#that being said; at least when it comes to water Mumbo’s instincts usually do all the work

[mochatears]

For your MF AU, do the Hermits take care of Hermits who are “vulnerable?” For example, protecting xB from axolotls, Mumbo and Zedaph from water, Doc and BDubs from cats, etc. It totally sounds like a Mumbo thing to be so distracted while he’s walking that he just walks off the edge of a block and into the only block of water in a ~500 block radius.

I mean, all the hermits try to look out for each other of course. Most of them are experienced enough to avoid things that could hurt them more than normal, but accidents happen and so if people are together, well two sets of eyes are better than the one. Especially if the one is distracted. Or Mumbo.

[roseamongroses]

Winners Among the Losing: (5) City Secrets (Sittin’ Secrets)

Summary:It wasn’t a matter of whether or not they were worthy.It was a matter of who wanted it more. And now they were firmly on the wrong side of history. A history of unfathomable powers and all-knowing immortals, ancient forests and beasts, and a Stranger who wanted to challenge it all.

Vibes/ Tags:time is irrelevent, homophobia who?, magic and beasts, demigods

Warnings: Imprisonment, Mentions of execution, Blood/ injuries,  Mentions of past Death, repression, cursing, 

Characters: Deceit(Eden) Sanders, Remy Sanders, Logan Sanders, Virgil Sanders, Patton Sanders, Roman Sanders, Emile Picani

Ship: Roceit

Ao3

1) (2)   (3)  (4)  (5)

The Stranger dangled keys, “Get up, bitches,” and he offered a hand.

Eden groaned, blocking the sun from his eyes, “What…?” he moved to get up, but was trapped. Roman firmly attached to the non-bloody side of his waist.

When Eden moved to remove their hands, they tightened their grip with a soft, “No.”

The Stranger raised an eyebrow.

Eden rolled his eyes, managing to pry Roman’s hands off with minimal whining, before scooping him up, Roman’s face buried in his shirt. He somewhat managed to grab the Stranger’s free hand, and a flash of light engulfed them.

When they reappeared, it was thankfully not another forest, but rather a corridor lined with doors of a variety of muted browns, the air stale and thoroughly lived in. Seeing the environment change, Roman was now more awake, arms looped around Eden’s shoulders looking unimpressed.

The Stranger clicked his tongue, opening the door, “You shouldn’t stay in the hearth anymore,” he explained, “Waking and destroying something that old and territorial draws a lot of unnecessary attention.”

“You mean my brother.” Roman drawled, sliding from Eden’s arms and slinking into the room without another word.

Eden shuffled into the room, carefully looking over the wide single bed and tapered wallpaper. While it seemed relatively clean, everything did when compared to the musty forest floor of the universe’s forgotten playground. The foreignness of everything clung to every surface, with the lights being just dim enough to seem off, and the outside world making just enough noise to seem present.

After inspecting around for awhile, Roman wandered into a smaller room, the sounds of running water following.

Roman poked his head out, “Sorry-- forgot to ask. Did you want to bathe first?” He gestured to the browning, yellowed areas of Eden’s waist. The shirt he had tied over it hanging by threads.

“Huh,” He blanked, “I guess I didn’--”

“No need for that, Sanders,” The Stranger cooly injected, “He’s not staying here anyways; this room is all for you.”

Roman’s nose curled, “Ok, wow, rude.” He looked at the Stranger as if he were as mundane as the peeling wallpaper itself, “And that makes no sense. How is he supposed to ‘keep an eye on me’ if he isn’t near me.”

Eden cocked his head at that. Maybe Roman wasn’t as asleep as they’d thought.

The stranger waved a hand, chair materializing beside him, “He can sit in the hall while you sleep.”

“He can sleep in here.”

“There’s only one bed.”

“Oh my god,” Roman mocked, hand pressed to his forehead to swoon, “There’s-- gasp-- only one bed,” before his frown returned, “I grew up with five sisters who were never told no, I think I can handle sharing a bed.”

The Stranger’s lips twitched, a long stretch of silence engulfing the room. Eden would be horrified-- that is, he would be if he hadn’t wished he could say that to the man as well, without getting the nearest water source redirected at his head. Roman didn’t seem worried, impatiently tapping his foot, more concerned over his running water more than anything.

“Okay.” The Stranger finally said, Eden becoming uncomfortably aware of his stare. He turned around, disappearing before even passing through the door.

With him gone, Roman’s shoulders slumped, “I swear…” he mumbled, looking Eden up and down once more, “Anyway, let’s get that cleaned up properly.”

“You don’t need to--”

“I want to.”

--

Roman shifted, his breathing slow.

Eden was still mulling over earlier today, trying to make sense of… this.

Roman didn’t seem like the sharing type. He was probably used to getting everything he wanted without a second thought, so it was a safe assumption to make. And it certainly didn’t make sense for Roman to care about Eden or his well being. The Stranger said Roman liked Eden, but the question was... to what extent?

“Stop thinking so loud.” Roman grumbled, “And just ask.”

Eden rolled over, propping himself on his elbows, “There is no way you knew that.”

Roman’s lips quirked, eyes remaining closed, “And you know me so well?” His hands trailed Eden ’s bare arm, a shiver of scales following the pattern obediently.

“I want to,” Eden admitted, “Afterall, if I’m going to be watching your ass, I at least need to know something ‘bout this brother of yours.”

Roman’s eyes flew open, scandalized, “Gross.”

“Roman, come on.” Eden poked his sour face, “You can’t let a man into your bed and not tell him your tragic backstory. That’s just not proper etiquette.” He mocked. He noted that, despite being so clingy, Roman never quite met his gaze anymore.

“We’ve been sleeping on the same forest floor for the past few weeks- I doubt this is hardly any different.”

“Oh?” Eden smiled, twirling one of Roman’s curls, the motion causing Roman to falter.

“Uh- yea- yeah I’d hardly call us lovers-”

Eden decided to take a bit of a risk. His free hand tangled in Roman’s curls as he leaned down closer to Roman’s face, “I guess we do have a unique situation…”

“So- so some things are better not shared, right? ” Roman stammered, wide eyed. Roman was very much aware of how close they are and Eden may have lingered for a bit longer than he intended. He may have considered briefly taking another risk.

Roman’s lips were parted slightly, fingers still tracing patterns in Eden ’s arm, and for once he wasn’t looking away from Eden . Eden could easily lean in, he could easily tug them closer. He could probably get away with doing a lot more, if he were to be honest.

But Eden pulled back all the same, “Of course,” he said, tucking Roman’s hair behind his ear before rolling back over, “G’night Roman,”

A pause, and then, “...Goodnight,” Roman said, withdrawing his touch as well, if not more reluctant.

So that answers one question.

---

Tracking down Roman was usually an obnoxious affair, but it was certainly not the hardest job Logan has been tasked with. The finding was never an issue, more so the convincing. Apparently simply asking someone to go back to their stone prison did not always work.

He scanned the local map raptly, “It doesn’t seem like he’s gone to the usually places,” he said, frowning.

Virgil made a surprised noise, peeking over Logan’s shoulder, “Huh that’s a first,” he snorted, “Maybe Princey’s getting smarter after all?”

Logan tolled his eyes at that, “Highly unlikely, seeing as he decided to escape— again,” he said, tucking the map underneath his arms, “Oh well, we should still drop by Remus’s grave to be sure he still isn’t around,”

At that Virgil gaze falter, “Of course, “ he said, hands fidgeting, “Hey Logan…”

“You don’t need to ask, Virgil, I’m fine with checking myself,” Logan said and Virgil visibly relaxed.

“Thanks,” Virgil said, stuffing his hands in his worn out jacket. He tossed his hair from his eyes in a careless way, “While you and Patton do that I can check the next town over,” he said, “I heard some rumors about some ancient text and stuff being transported through there and while that's not usually Roman’s gig, it’s certainly of interest,”

Logan’s eyes squinted a bit, mouth tight, “Take Patton with you,” he said and before Virgil could protest, he held up a single hand.

“Don’t be rude, Virgil, you still aren’t technically supposed to be here.” The threat was clear, “Anyhow, Patton doesn’t like visiting Remus’s grave anymore then you do.”

“More like he enjoys it too much,” Virgil grumbled, but cut himself off quickly.

Logan sighed, “As much as you’re right, we can’t change his nature completely, after all—it isn’t… humane. Just keep a close eye on him, he was kept by the Sanders for a reason.”

Virgil knew he was right.

Right now, Patton was really a solid option for finding Roman, and fast. It was something to do with being blood bonded or some mumbo jumbo about being the Goddess's--and by extension the Sanders’-- watchdog. But it was always a risk to use. Patton’s loyalty to Logan would never be as strong as his draw to a full blooded Sanders, and that was simply in his nature.

Virgil didn’t want to discount the progress Patton made, nor the trust they’ve been trying to build, but... the careful gaze Patton held on him as Logan parted ways was something that Virgil's instincts couldn’t ignore.

Not again.

--

Roman was never fond of cities or towns.

And it wasn’t like he’d seen a lot of them, he hadn’t really seen much beyond the walls of the estate. He’d just had an inkling he would never get along with them and he was right. It was loud, ugly, and infested with people.

“Ugh,” his lips curled, “Are you sure you can’t carry me?” he said watching as Eden squinted at the ‘phone’ Remy had left in the room that morning.

He was having much better luck with it then Roman, who simply wanted to destroy the infernal device, and was leading them throughout the town’s twist and turns looking for...something. They both weren’t sure if it was a person or a place. It was just a list with hastily scribbled English.

Eden didn’t glance up, “You shouldn’t be tired, ” he said, taking a sudden turn with Roman easily keeping up.

“Not physically of course,” Roman huffed, “But emotionally, I’m drained--and that damn curse gets stronger the closer a council member get.” he said, and only at that did Eden slow, eyes meeting Roman’s in a curious manner.

Roman eyes fluttered, “Please,” he whined, feeling himself sway, “We’ve been at it for most of the morning,”

“...Fine,” Eden sighed, “There should be a park nearby you can res-- Oof,” Roman had jumped into Eden ’s arms, And Eden scrambled to hook his arms underneath their thighs, “Roman we’re in public,” he hissed, now hyper aware of the stares they were now getting and the hot trail of scales creeping up his back.

Roman simply hooked his arms around Eden ’s neck, something that was becoming startling familiar. “What of it?” he murmured, eyes drooping again.

“Hey, hey, hey, “Eden pulled them off to the side, making his way towards the park, “Try and stay awake” he said eyes scanning the crowds critically and , curling the other closer his chest, “Roman…Roman…”

“Mmm,” Roman smiled, eyes slowly opening, “Say my name again, won’t you?”

---

Virgil may have lost Patton.

Which… isn’t the best way to start any assignment, but it happens. More frequently then they’d ever admit to the council. So it was silly to freak out, so fucking silly, but Virgil was freaking out. His eyes sharply scanning the crowd Patton effortlessly slipped into, looking for his shining white curls. He was tempted to manifest some more eyes, but---

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash, and like that relief rushed over him

“Pat,” he groaned, hands sliding down his face, “You just can’t do that!”

Patton blinked, “Roman’s close,” they said, turning on his heels promptly, his cloak falling like waves behind him.

“Uh,” Virgil balked, “Oh.”

Before he scrambled after, phone already dialing for Logan.

---

It was in times like these, did Eden really fucking hate the Stranger. Not only did he have to deal with the consistent reminder that he’s a ticking time bomb, but he had to run errands for his supposed teacher in hopes that he actually got arround to fucking teaching them.

Oh, and lets not forget the really obvious crush a demi-god had for him.

Eden … didn’t really hate that though. It was convenient, it was amusing, and Eden could admit it was kinda flattering. The thing is...it was distracting. It was really distracting.

Cause with another person, Eden could probably get away with being an asshole about it, and getting the job done. But seeing as Roman could quite literally crush him with a whim, Eden had to be a lot more patient. So that’s why he’s here, in the park letting Roman rest up. Not because he’s completely lost, and frustrated, or because Roman batted his eyelashes at him.

That would be ridiculous, and completely and utterly, unprofessional.

Eden glanced down, feeling Roman stir again, “You feel better?” he asked.

“Mmm,” Roman arched his back with a yawn, “We should...you should…” he hooked his fingers into the material of Eden ’s shirt, face scrunched up in concentration.

Eden ignored that, instead eyeing the phone’s clock, “It isn’t too late, we can still make up for lost time,”

“Eden.” Roman said, and something about his tone put him on edge.

“Yes…?”

Roman met his gaze, sharp, “Duck.”

---

Patton had barreled into the park without hesitation.

They’re luminescent skin burned in the light as they struck at once, the ground rippling under his touch. And amongst the smoke, and dust, and screams of traumatized civilians just enjoying life there was Roman, effortlessly floating amongst the rubble, his hair a beacon that Patton had narrowed on easily. Roman almost looked surprised to see them. But in an instant, the surprise was gone, and Roman dropped back into the smoke.

Virgil fell into position behind Patton easily, “Left,” he whispered.

Patton twisted their head unnaturally, dodging the incoming tree branch with ease, before darting forward. He forced himself not to look back, hoping Virgil was close behind. The branch barreled into the ground, it’s bark blackened unnaturally, before it sharply twisted around.

“Two right,” Virgil said, and Patton dropped to the ground at once. A tree splitting apart, crashing around them, Roman’s laugh not far behind. They’d scrambled up, just in time for the ground below them to shatter, Patton crushing an incoming branch and Virgil jumping swift over the accompanying mudslide, hanging on tight to a tree, before dropping and diving behind Patton at once.

“Is there someone else here? He...I...” Virgil was out of breath, “Something isn’t right,” he managed to say. His many eyes were frantic, their vivid purple shining in the cloudy smoke. Searching...scanning…

“...Above…” he whispered, horrified.

---

Roman was extremely tired.

With a wave of his hand, the dust clouds dropped at once. Roman staggered, limbs heavy with every step. He eyed the uprooted land. Its blackened soil and crumbling remains a bleak sight. He felt the curse’s lull encroaching stronger. He faintly noted that while he could feel the dampened presence of the other two, but they weren’t full fledged council members. So...

His brother should be here soon.

At that thought, he felt his hysteria finally bubble. His laughter spilling in hiccups, as he swayed, not quite fighting the darkness that crept in his vision.

It wouldn’t be long till they get him again, it never took long.

He drank each second greedily, trying to remember the cool of the air, and the grumble of the earth beneath him. He held on those memories tight, feeling hot tears spill down his face. He felt his knees buckle, but he never felt the hard embrace of the ground, nor the swift coolness of sleep.

He knew without looking it was Eden ’s hands that steadied him. They were unnaturally callous free, but strong, easily gripping Roman’s waist and pulling him to their chest.

Only then did Roman let his eyes close.