#but now i have read it. and let me just say: i'm a fan
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rafecameronssl4t ¡ 3 days ago
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F1 driver!Rafe x Reader! As someone that loves watching F1, I'm so happy you're doing this, and damn fans can be vicious sometimes so it gave me an idea. Maybe Reader is getting hate online, with jelaousy comments, saying that ''she's not pretty enough, she's so basic looking, I don't understand what he sees in her, I guess anyone has a chance with Rafe,''. And gradually the words get to her, making her really self concious when she's around him in public, girls near him that are (in her opinion) prettier and eventuallys she tries to break up with him, but he does not let her (not in a toxic way, more so because he loves her and isn't going to let anyone come between them)
Public eye || F1 driver!Rafe Cameron x fem!reader
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A/n: So sorry this took awhile!!!!!! But thank you for the request it was sm fun to write :)
Warnings: angst, mental health struggles, bullying and online harassment, if theres anything else lmk!
Word count: 2, 946
MASTERLIST (F1 driver!Rafe x fem!reader au masterlist)
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Your fingers hovered hesitantly over the comment section of the video, your heart beating just a little faster as you stared at the screen. The clip, a simple moment of you and Rafe walking into the paddock, was already gathering attention. He was beside you, his hand casually draped over your shoulder as you both made your way through the crowd, looking every bit like a power couple.
You could still hear the soft hiss of the shower jets from the bathroom, Rafe taking his time to wash off the stress of the race. You should have been doing something productive, but the pull of curiosity was too strong. Lately, your presence on social media had been growing—both the praise and the hate.
You’d never been one to look at the comments, always avoiding the spotlight, but today… something felt different. You clicked on the comment section, your thumb hovering nervously over the screen as you scrolled down. The first few comments were harmless, even flattering. “You two are perfect together,” one said. “Her smile is contagious,” said another.
Your lips curved into a faint smile as you read through them, the warmth of their compliments offering a brief comfort. For a moment, you forgot about the nagging feeling building in your chest. But then the tone shifted. You could feel your stomach tighten as the first negative comment appeared. “She looks so out of place with him,” one user wrote, followed by another comment: “She doesn’t belong in paddock.”
Your fingers trembled slightly, but you tried to push the discomfort aside. It was just one comment. You kept scrolling. More criticisms followed. Someone commented on your outfit: “Why does she dress like that? She looks like she’s trying too hard.” Another user posted, “She looks so stiff next to him. Does she even smile?” A sharp sting pierced your chest, and you tried to shake it off, but it wasn’t easy.
You’d spent so much time trying to dress right, trying to look the part, but now it felt like none of it mattered. “Her resting face is so rude,” one person said. Another added, “She looks miserable. Why does she always look so cold around Rafe?” You couldn’t help but feel your stomach drop. You knew you had a more serious expression, but it hurt to see it picked apart like this, as if your face wasn’t enough.
You quickly scrolled past more hurtful comments, but the damage had already been done. The video, which had once seemed like a simple moment between you and Rafe, now felt like an invasion of your privacy, like everyone was judging you. You glanced back at the bathroom door, where the sound of Rafe still hummed softly from the shower, completely unaware of the thoughts swirling in your head.
Your hands tightened around your phone, and you felt the familiar weight of insecurities settling in. You weren’t sure why this time felt worse than before. Maybe it was the fact that you were constantly being compared to Rafe’s world now, his fame, his fans, his life in the spotlight. It felt suffocating at times, and the negativity from strangers only made it worse.
You took a shaky breath, trying to pull yourself together. This wasn’t about you. It was about Rafe, and his world. You tried to convince yourself that you didn’t need their validation, but the ache in your chest remained. Before you could sink any deeper into the spiral of your thoughts, the bathroom door creaked open, and Rafe’s voice, still heavy with the sound of water dripping, called out to you.
“Hey, everything alright?” Rafe’s voice was soft as he stepped into the room, the steam from his shower trailing behind him. His towel hung low on his hips, droplets of water still clinging to his skin. His brows furrowed slightly when his eyes landed on you, the tension in your posture giving you away. You swallowed hard, quickly flipping your phone face-down on the bed as you forced a small, unconvincing smile.
“Yeah, just… tired. It’s been a long day.” Rafe didn’t seem entirely convinced. His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer, his lips pressing into a thin line as if he were debating whether to push further. Instead, he let it slide, disappearing into the closet to grab a pair of boxers. When he returned, his tone was casual, though there was an edge of curiosity in his voice.
“Did you want to walk in with me tomorrow?” he asked, tossing the towel into the hamper before slipping on boxers. He moved with practiced ease, his body language as relaxed as ever. It was a question you’d heard countless times before, something routine between the two of you, but tonight, it felt heavier. Different. You nibbled on your bottom lip, his question tugging you back to the comments you’d just read.
She looks out of place next to him… She doesn’t belong there. The words replayed in your head like a taunting echo. You hesitated before replying, your voice quieter than usual. Your fingers toyed with the edge of the duvet as you hesitated. “Uh, I think I’ll come a bit after,” you said finally, trying to sound casual, though the slight tremor in your voice betrayed you. Rafe paused for a moment, his head tilting slightly as he considered your answer.
His brows furrowed just enough to show that he noticed the shift in your tone, but he didn’t push. Instead, he hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer before he climbed into bed. Once settled, he turned his attention back to you, his head propped on his hand as he studied your face. “You sure you’re okay?” he asked again, his voice softer now, laced with genuine concern.
You nodded quickly, your smile brighter this time, though it still didn’t quite reach your eyes. “Yeah. I promise, I’m fine,” you said, hoping the words sounded convincing. But even as you said them, your mind was still swirling with doubt, the insecurities clawing at the edges of your composure. Rafe didn’t seem entirely convinced, but he let it slide for now. Instead, he reached out and tugged you gently toward him, his arms wrapping around your body in a warm, familiar embrace.
His lips brushed softly against your temple before trailing down to your shoulder. “I love you,” he murmured, his voice low and steady, like an anchor. A shaky breath escaped your lips as you nestled into his chest, the comfort of his presence momentarily dulling the ache in your heart. “I love you too,” you whispered back, your voice almost trembling.
~
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Walking into the paddock alongside Rafe’s PR manager, Mia, you couldn’t shake the weight of countless eyes on you. It felt suffocating, as though everyone’s gaze was dissecting your every move, every expression. The hum of chatter and camera shutters blended into an almost deafening background noise, and you couldn’t help but wonder what they were saying—or thinking.
Were they silently judging you? Waiting for you to stumble, to make some minor misstep they could pounce on? The thought sent a sharp pang of anxiety through your chest. It wasn’t just paranoia; you’d seen how quickly narratives could form online, how a single bad photo could spiral into accusations and labels. If you weren’t smiling enough, they’d say you were cold, ungrateful. If you stood too close to Rafe, they’d call you clingy. Too far, and you’d seem distant, uninterested.
Your grip on your paddock pass tightened, glancing briefly at Mia, who was confidently walking ahead, her phone in hand, seemingly oblivious to the tension building inside you. She had a way of carrying herself that made it seem like none of this affected her—like the noise bounced off her shield of professionalism. You envied her for that. The click of a camera somewhere to your left made your heart skip a beat.
You didn’t dare look, afraid of what expression might’ve been caught. You straightened your posture instead, forcing a faint smile that felt unnatural, plastered on for the sake of appearances. The effort felt exhausting, but it was what you’d learned to do in this world—pretend you didn’t notice, pretend it didn’t hurt. As you walked, you could feel whispers trailing in your wake, the murmurs mingling with the mechanical hum of the paddock.
Were they talking about your outfit? Your hair? The fact that you weren't walking in with Rafe? It was a never-ending game of scrutiny, and you felt like a chess piece on a board you barely understood. "Hey, are you good?" Mia's voice pulled you out of your spiraling thoughts. Her tone was light, accompanied by a small chuckle as she caught the distant look in your eyes.
You blinked rapidly, turning to her with a startled expression. “Sorry, what?” you asked, your voice slightly shaky. She chuckled again, tilting her head curiously. “Are you okay? You seem nervous,” she repeated, her eyes scanning your face as the two of you approached the Ferrari area. “Yeah! Yeah—I’m fine, just jet lagged,” you replied quickly, your tone a little too chipper to be convincing. You added a casual shrug for good measure, hoping it would sell the lie.
Mia’s gaze lingered for a moment, but she slowly nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Alright, if you say so. I’ve got to go organise Rafe for his interview. Will you be okay by yourself? I think Austin’s around here somewhere,” she said, glancing around the bustling paddock. “Yeah, of course, go ahead. I’ll look for him,” you assured her with a polite smile.
She nodded, giving you a quick wave before disappearing into the chaos, leaving you alone amidst the buzz of mechanics, media personnel, and fans. You continued walking, your eyes darting around in search of a familiar face. The usual hum of the paddock felt louder now, almost oppressive, as you noticed more phones and cameras turning in your direction. A knot tightened in your stomach.
Normally, you could brush it off, but today the weight of their stares was unbearable. Biting your bottom lip nervously, you quickened your pace, practically darting into the safety of the Ferrari garage. The moment you stepped inside, a voice called out to you, making you pause. “Y/n!” Relief flooded your chest as you spotted Austin waving you over from the balcony of the hospitality area.
“Hey!” you greeted him warmly, embracing him in a quick hug. “Rafe should be done with his interview pretty soon,” Austin said, glancing at his watch. You hummed in response, setting your things down on the table before joining him at the railing. The two of you leaned against it, looking down at the sea of people navigating the paddock below. “Yeah, Rafe and I were planning to head back to OBX for a week after—”
Your words trailed off as your eyes froze on a group of girls huddled together, their phones unmistakably aimed in your direction. Their whispering and laughter sent a chill through you, making your shoulders stiffen visibly. Noticing your silence, Austin followed your gaze. His brows furrowed in concern. “You okay?” he asked, his voice soft but probing.
You swallowed hard, tearing your eyes away from the girls. “I-uh—I’ll just sit down for a bit,” you muttered, moving back toward the table. Austin watched you carefully, his confusion evident. “Do you know them?” You shook your head, avoiding his gaze. After a moment, he sighed, his tone shifting to something more knowing. “Have you been reading comments again?”
The question made your head snap up, your eyes meeting his. You didn’t respond, but your silence was enough. “Y/n,” he said gently, pulling out a chair across from you and sitting down. “You know those are just jealous people who wish they were in your position, right?” “I know,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “But they still hurt, Austin.”
“I know they do,” he admitted, leaning forward. “But think about it—what they’re saying about you… Is any of it true?” You bit your lip, your gaze dropping to your phone as you hesitated. “They’re not,” Austin continued firmly. “Because they don’t even know you. But we do. Rafe does. Don’t let them get to you. They’re just miserable people trying to make someone else miserable too.”
His words sunk in, easing some of the tightness in your chest. A small smile crept onto your lips, the warmth of his reassurance breaking through the cloud of doubt. “Thanks, Austin. I really appreciate it,” you said, your voice softer now but filled with genuine gratitude. He grinned back, leaning back in his chair with an air of casual confidence.
“Anytime. Now, let’s get you smiling again before Rafe gets back, or he’ll never let me hear the end of it.” You chuckled lightly, feeling just a little lighter as the weight of those comments began to fade, replaced by the comfort of a friend who truly understood.
~
The jets in the bathroom continued to hum, the sound blending into the background as you stared at your phone screen, your chest tightening with every cruel word you read. The image of you and Rafe walking into the paddock, so innocuous and routine, had somehow become the catalyst for a torrent of negativity.
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Your throat constricted, and you bit down hard on your bottom lip, trying to keep the tears at bay. But it was too much. The weight of their words pressed on you, an avalanche of insecurities crashing down. You dropped your phone onto the bed as though it had burned you, standing there frozen for a moment, your hands trembling.
The bathroom door creaked open, and Rafe stepped out, a towel slung low on his hips, droplets of water clinging to his skin. His carefree, post-shower demeanour faltered the moment his eyes landed on you. “Hey,” he said cautiously, stepping closer. “What’s wrong?” You shook your head, quickly wiping at your cheeks, but the tears had already betrayed you. “Nothing, I’m fine.”
“Don’t lie to me.” His tone was firmer now, his blue eyes scanning your face for answers. He glanced at your phone lying facedown on the bed, and his expression hardened as he pieced it together. “Did you read the comments again?” The lump in your throat grew, and you couldn’t speak, your silence confirming his suspicion.
Rafe let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his damp hair. “Y/n, why do you let them get to you? They’re just a bunch of—” “It’s not just them, Rafe!” you snapped, cutting him off. The words spilled out before you could stop them, sharp and heavy. “This is my life now—being constantly judged, criticised, compared. It’s exhausting. I can’t do this anymore.”
His brows furrowed in confusion and alarm. “What are you saying?” “I’m saying I can’t be with you anymore,” you said, your voice breaking as the words left your lips. “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” Rafe’s face fell, his confident façade cracking in an instant. “What? No. No, that’s not happening.” “Rafe—”
“No!” He stepped closer, his voice low but desperate. “You’re not doing this because of a bunch of idiots online who don’t know anything about us.” “It’s not just them!” you cried, the dam of emotions finally breaking. “It’s everything! The constant attention, the pressure, the way people look at me like I’m not good enough for you. And maybe they’re right! Maybe I’m not!”
“Don’t you dare say that,” he interrupted, his voice rough with emotion. He reached for your hands, holding them tightly even as you tried to pull away. “You are good enough. You’re more than good enough, Y/n.” “I can’t keep living like this, Rafe,” you whispered, tears streaming down your face. “I feel like I’m losing myself.
Rafe’s grip on your hands tightened as if letting go would make your words true. “I don’t care what they say. None of it matters to me. You matter. You’re the only thing that matters.” Your lips trembled as you looked into his eyes, the sincerity there almost too much to bear. “But what if I can’t handle it?” “Then I’ll help you handle it,” he said firmly, his voice softening as he pulled you closer.
“You’re not doing this alone. I love you, Y/n. I don’t care what those people think. They mean nothing to me—nothing.” You let out a shaky breath as his words washed over you, your resolve weakening under the weight of his conviction. Rafe cupped your face gently, his thumbs wiping away your tears. “Please don’t do this,” he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “We’ll get through it together. I promise.”
For a long moment, you just stood there, your forehead resting against his as you tried to steady your breathing. The pain was still there, raw and jagged, but so was the love in his voice, in his touch. “I don’t know if I can be enough,” you whispered. “You already are,” he replied without hesitation. “You’ve always been enough for me.” And somehow, in his arms, the weight of the world felt just a little lighter.
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tarotofhope ¡ 3 days ago
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You can apply the below observations to both, your vedic and western charts. I'm not generalizing anything or anyone, these are just my random personal observations, don't let it ruin your day or week(for some people).
Note: I've noticed that some people were arguing in the comment section, when I posted part 1 of these astro observations. Please don't do that. If you do not agree, just ignore the post and move on, don't come fighting and arguing in the comment section saying, "We are not like this, we are not like that." I don't understand, those are not fixed opinions, definitions or judgements neither am I pointing out fingers at someone specific, so please do not take it personally. If it is something positive, people always come and accept easily then why not the negative stuff? Astrology is vast and people are complex. So many combinations or placements explain so many things, but it may not apply to everyone. Even I do not resonate with some observations(positive and negative, both) but I do not go bursting out in the comment section. If people won't observe and find common points between placements/signs, then tell me how else would people study astrology? Those observations are not written after just observing 1 or 2 people. If any of your placements are mentioned and you do not resonate with it, then you might have some other placements which make you an exception, don't take it to heart. If you have so much problem then don't read observations, only read tarot.
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☾✴ The more Aries/Scorpio/1st House placements you have in the big 6, the more aggressive, assertive, impulsive and impatient you are.
☾✴ Sun conjunct Mars in the 4th House placement will give the native a profession/passion their father won't like and support of, there will be strong resentment and disapproval from his side.
☾✴ Aquarius sun people are misunderstood personalities and they either have a huge friend circle or they like to be alone, nothing in between.
☾✴ Capricorn Sun people are so attracted to the mystical and magnetic scorpios, they love their aura and energy. Same goes with Aries and Scorpios too. Capricorn Sun people also adore kind and generous people.
☾✴ People with dominant earth placements have a stable long term profession and/or more than one property in their name. They mostly leave some legacy behind if they're popular and famous, people respect them a lot and they have many loyal fans and admirers. To mention a few: Elvis Presley, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Adele, Ratan Tata, Gurdas Maan, A.R. Rahman.
☾✴ Now, this is very specific, I can't sit still if I don't mention this. When Sagittarius Sun singers and composers break up with someone, they create the biggest hit number after that. That song gets to the top in the charts. For example: Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. I love how these natives quickly reach a glow up after a huge blow up, maybe this happens because it hits them hard when they soon realize that their life and peace of mind is much more precious and they shouldn't waste it on someone who's not worth it.
☾✴ Ketu/South Node in the 5th house/7th house, Ketu conjunct Venus/Saturn/Moon will make the native less or not at all interested in having children and/or romantic relationships. These people have their focus on other things in life such as self growth, career, ambition, passion and so on.(If these people have strong martian placements then they would want intimate relationships or marriage but no children.)
☾✴ Leo, Taurus, Capricorn and Aries Sun men have veiny hands and arms.
Love, light, peace & hope to you🌸🍁🌻🌼
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Thank you so much for being here. I post PAC & Astrology Observations. Do love and support by reblogging, liking or following.
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olderthannetfic ¡ 13 hours ago
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www.tumblr.com/olderthannetfic/771823370694213632
You need the say the bit about the way canon treats characters way louder because I really think that the way the character is... framed, I guess? accounts for huge chunks of it.
I remember when the Disk Horse was about Finn vs. Kylo Ren from the Star Wars sequel trilogy and I got called racist for trying to point out that Finn was always framed as the comic relief/unserious by the canon. He has a character arc in the first movie, but his emotions and his trauma and his personality are mostly played for laughs (ha! ha! Black janitor guy is scared because he's a coward! - and him being a janitor is a change that came pretty late, he was originally meant to be the top of his class). OTOH Kylo Ren has the camera linger on his anguished face while sad music plays and he monologues about the moral conflicts that he's facing.
The average viewer/reader - especially in the case of visual media - doesn't really stop watching to form non-prejudiced independent opinions on every character (and really shouldn't if your narrative is well-constructed!), that'd take up too much of their mental bandwidth! They let themselves be guided by how things and people are framed, so of course they'd see Ren as Serious and Tragic and Finn as the funny guy, which is inherently less sexy to most people!
Same thing with F/F: when canon treats its women with any degree of complexity and gives them the sort of character traits that are conductive to blorbofication people are all over it!
My dash's been drowning in Rhaenycent for a year now, and that's a show that arguably sorta botched its female characters in the attempt to make them complex! But it doesn't matter, because they set up all these juicy dynamics and the fans are all over it!
Fans LOVE Claudia from IWTV even though the tragedy of her canonical role is that the guys always sideline her for each other.
I went to the Anora tag after seeing the movie and saw a bunch of Anora x reader fic in between the gifs the same way I did for Feyd Rautha from Dune or any other feral unhinged character fans love imagining themselves having sex with (and then blocked it lol).
Like, my taste in women and men is exactly the same but the large majority of characters that fit it are men, because we just don't get a lot of women who are composed, charming rogues on the outside and crippled traumatized messes on the inside, with a narrative that gives this sufficient weight, and also lets them be feral and unhinged. And I actually prefer minority characters because where I'm from I'm from a minority group myself, but again, most of them don't fit the bill personality-wise or framing-wise.
Fandom's a hobby and it's meant to be fun - I'm not gonna be constantly swimming uphill from what the canon is trying to present to me just because a character shares a demographic category with me. I think this is the case for most people, really.
--
My read on a lot of this is that people are sad about the status quo (fair) and are lying to themselves that the culprits are nearby where they can reach them.
If we confront the fact that the real source is the director or the cinematographer or the studio head, it all feels so much more insurmountable.
Of course, one can opt for niche, indie media, but a lot of people don't want to do that, so they fall back on this shitty coping mechanism of pretending that they can yell at the people around them and effect meaningful change.
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420days ¡ 2 days ago
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GQ COUPLES QUIZ | JEY USO
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summary: jey & janey test how much they know one another
warnings : none
"Sweet face, which pair should I wear?" I smiled up at Jey, my boyfriend of three years, as I held up two pairs of earrings.
"I like the silver hoops baby. They match what you have on." He looked up from his phone and over at me.
Nodding my head I quickly placed the gold hoops into my ear and then pulled the silver Vintage Alhambra bracelet out my jewelry bag.
We just finished our photoshoot for GQ magazine and now we're getting read to film our GQ Couples Quiz to help our fans learn a little more about us.
"Help me pleaseee." I stood in front of him and held my wrist out so he could put the bracelet on for me. "Thank you." I smiled and looked down at my wrist once he was finished.
"Janey, Jey, they're ready for you." One of the producers poked her head into the room.
"Thanks Kara." Jey said before grabbing my hand and leading me to where we would be having our couples quiz. Valentine's Day was right around the corner so they had the set decorated in hearts along with little candy bowls.
"You want some candy babe?" I asked him as I looked through the bowl and tried to find some chocolate.
"I'll get some after we finish." He shook his head and then went to take his seat. I sat across from him and crossed my left leg over my right, getting comfortable in my seat.
"Fix your shirt babe." I said to him once I noticed the collar was slightly tucked on one side.
"Preciate you mamas." He said before fixing his collar and getting comfortable in his seat as well.
The producer counted down and we both introduced ourselves. Being the gentleman he is, he let me ask him questions about me first.
"So our beautiful fans wanna know how we met. Go ahead and tell them." I smiled before putting the card behind the others.
"I feel like it was just yesterday but I've actually saw her at this party my brother was giving and I was eyeing her all night. Of course I saw her on Instagram because she's a well known model but in person, mmm." He said making me laugh.
"Mmm what?"
"You had on this satin, tight fitted dress and I was to nervous to say anything to you for real until I saw someone trying to talk to you." He went on explaining.
"Yeah, you knew you had to snatch me up before somebody else did. You still didn't tell me why you were so nervous?" I rested my face in my hand.
"Cause you're this big ass supermodel with a whole lot of confidence and I didn't know if you were gonna take me serious."He shrugged his shoulders and smiled spread across my face.
"Well, you were a gentleman and approached me with a lot of respect. That immediately got you sum browniepoints in my book." I smiled before moving on the the next series of questions.
"Where's my dream travel destination?" I asked him and watched as he actually had to sit and think about it.
"Baby, you don't know this?" My jaw dropped slightly as I looked at him. He ran his hand through his beard and laughed lightly.
"You gotta cut me some slack. I feel like your answer changes like every two months." He shook his head.
"You're so dramatic, it does not change every two months. There is more than one answer if that's what you're getting at."
"Yeah, cause you be on TikTok getting ideas but ima say you really wanna got to Barbados cause your family is from there." He said, still unsure.
"Mmh, and where do I want to travel with you. We literally talked about it on our flight." I twirled my foot around and waited for his answer.
"Oh! St Lucia, right?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Mmh, you know I'm an island gal."I nodded my head with a small laugh.
Of course he knew the answer to all the basic questions like my hometown, birthday, and the details of our first date. I loved how the questions went from being simple to more complex.
"What's one tradition I would like to past down to our kids?" I smacked the cards against my hand and watched as he thought about it. There was so many different answers to the question so he honestly couldn't get it wrong.
"Jey, you know this." I added while waiting for his response. "There's so many answers."
"Y'all see how she calls me Jey when she gets serious? She's applying some heavy pressure." He pointed towards me making the production staff laugh while I playfully rolled my eyes.
"Oh please, just answer the question."
"One thing I love about you is how family oriented you are. I know you would love for us to actually eat dinner together at the dinner table. Holidays are also a huge deal to you so we will be decorating for them.” He gave me a wide smile as I blushed.
"I can give him extra points for that answer, right? Y'all heard how sweet my baby was?" I asked the camera crew as I looked at the camera.
"I'm always sweet for you." He flirted with me.
Once he finished answering my questions it was his turn to ask me some questions and he was not letting up on me. Not to mention his questions matched his personality, goofy and exciting.
"Babe, I know the answer but I can't say it out loud. The people are gonna be in our business." I giggled
"I mean you can forfeit your point." He held his hands up and shrugged his shoulders.
"No, come here." I motioned my finger towards him and watched as he leaned in closer to me. I placed my hand on his arm for leverage, allowing me to whispered his guilty yet dirty pleasure into his ear.
He instantly began to laugh and leaned his head against mine as he did.  I knew his body better than him and he couldn't even deny it. I placed my hand on his leg before sitting up and fixing myself in my seat.
"Yeah, that's a point." He nodded his head, trying to control his laugh as he damn near wiped tears from his face while I did a dance in my seat.
"A point!" I smiled.
"Okay, okay, what accomplishment am I the most proud of outside of my wrestling accomplishments?" He asked me and I thought to myself a little bit.
"Mmh, I'm gonna saying being able to provide for your family but most importantly being able to give your mom the life she deserves. So buying her a house and stuff like that?"
"You know me so well." He leaned back in his seat and nodded his head. He then gave me bonus points for answering the question with multiple correct answers.
Ultimately at the end I got more questions right than Jey but he did get all the personal questions correct. He was the kind of person who knew the details that were most important and that's all I cared about.
"So this is how many points you got." I held my hands up where the numbers would appear on the screen showcasing a 23/25 in blue bubble letters.
"And this is how many you got." Jey smiled and watched as 25/25 appeared on the screen in pink bubble letters.
"Damn you know me, huh?" He looked over at me.
"Of course I know my man, silly." I leaned over and kissed his lips, sweetly.
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tags: @bebesobrielo @trentybenty @amandairene88 @kiki1704 @paigereeder @uceyliyahh @skyesthebomb @cyberdejos2 @chloeijuana @tian-monique
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egg-emperor ¡ 6 hours ago
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tbh i am soooo upset they let the mispronounciation of ivo into the MOVIE. like enough people were like "yeah thats how you say it" to let it through. or maybe they were too afraid to correct jim carrey lol
either way it SUUUUCKS cause now that's how everyone thinks it's pronounced ;o;
God I am too, I'm way too autistic and precise about this to just let it slide, it bothers me so much because it's factually wrong lol. It does suck that they're telling millions of people that this is how his name is pronounced. It's not the first time official media has messed it up but it's basically the new biggest case of it happening and it's definitely going to have a huge impact
It's not meant to be a matter of how you prefer to pronounce it, it very literally isn't what was intended. The very guy who decided to name him Ivo (ee-vo) Robotnik in the first place, Dean Sitton, said he chose it because it sounds like "evil". Calling him "eye-vo" defeats the clever purpose of the name with how cool it is to sound like he's called "Dr. Evil "Eggman" Robotnik
I'm going to make another video/post showing all the proof it was to be pronounced "ee-vo" from the second it was chosen for him, that it was strongly specified and emphasized with putting "Ivo (ee-vo)" in brackets after his name in official documents, and he has actually been called it correctly as ee-vo in official media too. Because I have even more now and the fandom needs the reminder more than ever
But for now I will include this one as one of the new additions that someone recently pointed out to me because it's especially relevant. I had never seen this before because I'm not classed a movie fan really and I was astonished by this
They have said it right in the context of the movies in this official promo video thing
youtube
They have used ee-vo within the movie universe too, so it can't even be argued that eye-vo was just the only real and correct way for this specific iteration!
It's wild how they managed to make the entire third movie calling him eye-vo without anyone pointing it out and fixing it because it's just straight up incorrect. It's like how English TailsTube got it wrong but Japanese TailsTube got it right and it's been said incorrectly almost an equal amount of times to correctly, so I'm not surprised it can be said wrong in official media
But it happening in something as large scale as the movies? I just don't understand how they let this happen unless they deliberately wanted to be wrong but I'm so unhappy that it has more than erased all my attempts to correct people over the years lol. It shouldn't still be happening with stuff on the western side because Sega of America's chief brand officer is literally named Ivo too
Anyway his name is ee-vo and anyone who sees Ivo written for him and always reads it in their mind and says it as ee-vo are real ones
I'm gonna put my old video here just so we can hear him say it right and feel better lol
youtube
But it's gonna be remade hopefully soon to add quotes from Dean Sitton himself, the Sonic Bible draft that states (ee-vo) in brackets, Japanese TailsTube pronouncing it correctly, and that movie promo doing the same too as more all official instances, since in this video the first clip is official and the second isn't
It being said incorrectly in Eng TailsTube recently too worries me because I really don't want them to accidentally say it wrong in a game or we're really fucked but I want to have faith that the flub wouldn't make it into the games despite this because Sonic Team are much more careful about what they do with their own series and since JP TailsTube got it right it's 50/50 rn XD
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spotaus ¡ 2 days ago
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Hope you don't mind if I rb off the rb w/ the fan-art haha! Finally I'm back for the big ol' reblog!! (Warning: This will probably be literally every thought I have as I reread the oneshot, which will be a lot of really small notes and/or big side tangents- Aka! LONG!!!)
Okay! First off, i love Nightmare in the first section!! The note about his paranoia and just how thoroughly he kept everything documented is so fun and brings an energy of growth to his character that would've happened recently in the story, but far enough back for him to be comfortable with how he's ruling now! Night in this entire first portion is actually just so so fun, from his confidence with Reaper + knowing just who he needs to make sure is where in order to solve the problem? Man it's SO good! He's a lil guy, he's still young, but he's learned and grown and he knows his own people (family) so well!!!
Along with that, the lore behind the drug is so so fun, I love how ou ended up developing that to make it feel so dangerous and so worthy of needing to tackle asap!
Back to the plan? Night and Reaper puzzling out exactly where their people would need to go to solve the issue is so banger- Night having learned a thing or two from his knights, street smarts that Reaper doesn't have, and Reaper knowing his kingdom inside and out and knowing the dangers? So tasty!!!! (And the lil note that Dust's replacement would end up being Cross + Horror, horror just to make sure Cross doesn't kill Geno, is SUCH a funny re-occurring joke (tho he would) this oneshot, it makes me giggle every time it comes up- Cross holds those grudges like no other!)
Night and Dust's interaction is so awesome too... It's a perfect balance between 'boss/employee' and 'siblings' because, yeah, Dust could just say yes, but Nightmare makes extra sure that Dust is comfortable with the idea and makes sure he isn't lying for Night's benefit! And Dust smiling after relenting to Night's 'please' for the guard to escort him? For Dust and Night to laugh about not telling the others right away lest they deny for him? Oh they're adorable!! And ofc Night's lingering worry....
GENO!!!! Oh this wreck of a man, I love him dearly... His panic here is so silly, but also so valid, like, it's SO good for his arc. He is actively fumbling and worrying, and he rarely does that- And ofc Reaper. Gods I've said it before and I'll say it again, the way you write for these two is just amazing... Every time I read you afterdeath content, suddenly I feel like a hopeless romantic and need to tear something to pieces with my teeth (/pos). Something about this specific scene where it balances the humor of Geno's dread+worry with Reaper being so supportive and soft and sweet? OUGHHH. And the way that Geno has so many internal thoughts that he refuses to admit out loud? I love that for him, he's so so refusing to show weakness, voice it, his pride is still too big and too wounded to be that honest, even in front of Reaper! (His inner dialogue about the greed too? Oh that was good! You're so right, he's driven by his need for more and more and more!) The mention of the other mages too. I love that he has a very very strong opinion on the others from his school and fears the worst if he were to let anyone else venture out with Dust. Geno is the only option, literally ofc, but also morally in his mind!
Geno and those damn horses, I love them sm... Bro could've fumbled worse, but he certainly did fumble often <3
Levitation Spell Specified! Chekov's Gun!! (I couldn't have predicted how that one was going to come back up if I had tried lmao!)
Again, Geno and Reaper being soft... This is just a personal thing to feel free to ignore this, but it tickles my brain how openly affectionate Reaper is (in this fic, in ur other fic, etc-) but like- I say he's like that but I don't ever capture the vibes right- Here?? Here in this fic?? You did it so so well. The little reassurance and stuff right before Dust + the other show up brings me so much joy it had me kicking my feet like a schoolgirl!!
Life mention!! Love to see it!
ROGERS MENTION!!!! (He's so committed to his job, He's my one oc in the back that I love lmao-)
Decor!! I love the little bits of lore you sprinkled in through the castle description! Even though Geno has seen it a bajillion times and acknowledges it, it still is seemless on how easily he recalls the information! and he's a nerd so ofc he'd do that! (And oml Geno reflecting on Reaper's age!!! I am CACKLING- Geno is so chill with it and it so worried for Dust- I know for a fact that Dust is probably very aware (Night is extremely aware of Sanctuary's history after becoming allies, and he mentioned it to the knights one day how old Reaper was, kinda as a way to explain just how solid Sanctuary is as an ally) and he'd totally just be like 'Yeah. I don't mind.' and move on lmao-)
Geno fumbling the name of horse hooves <3 And a gorgeous reunion of Awkward Geno and Chill Dust! (And the horses!!!! I never said anything but Opal and Basalt's personalities + descriptions are so perfect!!) Reaper lowkey definitely wanting to get closer (either to Dust or the Horses) but holding himself back is so fun too- Geno knows him well :]. And freaky Opal moment!! She's so funny, cryptid of a horse, perfect for Dust!
So sorry, the town scenes, no matter how brief, are so perfect- Especially Geno seeing how the city reacts to Dust (and himself though he's kinda missing that) and putting Dust into such an impressive light is so sweet... And imagining that Dust just has people fawning over him and his mysterious self is really funny to me- He deserves it, of course, but it's still really funny!
Geno fumble counter! It's up again! (Poor guy, can't do small-talk to save his life, I get it bro-)
HELL YEAH! Stumbled across Geno's reflection again and! Augh I didn't catch it the first time, but the fact that Geno acknowledges that he was using both Dust, and Reaper, to get to Dust? Hurting both of them in the process without meaning to? Because he was so curious and he didn't even consider how it could backfire? Ough- And ik a lot of this we've discussed before but I love how you have it play out... Oh! And Geno just being SO secure about him and Reaper, entirely unbothered by the idea of Reaper persuing someone alongside himself? I love that bit... (And I love that Geno still has no worries on where he and Reaper stand in their relationship, because they make it work between themselves!)
Opal again! She's judging Geno so hard... I love her!
The addition of that little tourist town is so cool! They found a way to make the beauty and nature safe to traverse, and found a way to keep an eye on the dangerous parts!
Dust asking a proper question!! I loved this bit, because it's Dust's first proper reach out to test the waters (especially in Geno's silence) and Geno takes the opportunity to spill everything about the Mountains and his relations to them haha! Inviting him (and the others ofc, he's making a conscious effort to not be weird about it) to visit! And!!!! I'm so sorry but his infordump??? about the little mice and his favorite flowers?? Oh Geno you're famous to me- (I legit was sitting there reading that the first time and realized that, yes, that would work as a flirting tactic on me. I have the same taste as Reaper, Dust, and Nightmare I Suppose (Geno, Fresh, and Error all do this, I cannot be convinced otherwise haha!)-) And he's so frustrated that he kept talking! No, Geno, it's working!! Keep going you nerd!!
Nightfall and anxieties about being uncertain in things and how uncomfortable it can be my beloved <3.
HE FELL!!! Sorry, sorry, I'm so glad you made Geno fall (harmlessly) off of Basalt while trying to dismount. He needed to have that happen to him, and he needed Dust to see it lmao! (And as always, Basalt is a gorgeous and calm boy!)
Geno's fire is such a fun detail too. I also vibe with the shift in Dust's attitude after the infodump too. He's more willing to interact, and Geno is offering up answers to pretty much every question that Dust is asking! It's subtle, I didn't notice it the first time, but it's a really nice touch! (Also Geno showing off to save his pride, but also having smart reasons, is SO fun!) Along with Dust having his reasons and so much confidence in his horses? I loved this little bit getting to see them interact!! And then ofc gay panic Geno regretting things the moment they start eating, and worse when they have to share the tent! Worrying himself to sleep my beloved!
Oh he got so used to being spoiled in the castle!!! Oh he's so cute 'Reaper always let him sleep in' he's been so comfy!! So cozy! Dude was NOT ready to see Dust haha! And the way he's worried about his appearance now thanks to how it would reflect on Reaper because of their connections? How it's made such an impact that he's worried how he looks around just himself and Dust? Awe!!!
Him making it clear he wants to help too... Big steps... Ad Dust being so unclear about how he takes it is so fun!
The lore for the kingdoms and the two's differing pallettes! Augh moments like this had me eating up all the content from location to location istg! Orchard focusing on animals, then swapping to fruits, and Sanctuary having amazing fish! !!!
And ofc my beloved horses- Opal is so smug and perfect, she deserves the world- And Basalt putting up with the gay shananigans on his back, flustered Geno and chill Dust (who MUST know what he's doing, even if he's entirely justified in doing it-). The "Hold on." and Geno's internal 'Where?!' really kills me every time- Dust having to help Geno across the river w/ Basalt, and then Geno having even more panic. Almost falling off again trying to put distance between them because he started catching feelings again, Dust pulling him back on, gods I love them-
And the reveal that Basalt is Horror's horse! Ofc I had a feeling, but by the gods is it so sweet- Not only that Dust prepped the strong and steady horse for Geno's sake, but also that he went through the trouble intitally of training up Basalt for Horror to ride! W/ his head injury his balance must be awful, and the custom saddle to grip onto, as well as a horse who keeps his balance very well? Oh I love that... (Now this also opens the door for Dust to have also trained up Killer and Cross' horses specifically for them- And Nightmare's- but that's for another time!) Dust loves his brothers so much, and is looking out for their best interests, and that of the horses!
And omg!! Shy Dust at Geno's genuine appreciation and acknowledgement of something he did to help him??? Waugh- The bit looking back on when they first were friends/"flirting" and Dust being shy is so sweet... Dust getting shy and Geno finding it cute... (Also, yeah, Geno finding the murderer, ex-smuggler, ex-crimelord cute is baffling and adorable lmao-)
Reaper being a good king again moment!!! I love that you keep adding glimpses into the structuring and history and economy of Sanctuary, it's so banger-
I love their routine, and them obviously being more comfortable working together (Their little discussion as they decide to keep searching the mine entrances, and setting up camp in a routine now-) And!! Reaper having a weighted blanket! One that Geno wants to add a warmth spell to so that it's more comfortable for him?? Waugh??? They're adorable-
Dust offering up that he was a smuggler, again that inside knowledge kicking in! And Geno being surprised about it (bro has no memory, just like me frfr-)- (Reaper's background checks! Hah! Wonder he still decided to go for it, he loves Geno immensely-) And Geno returning with the lore drop that he was his own provider as a kid!
Geno and Dust having normal conversation!!! And Geno taking a few snorts and (assumedly) positive looks to mean he's doing well. I'm so proud of him...
The final mineshaft time.... Geno being so understanding about leaving the horses behind, and Dust being alright with it and being smart about dismantling their riding gear so they don't get stolen? Grogeous. (Geno's right, Opal IS a diva!!!)
GENo!!! We do NOT split the party in this household!! You beautiful idiot!!!! ESPECIALLY NOT CARRYING A LIGHT!!!!!!
Augh, yeah, they got him- (pre-emptively, I LOVED this section. On god I made some unholy giggling sounds when I read it the first time!!!)
Hi. So. Rover? FABULOUS villain. Peak! He's just deranged enough to make this entire situation make sense!!
I almost lost my mind when Geno was recoognized for being the Royal Mage. I mean, he's a VERY public figure, he does not shy away from being right by Reaper's side as often as possible, he goes out on his own a lot, people KNOW him! It was just really interesting! (And from Rover's perspective? Of course it's a treat to have collared Geno, the Royal Mage, essentially the prized jewel of the King? Powerful magic known across kingdoms? Yeaugh... His plan to have Geno get hooked on the drug then send him back to Reaper like that? On god this dude actually could've had a shot- devious af-) And Geno's magic being unable to even slightly resist the slave collar? Man, that was downright TASTY. He was entirely helpless there, and Rover almost got his way.
AND DUST!!!!! HELL YEAH!!!!! Rover reacting with such Dread to Dus's presence made me SO giddy!!! (Admittedly, sometimes I have so much fun writing about the silly things happening between the Knights and their good times with Night + the others, I forget that they're actually like, extremely capable, respected, and feared figures to anyone who doesn't live in the same building as them! SO ROver having this reaction jolted me back into Geno's mindset of 'Right! Dust is like, actually really really badass and important known over there. This guy in particular would think of Dust as some sort of angel of death! Wuagh!!!) (And Geno being unable to do anything but taking the chance to watch Dust fight <3)
ROVER- my dude just did the medival equilvalent of 'Put a gun to your head- I'm impressed! And ofc it got Dust to stop in his tracks!! And then how Rover continues to speak, trying to get Dust to talk (And ofc he wouldn't know about Nightmare's alliance with Sanctuary, or the fact that he's not actually an evil tyrant, because he was run-out pretty early on! I LOVE seeing remnants of the early days!! Especially from characters who have witnessed it all (Dust) and who only know the era or relative peace + rebuilding (Geno)!!) and Dust is just completely silent!
The panic in Geno when Dust gets dampened, and the smugness from Rover? Perfect... And Rover deciding to snatch Dust's mask?? (And the hesitancy of his lackies??) Dust being furious about it, and Geno feeling awful for thinking he could handle it all and getting their plans all screwed up? And then out of left field Dust starts talking- No, MOCKING this guy! And Geno is under the impression that Dust is helpless with those dampners on (He's seen what any one non-magic attack can do to Dust's fragile bones...)- And ofc Rover has so so much character- Him mentioning how he'll be strong enough to defeat 'Nim's Son' and how Dust calls him out for being a coward and not saying Nightmare's name? Saying Night is stronger than even the people + Geno's magic? OUGH-
Gen connecting the dots finally too! Dust is so smart, and even with how little he says, he gets his point across so easily- (You write for him so so well Ancha!!!) Taunting Rover into trading off the scenario of who has what on? He's so so smart!!
Also Geno (even though he's a little numb) being furious and magic-less, socking Rover straight in the face the moment he's free for a second? That is so him, and I've never been more proud!!
And Dust being SO covered in stuff, things that had Geno entirely powerless, and Rover still being freaked out? Amazing... And then the fact that everything had fallen into place, that Geno can SEE Dust's emotions (bbecause, well, he knows Dust a bit better than he was giving himself credit for) and Dust gets to finally let loose when Rover tries to command him to do magic?? Wowza, it gets me every time I think about it-
The two of them running off and Geno realizing that Dust KNEW he'd be strong enough to escape the things? That he'd been acting? (Well, not really, he told the guys straight up that he let them catch him) and that he was always strong enough? Put himself into that position to get Geno safer? And ofc the shock at Dust's lightning magic that he seemed to pull out of absolutely nowhere-
And then they're running again, and the scene where Geno has to jump and Dust is clear he'll catch him? My HEART!! And in turn Dust trusts Geno when he says to let go when they're falling!!! MY HEART AGAGIN-
When they're safe on the ground and Dust hides his face- And then lets himself be vulnerable and lets Geno heal the weak shoulder? Geno *asking permission* before he does anything?? CHaracter growth??? Oh!! And the addition of the dusty bones! They grey flakes! Of course Geno notices them, and surely it's not what he thinks, right? Right?
Dust clearly feeling out in the open w/o his mask too... man... That bit makes me so emotional for no reason (big reason but you know what I mean haha!) and Geno being supportive and promise they'll right the wrong! (AND Dust being uncomfortable with the flying minecart! It's like a call back to Geno being uneasy riding Basalt! And Geno doesn't judge him or anything! He's learning!)
How easily Dust handles everything and how Geno is just actually kinda smitten by it brings me immense joy! I mean, sure, his partner can kill smth with a touch, but Dust has something about him that makes Geno even MORE impressed haha!
And then Geno being impressed by the machines is SO him. Bro is just curious, what can he say?? Poor Dust is crushing on a moronic nerd- And he reacts reasonably poorly in turn, because, well, yeah! It's a weird thing for Geno to be fascinated by, and it probably reminds him way too much of how Geno looked at him back then-
Rover!!! When he ended up showing up again i LOST IT. It makes so much sense, but I just didn't see it coming at all, and I was convinced I was losing my mind! The cool logic that drug sets off for the magic system is so interesting, and tbh I'm w/ Geno on wondering aboutt how much it could actually do for a person haha! (Dude the casual convo between Dust and Geno, ignoring him, as so funny and perfect for them!) Though, I must say? Fittingly dramatic and intense final line coming from him! Didn't expect it, but I must say that I did enjoy it a lot! Especially since he willingly set off that avalanche on them!
And the avalanche!!! Ogh! Opal is such a loyal and crazy horse, and Basalt, I think, is the mvp of this entire operation, gotta say <3. But fr. Dust knew exactly how to help them get the upper hand, and he was ready to do whatever it took to get all four of them to safety! (Geno, my beloved, clinging to Dust so so much- I would be doing the same, can't blame him-) Them jumping a ravine just barely in order to escape the snow was banger, and- and Basalt and Opal working together, Opal helping him up edges, and Basalt being such a good boy listening to Dust and saving all of them? (Can you tell the avalanche was one of my favorite scenes? Can you? /lh-)
And the calm aftermath- Geno not even realizing he was plastered to Dust, Dust being VERY aware, Geno being extremely more focused on the death he just narrowly avoided? (And the note of probably stopping by a healer because he was THAT stressed out is such a good touch!) And then Dust being very much less stressed because he does stuff this crazy, if not worse, fairly often? (Not to mention if he let himself get distressed, especially on a snow-covered mountain? Yeah, that'd end poorly for them-)
And good gods Ancha, there were many gut-punches here (I think the Collar on Geno and the avalanche were two of the biggest) but Basalt being hurt? That one got me GOOD. Like, I mean I think I actually gasped at that one. Because?? Poor boy did all that just to be wounded in a way Dust *Knows* isn't a good sign? I was SO scared- But then Geno came in clutch... Bro used what little knowledge he had on the subject (Fresh! Yippee!! You taught him something!!) and used it to help out and come up with a better solution! He jerryrigged horse-healing! To help out Basalt!!! He's so resourceful... Even when he was exhausted from doing things before...
The camp set-up is so fun. They're both exhausted, Geno's finally grappling with the severity of what just happened, Dust is trying to push through but it evidently at the end of his own reserves as well (the flint and steel thing sparking off his magic is Such a cool touch btw??) anf they just... sit aorund the fire??? AWE??? (Dust having his mask off is so cool too, so subtle...) Geno mentioning in his head his low reserves for immediate magic due to his soul was awesome too... So many fun souls in this adventure!!
The tipi is so cool too! And the fire bit, I love that the logic here is that the fire Geno is using is like the fire Toriel uses in her house, where you could just crawl inside and take a nap- Imagining little Error curling up in the flame is so fuckin funny too-
AND GENO- Moment bro was free from his warm bed roll he totally subconsciously decided that Dust just had to be near him- I know you mentioned a scene from Dust's perspective of this would be so peak, and I think it very much would be, but Geno just half-asleep deciding to curl into Dust because he's safe and warm and stable? Yeah, I didn't realize I needed that...
I FORGOT ABOUT HIS ALMOST FUMBLE- "What you cooking good- FRIEND" good gods Geno you're my favorite forever and ever-
And them having casual conversations again! Yippeee!!!! Dude them discussing intent and the ways it works, and then Dust TEASING about it?? Crying sobbing, I love them... (Also Dust actually being able to cook, I love him so dearly for that. He had a billion places to pick up the skill and he did! He went for it!)
And the walk, Dust opening the door to talk about magic!! Geno whole-heartedly offering his own weak spot and then explaining how his magic works! Dust being curious! (And Geno recogninzing that Dust does actually listen...) And Geno being SUCH a nerd about it, spilling his guts over how much he adores learning about magic, others magic, all magic! (Dust cannot relate but is starting to piece things together-)
And gods, Geno just giving all the lore? This fits him so so well first off, but second? I LOVE the direction you took his past, Ancha! I wouldn't have even considered same mom multiple dads, but it makes a lot of sense as to how Geno and Fresh and Error made it so long and so strangely, haha! (Also, Ironfields! Scribbling that down frantically for no reason in particular-) And ofc I love the addition that Dust would assume Geno was from Sanctuary, because, I mean, he has to be, right? Those marks and knowing Reaper so well? And then ofc the note of Reaper picking Geno based on his magical skill, and him deciding that if he found another more talented he'd still ask for a date from Geno later? Adorable??? And dude, the bit about both Geno and Fresh looking at Error like their whole worlds? That HURTS- OWIE- But Error being such a calm baby until his magic Exploded their wall? I'm cackling, I love them- (And Dust's little 'Good brother"??? High praise coming from him oml???? Especially with Error of all skeletons, the one he unintentionally or intentionally bonded with??)
And man, the way their talk ends with Dust asking how Error ended up with them? The mutual sadness at that one is killing me- (Also Geno recognizing that Dust was tired from talking? Dude is noticing the social battery! Yippee!!!)
Next morning, Geno's dream? Adorable, hilarious, love that he's embarrassed by it! And dude, I love the fact that Dust left his jacket, that's so so awesome-
And I love this discussion about the magic and the whole collar siuation. Of course Dust would want to hear more about Geno's magic (since he doesn't have anyone to really learn magic from aside from Night) and Geno would want to know why Dust *doesn't* see it the same way! And Dust describing it how he did, a natural force that he guides rather than controls, it's awesome! And Geno is rightfully so enamoured by it and is holding in his awe and need to get to the bottom of it!!
And Geno being honest about his panic compared to Dust's skill in the heat of battle? Dust being 100% understanding fits him well, he rationalizes it for Geno even when Geno refuses to accept it. He believes he should've been more of a help a lot sooner, recognizes his shortcomings and things to improve on, while Dust is just impressed at what he *did* do!
And ofc the iconic shift into Dust questioning Geno's actions before!!!! I squeaked when i realized this was the direction it was heading haha!
Geno admitting right off the bat how shitty he was and then, just rolling into the whole explanation? I'm so proud of him!!! (Ancha you did his arc so much justice here, in this entire oneshot, I loved it dearly-) He explains his logic just like he does everything else in this plot, and even if it's crappy logic, he acknowledges that he wasn't keeping Dust's feelings as in-mind as he should've been. That he doesn't expect Dust to just forgive him. And when Dust drops the other actions, the kiss and the touching, Geno is just like!!! Very alarmed because he hadn't even been thinking of that! Because that one was more genuine! And he's honest with that too! (And yeah, his logic makes sense, because he was so used to Reaper!)
And I think that it's perfect that Dust gives him the silent treatment after this, because the guy deserves some time to think it out and untangle some really intense emotions! (Also, in the night I'm 50/50 on whether that was actually a dream or if Geno genuinely just curled around Dust again, but I'm *guessing* it was a dream lol-)
And then the camping at the cabin?? Dust's lil check to confirm Reaper's interest followed by checking with Geno, and Geno fumbling it SO badly (and still somehow managing to get the message across-). Dust saying that lil line? 'I don't hate you, I just don't understand you"??? Helpp me??? I literally like. Knowing what comes after this??? Crying sobbing??? Anyways, perfect execution Ancha, as always <3
Their return to town!!! Again, I keep forgetting these two are figureheads in their kingdoms that are very known and respected- Dust got his moment with Rover, Geno gets his moment in town! People are rallying and celebrating that the two survived despite all the odds against them! They're happy to see them and want to help! (And Dust slipping coins to those helpful people? So so him, such a good detail!)
The guards worrying over Geno and *Geno* being the one shying away from attention because it's all pointless worrying? Him complimenting Dust and Dust getting shy about it? Ough-
And Reaper!!! I know I give Night all the credit for stressed times in his study, but Reaper! Poor guy! (I can't imagine things on his end. Geno going missing, Dust along with him, two people he loves and cares for? Yeag.) Him instantly going to Geno gives me butterflies, and he's so earnest about wanting to make sure both of them are alright and know he cares for them? Crying. Sobbing. (Especially with the bit later with Reaper hearing about their whole debacle? YEAH. Crazy-)
The sudden Dust pov is so fitting too!! It makes sense for it to be him to percieve this scene, and omg. The way I SNARLED when Dust got up close and personal and debated and then said Geno was a cute nerd and gave him a kiss on the cheek???? I literally made the most unhinged, dog chewing on a stick, gutteral growl because girly giggles were NOT enough.
Like, thematically and for the point of this oneshot, it is SUCH a good conclusion! Geno made a change for the better, both Geno and Dust got to know each other better, they got glimpses into each other's lives in ways that made them better understand the other's troubles! Geno got to learn about just how skilled Dust is and a bit about his past, while Dust. Well. Dust got to figure out why Geno's... Like That. And for all the hardships and the awkwardness and the tension and the laughs, they made it through, and they know they care about one another, and Geno left the choice entirely up to Dust. Forgiveness, love, etc. Dust was able to choose for himself, entirely without any eyes on him and without fear or pressure or weight on his shoulders, and he chose! He's giving it another chance, because now he can expend a bit more trust. He can give it another shot.
And dude, I just know that Geno's goofy happy grin was something he had NO control over. I love that for them...
Okay I think I probably missed some things in the moment so quick bonus list!
The storms on the mountain being calm, I have to guess that's only because Dust was doing such a good job at keeping calm, so while he can't directly control the weather, it was influenced. Like, in the night after the mines incident it was creeping in, while Dust was emotionally drained + magically/physically exhausted, but after it was clear skies, just REALLY cold. If that's the case, GREAT detail! If not, then I've been typing too long haha!
Shout-out to Killer, totally exposing Dust's crush by trying really hard to be a good wingman- He technically helped, but boy did it also hinder-
Uhhhh. Mentioning again how much I love the effort that went into Basalt's role in the story? Opal too ofc, but for some reason my brain has fixated on Basalt and his cool custom saddle to accommodate Horror and how much of a beast that horse is <3 (I WILL be learning how to draw horses so I can draw Opal, Basalt, and the others whenever one of us jumps on needing them for plot reasons haha!)
So. The first scene I actually wanted to sketch out was this final one w/ Dust on his tip-toes and Geno leaning ever so slightly down to meet Dust's height for the kiss. I just. Yeag. I love them.
Also!!! The choice to make it a cheek kiss is so special to me! Especially if Geno had already kissed him on the mouth (teeth?) before because, well, he needs to work back to that point, do it over with a healthy relationship. In the meantime, it's something that he feels in control of, and feels comfortable doing, and both of them can appreciate the emotions and trust behind the gesture! Made me very very very happy! (The way you write romance is something I need to download into my brain forever-)
And.... I need to sketch Geno in his travel fit (Ignore that I already drew the one thing, it's not super far off from his normal fit I imagine lol!)
Lastly! I just loved everything about this oneshot Ancha! I'm so sorry that it took me so long to get to replying for (I've been writing for like 4 hours now haha!) and I'll be adding it to the masterpost tomorrow most likely! I'm honored to have you as a co-writer and this is smth I'm putting in my long-term memory so I can think about it forever and ever!!!! (I don't have emojis, writing on a laptop, but picture the salute emoji and a lot of heart emojis, haha!)
Gifted Oneshot - NewAgeAU - The Mountain
I have been slow cooking and scheming a little something. That stopped being little a while ago.
Also as you notice. Not just a drabble. Straight up an oneshot.
On that note. Because of this I have also decided to upload it to my AO3. In case you prefer reading it there you can by clicking Here.
This is for my friendo @spotaus and their New Age AU, or ours as I am a bit of the co-writer at this point haha.
Fair warning. This installment is far into the future and after the main story line the main story will focus on. This is about the DustedAfterDeath relationship and how they went from toxic to reasonable.
Warnings: past toxic relationship. mentions of drugs. mentions of slave collars.
Also... Euh... it is 33000 words long. Yes you are reading that right. 33K words. Which is why i am terrified to see how Tumblr will react to that many words as I never tried to upload something that long here.
Anyway! Here we go!
*----------------*
Nightmare frowns as he looks back at the files left on his wartable before turning back to the cabinet with many different reports. The cabinet itself is a nice dark brown and made of sturdy wood. It had served him well over the last many years he had been a king.
It was one of many that he had both in the warroom as in his own office. This one specifically he had rolled into the warroom as it had all the detailed reports from the black market dismantling.
Reaper whistles as he leans on the table “I keep forgetting that you document everything.”
Nightmare gives a tiny shrug at his fellow king “It is a habit.” Before he used to keep track of everything because he had been a control freak and perfectionist who was paranoid. The magic of The Ritual had done a number on his mental health and Nightmare sometimes still wondered how he managed to get through that for 7 years before he turned thirteen again. Ccino is honestly a miracle worker.
Nightmare finally finds the reports he had been looking for and pulls them out with a tiny triumphed smile. He lays them across the table and reaper looks at it curiously.
Nightmare speaks “This.” he points at the files “Is everything I have about the dismantling.”
Reaper nods as he looks at the five reports “On the whole black market?”
Nightmare frowns “No? Everything about that is in the cabinet. Those are just about the main drugs rings.” The smaller ones Dust had managed to do in one afternoon at that point. Even with Dust having had to wear multiple magic dampers and without much training he had been scarily efficient at shutting it down. The biggest issue had been with the main branches which required more leg work and a more stealthy approach.
Nightmare just knows that Dust and Killer had returned covered in soot and Killer had looked so excited as he spoke about Nightmare having to hire Dust fulltime. Dust had just looked bored but had felt rather content and proud of himself back then.
Nightmare is pretty sure that is when those two actually started to become friends which would eventually become the almost twin bond the two shared. And Nightmare can know as actual twin.
Reaper looks shocked “That many reports? Why?” even as he asks it he pulls the first report over as he starts scanning the information for stuff he recognises from his own drugs problem.
Nightmare takes a seat and pulls over the information that Reaper had brought with him “With the magic my mind was busy and paranoid. The reports helped. Because each time my mind would think of another detail or something that could backfire I could pull the report open again and search it. Either to help calm my mind that there was nothing to worry about. Or to give me a starting point to make sure this new idea didn’t became a problem.” After he deaged back to his normal age he just kept the habit up of making the reports. Nightmare hadn’t looked at them much in the last 3 years but it was nice to have them.
Especially in situations like this.
Nightmare opens the file that Reaper brought and frowns. It is all about how a new drug has been making the circles in Reaper’s land. In the capital city no less. The effects are mostly concentrated on giving the monster or human taking it a large magical boost. Causing them to be able to perform magic for a short while and to feel energised. The healers and scientists however had found out that the drug does this at cost of soul energy. Meaning that the very magic you gain is taken directly from your soul. And unlike magic users the average soul is unable to perform these activities without consequences.
The most likely consequence is that the one who takes it gets soulburn. A dangerous illness where the soul starts to produce more energy which can cause the soul to burn a way out of the body. An even worse option is that the soul can collapse in on itself as it gives too much of the soul energy. Causing death.
All very serious concerns. Especially if you take into consideration that the drug is addictive. The monster or human taking it will the first few times feel amazing which leads to developing a craving for it. And then it is a slippery slope down towards the worst possible results.
Nightmare can understand why Reaper came here with their treaty to get more help.
It isn’t exactly a secret that Nightmare’s land used to be swarmed with crime. Nightmare knows. Even after ten long and hard years of working on these issues the rumours still remain. Nightmare knows it will take even longer before the bad image of his land is improved. Nightmare is very happy that his brother and Blue are working on that.
Reaper is frowning as he has by now three of the five reports open and seems to switch between the different folders to study the information.
Nightmare turns back to the information offered to him and skips passed the properties and the victims. Instead Nightmare focuses on the section of where it first appeared and if it appeared anywhere before reaching the capital.
Nightmare finds a few locations and goes towards his map table. He touches the side and focusses for a moment. The map in view changes to fit the layout of Reaper’s kingdom. Nightmare walks towards the side of the capital city and touches the map. A small marker appears where Nightmare touched the map. Nightmare refers back to the other location mentions and starts putting it down on the map as he looks at the direction.
Mmh. Strange. It started near the mountains.
Nightmare makes a few careful notes of all the locations and what the layout looks like before making the table show a more detailed map of the mountains themselves.
The mountains help protect Reaper’s territory. It makes his country hard to infiltrate. Not to forget the ocean guarding him on the other side and the small area where the ocean and mountain range don’t meet being the mangrove forest.
Nightmare frowns as he stares at the map. It seems impossible for whoever did this to have smuggled the drugs in from the outside.
Nightmare speaks slowly “It seems likely that they make the drugs in your kingdom itself. Instead of importing it. If it were imported you would have noticed and caught them in either the port area or when they stubbled in through the forest or mountains.” Reaper has his guard watch those areas like hawks. Had they been importing the drugs they would have been caught already.
Reaper frowns as he looks deeply unhappy “That is what I am afraid of. That just means they have settled somewhere in my lands but I have had my guards search the cities and towns. There is no sign of them having settled anywhere, just selling.”
Nightmare frowns as he concentrates back on the map. He zooms in on the Three Lakes “The lakes?”
Reaper shakes his skull “We searched it. And unlike in our own river we couldn’t find any traces of the drugs in the water there.” He sounds relieved. Nightmare understands of course. His main food source is those lakes together with fishing in the ocean.
Nightmare frowns as he looks at the mines “Are the mines still operational?”
Reaper looks up and frowns “Not all of them. We maintain them just in case as we don’t want landslides but some have been locked up and decommissioned.”
Nightmare keeps looking at him and Reaper frowns “The mountains are dangerous. Them settling there would be too big of a risk.”
Nightmare shrugs as he speaks “I thought the same about the gang settling in the old clocktower and below in the sewers.” Dust had looked so damn amused when Nightmare had said it seemed unlikely “But these people… they don’t care about anyone’s safety. Not even their own. If they can gain power and money they will risk everything. Because to them the reward far outweighs the possible risk.”
Reaper frowns as he taps the files and stares at the map “The problem is. The mine shaft. You can’t just reach it. There is a reason we keep a careful eye on those. They are hard to reach and even harder to get the supplies needed up there.” Reaper frowns “Travel can take anywhere from 2 days on foot to 2 weeks on horseback, all depending on which mine you go to.”
Nightmare looks back at the map “Which mine is most likely to hold them?”
Reaper frowns as he taps the map and stares at the different mountains being viewed.
Nightmare takes the files back and looks at the different clues they had found so far. Nightmare frowns “They most likely make it somewhere. So it has to be a place has the ability to make the drugs.” He looks back at Reaper.
Reaper studies the map and points to one “We set this one up to be decommissioned soon. We were planning on going up there in summer to shut it down to make sure there were no accidents as can take up to a full week worth of travel on horseback. Even if you go alone.” Reaper points at the area and the long distance from the main roads “You would have to travel through the kingdom itself before moving up the mountain. The paths are traitorous. Even in summer. Much less now. With it being early spring.”
Nightmare frowns as he stares at the map “How risky is it to wait? Until it is safe to travel the mountain?”
Reaper shakes his skull “We have found multiple people dead already. Soulburns and souls just giving out. More people are looking for this drug. If it starts to spread out of the capital towards the smaller areas.” He frowns “Not to forget if more of the water gets pollinated it will affect us through the drinking water.” He sighs “I need to put a stop to this right away.”
Nightmare nods as he thinks. Dust could make it up there. Dust has more skills with horses than anyone Nightmare knows. Not to forget that even if the weather takes a turn for the worse it will just power Dust enough to maybe even redirect the storm. Dust also has experience in taking down these type of things.
However. Dust works the best either alone or with a very small crew. Most of his knights do.
Nightmare looks back at Reaper “How do you picture this mission?”
Reaper taps the map as he speaks “It would have to be a small group. The paths will be dangerous and having a large group may cause the path to become unstable. But sending someone alone is just begging them to be lost in the mountains without backup.”
Nightmare nods as he speaks “I can send one of my knights.” Dust would be by far the best. But that means sending Dust out to Reaper’s country and… well… Nightmare may trust Reaper with stuff about his country, there is a reason Nightmare no longer needs Dream’s presence for these meetings. But Nightmare still doesn’t quite trust Reaper with Dust. Things have been getting better but… Nightmare is still worried.
Reaper smiles before looking a bit more nervous himself “I appreciate the help. And I appreciate you being willing to entrust one of their safeties to me. But before you say anything or agree to help in that way. I must say. The one I would send would be someone… Very knowledgeable and skilled in magic. The drug works magically. And as you said it is most likely being produced inside those very mountains. Meaning they have some kind of power source or set up. Most likely magical that needs to be shut down.” And Reaper waits.
Nightmare doesn’t like this. His mind spins as he considers what was said. The worst part is that Reaper is right. Nightmare can see the reasoning and the conclusion that was made because of that. Even the very information they have to work with is because of Geno. Geno had been the one who figured out it was a magical drug and how it affect those around them all. Geno was the only right pick.
Nightmare thinks long and hard. Killer would be fine with the actual dismantling but he isn’t the best horse rider. Horror is strong but magically not strong enough to most likely have to battle magically skilled people who are even making this substance. Not to forget that Horror needs one of the sturdier horses. And while they are trusty steeds they are not the best for mountain paths.
Cross is out of the question. Mostly because Cross will end up making Geno go missing. Cross would be fine with the actual fighting and riding the horse all the way to the end location but Cross is also still furious at both Reaper and Geno and doesn’t make it a secret.
Dust is the only option.
Nightmare speaks slowly “I… Dust is the only fit for this mission. He is unchallenged in his horse handling and our expert when it comes to shutting down these kind of operations.”
Reaper looks shocked but then looks to the side as he frowns at the map. Clearly thinking.
Nightmare knows he will make the same conclusion that Nightmare just made. Dust is the only option to send up that mountain. Especially in these dangerous circumstances. And Geno needs to go because he is the one who knows this magic and can shut it down effectively.
Reaper frowns as he looks at Nightmare “You really think Dust can make it up that mountain? Even in early spring? While guiding other horses?”
Nightmare thinks for a moment. If it was in his own territory Nightmare would feel comfortable sending all four of his knights. Knowing that Dust could lead those horses up any area that he knows. But that is the issue. This would be uncharted territory for Dust to lead horses up and around.
Nightmare nods “If it is in your territory? I know Dust can safely lead two horses up the mountain, the only reason I say two is because Dust doesn’t know that mountain. But I would have to request they use horses from my kingdom.”
Reaper looks curious “I am not saying no and will gladly accept that but why?”
Nightmare figured it was obvious but then again Reaper wouldn’t know “Dust trains the horses. Every horse in used by my guards and knights are trained by him.” Which also means that Dust has a bond with every horse in use by those in the castle and that even if someone else is riding it they will listen to Dust’s comments, directions and orders.
Reaper looks impressed before nodding “Of course.” A moment of silence “Are you sure this will be alright?”
Nightmare frowns as he looks to the side “I am not. But this is dangerous. It needs to be stopped as soon as possible.”
Reaper nods as he sighs “I will return home. Talk with Geno. We will remain in contact by letter and whenever works for you and Dust I will gladly welcome his visit and help.”
Nightmare nods “I will ask Dust myself.” If Dust says no Nightmare will have to reconsider who he can safely send. If that ends up the case he would most likely have to send both Horror and Cross. Cross to send up the mountain with the horses and to deal with the ring while Horror would go along to deal with Cross himself.
For now he will just ask Dust.
--
Nightmare watches nervously as Dust looks over the mission plans. His knight had frowned when he saw the location but he had schooled his expression quickly enough to read the mission set up and goal.
Dust nods and speaks “I agree. I am the best fit.” Factual and quiet. Nightmare always thought he could read his brother no problem but turns out that Dust could still hide things from him.
Nightmare doesn’t often miss the magic the Ritual gave him. But the one thing he does miss was the connection he had had with those close to him.
Nightmare misses being able to feel their joy and excitement. He misses being able to feel that connection to their magic and souls. The way he could feel them close in a way that he could never explain.
Being able to notice when they needed help.
It is why he watches Dust closely. Trying to see any signs of distress. Nightmare had promised himself he would not miss those signs again.
Dust nods as he looks up “I can do it. Lead two horses up to the mine shaft and help the mage coming along to shut it down.”
Now the hard part.
Nightmare takes a deep breath and speaks “There is only one option for which mage could be send along to fix this mess.” He waits a moment “Geno.”
Dust’s hand twitches before forming a fist before relaxing it again. Dust nods “Okay.”
Nightmare glares “No. Seriously. Are you okay with it? We can think of something else if it is too much.”
Dust gets this tiny fond smile on his face “You really want to trust Killer to lead two horses up that mountain?”
Nightmare looks to the side and mutters “I wouldn’t have trusted him to do that to begin with. Would have send Horror and Cross together.”
Dust pulls a face “Yeah I can see why you can’t send Cross alone.”
Nightmare looks pained “What did he do?”
Dust looks slightly embarrassed “He did not enjoy the fact that Geno now feels… brave enough to wave and say hello. I am not exactly sure what he said but Cross looked rather happy after the interaction so I assume nothing good.”
Nightmare gets it of course. As Cross had said once. Dust doesn’t move to protect or defend himself so as his fellow knights it is their job. And Cross takes his job as knight, and brother, very serious.
Nightmare is a bit curious about what Cross exactly said but he can try to ask him later. For now “Are you sure?”
Dust frowns as he thinks for a moment “It will be… unpleasant. But if he continues to behave and act as is now I do not see an issue with us doing this mission.”
Nightmare frowns before nodding. Dust seems honestly okay with it. Nightmare points towards the map “We need to move out as soon as possible. I want you to prepare your pack for travel and two horses for the track up the mountain. I will send Captain Rogers with you as escort to Reaper’s kingdom. He will remain there until you return and escort you back.”
Dust looks amused “I don’t need an escort.”
Nightmare doesn’t even bother as he just stares at Dust “Please.” Please. Please just let him do this. Please let him protect him in the tiny ways he can.
Dust gets that fond little smile again before sighing but nodding “Okay. Okay. I will travel with some of the guards. Restock my packs before we leave for the mountains.”
Nightmare smiles as he hands the mission brief over to Dust.
Dust reads it and hums “You may want to keep the others in the dark for a little while. At least until I am on my way there.”
Nightmare can’t help but laugh as he nods “Probably for the best.”
Dust nods and gives the little mock bow before he turns and leaves the warroom. Most likely to go and take care of the horses and get them ready for the long track.
Nightmare really hopes he didn’t make a mistake.
--
Geno feels like he is going to throw up. Even as he stares at his many charged crystals and some spell scrolls.
His soul pulses fast and he feels sick and excited.
How is he going to get through this?!
A soft chuckle and a hand takes his own “My love?”
Geno blinks out of his thinking before staring at Reaper “You are trying to kill me.”
Reaper looks so amused as he tilts his skull “Really? I should have removed my gloves if that was the case.” He joins him on the bed “Are you alright my love?”
Geno laughs and stares at Reaper “Yes? No? I am not sure? I am going to be alone with Dust! For weeks on end!” he stresses the words.
Reaper gives a slow nod as he frowns “You don’t want to anymore?”
Geno groans “No I want to! That is the issue! The problem is… I am not sure… How am I supposed to make it through this week without it ending with him hating me even more?!” the only reason there was the tiny peace was because of Error’s and Fresh’s situation. Dust still avoids them a lot and Geno had only been lucky enough to manage a wave or small hello.
Not at all the small conversations he craves and wants so badly. That connection he had had but lost because of his own stupid and idiotic behaviour.
If those things are already impossible how is he ever going to be able to manage a full week of travel? One on one travel?
Reaper looks so damn gentle and Geno hates how much he still craves that look. He should be fine without it. Yet here he is still craving that look. Same as the awe Reaper would show when Geno showed off his magic.
Reaper takes his hand and rubs the back of it. Carefully, even as he wears his gloves for safety, Geno never saw the deal with that. Not when it was just them. Geno knows Reaper would never hurt him. Geno knows Reaper enough to know that, Geno knows enough about magic to know that Reaper would never kill him with his Touch of Death ability.
Sadly Reaper doesn’t believe this.
Reaper speaks carefully “I don’t think he will hate you, or more as you say it.” he continues to hold his hand and rub the back of it with careful tiny circles. Reaper stares at him with that same love written all over his face.
Geno does not deserve it. But he is selfish and a bastard and can’t let go. He would never let go of this beautiful but terrifying thing. Not as long as Reaper is willing to give it.
It is why it hurts so bad to have lost what he and Dust had had, all because Geno couldn’t stop being selfish and greedy for one moment.
Reaper smiles softly still, probably aware of the mental turmoil Geno is having, and speaks again “You are respecting his boundaries… or most of them.” Reaper shoots the Seeing Crystals a look and yes Geno deserves that jab. Reaper doesn’t dwell on it for longer “You know what you did before was wrong. You are more aware of yourself and your habits. You can use this knowledge to make it through this trip alright. In a way you can see it as your chance to truly show Dust that you learned from your past mistakes.”
Geno is still unsure as he breaks their eye contact.
Reaper speaks softer “I can still ask for someone else to go? Another mage maybe-”
“No!” Geno is slightly embarrassed by his reaction but it is justified!! Geno has gone to a school with mages! He knows how they think and the biggest issue in his old school had been the many different mages all trying to figure out either love potions or love spells. Stupid hormones driven teens.
Geno is very aware he is being a hypocrite but at least he never sunk that low. He never tried to use his magic to force anyone to feel something for him that wasn’t there. He never committed that crime of break of consent. Geno still has the opinion that those spells and potions count as rape drugs and he will not take any arguments against that.
Reaper looks amused “So you will go?”
Geno grumbles as he looks to the side “Obviously! And just because I am obviously the only correct choice for this mission.” He turns back to his many spells and sighs “I am just…” worried scared terrified paranoid anxious “I don’t want to mess it all up again.”
Reaper had worked so damn hard to fix Geno’s mistake. The very treaty had been in danger and Geno had felt terrible. The fact they still didn’t trust Geno proved once again how badly he messed this whole thing up. Just because he can’t look at people like a normal person and has the stupid habit of turning everything in his mind into some weird scorecard or game or experiment or whatever his minds decides on for the day.
Reaper says it is Geno’s own trauma from being forced to be a parent to his younger brothers while having no stable income or secure housing.
Geno just thinks he is an ass.
Reaper hums as he keeps holding his hand and rubbing the back of it “And you won’t. I trust you.”
Geno laughs as he looks to the side “That went well the last time.”
Reaper hums “The past is in the past. You are trying to improve and better yourself. Why would I keep bringing up stuff you did before that you already regret and are trying to improve?” Reaper traces Geno’s cheek with the gentlest touch “Why would I want to hurt you like that? You learned. You are changing your behaviour and working hard to do right now. I think that is beautiful and shows who you really are as person. You just need the chance and time to improve.” He kisses the hand before smiling “I will ask you once more. Please be honest. Do you feel ready to go on this journey? And do you want to? Or do you need more time to grow and feel secure in interacting with him?” and he waits.
Geno thinks for a moment. He honestly feels fine with going up the mountain. To search the mines. He is just nervous about how Dust will react to him. But moreso, he is excited. Excited about the chance to just be near the other. Hear the other speak again. Speak to him again!
Geno nods “I want to go.” there is just one tiny issue “But horses?!” he stresses the word.
Reaper looks amused “Do you want to walk up the mountain?”
Geno glares “I can’t drive a horse Reaper!”
Reaper chuckles as he smiles “It is called riding love.”
Geno groans as he ignores the comment “I prefer walking over falling on my face every time the horse makes a turn.” There is a reason Geno had wanted to use his inexperience with horses to create a moment with Dust before and oh boy now that he thinks about that he sees the very clear red flag that situation is. Geno really is just red flag after red flag isn’t he?
Reaper smiles “I mean. It should be fine. Nightmare will be sending two horses along with Dust. And Dust apparently has good control over the horses and they listen to him. I am sure the horse will behave and make sure you don’t fall off if Dust asks.”
Geno knows of course. He had spied on a few of those horse trainings before he realised he was once again ignoring every boundary and just taking what he wanted. But the fact remains he had seen Dust work with the horses before. He is an amazing rider and knows what he is doing.
Which just makes the fear of falling off the stupid horse and down a cliff even worse. Geno doesn’t want to make a fool of himself like that.
Reaper smiles “Give it a chance. I am sure you will do amazing.”
Geno sighs and nods. It isn’t like he doesn’t want to do it. He wants to do it so badly. A long time alone with Dust? Getting the chance to talk to him and maybe finally be able to at least start to apologise for his own rude behaviour? The mission itself? Finding this magical substance that reacts to the very biology of both humans and monsters? Geno is so curious how it works and how they manufacture it!
Reaper kisses his hands before he gets up “I need to go check if everything is ready for our guests. I hope you will join me in the throne room soon.” Reaper smiles and gives a tiny bow before leaving.
Geno sighs as he stares at his pack stuffed full with crystals and other tools.
He hopes he can make this work. If only for a little bit.
Geno takes a deep breath before looking at his pack with focus. He opens it removes everything he put into it before taking much more careful note of what he will need.
The basic camping equipment will be taken care of by the maids and servants. Reaper called together a bunch of people who have been on that mountain before to handle the actual camp packing. Including rations. Meaning that Geno’s personal pack will just be for what Geno needs to take along.
He takes a deep breath and picks up a few crystals. These should siphon away any large magical energy. Reaper mentioned that Nightmare thought they will be making these drugs locally. Meaning that they will have to have a large magical powersource. Best to have these along.
Next he grabs his army knife. He enchanted it obviously by embedding some of his smaller crystals into it. It should work to cut anything, including metal cables or worse. He also has some lock picking tools in there. Geno isn’t the best with it which is why he enchanted those as well. But he has seen those slave collars making their way around the areas where the drug is also active and he just wants to make sure there is a way to get those off of anyone.
Geno looks at his many spells and feels a bit embarrassed once he notices he grabbed his most complex and powerful ones. Way to be obvious Geno. Way to make it clear you are desperate to show off. Geno pushes them around and ends up grabbing the one for levitation just in case. It is always good to have that one with you when you go to high places.
Some healing crystals are also a must and one of his more complex and powerful ones is the Calm Emotions. Meant to calm down any aggression. Geno never truly had a chance to test it but if it works as he thought it would it may be useful. Next he grabs his shield crystal and checks those.
He obviously can cast spells without his crystals. Geno is a skilled mage. The difference is that the crystals area already charged and ready to cast the spell without having to still take time to cast it and use his limited mana supply. Geno would just need to activate them.
Geno steps back and nods “That will do.” After that he took some extras of the same crystals and closed his pack. Finally packed.
Geno takes a moment to look at himself in the mirror. He closes his sockets for a moment and takes a deep breath “I can do this.” he opens his sockets and stares at himself “You can do this.” He makes sure to make it an order for himself “You will be normal. You will not make him feel uncomfortable. You will remain respectful of his boundaries and you will not ask pushy questions.” Or better said. Just be a decent person.
He can do this.
Geno puts his bag on his back and leaves his room to quickly join Reaper. A small prickle along his nervous and he feels a rush of excitement come over him.
Dust is here.
Geno grins and rushes to the throne room to get there in time.
Geno gets to the entrance hall and stops there. Takes a moment to calm down. And enters the hall. A glance around shows he is still on time and Reaper smiles at him from beside his throne.
The throne is still the same from when Life was the king of this land. It is a beautiful light brown with all kinds of animals engraved into it. It is as old as the kingdom itself. Geno knows that many other kings look down on it as it isn’t that large or imposing and it isn’t made of a rare material.
Geno thinks it is beautiful. There are spells woven into the throne to make sure it remains healthy and alive. Flowers grown unto the throne to fit the season.
Geno knows that no matter what anyone else says Reaper will never do away with any marks left by Life. When asked he says it is to show respect to the original king that made the save haven that is this land. Geno knows it is because Reaper misses his old friend.
Reaper takes his face between his hands and places a gentle kiss on his skull. Geno feels bashful at the obvious affection in the simple movement. Reaper looks amused “Ready love?”
Geno takes a deep breath and nods “I am.”
Reaper smiles brightly before pulling his hands away from him. Just in time it seems as the throne room doors open. Reaper and Geno look up together.
One of the castle guards bows deeply “The cavalcade of the country of Orchard has arrived.” Geno can’t stop the small snort at the way the guard says it while Reaper just shoots him an amused look.
Geno waits for a moment and feels his soul beat speed up when the group walks in. He immediately finds Dust. Dust is dressed in his knight gear. Completely covered and his mask on. He walks side by side with an older man. Geno studies the other and quickly finds the markings that show he is the captain of the castle guard. Yeah, Geno should have expected as much seeing as Nightmare is very protective of his knights.
Geno gets it. He has his own brothers are all.
The captain bows deeply “King Reaper and royal mage Geno. It is a honour to visit and be allowed to aid you in the name of our King Nightmare.” He stands up and puts his fist on his chest, one top of the royal mark on his armour. The sword with a tree branch and the two birds on either side “I am captain Rogers! Our king send my man and I along to support your troops in the lands to help find people who are causing harm while the Knight will help your royal mage to undo the source.”
Dust just nods as he remains quiet. He is always so quiet and mysterious and Geno just now realises just how good he looks in that armour...
Reaper gives a small nod to show he heard and listened “I welcome you in my land and home. My own guard will fill you in on the developments while my maids will show you where you will be resting for your stay.” Reaper nods towards some of his help and they move forwards quickly.
Most of the guard goes while Rogers and Dust remain. Rogers nods and bows again “We appreciate it.” he glances at Dust for a moment before continuing “Will our Knight and your royal mage move out today or tomorrow?”
Dust shrugs and mutters “Today is fine.”
Geno nods his own agreement as he stares at Reaper. Reaper sees it of course and speaks “If today is fine than today the Knight and my mage will go towards the start of the path up the mountain. To enable them to have an early start tomorrow.”
Dust nods “Sounds good. I will ready the horses.” He turns and leaves the hall. Geno watches him go as Captain Rogers says his own goodbyes before following some maids to meet up with his own guard forces.
Geno turns to Reaper “I am going to go… yeah.” He points over his shoulder with his thumb.
Reaper smiles and nods. “Of course. I will join you soon. I just need to check with what has been packed for you two and I will meet you at the gate.”
Geno nods and leaves the throne room. He rushes through the halls as he ignores the beautiful décor. It isn’t that he doesn’t appreciate the beauty. He used to spend his thinking hours staring at the masterfully crafter stained glass. He rushes towards the exit of the castle as the story told in the large ceiling high windows passes him backwards.
Geno knows the story of course. The story of how Life fled her own war-controlled homelands and husband. How she took likeminded people with her and got her most trusted friend to help guide her people. How she travelled for a long time before finding this paradise. Hidden between the mountains with no one there to challenge their will to stay. How Life made a land worth living in. How she made a paradise focussed on safety and healing. Becoming the original king of this land, throwing away the title of queen as she fled her home and became a king to the people who went with her.
Geno had teased Reaper a lot when he learned that Reaper had been Life’s trusted friend. That Reaper is old as dirt. Reaper had been a bit self-conscious about it. Asking Gen if it bothered him that Reaper was that much older.
Geno didn’t really mind. It wasn’t like he looked old. Quite honestly Reaper was hot for someone who was older than the country itself. Geno does worry that Dust may mind… They may have to ease Dust into that knowledge. Geno thinks Dust already knows because it isn’t a secret that Reaper has been king for a long time but even Geno hadn’t realised just how old he had been.
Then again… It had been Geno who ruined everything… Reaper had been an adult and responsible about everything.
Geno gets outside and blinks in the harsh light. He looks around and spots Dust by a group of horses.
One of the horses near him is leaning into his light touches with its eyes closed. The horse looks smaller than Geno is used to but he doesn’t know a lot about horses. The horses is a dark grey and has black feet… hooves? Area near the hooves. Black lower legs, a black snout and black mane and tail.
Geno slowly gets closer when he notices the horse having violet eyes. Is that even possible? Geno always thought horses to have either brown or black eyes.
The horse looks up and huffs as it seems to get more nervous. Dust just pets it over the snout and it calms down. Geno can barely hear him mutter “Easy Opal. Easy.” The horse, Opal apparently, sniffs and huffs but calms down.
Dust nods and turns to look at him. Geno tries to smile but doubts it looks as relaxed as he wants it to look “Hi… How are you Dust?”
Dust hums and shrugs “Fine.” A moment of silence “You?”
Geno grins “That is good. That you feel fine. I have been busy with this whole… drugs mess. Thanks so much you even want to help.”
Dust shrugs again as he focusses on the horse “Only option. Other option was Cross.” And he pets the horse.
Geno winces. Yeah…  yikes… that is a dodged bullet. Cross is still furious with him.
Geno takes a few steps closer “These are your horses?” he likes horses… maybe that will get him to talk? About anything? Maybe?
Dust nods and pets the horse before him “Opal.” He pulls a hand away and waves towards the second horse “Basalt.” Basalt is a dark brown horse. A bit bigger and has black eyes. Geno must admit that Basalt looks exactly like how Geno would picture a horse, a massive one at that.
Dust continues “You will be on Basalt. Basalt will also carry our stuff.” Which is when the door opens and Reaper walks out with one of the survivalist advisors following him.
Reaper introduces them as Cretic and Cretic immediately starts explaining what was packed and why.
Geno feels his soul speed up at the mention of just one tent. Cretic mentions how it is just not realistic to take two tents and expect to find an area big enough to set up camp for two tents. Not to forget how it would just cost more time to set up and break down two tents every night and morning. Furthermore it would make more sense to share the small space of the tent together because that could warm up the space better for them even if they didn’t share a bedroll. They huff and mention that sharing a bedroll would be much better for surviving the cold temperatures but that their king told them that would not be an option.
Geno is very thankful for Reaper for that. Already sharing a tent space with Dust will be a lot. A bedroll?! Geno would just die. Just end up as his soul pulses so hard it would pulse out of his ribcage. And seeing as it is a stupid tiny shard it would probably hurt like hell too.
Dust looks the pack over before nodding as he grabs the packs and walks over to basalt. Then he clicks it in place and pets Basalt’s head. Basalt nuzzles the hand before standing ready again.
Dust speaks softly as he pets the neck “Basalt will carry packs and let Geno ride him.” he walks over to Opal and pats her neck “Opal. My horse.”
Reaper nods as he looks excited at the horses “It is always a treat to see one of the many horses that walk Orchard.” But he remains back and doesn’t approach even as Geno knows Reaper wants to.
Dust checks the pack before looking at Geno and waiting. Right. Shit. Horse riding. Shit. He isn’t good at this horse riding thing at all.
Geno walks over and chuckles “So… eum… I am not good at this riding thing?” Wait!! Shit?! That came out wrong! “You know! Horse riding!” shoot him now.
Dust either doesn’t notice or care as he walks over and strokes Basalt’s neck “Basalt walks by himself. He doesn’t need to be lead.”
Oh. Well… okay then… Geno walks over and puts his foot in the little foot step thing on the saddle. Okay. Okay. He can do this. He hops on and it isn’t as elegant as he wanted but he is on.
And Basalt moves around a bit but he is on it. He is riding a horse.
Dust walks over to Opal and jumps on without looking bothered in anyway. Opal stands up on her back legs for a moment but then back to normal. Shaking her head around. Dust pets her and she calms down.
Reaper looks nervous at Geno “Will you be okay?” Geno nods. Reaper turns to Dust “Do you need anything else? And will you and the horses be okay?”
Dust nods “This is fine.” He tugs lightly on the reins and Opal turns quickly and Geno is convinced the horse was on her backlegs again. How flexible and quick is that horse?
Dust lets Opal walk a few steps and Basalt just follows. No need for Geno to direct it at all. So this is what Nightmare meant with Dust being able to easily guide up to three horses up the mountain.
And they leave the castle ground. They follow the path down from the castle to the main city and Geno watches in awe as Basalt just does it himself without any needed guidance from Geno. Hell probably through any wrong directions from Geno too.
They walk through the city around the castle and Geno can see people look on in awe. Geno gets it. Dust is like a knight in shining armour trope but instead of just being in shining silver armour on a perfect white horse. He is in dark leathers and dark colours with a cloak. A hood covering his skull and a beautiful panther mask on his face. The gloves and mask to fully hide his skeleton traits. On top of a mysterious rare horse which still seems slightly wild and uncontrolled yet it listens. Yeah… Geno gets why some girls sigh and stare wishfully.
They leave the city and trod on.
Geno can’t help but just watch the other. So in his element and controlled. Geno is happy to just stare as Basalt walks just a tiny bit behind Opal and Dust. Geno smiles as he speaks “You are unbelievable good with them…” Is that enough? “It is amazing.” Is he overdoing this? “You must spend a lot of time with them.”
Dust doesn’t look around as he shrugs “Just like the last two times you asked. I still train them.”
Geno can’t help but flinch and look away. Any nerves he had before return with a  vengeance. Right. Why did he think? Geno looks down and tries to find his voice “I… I know that… I just… I thought… Nevermind.” He thought maybe a compliment would go over well… But maybe it seemed like a dig instead? Like Geno hadn’t taken him seriously when he said he worked with the horses? Like Geno hadn’t believed he worked hard? Geno isn’t sure.
Dust remains quiet as they travel.
Most of the day is silent after that as Geno just lets familiar scenes pass him by. As it is still early spring the air is still cold and crisp and the ground is covered with snow. The mountains in the distance are covered with snow as well.
Geno glances down at the snowy ground. Seems like the horses are fine as they walk on. Geno looks up and glances to the side before he mutters “This… probably is a stupid question. How are the horses going through the snow without issue?”
Dust tilts his skull slightly. Geno notices because his hood moves a bit. But then Dust answers “Generally horses are completely fine in all kinds of weather. We did make sure to get their hooves checked before the trip.” And he looks ahead again “It is just west until we need to go north correct?”
Geno nods “Yeah. We need to go where there is a path between the two large mountains. We can go up there and start navigating towards the mine.” There will eventually be some markings near the roads to show the direction. A less travelled path to lead them there.
Dust is quiet for a moment before nodding “You will need to start either leading” oh please don’t let him ride in front and show Dust how terrible he is at this “or you will need to keep the map out and tell me the directions when we get near.”
Oh thank fuck an out “I can do the second one.” Geno will just die if he knows Dust is behind him judging him for how terrible he is with riding a horse. Well, Geno knows he is bad at this thing and Dust obviously know and is probably judging him already but no need to showcase just how bad he is at it!
It is okay. It is fine. You may not be able to ride a horse or anything but you can do magic! You will be able to show off your magic and how that is your element and Dust will think you are cool!
Geno tells himself at least. Fuck. He just doesn’t want him to hate him even more.
They keep going west as they travel in silence. Geno is playing with the reins as he keeps staring at the back of Dust. Trying to think of something to say which will actually start a conversation. As the time slowly goes by Geno becomes painfully aware that he isn’t sure what to talk about. Asking about Dust will just make him uncomfortable or annoyed because Geno just knows he will be repeating questions again. Asking about how his homelife is going will also just be met with suspicion because of Geno’s stupid past mistakes. Same for his fellow knights, family or hobbies. But Geno can’t just talk about what he likes. All he really cares about for hobbies is magic and that is also part of the whole start of the mess.
Geno honestly wishes he could go back in time and punch himself in the face and shake himself. If he had just been just not such an ass! If he had just been a normal person to Dust. All Geno had had to do was be a decent person.
Reaper had asked him if Geno had been okay with Reaper liking Dust and trying to see if it could go anywhere. He had been honest about his attraction and starting affection. Had asked Geno if Geno was okay with it or if Geno preferred for them to remain exclusive and for Reaper to take more distance from the other. Geno had said he was fine with it.
Geno had felt very secure in how Reaper felt about him and about their relationship. Which is part of the reason why Geno had said sure to begin with. The other reason was much more selfish and jerkish. Geno had been curious and fascinated about Dust’s magic. He had felt that power and energy and almost static in it. Geno is unsure how it could be and had been morbidly curious about how it worked.
They both had known that Dust had had a thing for them. A crush maybe, Killer’s meddling had made it obvious.
Geno isn’t proud of the fact that he used those very feelings. Both from Dust and Reaper to enable him to unravel secrets and mysteries that weren’t Geno’s to learn. Of better said, force Dust to speak about.
It just got worse when Geno realised his own feelings had changed. When it was no longer just a simple curiosity but actual interest.
Geno is honestly happy Dust ended up stopping him. Made him back off…
The magic had felt hurt and distressed. So very hurt and panicked.
Geno had… He wasn’t even sure what his plan had been after that. He backed up and just felt worse when it turned out that Dust had also cut off any contact with Reaper. But Geno had been too prideful and too much of a coward to admit to Reaper what he had done.
At least until Error knocked it out of him that is. Or knocked some sense into him.
Dust hadn’t even wanted to look at him…
“Geno?”
Geno snaps out of it and glances up. Dust is looking at him, from behind that mask, while being turned towards him “Is this the correct path?”
Geno turns to the way pointers and quickly grabs the map Dust mentioned before. He checks their location and is quickly able to figure out where they should be. He checks the distance and nods “This is the right spot. We go north from here. We will come by a little settlement, it isn’t on any official map but it is the settlement everyone who goes on tours to the mountains goes by.” It should be calm really. With it being early spring and so the touring season hasn’t started yet.
Dust nods and turns the way they are going. Geno can swear that Opal is looking unimpressed at him before huffing and walking the way her rider directs her.
Basalt calmly follows and Geno grabs the saddle tighter as he shakes for a moment. Okay. Okay. He is still on the horse.
They trot on.
Geno makes sure to keep the map open and folded in a way to make is easier to figure out where they are. Best do the thing he can actually help with.
With horse they make very quick time and Geno watches as they reach the settlement very quickly. Geno glances at their map before looking at the settlement “We got here very quick.”
Dust hums as he makes their horses keep moving “Not a surprise. We went straight towards this area over following the roads. We cut back on travel time.” He glances at the obvious very close by mountains before looking at him “We best try to make a start with the climb before it is time to set up camp.”
Geno nods “Indeed.” He tries not to remember what their camp includes. Sharing. A tent. Don’t think about it. Don’t.
The follow the path and soon walk through the valley between the two mountains. Geno glances down to reassure himself he still knows this part before speaking “The path will soon curve towards the right. We want to go off path there and stay left. Otherwise we will end up on the wrong side of the ravine.”
Geno glances up as he speaks and sees Dust nod “Got it. Left it is.” He tugs very lightly on Opal’s reins and Opal looks up and around as she walks.
Geno can see the curve in the path in the distance and looks around for the small markings of the other hidden path.
Reaper told him that in the past many people tried to climb the mountains without guidance and got hurt badly. To stop this Reaper got some explorers together to actually map out the mountain and find some nice trail options for the people. It started small but grew with time and became a nice and healthy income for the country and a nice economy boost.
Opal stops for a moment before making another sharp turn and walking straight through the foliage. Basalt follows without a moment of hesitation and Geno had to keep the plants out of his face as he keeps a tight hold on both the map and saddle.
It is unpleasant but they get through it and the area opens up a bit more. There are still trees and uneven ground but it is better than before.
Dust glances around and looks back at him. Geno checks the map and nods “We just need to keep going North for a while longer. Try to go up where we can. It isn’t until we are be the ravine that we need to look for another path.”
Dust hums as he turns his skull to look at that sky. He tilts his skull for a moment before nodding as he faces forwards “We can still keep going for a little. Try to make it to this ravine at least.” and they set off again.
Geno smiles as they follow. Making sure to keep a phalange on the map to mark where they are.
But in the end he can’t help but look around. Even with spring not quite having started it is gorgeous in the mountains. Geno hadn’t visited them often, completely his own fault of course, and it was great to get to experience them again.
The partly frozen dirt but the tiny tiny patches of grass peeking through. The trees all look bare with only some traces of snow but those tiny dots of green to signal the leaves are returning.
He takes a deep breath and sighs happily. The crisp clean air. It very light scent of the many plants and flowers.
“You like the mountain?”
Geno blinks before laughing “Yeah I do. You wouldn’t think it with how rarely I visit but I love it here.” He needs to visit more often. Maybe after Fresh fully moved all his animals Geno can convince him to go on a trip with him? Geno would also invite Error but Error seems very against leaving Nightmare’s side.
“Too busy?”
Geno blinks before shaking his skull “Not exactly. It is more that I keep myself too busy to go.” he laughs “Reaper wanted me to explore and get the chance to tour them the moment I set foot on land here…” Geno really need to go more often “Reaper did take me on a skiing and snowboarding trip once. To help me relax.” He can’t help but look hopeful at Dust’s back “Maybe… Once this whole thing is over… You can go on a mountain tour? See the nice parts? I am sure Reaper will be happy to get the best people for it. For you and everyone else too!” Make it less personal. Don’t single him out again.
Dust shrugs “Maybe summer.”
Geno nods as he tries to think quickly “Summer is great to visit the mountains! There will be many wild flowers and animals. I think Reaper told me there are a few species that other kingdoms thought to be extinct that live here still!” think think come on what else “Not to forget the many mountain rivers and waterfalls! There are also the Three Lakes of course but those are a bit out of the way. But there are also smaller lakes all around that create beautiful little spots where you can camp!”
Dust is quiet for a bit and Geno worries he pushed too far again. He is pushing his luck all over again isn’t he? Why can’t he just be normal when Dust is near?
Dust gives a soft hum as he speaks “The others will like that.”
Okay! Not ruined quite yet. Geno grins as he leans forwards before having to quickly right himself. Right. On a horse. Focus Geno. Don’t fall on your face “Winter is also great. Have you even been skiing or snowboarding before?”
Dust snorts for some reason as he shakes his skull “Winter and I don’t mix.”
Geno pauses and tilts his skull slightly confused “I mean. That is what winter coats and stuff are for. Don’t worry. We would make sure you are ready for the mountain and everything.” Wait! “I mean like all of you with you. Not just you. I mean if you came alone you would also be taken care of.” Which is when Geno decides now is time to just keep his mouth shut for a bit. Why is it that the only charismatic skills he has is about manipulating people and lying and not about honest feelings and basic conversations?
Dust is quiet for a bit again before speaking “Will keep that in mind.”
No. Please don’t keep Geno’s terrible conversation skills in mind.
Geno is trying to think of a distraction and sadly his mouth continues to speak instead “Then again. It is fine if winter isn’t for you. Summer is great! The sun will be warm and high and that makes it easier to go to the highest peaks without freezing quickly. People like to try to climb to the highest top in the summer but that is a few months track. They often start mid spring or late spring for those. I personally never really went further than just the main path and a few smaller paths. But the flowers are nice! They are about any colour, shape and scent you can think of! My favourite of the bunch actually grows in the winter but it will still remain in the summer in a smaller form. It is real cool. One of the scientists explained that the flower doesn’t actually use insects to pollinate but instead these very tiny mice that travel around. I know, also a shock that those aren’t in like hibernation or anything. Apparently They have very thick coats and are light enough that they hardly leave indents in the snow. Making them perfect to actually travel in the winter when things are calm without getting attention from predators.” Oh please someone shut him up. “So these mice eat like decaying stuff as well but use the living flowers as shelter when the predators are near. Camouflage and everything. And the flowers themselves mask their scent. Which in turn makes the mice covered in their pollen which they move to the next flowers and new places.”
Geno finishes his speal and is horrified to realise just how long he kept talking about stupid flowers and some random mice of which he doesn’t even remember the name. Why can’t he just?! Be normal?!
Dust hums before looking to the side “I hear water.”
Geno blinks and quickly looks at the map “I… I think it is either the water in the ravine if we are still low. Or one of the many smaller rivers and small waterfalls if we are higher.” He looks around to see if he notices any marks for either option. Geno hadn’t been paying attention to if they were climbing up or not.
Dust nods as he seems to consider their options before looking at the sky again “We need to camp.”
Geno’s soul starts to speed up. Fuck why is he such a mess? He was never this much of a mess with Reaper. Maybe it was because Reaper just makes everything easy and okay? He makes it feel safe. This is so stupid why can’t he just… Ugh!
Basalt moves and Geno is quick to grab onto the saddle to stay stable. That was a close one.
They keep moving for a bit longer. Geno must admit he is starting to feel nervous when the forest area around them starts to darken. Even with Geno knowing that they both as skeletons would be fine with their eye lights it still makes him uneasy. He doesn’t like being unprepared. And walking through the forest as it slowly gets darker without them having a set plan on where to set up camp? It makes Geno uneasy.
Still he remains quiet as he lets Dust lead them. He isn’t going to be difficult about being uncomfortable or nervous. It is nothing compared to what he put the other through. And this isn’t even with any real reason. It is just Geno being a control freak and perfectionist.
It is okay. It is okay.
The light around them is slowly changing towards a yellowish orange as it gets later and later when Dust finally stops them. It doesn’t look any different from any of the other areas they walked through but it must have something special about it.
Dust jumps off Opal and walks towards the packs by Geno and Basalt. Geno watches as Dust calmly unclicks the tent and walks towards the side. Dust doesn’t even look up at him “I will set up the tent. Can you do the fire?”
Fire. Yes! He can do the fire! Geno grins and nods “Of course!” He swings his leg over the horse as he saw Dust do and steps down. His left foot touches the ground and he grins. Easy. He moves to take his right foot out of the saddle and unto the ground only to not be able to do so. And then he loses his balance.
Ugh. That hurt. He blinks open his sockets and sees Basalt look at him with a tilted head. Clearly unsure what to do with Geno. Geno looks at his leg and sees that his boot got stuck on the footpiece of the saddle. Which is why he couldn’t pull free and why he ended up losing his balance.
Great.
“Are you hurt?”
Double great!!
“Just my pride. And my clothes probably.”
Dust hums “Should be fine. No mud in this area.”
That explains why the ground is so hard. Even so Geno manages to twist his boot free as he pushes himself up. He dusts himself off and is relieved to see that Dust was right. Just some dirt. No mud and no rips. That is good.
Geno walks over to where Dust is setting up camp as he sits on the ground. Geno draws a circle in the sand before laying a simple rock in the middle of it. He concentrates and thinks about the nature of fire. The way it can be created with flint and steel. A spark of energy created by the simple rock and metal. With that in mind his magic sparks and a red flame appears, seemingly burning form the rock itself. Not burning anything around it and remaining in the circle he drew in the sand.
“Mh.”
Geno jumps and turns quickly. Only to find Dust right behind him. Holy shit he is quiet!
Dust ignores his jump “Why magic?”
Geno blinks. He turns back to his newly made campfire. He just wanted to show off but now feels self-conscious about it. He thinks for a moment before speaking “I mean… We are still trying to be stealthy right? This fire will function as a normal fire. Just not leave any traces or create smoke. And aside from the little light for our area it won’t be obvious from further away.” And he also really wanted to show off that he could do stuff after the horse disaster.
Dust tilts his skull before nodding “Fair enough.” He walks over towards the horses as he starts removing the packs from Basalt. He lays them by Geno’s side and Geno makes himself useful by unpacking a few of their rations. It is to make sure their mana stays filled up in case of emergency.
Geno lets the fire warm up their food as he watches Dust undo the saddles and laying those over some tree branches. He undoes the reins and grabs a brush to brush out the parts that had been covered with either the saddle or the head piece of the reins.
Geno frowns “Don’t they need to be tied to a tree or something?”
Dust shrugs “Some do. I prefer them free to run if needed.”
Geno frowns more “Aren’t you… scared something will scare them off?” and leave them horseless with all their camping gear and the long track ahead?
Dust shrugs again “Even if they do. They will return.” He finishes brushing the horses before walking towards the fire side and sitting not quite across from Geno but also not next to him.
Geno hands him his food and they eat in silence.
Geno keeps his focus on his food but it is gone rather quickly. Then he just remains close to the fire. Staring at the magical flame. Trying to not be weird or a creep by staring at the other.
Oh fuck he should have just had Reaper send another mage instead of him. He can’t do this.
Some movement to his side. Dust speaks up “We will need to get moving early tomorrow. As soon as it is light out. We best go to bed.”
Oh fuck he can’t do this.
Dust continues speaking “Can you turn off the fire? The light may attract something and the tent is insulated anyway.”
Geno nods “Sure. No problem.” He clicks his phalanges and the fire turns off. He takes his time getting up as he hears Dust disappear into their tent.
Their. Tent.
Fuck how will he be normal about this? He can’t.
He moves towards the tent and pauses by the open flap before pushing it aside.
Oh god their bedrolls are side by side and the tent is so small he has to crawl.
Dust is already rolled up in his. Seems like he only took off his boots but further sleeps with everything on. Okay. Just. Just do the same thing. Even if it will be a bit uncomfortable.
He undoes his shoes and gets into his bedroll. It is still a bit cold but Geno can hardly feel it. Not when he can feel the slight warmth from Dust beside him.
The tent is dark and silent as Geno just stares at the ceiling of it. Trying to ignore the fact that Dust is laying right next to him.
It is so quiet. Geno isn’t breathing and he is sure Dust isn’t either. There is a tension in the air and between them or maybe that is just Geno being hopeful? He isn’t sure anymore.
Geno isn’t even sure if he can sleep like this. He is too aware of the other and Dust being so close and fuck why wasn’t it like this with Reaper? Why was it so much easier with Reaper? Was it because he was focussing on Error being missing? Because he had been more focussed on the fact he was the king and Geno himself was his royal mage? Is it because he already messed everything up once and is terrified of ruining things again?
His mind keeps spiralling even as his sockets grow heavier and heavier.
--
“Geno.”
Mmmh. No… he doesn’t want to wake up… The air outside of his little cocoon of blankets is cold and he does not like the cold.
“Geno.”
Just a bit longer.
A nudge to his shoulder and Geno goes to give whatever servant is waking him the stink eye. Reaper always lets him sleep in and-
That is Dust. Looking annoyed and shit he isn’t wearing his mask yet even if he can spot it on top of his hood.
Geno stares and searching for the words “What?” Just end him.
Dust just looks neutral. Downright bored if Geno didn’t know that was just his neutral face. Dust speaks again “We need to go soon. Can you warm up food while I clean up camp?” and he waits.
Geno blinks before remembering his excuse of the day before “Right! Of course. Right away.” He searches for his boots and finds them quickly enough and oh stars he really did sleep in his travel gear.
Geno never truly cared about how he looks or how others see him. Before he just didn’t care and with time it just wasn’t important. It wasn’t until he started to live in Reaper’s castle in Sanctuary. That is when he started to notice people paying attention to him and being disapproving.
Again, at first he didn’t care. He didn’t give a fuck what some snobby rich person thought of him and still doesn’t. But he quickly realised that how he holds himself and how he looks effects how people see and think about Reaper so he started to take a bit better care of himself and his appearance.
He leaves the tent and goes to the same spot as the night before. It is still dark out but luckily Geno has reasonable good darksight. He holds his hands together and focusses on the nonburn fire he wants to summon again.
It is as easy as breathing and a moment later the fire is burning and shining before him. Glistering like perfect gems. Geno checks their packs and is happy to note that Dust already removed those from their tent which makes it possible for Geno to just grab the food and warm it up easily.
As it warms up Geno shoots some glances over his shoulder. Watching as Dust is already rolling up the tent again before walking over to the already saddled up horses. Seems like Dust had already been awake for a while.
Geno frowns as he looks at the fire “You were awake for a while already?”
Dust pauses his movements before he continues “Not for long.” He tightens the rope around the packs on the saddle.
Geno frowns as he gets the food ready to eat before undoing his fire spell “Still… I know I… haven’t been the best person.” Which is putting it mildly “And I know stuff isn’t just forgiven. But while out here I want to help. We are on this mission together after all…”
Dust turns to stare at him. His face unreadable. Geno misses when Dust at least allowed him to see something beyond his careful neutral face. Dust turns back to the horses “Don’t mind.” and he puts the reins over Opal’s head and Opal shakes his head. Dust messes with his hood and mask and the mask is on his face “Ready?”
Geno nods before actually answering “Yeah. Food is heated.” He hands Dust his warmed food before looking with dread at Basalt. Basalt at least is nice enough to stand still as Geno struggles on top of the horse.
Getting on the horse on equal ground with two free hands it one thing, trying to climb on top of one in the forest on top of a mountain with food in one hand is a whole other situation. Geno ends up managing it and didn’t even need to use magic to aid him.
Geno looks up to see Dust already on Opal’s back. The place that had been their camp is cleaned of any traces of their stay. Dust turns Opal around and the two of them set off again.
It is still very early. Dawn only just broke and there is only the very starts of sunlight making it easier to see.
They follow up the winding path up the mountain. Geno nibbles the food and knows he is pulling a face. The heat made the food a bit better but it are still rations.
Geno glances at Dust and notices he is already done eating “You like rations?”
Dust tilts his skull and shrugs “Not the best but not the worst. Healthy.”
Right. He is used to missions and having to eat rations on the go “That is fair… Must admit that ever since I moved to Sanctuary I have been enjoying the food.” He sighs “The fish is fucking amazing. Then again it is the country’s export.” He nibbles on his food “Orchard was all about like… grains and stuff right?”
Dust shrugs as he mutters “Mostly for cattle. Used to be a lot about meat. When Nightmare took over the country switched to fruits and orchards. Now it is mostly fruits and stuff like it.”
Geno gives a slow nod “Right… the weather and climate changed after Nightmare took over right? None of those weather rituals.” The rituals that country used to do fascinated Geno endlessly. The strange way they used magic to do stuff and make large changes. Larger than most simple or complex spells should be capable of. Permanent drought is very intense and very hard as it forces the unguided and wild being of nature itself to bend to it. Things that are alive are always harder to work with magically. It is why Geno prefers the more direct and unchanging nature of rocks and gems.
Dust shrugs “Nightmare doesn’t like the rituals.”
Geno nods “I get it.” blood magic and sacrifice magics are always disliked. Fascinating but very harmful ways to practise magic. Though both are very strong and have many ways to even alter reality. Necromancy is a close one after those two but not quite on the same level of power. Necromancers just have the worst rep and bad PR.
They walk in silence as Geno looks around the area. It has been so long since he was last up here, he really needs to visit it more often.
The horses stop and Geno looks forwards only to freeze. Because that is a much larger and wild river than it should be.
Dust tilts his skull slightly “Did we make a wrong turn?”
Geno shakes his skull as he double checks their map “We shouldn’t have. I checked as we walked we are right where I thought we should be…” he frowns as he focusses on the map “There should just be a small river here with only a few stepping stones to get past it. Not this large and very much not this wild.”
Dust hums as he keeps looking at the river “Other way?”
Geno frowns “There is another path… but that means we have to go back to the main path and move to the other side of the ravine and follow it along until we find a way further down and back up on another side of this mountain. Instead of going west we would need to go much further up north before climbing the mountain up into the south west side you know?” he follows the map with his phalanges as he checks the routes.
Dust hums “Over the river it is.” Only for him to get off the horse and pet Opal before nudging her. And Opal just jumps over the river before looking back smugly.
Geno stares with his mouth open.
Dust walks over to him and Basalt and stops by the side “Scoot.”
Wait what?!
Geno blinks “What?” his voice sounds much higher than it should be.
Dust tilts his skull “Scoot. A bit back.”
Geno gives a slow nod as he moves a bit back. Dust then just jumps up and over the side and oh god he is right in front of him and where does Geno leave his hands.
Dust gets the reins in his hands and shoots him a look over his shoulder “Hold on.”
Where?!
Dust nudges the horse and Basalt starts to move and Geno holds unto around his waist. Especially when Dust makes Basalt speed up.
Geno tries to focus on just holding on and not on the fact of how warm Dust feels. He is thankful that Dust is wearing armour and leather as that makes it impossible to really feel the other and-
Oh shit they are jumping.
Geno holds on tightly and plasters himself against Dust’s back.
A moment later Basalt lands on the other side of the river and comes to a slow stop.
Dust hums “Up and over.”
Geno is not letting go as his whole body is tense “How did you know he would be able to make it? Why not jump over with Opal?”
Dust hums “Opal can jump alone…” and he shoots him a look.
Right, and Geno can’t. Great.
Shit he is still holding the other and following the barely there curve of his body and- Geno lets go and tries to scoot backwards. Trying to keep his emotions and magic calm when he starts to slide to the side. Dust quickly grabs his arms and tugs him back fully on Basalt as he himself gets off easily.
Geno can just fucking die. This fucking sucks. He is making stupid mistake after mistake and making blunder after blunder.
Dust doesn’t seem bothered as he is already walking over towards Opal and jumps on her back.
Geno frowns as he stares down. Not even sure what to say at this point. Sorry he is a mess? Both with anything horse related and Dust related? Geno is probably making this so much harder than it needs to be.
Geno glances back at the river and mutters “How did you know that Basalt could carry both of us and jump over?”
Dust answers easily “Is Horror’s horse. He is strong.”
Geno blinks and looks at the massive and muscled horse he is riding. Wow. That would explain as Horror is a big guy and carries large weapons. Geno looks up “And that is why you picked Basalt?”
Dust nods “Also easy to lead. I always lead Basalt.”
Geno frowns “Always? What if Horror is riding it?”
Dust sounds amused as he speaks “Horror can’t ride a horse. Worse than you.”
Geno blinks confused. Seriously? Horror is… worse somehow? Geno speaks up without thinking “I almost fell like three times already…”
Dust nods “Better than Horror. Basalt good at balance for a reason.”
Geno looks at Basalt and sees how the saddle he is on has many spots to grab on. Same for the reins now that he truly studies it. Horror having difficulty riding a horse… It would make sense to train a horse to be easy to ride for guests as they listen to someone else. Geno had notices that Basalt didn’t as much look around but just watches Opal and Dust.
Geno also only now realises that Dust messed with the reins and probably put them on like the lead setting over just for Geno to hold onto to balance. He only got them ready to lead the horse when Dust was the one riding it.
He…
Oh.
Huh.
Geno can’t help but smile a bit as his soul does a little flutter “Thanks… I appreciate it…”
A long silence follows that and that is okay. Geno doesn’t truly expect an answer.
“No problem… shared mission.” Dust’s answer is quiet.
Geno grins wider as he can’t help but get the feeling that Dust is being shy. He used to be shy a lot and Geno finds it adorable all over again. Even before his interest changed from just fascination in his magic to feelings for him he always found the other cute. Which probably says  a lot about him that he found a murderer and ex-smuggler and ex-crimelord adorable but Geno is just going to not bother thinking about that specifically.
They don’t come across any other rivers as they walk along the path around the mountain. They talk a bit more about the plan. Which is finding one of the lower mine entrances and entering through those before systematically searching the mine.
Which will be the most time costly part of the mission. As the mines are complex with many tunnels. Geno got the copies of the last made maps but they may not match up perfectly anymore as the mine system is older.
They get in a rhythm after that. They travel throughout the day and when dusk starts Dust sets up camp as Geno keeps an eye on the food rations and the path they must take.
They don’t come across any rough rivers again as they move along the mountain steadily. Geno is only a little sad about it but he keeps his mouth shut. He will just have to be thankful for the chance he got to be that close to the other.
It takes them a total of three days but they finally spot it in the distance. A quarry with a large landmarker that they used to mine, mostly for granite. As they needed that for the construction of the new cities. Geno is pretty sure some of the originally made buildings are still in the capital standing tall and strong. The mine and quarry both just got too unstable to continue to mining operations safely and Reaper had to discontinue the work at this location.
Dust looks around the area “Large mine…”
Geno looks over and nods “It is the oldest and largest in the country.” Which is also why there was a lot of pushback when Reaper closed it for safety reasons.
Geno knows that Reaper took the time to search for a new place to start mining to make sure that the many people working at this location didn’t lose their jobs. Reaper had spent a long time looking for a new location and as the people had to wait Reaper used money form the treasury to make sure no one lost their income.
Geno honestly wonders how some people could say that Reaper was a bad king.
Dust nods as he looks around. Geno wishes he could see his face to figure out what he feels or thinks. Now Geno just as to wait for Dust to speak, which he doesn’t do a lot. Guy is shy and quiet.
Dust turns to him “Where is the entrance?”
Geno frowns “I mean. It should be right there.” He turns and points only to blink. Why is it collapsed?!
Dust hums “By your face. It should be open.” He gets off of Opal and walks over to the opening into the mountain. He looks at the wood and the many many rocks filling up the opening.
Dust speaks up “Wood is cut through. Support beam and all. No marks of a natural rockslide.”
Geno frowns “Sabotage…” That is rough “Well… Good news, we found the mine they are located in.”
Dust hums “Bad news… Entrance is a no.” Dust looks at the entrance before looking back at Geno “Blast open?”
Geno frowns and shakes his skull “Can’t risk it. As I said before, the mine is instable and may collapse. Not to forget the mountain is at high risk of avalanches.”
Dust continues to looks at him “Alternative?”
Geno checks the map and nods “There are more entrances all over the mountain. They are just harder to reach.” He points at some of the minecart rails going out and around the mountain “Helps with the many carts. Most of the mountain is full of tunnels.”
Dust nods and walks back to Opal as he gets on “Where to?”
Geno looks at their map “A bit down again and then we need to follow a narrow path to get to the trail leading to the next possible entrance.”
Dust nods as he turns their horses back to the entrance of the quarry. “Okay.” and they are off again.
Geno directs them back the way they came before getting to the thin ledge they carefully walk over. Dust only asks him how long the track will be once, which Geno answers with it should be about half a day.
Geno just hopes that this one is actually open for them to use.
They follow the path and by the time the sun is starting to set they come to the second entrance, one near a river which leads all the way down the mountain.
Dust stops them and stares ahead. Geno follows his line of sight and- “Those motherfuckers.”
The second entrance is also locked off.
Dust nods “Apparently.” And he jumps off his horse.
Geno blinks “What are you doing?”
Dust doesn’t answer out loud instead he gets the pack for the tent. Geno nods “Fair enough. Camping time.” He gets off Basalt and he is proud that he hasn’t fallen while getting off the horse since day one.
Geno goes about his usual routine to get the fire going and to warm their food as Dust is quick about the tent and the horses. It is nice at this point. Both doing their thing in silence. Geno hands Dust his food before going into the tent to sleep, having set a timer on the magical fire for an hour.
Geno sighs as he gets comfortable in the bedroll. Ready to sleep as he is now much warmer in it. Honestly the magic woven into the bedroll is amazing. He will need to figure out how to do this. Maybe add it to Reaper’s weighted blanket. Reaper gets cold easily and the added warmth to his comfort blanket will be great.
His mind is already slowing down with sleep when he hears very soft shuffles. That is good. That is Dust then. Getting some sleep as well.
Geno lets out another yawn before he lets sleep claim him.
--
The plans ends up being to keep going up the winding paths up the mountain. Which is a rather high risk at the moment as they mountain is traitorous this time of spring. But Geno figures at this point that none of the entrances will be open.
Which leaves them going with the path going straight to the highest one instead of going one up at the time.
Geno grumbles as he has to hold on tightly to the saddle “Why did those idiots even lock everything up? Don’t they need stuff?”
Dust hums “Nah. Only times they go out is when they smuggle and trade. Otherwise lock away and preparing for next trade session.”
Geno blinks as he looks at the back of Dust “Really? How do you know that?”
Dust just shoots him a look over his shoulder. Geno is still unsure how Dust can be this expressive while still wearing his mask and not showing his face. Maybe Geno is just good at figuring out Dust at this point?
He likes that idea…
Dust shakes his skull but Geno thinks he heard a small snort before Dust answers “Used to smuggle. And do crimes. Never messed with drugs however. Too high risk.”
Right… Geno knew that. Because Reaper did a background check on all the Knights before he went to even speak with Nightmare about searching his country for Error. Years and years ago.
Geno can’t help but be intrigued “What was that like? I used to spend a lot of time on the streets but never spend much time in the black markets…” Too much risk for a kid with no adults to protect them. Children got abducted from the streets very often at his old home.
Dust is silent for a bit and Geno looks to the side “Sorry… pushy again?” Why can’t he just…
Dust shakes his skull “Not pushy… surprised…” he seems to think for a while “It was easy money.” And he leaves it at that.
Huh. Well. Geno gets it. Which he makes sure to mention. Dust shoots him another look and Geno shrugs “I used to be young before. No one would hire a child for a normal job and I only had so much time with full time school to actually get money. Shadier business gives better payout.”
Dust keeps looking at him before giving a short nod.
Geno smiles as he relaxes a bit. He thinks it is going well. Maybe Reaper was right. And he just needed to start some conversations and try to be calm and mindful of the boundaries Dust sets.
Geno at this point is honestly just enjoying the track. It is relaxing to be out in the open air. Conversations are going well. They got their little routine going and Geno has managed to get the other to at least let out a few amused snorts and gotten him to look back at him. Geno thinks it is going very well!
By the fifth day Geno is almost disappointed to see the mineshafts in the distance. Meaning that his time with Dust is starting to come to an end.
Dust hums as he looks at Geno. Geno forces a smile to his face and nods “That is the one.” Dust nods and leads their horses closer to the entrance before he pauses.
Geno frowns “Something wrong?”
Dust looks back at him before looking at Opal “Don’t want them to be hurt.”
Geno blinks as he looks at the horses “I mean… We don’t have to bring them all the way up there. We can leave them at a lower spot? Out of view and free to run if need be?” Geno doubts that of course. As Geno has no doubt that Dust and him will be able to take care of those drug dealers easily.
Dust seems to relax and nods. Then he directs the horses a bit closer to start the final climb.
They get to a small patch of trees a bit away from the last entrance. Dust gets off and gets to work on making sure the saddle and reins aren’t ready to be used to ride Opal. Geno gets off himself and Dust does the same with Basalt. He spends some time to check both horses before nudging them deeper into the hiding place. Opal looks very unamused as she tries to walk back over to Dust. Dust clicks his teeth and makes a motion with his hand. Opal huffs and snorts before holding her head high as she trots into the forest.
Geno crosses his arms “Can’t believe I am saying this but that horse is a diva.”
Dust just nods and shrugs as Geno laughs. They walk towards the mine entrance and Geno frowns. It is so quiet here… It gives him the creeps. Dust starts to walk slower and slower and Geno can see him glancing around.
Geno gets to the entrance when a hand grabs his shoulder and tugs lightly. Geno looks back at Dust. Dust just shakes his skull as he continues to stare at the entrance.
Geno frowns “I know it feels… off. But it is the only entrance that is still open.” Geno makes sure to keep his voice low and just above a whisper. They are still being stealthy after all.
Dust frowns before pointing towards one of the higher up rail systems for carts. That disappear into the mountain.
Geno frowns “We can just use this entrance.”
Dust points to himself and then to the new entrance he found. Then points at Geno and waits. Geno just points towards the entrance they are in front of. Dust sighs but nods. Then he turns and starts climbing the wall to reach the new entrance he found. And he disappears inside.
Okay.
Geno casts a simple light spell before going into the mine.
It is old and deserted. There is dust and dirt everywhere. Geno uses his little ball of light to shine out and get a feeling for the distance. The ground is uneven and the walls are all cut out roughly. The tunnel leads onwards with a small decline to it.
Geno follows it. As he walks he keeps looking around him and back. Having the feeling he is being watched.
Geno tries to remember the layout of the mine he studied. He never really studied the upper parts beyond the basics. If he remembers correctly it will open up to a larger area soon. The centre of the upper part where all the mined goods were collected and counted and noted down.
He feels a shiver go up his spine as he feels magic right behind him. He doesn’t think as he turns and makes the ball of light explode into a flash. A groan of someone else and Geno rushes deeper into the mine. Now running with just his natural nightvision to guide him.
Geno continues to run deeper into the mine as the footfall starts to follow him. Shit shit shit.
Dust was so right he should have gone with him. Why the hell did Geno think he knew this kinda stuff better than Dust who had actual experience with missions like this?!
Geno goes to turn a corner but feels the magic charge up and quickly dives to the side to dodge the incoming blast. Purple fire magic?
Before he can get up and continue running hands grab his shoulders and he feels something click around his neck.
“Stand up and stand still.”
His body moves without his permission as it follows the order. Shit. The slave collar. Shit shit shit shit shit.
Geno tries to force his body or magic to move and act but neither seem to be able to. He is forced to watch someone walk out of the shadows of one of the many tunnels. Human by the looks of it. A badly kept beard and very pale and thin skin. Large marks of too little sleep under those eyes. But the eyes are focussed and there is a grin on his face.
The man smirks “Well if this isn’t a treat! I know my people said I had guests wandering the mountain but I never expected it to be the royal mage himself!” he grins as he puts an arm around Geno’s shoulders.
Geno glares and tries to speak but his body just won’t move. Get your filthy limbs away from him.
The man smirks “I am Rover. The head and brains behind this operation. Come come! I will show you the whole place and give you a tour!” he looks downright excited as he moves.
Geno can’t stop his body from moving after the man. Following the order he had been given.
As soon as Geno can he is burning this man to a crisp. Serves him right for trying to control Geno.
Geno can’t even study the people behind him as he can barely move his eye lights as it is. He is stuck following Rover as Rover has a bounce in his step. Fucking freak.
They exit the tunnel into a large open space and this is the main operations of this mining outcrop he had been looking for. As expected it is the place to be. The elevators are operational as they carry boxes up and down into a lower area or up to the small office building near the top. People are walking around closing crates.
There is this strange machine that some people put some kind of powder in. At the bottom these tiny crystal shaped rocks tumble out. That is it. That is the drugs that are at large in the city.
But it isn’t just one large machine. Geno can already see seven of them all working.
Rover grins “Beautiful isn’t it? The small doses we distributed was just the test. Knowing that the drugs are as well received as they are means we can expand! It is a matter of time before everyone wants a bit of my supply!” he walks towards one of the machines and sticks his hand into a crate that is being filled up. He shows the handful off as if he is holding something precious instead of something deadly and dangerous.
Rover grins “Especially now.” he chuckles “The royal mage liking this stuff? That will boost sales so high. Especially as you will make sure the king doesn’t try to stop it anymore.”
Geno glares as he tries to make it obvious he will ever much not do that.
Rover grins “It is okay. You will just need a tiny taste test.” He drops most of it before walking over with one single piece.
Geno tries to pull free from the control keeping his body locked. He tries to blast the other. But nothing. He can’t even mentally activate one of his many crystals. All ready with potent magic to protect him.
Nothing he can do.
He slowly feels his fear increase. He has no idea how his magic and soul will react to the drug. His soul isn’t a full soul after all. Just a shard of one. Geno has a lot of magic already that his soul shard overproduces. He has no idea what will happen if he has to take this and his soul is pushed even further.
Rover holds out his hand “Take thi-AAAAH!” A knife hits his arm.
Geno feels a bit of relieve as the order doesn’t take effect. A dark shadow lands behind some of the people guarding Rover and Geno can see a sharp bone attack impale one of the guards with a crack of electricity.
The guard drops down. Rover turns and Geno can see him look panicked as he whispers “A Knight.”
Right. Rover is originally from Orchard. He would know the full meaning of the masks. Rover looks around panicked as Geno just watches Dust take out guard after guard. Moving fluent and with a grace he hadn’t had had the pleasure of seeing since that one fated training session.
Rover takes a few steps back and yells out “Hold an explosion spell to your own skull!! If he continues to attack you will shoot it!”
Geno feels his soul freeze as his magic starts to unwillingly form the spell. His arm aims at his skull and he can feel the energy behind the magic. He feels the unwillingness of his magic as he has to aim it at his own being. Dust freezes.
Rover pants as he looks around “Okay. Okay. Much better don’t we all agree?” He glares at some people “Get another collar. Now!”
One guard shakes “Boss we don’t… we don’t have more ready. We didn’t have the magical chips prepared to make more.”
Rover pants as he looks around “Then get the magic dampers!” He glares as he looks frantic “What a big show. Since when does the king of Orchard care about other countries?”
Dust just stares from behind his mask. Unbothered.
Rover glares “What?! Not going to speak?”
Dust doesn’t say a word again.
The guards rush back with some magic dampers. Rover considers it as he looks between Geno and Dust. Clearly thinking.
Rover points to Dust “Hands and arms out. Or the king of Sanctuary will have to look for a new royal mage!”
Dust frowns but gives a slow nod as he holds out his arms. Rover snaps his fingers and points at the guard holding the dampers before pointing at Dust.
No. No don’t do that.
The guard puts two dampers on Dust.
Rover sighs and grins “There isn’t that better?” he looks at Geno “Dispel that attack.” Geno’s magic does as told and Geno wants to spit in Rover’s face. Rover grins as he swagger walks over to Dust. He boldly removes the mask which he holds up proudly.
One of the guards looks nervous “Boss. Euh… You shouldn’t… the masks… The masks are important and…”
Rover shoots the guard a look “Yes I know. But I think I am owned it. After all! I outsmarted the Knight and the royal mage!”
Geno watches as Dust glares at Rover. Bloody murder so clear in those mismatched eyes. Geno feels so guilty. He should have just trusted Dust’s instincts and snuck in with him through the other entrance that he found. Why did Geno have to be stubborn? He thought he would have been able to handle this easily with his magic.
Dust snorts “Debatable.” Rover glares at him but Dust isn’t even looking at Rover anymore. He is just looking around the area. Looking bored and unimpressed. Like he has somewhere much more important to be.
Rover sputters and glares “I caught you both! I have this set up! I am on my way to be the greatest and most influential person in the world!”
Dust snorts “Country I guess… and for druggies…” and he shrugs again.
Rover glares and points at Geno “With the most powerful mage under my control it is a matter of time before I have all I deserve!”
Dust raises a brow. Glances at Geno. Then back at Rover. And shrugs again “Not as powerful as my king.”
Rover freezes for a moment as he worries the crate he is next to. Frown on his face “These drugs will get me people. Get me forces. I will be able to take all I want. Even… even Nim’s son won’t stand a chance against me.”
Geno never understood why they wouldn’t say Nightmare’s name.
Dust tilts his skull and has an unimpressed look on his face “You don’t even dare mutter his name. Why do you think you are strong enough to defeat someone with the power of a god?”
Geno frowns before connecting the dots. This man doesn’t know that Nightmare lost those powers already. Dust is counting on the fact that Rover has been out of the loop on the gossip inside of Orchard. Especially because the news that Nightmare is no longer powered by that ritual never left the inner circles until a little while ago.
Dust is counting on this man’s ignorance.
Rover shakes his skull “I will have more people. People who can end him.”
Dust tilts his skull “Only reason you caught me is because I let you.”
Rover freezes as he worries the crate. His eyes shooting between Geno and Dust. Then he gets a grin. He points to some man and snaps his fingers “Get the blockers on the mage.”
Geno blinks but soon he feels his magic be locked off. Rover than points to some guards and to Dust “Keep. Him. Still.” And he undoes the slave collar from Geno’s neck.
Geno feels his ability to move return and the first thing he does before he can even feel beyond the numb feeling is hit Rover right in his stupid ugly mug. Rover groans but guards grab Geno and hold him still as Rover rushes to Dust. And puts the collar on him.
Geno feels himself freeze as Dust just takes a deep breath. Now wearing two blockers and the collar.
Rover grins “There! Much better! Now! With you under my comment I will be unstoppable! Those fellow Knights of yours won’t want to attack you! Surely!”
Dust just stares ahead. Not a single emotion on his face. Rover turns to him and shudders as he looks around for a moment before looking back “Shit that is unnerving. Hey! Speak!”
Geno can spot it. The way that the corner of Dust’s mouth twitches slightly. Almost as if he would be grinning or smirking if he let himself. Instead Dust remains looking neutral as he stares at Rover “You don’t even know what I can do.”
Rover frowns as he worries the crate. Then he points to Dust and speaks “Do a spell and don’t aim it at any of us!”
Dust’s sockets and eye lights look so fucking amused. Geno can feel the static grow and grow and next thing that Geno knows there is a large blast of lightning originating from Dust that blasts outwards. Rover and the guards rush and dodge where they can.
Geno sees the fried circuits of the magic dampers and the slave collar drop to the ground when a hand grabs his hand and pulls him free from the guards who fell back with shock.
Dust and him are running into one of the many tunnels and Geno is trying to get the blocker off but he can’t.
Dust stops them in a tunnel and takes one of his hands “Can’t unlock yourself. It has fail safes.” He studies the bracelet and Geno can’t help but just stare at Dust. Dust must have known. Dust must have known from the start that his magic would be powerful enough to fry all of them at once.
Geno hadn’t know that Dust knows lightning spells! Those are hard to master and very powerful! That is insane to just have as a go to spell.
Geno focusses “On my hip is a knife. It should be able to cut through anything.” Dust doesn’t even check as his hand reaches the spot and finds the army knife Geno took along just in case.
A cut later and one of the blockers falls of. Geno feels his magic return to him and smiles. Dust gets to work on the match of it when they hear running. Which makes them both start to run again.
Geno follows after Dust as they get to a large cavern with an even larger drop. They run across the creaking and instable pathways as Dust glares “Why?”
Geno pants as he runs “I told you! This place is almost fully hollowed out. It is why it was closed! It is instable!”
They get to the end of the pathway only to find it a dead-end. Dust gets ready to turn only to see more of those people coming.
They spot a ledge by the cavern wall and Dust jumps from the pathway to the edge of it. He manages to land and Geno feels his nerves get even worse. What does he do? He can’t do that?
Dust turns to him and holds out a hand. Oh no. Geno looks back and sees the other people coming. He slowly climbs over the railing, having a dead grip on it still as he glances down. It is so dark and deep down there. Dropping in there would be his end. Easily.
Dust snaps his fingers and Geno looks up. Dust holds out a hand and looks calm. Everything about him says it clearly. He will catch him.
He will catch him.
He will catch him.
Geno lets go of the railing and sets off hard. His hand finds Dust’s and Dust pulls him right against the wall. Geno’s soul is pulsing wildly as he stands there. Dust tugs on his hand and starts shuffling along the ledge, away from those following them. Geno follows him even as he is starting to feel sick.
Geno never thought he had a fear of heights before but this feels different.
They are moving along the edge when Rover and his people start shooting at them. The ledge they stand on starts to crumble and suddenly they are both falling. Dust manages to grab unto the ledge with his hand and Geno can feel that Dust has a very tight grip on his hand.
Geno can see the pained look on Dust’s face and Geno is reminded of Dust’s weaker shoulder. Shit… this can’t be good for him.
They hang there and Geno can see Rover getting his guards and people to aim their magical attacks at them.
Geno looks down and the movement causes some of his crystals to be visible.
His crystals.
Oh duh!
He looks up at Dust “Dust! You need to let go!”
Dust looks at him like he is an idiot. Geno grins back “Let go of the ledge! We will be fine!” Dust is clearly unsure and Geno is trying to figure out how to explain it to him. But then… Dust lets go of the ledge.
There is no time to consider what exactly that means as suddenly they are falling.
They are falling and panic starts to fill him.
Geno pulls on Dust to make him closer and Geno pretty much warps as much around Dust as he can. Next he searches for the right crystal.
Please please please- There!
Geno grabs it and tugs it free from his hat.
He holds the crystal against both of them and prays it works as he focusses on the magic.
He feels it and tugs on it. The crystal turns to dust and Geno can feel himself, and Dust thank everything, start to slow in their descent.
They fall slowly in silence and darkness before they land on the ground without as much as a scratch.
They sit on the ground for a moment. Both breathing harshly as Geno lets the adrenaline slowly drain from his body.
That is when Geno suddenly becomes painfully aware that he is still holding unto Dust tightly and that they are pretty much in each other’s laps! Geno quickly pulls away from the other and makes room. Dust however isn’t looking at him at all as he keeps his hood pulled tightly over his face.
Dust gets up first, still not looking at him, as he rubs and rotates his fragile shoulder.
Geno frowns before getting up “Hey… It is totally okay if you don’t want to but… I do have healing magic?”
Dust is silent for a bit. He glances up for a moment before nodding “Fine.”
Geno smiles as he takes a seat. He thinks about using the crystals but decides this is better to do himself.
Dust sits before him and pauses his movements for a moment. But then he undoes his outer armour and puts it aside. Next he removes his hood from his being and Geno sees even more inner armour under the hood with an undershirt under that.
Dust removes the inner armour and frees only his hurt shoulder from the undershirt.
Geno can’t help but stare at the bones. Because he can see very tiny specks of grey on the white bones. But that can’t be what he thinks it is right? Because that is what happens to skeletons when they start dusting. Their bones turn a grey before falling apart in dust particles. Geno wants to touch those spots but he stops himself. Don’t be weird. Don’t be pushy. He hovers his hand above the shoulder and concentrates. Trying to feel what the injury is and what it needs.
Geno can feel the dull ache in his own shoulder. It seems like he overstretched the joints and that it had too much weight put on it. Geno can also feel it. The way the mana lines deep and hidden in the other still has tiny breaks in them. This must be why his shoulder is still hurt after that hit from Horror from a year ago at this point.
Geno stops himself from just pushing healing into those areas as he speaks “Your joints are overstretched and too much pressure was put on them as well. It is easy to heal… I… I also noticed that your mana lines have tiny cracks in them. I think this is what is causing you your weaker shoulder now… I can try to heal it a bit as well…” Only if he is okay with it.
Dust thinks it over before giving a short nod.
Geno feels excitement fill him as he concentrates on his magic. Help him. Heal him. Just make him feel better. Geno wants to be able to help him and make him feel better. Anything.
The soft ache he had been feeling in his own shoulder disappears with each tiny bit of magic he pushes into the old and new wounds. Dust’s shoulder easily accepts the magic. Even as Geno can feel static from Dust’s own magic. Clearly not as okay with this intruding magic as Dust’s body is.
Geno makes sure that his own magic remains calm. He just wants to help. That is all he wants. Please just let him.
The magic doesn’t cast him out luckily and the healing is finished much quicker than he thought it would. Geno pulls his hands back as he catches his breath “There… all done.” Casting spells on the fly always takes more energy than the carefully planned and crafted spells he has.
Dust rolls his shoulder and frowns as he touches it for a moment. He glances at him before quickly getting dressed again. Geno can’t help but feel anxious “Is something wrong?” he thought he had it all now. He thought he healed the other.
Dust pauses and mutters “Feels good…” and he tugs the hood on tighter, his hand reaching towards the spot he normally leaves his mask before frowning even more.
Geno grins and nudges their shoulders together “It is okay. We will get it back and show Rover he was a fucking idiot…” Talking about idiot “I am sorry… I should have listened before when you said we shouldn’t go through the main entrance… I got overconfident.” He messed up.
Dust shoots him a look and shrugs “Easy fix.” He sighs as he looks up “Don’t look forwards to the climb.”
Geno actually starts to smile as he holds up one of his crystals “Oh don’t worry. I got just the spell for that.” Dust looks intrigued at the crystal.
Geno searches the place before spotting an empty mine cart. That will do nicely. He jumps into it and looks at Dust, Dust tilts his skull but follows his lead.
Geno makes sure it isn’t stuck before he grabs the crystal that he has charged with levitation magic. He holds it near the cart and concentrates. The magic needs to be transferred to the holding place of the crystal into the cart itself. He imagines that the cart is magnetically charged and that this one matches the one around it. To make sure that the same pools push each other away.
The crystal falls apart and-
The cart rocks as it slowly starts to float. Dust remains very still as he holds unto the cart tightly. Geno grins as he looks up “Up we go!”
It is kind of like an elevator. They rise slowly up as they sit in silence. Geno sighs as he leans against the cart “What do we do?”
Dust hums as he keeps a tight hold on the cart. Clearly uncomfortable with this way of transportation. Geno blinks and gives him a softer smile “It is okay. The magic will make sure it remains stable and not swing or anything. We will be up in no time.” Dust shrugs as he keeps looking up.
Geno feels a bit bad for taking him on this ride without a warning. Geno sighs as he looks up. What do they do…
Dust speaks softly “We need to stop the production…”
Geno nods as the original plan returns “We need to stop the machines. I can stop them easily enough but the problem is Rover and his man.”
Dust shrugs “I can deal with them.” he frowns as he glances at Geno “But fighting and keeping an eye on you is… harder.”
Geno rolls his eyes. He doesn’t take it personally. “I know I know I am not a fighter. It is fine. I have a crystal to make a shield but I need time to set it up.”
Dust nods “Hiding place for you. I go in and end them. Then you lock up stuff.”
Geno laughs “Sounds a lot easier than it will probably be.” Dust doesn’t look bothered.
They get all the way back to the pathways they were on before and Geno is happy to note they see no one. Dust points further up “We can hide you there. Easy to get around.”
Geno nods and makes the cart fly even higher. They get to an upper cart rail and Dust gets out first. Geno goes after and parks the cart sideways. Just to make sure it doesn’t fall off.
Dust leads him through the upper rail system. They very quickly get back to the main area where they see Rover screaming at some of his workers. About them having to go down to make sure Geno and Dust are actually dead. The workers however clearly don’t want to as they quote the fact the whole area is unstable. Rover reminds them that he will end them if they don’t go. So they can pick taking their chances in the mines or take the certain end by Rover’s hands.
Dust hums as they watch “He is sampling his own produce.”
Geno nods “He is overcharged and his soul will implode soon enough if he keeps using it.”
Dust nods his agreement “Someone else would just take over. Best clean out the whole nest.” And he readies a sharp bone in his hand. He glances at Geno “Shield?”
Geno nods and holds up his needed crystal “Ready.” Dust gives him some space to work with and Geno has the shield up very quickly.
Dust nods before just jumping down and landing right on top of Rover who he stabs right through the chest without a second hesitation. Dust grabs his mask and puts it back on his face. The other stare in shock which Dust uses to attack.
Geno should probably be doing something other than just staring but can you blame him? Dust moves with a grace and confidence that rivals professional dancers. Dust is so comfortable and familiar with himself and his skills that he moves between the forces as if it is nothing.
It is not even a fight. It is a slaughter. A beautiful slaughter.
Dust finishes the last one and moves all the bodies into the same area before looking up at Geno. Geno grins as he undoes his shield “No worries. I got this.” some slow falling and he is on the ground without as much as a scratch.
Dust nods before looking at all the drugs and chemicals. Geno grins “Time to put everything in a crystal. Can you help me move everything into that tunnel start?” he points to one that hasn’t been dug out far yet “I will use that as the vault for now. Until we can send people up here to properly dispose of everything.”
Dust nods and the two of them set to work on moving everything into the tunnel. Aside from paperwork. All the paperwork Geno can find he puts on his person to get back to Reaper as proof.
It takes a long time to get everything to the right spot. Geno sits near the materials and machinery and can’t help but stare in wonder “This is so strange! These machines take the magic from found items and push it into smaller sugar cubes which gain those strange forms as the magic settles!” Geno can’t help but grin. “It is fascinating. So fascinating. I never even thought about taking the magical energy of non-edible stuff and binding it to sugar of all things!” The way the machine pulls the magic out, just leaving the empty husks of the minerals and plants they put in. The fact that made the sugar with chemicals to bind it easily to the magic. And then how the sugar itself almost crystalised and grew spikes to show this infused magic. The difference within the original form and the new form must make it possible for the machine to influence the intent! It is so weird that these people managed to find a way to get a machine to edit the magic as usually that is impossible because of the lack of intent or purpose.
Geno looks back with a grin but frowns at the way Dust is looking away with his arms crossed “We done?”
Geno nods “Yeah… we are done…” what… what is wrong? Maybe he is anxious to get back to his horses? Geno turns back to the small tunnel and gets to work on writing the sigils and symbols for the needed spell. Luckily he won’t need a lot for this.
He touches the stone and takes a deep breath. The rocks change shapes and forms right before his own sockets as the rock all start to grow crystals, Stalagmite and stalactites all to enclose the items hidden within. Geno infuses it with more magic and the new barrier crystalises and forms a stable seal, as Geno does this he pushes his crystal to drain magic into the barrier as well. If anyone were to open the barrier the spell will drain all the magic from everything in the tunnel. Making sure that no one can get to it unless they get a neutralising spell from Geno to stop that from happening.
Geno nods “All locked away. Let’s get out of here.” Dust nods and is already leading the way out. Huh…
Geno frowns as he goes after Dust. Feeling unsure about what went wrong.
They leave the mine but neither of them says a word. Geno is not sure what to say or what could be bothering the other. Maybe nothing is even bothering him and Geno is just assuming stuff.
The get to the horses and Dust is quick to get both ready. Geno stands by the side as he makes sure the proof they found is safely tugged away on his person.
Dust has Basalt ready first and Geno climbs up as Dust gets on Opal’s back.
Geno gets the map out of the pack and studies the route “We can take another path down. One that would be shorter than the original one we took. Mostly because we would be able to take the path straight down instead of going by every other entrance.”
Dust nods and follows the direction Geno points out.
They just get a bit down the path when a loud yell stops them.
Geno looks back confused as Dust just sighs annoyed “He doesn’t know when to die.”
Rover stands on top of the mine gate glaring. A gun in hand.
Geno hums as he toys with one of his crystals. Charging it quickly and getting the shield to activate within seconds “It is honestly quite sad.”
Dust tilts his skull curiously “How is he even alive?”
Geno rolls his eyes as he looks unbothered at Rover “You told me remember? He sampled his own supply. I can only assume it put his soul and magic into overdrive, which effected his human physic.” Geno shrugs “I am not a biologist. I am not sure.” Still, surviving a stab through the chest is impressive. Geno can see the blood covering his front form here.
Dust blinks and keeps staring at Rover “Didn’t know that was a thing.”
Geno shrugs again “Euh. It normally isn’t. It isn’t healthy for the soul.” Dust nods.
Rover glares at them and shoots the gun, the bullet hits the shield and turns to dust, “Stop ignoring me!”
Geno is about to make another comment when he hears it. A soft, very soft, rumble.
Dust noticed too as he looks around. Geno looks anxiously at Rover “No need to shout.”
Rover has a crazed smile on his face as he pulls out an explosive “That is the thing. If everything I did was for nothing. If all of it was for nothing. If this is my end.” He grins “I am taking you two fuckers with me.” And he throws the explosive back into the mine.
A loud explosion and the rumbling gets worse. Rover turns and throws out his arms “Now lets embrace the end!! A white! Cold! Embrace! Of death!”
Geno can see it on the mountain. The snow on the mountain shifting. He turns to Dust panicked “Avalanche.” Dust is already turning Opal around and pulling on Basalts reins.
Geno however yelps as he shifts and gets unstable. He holds unto the saddle but he does not feel secure at all.
Dust glances back at the snow and looks back at Geno “Shield?”
Geno shakes his skull “Not strong enough to hold off an avalanche.” At least. He doesn’t think so. They never had to test it! It is about blocking attacks! Not to withstand natural disasters.
Dust however nods as he jumps off of Opal. Next he goes to her side and cuts off the saddle and throws it off of her. Packs included. He does the same to the reins. Wait is that Geno’s knife?
Geno blinks confused as Dust just pushes him further up Basalt’s neck and out of the saddle. Doing the same with the saddle on Basalt’s back.
Next Dust pushes him back a bit and jumps on top of Basalt as well and takes the reins. He tugs on it lightly and Basalt starts to speed up, Opal following them without needing a comment.
“Hold on.”
Geno doesn’t even think as he locks his arms around Dust’s middle as he leans forwards.
Basalt is off like a bullet. Speeding down the mountain and jumping over and rushing past terrain. Geno isn’t sure what to do so all he does is lean closer to Dust and try to copy his movements. Just stay plastered against his back as he moves with him.
The snow is rushing after them as Opal runs by their side. Needing no rider to keep up and stay on course.
Basalt is a beast. And Geno means this with the upmost respect. Basalt goes over and past the terrain as if it is nothing. While Opal needs to make some small side jumps or multiple smaller jumps Basalt just sets off and clears any gap easily. They rush past the many pine trees but even with the lighter carry load Geno can still hear the snow starting to catch up.
The snow is much faster than they are. But unloading the packs and freeing up the horses to enable them more movement freedom may have bought them some precious minutes…
Opal is running ahead of them before she darts to the side. Dust doesn’t think as he leans to guide Basalt into the same direction. Geno leans with him and feels fear enter his soul as he sees why Opal changed directions. There is a huge cliff and ravine right where they had been going.
They are now not even running straight away from the coming snow anymore. Geno tugs himself closer to Dust. Feeling more panic reach him.
Dust frowns as he looks around for a moment before he just turns Basalt to be aimed at the avalanche!?
Geno looks at him panicked but he looks focussed and determined and Geno decides he will just shut up and trust the other. He pushes his face into the soft leather and scarf around Dust’s neck and shoulders and tries to keep his panic inside.
Opal is faster and jumps up and into the moving snow before she keeps trotting slowly forwards. Basalt can’t do the same as gracefully but does a similar move.
Geno feels the shock of the snow’s force and feels himself start to slide slightly. He just holds tighter unto Dust. Warm and stable Dust.
Dust keeps guiding Basalt using the reins. Managing to keep Basalt on track to not be swept away by the snow. Following the path that Opal leads them down.
Geno glances a look up away from the shoulder and spots what Dust is aiming for. A rocky outcrop. Standing out of the snow like a beacon.
Another rumble and Geno glances up to see another wave of snow start to come lose and barrel down the mountain straight towards them. His arms tighten around the other “Dust…”
“I know I know.” Dust keeps the horses on track and manages to get to the rock. Opal gets up easily and turns to bite some weird leather strap on Basalt’s reins and tugs on it. Helping Basalt up the rock.
The rumbling of rushing snow is louder than ever. Dust points towards Opal and makes a click sound. Opal gallops towards the edge of the rock and jumps!
Only to clear the ravine with ease and to turn around to wait for them.
Dust guides Basalt to look into the right direction. He pets the large horse and mutters “Just this Basalt. Then we can take a break.” Basalt lets out a huff of breathe before starting to run and gallop towards the edge.
Basalt jumps and seems to make it before the backside starts to slide off. Panic overtakes his soul again as he holds unto Dust. Fear gripping every part of his mind and soul.
Then Opal grabs the reins again and tugs as Basalt works hard to get back up the ledge.
And they are on it.
Moments later the second wave of snow comes over the ledge and falls into the ravine.
Geno remains frozen against Dust’s back as Dust pants “That… was close…” Geno just stares at the ruined landscape behind them. Trees had been pulled from the ground and are sticking out of the snow. If he had been in there he wouldn’t only have gotten buried but also risked getting hit by one of those trees or other stuff hidden in it. Only to be knocked out and to freeze under the snow.
If he wouldn’t have been dragged down that ravine for a long and painful fall only to be covered with snow if he even survived it.
“Geno?” Geno shoots Dust a look.
Dust isn’t looking at him. He is messing with the reins “You… euh… arms?”
Geno frowns as he turns to look over Dust’s shoulder that he had been pushing  his face against. He still has his arms in a dead grip around Dust.
Oh!
Geno pulls away only to yelp as he starts to fall off. Dust grabs him to keep him from falling. With Dust’s help he can actually get off of Basalt without the assist of the saddle.
As soon as he is on the ground his knees go weak and he falls to the ground fully. So thankful to be on solid ground again “Oh thank the stars… That took years off my life.” His soul is still beating and pulsing wildly from the stress. He may have to visit a healer once he is home to make sure he didn’t overstress his soul with this trip.
Dust lands next to him and pets both the horses before crouching down next to him “You okay?”
Geno laughs as he still sits there shaking “How are you this calm?! It feels like my soul was trying to escape my body while we were trying to escape… How did you stay that calm?”
Dust tilts his skull a tiny bit and mutters “Trained. Taught… Prepared.”
Geno blinks. Right… Dust is a Knight. He trained and practised responses and plans and everything for these kind of missions.
Geno laughs and looks down “Makes sense…” fucking hell he must look so useless to the other. Geno is just. He is just so out of his depth. This whole trip it was surprise after surprise and Geno never did anything like this. Sure He can do magic and knows magic but he never had to… this is not him. And he truly just made stuff more complicated.
Geno continues to sit in the snow as Dust walks over to Opal and pets and checks her over. He nods to himself before walking over to Basalt. Dust puts his and Basalt’s heads together and leans against the horse for a moment as he stares at him. Then Dust checks his neck and his back before checking the legs and freezing.
Dust crouches down and lightly touches a leg, only for Basalt to step away and moving a bit around before standing still.
Dust looks so sad. Geno frowns as he searches for the right words “Is… is something wrong?”
Dust looks to the side as he tugs on his scarf and hood “Basalt’s legs got hurt…”
Geno frowns. Isn’t that like very bad news for a horse? “Can… Can it heal?”
Dust shrugs “Not here.”
Geno frowns. Okay. That is bad. Because to get somewhere safe or even close to someone to help the horse they need to get down the whole mountain. And Geno doesn’t know a lot about animals. But thanks to Fresh he knows enough to know that climbing down a mountain with a wound on a pet’s leg is a very sure way to make them unable to recover fully.
Geno feels so bad… Basalt got them through an avalanche and now what? He can’t walk anymore? Something that is very important for horses?
Geno frowns at his hands as he pauses. Wait… He looks over and speaks up “If… if you are okay with it… I never healed horses before… But I can at least see what I can do and help? Make it a bit better so he can safely make it down the mountain and towards someone who can fully help him?”
Dust stares at him before giving a tiny nod. Geno pushes himself up from his spot on the ground as he walks over. He pauses by Basalt’s side and looks nervously at Dust “Make sure he doesn’t kick me?”
Dust gives another small nod.
Geno gets to Basalt’s side and holds one hand near a leg. He could have used one of the prepared crystals with some basic healing. But he may as well do it this way. This way the healing is much more powerful and he can feel what is wrong where.
He takes a deep breath and uses the familiar spell. He can feel his soul give an unhappy ping as he tries to heal again so shortly after the last time but he will be fine. It is just to give Basalt a boost. He quickly feels what is wrong, or he thinks he does. His joints feel overstretched and stressed. He also can’t really put weight on one of his legs which puts more pressure on the other to take over. He focusses on the pain in the bad leg first. He feels along the area and gets the feeling there is a break there. He finds it and pushes healing into that area. Promoting the energy and magic in the animal to locate towards that area and promote the area to heal much quicker than it naturally would heal. Mending the wound with new bone.
That is the worst wound by far. Next he focusses on actively relaxing the stretched joints. Which is easy to do, the only thing that complicates things is the fact that the horse has four legs compared to Geno’s two and Geno has to mentally estimate where the pain in his own arms would be relatively located to relax it.
But he does it and has to pull back after a moment. He is panting lightly “That should do it… Can’t do much more as I am afraid I will heal something wrong.”
Dust is by Basalt’s side and gentle touches the hurt spots of before after which he looks at him shocked. “You healed him?”
Geno rubs his neck as he shrugs “Yeah? Told you I could do it…” he glances at Basalt “Did I get everything?” Geno really doesn’t know animals and their anatomy well at all. Maybe the very basics if he is being generous with his knowledge.
Dust seems to just stare at him before looking away, Not really giving an answer as he pets Basalt. Geno frowns as he looks at him.
He feels exhausted. It has been such a long day and Geno still feels tired.
For now he just stares at the forest around them. Letting the cold air calm his racing soul as he listens to the forest settling after the disaster of snow. He can hear some trees creaking in the distance as the snow leans against it.
“Come.”
Geno blinks as he finally looks away from that ravine they had almost fallen into. He looks back at Dust and sees him next to both horses with Basalt’s reins in his hands.
Dust nods towards the forest “We need to get out of the open. Nights get cold.” And he waits.
Geno nods as he gets up, he sat down again? And goes over to the other. Dust leads the way and Geno follows after, making sure to use Dust’s footsteps in the snow to easily move through it. Opal seems to track ahead as she listens and tilts her head. Looking around before looking back to see if they are following her. Basalt walks slowly through the snow. Taking careful steps. Clearly trying to not push his own body too hard.
Geno gets it. He honestly wants to lay down and not move for a while. He is exhausted.
“This will work.”
Geno blinks and focusses again. They are in a very enclosed ring of trees. It is tight but the trees give a reasonable amount of cover. Geno looks at Dust. Dust however has already removed Basalt’s reins and hung those over a branch. Dust is walking around and shoving snow aside as the two horses walk to the side and stand together. Opal digging at the ground and seems to be unearthing roots and other stuff.
Dust stops as he studies the floor. Most the snow has been pushed aside and some of the dirt hidden beneath has been revealed. Dust is now moving some rocks into a circle and cleaning that part out of snow as well. Dust looks over at him and nods to the dirt patch.
Geno moves over to the spot and just sits down. He could have died… multiple times today he got within an inch of dying… He never would have seen Fresh or Error again. Or worse… The slave collar had been on him… He hadn’t been able to move his own body, his very magic hadn’t been responding to him and had been forced to listen to that… that… that freak!
Dust curses and Geno looks up to see him frowning at some flint and steel. He reaches for it again but some magical sparks fly of his hand as soon as he gets near the tool and he pulls his hand back with a flinch.
Right… He had to overuse his magic to fry the slave collar, the dampers and to get everyone to back off…
Geno scoots close to the ring of stones and places one in the middle of the circle. He spots a stone which will work and places it in the middle. He concentrates and his soul gives an unhappy pulse about him pushing his magic a lot with the stress he experienced but it works as a fire starts.
Geno takes a deep sigh as he relaxes near the warmth it gives up. Some movement and Dust is sitting by the fire as well. Staring at the flame.
Huh… He had removed his mask. Geno wonders when he did that but doesn’t ask as he just leans close to the non-burning flame that warms him until his core.
Neither of them speaks and that is okay. He wants to rest for a moment.
They sit there for quite some time and Geno lays his skull on his legs as he lets his core recover from the magic he used. He may be skilled and powerful but in the end he still only has a shard of a soul compared to normal monsters. He is limited with his magical stamina. And it fucking sucks. He wanted… nevermind.
Dust has gotten up and seems to be searching the direct area. He comes back with some long sticks and starts putting those together to make a makeshift tent thing. A tipi he believes. It is small and in a direct circle around him and the small flame. Dust comes back inside and sighs contently.
Geno continues to lean on his knee as he stares at him “Why did you make that?”
Dust looks at the tipi around them and answers “No stuff… Need a place to stay tonight… Small area warms up quicker.”
It is even smaller than their original tent had been.
Geno frowns “Shouldn’t we rush down the mountain?”
Dust shrugs “Why? Those people couldn’t have survived that avalanche. We aren’t stealthing anymore. Basalt can’t carry anyone with his legs and Opal won’t like you riding her. Best to take it slow and walk. Today we rest and recover from what happened.”
Geno nods as he stares at the fire. He is so happy. He needs a moment “Good thing the flame won’t burn us. It will be fine to leave it on throughout the night.” Geno can know as he once rolled into the fire in his sleep. It was quite the shock to wake up inside his own fire. Not as bad as Error having once climbed into the fireplace to sleep in the flame Geno left in there to warm their home. Geno was sure he would have had an actual soul-attack over that one.
Dust nods “Neat.”
Geno watches Dust for a moment. Happy to just watch the other warm his hands on his magical fire. Content. They are okay. They are okay. Geno can’t help but really study the other’s neck. He can’t quite see it and curses the fact he didn’t think about checking it before while he had been healing Dust. What if frying the collar hurt his neck? Or frying the dampers hurt his wrists? Geno didn’t notice anything but the worry is there.
Dust stretches out as he looks at Geno “We should sleep.”
Geno nods as he lays on his side of the fire. Dust lays on the other end and Geno looks at the back of Dust’s skull.
He will probably feel better after some rest. Even if he doubts that his sleep will come easily.
Still he closes his eyes. His mind slows down as he just listens to Dust moving and breathing. The horses outside move around as well and the by now familiar sounds relax him. He is okay.
He is save.
It…
It is late?
Geno isn’t sure how much he slept.
Or if he even truly slept.
It is cold.
He yawns and opens his sockets a little bit.
The fire is behind him now. Instead of in front. But Dust is still in front of him.
He is warm.
Geno sighs as he pushes his skull closer to the other.
He is so warm… Like on the horse earlier. Warm and stable.
Geno yawns and pushes his face into the back of his hoody. Mmh… this is nice.
So nice…
Geno feels his awareness slip away and surrenders to the darkness again.
--
Geno yawns as something delicious wakes him up. He sits up and rubs his eyes as he glances around confused.
He is in a wooden tent thing? He can spot his own magical flame right beside him. Giving him a nice source of heat on this cool morning.
His mind is hazy. What happened the day before?
They set camp to recover and… went to bed early?
Wait they skipped food all together? Probably why Dust is cooking.
Geno gets up and glances at his dirty clothes. Right. He slept right on top of dirt which was slightly muddy because of the snow it had been laying under before. Geno does a quick spell to clean himself up a bit. Make sure he is presentable.
The day before had been a mess but now they are free to travel home! No stress. No mission. Just getting home safely!
Geno feels a sort of excitement as he exits the small stick made tent and spots Dust outside. A normal fire by him which he is roasting some plants on. Huh.
Geno walks over and grins “What you cooking good l-” ABORT! “friend!!”
Dust doesn’t look in his direction. Seemingly very focused on what he is making “Roasting roots… nutritious.”
Geno smiles as he sits nearby “Smells good. When I cook stuff with magic it becomes edible but never quite good.”
Dust shrugs “Needs intent… Magic doesn’t give that?”
Geno nods “We make magic by infusing it with emotions. Same for intent. But magic can’t have intent. We can layer our own intent into a spell which we can feel but in the end magic can’t give intent. So… meh cooking.” He laughs and shrugs. He was always a terrible cook.
Dust nods and shoots him a glance “Always use magic? Easy stuff?” he nods towards the fire and the meal he is making.
Geno grins and shrugs “You can call it cheating. Maybe people do. I never saw it as cheating. I always liked to call it using the skills I have available to make stuff easier for my brothers and me.”
Dust nods and glances at him “Why cook if you can’t? Parents?”
Geno laughs and shakes his skull “Nah. They weren’t around.” And if he ever met his mother or any of those useless fathers ever again he would sooner hit them in the face with a fist.
Dust nods as he gets up “Food.” He hands over a stick with some slices roots and some plants and it smells delicious as he can smell some herbs he smelled before in the kitchen. He gets eating and hums happily.
“It is good.”
Dust looks amused “Basic.” Then he grins a tiny bit and mutters a bit softer “Should make basic food yourself more… taste difference between that and magical prepared food.” And he turns back to his meal.
Geno stares. Did… did Dust just… tease him? That didn’t sound mean. More of a joke? Geno grins as he eats his meal. It suddenly tasting many times sweeter.
They eat their meal before cleaning up. Dust puts the reins back on Basalt and keeps a tight hold of it as Geno uses his map to lead them down. Geno is so lucky that he had had the map on his person, some for the proof of the whole operation in the mountain.
They walk in mostly silence as they search for a path to follow.
They have to track through the forest for a while with a few near slips but they find an old path rather quickly with little difficulty.
Geno grins as he checks the map “This should be the one. We should just follow this south and we will be off this mountain eventually.” And even if they are on another path that one also just needs to be followed southwards until they get to the bottom.
Dust nods as he changes the reins on Basalt. Making it so he doesn’t need to be lead anymore. Trusting the horse to walk with them and to be able to safely make his way down now that they have a stable path to follow.
The horses walk behind them as Dust and Geno walk side by side. The forest is peaceful and beautiful. Geno thought he had seen dark clouds the day before when they were near the mine but seems like those had cleared up somewhere in the night.
Dust glances at him “Use magic a lot…”
Geno blinks and nods “Yeah. Magic is great I love using it.”
Dust nods but frowns “But got tired?”
Geno laughs and nods “That obvious?” Dust just shrugs and Geno doesn’t mind. Geno decides to tell him. Geno knows some weak spots of Dust, it is only fair he knows one of Geno “I don’t actually have a lot of mana available to me.”
Dust shoots him an disbelieving look. Geno grins and nods “It is the truth. I have horrendous magical stamina for a mage. It is why I make these.” He taps one of the crystals “I spend a few hours a day slowly infusing crystals and other rocks to make them hold my spells for me. Means I have a few always prepared and can use my mana for the actual emergencies.” There are other things that matter of course. The faster you cast a spell the more mana it takes. Same for stressful situations. It is because your soul is already stressed and your soul weaves the mana into a spell and magic to use.
Dust nods and glances back at his horses “Why… use mana instead of a crystal for healing?” he rubs his shoulder.
Geno shrugs as he feels a bit embarrassed. He doubts that because he wanted to show off is a good reason. He does for the second reason he did it “It is the same reason with the cooking. Magic can’t give intent. And some spells are depended on that. Sure I got some healing crystals but they aren’t specific or specialised. With your shoulder having already been hit before I didn’t want to risk it healing wrong with a crystal. The same implied for Basalt as I heard that a broken leg for a horse is fatale.”
Dust gives a slow nod and thinks for a moment. “Healing works better with intent?”
Geno nods “Much better! Of course I can put intent into the magic that I put in the crystal. And it will do what I want. But when I heal it directly I can kinda… sense out the injury? I feel like an echo of it in my own body, makes it easier to focus the healing into the spots that really need it instead of everything at once that the crystals do.”
Dust nods as he listens. Dust is a real good listener… Geno hadn’t really appreciated that before. Before when he just wanted information he just wanted to get Dust to start talking. But it is nice to have an active listener to talk to.
Not to forget! Dust is showing interest in magic! Geno finally can talk about all the stuff he knows about it! He will have to be careful to not try and focus on Dust’s magic to make sure Geno doesn’t overstep again but this will work! This can work!
They walk together as Dust hums “Didn’t know magic worked like that.”
Geno rubs his cheek “I mean. Magic works in many ways. It is dynamic and evolving in that way. That it changes when interacting with it. Like… I see it was crystals and minerals. Many different yet similar things that when interacting can make newer forms. When put under pressure can change from one to the other. It is something that endlessly fascinates me. I used to talk with people all the time. To learn how they saw magic. How they interacted with it.”
Dust looks at him “… You… want to understand magic.” he sounds as if he is in disbelieve.
Geno grins “Don’t you? It is everywhere around us. In the plants, in the rocks, in the earth itself, in the sky! It is in the static that fills the air. It is in the newly made technology even when it wasn’t used to make it! Magic gets everywhere and it changes to fit just fine. To belong. It is…” He had wanted to belong so badly. Fit in and belong. Get people to let him stay so he could make a stable home. “It seemed… nice.”
Dust frowns as he looks ahead. Thinking about it. “You know a lot about magic… much studying?”
Geno grins and nods “A lot. Used to be one of the things that came natural to me! Even with my weak mana the spells and magic itself? It just worked like I wanted! It made everything easier. From cooking to cleaning to actually getting jobs. Let me tell you no one will hire a teen for a full time job. Annoying as everything.”
Dust looks at him confused “Parents? Their job?”
Geno laughs and looks to the side “Well… My parents weren’t the best. Dad run out on my mom the moment she got pregnant. Honestly don’t get why she even decided to keep me. Apparently I was a very difficult pregnancy as she would not shut up about that. Maybe she thought getting me would make the guy come back? Either way. It was her and me for a while.” They had managed okay. Geno went to a local school and walked home alone. He had to help with the chores as his mom was out to search for jobs and work. And she couldn’t keep a job down for longer than a few days before switching jobs again.
“Then, when I was about 9ish, she came home with this guy. New guys she met that day, bringing he right home to her home address and young child.” Geno glares ahead.
Dust snorts “That is begging to be robbed.”
Geno waves his hands around “Right?! Anyway. That guy was a piece of work. He would glare and lock me in rooms. The joke is on him. I was already very magical and let me tell you there is no keeping someone inside when you can magically unlock doors or move furniture he placed in front of it.” He grins and laughs as he remembers the shocked look on the guys face when Geno would just appear back in the small kitchen, eating a snack just ten minutes after the guy tried to lock him out of the house. “Of course mother dear didn’t believe me at all. She just said it would take some getting used to him being my new dad and that I wanted her to be miserable and alone forever.” Geno rolls his eyes “I would have been more okay with the asshole if he wasn’t a deadbeat that couldn’t hold a job either.”
Dust hums “Charming. I can see why she liked him.”
Geno laughs at the absolute deadpan voice and unimpressed stone face. Geno nods “I know right? And then. Of course. My idiotic mother got herself pregnant. I think she was trying to baby trap the guy.”
Dust tilts his skull “Didn’t work with the first one. Why would it work with the second?”
Geno grins “Oh trust me. It gets worse. So. The guy. Obviously. Acted as if he was overjoyed. Said that he would finally have a child and a son or daughter to adore. Mom didn’t even bother to correct him when I was standing right there.” He sighs “The asshole kept up the illusion that he wanted this child and when she was in the process to actually get Fresh the guy stole the small amount of savings we had and ran off with it.” he sighs. His mother had blamed him. Said that Geno hadn’t been welcoming to her new love and his new dad. That his behaviour had been the reason why little Fresh would now grow up without a dad.
Geno shrugs “Said that Fresh would now grow up without a father because I didn’t welcome him. Which honestly. Seems more of an his issue if he couldn’t handle one sassy annoying child. Not that it mattered much as mom went back to her old habits of leaving the whole day to work or search for work while I took care of Fresh.” He looks at Dust “Let me tell you this. Catching an active baby and washing him and feeding him? A lot easier with magic and telekinesis spells.” He smiles at the memories of Fresh being the chaotic little baby he had been. Geno adores his wild brother.
Dust frowns “She made you take care of him?”
Geno shrugs “Made is a big word. She did stuff. Just not most of it. And I honestly didn’t trust her with my little brother.” Fresh was his. Same for Error. Those two are his little brothers and he will make sure people know that messing with them means messing with him. “And Fresh wasn’t hard to take care of. Bugger was chaotic and energetic but it was fun. Harder was still trying to get a side job to help with covering school costs as mom barely made enough to keep the house.”
Dust frowns “No covered education? I thought that was a thing in Sanctuary?”
Geno looks at Dust confused before grinning “I wasn’t born in Sanctuary.” Dust looks confused but waits. Geno nods “I am from Ironfields. You know. Across the water and inwards more? I was just lucky that Reaper had the funds to visit all the big magical academia to look for a royal mage. And I made the cut.” Reaper swore up and down that he had picked Geno for his skill. Yes he had liked Geno on a personal and attraction level as well but that was not what influenced his decision on making him royal mage. If Reaper had found someone more skilled he would have offered them the job and gone back to Geno to request a date with him.
Dust nods “But you did parttime stuff when younger?”
Geno nods “All the time. It helped cover the costs for school. Thought it kept me busy. Between school, work and taking care of Fresh and myself it was rather busy. It got easier when Fresh was old enough to go to school too. And Fresh was actually really good when near others so he would be quiet and behave while I worked. He just was a menace at school or at home.” He sighs “And then! My mom came home with ANOTHER guy when I was sixteen and Fresh was six!”
Dust whistles “She got some bad taste.”
Geno groans “The worst! He straight up tried to get her to abandon us. Which what a fucking jackass. She was about to do it too until I reminded her that at this point I was the one paying for the fucking house and that everyone knew she was our mom and it would be social suicide for her to abandon us and try to play happy wife with this man.” She had cursed him out. Told him that he was a fucking freak and demon and was the cause of her unhappiness. That she should have realised Geno was the problem the second the healers told her his soul wasn’t developing right. “She got annoying about it and I just reminded her that she was the one who decided to keep me. Not me. She got angrier about that little fact.” He sighs “And once again. She got a kid with this fucker as well. And as always. The guy noped out at the last moment and stole the savings she had.” Geno is sure the only reason he stayed as long as he had was because he had been looking for Geno’s savings and funds. But Geno isn’t an idiot. He hid anything he earned and only paid the people that needed paying directly. Like hell he was going to trust he deadbeat of a mother with his money. He earned that for himself and his brother, and later brother, not her.
Dust nods “Error?”
Geno nods “Error was born.” He had been seventeen and Fresh had been seven. Both of them had adored Error immediately. Geno and Fresh has both known things would get harder but little Error had been the cutest little thing. Fresh had held him and had stared at Geno with such determination when he declared he would be the best older brother. Geno had laughed and held his two little brothers. His brothers. His family.
Dust nods and crosses his arms “How long until the next guy?”
Geno sighs and shakes his head “She left. Left a whole note about how she couldn’t stay with us anymore. Something about how having three children from different man would hurt her chances at finding true love and happiness. As if we decided to be born over her being a fucking idiot and not terminating us when it turned out to be too rough.”
Dust hums “Idiot.”
Geno nods “She is the biggest idiot. But I hardly expected anything else at that point. In the end it didn’t even get harder. In matter of fact it got easier. No one wanted our old and crooked house and the bank didn’t care who lived in it as long as payments were made on time. They just changed her name to mine on the paperwork and we remained in our house. I took Error with me to class and work and Error was a quiet baby who slept a lot. It only started to get harder to take care of him when his magic developed.” Unlike Geno. Error has a very healthy soul which is very magical attuned. Error blasted their wall and made their house have an open concept kitchen instead of a room with a door. They were so lucky it wasn’t a load baring wall.
Dust nods as he stares ahead of them “Good brother.”
Geno feels flustered suddenly as he rubs his neck “Euh. It was a bit rough sometimes but all in all not that hard… I got lucky with my magic. It made everything easier and less hard. I could cheat and safe time on so many things with my skills. Not to forget that I got a full ride scholar ship to a pristine school for magic to get my actual schooling. I moved my brothers with me to be closer to that school so I could commute and be home in the evening for them.” Not to forget that the scholar ship was more than enough to cover their living costs if he didn’t use it to stay in the dorms as those are expensive.
Dust looks at him curiously “Then how did… Error end up with us?”
Geno sighs “It would take time to settle and move stuff to Reaper’s place. Get my workshop and rooms set up. Search for people to make sure that Error got the right education and Fresh got what he needed with his condition. I had just needed time to make everything perfect. The plan had been that I would go first. Get stuff ready and set up. And then Fresh and Error would both move in with me… Fresh was supposed to watch over Error on the weekends while Error stayed at the academy throughout the week.” He sighs sadly. It had all gone so wrong. And Geno hadn’t known until it was too late to fix it.
Dust frowns as he looks down. It is okay that he doesn’t know what to say, Geno doesn’t either.
They continue to walk in silence for a long time. Eventually Dust stops them saying they should set camp again.
Geno grins as he casts the right spells and copies the setup of the day before. A tent made of sticks and other stuff laying around. A fire both inside and outside of the tent. And all the snow that was on the ground pushed aside and this time the ground magically dried.
Dust looks shocked as Geno grins “See? Told you stuff gets easier with magic. I just didn’t have the mana yesterday.”
Dust looks at him with a tilted head before nodding. Huh. Seems like Dust hit his limit on socialising. That is okay.
They are quickly ready and comfortable in their now reasonably warm tent. Dust actually lays out he own coat to sleep on and Geno copies his actions. It makes the ground a bit softer to lay on.
Geno sighs and goes to sleep.
--
Geno doesn’t want to get up. He had been having a very nice dream. A dream where he had been on the horse with Dust. But his dream hadn’t focused on the terror of the snow following them. It had instead been focussed on the feeling of being that close to Dust. How he felt and how warm he had been. The feeling of Dust’s body against his. Even his scent had made it in.
Which now that he is awake? Holy shit he is being a creep.
Geno groans as he sits up. Finding himself in the tent laying on his coat and- oh… Dust had left his coat by him as a blanket. Geno hides his face in his hands and tries to contain his screaming. How can he deal with this? He can’t. His feelings feel like they will explode his soul and he is really trying to not overdo it or annoy Dust or worse make him feel uncomfortable again.
But… the fact that Dust is trying to make sure he is comfortable should mean that… Does that mean that Dust has forgiven him? Does this mean that they have at least a neutral standing now?
Geno joins Dust outside for another delicious breakfast, honestly how dust can find food is beyond Geno but he is thankful for it, before they continue down the mountain. Most of their morning is spend in silence as they walk together. Only a few comments about what path they should take and how to go about their descent of the mountain.
They do get turned around for a bit as the path they had been following seems to disappear for a bit. Geno and Dust consult the map and their compass to figure out how to get further down.
They make their own path through foliage and bare trees with the horses close by. Dust turns back a few times to help Basalt find his footing as Opal just walks with sidesteps past things.
Geno crosses his arms “Is Opal showing off?”
Dust nods as he doesn’t look away from Basalt “She does that.”
Geno snorts “Must have taken a lot of time to train her. She seems stubborn.”
Dust nods again as he checks that Basalt is still standing okay “She is. But she has energy and wants to learn. It was just a matter of giving her new things to learn and practise. She now knows too much.” He sighs and Geno laughs.
They have to carefully walk down a few more ledges but manage to find the path again. After consulting their map again they follow it eastwards as that should be down.
Dust starts to speak softly “I was wondering…” he glances at Geno “How do you… make your magic do all those things?”
Geno blinks and looks at Dust “I mean… intent matters a lot. But it is also what I have in mind as I craft the spell. Spell crafting, at least in my case, is about picturing what I want and how and how it relates to the parts and elements I mentally connect it to.”
Dust frowns “For you? Nightmare said… It is energy and alive.”
Geno tilts his skull as he thinks “I can see why he saw it as that… from what I know. Magic changes and shapes itself to fit whatever someone thinks about it. It gives different people the ability to do different thing.” He had mentioned the day before, Geno thinks so at least. The day before they spoke about a lot. Or well Geno spoke about it.
Dust nods “So. Alive?”
Geno rubs his neck “Kinda? I never saw it as alive. Just reactive. We push emotions and intent into it. The magic soaks it up and repeats it. In a way we give it feelings and wants. We make it want to do what we want. I think?” Geno grins at Dust “It is weird and complex because everyone thinks about it differently and interacts with it differently. Which means the magic reacts and behaves differently as well. When we first start learning magic or hearing about it people already have opinions that they tell us. It shapes how we see magic and what we think magic is capable of doing. Which sets limits.” Geno frowns “Why did you think your magic could break the collar? I didn’t think it was possible for my magic to go against it but yours did. How did it break free from the control?”
Dust seems to think for a moment. Frowning before muttering “I don’t… control it… guide at most.”
Geno blinks before gasping “The collar couldn’t make it listen… because you don’t believe anything can control it?” Dust shrugs and nods.
“Never saw it as… something I affect. It is a force of nature. It is lightning. Energy. Alive.”
Geno wants to ask so many questions. How Dust came to this conclusion. How he managed to direct it. How he manages his power to remain contained. But Geno swallows the many questions. He pushes it down. Instead he looks at Dust “And… because of that it was free to fight the collar?”
Dust shrugs before he seems to think for a while again. Then he mutters softly “I got… No real control. But I got power… When I first got… picked for being a Knight. I needed four bracelets to keep it down. Nightmare said it grew stronger.”
Four.
Four magic blockers?!
Geno wants to beg Dust to let him see the magic. See how it interacts. But he can’t because it makes Dust uncomfortable. Keep it in. Keep it in.
Geno focusses on what Dust mentioned before “That fits with how you see magic. You, and Nightmare I guess, see magic as something alive that grows and grows stronger. Something wild that can’t be contained much like a natural force. It makes sense than that this manmade collar couldn’t control it. Couldn’t keep it contained. You just… waited for your moment to act upon that…” Geno laughs and shakes his skull “Damn that is so fucking impressive. I couldn’t do that.”
Dust frowns and stares at him confused.
Geno laughs “The whole staying calm and waiting for the right moment to cast a spell. I was panicking as soon as the situation went south.”
Dust frowns and shakes his skull “Wasn’t that bad… Shield. And slow falling?”
Geno nods “That came after. After I had more time to think. Had we fallen before I had a chance to think of it? I doubt I would have been fast enough to cast the spell. It is just. I know I can do magic and it is easy to me. But doing it in moments of stress?” he shakes his skull “I never had to do that before. It showed.” He sighs.
Dust thinks for a moment “Not that bad. You thought of stuff and used magic when we needed it. I am used to missions. I am used to fighting. Before being a Knight I was used to the crime-ring and scenes. Lots of tension. Quick thinking.”
Geno nods as he pulls out a crystal “I know they work. I just. Always tested them in save areas with failsafes in mind. It was never a matter of life and death. At least not while I practised and tested them. I made sure they would work the way they were intended. Then gave the crystals to people actually going on missions…” The only reason he was on this one is because he was the only one who would have been able to magically shut down whatever this drug ring had been.
Dust nods before shrugging “Worked out okay.”
Geno stares in shock at Dust. He seems honest. Even if Geno messed up pretty much at every step but Dust seems to not think that. Or at least not having hard feelings about it.
Geno smiles a bit as he looks down “Thanks to you mostly. The way you just knew what to do and how and when, and how to move and attack. It was fucking amazing.” And that is downplaying it.
Dust looks to the side as he rubs his cheek “I guess… Just practise.”
Just practise. As if Geno hadn’t had a chance to see a bit of their usual training before. Geno laughs and shakes his skull.
They walk silently for a moment before Geno speaks “Thanks. For… being willing to talk about magic stuff… I know you don’t like it.”
Dust shrugs and mutters “Don’t mind magic… just don’t like… mine.” He shrugs again before looking at Geno “Why?”
Geno blinks and laughs “Sorry I have no idea what you are asking this time.”
Dust rolls his eyes and seems to consider his questions “Why… act like you did… before… to get answers… but back up now?”
Oh. Oh! That. That is a loaded one.
Geno looks away “Euh… The very short version of the answer? I am a bastard and asshole.” He looks at the ground in front of them “It is just. Foremost. Reaper and I knew about your… interest and crush for a while.” Dust immediately tugs the hood tighter around him. Geno looks to the side before smiling at him “It is okay! Reaper thought it was cute-” that was the wrong word as Dust lets out a long and quiet groan.
Geno shoots him a smile “If it helps… Reaper very quickly got interested? He was the one who wanted to see where it could maybe go? Lead?” he rubs his neck “Sorry I am not the best in this. Reaper is the emotionally available one honestly.”
Geno takes a deep breath “Reaper asked me if I was fine with it. Him exploring this feeling for you to see where it went. I was okay with it. I knew that Reaper would always love me and just because he started to like you it wouldn’t affect the love he held for me.” He sighs “And well… I must admit. I was fucking curious. Your magic? It is something I never seem, heard of or felt before. I wanted to know how it worked. I wanted to just understand how it could have become the way it was. And I figured… as Reaper and you grew closer I could just… Kinda… Tag along to get the answers I wanted?” He winces at the truth. “I know… I know it is bad. But I swear it was never supposed to get out of hand! I just… I just wanted some answers and figured you already liked me so maybe… just like… giving some attention and affection? Get some answers? And then once I got the answers I would be gentle about like… stopping it?” He is such a fucking asshole “And I figured it would be fine as Reaper was honest and really did like you! That maybe we could become more casual friends or acquaintances while both of us separately dated Reaper?” He sighs and looks away “I know. I am sorry. I am an asshole.”
Dust is silent. Taking it in maybe? Or maybe he is now going back to ignoring and not speaking to Geno again. He would deserve it.
“Then why… Kiss me? Or…” he isn’t looking at him “Tracing lower and stroking my leg?”
Geno feels himself grow mortified and horrified. Right! He did that! He 100% did that! Geno covers his face and chuckles “Because I am an asshole? It wasn’t… part of my plan… But I did end up really liking you. I fucking realised that while Reaper fell earlier I wasn’t far behind. I was a fucking mess. And then I figured… I had already been kinda faking courtship… What difference does it make to make it a real one? I figured… I figured it wouldn’t matter. I wasn’t planning on ever admitting that the whole thing started as a lie.” He looks away “I just… I got greedy I guess. Stuff that used to just be to keep the scheme going suddenly wasn’t enough. It felt good and I was greedy and wanted more.” Reaper never minded. Reaper had set the pace to a lot slower than Geno had wanted but Reaper had had no issue with slowing Geno down. “I figured… If I really overstepped… You would just tell me to quit it or something.”
“I hadn’t… considered the fact that there was a power disbalance between us. I never saw it as that. You were you and I was just me. I never thought of us as a Knight vs a Royal Mage. We were just two guys talking and hanging out… I know now I should have considered it. Maybe make it clear that I wouldn’t be mad or annoyed or ruin anything if you said no or asked me to back off. I hadn’t considered you felt like you couldn’t because of the whole treaty thing… I am sorry.” God. Why hadn’t Geno practised that more? Reaper had told him that if Dust ever gave him another chance to talk to him Geno would have to explain himself and apologise. Why hadn’t he considered better on what to say and how?
Dust frowns as he stares at the ground. Geno looks at him and waits but he doesn’t look up. Geno sighs as he looks away. He isn’t allowed to feel disappointed. He isn’t allowed to feel that way when he just admitted to Dust he had been right and that Geno had been lying and manipulating him to get something he wanted.
He deserves this.
The cold of the weather isn’t even as cold as the newfound tension between them.
They don’t speak as they set up camp.
They don’t interact as they both lay down to sleep for the night.
Geno feels like sleep evades him. He just stares at the top part of the tent as he listens. Dust’s breathing seems different than usual. Like he isn’t sleeping either.
Geno considers apologising again but if it before wasn’t enough what would make it now be good enough. Geno glares as he rolls up and turns towards the wooden tent, his back aimed towards Dust. Not allowing himself to look at the other.
What is done is done. He finally made good on being honest to Dust. Show him that he is a selfish asshole. Geno rolls up to safe some of the warmth as he closes his eyes. He will just have to accept that this little thing and maybe friendship is over. And Geno ruined it himself.
It seems like his sleeping mind and dreams didn’t get the memo.
Because he once again dreams about hugging Dust as they sit together. Maybe they are on one of the horses? Maybe not. Geno can’t focus on anything but how the other feels and the warmth he gives up.
Dust tries to leave in his dreams. Tries to get out of his embrace. Geno mumbles unhappily.
He can’t speak clearly in this stupid dream for some reason. Can’t explain.
“Please stay…” his mind is like cotton. He just wants to have this. Even if it is fake. “miss you…” and he snuggles his face deeper into the nice spot by his neck and shoulders.
Dust doesn’t move for a while. Then a sigh and the body returns to his embrace.
Geno sighs as he pushes close. His whole being purring as he snuggles closer. Trying to get as much out of this dream as he can.
The night goes on and his dream starts to fade out…
--
The next morning they are both still quiet. Geno had woken up by his magical fire with his own coat used as blanket this time. Getting outside explained why. It is freezing outside. But there are still no clouds in the sky. It is calm weather.
Which is honestly a miracle. The weather in the mountains are unpredictable and it is unheard of to have more than two days in a row with just sun. But they have been up here for a week now, the seventh day exactly, and it is still sunny with no wind!
It makes for cold nights and very cold mornings as there is no clouds in the evening either but honestly it is amazing to not have to be afraid for a sudden snowstorm.
No instead Geno can just be afraid and anxious about Dust truly hating him forever and how Geno is going to have to break it to Reaper that he ruined this a second time now and ruined his own second chance.
Geno is completely fine.
One long morning later and they are starting to see some spring flowers and some grass on the ground that the horses happily eat. Geno sighs in relieve. This should make getting down easier.
They follow the now clearly marked path and Geno finds his soul fully calm as he speaks “I think this is the path and mountain we thought it was. Meaning this one has easier paths to follow and some premade camp sites.”
Dust nods “Should make stuff easier at least.”
Geno grins but his grin falls as Dust still isn’t looking at him. Looking ahead of them. Geno puts his hands into his pockets as he kicks a rock once in a while. Feeling hurt and very rejected.
The silence makes the track long and awkward. Geno tries to keep himself distracted but he keeps looking back into Dust’s direction.
They do end up finding one of the camp sites and after considering the time they decide to make it an early night and walk the last part to the foot of the mountain the next day over trying to rush down and risking having to travel in the dark.
They find a nice cabin and set up camp there. Geno goes towards the supply box and raids it of blankets and some snacks hidden away. They are a bit expired but also these are dried snacks and Geno knows from experience they don’t truly go bad as much as go stale.
Geno returns outside to see Dust had set up their little cabin and a fire in the fire pit. Geno grins as he gives one of his found blankets to Dust before putting one down for himself and going inside to put the other two on the actual beds. Geno goes back outside and relaxes by the fire. He hands some of the snacks to Dust before getting comfy in his own blanket and snacks.
The sound of the fire is nice. The crackling gives it an extra layer of experience and Geno sighs as he just enjoys it. It feels peaceful and nice. Like the actual camping trips he had gone on with Reaper. He really needs to do this with his brothers. Enjoy the nature and mountain on his terms and peaceful environment.
“You were honest? Before?”
Geno blinks and looks over “what?”
Dust just stares at the fire “What you said before… Reaper… Reaper was really interested?”
Geno feels his soul pick up “Yes!” Wait! No! tune it down! “I mean. He still is. He honestly is. But Reaper is a lot better at this than I am and is actually able to read other people’s social cues and everything.” If Geno can’t… If Geno ruined this for himself he wants at least his mate to still get the chance for this.
Dust frowns as he keeps staring into the fire. Then he glances are Geno “You?”
Geno can’t look away. Dust’s eyes are mismatched with their colours. There is the tiniest ring of red around one and the other has the same but an even tinier ring of blue in the red ring. If you don’t stare at it the eye lights just appear white. Geno had seen both colours flash brightly when Dust used that lightning spell. So bright with energy and magic. Geno laughs as he looks away for a moment before looking back at Dust “I haven’t stopped falling if that helps? I am not good at this… whole emotion and relationship thing… Reaper did the hard work with our own relationship. But I know I like you. I like being near you and I was honestly happy to spend time with you. It… It hurts to know you hate me and that it is my own fault.” He snorts as he looks at the fire “I don’t know how to make it better… But I do like you. A lot. For a long time now.” Another thing Geno wished he had practised. Fucking hell he knew he had this mission to spend time with Dust he just… hadn’t thought they would have these conversations!
Dust hums as he stares at the fire before getting up “Going to bed.” He waits for a moment by the door and mutters “I don’t hate you. I just don’t get you…” and he goes inside.
Geno stares at the door. Unsure what just happened.
--
The next day travel was both better and worse. Geno felt better knowing the other didn’t hate him but there was a… tension in the air around them. Dust seems content to walk in silence as Geno just lets himself ramble without much thought.
Fuck just end him. Put him out of his misery and his failing at this.
Geno is just describing the process and thoughts behind crafting a new spell and how to balance the magic and mana properly to not make it go towards an already made spell.
“There goes so much more into it than just wishful thinking and putting mana into a spell!” Geno glares “Some mages call themselves masters of the arts when they can’t even properly manage a spell and the outwards force behind it! It is terrible! Not only is it dangerous but it also makes the reputation of actual master mages less trustworthy! And most people can’t just see the difference between an actual master mage and someone who just calls themselves that!”
Dust nods along “Ruins hard work and good name.”
Geno nods “Absolutely! It takes a long time to study magic and get familiar enough with it to craft actual well working spells that others can replicate! Just pushing some stuff together and hoping that it works with a lot of magic isn’t spell crafting!”
Dust snorts as he looks amused “What do you call my lightning? It just happens and can’t level it.”
Geno waves his hands “That is different! You are using a premade spell and editing it slightly to fit you and your magic and mana! You don’t say you crafted a new spell! You don’t act as if you have mastered magic! In matter of fact you treat it as something that makes its own decisions and works with you.” He glares ahead of him as he imagines breaking those fake mage fucker’s necks! “Those assholes however!! Acting as if they made powerful spells only to have those be instable and blasting people!” it is dangerous and a disgrace!
Dust hums and nods “Annoying.”
Geno nods “Very.” He takes a deep breath “Luckily. Reaper let me set tighter regulations for it in Sanctuary. You need an actual licence to perform as a mage there now and the mages are tested to make sure they don’t just have dangerous and instable spells.”
Dust nods “Good idea.”
Geno laughs “Thanks. I just. Magic is beautiful and fascinating but people need to stay watchful and respectful about it as it can be dangerous if used wrong.”
Dust nods along “Like the drugs and collars.”
Geno nods himself “Exactly!”
It is already early afternoon when they finally step out of the forest around the mountain and Geno stretches out “Awesome! Just a clear shot to town now.” hopefully they can send a message from there that they are fine as they get someone to get them back to the capital. Geno luckily is well known enough to be able to get a ride and promise payment once they arrived there.
Geno and Dust continue on and walk into town. Geno is already looking around to spot someone who can help them as Dust makes sure his mask is in place.
Geno spots someone with a big enough cart “Hello sir. I had a request-” Geno can’t even make his offer because as soon as the man he had been speaking against turns around he gasps and cheers.
Geno blinks confused as more people look their direction and more people cheer. Geno glances at Dust and Dust just looks at him. Geno shrugs as he looks back to the man “Is… something the matter?”
The man smiles brightly “Sir! People thought you disappeared on the mountain! And with the avalanche and as people know about the many storms and horrible weather. People feared the worst!”
Geno frowns as that information sinks in “I need to return to the castle in that case. And send a message to our king.” Reaper must be worried sick.
The man nods as he rushes to prepare the cart. Dust makes sure it works for Basalt to be carried as he gets new tools to saddle up Opal. Geno writes a message and sends it off with a carrier as Geno waits for the cart to be prepared.
People offer them food and new clothes to wear as Geno can admit they both look worse for wear. They only take some of the food and Geno can see Dust slipping gold coins and money into the pockets of the people who offered the stuff freely. It is painfully thoughtful and Geno feels his soul speed up.
How can he not be even more in love than he started as?
Geno gets in the by rider seat of the cart as Dust just climbs on top of his horse to ride Opal. Opal seems excited as she stands on her backlegs and whips her head around. She lands and starts running with Dust on her back. Dust easily makes her run in a circle to remain near the cart the whole time but Geno thinks he is having fun.
They need to actually follow the road but luckily this cart is being pulled by strong horses who don’t mind running. Making them make quick time over the calm walking pace of the journey to the mountain pace.
The man asks many questions and Geno remains vague about what he was doing up there. He keeps it as search and a study case which makes Dust snort. Geno isn’t sure why but the man buys the excuse.
Night is starting to fall when they finally reach the capital. By the gates Geno sees some of Reaper’s elite guards waiting and he thinks those are the forces of Nightmare’s kingdom.
The captain of Nightmare’s guard walks over “My Knight! I knew you would return to us safe and sound! Do you want us to take your horses to the stables?”
Dust nods as he gets off Opal before going to the cart. He opens it and carefully leads Basalt out “Watch his legs.” And he hands over the reins of both the horses to the captain, Rogers now that Geno thinks about it.
Rogers nods and leads the horses away.
Geno himself has gotten down from the cart and waves the worried guards away. Mentioning how he should discuss things with their king and rest.
Geno is quick to wave Dust with him as he escapes the spotlight.
Dust glances at him from behind his mask “Don’t like attention?”
Geno sighs “I don’t mind attention. The endless worrying however is unneeded. I am alright.” He pauses “Mostly thanks to you but we will tell Reaper about that as well.”
Dust tugs his skull deeper into the hood in a gesture that Geno by now can identify as shy and bashful. Reaper was right all that time ago. Dust is very cute.
They get to the study and find Reaper awake and looking stressed. He looks up and Geno can see the tension disappear from his form. Reaper is by his side and Geno is in his embrace within seconds. Reaper sounds thankful “You are alive. Thank you for returning to me.” He smiles at Dust “Both of you.”
Dust does the same shy and bashful reaction of tugging his skull deeper into the hood.
Geno hums as he enjoys the embrace “Mostly thanks to Dust. I will tell you everything.”
Reaper shakes his skull “Later. You both need a good meal, need to be checked in case of injuries. Time to clean up and rest. We can talk tomorrow about all you saw. For now let me just make sure you both are okay.” He glances at Dust “Please.”
Dust is quiet before giving a small nod “Message Nightmare.”
Reaper smiles and nods “I will send a message right away that you returned form the mountain.”
Dust nods again and Geno smiles. This is perfect! Now they can at least spoil and take care of him a little!
--
Dust is preparing his packs as the other forces of Nightmare’s guard gets ready behind him. Dust isn’t worried. Basalt is okay for the track and Opal is downright excited.
Geno is watching him getting ready to leave and seems anxious. Messing with some of those crystals of his. A nervous tick he has.
Dust nods to himself as he walks over to him and tilts his skull.
Geno rubs his neck and looks nervous. He looks much comfier in his normal clothes and cleaned up “You sure you will be fine?”
Dust nods as he crosses his arms “More stuff than I could use in four trips.” Reaper had been horrified to hear his mate had gotten collared. And had been so thankful and worried when he heard that Dust had managed to trick Rover into collaring him instead which he made backfire badly.
Dust isn’t worried. It isn’t the first time his storm decided to fry someone. Dust is more shocked that Rover survived the first and second attack he did against him.
Geno nods “Right! Euh… Reaper is just really thankful. And really worried you may have issues with the trip because of leftover injuries… That you got protecting me.” He winces and looks away.
Dust shrugs. It wasn’t that bad honestly. Sometimes it is better to take the hit yourself over letting someone more fragile or vulnerable having to take the hit. Dust may be physically weaker but he has mana to spare and magic strong enough to break most things not specifically designed to stop him.
And nothing is specifically designed to stop him.
Dust glances back “Time to go.”
Geno holds up a hand “Wait! I was… wondering… And you can say no I don’t mind. I just. Was wondering. If maybe… you could see a possibility of ever giving us a chance? For a date? Again?” he looks hopeful.
Dust thinks for a moment to consider all that happened the last two weeks. The way he actually understands Geno now. He makes sure no one is watching them before quickly leaning close. Geno freezes which is good as Dust needs him to stay still. Curse the fact that everyone is taller than him. He manages to reach him and whispers “I figured you out finally. You are a nerd.” And he kisses the cheek and pulls back as he replaces the mask “Cute one.” Geno stares in shock as Dust walks back towards the horses with a wave.
“Lets keep in contact. Next time no mountain missions though.” He gets to Opal and gets on her back with practised ease.
As he looks back he sees Geno grinning madly as he waves “You can count on it! Have a safe trip.”
Dust snorts and nods as he leads Opal to catch up with Rogers and the others.
Maybe this will end in heartbreak again but Dust thinks he got a much better read on them this time. And maybe it will be fine.
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coquelicoq ¡ 6 days ago
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i do always have new year's eve plans every year like i always leave my apartment. but. before you recalibrate your internal conception of me. let me just say. the plans are to play board games with a middle-aged couple and their daughter. and sometimes we bake or sew. it's really fun and they feed me well and that's exactly what i'm looking for.
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milfbrainrot ¡ 1 month ago
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have always been a bit more neutral to timebomb but it has rly surprisingly grown on me so much ;-; i think i do see it more from the tragedy angle and maybe more one-sided. i'm not sure jinx has ever been in a place to reciprocate the feelings i'm sure ekko has, but it is nice to think about for years down the line and in terms of what could have been.
#arcane tag#i do prefer more understated or fanon ships and i think even getting them canon in an AU it still makes it more understated in the#main timeline to me? and rly good for imagining and tragic for what could've been etc#i also think friend-wise they could have the same exact tragedy - to me the point is just... closeness?#i get some of the backlash to it - like there are definitely things i could get annoyed about if i WANTED to make a big deal out of it#but i think it's sweet and i think regardless of romantic implications the link of ekko and jinx having basically the same trauma all#stem from their own actions (him giving the kids the tip about jayce and powder using the hexcore they got as a result in#catastrophic ways) and landing in such different directions (ekko using that as motivation to build / jinx getting stuck in destruction)#is just so interesting to me#i guess you could have that WITHOUT romance but i do think in the AU world them getting romantically closer makes a lot of sense#and i don't rly think there's a ton of clear romantic stuff in the main timeline that couldn't be read otherwise if it rly pissed people of#that badly lol so it is possible some of my appreciation for the ship comes out of spite from that crowd#honestly so much of the backlash seems geared more toward shippers than actual canon given the subtlety of it until now#which i do nottt vibe with tbh#just at the end of the day to me it is so easy to fall into how much ekko cares abt powder/jinx and how their paths diverged#and i guess i can get how adding a romantic layer would be annoying to some ppl but i think the kind of emotions doesn't#rly matter at the end of the day bc there is that same foundation either way#also when i say i get some of the backlash it's not that i agree with it lol#but if i wanted to force a reason for not vibing with it in that scenario i could#like the fact of not leaving it platonic ('why does everything have to be romantic!') or i'm sure LOTS of other lesbians#are pissed that a non-canon m/f ship has been more popular than canon f/f which.#i mean sometimes that stuff is odd but 9/10 times it's just preference for the dynamics#(signed. a lesbian. who got into the show for f/f and landed in other f/f ships more than the canon one lol)#and at the same time if i wanted to get political about it in retaliation i could highlight that timebomb is interracial#it's mostly stupid at the end of the day and i wish we could focus more on whether the writing was well done with what it meant to do#or just let ppl do what they want for fanon as long as they're not hurting anyone else#i think rly the main thing i would be more willing to listen to is the treatment of ekko as a black character in relation to this#which - if there is anything to that - is a very different story than 'ew m/f!!!!!!!!!1'#anyway sorry my brain is a discourse speedrun simulator at all times bc of being so chronically on tumblr#tl;dr good ship with so much good fan stuff out there
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hadrianblackwaters ¡ 2 months ago
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!! DRUMINDOR SPOILERS IN TEXT AND TAGS !!
Listening to Drumnidor as a Hadrian girlie is not easy. My god they're assassinating his entire character and taking away his life purpose right in front of us! They're reducing him to a stupid comic relief character with no depth and no real influence on the people around him (to a greater degree than they ever did before) and they're taking away all his greatest achievements and attributing them to someone else to fit the plot! His main character status has been revoked and he's now apparently merely a supporting character in someone else's story. Please, everyone, a moment of silence for my blorbo 😔🙏 Rest in peace mr. Blackwater. At least they let you pull some impressive-arse sword moves, you looked really cool... but I am so sorry they did not let you be a practising hoe in this one 🥀
#riyria#drumindor spoilers#sorry everyone i am about five and a half hours into the audiobook and i just reached a conversation between hadrian and arcadius#and i want to fucking jump out a window#why is mjs doing hadrian like this???? what's even his fucking point in the story if it's gonna be like this????#literally and what is hadrian? chopped liver etc etc!!!!!#someone who is also reading the book please talk to me or help me see how i am misinterpreting this#i just want hadrian to be taken seriously and be valued and i want him to actually achieve something that is not just helping royce on his#journey to becoming a better person but yeah i guess he can't even have that - the one thing they kind of let him have in the other books#i am literally becoming a worse person as i listen lol#And listening to Drumindor as a Hadrian/Royce shipper is even harder!#lol#I'm sorry everyone#I can't even make any jokes about this point you'll just have to read the book yourself and find out.#i want to adopt hadrian out of that story my god i swear there is someone who cares about you and values you#crossing my fingers that the remaining 14 hours of this book is different 🤪🤡#(at least gwen is nice to hadrian and i love that we get to see them bond/see more of their friendship#it's so jarring though bc she actually treats him as an adult#and not as an idiot)#like am i losing my mind???#was it always like this????#was it different because there were other characters around to interact with???#i want to cry because i am so frustrated lol#as i reread my tags i must say it could also be that i am projecting my struggles onto him LOL#because my life is really bad rn in a suspiciously similar manner ...#either i'm a hadrian fan bc he's just like me fr or oh god i'm literally just misinterpreting everything and its not that deep#but i want him to also get the opportunity to be that deep :( ok enough tags now sorry everyone so sorry everyone#fellow hadrian fans what do we think#enter the hivemind (the replies to this post or my inbox/messages) and let me know#and royce fans what do you think about royce in this book?
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sceletaflores ¡ 3 months ago
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slippin' and slidin' all over you!
pair: logan howlett x fem!reader
wc: 4k
contains: 18+ SMUT MDNI, swearing, sweating, mutual masturbation, sweat licking (i don't know???), not-so-dry humping, p in v, JUST THE TIP RAHHH, creampie, fingering (fem!recieving), oral sex (fem!receiving), come swapping, come eating, literally over four thousand words of pure nasty smut, this is gross lowkey, idk i'm h*rny, porn w/o plot, no use of y/n.
nat’s note: very much not the winner or even an option of the poll i posted last week but...shhh don't hate me. it’s october and over 80 every single day, what the fuck is that? only good thing that came from this heat is thoughts of nasty sweaty sex with logan. once again shoutout to my wonderful husband @ebodebo for reading this over for me (i successfully changed her vendetta against sucking up some man sweat...which was the real point of this fic tbh) go give her fics some love if you're a slut for ghost! kisses!
logan forgot to fix the ac...
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It's too hot out to be alive. 36°C and sunny.
One of the hottest days in recent memory for Alberta, and you're really feeling it.
"Remind me," you say slowly, the first words spoken in almost ten minutes. "How many times did I ask you to fix the air conditioner?"
"Don't start," Logan says from his spot across the room. His head is tipped back to rest on the couch cushion, eyes slipped shut.
You ignore him, lazily rolling your head to the side to look at him through squinted eyes, your brows furrowed in thought. "Was it ten? Or maybe thirteen?"
Logan huffs a breath, slow and heavy, but he doesn't move--doesn't even open his eyes. “I said don’t start,” he mutters again, though there’s the faintest edge of a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"Don't worry baby," you say, voice pitched lower in a terrible impersonation of Logan. "I'll get to it, promise. Won’t get too hot for another couple months."
Logan finally cracks an eye open, just enough to give you a sideways glance, his mouth twitching with amusement. "You done?"
You hum noncommittally, the sound lingering in the air like the lazy summer breeze doing nothing to cool the temperature outside. Your gaze slips down the side of his face to trace the jut of his jaw, then lower to the sweaty column of his neck. 
Both you and Logan lost most of your clothes earlier in the day, too hot to bother wearing anything but underwear. You trudged around the house like zombies until you finally gave up on trying to be productive, you both ended up in the living room. 
All the windows are cracked open, trying in vain to let in any cool air. You claimed the armchair closest to the fan, refusing to be anywhere near Logan and the massive heat wave he constantly gives off.
Logan’s on the couch, stripped down to the thinnest pair of sleep shorts you’ve ever seen. His chest is bare, glistening with a thin sheen of sweat that mats the dark hair dusted along his pecs to his skin. 
You can’t help the way your eyes follow the drops of moisture that slide slowly down the contours of his abs. A low heat starting to swirl through your gut when it disappears into his happy trail.
It's funny. When you basically peeled yourself off your mattress this morning, sex was the absolute last thing on your mind.
Now, as your eyes glide over the strong expanse of Logan's body on full display, you're having second thoughts.
Maybe it just comes with the heat. That sort of slow, syrupy feeling that slides along your overheated skin to pulse pleasantly between your thighs.
A bead of sweat slides down the length of your spine slowly, falling until it soaks into the damp waistband of your panties. You try to not notice how Logan is halfway across the room, not touching you.
You fail.
“It’s just a shame, though,” you start, fingers idly toying with the hem of your tank top. “If it was cooler, I could come over there.”
You slide a leg up, letting it rest against the wooden rest, newly exposed skin gleaming under the sunlight filtering in. 
The move isn't lost on Logan. You see his jaw clench slightly, the tiniest shift in his posture.
"Something you wanted?" Logan asks, his voice going low and teasing. "Looks like you've been gettin' yourself all worked up over there."
“Just thinking,” you reply, shifting slightly on the sticky leather of the chair.
Logan’s fingers twitch at his sides, his chest rising and falling with slow, measured breaths. His eyes slide the rest of the way open, his gaze heavy and lingering as it ventures down to where your thin shirt sticks to your skin, outlining every curve.
“Oh yeah?” he prompts, his voice a little rougher now. “Thinkin’ about what, baby?”
“You,” you say easily, fingers slipping down to your thigh. You bring your other leg up, perching it against the opposite armrest. Your thighs spread wide enough that you know Logan has a full view of the wet spot growing along the gusset of your panties.
The hitch in Logan’s breath has you stifling a smug smile, taking your bottom lip between your teeth as you watch the way his chest starts rising faster.
"That's real sweet, sugar," he drawls, an unimpressed look on his face as he drags his eyes back up to your own. "But if you're tryin' to get me over there, you're gonna have to do better than that." His voice slides through the air heavy and warm like molasses.
You bite back a grin, enjoying the slow game that's unfolding between the two of you. 
"Maybe I don’t want you to come over here," you let your fingers trail a little lower, just to the edge of your panties, teasing. “Maybe I like you right where you are.”
Logan’s brow raises, his thighs tensing before he spreads them just a touch wider. The fabric of his boxers goes taut over the strong muscle, riding up to expose even more hairy skin to your greedy eyes.
"You're playin' with fire, kid," he warns.
The tent in his shorts is obvious now, the hard length of his cock pressing against the fabric where it lays across his thigh. Your other hand twitches by your side at just the sight, your pussy throbbing with the sudden need to be filled.
"Am I?" you murmur, your fingers slipping beneath the waistband of your panties, just enough to make sure he knows exactly where this is headed. ”It’s not like you’re going to do anything about it, you’re too busy pouting."
With a deliberate slowness, you slide your fingers lower, brushing against your clit with just enough pressure to let out a soft gasp at the contact. You arch your back slightly, relishing in the way the air feels against your skin, hot and sticky.
You want him to see how badly you need him—how his heat is the only thing that could truly satisfy the insatiable ache building between your legs.
Logan's nostrils flare, jaw tightening and eyes darkening at the sight of you teasing yourself. His restraint is slipping, and you can practically feel the tension building in the room, thick and stifling like the oppressive summer heat. 
But he still doesn’t move, doesn’t rush over like you expect him to. Instead, he shifts his hips slightly, spreading his legs wider and letting his hand fall on his thigh. 
You can’t help the way your breath quickens at the sight, the way his fingers drift dangerously close to his own growing bulge, teasing you just as much as you’re teasing him. 
You tilt your head to the side, gazing at him through your lashes. “You're really just gonna leave me hanging?” you goad, fingers circling lazily around your sensitive clit. “Come on stud, whip it out.”
Logan chuckles low, a sound that sends shivers through you. "Is that what you want, baby?" he asks, voice thick and taunting, a smirk curling on his lips. “You want me to whip it out for you?”
“Yeah,” you murmur breathlessly, biting your lip as you maintain eye contact, your breath starting to come in short bursts. “I need to see you, Logan. Need to see how hard you are for me.”
“Need to, huh,” he muses slowly, fingers finally grazing over the hard length of his cock. “What’s in it for me?”
“How about this?” You slip your hand out from your ruined panties, fingers glistening with your own wetness as you hook your thumbs on either side and drag them down your legs.
You let the soaked cotton fall to the floor, leaving you completely exposed to him.
Logan’s pupils dilate, an inky black completely swallowing the warm hazel. He licks his lips slowly, the tip of his tongue running along his teeth like he wants to sink them into you. His cock twitches visibly beneath his shorts, the growing tension in the air between you thick enough to choke on.
“Fuck,” he breathes out, his voice low and gravelly, more of a growl than a word.
You smile, shifting in the chair to give him an even better view, your legs spreading wider. "Yeah?" you purr, running your fingers over your slick inner thigh, feeling the heat radiating from your own skin. “You like what you see?”
Logan swallows hard, his hand finally slipping beneath the waistband of his shorts, palming his cock as he watches you. “You know I do,” he says, voice rougher than before. 
You let your hand trail back down to your clit, rubbing it in slow, teasing circles as you hold his gaze. “Then show me, Logan,” you whisper, your voice almost a plea now. "I wanna see you."
Logan lets out a low, rumbling groan, his fingers making quick work of shoving his shorts down enough to free his cock. It springs free to slap lewdly against his stomach and you can’t help the moan that escapes your lips at the sight.
He strokes himself slowly to start, his eyes locked on you, watching your every reaction, feeding off the way your chest rises and falls in quick, shallow breaths.
"Like this?" he asks, his tone taunting as he strokes himself from base to tip, his thumb swiping over the head with a low hiss. “That what you wanted?”
Your breath catches in your throat at the sight of him, straining and in his hand. The sight of his thumb brushing over the tip of his cock sends a hot, electric pulse through your body, your hand between your legs moving in time with his slow strokes.
"Yeah," you whisper, voice trembling with need. "Just like that."
You slip your hand lower, sliding two fingers inside yourself with a low moan. Logan groans like he’s the one being touched, his hand speeds up, eyes glued to where your fingers disappear in your slick heat.
His cock leaks pre-come over his knuckles each time his fist passes over the dripping head, the wet sound of it mixing with the low hum of the fan and your own breathy sighs.
"You look so fuckin' good like this honey," Logan groans, his voice rough, strained. "All spread out, playing with that pretty pussy for me."
You whimper at his words, your body aching for more than just your own touch. You need him, need the feel of his rough hands on your skin, his mouth, his cock—anything.
Your fingers move faster, slipping deeper inside with each pump, but it’s still not enough. The stretch is nothing compared to taking Logan, to the feeling of him carving a place for his thick cock inside your pussy, hitting that spot inside you that your fingers can’t quite reach.
Your hips buck up towards your hand, your back arching off the chair as your free hand clutches the armrest tightly.
Logan’s pace quickens, his fist pumping his cock with a new urgency, heavy balls bouncing with every rough tug.
“God, look at you, such a needy fuckin’ thing” he growls, chest heaving as his gaze flicks between your flushed face and the glistening mess you’re making of yourself like he can’t decide where to look. “You want it bad, don’t you?”
"Please," you whine, desperation creeping into your voice. Too keyed up to draw this out any longer. “I need you inside me, Logan. I can’t take it anymore.”
Logan groans, a sound that rumbles deep in his chest. His hand falters slightly on his cock, squeezing hard around the base as your words push him dangerously close to the edge. His jaw clenches, eyes raking over you, and with a growl, he stands. 
The last threads of his restraint snapping.
 He crosses the room in two long strides, towering over you where you sit. His cock swollen and hard, sways between his legs with every step, glistening with pre-come that drips to the floor. His eyes, hooded and burning, drink you in as he reaches down, yanking your hand away from your slick heat.
“Thought you said it was too hot to move,” you tease breathlessly, unable to quit egging him on even when your legs start to tremble with need, spreading wider to welcome him.
Logan ignores you, tugging your hand to his lips. Your breath catches in your chest, a weak moan escaping you as he takes your soaked fingers in his mouth. His tongue swirling along your skin to taste you, his eyes never leaving yours as he does.
“Changed my mind,” he growls, strong hands rough and possessive as they drop your wrist and haul you out of the chair so he can spin around, collapsing into it with you in his lap. The wood gives a warning creak beneath you but neither of you care.
Not when his mouth is on yours, hot and demanding as he slides his tongue past the seam of your lips. The heat radiating off his body is suffocating, but you welcome it—craving the weight of him on you.
You melt against him, feeling the hard planes of his body against yours, every inch of him alive and pulsating with need. Logan’s hands find their way to your hips, fingers digging in just enough to send a rush coursing through you.
It’s intoxicating, the way he devours you, his hands exploring every inch of your back, grasping and pulling you impossibly closer. 
The hard jut of his cock presses against your thigh, a thick plane of heat that makes your pussy throb with need. You shift your hips, grinding down on him in messy circles.
“You feel that?” he growls, lips brushing against your ear. “That’s all for you, darlin’.”
“Need you,” you whimper, grinding down against him faster, desperate for the friction that sends pleasure rippling through you. “Please, Logan, I need you inside me now.”
“Hold on, baby,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky, sending sparks all up your spine.
He dips his head, capturing your lips again, while his hands roam hungrily down your sides, fingers curling around your thighs to urge your legs open wider. “You wanna tease me, you’re gonna have to get off just like this.”
Logan angles his hips so that his cock slips between your drenched folds the next time you roll your own down.
The hot, slick glide sends electric shocks of pleasure racing through you, your body responding instinctively to his touch. You gasp against his lips, fingers tangling in his hair as you push down, desperate for more.
“God, you’re so fuckin’ wet,” he growls, his voice dripping with lust as he watches your movements with hungry eyes. “Just for me, huh? She’s droolin’ just for me.”
You nod breathlessly, chasing the friction, craving the feel of him so close. You lift your hips and rock back down again, the blunt head of his cock brushing against your swollen clit, and you feel your body pulse in response. 
“More,” you plead, leaning in to nibble at his lower lip. “I need it.”
Logan pulls away, shaking his head with a wicked grin. “Come on, tough shot,” he says, giving your ass a quick smack and kneading the tender flesh in his hand roughly. “You’re gonna come like this, you can do it baby.”
You whine, dropping your chin to your chest. Your hands find his shoulders, nails digging crescent moons into the strong muscle. Your chest slips slickly against his, the front of your tank almost entirely soaked with sweat.
Yours or his, it doesn't matter. The white cotton turned transparent enough that your breasts are on full display, nipples hard and visible.
You watch a single bead of sweat make its way down the length of his throat. It trickles down and down and down until it dips between the pronounced muscles of his chest.
You duck your head, dragging your tongue up the valley of his pecs. A deep moan bursts from your lips, pussy drooling more slick over Logan’s cock at the coarse feel of his thick hair on your tongue, at the heady taste of his sweat filling your senses.
Logan groans, hands tightening their hold on your waist. The dull ache his strength leaves behind is enough to let you know that two hand shaped bruises will be blooming over your skin by tomorrow morning. 
“Come on, girly,” he encourages, nipping at the sweaty column of your throat, the sharp points of his teeth scraping along the sensitive skin deliciously. “Fuck me, give it to me good.”
Your hips speed up, his hard cock sliding through the slick folds of your cunt faster. The tip bumps against your clit deliciously with every move, smearing pre-come along the way to add even more to the mess between your legs.
“Gonna fuckin’ fill you up,” he groans, breath puffing warm and hot agasint the slick skin of your lips. “Pump you so full of my come you’ll be leakin’ for a goddamn week.”
He shifts underneath you, the tip of his cock catching on your entrance just enough for it to push inside on the next grind of your hips.
The barely there fullness has you coming with a sharp cry, nails roughly dragging down Logan’s back hard enough to leave red welts that heal as you go.
The pain mixing with the pleasure of finally getting to feel the warm, wet suction of your pussy has Logan coming with a rough shout of your name. He throws his head back, hands tightening their grip on your hips enough to have your bones grinding together as he pumps you full of his come. 
“Logan…” you mewl, your pussy fluttering over the tip of his cock, greedy little clenches like you're trying to suck him the rest of the way in. Drunk on the way his release paints your insides, how you can feel each thick spray coating your walls to claim you in the rawest way.
Logan pulls back just far enough to meet your gaze, his eyes dark and smoldering as he watches you squirm in his lap.
"You’re not tapping out on me already, are you?" he teases, his voice rough and gravelly. "I thought you were tougher than that."
A weak, breathy laugh escapes you, but it’s cut short when he applies just a little more pressure, making your thighs quiver. "Not tapping out," you manage between shallow breaths, your head falling back against the chair. "But you’re—fuck—you’re insatiable."
Logan smirks, leaning in to nip at the sensitive skin of your throat, his teeth scraping just enough to send shivers coursing through you.
"When it comes to you, baby?" he murmurs against your skin, the heat of his breath fanning over your pulse point. "Fuckin’ always."
A lazily smile takes over your lips as you tighten your core and push, the rest of Logan’s come leaking out over his fingers. Logan groans, pressing his forehead to your shoulder to try and ground himself.
His cock throbs where it sways heavily between his thighs, still hard and ready to go even after he just came. His hand slips down your body, thick fingers running through the creamy mess of come and slick to messily push it back inside you.
“Fuckin’ shit, honey,” he groans lowly, pressing his thumb to your clit. “You’re gonna kill me.” 
Before you can respond, he stands again, gently placing your trembling form back into the chair and dropping to his knees in front of you.
Your breath hitches, legs widening despite the way your pussy shakes with overstimulation, like you can’t help but spread your legs for Logan anytime he wants.
Logan smirks up at you from between your legs, his lips already ghosting over the inside of your thigh. "Look at you," he growls, voice low and filled with lust. "Still so needy."
The slick heat of his tongue runs along your folds, lapping at the mess he just made of you. You let out a sharp gasp, thighs trembling as your fingers weave into his hair, tugging him closer.
The sensation is overwhelming—the rough, demanding pace of his tongue as it swirls around your clit, teasing you, while his hands grip your thighs with bruising force. Keeping you exactly where he wants you, keeping you spread open for his tongue.
Your body arches off the chair with a loud cry, every nerve alight with raw pleasure as he feasts on you, his growls vibrating against your sensitive skin.
"Fuck! Logan," you moan breathlessly, head falling back as you try to keep up with the sensations he's pulling from you.
The heat that was pooling low in your belly reignites, stoked by the way his tongue flicks faster against your clit, each stroke sending you higher.
Logan doesn’t let up, his tongue delving deeper, drinking in every moan, every shaky gasp as he drives you closer to the edge. He moans into your pussy, his own arousal clear in the way his hips buck into the air, seeking any kind of friction.
You tug on his hair harder, desperate for more, for release. "Logan, please," you whimper, your voice barely above a whisper, thick with need.
"Atta’ girl," he rasps, his voice thick with desire as he watches your face contort with pleasure. "So fuckin’ pretty like this. You gonna give me another one, baby? Gonna come for me again?"
Every lick, every rough squeeze to your thighs, every teasing stroke sends you spiraling closer to that edge you’re dying to reach again. You can feel the heat radiating off him, his breath hot against your soaked skin and driving you wild.
“Logan, I—” You gasp, fingers tightening in his hair, urging him closer, closer, closer. “I’m so close—”
His eyes flick up to meet yours, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth, nose and jaw glistening in your juices.
"Give it to me," he growls, the rough rasp of his voice sending a shiver through your overheated body. "I wanna feel you come on my tongue."
It’s all the encouragement you need. With a strangled cry, your body tenses, thighs quaking as the orgasm crashes over you.
Logan keeps his mouth on you, tongue working you through every pulse, drawing it out until you’re trembling and gasping, your body boneless in the chair.
When you finally come down, panting and spent, Logan pulls away. With one last kiss pressed over your clit, he makes his way up your body, not dropping eye contact as he settles over you.
His hand comes up to your face, thumbs meanly hooking into either side of your cheeks to gently force your mouth open. You part your lips willingly, the heat still radiating between you, a mix of lingering pleasure.
Logan leans in, and the intoxicating scent of sweat and sex surrounds you as he spits what he collected from between your legs back into your own mouth. 
Your cheeks burn with shame, a broken moan ringing through the space between you. Your glassy eyes stare into Logan’s, his own gaze so intense and all consuming you fight the urge to squirm.
"Swallow," he commands, unwavering. 
You hesitate for just a moment, caught off guard by the pure audacity, but the way his eyes darken with hunger makes your resolve crumble. With a breathless whimper, you obey, tasting the remnants of your own pleasure mingling with his, the act both humiliating and intensely arousing.
Logan watches you closely, his gaze never straying as you swallow, a dirty smirk creeping onto his lips. “That's my girl,” he praises, his tone thick with satisfaction.
As the taste lingers on your tongue, you can feel the weight of Logan’s stare like a physical touch.
“Think you can handle another round?” he teases, his voice low and sultry. “I don’t plan on letting you off that easy, kid. Not with all that mouthing off earlier.”
You catch your breath, shaking your head in exasperation. “You’re relentless,” you whisper, a hint of laughter in your voice, though your body betrays you, already craving more.
“Only for you, baby” he replies, brushing the strands of hair plastered to your sweaty forehead behind your ear. “Only for you.”
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tags are now in the comments! if you want to get tagged for any of my works just fill out this form!
mini nat's note: i started my period today chickens...that explains it...
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6K notes ¡ View notes
tinycoffeeroom ¡ 7 months ago
Text
treat you better | carlos sainz
face claim: none ♡
request: here !
requested: Could I request a Carlos smau where another driver breaks your heart and he’s there to pick up the pieces and make you whole again? Please and thank you ❤️
cw: cheating, bad guy charles, mentions of unwell family members, cursing
a/n: charles and alex i love u guys i promise this is just for the au <3
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November
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👤 charles_leclerc liked by fan, fan, and 78,283 others
f1gossip Trouble in paradise for Charles and Y/N? Charles Leclerc was spotted on a long walk on one of Monaco's more secluded islands with a mysterious brunette and his and Y/N's dog, Leo, this weekend. Sources say the pair were often looking to see if there were cameras around, the two of them giggling as they held hands and played with the puppy. Y/N L/N, Charles girlfriend of 2 years, is currently said to be on a trip home to see family, we wonder if the two have broken up or if Charles is back to his old ways?
fan f1gossip tagging charles is so shady i love it
fan when i catch you charles
fan no bc remember when a fan said they met y/n in her hometown and she was visiting her gran bc she's not doing too good? charles u fuckin suck bro ↳ fan wtf really???? oh i hope his tyres stick to the road next race ↳ fan kmag you know what you need to do ↳ fan we put our hopes and prayers in the paddock terror 🙏🙏
fan ok but the girls gorgeous ↳ fan THAT'S YOUR TAKEAWAY FROM THIS? ↳ fan im just saying damn
fan this is not what i meant when i said i wanted silly season to get more interesting
fan *looks around* wow i'm so surprised... not like charles has a bad rep with women or anything
fan i hope y/ns ok... my heart is hurting for her ↳ fan the paddock adore her, charles has got a big storm coming next week
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liked by kellypiquet, carmenmmundt and 25 others
y/npriv my gran is doing so much better (nothing can keep the old girl down), my hometown is still as gorgeous as always and my sister got me a cake :)
kellypiquet my girl :((( i'm so happy your grans ok 🤍 ↳ y/npriv thank u kelly bear 🤍 ↳ kellypiquet did i have to physically hold max back from going after he who shall not be named?? yes... did i consider letting go?? very much so ↳ y/npriv 😭😭 hes not voldemort babe 😭 you should have just let him go ↳ kellypiquet now is that really how you feel? ↳ y/npriv ... no but i wish i did ↳ maxverstappen1 she has to go to sleep at some point, then i shall be free ↳ y/npriv thats so ominous you strange creature (i appreciate you)
carmenmmundt me and george have been keeping your gran in our prayers angel 🩷 ↳ y/npriv i love you carm 🩷 ↳ georgerussell63 and me? ↳ y/npriv i tolerate you :)
flavy.barla esteban nearly joined max ↳ y/npriv love him dearly but este's about as intimidating as a teddy bear ↳ estebanocon ?? hey??? ↳ y/npriv sorry king xo there's a reason your nicknames estie bestie ↳ estebanocon let it DIEEEEE ↳ y/npriv never 🫶
schecoperez I am glad your gran is ok, y/n. Let me or Carola know if you need anything x ↳ y/npriv thank you checo :( give the little ones and carola a big hug from me x ♥️ schecoperez
lilyzneimer he shall d word at my hands ↳ y/npriv i fuckin love you lily
lewishamilton he will never know peace next year. ↳ lewishamilton i am however happy to hear your gran is well x ↳ y/npriv lewis 😭 thank you x
francisca.c.gomes pierre has been shouting at Him on the phone for like an hour... ↳ y/npriv 😭 ... what are they saying ↳ francisca.c.gomes a lot of french and things i don't want delicate eyes (yuki) to read... ↳ y/npriv pierre i appreciate you ↳ pierregasly i'm gonna kill him ↳ y/npriv ok maybe tone it down frenchie
lilymhe alex is setting his zoo on him ↳ y/npriv that's how you know it's serious wow ↳ alex_albon tinky's gonna boot him in the head
sebastianvettel i am very glad to hear your gran is ok, y/n, sending her and you all my love x ↳ y/npriv thank you seb :( miss you x ↳ sebastianvettel come and see us soon! the kids miss you x ↳ y/npriv you got it! x
danielricciardo he's a cunt ↳ danielricciardo and i don't mean that in a nice aussie way ↳ y/npriv DANIEL ↳ oscarpiastri no he's right, in the nasty aussie way, he's a cunt ↳ y/npriv oscar i did not raise you to talk like this ↳ oscarpiastri we are literally like 4 years apart in age... ↳ y/npriv kicking a girl when she's down WOW oscar ↳ oscarpiastri ... i am sorry mother dearest ↳ y/npriv that's better
carlossainz55 hermosa, he may be il predestinato but to me he is carne morta (dead meat) ↳ y/npriv carlos 😭 ↳ carlossainz55 also i'm glad to know your gran is well, send her my love ↳ y/npriv she already fancies you enough as it is ↳ carlossainz55 my plan is working :) ↳ y/npriv what plan? are you seducing my family members??? hiding my mum as we speak ↳ carlossainz55 something like that ;)
yukitsunoda0511 happy to see your gran is ok! and i am sorry about the other thing :((((( ↳ y/npriv yuki my angel you have nothing to be sorry about
kevinmagnussen i know what i have to do ↳ y/npriv kevin NO you're like 2 points away from a race ban!! ↳ kevinmagnussen worth it :) ↳ y/npriv nicohulkenburg pls talk some sense into your teammate ↳ nicohulkenburg unfortunately y/n i too will be joining kevin in his "defense" ↳ y/npriv haas i am so sorry
landonorris i may have done a thing... ↳ y/npriv i am terrified... ↳ landonorris i'll text you :)
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📍Monaco
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👤 landonorris, carlossainz55, francisca.c.gomes, kellypiquet, lilymhe, lilynzeimer, flavy.barla, carmenmmundt liked by carlossainz55, landonorris and 87,902 others
y/nstagram angel baby, dumb and dumber and my girls 🩷
Comments on this post have been limited
carlossainz55 ... am i dumb or dumber ↳ y/nstagram do you really want to know? 🤨 ↳ carlossainz55 for my own sanity im saying i'm dumb ↳ landonorris why am i dumber????? ↳ carlossainz55 do you really want to know? 🤨
carmenmmundt don't forget about lunch today xx ↳ y/nstagram been looking forward to it since i boarded the plane 🫶
landonorris you're welcome for the lift and the room btw 🙄 ↳ y/nstagram my saviour xx ↳ landonorris and for stealing leo for you ↳ y/nstagram I NEVER ASKED YOU TO STEAL HIM???? 😭 ↳ landonorris well i did because i'm an amazing friend and am willing to sacrifice all my bloody furniture ↳ y/nstagram you leave the baby alone, he was probably stressed :(
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FEBRUARY
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(estrellita - little star) (uy, quĂŠcarechimba - ugh, that dickhead)
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📍Shanghai
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👤 carlossainz55, landonorris liked by carlossainz55, landonorris and 89,028 others
y/nstagram did y'all think i would miss the first race week?? ft dumber and roomie x
fan mother has returned!!!!! ♥️ y/nstagram
fan if looks could kill, carlos would be six feet under ... charles was FUMING ↳ fan given the way his girly hid when y/n appeared i would say he has no right to be mad at all ↳ fan if the girl i cheated on rocked up to my teammates garage whilst i was with my side piece i quite frankly would walk onto the track midrace ↳ fan how do we know charles cheated? they've not said anything ↳ fan exactly. if they had been broken up surely they would have put out some sort of announcement to clear things up ????
scuderiaferrari always good to see you in red, y/n ❤️ ↳ y/nstagram FORZA FERRARI SEMPRE!!!!!! 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
carlossainz55 i hate this new nickname ↳ y/nstagram what else should i call you? ↳ carlossainz55 yours ↳ fan CARLOS I SAW THAT????????
landonorris i have been demoted from bestie to roomie... this is the thanks i get... ↳ y/nstagram thanks roomie xx btw bins go out on tuesday :)
lewishamilton now you're free of your ferrari obligations, you should come across to mercedes next time ;) ↳ mercedesamgf1 we would love to see you over here y/n! ↳ mclaren um no us next?? ↳ alpinef1team no us!!! ↳ redbullracing come to the winning team :) ↳ scuderiaferrari y/n will always be a ferrari girl, back OFF 🤺🤺🤺 ♥️ carlossainz55
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charles_leclerc added y/nstagram added to their story to their story
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liked by maxverstappen1, carlossainz55 and 20 others
y/npriv that bitchass man... idk how he thought he was gonna spin that story but not on my watch
oscarpiastri did you really have to use my meme though? ↳ y/npriv yes it was funny and otherwise i was gonna call him a cheating lying bastard on main so 🤷🏻‍♀️ ↳ oscarpiastri understandable, please continue
danielricciardo lando was laughing so hard i think he bust a rib ↳ landonorris it still hurts to breathe but holy shit y/n i love u ↳ y/npriv love u too stink :) also don't forget to pick up leo's food from the shops ↳ landonorris you do know you can text me this stuff? ↳ y/npriv yeah but reminding everyone we're roomies is funny to me
maxverstappen1 walked past ferrari hospitality and fred was PISSED ↳ y/npriv 👀👀 carlossainz55 can you confirm? ↳ carlossainz55 oh, absolutely... i was worried he was going to have a heart attack or something
francisca.c.gomes ok but did he not even think to talk to you first before posting that? it's literally been months ↳ y/npriv apparently not 🙃 texted him about it and suddenly he was sorry ↳ francisca.c.gomes men 🙄 ↳ pierregasly ???? ↳ francisca.c.gomes i stand by what i said ↳ y/npriv yeah is there a problem gasly? ↳ pierregasly no problem at all ma'am, as you were
scuderiaferrari we had no knowledge charles was going to post that. we love you y/n ↳ danielricciardo FERRARI? why are you on y/ns priv? ↳ y/npriv me and the social media intern are besties xx
carlossainz55 estrellita, lets go for dinner, you deserve it ↳ y/npriv 👀 are you paying? ↳ carlossainz55 of course, i am a gentleman ↳ y/npriv pick me up in an hour :)
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liked by fan, fan and 40,718 others
f1gossip Carlos Sainz and Y/N L/N were spotted at dinner last night. The two enjoyed a meal before taking a stroll along the Monaco pier front where, as pictured, the pair were in high spirits. We're happy to see Y/N looking so happy following the revelation that her ex-boyfriend, and Carlos' current F1 teammate, had cheated on her. The two were then joined by Y/N's current roommate and F1 driver, Lando Norris, who then whisked them off to a local nightclub. We continue to send Y/N our support and hope to see more of her happy side.
fan i don't think i've ever seen y/n laugh like that, we love to see it
fan this coupled with the photos of charles and his girly arguing in the paddock 🤭🤭 we know who won the breakup
fan why do i kinda think carlos and y/n would be cute together ↳ fan woah, she's only been broken up with charles for a few months and under really shitty circumstances, she needs time to heal ↳ fan ofc ofc!!! i just mean when she's over ch*rles, the two would make a really good couple
fan happy y/n and happy carlos, my two favourite things ❤️
fan y/ncarlos fans we rise!!! ↳ fan he would treat her so right ↳ fan the entire time she dated That Man, carlos has always been so nice to her, i wonder if he secretly fancied her all along 👀 ↳ fan or maybe he's just a good guy ↳ fan that too 🤷🏻‍♀️
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APRIL
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📍 Australia
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liked by y/nstagram, landonorris and 890,274 others
carlossainz55 swipe across to see me and oomf Another Carlando podium! We know what you guys wanna see and we love to deliver! The car drove like a dream today, shame we couldn't get more points but it's always nice to celebrate a great race with some champagne showers!
See 98,072 other comments
fan WHO TAUGHT CARLOS WHAT OOMF WAS??? ↳ fan either lando or y/n 100% 😭
fan CARLANDO PODIUM!!!!!!!!! WE DREAM OF DAYS LIKE THIS
y/nstagram FORZA FERRARI SEMPRE !!! 🐎🐎🐎🐎 congrats winner 🥳 ↳ carlossainz55 i think i was right when i said you would be my good luck charm 😉 ♥️ y/nstagram ↳ fan oh they're so sick for this ↳ fan y/ncarlos'ers we're so winning
charles_leclerc congrats ↳ fan ik for a fact he was forced to comment
landonorris carlando are back baby!! ↳ landonorris also cant believe im either oomf or roomie... ↳ y/nstagram stop leaving your smelly socks in the bathroom and maybe i'll change the nickname ↳ landonorris oh that was mean
fan "shame we couldn't get more points" carlos you shady shady man
fan who else cheered when kmag pulled through and took * out of the race
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liked by carlossainz55, francisca.c.gomes and 21 others
y/npriv oh we eating good tonight
kellypiquet i'm sure we are 👀 ↳ y/npriv KELLY???
landonorris carlos is so sexy ↳ y/npriv real ↳ landonorris back off my man??? ↳ carlossainz55 i'm gonna hold your hand when i say this lando... ↳ landonorris WOOOOOOW.... i see how it is carlos
carlossainz55 gorgeous as always ↳ y/npriv you can't even see my face in that photo carlos 🤣 ↳ carlossainz55 don't need to see you to know you're gorgeous ↳ maxverstappen1 i hate to say it but that was smooth ↳ danielricciardo they don't call him the smooth operator for no reason
scuderiaferrari power (soon to be (fingers crossed)) couple ↳ carlossainz55 😉 ↳ y/npriv not from the main acc damn
francisca.c.gomes need you biblically ↳ y/npriv come here then babe xx ↳ flavy.barla lemme join ↳ y/npriv i got two hands babygirl ↳ oscarpiastri estebanocon pierregasly you gonna let her snatch both your girls? ↳ estebanocon unfortunately there was a clause when they agreed to date us and it was that y/n is wifey, we are simply the Others ↳ pierregasly ^^
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liked by carlossainz55, lilymhe and 25 others
y/npriv decided to put him out of his misery :)
carlossainz55 and who is that sexy man? ↳ y/npriv idk but he keeps speaking spanish to me even though he knows i dont understand it 🙄 ↳ carlossainz55 but do you like it? 👀 ↳ y/npriv i think you know i do x
francisca.c.gomes AND YOU DIDNT UPDATE THE GROUPCHAT??????? ↳ lilymhe FR!!!! I LITERALLY SAID TELL US AFTER YOU KISS HIM ↳ y/npriv SHUT UP RN ↳ carlossainz55 no do go on ↳ lilymhe what happens in the y/n gf's gc, stays in the y/n gf's gc
carlossainz55 estás muy guapa, vuelve a la cama cariño ❤️ (you look so pretty, come back to bed sweetheart) ↳ maxverstappen1 we have the translate function on ig you horndog ↳ y/npriv don't be mad i snatched ur man ↳ maxverstappen1 ... he'll never forget the redbull days
landonorris RUE WHEN WAS THIS?????? ↳ y/npriv hiiiii lando... um so.... 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️ ↳ landonorris GET BACK HERE U RAT EXPLAIN YOURSELF ↳ landonorris carlossainz55 WHAT ARE U DOING WITH MY ROOMIE ???? ↳ carlossainz55 i mean i could tell you but instagram does have guidelines ↳ landonorris ew ew ew that's so gross i dont even wanna know ↳ landonorris happy for you guys or whatever but ew never tell me anything remotely sexual about y/n or i will vom ↳ y/npriv lando wtf???? ↳ landonorris you're like my annoying sister i'd have to remove my skinsuit if carlos opens his fat mouth ↳ carlossainz55 hey? ↳ y/npriv you're so fuckin weird ily
danielricciardo HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES!!!! ↳ carlossainz55 you were right, they don't call me the smooth operator for no reason ↳ y/npriv you were literally giggling and kicking your feet after i kissed you ↳ carlossainz55 y/n :(((( my reputation :((((((
lilyzneimer wait do was taking the photos? ↳ y/npriv ... self timer ↳ lilyzneimer down horrifically bad wow
scuderiaferrari OH Y/NCARLOS'ERS WE WON!!!!! ↳ y/npriv admin 😭 not u too ↳ scuderiaferrari not even sorry i've been WAITING for this one!!!
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liked by francisca.c.gomes, fan and 30,892 others
f1gossip A surprise twist in the Charles and Y/N drama? Following Sainz's back to back victory in Australia and then Silverstone, Y/N and Carlos shared what looks like a loving kiss. Eagle eyed fans then spotted Charles on camera arguing with a Ferrari employee in the garages following the Y/NCarlos moment. Finally, Carlos was spotted outside where he was soon joined by Y/N, the two leaving the circuit hand in hand. It is noted Charles' new beau was nowhere to be seen.
fan Y/NCARLOS'ERS WE SO WON!!!! ♥️ 10,829 others
fan she upgraded wowow
fan charles throwing a hissy fit was so funny i was cackling watching it
fan kika in the likes... what do you know queen? ♥️ francisca.c.gomes
user not her being a homie hopper 🤢 ↳ carlossainz55 can't be a homie hopper if we're not homies :) ↳ fan CARLOS????? ↳ fan oh he ate them up ↳ fan carlos has not been fucking with ch*rles for a WHILE, even before all the drama
fan y/n's face... she looked so happy my heart is so full ❤️
fan queen y/n we trust your judgement
fan ik the entire grid is cheering rn
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📍 England
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liked by carlossainz55, landonorris and 105,018 others
y/nstagram carlando podium again!!! anything else interesting happen at Silverstone? :)
fan the carlando bears 😭 her boyfriend(?) and bestie 😭 ↳ landonorris roomie* ↳ y/nstagram you love me shut up
fan she's so unbothered im giggling
francisca.c.gomes the last slide... ↳ y/nstagram don't worry baby, he was just dropping me off for our date x ↳ carlossainz55 all i am to you is a glorified taxi driver
landonorris couldn't even post a photo of me for my podium... see how it is ↳ y/nstagram don't want your ugly mug messing up my feed ↳ y/nstagram also grey bin needs to go out on tuesday ↳ landonorris you're on bin duty this week? ↳ y/nstagram actually i'm gonna be on a boat in spain soooo ↳ landonorris i hope y'all break up ↳ fan LANDO ? ↳ y/nstagram he's joking dw he did the whole "big brother" speech with carlos, was kinda funny knowing carlos would flatten him in 2 seconds flat ↳ landonorris oh now i really hope y'all break up
fan y/n please we know you have bf carlos pics... i only ask for one thing ↳ y/nstagram i'll post some soon x ↳ fan the most unserious soft/hard launch
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👤 carlossainz55 liked by carlossainz55, lilyzneimer and 98,017 others
y/nstagram my boyfriends so hot, do you guys mind if i chew on him a lil?
carlossainz55 please don't chew me??? ↳ y/nstagram it's internet sla- never mind, ok mr sainz
fan her captions are always so real i love her
fan unhinged y/n is back, we missed you best friend ♥️ y/nstagram
scuderiaferrari HARD LAUNCH HARD LAUNCH HARD LAUNCH LETS GO Y/NCARLOS'ERS!!!! ↳ y/nstagram i love u admin ❤️ ↳ scuderiaferrari our ferrari girl, forever ❤️
landonorris i hate this ↳ fan your ex and your roomie 😔 ↳ landonorris you get it 😔 ↳ carlossainz55 stop calling me your ex 🙄 ↳ landonorris you dare deny the love we shared?
francisca.c.gomes never mind him, can i chew on you a lil? ↳ kellypiquet ^ ↳ lilymhe ^ ↳ lilyzneimer ^ ↳ flavy.barla ^ ↳ carmenmmundt ^ ↳ y/nstagram everyone grab a limb x ↳ carlossainz55 please don't chew my girlfriend
fan thank you for the pic y/n! sorry for interrupting your holiday 🥺 ↳ y/nstagram don't be silly!! it was lovely to meet you <333 dont forget to send me the link to the dress!! ↳ fan on it!! ↳ fan omg how was it meeting them? ↳ fan they're honestly so sweet, they were just holding hands and walking around and carlos was yapping away and the way y/n was looking at him 🥺 they're endgame fr ↳ fan could actually cry?? ↳ fan also when they were on the beach, carlos twirled her around and they started dancing to the music playing from a nearby bar... it was actually like a movie scene 😭😭
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👤 y/nstagram liked by y/nstagram, scuderiaferrari and 505,287 others
carlossainz55 dicen que ver una estrella fugaz da buena suerte, y tenían razón, mi estrellita ❤️ (they say seeing a shooting star is good luck, and they were right, my little star)
See 198,017 other comments
francisca.c.gomes that first picture... i love my girlfriend ↳ carlossainz55 can't even have peace on my own hard launch ↳ francisca.c.gomes you snatched y/n from her girlfriends, you will never know peace.
fan he bagged a baddie wowow
fan the caption??? oh hes in LOVE ♥️ carlossainz55
y/nstagram 🥺 carlos..i'm so grateful to have you in my life ❤️ ↳ carlossainz55 i am the one who's grateful ❤️
scuderiaferrari heyyy y/n *with rizz* ↳ carlossainz55 even my own teams admin wow... ↳ scuderiaferrari not my fault your girlfriends hot
user homie hopper ↳ carlossainz55 eat glass :) ↳ y/nstagram CARLOS ↳ scuderiaferrari we love that you're happy but please carlos this is still your official account
lilymhe y/n i could treat you so much better ↳ carlossainz55 back off i've waited years for this ↳ y/nstagram YEARS??? ↳ carlossainz55... 🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♂️ ↳ y/nstagram you're literally sat right next to me ... ↳ y/nstagram he just got up and ran away... ↳ fan this is so fucking funny sddjsdhdk ↳ landonorris danielricciardo what was that about him being a smooth operator? ↳ danielricciardo hes also fucking dumb
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a/n: hope everyone enjoys! i am working hard on part 2 of girlfriend of the enemy so we can have some happy charles <3 also 2-3 posts in one week who AM I? (i'm gonna be busy w work so i'm trying to give u guys some food in case i have to disappear)
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yuujispinkhair ¡ 22 days ago
Text
Boxer!Sukuna Part 2 - Becoming a Dad
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I got this lovely ask about how Boxer!Sukuna would react if Reader got pregnant, and I wanted to write a little something for it. Thank you so much for sending me that.
You can read Part 1 of my Boxer!Sukuna headcanons here
Pairing: Boxer!Sukuna x Reader (female) Genre: fluff Word Count: 1.8k Warnings: 18+, fluff + mentions of smut. Pregnancy, mentions of boxing injuries, modern AU. Sukuna + Reader are engaged. You can read Part 1 for more general headcanons about Boxer!Sukuna, and his and Reader's relationship. But you don't need Part 1 to understand Part 2. Minors don't interact. Divider @/benkeibear
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++ Boxer!Sukuna feels as if one of his opponents punched him in the guts when you place the positive pregnancy test in his lap and look at him with big, worried eyes. He catches himself quickly, though, when he sees how anxious you are, and pulls you on his lap, and wraps you in his strong arms. One large hand cups your head and cradles it against Sukuna's broad chest. "Hey, princess. It's ok. You hear me, sweetheart? Everything is fine."
++ Boxer!Sukuna sure as hell won't let you be scared. He is man enough to comfort you when you need it, even though he is probably just as nervous as you are. If you listen closely, you can hear how fast his heart is beating, but Sukuna makes sure to distract you from that by pressing his lips against your temple and murmuring reassurance to you, followed by little kisses.
++ Boxer!Sukuna never thought he would have kids. But he also never thought he would find love. But you changed him. You taught him love. So he thinks that you can also teach him how to be a dad. And the thought of having a baby with you fills him with such warmth and pride that he just knows he wants this and will make it work.
++ Boxer!Sukuna's low voice is as sure and confident as ever when he tells you, "Take your time to decide what you want. I will be with you on every path you choose. I love you. I'm your man, always. I couldn't imagine having a screaming little brat with anyone else. But with you? Yeah, absolutely. And if you make me a daddy, then I will make damn sure to be a good one. I want to have that baby with you."
++ Boxer!Sukuna can't help but smile when you press your face into his defined pecs and tell him that you are scared but that you want to have a baby with him, too.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is already your fiancĂŠ anyway, but if he hadn't already asked you to marry him, he would have done so right now after finding out you carry his baby under your heart.
++ Boxer!Sukuna places a large hand on your belly, his long fingers sprawling gently over it. It's astounding that a strong, rough man like him can touch someone this tenderly. It surprises him, too, and he laughs softly, already knowing he will be such a menace during your pregnancy. Super protective and always taking the best care of his soon-to-be wife and mommy of his little brat.
++ Boxer!Sukuna catches himself being more careful in the ring as your pregnancy progresses. He used to let his opponents land a few hard punches to rile him up and give the crowd a good show. But now he doesn't want to risk an injury. He is going to be a dad soon. He will have such a big responsibility. He cannot afford to get injured and land himself in the hospital for several weeks, or worse, have a lifelong injury that keeps him from being the husband and father he wants to be.
++ Boxer!Sukuna changes his tactic, dropping the playful show and instead ending his fights earlier with merciless, hard punches, which are aimed precisely. The fans are still cheering like crazy and happy about the show he gives them when Sukuna wins every fight with a knockout.
++ Boxer!Sukuna feels even more motivated now that you are having his baby. He wants to win the championship and that new advertising deal with that big clothing line. The one he has turned down for years because he thought it was stupid. But now he will say yes because he wants to get more money so he can assure his beautiful wife and baby will always have a good life and never have to worry about money at all.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is a busy man with all the long hours he has to invest in training and in the preparation for his fights. But he always tells his personal assistant, Uraume, to make time in his busy schedule for your doctor appointments during the pregnancy. He wants to be by your side. Wants to drive you there and make sure you get there safely. He wants to hold your hand while the two of you look at the ultrasound of your tiny baby, letting you know that Sukuna will keep his word.
++ Boxer!Sukuna has always been a very caring boyfriend/fiancĂŠ, and now he is an even more caring husband and soon-to-be daddy. Seeing you with your big baby bump makes him want to wrap you in his strong arms at all times, ensuring you are safe and taken care of.
++ Boxer!Sukuna loves bonding with you and your baby that’s growing inside you. You laugh and tease him for being so clingy, but he knows you love it. Sukuna loves showering with you, standing behind you, so much taller than you, letting you lean against his strong body while he wraps his arms around you, holding you safely in his embrace, making sure you won't slip. His large hands sprawl over your swollen belly while his lips trail kisses from your neck to your shoulders, and he grins anytime he feels his little baby kick strongly against mommy's belly and daddy's hand.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is extremely protective of you and his little daughter once she is born. No pictures are allowed. The paparazzi don't even dare come to your street. They try it once when you get out of the hospital with your newborn baby, but Sukuna scares them off by punching one of them. He has a mad grin on his tattooed face, sneering at that guy and telling him, "If you or any of your colleagues come near my wife or child, I will do the same thing again, but this time I'll make sure to knock out some of your teeth."
++ Boxer!Sukuna has won so many fights, so many titles and yet nothing touched him like holding his little girl in his strong, tattooed arms, gently swaying her from side to side at 3 am, after Sukuna rolled over in bed and kissed your naked shoulder, telling you to get some more sleep, "I will take care of the little princess." And now he is gazing down at this tiny little baby. His and your baby. And somehow, his vision is so blurry, and his eyes feel so weirdly moist.
++ Boxer!Sukuna smiles, a real smile, as he blinks the tears that almost welled up away and tells his little daughter, "You are the most perfect baby ever, little one. Not like all those ugly brats I see everywhere." He laughs to himself, low and raspy, just when you come out of the bedroom, rolling your eyes as you walk up to him with a matching laugh falling from your lips. You get on your tiptoes to kiss the tattoos on Sukuna's cheek and tell him he is the worst, with a voice full of love, and Sukuna thinks he is the luckiest guy ever.
++ Boxer!Sukuna wraps one strong arm around you and pulls you against his tall, muscular body, hugging you gently while he carries your little baby in his other arm. Holding both of his girls, grinning because he knows this here is the best thing he ever had. Better than any title he has ever won and will ever win.
++ Boxer!Sukuna still needs you to kiss his boxing gloves before each fight. But now he also added a new ritual. Brushing over the soft hair of his little daughter with his boxing gloves before he leans down to press a kiss on her little forehead and tell her, "Daddy will win this fight. For you and mommy."
++ Boxer!Sukuna is mature enough to know that a boxing arena isn't the right place for a baby, so he would never ask you to sit in your usual spot but rather have you backstage, cuddling your daughter while you watch his fight on the screen without all the loud noises and the riled up atmosphere. But on the evenings, when you have a babysitter and you can sit in front of the boxing ring, Sukuna fights extra well, spurred on by the knowledge that you are there. Just like he fucks you extra good in his private locker room afterward, taking you hard and rough against the wall, loving that he and you can be as loud as you want here, making sure you squeal his name over and over again like a prayer.
++ Boxer!Sukuna still takes you on dinner dates on those nights when you have someone who looks after your daughter. Because he wants the two of you to always stay lovers, too, and not just mommy and daddy. He makes sure to savor those dates thoroughly, flirting with you, leaning across the table to kiss you and whisper dirty things in your ear, or complimenting you on how beautiful you look. He makes sure to not just fuck you all riled up after a fight but also make sweet slow love to you, telling you to look deeply into his maroon eyes as he rolls his hips against yours and lets you feel every inch of his long and thick cock.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is very passionate about his boxing career, but his little family always comes first. When you are sick, he cancels a big fight just so he can stay home and look after you and your daughter, and somehow, it makes him become even more popular because suddenly, the big, bad boxing champion seems a lot more human to everyone.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is adamant about teaching his little girl how to fight, just like her daddy. She gets her first boxing gloves on her third birthday. Pink ones with Hello Kitty on them, and Sukuna proudly shows her how to punch the little punching bag he bought for her and installed in the living room.
++ Boxer!Sukuna never wants his daughter to actually follow in his footsteps and become a boxer because he knows he won't be able to stand in front of the ring and watch his little princess get hit. But he is so proud of her when she punches her little punching bag.
++ Boxer!Sukuna tells his little girl to fight him, grinning his boyish grin as he circles around the living room doing a "boxing match" against his little one. He lets her land several punches on his abs, and Sukuna groans dramatically and sinks to his knees before he lets himself fall onto his side and lie there, holding back his laughter while you count to ten and declare your giggling daughter the winner.
++ Boxer!Sukuna is such a successful and feared boxer, always living up to his stage name, The King of Curses. So strong and intelligent, seemingly unbeatable. But the two of you are his big weakness. You brought Sukuna to his knees, and he loves every second of it.
Boxer!Sukuna never thought he would be a dad, but now that he is one, he can't even imagine how life was before the three of you became a family. His little family will always be his safe haven. His retreat after all the exhausting time in the boxing ring and in front of all those flashing cameras. This here is truly all he needs. His two girls. The two loves of his life. No matter how many titles Sukuna wins, the titles he will always be the most proud of are husband and daddy.
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IT WAS SO NICE AND COMFORTING TO WRITE THIS 💗💗 He makes me so lovesick!! What a man!!
I hope this little story could give you comfort, too. Comments and reblogs would be very sweet 💗
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mollyrealized ¡ 11 months ago
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How Michael Met Neil
original direct link [MP3]
(Neil, if you see this, please feel free to grab the transcript and store on your site; I had no easy way of contacting you.)
DAVID TENNANT: Tell me about @neil-gaiman then, because he's in that category [previously: “such a profound effect on my life”] as well.
MICHAEL SHEEN: So this is what has brought us together.
DAVID: Yes.
MICHAEL: To the new love story for the 21st century.
DAVID: Exactly.
MICHAEL: So when I went to drama school, there was a guy called Gary Turner in my year. And within the first few weeks, we were doing something, having a drink or whatever. And he said to me, “Do you read comic books?”
And I said, “No.”  I mean, this is … what … '88?  '88, '89.  So it was … now I know that it was a period of time that was a big change, transformation going through comic books.  Rather than it being thought of as just superheroes and Batman and Superman, there was this whole new era of a generation of writers like Grant Morrison.
DAVID: The kids who'd grown up reading comic books were now making comic books
MICHAEL: Yeah, yeah, and starting to address different kinds of subjects through the comic book medium. So it wasn't about just superheroes, it was all kinds of stuff going on – really fascinating stuff. And I was totally unaware of this.
And so this guy Gary said to me, "Do you read them?" And I said, "No."  And he went, "Right, okay, here's The Watchman [sic] by Alan Moore. Here's Swamp Thing. Here's Hellblazer. And here's Sandman.”
And Sandman was Neil Gaiman's big series that put his name on the map. And I read all those, and, just – I was blown away by all of them, but particularly the Sandman stories, because he was drawing on mythology, which was something I was really interested in, and fairy tales, folklore, and philosophy, and Shakespeare, and all kinds of stuff were being mixed up in this story.  And I absolutely loved it.
So I became a big fan of Neil's, and started reading everything by him. And then fairly shortly after that, within six months to a year, Good Omens the book came out, which Neil wrote with Terry Pratchett. And so I got the book – because I was obviously a big fan of Neil's by this point – read it, loved it, then started reading Terry Pratchett’s stuff as well, because I didn't know his stuff before then – and then spent years and years and years just being a huge fan of both of them.
And then eventually when – I'd done films like the Underworld films and doing Twilight films. And I think it was one of the Twilight films, there was a lot of very snooty interviews that happened where people who considered themselves well above talking about things like Twilight were having to interview me … and, weirdly, coming at it from the attitude of 'clearly this is below you as well' … weirdly thinking I'm gonna go, 'Yeah, fucking Twilight.”
And I just used to go, "You know what? Some of the greatest writing of the last 50-100 years has happened in science fiction or fantasy."  Philip K Dick is one of my favorite writers of all time. In fact, the production of Hamlet I did was mainly influenced by Philip K Dick.  Ursula K. Le Guin and Asimov, and all these amazing people. And I talked about Neil as well. And so I went off on a bit of a rant in this interview.
Anyway, the interview came out about six months later, maybe.  Knock on the door, open the door, delivery of a big box. That’s interesting. Open the box, there's a card at the top of the box. I open the card.
It says, From one fan to another, Neil Gaiman.  And inside the box are first editions of Neil's stuff, and all kinds of interesting things by Neil. And he just sent this stuff.
DAVID: You'd never met him?
MICHAEL: Never met him. He'd read the interview, or someone had let him know about this interview where I'd sung his praises and stood up for him and the people who work within that sort of genre as being like …
And he just got in touch. We met up for the first time when he came to – I was in Los Angeles at the time, and he came to LA.  And he said, "I'll take you for a meal."
I said, “All right.”
He said, "Do you want to go somewhere posh, or somewhere interesting?”
I said, "Let's go somewhere interesting."
He said, "Right, I'm going to take you to this restaurant called The Hump." And it's at Santa Monica Airport. And it's a sushi restaurant.
I was like, “Right, okay.” So I had a Mini at the time. And we get in my Mini and we drive off to Santa Monica Airport. And this restaurant was right on the tarmac, like, you could sit in the restaurant (there's nobody else there when we got there, we got there quite early) and you're watching the planes landing on Santa Monica Airport. It's extraordinary. 
And the chef comes out and Neil says, "Just bring us whatever you want. Chef's choice."
So, I'd never really eaten sushi before. So we sit there; we had this incredible meal where they keep bringing these dishes out and they say, “This is [blah, blah, blah]. Just use a little bit of soy sauce or whatever.”  You know, “This is eel.  This is [blah].”
And then there was this one dish where they brought out and they didn't say what it was. It was like “mystery dish”, we had it ... delicious. Anyway, a few more people started coming into the restaurant as time went on.
And we're sort of getting near the end, and I said, "Neil, I can't eat anymore. I'm gonna have to stop now. This is great, but I can't eat–"
"Right, okay. We'll ask for the bill in a minute."
And then the door opens and some very official people come in. And it was the Feds. And the Feds came in, and we knew they were because they had jackets on that said they were part of the Federal Bureau of Whatever. And about six of them come in. Two of them go … one goes behind the counter, two go into the kitchen, one goes to the back. They've all got like guns on and stuff.
And me and Neil are like, "What on Earth is going on?"
And then eventually one guy goes, "Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven't ordered already, please leave. If you're still eating your meal, please finish up, pay your bill, leave."*
[* - delivered in a perfect American ‘serious law agent’ accent/impression]
And we were like, "Oh my God, are we poisoned? Is there some terrible thing that's happened?"  
We'd finished, so we pay our bill.  And then all the kitchen staff are brought out. And the head chef is there. The guy who's been bringing us this food. And he's in tears. And he says to Neil, "I'm so sorry." He apologizes to Neil.  And we leave. We have no idea what happened.
DAVID: But you're assuming it's the mystery dish.
MICHAEL: Well, we're assuming that we can't be going to – we can't be –  it can't be poisonous. You know what I mean? It can't be that there's terrible, terrible things.
So the next day was the Oscars, which is why Neil was in town. Because Coraline had been nominated for an Oscar. Best documentary that year was won by The Cove, which was by a team of people who had come across dolphins being killed, I think.
Turns out, what was happening at this restaurant was that they were having illegal endangered species flown in to the airport, and then being brought around the back of the restaurant into the kitchen.
We had eaten whale – endangered species whale. That was the mystery dish that they didn't say what it was.
And the team behind The Cove were behind this sting, and they took them down that night whilst we were there.
DAVID: That’s extraordinary.
MICHAEL: And we didn't find this out for months.  So for months, me and Neil were like, "Have you worked anything out yet? Have you heard anything?"
"No, I haven't heard anything."
And then we heard that it was something to do with The Cove, and then we eventually found out that that restaurant, they were all arrested. The restaurant was shut down. And it was because of that. And we'd eaten whale that night.
DAVID: And that was your first meeting with Neil Gaiman.
MICHAEL: That was my first meeting. And also in the drive home that night from that restaurant, he said, and we were in my Mini, he said, "Have you found the secret compartment?"
I said, "What are you talking about?" It's such a Neil Gaiman thing to say.
DAVID: Isn't it?
MICHAEL: The secret compartment? Yeah. Each Mini has got a secret compartment. I said, "I had no idea." It's secret. And he pressed a little button and a thing opened up. And it was a secret compartment in my own car that Neil Gaiman showed me.
DAVID: Was there anything inside it?
MICHAEL: Yeah, there was a little man. And he jumped out and went, "Hello!" No, there was nothing in there. There was afterwards because I started putting...
DAVID: Sure. That's a very Neil Gaiman story. All of that is such a Neil Gaiman story.
MICHAEL: That's how it began. Yeah.
DAVID: And then he came to offer you the part in Good Omens.
MICHAEL: Yeah. Well, we became friends and we would whenever he was in town, we would meet up and yeah, and then eventually he started, he said, "You know, I'm working on an adaptation of Good Omens." And I can remember at one point Terry Gilliam was going to maybe make a film of it. And I remember being there with Neil and Terry when they were talking about it. And...
DAVID: Were you involved at that point?
MICHAEL: No, no, I wasn't involved. I just happened to have met up with Neil that day.
DAVID: Right.
MICHAEL: And then Terry Gilliam came along and they were chatting, that was the day they were talking about that or whatever.
And then eventually he sent me one of the scripts for an early draft of like the first episode of Good Omens. And he said – and we started talking about me being involved in it, doing it – he said, “Would you be interested?” I was like, "Yeah, of course."  I went, "Oh my God." And he said, "Well, I'll send you the scripts when they come," and I would read them, and we'd talk about them a little bit. And so I was involved.
But it was always at that point with the idea, because he'd always said about playing Crowley in it. And so, as time went on, as I was reading the scripts, I was thinking, "I don't think I can play Crowley. I don't think I'm going to be able to do it." And I started to get a bit nervous because I thought, “I don't want to tell Neil that I don't think I can do this.”  But I just felt like I don't think I can play Crowley.
DAVID: Of course you can [play Crowley?].
MICHAEL: Well, I just on a sort of, on a gut level, sometimes you have it on a gut level.
DAVID: Sure, sure.
MICHAEL: I can do this.
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: Or I can't do this. And I just thought, “You know what, this is not the part for me. The other part is better for me, I think. I think I can do that, I don't think I could do that.”
But I was scared to tell Neil because I thought, "Well, he wants me to play Crowley" – and then it turned out he had been feeling the same way as well.  And he hadn't wanted to mention it to me, but he was like, "I think Michael should really play Aziraphale."
And neither of us would bring it up.  And then eventually we did. And it was one of those things where you go, "Oh, thank God you said that. I feel exactly the same way." And then I think within a fairly short space of time, he said, “I think we've got … David Tennant … for Crowley.” And we both got very excited about that.
And then all these extraordinary people started to join in. And then, and then off we went.
DAVID: That's the other thing about Neil, he collects people, doesn't he? So he'll just go, “Oh, yeah, I've phoned up Frances McDormand, she's up for it.” Yeah. You're, what?
MICHAEL: “I emailed Jon Hamm.”
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: And yeah, and you realize how beloved he is and how beloved his work is. And I think we would both recognise that Good Omens is one of the most beloved of all of Neil's stuff.
DAVID: Yes.
MICHAEL: And had never been turned into anything.
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: And so the kind of responsibility of that, I mean, for me, for someone who has been a fan of him and a fan of the book for so long, I can empathize with all the fans out there who are like, “Oh, they better not fuck this up.”
DAVID: Yes.
MICHAEL: “And this had better be good.” And I have that part of me. But then, of course, the other part of me is like, “But I'm the one who might be fucking it up.”
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: So I feel that responsibility as well.
DAVID: But we have Neil on site.
MICHAEL: Yes. Well, Neil being the showrunner …
DAVID: Yeah. I think it takes the curse off.
MICHAEL: … I think it made a massive difference, didn't it? Yeah. You feel like you're in safe hands.
DAVID: Well, we think. Not that the world has seen it yet.
MICHAEL (grimly): No, I know.
DAVID: But it was a -- it's been a -- it's been a joy to work with you on it. I can't wait for the world to see it.
MICHAEL: Oh my God.  Oh, well, I mean, it's the only, I've done a few things where there are two people, it's a bit of a double act, like Frost-Nixon and The Queen, I suppose, in some ways. But, and I've done it, Amadeus or whatever.
This is the only thing I've done where I really don't think of it as “my character” or “my performance as that character”.  I think of it totally as us.
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: The two of us.
DAVID: Yes.
MICHAEL: Like they, what I do is defined by what you do.
DAVID: Yeah.
MICHAEL: And that was such a joy to have that experience. And it made it so much easier in a way as well, I found, because you don't feel like you're on your own in it. Like it's totally us together doing this and the two characters totally complement each other. And the experience of doing it was just a real joy.
DAVID: Yeah.  Well, I hope the world is as excited to see it as we are to talk about it, frankly.
MICHAEL: You know, there's, having talked about T.S. Eliot earlier, there's another bit from The Wasteland where there's a line which goes, These fragments I have shored against my ruin.
And this is how I think about life now. There is so much in life, no matter what your circumstances, no matter what, where you've got, what you've done, how much money you got, all that. Life's hard.  I mean, you can, it can take you down at any point.
You have to find this stuff. You have to like find things that will, these fragments that you hold to yourself, they become like a liferaft, and especially as time goes on, I think, as I've got older, I've realized it is a thin line between surviving this life and going under.
And the things that keep you afloat are these fragments, these things that are meaningful to you and what's meaningful to you will be not-meaningful to someone else, you know. But whatever it is that matters to you, it doesn't matter what it was you were into when you were a teenager, a kid, it doesn't matter what it is. Go and find them, and find some way to hold them close to you. 
Make it, go and get it. Because those are the things that keep you afloat. They really are. Like doing that with him or whatever it is, these are the fragments that have shored against my ruin. Absolutely.
DAVID: That's lovely. Michael, thank you so much.
MICHAEL: Thank you.
DAVID: For talking today and for being here.
MICHAEL: Oh, it's a pleasure. Thank you.
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starkwlkr ¡ 1 month ago
Text
girl, so confusing | f1
an: might make this two or three parts, not sure yet but oh well <3 love y’all THIS IS AN AU WHERE ALL THE F1 DILFS ARE SINGLE
faceclaim gisele bĂźndchen
part 2 part 3
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yourusername 💋
aussiegrit long time no see 👀
yourusername don’t worry, I still have cherry lipgloss that’s waiting for you
aussiegrit 😉
jensonbutton well hello 😏
yourusername hey there stranger
jensonbutton stranger? you’re breaking my heart, baby
sebastianvettel miss you lots!
yourusername come over then
sebastianvettel don’t tempt me
ferraridepressionclub y/n fr has all the dilfs in her comments i wanna be like her when i grow up
paddockgirlies she’s so iconic
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INTERVIEW WITH Y/N L/N | VOGUE
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In conversation with Y/n L/n about being a mother and a racing driver, and her what’s in store for her.
Known for her fierce driving and even fiercer spirit, has seamlessly transitioned into a life that’s as complex as it is rewarding. A name that echoes through the halls of motorsport history, her story is one of reinvention—a journey from high-speed thrills to quiet, profound moments of motherhood, and, possibly, a return to the racing world in an entirely new role.
The 2000s were Y/n’s golden years at Williams. Her raw talent shone even when the team’s fortunes dipped, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Known for her courage, sharp wit, and stunning moves on the track, she formed friendships with some of the sport's brightest stars—Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, and Jenson Button. Their bond, a cocktail of camaraderie and unspoken attraction, became as legendary as her driving.
But the glamorous world of F1, with its dazzling lights and high expectations, took a toll. In 2004, Williams made the decision to drop her from their roster—a move that would alter the course of her life forever. Y/n, at the time, found solace in the chaos. Late nights, parties, and the company of friends became her refuge.
"I wasn’t ready to let go of F1, but at that point, I wasn’t sure where I was headed." Y/n said as we chat in her London home. It’s a beautiful house with stained glass windows and the perfect amount of sunlight shining in. Her daughter is also present though she much prefers to continue with her reading as she cuddles up to her mother.
But in the unpredictable world of racing, the story of Y/n was far from over. A fresh start beckoned when McLaren offered her a seat, a move that many saw as her redemption arc. She embraced the opportunity, her focus sharper than ever. The partying ceased. The cigarettes were put out. It wasn’t just a return to the sport—it was a return to herself.
Her career, marked by precision and passion, came to an official close in 2014, but Y/n’s influence has never waned. Retirement, though, didn’t equate to slowing down. Today, Y/n is a mother—something that’s become a cornerstone of her identity.
“I’ve always been independent, but being a mom has redefined what it means to be strong," she says, her eyes softening. "It’s a different kind of challenge, but one I’m grateful for every single day.”
Her daughter, now nine, was born a year after her retirement. She had announced the birth on her social media with a simple caption: “welcome to the world, my beautiful girl”
“As a mom, I’ve learned the art of balancing," Y/n reflects. "There are days when I’m just a mom—no racing, no interviews, no drama. And then there are days when I’m reminded of who I was before all of this. It's about finding peace with both versions of myself.”
At this point, her daughter stops reading her book and places several kisses on her mother’s cheek. It was a beautiful moment between mom and daughter.
“The future is full of possibilities. I’m focused on what’s next, but I'm not in any rush. We’ll see what happens. Right now, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Motherhood may have softened some edges, but it has only sharpened her focus. If there’s one thing Y/n has taught us, it’s that the greatest drivers are those who can keep pushing, even when they’re driving toward the unknown.
INTERVIEW WITH Y/N | THE PADDOCK SESSIONS PODCAST
“Welcome everyone to the paddock sessions podcast. I’m your host Dan and todays guest is a very special one. She is my favorite driver and I’m going to try not to freak out right now. Y/n L/n welcome to the paddock sessions!” Dan the host said into his microphone.
Y/n smiled and thanked Dan for the introduction. “Favorite driver? Dan, I’m flattered. I’ll pay you later.” She joked.
“You’re actually the reason my girlfriend watches formula 1. She watched your past races and was devastated when I told her you retired in 2014. I think she was thinking of breaking up with me because I told her,” Dan admitted. Y/n chuckled at his words. “But can we see a potential comeback for you? I know I’m not the only one that would love to see that!”
“Well I can’t really stay away from formula 1. I try to watch the races with my daughter, but she’s not interested in racing at all so I always end up watching them alone.” Y/n explained as she adjusted the microphone.
“Daughter of a racing driver isn’t interested in racing? That’s wild. But at least she knows that her mom is a legend in the sport, yeah?” Dan asked.
“She’s reminded every time we go out and I’m stopped because someone wants an autograph or a picture,” Y/n laughs. “But she knows the basics, she knows what all the number means, she’s a smart girl.”
“Amazing. Um, on the topic of your daughter, and you can stop me if you want, you’ve always been an open book in many ways, yet when it comes to your daughter’s father, you’ve kept things private. How hard has it been to keep things like that private? I imagine it must be frustrating.”
Y/n nodded and cleared her throat. “I’ve always believed in protecting my daughter’s privacy, and for me, that extends to the people closest to us. I’ll say this: my daughter is incredibly lucky to have the most amazing father. He’s the kind of dad who would do anything to keep her safe and happy. I know she’s growing up in a secure and loving environment because of him. He’s protective, but in the best way possible.”
“Have you seen the tweets regarding it?” Dan asked curiously.
“Oh yeah, it’s all over my feed. I’ve actually read some pretty crazy shit about the father of my daughter.” Y/n said.
“Any favorites?”
“There’s a thread that was posted recently on why Lewis is the father of my daughter. I love Lewis, but I can confirm he is not. He’s actually the godfather.”
“Well, you heard it hear first folks!”
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salemlunaa ¡ 4 months ago
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"OH WELL, IM NOT GONNA BE HERE FOR LONG, IM GONNA SHIFT ANYWAY" girl...
let's break down why this mindset, although very common, isn't super healthy...
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I saw a post earlier where op talks about how they are un phased about all the bad things happening to them because they "won't be here for much longer”, which is so real and it honestly made me laugh so hard but, i must admit, this way of thinking can also have an unhealthy side.
I, personally, have also been victim to this mindset, and honestly i can tell you nothing good comes from thinking like this. You experience something bad, hurtful, embarrassing, slightly traumatic (which, bear in mind, you wouldn't have experienced if you hadn't procrastinated and tapped in to the void) and you tell yourself "it's okay, i'm not here for long anyway", you abandon responsibilities (that, again, wouldn't be your responsibility if you would ve stayed disciplined and tapped in) and you tell yourself "it's fine, i'm gonna shift anyway" "i'm probably gonna get into the void tonight so it doesn't matter"
NO NO and NO
of course it's good to have the mindset of knowing, knowing that it's your last day here and knowing that the void is the only outcome for you, because that type of thinking is what allows you to shift consciousness and tap in to the void, but a lot of you say that shit without even properly applying your knowledge, a lot of you are gonna remain sounding like broken records, repeating this shit for years, i swear it will be 2028 and yall will still be saying "it's okay i won't be here for long", "im gonna shift anyway"
don't wait for shit to hit the fan for you to get serious about your desires, don't wait for your circumstances to get horrible for you to finally fix up and actually do something. If you really knew you were a god, you wouldn't be here reading this, you would be as pretty as you wanna be, and as rich and happy as you wanna be enjoying your dream life. Don't fall into a comfortable routine with your current reality, (which is really just your old story) because it's not worth it. I even see you guys making and scripting for a "better current reality" (another excuse to remain comfortable with procrastination), when you could have your DREAM life, you guys get swept up in your old story, just because it can be "alright" sometimes. And then when something bad happens, you repeat the same phrase "oh well, i'm gonna shift anyway", and then when things go back to being "alright", you get comfortable again, further procrastinating, when you could have ANYTHING. Who cares about your "alright", "mediocre" reality when you could have the best and more!!
like girl, don't stay comfortable until you're forced to get uncomfortable with a negative change in circumstances. You should be determined to shift consciousness ALL THE TIME, not just when things get tough or responsibilities pile up. Because again, if you had that consistent mindset you wouldn't be here.
get uncomfortable with what you have to achieve what you want, so that all you want becomes all you have
GET UNCOMFORTABLE NOW SO YOU CAN LIVE COMFORTABLY FOR ETERNITY, DONT WAIT FOR SHIT TO HIT THE FAN ᥫ᭡💋
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astonmartinii ¡ 2 months ago
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i will always love you | max verstappen social media au
pairing: max verstappen x fem bodyguard reader
what he wasn’t supposed to fall in love with his bodyguard? this IS a rom com
MASTERLIST | TIP JAR
f1insider
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liked by user1, user2 and 45.925 others
f1insider: red bull have confirmed that max verstappen will have a bodyguard for the rest of this season after increasingly aggressive fan activity towards drivers at races. what do you think about it?
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user3: i completely understand that it’s insane that it’s gotten to the point where he needs a bodyguard …. but like JEALOUS
user4: i pray there’s never any need for her to do her actual job
user5: f1 need to sort it out i agree
user4: i meant because i would be no better than a man im sorry god but i want to watch her fight someone 😫
user6: this should’ve been done so long ago but i’m glad they’ve finally made the step
user7: what i find crazy is that people can afford a paddock pass and wanna fight the drivers ??? what a waste of money GIVE THEM TO ME
user8: i’m being completely serious when i say … any punk ass influencer tries to film max in the bathroom i want this bodyguard to shoot them with a gun
user9: no i agree
user10: and when i do it on purpose so she can beat the shit out of me ??
user11: choke
user12: she look familiar to any of you?
user13: i thought i had seen her before but like i just can’t quite recall
user14: swiftie here! she was taylor’s bodyguard for a couple years so you probably have seen her in paparazzi photos or something
user15: taylor swift and now max verstappen i need her agent
user16: the thought of that massive hunk of a man cowering behind her is killing me
user17: it’s killing you? it’s getting me excited this is so romance book coded
user18: you people’s obsession with putting people in “relationship” is the worst thing to happen to the sport
user19: i agree! (they would be unbelievably cute)
user20: i’m glad to see we’re all being very serious about the state of the sport where a driver needs a bodyguard and not the fact that said bodyguard is visually appealing
user21: sky i will deal with your bias if you give us the visual on her
user20: jesus wept
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yourusername
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liked by maxverstappen1, landonorris and 120,399 others
tagged: maxverstappen1
yourusername: new job, same friendship bracelets
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user22: WE FOUND YOU
user23: hi mother !!!!
user24: we miss you serving face with taylor :(
maxverstappen1: you were a bodyguard for TAYLOR SWIFT ???
yourusername: you didn't read my CV? you had the last say on me being hired?
maxverstappen1: i let GP read them and he's never steered me wrong before
yourusername: that seems irresponsible
maxverstappen1: ANYWAY my point was going to be ... can we still get eras tour tickets?
yourusername: i can see what i can do
maxverstappen1: what if you just called taylor up?
yourusername: do NOT reference the kardashians if you want tickets
maxverstappen1: noted :3
user25: i can't have anything in this life ??? what do you mean you've worked with taylor and max?
user26: she looks so hot with a gun i'm starting to think the NRA are on to something
yourusername: absolutely not get out of here with that shit
user27: oh she educated as well? will you accept my hand in marriage?
maxverstappen1: 🤨
landonorris: and if i said you could guard me all night
yourusername: it's kinda my job to guard max all night
landonorris: but you'd rather guard me 😉
yourusername: i doubt you'd pay me as well as max
landonorris: i can pay you other ways 😉
maxverstappen1: lando i will break your fingers one by one
user28: max is out here like SHE IS MY BODYGUARD
user29: him being possessive... idk where to look but both of them - mark me scared AND horny
user30: TOO REAL
maxverstappen1
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liked by schecoperez, fernandoalo_oficial and 1,452,099 others
tagged: yourusername
maxverstappen1: simply lovely to be back on the top step in brazil, @yourusername you're clearly my lucky charm
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user31: max does a generational drive and immediately gets on instagram to flirt with his bodyguard
user32: he's so real for that because look at y/n
user33: i once thought swifties were crazy for being so obsessed with her but now i am just as bad lol
yourusername: nuh uh that drive was all you big boy
maxverstappen1: heheheehehe
maxverstappen1: did i make a good first impression?
yourusername: a very good first impression ;)
maxverstappen1: are you proud of me?
yourusername: very proud maxy
maxverstappen1: :3 thank you <3
user34: what in praise kink did i just read?
user35: i know he's done it in a very public forum but just leave them to do whatever they gotta do
user36: i know this man saw her in a suit and with a gun and fell to his knees
yourusername: well... close enough!
landonorris: idc about all of that ^^ i'm still going to shoot my shot
yourusername: is me rejecting you luck or talent?
landonorris: HUH ?????
yourusername: i may just be a bodyguard but i still have working ears 👍
user37: okay so she does serve more than just looks ...
user38: she's got a fan in me now
charles_leclerc: let me just sit back and observe
yourusername: you good?
charles_leclerc: i am sitting back and observing
yourusername: you are observing very loudly
charles_leclerc: i am just watching max embarrass himself, this is very healing for my younger self
maxverstappen1: RUDE
yourusername: he's not embarrassing himself if it's working?
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redbullracing
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liked by maxverstappen1, schecoperez and 2,451,045 others
redbullracing: statement regarding today's incident.
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user42: sorry red bull but i want that video tattooed on my eye balls
user43: i am so unbelievably hot and bothered after seeing that video
user44: red bull i'm afraid you'll have to take that video out of my cold dead hands
landonorris: i didn't realise the paddock came with dinner and a show today
oscarpiastri: lando they tried to kill max...
landonorris: well he was never in any actual danger with y/n around
oscarpiastri: do you ever read the PR briefs?
landonorris: PR whats?
oscarpiastri: this is starting to make a whole lot of sense
user45: they'll try to cancel lando for this but like he's being real
user46: no because why was george russell and kimi antonelli literally in the back of the footage eating LITERAL POPCORN
user47: i've never wanted to be two people so bad
maxverstappen1: i lived bitch
yourusername: MAX????
maxverstappen1: because of you, i'm forever in debt to you <3
yourusername: just doing my job :)
maxverstappen1: so you didn't just do it because of your undying love for me :(
yourusername: i think that would be inappropriate
maxverstappen1: THAT'S NOT FAIR, THEY CAN'T TRY AND KILL ME AND YOU CAN'T SAY YOU HATE ME IN ONE DAY
yourusername: oh maxy, do you need a cup of tea
maxverstappen1: and a hug ????
yourusername: yes, even a hug
user48: oh to have max that pathetically down bad for you
maxverstappen1
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liked by charles_leclerc, yourusername and 2,309,773 others
tagged: yourusername
maxverstappen1: can you people stop thirsting over my girlfriend please - i may not be able to fight but she can
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user49: HE HAD ENOUGH
user50: i mean i too think thirst comments from my literal friends would throw me over the edge
user51: he was like winning in brazil is not enough i gotta watch my gf beat the fuck out of someone and then publicly claim her
yourusername: you're puffing out your chest in the paddock when all the girls on the internet are thirsting over you - if anyone should be jealous it's me
maxverstappen1: but you're so much better than anyone else i am horrendously in love with you
yourusername: HORRENDOUSLY
maxverstappen1: i have never felt anything like this? im scared???
yourusername: no need to be scared baby i'm in for the long ride
yourusername: and i can and WILL protect you
maxverstappen1: i need to report a hostage situation? it's me in my bedroom - i need to be saved
yourusername: you're so cheesy, you're lucky i love you
user52: i have another hostage situation - it's me in this comment section
user53: watching them be in love is like torture to me i'm so lonely
user54: they need a trigger warning i fear
maxverstappen1: @landonorris @pierregasly @olliebearman suck on that
landonorris: LEAVE ME ALONE
pierregasly: don't hate the player hate the game
olliebearman: why did you say fuck me for ????
maxverstappen1: i've seen those looks ollie don't lie to me
yourusername: babe i think he might just be scared of me
olliebearman: WOMEN IN POSITIONS OF POWER SCARE ME I'M SO SORRY Y/N
yourusername: no worries ollie! max is just possessive
maxverstappen1: ugh duh! you're the best thing that has ever happened to me, obviously i want to keep you to myself
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yourusername
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liked by olliebearman, maxverstappen and 342,067 others
tagged: maxverstappen1
yourusername: and iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii will always love you! sorry it had to be done - whitney houston is a LEGEND
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user56: of course she knows that song, she's basically living that story
user57: OF COURSE SHE KNOWS THAT SONG IT'S ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS SONGS EVER ???
yourusername: and you can bet your ass the red bull garage have been singing it non stop since i arrived
redbullracing: singing is our passion
maxverstappen1: they'd have to kill me to keep me from you DEADASS (pun intended)
yourusername: and that won't be happening because i'll be there to protect you
maxverstappen1: i'm not opposed to watching you deal with a problem in the paddock
landonorris:WHY WAS I MADE THE BAD PERSON WHEN I SAID I WANTED TO WATCH ???
maxverstappen1: because it was my life that an attempt was made on ?
landonorris: and?
maxverstappen1: AND?
landonorris: it would've made winning the championship much easier ?
yourusername: nuh uh i would jump into that red bull and win out of spite
maxverstappen1: it's true, i've been training her up
landonorris: you gonna let me have anything
maxverstappen1: nope :P
yourusername: nope :P
user58: oh they're so annoying 😭
user59: true ride or die couples are so irritating
user60: i still wish i was them
danielricciardo: i get fired and you get a girlfriend ??? how is this fair
maxverstappen1: idk what you want me to say, i'd never give y/n up for anything
danielricciardo: not even a red bull maxiel reunion
maxverstappen1: sorry buddy, maxiel is dead
danielricciardo: EXCUSE ME?
yourusername: sorry daniel, there's a new sheriff in town - should've charmed max when you had a chance
maxverstappen1: try as he might, he'd never be you
yourusername: awwwww considering your massive teenage crush on him... i love you!
danielricciardo: so fuck me then?
fin.
note: TWO IN ONE WEEKEND WHAT?
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