delphinium blue.

the previous hordes of spiteful, weapon-welding humans have long since past, driven off by the sheer number of null sector soldiers sent shortly before his arrival. he listens closely to binary sounds of chatter over dozens of channels from each of his comrades, little more than a distraction from his true focus of finding omnic survivors to bring into comfort. handfuls of his brethren are brought out from beneath rubble and ruin, much hesitance in shaky steps, but at the sight of him do they finally accept well-deserved shelter. he counts them each by one, guiding gently their trembling bodies towards his airships that’ll carry them away to safety.

“those should be the last of us.” a soft timbre comes from behind him, cutting past all radio chatters. in an instant his attention is given you, his love who walks this path besides him. supported on your right limps another feminine omnic, a common model, clinging to you as if you both have always been good friends. the view brings his cynical soul delight; although his position requires a strong, hardened hand to make steady each move forward, yours is the warmth sorely needed to keep spirits high, to bring your people together to embrace as one. a balance made perfect between loves.

quickly does a soldier take your newly made friend off to join the other survivors, leaving the two of you alone once more.

“are you well, my soul?” his hand outstretches, awaiting yours to take it. “it appears our work here is done.”

your hand hovers over his, uncertain. he needs no brows to raise at you to know something deeper has rattled you.

“i’ve found someone else.” you say, vocals shifting too low. you bring your hands up to fold over your chestplate, as if a heart struck with nerves resides there. “you must lend me your ears, beloved.”

at first thought ramattra finds it a strange request, for you well know that all he is belongs to you alone. on his second, he realizes your true plight in how your gaze remains downward in deference of what news you bring—it is no simple matter.

his fingers tilt your chin upwards, a gentle admonition. “speak your heart.”

“perhaps it is better to show you.”

metallic hands clank in a clasp to lead him towards a dust ridden building, windows shattered and cement scorched by fire, caked in soot. ruined rocks scrape beneath his feet. a scurry of pebbles scatter every which way. ramattra scans the surrounding landscape with cautious curiosity, unsure of what exactly awaits him.

it is then he hears the babbles.

up ahead, his optics zero in on a shambled door hanging off its hinges. a faint heat signature glows from inside its inner room, seemingly floating midair. instinctively ramattra slows his steps, but your grasp encourages movement forward until he reaches the doorway, taking in what you’ve lead him into.

a broken, lightless omnic sits stiff as death up against the wall, their arms still positioned protectively over a cradle in their lap. not long ago were they a servant build.

the cradle rocks slightly, little movements from inside restrained only by the omnic’s steadfast embrace. the same babbles fill the air, louder this time, accompanied by the peek of teeny human hands reaching up towards the omnic’s face.

ramattra is silent.

your glance back at him is hesitant, your voice soft. “it’s just a little babe. it knows nothing of this world, except love for one of our people.”

his gaze captures yours, but still he speaks not. was he allowing you to convince him? did he want to hear your reasoning? your eventual plea? you take it as such.

letting free his hand, you sit besides the cradle and shift it around, where a tiny face hides beneath a lacy blanket, now sullied with dirt. big brown eyes blink up at you, and small brown hands reach up to grab hold your chin, undisturbed by the metallic chill you emit. a gummy smile and sweet coos replace its babbling. awe resonates in your circuits, having never been so close to a living being as tiny as this.

careful of its flesh, your fingers dip into its sides to lift it from its cradle, a hand moving to hold the back of its head forward when you noticed its neck wasn’t strong enough. even from inception were humans truly fragile. swathed in its blanket, the child fit snugly within your newfound embrace. your unblinking eyes observe its quiet acceptance, then turn to its first friend to thank them for their sacrifice, bowing your head to promise the same for the child in your care.

you turn to your beloved in the hopes of viewing the same in him.

still silent, he watches you approach him once more to present the child. his fingers flex around his staff, instinctively more so than threatening.

“it should be with its kind.” ramattra begins in a tone tense, but open to continuing. “would it satisfy you to return it to them safely?”

“but what if its kind tries to convince it of prejudice? or hides how their life was protected by one of our people? my love, it is at peace with us now. perhaps…perhaps i can nurture this acceptance throughout its lifetime.” you do not miss the sharp flick of his head.

“please, ramattra. i do not wish to show this child cruelty, unlike its kind towards us. i wish to teach it acceptance of what our future could be. if humans view how we care for it…” you run a finger down its chubby cheek, spark swelling at its blustering smile, “perhaps it is the key in changing their perception.”

he returns to his silence, however thoughtfully you hoped he’d be. leaning in slightly, he watches the calm within the child’s eyes as you touch it. it did not escape him that you’ve already imprinted a sense of protection over it. it stirred his spark, more so than he’d preferred, but ramattra trusted you. he knew your promise would remain eternal, just as he knew he could never deny you your way.

at last, he heaved a long sigh. “you may care for it as best as you see fit.”

your own sigh of relief lightens your shoulders, profuse gratitude coming in the form of soft, sparkling kisses to his faceplate. “oh, my love, thank you, thank you.”

ramattra allows himself the indulgence, if only briefly. once more he spares a glance at null sector’s unexpected survivor and finds a giggling expression greeting him this time. his hesitance remains, even as you coo and speak softly at the child like its mother. without another word he wraps an arm around your waist to guide you back towards the airship, having already stayed behind long enough.

kanata is fiercely protective of you. it’s a habit from being a big brother to nayuta, of wanting to keep a spark of good aflame in a world that’s only ever hurt him. he’s seen what the exhaustion of juggling multiple jobs has done to you, of late nights studying for night school classes or college credits, of taking the smallest portions of food and leaving the rest to them. as soon as he was old enough to, kanata went straight to working underground and insisted you stayed home to care for nayuta. but mostly, he just wants you to rely on him for once.

nayuta obsesses over your safety. he’s no stranger to dangerous situations or tempting offers for money—he knows the way emotions prey on tired minds and souls. he accompanies you around constantly, regardless of his own health condition or where you’re going. he’s always on guard of the people around you and is not above chasing others off if he feels they’re bothering you in some way. when you leave anywhere on your own, he refreshes your phone location and texts you every few minutes to ensure you’re still okay. he can’t bear the thought of you disappearing.

despite money always being tight, you’re naturally inclined to spoiling your baby brothers whenever possible. crafty budgeting skills and careful handling of payments from your odd jobs has always made sure their favorite foods ended up on the table, but when things were extra secure, you’ve also made sure to give the boys an allowance to spend on whatever they wanted. sometimes, they’d still sneak it back to help with bills instead.

with it came a denial, of course, along a passive roll of the eyes that distracted you from the touch of his hands around your waist. when he leans in to kiss your forehead, he smells faintly of cigarette smoke and whiskey from your shared glass.

“you’re flattering yourself, sweets.”

the low of his voice reverberates throughout the empty bar, heard by your ears only. saimon and the kids have gone out for the night, however briefly the time alone feels. it’s lent itself to plenty of drinks and stolen kisses in between the cooking he’s spoiled you with. the meals been long forgotten already, now that he’s started up the music box.

yohei meant for it to encourage cleaning, but he supposed this option was just as good.

“i can hear it,” you murmur, light hands tracing the outline of his loose shirt where a tantalizing expanse of skin peeks out. “and i can feel it. don’t be shy.”

the lilt of your smile is infectious, and he finds himself laughing at the greedy way your arms wrap around his neck. “what, shy ain’t your type?”

“i prefer you as honest as your body is.”

your voice purrs, and yohei feels the warmth of your fingers teasing the back of his neck pulse through his body. he shies his eyes downwards, taking in your unexpected boldness.

“if that’s the case…” his hands trail ever so slightly down your waist, rest at your hips. “you already know my heart’s all yours. no need to be smug.”

“that’s not quite what i meant.”

yohei is quiet, yet a knowing smirk makes its way across his lips. he pulls you in closer, settling his forehead against yours in defeat. when he speaks, his voice shakes just lightly enough to jolt your heart rate up.

“yeah, yeah, i still get nervous when you’re this close. of course you’d love that.”

his palms, slick with sweat, rubbed down the sides of his jeans and coat, running warm despite the chill in the air outside the cafe you wanted to try. he’d hoped to look somewhat presentable, perhaps more akin to his onstage dream of a persona. but just like any other man, shogo was nervous about your date.

first official date, should he add. casual outings and slow goodbyes were all too common between the both of you, unspoken tension a tertiary guest both welcome yet oftentimes uninvited—always there to get in the way of his pushing towards the next step, keeping what boldness there might be at bay. right now, shogo hated how it got into his head and made him think you’d never show up, text him you never wanted to see him again, and that he drove nearly two hours away for nothing.

his throat pulsed with a familiar tinge of pain.

deep breaths, pressing fingernails into palms. slow release. smell the sharp chill of snow, taste snowflakes and espresso powdering the air. shogo struggled back a cough, refusing his mouth open just in case. making a fool of himself even before you arrived would be far more embarrassing than losing yet another round in paradox live.

oops. bad idea. just the sheer weight of that responsibility had him feeling woozy.

“sho!”

a familiar call, washing relief over him like a sheet of morning dew. he glanced up, stilling his dizzying vision on your figure waving his way, dressed up and looking as bright and beautiful as ever.

“sorry i’m late.” you swat at stray hairs falling into your eyes, cheeks radiating warmth against the cold. “my train got delayed at the last second. i’m sorry i made you wait so long.”

“no way! i mean, no, no, you didn’t make me wait at all. it wasn’t long at all. i’m glad you’re okay.” his words tumble out one after another too fast, leaving him breathless. “there was a long line anyway, so it’s actually a good thing the delay happened. it’s just unfortunate we couldn’t be delayed together. or, um, more like, couldn’t talk while we waited. i mean.”

shogo cringes at how amused your smile grows at his increasing obvious blundering. maybe it’s not too bad if he’s making you smile so much?

“anyway—um, yeah. should we…let’s go find a table, if you’re ready?”

your eyes crinkle with mirth. “yes. yes! i’m good to go.”

the caramelized apple pie he ordered now sits heavy on his tongue, scraping down his throat. the two of you sit so close together among this crowded cafe that the warmth of your sides touching spreads from shoulders to legs, your perfume so dizzyingly enticing he can hardly swallow or even taste his perfectly baked, overpriced treat without that familiar bile threatening to come back up.

his readjusting fingers shake around his spoon, knocking into yours without him even realizing. you’re happy to let him off the hook, but surely there’s a way to calm him down, right?

“sho, have a bite of this.”

your spoon hovers inches away from his face, white chocolate cheesecake beckoning his taste. shogo feels his cheeks grow warmer, tips of ears pinking at the offering. he tries not to stare too long at the lipstick marking the end of the utensil, avoids thinking too much about your intentions. he meets your eyes shyly, excitement radiating in his irises, and leans in for the bite.

sweetness floods his tastebuds, matching the timbre of your melodic laughter of delight. he meets your eyes again, confident this time, but it is you who leans in once more to press a honeyed kiss to his nose. a fierce blush overtakes his confidence, nearly causing him to choke back the treat.

you only smile and cup his cheek to tease, “it’s just you and me, silly. let’s be together like we always are.”

his heart jumping, pulse racing, shogo nods enthusiastically at your tender implication, daring his fingers to intertwine with yours as they settled back onto the tablecloth.

it wasn’t that your eccentric attitude and fluttering flamboyance were wholly unusual, or even strange given his time rooming with rambunctious ryu for far longer than anyone could ever hope to, but the vain way you spoke about yourself didn’t deter him, either. sure, you were haughty enough to look down on others and sneer at critics before you, but oddly, perhaps most oddly of all, you looked only at him with kindly eyes and sometimes even a smile.

he’d receive soft little pats upon his head and packets of seedlings you claimed would bloom into flowers the color of his eyes. you’d share notes with him after class and offer half of your dessert at lunchtime when it seemed his trap reactions begin affecting him earlier in the day than usual. he’d even had the honor (indeed, as you said) to walk you home a handful of times, in which you of all people asked him to talk about himself. when he did, you listened to every word.

reo:

his kisses, boldly matching the relentless energy of his musical soul, come as rapid-fire pecks to your lips and nose, eyelids and lashes, and just about everywhere else he can manage. kisses are one of reo’s favorite ways of showing affection, doubly so should you enjoy pampering him. his little pouts and puckering lips are, unsurprisingly, way too cute for you to resist most of the time (just as he planned) leaving you little choice but to drown him in kisses at his every request.

he clings as tight as can be, hugging your arms or shoulders or waist. he holds you regardless of how short the kiss is, a peck more like, simply out of wanting to reassure his senses that you’re here with him. reo teases you constantly with mirth and zeal, but possessiveness belies his every word and action; you’d hardly believe he’s the spoiled one. with all he has, all he is, reo wishes for nothing more than to protect you, keeping what’s precious close to his heart.

reo prefers being the recipient of your affection and will cutely plead for kisses anytime, anywhere. his other favorite places to kiss you are on your cheeks, your shoulders, and your ears to tickle you.

kanata:

his kisses hide beneath shared blankets and behind closed doors, as much in the shadows that mask his vulnerability with and for you. his type of kisses are not only out of his brand of love, fierce and true, but also from deep devotion earned over precious time spent together. kanata loves you, and every kiss reminds you of it.

serene moments bring out slow, languid kisses that send your heart into a flutter, the kind kanata won’t quite admit are his favorite. he never lets your eyes stay open for too long, lest you see the deep red he turns whenever he relishes in your sweet lips, his hardy expression marred by breathless pants and whispered curses of pleasure. his fingers ease your lashes closed, redirecting your senses towards each other’s lips and tongues. he won’t stop until both are swollen and sore.

he doesn’t walk in. he doesn’t quite look at you. just stares at the visage of you sitting up in bed, curled up under blankets and clean duvets, cuddled into dovefeather pillows. scrolling through your device, observing whatever it is you’re talking to him about lately. that show, that book you’re into. maybe some hobby you’re getting better at.

leon, for a good long while, stares into the mundane of the room.

you don’t say anything. you don’t insist, or inquire, or shoo away. you know this is how he gets sometimes. you know it’s because of everything that’s happened. everything, everywhere, everyone that resides behind those sky blue eyes, hollow and sunken, deciding to visit him every now and then, even on good days like today. even on days when earlier he’d looked at you like a man falling in love for the very first time, all over again, whose handsome face twinkled with mirth and stars and the kind of youth he may have once had when he was a boy.

leon stares. strong, safe body frozen at the door. tousled hair. roaming eyes. if you look closely enough, you may be able to see the growing desperation to ground himself. to ground his mind, at once racing with repressed memories but blank with numbness and nothing. there’s so much. so much yet so little he can manage to think out, to put into concept, perception.

it must show. it must because you finally lift your head up and force his eyes on yours, and you’re so sweet and beatific and good he wonders why you’re even here, when did you get here? between the blood and bites and flesh and bones and mama and dad and the city and spain and luis and jack when did you show up? when was it decided that you’d love him and stay? after everything he did, after everything he didn’t, why was it you chose him?

something burns down the sides of his face. one by one by one something burns after the other, but he doesn’t move. doesn’t make a sound. he just stares, stares and hopes you don’t notice it’s a bad one this time, hopes you notice he wants to talk now, he does, but he can’t, he can’t because nothing is coming out and his mouth is open but he can’t he can’t—

“sit with me, sweetie. keep me company.”

you pat the space beside you. the normal, cheery way you do. if he looks too close, he’ll see the calm look of worry you wear. but he doesn’t, because he might start hiding everything away again if he realizes the state he’s in. reminds himself it’s okay though. it’s okay, because it’s you, no one else, no one to hide from like so many times before.

leon finally moves. he watches himself from somewhere high up above the ceiling, climbing into the place you directed him to. he’s shaking. he looks a mess. but the feel of cool sheets and soft pillows brings him back just enough. enough to catch his breath, to try to organize a racing mind.

your hand sticks out. not too close, not too far. a noncommittal invitation. i’m here. it says to him. i’m here if you want. only if you want.

leon curls himself into your lap, taking the both of you by surprise.

the back of his head presses into your stomach. his nose pokes the soft of your thigh. his hair falls over his tear-striped face, shoulders trembling with silent sorrow. his hand frantically searches for something up above.

it lands on yours. without a word, he sets it over the hairs of his head, and silently motions for you to pet him.

“please.” is all he says.

you listen.

teardrops cascade down the expanse of your skin, each one a memory unspoken. uselessly do his hands cup his cheeks to catch them before they bloom, before he remembers the reason behind their fall. they will not stop. his silence becomes that of weeping whimpers, low, deep, from the cavity of his chest.

your fingers are featherlight across his scalp, a cautious touch in the wave of emotion. you say nothing only because you know he needs this, the physicality of affection, for words and sentiment are lost on deep dark hurt, unable to comfort like the caresses from a lover.

the two of you stay like this, for a long while. waiting for the tide to change, the storm to pass. until his tears lessen into saltskin, until he blinks fog away from damp lashes and loose strays of hair. you pull strands away from his rosy, tear stained cheeks to tuck them behind his ear. you run a gentle hand down his jaw, to the aching bob of his throat.

“my love, my boy.” you say softly. “you’re everything to me. nothing will change that. it’s been so hard for so long, i know. you’ve been strong all this time, leon.”

“what if i can’t do it? what if it’s not enough for you?”

“you’re more than enough, lee. you’ve been trying your best, don’t forget that in these moments. you’re home and life to me, always. love, darling, would i lie to you?”

his answer is immediate. “never.”

and he takes comfort in the pressing of your lips to the shell of his ear, the curve of cheeks and tissue scarred by the past. eyes shut tight, basking in the waves of gradual calm over him, keeping back the dark for the time being.

but he knows there’s too much to heal with simple kisses or honeyed words. plenty things he can’t bring himself to speak aloud with you. perhaps that’s where he’ll start, find somewhere to go, someone qualified to talk to. take the load off his back, and keep from worrying you, too.

he entwines your fingers together. brings them up for a kiss to your knuckles. “i love you. i’d do anything for you. anything.” hoarse his voice may be, he speaks strongly, clearly to emit his conviction. leon presses kiss after kiss across your fingertips, heart caught in his throat by how gently you cradle him into your bosom.

raiden

raiden: i am glad to see you look so well, name.

name: you act as if we haven’t seen each other in years, old friend.

raiden: no matter our time apart, i will always be glad to see you. 

raiden: do you still accept my friendship, twisted as i am?

name: so long as we serve the realms together,  never will i stray from you.

raiden: your kindness is undeserving, name.

name: raiden, there are rumors whispering about us. 

raiden: do they speak falsehoods, name?

name: for my heart’s sake, i hope them true.

name: raiden, there are rumors whispering about us.

raiden: are they a nuisance to you, name?

name: i’d merely like to know how to make them fact, is all.

raiden: you never fail to surprise me, name.

name: how so, my lord?

raiden: despite our years together, my affection for you grows ever stronger each time we meet.

name: i visited the sky temple some time ago, but you weren’t there.

raiden: is that so? what were you in need of, name?

name: what else? you, of course.

dark raiden

name: my lord, i beg of you — do not test my resolve this way.

dark!raiden: haven’t i proved myself worthy of your devotion?

name: how could i, knowing what you’ll become?

dark!raiden: devote yourself unto me, goddess.

name: my lord would have me succumb to darkness?

dark!raiden: he would have you as his rightful bride.

name: what is happening to you, my lord?

dark!raiden: do you fear me, name?

name: i fear i am losing my dearest friend.

name: what is happening to you, friend?

dark!raiden: i’ve sought this power to protect us, name.

name: in doing so, you would sacrifice the raiden i cherish?

dark!raiden: tell me whose presence offends you most, name, and i will bring you their head.

name: my lord, surely you jest?

dark!raiden: i’ve told you, haven’t i? anything for your sake is worth doing.

dark!raiden: i will allow no harm to befall you again, goddess.

name: what have you done, raiden?

dark!raiden: whatever necessary to have you remain by my side.

fujin

fujin: the winds have blown the most loveliest of breezes my way.

name: (laughing) i am sure i’ve heard those words countless times before.

fujin: yet still they flatter, should your smile show for it.

name: fujin, there are rumors up in the air about us.

fujin: no need to mind them. let the others speak all they want.

name: are they correct, is all i wonder . . .

name: my lord, there are rumors up in the air about us.

fujin: you need only ask, and i shall speak my heart, name. 

name: fujin . . . will you accept mine in return?

fujin: my lady, would there ever come a day you’d reconsider my offer?

name: earthrealm has its brothers thunder for protection. is it necessary for me to join you?

fujin: it would certainly put my mind at ease, gazing upon your beauty each day.

name: dearest fujin? you’re still alive?

fujin: of course. i couldn’t bear another moment without your company.

name: i am glad your spirit remains ever breezy.

name: dearest fujin! everyone told me you’d been lost to time.

fujin: time itself could never keep me from you, lady name.

name: thank the four winds that guided you back to me.

fujin: tell me, has bi-han troubled you in any way?

name: the dark one has no hold over me, my lord.

fujin: should that ever change, allow me to be the first you turn to.

fujin: you’re quite popular among our mortal friends, name.

name: (laughs) worry not, he of wind. my eyes are still set on you alone.

fujin: i . . . ahem. it’s not like you to tease, my lady.

nightwolf

name: your wisdom surpasses that of many mortals.

nightwolf: it is by the great spirit’s guidance, not my own. 

name: humble and handsome . . . she’s chosen her champion well. 

nightwolf: the great spirit wasn’t lying about you.

name: pray tell, were they kind words?

nightwolf: kind as you are lovely.

name: i admire your resilience, nightwolf.

nightwolf: all i am, all i have become, is for the matoka’s sake.

name: blest be the matoka to have you, dear one.

nightwolf: haokah is especially fond of you, name. he a close friend?

name: indeed. we’ve known one another for eons now.

nightwolf: (scoffs) if i were him, i would’ve asked for your hand the moment i laid eyes on you.

name: i’ve never met a nightwolf in person before.

nightwolf: thoughts on your first, name?

name: if you’re willing, allow me the pleasure of knowing you further.

nightwolf: the great spirit’s keen on our meeting together, name.

name: she wishes to boast the power of her latest champion?

nightwolf: she wishes for us to be . . . compatible. take that as you will.

name: have you any sage words for me, nightwolf?

nightwolf: none whatsoever.

name: the way your eyes wander tell me otherwise, young pup.

nightwolf: i have heard that countless suitors vie for your hand, name.

name: such is the life of a goddess, i’m afraid.

nightwolf: allow me to put a stop to them for you, here and now.

scorpion

name: the thralls of hellfire no longer consume your heart?

scorpion: my suffering can only be quelled for so long.

name: if i may, allow me to ease it for as long as i can. 

scorpion: shinnok was infatuated with you.

name: he, like many others. does it trouble you, hanzo?

scorpion: so long as i am the only one in your company, no. 

scorpion: for all we’ve suffered, will you bless the shirai ryu?

name: grace me with honorable kombat, and blessings you shall receive.

scorpion: your kindness will not be forsaken, name.

scorpion: should you ever desire it, the fire gardens are welcome for you to visit.

name: a kind invitation, grandmaster. i’d hope it would come with a tour.

scorpion: it would be an honor, name.

scorpion: sub-zero has mentioned you time and time again, goddess.

name: is that envy i hear, hanzo?

scorpion: there will be no need for envy once i’ve proven my superiority for your hand.

name: i admire such ardent loyalty for your comrades, grandmaster.

scorpion: the ones i cherish fan the flames of my devotion.