hi all! It's been about two years since I've updated my masterlist, and while it hasn't expanded much, it definitely needed an overhaul! Below is my tagging system, requests, and more!
Last updated: June 1st, 2025
dividers by @saradika-graphics
general info
general tags: 《 captain speaking! 》, 《 asks 》, 《 writing 》, 《 art 》
event tags: 《 valentines day 2024 》, 《 pride 2024 》, 《 april fools 2025 》
gbf talk: 《 relink 》 (working on adding story event tags soon!)
the summer rackam slideshow saga
request rules: Keep it civil! I tend to take awhile to get to these, but I try my hardest to make them special. Letters, headcanons, short fic, etc. I do take NSFW requests!
send an ask here!
read the whole collection on ao3!
main blog
headcanons
Cain, Ayer, and Feather + Insomniac!Captain
Magisa and Arulumaya + Helping with nightmares
Niyon, Feower, and Seox + Clingy!S/O
Niyon, Feower and Seox + Hugs
Alliah, Alexiel, Threo, and Anthuria + Kisses
Tien, Seox, Seofon and Mullin + Friendship
Tweyen, Feower, Seofon, Tien + Anger/Calming down
Lancelot + Cuddles
Silva headcanons (Flower themed)
Feower and Threo + Bandages
Beatrix and Zeta + Domestic
Eustace + Flirting (Male!Reader)
Katalina + Relationships (Male!Reader)
Sieten't (Alter Ego Seofon) + Gender
short fic
"I'll teach you how to dance!" - Lancelot/Vane
Seofon + Ray of Sunshine!S/O
"I'm just... so tired, all the time." and "Can you please just... hold me? For a little bit?" - Seofon + Captain
"Someday I could wake up and this will have been a wonderful dream..." - Seofon + Captain
"But you hate [food]." - Percival + S/O
"Hush now, you're alright. You're not alone." and "Let's get you to the couch. There we go." - Seofon + Captain
Siegfried + Walks in the forest
Algielba and Adora + Trick or treat!
Seofon + Walks in the forest
Sandalphon and Lucifer + Spaced out
Magisa + A Coffee Date
Silva + Accidental handholding
Ilsa + Holding hands under the table
Percival + Fem!Knight!Reader
Modern!AU Percival/Reader
Sandalphon + Ocean, Seashells, and String Lights
Lancelot + Reunited (Fem!S/O)
Sandalphon + Handholding while falling
Lancelot + Handholding in a crowd
Eustace + Linking fingers
Knights of Feendrache + Garden party (Lancelot-centric)
Lich + Love confession
Gawain + Healer!S/O
Magisa + A Beach Date
Cain + Baking
69 Followers celebration - Belial's Fate Episode
Reinhardtzar/Cain - Pride 2024
Shao/Captain
Belial + Halloween
Seofon + Comfort
Gawain + Confession
matchups
Anon + Rosetta Matchup
Anon + Eustace Matchup
Anon + Cain Matchup
character letters
Gawain and Eustace (White Day)
Lucio (White Day)
Magisa (Valentine's Day)
Seofon Letter
Drang (White Day)
Siegfried (White Day)
Altair (White Day)
danchousona fic
I also write a lot about my OC, Mullin! If you want to learn more about them, their tag is 《 the journal of captain mullin 》, or you can read the full fic here or on ao3!
the mullin/rackam playlist
collection of mullin/rackam art
Think I'm missing a tag? Or need me to tag something? Tell me! I'm generally pretty chill and I love talking, so feel free to send me an ask whenever!
Hello I hope you are okay! I noticed it's been a month since you posted and when I tried the link to your main blog Tumblr wouldn't let me. So just leaving a message and saying thinking about you!
hi anon! I just finished answering your message on main- thank you for letting me know the link broke!
As an update, this blog is currently on hiatus (and I'm not sure when I'll be back) due to my full-time employment taking most of my energy ^^; the ask box will remain open, but I kindly ask for no writing prompts until I announce they'll be accepted again <3
You are still more than welcome to ask questions, say hi, or send me any rambles you'd like! I'm more active on my main blog, @lavenderstarburst, in case you'd like to see the other things I'm into + catch some shorter works/drabbles I post!
anon, thank you for thinking of me, and your support + kindness is why I love doing what I do. Thinking of you as well!
Hi all! I wanted to apologize for my hiatus on the blog - life decided to get in the way - but, in keeping with tradition, Valentine’s Day and White Day letters will be available from Feb 14th-March 14th!
Feel free to send in a character name and whatever else you'd like to have included in the letter! If you'd like multiple characters, note that each of them will be posted separately.
Hi all! I wanted to apologize for my hiatus on the blog - life decided to get in the way - but, in keeping with tradition, Valentine’s Day and White Day letters will be available from Feb 14th-March 14th!
Feel free to send in a character name and whatever else you'd like to have included in the letter! If you'd like multiple characters, note that each of them will be posted separately.
I was planning on doing a Halloween fic, but I've been working 40+ hour weeks lately ^^; so you can have a little snippet instead!!
"Please tell me that's not your costume." Mullin says, taking a sip of their tea. They hold a newspaper in their other hand - half-forgotten from their sister barging into the mess hall. Their eyes flick from the cat ears, to the tail, to the staff... broom... thing? that Djeeta is holding, and all the young woman offers is a grin in return.
"What, you don't like it? Gran and I are matching this year!"
"You match costumes every year, Djeeta." Mullin sighs. "What even is it?"
"I'm a Nekomancer!" She laughs and twirls in her red and black skirt to show off the look, finishing with a dainty staff flip as if to prove she could be considered dangerous in such a fluffy outfit. "I raise cats and other pets from the dead, meow!"
Mullin blinks a few times, then finishes their cup of tea. "And you had to show me this over breakfast?"
"Duh! It's cause I have one for you, too!"
Absolutely not. There's no way in hell I'm wearing something like that.
"No."
"C'mon, pleeease? It's for one night out of the whole year, and you never dress up with us anymore!"
"I... really shouldn't, Djeeta." They shake their head, a sympathetic smile on their lips: "I would hate to be in costume and something happen in town with you all celebrating."
"Aww..." Djeeta pouts. Then thinks for a moment, and Mullin can almost see the gears in her head turning to figure out a way to convince them. They try not to laugh at their sister's face of concentration - her wrinkled nose more catlike than usual - and half-heartedly continue to read the news.
Hmm... Merchant's Association welcome party, trade reopening in Agastia... no news is good news for Auguste, at least...
"Oh! What if I ask Rackam to dress up too!" Djeeta exclaims, and this time, Mullin does laugh a little.
"Getting my boyfriend to wear a costume would be even harder of a task, Djeets."
"You're no fun." She huffs and snatches the paper out of Mullin's hand. "Would it kill you to take a break for one night?"
Mullin's smile tightens across their features: "It might."
"Boo." Djeeta sticks her tongue out at Mullin. "You should at least join us in town tonight for the party, even if you don't wear the costume."
"We'll see."
~☆~
Mullin does, much to their own chagrin, visit town that evening - Zinkenstill's holiday celebrations were nothing extravagant, but still held their own special charm. Vyrn had excitedly ran off in the direction of the baked goods, having spied a tall pile of apples on the table, leaving the captain to linger by the large bonfire in the center of town.
Mullin watched the flames for awhile. The soft embers burned and sparked in the darkness; soft laughter drifting over from the other side of the bonfire. Flames licked the sides of logs piled high, a dizzying combination of red and orange hues imprinted in their mind.
It's oddly peaceful out here. I wonder if Rackam dressed up... No, probably not. He was in his quarters last I saw him.
"Out here all by yourself, handsome?"
Mullin jumps, and tries not to look too flustered at the casual compliment from Rackam - who, it seems, always had impeccable timing. They then immediately look away from him, since their brief glance revealed that the helmsman was wearing a vampire costume.
"I can't sit by myself?" They reply, trying their best to appear nonchalant.
"I mean, you can, but I think you'd prefer some company," Rackam's smile is apparent in his voice as he comes to stand next to Mullin, offering them a pair of gloves. "I ran into Gran. Said you looked a little cold."
"Even though I'm right next to the bonfire?"
"Hey, don't attack the messenger! Here." He offered the gloves again, and Mullin held out their hands with a soft smile. Rackam gently slid the soft fabric over their fingers, across the back of their hand, and adjusted it so the gloves rested comfortably around their hand and wrist.
"Better?"
Mullin smiled - a bit embarrassed, but pleased.
"Yeah, thank you. Can I ask about the...?" They gesture to his outfit, a cheap looking cape draped over his broad shoulders.
"Oh! This. Ah, well, I thought I should try and fit in with the holiday, but... I don't have much. Maybe next year I'll figure something else out!" He laughs. "You think we could swing a couple's costume?"
"Hmm. I'll need some convincing, but maybe." Mullin leans over and rests their head against his shoulder as they both look out into the bonfire.
I need Rackam teaching Mullin how to play the guitar actually
if the hivemind insists, I'll provide! I really love the fact that he's a musician; putting him through long rehearsal sessions <3
They're not really paying attention to the music...
"C, then A... ugh. What the hell is this run?" Rackam mumbles to himself, squinting at the sheet music in his hand. Aoidos had, once again, somehow magically conjured up a new song within the previous night - and it was now the rest of the band's turn to decipher it.
"'Sycophant's Lullaby'? That doesn't exactly roll off the tongue." Mullin picked up another piece of sheet music - one that Rackam had dropped - and handed it back to him. They were walking by the band's practice room on the ship (just walking by! Not to see Rackam, of course, but to... to... okay, maybe they wanted to see him a bit).
The helmsman jumped at the sound of their voice. Nearly dropping all of the papers again, he quickly regained his composure and cleared his throat.
"Oh, uh, Captain! It's nice to see you. Yeah, it's still a workin' title, but less scary than Bloody Garden..."
"Oh, but that one is my favorite," Mullin replied, their expression falling a little. They scanned the music and quickly realized they had absolutely no clue what they were looking at. "So, what's giving you trouble?"
They like rock? That's news to me... Shit, they asked me a question.
"Oh, ah, this part." Rackam gestures for Mullin to sit next to him, and they do. He picks up his trusty red bass guitar and points to a specific few measures in the music. "Here. It's a fast tempo, and these eighth note runs always give me a hard time."
Mullin hums in acknowledgement; Rackam continues with his explanation and continues to practice the part. They watch with intent, eyebrows furrowed in concentration.
Hey, this is actually helping. It's nice to have a practice buddy. Rackam looks over at Mullin, their expression a mix of curiosity and frustration - their nose wrinkles up at a particularly rough note.
"Hey, hey, don't give me that look! If you're so judgmental, you should do it." Rackam teases them, and they immediately balk at the idea.
"No thanks, I'm good, actually-" Mullin stammered a little, quickly tearing their gaze from his hands and the guitar, "Not like I'd be any good at it. I'll stick to cheering you on from the sidelines."
"Aw, don't be like that, I'm sure you'd do great." The helmsman nudges the captain, and they pointedly don't meet his gaze. "I was serious, y’know."
Mullin glances back at him: "...About?"
"Singin'. With Lyria. Gran and Djeeta have their whole idol schtick, you could definitely join us for a few songs."
A light blush crosses their features, and it takes every part of Rackam not to comment on it. They tuck their hair behind their ear, a sign that the compliment was well-received. He'll take that small victory for now.
"I'll, uhm, think about it." A very Captain-like response.
"I'll talk to Aoidos, yeah?"
Mullin smiles at Rackam: "Yeah. Oh, keep going, I want to hear the rest of the song!"
aaa there's still some things I need to plan out better, but this was really fun to think about. if you take the time to read through this, thank you!!
Forgive my inability to flatten this idea down into a simple word, but if you're still in need of prompts I'd say something about outfits or a flashy costume, get someone wearing something they usually wouldn't
hihi!!! no worries on sounding odd, I love this idea!! I'm working on character outfits right now, so I'm taking this as an opportunity to show you my notes + thoughts on Mullin and Rackam's formal/anniversary party fits <3
for Mullin, they typically wear a button-down and some capri cut pants as their casual wear, so I want their formal attire to match their more simplistic outfit approach. I have a specific vision of them wearing a velvety form-fitting black dress (their only other formal dress is purple; they also own a suit)
+ some fun stuff I have saved! For Rackam, I lean a bit more into his navy blue/black looks for anything formal
I'm a big Retro style fan! A lot of accessories are taken from that era as well <3
Thank you all for the continued and generous support over the years, throughout my ups and downs as a writer and as someone who loves Granblue <3 I spoke a little bit about it on my main blog (which you should say hi! I talk a lot more there ^^) but genuinely, thank you.
Happy MullinRackam day to all that celebrate!!
Mullin leaned against Rackam, their arms intertwined with each other as they stepped out onto the deck of the Grandcypher. Transformed within the past three weeks, the mighty airship vessel had settled into her new role as a party venue, complete with a refreshments table and a live band. (Aoidos would have found a way to set up music even if he hadn't been asked to).
Delicate string lights were wrapped around the ship's rails - flowering vines continued up the sides and around ropes. The deck was lively, a backdrop of a sunset against the picturesque scene. Mullin gently squeezed Rackam's arm - their nerves starting to waver.
He smiled in response, and that seemed to help.
Rackam leaned in just enough so Mullin could hear him over the conversation of the party guests: "They really went all out, huh?"
The captain nodded in agreement, a tinge of embarrassment covering their face. My family acts like this every year, but this…
"...I think we should just go to a restaurant next year."
"It's not too late to turn around, y’know? Call out sick." The helmsman replied, his tone light. "I'll tell everyone you have a sudden and horrible cold."
"Wouldn't that make them worry more?" Mullin replied, shifting their weight against their heels. They suddenly felt very awkward and exposed in their black dress, and desperately wanted to disappear. Rackam just pulled them a bit tighter against his side.
"It'll be alright, yeah? It's a party for us. Everyone will understand if we want to leave early."
Mullin relaxed a little, but their anxiety still lingered: "If you say so…"
"Mullin, Rackam! You made it!" Djeeta's cheerful voice rang across the deck, and Rackam tried not to laugh.
"Right on cue."
"Hush," Mullin nudged Rackam in the side, and the couple broke from their intertwined pose. Djeeta waved. Her heels clicked against the wooden panel of the Grandcypher as she ran over, her own dress flowing behind her.
"Io did such a good job on your dress, Mullin!" She practically landed in her siblings' arms, pulling Mullin into a hug that they warmly returned.
"She did. I can see she dressed you up nicely as well. Any particular reason?"
"Oh, um, well…" Djeeta looked away, suddenly a little fidgety. She played with her hair, tucking it behind her ear, then pulled Mullin in closer - as if making sure Rackam wouldn't overhear: "I… actually invited Seofon tonight. I wanted to talk to him. Do you think he'll like it?"
"Oh!" Mullin blinked a couple of times. Well, that makes absolute sense. She's been pushing herself harder and harder lately, and if it's to try and keep up with an Eternal then I think I understand. An image of Seofon and Djeeta standing side by side flashes in Mullin's mind, and their mouth twitches a little. Somewhat.
"Djeeta, dear, you look absolutely stunning." They say instead, smiling at their younger sister. "Pink has always suited you. Don't fret too much about that, okay?"
"Says you," Rackam chimes in, and Mullin has to stop themself from punching their husband. Out of love, of course.
"If you're going to comment like that the whole night, I want a divorce." Mullin says, and Djeeta giggles. Good. She's more relaxed now.
"Aw, you think you can get out of this." Rackam shoots back, and snakes his arm around Mullin's waist. "I drove this ship through hell for you, I can do it again."
"Ew, gross. Don't flirt in front of me." Djeeta waves her hands in front of her face, and Mullin can't help but giggle as well.
"So you'll leave to talk to Seofon if we keep flirting, is that what I'm hearing?"
"Oh- ugh- no!" Djeeta's face goes red, and she turns away from them. "Okay, goodbye, I'm gonna find Gran and we're going to drink half the bar without you."
Mullin smiles, and leans their head against Rackam: "Have fun. Tell Gran and Percival I said hi."
Djeeta huffs a little - heels clicking in indignation that will last all of five minutes - and she quickly finds her brother to complain with. Mullin and Rackam exchange a soft look before continuing their tour of the party and its guests.
Io, Rosetta, Eugen, Katalina, Vira - there were almost too many to count. Mullin spotted Lyria with Aoidos in her Doss outfit, and tried very hard to remain calm and not sweep the poor girl off her feet because of how cute she looked. Drinks were handed to Rackam, then passed to Mullin, back to Rackam - the whole crew was abuzz with energy.
Soon enough, a plate with a slice of cake was handed Mullin's way. It had a thick layer of chocolate icing, and chocolate cake crumbs peeked their way through the frosting layers. The plate belonged to Lowain, who held it out expectantly - Elsam and Tomoi at either side of the head chef.
"Yo, Captain!"
"My man!"
"The best boss!"
"Lowain, Elsam, Tomoi." Mullin greeted them all in turn, and took the plate and fork that were ceremonially handed to them. "What is this?"
"Weeellll," Lowain began, looking to the others for backup, "Y'see, we had a little insider info happenin' in our kitchen a week or so back."
"Yeah, totes on the DL," Tomoi continued, "Our super anonymous source told us that our favorite captain-"
"Your only captain," Mullin reminded him with a soft smile. They picked up the fork, twirling it in their fingers.
"-The best and only captain had a sweet tooth. And their fave is chocolate." Tomoi grinned in response.
"Man, you would not believe our luck! We had a stash of chocolate from Chocolae Island left from this year's vday fiasco." Elsam finished with a wink. "Try it, we worked hard."
"Okay, okay, alright." Mullin laughed and took a bite, the soft cake giving way to a delightful mix of flavor in their mouth: "Oh! Is this-?"
"Sandy's secret caramel recipe that he won't share? Oh, yeah, it totally is." Lowain high-fived his bros, and Mullin tried very hard to retain a straight face. They took another bite of the cake.
"It's absolutely wonderful. Thank you very much." They tilted their head downwards in thanks, and the masterminds of the kitchen whooped in response.
"Oh yeah, that's how it's done, bros! Charm the captain, earn our bonus!" Tomoi cheered. Lowain slung an arm around each of them.
"Shall we go enjoy our evening, now that our work is done?"
"Abso-effing-lutely." Elsam voiced what the three were thinking, and as soon as they arrived, they were gone.
As soon as the trio left, Mullin immediately spun on their heel to point an accusatory gaze towards Rackam, who had conveniently made his escape from the conversation until now.
"And why does Lowain know I like chocolate with caramel?" Mullin asked, pointing their fork menacingly in Rackam's direction. The helmsman paused, trying to form a response.
"Maybe he's just that good of a chef, and knows what each crew member likes?"
Mullin raised an eyebrow. Rackam cleared his throat, and tried to look away: "...Or maybe your caring and thoughtful husband told him?"
Mullin held his gaze for a moment, before they took another bite of cake: "Mm. I'll let it slide, this time."
"So chocolate was the right choice."
"Don't make me regret my decision, helmsman."
"Alright, alright," Rackam chuckled, and held out his hand. "Would you want to dance? Aoidos told me his next set has Selfira and Elta joining in."
Mullin flushed a little at the sudden proposition: "You don’t like dancing."
"What, I can't try something new?"
"Hmm… you might have to convince me." There is a playfulness to their voice; a quiet invitation. "Why would I want to dance with you?"
Rackam's gaze shifted from genuine to something a bit more mischievous: "Because I'm your husband?"
"More." Mullin takes his hand, their fingers sliding against his own. He gently pulls their hand up towards his face - pressing a kiss against the back of it before taking a step closer. (He also took their plate away, much to their disappointment. They'll find the cake tray later…)
"Because I'm your husband, and one of the best pilots in the skies."
"Mm. A little more."
"You're enjoying this."
"Maybe," they admit, "A little more, please."
Rackam sighs affectionately, pulling them into an embrace and resting his other hand on their hip.
"I'm your husband, and I'm about to make myself look like an idiot trying to dance with the most beautiful person I know. Is that better?"
Mullin tilts their head and pretends to think about it for a moment, before they laugh and pull him into a more secluded area of the deck so they can dance.
A minute or so into the song, and shoes being stepped on multiple times, Rackam gestures over to another part of the ship: "Ten o'clock, your sister. And her boyfriend."
Mullin glanced over their shoulder in the direction he was pointing in, a small frown appearing on their face for the first time that evening.
"...No, not boyfriend."
"Woah, really? I thought they were totally a thing."
"No, he doesn't have the guts." Mullin tries to hold back on their displeasure, but Rackam easily smoothes their metaphorical feathers down.
"Easy, easy. Geez, and I thought Percival had to work for your trust…" he murmured, and the captain shook their head.
"Percival was upfront. Seofon is… he's hiding something. That bothers me."
Rackam nodded in agreement, "I get it, but don't take it out on him. I think he's trying."
Mullin makes a noise of displeasure, and Rackam quickly redirects their attention as another song begins to play.
"Hey, so where's Orologia? Didn't you invite them?"
"Oh…" Mullin bites at their lip slightly, "They said they were busy, unfortunately. I just think they don't really want to see me, because of…" they wave their hand, "everything. Which I get, but…"
Rackam encourages them to continue: "But…?"
The captain looks away, a little frustrated and a bit embarrassed all at once.
"I… would've liked them to be here. As… a parent, in some roundabout way."
"Ah, yeah. That's tough." Rackam rubs circles into their back with his hand, a gesture that makes them lean into his touch.
"Hm," They replied, and idly thought of a few different ways they could use his tie to bind his wrists together later. As a distraction.
"Almost forgot- are you okay with doing a stop at Golonzo later?" Rackam asked, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to get some fresh eyes to look at her new paint job, maybe do a few quick checks."
"Uh? Sure, not a problem." Mullin replied, quickly brushing away any intrusive thoughts as they returned to the conversation at hand. Keep it together.
"Great! Yeah, Noa and I were just talking about- hey, are you even listenin'?" Rackam asked.
"Of course, I was just… momentarily distracted," They smiled. "What did you talk about?"
Rackam's eyes light up, and he immediately goes into an explanation of wind currents and with the changing of the seasons, the sails need to be reinforced, as well as some parts need replacing for the colder weather, and- well, Mullin just focuses on the way his hands move as he talks for the most part. They've heard it all before - not that it makes the information any less valuable, just…
"Rackam."
"-and I want to try a new type of weathering this year- ah? Yeah?" He pauses, looking back over at his partner.
Mullin doesn't hide their smile this time as they reach up to pull him down by his tie once more, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"I think I do want to leave a bit early. You'll make up an excuse, right?"
The helmsman laughs for about the millionth time that evening, delighted to share even just a bit of time with the captain: "Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you'd like."
Thank you all for the continued and generous support over the years, throughout my ups and downs as a writer and as someone who loves Granblue <3 I spoke a little bit about it on my main blog (which you should say hi! I talk a lot more there ^^) but genuinely, thank you.
Happy MullinRackam day to all that celebrate!!
Mullin leaned against Rackam, their arms intertwined with each other as they stepped out onto the deck of the Grandcypher. Transformed within the past three weeks, the mighty airship vessel had settled into her new role as a party venue, complete with a refreshments table and a live band. (Aoidos would have found a way to set up music even if he hadn't been asked to).
Delicate string lights were wrapped around the ship's rails - flowering vines continued up the sides and around ropes. The deck was lively, a backdrop of a sunset against the picturesque scene. Mullin gently squeezed Rackam's arm - their nerves starting to waver.
He smiled in response, and that seemed to help.
Rackam leaned in just enough so Mullin could hear him over the conversation of the party guests: "They really went all out, huh?"
The captain nodded in agreement, a tinge of embarrassment covering their face. My family acts like this every year, but this…
"...I think we should just go to a restaurant next year."
"It's not too late to turn around, y’know? Call out sick." The helmsman replied, his tone light. "I'll tell everyone you have a sudden and horrible cold."
"Wouldn't that make them worry more?" Mullin replied, shifting their weight against their heels. They suddenly felt very awkward and exposed in their black dress, and desperately wanted to disappear. Rackam just pulled them a bit tighter against his side.
"It'll be alright, yeah? It's a party for us. Everyone will understand if we want to leave early."
Mullin relaxed a little, but their anxiety still lingered: "If you say so…"
"Mullin, Rackam! You made it!" Djeeta's cheerful voice rang across the deck, and Rackam tried not to laugh.
"Right on cue."
"Hush," Mullin nudged Rackam in the side, and the couple broke from their intertwined pose. Djeeta waved. Her heels clicked against the wooden panel of the Grandcypher as she ran over, her own dress flowing behind her.
"Io did such a good job on your dress, Mullin!" She practically landed in her siblings' arms, pulling Mullin into a hug that they warmly returned.
"She did. I can see she dressed you up nicely as well. Any particular reason?"
"Oh, um, well…" Djeeta looked away, suddenly a little fidgety. She played with her hair, tucking it behind her ear, then pulled Mullin in closer - as if making sure Rackam wouldn't overhear: "I… actually invited Seofon tonight. I wanted to talk to him. Do you think he'll like it?"
"Oh!" Mullin blinked a couple of times. Well, that makes absolute sense. She's been pushing herself harder and harder lately, and if it's to try and keep up with an Eternal then I think I understand. An image of Seofon and Djeeta standing side by side flashes in Mullin's mind, and their mouth twitches a little. Somewhat.
"Djeeta, dear, you look absolutely stunning." They say instead, smiling at their younger sister. "Pink has always suited you. Don't fret too much about that, okay?"
"Says you," Rackam chimes in, and Mullin has to stop themself from punching their husband. Out of love, of course.
"If you're going to comment like that the whole night, I want a divorce." Mullin says, and Djeeta giggles. Good. She's more relaxed now.
"Aw, you think you can get out of this." Rackam shoots back, and snakes his arm around Mullin's waist. "I drove this ship through hell for you, I can do it again."
"Ew, gross. Don't flirt in front of me." Djeeta waves her hands in front of her face, and Mullin can't help but giggle as well.
"So you'll leave to talk to Seofon if we keep flirting, is that what I'm hearing?"
"Oh- ugh- no!" Djeeta's face goes red, and she turns away from them. "Okay, goodbye, I'm gonna find Gran and we're going to drink half the bar without you."
Mullin smiles, and leans their head against Rackam: "Have fun. Tell Gran and Percival I said hi."
Djeeta huffs a little - heels clicking in indignation that will last all of five minutes - and she quickly finds her brother to complain with. Mullin and Rackam exchange a soft look before continuing their tour of the party and its guests.
Io, Rosetta, Eugen, Katalina, Vira - there were almost too many to count. Mullin spotted Lyria with Aoidos in her Doss outfit, and tried very hard to remain calm and not sweep the poor girl off her feet because of how cute she looked. Drinks were handed to Rackam, then passed to Mullin, back to Rackam - the whole crew was abuzz with energy.
Soon enough, a plate with a slice of cake was handed Mullin's way. It had a thick layer of chocolate icing, and chocolate cake crumbs peeked their way through the frosting layers. The plate belonged to Lowain, who held it out expectantly - Elsam and Tomoi at either side of the head chef.
"Yo, Captain!"
"My man!"
"The best boss!"
"Lowain, Elsam, Tomoi." Mullin greeted them all in turn, and took the plate and fork that were ceremonially handed to them. "What is this?"
"Weeellll," Lowain began, looking to the others for backup, "Y'see, we had a little insider info happenin' in our kitchen a week or so back."
"Yeah, totes on the DL," Tomoi continued, "Our super anonymous source told us that our favorite captain-"
"Your only captain," Mullin reminded him with a soft smile. They picked up the fork, twirling it in their fingers.
"-The best and only captain had a sweet tooth. And their fave is chocolate." Tomoi grinned in response.
"Man, you would not believe our luck! We had a stash of chocolate from Chocolae Island left from this year's vday fiasco." Elsam finished with a wink. "Try it, we worked hard."
"Okay, okay, alright." Mullin laughed and took a bite, the soft cake giving way to a delightful mix of flavor in their mouth: "Oh! Is this-?"
"Sandy's secret caramel recipe that he won't share? Oh, yeah, it totally is." Lowain high-fived his bros, and Mullin tried very hard to retain a straight face. They took another bite of the cake.
"It's absolutely wonderful. Thank you very much." They tilted their head downwards in thanks, and the masterminds of the kitchen whooped in response.
"Oh yeah, that's how it's done, bros! Charm the captain, earn our bonus!" Tomoi cheered. Lowain slung an arm around each of them.
"Shall we go enjoy our evening, now that our work is done?"
"Abso-effing-lutely." Elsam voiced what the three were thinking, and as soon as they arrived, they were gone.
As soon as the trio left, Mullin immediately spun on their heel to point an accusatory gaze towards Rackam, who had conveniently made his escape from the conversation until now.
"And why does Lowain know I like chocolate with caramel?" Mullin asked, pointing their fork menacingly in Rackam's direction. The helmsman paused, trying to form a response.
"Maybe he's just that good of a chef, and knows what each crew member likes?"
Mullin raised an eyebrow. Rackam cleared his throat, and tried to look away: "...Or maybe your caring and thoughtful husband told him?"
Mullin held his gaze for a moment, before they took another bite of cake: "Mm. I'll let it slide, this time."
"So chocolate was the right choice."
"Don't make me regret my decision, helmsman."
"Alright, alright," Rackam chuckled, and held out his hand. "Would you want to dance? Aoidos told me his next set has Selfira and Elta joining in."
Mullin flushed a little at the sudden proposition: "You don’t like dancing."
"What, I can't try something new?"
"Hmm… you might have to convince me." There is a playfulness to their voice; a quiet invitation. "Why would I want to dance with you?"
Rackam's gaze shifted from genuine to something a bit more mischievous: "Because I'm your husband?"
"More." Mullin takes his hand, their fingers sliding against his own. He gently pulls their hand up towards his face - pressing a kiss against the back of it before taking a step closer. (He also took their plate away, much to their disappointment. They'll find the cake tray later…)
"Because I'm your husband, and one of the best pilots in the skies."
"Mm. A little more."
"You're enjoying this."
"Maybe," they admit, "A little more, please."
Rackam sighs affectionately, pulling them into an embrace and resting his other hand on their hip.
"I'm your husband, and I'm about to make myself look like an idiot trying to dance with the most beautiful person I know. Is that better?"
Mullin tilts their head and pretends to think about it for a moment, before they laugh and pull him into a more secluded area of the deck so they can dance.
A minute or so into the song, and shoes being stepped on multiple times, Rackam gestures over to another part of the ship: "Ten o'clock, your sister. And her boyfriend."
Mullin glanced over their shoulder in the direction he was pointing in, a small frown appearing on their face for the first time that evening.
"...No, not boyfriend."
"Woah, really? I thought they were totally a thing."
"No, he doesn't have the guts." Mullin tries to hold back on their displeasure, but Rackam easily smoothes their metaphorical feathers down.
"Easy, easy. Geez, and I thought Percival had to work for your trust…" he murmured, and the captain shook their head.
"Percival was upfront. Seofon is… he's hiding something. That bothers me."
Rackam nodded in agreement, "I get it, but don't take it out on him. I think he's trying."
Mullin makes a noise of displeasure, and Rackam quickly redirects their attention as another song begins to play.
"Hey, so where's Orologia? Didn't you invite them?"
"Oh…" Mullin bites at their lip slightly, "They said they were busy, unfortunately. I just think they don't really want to see me, because of…" they wave their hand, "everything. Which I get, but…"
Rackam encourages them to continue: "But…?"
The captain looks away, a little frustrated and a bit embarrassed all at once.
"I… would've liked them to be here. As… a parent, in some roundabout way."
"Ah, yeah. That's tough." Rackam rubs circles into their back with his hand, a gesture that makes them lean into his touch.
"Hm," They replied, and idly thought of a few different ways they could use his tie to bind his wrists together later. As a distraction.
"Almost forgot- are you okay with doing a stop at Golonzo later?" Rackam asked, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to get some fresh eyes to look at her new paint job, maybe do a few quick checks."
"Uh? Sure, not a problem." Mullin replied, quickly brushing away any intrusive thoughts as they returned to the conversation at hand. Keep it together.
"Great! Yeah, Noa and I were just talking about- hey, are you even listenin'?" Rackam asked.
"Of course, I was just… momentarily distracted," They smiled. "What did you talk about?"
Rackam's eyes light up, and he immediately goes into an explanation of wind currents and with the changing of the seasons, the sails need to be reinforced, as well as some parts need replacing for the colder weather, and- well, Mullin just focuses on the way his hands move as he talks for the most part. They've heard it all before - not that it makes the information any less valuable, just…
"Rackam."
"-and I want to try a new type of weathering this year- ah? Yeah?" He pauses, looking back over at his partner.
Mullin doesn't hide their smile this time as they reach up to pull him down by his tie once more, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"I think I do want to leave a bit early. You'll make up an excuse, right?"
The helmsman laughs for about the millionth time that evening, delighted to share even just a bit of time with the captain: "Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you'd like."
