Hmmm, can I get away with posting the WIP for the spicy solo bit of this chapter? That is the quest. Granted, I'm still trying to decide if I want to put it in this chapter or do something with it on the side. Part of me feels like I'm shoehorning it in and I need to end the chapter. ;-; Ugh, choices.
Really would love to have someone fully read it and give an opinion. Not beta read, even if it's in a rough draft state (for me) atm. But just be like 'yeah, end it sooner and have him go to be' or 'nah, keep it, give us that spice!'
This idea crossed my mind and I wanted to write it down before I fall into another writing block. lol This is placed some time before Chapter 1 of Drifting Hearts Amongst Chaos. I'll, hopefully, be doing more of these and eventually post them on AO3.
Tried my hand at Quincy. I don't think I'm going to lean in too heavily into his dialect. Mostly the slang that I'm not familiar with. If I can find a good resource for it, I may use it more heavily. Honestly, I need to find a good resource for accents in general.
Anyway, this is just a bunch of silly fun. Hope ya enjoy! :3
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Zaethrin yawned as he walked into the food court, all set for some breakfast and coffee to start the day. When he walked past Amir sitting at one of the tables, however, he stopped and backed up.
“Everything alright, Amir?” Zaethrin asked as he sat down across from the tech in question. The Volt protoframe had a look on his face that could only be described as perturbed.
“Huh?” Amir startled and blinked up at Zaethrin a few times before he started to laugh nervously, fingers fidgeting with his fork, “Oh, yeah, I’m fine.”
“You sure?” the tenno asked, skeptical, “Because you looked unsettled about something…”
“Welll, I mean…I guess I am a bit unsettled?” Amir said in an unsure tone, scratching behind an ear.
Zaethrin noticed the other members of Hex looking towards them, a range of curiosity and concern. He focused back on the tech expert and asked, “Anything I can help with?”
“I mean, maybe? It is kind of your fault…”
“Uh what?” Zaethrin asked, scouring his memories of the last few days on what he could have done to-
“Shit, no! Sorry! That came out wrong,” Amir said in a panic, “Not your fault. It's the warframes…”
“You’re going to have to elaborate on that,” the tenno said, head tilting like an inquisitive kavat, “What about the warframes?”
“So last night, you showed us some of the ones you have and their capabilities, right?” the technophile said, pushing around his food with his fork.
“Yeah, about half of the ones I’ve collected with the kid,” Zaethrin replied, curiosity piqued as to where Amir was going with this, “Why?”
“Well, seeing them got me thinking about a few things,” Amir said, looking down at his plate, “Like…how some of them would work as a protoframe? Like Xaku, for instance.”
Zaethrin opened his mouth to say something, but Amir continued before he could.
“Like, would the protoframe be one person or three people merged together by Void? How much of their body would change? Would they grow armor pieces on top that are sorta detachable like Xaku’s? And when they use that one ability would they be running around as just their skeleton? Or would it-Mmph?”
“Fam,” Quincy said, suddenly standing behind Amir with his hand firmly over the tech’s mouth. He pressed his head back against his hip and forced him to look up at the sniper, “It’s too bloody early ta be talkin’ ‘bout shit like that. That’s proper body horror and we’re all tryin’ ta eat…at least wait till everyone’s done before ya start goin’ down that line of questioning…or better yet, until we’re outta earshot. Yeah?”
Amir’s voice was muffled by the hand, but he gestured with his hands vaguely, indicating he understood.
“Good. Now eat up, we’re on scouting duty later,” the sniper said, patting Amir’s shoulder as he sauntered back over to his food.
Amir looked back at Zaethrin, lips pulling into a grin as a down right mischievous look crossed his features.
“So I guess I shouldn’t point out Grendel and the whole mouth-stomach thing?”
The sound of plates rattled as Quincy slammed his hand down on his table. “AMIR!”
“Iregretnothing!Gottago,bye!”
Zaethrin’s hair fluttered as the Volt protoframe sped past him, leaving only his plate, the smell of ozone, and a pissed off Quincy behind.
“Imma gonna kill him, I swear,” Quincy grumbled, rubbing his temple. “Now that’s gonna stay with me the whole day…fuckin’ electro gremlin.”
“And just think,” Zaethrin snickered, standing from his spot, “I’ve only gone through half of the frames I have.”
Zaethrin had a younger sister named Izzy. She passed on the Zariman after the parents went insane (I go into more detail in the first chapter of my one fanfic).
Along with reading and playing the Shawzin, he also likes drawing. At first it was just people and places around him, but since leaving Duviri and going to 1999 he's also started doing more ideas from his head.
He had marking similar to the Somatic ones the Operator has. However, Zae's seem to derive from the areas where he was stabbed or beheaded. So there's one on his chest that's spread out from the entrance and exit wound like vines wrapping around his torso and left arm. There's one around his neck that looks like a choker. It's spread mostly down over his shoulders, but there is some towards his face as well. Mostly to his jawline, but there is a section that climbed up his left cheek. (this may change, I'm still going back and forth about it. I may chalk it up to something like a side effect of being void touched.)
🚀 How much do they remember of their family and life on the Zariman?
🎭 What emotions ruled their Duviri prior to the executions starting?
🏃Did they escape Duviri with the same warframes offered in the quest? Or did they have a different choice in warframes?
⛅How often do they return to Duviri? Do they try to avoid it as much as they can? Do they go back frequently?
🪷How does your Drifter feel about The Lotus?
🧒How does your Drifter feel about their counterpart/The Operator?
🧑👦How does your Drifter view their counterpart? As an entirely separate person, the same person with a different experience, or just the same person?
🚪How did they feel on their arrival into the Operator's reality, in the situation of The New War?
⚔️How did they handle The New War as a whole?
🏹Did they utilize different weapons than the ones that are shown in the quest? [With the exception of Nataruk, were the Sirocco/Rumblejack replaced with something else]
✨How did it make them feel when they were sent back to 1999 as opposed to The Operator?
💣What was it like for them at the start of the year-long timeloop before they were close enough to The Hex to save them?
✉️How do they feel about each member of The Hex? How did those feelings change as they got closer?
⭕How do they feel about The Roundtable?
👥Out of the 1999 Protoframes, who are their closest friends?
💕Which 1999 Protoframe did they chose to date if any, and why?
🕛What was their reaction to being called back by Loid to handle the Devil's Triad Protoframes? How did they feel about the three of them?
🏊How do they feel about the Dark Refractory, do they make use of it for themselves as well?
🧑🤝🧑Who are they closest to in the Triad?
💗If they chose to romance any of them, who and why?
🎶What is their taste in music? What bands would they enjoy most [doesn't need to be limited to 90s or older bands]
🥼Do they have a developed sense of fashion or do they just throw on whatever?
1️⃣What warframe is their primary one? Do they have multiple?
🔪What Duviri weapon do they use the most?
🎮What kind of video games do they like if any? If they could play any video game from any time period, and not just 90s/older or the future, what would they play?
This chapter is becoming a bit of a beast (for me anyways, lol), so here's some more from it. Surprise Amir and Velimir!
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“Zae?” Arthur asked, looking over at him, both curious and amused, “Everything alright?”
“Yup,” the tenno said quickly, pulling his left hand to his chest. “...just realizing how sharp this knife is.”
Arthur sighed and shook his head before a grin spread across his lips.
“It was bound to happen, I would have been more surprised if it didn’t,” the protoframe said, chuckling softly. He held out his hand for Zaethrin’s as he asked, “Here, let me see it?”
Zaethrin pouted but placed his hand in Arthur’s.
Carefully the soldier examined the cut, it didn’t appear to be too serious--i.e. he wouldn’t need to get Lettie for stitches and could patch it up himself. While he was looking at it he couldn’t help but note that the drifter’s blood seemed to glow slightly. Not quite the levels of a glow stick, but you’d definitely be able to notice it in a dark room. It had him wondering if it was some sort of Void thing or if humans in the future just had glowing blood.
Arthur made a soft humming sound as he guided the other man to a stool. “Doesn’t look too deep. You’re lucky you didn’t cut the tip of your finger off.”
“Void, that would have been even more embarrassing,” Zaethrin chuckled, taking a seat on the stool.
“True, it would have meant I’d need to bring Lettie in,” Arthur said, setting down the med kit said combat medic provided him. He snickered when Zaethrin made a panicked face.
“Please don’t tell her this happened…I don’t need another lecture from her about taking care of myself,” the drifter pleaded.
“I promise, Zae, she won't find out from me…even if she’s right about taking care of yourself,” he said, grinning when Zaethrin pouted. Taking out the items he needed from the medkit, he pulled another stool closer so he could more easily work on cleaning Zaethrin’s cut. Did he need to be so close that their legs were touching? Probably not, but he figured it’d be easier for the drifter to rest his arm on the island countertop…and for absolutely no other reason. Ignoring any inner thoughts, he started cleaning the cut. Zaethrin only hissed slightly when the peroxide was applied but was quiet after that, simply watching Arthur take care of his wound. Or so Arthur thought. When he applied some antibiotic cream, he glanced up and caught those warm brown eyes with their soft teal glow staring right at him. Not at what he was doing, but right at him.
“Uh…is something the matter?” he asked, feeling his heart in his throat all of a sudden.
Zaethrin shook his head as a soft flush crossed his face, hiding the light freckling he had on his cheeks and nose. His eyes fell away for a moment as he bit his lower lip before he looked back at the protoframe. There was an uncertainty in his eyes, but also a determination that Arthur swore sent electricity through his veins
The tenno took a deep breath and said, “Arthur, I-”
“HEYGUYS!!! I heard there was stew!”
The sudden appearance of their resident technophile sent them both jumping in their seats.
Arthur sighed, loudly before turning an annoyed glare towards the speedster, “Amir…we just started, and stew takes time.”
“But I’m hungry…and boooored…and that is the worst combo ever,” Amir whined, leaning against the counter with his elbows. “Is there something I can at least snack on?”
Zaethrin gave him an amused look before glancing at Arthur. “Do you think we could make the grilled cheese now?”
Amir instantly perked up at this. As he did, he seemed to notice Arthur bandaging the drifter's finger, “Oooh, did the kitchen gods already claim a finger?”
“Just a little blood sacrifice, that’s all,” Zaethrin joked, although he was red as a tomato.
“Do I need to go get Lett-”
“No,” the other two said in unison, one panicked while the other was annoyed.
Amir snickered at that, holding up his hands. “Ok, ok, no Lettie.”
Arthur shook his head and finished up putting the bandage on before standing and patting Zaethrin on the shoulder.
“You’ll live,” he said teasingly, before looking over at Amir with an unreadable expression. The Volt protoframe gave him the biggest puppydog eyes that Arthur. He lasted maybe thirty seconds before he ended up sighing and giving in to the loveable nuisance that was Amir Beckett. “I suppose we could make the grilled cheese first…”
“Woot!” Amir cheered, pumping his fists in the air. Zaethrin chuckled at that as he stood moving to clean up the cutting board, knife, and food that was contaminated.
Arthur gathered what they needed for the grilled cheese, carefully clearing room to make them. However, even as he went through the motions, there was a fluttering in his stomach and electricity still coursed through his veins. He glanced over at the drifter, whose back was to him as he cleaned. What was he going to say before Amir interrupted? Arthur had a pretty good idea what it could have been, especially with the recent uptick in flirting and looks Zaethrin had been giving him. He’d be lying--to himself, mainly--if he said he didn’t want that hunch to be true…Sol, now was not the time to think about this.
Later. He’d worry about it later.
When he could really sit and think…
With a couple of beers…
Or several.
The rest of the lesson went surprisingly smoothly after they fed Amir and themselves. Once again Arthur found himself endeared to the drifter as he fell in love with the grilled cheese, proclaiming it his new favorite food. After Amir left, they finished making the stew with Arthur showing Zaethrin how to dice the onions--tears and all--and explained the steps of building the flavors and when to add what as the stew cooked. Zaethrin was attentive and asked several good questions when he was confused about something or why Arthur used a certain technique.
By the time it was ready to serve, the rest of the Hex and the Round Table had joined them for the meal. It was nice, having a moment like this. Peaceful. Warm. Like the family they slowly had become over the many loops that he could remember.
Eventually they all parted ways for the evening, either retiring for the night or going on patrol. Arthur, however, found his way to the bar for those beers he wanted…needed?
“Mind having this old man as a drinking buddy?” Velimir asked as he slid into the other side of the booth.
“Don’t mind at all, mate,” Arthur chuckled, taking a long swig of his beer.
Velimir grinned as he cracked open his own, taking a slow sip after chilling it between his hands. “So,” he started, leaning back, “how’d our time traveler do with their cooking lesson?”
“Fairly well, in my opinion,” Arthur said, fidgeting with the bottle in his hand. A small smile twitched on his lips when he added, “Minus cutting himself with a knife.”
“Ha! If he had managed to get out of there completely unscathed, I would have been impressed,” the Libertatian snickered, “But better a cut than a burn. Burns are the worst, especially on your hand! Yeugh!”
“Truth,” Arthur chuckled, raising his bottle to his lips again.
Velimir’s chuckles died down as he looked into his beer. “Can’t help but feel sorry for the…heh, well, he’s not a kid, pretty sure he’s not only older than me, but older than all of us put together…but still, can’t help but feel sorry for him.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, after he asked what a snowman was--talk about breaking my big frosty heart--it got me thinking about everything he’s missed,” Velimir sighed, taking a long drink of his beer, “Sure, he might have spent centuries in that little pocket dimension thing, but he never got real experiences like the rest of us. No sweet sixteen, no learning to drive and terrifying their parents with their lack of self preservation at the same time, or graduation, or any other milestones. Hells, probably didn’t even get to have that first crush experience…”
“Yeah,” Arthur said quietly, slowly sipping his beer. He knew Zaethrin did have that latter experience, but considering how he knew, he kept quiet. Although, it did get him thinking again…but not right now. Not enough beer in him.
“The minute it starts snowing, I’m going to show him how to build a snowman,” the Frost protoframe stated, a twinkle in his eye as he said it, “And maybe a good old snow ball fight…”
“I’m surprised you have tried to create some,” Arthur commented.
“I tried, I really did,” Velimir whined with a small pout, “I can’t seem to get the consistency right. These abilities only seem to be good for two things, freezing the shit out of enemies…and spicing up things in the bedroom. M really likes it when I--” An empty water bottle flew across the bar and smacked the older man in the head. “Ow! Rude!”
Arthur chuckled and glanced over where he saw Minerva behind the bar, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. He looked back at Velimir and said, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out after a couple of loops.”
“Here’s hoping,” the older man sighed.
They continued talking, mostly about the loop, speculating on how it really worked and why they could remember some loops but not others. Minerva eventually cut them off before they got too sloshed. Arthur was pretty sure it was to save her ears if they started up singing again. He was tempted to protest, but she was probably right. Less of a chance to make a damn fool of himself…but then again, the night was still young…
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Oh Amir, you're lucky you're an adorable bundle of energy...and Zae is 100% going to return this in kind with you and Quincy. =3
Ok, now that Arthur and Zae are dating again (woot) I'm looking to continue on with the story quests...and I have a question:
How long is the Old Peace? Should I block out a weekend for it, or just a day? I wasn't sure if it was going to be as long as The New War or something shorter like Angels or Duviri.
So I was watching a video...essay(?)...documentary(?)...on YouTube about the whole Love and Deepspace drama (which is WILD btw), but it got me thinking....
Warframe having a dating sim side game for the Hex and Triad...>.> I really kind of want that, ngl.
Writers who may be feeling insecure out their own writing, yet still enthusiastically reblog and comment on someone else’s fic.
Writers who may struggle to find time to write their own stories, yet still read fics and take the time to let the writers know how much they like it in tags, asks, comments.
Writers who can appreciate and share a fic even though it might not be their ship or their “thing” because they respect the quality and the writer.
Writers who have tons of followers and share lesser known fics to help them get exposure.
Writers who have a small number of followers and will still reblog the popular fics.
Writers who will help another writer brainstorm or get through a tough part of their fic.
Writers who beta for other writers.
Writers who are kind and secure enough to support other writers.
I have been in charge of designing the characters' backstories, designs and various elements like the Tennobet ampersand and F&F ampersand logo!
You can now check out everything at my folio!
‼️ To my fellow artists and cosplayers, make sure to snag those concept sheets for the juicy details! I had the team in mind but also everyone who would want to perceive closer when this went live! 💜If you do any art, please let me know, that'd make my day!!
Reblog this if you would not only accept, but welcome fan art, moodboards, etc. of your fics
All of these used to be so common for people to show their appreciation of different fics and authors, and I think it’s a shame people don’t do it anymore. I love seeing fan work for my fics!!
