#octagonal fire pit

[sjzavala]

Contemporary Pool - Pool Large fashionable concrete paver with an infinity pool fountain in the backyard

[therealdill1]

Pool Infinity in Orange County Pool fountain - large contemporary backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped infinity pool fountain idea

[cccarolineraynerrr]

Pool Infinity in Orange County Large fashionable concrete paver with an infinity pool fountain in the backyard

[lillu-kr]

Contemporary Pool - Pool

Large fashionable concrete paver with an infinity pool fountain in the backyard

[crybleat]

Pool Infinity Orange County Pool fountain - large contemporary backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped infinity pool fountain idea

[vismaviedetraducteur]

Infinity Pool in Orange County Large contemporary pool fountain design featuring a sculpted infinity pool as the centerpiece

[djcalcos]

Infinity Orange County Large contemporary pool fountain design featuring a sculpted infinity pool as the centerpiece

[felixsander]

Traditional Landscape - Landscape Design ideas for a small traditional backyard stone formal garden with a fire pit.

[please-help-this-little-lesbian]

So I made a cabin for Clio, the muse of history!

I have an OC named Esther, the daughter of Clio, the muse of history, so I built her a cabin! I modeled it after a museum and the Library of Alexandria. (Yes, we don't know what it looks like, but I googled and found some ruins I like.) Pictures and explanations below!

Front! The boats on the roofs are meant to be frieze depictions of the Trojan war but y'know...gotta use what you can.

Close ups of porch! I modeled it after this picture I found when googling the LOA.

Side. Obviously the Greeks didn't have panes but I liked the idea of large, curved windows.

Entry way! Door based off Ancient Greek doors with windows on top, though dark wood would not have typically been used. I wanted the wallpaper to remind people of libraries, and the lights give it an old-timey feel.

Library area! My favorite part:). Esther acts as the Camp record-keeper, so I wanted her to have an official library to work at. (Plus, she's a huge nerd.) I wanted it to be a circle but that didn't really work, but I like how the octagonal platform turned out! There's shelves on each wall, and then the two closest to the entry have desks. There's a fire pit in the center to serve as the hearth! (Made by making another platform in center and lowering it, 0/10 do not recommend.) The steps are the closest wood I could get to the floors.

Bathroom, stairs, and closet. I went with a vintage aesthetic for the bathrooms.

Top-down view of downstairs.

Close-up of downstairs porch. I went with brick to evoke museums and libraries, and the Greco-Roman columns and walls closing windows are era-accurate designs.

My favorite wall:). I put "vintage" and "antique" pictures on the walls. I imagine the portraits are of famous demigods throughout history.

Top-down of upstairs. I went with an open floor plan for if/when more Clio kids show up, and a "historically modern" aesthetic.

Desk area.

Bathroom.

Bedroom area.

Kitchenette.

[glampingfingerlakes]

A Guide to the Best Lodging Around Seneca Lake for Every Traveler

Seneca Lake, nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, offers stunning natural beauty, world-class wineries, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo retreat, finding the perfect lodging is crucial to making your stay unforgettable. Here is your comprehensive guide to the best lodging options around Seneca Lake, catering to every type of traveler.

Luxury Resorts for the Ultimate Indulgence

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

Located right on the southern tip of Seneca Lake, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a AAA Four-Diamond property that epitomizes luxury. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with breathtaking lake views, plush bedding, and elegant décor. The on-site Blue Pointe Grille offers gourmet dining, featuring locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list highlighting the Finger Lakes’ finest vintages. The hotel’s amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center, ensure a relaxing stay.

Belhurst Castle and Winery

For those seeking a mix of history and opulence, Belhurst Castle in Geneva is an excellent choice. This 19th-century castle offers unique accommodations ranging from traditional castle rooms to more modern suites. Guests can indulge in spa treatments, enjoy exquisite meals at Edgar’s Restaurant, and sample award-winning wines at the on-site winery. The stunning lakeside location and the castle’s timeless charm make it a must-visit destination.

Charming Bed and Breakfasts for a Cozy Retreat

Yale Manor at Copper Beeches

This historic bed and breakfast offers a serene escape just minutes from Seneca Lake. Nestled on ten acres of beautifully manicured grounds, Yale Manor provides charming rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can savor a homemade breakfast featuring local ingredients before exploring nearby wineries or relaxing by the lake.

The Black Sheep Inn and Spa

Located in Hammondsport, The Black Sheep Inn and Spa is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. This eco-friendly B&B occupies a historic octagonal house and offers five elegantly designed guest rooms. The farm-to-table breakfasts, wellness-focused spa services, and proximity to Seneca Lake’s wineries and attractions make it a standout option for travelers.

Family-Friendly Stays for Group Adventures

Seneca Lake Vacation Rentals

For families or groups looking for more space and privacy, vacation rentals around Seneca Lake are ideal. From charming cottages to spacious lakefront homes, these properties come fully equipped with kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces. Many rentals offer amenities like kayaks, fire pits, and private docks, perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars

Families looking to combine comfort with a wine-country experience will find The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars a perfect fit. Spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the vineyards or the lake provide an idyllic setting. While parents enjoy wine tastings at the on-site winery, kids can explore the surrounding gardens and scenic trails.

Budget-Friendly Options Without Compromising Comfort

Seneca Lodge

Situated near Watkins Glen State Park, Seneca Lodge offers a rustic yet comfortable stay at an affordable price. The property features a variety of accommodations, from motel-style rooms to standalone cabins. Guests can unwind at the on-site tavern, which has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and enjoy proximity to both the park and the lake.

The Savannah House Wine Country Inn and Cottages

This quaint inn offers affordable yet cozy accommodations in Himrod, a short drive from Seneca Lake. Rooms and cottages are well-appointed, featuring country-inspired décor and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, as well as easy access to nearby wineries and outdoor activities.

Unique Stays for Memorable Experiences

The Finger Lakes Treehouse & Cabin Retreat

For an unforgettable lodging experience, consider staying at a treehouse near Seneca Lake. This whimsical retreat offers rustic charm with modern comforts, including cozy beds, kitchenettes, and stunning views of the surrounding forest. It’s an ideal choice for adventurers and nature lovers seeking something extraordinary.

Idlwilde Inn

Housed in a Victorian mansion, the Idlwilde Inn in Watkins Glen combines historic charm with modern conveniences. The inn’s spacious wraparound porch and beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil setting for guests to unwind. Each room is uniquely decorated, adding a personal touch to your stay.

Camping and Glamping for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Watkins Glen State Park Campgrounds

For those who love the great outdoors, Watkins Glen State Park offers an excellent camping experience. The campgrounds feature tent and RV sites, many of which are nestled in wooded areas. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Plus, the park’s iconic waterfalls and hiking trails are just steps away.

Seneca Sol Glamping

Experience the best of both worlds with a glamping stay at Seneca Sol. Located near Burdett, this eco-friendly retreat offers luxurious safari tents equipped with comfortable beds, private decks, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Guests can enjoy campfires under the stars while still having access to modern amenities.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Lodging Around Seneca Lake

Define Your Priorities: Determine whether you’re seeking luxury, budget-friendly options, family-friendly accommodations, or unique experiences.

Consider Location: Decide whether you prefer being close to the lake, wineries, or attractions like Watkins Glen State Park.

Check Amenities: Look for amenities that enhance your stay, such as free breakfast, lake access, or pet-friendly policies.

Book Early: Seneca Lake is a popular destination, so it’s wise to reserve your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Explore Seneca Lake’s Attractions During Your Stay

While staying around Seneca Lake, don’t miss the chance to explore its top attractions:

Wine Trails: The Seneca Lake Wine Trail boasts over 30 wineries, offering tastings, tours, and stunning vineyard views.

Watkins Glen State Park: Discover the park’s breathtaking waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.

Boat Tours: Enjoy a cruise on Seneca Lake to take in its beauty from the water.

Cultural Experiences: Visit museums, art galleries, and historic sites to learn about the region’s rich heritage.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect lodging around Seneca Lake ensures a memorable visit to this picturesque destination. Whether you’re looking for luxurious resorts, cozy bed and breakfasts, budget-friendly stays, or unique experiences, the options are endless. Start planning your trip today and prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Seneca Lake.

[landscapesfl]

How to Choose the Right Outdoor Living Structure for Your Home  

Upgrading your backyard is always an exciting endeavor. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests, enjoy family meals, or simply relax outdoors, choosing the right structure is key to maximizing your outdoor enjoyment.

In Naples, FL, where the climate allows year-round outdoor activities, integrating an outdoor living structure not only enhances your lifestyle but also significantly boosts your property’s value. This guide, crafted by our expert team at Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features, Inc., will help you navigate the options available and choose the perfect addition to your home.

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Living Structure

#1: Assess Your Needs

Before you dive into the types of outdoor structures, it’s important to consider what your primary needs are. Are you looking to create a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, or simply a shaded retreat? The function of the space will largely dictate the type of structure that best suits your needs.

Pergola

Ideal for those seeking a blend of sun and shade, pergolas are versatile structures that enhance any garden or patio area. With their lattice roofs, pergolas provide partial shade, perfect for growing climbing plants like vines, which can add both greenery and additional shade. Contact Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features, Inc., your local Naples landscaping company, for more information about pergolas.

Outdoor Kitchens

For the avid entertainer, an outdoor kitchen is a must. Incorporating features like built-in grills, refrigerators, and counter space, outdoor kitchens allow you to prepare and enjoy meals entirely outdoors. In Naples, FL, outdoor kitchens can be used year-round, making them a worthwhile investment.

Gazebos

If you prefer a fully shaded area, gazebos are a great option. Typically octagonal or round, gazebos provide a complete roof cover and are often equipped with built-in seating. They serve as an excellent focal point for a garden and a cozy gathering spot for guests.

Sunrooms and Screen Rooms

Sunrooms and screen rooms are ideal for those who enjoy the view of their garden year-round but prefer the comfort of an enclosed space. Sunrooms, typically glass-enclosed, offer protection from the elements, while screen rooms provide ventilation with bug protection, making them perfect for enjoying the Naples climate.

Lanai Extensions

A lanai extension is perfect for those in Naples seeking to enjoy the outdoors while being shielded from the elements. Lanais are typically roofed and often screened, providing a bug-free environment where you can relax or entertain regardless of the weather. These extensions can be designed to match your home’s architectural style, making them a seamless addition to your living space.

Luxury Pools

No outdoor living space in Florida is complete without a luxury pool. Custom-designed to fit your specific needs and aesthetic preferences, luxury pools not only provide a refreshing escape from the heat but also act as a stunning visual centerpiece in your garden. Consider adding water features like waterfalls to create a truly spectacular outdoor feature.

Fire Pits and Fireplaces

Adding a fire pit creates a cozy area in your backyard, ideal for the cooler evenings. Not only do they provide warmth, but they also create a natural gathering spot for friends and family.

#2: Choose the Right Materials and Style 

When selecting the material for your outdoor structure, consider durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. Materials like wood, metal, and composite have different lifespans and visual impacts on your landscape. The style should complement your home’s exterior and existing landscape design.

Choosing the right outdoor living structure for your home in Naples, FL, involves understanding your needs, the different options available, and how they blend with your home’s architecture and natural surroundings. At Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features, Inc., our expert team of landscape architects in Naples, FL, is here to guide you through every step—from design through installation.

Contact Naples, FL's Landscape Architects

Choosing Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features, Inc., a full-service landscaping company, ensures seamless project management from design through maintenance, maintaining consistency and quality at every stage. Our team of experts brings comprehensive skills in design and construction, offering significant long-term cost savings and the convenience of dealing with a single provider.

Ready to enhance your outdoors? Contact Lombardo Landscaping & Water Features, Inc. at (239) 788-2755 or online to schedule a consultation.

[researchrealmblog]

South Africa Charcoal Briquettes Market To Reach $286.7 Million by 2030

The major factors aiding in the growth of the South African charcoal briquettes market are the country’s rich barbecue culture and the low cost of such fuel. As a result, the revenue generated from the sale of such products is projected to display an 8.8% CAGR during the forecast period (2020–2030), to reach $286.7 million by 2030 from $136.0 million in 2019. Charcoal is produced by heating wood without oxygen, to remove all the volatile constituents and water from it.

Based on type, the South African charcoal briquettes market is categorized into round, hexagonal, oval/pillow, coconut shell, and others, which includes shisha, hookah, and octagonal charcoal briquettes. Among these, the oval/pillow category held the largest share during the historical period (2014–2019) due to the fact that these products are mostly produced within South Africa. Moreover, market players find this shape easier to create than others. In addition, this shape has even granularity and good clot state strength, which is why it is used as a sinter in blast furnaces.

The divisions under the application segment are barbecue, metallurgical fuel, industrial, and others, wherein others include odor control in attics, garages, and closets and religious purposes. Among these, the barbecue division is expected to witness the fastest growth and keep dominating the market till 2030. This is attributed to the country’s lively barbecue culture, which vividly showcases itself in the summer, when people assemble in their backyard or front garden, fire up the pit, get a load of beef, pork, and lamb, and gulp everything down with cold beers.

A key trend in the South African charcoal briquettes market is the usage of instant-light briquettes. Lighting conventional briquettes can be a long and tiring process of kindling and rekindling the fire and continuously monitoring and controlling the heat. This is crucial as too strong a flame can burn the food instead of cooking it, while if the heat is too low, the food will never cook. Instant-light charcoal takes people’s pain of using a dryer and fan to control the heat away, as such briquettes come to the desired temperature within 20 minutes of being lit.

One of the major drivers for the South African charcoal briquettes market is the cost-effectiveness of such fuel. Even for everyday cooking, South Africans find charcoal briquettes to be cheaper than liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This is because the briquettes are produced by mixing the powder left after the production of lump charcoal with wood and other chemicals. Moreover, all the briquettes in a bag are of similar size, which makes them easy to be transported, an advantage not offered by lump charcoal.

Due to the presence of a large number of small-scale, often individual, players, the South African charcoal briquettes market is highly fragmented in nature. This offers organizes players, including Ignite Products, E & C Charcoal (Pty) Ltd., Namchar (Pty) Ltd., Umlilo Charcoal Products (Pty) Ltd., Rapid Fire Charcoal and Briquettes CC, Braai & BBQ, SAFIRE CHARKA (Pty) Limited, Blaze Braai, Safari Braai Products, and Braaistar, to expand their presence in the country through retailers and wholesalers, as well as effective marketing strategies, and capture a larger share than presently.

Hence, with the growing barbecue tradition in the country, the demand for charcoal briquettes will continue to grow in South Africa.

[buckybarnesowl]

I made my Wednesday update deadline! (barely). Chapter 2 is up. Thanks to those that have read so far!

The occasional croak of a bullfrog punctuates the chorus of crickets and katydids. Cass and AJ’s soft breathing adds backup, accompanied by vibrations of Sam and Sarah’s chatter—though, the fire pit is too far from Bucky’s position on the couch to actually make out what they’re saying. No sign of any threat, aside from the odd mosquito that has found its way past the screens. 

He sighs, allowing his muscles to ease a little more. Just a little. He continues his octagonal-like sensory check, bouncing his ears to focus on one point of the perimeter to the next, then from room to room to room. All clear. Repeat.

Rationally, Bucky knows they’re safe here. Sam wouldn’t be so relaxed if they weren’t. But maybe Sam is so relaxed because he knows Bucky will keep watch. Not that Bucky thinks Sam is using him (he has enough sense to not entertain that intrusive thought). Maybe it’s just subconscious, like when you get so familiar with someone you know what to expect from them without thinking about it. After all, Sam knew that Bucky’s excuse of turning in early because he was drained was nothing but hot air. 

“Just take the damn blanket and pillow, Buck. I know you’re not going to sleep a wink while Sarah and I are out there, but at least let yourself be comfortable,” he had insisted matter of factly. Though it wasn’t admonishing, more teasing. Familiar. 

Bucky had taken the damn blanket and pillow.

[katsumiiii]

I Love to Hate You

Part Two: But Not As Deep....

maki zenin x fem! black reader

—> fluff + angst series....

part one: here

Description: In this story reader has a burning hatred towards maki zenin, she find’s her unbearable, despising her very presence. On the contrary, maki has an unexplained fascination towards the girl, causing her to bother reader whenever possible. Soon, this abhorrence blooms into a passionate love unable to be contained.

Warnings: Symptoms of the formations of a panic attack, cursing

Word Count: 954

Maki felt empty. As if her body were nothing but a shell, soul wondering along the pits of hell, seeming as though that’s where liars end up. She continued to stare at the cobblestone flooring, light green irises glazed over, the sparkle that was usually present within them gone as she mulled over the words that her sister spewed out. They tauntingly echoed throughout her mind, reminding her over and over of the deep hatred her loved one held for her.

“YOU’RE A LIAR MAKI!”

Her breathing became heavy as she desperately tried to push the depressing thoughts of her old living situation out of her mind. Words of the past became reality as she vividly remembered the life of which she miserably tried to run away from. The cold glances and jarring curses that were spat at her for wrongfully completing a task. The sound of mocking laughter that would occur whenever she determinedly announced her dreams of becoming a jujutsu sorcerer, degrading words following soon after.

It all became overwhelming, her breathing more  erratic than before, vision blurring as her mind began to spin, stability slipping out of her clutches. “Liar..” she mumbled, heaving as she tried to get control of her body and thoughts once again. “Liar, liar, liar, liar, liar.” repeatedly she muttered, like a song that one played on repeat. She spat the word angrily, stumbling over syllables, pupils blown and hands quivering. Tears gathered in the crevices of her eyes, threatening to escape at any given time. “Liar, liar, liar, liar-”

“Maki?”

She snapped her head upwards, the tears that were bundled up in the corner of her wondrous green irises spilled, falling delicately down the curve of her cheeks. You stumbled back, mouth agape and eyes widened at the sight of the girl in front of you, a pathetic version of what she was before. Your eyes flickered downwards, resting on her trembling hands, fingers flexing to try and stop the subtle quivering.

“The hell happened to you?” You tried to temporarily contain your obvious abhorrence for the girl, but failed as it seeped throughout the words you hissed out.

“Nothing that concerns you sweetness.” She replied, her throat convulsing as she attempted to keep her voice from trembling.

“Right...so you’re just sitting on the floor crying for fun? Good to know.”

“Well, you sure know how to make a girl feel better.” She pushed out a raspy chuckle, slightly coughing afterwards. You walked towards her hunched figured, plopping down on the cool cobblestone next to her, eyes tracing the intricate octagon patterns.

“I hate you.” You rasped, fingers tracing the flooring beneath you as you racked your brain for what to say next.

“Yeah, that much is obvious.” Maki sighed, leaning against the pale granite wall behind her, the rough surface slightly tickling her back as she rubbed against it.

“I hate you, but I’m not heartless.” You brought your eyes upwards to stare at her deflated form, eyes gliding along the apples of her cheeks, where her tears once laid. “I heard what your sister said.”

She chortled, though she didn’t find a word of what you said even the slightest bit amusing. Brown clashed with green as you both stared dauntingly at one another, waiting for what was to be said next. “So what? You here to say you agree with everything she said?” Maki asked, tone laced with fire as she fiercely glared at the spot right above you, not able to bring herself to look at your face directly.

“No actually. I came to see if you were okay.”

Silence was the only thing heard afterwards. Those words ringing in Maki’s unstable mind like a  symphony, they were almost harmonic. “You came to see if I was okay?”

“Yeah that’s what I said. You can’t hear now?”

“No I can, just clarifying.” She hummed, a grin beginning to form on to her face.

“So...you okay?” You questioned, curling one leg upward, resting your arm along it. Your eyes stayed focus on her, almost unable to look away without a definitive answer. You heard everything that occurred with her and her sibling, Mai. It was heartbreaking, and although you had brought yourself to hate the jujutsu sorcerer, you couldn’t help but feel bad for her.

You couldn’t imagine what it was like being a woman and being cursed with having Zenin as your last name. The once cocky, arrogant image you had of the girl all but collapsed once you learned of her true situation. Listening to her sister ridicule her for leaving such harsh environments changed your perspective. Perhaps there was more to Maki than you thought. Maybe she wasn’t so bad.

Maki took a breath, head tilting towards the setting sun, admiring how the clouds mimicked the orange tint of the sky. Rocking her head sideways she gazed upon your body once more, finally able to bring herself to truly look at your face. Your bronzed skin was glowing, all that was truly missing was a halo to lay upon your braided locks. The sparkle that was missing from her forest green irises reappeared, along with her well known confidence.

“Yeah I’m alright. Way better now that I’m looking at you.”

You groaned, pushing yourself on to your feet while shoving your hands deep into your navy blue pockets. “God I should’ve kept walking.” you began to walk towards the entrance of the dorms, trying to ignore the presence of Maki following close behind you.

“Aww, but then you wouldn’t have been able to see my pretty face.”

“I could live without that.”

“No, I don’t think you could.”

Nevermind, she was just as annoying as you remembered her to be.

—> taglist: @k3isuk3 @myhoodacademia @mypimpademia @racistareversa @0risha @katsumox @blackweebtrash @kazuluvr @yuujisbby @manjiiroll @asaincy @namjoonswifeyy @angiebug101 @amethyst09 @sisifromthed @lilsparkyswife @morosis-haze @solar3lunar @lightofcordonia

—> notes: let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist, also let me know if I forgot you from the taglist!

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

Humans are Space Orcs, “Martial Arts.”

Had this lined up for today based on two requested ideas given to me by readers. I hope you like it and have a great day!

“I think you’re really going to like this.”

“So I assume it involves beating the ever-loving shit out of someone.” 

Adam grinned, “Exactly.”

Sunny cheered and Krill sighed, “Why do you two always insist on having the most violent pastimes.”

“I promise today is ALSO educational. Now stop being a stick in the mud. I am sure you will find use for yourself today.”

Krill sighed but allowed them to continue on. The Admiral was wearing a duffel bag over one shoulder, and the tennis shoes he was wearing, alone with the shots suggested that he intended to participate in some sort of physical activity. The same shades of blue light flickered over his prosthetic leg and those that licked over hers, and even from here, he could hear the soft whirring of the machine.

Sunny craned her neck at the city around them trying to figure out where they were being taken, and neither of them figured it out until the admiral cut right and shouldered open the door to a large building. 

Stepping inside they were greeted with a waft of warm, humid air. The ground under their feet was squishy, made of some sort of synthetic material, and all around the room humans in various stages of physical activity dominated the landscape.

The predominant sound was that of flesh impacting padded bags as humans -- both bare knuckled -- and wearing padded gloves punched and kicked and violently strove to beat the ever loving shit out of inanimate hanging objects. Krill wanted in surprise and -- what would have been horror if he wasn’t so used to being appalled-- as two humans sparred together in a ring lined with three large ropes.

They were padded, with gloves and face masks and helmets of some sort, but that gave them free reign to punch and kick each other silly, until one of the humans grabbed the other by the arm and flipped backwards throwing them both to the ground with a violent thud.

Across the room, humans wearing strange white uniforms tied with colorful belts moved in synchronization to the call of a master. He'd punch and then kick and then block venting air by way of shouts.

Sunny turned in a tight circle, her eyes wide as they fell on another padded platform, this time in an octagonal shape, and bounded by a chain link energy cage.

Inside two women were roused to blood, fighting with nothing but barely padded gloves and the clothes on their back.

One of the women managed to throw the other to the ground and for a second they were a mass of tangled limbs before she had her arms around the other’s neck squeezing tight. Krill stepped forward but a sharp tap on the arm of one woman to the other caused the winner to let go, and the fighters to return to their feet, one rubbing her soar neck..

“What is this place?” Sunny asked, in absolute awe

Adam grinned, “This, my fine friend is what humans call a dojo. Not exactly sure where the word comes from per say, but I am pretty sure it originated in asia more than two thousand years ago and basically means a location where people train in the art of hand to hand combat. 

Sunny turned her head again eyes wide as another two men grappled each other to the floor hands gripping onto each other’s uniforms tugging and pulling and trying to swipe with their feet.

“It all looks so… different.”

Adam nodded, “That's because it is. There are hundreds of different fighting systems developed by humanity over the years, sort of like how you have different spear stances in your culture fire versus water, accept these ones work on different principals.

He motioned to the square ring, “Boxing for instance focuses a lot of its attention on punches specifically. Historically the rules required that you couldn't use elbows knees or kicks, and your punches had to land above the belt, or at least that’s what I remember. He turned to point at the other side of the room where the men and women in white were still busy in their forms. Stuff like Karate Kung Fu and others are sort of more about forms and techniques. I would say that that sort of fighting is more of a philosophy or a way of life than anything, and very ancient.”

He then turned to look at the two men still wrestling on the floor, “Then there is Jiu Jitsu, a form of combat that relies on submission and grappling. USe the weakness of an enemies body against them, use their weight, use the weakness of their wrists and elbows and knees and neck. Jiu Jitsu is likely to always end up on the ground. It is similar to wrestling, though wrestling requires than you pin the other person’s shoulders to the ground.

Krill turned to look at Sunny’s face and would have rolled his eyes at the giddy expression she had if it weren't for his inability to actually roll his eyes.

“Why are there so many types?’

Adam paused tapping his chin, “Well, humanity has always been working to find a system that works best. In many cases it started with a philosophy of some kind. IN certain cases it was poise, or focus or any number of things. Monks dedicated their entire lives to the mastery and perfection of a single art of combat. In a way it was almost like meditation that could be used in times of need. Some martial arts required steal or quick movement which spawned stuff like Ninjitsu and still live son in spots like parkour despite it not being a combat sport.”

He lend them further into the room, “A lot of them spawned out of the fact that humans just love to fight, we love to see who is physically better. It made it’s way to the olympics, and then into popular culture. Wrestling, while a great athletic endeavor was just as much a theater production as it was anything else and requires an understanding between two parties to put on the most dramatic show possible.”

He walked over a few feet pausing before the octagon, “Then someone had the idea of what would happen if you put the different martial arts up against each other in a contest of who is better hence Mixed Martial Arts fought in an octagon just like this. At first practitioners of one discipline were pitted against each other to see who was better.” He rested his hand against one of the braces, “In the end it ended up weeding out a lot of the older forms of martial arts which were more a form of art than actual fighting. Philosophy wasn’t exactly helpful in the octagon, and many of the flashier forms, while they looked cool in practice turned out to be impractical in the ring.

He dropped his bag to the floor, reaching in to take out a pair of gloves, “The idea became that the more brutal straight to the point contact sports were most superior.”

Sunny crossed her arms, “So what is it, which martial art is more superior?”

Adam grinned, “That’s the catch… all of them are.”

“What do you mean.”

“All of them are assuming you put them together. Fighters that were well versed in multiple styles of fighting were the most victorious.” he fell into a standard human fighting posture feet shoulder width one foot before the other hands up and loose before his face neck down, “If you can punch like a boxer, Kick like a Muay Thai fighter, grapple like a Jiu Jitsu master and put all of it together, you may have more than a chance of winning.” he patted the side of the cage, “The general consensus is that the best kind of fighting is one that doesnt just take focus from one discipline, it is someone who can take the best things from all the disciplines and put them together all at once.”

Sunny looked on rather hungrily at the ring.

“Let’s do it.”

He grinned back, “I thought you might be interested.

Krill just shook his head and backed away, leave it to the drev and the human to find one of the most dangerous pastimes in the world. Who would have thought that philosophy could span a better way to kick the shit out of someone.

Kril Turned his head to look around the room and was surprised at all the thighs he saw. He may not have agreed with the martial arts necessarily, but there was something to be said about the variety, and the sort of human that came out of it. The men and women he could see practicing were, without a doubt some of the fittest humans he had ever laid eyes on, and he spent his time with a crew that wasn’t likely to shirt their physical health.

Men and women alike glistened with lean muscle sharp and prominent against their sweat glazed skin. Hands punched bags over and over and over again. In certain cases he watched as men and women kicked wooden poles repeatedly ramming their shins against the unforgiving surface their faces barely showing any hint of pain,

The feats of acrobatics which they managed, and the way they utilized their center of gravity was astonishing. He saw a five foot woman throw a two hundred pound man over her head simply by throwing herself to her back and kicking the other man over.

While weight and size seemed to matter to some degree there were a few humans here who didn’t seem to care.

Sunny and Adam were on the other side of the room Adam explaining the idea of kinetic linking to sunny, how by moving your body, you could force the power from your feet, all the way up through your legs hips and back and into a single punch making it more powerful.

Krill could see, on a physiological standpoint where that was true.

He even watched for a few sessions as Sunny and Adam went a few rounds Adam winning a surprising amount of times for someone who was so small, but often using the techniques that Krill was seeing around the room.

It was only after they had taken a break and were gearing up to go again that Krill noticed another human walk onto the floor. He was an older human, the pigment having faded from his hair long ago, bleaching him silver. Despite that, the man had the body of someone half his age, lean and sinuous, veins crawling up his arms like the vines of a tree.

Adam was just pulling on his gloves when the man stepped up.

“Excuse me, son.”

Adam lifted his head standing when the man approached, “Can I help you.”

The man set down his bag. Based on his voice, the man was clearly an older gentlemen though Krill had trouble guessing. Either way he had the opinion that this guy probably should take it easier than this palace suggested.

“I hate to ask, but My sparring partner is sick today, and I was wondering if you might consider a round or two. You look spry enough.”

Adam blinked in surprise but then shrugged, “Yeah sure I guess.” The way his ione eye traveled over the man suggested he was having the same thoughts as krill. He seemed like he was a bit too old to be doing something like this. Krill worried that he could potential break or tear something , but no one said a word as the man set down his bag and took a few minutes to stretch.

Krill was a bit more than surprised at the flexibility of the old man who managed a full split in both directions after warming up.

Adam seemed a little less sure of himself upon seeing that.

He definitely could not do that.

The old guy’s face was lined with delicate wrinkles through the skin, the body becoming less taught with age, but when the two of them hopped up into the ring, the older man seemed just as energetic as Adam, which seemed surprising.

No matter though, as old as he was, he would probably tire pretty easily.

“What do you say, no crotch shots and no eye gouging.” Adam announced and the old man agreed as they moved into position.

Krill and Sunny came to the side of the cage to watch as the two men squared off.

Adam kept his hands a bit relaxed, still guarded but not too concerned.

The older man didn’t keeping tight and low as they circled for a bit.

“You’ll want to keep up your guard, son.” The man chided, and adam smiled but pulled his hands in tighter.

Krill tapped his fingers.

Sunny smirked as if she knew something he didn’t

They exchanged a few blows, Adam going eas and the old guy, well being old and slow as Krill had expected. Adam’s guard began to drop again, and then all of a sudden out of absolutely nowhere there was a sharp blur of motion and a loud THWACK. 

Adam hit the ground hard dazed and confused as the old man stood over him.

Sunny ohhhhed in absolute glee.

Krill hissed in pain.

Adam had just been round kicked to the head.

“I told you to keep your guard up.” The old man said, reaching down a hand to help Adam to his feet, “probably also a good idea not to underestimate senior citizens.”

Adam rubbed his head, “Ok, ok I deserved that. Let's go another round.”

“You sure, you got your memory jogged kind of hard there.”

Adam shook himself and squared back up, his guard tight this time, “bring it on grandpa.”

The old man smiled and fell back into his stance. This time Adam was not smoking, and his expression was hard as he stared at the old man. Adam came forward with a jab which the man blocked and they exchanged a few punches catching each other only grazing blows as they hit. 

Adam got a kick to the upper leg,, the old man took a body shot that should have downed him, but by the staggering way Adam moved to the side suggested he had kicked something as hard as a brick wall.

The old man moved forward and the two of them were suddenly head to head, hands gripping shoulders, fingers digging into shirts, before any of them knew what happened Adam was thrown to the ground his wrist held tightly in the other man’s hands,

He tried to get up but the old man leaped down after him throwing his legs over Adams chest and positioning his elbow over his hips.

He arched his back subtly which had Adam tapping one of his legs frantically.

He let go and the two disengaged.

Sunny cheered.

Adam rubbed his elbow, “Armbar?”

The old man smiled, “I’m old boy, not an invalid.”

Adam raised an eyebrow, “I can see that. How about another round.”

With a teasing smile the old human winked a grey eye, “Only if you want to get beat again.”

Adam snorted, “yeah not so sure about that.” he squared up, “Besides, today’s early bird special is on a knuckle sandwich.”

The old man wiggled his head mockingly, “Oh a wise guy eh.”

Once Upon a time Krill would have assumed they were being aggressive in their words, but the cadence and the smiles on their faces assured him that, despite their actions, this was a friendly fight.

And how strange it was to see someone like the old man holding up so well against someone less than twice his age. By all rights Adam should have beaten him easily, but this old human despite his looks was more than what he appeared. Krill was going to have to do some more research on human aging processes, for there was something he felt he was missing.

The two had squared up again, dancing around in a circle as they came in repeatedly for attacks. Adam tried to get the upper hand with a sudden flurry of blows but the old man weathered it using precision to his advantage with precis body shots that had Adam packing off huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf.

At some point Adam did something neither of them had ever see, grabbing the man under his arms and turning, flipping the man over the fulcrum of his hips and sending him flowing into the ground. Adam jumped after trying to claim full mount but the old man somehow flipped him to the side and reversed it catching Adam around the back of the neck with a forearm.

The flat of his forearm went across Adam’s throat, his legs wrapped around his middle, and his opposite hand grabbed onto his wrist. As he squeezed, he also elongated his body..

Krill stepped forward hand out afraid the man was going to pop his cervical spine apart until Adam tapped falling to the ground with a grunt.

“Ok ok, ONE more time.” Adam said wobbling to his feet

The old man followed after grinning, “Whatever you say.”

This last fight went much like the one before it. An exchange up top and a sudden move onto the ground, though this time the man trapped adam using his legs, thighs constricting around the side of his neck.

Adam was still breathing just fine, until his body slumped to the side.

Krill leaped forward in shock and confusion thinking that the man had somehow injured his neck, killed him. But almost as soon as the man let go Adam twitched and then sat up looking groggy.

“What the.”

“You were supposed to tap before passing out.”

Adam rubbed his head, “Was that a triangle choke… didn’t even feel like I was choking.”

Krill stormed forward, “What happened! Adam are you alright. Do I need to call the police.”

Adam waved him off, “It was a blood choke krill, he temporarily cut off blood supply to my brain, no big deal.”

“No big deal!” Krill shreakied, “How is it having blood in your brain NOT a big deal.’

Sunny cheered with glee behind Krill’s protests leaping up into the ring and towards the old man, “Can you teach me.”

The old man seemed surprised, but agreed and glanced oer at Adam, “Someone needs some extra lessons anyway.”

Adam snorted and rolled his eyes but otherwise took it with good humor.

Krill sat fuming in the corner.

Humans, frigging humans always finding ways to hurt themselves. Crushing each other’s windpipes and cutting off carotid arteries, and bending joints that weren't supposed to be bent, and all for what because it was FUN to look STRONGER. He couldn't believe this.

Stupid 

Stupid humans.

He was going to have to tell someone. He was going to have to rant.

He was…..

Probably going to write an academic paper, though he was going to be angry while doing it. 

[nurseofren]

Keeping Your Promise - Chapter 27 (NSFW)

Read on AO3 | Read on Wattpad

Read Chapter twenty-six

Title: There is No Redemption

Words: 7.4K

Summary: Happy trail worship? Happy trail worship. 

ST Rambles: Hello readers, I hope you enjoy this part. I am in my final semester for my ADN and cannot promise even monthly updates at this time. Please, please, please comment your thoughts because I don't want to produce content that is not enjoyable. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

[MASTERLIST] || BANNER / @elmidol

Stress enveloped your skull in throbbing pain, Karmen’s six-hour rundown stinging your senses and drawing you inward.  Halfway through, you had already begun to feel the excess of information take its toll; Zag’s voice – unpleasant in small doses – grated into you, each word coming too fast and leaving too soon.  Thankfully, no doubt to cover herself, she had left you with a thumb drive; it summarized everything she’d mentioned.

After the ordeal, when she left by the sharp click of her heels, you understood why it was recommended to arrive two days prior to the initial hearing: you were utterly and dreadfully exhausted.  After unpacking – ensuring easy access to your favorite socks and keeping Snoke’s letter tucked into the back drawer of a desk – you had sat in bed for an hour trying to refresh with the thumb drive’s contents; you’d were determined to be prepared for tomorrow’s shift at Canto Bight’s recovery wing.  If nothing else, you would not make a fool of yourself during your practice here.  This you swore to yourself.

At some point you had drifted to sleep, waking to find your cheek stuck to the datapad that’d been propped up before you.  The sunset woke you with a searing ray of light, screaming fuchsias and hazy purples warming your outstretched arm as they cast through open curtains.  The breeze rolled off of the bay and tickled loose hair over your nape, a deep breath stretching your lungs awake before you unfurled from yourself. 

The radar at your wrist indicated Kylo Ren was near but not in his quarters, probably not inside the building.  It was a confusing feeling – the unsteadiness you felt when revisiting your earlier interaction, the vagueness of his words contradicted by the certainty in which they’d been delivered, but simultaneously this calm in your chest since you had left him.  Although you had no idea what he’d gone on about, or what in time meant, his mere presence – the fact that he was near and would continue to be – allowed you these glimmers of peace.

Not since Starkiller.  Not since Snoke.  Not Mason and his baseless confidence, no matter how much you wished to latch onto it; not Talia, who had helped you back from your darkest moment.  The only things that stilled you were the known proximity of your master, and the nature of the words he’d earlier spoken.  You’d felt it that recent night on the Finalizer, how it lingered in your muscles just before you’d dozed off, how it seemed his presence had scared your nightmares away.

However ridiculous and backwards, Kylo Ren – the one whose pain is printed on your skin, who led a slaughter just strides away from you – had become a constant.  It was never what you had expected, but when you thought of the trial now, what eased your nerves was nothing less than the raven-haired warrior whose face was slashed with midnight hues of pain. 

Much like you, you’d come to realize, he had survived Starkiller, and the event changed him.  Though you could not know for sure, you began to wonder if what had gone on had not only left him with the wounds that’d wet your skin, but perhaps ones that were deeper – ones that were not so visible.  Something happened before that explosion, something more than whatever fight had earned him that scar.

You shook your head; this was too much to think on right now.  With a throw draped over your back, you trudged through the room and out into the chill of your side-balcony.  This sky held more beauty than any you’d ever seen; you watched the sun descend, spying a domed, octagonal pavilion at the far left of the side gardens.  It dripped with violet-petaled ropes and emerald ivies, was supported by scalloped columns entwined with twinkling blooms welded from gold, the whole stage centered around a sunken fire pit. 

Considering for a moment, you saw it would have a better view of the sunset, and you’d been cooped up since arriving.  It was a quick decision, catching view of a spiral of stairs that led to the grounds, but only after noting the pair of doors a few paces left of your room’s.  They were closed, and the inner curtains seemed to be shut, the room behind them dark.  Empty.

No, Kylo Ren was not here, but – a thumb over your radar – he was not far.  Somewhere off on his own business.  Training, maybe.  At least, that’s what you supposed kept you from traveling with him, the thought frustrating.  Maybe – no, undoubtedly – he would never admit to it, never show it, but he was still recovering. 

Ten days ago he was in a medically induced coma talking about someone named Ben and how he’s dead.  Bacta works wonders, but it means nothing if a patient is noncompliant with post-operative restrictions, like swinging around a plasma sword for hours on end, or doing trial runs with the Force – which, although you knew little about, one could easily assume it put strain on the body. 

Maybe you were wrong and your master was completely fine, maybe the Force aided in healing.  No matter, you worried; for him, mostly, never forgetting how he appeared in that medbay, but also for yourself.  It was clear that you cared for him – for fuck’s sake, when you thought you’d never see him again you wanted to tell him you loved him – and you knew his pursuits could very likely be the death of him.  Stubborn as you might be to acknowledge it, so long as he was okay and not recklessly shredding through healed wounds, so long as he returned to you, you could rest somewhat soundly.

Hugging your blanket, tighter when the wind blew, you wandered down to the courtyard’s trim lawn, along the overflowing flowerbeds that brimmed with brilliant colors, until you met the few steps that led to the pavilion’s stage.  Flames shocked you when you stepped onto the eight-sided base, your presence triggering a hidden system.  The rectangular pit exploded into a rainbow of fire, thin veils of flames ascending elegantly into an ordered myriad.  The pit was massive, consuming the base but for a few paces from each support.

Much like everything else, the pavilion was grand in size and decoration; the hearth’s hues danced along the draped flora, at least ten paces separating each gold-threaded pillar.  Everything here was explicitly luxurious, so big and gorgeous.  You wanted to settle into it, but it was temporary, and you would not know how fatal that fact was until it was too late.

Farther out, flames rippled over the bay; the sinking heat of the sun endeared your skin, the warmth at your back growing in distance as you gave in to the silent call of the scorching sky.  First tracing the tip of one of the gold leaves woven to a pillar, admiring the detailed stems and ridges, you curled up against the column’s wide base.  Head caressed by the smooth, cool stone, knees curled close to your chest, you were glamored by the water’s rhythmic sway, wondering if you would ever have the chance to feel it on your skin.

It took little effort to keep Karmen’s lecture from your thoughts, too lost to the burgundy of dusk that bloomed as the sun wilted toward the bay.  A stillness surrounded you, and then you tuned into the chirping whispers of bugs that remained hidden with the fall of night.  It did not bother you in the slightest, their distant songs a reminder of your life before the academy.  A passing thought, fond amusement lazily humming in your chest – there are no crickets in space. 

You remained folded against the pillar for some time, watching night creep over the city, more grateful for the heat on your back as warmth waned, the moon climbing higher with each lulling minute.  The stone iced into your cheek.  You went to leave, but your commlink buzzed at your waist, and you knew it would be wiser to keep this particular conversation outside. 

Elbows to your knees, you ruffled a hand through your hair, closed your eyes, and answered Mason’s call.  “How’s your day, McCarty?” There was no use in starting an argument if he had moved on from earlier.

“Probably better than yours, if I had to guess.” He sounded chipper.  It was a relief.

“Well, what went on? Where’d you go? Who’d you see? What’d you eat?”

“I’ve really just been hanging out at the house since getting here.  Caught a nap, which was nice.  Soto sent me a transmission detailing updates on a few patients.”

He wasn’t hostile at all.  Hopefully it meant he was done being weird.  “I also got a nap.  Which, agreed, is definitely nice.  Especially after being kept in a room with Zag for six hours and trying to keep my head from exploding.”

“Six hours? With Zag? Are they trying to get you convicted of murder?”

You shared a laugh, scooting along the stone floor and peering up to the ceiling.  It was tiled with mosaics, the fire’s vibrant colors reflecting off of it and shifting along the intricate designs.  The view of the city was wider from this position, distant lights shimmering in windows that peered into whatever parties were undoubtedly happening. 

“She isn’t that bad.  It’s just her voice.  And I barely have a handle on anything other than the fact that I have my first shift tomorrow, and then two days after that is the initial hearing.  And I don’t even want to think about that to begin with, so…”

“Well,” he sighed your name, “I’ll be there.  Bright and early, just like you.  Wearing my second-best attire, saving the very best for the official trial, of course.”

“Jeez, that’s another thing, right? They fly us out here, put me up in some military-grade villa, but they give me nothing to wear, are aware that my residence just exploded on Starkiller, and then still say I can’t wear my uniform.  I just find that a bit unfair.  But that’s what I think, which we both know has not mattered since the very beginning of all this.  I don’t even know why I expected anything different.  I’ll just have to request transport to the shops or something.  And then make credits appear out of thin air to pay for it.”

With notably increased enthusiasm Mason said, “Actually, I, uh, I was going through the house earlier and there’s actually a lot left over from my family’s recent trip.  You’re free to come over and take some stuff back to your embassy if you want.”

“Alright, first – not my embassy, and if we’re calling it anything, I vote palace.  Seriously—” you stared at a trellis that overflowed with wild blooms of every shade of red, the dead, fallen petals mocking you in the familiar way they pooled beneath.  “—this place is too beautiful for any of the old businessmen who stay here.  It’s actually ridiculous.”

“So it’s not homey, after all?”

A bellowing laugh came from the center of your chest, echoing up to the domed roof and into the growing dark.  “No.  No.  Not homey.  Not quaint.  None of that.  Just giant and spectacular.”

“Well, whatever it is, do you want to come over and grab some clothes?”

“Oh! Oh, yeah.  That’s a lot better than spending credits I don’t have.  Although maybe I’m worrying for nothing? Don’t they forgive your debt when you die, anyway?”

Mason did not laugh, did not even speak, and your amusement fell into alarm.  An edge menaced along each pointed word when he spoke; “Maybe they’ll forgive your debt, but I won’t forgive you for dying.” He grunted in rejection.  “You’re not dying, so I don’t know why we’re discussing this.”

Silence swallowed you both, and for a moment you could hear him trembling, hear the shakiness of his breath.  A sharp exhale startled your hand from your ear.  And then it was quiet again.  He cleared his throat, and you noticed how thick it had become.  Was he crying?

“Mason, you need to tell me what’s going on.  And don’t say-,”

“Nothing is going on.  It’s fine.  We’re fine.”

“Funny, because when you say that, when you tell me we’re fine when I didn’t ask, it makes me think the exact opposite.”

He sighed, but at this point there was a good chance it was more exasperation or fuming than anything else.  “I’m not having this conversation when I can’t see you.”

“Well, I’ll just turn my transmission on and we can-,”

“No.” Clipped, barked.  Final.

It concaved your chest.  Mason had never spoken to you like this.  Your teeth scraped at your bottom lip.  “Should I be worried?”

He paused.  “No,” as it gritted through his teeth, your name was contoured with wisps of ire.  An ounce less of restraint and whatever he was holding back would crack this hardened, taut façade.

The worst came to mind.  All you could manage was a terrified whisper, “Are you revoking your seat to testify? Is that what this is about? Am I about – fuck – am I about to- I can’t lose you.  I can’t-,”

“I told you.  I told you I will be there.” Frosted fury swept through his following pause.  His flat tone was laced with quiet hurt when he next said, “Do you really think I could do that to you? Leave you in the dust like that?”

“No.  I guess not.”

“You guess not,” he thought aloud, a long drag of breath crackling into your ear.  “I’m glad that you’re settled in, and… good luck during your shift tomorrow.  You don’t need it, I know, but nonetheless.”

He was dismissing you.  You hated it.  “I’m not hanging up until I know we’re okay.”

“We’re okay,” he said simply, too fast.  Mason cleared his throat.  “Request transport for the morning after your shift.  You can shop around the closets and after, we can order lunch and… and we can talk.  About things.  Everything.”

It was apparent he would not give anything more away, but you knew from his flat tone that whatever it was, was detrimental to him.  Or you.  Or both.

“Yeah.  I’ll put in the request after shift tomorrow.”

Another long, aching silence.  You listened to his breath, trying and failing at ignoring the knives in it.  The line remained silent, the hanging static a backdrop to the hidden, harmless creatures humming in the night. 

“I love you, Mason,” you prompted, teeth catching your trembling lips, time choking you with every halved second that trudged along.

It killed you, every inhale adding to the weight in your chest, every empty, wordless moment he spent cutting into you with a silent blade.

Another second and you turned back to the heightening tide of the bay, the clear night sky dying it a deep navy.  Even as you tried to focus on the waves that foamed along the distant shore, there was no sound louder than Mason’s nonresponse.

“Goodnight,” Mason said, small, far enough away that it splintered through your heart like ice wedged through rock.

“Good-,” the line went dead, the static dying, a night-kissed wave crashing in your periphery, “-night.”

The iridescent veils of hearth rippled before you now, turning away from the seemingly infinite expanse of water.  Even so, you shivered, and you were sure it had nothing to do with the weather.  Tucking your commlink into your waist pocket, loosing a long-kept breath, you stood from the stone and clasped your blanket over your shoulders.  With a final glance, chin to your shoulder, you appreciated the beauty of your first night here. 

Whatever awaited you tomorrow, the next day, and in the weeks to come? It would remain.  For now, just this one moment alone, you could pretend that everything was okay.  Just for a moment.

A soft touch brushed your shoulder, but when you turned to meet whoever it belonged to, you found there was no one around.  But a light caught your eye, one that had not been there before.  Maybe that interruption to the dark captured your attention, but not at all was it what kept your gaze above the gardens.

Through the clear night, a breeze danced through the flora, glittering scarlet petals into the shadows.  Above those dwindling rubies, leaning over the balcony’s curve, was Kylo Ren.  Behind him, the golden light of his quarters caressed his back, small fragments draping over the sharp, toned muscles of his shoulders.  He was staring down to you, his gaze laving along your figure, eyes those of a predator aware their prey was no match for them.  The ever-heightening moon was all that lit his front, but it was enough.  No, so much more than enough.  Entrancing.  Captivating.  Beguiling.

Light cascaded along the taut strength of Kylo’s abdomen, his broad, thick chest emanating with the smooth white of the dusk’s sun.  Once more, like it always did, the scar skating through his features kept your attention.  From a distance it was less intrusive, but its presence sank your heart like the sun had wandered into the sea.

A whip of night air pushed his hair back to tease his ears, his head slightly cocking to the side when you found his eyes again.  There was no color to them, none that you could see so far away, but you felt their heat slink along your lips, then your neck, over your chest, and lower still.  When they claimed yours once more, they were sculpted with steadfast steel, strong and slithering, ordering your compliance to the smoking promises beyond.

Without noticing, that chill from earlier had left you, and you gathered the blanket so it hung from your forearm.  Kylo held you with his eyes, the fire’s warmth falling away when you stepped off the platform and wandered, in leisure, down the steps and into the plush lawn.  A dew was readying to form on the grass beneath your bare feet, the coolness welcome under his blazing attention.  One step, two, another, and a final; small, shuffling, like you were hypnotized – truthfully, you could have been, but there was none but your own intent in the steps that carried you closer to him.

Only when he straightened to his full height, standing away from the balcony’s edge, did you halt your advance.  He paused there, watching you, so gracefully still you were unsure of his breathing.  From his new position you could no longer see his hands, but – you could feel them.  A pressure along your cheek, your heart stammering at how its span so completely matched his own, and then around your throat, dizzying when it teased your carotids.  Breath shivered from your slack mouth, catching when that – his – ghosted touch skimmed down your sternum and pushed into your rib cage. 

Kylo made no sound, but when the night’s quiet scattered around your faint, gasped moan – feeling the whispered hands smooth over your hips, around the front of your thighs – you saw his jaw flutter, darkness and moonlight tangling when he gave you one final glance.  The phantom touch left, a feline smirk flickered along his lips, and when his brows descended and veiled those deep, deep eyes, Kylo turned and sauntered out of sight.

But you understood his message, the silent one that only his body spoke, and you knew that his leaving was not goodnight, but an invitation.  One you fully intended on accepting. 

The trees swayed above you, the beds of perfectly spaced flowers blowing with the gentle breeze and combining with the sea behind to fill your head with the salty, fresh aroma of a Canto Bight night.  Each step you took along the patterned grass shimmered anticipation through your veins, heady, wanton thoughts brimming in your mind.

The cold stone that marked the ground level’s patio shocked through you, wet crimson petals that had pooled below the trellis now clinging to the soles of your feet.  You did not have time, or at least were desperate to not waste any, to pluck them off, allowing them to travel with you as you led them up the curved staircase.  As you climbed the steps, you stole a fleeting glimpse of the bay; from this height the city’s nightlife sheened along the shore, a few private ships zooming above the skyline and carrying their passengers to events unknown to you. 

Events that you could not have cared less about, not when you arrived to the second-level balcony, not when you saw the swaying curtain beyond Kylo Ren’s open, waiting door.  No, those events meant nil, exceedingly so when you found the beginnings of a trail leading into his room, the first crumb that of pooled, discarded athletic pants. 

Instant, overwhelming chills clamored about your skull, the blanket draped over your arm joining the black bottoms when your limbs went wobbly.  Through the wind-swept gossamer you spied the second addition – one long, impossibly large, black sock – and when you came closer, the cool of night waning as you met the threshold, your heart thrummed louder at the nearing shaft of light that fled the refresher’s entrance. 

Heated tiles warmed your first steps into Kylo’s room, the coquettish curtain kissing the tip of your nose before the door at your back locked shut in near silence.  You brushed past the veil of fabric and took in your surroundings, quite different from what they were earlier.  The golden rays of morning had since been overridden by soft panes of night, only the moon reflecting onto the light tile, not a single star to join it.  The bed’s canopy remained shut, its thin sheets cascading around the bed so there was ample space to walk within its soft confines.  And from that canopy, from the circular track above, bloomed delicate, mild light; it melted midway down the canopy, fading to nothing before it breeched the polished ivory below.

Another step and you noticed the trail of scarlet, dew-drop-covered petals you were leaving in your wake.  On the step up from the bed’s level lay a second sock, so you padded to it, and tuned into the sound of heavy, rushing water that became louder as you delved further into the dimly lit room.  This level was dark save for the glow of the open refresher; you followed that light like a lost vessel in space, hands trembling as you passed through the sitting area with soundless strides.  Finally, as you’d calculated at the earlier bareness of his chest, you found the piece of clothing that signaled your final destination lying at your feet.

Atop the refresher’s threshold lay a pair of black boxer-briefs – unfolded, just as they’d appear fresh off the heated, muscled body from which they’d come.  A smile played at your lips, remembering how the pair he’d so generously provided you the morning after you’d first slept next to him had hugged your hips with subtle compression.  Those, unfortunately, were undoubtedly obliterated with everything else that had exploded with Starkiller. 

Kylo Ren was nowhere within view, but running water tucked behind a corner to your left, and when steam swirled around an inlet that bordered a sleek, unbroken wall of ash-grey tile, your lungs lit with need, with want, your thoughts only focused on the body and man that waited for you just beyond view, just out of reach.  Suddenly you became aware of how overdressed you were, so you turned to your right and found a mirror that ruled its own wall and plucked open the top button of your uniform.

The fogged silver expanse provided a blurred, softened outline of your near-bare body, scalding goosebumps scraping up your neck at the thought of Kylo’s slicked, dripping body.  Hands hooked behind your back, you loosed your bra and smoothed the straps down the sides of your arms.  And then all that covered you were the lack-luster panties the Finalizer had provided all those months ago, but they soon joined the small pile at your feet, leaving you naked and anticipatory and adamant.

Plopping your watch onto your clothes, you squared your shoulders, fixed your posture, and approached the heat of the hidden shower.  Its warm embrace evoked such a calm through you, first loosening your shoulders, then steadying your breath.

Beyond the smoke hued barrier was a chamber of luxury, the water cascading from above like it came from an invisible storm cloud; its volume suggested a harsh pressure, but, stepping beneath the jets that seemed to span the entire stall, your skin was graced with the pleasant fall of a spring shower.  Looking up, blinking through the misted warmth, you found the navy night sky peering down at you through the clear glass ceiling.

All light but that of the moon left the stall, and when your attention shifted down, you saw him through the sheets of water that kept you apart.  The air was thick with fog and mist and night, but he remained the most devastatingly gorgeous person you’d ever seen, ever known.  You needed him to be closer, you needed to be closer to him.  No matter if you’d been with him those few nights ago, and though you’d spoken just hours ago, there was a tautness that tightened as your steps brought you to him. 

Arms at his sides, stance strong and confident, Kylo Ren was a stride away from you, and you stopped.  Inky black hair dripped down his neck, and his mouth was set in a flat, unreadable line, but all you could think of was how it felt you were seeing him for the first time all over again.  He was different now, body scarred and worn from the passing of time.  You did not stare at the red and black that had only been there for such a short time now.  You appreciated it.

Kylo observed you, and a measure after your gaze followed the ebony ribbon rested in his countenance, you lifted a hand to it.  He tensed and you caught his eyes, giving him a small nod before the very tip of your fourth finger kissed the start of his scar.  You watched him, vaguely aware of your hand slipping along the marked path through his brow and down his cheek.  Breath pushed from him in eased waves, his eyes danced between yours, and when you reached the line of his jaw and tapped your finger to the raised, pinking skin there, you closed your eyes and leaned up on your toes so you could press an aching kiss to it. 

That tenseness that’d clanged into him at your touch was instantly gone, the heated streams above not a match to the stifling relief that fogged from his nares.  So near to him, a second hand pushing through wetted, onyx locks, you remembered how he’d stared up at you on the Command Shuttle, how unreadable his expression was when his new scars had still been fresh wounds.

Your touch found the tail end of his healing flesh, and you swallowed down a thick, betraying sob.  “Why did you believe me?” you whispered, not looking up to him.  “When I told you I hated you and I wanted to quit.  When I said,” you winced, “when I called you a bastard and said I wished I could forget you.  Why didn’t you fight it longer?”

Kylo was quiet for a moment, body still but not reluctant to the steady meandering of your fingers.  Something haunted him when he said, “Irredeemable bastard, if you’ve forgotten.”

“No,” your throat bobbed, “I haven’t.  I don’t think I’ll ever forget that day.  Any, any part of it.” Looking up at him, you smoothed your hand over the scar settled into his shoulder.  “After that morning, after everything, why did you believe me?”

“You were saying goodbye,” he murmured, like he’d mulled over that day time and time again and never considered the possibility.  “Before Takodana.  You knew.  He’d gotten to you by then.” A note of betrayal sharpened his tongue, a snarl lighting when he referred to Snoke.

The hand that wasn’t tracing circles along his scarred muscles now toyed with his ear, the tip of your index finger molding to the curved pinnae.  “Kylo,” just a breath, nearly drowned by the water ricocheting at your feet, “answer me.  Please.”

Smooth, low, he began, “Because who could-,” he swallowed, considering you before starting over, “Because I’ve never known anyone who didn’t hate me.  And I’ve always been a bastard.  So when you said those things, after that morning, after you’d ran through Starkiller to tell me and kept saying them…”

Memories fluttered behind his eyes, and as their burning brown centered glittered against the navy night, you lifted your hand so you could hold his face, hold it like a parent would caress their child’s tear-sodden cheek.  Kylo blinked back to you and you comforted the purpled skin beneath his eye. 

He did not want to voice the answers you sought, but you watched as, piece by piece, you dented one of those walls he’d erected in that time-stained interrogation room.  Perhaps it was a hopeful thought, but you swore you felt him ease into your hand.

“I stopped fighting because only a fool counters the truth of his life.” Kylo’s throat bobbed, his deep, shadowed gaze swallowing you whole.  He caught your hand and led it flat along his broad chest, and then to the panes of his abdomen, placing it over the bruised, raised flesh of the scar you’d yet to explore.  “I believed you because there was no reason to doubt you.”

The showering heat from above shielded that which was blurring your vision.  He believed you because he believed those things of himself.  After seeing him wear so many masks, physical or phantom, you saw it in his eyes that he still thought those things and had for his entire life.

And then it made sense, and the realization dragged jagged, thorn-wrapped talons through your heart.  You whispered through the water, wondering if you were speaking only for yourself when you said, “That’s why you didn’t look inside my head.  You didn’t think it would show you anything different.  You didn’t think I could ever feel differently.”

You ran your thumb along the uneven ridge of the scar forming over his side and tucked your other arm around his waist.  With the force that kept moons anchored to their planets, you pulled him in and nestled into the notch of his breastbone.

Through your teeth, “You are not a bastard.  Or irredeemable,” your fingers dipped to the center of the healing tissue, “I’ve learned that we make the choices we think are best, and if that’s true, if I believe it? What do either of us have to be redeemed for?”

Kylo said your name, clear as the night that loomed overhead, and a patient finger tipped your chin up.  “Nothing.  Because there is no redemption for those who do not want it.”

Intensity hardened his face, and once more you felt that sense of equality between him and you.  Long fingers smoothed into your drenched hair, and you found a prompt in his brow.  Sighing, lungs stuttering, you asked, “What, then, if not redemption?”

The hand that he’d set over yours shifted to your hip, thick fingers prodding at your flesh.  Kylo’s touch left your chin and the pad of his thumb rolled over the faint scar that cut into your hairline, a twinge of pain lighting at the memory of its origin; it had healed days ago, but you would never forget the sound of it cracking open when Robbie knocked your skull against the durasteel door. 

Kylo stopped musing when he heard you wince, his eyes meeting yours in a stark, unwavering gaze.  He smoothed over the blight a final time and proceeded to skate his fingers along your jaw, his thumb coming to rest over your bottom lip.  Similar to this morning, yet colder and with a quiet fury breathing beyond his eyes, he looked at you with solidarity.

Calm, sure, adamant, Kylo said, “Retribution.”

A moment to process was spent in his gaze, studying how unbreakable it was, swimming in the shadowed hazel that poured into you.  Kylo’s eyes flicked to your lips, and before he could look away, you leaned up so you could reach his own.  The swirled hair at his nape slithered through your fingers when you swept you hand from his abdomen and up his torso.  Massive, enveloping hands trailed praise along your body until they were mirrored under your breasts.

Exploring his skin, your fingers took residence over the small of his back, digging red trails along the slick surface.  You moaned into Kylo’s mouth when a capable hand claimed your supple chest and kneaded into you.  He growled in response, a predatory sound that rippled through your nerves and tightened deep, deep in your belly.  The pliant pads of his thumbs circled your nipples, the very tips of his nails flicking upward before he added his forefingers and pinched the sensitive peaks to his will. 

Kylo mouthed the hinge of your jaw, the bridge of his nose slipping along the bone until you surrendered your neck to him.  He hummed against your artery, sucking away the beaded moisture that’d collected for the past few minutes – or had it been hours? Time evaded you further when the schemes of his tongue at your throat delved deeper, revealed themselves further when he laved at your clavicle, shifting between kissing and biting and marking as he made his way to your breastbone. 

His muscled back flexed as your fingers routed to his front, dipping low until you found the haze of soft, wet hair that grew from his pelvis.  Kylo continued his endeavors and pulled you in by the curve of your back so he could bare your chest to him and run his nose under the base of your breast.  His need for your body was evident in the way he bent you to his will, cradling your back so he could have you, but also permitting a sense of safety in the relentless strength that flowed from his forearms through to your marrow. 

Near limp in his hold, you tread your fingers down his pelvis and savored the feel of that patch of hair, feeling his pulse beat beneath it, reveling how water collected and fled in such a slow, teasing manner.  His chest was to yours, so you felt, rather than heard, the pleasure vibrate from him, deepening when you grazed the very foundations of his hardening shaft.  He breathed into your skin, mouthing at your breast and sucking painful paths as he went.  The heat of his mouth melded around your nipple, and he bit, and even when you winced and writhed with satisfied hurt, Kylo kept on; not until you were sure he’d drawn blood did his teeth – their unique ridges now throbbing into your breast – leave you, replaced by the salve of his plush, scorching lips.  The body of his tongue was structured with adamant, laving over your pebbled peak until poems of pleasure groaned from the depths of your chest. 

He leaned you back up and shifted his attention to the remaining half of your body, but you needed him just as much, and you wanted to litter his body with the same pleasure he’d given yours.  So, snaking your hands to his jaw, you kissed the hinge opposite to his scar and pecked harder and longer, sucking at his skin like the blood that bruised would grant you eternal life.  Falling to your knees in a steady, unrushed descent, you kissed every inch of his abdomen, every bump and ripple of skin that was present around the mending injury.  With eyes peering up, hands cherishing the fronts of his thighs, you tongued the scarred tissue and watched him shutter with ecstasy, eyes half-lolling, mouth slackening for a second before he swallowed down whatever satisfaction would have left him.

You teethed at the soft, raised skin, watching him, content when a guiding hand pet down your slick hair.  Shifting to his middle, you hummed from one hip bone to the next, feeling the tickle of hair that fled from his naval and dispersed in an even, thick layer of black atop his pubis.  Hunger ravaged your throat and you nuzzled into the soft bed of obsidian hair.  A kiss to it, then a nip, and then the tip of your nose swirled around the dark patch, his cock twitching at the side of your face.

Anchoring your eyes to his yet again, you dragged the flat of your tongue through the maintained, drenched hair and pushed both your hands along his inner thighs.  The muscles beneath your touch sang, streamed just as fluidly as the droplets that were trickling down your spine.  Pulling away from him, you faced his cock and observed how it bobbed with your eyes on it, watched it strain for friction when your hands teased both sides of his base, sifting through the dark curls beneath. 

The moonlight painted his shaft with subtle, breathtaking contours – a shadow cast under the spongey ridge of his head, light glinting off the misted moisture that’d caught on his flushed shaft.  Each prominent vein cast a winding whisper of darkness just a measure from the next.  It hypnotized you, the way they overlapped and crossed at points, bulging out from his cock and shifting with each throbbing pulse of blood that clamored through him. 

Curious fingers flitted along the heavy, hot column of flesh, tapping it and listening to the thickening breath from the man watching you through ravenous eyes.  A smirk curved your mouth, and you peppered a light, whispered kiss to his slit, pushing his cockhead just so it met your teeth, and leading your lips away so the teasing burned through him.  You pulled a hand away from his leg and sat back on your calves, taking a breast into it and kneading as he had before, plucking your nipple through each space between your fingers. 

“A teasing little whore tonight,” he purred, voice thick.

You hummed, pleased you were getting to him.  “I’m your little nurse, remember?” The tip of your tongue teased circles into his frenulum.  “And you are my master.  Isn’t that right? Master Ren?” Fuck, the title even got to you, cunt fluttering with the hope to be overflowing with him.

“Good girl, teasing whore, nasty slut? Little nurse? You have so many names now.”

“And all of them belong to you.”

You teased his tip and finally laved a flat tongue on the underside of his shaft, flicking it side to side and gripping into his structured, rippling thighs.  Something animal, completely primal, roared in his throat, and sooner than you knew, Kylo Ren had joined you on your knees, the weight of his cock slicking down your middle and slapping up to your slit when inertia bounced through it. 

A masterful tongue slipped into your mouth and licked your hard pallet, next dropping down and pushing against the side of your own tongue.  A muffled moan – one that you were unsure was his or yours or both – clouded through the shower’s downfall.  But then a throat-thick huff, aggressive and impatient, gnarled through the air and you were spun on your knees so your back was flush with his chest.

“Yes,” he rumbled, “they do all belong to me.” A possessive hand pushed you into him with might, taking residence in the valley of your breasts.  “Your names, your body.  Everything.” His hips canted, and the tip of his cock knocked against your clit, fire billowing in your belly, quicker and deeper now. 

“Everything,” you echoed, finding his free hand and guiding it so it lay over the permanence etched into your thigh.  “I’m- everything.  It’s yours.  I am yours.”

Unrelenting digits bruised more marks around the one he’d made prior, and when you felt his cock fall in line with your entrance, you thrust into him as he did the same, and you took all of him, at once, in one, fluid, aching motion.  An unabashed cry echoed euphoria throughout the moonlit stall.  Before you could fully recover from the first thrust, his hand – the free hand that didn’t remain under your own, clutched to your thigh – dipped into your folds and that blooming fire from earlier mushroomed at the graze of his thick digits against the buzzing nerves. 

Thrust after thrust after thrust, fucking into you and filling you to the brim and then some each time, knocking the air from your lungs and burgeoning those sweet spots within with each paced, violent pass.  All of that pressure combined with the winding circles and strokes he racked your clit with, you felt the breath of climax rise first in your chest, and then upward into your throat. 

Kylo was panting by your ear, sucking the skin behind, clutching you to him so it became uncertain where his body ended and yours began.  You hooked your arm above your head and clutched at his drenched tresses, flailing for a better grip and settling on clasping your hand onto the back of his neck.

“I feel you,” he groaned.

“Feel me,” you huffed.

“I know you.”

“know me.”

“You’re mine,” your name was laden with yearning claim, lilting from his tongue so it caressed your mind, body, and soul all in one fell swoop. 

“Yours,” you heaved, “all, yours.”

You came.  Simple.  Body swimming in the schemes his fingers and cock and tongue and voice forced into you until it became too much.  A few thrusts more and his pace faltered, cum spurting against your walls and dripping out of you as more and more left him.  Full lips pressed fleeting, lulling praise into your nape, your shoulder, until he angled your head to his and branded his lips to yours. 

Spent, emotionally and physically, you fell into him and enjoyed the image of his legs framing your own.  But then your eyes lolled shut and you simply breathed, settling into this moment as best you could, and tried to memorize the tide of his chest slicking against your back.

Barely aware in the vague, misty stall, you only realized that Kylo had begun cleaning you when he guided you back to your feet to rinse you free of soap.  Even then you just leaned into his chest and let the jets spray silken streams down your skin.  And then you were wrapped in a heated towel and cradled in his arms, leaving the steamy refresher and coming into the gentle atmosphere within the golden gossamer canopy.

With less than a word, maybe a breath, the light from above waned to nothingness, and the room was black save for the glinting eyes that studied your own.  The towel discarded to the floor, you now lay beneath the thick comforter and linen sheets of Kylo Ren’s bed.  Both naked, you huddled together in the center of the expansive mattress, legs wrapped together in an impossible knot, each breathing in the other’s warmth. 

Ease trickled into your muscles, and you shifted so your forehead could rest in the heat of his chest.  

“What changed? From the other night?” you yawned.  “What convinced you? About Snoke.”

He was tired, too, you knew, the hand tucking you into him tracing lazy, distracting circles into your back to keep him from sleep.  “Perspective, really.  Seeing things clearly for the first time in… Seeing things clearly.”

For now, fatigue caressing you, that was an answer you could accept.  He’d given you more of his mind tonight than ever before, and you did not care to mar that fact with a half-wit interrogation.  Perhaps you would listen to him this time, given how little you potentially had left, and do as he’d said this morning.

Trust me first.

It was sound advice, and not worth questioning on the eve of your first shift on Canto Bight.  So you nuzzled into him and giggled when the tip of your nose nudged that black healing ribbon over his collar bone.

“I like your scars,” you hummed.

You could not be certain, sleep plunging you into its riptide, but just before it pulled you under, you swore you heard the fatigued rumble of Kylo Ren’s voice whisper, “I like yours too.”