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#color guard captain!kurt
quizasvivamos · 2 years
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About-Face
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About-Face (174031 words) *COMPLETE*
by quizasvivamos
Chapters: 42/42
Fandom: Glee
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel
Characters: Blaine Anderson, Kurt Hummel, Pam Anderson, Cooper Anderson, Blaine Anderson's Father, Burt Hummel, Carole Hudson-Hummel, Bryan Ryan, Shelby Corcoran, Tina Cohen-Chang, Mercedes Jones, Rachel Berry, Sam Evans, Finn Hudson, Brittany S. Pierce, Santana Lopez, Quinn Fabray, Will Schuester, Emma Pillsbury, Sheldon Beiste, Sue Sylvester, Jesse St. James, Becky Jackson, Mike Chang, Noah Puckerman, Hiram Berry, Leroy Berry, David Karofsky, Artie Abrams, Sugar Motta, April Rhodes
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - High School, Angst, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Closeted Character, Slow Burn, Insecurity, Jealousy, Mutual Pining, Alternate Universe - Marching Band, Marching Band, Drum Major Blaine Anderson, Color Guard Captain Kurt Hummel, Nerd Blaine Anderson, Dancer Kurt Hummel, Musician Blaine Anderson, Mental Health Issues, Coming of Age, First Time, Hand Jobs, Minor Violence, Minor Injuries, Underage Drinking, Consensual Underage Sex
Summary: At the start of the Marching Band season his sophomore year, Blaine is the youngest Drum Major in McKinley High history. However, none of his peers believe he deserves the title, especially a handful of embittered upperclassmen, including one particularly stubborn Color Guard Captain, who challenges him in more ways than one.
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klaineccfanficlibrary · 4 months
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Could you recommend me some enemies to lovers? I love this trope! Thanks for your work ^^
Here's quite a few suggestions, I forgot how much I love this trope. ~Jen
True Like (or Looks Can Be Deceiving) by dualwielding
Kurt loves his job at the off-Broadway theater. As for Blaine Anderson, Kurt might have to work with him, but he doesn't have to like him.
~~~~~
Feel my heart's intention by @kurtsascot
Blaine started to hate Kurt on his first day. And it was a shame, really, because they could have been cute together. 
~~~~~
Clinging to this hating game by notarelationship (justpracticing)
Based on this prompt from the Klaine-prompt-a-fic blog on tumblr:
Kurt and Blaine couldn't stand each other in high school, maybe one was a jock/cheerleader and the other a nerd/glee clubber. Or they were bitter rivals for competition solos if they were both in glee club. Now they both live in NY and their friends set them up on a blind date, not knowing they went to the same high school.
~~~~~
Home away from Home by @lilyvandersteen
Cooper buys a hotel sight unseen and asks Blaine to run it for him over the summer. Only, the hotel is a health and safety hazard and Inspectors Hummel and Abrams are hell-bent on closing it down. Can Blaine spruce the hotel up in time and save Cooper's investment?
~~~~~
Make Food and War by @kirakiwiwrites
What if Blaine and Kurt met another way?  AU Meetings with the theme of: Food. We all know how our boys met on the show. For this creative challenge, let's play with how the boys might have met in alternate universes. And this time, use the topic of food to be the through line of your creations.
~~~~~
Living Haphazard By @shame-is-a-wasted-emotion Anna_Timberlake
Have you ever thought of getting cheated by a house broker and getting to know that you had to stay with another stranger who was also cheated? What if you are getting stuck up with the stranger in the apartment due to unavoidable circumstances? What if you hate him as well as have a crush on him? What if you had to fight your inner self and the stranger? What if he agreed on helping you which can only happen in dreams? This is a real living haphazard, isn't it?
~~~~~
The Hating Game by orphan_account
Blaine can count on one hand the amount of people he has hated in his life. But Kurt Hummel is definitely The Worst.
Or: That co-workers AU where they hate each other (until they don't)
~~~~~
Anyway, Here's wonderwall by @honeysucklepink
Inspired by the story of the Oasis cover band and pub goers who got stranded at a pub in a snow storm.
Adam Crawford is the proprietor of a tavern and music venue in the English countryside. Just before Christmas, he hosts a Battle of the Bands, unaware of a forecasted winter storm. A blizzard traps the patrons, the final bands standing, One Three Hill and The Warblers, and their bickering leaders, Kurt and Blaine. The two have been rivals since their NYADA days, but their friends and bandmates can smell the unresolved sexual tension a mile away. If circumstances had been different, so too would their relationship. So their friends decide to give fate a little nudge...
~~~~~
About-Face By @quizasvivamos
At the start of the Marching Band season his sophomore year, Blaine is the youngest Drum Major in McKinley High history. However, none of his peers believe he deserves the title, especially a handful of embittered upperclassmen, including one particularly stubborn Color Guard Captain, who challenges him in more ways than one.
~~~~~
Mendacious By @forabeatofadrum maanorchidee
Blaine Anderson is McKinley’s biggest star. Everyone in school loves him. And he’s gay. Blaine Anderson has what Kurt Hummel wants. When Kurt finds out that Blaine’s hoping for the same scholarship at the prestigious NYADA, Kurt knows for sure that he deserves it more, but no one seems to agree. There has to be something wrong with Blaine. If Kurt could expose that, it’ll all be over for him. With a scholarship at stake, Kurt’s willing to go very far to find some dirt on everyone’s favourite student.
~~~~~
Turn Into a Pose by @little-escapist
Singer-songwriter Blaine Anderson wants to come out of the closet. When his publicist sets him up with movie-star Kurt Hummel, he’s ready for anything, but the last thing that Kurt wants is a relationship with anyone, let alone Blaine. He hates his publicist for setting him up, hates the idea of lying to the world, and hates letting the world invade his personal life. But maybe Blaine Anderson is exactly what Kurt Hummel needs.
~~~~~
French fries and Milkshakes by BlurglesmurfKlaine
Cheerio!Kurt and Nerd!Blaine don't exactly get along. So what happens when they get paired for a glee club assignment? They're polar opposites. They're voices shouldn't work together, neither should their personalities. Or their chemistry, for that matter. They're two very different things that shouldn't blend together, but do. Kind of like French Fries and Milkshakes.
~~~~~
Bites by foxxed
Kurt Hummel is a Chef de Cuisine with a tongue as sharp as his knife. But when the restaurant across the street finally opens, Kurt is confronted with an old culinary school rival - the always smiling and opera-singing Italian Chef Blaine Anderson and things are about to heat up faster than the average stove.
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@joanofarkansass Glad you liked my fic recs! Here are some more marvel + xmen ones:
Catch Me Through the Looking-Glass by ylixia
"It's like a recurring nightmare: Steve Rogers, trapped in a world that is not his own, new love left behind, and nothing to keep him going but questions."
This fic is one of the more popular ones for a damn good reason. A Steve Rogers just reflecting on his relationship with his own Tony AND another Steve and Tony's relationship and getting PISSED the whole time.
Conflict of Interest by NotQuiteHumanAnymore
"Tumblr prompt! alien-angel-orsentientpotato (AKA my firstborn, Cheyenne) asked "Okay so headcanon for x-men evolution. Despite Pietro and Kurt being on separate teams they have a weird understanding of each other as they are both fidgety. Pietro because everything moves so slow and Kurt because he's not used to sitting still or being in one place for long periods of time like school demands. So through this understanding they form a weird pseudo friendship thing in which they race each other, play tag, and see what pranks they can pull on each other without getting caught." And it became this 30k behemoth."
I will be real, I ship Peter/Kurt which is definitely a very rarepair lol, but this fic was very cute! It's based on the xmen evolution cartoon. Even if you don't know much about it, I'd recommend giving this fic a shot!
With a Child's Heart by Scarlet_Ribbons
"“Oh, god.” Steve whispers, sounding as horrified as Tony feels. “You’re so young. Tony, he’s so young.”
Spider-Man coughs once, a frail, baby-bird sound.
.
(They find his body in a Dumpster.)"
:((((( Vry sad but vry good
don't know why it took me so long to see by goodmorningbeloved (3799steps)
"“Oh, watch this,” Natasha says, propping her chin against her knuckles and turning a sweet gaze on him. “Tony, what’s it like dating a superhero?”
Tony bristles in irritation. “We’re not dating,” he snaps. “Captain America probably thinks he can get into anyone’s pants just ‘cause he’s got a mask, costume, and reputation, but not me, buddy. That shield? Gotta be overcompensating for something.” He adds, a bit petulantly, “Oh, and all that blue? Definitely more Steve’s color than his.”
- In which Tony is a genius in all matters except recognizing his boyfriend past a mask."
A true comedy of errors lol. Tony doesn't realize that his boyfriend Steve is Captain America.
Idiot Control Now by @cygnaut
"Hank screws something up in the lab and everyone's powers increase tenfold. Not knowing how to control them like this, they all try to cope and not kill each other by mistake while Hank tries to find a way to reverse the effects. Charles has a particularly hard time of it."
I got distracted and reread this while making this list. VERY funny and also very creative in how their powers could fly out of control without devolving into crack territory. I LOVE cygnaut's fic and got distracted reading a bunch get ready for some more y'all
Adventures in Babysitting by cygnaut
"When Jean, Scott, and Ororo get in trouble and have nowhere to turn, they call on the last person they probably should—Magneto."
DADNETO!! I LOVE the way cygnaut writes the Erik and Ororo relationship, if I ever write xmen fanfic assume Erik is Ororo's dad in it okay I don't make the rules anymore only cygnaut makes the rules.
Blessed is the Match Consumed by cygnaut
""This isn't a concentration camp," Delta says, calm, like he's been rehearsing it. Erik looks at the gun on his hip, the guards behind him in the corridor, the bars between them.
He smiles with a lot of teeth. "I think I'd know that better than you."
AU in which the beach divorce didn't happen and Erik decides to stay and help Charles start his school. But despite their clean break, the government isn't ready to let the mutants disappear into hiding."
A brutal and really well-written fic.
Plausible Deniability by DragonBandit
"Kurt and Peter travel across mutant America to recruit for Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Kurt has a crush. Peter is oblivious."
Another nightsilver fic that I really like!
Clint Barton's Super Secret Snipers' Club by sara_holmes
"Clint Barton's Super Secret Snipers' Club. (Invitation and pending mental health evaluation required.)
"When Steve brings Bucky back to the tower for the first time, Clint’s first thought is that Tony Stark’s pride and joy is quickly becoming a less of a very tall and expensive ‘fuck you’ in the faces of investors who don’t believe in self-sustaining energy, and more of a superhero rehabilitation center."
Boyfriends, compromises and learning to like oneself."
SARA HOLMES WINTERHAWK QUEEN
Way Down We Go by @clarkestetler and @goosenik
"After being attacked and forcibly separated from Eddie Brock, Venom bonds to Peter Parker in order to seek both revenge on the LIFE Foundation and any evidence of his previous host. Peter Parker isn't exactly thrilled about this turn of events and turns to the Avengers for help managing his new symbiote."
I've recently fallen into the Peter/Harry ship and this fic quickly became one of my favorites! Very domestic and sweet but also scary and also Peter having a relatively realistic reaction to suddenly being possessed by an alien tickled me.
Turning Tables by @iamallyetnotatall
"Thanos knows if he leaves Tony Stark alive, that Earth's mightiest defender will find a way to undo all of his hard work.
So when he snaps and wipes away half the universe, he ensures that Tony Stark is one of those that fade to nothing.
I.E - a what-if series of ficlets where Tony is dusted and Peter isn't. HAPPY ENDING GUARANTEED"
Very Good. Pepper and Peter and Morgan family bonding is great.
I Don't Want To Keep A Secret by DOA
"As their senior year begins, Peter Parker and Harry Osborn have a lot to figure out on their own.
Peter has his hands full with his Aunt dating again, college, potential romance, and being superhero with a secret identity that may be more trouble than it's worth. Then Harry, with a troubling father, an uncertain future, possibly unrequited love, a family secret, and an ugly green monster that he has no control over.
But what happens if their separate problems are more related than they think?"
A very cute and plotty Parksborn fic set in the Marvel's Spider-Man universe. It does have first person POV and has been incomplete for over a year which :( but I did enjoy what I read!
There you have it! Half of these fics are kind of Really Popular fics (which are popular for good reason) and fics that just happen to really personally appeal to me lmao
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kurtty-drabbles · 3 years
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House of M Redone (part 6)
N/A: I didn´t put Reagan doing her evil-doing yet...time to correct that.
@muninandhugin @dannybagpipesarecalling @tieflingteeth
The party went on without a hitch. While one can argue this is not a fun party for young children- as the two princes are seeing walking around with their uncle in tow- no one can accuse this party of being indecent, so, therefore, there´s nothing stopping the presence of the twins.
Only they seem to disagree with this notion. Grimaces and pouting are their trademark response. Yes, this is a party safe for children but is not a fun one either.
Kitty covers her mouth at the sight of the young princes. The curves of her smile are too noticeable for a pair of golden eyes, of course, this observation is purely professional. See, Kurt takes his duties seriously.
"What?" her tone is saccharine and light as brown eyes are back to golden ones. "Have you personally meet the princes?"
He sent her a quizically stare. "Of course, they´ll be my bosses one day, so to speak, but...no child would think a party full of adults is cool...should see how they are with parties for their age" Kurt chuckles remembering that incident very well.
Kitty´s interest increase. "Is that a subtle way to ask me out again?"
"Well...I can´t ask you out as there´s no party planned ...yet" Kurt states and Kitty nods her head sagely. Dropping the subject for now. Looking around, no one can fault the young princes for being bored, because, Kurt is feeling a bit jaded himself too.
"Hey, wanna see something new?" whispering in her ear is totally necessary, after all, the music is being too loud. Sure, the music was not loud enough to "cloud" other´s people´s conversations. 
Kurt is paying attention to details.
Kurt is guiding her to the balcony. The colors of beige, golden and white follow the interior and exterior of the palace as Kitty can tell. The balcony has a privileged view of Genosha in all is wondrous.
Her mouth is agape for a few seconds. Kurt can let a smirk takes place for a few seconds too.
"Genosha is beautiful" her tone is breathless. In front of her is Genosha, all its light, are structures and its shadow. Kitty´s home is beautiful and she allows herself to relax. "Your childhood was here?"
"Nien" Kurt responds letting his weight rest on the balcony admiring his date, of course, is important to point out Kurt has professional reasons for that and nothing more. "Born in Germany" is not confidential information. "In Bavaria, my father is a count from there" again, not super-confidential, nor is something Kurt talks so freely.
Kitty blinks at him 3 times. "Oh, you really have blue blood then?" she asked now admiring the night. The moon is full and the stars are glowing. Maybe, they´re glowing for the Witch- Queen, or maybe is because Genosha has a low-level of pollution.
There´s a third option that is even sillier than thinking Wanda make the stars shinning. Kitty is not a romantic fool and won´t be one now. Her avert to the moon only as her pout is in place.
The third option is a lie. Always.
Kurt shurgs. A man with too many words usually means nothing. Is one of his father´s old saying.
"Enjoy the party?" Kurt asks confidently not minding Kitty staring so fixated on the moon. 
Kitty bites her lips. "I´m surprised, I thought you were using me to make someone jelly" Kitty can see the frown on his handsome blue face. "I kid, I kid. But in all honesty...this was a fun night" Kitty replies now looking his frown vanish.
"I´m glad...I usually don´t bring dates for those events, but, you know...I have to give a good impression"
Kitty nods. "Well, you´ll be happy to know that when I was part of the project GLADOS one of our top priorities is how to cause a superb impression in noble events" she winks at him.
"Sadly, we learn on the hard way the cake is a lie" she whispers in his pointy ear.
A deadpan stare is a response enough from Kurt. "Really? Portal to a teleport? You´ll never let me live this one down, will you?"
Kitty winks at him again.
Kurt only groans in response.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Suddenly, a commotion takes place, people start to run away and the words fire is the only thing anyone needs to hear. Kurt is the Red Guard and he puts his duties first. "Kitty, we need to get out" And he didn´t wait for a reply not take into account her surprised look as Kurt is more than willing and cable to teleport them away from the palace.
Once Kitty is on the floor and still looks at him funny. Kurt needs to clarify. "The palace is on fire" his urgency only further her confusion.
"Kurt, what are you talking about? There´s no fire" and her eyes land to see the palace completely fine.
And Kurt land to see the palace on fire. Kurt is the Red Guard. The man is ready to teleport and save the day along with his fellow Red Guard when Kitty puts her hand on his shoulder.
"Kurt, listen to me...there´s no fire...is all an illusion"
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Carol Danvers is one of the most powerful Avengers ever. To the point, Captain Marvel, the once Mar-Vell, saw something in Carol that was worthy to be his successor.
Of course, some people took negatively when Mar-Vell selects a woman to fill the role, so to speak, and of course, many rumors fly. It didn´t help Carol in the slightest the fact she used to date Mar-Vell- nevermind the fact it was way before she even discover her powers or even consider herself a heroine- some people are more than willing to be extremely petty if a woman takes the role.
Her blue eyes travel to where Wanda is. The Scarlet Witch. The strongest person Carol ever meet. A smile curls on her face as her sons gravitated towards her. Literally now.
Wanda and Carol are friends. Having friends is enough to face anything.
"FIRE!" is all Carol can hear as suddenly everything is pure chaos. 
She starts helping everyone to leave. She missed Wanda´s confused glare the Scarlet Witch.
"Everyone follow me" Carol starts using her Photon powers to put off the fire.
Wanda is completely confused as well as her sons and one of the guests, Ororo Monroe.
Carol is not the type to prank or trash places for no reason. Neither is Pietro and Lorna who are doing their best to put the fire out.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Outside of the palace, Kurt stares at Kitty for a solid minute. "An illusion? Then how come are you not being affected?"
Kitty blinks at this and sighs. "I´ve several students who have abilities similar...I got some immunity" better leave out how some teachers still struggle with illusions and how Jubilee is a victim of those...still.
(That´s how she meets Jono. He´s also immune to illusions and often stands by to help)
Kurt takes a deep sigh and looks at the fire once again. "Is not that I don´t believe you, I do...but I can´t stay still...even if the fire is an illusion, I´m a Red Guard, my loyalty goes to Genosha first and foremost" his tone is firm and without waiting any minute more. Kurt teleports.
Kitty watches the palace. Still no fire.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Kurt found Rogue in a minute-no one mentions how Rogue and Captain Marvel are working together- and while Kurt can see the fire, and 50% of people are behaving as one would do if you´re trapped in a fire trap of death. Kurt has enough common sense to notice the other 50% who is looking at the rest as if this is a poor and tasteless joke and is drinking without fear.
"There´s no fire...is an ILLUSION" Kurt recalls Kitty´s words.
Rogue and Cap Marvel send quizically stare at him.
Emma Frost has Felicity clung in her arm. "Oh, please, that´s all about? Of course, there´s no fire...any telepath worth of their salt can see this" Emma states.
Wanda supports Emma´s claim now seeing the bigger picture.
Kurt has a duty to uphold. Fire or no fire. "Everyone follows me, we'll leave the palace calmly. There´s no fire...is all an Illusion. It can´t hurt you" and so, a long queue is formed with people trying to be calm.
Some are using their powers to put out the invisible fire even if Kurt explains is no need.
Wanda wants answers.
 __________________________________________________________________________________________
Blink wears 
Reagan wears
Everyone is outside. The guests, the staff, including, of course, the royal family. Wanda used her powers- Emma offered to help, but it was a poor choice as Wanda is furious someone dares to do this to her home- in a minute everyone saw how never was any fire or danger.
Kurt looks discreetly at Kitty. She was right. Again. He can only send a thankfully smile towards her. She gets the message.
Meanwhile, a blonde woman with blue eyes and a black dress walks away not paying mind to anyone nor is anyone paying any mind to her. People are still speculating about the fire.
A woman with pink skin offers her arm to said blonde woman. "Reagan, is everything went as you planned?" she asked with a calm tone. Again, no one is paying them any mind.
Reagan smiles at her. "Blink, not even I could have predicted this...let´s go...take me home" and in a blink of eyes. The two women are gone.
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chiseler · 4 years
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The Old Masters: Kurt Kren
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31/75: Asyl / 31/75: Asylum (1975)
Kurt Kren (1929-1998) was best known for his work with the unpleasant bodily-fluid ridden productions of the Vienna Aktionists, a group of Hitler’s children whose post-war adolescence did in art what Ulrike Meinhof did in direct action. The suffocating atmosphere of retooled Nazi industrialists and amnesia with a born-again uptightness produced predictable results: the state must not be allowed to retain a monopoly on violence. How many Blood Order members can you watch, parading sanctimoniously on television, grinning in deathsheads from podiums, telling everyone that they have always been good citizen democrats, without wanting to burn it all down?
The body is alienated by the rigid control systems of Nazi and post-Nazi Germany (a continuum by other means); the invisible bodies of the pulverized dead shadow the plants and office blocks; Tiergartenstraße No. 4, where Aktion T-4 (Aktionist?) was hatched—the extermination of the unfit and insane—is now a bus terminal; tourists marvel at the great modernist IG Farben complex, alone in an otherwise-erased Frankfurt (IG Farben’s American legal representative: John Foster Dulles, who also worked for Krupp). No wonder Kren and his friends Otto Muehl and Herman Nitsch wanted to cut off their fingers and smear themselves with vomit, filming it all straight on, just like the Nazis shot the Warsaw Ghetto.
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Kurt Kren
Sitting through works like Kardinal, Self-Multilation, and Sodoma remains a chore, but for different reasons than in 1969, I hazard. The glaring bright colors now reflect Japanese game shows or late style millionaire pop art; the beatings, couplings, spurtings and evacuations have long been appropriated by gross-out horror shtick in mainstream Hollywood, likewise the flashing old film stock and jump cuts. What is left is a past-tense sense of the epic, a lofty Wagnerian pronouncement that the cinema is best equipped to investigate violence and that entertainment is really all just fascism. Shaking off the idea of gesamkunstwerk or the marble atrocities of Arno Breker proved harder than it looked, no matter how true every sickened pronouncement of Aktionist agit-prop was—and it was, it certainly is true.
If the ‘Baroque’ aspect of these films was once part of the attack, it has now become a sign of the long dreary reach of fetishism and managed hypocrisy. The problem with animal intestines, bodies wrapped in metal wire, and piles of soaking flesh is that the arrangement does not mirror the repressed psyche of a generation of sons of Gauleiters, born-again liberal bureaucrats and captains of industry, but a great cathedral of interlinked reactionary problems to be solved hermetically. From this point on, such problems were doomed to become wholly personal—as if the artists were unconsciously terrified of collective nihilism after Goebbels cornered the market. Austria is mainly Catholic, and the confessional is never far away from Aktionist agony. Redemption rears its bestial head—which also implies a second innocence, which is postmodern salvation.
To expose the unreality of what remained of the saccharine and morose Nazi regime via vitriol and bleeding flesh was clearly not enough. After the Aktionists called it quits and retired to their various castles and cultic fiefdoms, the Red Army Faction kidnapped former SS officer, then-CDU member, and Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie head Hanns Martin Schleyer in 1977. When the German government refused to trade this grotesque relic for four captured RAF fighters (who were mysteriously found hanging in their cells afterward, á la the ANC in South Africa, and also like Ulrike Meinhof, a year earlier, another ‘suicide’—all of which shows the repulsive cynicism lurking under a supposedly ‘democratic’ state), Herr Schleyer was topped and left in the trunk of an Audi. No loss, but tears and outrage flowed from a middle class that forgot that it was a far, far greater executioner in ‘39. The late 1970s were dark, dark, dark. The very outrageousness of their ‘happenings’ show that the Aktionists were suckered in by hope ten years prior. The world remakes itself, oblivious.
The case of Aktionist Kren is more curious and longer lasting than the King Ludwig-like careers of Nitsch and Muehl. His early films were stark or wiggly or frozen: trees, landscapes, little images, people in rooms doing hypnotized screen tests. Unlike his later direction in Sodoma et al, he seemed concerned with the medium’s archaic properties and the possibility of making still-life and landscape political. He returned to this program out of the Aktionist dead end.
31/75: Asyl, from 1975, a sequel to his 1960 3/60: Bäume im Herbst, is one of his best films. More Holbein than Kaspar David Friedrich, it shrinks the epic panorama down to an insect view. Using a simple form of time-lapse photography, a static shot shows farmland and a winding road in late autumn to early winter. By placing various filters over the lens, days pass in globules, wax drippings, thick polluted rain, condensation and gum. A man with a dog goes in and out of frame; the snow melts, it rains; light shifts. Not blood and soil but damp, oily mud like a Turner marsh. And no heroics with geysers of blood, iron crosses and milk, the exegesis of guilt. However, there is certainly something displacing the day here. The status quo of round-ups and tests? Isolation, inner migration? The ‘asylum’ of the title suggests a place of refuge but like in English, the German asyl can also mean a madhouse or political asylum. The film was shot in Saarland, West Germany, under French control after WW1 but returned to Germany in 1935. Saarland is border country, a place of several masters and populations on the move. Kren himself was sent off on one of the Kindertransport to Rotterdam, where he lived until the end of the war.
Wilhelm Reich, in his book The Mass Psychology of Fascism, showed that the mysticism of Nazi ideology was depicted foremost in pretzeled human bodies, a combination of Protestant asceticism and cheap porn cartooned in the figure of the swastika. Before landscape, Fascism uses bulky propaganda to conjure up the Fatherland and recites bad poetry about the holy relation between man, pig, earth and muck. Sacrifice is the Father’s cloying prayer, his own death extended by his sons’ dying—for most fathers in the Fatherland rented their land from wealthy landlords, rented rooms from good Aryans, worked for Herr NSDAP Millionaire Flick. Places of death are used over and over again; their industrial emptiness ensures that no birds sing. No birds sing, but not out of reverence for the dead so much as disgust for the living—the quiet living that made those dead, that signed contracts for transport expediency for a Jew, Gypsy or a Red.
Kren’s view from a windowsill does have some of this void mood, yet he rejects the trap of timelessness in favor of everyday decay. The immortal Frost Gods can only bury dogshit in deep snows, give you pneumonia, cake your axel with mud. The landscape lives on geologically and not mystically. It has beautiful things, extraordinary things, because its own microscopic changes are more fabulous than eternity. Kren’s little film avoids both faces of the same reactionary crisis: that of the epic-making National Socialists, and his own earlier anti-epics that attacked the drapery of the historical fasces. Fall and winter last a little over 8 minutes in the duration of this film, which took 21 days to shoot. The Third Reich was supposed to last for 525,600,000 minutes, which is a thousand years of unreal time. William Blake wrote: He who binds to himself a joy/ Does the winged life destroy.
All of Kren’s films are curious, even his old naughty routines. He moved to America in 1978 and travelled the country, stopping to show his films at universities before finally settling in Texas, where he split his time between Austin and Houston. There, he became a fixture in the punk scene, appearing with some of the best bands of the time, projecting his films behind the noisy vigorous music of Left agitators like Really Red and Culturcide. Always a workman, he made new films while employed as a security guard at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. He died back in Vienna in 1998.
by Martin Billheimer
Links:
Technical details of the film here:  http://www.resettheapparatus.net/corpus-work/id-31-75-asylum.html
The film @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cblbgbnE1wo
‘Ode to Kurt Kren’, fan video with photos, using the tribute song by his friends, Really Red, recorded 1982: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3_RfD0Qv_k
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diceyfall · 4 years
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[fic; when it breaks]
m!de sardet x kurt x vasco, kurt has a revelation when he sees de sardet and vasco together, 3422 words 🌹 [ao3]
It’s not that he’s jealous, Kurt tells himself.
His eyes follow Tristan’s hand as it settles between Vasco’s shoulder blades while the two of them are bent over the crafting table at camp. It slides down the length of Vasco’s spine, hugging the dip in his lower back as Vasco leans in to murmur something into Tristan’s ear, a gentle press of his lips to Tristan’s cheek where the mark edges out from underneath his beard. They’re probably not talking about crafting anymore.
As if sensing Kurt’s gaze lingering on them, Tristan glances over his shoulder to where Kurt sits in front of the campfire. Kurt holds Tristan’s curious gaze for a moment, long enough to not seem suspicious, before he averts his eyes and goes back to whittling the stick of wood with his knife. It’s not the first time during the trip Tristan or Vasco have been sneaking glances at him. He’s probably a bother to them.
Kurt is not jealous. They’re being painfully obvious about their little dalliance and it’s getting hard for him to ignore, that’s all.
“I wondered if you ever felt lonely.”
He barely remembers his answer, can only recall his spine tensing and the subtle frown pulling on Tristan’s brows, the flickering of hurt in his eyes that lingered in Kurt’s mind for days on end.
His rejection was not kind, tinged with fear and sharper for it, but a lot of time has passed since then. The ghost camps are gone, Hermann burned alive at the stake and Kurt has finally gained a sense of closure after these long years.
It leaves him alone with himself, watching from a distance as Tristan finds another who welcomes his affection without hesitation, eager for it, thankful for it and returning it tenfold.
Something heavy weighs in his chest as he watches Vasco lace his fingers together with Tristan’s as the two lovers lock eyes. A soft smile plays on Tristan’s lips as Vasco’s eyes flit down to Tristan’s mouth and Kurt feels ill.
He tosses his half-finished wooden carving aside, rising abruptly from the ground and slipping his knife back into its sheath. It draws attention onto him, but Kurt doesn’t look.
“Gonna take a leak,” he mutters as he stalks off into the forest, leaving the warm glow of the fire behind.
The cold settles into his bones as he moves in between the trees, but the distance does not ease his heart. If anything it makes the emptiness more pronounced as Kurt moves through the forest brush aimlessly. He keeps a mental map of the way back to camp, knows he’s being stupid because he’s practically asking for an ambush, but he needs to work off his restlessness.
Unfortunately the darkness of the woods leaves little for Kurt to focus on but his own thoughts, images and memories blending together to make his stomach churn.
Vasco and Tristan hadn’t been subtle the first time they had snuck off to Tristan’s bedroom in New Sérène, even less so afterwards when they appeared for dinner. Hickeys colored the skin between Vasco’s neck tattoos, Tristan’s curly hair that was usually meticulously styled a mess atop his head.
Kurt excused himself then, mind swirling with visuals he would rather not linger on. Now they all return to him once more as he wonders what Tristan and Vasco must be getting up to back at camp in his absence.
Would Tristan’s mouth latch onto Vasco’s neck again, sucking bruises into him while Vasco arches into the touch? Would Vasco’s hands grip into Tristan’s curls, holding onto him as they kissed, sparing no thought for anyone or anything else? Kurt doesn’t want to think about it, but he can’t seem to stop.
He imagines Vasco sitting on Tristan’s lap, chest to chest as their lips slot together, tongues sliding against each other, hips grinding in an obscene rhythm—Kurt stops walking, braces a hand against a tree as he breathes through the strange mixture of arousal and nausea coiling in his gut.
Why is he doing this to himself?
Frustrated, he turns around on his heel and marches back the way he came, though his anger is directed to no one but himself. He made his choice when he pushed Tristan away, there is no one else to blame for his stupidity.
The bewildering part of it all is that Kurt can’t tell what it is that has him twisted up more. He cares for Tristan—so much more than he should—but there is something about Vasco that stirs feelings inside of him that are fragile and new.
Kurt will catch Vasco’s eyes at times, staring at him with a look he can’t place but it always makes him feel seen, and it makes him feel vulnerable. Vasco has a way of pulling words out of Kurt’s mouth that edge too close to being suggestive, the way his lips curve in a not-quite smile doing funny things to Kurt’s head that he’d rather not examine too closely.
It’s as if he’s a teenager again, caught up in a childish infatuation with a dashing seafaring captain, which is ridiculous because Kurt is nearly a decade older and yet he is unsteady when it comes to Vasco, unsure of himself.
He returns to the camp, walking with what feels like stones in his gut as he thinks about what he feels for Tristan, what he feels for Vasco, how it knots him up inside to think of them together, but as he draws closer to the camp he pauses among the trees.
Two bodies are lying down by the fire, tangled with each other. Kurt’s mouth goes dry as he realizes Vasco is on his back, his coat off, Tristan on top of him slipping his hands underneath Vasco’s shirt while their lips are locked in a passionate kiss.
Kurt curses the way he reacts to it, the heat that pulses through his groin as he feels his trousers grow tighter and yet his heart aches sharply all the same, but it shouldn’t, because he should know better.
For a while he can’t seem to tear his gaze away, fantasy seeping through into reality as Tristan rolls his hips down into Vasco’s and Vasco’s fingers clutch at Tristan’s curls, breathing a moan into Tristan’s mouth that makes Kurt’s dick twitch and his fingers ball into fists by his side at the same time, blunt fingernails digging crescent shapes into the palm of his hand.
Coming back was a mistake. He has to get out of here.
Kurt takes a step back, and a twig snaps beneath his heel.
All three of them freeze.
Tristan pulls away from Vasco, turns his head to peer over his shoulder and somehow finds Kurt’s eyes in the dark, his startled expression shifting into a deep frown. Kurt wonders what his face must look like, for Tristan to look so concerned for him.
“Kurt—”
He turns around and walks away.
“Kurt!” Tristan calls after him, but he doesn’t listen.
He keeps walking, hears footsteps hurrying after him and wishes they would just leave him alone. Kurt is tired of this, tired of having to endure this self-inflicted torture.
It’s Vasco who catches up to him, jogging up from behind him to step in front of him, blocking Kurt’s path. He’s slightly out of breath, likely more so from kissing Tristan than running after Kurt, and Kurt looks away, doesn’t think he can hold Vasco’s piercing gaze.
“Where are you going?” Vasco demands. “You know wandering around like this is asking to get your throat slit.”
“Go back to Tristan, Vasco,” Kurt says wearily, moving to walk around him but Vasco steps in front of him again, a hand on his chest and Kurt halts, staring down at the fingers splayed on top of his armor.
“Tristan wants you to come back.” Vasco pauses, hands curling ever so slightly into the thick fabric of Kurt’s Coin Guard doublet. “And so do I.”
Kurt blinks, looking up to meet Vasco’s gaze, a subtle wrinkle between his dark brows as he stares at Kurt.
“You…” Kurt’s voice is hoarse, so he clears his throat before he tries again. “You seemed busy, I didn’t want to—”
“We were passing the time,” Vasco says quickly, sounding almost a little embarrassed as he glances away for a moment, releasing Kurt’s doublet. “Waiting for you to return.”
“Me?” Kurt raises his brows, baffled. “Why? I would think you- the two of you would appreciate some privacy.”
Vasco breathes out a long-suffering sigh. “I didn’t believe Tristan when he told me you were the oblivious sort, but now I’m starting to have my doubts.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kurt replies, defensiveness masked by an irritated tone. “Clearly I picked up on the fact that you wanted to have some time alone, so I don't see how you can call me oblivious.”
“Not alone, Kurt,” Vasco emphasizes, staring at him in that way again that makes Kurt feel bared.
Kurt hesitates, unsure of everything. “Not… alone?”
“Are you honestly going make me spell it out for you?” Vasco snipes, shifting his weight around on his feet in a way that almost seems anxious. “Tristan and I… we… ah…”
He’s flustered, Kurt realizes faintly, but before he can contemplate as to why, he hears another set of footsteps coming up from behind him.
“What are you two still doing over here?” Tristan asks as he walks up to them, standing beside Kurt and Vasco and glancing from one to the other before his gaze lingers on his lover. “Vasco?”
In the dim light of the campfire filtering in from between the trees, Kurt thinks he can almost see Vasco face darken with a flush.
“I was just about to tell him,” he mumbles.
Kurt scowls, only barely resisting the urge to take a cautious step back. “Tell me what?”
He looks at Tristan, who smiles lightly when their eyes meet and Kurt does his best to ignore the way his heart flutters.  
“Do you remember when I asked you if you were lonely?”
Kurt almost flinches at the unpleasant reminder. “I do.”
“Right.” Tristan’s smile fades as he takes a quiet breath, seeming to be working up to something, perhaps steeling his nerves and Kurt for the life of him can’t figure out what’s going on, what either Tristan or Vasco look so nervous about. “I thought… I was certain I had moved on from that. You made yourself pretty clear, and then Vasco and I—”
He doesn’t want to hear this, he can’t. “If you’re about to start rambling about how perfectly happy you are together, save it. I have eyes. I can see it without needing you to rub it in my face.”
That… came out more harshly than he intended.
Tristan’s eyes widen, mirrored by Kurt’s own panic flashing across his face.
“I- I didn’t mean—"
“Kurt,” Vasco interrupts sternly. “Please shut up.”
Kurt snaps his lips closed again, figuring he can’t make this worse than he already has and wishes halfheartedly the ground could just swallow him up and make him disappear.
Tristan doesn’t seem upset by his snapping, however. If anything, he’s smiling now, almost fond as he looks at Kurt and Kurt is more perplexed than ever.
“Are you jealous, Kurt?”
The words shoot straight through his heart as he turns his head away, breathes in deep; Kurt couldn’t have confirmed Tristan’s suspicions more clearly than if he had come out and answered with a yes. This is it, then. Tristan will gently turn him down, shattering whatever is left of him, leaving him as alone as he’d ever been—
He feels a touch on his hand through his gloves, looks down and finds Tristan’s fingers curling around it, holding it in his own. When he looks up at Tristan’s face, the gaze in his eyes is so tender, filled with affection that isn’t aimed at Vasco but at him, at Kurt.
“Don’t be,” Tristan says softly, and Kurt’s head is spinning.
“What… why are you…” He glances over at Vasco who is watching the two of them with a fond smile on his face, and nothing about this makes sense. “What is this?”
Tristan starts to laugh, still holding onto Kurt’s hand while Vasco lets out another deep sigh.
“What do you think, Kurt?” Vasco says.
“I think I’m dreaming,” Kurt responds weakly, and Vasco snorts before he reaches out and takes Kurt’s other hand in his own and Kurt is… he’s holding both of their hands now.
In his dream, obviously, because there’s no chance in hell this could ever happen in reality.
“I think,” Vasco says, speaking slowly as if to make sure Kurt is following along, “that we’ve both been in love with you this whole time and that you’ve been too thickheaded to notice.”
The words don't sink in, not at first. It's as if Kurt forgot the language, hearing Vasco speak in a foreign tongue. They're in love, he said. Both of them, with Kurt. Tristan and Vasco are in love with each other, and with Kurt.
Kurt’s lips part slightly in his shock as it finally dawns on him, looking from Vasco to Tristan, his heart pounding against his ribs like a drum.
“You- both of you?”
“I know it must be a lot to take in at once,” Tristan says, exchanging a look with Vasco. “But did you really not notice?”
They have both been shooting looks at him the whole trip, Kurt remembers. He assumed it was because they thought him a bother, but could it really be as Vasco said?
“I don’t know.” Kurt looks down at their hands, thinks slightly deliriously that if Vasco and Tristan started holding hands they’d form a perfect triangle. “I just assumed… I don’t know.”
“Do you need time to think?” Tristan asks, always so considerate. “Maybe we should—”
Kurt tightens his hold on Tristan’s hand when he tries to pull it away, thinks that even if this is a dream he’d be a fool to make the same mistake twice.
“No,” he says, voice rough in his throat as he looks at Tristan, can’t hide the longing in his words or his eyes. “I don’t need to think. Not anymore.”
Tristan carefully moves closer, almost cautious at first but more assured when he sees that Kurt isn’t backing away. He lifts his free hand to Kurt’s face, a caress of his fingers to Kurt’s cheek that makes Kurt’s eyes flutter shut—how many times has he thought about this? Imagined it, then shamefully denied it, repressing it inside him?
For a moment, there is nothing, but then he feels it, a hot breath brushing against his mouth, making butterflies flutter in his stomach. Tristan cups his cheek with his palm, and Kurt waits. There’s the softest brush against his lips, almost hesitant, but then a firm press and Kurt’s breath hitches in his throat as Tristan kisses him gently while Vasco’s hand squeezes his, fingers twining together.
It's perfect, more than he could've ever expected as he all but melts against Tristan, against his lips, grows weak at the way Tristan hums into his mouth. It's pure affection, warm and glowing in his chest as he lets himself go. Kurt’s doubt crumbles, collapses into itself when Tristan pulls back with a soft exhale and Kurt almost chases his mouth, but then Tristan steps aside and lets Vasco take his place.
Kurt no longer stands motionless, meets Vasco halfway as Vasco curls his free hand around the back of Kurt’s neck and tugs him close. His lips are more demanding than Tristan’s, the edge of his teeth shooting a thrill up Kurt’s spine.
It’s dizzying, a flood of emotions overwhelming him as Vasco’s tongue slides over his bottom lip, licking his way into Kurt’s mouth and then Tristan leans in to kiss and suck the skin beneath Kurt’s ear. Kurt pulls both his hands free, one arm curling around Vasco’s waist to pull him closer, the other reaching up to tangle his fingers in Tristan’s curls just like how he saw Vasco do it before.
They stand there and kiss for what feels like forever and yet is still not long enough. Vasco breaks away from Kurt to kiss Tristan next, though it’s more of a glide of tongues while Kurt watches with half-lidded eyes, dazed by how much he enjoys the sight of it when it hurt to watch before.
Tristan and Vasco are breathless when they pull apart, exchanging a look before they both turn to Kurt and start kissing his neck at the same time. Kurt’s legs go weak, stumbling a little and Vasco uses the imbalance to push him back against a tree, biting into his skin while Tristan sucks a bruise into his throat, like the ones Kurt saw on Vasco and it’s too good, too good to be true and too good all at once.
Kurt chokes back a groan, exhales a hot breath, fingers clenching into Vasco’s shirt and Tristan’s hair. They both pull back to grant him much-needed reprieve as Kurt all but sags against the tree, at a loss for words.
“Perhaps we should return to camp,” Vasco notes, finger idly tracing over the hickey Tristan left on Kurt’s neck. “You look like you need to lie down.”
“That… that would be good,” Kurt agrees dimly.
Tristan smiles at him, wrapping an around Kurt’s lower back. “Come on, then.”
The bonfire somehow feels so much warmer as the three of them settle down in front of it, their blankets rearranged beneath them to be side by side. Kurt lies in the middle with Tristan on his left and Vasco on his right, arms draped around his waist and his chest, legs tangling, heads resting on either of Kurt’s shoulders as they’re both tucked against his side and Kurt wonders if it’s possible for his heart to physically burst.
“I can’t believe you didn’t notice,” Vasco mutters against the crook of Kurt’s neck. “Tristan was hardly being subtle.”
“You are the last person to talk about being subtle,” Tristan replies with amusement. “If you recite me one more poem about blue eyes I’ll burn down the library.”
“Blue eyes?” Kurt notes curiously, and Vasco all but sputters.
“It wasn’t- I happened to find one verse—”
“Oh, he could wax prose about your eyes for hours if you let him,” Tristan told Kurt playfully. “It’s rather endearing.”
“Do I need to remind you that you wouldn’t shut up about Kurt when we first met?” Vasco points out, saying to Kurt, “The entire voyage of Teer Fradee was one endless monologue singing your praises.”
“I didn’t talk about him that often,” Tristan protests.
“Two mentions in every conversation at the minimum.” Vasco huffs a laugh. “It made me jealous, at first.”
“So, how long have you both… been interested in me?” Kurt asks, feeling almost narcissistic asking it that way, but it was the truth. They were both in love with him, and Kurt still had a hard time wrapping his mind around that.
“Around the same time we fell in love with each other, I think,” Tristan answers thoughtfully.
But that was months ago. Months.
“I’m an idiot,” Kurt concludes; here were two men who had apparently been utterly smitten with him all this time, and he hadn’t noticed. He was so caught up in his own feelings that the thought hadn’t so much as occurred to him before.
He feels Vasco smile against his neck and Tristan’s hand slide up and down his chest in a soothing motion, their weight against Kurt grounding and comforting in a way he can’t explain.
“It all worked out,” Tristan says, tone soft and content as he grabs Vasco’s hand in his own, tangling on top of Kurt’s chest. “That’s all that matters.”
Kurt hums as he closes his eyes, thinks his arms are definitely going to fall asleep in this position with both Vasco and Tristan on top of him, but he doesn’t care. The thought is actually pleasing, in a way.
There are still things they need to talk about, things Kurt needs clarity on because this is a first for him, is probably a first for the two of them as well. But that can wait until the morning.
For right now, he’s happy.
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envyfelled · 4 years
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I wanted to do this De Sardet prompt from @visceralcoma to help develop Percy some more :D
What is De Sardet’s given name?
Percival “Percy” De Sardet 
What is the name Arelwin would have given De Sardet (assuming Petrus told them and its different than their given name)?
Dylum, pronounced as die-lum
What was their relationship with Constantin like when they were teens?
They were near conjoined at the hip since there weren’t many other kids around their age among the palace, and often would ditch lessons together to run amok Sérène. Constantin was always said to be a bad influence on Percy, who was expected to be more responsible of the two.
What is a special heartwarming memory of your De Sardet and Constantin?
At 15, Constantin looted a half-bottle of wine from the pantry while the cooks were busy and he and Percy ducked out in an isolated alleyway to share it. Constantin had the great idea to skip out on the whole royalty thing altogether and sneak aboard a Naut ship and set sail to wherever it took them. Percy, a bit tipsy, was hesitant, but nevertheless they did. Not ten minutes later, they’re caught by a cabin boy and subsequently kicked off, luckily Percy was able to talk him out of telling the captain about it, who would have surely told his uncle and mother.
Did your De Sardet and Constantin ever have a fight? If so, about what?
When they got older, Percy and him had a fight about Constantin always getting into trouble, how he was supposed to grow out of his childishness, and having to bail him out all the time. Percy was heartbroken when Constantin told him he sounded exactly like his uncle and didn’t talk to him for a near week.
What was the relationship like with Princess Livie (their adoptive mother)?
She was very supportive of her son, even if Percy wasn’t biologically hers, she treated him with kindness and love of a mother to son. She defended him against her brother’s cold nature to Percy, although she had never gave reason as to why his uncle seemingly disregarded him.
Did De Sardet ever have a pet growing up? What happened to it?
He was not allowed to keep pets, but did find a mouse trapped and nursed it back to health in a cardboard box he kept hidden in his closet. He showed Constantin, but his cousin didn’t see much appeal to keep a rodent, though would keep his lips tied about Percy’s pet.
What was De Sardet’s relationship with their uncle (Constantin’s father)?
Distant and indifferent. Percy was fully surprised as to be elected to be the legate for the Congregation, and had hoped that his uncle was starting to see him as respectable, but would find out the real reason...
Did De Sardet ever get into trouble with their mother and uncle? Were they a frequent troublemaker?
On his own? Not at all. With Constantin? Very much so. They rarely were caught in the end and never had a severe punishment.
Did De Sardet have many other friends?
He would talk often with staff workers in the palace, his favorite being a woman who’d work in the kitchen, but he was closest with his cousin.
How did they handle growing up with their mark? Did people mention it? Talk about? Treat them differently? How did De Sardet respond to them?
He knew people would stare at it and generally would keep his head down. If people asked, he would simply say it was a birthmark and hope they would not press. When he was able to grow a beard, he is relieved that it’s practically obscured with it.
What are De Sardet’s favorite: food, color, music (genre/instrument), weather, season, and animal?
Food: Chicken and dumplings; color: navy blue and lavender; music: choir singing (of which he would sing with); weather: thunderstorms; season: fall and winter; animal: unicorn (”who cares if it’s real or not?”)
What was their first thought of Vasco, Siora, Aphra, and Petrus when they met them?
Vasco: Intimidation, he had that sense of authority about him that even made Percy stand a bit straighter.
Siora: She is the first native he’s met, and greatly admires her strength and willingness to stand up for herself and her people.
Aphra: Not exactly easy to trust someone when they point a gun at your face point blank, but she got the drop on him in the first place, cunning.
Petrus: Like some kind of weird and estranged uncle or grandpa that used to peach to him as a kid about light and magic or something. 
If they had one, who was De Sardet’s first kiss and/or love?
He has his first kiss at 18 with a random Naut he’d met in the coin tavern when he was finally old enough to be let in, both of them tipsy, but never goes father than a little make out in an alley. A few years later, a few flings here and there, he becomes very sweet on his master of arms, Kurt, and then followed a certain sea-fairing captain.
Did De Sardet have any childhood/teen crushes on anyone? Describe how they realized it and how they behaved.
Percy had a crush on a coin guard soldier who was a few years his older when he was 16. He’d hang outside the tavern for him, but would never talk to him and nothing ever came of it. Constantin would tease him about spending so much time pining over a man he didn’t know the name of.  
What subjects were their favorite to learn while being taught by Sir De Courcillion?
He loved learning about alchemy and had a natural talent for it.
What was their relationship with Kurt initially like when he became their bodyguard and/or when he became their Master of Arms?
Percy thought of him like a glorified babysitter sometimes and wasn’t much one for fighting anyway. Kurt would have to try and kick him into gear because knowing how to defend yourself was never not a good thing. Their first few training sessions was mostly an unenthusiastic Percy having his ass handed to him.
What was Kurt’s initial assessment of De Sardet when he began teaching them to fight?
He knew that Percy would much rather talk down any potential conflict, but that would not be the catch-all for every situation. Wasn’t half bad with magic when he put some effort into their sparring, couldn’t say the same about his swordsmanship though.
What did De Sardet specialize into first and why?
Light magic, he rather fight from a distance and be more defensive. Kurt would later teach him about one handed weapons in the event that he wasn’t able or became too exhausted to cast spells.
What did they feel when they learned they were adopted and the circumstances behind it?
Complete and utter betrayal and a serious doubt if everything he had knew was to be trusted. He avoided talking to his companions about it, and only mentioned it to Constantin, but would not admit how greatly it crushed him--after all he needed to continue on his endeavor to find the cure. It was more important than feelings, yet would slowly eat at him.
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four-loose-screws · 5 years
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FE4 Suzuki Novelization Translation - Chapter 3 Part 3
If you would like to start from the beginning, read a missed part, etc., click here!
FE Game Script Translations - FE Novel Translations - Original FE Support Conversations - Ko-fi
———————————
Chapter 3 - The Military Campaign in Isaach
Part 3
Mananan didn't tell anyone about Gala's predictions.
Instead, he thought them over that night, and made up his mind on his own. 'If I am going to die no matter what, then I should do what I wanted to do from the beginning.'
The next morning, he went to Prince Mariccle, and told him that planned to take Trent's head and go to Darna to apologize.
 "But that's too dangerous, Father! Please, allow me to go instead!"
"No, I'm the only one who can do this. As the king and inheritor to our holy weapon, I have the power to request an audience with Prince Kurt. He is sure to understand. You must go to Rivough, and guard the city with your life, no matter what may happen."
"What if something happens to you?"
"If something does happen to me, then it means Grannvale will try to conquer Isaach. If I do not return, then you may request reinforcements from Queen Rahna of Silesse. If, after all of that, you go to war, then Shanan must flee the country immediately. If what Gala predicted is true, and we prolong his life, then Isaach will be restored one day."
"Did she say where he should go?"
"With her final words, she said, "the country of forests and lakes," and... "Ver."
"Was she trying to say Verdane, perhaps?"
"Yes, that's probably it. Verdane is called 'the country of forests and lakes.' And it is a remote, poor country, so I don't think any other country will try to conquer it and make it their territory. Alright then, Verdane it is. I can't promise that he will survive if he goes there, but all we can do at this point is trust his lucky stars." Mananan said, then gave Balmung to Mariccle. "This is the best opportunity for me to hand this over to you. I intend to return home safe, but even then, you should be the one to rule Isaach from now on."
-
Mananan only requested two of his attendants to accompany him on his trip to Darna.
It took them eight days to cross the desert.
Once they could see Darna, Mananan unfurled Isaach's flag. It depicted a white sword floating diagonally above the ground, which was colored red.
A group of soldiers quickly came out from within the town and ran towards them.
The leader walked up to them. "Hault!" He shouted.
"I am King Mananan of Isaach. I have come to apologize for the attack. I'd like to speak with Prince Kurt."
"Understood! Please follow us into town."
The soldiers surrounded Mananan and his attendants, then walked them through the castle gate.
General Aida was waiting for them inside, and behind her was a large number of Grannvalian soldiers.
"I am King Mananan of Isaach."
The moment he finished his sentence, Aida said, "Arrest these invaders!"
"What!? But I've come to apologize! I wish to speak to Prince Kurt!"
Aida didn't even flinch as she continued to give her cold orders. "We're going to arrest you. If you resist, then we'll kill you."
Her soldiers unsheathed their swords and surrounded him.
"I won't resist, just please, listen to me! I did not order the attack on Darna! I've brought the head of the man who did and am here to apologize!"
The soldiers stepped closer and raised their swords.
"I am the king of Isaach and a descendant of Sword Saint Od! Have you any manners!?"
"Place each of them in a private cell." Aida said before turning her back on him and walking away.
Mananan was placed in a small underground cell.
Both the walls and floor were made of stone, and there was no bed inside, only a plain blanket.
The moment the soldiers holding torches walked away, he was surrounded by darkness.
He felt around for the wall, then laid out the blanket and sat down on it.
'I really am going to die here.' He thought.
Not that Gala's predictions had ever been wrong before.
'All I can do now is maintain my dignity as a warrior.’
When he closed his eyes, he pictured his grandson's face.
Shanan was still only ten years old, yet he already knew well what it meant to be a king.
'But who knows what kind of hardships await him now.' Mananan thought, and felt his chest suddenly become hot.
-
He had no idea how much time had passed, but when light returned, it came with bread and water. He assumed that it was his dinner.
The guard lit a small lamp in the hallway, so he had just enough light to take his meal.
The bread didn't have much flavor.
‘Nothing is set in stone. I cannot give up.' He reassured himself, and ate every last crumb.
After some time, the guard extinguished the lamp, and he was once again surrounded by darkness.
He closed his eyes, and tried to fall asleep, still leaning against the wall.
-
He had no idea how long he'd been asleep for, but he awoke to the sound of footsteps echoing off the stone floor.
A light drew closer.
Aida appeared, leading three soldiers. She wore a simple black uniform without any ornaments, and a plain cape. The inside of the cape was a vivid scarlet that complemented her fiery red hair.
Mananan stayed in his sitting position, not budging even an inch. "Did you give Prince Kurt my message?" He asked quietly.
Aida nodded.
"And what did he say?"
"Kill him."
'You're lying.' He thought, but didn't say. 'After all this, I'm not going to put up a fight.'
Two of the soldiers drew their swords, and walked into the cell.
By the time messengers from Grannvale arrived in Rivough, two weeks had passed.
The Isaachians had already been told of the king's death by one of his attendants.
Prince Mariccle kicked them out for Grannvale's cruelty to the king, knowing full well that doing so was an act of war.
He then went to his younger sister, Ayra, and told her to take Shanan, flee the country, and go to Verdane.
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"Brother, I have trained my whole life to become a warrior. I want to fight and avenge father!" Was her response.
He knew that she was being modest, as she was an exceptionally good sword fighter, even among the other Isaachian soldiers. She was especially famous for her finishing move, Astra, where she slashed the enemy multiple times in rapid succession.
"I know how you feel, Ayra. But this is what Father wanted. If Shanan survives, then so will Isaach. However, if he was sent out with an entire guard to protect him, he'd be a walking target for the Grannvalians. That's why I have to entrust him to the greatest warrior in our country. Please, you must take him to Verdane." She stared at him with her large, black eyes before finally nodding.
"I understand. For the sake of our home, I will guard Shanan with my life."
-
Mariccle and Ayra went to Isaach Castle, where they explained everything to Shanan.
"From now on, think of your aunt's words as my own, son. And do whatever it takes to survive, no matter what happens. You are Isaach's future. Okay?"
Ayra dressed as a mercenary, and gave Shanan clothing fitting for a mercenary's nephew. They traveled in a half-circle around Isaach, and made it into the Kingdom of Sliesse without even stopping to rest at Ganeishire Castle.
They continued in a straight line across Silesse. When they reached one of the western port towns on the coast, they heard the news that a large Grannvalian army was currently marching across the desert towards Isaach.
Shanan ground his teeth together, and spoke not a word, instead making a vow to himself. 'One day, I will have my revenge against them!'
From there, they took a boat headed for Madino, Augustria.
-
About halfway along their journey by sea, two fast-moving ships appeared. One blocked their boat's path, and the other came up beside them.
On those ships' masts, long, black, triangular flags fluttered in the wind.
"Pirate ships!!" One of the passengers cried out.
Ayra walked to the side of the boat, looked at the pirate ship, and saw a woman standing in the center of the deck holding a bow.
"Let down your sails!" The captain called out.
"What are we going to do? Fight them?" Ayra asked one of the sailors.
"Heavens, no! That woman is the infamous Brigid! Everyone who dare challenges her gets an arrow to the heart! It's better to just pay their fee. They'll let us go free if we do."
The pirates let down their sails and stopped moving, then sent out a rowboat.
Once rowboat reached the side of the boat, Brigid called out, "Ahoy, Selen!"
"Ahoy, this is the captain of the Selen!"
"What are you carrying?"
"Some silver trinkets and strong ale!"
"How much is it all worth?"
"Three thousand gold, give or take a few!"
"And how many passengers do you have aboard?"
"Forty-eight!"
"Then the fee is ninety-five gold!"
"Yes Ma'am!"
The captain counted the coins, put them in a leather pouch, and lowered it into the rowboat with a rope.
Brigid took the pouch and recounted the money.
"Ninety-five gold exactly! There shouldn't be any other ships in these waters, but we'll follow you to Madino just in case!"
"Thank you kindly, Brigid!"
"What would happen if the captain lied about what's on this ship?" Ayra asked the sailor.
"He would never! The pirates have friends at the dock, and they check everything that comes through. If he lied, they'd just get their payback on the way home."
"Wow, they would really do that?"
'There are all sorts of things happening in this world.' Ayra thought.
-
Just as Brigid promised, one of the ships followed them to Madino, never once trying to capture or leave them.
The Dominion of Augustria was a country rich in both resources and culture. It shocked Shanan, who had just traveled the barren lands of Silesse. In Augustria, there were multiple large cities, each filled with elaborate buildings. Huge populations of people lived within them, and the shops were lined with things he had never seen before.
Outside of the cities, farmland stretched on for miles, and well-flattened livestock could eat as much grass as they pleased.
In every city that they stopped to rest in, they asked around for information about what was happening in Isaach, but were unable to learn much. To the people of Augustria, Isaach was a far off land, and they didn't care about what happened there.
Ayra and Shanan were angered by it, but they knew that there was nothing they could do.
-
Two weeks later, they reached Verdane.
As they crossed the river that served as the border, the landscape changed completely.
The moment they saw Verdane on the horizon, they understood why it was called the country of forests and lakes.
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sebastiansmythejoie · 5 years
Text
Singing and Mysteries
Who: Sebastian Smythe and Topher Hummel Where: Vice Provosts' Garden When: August 23rd, Afternoon
Christopher
Topher normally didn't hang out in the Vice Provosts' garden, but it was a lovely day out and that apparently put him in the mood to switch things up. He'd settled down on a bench with his cane set at his side while his guitar case rested on the ground in front of him. It took a few moments of experimental tuning before he got it back to normal. Then it was another short period of silence before a song finally popped into his head.
"You have my heart and we'll never be worlds apart," Topher started off with a quiet voice, barely audible while he recalled the lyrics. "Maybe in magazines, but you'll still be my star. Baby, 'cause in the dark you can't see shiny cars." He continued to sing and strum along while his volume slowly increased along with his confidence. He enjoyed moments like these where he got to turn his mind off for a moment in order to just enjoy some music.
Sebastian
Sebastian had just finished another long Lacrosse practice. It was clear the team was exhausted but Bas was so determined to win this final game he would do almost anything, and that was how he found himself walking through the Vice Provosts' Garden. Sebastian wouldn't usually be see dead eating in the School cafeteria but tonight he was far to tired to think about cooking back at his apartment so here he was taking a shortcut through the gardens to the cafeteria building. Sebastian was thinking about anything that could give them an edge in the game coming up when he heard someone singing a familiar song accompanied by the sound of a guitar.
Bas looked around the garden and his eyes caught the sight of one of his recent finds; Topher Hummel. Bas grinned and changed direction towards the boy on the bench. Sebastian leaned against the wall behind the bench Topher was sat on, letting his eyes close and the music wash over him, it was a secluded spot that allowed him a moment to get out of his own head which wasn't something Bas afforded himself very often these days after losing his artistic outlets.
Bas leaned over Topher's shoulder when his song was finished, "Hey there handsome" Sebastian greeted with his most charming smile and silky voice.
Christopher
Sebastian's voice almost made Topher jump a mile high yet he only gave a small smile as he glanced up. "Hey stranger," he greeted with an easygoing smile despite the light pink blush that painted itself on his cheeks while he moved in order to place the guitar in its' case. Next, the Creative Writing major shifted on the bench in order to give Sebastian room to sit. His text conversation with Kurt flashed like a warning the back of his mind yet he turned it off for the time being. Topher would always treat people with kindness unless they gave him a reason not to which hadn't happened so far in his opinion. "Somebody should put a bell on you, you know? So you don't go startling people with heavy musical instruments."(edited)
Sebastian
Sebastian let out a short burst of laughter, he hadn't exactly been trying to scare Topher, but hadn't exactly been trying to advertise his presence either. He couldn't hid the grin on his face seeing the splash of color rise in Topher's cheeks, it was nice to still be able to make men blush like that, especially handsome men. College guys were a lot harder to make blush than boys in high school who were often visiting a gay bar for the first time and had certainly never experienced someone like Sebastian hitting on them. His conquests had been like a game to him but now he was starting to feel like he was losing Kat, his only real family, to Hunter, his only really close friend, he was spending more time with new people just to feel less alone.
Bas watched Topher lay down his guitar and hoped over the back of the bench to sit down. He wasn't afraid to show off his athletic body. "It wouldn't be any fun if you knew I was coming, I like it to be a surprise." Sebastian winked, that part of him definitely hadn't, and probably wouldn't, ever change. "Not to worry I wouldn't let a beautiful object like that be broken," Bas responded eyeing the guitar. Piano had always been his forte but he could definitely still remember a few things about guitar playing. He did miss his music.
Christopher
"What a gem," Topher responded as he gave a charming smile of his own once his cheeks had gone back to their normal color. It was amazing how easily he blushed nowadays, whenever a guy so much as smiled at him in a friendly way. "But I can understand wanting to surprise people at the very least. That's something I love to do for my family and friends. Sweep them off their feet with a cool thing or two."
He then added, "But you probably don't want to hear me waxing poetic about that." Topher leaned over for a moment in order to close up the case then moved it closer to him for easier access in case he stood up in the near future. "What brings you swinging by this little pocket of campus if you don't mind me asking? Kinda looks like you just left a practice session. You on one of the teams?"
Sebastian
"I am not just a gem, I'm a fucking delight," Seb laughed, feeling more comfortable. Bas had been slightly on edge since his encounter with Jaxon a few days ago, he had not realized how someone could take his advances so innocently and now he was being more cautious with his words and actions, he didn't want to feel that guilt ever again. Never did Bas want to become one of those people who did anything to a person they didn't want to do. "Oh so you're a Prince Charming then, ready to save a girl from her dragon guarded tower and sweep her off her feet?" He retorted, enjoying playfully chatting with Topher.
"Oh I can enjoy poetry as much as the next man," Bas shot back, finally taking his eyes from the guitar and bringing his thoughts back from his current problems to the younger man beside him, letting himself enjoy some new company. "Yeah we just finished practice. I'm Lacross Captain, Co-Captain I mean to say or 'Tana will have my balls." He chuckled, brushing his freshly washed  hair from his face. and letting the strap of his gear bag fall to the ground at his feet. "I believe I was trying to sign you up for world languages club when we met, shame you didn't see me the day I was doing the demonstration for fencing, I'm actually a coach for the team and my pants are so tight it wouldn't have taken this long for us to run into each other again." Seb winked. "How's Freshman life treating you? All the freedom and alcohol you ever dreamed?"
Christopher
That got a hearty chuckle out of Topher as he listened then gave a nod. "Or anybody who needs rescuing from a dragon guarded tower really. It's 2019, I could save a fellow prince without intensive questioning," he remarked. Funny how they were talking about dragon guarded towers when he felt like his mind and heart could serve as literal examples. But that got brushed off as he turned his attention back to listening.
He managed a playful eye roll which was soon followed by a low whistle. "Damn, but hey, if she's just as fierce on the field then imagine the team is rolling in the wins. Then yeah, sounds about right for our first face to face meeting." He lightly scrubbed his hand over his face in order to hide the returning blush until it faded just as quickly. "As for freshman life, definitely got the freedom and alcohol if so desired. You don't want to see me after four or five beers though. That's when the terrible pick up lines start getting tossed out. How're things with you?"
Sebastian
"Luckily for me they don't often lock up the princes' so that makes my life easier." Bas smiled, the conversation with Topher was easy, Bas was sad he hadn't run into Topher again before now, maybe this was his chance to have a friend not just a hookup.  "I'm not exactly locked up but I could be if that's what you were into," Bas winked and laughed, he couldn't stop his mind from wanting Topher as a hook up, even if he was wondering about the possibility of friendship. Bas had never actively sought out a friend before and he wondered if he was losing his mind; or if 'Tana really had already taken his balls.
"Save the whistle for my Fencing gear, I've got 'Tana under control. We've had a strong season but we need to win this last game. We are having a school spirit week for the lead up to the final so I hope you'll /come/ join us at some of the events." Bas responded, chuckling as Topher clearly tried to hide the returning blush. "Nothing like getting out on your own for the first time is there?" Bas nodded, he remembered heading to college for the first time and the blessing that it was to finally be making his own path, until now when he was back under his father's rule. "Oh I definitely want to see you after 4 or 5 beers, when's that happening?" He retorted with a smirk and mischievous look in his eyes.
Christopher
"Yeah, that is a pretty rare occurrence," Topher agreed then playfully rolled his eyes yet again. The conversation was definitely coming very easily and everything just seemed to fall into place, like it did with all of his loved ones. But there was definitely something gnawing at the back of his mind that he couldn't shake. All the same, he definitely would never turn down the chance for a friendship and hoped that this would help increase the amount of contact they had. He soon fired back, "That's not in my wheelhouse. Sweeping people off their feet and treating them right, whether it's platonic or romantic, then you've got the right guy."
He considered the idea of turning up to some of the spirit week events while he tried to take his mind off the other flirtatious comment. "Might be able to make some time for that. Then there something that is both amazing yet incredibly daunting about being on our own for the first time. Freedom has plenty of pros and cons to it," he rattled off then made a show of pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sometime around never. Trust me when I say that it's a disaster waiting to happen and for multiple reasons, especially now." He made a vague gesture to the cane on the other side of the bench then his right leg.
Sebastian
"Who needs a fairytale and all that love crap anyway, the real world is much more interesting anyway. Those stories are all so predictable, what would be the point in knowing exactly what's going to happen." Bas responded, just letting his thoughts roll out. He didn't care about finding love and all of the nonsense like everyone else seemed to, it only ended in ruin anyway in his experience, his parents weren't divorced but they didn't seem to love or care for him the way books and movies said kids should be loved so he was certain their marriage was a failure too. "Well if I ever find myself locked up I know who to call." Bas laughed, trying to forget all that sappy stuff.
"It will be fun, which of course you know because I will be there, and some inside knowledge for you, I'm planning an 'impromptu' winners celebration at the fraternity house on Friday, I know we are going to win so why not make sure it will be the best party?" He responded with a laugh. Sebastian had always believed he could make things happen through sheer will-power but it wasn't just will-power, it was working the team hard so nothing could ruin this for him. "Freedom is the greatest thing, you can be yourself and screw anyone who says you should hide it!" Bas retorted firmly. He had grown as a person and realized life was too short to be anything but your honest self. "Oh I'm sure it will be fun, especially if you get yourself a prince for the night to help you out." Seb laughed. "Not going to be an ass and ask what happened but you can tell me if you want," Bas shrugged, not being the best at dealing with feelings and emotions he would usually just avoid caring but after talking with Jaxon last week he was a little more confident.
Christopher
Topher nodded in agreement yet he also remarked, "Some people find comfort in things being predictable. But if you ever need bailing out of jail or some similar situation then just hit me up." He took a moment to pull his phone out then opened a new note in order to write down his phone number. He shifted the device so Sebastian could see it as he added, "Goodness knows we could all use a few more people in our corner for whatever reason."
"Well, I may have to swing by just for a little bit. I'm heading home for the holiday weekend though so I wouldn't be able to partake in celebratory drinking with everybody," Topher answered then couldn't help a bright smile when he noticed Sebastian's tone of voice. "Couldn't agree more on that. We all wear different masks and play different parts in other people's lives. Once we break away from that though and start living our truth, it's an incredible thing." It suddenly dawned on him that he hadn't exactly been the most subtle about the fact he might not be straight, but on the other hand, he couldn't bring himself to care. "Prince, princess, nonbinary royalty. Whoever is willing to keep an eye on my dumb ass for a night and prove their trustworthiness. Then as for the story, got it boiled down to a science. It was my senior year of high school, friend and I had gone to a party during winter break and were tired as hell coming home. Turns out there was another driver who was practically falling asleep behind the wheel. Rammed right into us, but the passenger side mostly which is where I was."
Sebastian
"What's the point of predictable though? Why even bother living, if I knew exactly how my life was going to end I'd just give up now." Sebastian retorted. He was more passionate about this than anyone ought to bother being but he had already been forced to change his path in life to fit his parents wishes and the idea of ending up like them made him angry to the point of tears, but he wasn't going to cry, especially not in front of a near stranger. "Is that what they say about me then? Sebastian Smythe, destined for jail. Sure I'd make a hot jail bird but I have my sights set just slightly higher." Bas laughed, though his eyes betrayed him, so many people, especially teachers, thought his attitude meant he had no work ethic and no aspirations but he surprised them all.
"Well now you've got me heartbroken Topher, I was looking forward to saving you a dance." Sebastian winked, he sure was looking forward to having some fun with the younger man sometime soon. "Yes it is, you won't ever see me hiding in a closet despite what some assholes want to say to me, and woe betide anyone who tries to mess with someone coming out around me." Bas nodded firmly. He never usually talked about his thoughts or feelings on these kinds of subjects but he felt like Topher was someone who could easily listen and not go running to tell everyone he knew.
Sebastian sat silently dumbfounded, it sounded like a horrible experience and this was definitely something he had no idea how to respond to. "But look at you now up and running," he chuckled, trying to gloss over the moment. Redirection was his usual tactic.
Christopher
Topher gave a small shrug before he responded, "Some people just like to chill out in their comfort zones and all the more power to them. But I'm personally right there with you on that note. Then I don't pay much attention to the gossip grape vine when it comes to other people. I like to base my opinion on personal experience." He lightly shook his head in mock exasperation before he added with a light chuckle, "Let me see if I can get back up to speed first then we can talk about saving each other dances. Not sound like I'm bragging, but I used to be able to tear up the dance floor in the best possible way."
He managed another chuckle before he nodded and stated, "My physical therapist told me to think of every step as a milestone. Wise words although it takes a bit longer than it used to in order to clock a mile. Totally worth it though because I got lucky and just got a slap on the wrist from lady fate. Get to keep trucking on through life, making memories, friends, whatever sappy spin somebody might want to put on it." He debated saying something else on the matter or related to a different one then instead questioned, "Do you maybe want to hang out sometime soon? Once the holiday weekend is over and all that?"
Sebastian
"Yeah I suppose they can do whatever they want...judge not lest ye be judged or something " Bas replied shaking his head and rolling his eyes. "I'm just glad to meet someone who is not as dull as everyone else the way they all follow the crowd. I know plenty of people here have opinions on me, your last name is Hummel, isn't it?" Bas chuckled, wondering what Kurt would say if he saw Sebastian talking with his brother and hitting on him.
"I'm sure you'll be running circles around the rest of the boring freshman in no time, and brag all you want, I enjoy watching a good show" Bas winked. He reached his arms out along the back of the bench and mindlessly played with the collar of Topher's shirt. Sebastian made a "hm" noise of agreement, he had distracted himself looking at Topher's neck. "Yeah fate, everything happens for a reason, something ridiculous like that.."
Sebastian grabbed Topher's phone and copied the number into his own device, "that sounds good to me,  you probably have to go home to your sappy family this weekend I expect." He responded, trying to think of all the sex he could be enjoying not the fact he didn't have a family that cared enough to ask him to come home.
Christopher
"Do unto others as you would have done unto you," Topher recited the golden rule before he rolled his eyes at his own ridiculousness. "What can I say? I'm a fan of breaking tradition then you're right on the money," he confirmed at the end then added a thumbs up in order to drive the point home. "Thank you very much for the vote of confidence. Imagine you could easily run circles around everybody here and there are so many variations of that very sappy remark, you probably hit the nail on the head with every last one you just rattled off." He definitely noticed Sebastian messing with the collar of his shirt, yet he said nothing on the subject. As long as it didn't go any further then he saw no real reason to make a fuss.
"There's nothing wrong with a little bit of sappiness, regardless of where it comes from. I enjoy some maple syrup on my pancakes from time to time," Topher attempted a joke at the end before he chuckled a hint in minor shame. "Gotta admit that I'm wondering if I'm somehow intoxicated because I rarely ever make dumb jokes like that."
Sebastian
"Oh yeah that." Sebastian smirked, "I just have to believe they were talking about fucking when they came up with that, it makes the most sense." He chuckled. Sebastian maybe more mature now but he could let an easy joke get by him. "I am glad you're breaking family tradition of hating me because that would be very upsetting. Blaine loves me but what can I say, Kurt and I just weren't meant to be." Sebastian rolled his eyes. He knew Kurt would never like him but Bas didn't care. Blaine enjoyed his company and it seemed Topher did too, and if Kurt didn't like that well that was his own problem.
"Yes I can run circles around them all, literally and metaphorically. Once you see me on that Lacrosse field you'll see." Bas smiled, he was honestly proud of his athletic accomplishments and even though he wasn't able to pursue his artistic dreams professionally he still made sure to continue it in private. Sebastian continued playing with the other mans collar and let his fingers occasionally flit across the skin at the nape of the neck.
"Don't have much experience with sap, had to find my own syrup for my pancakes as a kid" Seb laughed, enjoying the moment of shame on Topher's face at his own joke. "Don't be embarrassed, it looks good on you, clearly you don't need alcohol to have a little fun you just have to let yourself enjoy it." Bas responded, "though if you are intoxicated we will chalk it up to you being drunk on my presence," he added with an over exaggerated wink.
Christopher
"Got a case of one track mind, don't you?" Topher fired back with a laugh and gave a minor shrug as the topic changed. "Kurt's a cool guy and I'd probably say that without the bias too, yet you've honestly given me no reason to hate you. Try to base my opinion of someone off personal experience with them rather than other people's opinions. Unless of course the other people have a valid point, but that's a whole other can of worms entirely." He could only imagine the future conversation about this whole situation, yet just as easily brushed it off as future Topher's problem. He just wanted to hang out with a friend, simple as that.
"Then I'll be sure to come check out the game," he answered with a smile of his own then shivered just a hint when Sebastian's fingers grazed his neck yet the brightness never faded from his face. On the one hand, Topher should have been used to it since his exes and friends often did the same thing. On the other though, this felt different somehow and he attributed it to the returning possibility that he was being flirted with then made a note to try turning down whatever vibe he might have been giving off. "Sorry to hear that and thank you very much. Then that should be easy enough since I regularly try to keep searching for silver linings, even when it seems impossible." Topher lightly poked his tongue out at Sebastian when he noticed the wink before he aimed to carefully poke him in the side. "Watch out. You keep that up and you'll suddenly have a line of people begging for your attention."(edited)
Sebastian
"Just sharing the things I care about and nobody wants to hear about law so here we are." Seb laughed, he didn't really enjoy talking about his law classes, not that he didn't care about his major but it was a tough subject because it wasn't exactly his passion and he didn't know Topher well enough yet to talk to him about what he planned to do after graduation.
Bas listened to Topher's thoughts with interest, "I will just keep charming you and you can keep your wonderful opinions of me," he smirked just imagining Kurt's reaction to Seb flirting with his brother never mind just talking to him, but Seb wasn't just trying to get Kurt mad, he really did enjoy Topher's company.
Sebastian noticed the little shiver that ran over Topher at his touch but chose to make no comment, he didn't want to scare off the younger man so he simply continued his movements but pushed no further.
"All in the past," Seb waved off Topher's apologies. "We should make this a game; make Topher find the silver lining in whatever fucked up scenario you can think of," Bas laughed. "Wow now hey hey no violence allowed this is a school campus," Sebastian teased, swatting at Topher's hand as he tried to poke him. "The line is currently forming behind you, can't you see it? It's running all the way through the gardens and out around the main building there," he replied mock trying to point out a line of people in the distance.
Christopher
"Well, whatever you want to talk about, I'm more than happy to lend an ear." It was the truth because Topher truly did enjoy listening to his loved ones talk about their interests. There was something about the passion that made him smile up a storm as he paid attention. "And aren't you a sweetheart? Breaking out the charm for little old me?" He continued to keep his attention locked on the matter at hand although some of the words for his replies died on the tip of his tongue when he noticed that Sebastian's movements hadn't ceased. "You're making my brain short circuit, you know that? Not a bad thing. Just pointing it out."
Topher chuckled then answered, "I'd be more than happy to take up the challenge." He glanced around in the direction Sebastian pointed in and decided to keep the joke rolling just a bit longer. "Yeah, think they're making signs too, like you're a rockstar. Can't wait to see what they come up with as they start getting closer," he added before he turned back around just in time for his phone to buzz with a reminder. "Damn, forgot that I've got a study group coming to meet me in my dorm. Care to walk me back?"
Sebastian
"Even if I want to go back to telling you how fuckable you are?" Bas teased, half wanting to see that blush again and half testing if the other boy really meant what he said because Seb wasn't one to trust and believe easily and sexualization humor was his best redirection method. "Oh count yourself special, I don't bring out the charm for just anyone, only the most handsome princes' get that privilege," Bas laughed, hinting back to their previous conversation about princes' and princesses.   "I would be lying if I said that wasn't at least part of my plan," he smirked, not removing his hand but carrying on with massaging movements and letting his hand run through the hair at the nape of Topher's neck.
"Then I shall start coming up with scenarios as soon as possible." Bas laughed.
Sebastian pretended to fan himself like women in old movies "I'm just so overcome with joy at the turn out of fans today," he joked, imitating the old 'proper' accents from back in the early years of cinema.
"It would be my honor, Sir Topher," Bas replied, keeping up his act. He jumped to his feet and picked up his bag of gear from lacrosse before standing in front of Topher holding a hand out to help him stand with a half bow like a gentleman.
Christopher
As if on cue, Topher's cheeks lit up pink and he gently pinched the bridge of his nose in a joking manner yet again. "But I do mean it. Anything that is on your mind then feel free to tell me about it either in person or over the phone." The sincerity was real in his tone, it easily revealed that he was telling the truth about always being more than happy to listen to a loved one speak. "Making my brain short circuit was part of the plan all along you say? Should've know you were a movie villain all along," he returned the joke.
A minor laughter attack took over before he gave a grateful smile and accepted Sebastian's hand. "Thank you very much Sir Sebastian," he responded in the same old fashioned proper accent before he aimed to grab his cane from the other side of the bench. Once it was back in his hand, he stopped to grab his guitar case. "It's not too far a walk from here, but you can stick around if you want? It'd be just a few pretentious freshmen trading short stories and giving peer reviews, but I'm pretty great at hanging out with friends while studying."
Sebastian
"I will remember that Topher, just keep in mind I do drink most nights so you just signed yourself up to be on my drunk dial list." Sebastian laughed in a strained sort of way, unable to hide the fact he was only half joking. He didn't much like to admit to needing people to talk to, or that he drank more than he probably should but at this point in talking to Topher he knew his secrets were safe.
"Of course it was, how else am I going to get my disney prince into my bed." Seb winked. "Sure I'm the villain of the story, I'm trying to lure you to my evil lair remember." This time his laugh was jenuine, he was having actual fun with Topher.
Sebastian played with Topher's fingers for a moment, brushing his thumb over the soft back of Topher's hand but suddenly dropped it as if he had been given an electric shock. This was not the was Sebastian Smythe acted. Bas returned the playful smirk to his face and gave a small bow "Any time my prince, lead the way to your tower." He responded, giving his assent to hang out with Topher a little longer. "I need to stop at the cafeteria to get something to eat first though." He said as his stomach reminded him of the reason he was cutting through the garden today to begin with.
Christopher
Topher gave a small shrug before he answered, "That's fine by me, but I do feel obligated to at least mention the phrase drink responsibly." Then another minor laughter attack escaped at Sebastian's joke before he straightened up once more in order to get started on the journey. "You're not the villain of my story, that's for sure," he remarked with an easygoing smile as he adjusted to having the weight of his guitar case in his hands again.
But before that, when his hand had been relinquished, some odd type of feeling invaded both his mind as well as his heart. Topher managed to brush it off in time to catch what had been said next. "I will happily lead the way. There are also plenty of unhealthy along with healthy snacks to take your pick from when we get there. But if you'd rather swing by the cafeteria first then that's cool too. Could bring something back for my study group while we're at it, make up for being late."
Sebastian
"I'm very responsible Mr Hummel. I have my gallon of water and motrin ready for the morning and two packs of condoms on the nightstand so don't you worry your little head." Seb smirked, glad to steer away from exposing himself emotionally. "I can be if you want, I'm sure it's more fun that way, I'll be anyone but the lame sidekick." Bas joked, he saw Topher readjusting with his cane and Guitar case and reached over grabbing the bulky case from the young man, not that he didn't think Topher was capable of carrying it but why let him when Seb only had one bag slung over his shoulder so he had two free hands.
"Have you ever played Lacrosse Topher Hummel? I need more than a snack to replenish all the energy I have just exerted running that field. I need food." Seb replied firmly walking determinedly in the direction of the cafeteria. "If you insist we can feed your freshman friends too. I hope they aren't really lame Topher because I'll get board."
Christopher
"Then I have no complaints," Topher replied before he gave a tiny shrug in response. "Sidekicks don't always have to be lame, but that's just me. Either way though, happy to have you along for the ride." One of his eyebrows quirked up when Sebastian started to take his guitar case and he opened his mouth to protest then decided against it as a grateful smile appeared on his face once again. "Thank you very much and in the interest of being honest, I have not played lacrosse. But I did play soccer and was on the swim team in high school, plus I did archery then as well, so can only imagine what a drain that might be."
As he followed after Sebastian toward the cafeteria, Topher reassured, "My friends definitely aren't lame. We're more of a wild, ragtag bunch that just so happened to come together by some chain of events. It's even balance of light and dark humor in the group too, plus the jokes just keep coming a mile a minute. But to each their own with opinions and I'll let you be the judge of your own experience with them."
Sebastian
"Somehow I didn't think you would, I like to have fun but I don't want to die." Seb replied. He was a lot more reckless when he was younger but now he was also focused on his future. "There's a reason they are called sidekicks not partners. I will take evil genius though, I did have a cat so I fit perfectly into the role," Bas laughed. "No problem, maybe one day when you're leg is better I'll teach you, I've never done archery, you must have some great arm and back muscles for that," Seb said thoughtfully looking over the man walking beside him. "Since we are friends now you must have good taste so I'm not too worried" Bas commented with a smirk, there was always the chance he did get some of what he considered the negative Hummel traits but so far Topher seemed rather different to Kurt. "I will judge and let you know what I think, but I did get you laughing so I will take your word when you say they are amusing."  Sebastian walked a head a little eyeing the food ahead of him suddenly feeling like he hadn't eaten all day.
Christopher
"Nothing wrong with having fun, but we're all definitely too young to die," Topher agreed. He chuckled a hint at the mental picture of young Sebastian with a cat and decided to save it for a rainy day. The Creative Writing major gently cleared his throat after a few moments then remarked, "Gotta say that's a pretty funny picture to think about." When the topic got switched back to his leg, he added, "It's actually healed for the most part. The cane was just recommended because my leg is still prone to giving out at random moments. Then I'd be more than happy to teach you archery?" His bright smile turned gentle and he shook his head in a joking manner once he noticed the smirk. "Not sure if I've said this already, but I feel like this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
Sebastian
"Too young and hot I think you meant Topher." Seb chuckled, he wasn't going to let their conversation get too serious, death was a strange subject for Sebastian, he didn't have much experience with it on a personal level but even his tough shell could be broken by many of the heartbreaking stories in the news. "She was a beauty and would have eaten you alive for saying that." Bas stuck out his tongue, his pet was one of the few souls he had loved unconditionally in his life. Bas listened interested as Topher explained a little more about his injury, not something you would find Sebastian Smythe do often was listening. "We should wait on the Lacrosse but learning something new is what I excel at," Bas winked, "I'd be happy to have you as my teacher." he responded in a sultry tone, ever making the inappropriate jokes. "It's something beautiful that's for damn certain." He replied running his eye over Topher's body shamelessly. "Come on Topher, let's get back to your dorm before they start making rumors of where you have been hanging out with that bad Sebastian Smythe."
Christopher
Another laugh escaped from Topher, but this one was just a hint more gentle due to the heavy subject matter. "I honestly have no doubt about that. One of my best friends from back home had a cat and I can't tell you how many times I wished for one. Same thing goes for a dog 'cause both are equally adorable." He gave a nod of approval at the current plans being set up then added, "Just let me know whenever you're free and I'll either tell you to swing by my dorm to hang out for a bit or to swing by the archery range in order to learn a little something new." A faint pink blush tinted his cheeks yet he managed to not the color deepen to tomato red like he might have earlier in the conversation. "The bad Sebastian Smythe? I highly doubt that," he fired back as they continued on their journey.
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k-wax · 5 years
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The Planet of Stopgaps, Slaves, and Other Ashes (Part 1)
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“It’s gone,” Kurt gasped into the bony shoulder lending him support.
The name was new and with it came a christening of pain. It was the eve of Lifeday, and it was raining in the empty 3 AM city.
“I’m sorry,” the effeminate murmur said, its words a small inkling of its owners frantic comprehension of the Pureblood’s pain. 
“My people are dying, Elly. They’re dying and the-- the Empire doesn’t ca--”
“Shhh--” Kurt was hugged closer, his mouth choked on the fabric of the thin tunic.
“Dayn’t sey that,” came the low whisper against the shell of his ear. 
Kurt nodded, he nodded and swallowed his tears.
The Ziost orbital station was serene, but not because it was uninhabited. The Imperials that lived in the darkness were quiet, watchful behind eyes, Wax couldn’t make out except for the whites. Two guards lined the doorway but made no motion as the Captain stepped through. The doors of the airlock open behind him. Wax watched the lights flicker as his heavy treads sunk into the hard floor. Grit crunched underfoot. A panel bulb was knocked askew by some long unfinished repair that had stopped half way.
Wax ground his heel into the floor, so that it crunched. The motion unsettled some of the finer particles. They sparkled in the light in a way that pricked pins into his lit eyes. Ground glass. Peculiar. The small turbulence settled onto a long dead mouse droid. Out of his periphery Wax had assumed it was another pile of ash.
The Lord’s heavy footfalls matched his. He stood aside deferentially as she stopped just in front of him, her head raised and her bearings smart though none of the poise hid the powerful way she threw her husk behind her movements rather than controlling it. The gold threadings in her straight plait gleamed in the starlight. She stood only at the Massassi’s shoulder yet rivaled him in thickness.
“Is this it?” she asked in her deep tone that held a natural command.
Wax, had he been a lesser man, would’ve been compelled to answer, but he wasn’t. His cool gazed rested on her wide back. “Yes, Lord Morkhala,” he said evenly.
She inhaled with purpose and the otherwise soft mouth pressed into a grimmer line.
“This station isn’t strategic and only exists to establish credential clearance. Its capability is reduced to the essentials.”
It was a kinder way of calling Ziost dead with so many words. They didn’t stop in the throat the way that dead did. Wax had spent years pretending that Ziost had never existed. Lest words of mourning attract the cold gray suits of Imperial Intelligence. But, though he’d only reacquainted himself with its existence a day prior, that he would see it, didn’t hit him until now. It floated out the window just out of peripheral sight.
Lord Morkhala didn’t say anything. She continued onward toward a small transport half-swallowed in shadow. The metal clap of her armored boots stirred up clouds of dust along the way. Wax followed in her wake. When he met the eyes of his fellow Imperials in white, he was reminded of the rifle on his back. He quickened his stride.
Wax barely noticed the Darth until they were upon him. He was a jagged black outline against the shuttle. It was only the slight gleam of metal that gave him away. Wax placed a foot down in a heavy iteration of a bow to indicate to the Lord that she was nearly upon him. She stopped precisely on Wax’s marking. Just a few steps away from the man in the raised helm. Blue lekku fell from the lifted horns at the back.
Wax bowed at the waist. His straight bridged nose parallel to the floor without shifting a gelled lock of his hair. “Darth Voorzijn, I am Captain Wax.” He resurfaced and planted one foot down to straighten into a parade rest. “We are the contacts sent by Darth Prognatus.”
Lord Morkhala dipped into a bow beside the officer. The motion lacked the discipline of Wax but rather exuded a hard grace held rigid in every feature that would’ve formed her face soft and motherly but wrote it in militant strictures instead. She was Sith in a way that Wax had never expected.
“Hail, Darth. I am Lord Morkhala.” The Darth spoke in sentences as measured as the shadows deepening the green of her skin. “I hope to lend my expertise on this matter.”
Wax looked to the alien Darth. His face was hidden by metal. A stripe of red dipped down it. “We represent the Shadowfall Division,” was his quiet addendum.
He hummed. An exhale strained through holes in his peaked helm. His mask was unmoving, but Wax could feel the strangely colored eyes absorbing them beneath as they roamed over their visages. A Pureblood in uniform. A Mirialan Lord. The new galaxy order.
“We certainly need it. A pity I cannot be on world with you, but my schedule does not allow for it.”
Wax’s cheeks dimpled ever so slightly as he stared into the sightless face.
“Allow me to inform you of the reality you’re dealing with,” it said. Behind him, the black char of the planet rotated to face him, and Wax looked into Ziost for the first time since it’d died.
The corpse reflected in his eyes would not only eclipse his irises, but it would blot moments of his life where he felt safe, warm, comforted with a body by his side. Or his little girl being swung in his arms. The planet that wasn’t would haunt him until the day he died.
The station shuddered, and he blinked with the flickering lights. Though it was still there, somehow it was easier to pretend not to see it. The airlock doors whirred and hissed as it rapidly depressurized the small contained vessel to the stagnant station air. Wax remained faced forward as the Darth gave pause.
A trooper in full helm and standard issue rain poncho stepped off with a goggled man in a ratty hood. Both features were an expression of quirk, peculiarity of those accustomed to disparity and sifting though garbage, but for one such sifter to gain clearance to a planet that no longer existed in the minds of people that had watched the Empire destroy it? They hid identifying features. If he took them off, he’d disappear into a crowd.
Wax turned his bright yellow eyes back to the alien and straightened his back as he began to speak again.
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quizasvivamos · 2 years
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About-Face: Chapter 41/42
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About-Face (171194 words)
by quizasvivamos
Chapters: 41/42
Fandom: Glee
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel
Characters: Blaine Anderson, Kurt Hummel, Pam Anderson, Cooper Anderson, Blaine Anderson's Father, Burt Hummel, Carole Hudson-Hummel, Bryan Ryan, Shelby Corcoran, Tina Cohen-Chang, Mercedes Jones, Rachel Berry, Sam Evans, Finn Hudson, Brittany S. Pierce, Santana Lopez, Quinn Fabray, Will Schuester, Emma Pillsbury, Sheldon Beiste, Sue Sylvester, Jesse St. James, Becky Jackson, Mike Chang, Noah Puckerman, Hiram Berry, Leroy Berry, David Karofsky, Artie Abrams, Sugar Motta, April Rhodes
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - High School, Angst, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Closeted Character, Slow Burn, Insecurity, Jealousy, Mutual Pining, Alternate Universe - Marching Band, Marching Band, Drum Major Blaine Anderson, Color Guard Captain Kurt Hummel, Nerd Blaine Anderson, Dancer Kurt Hummel, Musician Blaine Anderson, Mental Health Issues, Coming of Age, First Time, Hand Jobs, Minor Violence, Minor Injuries, Underage Drinking, Consensual Underage Sex
Summary: At the start of the Marching Band season his sophomore year, Blaine is the youngest Drum Major in McKinley High history. However, none of his peers believe he deserves the title, especially a handful of embittered upperclassmen, including one particularly stubborn Color Guard Captain, who challenges him in more ways than one.
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klaineccfanficlibrary · 10 months
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Stories We’ve Read & Enjoyed in the Past Three Years (2020 - 2023)
We had a recent request for stories that were not dark, and no character death. They wanted stories that would make for fun conversations - we’re not quite sure what that means exactly, since any story can spark a fun convo so we hope you all find something enjoyable to read. We’ve included 30 various stories - if you enjoy an author’s writing, definitely check out their other works! And it goes without saying, please leave kudos or a sweet comment. 
Thank you and happy reading!
Lynne, @hkvoyage @1908jmd and @lilyvandersteen
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I Don’t Date Cheerios by @teddyshoney
Blaine, leader of the McKinley High bad boys is forced to join a club, and he winds up singing in front of the Glee Club. Who else would be in the audience besides Cheerio Kurt? Kurt's never been a fan of Blaine, but that's all about to change...
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99 perspectives on a single love story by @spaceorphansficrecs
The Story of Kurt and Blaine told through the eyes of everyone else but them. Each chapter is a different perspective in the ongoing tale of their love story.
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Nashville by @hkvoyage
Kurt lands the lead role in a new musical, but it flops during the previews. However, his performance captivates Nashville’s newest country music sensation. They share an instant connection and it grows deeper as they get to know each other. Will Kurt be able to save the musical and keep the man of his dreams?
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Christmas in Cabinland by @honeysucklepink
Sam enters Kurt and Blaine in a contest for a “unique Airbnb experience,” which turns out to be a rustic week in 15 acres of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. Far away from civilization, and with little interruption from their eccentric hosts, it’s a Christmas they won’t soon forget.
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Barking up the wrong bakery by @forabeatofadrum
Kurt is the biggest dog party planner in Los Angeles. When his usual dog bakery cancels on Kurt, he’s in the dire need of a last minute replacement. Luckily, he comes across the Dalton Doggy dog bakery, which is run by Blaine and Cooper Anderson. Cooper’s a mess, but Blaine manages to charm Kurt. Will Kurt be able to keep it professional?
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About-face by quizasvivamos
At the start of the Marching Band season his sophomore year, Blaine is the youngest Drum Major in McKinley High history. However, none of his peers believe he deserves the title, especially a handful of embittered upperclassmen, including one particularly stubborn Color Guard Captain, who challenges him in more ways than one.
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Everybody’s naked and there’s a country to run by @coffeegleek
A take on the "prince/king!Blaine and prince/king!Kurt are getting married and have to do it while naked in front of their loyal subjects" trope. It’s pure crack taken seriously. I’m blaming the heat. The fic started as this wisp of an idea and a single funny Kurt line. It was supposed to all be fast paced and instead sometimes dissolves into a bit of world building, exposition, and Kurt feelings. I do try my best and hope that at least some of the jokes and humor land. It also developed a full blown plot that has a beginning and an end.
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Braid of Gold by @jayhawk-writes
Kurt and Blaine ask Caphriel to make the decision about where they go next. He chooses a lifetime where Kurt and Blaine will have to navigate a situation they've not yet been in. They'll have to work through loss and betrayal and ultimately, their bond will be stronger as a family because of it.
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Home away from home by @lilyvandersteen
Cooper buys a hotel sight unseen and asks Blaine to run it for him over the summer. Only, the hotel is a health and safety hazard and Inspectors Hummel and Abrams are hell-bent on closing it down. Can Blaine spruce the hotel up in time and save Cooper's investment?
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These inconvenient fireworks by @redheadgleek
After an unexpected Tony award, Kurt Hummel is Broadway's hottest up and coming star, which comes with expectations and some admirers that won't take a hint. When his best friend Elliott Gilbert suggests that they pretend to date to get the leeches to back off, Kurt takes him up on the idea. It's all working out great - until Kurt starts to fall hard for the dark-haired music director of his latest musical.
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Reprise by orphan-account  [PDF]
During Kurt's senior year at NYADA, a life-changing event causes him to take a leave of absence and what was supposed to be a short stay turns into years. His life certainly isn't what he expected, but he's not exactly unhappy. His name is not lit up in lights on Broadway, but he's involved in community theater and LGBTQ groups in Columbus and has friends who love him and casual lovers. But turning 35 has made him restless and he's longing for the life he had before. Burt talks him into taking some classes at Ohio State University to finish his degree and start focusing on himself again. What Kurt finds on the OSU campus is much more than he bargained for.
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Turn Into a Pose by @little-escapist  
Singer-songwriter Blaine Anderson wants to come out of the closet. When his publicist sets him up with movie-star Kurt Hummel, he’s ready for anything, but the last thing that Kurt wants is a relationship with anyone, let alone Blaine. He hates his publicist for setting him up, hates the idea of lying to the world, and hates letting the world invade his personal life. But maybe Blaine Anderson is exactly what Kurt Hummel needs.
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Spinning out by @rockitmans
Blaine is smitten with his college roommate literally upon arrival and decides that he's an excellent candidate for losing his virginity with. After all, what's better for Roomie Bonding than penetration between friends?
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Solid Gold by @heartsmadeofbooks
Ten years after breaking his engagement to Blaine, Kurt's life isn't the fairy tale he once hoped for. Forced to leave New York, he goes looking for a second chance, not expecting to find it in the town he always wanted to run away from, or with the man whose heart he shattered.
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Lost Boy by  my own patronus
In September 1999, Pam and James Anderson's world was shattered when their youngest son, Blaine, was abducted from a local park. 12 years later, after pain, healing, and tireless searching, the family is reunited. But the boy who comes home to them isn't the same one they lost so long ago. The Anderson family must learn to change and grow as a lost boy is found once more.
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To Serenade an Angel by @teddyshoney
After the death of his father, Kurt receives a letter from a prestigious musical college, inviting him to attend. He decides to attend, and shortly after his arrival, he hears a strange voice beckoning him down a forbidden hallway. Kurt begins a relationship with the voice, unsure why he finds him so intriguing and why his heart beats more rapidly each time he thinks about the voice. Who does the voice belong to? And what does it want with him?
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Since Sense Sensory by @gleefulpoppet
One rainy night, nestled at a patio table of a small café, Kurt broke off his engagement with Blaine in a moment of heated frustration that had been building for weeks. That was 12 years ago, and they haven’t seen each other since. Suddenly, they may find themselves reunited in a place they never expected. If you had a second chance with your first love, would you take it?
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The Ghost Kitchen by @hkvoyage
At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kurt lived in Lima with his father. Two years later, he returned to New York City. As he needed money to pay for rent and food, he got a job in a booming industry: food delivery. His first delivery order was a pick-up from Warbler Food Enterprises. Little did he know he would meet a cute chef there that would turn his world upside down.
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Where Dreams Are Born by @kurtswish
Kurt Hummel always dreamed of New York, but reality doesn’t quite live up to his expectations. One impulsive decision could change it all.
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Love, Blaine by @gleefuldarrencrissfan
Blaine Anderson is a typical teenager. Except he’s not because he’s hiding a huge secret. He’s gay. But after reading a confession on the informal Dalton blog, he discovers that he’s not the only closeted boy at Dalton. After a moment of courage, he emails him and ultimately starts up a friendship that will change life as he knows it. Loosely based on Love, Simon.
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Teach Me Control by @scatter-the-stars
Kurt is in a established Dom/sub relationship with his high school English teacher, Blaine. And Blaine decides to surprise him on his nineteenth birthday with something he never expected.
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looking for something that'll (never) come by @klaineanummel
Blaine Anderson-Chang knows that his crush on his brother’s best friend, straight football star Kurt Hummel, is foolhardy. But every now and then Kurt gives him a look and Blaine can’t help but wonder.
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Domus Civita by JayhawkWrites
While on vacation to a city he’s never been to, Kurt Hummel finds himself in a place that he recognized from his dreams. The person he always sees in those dreams is there, too, and they spot him and ask, “Is it really you?”
Note: Part of the In Every Lifetime series
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Bicycle Patrol Unit by @caramelcoffeeaddict
When NYPD bicycle cop, Blaine Anderson, begins to fall for Kurt Hummel - the gorgeous man that he first notices while Kurt is jogging through the park during Blaine’s patrol there - it causes a rift between him and his patrol partner, Sebastian Smythe
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Never Saying Goodbye To You by @lilyvandersteen
Inspired by a beautiful drawing by @thisdoesnotsuck, this is a story where Kurt travels through time to the 1920s and falls in love with his great-grandfather’s secret beau. Featuring a family curse, doppelgängers, angst and confusion.
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When Are You Gonna Sing For Me by  TheNameIsBritney
Kurt is one of the three members of wildly successful pop punk band One Three Hill. He is also forgetful as all get out and accidentally leaves his phone somewhere where a certain music teacher just happens to find it.
OR
The pop star!Kurt/middle school music teacher!Blaine au that lives rent free in my brain
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My Reader by Cleverboots (Amberlovesocean)
Kurt is looking for an after-school job. He finds an ad on the school bulletin board for a job reading aloud for someone. It pays well and seems easy, so Kurt applies. He gets the job and goes to the mansion to read for a boy that was severely injured in an accident. Of course you know the boy's name is Blaine Anderson. After a rocky start, they become friends and an amazing opportunity opens up for Kurt.
~~~~~
The Elf On The Shelf by kellyb321
The owner at Verve Design has decided the holidays at the office have been way too boring in the past. He's decided to kick it up a notch with a Christmas party, Secret Santas and...and adorable Elf on the Shelf for the office. Kurt might be a little smitten.
~~~~~
Outlined on My Finger, Printed in My Heart by @jayhawk-writes
Blaine and Kurt spent a while picking their next adventure. When they finally decided, Caphriel was elated. This was an adventure he had been waiting for them to choose.
~~~~~
Guard My Heart by @scatter-the-stars
The kiss isn't meant to change his life. But for Kurt, that's what happens when he kisses basketball star Blaine Anderson. Not wanting to concern himself with the guy, he focuses on going back to his normal life and saving a place he loves. When Blaine starts to show up in his life, he tries to ignore the feelings he stirs up in him. That's easier said than done, and Kurt soon finds himself falling for someone unexpected.
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kurtus-blukins · 2 years
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raised by guards born as royalty
(Chapter 2) royal guard
30 years have passed since the day the infant was found. The man had brought him to his own home but after he was taken by the man’s troop since he had gotten too old to care for the child. They named the child after their fallen captain, kurt was his name. The lad didn't really have much of a childhood living with the troop, as soon as he could hold a wooden sword, he was given a real one and sent to training at the age of 5. He became a real full guard at the age of 13 he became an official guard. He then became the commander when he was 19,after he stayed as that for many years, then at age 24 he became a full on captain. His troop was named the falcanes. Kurt had short hair that was a dark brown with bits of gray, his eyes were two different colors, his right was brown and the left was an ice blue . He had many scars on his face from war and many battles, one was over his right eye, he had one on the right side of his lip and another going over his nose. And that wasn't even half of his scars. When he was only 7 he got into multiple fights, and being bullied for the strange birthmark he had on his left eye, it looked as if someone threw mud at his face and the splat from it never came off. Though it really made his blue eye stand out a lot. Many thought he was a monster from it, people would say that's the mark of a beast. Kurt was never shown much love or attention nor affection in his life, he was taught to be a killer, a warrior..nothing more. He knew what he had to protect and what to kill by orders. Kurt always felt as if he was a slave or just another caged animal being forced to work just to live until today. Kurt was riding on a black horse to prepare for his new life and job. The year was 1733. He was sent to be a personal royal guard for a certain someone who was very important, he didn't really care to know who the being would be, he just knew to get it done and over with not caring how long it took either. He pulled on the horse a bit letting it know to stop “so..this is the place…” he said pulling out a map “lame d'argent….that's an odd name for a city” he said putting the map away “HIYA!” he said and the horse started to gallup to it. He slowed down as he got into the city. He looked around as the horse slowly walked. The city was very beautiful unlike the small town he lived in. The sky was blue instead of gray, the grass was green, not a pale orange. The people here seemed more cheerful and kind,unlike the ones where Kurt came from. Kurt's town was more like a dying place, everyone stole from each other,nearly killed each other, the town would be a ghost town if the falcons troops were not there to keep it at peace. The town was named voleurs serpent, which means thieves' snake in french. Kurt wasn't used to nice folks. So people being nice to him sorta felt odd. He arrived at the castle and got off his stead. A man in a blue silk robe walked over to him. Kurt bowed “your highness..” he said, getting down on one knee and looking down. “There is no need to bow, you're a royal guard now. You may stand” he stood back up and looked around with his eyes a bit nervous “sorry….im..very new to this, i've never served royalty before...only people that were important but not as much as a king or queen, your majesty” he said rubbing the back of his head. The king laughed “oh no..you will be guarding my daughter, lepída” he said moving aside as a girl was walking towards them. She had short white hair, and skin as pale as snow. She was tall and slender. She wore knights armor like Kurt did but hers was brighter colors and his armor was darker. Her eyes were bright red. She had freckles on her cheeks. And plump light pink lips. “You must be my new guard my father told me about, im lepida, and you are?” She said putting a hand on her hip looking down at him from her height, she was nearly 6 feet while Kurt was only 5’6. “Kurt, it is a pleasure, princess lepida” he said and putting a hand over his chest showing respect in their land while tilting his head down a bit. “Just call me lepida” she smiled. “ The reason
I want you to protect my daughter is because she has a rare condition, she is albino. She cannot see very well like most people, and is also very sensitive to light. And she wants to explore the world and with the money we have, I'm letting her. But I know the world is dangerous and awful, and people will see her as a monster or demon from this..that is also why I want you to help her” the king said as he patted his daughters back. Kurt nodded “i will do whatever i can to assure the beautiful lady doesn't get hurt” lepida smiled at the com
ment “thank you kurt...you're quite handsome yourself” “i meant that more of a friendly way” he huffed crossing his arms and looking away his face all red like a tomato. She giggled “I'll go pack my bags” she said walking off leaving the two men. “I'm happy you're not one of them guards,” the king chuckled. Well, that's because...I don't know how to love someone, I was never shown love as a child and never been in a relationship. I never had time for it, was always too busy training or training others...or at war” he said as he sighed “anyway..i'll be waiting here for her m'lord” the king nodded and went back inside.
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endoftheroad1983 · 6 years
Text
Who do you work for?
Who do you work for?
Steve Rogers x Reader
Friday Evening
The room was packed tight with everyone in it. And even though the energies of the people was soothing, you couldn't shake the trembling of your nerves. Kurt had notice and came to stand by your side. He smiles an encouraging smile as to tell you, “Say the word and we will bamf right out of here.” You nodded a silent thanks.  You turn yourself forward and waiting for the meeting began. Tony was the last one in. He shook his head at the number of people but said nothing. He took his place at the head of the table.
“I had F.R.I.D.A.Y run a scan throughout the base. Everyone has checked out. In the meantime, She will continue running scan multiple times a day.” He places a thick beige folder on the table. “So business as usual. And if anyone that has not been scan enters the building, we will know. “Don't worry, Y/L/N! We will catch the suspect and you will be free to leave.” You cringed at his words. They said you weren't a prisoner but the feeling was stronger than ever.
“What's our next move?” Steve spoke up from your left. You caught a glimpse of him for the corner of your eyes. He was sitting with his team. His hand tightly in a ball and in front of his mouth. He kept his eyes straight ahead.
“Well like I said everyone is to go on as usual except for you and Ms. Y/L/N. I need you guys to stay inside the Base. I don't even want you guys outside until we figure this out.” You stiffened at his words. Not allowed outside, your mind repeated in my head.
“It will be ok, Milady.” Thor patted gently on your back. You froze at the action and from the corner of your eye, you could see Steve cringe. His face darkens and his mouth dropped into a frown.
“Are we still allow in the library?” It was an odd question that escapes your lips. Now you had everyone's eyes on you. You could feel your face redden by the attention.
“By all means, the cafeteria, the library, Hell you came visit me in the labs if you want. Just don't go outside.” Tony was the only one that didn't seem bothered by your question. The real question you wanted to ask only had answer of 'I don't know'. You remained quiet for the remained of the time. As the sour face on Steve grew more and more.
Once the meeting was over, Tony called you, Steve, Thor, and a new agent to stay behind. He excused himself from the room, saying he needed to fetch some files for you to go over. The room was eerily cold and silent. It grinds on your nerves but you still weren't going to be the one that broke first. You took this time to glance around the room to see that Thor was totally relaxed in his chair. His face morphed into a huge smile as your eyes met. He nodded but didn't speak.
“What's is taking him so long?” It was Steve growling voice that kills the quietness in the room.
“Why, you got places to go?” You sneered at him. Where was this anger coming from? You questioned in your head and yet more anger was pushing to break through.
“That's not the point. I just don't want to be in here.” He answers back with a bit of a snap. Now hurt and confusion course through your veins. He didn't want to be in the same room with you? You tried to reason with yourself that you didn't want to be in any room with him but those feelings were gone now and you felt the pain you had before the attack.
“Well, let's hope he doesn't make you wait too long.” You snapped your comment and twisted your body towards Thor.  
Thor and the agent remained silent at our little quarrel. Another hour goes by without a word. Your neck was beginning to hurt and all you wanted to do was to lay down.
“Do you think he's forgotten about us?” The agent spoke up, Her voice was soft and timid as though she was afraid that she would be in trouble for talking.
“I'm afraid not, He's always unpredictable when it comes to his meetings.” Thor smiled an apology towards the agent and greeted you with another huge smile. This time it made you smile as well.
A snort came from Steve as your head snapped towards him from the sound. Your eyes met and for a split second, you wanted to smack that look of disgust off his face. His blue eyes challenged you to say something. And for a moment you want to so badly. But you fought it off and manage to turn your back on him. A concerned look had taking over Thor's face as he stared at Steve. A low chuckle rose up from behind you and you pushed to be the better man. But the anger was beginning to take over and his voice laughing was the final straw.
“What?” You snapped at him as you turn your body to him. You were giving him your full attention. The chuckle turns into laughter as you both knew that he had cracked you. He looks dangerously into your eyes.
“Blondes must be your thing.” He nodded towards Thor and the back of you. You looked back at Thor not catching the meaning. The anger burns more every time he spoke.
“What is that suppose to mean?” You couldn't control the urge to fight with him.
“It means you didn't take you long to move on to another guy!” Steve pushed back his chair as he bluntly explains.
A new emotion of laughter escaped your throat. This time it was Steve that's face was colored with confusion.
“We go on one date and now you think I'm yours? Well, Captain. I'm not.” If Steve was crashing from that comment you wouldn't know. His face when stone cold. He leaned over the table with his palms flat on the polish, wood surface. The room got very quiet again but with a hounding tension lingered. When was the bomb going to go off? Nobody knew.
You prayed that the next thing that happens was Tony walking through the door. But he didn't and it was Steve that spoke again.
“I thought we had something special?” It was barely a whisper. Did he seriously want to have that conversation now? Your heart flared up again.
“I don't know, maybe we did?” You didn't know what to say. And lying wasn't in your personality. And then there it was, the bomb had gone off. Always when you put your guard down.
“You don't know? So what you were stringing me along?” His face snapped up and anger dripped from him.
“No, I just...”I lost the words I was going to say.
“It's probably for the best. If your so quick to move on to another guy then maybe I have dodged a bullet.” The venom struck you full on and now you were up on your feet.
“Wait one moment! You have got it wrong.” Thor came to your defense but only earn a chuckle from Steve.
“Go to hell Steve! You have no idea who or what I am. You of all people should know that.” Now the poison from him was spreading towards you. The strong presence of wanted to hit him was oozing out of you.
Steve picked up on your vibe and moved closer. You stay where you were. You could only see the anger in his eyes.
“How would I know that? You've been avoiding me like the plague.” He growled at you. You couldn't believe your ears.
“Avoiding you like the plague? I've been recovering from an injury.” Steve blew out a heavy sigh as though this was the hundredth time you have brought it up. He put his hands on his hips.
“That wasn't me. I wasn't in control.” He threw at you like it was nothing. The anger exploded again in your voice as you yelled him.
“I know but that hasn't stopped the nightmares that I’ve been having.” You arched your arm back ready to strike out at him when Thor's much larger hand stop your arm from moving anymore.
“You've been having nightmares about me?” That's when you heard the change in his voice. He was broken and all the anger in the room faded away. You look down on the ground and avoided his eyes when he looked at you. You want to find the words to comfort him but deep down you could barely help yourself.
“Wow, that was like a soap drama all in one episode.” The three of you look over to see that Agent was holding a gun to them.
“What are you doing?” Thor question. You knew that answer right away.
“Finishing the job.” She answered as she pointed the gun at Steve. Your heart slammed into your chest.
“Your the one that can inflict emotions.” You blurted out. She smiles but stayed in her position.
“What's the purpose of finishing your job? What will it change if you kill Steve?” You egged on as to stall for time. She laughed at your question and narrow her eyes at you.
“Who said he was the job?” And with a blink of an eye. The gun was pointed at you, another half second and the gun was fired.
So much happened that it took a moment to process what had happened. The agent pulls the trigger on you, Then Steve appeared in front of you to take the shot. He stumbles back into you. But you two didn't collide. Instead, Steve fell right through you and onto the floor. You were never in the room. Thor had a hologram of you made. You turn around as Thor launched on the agent.
Steve laid on his back. His eyes widened as he looks up to you.
“Steve!” You cried out as you kneeled beside him, “F.R.I.D.A.Y! We need a medic in the meeting room.” You called for help before turning your face towards Steve.
“Steve, You have to help me, help you. I cannot touch you.” Steve's eyes flicker to your eyes.
“I need you to stay awake.” You look over his body to see a pool of blood soaking up his white shirt. You found the entrance wound.
“Steve? I need you to put pressure on your wound.” He did as he was told with a lot of grunting in pain.
“Y/F/N? You were never in the room?” Steve asked dreamily. You couldn't ignore the question as him talking kept him awake.
“No, I'm in a room on the east side. Stay with me, help is on the way.”
“I'm sorry, Y/F/N. I didn't mean any of it.”
“Shhh... Save the apologies for later. When we are able to get a cup of coffee.” Steve's face brightens but only for a moment.
“Your safe?” He questioned.
“Yes, I'm safe.”
“You were never in the room?” he asked you again.
“No, I was never in the room. Keep the pressure on the wound. You have to slow the bleeding.” You cringed in pain as Steve cried out.
“Y/F/N, I need to tell you...” You straighten up at his words.
“No, Steve you will tell me later.” You cut him off.
A team rushed in and aid Steve. You move your hologram aside and turn to Thor who was still in the room. You gave the room a look over and ended the program. You now sat in a dark room all by yourself. The mix of heavy emotion took over you and crumpled into tears. You climbed into the bed and let the drowsiness overtake you.
A soft knocking on the door stirs you from your sleep. You bolted up and rushed toward the door. You pulled it open to see Jean standing there. You said nothing as you wrapped your arms around her. You let out your emotions as Jean took on your older sister caring skill.
“Is he alright? He lost a lot of blood.” Jean filled you in. Steve was in recovery. None of his major organs were hit and with his super soldier abilities, he was going to be just fine.
“He's been asking about you.” Jean finished. The news brought tears to your eyes. You didn't know what to do. Did you want to see him? Jean didn't pressure you about Steve. Instead, she went over the rest of the news. The posing Agent turns out to be one of the three mutants that they had the files on. Thor had restrained her until help arrives but she had taken a cyanide pill and ended her life. There was still two more out there. One had hunted down the Professor at home. He recruited a team and went after them. But they still hadn't found them. The other two had been hiding here in the Avenger's base.
“Why are they after me?” You asked as you remember her turning the gun on you.
“We honestly have no idea.”
Jean left the room a few minutes later. She once again mentions that Steve had been asking for her. You were a wreck with emotions for Steve and you didn't know how to deal with them. You mainly wanted to run back to the mansion but Tony would only send his team to retrieve you. You left your room and wander the halls a bit. Everyone was back to work and training as nothing had happened. That brought on a familiar feeling of home. It was the same back there. You get hit, recover, and move on. Some people say it's not much of a life but then again they never realize how much you sacrificed your life for theirs.
Your journey ended by grabbing a sandwich in the cafeteria and had a small chat with Natasha and Clint. They as well mention Steve's request but didn't push the subject. After wondering the halls for another couple of hours, you manage to find the recovery room that held Steve. The door was wide open and you could hear the news being played on the TV in the upper corner of the room. You were two seconds from running away. But you changed your mind when you saw that he was fast asleep. You dare yourself a couple of paces in.
It was strange to see Steve in a blue with black dots hospital gown. His face had found peace in his sleep and you made your way to the side of his bed. You listen to him breathe as you watched his chest up and down. Your heart softens at the site and you could almost feel the scary attack melting away. You never blamed him once for the attack. But like you told him before, that didn't stop the nightmares.
A gust of wind blew in from the window. You had failed to notice that it was open. The wind rushed around you like a puppy who hadn't seen you in days. You greeted for with a smile. Unlike the others, the wind was straight to the point.
He misses you, His heart aches just like yours, He keeps his window open for us to see. You fully understood the last meaning. Steve had been talking to the wind. You smiled you acknowledge to it.
He asks us to keep you safe. The wind hits you in the heart. You continue to nod so that you would not wake Steve from his sleep.
Footsteps grew louder in the hall and you were able to slip out the door and around the corner before being seen. You fought with yourself of why you were hiding. You were being childish but at the same time a small voice spoke up. Maybe you shouldn't. Maybe you should just finish whatever time since you got here and vanish without a trance. Flee from the feelings.
You could hear Bruce greeting Steve in the room. They made small talk as Bruce checked his vital.
“I think by tonight, you can return to your room.” He happily announced to Steve. You peek around the corner only to see the foot of the bed. A shadow was moving about belonging to Bruce.
“That sounds great, Thank you.” A very groggy Steve answered. Bruce quickly retorted by telling him he should sleep the rest of the night before going back to his routine.
“Have you checked on Y/F/N?” Steve struggled to talk.
“No, She wasn't in her room when I stopped by, But I will check on her again.” Dare your heart to flutter at the sound of your name. You pulled back and pushed yourself into the corner.  As quickly as he came, Bruce was out and down the hall in seconds. Your heart thumped so loud you were waiting for Steve to call out. But he didn't and it had to of been ten minutes before you peeled yourself away from the corner you hid behind.
The wind found you in the hall debating whether or not to go back in. What would you say? What would you do? What was to happen between you two? You made it very clear that you were together. But here he was asking about your safety.
Go in and see him, The wind pushed on your back. You started to huff at the command when you heard a heavy sigh leaving Steve's room. You quickly tiptoe and peeked in. Steve had fallen asleep again. This time you didn't hesitate to be at his bedside. You watched for awhile as the colors of the Tv dance over his sleeping form.
You don't know how it happens or when but you awoke in a chair next to Steve's bed. There was movement in the room and you were quick to be on guard, Your eyes met Tony's and you soon relaxed. You stood up and stretched. Steve was still fast asleep. You notice that Tony was looking over Steve's med files. You gave Steve one last look and headed for the door.
“Hey! I what to talk to you!” Tony called, horribly loud, to you. You didn't stop until you were halfway down the hall.
“Tony? What do you want?” Steve was now awake and the drowsiness that had to consume him was gone.
“Not you, Your overnight guest.” You felt your heart sink as Steve questioned him. It turns out that this wasn't the first time Tony and checked up on Steve. Therefore seeing you sleep for however long in the chair next to Steve. You blew out a lungful of air. Do you stay where you are? Or face the music and go back in the room. The wind was by your side and had decided for you. It pushed you the first steps but you quickly took over.  You paused in the door frame as your eyes met Tony's.
“Where were you going so fast?” He asked as he had taken a seat on the window sill.
“The bathroom.” You lower your eyes to the foot of the bed. Steve trying to set up as you spoke. You bounce your leg to make it look like you had to go worse then what you felt.
“Oh! I thought you were running away from Steve.” He chuckled at his own joke. You caught Steve throwing a questionable look.
“No.” You shook your head and prayed that the heat on your face was just that.
“Oh well good. Since your here. I need to ask a favor of you. Could you watch Steve as I get his med and some food.”
“I don't need any....” Steve began to debate but was quickly cut off by Tony
“Shush Capsiscale. You need your rest and meds. He gave Steve a harsh look and was out of the room before you could agree. You were now alone with a very awake Steve and there was no turning back. You made your way to the window that Tony was at.
The nerve tension filled the room as Steve was also at a loss for words. You look over to him for the first time reentering the room. His blonde hair was all disshovel. The gown sleeves were tight around his arms. He held his side as he continue to sat up straighter in bed. He groans in discomfort as he moves.
“You shouldn't move like that. You don't want your stitches to open.” You found yourself by his side once more. He smiles at your concern.
“Are you alright?” He asked not caring about his own pain.
“Yes. I'm not the one that got shot. Remember?” He smiled for a moment.
“So you really weren't in the room?” The deja vu question made you smile.
“I was never in the room.” You agreed but this time you were smiling at him. These questions were better now that he was awake and well.
“That's good.” He let a half smile.
“How was that good? You got shot for no reason. You could have died.” He broke into a chuckle at the last of your words.
“I didn't get shot for no reason. I was protecting you.” He tried to reason with you.
“I didn't need protection.” You moved back toward the window. The morning light was grey with the fog that was over the lawn.
“Yes, I can see that now.”
There were shadows wondering through the fog. You watched them absentminded as you talk with Steve.
“I'm sorry for the way I've been acting.” You blurted out your apologies to him.
“Hey don't be. I'm sorry for the things I said.” You turn to find Steve sitting on the edge of the bed. He was close to you but he still left space between you.
“You weren't you. I know that the mutant was using your feelings against you.” You turn around back to the window. The shadows had darkened.
“Y/F/N?” You close your eyes. Was he going to ask you what he wanted to say last night?” Your heart fluttered at the thought. He was standing right behind you. Well, towering is more like it. He gently grabbed your arm and spun you around to face him.
You were instantly captured by his blue eyes. Somehow he had placed his hands on your waist. The fluttering love feeling was flooding back into your heart and the nightmares of him was a fading memory. Before he could say anything you were on your toes and kiss ing him. He melted into the kiss with hunger and relief.
Suddenly, a screeching alarm blared over the head speaker. You cry out and cover your eyes. Steve pulls you to the middle of the room. You look you in time to see steel walls covering the windows. A gust of wind made it through the window just in the nick of time.
They've come back to finish the job!
There you go, Kittens!
Sorry for the long wait. I will finish this fic!
Thanks for reading!
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The Prince and the Moon God
Chapter 8
Read on AO3
He is wandering along the quay, trying to find some enjoyment in the sunny day or a speck of interest in the bustle of the port, when something actually catches his eye. It's a soldier in the blue-and-gold uniform of the royal guard, talking to someone of the city watch, showing him something. Blaine can't see well enough what, but he doesn't need to; he knows with ice-cold certainty that it's him, that it's a portrait of the missing prince. The guard is in the garish colors of the city's uniform; the bright yellow and orange has it made hard for Blaine to take them seriously as soldiers before. Now, he sees the blade sheathed at the guard's side, and he knows it's enough to take him if they find him.
He has been careless.
He thought they couldn't openly look for the amulet, because they can't have it known that it's missing, but he has forgotten that they can look for him.
He tries to think. The portrait will be bad, because it will have been done from memory; no one ever bothered to paint his likeness while he was actually there. He should be safe enough in the city, at least for now, if he takes care not to go to the same place too often.
The ship is another matter. He doesn't like to think of it, the crew are his friends. But if there is a reward—and if the reward is big enough...he just doesn't know. He needs the ship; he won't find another one to take him where he must go.
He vows that, at the very least, whatever happens, they won't get the amulet. He will throw it into the sea if he has too; if need be, he will throw himself right behind. It won't help Cooper, but it's better than giving himself and the amulet over into their hands.
But they haven't found him yet. There is still hope.
He walks back. Walks, doesn't run, even though he feels like it. He doesn't even turn up the collar of his cloak.
On the ship, he seeks out Kurt, who is standing at the wheel with Santana. Blaine would rather he be alone, but it can't be helped.
“Captain,” he says, “I put myself under your protection.”
“Come to my state room,” Kurt says, though he is all captain now, so even Santana doesn't question any of this.
Blaine feels he should be panting, or crying, or throwing himself at Kurt's feet. He doesn't; he goes down the stairs in measured steps, then sits down with measured movements across Kurt at the big chart table in the state room.
Kurt doesn't say anything, just looks at him expectantly, so Blaine finally clears his throat.
“I'm not a criminal,” he says, “not really, but...I'm not a merchant, either. As you've probably guessed.”
Kurt nods silently.
“People are looking for me. But they can't find me. There's more than my life at stake.”
Kurt nods again. The questions he asks are not the ones Blaine is dreading.
“Is it a person or persons looking for you, or an official institution?”
Blaine snorts. It's the crown. “I think you could call it an institution.”
“I'm afraid I don't have the authority to protect you from prosecution.”
“Kurt,” Blaine pleads, desperate. “I have to be go to the Moon Isle. It's a matter of -”
“However,” Kurt interrupts with a grin, “They can't get you if they can't find you. You will have to hide for as long as we are anchored here. I will try to speed up the proceedings, and when we're afloat again, we will go as fast as we can.”
Blaine hesitates, but he has to ask. “There might be a reward. Won't the crew -?”
“I told you before, we are a family here. Nobody will jeopardize that for a few coins. I vouch for them.”
The promise has to be enough. There's no possibility in the close quarters of the ship for the crew not to detect something's different. Kurt has Santana tell the crew not to reveal Blaine's location to anyone; he seems to think the mere order is enough. Blaine takes comfort in the knowledge that Santana will have elaborated with a few colorful threats.
They find him a place in the hold, so hidden behind their cargo Blaine wouldn't have known the nook was even there. It's cramped and uncomfortable. He has enough room to lie down with his knees drawn up, and he can sit but not stand. However, it's only for a few days, until they are finally ready to go, and as long as the coast is clear, he can walk in the hold.
As he lies down on his thin pallet, he can't sleep. Whatever it was that used to calm him before, that made his nights so peaceful, that made slipping into sleep seem like sinking into a lover's embrace, doesn't work anymore. Blaine is agitated, he tosses and turns in the tight space. He can't take out the amulet as he is wont to, because it shines so brightly now, and there can't be light in the cargo hold. Not one so white and cold, so different from a candle.
What's more, the ship seems to share his agitation. Even now, unmoving as they are, by day the ship rocks from the comings and goings of workers and delivery men. At night, though, it's usually as still as any house. It had taken him some time to get used to, accustomed as he is now to the constant movement and the way his body shifts to accommodate it.
Tonight, however, the ship rocks almost angrily. This is the emotion he gets from it: anger, and fear. Helplessness. A trapped animal trying to break its bonds. Or maybe they are only his own emotions. But he doesn't imagine the rocking. Voices on deck confirm that the water is wilder than water in a harbor has any right to be, and the ship seems to exaggerate the movement. Sailors come into the hold to adjust shifted cargo before Santana can have their hide for neglecting it so much it even has to be adjusted.
Sighing, Blaine rises and helps. His knots are good now, and though he has no idea how cargo has to be stocked, he can tie it where he is shown.
He would like to go up on deck and stand beside Kurt, keeping watch.
They come the next night, when he has finally fallen asleep. The sea is turbulent again although there is no wind, and Blaine feels troubled. The crew seem to take it as normal, though, and so he tries not to let it worry him. But he also feels restless, tired of the confines of his hiding place after only a day. Puck had come to play cards with him for an hour or so earlier, and this morning, Kurt had surprised him by carrying a tray down and sitting down on the floor to eat with him. But he hasn't done much else, and not talked to anyone else, and so he is glad when it's finally time to go to sleep.
But he is even more agitated than the night before, and the ship is rocking even more, and when he finally falls asleep, he wakes up again with ragged gasps, because this time when he sinks into the Moon Lake, he drowns.
He wakes from footsteps, voices coming down into the hold. It's Kurt, calm and cool and not nearly as sleep-addled as the guards were no doubt hoping he would be as he leads them down, carrying a lantern in one hand.
He lets them look around the hold, a few hands in tow to rearrange the cargo the soldiers move without care for the balance of the load. He is composed as he declares that of course he doesn't harbor any fled princes, that there's nothing in his hold but salt fish and hard tack, as most of his cargo was spoiled in the storm that forced them to stop here.
Blaine is not so calm. He dares not move, even though his legs start falling asleep; he hardly dares breathe. His heart beats so loudly he fears they will hear it, and he feels he is close to dying when a soldier's boot stops only inches from his elbow.
At long last, however, they leave, and he hears Kurt thank them a bit too loudly and almost unnoticeably sarcastic for their visit.
It is still some minutes before he moves, slowly stretching his limbs, gritting his teeth against the needles and pins. He tells his beating heart to slow down, that the danger is over, but it still seems worried, and after a while, he realizes he is too. Because how can he do this? He is endangering Kurt and the crew, all of them. If they had found him—he doesn't know what the punishment would be, but they don't deserve to be brought in this situation.
It can't be helped, though. He is quite aware he has no other options. What he has to do is more important than any one person, or any one ship.
He can but hope he won't bring them down with him.
He is sitting on a crate, thinking about going back to sleep, when Kurt comes back. In the light of the lantern Blaine can see he isn't as calm as he seemed; there's a set to his shoulders and in the lines of his face that suggests anger, and fear.
“We might have to cut the repairs short,” he says, rubbing his neck. “Make do with what's done. One of the guards let slip that they'll shut down the harbor in a few days, if you haven't been found. We must be away by then.”
Blaine nods silently.
“Don't you think you owe me an explanation?” Kurt asks, sitting down on the crate beside Blaine. The ship is rocking too much for it to be safe to put the lantern down, so he keeps holding it. The flickering light throws moving, threatening shadows on the walls.
Blaine nods. He doesn't meet Kurt's eyes. “I can't tell you everything, but if you listen, I will tell you as much as I can.”
He shifts uneasily, takes a breath, tries to sort his thoughts and decide what can be told and what can't. He owes Kurt the truth, but he can't tell it, not now. He will tell him as much as he can, and write the rest in a letter before they reach the Moon Isle.
“Those that look for me....they are men of the king,” he says and hears Kurt gasp. “If they catch me, they will bring me back to the capital, and then I will be killed.”
“But why?” Kurt whispers.
“It's nothing I have done, it's because of what I am,” Blaine says. It's as far as he dares to go. The general public knows little about the royal family's worship of the Moon God, and nothing about what keeps them in power. Still, he can't say too much.
“I have also taken...something.” His hand automatically goes to his throat, to the amulet that hangs around his neck, under his shirt, wrapped in a kerchief. It seems to vibrate beneath his touch. “I didn't steal it, technically; it belongs to my family, but they...those who are looking for me, they want it.”
There is a long moment of silence afterwards. Then Kurt sighs and rises. “I will take you to the Moon Isle,” he promises and turns to go. Blaine has the sinking feeling that this is final, that although their journey will take a few weeks still, this is a farewell.
“Kurt? I'm—I'm sorry.”
Kurt nods and leaves.
They stay until mid-afternoon the next day. When the light begins to fade, they dismiss the workers, who pack up their tools and wait to get paid. They hoist anchor as soon as they have left, while the crew is still sweeping the sawdust off the deck. The ship is rocking more than ever, which doesn't make their task any easier, but at nightfall, they are under way, and Blaine dares to come out of the hold. He stands at the railing, breathing in the salty air, looking back at the lights of the city that has so very nearly become a trap. He has escaped, he is safe for now, and he is on the way to his destination, to his destiny. Somehow, though, he feels more lost than ever before.
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shirlleycoyle · 5 years
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Inside Lockheed Martin’s New Facility for Simulating Space Wars
“Space is a hostile place,” former B-52 bomber pilot and current Lockheed Martin employee Kurt Nelson told me. By this, he means that the cosmos is just naturally so, what with its radiation, its frigidity, its vacuum, its void. It’s rough out there for a satellite, the variety of aerospace object Nelson currently deals with. But if you add to space’s natural hostility that what Nelson calls “intentional threats”—weapons and cyberattacks that target stuff in orbit—it feels even more dangerous.
As you know if you get Space Force T-shirt advertisements in your Instagram feed, as I do, the US government is increasingly concerned about those threats and potential conflicts in orbit. Lately, Pentagon officials like to call space some word-soup version of a contested and congested warfighting domain. In an event that started September 4, the Air Force Space Command pretended there was a war involving space. This “Schriever Wargame” involved 350 people, who spent a week or so pretending it was 2029 and “a notional peer competitor” wanted to mess up operations in space and beyond.
If those details sound fuzzy, it’s because they are: All the interesting parts of Schriever stay secret. But it’s not hard to imagine what an Air Force Space Command might want to protect, and what another country or perhaps space pirates might want to sabotage or destroy, like satellites for communication, surveillance, timing, and navigation. Not to be alarmist, but modern life would buckle if the wrong satellite went down at the wrong time, screwing with electrical grids and financial transactions and our ability to talk to each other and navigate and generally live our lives.
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Image: Lockheed Martin
That uncertainty is a big reason why Lockheed Martin has created a new facility, announced today, where customers both governmental and commercial will be able to run simulations and wargames using on 360-degree screens, test novel space software, and deal with VR versions of spacecraft. It’s called “Pulsar Guardian,” although no one is guarding any pulsars, which are just weird dead stars and, as such, are not in need of much protection.
*
I’m not allowed to go in to the actual Pulsar Guardian, which is located in Colorado Springs, home to multiple Air Force bases, the Air Force Academy, and also the Focus on the Family welcome center and bookstore. I am only allowed to go see its twin, a place simply called Pulsar, which has essentially the same tech and whose only real differences are superficial, like the color of the paint on the walls.
Pulsar lives at Lockheed’s headquarters outside of Denver, on a canyon-y, red-rock campus where turkeys cross Titan Loop, named after the missile, as I pull up to the main building. After walking down a blue-lit hallway where Lockheed projects are done up like movie posters (teaser lines include “Secure world coming soon!”), I walk with Pulsar Guardian’s guardians–Nelson and Christine Jeseritz—down a second hallway. It resembles the tunnels in Space Mountain, if those tunnels displayed floating digital worlds like “Immersive Collaboration” and “Engineering Visualization Services.”
When we enter the main Pulsar room, an Earth is projected onto a sphere above us. Nelson and Jeseritz settle into cozy white (space)ship’s-captain chairs in the center of the room, ready to show off Pulsar’s capabilities. But disappointingly, they can’t show me what they’d show an Air Force colonel. I am to get only the no-security-clearance-required NASA demo.
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Image: Lockheed Martin
The lights dim, and the surface of the sphere shifts to that of Mars. A rocket fills the wall at the front of the room, and subwoofers project its roar into my chest cavity, where it resonates and resonates. Smoke piles unnervingly against the wall. I feel like it will soon enter my lungs.
This is video from the launch of the Mars InSight mission, which went to space in 2018. Soon, a simulated version of InSight is touching down safely on a Mars that wraps all around us. Mission control appears on all sides, personnel erupting in cheers at their mission’s success.
Finding myself suddenly at the center of this triumph, I do, despite my impartial observer status, feel like I’m there with them, and like I deserve to feel their triumph, too.
“LOCKHEED MARTIAN” the screen says at the end. It is a joke.
*
The Air Force (or whoever uses Pulsar Guardian, which is…also kind of a secret, apparently) is not going to sit around watching old videos that they can’t interact with. They want to use the facility to inhabit realistic, visual simulations of what’s going on—or what might go on—in orbit. That’s not the norm today, when people are analyzing happenings in orbit. “It’s a lot of people looking at streams of data,” says Nelson. But humans are pictorial, narrative creatures. And therein, cosmically, lies the rub. “It’s hard to visualize space,” says Nelson. And there’s not a great way to acquire an intuitive sense of how things work up in orbit. “We do most of our work on the ground,” he continues. Pulsar Guardian thus aims to give space-defense types a common picture, worth a thousand internal memos, of goings-on beyond the atmosphere.
But, like, what goings-on? It’s hard to get a super-straight answer about the situations that Pulsar Guardians might want to game out, but Jeseritz and Nelson point to a Defense Intelligence Agency report from earlier this year: “Challenges to Security in Space.” It largely describes China’s and Russia’s efforts to beef up their own spy and communications satellites, and their work on weapons that jam signals, cyber attack, shoot instrument-zapping lasers, slam into space vehicles, or gently sidle up and disable them.
All of that means US military space people want to be nimble and quick in ways they weren’t before. The people controlling, say, GPS III satellites may need different skills and tools than operators of yore. They may need to be more evasive. In Pulsar Guardian, they could simulate different scenarios (missile or malware today, Lieutenant?), practice their reactions, and find if they could use some new command buttons.
And that’s how Pulsar Guardian will conduct business: Outside organizations, like those within the Department of Defense, will bring Lockheed a problem. Lockheed will search the world for simulations and data that could help solve the problem. And then it will synthesize them into a wall-coating visual display, or a collective VR hallucination. “One company—Lockheed Martin—does not have all the answers to everything,” says Jeseritz. Some of the answers do come from inside. But others come from academia, where people have highly accurate models of, say, solar flares. Other times, as with tracking and mapping space junk, they may be a smaller company’s specialty.
In addition to that specialized stuff, Pulsar Guardian will use physics-based models—kind of like the Kerbal Space Program but for serious—of weapons and general orbital behavior. That could be useful if, say, the Department of Defense wanted to launch new weather satellites. Should it send a bunch of small, cheap ones to low Earth orbit, or a few beefier ones up higher? To find out, it could slingshot a simulation into Pulsar Guardian, watch how well each covers the globe, and project how often they’d have to dodge debris or replace their satellites. When it has that decision under control, it could test out the software that controls those would-be satellites. Will it stand up to a specific cyberattack? What happens when you thrust this way and they thrust that direction?
“We’ve got a sandbox,” Nelson says. “Bring your toys.”
Right as he says this, the ambient lights abruptly change from bluish to red.
“Huh,” we say in unison, then immediately adjust to this new-colored reality.
*
Outside this room, still inside the larger space called the “Pulsar accelerator,” Lockheed employees are tramping around the surface of VR Mars on VR “treadmills.” Goggles strapped over their heads, they each stand in the center of a low-friction bowl. Their hands grip the bars that encircle their torsos. They wear slick-bottomed shoes that slide up and down and around the bowl, propelling their fakes selves around the surface of fake Mars.
Would I like to try? the developer of the program asks.
I would, and I awkwardly join the Lockheed Martians, who already have their space legs, on the alien planet. I begin walking away from them and toward the rocket in the distance when I hear someone say, “It’s landing.” I turn, and in the fake distance, a fake InSight touches down. We fake-spacewalk over to it, as it unfolds its fake solar panels (right into my fake hip bone) and delivers a fake instrument to the fake planet’s fake red surface.
I nod: Very cool.
The simulation then overlays a timer and a start and finish line. A race is apparently about to begin: Who can get back to the fake rocket the fastest? GO! We waddle-run, sliding our feet and leaning hard against our personal railings.
I am in third of fourth place for a little while, feeling very silly about how Nelson and Jeseritz can just watch me fumble around in this whole other world while they stay invisible to me. I approach what I think is the finish line, but that perception was a trick of the fake light, a kind of false summit. And in the final, faltering steps between there and the top, an engineer runs past me. I come in dead last.
It doesn’t matter, I tell myself: It was just a game. I take off the headset and return to Earth.
*
When I leave Pulsar and give my security badge back, an email from the Air Force Space Command awaits me. “SCHRIEVER WARGAME CONCLUDES,” the subject line screams. “Schriever Wargame 2019 explored critical space and cyberspace issues in depth,” the body says. But as it was within the walls of Pulsar, those “issues” remain opaque. The outcome isn’t visible, either. It doesn’t even say who won.
Similar if smaller-scale wargames will play out within Pulsar Guardian, hidden down hallways, behind doors, within the bits and bytes of secret simulations. People will play out fake versions of a very real space race, one whose winner is also unclear, one in which no one really knows what the word “winner” means, and one whose finish line will likely always recede into the distance.
Inside Lockheed Martin’s New Facility for Simulating Space Wars syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/
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