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nanamis-bigtie · 1 month ago

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heat

↬ kusakabe atsuya & gn afab!reader ↬ masterlist // ao3 version

cw: no gendered pronouns, no detailed body descriptions for reader, reader has a vagina (addressed anatomy), pwp with a sprinkle of feelings, coworkers with benefits, hidden feelings, kusakabe is hairy (good for him), outdoor sex (with a sprinkle of exhibitionism), oral sex (reader receiving), piv sex, creampie (reader is on pills) word count: 5.2k summary: heatwave, repressed feelings, longer break from sex - and a big hand against the back of your neck. what can do wrong? a/n: repost from the old account, a gift for a friend who's not on tumblr anymore </3. divider by saradika

For the umpteenth time, it has started with his hand against the back of your neck.

Your senses are blunt from the heatwave and fatigue, you haven't sensed his presence, even though he had to linger behind your back for a while before he made up his mind and approached. He could, if he wanted to, stalk like a ghost cat, but he has always respected you enough to not do that to you, you're sure of that. Your absent-mindedness is yours and your only fault, but you don't even have power nor time left for blaming yourself for it.

Anyone but maybe Gojo Satoru would be wooly-minded by the given conditions.

The heat and humidity stuck to your skin as soon as you left your apartment early in the morning, stayed with you throughout your job, bothered you in the assistant's car even after you changed into a fresh shirt. They followed you to the Jujutsu Tech Facility, forced you to give the maintenance buildings a wide berth, having you settle in the shaded area by the outdoor training grounds. It was still hot there but at least bearable, and with a bottle of cold barley tea you snatched from a vending machine on the way, you could finally lower your guard and let the afternoon numbness swallow you whole.

You had nothing to do for the rest of the day, after all. Excluding a possibility of an urgent call, your schedule contained only a commute home, a quick grocery run, and a blessed shower and AC at your little, cozy place. The initial plan even called for staying here, but the assistant who had picked you up promised he'd drop you at the train station after he'd be done with the papers, so you gratefully accepted the favor. Jujutsu Tech was like a second home to all sorcerers, but it couldn't provide you the intimacy of your own home.

It felt almost like it though, for the moment between parting your ways with the assistant and Atsuya's hand gently scooping the back of your neck. It was empty and silent, and only the steady buzzing of the vending machine hidden behind the nearest nook reminded you that you were in a public space. You're paying the price now for pushing it behind the wall of consciousness; your heart is fluttering like a startled bird, producing even more warmth and spreading it all over your body, in no time dragging you back to the sweaty and overheated state you've barely managed to escape.

You know it's him even before he sits on his haunches by your side, and announces himself with that characteristic, overdone groan that would rather suit an older, tired man. You know the weight and feel of his hand against your neck in rote. You know the net of scars and calluses left by the hilt of his sword. You know the dry warmth of his palm, as it refuses to absorb any moisture, even against the gallons of hand cream he borrowed from you.

It's been...long, six months at the very least. And you still know.

"Hey." A lollipop stick clatters at the corner of Atsuya's lips as he speaks. "Haven't seen you around for a while."

All the "Was busy", "I needed space" and "I had a few long missions away from Tokyo" wouldn't be lies or excuses but they all taste equally pathetic on your tongue when you try to speak, so you let the screaming cicadas fill the silence in your place.

"You could at least text me or something, damn it." And he's good at reading meaningful silence, too. "People die too easily in this job."

"Yeah, should have," you mutter, your throat painfully tense. You're more taken aback than nervous but the heat exhaustion takes its toll even here. A hearty sip of tea brings a temporal relief, but it prolongs the silence to its awkward limits. "I'm sorry."

You feel him staring but you can't bring yourself—not yet—to return the favor. Instead, you wipe the beading moisture off the bottle and use it to cool your sweaty forehead down. Your hand trembles on the way and you can't blame that on the heatwave anymore. You're nervous—and what's worse, you're nervous because you're starved and caught red-handed on it. It's always his hand against the back of your neck, no matter when and why and for how long it has been since the last time he used it against you.

Six months... Enough time to forget, if only you wanted to, enough time to find another pair of arms to wrap around your middle and pull you close. But you didn't.

"You better be now apologizing for that." Atsuya's hand appears in the range of your vision now and taps at your bottle. "It was the last one."

"I'm...sorry?" You repeat yourself, this time as thrown as amused.

"You left me with coke and energy drinks and sparkly soda for teenage girls. No one here thinks about us, dinosaurs. They could at least spare us canned coffee." He leans to your side as he fishes a wallet out of the back pocket of his pants. Coins clatter around his fingers as he counts under his breath. "And do something with those archaic machines that don't accept cards. Can you lend me 200 yen?"

Now it's your turn to dig in your pockets. You offer him money on open palm, still feeling uneasy at the thought of looking straight at him; the contact is short when he collects it but it's enough to have the same familiar shiver running under your skin. Six long months of denial are crushed right in front of you with two brushes that barely can be called touch. How pathetic of you, how pathetic of this summer for lowering your guard and tearing your resolve into shreds.

"For the amount of sugar you consume, does it really matter if you add one coke to the count?" You earn some space when he walks away for his drink, so you finally manage to grab your spirit and yank it back to its place. You get up and dust your pants off as coins rustle in the machine behind your back. A can falls with a loud thud, drink furiously sizzles as soon as it's cracked open, Atsuya curses, sipping the turbulent drink straight from his fingers.

"Don't want diabetes to kill me before curses do." Finally, he marches into your field of vision. "Or to kill me right after I retire. That would be a waste of a perfect plan."

Even through the peak of the heatwave he's wearing trousers and shirt. At least the latter has short sleeves and is on the finer side, almost transparent thanks to its white color. It catches you off-guard when you spot a shadow underneath; it's only logical a thin white shirt would let the body hair stand out but... Atsuya isn't hairy. Or so you always thought. And given the number of times you fucked has crossed fifty, you've been pretty confident in your knowledge about his body.

"What?" He follows your gaze, straightens the shirt with a free hand. "I got coke on me?"

"No, but your chest—" You weigh words on your tongue. It feels...inappropriate to ask so straight forward. It feels stupid in the first place, it's obvious he just must have been shaving it all off and all this time you just missed the natural windows.

"I'm not getting it all off when it's so hot." He answers the never asked question. "Tried once, I thought I was gonna peel my skin off."

Trying to avoid staring at all costs before, you just can't avert your eyes now. Atsuya has scraped the barely scarred over wounds and rubbed salt into them with that shameless presentation. Your senses and needs are howling for an update, not only due to six months long break but in majority because his natural body and all the promising combinations your imagination is already pushing into the right places of your mind. How would it be to feel those familiar muscles when they're covered by hair? At the first glance it seems thick and soft, and you're dying for a sample, if only from stealing an accidental touch of his forearm, now as fuzzy as his torso.

You know he wouldn't mind being touched, not after all those hours spent in each other’s embrace. But you don't want him to get a wrong idea, not when you're...not sure what you want from this accidental meeting. You fell out of contact at the behest of yourself, when your comfortable workplace fuck-buddies situationship started gaining colors and drowning in the maze of complicated feelings. The break has just proven itself to be ineffective, just sharpening the problems you tried so hard to avoid.

You need space, you need time. You don't want them. You want him.

Atsuya has always been good at reading what you couldn't put into words. He finishes his drink and gives you one last dose of space for making up your mind before he approaches and brushes invisible dust off the nape of your neck. Harsh shiver betrays your thoughts and intentions, not the first time on the bumpy road of your relationship, always an opening for question and almost certain promise of consent.

"Are you free now? Or later, tonight?" He throws casually, not even looking at you, as if it could take the weight off your shoulders. You're already feeling a different kind of heat creeping on you, and you know how it is going to influence your decisions.

"Depends? I don't want to stray around the city for a free love hotel."

"I meant something like... a picnic?" That catches you off-guard. "A nice and calm place. Hopefully cooler than here."

There's something so immature and rushed about the whole venture. Car "borrowed" from the facility, a blanket stolen from one of the guest rooms, ramune and sandwiches bought in the neighborhood konbini. It wouldn't be the first time you sneak out for an outdoor sex but the first you remember when the both of you at least try to pretend you have a different goal than catching up for those few months.

The stiff and awkward atmosphere eased in the car, ac and music filling the silence when needed lifted your mood. You even started bickering, as if the "break up" never happened, and you were just friends or lovers on the way for a spontaneous picnic. You were ready to play this role, as long as it kept the ball rolling and led you to a promising direction. Even if you still weren't sure how exactly you want to name it.

Atsuya drove you to one of his fishing spots, a secluded and somewhat cozy glade by the bank of a river, conveniently located in the dead telecommunication spot, free of service and thus: any possible emergency calls.

"I like it here," you sit the closest to the water possible, nibbling on your sandwich. It was better in the car, but the closeness of the river still helps with the temperature. On the other hand, it's the fatal blow for your heatwave excuse. Whatever reaction your body and mind pull on you now, you can blame it only on yourself.

You're chatting but the words are slipping past you. Instead, there's the timbre of his voice and closeness and chest hair poking out the casually unbuttoned top of his shirt. Atsuya doesn't try to keep any distance, casually sprawled by your side, his head inches from resting in your lap. The urge to play with his hair or to pull him close is strong. The urge to run fingers through the fur on his torso is even stronger.

"You hated coke but you're chugging ramune as if there was no tomorrow," you tease when he finishes with his stash and steals one of yours.

Atsuya pops the glass ball in, swirls it playfully before he takes a hearty sip, "Coke tastes like diabetes and disappointment. Ramune has flavor."

You finish yours too and gather the cool moisture off the bottle. Stupid impulse, the teenage atmosphere has rubbed on you in the weirdest way possible: you drag a cold hand against the back of his neck. He jerks up, surprised, but the groan he lets out has nothing to do with a protest against unpleasant sensation: it's too sharp and too feral and heads straight to the part of your mind responsible for the most stupid and horny of your decisions.

One moment your lips are pressed to the bottle neck, the other he turns to you and puts his hand at the back of your neck again, guiding you closer, until you meet mid-breath and clash against each other in the accompaniment of glass thudding against the blanket. He's harsh and insatiable, full of the sharp and sweet flavor of fruity ramune. Having you trapped between his muscular arms, he's supporting your melting into submissiveness body and feeling you through your clothes all at the same time. Your head spinning, lungs short of air, you paw at him with the same eagerness. His chest muscles tense under your ministrations, thick hair standing out under his shirt with ease and soon brushing against your palms as you finally give in to your fantasies and force your way in. Buttons almost sputter underneath your fingers, some rip out for sure, but you don't care; if only you had enough power to rip it to shreds, you would end the poor shirt's life right here and now.

"Holy shit..." You mutter between desperate drafts for air. His torso looks even better than you imagined from the teasing shadow, dark hair spills from his pecs into a thick line leading down, to his pants, and gradually thickening.

Atsuya follows your hungry gaze, swallows audibly, perplexed, "And here I worried you might hate it—"

"Don't ever shave it again, do you hear me?"

You fumble on the blanket, trying to find the best position and peel yourselves off sweat-drenched clothes. Atsuya's shirt and belt are first to go but soon after he pushes your hands out of the way and positions himself between your legs.

"What if somebody sees us—" There's a gleam of sanity when he gets rid of your pants and pulls your underwear down to your knees, but Atsuya only scoffs and yanks it harder, almost ripping the frail garment at your ankles.

"I don't care." He smashes lips against yours again, rough, and feral, in no time shoving all your scruples out of your mind.

When he has a certain goal in front of him, nothing can possibly stop Atsuya—and his lone mission now is to sate his hunger for you. You barely recognize him through groans and whimpers, once feral, once pathetic, when he kisses, licks, and gnaws on your chest. He sucks on your nipples right to the painful limit, leaves them wet and sensitive for his calloused fingers and travels further down, sinking teeth into the soft skin of your tum. He would leave harsh, dark hickeys on his way if he hadn't broken the contact earlier to moan and rush towards another spot, closer and closer to your aching cunt.

"I don't care," he repeats, his voice almost breaking. He looks up at you with eyes so dark and heavy that cold shiver runs under your heated skin. You instinctively close your legs, Atsuya pries them open with ease and throws them over his wide shoulders, big, strong hands pulling you right into his face. He groans even before he gets the first taste, he even lingers before going straight for it, be it for the views or scent. But eventually he finds his way and buries himself deep between your folds, as if your juices were the only nectar able to sate his thirst amidst this heatwave.

Six long months away from his divine head game. What a fool and masochist you were, running away from the bliss he got you addicted to. Not your hands, none of the toys you purchased to replace him, nothing could compare to how madly he eats you out. It's not just his mouth, he rubs his whole face against you, his nose time and again grazing your clit. He moans when buried in your hole, takes deep breaths of your scent whenever he pulls away for more air, teases the most sensitive crevices of your sex with the strong, nimble tip of his tongue. In no time he has you leaking; obscene, sloshing sounds replace the moans you desperately try to hide behind your hand.

"Hey. Stop that." Atsuya yanks your hips up, looks up at you over your mound, his face wet and messy with your juices. "Lemme hear you. Told ya I don't care if anyone catches us."

He doesn't wait for your answer, he's already back to reaching his goal, determined to forcefully drag your sweet sounds out of you, if he has to. But you follow his advice, on the verge of suffocating yourself against what your body naturally craves. You could swear he's smirked against your folds when you finally snap and sing for him, with the whole capacity your lungs have.

"F-fuck, Atsuya—" Your eyes almost roll back when he closes lips around your clit and sucks on it. Hand previously plastered to your mouth grabs a fistful of his hair, pulls him closer until he nearly has no place left to breathe. The groan of appreciation vibrates through your sex and alone almost has you flying; if he hasn't yanked his head away for air, you surely would come all over him right there.

"I'm not gonna stop after that." Atsuya bites at your thigh as he humps the blanket, three sharp and desperate spasms of hips. "No matter how many times you'll come from my mouth, I'm not gonna stop. Fuck— I waited too long. Beg me, curse me, do whatever you want, I'm not going to stop until you cum around my cock."

Keeping you open with his wide frame, he sneaks one of his hands between your legs, traces your wet, tortured lips before he slides two fingers in.

"So tight..." His eyes beam with awe and face reddens but his hold on you doesn't falter, he keeps you in place almost forcefully when you try to buck your hips for more stretching and friction. " Shit, you haven't had anyone all this time?"

"Only... Only a t-toy..." Several toys, even, none of them able to sate your needs.

"A toy? When could you have me any time you wanted?" He scoffs and looks away from your face to focus on your cunt again. Scissoring his fingers, he stretches you a little more, until he's certain he can fit a third one. "Silly bunny..."

Atsuya hasn't forgotten the map of your body. He knows what he's looking for and aims for it with surgical precision. Before the strongest so far wave of pleasure washes over you, you catch an almost mean smirk on his flushed face at the sight of the expected reaction. He lets your hips rest flat on the blanket so he can hold on them better and pulls you towards his mouth again. With fingers mercilessly sparking your nerves from the inside, he sucks on your clit with fervor, with little to no care of your writhing and spasming in his arms.

You try to say his name, instead your voice breaks and turns into a feral whine. The sensation is so intense it's almost too much, he's turned you into a tense knot, one that's threatening to explode at the slightest touch and yet—is being relentlessly teased. The last coherent thought left your mind a while ago, now your head is full of him—of him and the pleasure he gives you relentlessly, as if catching up for all the lost months at once.

"—ya..." You try calling him again. Orgasm catches you midst exhale, washes over you gentler than anticipated but still strong enough to have your thighs spasm over his shoulders, unable to close around his head. Atsuya doesn't let it fade, prolonging the sweet sensation with gentler but all the same precise teasing, until your writhing grows sharper and your mewls carry the shade of uncomfortable overstimulation.

Atsuya lets your legs rest, then lies comfortably between them, head against your thigh, close to the groin. His heavy, hot breath grazes your sensitive pussy, soothing and teasing; with eyes half-closed you watch his shoulders and back heave. He's warm, sweaty and heavy, and mere minutes after a long orgasm you're already longing the strain in your legs, hips and cunt he's always been giving you with his aggressive pounding.

You two just couldn't take it easy when your bodies clashed. Couldn't through hasty love hotel moments, sneaked in between missions. Couldn't during weekends at yours or his place when you almost didn't leave the bed. Couldn't in the back alleys behind night clubs and izakayas, couldn't in the car parked on the side of an empty road, couldn't in the dusty and forgotten rooms of Jujutsu Tech Facility. His hand at the back of your neck was like a curse, draining you both off sanity and any other emotions than blind lust.

You rest yours against his now, at first shyly tracing beads of sweat pearling right under his hairline, then allowing yourself to put a distinctive pressure to your touch. Atsuya answers you with a content groan, reciprocates the caress against the inner side of your thigh, his fingertips mindlessly tracing the mark his teeth left.

"This is not over," he warns, but the timbre of his voice is softer than the words he chose.

"Good."

He lifts himself on elbows, then sits up and takes care of his pants. You could help—or at least do something with the disarray you left after the first, chaotic clash—but you just watch him, as lazy as excited. You like the way his chest is still heaving hard after eating you out relentlessly for so long, like the impatient trembling of his big, hairy hands, and a distinctive wet spot on the front of his boxers. You may be the one on your back, your thoughts still blurry after orgasm, but desperation is his domain now—and you can't help but bask in it. You love being wanted like this, on the verge of madness, having him equally feral and pathetic.

"You're still on—" Atsuya reaches for his wallet, starts pulling a condom out of it, grins when you confirm you're protected and taps it back in its place. Wallet is thrown to the side, soon followed by the underwear, and your lover already advances on you again, fitting suit between your open and welcoming legs.

He slowly runs hands up them, feeling your moist skin, the last tender touch before madness overpowers him again. You're offhandedly pulled closer, your ass resting against his strong, hairy thighs. His hard and throbbing cock rests against your cunt and Atsuya closes his eyes as he steals a few, shallow thrusts along your slit. You mewl and jerk your hips up when he teases your overly sensitive clit, just to have his hands clasp on your hips almost painfully; his fingers dig dip in your skin, surely bruising it. His chest heaves heavier, sweat dripping down the sides of his face, and his cock twitches even harder, hard enough to slightly bob over your soon-to-be union.

"Give me a moment," he whispers, words shaking, and holds on your hips even tighter. Muscles of his jaw tense, he inhales through clenched teeth, struggling against the sensation that's about to tear him into shreds. "Sorry if I— Too early— Fuck, I need you so bad..."

Atsuya risks another shallow thrust, then finally re-positions himself and guides his cock directly at your slick. You do your best to not budge for even an inch, the hardest battle you fought for a while with feral need blowing you apart as soon as you feel his tip probing at your entrance. But you persevere with it, for him and for the pleasure awaiting once he nestles himself inside and finds the right rhythm.

"Tight..." Atsuya's voice breaks on the verge of a whine, he shifts on his heels, retracts himself almost all the way out before pushing again, under a better angle. It takes him a few tries and stops before he finally bottoms out and stills, eyes closed so desperately that his eyelids twitch.

You're doing no better, fighting for breath, overwhelmed by him, merciless heat and the fire burning your groin, as sensitive as starved for more. You're both at the limit, hypnotized by each other’s presence. Atsuya's figure stands against the blue sky, his hairy torso and arms glistens with sweat, its beads trailing down toned, tense muscles, begging to be trailed, begging to be ignored under a threat of exploding as soon as you touch or kiss them. You clench both hands on the blanket underneath, fighting the urge, praying he notices and spares you the ordeal. He only groans when your cunt flutters around him, risks a very slow but deep thrust.

And finally, as if sensing the sparks he's caused by grazing you with his pubic hair, something clicks in Atsuya and in seconds he's turned from pathetic and overwhelmed into a beast. He yanks your legs up, ankles against his shoulders, and presses forwards until he meets resistance—and keeping you in place with his weight only, he pounds into you relentlessly, fast, rough, desperate.

With knees right by your chest, his cock drilling you deep, you can't do much but mewling his name. You try to hold on his back, then hips, but your hands just slip off sweaty skin; you hold on to the blanket instead, as if it could ease the spasms in your legs and delicious yet overwhelming fire in your pussy. He goes right for the point he tortured before, rather unawares now, in this feral haze, but as effectively as when he was being precise and having you spasm under him even harder than before. Apologizing for a possibility of coming too early? You wouldn't even notice it now, your mind gone in seconds, filled with the white noise of immense pleasure and the familiar feel of a tight, almost painful, knot forming in your abdomen. Squeezed and roughed and pounded you're carried on raging waves of ecstasy, constantly at the edge of orgasm but not quite there, not until he re-adjusts the slippery grasp and slams his fat tip right at the most sensitive spot.

When you cream around his cock, Atsuya's moves stutter, he pulls you closer, arms sneaking under your back, and pushes his head at the crook of your neck. He whines, almost cries, stumbles over his tongue as he tries to speak what you wouldn't decipher amidst this haze. For you, it's just the strained, guttural timbre of his voice, heavy and hot breath against your sweaty neck, teeth nipping your skin—and his throbbing dick, nestled deep, with no energy to thrust fast anymore.

"I'm... gonna—" Atsuya tries to warn but you find some power to sink nails in his ass and pull him closer as soon as you feel him trying to slip out—so he caves in, pressing your legs for the last time before he cums.

He lets your legs fall by his sides and lies flat on top of you, lifeless but the heavy, sobbing breath and weak, almost automatic, spasms of his hips. You have no power—nor desire—to have him roll off you, even if the heat between your sweaty bodies is unbearable and you barely have any air for yourself. Not until this moment of bliss you realized how much you missed this, missed him and the union of your bodies and minds. When you bring yourself to touch, then trace his back, your touch is almost apologetic, for the unfair treatment and months of enforced fasting, even though you don't know if he remained without a single lay like you.

Atsuya twitches under your fingertips, sensitive and ticklish, finally decides to break the status quo and frees you of his weight. He kisses your forehead when you mewl in protest, slips out of you, and falls to his side. He's still close but doesn't pull you into him, rightfully deciding you both have enough heat. You would need to cover yourselves from the sun too but the thought of putting anything on all this mess and sweat is awful in mutual agreement. You just rest on your sides, gazing at each other tenderly, and let the shy gust of wind cool you down.

"Don't you ever run away from me again." Atsuya finally breathes out, as if shaking a great weight off his chest, and finds your lips with a sweet and weak yet possessive kiss.

You want to answer anything, even the simplest "I'm sorry", but nothing that comes to your mind feels right and acceptable for the gamut of feelings swirling around in your chest. He reads what's needed from your eyes, brushes wet strands of your hair off your forehead, then reaches behind you to fish tissues out of the piles of your clothes.

"Maybe we should have gone to that damned hotel," he grumbles as he patiently wipes the wet parts of you, then cleans the mess between your legs. "I could kill for a shower. I must smell like a goat."

"You smell good." You don't lie for the sake of a good vibe. You do mean it. Something about his natural musk just...feels right and comforting. It suits him, suits your naked bodies sprawled by the bank of the river, all natural and free.

"So do you." Atsuya tosses dirty tissues away, then scoots closer, takes a deep whiff of your scent from your neck, before he peppers a line of soft kisses from it to your lips. "But still. Shower."

You dress yourselves up deliberately, gather your trash, finish your sandwiches and ramune. You linger with getting up, stretched on the blanket with eyes half-closed, face turned towards the river.

"I dread sitting in a stolen car now." You're not quite sure if you mean sweat and your mixed comes—or soreness already creeping up on your groin and overworked thighs.

"First: not stolen. Borrowed. Second, I'll get it cleaned." Atsuya frowns and reconsiders. "Tomorrow."

You chuckle and scoot to the side so he can lie beside you again. He closes his hand around yours, the first time ever he does so. You tense, expecting the same surge of lust that comes whenever he touches your neck—but the warm feelings that wash over you have nothing to do with the feral needs.

"Your place or mine?" You whisper your confession of love when he brings your palm to his mouth and kisses it tenderly.

"Yours." Atsuya answers with his, short on breath. "You have AC."

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thebirdfantasy · 1 month ago

Text

The Holiday House - Ch8

"Alan! The winch broke!"

"The what!?"

"The winch broke!" John watches as a helpless holographic figure falls from the sky.

"What the hell do you mean the winch broke!? Our winches don't break!"

"Thunderbird One hasn't been maintained in weeks! We should have seen this coming." Two seconds ago, the rescuee was perfectly secured in a harness, being raised into the 'Bird just as it sped off from an exploding radio tower in the alpine mountains.

"I'm gonna try to grab him with the net." Alan sets the 'Bird to vertical dive, target locked at the flailing victim until-

"-Except that there is no net: It hasn't been reinstalled, it's back at the hangars for maintenance."

“Damn it!” Alan rushes out of the cockpit and to the hull, dunking his helmet over his shoulders. “Well, I’m open for ideas!” Echoes of locker doors slamming travels through the rocket-plane until Alan finds the one with magnetic grapple packs stocked in silver gauntlets. Without hesitation, he dons the gauntlets before rushing to the top hatch of Thunderbird One.

“This is gonna sound absolutely insane, but you’ll have to trust me.” John throws his hands to the side, setting up commands with a persevering look in his eyes. “I need you to jump for it. I’ll remote pilot Thunderbird One to catch you, as long as you just catch him.”

Unbeknownst to John, Alan had already jumped out the second the word “trust” had been mentioned. He launched up into the skies with immense speed until finally reaching a velocity of zero — His arms sway into the motion, outstretched and loose. He sighs at the breathtaking view of the golden-red horizon that collides with the glowing pink clouds. Migrating dots flutter among the distance beyond yonder, flapping their wings as they set course for the sun. A quiet stillness, envelopes the atmosphere — before beginning his accelerating freefall decent. “How high?”

Time moves fast. The sky screams past. Alan determinedly sets himself headfirst, arms firmly pinned to his sides with the intent of hastening his fall. His eyes firmly lock onto the flailing figure before him who screams in panic. Within due time, the blueness of the ocean glimmering orange with sunshine beneath them makes itself known.

From far up above, Thunderbird One hums a flaring change in its engine. The rocket-plane darts further down — faster than the rescue operative's terminal velocity — until its hull finally meets at eye level with the rocket boy who smirks at the metal face of the hull, he readies the silver gauntlets for their first shot with a steady click and aims his aims for the hatch.

"I've matched Thunderbird One to your descent speed, Alan." John claims.

"Good." Alan shoots. The line fires, slicing through the wind until it connects to the hull with a clang. He hooks his end of the line to his scarlet harness and starts the automatic reeling; it whips him through until his gecko gloves and boots cling to the silver of the outer hull. "I'm connected. Increase acceleration." He orders.

The rocket-plane declines in angle and Alan surfs its hull fearlessly, his sight sets downwards on the flailing victim once more. He prepares another grapple pack from his brother's silver gauntlets and trains the line of fire towards the rescuee.

As soon as the said rescuee is within range, Alan fires. It whips through the thrashing air, accelerating until it reaches the IR issued harness that has been wrapped around the victim from the hours previously.

"Bullseye!"

John takes the exclamation as a signal, he begins to boot the horizontal thrusters. At the feel of this, Alan jumps once again. He twists at the taut rope between him and the rescuee, forcing himself to cut through the sky and reach the other faster, the shape of the victim grows larger as their distance shortens.

Suddenly, Alan is grabbing the man mid-air, redirecting both of their falls into a controlled spin. With a strained yell, Alan hits the remote winch on his silver gauntlets, that of which reels him and the rescuee back towards the turning hull of Thunderbird One with a sharp force. They slam together onto the hull and tumble through the hatch — which had been opened by John whose perfect timing Alan must compliment for later — and into the cargo bay.

The rescuee lands hard on top of Alan, practically crushing him. However, adrenaline takes over the young Tracy who scrambles to force his shoulders over his knees and sprint into the cockpit, his eyes widen at the altitude level on the monitor. "Thunderbird Five! Ascend faster!"

From the space station, John grits his teeth and twists his wrists further inward. "There's not enough thrust to pull up!"

"Fire the landing thrusters!"

"FAB!"

The landing thrusters provide just enough force to push the red nose upwards. With a bellowing roar, Thunderbird One yanks itself into level flight just as ocean spray kisses the underside of the hull.

Alan lets out a breath of relief, he falls loosely back into the red chair. "Thanks, John." He sighs.

"It wasn't easy." The spaceman replies. "How's our rescuee holding up? The nearest hospital should take five minutes; I can set her on autopilot and let you rest."

At the simplicity of the suggestion, Alan shifts in the pilot seat to sit up straighter. "Won't be necessary." He reassures. "I can take her."

"You sure? That was quite the save."

"I'm serious, John." His quivering hands settle over the controls like second nature, a motion that he's practiced several times in simulation rigs for the past many years. "I have the energy to do it. Promise!"

"That's not energy, it's called adrenaline, Alan." John would facepalm if it weren't for the fact that his eyes keep straying towards the silver gauntlets making themselves known on his baby brother's forearms. "Alright, but you're not allowed on missions until you get at least two hours' worth of rest, understood?"

Alan cranks the horizontal thrusters. "FAB." Then radios in to the cargo bay: "Hey, how you doing back there?"

There's a short groan of a response, a slurring collection of words akin to "I'm okay", as far as Alan can make it out to be.

"Hang in there, gonna get you to hospital."

And the rocket plane fires into the distance.

Chapter 9: "What the hell?" Scott squints at what he can only assume are tiny ripples in the water.

Since this fic is set post Season3, I decided to try make some new parallels between Alan’s character and Scott’s.

I wanted to use Scott’s grapple pack gauntlets as symbolism to show a form of resemblance between Alan and Scott, which is why i repeatedly mentioning them being silver.

That and also the mission itself is pretty Scott-like… Alan didn’t even have a jetpack, let alone a parachute and he just… went for it.

#scott tracy goes on an unwarranted vacation #alan tracy #john tracy #scott tracy #thunderbirds fanfiction #thunderbirds #thunderbirds 2015 #thunderbirds are go #next chapter is fishtank duo smotherhenning Alan

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fifthintheforbidden · 5 months ago

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Ecology Entry - Windward Plains - Ceratonoths and Nothpeckers

One of the most common animals found in the Windward Plains are the herbivorous small monsters, Ceratonoths.

These shelled quadrupeds can be spotted in sizeable herds within the Windward Plains, typically around water sources and areas ripe for grazing. Herds are led by a male with multiple females, but it's not uncommon to see different herds mix together to form larger herds with multiple males. So far, no intraspecific competition has been observed between males for mating rights, however it's plausible that some form of competition or selection occur due to the structures of the herds. Combined herds typically form during the Windward Plains' season of plenty where lush grass carpets the land around large water sources making vital resources plentiful.

As mentioned prior, herds are led by a single large male identified by the sexually dimorphic characteristics that include their size, darker color, and the distinctive tall spikes that adorn their backs. Although helpful in defense against predation, the spikes' main use is as lightning rods. Due to the inclement climate of the Eastlands, the Windward plains often experiences intense thunderstorms that are characterized by high winds and deadly lightning strikes, dubbed the Sandtide. To protect the herd, the male stands within the center of the group, allowing lightning to strike it's spikes and grounding the energy, while the females and juveniles lay down, keeping their softer undersides close to the ground.

Juvenile Ceratonoths look almost identical to adult females, however it is assumed that male and female characteristics develop with maturity. Reminiscent of Aptonoth and Apceros, Ceratonoths defend their young fiercely, often forming defensive circles around their young. If this fails to drive off a larger predator, the sheer size of some of these herds acts as safety net for the young, allowing them to flee with the cover of the larger adults. The mating season seems to occur mainly during the season of plenty where higher number of juveniles have been observed.

Alongside the Ceratonoths themselves, a curious companion is often seen riding on the tough shell plates of these animals. These birds are aptly named Nothpeckers, and can be seen keeping the Ceratonoths clean of old shell material and parasitic insects. In return for the maintenance, the Ceratonoth herds provide safety and food for the Nothpeckers.

Both of these species have only been spotted in the Windward plains, however I have heard of some unconfirmed reports of Nothpeckers being spotted in the Scarlet Forest. If this true, then perhaps that's where the Nothpeckers nest for their own breeding season as the only bird I've seen roosting within the Windward Plains is the Amstrigian. These incredible animals are sight to behold to those new to the Eastlands and provide a wonderful microcosm into how life has evolved around this volatile environment.

Per Audacia Ad Ferae

#mh #monhun #monster hunter #monster hunter wilds #monster hunter world #monsterhunter #monsterhunterwilds #wilds #world #ceratonoth #nothpecker

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fast-safety-nets-hyderabad · 1 year ago

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Protect Your AC: Choosing the Best Pigeon Net for Air Conditioners

Air conditioner units are vulnerable to damage from nesting pigeons. Choosing the right pigeon net from Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad can prevent costly repairs and ensure efficient AC operation.

1. Selecting the Right Net

When choosing a pigeon net for your air conditioner unit, consider these factors:

Material: Opt for durable, weather-resistant netting that can withstand outdoor conditions.

Mesh Size: Choose a mesh size small enough to prevent pigeons from entering while allowing sufficient airflow.

Size and Coverage: Measure the dimensions of your AC unit to ensure complete coverage and protection.

2. Professional Installation

Ensure the net is installed properly to maximize effectiveness:

Expertise: Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad provides professional installation services to securely cover your AC unit without obstructing its functionality.

Secure Attachment: Proper installation prevents gaps where pigeons could enter and nest.

3. Long-Term Benefits

Investing in a quality pigeon net offers several advantages:

Cost Savings: Prevents damage to AC components, avoiding costly repairs.

Efficiency: Maintains AC performance by keeping out debris and nesting materials.

Health and Safety: Reduces health risks associated with bird droppings and maintains a clean environment.

4. Aesthetic Considerations

Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad offers nets that are discreet yet effective:

Transparent Nets: Maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property while ensuring protection.

Custom Solutions: Tailored to fit your AC unit and blend seamlessly with its surroundings.

5. Maintenance and Support

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and effectiveness:

Cleaning: Periodically clean the net to remove debris and maintain airflow.

Inspections: Check for any signs of wear or damage and repair promptly.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pigeon net for your air conditioner unit with Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad ensures protection from nesting pigeons while maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your AC system. Invest in quality netting and professional installation to safeguard your investment. Contact Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad today to secure your AC and enjoy a pigeon-free environment.

#pigeon net for AC #Fast Safety Nets Hyderabad #AC protection nets #bird control for air conditioners #pigeon netting installation #AC maintenance tips

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sairamsafetynets · 1 year ago

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Expert Tips for Bird Net Fixing Success

Bird nets are an essential solution for preventing birds from entering and nesting in unwanted areas such as balconies, terraces, and windows. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the nets. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai provides expert bird net fixing services designed to offer maximum protection. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve bird net fixing success.

1. Choose the Right Material:

1.1 UV-Stabilized Nets: Select UV-stabilized nets that can withstand harsh weather conditions and prolonged sun exposure without degrading. This ensures durability and long-term effectiveness.

1.2 Appropriate Mesh Size: The mesh size of the net should be small enough to prevent birds from passing through but large enough to allow ventilation and light. Typically, a mesh size of 1-2 cm is ideal for most bird-proofing needs.

2. Proper Planning and Measurement:

2.1 Accurate Measurements: Measure the area where the net will be installed accurately. This includes the width, height, and any irregularities in the shape of the area. Proper measurements ensure a perfect fit and effective coverage.

2.2 Identify Problem Areas: Identify all entry points where birds can potentially enter. This includes small gaps, vents, and corners. Ensuring that these areas are covered is crucial for effective bird-proofing.

3. Quality Installation Hardware:

3.1 Strong Anchors: Use high-quality anchors that can securely hold the net in place. The choice of anchors will depend on the surface where the net is being installed, such as concrete, wood, or metal.

3.2 Tensioning Wires: Install tensioning wires along the perimeter of the netted area to provide additional support. This helps keep the net taut and prevents sagging.

4. Professional Installation:

4.1 Experienced Installers: Hiring professional installers, like those from Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai, ensures that the net is fixed correctly and securely. Experienced installers have the skills and tools needed to handle complex installations.

4.2 Safety Precautions: During installation, it’s important to take safety precautions, especially when working at heights. Professional installers are equipped with safety gear and follow best practices to ensure a safe installation process.

5. Maintenance and Inspection:

5.1 Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the net to check for any signs of wear and tear or damage. Promptly repairing any issues ensures the net remains effective.

5.2 Cleaning: Keep the net clean by removing dust, dirt, and debris. This not only extends the life of the net but also ensures it remains visually unobtrusive.

6. Customized Solutions:

6.1 Tailored to Fit: Each installation is unique, so it’s important to have a solution tailored to your specific needs. Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai offers customized bird net solutions that fit perfectly and provide optimal protection.

6.2 Aesthetic Considerations: Choose nets and installation methods that do not compromise the aesthetic appeal of your property. Transparent or color-matching nets can blend seamlessly with your surroundings.

7. Environmental Considerations:

7.1 Humane Solution: Bird nets provide a humane way to prevent birds from entering certain areas without harming them. This is important for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring bird safety.

7.2 Eco-Friendly Materials: Opt for eco-friendly materials that do not harm the environment. This includes choosing nets made from recyclable materials and avoiding harmful chemicals.

Conclusion: Proper bird net fixing is essential for ensuring effective bird-proofing and maintaining the integrity of your property. By following these expert tips and choosing a professional service like Sai Ram Safety Nets Chennai, you can achieve a successful and long-lasting bird net installation. Protect your home and environment with the best bird net solutions available.

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nhpregulatory-official · 3 months ago

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Request Inbound from: Union Naval Liaison Sedge Petensk [access code 2492a7-STERLING-BIRD]

Request: Disclosure and supporting case documents proving the enforcement of:

•Non-Human Person Rights under Union

•NHP cycling guidelines; timetable determination methodology; self-maintenance rights and responsibilities; permitted exception/compulsory cycling situations.

•NHP recourse for civilian/non-military transferral.

•Sanctions and Punishments under the law for NHP deserters, prisoners of war, unlicensed NHP etc.

•Remedial efforts undertaken by the UAD to redress injustices/rights lapses with regard to NHPs.

Justification of request: Disclosure and free flow of information; receiving aid from unnamed individual in search and recovery of administrator-in-potentia Noah Abdullah [access code 83511a-XANTHOUS-HORIZON].

Addendum: “Sorry about the messy sitch on campo right now. Putting out my own fire out here, if you can find a spare moment to just send me a zip of this stuff I’d appreciate it. —‘Breakfast’ @seen-in-the-smoke ”

G-greetings! I'm not sure why y-you need it and um. M-most of this stuff is on our omni-net s-site anyway but. I-if it'll help find Ms. Abdullah, I-I'll send whatever I can find. G-good luck out there. Signed - [CORINTHUS] ATTACHED FILES: COMPILED_DOCUMENTS.OMAR.GZ

#union nhpro #oc rp #lancer rp

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shree-safety-nets-chennai · 1 year ago

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Transparent Pigeon Nets: Balancing Safety and Aesthetics

Pigeons can be a nuisance, causing damage and creating unsanitary conditions in residential and commercial buildings. Traditional pigeon nets are effective but can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your property. Transparent pigeon nets offer a perfect solution, balancing safety and aesthetics. In this blog post, we explore the benefits of transparent pigeon nets and how Shree Safety Nets Chennai can help you maintain a beautiful and pigeon-free environment.

The Need for Pigeon Control:

1. Health Hazards: Pigeon droppings can carry diseases and pose significant health risks. They can contaminate water sources and surfaces, leading to illnesses like histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

2. Structural Damage: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials, leading to structural damage over time. Nesting materials can also clog drainage systems, causing water damage.

3. Aesthetic Concerns: Pigeon droppings and nests create an unsightly mess on building facades, balconies, and windowsills. This can negatively impact the appearance of your property and reduce its value.

Advantages of Transparent Pigeon Nets:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Transparent pigeon nets are virtually invisible from a distance, preserving the visual appeal of your property. Unlike traditional nets, they do not obstruct views or detract from the architecture.

2. Effective Protection: Despite their subtle appearance, transparent nets are strong and durable. They effectively prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting on your property, keeping it clean and safe.

3. UV Resistant: Transparent pigeon nets from Shree Safety Nets Chennai are UV-stabilized, ensuring they do not degrade or discolor when exposed to sunlight. This makes them a long-lasting solution for pigeon control.

4. Customizable: These nets can be tailored to fit various spaces, including balconies, windows, and rooftops. Customization ensures that every potential entry point for pigeons is covered.

5. Easy Maintenance: Transparent nets require minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean and do not collect dirt and debris as quickly as traditional nets.

Why Choose Shree Safety Nets Chennai:

1. Expertise and Experience: Shree Safety Nets Chennai has extensive experience in providing bird-proofing solutions. Their team of professionals ensures that your transparent pigeon nets are installed correctly and effectively.

2. Quality Materials: Shree Safety Nets Chennai uses high-quality, UV-stabilized materials for their transparent nets. This guarantees durability and long-term performance.

3. Professional Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of pigeon nets. Shree Safety Nets Chennai offers professional installation services, ensuring that nets are securely and aesthetically fitted.

4. Comprehensive Services: From initial consultation and site assessment to installation and maintenance, Shree Safety Nets Chennai provides comprehensive services to ensure your property remains pigeon-free.

Client Testimonials:

Mr. Ravi Kumar: "I was worried that pigeon nets would ruin the look of my balcony, but the transparent nets from Shree Safety Nets Chennai are perfect. They are almost invisible and have kept the pigeons away. I highly recommend their services."

Ms. Anjali Reddy: "The team at Shree Safety Nets Chennai did a fantastic job. The transparent nets blend seamlessly with our building, and we haven't had any issues with pigeons since the installation."

Conclusion: Transparent pigeon nets offer an ideal solution for those looking to balance safety and aesthetics. They provide effective protection against pigeons while maintaining the visual appeal of your property. Shree Safety Nets Chennai is your go-to provider for high-quality, durable, and professionally installed transparent pigeon nets. Keep your property beautiful and pigeon-free with the best solutions available.

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super-fast-safety-nets · 1 year ago

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Why Pigeon Nets Are Essential for Building Maintenance

Pigeon infestation is a common issue faced by buildings in urban areas like Bangalore. These birds, while seemingly harmless, can cause significant problems when they nest on building ledges, balconies, and rooftops. Installing pigeon nets is a crucial step in maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of buildings. In this blog post, we explore why pigeon nets are essential for building maintenance and how Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore can provide the best solutions.

The Problems Caused by Pigeons:

1. Health Hazards: Pigeon droppings can harbor a variety of harmful pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These can cause diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, posing serious health risks to residents and workers.

2. Structural Damage: The acidic nature of pigeon droppings can corrode building materials over time, leading to structural damage. This is particularly problematic for buildings with metal or stone facades, which can become weakened and stained.

3. Clogged Drainage Systems: Nesting materials and droppings can clog gutters, drains, and downspouts, leading to water damage and increased maintenance costs. Blocked drainage systems can cause water to overflow, leading to damp walls and ceilings.

4. Unpleasant Odors and Unsightly Mess: Accumulated droppings and nesting materials create unsightly messes and foul odors, detracting from the building's aesthetic appeal. This can negatively impact the image of commercial properties and reduce the quality of life for residents in residential buildings.

5. Increased Cleaning and Maintenance Costs: Regular cleaning of pigeon droppings and nests is both time-consuming and costly. Without preventive measures, these costs can quickly add up, making building maintenance more expensive and labor-intensive.

Benefits of Installing Pigeon Nets:

1. Effective Bird Deterrence: Pigeon nets act as a physical barrier, preventing pigeons from accessing nesting and roosting spots on the building. This effectively deters them from settling on the property.

2. Health Protection: By keeping pigeons away, nets help minimize the health risks associated with bird droppings and nesting materials. This contributes to a healthier living and working environment.

3. Preservation of Building Integrity: Preventing pigeons from nesting on the building helps preserve the integrity of the structure. This reduces the risk of corrosion, staining, and other forms of damage caused by acidic droppings.

4. Cost Savings: Investing in pigeon nets can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Reduced cleaning and maintenance needs, as well as the prevention of structural damage, make pigeon nets a cost-effective solution for building maintenance.

5. Improved Aesthetics: Keeping pigeons away from the building helps maintain its aesthetic appeal. Clean, pigeon-free facades and balconies enhance the overall look and feel of the property.

Why Choose Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore:

1. Expertise and Experience: Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore has years of experience in providing bird-proofing solutions. Their team of experts understands the specific challenges posed by pigeons and offers effective solutions tailored to each property.

2. High-Quality Materials: The nets used by Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore are made from durable, UV-stabilized materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. This ensures long-lasting protection for your building.

3. Professional Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of pigeon nets. Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore ensures that nets are securely and aesthetically installed, covering all potential entry points.

4. Comprehensive Solutions: From initial consultation and site assessment to installation and maintenance, Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore provides comprehensive services to ensure your building remains pigeon-free.

Conclusion: Pigeon nets are an essential component of effective building maintenance, providing protection against health hazards, structural damage, and increased maintenance costs. With the expertise and quality services offered by Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore, you can ensure that your property remains clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Don't let pigeons compromise the integrity of your building—invest in professional pigeon netting solutions today.

#Pigeon Nets #Building Maintenance #Bird Control #Super Fast Safety Nets Bangalore #Urban Safety #Property Protection #Health Hazards #Structural Damage #Cost Savings #Professional Installation #Pigeon Proofing Solutions

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chashupak · 4 months ago

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That one BG3 fanfic deleted scene where pre-orb Gale falls physically instead of metaphorically

Ongoing Fanfiction Link: [The Starfall Gambit]

Why Scrapped: CPR cliche included in final scene with more fear and mortality applied. Tone shift from humorous to grit with beauty

Chapter I.6 Surface Tensions (Alternate)

Gale broke the surface with a gasp, water burning his lungs as he thrashed toward the air. Strands of his once-immaculate hair clung to his face like seaweed, dignity drowned somewhere beneath them.

“By Mystra’s weave, what madness was that?!” His voice cracked, composure shattered.

Lyanna treaded water a few feet away, already measuring distance to shore Moonlight caught in the pearl droplets streaming down her face, transforming rage into something almost ethereal. Almost.

“That,” she spat between controlled breaths, “was me not dying. Until you got involved.”

The pond water between them glowed faintly with industrial runoff, magical waste from Upper Sharn’s elegant spires staining Lower Sharn’s waters with prismatic toxicity. Beautiful poison. Just like everything else in this city.

“Or more accurately some sort of suicidal stunt.” Gale flailed. Waterlogged silk robes dragged him down—his finery, his anchor. “I couldn’t just let you—“

He cut himself off. Realizing midway how such sentiments might sound. He groaned.

“Tell me, Miss Lyanna. Are all your survival instincts this catastrophically flawed?”

“I had a plan.” She threw out her arms, water splashing in angry arcs that caught the moonlight. “And it didn’t involve getting tackled mid-air by some invisible lunatic!”

Gale narrowed his eyes, slapping her arms away. Water scattered like broken spells. “Well, pardon me for assuming the reasonable response.”

Their voices echoed through the garden, scattering birds from nearby trees. They took flight in panicked formations, shadows cutting across the face of Sharn’s dimmed landscape.

“Oh, and what would your grand plan have been, oh wise and mystical one?” She asked, treading water with the ease of someone who’d survived worse. “Politely ask them to let me go? Summon a chair and start negotiations?”

“A TELEPORTATION SPELL!” Gale practically shrieked. His voice bounced off ornate stonework, designed to carry music through the garden, now amplifying his indignation instead. “A perfectly rational, safe, magical solution instead of—of that!”

“Not everyone has teleportation at the ready!” She turned away, swimming toward shore with powerful strokes.

“Then perhaps don’t tail dangerous crime syndicates!”

“What I do is none of your business. I didn’t need some invisible hero helping me!”

“Oh, by all means, let’s do it again, then!” Gale followed, his wet robes now a prison weighing him down. “Just spring back up there and take another go at it. I’ll wait.”

Lyanna smirked, heaving herself onto the muddy shore. Water streamed from her clothes, pooling beneath her like shed armor. “Maybe net time I’ll just let you handle it all, huh?”

“Oh yes, what a privilege,” Gale muttered, dripping and miserable as he dragged himself to solid ground. His waterlogged boots squelched with each step, the undignified sound of a dignified man undone.

The Central Garden stretched around them. A public space created back when the city still pretended to care about uniting its stratified citizens. Now, it served as neutral territory—somewhere the upper classes could admire nature without venturing too far down, somewhere the lower classes could glimpse beauty without climbing too high.

Lyanna collapsed on the grass, eyes fixed skyward. Water pooled beneath her, reflecting fractured starlight. Nearby flowers released their sweet perfume, intensified by moisture in the air. Arcane motes drifted between exotic blooms—maintenance enchantments responding to their presence with confused patterns, brightening and dimming as if unsure what to make of these unexpected visitors.

Night insects resumed their chorus after being briefly silenced by the splash. Their humming created a strange percussion to accompany the distant laughter from a pavilion where late revelers gathered, oblivious to the drama unfolding in their scenic backdrop.

Gale plopped beside her. Every breath stabbed through newly-bruised ribs. The immaculate Chosen reduced to something human, something breakable. Real.

His gaze drifted back to her.

Her chest heaved with every breath. Brown curls framed her flushed cheeks, her usual braid undone by violence and water. Survival looked different on her than on him—familiar, worn-in, like a coat she’d donned too many times before. Wet clothes, of earthy shades and leather accents, clung to her figure. Slivers of exposed skin revealed a map of old scars, hints of stories untold.

“What?” she snapped, eyes still on the stars.

Gale paused, pushing down the flush that crept up his neck. “You know… I had a perfectly good Teleportation spell.”

The water hit his face before he saw her move, a rough splash that caught him mid-smirk.

"How mature," he muttered, wiping droplets from his eyes with exaggerated dignity.

Her expression flickered with brief satisfaction—a small victory claimed in a night of defeats. She watched as he peeled away his outer robes with theatrical care, the soaked fabric releasing its hold reluctantly.

His undershirt clung to him, rendered nearly transparent now. Gale was acutely aware of how he looked—another kind of armor he’d cultivated as carefully as his spellcraft. The moonlight was kind to him, catching the defined lines of his physique in ways that weren’t entirely accidental in their display.

Her gaze flickered over him, assessing or perhaps appreciating. He pretended not to notice, though a knowing smile tugged at his lips.

“What?” He echoed, feigning an innocence that fooled no one.

Lyanna pushed herself upright, taking her time to wring water from her hair instead of answering his question immediately. She met his eyes as if that had always been the destination. “Just thinking that for someone so clever, you make remarkably poor decisions.”

“And yet.” He smoothed back wet hair with one hand. “We both survived. One might even call

"And, yet," he replied, smoothing back his wet hair with one hand, "we both survived. One might even call that rescue a rousing success."

She scoffed, but there was less bite than before. "Don't flatter yourself. I've fallen from higher."

Gale arched an eyebrow. "I don't doubt it for a moment."

A momentary silence settled between them—not comfortable, exactly, but no longer crackling with hostility. The arcane motes of light drifted closer, drawn to the magical residue that clung to them. They circled them briefly before dispersing, their programmed behavior confused by him: his all-powerful magical signature at odds with his shattered decorum.

The distant chaos of the warehouse seemed impossibly far away.

"Malcolm," he said finally, the name falling between them like a stone. "He's more dangerous than I anticipated."

Her expression sobered. "Yes, He is."

“However, that doesn’t exactly explain your involvement tonight.”

Her fingers paused. Lips pursed as if weighing the cost of indulging him. “No, I guess it doesn’t.”

He leaned back, resting his arm on his knee. “Neither does it explain your presence at Tibbles’ workshop today.”

“Nope, doesn’t explain that one either.” She shrugged.

A coolness settled between them as Lyanna stared up at the stars, deliberately avoiding his gaze. She flicked a wet strand of hair from her face. Her fingers trailed over one of her many pouches—checking, cataloging what remained after their impromptu dive.

"You know," she said finally, her voice almost too casual, "for someone obsessed with finding a Netherese tome, you've been looking in all the wrong places."

Gale went still. He turned toward her slowly, his studied nonchalance betrayed by the sudden intensity in his eyes. "I beg your pardon?"

"The Netherese tome. The one with all those fancy sigils you were drooling over at Tibbles' place." She met his gaze then, a challenge in her storm-gray eyes. "That's what you're here for, isn't it? Probably some sacred mission from Mystra?"

His expression hardened. "And how exactly would you know about that?"

"The books you read, the people you talk to. People have their ways." She pursed her lips and peeled off a pouch. With a quick shake, she poured out its contents: broken glass and blood red liquid. A potion shattered in the dive.

"Just like how I know the merchant who purchased it three days ago from a very nervous artificer who probably had no idea what he was selling."

"Three days—" Gale stopped himself, recalibrating. "You've been tracking it."

"It’s a useful hobby. But either way, I know where it is."

"Why?" His voice dropped, sharp with suspicion. "What possible interest could you have in Netherese magic?"

Lyanna sat up fully now, drawing her knees to her chest. She seemed to debate with herself, weighing options against risks. When she spoke again, there was none of her usual flippant charm.

"Not the tome itself," she said. "What I need is information about the Whispering Blades."

Recognition flickered across Gale’s face. The same question from the balcony, where fine wine had temporarily softened their edges.

"Ah, so we return to this," he said, his voice measured. "Your mysterious blades with a mind of their own."

"Not just a mind," she said, her fingers curling against her palm as if holding something precious. "A soul."

Despite himself, Gale's scholarly interest stirred. "Soul binding is dangerous magic. Far beyond mere sentience in a blade."

"Which is exactly why I need someone who understands it," she countered, leaning forward. "Someone with access to knowledge beyond ordinary reach. Someone like Mystra's Chosen."

Her last words carried the faintest hint of mockery, but there was something else beneath it. Desperation, perhaps. Or determination.

Gale's eyes narrowed. "So that's your game. Information for information. The tome's location for what I know of these blades."

"Is it really that unreasonable of a deal?" Her gaze held his.

"I could simply extract the location from your mind," he said, his fingers tracing a small arcane pattern in the air between them. "A simple spell would suffice."

To his surprise, Lyanna laughed—a sharp, genuine sound that cut through the tension. She caught his hand and pushed it aside.

"Could you? You couldn't even spot that your devoted student was an assassin trailing your every move for two tendays." She gestured vaguely toward the warehouse looming in the distance. "Not exactly inspiring confidence in your powers of perception, Wizard."

The barb struck home. Gale’s jaw clenched, pride warring with pragmatism. "A momentary oversight," he said stiffly. "One I won't repeat."

"Of course not." Her smirk returned, knowing and sharp. "Just like I'm sure you've already located the tome on your own and are just humoring me now."

Silence stretched between them. Finally, Gale sighed, the sound heavy with reluctant acceptance.

"Very well," he said. "Let's assume, for the moment, that your information is valuable—"

"It is."

"—and accurate—"

"Also true."

He shot her a quelling look. "Then I would be willing to consider an exchange. But not simply a location for what I know of the Whispering Blades. That's hardly equitable."

Lyanna tilted her head. "What are you proposing?"

"Your assistance." Gale's eyes gleamed with calculation. "Not just the location, but your help in acquiring the tome. Your... particular talents may prove useful in retrieving it without unnecessary complications."

"You want me to help you steal it," she translated, amusement dancing across her features.

"I prefer 'recover,' given that it rightfully belongs to Mystra." He adjusted his still-damp sleeve with practiced dignity. "But semantics aside, yes."

She considered this, her fingers absently tapping against her knee. "And in return?"

"After we've secured the tome, I'll share what I know of the Whispering Blades." He met her gaze, his expression serious. "But understand this: I won't be manipulated or deceived. One false step, one hint that you're not dealing honestly, and our arrangement ends. Immediately."

The threat hung in the air between them. Lyanna's expression remained carefully neutral, but something shifted in her eyes—a flicker of respect, perhaps, at his firm boundaries.

"Fair enough," she said finally. "Though the same applies to you, Chosen. I'm not one of your adoring followers, hanging on your every word. We work together as equals, or not at all."

Gale inclined his head, a gesture both gracious and reserved. "I believe I can accommodate that."

"Then it’s a deal." She extended her hand, water still dripping from her sleeve.

Gale hesitated only briefly before taking it. Her grip was firm, her palm calloused where his was smooth. A study in contrasts, yet in that moment, strangely complementary.

"So," he said as they released the handshake, "where is this tome?"

Lyanna's smile widened to something genuine and mischievous. "The Midnight Market. And you, Chosen One, are going to need a better disguise than those fancy robes if you want to blend in there."

"The Midnight Market," Gale repeated, his voice a mix of intrigue and wariness. "Of course it would be there. Nothing is ever simple, is it?"

"Where's the fun in simple?" She rose to her feet, wringing her coat one last time for good measure. "Besides, I thought you enjoyed a challenge. Wasn't that what you said in Elturel? Something about 'true mastery requiring worthy obstacles, approached properly and methodically'? Who lectures a stranger for helping close a portal anyway?"

"You remember my words with surprising accuracy," Gale observed, standing as well.

"Only the particularly pompous ones," she replied with a wink. "They're just too good to forget."

Despite himself, Gale felt the corner of his mouth twitch upward. Whatever complications lay ahead—and there would undoubtedly be many—at least the journey wouldn't be dull.

"The Midnight Market it is, then," he said. "Though I warn you—if this proves to be another of your games, you'll find I'm not nearly as accommodating the second time around."

Lyanna's smile didn't falter. "Of course, you’ve got a reputation to uphold after all. Mystra’s Golden Boy and what not."

Around them, the garden hummed with night insects and the gentle rustle of leaves. Above, the towers of Sharn loomed like sentinels, impartial to the unlikely alliance formed in their shadow.

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