils. Despite his efforts, his breath hitched again, his body tensing.

"Hh’EISHh!-ISCHh! !—ISCHh-isch! …….. Hh’iSSSHHHuhh!" His sneezes tore through the bus with such force that Rex instinctively held up a hand to shield his guitar.

Kriia sighed, shaking her head. "Okay, that’s it," she said firmly. "If you’re gonna be stubborn and play, at least let us help you. We’ll figure something out to make it easier."

"I'm fine," Vee grumbled again, but the pitiful rasp of his voice and the deep flush on his fevered cheeks said otherwise. Still, his determination was unshakable, and Kriia exchanged a resigned glance with Rexar.

Vee’s protests were half-hearted at best, and even he seemed to realize it. Every time he tried to straighten up and shake off the misery, another sneeze or a fit of coughing would drag him back down. His fingers trembled slightly as he fumbled to open his guitar case, the weight of the instrument feeling heavier than usual.

Kriia moved closer, watching him with quiet concern. “Vee,” she said gently, crouching next to him as he perched on the edge of the bus seat, “we’re serious. Let us help you. You don’t have to keep proving how tough you are. We already know.”

Rex, now sitting cross-legged on the floor tuning his guitar, chimed in with a teasing grin. “Yeah, dude, we get it. You’re the ultimate badass. Now how about letting your body catch up with that ego of yours before it spontaneously combusts?”

Vee gave them both a side-eye glare, his lips twitching into the faintest ghost of a smirk. But before he could reply, his breath hitched sharply, and he instinctively turned to the side, pressing his wrist against his face.

“ISSHhuh! — Hdt’ISHh! —ISCHhh! — Isch! ish! ………. Hhh—hhHIESSHHhuhh!”

The sneezes were so forceful they nearly knocked him forward, his long hair swinging into his face with each convulsive motion. His guitar case wobbled precariously on the bench next to him as he leaned forward, gasping for air.

“Bless you,” Kriia murmured, her brow furrowing.

Rex winced as if the sneezes had been his own, strumming a chord absently before adding, “Man, if you sneeze any harder, your nose’s gonna file for worker’s comp.”

Vee sniffled miserably, swiping at his nose with the sleeve of his hoodie. “Hilarious,” he rasped, though his usual venom was dulled by exhaustion. His voice cracked, and he winced, clutching at his throat.

Kriia reached out, resting a hand lightly on his knee. “You’re really not okay, are you?”

“I’ll live,” Vee muttered, though the congestion thickened his words into a near-whimper. “Just… let me get through tonight. I can’t—I won’t sit this one out.”

Kriia sighed deeply, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection. She stood, patting his shoulder lightly before glancing at Rexar, who was now silently watching his friend with a worried crease in his brow.

“Alright,” she said finally. “But we’re keeping an eye on you, Vee. The second you look like you’re about to pass out, I’m dragging your stubborn ass off that stage myself.”

“Good luck with that,” Vee muttered, though the corners of his lips curved upward in a faint, wry smile.

Rex chuckled, grabbing his own guitar case as he stood. “If she doesn’t, I will,” he said. “But hey, if you faceplant mid-song, I’m totally posting it on the band’s account.”

Vee scoffed weakly, though the sound melted into a wet sniffle. “Do it,” he challenged hoarsely. “Maybe it’ll go viral and sell some albums.”

“Always the optimist,” Rex said dryly, offering him a hand up.

Vee stared at it for a moment before reluctantly taking it, his movements sluggish as Rex hauled him to his feet. He swayed slightly, his tall frame trembling with the effort of staying upright, but he steadied himself against the wall of the bus. His chest heaved as he tried to take a deep breath, but the effort sent him into a harsh, barking cough that left him hunched over and gasping.

Kriia bit her lip, exchanging a look with Rexar. “Let’s just get through soundcheck,” she said softly.

Rex nodded, clapping Vee on the back as they made their way off the bus. “One step at a time, man. One step at a time.”

By the time they arrived at the venue, Vee was visibly worse. His usually confident stride was reduced to a sluggish shuffle, his shoulders hunched under the weight of his exhaustion. His guitar case dangled limply in his hand, and every few steps he would stop, gripping the edge of a nearby table or wall to steady himself.

"Maybe just... don’t die before we even get to the stage," Rex joked half-heartedly as they set up for soundcheck.

"Noted," Vee replied, his voice muffled as he turned away, his breath hitching once again.

"Hh—hhuhh! Hhh- I’mgonnasneezeagain—Hh'IESHHh! Hehh- IESHHh!! ISSHH! ISHhh! ……………… HhIESHHhuh! "

Each sneeze wracked his tall frame, bending him forward at the waist. He swayed slightly, blinking dazedly as he clutched his guitar for support.

"Bless you," Rex said again offhandedly, tuning his guitar without looking up. "You sure you’re not secretly auditioning for ‘World’s Loudest Sneezes?’ I think you’d win."

Vee managed a weak chuckle, wiping his nose with the back of his hand. "Ha... ha," he muttered, though there was no venom in his voice. If anything, he seemed too drained to muster up his usual sharp sarcasm.

The roar of the crowd vibrated through the walls of the venue, a pulsing wave of energy that usually gave Vaelyn a thrill. Tonight, though, it only added to the pounding in his head. He leaned against the side of the stage, his guitar slung over his back, the strap digging into his shoulder. His chest rose and fell with shallow, wheezy breaths as he tried to psych himself up.

"You got this," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the chaos. He sniffled wetly, his nose red and raw, the medical tape across its bridge looking almost neon against his flushed complexion. "Just a few songs. Then you can crash."

Rexar stepped up next to him, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You sure about this, man? You can still bow out. No shame in it."

Vee shook his head, his long, disheveled hair falling into his face. "I’m fine," he rasped, though his hoarse voice betrayed him. "Let’s just... let’s do this."

Rexar hesitated for a moment, studying his best friend’s pale, fevered face before giving him a small nod. "Alright. Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay? I’ll cover if you need me to."

With that, Rex stepped out onto the stage, greeted by deafening cheers from the audience. Vee followed a few steps behind, plastering on a faint, forced smile as he waved weakly to the crowd. The bright stage lights felt like daggers in his already pounding head, and he had to squint against their intensity.

The first song started, a fast-paced, heavy metal anthem that usually got the crowd hyped. Vee’s fingers moved over the strings of his guitar with practiced precision, but his movements were sluggish, his timing slightly off. His congested breathing echoed in his ears, drowning out the music.

He made it through the first song, but barely. His vision blurred at the edges, and he could feel the heat radiating off his own skin. He sniffled constantly, trying to keep the relentless drip from his nose under control, but it was a losing battle. By the second song, his sneezes returned with a vengeance.

"Eh-hh! eishh!-ishh!-ish!-’shh!... —ISSHHhew! HH—……HHEISSCHHuhhh!"

The fit bent him double, his guitar hanging limply at his side as he sneezed violently into his elbow. He barely managed to recover in time to join in on the next chorus.

The blaring lights and deafening roar of the crowd felt like a distant echo to Vaelyn, his fever-addled mind barely able to register the chaos around him. His knees buckled slightly as he fought to stay upright, his long fingers fumbling with the strings of his guitar. His grip faltered, and a discordant twang cut through the heavy bassline of the song. The crowd didn’t seem to notice, but the slip was enough to send a fresh wave of frustration washing over him.

By the fourth song, his vision blurred, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead and stinging his bloodshot eyes. His chest burned with every shallow breath, and his nose—raw, red, and swollen—itched relentlessly, taunting him with an impending sneeze he couldn’t hold back.

From across the stage, Rexar’s sharp grey-red eyes flicked toward him, narrowing in concern. Kriia, stationed at the merch table, bit her lip, her own purple eyes darting between Vee and Rexar as if silently urging him to do something. But before either of them could act, the fifth song began, and it was clear Vee had reached his limit.

The opening chords of the song had barely begun to resonate when Vee’s body betrayed him. His breath hitched violently, his nostrils flaring as his head tilted back in desperation. He gripped the strap of his guitar like a lifeline, his chest heaving with uncontrollable gasps.

“Hhh—HHhh—HHHIIISSSHHHHHHHhuhh!”

The first sneeze erupted with a ferocity that bent him forward at the waist, his messy, sweat-dampened hair obscuring his flushed face.

“Hhh-HHHHIIESSSCHHHHheww! HhhhIISSSCHHHhew!”

The second and third sneezes tore through him just as violently, leaving him staggering. His knees gave out briefly, and he barely caught himself on the edge of the drum riser. The strap of his guitar slipped from his shoulder, hanging limply at his side.

As the sneezes subsided, Vee’s body wasn’t done punishing him. A harsh, rattling cough clawed its way up his throat, his chest convulsing with the force of it. His breath came in short, wheezing gasps, and his eyes widened in panic as he clutched at his throat. The edges of his vision darkened, and the world tilted precariously around him.

Without a word, Vee turned and stumbled toward the back of the stage, his long legs nearly tangling in the amplifier cords. His guitar thudded against the stage floor, forgotten in his hasty retreat.

Kriia reacted instantly, abandoning her post at the table to follow him. Her boots clacked sharply against the stage as she darted after him, her red hair streaming behind her. Rexar glanced over his shoulder at the commotion, his freckled face creasing with worry, but he didn’t miss a beat. Grabbing his microphone, he launched into an impromptu solo, his raspy voice commanding the crowd’s attention while his fingers danced over the strings of his guitar.

Kriia found Vaelyn slumped against a wall backstage, his trembling hands clutching a wad of tissues to his raw, twitching nose. His face was a mess of feverish redness, and his drenched shirt clung to his heaving chest.

“Vee,” she called softly, kneeling beside him. “That was incredible! Are you okay?”

He didn’t answer at first, his head tilted back against the wall as he gasped for breath. Finally, his tired, watery blue eyes flicked toward her, and he managed a hoarse, congested laugh. “Y-you... dod’t h-have to... lie...” His voice cracked painfully, his words interrupted by another hitching gasp.

Kriia frowned, reaching out to brush his damp green hair away from his flushed face. “No one’s lying, Vee. You’re sick as hell, and no one expects you to kill yourself over a show. You should’ve stayed on the bus.”

He shook his head weakly, his fingers tightening around the tissues. “C-could’t... d-do it. T-two tours... I’b dot...”

“Not weak,” Kriia finished firmly. “You’re a shifter…. And I’m not LION…..,” she added with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Another coughing fit seized him, and she rubbed his back gently until it passed. “Come on,” she said finally, standing and offering him her hand. “Let’s get you back to the bus. Rex can handle the rest of the show.”

Vaelyn hesitated, his pride warring with his exhaustion. But as another coughing fit wracked his body, leaving him slumped against the wall and gasping, he finally nodded. “F-fide...” he croaked, accepting her hand.

Kriia slung his arm over her shoulders, supporting his taller frame as they made their way out of the venue.

As Kriia guided Vaelyn toward the venue doors, her arm bracing his trembling frame, a sudden spotlight snapped on, bathing them both in its harsh glow. The roar of the crowd dulled Vaelyn’s sluggish senses, his feverish mind unable to comprehend why they had been caught in the spotlight.

"Alright, folks," Rexar’s familiar voice boomed over the microphone, steady and commanding. Though his tone remained light, there was an unmistakable sincerity in his words. "Vee’s gotta check out early tonight. He’s not feeling great, but he powered through as much as he could for you guys. Let’s give it up for him, huh?"

The crowd erupted in cheers so loud it felt like the building itself shook. Claps, whistles, and shouts of encouragement filled the air, merging into an overwhelming cacophony of support.

"Feel better, Vee!" someone yelled from deep within the crowd.

Vaelyn froze mid-step, his fever-ridden body stiffening as his head turned toward the stage in disbelief. His bloodshot, watery eyes blinked rapidly, his flushed face lit with a mixture of shock and confusion. The weight of the noise pressed against his muddled thoughts, and for a moment, he could only stand there, trembling as he tried to process what he was hearing.

The crowd wasn’t angry. They weren’t disappointed. They were cheering for him.

Kriia paused beside him, her hand resting gently on his back, sensing the emotional storm brewing beneath his exhausted exterior.

Vaelyn’s gaze swept the mass of faces, each one lit with excitement and genuine care. He was used to applause. He was used to being seen on stage, larger than life. But this—this was different. The cheers weren’t for the music. They were for him.

Something caught in his throat, and it wasn’t congestion this time. His chest tightened, and for a fleeting second, he thought he might break down entirely. But instead, he straightened as much as his trembling legs would allow, his lips parting in a hoarse, breathy rasp.

"Love you guys," he managed to croak, the words scratchy and barely audible but filled with raw gratitude. He brought both hands up in a shaky peace sign, pausing to his fingertips before throwing the gesture toward the crowd.

The cheers grew louder, the sound swelling like a tidal wave, and for a brief moment, Vaelyn felt the oppressive weight of his illness lift.

As he turned back toward the exit, his steps were still heavy, but his spirit was lighter. The warmth of the crowd’s support lingered in his chest, a reminder that even in his weakest moments, he wasn’t truly alone.

Kriia glanced at him with a small, knowing smile, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "Told you they love you," she teased softly, her voice cutting through the lingering roar of applause.

Vaelyn chuckled weakly, his voice little more than a raspy whisper. "Yeah... guess so."

And with that, he pushed open the venue doors, stepping out into the cool night air. Behind him, the sound of the crowd’s adoration continued to echo in his ears, a balm to the rawness of the night.

The night air hit Vaelyn like a wall, cool and crisp against his feverish skin. His breath fogged in the chill, and for a moment, he paused at the bottom of the tour bus steps, steadying himself. His head still spun from the combination of the fever, the sneezing fits, and the overwhelming moment on stage. Kriia stood beside him, her shadowy presence calm and supportive, as always.

“Need help getting in?” she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Vee shook his head, swaying slightly as he gripped the railing. “I’b good,” he rasped, though his congested voice betrayed his bravado. Slowly, he climbed the steps, each one feeling like a mountain under his unsteady legs.

Once inside, the familiar warmth and dim lighting of the bus greeted him, though the space felt like it was spinning. Vee stumbled toward the small kitchenette, gripping the edge of the counter to steady himself.

Kriia followed closely, watching him carefully. “Sit down before you fall,” she said, her tone firm but kind.

Vee sighed heavily, dragging himself to the couch and collapsing onto it with a groan. His long legs stretched out awkwardly, his hair sticking to his damp forehead. He sniffled miserably, scrubbing at his red, irritated nose with the back of his hand.

Kriia disappeared for a moment and returned with a cold bottle of water and a small towel. She handed him the bottle and draped the towel over his shoulders. “You’re a mess, Vee.”

“Thadks for the vote of codfidence,” he muttered, cracking the bottle open and taking a small sip. His throat burned with the effort, and he winced, swallowing slowly.

For a while, Kriia sat next to Vee in silence, her presence steady and grounding. The gentle hum of the bus engine and the faint vibrations of the road beneath them created a sense of calm that seemed to ease some of the tension in the air. Vee sniffled quietly, tugging at the edge of his hoodie sleeve and staring blankly at the fabric bunched in his hands.

“You know,” Kriia began softly, breaking the silence, “it’s okay to let yourself be taken care of sometimes. Doesn’t make you any less of a badass.”

Vee huffed a weak laugh, though it quickly devolved into a wet, rattling cough. He doubled over slightly, his shoulders trembling as he struggled to catch his breath. Kriia instinctively rubbed small circles on his back, waiting patiently until the fit subsided.

When he finally straightened up, his face was flushed and glistening with fever sweat. He scrubbed at his nose with a crumpled tissue, his breath still uneven. “You beed readigg self-help books or sobethigg?” he muttered, his voice thick with congestion but laced with his usual dry humor.

Kriia smirked, leaning back against the seat. “Nah, just good at reading people,” she teased. “And right now, you’re screaming, ‘I need soup and a blanket.’”

Vee snorted weakly, though the sound caught in his throat, triggering another round of coughing. He waved her off with a shaky hand, gesturing toward the small kitchenette at the front of the bus. “I’ll… get it myself,” he rasped.

“You’ll sit your ass right here,” Kriia countered firmly, standing and heading toward the kitchenette. “Let me guess: chicken noodle or… chicken noodle?”

“Dealer’s choice,” Vee replied, his voice barely audible. He leaned back against the couch, his head tipping to the side as his eyes drifted shut.

By the time Kriia returned with a steaming mug of soup, Vee’s breathing had evened out slightly, though his chest still rose and fell with a faint wheeze. She nudged his shoulder gently, coaxing him to sit up.

“Drink,” she instructed, holding the mug out to him.

Vee blinked at her groggily before taking the mug with both hands. The warmth seeped into his chilled fingers, and he sighed softly as he took a tentative sip.

“Thadks,” he murmured after a few moments, his voice low and genuine.

“Don’t mention it,” Kriia said lightly, settling back into her seat. She watched him quietly for a moment before adding, “You’re lucky to have people who care about you, you know. Fans included.”

Vee’s gaze flicked toward her, his blue eyes glassy with fever. He looked like he wanted to argue, but the memory of the cheering fans replayed in his mind. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Yeah… guess they’re alright,” he murmured, his voice hoarse.

The hum of the bus engine became a soothing backdrop as the night wore on. Rexar returned after finishing the show, his presence filling the bus with warmth and easy energy. He dropped his guitar case by the door and headed straight for Vee, his sharp grey-and-red eyes scanning him critically.

“You look like hell,” Rexar said, sitting on the edge of the couch.

“Feel like it too,” Vee admitted, leaning his head back with a sigh.

Rexar reached over, ruffling Vee’s disheveled hair. “You did good, though. Pushed through, even if you shouldn’t have. You’re stubborn as hell, but I respect it.”

Vee let out a weak laugh, coughing slightly as he did. “Guess I cad’t let you have all the glory, huh?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Rexar replied with a grin. “Now, get some rest. We’ve got two more shows, and if you’re still like this tomorrow, I’m chaining you to your bunk.”

Kriia chuckled from her spot nearby. “You should listen to him, Vee. You should know Rex doesn’t joke about stuff like that.”

Vee rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He was too exhausted to put up much of a fight. “Yeah, yeah. Go play babysitter sobewhere else,” he muttered, though there was no real venom in his tone.

Hours later, the tour bus was steeped in silence, the only sounds the low hum of the engine and the occasional creak of its frame as it rolled along the highway. Most of the band had long since retreated to their bunks, leaving Vaelyn stretched out alone on the couch. The faint glow of the TV flickered across his flushed face, his hair falling messily over his damp forehead.

A battered box of tissues rested precariously on his chest, threatening to tumble with every shallow breath. Beside him, a half-empty bottle of water leaned against the floor, condensation pooling around its base.

Though his sneezes had slowed, the relentless tickle in his nose refused to grant him peace. He sniffled softly, his raw, swollen nostrils flaring as he tried to stave off the inevitable. For a fleeting moment, it seemed like he might finally drift off to sleep.

But then the telltale hitching breaths began again.

“Hhh… fugk.. hhh-HHhh—! ..godda.. sneeze!…. Eh-hh! EISHHh! —ISSHHh! ISHH!-ish!-’shh!... HH—……HH’EISSCHH’uhhh!”

The sneezes ripped through him, snapping his body forward like a coiled spring. The tissue box toppled to the floor with a dull thud as he pitched forward into the crook of his arm.

He groaned miserably, his head thumping back against the couch. His hand fumbled blindly for the fallen tissues, his movements sluggish from fever. When he finally grabbed a handful, he blew his nose with a loud, congested honk that echoed through the quiet bus.

“Bless you,” came Rexar’s low, groggy voice from the direction of the bunks.

Vaelyn jumped slightly, wincing as his sinuses protested the motion. He turned his head to see Rexar standing there, hair mussed from sleep, wearing a loose hoodie and flannel pajama pants.

“Thought you were asleep,” Vaelyn mumbled, his voice thick and gravelly.

Rexar chuckled softly, ambling over to the couch and sitting down on the opposite end. “Kinda hard to sleep when it sounds like you’re trying to sneeze the bus into a ditch.”

Vaelyn huffed a weak laugh, the corners of his mouth twitching upward despite himself. “Sorry. My dose is such a draba queed and deeds to be … loud.” He punctuated the sentence with a sharp sniffle, dabbing at his nose with another tissue.

“Nah, don’t sweat it,” Rexar said, his voice light. He leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee. “You sound like hell, though.”

“Gee, Thadks,” Vaelyn muttered, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smirk. “Y’dow, I feel like I’ve heard that a few tibes today.”

Rexar leaned forward, grabbing the water bottle and holding it out. “Drink. You’re gonna shrivel up if you don’t.”

Vaelyn eyed him for a moment before taking the bottle, his fingers brushing against Rexar’s. He took a sip, the cool water soothing his burning throat, before setting it back down.

“You dod’t have to babysit be, y’dow,” Vaelyn said, his voice quieter now, almost sheepish.

“Who said I’m babysitting?” Rexar shot back, his grin lopsided but warm. “I’m just making sure you don’t drown in your own snot. Plus, the couch looked comfier than my bunk tonight.”

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the only sound the soft murmur of the TV. Vaelyn’s breath hitched suddenly, and he scrambled to bury his face into his elbow just as another fit overtook him.

“Hhh—!! Fugk, i’b g-godda… Eh'ishh!-ishh!-ISHH!-shh!!……..Hh-HHEIISCHHhhew!”

Rexar handed him another tissue without a word, his expression amused but tinged with concern.

“Bless you,” Rexar finally said again, patting Vaelyn’s shoulder once the fit subsided.

“Thadks,” Vaelyn croaked, wiping at his nose. His head lolled back against the couch, exhaustion pulling at his features. “I’b such a bess.”

“Dude,” Rexar said, leaning back and lacing his fingers behind his head. “You were practically dead on stage and still managed to give the crowd a hell of a show. That’s badass, not a mess.”

Vaelyn glanced at him, his fever-bright eyes softening slightly. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Rexar said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

For the first time all day, Vaelyn felt the tension in his chest ease. The memory of the crowd’s cheers and Rexar’s unwavering support lingered in his mind, soothing the ache in his body and spirit alike.

As his eyes fluttered closed, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Thadks, Rex.”

“Anytime, man,” Rexar replied, his voice soft as he pulled a blanket over Vaelyn’s shoulders.

In the quiet glow of the TV, Vaelyn finally drifted off, his breathing evening out despite the sea of congestion threatening to flood his lungs.

[suzukiblu]

Day two NaNoWriMo; obligatory sugar daddy Tim/sugar baby Kon AU.

"Well, you are the plan guy," Kon says, grinning again and pushing his sunglasses up into his hair. "Supreme?" 

"Works for me," Tim says. It's meat and dairy and bread and vegetables and Kon is probably invulnerable to heart disease, so he figures that's basically health food to him, right? Especially if he needs more calories than the average guy. 

Pizza's sure as shit gonna be more satisfying than a protein bar, if nothing else. 

Tim's definitely ordering like, breadsticks or wings or something too. And maybe a two-liter or two. Cinnamon bread. Something. Hell, he'll buy all that and then some if he has to. He's got the money. 

Who the hell decided it was okay to let this happen? Really. Is there literally no responsible adult in Kon's life to intervene in this situation? Dubbilex was made by Cadmus too and has his own issues with managing to have an out-of-lab life, Rex Leech is apparently out of the picture, which might be a blessing anyway, Tana Moon is equally MIA, and Superman has apparently lost his entire damn mind, so . . .

There's literally no responsible adult in Kon's life to intervene in this situation, is there. There's no irresponsible adult in Kon's life to intervene in this situation. As far as Tim knows, every single other one Kon knows is either Cadmus-employed or a supervillain or just completely uninvested in his existence. 

Maybe Tim should be talking to Red Tornado about this. Is this something he should be talking to Red Tornado about?

. . . sure, that'd help. Red Tornado is about five minutes back into being a person and has Traya and Kathy and the whole team to worry about, and absolutely could handle something like this while also trying to figure out his own shit and keep an eye on all the rest of them too. Sure. That'd work. 

This is a problem, Tim thinks. 

This is a definite problem, in fact. 

He has no idea what to do about this problem, though, so he just orders a truly inadvisable amount of pizza and wings and double-iced cinnamon bread for pickup. They've done weirder than get takeout in the Super-Cycle and they'll do weirder again. Besides, it could use the . . . exercise, or whatever that counts as. Not like the Super-Cycle has muscles, but it does get tired sometimes and seem to appreciate getting out and–well, whatever. That's just something to figure out later, probably. 

Tim really should figure that out, though. And also if the Super-Cycle is gonna be down for going supervillain, because yeah, that's obviously a thing to keep in mind. 

He flies it to the pizza joint, and spends the flight casually grilling Kon about his coworkers and employee benefits and the Cadmus security systems. The answers are: a lot of lab-born clones and too many grown-ass adults who have no excuse not to know better, work-related health care and nothing else, and Kon and Guardian, mostly. And also some random weird death traps and a couple of cameras here and there, apparently, but it all sounds incredibly dated to Tim's ears and it really seems like Kon and Guardian are taking on the lion's share of everything more complicated than watching a feed or flipping on an alarm system. Like, it really does. 

So that's not great. 

"Jesus, man, how much did you order?" Kon snorts with a laugh while Tim's paying the girl at the drive-up window in cash. He doesn't really want to explain this particular expense on the Bat credit card. Generally he doesn't want to explain takeout and junk food on there at all, in fact, though obviously he makes a point of going to Batburger with Steph once a month, just to hear Bruce sigh about it later. Appropriate teenage nonsense and all. He gets the kids' meal and the terrifyingly purple Spoiler shake every time. It tastes like acidic cotton candy. Yes, literally. "Like just the whole menu or what?" 

"Of course I did. I've got a Kryptonian to carry it all for me, don't I?" Tim replies with a smirk he doesn't really feel after everything he's learned today. Everything Kon just told him, because he doesn't see what's wrong with any of it. 

It reminds him of the abused kids he meets on the job who insist they're fine, and they don't need Batman and Robin to save them. 

He wonders if Jason was like that, when Bruce first met him. 

He also wonders if he maybe did over-order a little on the pizza, but worst case scenario the leftovers should fit in the fridge. 

. . . maybe, anyway. Probably. 

Mostly? 

Kon immediately cracks into the cinnamon bread on the flight back because he has absolutely no manners whatsoever, and Tim rolls his eyes at him and tries not to visibly brood over the five-alarm fire burning down his brain right now. 

He just . . . doesn't understand how Superman is apparently just fine with this situation. He doesn't even understand how Kon is fine with this situation, but is increasingly certain that the answer to that might just be that Kon doesn't think he has another option. 

He doesn't have another option, as far as Tim can tell. What would he do, crash at the base and just mooch off everyone else for food and gear and whatever else he needs day-to-day? 

Yeah, not exactly a sustainable lifestyle, that. 

Not even a little bit of one. 

Technically, Tim could just pay for whatever Kon needed, between his allowance and his trust fund and without even taking his Bat-stipend into account, but there is no possible way Kon would ever actually go for that. He's way too proud, and even someone with no pride at all would probably find "please let me pay you to quit your horrible job" a hard pill to swallow from a teammate, much less the leader they only barely recognize the authority of.

[theyhavetakenovermylife]

Hi I’m a big fan of your blog , your a talented writer and I love how write the characters 💗

I was wondering; what do you think the turtles would name their children if their had kids ? (If that’s to many turtles ; maybe 2012 , rise and 2003 version )

I personally like the idea of rise mikey calling one of his kids Ozzy or name them after famous chiefs like Ramsay for an example. Love to hear your thoughts 💗

What Would They Name Their Children? (Headcanons)

2003!Turtles

A/N: I’ve decided to split this up into three, as I think that will be easier for me to keep track of. With that being said, the information about these names was some that I found on the internet. Meanings might change depending on culture, language and country. So this time we start with 2003💚

Warnings: None💚

Leonardo:

Gif by @isitdonproof

Leo would like names that are more traditional, yet with a historical reasoning behind it. Though Leo isn’t superstitious he does understand that giving your child a certain name can have an impact on their life. There he would want to name them after people that history remembered as strong with a lot of power.

For Boys:

Alexander, after Alexander the Great.

Caesar, after Julius Caesar and the many other Roman leaders that would take on the name caesar.

William, both after William Shakespeare and William the Conqueror.

For Girls:

Victoria, after Queen Victoria, the grandmother of Europe.

Elizabeth, both after Queen Elizabeth the I and II.

Catherine, after Catherine the Great.

Raphael:

Raph would like to give his children names that reminded people of strength and bravery. If his partner is from another country, he would love to give them a name from that culture. However, Raph does like names that are somewhat short. He thinks it looks nice when written down, along with having a certain presence when spoken.

For Boys:

Rex, meaning king in Latin.

Storm, a somewhat common name in Scandinavia meaning what it sounds like - storm.

Lev, meaning “lion” in Russian, and “heart” in Hebrew. Little Lionheart.

For Girls:

Lola, meaning “strong woman” in Spanish.

Carla, meaning “one who is strong” is Teutonic.

Binsa, with a Nepali origin meaning “a woman who is fearless”.

Donatello:

Donnie is a smart guy that loves history and mythology. Having not just been all over the world but several places in the universe, and having jumped back and forth in time. Donnie will have a great appreciation of old human history and mythology, and would love to name his children after that, especially after a culture that his partner is from. Examples could be:

For Boys:

Atlas, after the famous Titan from Greek mythology, that carried the sky on his shoulders, keeping it from falling upon the earth.

Achilles, after the famous Greek hero.

Amon, after the Egyptian God/Gods.

For Girls:

Freya, after the Norse Goddess of beauty.

Embla, after the first human woman according to Norse mythology.

Bastet, after the Egyptian Goddess of protection and good health.

Michelangelo:

Gif by @isitdonproof

Mikey will want to name his children in a way that shows just how much he loved them. And what better way is there to show love for your child, by giving them names that literally mean love, or something just as sweet. Mikey also has a love for “special” names - aka, names that are not very common in his hometown of New York City.

For Boys:

Kaipo, is a Hawaiian unisex name meaning “the sweetheart”.

Caerwyn, meaning “love”, “fair” and “blessed” in Welsh.

Oratilwe, meaning “loved one” in African.

For Girls:

Nayeli, meaning “I love you” in the Native American language, Zapotecs.

Settarra, meaning “beloved” in French.

Maitea, meaning “love” in Spanish.

[yourlocalstranger123]

[I was bored and wanted to take a break from writing....something 😳 👀💧]

The yandere sagau side: it's exactly the same but just a little too obsessed. They worship you, giving you sacrifices offerings. You couldn't exactly see since you have a limit to see what they offer you. You just maybe it's an item that has a shape of a human. Who knows... the experimenters like dottore and Albedo will work together to create a body for you that is made on the details of the ancient script. Ei/raiden would make the body eternity, Zhongli would put protection on it, Venti would give the blessing of the wind to alarm you of the danger and Nahida would give you knowledge since you only just protect and make people safe and ofc make them feel warm. So you don't know what's happening 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️🤷 and they made sure the body could at least withstand most of your power.

● Morax first felt a little alert. 'Who are you?' 'What do you want?' He was confused. He never felt a presence that felt more godly than the celestials themselves. He felt stiff. He asked the others if they felt this...presence. They say yes but it seems to have no harm. He couldn't risk it, he was still on high alert. But when the moment he was fighting, he felt protected, stronger too. Are you perhaps helping him..? Why? He did not worship you if you were a God of some kind. After the war, he cried, cried loudly as the people of liyue can hear his pain and the cries of his roaring. Suddenly he felt your presence once again but stronger. Were you here to attack him? "SHOW YOURSELF!" He yelled. Still no answer. Weird....he laid down then continued softly sobbing, mourning of his friend's death. He felt comforted though, he tried keeping it away from him, this 'comfort' feeling. But slowly he melted into it. Sleeping soundly. He felt safe. When he woke up he saw his friends, were they actually alive? Is this perhaps an illusion you made to taunt him? His knees went weak. 'No matter, even if this is fake, please...just let him hold them one more time..even if it's not real.' He actually woke up. He looked sad, as he was about to accept the death of his friends, he sees all of them. Even the yakshas came back alive. He saw Xiao on his knees sobbing in happiness. Is this your doing?...thank you..thank you so much. Truly. He accepted you. Your kindness. He made everyone know you, well the only people who didn't know you was the one who has no vision. The yaksha knows you, well only your doings and presence. They can also feel it. They worshiped you, and give you things. They weren't rich so they could only give you simple things like flowers but it didn't matter to you. They could feel the warmth grow bigger. They smiled. They wonder if you smiled back at them? Your truly a wonderful God. Slowly everyone in liyue finds out your the creator somehow and they worshiped you even more. Everyone who had one felt your presence even more. They felt very happy, truly they are blessed to have you as their creator. When Zhongli abandoned his duty as a archon, he still worshiped you. Although not fancy as it used to but he felt that you were still happy with these simple offerings. Everyone in liyue was so very happy. Azhada also felt it. He was set free and when Zhongli tried to make him go back, there was a note before he could attack. "He deserves a second chance. Let him experience the wonderful things in life. To: Rex Lapis" he was confused, was this the Morax he knew? His heart grew soft as he read the letter. Suddenly he felt his form start to change. He panicked and looked into the river. He looked like a mortal. Although he must give you credit for your taste. In the future, he brags on and on that you made a form for him. "Shall the Geo protect you with its heart."

● Heck, even the celestials were concerned and a little scared of you. 'What are you?' They thought. You felt familiar but yet not so familiar either. 'Are you an outlander?' Later they got used to it. They thought maybe you were a Supreme God that is watching over them, in the past, they were on guard. Waiting for you to strike. But....they felt a safe feeling, an addictive feeling. 'Who are you? Why are you so...nice?' Until it clicked. Are you...the creator? If you're not then why are you so nice to them?? But it does not matter no more. They will welcome and worship you even if you are a God who is an out-lander

I was too lazy. Oh well, thus is just for practice.

[darth-kote]

Rex headcanons Pt. 1

Revels in even the smallest shred of attention from those he loves, which typically doesn't exceed more than the Jedi and his brothers. I can imagine Rex, running on absolute fumes and aching to go horizontal after the latest campaign, giving in when Fives or Jesse (or anyone else) smile at him with hope reflecting in their eyes – hope of spending time together, sharing laughs and drunken confessions. It wasn't often he was granted the opportunity to stop being Captain Rex (Ori'vod, the Battalion called him) and let his guards down. Though not blessed with ease in conversation and a relaxed disposition that some of his brothers developed after leaving Kamino, Rex craves connection more than anything. He wishes to understand the secret aspirations of his brothers just as much as he wishes to know their deepest fears so that he may do his best to ensure they never happen.

In the same vein, Rex prides himself in his implementation of risk prevention strategies. But he blames himself when things go haywire. Like his Jedi general, releasing control and accepting loss are difficult for Rex. If he could take blaster bolts to bring back every fallen brother, he'd do it without thinking – and he'd wear each scar with pride. This doesn't stem from a place of pride or wanting to be a hero. It goes back, instead, to the isolation he remembers before finding those he belonged with, those who looked like him, spoke like him and understood the loneliness he'd felt and could not go back to. Instead, it was the dread that filled him each time he thought about the dreams of a brother burning out like yet another star from a dying system that kept his feet trudging through each battlefield. There was a hope that, after the war, the clones would be granted more humanity.

When graced with time, Rex will say a silent prayer for the brothers who perished so that he could continue their mission. At first, he keeps his helmet on to hide the streaks of dampness that leave trails through the dirt and grime on his cheeks. As the months and years go by, however, he removes his helmet so that his brother's identity is not the only one left unknown by the harsh world he died in. (The tears eventually hesitate to fall too, and he hates it.) The prayers usually are an angry jumble of chaotic thoughts accompanied by the hope that his brothers' souls will find peace now that they were not being forced to fight a war that wasn't theirs. Ahsoka realizes this and encourages Rex to meditate and let his anger go to the Force.

Since Saleucami, Rex has been preoccupied with thoughts of building his own home and family. He wonders if there could be someone out there waiting for him, someone he'd have the pleasure to know and protect of his own volition. He finds himself daydreaming about four walls that he can call his, that he can fill with the things he chooses – to eat warm meals in, rather than a bland ration bar. Ideally, it'd be enough land to have space for any brothers who wish to visit or stay.

When asleep somewhere he knows is safe, he finds himself dreaming of someone beside him. The apparition has no specific traits or physicality; it's just the idea of having someone close, someone near, that gets him to relax and begin drifting into a dream. He likes to run through the mental catalogue of planets he's seen, the foliage, the weather, and the people. Though when awake, he does his best to push the fictional future he dreamed of deep down into the pit of his stomach; the possibility of not having that someday causes fear to fill his heart. And fear, he's heard, ultimately leads to suffering.

[mochalottie]

Masterlist

(Because even though no one asked for one...I wanted to do it to keep my brain entertained)

Avatar (Cameron Movies)

Oel Ngati Kameie (37k+ words) Series about Spider being adopted into the Sully. Post Way of Water.

To protect (2k words) Oneshot about Spider being injured on the SeaDragon.

Baby Mine (6.5k words) 5 times Spider called someone Mom or Dad and one time someone called him Son.

Eywa Provides (23k words) Multi chapter, complete - Feral Na'vi Spider living alone in the forest who is, surprise surprise, adopted by the Sullys.

Our Hearts Beat in the Womb of the World (115k words) Multi chapter, complete - Spider is adopted by Tonowari and Ronal. That's it. That's the fic.

For the Nights and Days of Life (387k words) Multi chapter, complete - All humans leave Pandora after the final battle leaving Spider behind. Oh, and he’s blessed by Eywa. That’s it. That’s the fic.

You Brought light, and new life (78k words) Multi chapter, complete - The comfort fic/sequel that everyone (surprisingly) wanted and I definitely needed.

What am I supposed to do, dance with it? (8k) Oneshot - Spider turns into a tiger. That's it. That's the fic.

Let the Wind Carry Us to the Clouds Multi chapter, ongoing - Aka the ikran racing!au I've snatched up and twisted into my own version, which features some Nocorro but centrics around our boy Spider!

Every Family has Someone Who Falls (160K+) Multi chapter, complete - the time loop au where Spider is thoroughly put through the wringer.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

When You Can't Look on the Brightside, I'll Sit with You in the Dark (63k words) Multi chapter - a Zukka Alice in Wonderland AU where Sokka is Alice and Ozai is the Red King.

If Music is the Food of Love, Play On (4k words) Oneshot - Zuko essentially pining after Sokka in a Modern AU

Final Fantasy XV

Stronger than the Tides (13k words) Oneshot - Mermaid AU for Reverse Big Bang 2023

Blessed be the Boys Time Can't Capture (6k words) Oneshot - heads of families in Eos are vessels for the Greek Gods.

FFXV Song ficlets Series of Oneshots based on songs by Lauv. Includes multiple ships and AUs.

New Dawn (74k words) Multi chapter, complete - Ignis x Male!OC

Star Wars Prequels

Rock You Like a Hurricane Multi chapter, second part abandoned -The Obikin Band AU with Obi-Wan on drums, Anakin with vocals, Rex on Bass and Ahsoka on Guitar

The Mandalorian

Chakaar (22k words) Oneshot - Din Djarin x Male!OC Where a curious thief gets too involved with a grumpy Mandalorian and gains a family in return.

Inheritance Cycle

The World Ahead Multi chapter, incomplete - The Eragon/LOTR crossover that no one seemed to need, but two people very much wanted.

The Witcher

Destiny Changed Series of Oneshots - Jaskier is a Witcher and falls in love for Geralt the Nobleman. That's it, that's the series.

Voltron Legendary Defender

Space Family to the Rescue (1k words) Oneshot - Sick Keith is cared for by his Space Family.

Love is Endless (6k words) Oneshot - Keith pines for Lance in a Modern AU.

(Techni)Colour Vision (60k words) Multi chapter, complete - Klance through many film AUs.

[galaxiadreams]

Say yes to Heaven.....(Zhongli x reader)

Warnings: None

Genre: Fluff, slight angst

Word Count: 923

Synopsis: In the age of Gods and Monsters, Rex Lapis and Y/n, Goddess of Spring are brought together by the strings of fate.

a/n: This is a little prequel to my other Zhongli imagine: The final Blessing. Please go read it if you would like to! I apologize in advance if there's any grammatical errors! This fic is inspired by "Say yes to Heaven" by the one and only Lana Del Rey! Enjoy!

The goddess of spring. One who brings life, peace, and abundance to all of Teyvat. Y/n was somewhat of a minor god, but no less important, and just as strong as the major archons. She’s strong willed, fierce, and determined to bring prosper to her people. Yet her voice was melodic, her heavenly laughter could melt the coldest of hearts. It was her compassion, love, bravery, and intelligence that captured the heart of the Geo Archon. 

“Morax, staring is rude you know. If you really like her that much, go and interact with her.” The cloud retainer teased, sipping her tea watching the man sitting beside her. Moarx quickly averted his gaze from your running figure in the meadow with Guizhong and stared disapprovingly at the adeptus, a faint red painted on his cheeks. 

Morax sighed, “I don’t think I’ll ever have the courage to tell her my true feelings…” 

“Oh Celestia! You’re the Lord of Geo, God of contracts, why could you possibly be afraid of? Plus, I’ve the way y/n looks at you, I’m sure that girl is smitten too,” Cloud retainer reassured him before giving his shoulders a squeeze, “Go on, talk to her.” 

Morax stood up from the stone bench and wandered towards the meadow in front of him. The two women gave him a beaming wave as they noticed his approaching figure, your starry eyes gleaming in the sunlight. 

“Morax! Me and y/n are heading towards the lake to have a nice swim! Would you like to join us?” Guizhong asked. It’s true Rex Lapis once harbored feelings for the Goddess of Dust, but ever since the day he met you, his feelings for Guizhong melted away, the Archon’s soul was completed. Despite not knowing each other that long, the string of fate already entangled the two souls together completely, an unbreakable bond. Walking towards the two, Morax’s breath hitched when he felt your soft hands grasping his. Beaming at him, you dragged him towards the lake, he couldn’t help but admire your face as she sprinted towards Guizhong in front of them. Relishing simple mortal activities like this were difficult in an archon’s life, especially with hundreds of thousands of people to care for and lead. So Morax pays special attention to moments of enjoyment, memorizing every detail to reminiscence later on, peace never lasts forever. 

“Weeeeeeeeeee!” You let out shouts of glee as you jumped into the lake beside the waterfall, laughing as you resurfaced again. Morax jumped in after you, just to be tackled by the Goddess of spring. The two of you started to get handsy as both tried to win against the other fighting underwater. Laughter of joy and surprise echoed throughout the countryside. After a while, Morax relented and you won the battle. The two swimmed up to the surface and took a deep breath of fresh air. Morax couldn’t help but admire your beauty as water cascades down her face, the wet dress clung to your skin, and your eyes, ohhhhh those eyes. He has never seen a pair of eyes so mesmerizing and ethereal as your’s. Y/n’s eyes were the color of the galaxies, the reflection of the universe. Deep blues and purples balanced each other perfectly, with bursts of lighter shades dotted across your iris exactly like the stars in the night sky. 

“'Cause I've got my mind on you

I've got my mind on you”

Time stops. Both of you were entrenched by each other at this moment, unable to break from each other’s gaze of desire. You’re the half of his soul, and he was yours. Eyes are the windows to the soul, the poets say. And you spot nothing but love and admiration in those eyes of gold belonging to Morax. 

“Would you like to join me for tea later this afternoon? It’ll be a pleasure.” You blushed at the deep, rich tone of his voice. 

“Of course! I would love to!” Oh heavens, you’re in love.  

.............................................................

The little moments over the years brought the two of you together. His acts of chivalry and respect everytime made your heart ablaze. 

“If you dance I’ll dance.”

Falling in love with each other’s charms and flaws, it was a perfect match made by fate. Standing beneath the yellow ginkgo trees, the two of you signed the contract of your love and future. Saying yes to him was saying yes to heaven. Officially sealing the bond between the Goddess of spring and the Geo Archon. Husband and Wife, the two of you will lead your people to glory and prosperity, and nothing will change that.  

“If you go, I'll stay

You come back, I'll be right here

Like a barge at sea

In the storm, I stay clear"

No matter what will come in the following centuries, your heart and soul belong to him, and his belongs to you. No war or famine can separate the two of you. No matter what trials and tribulations blocked your way, he was your pillar of stone. No matter how much pain or anger he’s in, your voice will heal his soul. Your love for each other ran deeper than contracts, deeper than lovers. No matter what happens, the two of you will find each other. Be it in the afterlife or in the next life, the unbreakable string of fate will always tug the two souls together. 

“I've got my eye on you

I've got my eye on you

Say yes to Heaven

Say yes to me”

[leapingbadger]

Decisions - Chapter 4 - Echo

It's Echo's turn! I almost forgot! which is a crime against our beloved grumpy ARC!

Omega makes a call to the Batch's resident Rebel for advice on how to deal with her brothers.

Read all five chapters on AO3

“Hey kid, what can I do for you?” Echo asked, his face cutting in and out as the static of the comm fluctuated.

“Just wanted to say hi. See how the Empire’s most wanted is doing.” She said with a laugh.

Echo chuckled, “Rex is fine, and I’m okay too. Heard you had quite the adventure on Lothal a few months back,”

“Shh,” Omega said, looking over her shoulder, “I didn’t exactly go into the details of the mission with the others. If you could keep that between us it would be…preferred.”

“Understood, Havoc 5.” Echo said with a smile. “So, what’s up? When can we expect you? Thought you’d be here by now to be honest.”

Omega looked down at her hands. Avoiding Echo’s amber gaze, even through the comm, was nearly impossible. He had a way of pulling the truth out of you, without a single word. She’d seen him do it to Hunter for years, almost like mind control or forced will.

“I’ve uh…decided to stay…just for a bit. You know, to keep an eye on them.”

Echo raised his eyebrows in surprise, before turning to look at something behind him. “Erm, okay. Why the change of heart. Is everything okay? With the others, I mean?”

“Yeah, they’re fine just, you know, getting on.”

“Omega, you make it sound like they’re about to drop dead. Do I need to come to Pabu?”

Omega shook her head, hastily looking behind her at her brother’s rooms, one next to the other. She was hoping to not wake them.

“No, no, we’re fine. It just something that Wrecker said,”

“Wrecker? I thought her was all for it.”

“Well, no, he said he’d support me, he wasn’t exactly jumping for joy. But he just reminded me that they’re getting older, and they won’t be around forever. Shouldn’t I stay and look after them, like they looked after me? I don’t want them to die while I’m away.”

“Omega, unless there’s something you’re not telling me your brothers are going to around for a stubbornly long time. I don’t think that’s a pressing matter right now. Sounds to me like you’re making excuses.”

Omega bristled, “I am not. I want to join the rebellion. You know that.”

“If you wanted to, you would have done it by now, Kid. What’s really holding you back?”  Echo said gruffly, apparently not pulling any punches.

Omega winced, “I…I’m…”

“Hey, I’m not trying to guilt you into it, Omega. This has to be your decision. I just wonder if you’re letting someone else’s opinions drive you. Maybe you need to talk to him about it.”

“Talk to who?”

“Omega, you need to talk to Hunter. You’re never going to leave if you don’t have his blessing. You know that. Deep down.”

“Echo, he won’t…he doesn’t want me to…I don’t want to disappoint him. After all he’s sacrificed, after all they sacrificed, for me.” She said, finally getting the core fear, the one that had been sitting in her chest, out and in the open.

“Well, that’s the thing, Kid. Until you resolve that, you’re not going anywhere. Look, I’m sorry but I’ve got to jump. Comm if you need me, and good luck” he said with a wink, before the comm fizzled and cut out with a click.

Omega sat in the dark room, batcher snoring softly at her feet. She heard a creak of a floorboard in the room behind her and sighed. Of course he had heard.

Hunter wandered out of his room, switching on a light in the corner and he walked around the sofa and sat down next to her. His hair was sticking out at odd angles as he impatiently tried to tuck it behind his ears.

“Here,” Omega said, giving him a hair tie from her wrist.

“Thanks,” he said, pulling his hair into a knot at the back of his head. “Did I hear Echo?” he asked with a yawn.

Omega smiled, “Uhuh, just catching up.” she said casually.

Hunter chuckled, “You know, you can lie to anyone else in the galaxy, Kid, but you can’t lie to me. What’s up?”

Damn his enhanced senses.

“We were just talking about the rebellion.”

“Ahh…” Hunter said, his eyes staring off in the distance.

“Echo had a theory…”

“Oh? What’s that?” Hunter asked with a chuckle.

“He thinks I won’t leave because I don’t have your approval,” she said in a rush.

Hunter threw his head back with a laugh, “since when do you need my approval, Kid? You’ve been ignoring my orders since day one.”

Omega bristled again; her brothers really were testing every ounce of her patience this evening.

“I have not!” she said, defensively.

Hunter simply raised his eyebrows and glared at her.

“Well. Fine. But only the ones I don’t agree with,” she said defensively, wrapping her arms around herself.

Hunter leaned over to rest his hand on her shoulder. A small act of comfort he had done almost every day since he had taken her off Kamino all those years ago. It was the smallest of gestures when compared to the endless hugs she received from her brothers on a daily basis these days, and still was one that gave her pause and made her feel truly loved.

“Omega, I’m sorry but I will never be okay with you putting yourself in danger. We survived Kamino and Tantiss by the skin of our teeth and were all irrevocably changed by it. This is the life I pictured for you all those years ago when you refused to leave with Cut and Suu.” His eyes darted around the tranquil, quiet room, “this is honestly the life I never thought we’d be able to provide for you. The fact that we’re here at all is a miracle.”

Omega went to speak but Hunter raised his hand to stop her.

Hunter let out a sigh. “I understand that my dream isn’t necessarily yours. I will never be okay with you willfully putting yourself in danger, Kid. I just can’t do it. But you will always have my support and my help if you need it. Does that make sense?”

Omega nodded solemnly. Hunter put his arm around her and pulled her into a hug, his lips gently kissing the top of her head.

“You once said we get to choose who we want to be. What is this is what I choose?”

Hunter chuckled and shrugged, “Then I guess I have to respect it. I just don’t have to like it. Is that fair?”

Omega smiled back closing her eyes and feeling a weight removed from her shoulders. “I think that’s the best I can hope for.” She said.

[bun-ika]

The absence of so many brothers was glaringly obvious during the jaunt off the hellish planet Umbara had turned out to be. Tups mind had not stopped running in circles since Krell hit the deck, Dogma's terrified gaze meeting his own over the mans fallen body. *"I had to!-"* the intrusion of his brothers vouce replayed, too loud in his head over the voices that surrounded him. All familliar, and yet *wrong...* Face falling under the cover of his newly painted, not quite as shiny bucket, Tup resigned himself to the horrible feeling of dread that sunk in under his skin. Even with bothers squished together beside them, vibrances bumping along the grabrail, Tup has never felt more alone.

Somewhere in his head, Tup knows any of their brothers, even captian Rex, Commander Cody himself, could die at any given time. It's what they were made for. What he was made for. Somehow, knowing Dogma isn't dead, but snatched up by the Coruscant to be brought back to Kamino where his fate is already decided... it's much, much worse.

His head hurts. His heart hurts. There's a burning inside his chest that spreads, grows like wildfire when the memory knife digs away at memories of his best friend. Maya had called it "anxiety." Dogma had paled at he word while she explained. Clones are not supposed to have *anxiety.* Ever thoughtful and several steps ahead, the nurse reached out to give Dogma's hand a squeeze. *"I would never tell a soul. Just remember, you boys are as human and real as the rest of us. Existing in this life is bound to come with those feelings, but we can manage them."* Tup had felt his own smouldering fire spark as he watched his brothers expression, blank and creased with his concern of the situation. Finally he nodded very slightly, glancing at tup with a slight tug of his lips. *"Thank you."*

That flicker of a smile was the last time Tup had seen the rarity on Dogmas face. Reality came rushing back, hitting hard asthe ship jolted in its journey, beginning to slow its decent.

Blinking as he processed the memory he had gotten lost in, the young man found another blessing inside his bucket, cheeks wet, salt on his tongue.

His head hurts.

Everything hurts.

In his numbmess, taking stock of himself, Tup isn't sure he will ever not hurt again.

Everything is broken.