masterlist pinned | any prns. queer and weird. 28. | a real celebrity (100% true)! | avari theorist and sinda fucker | ALL JAIL NO BAIL horny thirsty dumpster-diving dilf enthusiast on life without parole | coke can cock connoisseur
tumblr happy about shooting people for money reasons (CEOs) but not for rapist reasons, 2025, colourized
RIP to the americans salty about their government, it really sucks. I don't feel that way about my government tho :3
masterlist / post in question
Hi :3 my name is Bun 🍔🐇 and I am any gender you think would be funniest in a given situation. I am Eastern European, insufferable and constantly horny and problematic on main. 🙂↕️
currently warhammerposting with some lotr/silm interludes!
guys i didn’t realize his actual name was teleporno im fuckinf crying. i just went with it like ok not the weirdest thing ive seen from the silm people yet. just assumed it was part of the fan lore i didn’t get to yet. wdym thats his NAMEEE im howling
guys i didn’t realize his actual name was teleporno im fuckinf crying. i just went with it like ok not the weirdest thing ive seen from the silm people yet. just assumed it was part of the fan lore i didn’t get to yet. wdym thats his NAMEEE im howling
NH in his imperium secundus murdershow era doing the tangled wanted poster bit except it's "they just can't get my name right!" (inspired by the time i saw Konrad Curze spelled *three different ways in the same reddit thread*)
The Abyssal Edge by Aaron Dembski-Bowden. From the anthology Sons of the Emperor. Narrated by Christopher Tester. Belongs to BL and GW …yadda yadda… you know the drill.
@pippinsquishums, your flower prompt reminded me of a conversation my fiance and I had a couple nights ago about what the Legions and their primarchs would look like as a trademarked bathbomb. I figured I'd get this out real quick, and tag you in it so that you could see it.
I'm getting back into the habit of writing again, there's been some issues with my music app, and then my earbuds went AWOL, but we be trying.
Please note that you are not coming out from these baths looking normal.
Headcanons under the cut:
Fulgrim decided that he and his brothers needed to sponsor and make marketable Primarch bath bombs. Big E endorsed this endeavor after Malcador mentioned something about "family bonding"
Lion El'Johnson/Dark Angels: a very deep green and brown layered bath bomb, sprinkled with the smallest hint of gold glitter. There's a heavy smell of pine to it, and somehow they managed to put the smell of petrichor and mud into the bath bomb, probably from the actual mud Fulgrim convinced the assembly team to put in because "just because it's Lion themed does not mean the users can't come out of it glowing". Unfortunately, the mix of green and brown coloring makes the water rather unsavory looking, but when in Rome, I guess.
Fulgrim/The Emperor's Children: the color of it is a deep purple, with a large amount of lavender and gold glitter sprinkled throughout it. It's fairly dramatic in its fizzing, as in you can actively hear it, but the scent it emits is a wonderful, wonderful blend of roses and lilies, and a hint of honey. There's some activated charcoal for the benefits, and some other added skincare chemicals mixed into the blend.
Perturabo/The Iron Warriors: The fact that this man was convinced to sign off on a marketable skin care/bath product is astounding. And then he got told what Dorn was going with(more on that later), and promptly decided that his bath bomb would be a close second in terms of dramatics when it comes to fizzing compared to Fulgrim, who's not even first place(once again, stay tuned for that answer). He selected yellow and black. Not even gold. Just yellow. A dry version of his bath bomb follows the hazard pattern of his legion, those yellow and black stripes, but when it completely dissolves and mixes into your bath, it's also an unappealing color. He does not care, sadly. He's selected the scents of motor oil, somehow managing to infuse that scent into the bath product alongside a hefty amount of charcoal(it had to turn black somehow). He shot down the suggestion from Fulgrim about putting blackberry scent into it. No, he did not care that Fulgrim helpfully informed him that blackberry is tough as nails, probably because it was worded something like, "it never goes away and some people saw it as a pest."
The Khan/The White Scars: he has a pretty basic bath bomb. A little dramatic, sure. But overall, pretty enjoyable. He also uses activated charcoal, but he's also managed to infuse the scents of several herbs from his home planet, as a subtle, savory undertone to the smell of tiger lily and, I can't explain my logic behind this, sunflowers. The color itself is a mix of a light gray and a small bit of red, with a touch of gold glitter. The end result sees the water turned a slight pink, looking almost like milk with a single drop of red food coloring. Yes. Let's go with food coloring.
Leman Russ/Space Wolves: This man heard that Perturabo didn't want blackberry in his bath bomb, and went, "more for me then." He loves the plant being so resilient, and it reminds him of home in a way, village children wandering around and stuffing their faces full until the juices had stained their faces and clothes, reminds him of grand feasts where serfs produced berry tarts and cookies. There's also a touch of pine scent mixed into it, along with sap and dandelions. The overall smell is vaguely nostalgic, especially if you were prone to running around in the woods as a child. It's not too dramatic, fizzing in what Russ describes as, "a reasonable amount". The color is a darker gray than Jaghatai's, with a red band around the dry version. Russ didn't want glitter, so your bath is going to be pretty dull, but it'll smell nice so there's that.
Rogal Dorn/Imperial Fists: He's accidentally convinced Perturabo to create a bath bomb, simply because he didn't exactly see the point. But, if he has to create a bath addition that fizzes, he opts for those tiny fizz tablets, like the ones baseline children use as a segway to bath bombs. While the rest of the primarchs opt for only having one bath bomb, Dorn opts instead for a packet of five, bright yellow tablets. There's a slight, citrusy smell, and that's purely because Dorn figured that most yellow fizzy tablets had the scent of citrus, and that must mean yellow=citrus when it comes to bath products. Logically, this is the one bath you're coming out of without being coated in glitter, stained a certain color, or smelling strongly of whatever perfumes went into it.
Konrad Curze/Night Lords: You are not leaving this bath without being stained a dark, messy purple. The bath bomb itself is coated in an outer shell of blue, but the core is a dark red. Curze had to be shown what a bath bomb actually looks like when it's at work, because when he first heard of one, he started laughing at the idea of quite literally blowing up your bath in the name of "relaxation". "can't be stressed if you're dead"
"Konrad, no-"
Anyways, he liked the idea that the red could leak through while it's fizzing, and the bath would look as though it's bleeding. He liked this idea a lot. He commissioned that many of the "bombs" be made so he could enjoy a bath(for once). In all reality, he just liked watching it "bleed". Are we that surprised?
He wasn't allowed to propose scenting it with viscera and "guilt"(whatever Guilt smells like) so instead, he proposed incenses that are most commonly used by morticians, think frankincense and myrrh, with a hint of embalming fluid. Nobody's sure how the embalming fluid got added to the mix, but it's there. His bath bomb scent has been given the name "funeral home", "graveyard", and "why did anybody think this was a good idea"(courtesy of Sevatar, who watched Curze hold an actively fizzing bath bomb so that the blood red soap poured down his hand)
Sanguinius/Blood Angels: He's opted for a white bath bomb, with a pretty average sprinkling of gold glitter. The bath, once it's finished, will look quite a good deal like steamy, glittery milk. This one is scented with milk, honey, and clover flowers, with a faint hint of cinnamon to make it into almost smelling like a comfort drink that you never learned the recipe for, but your parents or your grandparents made you when you were tired and cranky. Fulgrim and Horus did try to sweet talk him into adding a bit of red, since it does show up in his legion's color scheme, but Sanguinius wouldn't hear them out. Red, in his opinion, being buried inside the bath bomb, would remind him a little too much about his Thirst, and making people bleed because he hungered. Just the white is fine, thanks much.
Ferrus Manus/Iron Hands: This is another "practical" one that has the smell of motor oil, steel, and fire. Think deodorant for men, but in the form of a bath bomb. Ferrus is a little confused, but he has the spirit. In all honesty, he thought the bath bombs had to resemble what they themselves smelled like, but just like his Legion taking his iron hands out of context and going crazy with augments, the general public took the bath bomb out of context and decided that it was "manly enough that only the strongest could use it".
Angron/World Eaters: Lavender. So much lavender. See, despite the nails, he actually understood the assignment of "create a somewhat relaxing smell for your bath bomb". So, he picked a blend of chamomile and lavender, with a small center full of Epsom salt to ease one's sore muscles and joints. Fulgrim's quite proud, honestly. Who knew Angry Ron knew about that kind of stuff? In all honesty, Angron was putting up with the pain for as long as he could, creating the bath add on that he himself yearned for during his time as a gladiator. Lavender and chamomile to calm oneself, and the salts to ease soreness from a long and drawn out fight. The bath bomb itself follows a mostly red color scheme, since he'd left the design up to his brothers, once the migraines got too much to handle. This is another one that has flecks of gold, but those are few and far inbetween compared to the dried lavender and chamomile blossoms that were added. Angron has accidentally created a luxury bath, but it's actually pretty popular in the chronic pain and insomniac communities. No, this isn't me wishing really hard for a chronic pain/insomnia helping bath bomb. Totally not.
Guilliman/Ultramarine: Hoooo!! You'd think this would be the most basic bath bomb ever, and for the most part, you're right. The bomb itself is pretty basic. Not too much glitter, average amount of blue and gold dye, an actually respectable amount of olive oil and bath salts in the center, and an even more respectable amount of moon flower scented oils added. What isn't basic, and I will die on this hill, is the fact that he didn't make it ball shaped. He made it in the shape of his legion's symbol. What? It's supposed to represent him and his legion, isn't it? No, Curze. It's not a toilet seat, how dare you? Stop laughing, this is a serious matter!
Theoretical: The shape will, for once, make his legion stand out so that his brothers stop calling him a fancier equivalent of "basic bitch"
Practical: Russ and Jaghatai have now started a game of horseshoes with the bath bomb. Mission failed, he'll have to try again later.
Mortarion/Death Guard: Get that mold away from him, he doesn't want to. Never mind the fact that he's secretly concocting a scent scheme, and a color scheme, and a-
Oh, fuck it. Fine. Here.
This is another popular one with sufferers of chronic pain, simply for the fact he's filled the center with Devil's Claw extract, ginger extract, and ashwagandha. No, he totally didn't spend time researching herbs best for helping with one's pain. The scent itself is a surprisingly pleasant blend of citrus for energy, and rose because, "that's a usual bath bomb smell, right?" The color scheme itself is a murky, greenish brown, almost like vomit, which is why it's so surprising that it's such a pleasant experience.
Magnus the Red/Thousand Sons: This is a really pleasant bath bomb. The glitter, while completely coating the outside in every color under the sun and then some, is only a thin layer, hiding the, depending on if this is pre heresy or not, red or blue bath bomb under it. Magnus has added a few smells, such as the smell of old paper, dust, and leather. He's scented it like an old library that you have very vague memories of visiting as a child, to go with the smells of morning glory, papyrus and sea water. It also smells a bit like ink, and a very small bit of sandalwood incense. It's flashy, for sure, but it's not the shiniest one.
Horus/Sons of Horus: Great googly moogly. This man...who signed off on this guy making a bathbomb??
Horus never half asses anything, the effort he applies is usually 110%. Unfortunately...that extra ten percent has now put this bath bomb under a legal need to also be classified as a glitter bomb and a borderline war crime. There is so much F U C K I N G glitter, that once you step out of the bath, Twilight is calling asking for its vampire extras back. Now, once you get through the insane, obsessive, and borderline deadly amounts of glitter, the bath bomb itself is a steady half and half situation where one half is gold, and one half is a pleasant red. Horus also, unfortunately, couldn't decide on a scent, and as such dumped what smells like the entire perfume department into this, quite honestly, literal bomb. And I do mean literal, as it somehow fizzes so much your bath almost looks like it's boiling violently. Use at your own risk, or prank your least favorite family member for Sanguinala.
Lorgar/Word Bearers: ah, yet another sensible bath bomb. The scents of holy church oils, incenses, with a pleasing golden tint and lovely Monarchian runes drawn and etched into it. If you feel like taking a dip in the holy oil basin, there you go. Only this time, instead of leaving you greasy and gross, you're left soft and comforted, extremely relaxed by the subtle scents of burning wax and aged paper. Asides from the golden tint, the base color is just white. Lorgar didn't exactly see the point in coloring it deeply, he doesn't feel like this needs to be flash with his bath bomb. He is, however, putting capsules in the center of the bath bombs. What's inside? Prayer pamphlets.
Vulkan/Salamanders: He also understood the assignment, adding in soothing notes of milk, warm wool, and firewood, on top of a bit of lavender and southern magnolia. His bath bomb slightly breaks the mold that his brother's set, in that instead of his legion's colors, or his personal favorites, he left it up to the assembly team. After much voting, it was decided that the bath bomb would look almost like obsidian. Vulkan had said "surprise me," with a grin, and they surprised him with a bath bomb made to look like a byproduct of solidified lava. Vulkan is another one who commissioned the continued production of the bath bombs, and as a gift, gave the assembly team their own Vulkan Bombs.
Corvus Corax: A mix of black bath bomb and silver glitter, this bath bomb once again has notes of activated charcoal, with a raven themed carved crystal in the very center, usually made out of either black tourmaline, or onyx. The scent itself, aside from the charcoal, is a pleasant blend of moon flower, angel's trumpet, and cactus flower. It is important to note that the glitter he approved of isn't too much in its quantity. It's actually a rather miniscule amount, so small you almost miss it. When you step out, you almost look like you've sprayed a small layer of glitter body spray.
Alpharius Omegon/Alpha Legion: What. So, the bomb itself has a mix of every scent and then some, but unlike Horus, who's bath bomb can kill a grown man just by taking a small breath in, it's a pleasant sensation known as "the scent of all time". The bath bomb, as it fizzles and dissolves, goes through every single color under the sun, and then some, until it gets to the core. And that's when you remember just how much they like to be little shits. You thought to outrageous amounts of glitter Horus had would be the worst? No. No, you'll be bathing in glitter, nonstop, for decades. YOUR GREAT GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE GLITTERY
YOUR DOG
YOUR CAT
YOUR BIRD
Somewhere, far far away, the twins are cackling as they watch another victim activate the tracker hidden in the dangerous glitter trap.
With the twin snakes now well enough for medical release, it's time to finalize the living arrangement they'll have with Khopesh and Lullaby. Last minute jitters clash with the idea of finally having a safe place to nest. Luckily their hosts are very accommodating and actually, reasonable.
Warnings: Paranoia, Distrust of Authority Figures,
Previous:
💬 12 🔁 1 ❤️ 6 · You Have The Worst Luck (Snake Eyes) - 3 · Summary: Keme and Hebe have been conversing with the help of Khopesh and Lullab
Next: Not Here Yet
First of the Saga:
💬 0 🔁 15 ❤️ 51 · Severe Miscalculation · Reblogging so this will be closer to the top. This story was originally stand alone but is now th
Tags: @bookandyarndragonwritesdark @felinisnoctis @egrets-not-regrets @kit-williams @legionsofthehungry @passionofthesith @sleepyfan-blog (collab partner and made Hebe and Keme!)
@cunninglinguist-69 @bleedingichorhearts @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan (collab partner and made Zariel) @nereidof40k
(Potential) Moving Day
Hebe and Keme are wearing their outside faces, and are waiting again.
Not to meet with each other of course. But instead they wait for their potential Foster Hosts, at the entrance of Stone Flame's Medbay.
Potential as they'd be sitting down, with Zariel as the mediator, to write up an agreement to ensure living under the same roof would be tenable for all involved.
It's been approximately two or so weeks since Hebe's arrival. A slightly longer recovery period than one might expect for an Astartes.
Then again as Zariel had explained, their bodies were…not in the best shape to begin with.
Stress, sleep deprivation and slight malnutrition had all contributed to the longer healing process, especially for Keme who'd had much Much more direct damage done to him.
But they were in an acceptable state now. Between food, bed rest and…
Visits from their rescuers.
They were feeling much Much better.
Still though…nerves and anxiety don't just vanish because things start looking up. If anything it makes them worse due to the fear of things backsliding.
It's been approximately 32 minutes since their message. Hebe mentions.
Roughened ridge is about that distance, accounting for possible traffic or other hindrances it's reasonable that they may arrive later than that. Keme replies.
Other hindrance…
Neither of them like the idea of that.
It's then a chirp comes over their voxes, it's a message in the group chat.
Hey There Dears! We just got off the train, and will be there momentarily.
We're coming for you little Snakelings! Beeeee readeeeeeeay! Followed by a gif of a bat crawling along a wall with text that reads. He comin.
Hebe and Keme feel relief bloom in their chests. (And profound amusement at the funny image.)
The nerves are still present, but they have an ETA.
Zariel stands not far off, he's given the younger Hydra space, but he decides to approach the two of them.
“They'll be arriving soon?”
Keme hesitates for a moment, but nods. “Yes. Lullaby and Khopesh will be walking in any minute now.”
A moment passes.
“For what it's worth…I think you've both made a good choice.” Zariel eventually says.
Keme and Hebe both look to the older hydra then, surprise evident on their faces. They're not used to elders being so…gentle.
Zariel glances at them, before returning his eyes to the doors. “It takes a great deal of courage to do what you two have. That deserves commendation. And those you've chosen to go with are trustworthy and fair.”
The old Hydra's eyes seem to harden for a moment. “Do not go and mistake their kindness for Weakness. Such a foolish blunder would be…inadvisable.”
He thinks we might do something shady. Hebe posits, feeling slightly defensive under the intense gaze.
Keme almost bristles at that, but…he forces himself to calm down. He doesn't know us…not really. He turns back to the doors. I suppose I can't blame him for being protective.
But speaking of thoughts of possession and protection…
Keme feels a shiver go up his spine. He's been trying so hard to be good and not entertain…certain thoughts.
A Nest made up with warm blankets and limbs all tangled together...
You're daydreaming again. Hebe points out.
Keme clams up, and glares sharply at his twin. They couldn't literally read each other's thoughts but given their psychic connection, they can, essentially, Feel each other's thoughts when they're close enough.
And Hebe seems to take a special joy in calling him out when he's become wrapped up in certain kinds of thoughts.
“Ahem.” Zariel coughs, drawing the Scouts attention back to him.
They immediately drop their mental bickering, and give Zariel their full attention. Not just from discipline, but from fear of the elder's retribution.
“At ease Scouts.” Zariel states, noting their rigid response. “As long as you keep that in mind, there should be no issue. There is also…another matter I wanted to discuss.”
Both Hebe and Keme listen.
Zariel pauses, seemingly thinking over his next point. “As I said before, of all those you could've ended up housing with, I think you've made a good choice.” He reiterates. “However, even decent beginnings can become…unworkable.”
Keme and Hebe hold their breaths.
“I merely wanted to assure you of this. If for whatever reason your time in their Nest must end, you can always contact me. My Shoal will help and house you as best we can. Or find a suitable alternative.” Zariel promises.
The twin Hydra actually…don't know what to say.
Should…should we believe him? Keme asks Hebe.
Just because I've been here longer doesn't mean I really know him. Hebe replies. Then again…Lullaby did say Zariel was spooky but worth trusting.
I see. Keme nods, then also gives Zariel a verbal reply.
“We…appreciate your offer.” He says, somewhat awkwardly.
“We will keep that in mind.” Hebe adds.
It's at that moment the doors slide open, and the two people they're most excited to see walk in.
“Hello Dears!” “Snakelings! We have arrived!”
Hebe and Keme immediately move forward to greet you two.
“H-hello.” Hebe stammers a bit, nerves tripping up his lips.
“Hello there you two.” Keme greets as well, more smoothly, but that's because he's better at hiding his anxiety.
Zariel chimes in. “Let us move to the meeting room for the rest of this discussion.”
Your group proceeds to the private meeting room. But before you can sit down, the three Hydra do something that is strange to you.
They scan the walls with their eyes corner to corner, they look under the chairs, under the table…
“Uh…what are y'all doing?” You ask as they do this.
“Ah…checking for bugs.” Hebe replies sheepishly.
“Bugs?” A pause. "...Oooh. Like spy devices.” You look at Khopesh. “I get it.”
Keme smiles wryly. “You can never be too careful.”
“Also true.” Khopesh nods.
Eventually the three feel their examination is satisfactory, and everyone sits down.
Zariel is effectively serving as witness and stenographer, he will be taking down the different points and compiling them into the finished contract. He has an augmented data slate that can print the finished document as soon as he's finished with it.
“Okay…so obviously if ya'll are gonna live with us, we need to make sure there's a baseline understanding of how things are going to work.” You say, prompting the conversation to start.
Keme nods. “That is understandable. What did you have in mind?”
You look to Khopesh, and open your bag. You pull out a simple notepad. “Khopesh and I discussed a few things last night we thought would be important to mention.”
Here it goes. Keme thinks worriedly as he chews on his cheek.
Don't say it like that! Hebe protests, but he can't deny the anxiety twisting in his stomach.
“So first of all, the goal is to give ya'll a safe place to live and work so ya'll can build up enough funds to eventually find a home somewhere ya'll can thrive without worrying about your old shoal finding you.”
Keme and Hebe both nod hesitantly at that.
You continue. “Also with more people in the house that means more utilities being used and more food being eaten. We'd appreciate if ya'll could contribute to those costs, but otherwise we won't ask for more of your funds.”
Keme speaks up at that. “Wait so…you won't be taking most of our income?”
You look disturbed by that notion. “Ah no…what you earn you'll get to keep. Besides the small contribution for food and utilities.”
“Or if you break something, either fix it or cover the cost.” Khopesh puts forth.
You point at your partner. “Yes that.” You nod. “The only other situation where ya'll would be asked to contribute would be like…say there's a big storm or other bad weather and the nest gets damaged. Since ya'll live under that roof we would ask for help covering its repairs.”
Hebe…nods, part of him still waiting for the other shoe to drop, but at the same he could tell that there…didn't seem to Be another shoe??
This all sounds…fine?? Hebe thinks. Is it supposed to be this fine?
I think it's…not supposed to be Not fine? Keme shrugs subtly.
Hebe looks at him flatly. Helpful.
“Other than that our main concerns are ya'll keeping your spaces clean. Obviously don't steal things or break things intentionally or harm the animals we have. I don't think ya'll would do that, but I am still going to mention it and have it in writing.”
Khopesh's expression becomes more dark. “We do not Tolerate harm to our creatures.” He growls.
You nod, and also give a…pointed smile. “Yeah…if you Were to do something like that, we'd probably have to bury you ourselves.”
Hebe gulps and nods. Keme agrees and also…blushes.
Really!? Hebe asks
They're both gorgeous and they're both dangerous! Leave me alone! Keme replies.
“Well let's just make sure it doesn't come to that.” You scan over the note page. “Okay and on the subject of income, do you think ya'll will need help finding work? We can ask around if need be?”
“Ah no…I actually do have an income source.” Keme answers hesitantly. “I just need an internet connection, in order to do my…work.”
The twins become a little more awkward after that statement. You're not sure why.
“Oh…do you like, do stuff on social media?”
Keme fumbles with his lips before answering. “You…could say that. Yes.”
You still don't get the awkwardness what could be that embarrassing about social media-Ooooooh
The realization dawns, and Keme and Hebe feel their tension peak. Baselines can have a Variety of reactions to…that kind of work.
You recover though. “Hey hey it's fine.” You reassure them, feeling a little awkward yourself that it took that long.
Khopesh is also slightly surprised, but moves on quickly. “Eh, we're not exactly prudes snakelings.” He shrugs, leaning over and placing a nibbling kiss on your ear.
“Ack! Babe!” You squeak.
Oh gods, that sound… Keme fidgets, fighting his blush.
Shut Up! I mean it's true. But you're not helping! Hebe hisses back.
You huff rubbing your ear, and rolling your eyes.
“Anyways!” You continue. “We don't have a problem with that. It's your body, your choice.” You affirm. “We will ask that you hold off on doing any streams until we can double check the sound proofing of your rooms.”
Khopesh chuckles. “Oooh, best be careful Love Song. If Malkos hears you doubting his work he's liable to appear from the ether to scold you.”
“Oh Please, Darling. Appearing from the ether. Really.” You snort, rolling your eyes. “You know he'd never miss a chance to go through the wall.”
Khopesh blinks for a moment before, “Pfft- Ah-HA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!”
Breaking into those shaking cackles that make him throw back his head. It exposes more of his pale skin and his…beautiful scars…
Keme!
Keme glares back at Hebe, but gets his thoughts back in order.
You smile smugly, before carrying on. “Oh! We also need to get a sign for your room. That way no one will accidentally walk in while you're streaming.”
Keme nods, now more confident. “That sounds reasonable.”
Hebe agrees. “Indeed.”
“Okay then let's see, anything else…anything else Oh…there is one other thing with the…streaming.”
Keme and Hebe lean forward slightly. “Yes?”
Your expression becomes more somber. “Again, we don't have a problem with the work itself. But…if part of your work involves meeting clients face to face, we have to ask that you do that in a safe third location.”
Khopesh nods. “We cannot abide by strangers coming to our nest, no matter how well they pay.”
Keme feels a breath release that he didn't know he was holding. “Oh! Oh of course not. All private sessions are done strictly online. And any gifts or donations are received via a system of PO boxes that I have set up.” He explains.
You brighten up at that, also relieved it won't be an issue. “Ah Good. Good.”
Hebe chimes in. “We can also help improve your general internet connection. Our networks are incredibly secure, and powerful.”
“Oh well…that's rather kind of both of you.” You nod.
“Such contributions are appreciated, Snakelings.” Khopesh nods.
Zariel takes a break from typing to speak up. “I think it would also be a benefit to establish communication habits, especially around travel.”
You look to the elder Hydra curiously. “What do you mean?”
Zariel's eyes meet yours, then he scans them so he does the same with all the other room's inhabitants.
Then he speaks. “This is not a typical Astartes fostering situation.” He begins. “Keme, Hebe, You are effectively being placed in a form of witness protection, given the actions your prior Shoal have taken against you.”
Keme looks down at the floor. Hebe places a hand on his shoulder.
You feel for them. After all.
You know the feeling of something that could destroy you hanging over your head all too well.
Zariel's eyes soften, but he continues. “While our goal is not to restrict you to only the area of their nest, we do need to establish expectations around when and how you come and go.”
“Ah…ensure that if the Snakelings need help while outside the nest, they can be reached.” Khopesh nods with understanding.
“Or if they need to contact you while You are outside it. Given the frequency of your trips to Gannet Point and Steelix River.”
Keme looks to Hebe. I gotta admit. I hadn't thought about that.
Hebe thinks for a moment. Well…we're not exactly used to being able to come and go from a place as we please.
“We think that's a wise idea.” Hebe replies, Keme nods in agreement.
It only takes a few extra minutes to establish practices such as texting when leaving, arriving at a destination, leaving that destination and landing back at the farm. A full dossier of time spent isn't required but more general information such as places, etas, and extra texts if more errands pop up, or a trip is delayed.
“I think we should also have a code word.” You present.
“A code word?” Keme asks.
Hebe perks up. “Like for secrets?”
“To make sure if one of us approaches you when you're outside the nest, you know its actually us.” You explain. “Well…I guess it's more, make sure it's him.”
Khopesh huffs. “That's true. If any sneaky former Shoal mates try something they may use my shape.” He then wraps an arm around you and grins. “They don't have the hips to imitate You, my Love Song.” He purrs.
You smile, crows feet crinkling at your eyes. “They'd barely be able to mimic a Fraction of your luminance, my Cackling Rose.” You purr back, shameless. “But sadly, it may only take a moment of deception for something bad to happen.”
Keme winces again. He knows that fact all too well.
Zariel speaks up again. “The establishment of such a phrase is a good idea. As for the items that will be written directly into the contract, I believe if there are no other concerns to highlight, we can proceed with printing and signing the documentation.”
That makes Keme and Hebe's anxiety trickle back up. Things had just been lighthearted, soft even.
But actually signing something binding made it all feel so much more…
Like a trap. Hebe swallows.
Keme nods.
You seem mostly unaware of their exchanges and nerves. Mostly. You look to Zariel.
“Let them see the document first, Zariel. I want them to read it and make sure nothing seems out of place.” You explain.
The elder Hydra nods, before printing it right there from his augmented data slate. It spits out almost like a receipt, but with stronger paper. He passes it directly to the young Hydra.
Both brothers immediately take to reading over the document. They read over it once, twice, three and even four times, almost as if they expect to see some hidden clause jump out at them. Some secret trap hidden in the words that will fuck them over.
But they find…Nothing.
All the discussed points are laid out, in more professional but still direct language. There's no demand for all or most of their earned money or their obedience or their service in other ventures or missions.
It's just…exactly what was brought up. And exactly what they already deemed was reasonable.
It's a relief but…it's also something they are Wholly unfamiliar with. There's even an agreement about moving being ‘at will.’
Basically they can stay as long as they need (provided they don't do something drastic or dangerous or malicious), and even Leave at any time.
Eventually you speak up. “Is there anything we need to change?” You ask, softly, gently.
Both the twins exchange one more thought.
This all seems…
Too good to be true. I know. Hebe nods.
An almost treacherous thought enters Keme's mind. Should…should we say no?
Hebe doesn't reply, but his gaze does become more…serious. Keme?
Look. Keme answers. At least on our own we don't have to Trust anyone else. Would it…would it be better to just go it alone??
Keme's thoughts aren't confident, they sound scared and unsure. He almost looks like he might start shaking.
Hebe stops him, with a hand on his shoulder.
Keme meets his twin's eyes.
We won't be going it alone. Hebe reassures him. And like they said, even if this doesn't work out…we'll always have each other's backs.
Keme feels his panic slowly ebb. It doesn't go quietly, but he nods.
We'll always have each other's backs. He then turns back to the others.
“This agreement is satisfactory. We are ready to sign.”
Another moment, and the papers are signed and dispersed.
One copy goes to Zariel for record keeping. The second goes to Khopesh and Lullaby, and the third (and original) contract goes to Keme a Hebe. They're shown and even take pictures of the other copies as further proof they are all identifical. They then store their copy away in one of their armor packs.
You note their lack of any other luggage, besides the clothes/armor they walked in with. “Do ya'll not have any other items to take?”
Hebe glances away, Keme winces. “Like we said we weren't able to take much with us…” On habit he moves to apologize. “I'm sorry-”
You immediately correct your words. “Oh dear heart no. There's nothing to apologize for.” You assure him. “It just means we'll need to set aside some time so you can get those essentials.”
Oh…that makes sense. Hebe thinks.
A shopping trip does sound rather nice. Keme hums.
Khopesh smiles as well. “I suppose that's less weight to transport. They can use some of my clothing until we can grab more for them.”
Wearing his clothes? Keme feels his cheeks tick up with heat again.
Keep it together dammit! Hebe chastises though he's also blushing.
You both seem oblivious to the fluster on the two Hydra.
“Well we better get moving. Wanna make sure ya'll can see the place, and get settled in.”
Hebe and Keme nod, ready to go. Keme swallows around the lump in the back of his throat, trying not to get distracted by how gorgeous the two of them were - Hebe's been scolding and teasing him enough as it is. "We are ready to go."
Should we tell them?
I don't see why not, and it would allow us to show that we do have the ability to bring in some income from the start...
Hebe clears his throat and says "While we weren't able to bring anything with us - as before... Before we were attacked by members of our warband, we were looking for somewhere else to go, but hadn't been prepared to flee, we do have a number of hidden caches throughout Gannet Point, Roughened Ridge and Steelix River."
You tilt your head. “Hidden Caches?”
Keme shifted a little from foot to foot "They became necessary as some of the gifts that I was sent by clients and viewers would mysteriously end up missing if it was jewelry, or a gift of cash or similar sort of resource, when brought back to base and Hebe and I were unable to properly secure the asset." He had been wearing some of his favorite pieces of jewelry that had been sent to him by clients before the others had tried to drown him. He'd woken up with all of them gone.
“Are you serious?” You ask, feeling your chest grow hot, Khopesh can be heard growling lowly.
Keme and Hebe are momentarily afraid, seeing the shift in your tone to anger until your next words.
“What Fucking Dicks!” You proclaim. “I mean really! I've never done your kind of work, but I know it's not easy! And not enough they take Way too big a cut of the earnings You worked for But Also steal the things people Specifically sent to you!?”
Keme, nods hesitantly. “Ah…yes?”
You throw your hands up. “Disgusting!”
“Naughty naughty!” Khopesh affirms, snapping his teeth. “Those with impolite hands should not be allowed to Keep them without consequence.” He chuckles darkly.
“You got that right, Sweetness!” You huff crossing your arms, and sniffing indignantly.
Keme and Hebe find themselves blushing again. Why does their indignation make their chests feel warm too?
"We should have enough in those caches to be able to get at least a basic streaming set up ready, after making sure that the soundproofing is in order." Hebe finishes. They would rather not go by themselves to go hunting for those caches, but they would if the implied request was denied or ignored.
You place your hands on your hips. “Well we'll absolutely help you go retrieve your stuff Babes.” You look to your mate. “Right Sweetness?”
Khopesh nods. “We’ll need to plan those trips for our days off. But we'll gladly escort you, so you can reclaim your property little Serpents.” His eyes brighten up. “Oooh! We can even go see more areas and try new restaurants we haven't seen yet!” The Nightlord chirps eagerly.
Keme murmurs "You mentioned that we should come up with a code phrase to make sure that everyone knows that we are who we claim to be - or if Hebe or I are using different faces and voices, you know that it's us."
The two of them could have a number of reason to have different faces on - not the least of which being that there were places that it was just... Much safer to either appear as a corpse worshipper, or a chaos marine of a different type - or a renegade. One thing that united many of their cousins was a disdain to outright hatred of the Alpha Legion. Not that either of the twins could blame them, given their own experiences with some of their older brothers.
Hebe nods "Does anyone have ideas? Code phrases should be short, easily understood and be subtle enough to not be clearly a code phrase, if spoken aloud in public."
Keme shifts a little and answers "I do have one call and response type code phrase, and I know that it hasn't been used by our shoal, so it should be safe to use." He clears his throat a little, his cheeks warming a little as he says "The first person should ask Traveling far? and the answer should be Makes the heart grow fonder. What do you think?"
That's incredibly not subtle! They are a pair!
I know! I just. Rahas would never pick anything that sentimental.
Triago might
No he wouldn't
... Good point.
The two of them waited somewhat nervously for you and Khopesh to answer, hearts pounding. Hebe still couldn't believe that Keme was being this audacious, even though you and your mate were amazing and gorgeous and -
No. This wasn't going to be a problem because he and Keme weren't going to be weird about this. They need shelter and safety, and both were tentatively hopeful that this was going to work out. "So... what do you think?" Keme asked, trying to appear more confident and nonchalant.
You blink, mulling over the words, before smiling. “Oh my Goodness that's so Adorable!”
Khopesh chuffs with a nod. “It is quite the sweet sentiment, Little Serpent.”
All at once the tension drops from Keme's shoulders and more warmth spreads over his face and neck.
…You alright? Hebe asks, half teasing.
They called me adorable. Keme smiles, almost dopey from the praise.
But then Another voice hisses in his mind. It's still his own but…meaner. Good. If they think you're cute or useful you'll stay alive. Not like you're good for much else.
Keme's smile falters but he swallows, and composes himself as best he can.
Hey…Are you alright? Hebe asks, more concerned this time.
Fine. Just…I'm fine. Keme replies.
Hebe knows that look. And that he isn't going to get more by pushing. For now anyway.
…
The four of you, Keme and Hebe now back in their outside faces, proceed to the exit. There's a nervous energy building but there's also…excitement??
A new home… Hebe wonders.
At least for now. Keme replies with a nod.
Take as long as you need.
The boys turn with shock at the new voice, only to calm (slightly) a moment later, when they see it is Zariel.
Speaking to them.
The elder Hydra in Ultramarine skin turns gentle blue eyes their way.
Remember, should you have need, You can always come to me. He reaffirms the prior offer.
Keme feels anxiety battle with the reassurance. Hebe feels slightly more of the latter than the former. But they both know…
They're not ready to trust an elder hydra, not That much anyway.
Regardless an open door is a comfort and the boys nod.
Thank you. They reply in unison.
Zariel nods. Now…I believe you two have a train to catch.
The boys look to the doors where you and Khopesh are standing.
“Hey! Come on ya'll! We're burnin daylight here!” You call brightly.
“Scuttle those muscles! Sna- I mean! Scoutlings!” Khopesh almost blunders then recovers.
((So cute…))
…!
You thought that first this time! Keme blames, as he moves to catch up.
I did Not! Hebe protests, following quickly. You're the one who can't keep the blush off you're face!
Oh and your hearts totally aren't beating faster right now?? I don't even need to be in your head, I hear it pounding in my Ears!
How do you know those aren't Your hearts!
Their bickering continues as they make their way out the door joining you a Khopesh.
Summary: On a shift at Stone Flame Lullaby and Khopesh come across a near murder occurring in the halls. One psychic healing and body check later, a certain unlucky Hydra is being whisked away to the medbay; remembering only that he saw two faces before succumbing to unconsciousness. One warm and human, the other frightful, sharp and pale.
And yet both their touches were so So soft…
Warnings: Violence, Mentions of Blood, Cursing, Mention of Abuse by Authority Figures, Trauma and PTSD
Authors Note: Hey Ya'll! Just wanted to pop in here to mention how much fun I had collaborating with @sleepyfan-blog , @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan and @felinisnoctis for this next chunk of the story!
Also I will give a heads up that there's going to be a shift in the story status quo as we get closer to the end. Nothing as absurd as "Rocks Fall and Everyone Dies." But I still want to acknowledge it may not be to everyone's taste.
The end of this series isn't coming next by any means, but I now have a much clearer path in mind for it, and honestly that's thanks to many of you giving me inspiration through your own works!
I'm super excited to work on this next line of fics.
Thank you all so much and I hope you all continue to read and enjoy!
Tag List:
@bookandyarndragonwritesdark @felinisnoctis @egrets-not-regrets @kit-williams (Who made Anrir)
@legionsofthehungry @passionofthesith @cunninglinguist-69 @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan (Who made Zariel) @bleedingichorhearts @nereidof40k
@bispecsual-archived
Also in general a BIG thank all the amazing Warhammer Husbandry writers!
Previous Fic
💬 26 🔁 8 ❤️ 10 · Silver Polish · Summary: After the harrowing trip to near martyrdom and the formation of new allies at the nest, Lullaby
Next Fic - Coming Very Sooooon! IS NOW
💬 1 🔁 1 ❤️ 2 · You Have the Worst Luck (Snake Eyes) - 2 · Summary: A few days after the first rescue of the unlucky Hydra, Khopesh and Lul
First of the Horde
💬 0 🔁 15 ❤️ 51 · Severe Miscalculation · Reblogging so this will be closer to the top. This story was originally stand alone but is now th
Also this is related to This fic by @sleepyfan-blog (who let me use Keme, Hebe and Rahas!) - reading not required to understand this one but definitely encouraged. Honestly read the whole June of Doom Master list. It's Great!
💬 8 🔁 11 ❤️ 8 · Day 2 - Drowning · Author’s note: Day 2 of June of Doom! Masterlist here. I hope you enjoy~ Thank you to @gallifreyianrose
“It's over here. I knew I smelled Blood…”
“I believe you Sweetness but shouldn't we make a call to securit- What on God's green Earth is going on down here!?...”
“This doesn't concern you…”
Cold darkness, a rough ragged pain in his throat. Voices… Muffled and hazy.
“You're bleeding and He's knocked out… It damn well does Concern Us!”
“I was attacked by this angry little serpent. Nothing more…”
“Why didn't you call for security? Throne's sake man you'll need an apothecary for that stab wound at least!”
“I assure you I can handle this minor inconvenience. Little mortal, though your concern is appreciated…”
If Hebe could summon up the strength, he'd have spit back venom at his bastard elder brother. Always able to turn situations to his favor.
He'd be indicted.
Arrested…
Or worse…
Returned to the Shoal. No
NoNoNoNoNoNoNONO!
“Somehow I find that doubtful…”
What?
“Khopesh?”
“...And just What is That supposed to mean, Nightlord?”
“You're Rahas, of the Alpha Legion. Anrir told me about You.”
“...I see… And what Pray Tell did your Handler tell you about Me. Scout?”
The word is edged with ice. Hebe wants to move, wants to try to warn them. But he can't even muster more than a twitch in his eyelids.
He sees the dim and foggy image of the Nightlord and the Mortal coming to stand between his body and Rahas.
“Oooohhh nothing Much. Just that you were among the Slimiest Backstabbing Gutter Tripe he's ever had the displeasure of seeing in the Flesh….”
If he'd had more strength he might have been able to summon a laugh at that barb. But at the same time a marrow deep dread fills him.
They have no idea who they're antagonizing. His barely focusing eyes take in Rahas's twitch of annoyance.
Even like this it makes his hearts spike with adrenaline.
“Well, you misbegotten whoreson of Curze, you and your equal Bastard of a leader can think whatever you wish of me. However, that does not change the fact that I am the one who was assaulted by one of My misbehaving little brothers. And as he is under My command I will do as I see fit for punishment.”
Images from what felt like millenia of torment flash in Hebe's mind. He trembles with what little returning strength he can.
This back and forth is at least giving him some time to recover. Had Keme escaped? Or did he simply have a break from his torment by his other shoal members?
“No one goes without Apothecary Treatment and an Incident Report after something like This. That goes for You and Him.” The mortal's voice speaks with a finality they really have no right to.
“As for the attack, we'll be putting in a call to Zariel and his squad to check the cameras in this Hallway. If they show your innocence we'll even apologize for calling you a slimy backstabber.” The mortal concedes.
“If not…”
The raspy other voice is followed by the Nightlord's back rattling with a dark Dark chuckle.
He sees Rahas, through the black edges of his vision. He sees the look that makes his blood and hearts plunge into ice.
“Ah…so it seems you two will be making this Difficult. Very well…I don't mind putting More brats in their place!”
“...Really Dude?” The mortal moves their hands plaintively, more from annoyance than fear. “You wanna get into Another hallway fight?”
“Oh this won't be a fight…more of…a Lesson. That you shouldn't stick your stupid little noses where they Don't-!”
The mortal moves their hand to the Nightlord's arm and suddenly-
“THINK FAST!”
WHAM!
“Y-oU! Cough! Cough!! YOU fucking BRAT!” Rahas snarls, spitting out actual blood between snarling teeth.
The Nightlord that had just moved at Incomparable speed and Fucking Shoulder Checked Fucking Rahas back several feet simply cackles with an almost sickening delight.
“Yeah…wanna maybe sit the fuck down before we Make you?” The mortal offers.
Rahas doesn't reply in the common tongue. Instead spitting the worst insults he knows in a mixture of Gothic and a few other languages he'd gained from his years of infiltration.
“Guess not…Think you can handle this one Sweetness while I help him?” The mortal asks the Nightlord.
The spawn of Curze rolls his shoulders, and hops a few times as if this was all just some friendly boxing match. He's out of armor, yet completely nonchalant. “Easily my Love! Just keep one eye on me.”
“Got it! Hey! Hey! can you hear me?”
Suddenly Warm…warm hands on his pulse point. Warm psychic healing energy flowing through his body. That insistent voice. Bold yet not grating.
He manages to flick his weary eyes up.
The mortal's face is concentrated. Firm yet kind. Their eyes meet his.
“Hey there. It's gonna be okay.” They insist, grasping the pendant hanging from their neck and pressing down.
Hebe doesn't immediately understand the motion. Until he hears Rahas cursing anew.
“YOU SQUEELING WRETCHED! AH!”
The Nightlord…Khopesh was it? Lands a punch solidly on Rahas's face, still moving and fighting in a way that seems to catch Rahas completely off guard.
Whether that's the speed or the mixture of techniques is anyone's guess.
“O-oh~? A bit too used to slinking about in the shadows, ey?” Khopesh sneers, feinting the next hit and landing another, this one a swipe with his claws that tears Rahas's shirt and bloodies his side. “Forgot what it feels to Really get your claws Dirty!? Haven't You!?” He snarls with unmitigated glee.
Rahas staggers back, actually falling to one knee. Hand outstretched. “Wait! Wait…I…I Yield…”
Hebe freezes, shit! He knows this trick. And he knows the Nightlord won't stop attacking, driven by bloodlust.
Whether it's his nails or a knife it won't matter! Rahas will swipe as soon as he's close enough. The poor fool will be left dying on the floor from whatever poison Rahas can conjure-
“Mmm…sure. And that's why your other hand is Totally not grabbing for a hidden dagger right now.” The Nightlord points out cheerfully, not moving closer to the ‘downed’ enemy.
Rahas…for once in his expansive life…doesn't know how to respond. He did have an injector on him. Full of sedatives to make reclaiming his wayward Hatchling easier. But the dagger from the defiant little shit was making it difficult to control his biomancy. His nails, even sharpened, were useless right now beyond leaving flesh wounds.
Khopesh widens his smile. “You think you're the first fool I've fought who uses poison? Not only that! But you think it makes up for lack of Practice in Hand to HAND!”
It's not a punch this time but a swift curved kick that smashes across Rahas's face while he's momentarily stunned.
A White Scar move if Hebe's ever seen one.
Rahas lays sprawled on the floor, and the poison injector skitters out of its hiding place.
Fuck deception! Fuck the indirect method! He snarls, grabbing the injector and lundging directly at the Nightlord.
“See if you can dodge This you Wretched-!”
“Duck Sweetness!”
The Nightlord tucks and rolls sideways revealing the mortal behind him holding something in their hands out like they planned to shoot-
ShiNK!
Two sharp pains are the only warning he gets before
BZZZZZZZTZTZTZTTZTZTZT!
“AHHHHHHHHHH!” Hot white but familiar agony lights up his nerves. He's been subjected to lightning before, but in his already weakened state it takes the rest of his strength in an instant.
Even his psychic power seems to drain away to nothing and he collapses into a black abyss of unconsciousness.
Hebe, can't fathom what he's just witnessed…
Rahas…is downed.
THE Rahas, is down and out on the floor. And is having Astarte strength cuffs slapped on his wrists.
Hebe feels like laughing.
He feels like crying.
He feels like he's going to pass out again.
Can Keme feel this too?? Wherever he is?
This elation mixed with disbelief.
If he'd truly died and this is some vision of a very Very strange karmic dream…
He doesn't want to wake up.
Speaking of which he actually is starting to black out again.
“He doesn't seem to have any spinal injuries. His neck and wrists have this weird psychic residue on them…or maybe In them?? I've never seen anything like it.” The mortal speaks to their other half.
“Lullaby! Khopesh! We got your distress call and…Oh my Stars!...” Another voice calls from the hallway where Hebe cannot see.
The Nightlord turns his gaze. “Zariel! Come quickly, make sure this one won't die if we move him!”
Hebe feels a presence near him. Old and well trained, the movement of an auspex wand down his form.
“How strange. His vitals show a great deal of exhaustion … … but no physical harm greater than bruises, the worst is on his side and ribs… … …Are you sure?”
Hebe's consciousness is flickering again, he misses the next exchange, but soon he's being lifted up.
“Need help carrying him Sweetness?” The mortal asks, which almost makes Hebe want to scoff.
How on earth would they Help lift him?? He may be young by Hydra standards but he's still a full grown Astartes!
“I think I can handle the distance to the Medbay. You might keep a hand on him just in case.”
“Got it.”
That same warmth travels through him and he manages to force his eyes open, just a little.
He first sees a face. Sharp and Pale. Frightening yet…strangely handsome. A scar cuts across the Nightlord's mouth and his nose is crooked from battles past. His dark eyes are full of mirth, and they're focused squarely ahead. His teeth are pointed like blades.
His eyes drift over to the source of that psychic warmth. That healing and he sees another.
Gentle and mortal, a baseline whose eyes are focused on where they're walking while their hand touches the top of his. They're clearly an adult human but he can't pinpoint their age beyond that.
And Hebe…Hebe doesn't know what to think anymore.
He doesn't want to think anymore.
So he lets himself drift, feeling that warmth flowing into him. That strength of pale and viciously strong arms holding him so So gently. The sound of twin hearts, thumping softly beneath his cheek.
For the first time in many years, he lets himself just let go of every thought, and sleep.
…
Zariel comes over with a hover med bed- he’d requested Hura to handle the other Hydra… knowing that would be … unpleasant for Rahas. But if Rahas didn’t want to deal with Hura’s ire then he shouldn't have pulled grox shite in the Stone Flame base. He addresses the injured younger brother first “Are you able to speak?”
Hebe swallowed, clearing his throat and trying to manifest something coherent into coming out of his mouth.
“GET OFF ME! GET YOUR SLIMY SICKNESS RIDDEN MOLD COVERED PHALANGES AWAY FROM ME!” A shouting voice rings out from nearby, breaking Hebe's focus.
“Temper Temper, Little Hydra. Wouldn't want me to have to pull out more sedatives now Would you?”
“I am a Biomancer you scum eating Nurgle Spawn! I Can recuperate on my Own! NOW UNHAND ME!’
Hebe felt those familiar tremors start again. Logically he knew Rahas wasn't dead, but…hearing him so close. So Furious, he felt like he might pass out again.
Of course…Zariel took notice of this, even if the younger Hydra was too lost in his panic to notice.
“No No No No~” The other voice sang. “We simply cannot have that. You are Clearly beyond your right mind given your Aha…Agressive cadence. Not to mention the large wound in your thigh and the poison in your veins. Honestly you're quite lucky it did not strike your femoral artery, otherwise you'd be on this table for a…Very Different procedure.”
A familiar chuckle comes from nearby, but Hebe barely notices it beyond that. Or the other voice from beyond the door muttering something like, “Wow what a bitch.” Right now they're just more people in the Hallway between him and the literal cause and manifestation of his Nightmares.
The Apothecary taps a button on the wall near the door, and the various cursing and shouting cuts off.
Sound dampening…he can no longer hear Rahas.
But those outside cannot hear Him either.
And he's trapped with a Hydra just as old and experienced as his Shoal leader…if not more so.
Hebe's stress has made a Lateral change
“Easy young one. Look at me.” Zariel commands firmly, but not harshly. He gently maneuvers the young Hydra's face to look into his pen light.
“Dilation is normal. Your body seems to be stabilizing. Can you sit up for me?”
Hebe tests his limbs and muscles carefully, they hurt, his side Hurts, but he can move. He cautiously bringd his torso up from the bed.
“Okay good. Can you tell me your name?”
Hebe hesitates for a moment. “I…I am called Hebe.” He fumbles over his words.
Zariel nods. “Okay. Do you know where and when you are?”
“Stone Flame Base; on Terra circa M3. I do not recall the exact time of day it is. Sir.”
Again, Zariel simply nods. “I see. You were flickering in and out of consciousness for a while. It is now approximately 1400 Hours.” He picks up a clip board and writes… Something down.
Hebe tries to concentrate to try and figure out what it is the older hydra is writing from the strokes the other is making, and the cadence. His head hurt too much to try and focus on it, unfortunately. He gently taps his right leg, just above his knee, as subtly as his clumsy fingers and aching body would let him, silently hoping - but not praying, as prayers were never answered well - for some sort of response. “Thank you, sir.” He’s still trying to figure out how to get his eyes to work properly and not show how deeply panicked he is to be at the mercy of another much older brother. He hopes that Keme is alive. Probably captured by their shoal… But alive.
He’d be able to feel it, if Keme was dead, wouldn’t he? If he’d even survive Keme’s death. Considering that they were psychically conjoined, and had been since birth (if not before then), and couldn’t be separated from one another for more than half a planet’s span of distance without falling into intractable seizures that would not stop no matter what was done to them until they were reunited… Keme is alive. He had to believe that. Perhaps sleeping or otherwise occupied, but alive. If he had the energy and coordination, he would be tempted to bolt out the door, as it was, he knew he was too woozy to try and escape just yet.
“Alright Hebe, as you seem cognizant of where you are, I want to ask if you are ready to give a statement.”
Hebe blinks back the exhaustion he feels. “A statement, Sir?”
Zariel nods, before continuing in his usual professional but calm tone. “About what transpired before you were found in the Hallway.”
More potent dread trickles into the Hydra's stomach again.
Would this brother even believe him? Would his words make their way back to Rahas? Or any of the other Shoal members?
Would he find himself thrown back to the sharks to be devoured and punished for the gall of speaking out??
Maybe plead with him. Beg for his protection with weeping eyes and trembling lip. He may take mercy on a Poor lost little hatchling.
Tell him Nothing! Just get through this mess until you can Bolt! We cannot trust him!
Take the blame, perhaps we can save ourselves some torment if we placate Rahas by following his narrative.
Hebe spirals and his breaths become more ragged as the paralysis by choice sets in.
PLEAD, SILENCE, LIE, PLEAD, SILENCE, LIE…WE DON’T CARE JUST DO SOME-
“Young one?”
Hebe's attention is momentarily pulled back to the surface. The elder Apothecary's eyes are tired and lined with age, but they are not harsh. His voice is simple and calm. Direct.
“Is it perhaps… That you are, uncomfortable, with only us being present in this room?”
Perhaps?? As if that wasn't ninety nine percent of the reason he was currently panicking.
…Okay maybe more like eighty-five percent. The rest was due to knowing Rahas was so close by.
“Ah…y-yes.” Hebe nods quickly, desperately wishing he could just vanish into thin air.
Zariel nods again. Calm, so Calm so blasted fucking Calm when it feels like Hebe is about to vomit out his intestines!
“Alright…normally I would need to take the statement solely from you. But I think there is a different way to accomplish that without stressing you further. One moment.”
The Elder Hydra quietly slips back out of the door. For a brief moment the ambient sounds of the med bay return, minus the yelling from a certain individual, until the sound proofing re-engages.
It leaves Hebe sitting there, unsure of what his next move should be.
He tests his body again, trying to ascertain if he's got enough energy to bolt.
(!) A sharp pain lances up his injured side.
Not yet. Damn it.
Every second here is another second He knows where they are…Stars above every second is another where Keme's fate is uncertain.
He can't just sit around waiting for-
Click
Hebe straightens up the moment he hears the door open. His body is rigid as he readies himself for the worst. Zariel re-enters the room, followed by…
“Hey there Bud. I'm glad to see you cognizant.”
That voice! Dry, but tempoed and almost rhythmic. Like feeling warm desert sand slide through your fingers, but with your ears not your touch.
“You took quite a beating Little Serpent. I too am glad you're back among us.”
The other oh… Dark and raspy. Cold but not biting. More like tracing hands along cool damp stone in a cave, feeling the water and rock and yet knowing that place is as alive as any other.
Hebe's sea green eyes take in those faces. The ones he saw just before blacking out.
Did… Didn't they carry him here? Or well the Night lord did the carrying the human just kept pace and held his hand.
Which was still…Nice. The warmth was nice. The cool was nice. The perfect contrast all present in one place…in one Pairing.
Pairing.
A pair! Of course they're a bonded pair! Why did it take Hebe so long to catch up to that?? Damn he must be more exhausted than he realized.
Regardless, their presence does actually make him… Feel better. They literally put themselves between him and his worst Nightmare and Bested it.
Hebe, can feel his stress ebbing…just a little bit. Keme is still out there. He cannot let himself lose focus on that. He also remembers… some other warmth too but…he can't recall how or why it came right now.
All he knows is that he felt it when they came. Was it when the mortal touched him? Or was it when the Nightlord picked him up? Maybe it was just a trick of his battered mind.
“Ahem,”
Hebe is pulled back from his thoughts again. Zariel is still holding the clip board. “This is Khopesh, Scout of the 8th Legion Circa M31. And his partner Mx. Lullaby.” He explains. “They are the ones who found you in the Hallway and they've already given their statements for the record of what they witnessed.”
“T-thank You.” Hebe replies automatically and he means it fully. Before he can even think about choosing his words the gratitude is on his tongue. Which…is a bit odd for him.
In his and Keme's lifetime they'd learned every word had a double edge. Every conversation had a value in their spy work, from the most frivolous gossip to the most damaging secrets. Every wrong note or displeased tone could be grounds for punishment.
Every defiant chord was mere inches away from being cut and silenced forever.
How many chords had Keme and Hebe personally seen cut?
How many times had he woken up to see some had simply vanished without a sound?
How many times had he feared the exact same fate.
But here, at this moment, Hebe…doesn't feel the need to broker his words. He doesn't have the faintest idea why…maybe exhaustion? Maybe his mind was more out of order than he realized?
The baseline…Lullaby, smiles, their eyes crinkle at the edges with crows feet. Lines that showed laughter was common in their existence. “It's no trouble Sweet Thing. People are supposed to help each other."
“And you distinctly looked like you were in need of it.” The Nightlord- No- Khopesh chuckles.
Hebe manages to avoid wincing and shrinking in on himself at the fact that the fact he’d been in such dire straits was so obvious by the skin of his teeth. He swallows hard. Their presence was helping to ground him, and he really hopes it’s not as painfully obvious to the others as it is to him - from the knowing expression on the elder Hydra’s face, he is… Unfortunately… Showing his true emotions easily. “I… Was in a bit of a dire situation, yes.” The truth comes painfully from his lips, made easier by his rescuers’ presence.
He takes in a steadying breath, trying to stop his swirling, anxious thoughts from tying him in more knots than he already was. As soon as he was able to, he was going to find Keme, and then they’d… They’d escape the shoal and then… Well, they’d been trying to find better accommodations, but with how furious Rahas was, they really couldn’t risk taking the brunt of his wrath by lingering where he could easily punish them for daring to look for a better nest to shelter in.
Gods above and below, they might have to beg for shelter in Rotbone Base - which held its’ own plethora of strings and dangers. Maybe the Death Guard he had an… Encounter… With a few months ago might find a couple of young snakes hiding in his garden tolerable if they begged him well enough?
The Older Hydra was staring at him again, clipboard and pen in hand.
Right. Fuck. A statement.
He cleared his throat and asked “What do you want to know?” Hebe could breathe more easily, now that his rescuers were in the room. He flinched internally when the question left him, as he knew that Zariel had already asked him a question that he had yet to answer, and Rahas had never liked repeating himself when interrogating him and Keme. WIth him so exhausted he -
Mx Lullaby moved a little closer, and extended a hand out to him “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Zariel might seem spooky, but I know him. He’s a good apothecary, and will help you with whatever it is that happened between you and that mocking bastard.”
Zariel looked deeply inscrutable and all the more terrifying because of it as the older Hydra repeated himself “I would like your statement on what happened in the hallway, between yourself and the other Astartes.”
Lie, plead, or silence. Silence would not help, but maybe begging would work? No… He wants information on what happened. Lie or truth? Lie or truth? What truths should he give?
The decision paralysis is less awful, with his rescuers in the room for some reason, and as he glances at both of them, the baseline gives him a small, encouraging smile, and the Night Lord nods with that seemingly ever present crooked grin.
Hebe swallows hard, taking in a deep breath. They needn’t know the full truth, just enough of it to corroborate what was likely to be seen if there was any security camera footage that hadn’t been changed or lost. “I was in one of the less populated areas of Stoneflame base when Shoal Leader Rahas approached me, demanding that I go with him to the new nest. Our previous nest had burned to the ground… Somehow, so our shoal had scattered a bit. I had been trying to decide between returning to the Shoal or finding accommodations… Elsewhere. Shoal Leader Rahas was being… Insistent… That I go with him right then, which I did not… And still do not… Wish to do. The confrontation escalated into violence with him being the initiating party, although I was the one to bring physical weapons into the fight by stabbing him with a poisoned blade. Shortly after that, Mx Lullaby and Scout Khopesh found the two of us.”
Zariel writes with efficiency, transcribing each word through flawless practice. “I see…and once they had arrived? Can you recount what occurred between them and Rahas to the best of your recollection?”
Truth or Lie? Why lie now?? But Would…would telling the truth get them in trouble? More trouble?
Shit they're staring at him again. Uh! Uh! Truth! Truth and…
Hebe breathes in again, before speaking. “I…wasn't fully cognizant at the time but I vaguely remember something about the smell of blood drawing them to my location? And ah…then some words were exchanged, the Night- I Mean, Scout Khopesh called Rahas a Slimy Backstabbing Gutter Tripe.”
“Snrk!” Mx. Lullaby can't hold back their snort followed by laughter at that.
Oh wow that was cute- Focus! You're lucky amusement helps keep you alive.
Zariel gives the baseline a pointed look for interrupting. To which they respond with a “What?? It was funny!”
Another pointed look. The mortal sighs, and deflates a little. “Sorry. That was unprofessional.”
Khopesh's grin cracks open without a single iota of shame. “I'm not. That was funny as hell Snakeling! Ha!”
Hebe feels his cheeks flush at the praise, but as soon as he does he tries to pull that reaction back in. And he does succeed…mostly.
“A-Hem.” Zariel clears his throat to get every single Child in this room to behave. Lullaby shifts their posture a little. Khopesh shrugs and resists the urge to roll his eyes…not like others would notice without direct lighting on his irises.
Damn actually they both look quite solidly built I wonder if they work out togethe- Hebe shut UP and FOCUS!
“Ah as I was saying…Khopesh called Shoal Leader Rahas…That. And then Lullaby insisted both of us be brought to the Apothecary and make an Incident Report. He ah…did not like that idea.”
Lullaby forces themselves not to snort again, barely. They have to keep their lips pressed together in a slightly pained smile to do so, which they reinforce by casually moving their hand over it as they might do when covering a cough. It's an amusing expression, Khopesh manages to maintain his crooked closed mouth smile. Perhaps the shape is due in part to injury…that would track with the mouth scar and crooked nose.
“And ah then…then Rahas made threats, saying he was going to put them in their place.” Hebe feels an odd mix of nausea and vitriol, how many times had he and Keme been ‘shown their place’ with violence and punishment and pain…so much pain.
But he continues. “Which Scout Khopesh retaliated against. Mx. Lullaby made the distress call, and tried to…keep me awake.” Soft soft hands… “After a brief back and forth Rahas tried to lunge at Khopesh with a sedative injector he was carrying on his person. But he missed and Mx. Lullaby shot him with an Astarte strength Taser.”
“And ah…things get more hazy after that but I vaguely recall hearing your voice, Sir. And being carried to the medbay.”
Just as the younger Hydra finishes, so too does Zariel finish the record on paper and pen. He nods in affirmation. “Alright…do you have any further remarks you wish to state for this record?”
Hebe shakes his head, already feeling…conflicted about giving away so much. “Not at this time. Sir.”
Zariel nods again. “Very well. I will be back in to check up on you periodically, but if you need anything the call button is right there.” He then turns to Mx. Lullaby and Khopesh. “Thank you both for your assistance. You are dismissed to go about your duties.”
Hebe feels a slight hitch in his gut. Leave?
Why are you so bothered by that? They've clearly got other duties.
I just thought…
Thought what? That they'd stay with you and kiss your hurts better? Please as if they haven't already done enough because You couldn't get yourself out of a situation.
Just focus on the goal ahead. Wait for a window, escape, then go find Keme. That is ALL that matters right now.
His side twinges in protest of the mere idea of moving. He wants to scream or maybe even cry with frustration.
“Hey.”
Hebe's focus is brought back to the people in from of him. He sees the baseline, nearer now to his hospital bed than they were before. They keep their hands respectfully on the bed rails. The Nightlord is present like a shadow behind them.
“We hope you feel better soon Hebe. You're in good hands with Zariel here, and the other Apothecaries, they'll take good care of you.” They nod to the elder Hydra.
Zariel huffs slightly, it's quiet but it is…a sound of softness. Fondness even maybe? A show of acknowledged flattery. Even his eyes appear softer when he hears that.
Hebe is unfamiliar with elder hydra showing anything beyond contempt, poisoned pleasantness and cold indifference.
But…for some reason, he feels like he can trust their word on this.
Khopesh chimes in. “Just be mindful of Melinthe. He's a hard ass with an even harder Stick shoved up there. Hehehehehehehe-Oof!”
“Language.” Zariel gruffs with a light elbow to Khopesh's ribs. Khopesh hisses back lightly with a muttered “Bite Me.”
Hebe actually almost feels himself laugh.
“Actually that's My Job. I'm not training any replacements or new hires anytime soon Thank You!” Lullaby declares matter of fact with arms crossed.
Oh shit no hold it in! “Snrk!”
All three heads turn back to Hebe, who's snort is hastily muffled alongside a return of that stomach churning anxiety.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK…He tenses up, waiting.
But nobody chastises…or yells…or begins circling like a predator. Lullaby actually beams. “See! He agrees with me.”
“Pfft! HAHAHAHAAAHAHAHA!” The dam is broken and now Khopesh lets out a thunderous belly cackle which almost makes Hebe jump. It shakes his frame, as he doubles over and slaps his knee. He is fully unrestrained in his delight, untethered from the need to Appear or Perform or Obey…
Free…
Hebe wishes he could laugh like that. He pushes that feeling aside, twisting the hospital blankets in his hands to soothe his very real nerves and gives a small timid smile.
“Thank you, again.” He says, both acting and meaning it. “I appreciate your coming to my aid.”
Lullaby waves their hand. “Ey, like I said it's no trouble. We're meant to Help. You just focus on feeling better.” They decree.
“And while you're here you won't have to worry about that wretched bastard Rahas. He's been moved to one of the ah…Time Out rooms.” Khopesh snrks with delight at his misfortune.
Ah right…Rahas. Hebe's stomach twists up again, but not quite as badly. Rahas is in Time Out, so he won't be able to get to Him or Keme…
But what about when he gets out…
What if he sends word to the Others…
Hebe suppresses a shiver. Focus. Bide your time. Get out. Get Keme
He looks to his rescuers who are moving toward the door now. Lullaby turns back to wave at him. “Bye Hebe. Take Care. We'll see you later.”
Khopesh gives him a nod. “Try not to find Too much trouble Snakeling, wouldn't want to make Zariel turn Grey early.”
Zariel rolls his eyes as he follows them making a glib comment about how he has no hair to turn.
The door shuts with a soft sound, and once again Hebe is left alone.
Alone.
He forces himself to shake off the cold feeling. This is a good thing for his plans.
Bide Time, Escape, Find Keme.
And then…
Well he doesn't really know what then. He lays back, turning over on his left side to better protect his hearts. He should…rest for now, till he gets a chance to sneak out. If he looks like he's sleeping he may get his chance sooner.
Bide… escape…. Keme…
He slips further. Further further down into odd dreams of stone that is cool and wet to the touch, and sand that is soft and warm as a blanket.
This could either be a primarch x reader, or an emperor x reader. Hang with me for a sec-
Something happens and you end up in a world that's kind of familiar, but you can't place it. You find yourself the child of a noble, and are given all kinds of riches. You think you surely must be in a fantasy novel you read, like in all those other fantasy novels you've read.
You decide to just go with it. Clearly you're some background extra that doesn't matter to the story, otherwise you'd remember things better. It was fine, no big deal. You were living in luxury, and your family took care of you, so cool. You embrace your new life as best you can, understanding that there is probably no way back home. You mourn, but you move on.
You live like this for a few years, eventually giving up figuring out where exactly you were. It didn't really matter, it wasn't like you were in danger.
But one morning, you wake to find your household in an uproar. Servants scramble around, your parents in full panic mode. You ask your father what's going on.
"We got a message from the king this morning- The Emperor and his sons are visiting, and we have been chosen to house them. We must make everything perfect, and we don't have long!"
Unease shudders through you. You have a king, but also an emperor? Your father must have misspoken in his rush. This Emperor was surely from a neighboring country. Regardless, you understand now why everyone is so on edge.
You offer whatever you can to help, as is your duty, and spend the next few days rushing around and preparing for your illustrious guests. But that sense of wrongness never leaves you, an anxiety like none other making you feel sick.
When the day comes for the Emperor and his sons to arrive, you put on some fine clothes, and plaster a polite expression on your face despite how badly you want to vomit. Everything was going to be fine, you were going to meet these people, they were going to stay a while, then they would leave and you could return to your life. Easy peasy, you could do this.
That is, until a man you've only ever seen in artwork from your former life steps into your home.
He's massive, and more beautiful than any artist has ever given full credit, with a kind of glow that makes him both ethereal and utterly terrifying. At his side are two men- his sons- nearly as large as him, and beautiful in their own individual rights.
It's then that you understand where you are. You are in the grimdark future your cheating ex boyfriend had once laid on your bed and talked about for hours while you listened because you loved him and thought he loved you. You'd had figures you painted with him in your old room, and hadn't been able to throw them away once you learned the truth.
You try to hold your mask of calm nobility, silently hoping they don't look at you closely enough to see the cracks. But they do. Of course they do. And suddenly, you have the unwanted attention of very powerful, frightening men, and have to figure out how to survive their extended visit.
