#we realised while writing this

[nexus-nebulae]

so like. madd system shit. we love having music in the background when we're wandering paracosm, like movie and game soundtracks that fit the mood (our playlists are So Large) and since we've had our paracosm so long, a lot of the time we end up reusing songs that were already associated with other scenes. so like nowadays we'll be in the middle of daydreaming completely unrelated scenes with entirely new headmates in the front rotation but someone will always stop in the middle of certain songs to go "that's jimmy's theme :)" "oh that's the Dawn echo's theme" "thats one of the songs for helios' lab" its very funny

[pikapitou]

eddie kisses buck on a random tuesday at like 10am on buck's uncomfortable couch because buck is just. there. and he wants to so so so bad. and he immediately pulls back like--I did NOT mean to do that. and buck is like [brain coming back online] oh. oh that's. that's fine!!! it. uh. happens!!! I've kissed so many people I didn't really want to kiss!! and eddie says. no. I wanted to. and buck's like you....wanted to.... try to kiss a guy? I'm so glad that you uh feel safe enough with me to like. try to figure that out! if you, uh, need to try again-- and eddie's like no I wanted to kiss YOU. but don't worry about it. this doesn't have to change anything. and buck's like OH.....SURE......IF THATS WHAT YOU WANT.....[guy who doesn't realise he wants more than anything for things to change]

[ancha-aus]

RealAgeAu Drabble - The Roots

I have been gone for a few days but i wanted to really mess with this tiny concept!

First Drabble (with special thanks to @spotaus For giving the first prompt) Prev Drabble Next Drabble

Technically timeline wise this is at the same ish time as the next drabble in the timeline, On the Other side. But we will just do this like this for now :D

As always, we have no beta and no edits. :D Also slight warning, I will be changing up the POVs in the drabble itself a bit. don't worry about it.

*---------------*

Nightmare looks around the corner and notices that all four are still asleep. That is good. Perfect even!

It isn't that he dislikes being with them. The oposite in matter of fact. it feels... Safe protected home calming nice. Many things but overal just nice.

It still confuses him sometimes. That they just... care. After everything. Even with them knowing just who he is.

It also does mean that Nightmare feels bad about leaving while they are asleep.

It is just that he isn't going to get another chance like this. They are very close to DreamTale and with how much magic Nightmare has in him now thanks to the many meals and sleeping a lot, he thinks he could make it all the way to DreamTale and back before being completely out of magic to use.

Which means he has his chance to do a small personal ritual he hasn't had the chance to do in a while.

It is something stupid. And Nightmare knows he should stop it.

It is just... After everything in Dreamtale happened. The deal with what he had caused and done, having been the cause of both his brother and mother dying... He had just made two graves.

He had been the point of returning there once in a while to maintain both graves and leave fresh flowers.

Nightmare just. Never stopped doing it. After seeing Dream again... He just kept doing it still. Something about the grave still showing that he still ended up losing Dream...

Or something like that.

He doesn't quite know anymore but it helps.

Nightmare manages to get to the garden of the small house they had claimed and takes a deep breath. He hadn't needed to make these jumps in a while and he had to be sure he aimed in the right direction. Just. Easy.

He holds up both hands and feels his magic start to flow out. A small sizzle as a small portal starts to take shape. His breathing gets heavier and heavier. He didn't think it would be this hard... why is it so much harder than before-

Two arms lock around him and he is lifted up. Nightmare's breath escapes in one go and he wiggles before stopping. Nightmare knows these arms by now and knows it is Killer before he even speaks.

"What you doing out here tiny boss?" a chuckle and nuzzle to the side of his skull "I thought we were passed this whole you trying to run away from us." Killer turns him aorund and Nightmare can now see the large pout on his face.

Nightmare looks to the side and wiggles but cant get free, he never can escape their hold. Instead he just crosses his arms and mutters "Just wanted to do something real quick."

Killer hums before Nightmare is pulled much closer and he is flush up agianst Killer. Killer hums much more contently before turning back to the house "So what did you want to do tiny boss? aside from using a lot of your just recovered magic that is."

Why does he feel bad? Why does he feel guilty? He wasn't doing anything bad?? Wait why is that how he thinks about it?

Nightmare tries to think it through but comes up blank. It doesn't help that being near Killer, or any of them really, calms him very quickly. He isn't used to this.

They get back to the house and Nightmare sees three more worried faces and feels worse. They had been sleeping... They shouldn't have noticed or been bothered by him not being there... How did they even notice? He... isn't used to people noticing stuff about him.

They sit him down and Nightmare considers his options... If he wants to use this one chance... maybe if he explains they will just let him do his thing for a bit?

Ngihtmare looks to the side and finds himself muttering "I just wanted to do a thing... it is honestly boring and would have been quick."

----

Horror doesn't like this place. It is the place that holds so much trauma for Nightmare. Where they thought that hurting and torturing a babybones was a good idea.

But Nightmare rarely asks them for anything anymore. And even before he became his true form he rarely asked anything for himself. If he wanted something he could just get it or do it. Now he doesn't have much of a choice and Horror knows this. They all know this.

And well, they are trying to get Nightmare to ask them when he wants things. So when he expressed he wanted something? of course they are gonna make it work.

Even if they have to come here.

Killer stands with his hands on his hips as he looks around the grey coloured forest "Wow! Lots of nothing..."

Cross sends him a glare and hisses "Killer."

Horror agrees, Killer could try to be a bit more sensitive. Normally none of them mind his brass and bolt nature but well.. They are here to visit two graves. Two graves that a six year old made to memorise his family which he thought he had killed.

This is not the time for Killer to be... well Killer.

Killer huffs and looks at Nightmare "Can you believe them?"

Nightmare shrugs but holds the two small bouquet of flowers close. "I didn't really... leave a lot..."

See? That is why they needed to try and be a bit more tactful. Killer luckily seems to notice as he rubs his neck as Cross shoots him a knowing look.

Dust remains by Nightmare's side as he looks around "A hill right?"

Nightmare seems to look all of them over before nodding "Yeah." He points into a random direction "It is that way." and he starts leading the way.

It is strange. The whole world is grey and colourless. Not the white space that Cross had had when his world was destroyed. but just, greyscale. Hell even Cross looks colourful compared to this place.

Cross frowns and takes a few quick steps to now walk on Nightmare's other side "was it always coloured like this?"

Nightmare shakes his skull and thinks for a bit. "I think... if i remember it right... the grey colour started to happen as soon as they cut mother down."

Horror almost wants to sigh in relieve. He keeps it in but this is good. It is something to help stop the guilt. At least that is what Horror is assuming why the graves are still there. guilt. But Horror won't assume.

They leave the forest and see a hill with further in the distance a village. They walk up the hill and find a cut down tree stump and two old and small graves.

Nightmare stands by them for a moment before glancing back at them with a suspicious look "No commentary?"

Horror gets it. They can be assholes.

Killer grins and leans closer "I can do one... but i doubt it adds anything." he pets the small skull before pointedly talking towards the side of the hill to overlook the forest, he pulls Cross allong with him.

Dust remains near Nightmare as a silent shadow and Horror leaves them to have room. Keeping an eye on their small charge as he looks around. Horror has no doubt that this used to be a beautiful place. some of the plants he sees may be grey now but he recognises them for eatable wild flowers.

He can see Nightmare slowly near the graves. He sits on his knees by the two and starts with cleaning both graves. Making sure no dirt or dust is on it and everything is still secure. Afterwards he removes old and, by now, dead flowers. He takes care that those aren't near the graves before returning and leaving new fresh flowers. They had picked up both colourful bouquets from another universe along the way.

At the end he just sits by the two graves as he touches the stone.

Killer and Cross had returned back to them at this point and Killer nudges Cross. Cross shoots him a questionable look before Killer just motiones over his shoulder back at the village before nodding at Nightmare. Horror cna see Cross just stare in utter confusion at Killer before Killer pulls him closer and whispers something to him.

Cross looks back before nodding as he walks over to Dust and whispers some stuff to him. Dust looks thoughtful before nodding as well.

Cross slowly walks over to Nightmare and speaks "Hey..." Nightmare looks up and tilts his skull. Cross smiles "If you want we can go into the village for a bit."

Nightmare frowns "Why would I?"

Cross looks a bit sheepish but Dust picks up "The book was general about what happened. But we figured that those people may have taken stuff or kept things that were yours from you."

Cross nods and grins "We are here now anyway. we can get it back."

Nightmare looks at the village and thinks it over before nodding "okay." he stands up and dusts his pants off of the dirt. Cross ends up softly nudging him towards the side and Dust easily takes his hand before the three walk off.

Horror shoots Killer a look "Why?"

Killer grins as he walks over to the stump "don't worry about it. Want to go with them?"

Horror continues to watch Killer before shaking his skull "I am fine being here."

Killer shrugs and turns to the stump. Staring at the dead tree.

"You wasted your chance."

Horror frowns as he just watches Killer. Killer meanwhile keeps looking at the dead tree.

Killer continues as if he is talking to an actual person "You were given a fucking miracle. We read your story you know. Know that you were only aiming for one child. Instead of being overjoyed and happy that you got two you took him for granted."

Horror sees the edges around Killer's soul waver away from their soul shape but it returns to the soul shape easily.

Killer doesn't stop speaking "You were suposed to be his mother and you failed your job. You never actually cared about him did you? Well." he glares down "You are not getting him back. Ever. He isn't yours anymore."

Horror frowns and studies Killer. No... Killer still doesn't know about the soul adoption, that Horror is sure about. Which means this all? Just Killer.

Killer holds his chin high as he stares down at the stump "I don't know what exactly is happening. But seeing as it is related to the apples it is related to you. So I am telling you now. Even if for some reason you return. Even if you are alive again. You are not getting Nightmare back. He is ours, not yours. You will never find him. You will never get the chance to hurt him."

Horror hears it in his voice. Killer, the one who hates promises more than any of them. Who had lost so much of his freedom and free will because of broken promises. Just made a promise, not even a promise. but a vow.

Horror can't say he is that surprised. After all. After everything in Horrortale and all the pressure from making sure his brother has food and is taken care of. Horror had thought he never wanted to take on a new responsibility ever again. And yet, here he was with a willing soul adoption writen into his very soul.

He also knows the other two aren't doing much better. Dust who hadn't wanted to emotionally or personally connect with anyone ever again. After having killed everyone he cared about he didn't want those relationships anymore. Yet he was the first to take this leap. Commit to Nightmare, and ironically to them all.

Cross who hadn't wanted to take any kind of oath or lifelong promise or mission after his past with the guard and XGaster. He didn't want to tie himself down. Give his all to something or some goal that just hurt him. And while it took him a while he still is devoted to this.

Horror knows they are all powerless against this. It happened but at least this time it was their choice. He thinks it is good, this way they all really knows what it means to do this. To commit to this and all it entails.

A crack of thunder and the three are suddenly on the hill with them again.

horror turns but freezes. Dust is holding a shaking Nightmare close as Cross is already cutting into the fabric of reality with his knife.

Killer and him share a look and are with the other three before they even have to say what happened. They can get an explanation later, for now they need to go.

----

They are back in the house they had been hidding in and Nightmare finally feels himself relax a tiny bit.

Thought that may also be becuase Dust is still holding him and the other's soul is steady and even. It makes his own franctic soul calm down.

Killer looks at them "Do we need to pack up and go?" he is already halfway to the bags.

Cross has closed the portal and watches as the universe patches itself fully closed again, not leaving a single mark, there is a reason Nightmare had worked so hard to get Cross XChara's knife. Aside from the fact that Cross liked fighting with it. It is a very powerful and amazing tool.

Cross sighs in relieve "We should still be good." he turns to the others and starts explaining right away "Nightmare saw Dream."

Killer curses loudly as he kciks the couch. Horror frowns and looks at him "did he see you?"

Nightmare pushes clsoer to Dust but nods.

Killer curses again but Horror frowns "Did he realise it was you?"

Nightmare thinks bakc to Dream staring at him. Awe and surprise clear on his face. The wishfullness had been obvious. The way he had moved towards him, a smile on his face that Ngihtmare hadn't seen since they were both small. Then again, the name he had called him had made it clear who he saw...

Nightmare shrugs.

Horror tilts his skull "Is that yes?"

Nightmare shakes his skull and mutters "yes and no..."

Horror nods as Killer frowns at him "both? How both?"

Nightmare shrugs again but Dust just nudges him gently with his skull nad Nightmare sighs as he quietly explains "I think he knew i was well me... but didn't know i was me me..." he toys with the fabric of the red scarf, Dust lets him. He searches for the right words "He called me Nighty.. and well he hasn't done that since before the apples. Since he still-" Since he still loved him. Nightmare doens't say it out loud but Dust must have figured out something as the hold around his tightens.

Nightmare pushes his face further into the scarf "He will probably think it means something bad... That is what everyone always said my appearance was... and he thinks I am an adult still so... yeah..." His mind is spinning but his soul is calm. in sync of Dust's. calm and slow pulses and beats. It honeslty makes him sleepy.

Dust nuzzles his skull and speaks "Well, He will not find anything and will have to learn to not just listen to rumours. As for even if he had caught you before you got to me, we would get you back." the certainty makes Nightmare pause.

Ngihtmare trries to shoot Dust a look but Dust just keeps rubbing his back and keeping him against him.

Cross nods "obviously. Just a matter of time before we would figure out where you were..." more thoughful "Next time we will have to scuot the universe first. We just didn't today because we figured no one would know about it. Srory for that. Next time you want to visit the graves we will make sure no one will interrupt. okay?"

Nightmare nods as he pushes closer to Dust.

He doesn't even understand why he still wants to visit those graves. Dream isn't even dead!

Even if... even if Dream doesn't...

Those graves shouldn't matter but Ngihtmare still wants to make sure btoh are fine. Maybe it is now just a symbol for the dead relationship between him and Dream. It just gives him a place where he can focus his grief and mourn for the family he lost.

The hand hasn't stopped petting his back and Nightmare feels himself finally fully relax.

At least he really isn't alone... His four are here now and they are still here after the close calls and learning about the graves.

It would be nice to not be alone anymore.

Nightmare lets the calming of his soul lure him to fall asleep. Knowing he is safe and cared for now.

*---------------*

So is anyone surprised i couldn't keep it short? I am not. I know myself. I have a problem and it is this whole AU that has my heart in a choke hold.

First Drabble Prev Drabble Next Drabble

[journey-to-the-attic]

there's a moment in lesson 45 of nightbringer where mc falls off a thing (again?? is this foreshadowing?? i'm going to rule-of-three this and wait to see if it happens again) and satan tries and fails to grab their hand to catch them, but now i'm imagining the same thing happening with satan and ik except he does succeed, but it's her right hand and the prosthetic just POP comes straight off

[owl-with-a-pen]

inspired by a headcanon shared by @jammatown919

It had become something of a rarity for Brainy to spend the morning with his wife. With much work left to be done at the new DEO, he was often expected there well before daybreak. Even on the occasions he was not, he was normally showered and dressed long before Nia had even taken her first sip of coffee.

Brainy cherished the slower mornings. Days when he could grant himself the small luxury of watching Nia as she slept – the first rays of sunlight that crept in through the curtains, igniting the edges of her dark hair with a fiery touch of auburn, deepening the serious furrow to her brow that often formed while she was locked so deeply in her dreams.

With a natural sleep cycle as regrettably limited compared to a Naltorian’s, Brainy often found himself watching her for hours after waking, holding her close when she inevitably rolled towards him, searching for his warmth when his unconscious mind escaped her.

Nia had once admitted that she never slept better than when he was right there at her side, and so that was exactly where he stayed, warding off her nightmares with mere proximity alone, ensuring her sleep went unburdened for as long as was required.

This morning, however, was slightly different. For he had been tasked with the exact opposite.

That night, Nia had made him promise to make sure she woke up on time. She had to be at CatCo a few hours earlier to get her article finished and on Kara’s desk before start of day. No special loopholes for being a close friend - or Super Friend for that matter - she was committed to getting the job done in the time that had been allotted, not a second later.

Brainy could respect her devotion to her job, though he’d begun to worry when Nia had stayed up halfway through the night to try and finish the assignment. By the time she’d fallen asleep, upright and against the headboard, he’d had to slip her laptop carefully out from under her lest she scramble what she’d written before tucking her properly into bed.

Brainy wasn’t surprised that her alarm elicited exactly zero response from her. In fact, Nia slept soundly throughout the obnoxious fire drill she’d set herself that night, blasting with the force of a DEO Kryptonite alarm from the tiny speakers. Brainy waved a hand towards her phone with a wince, turning off the offending sound with a single gesture.

He'd calculated Plan A at having a 0.02 likelihood for success anyway, which was why he was more than happy to serve as her contingency. Loud noises could rarely reach Nia in the dreamscape, though he had long-since learned what she was receptive to.

Brainy grinned as he rolled onto her side of the bed, careful not to jostle her. Nia’s brow quivered with a hint of lucidity, though it quickly smoothed over as her dream state reasserted itself. Brainy’s eyes tracked each minute expression fondly, simulating his next move.

With his previous success rate, it didn’t take long to devise.

Smiling, he pressed his lips against Nia’s forehead, breathing gentle kisses along her temple. Receiving no response, he continued, brushing his nose behind her ear, knocking a few stray locks of hair across her cheek.

Nia grimaced at first, curling tighter into her side, smothering a groan of protest into her pillow. Not to be deterred, Brainy continued his calculated pathway, running kisses along her jaw until he could feel her breath on his lips.

Nia whipped her head to the side, a little more forcefully than either of them anticipated, her lashes fluttering hard as she fought against the natural instinct to remain in the dreamscape. While she’d made some truly astounding strides in mastering her ability the last year, giving in totally to her powers did come with certain disadvantages – such as meeting a deadline for her day job.  

Fortunately, Brainy had found the perfect remedy. It wasn’t a concoction to be devised in a lab, nor a tool like her bracelets or wedding band. Instead, it was a gentle persuasion of the physical variety. The dragging motion of his lips and teeth tracking patterns on her skin, his breath interspersed in short hot puffs against her throat, activating her senses, teasing her nerves. Stimulus that, over time, was sure to rouse her from even her most stubborn dreams.

Eventually, Nia’s eyes held open and, when she smiled, Brainy’s heart soared.

He had learned early into their relationship that Nia favoured physical acts of affection. She relied on touch from those closest to her, something that Brainy was very happy to oblige. Truthfully, he hadn’t realised just how much he valued such acts himself until he’d made Nia’s acquaintance. The flutter of anticipation he’d experience every time her hand brushed his shoulder, or when she’d wrap him in a hug for something entirely mundane.

He hadn’t had much practice with those kinds of gestures back then, but over time he’d become inundated with them, learning not just to reciprocate, but to enjoy them as well. Since removing his inhibitors, he had discovered new and broader depths within himself, and with a greater capacity to connect with those emotions, he sought out affection more comfortably and confidently than ever before.

And so, when Nia reached for him, Brainy didn’t hesitate. He leant into her touch, pressing his cheek into the heel of her hand with a soft rumble in his chest. She grinned, cupping his face, her dark eyes shimmering, daze-like, as though she was still half-caught in a dream.

Brainy let her slowly trace the shape of his jaw, confirming her reality with every new stimulus, until her nails stopped at the corners of his lips. Brainy thrilled at that pinprick sensation, closing his eyes when her knuckles tucked beneath his chin, drawing him in towards her.

When they kissed, Nia’s hands continued to explore him, long fingers tracing electric pathways across the nape of his neck, down his spine, before hooking her thumbs into the elastic waist of his pyjama pants.

When they broke for breath, Nia laughed, nuzzling into Brainy’s throat. “Hey,” she croaked.

Brainy stroked the hair from her face, pressing another kiss against her scalp. “Good morning.”

Nia groaned at that. “Right. Morning.” She wrapped her arms firmer around him, arching upwards into the heat of his projectors. “What time is it?”

Her voice was barely a muffled vibration against his jaw. Brainy swallowed down a smile. “Five-thirty,” he announced. “Exactly as planned. I… took the liberty of disconnecting your alarm.”

A short laugh. Another puff of breath. She curled her hands back towards his chest, fitting into the shape of him. “Thanks.”

Brainy ducked his head, kissing her knuckles. “Coffee?”

“Please.”

Once they’d untangled themselves, Brainy headed out to the kitchen. He didn’t expect Nia to leave her blanket burrito behind until she’d been adequately caffeinated, and when he returned to the bedroom with a warm mug in tow, he found his estimation to be correct as always.

Nia lay in the exact position she’d been left in, one arm draped over her face, eyes half closed.

Brainy couldn’t help but smile. “Nia,” he said gently.

“Hm?”

The smell of coffee caught her attention at least. When Brainy sat, Nia lifted her head, pushing up from the mattress with considerable effort. Once she was upright and in no danger of toppling over, Brainy entrusted her with the mug. She held it close to her nose, breathing in the steam with a heavy-lidded stare.

Brainy stroked the hair from her face as she took her first sip, keeping any strays from falling into her mouth. It was only when he'd tucked them behind her ear that he noticed the sweaty tangles that held stiff to the back of her head.

He tried to hide the concern from his expression, though he couldn’t help but feel responsible. As much as he tried to serve as a barrier against her nightmares, a Naltorian’s visions could still prove quite intense, eliciting strong physical responses. While Brainy’s restorative cycle kept him locked in a singular position, Nia’s dream state left her body subject to all the stressors of the physical world.

Brainy inspected the knotting with a tactful side-eye, careful not to pull too hard. She must have tossed and turned one too many times in her sleep, leaving them to accumulate overnight.

He considered her current condition, still half asleep and leant reliantly into his side, before bunching some of her hair in his hand, kissing her shoulder where it had been left bare. “May I?” he murmured.

Nia’s eyes opened groggily, observing him through the vanity mirror on the closest wall. She took another sip of coffee, cringing when she felt the tangles for the first time, nodding her head.

Taking that as his cue, Brainy reached swiftly for the hairbrush on Nia’s bedside table. Kneeling behind her on the bed, he got to work, running his fingers first through her hair to separate the knotting, brushing from the base to avoid unnecessary tugging at the scalp. It was a methodical practice, one he had perfected long ago, and it wasn’t long before Nia relaxed totally into that rhythm, settling against his chest.

The buzz of his projectors kept her warm as he worked, restoring the silky texture to her hair as Nia sipped her coffee in silent contentment.

Married life, Brainy had come to learn, was something he excelled at. He enjoyed every moment, but especially the finer details captured in the mundane, manifesting even through the general chaos of their extra-normal lives. Running a brush through his wife’s hair, for example, and feeling her total trust in his ability to do so. Trust that had been earned with every shared experience, that they continued to build with each other every day.

Their promise to one another still held firm, bolstered by the union represented by each of their Legion rings. His love for her felt richer with every morning he woke up at her side, and knowing that there would be an infinite number of moments to follow filled him with utmost joy.

When he was finished, Nia looked up at him from her empty mug with a smile, the first spark of lucidity brightening her expression tenfold, and Brainy thought he might have fallen in love with her all over again.

Soon, they would have to part ways for the day ahead, but mornings like this would always be sacred to him.

He couldn’t wait for the next.

[imeriayapping]

Accidental kiss pedro/fermin for @ellearts

The club is so stuffy it's almost unbearable. Jorge dragged them all out after race end, not even having a coherent excuse this time. Since aleix retired jorge took role of keeping strangely formed friend group of spanriads together, arranging semi regular going out sessions.

But something started feeling a little strange ago. Fermin suspects that it's all because jorge is Pedro's designated person to go and rant and on track scrap they had few races ago probably gave him enough emotions that they needed a way out.

Or maybe jorge talked to aleix for too long and they thought that they could play matchmakers and repair old friendship or some shit.

Who knows.

No matter the reason Jorge started inviting him and pedro at the same time to the clubs and restaurants way too often. They had somewhat established unspoken agreement about how they didn't go to group hangouts at the same time. Usually it was just how it happened naturally but Fermin knows for a fact that pedro sometimes intentionally made himself unavailable at times.

And Fermin can get a hint even if it stings a big so he doesn't try to do anything himself. At some point you stop reaching out when the answer becomes too clear.

But nowadays jorge is way too persistent and it feels suspicious. Way too suspicious. So instead of incredulously drinking his sweet cocktail fermin decides to go and dance, it won't be less stuffy but maybe at least being surrounded by people will help him loose all of his thoughts. (And just maybe it'll help him escape awkwardness of being close to pedro)

And it does, everything gets lost in the background while his body is vibrating with music. Fermin closes his eyes just to watch colours dance under his eyelids in tact with him.

People move around, someone even deciding to dance with him their back so close Fermin can feel it's shape without even having a point of touch. His hands find their way to other person hips, by the feeling of it it's probably a guy, not that it really matters for him. At this point they don't dance as much as just sway around.

When he decides that he got enough of just starring at colours under his own eyelids fermin opens his eyes, giving himself a second to adjust back by looking at the ceiling.

He still doesn't know who is it next to him and now that he actually can look it feels a bit like a game, wanting to see how they look, if he matches broad outlines his mind painted.

So without any worning fermin spins that mysterious person in front of him, focusing his look on him too.

All loosnes that got into his muscles is suddenly gone, each part of him rigid in shock. Why the fuck is Pedro is standing in front of him. And why the fuck is he smiling.

He feels lost, pedro is clearly drunk enough to forget all of his dumb mind games but it's very likely that if he continues dancing with him, morning Pedro will not appreciate that. Probably even try to kill him or something.

It takes effort to relax his body enough to bend down wanting to tell pedro that he's probably too drunk and he can help him get out of here.

But none of this happens, instead someone from behind pushes him and suddenly Fermin is kissing Pedro.

It's flat press of lips at first but before he can react and pull away there is a hand on his neck bringing him closer, fingers curling at his nape. It's intoxicating and Fermin starts answering the kiss without even processing what is going on. Everything feels very strange and familiar at the same time, way too confusing.

He realises where they are only when cramp in his neck gets too bad from the uncomfortable position they are in making him pull away.

And suddenly the weight of situation settles onto him, not even on personal level with all their bullshit but tge fact that they are two motogp riders making out in the middle of some random club. This couldn't end good.

Without even thinking Fermin starts leading pedro out of mass of people on the dancefloor by his shoulders.

Huh. He didn't even notice when his hands got there.

When they get out of there Fermin doesn't stop, making them go outside. It's very fortunate that there is private corner behind the building letting them have at least some privacy.

It's quieter here and cold help sober up, even tho there wasn't that much alcohol inside his blood to begin with. But same can't be said about pedro, who looks proper drunk while grinning like cat who got his cream.

Just as he opens his mouth to ask about what the fuck just happened, pedro manages to get on his tiptoes and kiss him again before any sound escapes him.

And Fermin is a simple man, it's not like he can push away someone who he fantasized of kissing a million times, especially when it's very likely the only chance he will get. Pedro's solid body under his fingers feels too heavenly for that.

Instead he lets his hands to roam free anywhere they can reach, from small of Pedro's back to short shaved parts of his hair. Trying to carve each little detail and sound he can, fermin finds Pedro's lips with his teeth wanting to know what sound that could get him. Low whine be gets in return feels incredibly rewarding. Their kiss escalates without end, Fermin suddenly feels a tongue in his own mouth, exploring around.

It feels like they will devour eachother at this rate but he will never know because out of nowhere his phone starts loudly ringing, making him jump away of reflex. It's clearly jorge calling because of his distinctive ringtone and fermin can't let himself ignore it.

When he pics up it's all frantic Spanish ask if he saw pedro because everyone is concerned about him and they also wanted to go back to the hotel already. It takes a lot of work for fermin to put any words into answer but in the end he manages to say something about how pedro wasn't well and he took him outside and how they will meet whole group near entrance in few minutes.

Honestly he's not sure if truthfully that's what he said but at least he hope for it.

He gets two of them back to the club in haze, not thinking about what just happened or what it may mean, instead picking his own and Pedro's stuff on autopilot.

Whole ride to the hotel Fermin lips burn

[nthflower]

I need more people who are mutants but they just don't mention it at all but also not hiding it tbh it's interesting. Like people with colour syntesia or ear muscle moving abilities. Small useless things you would not know if they don't mention and doesn't matter that much but still cool.

Like a coworker you know for years casually stretches a little bit Mr fantastic style and when you ask of he is a superhero he is like oh no I'm mutant I have 30cm stretching I use sometimes.

Or like guy from school is phosphoric but you only realise it when it's school trip to cave time. His best friends know you just never realised at all.

[yeehawitsjakee]

Started a very normal Miitopia save...

Lemme know who else I should add 🕺

[silveredsticks]

x

[softdreamlesssleep]

God, "I missed you" sex is the best

[mercysought]

the world’s not only full of bad things, you know. ( for asharen )

   "I have to admit that these past few years haven't necessarily been very validating when it comes to that assessment." Asharen speaks though her eyes are closed, the brass fingers of her prosthetic massage the area behind her right ear. Truthfully, she should have been resting, fully resting, dreamless resting. If the ritual was to hold she should rest far more than she was allowing herself to do, but what choice did she have? In that moment she felt like she had none, not after the information that she had learnt. It was not often that Charter reached out to her directly, but when it happened it often meant that whatever had happened was of dire import.

This time had been no different. Still, that didn't make the headache and soreness in her body any easier to digest.

She would love to be back in her Antiva home. Resting beneath her orange trees, feeling the warm breeze against her shirt and hair, a hat covering her head. The soft swaying of the trees "Still." she pauses, opening one light eye to look at Varric just across from her with a thin, tired smile "I know."

The world was far from full of bad things, Asharen had seen how the world could be. For all the tragedy that she had seen, she had also seen how it could work. And it could, not without work, not without sacrifice, but it could work. Asharen wanted to see that world, and she wanted to see it flourish. She would protect it until she could no longer breathe. Putting her hand down, she smiles to Varric, straightening her back.

   "I am not the one in need of convincing."

Turning to the table, she pulls out a map. Part Thedas, part Crossroads. Looking at it now she wondered how legible it was. It was a thought that only crossed her mind momentarily, before placing it back down between them. Considering how Solas held so much of the Crossroads, she wondered if they could even do anything about that. Plus, as far as she knew, the paths of the Crossroads were mutable, so it was likely best to ignore that part.

   "I spoke with Charter." she gives him a glance, though she does not hold it beyond a few seconds, clearing her throat and getting up from her seat to have a good look at the map "I think we need to adjust our plans. I have" sighing, she waves at the map with the prosthetic "made a map of potential places where Solas or his agents might be. I don't..."

Know how reliable these are. She scratches her forehead softly, sighing and looking at the locations. Doubting herself. Part of it was knowledge she had pierced through the Whispers from the Well of Sorrows. Parsing through that information to find nuggets of knowledge that might apply to this was grueling work. Not to mention the memories of those Sorrows were not necessarily true. She doubted that they'd lie to her, but if they truly believed something that ended up being a lie? She would not be able to tell.

Beyond that, it was part being able to identify patterns - and that was particularly hard. Solas had experience in hiding from figures far more powerful than her and far more intelligent. Taking a deep breath, Asharen looks to Varric with a smile that asks for forgiveness.

   "I wish I had more time to look at this, I feel very close to cracking something but it's... Just beyond me." turning to Varric, she holds his shoulder with her warm hand "Perhaps your people will see something I can't."

BEYOND THE STORM // accepting . @extravagantliar

[vault81]

found my notepad list of locations to get screenshots of for the travel log series!!!! I thought I lost this lol

[yansurnummu]

new chapter is up! Drals finally meets Torvesard for the first time :)

[hsslilly-blog]

source

[flowercrowngods]

there is a lot to be said about chapter 10, and the loudest thing to be said is that it’s weird. haunting. leaving a lot of questions unanswered and raising even more. leaning into the unreliable narrator, who barely narrates at all. it’s experimental, it’s off. it’s the result of a narrative developing on its own, it’s the result of trauma and baggage on a teenager’s mind. i have a lot of thoughts about it. i don’t know how to voice them.

[journey-to-the-attic]

Hello hello, sorry if its a dumb question but, is Solphisto canon to JTTA in the same way that Belpheroth is/will be?

(Also anon who dubbed them yuri is so right, I can't see them differently now)

don't worry, it's not a dumb question at all!! the lines can be kind of blurred between what happens in the actual fic and all the stuff we talk about here...

so, statuses of all our significant couples:

wizlecto: together and married in all ways except legally in every universe forever. i WILL one day write something that gives you more details on their story (probably in the newspaper club chapter of that jtta after-story minific)

belpheroth: canon to jtta in that i do have concrete plans to develop their relationship in that direction; also do end up courting each other in the aus where they're acquainted (established relationship in the infernal friends au)

zhaolu: canon to ddvd, also canon to aus where zhao has a significant presence (e.g. infernal friends, rpg). probably WILL end up happening in the classic jtta at this point - tentative plans to start off their development in the mini-fic, might end up doing something extended later

solphisto: established in that i sort of operate on them being a thing when it comes to asks, canon to aus where both characters are involved (mostly just rpg au rn) - in terms of within jtta itself, still debating whether or not to get the ball rolling in-fic (like with belpheroth) or to wait til the post-story (as with zhaolu)

aunt lisa and thirteen: still just a concept at this point but i do want to think more about them