#kúura lasenda

[zusollen-writes]

oc aesthetics (5/12) Kúura Lasenda

“I– I don’t want to leave. Before this I didn’t even realize how much you’ve come to mean to me. It breaks my heart to think I have to lose my home again.” – Kúura, chapter 14

(Draien / Luna / Rofen / Niroe / Reldan / Frela / Sera / Asheden / Vicos / Mát&Alex / Tiola&Luchar //)

[jyrs-kuur]

KÚURA!!!

Yay!! thanks for this ask, lovely friend!! ^^

Full Name: (Nolaîsa Tâìllen Pegla Nelei Kava-eida Ageko Jorja Kavi-e'Suda Lasenda) but since that’s his deadname and he also got disowned and doesn’t have any claims to either those first names or the family name, his full name is just KúuraGender and Sexuality: intersex male (or bigender, but he’s still questioning), pansexualPronouns: he/himEthnicity/Species: athingeBirthplace and Birthdate: Omata, Iniera, 1 kivete, derdee 7975Guilty Pleasures: practicing tricks with throwing knivesPhobias: failure, his mother never accepting himWhat They Would Be Famous For: accidentally starting an equality movement in his home countryWhat They Would Get Arrested For: destroying someone’s propertyOC You Ship Them With: Vicos, Frela, SeraOC Most Likely To Murder Them: NangienFavorite Movie/Book Genre: romance and mystery (preferably both)Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: love triangle that doesn’t become a polyamorous relationshipTalents and/or Powers: he’s (arguably) the best fighter in his country, but he doesn’t let it raise into his head (aka he’s always expecting his opponents to be better than him, bc it’s always better to overestimate than underestimate). his ashi is tbd but it has to do with light.Why Someone Might Love Them: he’s (arguably) the most attractive one of all my ocs. He’s one of the best fighters in the whole story, but he’s humble about it (he knows he’s good but he doesn’t let himself think he’s the best). Also bc he accidentally started an equality movement. He’s a great hugger, honest and honors his promises, respects everyone, always knows what to say to motivate/comfort people.Why Someone Might Hate Them: he’s murdered people, his humbleness about his fighting skills might offend someone, he’s nobility and that way privileged, he’s too quick to react offensively (e.g. punching/kicking/otherwise hurting ppl who take him by surprise)How They Change: tbd… breaking and learning to become whole again, choosing their family (meeting ppl who actually accept him etc)…Why You Love Them: see above: Why Someone Might Love Them.. Also it’s really nice to write from Kúura’s perspective! His culture is pretty different from other cultures and that gives me lovely details and misunderstandings, and cultural differences is one of the best things to write, like, ever. Also he’s observant so it gives me a chance to write details!

@bitsynoya if u want to read all of these

[jyrs-kuur]

chapter 4

this time i’m also gonna tag @swizzling-suga​ to this bc finally i get to the first kúura chapter -snippet! kúura’s life is not as good in this as in the beginning of the coffee au.. aaand @bitsynoya​ you can read this when you are done crying over naruto :D

Kúura could still hear the audience's shouts when he had knelt down with his opponent's spearhead against his throat, and his hands started shaking. It was certain Kúura wouldn't survive the aftermath with a shrug. As he stood up from the bench in the room reserved for the arena fighters he saw himself in the mirror and grimaced. In addition to having shamefully surrendered to his opponent, he had gotten a cut in his cheek from her spear.

“Jalida was better than I thought,” Kúura mumbled to himself when he was pondering what he could say in his defense. “That's why I only had a dagger with me. I was sloppy, and I don't deserve a place in the Queen game. I surrendered because I didn't want to die yet.”

Kúura sighed and pulled on a lynx fur coat and thick, woolen breeches over his light fighting outfit, and pulled his hood on. Usually in Iniera comfort was valued more than looks, which wasn't surprising in a country where there is snow in the ground almost throughout the year. Kúura's legs felt shaky when he left for his home, the manor of the Lasenda family.

The trip from the arena to the city center wasn't very long, but for Kúura, who had just been in an intense fight and was weak from the tension it felt like the distance had doubled after he had walked it the other way in the morning.

Kúura heard snow squeak under someone's shoe behind him but didn't have the time to react before someone attacked him from behind, getting their arms around his throat. Kúura cursed his negligence as he banged his elbow into the attacker's stomach. It didn't make them release him, so Kúura grabbed his athi and gave the attacker an electric shock from his neck, which made them release him.

Kúura stumbled forward a couple of steps before starting to run without looking back, but he stopped, hearing the attacker shout after him. “You hurt me!” the girl exclaimed in disbelief. Kúura sighed when he recognized his attacker had been his friend. He turned around. “Nangien!” Kúura cried out as he jogged to her. “What are you doing?”

Nangien scowled at him affronted, then shook her head. “You did the right thing,” she said and tripped Kúura over on his face into the snow on the side of the road. Before Kúura could get up Nangien had him in a joint lock. “I love it that you are no match for me,” she laughed, helping Kúura get up from the ground.

“If you took part in the Queen game, I wouldn't have to pretend to lose,” Kúura said, cleaning the snow from his clothes.

“Jalida looked like she was planning to kill you,” Nangien said, brushing the wound on Kúura's cheek with her fingertips. “You did the right thing when you surrendered. It would have been too bad if she had killed you, I agree with Nidas on that. Black hair looks good on you.”

Usually Nangien went out of her way to disagree with every man, but Kúura's oldest brother was an exception there. Then again Nidas couldn't stand Nangien, which might have been the reason why Nangien loved to agree with him.

Kúura pushed Nangien's hand away from his face. “I knew perfectly well that she was planning to kill me,” he said, resuming the walk towards his home. “It wasn't the only reason why I surrendered. And don't talk about my hair. I know I look horrible, but if I don't look like this mother will kill me after I've been impaled for breaking the arena rules.”

Nangien's aquamarine eyes filled with curiosity, but inquiring would have been impolite. Kúura was pretty sure she knew his motives for surrendering. If he hadn't lost the fight – which practically meant either surrendering or dying – he would have had to fight his oldest sister next, and he rather lost to an outsider than to his own sister.

“So, your mother still forces you to fight,” Nangien said after they had passed the first stores on that road. “I didn't remember you were that good,” she continued with a mischievous smile.

Their conversation ceased for a moment, when two shouting boys lunged at them. Kúura groaned and said he was too tired, so Nangien knocked the boys out for him.

Kúura yawned. “Mother doesn't need to force me to fight,” he said. “I like fighting and walking in the city in peace. What I don't like is the Queen game, but that's the only way to get recognition for my talent.”

Nangien set a hand on Kúura's shoulder. “I know,” she smirked, “but I have to go now. Kauon will be vexed, because he wouldn't have wanted me to go watch the fighting.”

Kúura knew Nangien's big brother to be overprotective, so they said a quick goodbye, Kúura turning from the next corner towards his home.

…

Kúura was about to answer when the door swung open, and their mother, Queen Ainyta stepped in.

Kúura stood up immediately, almost knocking over Arda, who had been kneeling in front of him. She managed to find her balance and stood up without faltering.

“You can sit down,” Ainyta said, yanking a white glove from her hand and throwing it towards Kúura, who had also been about to sit down. “Not you, Nolaîsa,” the Queen said sternly.

Kúura swallowed and squeezed the glove in his hand. Even though he had been expecting his mother's anger, it still made him wince. Ainyta had stopped in the middle of the room and pointed at the floor in front of her, and Kúura reluctantly walked to her.

“You knew I was in the audience,” Ainyta said, pulling her glove from Kúura's outstretched hand. “Why didn't you kill your opponent? Does anyone else know why she didn't kill her opponent? Violating the whole Queen game's purpose with her pathetic tomfoolery.”

Kúura swallowed again. “I underestimated her,” he protested weakly. “If I had known she was that good today, I would have taken a better weapon with me.”

Ainyta shook her head. “You would've won that girl with your eyes closed,” she said. “What the heat has gone into you? In your first Queen game fight four years ago you didn't have any difficulties killing your opponents.”

“That was then,” Kúura said, wringing his hands. “I don't want to kill all my opponents anymore, if it's possible to make them surrender.”

Ainyta's voice was like ice when she spoke. “And that's why you decided to surrender this time?”

Kúura had known he'd get in trouble but the event felt worse than he had guessed. He nodded shakily, and felt like he was shrinking under his mother's icy stare. “I…” he spluttered, “my wig was about to fall of. Everyone would've seen – it wasn't on properly. They would've guessed– and if Jalida hadn't killed me, the audience would have done it for her.”

“Is that what you think?” Ainyta asked flatly. “Even though I personally ordered you to that arena? Do you seriously think that a wig falling off would have make them think that you're not a woman, Nolaîsa?”

Kúura's eyes darted to Ainyta's eyes like she had slapped him on the cheek. “You mean it would have made them realize I'm not a woman,” he said defiantly.

“No,” Ainyta hissed. “It was my decision that you're a girl, Nolaîsa. I knew from the day you were born that you have it in you to become the next Queen.”

“That's not something your decisions can affect!” Kúura snapped. “I will never be the next Queen, that is for sure.”

“Not if you continue like this,” Ainyta retorted. “Nolaîsa, you can't spend your whole life running from your responsibilities.”

“And what are those responsibilities, may I ask?” Kúura shouted. “We aren't in an uncultured country where the next ruler is the child of the previous one – we have no more responsibilities than any other young nobles.”

Ainyta stared at Kúura for a moment. “You could at least think beoynd yourself,” she hissed. “Because of you Arda has to fight Jalida. How do you think that fight is going to end?”

Kúura turned to watch Arda, who waved at him playfully and smiled gently with her light blue eyes.

this is. a different kind of painful. i mean. writing about torture and murder and suicide and whatnot, that’s painful in a “i’m trying my best to imagine what it would feel like” but this. fucking. it literally breaks my heart and makes me feel physically bad to misgender And deadname a trans character like this. even tho my experience is a bit different, this is personal. i have been in that situation. but this is not the most painful scene, oh heck no. *rolls around in my traumatic experiences before deciding scenes for certain ocs*

[zusollen-writes]

the ultimate memelord, Kúura

[jyrs-kuur]

Coffee Shop AU (Part 1)

I’m going to do a short but multi-chapter fic (if someone requests the sequel(s) bc yes i need Validation that much). Apologies for possible wrong use of words and grammar mistakes, hope you’ll enjoy this despite those. The idea/inspiration for this au came from @swizzling-suga, thank you for that <3

“I'm so tired,” Draien sighed when he fell on a chair near the counter, dropping his bag on the floor. “Can you bring me coffee here or do I have to come up there?”

“I hope that sound wasn't your laptop breaking again,” Frela noted from behind the counter. “The usual?”

“Like always,” Draien grunted, bending in half while trying to pull his laptop out of his bag. “Black and bitter – like my soul.”

“You are more like a cinnamon coffee; rich and sweet,” noted Kúura, who emerged from behind the counter to sit opposite to Draien. “Hey, Frela, I'm going to take my leave now. Can you manage alone for a while? When is Jalere coming in?”

Draien made extra sure that his laptop was intact, missing the part of conversation about work shifts. He almost got his home assignment open before Kúura pushed his laptop close.

Draien grunted, putting his hands onto his lap. “You wanna talk about something?”

Kúura had that annoying grin on his face again. “How is your crush?” he asked.

Draien drew his fingers through his hair. “No development whatsoever, if that's what you're asking,” he sighed. “He's still–”

“Let me see your phone.”

Draien's hand went instantly to protect the item in question. “What? No!” he protested. “No way in hell. Last time I gave you my phone you tried to flirt with my father!”

“I'm just saying he'd be a great sugar daddy.  Being rich and all.”

“–then you succeeded in flirting with my uncle – aunt's still mad about it – AND you published my only drunk selfie ever on fucking facebook. How did you even manage to do that in less than five minutes? Wait– it doesn't matter. There is no fucking way I'm giving you my phone.”

Kúura pouted. “I promise I won't do it again,” he said. “I just want to know how bad your crush is.”

“Can I see your phone for a bit?” asked Frela, putting Draien's coffee on the table. “There's only one thing I'm going to check. Then we won't be pestering you about it anymore.”

Draien sighed in defeat, exchanging his phone for the coffee. It took Frela a couple of seconds to come into a conclusion. “Yep,” she said, handing Draien's phone back. “It's serious. He's been writing poetry.”

Kúura leaned forward. “You have to tell me who it is,” he demanded. “Is there going to be a love confession? Do I know who the lucky guy is?”

Draien blew in his coffee for a while. “It's Vicos,” he finally confessed.

Kúura had to sit back to deal with his emotions while Draien was enjoying his coffee.

“Are you sure it's him?” Kúura asked after a while of stunned silence. “I mean– you have a crush on Vicos? The same guy I had sex with two months ago? The same guy that could probably never be in a committed romantic relationship? Dude, that's sad.”

Draien sighed. “I didn't know it was him at first,” he admitted, “but after you showed me the pictures, I knew it was the same guy. Also, don't push your expectations on him. It's rude.”

Kúura gave a low whistle. “I suppose there's not gonna be any confessing, anyway,” he said.

“Are you telling me not to do it?”

Kúura spread his hands. “You know he's already engaged and all that shit,” he said. “So it's not like you got a shot at boyfriending him, and I'm pretty sure he only does sex with other people, not romance, but you only do romance. I'm telling you to quit while you can. It won't work out.”

Draien shrugged. “I wouldn't mind a one-sided romantic relationship as long as there's cuddling involved,” he said, “and besides, he did say I'm attractive.”

“No way.” Kúura was excited again. “Okay, here's what we're going to do. Nangien is hosting a huge party tomorrow, and I can guarantee Vicos is going to be there. As much as I hate to ask favors from her, I'm gonna ask her to include you on the VIP list as well. It's gonna cost me, so after this you owe me. But this is how you'll have a real shot at getting to know him better.”

Kúura was out of the door in a second, and Draien gave a long sigh, finally being able to continue his assignment.

(to be continued...?)

Ohh I wonder what’s going to happen...! @bitsynoya Vicos is going to make an appearance soon! haha i feel like i’m almost keeping him away from my fics on purpose but he’s going to be in the next part (and i’ve written about him so much that it’s other characters’ turn)...

[jyrs-kuur]

Coffee Shop AU (Part 3/3)

i just realized this wasn't actually a “proper” coffee shop au, but well, i can’t do anything to that now. There might be grammar mistakes and inappropriate use of words, but i hope you enjoy it anyway.

A week after the party

Vicos approached Draien during lunch. He was wearing skinny jeans that made other people in the cafeteria stare at him when he walked past. He was also wearing glasses, which was why Draien almost didn't recognize him before he sat opposite to him.

"How are you?" Vicos asked. "Still fighting the dragon?"

Draien blinked. "Are you talking about a figurative dragon now?" he asked. "Because if you are, then yes."

Vicos nodded. "Have you thought about what I asked?"

Draien huffed. "As if I'd thought about anything else than that," he said.

"Have you decided?"

Draien bit his upper lip and was silent for a while. "I've made the decision," he stated. "I will go on a date with you – on one condition."

Vicos nodded, looking eager to find out, but very cool and composed at the same time. "What is it?"

"You let me explain myself before we start discussing anything relationship-related."

Vicos nodded again. "When are we going?"

"Now," Draien said, gathering his belongings, then proceeding to take away his tray. Vicos didn't follow him, but waited by the cafeteria door instead. Draien almost turned around to walk away. The only thing stopping him from doing exactly that was that Vicos was looking straight at him.

When he reached Vicos, Draien took his hand. It was big and warm, and even though the gesture invited some curious gazes, Draien mostly felt safe.

Vicos had a tender smile on his face. "Where are we going?" he asked.

"To get free coffee," Draien answered.

*

When Vicos and Draien stepped into the coffee shop, it was almost full. Draien saw Frela behind the counter, working so fast she was almost just a blur. "Let's hope we can get a decent seat somewhere," Vicos said. "There's so many people! Do they give free coffee here?"

"No, it was a personal promise" Draien said. "Why don't you tell me what you want and go reserve a seat? I'll wait in line."

Vicos told Draien his order and took both their bags to reserve a quiet booth for them. To do that he had to drive out a couple of teenagers, who got up in a hurry when they realized Vicos was coming their way.

Draien didn't have to wait for long, but when it was his turn, Frela stopped. ”Where's Kúura?” Draien asked. ”He owes me two coffees.”

”I was hoping you'd come,” Frela said frantically. ”He's been in the bathroom for half an hour. There's so many customers that I can't go to him, could you do that? Tell him to stop making me do all the work alone. He's in the staff bathroom, thankfully.”

Draien walked to Vicos's table, explaining the situation to him briefly before entering the staff-only area. He had been there a couple of times after Frela and Kúura's work shifts, so he knew where to find the bathroom. What Frela had said worried him, because it wasn't like Kúura to neglect work.

The staff bathroom door was locked. Draien knocked on it.

”Who's there?” Kúura sounded like he'd been crying.

”Doris.”

Kúura was silent for so long Draien thought he would have to kick down the door to get to him. Then he heard Kúura sigh loudly and say, ”Doris who?”

”Doris locked, can you open it up?”

”You know I think that's a stupid-ass joke,” Kúura said, and Draien heard the door unlocking. ”But I guess I appreciate the effort.”

Draien opened the door to see Kúura sitting on the toilet seat with a gun in his hand. Kúura shook his head. ”Trust me, it's been worse,” he said. ”This is fake, by the way. If I had a real one, it would be too late already.”

Draien leaned against the door frame. ”Why?” he asked. ”Haven't you been able to talk to anyone about this?”

”Not this,” Kúura said, pressing the bridge of his nose with his fingers. ”I– I can't– This is–”

Draien held out his hand, and Kúura reluctantly gave him the fake gun. He waited for a while for Kúura to continue, but nothing happened. Draien stepped closer to Kúura and pulled him against his stomach, stroking his bleached hair. ”It's okay if you can't talk to me about it,” he said. ”But you should talk about it to someone. I do want to help you and you know I'm always willing to hear you out – but please, just– I don’t want to lose you.”

Kúura was shaking, tears and snot running down his face. ”I'm so sorry,” he said, ”I shouldn't make you do this, I'm so sorry–”

”Hey, I don't mind” Draien said gently. ”I'm here because I want to.”

Kúura sniffled and didn't say anything for a while. ”I'm s–”, he started, then paused and started again. “Um, thank you for being here for me.”

”Of course,” Draien answered. ”Can you go back to work or do you need to call someone else in? You kinda owe me two coffees.”

Kúura pulled away from Draien. ”Does that mean you're on a date with Vicos?” he asked, looking terrified. ”Did I ruin it?”

”No, you're going to make it perfect,” Draien said. ”By buying us the coffees you promised. Can you do that? Or do I call someone to make sure you don't do anything to yourself?”

Kúura shook his head. ”I'll go back to work,” he said, standing up and going to wash his face. ”Let's hope it will keep me distracted enough. When you leave, is it okay if I call you if I need to?”

”As always,” Draien said. ”Do you mind if I go back to my date or do you still need me here?”

Kúura shooed Draien away. First he threw the fake gun into the trash, then going to tell Frela that Kúura was coming back, also taking their order from her. When he got the coffees, he brought them to Vicos. ”I'm sorry that I kept you waiting for this long,” he said, sitting next to him. ”Here's your coffee.”

”Nah, it's okay,” Vicos said. ”I was doing homework in the meantime. Was everything alright with your friend?”

”No, but you don't need to worry about it,” Draien said. ”How's your coffee?”

Vicos took a sip and hummed softly. ”It's very nice,” he said. ”Change of subject. What did you want to say about dating me?”

Draien took a huge sip of coffee before answering. ”Could you explain to me what you mean by that?” he asked. ”Dating you. I know you're engaged, and I've heard that you have sex with other people…is that what you want from me?”

Vicos was quiet for a while. ”Both of those things are correct,” he said. ”I do have a fiancée, and occasionally have one-night stands, but that's not everything. I like you. A lot. I know I might come across as someone who only thinks about sex, but do you still think that? If it was sex I wanted from you, I'd given up, because it's clear to me that you don't want it, and I'm not going to ask you to.”

Draien suddenly felt like a huge weight had dropped from his chest. ”Then what do you want from me?”

”I want to date you,” Vicos said, a gentle smile tucking at his lips. ”And that means exactly what we decide it means. Just holding hands, going on dates and talking about stuff, if that's what you're comfortable with.”

Draien slid closer to Vicos. ”I'm comfortable with more than that,” he said quietly, licking his lips. ”Do you mind–”

”Not at all,” Vicos said, moving his fingers to lift Draien's chin up. Draien closed his eyes, and felt Vicos's breath on his lips. Then there was a kiss. Soft, tasting a bit of sugary coffee, it made Draien's chest feel tight, almost as if his heart was trying to fill it up. Vicos pulled away, but Draien brought a hand to his neck and pulled him back.

Draien heard a low whistle. He didn't even break the kiss to flip Kúura off.

”That's rude,” Draien heard Kúura gasp jokingly.

”You deserved it this time,” Frela answered. ”Now go back to work.”

This is it, unless someone asks for more. Next drabble will be about different characters. I’m tagging @swizzling-suga and @bitsynoya to this too (it’s bc I love you), I’m sorry about Kúura (he’ll be ok), and let’s see what I come up with next!

[zusollen-writes]

(last one of these so far) Kúura’s family (parents and one dead sibling excluded). Their mother is the Queen of Niera.

Eldest is Arda (27), then Nidas (26), Mulin (23), twins Selesòi and Lènna (22), Saîlin, whose twin sister, Kîale, died young (21), Mita (20, if he wasn’t dead), Kúura (19), Halat (16), Prîse (15), Vistur (14), Mimeia (12), and Sisari (9).

Same father: [Arda, Nidas, Mulin, Selesòi, Lènna], [Saîlin, Kiâle, Mita], [Kúura, Halat], and [Prîse, Vistur, Mimeia, Sisari]

[zusollen-writes]

3d models of my ocs participating in a Pride event, 2/5 (second try, needs fixing)

[zusollen-writes]

3d models of my ocs participating in a Pride event, 2/5 (first try, incomplete).

Left to right: Vicos, Kúura, Draien.

[jyrs-kuur]

Coffee Shop AU (Part 2/3)

Oh this is fun! I’m getting my writing motivation back bit by bit. As always, there might be inappropriate use of prepositions, sayings and such, but i hope it doesn’t make the story less enjoyable!

The party was indeed huge. It was at a glass palace, because apparently that's what Nangien was about. Spending other people's money, as Kúura noted on the back door where he had been waiting for Draien

"Is he here yet?" Draien asked when they were climbing stairs to the roof, which apparently was the VIP area.

Kúura smirked. "I told him to wait for you," he said. "You're going to have fun. If you go on a date afterwards, I'll buy you both any coffee you want."

Draien licked his lips nervously. "What am I gonna say to him?" he agonized. "What if–"

"I'll stop you right there," Kúura interrupted. "Tonight is gonna be fun! You should enjoy yourself!"

Draien sighed again. "Okay, I'll try," he said. "But I can guarantee nothing. Don't expect everything to go as smoothly as when you're involved."

Kúura patted Draien on the shoulder. "I'll be with Nangien, if you need me," he said. "But please, don't need me unless it's actually an emergency. I can't erase memories if you happen to see something you don't want to."

Draien scoffed. "Fine, I won't need you then. Where is he?"

Kúura pointed. "Looks like he's still alone," he said. "Why don't you go keep him company?"

"Ha ha," Draien said flatly, already walking toward the table where Vicos was sitting. He was absentmindedly twirling a red drink in his hand, and noticed Draien a few moments before he sat down across the table. Vicos smiled and beckoned Draien to come sit next to him.

"How delightful to see you here," Vicos smiled. "Come sit here with me, it's so loud in here that I wouldn't hear you from the other side of that table!"

Vicos was wearing a dress. A tight, sleeveless black dress that showed off his shoulders and arm muscles. Seeing Vicos like that made Draien's breath hitch, and for a moment he hesitated, not sure what to do with himself. Then Vicos patted the sofa next to him, and Draien sat down next to him. He was almost uncomfortably close to Vicos, so close that he could smell his perfume. It made him blush and turn his head away.

"You're shyer than usual," Vicos noted. "Is it because of me? Is me wearing a dress making you uncomfortable?"

Draien shook his head. "It's not that," he said. "Your dress looks ridiculously good. I– I just– I've never actually done this before. What am I supposed to say?"

Vicos smiled. "It's not a test," he said, putting an arm around Draien's shoulders. "We can talk about whatever, just like any other conversation we've had. You can just relax, we can take it slow."

Draien shivered, and Vicos retrieved his arm. "Hey, um, could you tell me more about your pet dragon?" Vicos asked. "Or what was it?"

"A bearded dragon," Draien smiled. "It's a lizard, actually."

They talked until it was almost midnight. Vicos was leaning towards him, but Draien didn't feel threatened at all, like he usually would, a little light-headed if anything. Maybe it was the party going on around them, with people in fancy suits and so pretty, or maybe it was because of Vicos.

Draien had never had a crush like Vicos. He felt euphoric, intoxicated, like Vicos was making him feel things he hadn't felt in a very long time. Being relaxed around someone so confident, so...free. Draien felt like kissing Vicos. He was going to kiss Vicos. He licked his lips nervously, and Vicos was already looking at him with parted lips. Draien leaned closer, and their lips were almost touching–

Then he heard a hushed squeal. "Hey, look, real life gay porn!"

"Ohmygosh, that's so hot!"

Just like that, the moment was gone. Draien felt his heart break when he jerked away from Vicos and abruptly stood up. "I can't do this," he said in a hoarse whisper.

Vicos grabbed his hand. "Please don't go," he pleaded. "Ignore them. That was fucked-up and it's not right, but don't let them ruin this."

Draien turned around. "Do you even hear yourself?" he demanded. "You're just going to give those fetishizing jerks what they want? There are other people who will definitely do that with you, but I'm– don't make me do that. I'm sorry, I can't do this anymore. Not here, not right now."

Vicos smiled apologetically. "I won't hold you back," he said and stood up to give Draien a hug. He answered it reluctantly at first, but then slowly melted into Vicos's arms. When he pressed his hands against Vicos's back he could feel his muscles beneath his hands. "I'm sorry that they ruined our night," Vicos said. "And I'm sorry to see you go, because I had a wonderful time. We'll see at the university at least, I hope. Have a safe trip home."

Draien had a lump in his throat, and couldn't answer. He just wished Vicos a good night and walked away wishing he had never tried to kiss Vicos.

* * *

Instead of Frela, someone else answered the door phone. "Who is this?" the girl demanded. "It's fucking midnight already and I just got home so it better be fucking important."

"Um, I'm Frela's friend, Draien. I called her a while ago and she said I could come here."

There was a brief silence, then the door unlocked. Draien climbed up and rang Frela's doorbell. The girl who had answered the door phone opened the door. "Oh, you're that guy," she said, letting Draien in. "You gonna stay over or what? Needing emotional support? I'll go wake Frela up."

Draien sat down on the couch when Frela emerged from the bedroom, rubbing her eyes. "I'm sorry, I fell asleep after your call," she said. "Did something bad happen? Do you mind if Tyneira hears it too, or should I talk with her first?"

Draien gestured vaguely, and Frela nodded, going to help Tyneira with their dishes. "Why the fuck do you always leave the dishes in the sink?" Tyneira asked. Her words sounded harsh, but the tone was really soft. "Can't you do it alone? You're drying them."

Frela hummed contentedly and there was a lull in the conversation. After a while Frela broke the silence. "So, how was your evening?"

"With Aran?" Tyneira scoffed. "Guys always lie about their size. But it was good, nonetheless. Not great, but good. I enjoyed myself."

"That's nice," Frela answered. "I also enjoyed myself."

Tyneira pushed Frela playfully. "So you finally felt good enough to try again," she said. "Nice. Bi the way, could I try to get it on with a girl sometime? Do you mind or is that still off-limits?"

"No, I think it's fine if you want to, but I want to meet them. You should bring someone here for dinner or something, I don't mind cooking. Or having company."

Draien listened the casual conversation and the clinking of dishes with a weight in his chest. It was so soft, accepting and welcoming that he felt tears in his eyes.

When the dishes were done, Tyneira kissed Frela on the forehead before disappearing to the bedroom. Frela yawned and sat down on the couch next to Draien. "So," she said, "what happened?"

Draien narrated the night's events to Frela. "It was so close," he said, wringing his hands. "And I actually wanted to stay– I wanted him to tell me– I don't know. That he wanted me to stay? To know that it wouldn't be over after I walked away? I didn't want it to end like that."

Frela pressed a hand on top of Draien's hand. "It didn't end yet," she assured. "He wasn't upset, so why should he let you go after what happened?"

Draien shrugged. "Because Kúura told me that Vicos–"

"No," Frela interrupted pointedly. "I know Kúura is your best friend, but you can't listen to that memelord's relationship advice. It's not him we're talking about here. What did Vicos say to you? Did he say he was not going to see you again?"

"...no," Draien admitted. "He said he'd like to see me again."

Frela squeezed Draien's hand. "There you go," she smiled. "He wants to see you again. If you want, you could even ask him on a date, I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Draien smiled softly. "Thank you," he said. "I'll think about that."

Frela yawned. "Do you want to sleep on the couch?" she asked. "Or are you going back to the dorm?"

Draien stretched his arms. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'm going to the dorm. Kúura will have a stroke if I'm not home when he comes back from the party."

"Okay," Frela said. "Good night then."

(to be continued....)

There’s  still one chapter, so don't worry! Like all the previous times, I'm tagging @swizzling-suga and @bitsynoya bc i need your support.. .also i put this on AO3! it’s here ^^

[zusollen-writes]

WIP INTRODUCTION: Tales from Inarde (working title)

genre: high fantasy, LGBT+

progress: editing 1st part, writing & planning 2nd part, daydreaming about 3rd part

(language: Finnish)

point of view: multiple third person limited

summary:  Let's start this with the notion that there are 7 separate story lines –one for each pov character.

In general: there's a mysterious organisation bearing the crest of a specific bird, who kidnap young athinges and fiosais (whose powers are quite new and not yet defined), and this affects most of the characters; Rofen is part of the people trying to rescue the kids, Luna & Kúura have a friend/sibling kidnapped, Vicos deals with this problem on a higher lever, and Draien & Niroe just happen to go to the same place the others are heading for different reasons (the city where the rescued kids are being taken to be safe). But there's unrest at the borders of Aaniedelain and Mibyere, near where a hidden city lies in the mountains...

Luna lives a normal life in the capital of Hilindar, going to school and learning to control her athi, the power she possesses. Everything seems to be normal until her friend gets kidnapped, and since all adults seem reluctant to do anything about it, she decides to go save her friend, and takes her twin brother and pet dragon along.

Kúura’s mother has raised him to be ready to be Iniera's next Queen – but only if he stops insisting he’s not a girl, since men are not allowed to participate in the fighting game for the crown. When Kúura’s mother finally accepts his identity, she decides to banish him from the country.

Being the second oldest child of the ruler of Aaniedelain isn't easy for Vicos. Especially now that one of his parents is dead, and the possibility of the responsibility for the country landing on him looms even closer. To be able to support his brother when he becomes the next ruler, Vicos decides to ask a deity to make him forget the worst misfortunes he had to go through in order to be less scared of the dangers of power.

The eldest child of Noviere’s king, Draien, is being hunted by the king’s adviser just for being the eldest, and because of that he lives with his uncle's family. Draien feels his misfortunes are finally lessening when, he learns that has been invited to stay at the Aaniedelaine ruler family again. And while that sounds like a dream after having to live in fear for so long, being in Aaniedelain won't be a vacation after all.

The winged riades live their life mostly undisturbed by the conflicts of other peoples and countries. But one day Niroe’s friend gets a vision from the deity he's linked to saying Niroe and her friends have to go to Aaniedelain and find a group of people and bring them together. Will they be able to leave their archipelago without conflict?

The substitute ruler of the fiosais – a people with healing powers, ashi– has given a mission to all the nomad clans of fiosais without kin. The order reaches the clan Rofen is part of; they have to find any kidnappers and rescue the kids they have taken hostage. Rofen, whose ashi still hasn't woken up, wants to participate in the rescue missions, but there's only so much a fiosai without ashi can do.

Seemingly unrelated to all the other things that are happening in the world, Sera is an adopted daughter of the rulers of a small island nation in the far west. Her life is far from idyllic, because the king seems like he wants to make life hard both for her. Under mysterious circumstances Sera loses someone important to her, but finds someone to be on her side.

characters: (pov characters and most important side characters)

Luna Chanerelia [+ Reldan - twin brother & Frela - friend] - Main character, regular teen who has athi, and a connection with dragons

Draien Gecitenic - from the north pole region, heir of the country, also has athi, and he’s gay

Vicos Benoutinan - from the most advanced country, second son of the ruler, also has athi, and is bi

Niroe - a riade, who are people with bird wings and long lives, a big lesbian

Kúura Lasenda - from the south pole region, his mother is the Queen of the country (but there’s no heirs), also has athi, and is pan

Rofen - a fiosai (people who have healing powers), a part of a nomad clan for having no family

Sera o’Flutiluvenicus [+ Asheden] - adopted trans daughter of a royal family of a small archipelago nation, doesn’t have any magical powers