#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away .

[electrivolt]

@avacynthia asked : "Valentine's Day is nearly two weeks away, you know," Cynthia mentions offhandedly, a light smile playing on her lips as she follows Volkner through Sunyshore's complex power plant. (Completing inspections, making the rounds...all of that falls under the Champion's exhaustive purview.)

"Do you have anything special planned for Roark yet? Please tell me you do--I won't tell a soul, of course..."

Refined as she is, not even Cynthia can call herself immune to a little gossip. Within moderation, naturally.

Honestly, in moments like this, Volkner is just busy trying to focus on the task at hand and get it over with to actually afford himself the luxury of drifting off lost in his own thoughts. And hey, to his credit, he's managing pretty well all things considered, even when it's taking an active effort to stop zoning out just to get through faster and move on to better things to do— and well, he's pretty certain Cynthia would agree on that regard.

He's so distracted in just his efforts to make sure he's going through all the motions correctly, in fact, that at first Cynthia's words don't really register in his mind, sort of nodding along. At first. And then he stops in his tracks, fumbling and nearly dropping the pen in his hand. Blink. That is certainly an interesting shade of red aggressively tinting his skin.

( of all the things to ask, of course— )

"I—" well, fuck. That certainly does a great job at diverting his attention from the thing they're supposed to be getting done. "Not— concrete plans? It's not like we tend to go overboard or anything, just getting him to take the day off will be an effort on its own already." Actually, he should ask about that, huh? Let's see if he remembers after this is over. "We'll probably just sleep in, make breakfast and laze around before dinner or something—"

Wait, why is he even entertaining this?!

"Why are you even asking that—?!" Oh, he's never hearing the end of it now—

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #avacynthia #// this has made me realize my severe lack of volk blushing icons #icb he's dead. rip. F even

[marvelousmarvelimagines]

Goodnight and Goodbye

Pairing - Thor x Mermaid!Reader

Summary - Thor Request: The reader is a mermaid, which Thor meets while traveling the other realms. Reader somehow lures him in and he falls in love almost instantly with the mythical mermaid.

Word Count - 5,264

Warnings - None! 

When searching across the galaxy for Infinity Stones, Thor had not expected this much pain.

First, Jane had broken up with him. According to her, his lack of presence in her life had taken a toll on their relationship, and they had broken it off. It was mutual of course.

Mostly.

Added to that, the rest of the realms were in utter chaos. Disorder and disarray was present everywhere, yet his father Odin seemed to not care very much about it which caused Thor to have to do most of the heavy lifting and defend the planets that were unable to protect themselves from invaders.

Exhausting.

After all of that, his mission had still been fruitless. He had found nothing of importance and was beginning to lose hope. That was until he caught a break on his last planet. He had paid for it with a large gash that ran from one shoulder to his hip, but he got the information he needed and escaped as soon as possible to this new planet of Anahita.

It was a small planet, not known for much other than its rich resources. The strange thing about it was that it was a planet occupied mostly of water, so Thor shouldn’t have been surprised when he landed in some as he crashed into the planet.

His chest was still aching as he spun around, trying to untangle himself from the various underwater plants that he had landed in, but he found they had a tight grip. He fought for a few moments before reaching out his fingers, calling his hammer to help him as the urge to breathe became stronger. Before it could though, he felt a small hand grasp his wrist and pull. Unfortunately, the hammer that found its way to his palm was stronger and ended up dragging the both of you up and out of the water.

Thor heard a sharp gasp as the hand holding onto him tightened its grip while you both flew through the air and onto a piece of dry land. A trail sand followed behind the two of you before you both landed with a thump. “What in the name of Amphitrite -”

At the quiet, very feminine, voice, Thor turned his head. Laying there next to him was, in fact, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Thor had traveled to many lands and seen many people in his lifetime, but none had ever matched what he saw before him. Your hair flowed over your shoulders in gentle waves, your skin glossy and wet from the water the two of you had tumbled out of, your eyes enchanting and as deep as the water you had just left. Your eyes were filled with questions, as if you had never seen anything like him before. He watched, unable to speak as your delicate hand reached out to touch his chest, sending a sharp pain through his already pounding heart.

“What happened to you?” You gasped, staring at the injury that Thor had already forgotten in the presence of this ethereal woman. Your voice was soft and had a musical quality to it that had Thor’s tense muscles relaxing.

He looked down at the gash, noticing that it was now in fact turning a little black around the edges before focusing on you again, giving you a big grin. “Got in a bit of a fight. I won though.”

His words were rewarded with a smile, and however brief it was, Thor felt pride surge in his chest at the fact that he was the cause of it. “I’m sure it was very impressive, as is the poison now making its way through your body.”

“Poison you say?” Thor repeated, looking down at his injury again. “Seems about right.” As he looked, something else caught his eye, and he focused in on the large tail, swaying back and forth beside him. It was a beautiful mixture of blue and green, starting out gray at the bottom and slowly darkening until it reached your waist. “You’re a -” He didn’t know what to call you. He had never seen anything like it before, an alluring woman attached to the bottom of a fish. The poison was also hindering his ability to think as well, and his head fell back onto the sand, pounding hard. “Wow, this works fast,” he said with a chuckle.

Your soft smile calmed his soreness for a brief moment as your gentle touch brushed against his skin. “It does indeed. Thankfully, you happen to be in the presence of an accomplished herbalist.”

“I am a lucky man indeed,” Thor replied, his own smile pained. “May I ask the name of my savior?”

“Y/N,” You replied.

“Y/N,” he let the name roll off his lips. It was perfect. “Beautiful,” he managed to add before his world became dark.

‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ

When Thor came to, the first thing he noticed was the numbness in his fingertips and toes. That feeling crept up his arms and legs, only to stop at his chest. It was still stinging somewhat, but he could feel his powers trying to heal him along with some other cold substance on his chest. When he was able to open his eyes, he found himself staring up at a rock ceiling. It took just a moment for his memories to come back to him, and he looked back down at the injury on his chest to find himself covered with a large leaf. He made a move to take it off, but a tinkling voice stopped him.

“I wouldn’t do that yet,” his eyes shot over to you. You were as gorgeous as he remembered except now, instead of the large tail, you were clothed in a flowy, loose white dress, feet bare as you padded towards him. “Your wounds still need time, although they are recovering at a remarkable rate.”

His eyebrows knit together as you came closer, his mind wondering how much the poison had affected his memory. “But, you were a -”

“Mermaid?” You gave him a low laugh as you sat down beside him. “I am, but I can choose to walk for short periods of time if I so desire.” You tucked your long legs to the side and placed your small hand inside of his own. “May I?” You asked, holding up his arm.

“Far be it from me to refuse help from a beautiful creature such as yourself.” Thor replied.

He watched as a faint blush graced your cheeks, but you remained focused on his arm. Thor shuddered as your fingers traveled, each touch leaving a trail of heat in its wake. “It seems my medical attention is getting a little help.” You placed his arm back on the sand and turned your attention to him once more. “Who are you? And how did you find yourself in Anahita?”

“I am Thor, son of Odin, and I’ve been searching the galaxy for Infinity Stones.” Thor told her, seeing no reason to lie.

“Odin? Of Asgard? You are his son?” You asked him, you eyes widening somewhat.

“Indeed,” Thor took your hand back into his and brought it to his lips, brushing your skin with the gentlest of touches. “And I am in your debt.”

You shook your head back and forth, your lips turning up in a smile. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re quite the charmer, son of Odin?”

“None so beautiful as you.” Thor replied with a squeeze of your hand.

You stared into his eyes for a few moments, and Thor felt the whole world fade away. How could he focus on anything when you were looking at him like that? Not even the pain in his chest could compete with the adrenaline he felt when looking into your eyes. “Well, Thor, I must inform you I do not know of these Infinity Stones that you speak of.”

Thor let out a disappointed sigh. “Yes, that seems to be the general response I’ve been getting.”

There was silence between the two of you, and during that, Thor realized the fact that the Infinity Stones were not here meant that he had no reason to stay. There was nothing keeping him on this planet and with this amazing woman. The thought that he would have to leave you before he had even truly gotten to know you caused a whole different ache in his chest.

“That doesn’t mean they’re not here.” You spoke up.

He squeezed your hand, encouraging you to speak.

“My family . . . much like yours, are the rulers of this planet, but I’m the youngest daughter,” You placed your other hand on top of his, applying the softest pressure. “They do not tell me everything. They could very well be hidden here somewhere, and I would have no idea. There are so many vast places I’ve yet to explore . . .”

“They are protective of you.” He said, and at the sight of you, he could see why. If he ever had a child as beautiful as you, he would be terrified at the terrors that might befall her if someone ever got his hands on her.

“Some would say too much so.” You answered, nodding your head. “There are so many things here, Thor. It would be impossible for me to know. What do you need these stones for?”

“I’ve been having visions of the downfall of Asgard. Those stones have something to do with it.” Thor answered you.

His words shocked you, and you squeezed his hand tighter. “The downfall of Asgard? That would cause chaos across the nine realms.” You said, your eyes drifting away from him in thought.

“Exactly, so you see how important it is that I find them.” He said.

“Then I must insist you stay.” When you looked at him again, there was a bit of a goofy smile on his face at your words that caused your cheeks to heat up once more. “I mean, you must have time to search the planet . . . Not to mention you’re not well enough to travel.” You explained, your words coming out rushed.

“You seem to know more about my injuries than I do, as well as your planet, so I will yield to your judgement.” Thor replied.

You started to say something, but a loud horn cut the two of you off. Your head turned to the sea at the front of the cave, and when you looked back at Thor, there was a panicked look to your features. “I must go, and you must stay here.”

Thor watched as you stripped out of your dress in front of him without a second thought. Had you been nude when he had seen you earlier? He had been so enraptured by your face, he hadn’t even noticed. Your moves were graceful as you ran to the water and dove into it with one fluid motion. Thor scrambled over to the water, ignoring how much it hurt, and holding the leaf to his chest. First he saw your tail, splashing above the sea, and then you were facing him again, face and hair once again shining with water. “You are indeed the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” Thor said in total awe.

You reached out and grabbed his hands as if to get his attention, little did you know that you already had every speck of it. “Thor, my people are afraid of strangers. I’m afraid if anyone else sees you, you’ll be met with not only suspicion, but hostility. No one travels to this part of the land except me. You’ll be safe here.”

“You’ll be back?” Thor questioned, his thumb brushing across the wet skin of your knuckles.

You nodded, “after nightfall, but right now there’s a dinner I must attend. You should try and get more rest. It will help with your wound. When I get back, we can search for your stones, and maybe . . . you can tell me more about Asgard?”

He kissed your hand once more. “I will tell you anything you wish to know.”

Your answering smile dazzled him all over again.

‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ

Thor knew he should leave. It had been over two weeks now, and much like every other planet he had been to, there was no sign of the stones anywhere. There was nothing keeping him here. Nothing except Y/N.

At first, he would admit, he had been enraptured by your beauty. Everything about your appearance was alluring and enchanting from the waves of your hair to your tail that shimmered in the water. The more you helped him though, the more he was finding that he was amazed by.

Not only were you beautiful, but you were so intelligent. You took him to many different places on your planet, that much like Loki, you had found through portals. At every single one of them, you were able to name every single plant that the two of you might come across and its properties. You healed his poisoned chest where not so much as a scratch remained and showed him how. You told him all about your planet and how it was known for its plants having healing properties.

“If Anahita is filled with such resources, why then do you not share them with the realms?” Thor asked you one day. He was sitting at the edge of an embankment while you floated in front of him, your tail splashing in and out of the water every few moments.

It took you a moment to respond, your fingers absentmindedly making circles in the water as you tried to find the right words. “We did once.” Thor watched in awe as figures formed in the water between them, puppets of Y/N’s fingers. “It was many, many years ago. Way before I was even a thought in my parents’ heads. We shared with various planets our healing practices, we taught them, gave them supplies . . .” The figures acted out what you said, passing baskets to different types of creatures and ships. “But then . . . they became unsatisfied.” At your words, the figures began attacking each other. Thor saw various species attacking your people with spears and swords, capturing your people in boxes while they screamed, stealing things from their planet. “We’re very strong, Thor, we can hypnotize men with a song, manipulate the tides, send people to their knees with a scream, and live as long as centuries without aging a day. Other species wanted to mate with us to see what could become of it, whether we wanted that or not.”

It was one of the worst stories that Thor had ever heard, but he was not surprised. In his lifetime, he had discovered that while most people considered it a human trait, fear of something more powerful than yourself went across all realms. “I am sorry that your people have had to endure that.” Thor told you, his hand reaching across the water for yours.

You took it without hesitation. “I am too, but it was so long ago. It’s a distant memory for most, but for some . . . That’s why I was worried about someone finding you.” Your fingers showed an army of Merpeople, fighting back invaders violently with multiple weapons. “We fought them, but the fear still remains. You’re the first visitor on this island in decades. The ones that have been here before . . .” Thor’s grip on your hand tightened as he watched various creatures get murdered before his eyes. “I didn’t want that to happen to you. You seemed . . . good.” You told him with a tender smile.

“And your opinion now?” He asked, eager for your answer.

Your fingers entwined with his, and you pulled yourself out of the water, bare and wet as your tail turned back into feet. Thor held his cape out for you which you draped around your shoulders. Your nudity never seemed to bother you, but Thor always liked to give you the option in case you wanted some modesty. As you settled beside him, your free hand cupped his cheek. “It is the same, and I will be sorry to see you go.” You told him, biting down on your supple bottom lip.

Thor hadn’t wanted to talk about this. He hoped that if they avoided the subject long enough, it would never come to pass, but here they were. For so long he had been focused on doing things for other people, but being here with you? He was able to push the obligation he had to Asgard to the back of his mind, and as selfish as that might be, it felt good. A large part of that was thanks to you. With you, he hadn’t been, Thor, Son of Odin and Prince of Asgard. He had just been Thor, a visitor on your planet. He wanted to take that Thor with him, but without you? He didn’t think it was possible. Unless . . . “Is it too much to hope that you would consider coming with me?”

His words had startled you, that was for sure. You eyes widened in disbelief and your hand dropped from his cheek. Immediately he missed the warmth of it. “Thor . . . what you’re suggesting . . . it would be insanity.”

“Why?” Thor turned the top half of his body to face you, one of his hands coming to rest on your knee. “You hate it here. You’ve told me as much. You feel as if you’re in a cage, and there’s so much more out there to explore. I could show you that.”

You laughed, but there was no humor in it, no, it was more a sound of shock. “As beautiful as that sounds, I think you’re forgetting the small fact that I am not Asgardian or Midgardian.”

“There are several bodies of water on Asgard. You can stay in any of them. You would love it. It’s the most beautiful place in the entire realm, and you could stay with me.” Thor spoke, his hand squeezing your knee.

“But my family, Thor . . .” You protested.

“We could visit any time that you wanted to. All it would take is a visit to Heimdall.” Thor promised.

His words did give you pause. He watched you, his heart aching in his chest as he waited for your response. “You make it sound so easy.” You said, looking back at him.

“Why can’t it be? I’m not ready to leave you yet, Y/N.” Thor said. It was almost unconscious, the way you both moved closer to each other with his words.

“You’ve known me for such a short time.” You replied, your words breathless as you stared into his eyes.

“And I’ve fallen for you more and more everyday. Are you saying you do not feel the same?” He asked.

It took you a moment to respond, but when you did, a faint sigh escaped your lips and you rested your forehead against his, eyes fluttering shut. “I do, but most people would call that insanity. After all, we barely know each other.”

“I know enough,” Thor said before he closed the distance between the two of you, his lips parted as his mouth brushed yours.

It was almost as if he was calling thunder to him. His whole body from the top of his head to the tips of his toes filled with a fire akin to lightning at the sensation of your lips pressed against his. From the gasp that he heard leave your lips, you were feeling the same. His hand gripped your knee tighter, his other arm slipping around your back to grip your bare skin and tug you closer. Your body was soft and warm to his touch, pushing yourself closer to him at the urging of his hands, one of your arms reaching up to slip around his neck and rest on his shoulder. Your lips moved with his in a fluid motion, parting as soon as you felt his tongue to deepen the kiss. A delicate moan left your lips at the sensation, and your arm tugged him impossibly closer.

The seconds seemed to turn to hours as the two of you continued to explore each other, hands memorizing bodies, followed by lips. It was only when the sun was rising that the two of you rested by each other’s sides. Your fingers traced over his chest in soothing circles that had Thor closing his eyes and relaxing into the sand. The way you touched him with such gentle fingers had shivers exploding over his arms. “We need to go before they’ve noticed my disappearance.” You whispered, though made no move to get up.

“Just a moment longer,” Thor requested, his hand making a lazy trail up and down your side.

You propped yourself up on your elbow so you could look into his eyes, an adoring look in them. “I’m getting the feeling that you enjoy putting yourself in dangerous situations, Thor Odinson.”

“Well, I do tend to find them more entertaining,” Thor replied with a mischievous grin, moving closer to met you in another kiss. Before he could, he felt a sharp pain shot through his neck, causing him to fall back with a grunt.

“Thor?!” Your voice was panicked as you leaned over him, worry in your eyes. It was the strangest sensation, his body losing all feeling as you pulled something out of his neck. There was a large splash and while he couldn’t look out at the ocean, you could, and he watched your eyes widen at what you saw there. “Sister . . .” You gasped in shock.

And thus, once again, Thor’s world went black.

‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ

When he woke up the next time, the first thing he heard was your voice, and for a brief second he thought the whole last few moments might have been a dream. The aching in his body told him otherwise, along with your words.

“You have to believe me! He’s not dangerous! He’s just trying to save his kingdom!”

“You’re so stupid. And how do you think he’s going to save his kingdom? Anahita is filled with resources he could use to save it, and then he’ll come back and take us over! Have you not paid attention to the stories?” A voice argued with you.

“He’s not like that! He’s been here for weeks now, and he’s never -”

“Weeks?!” There was silence and Thor managed to open his eyes to find himself in a makeshift cage, bars surrounding him. At first he had thought the substance he had been injected with was what had been keeping him feeling so sore, but as he looked around, he noticed that wasn’t the case. He was tied down with rocks, rocks so heavy even he couldn’t hope to lift them. “You have betrayed your family, and your kingdom.” Thor turned his head to find you cowering before his cage, a strong woman standing before you with nothing but disapproval on her face. “We’re ashamed to call you one of us.”

“Sister, you have to listen -”

There was a loud smack, and Thor watched as you fell to the side, cradling your cheek with your hand. The sight of red and the pain in your hunched figure had Thor furious. “Do not touch her!” He tried to get up, used every bit of his strength to push the rocks off of him, but they would not budge.

Your sister approached the cage, her fingernails tapping the bars as she stared Thor down. There were definite similarities in your features. She was beautiful as well, but while your beauty was pure and soft, hers had a more . . . sinister quality to it, her light blue eyes icy as she stared Thor down. “Your power is no good here Asgardian. After the War, we had to make preparations in case your type ever tried to invade again. Looks like they’re doing well.”

Thor didn’t care, all he cared about was getting to you. “If you touch her again -”

She laughed, shaking her head as Thor continued to struggle. “You are a stubborn one, aren’t you? If you weren’t able to be hypnotized, I’d believe my sister had you under a spell.”

Thor struggled harder, his eyes locked on you as you turned to face him, gripping the bars of the cage tight.

“I’m sorry,” you mouthed to him, tears streaming down your reddened face.

“You know if she’d sent you on your way as soon as you got here, hypnotized you into leaving, you’d be fine, and we never would have bothered you again.” Your sister told him.

“Somehow I doubt that,” Thor grunted.

She laughed, the menacing sound sending shivers down Thor’s spine. “Oh, he’s a smart one, Y/N. I can see why you like him. All those bulging muscles and golden braids, then a brain on top of it. Easy to give into temptation like that isn’t it?”

“Let him go, please, he won’t tell anyone, I swear to it.” You pleaded for his sake, not taking your eyes off of Thor as you did.

But she ignored you. “When the Tide rolls in, you will sink. None of your magic, not even your little hammer can save you. You will drown, and then tomorrow, I will bring your body to my family for all to see, especially you.” She said, turning to you. “I’m going to take you back to the palace, and lock you in your room so you can spend all day thinking about what is happening to your precious Asgardian.”

“Let me stay with him please. I don’t care what you do to me, just don’t kill him!” You cried.

“Don’t worry, Y/N. I will get out of this.” He couldn’t stand to see the despair on your face. “Somehow,” he added.

“Thor -” You started to say something, but before you could, your sister gripped your hair tight, dragging you away from him, your sobs echoing throughout the cave walls until there was nothing but silence and the sound of the water splashing the rocks around him.

Now, all he had to do was figure out how to get out of here and back to you before he drowned. Shouldn’t be too difficult.

‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ‎ϟ

After hours and hours of struggling, Thor knew he was running out of time. He could feel the water from the tides lapping at his back but the ropes and rocks still gave him no pull. He had tried to call Mjolnir, and as your sister had pointed out, it did no good. It seemed all of his powers had been dampened in the cave. He had even tried calling out to Heimdall, but nothing had happened. He knew there had to be something he hadn’t thought of yet, but he was struggling to concentrate with the rising sound of the water.

Until another noise caught his attention.

A splash, out of place from all the others that he had been hearing for the past few hours. Assuming it was your sister coming to watch his demise, he called out. “Let me out of here, Siren! Or you will wish you had!”

His words were met with silence until another loud splash sounded, this time right beside his ear. He turned his head in a quick movement just in time to see a glimpse of a blue and green tail. He didn’t have to wait long before he saw your face, eyes still red from the tears you shed over him. “It would be my pleasure to let you out of here.”

“Y/N!” He wished he could touch you, reach out and hold you close to him. “How did you escape?”

Thor watched in amazement as you began pulling rocks that he had been unable to off of him. “My sister, while cruel, is not smart. I’ve been sneaking out of my room for years now. She won’t even know that I’m gone.” Finally, she was able to take off enough of the rocks so that Thor could start helping her. “Thor, I’m so sorry. I should have been paying more attention -”

“This is not your fault, Y/N.” Thor told her as they were able to start untying the ropes.

“Yes it is, and now you have to leave, and we’ll never see each other again.” You told him, your hands shaking as you worked with the knots until Thor was free.

Thor reached out, his hands grasping your face while his thumb brushed away your tears that were now streaming. “May I ask where you’re getting this information? Because I fully intend on seeing you again.”

“What?” Your voice broke at his words, and your wet hands reached up to grip his own. “Thor, you can’t . . . you can’t come back! They’ll kill you! You won’t be able to escape and -”

“I’ll risk anything to see you again.” Thor told you, “I’m going to come back for you, Y/N. I like dangerous situations, remember?”

You shook your head, but your frown faded and was replaced with an affectionate smile. Grabbing him around the waist, you tugged him into the water. “They’re growing on me too.” You told him, your nose brushing against his for a brief moment before you leaned up and pressed your lips firmly against his, smooth and fluid, your lips moving together until you pulled away, both breathless from the sensation. “Take a deep breath, let’s get you out of here,” You murmured against his mouth, gripping his hand tight.

Thor did as requested, and found himself dragged along under the water. It was a strange feeling, being pulled as if he weighed nothing, even stranger was the feeling of his powers returning to his limbs the further they got from the cave. By the time the two of you had reached the shore, he was able to call Mjolnir with no difficulties.

“Thor? Promise me you’ll be safe.” You begged, your hands cupping his face now while his arms held you close.

“You could see for yourself. Come with me,” he pleaded, his forehead resting against yours.

But you shook your head. “I have to make sure they don’t come after you.” You told him while your thumb caressed his cheek.

“Your safety is more important than my own. I promise I would keep you safe.” Thor tried to convince you, but even before he said the words, he knew they were pointless. Your mind had been made up.

“I know you would, my sweet Thor, but I won’t let you risk that. If you do indeed come back. Maybe we will find a way to be together then. If you still want to that is.” You told him.

“There is never going to be a moment when I don’t want to be with you, Y/N.” Thor told you, sincerity in his voice as he leaned down to meet you lips in a final kiss. Both of you clutching each other tight as you did, knowing this would be the last time you would see each other for a while.

“Go,” you murmured when the two of you parted. “Before it’s too late.”

Thor nodded and stepped back, glancing at you one more time before calling out. “Heimdall, open the bifrost!” Instantly, the portal opened and Thor found himself traveling in the air, already missing your presence.

He knew one thing for sure as he landed on the rainbow bridge. He was going to find a way back to you, one way or another.

#thor #thor x reader #thor odinson #thor odinson x reader #thor imagine

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked : He's running in a day late with the Pocky in hand. "Open up!!"

His attention is just a little abruptly pulled from his work the moment he hears someone coming in in such a rush, Volkner just has to make sure he's put down any sharp or otherwise dangerous tools before turning around to see the idiot that has somehow become the love of his life. And then he raises an eyebrow, a moment to connect the dots before it finally does hit him. Right, it's that day, huh?

The bastard grin suggests other intentions, though, and without hesitating or even thinking once about it, Volkner reaches out and pulls his man in. lips firmly planted against his in the deepest kiss he can give him right there and then. He doesn't need a little game to go for the affection, now, does he?

That is, if Roark ignores the free hand that conveniently reaches for the Pocky while the kiss works its job as distraction. Being the love of his life is not enough to keep any kind of sugar safe, is it? Roark should've known better by now, he knows the kind of bastard he fell for—

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// pretend i posted this in time

[electrivolt]

@avacynthia asked : “...”!! Team speaking up / accepting.

"I hope you haven't been offended over how... hesitant, Volkner is around your Garchomp." It feels like a justified concern, at least in Luxray's eyes. He's seen Volkner's fierce protectiveness of his own team, over the slightest offense against his 'mons, tenfold when it came to his own partner. He knows the champion, knows she's reasonable, kinder than many have been in his trainer's life, but. He just wants to make sure.

There's a flick of his tail, a careful consideration of his words. It almost feels as though he's been watching over his trainer for far longer than the time they actually have spent together, even when reality was far different.

"I promise, he means well, he's trying really hard, it's just... difficult. There are memories still a bit too fresh to look past just yet. But he tries." He dares not assume, neither does he want to speak out of line, to reveal more than he should, more so when Volkner himself has so stubbornly refused to let anyone else know, but... surely, she knows who the previous gym leader of Sunyshore was, doesn't she? Luxray would not be surprised if she has already connected the dots, or is at least getting close. Some things are harder to hide from the right people.

"Thank you, though. It's only right to offer you at least that, even with how little words might mean... you have helped him a lot, even if at times he doesn't quite realize that. Even when he still refuses to admit it, having someone be as genuine as you are when backing him up, especially when it comes to League matters... it does mean a lot to him." It's been a relief, to slowly realize Volkner is not as alone as either of them thought. "I can't thank you enough, really."

Maybe one day Volkner will come around to realize it too. ( maybe by then the sight of a garchomp won't be enough to make him freeze and stop anymore. )

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #avacynthia #// looking at this ask and remembering the Fun Dad Lore and realizing that mayhaps miss cynthia knows a thing or two... #hehehe

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked :  “...” w/zeraora. how's he doing. does he hate roark. Team speaking up / accepting.

"I'm... fine, now." Hesitant words, needing some time to be carefully considered, even when they are truly meant in earnest— understandably so. The feline has been through enough already, even with what little the two humans in charge do know, hasn't he?

"Didn't know what to think of you at first... or Volkner, even after all he did." And it's almost something that could come out of Volkner's own mouth, were he any more open with his own thoughts and all those feelings he's kept hidden away for years on end. "... Maybe I did hate you a little at first. Everything was too new, and you're big and your team is bigger, and you both wanted me to stay when I didn't know you or what you wanted."

And yet, looking at how things did turn out in the end...

"But you're fine. You're better than I expected. You're... actually very nice, nice and caring. Not a lot of people are like that." And what a surprise that was, to realize a safe space does exist. Even when Alola was supposed to be home, the realization that only now he wouldn't change anything, wouldn't even want to return there.

( it's almost painful to see just how much this 'mon is mirroring his now trainer, isn't it? and yet seeing how far volkner himself has come from that first meeting at the league building... there's a lot to look back and reflect on. )

"But... maybe you should be as nice to yourself as you are to others. You keep working too much and coming back too late. You know you're still worrying him when you're out so late, right? He waits for you every time." And a pointed look goes right along with the words. Maybe a little too resembling his trainer, now that he's gotten more comfortable, huh? "... How are you doing? Are you fine too? You can talk about these things too."

Well, if Zeraora is now comfortable enough to even chide him, then they must've done a good job in helping him, right?

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// rip roark

[electrivolt]

@dawnedon asked: Flashback, hehe :) flashbacks / accepting.

It's late already, the beginning of darker hues starting to show in the sky, the breeze turning colder, the streets darker. And yet there he is, rooted in place, unmovable, knees against his chest in his seat on that lonely bench, Luxio resting at his side, head pressed against his thigh, the 'mon's effort to be as close to his human partner as possible, an attempt to offer a friend what little comfort he could.

He doesn't want to go home. ( it hardly even counts as home. )

Volkner still refuses to move, even as the cold starts to seep through the much too thin fabric of his shirt, a small shake of his head the only answer when Luxio nudges him, at least to let him have his hoodie back. He knows, logically, that the 'mon would hardly require it more than he does, his fur thick enough to shield against the breeze and then some in this kind of weather, but...

"I'm fine. Don't worry." He can't. His only friend deserves at least this much. If he can't give him anything better than his meals and a safer home, then this is the least he can ( should ) do for him.

The first few stars are starting to litter the night sky. The air is colder. The cries of wild 'mons just waking for their nocturnal habits is faint in the distance. Only now he notices how no one else is walking the streets anymore, everyone already back to the warmth and comfort of their own homes, probably even to happy families and nice meals and...

( hold it together. you know there is no point in tears. )

Did he remember to leave the window unlocked and the door locked before leaving? Would he have thought to go check, to look into his room, see whether or not he was home? He wouldn't have cared this time either, would he?

( ah, he's overthinking again. he knows exactly how things will go once he finally goes "home", and yet— )

No point in prolonging this growing anxiety gnawing at his stomach, is there? He's too small, too weak, too scared to try and do anything about this... situation of his that somehow still feels like his own doing. He's seen other kids leaving, some even younger than him, all with the blessing of their friends and families, to embark on some sort of great adventure that sooner or later would lead back to this accursed city and be laid to rest the moment they dared step inside that gym, too naive and stupid to realize what they were getting into. He could try, pack what little he had of importance into his school bag and just— leave, never look back, never come back, but... he doesn't know what would happen. He doesn't know what kind of trouble this would spiral into. What the consequences would be if he doesn't get far away enough.

He just doesn't know—

"Let's go, Lux." If he's going to be blaming himself again over every little thing he can never bring himself to do, might as well do it under blankets and away from the night breeze. His feline companion doesn't particularly look all that happy, and Volkner knows why. He doesn't want to see his trianer return to that cold house anymore than Volkner himself does, but— well, it's hardly a choice anymore, the path in front of him. He just goes through the motion, hoodie finally retrieved for what little warmth it could offer by now, Luxio returned to his scratched up, battered pokeball, and after steeling himself, deep breath after deep breath, Volkner finally starts tracing the way back, even as every muscle of his body is fighting him for it.

Is it too much to hope for? To stop dreading going back to what's supposed to be home?

( a silly thought, isn't it? not as long as he's trapped here. trapped under him. )

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #dawnedon #// i held this in my fucking teeth ever since however long ago i got it u have no idea. i had to do it #dawn 🤝 volk: the unspeakable parental trauma

[electrivolt]

That is all.

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// hate it here #get the judgemental stare from across the room

[electrivolt]

she lays atop the beast's boreal mane in apparent boredom, &. diva that she is, her legs kick idly behind her . were it not for the paradox' serially displeased expression, one might think it just as tired of her antics as he— alas . the master rank contests don't start for another hour or so . ❝ what'cha doing this time ? cynthia recommended i leave if i saw roark around . &. yet here you are, &. here he is ... not . ❞

The sigh is inevitable, long and weary already, even when he knows it will hardly deter this particular brand of... dare he say clownery? Maybe not the best way to think of a guest, especially one such as her, but— something about the shoe fitting and all that, right? It's appropriate enough, in some way. Least he will take water over fire very gladly, than you very much.

"Roark is busy with the mines— y'know, on the other side of the region? Doing his job? We're not always together." Suspicious how quick the impulse to defend himself ( and his friend, nothing else going on whatsoever that the majority of the region doesn't know about yet, not at all— ) arose, isn't it? And yet he pretends that was nothing and tries to move on regardless. The gym lacks challengers at the moment, and his list of self imposed tasks is surprisingly clear. Maybe he can entertain the jester for a while, after all. Tell Cynthia to come pick her circus up later depending on the outcome.

"And I'm looking for trouble. Got nothing better to do at the moment." Truthful, even when he should know better than to offer an opportunity. He just enjoys putting himself in precarious, downright stupid situations that much, apparently. "Why? Trying to stir something up?" Oh boy, someone might end up on the news at this rate.

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #regineau #// volkner vc hi can i fucking help you

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked : "Hey, hey, love," Oh no, not another one of these. So early in the day, too. Roark's not even done with his coffee ( in the silly mug he got from the holidays ). "What can you catch, but can't throw?"

He just can't have one day of peace here, can he? Not one single day can go by without the love of his life having to be up to something in varying degrees of exasperation. This is, indeed, what he signed up for the moment he decided to throw all common sense out the window and tell him that feelings are indeed reciprocated. There's no going back now!!

And yet he can't help the exasperated groan from slipping out, putting his mug loaded with sugar down on the table and hiding his face in his hands. He just can't escape, can he?

"I am not going to ask. You know I'm not going to play into this—" and yet he's not trying to really stop him, now or ever, is he? Either he's really grown far too used to the terrible jokes, or they're just too stupid to not laugh a little on the inside, as painful as it is. ( he's not escaping this one either way, is he? roark is so lucky he loves him— )

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// SIGH.

[electrivolt]

@dawnedon asked : There's a present tucked away safely in Volkner's gym, awaiting him for whenever he returned. It was wrapped nicely - too nice to have been done by Dawn herself (something she had to seek out some help for) - covered in wrapping paper with a cutesy design of Luxray.

Inside, when it was opened, was a sleek set of new tools. They were of high quality, made perfectly for all manners of repair and electrical engineering. The metal was extremely strong, unbreakable and unbendable, yet lightweight at the same time. The grips on the handles of the tools themselves were somewhat soft, not allowing for too much give, but providing comfort to the user. They were tools that could be used for long periods of time without risk of fatigue in the hands or wrists.

Beneath that was a large tin of pokepuffs for Volkner's team - a delicacy for pokemon Dawn had learned about during her time overseas. They weren't made by her (if they were, it'd look more like a box of coal than anything), but it was something nice she thought to include.

Finally, at the very bottom of the box was an envelope. Inside was a card, full of Dawn's nearly impossibly small, yet neat, handwriting.

'Happy Birthday. Hope everything in the package was okay. Probably shouldn't have put tools on top of pokepuffs, but I think they're light enough. There's one more thing I got for you - well, it's for both you and Roark, but it's not something I can put in a box really. There's an onsen in the foothills of Coronet, in between Celestic and Hearthome. I like to go there a lot because of how quiet it is. Anyways, I talked to the owners and got you guys in for a three-night stay, all expenses paid. No set date - the deal is flexible so you can make reservations whenever you guys want. All expenses paid really means that, by the way. Food is covered for you and your teams, along with whatever treatments you want for yourselves and your teams too. Just give them your name when you call, and it'll all be set up from there. I made sure to get you both a room with the best view. And don't worry about the time off - I got you guys.' - Dawn  

Whatever it was he was heading to the gym for, it was quickly forgotten the moment Volkner finds a box inside that was definitely not there before. Now who could have come in and left this here? There can't be that many people to care, let alone know about his birthday, to take all the time and effort it would take to prepare something and leave it right here in his gym, right? ( roark already surprised him in the morning, so he’s at least pretty confident in saying this one isn’t from him, so who— )

He's maybe a little more careful than he should when opening the box— don't look at him, the paper is really cute and he's sometimes stupidly sentimental enough to want to save some of it in one of his sketchbooks! It's fine, this is normal— and then he finally stops his inner debate and looks inside. Well, it's certainly not what he expected to see when seeing a gift being left for him ( as if he even knew what he was expecting when he hardly even thought anyone would be thinking of this day. ), and finally he does reach inside to closely examine the new tools at his disposal. Certainly different than the old ones he's been used to and carrying around for a few years at least, but very much appreciated regardless— some higher quality tools like this are not exactly something he could put on his shopping list without a second thought, right? Volkner would be lying if he said he hadn't been eyeing anything like this more often than what he should've, whenever they were on display somewhere.

( and these are all the right ones for the exact kind of work he does, too, with all his tinkering and taking tech apart— man, there really was so much thought put into this, more than what some may think at first glance alone, more so when he knows he hasn't mentioned needing or even just wanting these to anyone. man, what did he do to deserve this? there are other people out there that would probably deserve it more than he does, and yet— )

Very carefully setting the new tools aside, he moves on to the tin left on the bottom. The pastries inside aren't exactly familiar to him, and maybe there's a bit of shame in the few moments it takes him to realize what they are and who they are meant for— in his defense, sometimes it's a little hard to remember what other regions have to offer when he hasn't even been to most of them. ( no this absolutely has nothing to do with his struggles to remember regular things as it is, not at all— ) Ah, he's going to have to find some very secure place to hide this, before a certain Raichu of his finds the new treat and in all of his empty head moment cleans the entire tin without so much as stopping to think about anyone else. They all have more than earned their treats by now.

"Mh?" Oh, but that wasn't all, was it? There's still something more at the very bottom, the envelope nearly gone unnoticed.

( oh— of course, their current champion should've been one of his guesses, right? she's always cared more than most people would, more than he ever expected from anyone, really. dare he say this unexpected friendship is one of those little things that still made his role within the league worth it, bearable? )

Now that Volkner's actually reading the contents of the letter, he just— he needs a moment, that's it. He's just not really used to... this sort of care and attention, is he? When even with Roark it doesn't entirely feel deserved at times, maybe it's just a little harder than it should be to simply accept it. Too many years of growing so used to solitude to pretend it all away so easily, right?

It's still just a little harder to keep the little smile from tugging at the corners of his lips.

And just as carefully as he took everything out, he takes a moment to tuck everything back into the box. He'll bring all of this back home later, for now he needs to reach for his phone first.

[text]: hey [text]: found the box here in my gym

It takes him a moment to mull over his words, to figure what, exactly, he can say now, awkward as he is in trying to just accept the mere fact that people do care about him. He just hopes the pause won't be taken the wrong way.

[text]: i know these texts are gonna sound like ass and you know im even more ass at talking to anyone but i mean it when i say i really appreciate this [text]: really, i dont even know how you figured out all those tools but its great [text]: thanks

He'll find a way to thank her more properly for this, it's the least he can do, isn't it?

[text]: also thanks for giving me a good excuse to force roark to actually rest and relax for once [text]: i'll make him win all the piplups you want thats a promise and a threat

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #dawnedon #// long post #UEUEUEUEUEUEUEUEUEUEUE #volkner is awkward but he really cares a whole lot CRYING

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd​ asked : Roark can't really help himself, he's just plain excited now that the feline's birthday has come up, and he's been considering all of the ways to surprise him—perhaps he's loudly announced such a date to Rhodes' engineering a couple weeks prior, the surprise birthday celebration will be had, filled with plenty of sweet treats from everyone's unique corners of Terra. That's not the only portion to today, not at all—this is just part of it.

After enough stops around Lungmen, the gator has figured there's use in maybe helping Volkner out—placed neatly on Volkner's workstation is a simple, but well-bound, blank sketchbook, complete with tools finished in nicely carved, smooth handles, some traditional, some mechanical. Optimal for Volkner's sketches, so he doesn't need to stack spare pages of paper together to keep them in check. There's a couple of chocolate bars on top, too, as if all of the baked goods in the room weren't enough.

And finally, finally when the celebration is long over and peace and quiet returns, content in their room, Roark has one more surprise to ask about. "The landship will be stopping near Higashi in the next couple of days—how about we spend a day there and stretch our legs for awhile? I've been dying to try some of the food there."

Honestly, through all this time Volkner really has not been thinking of this day. It isn’t as if he were actively trying to forget it, or pretend it isn’t there, just— there are more important things, both to remember and to care for, especially now in his newfound home and role. It just isn’t a day to think about anymore, even now that he can keep track enough to at least know what day and month it is. ( plenty of those had passed already without any fanfare or even himself noticing, so what’s a few more when he has a much more peaceful life now, right? )

Maybe he should’ve known better than to expect Roark to have forgotten about the date.

And there he is, heading for the Engineering Department of Rhodes, ready for another day of work and certainly not having given much, if any, thought to whatever day it may be— and what he walks into is most definitely not just another normal day of work in the slowly spiraling insanity that the hivemind of Engineering was. ( right— people sometimes do indulge in surprises to celebrate, and he’s certainly seen enough during his time on rhodes that maybe he should’ve come to expect something and have a few suspicions raised with how overly normal everyone was acting. )

The surprise takes a good moment or two to wear off enough to let him react at all, a sharp breath to at least try and stay composed enough ( the last thing he wants is to be crying in front of everyone, no matter how much he’s ready for it right now— ), and yet the smile is on his face before he can even really think about it. To go from nothing and barely hanging on to a home and so many people who actually, genuinely care... it’s still hitting him a little harder than he expected. He just needs a moment, really.

The impromptu day off to celebrate is at least appreciated in full, between the unexpected amount of various sweets and desserts he didn’t even know existed and everyone that stuck around to contribute, even when he keeps feeling the redness coming right back to his cheeks the moment he thinks it’s over. ( hey, he’s not used to being the center of attention! not like this, in such a nice way!! ) Between the attention, the food to be had and the perhaps even more unexpected gifts to unwrap, Volkner certainly doesn’t have one quiet moment through the entire day— and he doesn’t mind, for once, not with all the effort everyone put into baking, decorating and preparing presents, so much more than he ever expected. Between all the gifts carefully prepared for either his hobbies or just the machinery he loves to tinker with, they’ve all been paying close attention to what he likes and needs, it’s a surprise he has managed to keep it together through the whole celebration as is.

Last, but most definitely not least, come the present he notices were left on his workbench rather than grouped with the rest. Volkner gives it a little more attention once the party starts winding down, to properly look at the little pile, already having a good idea of who left it there, fingertips carefully brushing the wrapping of chocolate, just a little more caught up in staring than usual, before he finally sets those bars aside to look at everything else. His favorite brand after coming to enjoy sweets again, a new sketchbook now that his old, tattered one is barely held together, the tools he’s been eyeing whenever there was a chance... maybe this one is just a little more sentimental than everything else he’s been gifted through the day.

And once everything is over and everyone’s headed back to their rooms, the first thing Volkner does once the door closes behind them is turn around and nearly throw himself at Roark in a hug, as tight as he could manage and burying his face right there in his neck, tail swishing behind him and some low purring already perking up unknowingly. He just... needs to hold him for a while before he can really say anything. He’s still the birthday boy, he can be allowed this.

“You really remembered and went through all this effort just for me, huh...” It still feels surreal in a way, if he lingers just a little too long on his own spiral of thoughts, but— he still couldn’t be any more grateful for it. And of course Roark wasn’t done with this alone, right? He really does go above and beyond for this stray he picked up...  the sudden offer does have him stopping for a moment, just another little unexpected moment in a day already chockful of surprises as it was, and just as he thought it was all over. ( this one was just a little more to think about than the celebration was. ) It would be a lie to say he held any good memories of the place that was supposed to be home, it would be expected to see him refuse to have anything to do with it, let alone even set foot in there again, but... it would be just as much of a lie to say he never wanted to return. To have better memories of it, now that he really has a home, that he knows he’s not being forced to return to a dingy, decaying excuse of a shelter and hope he’ll survive at least one more day... he does want to go on better terms, doesn’t he? There’s nothing to fear there now that he isn’t alone anymore, anyways. ( and he knows exactly which places to avoid, so it should be fine, right? )

“You know what— that... it really does sound good. I’d love to.” To experience the place he wanted so badly to be able to call home for what it really is, to enjoy it and even cherish it for once— maybe the thought alone is a little more overwhelming than he expected, even through all the overthinking he’s already far too used to. And yet the smile doesn’t drop, still buzzing a little with all the excitement he never thought a single day could hold. He really is lucky, after all, isn’t he? He just needs a moment to breathe now, to keep trying to hold it together even when he can feel his eyes burning just a little, quickly wiping at them with a sleeve when he pulls back. Don’t look at him, it was a lot for just one day he never thought would be considered good enough, let alone special.

“Still can’t believe you planned... all of this, really. I didn’t... think anyone would care this much.” Maybe not something to bring up after such a happy day, but this is something Roark should know already, right? Regardless, it hardly does anything to dampen his mood, smile still bright even now. “Thank you. You have no idea how much this meant, really—” Volkner’s going to be thinking about this for a while. He really couldn’t have asked for anyone better, could he?

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #〔 arknights . 〕 ϟ and we hate the way this world has become ; but there ain’t no cure for it . #rockheadcd #// long post #the feefees are here!!!!

[electrivolt]

he's home.

He was ( mostly ) joking when he sent those texts, really. So what if he woke up late and then got so lost in the sauce he forgot to actually eat or just be a human being in general, huh? It's fine— ( don't mind the new mess that most definitely was not there in the morning, he did not have any issue whatsoever with some things on the higher shelves— )

Ah. Of course Roark took it seriously. Well.

"... Hi, love—" guess he got an actual meal now—

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// HELPPPPPPPPPP #NOT THE THREATENING IN N OUT

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked : [ text ] volk stop texting you drive a motorcycle and need both hands [ text ] love you :)

[text] i'm literally not driving right now you idiot [text] i'm not stupid if i wanted to crash and die there's easier ways

That's not concerning whatsoever, right?

[text] love you too idiot [text] do you want anything before i get home

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// WHEEZE

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked : A drink no lighter than the night at this hour is happily offered. Yeah, it's a marg. It's also dark as shit ( it's just activated charcoal. of course roark would know where to get some ). But the straw is pretty cute. "Here, lemme know if it's sweet enough for ya." Oh, Roark is just way too happy. Either the sugar is getting to him or the festive spirit is possessing him. Or both.

While not particularly one for celebrating festivities, even Volkner can't deny the kind of charm the Halloween season carries. ( it's the combination of an overload of sweets and sugar in general in stores and the enabling of his more bastard side, that's painfully obvious. he'll have to start thinking of something to do in the spirit of the season pretty soon— ) And of course he doesn't hesitate or even think once before deciding to join in the moment Roark invites him to come over to just have some nice, quiet time together in the spirit of the season.

"Oh? Are we getting fancy tonight?" Still, quip aside, he's happily accepting the drink his love offers, taking a moment to look closely at all the dedication Roark is putting into even the smallest things like a drink. It's endearing to see how much he cares, isn't it? He loves watching him and all of his efforts, no matter what it is he's working on. These are some of those moments that remind him just how damn smitten he is for this man.

But there will be time for that later, now he better not forget about the drink Roark so lovingly prepared just for him to his tastes, though, right?

"It's perfect—" just one taste is enough to make him want to down the entire thing, even when he reminds himself to take it slowly and savor it— that, and alcohol is hardly something Volkner of all the people should be carelessly downing. They've had one too many drunk nights to prove that. "But you know, it's not as sweet as you are." And the grin is already plastered on his face, not quite a result of such drinks just yet. He just can't help himself whenever the occasion presents itself, no matter the season or event at hand. They'll have time to indulge in the spirit of this kind of festivities later, too.

( and unfortunately roark's eagerness for halloween is basically an unspoken permission to extend all of volkner's previous more mischievous ideas to these months, too. he'll get rotom to assist in a few days. sorry roark, he loves you a lot. )

#〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #rockheadcd #// halloween time! #''fae it's september'' IT'S HALLOWEEN

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd asked : "C'mon—best seats in the house!" Barefoot and kicking up sand, he means right along the sands of Sunyshore, narrowly avoiding piles of kelp and the occasional shells, Roark tugs Volkner along by the hand right where the action is, some groups of festive folks with their own bundles of fireworks lighting them, stumbling away in laughter, and watching in awe as variable explosions join together and splash color against the night sky. Is it safe in hindsight? Oh, absolutely not, not with how some of those fuses spew sparks like afterburners on rockets, but a little singed hair was worth an hour or so of lighting up fireworks to celebrate the new year.

Even Roark's decided to splurge a little himself, a bundle of various fireworks under one arm until he finds an open spot to join in the parade of pyrotechnics. He only lets go of his love's hand to stick a few in the sand, procuring a matchbox and snapping off a wick to light, excited as any other. "Here, have you done this before? I used to in Canalave—can't do it on Iron Island, of course. Scares the local 'mons. Here—" he swipes the matchstick against the flint, earthy smell introduced as a flame blooms just above his fingertips. "Quick, take it and light one!"

Roark's excitement is always so... contagious and endearing, so endlessly charming, Volkner just can't help himself from being swept right in, just the smallest exasperated sigh that isn't really all that unwilling to begin with as he lets himself be dragged along whatever his love planned for the day.

Well, maybe he's just a little bit hesitant about this one, if the way Roark has to keep dragging him along is anything to go by. Reckless as he is, fire is far from his area of expertise, and he doesn't particularly enjoy the idea of being in such close proximity to other people, especially when it comes to the beach area— but seeing the way the colorful lights shine in his love's eyes, seeing him bursting with sheer joy and excitement, hearing him laugh like that... Volkner can't really say no, can he? He's too smitten to refuse.

( they're together, that's all that matters. give it some time, and they might as well be alone in the world. )

"Not really..." Well, fireworks are just a little bit expensive, and Volkner hasn't really been able to afford the luxury of such fleeting entertainment before. He's just a little bit wary taking the matchstick handed to him, but— well, he does have a few water types, hopefully that means this won't end up in a complete disaster, right? ( he can only hope. is he even doing this right? ) Here goes nothing, then, he's not about to be the one to let down his love and the nagging curiosity at the back of his mind is very much present, regardless of how much attention he pays to it. So he leans down, puts the lit match against the fuse, then quickly stepping back once he's sure it's properly lit, going back to Roark's side, and eventually finding his hand to take in his own.

It was worth it, after all— the show of lights and colors is like a painting in the sky on its own, so bright and full of life, Volkner almost regrets his inability of doing this since years before, even when he knows, painfully well, it would've never been possible before. Not in his own isolation and his own fighting to stay alive.

( even if he could have done it before, somehow, it would not be as good or special as it is now, would it? not without roark there to really bring the warmth to the colors and the colors to life. )

Without a warning, he pulls Roark closer, gently, careful, enough to find his lips, such a soft kiss Volkner is surprised at his own gentleness between so many rough edges, allowing himself this moment and letting it linger. When he pulls back, his cheeks feel warmer, and the smile persists on his lips.

"... Thank you for being here. Happy new year, love."

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// hey remember this one

[electrivolt]

@rockheadcd​ asked : Oh, he was looking forward to this—drumming all the possible ideas around for his love's birthday. The comfort of being so used to one another left no apprehension for the what-if's and doubts. Volkner let Roark flip through him, chapter by cliff-hanging chapter, patiently visualizing the world he had lost sight of for years.

First, of course, it always has to start with letting him sleep in, carefully unwinding pale arms and resisting the little disturbed murmurs of discontent—someone has to make him breakfast, brunch, whatever it might be. At least Roark leaves Volkner with a kiss as an apology. The better apology is the chocolate chips that he pulls from the pantry by the time he escapes to the kitchen, hungry, half-asleep 'mons in tow. Chocolate chip Kalosian toast... yeah, that's gonna hit the spot. Maybe he should also wake himself up, too, before he ends up burning something. Being presentable can wait, too. Volkner would be content with that as well.

—— ☆.

When food is ready, he has to find his present to place with it at the table—a new game he's seen Volkner eyeing ( he hasn't quite beaten the guilty spending yet, but roark can't blame him for it ), some stationery refills for a rainy day, and most peculiarly, a travel ticket—namely, a cruise? It's something vastly different from their usual outdoor ideas, but it's settled for a few days that line up with an offhand mention of Roark being freed up... Suspicious. Apparently, it travels south along towards Kanto and it's surrounding islands, rather than towards more populated areas. Well, it certainly goes to show Roark pays attention to Volkner's preferences for the quiet life, doesn't it?

Now, all that matters is getting the birthday boy up, if he hasn't been tempted by the smell of chocolate yet—and it seems like all of his 'mons are aware of the day, too, considering the way they pounce on him the moment Roark gestures towards his love.

And this was only the first part of his day.

"Hehe—Happy birthday, Volk! I made you some food, but I dunno if the guys want to let you go yet."

Even now after so much had passed and changed, it’s still a little hard to hold onto his own birthday as though it is something of importance— years upon years of forced habits and loneliness are hard to shake off in so little time, aren’t they? Even after being pulled from that loneliness and brought into so much warmth and kindness sometimes he still doesn’t quite know what to make of it to feel it deserved. And so, he’s just not thinking about it, even as he’s reminded maybe once or twice that the day is close— there are just one too many other things to worry over and think about to let his already scattered thoughts be taken up by a day no one ever wanted to remember before, right? Maybe he should remember more often just how different things are now. He should’ve expected Roark to plan something, with or without his request, shouldn’t he?

And Roark should really consider himself lucky with how successful his attempts at helping Volkner’s sleep have been, what would’ve waken him up so easily before now only a bit of an inconvenience, still soundly asleep after the quiet little sort of protests at losing his source of warmth and comfort until he curls just a bit more under the piles of blankets in his sleep. Maybe it’s just the late nights still having a bit too much of an effect, but at least Roark can be sure he will be sleeping for a good while, still. ( better sleep than he used to get, isn’t it? and to think he used to avoid it, however he could... )

A while after, the fresh smell of something very sweet and very tempting is enough to get him to start stirring, yet not really awake yet— until he feels paws landing right on all the wrong spots and claws poking and digging, and he’s very forcefully pulled from peaceful sleep and very awake in a matter of seconds, a split second of panic before realizing his attackers are just the overly excited bunch of ‘mons that can actually fit in bed, and some more before he actually hears Roark speaking and it hits him what day it is. Of course, he should’ve seen this coming.

“You...” it’s part exasperation, part fondness, with that little tinge of adoration that he can never quite keep to himself entirely on moments like these. It really should not be surprising him anymore, how every time he’s not expecting much, if anything at all, Roark still finds it in him to care so much, to make every day or occasion important. “Okay, you guys, you can get off now, it’s fine— please??” Meanwhile he’s trying to make an effort here to both offer pets and scritches to the ‘mons taking up a little too much space on the bed and himself while trying to get them to back off and let him breathe a little. At least eventually they do listen, giving him some much needed space and letting him actually focus on the wonderful smell that Roark brought back to the bedroom with him— and sure enough, the effort Roark put into this alone is already clear, the sweetness and sugar on the plate presented to him more than enough to satisfy his regular cravings for it. What a perfect breakfast to start the day, isn’t it?

“You have no idea how much I love you.” And that’s all it really takes before he finally starts digging in, just a little more eager than usual after sleep had been so forcefully pushed away. Of course, Roark’s cooking has always been and will always be nothing short of amazing, some level of gourmet delicacies that would not be out of place in some fine restaurant in his humble opinion, and this breakfast is no different, no matter how relatively simple it may be in comparison to some other things he’s seen Roark throw together with that magic of his. It’s just... so perfect, between the slices of toast perfectly cooked and golden brown, the clear chocolate flavor and those wonderful little bits with the chocolate chips, paired with that chocolate milk to complete everything... oh, he’s already in heaven as is with this alone, isn’t he?

It really doesn’t take long for him to be done with his breakfast either, eating maybe even just a little faster than usual, hungry and happy as he is with this kind of treat— and that’s when he finally realizes there’s something on the nightstand that wasn’t even registering before. ( this... roark really did think of everything, didn’t he? man, what has he ever done to earn all of this love and care, really? ) Finally, he reaches for the wrapped gifts, careful as he tears the paper apart and— oh, of course Roark was paying attention, to the glances he would always be throwing to things he can’t quite bring himself to so freely get without thinking and overthinking about the what-ifs, to those tools he keeps favoring above the others to the point of trying to use every little crumb left. Then, Volkner turns his attention to the envelope next to them, and the faint smile on his lips is a little more noticeable when he finds the ticket inside. He really did think of everything, didn’t he? Down to the exact kind of route that Volkner would favor over common tourist spots and where he can be more at ease and just... enjoy some time off for real, for once. 

( this is so much more than he could’ve ever asked for... )

And Volkner still hasn’t said anything, just carefully puts the gifts back on the nightstand and where they are safe, so he can instead get closer to his love and pull him in and right into a hug, holding him as tightly as he can. He’s just really smitten and needs to show it at least a little, isn’t he? 

“I love you so much— man, what did I do to deserve you?” ( happy birthday indeed, just having roark there is the best gift he could’ve asked for. )

#〔 ask . 〕 ϟ i will not fall ; i will not fade ; i will take your breath away . #〔 ic . 〕 ϟ i will shut the world away . #rockheadcd #// long post #UEUEUEUEUEUEUE THEY'RE GAY