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We manufacture premium-grade confectionery containers, which are widely used by companies storing cookies, chocolates, and other edible items. From candy jars to confectionery items, we manufacture the best-quality plastic jars for all confectionery products.
#plastic containers with lids#food storage containers with lids#plastic storage boxes with lids#large storage boxes#confectionery containers#wholesale sweet boxes#confectionery box#confectionery plastic jars#empty confectionery boxes
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Is somebody gonna match my freak? [Owns over 300 stuffed animals]
#stuffed animals#plushies#plushblr#plushie#stuffie#Im jk I already got someone to match my freak (my datemate encourages me to buy stuffed animals and collects some too)#also no I am sadly not exaggerating when I say I probably own over 300 stuffed animals#there's a chance I am exaggerating#but there's literally 5 medium sized boxes and 2 small in my room full of plushies#plus 3 large boxes (with mostly large plush) in storage and 1 trashbag's worth#and I still have a whole bunch of plush currently on display (maybe 40?)#so...yeah it's probably an accurate estimation#I do not have a problem. this is simply my hobby#also a lot of the plush are webkinz and pokemon which are 2 of my special interests so I get a pass for those I think#viti shoosh
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any time i imagine kid xelqua lounging in grian's house, he is watching sesame street or dragon ball z, with snacks sat on the cushion next to him.
he shoves the snacks into the crease of the couch when he thinks he might get in trouble for eating on the furniture and doesn't want to get caught. (he would not have got in trouble, but now he will, just for that)
#he watches sesame street solely bc i imagine he has a rly positive reaction to doc and joe hills#big starry eyes. grian is SOO confused the first time he sees this reaction. like. he thinks the puppet is real ??#(joe hills under the table holding the puppet up)#we've barely seen the inside of grian's s10 build but i have it so vivid in my head#where hte kitchen is. the bed. the bathroom. theres a box tv#he has fish themed wallpaper and multi coloured muted rugs around#his bar stools don't match each other#he has to light his stove every time he uses it#his coffee table is way too detailed around the edges and legs#his bedroom doesn't have a wall its just a loft looking over his living area. theres a ladder to it. but he flies up#its just a large nest on the floor full of blankets#storage on the other side#I CANT DRAW BACKGROUNDS I TRIED FOR THIS ITS SO HARD AND UGLY#picture it in ur mind with me hold my hand#he hangs sliced dried oranges in his window for the smell and decor..
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miniprep and seq submit and then i go home! to do the final light room rearranging and then assemble the stand for my LOOM
and possibly even start warping if i get a good setup for it
#if i invest in a technological warping solution i am inclined toward a set of clampable pegs rather than a board or mill#for reasons of living in a small apartment and not being rich in storage#and i just dont want to own a big rectangle. theyre so large#for the moment though we are IMPROVISING with such items as 'bedstead ends' and 'chairs'#i do also still need to write 5k of fanfiction in the next few weeks. but. i can do that as a break between LOOM ACTIVITY#box opener
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gotta tell you that from the moment i decided to start every snack by spilling it into a sealed container, my snacking life quality had improved expedentionally. no more awkward rollings, no more forgetting the snack open and it losing its crunchiness, no more grease all over the hand where the bag touches it as you reach deep inside-- it's all there, in the perfectly shallow box, ready to be sealed at all times-- this is what reaching a sweet spot of adulthood really is about, finding the best way to snack without losing any snacking quality.
#did i just rumble about storage boxes on main?#i have.#fr sometimes i just dont feel like finishing the whole thing esp if its a very large packaging#and sometimes you just forget to close it or you dont seal it well enough etc etc#and this way you can enjoy snacks as if they were freshly opened and they also are visible and nicely stored on your desk#like this is just benefits#( i have transparent boxes so the snacks always are visible and attractive on my visible eyesight...)#buns.txt
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Why Is It Worth to Invest in a Tool Box?
Whether you're working on a DIY project at home or you are working on a car, discovering the right toolbox is necessary. A tool chest looks like a chest of drawers, but it is usually larger and is designed to store as many tools as required. You can buy Cheap Tool Boxes or a professional tool chest to suit your needs. Tool chests are typically stationary and, in some cases, have wheels for easy transportation. They are essential for a workshop or even homes in many ways.
These tool boxes are a safe and convenient location for keeping all your tools, ready for when you need them.
Your tools are all safely and securely stored.
When your tools are kept in an organised way, it makes your tasks quicker and more efficient.
There are certain tools that are rarely used. After using those tools, keep them in a safe place for the next time you need them, as you may forget where you kept them. A toolbox can save you from such a plight.
When all tools are kept secured in a box, it reduces the risk of damage.
Tools are protected and the risk of damage is reduced when they are stored in a box or chest.
Without proper tool storage, you wonât be able to keep your tools organized. It is much easier for tools to come up missing or get damaged. Nowadays, you can easily buy cheap tool boxes from online stores, as most of them offer them for sale at the best prices.
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https://backdropqueen.etsy.com
Bento Lunch Box,Wood Bento, Lunch Box with Utensils,Gifts for Her,Gift Ideas,Gifts,Stackable Bento Box,Food storage,Lunchbox,Adult Lunch Box,
Lunch Box Japanese Wood,Bento Box Kitchen & Dining,Bento Box 3 Layer, Bento Box Totoro,Bento Boxes Adults,Cherry Blossom Bento Box,Bento Box Large, Shokado Bento,Green Bento Box,Bento Box Japan,Back to School.
Enjoy fresh food on your own terms, whether at work, at school, or at a picnic. This bento-style personalized lunchbox comes with smart compartments to keep your food separate. The stylish wooden lid can double as a handy plate while the 7.6" x 4.8" size makes it a convenient choice that easily fits into any bag or backpack. .: Materials: 100% silicone (tray), 100% wood (lid) .: One size: 7.7" x 4.7" x 2.4" (20 x 12 x 6cm) .: Two moveable compartment dividers (one loose, one stable) .: BPA free .: An elastic band and cutlery included
https://backdropqueen.etsy.com
#Bento Lunch Box#Wood Bento#Lunch Box with Utensils#Gifts for Her#Gift Ideas#Gifts#Stackable Bento Box#Food storage#Lunchbox#Adult Lunch Box#Lunch Box Japanese Wood#Bento Box Kitchen & Dining#Bento Box 3 Layer#Bento Box Totoro#Bento Boxes Adults#Cherry Blossom Bento Box#Bento Box Large#Shokado Bento#Green Bento Box#Bento Box Japan#Back to School.
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Besties: Me and my Cat (CC Pack for The Sims 4)
Introducing "Besties (Part 2): Me and My Cat" CC Pack!
I'm super excited to bring you the second part of the Besties series, now focusing on our beloved feline friends! In the first part, I shared with you guys a collection all about the beautiful bond between dogs and babies. For this second part, I thought Iâd switch things up a bit. Instead of focusing on cats and babies, I wanted to highlight something just as heartwarmingâthe special relationship between cats and adults. Yes, you guessed it, Iâm talking about the delightful world of cat ladies (and gents)!
This pack has loads of goodies for your Simâs cats. There are two new versions of the cat tree: one with a cozy little house and another that looks like a cool cat gym on the wall. Your cats will love the new bed, scratchers, and another bed shaped like a tiny house. Of course, Iâve got the essentials like a litter box and food, but letâs be realâwe all know the ultimate cat item is the cardboard box!
And because I know how much Sims love their kitties, Iâve added some fun items for a cat-obsessed Simâs bedroom. I was going for an eclectic vibe this time. Thereâs a new classic bed with cute cat details on the pillows, a cat-shaped lamp for the night table, and an adorable armchair with cat accents. Plus, Iâve got new curtains and, most importantly, picture frames to show off the beauty of your Simâs cats.
Iâve put a lot of love into this CC pack and canât wait for you to enjoy it. Donât forget to tag me in your social media postsâI canât wait to see your amazing creations with your Sims and their feline besties!
Enjoy the fun and whimsy of The Sims 4 custom content, and as always, happy simming! đđ±đŠ
ⶠABOUT THE CC PACK
Build: 2 Wallpaper, 1 Floor
Comfort: Armchair, Double bed, Bench with blanket, Bench
Decorative: Cat food, Curtians (all sizes), Paitings, Rug
Lighting: Table Lamp
Pets (Requires Cats and Dogs EP): Bed (cardboard box), Food bowl, Cat tree (large), Cat tree (small), Bed with scratcher post, Cat climbing wall, Litter box, Scratch post (carrot)
Storage: Dresser, Dresser (opened)
Surface: Night table
GET EARLY ACCESS HERE
#maxis match cc#the sims 4#sims 4#sims#the sims#maxis match#sims 4 cc#sims 4 maxis cc#sims maxis match#sims cc#bedroom CC#cat fan#cat lover#custom content#Sims 4 animal lover#Sims 4 armchair#Sims 4 bedroom#Sims 4 bedroom ideas#Sims 4 bench#Sims 4 cat climbing wall#Sims 4 cat decor#Sims 4 cat food#Sims 4 cat themed decor#Sims 4 cat tree#Sims 4 cats#Sims 4 CC bedroom#Sims 4 CC creators#Sims 4 CC download#Sims 4 CC furniture#Sims 4 CC pet lovers
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i'm a huge fan of simple yet stylish furniture and ikea does it for me every time! this collection is based on a few items i've added to my cart (and never purchased) over the years lmao i hope you like it! đ
all items are base game compatible (unless stated otherwise!)
this collection includes 51 decor and functional buy items!
uppland armchair - 19 swatches
uppland loveseat - 19 swatches
uppland sofa - 19 swatches
poang armchair - 19 swatches
jules dining chair (wooden) - 11 wood swatches
jules dining chair (plastic) - 19 swatches
nordli bedframe - 11 wood swatches + black & white
vikagrevsta dining table (1x1) - 19 swatches
vikagrevsta dining table (2x1) - 19 swatches
vikagrevsta dining table (3x1) - 19 swatches
malm dressing table - 11 wood swatches + black & white
malm dressing table (with mirror) - requires sp09 vintage glamour, 11 wood swatches + black & white
malm dresser - 11 wood swatches + black & white
lack side table - 11 wood swatches + black & white
lack tv stand - 11 wood swatches + black & white
lack coffee table - 11 wood swatches + black & white
lack wall shelf - 11 wood swatches + black & white
olivblad plant stand - 11 wood swatches + black & white
jattesta shelf - 11 wood swatches + black & white
ekenabben shelf - 22 wood swatches + black & white
lappland tv shelf & storage - 11 wood swatches + black & white
aurdal closet unit - 11 wood swatches + black & white
ikornnes floor mirror - 11 wood swatches + black & white
enhet cabinet (with mirror) - 11 wood swatches + black & white
lindbyn mirror - 11 wood swatches + black & white
bondskaret coat stand - 10 swatches
brogrund corner wall shelf - 1 swatch
tridsno floor lamp - 13 swatches
ledsjo wall light - 5 metallic swatches
bettorp led mobile lamp - 19 swatches
blasverk table lamp - 21 swatches
tvarhand table lamp - 19 swatches
flottilj desk lamp - 20 swatches
klunka laundry bag - requires sp13 laundry day, 1 swatch
bollbuske plant pot - 19 swatches
artbuske watering can - 1 swatch
kopparbjork vase - 20 swatches
vasen vase with lillies - 6 swatches
famnig hjarta cushion - 20 swatches
lindrande home scuplture - 8 metallic swatches
dundergubbe moving box (large) - 1 swatch, 4 variations
dundergubbe moving box (medium) - 1 swatch, 4 variations
frakta carrier bag - 1 swatch
kalas collection (plate, bowl, mug, cutlery) - 25 swatches
xl rug collection - 36 swatches
rug collection - 20 swatches
knoppang photo frame - 7 swatches
underhalla wooden blocks (toddler toy) - 6 swatches
s/o to @nucrests for not only testing everything but also encouraging me to continue when i wanted to give up and scrap this entire project. đđ
download on patreon!
#the sims 4#ts4#sims 4#s4cc#ts4cc#i don't wanna talk about how long it took to make these previews#(3 days)
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Large Wine Cellar in Sydney Photo of a grand, elegant wine cellar in porcelain tile with diamond containers
#cedar wine racks#large#classic design#wine box storage#ceiling design#diamond bin wine storage#wine cellar
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Datemate and I made an agreement that we're going thru my plushie collection when he's on vacation in a couple of weeks. We're officially gonna decide who's staying and who's going, and a majority of the keepers will be making their way to my storage unit where my first collection is being kept
#I want to go thru my first collection too but they're all in boxes#so I'll have to sort thru them once we move#there's 3 boxes of em in storage although its that way because a bunch of the plush are very large#like 18in+#but ik there's a bunch of guys from that group I can part with too#as for the collection in my room rn#a bunch of squishmallows are goibg bye bye#I've got a few jellycats Im interested in selling as well as a handful of webkinz#the rest are miscellaneous brands#ik there's a huuuge chunk I can sell/re-donate#and Im looking forward to it because the plushies are literally everywhere and its out of control#viti shoosh
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#heart shaped boxes#large heart shaped gift box#heart shaped box for sale#heart shaped storage box#heart shape boxes
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ohh was just reminded of the . goldfish and swedish fish at the middle school
#⧠chatting !#we helped the new band director make goodie bags for the beginning band kids ( theyre passing off their first scale friday !!! )#and she had us pour the big goldfish box in w swedish fish in those large clear storage containers#and we got to eat the extras and like the swedish fish were all salty from being w the goldfish lol#super random but i like to share random things
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#Large Clear Press On Nails Storage Box#Empty Plastic Press On False Nails Case Container With Double Side Adhesive Nail Art Tape#Nail Art Display Organizer Box For Nail Salon Nail Art Practice
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INDEBTED â kinich x gn!reader
content: 11.6k words, cw: mentions of abuse and alcoholism, kinich backstory spoilers + natlan 5.0 archon quest spoilers, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, everyone is bad with emotions, death, near-death experiences
summary: kinich has never been one to trust easily, but fate has other plans. throughout the years, he slowly comes to terms with his love for you.
a/n: i'm so normal... so normal... SO NORMAL. this was an attempt at gaining an understanding of kinich's character, so it might not be perfect, but i tried my very best to ensure the characterization wasn't too questionable. i love him dearly.
ACT I.
As someone raised by the lonesome mountains of Natlan, you have long grown used to an atmosphere of tranquil quietude, a serene symphony composed purely of natureâs music. The gentle flow of zephyrs running through seas of viridescent grass coupled with the occasional sounds of birdcall have become the soundtrack of your life. For you, an ever-enduring hush has always been synonymous with normalcy, but you are perfectly content with the status quo.
So when the sound of a choked scream shatters the flawlessly-crystalline silence of a hazy morning into a thousand shards of dissonance, you feel yourself tense. In all your six years of life, you have never had the displeasure of hearing anything so horrific.
Itâs funny. The noise is fleeting, ephemeral, but it holds infinitely more weight than anything else youâve witnessed during your short time in this world. Youâre sure that it will be a long time before anything else disturbs the peace in such a profound manner, and it is for that exact reason that you resolve to investigate.
Deep down, you know itâs a stupid idea. Youâre only a kid, and if it turns out thereâs some grave danger, itâs more or less over for you. Curiosity alone isnât reason enough to risk your own safety but the thought of another person facing peril is.
With hurried steps, you rush through your house, lightly scurrying through the corridors to see if anyone else is awake yet. When youâre sure that everyone is still and not a creature stirs, you grab the simple pouch of medical supplies your family always insists you take with you and exit the house in a rush.
The moment you step outside, blinding threads of aureate light twist in elaborate patterns, weaving themselves across a divine tapestry dyed cornflower and tinged marigold.
Itâs way too bright, and even more concerningly, itâs way too quiet.
You feel your shoulders tense, and a shiver runs down your spine. The rapid coalescence of chaos and pandemonium is unnerving, and the ambiance makes you uneasy. However, you know you have to press on.
With as much fervor as you can muster, you run around the perimeter of your house, scouring every nook and cranny for signs of life. Itâs not a large place, yet you canât seem to find anything. Whatever it was that made that noise seems to have vanished without a trace.
Just as youâre about to give up, something on the ground catches your attention. A footprint. Itâs a light imprint, barely visible, etched with the utmost precision into the dusty earth below. The size of the footprint is unfamiliar, and based on the weight distribution, it seems that the person it belongs to tried to tread lightly.
But not lightly enough.
Itâs clear that the track points directly towards the stack of crates and barrels sitting behind your home, so with caution in your step, you gradually inch towards the area. As you do, the sound of shuffling permeates your ears, confirming that there is indeed something lurking behind the stacked wooden storage units. You take a deep breath before daring to peek.
The sight youâre met with shocks you to your core.
A young boy around your age is huddled between the boxes, nestled securely within a small gap. His knees are tucked all the way up to his chest, his short arms wrapped around them. The boy doesnât dare move an inch. He simply looks up at you with eyes of molten amber, their depths bedazzled with emerald starglitter. As he moves, strands of hair spun of midnight essence shift to frame his face.
A part of your young mind thinks that he looks unreal â ethereal, but your train of thought is quickly disrupted when you notice his scraped knees.
âAre you okay?â you ask, extending a hand towards the boy. Despite your attempt at being gentle, the boy flinches, flecks of opulent gold swirling within his irises, mistrust dispersing in their wake. âI wonât hurt you.â
Your gazes lock, and you hope he can sense the sincerity in your actions. Hesitantly, the boy takes your hand, his knees wobbling slightly as he stands. Heâs unsteady, but you make sure he doesnât fall. Carefully, you lead him over to the front porch of your house, slowly sitting him down on the wooden planks. Once youâre sure heâs fine, you let go of his hand and begin taking bandages and cleaning supplies out of your medicinal pouch.
As you turn towards him, preparing to patch him up, you see him tense slightly.
Heâs still scared.
âIt might sting a little.â
Your comment doesnât alleviate his face of its downcast expression â in fact, it just makes things worse.
âBut it wonât last for long,â you insist. âPlus, all the adults always tell me itâs for the best.â
The boy is still deeply suspicious of you. Itâs strange. Youâve never met someone so on edge.
âWould it make you feel better if I let you do it yourself?â You offer the supplies to the boy, and he curtly nods, snatching the bandages and swabs before you have a chance to process whatâs going on.Â
He examines them closely, sunbeam-speckled eyes roaming every inch of the objects, as if shedding monochromatic tones of dandelion across their surfaces to detect any obscure dangers. After what feels like an eternity, he finally starts cleaning his wounds, barely even wincing as he brushes over them. As he moves on to bandaging his knees, you watch intently. He does everything with such ease and efficiency that you wonder if heâs used to it all.
Yet the longer he continues to work on treating himself, the more you realize that the awkward angle is causing him to wince slightly. Perhaps his wounds run deeper than you think. Slowly, you draw your hand closer to his, tapping him with a finger to catch his attention.
âCan I do the rest of the bandages?â you inquire. It seems he feels more at ease now, and you want to take this opportunity to further gain his trust. Besides, the last thing you want is for him to make his injuries worse.
The boy pauses for a few seconds, tilting his head as he regards you with apprehension. Locks of navy and seafoam mingle in the caress of the breeze, transitory weightlessness engulfing the atmosphere for only a single moment. Stillness becomes nearly tangible as equanimity envelops you. The tension only builds up once more as the boy dips his head in a gentle nod, loosening his fingers around the gauze to allow you to take it instead.
Meticulously, you continue wrapping the boyâs knees in fibres of pristine white, concealing the nasty wounds marring his skin. Despite not trusting you earlier, heâs very compliant, and he remains both calm and unmoving as you aid him.
And when you finally finish, you hear him speak for the first time.
âThank you,â he whispers quietly, traces of hoarseness lacing his voice. It doesnât sound like he speaks often. âYouâre very kind.â
Before you can respond, the boy gets up, trying his best to hobble a few steps before staggering again. He manages to catch himself on a tree, and as he does, you race over to him. Obviously heâs not in any condition to be walking around.
âBe careful,â you reprimand him. âYou canât leave just yet.â
The boy shakes his head frantically.
âIâm supposed to be home right now,â he states gently. Although he tries his best to keep his tone flat and neutral, you notice the way his gaze becomes downcast, sullen with ashen rain clouds that dull anything and everything luminous.
âJust stay for a few more minutes?â
Perhaps itâs the concern entangled in your tone or your wide-eyed look of pure desperation that convinces the boy to give in. With a cautious sort of reluctance, he allows you to drag him back over to your old spot.
âSo how did you end up here, and more importantly, how did you end up so hurt?â
Itâs already very apparent that the boy isnât big on words, yet the fleeting silence that floods your surroundings in waves of unspoken wariness unsettles you.
âI ran too fast and fell down here,â the boy states simply.
No normal person would run so fast that they dive headfirst off a small ledge without noticing, and what kind of kid goes outside without someone else along to supervise them if they get hurt?
His answer doesnât seem insincere, yet something feels off. Doubt begins to blossom in your conscience, taking root in the form of fragmented bits of reason. Thus, you decide to try your luck and press just a little further.
âWhy were you running,â you question. âWere you chased by a monster?â
âI guess you could say soâŠâ
For a while, you continue to try to interrogate him, but youâre unable to get much more information out of him. The strange boy keeps all his secrets under lock and key, all his truths hidden within labyrinths of perplexing misdirection and nonchalant responses. Despite the frustration you feel when he refuses to comply, you understand. Youâve already pushed him far enough, but when it comes time for him to go, you try to get one last piece of information out of him.
âI never quite caught your name,â you remark as the boy steadies himself. Heâs still a little wobbly but far better than before.
âKinich,â he replies. âWhat about you?â
â[Name],â you say as you hand him your remaining medical supplies for later use.
Gratefully, Kinich takes the pouch, a ghost of a smile gracing his face.
â[Name], huh?â he whispers. âIâll remember it.â
ACT II.
Nothing in the world is free. Every cost must be carefully weighed and then remunerated sufficiently.
This has been Kinichâs philosophy for as long as he can remember. No matter how desperately the sands of time and winds of fate try to erode his beliefs, theyâre never successful, for his ideals have been ingrained in him since the moment he could make sense of natural order.
Ever since that fateful day where the ever-fragile threads of destiny pulled the two of you together, Kinich has been trying to think of a way to repay you, but with all the responsibilities and burdens weighing on his young shoulders, he finds it nearly impossible. When heâs not preoccupied with tending to the crops, heâs out and about in areas where only the wilderness reigns, carefully setting lethal traps to ensnare his next meal. Survival is tough, and with the ever-present threat of starvation looming over him, waiting for any opportune moment to snatch him from the gentle embrace of life, he allocates a large majority of his energy to feeding his father and himself.
Itâs not like his father is much help anyway. These days, he seems to be drinking away his sorrow more than ever, losing himself as tides of despair ebb and flow, pulling him away from lucidity and into the frozen grips of oceanic melancholia. Heâs been worse than ever since the disappearance of Kinichâs mother, and the one who feels the effects most potently is Kinich himself.
But everything changes on Kinichâs seventh birthday.
Itâs his special day, and for once, he hopes that his father will allow him some clemency. For the first time in a long time, Kinich gathers up the courage to ask his father a question.
He asks if there has been any news of his mother.
At first, his father remains eerily silent. An ominous sense of uncertainty settles in the surrounding air, evoking Kinich to shudder as frostbite gnaws at him in a thousandfold. Bloodshot eyes pierce through Kinichâs defences, exposing him for the person he truly is beneath it all: a scared child, anxiously awaiting an answer from a man he no longer trusts.
He waits.
And waits.
And waits.
Until his father rushes forwards in a sudden juxtaposition of mood. The apathy that masked his inner turmoil just seconds before is now gone, replaced by a look of pure rage. Thatâs Kinichâs cue to run. Heâs done this enough times to know.
So he takes off. His legs, although far shorter than his fatherâs, carry him far more swiftly. Reflexes and strength built up through countless similar instances take over, and everything becomes muscle memory for Kinich. On the other hand, his father does not fare quite as well. He stumbles, and at times, he even trips over the creeping roots of archaic trees. Itâs as if the alcohol is weighing him down, but despite it all, he never loses sight of his son.
Kinich is an elusive breeze, weightless and elegant, never once losing his foothold as he springs from one place to another. His father is more akin to the ancient petra underfoot â uncouth, clumsy, yet destructive and powerful. Even as he staggers, his resolve remains steadfast and resolute. He will stop at nothing until heâs able to give his young son a piece of his mind.
And yet fate has a strange way of intervening at the least convenient moments, ensuring its heavenly ordainment is heeded. In the eyes of the universe, Kinichâs story is not ready to end â but his fatherâs is.
As Kinich rushes by the side of a cliff, this becomes apparent. The sound of heavy footfalls behind him disappears before he hears a thud. Gathering his courage, Kinich gazes behind him, only to be met with the sight of emptiness where his father should have been.
Then, he makes the fateful decision to peer below.
There, lying between thickets of dense foliage lies the body of the man he once lived with â a man full of life mere seconds ago, now motionless and despondent. It feels unreal. A shiver runs down Kinichâs spine as a creeping sense of despair begins to stab at his heart. He blinks rapidly, taking deep breaths in order to calm himself, before making his way down the cliff.
Emotions are strange, and Kinich has never been good with them. He had always believed that everything would begin to look up once his father was out of the picture, but now that his father is gone for good, Kinich canât help but grieve. No matter how horrible he was, he was still Kinichâs only remaining parent. There were better times too â times where his father would bring home a box of sweets for him and a bouquet of flowers for his mother. It almost felt like they were a real family. In Kinichâs mind, these instances pale in comparison to all the torment his father had put him through, yet he canât completely erase his pleasant memories either.
So as one last act of respect, Kinich decides to bring his fatherâs body home with him.
The journey home is long and arduous. As Kinich navigates the surrounding wildlands and his newfound freedom, swinging from treetop to treetop with his fatherâs grappling hook, he wordlessly says goodbye to the man who had caused him so much pain throughout the former years of his life.
On his seventh birthday, Kinich becomes an orphan. He tucks himself into bed, and while other children would have had their loving mothers to lull them off to sleep in an aria of oneiric delights, he has nothing but the harsh, transient gale that rocks the thin walls of his home.
On his seventh birthday, Kinich ends up completely alone.
ACT III.
Kinich has dealt with nightmares before, but the ones that plague him after the death of his father are particularly horrific. Every night, as watercolour fuchsia and muted lilac begin to bleed into periwinkle skies, Kinich finds himself mentally preparing for the duress that lays ahead â for each time he closes his eyes, he is whisked back to the past, forced to relive events heâd much rather forget.
Sometimes he actively resists sleep, fearing the mirages that may appear in his dreams. It is on one such night that he finally recalls his debt to you. As he lays awake, trying to ward off all-consuming thoughts of eternal solitude and grief, he remembers the one other person heâs interacted with in recent times, and an idea comes to mind. Heâs going to start paying his price tonight.
Kinich is usually one to take caution, but right now, he would do anything to keep his mind from lingering on his harsh reality. As such, he climbs out of bed, making his way outside to gather some of the crops heâs grown in a rugged patch of land behind his house.
It feels good to be outside again. The fresh air is a welcome change compared to the stifling atmosphere within a house that holds far too many memories for Kinichâs liking. His recollections range from saccharine-sweet to fear-evoking, yet one thing that remains constant is the fact that Kinich canât stop recalling a past that seems oh-so-distant.
As Kinich picks up a tool, plowing through the dirt to unearth some of the grainfruit he had planted earlier that year, his thoughts drift back to his mother. She used to wrap her delicate fingers around his when he was younger, carefully guiding him as he learned to cultivate and take care of the crops. Back then, Kinich had felt a special type of fragile warmth, but now, all that remains is the chill of the evening air.
Kinich wonders if heâll ever feel that warmth again.
He finishes gathering a respectable amount of food in no time, having had years of practice in the past. The young boy tosses the grainfruit into a sack, preparing to set off on a journey with phantasmagoric darkness as his only companion and the luminous constellations overhead as his only guide.
The sights and sounds of an enigmatic midnight distract him from the thoughts that have been running through his head on a daily basis. Kinich is sure to watch his step, although heâs nearly certain he knows the area well enough to walk through it blindfolded by now.
Finally, after around ten minutes of wandering through veils of silken achromatic, he sees the silhouette of a building in the distance, a rough outline against a backdrop of night. To his surprise, he spots a lantern emitting a gilded glow as he approaches, its incandescent light breaking through layers of obsidian obscurity, flooding it with a golden radiance instead. As he draws closer, he begins to make out the faint shape of a figure in the distance.
Strange. What normal person would be out at this hour?
As the features of the mysterious person become more defined, Kinich realizes itâs you again. Subconsciously, a soft smile begins to grace his features at the thought of getting to speak to you once more. Itâs the first time heâs been genuinely happy in a while.
When Kinich steps into the dim firelight of the lantern, his features illuminated by the ember-forged halo of light, you eagerly approach him and wave. Something about the fact that you still recognize makes his heart grow just a little softer.
âItâs you,â you remark, your face lighting up excitedly.
Kinich nods, awkwardly shuffling under the weight of your gaze. Itâs been a long time since someone was so interested in him. He isnât quite used to having people regard him with such attentiveness.
âWhat are you doing out at this time?â Curiosity flares in your eyes, dancing in asterisms of wonder that glimmer with the brilliance of the stars above. Normally Kinich doesnât like it when others pry into his affairs, but he thinks the look of inquisitiveness is endearing on you.
âI couldnât sleep,â Kinich bluntly responds, âand I had a debt to repay.â He gestures at the sack of grainfruit beside him, silently weighing out the costs in his mind. It isnât enough to pay you back for helping a stranger unconditionally, but Kinich thinks itâs a start. At the very least, itâs enough to reimburse the material costs of tending to his wounds, and heâll deal with reciprocating your actual actions later.
âDebt?â Your face contorts into a puzzled frown. Kinich decides that he appreciates this expression far less when it adorns your visage. âYou donât owe me anything.â
âYou treated my injuries the other day,â Kinich begins to explain, but you cut him off.
âAnd thereâs really no need to repay me for that,â you interrupt. âTrust me. I wanted to help you.â
Somewhere in the depths of his heart, Kinich feels a flurry of opalescent butterflies spread their wings and take flight. Iridescent sparks of a newfound fuzzy feeling burst to life within his chest.
Itâs⊠new. Everything is new with you.
âAt least take the grainfruit,â he mutters, trying to remain nonchalant. As a young child, he still doesnât quite understand what heâs feeling, but heâd rather not make his emotions apparent. âItâll save me the trouble of having to drag it back home.â
You hesitate for a few seconds before agreeing, hauling the large bag inside with great difficulty before rushing back out to Kinich. By the time you return, he recalls that you shouldnât be up at this hour either.
âIf you donât mind me asking, why are you awake right now?â Kinich asks you as you close the front door behind you.
Deep down, a part of him wants to know if thereâs something troubling you so he can help you. Itâs strange. Itâs been a while since he last cared for someone this deeply, but he blames it all on his desire to reimburse you for your kindness, nothing more. Conveniently, he ignores the nascent emotions blooming within, repressing flourishes that take shape in frantic flickers of ruby and rose.
âIt was a little too cold tonight,â you sigh, staring down at the ground. âI just couldnât fall asleep comfortably.â
Kinich lets out a small hum of acknowledgement as the gears in his brain begin to turn, rotating in cycles of contemplation. Perhaps heâll bring you an extra blanket next time he visits.
âThen why donât we keep each other company for a while?â Kinich suggests. âIt definitely beats being alone.â Kinich is not usually one to actively seek the company of other people, but youâre intriguing to him.
You nod, silently offering your hand to Kinich. It feels like the day you first met all over again, except under much better circumstances. This time, he laces your fingers without hesitation, allowing you to guide him through darkness fragmented only by rays of piercing starlight. Heâs not quite sure where youâre leading him, but he knows heâs beginning to trust you a little.
Slowly, your destination becomes clear to Kinich. The two of you draw closer and closer to the cliffside â a spot where pure moonbeams grace the earth with their elegant touch. Kinich tenses slightly, haunting memories from a few weeks prior threatening to resurface above the murky waters of a wounded heart. However, he quells every spark of fear threatening to blaze alight.
Heâs safe. Things arenât the same as they were on that day, and the only other person around is you.
To Kinichâs relief, you settle down a safe distance from the cliffâs edge and pat the spot beside yourself, gesturing for Kinich to follow suit. He wordlessly obliges, simply relishing in the serenity that permeates the atmosphere, nearly tangible as he feels lingering traces of your body heat in the night air.
âLook up,â you whisper, laying a gentle hand on Kinichâs shoulder.
He does as heâs told, and the panoramic sight that greets him is enough to take his breath away. The skies above are the same as ever, yet this is the first time he has truly been able to appreciate their beauty. Kinich studies the constellations that burn with unrivalled luminosity, in awe of their brilliance. Diamond lights burn bright against a backdrop of deep sapphire, each shade of an abyssal ocean waltzing in a whimsical show of wonders.
Before today, heâd always been too busy caring for his mother, too preoccupied with his fatherâs hysteria, or too melancholy within his own solitude to enjoy anything with an unburdened heart.Â
But now everything has changed. Heâs free, and he has you now. Yet again, he feels an involuntary smile tug at the corners of his lips, and before he has the chance to think about what all of this means, a shout breaks through the silence.
âA shooting star! Make a wish, Kinich!â
Kinich is more than familiar with wishing. Heâs wished for plenty of things in his seven years of life. Heâs wished for his father to stop gambling, heâs wished for his mother to come back, and heâs wished for his family to be happy together. Permanently. None of his wishes have ever come true.
But as he looks over at you, he notices hope and a childish innocence glittering in your eyes, manifesting in prismatic tones reflected from the skies above. A sense of warmth washes over him. Kinich sees a kind of purity in you that he wishes he could have clung onto for longer, so he makes a wish, if only to protect and humour you.
âI wish to be able to repay your kindness someday, even if it takes me a lifetime.â
ACT IV.
Throughout the years, Kinichâs debt to you only accumulates.
Word spreads like wildfire after the first few members of the tribe find out about Kinichâs living situation, and unsurprisingly, the news reaches your family as well. Strangers begin to graciously offer Kinich help, yet he always holds them at a distance. Nothing in the world is free, and he knows full well that there are people who conceal ulterior motives behind masks of charity.
There is, however, one exception.
You.
Deep down, Kinich knows that if the universe hadnât entangled him within its delicate web of fate the day you first met, he would have never trusted you. It was only when he was left with no other options that he allowed you to aid him. He felt your sincerity that day, and although heâs still hesitant at the prospect of placing his wholehearted faith in anyone just yet, he lets you help him with his daily tasks. Kinich enjoys being around you, and a small part of him knows that he wants to be able to believe in you unconditionally.
You always show up early in the mornings, returning time and time again as the first traces of golden brilliance begin to graze the horizon. Kinich begins to find himself looking forward to the sunrise for the first time in his life.
In the past, Kinich would watch the last embers of twilight die out each day, violet enigma enveloped by vivid strokes of peach. He would always dread the day to come. Back then, nearly every waking hour of his life had been tedious and stressful, and thus he could only find respite in the land of the oneiric where dreams and absurdism erased the sorrow of real life.
But nowadays, each new dawn means spending more time with you.
You accompany him on various tasks. From farming to foraging to trading at the market, youâve almost done it all.
Todayâs task, however, requires slightly more precision.
As you set off towards a stretch of open plains with Kinich, you speak jovially, sharing stories from the past without a care in the world. Kinich himself doesnât speak much. Instead, he listens, trying his best to piece together fragments of a childhood he never got to experience. Seeing your face light up with joy as you recall amusing escapades or confounding situations causes Kinichâs heart to swell slightly.
You only begin to quiet down when you draw near your destination. Kinich already made it abundantly clear that in order to get anything worthwhile from this trip, you need to proceed with the utmost caution.
Although you try your hardest to keep stealth in your step, you find that youâre not nearly as adept as Kinich, who has had years of experience traversing this territory. Occasionally, the sound of leaves crackling and twigs snapping will reach Kinichâs ear, and heâll catch a glimpse of you stumbling. After a few minutes of painstaking silence interrupted only by the uneven rhythm of clumsy footfalls, Kinich decides to take your hand to steady you.
He tells himself heâs doing it to ensure you donât scare away his next meal â that he doesnât want you to mess up and feel guilty. However, behind his icy demeanour woven from years of hardship lies a small part of him that secretly enjoys the feeling of your fingers intertwined with his, the warmth of his palms mingling with yours.
Meticulously, Kinich leads you to a towering bush, its fragile emerald leaves dense enough to conceal an entire person. Its branches sprout out in piercing patterns of disorderly pandemonium, reflecting the true ruggedness of nature in its visage.
âHide here, and donât make a noise until I get back,â he whispers, his soft breath tickling the shell of your ear. Your proximity nearly causes shivers to run down Kinichâs spine, but years of practice have taught him to effortlessly conceal all his sentiments. âWatch closely.â
With those parting words, Kinich makes his way into the foliage, clutching a boar trap within his hand. He scans the ground for an optimal spot to place the contraption, finally settling on an area after around a minute of contemplation. As soon as he sets the device down, he leaves as quickly as he entered the area, gracefully making his way back to you without making so much as a noise.
Huddled behind the bush, the two of you watch in anticipation. Now that Kinich has left, wild boars have begun to make their ways out into the open, blissfully grazing, unaware of the peril that lies before them. An unsuspecting boar inches closer and closer to the trap, and Kinichâs breath hitches in anticipation, waiting for it to foolishly take the bait.
However, just as the boar begins to sniff the food laid within cold metallic jaws, you lean forward to get a better look. Kinich doesnât react fast enough to stop you. Your movement is slight, yet it causes a large disturbance. The leaves of the bush youâre hidden behind rustle, and the boar looks up, its idyllic haze seemingly perturbed.
Without a momentâs hesitation, it turns tail and runs, conveniently kicking fallen debris into the mouth of the trap, snapping it closed with a sharp click. The other wildlife in the area take off as well. A rush of polychromatic wings create shadows overhead as birds fly away, leaving only tufts of delicate feathers behind. Their dissonant cries echo in an ominous ode of precaution, alerting any other living beings in the area that there is danger lurking nearby.
So much for hunting.
Kinich sighs. Looks like itâll be another few days before heâll be able to get his hands on some meat. He just lost out on a sizable sum of mora. Now heâll have to spend more on keeping himself fed over the next few days, he wonât have anything of worth to sell for extra money â and all that goes without even considering the time and resources he just wasted.
âKinich, Iâm so so sorry,â you start, shrinking back a little as your gaze meets his â an unreadable galaxy of jade and peridot, accentuated by intricate borders of copper and gold.
His heart clenches when he realizes that the look youâre regarding him with is one of fear and uncertainty. He doesnât want you to feel that way, so with an uncharacteristic haste, he reaches out to pat your shoulder.
âNo need to apologize,â Kinich reassures you, his words and tone soothing like a marine zephyr on a scorching summer day. âYou were just curious.â
Kinich knows he has every right to be angry, but overreacting and directing his rage towards another person is the last thing heâd want to do. He knows better than anyone else the damage of misplaced blame and unwarranted rage.
He knows that normally under such circumstances, it would be most appropriate to calmly ask the other party to pay a sufficient price, but since itâs you, Kinich thinks he can let you off the hook. Just this once.
Mentally, he notes never to take you hunting again.
ACT V.
The flow of time is paradoxical, morphing and bending as seasons change and circumstances shift. In Kinichâs case, the former years of his life seemed to drag on, each harrowing second stretching into eons and millenia, but recently, he has begun to resent the evanescent essence of his days.
It feels like just yesterday, he was that fearful seven-year-old, all alone in the world without a soul to offer him solace. Now heâs sixteen â a little older and a lot wiser. Although the hardships heâs faced have been far from delightful, Kinich has had you by his side throughout it all.
The situation is no different in the present. Another hard day of labour passes as usual, and after hours upon hours of exerting yourselves under the blazing radiance of the sun, Kinich is ready to walk you home with a bag of todayâs spoils.
However, as the two of you prepare for the journey ahead, ashen clouds begin to roll in, overtaking the pristine azure that once painted the sky. The light overhead starts to die out, fading at an agonizing swift pace. Although Kinich has safely escorted you home during minor storms before, he has a feeling today will be different. Something about the petrichor that floods his senses feels like a premonition, a warning of disasters to come, and the atmosphere is electrifying.
âWeâd better get going if we want to make it before it starts pouring,â you chuckle lightheartedly, seemingly unperturbed. You only begin to look concerned when Kinich doesnât respond, his mind clouded with a daze of rumination. Upon seeing your features morph into an expression of concern, Kinich finally snaps out of his trance.
âYou should stay the night instead.â The confused look you shoot his way causes a wave of awkwardness to wash over the ambience, yet Kinich continues to elaborate. âI have a bad feeling about the incoming storm. It feels different.â
âI wouldnât want to burden you though,â you protest. âIf we leave quickly, everything will probably be okay.â
Kinich shakes his head.
âYouâre not a burden at all,â he whispers. âYouâve spent your precious time helping me. The least I could do is ensure your safety and offer my home as a refuge.â
Despite Kinichâs reassurances, you continue to refute his statements.
âBut I really donât think staying over is necessary. If youâre worried about walking back alone in a storm, you donât need to accompany me. Iâll be okay. Promise.â
You turn away from Kinich, ready to set off. A rush of panic sends daggers of serrated trepidation to his soul. Itâs unlike Kinich to lose his cool, and although he maintains a serene facade, the unsettling feeling that has been permeating his senses this entire time begins bubbling to the surface, each potential tragedy rushing through his mind in a frenzied series of what-ifs.
Without thinking, Kinich catches your wrist in his fingers, maintaining a loose grip.
âDonât go,â he utters. He despises the vulnerability that laces his tone, but heâs more desperate than ever.
Kinich has already lost both his parents. The mere notion of losing you too is unbearable. If the storm really ends up being as intense as he predicts, he knows that muddy cliffsides, discombobulating spirals of sharp crystalline raindrops, and blinding flashes of lightning will all make for an incredibly disadvantageous situation. For a brief second, his mind flashes back to the way his father had passed, but he swiftly represses those thoughts, pushing them back into a seldom-visited corner of his mind.
When Kinichâs gaze meets yours, your expression softens. He can feel your resolve fading.
âAlright, fine,â you sigh. âYouâre lucky my family has full confidence in your ability to protect me, otherwise theyâd go ballistic if I didnât come home.â
Just as you finally agree to Kinichâs proposition, the sensation of frosted drops of water prickles at his skin. The storm has begun. With haste, he pulls you indoors, quickly shutting the door to keep all the unwanted rain out.
The two of you wait it out, speaking leisurely as if nature isnât erupting into chaos all around you. When youâre together, it feels like nothing else exists. Without a clear view of the sun in the sky, Kinich is unsure of how much time passes, but after a while, he notices that a haze of exhaustion begins to elicit yawns from you.
âTired? You should get some sleep,â Kinich hums nonchalantly. The ambience feels tranquil, and despite the peril just outside the walls of his home, Kinich feels at ease.
You move to lie down on a dilapidated couch in the middle of the cramped living room, but Kinich immediately protests. He knows youâll inevitably start to feel cold or uncomfortable, and thatâs the last thing he wants you to experience as an honoured guest within his abode.
âDonât sleep out here. Youâll freeze.â
Kinich takes your hand, and you allow him to pull you up. He leads you to another room â his room. For the most part, itâs barren, but Kinich watches as your eyes land on a small collection of items sitting atop an aged drawer beside his bed. Memorabilia from your various years together line the edges of dull wood â birthday gifts, trinkets that reminded you of him, and short notes of appreciation. He watches as a subtle grin etches itself into your features as embarrassment and admiration wash over him.
âYou kept all this?â Slight surprise lines your tone as you pose your rhetorical question.
Kinich nods, unsure of how to elaborate. Even heâs not completely sure as to why he stores all the keepsakes youâve ever presented him so meticulously. All he knows is that theyâre important to him. Youâre important to him.
âThatâs sweet,â you mumble, leaning over to examine everything more closely. Your eyes linger on each object, memories flashing in their depths.
Kinich feels his heart flutter.
You spend a few minutes poring over the items and recollections of the past before finally retiring to bed. Kinich watches as you pull the covers over yourself, and he ensures youâre comfortable before turning to leave.
This time, however, itâs your turn to encircle your fingers around his arm, prompting him to stay.
âWhere are you going?â you inquire, gazing up at Kinich curiously.
âBack to the living room,â he replies, gently twisting his wrist, loosening your grip.
âYou said it was cold though.â
Kinich shrugs. âI donât mind as long as youâre comfortable.â
âWhat if I think Iâd be more comfortable with you by my side?â
Kinich tenses, and for a second, his brain malfunctions, barely processing the intent of your words. He comes to the realization that heâs not opposed to the idea. Besides, it was logical; it would help the two of you stay warm for the night.
âAs long as youâre happy,â he mumbles, looking anywhere but into your eyes. Slowly, he begins to climb into bed beside you, cramming his limbs to one side in order to ensure you have enough personal space. Kinich feels unusually tense, and his heartbeat starts to spike in a melody of frantic sentiments as he begins to sense your body heat radiating from the other side of the bed.
Although Kinich tries to calm himself, itâs to no avail, especially when you shift over slightly, entangling your fingers with his. Your eyes flutter shut, and sleep pulls you under, lulling you into a whimsical land of nonsensical wonders. As frantic as the contact makes Kinich feel, he canât bring himself to pry his hand from your grasp. The feeling of your fingers laced together is not an unpleasant sensation.
So with his hand in yours, Kinich falls asleep, and for the first night in his life, he experiences a truly restful slumber. His last thought before the tides of exhaustion drag him off to an ocean of reverie is how despite his unusual nerves, he wouldnât mind doing this again.
And when Kinich comes to the next morning, heâs met with the most ethereal sight of his life. Early morning light blooms through the windows, tinting every corner of the room an aureate shade. The brilliance of the sun is utopia compared to the tumultuous conditions of last night, and as Kinich looks over at you, he notices the peace and content instilled within every dip and curve of your face.
Youâre angelic, and the feeling of you by his side is just so right.
When Kinich comes to terms with the fact that he wants to wake up to the sight of your soft smile every single day, he finally realizes the true significance of the emotions heâs harboured towards you for years.
Heâs in love.
ACT VI.
It isnât often that you go to the market without Kinich by your side. The two of you are more or less a package deal, so when you show up alone, equipped with a small pouch of mora and without your most trusted companion, you immediately notice the whispers that follow.
âDo you think something happened to Kinich?â
âMaybe he got offered a commission that he deemed more worthy of his time.â
âAre you kidding me? Nothing is more important to Kinich than [name] â not even mora!â
The speculations range from reasonable to absolutely implausible, and in all honesty, you have no idea what Kinich is doing at the moment. All you can do is tune everything out and focus on your objective: finding a suitable friendship anniversary gift for Kinich.
Ever since Kinich became a saurian hunter and started taking commissions, youâve been spending less and less time together. However, heâs always accompanied you to the market, helping you weigh each cost with the utmost precision. Although youâre rarely thrilled by the fact that heâs busier with his own affairs now, today is one of the few times where it works to your advantage. You want to surprise him with something special, and the absence of his presence will ensure that nothing is spoiled before the right time comes.
As you browse the goods sold by an elderly vendor, you feel a tug on the hem of your clothing. Upon looking down, you find yourself greeted by two familiar faces â Huni and Toba.
âHey, little ones,â you say, grinning at the two children gazing at you with wide eyes. âIs something the matter?â
Huni nods furiously, Toba mimicking her actions just seconds later. You stifle a giggle. In a way, the two remind you of you and Kinich when you were younger â virtually conjoined.
âWe were wondering if Kinich was okay,â Toba responds, nervously clasping his hands together.
âAh,â you breathe out, finding yourself faced with expectant stares from all around. You can tell that prying eyes and ears have been trained on you, eager for any semblance of gossip. âWhy does everyone seem to think somethingâs up with Kinich today?â
âIsnât it obvious?â Huni giggles, barely able to conceal her glee. âEveryone knows he follows you everywhere because the two of you are together.â
Toba nudges Huni lightly, his gaze becoming the slightest bit pointed as he reprimands her in a hushed tone. âHuni! You werenât supposed to say that.â
You pause for a few seconds, thinking over the implications of Huniâs statement. Surely you misheard. Surely youâre just misinterpreting the girlâs words. Surely no one actually thinks you and Kinich are a couple, right?
âExcuse me, what?â you blurt out. No other words come to mind at the moment, as youâre too shocked to muster any coherent thought. âKinich and I are what?â
âTogether,â Huni states simply. âA couple. Totally head-over-heels for each other.â
A frown clouds your features as your muscles tense. You and Kinich are nothing more than friends, and although youâre extremely close â nearly abnormally so â youâve never even discussed the possibility of being anything more. Why does everyone around you suddenly seem to think youâre in love?
Perhaps your confusion is evident because Huni continues to elaborate in excruciating detail.
âYou should see the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching â itâs like his eyes fill with the light of a thousand stars. Oh, he also always asks the shopkeepers if anythingâs caught your eye recently whenever youâre distracted, andâŠâ
You tune out Huniâs tangent about you and Kinich, the thoughts in your mind coming to a halt temporarily to protect yourself from the onslaught of confounding claims being made. It feels like complete blankness engulfs your mind as you remain frozen in place, each fleeting moment feeling more comparable to an eternity. The more you dwell on Huniâs assumption, the more you realize you donât mind envisioning yourself with Kinich.
Youâre only pulled out of your mental retreat when a familiar voice rings out through the discord of marketplace conversations.
â[Name],â Kinich greets you. âI wasnât expecting to see you here today.â
To your relief, Toba drags Huni off as Kinich approaches, frantically trying to ensure that she doesnât say anything more in front of the saurian hunter himself. You feel a sense of momentary relief, but now that Kinich is here, what are you going to do about his present?
âYeah, I had some free time today and wanted to check out some of the new goods. Itâs been about a week since Iâve come by.â
Unsurprisingly Kinich doesnât look convinced. Doubt swirls in a faint starlight glimmer within irises of fern and honeyed sunbeams. He knows you like the back of his own hand.
âWhatâs really going on?â he asks, a hint of concern entangled in his tone. He watches you intently, awaiting your answer. His eyes narrow ever-so-slightly.
Busted. Although you would have much preferred keeping your gift to Kinich a surprise, you figure itâs still better to ensure he doesnât worry that youâve been roped into doing suspicious business. You know from experience that Kinich tends to take drastic measures when he thinks youâre in danger, and youâd rather not have him go to such lengths over nothing.
âYou know how our friendship anniversary is coming up?â you explain.
A look of realization flashes across Kinichâs features. Before he can speak, a grating voice that youâve been hearing more often in recent times interrupts.
âSo my lowly servant and his pesky idiot of a companion had the same idea,â Ajaw cackles, appearing from behind Kinich. You try your best to stifle an exasperated groan. âMaybe you really are meant to be â after all, you share one collective brain cell!â
You glare at Ajaw, and Kinich sighs, nonchalantly raising an arm to send Ajaw off to solitary confinement.
âSorry about that. Ajawâs been acting up more than usual since the last time I put him in timeout,â Kinich says.
You chuckle before a realization suddenly hits you.
âWait, Ajaw said you were here for the same reason as me,â you speak hesitantly. âWere you getting me a gift too?â The way Kinich averts his gaze as you ask your question nearly elicits more giggles from you.
âLooks like we caught each other at the worst time,â Kinich sighs.
You nod in agreement, and although youâre slightly disappointed you couldnât have kept your secret mission inconspicuous, you find the corners of your lips turning up in a smile. Thereâs a strange sort of comfortable humour in the situation that you only experience around Kinich.
âSince weâre both here anyway, we might as well go shopping together,â you hum, taking Kinichâs hand and dragging him off. Maybe people will stop bothering you now that Kinich is by your side again.
You wander with Kinich, gaze flitting over various items on display. However, despite all your searching, nothing quite piques your interests. Itâs not until rose and clematis scatter themselves across the sky in a brilliant display of mosaic-esque shards that something finally catches your eye.
On a small table tucked within an obscure corner of the marketplace sits two matching bracelets, delicate stars engraved into opulent charms hanging from each one. The woven threads of each accessory look intricately-crafted to the point where even the finer details appear flawless.
Theyâre beautiful, but more importantly, they remind you of that night more than a decade ago where Kinich had wished upon a star for the first time in years. They remind you of the night where Kinich found hope once more. Thatâs what seals the deal for you.
âExcuse me, Ms. Vendor. Iâll take the two bracelets.â
ACT VII.
No one takes death seriously until it comes knocking at their door.
Kinich comes to the realization as he trembles on the battlefield of the Night Warden Wars, his bones aching and his joints ready to give up on him. Heâs exhausted, and all he wants to do is close his eyes and allow the frigid touch of death to kiss away the last remnants of warmth from his soul. However, relenting would mean admitting defeat.
Relenting would mean never seeing you again.
(And thatâs the last thing he wants.)
Everyone lives as if their time is unlimited â as if tomorrow is guaranteed to come. Humans tend to assume the future is a never-ending tale, a novel with no finale, so they continuously delay, waiting and waiting and waiting because they believe they still have many years ahead of them to wrap up their affairs.
Kinich realizes all too late that he has been ensnared within the same folly. As he remains slumped on the ground, clutching at his bleeding chest, a sense of deep regret washes over him.
He never got to tell you that he loved you.
Even after all these years, Kinich has never been able to bring himself to utter those words â not even once â and now, heâll pay the price for his hesitation. A small part of him has always been too cowardly to cross the line from friendship into the uncharted territory of something more.Â
Kinich hardly knows much pertaining to love, but from what little heâs seen in his former years of life, he knows itâs a double-edged sword â a smoldering flame of passion that burns with unparalleled brilliance. But when a roaring blaze grows too intense, it consumes all, leaving nothing but ashes and tears.
His parents had been in love at some point. Kinich recalls the times where his father would embrace his mother after handing her a breathtaking bouquet of flowers, his lips brushing across her bruised cheek with a rare sweetness. In those moments, Kinichâs father would whisper words of affirmation to his mother â promises and saccharine reassurances that would always remain unfulfilled.
Yet more often than not, their âloveâ consisted of domestic quarrels, the shattering of glassware against the walls of a derelict house or the slap of a hand across blemished skin. Love had destroyed them, and Kinichâs worst fear is the thought of your relationship falling apart.
So heâs maintained an ample distance throughout the years, keeping you at armâs length to ensure nothing goes wrong. Heâs always been by your side, close enough to share embers of his love yet not close enough to burn you, and now his caution is returning to haunt him.
Kinich is going to die before he has the chance to confess his true feelings.
As much as he wills himself to stay conscious, his eyelids begin to grow heavy, threatening to flutter shut for the last time. The sweet sensation of death threatens to lull Kinich into an eternal slumber, luring him in with a deceptively-tantalizing siren song, filled with promises of peace and an end to his suffering. A sense of fear grips Kinich as his life begins slipping away. Heâs not ready to die. Thereâs so much he still wants to experience with you.
A million thoughts race through his mind before his imminent demise.
He thinks of Ajaw, who would be free to catalyze the implosion of the seven nations without Kinich around. As cruel as fate has been to him, Kinich doesnât want the world to burn.
He thinks of his comrades â fallen warriors who had fought valiantly until they no longer had the strength to go on. They deserve to be revered and honoured, not lost to the sands of time.
And he thinks of you. His everything.
The weight of the star bracelet you had gifted him starts feeling a lot heavier. When you purchased it, you had told him it brought back recollections from one of the best days of your life, adding that you hoped youâd make many more precious memories in the future.
Kinich canât let you down now.
A wish flickers to life within the depths of his soul, desperately manifesting in shades of emerald and rich forest green. Resplendent viridescent tourmaline glints by his chest where there had once been a gaping wound, fueling Kinich with revived vigor. Kinich feels rejuvenated, and with his newfound strength, he stands, preparing to face another onslaught of abyssal attacks.
This time heâs ready, and heâll stop at nothing until he purges every last enemy.
Kinich is determined to fight â for Natlan, for his comrades, and most importantly, for you.
ACT VIII.
When a hero returns from war, they are typically met with the relieved faces of their loved ones and an outpouring of affection. However, Kinich finds that neither of these things welcome him upon his arrival home. Instead, he is greeted by the sight of an exasperated frown on your face and vitreous tears welling up in the corners of your eyes.
âYouâre so stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid! I canât believe you almost got yourself killed!â You continue to ramble on, your words amalgamating in a panicked jumble of incoherence as Kinich wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you in for a warm embrace. Ever since Kinich told you what happened during the Night Warden Wars, youâve been distraught.
To his relief, he feels the tension within your body dissipate as the proximity between the two of you gradually dwindles. With your face finally hidden from view, you allow your teardrops to flow freely down your cheeks in bittersweet rivulets; Kinich can tell from the way his clothing seems to dampen. Absent-mindedly, Kinich traces circles on your back, calmly running through cycles upon cycles to ground you.
âSorry,â is all Kinich can muster, his throat feeling parched under the scrutiny of your glare as you pull away to shoot him a nasty look. Thereâs so much more he wants to say to you, but he canât find the strength to put any of it into words. âI didnât mean to worry you.â
You scoff, your tone nearly sardonic in nature, yet beneath it all, Kinich can sense how much you missed him â- how terrified you were that you would never see him again.
âIs that all you have to say?â you ask. âYou nearly died, Kinich. I nearly lost you.â
The lines of your facial features, once creased in irritation, soften, giving way to vulnerability.
âI know,â he sighs, shivering as resignation chills him to the bone. He hates the fact that youâre right. Kinich reaches out to caress your cheek, gently wiping a tear in the process. âIâm still here though.â
âThat doesnât guarantee the same thing wonât happen in the future,â you choke out between hushed sobs. âWhat if next time you actuallyâŠâ
Before you can go on, Kinich presses a finger to your lips, effectively silencing you. For a few seconds, he simply allows you to lose yourself within the comfort of his arms. He needs you to process the fact that heâs tangible, breathing, alive, before he says anything more. Kinich waits for your ragged gasps to even out before speaking.
âDo you trust me?â he asks, moving a hand to lace your fingers together.
You nod furiously, eyeing Kinich suspiciously through your sorrowful display of emotions.
âThen believe me when I say Iâll always return to you,â Kinich whispers softly.
Moments go by before you hesitantly respond.
âFine.â
Kinich isnât one to break promises. Ending a contract unceremoniously leads to mounting costs and debt, so he tends to avoid obliging to tasks he considers impossible. Perhaps thatâs why you relent so easily. You know Kinich would never go back on his word â especially not if it has anything to do with you.
âIâm still expecting you to make it up to me though. I was unbelievably worried.â
âSure thing,â Kinich replies, his voice breezy and nonchalant once more.
Just let me hold you for a little while longer first.
ACT IX.
Adrenaline courses through Kinichâs veins, fueling him with an urgent sort of determination. He races the wind, desperately trying to transcend nature itself. Heâs always been quick, but right now, heâs not sure heâll be quick enough.
You could be in danger.
If Kinich had known that there had been a surge in abyssal activity within the territory of the People of the Springs, he would have never let you accompany Mualani and the Traveler on their excursion; he wouldnât have sent Ajaw away on a special mission in the dead of night in an attempt to seek some peace and quiet either. However, Kinich only found out a mere hour ago, and now heâs scrambling to reach you without the aid of his flying companion.
Kinich knows very well that he could arrive just to find that nothing serious is going on, but the thought of not being by your side to protect you in the case that something actually does happen glazes his soul over into a thousand fractals of crystalline fear.
Thatâs why he runs with as much haste as he can muster, guided by gilded lights reflected in untamed waters, their glow casting a luminous sheen across the wavering ocean surface. As Kinich draws closer, he senses a feeling of foreboding in the air, charging his surroundings with the essence of an ominous premonition.
And then he hears it â an ear-shattering scream.
No matter how much Kinichâs legs scream for respite, he rushes on. With every step, his pace only accelerates. The sole thought on his mind is getting to you in time.
When he finally reaches the village, pandemonium is the first thing to make his acquaintance. Warriors from the tribe fiercely attempt to fend off the incoming assault on their homeland, parrying the attacks of each monstrous entity with precision developed throughout years of rigorous training. Kinich knows theyâre skilled at fighting. He trusts them, so instead of delaying, he rushes to more secluded corners of the town, fending off any monsters lurking around the outskirts in the hopes that heâll run into you on the way.
He swings his claymore as if it's instinct, warding off all peril as he desperately searches the din of discombobulating havoc for any sign of you. His first potential lead comes in the form of a cerulean blur, followed closely by a flash of gold â two of Kinichâs few friends. Before Kinich can call their names, theyâre already out of earshot. However, as he turns away to continue his search, a small fairy-esque creature barrels into him, swaying slightly as a ferocious gale attempts to send her flying into disarray.
Kinich reacts quickly, his body working faster than his brain. With ease, he snatches the entity from the sky, effectively pulling her out of harmâs way.
âHello, Paimon,â Kinich says, fighting to keep his tone neutral. With great difficulty, he suppresses all the anxiety, facing Paimon without betraying so much as a hint of emotion. Truthfully, heâs a wreck on the inside.
âKinich!â Paimon exclaims, her high-pitched voice cutting through the cacophony of noise ringing out in the turbulent night. âWhat are you doing here?â
âLooking for [name]. Have you seen them around?â
Kinich doesnât realize heâs holding in his breath until he hears Paimonâs response. A small gasp slips past his lips.
âUm, last Paimon heard, they were heading to the east part of the village. There were some kids playing there earlier without supervision.â
Of course. Kinich should have known you were off helping others. You had always been willing to lend a hand to those in need, even when you first met Kinich. It was one of your many traits that charmed him all those years ago.
âThank you, Paimon,â Kinich says, trying his best to keep a building sense of dread at bay. âYou should catch up with the Traveler now.â
âSee you soon, Kinich,â Paimon chirps before zipping away.
Now that heâs alone, Kinich finally allows the panic to set in. With even more fervour than before, he speeds off in your direction, grasping at various ledges with his grappling hook to move quicker. Kinich is all but weightless, akin to a delicate feather drifting through the breeze. However, itâs still not enough.
Youâre cornered and alone when he finally spots you, backed to a wall as two beastly hounds eye you hungrily, sparks of violet electricity igniting in their irises. Just as Kinich figures that the kids have been brought to safety, one of the creatures lets out a guttural roar, a horrific sound unlike anything from this world. You cower in response. Time seems to slow as Kinich watches the abomination extend its claws, ready to rip into you without mercy.
Before he can spare another thought, Kinichâs body reacts. He flings himself through the air, landing precariously fast and skidding along the grass. As he starts slowing to a stop in front of you, he swings his claymore, countering the abyssal wolfâs attack.
Kinich shields you. No matter how perilous the situation becomes, he knows he will need to remain steadfast and resolute.
As the dust settles, you finally catch a glimpse of Kinich. He hears you call his name, feels your hand brush against his shoulder, and senses you shuffling next to him.
However, danger still lurks before you, so with one hand, Kinich lightly shoves you back, taking caution to ensure you wonât end up injured.
âLet me handle this,â he says, extending an arm to prevent you from taking another step forward. He changes his stance and faces the hounds head-on.
The monsters prepare to attack again, and Kinich takes it as a sign to charge forth, swinging his claymore with as much force as he can manage. Although the beasts are fearsome, Kinich lands blow after blow, gradually weakening them with each hit. The only thing on his mind right now is his desire to protect â to save you like you saved him all those years ago.
Kinich allows his instincts to take over, relying on the battle experience heâs accumulated to guide him through the abyssal skirmish. Suddenly he feels as though heâs back in the Night Warden Wars, fighting with all his heart to ensure heâd see you again. His resolve steels, and with one final strike of his weapon, he dispels all danger, banishing the hounds before him to the precarious realm from whence they came.
As soon as Kinich has ensured that the situation has settled, he turns back to inquire about your wellbeing. However, before a single word can slip past his lips, you run up to him and collapse in his arms, trembling like a leaf within a harrowing autumn squall.
âYouâre safe now,â he whispers, his breath tickling your ear. Kinich holds you tighter, his grip so secure that even death wouldnât be able to pry you from his grasp. âIâve got you.â
âI was so scared⊠that Iâd never see you again,â you gasp between shaky breaths, your panic slowly beginning to dissipate.
Kinich feels a lump in his throat and a pang in his chest. He knows better than anyone how you must have felt, what you were thinking as you lived out what you thought were your last moments. He was in your exact situation once, and all he can recall is his final plea to Celestia â his wish to return home to the welcoming sight of your radiant visage at least once more.
âI couldnât die before I told you that,â you hesitate, your words catching in your throat, âbefore I told you that I loved you.â
Kinichâs breath hitches. His body freezes, and his surroundings become all but null. Maybe you really are telepathically linked because that had been his exact thought as he felt his life ebbing away during the Night Warden Wars, ascending to a divine plane in chapters of fragile mortality.
âYou love me?â Kinich breathes out. In the mayhem, all is momentarily forgotten as blissful euphoria overtakes his heart, sending zephyrs of rose-tinted elation through his mind. After an eternity of waiting, Kinich finally realizes his feelings are reciprocated. âI love you too.â
The look on your face softens as sensibility and coherency begin to overtake you once more, but before you can return Kinichâs affections, dissonant screams and crashes shatter your transient utopia.
Right. Youâre still in the midst of chaos.
âDo you know where the Traveler and Mualani were headed?â Kinich questions you urgently, recoiling slightly as he ruins the moment. He hates the fact that heâll have to push aside the implications of your confession for now, but at the moment, peopleâs lives are still in danger.
You nod vigorously.
âIâll take you over to them and then head back to the village to assist in resolving the crisis. We can talk more tonight.â
ACT X.
The festivities of the People of the Springs stretch well past midnight that evening, celebrating the triumph of their heroes and the recovery of the esteemed warrior Atea. Lively melodies ring out in the refreshing night air, filling the evening with songs of invigorating joy and glorious victory. Even from atop a cliff overlooking everything, the warm atmosphere still engulfs you. Although you had stayed for the commencement of the party, you and Kinich eventually decided to retire to a slightly more secluded area to pick up your conversation from earlier.
âSo,â you start, your nerves beginning to flare up in a culmination of resplendent flames, âwhere do we start?â Subconsciously, you begin to toy with your fingers, and you donât notice until Kinich stops you, taking your hand in his.
âWell first things first, we know we love each other,â he states, looking into your eyes. Ardor dances within his gaze, making itself at home between brilliant murals of malachite and topaz. The way moonlight catches in his irises, illuminating his features with a certain softness, makes your heart melt.
Now that Kinich no longer has to hold back, his immense love for you becomes tremendously apparent. As he traces circles into the back of your hand with his thumb, you realize that even the silences are adorned with gentle reminders of his feelings for you.
âIt seems so obvious now,â you laugh lightly. âI wonder why we didnât end up confessing sooner.â
Kinich hums nonchalantly, averting his eyes for just a second before turning back to you.
âWould you believe me if I told you that I was scared?â Kinich asks.
Amusement graces his features as you shake your head. Nowadays, Kinich is usually so calm â so composed â never allowing his demeanour to betray even the slightest hint of distress. From hunting saurians to extreme sports to tolerating Ajawâs creative threats all the time, Kinich has endured everything with a brave face, but now youâre starting to realize that perhaps he isnât quite as fearless as he appears.
âWhat were you scared of?â you inquire, tilting your head slightly to examine Kinich.
A pause ensues as Kinich mulls over his response, mentally preparing himself to pour out his heart. Heâs not used to it, but heâs ready to start trying for you.
âRuining the best thing life has ever given me,â he whispers. âYou know youâre everything to me, right?â
Youâre breathless as you stare at Kinich. The pure emotion behind his words is enough to widen your grin. Your heart feels like itâs ready to pulse out of your chest, speeding up in a grand accelerando and growing louder in a magnificent crescendo.
Everything is perfect.
Everything is as it should be when youâre with him.
This is your flawless elysium.
âMay I?â You cup Kinichâs face with one hand, leaning towards him. Your gaze falls on his lips, and you hear him breath in softly.
Kinich nods, reciprocating your actions as he bridges the gap between you.
Time seems to slow as your lips meet in an incandescent flash of effulgent sparks. The night gleams in shades of starlight and utopia, illuminating the moment with a brilliance that encapsulates nothing less than pure love. Perhaps your souls have been intertwined since the beginning, or perhaps destiny pulled some strings to bring the two of you together, but youâre absolutely certain that from this moment on, you would only part in death.
As you pull away from Kinich, a strange smile adorns his features. Before you can question him, he speaks.
âI finally repaid you,â he says, âafter all this time.â
You laugh. Heâs still worrying about that?
âThank you, love, but it doesnât matter to me anymore,â you respond. A part of you finds it endearing that heâs still trying to make things even after your countless seasons together, yet you feel obligated to reassure him he never has to reimburse you again.
Kinich gazes at you inquisitively.
âThereâs no debt between lovers, silly â only pure adoration and happiness.â
FIN. tysm for taking the time to read this fic <3
#r.archives *àłàŒ#kinich x reader#kinich x you#genshin impact x reader#genshin x reader#genshin imagines#genshin headcanons#genshin impact#genshin#genshin fanfic#genshin kinich
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Wine Cellar Large in San Francisco An illustration of a sizable wine cellar made of terra cotta tiles in the style of the Tuscany.
#dark wood cabinets#beaded inset cabinets#traditional wood wine racks#box beams#wine storage#tuscan style interiors#large
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