#dbrdom

[addcests]

it takes two :: oneshot - ao3 mirror

pairing DBr x Dom, LP x MM

words 1844

rating [G]

summary “I’m sure if you told him, Psyk, wouldn’t mind.” Call Doom Bringer handsome? Out of the question! He’s sure he would actually instantaneously combust before he could even get the words out properly, much less even approach him.  Dominator, still toying with him of course, nudged his shoulder gently, trailing his gaze to the other, younger Psyker. “I do mean your Psyker, obviously.” Obviously. --- Or—Dominator does a (horrible) job of encouraging Mastermind.

note smt for fun and to close out the year o7 happy holidays all

“Well? What are you being so shy for?”

Was he? Being shy? Mastermind didn’t think so. Yet, he couldn’t find the proper words to refute his elder counterpart. “It is not about being shy… !” Still, Mastermind persisted, sticking with his declaration. Even if Dominator was not convinced even the slightest.

So, unconvinced, Dominator prodded again. “Hmm… is it because he’s older?” He would hit the mark eventually.

Stalling for said eventually, Mastermind’s eyes wandered over to said older man. Not to Lunatic Psyker, but rather the strong, tall and experienced brawler, brimming with confidence. He was looking directly at Doom Bringer. It’s not that Psyker wasn’t or couldn’t be those things (he would be those things, eventually) but… Doom Bringer commanded power as easily as breathing. There was a suave swagger to his persona now too. (His Psyker definitely lacked that, the brute.) Not to mention… Mastermind’s gaze traveled up the length of his very toned, very muscular body. It was plain just from a quick gaze a distance away that Psyker would keep up his regimens, training and shaping his body even still.  “... h-he’s not that much older!” came Mastermind’s defensive reply. “We aren’t that much older.”

“Is it the hair?” Dominator wondered aloud. “I do quite love his hair.”

Snapping back, and also ignoring his commentary, Mastermind replied, “No, it’s not that! It’s not the hair!”

Instead, Mastermind was doing his best not to grip his hair in frustration and pull strands out, balding himself in the process. After all, how had things even come to this? All he could remember was being in shock by Doom Bringer’s booming presence, and before he knew it, he found himself led away by Dominator. And now they were doing… this. Whatever this was! Twenty questions about their lovers because Dominator had nothing better to do? (Which wasn’t fair. Dominator had an advantage that he didn’t!) At this point, it just felt like a nosy interrogation, poking into his love life.

… his love life?

These trails of thoughts made Mastermind’s face feel warm, shyness seeping in. But it felt as if his cheeks were so hot, he might seriously combust from embarrassment, when he felt Dominator lean forward over his shoulder to whisper into his ear, voice low, taunting but coy, “Is it because he’s so handsome?”

Mastermind was so stunned by Dominator’s words alone that his only reply was no reply. Unbecomingly, his jaw was left hanging open. “H-Handsome!?” He finally squeaked out, whirling around and back a few paces to put much needed space between the two of them.

 “Oho? So you think so too then?” He chuckled.

What Mastermind really thought about was if it was possible for the ground to open up and just swallow him whole, to put him out of his misery. The misery of Dominator toying with him like this. Was this really what he would be like eventually? Really? What an asshole!

Perhaps, Dominator was finally feeling merciful, his chuckles dying off as he patted Mastermind’s shoulder soothingly. (It was not a soothing gesture.) “I’m sure if you told him, Psyk, wouldn’t mind.”

Call Doom Bringer handsome? Out of the question! He’s sure he would actually instantaneously combust before he could even get the words out properly, much less even approach him. 

Dominator, still toying with him of course, nudged his shoulder gently, trailing his gaze to the other, younger Psyker. “I do mean your Psyker, obviously.”

Obviously.

“As I recall, affection was quite hard for me back then.” The observant asshole said as if he were not right there, “But you know what they say, a little practice never hurts anyone.”

If Dominator was trying to encourage him, he was not doing a good job of it.

With a hand on his hip, Mastermind waved his free hand dismissively, to decline Dominator’s wild idea. “There’s no way I’m doing that. To either of them. You said it yourself. I…” And here, Mastermind gave pause, eyes falling to something on the floor more interesting, refusing to lock eyes with Dominator’s perceptive gaze. “I truly do not understand how you are so free with your affections. Aren’t you… ?”

“Afraid? Of what, my dear Mastermind? Of being loved? Of Psyker loving me in return?”

Yes. Mastermind swallowed. Hard. Because of course he could see through him.

They both turned their gazes upon their other halves, who were talking rather animatedly amongst themselves. (Psyker wasn’t being tortured? Mastermind was glad that at least one of them was getting something out of this exchange, he supposed.) Still, Mastermind was smiling to see this display. Though, he had to wonder… just what were the two of them talking about? As he proceeded to come up with some wild guesses and speculations of his own, some time passed and then he felt a hand abruptly land on his shoulder. At which, Mastermind dropped his eyes to the hand resting there and then followed the trail up to find Dominator smiling down at him. 

“I see. As usual, always lost in your own head. Don’t worry, you’ll get better about that.”

Gee? Thanks. He had wanted to say. Instead, he replied, “Great… ?” He did not feel very enthused about that.

“We do much better when we’re out of our heads. And what better way to do that, than to deal with things in real time?”

“Deal with—wait a min—!” 

It didn’t take much. Both Psykers were already turning to see what the commotion was. So Dominator, like the asshole he was, took advantage of the situation and smiled ever so sweetly Doom Bringer’s way. “Psyk, you’ll come here, won’t you?” And to add to the flourish of it all, he held out his arms in waiting, just an extra push to spur Doom Bringer into action. “Please, Psyk?” Said with a disgusting amount of affection, to encourage him further.

Not that he needed it, apparently. Already, the elder brawler was making quick, cool strides to close the distance between the two. Somehow, keeping his calm but making his way over in little to no time. 

Just as Doom Bringer was to close the gap between them, Dominator, snuck a glance over to Mastermind and grinned deviously. Doom Bringer seemed to notice this, and grinned down at the floundering young scientist. “Whatever he said, he’s right, you know.” And promptly turned to grasp Dominator by the chin and tug him into the most embarrassing display of affection Mastermind has had the misfortune to witness no less than five feet in front of him.

Did Psyker just willingly say he, himself, was right?

And are they really just shamelessly kissing in public, (well, in front of them!) just like this too, as if it were nothing? Wrapped up in one another, Dominator brazenly using Doom Bringer for support, and Doom Bringer’s hands began  wandering into not so innocent places, lips locked, as if they couldn’t stand to be apart a minute longer?

It was more likely than one thought. And yet Mastermind refused to believe what he heard much less what he was now seeing. 

The only thing Mastermind could do, as not to explode from the flames dancing on his face from the sheer mortification of it all, was fiddle with his hands, both terrified but unable to tear his gaze away from their older counterparts. He resisted the urge to reach up and brush at his red tinged ears too. Like this, his senses alight, he was able to feel Psyker—his Psyker—finally at his side and immediately turned to him. (For what? Comfort? Reassurance? Or…) 

“P-Psyk… I—” he blurted out, without realizing the name of endearment had even left his mouth.

Psyker’s face too was now a matching flaming red. He abruptly exclaimed, “Don’t! Say tha’ so suddenly…!”

Balking at the other’s reaction, as something unwanted, Mastermind withdrew into himself, trying to steel his expression to not betray his his feelings right now: anger at Dominator for even suggesting this, anger at himself for trying, embarrassment for thinking that it would even work, and… dejection for his Psyker not being receptive to him at all.

Maybe they weren’t like their elder counterparts. Maybe they never would be. 

“—stermind. Are ya even listening?”

Startled, Mastermind braced himself for whatever it was Psyker could possibly have to say now. 

“I said! Don’t say it… so suddenly or else I’ll want to kiss you too!” 

They both froze, Mastermind gaping at Psyker.

Aside from them, Dominator, wearing the smuggest grin, stood proudly as he watched his plot come to fruition. Doom Bringer only shook his head with a crooked smile, gently curling his arm around Dominator like the gentleman he was. A silent gesture of consideration for the irony of the two so lost in their own world now that not even Dominator and Doom Bringer mattered to them. Quietly, they made their way off, Dominator latching onto Doom Bringer like a cat and Doom Bringer nuzzling the top of his head lovingly. A silent but swift exit.

Still, Mastermind stood gaping until he realized how rude it was of him. After all, if Psyker could do this… then he could too. Pushing away his bundle of his nerves, with all the bravado he felt he didn’t have, he asked demandingly, “Well, P-Psyk?” He won’t say more! Psyker should understand, after all. And to help this along, Mastermind bravely took the first step, closing the gap between them. 

Now Psyker was starstruck, swallowing as he watched Mastermind step before him, ever so close. “Yeah… ?” A nervous hand found spikey locks as a perfect distraction.

Mastermind smiled kindly, reaching for said hand and taking it into his. Just as kindly, Mastermind chose not to comment on this too. “Psyk, I don’t think I heard you properly. Will you… show me instead?” Mastermind could almost feel the tense and nervous energy thrumming under Psyker’s gloved hand so, again, Mastermind stepped forward and pressed their foreheads together.

Psyker, finally snapping out of it, smiled, ever so softly, finally regarding Mastermind with such affection that the sudden confidence he mustered up nearly withered away. Psyker clearly must have stolen it, as he reached for Mastermind’s other hand, lacing their fingers together in the sickeningly sweet way they saw the other two do it. (And… when had those two left? An idle thought in passing…)

Mastermind wasn’t sure if he murmured for Psyker again but he must have with the way Psyker swooned, leaning his weight into him until he leaned down enough to angle their faces for a neatly slotted kiss, their lips finally touching in what Mastermind could only describe as a perfect display of affection, a connection of intimacy in which words were no longer needed. So perfect even, that Mastermind had just enough of his wits left to murmur for Psyker again, calling his name.

And Psyker answered with another kiss, as promised.

In their own little bubble like this, little else truly mattered.

Just Mastermind, calling for his beloved, and Psyker, answering in kind.

[emptywires]

Dance with me

Pairing: DBrDom

Genre: Fluff/ Romance.

Rating: T

Word count: 1661

Special thanks to @cherryswordvomit, seriously, thank you so much for your support and helping me with my fics.

Summary:

“Dance with me, Doom. Please?” Dominator asked again, tilting his head with that soft smile on his face.

 “Want me to fill your glass again?”

Bringer asked, as he poured some of the red liquid in his own glass.

Dominator smiled, his face, hidden in his arms, raised up to smile tenderly at his lover.

“Yes, please.”

Bringer returned the same soft smile, as he poured only small amount of the alcohol into the scientist’s glass, slightly less than what he served to himself.

It was Valentine’s day.

The scientist had planned this all along, since when Bringer finished his training and went to take a bath, Dominator set the table up for later.

He received the berserker with a table full of rose petals, chocolates and a bottle of wine, Apocalypse playing soft piano music on a nearby counter.

Bringer, face flushed, wondered to himself just how Dominator had set up all of this, without him noticing, too!

And oh, how he wished the scientist was like this more often.

Dominator took the glass between his slender fingers, tilting it to Bringer’s direction, an invitation.

The berserker chuckled, raising his own in turn.

Both glasses clinked a pleasant sound in the air, then Dominator brought it back to his lips, downing the whole cup in one go.

He rested his head in his folded arms again, after placing the glass in front of him, next to the wine bottle. How many cups had he taken? Three? Seven?

If he was being perfectly honest, he had already lost count. But that was fine, it was never a bad occasion to share a bottle of wine with your beloved. And since today was especially special to the both of them, why not let go of his restraints and enjoy the bliss the liquor and the company of his lover brought to him?

Bringer raised an eyebrow at his groggy self, most likely noting the pink tint dusting his cheeks by now.

"You're good?"

He got up from his seat, approached the scientist, before rubbing his hand on his partner’s shoulder soothingly.

Dominator laughed, a delightful chain of silver bells, before raising his head to face him better.

"Better than I've ever been."

He took one of the berserker’s hand, leaving a trail of kisses over the back.

“You’re drunk.”

Bringer joined in his laughter lightly, brushing his hands past the hold Dominator had on him to cup his lover’s face.

Once again, Dominator allowed a soft chuckle escape his lips.

“And you, are irresistible.”

His eyes, roamed hungrily over Bringer’s body, his every curves and dips mesmerizing to him.

Perhaps it was the alcohol speaking for him, but…

“Seriously, you are so sexy...”

Bringer snorted.

“You stole my line, handsome.”

It was always like this when they drank. Dominator would lose all sense of self-control, getting impossibly drunk every time, and then he would let the suppressed romance and lust he held for Bringer to surface.

Bringer didn’t know if the alcohol made Dominator more affectionate, or if it only made him much, much more honest with himself.

“So, you really think I’m handsome? Or are you just only trying to steal my heart?”

He blinked, the usual swift movement somehow groggy, and tilted his head to one side.

“Because you don’t need to. You already have it in the palm of your hand.”

Then, he took this opportunity to segue into an excuse to kiss Bringer’s calloused knuckles once more.

His lips trailed slowly up, reaching for the marks on his forearms, leaving Bringer’s skin ablaze in his wake.

The berserker all but blushed, he really fought against it, but quickly found it impossible with the words pouring out of Dominator, and the way he acted.

“You’re definitely drunk.”

He covered his face with his hands to hide the blush spreading on his face at an alarming rate. The scientist chuckled at his lover’s reaction.

“Oh come on, Bringer. Could you serve me one last cup?”

He twirled the empty glass in his hand, a lingering drop of wine falling out in the process.

Bringer glared at him between his fingers to refuse(because god damn it Dominator, you’ve already had too much), but as soon as he saw the scientist eyes twinkling with pure affection… he found it impossible to say no.

“One last cup. Else you’ll complain tomorrow about how your head hurts if you keep this up. And I want none of that.” He mumbled.

“Oh… but that would mean you will be with there to take care of me, right?”

Again, Dominator just couldn’t stop talking. The berserker was a mess from all the praises and flirts the scientist kept spouting out, a rare occasion.

“You’ll always have me by your side, you know. You don’t need to get drunk so I can take of you.”

He passed the drink to the scientist.

Again, Dominator drank it all in one gulp.

“Yes… that’s true. But I love the way you care about me.”

The song Apocalypse was playing faded out and another one started. They grew silent as Bringer finished his own drink. An idea came to the scientist mind making him smirk, waiting impatiently for Bringer to finish up.

“Hey.”

His voice was soft. The berserker hummed, indicating he had his attention.

“Dance with me.”

The words took Bringer by surprise, his features contorted in a way that reflected it perfectly.

“What?” He had to ask, maybe the alcohol had already made effect on him too, and now perhaps he was hearing things.

“Dance with me, Doom. Please?” Dominator asked again, tilting his head with that soft smile on his face.

Bringer blinked a few times before standing again.

“If that’s… what you want.” He approached Dominator, putting one hand behind his own back as he kneeled in front of his love, offering him a hand to the scientist. “May I have this dance?” He smiled. Now it was Dominator’s time get flustered; his ears turned red and his cheeks redder that they already were. Still, he laughed and took the hand of his lover. “Sure.”

Bringer’s eyes twinkled as he stood up, raising the groggy scientist with him. Both males now standing, Bringer took they united hands by his side as he placed his free hand secured on Dominator’s hip. The scientist, in turn, placed his unoccupied hand on his lover’s shoulder.

“Apocalypse, play my ‘love’ playlist.”

The scientist commanded. The little cube beeped as he changed playlist, shuffling songs. A soft instrumental song started playing shortly.

Bringer chuckled as he recognized it.

“Really? Love me like you do but in piano?”

Dominator smiled.

“Oh come on, it’s romantic.” He huffed.

“Besides… it reminds me of you every time I hear it.”

Bringer leaned down to kiss the tip of the scientist’s nose.

“Why are you so cute?”

Not that he was complaining, of course.

“I learned from the best.”

Dominator winked at his lover.

The first piano tunes started, Bringer taking the lead of the dance. At first Dominator’s movements were quite clumsy – he blamed the alcohol – but at soon as he got used to his lover’s pace, he started to follow it properly.

The berserker made sure to watch out for both of them, so they wouldn’t bump into some of the furniture around the kitchen during the heat of the moment. There was enough space so they could dance but Bringer didn’t trust himself, not with a drunk Dominator on his hands.

When Bringer was sure Dominator wouldn’t fall and there was nothing to crash with, he turned his lover so he could spin the latter without a problem, catching him on his arms right after that.

“So love me like you do, love me like you do.”

Bringer heard the scientist mumble the lyrics, softly under his breath.

Could he be cuter?

Bringer didn’t dare to ask, already knowing the answer.

Dominator cupped his cheek, their eyes holding each other’s loving gaze for what seemed like eternity.

“Touch me like you do, touch me like you do.”

Their lips mere inches from each other, Bringer could smell the bittersweet aftertaste of wine from Dominator, and oh, those reddened lips, just begging to be savored...

Much to Bringer’s dismay, this time Dominator turned on his own, leaning on his back to meet the berserker’s chest. His free hand rubbing on Bringer’s cheek as he leaned his head on his lover’s shoulder.

“What are you waiting for?”

The lyric made him flush even more, if possible. Not knowing if Dominator did that on purpose or not.

Dominator untangled himself, returning to the way they were dancing at the beginning. His face was so close to Bringer’s, and oh… Wasn’t the soft blush on his lover’s face simply lovely?

Unable to resist further, he gave a quick peck to Dominator’s cheek, promising himself to save everything else he wanted to do for later.

They continued dancing the full song, faces so close from each other that they were sharing the same breath, bodies pressed together to enjoying the warmth only the body of the other could give them, and those smiles that reassured one another no matter what.

After the song faded out, Dominator leaned to give a quick kiss on his lover’s lips, but Bringer was not holding back anymore. He deepened the kiss quite shamelessly, teeth tugging at Dominator’s lower lip, a silent request which the other complied to. He held the scientist with both of his hands; one behind his back and the other cupping his cheek so he could kiss him without problems.

Dominator didn’t protest, and pressed to the other as much as he could. After a good dozens of seconds, the berserker broke away from him to catch his breath.

“Gods, I love you so much.”

Another kiss to the scientist lips.

“Can I have you tonight?”

The scientist laughed at the sincerity in his lover’s voice.

“Since when did you have to ask permission?”

His eyelids drooped, smirk promising something more, much more.

“I’m all yours.”

[rainsonata]

Change

Fandom/Pairing: Elsword; DBrDoM (Doom Bringer x Dominator) Rating: K+ Word Count: 1,865

Summary: It’s not easy going through yet another job advancement when it means getting bloodied knuckles and having your counterpart judge you. Doom Bringer’s first impression of Dominator leaves a lot of questions for the brawler and few answers to satisfy him.

Doom Bringer’s job change fic: [LINK] Mad Paradox’s job change fic: [LINK]

His skin stung, an icy sensation burned through his pores when Bringer dabbed with a cotton swab to soak in the blood. Mastermind was back in the apartment he shared with his counterparts, propped on a chair in the living room and his drenched clothes in the washing machine. The warm mahogany floor contrasted against the pale white carpet at his feet when he stretched.    

The familiar stinging smell of rubbing alcohol filled his nostrils and had Mastermind pinch his nose. Stripped down to his shirt and shorts, he wrapped his arms around his stomach in feeling exposed. He could feel his counterpart’s eyes leering at the cuts and bruises decorating his bare skin. They’ve known each other for years, but the weight inside his chest never went away when the brawler gave him that look, an expression that spoke for itself.

“I can’t believe you’re stupid enough to go face that...thing. By yourself.”

Days in Elrianode couldn’t tell them enough on the true nature of those beings occupying the foreign dimension. They held a nasod like appearance with inhuman features, mutations taken from twisting the properties of its original form. All of this would have been fascinating for research material, if not for time pressuring them to take care of them before the El threatened to split itself again.

“I wasn’t alone,” Mastermind’s eyes averted to the cat bandages on his knees.

Where did Esper buy these? The scientist frowned when he realized he hasn’t seen the time traveler for weeks. His disappearances were sporadic, but his absence was apparent when he has been spending more time with him and Bringer as of late. Not even random visits to drop the occasional ‘souvenirs’ he was so kind to call them.   

He fought those Elrianode monsters before, sometimes with Bringer, so why was his counterpart making a fuss about it? The scientist threw a half-lidded gaze, annoyance at the brawler for treating him like a child. Bringer was worried on his wellbeing, a natural reaction because of grown attachment from being together, but it hurt his high-strung pride like he couldn’t take care of himself. Yes, he didn’t go alone this time. He wasn’t stupid enough to make the same mistake twice.

Bringer scowled. “With fire Elbrat, the dark mage, and pineapple.”    

“He and his sister offered help,” Mastermind said.

And the Void Princess insisted on coming along - not because she was worried about the redhead or anything! The Blazing Heart’s all-knowing smirk and wag of her eyebrows had the scientist snort at the flimsy excuse. The dark mage’s infatuation for the Rune Slayer was as clear as day.

Mastermind was never one for small talk or the bantering between his teammates, but seeing the Rune’s look of bewilderment when his sister teased him for growing out his hair made the scientist chuckle. The people he once saw as hindrance to his journey became something more of a team, maybe more than that.

“You could have asked me to come along.”

Guilt panged when he recognized the hurt tone in Bringer’s voice. It wasn’t just concern the brawler had for him, but sadness in forgetting about him. Mastermind tugged on his bangs in frustration at the miscommunication.

“You don’t need to be with me all the time,” Mastermind said. “Both of us are adults. We don’t need to hold hands all the time.”  

“No, but I would appreciate it if you told me when you were coming and going at least,” he shook his head. “Those monsters are stronger than those sad excuse of nasods in Elysion. They can grate you like cheese.”

His lips were closed, but Mastermind could tell the other was restraining himself showing his canines in a clenched grit from losing his temper or crying. Probably both. Bringer had the face of a thug, but his heart was the same, always worrying for others, even if he was reluctant to show it. He pulled Bringer into a hug, wrapping his arms around the waist and resting his head on the brawler’s shoulder.

“You were gone for days,” Bringer’s voice was hollow with no depth, as if he had given up on his emotions and only had enough energy to speak. “It wasn’t until I talked to the priest did I learn you left with them.”

He talked to Richter? The asshole with toothpaste for hair? Well, it looked more like a waterfall if it swallowed the El and glowed in the dark, but that wasn’t the point.     

Mastermind held on to his counterpart and closed his eyes, unsure on how to feel. The lilac cushion he was resting on wasn’t doing him service on keeping him comfortable when Bringer chided him for his foolhardiness. Bringer must be upset if he went up to the priest to learn on his whereabouts. The brawler hated him.  

“I didn’t want to trouble you,” Mastermind admitted. “You and your friends already finished your business with those monsters. I didn’t want to make you go through that again and…”

His voice grew soft, almost inaudible if he wasn’t leaning close for Bringer to hear. The scientist’s face glowed with warmth from the blood traveling to his cheeks. Pride be damned, Mastermind could never get used to being honest about himself. There was no point in feeling shame for something that was true, but it still made his hands shake.  

His voice dropped to a murmur, “I didn’t want to see you get hurt either.”

It was irrational to hold fear on a brawler getting hurt when that was the kind of lifestyle Bringer upheld. Even so, the thought of his counterpart’s blood smeared on the white pristine marble of Elrianode formed a knot in his stomach in the worst way possible.   

Mastermind forced himself to look up to see Bringer’s eyes getting damp, blinking them away, but the scientist saw them. The other’s lips quivered, biting them down to hide the shock, but the wide eyes gave it away.   

“I’m glad you’re safe,” Bringer wiped the stray blood off Mastermind’s arm as he pulled away from the embrace. “But you don’t need to hide stuff from me if you rather do it with someone else.”  

He tucked in the end of the bandage wrap in and scanned the rest of his body for any further wounds he may have missed. His eyes were careful not to meet the scientist, but Mastermind didn’t miss the stares when Bringer thought he wasn’t looking. The brawler picked out a chunk of dry blood from his bangs and pulled it out with a tissue.

“Your hair,” Bringer uttered. “What happened to it?”

There it was, Mastermind closed his eyes. He was surprised it wasn’t brought up earlier, but with blood spill, there was no time for Bringer to notice the change until now.

“Do you like it?” Mastermind was absent minded and pulled his hair behind his ear, before remembering his side bangs were gone.   

Mastermind ran his fingers through his hair, long curls gone and now went down to his ear rather than to his back. His bangs split in the middle, covering the eye with the scar imprinted by Dynamo. The awkward silence between them when Bringer found him injured carried weight from shock, but he had a feeling it wasn’t only because of his state.   

“It’s...different.” Bringer stated the obvious, but paused, “When did you get it cut?”

“When you were busy getting new tattoos,” Mastermind said dryly.  

He knew Bringer liked his hair and used to play with it when he did his research, but it was a hassle to maintain. It curled on rainy days and took time to straighten when interacting with Bringer’s inventions or when the brawler messed with him by static shocking his hair ‘for fun’. Asshole.

Rena offered to cut his hair when he expressed the idea, before he left to join the rest of his teammates to the excursion of Elrianode. He enjoyed talking to the Grand Archer because she kept the conversation direct, but she didn’t probe into why he wanted a sudden change. With shorter hair, his head felt lighter and morning routines were going to become easier, but he was certainly going to miss having something to tug on when he needed to ponder over his research.

“Are those the new Dynamo model?” Bringer picked up one of the deactivated weapons from the coffee table, perplexed by its simple design. There were purple cubes, each split into four squares on each surface, pink lines running across with buttons at the center. “They look like Apocalypse!”

“They were based off it,” Mastermind said with pride.

Not as destructive as Apocalypse of course, but they held more battery power than before and could inflict more damage with precise timing. Every update was meant to be an improvement from the last, sometimes counterproductive with glitches that worked against his favor, but he could say with confidence that this model was the best.

“No cat ears?” Bringer teased. “Didn’t your old coat have them too?”  

Heat reached his face again with Mastermind blushing, “What’s the point in giving them ears?” H-he may have considered giving them ears in the early stages of designing them, but that would have made certain tasks uncomfortable, like standing or sitting on them.  

“That didn’t stop you from giving them to Apochan~”

This guy… Mastermind grabbed the cube from Bringer to check for any cracks sustained from the excursion. Not a single crack to be seen. At least that confirmed the experiment on how much damage it could withstand.    

Bringer sighed, “I’m glad your teammates have enough sense to come with you. It’s already bad enough having Esper run off again.”

“He’ll come back like he always does,” Mastermind said, but didn’t voice his opinion that Esper’s stay away was longer than the usual. Was he able to talk about people running off when he just did it himself?

Despite the protests from Bringer, he helped the other clean the living room. He was injured, not paralyzed from the waist down. He wiped the coffee table clean and threw the dirty bandages into the trash bin when there was a loud crack. It came from upstairs, a sound he hasn’t heard in weeks that it shook him up when he heard it.

Esper?

Omake

“If you have new powers,” Bringer thought out loud. “That means you’re like me, right? Did you come up with a title for yourself yet?”

After getting his new title poked at (Hey, Doom Bringer is a cool name!), the brawler was curious to see what kind of name his counterpart had in mind. Their old titles were determined by reputation, what they were remembered for by locals at the time they made their presence known. Knowing Mastermind, the scientist probably had been thinking about this for some time.

“I have,” a sly smile formed on his lips. Oh no… it was that all knowing smirk, like he found something amusing in his question. Mastermind covered his mouth and chuckled, “You can call me Dominator.”

Bringer’s face was as red as Rune’s hair.

“...Get away from me, you kinky bastard!”

Author Notes: Am I too late for the hype train? I’m still getting used to Dominator’s design, but I can at least start writing him to get a grasp of his personality. Since I wrote a fic for Doom Bringer and Dominator, I guess I’ll write one for Esper too when his third job is out.

[addcests]

you. and i :: chapter five: p#rf/c- - ao3 mirror ??? :: series - ao3 link

pairing DBr x Dom

words 1004

rating [G]

summary Doom Bringer opens his eyes. - five times doom bringer spends together with dominator. and then one more time.

note what a cute little date! < 3

Again, Doom Bringer’s eyes open and he’s alone this time.

Odd… he thought he was supposed to be taking Dominator out.

He wants to pump the breaks on that too because when was it that they’d even plan that and why can’t he remember a single detail about it?

“Ready to go?” asks the just appeared Dominator, interrupting his thoughts. 

But they must have, because here Dominator is, ready and everything.

Doom Bringer blinks, shaking his head like he was trying to recall what he had just been thinking. Ah well, he can ask later. He is ready as well. So he then nods and gestures to take Dominator’s arm like the gentleman he is. “Yeah,” he hears himself agree, “We’ll stop by the book store first.”

Pleased, Dominator smiles. 

Their trip there takes them no time at all, having frequented this bookstore often after all. 

For the moment, they part ways and Doom Bringer smiles after the scientist, keen to do his own pursuing through the store. He finds a cookbook. It was part two of the series he had just started. Grinning to himself, he removes it and holds the text by its spine, flipping it over and then opening it for a cursory glance. 

Feeling Dominator’s presence, he looks up and sees him standing there expectedly. “Ready, Psyk?”

A couple passes him by, a kid runs with a stack of books and picks up a book he dropped, the librarian shushes some group of scholars huddled together, pointing left and right. 

“Hey, ya finished already? Oh, look at what I found!” Doom Bringer doesn’t wait for Dominator to get a word in and steps into his space to show him the cookbook. “Remember? I wanted some more ideas and this really helps, so many ways of makin’ stuff I didn’t even think about. I’ll be able to make a big meal for you and I and even—”

Dominator frowns.

Doom Bringer winces, a sharp pain stabbing in his skull again. “Ah,” he flinches, grasping at the side of his head. He closes an eye in pain and, though distracted, watches Dominator walk off within the book store. Damn this sudden pain and what is that clicking, scratching sound invading his head? He reaches out for his counterpart. “Dominator… where are—?”

Feeling Dominator’s presence, he whirls around and sees him standing there expectedly. “Ready, Psyk?”

Doom Bringer doesn’t have time to blanch or think about how Dominator might have already said that. (But he did, hadn’t he?)

Startled still, for a split second, Doom Bringer’s attention falters and he looks behind Dominator.

A couple passes him by, a kid runs with a stack of books and picks up a book he dropped, the librarian shushes some group of scholars huddled together, pointing left and right.  

“Ready,” Doom Bringer’s lips tremble. 

—Doom Bringer’s eyes open again. They’re outside now, the bookstore already a good few paces behind them.  

“Hold this for me, would you, Psyk?” 

It’s Dominator again, of course it is. He’s juggling his books and apparently grocery bags now too. (They visited the grocery store?) He thinks Dominator should learn to shop less and snorts at the notion of it, thinking to nag him about it. 

“We can take a rest in the park you like,” is what he says instead. 

That… that wasn’t what he meant to say.

Was it? 

They walk in silence and for a while, Doom Bringer doesn’t say anything, doesn’t think anything, just allows himself to be as close to Dominator as possible. He doesn’t trust himself to say anything but of course that changes the moment they walk by a cake shop. But not just any cake shop.

The sight of it makes Doom Bringer stop, even as Dominator is still walking ahead. He flinches again, the pain sharper, more insistent. 

“Psyk?”

“Isn’t…” This Paradox’s favorite cake shop?

He can’t get the words out. Physically. 

Dominator whirls back to meet Doom Bringer. Does he not see that he’s clutching his head in pain? If he does, Dominator makes no indication otherwise and reaches to hug his other arm close to his side as if nothing was wrong. “If you want cake so badly, we can get it then.”

“And we’ll get one for…” Paradox.

Why can’t he say his name… !?

The pain is severe now and though it’s taking everything he can to withstand it, he grits his teeth and bears it. He needs Dominator to stay close by. He’s not sure what’s happening. But he can see Dominator looking past him again, much like he did before (and when was before? He did this earlier too, hadn’t he?) and spins frantically to walk away, leaving Doom Bringer behind. 

Doom Bringer doesn’t let him go, snatching at his wrist and tugging him back. “What… have you done.” He struggles to say, that phrase alone adding to his pain.

Dominator doesn’t let a single expression run across his face.

“This is wrong. This is all... wrong. Something isn’t missing. Someone is. Where is Paradox?” 

No sooner than he gets the words out, Doom Bringer yelps at the shocking amount of pain he feels, radiating through his head now and this time, he falls, dropping books and everything as his knees buckle. He tries to brace himself with one hand to stop from toppling over completely. Doom Bringer is fighting to resist this invisible assailant, this unknown root of his source of pain. 

Doom Bringer finds himself looking up, chin tipped up by Dominator’s perfectly gloved fingers.

… but perhaps the perpetrator was here all along, always, by his side. 

“Dominator,” Doom Bringer hisses, pleading and cursing his name all at once. 

Dominator looks him over once, cup his chin and smiles though the mirth of it does not reach his eyes.

“Paradox shouldn’t have meddled.” And as if there were someone else here all along, Dominator glances sideways, lips curling up into a faint smirk. “You are both too late.” 

…

 —Doom Bringer opens his eyes.

[addcests]

you. and i :: chapter two: and - ao3 mirror ??? :: series - ao3 link

pairing DBr x Dom

words 642

rating [G]

summary Doom Bringer opens his eyes. - five times doom bringer spends together with dominator. and then one more time.

note what a cute little breakfast together! :3c

Doom Bringer opens his eyes. 

This time he looks around and finds himself in the middle of the kitchen, this time Dominator’s arms are secure and snug, locked around his waist in a makeshift hug. Without even looking, Doom Bringer can tell just like that, like second nature, natural. And like natural, he hears his complaint, “I can’t cook if you’re holding onto me like that.” 

He knows Dominator will not listen, not when he is like this. Persistent. 

But it’s not a bad thing (usually). 

So Doom Bringer takes comfort in this too and makes their meal, breakfast most likely, it is Dominator’s favorite. When he looks into the pan, he sees he was making a fried egg, apparently. He sets out to finish this one for Dominator, who likes his eggs to be a little runny. 

It’s a bit of a task, what with Dominator refusing to let go of him still, being unusually clingy in a way he hasn’t seen him been since his Mastermind days, but Doom Bringer manages to whip together a filling meal for them both.

He finds himself sitting, with Dominator suddenly serving them both. Last he recalled, he had had the plates in hand, but he supposes Dominator snatched them away. Doom Bringer remains where he is. He wants to protest but finds that he doesn’t.

“Just hold tight,” Dominator calls out, as if he can sense Doom Bringer’s innate need to finish his task. “You already did all of this work, I can… be of help too.” 

Doom Bringer always thinks Dominator is plenty helpful. It is why he relies on him, why they’re partners, confidants in one another.

Instead of saying this, he instead finds himself replying, “Thank you, it’s a nice—” Change of pace? “—gesture.” 

Well, he doesn’t think he would ever say it like that. 

His thoughts begin to wander, but before he could grasp and hold onto a single thought long enough, Dominator slides over and everything he begins to think about fizzes away into nothing. How could he care for anything else, when Dominator is so sweetly looping his arms around his neck, Dominator’s chest to Dominator’s back as Dominator leans down and against the brawler’s chair, resting his chin atop Doom Bringer’s head. 

Again, his heart swells with affection for this man above him, and he reaches up. His gloved hand finds Dominator’s cheek and, though it’s a bit of an awkward angle for him, turns so that he can place an equally sweet kiss to his cheek.

Once more, Dominator seems as if he was not expecting that to occur, but he accepts it nonetheless. 

“You are awfully cuddly so early in the morning.” (It was morning, wasn’t it?) “How much coffee have you had already,” he playfully accuses. (He doesn’t remember making the coffee, but surely he must have. It is all this infuriating man drinks, after all.) 

Dominator peers down at Doom Bringer, smiles, and moves around him to sit opposite him. He prattles off some insane amount of cups and then they eat in comfortable domesticity. Eventually, they finish, dishes are collected, cleaned, put away.

Doom Bringer watches Dominator walk away, leaving the kitchen. He smiles to himself and tags along. 

Dominator is already some paces ahead, but the scientist stops long enough to glance over his shoulder. The pause is long enough for one to think Dominator was… waiting for something, his gaze trailing past the brawler, like there was something else that caught Dominator’s eye. He then whirls forward and resumes his stride with a sense of purpose now.

He figures Dominator is off to rush back to some project, like usual.

Hands shoved in his pocket, Doom Bringer does his best to catch up with Dominator before he loses him.

And then, that is the last thing Doom Bringer remembers. 

[addcests]

you. and i :: chapter one: you - ao3 mirror ??? :: series - ao3 link

pairing DBr x Dom

words 533

rating [G]

summary Doom Bringer opens his eyes. - five times doom bringer spends together with dominator. and then one more time.

note YAYAYAY WE ALL LOVE DBR X DOM!!!

dbr loves dom so so much doesn't he! they're very in love and very sweet to one another. < 3

Doom Bringer opens his eyes. 

… that’s right, his eyes are open now. Everything seems in working order, so he looks around, almost as if he were waking up for the first time. For a moment, there is nothing, just a room and four walls and then a sound. No, there’s letters, stringing together syllables to form a word. No, a name. 

His name.

“Psyker,” murmurs a soothing voice.

A voice calling his name.

A familiar voice he attributes to being someone very dear to him. 

He turns to meet the voice, to find his chest less tight at the thought of being alone. He exhales a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and a smile etches its way onto his features as a scarf-wearing man approaches him. “Dominator,” Doom Bringer calls back, easy, automatic. 

This person, Dominator, is easy, familiar, comforting.

So Doom Bringer approaches him, softly chuckling. Without giving it a second thought, he reaches out and brushes a few strands of hair out of place. Normally, these strands are stubborn. Today, there is something pristine and perfect about it. Well, he knows Dominator fusses over his appearance often. 

It’s not out of place. 

When he looks out of the corner of his eye, he notices the couch and Dominator leading him to said couch. He goes. Willingly. 

Once they are seated, Dominator squeezes his hand, his smile soft around the edges as he regards him.

“Something on your mind?” he hears himself ask.

Dominator’s eyes go wide for a second, but then he shakes his head, the smile returning. “Nothing at all, dear.” For a moment, he drops his gaze to their interlocked fingers, and holds up their hand as if to show Doom Bringer. “It’s just… you would do this for me, you know.”

Does he know?

“When you want to comfort me,” Dominator clarifies.

He does suppose he would do that for him. It is a comforting feeling, so Doom Bringer nods and squeezes Dominator’s hand as well. Something welling within him makes his heart swell and he startles for a moment to regard Dominator, then draws their still twined fingers upward to place a loving kiss to the back of Dominator’s hand, akin to a noble kissing his lady’s fair skin. Unsure of what came over him, his eyes shoot up to find Dominator’s expression.

It was unreadable, for a brief moment, but Doom Bringer clearly saw the shock as if Dominator hadn’t been expecting that. 

But it seems he was not displeased in the least. 

“... you really know how to make everything better.” 

Doom Bringer would falter because what exactly does Dominator mean by that? Everything was okay; they have each other, after all. But he doesn’t feel himself lingering on the notion for long, the thought as fleeting and faint, passing in a moment’s time. Instead, he smiles, because he only ever wants to make Dominator feel safe, feel loved, and to be okay. 

And that is exactly what he will do.

Again, he draws Dominator’s hand back to his lips and places a delicate, chaste kiss to his fair and soft skin. To cherish and keep close. 

To never let go.

“For you, anything.” 

[addcests]

you. and i :: chapter four: are - ao3 mirror ??? :: series - ao3 link

pairing DBr x Dom

words 581

rating [G]

summary Doom Bringer opens his eyes. - five times doom bringer spends together with dominator. and then one more time.

note sleepy dbr is sleepy! <3 he deserves the rest

Doom Bringer opens his eyes … but something gives off the impression it’s been awhile since he—

“Go back to sleep.”

He doesn’t need to see to know that voice belongs to Dominator.

“You’re very warm… “ the scientist whispers, just for him.

With that little context, Doom Bringer assumes they are in bed together, he must have fallen asleep then. And just as thinks it, Doom Bringer takes in the feeling of their bed and how it contrasts. His side was always firm and sturdy, better for his back he would tell Dominator. He knows if he rolls a little closer or turns over to face Dominator, he will find the softer side, fluffy just how Dominator likes it.

Like sleeping on clouds. 

Doom Bringer remembers the cue to reply, and thus hears how he responds, “What am I? Your heater?” It’s mirthful, and now he’s unable to resist the pull he has to Dominator, switching from the position on his back, he turns so he can prop an elbow up to stare at Dominator.

Who has also been awake and staring back at him.

“Yes,” Dominator affirms, muting a giggle that slips out. “It’s cold on my side.”

“If you scooch any closer, I’ll fall off of the bed.”

“And wouldn’t that be fun?” Dominator delights in this. There’s no surprise here, just their usual banter, and Dominator being clingy. A little unusual, but not uncommon. Perhaps the scientist missed him. (Though, he shouldn’t need to, he’s been here with him after all.)

The brawler wants to sigh, but instead he finds himself shaking his head and drawing Dominator closer, just as he wants. “I thought I was supposed to be the menace.” As he takes Dominator into his arms, he realizes that Dominator is also quite warm. It has a calming effect.

It makes him feel cradled and cozy, he feels his eyelids falling and getting heavy.

“You should really try to rest though,” Dominator insists, close as he can be.

His eyelids are getting heavier.

“I'd rather stay awake,” but as soon as the brawler is allowed those words, he feels himself growing heavier with sleep, as if body is agreeing with Dominator that he should rest instead. 

There’s some pause, hesitance coloring his words as Dominator replies, “You do so much… it’s best if you rest. Aren’t you the one always telling me the body needs time to recuperate and repair and it cannot do so unless it rests?” 

Well that’s not fair. Just like that will he go to sleep then? Doom Bringer suddenly understands how Dominator must feel about all his nagging.

And his eyelids are so heavy, he’s doing everything he can to keep them open.

He jolts awake, but just as fast black dots the edge of his vision, his heart thrumming slowly to the beat of his breaths like Doom Bringer knows he’s about to fall into the land of dreams regardless of what he wants currently. 

There’s a muffled sound in the distance, which is odd because he’s right beside Dominator, the sound should not seem so far away and yet it is. He wonders what the sound is. It sounds like his name again.

He supposes Dominator got up and is some distance away, perhaps and he’s calling for him. But, he’s so sleepy now…

(But was he really? He had felt so awake mere moments ago, and now Dominator is gone too.)

Soon enough, Doom Bringer fades once more.

[addcests]

you. and i :: chapter three: i - ao3 mirror ??? :: series - ao3 link

pairing DBr x Dom

words 560

rating [G]

summary Doom Bringer opens his eyes. - five times doom bringer spends together with dominator. and then one more time.

note dbr is so strong :3c good job protecting dom!

Doom Bringer opens his eyes again—avoiding a deadly blow.

In the same space of that moment, he realizes he’s fending off some beast, a monster from swiping at Dominator. Realizing that’s the scene now, he knows he must put himself in between the down and distracted Dominator and the brute before him.

He blasts a few plasma waves its way and is quite impressed that, despite its towering and looming size, it’s rather… slippery. 

It evades, twisting its form to perfectly bend in shapes around whatever Doom Bringer blasts its way. 

He could do this. He’s kept worse aggravated fiends’ attention before and he’ll do it again. He just needs to buy… time for Dominator. There was definitely a plan that the scientist mentioned, probably. However, none if it comes to Doom Bringer but that’s just as well too.

He was never one for plans.

Gathering energy in his palms, pushing the energy out so it flows and circles his hands, he then slams both his fists together in front of him and unleashes a shockwave. It’s not much, realizing some of his health and energy, his mana, must have been used prior but it’ll have to do. 

The distraction works and it turns its full focus on Doom Bringer.

Great! But he’s out of tricks now. 

He holds his forearms up, stands his ground and braces himself, figuring he’s about to take the brunt of this attack that was coming in.

“Force Field!” 

Doom Bringer looks over his shoulder long enough to hold Dominator’s eye. The scientist is too focused on maintaining the barrier to even look his way. He realizes this is their only chance. He leaps up and delivers a swift kick, with the full force of whatever remaining energy he has left to spare. 

Fortunately for them both, it works.

The creature, paralyzed, doesn’t fall over, doesn’t collapse, like Doom Bringer expects it to. It takes one long, good look at him, Doom Bringer’s energy crackling like lightning around it and then it disintegrates. Slowly, bit by bit, its form fades in pixelation like it wasn’t even real. 

“That’s… weird.” Doom Bringer says, and that shocks him. There’s a lot to unpack here, Doom Bringer realizes, but immediately he turns his focus on Dominator and he skids over to him, kneeling by his side. “Hey, are you okay? What was that, I—Nngh!” 

Something painful—sharp—fizzes in his head, like electricity, and it makes Doom Bringer fall to his knees in pain. 

He knows he has a hand cradling his temple, fisting at his wild locks to fight off the stabbing pain threatening to rip out of his skull. But he needs to open his eyes, just to see Dominator… to make sure he’s okay! The brawler, with an astounding amount of will, cracks open one eye long enough to see Dominator, above him. 

Above him? When had he fallen back?

Doom Bringer watches Dominator’s lips move, form shapes to speak, but there’s no sound. Somehow, he knows he’s out of time, so he takes in Dominator, commits to memory the relief on his face. He reaches out with a hand for him, and tries to say his name back. Doom Bringer knows Dominator is smiling. Good. As long as he’s safe and sound, as long as he was strong enough for him.

Then, that’s all that matters.

[addcests]

1am brainworms

giving you all permission to invade my inbox with LPMM or dbrdom tooth rotting fluff so i can know peace once more

[addcests]

alr complained on twt but i'm doing it here again, after i write the smuttiest smut i crave to Not smut 😭 but like more specifically i tend to crave fluff

rn i want rly soft and sweet dbrdom or lpmm or something !!! i want it to be short And sweet too

guess i'll go prompt hunting later today when i'm home 🥹

[addcests]

look at us now [ao3]

pairing DBrDom (DBr top, DoM bottom)

words 2801

rating [T]

summary Scrunching his nose, with his eyes now open fully, he was greeted with the breath-stopping sight of Dominator, at peace, lulled away by the land of dreams, exhaling a soft breath every other moment. It made his heart flutter.

note when da kouahi wants the old married couple... lapin provides the old married couple uwu happy late bday and xmas kouhai! @rainsonata

Nothing could ever compare to the comfort of waking up to Dominator.

Gradually, at his leisure, the brawler stirred, his internal clock demanding he begin to wake regardless of what time the alarm may have read. And even as both his internal clock and body protested, he forced his eyes open bit by bit, already able to feel the sun’s warmth ticking his face. It made him grin, relishing in the feeling of it all. Scrunching his nose, with his eyes now open fully, he was greeted with the breath-stopping sight of Dominator, at peace, lulled away by the land of dreams, exhaling a soft breath every other moment. It made his heart flutter.

Emotion then welled deep in his chest at the mere sight of it. 

Soon the sun would flood over Dominator as well, illuminating his neatly framed face. But he did not wake, instead tugging the covers closer, mumbling something incoherent, and scooting closer to Doom Bringer, seeking out his warmth as he was wont to do. Once satisfied, a content smile settled on his face as he dozed back off.

“Beautiful,” Doom Bringer murmured, enamored, fingers outstretched to brush back a few stray strands from tickling the scientist’s peaceful face. He watched as the warm light continued to dance along Dominator’s face, making intricate patterns and shapes that Doom Bringer wanted nothing more than to follow with the tips of his fingers. Eventually the light's warmth continued its travels and he watched as his hair was nestled with a sun’s halo. He watched as Dominator’s long lashes brushed his cheeks. He watched as Dominator’s plump lips opened and closed with each tiny puff of breath. He watched and watched and watched—committing the minutest detail to memory.

He could watch Dominator just like this forever, lost in their own little bubble, just the two of them.

And sometimes Doom Bringer did indulge. But at other times, so comforted by the atmosphere, his mind would scatter off to other happier moments, recalling a fond memory or two, usually of times long past.

Some… not as happy, but still oh so fond in the sense they had come so far.

Again, Dominator, in all of his sleeping glory, decided once more that, despite being glued to the other, Doom Bringer was still not close enough (and, really, he truly was) and sought to rectify this by snuggling even closer.

Snuggling.

He hadn't meant to but Doom Bringer snorted softly. Though, not at the action of Dominator being impossibly cute while he slept and seeking more cuddles, but rather at the fact that the idea alone used to make Mastermind blanch at him, as if he suggested something as heinous as to stop drinking so much coffee.

That was its own hurdle: physical affection. Dominator always knew from their times as tracers that that was what Doom Bringer knew best. But, then he supposed, with a relationship attached to it, that must have suddenly changed things. It changed everything and it didn’t. It certainly reframed how they would both approach one another. At best, it was embarrassing for him and he was too shy; at worst, Psyker was an insatiable beast and misunderstood. 

A challenge in of itself was to right the way Mastermind saw physical touch as inherently sexual when it could be so, so much more. A kiss could be innocent, fleeting, a simple greeting, of so much more; being physically close without leading to anything sexual could be just as gratifying and fulfilling, if not more; and fucking was not the same as making love. It took time to show Mastermind all these things, how to love through all the ways he knew best, but he would happily do it all over again.

And as if recalling the various ways he knew best to love the scientist, Doom Bringer leaned over, and pecked Dominator on the lips, quick and fast.

He smiled, not deterred in the slightest. For when that drew no response, he moved on next to his favorite: kissing everywhere but Dominator lips, because every other inch of him deserved an equal amount of affection too. He loved littering his cheeks in kisses, and he loved trailing butterfly-soft pecks to each eyelid (and then, maybe doing it again) and he loved nuzzling Dominator’s nose.

He simply loved making Dominator feel loved.

Finally, finally, finally Dominator stirred, opening his eyes to find Doom Bringer’s enraptured, lovesick smile. "Well, good morning."

"Mornin'," he replied, leaning in to repeat his kissing ritual. He could not be stopped… well, perhaps he could be under one condition.

"Ah, Psyker, I already greeted you—tickles… !" 

Even if Dominator jostled and chuckled and moved, Doom Bringer was insistent. He continued, unbothered and unfazed, "You know how t' get me to stop." And that was how he found himself on the receiving end of one of Dominator’s sweetest morning kisses, sagging happily against Dominator in return for his morning prize.

Reluctant, the sleepy-eyed Dominator barely pulled away. "There, menace." But Dominator's voice was full of nothing but affection.

"You like it," he shot back.

Dominator hummed, pressing closer and fitting snug, his head under Doom Bringer’s chin, "I do."

Ah, honesty, another learned behavior. A painfully, slowly, learned behavior. But always refreshing and worth all the effort.

He was worth the effort.

"I haven't even freshened up yet," Dominator pretend-complained, voice somehow managing to be whiny despite just waking up.

"Don' care."

"Hmm, well I do. Come."

Even if he could still be a bit of a brat.

Despite getting up as early as they did (by Dominator’s standards, of course), none of their counterparts could be tempted and lured in to join for a late breakfast. A shame, that. Doom Bringer did like cooking for everyone. Still, he couldn’t resist, a creature of habit. He made extra rice, and left extra portions of meat and other breakfast favorites should the aroma prove tempting or they wake sooner than later. That just left… the coffee. 

That Dominator was fiddling with.

“You wan’ help with that?”

“No, I have it,” Dominator insisted.

And he did seem to have it under control. To which Doom Bringer shrugged, then plopped himself in the chair at the table having finished everything else already. In the midst of waiting for the brew to be finished, the brawler’s thoughts began to trail off once more, returning to the sleepy memories he recalled as he woke early. He sat, dazed, unaware that while he was recollecting, Dominator had approached and placed his share of caffeine in front of him already. 

So Dominator saw fit to snap him out of it the best way he knew how.

“Oh?” Doom Bringer’s lips curled into nothing short of a pleased little grin to feel a gentle press of lips to his own. Eagerly, he leaned up to meet the other man’s lips, whatever was on his mind now fading away into the background in exchange for focusing on Dominator in front of him entirely. The kiss was short, nothing more than a few moments passed and soon Doom Bringer could only replay the feeling of the other’s soft lips pressed against his, watching as Dominator pulled away, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, pleased? Or was he simply happy? Certainly not embarrassed. At least, not like how he—Mastermind—would get. 

Dominator finally took a seat beside him and tipped his head slightly, his gaze flickered with curiosity now. He then asked, “And what has you so tickled when you were spaced out seconds ago?”  

“”s nothing,” he replied. The look Dominator gave him told him he did not believe him for a moment. “Well, I was just thinking.”

“A dangerous thing, coming from you,” said while he sipped his coffee, approving of its taste with a hum.

Doom Bringer paid it no heed, continuing effortlessly, as he propped his chin against his palm, elbow on the table as his shoulders relaxed, leaning towards Dominator in a lazy sort of fashion, “You would have blushed if you did that years ago.”

“That’s what you think.” Normally, this sort of phrase would be posed as a question; however, Dominator stated it with a note of finality. There was no question about it.

“Nah, there’s no way you would have kissed me first without blushing.”

Dominator sat quietly, suddenly finding his coffee much more interesting. "I don't remember," and he finished with another pointed sip from his mug.

“Speaking of kisses, do you remember our first kiss?”

"We had a fight, then we kissed."

"Ya remember that but not the other thing?" Doom Bringer nearly whined, "and why did you put it like that ? Come on, Dominator, you can do better than that. Humor me." Refusing to be dismayed, he flashed Dominator one of his winning smiles.

Unaffected by said smile, Dominator heaved a sigh. "That is how it went," Dominator paused, then relented, continuing, "we had had that awful fight that blew up." Again, Dominator paused, as if he were trying to shove back a particularly unsavory memory. "I thought I would lose you, but everything came out okay and," Dominator faced Doom Bringer, who was watching him so tenderly, he might have blushed, "and, all I could think about was to hold you, to not let go. And then I wanted nothing more at that moment than to kiss you. And I wanted to, so we did—"

Doom Bringer swallowed Dominator's surprised gasps, easing him with a slow mesh of their lips, while his hand sought out the scientist’s unoccupied hand to squeeze, a small show of reassurance. Once parted, Doom Bringer added, "And we did, and look at us now."

"Look at us now," Dominator agreed, breathless, forehead pressed to Doom Bringer’s with a smile of reverence.

For the duration of the day, the two couldn’t seem to untangle themselves from one another nor be without the other for any extended period of time. And so, that was how after finishing cleaning the kitchen, Doom Bringer found Dominator minutes later, looking over some report, but now directing a knowing smile towards his way that beckoned him closer. He then patted the empty spot on the large, plush couch, inviting him over once more. 

He paced over and instead of sitting upright, as Dominator was probably expecting, he settled on being a sort of thorn in Dominator’s side, albeit a bit literally. He flopped onto his back, propping his head behind him while using his arms as a headrest, and fixing his crossed ankles over Dominator’s lap.

Dominator’s only response was to shake his head, but refusing to give anymore energy to react towards Doom Bringer’s actions.

Doom Bringer chuckled to himself and went about making himself cozier, yawning as he did so. His other half didn’t seem keen on leaving anytime soon, so maybe he could shut his eyes, catch a snooze and relax a bit.

“You’re more patient.”

Or so he thought. Lifting his head some, he blinked expectedly Dominator’s way, waiting for an explanation. “Huh?”

Dominator’s fingers typed along some floating hologram window before pushing it aside, catching the brawler’s gaze out of the corner of his eyes. “You are definitely more patient. In general,” and Dominator brought up a gloved hand to his chin, humming in thought, as if running through all the scenarios in which Doom Bringer displayed said new-found patience, then continued, “but also with me. With us.” His voice had lowered to something soft, almost tender, a smile threatening to burst from behind his gloved hand..

Ah, had Dominator been going down his own memory lane too while he was busy? He sat up, pushing himself up with an elbow, interested now, as he curled towards Dominator. “Ya? You think so?”

The scientist huffed under his breath for show, flicking some of his bangs out of the way of his eyes. “Don’t get me wrong. Your temper is still quite nasty,” Dominator ignored Doom Bringer’s cry of protest, “maybe even worse, honestly. But, you do a better job of reigning yourself in.”

Doom Bringer would not pout, but he did sit there, a large frown stretched across his face now. “I can’t tell if you were insulting me or complimenting me.” 

“Of course it’s a compliment.”

Doom Bringer wasn’t so sure about that, shrugging at Dominator's confirmation, “Thanks, I guess.” 

“And! Oh, and you certainly don’t blush as much—“

“I do not blush!” Oh, but now Doom Bringer was indignant. “Come off of it… !”

“—you weren’t the only one with a red face back then!” Dominator jabbed a finger at the now flushing Doom Bringer. “Look, even now. And you know it’s true.” He continued to point, poking his chest as if to further his point. Which, Doom Bringer was not going to stand for, but before he could defend his honor, Dominator gave pause, his sly smirk, easing into something more soft, into a look of adoration that made him pause as well. “And not just that, you know what else?”

Doom Bringer grunted at him in reply, not wanting to give him another easy opening to tease him.

“You know how to love me best,” and they were already so close, Dominator needed to only turn to press their foreheads together, and angle his head just so, to capture Doom Bringer’s lips briefly, and then he pulled back to continue, “even better now, too.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Doom Bringer was yanking him back in for another kiss, though not some simple peck that the scientist deemed satisfactory after saying that , but more firm, deeper, just deep enough that Dominator would feel everything, nothing short of his feelings of his love. And even when Dominator tried to escape, to catch his breath, Doom Bringer was insistent, miffed that Dominator would even try to part from him right now, catching his wrist and tugging him back in for yet another searing kiss. 

They stayed like that, Dominator allowing Doom Bringer to draw him back in over and over and Doom Bringer kissing, kissing, kissing Dominator until he was satisfied. Until Dominator knew how he felt. The hungry, deep kisses slowed into something lazy, chaste, dissolving into pecks, Doom Bringer moving from kissing his lips to littering said kisses everywhere on his face instead, as he loved to do, and eventually placing one final kiss to the top of his head. 

“You really just say things like that, huh. But it’s not just me, you too, you know.”

“I know,” Dominator breathed, lips red from Dominator’s advances. Content, he scooted closer, leaning his weight onto Doom Bringer’s shoulder.

A comfortable silence settled between them, no longer a need for words or an exchange of further touches, but enjoying the feeling of simply basking in one another’s presence. It was enough. The atmosphere almost lulled Dominator into a dazed state, still sleepy from waking so early with the brawler. And he would have probably continued like that, dozing off, had it not been for Doom Bringer making one of his thoughtful little sounds. It prompted Dominator to silently nudge him as if to ask him what was on his mind.

“... our first kisses.”

He heard Dominator hum lazily in reply, so Doom Bringer continued.

“Did you say you kissed me?”

There was more silence that shifted between them, but it was as if the previously peaceful moment they were embracing was starting to crack and shatter as Dominator sat more at attention, rigid, his eye twitching suddenly. Certainly not a premonition of something to come. The pause stretched until Dominator willed himself to answer, resisting a sigh. Cautiously he said, “yes?”

“Pretty sure it was me who kissed you ,” the brawler said immediately, almost cutting Dominator off.

“You did not.”

“Yes. Yes, I did.”

Dominator resisted the urge to rub at his temples, “You were quite incapacitated at the time. You could not move. I helped you sit up in the first place—”

“Ya, you helped me up, but then I kissed you—wah, ouch? Hey, what was that for?” Doom Bringer exclaimed loudly, rubbing his shoulder where Dominator had shoved him away none too gently while he got up. “Dominator! Hey, listen to me! Where are you even going?” 

“Paradox. He knows . He knows and he remembers, he was there watching after all.” Dominator kept up his pace until he was out of earshot.

Even still, Doom Bringer sagged back against the couch, throwing his head back groaning because of course Dominator had to prove himself right. No matter how wrong he was. Stubborn. And though Dominator was long out of sight by now, he still complained loudly, “Well, damn, tell him to join in next time or summin’ .” 

[addcests]

you’re beautiful [ao3]

pairing DBrDom

words 913

summary  There were some things Doom Bringer and Dominator couldn’t see eye to eye on. Mundane, ordinary things such as whether cake with frosting was too sweet, or if coffee best served black or with cream and sugar, or even something so simple but personalized as the taste of their clothes. Little trivial differences that Doom Bringer could overlook. Things one would agree to disagree about.

note inspired by dbreater (@ twitter)’s work (link here)! with permission to post! :> thank you for the lovely add comics!

There were some things Doom Bringer and Dominator couldn’t see eye to eye on. Mundane, ordinary things such as whether cake with frosting was too sweet, or if coffee best served black or with cream and sugar, or even something so simple but personalized as the taste of their clothes. Little trivial differences that Doom Bringer could overlook. Things one would agree to disagree about.

But there was always the touchy topic of their scar.

When Doom Bringer ripped his shackles off, a brilliant and defiant show of his unadulterated freedom that he obtained for himself, Dominator had looked at him with such disdain. They had even fought about it, at first. But this was one topic they’d refuse to let go. Both too stubborn to understand the other at the time.

“It’s an eyesore, Psyker. Maybe it looks good on you,” and there was an unsaid brute such as yourself that Dominator did not tack on as he continued, “but I won’t subject myself to something so imperfect. I look in the mirror and—it’s ugly.” And he would tug his turtleneck up, anything to hide the scar.

They’d argue so much after.

But with time, they would come to try to understand one another. They had to, to move forward from this.

But Dominator would of course still do all he could to hide the scar.

And Doom Bringer let him have that. After all, Dominator didn’t force him to change his stance on this and neither would he. Still, he couldn't help himself sometimes…

It was morning, and Doom Bringer was setting up the coffee for everyone, and for one particular caffeine fiend. He blinked the sleepiness from his eyes as he started the machine, opting for a glass of water himself. Leaning back against the counter, he took absentminded little sips and waited. 

Soon, Dominator waltzed in, flashing Doom Bringer a smile and greeting as he took a seat and went back to pouring over data on screens.

“Don’t bring your work to the table,” he muttered. “‘s rude, you know.”

“Yes dear,” Dominator mumbled back, distracted, not once taking his eyes away from the screens before him.

The brawler simply scoffed, shaking his head because he knew the other definitely didn’t hear him, head too wrapped around numbers and formulas as it were. He went about setting up the coffee just as Dominator liked, pulling out their matching mugs and then dumping excessive creamer in Dominator’s, and then followed up by way too much sugar. He made a face as the last sugar cube went in, wondering how Dominator could consume this much sugar and still taste any of the coffee. As he mindlessly counted the amount of sugar the scientist consumed daily, he walked back over, one cup for himself and one for Dominator in hand but stopped mid step to see Dominator was fiddling with the turtleneck.

It was a habit he had formed, Doom Bringer had noticed. He never meant anything by it, but it was subconscious in nature. 

Even so, it still bothered him.

Wordlessly, he resumed his pace to the table and sat the mugs down, eyes fixed on Dominator’s neck still. He quietly nudged Dominator’s mug to him.

“Oh, was it already ready? I could definitely use—hmm?” Dominator stopped, finally feeling Doom Bringer’s eyes on him, “Psyker?”

Upon hearing his name like that, he walked over, one hand on the table for support, and the other tugging Dominator gently by the cuff of his turtleneck, pulling the offending article down just enough so he could reach his goal. Once the scar was free, he laid his lips upon Dominator’s neck, almost reverent in nature with how terribly soft he kissed him there. Doom Bringer pulled back, but only just barely, eyes closed, then fixed Dominator with a look so full of emotion, he could feel it stir in his heart. “My love, you’re beautiful.”

Dominator’s eyebrows shot up and his eyes were wide, face already dusted light pink, blushing. “Psyker… ?” 

Again, Doom Bringer went back in, lips feather light, barely there as he kissed the spot again. 

Dominator gasped audibly, eyes flying shut again, “P-Psyk?”  Dominator was putty, head tipped back so the other man could have all the space he wanted. 

And at that invitation, the brawler didn’t pull back, he kissed all along the scar, from side to side and top to bottom. Then his kisses trailed about aimlessly, kissing wherever his lips deemed fit, any of Dominator’s skin was fair game. Doom Bringer continued worshiping the area, unable to help himself. How dare Dominator ever think any part of him was ugly. He would kiss him again and again and again until he knew just how beautiful he saw him.

“You are beautiful, Dominator” Doom Bringer said again, lips tracing the words this time along his neck. He was unsure of how long he stayed at Dominator’s neck like that. Minutes. Seconds. Finally. he drew back, but hardly space was left between them, and he rested his forehead against Dominator’s, fixing his eyes on Dominator’s heavy lidded ones. 

“Psyk,” Dominator whispered so softly, were it not for how close they were, he certainly would have missed it. He seemed at a loss, unsure of what to say next. So instead he smiled, as tender as Doom Bringer’s kisses across his skin, “Thank you.” And he leaned forward, slotting his lips against his.

And Doom Bringer met him halfway.

[addcests]

💜 read on twitter: here 💜 read on ao3: here 💜 fanart inspiration: here

dbr sheds his coat as he sits at a table, toying with a cup of now cold coffee he no longer wants. what--who he wants finally walks in and he leans back in the chair, relaxs, slouching. "hey there," dbr calls.

"hey yourself," dom replies, already nursing a cup of coffee.

he must be here for his xth refill dbr figures watching him take a sip.

finally, dom pulls the mug from his face and actually looks at dbr, making his way over. "oh? what's this?" his voice is colored lightly with amusement as he watches dbr.

dbr saunters his way over to him, with a lazy sort of swag in his step and leaves hardly any room between them.

"i know i've said you could stand to up your style, but i certainly hadn't meant it this way," dom still seems tickled, but doesn't engage with dbr either way.

dbr removes the mug from dom's hand wordlessly and then goes to play with dom's scarf he had stolen, resting on his neck.

"you could have simply asked instead, you know."

"hmm," dbr drawls out the hum, "now where does that sound familiar?"

"whatever are you talking about."

"i remember someone being unable to resist prancing around in some of my things too." dbr's grin turns knowing as he twists dom's scarf between his hand, using the end of it to lightly tap dom's arm, toying with it.

dom's masked veneer twitches at that, but he says nothing.

dbr just smirks, leaning in closer, as if taunting dom into action, his narrowing into teasing slits.

dom doesn't take the bait at first, instead, his hands wander up to dbr's shoulders, making as if to straighten the scarf properly.

and he does, his fingers follow the motion down the fabric's length, and once he reaches the end he grabs a fistful of it and then tugs, drawing dbr in closer with that absolutely infuriating smirk.

dbr says nothing, only letting dom do as he pleases. only tipping his head in a curious motion, eyes watching dom's every move like a hawk.

dom matches his gaze, staring him down, despite his outside calm disposition, he is irritated at dbr's little display & they both know it.

his fists tighten on its hold, the only thing giving away how dom truly feels. his eyes sweep over dbr again, from top to bottom before settling on dbr's taunting look. "annoying," is all dom says as he leans in.

dbr meets him halfway, still grinning, and closes their gap.

[addcests]

(But With You I Am Something More)

title (But With You I Am Something More) [ao3]

chapter chapter 1 [ao3]

pairing DBrDom

words 607

summary But with him, that weight din’t even matter.

Dominator sat on the very same couch they were on the other day, sans one Doom Bringer. This time, however, he was nursing his usual: a cup of coffee, ten sugars and cream, cold by now no doubt because he could no longer feel its warmth as he gripped the mug tighter in his hold.

For the past few days, he’d kept to himself. Had even gone out of his way to avoid Doom Bringer. And Dominator had to chuckle dryly at that, because so much for growing, letting go of old habits. His fingers trace the rim of the mug absentmindedly as he watched the disturbance cause ripples in the lightly colored liquid.

So much for growth.

He had struggled so much.

Dominator struggled when Psyker left him, left and never heard a peep from him.

Dominator struggled when he came back anew, as Doom Bringer, familiar and unfamiliar all at once.

Dominator—Mastermind—was a lot lost, felt a need to… do something. Anything. He needed to match Psyker—Doom Bringer. He felt the power surging from him, from the way he carried himself, to the way his voice boomed with quiet confidence. Dominator had wanted that too, for himself. So he sought it out, came back to Doom Bringer anew too.

To prove there were equals—that they were still equals.

Despite the mug being lukewarm at best, Dominator still, distractedly brought the mug to his lips taking a tentative sip before pulling away and staring at it with disgust.

But were they even equals? Dominator sure didn’t feel like it yesterday.

And what else had he called him?

“Amazing.”

Dominator snorted at his subconscious, deciding to helpfully supply the word, even recreating his voice down to the smooth, deep timbre he loved.

“Didja,” and then suddenly there were lips on his ears, breathing, husky, “hear what I said?”

The next thing Dominator knew, the cold cup of coffee was gone and was replaced with a fresh, steaming mug, but he could hardly pay that any mind, not when there was a lingering presence hovering over him, close and familiar and comforting and warm… One hand was helping him hold up the mug and the arm was gently slung around his chest, drawing him closer to that warmth he loved.

By the time he was finally able to process all that had happened in the short time of Doom Bringer enveloping him, and bringing him a fresh piping hot coffee, all Dominator could do was exhale a shaky breath, “Doom Bringer?”

“You’re not getting away from me this time.”

The scientist exhaled another shaky breath, not too much processing what he’d even said but too wrapped in the warmth and comfort that was Doom Bringer to even think of arguing or putting up any sort of resistance.

“Or any other time.”

In fact, there was no resistance, Dominator’s eyes fluttered closed and leaned back to meet his touch.

There was a rumbling pleased noise that Dominator recognized came from Doom Bringer’s chest.

Even with the weight of Doom Bringer on him, Dominator didn’t feel heavy, not anymore.

He felt so light, just like before.

“Doom Bringer,” Dominator’s voice was like a content sigh, so tender as he felt himself sinking into the warm embrace of his lover, particularly melting into the touch. “You make me feel so much…” He leaned back, desperate to meet his touch, welcomed it even. Gently, he nuzzled his nose against his cheek and leaned into him.

Maybe he felt as if he didn’t amount to anything, but with Doom Bringer he felt like he could always be something more.

[emptywires]

Your absence.

Pairing: LPMM / DBrDom

Genre: Hurt/Comfort 

Rating: T (Language)

Word count: 8179

Summary: After the battle in the Eltower against Hennon, Psyker left Mastermind side without leaving a trace. Mastermind tries to find him but the more time passes he realizes that maybe his effort is in vain.

“Mastermind!” A voice screamed his name. Mastermind knew he had to move, to escape from the laser’s reach Hennon – if that creature could still be called Hennon – just shoot to his direction. The scientist was frozen on his spot and even if he could move his dynamos laid broken on the floor.

“Mastermind!”

Again, that voice called him. Fear covered every inch of his body, Mastermind could only close his eyes as he braced from the impact.

Mastermind jumped on his spot on his bed, his breathing was fast and agitated. After looking around to make sure he was save in his bedroom, he laid on his bed and tried to fall asleep. Tears fallen against his will from his eyes as he hugged a pillow as tight as he could.

It was the same dream – well memory – that haunted him every night. He tried to calm his breathing and his beating heart but as more as he tried to ignore that memory the more felt his heart clench painfully.

-

The sound of the alarm Mastermind set last night resonate in the room. The scientist groaned and turned off the alarm by pressing behind Apocalypse’s ears. Today he would meet with the El’s search party to go to a cave in the outskirts of Elrianode.

Yesterday they talked to Ventus about a cave that he found while he walked around the city, something about "a place that was used for training before the explosion of the El" which caught the attention of Elsword who decided it was a good idea investigate the cave.

Mastermind couldn't care less about that damned cave but since he had nothing else to do –Aside from his research–, he decided to go with them; he didn’t care to hear the comments of Ain or Aisha, much less the screams of Lu or Ara, while he was distracted he didn’t care about his teammates.

-

“We finally arrived.” The Elemental Master announced. They all stopped at the entrance.

“Is this the Elrian Sanctum?” Elsword asked. “It’s quite dark inside.” Ara peaked inside the cave. “Don’t worry, Elsword and I can use our swords to light up bit.” Elesis answered as her sword lighted up.

“Don’t forget about me Ms. Knight Captain.” Ain commanded some eids to turn Rein. “Be careful. I feel Henir energy inside.”

Elsword nodded. “Let’s stay together.” He lighted up his sword. “Let’s go.”

Mastermind huffed and opened a few holograms to light his way. There was no way he would rely in them to guide the way.

After everyone got ready they entered the cave.

-

As they made their way inside the cave Henir creatures appeared, some of them where like the ones they defeated in the Water Dragon Sanctum and some were new to them; the new ones were harder to defeat.

"Who said that?" Chung asked as he turned his head looking for someone. “No one has said a thing.” Answered Mastermind with a confused look.

“I swear I heard someone talking to me, I don’t think it was my guardian stone.” The paladin decided to stay alert.

“I don’t think it was a good idea to come here…” Erbluhen mumbled as he seemed troubled and thoughtful. “Is everything alright Ain?” Aisha asked. “Is nothing Ms. Magician, Let’s just get out of here soon.” Ain wavered his hand.

“I have got some strange readings since we entered this cave, they worsen as we step further.” Eve decided to summon Ophelia.

“It must be the Henir energy, let’s be more caref- “Elesis was interrupted as more Henir creatures appeared in front of them.

“What ends the path of redemption?” a strange voice resonated inside the cave; it sounded like several voices in one.

“Everyone, stay alert!” Elsword screamed. “Tsk” Mastermind mumbled under his breath as he activated Skyfall, not so far away from him he saw Chung running to other direction. “Mr. Chung!” Ara screamed as she followed him.

“Ara wait! We must stay-” Rena tried to stop Sakra Devanam but a creature got in her way. “Gungnir!” with a quick move of her hand she shot an arrow to the sky and spears fell from the sky.

“Can you shut up?” Lu screamed at anyone as she fought the creatures. “I know I must take my throne but this is not the right time to talk about it!” Ciel looked her confused. “Lu, who are you talking to?”

Lu summoned Apollyon who smashed the creatures with its fist. “To that voice! It is talking to me!” Ciel looked more confused. “You can hear it too?” Lu nodded. “I didn’t hear what Chung said but since the one who summoned the creatures talked another one has been talking to me.”

“Big sis! Where are you going?” Elsword shouted, Elesis dashed between the Henir creatures. “I hear the voice coming from this way, follow me.” “But we must stay together!” Elesis didn’t hear Elsword and disappeared in the distance.

“What was that just now? Was it Henir's Order?” Aisha created a giant summoning circle to fire numerous ice shards, the ice shards pierced through enemies. “No. It's a bit different. It seems like a life form.” Eve opened a dimensional gate summoning Ferdinand and Oberon to support Ophelia; the three Nasod Servants making a quick job of the creatures around Empress.

“What are you doing, Mastermind?” The scientist heard a voice behind him, when he looked back he did not find anyone. “Don’t tell me you feel affection for your teammates, kuhuhu.” The voice talked again, this time it seemed that it was coming from the road in front of Mastermind.

Mastermind annoyed by the voice followed it. He had to get rid of the creatures that blocked his way but he didn’t mind; he just wanted to know who was that voice.

“Add, where are you going?” The Blade Master shouted to him while he pierced a creature with his sword, the scientist didn’t answer and continued his way.  

“Do you have what it takes?” The voice talked again. Mastermind huffed and activated Ultimate Fury. He dashed between the creatures screaming in pain as he followed the voice.

“Tell me Mastermind, what are you looking for?” The voice chuckled. “Well, who are you looking for?” Mastermind froze in his spot. After he looked around making sure he was standing alone in that part of the cave he walked following the voice’s direction.

A few steps further he saw a white figure, it somehow resembled his own image.

“Don’t tell me you are looking for that damned berserker. He left you didn’t he?” The figure talked as he stood up from some cubes that fell at its sides, Mastermind stepped back. “What are you?” He heard himself mumble.

“What am I? I think the right question is what are you Mastermind.” The figure smiled. “Look at you. You are nothing without that idiot.” Mastermind closed his fists with anger.

“You even failed to go back to your past. Did you finally realize it’s impossible? Shame on you. All your time wasted.” The figure continued talking.

“…Shut up.” Mastermind shivered in anger.

“Oh? You knew so well it was meaningless didn’t you? You also knew that something was in Psyker’s head but you tried to ignore it.”

“Shut up.” Mastermind mumbled again.

“He knew you are weak, that’s why he left you. You became a burden for him; look at you, you are nothing.”

“Shut up!” Mastermind snapped and shoot Panzer Buster to the figure, it’s cubes got the impact and returned back to its master’s side. The scientist froze in his spot.

“Kuhuhu, come on, Mastermind. You can be more than this.” Mastermind got surprised by the figure’s words. “You have all the possibilities to do what you want. You have all the data you need and if you don´t well…” the figure chuckled. “…You can always research don’t you?”

Mastermind calmed himself. “What can I do?” He asked, the figure chuckled again and sat on its cubes.

“You tell me.”  

Mastermind glared at it.

“Don’t get me wrong Masi.” The figure raised it arms as surrender. “I can only tell you one thing: Forget him, he is the reason why you are holding back.”

Mastermind felt his heart clench. He lowered his gaze. “What if I don’t want to forget him?” he mumbled.

The figure sighed and stood again. “It’s up to you. Come back here when you have your answer.” After that the figure disappeared. The wall behind where the figure was standing shattered and showed a clear path that led to the entrance.

Mastermind stepped out of the cave to find the El’s search party outside. The way back to the El tower was silent as everyone looked full of thoughts.

-

When Mastermind returned back home –well, the one he had in Elrianode– he made himself dinner; just a simple sandwich with a cup of tea. While he looked for the tea bags he found the cup Psyker used to drink coffee; a simple black cup with white outline of ears and whiskers of a cat. It was a gift the scientist made for him on his lab.

Psyker at first made fun of him because “Really? A cat?” was what he said when Mastermind gave it to him followed by his laughter and a hug. “I love it. thank you.” Psyker mumbled on his ear before giving a soft kiss to the scientist cheek, from the corner of his eye he saw Mastermind shifting something with his hands behind his back, the scientist cleared his throat and the berserker leaned back.

“Well, I made other one. Y-you know so we can m-match?” The scientist studded as he showed a white cup with the same print but with black outline. Psyker gave a heartwarming smile to Mastermind as he leaned to kiss him. After he broke the kiss he took both cups. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s use them!” Psyker turned on the coffee machine and Mastermind decided to take out the remains of the cake they bought a day before.

Mastermind smiled to himself as he looked at the black cup. He took it and drank his tea on it. After he washed the dishes –A task he used to fight with his partner to decide who washed them and sometimes, if both of them agreed, wash them together–, he took a shower before going to sleep.

After taking a shower Mastermind brushed his hair as always. It hurt him to think that back when Psyker was still with him he would brush it for him, always making comments of ‘how much he loved his hair’, taking extra care of it and most of the time he would even kiss his white locks.

That was one of the reasons why Mastermind cared so much for his hair but now that the berserker was gone all he could do was brush it to get rid of the knocks on it, no paying attention if it seemed pale or if it had split ends.

Mastermind passed by Psyker’s room when an idea came to his mind and decided to sleep in his room. After laying in the bed and making himself comfortable he took some blueprints that laid on the bedside table –something about a battery to improve the performance of his dynamos– Mastermind chuckled from time to time as he read his lover’s notes in the blueprint and noticed the coffee marks in the blueprints. He fell asleep reading them.

-

The weeks became months and Mastermind still could not find any clue to Psyker's whereabouts. Mastermind tried his best to ignore the emptiness he felt but it grew worse over time.

Psyker did leave a note to him. It was next to him on the scientist bed, right were where he used to sleep with the scientist. He promised he would come back to his side, that he just needed to do something for their sake, to grew stronger. He didn’t specify how long he would be apart but Mastermind waited every day, patiently… now he felt fooled and anxious about it, patience was long gone.

‘What if he got himself in trouble? It’s dangerous to be alone in Elrianode. It’s full of Henir creatures!’

‘What if he got injured and he didn’t make it out alive?’

‘What if he got tired of always protecting him?’

‘Did he leave because he was weak?’

‘Did he leave because he got tired of Mastermind always talking about his research?’

‘Did he found someone else?’

‘Why did he leave him alone?’

Alone. He was left alone and there was nothing to do about it…

It hurt him; it hurt him how he felt about the word alone.

The first weeks were easier to handle since he had high hopes of Psyker returning at any day and he had the El’s search party to get him distracted from his loneliness but since they stopped meeting it grew harder to distract his mind of those thoughts that haunted him every day.  

The El search party didn’t even meet to talk like they used to; Elsword was too busy training, Aisha was researching in Elrianode old books something about “Aether”, Rena received some “Spirit stone” for the spirit world, Raven was working on his Nasod Arm –he used to get help from Mastermind, but last time he saw the Blade Master and offered his help he declined the offer and said something about “I must do this.”– Eve was busy with her servants, Chung was training with his Guardian Stone, Ara training with Eun, Last time he talked with Elesis she was talking nonsense about ‘charisma’ and ‘morale’, The demonic duo were defeating Henir creatures alone and Ain passed his days inside the El tower.

The only thing that kept Mastermind distracted was his research. It nagged in the back of his mind what the figure inside the Elrian Sanctum told him and somehow he wanted to know what was figure talking about.

Before, when he took days locked up in his lab with his research, Psyker used to send him messages constantly asking him about his advances – although he could not understand some things about them –, about whether he had slept the previous nights and about whether he needed him to bring him something to eat at his lab.

Other times Psyker would knock his door later at night when he saw light coming under his door to tell him to go to sleep, and if Mastermind was in a very good mod he would let the brawler in and they slept together.  

Mastermind thought that Psyker was too overprotective and childish but at the same time he liked the feeling of someone caring about him. The thought of Psyker always waiting for him outside of his lab patiently made his heart feel warm and motivate him to finish as soon as he could his research or to take breaks to spend them with the berserker, even if they only had coffee and a small talk it was enough for the scientist; just seeing the smile of his lover made him feel that it was the place where he wanted to be; next to Psyker that always made him feel loved.

Now, it was just he and his research. Mastermind tried to fool himself thinking ‘I don’t care; I can finally research freely.’ And he did make a great advance. Mastermind felt proud of himself but that didn’t fill the emptiness inside of him.

What was the meaning of making a great advance if he had no one to talk about it? Mastermind couldn’t answer that question.

-

One day late at night the scientist took a bath. He filled the bathtub with warm water in hopes to relax his body. He had spent days locked in his lab sleeping for short periods leaning on his desk using his forearms as pillows.

Every part of his body cried tiredness and Mastermind just wanted to rest in his bed after the bath. When the bathtub was filled almost to the top the scientist closed the tap, got undressed and slipped into the tub. He could feel his body relax and his mind clear little by little.

After some minutes enjoying the warm if the water, Mastermind took the soap and rubbed it on his body enjoying the sweet strawberry aroma coming from the soap.

When his body was clean he opened the bottle of shampoo with the same strawberry smell and poured a generous amount into his hands. He rubbed his hands in his long hair enjoying the massage.

It had been so long since Mastermind had taken a bath this relaxing and he wished he could have the luxury of having them more often.

In the back of his mind he remembered that the last time he took a bath like this was with Psyker. Mastermind smiled and after rinsed his hair. "Hmm, if you were here I would have let you wash my hair." the scientist gave a slight laugh and took a handful of bubbles that were on the surface of the water. "Tell me. When are you going back?" He blew the bubbles to the direction where the brawler would be in front of him.

"You are an idiot you know?" Mastermind gave a small laugh as he laid his head on the tub. "But you know..." the scientist closed his eyes.

"You are my idiot."

-

Mastermind was walking around the Eltower. The sun was setting and its orange rays adorned the horizon. The scientist felt calm despite not knowing anything about his loved for more than eleven months. His long white locks, his coat that hung from his shoulders and violet scarf danced together with the air.

He had not changed the way he dressed since he stopped calling himself ‘Arc Tracer’ and the clothes he wore now kept him warm from the low temperatures in Elrianode – this being one of the reasons why he had changed his clothes – his dark purple turtle neck sweater kept him warm with the help of the white jacket he wore.

“Add!”

He was walking with his eyes closed humming a tune when he heard his name being called.

“Lu, wait for me!”

Mastermind heard another voice approaching him.

“Mastermind! Wait, we found something!” Lu insisted as she got close to Mastermind. The scientist opened his eyes and turned to face the demon duo.

“What is it Chiliarch?” the scientist asked as Lu tried to catch her breath.

“Look.” Lu panted as she opened her fist. Mastermind’s eyes widened and tried to cover a gasp with his hands.

“It was on the outskirts of Elrianode City.” Ciel finally catch up and tried to explain. Mastermind with shaky hands grabbed the item Lu had on her hand; it was Psyker’s choker.

The memories of what they got through in Elrianode City came back to Mastermind.

“Can you show me where you found this?” Mastermind spoke softly, fear covered all his features.

“We will lead the way.” Lu answered and Ciel nodded. The three walked towards the place.

-

“We were looking for some Henir creatures in this place. You know, since we left some creatures alive last time we were here after Raven told us he founded the one opening the portal to the creatures.” Lu talked as she leaded the way.  “we thought they may be lurking around.”

“Yes, I myself left some when Ara came looking for us.” Mastermind nodded. Now that he paid attention to the demonic duo he noticed Lu had her hair grabbed in a ponytail and her horns had grown. On the other hand, Ciel’s Hair was completely white and he had some hairpins on his bangs that Lu used to wear.

“Here It is.” Lu stopped, Ciel knelt next to Lu to inspect the dust. Mastermind could only stare with wide eyes the sight.

“Lu smelled a strange scent when we were walking around here.” Ciel explained. “When we saw this we decided to take a look to get a clue of what happened here.”

It wasn’t a pretty sight; There were broken trees, the ground seemed to be burned and Mastermind could confirm this when he knelt and the burned odor made his stomach turn. There were tear marks on the trunks that laid on the ground and parts of Henir's creatures were scattered everywhere. It was obvious that a fight had happened in that place.

“Lusa…” Mastermind mumbled to himself.

“I’m sorry Add.” Lu spoke softly. She got near to the scientist to pat his back.

“I don’t want to think the worst but I had never seen Psyker without his choker.” Ciel stood up and crossed his arms. “I’m sorry Mastermind.”

“…Can you give me some time alone?” Mastermind voice was lower than a whisper. Lu nodded and patted his back again. “Do you know the way back?” Lu ask worried about his friend.

The scientist nodded, a sniff followed his answer.

“We will be in the ruins of Elrianode City if you need us. This area is clear of creatures now so don’t worry about it.” Dreadlord passed a hand on his hair as he leaved the scientist alone, Chiliarch following him.

When the duo disappeared in the distance Mastermind sighed before standing up. He hated the scene. All his fears were in front of him and as much as he wanted to ignore them he couldn’t think of anything else.

He walked around trying to find any clue of what happened, the rotting smell coming from the dead Henir’s beasts covered the place when the scientist moved them to see if they weren’t over a clue. he did his best to not puke.  

As much as Mastermind wanted this to be one of those nightmares he had every night he couldn’t face the fact that he was there, in front of what could be the remains of his lover’s last fight.

Mastermind couldn’t find anything in that area besides the choker Lu and Ciel gave to him. He was about to return to the Eltower when he stumbled with something. The scientist fought to keep his balance. After recovering his balance, he turned to saw with what he stumbled and froze on his spot.

The remains of one of Psyker’s dynamos laid on the floor; broken with dusted marks, Mastermind felt tears roll on his cheeks.

When he bended down to take the weapon from the ground he saw it had dried blue blood on it –Probably from the Henir creatures – and that it seemed to be shattered due an impact. After taking the weapon on his hands he saw another dynamo not so far from the first one. This one was shattered but with some burnt marks.

At this point Mastermind only thought the worse and slammed his fist on the ground, tears kept falling from his eyes, his voice was weak and it broke when he finally spoke.

“Why? Why you did this?” He couldn’t calm himself, he wanted his lover back, why did it had to end like this? Why him?

“Why you didn’t ask me to come with you? Was I too weak?” Mastermind sniffed.

“I was a burden, right?” Mastermind smiled between tears. “It’s my fault, isn’t it?” The scientist cleaned the tears in his cheeks with his forearm but more tears felt from his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Psyker.” Mastermind whispered as he stuck his forehead to the ground. “It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

Mastermind stayed like that till he stopped crying.

After taking all the remains of his lover’s weapons he took a look at the sky; It was dark without its stars and there was no trace of the moon. It was empty, just like him.

When he arrived home, he left the broken dynamos on Psyker’s desk and slept on that room. He hugged his lover’s covers as tights as he could to try to get some sleep.

He couldn’t sleep that night.

-

It has been a whole Month since Mastermind discovered the remains of Psyker’s weapons. He kept himself locked at home since then.

Several times Rena, Raven and Ain went to his house.

Rena used to take him tea and coffee and comforted him when he cried in front of her.

Raven tried to encourage him and was careful with the feelings of the scientist. He understood Mastermind’s situation since he had already gone through a similar situation.

Ain invited him to take walks around the Eltower and curiously Mastermind accepted even through the two walked in silence. Ain used to try to talk with him and to convince him that maybe his loved was still alive and that he prayed to the goddess Ishmael for Psyker’s safety.

Mastermind at this point didn’t know if there was really a Goddess who looked for others.

One night after he took a shower he was about to brush his hair when he paid attention to his reflection; He had dark eye bags under his eyes and his skin was paler than it used to be. Mastermind hated his reflection but what he hated most was seeing his hair, his long, neglected hair.

Again, the memories of Psyker returned to his mind, his head hurt as well as his heart.

"Stop..." he heard himself whisper as he covered his face with his hands, he didn’t want to cry but his body refused to obey him.

The memory of Psyker kissing his hair returned to torture him.

"Stop." He spoke louder and gritted his teeth.

It was useless, his brain was against him and he remembered how Psyker played with his hair when the two of them were lying together in bed, when the scientist could hear the brawler’s heart beating in his chest.

"Stop!" Mastermind shouted and threw the brush on the floor.

He was tired; tired of crying, tired of himself and tired of being weak.

“Forget him…” Mastermind eyes widened. “He is the reason why you are holding back.” The voice resonated in his mind.

“Shut up.” The scientist gritted his teeth again. He opened a drawler next to the sink and took a scissors. Without thinking he took strands of hair and cut them out; the long locks of hair fell to the floor and piled up as Mastermind cut his hair.

After more than an hour Mastermind looked at himself in the mirror; the hair that tormented him and brought back bad memories to him was gone. He could see another person in his reflection, one with more authority.

Mastermind sighed and picked up the mess of what was once his hair, he put it in the paper bags in which Rena used to take him tea and throw the bags on the trash. While he was in the kitchen he turned on the coffee machine and made himself a coffee, with a wave of his hand he called his dynamos.

"Delete the Mastermind code, it's a waste of time."

His dynamos followed his orders and beeped when the order was finished.

"Open the file "Virtual Reality" and the model “2.42.72” on the main computer. Make sure to prepare the printer." the scientist took a sip of his coffee.

"It is time for a change."

-

Mastermind laughed hysterically. “Finally! After weeks of endless research and development, let’s try this out. Distortion Zone!” He typed a commands on his holograms before shutting them and releasing a cube of energy in front of him. Mastermind got surrounded by a cube of holograms that projected figures inside of it.

Mastermind laughed again and he commanded the holograms to project a figure of his mom. She was sitting under a tree while reading a book, when Mastermind approached her his mother looked him in the eyes and smiled as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

Mastermind smiled and bent down to hug his mother. “Oh, I miss you so much mother.” With a gesture of his hand the figure of his mother disappeared.

“Don’t think I have forgotten you.” A hologram of Psyker appeared in front of the scientist and caressed his check. Mastermind leaned to the touch and hugged the waist of the hologram. “You left me in the worst of times.” Mastermind leaned to kiss the figure but all the holograms around him disappeared and has left alone in his lab. The scientist laughed. He felt alive again and powerful, like if he could conquer the world and destroy it if he wanted. He was now the ruler of his own world.

“Excellent! this is how my world of perfection is formed.” Mastermind commanded his cubic dynamos to collect the data of the experiment. “Let’s work on the improvements to increase the time of virtual reality next time.”

“Yes master.” His dynamos responded in a robotic voice. He smiled again and sat in his desk chair. He was slipping his eyes closed when he remembered he had to save his progress. The computer asked him how he wanted to call his new code and the scientist had to stop there for a second; If the ‘Mastermind’ code no longer existed that meant that he had to take another nickname, one that fitted his new personality and his new abilities. One that reflected what he really was. The scientist chuckled, he typed the name and saved his data.

"System..."

The scientist closed his eyes and laid his arms behind his head. The computer beeped affirming it had listened to its master.

"Call me Dominator." The scientist laughed.

-

Dominator stepped inside the Elrian Sanctum. He had a bone to pick with the Henir creatures and he wanted to burn alive with Ultimate Fury that damned figure that cursed his life.

His way through the cave was easier than the first time and he got rid of all the creatures that made the mistake to cross his way. In the middle of the cave he heard the voice again.

“Oh, you are here again?” the voice resounded. Dominator smiled and followed the voice without hesitation, in no time he has standing in front of the figure again.

“You’re late.” The figure spoke, irritation in his tone.

“Isn’t that unfortunate?” Dominator teased.

“You are a failure. You can’t even hope to redeem yourself. Kuhuhu…” The figure laughed, Dominator was alert for any incoming attack.

“But no need to feel shame. This is your chance to create your perfect future. Of course, if you can survive this!” The figure commanded his weapons to attack. “Apocalypse!”

Dominator’s eye widened when he recognized the attack aimed to him. He dodged the laser without problems but he was taken by surprise when the drone exploded. The scientist took the damage of the explosion and a thick layer of smoke covered his vision.

The figure chuckled. He was about to disappear when it saw a figure through the smoke.

“Ku...Kuhahahaha! You're not even trying, are you? Watch and learn! With these hands... I will no longer be stuck on the past, and create my perfect future!” Dominator laughed as he typed commands on his holograms, after he shut them he released the energy cube trapping the figure inside the holograms giving it a wave of electricity. The figure cried in pain and fell to the ground. “...Still on about that? Well-” the figure coughed.  “that's to be expected, I guess.” The figure snapped his fingers and Dominator’s vision was blinded for a second. After the light disappeared the figure was no longer in front of him. Dominator scoffed and turned around ready to leave the cave.

While he was trying to get out of the cave Dominator got lost since all the paths looked the same.  He did his best to find the exit but the more he walked the more he found Henir creatures. Dominator saw light coming from a path and decided to follow it. When he stepped inside that part he realized that the light did not come from outside, but came from a huge creature.

The creature looked like as if it were made of just purple bandages and crystal with one eye in the center. The chrysalis saw Dominator from the corner of his eye and throw one of his bandages his direction. The scientist dodged the attack and shoot panzer buster, the beast wasn’t bothered by that.

“Tsk.” Dominator mumbled, he changed installations and aimed Starfall followed by Shooting chaser to the creature, again It didn’t even move. Just when Dominator was about to fire Panzer Buster to the creature it moved.

The creature started to absorb El energy and Dominator had a bad feeling about it so he constantly attacked the creature till it stopped. The scientist cherished his victory but that soon changed when the creature melted on the ground, a huge shadow followed him and the scientist didn’t want to know what was the creature planning so he levitated with his dynamos far away from the ground. As soon as the shadow was below the scientist it summoned its bandages twisted and aimed to hit Dominator.

Dominator evade this attack without a problem and waited for the creature to appear again.

When the chrysalis appeared it stared to absorb El energy again. Dominator already knowing of what this creature was capable of decided to attack the creature till it stopped.

Just when Dominator thought he already won this the chrysalis summoned a piece of crystal and hit the scientist and making him stop his attacks. Dominator hissed in the pain; the crystal didn’t make any damage to his body but it still hurt.

The scientist forgot about the creature and as soon as the chrysalis gathered all the El energy it needed it released It summoning more crystals aiming to Dominator who couldn’t dodge neither block any of the attacks.

After the sudden attack the creature melted again on the ground, this time Dominator had no time to levitate over the shadow so he waited and looked for a spot where the shadow didn’t reach.

When the shadow stopped moving Dominator dashed to the spot he founded dodging the bandages just my mere inches and felt to the ground.

Again, the creature appeared from the ground. Dominator could barely move but he didn’t want to give a chance to the chrysalis to attack him again.

“Distortion-” Dominator tried to aim his attack but he coughed during the command.

He tried again.

“Distor-”

“Burst Plasma!”

Another voice screamed. Dominator saw a black coat cover his view and six weapons release plasma around the chrysalis as circular holograms appeared between the figure wearing the coat and the Henir creature; Dominator recognized the holograms and gasped.

The figure charged his right fist with plasma as he waited to his weapons to release enough plasma. Dominator heard a mechanical sound and saw how the figure punched and released all the plasma in one shot; the chrysalis cried in pain.

“Oh, that’s not all. Psychic Storm!” The figure released a plasma storm around the creature.

The attack range was bigger than what Dominator remembered.

The creature stared gathering energy again. “None of that, I will reduce you to mere particles before you can release that energy.” The brawler laughed. “Conqueror!” The figure fired a huge energy blast and stared punching the creature relentlessly. Dominator stood up.

“Apocalypse!” Dominator commanded as he typed on his holograms. After shutting the holograms lots of purple cubes gathered and formed a weapon that constantly shoot lasers to the creature. Dominator didn’t stop there and stared shooting panzer buster and changing installations to attack the chrysalis.

A few punches more from the berserker and lasers from Apocalypse made the creature to cry in pain and fell on the ground. Its eye disappeared followed by his body.

“We did it!” The brawler exclaimed. Dominator stood there watching the familiar person; He wore a black coat around his shoulders just like Dominator wear it, a jacket that showed his forearms, under it, a torn T-shirt that revealed a black tank top that adjusted to his body, black gloves, black torn pants with two belts and three chains on the back, metal accessory adorned his left calf.

He looked just like Psyker aside from his hair that covered his unscarred eye and the black marks on his chest and his forearms.

“Heh, you look like if you have seen a ghost.” The brawler teased and grinned. Dominator didn’t respond. He thought he was never going to hear that voice again. He couldn’t believe his eyes neither his ears and was afraid he was dreaming.

“…Psyker?” The scientist asked, the brawler smile softened and nodded.

“Sorry I leave without a trace.” Those words, those words the scientist thought he was never going to hear were enough to make Dominator cry.

“Hey come on Masi.” The brawler approached the scientist. He took his wrists with one hand as he kissed his tears and caressed the scientist's hair with his other hand. “I-I looked for you everywhere!” Dominator sniffed. “And when I found your choker and your broken dynamos I thought – I thought…” Psyker hugged the scientist tightly. “I’m here Masi. I will not leave your side.” He gave a peck to Dominator’s temple. “Never again, Never.”

The scientist let out more tears as he returned the hug to his lover. He felt save Psyker’s arms, oh he missed his touch, his warm, his scent, his everything. He wanted to embrace his lover for more time but his body ached and he needed to treat his wounds.

“I need to get out of here.” Dominator cleaned his tears and gave a weak smile to Psyker. “My everything hurts.” Psyker smiled, Dominator saw the tears in his lover’s eyes.

“Of course you do dummy. What were you thinking when you decided to fight an Henir boss all by your own?” Psyker asked as they walked their way out of the cave.

“Excuse me? I just came to talk with a strange figure” Dominator pouted. “I never knew that thing was here.”

“Wait…” Psyker turned to see Dominator. “A white figure talked to you?” He asked. Dominator gave him a confused look. “Yes, it was annoying. Why you ask?” Psyker blinked. “…It’s nothing.” He scratched the back of his neck.

“… How did you find me?” Dominator asked, Psyker shrug his shoulders as he gave a nervous smile.

“I- uh, was walking by the cave when I found the dead bodies of some Henir creatures.” Psyker looked anywhere but the scientist eyes a clear sign that he was lying.

“I heard your voice giving commands to your drones but at first I thought my mind was playing games so I decided to take a look.” The berserker scratched the back of his neck. “I followed the trail of dead Henir bodies you left and well…” his voice became serious. “When I saw you on the ground, I knew I had to do something.”

“So you were following me?” Dominator asked. He didn’t believe Psyker found him just because he passed by the cave.

“Wha- Noono!” Psyker exclaimed and waved his hands. “I-Look. I was fighting some creatures myself too. There I said the true but I really heard your voice after I ended with them and so I looked for you.”

“Then why you didn’t say the true since the begging?” Dominator was still not convinced by Psyker’s words.

“Look, I have my reasons.” Psyker pouted. Dominator laughed at his lover’s childish attitude. Psyker rolled his eyes and decided to change the subject.

“So, you cut your hair? no that I’m complaining, you look good.” Psyker asked. Dominator blushed. “Y-yeah, it grew and It became bothersome. Besides, there was no one to help me brush it.” Psyker chuckled. “Aww, don’t worry. I will make sure to brush it from on.”

“What about you? What with your long hair?” Dominator asked. “What? You are not going to tell me I look good? Geez that’s rude.” Psyker pouted again. “I just was very focused on something and I forgot to cut it out. I decided to roll with it and well here I am with this long bangs.” Psyker blew air to his fringe.

“Well, it suits you.” Dominator mumbled. “Thanks, Masi.” Psyker smiled. Dominator responded the smile with one of his own. “You know, I changed my nickname while you were gone.” The scientist lowered his gaze. “I’m Dominator now. Mastermind sounded too weak for my likening.”

Psyker blinked a few times. “Well, I did change my nickname too.” Dominator turned to face the berserker. “I’m Doom Bringer, Lunatic Psyker sounded to ‘edgy’ for me.” Dominator laughed. “Well, you are now wearing almost all black and you have a long fringe. You look more ‘edgy’ now.”

“Hey! I didn’t laugh about your name!” Dominator laughed again, Bringer cheeks turned red. “Cut it out!”

“Sorry, sorry. It just…” Dominator lowered his gaze again. “I missed this.” The berserker stared at his lover.

“… Look, I’m really sorry about what I did.” Bringer sighed. “You see this marks?” The berserker uncovered one of his gloved hands reveling the back of it with more black marks. Dominator hummed as telling Bringer to continue his explanation as he passed his fingers on the marks.

“Well, these are scars from where I fussed with my Nasod Armor.” Dominator froze at Bringer’s words. Confusion covered the scientist features and his mouth dropped. Now that Bringer talked about it, if he paid close attention to Bringer's marks, he could see that the skin around the marks were purplish.

“…Why?” Dominator mumbled as he run his fingers over the scars; slowly and afraid of hurting the damaged skin.  

“…I had to do this. I was too weak and I couldn’t afford to lose you.” Bringer brought Dominator’s hand to his face. He rubbed the back of his hand with his own cheek before bringing it to his lips to kiss it. There were tears on the brawler’s eyes and Dominator could feel tears already rolling down his cheeks.

“I-I knew you wouldn’t had let me do this. That's why I left without saying anything but… that has been my worst mistake.” Bringer mumbled between tears as he kissed again the scientist’s hand.

“It hurt and the chances of success were small. I put my life at risk fussing myself with my Nasod armor but it was worth it because now I can protect you more than I could have done before.” Bringer looked up to see Dominator in the eyes. “I love you and you know I would give my life for you.”

Dominator sniffed. “You don’t have to do that.” He took both of Bringer’s hands. “Don’t give your life for me, just… live for me. Stay with me please.” Dominator cried and released Bringer's hands to wipe his eyes. The berserker hugged the scientist.

“I will, I-I promise.” The brawler mumbled close to his lover’s ears as he caressed his back. They stood like that for a couple of minutes.

“S-sorry, I’m such a crybaby…” Dominator leaned back and wiped his tears. Bringer chuckled. “Then ‘we’ are crybabies.” He kissed the top of Dominator’s head. “Fuck, I had never cried this much in my life.” He sniffed. “Please don’t tell anyone, that would ruin my badass reputation.”

Dominator chuckled. “Only of you don’t tell anyone about this. It will ruin my cold and smartass reputation.” Both of them laughed.

“It’s a deal then.” Bringer hummed and took Dominator’s left hand. “Let’s get out of here. Shall we?” Dominator nodded. “If I’m with you then it’s fine by me.” Bringer blushed. “Don’t tell me that! You are injured? Nuh-uh none of that. We are going home and if I have to carry you in my arms I will do it.”

Dominator laughed. “Oh, please do so. My everything hur- Wait! Stop!” Without heisting, Bringer carried Dominator in his arms and kissed everywhere he could. “Stop! Put me down, I was joking! I can walk by my own.” Dominator tried to break free from his lover’s embrace. Bringer laughed and let Dominator walk again.

The scientist settled his coat and scarf. When he turned to glare at his lover Bringer extended his hand. Dominator blushed and took the hand as they exited the cave.

When the two exited the cave the sky was dark. Both walked together holding hands without knowing that someone saw them from above the cave. It was the figure that fought against Dominator. He was sitting on his dynamos while looking at the couple.

"So they finally met again?" Another white figure that resembled Bringer approached the figure of Dominator.

"Yes, I thought they would fight when they met ..." The figure's eyes narrowed. "It was not what I expected."

"Well, what did you expect? It's us anyway." The other figure blows air to his fringe. "Now what?"

"Our purpose ends here, there's nothing else we can do." The figure of Dominator stood up from his dynamos, approached the figure of Bringer and caressed his cheek.

"Oh come on, don’t be so emotional about it." The figure of Bringer murmured and kissed the lips of his beloved. "They're going to be fine, it's us you're talking about."

The figure of Dominator laughed. "Yes, I think we have that in common." He kissed his beloved again and took his hand. "Shall we get going?"

"If you are by my side then till the end of the world."

Both figures rested their foreheads together and disappeared leaving a trail of white glitters.

-

After both arrived home, Dominator decided to prepare dinner while Bringer took a bath. When the berserker exited the bathroom he saw the scientist already serving dinner; Macaroni with cheese and tea served in their kitty cups.

“So tell me, did you improve your cooking skills while I was off?” Bringer teased as he took his seat.

“To be honest I didn’t. I prepared myself like the same three plates every day.” Dominator took his seat. “I guess I didn’t I think judging by the fact that I still burn fried potatoes when I prepare them.” Both of them laughed.

“You don’t need to worry about it, I will make sure to cook you from now on.” Bringer smiled and gave a soft kick to Dominator under the table. “Please, I got tired of eating toast in the mornings.” Dominator responded the kick.

The two of them spent the rest of the dinner joking and talking about what they went through when they were separated. Bringer even explained how he lost two dynamos and decided to build new dynamos with new materials and to expose his neck’s scar. Dominator talked on how he created a virtual reality, how it worked and why his dynamos were cubes now.

After dinner Bringer insisted on washing the dishes and since Dominator didn’t want to argue with him he left him wash them while he took a shower.

When Dominator exited the shower he was too busy thinking about his lover that he didn’t noticed he entered Bringer’s room without knocking. He froze on his spot as he found the berserker sitting on his bed tightening the screws of his dynamos, he jolted and turned to look at the scientist.

“… Sorry I-I used to sleep in your room when you were gone.” Dominator gave a nervous laugh. “I will go to my room. Sorry to scare you.” He was about to close the door when Bringer called him. “No, wait!” He stood up and took Dominator’s wrist to stop him. “W-we can sleep together. Y-you know I-it’s been a while a-and well…” he scratched the back of his head as he tried to control his blush. “I would like to sleep next to you.”

Dominator stood there for a couple of seconds. “You don’t mind?” he mumbled.

“I don’t. Please…” Bringer looked at Dominator’s eyes. “Sleep next to me.”

-

Omake:

It was late at night in Bringer’s room, both white-haired males where sleeping together when Dominator woke up and sat looking for something between the sheets.

“What’s wrong?” Bringer groaned as he lifted the arm settled on the scientist waist to rub his eye.

“I forgot to take off my ear set before sleep.” Dominator responded as he passed his hand on the sheets looking for the accessory. “I would call my dynamos to light up so I can find it but I can’t without it.” He mumbled.

Bringer blinked a couple of times before he got an Idea. “Hey, Dom. Look at this.” He activated his Nasod armor and his black marks glowered a bright lilac light. In mere seconds he found the ear set between them and handled it to Dominator.

Dominator was frozen in his spot as he looked at Bringer with open eyes.  

“What?” Bringer asked nervously.

“What the hell, Bringer?!”

[addcests]

I Am Nothing

title I Am Nothing [ao3]

chapter chapter 1 [ao3]

pairing DBrDom

words 804

summary Weight that crushed you no matter what.  

Dominator felt… heavy.

Sometimes, the weight didn’t bother him. Sometimes, the weight would drag him down, make him feel like his knees might buckle.

Dominator’s half-lidded gaze trailed over, finally landing upon wavy locks and a set, focused face, determined and caught up in a set of papers with equations and messy handwriting scrawled across the margins. Solid, muscled arms, decorated in black outlines, moved and rippled as he gripped a new set papers with brimming, yet quiet confidence and resolve. He would murmur something to himself, under his breath, before moving to scribble on the papers and shift them around again.

But, when he would look at Doom Bringer, he felt… not heavy—light, even.

It was a certainly different feeling than before, that much was for sure.

“Need something?”

The strong voice vibrated in Dominator’s ears, settling in his mind, as he snapped to, then almost relaxed. Amazed, yet not, that even his voice could wash a sort of wave of calm over him.

“Yer staring ya know.” Doom Bringer grunted, before finally looking up, locking eyes with Dominator.

Dominator’s gaze fell down to Doom Bringer’s notes, and just as quickly moved to meet Doom Bringer’s eyes again. A pink muscle darted out to lick lips that suddenly felt dry before he began to think of answering him. He didn’t miss how Doom Bringer seemed to follow the small gesture, with attentive eyes, but other than that, gave no other indication of interest.  

There was a deep, attractive rumble from his chest, Dominator recognized it as his holding back a chuckle. “It’s rude.” There was a playful bite, a smirk in that voice, but once again Doom Bringer gave no indication that he was or had smirked.

“You’re impressive.”

—that’s what he had wanted to say. But those words were lost to his lips, gone with another swipe of this tongue over lips that still felt too dry. Instead, a composed voice replied, “Your equation there, it’s wrong.”

“Ohhh?” Doom Bringer purposely drawled his voice there, Dominator just knew it. “You sure about that?”

“I’m sure—” Dominator carried himself closer, plopped gently down beside the other, not paying any mind to how their shoulders were now brushing from how close they were. He casually slid the pen he’d been working with from his fingers, smooth, fluid, slick. “—that I’m right and you’re not.” His reply was all childish. Dominator set to work, occasionally flickering up back and forth to find… Doom Bringer attentively watching him, as if he were trying to absorb his every movement and scribble across the paper.

After some time, Dominator pulled back with a soft “there” and presented his finished work to the brawler.

It was Dominator’s turn to stare, again. And stare he did, because Doom Bringer just sat there, once again trying to take in all the information, watching him silently run the calculations himself. “Hoh, so you were right…”

Dominator waited for him to explode, make a fuss, a jab—

“You’re amazing, Dominator, thanks.”

—but it never came, left him reeling at the different reaction. How sincere he sounded, voice soft and tone filled with something akin to amazement. A reaction he wasn’t expecting.

He was expecting him to react like Psyker would.

But he didn’t.

Doom Bringer had changed—he had grown.

He was stronger in every sense of the word. Physically, for sure. That was what he’d nearly sacrifice his life for, Dominator noted (almost bitterly). Emotionally and mentally was the other last huge factor. They weren’t children anymore—for awhile now, but Doom Bringer had… matured, in a way Psyker had lacked.

Lacked…

Dominator turned away from Doom Bringer, failing to even acknowledge his earnest praise from earlier as he bit down on his lip, hard.

Doom Bringer had grown, but what about him?

He had felt the need to reply so haughtily, teasing and childish, like he was hoping to provoke something on the same level from Doom Bringer, but when he hadn’t… and then replied so genuinely, his light and voice full of fondness almost haunting him—that just left Dominator questioning himself. Doubting himself.

Amazing? How could Doom Bringer even think he was worth a fraction of that praise.

“Dominator… ?”

It was Doom Bringer, and how dare he sound so concerned.

“You seemed spacey, wanted to ask you to join me for a cup of coffee?”

Despite Doom Bringer and all his attention and care, Dominator suddenly felt that crushing weight again. Weight heavy enough, that even if he wanted to join Doom Bringer for that cup of coffee, he wasn’t sure if he could manage without strenuous effort.

“Yeah,” his mouth betrayed him and his feelings, moving for him as he dished out a reply, almost automatically, “I’d like to.”

Dominator suddenly felt very heavy.