#Camping Cookware

[outdoorovernights]

KingCamp Camping Cookware Set Review

Do you often find yourself yearning for the aroma of a sizzling meal prepared under the vast sky, right in the heart of nature? It’s a beautiful feeling, isn’t it? There’s a certain charm in cooking your meals surrounded by towering trees or near a serene lake. This is where the KingCamp Camping Cookware Set, with its robust build and comprehensive utility, comes into play, making your outdoor…

[kishizyp]

7 Camping Cookware Sets That Make Cooking in the Wild Easier

If you love spending time in the woods or at your local state park’s campground, you’ll quickly understand how important it is to eat outside. After a long day of climbing, you need to eat well. It can also help you forget about the rainy day and turn it into a “at least we ate well” adventure.

It’s not always as easy as it sounds to move the cooking outside. I’ve worked as a chef and led many groups through the woods. During that time, I learned something that every professional guide knows: the food makes or breaks the trip. I’ve put together a list of ideas for you, including the camping cookware with heat exchanger for fuel efficiency, titanium camping cookware for the ultimate lightweight option, and camping cookware with pot coozies for keeping food warm. This has something for everyone, whether you’ve been camping before or this is your first time.

1. Redcamp Camping Cookware Messs Kit

The Redcamp Camping pan Mess Kit is one of the few pan sets that you can get for less than $20 that has so many useful pieces. This camping cookware set with pots, pans, and lids has everything you need for an easy meal. It comes with bowls, camping tools, and a sponge for cleaning up. Everything fits inside the pot, so it’s easy to pack in a bag. It weighs less than a pound.

Note: Some reviews from outside sources say that the handles can melt and that the pots are small and hard to clean.

2. GSI Pinnacle Base Camper

The GSI Pinnacle Base Camper Cookset is my favorite set of knives for camping by a long shot. I’ve had the hard-anodized, nonstick set for more than 100 days in the field. You can cook almost anything in the camp with the two pots and pan.

The cooking set comes in both small and large sizes, and the stuff bag can also be used as a sink. You can also put pieces together. When there are only a few people, I only use one pot and leave the skillet out. I’ve cooked for up to 12 people with the big set.

Note: You can bend the pots back easily if you push them too hard. The set of aluminum cookware is not good for cooking over a campfire.

3. Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset

The Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset is a stylish and durable set of stainless steel cooking tools that is light enough to take hiking and strong enough to use while camping in your car. It has a pot, a kettle, and a skillet that can all be used on a stove or over a campfire. It comes in small and large sizes. Pot lids with leather tabs look nice and make it easy to take off hot lids. It’s also easy to hang over a campfire because it has a bail handle.

Note: There is no lid on the pot. The cooking gear for camping doesn’t fit together well and rattles around in a bag.

4. Lodge 3.2 Quart Cast Iron Combo Cooker

The Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker has a deep pan and a fryer that can be used together to make a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens cook food very evenly, so you can use them to make soups and bread. Cast iron is also one of the most durable materials for cooking. My family has used cast iron for generations.

There is vegetable oil already on the Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker, so it is nonstick and ready to use. It doesn’t have any PTFE or PFOA in it, and you can use it to cook over a campfire.

Note: This camping cookware set is by far the biggest on the list. To keep it from rusting and sticking, cast iron also needs some simple care.

5. Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset

This is a high-quality set of stainless steel cookware that is light enough to take hiking and strong enough to use while camping in your car. There are small and large sizes, as well as a pot, a saucepan, and a skillet. You can use all of them on the stove or over a campfire. Leather tabs on the pot lids make them look nice and make taking them off quickly when they’re hot. The pot has a bail handle that makes it easy to hang over a campfire.

Note: There is no lid on the pot. The cooking gear for camping doesn’t fit together well and rattles around in a bag.

6. Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset

The Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset was made to cook food well, which makes it a great choice for eaters. The three-ply, thick stainless steel evenly spreads heat, and the two pots and pan of different sizes let you cook different parts of a meal at the same time. The cooking tools and cutting board that are BPA-free and can be folded up fit inside the pan. The pots and skillet all fit together.

Note: Many reviews say that the cutting board is weak and the plastic cooking tools melt easily. Additionally, it is one of the largest and most expensive choices on this list.

7. MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set

This MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set doesn’t stick and doesn’t contain any PFTE or PFOA chemical.

Since MSR doesn’t use Teflon, but Fusion® ceramic, you don’t have to think about chemicals that are bad for you when cooking on a campfire or over high heat. As with other nonstick surfaces, this nonstick camping cookware for easy cleaning is a best choice. The lids of the clay pots can be locked in place with the handle that can be taken off. This set of camping tools weighs just under a pound, which is light enough to take on a backpacking trip.

Note: This camping cooking set costs a lot for what it is because it doesn’t come with a skillet.

Camp cooking doesn’t have to be scary, after reading this advice. Compared to cooking inside, it’s not too different. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your campers will have a wonderful time, eat well, and make lasting memories.

[nevertheless-moving]

The Demon of Yunmeng: Chapter Six

Part One — Part Five

“You’re sure, Wei Gongzi?” Wen Ning held the reigns with care, looking at the horse uncertainly. It snorted, eyeing the glint of metal around Wen Ning’s arms and legs with reciprocal doubt. 

“Of course!” Wei Wuxian said. He leaned in, voice growing conspiratorial. “You know Jiang Cheng can’t openly support the Dafan Wen, not without risking Jiang Sect’s position. But the two of us will never be able to repay the debt we owe you.”

“I appreciate that, it- it’s just….” Wen Ning hesitated a moment. “My sister and I really do consider all debts paid between us, you know that right? I don’t w-want—” he exhaled, grimacing slightly and dropping his voice. “I know you’re in some sort of trouble. Jie-Jie’s been on edge about it all week. If it has something to d-do with us —”

Wei Wuxian shook his head, putting a hand on Wen Ning’s shoulder. “It has nothing to do with you whatsoever,” he said sincerely. “It’s about me. Well, me and my dumb inventions.”

“The tally?” Wen Ning whispered.

“Guessed it in one. I might have pissed them off a little with your family, but it was always going to be something. Trust me — the Jin are more than willing to make up excuses to take it from me. ”

“Is there — Is there anything I can do to help? An-anything at all?” 

Wei Wuxian snorted. “You know it’s funny you ask, I originally — what? What is it?”

Wen Ning’s eyes had grown wide and fearful, staring at something over Wei Wuxian’s shoulder. He quickly turned around, only to see the back of Lan Zhan’s head. 

“D-Did I do something to offend Lan Gongzi?” Wen Ning asked, still looking alarmed. “He w-was glaring at m-me like I killed someone!”

“Eh.” Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry about it, that’s just his face.”

Wen Ning looked doubtful. 

“In any case, Lan Zhan and I have it covered,” Wei Wuxian said cheerfully. “I might not be able to visit for a while, but when I do, everything should be fine.”

“Alright. But if there is some way I can help —”

“I’ll let you know.” He hesitated, glancing over his shoulder at Lan Zhan’s back. “Ask your sister about the details,” Wei Wuxian said under his breath. “But I might end up annoying Lan Zhan really badly and be back in a couple days, and might ask for your help with something, but you are absolutely free to say no, got it! You already said all debts are settled between us, so no taking that back! It’s a pretty stupid idea to be honest.”

“Um,” Wen Ning frowned. “Okay?”

“You’re a good man Wen Ning,” Wei Wuxian said, pulling him in for a hug. Talismans hummed at his chest, and he smiled. “I’m really glad I didn’t snap your neck when I had the chance.”

“Me too, Wei-Gongzi,” Wen Ning said, returning the embrace. “Thank you again for the horse — everyone always appreciates them. You’re sure you can’t stay any longer to say good bye A-Yuan? He was so happy playing with you last night.”

“Ah, don’t tempt me,” Wei Wuxian said, stepping back. “Thank you again for hosting me!”

“Thank you, Wei-Gongzi. I wouldn’t even have this home if it wasn’t for you, not to mention I wouldn’t be alive to —”

“Okay! Maybe we should stop saying thank yous between us. And seriously, you are the only person who calls me that."

“...Safe Travels, Wei-Gongzi.”

He sighed. “Until next time, Wen Ning.”

Wei Wuxian squared his shoulders, marching over to where the Second Jade himself stood.

“Ready?” he said, slinging an arm over Lan Zhan’s shoulder and feeling him stiffen.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji strode forward, leaving Wei Wuxian’s arm behind.

Wei Wuxian let his mouth ramble aimlessly for the first hour or so of their journey, eyeing Lan Zhan occasionally to see if he would crack under the persistent mild annoyance. The man bore it with enviable patience, humming with acknowledgement at all the right places to confirm he was listening, occasionally even saying whole words back.

Once Wei Wuxian felt enough time had passed to lure him into a false sense of security, he started to shift the conversation. Lan Zhan had disappeared before dinner last night, lingering only long enough to confirm that they would leave together in the morning, not leaving time for discussion.

Possibly he had been reporting to his Sect that he would be travelling by foot for the near future and might not be easy to find. Possibly he had been chopping down a forest, raging over the confused impulse to prove his dedication to justice that had led him into this situation. It was impossible to say by looking at him.

Time to get to the heart of things — nice as it was to walk beside Lan Zhan without arguing, he really didn’t want to wait until he was at Carp Tower to come up with a new plan.

 "So," Wei Wuxian said, hands behind his head. "We're heading to Lanling together."

"Mn."

“You're still committed to pretending to be my cultivation partner."

"...Mn."

Sunlit shone lazily through gaps in the trees as they walked; it was a pretty good day to be on foot, all things considered.

"No reservations," Wei Wuxian said skeptically.

"..."

"Lan Zhan," he said, rolling his eyes and coming to a stop.

Lan Wangji kept moving at an even pace.

"Lan Zhan!"

Lan Wangji continued forward.

Wei Wuxian hurried to catch up with him. "Look, it's best to get these things out sooner rather than later," he said reasonably. "I'm not going to stop pestering you, and if you don't tell me, I'm going to start guessing things that are worse than whatever you might say. Let’s just get it over with!”

"...Are there none among Wei Ying’s past lovers that you will acknowledge?" The man didn't even have the courtesy to turn and make eye contact when he said it.

Indignation rose in his chest. "I thought you said you didn't believe — ohhh you mean actual lovers."

"Mn." Lan Wangji's hand fell to his sword, but he made no move to draw it. It was good to have some indication of when the man was experiencing a real emotion — even if it was only ever anger. Lan Zhan had always gotten annoyed by his flirtatious behavior, hadn’t he?

Well, Lan Zhan was doing him a rather large favor, even if it was part of a bizarrely un-Lan-like plan to achieve justice. He could meet him part way and swallow his pride on this, if nothing else.

"Yeahh..." Wei Wuxian said, a bit sheepishly. "I might have slightly exaggerated about some of that in the past."

Lan Wangji glanced over, eyes narrowing.

"I mean it's not like I actually had a lot of free time during the sunshot campaign," he said defensively. "I'm going to have to pretend I literally wasn't sleeping ever to have been having sex with you during the war — and as you pointed out, we at least already knew each other and were conveniently near one another often enough. When the fuck would I have seduced random women?"

"Mn." That grunt was a bit tighter, as it tended to be when referencing intimate matters.

"Plus you must have noticed I'm a little less popular since taking up demonic cultivation — not an invitation to discuss changing my ways, just to be clear."

“...”

“What? You really think you’re the only person to be put off by my cultivation path? You’re not the only person with standards, Lan Zhan.”

"...Seen Wei Ying with women. Recently. At Phoenix Mountain Hunt."

"Pft." Wei Wuxian shrugged. "Just because a woman's willing to ride next to an attractive war hero in public doesn't mean she actually wants to spend quality time with him in private."

"Mn."

Wei Wuxian squinted suspiciously. "Was that ‘Mn’ skeptical?" 

"..."

"Come on, we have to be honest with each other, if we're going to be lifelong cultivation partners."

A tighter grip on the sword, then Lan Wangji turned his head away to look at the trees to his right. "Wei Ying claimed he had 'lots of experience,'" he said, voice free of inflection.

"What?" He struggled to think back. "When did we talk about experience? You mean in cloud recesses, because like I said I seriously exaggerated — oh! Haahahahaha!"

Lan Wangji whipped his head around to look at him, back rigid, but Wei Wuxaian struggled to do anything but bend over with laughter.

"Oh man," he said, still laughing. "You mean that nonsense I said during the hunt! Come on, you — wait. Wait!"

Several thoughts bumped against each other. He had run into Lan Zhan immediately after that mysterious kiss. Lan Zhan had been unusually offended by his presence. Lan Zhan said —

"Wait," he gasped. "When you said you saw me with women — do you mean you saw me kissing a woman?! At the hunt? Lan Zhan, did you see me kissing someone at the hunt?"

"Shameless!" Lan Zhan snarled, picking up the pace.

"Come on!" Wei Wuxian wheedled, hurrying to match his step. "You did, didn't you! Who was it? Lan Zhan, was that why you were so angry back then? Was I kissing someone you likmmnn Mnnn! mdphhnn!"

The silencing spell, seriously? he thought, first dumbfounded, then furious. 

He turned around, stalking back the way he came.

What are we, junior disciples? Fuck this, I don't need to voluntarily agree to extra time being disapproved of by Hunguang-Jun. This is stupid, so fucking stupid.

“Wei Ying.”

Maybe I’ll take Wen Qing up on her idea. Probably Not. Okay, definitely not, but we can discuss other things — we’re geniuses, surely we can come up with a smarter plan than this, right? We figured a way out of the Qiongqi pass and it wasn’t all luck.

"Wei Ying!"

Wei Wuxian made a rude gesture over his shoulder, continuing on.

"Wei Ying — this is foolish."

This time he made rude gestures over both shoulders, narrowly resisting the urge to fling a talisman back.

"...Wei Ying, I apologize. I should not have."

He paused, shocked, then opened his mouth, feeling the spell lift.

…Did he really just apologize? To me? For discipline?

"Hunguang-Jun," he said, rubbing his mouth, not looking back. "I know you don't approve of this sort of talk, and I know you're doing me a huge, life changing favor, but if you're going to silence me every time I talk about something immodest, there's no way this will work."

"You are right." 

Wei Wuxian wheeled around in surprise. "I'm right?"

Lan Wangji bowed low from the waist. "I will not silence you again. It was poor behavior. Forgive me."

"Well," Wei Wuxian said, smile starting to creep up involuntarily. "I suppose considering what you’re sacrificing, and the fact that you're too dignified to shout at me anymore, I can forgive the occasional spell. But not unless I really deserve it, alright? I mean, it's not like I don't know I can be annoying. But it can't be every little question."

"Mn."

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Alright, fine," he turned back south towards Lanling Jin, feeling oddly buoyed by the argument.

Maybe he really has changed since our school days. If he can admit to being overly harsh towards me…

"Anyway," Wei Wuxian said, scratching the side of his nose as they fell back into step with one another. "There's experience and there's experience, and I promise, I don't have as much of either as people think I have."

"..."

"It's not like I've actually been lying, not really. People assume things! I don't correct them. At most I exaggerate. I'm not one of those men who points at a maiden and claims to have taken her virtue just to make myself seem more masculine."

"I see." 

 Wei Wuxian waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, I know, ‘do not exaggerate your accomplishments,’ 'don't speak unchastely of others.' I get it, I think I'm suffering the consequences of my actions well enough without having to copy the rules again."

"Mn."

"Right," Wei Wuxian said, clapping his hands. "The point is, there's nothing to worry about with that at the trial, I promise — no past true loves who I will have to deny to their faces, definitely no bastards."

"Then I have no further concerns."

"None?" Wei Wuxian asked skeptically.

"...I am willing to accept certain discomforts. No reason to discuss it further."

"Really Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said, more sincerely. "I know that you're capable of sacrifice. It's just not necessary to accept those discomforts for the sake of justice, not in this case. Sure, I won't be able to claim my nights were full during the war, but that would be a stretch to explain anyway, and we're still not that far from the Wen; we can go back and I can —"

"Why him?"

Wei Wuxian glanced over at the unusually clipped words, but the Second Jade was once again facing away. "Why Wen Ning, do you mean?"

Lan Wangji turned his head just enough to glare at him out of the corner of his eyes.

"You mean why was I originally planning on asking him to pretend to be my cutsleeve lover?" Wei Wuxian asked, bewildered. "Or why am I saying I could still ask him now?"

Lan Wangji clenched his sword, eyebrow twitching slightly.

Wei Wuxian blew out a breath. "Who else would I have ever thought to ask? It's not like being a demonic cultivator makes your acquaintances more likely to spend time developing bonds of friendship with you, and then the accusations on top of that..."

He threw his hands in the air, letting out a bark of laughter. "How was I supposed to have ever guessed in a million years that you of all people would have said yes to this crazy idea? I thought you still hated me." He cocked his head, eyeing the man beside him thoughtfully. "When did you stop hating me, anyway?"

"Never hated Wei Ying."

"Bullshit!" Wei Wuxian stopped to wave a finger disapprovingly. "I believe you might not anymore, and I know your rules prohibit 'excessive opinions of vitriol' but rules don't change how a person actually feels."

"Never hated Wei Ying," Lan Wangji repeated, setting his jaw and planting his feet.

"Then why the hell did you hound me throughout the war — years, Lan Zhan, actual years of both of our lives, just to criticize my cultivation!" he rolled his eyes, trying to keep his tone light despite the roiling in his chest.

Lan Wangji didn't answer, and Wei Wuxian pushed further. If they were doing this, they might as well get it all out while they were still close enough for Wen Qing to patch him together if it came to blows.

"At a time when we were both fighting the same enemy, you acted like I was the worst person on the battlefield!” Wei Wuxian accused. “Like my crimes outweighed that of the Qishan Wen one hundred fold!”

“Did not.”

Wei Wuzian scoffed. “Just admit you at least used to hate me, even if you’ve meditated past it now. I'm the one who invented the ghost path, Lan Zhan! Hating my cultivation is the same thing as hating me!"

"Not hate," Lan Wangji insisted.

Wei Wuxian snorted, growing sarcastic. "What, so all those times you said 'demonic cultivation is bad for the mind' that was out of sincere concern for my own sake, not the people I would kill in my wicked madness?"

"Yes!"

He paused, staring at Hunguang-Jun, a man who was famously honest, and was also famously succinct. Succinct to the point of possibly being bad with words.

Hunguang-Jun stared back.

"...Seriously?"

"Yes." There was relief on Lan Zhan's face — only a hint, but coming from him...

Wei Wuxian's throat felt tight. "You were worried about me? Not... what I would do to others?"

"Yes. Still worried," Lan Wangji said quietly.

"What about wanting to lock me away in Gusu Lan?" Wei Wuxian dragged a hand across his face, eyes itching, throat still too tight. "You honestly expect me to believe you wanted to imprison me out of concern too?"

"No!"

Wei Wuxian took a step back, surprised by the volume of Lan Zhan's answer.

Lan Wangji took a step forward. "Not imprison. Heal Wei Ying. Protect."

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying said, frustration and a tangle of other painful emotions rising up. "Setting aside the fact that I'm not giving up the cultivation path I invented, what the fuck do you think would happen if I actually did come back to you to Gusu? You think your clan would treat me kindly? Let me run free?"

There was no agreement or disagreement; Lan Wangji just looked at him with anger — or possibly concern?

"They beat people for sneaking out at night!" he continued. "For drinking! Lan Zhan — even if — even if you only wish to help and "heal" me..." He dragged a hand over his face again.

Lan Wangji stared at him, hands fisted at his sides.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath to settle himself. "Setting aside the fact that I don't need to be healed — your sect never had love for me and my ways, even when they came from a place of childlike innocence. I was thrown out of your uncle's presence for speaking of the idea of using resentful energy to counteract other dark forces. You honestly expect me to believe they would treat me fairly now, after everything I've done? That they would hesitate for one moment to punish me as severely as they possibly could?"

This time he waited for an answer. Lan Zhan opened his mouth. "I want Wei Ying safe," he said finally, voice unexpectedly hoarse, maybe even desperate.

It was impossible not to be moved by such a sincere confession. But in the end it just made him feel the way he did when earnest concern crept into Jiang Cheng's shouting about his laziness. The way he felt when A-Li's gentle questions about his sword hinted at a fearful depth of care.

Fucking tired.

And, besides, what did safety really mean, to someone as narrow-minded as Lan Zhan?

Painful clarity suddenly struck Wei Wuxian. "Wait... Lan Zhan... Is that it then? Is that the reason you agreed to this plan? So you could bring me back to your sect as your cultivation partner, and tuck me away somewhere 'safe'?"

"NO!"

Wei Wuxian's jaw dropped at the vehement denial, loaded with raw emotion that came from fucking nowhere. To his continued shock, tears appeared to be welling at the corners of Lan Zhan's eyes.

"Ah—" Wei Wuxian looked around wildly. "Um..." The overgrown path was still clear of any other travelers, and they were both skilled enough to sense the approach of others, but it seemed like a good moment to double check.

"Would not," Lan Zhan grit out, each word sounding like it was ripped painfully from his throat.

"Lan Zhan!" he said. "It's alright, I believe you!"

What the actual fuck?? What did I say?? The only other time I saw him cry his father was dying?!

"I would not," Lan Wangji repeated, turning away to hide his face.

Wei Wuxian couldn't help but reach a hand out and place it carefully on the man's shoulder, even knowing the contact was unlikely to help. "I believe you, Lan Zhan." He exhaled heavily. "Ah, Lan Zhan...and I thought Jiang Cheng was bad at expressing his feelings!"

Lan Wangji whirled around to face him, offended.

It was impossible not to laugh a little. "Oh, Lan Zhan! Come on, now that I know you actually don't hate me, of course we can be friends!" He paused. "You...do want to be friends, right?"

Insects chirped in the silence for an excruciatingly extended moment.

“Or I suppose there’s a lot of room between hatred and friendship,” Wei Wuxian said, pulling his hand back from where it had been lingering uselessly outstretched, using it to scratch the back of his neck. “I mean — ha, you don’t have to be friends with someone to want to help them, right? Or maybe you did at one point, but then the demonic—”

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said, ears red, hands clenched.

“...Lan Zhan?”

“...I want.” Lan Wangji grit out, and Wei Wuxian’s heart swelled. 

"Great!" he said, slapping Lan Zhan on the back and darting away before he could draw his sword. "Took you long enough!"

He started walking forward, whistling cheerfully and allowing Lan Zhan to regain his composure in relative privacy. After a few minutes he dared to glance over, and was relieved to see Hunguang-Jun’s face had returned to its normal smoothness.

"Sooo..." he said, the casualness of his voice sounding fake even to his own ears. "When exactly did you decide you wanted to be friends?"

"..."

"Come on! When I was studying at cloud recesses? After? When we fought the Xunawu of Slaughter?"

"..."

"Yeah, this is pretty much how I always imagined our conversations going when we became friends."

It was barely late afternoon when Wei Wuxian insisted on stopping, setting up camp when they found a ready looking patch of trampled ground – not too far from a small creek, firepit already dug by past travelers.

Lan Zhan didn't protest the short day — probably because he was also aware that there was little to be gained by arriving at Carp Tower early. It was unlikely anybody would be thrilled at the thought of hosting the Demon of Yunmeng for unnecessary nights.

Possibly he was also disproportionately fatigued by the amount of genuine conversation they had had in one day. Wei Wuxian was fairly sure this was the most he had ever talked to Lan Zhan. Well, talked to and been spoken to in return.

The two worked companionably setting up camp, Wei Wuxian giving up on prying Lan Zhan for answers to sensitive questions, instead rambling about several (non demonic) talismans he had been working on.

"Alright," he said, dumping another armload of dry wood by the firepit. "I'm going to go see if I can find some fish or something for dinner. Don't worry, I'll make sure to find you something, too. I'm sure they don't teach hunting in the Cloud Recesses."

Lan Zhan gave him a look, setting down what looked like most of a tree.

"Fine," Wei Wuxian said, rolling his eyes. "Just enough for me."

"No rabbits."

Wei Wuxian turned back to him in surprise, but Lan Zhan wasn't looking at him.

"You eat meat?" 

“Not in cloud recesses.”

“Alright,” he said, only a little wrong-footed. "No rabbits."

By the time he returned with five pheasants, courteously plucked away from camp, the fire had produced coals hot enough to cook over, a pot of water was almost boiling, and Lan Zhan had chopped enough extra wood to last a small family through the winter.

"Leaving enough firewood for the next set of wanderers?" Wei Wuxian asked affectionately. "Ah, you really are too good." He sat down by the fire, setting down a bundle of thick stemmed freshwater mints he had stumbled across.

"Rule 847," Lan Wangji said, setting down his own wild mushrooms and onions. "Do not balk from giving unthanked aid to strangers."

"Hey, that one's not so bad," he said cheerfully. "I remember my mother saying — anyway, if I was by myself I'd just chuck this all into soup, does that sound alright? We've got time and I've got some spices with me."

"Mn."

"Great!" he said cheerfully, "I'm not as good a cook as shiji, but still, this is going to be so much better than that medicinal stuff you have back in Cloud Recesses — you like spicy food, right? Wen Ning said how nice it was that you brought spices on one of your visits, so I figure you must have gotten a taste for them at some point, in order to actually appreciate how important they are."

"...Mn."

Cooking, meditating, and eating went... surprisingly well. Lan Zhan wasn't exactly the most companionable person he had ever camped with on a night hunt, but he was also far from the most annoying. He didn't even say anything about the whispers of resentful energy he surely sensed during Wei Wuxian's own evening rituals.

It wasn't until they had laid out their bedrolls by the banked embers, Wei Wuxian having judged the weather to look good enough to make setting up a tent to not be worth the effort, and Lan Zhan probably having a rule against frivolous tent use, that he decided to broach the subject again. Hopefully his cooking had put Lan Zhan in a more cheerful mood.

"Really," Wei Wuxian said, voice lower and more sincere than earlier. "When did you decide you wanted to be friends? Because obviously I've been trying to get you to warm up to me since we were fifteen."

"Mph."

"What!" Wei Wuxian said, sitting up. "What do you mean 'Mph?' You don't think I can tell the difference between 'Mn' and 'Mph' at this point? You don't think I was being genuine back then?!"

"..."

He leaned over to poke Lan Zhan's shoulder with Chenqing. "Come on," he said, whining. "It's not even Hai, you can't pretend to fall asleep on me yet. You think I didn't outstretch my hand to you in good faith at cloud recesses! I invited you to drink with me! I brought you rabbits! I shared my springbooks! What is boyhood friendship, if not that?"

"You did those things to mock me," Lan Wangji said, expressionless and toneless.

Wei Wuxian hesitated, and Lan Wangji closed his eyes.

"Ok, maybe a little," Wei Wuxian admitted. "But that's part of friendship! Teasing!"

"..."

"Really!" Wei Wuxian said, annoyed. "I tease all my friends! It's not like I was bullying you, you were the one in charge of my discipline, and you could silence me whenever you wanted! If I went a bit further with you it's only because things were skewed in your favor!"

He laid down, sulking for a few moments, slightly embarrassed by his own defensiveness. He shook it off soon enough, and had just gotten up onto one elbow to tell Lan Zhan that it was all in the past anyway, when the man spoke up.

"I know," he said quietly. "Wei Ying did not intend to be cruel."

That stabbed far too deep into chest, considering the things he had been called over the last few years. "You thought I was cruel?" he asked, tone neutral.

"Did not know cruel words," Lan Wangji's eyes were open again, but he stared resolutely up at the sky, not shifting the slightest bit to meet Wei Wuxian's gaze.

“...Not back then, huh? I'm guessing the Wen taking you for Indoctrination might have changed that.”

“Mn.”

“Yeah, I can see that providing some counter examples.”

Even talking about petty teenage hurts, Lan Zhan still looked like a perfect jade carving of a cultivator in the moonlight, long exhale barely moving his chest. "Wei Ying says things he does not mean. Actions are different."

"Oh," Wei Wuxian said, laying back down. "Huh."

They laid in silence for a few minutes.

"Your actions always spoke true, too," Wei Wuxian blurted out. "I mean, remember when you actually turned us both in when I knocked you out off the wall during curfew? I thought that was crazy, but also pretty cool."

"...I remember, Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian grinned. "And then in the cave during indoctrination...I mean if it had been anyone besides you or Jiang Cheng there with me, I'm pretty sure I would have died fighting that thing. We made a pretty good team, huh?"

"Mn."

The last daylight had almost completely drained from the western horizon; We Wuxian watched the stars slowly start to fill in the sky. "I really had no idea you thought of me with friendship back then," he sighed. "I guess it doesn't matter now."

"...I will do better," Lan Wangji said after a long pause.

Wei Wuxian once again propped himself up on his elbow to stare at him. He squinted, but Lan Wangji was turned away so he couldn't see his face, for what good that was worth anyway.

"I mean throwing your whole future and a bunch of your principles aside to pretend to my cultivation partner is a pretty dramatic and unselfish gesture of friendship," Wei Wuxian said dryly. "I'd say it more than makes up for a bit of teenage scolding and badly expressed concern during wartime. Some might even call it unnecessarily excessive."

"..."

"Alright, alright I'll let you sleep," Wei Wuxian said, falling back down. He really wasn't tired, but whatever. It wasn't the first time he had spent hours coming with talisman designs behind his eyelids, and he didn't want to push his luck doing anything more interesting.

To his surprise, Lan Wangji continued the conversation. "Does it make a difference?"

"Does what make a difference?"

"Knowing why I disapprove of your cultivation path."

Wei Wuxian bit back a groan. "Lan Zhan, you really are a good person, and I truly am happy to be your friend," he said, trying to keep his voice light. "But if I wasn't willing to give it up for Jiang Cheng or A-Li, why would I give up my power for you?"

"...Mn."

"If you want to keep talking, we can discuss more about how we're going to fake —"

"It is time to sleep."

"Right. Good night Lan Zhan."

"...Good night, Wei Ying."

Wei exhaled a sigh of relief, quickly followed by irritation, then guilt.

Prev Chapter (Five) Next Chapter (Seven) MDZS AU Masterlist

[kishorxox]

Camping Equipment Market to Be Worth $33.2 Billion by 2032

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled ‘Camping Equipment Market—Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2025-2032).’ According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the camping equipment market is expected to reach $33.2 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2032.

The growth of the camping equipment market is primarily driven by the rising interest in outdoor recreational activities, increased institutional support for camping & trekking, and an increase in customized travel options offered by tourism companies. However, the seasonality of demand for camping equipment may restrain the growth of this market.

Additionally, initiatives by tourism associations to promote camping, along with advancements in camping equipment focused on safety, are expected to create growth opportunities for market players. However, the high cost of camping equipment and limited distribution channels, particularly in rural areas, are significant challenges affecting the market’s growth.

The camping equipment market is segmented by product type and distribution channel. The report evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the market at the regional and country levels.

Based on product type, in 2025, the backpacks segment is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. This segment’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to the increasing interest in outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping and the rise of adventure tourism.

Based on distribution channel, in 2025, the online stores segment is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. This segment’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to factors such as the convenience of shopping from home, access to a wide range of products, and the ability to compare prices and reviews easily. Additionally, the increasing adoption of mobile commerce and the proliferation of e-commerce companies offering fast shipping and doorstep delivery are driving more consumers to purchase camping gear online.

Based on geography, in 2025, North America is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. North America’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to the presence of leading camping equipment brands and manufacturers, high demand for luxury and premium travel accessories, and a wide range of brands offering advanced camping gear and accessories.

The key players operating in the camping equipment market are Nemo Equipment, Inc. (U.S.), Johnson Outdoors Inc. (U.S.), Newell Brands Inc. (U.S.), Zempire Camping Equipment (New Zealand), Exxel Outdoors, LLC. (U.S.), MountCraft (India), Big Agnes Inc. (U.S.), Supa Peg Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia), Nordisk Company AS (Denmark), Simex Outdoor International GmbH (Germany), Dometic Group AB (Sweden), Coleman Company, Inc. (U.S.), Mountain Safety Research (U.S.), Osprey Packs, Inc. (U.S.), and Vango (U.K.).

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=6092

Key Questions Answered in the Report-

What is the revenue generated from the sales of camping equipment?

At what rate is the global demand for camping equipment projected to grow for the next five to seven years?

What is the historical market size and growth rate for the camping equipment market?

What are the major factors impacting the growth of this market at the global and regional levels?

What are the major opportunities for existing players and new entrants in the market?

Which product type and distribution channel segments create major traction in this market?

What are the key geographical trends in this market? Which regions/countries are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the manufacturers operating in the camping equipment market?

Who are the major players in the camping equipment market? What are their specific product offerings in this market?

What recent developments have taken place in the camping equipment market? What impact have these strategic developments created on the market?

Contact Us: Meticulous Research® Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Contact Sales- +1-646-781-8004 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research

[homekitdecor]

The BEST Dutch Oven for Baking Bread – Don’t Buy the Wrong One!

Want bakery-style crusty bread at home? A Dutch oven is a game-changer! But not all Dutch ovens are good for baking. Find out which one you should buy! https://homekitdecor.com/dutch-oven-for-bread-baking-the-perfect-guide/

[trekkeressentials]

Master Campfire Cuisine: Must-Have Stove and Cookware for Tasty Outdoor Meals

Camping is an adventure that connects us with nature, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. One of the greatest joys of camping is preparing and enjoying meals in the great outdoors. Whether you’re cooking over an open fire or using a portable stove, having the right cookware and equipment can transform your outdoor dining experience from bland to gourmet. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-have stoves and cookware for creating delicious campfire cuisine, ensuring you master the art of outdoor cooking.

The Importance of Good Cooking Gear

Before diving into specific products, let’s discuss why having quality cooking gear is essential for successful outdoor meals:

Convenience: Good cookware simplifies meal preparation and cooking processes, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your surroundings and less on logistics.

Efficiency: Quality cooking gear helps you save time and energy, making it easier to whip up tasty meals, even in challenging conditions.

Flavor: With the right tools, you can experiment with different cooking techniques and ingredients, elevating the flavor of your meals.

Durability: Outdoor cooking gear must withstand the rigors of camping, including exposure to elements, rough handling, and temperature fluctuations.

Must-Have Stoves for Outdoor Cooking

A reliable stove is the foundation of your camp kitchen. Here are some essential types of stoves you should consider for your outdoor cooking adventures:

1. Portable Propane Stoves

Portable propane stoves are a favorite among campers for their convenience and efficiency. These stoves typically feature adjustable burners, allowing for precise temperature control.

Pros: Easy to set up, quick to ignite, and great for boiling water and frying foods. They are also lightweight and portable.

Cons: You’ll need to carry propane canisters, which can take up space and add weight.

Top Pick: The Coleman Portable Propane Stove is a well-regarded option. With its durable construction, adjustable burners, and compatibility with standard propane canisters, it's perfect for various cooking tasks.

2. Campfire Grills

For those who prefer traditional campfire cooking, a campfire grill is an essential addition to your gear. These grills allow you to cook directly over the fire, providing that authentic smoky flavor.

Pros: Inexpensive and easy to use, campfire grills are perfect for grilling meats and veggies while enjoying the ambiance of a campfire.

Cons: Cooking can be less controlled, and it may take longer to achieve desired cooking results.

Top Pick: The Texsport Heavy Duty Camp Grill is a sturdy option that easily fits over most campfires, offering ample cooking space for multiple items.

3. Wood-Burning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves are an excellent eco-friendly alternative, using natural resources for fuel. These stoves are compact and perfect for solo campers or small groups.

Pros: They require no fuel canisters, making them lightweight and sustainable. Cooking over wood can also enhance the flavor of your meals.

Cons: Gathering wood and maintaining the fire can be a hassle, and cooking time may vary based on wood type and moisture levels.

Top Pick: The BioLite CampStove 2 not only serves as a stove but also features a USB charging capability, allowing you to power devices while cooking.

Essential Cookware for Campfire Cooking

With your stove selected, the next step is to gather essential cookware that will make outdoor cooking a breeze:

1. Cast Iron Skillets

Cast iron skillets are a camping essential, prized for their heat retention and versatility. They can be used for frying, baking, and even cooking over an open flame.

Pros: Durable and long-lasting, cast iron skillets improve with use, developing a natural non-stick surface. They can withstand high temperatures and are perfect for campfire cooking.

Cons: They can be heavy, and proper maintenance is required to prevent rust.

Top Pick: The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a classic choice among campers for its durability and multi-functionality.

2. Camping Pots and Pans

A good set of camping pots and pans is vital for boiling water, making soups, and preparing various meals. Lightweight and compact cookware is essential for easy transport.

Pros: Most camping pots and pans are designed to be stackable and lightweight, making them perfect for backpacking.

Cons: Cheaper options may not provide even heat distribution.

Top Pick: The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset offers a complete set of pots, pans, and utensils, all packed in a convenient carrying case.

3. Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens are a favorite for slow-cooking meals over a campfire. These heavy-duty pots can also be used for baking bread or desserts.

Pros: Excellent heat retention, versatility for a range of dishes, and can be used over open flames or in coals.

Cons: They can be heavy and require some experience to use effectively.

Top Pick: The Camp Chef Classic Dutch Oven comes pre-seasoned, ready for use right out of the box, making it a fantastic choice for camp cooking.

4. Cooking Utensils

Don’t overlook the importance of good cooking utensils. Having the right tools can make a significant difference in meal preparation and cooking.

Pros: Proper utensils enhance your cooking efficiency and ensure you have the right tools for each task.

Cons: Bringing too many utensils can add unnecessary weight.

Top Pick: A compact cooking utensil set like the GSI Outdoors Pack Kitchen Utensil Set includes essential items like spatulas, ladles, and serving spoons, all designed for easy packing.

5. Grill Baskets and Skewers

For grilling vegetables or meat, grill baskets and skewers are invaluable. They prevent food from falling through the grill while allowing for even cooking.

Pros: Easy to use and clean, and they help with portion control for skewers.

Cons: Not all food items can be skewered, limiting versatility.

Top Pick: The Cuisinart Non-Stick Grill Basket is perfect for holding vegetables, while Stainless Steel Skewers offer durability for kebabs.

Cooking Techniques for Campfire Cuisine

Now that you have your stove and cookware ready, it’s time to master some cooking techniques that will elevate your outdoor meals:

1. Grilling

Grilling is a popular method for cooking meats and vegetables over an open flame. This technique enhances flavors and gives a delicious char to your food.

Tip: Preheat your grill before placing food on it to achieve those beautiful grill marks.

2. Boiling

Boiling is a straightforward technique perfect for making soups, stews, and pasta. It’s essential for quick meal prep, especially when you need to hydrate freeze-dried meals.

Tip: Add herbs and spices to the water before boiling to infuse flavors into your food.

3. Baking

With a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet, you can bake bread, pizzas, or desserts over the fire. This technique is ideal for creating hearty meals or sweet treats.

Tip: Use hot coals to bake evenly; place coals on top of the Dutch oven for even heat distribution.

4. One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals simplify cooking and cleanup, making them perfect for camping. Combine proteins, vegetables, and grains into a single pot for a filling dish.

Tip: Prep ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly at the campsite.

Meal Ideas for Campfire Cooking

Here are some delicious meal ideas to inspire your campfire cuisine:

1. Campfire Chili

A hearty campfire chili is perfect for cold nights. Simply brown your meat in a pot, add canned tomatoes, beans, and spices, and let it simmer over the fire.

2. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Marinate your favorite vegetables, skewer them, and grill them over an open flame for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

3. Dutch Oven Pizza

With your Dutch oven, you can create a mouthwatering pizza by layering dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake until golden and bubbly for a satisfying meal.

4. S’mores

No camping trip is complete without s’mores! Roast marshmallows over the fire and sandwich them between graham crackers and chocolate for a classic dessert.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cooking Gear

Maintaining your cooking gear is crucial for ensuring longevity and safety. Here are some tips to keep your stoves and cookware in top condition:

Clean After Use: Rinse pots and pans immediately after use to prevent food from sticking. Use biodegradable soap and sponge to clean, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Dry Thoroughly: To prevent rust, especially on cast iron, dry your cookware completely before packing it away.

Store Properly: Use protective cases or bags for your gear to prevent scratches and damage during transport.

Inspect Regularly: Check for wear and tear on your stoves and cookware before each trip. Replace any damaged items to ensure safe cooking.

Conclusion

Mastering campfire cuisine is about more than just having the right recipes; it’s about equipping yourself with the essential stoves and cookware that will enhance your outdoor cooking experience. From portable propane stoves and cast iron skillets to Dutch ovens and cooking utensils, the right gear allows you to create delicious meals that nourish your body and soul while you connect. Visit - Trekker Essentials

Read Also:Campfire Cuisine Hacks – With the Perfect Camping Stove & Cookware

[blujaydoodles]

and the lil page of Thoughts™ this doodle was a followup to, which I also quite like!

lil sketchbook doodle I ended up quite liking

[outdoorovernights]

Solo Stove 3 Pot Set Review

Have you ever imagined cooking your favorite meal in the heart of nature without compromising on taste or convenience? If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you know that preparing delicious food in the wild often requires as much thought as your adventurous itinerary. That’s where the Solo Stove 3 Pot Set – Stainless Steel Camping Backpacking Cookware Kitchen Kit comes in. It’s a name that’s a…

[cheapandeasy]

Camping Cookware Enhances Outdoor Dining Experiences

When you’re out in the wilderness, having the right camping cookware can truly transform your outdoor dining experience. From the compact efficiency of the Jetboil Stash Cooking System for backpackers to the heavy-duty GSI Outdoors Stainless Troop Cookset designed for large groups, there’s something for every adventurer. Quality cookware not only makes meal prep and cleanup a breeze, but it also…

[nailtravels1]

[deermaple]

Updated Camping Cookware Guide for 2023

Camping cookware is an indispensable necessity for campers in the outdoors. Compared to improvising with gathered sticks or stones, purpose-designed cookware kits provide a much more convenient and efficient cooking experience. Based on intended capacity and use cases, camping cookware can be broadly categorized into backpacking pots, hiking cookware sets, and family-size cookware combos.

Backpacking Pots Backpacking pots focus on lightweight compactness, with capacity ranging from 500-1000 ml. Using premium aviation-grade aluminum maintains high durability and pressure resistance while cutting weight. Some models feature foldable handles for easy attachment to backpacks. These pots target intense outdoor activity enthusiasts, suitable for 1-2 person trips.

Hiking Cookware Sets Designed for short hiking or camping trips, these products consolidate different modules into integrated kits through nesting. Typically contains stainless steel mugs, bowls, flasks, frying pans etc. Components stably nest into each other, significantly reducing total volume. Durable, corrosion-resistant materials also ensure lasting performance in the wild. Best suited for small camping teams of 2-4 people.

Family-Size Cookware Combos For recreational camping focused on fixed basecamp locations, large capacity cookware combos are required. Such kits provide multiple high-output detachable grills and large frying pans. Can also include folding tables, windbreaker panels etc. Total weight is usually upwards of 5kg, meeting cooking demands for groups of 6+ people. An ideal choice for family camping and glamping trips.

With their extensive expertise in product design, technique and quality control, Deermaple offers a diverse range of the above camping cookware products. Interested customers are welcome to browse the detailed product pages with specs and images for self-evaluation. You may also directly contact Deermaple online customer support for purchasing consultation or recommendations!

[kishorxox]

Camping Equipment Market to Be Worth $33.2 Billion by 2032

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled ‘Camping Equipment Market—Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2025-2032).’ According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the camping equipment market is expected to reach $33.2 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2032.

The growth of the camping equipment market is primarily driven by the rising interest in outdoor recreational activities, increased institutional support for camping & trekking, and an increase in customized travel options offered by tourism companies. However, the seasonality of demand for camping equipment may restrain the growth of this market.

Additionally, initiatives by tourism associations to promote camping, along with advancements in camping equipment focused on safety, are expected to create growth opportunities for market players. However, the high cost of camping equipment and limited distribution channels, particularly in rural areas, are significant challenges affecting the market’s growth.

The camping equipment market is segmented by product type and distribution channel. The report evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the market at the regional and country levels.

Based on product type, in 2025, the backpacks segment is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. This segment’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to the increasing interest in outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping and the rise of adventure tourism.

Based on distribution channel, in 2025, the online stores segment is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. This segment’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to factors such as the convenience of shopping from home, access to a wide range of products, and the ability to compare prices and reviews easily. Additionally, the increasing adoption of mobile commerce and the proliferation of e-commerce companies offering fast shipping and doorstep delivery are driving more consumers to purchase camping gear online.

Based on geography, in 2025, North America is anticipated to dominate the camping equipment market. North America’s dominant position in the camping equipment market can be attributed to the presence of leading camping equipment brands and manufacturers, high demand for luxury and premium travel accessories, and a wide range of brands offering advanced camping gear and accessories.

The key players operating in the camping equipment market are Nemo Equipment, Inc. (U.S.), Johnson Outdoors Inc. (U.S.), Newell Brands Inc. (U.S.), Zempire Camping Equipment (New Zealand), Exxel Outdoors, LLC. (U.S.), MountCraft (India), Big Agnes Inc. (U.S.), Supa Peg Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia), Nordisk Company AS (Denmark), Simex Outdoor International GmbH (Germany), Dometic Group AB (Sweden), Coleman Company, Inc. (U.S.), Mountain Safety Research (U.S.), Osprey Packs, Inc. (U.S.), and Vango (U.K.).

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=6092

Key Questions Answered in the Report-

What is the revenue generated from the sales of camping equipment?

At what rate is the global demand for camping equipment projected to grow for the next five to seven years?

What is the historical market size and growth rate for the camping equipment market?

What are the major factors impacting the growth of this market at the global and regional levels?

What are the major opportunities for existing players and new entrants in the market?

Which product type and distribution channel segments create major traction in this market?

What are the key geographical trends in this market? Which regions/countries are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the manufacturers operating in the camping equipment market?

Who are the major players in the camping equipment market? What are their specific product offerings in this market?

What recent developments have taken place in the camping equipment market? What impact have these strategic developments created on the market?

Contact Us: Meticulous Research® Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Contact Sales- +1-646-781-8004 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research

[misfitwandersdani]

You Don't Want to Miss: 10 Must-Have Eco-Friendly Camping Gear!

As outdoor lovers, we have the privilege of exploring Mother Nature. But with that privilege comes the responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. 🌍 That's why I'm thrilled to announce my latest article that's about eco-friendly camping gear!

[mr880fan]

Alocs Camping Cookware, Compact/Lightweight/Durable Camping Pots and Pans Set, Camping Cooking Set for Outdoor Backpacking Camping Hiking Picnic, Included Mesh Carry Bag

  Read the full article

[13tinysocks]

My Dead Girlfriend

Surrounded by Marks, but you still yearn for him. You take soul-sucking measures to dull the pain, and get someone on your side to hunt down Phantom.

NSFW. Shlorp shlorp!

[Invincible Variants X Reader]

[Part one]  [Ao3]  [15] [17] [Chapter Index]

16 * Hindbrain [8.8k]

"Outside your house,

Down on my knees,

Swollen with doubt and animosity."

Mercy - Sir Chloe

        Gray didn't turn around when he entered. Back to you, sat ridged, trying to rest and conserve what energy he had left. "What do you want?" 

        Tracksuit set you down on the corrugated metal sheet flooring as Maskless touched down beside him. "Wow dude, I come bearing gifts and this is the thanks I get?"

        Gray turned, "What-"

        Surprise wasn't an expression he was used to wearing. Foreign. Alien as his blooming feelings for you that he thought had been snuffed out with your apparent death. But there you were. Standing, leaning on a crutch. Dirty and miserable, but alive. 

        He looked nearly identical to the last time you saw him. Suit knicked, scratched in a few places. Hair undone, slightly longer. Strangely, no stubble grew from his cheeks. Somehow not a degree tanner or paler.

        He swallowed back the urge to rush forward. He approached slow, measured. "My compatriot will be pleased at your return." He made himself say as he scanned clinically over your body. You weren't rapt with starvation and your skin was unburned by the sun. Curious. Then there was the mystery of the crutch and your wrapped and splinted leg. He didn't like the look of misery on you. Didn't like it one bit. "He will be returning from scouting soon." His eyes flicked to the others, hovering nearby. "You can go."

        Tracksuit blinked. "Go?"

        Gray nodded a tight solider's nod. "You've done well brining her back. Am I wrong assuming you would rather be rid of her?"

        "What the fuck?" Tracksuit had to do a doubletake at the pure audacity. "I know I said gifts but that was a joke, man. She's like- a person."

        "I am aware." Gray said, hovering around you in a loose circle, getting a better idea of your condition. The bruises made him rather unhappy, he had to suppress the urge to reach out. "She is a person safer in our care than anyone else's." 

        "Uh, yeah, that's not happening." Maskless said though it wasn't aggressive. This move wasn't a trade, it was an olive branch. An acknowledgement they trusted one another even after the shitshow. 

        Gray didn't understand the concept of life not being tit or tat. He'd rather barter now than feel he owed the duo something later on. He was also not too keen on expanding the camp by three people. It would draw untoward attention from the others, make you less safe. 

        "I doubt we'll have anything worth your time." He said, implying the idea of trading. He knew a human wouldn't like that word in regard to their autonomy. 

        "We're not trading." Maskless said with an annoying lack of tact. "Think of this as a favor." He moved to the center of the room where a fire pit better than anything he could build waited. 

        Gray eyed you. Were they really going to give you up? Just like that? When he and/or Omni could double-cross them at any moment? What was the angle?

        You hobbled to the fire, sat by it when you were close enough. Bad leg stretched in front of you with a grunt. Maskless had a growing fire and the rudimentary cookware set up by the time you were settled. Arms lifting out of the cloak, little bugs crawling up and down your forearms. You picked one off, killed it with a flick to the chest, and popped it out of its exoskeleton.

        Gray watched on. Tried putting together the few puzzle pieces he had. The bruises. The bugs. The misery on your face. The story he put together in his head wasn't too far off from the truth, though it was missing some key points. Leaving him to calculate risk versus reward. Give up his healing accelerant and get... Nothing. You could aid in his survival with a healed leg, yet you were a crutch yourself, especially when you could not give him children. But despite this, when he saw you it had his immediate thought, to heal your wounds and any burden that would come. But there was no need, you were already giving him food and according to Maskless it was for no trade. He didn't need to barter when provided with everything he needed for survival- bet he still wanted you better. Seeing you hurt, the way your eyes were hollowed out- it shifted something solid within him. Perhaps this was what father described feeling for mother. Caring? Affection? 

        Maybe he didn't need to get something out of helping you- when helping you was fulfilling enough. Was this...

        Gray's stomach growled. Thankfully, you didn't look at him in his embarrassment. You went on, picking bugs off your skin, killing them, and shucking them as the water Maskless brought in the basin started to boil. 

        Maskless had explained the plan on the way over, though you weren't listening. Feed those two and they'd have two more allies who weren't about to die. By no means did he want to have more buddies or to share his newfound food, but the tortured screams during the night had shook him. He was terrified Lensless and Scars would come for him next. Make him scream while everybody listened and nobody helped. It was better to have people to throw at them first. People who were strong enough to not immediately die so he could get away. Live on for William, for the world lost to his father. 

        Gray would parse his intentions out later, but in the moment he was focused on you, his mind made up. His heart fluttered as he knelt down, pulling a vial out of his pocket that meant more to him than you could know. 

        Especially when his voice came out as flat as usual, "Here." 

        You vaguely remembered him showing them off on one of the first nights. You didn't take it, not quite remembering what it was. Cologne? Plasma from a spine? No, that didn't sound right.

        "For your leg." His flat words make you remember. Wound something or other.

        You snatched it out of his waiting fingers. He relished the moment of contact but his face gave nothing away. You snapped the top off and threw your head back. His hand is back on the vial, over yours. 

        "No." He says sharp. Maskless and Tracksuit tense. Not quite willing to fight for you but not quite willing to give up a bargaining chip either. "You have to directly apply it to the skin." 

        Your hand fell, your companion's shoulders relaxed. Imagination running wild with what would've happen if you drank the stuff. "You're only telling me this now?"

        "An oversight." 

        Tracksuit laughed to himself, "Oversight. Who the fuck says oversight?" He went ignored.

        You started to bend forward to undo the tight cloth wrapping only to cringe. A pulse of pain shooting up your leg. "Shit."

        Gray didn't think, just moved. Propped up your leg with a rock he zipped away to find before you even noticed. Unwrapped it and laid the bandages and splint to the side. It was... Not good. Your skin was discolored up and down your shin with a noticeable lump in the middle where your bone had snapped. The only good thing was that the skin didn't break. 

        He held out his hand for the vile, "May I?" 

        You eyed him suspiciously. His intentions were always hard to read, he was short and acted without explaining. But you had no idea what you were doing in regards to self care beyond stitched up gut wounds. No choice in the matter, you returned the vial. 

        "I need to make an assessment first." He said, "This will hurt." Before you could protest, his hands were cupping your leg, pressing down gently but sending rockets of pain shooting through your body. You gasped, flinched back, jostled your leg and flinched again. Gray steadied you, voice neutral, "Don't hurt yourself."

        You straighten your leg best you could and let him continue pressing, lifting, assessing the damage. The only sounds were the water hissing and fire crackling. It reminded you of the cave. Of Mark. Suddenly you are on the verge of tears, blinking them back.

        "How do you know how to do this?" You make yourself say, voice calm but wavering. You needed to think of something else but every time you tried you saw Mark's face in the pale firelight. Then blackness, hearing echoes of his voice. His dying gasps. 

        Gray notices but doesn't pause. "Viltrumite and human biology are almost identical." He says, "The key differences are in our muscle tissue, much denser than a human's. Our brain tissue as well is denser, allowing for better senses, especially in battle."

        "Doesn't make sense why so many of us are so stupid then." Tracksuit said, sitting feet away, idly watching. Ears perked for Omni's arrival. Wondering if he'd kick Gray's ass for weirdly massaging your leg. 

        Again he is ignored. "As part of the World Betterment Committee, we must be prepared for all sorts of resistance. Many worlds fought against our occupation. Many had no chance but some were clever. We are trained to assess physical damage and minimize the time needed for healing." He flipped the vial, spilled a few drops onto his hands and lathered them together. His hands came down, encompassed your leg best they could. You hissed, pained, but the liquid made his hands a cool relief in the sweltering heat.

        "You really are one of them." Maskless said to himself- literally.

        Gray didn't reply. Focused on rubbing the slick into your leg. "This is agent fourteen. It enters through the skin into the bloodstream. It targets damaged tissue throughout the body but is faster acting when applied to the-"

        "How can you live with yourself?" Maskless said, a little louder this time.

        You winced while trying to relax into his cool, gentle touch. His hands were calloused, movement rigid and precise. He was distracted by everything happening around him, the smell of soup wafting on the hot wind, making his stomach lurch and his mouth go dry, unable to salivate with the lack of water in his system. The feel of your skin under his own, the way your heart was beating erratically from the pain. But he didn't stop. "I'm almost finished."

        Tracksuit snorted. Maskless snapped, "How could you turn your back on your own people like that?"

        "Earthlings are not my people." Gray said coolly because clearly this man-child would not stop pestering him until he answered, "The Viltrumites are."

        "Your mother is an 'Earthling.'" Spat like a slur.

        "Yes, she's proud of her heritage, but recognizes that Earth was primitive compared to the empire. She has long since accepted what became of it." 

        Maskless's lip twitched. "And what became of it?"

        He had to wait for a reply. Gray only truly cared for your comfort. "You should be able to put some weight on it in a few days. Though it may be a week or so until it's fully healed. It's the best I can do."

        "I'm talking to you."

        But Gray doesn't hear his poisoned words, focused on the way you mutter, "Thanks," under your breath and look away.

        "You are welcome." Said more robotic than usual.

        "Hey."

        Ah yes, the other one was still speaking to him despite his disinterest. "Most of Earth's population had to be culled to quell any resistance." Despite this resistance was rampant on the colony. The human spirt was a strong, burning flame that'd never go out. Much like the Viltrumites, but they didn't have the strength to back it up. That's why he took you. You burned bright despite your circumstances and it helped he found you rather pleasing to the eye. "Last Father reported, the population had been growing." Gray didn't bother meeting Maskless's hard stare. Attention set upon your leg, now lightly glistening. "Earth's occupation was a success."

        Your skin tingles as his touch leaves. 

        "A success?" Maskless fists ball and unball. Body undecided as his mind was ready for blood. Attack and quell some shred of vengeance. Don't and let that abomination with his face continue to exist. "You call killing thousands a success?"

        "We killed millions." Gray corrected. "I don't see your point. You did the same thing working with Angstrom Levy." Gray rose, padding to a stockpile of potentially useful garbage. Looking for something clean enough to wrap your leg in.

        Maskless's hand went to his chest, "So I could fix things."

        "Millions had to die for the betterment of Earth. It's the same thing." 

        Maskless's body twitched. The idea of attack clear in his movement. Yet he made no move to hop over the fire and give Tracksuit the drama he craved. Gray waited for him to make a move, back to him, sifting through the materials, body relaxed purposefully. Almost a taunt. He wasn't worried. Which made Maskless want to kick his ass even more.

        "I can't believe we're the same person." Maskless rose to his feet. Purposeful. Gray pulled out the longest stretch of dry canvas he could find in the pile- a faded white and green ad for some long dead company. He passed by Maskless, paying him no mind as he began to rewrap your leg. Purposeful.        

        "Neither can I." Gray's eyes left your leg to flick up and down Maskless' blood-crusted suit. Hoping he'd get the message, that he was a hypocrite- All that death, not for the greater good or the Empire, but for personal reasons. Pathetic. He fought for nothing. Unlike Gray, who finished wrapping your leg. Setting the splint firmly as you'd allow- fighting for something he didn't yet understand, and the Empire, of course.

        Maskless stepped around the fire, stood before Gray. Fists twitching. Gray stood, body a shield in front of you. Maskless's gaze flicked to you- his apparent Achilles' heel. "If you don't care about us Earthlings, why do you care about her so much?"

        "Keep me out of this." You grumbled.

        Maskless went on, chest puffed, feeling emboldened with rage and memory. "Is she different because she was some sort of slave to you? Did you tie her down and force her to have your kids?"

        The thought had occurred to him but mother insisted he try things the human way- after he kidnapped you. Despite his attempts, Viltrumite ideology rang true, "Viltrumites choose their mates. If the selected can not fight off their prospective mate, procreation occurs."

        A collective cringe crossed your faces. You were thankful for Gray, for the balm, already feeling like the pain had ebbed. But the idea of you as some baby-birthing machine to an alien empire made you look at him differently.

        He sensed the shift. "I did not do things the Viltrum way. I courted her." He said carefully. "Mother said humans like to have a choice." She hadn't had one, but you didn't need to know that. "My comrades looked down on me for it but I enjoyed our time together." Much as he'd allowed himself to with the perpetual stick up his ass. "It was a shame when she passed." He snapped her neck like one kills a sick pet rabbit. You were sick, too poisoned by the rebellion's ideologies. Ungrateful for the second chance. Yet he could never bring himself to return to Earth for another mate. Strangely burned on the inside, like something had been lost. He had enjoyed when you were more docile with fear. When you talked with him of inconsequential Earthly things. It was nice, but you were not. So that you had to die. This time he'd do things different. Even if you hated him for it, you would not die so long as he drew breath.

        This you didn't need to be so scared. You should be afraid of him, yes, fear would keep you in line, but too much and you'd reject his advances again. Because he wanted to try again, to soothe the burn that ate away at his insides.

        Gray thinks he's done well curbing your idea of him. He had, all save for that last part, said with too little care. Like you were a childhood pet, remembered fondly but inconsequential. Maskless opened his mouth to jab at him.

        The barely secured floor shook as Omni landed. Suit torn at the knees and fingers. Cape shreds of what it used to be. He stepped into the tent, pulling his mask off his face, blinded by the switch to shade after hours in the bright desert. He was so tired. So frazzled. So grief stricken he didn't notice anything but your loss. "There's no sign of-"

        His mask was freed from his sweaty face. Black lenses glinting sunlight. Tanlines softer on his face than you'd expect. Stubble a solid shadow on his jaw, though not as dark as the circles under his eyes. Light and honey-toned but flat with despair. 

        Until they land on the sliver of you visibly behind Maskless and Gray. They would've been toppled over if they hadn't moved. Quarrel put aside, for now as Omni barreled past them. 

        He stopped at your feet. Standing close but not touching. Scared you and the food were a mirage. "Is it really you?"

        You looked awful. Tortured. Not as bad as he'd let himself hope late in the night- wishing he could see you one last time. Assuming that last time would be holding you dying again. If he ever got to see you, bones lost to the dunes.

        "Yeah." You were not enthused by his presence. By any of their presence. You missed Mark, missed being held and kissed. Missed the cool cave but couldn't imagine going back.

        "You.." He knelt, hovering over you a moment before lunging. Hugging you flush to his chest. Feeling your skin, your raggedy clothes, your breath and heartbeat against him. "You're really real." He at least avoided your leg, seeming to notice the splint. To be asked about later, but forgotten for now.

        You could have shoved at him and he'd have let go. But you didn't. Even as Gray eyed Omni's back, as Maskless stared in mild disgust, as Tracksuit watched the others for their reactions. The contact felt like a missing puzzle piece. You had missed being held, arms like a vice keeping you together in this fucking wasteland.

        "I thought you were..." He can't say it. Can't say it because then you'd dissolve in his arms.

        You felt that. Deeply. Too deeply. 

        Your arms came up and held him back, hard as you could. Pressing your body to his like you were trying to become a single whole being. You needed to be held. Needed to be comforted. Hated it at the same time. Hated yourself for throwing yourself into it like a sad puppy. You wanted to scream and cry and puke just as much as you wanted to hold him until everything was better. 

        Omni pulled back, hands sliding up your sides and to your face, holding your cheeks. He sees it then. The bruises, dark and puffy where Mark had held your mouth shut, where he'd tied rags around your face for days. Your hands come up to push his off, wincing from the pain. Which only lets him see your wrists. The rubbed raw indents, just starting to scab over where the rebar had been for days.

        He was absolutely murderous. "Who did this to you?"

        Mark. 

        Mark was right in front of you. Mark was beside you. Mark was watching over the fire. Mark was happy without you in another dimension. Mark was dead. Everything was Mark's fault.

        You hated that you couldn't stop the tears. The way his dark brows knit together and his lips fell when the tears came and didn't stop. He reached to wipe them away but it reminded you too much of Mark. You flinched back, covered your face with your hands.

        "Eat." You managed. "We brought food."

        Omni doesn't want to be away from you. Still partly terrified you'll vanish. He sat beside you, thigh grazing your own as Maskless reluctantly served them both bowls. You were aware they were eating. Talking. You were too busy trying not to lose your shit more than you already had. When the tears and sniveling were done for good, you removed your hands the best you could. Face stinging with shame as wet friction. Palms slobbery with snot. The fire only made your misery more apparent. 

        Omni had long since finished his bowl. Watched you quietly convulse. Wondering what happened to break you down like this. What stroke of luck brought you back to him. He held out his cape to you. You took it, wiping off your hands. Nodding a tight lipped thanks. He tried catching your eye but you looked away. To the desert and the gray sky. 

        Maskless told Gray and Omni some of what he knew. The cave, the bugs, how he found you. He left out the rebar around your wrists, the dead body. He hated talking to these assholes enough as it was, that part was yours to tell. But you didn't start talking, just looked into the sandy nothing while they stood around, dicks in hand.

        "If there's anything else down there we don't know about, now's the time to tell us." Maskless tossed the ball in your court.

        Only for it to bounce, once, twice, then roll to your feet. You hadn't been listening to him anyways.  "The bugs. These are the last of them." You said. "Unless you can dig out the nest and save the queen larvae, but they're probably all dead. There's a mold farm too. I think you said it was also collapsed but maybe you can recover some spores from it." You knew what they wanted to hear but couldn't bring yourself to say.

        Gray thinks those resources could be recovered but he cared more about, "The prisoner- that's his blood on you, correct?"

       You don't say anything for a moment.

        "The bugs will last us awhile. Don't make me eat him." An acknowledgment, but the most you were willing to do.

        Omni's leg pressed more into yours. "He's gone then."

        "I don't want to talk about this."

        Tracksuit scoffed, drawing annoyed glances. "Oh, boohoo, your crazy desert boyfriend died. News flash, sweetheart, you've got like a bazillion boyfriends who aren't as crazy right here. So why don't you fess up n' tell Daddy what's wrong?" At Omni's expression, he quickly added, "Not countin' myself or my good man 'ere." He wasn't scared of Omni but he'd rather watch the drama unfold than be part of it. He wasn't good with other people's feelings, let alone his own.

        "Did you see the body?" You asked, remembering in flashes. The dark, the blood stench, the sound.

        He seemed oblivious to the shift in your tone, the way the others had stilled.

        "Nah, but my boy here said it was nasty."

        The response made you want to scream, to tear him apart. You turned on him then, hollow eyed, "I could do that to you. I'm stronger now."

        You meant it. Wanted to do it. But you were scared of feeling another Mark's body heat dissipate beside you. You knew you wouldn't, but the threat felt good. 

        "Meeee-ouch! I thought we were friends but apparently not. Okay, cool, I get it. I'd hate me for being chill and normal too since you like 'em crazy." Clearly, Tracksuit wasn't taking you seriously.

        You clicked your tongue a few times and tiny bugs began crawling up his legs. He batted a few off but some make it under his collar, crawled under his clothes while he shot up and danced around, trying to swat them all. "Call them off! Call them off!" Bugs were no big deal, they weren't even biting but he hated the little fuckers. 

        "We ate their queen and lived in her exoskeleton." You say, "They listen to me now. Do you know how many of them there are left?"

        "I don't fucking care! Get these things off me!"

        "I tried counting before. Lost my place after a thousand." Though there were way more than that and counting had been an exercise in boredom. You couldn't tell one bug apart from another. "I could make you tear yourself open and let them eat you. Think about that before you say rude shit about him again." A few clicks later and the remaining bugs crawled out through his sleeves and dropped to the sand where they burrowed before he could stomp the life out of them.

��       You regretted calling him crazy, regretted so much you had done. But you didn't regret your freedom, being in the sun, horribly hot as it was. You missed Mark so much your chest ached.

        "Wasn't bein' rude." He shivered, still feeling the little legs on his skin.

        "If she said you were being rude, you were being rude." Omni said but still, he needed to know, "We need to know what happened to you down there, we want to understand. What happened?"

        Nothing. Everything. A lifetime in two weeks. You didn't want to talk about it, but you knew they were like dogs with a bone.

        "He took me down there and I let him. Told me how he was going to fake the disappearance and everything."

        "You assholes cut us out?" Tracksuit huffed.

         "Would you have taken everybody?" You asked.

        That stung. Tracksuit thought you were cool before but... you were sort of traumatized now more than you already were. He could almost give you a pass for being a massive bitch, and you were right. He probably wouldn't have taken you. "Should've never let you smoke my shit."

        Omni eyed him quizzically but looked back to you when the story kept going. "Phantom found it first. Showed Mark and Mark showed me." Omni and Gray should've felt insulted you called that prisoner their shared name, but oddly they didn't. Omni knew you knew his name- Markus, though you hadn't said it again. Gray was content with your nickname specially picked for him. The dead man could have the title Mark. 

        "He was supposed to stay long enough to convince you all I was gone, then he was going to come back. Help us make a tunnel out that you wouldn't find so we wouldn't get cabin fever down there but-" You thought about the screaming in the night but remembered he's fucking Invincible. He should've been able to get away to tell someone else where you were. He'd had all the power in the world to help you and had done nothing. "-Man, wha'dya do when you got two ex-cons and want 'em to hate each other?" Looks of concern were shared but nobody said a word, "That's right! Leave 'em in a dark cave for two weeks until one of them..." The word stuck in your throat, you couldn't say that he killed himself. You'd made him do it.

        Omni leaned in soft-browed, fingers hovering over your wrists, "He did that to you?" He was partly horrified Mark Grayson of any variation could torment you so. He had killed you sure, but it had been quick. 

        "No shit." He doesn't move back despite your venom, "I answered your questions. Answer mine. Where is that screaming asshole?" 

        Omni hesitated. Gray doesn't. "They're close enough to be a threat."

        You leaned in, blood in the water. "Where?"

        "If you're trying to get me to take you to him- it won't happen. He is constantly surveilled by those pests." Scars and Lensless in their yellow suits.

        You felt the need for revenge pulsing in your scabs, under your bruises, in your heart. "Take me to them."

        You cast the net too wide. Connect weakly with Maskless and Tracksuit, but Gray's mind is like a steel trap and Omni had always been difficult to control. Maskless and Tracksuit come for you, held off by the others a few moments until you control snapped back in your face like a bungee cord. Their expressions hard, daring you to try again.

        Blood trailed down to your lip. "Fine. I can wait." Until you were stronger, strong enough to get a ride and kill all three of those assholes. A few days was all you needed. 

        You don't say it but they feel your intent. An uneasy undercurrent passed between them. You were weak, but controlled two of them at once. Being strong enough to survive this long wasn't a small thing. You were a real threat to yourself and to them.   

        "Don't do that again." Omni warned, though it was soft as he reached to wipe the blood dripping down your nose. "You don't know what you'd be getting into. Those two are a problem but don't push yourself for revenge. It's not healthy." Said the psychosexual, emotionally-incestious-daddy-issue-having freak. 

          You let him touch you. Smear the hot blood away. Fractionally leaning into his touch. Missing Mark. But knowing, "I can wait." 

        "Whatever." Tracksuit's feet left the floor. Head shaking off the cloud you'd laid over his brain. "We did what we came to do. We're gonna head out if you're all powered down."

        You had some dregs left. You don't tell him that. Thinking it'd be good to always keep a little power in your back pocket. It was safer that way. "I am."

        He turned to Maskless, "Cool. You carry her this time."

        Light early-life wrinkles the rest didn't have deepened on Omni's brow. He opened his mouth.

        "You haven't shown us the cave with water." Gray said first.

        "Fine. We'll show you, then we leave." Tracksuit jutted his head toward you, Maskless approached but Omni was in front of him.

        "I can carry her." He said.

        Maskless narrowed his eyes. "How do we know you won't just take her?" He didn't care about you, not at all, but he recognized you were the glue keeping things together before. Best case scenario, the others would flock to you, kill each other to get in your pants and he'd have more meat. Worst case scenario, you could be traded for his own life. 

        "How do I know you won't take her away and never let me see her again?" Omni retorted.

        You weren't waiting for them to hash this out, "I'm not going down there." You said.

        Tracksuit crossed his arms, little more than tiffed with you and your emotional outbursts. He'd been baking in a desert, starving and thirsty while you were cool and fed, and probably getting dicked down. 

        "Oh yeah? Whadd'ya gon do to stop us?" He was above ground, where the bugs couldn't get to him.

        You should save the power but the rage boils out, unexpected and deeply hateful, "Hit yourself."

        Tracksuit's fist came up against his will. Reeled back to the shoulder blade before springing forward, cracking against his jaw. Not as hard as Mohawk, but hard enough to send his flight off balance. You caught a look at his face before his mask fluttered down, lip smearing blood cross his teeth. 

        He doesn't attack as he stabilizes himself. Omni was in front of you like a Viltrumite-human shield. So he spat out a wad on blood onto the corrugated floor, "Touchy, but I'll admit you got me there."

        "I'll do worse if any of you think about taking me back down there." You said, weak and weary, "You all go. I'll wait here."

        "No." Gray and Tracksuit. 

        "'S just asking for those other guys to snatch you up then boom! There goes the food-lady." Tracksuit alone this time. "One'a you assholes stay with 'er."

        "I will," Gray said before Omni could. Omni wanted to protest, but he needed the building trust between him and Gray to stay. Gray had been the only one Omni semi-tolerated in the caves. The only reliable ally he had. So he'd allow it, remembering he'd get his turn alone with you in time.

        "Not alone," Maskless added. "You stay too."

        Tracksuit spluttered. "What- No way, man!"

        "You got lost on the way here." Maskless deadpanned.

        "Only a little!"

        "Fifteen miles give or take."

        Tracksuit didn't argue that. 

        And so it was. 

        Maskless led Omni into the dusking desert, leaving you, Gray, and a pissed off Tracksuit alone. Leg tingling with numbness.

        "Hey," Tracksuit was first to talk in the minutes of long quiet. You sat by the fire, the same way you had in the cave before things got bad. Gray stood by the edge of camp, hovering an inch over the sand, straight postured with hands behind back like always. "You're not gonna kidnap her if I take a s-"

        Gray held up his hand. "There's nowhere for us to go. This alliance is worth too much to put at risk anyway." 

        "Cool, cool. Uhm, others shouldn't be back for a bit if they-" He doubled over clutching his stomach, "come back before me tell them to suck it." Tracksuit was gone in a flash. Too much food after a period of starvation making his stomach a roiling mess. 

        You were alone.

        Two days after your... after Mark died. Aching stupidly on the inside, the dark of the desert whispered memories you tried to drown out. Trying to turn your thoughts to Phantom. Where he and the others were, if he was truly suffering or not. If Phantom was already dead, if you'd get revenge or not.

        "Where are the others?" You ask.

        "In the cave that you-"

        "The other others."

        "Ah." He's quiet a moment. Deciding weather or not to tell. You didn't exactly need to know. But it wasn't like you could fly or walk. 

        "Gray." You turned on him, find his expressionless mask cracked by a single word. "Where are they exactly? I need to know."

        He knew that look. Saw it on his mother all the time. When father was following Viltrum's customs a little too closely. You'd given him the same look, the other you, when you told him how you hated him even though he brought you to a utopia. Emotional determination that perplexed him so. Father would give into mother, but he never gave in then. He should now to win you over- but you had powers. You cried in front of him and clearly hated it- you were unstable, unreliable. You had plans in mind, ones that'd get you killed.

        "You can not make me tell you where they just like you couldn't make me take you. You are powerless."

        Stubborn insistence, you knew better. He tried to stay impartial, but he cared about you like the others. He just needed a push and you needed to forget.

        "I controlled that asshole." You scooted toward him on your ass, using your good leg as leverage. "You don't know how much shit I got stored up."

        He watched you, confused as to why you were trying to pick a fight with him on the floor. "If I were to attack, you're making it much easier for me."

        "You won't." You grunted with effort, pulling the last few inches you needed to be by his feet. Sat splayed by his legs like a good dog, looking up at him from under your lashes. "You're right, though, I probably couldn't control you, not for long anyway."

        His gaze hardened, understanding you had ulterior motives, "Don't make me restrain you."

        "I'm not doing anything." You said as your hand moved to his leg. Feeling up his calf that tensed at your touch. 

        You knew Gray wanted you. Knew he was some repressed alien freak. People who say 'courting' have never came in their entire fucking life. These over-protective assholes wouldn't give you what you needed, not like this. But if you leaned into their underlying carnal desires- they'd be putty in your hands. Revenge would be yours for the taking.

        And Mark. You could hold Mark again. Not your Mark but a Mark and for now, that was enough.

        "What are you doing?" Gray watched you feel up and down his calf. 

        Your hands traveled further up. Over the knee to his strong thighs that unwillingly flexed at your approach. He didn't move away. "Just admiring the view."

        Viltrumites didn't do such things. He'd walked in on his mother and father, sure, but not in the light touches of pre-sex, pre-foreplay. He didn't see the bait you were holding.

        "You need to touch me to do so?" Your fingers were feather-light. Tracing then cupping much of him as you could in your palm. It sent tingles down his back, electrical shocks to his abdomen. Made something within him that had been in a lifelong slumber, open its eyes.

        "Gotta get the full picture." You lifted onto your good knee. Leg numb but scared you'd hurt it. Hands splaying the expanse of his legs, up the to creases his hips not hidden by his stupid skirt. You press your thumbs in and he shuddered. You saw it, how the usual lump in his skirt was a little larger than you remembered. Easy, just like Mark had been. A distraction from your situation, just like Mark had been. 

        Your touch moved up, to his lower belly. Up the muscles, tightly packed in white clothes. "Very nice."

        You weren't just buttering him up. The man was drool worthy. Part of your plans, yes, but a distraction you desperately needed. 

        He watched you, expressionless, gaze intense. You think he's going to crack. So you snatch his forearms and use them to pull yourself up. He gets the memo, ends up pulling you up himself, feet coming to the ground. "You shouldn't be on your feet for long." He said as you leaned in. Pressed your chest to his, arms going around his shapely waist, hands skimming across his broad back, head crooked in his shoulder despite the height difference because he was so much (taller/shorter) than you. His arms refolded behind his back. Heart hammering oddly in his chest as blood rushed low in his body. He knew what was happening but feeling it was another story. Territory he had never crossed into with the old you, too afraid to touch him in any capacity.  

        "I won't be." You grabbed the hammer and swung it down- pulling his stupid collar to the side and kissing his neck.

        He tensed. Crack. You kissed lower. Crack. He white-knuckled gripped his elbows. Crack. You trailed kiss, kiss, kiss, until you reached the nape of his neck where you sucked. He let out a nearly inaudible sigh. Crack.

        Gray knew he should make you stop this nonsense. But when you lathed your tongue up the side of his throat, groaning into his never-before-worshiped skin, his resolve disappeared. He wouldn't stop you, but he wasn't stupid. "He will return soon." Your husband. Technically not, but still he claimed the title. Humans took that title very seriously. Except you.

        You kissed his jaw, felt him swallow. Pulled back and looked at his embarrassingly flushed face and apparent hard-on. "I won't need much time."

        "Time for what?" He knew what you meant but... why? Why him? Why now? Usually he could think, figure you out but his mind was a haze tunneled on you. The questions quieted when you pressed your lips to his. Chapped and rough. The pressure was pleasant. 

        You pulled back, ending the feeling too quickly. "You gonna just stand there the whole time?" 

        He tilted his head. Wracking his brain. He'd never been kissed like this before, his mother had pressed them to his forehead and cheeks when he was young. He had seen mother and father kiss quick morning pecks, but that was no tutorial or training with his mentor. 

        You breathily laughed at his expression. "What? Big bad alien boy doesn't know how?"

        "There is no use for mashing lips together on Viltrum." He wanted his voice to be even but it warbled. Palms sweaty behind his back. 

        Your hand came to his neck, pressing gently, "Tilt your head like this." He did and went too far, you had to adjust him again. "Good, and I'll come in like this. Just follow my lead, okay?"

        He mirrored your parting lips. Was robo-stiff in the kiss while you moved, lips, jaw, and all. Teeth came down on his lip and made his hands slip behind his back and his cock throb in his uniform. When you slipped your tongue past his defenses, he had to reinforce his knees as not to fall. You did all the work while he let it happen. Trying to take mental notes, trying to commit the moment to moment while living in it. So unreal, so good. 

        When you pulled back, his lips followed yours. Pressing tentative kisses to your buzzing mouth. You chuckled, grinding your tongue against his just to hear his soft whimper. Then you left him, red faced and wanting, looking absolutely fucked-out from a little light kissing. "You've got a lot to learn." 

        "Activities like this were not part of my training regimen." Gray was unsubtly looking at your lips. Hands hovering, wanting to take your sides and press you to him but he didn't know if that was the right thing to do. He wanted you, but wanted it to be good, worthwhile the way you'd made it for him.

        You laugh. "That's fine, you're a fast learner."

        Which was true. Heat pulsed hard between your legs. You'd like to take him to the floor. Like to teach him a lot more, but you didn't have time to teach him to get your rocks off. You knew however, you had more than enough time to take care of his straining hard-on which had been delightfully pressing to your thighs. He had twitched, but hadn't dare truly hump your leg. 

        Your hands go from his sides, down the hard planes of his chest, over the needy bulge. He gasped, shuddered into your hand. "What are you-"

        "I think it's pretty obvious." You ran your hand slowly up and down. Watching his face tic and contort. "Do you want me to stop?"

        Gray's throat twinged as he tried to find breath, find words as you squeezed him ever so gently. "Don't." He just barely managed to sound composed.

        You grinned, touch leaving him a moment to move his skirt to the side. Without the gray fabric, you got a better idea of how pleased he was with his current predicament. Dick straining against the alien white cloth. "I've barely done anything to you, and you're this hard." Your teasing touch returns and his eyes go misty. "Are you sure you're the same guy who conquers planets?"

        "Yes." He replied stiffly.

        "I'm having a hard time believing that."

        "I was a part of three large scale invasions and countless solo scouting excursions-" You palmed at him harder now. Every tense of your fragile human fingers had the composed solider gasping and twitching. 

        "Wow, great dirty talk." You smiled as you sank to your knees. You paused, pulling hard at his pants that didn't seem to have an obvious fly. "How do you open this thing?" 

        He slid his thumb into an invisible seam beside his crotch but paused, "The others..."

        "Trust me, you'll be done before I even get started." 

        Still, Gray scanned the horizon. Nobody. Plus, you were... humiliatingly right. He'd never cum before but knew of the function. Knew his heart was hammering, his lower belly coiled tight, cock aching were all signs of what was to come. It'd be better to take care of his problem before anyone saw anyway. He pulled the fabric apart, held together by an invisible magnetic strip. 

        His cock sprang free in front of your waiting face. Thick and defined as the rest of him. Precum wept out the tip. Slippery and shiny on your hand as you brought it down, from tip to base. Gray had to actively prevent himself from thrusting into your palm as not to hurt you. He watched you, lips parted, gaze burning as you admired him. Jerking him off slow.

        "We," his chest heaved, fingers twitching, feeling pleasure he never had, "we don't have much time."

        You hummed, pressing a kiss to the side of his cockhead. Eyes looking up at him as your lips slowly captured him. Tongue lathing unhurried over the sensitive skin. Your jerked him off lazily from the thick base. Pushing and pulling his skin back but never enough to fully expose the flash of pink you saw. Not yet. You had to build him up. Make the chance for another blowjob like this worth risking his life.

        So you jerked him off, pushing more of your head down his cock. Bobbing lazily, eyes always locked on his. Moaning at the stretch of your lips around him. So big it was hard to swirl your tongue around anything but the bottom of him. Veins pulsing on your tongue. Tasting of salt and sweat. 

        Gray doesn't know what to say. Can't speak at all. All he can do is try to repress the moans that escape him, foreign as they sounded on his lips. Your mouth was wet, and warm, and so inviting. Lips good on his but so much better on his dick. Looking up at him like you needed this, not the other way around.

        His cockhead started to stretch the back of your mouth, soon to hit your throat. You moaned. Feeling a phantom of him in your cunt. Not really there but the thought of him inside you drove your head up, down, up, down until the only thing separating you from his pubic bone was your own hand. Which migrated to his thighs, trying to pull him closer, deeper, to fuck your throat. Fuck the pain away. 

        "Too-" He gasped, feeling your throat open up around him, feeling your lips press to his hips. Throat tight and vibrating with your moans, "Too much-"

        You should finish him off. The others could be back soon. You pulled your head back, feeling the regrettable loss of his girth from your mouth. His cock glistened with spit and a wishing well's worth of precum. It was too easy to grab his dick and pull the skin back, expose the lickable pink of his unsheethed head. 

        Your open mouth came down, tongue teasing along the bottom when Gray gutterly groaned. Shooting cum onto your waiting tongue. You paused. You were expecting him to not last long but wow. You hadn't even really gotten going.

        His chest rocked. Never before had someone, even an enemy or his mentor, left him so red and breathless. Then there was the feeling of cumming, so foreign, but like a straight shot of adrenaline after a hard battle. But there had been no battle. Only you and your flushed face and cum coated tongue that slipped back into your mouth. Throat bobbing before your lips reopened. His fluids gone down your tight throat. 

        If he hadn't gone soft, he'd cum again. 

        He could stare at you like this all night long. Wanted to return the favor, though he had no idea how. 

        Except you rocked back, patting his thigh, "Clean yourself up, think I see company."

        He was back in his pants. You were back sat by the fire with him yards away. You looked back at him, lips buzzing, tongue tasing of him, a smile that left him dizzy as you said, "Hey, I'm not doing that again unless those assholes are dead."

        You little...

        "I'll-" He swallowed, watching the figures grow closer but still out of earshot. "I'll confer with your husband."

        You didn't have the energy to be annoyed by the title.

        ***

        He never thought those assholes would leave. Always lurking in the fucked up castle they built. Always indulging in the freshest meat the desert could offer. They had to go out a search for you sometime. Through the madness, it was apparent that they'd lost hope. Looking was just a part of their schedule now. They expected nothing.

        Mohawk slipped inside the ruins. Knew what turns to take, he'd done this before. He'd been watching them for days. Stealing food from under their noses. 

        He's where they left him just... missing another piece. The first time Mohawk saw him, it was his broken forearm. Then it was his calf. Now, they'd taken the rest of the leg nearly up to the hip. Yet he still breathed, shallow in his unconscious stupor. Wounds wrapped tight in bloody cloth.

        He recalls your voice, missing it so much it hurt. You called him, the pathetic, plotting motherfucker- Phantom. 

        So he said it now, hoping the name would goad him into the world of the living. "Phantom."

        His head stayed dropped, chin to chest. Unmasked and sunburned. Scalp scabbed and stubbly from where they'd sheered off his hair with that knife that used to be yours. At first, they kept him masked, seeing their own face tortured was too weird, but the hair got in the way of remasking and the longer you stayed missing, the more they wanted him to hurt. They let his skin blister and peel. Broke his bones unhurried before tearing off the limbs and eating them raw. Mohawk had too grown used to the feel of wet, raw meat slipping down his throat. Had almost come to savor the taste, but never as much as those two.

        "Phantom." A little louder this time. Mohawk wasn't afraid of Lensless and Scars per se, but they could be back anytime. Give up leaving any day, eat Phantom whole and let their fragile brains collapse even further into ruin. "Hey."

        Phantom's head bobbed. "Whhaaa?" Mohawk was in front of him, holding him hard by the chin, forcing him to look up with those disgustingly blue eyes. Cloudy with hardly held on lucidity. 

        "Where is she, shithead?"

        Phantom hadn't told Scars or Lensless where you were despite the torture, so there was no way in hell he'd tell Mohawk. Would rather go to the grave then let them find you. But he wasn't planning on it. He told himself he'd escape sooner or later. He'd get back to you. Take care of Baldie. Be with you the way he had planned. Delusionally sure since they made the first cut.

        Phantom smiled before his body slumped. Unconscious again. Dying. 

        "Hey." Mohawk shook him. "Hey!"

        The building shuddered as one of them touched down, then the other. "Did you hear that?" Lensless. Home earlier than usual.

        "No."

        "I swore I heard something. Do'ya think he got loose?"

        Boots crunched glass and gravel as they made their way through the winding halls. Mohawk looked to Phantom, still unconscious, useless. Mentally promising to be back, to get answers, and if he didn't? He'd kill the fucker himself.

        Mohawk slipped out the busted window, flying low and thanking Art for his suit that melted into the night.