#rex & herb

[fragglesesamemuppetz2]

Any Will Vinton Fans [especially of The California Raisins and The Noid] out there?

I've been hyperfixated on Will's work again and I want to talk about the characters, the lore, and my headcanons for the characters.

[eunuchve]

tags: mdni, smut, dragon!morax, MONSTERFUCKING, rut/mating cycles, predator/prey, double dragon cocks, double penetration, CERVIX FUCKING, size kink, mentioning pregnancy, mating, bro has a worship kink, breeding kink hints (he's in a rut dont hold it against him) a.n: (what have i done) this is the first porn with plot I've written and I gotta say; it is damn long.... happy valentines my dears, enjoy! pairings: zhongli x afab!reader

Lord Morax is a god; but he is more than that, he is an adeptus. illuminated beast. this fact needs no introduction, everyone knows. 

so when he took leave to a remote part of liyue somewhere, unknown to even his retainers, no one dared to bat an eye. the rain has fallen heavy, the season has become damp, and the scheduled time is near; Rex Lapis will have his rut.

it didn't take long for people to figure out the reasons for his absence; not when the lord became increasingly unfocused during stately meetings a week prior or when his eyes would turn to slits with a whiff of a woman's perfume for a month’s time.

You, the lone herb picker of a local pharmacy, didn't know any better when you stumbled upon a large hollowed-out cave that wasn't supposed to be there. you are familiar with the terrains, hell, you know it like the back of your hand -- so imagine your surprise when you find a nesting dragon inside, heaving, grunting alone; its horns glowing with a bright amber before its head snapped to your directly, eyes instantly turning to slits.

at first, you stumble backwards, watching as the figure slowly but surely towers over your frame; your neck cranes to meet its molten bronze eyes. it didn't take you long to realise whose privacy you had so ungraciously barged into; your mouth dries and you dropped your basket full of violetgrass, your heart beating out of your chest before your feet finally got some sense and took running to the woods. 

'fuck fuck fuck.'

you are going to die- you are so sure you are going to die. when your feet stumble and trip over branches and air, when you can hear him gliding through the sky; undoubtedly searching for you. The sounds of his scaled body burst through the leaves of the ginkgo trees, or of his deep, rough growls that echo through the forest. With every heavy step you take, you can feel him getting closer and closer. The thrill and fear mix inside of you, your body stirs with blood coursing through you. Weirdly amid the fear you feel-- somehow excitement came into the mix; something about your life being in the mercy of a chase?

Why is he there again? Rut? So will he fuck you or will he kill you? You certainly prefer one to the other. 

Your legs continue to run, even as you trip and fall, or when you stumble upon a rock or two; searching for an exit to a nearby village or open path; but no matter how far you run you can't seem to find the correct way. Your eyes scanned all directions before your body was suddenly pinned down under a sudden force and unmoving weight.

The paws of a creature so large that it covers your entire back, its talons digging into your back. The smell of freshly dug earth and exotic spices violates your nostrils and your heart can't help but thump against your chest just a little faster. You turned your neck, finding the dragon’s face mere inches from yours; his hot breath grazing the exposed skin of your neck. 

“Please don’t kill me.” god your voice sounds so desperate; with a hint of a broken whimper- even you are embarrassed by that fact. but your god didn't seem disturbed, instead he let out a low grunt, before hissing back a reply.

"don't beg."

"...huh?"

"don't." he spat the word, seeming holding something back. "beg."

"b-but--"

he didn't let you finish, picking you up by the scruff of your neck before throwing you to his back. he flew you back somewhere, you didn't care to notice since most of the flight back you are scrambling for something to hold on to; whether it is the golden spines or his actual body.

by the time you both arrive at the entrance of the familiar cave, he has waited for you to get off his back. you inclined, of course, shakily getting a feel of the ground below, catching your breath whilst adrenaline courses through you. once you get a feel yourself, your eyes travel to him, catching his large form walking slowly to the back of the cave.

"you won't kill me?" you find yourself asking; his head then slowly turns to you before, a visible look of confusion etched on it.

"Why would I?" his deep rough voice replies. he is definitely holding something back, the way his lips parted a bit to let steam out of his mouth, the sharp teeth that are visible from them make you gulp the pooling saliva in your mouth.

"Because... cave..."

weak reasoning, you'd have to admit, but if he won't kill you then you'd have to be sure of the other possibility. "then would you fuck me?"

the look on his face deepened before his head hung low, and a soft whisper came to you for a reply. "what makes you think of that?"

"It's your- Rex Lapis it's your time of..."

embarrassed, incredibly embarrassed; that's the feeling you felt, with the heat of blood rushing to your cheek and thumping heart against your chest only enforcing the fact.

"it is time for my rut, yes," he confirmed, his gaze thrown to the floor, avoiding your figure, "but I am not one with lost senses; sleep, it is night, it will be safer to leave in the morning."

you nod weakly, shuffling your way to the walls and plopping down on the dirt before curling up. the heat in your cheeks refuses to prevail as you watch him walk back, his long tail moves with each step he takes, the tuff at the end resembling that of golden clouds.

"My lord why are you moving so far away?" you asked, instantly biting your lip the moment that question escaped your mind, realising how desperate you sounded with that pretence.

"your arousal," he states matter of factly. "you. I can smell it."

you look at him wide-eyed, your face now comparable in its heat to the sun, your lips agape.

"it's safer for you this way," he continues.

"do you not want to?" archons you are greedy aren't you. "your rut- I can.. help..."

"I doubt it." his voice is precise, he says it like it's a fact, not even letting you have a space to express your desire. "they are the size of your thigh and their length..."

"I can try." bold- now you are being too bold. the size of your thigh he said? now you can feel your ears getting heated up from the shame. your thigh now pressed together as you imagine him inside of you; a second pass and your arms no longer placed nicely on your lap, instead instinctively protecting your chest.

his gaze looms over you, his snout now only a hairsbreadth away from your neck; a long deep breath he takes is audible before he groans out a reply.

"Do not test me human," something inside of him is threatening undone, you know it, "I will breed you till your womb is full and your consciousness lost-- if that is not what you desire then stay quiet and sleep; I shall bring you the village in the morning but until then speak not of this."

you gulp, now your lips parted before you crane your neck and place a shaky kiss on his scaled cheek, the heat of his body contrasting the cold of your flesh. "... that is what I desire--"

with that your clothes are torn apart; the valuable silk you spend months of your wage on is gone and your naked skin is exposed. the cold air hardened your nipples and he took notice, his head travelling down, his long forked tongue lapping sweetly onto them, earning your strangle out a moan.

"getting aroused from a chase," he breathes out, almost teasing you; hot breath contrasts that of the cooling saliva on your perked buds, sending vibrations down your spine. "thinking you can take a dragon's cocks, wanting to be the mother of my offsprings -- what bold actions you possessed."

you let out a whine, his tongue now travelling down, ever so subtly closing down to your cunt. you pressed your thighs together; embarrassed, already feeling your arousal seeping out of you before his claws forced them wide open, earning your moan.

"you are pooling my dear," he almost chuckled, his eyes narrowed as he licked his lips, his breath now grazing your quivering folds, unexpected whimper broken out of you.

"please?"

with that word you can feel the air snap hotter, his eyes now meeting yours; his form towering over you before he chuckle, training down kisses, his tongue now making sure you are covered in his scent.

"didn't I tell you not to beg?" his claws hold your thigh open and he took a lap of your cunt, almost smiling at your taste. "do you know why my dear?"

"n-no--"

your moans escape, feeling his tongue entering you, fucking you, stimulating your walls, not letting you escape. you arched your back, biting your lips as another whimper persisted. you feel his hand moving, now pressing his claws to your other hole, expecting you to open up; and you let him, your holes now stuffed full of him before you feel his tongue slip out of you, your whine tells him as much about what you want.

"Because if you beg..." he now moves his hands to your ankles, folding you in half and you watch helplessly, his two golden cocks decorated with geometric lines and veins on either side, one on top of the other- he does not lie, the size of those things are comparable to your thigh, its length will most likely penetrate your womb- "I will answer."

he chuckles subtly, aligning his cocks to both of your holes, its weight now pressing down on you, precum leaks out of them, lubricating you further.

"i am a god, my dear; I always answer."

with that he presses his cock head to your holes, hoping both of them will ease up. you moan his title out, causing him to snap his head to you, making him greedy.

Your little groan and hiss only help you muster up the strength to let loose, feeling your holes easing up before they let his cockheads in, making your chest heave.

he grunts against your neck; and you feel his teeth subtly tracing your shoulder, little nips that satiate his hunger, burying his head in its crook.

"Celestia." the way you feel around the tip of his cock is incomparable; the dragon finds himself clenching down his jaw, controlling his urges to slam you down to its hilt. "you are made for me my dear."

he grabs a hold of your hips, and you feel him sliding you down. you let out a low moan, your back still arched as you feel him inside of you more and more. the burn from the stretch doesn't scare you, even if you feel like you are being split in two- you only know the pleasure that waits for you not so out of reach.

not even halfway and you already feel him brushing against your cervix, your broken moan coupled with the way you rolled your hips almost makes him snap. his other cock too now deep inside of you- almost too deep; you feel the pressure against your throat, feeling his cocks twitch, almost making you jolt, your hand searching from his arm, nails now digging into his scales.

he looks at you, his parted lips letting out steam before his uneven breathing stops to let him speak. "I shall move now."

you look at him, biting your lips and nod firmly, affirming your readiness. you feel him trying to go out of you, your cunt and hole tightening around him, almost hungry before he slams into you, earning your cry of pleasure.

it persists; he goes out of you before he slips inside, messaging your walls before they tightened around him again, hungrily seeking him, your face now fucked out with pleasure, feeling him abuse your holes.

"I'm not even all the way in my dear." he almost smirks, you can see it. before you know it, you suddenly feel him picking you up, your walls being freed from his cocks, suddenly empty and you whine; letting him flip you to your stomach and holding your ass up in the air.

he marvels at the sight, seeing both of your holes gape yet clench down on nothing, it almost made him giddy.

"my beautiful follower," he mused, his claws now digging into your flesh before you feel his cocks lining up with your holes again; embarrassingly you can feel your cunt relaxing, ready to take him in once more. "will you be my mate now darling?"

"yes!" your desperation stays, you want him inside you so bad, "please Rex Lapis please!"

you didn't know what did, but you certainly awaken something in him. he brings you up in the air before slamming you down on his cocks, your walls now taking him fully, your stomach bulging out with his shape. your breath knocks out of you; you can feel him all the way in your womb, your hand can't help but trace the raised flesh, your spine almost shivering from the sensation.

"keep begging."

that sounds like an order; even your now fucked out brain knows that. so like the good follower you are you follow that order.

"Please make me your mate," you choke out, his slow rhythms that know your breath slowly but surely going faster, brushing up against all your pleasure spots, making you roll your eyes to the back of your head. "please please please please I wanna- I want--"

he chuckles, the way you mewl your pleas, the way your warm flesh tightens around him; he can even feel your walls hungrily sucking him in so nicely. in his mind he is thanking Celestia; because fuck, you are a masterpiece.

"a human could die from this," he grunts out, going in and out of you with an inhuman pace, your cunt and hole loosening with his movements. "not you my dear; you are made for me."

you whine from his statement, the bludge he created only drives you to the edge, feeling something inside of you tightening, your nails digging into his scaled flesh, your face supported by his nose. "R-rex Lapis i- my-- i'm--"

"you want to cum my dear?" he almost teases you with the question, his cock brushing, bullying your g spot, making you dig your nails further, your head could only nod desperately at his question. "hold it, you could only cum when I do."

you whine out with his order, and he lets out a subtle groaning with it, chuckling at your reaction. his hand moves down, large talons brushing against your hard clit, teasing the nub; knowing exactly what it will make you do.

you wrapped your arm around his neck, his golden mane brushing against your flesh so softly; and your tug your face on them, muffling out your long moan and desperate cries.

"fuck- please lord mo- morax- r-rex lapis please- i want- i wanna- please please please-"

he kept his word, his face moving and kissing your neck, feeling you move your pelvis to fit him better, your inside hungrily brushing against his shaft. his brow knits, he feels himself almost coming undone.

"now."

with a final thrust, he fills both of your holes with white ropes of cum, you yourself arching your back, feeling your orgasm hits you harder than ever before. he hear your pants before he coils around you, closing gaps between the two of your while still being inside of you, wrapped up by your own warmth.

"i shall make the wedding preparation after the season's over," he breath out; your mind finally able to join the sentence together before you move your head, repeating the most important word again.

"wedding..."

"of course my dear," he kisses you, his snout pressed against your jaw before he tugs his head onto your collar bone. his hand travels to your stomach, rubbing the visible buldge that only grows with his cum, almost making look pregnant.

"the little ones will be coming soon."

[usagiarchive]

angel of the codeine scene — [01] the war

masterlist / next

sypnosis. [ xiao x adeptus!reader. 1.3k words.angst. ]  — As unbelievable as it was, Adeptus Xiao had caught feelings for the mortal healer he accompanied.

He met you in the Archon War.

Rex Lapis had already given him a new name. A new life. A new purpose.

You were one of the healers in the Dihua Marsh encampment, one of the few who survived the first few waves and got to safety.

Healers were seldom at the time, being the first ones to be killed off.

Your first conversation was when he brought you an elderly woman's frail body. Alive, but injured.

“She requires immediate assistance,” he remembers telling you.

You nodded and were quick on your feet as you laid out a cot for the woman to lay on. You tended to her wounds skillfully.

He noticed you worked faster and noticeably better than the other healers.

You were an asset, he decides.

“Who was your mentor?” he asks as you tend to a different patient.

“My father,” you tie up the bandage, not even flinching when you hear an explosion from afar, “He was an apothecary, a good one,”

The solemn look on your face said it all and he couldn't say a word.

“Excuse me,” you left without another word.

...

It is not long when the adeptus speaks to you once more. This time it is under a calmer situation when he does.

“I never knew Adepti were perverts,” you say and sink the lower half of your face under the water.

The man in question flushed a green color, “Forgive me- I did not mean to, I swear on Rex Lapis,” he says as he turns around and covers his eyes.

You roll your eyes and emerge from the water, to him, he only hears the sloshes of the water as you move.

You put on clothes over your body, one you were supposed to hang up to dry better after your bath in the river.

“Care to tell me what you were doing here, Adeptus?” you ask, arms crossed as you wring out the water from your hair.

“I came to deliver a message, the children of the camp told me you would be out on the river,” he explains, still not turning around to face you.

He probably still thinks I'm naked, you thought but don't make him turn around.

“I did not… expect… to see you…” he clears his throat, “bathing.

You sigh, an honest mistake is an honest mistake.

“You can turn around, Adeptus, what message are you here to deliver?”

“Rex Lapis requires you for the next encampment.”

...

The two of you worked in close proximity after that. Wherever you were, the adeptus followed, Rex Lapis had assigned him to be your protector, after all.

The god who saved you had recognized your expertise, your skill, and you were more than happy to serve, if only to honor and remember your father.

It was there where you started to get to know him better, in the months you had been with him, you learned he flushed green because that's what color his insides were, the Adepti didn't have the same blood as humans.

You learned that he liked silky-feeling food, he did not tell you his reason why. He liked to feel the air in his face. He liked watching from high places. He liked to dance.

He liked you.

As unbelievable as it was, Adeptus Xiao had caught feelings for the mortal healer he accompanied.

Most of all, it was incredibly unbelievable to you.

So much so that you disappeared back to Dihua Marsh encampment overnight without his knowledge, leaving him at the Guili Plains encampment with Guizhong.

He returns to your side before noon strikes.

It had taken you a while to process the entire situation, you didn't exactly have time for… romance.

War was raging on the skyline. Tomorrow was not promised to either of you.

And yet you found yourself returning his affections.

He had stayed by your side all that time, never pushing his intentions, but just wanting your company.

You fell. Hard.

Xiao was a lover under all that armor. He brought you trinkets he'd find on patrols, herbs you needed for medicine, and would stay with you on the nights you needed to break down.

He understood you.

And you understood him.

Because you were a lover under all your armor, too. You'd offer him a hug or even just your hand when it all got too much and he didn't want to be touched, made him tea or set aside rations for him, figured out how to make a silky food palatable enough for him to enjoy, and you gave him peace.

But still, the war rages on and both your duty calls.

...

It was morning, the medicine prepared for your patients and the camp was buzzing.

The Yakshas and Rex Lapis were out defending the northern border, where monsters from the Abyss and malicious gods were aiming to invade and kill.

The emergency horn sounded and then everyone was screaming.

Running, screaming, crying.

There were monsters in the camp, destroying the life you've known for almost a year. Killing the people you've treated.

There, you utter the name he told you to say when you were in trouble.

“Xiao!”

The horn rings in all the Yakshas’ ears the moment it is blown. It was a system Bonanus set up. A special call to let them know their base was in trouble.

But the bastardly creatures kept them from immediately going back. There were far too many, far too vicious. To leave this would mean to let them into Liyue territory.

To let them into Liyue territory would mean to throw a wrench in what they've been fighting for the past few months.

Xiao slashes through a hoard of Abyssal monsters, skewering them with his polearm and slicing it free.

That's when he hears you. The wind carried your plea to him.

But he can't, to abandon Rex Lapis and help back at the camp would mean to break his contract and would mean his imminent death.

He prayed to Celestia to keep you safe.

“Hold on, I'll be there,” he mumbles as he releases a deadly wave of miasma, “even if it kills me.”

He lunges for the god controlling the hoard.

...

He was too late.

The moment the Yakshas came back to camp, everything had been burned into cinders. The stench of iron ran deep into the soil as mutilated bodies laid across what used to be a home.

Xiao panicked and his brothers knew why.

As they stared in defeat, they could only watch as Xiao disappeared and appeared here and there. Looking for you.

“... Xiao..” he hears and he knows he has to find you.

He could barely hear it, your voice was small, he thanks the wind that carried it to him.

He tells your name as he disappeared again.

The adeptus finds you near the river, the overwhelming scent of your blood clouding his sense of smell. Bleeding into the stream of water, carrying it into the sea.

“Hey, hey, you're okay, you're gonna be okay,” he tells you as he carries your body softly.

“... you came…” you whisper.

“You called…”

A small smile paints your pale face.

“We gotta- we have to, I have to get you to-” Xiao chokes through his tears, “Rex Lapis will- You'll be okay, please…”

He sees you shake your head as you raise a bloody palm to cup his face.

“No, don't- don't do that. We have- I- You have to-!” he stutters.

He didn't know what to do.

“Y-you have to- have to tell me how to- how to help, I can help,” he says and you rest your head on his chest.

You always liked to listen to his heart.

“I’m sorry, Xiao,”

“Hey, no, don't say that,”

…

He says your name.

…

“... you can't…” he starts, “you can't leave me, please,”

…

“Not like this,” he whispers, “please don't leave me like this…”

…

“Please.”

...

The Yakshas would record this in the scrolls of history as what they describe as the most blood-curdling, heartbreaking scream they've ever heard.

...

After the war, life became still. Rex Lapis is hailed as the Geo Archon, and their mission changes to rebuilding Liyue.

The people regroup, the people celebrate.

And Xiao is left to mourn the memory of you.

masterlist/ next

usagi's note: guys i love xiao sm Iike i have like two other fics planned out for him istg pray for me i rlly dont wanna be ao3 cursed again. 

taglist (open!! send an ask/comment to be tagged!): @irenedoesthings @cherrysnows @makuzume @smoochi-modest @bvtterflyyy @original-person

@usagiarchive 2024. do not repost, translate, or use for AI. reblogs, likes, and comments are very appreciated!!

[witchygagirlwrites]

How Dare You-Part 9

Jay Halstead x Reader (nicknamed Deuce/ surname of Barlowe. No first name used)

You and Jay finally talk, you let all your feelings known as to why you think he stayed

Warnings: mention of violence, mention of shooting someone, lots of cursing and actually I think thats it for this one

Jay watched you as you walked through the market. You were ahead of him and Travis, Franklin and Samantha were walking with you. He noticed how you liked keeping the K9s close. A part of him wondered if you’d end up requisitioning one for your team. There was just something about the way you wove through the stalls, offering a smile to the vendors as you moved. You spoke to them, stopped to check out fares. He didn’t know if you’d ever been this far south but no one looked at you with the least bit of malice. Even with it being clear you were some form of law enforcement, the vendors were joking and laughing with you as you bought what looked like dried herbs from a man.

The way your braid bounced behind you, one of your hands dangling to brush along Rex’s back and the way your eyes constantly darted between the two women with you to make sure neither of them felt as if you weren’t paying attention to them. He also knew for a fact that either of the three of you could probably tell him the smallest detail of damn near anyone around you in the market. You’d told him years ago only half your observation skills had come from being an agent “the other half simply comes from being a woman, we’re used to having to keep an eye on things around us”

The sound of his name being called tore his attention away from you  “Jay?” He raised an eyebrow and cut his eyes at Travis “You called me by Jay instead of Halstead. It’s got to be serious. Are you about to make good on the threat to shoot me and call it enemy fire on the write up?” Travis shrugged “Haven’t quite decided yet but no, not at the moment”  Jay laughed lightly, glad for some of the tension he’d caused to be gone.  He knew the only reason was because you had given the ok for him to stay on, Nolan wouldn’t have agreed unless you had. “Ok then what’s up?”

Travis nodded towards where you were now looking at a booth that had necklaces laid out “I’m gonna ask you something and know this once I’m not even busting your balls. I’m just honestly curious”  That spiked Jay’s attention because if Travis was passing up an opportunity to bust his balls over you? It had to be serious.  “Ok?” Jay watched the other man as they walked in silence. Travis stopped walking, catching Jay by the elbow “Did you ever actually pay attention to her before now?” 

“What?” Jay questioned, eyes flickering back towards you but luckily your attention was not on them. “I’ve caught you more than once looking at her. You treated her like the dirt under your boot when you first got here then all of a sudden once you find out about the explosion you’re looking at her like you’ve never seen her before. Like you’re spotting all these new things. How the hell can you say you love her if you didn’t really know her?” 

“I know I fucked up..” Jay started but Travis cut him off with a laugh “Halstead saying you fucked up is the understatement of the century. You broke her heart, You slept with her under false pretenses. You came here and treated her like shit because you assumed she was fucking me. Now? I can’t even figure you out so I know she can’t” 

“What do you want to know Bailey?” Jay asked, holding his arms out to his side. He was through hiding anything. If airing every ounce of dirty laundry he ever had was what it took for Travis to trust him then that was the first step in the right direction for you to halfway trust him again one day. “Why are you here? She thinks the only reason you’re not still being a complete and total asshole to her is because you found out you got her pregnant. If that’s the case, wipe your conscious clean. We’ll get you out of your contract and you can get the fuck out of here. She doesn’t need any more bullshit from your corner”

“It couldn’t possibly be that the reality check came in the form that she almost died and if she had I probably never would have ever known? Yeah it fucking hurt to find out I could’ve been a father, especially with her but her almost dying? Travis you may not believe me and I don’t really fucking care but that’s why I want those bastards’ heads on a pike. They tried to take her and if it’s the last thing I do they’ll regret it”

“If that’s how you actually feel you need to reel it back a little because if she clocks the way you’re looking at her? If she sees some of the things I’m seeing? She’s going to bench your ass. She doesn’t want any grey area. She wants this whole thing black and white so nothing gets muddled” the way Travis was looking at him, almost seemed like they were coming to some sort of agreement. “Are we finding middle ground?” Jay asked and Travis nodded “Yeah” then looked over to when you were headed in their direction. 

_______________________

“Should we be concerned about that?” you looked up from where you’d just been admiring a necklace to see Jay and Travis standing pretty close and Travis had Jay’s elbow in his grasp. “Fuck, you two stay here” you handed Samantha the money for the necklace you wanted for Val then headed in their direction.

Both men took a step away from each other at your approach, false innocence filling their faces “What’s up Deuce?” Travis asked as you looked between him and Jay. “You tell me, I looked a while ago and you two were walking just fine. I look down to find Val a necklace, look back up and it seems like we’re going for round two” Jay smirked slightly “Coming to make sure you get your hit in?” 

You spun around to point your finger at him “Shut up” he held up his hands, both eyebrows raised in the way that you knew meant he was fighting to keep a smile off his face and just knowing him that well pissed you off.  “Trav?” you asked, turning back to your friend. He smiled “We’re good. We were just talking, promise”

You knew there was something more to it than that. Were both of these men forgetting that you knew them? You held Travis’s eyes for a moment then nodded “Good, just because we have downtime doesn’t mean shit can’t pop off at any moment.  If you two start fighting and something happens then that leaves a vulnerability to the rest of us”

“It won’t happen” Travis promised and you nodded again “I’m trusting you Bailey”

You barely cut your eyes at Jay, he was watching you like he half expected you to say something to him but what exactly? You had no idea. You didn’t have anything for him. You just shook your head and walked back over to the women. Whatever testosterone fueled bullshit you’d interrupted they could get back to.

You walked into the building where you had to meet the point of contact. Hernandez walked in behind you with his K9 Red. Travis, Marcel and Jay were behind him. The contact asked for a small group. You’d given him that.

You nodded to Hernandez so him and Marcel split off to do a walk through of the bar the five of you found yourself in. Red’s job was to make sure none of you were walking into an ambush. The fact that he’d picked a place with people inside instead of some off the beaten path was a good indication but sometimes that just meant more collateral damage.

Travis stepped up next to you, Jay a step behind him. “When’s the contact due?” you checked your watch “We’re about seven minutes early, I wanted to give Red a chance to do his thing first. Make sure we weren’t up for any surprises”  “Have you worked with this contact before?” Jay asked and you looked up at him then shook your head “Not that I know of, he’s one of Rafe’s though so chances are he’ll be ok. I just don’t want to chance lives regardless” 

Marcel and Hernandez made it back to the three of you and Hernandez ran a hand down Red’s back “It’s clear Deuce” you nodded and reached down to scratch between Red’s ears “Ok, you two take the table near the rear exit in case you need to slip out. Halstead you take the table near the front exit in case any buddies of his slip in and we need a warning. Trav you get a table near the bar and I’ll wait at the bar”

“Copy that” the group of men spread out to do as you asked so you walked up to the bar. The woman behind the bar smiled at you “What will it be?” you laughed “Um anything non alcoholic?”  “Strawberry lemonade?” she offered and you nodded “That sounds amazing”

You sat there, sipping the lemonade and counting off the minutes on your watch until the stool next to you creaked. You turned and your eyes widened. His beard was thicker than the last time you’d seen him and his black hair was longer, tied back to keep it out of his face but those bright hazel eyes remained the same. “Adan?” he grinned “Nice to see you raised from the dead mijo” “I don’t understand..why all this cloak and dagger shit? You had me freaked. I ran the dogs through here” he shrugged “I had to make sure it was still you running the team. I heard about what happened. I got eyes out looking for that rat, as soon as I find him I’ll let you know. I know you want it” 

You felt a tiny smile slip onto your face, fighting the urge to let your hand brush over your stomach especially knowing Jay was watching you like a damned hawk. “I appreciate that. So you’re the contact?” he nodded “I’ve been hearing about a team hitting hard. Didn’t realize that you were the one leading them” you shrugged “I’m not the only one leading, I just wrangle the damn herd of cats” he laughed loudly “That’s the Deuce I know, ok here’s everything you need” and pulled out a large envelope from his jacket and slid it across the bar. “I won’t see you again for a long while. You know how these drops are” you nodded as you slipped the envelope into your own jacket. “I know, it was nice seeing you though” “You too mijo” he replied as you both stood up.

He looked at you and you laughed “You can hug me” he grinned and pulled you into a hug “Take care of yourself Barlowe and give em hell” you patted his chest “Take care of yourself Adan and don’t get caught” 

_____________________

One thing that surprised Jay was just how much contacts for things like this and CIs were truly alike. Their posture, the way they scanned crowds. It was easy to spot them if you knew what to look for. The moment the man stepped into the bar Jay could’ve guessed he was the contact. He was a little shorter than him, long black hair and a thick beard. 

Then Travis looked up and nodded to the man. He thought you all didn’t know him but the way Travis’s posture changed told him that he did indeed know the contact after all. Ok, that must be a good thing at least because Travis didn’t seem as tense as he had before. Did that mean you were safer being alone at the bar with this guy? 

Jay watched silently as the man sat down next to you. You turned to face him, your eyes widened but more in a “I haven’t seen you in a while” type way than a “Oh shit” type of way so he remained seated. He couldn’t exactly hear what was being said but body language spoke a lot. You knew this guy and was comfortable around him, more comfortable than you were around him these days. 

The two of you spoke for a few minutes then the man laughed loud enough the sound carried over to Jay and he could see the smile on your face. It was a genuine one, not forced and not tinged with anything else. He missed seeing those smiles pointed at him. When you and the man both stood and embraced it took every damn ounce of willpower he had to not move. Then seeing you, still in his arms leaning back to pat the man on the chest and look up at him with a smile and say something else? He could feel the muscle in his jaw clenching. 

He wasn’t jealous, nope. He had no right to be. Yet he wanted to kick the man behind the knee on the way out of the door. He fought the urge but wanted to.

____________________

To give Adan a few minutes to get clear you walked over to Travis’s table. His eyes were glued to Jay. You looked over your shoulder but Jay wasn’t even looking at Travis or he turned when you looked. “Something up?” “Nope, Adan give you what we need?” he asked. You nodded “Yeah, he’s also got eyes out for Donato” just saying the name made anger flicker to life in the pit of your stomach. 

Months had passed, you were healed…mainly but his face still lingered in nightmares. You’d gotten shot, stabbed, in car wrecks yet that was the absolute closest you’d ever come to dying and it was just due to one man feeling like he didn’t get a high enough payout from your side or the cartel he was rolling over on so he was constantly trying to one up both of you.

Travis nodded and reached a hand across the table to brush against yours “Good, maybe he can use his resources to find the rat” you laughed lightly “Two different sides and you both call him a rat” he laughed “That’s because he is..think it’s been long enough and we can roll now?”

You checked your watch and nodded slowly “Yeah, let's circle up” . You stood up and looked across the room to Marcel. Him and Hernandez slipped out the backdoor and would meet the three of you back at the suv you’d taken to this meeting. You looked over at Jay and he was already on his feet. “Let’s go”

_______________________

When the five of you got back to camp you headed for the tent that was shared between you, Samantha, Franklin and the other two women in the squadron. Jay was walking near you simply due to his tent being directly across from your own.

“Deuce” he called out and saw your shoulders stiffen before you slowly turned to face him. “Yeah, what’s up?” you were looking at him but not meeting his eyes, your gaze was glued to his chest. Was it that hard to look him in the eye? “Do you need me to leave?” he asked and you finally raised your eyes to look at his “What?” The confusion written across your face was genuine.

“I’m catching it from my own squad, from your team. If me being here is putting more on you..I took the extension to try to help you..try to make some form of amends but if it’s putting you at any risk by complicating things or distracting you, I’ll ask for a transfer” you waved a hand “What exactly are you wanting me to say here Jay? I approved of you staying with Nolan. What more can I do?”

“Talk to me? I’m getting it second hand from Travis so I know you’ve said it or implied it” he added the silent “Please” onto the end of that. You sighed “Jay, I know guilt is what led to you taking the extension. I’m pulling double duty here busting my ass to try to do the current job in front of me and chase down Los Guerreros del Illimani so you can ease your mind and go home”

You couldn’t have just hit him again? Or maybe just shoot him? Hell he’d gotten shot enough he knew how that felt. It would’ve probably hurt less. “What?” The question fell flat to his own ears but he didn’t know what else to say.

“You treated me like shit Jay. You tricked me into bed, no matter the reason…no matter if I honestly do sympathize with the shit you were going through in Chicago at the time, you tricked me into bed with a lie. Then you showed up here, on my turf on a team that I was called in to handle and berated me at every turn. You talked me down in front of our people, you mumbled, gave those little looks of yours and honestly just shredded my damn heart even further than it already was and now? The only reason you are being civil is because you found out Los Guerreros del Illimani killed your child. You never loved me, that’s ok. I’ve come to terms with that but please don’t insult my intelligence by acting as if I should just accept this change because why exactly? What honest reason do I have to accept it? I can work shoulder to shoulder with you just fine Jay. We’re professionals. We’re the leads of all this, lives depend on us seeing somewhat eye to eye but please stop acting as if I mean anything to you”

“You do, you always have” his voice was low as he took a step towards you, half expecting you to back up but instead you moved closer to him, the distance between the two of you shrinking to less than a foot. You crossed your arms over your chest and had to lean your head back slightly to hold his eyes as you said “You have a funny way of showing that” 

“It hurts to know we would’ve had a baby, I’m not going to lie to you but the idea that you nearly died and I never knew? If you would’ve died, I may never have known… that was a wake up call…I was a fucking idiot and wrapped up in my own bullshit when I got here, does that take away from how I treated you or justify it in the least? No but I want to try to do what I can right here, I don’t want you having to keep an eye out because you’re worried me and Travis may fight. I don’t want you thinking I’m only staying, only backing you and your team because of the miscarriage”

“I don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to think or feel towards you Jay” you finally admitted, you felt like every nerve ending in your body was on fire as you stared him down. Your hand ran over your side, a nervous habit you’d picked up while you were healing. “However you need to, I know you don’t trust me. Not outside of the job but I hope one day you will. I miss you, I know I don’t have any right to say that to you but I miss you”

“You let me walk away” you reminded him and he nodded “I know, that’s the worst part. I know” 

“I’ll try to find more middle ground with you but respect when I need breathing room, ok?” you offered and he nodded “Ok” you pointed towards the tent “I’m laying down for a while until chow time” “Ok, I’ll be around if I’m needed” you nodded “Stay alert” “Yes ma’am” he replied, a small smirk slipping onto his face when your eyes narrowed.

“See you later Halstead” “See you later Barlowe”

Part 10

@allisonargent144

@elvenpirate51

@nevaehstreater18

@alterna123

@leavemealoneplsandthx

[padawan-snack-packer]

[Snackpacker Rambles part 1???]

Last night I dreamed that I FINALLY realized one of my deepest weirdest dreams and PUBLISHED A STAR WARS COOKBOOK and honestly I woke up devastated it wasn’t real. Like. Fully.

I was standing in the middle of some Coruscant senator lounge cafeteria thing with marble floors and huge windows and there were clones EVERYWHERE and some senators sitting around being like “oh? breakfast samples?” and I was just casually doing a COOKING DEMO in front of them like this was the Galactic Bake Off.

I had these little datapads on stands with the names of each dish and their planetary origin (half of them were made up but it sounded legit) and I was like “here we have a traditional Mandalorian breakfast sandwich, spicy rycrit sausage with uj’alayi drizzle on fried flatbread—next to that is a delicate Naboo garden salad with nerf-milk dressing” and people were NODDING like it was a TED Talk???

Clones were LINING UP for caf and sweetbread and one of them deadass said “You made this?” and I said “Yeah!” and he looked SO IMPRESSED I almost cried. Rex was there. Rex was eating a little fruit parfait and asking questions about the protein content like it was a mission briefing.

At one point in the dream I straight-up gave a stern talking-to to some high-ranking GAR logistics officers like I was a dietitian with a vengeance—I had a pointer and everything. I was like “Listen, these clones are expected to do 15-hour missions and you’re feeding them gray nutrient bricks and sad toast? Where are the electrolytes, where are the whole grains, do you even hydrate your troopers?” and Cody was nodding solemnly behind me like I was delivering a war speech. I literally yelled “THEIR BREAKFASTS ARE A WAR CRIME” in the middle of the cafeteria and then offered samples of my spiced nuna egg wraps with meiloorun salsa as evidence.

I love cooking SO much it’s kind of stupid. I already give recipes to my friends all the time. I have like fifteen Star Wars themed recipes in my notebook already and they’re SO real. Like I’m talking “Togrutan Sunfruit Smoothie,” “Chandrila Garden Toast,” “Corellian Caf Shake,” “Spicy Fried Nuna with Yobacca Slaw” real. One time I wrote a whole entry for “Jogan Pie with Candied Fennel” and my friend actually made it and said it tasted like “dessert and rebellion.”

ANYWAY in the dream I was doing drink pairings like “This Alderaanian herb tea brings out the notes in the roasted meiloorun” and Bail Organa was like “Fascinating” and I’m not saying he bought five copies of the cookbook but he did say he was giving one to Breha and I think that counts as galactic recognition to me.

Why is this not my real life. Why am I not touring the galaxy promoting "Star Wars: From Scratch to Starcruiser – A Fandom Cookbook" with my little apron that says “Sith Happens” and a spatula shaped like a lightsaber?????? WHY??????

Dream big I guess???

[aquadraco20]

Bearded dragon substrate, humidity, and diet.

Inspired by @kaijutegu's recent post, let’s talk about calcium sand.

So, calcium sand, and substrate in general, has been attributed to impaction in bearded dragons (and other reptiles, but for this post, we’re just focusing on dragons.) However, while some substrates are more natural choices than others, and as such are more digestible, substrate itself is typically not the root cause of impaction. Improper husbandry such as dehydration, improper lighting, diet and supplementation all negatively impact the digestive system as well as the body in general, and the problems only compact when these factors are stacked together.

Firstly, lets look at a bearded dragons natural habitat. This video courtesy of the veterinarian Jonathon Howard, known online as the Beardie Vet, shows the texture of the substrate that wild dragons live on. The sand is loose on top but packed underneath. The grain size is about 96% fine sand.

Next, lets look at this map.

This map courtesy of Claire Jaworski overlays wild bearded dragon sightings from iNaturalist over a soil composition map of Australia. Note how many of the sightings are found in Calsisol zones. Calsisol (also known as calcarosol) zones are characterized by containing 15% or more calcium carbonate. We know that bearded dragons engage in geophagy, or intentionally eating substrate. This is likely a natural behavior that they would perform in the wild to fulfill their biological need for calcium. We provide calcium as a supplement so that they do not perform this behavior in captivity (however this is not the only vitamin we should be providing!!!)

Next we should consider humidity, as there is not much standing water in their natural habitat, as well as diet, which they also obtain water from.

Contrary to popular belief, the natural habitat of bearded dragons has a very wide range of humidity, both throughout the day and throughout the year. When they are found basking, the humidity typically ranges between 10-30%. However, the morning after rain can be around 60%.

According to these maps, which measured the humidity of Australia over the course of 30 years, many dragons would be found in areas that range between 50-70% humidity in the morning and 20-40% at 3 in the afternoon.

It is also important to note that dragons are frequently found in burrows when not out and about. In these burrows, the humidity can be higher than the surrounding air.

As far as diet, this entire post is just a fantastic resource, again, courtesy of the Beardie Vet. In the wild, adult female dragons would be ingesting 48% plant matter in their diet, with males ingesting 68%. As far as moisture content, “Most plants/herbs are around 85% water – herbage 80% water, flowers observed eating >90% water; Insects are about 65% water – Termites 60% water, crickets 67% water.”

Bearded dragons, while they do not spend a lot of time drinking, are dependent on both the natural humidity cycle and their diet to stay hydrated. It is not natural to maintain a humidity of 30% or lower all year round, and compounded with poor diet and lack of access to water, can lead to dehydration, which in turn disrupts the digestive system’s ability to do its job.

So let's bring it back. Bearded dragons are naturally found on substrate with calcium in it. If you look at Zoomed or Fluker’s calcium supplement, for example, you will see that they are calcium carbonate. If you look at the ingredients for T-Rex, RepTerra or Komodo’s calcium sand, all are made with the exact same calcium carbonate.

So what’s the problem? The problem is, in the absence of poor husbandry, the ratio. Remember that Calsisol is 15% or more calcium carbonate. Well, most bags of calcium sand are 100% calcium carbonate. They should not be used straight, instead mixed together with other safe substrates such as children's play sand, excavator clay, and pesticide and fertilizer-free topsoil to create a natural and safe substrate mixture. The proper substrate will not only allow them to create burrows like they would in the wild, it will allow females a safe place to lay eggs (which they can do even without the presence of a male), help retain heat, and keep humidity at normal levels, as well as provide natural enrichment.

Thank you for reading.

[osmanthus-wine-addiction]

A silly thought in my mind: Yánwáng Dìjūn Mortal Lover stumbling upon him bathing under a waterfall, seeing him in his full beauty and vulnerability, not knowing it was the same Qilin she was visited by a few weeks ago in the Village Valley when she got injured and healed🤭

You didn't want to be a peeping tom but who hasn't stared at the geo archon statue and wondered why he doesn't bathe in the open often? Probably because curious folks were often seen trying to sneak into his bathing grounds at Taishan Mansion. If it happens too much, he might put guards at the entrance. Or maybe he'd create a subspace just for bathing so he could enjoy his privacy and peace.

On the contrary, he doesn't mind it if he were just soaking in his illuminated beast form, enjoying the afternoon sun and the scenery of Jueyun Karst. The pressure from the waterfalls massaged his body and polished his scales. Only a natural pool like this was large enough to accommodate him in this form. There was an advantage to taking this form. Though it was a rare occurrence, humans did not display the same behaviors when they stumble on him bathing, possibly because the physical differences were too significant. They also tend to keep a distance because of his sheer size, quite intimidating when up close. One time, he waded into the crystalline pool only to find out that he was not the first one there.

It was rather awkward, you in your nakedness and him in his, but to his surprise, you didn't flee at the mere sight of him like the previous times this happened. An enormous illuminated beast bathing in the same pool as you felt less unsettling than if he were in human form. He prefers mingling among his people on the streets in human form though, rather than beast, but today he was glad he was in this form. It would've been rude of him to request you to leave since you had arrived first.

"Rex Lapis."

You recognized him at once, bowing respectfully at your god. His large amber eyes briefly drifted over your body, realizing why you were in the water. You were injured and the pools here were rumored for their healing properties. Adepti were known to bathe here as well, further solidifying the claims.

"You are bleeding." He noted the gash on your shoulder. Whatever you had been injured by had done quite the damage on your fragile mortal body.

"I was attacked while gathering herbs." You explained.

"Be careful in these forests. They are dense and danger lurks." The dragon warns.

You held your breath as his enormous head hovers over you. The single horn protruding from his forehead gently touches your wound, glowing with adeptal energy. In a matter of seconds, your skin is flawless again as if you were never hurt.

"Thank you, my Lord." You bowed again. "I will not disrupt your leisure now."

"Nonsense. It was I who had infringed on your bathing. The waters have a soothing effect. It would benefit your recovery to continue soaking in it."

So you stayed until the sun set, human and dragon, just sitting there in the water. He shared some of his knowledge about the various rare herbs found in the area with you while you eagerly soaked up every word. To sit alone with the Geo Archon and converse so freely like this was something you had never dared to imagined.

Since it had gotten dark, the archon even accompanied you to the outside of your village to make sure whatever beast had injured you would not reappear. When you reached your home and unlocked your door, something caught your eye on the kitchen counter, specifically the stone mortar you often placed your dried herbs into to grind them into powder. Inside it sat a glowing object. It was square in shape, holding a golden gem with a geo sigil pulsating inside.

[regcafe]

𐔌 🦖 — DINO ; NPTs ` created with care by mod Onyx . ͙͘͡ 🌋

NAMES ; Rex, Dylan, Terry, Sorin, Everett, Max, Henry, Miles, Carson, Liam, Eswin, Spike, Fang, Chomper, Petrie, Ned, Yoshi, Kyrin

PRONOUNS ; spino/spinos/spinoself, spike/spikes/spikeself, scale/scales/scaleself, roar/roaring/roarself, growl/growls/growlself, tooth/teeth/teethself, fang/fangs/fangself, claw/claws/clawself, rex/rex(self), carni/carnivore/carnivoreself, herb/herbavore/herbavoreself, omni/omnivore/omnivoreself, fossil/fossils/fossilself, bone/bones/boneself

TITLES ; The One Before Time, Little Foot, Tiniest Dino, Dino Prince/Princex/Royalty, One Who Has Spikes, The Fossilized, One Of Little Dinosaurs, One Who Roars, Roaring Little Dino, Dino Tyke, Ruler of Fossils, Raptor Nestling,

requested by ◟★◞ anonymous 🦕 .

[vodika-vibes]

What Now

Summary: Desperate to end the war and save the clones and the Jedi, Captain Rex reaches out to a witch and her apprentice. He offers everything that he is for a chance to fix everything. The witch accepts his offer.

Pairing: Captain Rex x F!Reader

Word Count: 1421

Warnings: Reader is a witch, Palpatine dies, time-travel

Tagging: @bad4amficideas @justiceandwar98 @Mira-Loves-Star-Wars @tiredbi-peach

@dukeoftheblackstar @trixie2023 @kimiheartblade @padawancat97 @falconfeather23435

@etod @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So I had an idea, and I decided to write it. I hope you like it!

Click here to be added to my taglist

“Your mother couldn’t have sent us further into the past?” Rex asks as he shoots a sullen glare towards the woman beside him. She, cheerfully, ignores his glare in favor of fighting with her hood.

Eventually, she focuses her gaze in his direction, “Cheer up, Rexy!”

“Don’t call me that,” He says with a sigh.

As ever, she ignores him, “Mother sent us far enough back to be useful.”

“How? Palpatine is already Chancellor.” Rex sighs and bats her hands away from her hood so he can fix it himself, “Not to mention, my brothers have already been commissioned and the war is only 6 months out from starting.”

“Breathe, Rex,”

“Even you have to agree that 6 months isn’t much time.”

“It’s time enough,” She counters, “Palpatine is just Chancellor now, he doesn’t have the political powers required to become Emperor yet.”

Rex clenches his jaw, “My brothers—” He trails off when he feels her hand against his forearm.

“We’ll save them, Rex. All of them.” She grins at him, “You just need to have a little faith.”

“Faith in your mother?”

“Faith in me.” She counters.

He huffs out an amused breath and then reaches out to brush a strand of her hair off her face, “Alright then, Witch’ika. What do we do?”

She hums thoughtfully and closes her eyes, “Where are we?”

“Coruscant.” Rex replies immediately, “The lower levels, it looks like.”

She opens her eyes again and focuses her gaze towards him, “We could burn Palpatine’s home to the ground.”

He tugs on a strand of her hair, “Good ideas, cyare. We need good ideas.”

She makes a face and closes her eyes in thought again while Rex watches her.

Eight months ago the Clone Rebellion was attacked by the Empire. Attacked and wiped out almost to a man. Rex survived, one of the few survivors. He existed in a haze for a while, unable to handle the weight of his survival.

Two months later, Rex heard rumors of a witch who lives in the middle of nowhere in the outer rim. A witch who can make anything come true, if you’re willing to offer something equal in value to that which you want.

Desperate, and with nothing to live for, Rex decided to look for the witch. Worst case scenario, she’s just a rumor and he wasted his time. Best case, she helps him save his family from eradication.

Amazingly, he found the Witch in less than two weeks.

The Witch looked somehow ageless, a human woman in her forties, though she carried herself like a woman older than General Yoda. Her home was filled with herbs and jars of all sorts, and Rex felt too big in her home. Or maybe it just felt like the Witch’s home was closing in on him.

The more important thing was that she felt dangerous. For all of her beauty and grace, Rex felt as though he had entered the den of a slumbering Rancor and he needed to tread lightly ere he was ripped to shreds.

It was then that he met the Apprentice.

Unlike her mother, she was warm and bubbly. Though, even he was able to tell that she wasn’t a natural-born human. Her bubbly admittance that she was born of magic, her mother’s desire for a child, and spring water had not been as startling as he thought it might have been.

The negotiations with the Witch took ages, while her apprentice carefully cleaned and repainted his armor. But, in the end, she agreed to help him in exchange for everything that he was.

The Witch bound his life to her Apprentice, swirling tattoos around his arms and across his torso binding them together. He was made her Familiar, and while he wasn’t sure what that meant, he agreed anyway.

He spent the last six months working with her Apprentice, traveling across the galaxy looking for all of the ingredients the witch needed to send them to the past. 

And now, here they are.

Almost 5 years in the past, before the Clone Wars started.

“I have it!” Rex focuses his attention back towards her as she smacks her fist into the palm of her hand.

“Do you?” Rex asks, “Let’s hear it.”

She turns her gaze towards him, “Naboo.”

“I need more than that, cyare.”

“Hm…oh right!” She turns to face him fully, her arms wrapping around one of his, “Naboo has its Queen’s Day celebration. As a Nubian, especially a Nubian of considerable political power, he’s expected to attend.”

Rex frowns thoughtfully, “That might work.”

“Might?!”

“He’s still a sith, cyar’ika.”

“Sith, shmith.” She waves her hand dismissively, “I can lock that down easy enough.”

“Can you?” Rex sounds amused, he can’t help it.

“Any witch worth her salt could.”

“Mother Talzin didn’t.”

“The Nightsisters aren’t witches.” She counters, “Not in the way that matters.”

“Do they know that?”

She shrugs, “Honestly, you and your brothers have more in common with witches than the Nightsisters do.” Rex raises a single brow and she giggles, “Do you really think Mother was born of the union of a man and a woman?”

“Uh…yes?”

“Nope. Mother was born of ice from Hoth.”

“...wow, that explains so much.”

She laughs and releases his arm to stand on her toes to wrap her arms around his neck, “Grandmother was born of Mustafaran Lava.” Rex slides his arms securely around her, “Anyway, there’s plenty of water on Naboo, so are you ready to go?”

“Lead the way,”

She grins at him, and Rex closes his eyes as he feels water swirl around him.

Six weeks later, Rex is standing over the body of Sheev Palpatine, his blaster in his hand. “That was a lot easier than I expected.”

“Without his Sith nonsense, he’s just a guy with a laser sword.” You reply from the other side of the room. You’re sitting on a table, swinging your legs. The same place you’ve been since you and Rex broke in less than half an hour ago. “Aren’t you glad that I supplied you with a slug thrower?”

“I still have so many questions about that.”

You shrug, “Don’t worry about it.”

Rex glances at you, and you grin at him. “Alright.” He shrugs and carefully stows the blaster back in their holsters, “So, now what do we do? Burn the place down? Pretend he never existed?”

“I think we should trash the place. Make it look like a robbery gone wrong!” You say eagerly as you hop off the table.

“You just want to trash the place.”

“Please, Rexy?”

He sighs and walks over to you, “You’re trouble. I think we should just leave and go to Kamino.”

“The Jedi will probably be tagged to investigate this.” You warn him.

“Let them.”

You squint at him, and then you sigh. “Oh, alright.” You step around him and allow your magic to fill the room, washing away all evidence of you and Rex. And, with one last push of magic, you open the secret door that leads to Palpatine’s hidden sanctum.

The place where all of his Sith nonsense is hidden.

Rex chuckles, “Really?”

“Just gotta make sure they don’t miss anything,” You say innocently, and then you skip back to his side and reach up for him.

“Sure, sure.” He pulls you into his arms, “Do you know where we’re going?”

“Yup! Do you have a plan for dealing with things?”

“Of course I do.”

You tilt your head and gaze up at him, “Oh?”

“My plan is you, of course.”

“Ooh. You’re going to let me play?”

His grin widens, “What kind of familiar would I be if I didn’t let you play every now and then?”

You giggle in delight and jump up to kiss his nose, “You’re the best, Rex!”

“Yes, yes. I know. Quick question, what happens to the Rex currently on Kamino?”

“Nothing. You made the deal so you pay the price.”

“Huh. I kind of feel bad for him.”

You laugh and bump your forehead against his, “Don’t. It’ll all work out. You’ll see.” You let your magic wash through the pair of you, feeling Rex strong and dependable in your magic, “Ready to go free your brothers?”

“I’ve been ready for years.”

You laugh one more time, and allow your magic to wash the pair of you away.

You know this won’t fix everything, you and Rex are going to have a lot of work to do. But this is a good start.

[inkformyblood]

a god to a nonbeliever (CWFKB25)

High Fantasy/DnD-esque AU; Nervous Kiss @codywanfirstkissbingo

There’s barely enough room for one adventurer to squeeze into the cupboard masquerading as a four-person room, perched at the end of an unnecessary flight of stairs that does little more than act as a display case for the pitted walls and the streamers of spiderwebs. Cody shoves the door open, adding his shoulder as encouragement when it thinks about sticking part of the way on a loose floorboard, and his brothers prop their chins onto his shoulders, one leaning around the incline of his hip to stare into it. 

“I slept on the floor the last time.”

“I died.” Cody counters Rex’s stare with one of his own, the angle all wrong but that didn’t matter, sibling injustice tasted the same no matter what it is, a begrudging heft of honey to balance the spite layering over the ribs like it’ll keep them warm. 

Fox sniffs once, scuffing the back of his hand against his nose, skin coming stained dark like tar in the gloom. He’d be a fucking nightmare in the morning once the pain kicked in, the momentary thrill of gold in their pockets failing to tip the scales against the headache of finding a temple to make him pretty once more. Cody flips him off, the metal joints of his gloves catching slightly, still bent out of shape from three jobs ago. Fox doesn’t even look at him. “I also died since we’re keeping score.”

They stare into the room, the single bed wedged beneath an attempt at a window from when someone’s elbow went through the wall, the scrap of fabric strung above it that couldn’t contain a breeze let alone a body, and the inches of floor visible. 

Boba shoves them all, a rolling wave of indignation at the back of the group like it’ll make any difference. Might as well try and pluck the sun out of the sky to light a smoke and flick it back into place for all the good it’ll do him. Cody doesn’t move, doesn’t even pretend to as Rex and Fox stumble and hiss against his back. “I’m getting the good blanket,” Boba insists through his teeth and Cody knows, without needing to turn around to confirm, that his arms are folded across his chest. His hands will be pressed against his ribs, rather than curled into fists beneath his elbows, fragile despite the bulk of his shoulders, the width of his chest, the magnitude of his thighs. He’s built like an adventurer, the same as the rest of them, but he’s still the youngest, the baby. 

“One of them.” No weakness or Cody would wake up stripped to his boxers for the scant warmth his clothing would provide. He scratches at the sticky cut on his jaw, hooking his thumb beneath the thin silver chain around his neck. They’re all hungry, exhausted in a way that couldn’t be described, only born, and this tavern is their only option that involves a roof and something warm to eat. 

“Two.”

“One.”

“One and I get the first bowl.”

Cody flicks his gaze at Fox, then Rex, one at his height, the other starting to slump downwards. “Done.”

Rex loses the argument to collect their food, helped out of the door by the boot angled towards his head, and he returns once they’ve finished going through their packs with four steaming bowls balanced across his arm and a smear of lipstick across his burning cheek. Cody holds his hand out for the change and gets his coins back in full. 

“Whore.”

“Shut it.” Rex drops one bowl into Boba’s hands, the next to Cody, then Fox — swerving around his open palms for a moment before Rex relents — and he tips onto the bed next to Cody to pick at his own bowl. “They had a brother down in the mines, wanted to say thanks.”

Boba mumbles around a mouthful of stew, his lower lip pitted with the orange sauce, a few herbs clinging, “Couldn’t have gotten us bigger portions too?”

“These are the bigger portions.”

Fox holds his bowl up on splayed fingers, his grip matched to the indentations in the earthenware, his brow raised to a similar incline. Nothing they have been given matches, their armour just as piecemeal as their recollections of childhood, and the bowls provide an easy enough example to point to, one clay-red and pitted, one metal with cloth tacked onto the base, one delicate porcelain, one dark and cracked at the rim. 

“Eat your stew,” Cody orders around his own mouthful and nothing more needs saying as they bend their heads to their own tasks, methodical and efficient in this like they are in most things. 

They get ready for the night in the same fashion, gazes lowered to their own hands as they loosen ties and unbuckle armour to strap it to their packs. Barely enough room to breathe between them, elbows tucked close to their ribs as they work, and Cody kneels to boost Fox into the hammock strung above the bed. The foot against his skull was unnecessary but expected, a chill accompanying their actions as Rex shutters the lantern and hooks it onto the wall, limiting their view to dark outlines and huddled shapes. Cody settles back into the bed, quickly drawing the thin blanket over himself and throwing his cloak on top of that. He turns onto his side, staring out and seeing nothing as Boba hefts himself onto the floor and partially under the bed with the minimal grumbling that it requires, Rex claiming the remaining floorspace with a groan as he relaxes back. 

Sleep comes quickly, easily when Cody closes his eyes. 

He dreams. 

“Good sleep?” Rex coos in the morning, a shit-eating grin already well worn across his features as Cody opens his eyes, blinking into the uneasy morning sunlight. 

“Fuck off.”

Cody draws the corner of his cloak up and over his face, his breath warm and fogging back against his cheeks. He has never been able to fully remember his dreams, content enough to exist with vague emotions and waking up every few weeks with tears staining his face, but he tries as he lies there, listening to muffled conversations happening just outside his barrier of treated cloth, the hammock above creaking as Fox leans forward to threaten from his perch. There’d been light, soft and gentle sunlight behind another figure, his hair burnished to copper by the glow. His hands had cupped Cody’s face, a tremor radiating through his fingers and there’s something close to awe on the heels of the memory, confusion tempering it. Cody had agreed to something he cannot recall and then, a kiss, an uncoordinated crash of their mouths together but that hadn’t mattered because the other man is—

“Cody. Who’s Obi-Wan?”

Fox scoffs, the creaking reaching a dangerous timbre as he sways. “He’s a god, Boba. Thought you would know that.”

“Not my god,” Boba snaps. Cody lifts the edge of his cloak to observe his brother’s, Boba standing with his hands planted on his hips, the emblem he carries indenting into the bone beneath the weight of his hold. “Not Cody’s either.”

“He might be,” Cody says. “I dreamt about him.”

Fox leans further forward through the spread of his thighs to inspect Cody, his eyes dark and striped by a heavy bruise. “There’s some bigger temples in the city down the road. We can swing past and check.”

“Sounds good,” Cody mumbles. In the privacy beneath his cloak as he lets the edge fall once more, he presses his fingers to his lower lip and draws them back to see something shine in the gloom, a mote of sunlight given by a kiss. 

[ryosukuna]

Moon appears, a small bag with potions and herbs with her.

A "fucking pest"? Really? I put a whole T-Rex in your room and the best I get is "fucking pest". I'm bringing it back to life next time.

Moon chuckles, still amused by her handy work.

Alright, let me check and make sure you're still stable. How do your arms feel? Still working properly? Any side effects to note?

Sukuna seems to just smile at her with a hint of warmth. His eyes looked over at her for a long moment, before he just hummed. It seemed like the annoyance from the T-Rex incident was forgotten.

It has caused complications, dear. Uraume and I were unsure on how to remove it.

They're fine. I've never felt better. Nothing too unusual.

[fragglesesamemuppetz2]

For any California Raisins, The Noid, and Will Vinton Claymation fans, please send me a 🎉 and a character and I will talk about my headcanons and thoughts.

I'm so desperate to talk about A.C., The Noid, and Rex and Herb!

[peach-snzfkr]

Baizhu Snzfic (Part 2)

Pairing: Baizhu x OC

Includes: allergies, stifles, let out, false alarm... and more

Art by SayuuHiro

The long way up the stairs to Bubu Pharmacy had never felt longer on this hot summer day. Why would they build a pharmacy so high up in the first place? Who in Teyvat thought, "Ah yes, let's make people do an entire cardio routine if they wanna get their meds - that'll surely cure them!" I wonder what Dr Baizhu thinks of it. Ehsan chuckled at the thought of Baizhu throwing his hands in the air dramatically and rolling his eyes at the incompetency of people around him. Step. Step. One more step, and he was at the top. The wide, rounded entrance of Bubu Pharmacy tempted him with its dimly lit interior, and he could almost feel the cool breeze coming from the inside. Gui, the pharmacist at the front, noticed him first and waved.

"Good afternoon, welcome back! Eyy-saan, was it?" Gui looked at the guest, seeking confirmation.

"Uh, yeah, I'm good with that."

Gui noted something in a big book and moved it over to the side of the counter in one swift gesture. "How may I help you? Aah, you must be looking for Dr Baizhu. He is in the back, getting the medicine ready for his 3 o'clock appointment. I will let him know you stopped by."

The pharmacist barely finished his sentence as the door on his left swung open, and a familiar tall figure with long green hair, a flowy blue coat loosely draped over his shoulders, and a white snake coiled around his neck entered the room. The man seemed fixated on a couple of brown pouches in his hands.

"Gui, I will need more sweet flowers and slime condensate, and for Rex Lapis' sake, where is Qiqi?" Dr Baizhu looked up, shifting his weight to one side impatiently.

Gui glanced at the doctor, then at Ehsan who was still standing at the entrance.

"Oh, my!" Baizhu's voice switched to the drawn-out purr he assumed with his patients. "Ehsan, please accept my sincere apologies. If I knew you were visiting, I'd brew some of that tea you enjoyed last time you were here," he said, setting the pouches down on the counter.

Gui sighed with the sigh of an underpaid employee too tired to question his supervisor and began scribbling a note. "Qiqi is still in the mountains," he replied. "I pray to the archons that she didn't get stuck between the rocks... again. I will make sure she gets your message when she returns."

"Thank you! Now that you say that, I am considering taking a stroll into the mountains to ascertain her well-being firsthand. The thought of any harm befalling my little Qiqi troubles me deeply, particularly as our herbal supplies dwindle. Now, where were we? Ehsan! How are you feeling today?"

"Thank you, Dr Baizhu, I'm doing quite well. I haven't made another trip to the Chasm yet, but definitely considering it for my vacation destination next week," Ehsan chuckled, exposing his perfect white teeth. "I was wondering if you were feeling any better?"

It's been two days since the accident, and, judging by his elevated mood and glowing skin, the doctor seemed to be in perfect health. Ehsan wondered for a second how one could recover from an illness so quickly when he saw Baizhu sniffle and quickly dab his nose on the back of his hand. Looks like even the most talented doctor is not immune to the fragility of human nature.

"Truly, I am flattered by your concern about my well-being, but I assure you there is no need to worry. My chronic condition tends to flare up from time to time, but I am feeling perfectly fine today." Baizhu smiled and gave a little pet to Changsheng, comfortably resting on his shoulders. "Did you by chance come back for more herbs to help expedite your recovery?”

"I actually stopped by just to see you," Ehsan almost let the words slip out of his mouth. "I actually stopped by just for a moment. I wouldn’t want to take up too much of your time as I see that you already have a lot on your plate." Nailed it.

Baizhu sniffled again and tilted his head quizzically. "Well, if that's the case, allow me to at least walk you out."

As Baizhu was passing Ehsan, Changsheng gave the Sumeru scholar a long look as if she knew something about him that even he did not.

--------------------------------------------------------------

"So, ahem..." Baizhu cleared his throat. "Where are you headed next?"

Ehsan couldn't help but notice that the tip of the doctor's nose had turned pink as they began descending the stairs. Was it just his imagination? Ehsan felt a wave of tingles rush down his back and hurriedly turned away from the doctor's face.

"Ah, my schedule is pretty flexible. In fact, I've decided to take a day off from writing my thesis. Um… I was wondering if I could help with the search for your assistant? I've been meaning to explore Liyue beyond the Chasm, and this looks like a perfect opportunity."

Baizhu's face took on a concerned expression as he squinted his eyes and looked in the distance. Changsheng slithered down his body onto the ground and continued moving beside them. "Was I being disrespectful? Should I not have offered? Does he... not want my company?" Ehsan's usually collected thoughts were scattered all over the place.

"That would be most generous of you," Baizhu finally replied with a soft smile. As he said that, his nostrils suddenly twitched, forcing the doctor to bring a hand to his nose and give it a little rub. Ehsan's cheeks turned red, and he prayed that Baizhu would not notice the difference on his bronze skin. The doctor, however, seemed preoccupied with something else as his eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly. He sniffled again, wetly.

"Ehsan, I have to admit, I was delighted by your offer to accompany me. If I may be so bold, would you be willing to share your knowledge of herbal remedies in Sumeru? I find myself enraptured by the intricacies of medicinal practices in other nations, and your insights would be most enlightening."

"Of course! It is my pleasure as a scholar of Amurta..." Ehsan began as he heard the doctor's breath hitch, "...to share what little I know of..." Baizhu's breath hitched again, and it took all of Ehsan's willpower not to look over at the doctor, "...the biological, uh, structure of the, umm, world." He could not help but glance at his companion, now frozen in a perfect pre-sneeze expression, his eyebrows folded, eyes shut, lips slightly parted, and his face lifted towards the sun. The next moment Baizhu ducked into his elbow with a strong "Hiih... He-kxXnt!"

Distracted, Ehsan tripped on a perfectly smooth road but caught himself just in time. Baizhu did not seem to notice. He lifted his face away from his elbow and took one brief look at the sun, which seemed to be just enough to make his breath hitch again until he forcefully jerked forward with another stifled "Hiih’NKxshh!!"

Baizhu blinked and shook his head. "Please excuse me! Huh, look at that, as soon as I proclaim my well-being, I promptly make a fool of myself," he chuckled.

"I-uh... I assure you that is not the case... Ahem, as I was saying, I'd be happy to talk about Sumeru. Do you have any particular questions?" Ehsan struggled to compose himself. Normally, he could always push his emotions aside to make way for more important things. Yet today this task seemed almost impossible for a reason Ehsan did not want to admit to himself.

"Alright," Baizhu agreed, smiling. "My first question is, what is that exquisite scent you are wearing? I can discern some familiar notes, yet I cannot place them." Baizhu inhaled deeply, evaluating the fragrance. "Hmm, similar to glaze lilies, but much stronger, and with a hii-... hint of sweet fl…hih-flowers." Baizhu's eyelids fluttered and he brought his elbow up to cover another sneeze, but it seemed to escape him as the doctor lowered his arm with a sigh.

Ehsan felt the ground fall out from underneath his feet. He was indeed wearing a perfume he bought in Port Ormos before his trip to Liyue to remind him of home, and he did indeed hope that it would impress Dr Baizhu... just not like this.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Ehsan uttered softly. "I hope you are not allergic to my perfume? I would never have worn it if I had any idea..."

"Nonsense! I'm just... hih... enjoying the delicate scent, and this sudden outburst is likely completely unrelated," Baizhu declared cheerfully. "So, what are the exotic ingredients in your fragrance?"

"I-uhh..." Ehsan attempted to recall the label on the bottle containing the source of Baizhu’s misery. When that failed, he began listing random plants in hopes that at least one of them was correct. "Yes, the scent comes from traditional Sumeru flowers like nilotpala lotus, padisarah, sumeru rose..." Ehsan stopped as he heard Baizhu draw a sharp breath. He watched as the doctor tilted his head back, shut his eyes, and erupted in another semi-stifled fit, barely caught by his elbow.

"Hiih... Hheh... eKschh! Hih-hih... nGKkt-chew! Heh-kshuu!"

Baizhu paused with his face still buried into the crook of his arm. His chest expanded as he took a deep breath and lurched forward, struggling to contain his sneezes that seemed to be getting stronger the more he tried to stifle them.

"Huh... Hh-eKSCHew!! Haa-aKXTShhew! Ugh... snff.. Excuse me."

Baizhu finally put his arm down, removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

"Bless you! Once again, please forgive me if your, err... current condition is due to my carelessness,” Ehsan began. "I should not have assumed that Sumeru plants were harmless to..."

"Ehsan, you of all people should not be apologizing for an oversight on my part," Baizhu interrupted. "If I didn't forget to bring my handkerchief, you would not have been subjected to my utter lack of manners."

"But I do want to be subjected," Ehsan thought and immediately bit his tongue so as not to say anything stupid.

Changsheng made a noise in between a hiss and a scoff. "I too enjoy taking a short break once in a while, but if we don't get a move on, we might just lose our favorite herb collector, and you will have to run errands all by yourssself, Baizhu."

"Heh-AhTSHoo!" This time Baizhu didn't have time to cover and instead turned to the side with his hand hovering over his face helplessly. "Ah... snff... Yes, we should probably keep... hiih... g..." The doctor's eyes snapped shut and his eyebrows darted upwards. His voice trailed off as his breath wavered.

"Huh!.. Hh!.. Ahhhh," Baizhu opened his eyes and sighed wearily. "I am truly sorry for this display," he said quietly. "I do wish my adverse react... hiih.. was not a hh-hindrance to this otherwise pleasant conversation." Baizhu looked up searching for the sun through half-closed eyelids. His nostrils quivered impatiently and his nose wrinkled, and the doctor stood motionless, taking in air in short, rapid bursts. After a moment he sighed again and rubbed his nose vigorously. He turned to Ehsan.

"Oh, please, don't look at me with this concern in your eyes," Baizhu tried to give his companion a reassuring smile, but deep embarrassment and discomfort were written all over his face. "Truly, I am alright, my body is simply not cooperating with me today, but it's nothing to worry about. I promise you."

Baizhu's voice sounded more leveled and his sentences dropped their embellishments. He sounded almost... somber, for reasons unknown to Ehsan who took the doctor's change of tone as proof of his own guilt.

"I'm... So sorry," he mumbled. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Now, now, we should really get going," Baizhu smiled. "After all, we're here to save Qiqi, not me."

--------------------------------------------------------------

They left Liyue Harbor's gates and continued their way up the road. Ehsan kept hearing Baizhu's sniffling and an occasional soft gasp for air, but he couldn't bring himself to look at the doctor. The most he could do now was help Dr Baizhu as much as possible and not make the situation any more awkward. Ehsan kept walking and almost didn't notice when Baizhu stopped following him. Ehsan turned around to witness the tall figure of his companion standing on the side of the road, his head tilted up and his eyes shut. His shoulders tensed up as his lips parted and he took a shaky breath.

"Hiih... Ah... Huuh..."

Nothing. Baizhu wiped his nose with the side of his hand, exhausted by the persistent tickle that didn’t seem to be getting better any time soon.

He noticed Ehsan staring at him and laughed it off, reassuring the scholar that "it was nothing to worry about" and "seriously, Ehsan will make him blush if he keeps giving him so much sympathy." They continued walking with Baizhu slowing down every couple of minutes to try and relieve the itch buried deep inside his nose to no avail. After some time, Baizhu requested to sit down on a broken bench under an old oak tree on the side of the road. Ehsan joined him. The doctor looked weary and kept pressing the back of his gloved hand to his reddened nostrils glistening with moisture.

"When on the road, one should take ample time to pause and appreciate the wondrous scenery along the way," Baizhu finally said, looking at the blue sky dreamily.

"You're about to collapse, aren't you?" Changsheng responded without hesitation.

Baizhu was about to say something when his gaze went blank and he drew a sharp breath.

"Oh, come on!" Changsheng exclaimed impatiently. "If you weren't so dead set on trying to be polite, you'd feel much better without needing to sit down and catch your breath." She then turned to Ehsan, silently demanding his participation in the discussion.

Baizhu sighed and slumped on the bench. "I'll be alright. I just hh-... need a moh... hhh-... ment."

Ehsan felt bad for the doctor, but this feeling was mixed with a sort of excitement that gave the scholar goosebumps. He didn't realize as his intrusive thoughts got the best of him:

"Dr Baizhu, if I may, sometimes your body just needs a slight push to help it get rid of the allergen and make you feel better."

Ehsan froze with his mouth still slightly agape, unable to believe in the reality of what he had just proposed.

Changsheng gave him a curious look but didn't say anything. Baizhu lifted his head and looked at Ehsan. His soft green hair spilled out from his bun and unruly strands were now framing his elegant face, making him look ethereal in the dappled golden light filtering through the canopy above. "Did you have an idea?"

Ehsan almost jumped at the question. Baizhu did not seem like somebody who easily accepted the help of others. But if what Ehsan heard two days ago, albeit muffled by the walls of the pharmacy, was really what he thought it was... Ehsan's cheeks flushed crimson.

"I um... could help you... sneeze," the last word was so quiet it almost got lost in the breeze. Baizhu's piercing golden eyes seemed to widen, and his vertical pupils turned into thin lines.

"Alright, I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Mostly because I'd never expected to see such an offer coming from you." Baizhu's lips stretched into a smirk, and he sniffled wetly. "Suffice to say, it feels different to be on the receiving side of a treatment, but I... hiih-..." Baizhu's breath hitched, and he lost track of his thoughts. "Ahem, what I'm trying to say is, I guess, as a doctor, I myself should be an example of a perfect patient readily accepting hii-... the…"

Ehsan saw the desperation in Baizhu's eyes, barely masked by his pretend nonchalant attitude.

As the doctor sighed and rubbed his nose again, Ehsan bent down and pulled out a thin blade of grass, soft with a pointed tip. He looked at Dr Baizhu, hesitating. The doctor seemed calm, if a little tense, whether from the persistent itch in his nose or the peculiar situation they found themselves in. Ehsan reached out toward Baizhu's face but stopped himself, afraid that the doctor would burst out laughing at how silly Ehsan must look, exposing the affair as a joke he never took seriously. However, Baizhu's facial expression remained neutral, and he didn't pull away from Ehsan's hand. Ehsan carefully cupped Baizhu's cheek, feeling the warmth of his soft skin under his fingertips. He looked into Baizhu’s eyes, as if asking for permission. The doctor sniffled again and reached out for his nose instinctively, but Ehsan stopped his hand and put it back on the bench. Baizhu's bright eyes lit up with curiosity. Ehsan brought the thin blade of grass to the doctor's right nostril and brushed it gently. Baizhu's nostrils twitched, and the bridge of his nose wrinkled. Fascinated, Ehsan brushed the outside of the left nostril to witness the same reaction. Baizhu blinked a couple of times and exhaled shakily. Ehsan inserted the grass blade inside the doctor's nose and gave it a slight twirl. Baizhu's breath wavered as his eyes rolled back and his eyelids dropped. Ehsan kept rotating the grass blade, slowly climbing deeper into the doctor's quivering nose. Baizhu's breath was now hitching uncontrollably and his eyebrows darted up, forming a triangle. He tilted his head up, leaning away from the grass blade that was now tickling deep inside his irritated nose. Ehsan responded by pushing the grass blade further in as Baizhu audibly gasped for air. "Aaah!.." The swift movements of Ehsan's fingers sped up as Baizhu's nose kept scrunching up and twitching, buzzing with an unbearable itch. "Ah!.. Hh... Hh... HaaH!.." Baizhu lifted a hand motioning for Ehsan to stop, but the scholar was too entranced by the show to pay attention to anything but the doctor's red, twitchy nostrils and his shaky breath. "Aaah!!.." Baizhu froze for a split second before jerking forward towards Ehsan violently. The scholar quickly snatched the grass blade away as Baizhu erupted in an uncovered sneezing fit, misting Ehsan's lap with tiny droplets of spray.

"Huh'dSCHh'sshuh!! Huh'dSCHh'ssh! Hiih... Hiih... Hiih'IISSSHiuu! Haah.. Ah-kTSHHew!..  Hh... Heh-Eh'sSCHew! Eh'sSCH'ew!............................ Huh... Hh..." Baizhu paused with his eyes still shut and took another slow deep breath. Without thinking, Ehsan reached out and slid the wet grass blade back into the doctor's irritated nostril, making the latter gasp and lurch forward with a loud "Hhah!!... Ah'eeKSCHHew! Ah!.. Ae'SCHoo!...................Huh-AaahSCHHew! Ugh..."

The doctor blinked rapidly, collecting himself. He sniffled, trying to stop his dripping nose from making a mess, then grabbed a sleeve of his coat and buried his face into it.

Ehsan flicked the grass blade away, not taking his eyes off the absolutely breathtaking god-like figure sitting next to him dabbing the thick fabric to his sensitive nose and misty eyes.

"Phew... Ahem," Baizhu coughed into the sleeve a little longer than needed to clear his throat. "I have never experienced anything quite like it, that's for sure," he finally said, still wiping his nose in an upward motion. He then turned his attention to Ehsan and his face dropped.

"Oh, archons!! I am so, so sorry! Please do accept my sincerest apologies, I did not mean to... erm... make such a mess, let alone sneeze all over my patient!"

Baizhu lowered his head, bowing to Ehsan, who, in all honesty, did not mind a little mist on his clothes that seemed to make the doctor feel so flustered.

"He liked it," Changsheng stated with zero emotion in her voice. Baizhu lifted his head and looked at the white snake, his face still reflecting deep remorse. "What I’m saying is, our ssscholar friend seems to enjoy," Changsheng began, making Ehsan wish he’d met his fate at the Chasm and avoided going to the pharmacy altogether, "...helping others, and it bringsss him great joy to see people feeling better." Ehsan could have sworn that if snakes could smile, she would be giving him her sassiest grin.

"Oh, is that so?" Baizhu sniffled again, but his nose no longer looked red and irritated.

"Y-yes, I am indeed glad to have been able to repay your kindness as you saved me the other day," Ehsan hurriedly replied. "Besides, I couldn't bear watching you suffer any longer."

"Well, in that case..." Baizhu's face took on a contemplating expression before he turned towards Ehsan and looked straight into his eyes. "It looks like we have a lot in common."

[boonauwarriorcats]

Violet, Barley's sister, the second medicine cat of FireClan after Yellowfang. Boon is her mate.

In canon, Violet was cared for by her big brother Barley while they were living desperately under BloodClan's rule. Eventually BloodClan beat up Violet and Barley when they found out he was caring for someone, and Violet was badly wounded. Barley took her to Twolegs, where she was adopted as a kittypet. She later went on to be the mother of SkyClan warriors Bellaleaf and Rileypool.

In the Boon AU, Scourge never came to the city, and thus never created BloodClan. Barley and Violet lived together as street cats, even after their brothers Hoot and Jumper ran off to join a gang with the street cat Bone. Violet was the first to discover Rusty when he showed up, lost and injured, in the city. She and Barley befriended and helped him when he was first starting out. Later, when Barley gave Rusty the nickname Boon, Barley and Violet joined Boon in his crazy idea to create a Clan.

Violet would become very close to Yellowfang, who taught her everything she knew about herbs and healing. She also became dear to Boon, as he became dear to her, and they fell in love. (FireClan chose to allow medicine cats to have mates.) Boon and Violet went on to have a litter of three kits - tomkit Rex Torchlight, she-kit Viola Oilripple, and nonbinary kit Lynx Flowerheart.

[dudeimjustagirll]

Happy Diwali

Ao3 link :p

Fic with an Indian/Hindu reader set during Diwali bc I GENUINELY LOVE DIWALI AND WE NEED MORE INDIAN SUPERHEROES IN MAINSTREAM MEDIAAA Sidenote: I tried to make this fic as accessible to non-Indians/Hindus as I could, but there are some elements that may be a little confusing. I'll provide a glossary in the Authors Notes.

Author's Notes (Glossary):

here's the glossary if needed!! Beta (बेटा) – A Hindi term of endearment meaning “child” or “son/daughter.” Used affectionately by parents and elders. Jalebi (जलेबी) – A deep-fried, spiral-shaped Indian dessert soaked in sugar syrup, known for its crispy texture and syrupy sweetness. Mehendi (मेहंदी) – Also known as henna, a paste made from crushed henna leaves applied to the skin in intricate designs. It stains the skin a deep reddish-brown and is commonly used for weddings and festivals. Prasad (प्रसाद) – Food that has been offered to a deity during worship and is later distributed to devotees as a blessing. Usually sweets or fruits. Diwali (दिवाली) – The Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with fireworks, lamps (diyas), sweets, and family gatherings. Vayu (वायु) – The Hindu god of wind and father of Hanuman, associated with speed, strength, and the element of air. Kaju Katli (काजू कतली) – A popular Indian sweet made of cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee, often cut into diamond shapes and topped with edible silver leaf. Biryani (बिरयानी) – A fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables, saffron, and aromatic herbs, popular in Indian cuisine. Dal (दाल) – Lentils cooked into a thick soup-like dish, often eaten with rice or roti. Samosa (समोसा) – A deep-fried, triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Diyas (दीया) – Small oil lamps made of clay, lit during Diwali to symbolize light overcoming darkness. Aarti (आरती) – A Hindu ritual of offering light (usually from a lamp) to a deity while singing devotional songs. Rangoli (रंगोली) – Colorful patterns made on the ground using colored powders, rice, or flower petals, often seen during Diwali.

Work Text:

The atmosphere itself seemed disturbed by the presence of ungodly metal shrieks. The Guardians of the Globe were locked in combat with a monstrous, biomechanical war machine tearing through the city streets. Metal screeched against concrete as the massive construct swung its wrecking-ball-sized fist, narrowly missing Invincible as he dove out of the way, heading directly for its exposed joints.

"Could use a little help here!" Rex shouted, rolling to avoid a swing, and then chucking some of his spare change at them.

A blur of movement cut through the battlefield, a gust of wind kicking up debris and dust. Before anyone could blink, you appeared atop the war machine, lightning crackling at your fingertips. With a single fluid motion, you vaulted off its shoulder, slamming your palm against its exposed wiring. The force of the wind concentrated at your fingertips discharged in a violent burst, sending a shockwave rippling through the machine’s frame. It staggered, gears grinding in protest.

"Nice work, Tempest!" Eve called, creating an energy barrier to deflect an incoming barrage of missiles.

You barely had time to register her praise before another enemy emerged—a grotesque fusion of metal and flesh, its cybernetic limbs gleaming under the city lights. It lunged at you, its blade-like appendage slicing through the air. With a sharp inhale, you bent the wind to your will, twisting your body and allowing the gust to carry you effortlessly out of harm’s way. As you landed, you planted your foot against the pavement, summoning a whirlwind that sent your assailant hurtling backward.

Robot’s voice crackled through your earpiece. "Tempest, Invincible, Eve—concentrate your attacks on the core. We need to shut it down before it does any more damage."

"On it!" you responded, dashing forward at speeds that left only a faint streak of silver and blue in your wake. You could feel the energy humming beneath your skin, a gift from Vayu himself, granted to you through generations of devotion. Your mother had prayed for protection over her child, and Vayu had answered—bestowing upon you his speed and the ability to command the very winds.

You had been six years old when the signs first appeared. A playful breeze that followed you wherever you went, lifting your hair when no wind was present, guiding leaves around you in intricate patterns. It wasn’t long before your abilities manifested fully, and you took on the mantle of a hero. At first, you had called yourself "Vayuvati," but apparently, it was embarrassingly hard for most people to pronounce, especially Cecil. So, after some rebranding, you decided on “Tempest”.

And now, Tempest was about to finish this fight.

Summoning a powerful cyclone beneath your feet, you propelled yourself high into the air. The cityscape blurred below as you reached the peak of your jump, then twisted midair, angling yourself downward. Wind roared in your ears as you descended at breakneck speed, fists clenched, eyes locked onto the war machine’s glowing core. Just before impact, you unleashed the full force of your power—an explosive gust that funneled through your body, amplifying your momentum.

The impact was deafening.

The war machine buckled under the blow, its reinforced plating denting inward before sparks erupted from within. Its internal systems overloaded, sending arcs of electricity dancing across its mangled form. You barely had time to catch your breath before Eve reinforced the ground beneath you, keeping the crumbling wreckage from toppling onto the surrounding buildings.

"Hell yeah!" Rex cheered. "Teamwork! Now that’s what I’m talking about!"

Kate and Rae finished securing the last of the downed hostiles while Robot scanned the area for any remaining threats. With the battle won, relief washed over you, just like it always did.

The dust was still settling when Mark found you, the sound of crumbling debris filling the air. He landed beside you with a light thud, his hands on his hips and a playful smirk on his lips.

"Not bad, Tempest. You actually managed to look cool this time."

You scoffed, brushing a stray strand of hair out of your face. "Please. I always look cool. You’re just jealous because I did all the work."

Mark laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night."

It had been six months since you and Mark had started dating, and somehow, the teasing never got old. From the moment you met, there had been an easy chemistry between you. He was smart, funny, and—according to your mom—exactly the kind of boy she had always hoped you’d date.

"He’s polite, hardworking, and he helps people! You know how rare that is? And beta, he’s so handsome—those dimples! You better not mess this up," your mom had warned you playfully when she first met him.

She also knew all about his secret identity. After all, you told her everything. She even knew all the gossip about the Guardians. (She had very strong opinions about Rex Splode, which, fair.)

"You good?" Mark’s voice pulled you out of your thoughts.

You nodded, stretching out your sore arms. "Yeah. Just ready to get back to HQ and shower."

Together, you and the remaining Guardians flew back, exchanging battle stories as you landed at Guardians HQ. You made a beeline for the showers, stripping off your soot-stained suit and letting the hot water rinse away the grime of the fight. The moment you stepped out, refreshed and dressed in casual clothes, your phone buzzed with a text from your mom.

Mom: "Come help me set up for the Diwali dinner!"

Your stomach dropped.

"Shit," you muttered under your breath. How had you forgotten it was Diwali?

Just then, Mark strolled into the changing room, ruffling his damp hair with a towel. He glanced at your face and frowned. "What’s up?"

"I forgot it was Diwali," you admitted, showing him the text.

He grinned. "Well, that explains why your mom sent me, like, ten texts reminding me to show up."

You groaned, already dreading the inevitable scolding. "She’s going to kill me."

"Nah, she loves you too much for that," Mark said, laughing a bit. "And lucky for you, I happen to be free for the evening. So, how about I help? Three heads are better than two, right?"

You looked up at him, raising a brow. "You just want to sneak extra sweets, don’t you?"

"That’s slander," he said, pressing a hand to his chest in mock offense. "I would never."

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help smiling. "Fine. But if my mom gives you extra jalebi, I’m stealing some."

Mark laughed, grabbing your hand. "Deal. Now, let’s go before she starts texting me in all caps."

The moment you stepped through the front door, the warm, familiar scent of ghee, cardamom, and something fried filled your senses. The soft hum of a Bollywood song played from the kitchen speaker, blending into the background noise of sizzling oil and clinking pots. Your mom stood in the kitchen, her hair slightly disheveled, already deep in preparation. The sleeves of her blouse were pushed up, and a streak of flour dusted her cheek. She barely spared you a glance before pointing at the counter, where stacks of neatly arranged diyas sat, waiting to be placed outside.

"About time," she said, not even looking up from where she was stirring something thick and golden in a pot. "Mark, so good to see you!"

Mark grinned. "Good to see you too. Need an extra pair of hands?"

"Oh, always." She smiled warmly at him before turning to you with a sharp look. "And you. Forgetting Diwali?"

You winced. "It was a long day!"

She sighed dramatically but didn’t push further. "Fine, fine. Just make yourself useful. And Mark, go change. There’s a kurta for you. It’s one of (Name)’s cousins’."

Mark blinked. "Wait, what?"

You smirked. "Oh yeah. No western clothes for Diwali. You gotta wear the whole thing."

"I—" Mark hesitated before glancing at your mom’s expectant face. He sighed. "Alright, where is it?"

“(Name)’s room.”

A few minutes later, he emerged from your room, wearing a deep blue kurta with intricate gold embroidery. It fit him surprisingly well, accentuating his broad shoulders and the strong lines of his arms. He tugged at the sleeves awkwardly, glancing at his reflection in the hallway mirror.

"How do I look?"

You stared for a second before grinning. "Like you belong in a Bollywood movie."

Mark laughed. "I feel like I should break into a dramatic monologue. Or start dancing."

Your mom, passing by with a tray of sweets, smirked. "If you do, I expect full commitment. None of that half-hearted swaying."

Mark chuckled, but you could see he was adjusting to the unfamiliar outfit, rolling his shoulders slightly as if testing its movement. You stepped closer, adjusting the collar of his kurta to sit more comfortably against his neck. His eyes softened at your touch.

"Alright, enough admiring my new look," he teased. "What’s next?"

Your mom gestured to the backyard. "Diyas. You two can start lighting them while I finish up here."

You and Mark grabbed the tray of diyas and headed outside. The evening air was crisp, carrying the distant echo of firecrackers from other celebrations in the neighborhood. Carefully, you began placing the small clay lamps along the patio, filling them with oil before lighting the wicks one by one. The flickering flames cast a warm glow, illuminating the space in golden light.

Mark knelt beside you, watching as you lit another diya. "It’s kinda beautiful," he murmured. "Simple, but... I don’t know. Peaceful."

You glanced at him, warmth blooming in your chest. "Yeah. It is."

For a moment, the two of you just sat there, watching the tiny flames dance in the breeze, letting the quiet settle between you.

Then, Mark nudged you playfully. "You ever think about making a rangoli? I saw some online. They look insane."

You snorted. "You wanna try?"

"If by 'try,' you mean 'probably mess up horribly,' then yes."

Laughing, you led him back inside, grabbing the colored powders your mom had left near the door. As you spread them out on the floor, Mark watched with fascination as you carefully sketched the outline of a peacock, then began filling in the vibrant hues. He hesitated before dipping his fingers into the powder and adding a completely lopsided design next to yours.

You stifled a laugh. "Mark. What is that?"

"Abstract art," he said proudly.

"It looks like a sad amoeba."

He gasped in mock offense. "Wow. Rude."

Giggling, you reached over and smeared a bit of green onto his cheek. He blinked, then smirked, grabbing a handful of blue and dusting it onto your nose.

"Mark!"

"Hey, if I’m going down, you’re coming with me."

The two of you dissolved into laughter, colors smudging onto your clothes and skin until your mother walked out, arms crossed. "(Name)," she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "The rangoli is for decoration, not a colour fight. That’s what Holi is for."

You bit your lip. "Oops."

She shook her head, muttering about how she'd have to redo it later. "Go clean up. And then—dancing."

Your eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

Your mom smirked. "I have a playlist ready."

Mark raised a brow. "Oh, I am so ready for this."

You groaned. "I should’ve left you at Guardians HQ."

Once dinner preparations were underway, music started playing from the living room—an upbeat Bollywood song with fast beats and infectious energy. You were about to walk past when Mark grabbed your wrist with a grin. "C'mon, just one dance."

"Mark, you can't even dance to American music properly."

"Rude." He pulled you toward the center of the room. "But fair. Still, show me how!"

With a laugh, you started moving, guiding Mark through the basic steps. At first, he was all stiff limbs and awkward shuffling, but eventually, he got the rhythm, matching your energy. Your hands met mid-air, spinning in sync, your laughter mixing with the music.

It was fun—genuinely fun. The flickering diyas outside, and Mark’s eager attempts at keeping up with you made everything feel light and free.

The warmth in your chest grew as you watched him, the joy on his face so genuine, so completely in the moment. You placed your hands on his shoulders, and he instinctively held your waist, the two of you swaying slightly as the music softened for a moment. Your breath hitched when you noticed the way he was looking at you—eyes warm, filled with something so deep and tender that it made your heart stutter.

Before you could overthink it, you leaned in.

Mark met you halfway, his lips pressing against yours in a kiss that was sweet, unhurried, and full of the kind of affection that made your toes curl. His hands tightened around your waist, pulling you closer, and for a moment, the world melted away—the music, the lights, everything fading into the background.

Then, you heard a voice. "Well, aren’t you two just adorable."

You turned to see Debbie standing by the doorway, a smile on her face. Beside her, your mom stood with her arms crossed, amused. "I’ve been saying they should do more cardio together," your mom teased.

Mark groaned. "Great. More training."

Debbie chuckled, walking over to your mom. "So, do you put up with this energy all the time too?"

Your mom exhaled dramatically. "You have no idea."

As the music continued, you and Mark slowed down, catching your breath. Debbie and your mom moved to the side, chatting about their respective jobs—Debbie mentioning how she’d taken on more responsibilities at work, your mom venting about the exhausting trial she had that week.

"Defending someone you don’t fully believe in is the hardest part," she admitted. "But everyone deserves a fair trial. Even the ones who make it difficult to care."

Debbie nodded. "Yeah. I know what that’s like. Work’s been a mess for me too, but at least I don’t have to argue in court."

You listened quietly, admiring how strong they both were. But before the mood could grow too heavy, your mom clapped her hands. "Alright, enough standing around. Mehendi time!"

“Mehendi? Don’t I need to, you know, help you finish setting up?” you asked, genuinely concerned.

“There’s not that much left to do, in all honesty. And plus, that artist wasn’t cheap.”

Complying, you sat cross-legged in the living room. You groaned playfully, stretching out your hands. "I can kiss the use of my hands goodbye for the next 3 hours."

Mark frowned, sitting beside you. "Wait, what’s mehendi?"

You gave him a smile, genuinely happy that he wanted to know more about your culture. And by extension, about you . It was corny, but hey. It warmed you up just a teeny bit inside.

 "Henna. The intricate designs you see on hands during weddings and festivals. It smells great, but the downside is I can’t use my hands until it dries."

"Oh, so I get to do all the work while you sit there looking pretty?" he teased.

"Exactly," you said, grinning as the artist started tracing elegant swirls and paisleys onto your palms. The cool touch of the henna made you shiver slightly, and you admired the way the deep brown designs were forming, each delicate pattern telling a story.

Mark watched with interest. "It looks amazing. Does it have any meaning?"

"Yep," you said, shifting to show him. "Different designs symbolize different things—love, prosperity, new beginnings. It’s traditional."

"Huh." He leaned in closer. "It suits you."

You felt warmth spread through you, but before you could say anything, your mom called from the kitchen, "Mark! Since (Name) is out of commission, you’re helping with the sweets!"

Mark shot you a playfully betrayed look before getting up. "Guess I’m on food duty. Wish me luck."

You laughed as he disappeared into the kitchen, where the rich aroma of roasted cashews and saffron filled the air. You peeked in, much to the dismay of the artist, you guided your position back to what it originally was. From what you saw, though, Mark was standing next to your mom and Debbie, sleeves rolled up, eyes wide as he observed the ingredients laid out on the counter.

"Alright, Mark," your mom began, handing him a bowl of cashews. "We’re making kaju katli. You up for the challenge?"

"Uh," Mark hesitated, glancing at Debbie, who smirked. "Is this a test?"

"Absolutely," Debbie said. "You pass, you get extra sweets."

He clapped his hands together. "Alright, let’s do this."

Your mom guided him through the process, showing him how to grind the cashews into a fine powder. Mark tried to use his strength sparingly, but the first batch ended up too fine, almost dust-like.

"Okay, okay," he muttered, adjusting his grip. "Less force, more control."

"Like I tell you before your training," Debbie mused.

Next came mixing the powder with sugar and water over the stove. The fragrant smell of saffron and cardamom filled the kitchen, making your stomach growl. Mark stirred the mixture carefully under your mom’s watchful eye, the thick paste forming into a glossy, pliable dough.

"Not bad," she admitted. "You might just have a future in Indian sweets."

"I’ll consider it," Mark joked, as Debbie helped roll out the dough. "I’ll call myself Sweet-incible."

"Oh, that’s terrible," you called from the living room.

"You love it," he shot back with a grin.

Once the dough was rolled out and cut into diamond shapes, your mom plated the kaju katli with a proud nod. "Perfect. Now, we let it set."

Mark dusted off his hands and turned to you. "Hey, since you’re stuck over there—" He picked up a small piece of the freshly made sweet and held it out. "Want a taste test?"

You hesitated, glancing at your drying mehendi, then leaned forward slightly. "You’re really milking this whole ‘I can’t use my hands’ thing, huh?"

"A little," he admitted, before gently placing the sweet against your lips.

The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the kaju katli combined with the delicate sweetness of the cashews and saffron made you hum in delight. "Okay, fine. You did good."

"Told you I’m a natural," he said smugly, offering you another piece.

Your mom and Debbie exchanged knowing looks, and you rolled your eyes. But honestly? You didn’t mind the extra attention one bit.

The night air was crisp when you finally stepped outside, flexing your fingers as you admired the deep, stained patterns of your dried mehendi. The designs had darkened beautifully, and as you traced the delicate lines, you couldn’t help but smile. This was your favorite part of Diwali—the fireworks.

Other houses in the neighborhood had already begun their celebrations, the night sky occasionally bursting into colors of red, green, and gold. The scent of incense, sweets, and sparklers lingered in the air, thick with nostalgia.

Your mom was the first to light a firework, stepping forward with practiced ease. As she set the spark to the fuse, you quietly closed your eyes, pressing your hands together in a small prayer to Vayu. You had done this every Diwali since you were a child, whispering words of gratitude to the god who had blessed you.

There was no grand response, no divine sign. But as the first firework shot up into the sky, exploding in a shower of gold, you felt a soft gust of wind flow behind you, lifting the strands of your hair. It was gentle—reassuring. And even though Vayu didn’t speak, you knew he was listening.

A warm arm wrapped around your shoulders, and you leaned into Mark’s side. He watched your expression with a small, knowing smile before whispering, "We should take them higher. So they can see better."

You blinked up at him before glancing toward your mom and Debbie. The two women were standing side by side, laughing over something you hadn’t heard, completely at ease in each other’s company.

A grin spread across your lips. "I like that idea."

Before they could protest, you and Mark each scooped up your respective mothers, eliciting a surprised yelp from Debbie and an exasperated, "(Name)!" from your mom.

"Trust us!" you called out, laughter bubbling in your chest as you lifted into the sky. Mark was right beside you, holding Debbie securely as the two of you ascended just a little higher above the rooftops, where the view of the fireworks was completely unobstructed.

Your mom gasped softly, eyes wide as she took in the sight. Below, the streets glittered with tiny, glowing diyas, and all around, fireworks bloomed in dazzling patterns, lighting up the darkness like a festival of stars.

"I’ve never seen them from up here before," Debbie murmured, awestruck.

"Me neither," your mom admitted, clutching onto you a little tighter. But when you looked at her, her eyes were filled with wonder.

You kissed her on the forehead, and she looked up at you, eyes full of love.

“We need to do this again next year, (Name).”

Mark met your gaze over their heads, grinning. "Told you it was a good idea."

You laughed, feeling light in a way you hadn’t all day. "Yeah. You did."

And as another firework burst into a cascade of shimmering blue, you felt it again—the wind, playful at your back, lifting you just a little higher, as if to say: Look at what you protect. Look at what you cherish.

And you did.

As the night deepened and the fireworks died down, everyone headed back inside for dinner. The table was laden with dishes—steaming bowls of dal, fragrant biryani, crispy samosas, and an array of sweets. Laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly as you all ate, enjoying the warmth of good food and company.

By the end of the meal, both Debbie and your mom looked exhausted but happy. You and Mark, still full of energy, exchanged a glance before you spoke up. “We can clean up. You both should get some rest.”

Debbie yawned, stretching. “Don’t stay out too late,” she teased, ruffling Mark’s hair before heading towards the door. 

“You sure you both can handle this? I can help, if you’d like,” your mom said, but from the bags under her eyes and the way she’d just yawned, it was clear that she needed to rest

“Don’t worry, mama. Sleep, me and Mark will take care of it.”

Your mom smiled, squeezing your shoulder before retreating to her own room for the night.

With superspeed, the cleanup was finished in minutes. Soon, you and Mark found yourselves in your room, the quiet hum of the house settling around you.

You turned to him, sitting on the side of the bed you’d normally wake up on. “Thanks for helping out today. You were amazing.”

Mark smirked, shuffling closer. “I’m always amazing. But I’ll take the compliment.”

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms. “Oh please, don’t let it go to your head.”

He grinned, tilting his head. “Too late.”

You scoffed, but the playful glint in his eyes made your stomach flutter. Before you could think of a retort, he reached out, brushing a stray hair behind your ear. “You look really beautiful tonight,” he murmured, voice softer now.

You blinked up at him, caught off guard for only a second before you found your voice. “Smooth, Grayson.”

“Only for you,” he said, eyes flicking down to your lips before meeting your gaze again.

A thrill shot through you, but you refused to let him win that easily. “What, you think you can just compliment me and—”

Mark cut you off by leaning in, capturing your lips with his. The first kiss was soft, teasing, but when you didn’t pull away, he deepened it, his hands finding your waist as he tugged you closer. You melted into him, fingers curling into his kurta, feeling the warmth of him against you. His lips were insistent, teasing, as if he had all the time in the world to kiss you breathless.

One of his hands slid up your back, sending shivers down your spine. Your heart pounded as you pulled him closer, matching his energy, tilting your head to chase his lips when he pulled back slightly just to smirk against your mouth.

“Distracted yet?” he murmured.

You huffed a small laugh, catching his bottom lip between your teeth in retaliation. He groaned lightly, tightening his grip on your waist, but before things could go any further—

“Wait!” you gasped suddenly, breaking away.

Mark, looking entirely too pleased with himself, blinked at you in confusion. “Huh?”

“The new episode of Séance Dog dropped today!” you exclaimed, eyes wide.

For a moment, he just stared at you before realization hit. “Oh, fuck. You’re right!”

You scrambled for your laptop while he groaned dramatically, flopping back on your bed. “I cannot believe I didn’t know,” he muttered.

“Yeah, it’s crazy. Aren’t you, like, the show's biggest fan?” you rhetorically asked, booting up the episode. “Wanna watch it together?”

Mark sighed, sitting up. “Sure. But I need to change first.”

You nodded, and he zipped out, returning minutes later in his Séance Dog T-shirt and sweatpants. Meanwhile, you had changed into your usual sleepwear—an old volleyball team shirt and comfy shorts.

As you climbed into bed, he slid in beside you, wrapping an arm around your waist as you snuggled up. The screen glowed softly in the dim room, casting flickering shadows as the episode started.

Mark pressed a kiss to the top of your head, murmuring, “Happy Diwali.”

You smiled, settling into his warmth. “Happy Diwali, Mark.”

And together, wrapped up in each other, you watched your favorite show, the perfect end to a perfect night.

[ohsayge]

POKEMON AU because I can and spent a lot of time on it

Pokemon Au:

Ashlyn: Cyndaquil -> Typhlosion: Scorch Mareep -> Ampharos: Zap Marill -> Azumarill: Blueberry Sudowoodo: Pebble Eevee -> Umbreon: Luna Houndour -> Houndoom: Cerberus

Aiden: Pichu -> Pikachu: Zippy Tyrogue -> Hitmontop: Champ Hoothoot -> Noctowl: Hootie Zubat -> Crobat: Echo Wooper -> Quagsire: Splash Dunsparce: Wiggles

Ben: Nidorino -> Nidoking: Spike Jigglypuff -> Wigglytuff: Puff Growlithe -> Arcanine: Scout Tentacool -> Tentacruel: Jelly Lickitung: Slurps Cubone -> Marowak: Skull

Logan: Caterpie -> Butterfree: Worm Oddish w/ everstone: Herb Poliwag -> Poliwrath: Ripple Magnemite -> Magneton: Volt Kangaskhan: Guardian Hitmonlee -> Hitmonchan: Roundhouse

Taylor: Bellsprout -> Victreebel: Petal Ponyta -> Rapidash: Rainbow Dash Farfetch'd: Duckie Staryu -> Starmie: Glimmer Eevee -> Espeon: Shine Bellossom: Buttercup

Tyler: Taylor nicknamed all his pokemon because he didn't want too Machop -> Machamp: Rex Shellder -> Cloyster: Pearl Onix: Titan Misdreavus -> Mismagius: Spooky Gligar: Aero Slugma -> Marcargo: Cinder

Ashlyn leaned back against the seat of the train. Her Azumarill, Blueberry, was nuzzled comfortably on her lap, lulled to sleep by the rhythmic chugging of the train over the tracks. She looked out at the passing scenery – verdant fields and wild Pokémon frolicking freely- it was a peaceful scene that was suddenly ruined. “Oh my god! Ponyta and Rapidash!” Taylor pressed her face up against the glass.

Her eyes were wide with excitement as she pointed at the fiery Pokémon galloping majestically across the open landscape. "Such power, such grace!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

“Shut up Taylor,” Her twin brother, Tyler grumbled from beside her.

Taylor responded by sticking her tongue out at him, "Oh come on, Ty! Lighten up a bit. We're on an adventure!" Her words were punctuated with a wild gesture referring to the world outside their window.

Tyler merely rolled his eyes and returned to his nap. Aiden got into Ashlyn’s face. “Are you excited to see the big city?” “Get out of my face,” She shoved her hand in his face and pushed him away from her.

Aiden stumbled back, a grin still lingering on his lips despite Ashlyn's rebuff. He adjusted his glasses and laughed, "Alright, alright, I get it! Personal space, I respect that." He then moved over to join Taylor by the window, equally captivated by the sight of the fiery Pokémon racing alongside their train. Logan looked up at his book, “What gym is in Savannah?” He asked more so Tyler. The ladder looked up before drifting back off to sleep, not answering Logan’s question.

Logan frowned slightly at Tyler's lack of response but shrugged and returned to his book. “It’s the Electric Type gym,” Ashlyn answered, glancing over at Logan. “Ben are you gonna battle the gym leader this time?” Taylor looked over with a grin. The mute boy looked up at her and shook his head. Taylor’s grin didn't falter. "Well, your loss, Ben! Savannah's gym leader is supposed to be one of the toughest around.” Ashlyn nodded in agreement, her thoughts drifting to the upcoming challenge. Blueberry stirred on her lap, opening one eye lazily. “Ashlyn, the conductor is coming by, put the pokemon away,” Taylor hissed quietly.

Ashlyn gently nudged Blueberry, whispering for her to return to her Poké Ball. With a soft glow, the Azumarill disappeared, and Ashlyn clipped the ball back onto her belt. As the conductor approached, checking tickets and ensuring everything was in order, the friends settled down, their excitement momentarily subdued by the adult walking past. “Hey! Blonde kid, sit down,” She told Aiden.

Aiden, who had been bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, gave the conductor a sheepish smile and quickly sat down next to Ashlyn. The conductor nodded sternly before moving on, her eyes scanning the rest of the passengers with practiced ease.

Once she was out of earshot, Aiden leaned in towards Ashlyn, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, what's the plan when we get there? Straight to the gym or do we explore the city first?"

Ashlyn pondered for a moment, her fingers tapping rhythmically against her thigh. "I think it'd be smart to scout out the gym first, get an idea of the level of the trainers and the gym leader’s level and pokemon,” she mused, her eyes lighting up with the thrill of strategy. "But, exploring Savannah wouldn’t hurt either; it could be a good way to unwind before the battle."

Aiden nodded in agreement, his grin widening. "Sounds like a perfect plan! Plus, I heard there's a market where local trainers trade rare battle items!” “Okay calm down, it’s not that exciting,” Tyler opened his eyes with a glare at Aiden.

Ben, still silent, gave a small nod, his own excitement about the city's offerings visible only to those who knew him well. His dark eyes flickered with interest at the mention of the market, perhaps considering it a good place to gather resources that could be valuable in upcoming battles.

"Actually, it might be good for our pokemon to get some battle items to make them stronger!” Taylor wrapped her arm around her brother’s shoulders. Logan looked up from his book, “Plus in the tall grass outside the city, there’s shellos, we both need that for our pokedexs,” Logan told Taylor.

Taylor's face lit up at the suggestion, her adventurous spirit clearly piqued by the possibility of catching a new Pokémon. "That settles it then! First, we explore the city and hit the market, and then we head out to catch some Shellos," she declared enthusiastically.

Ashlyn shook her head, appreciating Taylor's infectious energy.